KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you key developments from across Nepal, covering politics, business and economy, sports, entertainment, and other major events of the day.
Govt resends Constitutional Council Ordinance to President
The government has resent the Constitutional Council Ordinance to President Ram Chandra Paudel without any revisions, after it was earlier returned for reconsideration. Government spokesperson and Education Minister Sasmit Pokharel said the Council of Ministers decided to forward the same ordinance again following its return from Sheetal Niwas on Sunday. President Paudel had sent it back after a week of legal consultation, while endorsing other ordinances. The ordinance allows decisions of the Constitutional Council to be made by just three members, including the chairperson, instead of the broader quorum previously required. Critics argue that such a provision could concentrate decision-making power, particularly benefiting the prime minister and ruling leadership in appointments to constitutional bodies.
Cabinet approves fertilizer import from India, concessional loan for air quality and industry upgrades
The government has decided to procure 60,000 metric tons of urea and 20,000 metric tons of DAP fertilizer from India through a government-to-government (G2G) arrangement. A Cabinet meeting held at Singha Durbar on Monday granted in-principle approval to Agricultural Inputs Company Limited to move forward with the procurement. In another decision, the Cabinet agreed to accept concessional financing from the World Bank, including a loan of USD 52 million and a grant of USD 5 million. The funding will be used to support industries in replacing traditional boilers with electronic boilers and to enhance air quality monitoring capacity.
Speaker Aryal urges whips to make Parliamentary activities result-oriented
Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal has urged party whips to play a more effective role in making parliamentary activities result-oriented, in line with the expectations of the Nepali people. During a meeting held at Singha Durbar on Monday with whips representing parties in the House of Representatives, the Speaker emphasized the need to ensure meaningful outcomes from parliamentary proceedings. According to Rastriya Swatantra Party Whip Prakash Chandra Pariyar, discussions focused on resolving existing issues in Parliament, enhancing its effectiveness, and strengthening parliamentary norms, values, and procedures.
Speaker holds meeting with parliamentary committee chairs
Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal held discussions with chairs of committees from the House of Representatives, National Assembly, and joint parliamentary committees on Monday. According to the Speaker’s Secretariat, the meeting focused on making parliamentary proceedings more effective and efficient. During the discussion, committee chairs also raised questions about the upcoming session of Parliament. In response, Aryal said a decision on the matter would be made on Tuesday.
Nepali Congress calls government action on squatters ‘inhumane’, urges firm stance on Lipulekh
The Nepali Congress has criticized the government’s use of force against squatters, calling it “inhumane and cruel,” while also urging a strong diplomatic stance on the Lipulekh border issue. A meeting of the party’s Central Working Committee, chaired by Gagan Kumar Thapa at the BP Smriti Bhawan in Lalitpur, made a series of decisions on current political developments, border disputes, squatter management, ordinances, and organizational matters.
PM’s office denies ordering restrictions on media filming
The office of Prime Minister Balen Shah has denied reports claiming that journalists were barred from recording videos inside the Prime Minister’s Office premises. In a press statement issued on Monday, press advisor Deepa Dahal dismissed the reports as false and exaggerated, stating that the Prime Minister had not issued any directive to restrict media activity. According to the statement, the Prime Minister had only inquired with security personnel about crowd management and safety concerns after noticing heavy vehicle congestion within the premises while entering the office.
Supreme Court orders Shekhar Golchha’s release on bail
The Supreme Court (SC) has ordered the release of businessman Shekhar Golchha on bail, overturning previous detention orders issued during the investigation. A joint bench of Justices Mahesh Sharma Poudel and Shrikanta Poudel on Monday ruled that the decision to keep Golchha in custody without first seeking bail was inconsistent with legal provisions. The court declared earlier detention orders issued on Baisakh 11 and 12, 2083, null and void.
