KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
House of Representatives adjourned till Tuesday amid continued opposition protest
The House of Representatives meeting has been adjourned until Tuesday after opposition lawmakers continued their protest over Prime Minister Balen Shah’s controversial remarks on Nepal–India border issues. The second meeting of the House on Monday was obstructed immediately after it commenced, with opposition MPs standing up in protest and disrupting proceedings. Lawmakers from opposition parties objected to the Prime Minister’s statement that Nepal has also encroached on Indian territory, demanding clarification and a formal response from the government. Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal urged lawmakers to cooperate in running the House, emphasizing the importance of Parliament as a key institution for lawmaking.
Speaker Aryal says opposition did not cooperate in resolving parliamentary deadlock
Speaker of the House of Representatives Dol Prasad Aryal has said that efforts to resolve ongoing parliamentary disputes were unsuccessful due to lack of cooperation from opposition parties. Speaking in the House on Monday after opposition lawmakers obstructed parliamentary proceedings, Speaker Aryal said he had repeatedly invited opposition parties for dialogue, but they did not respond or make time for discussions. He stated that although he prioritized dialogue as Speaker, the absence of engagement from opposition parties compelled him to proceed according to parliamentary procedures. Aryal also clarified that the process of endorsing the House regulations on Sunday was carried out strictly in accordance with the Constitution and parliamentary rules.
HoR adjourned as opposition obstructs over PM Shah’s remarks
Monday’s meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR) was adjourned for 15 minutes after opposition parties disrupted proceedings, demanding that Prime Minister Balendra Shah retract and apologize for his controversial remarks on Nepal–India border issues. Earlier, a meeting of opposition parties had decided to obstruct the House session if their demands were not met. During Sunday’s House meeting, Prime Minister Shah stated that “Nepal has also encroached on India’s land,” drawing strong objections from opposition lawmakers. The opposition has demanded that the Prime Minister withdraw the statement, issue a formal apology in Parliament, and have the remarks expunged from the official parliamentary record.
Opposition demands PM Balen’s remarks be erased, apology issued over border statement
Prime Minister Balen Shah has come under renewed criticism after his controversial statement that Nepal has also encroached on Indian territory sparked outrage among opposition parties and on social media. The controversy began on Sunday when the Prime Minister unexpectedly appeared in the House of Representatives and sought time to address lawmakers through Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal. Responding to questions raised by opposition lawmakers, Shah stated that Nepal had also encroached on Indian land, a remark that has since triggered widespread political backlash. The issue dominated Monday’s parliamentary proceedings, with opposition parties presenting a united front against the government. Opposition lawmakers staged protests and chanted slogans inside the House, demanding clarification and accountability from the Prime Minister.
NC lawmaker Rai slams PM Balen’s border remarks, warns of continued parliamentary obstruction
Nepali Congress Whip Nishkal Rai has strongly criticized Prime Minister Balen Shah over his recent remarks on Nepal-India border issues, saying the statement has lowered the dignity of all Nepalis. Addressing Monday’s meeting of the House of Representatives, Rai said the Prime Minister’s claim that “Nepal has encroached on Indian territory” was unacceptable and demanded a clear explanation from the government. “We register our note of dissent regarding the Prime Minister’s statement in Parliament,” Rai said. “The Prime Minister must clearly explain where and how Nepal has encroached on Indian land.” Rai also objected to members of the ruling side applauding the Prime Minister’s remarks in the House, arguing that the issue concerns national sovereignty and should not be treated lightly.
National Assembly session disrupted over PM Balen’s border remarks
The National Assembly meeting was disrupted on Monday after lawmakers from various parties protested Prime Minister Balen Shah’s recent remarks suggesting that Nepal has also encroached on Indian territory. As soon as the session commenced, members of the National Assembly stood in protest, expressing strong objections to the Prime Minister’s statement on Nepal-India border issues and demanding clarification from the government. Lawmakers insisted that the Prime Minister personally appear before the National Assembly and explain the basis of his remarks, arguing that the issue concerns Nepal’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Opp’n parties to disrupt Parliament over PM Shah’s remarks
Opposition parties have warned they will disrupt Parliament again today unless Prime Minister Balendra Shah retracts and apologizes for his controversial remarks on Nepal–India border issues. The issue was discussed during a meeting of opposition parties on Monday. During the House of Representatives meeting on Sunday, Prime Minister Shah stated that “Nepal has also encroached on India’s land,” triggering strong objections from opposition lawmakers. The opposition has demanded that the Prime Minister withdraw the statement, issue an apology in Parliament, and have the remarks expunged from the official parliamentary record.
