KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
RSP leaves vice-chair position vacant after Aryal becomes Speaker, secretariat reshaped
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has decided not to appoint a new vice-chair to replace Dol Prasad Aryal (DP) after he assumed the role of Speaker of the House of Representatives. A Central Committee meeting held on Monday decided to appoint Bhupadev Shah, a close aide of senior leader Balendra Shah, as the party’s general secretary. Aryal had earlier served as vice-chair but stepped away from party responsibilities after becoming Speaker. With Aryal’s departure from the party structure, the vice-chair position—previously the third-ranking post in the party—remains vacant. The Central Committee did not make any decision regarding the post despite some leaders raising queries during the meeting.
NC proposes new guidelines to streamline party events
Nepali Congress, the main opposition party, is preparing to implement new guidelines aimed at making its public programs more disciplined and organized. The party’s Central Working Committee is planning to enforce the new procedure starting from May 15 after incorporating suggestions from district and provincial committees. According to the proposed guidelines, all party events organized at different levels must begin and conclude on schedule. Programs will start as scheduled even if the chief guest fails to arrive on time.
Home Minister Gurung’s aggressive style slows amid legal setbacks and court interventions
Home Minister Sudan Gurung, who initially made headlines for ordering swift arrests of high-profile individuals shortly after taking office, is now seen moderating his once aggressive approach amid growing legal and judicial constraints. What began as a strong action-first image, marked by rapid decisions and immediate enforcement, has recently faced setbacks due to court orders and procedural limitations. During a recent interaction with journalists at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Gurung himself admitted, “I ordered arrests, but the court released them,” a statement that has now become central to the debate over his enforcement-driven leadership style.
PM Shah directs immediate removal of party-affiliated strutures from educational institutions
Prime Minister Balendra Shah has instructed vice-chancellors of universities and academic institutions across the country to immediately implement the decision to remove party-affiliated student and staff unions from campuses. The directive was issued during a discussion held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers on Monday. The meeting with vice-chancellors of universities and academies across Nepal lasted more than three hours. Prime Minister Shah stated that political activities should not be allowed in educational institutions under any circumstances. He clarified that no law would obstruct the removal of party-affiliated structures from universities and academic institutions.
Nepal–UAE match interrupted by rain
The first match between Nepal national cricket team and United Arab Emirates national cricket team in the T20 International series was interrupted due to rain. The match was halted while play was underway at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground after rainfall stopped the game. Nepal had won the toss and opted to bat first. Before the interruption, Nepal had scored 122 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in 18.5 overs.
Thapa–Khadka meeting signals breakthrough in Nepali Congress dispute
A consensus appears to be emerging in the internal dispute within the Nepali Congress following a meeting between party president Gagan Thapa and former acting president Purna Bahadur Khadka on Sunday evening. The two leaders held discussions at Khadka’s residence in Golfutar, Kathmandu, after which an understanding was reportedly reached to ease tensions within the party. According to sources, there has been an agreement to withdraw the clarification sought by the party’s disciplinary committee from Khadka. The committee had earlier asked him to explain statements he issued while serving as acting party president.
Gen Z Movement Nepal demands dismissal and arrest of Home Minister Gurung
Gen Z Movement Nepal has demanded that Home Minister Sudan Gurung be immediately dismissed and arrested. Issuing a statement, the movement’s spokesperson Bijay Shah called for Gurung’s removal from office and a fair investigation into serious allegations against him, following reports of his alleged partnership with controversial businessman Dipak Bhatta. The statement argues that allowing Gurung to remain in office could influence the investigation process and represents a clear conflict of interest.
Four non-resident ambassadors present credentials before Prez Paudel
Newly appointed non-resident ambassadors from various countries to Nepal have presented their letter of credence before President Ramchandra Paudel. At separate ceremonies held at Sheetal Niwas, President Paudel received the credentials of four newly appointed non-resident ambassadors. Non-resident ambassadors submitting their credentials are Ambassador of Gambia to Nepal, Mustapha Jawara, Ambassador of Canada to Nepal, Christopher Cooter, Ambassador of Slovenia to Nepal, Tomaz Mencin and Ambassador of Algeria to Nepal, Abdenor Khelifi.
Gen-Z group protests near NOC demanding fuel price rollback
The Rastriya Gen-Z Citizen Campaign staged a protest near the Nepal Oil Corporation, demanding a reduction in petroleum product prices. The group, which had reached the Oil Corporation office in Babarmahal, Kathmandu on Monday to stage a sit-in and submit a memorandum, was removed by police citing a lack of coordination. Following this, they held a demonstration nearby. Protesters chanted slogans including “end police suppression” and “roll back fuel price hikes” after being moved outside the premises.
Govt tightens customs checks on imports from India; protests in some areas
The government has recently tightened customs clearance procedures on goods imported from India, making it mandatory for items valued above Rs 100 to be processed through formal customs channels. Officials said the move is aimed at curbing customs revenue leakage and strengthening enforcement across all border points, from Biratnagar and Birgunj in the east to Dhangadhi in the west. Under the new enforcement drive, authorities have increased scrutiny of imports entering through all major border crossings. The government has also begun tightening regulations on the use of Indian-registered vehicles in several Terai districts.
Govt decides to pay civil servants on fortnightly basis
The government has decided to provide salaries and allowances to civil servants on a fortnightly (semi-monthly) basis. A ministerial-level decision taken by the Ministry of Finance Nepal last Friday has already directed the Financial Comptroller General Office to make the necessary arrangements. The Comptroller General’s Office has confirmed that a circular has been received from the ministry and that the decision will be implemented soon.
