KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Home Minister defends govt’s handling of Ganesh Nepali case
Home Minister Sudan Gurung on Friday defended the government’s handling of the Ganesh Nepali case, telling the House of Representatives that authorities made every possible effort to save the 25-year-old from Mugu and had no reason to mislead Parliament or the public. Responding to questions raised by lawmakers over Nepali’s death, Gurung said the government acted swiftly after the incident. “We made tireless efforts. We arranged a Shree Airlines aircraft and obtained the necessary clearance. However, doctors advised that he first needed to be stabilized because his blood pressure was critically low,” Gurung said.
Govt forms probe committee into Ganesh Nepali incident
The government has formed a five-member committee led by Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Govinda Thapaliya to investigate the self-immolation incident involving Ganesh Nepali. Home Minister Sudan Gurung announced the formation of the committee while addressing the House of Representatives on Friday. He also said that three officials from the Kathmandu Valley Police Office have been taken into custody for questioning as part of the investigation.
Home Minister Gurung defends actions, rejects ‘stunt’ claims
Home Minister Sudan Gurung on Friday said his focus is on serving the country rather than engaging in what critics describe as “stunts.” Addressing a meeting of the House of Representatives, Gurung said public service requires action, not just rhetoric. “It is not enough to shout at the top of one’s voice. It is not enough to merely say that we will serve the people. We have been saying that for the past 50 years. Now we have to demonstrate it through our actions,” he told lawmakers. “We have to reach the people and serve them where they are. Some may call that stunting, but I have no desire to perform stunts for anyone. I have come to serve our country,” he added. Referring to his response to Thursday’s burn incident in Kathmandu, Gurung said his team had been working on treatment arrangements instead of holding meetings in the ministry.
Protest held in Kathmandu after death of Ganesh Nepali
A protest was held at Maitighar in Kathmandu on Friday following the death of Ganesh Nepali, the 25-year-old man from Mugu who died while undergoing treatment after sustaining severe burn injuries outside the Department of Passports. The demonstrators gathered after Nepali succumbed to his injuries at Bir Hospital earlier in the day. During the protest, participants chanted slogans criticizing the government and demanding accountability, alleging that state authorities were responsible for the circumstances that led to Nepali’s death. They also called for action against those found responsible. The protesters attempted to march from Maitighar towards Bir Hospital but were stopped by police at Bhadrakali after security personnel set up barricades.
Ganesh Nepali dies after sustaining severe burns
Ganesh Nepali, 25, who sustained critical burn injuries outside the Department of Passports in Tripureshwor, has died while undergoing treatment at Bir Hospital. Hospital sources said Nepali of Soru Rural Municipality-1, Mugu, died at 11:20 a.m. on Friday while receiving treatment on a ventilator. Nepali had suffered severe burns to his face, head, neck and chest. Doctors said the injuries had also affected internal organs, leaving him in an extremely critical condition.
Govt reiterates Nepal’s commitment to ‘One-China policy’
The government has reiterated that Nepal remains committed to the ‘One-China policy’. Speaking at a press briefing on Friday, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Lok Bahadur Poudel Chhetri said Nepal’s position on the policy remains unchanged. The clarification comes after questions were raised in Parliament over Nepal’s ‘One-China Policy’ following the government’s permission for the celebration of the Dalai Lama’s birthday in Nepal. Chhetri said Nepal has a consistent policy of not allowing its territory to be used against the interests of any neighboring or friendly country. “Nepal is committed to the ‘One-China Policy’,” Chhetri said, adding that Nepal would not allow its land to be used against the interests of any friendly nation.
SC orders Property Investigation Commission to halt work
The Supreme Court (SC) has issued an interim order directing the government-formed Property Investigation Commission to immediately suspend its work until further notice. A joint bench of Justices Tek Prasad Dhungana and Shreekant Poudel issued the order on Friday while hearing a writ petition filed by advocate Dr. Premraj Silwal challenging the commission’s legality. The court held that the petition raises serious constitutional and legal questions requiring consideration by a full bench.
Family of Ganesh Nepali threatens protest, refuses to receive body
Family members of Ganesh Nepali, who died while undergoing treatment after sustaining severe burn injuries outside the Department of Passports, have threatened to launch protests, alleging injustice by the authorities. Nepali, 25, of Soru Rural Municipality-1 in Mugu, died at Bir Hospital at 11:20 a.m. on Friday while receiving treatment on a ventilator. Following his death, relatives refused to receive the body, saying they would stage demonstrations and block roads until their demands are addressed. The family has demanded an impartial investigation into the incident, action against those responsible, and justice for the victim. A relative, Chandra Bahadur Shahi, said Nepali had moved to Kathmandu three to four years ago and had been working in a ride-sharing service after purchasing a motorcycle on installments.
