KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Cabinet unveils seven decisions, waives education and health equity fees
The government has announced seven key decisions made by the Cabinet, including a full waiver of the education and health equity fees introduced under the Finance Act, 2083. Making the Cabinet decisions public on Wednesday, Minister for Education and Sports Sasmit Pokharel said the government has appointed High Court Tulsipur Judge Basudev Acharya as chairperson of the Special Court and High Court Surkhet Judge Dipendra Adhikari as chairperson of the Labour Court. The Cabinet also appointed Shailendra Raj Kunwar as the administrator of the Guthi Sansthan.
Prachanda, Oli begin separate consultations on provincial power-sharing
Nepail Communist Party (NCP) Coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” and CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli have begun separate consultations with their close aides as discussions on a new provincial power-sharing arrangement gather momentum. The consultations come after the two leaders held a nearly two-hour meeting on Tuesday, during which they discussed the possibility of political cooperation in the provinces. The meeting signaled that both sides are open to working together, although no concrete agreement has yet been reached. A leader close to Prachanda said the talks have opened the door for cooperation but that discussions are still at a preliminary stage. According to the leader, the two sides have yet to agree on a clear framework, modality or detailed power-sharing arrangement.
Supreme Court orders NTA to regulate Ncell’s 80% share transfer
Nepal’s Supreme Court has directed the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) to regulate the transfer of an 80 percent stake in telecom operator Ncell in accordance with the law, effectively placing the final decision on the nearly three-year-old ownership dispute in the hands of the sector’s regulator. The directive, issued in the court’s recently released full verdict, requires the NTA to exercise its authority under the Telecommunications Act, Regulations and Share Transfer Bylaws to determine whether the transaction complies with Nepal’s legal framework. The regulator may approve the transfer, impose penalties, or take other legal action as deemed appropriate.
Congress rift deepens as dissident leaders float new party debate on BP Memorial Day
Internal divisions within the Nepali Congress came into sharper focus on Wednesday as rival factions observed the 44th memorial day of BP Koirala through separate events, with leaders from the dissident camp publicly raising the possibility of forming a new political party. The establishment faction led by senior leaders organized a memorial program at Pragya Bhawan in Kamaladi, attended by leaders including Purna Bahadur Khadka, Bimalendra Nidhi, Prakash Man Singh, Krishna Prasad Sitaula and Dr. Shekhar Koirala. However, party President Gagan Thapa, Vice President Bishwo Prakash Sharma and other establishment leaders were absent. Earlier in the day, dissident leaders had also skipped the party’s “Green Run” program, marking the memorial through separate events. Speaking at the gathering, several dissident leaders argued that the party could no longer move forward under Thapa’s leadership and called for discussions on forming a new political force.
Government forms panel to investigate Ganesh Nepali death
The government has formed a judicial inquiry committee to investigate the death of Ganesh Nepali of Soru Rural Municipality-1 in Mugu. The Cabinet, at its meeting held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar on Wednesday, formed the committee under the chairmanship of former High Court judge Keshav Prasad Bastola. Former Deputy Attorney General Krishna Mohan Koirala and former Joint Secretary Ramu Raj Kadariya have been appointed as members of the committee. The Cabinet has directed the panel to investigate the incident and submit its report within seven days.
Industrialists elated over Kolkata-Biratnagar Cargo Service
Industrialists and traders of Biratnagar have expressed confidence that the cargo rail service from Kolkata, India to the integrated check post (ICP) in Biratnagar would help reduce the cost and time of transporting goods imported from third world countries. They say that bringing raw materials and other goods imported for Nepali industries from India and third world countries by rail will save 35 to 40 per cent in transportation costs compared to road transport. President of the Morang Trade Association, Anupam Rathi, said the Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS)
in all containers will ensure safety of goods while goods and trains can be monitored from mobile phones. The cargo train after traveling 350 kilometers from Kolkata arrived at the port in Biratnagar last Sunday.
SC order not to execute arrest warrant against MP Shah
The Supreme Court has issued an order not to immediately execute the arrest warrant issued against Nepali Congress MP Abhishek Pratap Shah. A single bench of Justice Abdul Aziz Musalman today issued a temporary order in the name of the government not to immediately execute the arrest warrant issued against Shah. MP Shah had filed a writ petition, naming the Ministry of Home Affairs, Kapilvastu District Court and District Police Office, Kapilvastu as defendants, seeking an order to cancel the arrest warrant issued against him. The court has also sought a written response on the matter within 15 days.
