KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
PMO issues circular to ensure frugality in public expenditure
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has directed all government bodies to adopt austerity measures in public spending by restricting purchases of non-essential items. The circular has been sent to all ministries, commissions, secretariats, offices, agencies, and provincial governments, including the Office of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers, instructing them to avoid procurement of unnecessary goods. It states that office heads should ensure existing items such as equipment, furniture, tools, and vehicles are kept in working condition and that new purchases should only be made for essential needs. The directive emphasizes reducing unnecessary public expenditure and promoting cost efficiency.
Rabi Lamichhane likely to continue as party chair
Rabi Lamichhane is highly likely to continue as chair of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, party leader Kabindra Burlakoti has said. Speaking to journalists, Burlakoti said there was “no doubt” that Lamichhane would be reappointed to the party’s top post. “There is no doubt about it. Rabi Lamichhane will continue as chair,” he said. Responding to questions on whether the party lacked an alternative to Lamichhane, Burlakoti said the party had several capable leaders. “It is not that there are no alternatives. The party has many leaders,” he said. “Rather than engaging in competition over who will lead, it is more important to guide the party towards a proper direction.” He added that the party’s current priority is to strengthen internal unity and determine its future political course rather than focusing solely on leadership issues.
Finance Minister unveils budget priorities focused on digital transformation and economic reform
Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle has outlined the government’s major priorities for the upcoming fiscal year 2026/27, placing digital transformation, structural economic reforms and employment-oriented growth at the center of the national budget framework. Presenting the principles and priorities of the Appropriation Bill in separate meetings of both houses of the Federal Parliament on Thursday, Wagle said the government aims to build a new foundation for economic development through extensive use of information technology and institutional reforms. The proposed budget priorities focus on strengthening federal governance, modernizing public administration, promoting productive sectors and accelerating infrastructure development. The government plans to introduce a “single-window, time-bound and digital” administrative system by reviewing laws related to investment, financial services and public service delivery.
SC orders release of NIMB CEO Pandey on bail
The Supreme Court (SC) on Friday ordered the release of Nepal Investment Mega Bank Limited (NIMB) Chief Executive Officer Jyoti Prakash Pandey on bail. Pandey’s wife, Niru Dahal, had filed a habeas corpus petition at the Supreme Court, claiming that he was being held unlawfully. A joint bench of Supreme Court Justices Saranga Subedi and Shanti Singh Thapa issued the order, directing authorities to release Pandey on bail in the presence of a senior advocate. The court also stated that the investigation process could continue even after his release. The Supreme Court further directed that Pandey must obtain permission from the court before travelling abroad if necessary.
Angdembe demands impartial probe into allegations against former Home Minister Gurung
Leader of the main opposition Nepali Congress parliamentary party Bhishmaraj Angdembe has called for an impartial investigation into allegations leveled against former Home Minister Sudan Gurung. Reacting on Friday to the government’s decision to form an investigation committee, Angdembe said the probe must ensure a fair and unbiased inquiry into the accusations against Gurung. Expressing concern over the newly formed panel, he said there was a risk that the committee might attempt to exonerate Gurung rather than uncover the truth. “The committee should conduct an impartial investigation and should not be an attempt to whitewash the issue,” he said. Gurung had earlier been embroiled in controversy over alleged share investments and financial links with controversial businessman Deepak Bhatta. Following public scrutiny and mounting political pressure, he resigned from his post on April 22, citing moral responsibility.
National Investigation Department brought under PM’s Office again
Prime Minister Balendra Shah has brought the National Investigation Department (NID) under the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers once again. The decision has been made through the Nepal Government (Work Division) Regulations which restructures the functional division of 18 ministries and places the intelligence agency under the Prime Minister’s Office. The move brings back a structure earlier implemented by then Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in 2018, when the National Investigation Department, Revenue Investigation Department, and Department of Money Laundering Investigation were also placed under the PMO. That decision had faced criticism over concerns of power centralization.
PM Shah summons Finance Minister Wagle after policy and programme endorsed by House
Prime Minister Balen Shah on Friday invited Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers shortly after the government’s policy and programme was endorsed by the House of Representatives. The meeting took place after Wagle responded to lawmakers during parliamentary deliberations on the policy and programme for the upcoming fiscal year 2026/27. The House unanimously passed the policy and programme on Thursday, formally paving the way for the presentation of the national budget. Although the policy and programme was introduced by Prime Minister Shah himself, he remained absent throughout parliamentary discussions on the document. Shah had earlier drawn criticism after walking out of Parliament midway while President Ram Chandra Paudel was presenting the government’s policies and programmes.
