KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
President, Prime Minister observe Rato Machhindranath Bhoto Jatra
President Ram Chandra Paudel and Prime Minister Balendra Shah observed the Bhoto Jatra of Rato Machhindranath Bhoto Jatra, a traditional festival associated with the deity worshipped for rainfall and prosperity. The two leaders attended the ceremony held at Jawalakhel in Lalitpur on Saturday afternoon and watched the concluding rituals of the annual chariot festival. On the occasion, President Paudel also offered prayers to Rato Machhindranath and received blessings from the Living Goddess Kumari. According to tradition, the sacred vest (bhoto) is displayed on the fourth day after the chariot of Rato Machhindranath is pulled from Lagankhel to Jawalakhel. This year as well, officials from the Guthi Sansthan displayed the bhoto in the presence of the general public and distinguished guests.
We are committed to democracy: RSP Chair Lamichhane
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane has said that the party will never deviate from democratic values. Speaking at a meeting held on Saturday ahead of the party’s general convention, Lamichhane reaffirmed the party’s commitment to federal democratic republicanism. He said the party stands on the foundation laid by those who contributed to bringing the country to its current constitutional system, adding that RSP takes pride in the ongoing political transformation. “We are at the threshold of this transformation with pride. We will not deviate from democracy,” he said.
RSP bans factional panels in first general convention
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has decided to prohibit the formation of factional panels in its first general convention, which begins on Sunday. A meeting of the party’s Central Committee held on Saturday decided that any attempt to form faction-based slates during the convention will result in disciplinary action. The decision has been taken to ensure a free and fair internal election process, the party said. According to the party, the first general convention will elect 19 office bearers, 33 secretariat members, and 151 central committee members. However, only 100 central committee members will be elected through voting, while the remaining positions will be filled through other internal arrangements.
RPP to hold central general convention from December 12 to 14 in Kathmandu
The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) has decided to hold its central general convention in Kathmandu from December 12 to 14. The decision was taken during the party’s Central Working Committee meeting held in Kathmandu on Friday and Saturday under the chairmanship of party chief Rajendra Lingden. The meeting reviewed the government’s initial performance and stated that expected improvements had not been seen in governance, transparency, and accountability. RPP also expressed concern over what it described as the lack of a clear foreign policy direction, warning that it could lead to an atmosphere of distrust with neighboring countries.
Zoo chief under investigation over allegation of concealing bird flu outbreak
The chief of Central Zoo, Jawalakhel, Satyanarayan Shah, has been placed under investigation over allegations of failing to timely inform the central office of the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) about a confirmed outbreak of bird flu (H5N1) at the zoo. Acting on instructions from Minister for Agriculture, Forest and Environment and NTNC Chair Gita Chaudhary, the trust removed Shah from his position as zoo chief. NTNC has also formed a three-member investigation committee led by spokesperson and head of the Species Department, Rachana Shah, to determine the cause of the bird flu outbreak and review related issues.
More than 700,000 tourists visit Mustang in 11 months via Beni–Jomsom road
More than 700,000 domestic and foreign tourists visited Mustang through the Beni–Jomsom road corridor via Raghuganga and Annapurna rural municipalities in northern Myagdi during the first 11 months of the current fiscal year 2025/26. According to data maintained by the Border Police Post at Ghasa in Mustang, a total of 705,754 tourists entered the district between Shrawan and Jestha through the only road connecting Mustang to the national highway network. The figure is nearly equal to the total tourist arrivals recorded throughout the previous fiscal year. Police stationed at Ghansa record tourists entering Mustang through motor vehicles. According to District Police Office Inspector Santosh Basyal, 151,160 vehicles carried 460,924 domestic and 244,830 foreign tourists into Mustang during the review period.
NCP’s Barshaman Pun to attend RSP’s first national general convention
Barshaman Pun of the Nepali Communist Party (NCP) is set to attend the inaugural session of the Rastriya Swatantra Party’s (RSP) first national general convention, which begins in Chitwan on Sunday. The NCP has decided to send Pun to extend greetings at the opening ceremony of the convention. RSP had also invited party coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” to attend the event. However, due to incomplete recovery from illness, Prachanda will not attend the program in person. He had recently been hospitalized for around 10 days after suffering from pneumonia and fever and was discharged on June 1. Following his recovery, Dahal had made his first public appearance on Friday at the party headquarters in Koteshwor during a membership renewal campaign launch event.
