KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
UML moves to scrap senior vice chair post ahead of Statute Convention
The ruling CPN-UML is preparing to eliminate the post of senior vice chair, currently held by Ishwar Pokharel, in a major organizational restructuring ahead of its upcoming Second Statute Convention, scheduled for September 5 to 7 in Godavari, Lalitpur.
A concrete proposal to remove the post is set to be tabled at the party’s Secretariat meeting on Thursday at its Chyasal headquarters. According to a UML office-bearer who spoke to Khabarhub on the condition of anonymity, the proposal will be put forward as part of a broader statute amendment plan, led by Vice Chair Bishnu Prasad Paudel.
The Secretariat meeting will also see Chair KP Sharma Oli presenting a political report, while General Secretary Shankar Pokharel will outline an organizational report to be submitted at the convention.
NRB revises unified directive to implement new monetary policy
Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has revised its Unified Directive 2024, targeting class ‘A’, ‘B’, and ‘C’ banks and financial institutions (BFIs), in line with the implementation of the monetary policy for the current fiscal year.
The updated directive includes key provisions concerning loan restructuring, margin lending, real estate credit, and home loans, while also introducing changes in areas such as financial reporting, capital adequacy, foreign employment loans, and interest rate policies.
In a move aligned with the monetary policy, the directive allows BFIs to restructure or reschedule loans, including housing and personal loans with specified purposes, for borrowers residing in areas affected by the earthquake in Jajarkot and Rukum.
Devotees throng Pashupatinath as sacred month of Shrawan begins
The month of Shrawan began today, with large numbers of devotees visiting the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu from early morning to mark Saune Sankranti, the first day of the month.
According to Hindu scriptures, the month of Shravan is considered highly auspicious for the worship of Lord Shiva. During this time, devotees, especially women, observe fasts and adorn themselves with green bangles, garlands, and mehendi (henna) as a symbol of devotion and celebration.
With the onset of Shravan, the Pashupatinath temple premises were packed with worshippers. Temples dedicated to Lord Shiva across the country also saw an increase in footfall.
Nepal sees 11.33% rise in revenue collection in FY 2024/25
Nepal recorded a notable rise in revenue collection in the fiscal year 2024/25 compared to the previous year, according to the Ministry of Finance.
The government collected a total of Rs. 1.178 trillion in revenue, which is Rs 120 billion more than the previous fiscal year’s collection of Rs. 1.058 trillion. This marks a growth of 11.33 percent year-on-year.
The initial revenue target for FY 2024/25 was Rs. 1.419 trillion, which was later revised to Rs. 1.286 trillion during the mid-term review. The government achieved 91.60 percent of the revised target.
Construction of footpath along Kaligandaki River to promote religious tourism
Rampur Municipality has constructed a footpath along the banks of the Kaligandaki River with the aim of promoting religious tourism in the region.
Mayor Raman Bahadur Thapa informed that 2,567 meters of footpath were constructed in the fiscal year 2081/082. This work is part of a broader plan to build a 34-kilometer-long footpath stretching from Ram Nadi Dham to Devghat, highlighting the religious, cultural, and environmental significance of the area.
Mayor Thapa stated that stone paving and interlocking tile installations are currently underway, and once completed, the path will enhance access to religious sites while showcasing the natural beauty of the riverbank. He emphasized that the initiative will contribute to boosting local tourism and strengthening the economy.
Upgrades at TU Cricket Ground face delays
Renovation work at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kirtipur is ongoing, with efforts focused on installing stadium parapets and floodlights. However, delays in project completion have led the government to impose financial penalties on the contractor.
According to the Ministry of Urban Development, the contractor is now liable to pay a daily penalty of 0.005 percent of the total project cost, amounting to more than Rs. 200,000 per day in compensation.
The penalty came into effect on July 14 after the contractors failed to meet the scheduled deadline.
Chinese national arrested for smuggling electronic equipment
A Chinese national has been arrested in Kathmandu for smuggling and storing a large quantity of tax-evaded electronic equipment. The suspect, 38-year-old Yu Wang, was arrested on Tuesday afternoon by the police.
According to the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office in Teku, Wang was arrested based on a tip-off that he, along with others, had been illegally importing and selling laptops, batteries, CCTV components, and HD cameras without proper bills and customs clearance.
