KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Oli identifies four forces targeting UML, calls for united resistance
The ruling CPN-UML has concluded that the party is under attack from multiple directions, according to party Chair KP Sharma Oli. This assessment is mentioned in the intra-party directive Oli issued on Monday night, following the party’s 9th Central Committee meeting held from July 21 to 23.
The directive claims that there is a coordinated campaign of encirclement and misinformation targeting the UML and its leadership.
Oli has identified four distinct forces that, according to him, are attacking the party. He urged party members not to fall for such narratives and to respond with strong resistance.
UML suspends Bhandari’s party membership over breach of discipline and constitutional norms
The CPN-UML has suspended the party membership of former President Bidya Devi Bhandari, citing her recent political activities and public statements as a breach of party discipline and a violation of constitutional norms.
In a directive issued on Monday, formalizing decisions taken during the party’s Central Committee meeting earlier this month, the UML stated that Bhandari’s recent behavior contradicts the expectations of a former head of state and undermines the values of the constitution.
The party noted that Bhandari, despite no longer holding an official position within the UML, has been actively involved in political discourse in ways that contradict party policy and principles. Her public remarks, which have been perceived as critical of UML leadership, reportedly prompted the party to question her alignment with party values.
Vice President Yadav urges timely action on climate change
Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav has emphasized the urgent need to address challenges such as human-wildlife conflict, habitat fragmentation, and climate change in a timely manner.
On the occasion of International Tiger Day today, he noted that these interconnected challenges must be tackled collectively. “Tiger conservation can support the development of ecotourism, generating economic benefits by promoting tourism in tiger-protected areas,” he said.
Vice President Yadav highlighted that illegal hunting for tiger skin, teeth, and bones worldwide, along with rapid deforestation, forest fires, and uncontrolled urbanization, are threatening tiger habitats every year.
Court put Rabi Lamichhane in prison not govt: PM Oli
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that he was the one who brought Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Rabi Lamichhane into politics, and reminded the public that it was under his leadership that Lamichhane was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs.
Speaking at the inauguration of expanded irrigation, hydropower, and transmission line works under the Rani Jamara Kulariya Project in Janaki Rural Municipality-9, Kailali, on Tuesday, Oli expressed discontent over the recent wave of criticism directed at him by Lamichhane’s supporters.
“I was the one who brought him into politics and gave him a major role in government, but now his supporters insult me,” Oli said, voicing frustration at what he termed an ungrateful response.
Bagmati Province Minister Shyam Bahadur Khadka resigns
Bagmati Province Minister for Drinking Water, Energy, and Irrigation, Shyam Bahadur Khadka, has resigned from his post.
He submitted his resignation to Chief Minister Bahadur Singh Lama on Tuesday, amid ongoing political unrest within the ruling Nepali Congress.
Khadka’s resignation comes just weeks after four other Nepali Congress ministers stepped down on July 25, citing dissatisfaction with CM Lama’s leadership. On the same day, Lama dismissed all four ministers from his cabinet.
Eight highways across the country obstructed due to rain
Eight highways across the country have been completely blocked due to incessant rainfall.
According to the Police Headquarters, the highways blocked since Sunday night include the Koshi Highway in Bhotkhola Rural Municipality of Sankhuwasabha, the Nepal-China border bridge in Gosainkunda Rural Municipality of Rasuwa, the Araniko Highway in Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality of Sindhupalchowk, and the Besishahar-Manang road section in Marsyangdi Rural Municipality of Lamjung.
Similarly, the Rudrabeni-Bami road section in Satyawati Rural Municipality of Gulmi, the Ridi-Bami road section in Chandrakot Rural Municipality of Gulmi, the Jajarkot-Dolpa Bheri Corridor road section in Aathbiskot Municipality of Rukum West, and the Dasharath Chand Highway in Patan Municipality of Baitadi have also been completely blocked, police reported.
