KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
PM Shah says Nepal in talks with India, China, and UK over border issue
Prime Minister (PM) Balen Shah has said that Nepal has held discussions with India, China, and the United Kingdom regarding the country’s disputed territory. He made the remarks while responding to questions from lawmakers in the House of Representatives on Sunday. “We have spoken not only with India and China but also with the United Kingdom government,” Prime Minister Shah said. “Since the issue arising from the legacy of British India still persists, we believe the UK should also take an interest in it.” During the session, UML lawmaker Padma Aryal raised concerns over reports of India using Nepali territory for road construction. In response, the Prime Minister informed the House that Nepal had already sent a diplomatic note to India on the matter and received a reply from New Delhi. He said both sides have agreed to resolve the issue through talks involving historians and border experts.
Opposition protest disrupts House session, tension erupts in Parliament
The meeting of the House of Representatives on Sunday turned tense after opposition lawmakers staged protests and encircled the rostrum, demanding procedural changes in the parliamentary agenda. The confrontation escalated in the evening session as opposition parties objected to the attempt to proceed with the meeting without revisiting the report of the House Rules Committee. Lawmakers chanted slogans against Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal and surrounded the rostrum in protest, disrupting proceedings. Despite attempts by the Speaker to move the session forward, opposition members continued their obstruction, leading to heightened tension inside the chamber.
Don’t expect in 35 minutes what took 35 years: PM Shah
Prime Minister Balen Shah has said that residents of high-risk settlements along Kathmandu’s riverbanks have been relocated as part of ongoing urban safety measures. Responding to a question raised by Shram Sanskriti Party MP RN Rai in Sunday’s meeting of the House of Representatives, the Prime Minister said the government is also working to provide land for citizens who do not own property elsewhere in the country. He said that people living along riverbanks were at constant risk due to flooding and poor living conditions. “When people lived on riverbanks, their houses were at risk of being swept away. Their health conditions were poor, and they were affected by garbage and pollution,” he said. “They were relocated from the riverbanks to save their lives.”
PM Shah says border disputes exist on both sides of Nepal-India boundary
Prime Minister (PM) Balen Shah has said that he has learned Nepal may also have encroached on some areas of Indian territory, alongside ongoing disputes over Nepal’s own land. While responding to a question raised by Shram Sanskriti Party MP Aren Rai in the House of Representatives on Sunday, the Prime Minister said efforts are underway to resolve the Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura boundary issues through diplomatic channels. During his remarks, he added, “You may find this surprising. I recently learned after becoming Prime Minister that not only India has encroached on Nepal’s territory, but Nepal has also encroached on some areas of India.”
Govt committed to ending corruption and injustice: PM Shah
Prime Minister (PM) Balen Shah has said that the government is committed to eliminating corruption and injustice in order to steer the country towards good governance. Responding to a question raised by Rastriya Swatantra Party MP Kabindra Burlakoti in Thursday’s meeting of the House of Representatives, the Prime Minister said the government would take all necessary measures to curb corruption. MP Burlakoti thanked the government for declaring the first year as a period of good governance and also noted concerns over various bodies operating under the supervision of ministers and MPs.
PM Shah’s proposal to involve UK in Lipulekh dispute sparks reaction in India
Remarks made by Prime Minister Balen Shah in the House of Representatives on Sunday have triggered political debate in Nepal and drawn attention in India. Addressing Parliament, Shah said Nepal had held diplomatic discussions not only with India and China but also with the United Kingdom regarding the long-standing border dispute involving Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura. He argued that since the dispute originated during the era of British India, the UK should also take interest in helping address the issue. “We have held diplomatic discussions not only with India and China but also with the British government. This border dispute dates back to the period of British rule, so the UK should also play a role in resolving it,” Shah said in Parliament.
Oppn questions PM’s claim on border encroachment, seeks evidence
Opposition lawmakers have raised objections in the House of Representatives over Prime Minister Balen Shah’s responses during the parliamentary session, questioning the procedure followed while allowing him to address lawmakers’ queries. They argued that the Prime Minister was given time to respond under provisions that are not outlined in parliamentary rules, and said the process did not align with the established Question and Answer procedure, even though his presence in the House was welcomed. Tensions rose after the Prime Minister’s remarks, prompting Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal to repeatedly urge lawmakers to maintain decorum. He also named certain members and instructed them to remain respectful during the proceedings, expressing serious concern over their conduct. Meanwhile, opposition lawmakers strongly objected to the Prime Minister’s statement that Nepal may also have encroached on Indian territory, calling the claim baseless and demanding clarification and evidence from the government.
