KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Eight parties, including Maoists, sign 18-point agreement for unity
Seven leftist parties have agreed to form a unified party, formalized through an 18-point agreement announced on Sunday. The party unity agreement was signed by CPN (Maoist Centre), CPN (Unified Socialist), Nepal Socialist Party, CPN (Socialist), Jana Samajbadi Party, Nepal Communist Party (Maoist–Socialist), and CPN (Samyabadi). Chiran’s faction, which split from the Biplav-led Communist Party, has also joined the new formation.
Ramkumari Jhankri: No decision yet on what we will do
Standing at a crossroads after the CPN (Unified Socialist) leadership decided to merge with the Maoist Centre, Standing Committee member Ramkumari Jhankri has said that she has not yet decided on her next move. Though she attended a meeting on Friday with senior leader Jhalanath Khanal and General Secretary Ghanshyam Bhusal, both of whom oppose merging with the Maoists and have left the Madhav Nepal faction, Jhankri remains in a wait-and-watch mode.
Senior leader Khanal and General Secretary Bhusal skip final meeting; Unified Socialist to join eight-party unity conference
The Secretariat meeting of the CPN (Unified Socialist) has concluded, deciding that the party will take part in the eight-party unity convention scheduled for November 5. According to party leader Metmani Chaudhary, senior leader Jhalanath Khanal and General Secretary Ghanshyam Bhusal were absent from the meeting.
Eight political parties to hold unity conference on November 5
The CPN (Unified Socialist) has decided to hold a unity conference among eight political parties on November 5. According to party leader Metmani Chaudhary, the decision was made during the party’s Secretariat meeting held today. “We have decided to organize a unity conference on the Nov 5,” Chaudhary said, adding that “eight parties will come together through this conference.”
Prime Minister instructs Nepal Airlines to dismiss politically appointed staff
Prime Minister Sushila Karki has directed the Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) to immediately remove contractual employees recruited through personal or political connections. In her capacity as the Minister for Tourism, Prime Minister Karki summoned the corporation’s board members and senior management officials to Singha Durbar on Sunday and issued the instruction.
Press Council Nepal to stop listing online media outlets
The Press Council Nepal (PCN) has announced that it will no longer register or list online news portals. In a notice issued on Sunday, the Council stated that the decision follows recent legal amendments brought by the government through the “An Act to Make Amendment to Some Nepal Acts, 2025.” The new law amended the Press and Publication Act, 1991, and enforced the Printing and Publication (Second Amendment) Rules, 2025.
Kisan Shrestha hints at return to UML: Chances are high we’ll go back to Gundu
Following CPN (Unified Socialist) Chair Madhav Kumar Nepal’s decision to merge with the CPN (Maoist Center), the party appears to be on the verge of a split. The faction led by senior leaders Jhalanath Khanal and Ghanashyam Bhusal, which has opposed Nepal’s unification move, is reportedly preparing to break away.
SC orders government not to implement decision to recall ambassadors
The Supreme Court has issued an interim order directing the government not to implement its decision to recall 11 Nepali ambassadors serving in various countries. A joint bench of Justices Sharanga Subedi and Shreekanta Paudel on Sunday ordered the government to halt the implementation of the recall decision.
Kagbeni–Chhusang road reopens after repair, restoration work continues in Chaile
The nine-kilometer Kagbeni–Chhusang section of the Korala border road, which was blocked due to continuous rainfall on Thursday night, has reopened after repair and maintenance. According to the District Police Office, Mustang, the road was cleared and brought into operation on Sunday following coordinated efforts involving the District Administration Office, Baragung Muktichhetra Rural Municipality, security agencies, and the Kaligandaki Corridor (Beni–Jomsom–Korala) Road Project.
Harka Sampang’s ‘Shram Sanskriti Party’ gets official registration
The ‘Shram Sanskriti Party’, led by Dharan Mayor Harka Sampang, has been officially registered with the Election Commission. Chairman Sampang personally received the party registration certificate today. The party’s election symbol is soil. The Shram Sanskriti Party has 28 central members and five office bearers. Devraj Lama serves as Vice-President, Aryan Rai as General Secretary, Samita Rai as Treasurer, and Arun Gurung as Spokesperson. Sampang had submitted the application for party registration to the Election Commission on October 28.
