KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Prime Minister Shah arrives in Pokhara for family visit
Prime Minister Balendra Shah arrived in Pokhara on Friday afternoon for a private family visit. He is staying at Annapurna Ecovillage Resort in Astam, Machhapuchhre Rural Municipality-6, Kaski. Assistant Chief District Officer of Kaski Chitrangat Baral confirmed that Shah had reached Astam. “The Prime Minister is here on a family visit. Security arrangements in the district have been strengthened accordingly,” Baral said, adding that Shah has no other formal programmes scheduled during his stay. Locals in Astam welcomed the Prime Minister’s visit, with resident Shobhakhar Adhikari expressing hope that local concerns would receive attention. “There are problems with roads and drinking water in Astam. We hope the Prime Minister’s visit will help draw attention to the issues faced by local residents,” Adhikari said.
RSP forms 11-member Right to Recall Committee
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has formed an 11-member ‘Right to Recall Committee’ under the leadership of General Secretary Bipin Kumar Acharya. The committee was formed during a central committee meeting held at the party’s central office in Chamati on Friday. Today’s meeting also focussed on preparations for the upcoming local-level elections in 2083 BS and strengthening the party’s internal organization.
Jagadish Kharel appointed RSP spokesperson
Jagadish Kharel has been appointed spokesperson of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). Kharel was nominated to the position by party President Rabi Lamichhane. Similarly, Manomur Pradhan has been appointed treasurer, while Basumaya Tamang has been nominated as co-treasurer. Sarendra Chaudhary and Nanita Yadav have been appointed co-spokespersons. The nominations were approved by the party’s Central Committee meeting held on Friday.
Deuba faction moves Supreme Court to halt NC general convention
The faction of former Nepali Congress (NC) president Sher Bahadur Deuba has approached the Supreme Court, seeking an interim order to suspend preparations for the party’s 15th General Convention. NC leader Min Bishwakarma said separate writ petitions were filed at the apex court on behalf of Deuba and former acting president Purna Bahadur Khadka. Lawyers representing the two leaders submitted the petitions. The petitioners have requested the court to stop the convention process until the ongoing jurisdictional dispute is resolved. The Deuba faction has argued that preparations for the General Convention should not proceed while the dispute remains pending, especially after the Supreme Court permitted the case to be reviewed.
PMO makes public key achievements from past week
The Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers has made public its major activities and achievements from the past week, including measures related to digital governance, policy research, performance monitoring, fertilizer management and the promotion of domestic products. At the office’s regular weekly media briefing on Friday, spokesperson and Joint Secretary Hemraj Aryal presented the key activities undertaken by the Prime Minister’s Office and its subordinate agencies. According to Aryal, the government approved the Software Development and Operations Committee (Formation) Order, 2083 during the week. The order provides for a six-member committee led by the secretary responsible for governance affairs at the Prime Minister’s Office.
Parliamentary Hearing Committee to refer security-related complaints to ministry
The Parliamentary Hearing Committee under the Federal Parliament has decided to forward security-related complaints it has received to the concerned ministry for necessary action. The decision was taken at the committee’s meeting held at Singha Durbar on Friday. Committee Chair Bodh Narayan Shrestha said the complaints would be forwarded to the concerned ministry because the committee does not have the jurisdiction to investigate or discuss security-related matters. Shrestha also said the committee had already provided written responses to requests for information and instructed its secretariat to provide additional details in accordance with the rules, if required.
Prime Minister’s Office says Shah is on a private visit
The Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers has said that Prime Minister Balendra Shah is on a private visit. Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Hemraj Aryal, spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, said Shah’s current visit is private and advised the media to seek further details from the Prime Minister’s personal secretariat. Prime Minister Shah is currently travelling to Mustang via Pokhara.
NEPSE falls 10.67 points, trading turnover slips to Rs 4.16 billion
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index fell 10.67 points on Friday to close at 2,618.72 points, while overall trading activity also declined slightly. The market recorded a turnover of Rs 4.16 billion on Friday, down from Rs 4.40 billion a day earlier. Of the companies traded, share prices of 70 companies rose, while 198 declined and 10 remained unchanged. Reliance Spinning Mills, Solu Hydropower, Ridi Power, Sanima Mai Hydropower, Sanima Middle Tamor, Mountain Energy and Sahas Urja were among the companies with the highest trading volumes.
Landslides, flooding block highways amid heavy rainfall
Rain-triggered landslides, flooding and road erosion affected transport services in multiple districts, forcing authorities to suspend traffic on several key routes and advise travellers to use caution. According to details released by the Police Headquarters this morning, roads in Kavrepalanchok, Sindhupalchowk, Rasuwa, Rukum West, Lamjung, Ilam, Nuwakot and Makawanpur have been affected. In Kavrepalanchok, vehicular movement along the Khurkot-Nepalthok-Katunjebesi road has been restricted from 6:00 pm to 4:00 am due to the risk of flooding. Vehicles are permitted to operate between 4:00 am and 6:00 pm.
