KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
13-point agreement reached between government team led by Home Minister Gurung and Hindu representatives
A 13-point agreement has been reached between a government team led by Home Minister Sudan Gurung and representatives of various Hindu organizations. Dhanusha Chief District Officer Prem Prasad Luitel said the agreement was reached during talks held at the District Administration Office, Dhanusha, last night. During the discussions, the Hindu Samrat Sena and other protesting Hindu groups submitted a 13-point memorandum raising issues related to religious harmony, social peace, and national identity. The agreement was reached on the basis of those demands. According to the agreement, the parties have agreed to initiate an all-party discussion within three months on the issue of declaring Nepal a Hindu nation.
Unity drive launched to heal Nepali Congress divisions
A group of Nepali Congress youth leaders has launched a campaign aimed at ending growing factionalism within the party and promoting greater cooperation among rival groups. At a press conference held in Kathmandu on Sunday, the leaders announced the initiative under the slogan “Connecting the Country and the Nepali Congress.” They said the campaign seeks to encourage dialogue between leaders associated with General Secretary Gagan Thapa and other factions within the party. As part of the effort, a National Unity Gathering has been scheduled for August 5, with Nainsingh Mahar, Ranjit Karna, and other youth leaders leading the initiative. Organizers said they are preparing to bring together representatives from municipal bodies, Provincial Assembly constituencies, and House of Representatives constituencies from across the country.
Govt expresses grief over climbers killed in Broad Peak avalanche
The Government of Nepal has expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of climbers who were caught in an avalanche while moving from Camp II to Camp III during an expedition on Broad Peak, the world’s 12th-highest mountain. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the deaths of renowned climber Nirmal Purja “Nims Dai”, along with Nepali climbers Pur Bahadur Gurung “Yukta”, Kili Pemba Sherpa “Kilu”, Nima Sherpa, Nawang Thindu Sherpa, Gyalu Sherpa, and members of the international climbing team, have caused an irreparable loss to the mountaineering community. The ministry stated that search and rescue efforts were intensified immediately after reports were received that the climbing team, including the Nepali climbers, had gone missing. The operation is being carried out in coordination with relevant Pakistani authorities and Nepali rescue personnel.
Body of Nimsdai found on Broad Peak
The body of renowned Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja, popularly known as “Nimsdai,” has been found on Broad Peak in Pakistan. According to the Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP), his body was discovered at an altitude of around 5,700 metres, three days after he went missing on the mountain. Purja and his team lost contact on Thursday morning after being struck by an avalanche while climbing Broad Peak. Earlier on Saturday, his expedition organizer, Elite Expedition, announced the deaths of all members of the expedition, including Pakistani mountaineer Sohail Sakhi. By Sunday, the bodies of three climbers had been recovered, and the remains of another climber believed to be an American national had also been located, ACP member Nayla Kiani told Pakistani media outlet Dawn.com.
Monsoon disasters: One dead, 20 injured in last 24 hours
One person has died and 20 others have been injured in monsoon-related disaster incidents across the country during the last 24 hours. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), a total of 34 disaster incidents were recorded in 25 districts between 10:00 am on Friday and 10:00 am on Saturday. The authority said one person died from a snakebite during this period. The reported incidents included 14 snakebite cases, 11 fires, six landslides, and three wildlife attacks. These incidents caused an estimated loss of Rs 2.725 million. In addition, roads were blocked at two locations, and 18 livestock were affected.
Gold and silver prices decline in local market
Prices of both gold and silver declined in the local market today. Compared to last Friday, the price of gold fell by Rs 1,800 per tola, while silver dropped by Rs 45 per tola. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, hallmark gold was traded at Rs 283,200 per tola, while silver was priced at Rs 4,315 per tola. Last Friday, hallmark gold was traded at Rs 285,000 per tola and silver at Rs 4,360 per tola. On Thursday, gold was priced at Rs 284,000 per tola and silver at Rs 4,310 per tola. In the international market, gold was trading at around US$4,063 per ounce and silver at about US$58 per ounce, according to international media reports.
Gagan Thapa urges govt. to build trust with private sector to boost digital economy
Nepali Congress President Gagan Kumar Thapa has stressed the need for the government to work closely with the private sector to promote the growth and expansion of Nepal’s digital economy. Speaking at an interaction programme on “Digital Economy: Local Employment and Access to the Global Market” at the party’s central office in Sanepa on Sunday, Thapa said the government should adopt an ambitious approach towards the digital economy while placing greater trust in the capabilities of the private sector. He said the government must move away from the mindset that it alone possesses all the solutions and instead recognise the expertise of the private sector and the dynamism of the market.
Photo shows Nirmal Purja’s expedition moments before deadly Broad Peak Avalanche
A photograph showing the expedition team led by renowned Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja (Nimsdai) shortly before they were caught in a deadly avalanche on Pakistan’s Broad Peak has surfaced and is widely circulating on social media. The avalanche struck Broad Peak (8,047 metres), the world’s 12th-highest mountain, on July 30, as the climbers were making their ascent in Pakistan’s Karakoram mountain range. The image, reportedly taken from the base camp, shows the expedition team making its way toward the mountain moments before a massive avalanche descended from above. A video accompanying the image captures a woman expressing concern, saying, “Oh my God, I hope the avalanche doesn’t reach us,” before another person responds that it would not.
