KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Nepal’s public debt nears Rs 3 trillion
Nepal’s total public debt has climbed to nearly Rs 3 trillion, reaching Rs 2.97 trillion by the end of the last fiscal year 2025/26, according to the latest monthly report released by the Public Debt Management Office. The report shows that the country’s total public debt stood at Rs 2.67 trillion at the beginning of the fiscal year. Over the course of the year, the debt increased by around Rs 300.85 billion, including losses resulting from exchange rate fluctuations. The total public debt now amounts to 45.07 percent of Nepal’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Of the total debt, 53.77 percent is external debt, while 46.23 percent is domestic debt. By the end of the fiscal year, external debt had reached Rs 1.60 trillion, while domestic debt stood at Rs 1.38 trillion.
Nepal’s foreign trade rises by 15.88 percent, diesel tops imports and soybean oil leads exports
Nepal’s foreign trade increased by 15.88 percent in the last fiscal year 2025/26 compared to the previous fiscal year, according to data from the Department of Customs. During the review period, Nepal imported goods worth Rs 2.09 trillion, marking a 16.20 percent increase compared to the previous fiscal year. Similarly, exports rose to Rs 315.29 billion, an increase of 13.81 percent compared to the previous year. The data shows that petroleum products continued to dominate Nepal’s import basket, with diesel recording the highest import value. Meanwhile, processed soybean oil and raw materials emerged as the country’s top export item.
Economic diplomacy given top priority: Foreign Ministry
The government has prepared country-specific strategies with 20 countries so far to strengthen economic diplomacy, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ministry spokesperson and Joint Secretary Lok Bahadur Paudel Chhetri said coordination with relevant agencies has been established by prioritizing economic diplomacy initiatives. Speaking at a press briefing at the ministry on Friday, Chhetri said focal persons will be designated at all Nepali diplomatic missions abroad to ensure more effective implementation of economic diplomacy programmes. He added that the ministry is revising the Guidelines on Economic Diplomacy Programmes, 2071 BS, to make them more relevant to the current context.
Rohingya, Somali nationals entering Nepal illegally pose border security challenge: IGP Karki
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dan Bahadur Karki has said that the open border, illegal entry of foreign nationals and limited legal jurisdiction have emerged as major challenges for border security. Addressing a meeting of the Federalism Strengthening and National Concerns Committee at Singha Durbar on Friday, IGP Karki briefed lawmakers about the challenges faced by Nepal Police in maintaining border security and controlling cross-border crimes. According to Karki, the number of Rohingya, Pakistani and Somali nationals entering Nepal illegally through India has increased in recent times. He said some individuals from these groups, who have settled in different parts of Nepal, have been found involved in activities with security implications, including drug trafficking.
Technical issues in new passport system to be resolved gradually: MoFA
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has said the technical problems encountered following the rollout of the new passport system will be resolved gradually, after which passport services are expected to operate smoothly. Speaking at the ministry’s regular press briefing on Friday, Joint Secretary and Spokesperson Lok Bahadur Paudel Chhetri said the ministry and the Department of Passports remain committed to providing passport services to Nepali citizens in a convenient and efficient manner. He said live passport applications under the new system have been accepted since July 13, and a total of 8,260 passports have been printed so far.
Education minister rules out rollback of Rs 2.5 million security deposit for consultancies
Minister for Education and Sports Sasmit Pokharel has said the government will not reverse the provision requiring educational consultancy businesses to deposit a Rs 2.5 million security bond. Speaking at an interaction with journalists covering education at Singha Durbar on Friday, Pokharel said the provision introduced through the Educational Consultancy, Language Teaching and Test Preparation Class Operation and Management Regulations was formulated based on recommendations from stakeholders, including some consultancy operators. Responding to questions on whether the government could retreat from the policy—as it did on the three percent education equity fee—the minister said there was no such intention.
RSP lawmaker Ganesh Poudel smeared with black soot in Rautahat
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) lawmaker Ganesh Poudel from Rautahat Constituency-4 was attacked and smeared with black ink while returning from a public interaction program on Thursday. According to reports, a group of two to three masked individuals approached Poudel after he concluded the “Public Meeting with Citizens” program in Parsaha of Gadhimai Municipality-7 and fled after smearing black ink on him. Poudel said the incident took place at around 8 pm when the individuals came from behind and smeared ink on his back while pretending to hug him. He claimed the attackers were carrying red flags and pamphlets and appeared to be affiliated with the “Madhesh Mukti Abhiyan.”