Govt has no plans for demonetization: Finance Minister
Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle has clarified the government has no plans to pursue demonetisation at present. Wagle made the remarks while addressing a ‘Citizens, Policy and Leadership’ dialogue organised by the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) at its central office in Banasthali. Responding to questions from participants about why the government was not considering demonetisation, Wagle said the issue had not been under consideration. “I heard some interesting questions from the participants about demonetisation. However, we do not think it is appropriate at this time. We have not considered demonetisation,” he said.
Gold and silver prices rise
Gold and silver prices have increased in the domestic market today, with gold rising by Rs 3,300 per tola and silver by Rs 130. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers, the price of fine gold was fixed at Rs 316,700 per tola today, while fine silver was priced at Rs 4,985 per tola. On Thursday, fine gold was traded at Rs 313,400 per tola, while silver was priced at Rs 4,855 per tola. According to international media reports, gold is currently trading at $4,540.18 per ounce in the international market, while silver is trading at $68.92 per ounce.
NA members demand stern action against those responsible for Garima’s murder
National Assembly (NA) members have demanded stern action against those responsible for the rape and murder of three-year-old Garima Chaudhary of Jitpur Simara Sub-Metropolitan City-1, Bara. Speaking during the zero hour of the National Assembly meeting on Friday, lawmakers expressed concern over the incident and called on the government to strengthen measures to prevent violence against women and children and ensure their safety. Puja Chaudhary urged the government to take immediate action against those involved in Garima’s rape and murder and adopt stronger measures to prevent violence against women and children. Renu Chand accused the security agencies of failing to respond seriously to the child’s disappearance and urged the government to take stern action against those responsible.
Shekhar Koirala meets Deuba amid growing rift in NC
Nepali Congress (NC) leader Dr. Shekhar Koirala met former party President Sher Bahadur Deuba at Deuba’s residence on Friday morning amid growing tensions within the party. Koirala reached Deuba’s residence for a meeting focused on the party’s current situation and efforts to preserve unity, according to Koirala’s personal secretary, Dinesh Thapaliya. “The meeting took place this morning. The discussion focused on the current situation and party unity,” Thapaliya said. The Nepali Congress has been facing increasing internal divisions after the Deuba faction rejected Gagan Thapa’s leadership bid. The dispute has intensified over preparations for the party’s general convention.
670 industries and businesses registered in Tanahun in a year
The number of industries and businesses operating in Tanahun has increased, with 670 new enterprises registered in the district during the last fiscal year. According to the Integrated Services Office, 243 industries and 427 commercial firms were registered during the fiscal year. The newly registered enterprises are engaged in trade, production and service-related activities. Office Chief Ishwori Prasad Regmi said 484 industries and businesses were closed during the same period. He added that the number of newly registered enterprises increased by 94 compared with fiscal year 2081/82. The office has so far renewed the registrations of 3,477 industries and businesses.
DDC ghee exported to Dubai for the first time, 600 kg shipped
Ghee produced by the government-owned Dairy Development Corporation (DDC) has been exported to Dubai for the first time, with an initial shipment of 600 kg sent on Friday. The export is aimed primarily at Nepali consumers living in Dubai. DDC has signed an agreement with Rato and Chandra-Surya International for the export and distribution of its ghee in the UAE. DDC Managing Director Prakash Chandra Ghimire said the product would initially be sold on a trial basis, with future exports to be increased based on market demand. “Initially, we will provide one carton each to the sellers there. After that, we will supply larger quantities based on demand,” he said.
Youth dies after being attacked at boys’ hostel in Shankhamul
A 22-year-old youth who was seriously injured in a fight at a boys’ hostel in Shankhamul, Kathmandu, has died. The deceased has been identified as Basanta Kalathoki of Ghorahi Sub-Metropolitan City-17, Dang. Kalathoki had been staying at a hostel in Kathmandu Metropolitan City-10, Shankhamul. According to police, Kalathoki was attacked with sharp weapons by Shekhar Yadav, 18, and Pramit Patel, 20, both from Kalaiya Sub-Metropolitan City-3, Bara, who were also staying at the same hostel. Kalathoki, who sustained serious injuries to his head and neck, was rushed to Civil Service Hospital in Minbhavan for treatment. Police said doctors declared him dead during treatment.
