KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Kaski District Court allows withdrawal of money laundering, organized crime charges against Rabi Lamichhane
The Kaski District Court has approved the withdrawal of organized crime and money laundering charges filed against Rabi Lamichhane, Rastriya Swatantra Party Chairman, in connection with the Surya Darshan Cooperative case in Pokhara. A bench led by District Judge Him Lal Belbase issued the order on Friday in line with the petitioner’s request. With the court’s decision, Lamichhane and other defendants in the case will now face charges only related to cooperative fraud. The withdrawal of organized crime and money laundering charges also applies to Gitendra Babu (GB) Rai, Chhabilal Joshi, and others named in the case.
ICC league: Nepal end home series with big win over USA
The Nepali national cricket team concluded their home series on a high note with a commanding 122-run victory over the United States in the final match of the ICC World Cup League-2 triangular series. In Friday’s match, Nepal posted a total of 317 for 8 in 50 overs before bowling out the USA for 195 runs in 41.2 overs. Earlier in the series, Nepal had suffered a narrow 2-run defeat to Scotland via the DLS method in the opening match but bounced back strongly to defeat Scotland by 6 wickets in the second game and the USA by 122 runs in the final fixture. The USA had earlier beaten Nepal by 9 wickets in their first encounter. With this performance, Nepal collected 6 points from the series and currently sits fifth in the standings with 24 points from 28 matches, having won 11, lost 15, and shared points in 2 games. Nepal now has 8 remaining matches, all of which will be played abroad.
UML leaders call for party reform, pressure grows on KP Oli
Four vice-chairpersons of the CPN-UML have reportedly called for leadership change, urging party chairman KP Sharma Oli to step aside in order to strengthen and reform the party. At a central Secretariat meeting held on Friday, four of the five vice-chairpersons expressed views emphasizing party restructuring, transformation, and generational leadership transfer. While they did not explicitly use the term “resignation,” their remarks were interpreted as a call for Oli to step down. According to party sources, only Vice-Chairperson Bishnu Prasad Paudel supported the party chair in the discussion, while the remaining leaders stressed the need for organizational renewal. A party official said the remaining office bearers are expected to present their views in the meeting on Saturday.
Rabi Lamichhane holds one-on-one consultations with RSP lawmakers
Rabi Lamichhane, chairperson of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, has begun holding one-on-one discussions with party lawmakers amid growing political pressure in Parliament. According to the party, Lamichhane initiated internal consultations with lawmakers in a bid to gather feedback and coordinate the party’s parliamentary strategy. Party spokesperson Manish Jha said the discussions are being conducted in phases, based on provinces. On Friday, meetings were held with lawmakers from the Koshi and Madhesh provinces. The session with Koshi Province MPs took place from 11 am to 1 pm, while discussions with Madhesh Province lawmakers were scheduled from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm. The consultations come at a time when parliamentary activities have been affected by ongoing political tensions, including demands for the presence of Prime Minister Balen Shah in the House.
Finance Minister Wagle says upcoming budget aims to energize economy
Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle has said that the upcoming fiscal year’s budget will be designed with the objective of making the national economy more dynamic and expanding its overall size. Speaking at a meeting of the Development, Economic Affairs and Good Governance Committee under the National Assembly held at Singha Durbar on Friday, Minister Wagle said the government’s policies, principles, priorities, and budget are all aligned toward strengthening economic growth. He stressed the continuation of economic reforms while focusing on expanding the size of the economy through investment-friendly policies. Wagle said the government is working to create an environment that is friendly to entrepreneurs, the private sector, and investors.
Diplomatic efforts have eased tea exports to India: MoFA
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) on Friday said Nepali tea exports to India have become easier after diplomatic coordination led to revisions in an Indian directive that had affected shipments. The ministry also provided updates on rescue efforts for Nepalis trapped in online scam networks abroad, the launch of the “Mofa Mitra” app, and preparations for a new passport system. Speaking at a regular press conference on Friday, Ministry Spokesperson Lok Bahadur Poudel Chhetri said the issues created by a directive issued by the Indian Tea Board had been addressed through diplomatic coordination. According to him, exports of Nepali tea to India have become smoother after the Indian side revised the directive following coordination between the Nepali Embassy in New Delhi and the ministry.
As RSP convention approaches, attention turns to Rabi Lamichhane and Balen Shah
Nepal’s Rastriya Swatantra Party is set to hold its first general convention in Chitwan from June 21 to 23. Founded on June 21, 2022, the party is preparing for its first national convention four years after its establishment, amid growing interest over who will lead the party in the coming term. Political discussions have intensified over whether current chair Rabi Lamichhane will continue in the position or whether senior leader Balen Shah could emerge as a contender for the leadership. Shah joined the party through a seven-point agreement signed on December 28, 2025, alongside Lamichhane, Vice Chair Swarnim Wagle and former Vice Chair and current Speaker DP Aryal. Since then, some party members have argued that Shah should take on the party leadership, while others insist Lamichhane should continue after leading the party to become the country’s largest political force in a short period.
