KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Deuba to return to Nepal from Hong Kong on August 11
Former Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba is scheduled to return to Nepal from Hong Kong on August 11. According to Nepali Congress leader Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat, Deuba is expected to arrive in Kathmandu on a flight scheduled to land at around 9:45 p.m. Earlier, on July 21, Deuba announced that he would return to Nepal, saying he was coming back to uphold democracy, the Constitution and the national interest while paying tribute to the legacy of BP Koirala. In his statement, Deuba called on political parties, civil society, the younger generation and the public to stand firmly in support of democracy, nationalism, socialism and constitutionalism.
Narayani River crosses warning level as upstream rainfall swells flow
The water level of the Narayani River has crossed the warning threshold due to continuous heavy rainfall in its upstream catchment, prompting authorities to issue flood alerts for riverside communities. Although Chitwan and surrounding areas have not received significant rainfall, persistent rain in the upper watershed has caused a sharp rise in the river’s flow. The District Administration Office, Chitwan, and security agencies have urged residents to remain vigilant, while the Flood Forecasting Division has warned that the river level is likely to continue rising until August 8. Security personnel from the Narayangadh Area Police Office and the Chitwan District Police Office have been deployed along vulnerable riverbanks since Thursday morning.
Home Minister Gurung refuses to set timeline for justice in Nirmala Pant case
Home Minister Sudan Gurung has said the government remains committed to maintaining peace and security while investigations into crimes including murder, violence and rape are being carried out in a systematic manner. Responding to lawmakers’ questions during Thursday’s National Assembly of Nepal meeting, Gurung said security agencies were continuing investigations into unresolved criminal cases. During the meeting, National Assembly member Bishnu Bahadur Bishwakarma questioned why the government had failed to deliver justice to the family of Nirmala Pant and asked when the family would finally receive justice.
Govt urges consumers to report LPG shortage, black marketing
The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies has urged consumers to report any cases of artificial shortage, black marketing or supply-related problems involving liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The secretariat of Industry, Commerce and Supplies Minister Gauri Kumari Yadav issued a public notice requesting consumers facing difficulties in obtaining LPG cylinders or witnessing irregularities in the market to contact 9851116773. The secretariat said complaints received through the hotline would be coordinated with relevant government agencies and immediate initiatives would be taken to resolve supply-related issues.
Home Minister Gurung apologises after remarks on Nirmala Pant case draw criticism
Home Minister Sudan Gurung has apologised for his remarks made during a National Assembly meeting after his response to questions regarding the Nirmala Pant murder case drew criticism. During a discussion on disaster management, Gurung had reacted sharply when National Assembly member Bishnu Bahadur Bishwakarma raised questions about the long-pending investigation into the rape and murder of Nirmala Pant from Kanchanpur. Following criticism over his remarks, Gurung admitted from the parliamentary rostrum that his language had become harsh and apologised to lawmakers. “We still have much to learn from you. We will continue learning. I feel my expression may have been somewhat harsh,” Gurung said while addressing lawmakers. “For that, I apologise and would like to seek forgiveness.”
Bishwo Prakash Sharma: Supreme Court review will reinforce legality of Nepali Congress Special Convention
Nepali Congress Vice President Bishwo Prakash Sharma has said the Supreme Court’s decision to review a case related to the party’s second special general convention will further establish both its legal validity and factual basis. Sharma made the remarks after the Supreme Court granted a petition for review filed by former party president Sher Bahadur Deuba concerning the convention held late last December. The order was issued on Thursday by a full bench comprising Chief Justice Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma and Justices Nityananda Pandey and Shrikanta Paudel. In a statement posted on social media, Sharma said the matter had already undergone extensive judicial examination and that a joint bench had previously settled the case by dismissing the writ petition.
Pragatisheel Loktantrik Party splits less than a year after formation
The Pragatisheel Loktantrik Party, founded ahead of February’s general election by former Maoist leaders Dr. Baburam Bhattarai and Janardan Sharma together with former Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) leader Santosh Pariyar, has formally split less than a year after its establishment. The party, launched as an alternative political force seeking to establish a “third political stream,” officially parted ways on Wednesday following prolonged disagreements over political direction, leadership responsibilities and organizational coordination. An eight-point agreement signed by Presidium members Durga Sob and Santosh Pariyar settled the division of the party’s name, election symbol and other organizational assets.
Indian Army chief to visit Nepal next week
Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth is scheduled to visit Nepal next week, according to government sources. Preparations are underway for the official visit, during which the Indian Army chief will be conferred the honorary rank of General of the Nepal Army in line with the long-standing military tradition between the two countries. Under the practice, the serving army chiefs of Nepal and India visit each other’s countries after assuming office and exchange honorary ranks. The tradition of conferring honorary generalships between the two neighbouring armies has been in place for nearly 75 years and is regarded as a symbol of the close military ties between Nepal and India.