Curfew lifted as normalcy returns to Golbazar
The curfew imposed in Golbazar Municipality of Siraha district has been lifted as the security situation returns to normal. In a notice issued on Sunday, the Siraha District Administration Office said the curfew imposed within the municipality would be lifted from 7 pm following an assessment of the local security situation. The notice, signed by Chief District Officer Surendra Paudel, stated that the curfew order issued under Section 6(a) of the Local Administration Act, 2028 (1971) would be withdrawn effective from Sunday evening. The administration had imposed the curfew in recent days in response to tensions and security concerns in the Golbazar area. According to the district administration, the decision to lift the restrictions was taken after concluding that the security situation had improved and normalcy had largely returned.
Angbo urges Sherdhan Rai not to drag coalition into UML’s internal dispute
NCP parliamentary party leader Indra Bahadur Angbo and CPN-UML Secretary and Koshi Province in-charge Sherdhan Rai have reportedly held talks amid growing speculation over a possible change in the leadership of the Koshi provincial government. According to sources, the discussion centred on the future of the chief ministership in Koshi Province. During the meeting, Angbo reportedly urged Rai to ensure that the UML’s internal leadership dispute does not affect the ruling coalition. The report says Angbo also called on the UML leadership to reach a decision on the province’s leadership without further delay. UML Koshi Province Secretary Raj Kumar Bhandari was also present at the meeting. According to the report, Rai has been tasked with building support for Til Kumar Menyangbo to replace Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki. However, Karki has reportedly appealed to UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli to allow him to continue in office.
Tensions rise in Susta after reported cross-border incident
Tension flared in the Susta area of West Nawalparasi on Sunday after members of India’s Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) allegedly entered Nepali territory and dismantled an under-construction temporary embankment, according to local residents. Locals claimed that at around 3:30 pm, about 15 SSB personnel in plain clothes and around 60 armed personnel crossed into Nepali territory. According to residents, the personnel dismantled an approximately 132-metre earthen embankment being constructed at Tharu Tol in Susta Rural Municipality-5. Residents said they protested as the embankment was being destroyed but were unable to stop the personnel because of their large numbers and the presence of armed security forces.
Government expresses grief over deaths of climbers in Broad Peak avalanche
The Government of Nepal has expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of climbers caught in an avalanche while ascending Broad Peak, the world’s 12th-highest mountain, in Pakistan. In a statement issued on Sunday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the avalanche struck on July 30 (Shrawan 14) as climbers were making their way from Camp II to Camp III. The ministry described the tragedy as an irreparable loss to the mountaineering community. The ministry paid tribute to renowned mountaineer Nirmal Purja (Nimsdai) and fellow Nepali climbers Pur Bahadur Gurung (Yukta), Kili Pemba Sherpa (Kilu), Nima Sherpa, Nawang Thindu Sherpa, and Gyalu Sherpa, as well as members of the international expedition team who also lost their lives.
UML leadership pushes for change in Koshi Chief Minister amid internal differences
Internal discussions within the CPN-UML over the leadership of the Koshi provincial government have intensified, with party leaders reportedly exploring a change in the chief ministerial post, according to a Khabarhub report. The report claims that UML Chair KP Sharma Oli has tasked party secretary and Koshi Province in-charge Sherdhan Rai with holding consultations on replacing Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki. Rai, who recently returned from London, reportedly met Oli before travelling to Biratnagar, where he has held discussions with UML provincial lawmakers and other political leaders. According to the report, Rai has also met CPN (Maoist Centre) parliamentary party leader Indra Angbo as discussions continue over the future leadership of the provincial government.
14 arrested with drugs from various parts of the country
Police have arrested 14 people with various narcotic substances from different districts across the country during regular security operations. According to the Central Police Newsroom, the arrests were made from Kankai and Damak in Jhapa, Tikapur in Kailali, Morang, Surkhet, and Dang. In Jhapa, 27-year-old Ajhar Ansari of Araria district, Bihar, India, and 28-year-old Mohammad Ajwal were arrested from Kankai Municipality-2 on Saturday with 102.31 grams of a substance resembling brown heroin and 7,200 tablets of the controlled drug Tramadol.
Postal Highway construction enters final phase; 24 bridges completed
Construction of the Postal Highway from Siraha to Sarlahi, considered a key infrastructure project for the development of Madhesh Province, has entered its final phase. A total of 24 bridges have been completed in this section, while more than 90 percent of the road has already been blacktopped. According to the Postal Highway Directorate in Janakpurdham, 347.63 kilometers of the 406.43-kilometer stretch from Siraha to Sarlahi have been blacktopped. Construction of 19 additional bridges has reached the final stage, including three in Dhanusha, seven in Sarlahi, six in Mahottari, and three in Siraha. The contracting process has also begun for 12.8 kilometers of the remaining 58.8 kilometers yet to be blacktopped. Office Chief Krishna Kumar Mahato said that work is progressing with the target of completing the project within the current fiscal year.
