KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Internal strife grips parties as public anger grows
Nepali politics has long been marked by factionalism, power struggles, and internal rivalry. What was once considered a problem largely confined to traditional parties is now increasingly visible in newer and alternative political forces as well. Communist parties, in particular, have repeatedly split over leadership disputes. The Nepali Congress (NC) is also being viewed by many observers as facing serious internal tensions that could deepen further. The dispute that intensified after the party’s second special general convention held last Poush continues to grow, while dissatisfaction is also rising within the CPN-UML over the leadership style of party chief KP Sharma Oli. The RPP, which advocates the restoration of the monarchy, has also experienced repeated fragmentation and decline in recent years. At the same time, internal dissatisfaction and conflict are becoming more visible within newer parties such as the RSP and the Shram Sanskriti Party.
Economic diplomacy at center of Nepal’s foreign policy: Foreign Minister
Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has said economic diplomacy has become the central focus of Nepal’s foreign policy, with the aim of improving citizens’ living standards and creating opportunities in trade, investment, employment, entrepreneurship, tourism, technology, innovation and sustainable development. Addressing an international conference titled “China and South Asia in a Multipolar World: China-India-Nepal Trilateral Relations in an Evolving Regional Order” held in Lalitpur on Friday, Minister Khanal said Nepal can play the role of a dynamic bridge to expand economic, trade and people-to-people cooperation between China and South Asia. According to the Foreign Minister’s Secretariat, Khanal said Nepal maintains its relations with both neighbours based on sovereign equality, mutual respect, shared interests and sensitivity toward each other’s concerns. He said Asia’s rapid economic transformation has created unprecedented opportunities for shared prosperity, adding that cooperation remains the most reliable path toward sustainable development and long-term economic progress.
Manish Jha questions govt style, warns public discontent
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) lawmaker Manish Jha sharply criticized the government’s style of governance, warning that public discontent has not truly been resolved. “The flames may have been put out, but the firewood remains,” Jha said, urging those in power to remove what he called their “black glasses” and face the realities on the ground. Speaking in the House of Representatives, he said although he was not questioning the government’s intentions or honesty, Jha accused it of applying different standards to different groups. He pointed to the situation in Madhesh, where poor citizens allegedly have small packets of chips worth Rs 25 seized at border points, while costly luxury goods such as Blue Label liquor are allowed to enter through airports without obstruction.
National Assembly meeting postponed, next session scheduled for August 12
The meeting of the National Assembly scheduled for Friday has been postponed. According to the Federal Parliament Secretariat, the next meeting of the upper house will be held on August 12 at 1:15 pm. National Assembly Chairperson Narayan Prasad Dahal rescheduled the meeting for Wednesday, exercising authority under Rule 6 (3) of the National Assembly Rules the secretariat said.
Lawmakers urge government to ensure smooth LPG supply, address public concerns
Members of the House of Representatives have urged the government to ensure a smooth supply of cooking gas and address various public issues including disaster management, healthcare, infrastructure and agriculture. Speaking during the urgent matters session of the House meeting on Friday, lawmakers drew the government’s attention to problems faced by citizens due to monsoon-related disasters, health service shortages, road disruptions, social security issues and challenges in the agricultural sector. Lawmaker Indira Rana Magar urged the government to take immediate measures to make cooking gas supply more reliable and accessible. Similarly, lawmaker Premlal Chaudhary said Ilam district remains highly vulnerable to natural disasters and lacks adequate health facilities.
NRB takes action against three commercial banks for regulatory violations
Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has taken disciplinary action against three Class ‘A’ commercial banks and their officials for violating regulatory directives during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025/26. According to details released by the NRB’s Bank Supervision Department, Rastriya Banijya Bank, Agricultural Development Bank and Prabhu Bank faced actions ranging from warnings to monetary penalties for various regulatory breaches. The most severe action was taken against former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Prabhu Bank Limited, Ashok Sherchan, who was fined Rs 500,000 under Section 100 (2)(c) of the Nepal Rastra Bank Act. The central bank said Sherchan was penalised for repeatedly violating directives issued by NRB, failing to maintain adequate loan loss provisions due to improper loan classification, and submitting information to the central bank that differed from data generated by the bank’s core banking system.
