KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
House approves Finance Bill and Public Debt Bill, 2083
The House of Representatives has approved the proposals to consider the Finance Bill and the Public Debt Bill. The proposals, tabled by Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle during Friday’s House meeting, were unanimously endorsed by lawmakers. Prior to the approval, lawmakers participating in the general discussion raised concerns regarding tax rates, welfare programs, and other budget-related provisions. Responding to the queries, Finance Minister Wagle said all state revenues are deposited into a single consolidated fund, making it unnecessary to establish separate funds for individual projects and programs. He urged lawmakers and the public not to be misled, assuring that taxes and fees allocated in the budget would be spent in their respective sectors.
Courts drop all charges against Rabi Lamichhane except cooperative fraud
Courts in all districts where cases were filed against Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane have ordered the dismissal of charges other than cooperative fraud. Most recently, a bench of Kathmandu District Court Judge Atmadev Joshi on Friday ordered the withdrawal of the organized crime charge filed against Lamichhane. Earlier, the district courts in Rupandehi, Parsa and Kaski had also dismissed organized crime charges against him. In Kaski, the court additionally dropped the money laundering charge. With these rulings, all charges filed against Lamichhane—except those related to cooperative fraud—have been dismissed in the respective courts.
Govt directs hospitals to operate ‘Free Health Portal’ for transparent free treatment services
The government has directed all public, private, and community hospitals across the country to mandatorily operate a Free Health Portal to publish details of free treatment services provided to poor, helpless, and unattended patients. The Ministry of Health and Food Safety issued a circular instructing government health institutions, private medical colleges, private hospitals, and community hospitals to immediately implement the system. According to the ministry, the portal has been launched under point number 85 (a) of the “100-point Governance Reform Plan” endorsed by the Cabinet meeting on April 27.
PM Balen Shah to attend RSP’s first general convention in Chitwan
Prime Minister Balen Shah is set to participate in the first general convention of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which begins on June 21 in Chitwan. According to Shah’s secretariat, he will attend the convention in his capacity as the party’s senior leader and will continue in that role. The secretariat said Shah is scheduled to travel to Chitwan for the convention’s opening session. However, it has not yet been decided how long he will remain at the venue after the inauguration. “Senior Leader Shah will attend the opening session. It is not yet certain how long he will stay thereafter. The current schedule shows him returning after participating in the inaugural program,” the secretariat stated.
ADB approves $115 million concessional loan to improve water and sanitation in Nepal municipalities
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a concessional loan of USD 115 million to support improvements in drinking water supply and sanitation services in Nepal’s municipalities. The project, titled the Integrated Water Supply and Sanitation Project, is expected to benefit more than 850,000 people across 13 districts, according to ADB. The bank said the initiative will help expand access to safe drinking water while also improving wastewater and solid waste management systems in urban areas. ADB Nepal Country Director Arnaud Cauchois said rapid urbanization in Nepal has increased pressure on municipal infrastructure, leaving many communities without adequate access to safe water and basic sanitation services.
NEPSE posts marginal gain, turnover rises to Rs 4.53 billion
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index posted a marginal gain on Friday, closing 1.63 points higher at 2,702.11. The Sensitive Index, which measures the performance of Class ‘A’ companies, also inched up by 0.31 points to 463.98. According to NEPSE, share prices of 116 companies advanced during the trading session, while 140 declined and 17 remained unchanged. A total of 19.22 million shares of 353 listed companies were traded through various transactions worth Rs 4.53 billion.
Gold price drops by Rs 10,500
The price of gold witnessed a sharp decline on Friday, falling by Rs 10,500 per tola compared to Thursday. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, gold is being traded at Rs 286,700 per tola following the steep drop. The association said the significant fall reflects changes in the international bullion market, which directly impacts domestic pricing. Meanwhile, silver prices also declined by Rs 305 per tola. Silver is currently being traded at Rs 4,640 per tola, the federation added. Market observers say precious metal prices have been fluctuating in recent days, influenced by global economic trends and currency movements.
Dr Bhatta appointed Chairman of Securities Board Nepal
The government has appointed Dr. Gopal Bhatta as the Chairman of the Securities Board Nepal. A Cabinet meeting held on Friday decided to appoint Dr Bhatta, a former Executive Director of the Nepal Rastra Bank, to lead the country’s securities market regulator. He hails from Kailali district. Dr Bhatta holds a PhD in economics and has previously served as a member of the government’s Sick Industries Rehabilitation Committee. The appointment process was initiated through a recommendation committee formed under Section 7(3) of the Securities Act, 2063. The committee had invited applications from interested candidates, receiving 47 applications within the stipulated deadline.
