KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
SC issues interim order against forcible eviction of squatters
The Supreme Court (SC) has issued an interim order directing authorities not to displace squatters without proper management and due process. The order was issued by a joint bench of Justices Kumar Regmi and Nityananda Pandey on Friday. The ruling comes in response to a writ petition filed at the Supreme Court after the government began removing squatter settlements. The petition was filed by Gopal Ranpaheli, a resident of a squatter settlement, along with representatives of squatter groups including Arnab Chaudhary, Ojaswi Bhattarai, Tanuja Pandey, Majid Ansari, Prajwal Bikram Rana, Kabita Rai, and Bikash Kumar Gupta. The petitioners sought a court order to stop the forcible eviction of landless people and squatters from settlements in areas including Thapathali, Manohara, and Sinamangal in Kathmandu, as well as other riverbank settlements across the country.
Govt to collect digital records of landless and unorganized settlers in Kathmandu
The Kathmandu Valley Development Authority, under the leadership of the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, is set to begin collecting integrated digital records of landless squatters and unorganized settlers. According to Deepa Dahal, press and research expert to Prime Minister Balendra Shah, preparations for the digital data collection have reached the final stage. She said that, in the first phase, integrated digital records will be collected from people currently residing both inside and outside the holding centers in Kathmandu, before gradually expanding the process to other districts. The government will issue a public notice requesting those not residing in holding centers to appear at designated data collection centers with the required documents within a specified timeframe.
Nepal committed to resolving border dispute through diplomatic channels: MOFA
The government has reiterated that Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani are integral parts of Nepal and said its position on the issue remains unchanged. Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Lok Bahadur Poudel Chhetri said Nepal has conveyed its serious concerns to both neighboring countries through diplomatic channels regarding the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage route being operated by India and China via Lipulekh, which Nepal claims as its territory. He also recalled that Nepal had previously urged the Indian government not to construct roads in the disputed area. The Ministry stated that Nepal remains committed to resolving the border issue through diplomatic dialogue based on historical treaties, maps, and evidence.
Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s Nepal visit cancelled at the last moment
The scheduled visit of Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to Nepal has been cancelled at the last moment. According to a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Misri was due to arrive in Kathmandu for a two-day visit starting Monday, but the trip was called off unexpectedly. Following the formation of a new government under Balen Shah on March 27, New Delhi had decided to send Foreign Secretary Misri to Kathmandu. During the visit, Misri was also expected to extend an invitation to Prime Minister Shah for an official visit to India. However, the visit did not materialise after the Prime Minister reportedly did not allocate time for a meeting with the visiting Indian official, according to sources. Misri was expected to arrive in Nepal on Sunday for the official programme scheduled for Monday and Tuesday. He had been invited by Nepal’s Foreign Secretary Amrit Rai, and the visit was expected to focus on strengthening bilateral ties and discussing various aspects of the two countries’ multifaceted relations.
Govt removes 15 honorary consuls and consuls general abroad
The government led by Prime Minister Balen Shah has decided to remove 15 honorary consuls general and honorary consuls stationed abroad. Government spokesperson Sasmit Pokharel said the decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting held at Singha Durbar on Friday morning. According to Pokharel, the decision was made on the proposal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to dismiss 15 honorary diplomatic representatives serving in different countries. The Cabinet meeting also decided to request President Ram Chandra Paudel to address the joint session of both houses of the Federal Parliament scheduled for 4 pm on May 11.
Writ petition filed against chief justice recommendation
Senior advocate Dinesh Tripathi has filed a writ petition at the Supreme Court challenging the Constitutional Council’s recommendation for the appointment of a new chief justice. Tripathi registered the petition on Friday morning, arguing that the recommendation of Manoj Kumar Sharma, who ranks fourth in judicial seniority, is against the fundamental constitutional framework governing judicial appointments. In the petition, he claimed that the recommendation amounts to serious interference in judicial independence and represents an attempt to bring the judiciary under executive control. Through the writ, Tripathi has sought an order from the court to annul the Constitutional Council’s recommendation and direct authorities to recommend senior-most Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla for the post of chief justice. On Thursday, Prime Minister Balen Shah had pushed through the recommendation of Justice Sharma over Justice Malla through a majority decision in the Constitutional Council meeting.
