KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Opposition ends House obstruction after foreign minister clarifies PM’s border remarks
Opposition parties on Wednesday ended their obstruction of the House of Representatives after Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal clarified Prime Minister Balen Shah’s controversial remarks on the Nepal-India border issue. The opposition had been protesting since Prime Minister Shah, during a question-and-answer session in the House on May 31 (Jestha 17), stated that Nepal had also encroached on a significant amount of Indian territory. The remarks triggered criticism from opposition lawmakers, who demanded that the prime minister apologize and that the statement be removed from the parliamentary record. The dispute had disrupted parliamentary proceedings for several days, with opposition parties repeatedly raising the issue in the House and obstructing business.
Father-son Sherpa duo makes Everest history with double summit record
A Nepali father and son have become the first duo in history to summit Mount Everest twice together within a single climbing season. Veteran mountain guide Chhangwa Sherpa and his son, Lakpa Tasi Sherpa, accomplished the unprecedented feat during the spring 2026 climbing season while working for Seven Summit Treks. The pair reached the summit of the world’s highest mountain on two separate occasions within a span of just five days, 21 hours and 59 minutes, establishing a unique world record in Everest mountaineering history.
Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal clarifies PM’s remarks on border issue in Parliament
Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal has clarified in Parliament the recent remarks made by Prime Minister Balen Shah regarding the Nepal–India border issue. Speaking in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, Minister Khanal said the Prime Minister’s comments were mainly related to issues of cross-border occupation and encroachment in the no-man’s land areas. He said that while questions are often raised about the involvement of third parties in Nepal–India border matters, Nepal remains fully capable of handling its own affairs.
Opposition parties agree to end parliamentary deadlock
Opposition parties have agreed to end the prolonged obstruction in Parliament following discussions with ruling party leaders at Singha Durbar on Wednesday. The agreement comes after days of political negotiations aimed at resolving the deadlock that had disrupted House proceedings. Nepali Congress Whip Nishkal Rai said the opposition has agreed to allow Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal to address the House of Representatives. The parties have also decided to request the Speaker to remove from the parliamentary record Prime Minister Balen Shah’s remarks regarding the border issue that had triggered the dispute.
Finance Minister says vested groups targeting PM, himself over probe
Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle has alleged that both the Prime Minister and himself are being subjected to a coordinated political attack orchestrated by forces allegedly backed by groups involved in what he described as the country’s largest financial crime. Speaking at a meeting of the House of Representatives’ Finance Committee on Wednesday during budget deliberations, Minister Wagle claimed that groups unsettled by the government’s investigation into large-scale financial crimes were attempting to encircle and target the leadership. “We are investigating those involved in the biggest financial crime in Nepal’s history, and the case will reach the court in a few days,” he said. “Elements supported by those disgruntled groups are now attacking the Prime Minister and me.”
Gyanendra Shahi demands PM Shah’s clarification over controversial remarks
Rastriya Prajatantra Party lawmaker Gyanendra Shahi has strongly objected in Parliament to the controversial remarks made by Prime Minister Balen Shah, demanding that the Prime Minister himself provide a clear and satisfactory explanation to the House and the public. Speaking during Wednesday’s House session, Shahi clarified that there was no personal hostility toward the Prime Minister but insisted that accountability must come directly from him over the issue. Referring to the Foreign Minister’s clarification in Parliament in defence of the Prime Minister, Shahi termed the situation an unusual and reverse practice in both Nepal’s and global political history. He said that while normally a Prime Minister corrects ministers’ mistakes, in this case a minister was seen defending and explaining the Prime Minister’s controversial remarks, which he described as unfortunate.
Finance Minister Wagle alleges smear campaign amid budget debate
Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle has accused certain groups of orchestrating a campaign of misinformation aimed at discrediting him. Speaking at a meeting of the House of Representatives’ Finance Committee on Wednesday, convened to discuss the national budget, Waglé claimed that rumors and false narratives had been deliberately spread against him. “The House of Representatives, which should be discussing the budget, has been obstructed, and an organized effort has been made to spread misinformation against me,” Wagle said.
