KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Balen Shah sworn in as Nepal’s Prime Minister
Balen Shah has officially taken the oath as Nepal’s Prime Minister. President Ram Chandra Paudel administered the oath to the 36-year-old Shah during a special ceremony at Shital Niwas. Prior to the swearing-in, President Paudel had appointed Shah under Article 76(1) of the Constitution of Nepal, recognizing him as the leader of the majority party in the House of Representatives. This marks the first time the provision has been used to appoint a Prime Minister since the promulgation of the 2015 Constitution. Shah is also the first Prime Minister from Nepal’s Madhesi community. Shah resigned as Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City to contest the parliamentary elections on March 5, winning a decisive victory in Jhapa-5. He defeated former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli by nearly 50,000 votes, becoming a Member of Parliament for the first time and immediately assuming the country’s top executive post.
Cabinet ranking list
Balendra Shah – Prime Minister
Swarnim Wagle – Finance Minister
Sudhan Gurung – Home Minister
Shishir Khanal – Foreign Minister
Sunil Lamsal – Physical Infrastructure, Transport, and Urban Development Minister
Birajbhakta Shrestha – Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation Minister
Khadkaraj Paudel (Ganesh) – Tourism Minister
Sasmit Pokharel – Education, Science, Technology, Youth, and Sports Minister
Nisha Mehta – Health and Population Minister
Bikram Timilsina – Communication Minister
Pratibha Rawal – General Administration Minister
Deepak Sah – Labor and Employment Minister
Sobita Gautam – Law Minister
Geeta Chaudhary – Agriculture, Livestock, and Forests & Environment Minister
Sita Badi – Women and Children Minister
Govt to implement ‘Gen-Z’ probe report immediately
The Cabinet led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah has decided to immediately implement the report of the inquiry commission formed to investigate the ‘Gen-Z’ protests. A meeting of the Council of Ministers also decided to form a study committee to look into matters related to security personnel, based on the recommendations of the Karki Commission. Government spokesperson Sasmit Pokharel said that a separate investigation committee will be formed to examine the role of security agencies. He added that the report would be implemented immediately in cases involving political leaders and others.
Swarnim Wagle ranks second in Balendra Shah-led federal cabinet, Sudhan Gurung gets third
In the newly formed federal government led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah, Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle has been assigned the second rank. Similarly, newly appointed Home Minister Sudhan Gurung has received the third rank, while Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal has also been assigned the third rank. Law Minister Sobita Gautam was given the thirteenth rank. Meanwhile, Geeta Chaudhary, Minister for Agriculture, Livestock, and Forests and Environment, received the fourth rank, and Sita Wadi, Minister for Women and Children, was assigned the last rank.
US congratulates Balendra Shah, expresses commitment to cooperation
The United States (US) has congratulated Balendra Shah on his appointment as Prime Minister, along with the newly formed government. In a statement, the US expressed its willingness to work closely with Nepal to promote mutual prosperity and strengthen regional stability.
Sasmit Pokharel appointed govt spokesperson
Minister for Education, Science and Technology Sasmit Pokharel has been appointed as the government spokesperson. A meeting of the newly formed Council of Ministers held today decided to assign Pokharel the responsibility of government spokesperson.
Attorney General Sabita Bhandari resigns
Attorney General Sabita Bhandari has resigned from her position following the change in government. She had been appointed by then Prime Minister Sushila Karki. With the Prime Minister stepping down from office, Bhandari also tendered her resignation, in line with the established practice that the Attorney General resigns after the appointing Prime Minister leaves office. During her approximately six-and-a-half-month tenure, Bhandari was associated with several controversial decisions. At least five of her decisions drew public attention and criticism.
PM Balen Shah moves into official residence in Baluwatar
Prime Minister (PM) Balendra Shah has moved to the official Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar on Friday evening after performing prayers. Officials at Baluwatar confirmed that Prime Minister Shah arrived at the residence following the ritual ceremonies. Outgoing Prime Minister Sushila Karki vacated the official residence earlier in the day after attending the swearing-in ceremony at the President’s Office, Sheetal Niwas, in the afternoon. Prime Minister Shah had taken the oath of office and secrecy at a special ceremony held at the President’s Office today at noon.