Helambu Himalayan Great Trail emerging as blend of nature, culture and spiritual tourism
The ‘Helambu Himalayan Great Trail’ being constructed in the Helambu region of Sindhupalchok is emerging as a unique blend of nature, culture, and spiritual tourism. The trail, rich in Himalayan landscapes, green forests, and Buddhist heritage, is expected to attract both domestic and international tourists once completed. Locally known as a “Dharma Chakra Wall” under Hyolmo tradition, the trail features stone chortens built at various points, serene surroundings, fresh mountain air, and sweeping views of distant Himalayan ranges, offering a distinctive experience for trekkers.
PM Shah publicizes 17-day Makalu Base Camp trek itinerary to promote tourism
Prime Minister Balendra Shah has released a detailed 17-day itinerary for the Makalu Base Camp trek, aimed at promoting tourism in the Makalu–Barun region of eastern Nepal. PM Shah shared a video on Facebook on Saturday, unveiling the trek plan and highlighting the Makalu–Barun Valley as one of Nepal’s most attractive Himalayan destinations. In his post, he described the region as a significant tourism asset due to its natural beauty, biodiversity, and panoramic Himalayan landscapes. According to the published itinerary, the trek begins from Kathmandu, proceeds to Tumlingtar, and then starts on foot from Num, gradually leading up to the Makalu Base Camp located at an altitude of 4,870 meters.
Mustang EV entry deemed lawful; action initiated against officials at Rasuwagadhi customs
Electric vehicles imported through the Mustang border have been found to be compliant with customs regulations, while irregularities have been identified in the clearance process at Rasuwagadhi customs, according to the Department of Customs. In a statement issued on Friday, the department said a monitoring team deployed at the Mustang Customs Office reported that 649 electric vehicles had entered Nepal in accordance with prevailing laws. The vehicles had reportedly entered the country on May 28. The monitoring team concluded that, based on detailed analysis of official records and CCTV footage, the vehicles had entered Nepal on the stated date and were duly cleared by the customs office following legal procedures.
Two arrested in Kathmandu with Rs 2.2 million cash over cryptocurrency trading
Police have arrested two individuals from Kathmandu with Rs 2.2 million in unexplained cash in connection with cryptocurrency trading. According to the District Police Range, Kathmandu, the arrested individuals have been identified as 47-year-old Taralal Bishwakarma of Myagang Rural Municipality-5, Nuwakot, currently residing in Budhanilkantha Municipality-6, Kathmandu, and 50-year-old Hom Bahadur K.C. of Modi Rural Municipality-7, Parbat, currently living in Kathmandu Metropolitan City-16. Police said the arrests were made following a tip-off about illegal digital currency transactions taking place at a bar located in Lazimpat, Kathmandu Metropolitan City-2.
RSP general convention: E-voting facility, voters from abroad can vote via app
The Rastriya Swatantra Party has announced that electronic voting will be used during its upcoming general convention. According to election commission chief Bhuwan KC, voters will be able to cast their ballots by touching the candidates’ names and photographs displayed on electronic devices. The party estimates that the first round of voting will take around six hours. In this phase, delegates will vote for one party chairperson and 99 central committee members. KC said that after the members are elected, a second round of voting will be held to elect the vice chairperson, general secretary, and deputy general secretary positions from among those elected members.
Drinking water shortage hits Pokhara’s Lakeside area
Hotel entrepreneurs have urged the Nepal Water Supply Corporation, Pokhara, to address the growing drinking water shortage in Lakeside, the main tourism hub of Pokhara. A delegation led by Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) Pokhara President Laxman Subedi met officials of the corporation, informing them about the worsening water crisis in the Lakeside area and demanding an immediate solution. Subedi said the shortage of drinking water in one of the country’s premier tourist destinations is a serious concern. “It is unfortunate that basic necessities such as drinking water cannot be adequately supplied in Pokhara’s main tourist area, which is widely regarded as Nepal’s tourism capital,” he said.
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