KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Cabinet approves education reforms, key appointments, and policy measures
The Cabinet meeting held on Thursday approved a series of significant policy, administrative, and institutional decisions, including the endorsement of the Tenth Amendment to the Education Regulations, 2083. The meeting, held at Singha Durbar, approved more than half a dozen decisions aimed at strengthening governance, public administration, and sectoral reforms. As part of its education reform agenda, the Cabinet officially endorsed the Education (Tenth Amendment) Regulations, 2083. It also approved the First Amendment to the Kamaiya Labor Prohibition Rules, 2083, along with the National Integrity Policy, 2083, and the National Advertisement Policy, 2083.
Special Court extends Bishnu Paudel’s judicial custody by six days
The Special Court has extended the judicial custody of CPN-UML Vice Chair and former Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel by six days as part of an ongoing money laundering investigation. The extension marks the third remand granted by the court since Paudel’s arrest. The order was issued by a bench comprising judges Hemant Rawal, Dilliratna Shrestha, and Umesh Koirala, according to the court’s administration. Paudel was arrested in connection with an investigation into the purchase of a 20 percent stake in Shriram Tobacco Pvt. Ltd. by Himalayan Asset Management Pvt. Ltd.
Kishor Thapa sworn in as Chair of Tribhuvan University Service Commission
Minister for Education, Science and Sports and Tribhuvan University (TU) Co-Chancellor Sasmit Pokharel has administered the oath of office and secrecy to newly appointed Chair of the TU Service Commission, Kishor Thapa. In a ceremony held on Wednesday at the Ministry in Singha Durbar, Minister Pokharel formally swore in Thapa, who was recently appointed to the post. Similarly, in the presence of the minister, newly appointed Commission member Prof. Dr. Regina Maskey was sworn in by Chair Thapa.
NOC introduces penalties of up to Rs 1 million for unjustified fuel station closures
Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has amended the Petroleum Products Retailers Regulations to impose fines of up to Rs 1 million on fuel stations that suspend operations without valid reasons. Under the revised provisions, fuel stations found creating artificial shortages by keeping their nozzles dry despite having no justified reason may also face suspension of petrol and diesel supplies from NOC depots for up to 15 days. The amendment comes after petroleum dealers, anticipating a possible reduction in fuel prices, did not lift fuel from NOC depots on Tuesday, resulting in disruptions to fuel supply across the country on Wednesday.
Supreme Court dismisses Bishnu Paudel’s habeas corpus petition
The Supreme Court has dismissed a habeas corpus petition filed on behalf of former Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel. The petition, filed by his wife Domaya Paudel, claimed that he was being held in unlawful detention. A joint bench of Justices Binod Sharma and Nityananda Pandey on Thursday rejected the petition. Earlier the same day, the Special Court granted the Department of Money Laundering Investigation permission to keep Paudel in custody for an additional six days to continue its investigation.
Former UML lawmaker Laxmi Mahato Koiri arrested
Police have arrested former CPN-UML lawmaker Laxmi Mahato Koiri in connection with the Thaman B.K. murder case. Koiri was arrested from Gaushala in Mahottari district, according to police. Although the Mahottari District Court had acquitted him in the case, the Janakpur High Court on Wednesday overturned the verdict and sentenced him to five years in prison.
Factional lobbying intensifies as Lamichhane reviews over 100 nomination recommendations
The newly elected Central Committee of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has decided to postpone appointments to the party’s Central Committee, Secretariat and office-bearer positions, leaving the task to party chair Rabi Lamichhane. Speaking after Wednesday’s first meeting of the newly elected Central Committee, General Secretary Bipin Kumar Acharya said the meeting did not deliberate on nominations and that the party statute authorizes Lamichhane to complete the remaining appointments as needed. “The party president has been given that authority. Today’s meeting focused mainly on two agendas — exchanging congratulations and making appointments to three party commissions,” Acharya said. “The statute authorizes the party president to nominate Central Committee members, office-bearers and Secretariat members. He will take the necessary decisions at the appropriate time.”
Former Deuba loyalists rally behind Gagan Thapa as NC factional dynamics shift
Several long-time allies of former Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba are increasingly aligning themselves with party president Gagan Kumar Thapa, highlighting shifting alliances within the party ahead of its 15th General Convention. The latest to signal a change is former Joint General Secretary Kishor Singh Rathour, who declared at a Nepali Congress dissident faction gathering in Lumbini Province on Tuesday that he would remain in the party regardless of his political future. “If I can, I will continue doing politics. If not, I will grow potatoes. But I will not leave the Nepali Congress,” Rathour said.
Four experts appointed to CTEVT Academic Council
The Ministry of Education and Sports has appointed four experts from the fields of information technology, industry, STEM education, and nursing and public health to the Academic Council of the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT). The ministry has nominated IT and digital policy expert Dr. Amrita Sharma, President of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries Birendra Raj Pandey, STEM education expert and co-founder of Karkhana Dr. Dipeshwar Man Shrestha, and nursing and public health expert Pramila Rana as members of the council. The CTEVT Academic Council serves as the apex academic and policy-making body responsible for curriculum development, approval of new programs, quality assurance, evaluation systems, and long-term direction of technical and vocational education in Nepal.
