Sunday, December 21st, 2025

Today’s News in a Nutshell



KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.

PM Oli–Deuba meet at Singha Durbar focuses on Transitional Justice

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba held a meeting at Singha Durbar on Monday afternoon to discuss transitional justice. According to the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, the two leaders focused their talks on the ongoing transitional justice process. “They discussed transitional justice,” the Secretariat stated. “The Prime Minister also held talks on the matter with Prachanda and with conflict victims yesterday.” Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak and the Prime Minister’s advisor on human rights and transitional justice, Agni Kharel, were also present during the meeting.

Govt’s policies and programs fail to inspire ruling party lawmakers: Prachanda

Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda,’ the Chairman of the main opposition Maoist Center, has stated that the government’s policies and programs have failed to inspire the lawmakers of the ruling party.

Speaking during the House of Representatives meeting on Monday, Prachanda argued that the silence from the ruling party’s lawmakers during the President’s reading of the policies and programs for the upcoming year reveals much about the government’s proposals. “The silence that prevailed among the lawmakers of the ruling party while the President read out the policies and programs reflects many things,” Prachanda remarked.

Prisa death case: Speaker directs govt to launch investigation

The House of Representatives (HoR) has directed the government to investigate the suspicious death of Prisa Sah, a Nepali student at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Odisha, India, and to ensure the safety of other Nepali students studying abroad. During today’s parliamentary session, Speaker Devraj Ghimire instructed the government to take the case seriously and to initiate a thorough investigation.

“The repeated deaths of students who go abroad seeking a brighter future is a serious national concern that demands urgent attention,” said Speaker Ghimire. “I direct the government to take a deep interest in this incident, uncover the truth, engage in dialogue with the concerned authorities, and provide necessary legal assistance to the victim’s family.” He also emphasized the need to safeguard other Nepali students abroad.

37 amendment proposals registered on govt’s policies and programs

A total of 37 amendment proposals have been registered in the parliament, calling for changes to the government’s newly announced policies and programmes for the fiscal year 2082/83 BS (2025–26). Speaker Devraj Ghimire informed the House of Representatives (HoR) about the proposals during today’s parliamentary session.

The lower house held discussions on the proposed amendments to the government’s policies and programmes, which were presented by President Ramchandra Paudel during a joint session of the Federal Parliament on May 2.

Finance Minister Paudel consults NC President Deuba on upcoming budget

Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel held consultations with Nepali Congress (NC) President Sher Bahadur Deuba regarding the upcoming fiscal year’s budget. On Monday morning, Minister Paudel visited Deuba’s residence in Budhanilkantha to discuss budgetary matters.

During the meeting, President Deuba emphasized the need for fiscal prudence, given the current economic situation, and advised that the budget be prepared to ensure maximum utilization of available resources.

Prachanda slams govt for prioritizing mafia over landless in policy

Maoist Center Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has accused the government of pursuing a policy favorable to mafias while neglecting the rights of the landless and squatters.

Speaking during the discussion on the policies and programs for the upcoming fiscal year in the House of Representatives, Prachanda criticized the government’s focus on serving middlemen and mafias instead of addressing the needs of marginalized groups.

He expressed dissatisfaction with the brief mention of landless management in the policy and program. “When the rights of the landless are treated so lightly, what justification does the government have for bringing a land-related bill that favors the mafia?” he questioned.

UML’s Thapa slams NC and Maoists for fueling instability

CPN-UML lawmaker Surya Bahadur Thapa has claimed that the KP Sharma Oli-led government is functioning with political consensus, while strongly criticizing both the Nepali Congress and the Maoist Centre during Monday’s House of Representatives session.

Speaking during a special session, Thapa asserted that despite daily political maneuverings and media speculations about the government’s collapse, it continues to move forward.

“The government will fall today, it will fall tomorrow—these statements are constantly repeated in the media and have become a source of noise pollution in society. But such rhetoric has proved meaningless. The government is moving ahead,” he said, in an apparent dig at former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’.

High Court seeks clarification on Rabi Lamichhane’s bail appeal

The Hetauda bench of the Patan High Court has requested a clarification before making a decision on a petition filed by Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane, who has appealed for the revocation of a bail order issued against him. Lamichhane approached the High Court after paying a bail amount of Rs 5.4 million, as mandated by the Chitwan District Court in a case related to alleged financial misconduct at the Sahara Cooperative in Chitwan.