NC strongly objects to Constitutional Council ordinance and appointment process
The Nepali Congress (NC) has expressed serious disagreement over the recently issued ordinance related to the Constitutional Council, as well as the decision-making process adopted under it. Party spokesperson Devraj Chalise, issuing a press statement, said the ordinance undermines the fundamental constitutional principles of separation of powers and checks and balances enshrined in the Constitution of Nepal. He said the Constitutional Council was designed under the Constitution to ensure representation of the government, opposition, and independent institutions, thereby safeguarding the autonomy of constitutional bodies. “The Constitution of Nepal has established the Constitutional Council based on the principles of separation of powers and checks and balances,” the statement reads.
Baburam quits Pragatisheel Loktantrik Party
Former Prime Minister (PM) Dr. Baburam Bhattarai has quit the Pragatisheel Loktantrik Party. He had been serving as the party’s patron since its formation ahead of the March 5 elections. Bhattarai informed the party that he wishes to remain independent and not hold any organizational responsibility. Respecting his decision, the party said it accepts his personal choice and extended best wishes for his future. A member of the party’s chairman council said Bhattarai formally announced his departure during a meeting held on Friday. The party also bid farewell to Sudan Kirati, who left the party and joined the Shram Sanskriki Party on the same day.
Squatter struggle committee stages protest in Maitighar against eviction drives
The Squatter Struggle Front staged a protest at Maitighar Mandala in Kathmandu on Friday against the government’s eviction drives. The protesters accused the government of using bulldozers to demolish settlements across the country without providing proper alternatives or rehabilitation, leaving residents displaced and in hardship. Participants in the demonstration chanted slogans against the government while symbolically beating plates and spoons as part of their protest. The protesters said that removing settlements without ensuring alternative housing violates human rights and urged the government to immediately stop such actions. They also demanded that the government identify genuine squatters and ensure proper resettlement and rehabilitation measures for affected families.
Applications invited for Vice Chancellors in eight universities
Applications have been called for the appointment of Vice Chancellors in eight universities that currently have vacant leadership positions. The Vice Chancellor Selection and Recommendation Committee has issued a public notice inviting eligible candidates to apply for the posts. According to the Committee, applications have been opened for the positions of Vice Chancellor at Tribhuvan University, Purbanchal University, Pokhara University, Lumbini Buddhist University, Agriculture and Forestry University, Madhyapashchim University, Sudurpaschim University, and Rajarshi Janak University. Interested candidates have been requested to submit applications through the link provided on the website of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology within 10 days from the date of notice.
Harka Sampang criticizes Deputy Speaker over Constitutional Council decision
Harka Sampang has objected to Deputy Speaker Rubi Kumari Thakur supporting Prime Minister Balen Shah during Thursday’s Constitutional Council meeting. Sampang, who is also a member of the House of Representatives, expressed serious concern over the ordinance related to the Constitutional Council and the process adopted for appointing the new chief justice. In a statement issued on Friday, Sampang said it was wrong to bypass Parliament and pressure the head of state into promulgating the Constitutional Council ordinance. He argued that such actions could not be justified under any circumstances. Sampang also accused the government of committing another “serious mistake” by recommending Manoj Kumar Sharma, who is fourth in seniority, for the post of chief justice.
