KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Sensitive border matters require diplomacy, not public showmanship: Rabi Lamichhane
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane has said that issues that need to be addressed through diplomatic channels should be handled carefully and in a phased manner rather than with public fanfare. Speaking upon his return to Nepal on Friday after a five-day visit to India, Lamichhane said diplomatic matters should not be dealt with by “beating drums.” Responding to questions about the Nepal-India border dispute at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Lamichhane said he would work to facilitate dialogue and seek solutions through diplomatic channels. “The most important thing is to address any issue through diplomacy by activating diplomatic channels. Such matters cannot be resolved by beating drums or through loud public rhetoric,” he said. “Wherever action is necessary in the interest of the country, it should be taken quietly and in a phased manner.”
Rabi Lamichhane avoids comment on speculation over becoming PM
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane has declined to comment on speculation that he could soon become Nepal’s Prime Minister (PM), while also revealing that he has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Nepal. Speaking to reporters at Tribhuvan International Airport on Friday after returning from a five-day visit to India, Lamichhane was asked about opposition parties’ concerns and speculation regarding his possible rise to the premiership. In response, he said, “I do not want to say anything about that.” However, Lamichhane reiterated his party’s commitment to political stability. “I would like to ask everyone to read the document we released before the election once again. We are not in favor of instability; we are in favor of stability,” he said. He added that the Nepali people had voted with the expectation of a stable government.
Govt forms probe committee into 779 seized electric vehicles over suspected revenue leakage
The government has formed a high-level committee to conduct a detailed investigation into 779 electric vehicles seized on suspicion of revenue leakage. The vehicles were confiscated from various locations by the Armed Police Force Nepal amid suspicions of customs and tax evasion. Acting on a special directive from the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, a joint investigation committee has been formed comprising representatives from the Ministry of Finance, the Department of Customs Nepal, the Nepal Police, and the Armed Police Force. According to Prime Minister Balen Shah’s press and research advisor Deepa Dahal, the government moved swiftly to form the committee in view of good governance and revenue protection priorities.
Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal leaves for India on official visit
Minister for Foreign Affairs Shisir Khanal left for India on an official visit at the invitation of his Indian counterpart S. Jaishankar. Minister Khanal left for New Delhi on Friday morning to attend high-level talks during the visit. Speaking briefly before his departure, Khanal said that this is the first high-level visit since the formation of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP)-led government, adding that discussions would focus on issues of national priority. He expressed confidence that the visit would help advance bilateral relations and address key areas of mutual interest between Nepal and India.
Rabi Lamichhane meets Trump’s special envoy Sergio Gor in Delhi
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane held a meeting with Sergio Gor, special envoy of US President Donald Trump for South and Central Asia, in New Delhi last evening. According to party sources, the two leaders discussed various issues of bilateral interest during the meeting. Lamichhane is in New Delhi at the invitation of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). During his visit, he met several senior Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and BJP President Nitin Nabin. On Thursday, Lamichhane traveled to Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, in the evening. Upon his arrival at Lucknow Airport, he was welcomed by senior BJP leaders and representatives.
Probe committee submits report on former Home Minister Sudan Gurung
The committee formed to investigate allegations against former Home Minister Sudan Gurung has submitted its report to Prime Minister Balen Shah. The committee, whose original deadline expired on June 1, sought an additional five days to complete its work before submitting the report to the Prime Minister on Friday. According to sources, the report has cleared Gurung of the allegations raised against him. Gurung resigned from his position on April 22 after reports surfaced alleging that he had accumulated disproportionate assets, failed to disclose the source of his wealth, and maintained investment links with controversial businessman Dipak Bhatt. To investigate the allegations, the government formed a three-member inquiry committee on May 11 under the leadership of former High Court judge Achyut Prasad Bhandari.
Pokhara High Court issues interim order halting removal of structures at bus park area
The High Court in Pokhara has issued a short-term interim order preventing the immediate removal of structures in the Pokhara Bus Park area. The order was issued by a single bench of Judge Tej Narayan Singh Rai while hearing a writ petition filed by Yogendra Devi Shrestha, who claims ownership of land within the bus park premises. The court has directed Pokhara Metropolitan City not to demolish or remove houses and other physical structures built on Plot No. 54 in Ward No. 9 of Pokhara Metropolitan City until further notice. The bench has also instructed the defendants, including the District Administration Office, Kaski, to submit written responses within 15 days. The order comes as Pokhara Metropolitan City was reportedly preparing to begin removing structures from the bus park area starting May 25 as part of its management and redevelopment plans.