President Paudel tells govt to clear arrears, maintain fiscal discipline
President Ram Chandra Paudel has urged the government to move toward clearing financial irregularities and strengthening fiscal discipline, warning that growing arrears reflect weakening accountability and transparency in public institutions. Receiving the Auditor General’s annual report for the fiscal year 2025/26 at Shital Niwas on Friday, President Paudel said the scale of irregular government expenditure indicated a decline in public sector accountability, transparency and financial discipline. He stressed that discouraging irregular state spending and enforcing financial discipline are essential to fulfilling the aspirations of younger generations for sustainable peace, good governance, development and prosperity.
Govt spends nearly 60 percent of annual budget by mid-May
The government has utilized nearly 60 percent of its total budget allocation for the current fiscal year 2025/26 by the end of Baisakh (mid-May), according to the Financial Comptroller General Office (FCGO). FCGO data show that the government spent Rs 1.173 trillion during the first 10 months of the fiscal year. Out of the total annual budget of Rs 1.964 trillion, overall expenditure has reached 59.75 percent so far. Under the recurrent expenditure category, the government has spent Rs 814.655 billion, which accounts for 68.98 percent of the allocated Rs 1.180 trillion by mid-May. Capital expenditure, however, remains relatively low. Of the Rs 407.88 billion allocated for development spending, only Rs 113.849 billion, or 27.91 percent, has been utilized so far.
Bagmati Province session ends from midnight on Cabinet recommendation
Bagmati Province Chief Deepak Prasad Devkota has ended the ongoing session of the Provincial Assembly from midnight on Friday. Acting on the recommendation of the Bagmati Province Council of Ministers, Devkota terminated the session effective from 12:00 midnight, according to official information. The winter session of the Provincial Assembly had held meetings on April 7, 8, 9 and 19.
Basudev Upadhyay appointed director general of Ayurveda and Alternative Medicine Department
The government has appointed Dr Basudev Upadhyay as the director general of the Department of Ayurveda and Alternative Medicine. The appointment was made through a ministerial decision by Health and Population Minister Nisha Mehta. Dr Upadhyay, an 11th-level Ayurveda physician, had been serving as the director of Naradevi Ayurveda Hospital before receiving the new responsibility. According to the Ministry of Health and Population, although he has been assigned the role of director general, his official post will remain at Naradevi Ayurveda Hospital. Previously, the department’s acting director general role had been handled by 10th-level physician Shyam Babu Yadav.
Rishikesh Wagle assigned responsibility of KU Vice Chancellor’s daily operations
The daily administrative responsibility of the Vice Chancellor’s office at Kathmandu University (KU) has been assigned to Professor Rishikesh Wagle. According to the university, Prime Minister and KU Chancellor Balendra Shah decided on May 14 to assign Wagle the responsibility for day-to-day operations of the vacant Vice Chancellor’s post. Wagle is a former Dean of the Faculty of Law at the university. The university stated that he assumed office from Thursday following the decision.
Umesh Shrestha appointed treasurer of Nepali Congress
Umesh Shrestha has been appointed treasurer of the Nepali Congress. On Friday, Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa nominated Shrestha to the post. Acting Chief Secretary Krishna Prasad Dulal said the appointment was made in accordance with Article 21 (4) of the Nepali Congress Statute, 2017 (as amended). Shrestha had previously also served as the party’s treasurer. Following the party’s 14th General Convention, former President Sher Bahadur Deuba had appointed him to the same position.
Construction of Hetauda-Dhalkebar-Duhabi 400kV transmission line resumes after prolonged dispute
Construction of the long-delayed Hetauda-Dhalkebar-Duhabi 400kV transmission line has resumed after years of obstruction caused by local dissatisfaction, compensation disputes and land-related issues. The project moved forward again following initiatives taken by Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha. According to the Nepal Electricity Authority, continuous discussions and coordination led by Minister Shrestha among affected locals, elected representatives and stakeholders helped resolve compensation-related concerns, prompting landowners to accept compensation packages. The authority said tower construction work has now resumed in the affected areas.
