KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Cabinet approves 11 decisions, including salary hikes and Japanese grant
The government has taken 11 decisions, including approving a software development and operation committee, increasing allowances for school employees and early childhood development facilitators, and accepting a grant worth around Rs 2.73 billion from Japan. A Cabinet meeting decided to accept the Japanese government’s grant for a project to improve air traffic control at Tribhuvan International Airport. The government also decided to send a Nepali delegation led by a joint secretary from the Ministry of Home Affairs to the 14th meeting of the Joint Working Group on border management, scheduled to be held in India on August 20 and 21. The Cabinet approved the establishment of a sub-centre of the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center in Nepal. It also decided to send a Nepali delegation led by the foreign minister to the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Lamichhane instructs RSP MPs to show restraint in Parliament
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane has called on the party’s MPs and ministers to adopt a more responsible, dignified and restrained approach in Parliament amid growing criticism of their conduct. An internal discussion on the working style of RSP ministers and lawmakers and their conduct in Parliament was held at the party’s parliamentary party office in Singha Durbar on Wednesday in the presence of Lamichhane. During the meeting, Lamichhane expressed particular concern about the behavior and language used by MPs and ministers while presenting themselves in Parliament. Recently, ministers have faced criticism for responding to lawmakers in a warning or confrontational manner during parliamentary question-and-answer sessions. Lawmakers, meanwhile, have also been criticized for behaving rudely when their demands are not addressed. Against this backdrop, the RSP held discussions with its MPs.
Provinces to oversee agricultural insurance as government raises premium subsidies
The government has introduced a new framework for agricultural, livestock and herbal product insurance, offering farmers up to 80 percent premium subsidies on insurance coverage of up to Rs 10 million. Under the Agricultural, Livestock and Herbal Insurance Premium Subsidy Procedure, 2083, provincial governments will now oversee the agricultural insurance programme. Farmers will receive an 80 percent subsidy on insurance policies with coverage of up to Rs 10 million. For the portion of coverage exceeding Rs 10 million, the government will provide a 50 percent subsidy.
Lawmakers demand action over rape and murder of three-year-old in Bara
Lawmakers have called for the strictest possible action against those responsible for the rape and murder of a three-year-old girl in Simara, Bara. Speaking during Wednesday’s meeting of the House of Representatives, lawmakers said there appeared to have been lapses by the police administration in the case and called for a thorough investigation and strong action against those responsible. Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) lawmaker Rahbar Ansari said the three-year-old girl was brutally murdered after being raped and alleged that the Area Police Office in Simara failed to initiate an effective search or action for 24 hours after her disappearance was reported. Ansari demanded that authorities publish a clear “action log” detailing the steps taken by police each hour after the case was reported and called for action against officers found responsible for negligence.
Government moves to cut electricity tariffs amid VAT backlash
While Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle introduced VAT on electricity through the current fiscal year’s budget, Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha has said preparations are underway to reduce electricity tariffs and provide relief to consumers. The introduction of VAT has increased electricity costs for both household consumers and industries, drawing criticism of the government led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah. According to the Ministry of Energy, the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) is working on a proposal to provide electricity to consumers and industries at concessional rates following a review of existing tariffs.
Rabi responds to PM Shah’s ‘I am alone’ Facebook post: ‘He is also a lyricist’
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane has said there are no immediate plans to reshuffle ministers in the government led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah. Speaking to journalists after a parliamentary party meeting held in the absence of Shah on Wednesday, Lamichhane said the party had not reached any decision to change ministers. “There will be no immediate ministerial changes. Questions may have been raised about two or three out of 100 things, but that does not mean we have decided to make changes,” Lamichhane said. He said the meeting was held to make parliamentary practices more organised and dignified and to improve coordination between ministers and lawmakers.
Rabi Lamichhane warns ministers and lawmakers against arrogance and undignified conduct
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane has instructed the party’s ministers and lawmakers to maintain discipline, transparency and coordination in their parliamentary and public activities. Lamichhane held a parliamentary party meeting on Wednesday with ministers and lawmakers, with parliamentary party leader Balendra Shah absent. During the meeting, Lamichhane urged lawmakers and ministers to stop engaging in undignified activities and “creating a spectacle” in front of voters. He also called for greater transparency within the party, noting that some lawmakers had spoken in the House without informing the parliamentary party, while ministers had failed to keep the party informed about their activities inside and outside Parliament.
