KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Ambassador posts open for public application for first time, english proficiency compulsory
The government has, for the first time, opened a public call for applications to recommend candidates for ambassadorial appointments, introducing a competitive process for diplomatic postings. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that interested and eligible Nepali citizens can apply for ambassadorial positions until June 5. The ministry has also issued detailed guidelines outlining qualifications, eligibility conditions, and the scope of responsibilities for the post. According to the ministry, applicants must be at least 35 years old and must have completed a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. While higher academic qualifications and professional experience will be considered advantageous, the ministry has made it mandatory for candidates to have a good command of the English language, given the nature of diplomatic communication and international engagement.
Finance Minister Wagle briefs President Paudel on upcoming national budget
Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle briefed President Ram Chandra Paudel on the annual budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2026/27 on Thursday. Minister Wagle visited the President’s Office at Shital Niwas and informed the President about the annual estimates of revenue and expenditure for the next fiscal year. During the meeting, Wagle also handed over the Economic Survey 2025/26 and the Annual Status Review Report of Public Enterprises, both of which were recently presented in Parliament.
Speaker Aryal urges Nepalis abroad to return home
Speaker DP Aryal has urged Nepalis living abroad to return to the country. Speaker Aryal made the remarks while visiting the month-long Purushottam Festival being held at Narsingh Dham in Salyantar, Tripurasundari Rural Municipality-1 of Dhading district. Addressing a program organized at the festival venue, Aryal said the government remains fully committed to implementing and upholding the Constitution and laws of the country.
Pokhara Metropolitan City demolishes structures built on encroached public land
Pokhara Metropolitan City has used bulldozers to demolish structures built by encroaching on government land in the Prithvi Chowk Bus Park area of Ward No. 9. The metropolitan office said the action was carried out as part of its campaign to clear illegally occupied public land. Unauthorized sheds and other structures were removed in the presence of metropolitan officials, municipal police, and representatives of concerned authorities.
Business bodies urge government to address construction sector crisis amid rising fuel prices
Private sector umbrella organizations Confederation of Nepalese Industries and Nepal Chamber of Commerce have urged the government to address the growing financial and psychological pressure faced by construction entrepreneurs due to rising fuel prices triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. In separate statements issued on Thursday, both organizations called on the government to take immediate measures to support construction businesses and help keep the overall economy active. Construction entrepreneurs say sharp increases in the prices of diesel, kerosene, bitumen, construction materials, and transportation costs have pushed the industry to the brink of shutdown.
Floods and landslides block five roads; four highways operating one-way
Five roads across the country, including the BP Highway, were blocked due to increased risks of floods and landslides. According to police, the blocked roads include the BP Highway, Koshi Highway, Mid-Hill Highway, Beni–Jomsom road, and Hilsa–Simkot road. Police halted vehicular movement along the Khurkot–Nepalthok–Katunje Besi section of the BP Highway due to the risk of possible flooding. Similarly, the Hilsa–Simkot road remained closed following fears of landslides. In Panchthar, the Mid-Hill Highway was obstructed at three locations due to floods and landslides. Meanwhile, traffic on the Beni–Jomsom road section in Myagdi is operating one-way only. Likewise, vehicles are moving on a one-way basis along sections of the Mid-Hill Highway and Koshi Highway in Bhojpur and Sankhuwasabha due to flood- and landslide-related disruptions.
Rabindra Dhant advances to Road to UFC semifinals with knockout win
Nepali fighter Rabindra Dhant has advanced to the semifinals of Road to UFC Season 5 after a dominant knockout victory in Macau, China. Competing in the bantamweight division quarterfinal, Dhant defeated Filipino fighter Kimbert Alintozon in the second round of the mixed martial arts (MMA) contest.
Landslides place 26 houses at high risk in Panchthar’s Chyangthapu
Landslides triggered by unseasonal rainfall on May 22 have put 26 houses at high risk in Chyangthapu of Yangwarak Rural Municipality-1 in Panchthar district. According to Ward Chairperson Rajendra Khaling Rai, six settlements of the former Chyangthapu VDC have been affected by the landslides. Thingepur Kopche, Biruwa, Perunge, Chamlingdanda, Ekrate, Kholaghari, and Sundarpur were among the worst-hit areas. He said 26 houses are at high risk, while around 70 others remain vulnerable to further landslides. The landslide swept away the houses of Mahamlal Khawas and Kabirman Khawas of Chamlingdanda, and Gangaram Begha of Kopche. Although most houses were not completely destroyed, many remain unsafe.
