KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Royalist demonstrators march towards Baluwatar amid heightened security
On the third day of the royalist-led movement declared for Jestha 15, demonstrators gathered at Shantibatika and began marching towards the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar after authorities designated Narayanhiti as a restricted area.
The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP)’s central executive committee, which met earlier on Saturday, concluded that the government’s decision to impose prohibitory orders signals fear and weakness. RPP Chair Rajendra Lingden stated that such measures confirm the government’s anxiety over the rising momentum of the royalist movement.
As protesters advanced toward Baluwatar, the government responded by tightening security in the area.
Government issued prohibitory orders out of fear of Royalists: RPP Chair Lingden
Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Chairperson Rajendra Lingden has claimed that the government’s decision to impose prohibitory orders at protest sites shows fear over the growing influence of their movement demanding the restoration of monarchy and a Hindu state.
Speaking after the RPP’s executive committee meeting held in Kathmandu on Saturday, Lingden said the imposition of restrictions proves that their campaign is becoming increasingly effective.
He argued that declaring protest areas as restricted zones indicates the government is intimidated by their movement, which he claimed has further energized their supporters.
There’s no turning back from the Republic: PM Oli
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has asserted that Nepal cannot retreat from the republican system established through the people’s struggle.
Speaking at the inauguration of the 5th National Convention of the National Health Professional Federation in Kathmandu on Saturday, PM Oli said the absolute autocratic regime had been dismantled through public effort, and there is no going back from the republic.
Questioning the nature of recent protests, Oli asked, “If they say they’ll chase the Prime Minister away — is that peaceful?”
Yesterday, we praised the King’s orders—Today, we can challenge leadership: Gagan Thapa
Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Thapa has said that the political path carved by the people’s movemen, Nepal’s republican ‘highway’, must be embraced, celebrated, and acknowledged with pride.
Speaking at a dialogue program titled ‘Republic Is the Right Path’ on Saturday, Thapa emphasized the need to educate younger generations about the essence and importance of republicanism.
Reflecting on past autocracy, he said, “In the past, we used to praise the king, saying ‘Your Majesty, your command is excellent.’ Today, we at least have the courage to say—‘your way of leading is wrong; either change it, or we’ll change you.’ That’s progress.”
It’s natural for Prachanda to be most troubled when the republic is shaken: Rajendra Lingden
At an event in Nuwakot on Saturday, CPN (Maoist Centre) Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ accused the royalists of creating chaos by hiring people to stir trouble.
Responding to this, Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Chair Rajendra Lingden spoke to reporters during the royalists’ third day of protest.
Lingden recalled how, during the republican movement, Prachanda himself brought people from faraway places, hosted lavish feasts at party palaces, and distributed money to organize rallies.
Transport operators urge agents to book only foreign tourists amid protest against Gandaki government’s new policy
Public transport operators in Gandaki Province have launched a protest against the provincial government’s recent decision allowing private vehicles to operate as commercial transport. In a letter sent to the Gandaki chapter of the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA), the protesting operators have requested travel agencies to book tickets only for foreign tourists, suspending services for all other passengers.
The protest, spearheaded by the ‘Public Transport Protection Struggle Committee 2082 B.S.’ argues that the provincial government’s policy—announced via a gazette on Jestha 1—permits red-plate (private) vehicles to function similarly to black-plate (commercial) vehicles, thereby threatening the public transport sector.
The letter, signed by committee coordinator Kedar Prasad Paudel, warns that this policy violates the Motor Vehicles Act 2049 B.S. and contradicts federal laws. It adds that allocating commercial roles to private vehicles without a proper legal framework undermines the organized public transport system.
Public land reclaimed and Kalbhairav statue installed in Changunarayan
Nineteen ropani and 10 aana of public land at Saraswatikhel Bus Park in Changunarayan Municipality-1 has been successfully reclaimed from private ownership, with a statue of Kalbhairav now established on the site.
The land, identified as plot number 47 and spanning 19 ropani 10 aana, was illegally registered in an individual’s name in 1985 and subsequently transferred to various private entities. Locals, upon discovering this, filed a complaint with the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA).
Investigations into the matter, which came to light in the fiscal year 2060-061 (2003-2004 AD), led the CIAA to direct the Bhaktapur District Land Revenue Office to nullify the private registration and reinstate the land as public property.
Minister Bhandari inspects flood-damaged road in Dhankuta
Rewati Raman Bhandari, Minister for Internal Affairs and Law of Koshi Province, conducted an on-site inspection of flood-affected road areas in Dhankuta on Saturday.
Representing the provincial government, Minister Bhandari coordinated efforts to restore road access. He said the damaged section near Mulghat—where approximately 30 meters of road was washed away earlier in the day—will reopen partially for one-way traffic by this evening.
Bhandari also stated that the provincial government has initiated coordination with local authorities and stakeholders to address the situation.
Ambassador Nepal presents credentials to President of Malta
Nepali Ambassador to Spain and Non-Resident Nepali Ambassador to Malta Shanil Nepal presented his credentials to President of Malta Myriam Spiteri Debono.
Ambassador Nepal presented his credentials to President Debono during a special ceremony organized at the Presidential Palace in Valletta, the capital of Malta, on Thursday.
On the occasion, Ambassador Nepal paid a courtesy call on President Debono and discussed bilateral friendly relations, enhancement of cooperation between Nepal and Malta, according to the Nepali Embassy in Spain.
PM Oli: UML will win majority if we prioritize national interest over personal ambition
Prime Minister and CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli has stated that if the party moves forward with a focus on national interest, transformation, and prosperity—rather than personal ambition—the UML will secure a clear majority in the next elections.