Foreign Minister urges honorary consuls to strengthen Nepal’s economic diplomacy
Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has urged honorary consuls to play a more active role in advancing Nepal’s economic diplomacy by promoting trade, investment, tourism and technology transfer. Addressing the 19th Annual General Meeting and Charter Day of the Honorary Consul Corps Nepal (HCCN) in Kathmandu on Thursday, Khanal said honorary consuls could play a significant role in expanding Nepal’s economic partnerships with countries around the world. Appreciating their contribution to strengthening friendship and economic relations between Nepal and the countries they represent, the minister said honorary consuls have served as an important bridge in promoting trade, investment and people-to-people ties.
RSP issues internal directive on appointment of personal secretaries for lawmakers
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has issued an internal directive governing the appointment and management of personal secretaries for its federal lawmakers. The directive aims to ensure the transparent, economical and accountable use of state-funded facilities allocated for personal secretaries. Issued by RSP General Secretary Bipin Kumar Acharya, the guideline instructs lawmakers to prioritize candidates from outside their family or close relatives. It states that preference should be given to individuals with strong digital skills, research capabilities and commitment to the party’s values and principles. The directive also calls for greater inclusiveness in appointments, while ensuring that selected candidates do not receive duplicate benefits or have conflicts of interest. It further requires the selection, appointment and approval process to be competitive and transparent.
Flood displaces 13 families in Bajura, landslides block roads
Thirteen families have been displaced after floodwaters triggered by incessant rainfall inundated a settlement in Badimalika Municipality-9 of Bajura district. The flooding occurred on Thursday night after the Selagad and Bauli streams overflowed near their confluence, sending water into the nearby settlement. A joint rescue team, including police personnel, evacuated the affected families overnight and moved them to safer locations after the settlement was deemed at risk. According to police, the displaced families are being temporarily sheltered in nearby safe houses provided by local residents. Of the 13 affected households, three homes have been identified as being at high risk. The District Disaster Management Committee’s recently released Disaster Preparedness and Response Plan 2083 identifies more than 100 villages in Bajura as being highly vulnerable to floods and landslides.
NEPSE climbs nearly 8 points as turnover rises to Rs 6.26 billion
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index gained 7.90 points on Friday to close at 2,734.63, with share prices of 143 listed companies advancing, 118 declining and 15 remaining unchanged. Market activity also strengthened, with daily turnover increasing to Rs 6.26 billion from Rs 4.67 billion recorded on Thursday. The day’s most actively traded stocks were Ridi Power Company, NRN Infrastructure and Development, Kumari Bank, Ankhu Khola Jalvidhyut Company and Reliance Spinning Mills. Among the sectoral indices, banking posted the biggest gain, rising 1.17 percent. Development banks increased by 0.96 percent, hotels and tourism by 0.42 percent, microfinance by 0.36 percent, life insurance by 0.13 percent and non-life insurance by 0.02 percent.
Gold price drops by Rs 5,800 per tola, silver also declines
Gold and silver prices fell in the Nepali market on Friday, with gold dropping by Rs 5,800 per tola compared to Thursday. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of gold was fixed at Rs 285,500 per tola, while silver is trading at Rs 4,350 per tola. On Thursday, gold was traded at Rs 291,300 per tola, while silver was priced at Rs 4,505 per tola. Earlier this week, gold was priced at Rs 291,000 per tola on Wednesday and Rs 285,600 per tola on Tuesday. Silver traded at Rs 4,480 per tola on Wednesday and Rs 4,370 per tola on Tuesday. According to international media reports, gold was trading at USD 4,045 per ounce and silver at USD 57 per ounce in the international market on Friday.
47 foreign women deported from Nepal over alleged involvement in prostitution
Police said 47 foreign women have been deported from Nepal for allegedly engaging in prostitution. The District Police Range, Kathmandu, disclosed the information during a press conference on Friday. Speaking at the briefing, Superintendent of Police (SP) Pawan Kumar Bhattarai said 57 foreign women were detained during a special operation in tourist areas, including Thamel and Durbar Marg, on suspicion of involvement in prostitution. Of those detained, 47 have been deported through the Department of Immigration, while investigations into the remaining 10 are ongoing, he said.