Court dismisses defamation case filed by Nikita Paudel against nine media outlets
Nikita Paudel, wife of Rabi Lamichhane, has lost a defamation case filed against nine media outlets, with the Kathmandu District Court rejecting her claims on Monday. The case was filed over news reports related to the Satya Sai Cooperative. A bench led by Judge Atma Dev Joshi ruled that the claims did not meet legal grounds. Lamichhane had filed the case on Chaitra 23, 2080 BS, naming multiple media houses and journalists, including Kantipur Daily, Onlinekhabar, Nagarik Daily, Artha Sarokar, and Ukera Online, as defendants.
Probe clears officials, contradicts Health Minister’s claim on fuel misuse; staffer faces week of cyberbullying
An internal investigation by the Ministry of Health and Population Nepal has found no evidence of fuel misuse in the name of vehicles destroyed during last year’s unrest, contradicting earlier claims made by Health Minister Nisha Mehta. The controversy began on April 28, when the minister’s secretariat circulated a message alleging that ministry staff had been drawing fuel using records of vehicles burned during the so-called “Gen-Z movement.” The claim quickly spread across social media and news outlets. The allegation was linked to arson at the ministry premises on Ram Shah Path during protests in September last year, where several government vehicles were destroyed and the building severely damaged.
Suhang Nebang propose monitoring of holding centers for displaced squatters
Lawmaker Suhang Nembang has proposed that the parliamentary Law, Justice and Human Rights Committee conduct on-site monitoring of holding centers where displaced squatters have been relocated. Speaking at a meeting of the Federal Parliament committee, Nembang said immediate inspection is necessary amid growing concerns that people removed from informal settlements in Kathmandu are facing difficulties due to lack of proper management. His proposal received support from committee chair Samikshya Baskota and lawmaker Sobita Gautam.
Opposition lawmakers object to ordinance, call it bypassing Parliament
Opposition lawmakers have raised objections over the government’s decision to introduce an ordinance, accusing it of bypassing Parliament and undermining democratic norms. Speaking at a meeting of the House of Representatives’ Law, Justice and Human Rights Committee held at Singha Durbar on Monday, lawmakers said bringing an ordinance despite having a near two-thirds majority was against democratic principles. Nepali Congress lawmaker Madan Krishna Shrestha urged the government to avoid actions that could trigger controversy, noting that ordinances have historically led to disputes. He stressed that rushing ordinances without parliamentary discussion goes against democratic practice.
Speaker Aryal urges whips to make Parliamentary activities result-oriented
Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal has urged party whips to play a more effective role in making parliamentary activities result-oriented, in line with the expectations of the Nepali people. During a meeting held at Singha Durbar on Monday with whips representing parties in the House of Representatives, the Speaker emphasized the need to ensure meaningful outcomes from parliamentary proceedings. According to Rastriya Swatantra Party Whip Prakash Chandra Pariyar, discussions focused on resolving existing issues in Parliament, enhancing its effectiveness, and strengthening parliamentary norms, values, and procedures.
Chief Minister Baniya says raid without prior notice harmed his reputation
Bagmati Chief Minister Indra Bahadur Baniya has said he will fully cooperate with the investigation after the Department of Money Laundering Investigation conducted raids at his residence and offices. In a statement issued on Monday, Baniya confirmed that officials from the department searched his homes in Hetauda and Kathmandu, as well as the office of Baniya Nirman Sewa, a construction company he is associated with, and seized documents. He stated that since assuming office, he has prioritized good governance, transparency, and efforts toward building a corruption-free system. According to him, the Bagmati provincial government has also advanced policies focused on reducing expenditure, promoting efficiency, and ensuring transparency in planning and budgeting.
Finance Minister pledges ‘hopeful’ budget, stronger role for private sector
Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle has said the government will introduce a “hope-inspiring” budget for the upcoming fiscal year, emphasizing a stronger role for the private sector in driving economic growth. Speaking at the 60th annual general meeting of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Wagle stated that the upcoming budget will focus on boosting growth, creating jobs, and expanding investment opportunities. He reiterated that the private sector will serve as a key partner in development, adding that a strategic proposal aimed at protecting and promoting private enterprises has already been presented to the Cabinet.
