KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
PM Karki studying probe report on Gen-Z protest, Cabinet to review next week
Prime Minister Sushila Karki is currently studying the report submitted by a probe commission formed to investigate the incidents that occurred on September 8 and 9, 2025. According to sources at Baluwatar, the report submitted by the investigation commission led by former judge Gauri Bahadur Karki is being reviewed by the prime minister along with a team of experts. Members of the commission handed over the report to the prime minister on March 8. During the meeting, PM Karki had pledged to take steps toward implementing the report’s recommendations.
Gen-Z Movement Nepal demands public release of Gen-Z protest report
Gen-Z Movement Nepal has urged the government to make public the investigation report on the incidents that occurred during the protests on September 8 and 9, 2025. In a statement issued on Saturday, the movement said justice and accountability cannot be ensured unless the truth behind the killings, arson, and violent incidents during the protests is revealed. The organization said it strongly rejects any attempt to withhold the report without ensuring transparency and responsibility.
CPN-UML finalizes 16 proportional representation MPs
he CPN-UML has finalized the names of 16 proportional representation (PR) lawmakers to be recommended to the Election Commission. The decision was taken at a secretariat meeting on Saturday at the residence of party chair KP Sharma Oli in Gundu, Bhaktapur, party deputy general secretary Lekhraj Bhatt confirmed.
Shram Sanskriti Party finalizes names for PR seats
The Shram Sanskriti Party, led by Harka Sampang, has finalized its list of proportional representation (PR) candidates. The party has recommended four names for the PR quota. The candidates include: Mandira Moktan – Indigenous women cluster, Ambika Sangraula – Khas Arya women, Radhika Ramtel (Surkhet) – Dalit category, Purna Limbu – Indigenous group. These names will be submitted to the Election Commission for formal approval.
Nepali embassy in Doha urges travelers to obtain tourist visa when returning via Saudi Arabia
The Nepali Embassy in Doha has urged Nepali nationals residing in Qatar to obtain a tourist visa if they plan to return to Nepal via Saudi Arabia following recent developments in the Middle East. According to the embassy, Nepali citizens must apply for the visa by booking an advance appointment through the Tasheer Saudi Visa Service Center in Doha. The service center is located at Ezdan Mall Al Gharrafa, the embassy said.
Basnet warns of conflict if Oli is implicated, calls probe ‘biased’
Mahesh Basnet, a secretary of the CPN-UML has said there is no basis to hold party chair K. P. Sharma Oli responsible for the incidents that occurred on September 8, 2025. Speaking to journalists after a party secretariat meeting on Saturday, Basnet said the commission led by Gauri Bahadur Karki, formed to investigate the incidents, has no solid grounds to implicate Oli. “Our chair cannot be held responsible; there is no concrete basis. If the commission indicts him, it would clearly indicate bias,” Basnet said.
RSP to avoid antagonizing rivals despite strong mandate
Preparations are underway to form a new government within a week, with the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) expected to lead the administration and senior leader Balen Shah poised to become Nepal’s next prime minister. Although the party’s statute states that the parliamentary party leader becomes prime minister, Shah joined the RSP only on December 28, 2025, ahead of the election. Despite his recent entry into the party, RSP had presented him across the country as its prime ministerial candidate during campaign programs.
Nepali Congress to hold central executive committee meeting on Sunday
The Nepali Congress will convene its Central Executive Committee meeting on Sunday at the party’s central office in Sanepa, starting at 1 PM. Party officials and members of the committee have been requested to attend. The meeting will focus on finalizing the selection of proportional representation candidates. Based on the number of seats won by the party, these names will then be submitted to the Election Commission.
Social media, algorithms, and deepfakes shaped Nepal’s election: Dr. Bhattarai
Former Prime Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai has highlighted the growing influence of social media, misinformation, and deepfakes on Nepal’s recent House of Representatives election held on March 5. Speaking at the NXT 2026 Global Summit in New Delhi on Saturday, Dr. Bhattarai described digital platforms as modern battlegrounds for information warfare. He expressed cautious optimism about the political changes led by Nepal’s youth, noting a rising new generation in the country’s democracy.
Shankar Pokharel questions Yogesh’s statement: Maybe only a partial version circulated
CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel has refuted claims reportedly made by Deputy General Secretary Yogesh Bhattarai, who said he was not assigned responsibilities by the General Secretary during the elections. In a recent interview, Bhattarai stated that he requested roles from the General Secretary but did not receive any. Pokharel, however, insisted this was incorrect, emphasizing that he had requested for Bhattarai to be assigned to available spokesperson positions wherever possible.
Baskota hits back at Sher Bahadur Tamang amid exchange of accusations
A public exchange of accusations has erupted between Gokul Baskota and Sher Bahadur Tamang, both leaders of the CPN-UML party. Baskota expressed anger through a post on Facebook, accusing Tamang of publicly targeting him after he expressed his views. In the post, Baskota said he was not an “opportunist” who frequently changes factions or splits the party to secure positions for himself or his spouse. He suggested Tamang review political history since 2038 BS before making such remarks.
Govt enforces policy allowing ethanol blending in petrol
The government has implemented a new policy allowing the blending of ethanol in petrol, aiming to promote domestic industries and reduce dependence on fuel imports. The “Order on Blending Ethanol in Petrol, 2026” issued by the Cabinet was published in the Nepal Gazette on Friday, formally bringing the policy into effect. Under the order, Nepal Oil Corporation will be required to blend up to 10 percent ethanol in every liter of petrol, depending on availability. The Cabinet also retains the authority to increase or decrease the blending ratio if necessary.
KMC increases monitoring against black marketing of cooking gas, fuel
Kathmandu Metropolitan City has intensified monitoring against activities that artificially create shortages of cooking gas and vehicle fuel for black marketing. The move comes after rising complaints that some traders are refusing to sell cooking gas to consumers despite having stock, claiming there is no supply, charging higher prices, and withholding fuel at depots even when supplies are available. According to Mahesh Kafle, chief of the administration department at Kathmandu Metropolitan City, action will be taken against those spreading false information about gas shortages to inflate prices and disrupt public life.
West Asia fuels Norway’s push for Arctic oil and gas drilling
Escalating tensions in West Asia have revived efforts by Norway to push for oil and gas exploration in the Arctic, as the country seeks support from the European Union to expand drilling in the region. Already Europe’s largest single supplier of natural gas since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Norway is attempting to leverage concerns about global energy security following the crisis involving Strait of Hormuz, a key route for oil and gas shipments that has faced disruptions amid tensions with Iran.
Dhulikhel-Khawa road: Transportation to halt at night for blacktopping
In order to intensify blacktopping of Kavre-based Dhulikhel-Khawa road section along the Araniko Highway, vehicular transportation will be halted for two weeks from coming March 21 to April 3. The expansion has been accelerated following an agreement with a new contractor on last Kartik (October-November). It may be noted that the road up-gradation was stalled due to negligence on part of the earlier contractor. In a bid to step up road upgrade, traffic will be banned at night from coming March 21 to April 3.
FNCCI chief Dhakal urges NRNs to invest in Nepal
President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Chandra Prasad Dhakal, has urged non-resident Nepalis to confidently invest in Nepal, citing improved political stability and a favorable investment environment. Addressing the 12th Annual General Meeting of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA), Dhakal called on NRNs to invest in sectors such as hydropower, tourism, and information technology. Referring to global crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic and conflicts around the world, he said that the homeland ultimately remains the primary destination and priority for people living abroad.
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