BP Highway reopens after three days of disruption
The BP Highway, which had been blocked for three days due to floods and landslides, has reopened for traffic. The Highway was obstructed by landslides and mudslides at several locations along the Chowkidanda–Nepalthok section in Kavrepalanchok district. According to Suman Yogesh, Chief Divisional Senior Engineer at the Division Road Office, Bhaktapur, the Highway resumed operation on Sunday morning after debris was cleared and a temporary diversion was constructed at the site of the mudslides. A 50-meter diversion was built at Charsayabesi in Roshi Rural Municipality-8, Kavrepalanchowk, to restore traffic movement.
Four killed as bus hits autorickshaw in Dhanusha
Four people, including three members of the same family, were killed when a passenger bus collided with an autorickshaw in Dhanusha. Two children were seriously injured. A bus (Sa Pa 01-001 Kha 3288) traveling from Biratnagar to Dhangadhi struck an autorickshaw (Pro. 2-01-001 Ha 1230) coming from the opposite direction last night. The accident occurred at Birendra Bazaar, Ward No. 1, Ganeshman Charnath Municipality, along the East-West Highway. Those killed were identified as Dhan Bahadur Purbachhane Magar, approximately 40; Shambhu Purbachhane Magar, 35; Nisha Magar, 35; and autorickshaw driver Dambar Rai, 40, all residents of Ganeshman Charnath Municipality-1, Bharatpur. Police confirmed that the three Magar family members died on the spot.
Janardan Sharma at crossroads: Stay with Maoists or rebel?
Janardan Sharma, a senior leader of the Maoist Center, has long held views differing from Chairman/Coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ and now finds himself increasingly isolated within the party. With the party’s decision to unify with groups including the CPN-Unified Socialist, the experienced commander of the ‘Janayuddha’ (People’s War) faction faces a critical choice: continue a two-line struggle with Prachanda or chart a new political course. Sharma’s dissent became evident in the Secretariat meeting held on Saturday. While the meeting concluded in favor of party unification, Sharma argued that unification without addressing ideas and principles would not be fruitful.
DoTM server partially operational
The server of the Department of Transport Management (DoTM) has become partially operational. According to Keshav Khatiwada, Director of Information and Technology at the department, the server started functioning around 2 pm on Sunday. “Even after retrieving data from the Integrated Data Center in Singha Durbar, we were unable to operate due to water leakage from the ceiling of the building caused by rain. It is now partially operational within the Kathmandu Valley, including Ekantakuna in Lalitpur, Radheradhe in Bhaktapur, and currently in Chabahil and Thulo Bharyang,” he said.
NEPSE index rises 1.18%, finance sector leads gains
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index gained 30.75 points today, closing at 2,631.14, marking an increase of 1.18 percent. A total of 29.738 million shares of 319 companies were traded 68,112 times, generating a turnover of Rs 9.20 billion. While the trade group fell by 1.10 percent, all other sub-indices recorded gains. The finance group led the gains, rising 5.17 percent, followed by life insurance at 4.35 percent. Other sectoral increases included banking 0.29%, development banks 0.90%, hotels and tourism 1.20%, hydropower 1.18%, investment 0.80%, production and processing 0.96%, microfinance 1.38%, mutual funds 0.10%, non-life insurance 1.33%, and other groups 1.23%.
Gold price increases slightly
The price of gold in the local market has risen modestly today compared to last Friday. According to the Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of gold increased by Rs 700 per tola, while silver fell by Rs 5 per tola. The price of gold, which was traded at Rs 239,000 per tola last Friday, has been fixed at Rs 239,700 per tola today, the Association said. Similarly, the price of silver has been set at Rs 3,055 per tola. According to international media reports, gold is being traded at US$ 4,000 per ounce in the international market today.
