KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Sudan Gurung and Mahabir Pun take oath as ministers
Sudan Gurung and Mahabir Pun have taken the oath of office and secrecy as ministers. President Ram Chandra Paudel administered the oath of office at Sheetal Niwas on Tuesday. Gurung, who had resigned from the Home Ministry on April 22, has now returned to the same portfolio. Meanwhile, Mahabir Pun, who previously served as Education Minister in the interim government led by Sushila Karki, has been assigned the Ministry of Science and Innovation. He is also noted as an independent candidate who won a seat in Myagdi.
PM Shah reappoints Sudan Gurung disregarding NHRC report
The government led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah has come under criticism after deciding to reappoint Sudan Gurung as Home Minister despite a report by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) identifying him as a key figure in the escalation of last year’s Gen-Z protests. The controversy has intensified as the government had earlier acted swiftly on the findings of a separate commission investigating the same protests, leading to the arrest of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak. The Gen-Z movement, held on September 8 and 9, 2025, was investigated by a commission headed by former judge Gauri Bahadur Karki. Acting on the commission’s report, the newly formed Shah administration arrested Oli and Lekhak a day after assuming office on March 28.
Newly appointed Home Minister Sudan Gurung announces four major decisions, including fresh Narayanhiti massacre probe
Newly appointed Home Minister Sudan Gurung has taken four major decisions immediately after assuming office for the second time. Speaking after taking charge on Tuesday, Gurung said decisions were made on several sensitive issues, including a fresh investigation into the Narayanhiti royal massacre. He said a task force would be formed to study whether criminal cases related to the Gen-Z movement protests held last Bhadra could be withdrawn or not. Gurung also announced that a new investigation process would be initiated into the Narayanhiti Royal Palace massacre of Jestha 19, 2058 BS, in which then King Birendra and members of the royal family were killed.
Opposition to continue House protest until PM apologises over border remarks
Opposition parties represented in the House of Representatives have decided to continue obstructing parliamentary proceedings until Prime Minister Balen Shah withdraws and apologises for his remarks on border issues. The decision was made during a meeting of opposition parties held on Tuesday at the parliamentary party office of the main opposition, Nepali Congress, in Singha Durbar. According to UML Chief Whip Ain Mahara, the meeting concluded that the Prime Minister’s statement suggesting that Nepal had also encroached on Indian territory was against national interests and must be retracted immediately.
Mahabir Pun vows to complete plans within three years
Newly appointed Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation Mahabir Pun has said he will not remain in office for five years, claiming he can accomplish his plans within three years through dedicated work. Speaking to journalists after assuming office on Tuesday, Pun said he intends to work tirelessly to achieve the ministry’s goals within three years, despite the government’s five-year term. “I will not stay in the ministry for five years. If I work day and night, I can complete my plans within three years,” Pun said.
Remittance inflows surge 41.2% to Rs 1.91 trillion in 10 months
Nepal’s remittance inflows increased by 41.2 percent in the first 10 months of the current fiscal year, reaching more than Rs 1.91 trillion, according to the latest report of the Nepal Rastra Bank. The Current Macroeconomic and Financial Situation Report, released on Tuesday, shows that remittance inflows stood at Rs 1,916.90 billion by mid-May. In the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year, remittance inflows had grown by 13.3 percent. The report also shows that net secondary income (net transfers) reached Rs 2,091.86 billion during the review period, compared to Rs 1,480.28 billion in the same period last year.
UML forms nationwide consultation program for party review and restructuring
The CPN-UML has decided to launch a nationwide consultation program as part of its election review and organizational restructuring process. A meeting of the task force led by party Vice-Chair Ram Bahadur Thapa was held on Tuesday at the party headquarters in Chyasal under the chief presence of party Chair KP Sharma Oli. The meeting focused on strengthening party organization and determining its future political direction. According to party publicity department chief Niraj Acharya, the task force has prepared a work plan to conduct nationwide consultations until July 3.
Forex reserves surpass Rs 3.7 trillion, sufficient to cover over 19 months of imports
Nepal’s total foreign exchange reserves crossed Rs 3.7 trillion by mid-May of the current fiscal year, according to a report published by the Nepal Rastra Bank on Tuesday. The central bank stated that total foreign exchange reserves increased by 38.3 percent to Rs 3,704.55 billion as of mid-May 2026, up from Rs 2,677.68 billion recorded in mid-July 2025. Of the total reserves, holdings with the Nepal Rastra Bank rose by 36.6 percent to Rs 3,298.38 billion from Rs 2,414.64 billion during the same period.