Dhawal Shumsher and Durga Prasai agree to form new political force
Campaigner Durga Prasai and Dr. Dhawal Shumsher Rana, who recently left the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), have reached an agreement to unite and move forward together. The agreement was reached during a meeting held at Prasai’s residence on Friday afternoon. The two sides are expected to announce a new party in the coming days. “Today, an agreement was reached at Durga Prasai’s residence. We have agreed to work together,” Radhika Joshi, who is coordinating Dr. Rana’s media affairs, said. “We have decided to move forward jointly. The party name, election symbol and other details will be finalized later.” A total of 183 leaders, including Rana, left the RPP on Thursday following differences with party chair Rajendra Lingden. The group includes office bearers and central committee members from the Kathmandu Valley as well as members of affiliated organizations.
Srijana Thapaliya appointed chief immigration officer at TIA
Joint Secretary Srijana Thapaliya has been appointed Chief Immigration Officer at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) following a reshuffle of senior officials by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The Ministry transferred 16 joint secretaries on Friday, assigning Thapaliya, who was serving as the Chief District Officer (CDO) of Sankhuwasabha, to the key immigration post at the country’s busiest international gateway. The position became vacant after former chief immigration officer Narahari Ghimire was appointed Chief District Officer of Lalitpur.
Former CJ Regmi calls for preserving Constitution’s core principles in amendment process
Former Chief Justice and former Chair of the Council of Ministers Khil Raj Regmi has stressed that any constitutional amendment should preserve the Constitution’s core spirit and preamble while ensuring greater stability and balance in governance. Regmi shared his views during a meeting with a task force formed to prepare a discussion paper on constitutional amendments. The task force is coordinated by Asim Shah, political adviser to Prime Minister Balendra Shah. Members of the task force visited Regmi at his residence in Baneshwor, Kathmandu, as part of a broader consultation process. Regmi emphasized that the Constitution’s basic structure should not be weakened or altered under any circumstances during the amendment process.
President calls for promoting environmental conservation and nature-friendly lifestyles
President Ram Chandra Paudel has called on all stakeholders to adopt nature-friendly lifestyles and actively promote environmental conservation initiatives. In a message issued on the occasion of World Environment Day 2026, President Paudel said, “In line with the understanding that development and environmental protection are complementary to each other, I sincerely urge all concerned to embrace nature-oriented lifestyles and advance activities that contribute to environmental improvement.” Extending his best wishes on the occasion, the President said a safe and green future for coming generations can be ensured through the use of clean energy, tree plantation, strengthening climate adaptation capacity, and conserving natural heritage.
NEPSE index falls by 11.37 points
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index declined by 11.37 points on Friday, closing at 2,756.41 points. According to the Nepal Stock Exchange, the sensitive index, which tracks the performance of large-cap companies, also fell by 1.77 points to 471.99. A total of 12.73 million shares of 351 companies were traded during the day, with transactions amounting to Rs 5.62 billion. In terms of turnover, Aankhu Khola Hydropower Company topped the list, followed by City Hotel Limited, NBBL Debenture, Central Finance, and Reedy Power Company.
Gold and silver prices decline in domestic market
Gold and silver prices declined in the domestic market on Friday, with gold falling by Rs 2,100 per tola and silver dropping by Rs 55 per tola. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of gold has been fixed at Rs 309,000 per tola, while silver is being traded at Rs 5,230 per tola. On Thursday, gold was traded at Rs 311,100 per tola and silver at Rs 5,285 per tola. On Wednesday, gold stood at Rs 311,300 per tola, while silver was priced at Rs 5,370 per tola.
TIA starts free pick-and-drop parking time to 15 minutes on trial basis
The Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) has extended the free parking time for vehicles using the pick-and-drop service from 7 minutes to 15 minutes. The airport authority said the decision was taken to improve passenger convenience and address complaints that the previous 7-minute limit was insufficient for smooth drop-off and pick-up operations. According to airport spokesperson Sanjay Kumar, the extended time will be implemented on a trial basis for one month. He said no parking fee will be charged for vehicles completing pick-up or drop-off within 15 minutes during the trial period.