PMO directs mining of riverine and mineral resources to follow approved standards
The Office of the Prime Minister (PMO) and Council of Ministers has directed all concerned ministries and government bodies to ensure that the extraction and collection of riverine and mineral resources are carried out strictly in accordance with approved standards, environmental impact assessments, and prevailing laws. According to the directive, the office has taken note of complaints and reports indicating that the extraction, collection, transportation, sale, and distribution of construction materials such as stone, gravel, sand, and soil are being conducted improperly at the local level. The directive emphasizes that the mining, collection, transportation, and use of riverine and mineral resources must be managed in a systematic, transparent, and sustainable manner in line with existing laws, standards, and policies related to natural resource conservation. The objective is to prevent shortages of such materials needed for development and construction projects while discouraging their excessive exploitation.
Chief Justice appointee Sharma, Acting CJ Malla skip Supreme Court benches
Acting Chief Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla and Justice Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma, who was recently recommended for appointment as the next Chief Justice, were absent from all Supreme Court benches on Friday. The Supreme Court constituted 14 benches for the day, but neither Malla nor Sharma participated in any of the hearings. The remaining benches were operated by 15 other judges. On Thursday, the Constitutional Council recommended Justice Sharma for the post of Chief Justice. Despite Acting Chief Justice Malla being first in the seniority order, the council selected Sharma, who was fourth in the seniority roll, for the position.
Sudan Kirati joins Shram Sanskriti Party
Former minister Sudan Kirati has joined the Shram Sanskriti Party. Party Chairperson Harka Sampang formally welcomed Kirati into the party during a program held in Kathmandu on Friday. Following the unification, Kirati has been placed in the party’s second-highest leadership rank and appointed vice-chairperson of the Shram Sanskriti Party. According to party sources, the Kirati faction will also receive representation in the party structure, including one senior leader, one secretary, and 15 central committee members.
EU pledges continued support for Nepal’s education sector
The European Union has expressed its readiness to deepen cooperation with Nepal by supporting key priority areas of the government, particularly in the education sector. During a meeting with Minister for Education, Science and Technology Sasmit Pokharel today, EU Ambassador Veronique Lorenzo said the EU is ready to support the key priorities of Nepal’s new government. The courtesy meeting, held at the ministry in Singha Durbar, focused on bilateral relations, cooperation in the education sector, and other areas of mutual interest.
Upcoming budget likely to be presented from new HoR Hall
The new session of both houses of the Federal Parliament will begin on Monday, May 11. President Ram Chandra Paudel, on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers, has summoned sessions of the House of Representatives and the National Assembly at Singha Durbar at 2:00 pm on Monday. As construction of the new Federal Parliament building has not yet been completed, the House of Representatives meeting will once again be held in the multipurpose hall of the under-construction parliament complex. The National Assembly session will continue to be held in its existing chamber at the former Parliament Secretariat. However, Parliament Secretariat Spokesperson Ekram Giri said the contractor company has verbally informed authorities that the new House of Representatives chamber is expected to be ready by May 29, when the government is scheduled to present the annual budget during a joint session of the Federal Parliament.
Nepal ‘A’ defeats USA in one-day match
Nepal ‘A’ defeated the United States by three wickets in a one-day match played today at the Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground. Chasing a target of 263 runs, Nepal ‘A’ reached 264 for 7 with five balls to spare. Mayan Yadav was the standout performer for Nepal, scoring a crucial 72 runs off 80 balls, including four fours and two sixes, guiding the team to a strong position. Earlier, opener Trit Raj Das contributed 23 runs, while captain Anil Sah made 27. Dev Khanal scored 17 runs, and Sandeep Jora added 36 in the middle order. Kushal Malla chipped in with 33 runs. Pawan Saraf played a quick-fire unbeaten 24 off 15 balls at the end, hitting one four and two sixes to steer Nepal home. Deepak Dumre remained not out on 2 as Nepal successfully chased the target in 49.1 overs.
