KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Minister-bureaucrat tensions reveal deep governance challenges in Nepal
Former Urban Development Minister Kumar Ingnam’s recent resignation and his critique of ministry employees have sparked renewed debate over the role of bureaucrats in Nepal’s governance and the challenges faced by ministers in interim and provincial governments. Ingnam, who served a brief tenure in the interim government, accused ministry staff of deliberate non-cooperation that, in his view, prevented him from fulfilling key responsibilities. According to him, employees obstructed project monitoring, resisted departmental transfers, and engaged in practices that undermined his directives. He also alleged corruption within the ministry, citing collusion between officials and contractors, and expressed particular frustration over delays in high-profile projects such as the construction of the Parliament building.
Special Court seeks Rs 2.5 million bail from suspended joint secretary Jhalakram Adhikari
The Special Court Nepal has ordered suspended joint secretary Jhalakram Adhikari to deposit a bail amount of Rs 2.5 million in a corruption and money laundering case. A bench comprising court chair Sudarshan Dev Bhatta and members Hemanta Rawal and Umesh Koirala issued the order, allowing Adhikari to be released upon depositing the bail amount. The case was filed by the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority, accusing Adhikari of accepting a bribe of Rs 7 million and charging him under corruption and money laundering offenses.
Nepal proposes gas pipeline, storage facility from Motihari to Sarlahi amid supply concerns
Nepal has proposed to India the construction of a gas pipeline and storage facility from Motihari to Sarlahi, aiming to strengthen long-term fuel supply and reduce dependency on costly transportation. According to the Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC), the proposal was sent to India’s Ministry of Petroleum through the Indian Oil Corporation about a year ago, but a response is still awaited. NOC Managing Director Chandika Bhatta said the project is crucial for ensuring energy security and improving the supply system. “Nepal urgently needs LPG pipelines and storage infrastructure capable of meeting at least 30 days of demand,” Bhatt said.
Nepali Congress central committee meeting begins, discussion underway on 11 proposals
A meeting of the central working committee of the Nepali Congress began on Tuesday, with discussions underway on 11 different proposals. The meeting, held at the party’s central office BP Smriti Bhawan, is being chaired by party President Gagan Thapa. General Secretary Pradeep Paudel presented the proposals at the meeting. According to Acting Chief Secretary Krishna Prasad Dulal, discussions are focused on contemporary political issues, establishing good governance, forming an expert committee to study and suggest amendments to the constitution, the schedule of the party’s 15th general convention, and the formation of the central election committee.
Harka Sampang backs RSP for two-thirds if it works for Nepal’s benefit
Harka Sampang, chair of the Shram Sanskriti Party, has pledged to support the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) in reaching a two-thirds majority in Parliament if the party works for the country’s benefit. Speaking to journalists after arriving in Kathmandu from Dharan on Tuesday for the swearing-in of members of the House of Representatives, Sampang said, “Why would RSP need a two-thirds majority? If it’s for good work, we will help them achieve it. Right now, we don’t have a mandate to join the government. Since the public has not given us a mandate to run the government, we will stay in the opposition. But if RSP performs well, we will support them to reach two-thirds.”
NC President Thapa announces schedule for 15th general convention
Nepali Congress President Gagan Kumar Thapa on Tuesday presented the schedule for the party’s 15th general convention during a meeting of the Central Working Committee at the party’s central office in Sanepa. The party plans to inaugurate the convention on September 9, coinciding with the birth anniversary of the party founder Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala. Accordingly, the central convention is scheduled to take place on Septemeber 9, 10 and 11.
Teen arrested on charge of killing 60-year-old woman in Rupandehi
Police have arrested a 15-year-old boy on the charge of murdering 60-year-old Renu Patwa of Sisaichok, Shuddhodhan Rural Municipality-1. According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Nishant Srivastava of the Area Police Office, Butwal, the incident took place on the night of March 16 while the victim was sleeping in her shop. Police said the accused, who is a neighbor of the deceased, entered the shop with the intention of theft due to a lack of money to buy drugs. The situation escalated into a dispute, leading to the fatal attack, according to his statement.
Thapa stresses cohesion, participation in upcoming Nepali Congress general convention
Nepali Congress President Gagan Kumar Thapa on Tuesday urged the party to focus entirely on its upcoming general convention while stressing the need for accountability and transparency in key national issues. Addressing the Central Working Committee meeting in Sanepa, Thapa also congratulated the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) for securing a five-year mandate to govern. Thapa highlighted that the general convention, which he described as a vehicle he is steering, must move forward inclusively, without bias or prejudice regarding past participation in special conventions.
