KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Opposition parties criticize government’s policy and programme with mixed reactions
Opposition parties in Parliament have expressed mixed reactions and criticism toward the policy and programme for the upcoming fiscal year unveiled by the government led by Prime Minister Balen Shah. The CPN- UML party said the policy and programme should be completely rejected, while the main opposition Nepali Congress described it as largely a continuation of old policies. Meanwhile, the Nepali Communist Party offered a mixed response, and the Rastriya Prajatantra Party accused the government of presenting a “copy-paste” document that ignored Karnali and Sudurpashchim provinces. Leader of the opposition parliamentary party Bhishmaraj Angdembe strongly criticized the government for introducing ordinances by bypassing Parliament.
Lawmakers urge govt to address public concerns raised in Zero Hour of Parliament
Lawmakers in the House of Representatives have urged the government to prioritize issues directly linked to citizens’ daily lives, stressing that protecting public rights remains a core responsibility of the state. During Wednesday’s Zero Hour in the House of Representatives, MPs drew the government’s attention to a wide range of public concerns, including infrastructure, health, agriculture, land disputes, disaster management, and social justice. Bishwaraj Pokharel urged authorities to arrange proper medical treatment for a person injured by electric shock in Okhaldhunga due to a transmission line accident and called for safer management of power infrastructure.
Prachanda calls current Parliament a ‘rainbow Parliament’ shaped by sacrifice and struggle
Former Prime Minister and Nepali Communist Party leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal has described the current House of Representatives as a “rainbow Parliament,” saying it reflects the inclusion and representation achieved through years of struggle and sacrifice. Addressing the House of Representatives at the newly constructed Parliament building on Tuesday, Prachanda said the present Parliament was institutionalized through the contributions, sacrifices, blood, and sweat of millions of people. “We have shed immense sacrifice, blood, and sweat to create this rainbow Parliament. I feel proud,” he said.
Gyanendra Shahi questions government over eviction drive and humanitarian concerns
Gyanendra Shahi, parliamentary party leader of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party, has launched a strong criticism against the government and the Prime Minister, raising questions over alleged insensitivity in state actions and governance. Speaking in Parliament, Shahi said the state has failed to ensure citizens’ right to live with dignity, accusing authorities of siding with the powerful while ignoring the vulnerable. He questioned recent eviction and demolition drives, particularly highlighting the impact on vulnerable groups such as new mothers and informal settlers.
Mahabir Pun objects to being allotted only five minutes in Parliament
Independent lawmaker Mahabir Pun has objected to being allocated only five minutes to speak in the House of Representatives, saying the time distribution was unfair compared to other lawmakers. Speaking in Parliament, Pun questioned why some members were given 10, 15, or even 25 to 30 minutes to speak while he was allotted only five minutes. He said such unequal allocation of speaking time was not acceptable and demanded fair treatment for all lawmakers.
Purna Bahadur Khadka voices dissatisfaction over NC central committee expansion
Purna Bahadur Khadka has expressed dissatisfaction over the recent expansion of the central working committee of the Nepali Congress, stressing the need for “broad and complete unity” within the party. In a statement shared through social media, former acting party president Khadka said he was seriously concerned about various comments surrounding the expansion process, confusion among party cadres, and questions raised regarding his own role in the matter. Khadka revealed that he had held separate discussions a few weeks ago with party president Gagan Kumar Thapa and later a joint meeting with Thapa and vice-president Bishwa Prakash Sharma.
RSP, RPP object to Badal’s Nepal Army remarks, call them disrespectful and unparliamentary
Two political parties have objected to remarks made by Ram Bahadur Thapa Badal during Tuesday’s meeting of the House of Representatives, demanding that his statements be removed from parliamentary records. During his address in Parliament, the former Defence Minister reportedly called for either the cancellation or complete revision of the government’s policy and program. He also made strong remarks against the Nepali Army, describing it as functioning in a manner similar to an organization aligned with a political party. The comments triggered immediate objections in the House.
Two dead, 22 injured in bus accident in Arghakhanchi
Two people died and 22 others were injured after a bus met with an accident at Durgaphant Kudule of Panini Rural Municipality-8 in Arghakhanchi on Monday. The bus (Ga 1 Dha 504), which was en route from Parbat, was returning after a pilgrimage visit to the religious site Supa Deurali in Arghakhanchi when the accident occurred, according to the District Police Office, Arghakhanchi. Chief of the District Police Office, Deputy Superintendent of Police Diwas Bahadur GC said the victims died on the spot, while the injured have been taken for treatment.
Lawmakers call for technology-based monitoring system to reduce road accidents
Lawmakers attending a meeting of the House of Representatives Infrastructure Development Committee have stressed the need for technology-friendly monitoring systems, greater public awareness and effective implementation of traffic laws to reduce road accidents. Committee members suggested installing digital devices capable of automatically alerting drivers when vehicles exceed speed limits and emphasized integrating modern technology into road safety management. During the meeting, committee chair Ashish Gajurel highlighted that around 3,000 people lose their lives in road accidents annually and called for effective enforcement of road safety policies.
NC launches sharp attack on govt over ordinances, governance and PM Balen’s Parliament exit
The main opposition Nepali Congress has launched a strong political and constitutional attack on the government at the start of the House of Representatives’ budget session, accusing it of bypassing Parliament, weakening democratic norms, and governing through ordinances. Addressing Tuesday’s parliamentary meeting, opposition leader Bhishmaraj Angdembe accused the government of undermining Parliament’s legislative authority by introducing around 150 amendments and new laws through ordinances after postponing the House session despite already announcing the session. “The primary duty of Parliament is lawmaking, but the government snatched that authority and chose the ordinance route,” Angdembe said. “This raises serious questions about the government’s commitment to the parliamentary system.”
