KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Kulman submits resignation to the Prime Minister
Minister for Energy, Physical Infrastructure and Urban Development Kulman Ghising has resigned from his post. He submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Wednesday. Ghising resigned in preparation for filing his candidacy in the House of Representatives election scheduled for Falgun 21. He had taken the oath of office as minister on Bhadra 30 and is also scheduled to announce his resignation formally at a press conference later on Wednesday evening.
Harka Sampang announces House of Representatives candidacy from Sunsari-1
Central Chair of the Labour Culture Party and Mayor of Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City, Harka Raj Rai (Sampang), has announced his candidacy for the House of Representatives election from Sunsari constituency No. 1, scheduled for March 5. Sampang made the announcement through a Facebook post, confirming that he would contest the parliamentary election from Sunsari-1. “I will contest the House of Representatives election from Sunsari constituency No. 1. Jai Maato, Jai Desh,” he wrote.
Birgunj gradually returns to normal after curfew lifted
Normal life in Birgunj of Parsa district is gradually returning to normal from today after an all-party and all-sides meeting resolved the dispute that had erupted between two communities of different social and religious backgrounds. The District Administration Office (DAO), Parsa had imposed a curfew in Birgunj Metropolitan City for two consecutive days after tensions flared following a protest demonstration on Sunday. The curfew was lifted on Tuesday from 3:00 pm, after which shops began reopening gradually. Schools, markets and factories have resumed full operation from today.
One-third of vehicles fail emission test as surprise pollution checks intensify in Kathmandu Valley
The Department of Environment has intensified surprise inspections on roads across the Kathmandu Valley to reduce air pollution caused by motor vehicles. As part of the drive, on-the-spot emission tests were conducted on diesel and petrol vehicles plying the Baneshwor–Maitighar road section on Wednesday. A total of 36 diesel and petrol vehicles were inspected during the operation. Of them, 12 vehicles failed to meet the prescribed emission standards, accounting for around 33–34 percent of the tested vehicles.
Minister Kharel says he is not affiliated with any political part
Minister for Communications and Information Technology Jagdish Kharel has clarified that he is not affiliated with any political party as of now. Speaking at a program organized in Bhaktapur on Wednesday to mark the 29th anniversary of the Bhaktapur District Chapter of the Federation of Nepali Journalists, Minister Kharel said he has neither joined any party nor held any discussions or negotiations regarding party entry. Referring to ongoing speculation about his political future, he stated that he has not made any decision on whether to contest elections.
NCP finalizes candidates for National Assembly election
The Nepali Communist Party (NCP) has finalized its candidates for the upcoming National Assembly member election scheduled for January 25. The decision was taken by party coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ and co-coordinator Madhav Kumar Nepal. According to Govinda Acharya, personal secretary to coordinator Dahal, the party has selected Khem Raj Sundas, Hem Raj Ghimire and Namita Neupane from Koshi Province. From Madhesh Province, Ramnandan Prasad, Laxman Paudel, Shambhu Paswan and Samikumari Agrawal have been finalized as candidates.
Amid internal disputes, NC disgruntled faction announces special general convention
The disgruntled faction of Nepali Congress (NC) has announced a special general convention in the midst of internal disagreements, with supporters stating that it has become a necessary step due to delays in holding the 15th general convention. The Special General Convention Communication and Publicity Committee held a press conference and announced that the special convention will be held on January 11 and 12 in Kathmandu.
NEPSE slips 13.35 points amid Rs 5.17 billion turnover
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index declined by 13.35 points on Wednesday, closing at 2,635.94 points. The benchmark index slipped amid a total trading turnover of Rs 5.17 billion. A total of 187 companies witnessed a fall in their share prices, while the prices of 62 companies increased. Shares of 10 companies remained unchanged during the trading session.