Top End T20 Series: Nepal A suffers eight-wicket defeat to Northern Territory Strike
Nepal A suffered an eight-wicket defeat against Northern Territory Strike in its opening match of the Top End T20 Series in Australia. Batting first after losing the toss at the Marrara Cricket Ground, Nepal A posted 122 runs. Northern Territory Strike chased down the target in 15 overs, losing just two wickets, after making an aggressive start to the innings. Douwtjie Hoogenboezem remained unbeaten on 50, while Jordan Silk contributed an unbeaten 42. Captain Darcy Short scored 23 runs for the hosts. Pawan Sarraf was Nepal A’s most successful bowler, taking two wickets for 13 runs.
One arrested on murder charge
Police have arrested one person on suspicion of murdering 22-year-old Basanta Kalathoki of Ghorahi Sub-Metropolitan City-17, Dang, who was staying at the Shankhamul Valley Boys Hostel in Kathmandu Metropolitan City-10. Police arrested an 18-year-old boy from Kalaiya Sub-Metropolitan City-3, Bara, who was also staying at the same hostel. According to police, Kalathoki was seriously injured after being beaten and attacked with a sharp weapon by the 18-year-old suspect and 20-year-old Pramit Patel. He died while undergoing treatment at Civil Service Hospital in Minbhawan.
Minister Shrestha calls for stronger climate resilience across key sectors
Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Biraj Bhakta Shrestha has stressed the need for immediate preparations to address potential risks to Nepal’s water, food, energy and disaster resilience sectors amid forecasts of a possible strong El Niño. Addressing the inaugural session of a national seminar titled ‘Super El Niño and Climate Risk: Impact on Water, Food, Energy and Disaster Resilience in Nepal’ in Lalitpur on Friday, Minister Shrestha said Nepal should prepare for the possible impacts of a strong El Niño event. The seminar was jointly organised by the Secretariat of the Water and Energy Commission and the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology.
Nepal Telecom expands 4G coverage to Sinja region
Nepal Telecom’s 4G service has come into operation in Sinja of Jumla, a region regarded as the birthplace of the Nepali language’s Khas heritage. The service was launched on Friday in Guthijyula Bazaar of Kanakasundari Rural Municipality following the installation of a new mobile tower. According to Paras Pujara, chief of the Nepal Telecom Jumla office, the new tower will provide 4G connectivity to various areas of wards 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8 of Kanakasundari Rural Municipality. The service will cover areas including Gauri, Okharwada, Haat Sinja, Simpati, Ludku, Guthijyula Bazaar, Baduwalwada, Barkudiwada, Sanjelwada, Jach and Godinga. The tower is currently being operated using solar batteries.
96 percent of paddy plantation completed in Bhojpur
Around 96 percent of paddy planting has been completed in Bhojpur this year, with the remaining work nearing completion, according to the Agricultural Knowledge Centre, Bhojpur. The centre’s Information Officer, Ghanshyam Baral, said paddy has been planted on 11,568.78 hectares, accounting for 96 percent of the area suitable for paddy cultivation. A total of 12,500.81 hectares in the district is considered suitable for paddy farming, while the district’s total cultivable area stands at 62,299 hectares. Paddy is primarily cultivated in the lower-lying areas of all nine local levels in Bhojpur. The centre said farmers were able to carry out planting on schedule in most areas due to adequate monsoon rainfall this year.
Foreign hunters draw attention to Dhorpatan
Nepal’s only legal hunting reserve, Dhorpatan, continues to attract wealthy foreign hunters, with expeditions targeting naur (blue sheep) and jharal (Himalayan tahr) generating more than Rs 41.7 million in government revenue over the past year. Hunting is conducted at Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve that covers approximately 1,325 square kilometres across Baglung, Rukum and Myagdi districts. Baglung, Rukum and Myagdi districts during two seasons each year. During the first season, the government collected Rs 33.5 million in revenue, while the second season generated Rs 14.374 million. According to Sagar Subedi, a ranger at the reserve, permits were issued during the first hunting season, from Asoj to Mangsir (mid-September to mid-December), for 11 naur and eight jharal.
SEBON proposes wider access to corporate bond issuance
The Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) has proposed allowing more types of organized institutions to issue bonds, potentially broadening Nepal’s corporate bond market beyond banks, financial institutions and insurance companies. Under the draft Securities Registration and Issuance Regulation, 2026, published on Thursday, organized institutions other than banks and financial institutions, insurance companies and entities established under special laws would be permitted to issue bonds. Such institutions would generally be required to provide security or collateral to protect investors. However, SEBON has sought stakeholder feedback on whether institutions with strong credit ratings should be permitted to issue unsecured bonds and whether the collateral requirement should apply uniformly to all eligible institutions.
