KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
RSP General Convention begins in Chitwan
The first national convention of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) began in Chitwan today. The convention commenced in Bharatpur as per the pre-announced schedule. Party Chair Rabi Lamichhane and senior leader and Prime Minister Balendra Shah were present at the inauguration ceremony. Likewise, RSP office bearers, central leaders, and convention delegates also attended the event. Nepali Congress President Gagan Kumar Thapa, CPN-UML leader Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, Nepali Communist Party leader Barsaman Pun, and Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Chairman Rajendra Lingden were also present at the inauguration ceremony. Similarly, former Prime Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai, Janata Samajwadi Party Chairman Upendra Yadav, Janamat Party Chairman Chandrakant Raut, and other leaders participated in the inauguration ceremony.
Gagan Thapa urges RSP to build culture of internal accountability
Nepali Congress leader Gagan Kumar Thapa has urged Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) leaders and cadres to openly question wrongdoing within their own party in order to strengthen good governance. Addressing RSP’s first national general convention in Chitwan on Sunday, Thapa said that a culture of unquestioned loyalty to leaders weakens accountability and democratic practice. “We made a mistake in the past by not questioning our leaders. We placed them above scrutiny by calling them ‘ba’ and ‘dai’,” he said. “That weakened good governance.” He urged RSP members not to remain silent when mistakes occur within the party and instead build a culture of internal questioning and accountability.
PM Shah says Nepal has evidence on Kalapani and Lipulekh border issue
Prime Minister Balendra Shah has said that Nepal possesses evidence regarding the Kalapani and Lipulekh border areas. Addressing the first national general convention of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) in Chitwan on Sunday, Shah said discussions on border issues often draw objections from concerned countries, but Nepal also holds supporting evidence. “We have evidence on Kalapani and Lipulekh,” he said, adding that if required, Nepal is prepared to present historical documentation. He further clarified that Nepal has not sought British arbitration on the matter, but referred to historical records from the British colonial period as part of the documentation process.
Balendra Shah admits anti-corruption commission interference controversy, says discussions can go on for years
Prime Minister Balendra Shah has acknowledged controversy surrounding alleged government interference in the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA). The remarks came during his address at the first national general convention of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) in Chitwan on Sunday, amid criticism over reports that CIAA officials were subjected to extended questioning at the Prime Minister’s Office. According to earlier reports referenced in the context, CIAA officials had been called to the Prime Minister’s Office and engaged in lengthy discussions that drew public concern over possible pressure on the constitutional body. Responding to the issue, Shah said that discussions with constitutional bodies can continue for extended periods if necessary.
Rabi Lamichhane says no one can defeat RSP if party avoids factionalism
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane has said that no force would be able to defeat the party if it remains united and learns from the mistakes of traditional political parties. Addressing the first national general convention of the party in Chitwan on Sunday, Lamichhane stressed that avoiding internal factionalism and focusing on past political experiences would strengthen the organisation. He said the party must take advantage of its historic opportunity and deliver concrete results in the interest of the nation and its people. Lamichhane also spoke about political behavior where parties sometimes celebrate others’ sacrifices but resist when similar demands arise within their own ranks, saying such tendencies should end through the convention.
Rabi Lamichhane says no one can defeat RSP if party avoids factionalism
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane has said that no force would be able to defeat the party if it remains united and learns from the mistakes of traditional political parties. Addressing the first national general convention of the party in Chitwan on Sunday, Lamichhane stressed that avoiding internal factionalism and focusing on past political experiences would strengthen the organisation. He said the party must take advantage of its historic opportunity and deliver concrete results in the interest of the nation and its people. Lamichhane also spoke about political behavior where parties sometimes celebrate others’ sacrifices but resist when similar demands arise within their own ranks, saying such tendencies should end through the convention.
Rabi Lamichhane urges Congress and UML to resolve internal disputes
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane has said that internal issues within the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML must be resolved, warning that unresolved problems in the two major parties could create challenges for the country. Addressing the party’s first national general convention in Chitwan on Sunday, Lamichhane described both the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML as powerful political forces and said their stability was important for national progress. He said that national politics requires all parties to function properly, not just one or two, and stressed the need for cooperation and balance among political forces. According to him, difficulties and internal disagreements within the two major parties should be addressed by their leadership without delay.
