KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
India rejects third-party role in Nepal–India border dispute
India has reiterated that any involvement of a third party in the Nepal–India border dispute is unacceptable, stressing that all outstanding boundary issues should be resolved through bilateral mechanisms. During a regular press briefing on Thursday, Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the border issue between Nepal and India is strictly a bilateral matter and does not require third-party mediation. Responding to recent remarks by Nepal’s Prime Minister Balen Shah and a subsequent clarification issued by Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jaiswal said existing bilateral mechanisms are sufficient to address all boundary-related concerns.
Speaker Aryal adjourns House meeting until June 8 amid opposition protest
The House of Representatives witnessed fresh tension on Tuesday following controversy surrounding Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s remarks made on May 31, with opposition parties disrupting proceedings from the start of the session. Lawmakers from opposition parties protested and chanted slogans as soon as the meeting began, demanding clarification over the Prime Minister’s statement related to Nepal–India border issues. Although Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal allowed opposition leaders to speak, the House could not proceed amid continuous obstruction and noise inside the chamber.
RSP Chair Lamichhane holds talks with Indian Home Minister Shah
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane, who is currently on a visit to India, held a meeting with Indian Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi. During the meeting, the two leaders discussed matters of mutual interest, according to sources. Earlier the same day, Lamichhane also held separate meetings with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Nitin Nabin.
Rabi Lamichhane meets Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar in New Delhi
Ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane met Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar during his visit to India on Tuesday. The meeting took place in New Delhi, according to sources familiar with the visit. Also present at the meeting was Vikram Misri, India’s Foreign Secretary. Misri had earlier been expected to visit Nepal, but reports suggested that the visit was postponed after uncertainty over a possible meeting with Prime Minister Balen Shah.
BJP President Nabin welcomes Rabi, stresses strong Nepal-India relations
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane, currently on a visit to India, received a warm welcome at the headquarters of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in New Delhi. According to a statement issued by the BJP, a Nepali delegation led by Lamichhane held talks with BJP President Nitin Nabin at the party’s central office under the “Know BJP” initiative. Welcoming the delegation, Nabin highlighted the deep historical, cultural, and civilizational ties between Nepal and India. He said the shared cultural heritage and strong people-to-people relations form the foundation of bilateral ties and expressed confidence that such exchanges and discussions would further strengthen democratic dialogue and deepen relations between the two political parties.
Opposition demands PM Balendra Shah’s resignation over border remarks
Major opposition parties on Tuesday demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Balendra Shah in the House of Representatives, intensifying political tensions over his controversial remarks on Nepal–India border issues. Lawmakers raised objections over the Prime Minister’s statement made on May 31, in which he reportedly suggested that Nepal had encroached upon Indian territory. Opposition parties argued that the remarks were serious enough to require either an apology or resignation. Speaking in the House, Harka Sampang said the Prime Minister should correct his statement made in Parliament and present himself before the House to clarify the issue.
Sudan Gurung probe extended by five more days
The government-formed committee investigating allegations linked to Sudan Gurung has been granted an additional five days to complete its inquiry, effective from Tuesday. The committee had initially been given a 15-day mandate, which expired on Monday. With the extension, the panel will now conclude its work within the revised timeframe. The committee had already recorded the statement of Gurung and conducted preliminary inquiries, including consultations with relevant stakeholders and a review of his declared property details.
Govt defends PM Balen Shah’s remarks in Parliament on border issue
Government spokesperson and Education Minister Sasmit Pokharel has defended Prime Minister Balendra Shah over his recent remarks made in the House of Representatives, saying the comments were taken out of context. Speaking after Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting, Minister Pokharel said the Prime Minister’s statement expressing surprise over reports of Nepal allegedly encroaching on Indian territory was being misinterpreted. “He said he was surprised after hearing from Delhi that Nepal had occupied Indian territory,” Pokharel said, adding that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had already issued an official clarification on the matter.
RSP suspends all internal election processes amid disputes
The Central Election Commission of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has suspended all ongoing internal election processes with immediate effect, citing disputes and complaints in several districts. The decision was taken during a meeting chaired by Commission Chief Bhuwan K.C., following multiple complaints and disputes related to elections in parts of Bagmati and Madhesh provinces. According to the Commission, internal investigations will be carried out before any further decision is made regarding the continuation of the process. The suspension affects several local levels where ward, municipal, and district-level conventions were underway or scheduled to take place.