Opposition parties expand alliance as Shram Sanskriti Party joins meeting in Singha Durbar
Opposition parties represented in Parliament held a meeting on Monday at the Nepali Congress parliamentary party office in Singha Durbar, with the Shram Sanskriti Party joining the opposition alliance for the first time. The meeting, convened by Nepali Congress Parliamentary Party Leader Bishmaraj Aangdembe, was attended by Shram Sanskriti Party lawmakers Arun Rai and Dhruvaraj Rai, marking the party’s entry into the broader opposition front. According to participants, the meeting focused on the political situation that emerged after Prime Minister Balen Shah’s controversial remarks in the House of Representatives on Sunday, where he allegedly said Nepal had also encroached on Indian territory.
Nepali Congress proposes shadow cabinet, assigns leaders to key portfolios
The main opposition party, the Nepali Congress, has proposed the formation of a shadow cabinet to strengthen parliamentary oversight and closely monitor the activities of the government. Under the proposed structure, the party has designated several leaders as shadow ministers responsible for scrutinizing government policies and performance in their respective sectors. Parliamentary Party leader Bhishmaraj Angdembe has been assigned the role of Shadow Prime Minister. He will lead the opposition’s efforts to evaluate and respond to government policies and programs. According to the proposal, Prakash Singh Karki has been nominated as Shadow Home Minister, while Narendra Kumar Kerung will oversee the Shadow Finance Ministry.
UML demands PM Balen apologize over border remarks, says statement weakens Nepal’s national position
The UML has expressed serious objection to Prime Minister Balen Shah’s remarks in the Federal Parliament regarding Nepal’s border with India, describing the statement as baseless, irresponsible and contrary to national interests. In a statement issued on Monday, UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel criticized the Prime Minister’s claim that “Nepal has also encroached on Indian land,” arguing that the comment undermines Nepal’s long-standing national position and diplomatic claims on border issues. The party said matters relating to national borders and sovereignty are not concerns of any single government or political party but are shared national interests of all Nepalis. It maintained that the Prime Minister’s remarks had weakened Nepal’s established stance on territorial disputes.
Rabi Lamichhane welcomed by BJP leaders in New Delhi upon arrival
Chair of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, Rabi Lamichhane, was warmly received by senior leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party upon his arrival in India on a five-day visit. At the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, Lamichhane was welcomed by BJP’s National General Secretary Arun Singh and the party’s Foreign Affairs Department head Vijay Chauthaiwale. According to party sources, the reception reflects ongoing political engagements between Nepali and Indian political leadership during the visit.
Probe committee formed over Sunday’s parliamentary disruption and damage
A probe committee has been formed to investigate the incidents that took place during Sunday’s meeting of the House of Representatives, including alleged misconduct by lawmakers and damage to parliamentary property. Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal informed the House that the committee was formed after some lawmakers were accused of displaying unruly behavior and causing physical damage during the session. The Speaker said that a formal record of the damage to parliamentary property had already been prepared, and the committee has been tasked with investigating the incident and submitting a report within seven days. The committee is coordinated by Secretary of the Federal Parliament Secretariat Prakash Adhikari and includes the Chief of the Internal Services and Planning Management Division and the Chief of the Technology Management Division as memb
Rabi Lamichhane leaves for India on five-day visit
Chair of the Rabi Lamichhane and leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party has departed for a five-day official visit to India. He left for India at the invitation of Nitin Nabin, a leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party. Lamichhane is scheduled to return to Nepal on June 5. According to Rastriya Swatantra Party spokesperson Manish Jha, the visit was formally announced through a press statement issued on Sunday. During his stay in New Delhi, Lamichhane is expected to hold high-level political and diplomatic meetings. However, detailed information regarding the meeting agenda has not been publicly disclosed.
Finance Minister Wagle says budget is transparent, targets Rs 1.58 trillion revenue
Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle has said the government has introduced a transparent budget aimed at improving Nepal’s economy through broad structural reforms. Speaking at a budget discussion programme organized by the Nepal Association of Financial Journalists (NAFIJ) in Kathmandu on Monday, Wagle said the budget has been designed to address the economic impact of the earthquake, COVID-19 pandemic, and global economic disruptions while steering the economy toward long-term recovery. He said the government has set an ambitious target of collecting Rs 1.58 trillion in revenue, relying more on internal resources rather than debt financing.