Prime Minister Shah says no reason to doubt his patriotism
Prime Minister Balendra Shah has said that no one should have any doubts regarding his patriotism. Addressing the first national general convention of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) in Chitwan on Sunday, Shah said that being a good leader or holding strong political beliefs does not require aligning with specific groups or factions, but rather earning the trust of the public. He emphasized that there are no internal factions within the party and called for unity among all members. During his remarks, Shah also expressed confidence that long-standing issues such as the settlement of squatters and the ongoing cooperative sector problems would be resolved within the current term.
Gagan Thapa praises RSP’s mandate, urges party to avoid arrogance of power
Nepali Congress leader Gagan Kumar Thapa has said that the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has received an extraordinary level of public mandate in a short period and urged the party to move forward cautiously, avoiding the arrogance of power. Speaking at RSP’s first national general convention in Chitwan on Sunday, Thapa said the party’s rise within just four years and the level of public support it has gained is remarkable and significant in Nepal’s political landscape. Recalling Nepal’s political history, Thapa cautioned emerging political forces against repeating past mistakes where strong public mandates were eventually lost due to internal conflicts and misuse of power.
Baburam Bhattarai says he felt like a 27-year-old at RSP convention
Former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai said he felt as energetic as a 27-year-old while addressing the first national general convention of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), despite being 72 years old. Speaking at the convention in Chitwan on Sunday, Bhattarai said the enthusiasm and energy of the participants made him feel youthful. “I am 72 years old, but seeing everyone here at the convention and on this stage, I feel like I am 27,” he said. Bhattarai described himself as a continuous rebel and said emerging political forces in Nepal carry the potential for transformation in the country’s political landscape.
Barshaman Pun says support for RSP in revolution, good governance and transformation agenda
Leader of the Nepali Communist Party Barshaman Pun has said his party supports the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) on issues of revolution, political transformation, and good governance. Addressing the opening session of RSP’s first national general convention in Chitwan on Sunday, Pun said his party stands close to RSP on agendas related to change and social transformation. He said both parties share common ground on good governance, transparency, and institutional reform, and added that they have previously stood together in support of democratic values and justice even in difficult circumstances.
Failure by RSP to fulfil its responsibility would be a betrayal of the nation and people: Rajendra Lingden
Chairperson of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Rajendra Lingden has said that if the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) fails to fulfil the responsibility entrusted to it, it would amount to a betrayal of both the country and its people. Addressing the opening session of RSP’s first national general convention in Chitwan on Sunday, Lingden said history had handed RSP a significant responsibility and warned that missing the opportunity to deliver would not only disappoint the party and its leadership but also the broader public. He said Nepal’s current challenges stem not only from previous leaders but also from the constitutional and governance framework established under the current system.
We are here to establish a new political culture, not fight the old generation: Dr Swarnim Wagle
Deputy Chair of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle said the party’s goal is not to fight the older political generation but to establish a new political culture in Nepal. Addressing RSP’s first national general convention on Sunday, Wagle said the party seeks to create positive political transformation rather than defeat individuals or groups. “We have come to make Nepal win rather than defeat someone through transformational politics. We are not here to fight the old generation but to establish a new political culture,” he said.
Election schedule of RSP made public
The election schedule for the first general convention of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has been made public. According to the Central Election Commission, the preliminary list of delegates for the general convention was published on Saturday night. As per the schedule, the final list of delegates will be released at 11 p.m. today (Sunday). Nomination forms for candidates will be distributed from 1 p.m. on Monday, informed the commission’s chief Bhuwan KC. Candidate nominations will be filed from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, and the list of candidates will be published at 6 p.m. Claims and objections against candidates will be reviewed from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., followed by hearings on the disputed candidates from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. the same day. The deadline for withdrawing candidacies has been set for 9:15 p.m., and the final list of candidates will be published at 11 p.m. Voting for the first phase will begin on Tuesday (June 23) from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Gagan Thapa praises RSP’s political journey from formation to elections
Nepali Congress (NC) President Gagan Thapa extended his best wishes to Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane and the entire party leadership on the occasion of the party’s first national general convention. In a message issued on Sunday, Thapa congratulated the party on the convention being held in Bharatpur, Chitwan, from July 21 to 23. He said the RSP has established a strong presence in national politics within a short period of its formation, receiving significant public support. Thapa described the party’s journey from organizational establishment to participation in elections under Lamichhane’s leadership as commendable. He said the first general convention provides an important opportunity for the RSP to develop a more mature, responsible, and forward-looking approach in terms of ideology, organizational structure, and policy direction.