Amaresh Singh excluded from cabinet after ministry preference
Amaresh Singh has been removed from the final list of ministers after expressing his preference for the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, according to sources. Prime Minister Balen Shah has assigned Sunil Lamsal to the Physical Infrastructure and Transport Ministry. Balen Shah will personally oversee the Defense and Industry Ministries. Ranjit Jha, personal secretary to Singh, said the minister had declined the Industry Ministry, citing lack of expertise in the sector. “He prefers to serve as a parliamentarian rather than take the Industry Ministry,” Jhaka said.
Sita Badi becomes first minister from Badi community
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) MP Sita Badi has been appointed Minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizens, becoming the first person from the Badi community to hold a ministerial position. In a recent conversation with RSS, Minister Badi said that the situation of women from the Badi community remains especially critical. She has been actively involved in women’s empowerment through a social organization, where she has worked to promote financial independence by providing sewing training to women. Originally from Birendranagar Municipality-14 in Surkhet, Karnali Province, and currently residing in Budhanilkantha-8, Kathmandu, Badi began her political journey with the RSP.
Bikram Timilsina appointed Communication Minister in Balendra Shah cabinet
In the newly formed government led by young Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen), Dr. Bikram Timilsina has been appointed as Communication Minister. Timilsina, elected from Nuwakot-1, entered parliament for the first time representing the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). He won the seat with 22,609 votes, defeating his nearest rival, Nepali Congress veteran Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat, who secured 18,597 votes. Born in Baniyatar, Panchakanya Rural Municipality, Nuwakot, Timilsina grew up in a family engaged in agriculture. He started formal schooling at Indrayani Primary School in his village and completed his SLC from Chaughada Area School. He pursued higher studies in Australia, attending Griffith University and University of Queensland, and has over 15 years of experience in the fields of education and communication. About a decade ago, he worked as a producer and presenter at Radio Sagarmatha.
Nisha Mehta appointed Health and Population Minister
Newly appointed Health and Population Minister Nisha Mehta, a professional nurse by training, has taken office in the Balendra Shah-led federal government. Mehta, 39, hails from Inaruwa and entered politics while actively contributing to health services in Nepal. Mehta has been affiliated with the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) since its founding, initially as a general member. In the previous election, she was listed in the proportional representation quota but did not become a member of parliament. This time, she secured a seat in the House of Representatives from the Madheshi cluster. Born and raised in Inaruwa, Mehta pursued her postgraduate degree in Nursing from a university in Gwalior, India. She returned to Nepal and worked at Birat Teaching Hospital, gaining firsthand experience in health service delivery, management challenges, and systemic inequalities. She resigned from her hospital post only after receiving her parliamentary certificate.
Indian Prime Minister Modi congratulates Nepal’s PM Balen
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated newly appointed Prime Minister Balendra (Balen) Shah following his appointment and swearing-in on Friday. In a message, Prime Minister Modi expressed his willingness to work closely with his Nepali counterpart to further strengthen bilateral ties. “Hearty congratulations to Balendra Shah on his appointment as the Prime Minister of Nepal. Your appointment reflects the trust the people of Nepal have placed in your leadership. I look forward to working closely with you to take India-Nepal friendship and cooperation to greater heights for the mutual benefit of our people,” he said.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang congratulates Balen, pledges cooperation on BRI
Chinese Premier Li Qiang has sent a congratulatory message to Nepal’s newly appointed Prime Minister Balendra Shah. Premier Li highlighted that China and Nepal are traditional neighboring countries connected by mountains and rivers, and that over the 71 years since establishing diplomatic relations, the two nations have developed bilateral ties guided by the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. He expressed China’s support for Nepal’s new government in its governance efforts, emphasizing continued backing for Nepal’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
Pakistan PM congratulates Balen, pledges closer cooperation
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has congratulated newly appointed Balendra Shah, wishing him a successful tenure. In a message shared on social media platform X, Prime Minister Sharif extended his congratulations to Shah on being elected with a large majority of the National Independent Party and assuming office as Nepal’s Prime Minister. He emphasized that Pakistan values long-term and friendly relations with Nepal and expressed hope for close cooperation with Prime Minister Shah to further strengthen bilateral ties, while promoting regional peace, stability, and shared prosperity.