Thapa congratulates RSP, vows constructive opposition role
Nepali Congress President Gagan Kumar Thapa has congratulated the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) for securing the mandate to lead the government for the next five years. Addressing the Nepali Congress Central Working Committee meeting in Sanepa on Tuesday, Thapa said the party would play the role of a responsible opposition. “Congratulations to the RSP for getting the driving seat of the government for five years. We hope the government will run successfully,” he said. He added that the Congress has been given a different and mature responsibility, stating that the party would work to hold the government accountable as the main opposition while extending constructive support to ensure the success of the RSP-led government.
I resigned out of accountability: Gagan Thapa
A meeting of the Nepali Congress Central Working Committee is underway at the party’s central office in Sanepa, with the 15th general convention as the main agenda. Discussions are focused on convening the party’s 15th general convention, with preparations reportedly underway to inaugurate it on September 9, coinciding with the birth anniversary of party founder BP Koirala. Addressing the meeting, party president Gagan Kumar Thapa clarified his recent resignation, stating that the decision was voluntary and not made under any pressure. He said he had intended to resign immediately after the elections but delayed the move due to technical reasons, adding that he had finalized the decision on March 17.
Parliament Secretariat completes preparations for oath-taking, initial House meetings
The Federal Parliament Secretariat has completed necessary preparations for the oath-taking ceremony of members of the House of Representatives and its initial meetings. Providing updates to journalists at Singha Durbar on Tuesday, the Secretariat said all required arrangements have been made at the multipurpose hall for the oath-taking and preliminary sessions. According to the Secretariat, the initial meetings will be held at the multipurpose hall as the main hall of the Parliament building is still under construction. Necessary arrangements, including seating, rostrum, Speaker’s chair, and spaces for the General Secretary, Secretaries, and Secretariat officials, have been managed, said Parliament spokesperson Ekram Giri.
RSP to hold central committee meeting Thursday to decide parliamentary party leader
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is set to hold a central committee meeting on Thursday to decide on its parliamentary party leader. The meeting has been scheduled ahead of the oath-taking ceremony for members of the House of Representatives, which will take place at 2 pm on March 26. On the same day, the party has called another meeting at 4 pm to discuss the selection of its parliamentary party leader. According to party spokesperson Manish Jha, the meeting will be held at the party’s central office in Banasthali under the chairmanship of party president Ravi Lamichhane. All central committee members have been directed to attend the meeting, where various issues will also be discussed.
Gold prices drop by Rs 1,600 per tola, silver rises slightly
Gold prices continued their downward trend on Tuesday, falling by Rs 1,600 per tola. The Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association reported that gold is now priced at Rs 273,900 per tola, down from Rs 275,500 per tola on Monday. Meanwhile, silver prices inched up by Rs 80 per tola, and silver is currently being sold at Rs 4,505 per tola.
Tri-Chandra Campus FSU demands public release of Gen-Z movement inquiry report
The Tri-Chandra Campus Free Students’ Union (FSU) staged a demonstration demanding the public release of the report by the commission investigating the Gen-Z movement on September 8 and 9, 2025. The union said the inquiry committee, led by former Justice Gauri Bahadur Karki, had already submitted its findings to Prime Minister Sushila Karki, but the report has yet to be made public. In response, FSU launched protests and a signature campaign urging transparency. FSU said the report should be released under the Karki-led government and warned that failure to do so would trigger stronger opposition.
Immigration Department makes trekking guides mandatory for restricted areas
The Department of Immigration has reiterated that traveling to restricted areas in 13 districts requires the mandatory assignment of trekking guides, in line with government policy. According to the Department, prior approval is required for trekking in these regions. Trekking permits for foreign visitors traveling in groups through agencies are now issued promptly and efficiently via an online system. Department Spokesperson and Director Tikaram Dhakal noted that contact numbers have been set up to assist applicants with technical issues. Individual trekkers can also apply for permits to visit restricted areas.
PM Karki flags ‘moral burden’, Lamichhane backs Gen-Z report release
Prime Minister Sushila Karki and Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane held a meeting at Baluwatar on Sunday, discussing recent political developments following the elections. During the meeting, Lamichhane thanked Prime Minister Karki for successfully conducting the elections. In response, Karki acknowledged RSP’s role in ensuring a smooth electoral process and expressed her gratitude. The hour-long discussion also touched on the unexpected election results. Lamichhane admitted that while his party had anticipated becoming the largest force, it had not expected such a sweeping mandate. He told the Prime Minister that the public’s desire for change was clear, but the scale of support came as a surprise.
Comment