News Digest - May 14, 2026

Politics & Governance

Opposition lawmakers in the House of Representatives protested, chanting “Where is the Prime Minister?” and calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Balendra Shah, with Hark Samyang boycotting the meeting during the uproar. In separate remarks, Yogesh Bhattarai accused Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal of trying to evade parliamentary responsibility, while Prime Minister Balen Shah was reported as not ready to answer questions on the policy and program. Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s position also remained central as the session moved forward amid continued disruptions. Prime Minister Balendra Shah Yogesh Bhattarai Balen Shah

The federal government approved a cabinet restructure that reduced ministries from 22 to 17 and updated the Rules of Business Allocation 2083 for the new structure. The changes include dissolving the Ministry of Youth and Sports to merge with the Ministry of Education, and creating a new Ministry of Gender Equality and Social Development by integrating multiple portfolios. The government said the revised details will be published in the Nepal Gazette. Rules of Business Allocation 2083 Ministry of Youth and Sports Ministry of Gender Equality and Social Development

Courts & Accountability

Nepal Bankers’ Association members are set to meet after the arrest of Jyotiprakash Pandey, the former CEO of Nepal Investment Mega Bank, amid allegations tied to misappropriation through an auction. The arrest was reported to have been made by the Central Investigation Bureau on April 12, following allegations of financial loss to the state. The meeting is expected to review implications for banking governance and accountability. Jyotiprakash Pandey Nepal Bankers' Association Central Investigation Bureau

Following Pandey’s arrest, the bank reportedly suspended him from Nepal Investment Mega Bank, and the board discussed appointing Mahesh Sharma Dhakal as interim CEO after consultations with the central bank. Some board members reportedly raised concerns about Dhakal’s possible links to the Smart Telecom asset auction case, leading to disagreements over his appointment. The developments highlight ongoing scrutiny around banking sector oversight and fraud-related accountability. Nepal Investment Mega Bank Mahesh Sharma Dhakal Smart Telecom asset auction

Economy & Business

Business communities raised concerns after the closure of six small customs offices, warning that the move could complicate customs procedures and raise costs for local trade. The closures are expected to disrupt how goods move through border-related clearance channels, affecting commercial operations. The issue has drawn criticism from traders seeking stability in customs access. closure of six small customs office customs procedures local businesses

Separately, a minister emphasized prompt service delivery in government offices, urging officials to prioritize responsiveness and streamline processes. The call is intended to improve administrative efficiency and public satisfaction. The push aligns with broader concerns about government readiness and accountability raised during policy and parliamentary interactions. Minister Khanal service delivery government offices

Society & Community

Nepal’s disaster risk authority projected that nearly 2 million people may be affected by monsoon-related disasters this year, with Lumbini Province expected to face the highest impact. The authority estimated around 523,656 individuals in Lumbini, followed by Bagmati and Gandaki provinces, and assigned multiple ministries to lead preparedness and response. The projections underline the need for coordinated action ahead of peak monsoon risks. monsoon-related disasters Lumbini Province National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA)

The risk estimates come as the government faces broader accountability pressure in public administration and parliamentary scrutiny. With rising expectations for readiness and service delivery, disaster preparedness plans may be tested during the monsoon period. Officials are expected to coordinate across ministries to reduce harm and ensure timely support. Bagmati Province Gandaki preparedness and response efforts

Date: May 14, 2026 (AD) | B.S.: Baishakh 31, 2083

Top News

1. ठगी मुद्दामा पक्राउ परेपछि ज्योति प्रकाश पाण्डे नेपाल इन्भेष्टमेन्ट मेगा बैंकबाट निलम्बित, महेश ढकाललाई कामु दिने तयारी ! (arthasarokar.com)

Jyoti Prakash Pandey has been suspended from Nepal Investment Mega Bank following his arrest in a fraud case. A bank director confirmed the suspension, while the bank is considering appointing Mahesh Sharma Dhakal as interim CEO after discussions with the central bank. However, there are concerns about Dhakal's potential involvement in the Smart Telecom asset auction case, which has led to disagreements among the bank's board members regarding his appointment.

2. एआईएमबिका तत्कालीन सिइओ पक्राउ परेपछि बैंकर्स संघको बैठक बस्दै (arthasarokar.com)

The Nepal Bankers' Association has called a meeting following the arrest of Jyotiprakash Pandey, the former CEO of Nepal Investment Mega Bank. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday morning at 9 AM, where members will discuss Pandey's arrest related to allegations of misappropriating government assets through an auction. He was apprehended by the Central Investigation Bureau on April 12 for causing financial loss to the state.

3. संसदमा ‘प्रधानमन्त्री खोई ?’ भन्दै नाराबाजी, हर्क साम्पाङले गरे बैठक बहिष्कार ! (arthasarokar.com)

Opposition members in the House of Representatives protested during a session, chanting "Where is the Prime Minister?" and demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Balendra Shah. The uproar followed the Prime Minister's recommendation for the Finance Minister to respond to questions raised about the upcoming fiscal year's policy and program. During this protest, Hark Samyang, chairman of the Labor Culture Party, boycotted the meeting and left.

4. Nearly 2 million people estimated to be affected by this year’s monsoon (english.onlinekhabar.com)

Nearly 2 million people in Nepal are projected to be affected by monsoon-related disasters this year, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA). Lumbini Province is expected to be the hardest hit, with around 523,656 individuals impacted, followed by Bagmati Province with 327,376 and Gandaki with 287,107. The NDRRMA has assigned various ministries to manage preparedness and response efforts, emphasizing the need for coordinated actions in light of anticipated natural disasters.

5. संसदीय दायित्वबाट प्रधानमन्त्री भाग्न खोजे : योगेश भट्टराई (www.onlinekhabar.com)

Yogesh Bhattarai has accused Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal of attempting to evade parliamentary responsibilities. Bhattarai's remarks highlight concerns regarding the Prime Minister's commitment to legislative duties amidst ongoing political challenges.

6. Business people rue over closure of six small customs office (risingnepaldaily.com)

Business people are expressing concerns over the closure of six small customs offices in Nepal, which they believe will negatively impact trade and commerce. The closures are expected to complicate customs procedures and increase costs for local businesses.

7. नीति–कार्यक्रममा जवाफ दिन तयार भएनन् प्रधानमन्त्री बालेन (www.onlinekhabar.com)

Prime Minister Balen Shah was not prepared to respond to questions regarding the policy program. His lack of readiness has raised concerns about accountability and governance.

8. Federal government restructures Cabinet, reduces Ministries to 17 (english.onlinekhabar.com)

The federal government has restructured its Cabinet, reducing the number of ministries from 22 to 17. Key changes include the dissolution of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, which will merge with the Ministry of Education to form the Ministry of Education and Sports, and the creation of a new Ministry of Gender Equality and Social Development by integrating youth, women, and health portfolios. The revised Rules of Business Allocation 2083 were approved in a Cabinet meeting, with details to be published in the Nepal Gazette.

9. अध्यादेशविरुद्ध विपक्षी दल, संसद्‌मा अस्वीकृतको सूचना दर्ता (www.onlinekhabar.com)

Opposition parties in Nepal have registered a notice in Parliament against the government's ordinance. This move indicates their rejection of the ordinance, signaling ongoing political tensions.

10. Minister Khanal bats for prompt service delivery (risingnepaldaily.com)

Minister Khanal emphasized the need for timely service delivery in government offices to improve efficiency and public satisfaction. He urged officials to prioritize responsiveness and streamline processes to better serve citizens.

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