KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
UML proposes powerful chair, to scrap senior vice-chair post
The CPN-UML has proposed a major amendment to its party statute during its second statutory general convention, aiming to restructure the leadership hierarchy, reduce the size of central bodies, and expand the authority of the party chairperson. The amendment proposal, presented by Vice Chairperson Bishnu Prasad Paudel, recommends downsizing the central committee from the existing 301 members to 251, including 15 office bearers. This proposal has already been endorsed by the UML Central Committee. One of the key changes in the proposed statute is the removal of the senior vice-chairperson position. The number of vice-chairpersons has also been reduced from six to three.
PM Oli dismisses foreign policy criticism, reveals Xi Jinping assurances on Lipulekh
CPN-UML Chair and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Friday brushed aside opposition criticism of his foreign engagements, calling the allegations unfounded and politically motivated. Addressing the inaugural session of his party’s second statute convention in Godavari, Oli said his visits abroad and Nepal’s position on China’s Global Security Initiative (GSI) had been deliberately misrepresented by rivals. “When opponents fail to find facts, they resort to fabrications,” he remarked. Oli then disclosed details of a past high-level exchange with Chinese President Xi Jinping over the disputed Lipulekh area, which Nepal says has been encroached upon by India. According to Oli, he made it clear to Xi that the 2015 India–China agreement to expand trade through Lipulekh was unacceptable to Nepal.
Bidya Bhandari’s membership not a Statute Convention issue: Oli
Prime Minister (PM) KP Sharma Oli, who also serves as the Chairman of CPN-UML, has stated that the issue of renewing former President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s party membership is not a matter to be discussed at the Statute Convention. Speaking at the inaugural session of the convention in Godavari on Friday, Oli addressed the ongoing criticisms surrounding Bhandari’s membership. He emphasized that such concerns are not related to the legal or legislative matters being handled by the Statute Convention.
Leaflets in Bhandari’s name stir buzz at UML statute convention
The opening day of the CPN-UML’s second statute convention in Godavari was marked by the unexpected circulation of thousands of leaflets bearing the name of former president Bidya Devi Bhandari. Delegates arriving at the venue were handed the flyers, which distributors said numbered between 8,000 and 10,000. The leaflets, presented as carrying Bhandari’s message, ensured her presence loomed over the gathering despite party chair KP Sharma Oli’s insistence that her membership issue would not feature in convention discussions.
RSP demands immediate reversal of social media ban
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has called on the government to immediately reverse its decision to block social media platforms. RSP lawmaker Sumana Shrestha issued a statement on Friday urging the government to roll back the ban. She recommended that policy-based, technical, and legal measures be implemented to prevent misuse of social media, and emphasized that no future action should curtail citizens’ rights. Shrestha described the blanket shutdown of social media as a direct violation of citizens’ rights and a step contrary to democratic values and constitutional provisions.
PM Oli declares UML the sole force capable of leading Nepal toward socialism
CPN-UML chair and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has asserted that no political party other than his own can fulfill the “historic responsibility” of building the foundations of socialism in Nepal. Presenting his political document at the party’s second statute convention in Godavari, Lalitpur, on Friday, Oli argued that the Nepali Congress, the Maoist Centre, Madhes-based parties, royalist groups, and emerging populist forces had all proven incapable of providing long-term leadership to the nation. “By ideology, People’s Multiparty Democracy, and by strength, UML is the sole charioteer of the socialist campaign. There is no confusion in this,” Oli declared.
Telecom service providers deactivate unregistered social networks
Telecom service providers in Nepal have deactivated access to unregistered social networking platforms following a government directive. Both Nepal Telecom and Ncell confirmed the action was taken after receiving a formal notice from the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA). Nepal Telecom stated that it has temporarily blocked access to such platforms in accordance with the NTA’s letter, which directed all operators to deactivate social networks not officially registered in Nepal.
By-election set for Manang on November 3
A by-election is scheduled for November 3 in Manang’s Provincial Assembly Constituency (2) of House of Representatives Constituency No. 1. The Election Commission has issued the schedule to the District Election Office. Acting Chief Election Officer Govinda Prasad Aryal confirmed that the election period began on August 2025. This by-election follows the disqualification of Provincial Assembly member Rajiv Gurung (Deepak Manange), who was elected from the constituency.
