KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Iran and US say deal closer than ever
Iranian and US officials said Friday a deal to end the Middle East war was closer than ever, with mediator Pakistan also expressing optimism that an elusive agreement was within reach. But during weeks of halting negotiations — marked by threats and exchanges of fire despite an April truce — US President Donald Trump has repeatedly insisted that a deal was all but signed, only for talks to drag on. And disagreements between the two sides persisted, with Iranian state media publishing a breakdown of what was purportedly on the table that was at odds with Washington’s account.
Government allocates Rs 680 million for tunnel road studies and construction
The Ministry of Infrastructure Development has allocated Rs 670.1 million for the feasibility study and construction of around a dozen tunnel road projects in the upcoming fiscal year 2083/84. The allocation has been included in the ministry’s annual development programme for the next fiscal year recently made public. Of the total allocation, Rs 500 million has been earmarked for the construction of the under-construction Siddhababa Tunnel Project. According to the annual programme, Rs 126.6 million has been allocated for the Gwarko–Satdobato–Ekantakuna flyover project.
Public Accounts Committee plans ‘fast-track’ measures to reduce outstanding audit irregularities
The Public Accounts Committee has said it has begun preparations to reduce outstanding audit irregularities amounting to Rs 755.17 billion through a “fast-track” approach. The committee stated that policy-level facilitation has become necessary as the large volume of unresolved audit observations has raised concerns about the effectiveness and performance of government institutions. Committee Chair Bharat Bahadur Khadka said the government has long faced criticism over growing unsettled audit amounts across public institutions and that efforts are now underway to address the issue through a more planned and aggressive approach.
Protest held at Maitighar against alleged SSB interference in Susta
The NCP Maobadi (Maoist) staged a protest at Maitighar Mandala in Kathmandu on Saturday, opposing alleged interference by India’s Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) in the Susta area of Nawalparasi. Protesters, including party leaders and cadres, demonstrated under slogans such as “protect national sovereignty, border respect and citizens’ rights” and “the border is ours, the state is ours, the decision is ours.” They demanded that the government immediately stop what they described as interference by the Indian SSB in Nepali territory and with Nepali citizens in the Susta region.
NC President expresses deep sorrow over the passing of Yam Bhandari
Nepali Congress President Gagan Kumar Thapa has expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Yam Bhandari, a prominent figure in Nepal’s democratic movement. In a condolence statement issued today on behalf of the party president, Acting Chief Secretary Krishna Prasad Dulal at the party’s central office conveyed profound grief over the passing of Bhandari, who died at the age of 81. The Nepali Congress described Bhandari as a tireless contributor to the country’s democratic struggle, noting his significant role in student politics in Jhapa district, particularly during the establishment period of the Nepal Students Union (NSU) at Mechi Campus.
Kulman Ghising says election setback is not a defeat
Chairperson of the Ujyalo Nepal Party, Kulman Ghising, has said he does not consider the party’s recent electoral performance a defeat. Speaking at a party induction program in Kathmandu on Saturday, Ghising said that although the election results did not meet expectations, they should not be viewed as a loss. He described the outcome as a valuable learning experience and pledged to strengthen and expand the party across the country in the coming days. “This is our first step forward. We have not lost the trust and affection of the people,” Ghising said.
Probe committee formed to investigate Kavre bus crash that killed eight
Nepal Police has formed a probe committee to determine the cause of a fatal bus accident that occurred in Buchchakot, Ward No. 2 of Namobuddha Municipality, Kavrepalanchok district, on Friday. According to the Police Headquarters, a six-member investigation committee has been constituted under the coordination of Senior Superintendent of Police Kamal Thapa of the Nepal Police Provincial Office, Kavre. The accident took place when a passenger bus (Ba 3 Kha 8398) travelling from Banepa to Roshi Kharpachok lost control and plunged nearly 300 meters off the road. Eight passengers died on the spot, while 16 others sustained injuries and are undergoing treatment at Dhulikhel Hospital.
