KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
“I refused to accept anything against democracy, and the king jailed me,” says Deuba
Former prime minister (PM) and outgoing Nepali Congress (NC) President Sher Bahadur Deuba on Friday delivered an emotional defence of democracy and the republic, saying he was imprisoned after refusing to accept anything that undermined democratic principles. Speaking at a national gathering in Sukedhara, Kathmandu, Deuba recalled a past conversation with former King Gyanendra Shah and said he was aware of questions being raised on social media regarding a photograph of him with the former monarch. Deuba said the republic established by the people cannot be reversed by anyone. He recounted telling the king that while he was prepared to accept any lawful action by the government, he could never accept anything against democracy.
No Congress MPs attend Deuba faction gathering
In a striking display of internal distance within the Nepali Congress (NC), not a single sitting member of the House of Representatives was seen at the national gathering organized by the Sher Bahadur Deuba faction in Kathmandu on Friday. Although several party leaders attended the programme, no sitting MP was seen participating in the event. Asked about the absence of lawmakers, party whip Niskal Rai said he was unaware of any MPs attending the gathering and that the parliamentary party had not received information about any members participating. “I am not aware that any of our MPs joined the gathering. No instruction had been issued prohibiting anyone from attending,” Rai said.
Deuba seeks NC unity through dialogue and consensus
Former Nepali Congress (NC) President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has said that the disputes within the party must be resolved through dialogue, consensus, and cooperation. Addressing the national gathering of the Nepali Congress non-establishment faction that began in Kathmandu on Friday, Deuba stressed the need to transform internal disagreements into greater unity. He accused the party of violating its rules, statute, and procedures in the name of the special general convention. Saying that the matter is currently under consideration in the Supreme Court, Deuba refrained from making further comments but expressed confidence that the court would deliver justice.
Dhawal Shumsher Rana, Durga Prasai end political alliance
Former Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) lawmaker Dhawal Shumsher Rana and Durga Prasai have ended their political alliance just two months after joining forces to form a new political force. Following the split, Rana reached the Election Commission on Friday along with some of his supporters to register a new political party. Rana, who had resigned as RPP general secretary, submitted an application to register the “Jai Nepal Party” at the Election Commission. The two leaders had been working together until Thursday, but differences emerged shortly before the party registration process was finalized. Rana and Prasai had joined forces two months ago with the stated objective of restoring the monarchy and establishing a Hindu state.
Sudurpaschim Chief Minister Bhatta takes oath of office
Newly appointed Chief Minister of Sudurpaschim Province Khagaraj Bhatta took the oath of office and secrecy on Friday afternoon. Province Chief Nazir Miya administered the oath to him. Bhatta, the leader of the CPN parliamentary party in the province, was appointed chief minister on Friday with the support of the CPN-UML.
Home Minister Gurung objects to treatment of ministry officials at committee
Home Minister Sudan Gurung has expressed serious concern over the treatment of the Home Secretary and Inspector General of Police (IGP) at a meeting of the Public Accounts Committee. Speaking at a meeting of the House of Representatives’ Law, Justice and Human Rights Committee held at Singha Durbar on Friday, Gurung objected to the conduct and presentation directed at the Home Secretary and police chief in his absence. Targeting Rastriya Swatantra Party lawmaker Khagendra Sunar, Gurung said no one should act as a judge and declare another person guilty. Sunar had demanded an investigation into the IGP over alleged irregularities in the procurement of police uniforms during a Public Accounts Committee meeting. Gurung said no one should assume the role of a judge merely on the basis of a complaint.
CJ sends Property Investigation case to Constitutional Bench
Chief Justice (CJ) Manoj Kumar Sharma has transferred the case related to the Property Investigation Commission to the Constitutional Bench of the Supreme Court by exercising the authority granted to him under the Constitution. Supreme Court spokesperson and Joint Registrar Arjun Prasad Koirala said the decision was made a few days ago under Article 137(3) of the Constitution, which allows cases involving important constitutional questions to be heard by the Constitutional Bench. The matter had previously been referred to a full bench after a division bench of Justices Tek Prasad Dhungana and Shreekanta Paudel issued an order on July 10 preventing authorities from compelling individuals to submit details of their property.