President certifies four bills
President Ram Chandra Paudel has certified four bills passed by the Federal Parliament. The bills certified by the Head of State are the Public Procurement (Second Amendment) Bill, 2083; the Prevention of Money Laundering (Third Amendment) Bill, 2083; the Cooperatives (First Amendment) Bill, 2083; and the Bill to Amend Some Nepal Acts Related to Institutes of Health Science, according to a communiqué issued by Ritesh Kumar Shakya, spokesperson at the Office of the President. The bills were forwarded to the Office of the President on Thursday after being passed by a meeting of the Federal Parliament earlier the same day.
NRB invites bids to collect Rs 60 billion deposits to manage liquidity
Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has called for bids to collect deposits worth Rs 60 billion from the market as part of its liquidity management measures. The Monetary Management Department of the central bank issued a notice on Thursday stating that the amount will be collected through a 19-day deposit collection instrument. Bidding will be conducted through the Online Bidding System Software (OBSS) until 3 p.m. today. The deposit collection instrument will be issued on Thursday, and the principal amount along with interest will be repaid on October 9. The interest rate will be determined through the competitive bidding process.
Gold, silver prices rises by Rs 2,700 per tola
Gold and silver prices increased in the domestic market on Friday, according to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association. The federation said the price of fine gold rose by Rs 2,700 per tola to reach Rs 287,400, while silver gained Rs 170 per tola, trading at Rs 4,510. On Thursday, fine gold was traded at Rs 284,700 per tola and silver at Rs 4,340 per tola. The price of fine gold had stood at Rs 287,100 per tola on Wednesday, while silver was traded at Rs 4,500 per tola. According to international media reports, gold was trading at around US$4,120 per ounce and silver at US$60 per ounce in the international market.
Newly appointed vice-chancellors of six health academies sworn in
Newly appointed vice-chancellors of six health science academies took the oath of office and secrecy before Health and Food Safety Minister Nisha Mehta on Friday. The newly sworn-in vice-chancellors are Dr. Bibek Acharya of National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS), Dr. Nabees Man Singh Pradhan of Patan Academy of Health Sciences, Dr. Smriti Karki of B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dr. Narayan Singh Gurung of Pokhara Academy of Health Sciences, Dr. Suryaman Menyangbo of Karnali Academy of Health Sciences, and Dr. Ajay Kumar Mishra of Rapti Academy of Health Sciences.
Concerns rise over plight of marginalized groups as Balen-led government completes 100 days
As the government led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah completes 100 days in office, concerns have been raised over the growing hardship faced by poor and vulnerable communities. Critics and affected groups say some people facing difficulties involving state agencies have been pushed into extreme distress, with recent incidents of deaths and self-harm attempts highlighting concerns over the protection of marginalized citizens. On May 1, 61-year-old Indra Bahadur Rai was found dead in the Bagmati River after his riverside settlement was demolished. His family and neighbors said Rai had left his hut in distress after authorities moved to demolish the structure. Similarly, 25-year-old Ganesh Nepali from Mugu, who had been working in a ride-sharing service in Kathmandu, died on Friday while undergoing treatment after attempting to set himself on fire outside the Department of Passports in Tripureshwor.
Education Ministry warns against unauthorized foreign academic programs
The Ministry of Education and Sports has warned educational institutions against operating foreign academic programs, including A-Level, CBSE and IBDP, without prior government approval. The warning follows the Cabinet’s approval on Wednesday of the Foreign Educational Program (Operation and Regulation) Regulations aimed at strengthening quality assurance and regulatory oversight of foreign-affiliated academic programs. Krishna Chandra Pokharel, an under-secretary at the ministry, said some institutions have been running such programs without obtaining the ministry’s approval, prompting authorities to reiterate the legal provisions.
Loan shark victims begin march to Kathmandu, reach Dhalkebar
Victims of alleged usurious lending practices, commonly known as meter byaj, have reached Dhalkebar in Dhanusha on the second day of their march to Kathmandu, seeking implementation of past government commitments. The foot march, organized by the Farmers and Workers Movement Nepal, began in Janakpur on Thursday under the banner of a “Justice March.” The protesters say they are marching from the Madhesh Province capital to the federal capital to press the government to act against exploitative lending practices and fulfill agreements reached with victims. The group started its journey from Tirhutiyagachhi in Janakpurdham at around 5 p.m. on Thursday after holding a public program.
16 tourists die of altitude sickness in Mustang in a year
Sixteen people, including 10 Indian nationals, have died from high-altitude sickness in Mustang district during the current fiscal year 2025/26. According to Provincial Hospital Jomsom, the victims included 10 Indians, five Nepalis and one Mexican national who died after suffering from altitude-related complications while visiting the Himalayan district from July 2025 to July 2026. Medical Superintendent Dr. Samiksha Kandel said one death each was recorded in Bhadra and Ashoj, three in Kartik, two in Mangsir, two in Chaitra, four in Baisakh and three in Jestha. The victims were tourists and pilgrims aged between 50 and 84 years.
