KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Bhanubhakta’s legacy vital for linguistic unity: President Paudel
President Ram Chandra Paudel has said that all Nepalis should reflect on the historical fact that Bhanubhakta Acharya played a vital role in establishing linguistic unity among Nepali speakers around the world through his contributions to the Nepali language.
In his message of best wishes on the occasion of Bhanubhakta Acharya’s 212th birth anniversary, President Paudel paid tribute to the literary pioneer and extended greetings of happiness, peace, and prosperity to all Nepalis at home and abroad.
“Bhanubhakta made an incomparable contribution to the promotion of Nepali language, literature, and culture by transforming the Nepali language into the language of the people and advancing its development,” the President stated.
Bhanubhakta connected Nepalis through the bridge of language and emotion: PM Oli
Prime Minister (PM) KP Sharma Oli has extended his best wishes to all on the occasion of the 212th birth anniversary of pioneer poet Bhanubhakta Acharya.
Taking to social media, Prime Minister Oli remarked that Bhanubhakta connected Nepalis through a bridge of language and emotion by bringing the Ramayana into the hearts and minds of the people.
“Tributes to Bhanubhakta, who initiated the first ever literary work in the Nepali language, and heartfelt wishes to all the literati on the occasion of Bhanubhakta Jayanti,” Oli wrote.
Chundi Ramgha to be developed as Saptadham and literary tourism hub
Initiatives have been launched to develop Chundi Ramgha, the birthplace of Nepal’s first poet Bhanubhakta Acharya, into a cultural and literary site called Saptadham.
Located in Bhanu Municipality-4, the site is set to become a center for literary tourism under a broad development plan.
With the slogan “Go to Bhanu Birthplace: Let’s get to know Bhanu,” the campaign aims to highlight the significance of Bhanubhakta Acharya’s legacy as part of Nepal’s national identity.
Kathmandu metropolis prioritizes infrastructure and social development in Rs 25.76 billion budget
The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has proposed a budget of Rs 25.76 billion for the upcoming fiscal year 2082/83.
Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol presented the budget during the first session of the metropolis’s 17th municipal assembly on Sunday. The budget emphasizes infrastructure development, social progress, job creation, heritage conservation, and environmental improvement.
The largest allocation, Rs 12.80 billion, or 51% of the total budget, has been set for infrastructure. This includes roads, sewage systems, public buildings, water supply, and transport management.
From Shrawan 1, all public agencies must adopt mandatory electronic payment system
The Ministry of Finance has directed all public bodies to make electronic payments mandatory starting Shrawan 1, the beginning of the new fiscal year.
In a circular issued on Sunday, the ministry instructed all ministries, Nepal Rastra Bank, public institutions, boards, committees, and academies to implement the mandatory electronic payment system.
The ministry stated that the circular follows the announcement made in the budget statement for the fiscal year 2082/83.
Internal strife brews in CPN-UML as factionalism intensifies
Cracks within the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) [CPN-UML] are becoming increasingly apparent as a power struggle between Chairman KP Sharma Oli and former President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s factions intensifies. The latest flashpoint involves standing committee member Karna Bahadur Thapa, a close confidante of Bhandari, who has publicly criticized General Secretary Shankar Pokharel’s conduct and leadership style.
The simmering tensions came to a head during a recent gathering at the party’s central office in Chyasal, ostensibly organized by the party secretariat to discuss the upcoming General Convention. Thapa vehemently objected to Pokharel’s alleged monopolization of the event, claiming the General Secretary delivered a “one-sided speech” without allowing for broader discussion.
Minister Gurung returns home attending WSIS+20 High-Level Event
Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, returned home on Sunday after addressing the WSIS+20 High-Level Event held in Geneva, Switzerland.
The WSIS+20 is the 20-year review of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS). It was held for four days from July 7. Minister Gurung led the Nepali delegation, attending three discussions and four major sessions.
According to the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), one of the co-organizers of the Event, the WSIS is an existing multistakeholder United Nations (UN) process on digital governance and cooperation with a vision of fostering people-centered, inclusive, and development-oriented information and knowledge societies.
KC faction of Non-Resident Nepali Association gears up for 12th convention
The ‘Dr. Badri KC faction’ of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) has begun preparations for its 12th General Convention and Global Conference.
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, the group stated that the executive committee, elected during the 11th international convention and led by Dr. KC, is functioning in accordance with the association’s statute.
According to the group, membership distribution is being carried out through the association’s Membership Information System (MIS), with 72,000 members already registered. KC shared that about 5,000 applications are still pending approval. Japan has contributed over 18,000 members, while more than 15,500 have registered from Australia. Membership drives are ongoing in various other countries.
PM Oli: No one’s wish to see UML without Oli will come true
Prime Minister and CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli has said that no force can defeat UML if the party stands united with a strong sense of purpose.
Addressing a district-level gathering of UML cadres in Damak on Sunday, Oli accused opportunistic leaders—who enjoyed responsibilities and benefits over the years—of conspiring to divide and destroy the party in the past.
However, he said such attempts failed as the party was preserved and revived by its dedicated cadres and the people.