Floods and landslides block major highways nationwide
Floods, landslides, and road erosion triggered by continuous rainfall disrupted traffic on several highways across the country today. According to Nepal Police Headquarters, the Mechi Highway in Ilam, BP Highway in Kavrepalanchok, Kanti Lokpath in Makwanpur, and the Araniko Highway in Sindhupalchowk have been completely blocked. Similarly, the Trishuli-Mailung-Syafrubesi Road in Rasuwa, Prithvi Highway in Dhading, Mid-Hill Highway in Lamjung, Mid-Hill Highway in Rukum East, and the Bheri Corridor Road in Rukum West have also been obstructed due to floods and landslides.
Thabang landslide: 10 bodies recovered, three still missing
The bodies of 10 people who died in a landslide that struck Uwa Kotalbara in Thabang Rural Municipality-5, Rolpa, on Wednesday night have been recovered. Police said five bodies were found at the incident site, while five others were recovered downstream in Pyuthan after being swept away by floodwaters. The victims range in age from a five-year-old child to an 85-year-old elderly person. A massive landslide carrying a large volume of mud buried 11 houses in the village late Wednesday night. Three people remain missing, and search operations are continuing. Two seriously injured survivors are undergoing treatment in Butwal. Himal Pun Magar, 22, and Sanjay Gharti Magar, 25, escaped the landslide and later called police through the emergency number 100 to report the incident.
Massive midnight flood in Modikhola washes away two bridges
A massive flood in the Modikhola River along the Kaski-Parbat border late Thursday night washed away two suspension bridges and left three people trapped inside the premises of the Annapurna Mata Temple. The flood swept away the bridge connecting Annapurna Rural Municipality-5 and 6 near Birethanti in Kaski. The lower portion of the temple was also damaged by the floodwaters.
Govt tightens foreign travel rules for government employees
Civil servants and other government employees will now be required to obtain prior approval from the Office of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers before travelling abroad. The Prime Minister’s Office has introduced a new system aimed at making official foreign travel more systematic, transparent, and economical. A circular issued to all ministries, commissions, and government agencies states that employees can no longer be nominated for any foreign visit without prior approval from the Prime Minister’s Office. According to the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, the measure has been implemented to stop foreign travel and nominations made without proper authorization.
SC orders authorities to produce journalist Kishor Shrestha on Aug 17
The Supreme Court has ordered the authorities to present journalist and Janaastha Weekly editor Kishor Shrestha, along with the other defendants, before the court on August 17. A bench of Justice Bal Krishna Dhakal issued the order on Friday while hearing a writ petition filed on Shrestha’s behalf. The court directed the Kathmandu District Court and the defendants to appear with the detained journalist, the investigation file, and the items seized during the investigation. The order states that the court must examine why the relief sought by the petitioner should not be granted. If the defendants wish to contest the petition, they must submit a written response through the Office of the Attorney General by 10:00 am on August 17, clearly stating the legal grounds and reasons for their objection.
CoAS Sigdel holds meeting with PM Shah
Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) Ashok Raj Sigdel met Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) at Singha Durbar on Friday, although officials did not reveal the purpose of the meeting. Sigdel reached the Prime Minister’s Office earlier in the day. A source there confirmed that discussions were underway between the prime minister and the army chief, but said the subject of the talks had not been made public. The army also noted that meetings between Prime Minister Shah, who is also in charge of the Ministry of Defence, and the army chief are routine.
NC should be reunified under Deuba’s leadership: Ramesh Lekhak
Nepali Congress (NC) leader and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has expressed confidence that the party can be reunited under the leadership of former prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba. Addressing the inaugural session of a national gathering organised by the party’s non-establishment faction in Kathmandu on Friday, Lekhak said the Nepali Congress must unite to address the country’s pressing challenges. “The Nepali Congress is in a situation where it needs to unite to address national issues. At present, the party appears divided both mentally and organisationally,” he said. “I hope Deuba’s return to the country will create an environment for party unity. I therefore urge that the party be reunified under Deuba’s leadership.”