UN Resident Coordinator meets President Paudel
United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nepal Lila Pieters Yahia paid a courtesy call on President Ram Chandra Paudel on Friday. During the meeting held at the Office of the President, the two sides discussed matters related to strengthening cooperation between Nepal and the United Nations, according to the President’s Office.
Harka Sampang demands PM Shah’s resignation over ‘disrespect to Parliament’
Harka Sampang, chair of the Shram Sanskriti Party and a member of the House of Representatives, has demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Balendra Shah, accusing him of disrespecting Parliament and displaying irresponsibility in parliamentary practice. Issuing a statement, lawmaker Sampang alleged that Prime Minister Shah had undermined the dignity of the federal parliament through repeated absence from key parliamentary proceedings. According to the statement, Prime Minister Shah walked out of the House while President Ramchandra Paudel was presenting the government’s policies and programmes on May 11. Sampang also claimed that the prime minister remained absent during discussions held on May 13 and did not appear in Parliament to respond, despite reportedly watching the proceedings live from a nearby office.
Gen-Z movement representatives boycott govt constitutional reform dialogue
Representatives of the Gen-Z people’s movement have announced that they will not participate in the government’s consultation on constitutional amendments. Issuing a joint statement, the representatives rejected the invitation extended through the “Constitution Amendment Discussion Paper Preparation Task Force” formed under the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers. They said they are clear that the Constitution needs to be amended in line with changing times, but stressed that any amendment process must be transparent, accountable and inclusive. They accused the government of forming the task force unilaterally, contrary to these principles. The representatives further stated that individuals arrested during the Gen-Z movement are still facing false charges, while families of martyrs and injured victims have not received justice. They also said the 10-point agreement reached with the government on December 10, 2025, has not been implemented.
NAC owes over Rs 55 billion to EPF and CIT
Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) owes more than Rs 55.47 billion in loans to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and the Citizens Investment Trust (CIT), including both principal and interest payments. The outstanding liabilities were disclosed in the 63rd annual report of the Office of the Auditor General. According to the report, the national flag carrier borrowed Rs 22 billion from the EPF in 2013 and Rs 12 billion from the CIT in 2018 to purchase Airbus A320 and A330 aircraft. At present, NAC owes Rs 31.33 billion to the EPF and Rs 21.12 billion to the CIT. The loans were secured under government guarantees.
Monsoon-related disasters likely to affect over 226,000 people this year
The Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Executive Committee has approved the Monsoon Preparedness and Response National Action Plan, 2083, prepared for this year. The decision was taken during a meeting of the Executive Committee held on Thursday under the chairmanship of Minister for Infrastructure Development Sunil Lamsal. According to the national action plan, an estimated 226,661 people from around 51,868 households across the country are expected to be affected by monsoon-related disasters this year. The first section of the action plan includes an analysis of monsoon-related disaster risks and impact assessments, while the second section outlines the responsibilities of concerned agencies involved in monsoon preparedness and response efforts.
Non-formal education data integrated into EMIS system
The Education and Human Resource Development Center under the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has integrated non-formal education data into the Education Management Information System (EMIS). The center, which has been updating educational data from early childhood classes to Grade 12 twice every year, has now begun collecting data related to non-formal education as well. According to the center, local governments and community learning centers across the country have been instructed to enter and update records related to non-formal education and lifelong learning programmes.
Nepal, Thailand agree to deepen cooperation in trade, tourism and investment
Nepal and Thailand have agreed to further deepen bilateral cooperation in key areas including trade, investment, tourism, agriculture, culture and education. Nepal’s Ambassador to Thailand Dhan Bahadur Oli held a meeting on Thursday with Urasa Mongkolnavin, Director-General of the Department of South Asian, Middle East and African Affairs under Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During the meeting, both sides discussed ways to expand mutual cooperation and strengthen existing engagements between the two countries. They also reviewed the implementation status of eight Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed between Nepal and Thailand last year, stressing the need for effective implementation. The two sides also agreed to enhance cooperation in sharing intelligence and information to combat transnational crimes, including human trafficking, money laundering and cybercrime.
Israeli Ambassador meets Vice President Yadav
Israeli Ambassador to Nepal Shmulik Arie Bass paid a courtesy call on Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav at the Vice President’s Office in Lainchaur. According to officials, the meeting focused on bilateral relations, economic cooperation, labor migration, education, training, and other areas of mutual interest. During the meeting, Vice President Yadav said Nepal and Israel have maintained close and friendly relations based on goodwill, mutual understanding, and cooperation since the establishment of diplomatic ties on June 1, 1960. He noted that there is significant potential for expanding cooperation in areas such as economy, trade, tourism, and investment, expressing confidence that both countries could benefit through the identification and utilization of such opportunities.