Balendra govt following Pakistani model, moving towards North Korean model: Badal
CPN-UML parliamentary party leader Ram Bahadur Thapa ‘Badal’ has strongly criticised the working style of the government led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah, accusing it of moving away from democratic principles. Speaking at Wednesday’s meeting of the House of Representatives, Thapa claimed that the Shah-led government was operating on what he described as a “Pakistani model” and gradually moving towards a “North Korean model.” Thapa also warned that Nepal should not be turned into a base for a “second Khampa rebellion” and accused the government of allowing Tibetan activities openly in Nepal. “We will not allow Nepal to become a place for a second Khampa rebellion. We will not allow TOBs to be used for activities against neighbouring China,” he said, alleging that the government had permitted Tibetan groups to conduct activities and attempted to organise a Tibetan conference.
Government sets ambitious targets to transform Nepal’s communications sector
Prime Minister Balendra Shah and Information and Communications Minister Dr Bikram Timilsina have signed a performance agreement for fiscal year 2026/27, setting measurable targets for the development and transformation of Nepal’s communications sector. The agreement aims to make the ministry’s major programmes more results-oriented by assigning specific deadlines, performance indicators and milestones to key projects. The agreement was signed and exchanged during a ceremony at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar on Wednesday. It covers programmes included in the Nepal Government’s Business Allocation Rules 2083, the annual policy and programme, and the fiscal year 2026/27 budget, with an emphasis on delivering expected results within specified timelines, costs and quality standards.
RSP formed task force to amend RSP Parliamentary Party statute
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) parliamentary party has formed a task force to review and amend its statute in line with the party’s current needs. The task force was formed during a meeting held at the parliamentary party office in Singha Durbar on Wednesday, according to parliamentary party Deputy Leader Ganesh Parajuli. Parajuli said the task force will be coordinated by RSP Chief Whip Kabindra Burlakoti. The task force has been mandated to propose necessary amendments to the parliamentary party’s statute and has been given seven days to complete its work, Parajuli said.
RSP lawmakers question gas shortage despite increased supply
Lawmakers of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) have questioned why cooking gas remained in short supply despite a significant increase in the number of cylinders supplied to the market. At the RSP parliamentary party meeting held at Singha Durbar on Wednesday, lawmakers noted that around 2.2 million cylinders were supplied in the Nepali month of Baisakh, while the figure had increased to around 4 million cylinders by Shrawan. They questioned why the market continued to experience a shortage despite the increased supply. According to parliamentary party Deputy Leader Ganesh Parajuli, ministers explained the technical and managerial reasons behind the shortage and briefed lawmakers on efforts being made to resolve the problem.
Keep internal disputes at home, don’t protest in Parliament: Home Minister Gurung
Home Minister Sudan Gurung has complained that some lawmakers from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) have been behaving like opposition MPs, strengthening the opposition while criticizing the government from within the party. Speaking at a party meeting convened by RSP Chair Rabi Lamichhane on Wednesday, Home Minister Sudan Gurung raised the issue. According to an RSP lawmaker who attended the meeting, Gurung said that the opposition has grown stronger when RSP lawmakers oppose the government. He urged the party to resolve internal disputes within the party rather than bring them into Parliament, saying, “Let’s keep domestic disputes at home; don’t protest in the House.”
Prof. Dr. Dhundiraj Poudel appointed NMC Chairman
Prof. Dr. Dhundiraj Poudel has been appointed Chairman of the Nepal Medical Council (NMC). The newly appointed Chairman Dr. Poudel took the oath of office and secrecy before Health and Population Minister Nisha Mehta on Wednesday. Dr. Poudel is a senior ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist. He is currently serving as Head and Professor of the Department of Ear, Nose and Throat at Nepalgunj Medical College, Kohalpur. Earlier, he served in various capacities at Bir Hospital, Bheri Hospital, Bharatpur Hospital and Dang Hospital. He earned an MS and Gold Medal in Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery from the Institute of Medical Sciences, Tribhuvan University. He completed his MBBS from the same institute. Dr. Poudel has also served as an Executive Member and Coordinator of the Ethics and Examination Committee of the Nepal Medical Council.