Nepal reaffirms One China principle commitment
Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai has reaffirmed Nepal’s commitment to the One China principle and reiterated that Nepali territory will not be allowed to be used against China’s interests. He said Nepal-China diplomatic relations are founded on the principles of Panchasheel, good neighbourliness, mutual partnership, cooperation, equality, and respect for each other’s sensitivities. Speaking at a program organised in Kathmandu to mark the 71st anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nepal and China and the award ceremony of the 2026 Nepal-China Friendship Short Video Competition, Rai said the anniversary was “not merely an entry in the diplomatic calendar, but a reflection of our enduring relationship.” Rai noted that over the past seven decades, bilateral ties have expanded from traditional relations and cultural exchanges to a comprehensive partnership aimed at shared prosperity.
NEPSE falls 7.37 points
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index declined by 7.37 points on Friday, the last trading day of the week, closing at 2,643.83 points. The benchmark index had gained 8.81 points on Thursday. On Friday, share prices of 101 companies increased, while 164 declined. The prices of 12 companies remained unchanged. Despite the fall in the index, market turnover improved. Shares worth Rs 4.27 billion were traded on Friday, compared to Rs 3.72 billion on Thursday. Most sectoral indices moved by less than 1 percent. Banking fell by 0.14 percent, development banks by 0.33 percent, finance by 0.73 percent, hotels and tourism by 0.33 percent, hydropower by 0.34 percent, investment by 0.92 percent, production and processing by 0.38 percent, non-life insurance by 0.43 percent, and trading by 2.57 percent.
Gold, silver prices fall in Nepali market
The price of gold and silver declined in the Nepali market on Friday. The price of gold fell by Rs 4,600 per tola, while silver became cheaper by Rs 90 per tola. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of fine gold has been fixed at Rs 301,600 per tola today. Gold was traded at Rs 306,200 per tola on Thursday. Similarly, the price of silver has been fixed at Rs 4,660 per tola, down from Rs 4,750 per tola on Thursday. In the international market, gold is currently trading at around $4,326 per ounce, while silver is trading at approximately $65 per ounce.
Chitwan records two dengue and six scrub typhus cases this month
Chitwan has reported two confirmed cases of dengue and six cases of scrub typhus so far this month, according to the Public Health Office. Health officials said a woman from Kalika Municipality and a man from Ichchakamana Rural Municipality tested positive for dengue. Scrub typhus has been detected in six local residents, including one man and four women from Bharatpur Metropolitan City and one man from Ratnanagar Municipality. The office also reported that two patients who arrived in Chitwan from other districts for treatment were found to have dengue, while 28 visiting patients tested positive for scrub typhus. As a result, the district’s total dengue cases for the month have reached four, while scrub typhus cases have climbed to 34.
Dr. Baral appointed Vice-Chancellor of Kathmandu University
Prof. Dr. Bibek Baral has been appointed vice-chancellor of Kathmandu University. Prime Minister Balendra Shah, who also serves as the university’s chancellor, appointed Baral to the post on Friday. A selection committee led by Education and Sports Minister Sasmit Pokharel had recommended three candidates for the position. The other recommended candidates were Prof. Dr. Balchandra Luitel and Prof. Dr. Rajendra Joshi. Baral is a professor in Kathmandu University’s Department of Mechanical Engineering. He was also a student of the university’s second batch of engineering students, becoming the first KU alumnus to be appointed vice-chancellor.
Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City approves annual budget of Rs 2.76 billion
Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City has approved an annual budget of Rs 2.76 billion for the current fiscal year. The 19th municipal assembly, held on Thursday, endorsed the budget, which prioritises road network expansion and physical infrastructure development, drinking water supply, education, healthcare, tourism, agriculture, employment generation, and disaster management. Acting Mayor Ayindra Bikram Begha presented the budget, allocating Rs 2.47 billion for the municipal executive and Rs 287 million for the city’s 20 ward offices.