Traffic enforcement action collects Rs 1.995 million in revenue
In the past 24 hours, action was taken against 2,144 drivers for violating traffic rules, generating Rs 1.995 million in revenue for the state treasury. According to the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, 91 drivers were penalized for driving under the influence of intoxicants, 151 for illegal ride-sharing, 149 for violating traffic signals, and 186 for speeding. Similarly, 102 drivers were booked for failing to follow lane discipline, 142 for honking in prohibited areas, 95 for roadside parking, and 118 for driving on one-way roads. The remaining 1,110 cases involved other traffic violations.
Rhino found dead in Kawasoti maize field
A male rhino was found dead at Lokaha Syauli in Kawasoti. According to Bishnu Prasad Adhikari, the rhino was discovered in a maize field belonging to local resident Bhim Bahadur Darjee. Adhikari said the horn and hooves of the adult rhino have been secured safely. The exact cause of the rhino’s death has yet to be determined, as no visible injuries were found on its body. Authorities said further investigation into the incident is underway.
International Day of Families observed today
The International Day of Families is being observed across the world today through various programs and events highlighting sustainable development, social inclusion, and the important role of families in society. The United Nations has been giving priority to family-related issues since the 1980s. In 1983, following a recommendation by the Economic and Social Council, the Commission for Social Development adopted a resolution on the “Role of the Family in the Development Process” and urged the Secretary-General to increase global awareness about the challenges, needs, and solutions related to families. According to the United Nations, in 1985 the Economic and Social Council recommended that the General Assembly include the topic “Family in the Development Process” in its agenda.
Projects hit as fuel and construction material prices surge
The Lumbini Construction Entrepreneurs Association has said that the construction sector is facing serious challenges due to rising prices of construction materials and fuel. Association President Ramesh Belbase said the sector has been severely affected by the recent sharp increase in costs. He noted that continuous rises in the prices of diesel, bitumen, iron, cement, transportation, and labor wages have made it difficult to execute projects at previously agreed rates. According to him, the sharp increase in fuel and bitumen prices has placed significant financial pressure on construction entrepreneurs. Belbase further said that since millions of people are directly and indirectly linked to the construction sector, the price hikes are also affecting the broader economy.
Elderly man dies in accident
An elderly man died after being struck by a motorcycle in Besisahar Municipality-1. The deceased has been identified as 74-year-old Mahanidhi Sedhai of the same locality. According to police, the motorcycle was travelling from Udipur towards Ramchowk Valley when it hit Sedhai, causing fatal injuries. Gyanendra Bahadur Chhetri, Information Officer at the District Police Office, said the motorcycle rider, 20-year-old Bikesh Tamang, was also injured in the incident. He is currently undergoing treatment at the Provincial Hospital in Besisahar.
Kaski police arrest 27 absconding convicts in a single day
The District Police Office, Kaski, has arrested 27 absconding individuals from different parts of the district in a single day. The arrested persons had been evading punishment after being convicted in various cases and were taken into custody to bring them under legal proceedings. According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Hari Bahadur Basnet, the arrests include 20 men and seven women. He said 12 were convicted in cheque dishonour cases, five in public offence-related cases, four in partial offence cases, two in banking-related offences, two in fraud-related cases, and one each in vehicular homicide and indecent behavior. Police said the arrested individuals have been handed over to the Kaski District Court for enforcement of sentences totaling four years and 15 days of imprisonment, along with fines amounting to Rs 4.81 million. Police added that Kaski has recently intensified its campaign to track down and arrest absconding convicts across the district.
Dhading police seize 52 kg opium and three loaded firearms
Police in Dhading have seized a large quantity of illegal narcotics and firearms during a search operation targeting absconding suspects. A total of 51 kg 980 grams of opium was recovered from Benighat Rorang Rural Municipality–2, Howang in southern Dhading. Police also arrested Bir Bahadur Tamang, 35, of the same area along with an illegal loaded firearm, according to the District Police Office, Dhading. Deputy Superintendent of Police Prakash Dahal said the operation was carried out based on information about large-scale drug trafficking. A team led by the chief of Gajuri Police Office, DSP Suraj Karki, raided Tamang’s house and nearby shed during the search.
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