Deuba to attend NC dissident faction’s August 13 meeting
Former Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba will attend a gathering of the party’s establishment dissident faction scheduled for August 13, according to party leader Prakash Sharan Mahat. Mahat, who is preparing the meeting’s discussion paper, said Deuba is expected to return to Nepal from Hong Kong on August 11 and will participate in the event. “Former President Deuba will also attend the August 13 meeting. As per his current schedule, he will arrive on August 11. We expect participation from as many party colleagues as possible,” Mahat said. The Deuba faction has not accepted Gagan Thapa as party president following his election at the party’s second special general convention held in January. While the party leadership under Thapa has begun preparations for the 15th General Convention, the dissident faction has yet to present a united front.
Nepal Quality Council approves new quality standards to align with international practices
The 11th meeting of the Nepal Quality Council has approved draft Nepal Quality and International Standards aimed at improving quality regulation and aligning domestic practices with global standards. The meeting endorsed various quality standards recommended by the technical committee formed for the determination and review of quality standards in Nepal. Representatives from concerned ministries and officials from relevant organisations participated in the meeting. The council approved specifications for ethanol used as a blending component in motor gasoline and standards related to elastomeric bridge bearings. It also endorsed several international standards related to rubber hardness testing, along with standards for determining the compression set of rubber and thermoplastics. According to the council, the decision was taken to update Nepal’s quality standards in line with current requirements and international practices.
Dry landslide damages APF border outpost structures at Tatopani, no casualties
A dry landslide damaged multiple structures at the Armed Police Force (APF) Border Outpost (BOP) in Tatopani, Sindhupalchok, early Friday, although no human casualties were reported. According to security sources, the landslide occurred at around 1:15 am after rocks tumbled from a hillside approximately 200 to 300 meters above the BOP, located at Tatopani Customs Area in Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality-3. The falling rocks collided with each other before scattering into the outpost premises. The incident caused damage to several APF facilities and equipment. A windowpane of the first-line barrack was shattered, while the second-line barrack sustained a hole in its wall and six holes in its corrugated metal roof. One duty post was completely destroyed, while another suffered partial damage.
Nepal Rastra Bank takes action against three commercial banks for regulatory violations
Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has taken disciplinary action against three Class ‘A’ commercial banks and their officials for violating regulatory directives during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025/26. According to details released by the NRB’s Bank Supervision Department, Rastriya Banijya Bank, Agricultural Development Bank and Prabhu Bank faced actions ranging from warnings to monetary penalties for various regulatory breaches. The most severe action was taken against former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Prabhu Bank Limited, Ashok Sherchan, who was fined Rs 500,000 under Section 100 (2)(c) of the Nepal Rastra Bank Act.
NHRC urges govt to ensure smooth supply of cooking gas
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged the government to ensure the smooth supply of liquefied petroleum (LP) gas. The human rights body said transparency and accountability must be maintained in the distribution process to guarantee consumers’ access to cooking gas. The NHRC also stressed the need for effective market monitoring on both a regular and need-based basis to prevent artificial shortages and unnecessary hoarding of gas. It added that those involved in creating artificial shortages should face legal action.
NPC seeks local data on food systems transformation efforts
The National Planning Commission (NPC) has begun coordinating with local governments to collect information on efforts and achievements made in implementing Nepal’s Food Systems Transformation Strategic Plan. The Commission said it has requested the Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation, Federal Affairs and General Administration to facilitate the process and ensure that all local governments submit the required information. According to the NPC, implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 is a shared responsibility of the federal, provincial and local governments, and the Food Systems Transformation Strategic Plan is being implemented in line with that commitment.
Prof. Dr. Ashish Govinda Amatya appointed director of Shahid Gangalal National Heart Centre
Prof. Dr. Ashish Govinda Amatya has been appointed director of the Shahid Gangalal National Heart Centre. Minister for Health and Food Hygiene Nisha Meheta appointed Prof. Dr. Amatya to the post, according to official sources. Following his appointment, Prof. Dr. Amatya took the oath of office and secrecy before Minister Meheta.
