KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Public trust is our identity, says PM Balen’s adviser
Prime Minister (PM) Balendra Shah’s political adviser Asim Shah has said that public trust remains the core identity of their political approach, emphasizing nation-building and rejecting self-interest-driven politics. Shah, who is active on social media, expressed his views on Facebook on Sunday morning, stating that their focus is not on political interests or false campaigns but on earning recognition through public trust. He also said he is committed to the vision of nation-building, adding that there is no honour greater than Nepal. Since taking up the role of political adviser, Shah has indicated that efforts are being made to ensure that citizens’ trust in governance and political processes is not broken. His remarks come at a time when public dissatisfaction with political parties and leaders is reportedly increasing.
Prachanda says he rejected NC-UML proposal for joint provincial govt
Nepali Communist Party coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda has claimed that he rejected proposals from the CPN-UML and Nepali Congress (NC) to form joint provincial governments. Speaking to journalists in Surkhet, the capital of Karnali Province, on Sunday, Dahal said that discussions have repeatedly been held between the CPN-UML and the Nepali Congress regarding shared provincial government formations. “Proposals have been made in the past and are still being made by the UML and the Nepali Congress to form provincial governments together,” he said. “However, as the party coordinator, I have rejected them. We are not currently engaged in forming governments with any particular party.” He argued that the strategy of one major party excluding the other from provincial power-sharing is inappropriate in the present political context.
Gagan Thapa: I want to work by including leaders left out of special general convention
Nepali Congress President Gagan Kumar Thapa has said he is willing to work together by incorporating leaders who were left out of the party’s special general convention. Speaking at an event organized on the occasion of the establishment day of “Society of Democratic Thinking,” Thapa said leaders excluded from the 14th general convention would be included in the central committee and other party structures. “There is a large group of leaders elected from the 14th general convention who are not in my committee. I want to include them in the current central committee with due respect—those who should be senior leaders will be made senior leaders, and I want to work together by placing everyone in appropriate roles,” he said.
Pradip Paudel alleges PM intentionally ignored Parliament, says opposition must not remain silent
Nepali Congress General Secretary Pradip Paudel has alleged that Prime Minister Balendra Shah deliberately ignored Parliament and that the opposition should not remain silent on the issue. Speaking at an interaction programme organized by the Society of Democratic Thinking in Kathmandu on Sunday, Paudel said a government that comes to power with strong public trust must not allow public confidence to erode by facing repeated questions and controversies. He further accused the prime minister of knowingly sidelining Parliament, saying the conduct was not merely due to inexperience but appeared to be intentional.
Rising bad loans pressure banks as NPLs hit 5.60%
Non-performing loans (NPLs) in Nepal’s banking sector have been increasing in recent months, according to data released by Nepal Rastra Bank for the third quarter of the current fiscal year 2082/83. The data shows that the overall NPL ratio of commercial banks has reached 5.60 percent. Among 20 commercial banks, NIC Asia Bank recorded the highest NPL ratio at 8.85 percent. The bank has set aside Rs 22.32 billion as loan loss provisions. However, in terms of total loan loss provisioning, Nepal Investment Mega Bank has allocated the highest amount, Rs 28.45 billion, despite its NPL ratio standing at 8.41 percent.
Kuwait Airways to resume Kathmandu–Kuwait flights
Kuwait Airways has announced the resumption of its Kathmandu–Kuwait flight services. The airline said the flights, which were earlier suspended due to the West Asia conflict, will now operate twice a week. According to the airline, regular flights will be operated every Tuesday and Thursday. The minimum one-way fare for the Kathmandu–Kuwait route has been set at USD 911, as per the published fare structure.
Nearly 600 cartons of electronic cigarettes seized in Mustang
The Mustang Customs Office at Nhechung near the Nepal-China Korala border has seized 592 cartons of electronic cigarettes (vapes) on Saturday. The consignment was recovered during a search of two suspicious containers that had been transported from Korala and were allegedly being smuggled illegally. According to the Mustang Customs Office, container numbers Na 6 Kha 4743 and Na 5 Kha 7921 were loaded at the Chinese customs point in Korala two days earlier and were later held at the border area until Saturday evening. On Saturday, which coincided with a public holiday, the two containers were intercepted by customs officials and security personnel while en route to Lomanthang, allegedly bypassing customs procedures. At the time of the operation, customs officials were reportedly engaged in observing the Tiji festival.