25-year-old dies, six injured in Jajarkot jeep accident
A 25-year-old man died and six others were injured when a jeep met with an accident in Jajarkot last evening. The Bolero jeep, bearing registration number Lu 1 Cha 8227, veered off the road at Danepipal in Nalgad Municipality-7 while travelling from Tantra in Nalgad Municipality-9 towards Dalli along the Dolpa-Jajarkot road section. According to the District Police Office, Jajarkot, Balkrishna Bohara, 25, of Nalgad Municipality-10 was seriously injured in the accident. He received initial treatment at the Municipal Hospital in Dalli before being referred to Provincial Hospital, Kalagaun, Surkhet, for further treatment.
Six people die of Japanese encephalitis in Jhapa
Six people have died from Japanese encephalitis in Jhapa following an increase in infections during the rainy season. The latest death was that of a 64-year-old woman from Mechinagar Municipality-8, according to the District Health Office. She died last week after being infected with JE. Public Health Inspector Bishwanath Shrestha said the number of JE cases in the district has now reached 11. Of the six people who have died, four are women and two are men. The District Health Office has intensified JE testing in various parts of the district and has continuously mobilized health workers to monitor and respond to the spread of the infection, Shrestha said.
Bhrikutimandap to be developed as citizen-friendly public centre
Minister for Women, Children, Gender and Sexual Minorities, and Social Security Sita Badi has directed the concerned agencies to conduct the necessary study to develop Bhrikutimandap into an organised, safe, clean, green, inclusive and citizen-friendly public centre. Minister Badi inspected various facilities and structures in the Bhrikutimandap area on Friday and gathered information about the goat and vegetable markets, garden, exhibition hall, stalls, exhibition and commercial spaces, open and green areas, parking facilities, cleanliness, public toilets and pedestrian areas.
Two local levels operate basic hospitals in Bajura
Two local governments in Bajura district have begun operating 10-bed basic hospitals, expanding access to primary healthcare despite shortages of medical personnel, medicines and equipment. Jagannath Rural Municipality and Gaumul Rural Municipality have started providing health services through their newly established facilities. Gaumul Rural Municipality began operating its 10-bed basic hospital around one and a half years after construction of the facility was completed. Rural Municipality Chairperson Hari Bahadur Rokaya formally inaugurated the hospital’s services on Wednesday.
Farmers in Gorkha’s Chum Valley busy harvesting wheat crop
Farmers in Gorkha’s Chum Valley are currently busy harvesting wheat that takes around 11 months to mature. Residents of Chumnubri Rural Municipality-7, a remote area bordering Tibet, are engaged in harvesting, threshing, baling and storing the crop. According to Dorje Lama of Chhekam village, men are mainly involved in harvesting and threshing, while women handle baling and storage. Once the wheat harvest is completed, farmers begin planting mustard and fenugreek within a few days. Lama said the current period is the harvesting season for wheat, fenugreek and mustard planted in September last year.
Woman dies after being struck by tractor in Sarlahi
A 20-year-old woman died after being struck by a tractor in Malangwa, Sarlahi, on Friday. The deceased has been identified as Guriya Kumari Gupta of Godaita Municipality-5. Gupta was walking near Nepal Bank Chowk in Malangwa Municipality-8 when she was hit by a tractor (J1TA 5246) travelling from Municipality Chowk towards Rajshree Chowk. Gupta was rushed to the Provincial Hospital in Malangwa following the incident, where doctors pronounced her dead, according to District Police Office Sarlahi spokesperson and Deputy Superintendent of Police Bed Prasad Gautam.
14 arrested with drugs from various parts of country
Police have arrested 14 people with various types of drugs from different parts of the country during routine patrols. According to the Central Police News Room, one person was arrested from Paglabari in Haldibari Rural Municipality-2, Jhapa; two from Milan Chowk in Biratnagar Metropolitan City-19, Morang; and one from Pokhariya Chowk in Jahada Rural Municipality-6, Morang. Similarly, one person was arrested from Adherikuna in Pokhara Metropolitan City-18, Kaski; three from Mugling Pulzip in Aanbukhaireni Rural Municipality-4, Tanahun; two from Rambachha Thati in Waling Municipality-1, Syangja; one from Bajraha in Itahari Sub-Metropolitan City-7, Sunsari; and three from Bharatpur Metropolitan City-1, Chitwan.
Vegetables worth Rs 98.4 million exported via Kakarbhitta in one year
Nepal exported vegetables worth Rs 98.4 million to India, Bangladesh and the United States through the Kakarbhitta checkpoint during the fiscal year 2025/26. According to the Plant Quarantine Office in Kakarbhitta, a total of 6,519 metric tonnes of vegetables, including cabbage, beans and green chillies, were exported during the year. Of the total exports, 6,201 metric tonnes of cabbage were exported to Bangladesh, generating Rs 94.7 million in revenue. Similarly, green chillies worth Rs 176,000 and tomatoes worth Rs 117,000 were exported to Bangladesh.
Comment