Thursday, July 16th, 2026

Today’s News in a Nutshell



KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.

Supplementary charge sheet filed against Bishnu Paudel and 15 others in money laundering case

A supplementary charge sheet has been filed at the Special Court against CPN-UML Vice-Chair Bishnu Prasad Paudel and 15 other defendants in a money laundering case. According to the Special Court, the supplementary charge sheet was submitted on Thursday following further investigation into a case previously filed against defendants including Deepak Bhatta. The case includes six individuals and 10 companies as defendants.

RPP ready to support govt if it moves to amend Constitution’s core structure: Lingden

Prime Minister Balendra Shah held a meeting with Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Chair Rajendra Lingden at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers on Thursday. According to the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, the meeting focused on recent political developments, the country’s current situation and other issues of mutual interest. RPP Senior Vice-Chair Buddhiman Tamang and central committee member and House of Representatives lawmaker Khusbu Oli also attended the meeting.

Former Nepal Telecom chief Sunil Paudel sentenced to 8.5 years in corruption case

The Special Court has sentenced former Nepal Telecom Managing Director Sunil Paudel to eight-and-a-half years in prison after finding him guilty in a corruption case involving illegal wealth. The verdict, delivered on Thursday, also imposes a fine of Rs 15.425 million on Paudel, who previously served as the Executive Director of the National Information Technology Center. A bench comprising Special Court Chair Sudarshan Dev Bhatta and members Hemanta Rawal and Dilliratna Shrestha ruled that Paudel would serve an additional six months in prison under Section 24 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 2002, as the offence was committed while he held a public office.

PM Shah asks NRB Governor to adopt flexible monetary policy to boost economy

Prime Minister Balendra Shah has urged Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) to adopt a more flexible and supportive approach in the upcoming monetary policy to strengthen the national economy, stabilise the stock market and promote entrepreneurship. Prime Minister Shah held a meeting with NRB Governor Biswonath Poudel at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar on Thursday, where he discussed measures to make the economy more dynamic, resilient and business-friendly.

Govt gives contractors 30 days to seek extension for stalled projects

The government has introduced a new provision requiring contractors to apply for deadline extensions within 30 days to complete infrastructure projects that are in their final stages but have remained stalled. The provision has been incorporated through the 15th Amendment to the Public Procurement Regulations, 2007. The Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers published the Public Procurement Regulations (Fifteenth Amendment), 2083 in the Nepal Gazette on July 14, bringing the revised rules into immediate effect.

Lottery held for selection of Nepali caregivers for Israel; 836 candidates shortlisted

The lottery to select eligible Nepali auxiliary workers for employment in Israel’s caregiving sector was conducted successfully on Thursday through a live broadcast from the Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA) Office in Jerusalem. The selection process was carried out in a transparent manner in the presence of senior Israeli officials, the Ambassador of Israel to Nepal, representatives from Nepal’s Department of Foreign Employment, and members of the media, who observed the proceedings via live broadcast.

Labour Ministry consults private sector on Labour Act amendment

The Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security has held consultations with employers and private sector representatives on proposed amendments to the Labour Act, 2017 (2074 BS). During the meeting on Thursday, Minister for Youth, Labour and Employment Ramji Yadav discussed revisions to the Labour Act, skills development training and measures to improve employment opportunities with representatives of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and other private sector organisations.

Online payment for driving licence fees begins Friday

People applying for a new driving licence or renewing an existing one will now be able to pay the required government fee online. The Department of Transport Management has integrated an online revenue payment facility into its driving licence system, with the service set to come into effect from Friday. Speaking to Khabarhub, the department’s Information and Technology Director, Keshab Khatiwada, said applicants had previously been able to submit only their online application forms, while revenue payments had to be made separately.

