KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Govt determined to protecting democracy: PM Oli
Prime Minister (PM) KP Sharma Oli has reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to democracy, human rights, peace, and social justice, stating that these values were hard-won through long-standing struggle. Speaking at a program in Kathmandu on Friday, Prime Minister Oli emphasized that the government, having fought for the establishment of democracy and now entrusted with its leadership, will uphold and protect democratic principles and human rights without compromise.
Nepal-China ties should endure for generations: PM Oli
Prime Minister (PM) KP Sharma Oli has said that the friendship between Nepal and China should be strengthened and extended across generations. He affirmed that the Government of Nepal will leave no stone unturned in further deepening bilateral relations. Speaking at the Nepal-China Cultural Summit 2025 organized on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries, Prime Minister Oli emphasized the historic nature of both nations and the significance of promoting cultural exchange.
Maoist Center will hit streets for voter rights: Prachanda
Chairperson of Maoist Center, Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, has said that his party is prepared to take to the streets, if necessary, to uphold the people’s demands and concerns. He made these remarks while receiving a memorandum from the Nepal Voters’ Rights Forum on Friday, which included recommendations on the bill to amend and consolidate election-related laws. “This initiative by the Voters’ Rights Forum is commendable,” said Chairman Prachanda. “However, change cannot come solely from submitting suggestions to political leaders. If necessary, we are ready to mobilize in the streets to ensure that the people’s demands are met.”
Bidya Bhandari’s membership not yet renewed: KP Oli
CPN-UML Chairman and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that the party will hold discussions before making a decision on the renewal of former President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s party membership. Addressing the party’s Politburo meeting today, Chairman Oli stated that Bhandari was nominated for a second presidential term with the understanding that she would not return to active politics. According to a member present at the meeting, Oli remarked, “Her party membership has not been renewed yet. Based on what has been raised, she should not re-enter active politics. This is a matter of trust. The decision on membership will be made by the appropriate committee after due deliberation. This is my personal view.”
Bamdev says his four-year-long effort to unite the left is finally taking shape
Coordinator of the Nepal Communist Party Unity National Campaign, Bamdev Gautam, delivered an emotional address in Kathmandu on Friday, saying that his long-held dream of unifying the communist movement was finally coming true. Speaking at a formal announcement program marking the unification of his campaign with the CPN (Unified Socialist), Gautam recalled his decades-long journey in Nepal’s leftist politics and said the moment felt deeply fulfilling. “I’m not just a little happy—I’m very happy today,” said the 77-year-old veteran leader. “I began this journey four years ago to unite with the CPN (Unified Socialist), and today, that dream is becoming a reality.”
Dengue risk rises in Kathmandu amid ongoing rainfall
With the onset of continuous monsoon rains, Kathmandu is witnessing a surge in dengue risk, prompting health authorities to issue a public advisory and ramp up preventive measures across all wards. According to Rishi Bhusal, the focal person for epidemic disease control at the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC), the ongoing rains have created favorable breeding conditions for Aedes mosquitoes, which transmit dengue. In response, the KMC has mobilized health workers, volunteers, and sanitation staff to eliminate stagnant water and raise awareness in schools across all 32 wards.
Shekhar Koirala steps up talks with opposition as rift with ruling coalition deepens
Dissatisfied with the functioning of the ruling coalition, Nepali Congress leader and Member of Parliament Dr. Shekhar Koirala has intensified dialogue with leaders outside the government. On Thursday, he held a two-hour long meeting with CPN (Maoist Centre) Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ at the latter’s residence in Khumaltar. His political engagements continued into Friday as well. On Friday morning, Koirala visited former President Bidhya Devi Bhandari at her residence in Bhangaal, Budhanilkantha Municipality. Bhandari, who is eying a comeback to active politics and pushing to rejoin the UML fold, discussed various political matters with Koirala. While both leaders’ secretariats confirmed the meeting, they refrained from sharing further details.
839,000 Nepalis obtain work permits for foreign employment in one year
Over 800,000 Nepali workers received work permits for foreign employment during the last fiscal year 2081/82, according to the Department of Foreign Employment. The Department said that a total of 839,266 individuals obtained work permits during the year. Of them, 744,811 were men and 94,455 were women. The top ten destination countries for Nepali workers during the period were: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Malaysia, Romania, Japan, South Korea, Croatia, and Bahrain.