Lawmakers set to debate key political issues in upcoming session
The new session of the Federal Parliament is set to begin on Monday, May 11. President Ramchandra Paudel has already summoned sessions of both the House of Representatives and the National Assembly for 2 pm on Monday at Singha Durbar on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers. As construction of the new Federal Parliament building has not yet been completed, the House of Representatives meeting will once again be held in the multipurpose hall of the under-construction Parliament building. Similarly, the National Assembly session will continue to operate from the existing National Assembly hall within the Parliament Secretariat premises.
NEPSE index gains 27 points
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index surged by 27.49 points on the final trading day of the week, closing at 2,745.65 points, up 1.01 percent. According to NEPSE, a total of 7.47 million shares of 335 companies were traded through 53,014 transactions, generating a turnover of Rs 3.28 billion on Friday. All sectoral indices posted gains in Thursday’s trading session. The banking subgroup rose by 0.67 percent, development banks by 0.95 percent, finance by 1.87 percent, hotels and tourism by 1.48 percent, hydropower by 1.71 percent, investment by 1.10 percent, life insurance by 0.62 percent, and manufacturing and processing by 1.40 percent. Similarly, the microfinance subgroup increased by 0.16 percent, mutual funds by 0.55 percent, non-life insurance by 1.52 percent, and the “others” group by 1.13 percent.
Traffic checks intensified across Kathmandu Valley
Traffic police have intensified vehicle inspections across the Kathmandu Valley to reduce road accidents amid increasing traffic congestion. A special traffic monitoring campaign has been launched on major roads, intersections, and key entry points into the Valley, including Nagdhunga. According to the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, special surveillance has been increased on passenger and cargo vehicles with a focus on minimizing traffic accidents. The campaign targets vehicles violating traffic rules, carrying passengers beyond capacity, operating in poor mechanical condition, and drivers involved in drunk or reckless driving. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Nawaraj Adhikari, chief of the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, has been personally leading the campaign on the roads, according to traffic police spokesperson and Superintendent of Police Naresh Raj Subedi.
Monsoon to bring below-average rainfall this year, higher temperatures expected: DHM
The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) has projected that most parts of the country will receive below-average rainfall during this year’s monsoon season. The department has also forecast that both maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to remain above average. The DHM shared the seasonal outlook during a programme organised in Lalitpur on Friday, where officials briefed about the likely monsoon pattern. According to meteorologist Sudarshan Humagain, most regions across the country are expected to receive less than average rainfall, although the intensity varies by geography. The department’s projection shows a 55 to 65 percent probability of below-average rainfall in the southern parts of Karnali Province, most areas of Lumbini Province, eastern parts of Madhesh Province, and southern areas of Koshi Province.
Enhance disaster preparedness for improved forecasting: Minister Shrestha
Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Biraj Bhakta Shrestha has stressed the need to strengthen disaster preparedness for effective weather forecasting, saying it would help minimize the loss of lives and property. Speaking at an event organized by the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology on Friday, Minister Shrestha said the use of water and weather data is crucial for reducing damage to social, economic, and physical infrastructure caused by rain-induced disasters. He also emphasized that accurate weather forecasting is equally important for the agriculture sector, particularly in crop management, irrigation, and production planning.
11,600 cooperatives in process of registering for savings and loan operations
Around 11,600 cooperatives are in the process of registering with the National Cooperative Regulatory Authority (NCRA) to conduct savings and loan transactions. The Authority has initiated the registration process for cooperatives operating savings and credit services across the country with the aim of making the sector more systematic, transparent, and reliable. Among the cooperatives that applied online for registration, licenses have already been issued to around 3,000 institutions. The Authority is currently verifying documents submitted by the remaining cooperatives and reviewing incomplete applications. The government established the NCRA a year ago after concerns grew over the safety of depositors’ funds due to weak regulation, monitoring, and supervision in the cooperative sector.