Government begins implementation of cooperative sector probe report, seeks clarification from 14 officials
The Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives, Federal Affairs and General Administration has started implementing the recommendations of a commission report on irregularities in the cooperative sector. Based on the findings of the Commission on investigation of irregularities in the cooperative sector (2082), the ministry has sought clarification from 14 former officials and employees accused of playing roles in violations related to cooperative registration, expansion of operational areas, branch approvals, and mergers. According to the ministry, the concerned individuals have been instructed to submit written explanations within seven days. If they fail to respond within the deadline, further legal action will be initiated.
Harka Sampang demands PM Balendra Shah clarify remarks
Shram Sankriti Party Chair Harka Sampang has strongly criticized Prime Minister Balendra Shah over his statement in Parliament on Sunday, demanding that the Prime Minister appear before the House and provide clarification. Speaking during Tuesday’s meeting of the House of Representatives, Sampang said the Prime Minister should correct the remarks he made regarding Nepal’s border issues. “The statement made by a person holding the office of Prime Minister on May 31 must be corrected,” Sampang said. Citing Rule 4(1) of the House regulations, he argued that every member is required to attend parliamentary meetings and register their presence. He called for verification of whether Prime Minister Shah had fulfilled this obligation.
Opposition protest halts National Assembly meeting; session postponed until Wednesday
The National Assembly meeting was postponed on Tuesday after opposition parties disrupted proceedings, protesting against Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s controversial remarks on border-related issues. Opposition lawmakers objected to the Prime Minister’s statement on the boundary dispute, demanding that he withdraw his comments. As protests continued inside the chamber, the session could not proceed. Following the disruption and failure to reach a consensus among parties, National Assembly Chair Narayan Dahal adjourned the meeting.
Cabinet approves four key decisions including Montreal Protocol implementation and AIG promotion
The government led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah on Tuesday approved four major decisions during a Cabinet meeting aimed at addressing environmental commitments, security administration, and land management reforms. According to government spokesperson and Education Minister Sasmit Pokharel, the Cabinet decided to endorse an agreement related to the implementation of the Montreal Protocol under the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). The agreement focuses on managing and reducing substances that deplete the ozone layer. The meeting also approved the promotion of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Anjani Kumar Pokharel of the Armed Police Force Nepal to the rank of Additional Inspector General (AIG).
Birgunj Mayor Singh released on Rs 415,000 bail
Birgunj Metropolitan City Mayor Rajesh Man Singh, who was arrested on charges of obtaining citizenship by submitting multiple sets of personal details and offenses related to documents, has been released on bail. The order was issued on Tuesday by a bench of Parsa District Court Judge Gayatri Prasad Regmi, which directed Singh’s release after he deposited a total bail amount of Rs 415,000. According to Court Information Officer Jayanarayan Yadav, the court set bail at Rs 400,000 for document-related offenses and Rs 15,000 for the charge of acquiring citizenship through the submission of two different sets of details.
RSP divided over PM Balen’s border remarks, growing calls for apology emerge within party
Differences have surfaced within the Rastriya Swatantra Party over Prime Minister Balen Shah’s controversial statement that Nepal has also encroached on Indian territory, with a section of party leaders reportedly calling for an apology in Parliament. According to party sources, leaders associated with the former Bibeksheel Sajha group, along with several senior RSP figures, believe the Prime Minister should withdraw the statement and apologize to the nation through Parliament. Another faction, including leaders closer to the Prime Minister, is said to be opposed to such a move. The dispute emerged during discussions within the party following the Prime Minister’s remarks in the House of Representatives on Sunday, which triggered strong reactions from opposition parties and renewed debate over Nepal’s position on border issues with India.
Safety audit on Muglin-Pokhara road begins
A road safety audit has begun on the Muglin–Pokhara section of the Prithvi Highway, a key route connecting Pokhara with the federal capital Kathmandu, following a rise in road accidents. According to Muglin–Pokhara Project Chief Krishna Bahadur Kunwar, the audit has been launched in response to increasing traffic volume and growing accident risks along the highway, which is currently undergoing an expansion and upgrading project. He said the road expansion work is in its final stage, with blacktopping of the four-lane highway largely completed. “As the road expansion and upgrading project nears completion, we have initiated a safety audit to prioritize the safety of road users,” Kunwar informed.
