KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
NC rejects party President Thapa’s resignation
The Nepali Congress (NC) Central Working Committee has rejected the resignation of party President Gagan Kumar Thapa. A meeting held at the party’s central office in Sanepa on Friday decided not to accept the resignation that Thapa had submitted to Vice President Bishwa Prakash Sharma on Wednesday. The meeting, chaired by Vice President Sharma in the absence of Thapa, also discussed a preliminary review of the House of Representatives elections held on March 5, as well as preparations for the party’s 15th general convention. Joint General Secretary Bahadur Singh Lama confirmed that the committee had rejected Thapa’s resignation. The meeting was conducted without the president, with Vice President Sharma leading the proceedings.
RSP preparing to elect Balen Shah as parliamentary party leader ahead of PM swearing-in
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is preparing to elect Balen Shah as the leader of its parliamentary party ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of newly elected members of the House of Representatives scheduled for March 26. Shah, who joined the party ahead of the March 5 election, is set to be formally endorsed as the parliamentary party leader. The party had already declared him its prime ministerial candidate during the election campaign. Party leaders said the RSP will move ahead with government formation only after electing Shah as the parliamentary party leader. Preparations are also underway to finalize the ministerial lineup before the government is formed. Following the oath-taking of lawmakers on March 26, Shah is expected to take the oath of office as prime minister on either March 27 or 28.
Newly elected HoR members told to arrive two hours early for March 26 oath
The Federal Parliament Secretariat has issued a notice regarding the swearing-in ceremony of newly elected members of the House of Representatives. According to a notice published on Thursday, the oath-taking ceremony will be held on March 26. The secretariat has called on all newly elected lawmakers to attend the ceremony at the multipurpose hall of the under-construction federal parliament building in Singha Durbar at 2 pm. Lawmakers have been instructed to arrive at the venue at least two hours prior to the ceremony. The notice states that the swearing-in has been arranged in accordance with Article 88 and Clause (5) of Article 91 of the Constitution of Nepal as well as Section 75 of the House of Representatives Member Election Act 2017.
RSP begins discussions on potential Cabinet members
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has begun internal discussions on potential members of the upcoming Council of Ministers. The discussions moved forward on Friday following a meeting held Thursday evening at a hotel in Kathmandu among party Chair Rabi Lamichhane, senior leader Balen Shah, Vice Chairs Swarnim Wagle and DP Aryal. According to a party leader, both Lamichhane and Shah have proposed the same candidate for a few ministries, while discussions are ongoing regarding candidates for several other portfolios. “Both leaders have proposed the same individual for some ministries, while discussions are continuing regarding candidates for other ministries. During Thursday’s meeting, leaders also discussed appointing individuals with strong legal understanding to key parliamentary responsibilities, including ministerial positions, deputy leader of the parliamentary party, chief whip, and whip. Alongside Cabinet formation, party leaders are also holding discussions on candidates for Speaker, chief whip, whip, and the deputy leader of the parliamentary party.
Bishwa Prakash blames NC-UML govt for election defeat
The Nepali Congress (NC) has attributed its defeat in the March 5 House of Representatives elections to the performance of the coalition government with the CPN-UML. Presenting an election review report at the party’s Central Working Committee meeting on Friday, NC Vice President Bishwaprakash Sharma said the Nepali Congress-UML alliance failed to meet public expectations after forming the government. “The formation of a government by the two major parties had raised hopes for swift and effective governance,” the report states. “However, the government’s performance remained average and failed to inspire new confidence among citizens.”
Final classification of Gen-Z protest injured to be held on April 3
The District Administration Office, Kathmandu, has issued a final notice regarding the classification of individuals injured during the Gen-Z protest held on September 8-9, 2025. According to Assistant Chief District Officer Muktiram Rijal, the Classification Facilitation Committee, led by the Chief District Officer, had already classified most of the injured from incidents in accordance with the Procedures for Classification of Gen-Z Protest Injured, 2082. In a public notice, the office stated that the final classification of those who were unable to be assessed earlier due to various reasons will be conducted on April 3.