Speaking at the inauguration of the 11th National Convention of the Nepal Intellectual Council, Prime Minister Oli said that although various domestic and international forces conspired against UML, even leading to its split when it nearly held a two-thirds majority, the party has since emerged stronger.
“Even when reactionaries declared me unfit and removed me from ordinary membership, and swore to finish UML, we overcame all opposition and regained our popularity,” Oli said. “If we abandon personal ambition and act for national interest and prosperity, no one can stop UML from achieving a majority in 2084. Those who wished to erase us now lack the power to do so.”
Vehicle imports via Birgunj Customs plunge sharply
Vehicle imports through the Birgunj customs point have declined significantly during the first 10 months of the current fiscal year.
According to data from the Birgunj Customs Office, only 735 fuel-powered jeeps, cars, and vans—worth Rs 1.53 billion—were imported during this period. This marks a steep fall compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year, when 1,267 such vehicles worth Rs 2.07 billion were imported.
Chief Customs Administrator Deepak Lamichhane said that imports of vehicles are increasingly being routed through other border points rather than Birgunj.
NRNA demands equal investment rights in Nepal
The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) has welcomed the Nepal government’s decision to allow overseas Nepalis to participate in the country’s stock market but has also called for full and equal investment rights, similar to those enjoyed by resident Nepalis.
In a statement issued by General Secretary Baburam Lama on Thursday, the NRNA expressed appreciation for the government’s move to allow non-resident Nepalis (NRNs) to trade in the secondary securities market, as included in the fiscal year 2025/26 budget.
The association stated that this decision would help mobilize overseas capital in sectors such as banking, tourism, and hydropower.
Govt quadruples customs duty on vapes
The government has significantly increased the customs duty on electronic cigarettes (vapes), raising it fourfold from the previous rate. The customs charge, which stood at only 5 percent in the current fiscal year, has now been raised to 20 percent.
In addition to the customs hike, the government has also imposed a substantial excise duty on vapes. The new excise rate has been set at 60 percent of the product’s market value.
These changes are part of the government’s broader strategy to regulate the growing use of vapes and increase revenue from tobacco-related products.
U.S. Supreme Court decision puts over 500,000 immigrants at risk of deportation
A recent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court has jeopardized the legal status of more than 500,000 immigrants residing in the United States under a humanitarian parole program introduced during former President Joe Biden’s administration.
The court upheld President Donald Trump’s plan to terminate the parole initiative, which was designed to offer temporary relief to people fleeing economic and political turmoil in their home countries.
Implemented by the Biden administration, the program had allowed individuals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to legally live and work in the U.S. for a renewable two-year period. The parole was granted on humanitarian grounds, providing an alternative to deportation for those facing hardship.
East-West Highway blocked in Jhapa as flood washes away diversion
The East-West Highway has been completely obstructed in Mechinagar Municipality-6, Jhapa, after a diversion at the Kalikhola was washed away by continuous heavy rainfall.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Khagendra Bahadur Khadka, Information Officer at the Jhapa District Police Office, confirmed that traffic has come to a complete halt after floods swept away the diversion, which was under construction as part of the Asian Highway.
With the flood washing away both the diversion and part of the road, alternative routes are now being utilized. For commuters, an alternate route is available from the west side of Kalikhola, passing through Shantigaon Ward Office, and leading to Kakarbhitta Bus Park.
Monsoon flood submerges 22 houses in Jhapa
Twenty-two houses in Sugabathan of Jhapa Rural Municipality-2 have been submerged after the Maikhola river overflowed due to monsoon rainfall on Friday night.
According to local officials, the floodwaters entered the residential area, prompting affected residents to evacuate to safer locations.
Ward Chairperson Himal Chamlagain stated that the flood has also damaged over 60 bighas of maize farmland across Sugabathan, Milanbasti, Kuwadi, and Sadakbasti.
PM Oli defends Home Minister, slams opposition’s resignation demand as baseless
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has strongly criticized the opposition parties for demanding the resignation of Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, calling the demand baseless and politically motivated.
Speaking with editors and management of Kantipur Media Group after inaugurating the Kantipur Half Marathon on Saturday, PM Oli stated that a mere question raised about a single employee should not lead to calls for a minister’s resignation.
He said there are no formal allegations or investigations against Home Minister Lekhak at this time.
Farmers feel relief as egg prices rise
Egg farmers, who had long been selling below their cost of production, have finally found some relief following a recent price hike.
The rise in prices comes amid declining production caused by intense summer heat, which has, in turn, driven up demand.
The Nepal Layers Poultry Breeding Association has set new support prices effective from today.
Relentless rainfall washes out Dharan-Dhankuta road
Continuous rainfall since Friday night has caused a major disruption along the Dharan–Dhankuta road section after flooding in the Leuti River washed away parts of the road.
The incessant downpour led to a sudden rise in the river’s water level, which overwhelmed the road infrastructure and rendered the route impassable.
As a result, vehicular movement has come to a complete halt, stranding travelers and creating widespread inconvenience.
Prohibitory order comes into effect near Narayanhiti Palace Museum
A prohibitory order imposed by the government in the Narayanhiti Palace Museum area, Durbar Marg, in response to the growing pro-monarchy movement, came into effect from today.
Chief District Officer of Kathmandu, Rishi Ram Tiwari, issued a statement on Friday announcing a ban on gatherings of more than five people in the designated area.
The order also prohibits protest activities including hunger strikes, sit-ins, encirclements, processions, demonstrations, and public meetings.
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