Hayu family from Sindhuli handed over to relatives
A family of 16 who had gone missing from Golanjor Rural Municipality in Sindhuli, has been located in Pokhara Metropolitan City–30, Gagangauda. Authorities have confirmed they were safely found on Monday evening at the residence of Somnath Paudel and Chandra Bhandari.
The group, including Urmila Hayu and others, was handed over to their relative Dhan Bahadur Tamang, who is the husband of Kamala Hayu, one of the missing persons. Assistant Chief District Officer Shiva Lamsal informed that the handover was done in the presence of Pokhara–30 Ward Chairperson Durga Prasad Subedi.
According to police, members of the group said they left their village after a local shaman advised them to move, citing recurring illnesses in the family.
Lama loses position as Nepali Congress Parliamentary Party Leader in Bagmati
Bagmati Province Chief Minister Bahadur Singh Lama has lost his position as the leader of the Nepali Congress Parliamentary Party following a split in party ranks.
In a parliamentary party meeting held on Tuesday, only 15 lawmakers stood in support of Lama, while 22 backed his rival, Jagannath Khatiwada Baniya. This internal divide comes after an internal no-confidence motion was filed against Lama by members of his own party, triggering intense political maneuvering in recent days.
Despite two lawmakers who had signed Friday’s no-confidence motion switching back to Lama’s side, Baniya managed to secure the backing of 22 lawmakers by convincing Water Supply Minister Shyam Kumar Khadka to resign and join his camp.
Water tankers arrive late as Madhesh battles drought
As a prolonged dry spell grips Madhesh Province, the local and provincial governments have begun dispatching fire trucks and water tankers to supply drinking water to parched communities. But residents say the emergency relief efforts are too little, too late.
With no rainfall for weeks, traditional water sources like hand pumps, dug wells, and tube wells have dried up across much of the southern plains. In Mahottari district, one of the worst-hit areas, people are struggling to secure enough water for drinking and cooking.
“We’re entirely dependent on the municipality’s tankers now,” said Ram Pravesh Mahato of Chauriya Tol, Ward 1, in Manara Shiswa Municipality. “There’s no water in our hand pumps or wells.”
Gold prices down Rs 300
The price of gold has gone down by Rs 300 on Tuesday.
According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of gold for Tuesday has been set at Rs 193,300 per tola.
On the contrary, the price of silver has gone up by Rs 5 and is being sold at Rs 2,300 per tola.
Govt aiming to introduce 121 new laws this fiscal year
Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Ajay Kumar Chaurasiya said on Wednesday that the government plans to introduce 121 new laws in the current fiscal year.
Speaking at a meeting of the National Assembly’s Committee on Public Policy and Delegated Legislation, Chaurasiya said the Ministry of Law has already identified the necessary bills and submitted a legislative schedule to the Federal Parliament.
“The initiative is based on the government’s policies and programs, annual budget, periodic plans, sectoral policies, and obligations created by international treaties and agreements,” said Minister Chaurasiya. “The government is committed to equipping the judiciary with adequate resources, reducing the case backlog in courts, and enhancing free legal aid services through coordination with provincial and local governments.”
Socialist Front Meeting: Biplav convinced, new programs to begin mid September
The Socialist Front, led by the CPN (Maoist Centre), held a meeting on Tuesday.
Speaking after the meeting held at the headquarters of the CPN (Unified Socialist), party leader Khadga Bahadur Bishwakarma ‘Prakanda’ said that discussions focused on reviving the Front and launching new programs. He added that leaders acknowledged the Front’s inactivity and engaged in self-reflection.
According to Prakanda, the meeting concluded with a commitment to rectify past mistakes and weaknesses and to introduce socialist programs in the interest of the country and the people.
Budget crunch leaves captive tigers in Chitwan struggling for care
Chitwan National Park is facing serious challenges in feeding and caring for tigers that have been captured from nearby areas due to conflict or illness, primarily because of a lack of sufficient budget.