Gold price drops Rs 7,800 per tola, falls below Rs 300,000
The price of gold in the domestic market fell sharply on Friday, dropping by Rs 7,800 per tola to fall below the Rs 300,000 mark. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, gold is being traded at Rs 294,500 per tola, down from Rs 302,300 on Thursday. Silver prices also declined, falling by Rs 115 per tola. The federation has fixed the price of silver at Rs 4,895 per tola, compared to Rs 5,010 on Thursday. Despite the recent drop, precious metal prices remain elevated compared to previous years. With Friday’s decline, gold prices have fallen by around Rs 45,000 per tola from their record high.
Landslide blocks Kanti Lokpath
A landslide has completely obstructed the Kantilokpath road at Gangate in Bhimphedi Rural Municipality-8, Makawanpur, disrupting traffic along the Hetauda–Kathmandu route. According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Pushkar Bogati, spokesperson for the District Police Office, Makawanpur, the landslide occurred at around 5:00 pm amid rainfall, blocking the road entirely.
Nepali youth Amrit Jha detained by Iranian forces
Amid rising tensions between Iran and Israel, a Nepali youth has been detained by Iranian security forces in the strategic Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf region. The Iranian authorities reportedly seized control of a commercial ship and took Amrit Jha, a resident of Dhanusha, into custody. At a press briefing on Friday, Ramkaji Khadka, head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ West Asia Division, confirmed that all crew members aboard the vessel, including Jha, have been detained by Iranian forces. Jha was employed as a technical staff member on the ship. Iranian Revolutionary Guards claimed the ship had alleged ties to Israel when they took control of it in the Strait of Hormuz.
Arjun Narsingh KC stakes claim for NC parliamentary party leader
Senior leader Arjun Narsingh KC of the Nepali Congress has staked his claim for the post of parliamentary party leader in the House of Representatives. Speaking upon arrival at the party’s central working committee meeting in Sanepa, Lalitpur, on Friday, KC said his candidacy for the position was a natural progression based on seniority and experience. KC, who is also the father-in-law of party president Gagan Kumar Thapa, said his long parliamentary career and contributions justify his claim to the role. He argued that it is a natural process for a leader with extensive legislative experience to seek the position, highlighting his active involvement in parliamentary affairs since the restoration of democracy in 1990.
38,000 students from Karnali to appear SEE this year
Around 38,000 students from Karnali Province are appearing in the Secondary Education Examination (SEE) 2026, which begins on March 30. A total of 38,379 students are participating in the exams, including 32,255 regular candidates and 6,124 appearing for grade improvement. The examinations are being conducted across 161 centers in all 10 districts of the province, according to Khim Prasad Dhakal, Information Officer and Chief of the Examination Branch at the Education Development Directorate, Surkhet. Surkhet has the highest number of candidates, with 9,779 students sitting for the exams, while Dolpa has the lowest at 674 students across four centers.
Health Ministry introduces guideline to promote gender-responsive budgeting
The Ministry of Health and Population Nepal has introduced a gender-responsive budgeting guideline aimed at promoting gender equality in the health sector and ensuring inclusive health services. The guideline requires gender perspectives to be integrated at every stage of health service planning, budgeting, implementation, and monitoring. According to the ministry, the initiative seeks to reduce inequalities among women, men, children, and other vulnerable groups while ensuring equal access to health services for all. Officials said the system is not solely focused on women but is designed to address the diverse needs of all citizens through fair and equitable allocation of resources. It is expected to help assess the gender impact of decisions from budget allocation to expenditure.
Rain triggers heavy traffic in Kathmandu Valley
Several areas of the Kathmandu Valley experienced heavy traffic congestion following rainfall that began late this afternoon. Traffic authorities said they faced difficulties managing the situation as waterlogging and reduced visibility affected road conditions. Superintendent of Police Naresh Raj Subedi of the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office said traffic jams were reported in Koteshwor and other major intersections across the city. Roads in areas such as Maitighar, Putalisadak, and Tinkune were inundated with drain water, worsening conditions for vehicles.
