KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Lawmakers seek govt clarification on Indian helicopter’s airspace violation
Members of the House of Representatives (HoR) on Monday called on the government to provide clear answers regarding alleged airspace violations, border-related tensions, and major financial controversy investigations. Chief Whip of the Nepali Communist Party, Yubaraj Dulal, urged the government to clarify reports that an Indian Army helicopter carrying a senior military official had entered Nepali airspace over Darchula without prior authorization. Meanwhile, Shram Sanskriti Party lawmaker Harka Raj Rai called for parliamentary discussion on Prime Minister Balen Shah’s remarks concerning border issues. He also criticized the activities of India’s Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) in the Susta area and expressed concern over the detention of youths who staged protests at Maitighar. In the economic sphere, the opposition CPN-UML questioned Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle after his recent remarks about reviewing decisions made by previous administrations.
Pressure mounts on Oli as UML leaders push for leadership transition
CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli is increasingly concerned about growing dissent within his own faction as discussions over a possible leadership transition gain momentum inside the party. After previously focusing his attention on Deputy General Secretary Yogesh Bhattarai, Oli is now reportedly wary of General Secretary Shankar Pokharel and Vice Chairman Bishnu Poudel. As the party grapples with internal dissatisfaction following the developments after the March 5 elections, the growing closeness between Poudel and Pokharel has reportedly heightened Oli’s concerns about maintaining his influence within the UML. The alliance between the two leaders—long considered rivals in Lumbini Province politics—has particularly unsettled Oli. Meanwhile, Bhattarai, who has frequently faced criticism from the party leadership, appears to have gained support from other leaders in his disagreements with Oli.
Budget focused on long-term economic reform rather than short-term popularity: Finance Minister
Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle has said the budget for the upcoming fiscal year has been designed with a focus on long-term economic reform rather than short-term popularity. Responding to questions raised during discussions in the National Assembly on the estimates of revenue and expenditure for fiscal year 2083/84, Wagle acknowledged implementation challenges but expressed commitment to moving forward with a new approach. The finance minister said the budget prioritises good governance, expansion of the middle class, job creation and promotion of the private sector. He stated that in line with commitments made before the election, the government has placed economic, political and judicial governance at the centre of its policy agenda.
Koshi Province unveils Rs 40.29 billion budget for upcoming fiscal year
Koshi Province has announced a budget of Rs 40.29 billion for the upcoming fiscal year. Provincial Minister for Economic Affairs and Planning Bidur Kumar Lingthep presented the budget in the Provincial Assembly on Monday. According to the budget statement, a total of Rs 13.97 billion has been allocated for recurrent expenditure, while Rs 20.75 billion has been earmarked for capital expenditure. The province plans to finance the budget primarily through revenue collection and fiscal transfers. The budget estimates Rs 23.77 billion will be generated through revenue sources, while Rs 16.67 billion is expected to come from fiscal transfer grants.
Lumbini Province unveils Rs 37.38 billion budget for upcoming fiscal year
Lumbini Province has announced a budget of Rs 37.38 billion for the upcoming fiscal year. Provincial Minister for Economic Affairs and Planning Dhanendra Karki presented the budget in the Provincial Assembly on Monday. Of the total allocation, Rs 11.11 billion, or 29.73 percent, has been allocated for recurrent expenditure, Rs 22.71 billion, or 60.77 percent, for capital expenditure, and Rs 3.55 billion, or 9.50 percent, for financial transfers. According to Minister Karki, the province plans to finance the budget through multiple sources, including Rs 6.61 billion in internal revenue. The province also expects to receive Rs 12.31 billion through revenue sharing from the federal government and Rs 308.4 million through royalty distribution.
Bagmati Province unveils Rs 66.93 billion budget for upcoming fiscal year
Bagmati Province has announced a budget of Rs 66.93 billion for the upcoming fiscal year. Provincial Minister for Economic Affairs and Planning Prabhat Tamang presented the budget in the Provincial Assembly on Monday. Of the total allocation, Rs 22.96 billion, or 34.31 percent, has been allocated for recurrent expenditure, while Rs 43.97 billion, or 65.69 percent, has been allocated for capital expenditure. According to Minister Tamang, the province plans to finance the budget through multiple revenue sources.
Gandaki Province unveils Rs 32.99 billion budget for next fiscal year
Gandaki Province has announced a budget of Rs 32.99 billion for the upcoming fiscal year. Provincial Minister for Economic Affairs Jit Bahadur Sherchan presented the budget in the Provincial Assembly on Monday. Of the total allocation, Rs 12.72 billion, or 38.56 percent, has been allocated for recurrent expenditure, while Rs 20.02 billion, or 60.68 percent, has been set aside for capital expenditure. An additional Rs 250 million, equivalent to 0.76 percent of the total budget, has been allocated for financial management. Minister Sherchan said recurrent expenditure has been reduced by one percent compared to the current fiscal year. According to the budget statement, the province expects to finance expenditures through multiple sources, including Rs 7.84 billion in fiscal equalisation grants from the federal government, Rs 10.16 billion through revenue sharing, and Rs 514.8 million from royalty sharing.
