KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Former President Bhandari affirms UML membership renewal
Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari confirmed on Sunday that she had already renewed her party membership with CPN-UML, amid escalating tensions within the party regarding her potential return to active politics.
She made the remark outside the UML central office in Chyasal after holding nearly two hours of one-on-one talks with party chair and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. The meeting came amid internal discord over Bhandari’s political comeback, with Oli’s faction reportedly attempting to block her reentry into the party’s central fold.
PM urges public to stay safe amid heavy rainfall forecast
rime Minister (PM) KP Sharma Oli has urged the public to avoid long-distance travel unless necessary and to remain in safe locations, following a forecast of widespread rainfall across the country. Taking to social media on Sunday morning, PM Oli stated: “The Meteorological Department has predicted heavy rainfall in various parts of the country this afternoon. I request everyone to follow updates from security agencies and exercise caution to avoid weather-related disasters. Please refrain from non-essential travel and stay in safe places. I also instruct security personnel to remain on high alert.” According to meteorologists, rainfall has been ongoing in several regions since Saturday night.
PM Oli likely to visit India on September 16
Prime Minister (PM) KP Sharma Oli is set to visit India on September 16 at the invitation of his Indian counterpart, Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two-day visit, considered one of the shortest official visits to India by a Nepali prime minister, will conclude on September 17, with the delegation returning to Kathmandu the following day. Sources at the Prime Minister’s Office have indicated that the visit will focus on enhancing bilateral ties, continuing previous understandings, and advancing selected new projects.
Shekhar Koirala holds meeting with MPs close to him
Nepali Congress (NC) leader Dr. Shekhar Koirala held a meeting with Members of Parliament (MPs) close to him for internal discussions. The meeting was held at Hotel Yak & Yeti in Durbar Marg. In recent days, Koirala has stepped up consultations with leaders both within and outside the party. He met with former President Bidya Devi Bhandari and Maoist Center Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ at their residences recently. According to leaders close to him, Koirala is also in talks with top leaders of other political parties.
Fire breaks out at grocery store in Jhapukuna, Humla
A fire has gutted a grocery store in Jhapukuna, Sarkegad Rural Municipality-4, Humla district. The zinc-roofed shop, owned by Mandev Shahi, was destroyed in the blaze early this morning, according to Deputy Superintendent of Police Shankar Pokharel of the District Police Office. The fire consumed goods including groceries, stationery, clothing, petrol, and other supplies. It was brought under control with the joint efforts of local residents and a police team from Sarkegad. Authorities have yet to determine the exact extent of the damage.
Landslides block two under-construction roads in Dhankuta
Two under-construction road sections in Dhankuta have been blocked due to landslides triggered by continuous rainfall. According to police, a landslide struck the Rabi–Rank–Bhedetar road section near Lumphakung in Pasanguri Gadhi Rural Municipality-5 on Sunday morning, bringing traffic to a complete halt. The slide, originating from a slope above the road, has rendered the route impassable. A team from the Danda Bazar Police Post has been deployed to the site to assess and support clearance efforts.
Parbat landslide: Missing elderly man found dead, wife still missing
The body of a 76-year-old man who went missing after a landslide buried his home in Langdi, Deurali of Modi Rural Municipality-3, has been recovered. Chhabilal Bishwakarma and his wife, Bishnumati, both 76, were reported missing after their house was swept away by the landslide late Saturday night. According to Inspector Ram Prasad Sapkota of the District Police Office, Parbat, Chhabilal’s body was found during a search operation on Sunday morning.
Man run over by vehicle rolling backward
A 21-year-old man died after being accidentally run over by a parked vehicle that rolled backward in Deukhuri. Rajesh Kumar Baniya of Sunkholi, Lamahi Municipality-5, was critically injured when a pickup truck (Lu 3 Cha 4814) parked in front of his house moved backward after a support placed under its rear tire was removed, according to Deputy Superintendent of Police Chakra Bahadur Shah of the District Police Office. Baniya was immediately taken to Lamahi Hospital but succumbed to his injuries during treatment. Police have launched an investigation into the incident.
