KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Oli accuses Prachanda of spreading false rumors about his Cambodian investments
Prime Minister and CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has accused Maoist Center Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ of spreading false rumors that he has investments worth 32 billion in Cambodia. Speaking at the inauguration of a training program for UML Bagmati Province-level elected ward chairmen today, Oli said that Madhav Nepal and Jhalanath Khanal are behind these rumors. “Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ is spreading the rumor that I have 32 billion investments in Cambodia,” Oli stated. “Those behind him are Madhav Nepal and Jhalanath Khanal.”
PM Oli defends UML in cooperative scandal, slams Maoists for ‘shameless hypocrisy’
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Chairman of CPN-UML lashed out at those involved in cooperative scams, accusing them of unjustly blaming the CPN-UML. PM Oli alleged that individuals who themselves misused cooperative funds are now pretending to be innocent and lecturing others about justice and integrity. “They shout slogans, refuse to return what they owe, and still cry the loudest about corruption — it’s shameless,” he said.
Constitution should be amended with consensus of all parties: Krishna Prasad Sitaula
Nepali Congress (NC) leader Krishna Prasad Sitaula has emphasized that any amendment to the constitution should be carried out with the consensus of all political parties, along with a comprehensive review of the state’s systems, especially as the country marks a decade since the promulgation of the constitution.
Sitaula noted that while an amendment may technically be possible with the support of just the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML, broader consensus involving the House of Representatives, National Assembly, and provincial governments is essential to ensure legitimacy and inclusiveness.
Government spokesperson defends Home Minister, says no need to resign over visa scandal
Government Spokesperson and Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, has said that Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak does not need to resign in connection with the ongoing visit visa scandal.
Speaking briefly to the media after the CPN-UML Secretariat meeting on Sunday, Gurung stated that the arrest of a government official alone does not justify calls for the minister’s resignation.
“Let the investigation proceed. Just because Joint Secretary Tirtharaj Bhattarai has been arrested doesn’t mean the Home Minister must step down,” Gurung said.
Cooperative victims stage semi-nude protest demanding savings return
Cooperative victims staged a semi-nude protest at Maitighar on Sunday, demanding the return of their savings.
Unlike the previous protest where women had led a similar semi-nude demonstration, this time it was the male victims who took off their shirts, while women joined in by banging metal plates.
Protesters carried placards with various demands and warned authorities not to underestimate their movement.
61 charged over March 28 Tinkune protest in Kathmandu; Durga Prasai faces five separate allegations
The Kathmandu District Government Attorney’s Office has filed charges against 61 individuals, including Durga Prasai and Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) leaders, in connection with the violent royalist demonstration at Tinkune on March 28.
The case includes charges against Durga Prasai, RPP Senior Vice President Rabindra Mishra, RPP General Secretary and Member of Parliament Dhawal Shamsher Rana, among others. Of the 61 charged, 50 face accusations of crimes against the state, while 11 others are charged with public violence.
Notably, Prasai and seven others are also charged with attempted murder, homicide, and organized crime in addition to public violence. Mishra and Rana have been charged with crimes against the state, organized crime, and public violence.
Top leaders of ruling parties meet after UML Secretariat session; Home Minister Lekhak also present
Following the conclusion of the CPN-UML Secretariat meeting in Chyasal, senior leaders of the two ruling parties—Nepali Congress and CPN-UML—gathered at Baluwatar for high-level talks.
The meeting saw the presence of Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, who is currently embroiled in controversy over the visit visa scandal involving his secretariat staff and immigration officials.
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba were seated together during the discussion. Other key attendees included UML senior vice-chair Ishwar Pokharel and Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel.
Education Minister seeks one week to finalize school education bill amid ongoing talks with teachers
Education Minister Raghuraj Pant has requested one week to move forward with the long-awaited School Education Bill, citing ongoing discussions with teachers’ unions.
