KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Harka Sampang reiterates demand for PM Shah’s apology over India land remarks
Chairperson of the Shram Sanskriti Party, Harka Sampang, on Thursday reiterated his demand that Prime Minister Balendra Shah apologize in Parliament for his controversial statement claiming that Nepal had also encroached on Indian territory. Speaking in the House of Representatives after obtaining time from Speaker DP Aryal, Sampang said the Prime Minister’s remarks made on May 31 must be removed from the parliamentary record. “We are ready to allow the House to function. However, our only demand is that the statement made by the Prime Minister on May 31 be expunged from the parliamentary record, and that he come to Parliament and apologize,” Sampang said.
Minister Mahabir Pun makes public first-day decisions
Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation Mahabir Pun has made public the decisions taken on his first day in office. Minister Pun stated through social media on Thursday morning that the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation is effectively starting “from zero.” “Steps taken on the first day—everything is starting from zero in the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation. Unlike other ministries, this ministry is not yet fully set up for smooth operation,” he wrote. He further informed that it was decided to begin drafting a bill for the Science, Technology and Innovation Act.
Gyanendra Shahi accuses Finance Minister of concealing EV tax irregularities
Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) parliamentary party leader Gyanendra Shahi has accused Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle of attempting to cover up alleged irregularities related to electric vehicle (EV) imports and tax exemptions. Speaking during an emergency session in the House of Representatives on Thursday, Shahi said efforts were being made to conceal what he described as serious discrepancies involving EV taxation. Recalling his time in the opposition alongside the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Shahi said lawmakers had previously campaigned for good governance and demanded parliamentary investigations whenever allegations were raised against ministers.
RSP lawmaker Bipin Acharya questions govt’s responsiveness to parliamentary concerns
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) lawmaker Bipin Acharya on Thursday expressed dissatisfaction with the functioning of the government, questioning whether issues raised by lawmakers in Parliament are being acted upon. Speaking during the zero hour of the House of Representatives meeting, Acharya said there was growing concern that concerns voiced by lawmakers were being recorded but not translated into action. “If the issues we raise during zero hour are heard, noted and implemented, then we should call it ‘full time’ instead of ‘zero hour’,” Acharya said. “But if public grievances, lawmakers’ questions and national issues continue to disappear into nothingness no matter how often they are raised, then it should be called ‘black hole time’ instead.”
Gold price drops by Rs 5,100 per tola, extends weekly decline
The price of gold fell by Rs 5,100 per tola on Thursday, continuing its downward trend in the domestic market. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, fine gold was traded at Rs 286,700 per tola, down from Rs 291,800 per tola on Wednesday. The latest decline means gold prices have dropped by Rs 15,200 per tola in just two trading days. On Tuesday, gold was traded at Rs 301,900 per tola. Over the past week, gold prices have fallen by Rs 24,400 per tola. Meanwhile, silver prices also declined on Thursday. The price of silver dropped by Rs 90 per tola to Rs 4,650, down from Rs 4,740 on the previous trading day.
Over 2,200 drivers penalized for traffic violations in Kathmandu Valley
Traffic police in the Kathmandu Valley took action against 2,297 drivers for violating traffic regulations over the past 24 hours, generating Rs 2.021 million in revenue for the state treasury. According to the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, 103 drivers were penalized for driving under the influence of alcohol, while 134 were booked for operating ride-sharing services in violation of regulations. Similarly, 102 drivers were fined for violating traffic signals and 108 for overspeeding. Traffic police also took action against 141 drivers for failing to maintain lane discipline, 186 for using horns in prohibited areas, and 158 for parking vehicles on footpaths.
Embankments works completed at three locations in Myagdi
The Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Division Office, Myagdi, has completed river control projects (embankments) at three different locations in the district during the current fiscal year. According to the office, embankments have been constructed in Pokharebagar of Annapurna Rural Municipality, Singa Tatopani of Beni Municipality, and Mangala Rural Municipality to prevent river erosion and flooding. Chief Senior Divisional Engineer Jhalak Mohan Ojha said all three projects were completed ahead of schedule in the current fiscal year. In Pokharebagar of Annapurna Rural Municipality–6, a composite technology wall has been constructed along the Kaligandaki River.