KMC endorses Policy and Program for upcoming fiscal year
The policy and program of Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) for the upcoming fiscal year has been unanimously endorsed by the 19th session of the Municipal Assembly held on Monday. Acting Mayor Sunita Dangol had presented the policy and program during the assembly meeting on Sunday, outlining 101 points under 11 key sectors. According to the policy document, the city’s plans and budget for the next fiscal year will be formulated based on Kathmandu’s historical identity, cultural heritage, physical infrastructure, and modern urban civilization. Announcing the approval of the policy and program with amendments, Dangol informed the assembly that the metropolitan budget for the upcoming fiscal year will be presented on June 18 (Asar 4).
Two serious charges dropped against Rabi Lamichhane in Rupandehi court
Rastriya Swatantra Party Chair Rabi Lamichhane has received further legal relief after the Rupandehi District Court dropped charges related to organized crime and money laundering against him. According to the court decision on Monday, the two additional criminal charges filed in the case were withdrawn while the cooperative fraud case itself remains ongoing. Judge Ramesh Kanta Adhikari’s bench ordered the withdrawal of the additional charges in the ongoing proceedings, providing relief not only to Lamichhane but also to other accused individuals involved in the case.
Harka Sampang presses for removal of PM’s statement from House record
Shram Sanskriti Party parliamentary leader Harka Sampang has reiterated his demand that Prime Minister Balen Shah’s controversial remarks be removed from the parliamentary record. Speaking at Monday’s meeting of the House of Representatives, Sampang said his party had already raised the issue and expressed confidence that the Prime Minister would soon address Parliament and clarify his statement. Sampang also drew the government’s attention to reports that Indian security personnel had threatened Nepali citizens in Susta, Nawalparasi, describing the matter as serious and requiring immediate attention. He further referred to reports that Ajay Sodari and Birjang BK, who had demonstrated at Maitighar in protest against the incident, were taken into custody and faced what he described as false charges. He urged authorities not to subject them to unnecessary hardship.
Yubaraj Dulal demands PM Balen Shah’s presence in Parliament over border and national issues
Chief Whip of the Nepali Communist Party Yubaraj Dulal has demanded that Prime Minister Balen Shah appear in Parliament and provide clear responses on pressing national issues. Speaking at Monday’s meeting of the House of Representatives, Dulal raised concerns over reports that an Indian military helicopter had landed in Nepali territory with Indian security officials on board, and sought the government’s official position on the matter. He also drew attention to the worsening situation of tea industries and farmers in eastern Nepal, saying they were facing severe challenges due to alleged Indian obstruction. “Business owners are under pressure and industries are in crisis. What is the government doing about this?” he asked, urging immediate government action.
Lawmakers demand government clarification over reported Indian security presence in Susta
Lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties have demanded clarification from the government regarding the reported presence of Indian security personnel in the Susta region, during Monday’s meeting of the House of Representatives. They stressed that the government must take border security seriously and ensure the safety of Nepali citizens living in sensitive border areas. Nepali Congress lawmaker Renuka Kaucha accused the Prime Minister of remaining silent at a time when residents of Susta needed reassurance. She said Indian security personnel reportedly visited Susta twice, on May 31 and June 12, and called for an official government response. Kaucha also raised concerns over alleged negligence in reviewing reports of the National Human Rights Commission, claiming that individuals were appointed as ministers without proper scrutiny of relevant findings.
Padma Aryal questions PM Balen Shah’s remarks, demands clarification in Parliament
CPN-UML parliamentary party deputy leader Padma Aryal has said that recent remarks made by Prime Minister Balen Shah and Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal have raised serious questions over Nepal’s national interests and established foreign policy. Speaking at Monday’s meeting of the House of Representatives, Aryal demanded that both leaders clarify their controversial statements in Parliament. She said the opposition had adjusted its protest strategy in view of the responsibility to pass the national budget and had cooperated to allow parliamentary proceedings to move forward. However, she accused the Prime Minister of making objectionable remarks during his visit to India, saying they went against national interests. Aryal further remarked that although the visit was expected to strengthen bilateral ties, the Prime Minister appeared more focused on ceremonial reception and “red carpet treatment,” while neglecting issues of nationalism.
Gold price jumps by Rs 5,000 per tola
Gold prices surged in Nepal on Monday, with the price of the yellow metal increasing by Rs 5,000 per tola. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, gold is being traded at Rs 298,200 per tola today. Silver prices also witnessed an increase, rising by Rs 120 per tola. The precious metal is currently being traded at Rs 5,015 per tola. On Sunday, gold was priced at Rs 293,200 per tola, while silver was traded at Rs 4,895 per tola.