During Sunday’s meeting of the Education, Health, and Information Technology Committee under the House of Representatives, Minister Pant said he remains engaged in continuous dialogue with teachers based on a nine-point agreement and needs additional time to consolidate consensus.
He assured committee members that the government is committed to honoring the agreement and that previous understandings raised by the Teachers’ Federation are also being considered.
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP): SC order on Rabi Lamichhane’s habeas corpus petition procedurally flawed
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has concluded that the Supreme Court’s ruling on Rabi Lamichhane’s ‘habeas corpus’ petition contained procedural flaws, though the party stated it accepts the legal authority of the decision.
Following a central committee meeting held at the party’s Banasthali office on Sunday, acting spokesperson Manish Jha said the party respects the Supreme Court’s order but believes there were “procedural errors and weaknesses” in its issuance. He indicated that the party plans to initiate a public debate on the matter.
Despite its criticisms, the RSP emphasized its continued respect for the judiciary and willingness to abide by the court’s decisions within the legal framework.
Three killed as jeep falls off Madi bridge in Tanahun
Three people lost their lives and two others were injured after a jeep fell off the Madi bridge near Damauli in Tanahun. The jeep (Ga 2 Cha 5760), traveling from Damauli to Chapaghat, plunged into the river around 11:30 pm on Saturday after breaking through the bridge railing, according to the District Police Office, Tanahun. The deceased were identified as Kushal Magar, Prabin Magar, and Kumar Magar, all residents of Byas Municipality-5.
NC President Deuba calls office bearers’ meeting
Nepali Congress (NC) President Sher Bahadur Deuba has called a meeting of the party’s office-bearers for Monday morning. According to Deputy General Secretary Jeevan Pariyar, the meeting is scheduled for 9 AM at Deuba’s residence in Budhanilkantha. It is expected to focus on key political developments and preparations for the upcoming parliamentary session beginning Tuesday. A major point of discussion will likely be the controversy surrounding Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak.
Foreign Minister Rana dubs Japan visit fruitful and productive
Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana has described her five-day visit to Japan as fruitful and productive. Upon returning to Kathmandu on Saturday night, Minister Rana shared that she held several important meetings during the trip, including discussions with the Japanese Foreign Minister on Nepal-Japan cooperation and ongoing development projects. Her secretariat stated that these engagements were beneficial for Nepal.
Gold price rises by Rs 1,400 per tola
The price of gold has increased by Rs 1,400 per tola today (Sunday, May 25) compared to the previous trading day (Friday). According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers, gold was traded at Rs 191,800 per tola today. On Friday, the price stood at Rs 190,400 per tola. No official trading rate was fixed for Saturday. Meanwhile, the price of silver has remained unchanged. As on Friday, silver is still being traded at Rs 2,050 per tola, the Federation said.
Two youths killed, one injured in motorcycle-tractor collision in Saptari
Two youths were killed and another seriously injured after a motorcycle collided with a brick-laden tractor in Malekhpur, Rajgadh Rural Municipality-5, along the Hulaki road section in Saptari.
According to police, the collision resulted in the deaths of two out of the three riders on the motorcycle. One died en route to the hospital, while the other succumbed to injuries at Gajendra Narayan Singh Hospital in Rajbiraj. The tractor (registration number Sa 1 Ta 5442), which was heading towards Rajbiraj from Pathargadha, collided with the motorcycle (MPR 02-019 Pa 9626) coming from the opposite direction, according to the District Police Office.
Indian tourist dies after falling in toilet
An Indian tourist visiting Manakamana has died after falling in a toilet at the Manakamana Cable Car station in Ichchhakamana Rural Municipality–4, Chitwan. The deceased has been identified as 62-year-old Mannu Prasad Bhatt from Palanpur, Gujarat. According to Police Inspector Pratik Singh of the Area Police Office, Muglin, Bhatt was found unconscious in the toilet and was immediately taken to Ichchhakamana Basic Hospital in Kurintar, where doctors pronounced him dead.