Gold and silver prices edge up in Nepali market
Gold and silver prices posted modest gains in the domestic market today, with gold rising by Rs 600 per tola and silver by Rs 50 per tola. According to the Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Federation, the price of fine gold has been fixed at Rs 287,300 per tola, while silver is being traded at Rs 4,690 per tola. Last Friday, gold was traded at Rs 286,700 per tola and silver at Rs 4,640 per tola. In the international market, gold was trading at around $4,155 per ounce and silver at $64 per ounce, according to international media reports.
Pokhara Metropolitan City demolishes 320 shutters in bus park area
Pokhara Metropolitan City on Saturday demolished 320 shutters and other structures of the Bastola Complex that had been built on land designated for the proposed Pokhara Bus Park at Prithvi Chowk. Using excavators, the metropolitan city cleared the complex located on the Seti River side of Prithvi Chowk as part of its ongoing effort to develop the long-delayed bus park project. The structures were vacated in advance following an agreement between the metropolitan city, the landowner, and business operators. Mayor Dhanraj Acharya said the decision to vacate the complex was reached through continuous dialogue with the landowner, business operators, and tenants. “An agreement was reached with the landowner, and the structures were vacated accordingly. The complex was removed with the understanding that all stakeholders would cooperate in the bus park construction campaign,” Mayor Acharya said.
Annapurna Base Camp emerges as a major tourist attraction
Annapurna Base Camp, once largely unknown to visitors, has emerged as one of Nepal’s growing mountain tourism destinations, attracting an increasing number of domestic and international trekkers. Located at the foot of the 8,091-meter Annapurna I in Annapurna Rural Municipality–4 of Myagdi district, the base camp has gained popularity following the development of trekking infrastructure, accommodation facilities, and sustained promotional efforts. Chairperson of Annapurna Rural Municipality Bharat Kumar Pun said tourist arrivals have exceeded expectations since the route was formally identified and promoted. “After establishing that Annapurna Base Camp and the trekking route to it lie within Myagdi and conducting extensive promotional activities, visitor numbers have increased beyond the capacity of existing infrastructure,” Pun said. “Its relatively short and accessible trekking route has made it particularly popular among domestic tourists.”
International Yoga Day being observed today
International Yoga Day was observed across Nepal and around the world today under the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing.” Observed annually on June 21, International Yoga Day aims to raise awareness about the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of yoga through various public programs and activities. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed June 21 as International Yoga Day in 2014 following a proposal by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 69th session of the General Assembly. The first International Yoga Day was observed on June 21, 2015. Nepal was among the countries that supported the proposal from the outset. Then Prime Minister Sushil Koirala endorsed the initiative, which later received backing from the European Union and other United Nations member states. The resolution set a UN record by garnering support from 177 countries within 90 days.
President Paudel calls for adoption of yoga as a way of life
President Ram Chandra Paudel has urged people to adopt yoga as an integral part of their daily lives, emphasizing its role in promoting physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. On the occasion of the 12th World Yoga Day, President Paudel extended his best wishes for happiness, peace, prosperity, and good health to all Nepalis living in the country and abroad. He encouraged citizens to incorporate yoga practices into their everyday routines. The President described yoga as a holistic discipline that creates harmony between the body, mind, and spirit through meditation, pranayama, and physical postures. He said yoga, meditation, and spiritual practices can help restore balance, reduce stress, and generate positive energy. In his message, President Paudel noted that various studies, research, and historical evidence have established Nepal as a country with a rich yoga tradition. He emphasized the need to further promote yoga by integrating it into national policies, education systems, and public health programs.