KMC’s Policy and Program discussion begins today
Discussions on the Policy and Program for the upcoming fiscal year, presented by Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) in 101 points across 11 sectors, began today. Acting Mayor Sunita Dangol presented the policy and programme for fiscal year 2026/27 on Sunday. Presenting the document at the 19th session of the Municipal Assembly held at the National Assembly Hall, Dangol said the policy and program continue the Kathmandu Metropolitan City’s long-term vision, objectives, and plans, while also carrying forward multi-year programmes scheduled for completion in the current fiscal year 2026/27. She expressed confidence that the goals outlined in the policy and programme can be achieved through intergovernmental coordination and partnership, and called for active participation and commitment from all stakeholders during implementation.
Seven-point proposal fails to bridge Nepali Congress divide as factions remain at odds
A seven-point proposal aimed at resolving internal disputes within the Nepali Congress has sparked fresh debate, with leaders from rival factions continuing to disagree over its content and implementation. The proposal, sent by the establishment faction, has been rejected by leaders of the dissident camp, including Purna Bahadur Khadka and Shekhar Koirala. However, Nepali Congress Vice President Bishwa Prakash Sharma publicly confirmed on Sunday that the proposal had been forwarded to senior leaders of the rival faction 16 days earlier. Through a social media post, Sharma claimed that the dissident camp had largely ignored the proposal despite receiving it. Addressing a gathering of the dissident faction in Koshi Province on Sunday, senior leader Krishna Prasad Sitaula argued that a 10-minute face-to-face discussion would be more effective than exchanging written proposals.
Border embankment sparks fears of monsoon flooding in Gaur
Concerns have grown in Rautahat after the Indian side reportedly raised and reinforced an embankment along the Nepal–India border near Gaur under the pretext of maintenance, prompting fears of increased flooding in Nepali settlements during the monsoon season. Local residents and officials claim that the embankment, located between Gaur in Nepal and Bairgania in India, has been heightened and widened without prior consultation with Nepal. Under existing bilateral understandings, physical structures near the border are generally expected to be constructed, expanded, or modified only through mutual coordination. According to local resident Amit Keshari, the embankment has obstructed the natural flow of floodwaters during the rainy season, putting dozens of Nepali villages, including the district headquarters Gaur, at risk of inundation, according to RSS, Nepal’s government news agency.
Health Minister meets German Ambassador, discusses bilateral cooperation
Minister for Health and Food Hygiene Nisha Mehta held a courtesy meeting on Monday with senior German officials, including Barbara Schaefer and German Ambassador to Nepal Udo Eugen Volz. According to Joint Spokesperson Dr. Samir Kumar Adhikari of the ministry, the meeting focused on bilateral relations and ongoing cooperation between Nepal and Germany. During the discussion, Minister Mehta expressed appreciation for Germany’s support to Nepal’s health sector, particularly in infrastructure development and various health-related projects implemented through German assistance. On the occasion, Ambassador Volz reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to continuing its support for Nepal, particularly in areas prioritized by the government under the current circumstances. Representatives and heads of German development organizations working in Nepal, including GIZ and PTI, were also present during the meeting.
Govt prioritizes strengthening of National Forensic Science Laboratory: Minister Pun
Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation Mahabir Pun has said that the government has prioritized the strengthening and expansion of the National Forensic Science Laboratory. Speaking at a meeting of the Education, Health and Information Technology Committee under the House of Representatives on the proposed “National Forensic Science Laboratory (Establishment and Operation) Bill, 2081,” Minister Pun said physical infrastructure will be constructed in Bardibas, Dhangadhi, Butwal and Birendranagar to expand laboratory services across the country. Committee Chair Dr. Ojashwi Sherchan emphasized the need to enhance the capacity of the laboratory to ensure more effective forensic services. During the discussion, forensic experts Om Prakash Sharma and Gopal Chaudhary highlighted the importance of DNA testing in criminal investigations and stressed the need for a national DNA database for human identification purposes.
Crackdowns without alternatives leave Nepal’s poorest struggling to survive
A series of recent incidents involving street vendors, landless settlers, students and low-income families has reignited debate over how the state treats Nepal’s most vulnerable citizens. From the destruction of a woman’s mobile shop in Kailali to the demolition of informal settlements in Kathmandu, critics argue that authorities are increasingly enforcing rules without adequately considering the human consequences for those whose livelihoods depend on informal means of survival. The incidents have triggered widespread public criticism and renewed questions about whether government actions are addressing poverty—or merely pushing the poor further to the margins. The latest controversy emerged in Kailali after a video showing an auto-rickshaw used as a roadside shop being pushed off a cliff went viral on social media. The vehicle belonged to 44-year-old Dhanadevi Dhami of Godawari Municipality-4, Baspani, who had been using the auto-rickshaw to run a small retail business along the Gaimare Danda roadside.