Foreign Ministry clarifies PM Shah’s remark on Indian land encroachment
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has clarified Prime Minister Balen Shah’s controversial statement in Parliament regarding Nepal’s alleged encroachment on Indian territory, saying the remarks are linked to a technical concept of “cross-border occupation.” Issuing a statement on Sunday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lok Bahadur Paudel Kshetri said the Prime Minister’s comments refer to issues related to boundary pillars, no-man’s land (dashgaja), and cross-border land usage. He explained that, based on technical studies, there are areas where land currently used by Nepal may fall on the Indian side, and vice versa, where land used by India may fall on the Nepali side.
PM Shah faces backlash over border remarks; critics demand apology or resignation
Prime Minister Balen Shah has come under intense criticism following remarks made during a question-and-answer session in the House of Representatives on Sunday, where he stated that Nepal had also encroached on Indian territory. The statement triggered immediate objections from opposition lawmakers inside Parliament and has since drawn widespread criticism from political leaders, constitutional experts and members of the public on social media. Constitutional expert Bhimarjun Acharya described the prime minister’s comments as highly unusual and serious. Writing on social media, Acharya said the suggestion of involving a third country in a bilateral border dispute was particularly concerning.
Budget not ambitious, modest relative to GDP: Finance Minister Wagle
Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle has said that the budget for the fiscal year 2083/84 is not overly ambitious and remains within a realistic fiscal framework. Speaking at a press conference at the Ministry of Finance on Sunday, Wagle said the budget size should be viewed in relation to the country’s projected Gross Domestic Product (GDP), arguing that it is relatively modest rather than excessively large. “In previous years, discussions after the budget announcement often focused on whether implementation would be possible even if the budget was good. This time, that situation does not exist. The budget is not ambitious and remains within the desired limits,” he said. According to the finance minister, the proposed budget amounts to only 28.5 percent of Nepal’s projected GDP for the upcoming fiscal year.
RSP leaders remain silent amid escalating controversy over PM Shah’s remarks
As criticism intensifies over Prime Minister Balen Shah’s controversial remarks in Parliament regarding Nepal–India border issues, leaders of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) have largely remained silent. The Prime Minister’s statement, in which he said Nepal had also encroached on Indian territory, has triggered widespread political backlash, with opposition leaders and the public demanding either a clarification, apology or resignation. When contacted for reactions, several RSP leaders said the party would first hold internal discussions before issuing an official statement. However, they declined to make personal comments on record.
Capital gains tax provision on shares is final, says Finance Minister Wagle
Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle has said the budget provision designating capital gains tax on share transactions as a final tax is a settled decision and will not be revised. Speaking to journalists at Singha Durbar on Sunday, Wagle said there had been attempts to create confusion over the provision despite it being introduced at the request of stakeholders. “I have seen reports suggesting that what Wagle called final may not actually be final. It is final,” he said. According to the minister, representatives of the investor community had repeatedly urged the government to end uncertainty surrounding capital gains taxation.
Dahal’s health condition stable, hospital says
The health condition of Nepali Communist Party Coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ is stable, according to a medical bulletin issued by Medicity Hospital on Sunday evening. The hospital said Dahal is responding positively to treatment and his condition remains stable under close medical observation. Dahal was admitted to the hospital in Lalitpur on Saturday morning after showing symptoms of respiratory complications. According to the bulletin, medical tests confirmed that he has developed pneumonia infection. The hospital said necessary examinations have been completed and treatment has already begun.
Finance Minister says government employees’ salary hike amounts to 21 percent
Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle has clarified that the salary increase announced for government employees effectively amounts to 21 percent. Speaking at an interaction programme with journalists at the Ministry of Finance on Sunday, Wagle dismissed concerns that the government had overstated the pay raise. “The salary increase is indeed 21 percent. There should be no doubt about that. I have seen comments suggesting that the government misled people, but that is not the case,” he said. According to the minister, the increase consists of a 10 percent rise in the basic salary along with an additional 10 percent component linked to a performance-related incentive mechanism.
Asian Games Qualifiers: Nepal wins China by 221 runs
Nepal began its Asian Games qualifying campaign with a commanding 221-run victory over China in Singapore on Sunday. After losing the toss and being sent in to bat, Nepal posted a massive 313/2 in their allotted 20 overs. In reply, China was bowled out for just 92 runs in 19.2 overs while chasing the daunting target of 314. Opener Kushal Bhurtel starred with the bat, smashing a blistering 129 runs off just 43 balls. His innings included 16 sixes and helped Nepal establish complete dominance. Captain Rohit Paudel and Kushal Malla also made significant contributions with explosive half-centuries. Malla scored 85 runs from 47 deliveries, hitting five sixes and eight fours, while Paudel blasted 69 runs off just 21 balls, including seven sixes and five fours.