Department fines two firms for illegal trade practices
The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection has fined two firms for engaging in illegal business activities. Following irregularities found during on-site inspections, Jamaktel Pharma in Sinamangal, Kathmandu Metropolitan City, was fined Rs 200,000. Similarly, Khwopa Hardware in Sallaghari, Bhaktapur, was fined Rs 20,000. Both firms were penalized under the Consumer Protection Act, 2075 BS. The Department has also issued corrective directives to 11 other firms. It has been carrying out regular market monitoring in coordination with local administration, consumer rights activists, and other stakeholders.
Twenty-six arrested across the country with drugs
A police team on routine patrol has arrested 26 individuals from various locations in possession of drugs. According to the Central Police Newsroom, an Indian national arriving from Bangkok on a Nepal Airlines flight was caught at Tribhuvan International Airport’s arrivals hall with five kilograms of marijuana. In separate operations, one person was arrested in Kathmandu Metropolitan City-32, Narefant; two in Nagarjun Municipality-6, Sharanpurchowk, with 73 kilograms of marijuana; one in Urlabari Municipality-7, Bargachhi, Morang; five in Bidur Municipality-1, Trishuli, Nuwakot; and one in Pokhara Municipality-27, Sainikbasti. Additionally, eight people were arrested with brown heroin in Akkal Gharu, Kohalpur Municipality-15, Banke; one in Dhorpur of the same municipality; one in Birendranagar Municipality-12, Surkhet; and five in Gaunbesi Tole, Ghorahi Sub-metropolitan City-18, Dang.
Heavy rain in Bajura, snowfall in high-altitude areas
Continuous rainfall has been recorded in Bajura since this morning, accompanied by snowfall in the district’s high-altitude areas. The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has warned of heavy rain and snowfall in the hilly and mountainous districts of Sudurpaschim Province. Acting Chief District Officer Laxman Pudasaini reported that mountainous areas and settlements in Badimalika, Budhiganga Triveni, Budhinanda Municipality, Himali, Khaptad Chhededah, Gaumul, Swamikartik, and Jagannath Rural Municipality have been affected by snowfall.
Chariot construction begins for Seto Machhindranath Jatra
Construction of the chariot for the annual Seto Machhindranath Jatra has begun at the Tindhara Pathshala in Jamal, according to the Seto Machhindranath Management Committee. The festival, one of the important cultural traditions of the Kathmandu Valley, involves a chariot procession carrying the idol of Arya Avalokiteshvara (Karunamaya), who is worshipped as the deity of rain and prosperity. Traditionally, the chariot is paraded through different parts of the city so that elderly people and devotees who cannot travel far can receive the deity’s blessings. As the chariot festival is scheduled to begin on March 26 this year, construction started from Tritiya in line with tradition.
Tourist arrivals rise in Chitwan National Park
Tourist arrivals at Chitwan National Park have increased this year compared to the previous fiscal year, with an additional 12,412 visitors recorded over the first 11 months. A total of 168,695 tourists visited the park and its buffer zone community forests during the review period, up from 156,283 in the same period last year. According to Information Officer Abinash Thapa Magar, 14,096 Nepali tourists visited the park by the end of Falgun, compared to 81,246 last year. Similarly, 9,544 visitors from SAARC countries and 55,055 from other countries toured the park this year, down from 14,207 and 60,830 respectively in the previous year.
KMC, Nepal Eye Hospital sign deal to screen 20,000 students
Kathmandu Metropolitan City and Nepal Eye Hospital have signed an agreement to conduct eye screening for 20,000 students in the Kathmandu Valley. The agreement was signed on Thursday during a program in Kathmandu by Chief of the Health Department at Kathmandu Metropolitan City Deepak Kumar KC and Chief Executive Officer of Nepal Eye Hospital Dharmaraj Gosai. Under the agreement, the metropolitan city will provide Rs 3 million to the hospital for the program. As part of the initiative, specialist doctors will conduct eye examinations of 20,000 students from at least 30 schools. Students requiring treatment will also be provided with medicines and eyeglasses as needed.