Anti-graft body raids properties linked to Bagmati Chief Minister Indra Baniya
The Department of Money Laundering Investigation has conducted raids at properties linked to Indra Baniya, as part of an investigation into alleged illicit wealth accumulation. A team from the department carried out a search at the office of Baniya’s construction company on Monday. Raids were also conducted at offices located in Naxal Kathmandu and Sundhara Kathmandu. Another team has been deployed to Hetauda, the provincial capital, where searches are underway at his residence and associated offices.
Harka Sampang calls for action against “fake squatters” after Thapathali eviction
Chairperson of the Shram Sanskriti Party Harka Sampang has urged the government to identify and take strict action against individuals he described as “fake squatters,” saying they are causing difficulties for genuine landless citizens. Speaking after visiting the recently cleared settlement in Thapathali on Monday, Sampang said that many real landless families are being affected due to misuse of the squatters’ identity. He alleged that some people have occupied public land under the name of squatter settlements and are even renting out the structures, calling for stronger legal action to stop such practices.
Patient load surges in government hospitals after weekend closure of OPD services
Patient flow has surged in government hospitals across the capital on Monday after the government decided to suspend outpatient department (OPD) services on Sundays. The weekend closure is part of a broader policy to grant public holidays on Saturdays and Sundays, introduced to address global fuel shortages. However, the move has led to a spike in patient numbers at major public hospitals, putting additional strain on already limited resources. Hospitals such as Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Bir Hospital, and the National Trauma Center have witnessed long queues from early morning, with thousands seeking services ranging from routine check-ups to complex treatments.
RSP unveils ‘scientific’ candidate selection model for upcoming local elections
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has unveiled a detailed and scientific framework for selecting candidates for the upcoming local elections, introducing a structured and technology-driven approach. The party said it aims to institutionalize a system of choosing “the right person, in the right place, in the right way” through a 13-point methodology designed to ensure transparency, meritocracy, and internal democracy. Under the new framework, RSP has assigned weighted criteria to make the selection process measurable and objective.
Landless citizens to be protected, not displaced: PM Shah
Prime Minister Balendra Shah has stated that the government is taking seriously concerns about fear being spread among landless citizens regarding ongoing management efforts along riverbanks and public land in the Kathmandu Valley. In a message posted on Facebook, the Prime Minister clarified that no one will be rendered homeless and that the constitutional right to housing will be ensured. He urged the public not to be misled by rumors or panic unnecessarily. “The steps taken by the government are not aimed at displacing citizens, but at ensuring the right to housing and finding a sustainable solution,” he wrote, appealing to people to avoid confusion and misinformation.
Fear grips Pokhara squatters after eviction drive in Kathmandu
The demolition of informal settlements in Kathmandu has sparked fear among squatters in Pokhara, following a 35-day ultimatum issued by the Pokhara Metropolitan City to vacate structures built on encroached public land. The notice, published on April 17, follows a decision made during the metropolitan executive meeting held on April 16. Since then, residents, particularly those living in the Pokhara–9 Bus Park area, have expressed strong opposition, stating they will not leave without proper alternatives. Around 475 households residing in the settlement have taken a firm stance, demanding relocation and rehabilitation before any eviction process moves forward.
Gold prices dip, silver rises
Gold prices in the Nepali market declined on Monday, according to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association. The price of gold dropped by Rs 300 per tola, bringing it down to Rs 294,800 per tola. On Sunday, gold was traded at Rs 295,100 per tola. Meanwhile, silver prices recorded an increase. The price of silver rose by Rs 20 per tola and is now being traded at Rs 5,030 per tola, the federation said.
1,816 squatter families reach out to govt in Kathmandu
A total of 1,816 squatter families in the Kathmandu Valley have contacted the government following the demolition of illegal structures along the Bagmati River and other areas. According to the Secretariat of Prime Minister Balendra Shah, as many as 7,789 individuals from these families have come forward so far during the ongoing clearance of public and government land. Of them, 794 individuals have been relocated to government-managed holding centres, while others who reported to the screening centre at Dasharath Stadium have chosen to arrange housing on their own for the time being.
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