Khabarhub

A significant rift has emerged within the CPN-UML, with a majority of leaders in the ongoing Central Secretariat meeting demanding the resignation of party Chairman KP Sharma Oli. The leaders cited disappointing electoral performances and organizational stagnation as reasons for the call for leadership change and party restructuring. Oli, however, has firmly rejected these demands, asserting his legitimate election and unwillingness to step down.

The government has appointed Joint Secretary Mukesh Dangol as the new Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN). The decision was made during a Cabinet meeting on Monday, as announced by government spokesperson and Minister for Education, Sasmit Pokharel. Dangol, who has prior experience as an acting Director General, was selected from 21 applicants.

The Supreme Court has ordered authorities to submit a written explanation within 24 hours regarding the arrest of medical entrepreneur Durga Prasai, responding to a habeas corpus petition. The court also directed that Prasai should not be kept in detention beyond Sunday if the investigation is not completed, and if no case is filed, he must be released.

A high-level Iranian delegation, including the central bank chief and top negotiator, arrived in Doha for discussions with the US concerning diplomatic efforts to end the conflict and the release of frozen funds. The talks are expected to address issues related to the Strait and highly enriched uranium, with the Central Bank governor specifically involved in negotiations over frozen funds as part of a potential final deal.

Pokhara Metropolitan City has commenced a demolition drive to clear illegal structures encroaching on the Phirke Khola river corridor and the Pokhara Bus Park area. The action follows the expiration of public notices demanding the removal of permanent and temporary structures, with the municipality vowing to recover demolition costs from violators. The city is also preparing to reclaim land for a modern bus park and has requested details from landless Dalits and squatters.

The Kaski District Court has approved the withdrawal of organized crime and money laundering charges against Rabi Lamichhane and other defendants in the Surya Darshan Cooperative case. The court's decision means Lamichhane and the co-accused will now only face charges related to cooperative fraud, facilitating the return of funds to depositors.

Prime Minister Balen Shah held a joint meeting with ambassadors from 22 European Union member states in Kathmandu. The delegation, including ambassadors based in Kathmandu and New Delhi, aimed to congratulate the new government, reaffirm support for Nepal's development priorities, and explore new avenues for cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, and climate action. Discussions also touched upon Nepal's human rights situation, political stability, and economic development.

Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched the 'MOFA Mitra' mobile application to provide online consular services to citizens abroad and their families. Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal stated the app aims to make public services more convenient and citizen-friendly by allowing online registration of concerns and tracking of requests. The application is available on both Android and iOS platforms.

The Nepali film 'Elephant in the Fog,' directed by Abinash Bikram Shah, has won the Jury Prize in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival, marking a historic achievement for Nepali cinema. Acting Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Sunita Dangol, stated that Nepal's presence and recognition at the festival have elevated the stature of the nation's film and creative industries on a global stage.

Prime Minister Balendra Shah has reiterated his government's commitment to delivering "real and visible improvements" in citizens' daily lives, emphasizing good governance and inclusive economic growth. Speaking to European Union ambassadors and other diplomats, Shah stated that while the new government represents a new phase, it upholds democratic values and political stability with a clear policy direction. He also highlighted Nepal's pursuit of a balanced foreign policy based on mutual respect and shared prosperity.

The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has announced a 14-member national squad for the Men's Asian Games Qualifier 2026, scheduled to be held in Singapore from May 31 to June 9. Dipendra Singh Airee has been appointed as the captain of the team, which includes prominent players like Rohit Paudel and Sandeep Lamichhane.

Prime Minister Balendra Shah met with non-resident ambassadors and heads of missions from European Union member nations to discuss Nepal's current priorities, strengthen bilateral relations, and explore areas of cooperation. The meeting, held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, was described by press advisor Deepa Dahal as an opportunity to inform diplomats about Nepal's objectives.