Home Ministry reshuffles 12 CDOs, six joint secretaries
The Ministry of Home Affairs has carried out an administrative reshuffle, transferring and reassigning 18 joint secretaries, including 12 Chief District Officers (CDOs). According to the ministry, Joint Secretary Nirajan Ghimire has been appointed Chief District Officer of Syangja, Kuman Singh Gurung as CDO of Kaski, and Laxmi Pandey Gautam as CDO of Dhading. Similarly, Syangja CDO Ishwori Prasad Aryal has been transferred to Sankhuwasabha, Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta East) CDO Bhawishwar Pandey to Palpa, Surkhet CDO Jagdishwar Upadhyay to Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta East), Ramechhap CDO Shyam Krishna Thapa to Saptari, Kaski CDO Rudra Devi Sharma to Dhankuta, and Sankhuwasabha CDO Srijana Thapaliya to the Immigration Office at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
Over Rs 10 million worth of confiscated mobile phones destroyed in Siraha
Authorities in Siraha district have destroyed more than Rs 10 million worth of mobile phones and smartwatches confiscated from students during examinations. The devices were destroyed on the premises of the Education Development and Coordination Unit in the presence of local representatives, members of the education committee, and journalists. According to officials, the destroyed items included seven iPhones, 489 Android mobile phones, and five smartwatches. The estimated market value of the seized devices exceeds Rs 10 million. The decision follows a directive issued by former Madhesh Province Minister for Education Rani Sharma Tiwari, who had announced that any mobile phone found being used during examinations would be destroyed.
Govt has ambitious economic reforms to restore private sector confidence: Finance Minister Wagle
Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle has said the government has announced ambitious economic reforms aimed at restoring confidence in the private sector and addressing long-standing structural issues in the economy. Speaking at an event in Kathmandu, Minister Wagle claimed that this is the first time since 1990 that such a comprehensive set of economic reforms has been introduced with high ambition. Wagle said the government is committed to completing long-pending infrastructure projects that have remained unfinished for years, adding that sufficient budget has been allocated to ensure their completion without being driven by political competition for credit.
Uber officially launches ride-sharing service in Nepal
Uber, the global ride-sharing platform, has officially launched its services in Nepal from today. The company announced the commencement of operations during a formal event held in Kathmandu on Friday. The launch event was attended by senior government officials, including the Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and the Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, among others. With the official rollout, Uber has entered Nepal’s ride-hailing market, expanding its presence in South Asia and offering commuters an additional app-based transportation option.
Digital transformation, cybersecurity among govt’s top priorities: Minister Dr. Timilsina
Minister for Communications and Information Technology Dr. Bikram Timilsina has said the government is committed to expanding cooperation with various United Nations (UN) agencies in the areas of digital transformation, cybersecurity, media reform, and institutional capacity building. During a meeting with UN representatives at the Ministry on Friday, Minister Timilsina highlighted the government’s priorities in the digital sector, including reforms in public service delivery, prevention of cyberattacks, journalists’ safety, and the effective use of information technology.
Environmental protection a collective responsibility, says Vice President Yadav
Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav has stressed the need to use environment-friendly resources, technologies and practices while reducing harmful emissions and substances to promote a clean environment. In a message of best wishes on the occasion of World Environment Day 2026, Vice President Yadav said environmental conservation is a collective responsibility and called for a shared commitment to ensure a secure present and a better future. He cautioned that poor communities, rural populations and farmers are most affected by the impacts of climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss and poor waste management. He urged all stakeholders to work together to address these challenges.
World Environment Day observed today
World Environment Day 2026 was observed across the country today with a variety of programs aimed at raising awareness about environmental protection and sustainable development. This year’s celebrations are being held under the theme, “The Basis of a Prosperous Future: Climate- and Nature-Friendly Development,” with activities scheduled throughout the week. On the occasion, the Department of Environment organized a special programme in Lalitpur. Director General of the Department of Environment Gyanraj Subedi said World Environment Day was observed to enhance public awareness about environmental conservation, address the challenges posed by climate change, and promote nature-friendly development.
Survey of tiger prey species completed in Chitwan and Parsa national parks
A survey of tiger prey species has been completed in Chitwan and Parsa National Parks. The survey, which began on May 15, concluded recently. According to Abinash Thapa Magar, information officer at Chitwan National Park, the prey-base survey was conducted following the completion of the national tiger census. Nine survey teams were mobilized for the exercise, with two elephants deployed over a period of 20 days. Three technical personnel were assigned to each elephant. Thapa Magar said the survey covered approximately 400 transects established across the tiger census area, stretching from Triveni in Nawalparasi to Rautahat. Transects ranging from three to five kilometers were laid out in the Chure region and grassland habitats within the parks.
Disasters claim 86 lives across Nepal in less than two months
At least 86 people have lost their lives in disaster-related incidents across Nepal between April 14 and June 5 of the current fiscal year 2083, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA). The authority reported that 1,849 disaster incidents were recorded nationwide during the period, leaving 472 people injured and affecting a total of 2,448 families. According to the data, altitude sickness and fire incidents accounted for the highest number of deaths. A total of 45 altitude sickness incidents were reported during the review period, resulting in 18 deaths and 28 injuries, while affecting 44 families. Fire incidents were the most frequent disasters, with 636 cases recorded across the country. The incidents claimed 15 lives, injured 78 people, and directly affected 688 families.
