KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
President to address Republic Day ceremony at PM Shah’s request
President Ram Chandra Paudel is set to address the Republic Day ceremony to be held at Tundikhel on May 29 following a request from Prime Minister Balen Shah. As chair of the main organizing committee, Shah was originally expected to deliver the address during the national celebration marking Republic Day. However, after deciding not to speak at the event, he reportedly requested the President to take on the role a few days ago. President Paudel had initially said he would address the ceremony only after a formal Cabinet decision. Following Sunday’s Cabinet meeting, the government approved the proposal, paving the way for the President’s address.
Cabinet meeting makes four key decisions
The Cabinet meeting held on Monday took four different decisions, including the appointment of Joint Secretary Mukesh Dangol as Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN). Government spokesperson and Minister for Education Sasmit Pokharel informed that the meeting took decisions related to the Ministry of Finance and several other ministries.
Supreme Court orders not to arrest Deuba couple, dealing setback to government
The government’s attempt to arrest former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife Arzu Rana Deuba has suffered a setback after the Supreme Court issued an interim order against their arrest. A joint bench of Justices Mahesh Sharma Paudel and Nityananda Pandey issued the interim order in response to a writ petition filed against the arrest warrant issued by the government. With the order, authorities are now barred from arresting the Deuba couple, who are currently in Hong Kong. Earlier, Interpol had also reportedly refused to act on the government’s request related to the case.
Supreme Court raises serious questions over arrest process against Deuba and Arzu Rana
The Supreme Court has raised serious questions over the arrest warrant issued against former Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and Arzu Rana, pointing to multiple legal flaws in the process followed by the government authorities. Hearing a writ petition filed by Deuba and others, a joint bench of Justices Mahesh Sharma Poudel and Nityananda Pandey on Monday issued an interim order, stating that the legal procedures required for granting arrest permission had not been properly followed. The court order noted that both the Department of Money Laundering Investigation and the Kathmandu District Court failed to comply with the procedures mandated by law.
Task force to discuss constitutional amendment with private sector tomorrow
The task force formed to prepare a discussion paper on constitutional amendment is set to hold consultations with representatives of the private sector on Tuesday. The task force, coordinated by Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s political advisor Asim Shah, has invited several business leaders to a discussion scheduled for 3 pm. According to one of the invitees, the meeting will focus on issues related to constitutional amendment. The task force has been consulting people from various sectors as part of preparations for the discussion paper on constitutional amendment.
EU delegation in Nepal to meet PM Balen Shah tomorrow
The Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Nepal, led by EU Ambassador to Nepal Véronique Lorenzo, is hosting a two-day high-level visit by 22 Ambassadors and Deputy Heads of Mission from EU Member States today and tomorrow. As part of the visit, the delegation will call on Prime Minister (PM) Balendra Shah on Tuesday, 26 May. The visit aims to engage with the newly formed Balen Shah government and further strengthen EU–Nepal relations. According to the Delegation to the EU in Nepal, the delegation of EU ambassadors includes representatives from Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden. During the visit, the delegation will hold a series of high-level meetings with Nepal’s leadership, including a courtesy call on PM Shah on Tuesday, 26 May.
Govt faces challenge of raising civil servant salaries ahead of new budget
With only four days remaining before the government unveils the budget for the upcoming fiscal year, discussions over a possible salary increase for civil servants have intensified. Many observers expect the single-party government led by the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), formed with the backing of nearly a two-thirds majority in Parliament, to introduce a budget with new policy priorities and reforms. Amid growing speculation, there have been discussions that the government may increase salaries for government employees. However, the state of government revenue collection suggests that implementing such a decision may not be easy. According to Section 27 of the Civil Service Act, 1993, the Salary and Benefits Review Committee is required to review salaries, allowances, and other benefits every three years based on revenue growth, total staffing levels, and inflation adjustments, including cost-of-living allowances.
Nepal ‘A’ squad announced for All India Gold Cup
The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has announced the Nepal ‘A’ squad for the upcoming All India Gold Cup cricket tournament to be held in India. The 14-member team will be led by Anil Sah and includes a mix of young and experienced national players. The squad features Mayan Yadav, Tirtharaj Das, Dev Khanal, Rashid Khan, Bashir Ahmed, Narayan Joshi, Akash Chand, Hemant Dhami, Pawan Saraf, Deepak Dumre, Yubaraj Khatri, Bipin Khatri, Lalit Rajbanshi, and Arjun Kumal. Nepal ‘A’ will face three Indian provincial teams during the group stage of the tournament. According to the schedule, Nepal will play Kerala on May 30, Goa on May 31, and Odisha on June 2. Based on the group-stage results, the quarterfinals will be held on June 4, the semifinals on June 6, and the final on June 7.