Nepal added to U.S. visa bond pilot program; travelers may need up to $15,000
The U.S. government has expanded its list of countries whose citizens might be required to post a financial bond of up to $15,000 to secure a U.S. visitor visa, adding 25 new nations including Nepal. With these additions, the pilot program now covers a total of 38 countries. According to the U.S. State Department, the new rule for countries such as Nepal will start on January 21. Under the policy, applicants who are otherwise eligible for B‑1 or B‑2 visas may have to submit a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, with the specific amount set during the visa interview, Reuters reported.
Gagan Thapa registers dissent over NC decision on UML alliance, National Assembly candidates
Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Thapa has expressed a dissenting opinion on the party’s decision to forge an electoral alliance with the CPN-UML and the process adopted to select candidates for the National Assembly elections. Thapa registered his dissent during the NC Central Working Committee meeting held at Sanepa on Wednesday, objecting to what he described as the undermining of the party’s Central Committee and the Parliamentary Board in the candidate selection process.
Chaku demand doubles in Kathmandu Valley as Maghe Sankranti approaches
As the Maghe Sankranti festival draws closer, demand for chaku (molasses) has doubled across the Kathmandu Valley this year, according to traditional producers. Surendra Joshi, a chaku producer from Patan in Lalitpur, said production pressure has increased significantly with the festive rush driving up market demand. He noted that factories have become busier than usual as Maghe Sankranti nears, a period when chaku sales peak annually.
Trump announces 30–50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil to U.S., tensions rise after Maduro capture
U.S. President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that Venezuela will supply 30 to 50 million barrels of oil to the United States at market prices, pledging that proceeds from the sale will benefit the people of both countries. The announcement comes amid heightened tensions following a U.S. military operation in Caracas that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Rastriya Swatantra Party faces criticism over lack of inclusivity in leadership team
The newly emerged Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has come under fire for failing to uphold inclusivity in its recently announced leadership team. The party’s 11-member central team includes only one female office-bearer, sparking criticism from political observers and activists who question the party’s commitment to constitutional principles. The leadership lineup includes party chair Rabi Lamichhane, senior leaders Balen Shah and Kulman Ghising, vice chair Dol Prasad Aryal and Dr. Swarnim Wagle, general secretaries Kabindra Burlakoti and Sunil Lamsal, co-general secretaries Bipin Kumar Acharya, Jitram Waiba, Bhupadev Shah, and, finally, treasurer Lima Adhikari, the sole woman in the team.
NCP to field separate candidates in National Assembly elections
The Nepali Communist Party (NCP), led by coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda,’ has decided to field its own candidates in the upcoming National Assembly elections. Party leader Dev Gurung confirmed to Khabarhub that the NCP will nominate candidates independently from each province. Gurung said, “We initially requested four seats based on vote share, but when the allocation did not meet our demand, we decided to proceed with our own nominations.”
Silver hits record high as gold prices edge down
Silver prices hit a new record high in the domestic market on Wednesday, according to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association. The price of silver was fixed at Rs 4,935 per tola, marking an increase of Rs 55 compared to the previous day. On Tuesday, silver was traded at Rs 4,880 per tola. This is the highest price ever recorded for silver in Nepal, surpassing the previous record of Rs 4,895 per tola set on December 29, 2025.
Communications Minister Kharel meets RPP Chair Lingden over election environment
Minister for Communications and Information Technology Jagdish Kharel held talks with Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Chair Rajendra Lingden on election-related matters. The meeting took place at Lingden’s residence in Lubhu Lamatar, where discussions focused on creating a conducive environment for the upcoming elections, according to Minister Kharel. During the meeting, RPP Chair Lingden reaffirmed his party’s commitment to participating in the elections.
CPN-UML finalizes six candidates for National Assembly election
The CPN-UML has finalized the names of six candidates for the National Assembly election scheduled for January 25. The party is contesting the election in alliance with other political forces and has secured seven seats under the broader electoral arrangement involving the Nepali Congress, CPN (Maoist Centre) and JSP-Nepal. However, UML has yet to finalize one candidate from Madhesh Province.
Comment