Gwarko flyover to open for traffic by mid-June: Minister Dahal
Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Devendra Dahal, announced that the Gwarko flyover in Lalitpur is expected to be ready for vehicular movement by mid-June. Inspecting the project site this morning, Minister Dahal emphasized that no further delays will be tolerated and, barring unforeseen circumstances, the flyover should be operational by mid-June. Keshab Kumar Sharma, Secretary at the Ministry, noted that some technical issues arose during construction but have now been resolved.
Nepali art and culture showcased in China
A cultural and tourism promotion event celebrating Nepal-China ties was held in Guilin on Saturday night, featuring vibrant musical performances and an award ceremony aimed at strengthening bilateral relations through art and culture.
The event, titled the Third SMS Nepal-China Cultural Preservation and Tourism Promotion Honors and Awards 2081, was organized by SMS Music and Entertainment, in collaboration with Changdongxi Guilin Estate Management and Guilin Elite Education Consulting.
Deepak Kunwar elected Chairperson of Nepal Land and Housing Developers Association
Engineer Deepak Kunwar has been elected as the new Chairperson of the Nepal Land and Housing Developers Association. The Association elected a 15-member executive committee under Kunwar’s leadership during its 18th annual general meeting and election held last night. Kunwar currently serves as the Managing Director of CD Developments Pvt. Ltd. Alongside Kunwar, Purushottam Poudel was elected as the first vice-chair, Sumit Kumar Agrawal as the second vice-chair, and Roshan Bhoydyo as the third vice-chair.
Rs 2.15 billion collected from non-life insurance in Madhes Province
The Nepal Insurance Authority’s Madhes Province Office has collected Rs 2.15 billion in non-life insurance premiums over the first nine months of the current fiscal year. During this period, a total of 259,475 non-life insurance policies were issued. So far, 7,124 individuals have filed non-life insurance claims worth Rs 1.626 billion. Of those, Rs 1.843 billion has already been paid to 5,585 claimants, according to the office.
Devotees begin arriving for special Gosainkunda fair
Devotees have started arriving for the special Gosainkunda fair, which begins on May 27 and will continue until Ekadashi on June 7, according to the Gosainkunda Area Development Committee. The committee expects around 5,000 devotees to participate in the fair and take a holy dip in the sacred Gosainkunda pond, situated at an altitude of 4,380 meters above sea level.
Kathmandu to host 22nd edition of KIMFF from May 28
Kathmandu is gearing up to host the 22nd edition of the Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival (KIMFF), scheduled to run from May 28 to June 1. This year’s screenings will be held at QFX Cinemas, Astrek Park, and GAA Hall in Thamel under the theme “Fractured Voices, Reclaiming Narratives.” The festival will feature more than 65 films from 30 countries, showcasing both celebrated international titles and Nepali films that reflect contemporary local stories.
Karnali CM Kandel launches upgrade of key Mulpani-Ranighat-Bhurigaon road
Chief Minister of Karnali Province, Yamlal Kandel, on Saturday inaugurated the upgrade works on the 7-kilometre Mulpani-Ranighat section of the Mulpani-Ranighat-Telpani-Bhurigaon road at Palate, Birendranagar Municipality-2. This road serves as the shortest route connecting Karnali Province with Lumbini and Sudurpaschim Provinces, making it a vital transport corridor for the region.
Man arrested for impersonating ASI and defrauding hotel owner in Kailali
Police have arrested 26-year-old Neerajan Thapa, a resident of Shivanagar in Dhangadhi Sub-metropolitan City-5, on charges of defrauding money while impersonating an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of police. Thapa was arrested on Saturday after he allegedly posed as an ASI from the Bureau and repeatedly demanded money over the past two to three days from the owner of Dhami Hotel, located in Buspark, Dhangadhi Sub-metropolitan City-4.
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