BP Highway to reopen within 30 minutes if blocked during monsoon
Authorities have completed preparations to reopen the Kavrepalanchowk-Sindhuli section of the BP Highway within 30 minutes if it is blocked by floods or landslides during the monsoon. The Divisional Road Office, Bhaktapur, said reconstruction of the highway, which suffered extensive damage from repeated floods and landslides, is nearing completion. Vehicles are expected to begin operating on the reconstructed sections within the next few days. Previously, the highway—one of the main road links connecting eastern and mid-hill districts with the federal capital, Kathmandu—would often become impassable shortly after heavy rainfall. This year, officials say they are better prepared to keep the road operational and restore traffic quickly in the event of any disruption.
Tourist arrivals at Shuklaphanta National Park rise 12.6%
Tourist arrivals at Shuklaphanta National Park increased by 12.6 percent in the current fiscal year, reflecting the park’s growing appeal as a domestic tourism destination. A total of 4,191 tourists visited the national park between mid-July 2025 and July 10, up from 3,722 visitors recorded during the previous fiscal year, according to park authorities. Information Officer Purushottam Bagle said the visitors included 1,657 women and 2,534 men during the review period. Domestic tourists accounted for the overwhelming majority of visitors. Of the total, 3,699 were Nepali nationals, including 1,513 women and 2,186 men, representing around 88 percent of all arrivals.
20 arrested on drug charges
Police arrested 20 people on drug-related charges from different parts of the country during routine patrols in the last two days. According to the Central Police Newsroom, four people were arrested in Siraha; three in Jhapa; two each in Jumla, Rupandehi, Morang, Sunsari and Dang; and one each in Kapilvastu, Tanahun and Kathmandu. Police seized hashish, brown heroin, marijuana, and prescription-only medicines, including Diclomine and Spasmo, from those arrested. Further investigation into the cases is underway, police said.
Pedestrian killed in oxygen cylinder explosion in Gokarneshwor
A pedestrian was killed after an oxygen cylinder exploded in Makalbari, Gokarneshwor Municipality-4, on Friday morning, police said. According to Pawan Kumar Bhattarai, spokesperson for the Kathmandu District Police Range, the deceased has been identified as 41-year-old Bishnu Thapa of Gokarneshwor Municipality-8. Police said the explosion occurred in a vehicle transporting oxygen cylinders and two fire extinguishers intended for Panchpokhari Primary Hospital. Authorities are investigating the cause of the explosion. Further details are awaited.
Efforts to dart Dhurbe elephant continue as search remains unsuccessful
Authorities have so far failed to dart wild elephant Dhurbe despite efforts to capture and control the animal following the death of a mother and her young son in Bharatpur. Darting is a technique used to immobilize wild animals for control, treatment or relocation purposes. Dhurbe, a notorious wild elephant in the Chitwan National Park area, has been blamed for several human deaths. According to Chief Conservation Officer Dil Bahadur Purja, the elephant has killed 25 people so far. The park launched an operation to dart the elephant after Dhurbe attacked and killed 21-year-old Ashika Bote and her four-year-old son Bharat Bote at Bharatpur Metropolitan City-23 last Saturday.
HIV cases rise steadily in Baglung
The number of people living with HIV in Baglung has reached 220, with eight new cases recorded in the current fiscal year. According to Dev Prakash Ghimire, information officer at the Provincial Public Health Office, Baglung, six of those living with HIV are below the age of 15, while the remaining 214 are aged 15 or above. Of the total, 114 are women and 106 are men. Ghimire said people diagnosed with HIV are receiving regular antiretroviral treatment and other preventive services at Dhawalagiri Provincial Hospital in Baglung, Burtibang Hospital and Beni Hospital. He added that efforts have been intensified to confidentially identify people living with HIV and bring them under regular treatment.
Three arrested over alleged Bal Mandir fraud
Police have arrested three individuals on charges of fraud linked to the Nepal Children’s Organization (Bal Mandir). The arrests were made by the Central Investigation Bureau during an investigation into allegations that funds were irregularly withdrawn from the organization. According to the bureau, the suspects were arrested on Thursday after obtaining permission from the Kathmandu District Court. The action was based on the findings of the 2020 High-Level Investigation Commission report and a police investigation. Those arrested have been identified as Asha Shrestha, 54, the then chief of the Planning and Scholarship Section at Bal Mandir, Naxal; Om Krishna Karmacharya, 62, the then chairperson of the Lalitpur District Working Committee of the Nepal Children’s Organization; and Rajendra Kumar Shrestha, 51, the then secretary of the Kathmandu District Working Committee.
Two more bodies recovered from Karnali river
Two more bodies were recovered from the Karnali River on Thursday evening, a week after a passenger vehicle plunged into the river in Dailekh district, taking the confirmed death toll to three. According to District Police Office Dailekh Chief and Deputy Superintendent of Police Shravan Kumar Bik, the bodies have been identified by relatives and handed over to the families. The deceased have been identified as Jekhe Tiruwa of Pachaljharana Rural Municipality-9 in Kalikot, whose body had been recovered earlier, Mekhe Tiruwa of the same locality, and 18-year-old Sujana Khadka of Raskot Municipality-2, Kalikot. Police said the identities of all three victims have been officially confirmed by their family members.
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