Gold, silver prices edge up in Nepali market
Gold and silver prices posted a modest increase in the Nepali market on Friday, according to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association. The price of fine gold rose by Rs 900 per tola to reach Rs 296,900. It was traded at Rs 296,000 per tola on Thursday. Similarly, silver gained Rs 10 per tola, taking its price to Rs 4,580 per tola, up from Rs 4,570 on Thursday. According to international media reports, gold was trading at USD 4,262 per ounce in the international market, while silver was priced at USD 58 per ounce.
Shekhar Koirala urges government to withdraw Rs 20 million allocated for Koirala residence restoration
Nepali Congress leader Dr. Shekhar Koirala has urged the government to withdraw the Rs 20 million allocated for the restoration and conservation of the historic Koirala residence in Biratnagar. In a letter addressed to the ministry secretary on August 5, Dr. Koirala thanked the government for allocating the amount through the fiscal year 2026/27 budget for the restoration of the birthplace of Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala, located at Koshi Hospital Chowk in Biratnagar Metropolitan City-7. However, he said he could not morally accept the allocation, arguing that a resource-constrained state should prioritize improving the living standards of citizens facing hardship and deprivation.
Nepal Consulate General in San Francisco to close from Sept. 1
The Consulate General of Nepal in San Francisco, United States, will permanently cease operations from September 1, 2026, the mission announced on Friday. In a public notice, the Consulate General said passport, visa and other consular services will remain available only until August 31. The mission urged Nepali nationals and other service seekers to complete any pending consular work before the closure takes effect. It also requested applicants who submitted passport applications through the Consulate General or its mobile passport service centres before July 6 to collect their new passports from the consulate office as soon as possible. The San Francisco mission is currently in the process of permanent closure, and no passport, visa or other consular services will be available from September 1 onward.
Lawmakers demand PM’s participation in question-answer session
Nepali Communist Party (NCP) lawmaker Yubaraj Dulal has demanded a ruling from the Speaker to ensure the prime minister’s participation in the question-answer session with lawmakers as required by parliamentary regulations. Speaking during Friday’s meeting of the House of Representatives, Dulal urged Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal to issue a ruling to bring the prime minister to the parliamentary question-answer session in line with the House rules. He also expressed dissatisfaction over Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s statement that Nepal had also encroached on several areas of India. Dulal demanded that the statement be removed from parliamentary records, that the prime minister provide clarification, or that the Speaker issue an appropriate ruling on the matter.
Experts stress role of yoga, meditation in promoting mental health
Experts have emphasized the importance of incorporating yoga and meditation into daily life, saying the practices can significantly improve both mental and physical well-being. Speaking at a programme on “Ayurveda and Yoga for Mental Health for Health Workers” organized by the Karnali Province Ayurveda Hospital and Research Centre on Thursday, participants highlighted the growing need for preventive approaches to mental health. Secretary at the Ministry of Social Development, Roshani Kumari Shrestha, said yoga and meditation enhance concentration and positive thinking, contributing to better mental well-being.
Veteran climber Pur Bahadur Gurung cremated in Kathmandu
The last rites of veteran Nepali mountaineer Pur Bahadur Gurung (Yukta), who died during an expedition on Pakistan’s 8,047-metre Broad Peak, were performed in Kathmandu on Friday. The cremation took place at Swayambhu in the presence of family members, relatives, Home Minister Sudan Gurung, Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa, members of the mountaineering community and well-wishers. Gurung died after being caught in an avalanche while attempting to summit Broad Peak. Mountaineers and stakeholders have paid tribute to Gurung, describing his death as an irreparable loss to Nepal’s mountaineering community.