Kami Rita Sherpa summits Everest for record 32nd time
World record-holding climber Kami Rita Sherpa has summited Mount Everest for the 32nd time. Sherpa reached the world’s highest peak on Saturday, breaking his own record for the most ascents of Mount Everest. Following the successful climb, he is currently descending toward the Everest Base Camp. Preparations are also underway in Kathmandu to welcome Kami Rita Sherpa after his historic achievement.
Lhakpa Sherpa sets world record with 11th Mt Everest ascent
Renowned Nepali mountaineer Lhakpa Sherpa has successfully summited Mount Everest for the 11th time, setting a new world record for the most ascents by a female climber. Lhakpa reached the summit of the world’s highest peak at around 9:30 this (Sunday) morning, making history once again with her latest achievement. With this climb, she has become the female climber with the highest number of Everest ascents. According to Seven Summits Trek, her achievement continues to inspire climbers and women worldwide through her courage, resilience, and dedication to mountaineering.
Gold price drops by Rs 8,500 per tola in two days
The price of gold has continued to decline, falling by Rs 8,500 per tola over the last two trading days. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of fine gold has been fixed at Rs 294,000 per tola for Sunday. Gold prices dropped by Rs 4,500 per tola today compared to the previous trading day. On the previous trading day, gold was traded at Rs 298,500 per tola. Similarly, on Thursday, gold was traded at Rs 302,500 per tola, meaning the price has fallen by Rs 8,500 per tola since then. Silver prices have also declined. Silver, which was traded at Rs 5,600 per tola on the previous trading day, has dropped to Rs 5,390 per tola today. On Thursday, silver was traded at Rs 5,745 per tola.
Govt to provide subsidized electric stoves to reduce rising LPG import costs
The government has introduced a strategy to phase out subsidies on LPG by fiscal year 2092/93 BS and replace them with subsidies for electric stoves. In view of the rising cost of LPG imports, the government has made public the Energy Consumption Growth and Export Strategy, 2083. The strategy, issued by the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, aims to gradually reduce the use of LPG in the country. To implement this plan, consumers will be provided subsidies on electric stoves while promoting clean energy consumption. According to the Customs Department, LPG imports worth Rs 41.65 billion were recorded in the first nine months of the current fiscal year. During this period, 4.1 million metric tons of cooking gas were imported. The expenditure on LPG reached an alarming Rs 62.58 billion in fiscal year 2081/82, when imports totaled 5.5 million metric tons. In fiscal year 2080/81, the country spent Rs 55 billion on LPG imports.
Local govt should focus on long-term planning: Foreign Minister
Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has said that local governments should prioritize long-term planning over short-term political interests. Speaking at a programme organized by Tokha Municipality to collect suggestions for policies, programmes, and budgets for fiscal year 2026/27, he stressed the need for sustainable planning at the local level. “The opportunity to create work that will be remembered even after 20–25 years lies with current local representatives, so focus on long-term planning rather than short-term politics,” he said. Minister Khanal, who is also the Member of Parliament for Kathmandu Constituency-6, noted that the southern part of Tokha is densely populated while the northern part still retains open land. He said emphasis should be placed on developing a well-planned urban settlement.
Around 700 encroached houses demolished in Kohalpur
Banke’s Kohalpur Municipality has demolished 751 houses built on encroached public and government land. The structures, built near the cricket field in Ward-11 of Kohalpur Municipality, were demolished over a period of around four days. Mayor Purna Prasad Acharya said most residents had already removed their belongings, including doors and windows, before demolition. He added that remaining structures were later cleared by the municipality. He said the municipality will provide living allowances to verified squatters, while the number of people staying at the temporary holding center is gradually decreasing.
OAG questions progress of transformational projects
The Office of the Auditor General (OAG) has raised concerns over the slow progress of government-identified “transformational projects” aimed at ensuring rapid economic growth and development. According to the OAG, several of these flagship projects have recorded only limited physical progress despite being given high priority for national development. The government has designated 17 projects as transformational, including five in the economic sector, four in the social sector, seven in infrastructure, and one related to democracy and good governance. Among them, the Public School Strengthening Project and the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Programme recorded physical progress of 81 percent and 88 percent respectively.