Harka Sampang-led Shram Sanskriti Party stages vocal protest in Parliament over speaking time denial
Proceedings in the House of Representatives were disrupted on Wednesday after lawmakers from the Shram Sanskriti Party staged strong protests and chanted slogans, accusing the Speaker of denying them speaking time. Lawmakers from the party, led by Chairman Harka Sampang, stood up inside the House and raised slogans alleging discrimination in parliamentary proceedings. The protest erupted after Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal reportedly did not allocate speaking time to the party during the session. The protesting lawmakers accused the Chair of sidelining their party and questioned the fairness of the Speaker’s conduct.
Crisis will not be resolved unless PM corrects mistake, says UML
CPN-UML parliamentary party leader Ram Bahadur Thapa “Badal” has said that the party will continue obstructing parliamentary proceedings until the Prime Minister apologizes in the House. Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, Badal stated that Parliament would not be allowed to function unless the Prime Minister’s statement claiming that Nepal had also encroached on Indian territory is removed from the official record and the Speaker issues a ruling on the matter. He accused the government of failing to address a serious national issue and criticized the Speaker for not taking action against the Prime Minister’s remarks.
Harka Sampang says opposition can accept PM’s written response read by another minister
Shram Sankriti Party Chair Harka Sampang has said the opposition would accept a written response from Prime Minister Balen Shah if it is formally signed and submitted to the House of Representatives, even if it is read out by another minister. Opposition parties have been obstructing parliamentary proceedings since May 31, when the Prime Minister stated in the House that Nepal had also encroached on Indian territory. The House meeting scheduled for 11 am on Wednesday was postponed until 2 pm as political parties continued discussions to resolve the dispute.
Angdembe slams PM Shah’s rap-style address, raises questions over Finance Minister Wagle
Nepali Congress parliamentary party leader Bishmaraj Angdembe has accused Prime Minister Balen Shah of undermining the dignity of his office through his recent remarks in Parliament. Speaking in the House, Angdembe said the Prime Minister’s address on May 31, which he described as being delivered in a rap-style, had weakened the dignity of the executive office. He remarked that Parliament’s rostrum is not a rap battle stage. While noting that he personally admired the Prime Minister’s style, Angdembe said the content and manner of the speech raised serious questions about the seriousness and responsibility expected from the head of government. He further alleged that the Prime Minister had not considered the impact of his statements.
Finance Minister defends controversial revisions as opposition cries foul
Concerns have been raised over changes made to the Finance Bill related to the upcoming fiscal year 2026/27 after it was presented in Parliament on May 29. The updated version of the bill available on the parliamentary website states that corrections were made on Jestha 17 based on a letter from Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle, citing error correction. According to the revised document, several changes were made after the bill was tabled, including adjustments in taxes related to vehicles, cinema halls, electricity-related charges, and certain customs duties.
New Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry begins work
The newly formed Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation has started its institutional and policy work following the appointment of its leadership. The ministry was established after the government separated science and technology functions from the former Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and added innovation under a new ministry. Independent lawmaker Mahabir Pun assumed office as the minister on Tuesday. The ministry’s secretary, Promila Bajracharya, said the office has begun operating from the building previously used by the Ministry of Youth and Sports at Singha Durbar.
FIFA, AFC warn Nepal of suspension over interference in ANFA affairs
World football governing body FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation have issued a final warning to Nepal, stating that the country could face immediate suspension from international football if interference in the affairs of the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) is not fully withdrawn. According to a joint letter received by ANFA on June 5 and recently made public, the National Sports Council (NSC) lifted its suspension on ANFA on May 15. However, FIFA and AFC said other decisions taken by the council on March 25 remain in effect. The two football governing bodies have identified directives issued by the NSC to halt ANFA elections, amend its statute, and conduct district-level association elections as “undue third-party interference” in the administration of football.