Most ministries show weak spending performance in first nine months of fiscal year
Most federal ministries have recorded weak expenditure performance during the first nine months of the current fiscal year, with several ministries failing to spend even one percent of their allocated capital budget. According to ministry-wise expenditure details made public by the Ministry of Finance on Thursday, the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers spent only 20.36 percent of its allocated recurrent budget by the end of Chait. No capital budget had been allocated to the office for the current fiscal year. The Ministry of Finance spent 48.81 percent of its recurrent budget and 19.18 percent of its capital budget during the review period. Similarly, the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies spent 47.24 percent of recurrent expenditure and only 4.38 percent of capital expenditure, while the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation spent 52.72 percent of recurrent expenditure but just 2.74 percent of capital expenditure.
Foreign Minister says govt committed to using diplomacy for national prosperity
Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal has said the government is committed to effectively utilizing Nepal’s international relations to promote national development, economic prosperity, and national interests. Speaking at a program organized by the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Tokha Municipality-9 on Thursday morning, Khanal said Nepal’s international relations are based on diplomatic, economic, cultural, and strategic engagement with different countries and international organizations. He stated that Nepal has continued to follow an independent, non-aligned, and balanced foreign policy guided by the Constitution of Nepal, the United Nations Charter, the principles of Panchsheel, and the values of the Non-Aligned Movement. Minister Khanal said Nepal’s foreign policy is centered on balanced and friendly international relations and multilateral cooperation, with the main goals being the protection of national interests, economic development, peace, and stronger international partnerships.
Nepal crash out of CAVA Women’s Volleyball Championship after semifinal defeat to Iran
Nepal have been eliminated from the CAVA Women’s Volleyball Championship after suffering a straight-set defeat against Iran in the semifinal on Thursday. In the match held at the National Sports Council covered hall in Tripureshwor, Iran dominated Nepal 25-20, 25-15, 25-11 to secure a place in the final. With the victory, Iran will now face Kazakhstan in Friday’s final.
Gold and silver prices decline sharply
The price of gold dropped by Rs 5,500 per tola in the domestic market on Thursday compared to the previous day. According to traders, fine gold was traded at Rs 285,000 per tola on Thursday, down from Rs 290,500 per tola on Wednesday. Silver prices also recorded a significant decline. Silver was traded at Rs 4,865 per tola on Thursday, a decrease of Rs 215 from Wednesday’s price of Rs 5,080 per tola. The decline follows fluctuations in the international precious metals market, which continue to influence domestic prices.
Court orders removal of dialogues from film ‘Lalibazar’
The Patan High Court has ordered the removal of several dialogues from the currently screening Nepali film Lalibazar. The order was issued on Wednesday in response to a writ petition filed by Roshani Badi. According to the court’s directive, the dialogues “Badi,” “offering for the king,” and “the king’s property” must be removed from the film. The court also drew the attention of the Film Examination Committee, warning that action could be taken if the specified dialogues are not removed. With the issuance of the order, the legal dispute surrounding Lalibazar has reached a conclusion.
Bakra Eid celebrated today
Muslims across the country celebrated Bakra Eid (Idul Zoha), the second major festival of the Muslim community, today with prayers and religious rituals. Bakra Eid is observed 70 days after Eid-ul-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan. On this occasion, Muslims traditionally take a ritual bath early in the morning and gather at nearby mosques and Idgahs to offer collective prayers, followed by the exchange of greetings. Large numbers of devotees gathered at the Nepali Jame Masjid at Durbar Marg, the Kashmiri Mosque, and other mosques and Idgahs across the country to mark the festival. Former chairman of the Muslim Commission Nirshosh Ali said the festival commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail in obedience to Allah, according to Islamic belief and the Hijri calendar tradition dating back 1,439 years.
Health Ministry gets approval for 1,808 federal positions under new organizational structure
The Ministry of Health and Food Hygiene has received approval for a total of 1,808 positions under the federal bridge structure following the completion of its Organization and Management (O&M) survey. According to the ministry, the positions were finalized and approved by the Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation and the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration before being formally handed over. The ministry stated that 977 new positions have been added to the existing 831 posts, bringing the total number of approved positions under the ministry to 1,808.