Journalist Prajapati found hanging after alleged threat from Mayor
Journalist Rabindra Prajapati was found hanging at his residence in Katahariya Municipality-5, Rautahat, last evening. The 30-year-old was immediately rushed to the hospital after family members cut him down, but doctors pronounced him dead on arrival. According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Rajan Karki of the Area Police Office, Garuda, the body has been sent to Gaur Hospital for postmortem examination. Prajapati was associated with Garuda Musical FM as a newsreader and also contributed news reports to local newspapers.
Heavy rainfall recorded across country: 151 mm in Lumle, Kaski
Various parts of the country have experienced heavy to very heavy rainfall over the past 12 hours, with the highest recorded in Lumle, Kaski at 151 mm, according to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology. Other significant rainfall measurements include 130 mm in Sunsari, and 121 mm each in Dhankuta and Maipokhari, Ilam. The Department classified the rainfall in these four areas as “extremely heavy,” while many other districts also recorded substantial precipitation.
Meteorologist Sanjeev Adhikari from the department’s Weather Forecasting Division said eastern Nepal has seen the most rainfall so far, but the system is now shifting toward central and western regions. He noted that the rain is expected to persist until tomorrow before gradually subsiding.
Gold price rises by Rs 800 per tola
The price of gold increased by Rs 800 per tola in the local market on Sunday, the first trading day of the week, according to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers. Gold was traded at Rs 193,300 per tola today, up from Rs 192,500 per tola last Friday. Similarly, the price of silver stood at Rs 2,285 per tola.
Giri challenges dismissal, accuses RPP chair of arbitrary action
Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Vice Chair Mukunda Shyam Giri, who was removed from his post on Friday, has filed a legal challenge at the Election Commission (EC) against the decision taken by party Chairperson Rajendra Lingden. Giri, who was nominated as Vice Chair and also served as a central committee member, accused Lingden of acting unilaterally in removing him from both positions. “Such decisions should go through the Central Working Committee and be forwarded to the Disciplinary Committee first,” Giri said. “Only if the Disciplinary Committee finds the response unsatisfactory after investigation should the matter be sent back to the Central Committee for a final decision.”
Parbat landslide: Bodies of elderly couple recovered
The bodies of a couple buried in a landslide at Langdi in Modi Rural Municipality-3, Deurali in Parbat district, have been recovered. According to the District Police Office, the victims have been identified as Chhabilal Bishwakarma and his 76-year-old wife, Bishnumati. The couple lost their lives in the landslide that occurred last night. Continuous rainfall since last night has caused rivers in the region—including the Modi, Pati, Seti, Malyangdi, Lamae Khola, and Kaligandaki—to swell significantly.
Floods and landslides block major roads in Panchthar
Several roads in Panchthar, including the Mechi Highway, Pushpalal (Mid-Hill) Highway, and the Tamor Corridor, have been blocked due to flooding triggered by continuous rainfall. The Mechi Highway was obstructed after floodwaters from the Hewa River damaged a diversion built in place of a bailey bridge that had been swept away by a previous flood last year. The Hewa River lies on the border of Phidim Municipality and Hilihang Rural Municipality. According to Police Inspector Rupesh Tamang of the District Police Office, Panchthar, the floodwaters have risen above the diversion, halting all vehicular movement.
Jomsom-Korala road blocked due to flood and landslide
The Jomsom-Korala road connecting Upper Mustang has been completely obstructed since this morning due to landslides and flooding caused by continuous rainfall. According to the District Police Office, Mustang, the road has been blocked by flooding in the Tangwekhola rivulet and a landslide near the Mustang Gate at Chhusang, Baragung Muktichhetra-3. Police Inspector Bishal Adhikari, the Information Officer at the DPO, said that around 30 meters of the road has been severely damaged by a mudslide and debris flow, making the route impassable.
