KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Opposition to stall parliament sessions except budget until Home Minister resigns
Opposition political parties have decided to halt all parliamentary proceedings until Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, accused in the visit visa scandal, resigns from his post. The decision came after a meeting of opposition leaders held in the chamber of Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda,’ chairman of the main opposition party, CPN-Maoist Centre, at the Federal Parliament building in New Baneshwor. While the opposition vowed to block all activities in parliament apart from budget discussions, they expressed willingness to cooperate on the budget.
Budget for FY 2025/26 to be unveiled at 3 pm tomorrow
The Federal Parliament has scheduled the presentation of the annual budget for the fiscal year 2025/26 for Thursday at 3 pm. According to the daily business schedule published by the Federal Parliament Secretariat, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel will present the government’s revenue and expenditure estimates before a joint session of the Federal Parliament.
High Court acquits Nepali Congress leader Mohammad Aftab Alam
he Birgunj bench of the Janakpur High Court has acquitted Nepali Congress leader Mohammad Aftab Alam in the infamous Rautahat bombing and murder case. The verdict overturns a previous ruling by the Rautahat District Court, which had sentenced Alam to life imprisonment. The high court bench, consisting of Justices Khusi Prasad Tharu and Arjun Maharjan, dismissed four criminal charges against Alam. However, it upheld the district court’s decision in a related case where Alam was not listed as a defendant.
Home Minister Lekhak defends position, cites precedents of past ministers facing complaints
Amid growing demands for his resignation over alleged involvement in a visit visa scam, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak held a press conference on Wednesday to defend his position, stating that complaints have been filed against previous home ministers as well, but none had resigned. Citing data from the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA), Lekhak said that over the past three fiscal years, complaints have been consistently lodged against public officials, including ministers. “The notion that a minister must immediately resign the moment a complaint is filed is not how the system works,” he argued.
Home Minister to not resign over visit visa scandal
Despite mounting pressure from the opposition, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak will not resign over the ongoing visit visa controversy. According to Mahesh Bartaula, chief whip of the CPN-UML, the issue of Lekhak’s resignation was not discussed during a high-level meeting held at the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar on Wednesday morning. The meeting was attended by top leaders of the ruling coalition.
UML, royalists set for separate demonstrations in Kathmandu on Republic Day
Kathmandu is bracing for two opposing rallies on Republic Day, with the ruling CPN-UML and pro-monarchy groups set to hold separate demonstrations on Thursday, May 29. The CPN-UML is planning a cultural parade from Bhrikutimandap to Ratnapark in celebration of Republic Day. Party leaders, cadres, and artists will showcase cultural processions promoting the republican system. The rally will pass through Bhrikutimandap, Bhadrakali, Shahid Gate, Sundhara, and end at Shantibatika in Ratnapark. In contrast, royalist and Hindu nationalist parties, including Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) and RPP-Nepal, along with over 45 other aligned organizations, have announced protests against the republic on the same day.
Supreme Court issues show cause order on governor appointment
The Supreme Court has issued a show cause order in response to a writ petition challenging the appointment of Dr. Biswo Nath Poudel as Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank. The court has also summoned both parties for a hearing. The order was issued by a single bench of Justice Abdul Aziz Musalman following a petition filed by advocates Bishal Thapa, Pratibha Upreti, and Anantaraj Luintel on Tuesday. The petitioners argue that Poudel lacks the qualifications required under the Nepal Rastra Bank Act, 2002.
Energy Minister and US Ambassador discuss MCC project
Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Deepak Khadka and US Ambassador to Nepal Dean R Thompson held a meeting at the Ministry in Singha Durbar today. On the occasion, they discussed various aspects of energy cooperation between the two countries and the implementation of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) project. During the meeting, Energy Minister Khadka stated that although the projects being carried out under the MCC project are progressing, the MCC has been on hold for some time, which has created some uncertainty.
Former Madhesh Province Chief Rajesh Jha ‘Ahiraj’ on the run over rape allegation
Rajesh Jha ‘Ahiraj’, the former Chief of Nepal’s Madhesh Province, is currently on the run following a rape allegation. Despite police efforts to locate him since February, his whereabouts remain unknown. The complaint, registered at the Kathmandu District Police Office on February 15, accuses Ahiraj of repeatedly raping a girl starting from when she was 17. The victim, now over 20, has submitted both audio evidence and CCTV footage as part of her case.
Call for Home Minister’s resignation raised in National Assembly
In today’s session of the National Assembly, members once again demanded the resignation of the Home Minister. During a sudden speech, MP Gopi Bahadur Sarki Achhami called for an impartial investigation into the visit visa scandal. He highlighted that some officials, including the head of the Immigration Office at Tribhuvan International Airport, have been arrested by the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA).