Policies and programs based on agreement with UML: Nepali Congress

Nepali Congress (NC) Chief Whip Shyam Ghimire has clarified that the government’s recently announced polices and programs was prepared in line with a seven-point agreement between the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML. Speaking to media at the Parliament Building in New Baneswor on Monday, Ghimire confirmed that the Nepali Congress was involved in formulating the policy and program.

Dr. Koirala slams govt for failing to implement seven-point agreement

Nepali Congress (NC) leader Dr. Shekhar Koirala has criticized the government for failing to implement the seven-point agreement reached during its formation.

Speaking to the media at the Parliament Building in New Baneshwor on Monday, Koirala said the government has not fulfilled its commitments, including constitutional amendments, economic reform, anti-corruption measures, ending impunity, and ensuring good governance.

He emphasized that any constitutional review should be conducted only after consulting all political parties and relevant stakeholders, not merely through the two-thirds majority of the UML and Congress.

Sudurpaschim Chief Minister Shah meets Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow

Sudurpaschim Province Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah, currently on a visit to India, met with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at his official residence in Lucknow on Monday. Chief Minister Adityanath welcomed the delegation led by Shah and expressed satisfaction over the meeting. Earlier during the visit, Shah also met with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.

MP Singh demands answers on Bhutanese refugee scam, corruption cases

Independent lawmaker Dr. Amaresh Kumar Singh has accused the government of influencing investigations into the Bhutanese refugee scam, stating that the administration formed in its aftermath is now obstructing the very inquiry that justified its existence.

Speaking during the ongoing discussion on the government’s policy and program in the House of Representatives on Monday, MP Singh emphasized that good governance must be evident in action, not merely on paper.

“This government was formed due to the Bhutanese refugee scandal. I had protested in this very chamber with my shirt open, demanding an investigation. Where does that investigation stand now?” he questioned. “And what about the Widebody and Teramox scandals—what progress has been made there?”

NUP sets Tuesday deadline for govt response on Chaudhary

The Nagarik Unmukti Party (NUP) has given the government until Tuesday to respond regarding the arrest of its patron, Resham Chaudhary. Speaking at Monday’s meeting of the House of Representatives, NUP lawmaker Lalbir Chaudhary warned that the party would withdraw from the government if either the Prime Minister or the Home Minister failed to address the issue by the deadline.

“The government has yet to take a clear stance on this matter. If the Prime Minister or the Home Minister does not respond by tomorrow, we will be compelled to leave the government,” he said.

PM Oli to respond to NA members’ queries on policies and programs tomorrow

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is scheduled to respond to questions raised in the National Assembly (NA) regarding the government’s policy and program on Tuesday. Deliberations on the policy and program are starting today in the Federal Parliament, with the National Assembly also beginning its discussions.

President Ram Chandra Paudel had presented the government’s annual policy and program for the fiscal year on May 2. The National Assembly will meet today during which Prime Minister Oli will table a proposal to commence discussions on the policy and program. The debate will continue throughout today.

NEPSE sees slight decline today

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) saw a slight decline today (Monday), dropping 3.44 points (0.13%) to close at 2,620.39. This follows a decrease of 8.14 points in the previous session. The index opened at 2,618.33, reaching an intraday high of 2,630.36 and a low of 2,604.79. The total turnover amounted to Rs. 7.63 billion, with 18,437,942 shares traded across 319 companies through 65,884 transactions.

Gold price rises again, silver remains stable

The price of gold has increased today, continuing the upward trend that began on Sunday. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers, gold rose by Rs. 500 per tola today, following a Rs. 600 increase yesterday.

With today’s rise, the price of gold reached Rs. 184,600 per tola, up from Rs. 184,100 on Sunday. Meanwhile, the price of silver remains unchanged. The Federation stated that silver is stable at Rs. 1,910 per tola today.

One killed, 14 injured in Dhankuta bus accident

A passenger bus (registration number 1 Kha 2177) traveling from Dharan to Dhankuta met with an accident in Gothgaun, Dhankuta Municipality-6, on the Koshi Highway, leaving one person dead and 14 others injured, according to the District Police Office, Dhankuta.