WorldLink blocks unregistered social media platforms following govt directive
WorldLink Communications has confirmed that unregistered social media platforms are now inaccessible on its network. In a public notice issued on Friday, the company said it had implemented the government’s directive requiring all telecom and internet operators to restrict access to platforms that have not formally registered in Nepal. The move comes after the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) instructed service providers to enforce the decision, citing a Supreme Court order, a Cabinet resolution, and ministerial directives from the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology.
Chris Lynn to play for Sudurpaschim Royals in NPL 2
Sudurpaschim Royals have officially announced Australian batter Chris Lynn as their first foreign signing for the second edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL). The confirmation comes a day after speculation arose based on hints shared by the franchise, which led to reports that Lynn was set to join the team. The Royals made the announcement public on Thursday. Lynn has represented Australia in 18 T20 internationals, scoring 291 runs. Across all T20 formats, he has played 293 matches, amassing 8,355 runs, including five centuries.
Manang CDO directs security agencies to prioritize peace and safety ahead of by-election
Chief District Officer (CDO) Nawaraj Paudel has instructed security agencies to give special priority to peace, security, and preparedness for the upcoming by-election in Manang. He issued the directive during inspections of subordinate offices this week. During his visits to the District Police Office and the Nepal Armed Police Force No. 32 Gulm Headquarters in Chame, Paudel emphasized that all agencies must work with full commitment to ensure the successful completion of the election process.
Foreign Minister says care work is a humanitarian service, not just a profession
Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba has said that care work should not be seen merely as a profession but as an essential humanitarian service for families, communities, and nations alike. Speaking at the Asia-Pacific Care Learning International Seminar in Kathmandu on Thursday, Minister Rana highlighted the broad scope of care work, which ranges from early childhood to old age. “Care should not be looked at only as a job or a career. It is, above all, a humanitarian service,” she said. The minister noted that care work remains undervalued in households, communities, and even at the national level, with little recognition of its contribution to the economy. She emphasized that in Nepal, the sector’s contribution is nearly equal to that of agriculture. Yet, women disproportionately bear this unequal burden, restricting their participation in economic, political, and public life.
PM Oli accused of misstep as UML leaders push to reinstate Bhandari
Senior leaders of the CPN-UML have accused party chair KP Sharma Oli of making a misstep regarding the renewal of former President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s party membership. The issue was raised during the central secretariat meeting held on Thursday. According to sources, the meeting began with senior vice-chair Ishwar Pokharel presenting a three-page dissenting note. Several other secretariat members then shared their views, warning that blocking Bhandari’s membership could trigger a party-wide backlash. Vice-Chairs Yubaraj Gyawali and Surendra Pandey, along with secretariat members Gokarna Bista, Yogesh Bhattarai, and Padma Aryal, reportedly argued that Bhandari’s membership should not be blocked. Similarly, Deputy General Secretary Pradeep Gyawali hinted at reconsidering her membership.
Hanumandhoka Durbar Square collects Rs 194 million in revenue
Hanumandhoka Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kathmandu, collected Rs 194.6 million in revenue in the last fiscal year—an increase of over Rs 20 million compared to the previous year. According to Chandra Gopal Pradhan, Chief of the Hanumandhoka Durbar Square Conservation Programme, the site had generated Rs 176.9 million in revenue during fiscal year 2080/81 BS. In the past year, a total of 50,533 tourists from SAARC member states and nearly 160,000 tourists from other countries visited the Hanumandhoka Durbar Square area.
International Day of Charity observed today
International Day of Charity was observed today in various countries around the world through charitable activities held in memory of Mother Teresa, who dedicated her life to serving the poor and helpless. This day was established in 2012 at the initiative of the United Nations. Its main objective is to support members of the community suffering from inequality, poverty, and various forms of hardship.
Gold price reaches Rs 210,400 per tola
The price of gold went up by Rs 2,500 per tola on Friday. With this, the price of gold reached a record high of Rs 210,400 per tola. Similarly, the price of silver also went up to reach Rs 2,490 per tola.
Farmers in Baglung insure 705 livestock
A total of 705 livestock belonging to farmers affiliated with the Dairy Producers Cooperative Organization have been insured. These insured animals belong to cooperative members from Baglung Municipality, Kathekhola Rural Municipality, and Jaimini Municipality, all of whom are affiliated with the District Cooperative Association, according to the association’s president, Deepak Gautam. Last year, farmers paid Rs 484,500 in insurance premiums, while the state provided a subsidy of Rs 1.938 million, totaling Rs 2.422 million submitted to the Livestock Protection Sub-Committee.