Mosque damaged in arson, vandalism during protest in Siraha
The Chauharwa Jame Mosque in Golbazar, Siraha, has been damaged following vandalism and arson during a protest, according to local authorities. The incident occurred amid heightened tension in Golbazar after a teenager was killed by gunfire on July 30 during a dispute linked to an incident in Sunsari. During the unrest that followed, the mosque was vandalized and set on fire, causing damage to the structure and destroying books and copies kept inside the mosque. Security has been tightened in the area following the incident. Authorities are investigating the incident and assessing the full extent of the damage, officials said.
Kanchanpur shopper wins Rs 1 million bumper prize in taxpayer incentive scheme
A taxpayer from Kanchanpur has won the first Rs 1 million bumper prize under the government’s taxpayer incentive programme launched to encourage consumers to collect bills while making purchases. According to the Ministry of Finance, the winning purchase was made at Shiva Krishna General Store in Punarbas Municipality, Kanchanpur. The customer won the bumper prize after purchasing goods worth Rs 250. The winning coupon number is 007315254493, the ministry said. The taxpayer incentive programme was introduced to promote bill-based transactions and strengthen tax compliance. Under the scheme, prize draws are held every 15 days, with 15 winners receiving Rs 100,000 each and one bumper winner receiving Rs 1 million in every draw.
99 transformers stolen across Madhesh Province in five years
Transformer theft has been on the rise across various districts of Madhesh Province, with 99 transformers stolen over the past five years, according to the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). Kali Charan Yadav, administration chief at the NEA Madhesh Provincial Office in Janakpur, said the thefts are largely driven by the high market value of the copper wire used inside transformers. Mahottari recorded the highest number of thefts with 35 transformers stolen, followed by Bara (15), Dhanusha (14), Rautahat (10), Sarlahi and Siraha (nine each), Saptari (three) and Parsa (two). The stolen transformers ranged in capacity from 15 kVA to 200 kVA.
Rain affects road network; public urged to travel with caution
Rainfall disrupted major highways and road networks in several districts across the country, with landslides, road erosion, and flood risks affecting traffic movement. Nepal Police, releasing the road status update today morning, stated that more than a dozen road sections have been affected by landslides, road washouts, and possible flooding. According to the police, all types of vehicles have been barred from operating on the Khurkot–Nepalthok–Katunjebesi section of the BP Highway connecting Kavrepalanchok and Sindhuli from 6:00 pm to 4:00 am due to the risk of possible flooding. Vehicle movement has been allowed only from 4:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Chitwan forest office steps up tiger, leopard monitoring near human settlements
The Division Forest Office, Chitwan, has intensified monitoring of tiger and leopard movements near human settlements by installing camera traps and setting up cages to capture wildlife if necessary. Forest Officer Sudip Hamal said the office has placed camera traps and rescue cages to monitor wild animals entering residential areas and facilitate their safe control. According to Hamal, a cage equipped with a camera has been installed for trapping purposes at Avinas Poultry premises in Bharatpur Metropolitan City-15. Another camera has been placed nearby in a bamboo grove area. During the monitoring, a leopard cub trapped inside the cage at the poultry premises was rescued and taken to the National Trust for Nature Conservation in Sauraha. The Division Forest Office said camera footage showed the mother leopard and another cub staying outside the cage after the cub was trapped. After clearing the bushes in the area, authorities estimated that the mother and the remaining cub moved toward the premises of the Agriculture and Forestry University.
Ride-sharing drivers protest demanding lower commissions, fairer fares
Drivers affiliated with ride-sharing platforms, including inDrive, Pathao and Yango, staged a protest on Friday demanding lower commission rates and a revision of fare structures. The demonstration was held outside inDrive’s office in Kupandole, where drivers complained that commission charges are too high while passenger fares remain too low. The protest was led by the Independent Drivers Foundation Nepal. Protesters carried placards with slogans such as “Low fares, high commissions—we won’t tolerate it anymore,” “Value our labour, protect drivers’ lives,” “Reduce commissions, ensure justice,” and “Stop exploiting ride-hailing drivers.” According to Foundation Chair Reshma Bisunke, drivers have also been forced to bear the burden of the 5 percent Value Added Tax (VAT) introduced from the beginning of the new fiscal year.
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