Shekhar Koirala dissatisfied over Nepali Congress central committee appointments
Senior leader Shekhar Koirala has expressed dissatisfaction over the expansion of the central working committee of Nepali Congress carried out by party president Gagan Thapa on Monday. In a statement issued Tuesday, Koirala said the nomination of 19 members to the party’s central committee had weakened broader party unity. “The nomination of 19 members to the Nepali Congress central committee on Baisakh 28 has hurt the party’s broader unity,” Koirala said in the statement.
Opposition leader Angdembe says searching for government on social media is unfortunate
Bhishmaraj Angdembe has said it is unfortunate that people are being forced to search for the government on social media instead of finding it directly accountable to citizens. Speaking during Monday’s meeting of the House of Representatives, the opposition leader criticized the government for what he described as a lack of responsiveness and overreliance on populist rhetoric. “It is not pleasant for us that we have reached a situation where the government has to be searched for on social media,” Angdembe said. “The Nepali Congress believes in democracy. Democracy is not governance from closed rooms.”
Finance Minister Wagle denies sleeping during President’s policy address
Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle has denied claims that he fell asleep while President Ram Chandra Paudel was presenting the government’s policy and program in the Federal Parliament on Monday. Speaking at a meeting of the Finance Committee at Singha Durbar on Tuesday, Minister Wagle said the viral discussion surrounding the incident was misleading. “Yesterday, people made it viral saying the finance minister had fallen asleep. So please be aware that what appears to be true may not always reflect reality,” he said.
PM Balen’s conduct in Parliament sparks draws criticism
Prime Minister Balendra Shah has come under intense criticism after displaying what many described as undignified conduct during the presentation of the government’s annual policy and program in the Federal Parliament on Monday. The controversy deepened on Tuesday after the main opposition Nepali Congress formally demanded clarification from the prime minister over his decision to leave the House while President Ram Chandra Paudel was still presenting the government’s policy and program for the fiscal year 2026/27.
President Paudel meets Speaker Aryal after PM Shah walked out of Parliament yesterday
President Ram Chandra Poudel summoned Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal to Shital Niwas on Tuesday following controversy over Prime Minister Balen Shah leaving Parliament during the presentation of the government’s policy and program. According to the President’s Secretariat, the two leaders held discussions on contemporary political developments during the meeting at the presidential residence. However, the Speaker’s Secretariat has not publicly disclosed details of the discussion.
UML appoints Padma Aryal as deputy leader of parliamentary party
CPN-UML has appointed party secretary and former minister Padma Aryal as the deputy leader of its parliamentary party. According to Chief Whip Ain Mahara, UML parliamentary party leader Ram Bahadur Thapa, also known as Badal, nominated Aryal to the position. Aryal is currently a proportional representation lawmaker in the federal Parliament.
Landslide blocks Beni–Jomsom road, disrupting Mustang travel
The Beni–Jomsom–Korala road, which connects Mustang to the national highway network, has been obstructed since this morning after a landslide occurred at Mahabhir in Annapurna Rural Municipality-7 of Myagdi district. The landslide, carrying rocks and mud, disrupted direct transportation along the 76-kilometer Beni–Jomsom road section. Vehicles traveling from Beni to Mustang and from Jomsom to Beni have been stranded midway due to the road blockage.
President Paudel removes HoR Secretary Harka Raj Rai from post
President Ram Chandra Paudel has removed Secretary of the House of Representatives Harkaraj Rai from his post. According to the Office of the President, the decision was made on the recommendation of Speaker DP Aryal. A statement issued by the President’s Office said Rai was relieved of his duties in accordance with Section 6 (e) of the Federal Parliament Secretariat Act, which governs the salary, service conditions, and facilities of the Secretary-General of the Federal Parliament, the Secretary of the House of Representatives, and the Secretary of the National A
Concern grows over delays in Suryabinayak–Dhulikhel road expansion project
Local governments and stakeholders have expressed concern over delays in the six-lane road expansion project from Suryabinayak to Dhulikhel. During a discussion held in Banepa on Sunday among project officials, contractors and stakeholders, participants stressed the need to speed up construction work and ensure smoother transportation before the monsoon season begins. Contractors involved in the road expansion project committed to bringing service lanes and auxiliary roads in the Banepa section into operation without obstruction.
Education Minister says special classes will be introduced for SEE non-graded students
Minister for Education, Science and Technology Sasmit Pokharel has said that the government will introduce preparatory classes for students who received non-graded results in the Secondary Education Examination (SEE). Speaking at a meeting of the Education, Health and Information Technology Committee under the House of Representatives held at Singha Durbar on Tuesday, Minister Pokharel said the ministry is committed to supporting non-graded students through targeted academic support programmes.
ICC League 2: Nepal lose thriller to Scotland by 2 runs via DLS
Nepal suffered a heartbreaking two-run defeat against Scotland under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method in the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 match held at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Tuesday. Scotland set a target of 244 runs for the home side after batting first. However, rain interrupted Nepal’s chase in the second innings, forcing officials to revise the target to 221 runs in 39 overs under the DLS system. Chasing the revised target, Nepal were bowled out for 218 runs, falling just two runs short of victory.
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