According to park officials, there are currently seven tigers kept in enclosures: three at the park’s headquarters in Kasara, two in Sauraha, and two in Devnagar.
These tigers were either caught after entering human settlements and displaying aggressive behavior, or were rescued due to injuries or illness. They require daily feeding, mainly buffalo meat, to survive.
Nepal–India Border Working Group holds 7th meeting in New Delhi
The seventh meeting of the Nepal–India Boundary Working Group (BWG) concluded in New Delhi on Tuesday in a cordial and friendly atmosphere, according to Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Nepali delegation was led by Prakash Joshi, Director General of Nepal’s Department of Survey, while Hitesh Kumar S. Makwana, Director General of the Survey of India, led the Indian delegation.
The meeting reviewed the progress made in implementing the outcomes of the sixth BWG meeting held in Dehradun in August 2019 and the follow-up actions of the 11th meeting of the Survey Officials’ Committee held in September 2019 at the same location.
Special Court releases Khum Raj Pant on bail
The Special Court has ordered the release of former Land Reform Secretary Khum Raj Pant on bail of Rs 500,000 in connection with a corruption case related to land dealings involving Patanjali Yogpeeth.
A joint bench of Justices Tej Narayan Singh Rai and Murari Babu Shrestha issued the order, allowing Pant to be freed after posting bail.
The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) had filed a corruption case against Pant, accusing him of abusing his authority by recommending a land ceiling waiver and land swap deal in favor of Patanjali. The CIAA has demanded a recovery of Rs 185.85 million, claiming that his actions caused financial damage to the state.
Land Minister says Giri Bandhu Tea Estate land will revert to govt if misused
Land Management, Cooperatives, and Poverty Alleviation Minister Balram Adhikari has said that land allocated to Giri Bandhu Tea Estate will automatically revert to government ownership if used for purposes other than tea cultivation.
Speaking at a meeting of the Agriculture, Cooperatives, and Natural Resources Committee of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, Minister Adhikari clarified that the land provided to the tea estate is specifically for tea plantation use.
The meeting was held to discuss the Bill to Amend Some Nepal Laws Related to Land, 2025 with lawmakers who have proposed amendments.
One person dies from electrocution in Kachankawal
A person died of electrocution last night while connecting an electric wire to an irrigation motor in Sitagadhi Tole of Kachankawal Rural Municipality-7 in Jhapa district.
Fifty-year-old Arun Rajbanshi died on the spot, according to Deputy Superintendent of Police Khagendra Bahadur Khadka.
NEPSE crosses 3,000 as turnover hits Rs 18.5 billion
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index surged by 30.76 points on Tuesday, closing at 3002.07, a major psychological milestone for the market.
The bullish trend was backed by a strong daily turnover of Rs 18.52 billion, pushing the index up by 1.03 percent in terms of total market capitalization.
Out of the listed companies, 176 saw their stock prices rise, while 74 recorded declines.
UML seeks suggestions on statute amendment proposal ahead of convention
The ruling CPN-UML has called on its subordinate committees and party members to submit written suggestions on a proposed statute amendment by August 26.
The proposal, already endorsed by the party’s Central Committee, will be presented at the UML’s Second Statute Convention, scheduled to take place from September 5–7 in Godavari, Lalitpur.
Party Chairperson and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli issued the directive through an internal party circular known as Apani–12 on Monday.
Maoist and Unified Socialist weigh party merger amid internal turmoil
The Socialist Front, an alliance of opposition parties led by the CPN (Maoist Centre), is holding a key meeting on Tuesday afternoon at the central office of the Unified Socialist in Aloknagar, Kathmandu.
The meeting is expected to review recent political developments and discuss the front’s future course of action, according to Unified Socialist Vice-Chair Jagannath Khatiwada.