Landslides and floods obstruct major roads nationwide
Continuous rainfall since Saturday evening has triggered floods and landslides, completely blocking 11 major highways across the country, according to the Police Headquarters. The affected routes include the Koshi Highway in Sankhuwasabha, Mechi Highway and Tamor Corridor in Panchthar, and the Mid-Hill Highway in Panchthar. Similarly, the Pasang-Lhamu Highway in Rasuwa, Kaligandaki Corridor in Baglung, Jomsom-Lomanthang Road in Mustang, Shahid Highway in Rolpa, Jajarkot-Dolpa Bheri Corridor in Rukum West, and Mahakali Highway in Baitadi have also been obstructed.
Work delays leave Ring Road section covered in grass
The second section of the Ring Road expansion, stretching from Kalanki to Sukedhara, is now overgrown with grass and weeds due to delays in construction. The ongoing monsoon has accelerated vegetation growth, covering large portions of the road. While service lanes have been completed in some sections, progress on the main carriageway remains stalled. Despite several studies and design works carried out by a Chinese technical team under the Chinese government’s assistance, the remaining construction has yet to be completed. Currently, both sides of the road from Kalanki to Narayan Gopal Chowk are lined with grass and weeds, giving the appearance of neglect. Similarly, the 700-meter stretch from Narayan Gopal Chowk to the Chappal Karkhana is seeing only sluggish progress.
Work resumes on Dhulikhel-Khawa road section after three-year halt
The upgrade of the Dhulikhel-Khawa road section along the Araniko Highway, which had been stalled for the past three years, is finally set to resume. The Road Division Office, Bhaktapur, has invited bids for the construction of the four-kilometer stretch after terminating the previous contract due to the contractor’s negligence. Senior Divisional Engineer Suman Yogesh said the bidding process aims to start construction early in the current fiscal year. The new contract will cover a 14-month completion period, with a budget of Rs 420 million.
Road upgrade begins to connect three religious sites in Beni
Road upgrading has commenced to connect three significant religious sites—Galeshwor, Pulashram (Pachai), and Jagannath—in Beni Municipality of Myagdi district. Galeshwor serves as the gateway to Muktinath, a revered pilgrimage destination for both Hindus and Buddhists. Pulashram, also known as Pachai, is believed to be the birthplace of Ravana from the Hindu epic Ramayana, and a place where sages once meditated and gained spiritual knowledge. Jagannath is home to a Shikhar-style (peak-style) temple built by the former King of Parbat, Dilip Bam Malla. According to Chakra KC, Chairperson of Beni-9, the road is being upgraded by the Gandaki Provincial Government to facilitate pilgrims traveling to Mustang via Myagdi and to encourage longer stays while also benefiting local residents.
Barahatal in Bhakunde emerging as popular destination for domestic tourists
Barahatal, a scenic lake located in Bhakunde near Baglung Bazaar, is fast becoming a favored destination for domestic tourists. Nestled amid lush green farmlands, the tranquil setting is drawing increasing footfall, particularly from young visitors. Bhakunde, often referred to as a tourist village in Baglung, has earned recognition for its homestays offering organic local cuisine. Located in Ward No. 10 of Baglung Municipality, Barahatal can be reached via a one-hour hike from Baglung Bazaar. The area has undergone significant transformation with the development of tourism infrastructure.
Eight municipalities in Lamjung rely on a single fire engine
Lamjung, a hilly district in Gandaki Province, is dependent on just one fire engine to serve all eight of its municipalities. Despite the ever-present risk of fire outbreaks, only Besisahar Municipality currently operates a fire engine, leaving the remaining three municipalities and four rural municipalities vulnerable. The lack of firefighting resources has made it difficult to respond promptly to fire incidents, often resulting in delays that hinder effective control and increase damage to property.
Drought dries up water taps, tankers provide temporary relief
A worsening drinking water crisis has gripped the Musahar settlements in Matiyarwa and Milan Chowk areas of Lahan Municipality-1 and 2, as prolonged drought and declining groundwater levels have caused water taps and hand pumps to dry up. In response, local youths, in coordination with the Division Forest Office, Lahan, have begun distributing water via tankers. Youth activist Om Prakash Yadav said that around 10,000 liters of water were delivered to the affected settlements over Friday and Saturday. “The daily lives of the people in these Musahar communities were becoming increasingly difficult. Instead of waiting for a government plan, we took the initiative and arranged for water tankers ourselves,” Yadav said, adding that water distribution would continue today as well.