14 shops gutted in Gothatar fire; more details awaited
A fire that broke out in Kathmandu’s Gothatar last night destroyed 14 shops of various types, police said, adding that further details, including the extent of the damage, are still being collected. According to police, the fire started at around 9:15 pm near Pahelo Pul in Gothatar and spread to shops dealing in furniture, mobile phones, cosmetics, helmets, auto parts, hardware, groceries, stationery, sweets, and other goods. Preliminary investigation suggests that the fire originated from an electrical short circuit in a wooden warehouse and shutter operated by Rabindra Bhattarai.
Petroleum products worth Rs 24.57 billion imported through Kakadbhitta in a year
Petroleum products worth Rs 24.57 billion were imported through the Kakadbhitta customs point, Nepal’s easternmost entry point, during the last fiscal year. According to the Kakadbhitta Customs Office, imports included three major petroleum products: petrol, diesel, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Petrol worth Rs 12.18 billion, diesel worth Rs 9.55 billion, and LPG worth Rs 2.77 billion were imported during the fiscal year. In the previous fiscal year 2081/82, petrol imports stood at Rs 8.92 billion, while diesel imports amounted to Rs 7.32 billion.
US visa bonds for Nepalis may reach Rs 3 million
Formalizing the 12-month Visa Bond Pilot Program that took effect on August 20, 2025, the United States has announced that it will permanently implement its visa bond program for citizens of 50 countries, including Nepal, beginning Monday. The move converts the temporary pilot initiative introduced last year into a standing immigration measure and applies to certain applicants seeking temporary business and tourist visas under the B1/B2 category. In a statement, the US Department of State said the new rule makes the pilot program permanent and authorizes consular officers to require visa applicants to post a refundable financial bond to ensure compliance with the conditions of their nonimmigrant status and timely departure from the United States.
Curfew lifted in Rajbiraj and Bodebarsain; prohibitory orders imposed
The District Administration Office (DAO), Saptari, has lifted the curfew in Rajbiraj Municipality and Bodebarsain Municipality and imposed prohibitory orders in the two areas until further notice. According to a notice issued by Chief District Officer Shyam Krishna Thapa, the decision was taken during a meeting of the District Security Committee. The prohibitory orders ban gatherings of more than five people, as well as meetings, processions, sit-ins, demonstrations, and other public assemblies in the designated areas. The administration has urged the public not to violate the orders issued under Section 6(3a) of the Local Administration Act, 2028.
Karnali Province observes second National Millet Day
Karnali Province observed the second National Millet Day, 2083, on Saturday under the theme “Conservation of millet for food security and nutrition.” Speaking at a program organized by the Ministry of Land Management, Agriculture and Cooperatives in Birendranagar, participants emphasized the need to change public perceptions toward millet and highlighted its growing importance amid rising concerns over food insecurity. Ministry Secretary Sanjiv Kumar Karna said millet has significant nutritional and medicinal value and stressed the need to identify and conserve different local varieties to help improve nutrition and reduce poverty. He said millet should no longer be viewed as food for the poor.
Nepali Army completes 32 road projects
The Nepali Army has completed 32 road projects in difficult terrain and constructed a total of 1,411.54 kilometers of roads across the country. According to the Nepali Army, major projects completed under its management include the Kanti Lokpath, Karnali Highway, Jajarkot–Dolpa road, Besisahar–Chame road, Kaligandaki Corridor, and Karnali Corridor. The government has been assigning the Nepali Army responsibility for road sections considered technically challenging due to rugged geography, rocky cliffs, and other difficult conditions, with the objective of connecting remote areas to the national road network. Nepali Army spokesperson Assistant Lieutenant Colonel Rajaram Basnet said that despite limited resources, adverse weather, and complex terrain, the Army has successfully implemented several nationally important and priority road projects and has completed its annual physical targets in full.
Mini-truck driver arrested with 1,033 kg of marijuana
Police have arrested a mini-truck driver with 1,033 kg and 484 grams of marijuana from Ratuwamai Municipality-10 in Morang. According to the Central Police Newsroom, the arrested person has been identified as 28-year-old Umesh Tamang of Pakhribas Municipality-9, Dhankuta. A police team from the Area Police Office, Sijuwa, seized the marijuana from 31 packets hidden in the mini-truck (Ko 1 Kha 4373) during a security check. The vehicle was heading towards Ambari from Urlabari when it was intercepted on Saturday.
Landslides and floods block highways in several parts of the country
Continuous rainfall, landslides, flooding, and road erosion have disrupted vehicular movement on several major highways and road sections across the country. In a traffic update issued tis morning, Nepal Police said that some roads have been completely blocked, while nighttime vehicle operations have been suspended on a number of vulnerable sections. As a precaution against possible flooding, all types of vehicles have been prohibited from operating between 6:00 pm and 4:00 am on the Khurkot–Nepalthok–Katunjebesi section of the BP Highway connecting Kavrepalanchok and Sindhuli.
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