Peace and security situation satisfactory: Home Minister Lekhak
Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has asserted that the overall peace and security situation in the country remains satisfactory. Speaking at a meeting of the Federalism Strengthening and National Concerns Committee on Friday, he said the Ministry of Home Affairs is actively working to maintain law and order and to safeguard the lives and property of citizens. He emphasized that the ministry is focused on preventing and controlling crime, ensuring thorough investigations when crimes occur, and prosecuting offenders in accordance with the law.
Schools shut across Nepal after student-called education strike
Schools across Nepal remained closed on Friday following a nationwide education strike called by the student wing close to the majority faction of the CPN (Maoist), All Nepal National Free Students Union (Revolutionary), led by Dharmendra Bastola. Many private schools had notified parents via SMS on Thursday evening about the closure, but some failed to do so, resulting in children showing up at school only to be sent back home. The one-day educational strike was announced by ANNFSU (Revolutionary) to press the government on several demands, including ensuring free education, ending the growing privatization of education, and the urgent passage of the long-awaited Education Act.
Govt spends Rs 1,523 billion, earns Rs 1,219 billion in FY 2024/25
Both revenue collection and budget expenditure fell short of annual targets in the fiscal year 2024/25, according to data published by the Financial Comptroller General Office (FCGO). Out of the total budget of Rs 1,860.30 billion for the fiscal year, the government spent Rs 1,523.11 billion by the end of Ashad (July 16, 2025), which is 81.87% of the target. Under the current expenditure heading, Rs 1,140.66 billion had been allocated, of which Rs 980.28 billion was spent—accounting for 85.95% of the target. In terms of capital expenditure, only 63.2% was utilized, with Rs 222.68 billion spent out of the allocated Rs 352.35 billion.
Final report on Saurya Airlines crash made public
The government has officially released the final investigation report on the Saurya Airlines plane crash involving aircraft 9N–AME (CRJ-200). The report was handed over to Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey by the chair of the investigation commission, Ratish Chandralal Suman, during a formal event held at the ministry on Friday. Accepting the report, Minister Pandey said the investigation was conducted without any assumptions or external pressure, and pledged that the ministry would fully implement the commission’s recommendations.
Govt misses both revenue and spending targets in FY 2024/25
The government failed to meet both its revenue and expenditure targets in the fiscal year 2024/25, according to data released by the Office of the Financial Comptroller General (OFCG). The government’s revenue collection reached only 82 percent of the annual target, while expenditure stood at just under 82 percent of the budgeted amount. For the fiscal year, the government had announced a budget of NPR 1.86 trillion. However, by the end of Ashar (mid-July), total spending stood at Rs 1.523 trillion, which is 81.87 percent of the planned expenditure.
Bidya Bhandari barred from participating as UML Statute Convention representative
Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari will not be allowed to participate as a representative in the CPN-UML’s upcoming statute convention. The party’s Secretariat meeting on Thursday passed a proposal restricting representative status only to those who were delegates at the 10th statute convention, barring Bhandari’s entry into the event. Following the meeting, UML Deputy General Secretary Pradeep Gyawali clarified that only individuals who were part of the 10th statute convention would serve as official representatives.
Bhim Rawal criticizes UML’s new structure, accuses Oli of power grab
The recent Secretariat meeting of the CPN-UML has sparked a wave of internal dissent and public commentary after endorsing key structural and leadership changes, most notably strengthening the authority of party chair KP Sharma Oli. The meeting proposed major amendments to be presented at the upcoming statute convention, including potential removal of term limits and the existing 70-year age cap for leadership positions. It also endorsed a restructured leadership model with a 15-member officer panel and a 25-member Standing Committee.
UML removes age and term limits for party leadership
The ruling CPN-UML has endorsed a proposal to remove the 70-year age limit and the two-term restriction for party leadership positions. The decision was made during a party secretariat meeting held last night under the leadership of UML Chair and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. According to UML leader Pradeep Gyawali, these changes were finalized as part of the statute amendment proposal presented by Vice-Chairman Bishnu Prasad Paudel in preparation for the party’s second statute convention. The UML’s statute convention is scheduled to take place from September 5 to 7 in Lalitpur.
House committee tells govt to speed-up construction of Kalanki–Maharajgunj road
The Infrastructure Development Committee under the House of Representatives has directed the government to ensure timely completion of the Kalanki–Maharajgunj section of the Kathmandu Ring Road. In a meeting held on Friday at Singha Durbar, the committee expressed concern over the sluggish progress of the project and instructed the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport to take prompt action to complete construction within the planned timeframe. The committee also called for the addition of necessary infrastructure, including an underpass in the Kalanki–Maharajgunj stretch, and directed the government to swiftly complete its responsibilities related to the project.