NC decides to withdraw support from Koshi govt
The Nepali Congress (NC) parliamentary party in Koshi Province has decided to withdraw its support for the provincial government. The decision was made at a meeting of the Nepali Congress parliamentary party held on Wednesday. Following the breakdown of cooperation between the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML, the UML-led government remains in power in the province. According to Nepali Congress Chief Whip Gopal Tamang, the parliamentary party decided to withdraw its support for the government at Wednesday’s meeting. He said the Nepali Congress will now play the role of a constructive opposition in the provincial parliament.
1,220-meter embankment constructed on Mahakali River
A 1,220-meter concrete embankment has been constructed in Kanchanpur to control flooding along the Mahakali River. The embankment was built to minimize the damage caused by the annual floods of the Mahakali River to settlements and agricultural land along its banks. The Irrigation and Water Resources Management Project Office, Kanchanpur, constructed the embankment at a cost of Rs 116.5 million. Project Chief Ranjan Raj Bhattarai said a 507-meter reinforced cement concrete (RCC) embankment was constructed along the Mahakali River in Dodhara Chandani Municipality, while a 255-meter RCC embankment was constructed along the Jogbudha River in Bhimdatta Municipality. The construction has helped protect Kutiyakawar settlement in Dodhara Chandani Municipality, which has been affected by floods every year. A total of 762 meters of embankment was constructed to protect the settlement.
Gold price decline in Nepali market today
The prices of both gold and silver have declined today. According to the Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers Federation, the price of gold has fallen by Rs 2,700 per tola to Rs 3,04,100. Last Monday, the price of gold had increased by Rs 1,600 per tola to Rs 3,06,800. It remained unchanged at the same price on Wednesday. The price of gold, which had dropped by Rs 4,600 per tola last Friday, had increased by Rs 5,200 on Sunday and Monday. Similarly, the price of silver also declined today. According to the federation, silver has fallen by Rs 160 per tola to Rs 4,595. Yesterday, the price of silver had declined by Rs 25 per tola to Rs 4,755.
Energy Ministry prepares to reduce electricity tariff
The government has intensified preparations to reduce electricity tariffs for consumers and industries. A committee was formed on July 29 on the proposal of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha to review electricity tariffs. The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has since been working on a plan to provide electricity to consumers and industries at concessional rates. A meeting of the committee, coordinated by NEA Board of Directors member Anshu Kiran Shahi, is being held at the ministry today. The committee includes representatives from the Ministry of Energy, the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, energy experts, consumer representatives and finance experts.
Indian Army Chief praises courage and contributions of Gorkha soldiers
Calling the Gorkha soldiers a symbol of courage, loyalty and sacrifice, Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth has praised their enduring contribution to the Indian Army and described India-Nepal military ties as historic and deeply rooted. Speaking at a gathering of ex-servicemen at the Pension Distribution Office of the Embassy of India in Pokhara on Tuesday, General Seth highlighted the distinctive global identity of Gorkha soldiers and their longstanding service in the Indian Army. “Gorkha soldiers have a unique identity in the world due to their bravery, loyalty and sacrifice,” he said, adding that their service and contribution to the Indian Army remain unforgettable.
Nepali scientist honored in US
Nepali scientist Dr. Shiva Prasad Adhikari has been honored in the United States for winning the prestigious international Research and Development (R&D) 100 Award for the Electro-Lith technology developed by his team. Dr. Adhikari works at the prestigious Argonne National Laboratory in the US. The Electro-Lith technology developed by his team has been selected among the 100 best technological innovations from around the world this year. The R&D 100 Award is often referred to as the “Oscars of Innovation” in science and technology. The award is presented annually to 100 influential technologies selected from thousands of innovations developed by research institutions, universities and industries worldwide.
Landslide blocks Siddhartha Highway
Vehicular movement along the Siddhartha Highway was completely obstructed following a landslide. The landslide occurred about 100 meters north of the entry point to the Siddhababa tunnel route from the Palpa side, at Tinau Rural Municipality-3 along the Palpa-Butwal road section. The debris has completely blocked the highway. Deputy Superintendent of Police at the District Police Office, Bhim Lal Bhattarai, said the landslide occurred at around 7:00 am today. Vehicles traveling between the Tarai and the hilly areas were stranded following the highway obstruction. Vehicles use this highway to travel to Palpa, Gulmi, Arghakhanchi, Syangja, Kaski, Parbat, Myagdi, Mustang and Baglung.