Search continues for elderly couple missing in Sunkoshi River
Search efforts are underway for an elderly couple from Mandandeupur Municipality-7 of Kavrepalanchok who went missing after allegedly jumping into the Sunkoshi River near Dulaleshwor Mahadev Temple on Wednesday evening. According to police, 68-year-old Kedar Nath Parajuli and his 67-year-old wife Tilakumari Parajuli entered the river at around 6:30 pm and have remained missing since. Security personnel from the Armed Police Force, Nepal, Nepal Police and local residents searched the area throughout Wednesday night but were unable to locate them. The search resumed early Thursday morning with additional security teams deployed to the site. Authorities said their status remains unknown.
One killed, 10 injured as bus crashes into Gwarko flyover wall
One person was killed and 10 others were injured after a passenger bus crashed into the wall of the Gwarko flyover in Lalitpur on Thursday morning. According to the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, the accident occurred when a bus (Ba 2 Kha 3590) travelling from Koteshwor towards Satdobato rammed into the flyover wall at Gwarko. Police confirmed that one person died in the crash. The identity of the deceased has not yet been made public. A team from the Nepal Police stationed at Satdobato reached the scene immediately after the accident and rescued the injured.
Government approves revised pay scale for civil servants
The government has approved a revised salary structure for civil servants, clearing the way for its implementation after endorsing a proposal submitted by the Ministry of Finance. The Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers approved the new pay scale, which was submitted by the Ministry of Finance on July 22. Under the revised structure, the minimum monthly salary for civil servants has been increased to Rs 28,984, while the maximum salary has been set at Rs 90,594. The highest salary will be received by the chief secretary, whose monthly pay has been fixed at Rs 90,594. The salary of the Chief of the Nepal Army has also been aligned with that of the chief secretary.
Five arrested with heroin in Kathmandu, Bardiya and Jhapa
Police have arrested five people in separate anti-drug operations in Kathmandu, Bardiya and Jhapa, seizing brown heroin along with cash and other items. According to the Central Police News Desk, officers from the Narcotics Control Bureau arrested three people from a guest house in Mitranagar, Kathmandu, on Wednesday. The suspects—Hit Bahadur Basnet, Ram Krishna Sharma and Dhananjay Paswan—were allegedly found in possession of 43 grams of brown heroin, which police said had been concealed inside a sack of puffed rice. Police also recovered two digital weighing scales, 11 mobile phones and Rs 50,000 in cash during the operation.
Questions over RSP unity as PM Balen, Finance Minister hold separate meetings with regulators
A series of separate meetings held by Prime Minister Balen Shah and Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle with financial regulators and private sector representatives has fuelled speculation of an internal power struggle within the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). Although both leaders have publicly denied any differences, recent engagements have drawn attention after key officials from related agencies were left out of discussions. On Wednesday, Wagle held a meeting with officials of the Nepal Rastra Bank, excluding the governor and deputy governor. During the meeting, he urged central bank officials to go beyond their regulatory role and contribute to the country’s economic transformation.
Heavy rain blocks key highways; night traffic suspended on BP Highway, Kantilokpath
Heavy rainfall has disrupted road transport across several districts, with major highways blocked by landslides and flood damage, while authorities have imposed night-time traffic restrictions on some routes due to safety concerns. According to Nepal Police Headquarters, all types of vehicles have been barred from operating between 6 pm and 4 am on the Khurkot–Nepalthok–Katunjebesi section of the BP Highway linking Kavrepalanchok and Sindhuli. Police said the restriction has been enforced because of the risk of flooding and will remain in place until further notice. Vehicles will be allowed to operate on the section only between 4 am and 6 pm. Night-time traffic has also been suspended on Kantilokpath in Makwanpur from 5 pm to 5 am due to rain-related risks.
UML internal rift stalls provincial power-sharing with NCP despite 11-day-old pact
Eleven days after the CPN-UML and the Nepali Communist Party (NCP) signed a three-point agreement on provincial power-sharing, the deal remains unimplemented, with internal disputes in the UML emerging as the main obstacle. According to leaders familiar with the negotiations, disagreements over the selection of chief ministers in Koshi and Bagmati provinces have delayed government formation, raising concerns over the future of the coalition arrangement. Sources within the UML say party chair KP Sharma Oli is attempting to appoint leaders considered close to him in the provinces, a move that has drawn criticism from several senior leaders who have called for broader consultations before final decisions are made.
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