Govt targets 5,335 MW installed electricity capacity by next fiscal year
The government has set a target to increase Nepal’s total installed electricity generation capacity to 5,335 megawatts by the end of the upcoming fiscal year. According to the annual development programme unveiled by the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, an additional 1,040 MW of hydropower generation capacity is expected to be added within one year. The ministry said special efforts will be made to ensure the timely completion of hydropower projects currently under construction and those nearing completion. It also aims to facilitate private sector-led projects to meet their construction deadlines. Expansion of electricity transmission infrastructure has also been identified as a key priority.
Nepal advances Rs 8.71 billion clean air project with World Bank support
The government has moved forward with a major initiative aimed at improving environmental quality and reducing air pollution across the country. The Nepal Clean Air and Prosperity Project (NCAP) is set to be implemented from the upcoming fiscal year 2026/27 as part of broader efforts to strengthen air quality management and promote sustainable industrial development. The project, estimated at Rs 8.71 billion (USD 57 million), is designed to control air pollution, accelerate industrial green transformation, and encourage cleaner production practices.
Monkey menace reaches Kathmandu as Nepal debates control, conservation and coexistence
The growing monkey menace is no longer limited to Nepal’s villages. In recent years, the problem has spread into the capital Kathmandu, affecting residential areas and religious sites alike. Around major heritage areas such as Pashupati and Swayambhu, residents say monkeys have become increasingly disruptive, forcing people to stay alert day and night to protect kitchens, gardens and rooftop farms. With limited land availability in Kathmandu, rooftop farming has become common. But residents say even those small patches of cultivation are no longer safe. Monika Baral, a resident of Gaushala, says monkeys around Pashupati have become so accustomed to urban life that they enter homes by opening doors themselves.
Govt introduces pre-season minimum support price system for major food crops
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forest and Environment has announced the implementation of a new system to determine the minimum support price (MSP) and minimum procurement price of major food crops before the planting season. Issuing a new directive, the ministry said the decision was taken under the government’s 100-point governance reform programme, which includes setting MSP for key agricultural commodities in advance. The “Directive on Determination of Minimum Support Price and Minimum Procurement Price, 2026” was approved through a ministerial decision on April 29, registered with the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, and made public via the ministry’s website, according to officials.
Will Finance Minister escape after calling media rags and threatening opposition?
Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle has come under intense political fire after making controversial remarks in Parliament, where he referred to media outlets critical of him as rags and issued indirect threats to opposition lawmakers over alleged corruption investigations. During Thursday’s parliamentary debate on the budget, Minister Wagle strongly reacted to questions raised over changes in tax rates included in the Finance Bill for the upcoming fiscal year 2026/27. Opposition lawmakers and media reports had alleged repeated manipulation of tax structures, which they claim was exposed through detailed reporting. However, speaking in Parliament, the minister defended himself by comparing the current budget with previous fiscal years, stating that the earlier government had made 73 amendments to the Finance Bill, while his changes were minimal.
Chef Shah among two arrested in bank fraud case
Police have arrested a chef in connection with a banking offence in Siraha district. According to police, Santosh Shah, a chef from Karchhana Municipality–11, was arrested on Friday from Ramand Chowk in Janakpur Sub-Metropolitan City–8. The arrest was made by a team deployed from the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office.
FIFA World Cup: Host USA opens campaign with commanding 4–1 win over Paraguay
Host nation the United States made an impressive start to the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a dominant 4–1 victory over Paraguay on Saturday morning at the Los Angeles Stadium. Folarin Balogun starred for the United States with a brace, while Giovanni Reyna added another goal. The remaining goal came through an own goal by Paraguay, while Mauricio scored a consolation goal for the South American side. The match began dramatically, with the United States taking the lead in the 8th minute through an own goal. Paraguay defender Damian Bobadilla inadvertently turned the ball into his own net while attempting to block a shot from Weston McKennie, giving the hosts an early advantage.
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