The accident occurred at around 10:15 a.m. when the bus, en route to Bhojpur, veered off the road. All the injured were rescued and taken to the District Hospital in Dhankuta for treatment. Among the injured, 73-year-old Krishna Kumari Rai, a resident of Dhankuta Municipality-6, died during treatment.

Nagdhunga–Naubise road section to close at night from today

The Nagdhunga–Naubise section of the Tribhuvan Highway will be closed nightly from today (May 5 to May 14) due to ongoing construction and improvement work on the Nagdhunga–Piplamod road segment.

The Nagdhunga–Mugling Road Project (Eastern Section) has stated that preparations are underway to manage traffic during the closure period. Superintendent of Police Apil Raj Bohara, spokesperson for the District Police Range, Kathmandu, confirmed coordination with the relevant authorities to implement the necessary measures.

According to a public notice issued by the project in coordination with the respective District Administration Office, vehicular movement along this section will be halted from 11:00 PM to 3:00 AM each night.

Keeping Rabindra Mishra in detention for 40 days is unjust: MP Karki

Lawmaker Roshan Karki has criticized the prolonged detention of Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Senior Vice President Rabindra Mishra, calling it politically motivated and unjust.

Speaking during a special session of the House of Representatives on Monday, Karki accused the government of attempting to take political revenge by holding Mishra in custody for 40 days without a clear justification.

“Where is the justice in keeping Rabindra Mishra in detention for 40 days and arresting Resham Chaudhary without valid grounds?” Karki questioned. “We are calling for a judicial investigation, but there has been no hearing so far.”

NA members call for effective implementation of govt’s policies and programs

Members of the National Assembly (NA) have emphasized the need for effective implementation of the government’s newly announced annual policies and programs for the fiscal year 2082/83 BS (2025/26).

During today’s NA meeting, lawmakers discussed the policies and programs presented by President Ramchandra Paudel during the joint session of the House of Representatives and National Assembly on May 2.

Narayan Dutta Bhatta remarked that the programs covered all necessary areas, while Rajendra Laxmi Gaire welcomed the government’s pledge to ensure access to clean drinking water for all by the next fiscal year.

Karnali Budget Session to begin May 11

The budget session of the Karnali provincial government is scheduled to commence on May 11. A cabinet meeting held today under the leadership of Chief Minister Yamalal Kandel decided to recommend the convening of the provincial assembly session to Karnali Province Chief Yagya Raj Joshi.

The upcoming session will focus on drafting the policies, programs, and budget for the fiscal year 2082/083 BS (2025/26).

To prepare for this, the provincial government has been expediting efforts to broaden the scope of the budget, according to government spokesperson and Minister for Land Management, Agriculture, and Cooperatives Binod Kumar Shah.

Campaign Hackathon 2025 kicks off today

A two-day gathering of youth activists, informal sector workers, farmers, civil society representatives, and government stakeholders began on Monday under the banner of Campaign Hackathon 2025.

The event is a joint initiative by ActionAid Nepal, Nepal Mahila Ekata Samaj (NEMES), and Youth Advocacy Nepal. It will focus on two of Nepal’s most urgent challenges: climate change and decent work.

According to NEMES representative Bhagavati Adhikari, the Hackathon seeks to create an interactive, inclusive, and creative space for dialogue, collaboration, and solution-building around climate justice and the rights of informal sector workers.

Darbang-Bima-Dichyam Road upgrade begins 14 years after track opened

Fourteen years after the track was first opened, the upgrade of the Darbang-Bim-Dichyam road in Malika Rural Municipality of Myagdi has finally begun. The Infrastructure Development Office, Myagdi, has initiated the project to upgrade the Khara–Bima–Dadangaun section under a contract awarded through the budget of the Gandaki Province Government.

According to the office, Sarba Shakti Mahamaya Pvt. Ltd., which signed a contract worth Rs 11.99 crore last Asar, has started the initial phase of the road upgrade. So far, around 15 percent of the work has been completed. The original 7-km road section from Khara to Bima was constructed in 2068 BS through contributions from the then-JBS, Bim VDC, and local residents.

Tourist influx rises in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

The number of domestic and international tourists visiting the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, renowned for its deer and bird species, has seen a notable increase.

Compared to the previous fiscal year, tourist arrivals have grown in the current fiscal year. From mid-July (Shrawan) to mid-April (Chaitra), a total of 8,415 Nepali tourists, 66 visitors from SAARC nations, and 210 other foreign nationals toured the reserve, according to Bhupendra Saad Yadav, a conservation officer at the reserve.