Nepali Army begins high-altitude search and rescue exercise in Mustang
The Nepali Army has begun a two-day “High Altitude Search and Rescue” exercise in Mustang district. The exercise, organized by the Indrabaks Battalion based in Jomsom of Gharpajhong Rural Municipality, started on Thursday. According to the battalion, the training aims to minimize risks and accidents in high Himalayan regions caused by oxygen deficiency, extreme cold, and geographical remoteness, while also strengthening search and rescue operations in difficult terrain. More than 55 personnel are participating in the exercise, including four teams from Bhairavi Dal Gulma in neighboring Manang district, the Indrabaks Battalion, and the Military High School Kaisang.
Shekhar Golchha returns to work after release from custody
Businessman Shekhar Golchha returned to work today after being released from custody in connection with securities and insurance-related offenses. The Kathmandu District Court refused to grant permission to keep Golchha in custody for further investigation in the insurance-related case, paving the way for authorities to investigate him while he remains out of detention. Golchha, who was arrested on April 23 in connection with securities and insurance-related offenses, was released from custody on May 5. His statement in both cases has already been recorded, although detention hearing proceedings are still pending. In the securities-related case, the Kathmandu District Court had earlier ordered his release on a bail amount of Rs 500,000. However, immediately after posting bail and securing release, he was detained again by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police for investigation into another offense under the Insurance Act.
Cameras installed at 56 locations for snow leopard census
Cameras have been installed for the first time in Nepal’s only hunting reserve, Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, to conduct a snow leopard census. Three teams reached elevations ranging from 3,200 to 5,500 meters and installed 56 sensor cameras over a period of 15 days. Although snow leopards are known to inhabit the high-altitude areas of the reserve — where blue sheep (naur) and Himalayan tahr (jharal) are legally hunted — no formal census had previously been carried out. Technicians, reserve staff, and enumerators have now completed the installation process to determine the exact population of snow leopards in the area.
Gold and silver prices continue to rise
The prices of gold and silver increased again in the local market today compared to Thursday. The price of gold rose by Rs 1,300 per tola, while silver increased by Rs 120 per tola. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Associations, gold was traded at Rs 299,900 per tola in the local market today, while silver was priced at Rs 5,275 per tola. On Thursday, gold was traded at Rs 298,600 per tola and silver at Rs 5,155 per tola. Similarly, on Wednesday, gold was traded at Rs 296,800 per tola, while silver was priced at Rs 5,050 per tola. According to international media reports, gold is being traded at around USD 4,715 per ounce in the international market today, while silver is priced at USD 79 per ounce.
Armake waterfall in Myagdi awaits tourism development
The scenic Armake waterfall in Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality-4 has remained largely neglected due to a lack of infrastructure, management, and promotion. Located near Bagar Jeltung, the last human settlement along the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek route, the waterfall is considered one of the area’s attractive natural sites. Cascading in two tiers from a high mountain, the waterfall flows into the Myagdi River below. A lake has formed at the base of the nearly 200-meter-high waterfall, while a natural hot spring is located nearby. Visitors often stop to view the waterfall from a distance and capture photographs and videos, but the site itself remains largely deserted despite its beauty. Local representatives have expressed interest in developing the area into a tourism destination through improved infrastructure, management, and promotion.
Concrete bridge completed at Kaikukhola along Kaligandaki Corridor
A concrete bridge has been constructed at Kaikukhola along the Beni–Jomsom–Korala road, enabling smooth vehicular movement on the key mountain highway. The Beni–Jomsom–Korala Road Planning Office has built a 20-metre-long concrete bridge in Thasang Rural Municipality. Information Officer and Engineer Jem Kumar Baitha said traffic has already resumed following the completion of the structure. The contract for the bridge was signed at a cost of Rs 53.46 million. Along with the bridge construction, access road improvement works and flood and erosion protection structures have also been completed.