Immigration Department urges foreigners to follow visa rules
The Department of Immigration has urged foreign nationals visiting Nepal for various purposes, as well as the general public, to strictly follow visa-related laws and remain cautious of illegal intermediaries and brokers. Issuing a public notice, the department said that in recent years a significant number of foreigners entering Nepal on tourist visas have been found staying in the country for extended periods under business, study, and employment-related categories. It stated that while legal residents are entitled to safety, investment protection, and services, some cases under investigation have revealed misuse of visa processes through unauthorized agents. According to the department, individuals involved in such activities have been found preparing fake documents, illegally extending visa durations, charging excessive fees beyond government rates, and misleading foreign nationals into legal complications.
German Ambassador clarifies position on PMO visit amid passport contract controversy
German Ambassador to Nepal Udo Volz has issued a public clarification regarding media reports surrounding his recent visit to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in connection with the passport printing contract controversy. In a statement posted on social media platform X on Friday evening, Ambassador Volz said neither he nor the German Embassy had spoken to journalists about the visit. “Media outlets in Nepal have been reporting about my recent visit to PMO in various forms and manners. I would like to underline that neither I personally nor the German Embassy have had any exchanges with journalists on this and have not authorised any publication in this respect,” he stated.
RSP to hold Central Committee meeting in Chitwan ahead of general convention
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is set to hold its Central Committee meeting on Saturday, with preparations underway to begin the session in Chitwan, party leaders said. According to leaders, the meeting will be formally inaugurated in Chitwan on Saturday morning. The party is preparing to pass a new statute ahead of its general convention. Party officials said the meeting is being arranged to ensure participation from all leaders, with both physical and virtual attendance expected. Except for a few exceptions, most central members are expected to join the session. RSP Secretariat member Pradeep Chandra Parajuli said the meeting will be held physically, while some leaders may connect virtually depending on availability.
National Examination Board publishes Grade 12 results, 69.75 percent pass
The National Examination Board (NEB) has published the results of the Grade 12 examinations. The results were approved and made public during a board meeting held on Friday morning, according to NEB Member Secretary Jung Bahadur Aryal. Aryal said the board convened at 8 am and officially released the results following the meeting. According to the board, 69.75 percent of students appearing under the regular category passed the examinations. The Grade 12 examinations were conducted from May 28 to June 10, with a total of 418,170 students participating nationwide. Of the total examinees, 332,241 were regular students, while 85,929 appeared under the partial category, the board said.
RSP leaders blame ‘35 years of misrule’, but many have roots in old political establishment
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which secured 182 seats in the March 5 elections and now leads the government, rose to power on a promise of replacing Nepal’s traditional political establishment. Capitalizing on the momentum created by the Gen-Z movement, the party campaigned on the belief that only new leadership could transform the country, ultimately securing a majority mandate. Yet, despite its rhetoric against “old politics,” many of the party’s leaders and lawmakers have political roots in the very parties they now criticize, including the Nepali Congress, CPN-UML and CPN (Maoist Centre). The contrast has fueled questions about whether the party’s repeated attacks on the “35 years of misrule” accurately reflect its own political makeup.
Pressure mounts on Oli as UML leaders push for leadership transition
CPN-UML Chairman K. P. Sharma Oli is facing growing pressure within the party following what many leaders describe as the UML’s most humiliating electoral setback in the March 5 elections. Calls for leadership change and organizational restructuring have intensified, with party leaders increasingly arguing that the current leadership must take responsibility for the defeat. As part of its post-election review, the UML has been collecting feedback from leaders and cadres across the provinces. In consultations held so far, district and provincial leaders from Koshi, Bagmati, Lumbini and other provinces have openly advocated party reorganization and a generational leadership transition.
Nepal records highest pre-monsoon rainfall in 45 years
Nepal recorded its highest pre-monsoon rainfall in 45 years, according to data from the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM). The long-term average rainfall during the pre-monsoon season in Nepal is 226.3 millimeters. This year, however, the country received 339.7 millimeters of rainfall—145.5 percent of the seasonal average, according to Sanjeev Adhikari, a meteorologist at the DHM’s Weather Forecasting Division. Meanwhile, the highest rainfall recorded in the past 24 hours was in Anarmani Birta, Jhapa. According to the DHM, 208 millimeters of rainfall was measured at the area’s rain gauge station during the period, which falls under the category of “very heavy rainfall.” DHM Information Officer Dinkar Kayastha said rainfall exceeding 200 millimeters within 24 hours is classified as very heavy rain.
Five arrested, including two doctors, in Nepalgunj
Police have arrested five individuals, including two doctors, in connection with an alleged irregularity involving the issuance of health certificates required for obtaining and renewing driving licences. According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Pratit Singh Rathore of the District Police Office, Banke, the suspects were taken into custody on Thursday from the Transport Management Office in Nepalgunj. olice said the group had been issuing health certificates through intermediaries for Rs 200 instead of following the official medical examination process required for driving licence applications and renewals.