SC increases jail term in Ramhari Shrestha murder case
The Supreme Court has sentenced Govinda Bahadur Batala to 10 years in prison in the Ramhari Shrestha murder case involving a businessman from Koteshwor. A division bench comprising Justices Dr. Nahakul Subedi, Abdul Aziz Musalman, and Shanti Singh Thapa delivered the verdict during a review hearing, overturning an earlier ruling that had sentenced Batala to three years in prison.With the revised decision, the court increased the punishment to 10 years following a review petition against the previous verdict issued by a joint bench of the Supreme Court.
Finance Minister warns critics of investigation into alleged scandals
Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle has warned that allegations raised against him regarding changes in tax rates would lead to investigations into the “scandals” of those questioning him. Responding to lawmakers’ queries on the national budget in the House of Representatives on Thursday, Minister Wagle said he was aware of various allegations and suggested that such issues would eventually come to light. He said he was prepared to resign from his ministerial position and public life if even a small amount of wrongdoing on his part was proven.
NTA blocks 35 websites and apps for unauthorized FIFA World Cup streaming
The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) has blocked 35 websites and mobile applications that were allegedly streaming FIFA World Cup matches in Nepal without authorization. According to the regulator, the websites and apps have been restricted from broadcasting FIFA World Cup 2026 content through web and mobile platforms within Nepal. The NTA said the action was taken following concerns over unauthorized streaming of World Cup matches, which infringed on the exclusive broadcasting rights granted for the tournament in Nepal.
Amresh Kumar Singh criticizes budget, questions govt’s development priorities
Lawmaker Amresh Kumar Singh has strongly criticized the government’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year, raising concerns over structural weaknesses, economic imbalances and the country’s development priorities. Speaking during discussions on the annual budget in the House of Representatives on Thursday, Singh acknowledged a few positive measures, including the increase in the personal income tax threshold and provisions supporting startups and the information technology sector. However, he argued that the overall budget had failed to inspire confidence among a large section of the population. Singh said the rise in bank deposits was not a sign of economic strength but rather reflected sluggish lending and a weak business environment.
Foreign Minister says Nepal committed to resolving border disputes through dialogue
Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal has said Nepal remains committed to resolving border-related disputes with India through diplomatic channels and mutual consultations. Clarifying Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s recent remarks on border issues during Thursday’s National Assembly meeting, Khanal said Nepal and India share an open border with centuries-old historical ties and are committed to addressing outstanding disputes through dialogue. He said that border delineation remains pending in areas including Susta, Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani, while problems related to cross-border occupation and encroachment of the no-man’s land continue to exist in some locations.
Rai accuses Finance Minister of undermining Parliament through tax rate revisions
Nepali Congress Whip Nishkal Rai has accused Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle of undermining Parliament by repeatedly altering tax rates included in the Finance Bill after it had already been tabled in the House of Representatives. Speaking during Thursday’s discussion on the annual estimates of revenue and expenditure, Rai said there are established policies, procedures and legal mechanisms for amending the Finance Bill, and questioned the rationale behind repeated changes to tax rates. He argued that the revisions amounted to interference in Parliament’s authority, alleging that the Finance Minister had effectively “taken scissors to the powers of Parliament.” Rai questioned why the tax rates were altered and whether the changes were the result of incompetence or were made to serve vested interests.
Finance Minister Wagle defends tax reforms, rejects allegations of irregularities
Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle has defended recent changes to Nepal’s tax system, claiming that the government is steadily making the tax regime simpler, more transparent and business-friendly. Speaking at a meeting of the Public Accounts Committee under the House of Representatives on Thursday, Wagle said reforms introduced in income tax, excise duty and customs administration represent some of the most significant structural improvements undertaken in recent years. “Tax-related reforms have been introduced for certain goods, and the overall tax system is being gradually simplified and made more transparent,” the Finance Minister said.