Federal treasury faces Rs 204 billion deficit as fiscal year ends
Nepal’s federal treasury has recorded a deficit of over Rs 204 billion at the close of the fiscal year, according to the Ministry of Finance. Data from the ministry shows that as of the end of the fiscal year, the federal consolidated fund was in deficit by Rs 204.95 billion. At the beginning of the year, the deficit stood at Rs 224.99 billion, indicating an improvement of over Rs 20 billion during the year. Despite the narrowing of the deficit, the gap remains significant. Over the last fiscal year, the government collected Rs 1.178 trillion in revenue.
RSP respects decisions of the court: Dr. Swarnim Wagle
Dr. Swarnim Wagle, Vice Chair of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and Member of Parliament from Tanahun Constituency No. 1, has stated that the party has always respected the decisions made by the judiciary. Speaking at a cadre meeting held in Shuklagandaki Municipality-4, Tanahun, Wagle clarified that the signature campaign initiated by the party was not intended to influence the judiciary.
NTB approves Rs 1.59 billion budget for new fiscal year
The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) has approved a budget of Rs 1.59 billion for the fiscal year 2025/26 with the aim of revitalizing the country’s tourism sector and establishing Nepal as a safe, reliable, and attractive destination in the global tourism community. The budget was approved during the NTB Executive Committee meeting held on July 15. Budget subcommittee coordinator Rishiram Bhandari said this year’s financial plan reflects the board’s ambitious roadmap for sustainable growth and revitalization of Nepal’s tourism.
Gold and silver prices up
The price of both gold and silver has gone up on Friday. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of gold has gone up by Rs 200 per tola. With this, the price of gold has been set at Rs 192,500 per tola. Similarly, the price of silver has gone up by Rs 15 and is being sold at Rs 2,280 per tola.
Gyanendra Shahi and Kulman Ghising to receive Global Hero Award in New York
Nepali youth leader Gyanendra Shahi and former Nepal Electricity Authority Managing Director Kulman Ghising have been named recipients of this year’s prestigious Global Hero Award. The award will be presented at a special ceremony on July 27 in New York City, organized by Global Nepali, a diaspora-led initiative that annually honors individuals who have made significant contributions to Nepal. Shahi, currently the Chief Whip of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), is recognized for his active advocacy against corruption, good governance, and public accountability. Known as a youth leader and social campaigner, he has consistently raised issues affecting citizens’ daily lives.
Nepali carpets begin export to third countries via Birgunj Dry Port
In a significant boost to Nepal’s manufacturing and export sector, Prestige Carpet Industries, based in the Bara-Parsa Industrial Corridor, has begun exporting its carpets to third countries beyond India. The company recently dispatched 30,000 square meters of carpet—worth approximately Rs 10 million—to markets including the United Arab Emirates, Kenya, and the United States, through the Birgunj dry port. Previously limited to exports within India, the company’s successful foray into new international markets marks a major milestone.
New cycle trail boosts adventure tourism in Mustang
An eight-kilometer cycle trail has been completed connecting Gharpajhong-4 Jomsom to Baragung Muktikshetra-5 Dharkajung in Mustang. The Tourism and Industry Office, Mustang, confirmed that the trail was built with a budget of Rs 2 million to promote tourism and encourage longer tourist stays in the region. Prem Poudel, Chief of the Tourism and Industry Office, explained that the trail was developed by upgrading an existing road and opening a new two-kilometer track.
Water Supply Department achieves 90% financial progress
The Department of Water Supply and Sewerage Management under the Ministry of Water Supply has reported significant financial performance for the recently concluded fiscal year, achieving a financial progress rate of 90.10%. This marks a notable improvement compared to the previous fiscal year, when progress stood at only 63%. According to figures made public by the department on Thursday, the success is attributed to timely implementation of plans, enhanced monitoring, policy-level guidance, and strengthened inter-agency coordination.
Stock market defies economic slowdown and records highest-ever turnover in FY 2024/25
At a time when key sectors of Nepal’s economy remain sluggish, the country’s stock market has posted a historic high in turnover, marking a record-breaking fiscal year 2024/25. According to Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE), securities worth Rs. 2.12 trillion were traded in the secondary market during the year, a 189.23 percent increase compared to the Rs. 734 billion turnover recorded in the previous fiscal year 2023/24. This is the highest annual transaction in NEPSE’s history, surpassing the earlier record of Rs. 1.45 trillion seen in FY 2020/21.