RSP General Convention: Rabi appears set to gain stronger influence
As the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) prepares for its first general convention, debates have intensified over a new draft statute that reshapes internal leadership dynamics, broadens the central committee, and strengthens the president’s role in party appointments. Initially, a drafting committee led by coordinator Bipin Acharya, along with members Ganesh Parajuli, Prakash Chandra Pariyar, Dr. Chanda Karki and others, had proposed a 136-member central committee. However, the secretariat has now advanced a proposal to expand it to 158 members, which is reportedly close to final approval. The proposal also includes restructuring the secretariat and increasing the number of office bearers.
Manpower companies directed to regularly monitor condition of foreign workers
The Department of Foreign Employment has instructed manpower companies to regularly monitor the condition of Nepali workers abroad to ensure the protection of their rights, safety, and labour entitlements. Issuing a notice, the Department said the directive comes amid rising complaints that Nepali workers are not receiving wages and service benefits as per employment agreements, are being provided inadequate or unsafe accommodation, or are being made to work under conditions that violate contractual terms.
Over 2,500 drivers penalized in Kathmandu Valley in 24 hours
Traffic police in the Kathmandu Valley took action against 2,556 drivers for violating traffic regulations over the past 24 hours, collecting Rs 2.239 million in revenue. According to Naresh Raj Subedi, spokesperson for the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, the violations included drunk driving, illegal ride-sharing operations, traffic signal violations, and overspeeding. Among those penalized, 106 drivers were found operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol, while 154 were involved in ride-sharing activities contrary to regulations. Similarly, 107 drivers were fined for violating traffic signals and 183 for speeding. Traffic police also took action against 97 drivers for failing to follow lane discipline, 109 for unnecessary horn use in restricted areas, 98 for parking vehicles on footpaths, and 30 for operating vehicles in poor mechanical condition.
Myagdi’s Annapurna emerging as a hydropower hub
Over the past decade, Annapurna Rural Municipality in Myagdi has emerged as one of Nepal’s fastest-growing hydropower centers, transforming rivers such as the Kaligandaki, Mistri, Nilgiri, Rele, Ghalemdi, and Gharkhola into major sources of electricity generation. The rapid expansion of hydropower projects has accelerated economic growth, improved infrastructure, and created employment opportunities across the region. At the same time, however, concerns are growing over the environmental consequences of large-scale hydropower development, including its impact on biodiversity, river ecosystems, and the long-term sustainability of natural hot springs.
Rato Machhindranath Rath Yatra to conclude with Bhoto display on Saturday
The centuries-old Rato Machhindranath Rath (chariot) Yatra, regarded as one of Nepal’s longest and most significant cultural and religious festivals, will conclude on Saturday with the traditional Bhoto Jatra held in the presence of the Head of State. Ward Chairperson of Lalitpur Metropolitan City–4, Santosh Khadka, said preparations for the Bhoto display at the Lalit Mandap in Jawalakhel are in their final stage. He added that, as in previous years, the sacred vest (bhoto) will be displayed to the public and invited dignitaries.
Besisahar–Chame road blocked due to landslide
The Besisahar–Chame road, which connects Lamjung to Manang, was blocked following a landslide triggered by continuous rainfall. According to the District Police Office, Lamjung, the blockage occurred this morning at Kharkhare Bhir in Besisahar Municipality–6 after heavy rain that began Thursday evening. The landslide disrupted traffic along the key route, stranding dozens of vehicles traveling to and from Manang and other destinations via Besisahar. Police said the Besisahar–Ghalegaun road section has also been obstructed by landslides. The road was blocked at Puma Bhir in Besisahar–6, further affecting local transportation.
Cycle track constructed at Ghodepani–Punhill to boost adventure tourism
A dedicated cycle track has been constructed connecting the renowned tourist destinations of Ghodepani and Punhill in Ward-6 of Annapurna Rural Municipality, Myagdi, with the aim of promoting adventure tourism and encouraging visitors to extend their stay in the area. The cycle track was inaugurated by Annapurna Rural Municipality Chairperson Bharat Kumar Pun and former chairperson Dam Bahadur Pun amid a special programme. According to Ward Chairperson Ram Bahadur Khadka, the four-kilometre track was built with a budget of Rs. 600,000 allocated by the rural municipality for the current fiscal year 2082/83 BS. The route links Punhill with Lunglung Siddha, Laligurans Park and Phaleghar in Ghodepani.
Aanbukhaireni Rural Municipality declared fully vaccinated
Aanbukhaireni Rural Municipality in Tanahun district has been declared a fully vaccinated local government after all eligible children completed the full vaccination schedule within 15 months of birth. According to the municipality’s Health Branch, a total of 789 children across the rural municipality’s six wards received all required vaccines, enabling the municipality to achieve full vaccination status. Health Branch Chief Agamraj Upadhyay said that a household survey was conducted among families with children under five years of age, during which vaccination cards were checked to verify that all recommended immunizations had been completed.
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