Congress dissidents criticize Gagan Thapa, warn of new party if unity efforts fail
Leaders from the dissident faction of the Nepali Congress on Wednesday accused the party’s establishment of showing little commitment to internal unity, warning that they could form a new political party if efforts to achieve a “respectable unity” fail. Speaking at a separate event organized in Kathmandu to mark the 44th memorial day of BP Koirala, dissident leaders argued that the primary responsibility for uniting the party rests with party President Gagan Thapa. The faction also announced that it will hold a national gathering in Kathmandu on August 14 (Shrawan 29) to determine its future strategy. Senior leader Prakash Man Singh said the party had reached a point of division following the special general convention and stressed that the 15th General Convention should be held in a manner that restores unity.
Shankar Agrawal arrested again in banking offence case
Shankar Group Chair Shankar Agrawal has been arrested again in connection with a banking offence case pending before the Patan High Court. A team from the Nepal Police’s Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) arrested Agrawal from Dillibazar in Kathmandu Metropolitan City-30 on Wednesday. CIB spokesperson SSP Anup Shamsher JBR said Agrawal was arrested in connection with a case filed under the Banking Offence and Punishment Act, 2008, based on a complaint lodged by Nepal Rastra Bank. The case, which also involves Deepak Bhatta, was pending before the Patan High Court, and Agrawal had been absconding, according to the CIB.
Angdembe urges party leadership to respect inter-generational issues
Parliamentary party leader of the Nepali Congress, Bhishma Raj Angdembe, has said the party leadership should move ahead by respecting the inter-generational aspirations. At a talk programme on ‘Challenges of democracy and our responsibility’ marking the 44th BP Memorial Day here Wednesday, parliamentary party leader Angdembe viewed the NC needs to pay heed to the aspirations of three generations of NC- the senior ones, contemporary ones and the Gen-Z for the protection and promotion of democracy. The programme also observed the conclusion of grassroots campaign, 2083. “Time has come for NC leadership to fight for democracy by respecting three generations,” he reiterated, adding that people’s aspirations counts much while hounouring BP’s thoughts. The light of democracy cannot fizzle out, so NC’s revitalization is imperative.
Dr. Govinda KC announces hunger strike from tomorrow over unmet demands
Medical education reform campaigner Prof. Dr. Govinda KC has announced that he will launch a new hunger strike from July 23 after accusing the government of failing to address his demands related to medical education and public healthcare. In a statement issued from Darchula on Wednesday, Dr. KC alleged that the government has shown little interest in enforcing legal provisions requiring Nepal’s medical education and healthcare sectors to operate on a non-profit basis. He said the National Medical Education Act, 2019, envisions transforming medical education into a fully non-profit sector by 2028, but claimed the government has made no meaningful effort to implement the law.
Floods and landslides disrupt major highways across Nepal
Continuous rainfall has triggered floods and landslides across the country, affecting several major highways and road sections, according to Nepal Police. The BP Highway section connecting Kavrepalanchok and Sindhuli, particularly the Khurkot–Nepalthok–Katunjebesi stretch, has been restricted due to the risk of possible flooding. Authorities have halted all vehicular movement from 6 pm to 4 am until further notice. Similarly, traffic on Makwanpur’s Kanthe Lokpath has been restricted from 5 pm to 5 am due to rainfall-related risks. The Mechi Highway at Rajduwali in Ilam Municipality-9 has been completely obstructed after heavy rainfall turned the road section muddy and impassable.
Oli’s credibility questioned as NC-NCP explore new provincial alliances
Nepal’s major political parties have intensified internal consultations over the future of provincial governments, with uncertainty growing over whether the existing Nepali Congress–CPN-UML alliance will continue or give way to new coalition arrangements. Although neither the Nepali Congress nor the CPN-UML has formally announced the end of their alliance at the federal level, discussions on forming new provincial governments have gathered momentum in recent weeks. The issue came into sharper focus after disputes over the budget process in Sudurpaschim Province exposed strains within the ruling coalition. Leaders from both parties say no formal decision has been taken. Nepali Congress General Secretary Guru Ghimire said the party has yet to officially decide on ending cooperation with the UML, while UML Vice Chair Raghuji Pant said discussions on the alliance’s future are still ongoing.