NRB to withdraw Rs 40 billion from banking system to ease liquidity
Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has announced it will withdraw Rs 40 billion from the banking system through a 175-day deposit auction on Sunday to help manage excess liquidity. The auction is scheduled for 3 p.m., with bids starting at a minimum of Rs 100 million and increasing in Rs 50 million increments. The interest rate will be determined through competitive bidding. Earlier, NRB had conducted deposit collections for 21, 42, and 90 days, but the tenure has now been extended due to ongoing liquidity pressures.
Two killed, five injured in auto-rickshaw accident in Rukum East
Two people died and five others were injured in an auto-rickshaw accident on the Mid-Hill Highway in Bhume Rural Municipality-1, Syawal, Rukum East. According to the District Police Office, the accident occurred last night when the auto Ra 1 Ha 6797, traveling from Lukum to Brahtal, fell approximately 300 meters off the road. The injured were rescued and taken to Rukumpur Hospital for treatment. Hospital officials reported that 30-year-old Rejina Gharti and 25-year-old Sabita Gharti of Bhume-1 died during treatment.
Spanish climber rescued from Makalu Base Camp
A Spanish national stranded at Makalu Base Camp in Makalu Rural Municipality-2 has been rescued by helicopter this morning. The climber, Jesus Martinez Novas, was stuck at an altitude of 5,700 meters for six days due to adverse weather and snowfall. Deputy Superintendent of Police at the District Police Office, Sankhuwasabha, confirmed the rescue. Novas has been airlifted to Khumbug Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality-4 in Solukhumbu district. Authorities reported that around 70 foreign tourists and 60 domestic tourists were trapped at Makalu Base Camp during the severe weather.
NC Central Committee meeting postponed yet again
The Nepali Congress (NC) Central Working Committee meeting, originally scheduled for 1 pm on Sunday, has been postponed at the last minute. The meeting, which was also not held on Friday, has been deferred amid ongoing disputes over the date of the party’s 15th General Convention. An effort to reach a consensus at a meeting of office bearers in Sanepa on Saturday failed. General Secretary Bishwaprakash Sharma had proposed that General Committee members vote on whether the convention should be held before or after elections, while the establishment faction presented a different agenda.
Garbage trucks resume operation in Bancharedanda
Garbage trucks that had been unable to reach the Bancharedanda landfill site for the past four days due to local obstructions have resumed operation following an agreement with residents. Minister for Urban Development Kulman Ghising visited the landfill site today and assured that the agreements made with locals would be implemented. Following this, garbage trucks began moving, according to the minister’s secretariat. The obstruction had been imposed by the local community to pressure authorities over unfulfilled agreements. During the four-day disruption, garbage accumulated across most streets of Kathmandu.
Italian climber rescued from Pangbari Himal, search for two continues
One of three Italian nationals stranded on Pangbari Himal in Gorkha for five days has been rescued, while the search for the remaining two continues, police said. Sixty-five-year-old Velter Perlino, who was at the base camp at an altitude of 5,000 meters, was rescued by helicopter at 10 am today and brought to Chumanubri-1 Samdo, according to Deputy Superintendent of Police Rajkumar Shrestha. Also rescued were Pemba Renji Sherpa, Dawa Chiri Sherpa, and Pasang Tamang, who had been accompanying him.
NC Reform Campaign locks Sanepa party office in protest
The Nepali Congress (NC) Reform Campaign (under-40) broke through the security cordon and reached the gate of the Nepali Congress party headquarters in Sanepa today, locking the office in protest. The group forced its way past police security at the entrance and staged a demonstration outside the party office gate. Protesters demanded a regular general convention and proper youth representation. After locking the gate, they sat outside while chanting slogans such as, “If a regular general convention cannot be held, the current central committee should be dissolved! The sentiments of ordinary Nepali Congress members and youth should not be ignored!”
Hetauda-Kathmandu road reopens after landslide clearance
Traffic on the Hetauda-Kathmandu road has resumed after large rocks that fell from above were cleared. The road had been completely blocked since 6 am this morning in Bakaiya Rural Municipality-11, Makawanpur, due to rocks dislodged by incessant rain. Deputy Superintendent of Police Pushkar Bogati, spokesperson for the District Police Office, Makawanpur, confirmed that the road is now open. However, the Hetauda-Kulekhani-Sisneri-Dakshikali road, another route connecting Hetauda and Kathmandu, remains closed.