US Under Secretary Sarah Rogers arrives in Kathmandu
US Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Sarah B. Rogers arrived in Kathmandu on last evening from New Delhi, completing the India segment of her South and Central Asia tour. Rogers is the highest-ranking US diplomat to visit Nepal since the Balendra Shah-led government assumed office and the third senior American official to travel to the country since the administration was formed on March 27. According to the US State Department, Rogers is undertaking a regional tour of India, Nepal, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan from May 27 to June 10. This marks her first visit to Kathmandu since taking office last year. Since the Shah government came to power in March, Washington has dispatched several high-level officials to Nepal. On April 20, Assistant Secretary of State Paul Kapur, who oversees South and Central Asian affairs, visited Kathmandu.
Visiting U.S. Under Secretary of State Sarah B. Rogers participates in Ascent Summit 2026
United States (US) Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Sarah B. Rogers delivered keynote remarks at the Ascent Summit 2026 held in Kathmandu on May 31. She was joined by Sumnima Udas, Member of the House of Representatives and Chair of the International Relations and Tourism Committee, renowned mountaineer Conrad Anker, expedition leaders, innovators, climbers, rescue professionals, outdoor brands, journalists, and tourism stakeholders from Nepal and abroad. The event focused on expanding innovation and economic partnerships that benefit both U.S. and Nepali businesses. Under Secretary Rogers highlighted the strong and longstanding partnership between the United States and Nepal. She underscored how adventure, entrepreneurship, innovation, and people-to-people ties are expanding bilateral cooperation and creating new opportunities for American companies and economic growth in Nepal.
Gold price jumps by Rs 20,500 per tola in domestic market
After several days of decline, gold prices surged sharply in the domestic market today. According to the Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Federation, the price of gold increased by Rs 20,500 per tola. The price of fine gold, which stood at Rs 290,600 per tola last Friday, was fixed at Rs 311,100 per tola today. Likewise, silver prices also rose, with one tola of silver traded at Rs 5,345, up from Rs 5,040 last Friday. In the international market, gold was trading at around US$ 3,300 per ounce, while silver was priced at approximately US$ 33 per ounce, according to international media reports.
1,994 drivers penalized for violating traffic rules
As many as 1,994 drivers were taken into action for violating traffic rules in the past 24 hours, generating Rs 541,502 in revenue for the state treasury. According to the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, action was taken against 127 people for driving under the influence of intoxicants, 142 for illegal ride-sharing, 149 for violating traffic signals, and 103 for speeding. Similarly, 158 individuals were penalised for violating lane discipline, 130 for honking in prohibited areas, 128 for parking along roadsides, and 95 for driving on one-way roads. In addition, 962 people were booked for various other traffic violations.
1.3 billion people worldwide use tobacco products, including 40 million children at risk
World No Tobacco Day was observed today with awareness-raising programmes in various countries around the world. The day, observed every year on May 31, aims to raise awareness about the health risks of tobacco use, the commercial strategies of the tobacco industry, ongoing efforts by the World Health Organization (WHO) for tobacco control, and measures needed to promote healthy living and protect future generations. WHO Member States initiated the observance in 1987 to draw global attention to the tobacco epidemic and the preventable deaths and diseases caused by it. Following Resolution WHA 40.38 adopted in 1987, April 7, 1988, was first observed as ‘World No Tobacco Day’. Since then, in line with Resolution WHA 42.19 adopted in 1988, it has been observed on May 31 each year.
Over 26,000 students appear in KMC scholarship exam today
Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) conducted a scholarship examination for students enrolling in Grade 11 today (Sunday). The metropolis stated that 26,680 students took the exam. According to the metropolis, 26,680 students had earlier qualified to sit for the scholarship examination recommended by Kathmandu Metropolitan City for Grades 11 and 12 in private schools. Out of 26,888 applicants, 208 applications were rejected, the metropolitan city said. Education Officer and Member Secretary of the Examination Committee Ram Chandra Khadka informed that all eligible candidates are appearing in today’s exam. The Kathmandu Metropolitan City has been conducting scholarship examinations for students studying in Grades 11 and 12 in private schools since 2080 BS, following a policy decision.
13 tourists die of altitude sickness in Mustang this fiscal year
Thirteen tourists, including nine foreigners, have died from altitude sickness in Mustang during the first 10 and a half months of the current fiscal year, according to the District Police Office. Police records show that the deceased include four Nepali tourists, three men and one woman, and nine foreign tourists, comprising seven men and two women. Most of the victims were visiting the district for pilgrimage to the sacred site of Muktinath Temple. Police Inspector Santosh Basyal said the tourists died after suffering from altitude-related complications in Baragung Muktichhetra and Gharpajhong rural municipalities. They were pronounced dead while undergoing treatment at the Provincial Hospital in Jomsom.