Nepal, US discuss strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation
Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal held a courtesy meeting with US Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy Sarah B. Rogers at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two sides discussed ways to further strengthen the friendly relationship between Nepal and the United States, which spans more than seven decades. The meeting also focused on various dimensions of bilateral relations, including opportunities to expand cooperation in investment, trade, culture and tourism. The ministry said both sides exchanged views on enhancing Nepal-US relations based on mutual interest and respect while promoting greater partnership across multiple sectors.
Decision to impose VAT on electricity will not be reversed: Finance Minister
Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle has said the government will not reverse its decision to impose Value Added Tax (VAT) on electricity, but is exploring measures to ensure the additional burden does not fall on consumers. Speaking at a post-budget discussion organized by the Nepal Association of Economic Journalists on Monday, Wagle said the government is considering several options, including adjusting electricity tariffs through the Electricity Regulatory Commission and increasing the number of free electricity units available to low-income households. “That is the underlying objective from July 17. We are examining two or three options and expect to finalize them by then,” he said.
Gagan Thapa calls PM Balen’s border statement anti-national, seeks apology in Parliament
Nepali Congress President Gagan Kumar Thapa has strongly criticized Prime Minister Balen Shah over his controversial remarks on Nepal–India border issues, describing the statement as anti-national and demanding an apology in Parliament. Addressing a provincial-level party program organized by the Nepali Congress Policy, Research and Training Academy in Manigram, Rupandehi, Thapa said the Prime Minister’s claim that Nepal has also encroached on Indian territory was unacceptable and harmful to national interests. He said such statements undermine Nepal’s sovereignty, dignity and long-standing diplomatic position on border issues. “If the Prime Minister has spoken without understanding, it is worrying; if he has spoken knowingly, it is even more dangerous,” Thapa said, adding that the remarks had lowered the dignity of the Nepali people.
Special Court orders release of Krishna Bahadur Mahara on Rs 100,000 bail
The Special Court has ordered the release of former Speaker and leader of the Nepali Communist Party Krishna Bahadur Mahara on bail of Rs 100,000 in connection with a high-profile gold smuggling case involving electronic cigarettes (vape). A joint bench of judges Sudarshan Dev Bhatta and Bidur Koirala issued the order for his release on bail. The case was filed by the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) on April 9, accusing Mahara of involvement in smuggling gold hidden inside electronic cigarettes (vapes). The case also includes his son Rahul Mahara and 28 other individuals. According to the CIAA charge sheet, the accused allegedly operated an organized smuggling network by concealing small pieces of gold inside vape devices imported from China and selling them in foreign markets.
EV imports through Birgunj surge 144% to over Rs 4 billion in 10 months
Imports of electric vehicles (EVs) through the Birgunj customs point surged by 143.6 percent in value during the first 10 months of the current fiscal year, reflecting growing demand for battery-powered transportation in Nepal. According to the Birgunj Customs Office, EV imports worth more than Rs 4.02 billion entered the country through the border point during the review period, compared to Rs 1.65 billion during the same period last fiscal year. Information Officer Uday Singh Bista said a total of 15,271 electric vehicles of various categories were imported through Birgunj in the first 10 months of the current fiscal year, contributing significantly to customs revenue collection.
Gold price set at Rs 310,900 per tola
The price of gold in the domestic market declined slightly on Monday, settling at Rs 310,900 per tola, down from Rs 311,100 per tola on Sunday. Despite the marginal drop on Monday, gold had recorded a sharp surge of Rs 20,500 per tola on Sunday compared to Friday, reflecting high volatility in the bullion market. Silver prices went up Rs 10 on Monday and are being traded at Rs 5,355 per tola, compared to Rs 5,345 per tola on Sunday. Silver had also risen by Rs 305 per tola in the previous session.
14,057 students pass KMC scholarship selection test
A total of 14,057 students have passed the scholarship selection examination conducted by Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) on Sunday. According to the decision of the Scholarship Examination Committee, the results along with the preliminary merit list of candidates who secured at least 40 marks have been published. The scholarship is intended for students enrolling in Grades 11 and 12 in the 2083–84 academic session at institutional schools operating within the metropolitan area, the city office said.
Three killed, five injured in Bolero jeep accident in Dailekh
Three people were killed and five others injured after a Bolero jeep met with an accident in Dailekh district on Monday. The accident occurred at Kalgauda in Bhairavi Rural Municipality, where the vehicle reportedly veered off the road and crashed. Three individuals died on the spot, according to local authorities. Five others sustained injuries in the incident. Local residents and security personnel carried out an immediate rescue operation and transported the injured for treatment. Among the injured, two are receiving treatment at the Bhairavi Health Post, while the remaining three have been referred to Dailekh District Hospital for further medical care.
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