KP Sharma Oli congratulates Balendra Shah on appointment as Prime Minister
Chair of CPN-UML, KP Sharma Oli, has congratulated senior Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) leader Balendra Shah on his appointment as Prime Minister. Taking to social media on Friday, Oli extended his congratulations and best wishes to Shah and the newly formed cabinet. “I extend my best wishes for a successful tenure to the newly appointed Prime Minister Shah and all members of the Council of Ministers,” he said. Shah had defeated Oli in the March 5 elections from Jhapa-5, securing a victory margin of 49,614 votes to win a seat in the House of Representatives. The Rastriya Swatantra Party had projected Shah as its prime ministerial candidate following the elections. Oli had stepped down from power during the Gen-Z movement on September 8 and 9, 2025, which eventually paved the way for the formation of the new government under Shah’s leadership.
Deuba congratulates Balen on becoming Prime Minister
Former Nepali Congress president Sher Bahadur Deuba has congratulated senior Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) leader Balendra Shah on his appointment as Prime Minister. Currently abroad, Deuba extended his best wishes for a successful tenure to Prime Minister Shah and also congratulated all members of the newly appointed cabinet. According to the agreement with CPN-UML, Deuba would have assumed the prime ministership after KP Sharma Oli. However, following the Gen-Z movement on September 8 and 9, 2025, Balendra Shah was appointed Prime Minister with nearly a two-thirds majority in the House.
NC President Thapa congratulates PM Balen Shah
Nepali Congress (NC) President Gagan Thapa has congratulated newly appointed Prime Minister (PM) Balendra (Balen) Shah and extended his best wishes for a successful tenure. On Friday afternoon, he also congratulated the newly appointed ministers of the Council of Ministers alongside Prime Minister Shah. “The Nepali Congress will continue to provide constructive support and cooperation to every positive effort of the government for the progress of the country, the protection of civil rights, and good governance,” Thapa wrote on Facebook.
Home Minister Gurung vows action over words, calls for enforcement of Karki Commission Report
Newly appointed Home Minister Sudan Gurung has emphasized that the report of the Gen-Z Movement Inquiry Commission must be implemented immediately. After assuming office at the Home Ministry on Friday, Gurung stated that the Karki Commission report would be fully enforced. “As per the Prime Minister’s decision regarding the Gen-Z protests, it must be implemented immediately. No one will be exempted from this,” he said. The government had established an inquiry commission under former judge Gauri Bahadur Karki to investigate the Gen-Z protests that occurred on September 8 and 9, 2025. Outgoing Prime Minister Sushila Karki had already decided to implement the commission’s findings, and Minister Gurung reaffirmed that the process would begin without delay.
Families of Gen-Z martyrs congratulate Home Minister Gurung
Newly appointed Home Minister Sudhan Gurung has assumed office at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Singha Durbar. Gurung took charge shortly after taking the oath of office and secrecy at Shital Niwas earlier today. Elected from Gorkha-1 as a candidate of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (Raswpa), Gurung formally began his ministerial duties amid a welcoming presence at the ministry. Families of martyrs and individuals injured during the Gen-Z movement also reached the ministry to congratulate the newly appointed Home Minister.
Aryal, Burlakoti emerge as frontrunners for Speaker, chief whip
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has yet to formally announce its candidates for Speaker and chief whip, even as internal discussions on the key parliamentary positions near conclusion. Party sources say Vice-chair Dol Prasad Aryal (DP Aryal) is likely to be nominated for Speaker, while Kabindra Burlakoti is expected to be put forward as chief whip. The selections are understood to have been agreed upon at the leadership level, with senior leaders, including party chair Rabi Lamichhane and Prime Minister Balendra Shah, involved in the decision-making process. However, a formal announcement from the party is still pending. The RSP is also preparing to nominate a woman leader as whip to support the chief whip in parliamentary coordination. Names under consideration include Tosima Karki and Nisha Dangi, according to party insiders.
Mahesh Basnet congratulates Balendra Shah-led cabinet, urges responsible governance
CPN-UML Secretary Mahesh Basnet has congratulated Prime Minister Balendra Shah and the newly formed cabinet, wishing them a successful tenure. Welcoming the emergence of young leadership, Basnet described the current cabinet as both a “source of hope and a test” for the nation. He urged the government to responsibly utilize the opportunity provided by the people and prove itself through action. Noting that opportunities come with equally serious challenges, Basnet stressed that the lack of experience should be addressed through learning and mature decision-making. He highlighted that the cabinet must deliver tangible results to fulfill the public’s agenda of stability, development, and prosperity. Basnet also reminded the government that power is not just an opportunity but a responsibility, and stressed the importance of maintaining balance with restraint and determination.