Home Minister says agencies directed to remain prepared for disasters
Home Minister Sudan Gurung has said that all concerned agencies have been instructed to remain on high alert and prepared for disaster management as the monsoon season approaches. Speaking at a meeting of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee under the House of Representatives at Singha Durbar on Thursday, Gurung said necessary directives had already been issued to ensure effective management of people affected by natural disasters. The minister said he would personally conduct field inspections to assess preparedness efforts and monitor ongoing disaster management arrangements.
RSP leader Sarin quits politics after losing Koshi provincial chair election
Goma Tamang Sarin has announced her departure from politics after losing the election for chairperson of the Koshi Provincial Committee of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). Sarin made the announcement on social media after Chandra Rai emerged victorious in the party’s first provincial convention election. “From today, I have ended my political journey. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the voters and friends,” she wrote in a Facebook post. A total of 702 votes were cast in the election to choose the leadership of the Koshi Provincial Committee. Sarin announced her decision to leave politics even before the election committee formally published the final results.
Opposition questions PM Shah and RSP’s intentions
Opposition parties have raised serious concerns over Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s recent statement in Parliament that “Nepal has also encroached on Indian territory,” questioning both his intentions and the stance of the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). The controversy stems from remarks made by the Prime Minister during a House of Representatives meeting on May 31. Ten days later, opposition lawmakers say Shah has neither clarified nor retracted his statement, nor has he appeared before Parliament to apologize.
922 kg marijuana seized in Morang border area
The Armed Police Force (APF) has seized a large quantity of illegal marijuana from Jahada Rural Municipality–7 in the border area of Morang. A joint team deployed from the Armed Police Force Nepal Border Security Force, Sombari BOP, Nocha and Taregama posts recovered a pickup truck and a motorcycle loaded with 922 kg of marijuana last night. According to the Armed Police Force, a pickup truck (Ko 1 Kha 7022) heading towards Taregama from Laxmipaniya was being escorted by an Indian motorcycle (BR 38 Z 7452) for surveillance. When security personnel moved in, both drivers abandoned their vehicles and fled the scene.
Less monsoon rain expected in Hindu Kush-Himalaya region, but risks remain: Study
The Hindu Kush-Himalaya (HKH) region is expected to receive below-average monsoon rainfall this year, but the risk of climate-related disasters remains high, according to a new study. Scientists warn that intense rainfall over short periods, rising temperatures and growing pressure on water resources could make this year’s monsoon season particularly challenging despite lower overall precipitation. The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) released its Hindu Kush-Himalaya (HKH) Monsoon Outlook 2026 on Thursday.
Myagdi’s Raghuganga: Where nature, culture. history converge
Nestled in the northeastern part of Myagdi district, Raghuganga Rural Municipality is a remarkable confluence of nature, culture and history. Blessed with breathtaking landscapes and rich geographical diversity, the rural municipality is home to unique traditions, cultural heritage, and religious and historical sites. Its stunning terrain stretches from the banks of the sacred Kaligandaki River to the eastern face of Dhaulagiri (8,167 metres), the world’s seventh-highest mountain, captivating visitors with its natural beauty. The rural municipality derives its name from the Raghuganga River, which originates from the lap of Dhaulagiri. The area extends from the confluence of the Rahughat and Kaligandaki rivers to the Dhaulagiri Icefall Base Camp. Raghuganga is home to diverse communities, including Magar, Chhantyal, Thakali, Thakuri, Brahmin, Kshetri and Dalit groups. Their coexistence has created a vibrant social fabric, while their customs, traditions and lifestyles have turned the municipality into a living cultural museum.
Six injured in crane accident on Kaligandaki Corridor Road in Nawalparasi
Six people were injured after a crane met with an accident along the Kaligandaki Corridor road section at Ranital in Gaidakot Municipality-4, Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta East), on Wednesday night. According to Superintendent of Police Yuvraj Khadka, the accident occurred when a crane bearing registration number Lu 1 Ka 4437, traveling from Dhodeni towards Gaidakot, suffered brake failure on a downhill stretch and crashed into a wall on the left side of the road.
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