NA lawmakers raise concern over drinking water crisis in Terai
Lawmakers in the ongoing National Assembly meeting have expressed concern over the worsening drinking water crisis in Nepal’s southern plains, the Tarai region. Urmila Aryal highlighted the growing water shortage in Madhes Province amid increasing dry conditions, stressing the need for urgent government intervention. Goma Devi Timalsena raised concerns that the budget presented by the Finance Minister on Friday did not adequately address the operational needs of industries. Durga Gurung drew the government’s attention to persistent electricity problems in Karnali Province. Nar Bahadur Bista said the government should provide proper responses to lawmakers’ queries raised in the House.
Over 62.49 lakh vehicles registered across the country
The number of vehicles registered across Nepal has exceeded 62 lakh, according to data made public by the Ministry of Finance. By the end of Falgun in the current fiscal year, a total of 62,49,732 vehicles had been registered nationwide. More than 50 lakh of these are motorcycles, indicating their dominance in the country’s vehicle population. In addition, 41,14,181 driving licences (smart cards) have been issued up to the same period. Of these, 43,750 licences were issued during the first eight months of the current fiscal year. Similarly, 87,014 embossed number plates were produced in the first eight months of the fiscal year, of which 5,186 have been installed so far.
Landslide blocks Khandbari–Kimathanka road section
The Khandbari–Kimathanka road section has been completely blocked after a dry landslide occurred along the Koshi Highway at Sirek in Bhotkhola Rural Municipality–4, Sankhuwasabha. Transport along the route was disrupted on Friday afternoon after a large volume of rocks, mud, and debris fell from a steep section of the road. According to the District Police Office, approximately 15 metres of roadway has been buried by the landslide. Passengers and vehicles using the route have been stranded and affected by the obstruction.
Shun tobacco use for better health, urges Health Minister Mehta
Minister for Health and Food Safety Nisha Mehta has urged tobacco users to quit the habit, calling on them to take the first step toward a healthier life on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day 2026. In her message marking the day, Minister Mehta appealed to all tobacco users to give up the consumption of tobacco products. “It may be difficult to overcome tobacco addiction initially. However, quitting is entirely possible with strong willpower, family support, and guidance from health professionals,” she said. The minister also urged the public not to adopt e-cigarettes, vapes, or other harmful substances in the name of modernization or fashion. She warned that such products contain nicotine and other toxic substances that pose serious health risks.
26 arrested across Nepal in drug-related operations
Police on routine patrol have arrested 26 individuals from different parts of the country in connection with drug-related offenses. According to the Central Police Newsroom, two people were arrested from Kaladhara in Kathmandu Metropolitan City–17 with 590 tablets of the controlled drug Tramadol. Among other, in another case from Nayabasti, Gokarneshwor Municipality–6, police detained two individuals with 21 ampoules of Diazepam, 20 ampoules of Phenergan, 21 ampoules of Buprenorphine, and Rs 20,000 in cash.
Fire in Nepalgunj plywood industry causes Rs 50 million loss
A fire at Everest Plywood Door Industry in Nayabasti, Phultekra of Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City–21 has caused an estimated loss of around Rs 50 million. The fire, which broke out on Friday afternoon, was brought under control only on Saturday. Industry operator Prakash Rana said that all machinery, raw materials, and finished doors were destroyed in the blaze, leaving the factory completely gutted. Preliminary assessment suggests that the fire may have been triggered by an electrical short circuit. According to the District Police Office, Banke, Deputy Superintendent of Police and spokesperson Pratibha Singh Rathore said the fire started on Friday afternoon and was fully contained on Saturday.
Market monitoring conducted in Terhathum to curb tobacco sales
The District Administration Office carried out market monitoring activities in Tehrathum to ensure compliance with regulations governing the sale and distribution of tobacco products on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day. The monitoring team, led by Chief District Officer Bandana Rai, interacted with local traders and informed them about legal standards related to tobacco sales, distribution practices, and the health risks associated with tobacco use. During the awareness campaign, Health Assistant Indra Prasad Pokharel of Myanglung Municipality stated that tobacco products contain more than 7,000 chemicals, including around 250 harmful substances and over 70 known carcinogens.
Children’s demands raised before local representatives in Tikapur
Children in Tikapur have urged local government representatives to prioritize policies, programs, and budget allocations aimed at improving access to quality education for all. They made the appeal while presenting their concerns ahead of the upcoming fiscal year, calling for special attention to poor, orphaned, and vulnerable children in municipal planning and budgeting. Binita Chaudhary said the municipality should focus on improving children’s health and nutrition, while also strengthening policies and programs to prevent child marriage, child labour, and violence against children. Similarly, Nirmala BK stressed the need for stronger protection mechanisms against sexual abuse and exploitation, noting that children remain highly vulnerable to sexual violence. Another student, Kiran Lonia, demanded that every school be equipped with libraries, playgrounds, and facilities for arts and cultural activities, along with greater investment in leadership development for children.
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