Niharika Rajput, Binu Yadav detained after protest
The arrest of Niharika Rajput and Binu Yadav during a protest demanding justice has sparked criticism against the government led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah, with some accusing the administration of adopting a double standard. Rajput and Yadav staged a sit-in outside the southern gate of Singha Durbar on July 13 after they were allegedly denied a meeting with Home Minister Sudan Gurung while seeking justice. The two protesters sat on the road at the restricted zone entrance despite heavy rainfall. Police later detained both women after they attempted to stage another protest near the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar. They have been kept in custody after the Kathmandu District Administration Office granted permission to hold them for five days for investigation under a public peace-related offence.
RSP lawmaker Bablu Gupta draws criticism after viral video shows traffic rule violation
At a time when the government has been stepping up enforcement of traffic regulations, a federal lawmaker has come under public scrutiny for allegedly violating the very rules being strictly implemented. A photo of Bablu Gupta, a lawmaker from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) representing Siraha Constituency-1, has gone viral on social media. The image appears to show Gupta standing on the back of a moving motorcycle while recording a video, prompting criticism from social media users who say the act violates traffic safety regulations. The incident reportedly took place on Thursday while Gupta was traveling from Taregana in Lahan Municipality-16 towards the Kavre Mahadev Temple. He was allegedly filming while standing on the pillion seat of the moving motorcycle.
Ncell urges govt to review share ownership dispute, warns of impact on investment
Ncell has urged the government to reconsider decisions related to its share ownership transfer, stating that the prolonged lack of recognition of the transaction has affected the company’s operations, management and future investment plans. The telecom company submitted a letter to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers on Wednesday, requesting a review of the Cabinet decision regarding the share transaction, conditions imposed during license renewal and the 10th amendment to the Telecommunications Regulations. Ncell said copies of the letter were also submitted to the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA), Department of Industry and other concerned government agencies. The company had previously sent a letter on January 7, seeking a resolution but said no decision or direction was received, prompting a renewed appeal.
Swiss envoy pays courtesy call on Vice President Yadav
Swiss Ambassador to Nepal Dr Danielle Meuwly has paid a courtesy call on Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav. During the meeting at the Office of the Vice President in Lainchaur, the two discussed various aspects of Nepal-Switzerland bilateral relations, according to the Vice President’s Secretariat. Vice President Yadav said Nepal and Switzerland have enjoyed cordial and friendly ties since establishing diplomatic relations in 1956, adding that high-level exchanges have further strengthened the relationship. He also expressed gratitude for Switzerland’s continued support to Nepal’s peace process and welcomed the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation’s continued prioritization of Nepal.
Pokhara’s Harichok–Yamdi road upgraded to four lanes after years of delays
The Harichok–Yamdi road section in Pokhara has finally been upgraded to a four-lane roadway following repeated protests and pressure from local residents over prolonged construction delays. The 2.2-kilometre stretch, completed after nearly four years, is now open to traffic with blacktopping, lane markings and other necessary infrastructure in place. The road is a key section of both the Bhupi Sherchan Highway and the Mid-Hill Highway. Delays in the project had caused significant inconvenience not only to residents of Pokhara but also to travelers commuting to and from Parbat, Baglung, Myagdi and Mustang districts. Frustrated by the slow pace of construction, locals staged a symbolic protest on National Paddy Day on June 29, 2024, planting rice on the unfinished road to draw attention to the issue.
Four arrested with brown heroin hidden in baby’s diaper
Four people have been arrested after police recovered brown heroin concealed inside a baby’s diaper in Bhadrapur Municipality-5. According to the District Police Office, the suspects were apprehended last evening in the Bus Park area after police became suspicious of an auto-rickshaw that had entered Nepal from India. The arrested are Mohit Alam of Ward No. 12, Kishanganj District, India; his wife Janetun Khatun; their son Sohail Alam; and Mohammad Tajrul, who was travelling in the same auto-rickshaw. During a search, police recovered approximately 10 grams of brown heroin hidden inside the diaper worn by the baby.