Akshaya Tritiya festival being celebrated today
The Akshaya Tritiya festival, observed annually on Baisakh Shukla Tritiya, is being celebrated today with rituals including donation and consumption of Satu (barley flour) and Sarbat (traditional drink). According to traditional practices, devotees wake up early, clean their homes, take a ritual bath, and prepare offerings for worship. Deities including Diyo, Kalash, and Lord Ganesh are worshipped. A copper vessel with an Ashta Dal inscription is placed on the Kalash, followed by worship of Lord Vishnu using sixteen ritual offerings. There is also a Vedic tradition of offering pure water or a special drink prepared with ingredients such as cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, honey, sugar, and crystal sugar (misri), along with donating barley flour (Satu) to priests.
US Assistant Secretary Kapur arrives in Kathmandu
Samir Paul Kapur, the US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, arrived in Kathmandu today for a three-day visit aimed at engaging with the newly formed government led by Balendra Shah (Balen). Kapur is the highest-ranking foreign official to visit Nepal since the new administration took office on March 27. Officials from Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nepali Embassy in Washington said the visit is intended to congratulate the new government, understand its priorities, and discuss future cooperation with the United States. His schedule includes meetings with Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle, Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal, and representatives of the Nepal–USA Chamber of Commerce. He is also expected to visit Patan Durbar Square.
Gold prices decline by Rs 1,300
The price of gold and silver has decreased on Monday, according to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association. Gold price has dropped by Rs 1,300 per tola, bringing it to Rs 299,700 per tola for the day. On Sunday, gold was priced at Rs 301,000 per tola. Similarly, the price of silver has fallen by Rs 35 per tola. With the decline, silver is now priced at Rs 5,190 per tola, compared to Rs 5,225 per tola on Sunday.
Kulman Ghising urges government to withdraw fuel price hike
Kulman Ghising, chair of the Ujyalo Nepal Party, has urged the government to withdraw the recent increase in petroleum prices. Speaking at a press conference held in Birendranagar, Surkhet during the Karnali Province–level first leaders and cadres gathering and organizational expansion program, Ghising said the government should provide special fuel price concessions for Karnali Province. “Karnali already faces high costs due to its difficult geography. Increasing the prices of fuels such as diesel, petrol and gas will make travel and transportation harder for both domestic and international tourists,” he said. Ghising also noted that neighboring India has not increased fuel prices and urged the government to reduce the burden of price hikes on citizens.
NC demands high-level probe into Home Minister Gurung’s assets
Nepali Congress has called on the government to immediately launch an independent, impartial, and high-level investigation into allegations concerning the source of assets linked to Home Minister Sudan Gurung. In a statement issued by party spokesperson Devaraj Chalise, the party said its earlier Central Working Committee meeting had already decided that public concerns regarding the source of ministers’ wealth must be taken seriously. “Transparency and accountability are the fundamental pillars of democracy,” the statement reads.
Iran declines participation in upcoming US talks in Pakistan amid rising tensions
Iran is not planning to participate in the upcoming round of negotiations with the United States in Pakistan, according to state media reports, signaling a further deterioration in already strained relations between the two countries. The development comes after US President Donald Trump ordered American negotiators to travel to Islamabad, just days before the expiration of a fragile ceasefire in the Middle East. Iranian state broadcaster IRIB, citing official sources, confirmed that “there are currently no plans to participate in the next round of Iran-US talks.” Iranian news agencies, including Fars and Tasnim, described the current diplomatic environment as “not very positive,” emphasizing that the lifting of the US blockade on Iranian ports remains a key precondition for any meaningful negotiations.
Home Minister Gurung denies share investment allegations, calls claims baseless
Home Minister Sudan Gurung has issued a clarification regarding the controversy surrounding his alleged share investments, dismissing claims that he concealed investments worth Rs 2.5 million as baseless. Gurung stated that the issue stems from classification rather than concealment, amid recent allegations that he had failed to disclose certain share holdings. He said he has already openly declared investments exceeding Rs 20 million in shares traded in the secondary market in his asset disclosure. Investments made in Star Micro Insurance and Liberty Micro Insurance were also included within the same category, he clarified.
Lingden warns against compromise with those trying to weaken party
Chair of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party Rajendra Lingden has said that there will be no compromise with those attempting to weaken or destroy the party from within. Speaking at a felicitation and greetings program held at the party office in Dhumbarahi on Monday, Lingden made it clear that the party will take a firm stance against individuals who, while being inside the organization, are allegedly trying to damage it. He said that leaders who are unable to form ward committees in their own districts, fail to support party candidates during elections, and attempt to prevent the party from becoming a national force will not be heard.
Heatwave intensifies across Nepal; authorities warn of rising ‘loo’ risk in Tarai
Extreme heat conditions have intensified across most parts of the country as temperatures continue to rise, with the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology warning of possible heatwave conditions, commonly known as “loo,” in the Tarai region. According to data released by the department on Monday afternoon, temperatures reached 41°C in Kapilvastu and 39°C in Banke, indicating severe heat stress in the western plains. The department said hot conditions have been recorded across the Tarai regions of Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini, and Sudurpaschim provinces, as well as in valleys and low-lying areas. It warned that western Tarai districts in Lumbini and Sudurpaschim provinces are particularly at risk of heatwave conditions.
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