Government preparing to restructure health insurance program, Finance Minister stresses need to curb misuse
The government is preparing to restructure the national health insurance program and operate it in line with the principles of a genuine insurance system, Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle said on Wednesday. Speaking at a meeting of the parliamentary Finance Committee, the minister emphasized the need to address irregularities and misuse that have emerged in the current health insurance scheme. According to Wagle, the government allocated Rs 10 billion for the health insurance program in the previous fiscal year and Rs 15 billion in the current fiscal year. An additional Rs 5 billion has recently been arranged, including Rs 2 billion that remained unspent by the Ministry of Health and Population and Rs 3 billion provided by the Ministry of Finance. The finance minister warned that the program’s liabilities have been rising uncontrollably and stressed the need to transform it into a financially sustainable model.
Asset Investigation Commission extends disclosure deadline until mid-July
The Asset Investigation Commission has extended the deadline for submitting asset details until July 16, granting an additional month for individuals required to file disclosures. Commission Chair Rajendra Kumar Bhandari said the extension was provided after many officials and former public office holders reported that they were still in the process of collecting property-related documents and needed more time. “Individuals residing both inside and outside the country repeatedly requested an extension, stating that they were still gathering the necessary details. Based on those requests, the deadline has been extended for the final time,” Bhandari said.
Around 2.5 million farmers registered under national listing system
Around 2.5 million farmers across the country have been enrolled in the farmer registration system operated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forest and Environment. According to the Ministry, farmers have been registered based on land ownership details and agricultural production data. Sanjeev Pandit, an official at the Agricultural Information Centre, said the electronic registration system has been introduced to ensure easier access to subsidies and essential agricultural support, with the aim of boosting overall production. Citing the Agricultural Census 2021, which recorded a total of 4.13 million farmers nationwide, Pandit said efforts are underway to register more than 1.6 million remaining farmers.
UML General Secretary terms ‘choose the competent ’ slogan hypocrisy, institutionalized corruption
CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel has strongly criticized the slogan ‘choose the competent’ floated by emerging political forces, calling it a form of hypocrisy and institutionalized corruption. Expressing his views via Facebook on Wednesday, Pokharel claimed that the true nature of newly emerged political parties is being exposed one after another. Targeting the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and the government’s working style, he said there is a growing tendency to normalize actions against the state while glorifying destructive activities as acts of bravery.
Gold price down Rs 10,100 per tola
Gold and silver prices declined on Wednesday compared to the Tuesday. The price of gold today stands at Rs 291,800 per tola, down from Rs 301,900 recorded on Tuesday, marking a decrease of Rs 10,100. Similarly, silver prices have also dropped. Silver is being traded at Rs 4,740 per tola today, compared to Rs 4,925 yesterday, a decline of Rs 185.
Shekhar Koirala secretariat denies receiving any seven-point proposal from party establishment
The secretariat of Nepali Congress leader Shekhar Koirala has clarified that no proposal for consensus has been received from the party establishment faction, dismissing media reports claiming otherwise. Issuing a press note, the secretariat stated that there is no truth to the widely circulated claim that the establishment side had sent a seven-point proposal for internal party consensus. The statement described such reports as fabricated, baseless and misleading, and urged party members as well as the general public not to be influenced by such misinformation.
Drug abuse, security concerns plague holding centre housing Thapathali evictees
Families displaced from the Bagmati riverbank in Thapathali and relocated to a holding centre at Radhaswami in Kirtipur say they are facing multiple hardships, including insecurity, loss of livelihoods and concerns over drug abuse within the shelter premises. The displaced residents, currently living in temporary plastic tents inside a large communal hall, say the lack of privacy and security has made daily life increasingly difficult. “We are all living together in the same space. We do not know who is trustworthy and who is not. It is difficult to sleep peacefully at night,” said a woman staying at the centre.
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