Industry Minister urges USA to ensure market access for Nepal-made goods

Industry, Commerce, and Supplies Minister Gauri Kumari Yadav has urged a US government official here to facilitate the access of Nepali products to the US market. Minister Yadav expressed this during a courtesy call on her by US Charge d’Affaires Scott Urbom today. Stating that the term of Nepal Trade Preference Program, which started in 2015, has come to an end in December 2025, the Industry Minister requested the US official that the Program term be extended again for Nepali products.

Health Ministry seeks clarification from 23 employees absent for over 60 days

The Ministry of Health and Food Hygiene has sought clarification from 23 health service employees who have remained absent from duty for more than 60 consecutive days without approved leave. In a public notice issued on Thursday, the ministry said the employees had been absent without obtaining leave approval, in violation of Section 74(1)(j) of the Nepal Health Service Act, 1997. The ministry has asked the employees to explain why they should not be removed from service.

Cabinet forms talks team for loan shark victims, approves new coin designs

The Cabinet on Thursday approved a series of key decisions, including the formation of a government negotiating team to hold talks with victims of loan sharking and the issuance of new coin designs. The meeting decided to form a negotiation team led by Pushkar Sapkota, Secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, to address the demands of citizens affected by unfair lending practices.

Arrest warrant issued against Nepali Congress lawmaker Abhishek Pratap Shah

An arrest warrant has been issued against Nepali Congress lawmaker Abhishek Pratap Shah on Thursday in connection with an alleged assault on Sitaram Sharma, President of the Krishnanagar Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Kapilvastu. The warrant was issued after a case was registered against Shah over allegations that he was involved in an attack on Sharma.

NRB eases share lending rules, offers restructuring facility for troubled borrowers

Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has introduced amendments to the Unified Directive, 2025, issued for banks and financial institutions, introducing several changes related to share loans, vehicle financing, loan restructuring and account verification requirements. The Bank and Financial Institution Regulation Department issued a new circular addressing Class ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ licensed institutions, incorporating changes across six major areas.

President Paudel bids farewell to French Ambassador Corteval

President Ram Chandra Paudel held a farewell meeting with French Ambassador to Nepal  Virginie Corteval at the President’s Office, Sheetal Niwas, on Thursday. According to the President’s Office, discussions during the meeting focused on Nepal-France bilateral relations, mutual interests and various issues of common concern. President Paudel congratulated Ambassador Corteval for successfully completing her tenure in Nepal and extended his best wishes for her future responsibilities.

Industry Minister urges USA to ensure market access for Nepal-made goods

Industry, Commerce, and Supplies Minister Gauri Kumari Yadav has urged a US government official here to facilitate the access of Nepali products to the US market. Minister Yadav expressed this during a courtesy call on her by US Charge d’Affaires Scott Urbom today. Stating that the term of Nepal Trade Preference Program, which started in 2015, has come to an end in December 2025, the Industry Minister requested the US official that the Program term be extended again for Nepali products.

Plastic waste mars Bukipatan’s beauty as tourist influx grows

Rising tourist numbers at Bukipatan, a popular alpine meadow within Nepal’s only hunting reserve in Dhorpatan, are bringing an unintended consequence—growing piles of non-biodegradable waste that are threatening the area’s fragile ecosystem. Locals say indiscriminate disposal of plastic bottles, instant noodle wrappers, biscuit packets, beer bottles and other litter is gradually tarnishing the pristine landscape that attracts hundreds of visitors every day.

Publish Date : 16 July 2026 22:03 PM

Today’s News in a Nutshell

KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of

Constitution amendment task force submits report to PMO

KATHMANDU: A government-formed task force assigned to prepare the groundwork

Industry Minister urges USA to ensure market access for Nepal-made goods

KATHMANDU: Industry, Commerce, and Supplies Minister Gauri Kumari Yadav has

Floods and landslides block seven major highways

KATHMANDU: Continuous rainfall has triggered floods and landslides across the

NRB eases share lending rules, offers restructuring facility for troubled borrowers

KATHMANDU: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has introduced amendments to the