Tokha-Chhahare road to remain closed at night
The Nuwakot District Administration has restricted nighttime traffic on the Tokha-Chhahare road section due to an increased risk of landslides and mudslides following continuous rainfall. According to Chief District Officer Shambhu Prasad Regmi, the road will remain closed to traffic from 10 pm to 5 am every day, citing safety concerns along the route connecting Nuwakot with Dhading and the Rasuwagadhi border point with China. The restriction has been imposed after rainfall triggered landslides and mudslides at several locations, particularly around Ghattekhola in Shivapuri Rural Municipality-8. The measure, which came into effect from the night of Monday, will remain in place until further notice.
Floods and landslides block several highways across country
Several major roads across the country have been blocked due to floods and landslides triggered by continuous rainfall. According to details released by Nepal Police, traffic has been completely halted at 10 locations along various road sections, while one-way traffic is being operated at four other locations. The Mechi Highway in Ilam, BP Highway in Kavrepalanchok, Kanti Lokpath in Makawanpur, Araniko Highway in Sindhupalchowk, Trishuli-Mailung Road in Rasuwa, Tokha-Chhahare Road in Nuwakot, Besisahar-Manang Road in Lamjung, Jajarkot-Dolpa Road in Rukum West and Nagma-Gamgadhi Road in Mugu have been completely blocked due to floods and landslides. Similarly, the Kaligandaki Corridor and Baglung-Beni Road in Baglung, Jomsom-Korala Road in Mustang and the Mid-Hill Highway in Bhojpur have also been disrupted by floods and landslides.
Vigilance Center takes action against 11,000 employees in four months
The National Vigilance Center under the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers has taken action against 11,000 government employees in the last four months. Since the formation of the government led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah, the process of maintaining discipline in government offices and hearing public complaints has been taken forward at a rapid pace, informed Narayan Prasad Bhatta, Joint Secretary and Spokesperson of the Center. According to him, from last Chaitra to Shrawan, the process of registering complaints related to government offices or employees has increased significantly. According to Spokesperson Bhatta, 1,298 complaints were registered at the Center from mid-March to July. Out of which, 1,114 or 85.82 percent of the complaints have been resolved. Which is 11.72 percentage points more than the same period of the previous year.
Girl found dead after being swept away by river
The body of another girl who went missing after being swept away by the Basudev River in Bastipur, Hetauda-19, has been recovered. Four girls were swept away by the river on Tuesday afternoon while returning home from Nirmal Secondary School. One of them was rescued, while another was found dead. Two others had remained missing. According to Madhav Prasad Kafle, spokesperson for the District Police Office, Makawanpur, the body of Binita Bhlon was recovered from the river during a search operation on Wednesday morning. Sumitra Bhlon, a Grade 5 student, remains missing, and the search for her is continuing. Of the four students swept away by the river, Reshma Syangtan, a Grade 2 student from Raksirang Rural Municipality-1, was found dead on Tuesday. Seema Bhlon, a Grade 6 student, was rescued in an injured condition and is receiving treatment at Hetauda Hospital.
Banke National Park to be branded to boost tourism
Banke National Park (BNP) is set to be branded and promoted as a tourism destination to attract more visitors to the district. According to Birendra Prasad Kandel, senior conservation officer at Banke National Park, the promotion campaign will be carried out in coordination with all eight local levels, including Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City, and other relevant agencies. A coordination meeting held in Kohalpur on Tuesday decided to install large hoarding and information boards at the Duduwa checkpoint, Ranjha Chowk, Nepalgunj Airport and Kohalpur Chauraha to promote the park. The meeting also decided to strengthen coordination among Kohalpur Municipality, Banke National Park, the Nepal Army and other concerned agencies.
Bhadrakali Temple complex under reconstruction
Reconstruction of the Bhadrakali Temple complex in Kathmandu is progressing rapidly, with the project being carried out in the traditional Newari architectural style. Bhadrakali is an ancient temple of significant historical and religious importance in Kathmandu. The reconstruction incorporates traditional Newari design and craftsmanship. Several structures within the temple complex were damaged by the 2015 earthquake. Reconstruction began in June/July 2024, according to Kathmandu Metropolitan City. The project currently includes the reconstruction and renovation of the main temple as well as the surrounding patis and sattals. The Department of Archaeology has taken responsibility for documenting the historic structures, craftsmanship and architectural features of the temple complex during the reconstruction process.
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