Gita Gurung dismissed from Lumbini Provincial Assembly after prolonged absence
Gita Gurung, a proportional representative from the Janamat Party in the Lumbini Provincial Assembly, has been formally dismissed from her position after remaining absent for 10 consecutive assembly meetings. The announcement was made by Speaker Tularam Ghartimagar during Wednesday’s assembly session. According to Provincial Assembly Secretary Durlabh Kumar Pun Magar, Gurung’s position became automatically vacant as per constitutional provisions and the assembly’s rules.
Gyanendra Shahi warns PM will be responsible for any violence during Thursday’s protest
Gyanendra Shahi, Chief Whip of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), has warned that Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli will be held fully responsible if any violent incident occurs during their planned protest on Thursday. Speaking to reporters at the Parliament premises, Shahi accused the Prime Minister of inciting unrest by delivering provocative speeches and mobilizing crowds in violation of the constitution and the law.
PM Oli meets New Zealand Deputy PM Winston Peters to discuss bilateral cooperation
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli held a courtesy meeting today with New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters at the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar. During the meeting, the two leaders discussed strengthening bilateral relations, mutual interests, and expanding multilateral cooperation. Both sides agreed on the vast potential for collaboration in sectors such as agriculture, tourism, education, trade, and investment.
President Paudel meets New Zealand’s Deputy PM
President Ram Chandra Paudel on Wednesday held a courtesy meeting with New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Winston Peters, at the Office of the President in Shital Niwas. During the meeting, President Paudel highlighted Nepal’s goal to become a middle-income country by 2030 and emphasized the importance of expanding trade, investment, and development cooperation to achieve that target. According to the President’s Press Advisor, Kiran Pokharel, Paudel called on New Zealand to support Nepal in these areas.
Monsoon to affect nearly 2 million people
The 32nd meeting of the Executive Committee for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management has projected that this year’s monsoon could severely impact Nepal, with nearly 2 million people likely to be affected. Chaired by Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, the meeting held a comprehensive discussion on early forecasts, estimated caseloads of monsoon-related disasters, and the preparedness and response plans of concerned ministries, departments, and agencies.
Obstacles in Chobhar gorge to be removed to prevent inundation
The government has decided to remove the accumulated trash and other obstacles in the Bagmati river at Chobhar gorge, which serves as an outlet for the Kathmandu Valley. The meeting of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Executive Committee presided over by Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak today has decided to remove the accumulated and floating debris in the river at Chobhar gorge through the Nepali Army under the leadership of the Ministry of Urban Development.
Nepal’s political system protects lawmakers over the rule of law
A growing list of elected representatives across various political parties in Nepal are facing serious criminal allegations, raising deep concerns about the state of democratic governance and public accountability in the country. From corruption to murder charges, sitting Members of Parliament (MPs), provincial lawmakers, and even former ministers have been suspended or are under investigation, yet many continue to wield significant political influence.
Gold prices down by Rs 1,600 per tola
The price of gold in the domestic market declined on Tuesday, while silver saw a slight increase, according to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association. Compared to Monday, the price of gold dropped by Rs 1,600 per tola, bringing the rate down to Rs 189,300 per tola. In contrast, the price of silver increased by Rs 10 per tola, reaching Rs 2,005. As of today, gold is being traded at USD 3,326 per ounce in the international market, according to reports from global financial media outlets.
Man kills ex-wife and two daughters in Rupandehi
A man allegedly murdered his ex-wife and two young daughters early Wednesday morning in Butwal Sub-Metropolitan City–11, Horizon Chowk, Rupandehi district. According to Superintendent of Police (SP) Pradeep Bahadur Kshetri, the accused, Sujan Koirala, attacked his former wife, Deepa Basyal, and their two daughters, Sneha and Himani, using a knife and a hammer. The police suspect that Koirala had invited them to his home the previous day.
Narayanghat–Muglin road damage to remain unfixed this fiscal year
A critical section of the Narayanghat–Muglin highway, a key route linking Kathmandu and Pokhara with the southern plains, will not be repaired in the current fiscal year due to a lack of budget allocation. The road sank following continuous heavy rains in September 2024, affecting around 165 meters of roadway. Of this, an 85-meter stretch has subsided up to 8 meters deep, with an average width of 3.5 meters. Cracks have also appeared across the rest of the segment, making it highly unstable.
KMC secures over Rs 60 million from dry waste sale contracts
Kathmandu Metropolitan City has started monetizing waste management by leasing out the sale of dry waste generated along with household garbage for an annual income of Rs 60.8 million, inclusive of taxes. The metropolitan area has been divided into seven zones, and income contracts have been awarded through separate competitive bidding for each zone. Engineer Ram Prasad Nepal informed that the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in Zone 7 is already operational, with the department preparing to progressively start similar operations in the other zones.
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