UML to propose removal of 70-year age limit in upcoming statute convention: General Secretary Pokharel
CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel has said the party’s central committee will propose removing the 70-year age limit during the upcoming statute convention.
Addressing a gathering of the party’s central departments on Sunday at the central office in Chyasal, Pokharel clarified that the age limit,currently suspended, must be formally endorsed by the statute convention as part of the central committee’s duty.
He also addressed controversies and misunderstandings regarding certain constitutional provisions of the party, saying these issues would be clarified.
Travel time reduced after construction of suspension bridge
A 365-meter-long suspension bridge has been constructed over the Marangkhola River in Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality-6.
The bridge, built under the Local Infrastructure Development Project Kaski, Pokhara—operating under the Ministry of Urban Development—connects the settlements of Ghairibot and Khauribang.
Rajaram Subedi, Ward Chairperson of Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality-6, stated that the new bridge has significantly benefited residents of Dhawalagiri-6, Ward No. 5 Malkabang, and Malika Rural Municipality-7 Bim.
Drought causes Betana wetland to dry up
The Betana wetland area in Belbari Municipality is drying up rapidly due to a prolonged drought. The falling water level has already led to the death of fish, and irrigation in the surrounding farmlands has become increasingly difficult.
With no significant rainfall in recent weeks, farmers have been unable to sow crops. Ward Chairperson of Belbari-4, Chandra Bahadur Limbu, said that although water from the Betna wetland typically irrigates hundreds of bighas of farmland in the area, this year the lack of rainfall has severely limited irrigation.
As the wetland’s dammed water reserves declined, authorities had to release the stored water to support limited rice planting.
Trump announces 30% tariffs on EU and Mexico starting August
President Donald Trump has declared that the United States will impose a 30% tariff on imports from the European Union and Mexico beginning August 1.
He also warned that if either trading partner retaliates with their own tariffs, the US would respond by increasing its tariffs even further, BBC reported.
Earlier this week, the 27-member European Union expressed hope of reaching a trade agreement with Washington before the August deadline.
Opposition spreading lies about Spain visit: PM Oli
Prime Minister (PM) KP Sharma Oli has accused opposition forces and what he called “anarchist elements” of spreading false propaganda in an attempt to undermine the success of his recent visit to Spain.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Madan Dangi–Tarabari–Dipu road upgrading project in Damak Municipality, Jhapa, Prime Minister Oli dismissed claims that people were left behind during his Spain visit as baseless and politically motivated.
“I went to Spain, and our role there was commendable,” Oli said. “But the opposition and some anarchist groups, unable to tolerate that success, started making nonsensical claims that people were left behind. Is that even possible? Can it be proven?”
Maoist Center demands PM’s clarification on minister’s alleged bribery deal
The main opposition, Maoist Centre, has called on Prime Minister (PM) KP Sharma Oli to respond to allegations that Federal Affairs and General Administration Minister Rajkumar Gupta was involved in a bribery deal to halt employee transfers and secure appointments.
Speaking in the House of Representatives on Sunday, Maoist Centre lawmaker Durga Rai referred to recent media reports in which an audio recording allegedly exposing the minister’s involvement in bribery was made public.
“Are we going to stay silent while such reports are being broadcast to the public?” she asked. “Shouldn’t the government take action after such a serious matter has come to light? The concept of ministerial accountability is slipping further away.”
PM inaugurates Madan Dangi–Tarabari–Dipu road in Damak
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli inaugurated the Madan Dangi–Tarabari–Dipu road upgrading project in Damak Municipality, Jhapa, today.
The road, considered a pride project of the municipality, was constructed with support from the World Bank and is one of 17 roads selected from across Nepal. The 4.86-kilometer road, built at a cost of Rs 442.4 million, is recognized as a model project for being completed on time.
Speaking at the inauguration, Prime Minister Oli said the road stands as a symbol of development efforts across the country. He emphasized the government’s commitment to continue development projects from Mechi to Mahakali and also announced the construction of a large stadium in Beldangi, Damak.
Prime Minister inaugurates Ratuwa Bridge on Postal Highway
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli today inaugurated the Ratuwa Bridge, which connects Jhapa and Morang along the Gaurigunj–Ambari section of the Postal Highway.
The inauguration ceremony was organized by the Postal Road Directorate under the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport.
On the occasion, Prime Minister Oli emphasized the need to end the paradox of having rivers near farmland but no irrigation or agricultural productivity. He called for accelerating development and infrastructure projects to eliminate poverty from the country within the next 15 years.
Protecting achievements is today’s necessity: General Secretary Pokharel
CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel has said that safeguarding the rights and achievements earned through long political struggles is the key responsibility of today’s Nepali society.
Speaking at an event held in Bhaktapur on the occasion of the 26th anniversary of the National Human Rights and Social Justice Forum Nepal (Human Rights Alliance), Pokharel emphasized that the political parties of Nepal made significant sacrifices to secure the rights people enjoy today.
He recalled that although some rights were granted to the people after the political change of 2007 BS, they were later stripped away by the monarchy.