Two prisoners arrested nine months after escaping from jail
Police have arrested two inmates who escaped from Kanchanpur District Jail nine months ago. The two prisoners, who were serving sentences in separate cases, had escaped from the jail on September 9, 2025. According to Birendra Singh Thapa, information officer at the District Police Office, Kanchanpur, those arrested are Madan Chaudhary of Krishnapur Municipality-2, Bani, and Arjun Khadka of Dhangadhi Sub-metropolitan City-13, Rajpur, Kailali. Police said Chaudhary had been serving an 18-year prison sentence in a rape case. Similarly, Khadka had been sentenced to five years in prison and fined Rs 5,000 in a brown heroin-related drug case.
2,300 motorists penalized for violating traffic rules
A total of 2,300 motorists were penalized for violating traffic rules in the past 24 hours, generating Rs 2.084 million in revenue for the state treasury. According to the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, action was taken against 104 drivers for driving under the influence of intoxicants, 177 for illegal ride-sharing, 147 for traffic light violations, and 105 for overspeeding. Similarly, 56 motorists were fined for violating lane discipline, 152 for unnecessary honking in prohibited areas, 113 for roadside parking violations, and 141 for driving on one-way roads. In addition, 1,305 individuals were penalized for various other traffic offences.
One killed, another critically injured in road accident
One person died and another sustained serious injuries after a motorcycle collided with a truck in Devchuli Municipality-14, Pragatinagar of Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta West) along the Mahendra East-West Highway. The deceased has been identified as 51-year-old Om Narayan Gurau of Madhyabindu Municipality-1. He died after the collision involving a truck (Na 5 Kha 1757) heading towards Narayangadh from Kawasoti late last night. Police have taken the truck and its driver under control for further investigation.
Orange farming replaces traditional crops in Bhojpur
Farmers in Chinamkhu, Temkemaiyung Rural Municipality-2, Bhojpur, have increasingly shifted from traditional food crops to commercial orange farming, turning orchards into a major source of income in the area. Locals say orange cultivation has become an attractive alternative to subsistence farming, as it requires relatively low labour, provides long-term yield after a single plantation, and ensures steady income over the years. As a result, farmers have begun expanding orange orchards even on fallow and marginal lands. According to Jiwan Rai, a ward member of Temkemaiyung-2, farmers in Chinamkhu are earning between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 7 lakh annually from orange sales.
Viral fever affects prisoners in Bharatpur Jail
Around 50 inmates at Bharatpur District Jail have been affected by viral fever. According to Jail Chief Rabindra Dhungana, the cases have been increasing steadily. “Five to seven new cases are being reported every day, and the number is rising,” he said. The jail currently houses 712 inmates, although its capacity is 600. The facility is designed to accommodate 50 women and 550 men. Inmates affected by viral fever have been kept in separate rooms and are receiving treatment. Dhungana said medicines have been managed with support from the District Public Health Office and Bharatpur Metropolitan City.
15 arrested in separate drug-related cases
Police have arrested 15 individuals from various parts of the country in separate drug-related incidents during routine operations. According to the Central Police Newsroom, small quantities of brown heroin were recovered from all the suspects. The arrests were made on Wednesday and Thursday, and further investigation is underway.
Landslide prevention project launched at Khambhitta along Kaligandaki Corridor
A landslide prevention project has been launched at Khambhitta, a landslide-prone section of the Beni–Jomsom–Korala road in Myagdi district. The Beni–Jomsom–Korala Road Project Office has initiated landslide and erosion control works along a 300-metre stretch at Khambhitta. According to Project Chief Tejaswi Sharma, a contract worth Rs 70 million has been awarded to a construction company for the implementation of the project. Bioengineering measures will also be carried out after the retaining structures are completed.
Extensive cleanup carried out along Annapurna trekking route
The Nepali Army and the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) in Jomsom have conducted an extensive cleanup campaign along the Round Annapurna Circuit trekking route. The cleanup covered the section from Thorong Pass to Thorong Phedi on the Manang-Mustang border and was carried out by the Army High Altitude and Mountain Warfare Training School in Kaisang in coordination with ACAP Jomsom. The army undertook the initiative while providing mountain warfare and disaster response training to personnel deployed in high-altitude and remote hill regions. As part of the exercise, trainees collected waste along the popular trekking route used by tourists traveling from Manang into Mustang.
Comment