Infrastructure Development Office established in Diktel
The Koshi Province Government has established an Infrastructure Development Office in Hatdanda, Diktel Bazaar, under Rupakot Majhuwagadhi Municipality-1, aiming to expedite and enhance the quality of development projects in Khotang district. The decision was made during a recent Council of Ministers meeting, which resolved to set up such offices in all 14 districts of Koshi Province.
Land Revenue offices collect Rs 51.42 billion in FY 2024/25
Land Revenue Offices across Nepal collected an impressive Rs 51.42 billion in revenue during the fiscal year 2081/82 BS (2024/25), according to the Ministry of Land Reform, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation. The amount reflects the critical role of land administration in national revenue generation and showcases notable improvement in the ministry’s overall performance. Minister Balaram Adhikari, highlighting the ministry’s achievements over the past year, stated that the impressive revenue collection was complemented by several reforms and initiatives across the land and cooperative sectors.
Tourist arrivals in Annapurna region up by 25 percent
The Annapurna region, a globally renowned trekking destination, saw a 25% increase in foreign tourist arrivals in fiscal year 2024/25 compared to the previous year. According to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), 278,113 foreign visitors entered the region, up from 222,180 the year before. Among them, 157,786 were from South Asian countries and 120,327 from other parts of the world.
NSU calls for unified, result-oriented student movement
The Nepal Student Union (NSU), the student wing of the Nepali Congress, has called on all student organizations to unite and pursue more constructive and creative forms of protest, following the shutdown of educational institutions due to a nationwide student strike. The appeal comes in response to Friday’s education strike initiated by the All Nepal National Free Students Union (Revolutionary), the student wing aligned with the majority faction of the CPN (Maoist) led by Dharmendra Bastola. The strike led to the closure of schools across the Kathmandu Valley.
First aid treatment now available at 377 hospitals under health insurance scheme
Individuals enrolled in the Health Insurance Board’s program can now access first aid treatment from 377 hospitals across the country. Starting this July, insured patients can receive emergency care from hospitals designated as first aid points by the board, according to information officer Bikesh Malla. Previously, insured individuals were required to seek first aid only from specific health institutions designated by the board. Now, that restriction has been lifted, allowing greater flexibility.
Milk subsidy introduced as production incentive for farmers
The Veterinary Hospital and Livestock Service Expert Center in Syangja has provided a subsidy of Rs. 5 per liter to local groups and cooperatives that meet specific milk production criteria. Under this production-based incentive program, cooperatives collecting at least 200 liters of milk daily for 200 days a year were eligible for support. According to Rupesh Shrestha, Chief of the Veterinary and Livestock Service Expert Center, Rs. 1 million was distributed as an incentive for 200,000 liters of milk produced in the fiscal year 2024/25.
Grants distributed to industries adopting energy efficiency measures
Rastriya Banijya Bank Limited has distributed financial grants to 10 industries that have adopted energy efficiency measures. In a program held at the bank’s office in Kathmandu today, grants totaling approximately Rs. 29 million were awarded in the first phase to industries that implemented key energy-saving strategies identified through energy audits. These energy efficiency measures are projected to save approximately 36,788 megawatt-hours of electricity annually over the long term. The savings are expected to contribute significantly to Nepal’s climate commitments and the advancement of sustainable industrial development.
Prabhu Helicopter to issue IPO, vows enhanced service quality
Prabhu Helicopter has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering safe, high-quality, and passenger-friendly flight services. On the occasion of its 10th anniversary, the company announced plans to further strengthen its operations while also preparing to issue an Initial Public Offering (IPO) to the general public. Speaking at the anniversary celebration, Chairman Subhash Amatya expressed gratitude to stakeholders, customers, and partners for their continued support over the past decade. He also pledged to enhance service quality in the years ahead.
Prachanda pledges to help resolve issues of Hetauda Cement Industry
Maoist Centre Chairperson and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has pledged to take necessary initiatives to address the problems facing the Hetauda Cement Industry. Receiving a memorandum from representatives of the joint trade union at the party’s headquarters in Parisdanda on Thursday, Chair Dahal said he would make every possible effort to help resolve the challenges confronting the state-owned enterprise.
Chief Minister Singh uses token system to access public services
Madhesh Province Chief Minister Satish Kumar Singh accessed public services through the token system at the District Administration Office in Saptari today. He received a copy of his citizenship certificate from the District Administration Office in Rajbiraj and later applied for a national identity card, standing in line like the general public, according to his Press Advisor, Awadhesh Kumar Jha.
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