Home Minister moves to withdraw criminal cases linked to Gen-Z movement
Newly appointed Home Minister Sudan Gurung has initiated a process to withdraw criminal cases filed in connection with the Gen-Z movement protests held on September 8 and 9, 2025. While assuming office at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Singha Durbar on Tuesday, Gurung announced that a separate task force will be formed to study whether criminal charges filed against individuals involved in the protests can be withdrawn. He said the task force will submit a report with recommendations on the possibility of withdrawing or continuing the cases, and described the initiative as one of his first decisions as Home Minister.
Rabi Lamichhane gets relief from Parsa court as organised crime charge dropped
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) chair Rabi Lamichhane has received legal relief after the Parsa District Court allowed the revision of “organised crime” charges filed against him. A single bench of Judge Mohan Subedi at the Parsa District Court granted permission to amend the charge sheet, effectively removing the organised crime allegation against Lamichhane. With the court order, the serious organised crime charge against him will no longer proceed, marking a significant legal relief for Lamichhane and his party.
Mahabir Pun appointed as Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation
Independent lawmaker Mahabir Pun has been appointed as the Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation. According to the government, Pun will take the oath of office and secrecy at 3 PM today at Sheetal Niwas, the Office of the President. The appointment comes after the government restructured its ministries, reducing the total number from 25 to 18, and creating a separate Ministry for Science, Technology and Innovation. Pun, a well-known social innovator and entrepreneur, had long been advocating for the establishment of a dedicated ministry focused on science, research, and technological development.
Five Indian women arrested for snatching gold chains at Pashupatinath Temple
Five Indian nationals have been arrested on charges of snatching gold chains from devotees visiting the Pashupatinath Temple premises. According to the District Police Range Kathmandu, the suspects were taken into custody at around 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday from the temple area in Kathmandu Metropolitan City-8. The arrested individuals have been identified as Anju Chamar, 35, Rupsana Chamar, 29, Aarti Chamar, 30, Rinku Chamar, 35, and Nandani Chamar, 18, all residents of Nausar in Gorakhpur, India.
House of Representatives adjourned after opposition continues obstruction
The meeting of the House of Representatives has been adjourned after opposition parties continued their obstruction of parliamentary proceedings. The House had earlier been postponed until Tuesday after opposition lawmakers disrupted Monday’s session. As opposition parties again blocked proceedings on Tuesday, demanding that Prime Minister Balendra Shah appear before Parliament and respond to their concerns, Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal announced that the House would remain adjourned until tomorrow.
Health Ministry to recover Rs 17.88 million in unpaid fees from 11 health institutions
The Ministry of Health and Food Safety has decided to recover a total of Rs 17.88 million in outstanding regulatory fees from 11 health institutions that failed to pay mandatory charges based on their bed capacity. The decision was made following instructions from Health Minister Nisha Mehta and as part of the ministry’s efforts to strengthen accountability and compliance within the health sector. According to the ministry, the recovery process has been initiated to promote good governance, transparency, and legal accountability in healthcare administration. The move also addresses irregularities highlighted in the Auditor General’s report.
Govt pushes promotion of domestic products, focuses on DDC expansion
The government has shown special initiative to promote domestic production as a matter of national pride. A detailed discussion was held in today’s Cabinet meeting regarding nationwide promotion and market expansion of products of the state-owned Dairy Development Corporation (DDC). Minister for Agriculture, Forest and Environment Gita Chaudhary raised the agenda of promoting DDC products as a key priority during the meeting. She stressed the need to prioritize the use and promotion of domestic dairy products to protect local farmers’ interests and strengthen the commercial capacity of the corporation.
Govt publishes list of essential services where strikes are prohibited
The government has published a list of sectors where strikes and shutdowns are not allowed. Issuing a notice in the Nepal Gazette, the government made public the list of services considered essential where bandh and strike activities have been prohibited. The decision was made by exercising the authority provided under Section 3(1) of the Essential Services Operation Act, 2014, which restricts strikes in essential service sectors. The move is aimed at ensuring uninterrupted public services and maintaining regular operations in critical sectors.
UML forms nationwide consultation program for party review and restructuring
The CPN-UML has decided to launch a nationwide consultation program as part of its election review and organizational restructuring process. A meeting of the task force led by party Vice-Chair Ram Bahadur Thapa was held on Tuesday at the party headquarters in Chyasal under the chief presence of party Chair KP Sharma Oli. The meeting focused on strengthening party organization and determining its future political direction. According to party publicity department chief Niraj Acharya, the task force has prepared a work plan to conduct nationwide consultations until July 3.