Okely releases new song ‘Swarga Mero’
Singer Anish Sapkota, popularly known as ‘Okely’, has released a new song titled ‘Swarga Mero‘. Known for his earlier hits like “Meri Okely” and “Jhyaalbaata Hera”, ‘Okely’ has written, composed, and performed the new track himself. He said, “I’ve always wanted to create a love song, and that wish has come true with ‘Swarga Mero’. It portrays an imagined world of love. I composed it after careful thought and reflection.”
Shankhamchuli–Dimalung trail opens as Hatuwagadhi’s new tourist attraction
The Jor Ahal–Shankhamchuli–Dimalung hiking trail in Hatuwagadhi Rural Municipality in Bhojpur has emerged as a new attraction for trekkers and nature lovers. With the construction of a five-and-a-half-kilometer trail spanning the naturally scenic and historically significant Hatuwa area, the region is now being promoted as a key tourism destination. According to Mahesh Niraula, Chief Administrative Officer of Hatuwagadhi Rural Municipality, the trail was developed to position the area as a major tourist hub and generate local economic opportunities through increased internal and external tourism.
Dhorpatan blooms with colorful wildflowers, draws monsoon tourists
Colorful flowers in a peaceful setting, shifting weather, and a cool climate have made Dhorpatan a uniquely appealing destination during the rainy season. Adorned with vibrant wildflowers, Dhorpatan is arguably more enjoyable now than in any other season. While tourist activity tends to slow down across most regions during the monsoon, Dhorpatan in Baglung has turned into a hub of excitement for visitors.
Elephant invasions spark fear and crisis
In a terrifying midnight incident on July 18, an elephant attack left a family homeless and without food in Domilla, Krishnapur Municipality-1 in Kanchanpur. It was around 1:00 AM when Mansara Devi Saud was asleep with her son in the inner room of their thatched house. Suddenly, the wall shook violently. “At first, I thought it was an earthquake,” she recalled. “But when I stepped outside, I saw a massive shadow—it was an elephant. I didn’t have time to think. I grabbed my son and ran to a neighbor’s house. We were lucky to survive. The elephant had broken the wall where we were sleeping. I just prayed we would be saved.”
One dead from electrocution in Okhaldhunga
A man died on the spot after being electrocuted in Kuibhir, Chisankhugadhi Rural Municipality-1, Okhaldhunga last night. According to police, Chandra Rai of Solukhumbu, aged around 30, died at around 10 p.m. on Shrawan 3. Rai, a resident of Nechasalyan Rural Municipality-4, was staying at his aunt Chandramaya Rai’s house while en route to Diktel in Khotang. He was reportedly electrocuted while handling an MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) switch following heavy rain and a thunderstorm.
Dengue cases surge in Chitwan
Chitwan district reported 3,889 dengue infections in the last fiscal year, with only one fatality, according to the Public Health Office. Of the total cases, 3,020 infections—1,548 men and 1,472 women—were recorded within the district, while 869 cases involved people who had arrived from other districts. Bharatpur Metropolitan City reported the highest number of infections, with 1,171 cases, followed by Ratnanagar Municipality with 907 cases.
Govt providing free testing and treatment for childhood diabetes: Health Minister Poudel
Minister for Health and Population Pradeep Poudel has said that the government is preparing to provide free diabetes testing and treatment for children across the country. Speaking at a diabetes screening and awareness program in Gaindakot, Nawalparasi (Bardaghat-Susta East), Minister Poudel shared that the initiative will soon be implemented in all seven provinces. “We are working to provide free testing and treatment for diabetes in children across the country,” he said. “There is a general belief that diabetes only affects older people, but children are also vulnerable to this disease.”
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