Oli rejects calls to step down as UML Secretariat meeting concludes
The CPN-UML Secretariat meeting, held for the first time since the March 5 election, concluded on Sunday after nearly 10 hours of discussion, with party Chair KP Sharma Oli responding to concerns raised by leaders. Deputy General Secretary Lekh Raj Bhatta said the meeting ended following Oli’s address. The central issue during the meeting was whether Oli should step down from the party leadership. After most office bearers suggested that Oli should voluntarily pave the way for new leadership, Oli reportedly responded with visible dissatisfaction. At the beginning of the meeting, Oli acknowledged that the Secretariat meeting could not be held for a long time due to his health condition and what he described as an “attempted arrest” by the Rastriya Swatantra Party. He also claimed that he had received information about various conspiracies being plotted against him and insisted that the delay in holding the meeting was not intentional.
Oli, Pokharel tasked with finalizing UML Central Committee work division
CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli and General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel have been entrusted with finalizing the proposed division of responsibilities among the party’s Central Committee members. The UML is preparing to assign Central Committee members responsibilities focused on local levels and mass organizations, keeping in view the local elections scheduled for next year. Deputy General Secretary Lekh Raj Bhatta said the Secretariat meeting held at Chair Oli’s residence in Gundu, Bhaktapur, decided that General Secretary Pokharel would revise the proposal based on suggestions raised during discussions and in consultation with the party chair. Oli will then give final approval and circulate the decisions within the party. Addressing the final day of the three-day Secretariat meeting, Oli urged leaders to maintain unity within the party.
Gold price rises by Rs 1,900 per tola
The price of gold increased by Rs 1,900 per tola in the Nepali market on Monday. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, hallmark gold, which was traded at Rs 290,900 per tola on Sunday, was fixed at Rs 292,800 per tola for today. Similarly, the price of silver also increased by Rs 40 per tola. Silver, which was traded at Rs 5,010 per tola on Sunday, was set at Rs 5,150 per tola for today.
Lumbini’s policies and programmes prioritize agriculture, tourism, and employment
The Lumbini Province government has presented its annual policies and programmes for the upcoming fiscal year 2083/84 in the Provincial Assembly on Sunday, focusing on agriculture, tourism, infrastructure development, and employment promotion. Province Chief Krishna Bahadur Ghartimagar presented the government’s annual policy and programme in the Provincial Assembly. He was welcomed at the Assembly building by Chief Minister Chet Narayan Acharya, Speaker Tularam Ghartimagar, ministers, and members of the Provincial Assembly. The policy and programme outlines plans to increase agricultural production, promote the tourism sector, expand road and other infrastructure networks, and improve the quality of education and health services.
Reservoir-type hydroelectric projects in government’s high priority: Energy Minister
Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Biraj Bhakta Shrestha has said that reservoir-type hydropower projects are a high priority for the government. After inspecting the Kulekhani Hydropower Project on Sunday, the Energy Minister said reservoir-based projects should be promoted as a national priority for Nepal’s long-term energy security, industrial growth, and overall economic transformation. He stated that the government’s main focus in the coming days will be the development of reservoir-based hydropower projects, adding that such projects would play a crucial role not only in electricity generation but also in water management, flood control, irrigation expansion, and tourism promotion. During discussions with employees of all three power plants under the Kulekhani project, Minister Shrestha said the importance of water storage infrastructure has increased due to rising climate risks and irregular rainfall patterns.
Tiger census underway in Rautahat
Officials have stressed the need for coordinated efforts at all levels to conserve tigers and reduce human-wildlife conflict as a tiger census gets underway in Rautahat district. According to Division Forest Office Chief Hemanta Prasad Sah, public awareness and positive attitudes toward tiger conservation are essential for protecting the endangered species. He said tigers inhabit several forest areas across Rautahat, although the exact population in the district has yet to be confirmed. He added that tigers primarily prey on animals such as deer, spotted deer, wild boar, and buffalo. According to Sah, Nepal currently has 355 tigers nationwide, and a tiger census is also being conducted in Rautahat to determine the district’s actual tiger population.
124 drunk-driving accidents reported nationwide in Baisakh; 12 killed
Nepal Police has reported 124 road accidents across the country in the month of Baisakh caused by drunk driving, leaving 12 people dead and 174 injured. According to Nepal Police spokesperson and Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Abinayaran Kafle, 37 of those accidents occurred in the Kathmandu Valley alone, resulting in two deaths and 50 injuries. Kafle said Koshi Province recorded 35 accidents, in which two people died and 53 were injured. Madhesh Province witnessed 20 accidents, leaving 27 people injured, while Bagmati Province recorded 12 accidents that killed one person and injured 19 others.
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve attracts 11,603 visitors this fiscal year
The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve has welcomed a total of 11,603 visitors so far in the current fiscal year 2081/82 BS (2026/27 AD). Of them, 11,214 were domestic visitors. A total of 87 visitors were from SAARC countries, including 42 women and 45 men, while 302 tourists from other countries visited the reserve, comprising 151 women and 151 men, according to Reserve Chief and Senior Conservation Officer Bhupendra Prasad Yadav. Spread across an island formed by the Saptakoshi River in Sunsari and Saptari, the reserve is especially famous for its population of wild water buffaloes. It covers an area of 348 sq km, including a buffer zone of 173 sq km.
