KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Govt presents Policy and Program for FY 2026/27
President Ram Chandra Paudel presented the Government of Nepal’s Policy and Programme for the fiscal year 2026/27 before a joint sitting of the Federal Parliament on May 11, 2026, in accordance with Article 95 of the Constitution. The document outlines the government’s annual policy direction and serves as the basis for the upcoming national budget. The policy and programme has been presented at a politically important time following the March 5, 2026 general election, which resulted in a clear parliamentary majority after a period of coalition instability. It also comes in the wake of the 2025 Gen Z protests, which the government has described as a landmark movement calling for stronger civic authority, improved governance, anti-corruption measures, accountability, and broader economic reform.
Economists offer mixed reaction to government’s policy and programme
Economists have offered mixed reactions to the government’s policy and programme for the upcoming fiscal year, describing it as less ambitious than expected but more practical in certain areas. The policy and programme presented by the government of Prime Minister Balen Shah has been described by experts as a blend of continuity and limited innovation.
Govt tables eight ordinances in House of Representatives
The government has tabled eight ordinances in the House of Representatives. The ordinances issued by the President on the recommendation of the government were presented in Monday’s parliamentary session. Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Sobita Gautam presented the Public Procurement (Second Amendment) Ordinance 2083, the Special Provisions on Removal of Public Office Holders Ordinance 2083, the Constitutional Council (Functions, Duties, Powers and Procedures) (First Amendment) Ordinance 2083, as well as an ordinance to amend certain Nepal Acts.
Supreme Court issues interim order on petition against student organisation ban
The Supreme Court has issued an interim order on Monday in a petition challenging the government’s decision led by Balen Shah to abolish student organisations. A division bench of Justice Sunil Kumar Pokharel issued the order after holding an initial hearing on the petition and also issued a show-cause order, directing the government and concerned authorities to clarify the basis of the decision. The court has begun further hearings on the interim order. Reacting on social media, Deepak Dhami, chair of the student wing ANNFSU, termed the Supreme Court’s decision a victory against authoritarianism and said the struggle would continue both on the streets and in the judiciary.
SEE results published, 65.98% students pass
The results of the Secondary Education Examination (SEE) have been published. According to the results announced on Monday, a total of 65.98 percent of students have passed this year’s exam. The National Examination Board announced the results of the Secondary Education Examination (SEE) during a press conference held at the Office of the Controller of Examinations in Sanothimi on Monday evening.
PMO says PM Balen Shah briefly left Parliament due to health discomfort
The secretariat of Prime Minister Balen Shah has clarified that the prime minister briefly left the joint session of Parliament on Monday due to health discomfort during the presentation of the government’s annual policy and programme. President Ram Chandra Poudel presented the government’s policy and programme during a joint meeting of the federal Parliament earlier in the day. Prime Minister Shah’s absence while welcoming the president and his departure from the hall during the speech drew criticism from opposition parties.
Jagdish Kharel challenges allegations, vows to quit politics if link to Smart Telecom proven
Former Minister for Communications and Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) lawmaker Jagdish Kharel has said he will retire from politics if his involvement in the Smart Telecom case is proven. Speaking during Monday’s House of Representatives meeting, he objected to being linked with alleged irregularities in Smart Telecom, calling the claims baseless. “I have no involvement in the Smart Telecom case. If my involvement is proven, I will quit politics,” Kharel said. He said he was unfairly dragged into the controversy even while he was in Switzerland after informing Speaker DP Aral and party chair Rabi Lamichhane.
Khushbu Oli slams govt over squatters’ eviction, calls it ‘rule by them’ instead of rule of law
Rastriya Prajatantra Party lawmaker Khushbu Oli has strongly criticized the government in the House of Representatives over the demolition drive against squatter settlements, accusing it of silence in the face of human suffering. Speaking during Monday’s parliamentary session, MP Oli expressed anger over what she described as inhumane treatment of squatters and the government’s failure to respond to deaths linked to the eviction drive. “When two squatters lost their lives, the government did not speak. It remained silent. It seems the government has no concern when the poor die,” she said.
Over 1.9 million people may be affected as monsoon-related disaster risk remains high: Authority
Despite projections of below-average rainfall this monsoon season, Nepal is likely to face a high risk of monsoon-related disasters due to rising temperatures and extreme weather events, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA). In its draft of the Monsoon Preparedness and Response National Action Plan 2026 released on Monday, the authority estimates that more than 1.9 million people could be affected this monsoon season. The draft warns that climate variability and extreme weather conditions will continue to intensify disaster risks across the country.
Harka Sampang criticizes govt over policy, ordinances and border issues
Shram Sanskriti Party chair Harka Sampang has strongly criticized the government’s policies and working style in the House of Representatives, raising questions on border security, squatters’ eviction, ordinances, budget formulation, and alleged smuggling. Speaking during Monday’s parliamentary session, Sampang said using the army for internal displacement instead of border protection was unjustified. “Is it justified to misuse the army to evict citizens from their homes instead of deploying it to protect the border?” he questioned.
Padma Aryal slams govt over ordinances, calls it move toward ‘controlled authoritarianism’
PN-UML lawmaker Padma Aryal has strongly criticized the government in the House of Representatives, accusing it of bypassing parliament through ordinances and pushing the country towards “controlled authoritarianism.” Speaking during Monday’s House meeting, MP Aryal condemned what she described as an attempt to impose executive dominance by sidelining the legislature. “Those who once opposed ordinances are now bringing them themselves. What kind of shameless thinking is this? Bypassing parliament to impose executive arbitrariness is being called a new vision,” she said.