Petroleum imports through Birgunj border rise 16.35% in 10 months
Nepal imported petroleum products worth Rs 181.70 billion through the Birgunj customs point during the first 10 months of the current fiscal year. According to the Birgunj Customs Office, the import value increased by Rs 25.53 billion, or 16.35 percent, compared to the same period of the previous fiscal year. During the corresponding period last year, petroleum imports through the border point stood at Rs 156.17 billion. Information Officer at the Birgunj Customs Office, Uday Singh Bista, said the government collected Rs 67.19 billion in revenue from petroleum imports during the review period. Diesel remained the largest imported petroleum product. In the first 10 months of the current fiscal year, diesel imports worth Rs 100.57 billion totaling 895,246 kiloliters entered through the border point.
Chinese Ambassador calls on Vice President
Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Zhang Maoming paid a courtesy call on Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav at the Vice President’s Office in Lainchaur on Wednesday. During the meeting, the two discussed Nepal-China relations based on peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and long-standing friendship, as well as economic cooperation and future areas of collaboration, according to the Vice President’s Office. Vice President Yadav praised China’s progress over the past four decades and stressed the need for stronger Chinese partnership in trade, tourism, infrastructure, energy and technology transfer between the two countries. Ambassador Chang said he was committed to taking Nepal-China relations to new heights. Stating that China places high priority on its ties with Nepal, he said he would remain active in promoting the prosperity and well-being of the people of both countries.
Nepal women reach semifinals of Asian Games cricket qualifiers
The Nepali women’s cricket team has advanced to the semifinals of the Asian Games Women’s Cricket Qualifiers after defeating Indonesia by four wickets on Thursday. Chasing a target of 114 runs, Nepal completed the chase with three balls remaining, scoring 114 runs for the loss of six wickets. Captain Indu Barma led the innings with an unbeaten 42 runs off 43 balls. Sony Pakhrin scored 29 runs, Kabita Kunwar added 14, while Sita Rana Magar remained unbeaten on 13 runs. For Indonesia, Ni Made Putri Suwandewi and Ni Ariani claimed two wickets each, while Sang Maypriani and Dara Paramitha took one wicket apiece. Earlier, after winning the toss and choosing to bat first at the Bayuemas Oval in Malaysia, Indonesia scored 113 runs for the loss of four wickets in 20 overs.
Nepali Army conducts disaster exercise in Mahakali River
The Nepali Army (NA) conducted ‘Exercise Monsoon-6’ focused on disaster management and rescue operations in the Mahakali River at Airi, Bhimdatta Municipality-12, Kanchanpur. The rescue simulation, organized by the Barahadal Regiment of Bhagatpur Barracks, showcased disaster response and damage reduction measures for local residents.Regiment Commander Lieutenant Colonel Ashok Shahi said the exercise was aimed at raising public awareness about rescue operations and minimizing losses during disasters. He noted that the army’s technical team remains prepared with necessary equipment for emergency response in flood- and disaster-affected situations.
Nepal, Switzerland hold fifth bilateral consultation meeting in Kathmandu
The fifth meeting of the Nepal–Switzerland Bilateral Consultation Mechanism concluded in Kathmandu, marking 70 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the meeting reviewed various aspects of bilateral ties and cooperation while reaffirming the long-standing friendship and close partnership between Nepal and Switzerland. Both sides expressed commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in the coming years. During the meeting, the Nepali side briefed the Swiss delegation on Nepal’s latest political and economic developments, highlighting good governance, corruption control, transparency, digital transformation, and effective public service delivery as key priorities of the new government. Nepal also identified hydropower generation and transmission, tourism, and information technology as major economic goals.
Number of students pursuing higher education in Nepal rises by 10.9 percent
The number of students pursuing higher education within Nepal has increased by 10.9 percent, according to the Economic Survey 2025/26. In fiscal year 2023/24, the number of higher education students stood at 672,489, which rose to 745,770 in fiscal year 2024/25. According to the survey, management faculty accounts for the highest share of students at 50.5 percent, while agriculture has the lowest enrollment at just 0.15 percent. Nearly 80 percent of students are concentrated in management, education, and humanities and social sciences streams. The report also shows that of the total students enrolled in central, provincial, health science institutions, and foreign-affiliated colleges in Nepal, 75.3 percent are studying under Tribhuvan University. This includes 47.9 percent in constituent campuses and 27.4 percent in affiliated colleges. Other universities and academic programs account for 24.1 percent of total enrollment.
SP Amarendra Bahadur Singh recommended for promotion to SSP
Nepal Police Superintendent of Police (SP) Amarendra Bahadur Singh has been recommended for promotion to the rank of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP). A meeting of the Promotion Recommendation Committee under the Ministry of Home Affairs held on Wednesday recommended Singh for promotion to SSP under the general police group. Singh was recently transferred to the District Police Office, Dhanusha.