The influx of tourists has generated Rs 2.519 million in revenue, Yadav added. Senior conservation officer Bhupendra Prasad Yadav noted that the rise in tourist numbers has been especially significant since the start of the winter season.

Govt committed to implementing Right to Information: Minister Gurung

Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing the Right to Information (RTI) in Nepal.

Speaking at a program organized at the Office of the President to mark the 18th anniversary of the National Information Commission, Minister Gurung said, “The government is committed to ensuring citizens’ right to information and is working to implement it more effectively.”

He highlighted that policy-level and structural reforms are underway to enhance public access to information and to reinforce the principles of the federal democratic republic.

Public holiday declared in Madhes Province tomorrow

The Madhes Province Government has announced an additional public holiday, updating the list previously published in the provincial gazette.

According to a notice issued by Under-Secretary Ganesh Nayak of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Communications, and Law, the province will observe a public holiday on Tuesday, May 6, in celebration of Janaki Nawami (Sita Jayanti). Another holiday has been scheduled for Wednesday, June 11, on the occasion of Kabir Das Jayanti.

Muktinath area to be developed as religious tourism destination

Stakeholders have emphasized the need to develop the Muktinath area into a well-rounded religious tourism hub. Chief District Officer (CDO) Bishnu Prasad Bhusal stated that efforts will be made to encourage longer stays by tourists visiting the Muktinath Temple. On Saturday, an 11-member team led by CDO Bhusal visited the Muktinath area to identify potential opportunities for promoting religious tourism.

Large quantity of brown sugar seized in Jhapa

Police have seized a significant quantity of the banned drug “brown sugar” from Kankai Municipality in Jhapa district. According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Khagendra Bahadur Khadka, spokesperson for the District Police Office, Jhapa, around 200 grams of brown sugar were recovered from a bag on a motorcycle bearing the Indian registration number BR 37 Ta 9198.

Equality remains elusive without labour rights and climate justice: Minister Sudi

Minister for Women, Children, and Senior Citizens, Nawal Kishor Sah Sudi, stated that labour exploitation, injustice, inequality, and invisibility remain the collective experiences of those working in the informal sector.

Speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural session of the two-day “Climate Change and Decent Labour Campaign–2025” held in Kathmandu today, Minister Sudi emphasized the need to ensure constitutional rights such as the right to dignity, equality, labour, women’s rights, and the rights of informal sector workers—most of whom are women and belong to marginalized communities.

He asserted that, “It is the collective responsibility of the government, civil society, and workers themselves to create an environment where these rights are realized in practice.”

NSU cadres protest at RR Campus, hurl laptops and chairs from upper floor

The Nepali Students’ Union (NSU), affiliated with the Nepali Congress (NC), vandalized the RR Campus on Exhibition Road on Monday in protest of the unanimous election of the Free Students’ Union leadership.

Expressing dissatisfaction over the absence of a voting process, NSU members stormed the campus premises, demanding a formal election instead of a consensus-based selection.

During the incident, important campus documents were torn, and several items—including laptops and chairs—were thrown from the upper-floor administration office to the ground, causing significant damage.

FonePay named Highest Taxpayer in ICT Sector

Digital payment platform FonePayhas been recognized by the Government of Nepal as the highest taxpayer in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. On the occasion of the 8th National ICT Day, Prime Minister KP Oli presented a certificate of appreciation to FonePay CEO Diwas Kumar at a ceremony held in Kathmandu. The company stated that the recognition underscores its commitment to responsible tax practices and its contribution to Nepal’s digital transformation.

Publish Date : 05 May 2025 22:54 PM

Chinese Ambassador Song pays farewell call on Speaker Ghimire

KATHMANDU: Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Nepal,

Farmers encouraged by rise in orange production

SUNSARI: Farmers in the eastern hill districts are enthusiastic after

Baglung farmers’ woes: Forced to sell oranges at low prices

BAGLUNG: Rural areas of Baglung are currently awash with oranges,

Gold price drops after recent surge

KATHMANDU: Prices of gold and silver have been fluctuating in

Free eye check-up camp in Ghodaghodi: 75 of 384 people diagnosed with cataracts

KAILALI: A high prevalence of cataracts has been observed in