KMC uses bulldozer at Thapathali Traffic Police Office
Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) deployed a bulldozer at the Traffic Police Division located in the Ram Mandir complex, Thapathali. The action targeted a structure built within the heritage area. The illegal structure was removed to ensure the heritage site remains open and protected.
Kathmandu basks in sunlight as Montha Cyclone weakens
After three days of continuous rainfall brought by the Montha Cyclone and westerly winds, the Kathmandu Valley woke up to clearer skies on Sunday. The cyclone, along with westerly winds, had caused rainfall across the country — including the Kathmandu Valley — on October 30, 31 and November 1.
Landslides block Kagbeni-Korala road
Landslides have obstructed the Kagbeni-Korala road at ten different locations following continuous rainfall since Thursday night. Floods mixed with mud have damaged several sections of the road, making travel impossible. Chief District Officer (CDO) Bishnu Prasad Bhusal informed that the road structure has been severely affected by floods and mudslides along the Kagbeni–Chhusang section of the Korala road. Although efforts are being made to reopen the route using heavy equipment, he said the road is unlikely to be operational immediately. According to him, the rainfall has also disrupted communication services in the affected areas.
One killed, another injured in Baitadi tractor accident
A tractor accident in Baitadi has claimed one life and injured another. The tractor, traveling from Dhamkatte to Sinyakhet in Sigas Rural Municipality-3, overturned at Gadighadhi in the same ward this afternoon. Police Inspector Indraraj Bhatta of the Area Police Office confirmed that 75-year-old Haruwa Saud of Dhamkatte died in the accident, while his 20-year-old grandson, Mahesh Saud, sustained injuries. Authorities are currently searching for the tractor driver, who fled the scene.
Communication facilities lacking in Humla’s Lapcha
The lack of communication facilities has created difficulties in Lapcha, a tourist destination in Limi, northern Namkha Rural Municipality-6, Humla. Tourists visiting the area face problems due to the absence of mobile and internet services. From Lapcha, visitors can easily access the holy Mansarovar-Kailash pilgrimage site in China. Although three villages in the Limi Valley—Halji, Tilar, and Jang—have phone services, Lapcha remains without any communication facility. Ward Chairman Paljor Tamang said that the introduction of 4G internet service in Lapcha would make life easier for everyone.
Poon Hill: Top spot for sunrise, sunset, and Himalayan views
Poon Hill has recently emerged as a popular tourist destination for viewing the sunrise, sunset, and majestic mountain ranges including Gurja Himal, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Nilgiri. The best months to visit Pun Hill in Ghodepani, Ward 6 of Annapurna Rural Municipality, are September, October, February, March and April. According to the Tourist Police Post in Ghodepani, around 30,000 tourists visit the area annually. Sudip Purja Pun, a businessman contracted to collect entry fees and operate the tea shop, said that tourist numbers have been lower this year due to adverse weather and political conditions. In previous years, around 400 tourists visited daily during autumn. Visitors staying in Ghodepani typically walk uphill for about 40 minutes to reach Poon Hill in the morning and witness the sunrise along with the mountain range.
Bananas worth Rs 10.5 million sold in Birtamod in one month
Bananas worth Rs 10,590,800 were sold from the Birtamod Agricultural Wholesale Market in a month. Farmers from Danabari and Mahamai in Ilam, as well as Khudunabari, Shanishchare, Mechinagar, and Bhadrapur in Jhapa, bring their bananas here for sale. Maya Rajbanshi, Assistant Statistics Officer of the Agricultural Market Management Committee, said that 19,256 households sold bananas at an average rate of Rs 550 per household during the Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath festivals. According to her, Malbhok, Bhandari, Jahji, and Chinichampa varieties of bananas are sent from Birtamod to Biratnagar, Janakpur, Kathmandu, and other places, priced between Rs 300 and Rs 800 per unit. She added that banana sales peak during the Chhath festival, surpassing sales during Dashain and Tihar.
