KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Rasuwa flood: Death toll reaches 11
The death toll in the devastating flash flood that struck Rasuwa on Tuesday morning has reached 11. Previously, nine bodies had been recovered, and two more were retrieved from the lower belt of the Trishuli River, according to Central Police Spokesperson DIG Binod Ghimire. To date, 862 people—including those trapped by the flood and those stranded due to traffic disruptions caused by the disaster—have been evacuated and escorted to safety. Of the 11 recovered bodies, only one has been identified. Several were found in a severely maimed condition.
NRB Governor unveils Monetary Policy 2026/26
Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) Governor Biswo Nath Poudel has presented the 59th monetary policy, marking his first major announcement since taking office. Unveiled through live broadcasts on television and social media, the policy outlines several notable changes aimed at easing financial conditions and supporting market activity. A key reform is the hike in the individual margin loan limit, which has been raised from Rs. 15 crore to Rs. 25 crore. This addresses long-standing demands from capital market investors seeking increased access to credit for share trading. The policy also adjusts the interest rate corridor to adopt a more accommodative stance. The bank rate has been cut from 6.5% to 6%, the policy rate from 5% to 4.5%, and the lower bound from 3% to 2.75%.
NRB raises limit for single share purchase loans to Rs 250 million
Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has increased the lending limit for single share purchase loans to Rs 250 million, up from the previous cap of Rs 150 million. Announcing the monetary policy for the fiscal year 2025/26 on Friday, NRB Governor Dr Biswo Nath Poudel said the move is aimed at easing investment access for institutional and high-net-worth investors in the capital market. The revised limit is expected to inject more liquidity into the stock market and support trading volume, which has remained subdued in recent months due to strict lending policies.
Nepalis allowed to carry $3,000 on foreign trips
The limit on the amount of foreign currency Nepalis can carry while traveling abroad has been increased to $3,000. Nepal Rastra Bank Governor Bishwo Poudel announced the revised limit while unveiling the monetary policy for fiscal year 2025/26. Previously, the cap was set at $2,500.
Nepal defeats Bhutan 6-1 in SAFF U-20 Women’s Championship opener
Nepal kicked off the SAFF U-20 Women’s Championship with an emphatic 6-1 victory over Bhutan at the Bashundhara Kings Arena in Dhaka on Friday. Purnima Rai led Nepal’s dominant performance, scoring four goals, while Senu Pariyar added two. Nepal took a commanding 3-0 lead in the first half and netted three more in the second. Bhutan managed a single consolation goal after the break.
KMC to present Rs 25.11 billion budget on Sunday
After months of internal deadlock and tensions, Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) is finally set to present its annual budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2025/26 on Sunday. The decision was made during a long-delayed executive meeting held on Friday, attended by Mayor Balen Shah, Chief Administrative Officer Saroj Guragain, Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol, and ward representatives. The budget size has been fixed at Rs 25.11 billion. Deputy Mayor Dangol will present the budget at the Municipal Assembly.
Nepali Congress expels central member Devendra Raj Kandel for five years
The Nepali Congress district disciplinary committee has expelled central member Devendra Raj Kandel from the party for five years. The decision was formally communicated to Kandel on Thursday via a postal letter. However, the disciplinary action was actually taken a day before the local elections of 2022, though it was only recently made public amid ongoing factional disputes within the party. District Secretary Kuldeep Acharya confirmed that Kandel was disciplined on May 12, 2022, after he was found to have issued statements supporting rebel candidates opposing the party’s official nominees during the local elections.
UML grapples with internal friction as Bidya Devi Bhandari eyes return
Amid rising speculation that former President Bidya Devi Bhandari may return to active politics through the CPN-UML, internal debate and tension have escalated within the party, particularly among senior leaders close to party chair KP Sharma Oli. While discussions about Bhandari’s potential political comeback are reportedly gaining traction in Oli’s inner circle, several influential leaders, including General Secretary Shankar Pokharel, have expressed reservations, saying her return at this time may not be appropriate.
National Population Policy 2025 released
The government unveiled the National Population Policy 2025 in a program held on Friday in Kathmandu. According to the National Population Census 2021, out of Nepal’s 77 districts, 34 districts, including many in the Himalayan region, and 319 local levels are experiencing negative population growth rates. The overall population growth rate has dropped to 0.92 percent, down from 1.35 percent in 2011. The fertility rate is below the replacement level; the policy notes the current rate at 1.93, while the replacement level should be 2.1.