Acting on the information, a police team raided the area near Panchamukhi Chowk in Sinamangal, where they found Wang engaged in the storage and distribution of tax-evaded goods from various electronic brands.
Irrigation facilities expanded to 52 hectares in Myagdi
The Drinking Water, Water Resources and Irrigation Development Division Office in Myagdi has expanded irrigation facilities to 52 hectares of land through various projects implemented in the fiscal year 2024/25.
According to Division Chief Jhalak Mohan Ojha, irrigation systems have also been upgraded on an additional 70 hectares of land. This has been achieved through the construction of six kilometers of concrete canals, 6.11 kilometers of pipeline extensions, five dams, and 47 irrigation-related structures.
Out of a total budget allocation of Rs 48.34 million for 22 irrigation projects, 21 have been implemented. Of the allocated funds, Rs 44.14 million—or 91.31 percent—has already been utilized.
Bagmati Province govt unveils concept for Shiva Circuit Project
The Bagmati Province government has announced plans to launch the Shiva Circuit Project, aimed at reviving and preserving ancient religious and cultural heritage.
Minister for Physical Infrastructure Development, Aman Kumar Maskey, presented the vision for the Shiva Circuit Project, emphasizing its importance in safeguarding Nepal’s historical, cultural, and religious identity while promoting religious tourism.
According to Minister Maskey, the project is inspired by the 64 Shiva Lingas and pilgrimage sites described in the ‘Himawatkhand’, a section of the Skanda Purana referenced in ancient Vedic, Hindu, and Buddhist literature.
Sony set to come up with PlayStation concerts in US this autumn
There’s great news for gamers out there. As per The Verge, Sony is all set to come up with PlayStation concerts in the US this autumn.
Audience will get a chance to hear live performances of tracks from franchises like God of War, The Last of Us, Ghost of Tsushima, and Horizon.
In addition to music from those big tentpole games (and the setlist better include Ghost of Tsushima’s incredible title drop), the concerts will showcase “fan-favorite themes from Bloodborne, Astrobot, Journey, Uncharted, and Helldivers 2, offering a rich and diverse journey through the PlayStation universe.
Kailali’s Aampani waterfall becoming an attractive tourist destination
Located at the foot of the Chure Hills, about seven kilometers north of Lamki Bazaar in Kailali, Aampani waterfall has emerged as a popular destination for domestic tourists.
Nestled within the Bargada Community Forest in Mohanyal Rural Municipality-7, the site has gained traction after systematic development and official operation.
Previously known as a scenic spot for locals and residents of nearby districts to escape the summer heat, the area saw increased popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite travel restrictions.
Sabitra Bhandari signs for Wellington Phoenix in Australia
Nepal women’s national team captain Sabitra Bhandari, popularly known as Samba, has signed with Wellington Phoenix, a New Zealand-based club that competes in Australia’s top-tier A-League Women.
The club announced on Wednesday that Bhandari has joined on a two-season contract, marking another step in her already remarkable career.
Wellington Phoenix praised the forward as a prolific goal scorer for both club and country, calling her signing a significant addition to their squad.
Gold prices up
The price of gold has gone up on Thursday.
According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers Association, the price of gold has gone up by Rs 300 per tola.
With this, the gold is being sold at 192,300 per tola.
Municipality building under construction at a cost of Rs 70 million
The construction of a 28-room office building for Hatuwagadhi Rural Municipality in Bhojpur is nearing completion. The building, being built at a total cost of Rs 75.44 million including VAT, has reached over 90 percent completion.
According to Mahesh Niraula, Chief Administrative Officer of the rural municipality, the construction is expected to be completed by next month.
The project is being funded through a cost-sharing arrangement, with 60 percent contributed by the central government and 40 percent by the rural municipality.
Over 16,000 students selected for KMC’s scholarship entrance exam
The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has shortlisted 16,137 students to sit for the scholarship entrance examination for Grades 11 and 12 under the academic session 2025/26.
These students were selected from a total of 17,229 applications received from all 77 districts across Nepal.
A total of 1,092 applications were rejected due to missing documents such as citizenship or birth certificate, proof of studying in public schools, prior scholarship status in institutional schools, or lack of permanent residency proof within the Kathmandu Metropolitan area.
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