NC has not formed a shadow cabinet, says parliamentary party leader Angdembe
Nepali Congress Parliamentary Party leader Bhishmaraj Angdembe has clarified that the party has not formed a shadow cabinet, despite assigning lawmakers to oversee specific ministerial portfolios. Angdembe said the appointments were made in accordance with the parliamentary party’s statute, under which coordinators have been designated for subject-specific committees corresponding to 18 government ministries. “The responsibilities have been distributed among members of the House of Representatives and the National Assembly on a ministry-wise basis with the sole objective of making parliamentary work more effective,” he said. “This should not be interpreted as a shadow government or a parallel structure to the government.”
NAC staff arrested at TIA with Rs 5.47 million in undeclared foreign currency
A Nepal Airlines employee has been arrested at Tribhuvan International Airport after authorities allegedly found undeclared foreign and domestic currency worth around Rs 5.47 million being prepared for illegal transport abroad. According to the Airport Security Office, the arrested individual has been identified as Kamal Narayan Biswas, a 50-year-old resident of Gadhi Rural Municipality–1, Sunsari, currently living in Banasthali, Kathmandu. Biswas has been working for Nepal Airlines as a Ground Equipment Operator (GEO) for the past 16 years. Police said he was arrested on Monday night while preparing to travel to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Batik Air flight OD181 on a visit visa. During routine screening and physical inspection, security personnel reportedly discovered multiple foreign currencies hidden inside a metal cooking pot placed in his black luggage.
RSP General Secretary Burlakoti says Rabi–Modi meeting possible
General Secretary of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Kabindra Burlakoti has indicated that a meeting between party Chair Rabi Lamichhane and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi could take place during Lamichhane’s ongoing visit to India. Speaking to journalists after a House of Representatives meeting, Burlakoti said he was pleased with the reception given to Lamichhane at the headquarters of India’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is currently managing the visit. He noted that since the visit is being coordinated by the BJP, there could be facilitation for a meeting with Prime Minister Modi.
Congress to boycott parliamentary committee meetings as well
The main opposition party, the Nepali Congress, has decided to boycott meetings of parliamentary committees in addition to continuing its obstruction of Parliament. Nepali Congress leader Bhishmaraj Angdembe said the party would not participate in parliamentary committee meetings until June 8 unless Prime Minister Balen Shah apologizes in Parliament. The House of Representatives has already been adjourned until June 8 due to continuous obstruction by opposition parties. The controversy erupted after Prime Minister Shah, during a question-answer session in the House on Sunday, remarked that “Nepal had also encroached on Indian territory.” The Nepali Congress has demanded that he apologize for the statement, accusing him of making remarks that undermine national interests.
Gold rises by Rs 400 per tola, silver gains Rs 50
Prices of both gold and silver increased in the domestic market on Tuesday, according to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Associations. The federation fixed the price of fine gold at Rs 311,300 per tola, up by Rs 400 from Monday’s rate of Rs 310,900 per tola. Gold prices had witnessed a sharp rise on Sunday after the government increased the customs duty on gold imports from 10 percent to 20 percent through the new budget. Following the adjustment, the price of gold had jumped by Rs 20,500 per tola in a single day.
Himalaya Airlines to launch direct Kathmandu–Shenzhen flights
Himalaya Airlines is set to begin direct flights between Kathmandu and Shenzhen, a major economic and technology hub in China. According to the airline, the Kathmandu–Shenzhen–Kathmandu service will commence from June 4. The airline will operate two flights per week from Tribhuvan International Airport (tia) to Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, with an equal number of return flights from Shenzhen to Kathmandu. Flights from Kathmandu will operate on Tuesdays and Thursdays, while return flights from Shenzhen will operate on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Businessperson Agrawal arrested with gold worth Rs 30 million
Police in Surkhet have arrested businessman Shyam Sundar Agrawal along with gold and silver ornaments worth around Rs 30 million. Agrawal was taken into custody from Birendranagar, Surkhet. According to Information Officer at the District Police Office, Kavindra Singh Bohara, he was apprehended from Shiva Emporium in Rajachowk, Birendranagar Municipality-6 on Monday. Police said he was found in possession of gold and silver jewellery at the time of arrest. Further investigation into the case is underway, authorities added.
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