Police summon Gyanendra Shah’s aide for referring to him as ‘Shree 5’
Former King Gyanendra Shah’s aide and spokesperson, Phanindra Prasad Pathak, was summoned by police on Friday after referring to Shah as “Shree 5”, a royal title reserved for reigning monarchs, in a public statement. According to Kathmandu District Police spokesperson SP Apilraj Bohora, Pathak was not arrested but called in to clarify the legal basis and constitutional validity of using such terminology. “He was not taken into custody. We called him to understand the rationale behind addressing Gyanendra Shah as ‘Shree 5’ and portraying him as a reigning monarch, which the Constitution does not recognize,” SP Bohora said. Pathak, a former secretary, had issued a statement recently using the title “Shree 5 Maharajadhiraj Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev”, sparking questions about its constitutionality.
Flood in Rasuwa halts 250 MW of hydropower production
Heavy flooding in Lhende Khola, near the Nepal-China border, has forced the shutdown of hydropower plants in the Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts, cutting off around 250 megawatts of electricity production under the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). According to officials, the flood has caused significant damage to multiple hydropower projects, including the Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Project, Trishuli 3A, Chilime Hydropower, and Beni Hydropower. The most severe damage was reported at the 111-megawatt Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Project.
Complete development projects on time: PM Oli
Prime Minister (PM) KP Sharma Oli has directed government officials to ensure timely completion of development projects, warning that delays and cost overruns must come to an end. He emphasized that prolonged construction timelines and excessive spending are burdening the public and must be addressed immediately. Speaking at the 54th meeting of the National Development Problem Resolution Committee held at Singha Durbar on Friday, PM Oli instructed ministers, secretaries, and project chiefs to identify the root causes of slow project implementation and take necessary corrective measures.
Foreign Minister returns from Rome
Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba returned to Nepal today after participating in the 44th session of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Conference held in Rome, Italy. The high-level ministerial gathering took place from June 28 to July 4. During her visit, Dr. Rana addressed several key sessions of the FAO Conference as well as a number of high-level meetings and side events. In her remarks, she highlighted Nepal’s commitment to food rights, stating that the country has recognized food as a fundamental right of its citizens through constitutional and legal provisions.
Nepal’s banks accused of concealing non-performing loans
Former officials of Nepal’s central financial institutions have raised serious concerns about the true state of the country’s banking sector, claiming that many banks are hiding the real scale of bad loans, also known as non-performing loans (NPLs), through accounting manipulation known as “window dressing.” Former Deputy Chair of the National Planning Commission Dr. Min Bahadur Shrestha and former Executive Director of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) Nar Bahadur Thapa delivered detailed presentations on the country’s financial health.
Aiming to keep inflation at 5% in upcoming fiscal year: NRB Governor
Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has set a target to contain inflation at 5 percent for the upcoming fiscal year. Unveiling the monetary policy on Friday, NRB Governor Dr Biswo Nath Poudel announced that the central bank would aim to maintain economic stability while supporting moderate credit expansion and controlled inflation. The monetary policy also targets a 13 percent growth in money supply and a 12 percent increase in private sector credit in the new fiscal year.
Ethical code enforced for immigration employees at TIA
The Immigration Office at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) has implemented a new code of ethical conduct for its employees, effective from Friday. According to Office Chief Bishnu Prasad Koirala, the code is designed to enhance the quality and efficiency of immigration services. It encourages employees to interact with service seekers in accordance with international values, principles, and standards of immigration administration. “The code is intended to promote accountability and sensitivity among staff, ensuring they respect national laws as well as Nepal’s social and cultural values,” Koirala stated.
Bamdev Gautam and Madhav Nepal to merge parties
Bamdev Gautam’s National Unity Campaign and the CPN (Unified Socialist), headed by Madhav Kumar Nepal, have reached an agreement to unite their parties. The decision was announced through a joint statement issued by both leaders on Thursday. According to the statement, the unification is based on shared political ideology, principles, policies, and strategic direction. The leaders emphasized that the move is aimed at strengthening Nepal’s communist movement through unity and cooperation.
Finance Minister says EV tax kept unchanged to promote electricity consumption
Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel has said that the government decided to keep taxes on electric vehicles (EVs) stable in order to promote electricity consumption in the country. Addressing an event organized by the Nepal Forum of Economic Journalists on budget and monetary policy coordination, Minister Paudel stated that the current fiscal policy aims to boost domestic energy use by encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles. He added that his approach to tax policy has been guided by consistency and stability. “We have maintained a stable tax rate on EVs because it aligns with our broader goal of increasing electricity consumption and reducing dependency on fossil fuels,” he said.