Lumbini Province govt records weak budget expenditure
With only two months remaining in the current fiscal year, budget implementation by the Lumbini Provincial Government remains sluggish, with overall expenditure falling below 40 percent. According to official data, delays in implementing development projects have significantly affected spending performance, with most ministries failing to utilize even half of their allocated budgets. The provincial government had allocated a total budget of Rs 38.81 billion for the current fiscal year, including Rs 23.47 billion for capital expenditure and Rs 15.43 billion for recurrent expenditure. By mid-Baisakh, only 39.91 percent of the total budget had been spent. Officials said capital expenditure in particular remains weak. According to the Provincial Accounts Controller’s Office, total expenditure so far stands at Rs 13.79 billion.
One person killed in stabbing incident in Thankot
One person was killed in Thankot, Kharibot area of Chandragiri Municipality-3, Kathmandu, following a stabbing incident. According to police, 38-year-old Sami Ahmed of Mahottari killed 25-year-old Zakir Mansuri, also from Mahottari, during a domestic dispute. Mansuri, who reportedly identified himself as Ahmed’s brother-in-law, was attacked with a vegetable-cutting knife. Police spokesperson at the District Police Range, Kathmandu, Pawan Bhattarai, said Mansuri was taken to a hospital in Satungal for treatment, where doctors declared him dead at 9:30 pm. The accused, Sami Ahmed, has been taken into custody by the Thankot Police Circle.
Two arrested with illegal goods worth Rs 4 million in Siraha
The Armed Police Force (APF) Nepal has seized a cargo vehicle along with illegal goods worth around Rs 4 million and arrested two individuals in the border area of Siraha. According to the APF, the goods were being illegally transported from Nepal to India when they were intercepted during a special patrol in Devnagar area of Nawarajpur Rural Municipality–5. Chief of APF No. 7 Battalion Siraha, Armed Police Superintendent Sumanjung Thapa, said a 35-member patrol team deployed from the battalion headquarters stopped a Tata Tutone vehicle (registration Sa 1 Kha 535) at around 9:00 pm last night on suspicion and carried out a search. During the inspection, authorities recovered cosmetics, toothpaste, and walnuts concealed inside the vehicle.
One more dies after eating wild mushrooms in Chitwan; toll reaches two
The death toll from wild mushroom poisoning in Kulbang, Ichchhakamana Rural Municipality-1, Chitwan, has reached two. The deceased have been identified as 9-year-old Namuna Chepang and 11-year-old Sanjay Chepang. According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Rabindra Khanal at the District Police Office, Namuna died during treatment on Friday, while Sanjay died on Saturday night while undergoing care. Police said five members of the family of Shyam Bahadur Chepang had consumed wild mushrooms. Three of them subsequently fell ill and were taken to Bharatpur Hospital for treatment. Namuna died during treatment, while 13-year-old Manita Chepang is currently receiving treatment at Bharatpur Hospital. Authorities said her condition remains critical.
2,029 motorists penalized in traffic crackdown in Kathmandu
A total of 2,029 motorists were penalized for violating traffic rules in the past 24 hours, resulting in revenue collection of Rs 4.17 lakh for the state treasury. According to the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, action was taken against 59 drivers for driving under the influence of alcohol, 119 for unauthorized ride-sharing, 132 for traffic signal violations, and 208 for speeding. Similarly, 57 motorists were penalized for lane discipline violations, 94 for honking in prohibited areas, 95 for illegal roadside parking, 126 for driving on one-way roads, and 1,139 for other traffic-related offences.
169 pilgrims arrive in four days en route to Kailash Mansarovar
The arrival of Indian religious pilgrims to Kailash Mansarovar has begun with the onset of the pilgrimage season, with 169 visitors recorded in the past four days. Pilgrims are reaching the region via flights from Nepalgunj to Simkot and onward to Hilsa, which serves as a gateway to the pilgrimage site in China. According to Simkot Airport Chief Mahendra Singh, of the arrivals since May 13, 147 are Indian nationals and 22 are from other countries. Despite challenging weather conditions, 47 pilgrims reached Simkot on a Summit Air flight that operated three trips on Saturday.
Bagmati Province collects Rs 31.33 billion in revenue
The Bagmati Province government has collected Rs 31.33 billion in revenue during the first ten months of the current fiscal year 2082/83 BS. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Planning, real estate registration fees and vehicle tax remain the main sources of provincial revenue. Ministry official Indraraj Sanjyal said that the province collected Rs 20.13 billion from taxes and service charges, including real estate registration and vehicle-related revenues, between Shrawan and Baisakh of the current fiscal year. He further stated that Rs 7.94 billion was received under the federal government’s fiscal equalization grant during the same period, while Rs 3.24 billion was generated from the province’s internal revenue sources.