Suraj Vaidya appointed Dean of Honorary Consular Corps Nepal
Suraj Vaidya, Honorary Consul General of the Philippines to Nepal, has been elected Dean of the Honorary Consular Corps Nepal (HCCN). Baidya, a former president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), was unanimously elected at the HCCN General Assembly held in Kathmandu on Thursday. He succeeds Bhola Bikram Thapa, Honorary Consul General of Bulgaria to Nepal, who served as the outgoing Dean. The General Assembly also elected Pasang Dawa Sherpa as Vice Dean of the HCCN. Following his election, Vaidya said attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), promoting tourism and strengthening Nepal’s economic diplomacy would be the key priorities of his tenure.
Nepal shuts down over two lakh online betting apps and websites
The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) has shut down more than two lakh websites and apps involved in online betting and illegal financial transactions. The government’s 100-point governance reform action plan included measures to control online betting and fraud. The 42nd point of the plan states that the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology would shut down betting apps and related websites within 24 hours. Following the decision, betting websites operating in Nepal at the time were blocked. However, many of them continued to resurface under new names. The authority said it has so far blocked 223,568 such apps and websites since the start of this year’s FIFA World Cup.
Nepal suffers defeat against Netherlands
Nepal suffered a six-wicket defeat against the Netherlands in yesterday’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 match held in Utrecht, Netherlands. This was Nepal’s second consecutive defeat in the series. In the opening match of the series on Thursday, Nepal was defeated by Namibia. Chasing Nepal’s target of 158 runs, the Netherlands reached the target by losing four wickets in 44.1 overs. Netherlands captain Scott Edwards top-scored with an unbeaten 61 runs, while Noah Croes remained not out on 34 to guide his team to victory. For Nepal, Sompal Kami, Dipendra Singh Airee and Lalit Rajbanshi took one wicket each.
Monsoon rains block highways, disrupt dozens of roads
Continuous monsoon rains have triggered landslides and road erosion across Nepal, leaving nine major highways completely blocked and disrupting traffic on several other road sections, according to Nepal Police. Nine road sections were been completely blocked. Authorities said the Khurkot–Nepalthok–Katunjebesi section of the BP Highway, which connects Kavrepalanchok and Sindhuli, has been closed to all types of vehicles from 6:00 pm to 4:00 am due to the risk of flooding. Similarly, traffic on the Kanti Lokpath has been prohibited for all types of vehicles from 5:00 pm to 5:00 am throughout the monsoon season. The Mechi Highway was blocked after the road at Rajduwali in Ilam Municipality-9 became impassable due to mud. Landslides have also blocked the Araniko Highway at Jirokilo and Kodari in Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality, Sindhupalchowk.
Squatters receive land ownership certificates in Jhapa
For 72-year-old Jaharman Limbu, who migrated to Madhesh from the mountainous settlement of Lelep in Taplejung four decades ago, owning a piece of land legally registered in his name remained a lifelong dream. For years, Jaharman lived with uncertainty as he did not have a land ownership certificate for the plot he had been using. His long wait finally ended when he received the certificate at a programme organized in Arjundhara Municipality on Thursday. “Despite the delay, we finally received the title deed,” he said emotionally. Jaharman was not alone in sharing the joy. Sapana Siwa Darji and Umadevi Tamang of Arjundhara-11, Laxmidhap, were also among those who received land ownership certificates.
Hetauda Martyrs’ Memorial receives over 500,000 visitors in last fiscal year
More than 500,000 domestic and international tourists visited the Hetauda Martyrs’ Memorial during the fiscal year 2082/83, according to the memorial’s management. Memorial Manager Ramchandra Neupane said that the site welcomed over 500,000 visitors over the past fiscal year, reflecting its growing popularity as a tourist destination. The memorial is open daily from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm. The entry fee is Rs 50 for Nepali citizens, Rs 30 for students, Rs 100 for citizens of SAARC member countries, and Rs 150 for visitors from other countries.
Health Ministry urges caution as snakebite cases rise during monsoon
The Ministry of Health and Food Hygiene has urged the public to remain alert as snakebite incidents increase during the monsoon season. In an awareness message issued by the ministry, it stated that thousands of people are affected by snakebites in Nepal every year and warned citizens not to underestimate the risks associated with snake encounters. The ministry advised people to use flashlights while walking at night, wear boots and long clothing while working in fields or bushes, keep surroundings clean by clearing vegetation around homes, control rodents and avoid sleeping directly on the floor. It also urged people to remain calm in case of a snakebite, keep the affected body part as still as possible and take the victim to the nearest health facility as quickly as possible.
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