Hiking trail construction begins to promote Kaligandaki riverbank tourism
Construction of a hiking trail has begun along the banks of the Kaligandaki River with the aim of developing the area into a major religious, tourism, and recreational destination. The project has been initiated by the rural municipality in the Balighat area of Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta East). Rural Municipality Chairperson Prakash Ojha said the hiking trail is part of a broader plan to harness the region’s natural beauty, religious significance, and tourism potential for sustainable local development. “We have started constructing the hiking trail to connect the scenic riverbanks with important religious sites, natural heritage areas, and tourist attractions in the region,” Ojha said. Under the municipality’s long-term development plan, the trail will eventually link several key destinations.
Three persons drown in separate incidents
Three people drowned in separate incidents in Surkhet and Dailekh districts on Saturday. According to the District Police Office, Surkhet, 14-year-old Samjhana Thapa and 12-year-old Kalpana Rawat of Birendranagar Municipality-10 drowned while swimming in the Tuni River on Saturday evening. In a separate incident, 18-year-old Ramesh Pun of Gurans Rural Municipality, Dailekh, drowned in a pond on Saturday.
Earthquake jolts Srinagar in Humla
An earthquake has struck near Srinagar in Humla district. According to the National Seismology and Research Centre, a 4.1-magnitude earthquake on the Richter scale occurred in the Srinagar area of Humla at 2:32 pm today. The tremors were reportedly felt in Humla and surrounding districts. Earlier, on 29 Jestha, a 4.0-magnitude earthquake had its epicentre near Chyamtang in Sankhuwasabha. The Centre stated that, as Nepal lies in a seismically active Himalayan region, small and large earthquakes occur from time to time.
CT scan service suspended for six months at Civil Hospital
The CT scan service at Civil Employees Hospital, New Baneshwor, has been suspended for the past six months. According to Dr. Rabi Prakash Sharma, Acting Executive Director of the hospital, the service has been halted due to a breakdown of the CT scan machine. “The city scan machine has been causing a lot of problems for patients,” he said. “Patients have had to be referred elsewhere for scans.” The hospital serves more than 600 patients daily.
Ncell partners with Trip Turbo, offers discounts of up to Rs. 8,000 on travel and adventure activities
Ncell has partnered with Trip Turbo, one of Nepal’s leading travel and experiences platforms, to provide its customers with exclusive discounts and offers on travel bookings and adventure activities through the Ncell App. Under the scheme, customers who purchase any Ncell pack worth Rs. 99 or more will be eligible for discounts of up to Rs. 8,000 on selected travel and adventure activities. According to a statement issued by Ncell, customers can also receive a Rs. 200 discount on their first domestic flight booking, Rs. 140 off subsequent domestic flight bookings, and a Rs. 111 discount on bus ticket bookings made through Trip Turbo.
23 injured in Bajura road accident
At least 23 people were injured in a bus accident at Ritha Bazaar in Budhiganga Municipality along the Sanphe-Martadi Highway last evening. The passenger bus (SuPra 01001 Kha 1355), en route from Mahendranagar, reportedly suffered a brake failure, leading to the accident. According to Police Inspector Naresh Bahadur Shahi, all the injured were immediately taken to the District Hospital for treatment. A police team reached the site soon after receiving information and carried out rescue operations, Shahi added. Police said the injured are out of serious danger.
Siddha Pokhari upgradation and beautification work progressing
The upgradation and beautification work of the historic Siddha Pokhari in Bhaktapur is progressing at a steady pace. The Siddha Pokhari Reconstruction Users’ Committee said that various construction and management activities are underway to preserve, reconstruct, and enhance the aesthetic and historical value of the pond. According to Krishna Bahadur Duguju, Chairperson of the Committee, most of the workers involved in the project are skilled professionals with prior experience in the reconstruction and conservation of heritage ponds, including Siddha Pokhari in Bhaktapur and Ranipokhari in Kathmandu.
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