RPP conflict deepens as dissidents file complaint against chair Lingden
The internal dispute within the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) has intensified, with senior leader Nawaraj Subedi lodging a formal complaint with the Election Commission (EC) against party chairman Rajendra Lingden.
Subedi, recently ousted from the party’s disciplinary committee, claims the move was unlawful and maintains that he still holds valid membership in the party.
He was joined by key leaders, including General Secretary Dhawal Shumsher Rana and former party chief and directive committee head Dr. Prakash Chandra Lohani. Together, they have accused Chairman Lingden of breaching the party’s statute and taking unilateral decisions.
Lingden’s authoritarianism unacceptable: Dhawal Shumsher
Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) General Secretary Dhawal Shumsher Rana has said he will not accept what he called Chairman Rajendra Lingden’s authoritarian style of leadership.
Speaking at the premises of the Election Commission on Sunday, Rana said he was compelled to bring the matter to the Commission after Chairman Lingden’s actions crossed the line. He emphasized that he would not allow the party to split under any circumstances.
Backing Nawaraj Subedi—who was recently removed from the party’s Disciplinary Commission—Rana asserted that he would not tolerate arbitrary decisions within the party.
Bhanubhakta binds Nepali language, literature and culture together: Speaker
Speaker Devraj Ghimire has said that Adikavi Bhanubhakta Acharya played a vital role in uniting the Nepali language, literature, and culture.
Speaking at a joint program organized today by the Nepal Academy and Bhanu Pratishthan on the occasion of the 212th birth anniversary of the pioneer poet of Nepali literature, Speaker Ghimire said that Nepali-speaking communities around the world remember and honor Bhanubhakta for his significant contributions.
He also emphasized the need to further promote the Nepali language on the international stage. Also speaking at the event, Minister for Education, Science and Technology Raghuji Panta said that Bhanubhakta contributed greatly to the promotion of the Nepali language through his historic translation of the Ramayana. He noted that the poet played a key role in bringing the Nepali language to its current status.
RSP demands probe into bribery audio involving Minister Gupta
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) lawmaker Sumana Shrestha has demanded an investigation into the audio clip allegedly implicating Federal Affairs and General Administration Minister Rajkumar Gupta in a bribery case.
Speaking at Sunday’s meeting of the House of Representatives, Shrestha called for a thorough inquiry into the audio clip, which surfaced two days ago and appears to feature Minister Gupta discussing bribes.
A former education minister, Shrestha questioned how the government could remain silent after such a serious allegation was made public. She also noted that the name of the Minister for Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation was repeatedly mentioned in the recording. “Who is the ‘baa’ referred to in the minister’s bribery case?” she asked.
President expresses sorrow over Ila Sharma’s demise
President Ram Chandra Paudel has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former Election Commissioner Ila Sharma, who died of a heart attack on Saturday.
In a condolence message issued today, President Paudel praised Sharma’s contributions as a journalist, noting that her work will be remembered with respect.
He also recalled her leadership in chairing the high-level law drafting committee tasked with preparing the draft of election laws, rules, and directives during her tenure as election commissioner.
Krishnapur Municipality orders demolition of ‘chhaugoths’ following death of young woman
Krishnapur Municipality in Kanchanpur has directed its ward offices to demolish all ‘chhaugoths’ (menstrual huts) within 15 days, following the tragic death of a young woman.
The directive was issued after 28-year-old Kamala Damai of Ward No. 1, Nigali, died on Saturday after being bitten by a snake while sleeping in a chhaugoth during her menstrual period.
The municipality has warned that failure to implement the directive will result in legal action and a fine of Rs 10,000 against those responsible. It has asked local bodies to inform the public and ensure full compliance.
Gold price rises by Rs 800 per tola; silver also up
The price of gold, which had declined last Friday, rose again today.
According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers, gold has increased by Rs 800 per tola compared to the previous trading day, reaching Rs 192,900 per tola.
On Sunday, the price had dropped by Rs 300 and was traded at Rs 192,100 per tola.
Dr. Bhattarai lashes out at major parties, takes a swipe at Prachanda
Former Prime Minister and Chairman of Nepal Samajwadi Party (Naya Shakti), Dr. Baburam Bhattarai, has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the country’s three major political parties.
On Sunday morning, he posted a photo of Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba on social media alongside Prime Minister and UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli and Maoist Centre Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda.
Reacting to the photo, Bhattarai remarked that these leaders have failed to address the country’s deep-rooted structural problems.
Six kilograms of drugs seized in Surkhet in two months; 44 arrested
The District Police Office, Surkhet has intensified efforts to curb social crimes in the area.
Superintendent of Police Sudhir Raj Shahi, Chief of the District Police Office, reported that nearly seven kilograms of illegal drugs were seized over the past two months, and 44 individuals—39 men and 5 women—have been taken into custody for investigation.
According to SP Shahi, the confiscated substances include 35.34 grams of brown sugar, 17.36 grams of hashish, 5.54 kilograms of opium, 240 grams of marijuana, and 362 tablets of unidentified controlled substances.
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