‘Himalayan Literature Festival’ to be held in Kathmandu
The “Himalayan Literature Festival and Writers’ Workshop” is set to take place in the capital from May 29 to June 5, bringing together writers and artists from around the world. Organizers said more than 75 participants—including writers, poets, scholars, translators, filmmakers, editors, and artists—will take part in the event. Festival director Srijana Bhandari said the event will be dedicated to pioneering Nepali fiction writer Guru Prasad Mainali. Participants are expected from Nepal, India, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland, Australia, Austria, Portugal, Poland, Ukraine, France, Denmark, Russia, and the Philippines, among other countries. The festival will feature poetry recitations, panel discussions, workshops, masterclasses, cultural performances, film screenings, and intercultural literary dialogues.
Cleanliness drive conducted in Birgunj Ghantaghar area
As part of the National Cleanliness Week, Birgunj Metropolitan City and the Greencity Community Police Service Center jointly conducted a large-scale cleanliness drive in the Ghantaghar area of Birgunj. The campaign was organized in line with the federal government’s call to observe a week-long National Cleanliness Week across the country. Chairperson of the Greencity Community Police Service Center Jayaprakash Khetan said regular cleaning activities have been carried out under the campaign. “We have been working to keep Birgunj clean and green not only during this week but throughout the year through continuous cleaning and tree plantation,” he said. “After the federal government’s request to observe National Cleanliness Week, we intensified our efforts.”
Month-long Matsyanarayan fair begins
The month-long ‘Purushottam Mas’, also known as the ‘Adhik Mas Mela’ (fair), began today at the Machhenarayan Temple in Machhenarayan (Matsyanarayan), Kathmandu. Popularly known as the “Malmas Mela,” the fair attracts lakhs of devotees from across the country, including the Kathmandu Valley. According to religious belief, worshipping Lord Narayan during Purushottam Mas is said to cleanse one of sins and bring spiritual merit. With this faith, devotees visit the Machhenarayan Temple for worship and prayers. A major attraction at the temple is the grand golden eagle entrance within the temple premises. Another highlight is the one-foot-tall idol of Lord Matsyanarayan, believed to have emerged from the mouth of a fish, holding a conch, chakra, mace, and lotus in his four hands.
World Telecommunication Day observed today
Countries around the world observed the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day every year on May 17. The day highlights the positive impact of the internet and information and communication technology (ICT) on society and the global economy. The theme for World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2026 is “Strengthening digital lifelines for a resilient and connected world.” The observance also draws attention to the “digital divide” — the gap between people who have access to digital technologies such as the internet, computers, and smartphones and those who do not. It particularly reflects disparities in internet access, digital literacy, technological skills, and access to information.
Dang youth move toward self-reliance through watermelon farming
Five youths from Rampur in Dangisharan Rural Municipality–1 in Dang, have collectively taken up watermelon farming and are moving toward self-reliance through agriculture along the banks of the Babai River. Krishna Chaudhary said the group began collective farming with the aim of creating opportunities within the country and becoming self-sufficient at home. They are currently cultivating different varieties of watermelon, including Ahana, Puja, Saraswati, Divya, and Sweet Honey, across 12 plots in the village.
Commercial apple farming begins in Myagdi’s Gajne
Commercial apple farming has been initiated for the first time in Gajne, Beni Municipality–5 of Myagdi district. Apple cultivation has been started on a 30-ropani farm along with a poultry farm operated by Prabin Agriculture and Livestock Farm. Farm operator Yadav Poudel said the venture was launched after a successful trial of apple cultivation in the area. Poudel, who previously worked in government service and later spent seven years working in Iraq, said he has now returned home and invested around Rs 20 million to develop the commercial orchard. “Apple farming has just started. In the coming years, I plan to expand it to 50 ropanis and develop a homestay under an agro-tourism concept,” he said. Gajne lies at an altitude of around 2,200 meters above sea level. According to Poudel, grafted saplings of varieties were brought from the Himalayas of India and planted last November. As grafted varieties, some plants have already started bearing fruit within the first year.
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