Landslide buries house in Bajura
One person has gone missing and two others have been injured after a landslide buried a house in Tamsu, Tribeni Municipality-9 of Bajura district. The house belonging to local residents Dharma Thapa, 39, and Karna Bahadur Thapa, 43, was buried after incessant rainfall since Thursday night triggered the landslide. According to Naresh Bahadur Shahi, information officer and police inspector at the District Police Office, two people sustained injuries when the landslide struck the house. Ward chair Nanda Thapa of Tribeni Municipality-9 said continuous rainfall has made rescue operations and the search for the missing person difficult.
Night traffic on Mid-Hill Highway suspended in Rukum
Night-time traffic has been suspended on the Pushpalal (Mid-Hill) Highway in Rukum after heavy rainfall triggered landslides and blocked the road at several locations. According to the District Administration Office, continuous rain since Thursday afternoon has obstructed the highway at Kandabagar, Dhaula Pahira, and other points within the district. The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology’s Weather Forecasting Division has warned that rainfall is likely to continue for the next few days. Considering the dangerous road conditions, the District Security Committee decided to halt night traffic on the highway.
Two Nepali canoeists set for Asian Games challenge in Japan
Nepali canoeists Bijay Majhi of Dhankuta and Ashish Ranamagar of Sindhupalchok are set to represent Nepal at the 20th Asian Games in Japan. The Asian Games will be held in the Aichi-Nagoya region from September 19 to October 4. Held every four years, the continental sporting event provides athletes with an international platform to showcase years of hard work and dedication. Majhi and Ranamagar have been selected to compete in the kayak slalom and kayak cross events. Both athletes have been training at Pokhara’s Phewa Lake for the past month under Nepal Rafting and Canoeing Association chief coach Nimbahadur Magar. Majhi, who previously worked as a rafting guide on the Tamor River for several years, has transformed his experience navigating the river’s strong currents and challenging conditions into competitive canoeing.
Over 20,500 cybercrime complaints registered in Nepal in a year
More than 20,500 complaints related to cybercrime were registered with the Nepal Police in the last fiscal year, with authorities reporting a rise in the misuse of social media and online platforms for fraud and other offenses. According to the Central Police Newsroom, 20,526 cybercrime-related complaints were registered from the beginning of fiscal year 2025/26 through the end of Ashadh. During the same period, 161 cybercrime cases were registered and 155 people were arrested. Among the complaints, 7,123 were related to the misuse of Facebook and Messenger, 6,776 to TikTok, 3,105 to WhatsApp, 1,031 to Telegram and 628 to Instagram. Similarly, 114 complaints were related to email, 21 to Viber, 38 to IMO, 64 to YouTube, 14 to WeChat, 11 each to Twitter and Google, and 744 to eSewa, Khalti, bank accounts and SMS-related fraud. A total of 846 complaints were related to institutions.
Mining sector revenue falls by Rs 700 million in one year
The Department of Mines and Geology has reported a sharp decline in revenue collected from the extraction, production and export of minerals in the last fiscal year. The department collected Rs 894.8 million in revenue in fiscal year 2025/26, down from Rs 1.59 billion in the previous fiscal year. The revenue declined by around 44 percent, or nearly Rs 700 million, compared to fiscal year 2024/25. According to department spokesperson and Deputy Director General Ganesh Nath Tripathi, the department generates revenue through the issuance and renewal of mining exploration and extraction permits, land lease fees, and charges for maps and reports, among other sources.
Family demands impartial probe into death of man who died in holding center
The family of Hiralaal Hazara Dusad, who died after being displaced following the demolition of his house without an alternative arrangement, has demanded an impartial investigation into his death along with a 12-point set of demands from the government. Dusad’s body has been taken to Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital following his death. In a memorandum submitted to the National Human Rights Commission and concerned government agencies, the family and rights activists said affected families had been living under prolonged mental stress, uncertainty and fear about their future after their houses were demolished without alternative accommodation. The 47-year-old Dusad had been living in the demolished structure for several years. Following the demolition, he and his family were displaced without an alternative arrangement and had been staying at holding centers in Kirtipur and Bodhe at different times.
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