Extreme heat disrupts classes in Kanchanpur
Local governments in Kanchanpur have begun temporarily closing schools due to rising temperatures and growing health concerns among students. Several municipalities have announced short-term school closures, which will later be adjusted with the regular summer vacation schedule. Bhimdatta Municipality has suspended classes at all institutional and community schools within the municipality for three days starting today. According to Hari Dutta Joshi, chief of the municipality’s education section, the decision was taken considering the possible health risks posed to students by extreme heat conditions. Similarly, Krishnapur Municipality has also declared a three-day holiday for all schools beginning today.
Butwal–Palpa tunnel nearing completion, traffic operation targeted for October
Construction work on the under-construction tunnel along the Butwal–Palpa section of the Siddhartha Highway has been accelerated with the aim of bringing it into operation from October. The project has stated that structural works inside the tunnel, access roads, and security arrangements are being carried out simultaneously. According to the project, physical progress has reached 68 percent, while financial progress stands at 58 percent. The tunnel, being constructed under the Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) model with a five-year construction period, places full responsibility for design, approval, and construction on the contractor.
Bagmati Provincial Assembly summer session begins today
The summer session of the Bagmati Provincial Assembly began today. The agenda of the meeting included addresses from the Chief Minister as well as parliamentary party leaders of all parties represented in the province, according to Ram Kumar Poudel, Secretary of the Provincial Assembly Secretariat. On the recommendation of the Bagmati Provincial Government, Province Chief Deepak Prasad Devkota called the annual session in accordance with Sub-section (1) of Article 183 of the Constitution. The session will focus on the province’s policies, programmes, and budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2083–84 BS.
Over 2,400 motorists penalized in Valley traffic checks in 24 hours
Traffic police took action against 2,453 drivers during enforcement checks carried out at various locations across the Kathmandu Valley over the past 24 hours, collecting revenue of Rs 1.151 million. According to Naresh Raj Subedi, spokesperson and Superintendent of Police at the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, action was taken against 105 drivers for drunk driving, 238 for ride-sharing violations, 184 for running red lights, 186 for speeding, 14 for lane crossing, 100 for using footpaths, 119 for honking, 139 for one-way violations, and 1,368 for other offences. He said, “A total of 2,453 drivers who violated traffic rules were taken action against in the Kathmandu Valley in the past 24 hours, generating Rs 1.151 million in revenue.”
Govt gives grand welcome to ‘Elephant in the Fog’ team after Cannes win
The government gave a grand welcome at the airport to the team of ‘Elephant in the Fog’, which won an award at the Cannes Film Festival. Director Abinash Shah, producer Anup Poudel and actor Pushpa Lama were welcomed with traditional music and flower garlands upon their arrival. Minister for Communications Bikram Timilsina and Minister for Tourism Khadak Raj Paudel were present at the airport to receive the team. Chairperson of the Film Development Board Dinesh DC, along with representatives from various film-related organizations, also attended the welcome ceremony at the airport.
Govt courier service expands to 60 districts across Nepal
The government’s courier service, launched to deliver public services directly to citizens’ doorsteps, has now expanded to 60 districts across Nepal. According to the Department of Postal Services, the initiative is part of efforts to digitize and streamline the government service delivery system by providing home delivery of passports, driving licenses, educational certificates, and other official documents. Director General Man Maya Bhattarai Pangeni said the service has gradually become effective in most districts despite initial resistance in some areas. “We are expanding the service by mobilizing mechanisms down to the local level. Citizens are gradually being freed from the compulsion of visiting offices to collect government documents,” she said.
Himalayan Literature Festival & Writers Workshop 2026 announced in Kathmandu
Organizers of the ‘Himalayan Literature Festival & Writers Workshop 2026’ have officially announced the upcoming edition of one of South Asia’s leading international literary gatherings. The eight-day festival, organized with the support of the Ncell Foundation, will bring together renowned poets, novelists, memoirists, translators, filmmakers, scholars, journalists, and emerging writers from Nepal and across the world. This year’s edition, dedicated to honoring the lasting contribution of celebrated Nepali literary figure Guru Prasad Mainali, will be held in Kathmandu from May 29 to June 5. The week-long event will feature masterclasses, workshops, keynote sessions, poetry readings, literary conversations, film screenings, cultural tours, and interdisciplinary discussions focused on the transformative power of literature and the arts.
Pedestrian dies after being hit by bus in Jaleshwor
A pedestrian died after being hit by a passenger bus in Jaleshwor, the district headquarters, this morning. The deceased has been identified as 75-year-old Chandeshwor Sah of Jaleshwor Municipality-6, according to Deputy Superintendent of Police Panchalal Gole of the District Police Office. The passenger bus (Na 4 Kh 4758), which was heading from Jaleshwor to Janakpur, struck Sah at Matihani Chowk in Jaleshwor Municipality-2, seriously injuring him. He was rushed to Provincial Hospital Janakpur after receiving first aid, but died during treatment, police said. Following the incident, a police team from the District Police Office took the bus and its driver, Satyanarayan Yadav of Pipara Rural Municipality-9, into custody for further investigation, DSP Gole added.
Comment