RSP Bara president Swarnakar expelled from party
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has revoked the party membership of its Bara District President Chandan Swarnakar. According to a letter issued by the Central Organization Department Secretary Shankar Shrestha, Swarnakar’s membership has been cancelled with immediate effect. The action follows a complaint filed by four MPs elected from Bara at the party’s Disciplinary Commission, accusing Swarnakar of financial irregularities, weak organizational mobilisation, and alleged support for a rival party’s candidate. Party leaders said the decision was taken based on these allegations.
Speaker Aryal says all three state organs must move at same pace for national development
Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal has said that the legislature, executive, and judiciary must move at the same pace to ensure effective national development. Speaking at a program organized by the Former Parliamentarians Forum in Kathmandu on Friday, Speaker Aryal said that nation-building through lawmaking requires synchronized progress from all three organs of the state. He stressed that policy formulation and lawmaking should be guided by clear intent and commitment, adding that laws must be practical and aligned with citizens’ needs. Aryal also highlighted the importance of collaboration between generations, saying that progress would be faster if experienced leaders, the younger generation, and the current leadership worked together.
NCP pushes for three-party equation
Nepali Communist Party (NCP) Coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said discussions on a possible three-party equation are ongoing, though no final agreement has been reached yet. Addressing the NCP Sudurpaschim Provincial Assembly Parliamentary Party meeting, Prachanda said the talks have been positive but remain inconclusive. “There are discussions on the three-party understanding, but no final decision has been made,” he said. “Talks have been held with Congress leaders, and I will hold a decisive meeting with the party president again.”
SC orders release of Durga Prasai if investigation not completed by Sunday
The Supreme Court (SC) of Nepal has ordered that medical entrepreneur Durga Prasai should not be kept in detention beyond Sunday if the investigation is not completed. Earlier, the Parsa District Court had granted permission to detain Prasai for four days on Thursday. He had already been in custody for three days at the District Police Office, Parsa. Prasai, who is also the coordinator of the Citizens’ Protection Campaign, was arrested when she arrived in Parsa for a scheduled program. He was taken into custody following allegations linked to cybercrime and offences against the state over statements made during a press conference at Hotel Siddhartha Diyalo in Birgunj.
NEPSE drops 16.38 points despite higher market turnover
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index dropped by 16.38 points on Friday, the last trading session of the week, despite a rise in market turnover. During the day, 10.847 million shares from 336 companies were traded, resulting in a total turnover of Rs 4.482 billion. Among the top performers, First Microfinance Laghubitta posted the biggest gain, with its stock price increasing by 14.81 percent. Similarly, shares of Mabilung Energy rose by 9.35 percent, while Bungal Hydro and Ankhukhola Hydropower advanced by 7.24 percent and 7.20 percent, respectively.
Minister Pokharel, UK Minister Malhotra discuss expanding bilateral cooperation
Minister for Education and Sports Sasmit Pokharel held talks on Friday with visiting UK Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State and Minister for Equalities Seema Malhotra. During the meeting at the Ministry in Singha Durbar, the two leaders discussed ways to further strengthen the long-standing diplomatic relationship between Nepal and the United Kingdom, while expanding strategic cooperation in education and sports, according to the ministry. Minister Malhotra, the UK Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Indo-Pacific, arrived in Kathmandu on Friday morning for a three-day official visit.
Spain’s Ambassador Pujol meets Minister Chaudhary, discusses agricultural cooperation
Non-Resident Ambassador of Spain to Nepal, Juan Antonio March Pujol, paid a courtesy call on Minister for Agriculture, Forest and Environment Gita Chaudhary. During the meeting at the Ministry, discussions focused on modernizing agriculture, promoting agro-digitalization, improving quality production, water management, climate-smart farming, and expanding bilateral cooperation. Ambassador Pujol requested Nepal’s support for Spain’s candidature for the post of Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization in the 2027 election. In response, Minister Chaudhary said she would consult the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the matter.
Seven APF personnel collapse during training run in Tikapur, airlifted to Kathmandu
Seven personnel of the Armed Police Force (APF) stationed at the Ugra Tara Battalion and Customs Revenue and Industrial Training Center in Tikapur collapsed during a routine morning run on Friday. According to officials, the incident occurred at around 6 am during regular physical training. The seven personnel who lost consciousness were immediately rushed to Tikapur Hospital for treatment. Doctors suspect severe heat stroke as the cause of their condition. As their health condition worsened, authorities arranged to transfer them to Kathmandu for advanced treatment.