Orthopedic and Neurology Specialist service resumes at Baitadi District Hospital
The District Hospital in Baitadi has resumed orthopedic and neurology specialist services. The services were reinstated with the arrival of Dr. Dipendra Bhandari as the orthopedic and neurology specialist at the hospital. The service, which had been disrupted for a few months due to the absence of a specialist, has now resumed, informed Dr. Sushil BK, Chief of the District Hospital. According to the hospital, surgical services will also be available. Treatments for back and waist pain, knee pain and swelling, pinched or weak nerves, and other related issues will be provided, said Harish Pant, Information Officer at the District Hospital.
Food Management Company begins purchasing rice
The Food Management and Trade Company has begun purchasing rice from farmers starting today. According to Branch Chief Mahi Karan Mahara, the company is buying rice at the government-set support price. This year, the company plans to purchase five quintals of rice from Kanchanpur district, with the possibility of increasing the quantity as needed. Mahara acknowledged that the company had fallen short of its target in previous years.
Deurali Park emerging as a new attraction in Bhojpur
Deurali Park in Bhojpur has become an attractive destination for visitors, thanks to the dedication and collective efforts of local youth. Once an ordinary area, it is now emerging as a new identity of the district. According to Secretary Ripesh Bhujel, members of the Bihani Football Club have been actively involved in conserving and maintaining the park. The youth have enhanced its beauty by constructing national flags, flower pots, and sitting platforms. A khukuri-shaped statue built by Bhojpur Municipality at the park’s entrance has further added to its appeal, drawing more visitors.
4,600 disaster-related incidents reported since mid-April
A total of 4,597 disaster-related incidents have been recorded across the country since mid-April, resulting in 335 deaths as of November 1, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA). Spokesperson Shanti Mahat said that 41 people remain missing and 1,264 others have been injured during this period. Floods accounted for 316 incidents, causing 37 deaths and leaving 27 missing. Similarly, 550 landslides claimed 67 lives, while four people are still unaccounted for. Lightning strikes were responsible for 44 deaths in 356 incidents, and 538 snakebite cases led to 92 fatalities.
Social Security Fund deposits surpass Rs 94 billion
The Social Security Fund has amassed a total of Rs 94.09 billion to date, according to the latest figures. Of this, Rs 17.29 billion has been distributed to contributors through various schemes. The Fund currently has 2,592,141 registered contributors and 22,125 registered employers nationwide, with ongoing efforts to bring more employers into the system. Among the total payouts, Rs 2.42 billion went to medical, health, and maternity benefits, Rs 223 million to accident and disability coverage, Rs 283 million to dependent family support, and Rs 14.36 billion for retirement claims. Officials noted that the Fund’s increasing deposits and broader coverage reflect growing participation from both employees and employers, signaling that social security is gradually becoming a more established part of Nepal’s labor system.
‘Devchulidanda’ emerging as a favorite destination for hikers
Devchulidanda, located in Devchuli Municipality-6 in Nawalparasi district, is gradually becoming a popular choice for domestic tourists. With the growing interest in trekking, the hill is emerging as a major trekking destination in the district. Standing at about 1,936 meters above sea level, Devchulidanda offers panoramic views of the surrounding areas. Tourists visit to witness the stunning sunrise and enjoy sights of the mountains to the north, Nawalpur, Tanahun, Palpa, and Chitwan. Ward Chairman Min Bahadur Soti said that 20–30 domestic tourists now visit the hill daily.
‘Chhabdibarahi’ emerging as a religious tourist destination
The renowned Chhabdibarahi temple in Byas Municipality-14 is increasingly attracting devotees and tourists, establishing itself as a key religious tourism site. Devotees from across districts visit the temple, believing their wishes will be fulfilled. Prem Bahadur Thapa, Chairman of the Chhabdibarahi Development Trust, stated that around six to seven lakh devotees visit annually. The temple is accessible via a seven-kilometer paved road from the district headquarters in Damauli. The temple was reconstructed and beautified last year.
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