Opposition parties meet at Congress parliamentary office after PM Shah refuses to respond
Opposition parties, including the main opposition Nepali Congress, have convened a joint meeting at the Nepali Congress Parliamentary Party office in Singha Durbar to formulate their next strategy after Prime Minister Balen Shah declined to appear in Parliament and respond to concerns raised by lawmakers. Political controversy has intensified since Prime Minister Shah’s statement on Jestha 17, in which he claimed that Nepal had also encroached upon Indian territory. Despite mounting criticism, Shah has not agreed to apologize or provide clarification in the House. During Tuesday’s parliamentary session, opposition lawmakers strongly objected to both the Prime Minister’s remarks and alleged alterations made to the Economic Bill by Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle.
Govt publishes list of essential services where strikes are prohibited
The government has published a list of sectors where strikes and shutdowns are not allowed. Issuing a notice in the Nepal Gazette, the government made public the list of services considered essential where bandh and strike activities have been prohibited. The decision was made by exercising the authority provided under Section 3(1) of the Essential Services Operation Act, 2014, which restricts strikes in essential service sectors. The move is aimed at ensuring uninterrupted public services and maintaining regular operations in critical sectors.
Traffic halted along BP Highway amid rising Roshi River flow
Vehicular movement along the BP Highway has been suspended from 12:30 PM today due to potential risks caused by rising water levels in the Roshi River. According to DSP Rabin Bista of the District Police Office, Dhulikhel, all types of vehicles have been restricted in the Roshi section of the highway as a precautionary safety measure for passengers and vehicles. He added that vehicles traveling via the BP Highway have been halted at Dhulikhel in Kavrepalanchok and, in coordination with the District Security Committee of Sindhuli, at Khurkot and Nepalthok.
RPP demands resignation of Finance Minister over alleged tax rate changes in budget
The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) has demanded the resignation of Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle, accusing him of arbitrary changes in tax rates mentioned in the budget for the fiscal year 2026/27. Speaking at the House of Representatives meeting on Tuesday, RPP Whip Khusbu Oli said that it would be appropriate for the Finance Minister to step aside, at least temporarily. During her remarks, Minister Wagle was present in Parliament and was seen smiling as the opposition raised concerns over the issue.
National Assembly meeting obstructed over PM’s remarks on Nepal–India border issue
The National Assembly meeting was obstructed on Tuesday after lawmakers demanded the withdrawal of Prime Minister’s remarks regarding the Nepal–India border dispute. As soon as the meeting began, National Assembly members stood up in protest, taking a firm stance that parliamentary proceedings would not move forward unless the Prime Minister corrected his statement. Following the continued obstruction, the meeting was postponed until June 11. Earlier in the session, National Assembly member Narayan Dutta Mishra said that while citizens from both Nepal and India are seen engaging in farming activities across the border, Nepal has not encroached upon Indian territory.
NC demands leadership change in Lumbini Province, coalition dispute surfaces
A dispute has surfaced within the ruling coalition over a possible leadership change in Lumbini Province, with the CPN (UML) and Nepali Congress at odds over a prior power-sharing agreement. The Nepali Congress has maintained that it should take over the leadership of the provincial government in line with an earlier agreement between the two parties. A meeting of the Nepali Congress parliamentary party held late Monday decided not to recall its ministers from the provincial government until the leadership handover is ensured. The meeting, held shortly after the presentation of the provincial policy and program, also decided to coordinate with the central leadership regarding the transfer of leadership.
Cabinet approves key decisions on hydropower projects, civil service rules and Red Cross committee
The Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Balen Shah on Monday has taken four major decisions related to administrative, energy, and institutional matters. The meeting decided to grant approval for the use of national forest areas for the Lower Arun Hydropower Project, Lower Nyadi Khola Hydropower Project, Ghunsa Khola Hydropower Project, and Tadi Khola Hydropower Project. With the decision, construction work on these hydropower projects is expected to move forward.
ANFA President, General Secretary barred from traveling to FIFA World Cup
Two officials of the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) were stopped from traveling to watch the FIFA World Cup football tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada. The Immigration Department at Tribhuvan International Airport stopped ANFA President Pankaj Bikram Nembang and General Secretary Kiran Rai from departing the country, acting on a letter sent by the National Sports Council (NSC). According to Immigration Department spokesperson Tikaram Dhakal, the officials were barred from travelling abroad based on a request from the Ministry through the NSC decision.
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