Displaced Thapathali resident says hotel life feels ‘worse than prison’ after eviction
Sabina Malla, who had lived in the Thapathali informal settlement in Kathmandu for the past two decades, says her family is now struggling to survive in a cramped hotel room after being displaced by a government eviction drive. Malla and her family are currently staying at a hotel in Balaju arranged by the government after authorities used bulldozers to clear the settlement. However, she says the conditions have left her family feeling “like prisoners.” “We are two elderly parents. We have two daughters, one aged 25 and another 18, and a 20-year-old son. My married elder daughter also has a child,” she told Khabarhub. “All of us are living in a single room. Grown-up children are forced to sleep on the same bed. It breaks my heart. One or two nights could be managed, but how long are we supposed to live like this?” Originally from Rautahat, Malla had come to Kathmandu in search of work while still a teenager. She worked in a carpet factory, where she later married a fellow worker.
‘Honey hunting’ festival to be held in Khotang
A ‘Honey Hunting’ festival is set to be organized in Kepilasgadhi Rural Municipality of Khotang in the first week of Jestha. The festival aims to promote tourism while conserving the endangered Himalayan cliff bee. The event will be held on June 3 at Phedi in coordination with the Koshi Province Government and the Ministry of Tourism, Forest and Environment. According to Rural Municipality Chairperson Samir Rai, the festival is expected to contribute significantly to both bee conservation and tourism promotion. Phedi lies along the ‘Mundum Trail,’ one of the 100 tourist destinations identified by the Government of Nepal. “Bees are found on many cliffs in the rural municipality. This year, in coordination with the provincial government, we are organizing the ‘Honey Hunting’ Festival to help conserve the endangered species and connect it with tourism,” Rai said.
Mobile camp benefits more than 3,300 residents in Taplejung
More than 3,300 local residents benefited from a four-day integrated mobile service camp organized by Mauwakhola Rural Municipality in Taplejung. The mobile camp was conducted across all six wards of the rural municipality. The final camp was held in Ward No. 5, where more than 800 local residents received various public services. According to Administrative Officer Skima Yakha, similar integrated mobile camps were organized in areas including Dhungesangu, Phakumba, and other locations across the municipality’s wards. The rural municipality stated that 13 different sections participated in the initiative, providing services related to healthcare, vital registration, agricultural development, planning and infrastructure, enterprise development, and information technology.
One killed in tipper-motorcycle collision in Nawalparasi
One person was killed and another injured after a tipper truck struck a motorcycle in Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta East). According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Anil Pandit of the District Police Office, Nawalpur, the accident occurred at Thumsi in Gaindakot Municipality-9 along the East-West Highway when a tipper truck (Na 7 Kha 8621) hit a motorcycle (Lu 41 Pa 9237) traveling in the same direction. The deceased has been identified as 35-year-old Jamuna Giri Thapa of Devchuli Municipality-10. She sustained critical injuries in the crash and died while undergoing treatment at Chitwan Medical College in Bharatpur.
Koshi Province to promote adventure tourism
Chief Minister of Koshi Province, Hikmat Kumar Karki, has said the provincial government will actively promote adventure tourism to position Koshi Province on the international tourism map. He also announced plans to host international sporting events in the province. CM Karki made these remarks while inaugurating a three-day International Paragliding Premier League Competition in Dharan, organized by the Nepal Paragliding and Hang Gliding Association. He said tourism promotion is closely linked not only to provincial identity but also to national economic growth, capital formation, and overall development.
Scooter rider dies in accident
A scooter rider was killed after a jeep collided with her vehicle at Sapahichowk in Laxminiya Rural Municipality-4, Dhanusha, on Friday. The deceased has been identified as Punam Shah, 30, a local resident. Shah sustained serious injuries in the accident, which occurred along the Dhalkebar–Janakpur road section, and died while being taken to Provincial Hospital Janakpur. According to the Area Police Office, Mahendranagar, Shah was riding an electric scooter, reportedly on a test ride, when it was struck by a jeep (Ba Pra 01-031 Cha 9063). Following the incident, police arrested the jeep driver, Naresh Rathi, 52, of Biratnagar Metropolitan City-7, Morang. Further investigation into the accident is underway.
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