Unity in diversity strengthens national spirit: President Paudel
President Ram Chandra Paudel has expressed his belief that unity in diversity strengthens the national spirit and promotes mutual brotherhood and equality. Extending best wishes for happiness, peace, and prosperity to all on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha (Bakra Eid), the great festival of the Muslim community, President Paudel said the festival would further deepen attachment to the motherland and contribute to national prosperity and development. He said that during the festival, members of the Muslim community set aside anger, resentment, and hatred and exchange happiness, goodwill, and greetings with one another. The occasion is marked by prayers at open spaces, Eidgahs, and mosques, followed by the exchange of best wishes.
Lawmaker Sherpa climbs Mt Everest carrying Federal Parliament emblem
Mingma David Sherpa, a Member of the House of Representatives from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), has successfully climbed Mount Everest carrying the logo of the federal parliament. He is reported to have reached the summit at 5:40 am on Wednesday. Sherpa announced the achievement on his Facebook page after returning to Base Camp on Wednesday evening, stating that he had completed the ascent on the ninth day of his expedition. He climbed Everest under the slogan “From the House to the Peak”. He also expressed gratitude to all those who supported his expedition, including Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal.
2,055 drivers fined for violating traffic rules
A total of 2,055 drivers were fined for violating traffic rules in the past 24 hours, generating Rs 2.211 million in government revenue. According to the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, action was taken against 83 individuals for driving under the influence of intoxicants, 192 for illegal ride-sharing, 109 for violating traffic signals, and 102 for overspeeding. Similarly, 146 drivers were penalised for failing to maintain lane discipline, 103 for unnecessary honking in prohibited areas, 112 for roadside parking violations, and 85 for driving on one-way roads. A further 1,123 cases were recorded under other traffic violations.
Man arrested for impersonating police officer in Kathmandu
A man has been arrested in Kathmandu for allegedly threatening business owners and locals while posing as a police officer with a fake identity card. Ashish Sunuwar, 34, of Likhu Rural Municipality-3 in Ramechhap, was arrested from Gaurighat in Kathmandu Metropolitan City-7 for spreading fear in the community by pretending to be a police officer. According to Superintendent of Police Pawan Kumar Bhattarai of the District Police Range, Kathmandu, Sunuwar had been threatening hotel operators and members of the public in areas including Chabahil for some time, claiming to be an assistant constable of the Central Investigation Bureau.
Irrigation coverage expands to 1.59 million hectares
The government has said irrigation coverage across Nepal has continued to expand gradually due to improved management and ongoing infrastructure development. According to the current fiscal year progress report published by the Ministry of Finance, projects implemented by the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation at the federal level have extended irrigation facilities to 1.59 million hectares of land. Of the total irrigable land, 532,655 hectares now have year-round irrigation facilities. The government said several large and strategic projects are being implemented to further increase permanent irrigation access. The ministry stated that underground irrigation projects alone have expanded irrigation coverage to 546,448 hectares, while lift and reservoir irrigation programs have added irrigation access to 6,088 hectares.
Dhorpatan–Niseldhor road upgraded
The road linking Nisikhola Rural Municipality-5 to Niseldhor in Baglung has been blacktopped. In the current fiscal year, 6 kilometres of the road were upgraded at a cost of Rs 7.2 million, jointly funded by the Gandaki Provincial Government and Nisikhola Rural Municipality. Niseldhor, located west of the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve Office, is a well-known tourist destination. According to Information Officer of Nisikhola Rural Municipality Dilaram Banda Magar, Rs 6 million was contributed by the provincial government and Rs 1.2 million by the rural municipality for the upgrade. He said Niseldhor, considered one of the most remote areas in Baglung district, was connected by a motorable road only six years ago. This year, widening, drainage construction and gravel works were carried out in several sections.
Makalu Barun National Park to open Yarsagumba collection from June 8
Makalu Barun National Park has announced that the collection of the high-value medicinal herb Yarsagumba will begin from June 8. Information Officer Sanskar Subedi said permission has been granted for collection for one month from the same date. According to him, two species of Yarsagumba are found within the park area. The park office has arranged permit distribution through Makalu Barun National Park headquarters Hedangnagadhi, Hatiya Sector Office (Bhotkhola Rural Municipality-3), Seduwa Sector Office (Makalu-2), Gola Post (Bhotkhola-4), Tamku Sector Office (Silichong-3), Bung Sector Office (Mahakulung-1, Solukhumbu), and Cheskam Rain Post (Mahakulung-3, Solukhumbu).
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