Govt forms committee to address displaced families of Shuklaphanta National Park
The government has announced that it will address the issues of families displaced due to the establishment and expansion of Shuklaphanta National Park. Minister for Agriculture, Forest and Environment Gita Chaudhary said that the problems of displaced families will be resolved based on recommendations from a newly formed committee. The minister has formed a four-member task force to study the situation and suggest appropriate solutions for the affected families. According to the ministry, the committee has been given a one-month deadline to prepare a detailed roadmap for the proper management and rehabilitation of displaced households and submit its recommendations to the minister.
Gautam Buddha International Cricket Stadium construction likely to miss deadline
The construction of the Gautam Buddha International Cricket Stadium in Ramapur, Bharatpur Metropolitan City-15, is unlikely to be completed within the stipulated deadline, officials have said. With around six months remaining in the contract period, only about 48 to 50 percent of the construction work has been completed so far. So far, one stand has been completed, while the second tower has reached the second-floor casting stage. Of the four parapets, one has been completed, two have reached the casting stage, and construction of another is ongoing. Work on the playing field has also begun, with plans to build five cricket pitches. In addition, access roads, underground electrical cabling, plumbing, and other supporting infrastructure are being developed in parallel.
Govt has not interfered in ANFA: Sports Minister Pokharel
Minister for Education and Sports Sasmit Pokharel has claimed that the government has not interfered in the affairs of the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA), despite recent developments surrounding the football governing body. Responding to questions from journalists while briefing the media on Cabinet decisions at Singha Durbar on Thursday, Pokharel said the government initiated an investigation after receiving numerous complaints alleging corruption and financial irregularities within ANFA, insisting that the probe should not be interpreted as government interference. Commenting on FIFA’s suspension of ANFA, the minister said government involvement in the association had occurred under previous administrations as well, adding that the current situation could not be attributed solely to the present government.
Minister Yadav moves to scrap overtime allowance at Nepal Oil Corporation
Minister of Industry, Commerce and Supplies Gauri Kumari Yadav has initiated preparations to discontinue overtime allowances paid to employees of the Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC), citing the need to curb unnecessary expenditure and financial irregularities. According to the ministry, the move is aimed at addressing millions of rupees in annual spending on overtime payments and strengthening financial discipline within the state-owned corporation. The ministry is working to revise the additional work allowance provision under the Nepal Oil Corporation Employee Administration Regulations, replacing the existing overtime system with a shift-based work schedule.
Kathmandu to launch first phase of “Blue Bus” service from July 17
The government is preparing to operate eight “Blue Bus” services in the Kathmandu Valley from July 17, as part of its 100-point governance reform agenda aimed at ensuring safe public mobility, especially for women. According to the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure Development, the initiative will later be expanded to all seven provinces as a free public transport service. Ministry spokesperson Ramhari Pokharel said that 25 buses will be brought into operation within the first 100 days of the program. For the first phase, Sajha Yatayat has written to the Ministry of Finance seeking policy approval and guidance. The service will begin on July 17 once approval is received.
House passes Money Laundering Prevention (Third Amendment) Bill
The House of Representatives on Thursday passed the Money Laundering Prevention (Third Amendment) Bill, 2026 by a majority vote. During the House meeting, Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle tabled a proposal seeking the endorsement of the bill, which was subsequently approved by lawmakers. Before the final vote, the House discussed and decided on amendments proposed to the bill. Responding to lawmakers during the deliberations, Minister Wagle said the government is committed to strengthening the Department of Money Laundering Investigation to make it more effective in combating financial crimes.
House of Representatives passes Public Procurement (Second Amendment) Bill
The House of Representatives on Thursday passed the Public Procurement (Second Amendment) Bill, 2026 by a majority vote. During the House meeting, Minister for Law Gautam, on behalf of Prime Minister Balendra Shah, tabled a proposal seeking endorsement of the bill. The proposal was subsequently approved by the lower house. Before the final vote, lawmakers discussed and decided on amendments proposed to the bill.
Gold price jumps by Rs 6,200 per tola
The price of gold increased by Rs 6,200 per tola on Thursday, according to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association. The federation fixed the price of gold at Rs 283,500 per tola for the day. On Wednesday, gold was priced at Rs 277,300 per tola. Meanwhile, the price of silver also increased. Silver rose by Rs 180 per tola compared to Wednesday and is being traded at Rs 4,450 per tola. It was previously priced at Rs 4,270 per tola.
Journalist Khem Bhandari arrested in Kanchanpur for court verdict enforcement
Journalist Khem Bhandari has been arrested in Kanchanpur as part of the enforcement of a court ruling. A team from the District Police Office, Kanchanpur, arrested Bhandari from Bhimdatta Municipality-18 at around 7 AM on Thursday. Police said the arrest was made to implement a court verdict against him. According to the police, the court had earlier sentenced Bhandari to one month in prison and imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 in a defamation case in March. Later, the High Court added an additional seven days of imprisonment and a fine of Rs 2,000.
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