Mustang Air helicopter found safe in Dolakha
A Mustang Air helicopter that had gone out of contact since midday today has been located safely in the Lapcha area of Dolakha. Ronan Lamichhane, Managing Director of Mustang Air, said that the helicopter, under the command of Captain Suraj Thapa, landed safely in Lapcha. The Lapcha area of Dolakha is located southeast of Langtang. Lamichhane added that the helicopter, which had five people on board including the crew, is expected to return to Kathmandu tomorrow.
RSP clarifies no support for groups or unions within civil administration
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has stated that it does not support any groups, campaigns, or union-like mechanisms formed within the civil administration. Issuing a statement on Friday, General Secretary Kabindra Burlakoti urged civil servants and stakeholders not to be misled by individuals or groups using the party’s name to advance their own interests. “The Rastriya Swatantra Party has no affiliation, support, or involvement with any group, campaign, or union-style mechanism formed within the civil administration. We sincerely appeal to employees and stakeholders not to be confused if anyone attempts to misuse the party’s name or leadership for personal gain,” the statement said. The party reiterated that, since its establishment, it has maintained a clear position that public administration should remain free from political interference, and be professional and accountable to the people.
Finance Minister Wagle decides to scrap Department of Revenue Investigation
Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle arrived at the Ministry of Finance in Singha Durbar immediately after taking the oath of office and announced a set of key decisions. Among them, his first major move is to abolish the Revenue Investigation Department. Minister Wagle has outlined three initial decisions. First, he has directed officials to prepare an economic status report, along with 100-day, half-yearly, and annual action plans to implement the party’s election commitments. Second, he has decided to repeal 15 laws, including those related to the Revenue Investigation Department, based on recommendations from the High-Level Economic Reform Suggestion Commission 2081. Third, he has called for the development of a roadmap for comprehensive economic legal reform, prioritizing new legislation and amendments. This includes measures to protect and promote private enterprise, as well as to facilitate large-scale development projects.
Sobita Gautam takes charge of law reform
Newly appointed Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Sobita Gautam, a member of the House of Representatives elected from Chitwan Constituency No. 3, is regarded as an emerging youth leader in contemporary Nepali politics. Representing the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Gautam has been actively engaged in politics with a clear vision of elevating youth voices to the policymaking level. Born on Asad 3, 2052 BS in Dolakha, she was elected from Chitwan-3 in the March 5 election. Raised in a modest family, she is the daughter of Krishna Prasad Gautam and lives with her family, including her mother and brother. With a strong interest in education, Gautam completed her secondary schooling in Bhaktapur. She later earned a law degree and is currently pursuing an LLM at Kathmandu School of Law.
Ram Nawami celebrated with religious fervour
The festival of Ram Nawami, observed on the day of Chaitra Shukla Nawami, was celebrated across the country today with devotion by worshipping Lord Ram. According to Hindu tradition, Lord Ram was born on this day in the ‘Treta Yuga’ as the son of King Dashrath and Queen Kausalya in Ayodhya. He is revered as the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu and is widely known as ‘Maryada Purushottam’ for his ideal character, righteousness, and adherence to duty. Religious scholars state that Ram Nawami, which falls during the ‘Chaitra Nawaratri’, symbolizes the victory of truth and virtue over evil. Devotees observe fasting, offer prayers, recite scriptures such as the Ramayana, and participate in ‘bhajans” (hymns) and religious gatherings.
Basnet warns govt move on Karki report could push country towards conflict
CPN-UML Secretary Mahesh Basnet has criticised the government’s decision to implement the Gauri Bahadur Karki Commission report, calling it conspiratorial and warning that it could push the country towards renewed conflict. Basnet said the decision to form a separate task force to study cases involving security personnel while moving ahead with action against political figures reflects a biased approach. According to him, such selective implementation raises concerns about fairness and intent. Taking to social media after the government made its decision public, Basnet expressed concern that the move could escalate tensions. He argued that if the report is used as a tool for arrests or political retaliation, it could create instability and deepen divisions.
Motorcycle accident in Dang leaves one dead
One person has died in a motorcycle accident in Saudikula, Ghorahi Sub-metropolitan City–10, Dang. According to the District Police Office, 30-year-old Bel Bahadur Pun of Ghorahi Sub-metropolitan City–12, who was riding a motorcycle, died in the accident that occurred last night. The motorcycle rider, Dhan Bahadur Gharti of Ghorahi–10, sustained serious injuries.
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