700-metre section of Ring Road from Narayangopal Chowk to Chappal Karkhana completed
A section of the Kathmandu Ring Road under the capital’s expansion plan from Narayangopal Chowk to Chappal Karkhana has been completed, marking the construction of around 700 metres of upgraded roadway. Following the completion of blacktopping works, lane marking, zebra crossings, and other road signage installations have also been finalized. The newly expanded stretch has been described as more organized, smoother, and visually improved compared to its previous condition. The project was carried out under the Kathmandu Valley Ring Road improvement and expansion plan. The Department of Roads, Division Road Office Minbhawan, had signed a contract in March 2024 with Ambuja–Kali SK JV, setting a deadline of July 2025 for completion. However, the work was completed nearly one year behind schedule.
DoTM halts registration of new public vehicles
The Department of Transport Management has suspended the registration of new public transport vehicles across the country. According to the department, the decision was taken due to growing challenges in traffic management and the operation of public transportation services. The suspension will remain in effect until further notice. A circular issued by the department’s director Maniram Bhusal has been sent to the concerned ministries in all seven provinces as well as local governments. The department stated that the decision applies to both fuel-powered and electric public vehicles. Invoking Section 24 (3) of the Vehicle and Transport Management Act, 1993, the department said it has exercised its legal authority to halt new registrations in the public interest.
Nepal’s trade deficit expands by nearly 15 percent amid rising imports
Nepal’s trade deficit widened by nearly 15 percent in the first ten months of fiscal year 2082/83 BS, reflecting growing pressure on the country’s external trade balance despite an increase in exports. According to the latest trade report, the deficit increased by around 14.92 percent as imports continued to rise sharply. During the review period, Nepal imported goods worth approximately Rs 1.69 trillion, marking a 14.82 percent increase compared to imports worth Rs 1.47 trillion during the same period last fiscal year. Major imported commodities included mineral fuels and oils, animal and vegetable fats and oils, iron and steel, as well as boilers, machinery, and mechanical equipment. The rise in these imports indicates increasing domestic consumption and industrial demand.
NMC to prepare official expert roster for ethical and professional review cases
The Nepal Medical Council has announced plans to prepare an official roster of experts to obtain impartial and scientific opinions on complaints and specialized matters registered under its Professional Conduct and Health Committee. Issuing a public notice on Thursday, the council said it would adopt a transparent and automated random selection system for mobilizing experts and has invited qualified specialists to apply for inclusion in the roster. According to the council, applicants must be registered with the Nepal Medical Council as specialist practitioners and should not have faced disciplinary action related to ethical or professional misconduct.
Cyber Bureau summons three comedians over alleged derogatory remarks about police
The Nepal Police Cyber Bureau has summoned three comedians, Sajan Shrestha, Utsav Sapkota, and Bishal Bhandari, for questioning over alleged remarks made in a podcast that were deemed derogatory toward the police organization. According to the Cyber Bureau, the comedians were called in after statements aired on Sajan Shrestha’s podcast were found to have portrayed the police in a negative light. Superintendent of Police Dilip Kumar Giri said the individuals were asked to clarify their statements and were warned against repeating such remarks in the future. “They have signed a commitment not to repeat such statements,” SP Giri said. The three comedians were released after agreeing not to make similar comments going forward, police said.
Foreign tourist arrivals at CNP decline as domestic visitors increase
The number of foreign tourists visiting Chitwan National Park (CNP) has declined in the current fiscal year, while domestic tourist arrivals have increased significantly. According to the park administration, 89,630 foreign tourists visited the park by the end of Baisakh in the current fiscal year, down from 100,830 during the same period last fiscal year. Of the total foreign visitors this year, 13,992 were from SAARC countries and 75,638 were from other countries, compared to 18,933 SAARC tourists and 81,897 tourists from third countries last year. Meanwhile, the number of domestic visitors rose to 137,246 this fiscal year from 103,672 during the same period last year, said the park’s information officer, Abinash Thapa Magar.
WHO committed to continued cooperation and support for Nepal: Director-General Tedros
Minister for Health and Food Hygiene Nisha Mehta held a meeting with Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus during the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland. According to the Ministry of Health and Food Hygiene, the meeting focused on health cooperation and ongoing collaboration between Nepal and the WHO. Ministry Joint Spokesperson Dr. Samir Kumar Adhikari said the discussion was productive and constructive. During the meeting, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros reaffirmed the organization’s continued commitment to supporting Nepal in the health sector. “WHO is always committed to cooperation and support with Nepal,” Dr. Tedros said during the meeting, according to the ministry.