One killed in tiger attack in Chitwan
A 68-year-old man has died following a tiger attack in Khairhani, East Chitwan. The victim, Padam Bahadur Rana Magar of Khairhani Municipality-13, Gawai, had gone to the Kumroj Intermediate Community Forest on Tuesday morning along with two others to cut grass. When Magar failed to return or make contact, a search operation was launched.
Over 25,000 households in Chitwan at risk of floods and landslides
More than 25,733 households in Chitwan district are at high risk of floods and landslides triggered by ongoing monsoon rains, according to the District Disaster Management Committee. Preliminary estimates suggest that approximately 128,665 people across seven local levels could be affected by the severe weather conditions. Among the affected areas, Rapti Municipality is projected to be the hardest hit, with around 10,109 households and 50,950 residents at risk.
Dharahara generates over Rs 48.3 million in revenue since paid operations began
The newly reconstructed Dharahara, reopened to the public after being destroyed in the 2015 earthquake, has generated more than Rs 48.3 million in revenue since it began paid operations in November 2023. According to Mahesh Rai, head of the Interim Dharahara Operations and Management Unit in Sundhara, the tower attracted 262,555 visitors by July 8. Among them, 1,549 were foreign tourists. With the exception of Wednesdays when the tower remains closed, an average of around 1,200 people visit the site daily.
Landslide blocks Kaligandaki Corridor in Gulmi
A landslide near Barlwa in Khadgakot, Kaligandaki Rural Municipality–6, has completely blocked the Kaligandaki Corridor, a key roadway in the region.
According to Bed Bahadur Thapa, Chairperson of Kaligandaki Rural Municipality, large rocks and debris from above the road have fallen, and the landslide activity has not yet stopped. A police team has been deployed from the Bhurtung Police Post to the site, but clearing the road immediately has proven impossible, said Ganga Bahadur Saru, Information Officer at the Gulmi District Police Office. Meanwhile, the District Administration Office has urged residents living near rivers and streams to remain alert due to the risk of floods and additional landslides.
Bailey bridge yet to be installed on Tilabe river in Parsa
Despite earlier announcements by the Road Department, a Bailey bridge has not yet been installed over the Tilabe River in Parsa. The Department has canceled the bid for the construction of the proposed steel Bailey bridge. The Tilabe Bridge, which lies on the border of Birgunj Metropolitan City and Bahudarmai Municipality and connects the rural areas of Parsa, was damaged by flooding during the rainy season of 2024.
Tourist footfall rises in Dharan’s Ramitedanda
The number of domestic tourists visiting Chindedanda—also known as Ramitedanda—in Dharan Sub-metropolitan City–20 has seen a notable rise with the arrival of the summer season. This scenic hill, offering panoramic views of Dharan Bazaar, Itahari, Charkose Jhadi, and parts of the Terai, has rapidly developed into a popular tourist hub in eastern Nepal and a favored hiking destination.
Gold-silver dealers call off protest after agreement with govt
The ongoing protest by gold and silver traders across the country has been called off following a six-point agreement reached with the government on Thursday. The breakthrough came during talks held at the Ministry of Finance between government officials and representatives of the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Associations. With the agreement in place, traders have announced that their businesses will resume nationwide starting Friday.
Farmers worried as drought hampers paddy sowing in July
Farmers in Jhapa are growing increasingly anxious as the dry spell continues late into the month of July, traditionally the peak time for paddy plantation. Govinda Ghimire, a farmer from Mechinagar Municipality-15, is disheartened by the lack of rainfall. “In previous years, planting would be completed by now, but this year, my two bighas of land remain dry. Ants are crawling where water should be,” he said. “We’ve prepared the seedbeds, but without rain, planting seems impossible.” Shyam Adhikari, a farmer from Arjundhara Municipality-8, shares a similar plight. He has been cultivating paddy on one bigha of land under a yearly lease for the past five years, but the current drought is threatening his livelihood.
Banana farming flourishes in Syangja’s Banstari village
Most households in Banstari, Kaligandaki Rural Municipality-5, Syangja, are engaged in banana farming, either commercially or for household use. Of the 35 households in the village, the majority have shifted to cultivating bananas. The trend began around 2036 BS when local resident Prem Narayan Gaudel planted two banana trees. Over time, he expanded his efforts and began commercial farming. His son, Ravilal Gaudel, has since taken the initiative forward, cultivating bananas commercially on three ropanis of land. He currently grows Harisal and Jhapali Malbhog varieties.
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