Gulmi to have only one flight per week for now
Nepal Airlines Corporation has revised its flight schedule to Gulmi, reducing operations to just one flight per week, down from the previous four weekly flights on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. According to Suman Thapa, Station Chief at Resunga Airport, flights will now operate only on Thursdays for the time being. He explained that the schedule had to be adjusted because two of the corporation’s Twin Otter aircraft are currently grounded, leaving only one aircraft in operation.
Basic Health Center building constructed at Rs 3.245 million
A four-room basic health center building has been constructed at a cost of Rs 3.245 million in Dumribesi, Bhimad Municipality-1. According to ward member Dayaram Shrestha, the construction was funded by the Federal Ministry of Health and Population. The new health center is expected to directly benefit residents of Bhimad Municipality-1 Dumribesi, Ghiring Rural Municipality-2, and areas of Harinas and Chapakot in Syangja district.
Belief in studying abroad fading: DPM Singh
Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Minister for Urban Development Prakash Man Singh has said that the long-held belief that one must go abroad to receive a quality education has now faded. He emphasized that excellent education is available within Nepal. Speaking at the 45th anniversary celebration of Dillibazaar Kanya Multiple Campus, Deputy Prime Minister Singh stated, “The students here are not only educated but also capable, skilled, and competitive. This campus has proven that high-quality education can be achieved right here in our country.”
Patients with serious illnesses to receive benefits only through health insurance
Starting October 18, poor citizens suffering from eight types of serious illnesses will receive integrated benefits only if they are enrolled in the national health insurance program. Currently, patients with heart disease, kidney disease, cancer, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, spinal injuries, head injuries, and sickle cell anemia are eligible for these benefits. However, moving forward, only those affiliated with the Health Insurance Board will be able to access them. The Ministry of Health and Population is implementing this provision as part of its decision to streamline social health security programs under a single-door system.
Apple harvest in full swing across Jumla
Apple orchards across Jumla are bustling with activity as farmers begin harvesting this season’s crop. With apples reaching peak ripeness, growers from all eight local units—including seven rural municipalities and one municipality—are busy picking, selling, and transporting their produce to markets across the region. With apple picking now underway, local traders have started purchasing apples directly from orchards. Premraj Pandey, an apple farmer from Tatopani Rural Municipality-4, said he has begun selling ripe apples.
Animal Ambulance now operational in Nepalgunj
Nepalgunj Sub-metropolitan City has launched an ‘Animal Ambulance’ service to rescue and transport injured, sick, weak, or disabled animals to veterinary hospitals or shelters. With this new service in operation, the rescue and treatment of vulnerable animals—particularly stray animals injured in road accidents—will now become more efficient, said Achyut Gautam, Chief of the Sub-metropolitan City’s Animal Health Branch.
Land shortage stalls KMC’s plan for waste transfer stations
Kathmandu Metropolitan City’s (KMC) plan to expand its waste management system by setting up additional transfer stations has hit a roadblock, as the city has been unable to secure suitable land. The Environment Department of KMC said the new transfer stations were intended to improve efficiency in waste handling and extend the lifespan of the overburdened Bancharedanda landfill site. Waste segregation at the source was also supposed to begin, but the initiative has yet to take off.
Former President Yadav calls for holistic approach to sustainable development
Former President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav has emphasized that sustainable development should not be limited to economic and physical progress alone. He stressed the need to give equal importance to education, social advancement, and technological innovation in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Addressing an International Seminar on Interdisciplinary Studies for Sustainable Development, the former President highlighted the importance of transformative leadership committed to social welfare and justice. He also called on youth to embrace roles of responsible and visionary leadership.
School bus kills minor in Siraha
A seven-year-old boy was killed after being hit by a school bus at Tudkiya Army Chowk in Golbazaar Municipality-2 on Friday. The victim, Adarsh Kumar Sah, son of local resident Madan Sah, died on the spot after being struck by a bus belonging to Trinity Boarding School. Adarsh was a pre-primary (playgroup) student at the same school. The bus (registration number G1KH 3788) hit him while he was returning home from school, causing severe head injuries that led to his immediate death, said Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) and Information Officer Birendra Kumar Paswan.
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