Earthquake recorded with epicenter in Bajhang
An earthquake has been recorded with its epicenter in Bajhang district. According to the National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Center, a 4.2-magnitude earthquake struck with its epicenter at Kotdewal of Bajhang at 4:40 am today (Wednesday). The tremors were felt in some areas of Bajhang and Baitadi districts. No reports of damage have been received so far.
Govt forwards NTV satellite procurement probe report to PMO, anti-graft body
The Ministry of Information and Communication has forwarded the “Report of the Investigation Committee on Nepal Television’s Satellite Bandwidth Procurement Agreement, 2026” to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers and the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) for further action. The ministry sent the report to both bodies on Tuesday, requesting them to conduct further study and investigation and proceed with legal action as warranted. The report was submitted to Minister for Information and Communication Dr. Bikram Timilsina on July 17 by a committee formed to investigate Nepal Television’s satellite bandwidth procurement and leasing agreements signed between 2002 and 2022.
66 disaster incidents reported in last 36 hours
A total of 66 disaster-related incidents were reported across Nepal in the last 36 hours, affecting 52 districts, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority. According to the Authority’s report covering the period from Monday morning to Tuesday morning, two people lost their lives and 13 others were injured in disaster-related incidents. The Authority recorded eight snakebite cases, seven fire incidents, six floods, 17 landslides, 10 incidents of damage caused by incessant rainfall, one lightning strike, one animal attack, and two earthquakes. The disasters caused property damage estimated at Rs. 174,500. In addition, roads were obstructed at seven locations.
Two arrested for alleged foreign employment fraud
Police have arrested two individuals on charges of defrauding people by promising lucrative foreign employment opportunities. The accused have been identified as Pradeep Kumar Shrestha of Likhu, Okhaldhunga, and Kabita Belbase of Shivaraj, Kapilvastu. According to police, Pradeep Kumar Shrestha allegedly collected Rs. 400,000 from a victim by promising to send them to Cambodia for employment. Similarly, Kabita Welbase is accused of taking Rs. 108,000 from another victim with the promise of sending them to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for work before going out of contact.
17 arrested in drug-related cases
Police have arrested 17 people from various parts of the country on charges of possessing illegal drugs. According to Nepal Police, the arrests were made in Kathmandu, Makawanpur, Bara, Dhankuta, Kailali, and Rupandehi. The seized substances included brown heroin, brown sugar, marijuana, nitrazepam, and tramadol. In Kathmandu, five people were arrested by Kathmandu Metropolitan Police with brown heroin, while two others were arrested from Nagdhunga in Chandragiri Municipality-2 with nitrazepam. One person was arrested in Bara with marijuana, five in Makawanpur with brown sugar, and one in Dhankuta with tramadol.
Gold price jumps by Rs 5,400 per tola, silver also rises
The price of gold increased by Rs 5,400 per tola on Wednesday, according to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association. The federation has fixed the price of gold at Rs 291,000 per tola for Wednesday. The price stood at Rs 285,600 per tola on Tuesday and Rs 284,800 per tola last Wednesday. Meanwhile, the price of silver also increased by Rs 110 per tola.
Authorities fine two firms for consumer protection violations
The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection has fined two firms after finding irregularities during market inspections. Kisu Chamenagriha was fined Rs. 20,000 for failing to maintain purchase invoices as required under Section 15 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2075 (2018). The penalty was imposed under Section 38(d) of the same Act. Similarly, Calmera Atayer Pvt. Ltd., located in Jadibuti, Kathmandu, was fined Rs. 5,000. Of the 12 firms inspected by the department, the remaining 10 were issued corrective instructions.
Mechi Customs Office collects Rs. 17.67 billion in revenue
Mechi Customs Office, Kakarbhitta, one of the major trade points in eastern Nepal, collected Rs. 17.67 billion 72 lakh 11 thousand in revenue in the last fiscal year 2082/83. The revenue collection was Rs. 1.74 billion 60 lakh 45 thousand higher than the previous fiscal year 2081/82, marking an increase of around 11 percent. Despite the rise in revenue collection, the office failed to meet its annual target. Mechi Customs Office had been assigned a revenue collection target of Rs. 18.87 billion 74 lakh 83 thousand for fiscal year 2082/83. The office achieved around 93 percent of the target, according to the customs office.
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