This comes amid intensified talks between Maoist Centre Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ and Unified Socialist Chair Madhav Kumar Nepal. The two leaders have held several rounds of discussions over the past two days, with insiders revealing that Prachanda has once again proposed party unification.
Bill to divide CAAN expected to clear parliament this session
The Civil Aviation Bill, aiming to split Nepal’s civil aviation regulator into two separate entities, one for oversight and one for service operations, is expected to pass in the current session of the Federal Parliament, according to the International Relations and Tourism Committee.
The “Nepal Aviation Service Authority Bill, 2024,” is seen as a crucial step toward improving aviation safety and bringing Nepal in line with international aviation standards. The bill proposes separating regulatory and service-providing functions currently housed within the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), which experts say has long posed a conflict of interest.
Rajkishore Yadav, chair of the House committee, expressed confidence in the bill’s passage following a discussion with lawmakers who proposed amendments. He noted that the measure aligns with the government’s policy priorities.
Nepal’s public debt surges by over Rs 231 billion in FY 2024/25
Nepal’s public debt surged by over Rs 231 billion in the fiscal year 2024/25, according to data released by the Public Debt Management Office.
The country’s total debt reached Rs 2.67 trillion by the end of mid-July 2025, up from Rs 2.43 trillion at the start of the fiscal year.
Under the coalition government led by CPN-UML chair KP Sharma Oli and the Nepali Congress, public debt rose by Rs 231.08 billion in one year — bringing the debt-to-GDP ratio to 43.71 percent.
Two Sudurpaschim ministers involved in car collision en route to PM’s event
Two ministers from Sudurpaschim Province were involved in a car accident on Tuesday when their vehicles collided in Lamki, Kailali.
The incident occurred while they were en route from provincial capital Dhangadhi to Chisapani to welcome Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who is visiting the region for an official program.
According to police, the vehicles involved in the collision were registered as Se 1 Jha 330 and Ba 2 Jha 1419. Minister for Physical Infrastructure Development Surendra Pal was in Ba 2 Jha 1419, while Minister for Internal Affairs and Law Hira Singh Sarki was in Se 1 Jha 330.
NEA chief directs quick power supply to drought-hit areas in Madhesh
Hitendra Dev Shakya, Managing Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), has instructed subordinate offices to urgently ensure electricity access in drought-stricken Madhesh Province, particularly at sites where deep boring systems are being installed to tackle the severe water crisis.
During a meeting held on Tuesday with distribution chiefs from across the province at the NEA’s Provincial Distribution Center in Janakpurdham, Shakya stressed the need to coordinate with local governments to expedite the installation of electric poles, wiring, and meters within 5 to 10 days.
He also called for immediate installation of three-phase lines necessary to operate irrigation pumps, stressing that the process should not be delayed due to administrative hurdles.
INGOs scale up relief work as Madhesh faces severe drought
Following the government’s declaration of Madhesh as a drought-affected region, international aid agencies under the umbrella of the Association of International NGOs (AIN) have ramped up emergency relief efforts in coordination with the provincial government and local bodies.
After Madhesh Province Chief Minister Satish Kumar Singh urged for immediate interventions in drinking water and irrigation, several INGOs have mobilized resources and begun distributing essential water supplies across drought-hit areas.
According to AIN Madhesh contact officer Pramil Adhikari, international organizations are actively collaborating with local partners, municipalities, and district disaster management committees to address the crisis. “Our response is being coordinated with local governments through the WASH cluster mechanism,” Adhikari said.
Police arrest 23 in drug-related cases within 24 hours
As many as 23 individuals have been arrested with illegal drugs from various parts of the country in the last 24 hours, according to the Central Police Newsroom.
Arrests were made in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Jhapa, Kailali, Kanchanpur, Saptari, Kaski, Syangja, Sunsari, and Makawanpur districts.
Two individuals were arrested with a substance resembling brown heroin from Attarkhel, Gokarneshwor Municipality-8, Kathmandu.
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