PM Sushila Karki visits Janaki Mandir in Janakpurdham
Prime Minister Sushila Karki visited the renowned Janaki Mandir was welcomed by the chief priest Ram Tapeshwar Das and his successor Ram Roshan Das, who presented her with a flower garland and prasad. Temple priests also performed a traditional blessing ceremony. After the rituals, Prime Minister Karki observed the temple surroundings and received briefings on its management and significance. Speaking to reporters afterward, she described her visit as a purely religious journey. Highlighting the importance of Janakpurdham as a major religious and cultural center in Nepal, she emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting and promoting religious and historical heritage across the country.
Over 1,000 treated in Bajura health camp
A five-day mobile health camp targeting uterine prolapse and cervical cancer has been conducted in Himali Rural Municipality of the district. More than 1,000 people from all seven wards received treatment during the camp, according to Health Section Chief Raj Bahadur Bhandari. The camps were organized in Dhulachaur (wards 4, 6, and 7), Kuwadi (ward 5), and Bichhyan (wards 1, 2, and 3). Health workers, including specialist doctors, treated patients for reproductive health issues such as uterine prolapse, white discharge, cancer, and anemia. During the camp, over 500 individuals were screened for uterine-related problems. A total of 148 patients received treatment for asthma, heart disease, kidney issues, and other non-communicable diseases. Similarly, 62 women underwent cervical cancer screening tests, while 14 people were tested for tuberculosis.
Gale damages banana plantations in Chitwan
A strong gale has caused significant damage to banana plantations across Chitwan, with preliminary estimates putting losses at over Rs 40 million. According to Mahesh Regmi, Chief of the National Agriculture Modernization Program Implementation Unit, affected areas were monitored over two days, covering 20 farms. The worst-hit locations include wards 7 and 23 of Bharatpur Metropolitan City, wards 5, 12, and 14 of Ratnanagar Municipality, ward 13 of Khairahani Municipality, and wards 2 to 5 of Kalika Municipality. Damage to plantations ranges from 1 percent to as high as 88 percent in some farms, with overall losses estimated at 43.35 percent.
Indian pilgrims throng Mahendranagar during Purnagiri fair
A large number of Indian pilgrims have flocked to Mahendranagar in Kanchanpur following the ongoing Purnagiri fair. According to religious belief, devotees visit the Purnagiri Mata temple in the Chure range of Uttarakhand’s Champawat district in India and then proceed to worship at Siddhanath Temple in Mahendranagar and Brahmadev, believing their wishes will be fulfilled. Although the fair has been underway since Phagu Purnima, the number of pilgrims has surged significantly since this morning. With thousands arriving, Nepal Police and the municipal police of Bhimdatta Municipality have intensified efforts to manage crowds in and around the temple area.
MRI service begins at Lumbini Provincial Hospital
Lumbini Provincial Hospital has launched MRI services from today, marking its 116th foundation day. The hospital, which serves the largest number of patients in western Nepal, introduced the service after installing an MRI machine with financial support from the provincial government. The service aims to improve healthcare quality by making better use of limited resources and addressing the growing number of patients. Chief Minister Chet Narayan Acharya inaugurated the facility, stating that efforts are underway to develop the hospital into a model institution providing effective and specialized healthcare services.
Forests Ministry outlines 100-day achievements
The Ministry of Forests and Environment has made public its achievements after completing 100 days under the leadership of Minister Madhav Prasad Chaulagain. The current interim government, formed following the Gen Z movement of September 8–9, 2025, has already fulfilled its key responsibility of conducting the House of Representatives elections on time, while also making progress in line with public expectations. Minister Chaulagain said that 58 major reforms related to policy, law, institutions, and programmes were implemented during this period.
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