Gold price drops by Rs 100 per tola
Gold prices in Nepal declined by Rs 100 per tola on Friday, according to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association. The price of fine gold was set at Rs 293,700 per tola for the day. This comes after a rise of Rs 1,800 per tola on Thursday, when gold was priced at Rs 293,800 per tola. Despite the recent fluctuation, the overall trend shows continued volatility in the local bullion market. Meanwhile, silver prices increased by Rs 65 per tola on the same day. Silver, which was priced at Rs 5,050 per tola on Thursday, has now reached Rs 5,115 per tola. Market analysts say the price movement reflects ongoing adjustments in international bullion rates and local demand conditions.
Chhusang–Patangya trekking route being upgraded in Upper Mustang
The Chhusang–Patangya trekking route in Upper Mustang is being upgraded to ensure safer and more convenient travel for tourists. The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) under the National Trust for Nature Conservation has begun repair and improvement work along the trail used by foreign visitors. Local Conservation Area Management Committees under ACAP Lomanthang and ACAP Jomsom are jointly working on the maintenance of the trekking route stretching from Baragung Muktikshetra Rural Municipality-3, Chhusang to Loghekar Damodarkunda Rural Municipality-5, Tangya. The route, which takes around nine hours to traverse, is being upgraded through coordinated efforts of different committees, said ACAP Lomanthang Chief Umesh Poudel.
Encroached structures to be removed from highway and road areas in Dang
The Road Division Office, Dang has issued a 15-day notice directing the removal of structures built by encroaching on highways and various road corridors under its jurisdiction. According to the notice, individuals and organizations who have encroached on road boundaries must remove houses, huts, and walls constructed in violation of the Public Roads Act, 2031. The office stated that such encroachment obstructs vehicle movement and poses serious risks to road safety, and therefore must be cleared within the given deadline. The Division warned that if the notice is not followed, legal action will be taken and the costs of demolition will be recovered from the concerned parties.
KMC lists 154 mediators to strengthen local dispute resolution
Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has enlisted 154 mediators to help resolve local disputes and community-level conflicts through its judicial committee mechanism. According to KMC Director Basanta Acharya, the mediators have been prepared with the objective of ensuring more effective and qualitative outcomes from the mediation process. “We expect qualitative results from mediation. The number of mediation sessions conducted is not the real achievement; the actual result lies in the number of disputes successfully resolved,” Acharya said.
Farmers becoming self-reliant through potato farming in Baitadi
Farmers in Baitadi are becoming increasingly self-reliant through potato farming, with timely rainfall this year raising hopes of higher production and income. Farmer Keshav Bista of Patan Municipality-8 said he is optimistic about a good harvest this season due to favorable weather conditions. Bista, who earns between Rs 800,000 and Rs 1 million annually from potato farming, said production is expected to rise this year. “We are expecting a good harvest because of timely rainfall. The fields have turned green with potato cultivation,” Bista said, adding that farmers have also been growing other seasonal vegetables alongside potatoes.
Over 2,300 absconding defendants arrested in Baisakh
Police teams deployed for regular patrols have arrested 2,319 absconding defendants involved in various criminal cases from different parts of the country during the month of Baisakh. According to the Central Police News Room, the arrests include 12 from the Central Investigation Bureau, 366 from the Kathmandu Valley Police Office, 326 from Koshi Province, 730 from Madhes Province, 199 from Bagmati, 204 from Gandaki, 330 from Lumbini, 68 from Karnali, and 84 from Sudurpaschim Province. Police said the arrested individuals had been sentenced to a total of 825 years, two months, and 25 days of imprisonment. Authorities also recovered fines amounting to Rs 215.369 million from them.
Former PM Sushila Karki to release children’s book ‘Mitty and the Wild Cat’
Former Prime Minister and former Chief Justice Sushila Karki is set to release her new literary work, Mitty and the Wild Cat. Karki said she wrote the children’s book during one of the country’s most challenging political periods while leading the interim government formed after the Gen Z movement that displaced the previous administration. According to her, the book explores child psychology through imagination and creativity, while also conveying messages of love, hope, and positivity during a time of national uncertainty. Karki, Nepal’s first female Chief Justice, has dedicated the book to her grandson.
Nepal Police arrest 40 individuals involved in arms-related offenses
Nepal Police has arrested 40 individuals involved in arms-related offenses from different parts of the country during the month of Baisakh and made the details public on Friday. According to Central Police Spokesperson and Deputy Inspector General Abinash Narayan Kafle, the arrests include three persons from the Kathmandu Valley, one each from Koshi, Madhes, and Bagmati provinces, 14 from Gandaki, nine from Lumbini, eight from Karnali, and three from Sudurpaschim. Police said a total of 29 firearms were recovered from the suspects, including one Chinese pistol, one standard pistol, one revolver, two “katuwa” pistols, 21 homemade guns, one rifle, and two air guns.
Comment