Nepali Congress boycotts parliamentary committee meeting over PM Shah’s absence
The main opposition party, Nepali Congress, boycotted Monday’s meeting of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee under the Federal Parliament after Prime Minister Balen Shah failed to attend the meeting for a second consecutive time. The committee meeting had been scheduled for 11 am, with lawmakers preparing to question the Prime Minister, who is also handling the Home Ministry portfolio following the resignation of former Home Minister Sudan Gurung on April 22. Congress lawmakers had planned to seek clarification from Prime Minister Shah on various issues related to security administration and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
NRB submits budget review report for FY 2026/27 to Finance Minister
Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has submitted its full budget review report for the upcoming fiscal year 2026/27 to Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle. The report was handed over to the finance minister on Monday by NRB Governor Dr. Biswo Nath Poudel. The central bank stated that, in accordance with the Nepal Rastra Bank Act, it is mandated to submit a report to the Government of Nepal on the country’s economic and financial situation for the purpose of annual budget formulation.
Remittance inflow rises 39.1 percent to Rs 1.65 trillion in first nine months
Nepal’s remittance inflow increased by 39.1 percent to Rs 1.659 trillion during the first nine months of the current fiscal year, according to data released by the Nepal Rastra Bank on Monday. During the same period last fiscal year, remittance inflow had increased by 10.2 percent. In the month of Chaitra alone, Nepal received Rs 209.75 billion in remittance, compared to Rs 139.54 billion during the same month a year ago. In US dollar terms, remittance inflow rose by 31.9 percent to USD 11.55 billion during the review period, whereas it had grown by 7.5 percent in the corresponding period last year.
SC issues second setback to Balen Shah-led government over union ban
The Supreme Court has delivered another setback to the government led by Balen Shah by issuing an interim order against the decision to ban trade unions affiliated with political parties. On Monday, the Constitutional Bench of the Supreme Court halted the government’s decision to prohibit trade unions associated with political parties within the civil service sector. The order came on the same day the apex court also issued a short-term interim order against the government’s decision to ban student organisations.
Government announces free education up to secondary level
The government has announced that free education up to the secondary level will be implemented across the country. Presenting the government’s policy and programme for the upcoming fiscal year, President Ram Chandra Poudel said the state would ensure the implementation of free education through secondary school. The government also announced a policy of making long-term investments in public education while regulating private educational institutions and orienting them toward service-based education.
TIA resumes operations after Turkish Airlines incident
Operations at Tribhuvan International Airport have resumed after being temporarily disrupted following an incident involving a Turkish Airlines aircraft during landing. The aircraft, which arrived in Kathmandu from Istanbul on Monday morning, experienced a tire burst and fire immediately after landing, forcing airport authorities to suspend takeoffs and landings for a period. Due to the disruption, an Air Arabia aircraft circled in the sky nine times while awaiting clearance. Similarly, flights operated by Fly Dubai, Air India, Qatar Airways and Nepal Airlines were also forced to remain airborne until operations resumed.
Govt to make assets of senior officials public annually
The government has announced a new policy to make the annual asset details of high-ranking public officials public. The provision has been included in the government’s policy and program for the upcoming fiscal year. Until now, government employees have been required to submit their property details annually to the government, but the information was not made public.
Government plans diplomatic initiatives to increase flights at Pokhara and Bhairahawa airports
The government has announced that it will undertake diplomatic initiatives to increase international flights by additional airlines at the regional international airports in Pokhara and Bhairahawa. The policy was introduced through the government’s policies and programmes for the upcoming fiscal year. The two airports, which were constructed with foreign loans, have not been able to attract more international regional flights mainly due to the lack of suitable air routes, particularly from India. As a result, additional international airlines have yet to begin regular operations at these airports.
CAN approves NPL financial reports, announces annual cricket awards
Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has approved the financial reports of the first and second editions of the Nepal Premier League (NPL). The financial statements were unanimously endorsed during CAN’s general assembly held in Biratnagar on Sunday. The cricket governing body also decided to distribute Rs 200,000 each to 45 district cricket associations from the revenue generated through the Nepal Premier League.
Concessional loans to be provided through farmer ID cards and credit cards
The government has announced that it will coordinate with provincial governments to reduce the use of pesticides in agriculture. Presenting the government’s policies and programmes during the joint session of the Federal Parliament on Monday, President Ram Chandra Poudel made the announcement. He also stated that the government would promote an agricultural modernization drive and provide seeds and loans at concessional rates. President Poudel said the government would discourage the trend of leaving arable land barren and ensure the scientific utilization of uncultivated land. He added that the identification of women farmers, landless farmers, and small and medium-scale farmers would be ensured while implementing these programmes.
Govt pledges long-term solution to landless squatters’ issue
The government has announced that it will provide a long-term solution to the problems faced by landless squatters. Presenting the government’s policies and programmes during the joint session of the Federal Parliament on Monday, Ram Chandra Poudel made the announcement. While unveiling the policy document, he said the government would introduce programmes aimed at ensuring long-term settlement arrangements for squatters through reforms related to land and settlement laws.
Govt unveils policy to ease tax burden on businesses and middle-class families
The government has introduced a policy aimed at reducing the tax burden on entrepreneurs and middle-class households. Presenting the government’s policies and programs at a joint session of the Federal Parliament today, President Ram Chandra Paudel said the existing tax structure would be reviewed to provide relief to entrepreneurial and middle-class families. The government also announced plans to link all economic transactions to digital platforms in an effort to build a cashless, transparent and revenue leakage-free economy.
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