2,225 drivers penalized for violating traffic rules
The Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office has said that it took action against 2,225 drivers for violating traffic rules in the past 24 hours, generating Rs 1,048,500 in revenue. According to Traffic Police Spokesperson and Superintendent of Police Naresh Raj Subedi, action was taken against 100 drivers under the influence of intoxicants, 107 involved in unauthorized ride-sharing, 136 for violating traffic signals, and 165 for speeding. Similarly, 58 drivers were penalized for not following lane discipline, 109 for using horns in prohibited areas, 105 for illegal roadside parking, and 117 for driving on one-way roads. A total of 1,128 others were booked for various additional traffic violations, he added.
Gen-Z Martyrs Memorial project stalls amid construction halt
Construction of the Gen-Z Martyrs Memorial, planned to honor those who lost their lives during the Gen-Z movement of September 8 and 9, 2025, has come to a standstill, casting uncertainty over the future of the project. The memorial, which is being built at the International Sports Complex in Satdobato, was envisioned as a lasting tribute to the movement’s martyrs. While construction work had begun some time ago, activities at the site have now halted. The project was initiated after the 124th Board Meeting of the National Sports Council (NSC), chaired by then Minister for Youth and Sports Bablu Gupta, decided to provide the necessary land for the memorial park.
Nepal Development Watch says budget shows reform-oriented direction
Nepal Development Watch (NEDEW) has said that the government’s budget for Fiscal Year 2026/27 reflects a reform-oriented policy direction, while also highlighting the need for stronger targeted interventions for marginalized communities. The organization said the budget aligns with goals of economic growth but stressed that inclusive measures for disadvantaged groups remain essential to ensure balanced development. NEDEW described the government’s plan to reduce the number of federal ministries from 22 to 18 and to merge or abolish 31 government agencies as a clear step toward improving governance and administrative efficiency. It also noted that the budget, which stands at Rs 2.12 trillion, is the largest in Nepal’s history. However, the organization warned that managing the financial gap between projected revenue and expenditure will remain a major challenge for the government.
Bird flu outbreak: Around 700,000 fowls culled across 10 districts
The Department of Livestock Services has reported that approximately 700,000 poultry birds have been culled in 10 districts following confirmation of avian influenza cases. The H5N1 virus has been detected in districts including Kathmandu Valley and several other parts of the country, such as Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Mahottari, Bara, Chitwan, Nawalparasi, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur. According to Director General Dr. Umesh Dahal, around 300,000 kilograms of poultry feed have also been destroyed as part of containment measures. A rapid response team has been deployed to prevent further spread of the virus. He said that no vaccine for bird flu is currently available in the country, and culling infected and at-risk poultry remains the primary method of controlling transmission.
Landless settlers at Kirtipur holding center protest over food shortage
Residents of the landless settlers’ community currently living at the Kirtipur Holding Center have launched a protest after food supplies reportedly ran out. The displaced families say the lack of food has created severe hardship, particularly for children and elderly residents. According to the protesters, school-going children have been unable to attend classes regularly as families are struggling to secure daily meals. The residents have urged the government to immediately arrange food and other basic necessities, warning that conditions at the holding center are becoming increasingly difficult. The protesters also called on authorities to expedite plans for their long-term rehabilitation and settlement.
National grid electricity reaches Kyanjin Gompa in Langtang
The national transmission line of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has been successfully connected to Kyanjin Gompa and surrounding areas in the Langtang region of Rasuwa, bringing regular electricity supply to one of Nepal’s major trekking destinations. According to the chief of the NEA Rasuwa Distribution Center, Gunjanman Tamang, electricity from the national grid has now reached Kyanjin Gompa in Gosaikunda Rural Municipality–4, along with nearby settlements, ensuring stable power supply in the high-altitude tourism hub. The project, which involved an investment of around Rs 90 million, was implemented by the NEA to extend electricity access to key tourism areas including Langtang and Gosaikunda.
Cardamom festival to be held in Taplejung
A provincial-level Cardamom Festival is going to be held in Aathrai Triveni Rural Municipality of Taplejung on June 26 and 27 with the objective of promoting cardamom cultivation and marketing. According to Balchandra Angbuhang, coordinator of the festival’s main organizing committee, this is the first time such a festival is being held in Taplejung. The festival is being organized with financial support from Aathrai Triveni Rural Municipality and the Agricultural Knowledge Center, Taplejung. Activities will include exhibitions of cardamom plants and fruits, displays of food products made from cardamom, and visits to both exemplary and underperforming cardamom farms, organizers said.
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