KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Shashank Koirala calls for removal of secularism from Constitution
Nepali Congress leader Dr. Shashank Koirala has drawn attention by calling for the removal of secularism from the Constitution, stating that efforts to amend the Constitution have already begun under the current ruling coalition.
Speaking at the Central Working Committee meeting held at the party’s central office in Sanepa on Sunday, Koirala emphasized the need to move forward with constitutional amendments. “The issue of constitutional amendment was raised when this government was formed. The first step should be to remove secularism and ensure religious freedom,” he said.
Gopalman challenges Deuba: You betrayed me repeatedly, I’ll fight till the end
Nepali Congress leader Gopalman Shrestha launched a fierce attack against party president Sher Bahadur Deuba, accusing him of repeated betrayal and political injustice.
Speaking during the ongoing Central Working Committee meeting at the party’s headquarters in Sanepa on Sunday, Shrestha said he had been sidelined for years despite his long-standing loyalty to the party.
“Ganeshman Singh and Krishna Prasad Bhattarai were made to leave the party in tears, but I won’t leave crying—I’ll stay and fight. Remember, I’m ready to go down battling,” Shrestha declared.
Karnali corridor to be developed as trade route with China and India: PM Oli
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has announced that the Karnali Corridor will be developed as a key trade route connecting Nepal with both China and India.
Speaking at an inauguration ceremony for a newly constructed bailey bridge in Chuwakhola, Kharpunath Rural Municipality-5, Oli said the corridor is not just important for Karnali and Humla, but holds national and international significance. He emphasized the urgent need to upgrade the road to a two-lane, blacktopped highway.
The Prime Minister also announced that a permanent bridge would soon be constructed at the Chuwakhola section of the Karnali Corridor. He expressed happiness that Humla’s district headquarters, Simkot, has now been formally connected to the national road network.
Sitaula: Time to review Judiciary’s functioning
Senior Nepali Congress leader Krishna Prasad Sitaula has called for a comprehensive review of Nepal’s judiciary, citing recent court decisions that, he claims, have raised concerns about the functioning of the justice system.
Speaking during the ongoing central working committee meeting at the party’s central office in Sanepa on Sunday, the former general secretary of the Nepali Congress pointed specifically to the Supreme Court’s recent verdict regarding the appointment of 52 officials to constitutional bodies.
Sitaula said, “The case regarding the appointment of 52 individuals to constitutional bodies was filed four years ago, and a verdict has only just been issued. It’s concerning that the Chief Justice himself was in the minority opinion in such a sensitive case.”
Why did Mayor Balen meet former President Bhandari amid a political row with PM Oli?
Amid his ongoing rift with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and failure to table the Kathmandu Metropolitan City’s budget for fiscal year 2082/83, Mayor Balen Shah recently met with former President Bidya Devi Bhandari.
According to sources, Mayor Balen visited Bhandari’s residence in Bhagal, Budhanilkantha last Thursday and held a half-hour discussion. The visit was confirmed by Shah’s press advisor, Surendra Bajgain, who said the meeting was initiated at Bhandari’s invitation and stemmed from a longstanding relationship.
The meeting took place at a time when Mayor Shah has been increasingly vocal against Prime Minister Oli. During the meeting, Balen is reported to have discussed the stalled budget, recent political developments, and sought support or facilitation to resolve the impasse.
Five-Day deadline given to Government to reach consensus on Education Bill
The Education, Health, and Information Technology Committee of the House of Representatives has given the government an additional five days to reach consensus on the School Education Bill.
In Sunday’s meeting held at Singha Durbar, the committee decided to grant the government more time to hold discussions with teachers without affecting the agreements already made in the committee. The aim is to finalize the bill and present updates to the committee within five days.
Committee Chairperson Amar Bahadur Thapa stated that Education Minister Raghujī Pant has been given the time to coordinate and finalize consensus. While Minister Pant had requested an open-ended timeframe, Thapa emphasized that indefinite delays would stall the bill’s progress. Therefore, the committee granted this final five-day window.
Public losing faith in traditional parties, Congress may struggle in 2084: Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat
Nepali Congress spokesperson Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat has expressed concern over the party’s declining public support, warning that the party may face serious challenges in the upcoming 2084 elections if it fails to address the growing dissatisfaction among voters.
Speaking at a meeting of the party’s Central Working Committee on Sunday, Dr. Mahat emphasized the urgent need to safeguard Congress’s traditional voter base rooted in its historical values, culture, and ideologies.
“Ours is an old party, but people are becoming disillusioned with traditional parties. New parties are emerging with new names, and in this context, our base is gradually eroding. The party must take this seriously,” he said.
Bal Bahadur KC criticizes Nepali Congress leadership, calls for honest self-reflection
Senior Nepali Congress leader Bal Bahadur KC has raised serious concerns over the party’s internal dysfunction, calling for honest self-reflection and accountability within the leadership.
Speaking at the ongoing Central Working Committee meeting held at the party’s central office in Sanepa on Sunday, KC pointed out that the organization is not functioning as it should. He criticized party discipline, the role of sister organizations, and internal interference by senior leaders.
KC questioned the overall direction of the party, noting that after losing the 2079 parliamentary election from Solukhumbu, he was the first to congratulate his rival, UML candidate Manbir Rai. “That moment made me question whether our party is truly functioning in the right way,” he said.
Installation of chairs begins at TU Cricket Ground
The installation of seating on the parapet of the Tribhuvan University (TU) Cricket Ground in Kirtipur has begun. The project, which started in March, aims to upgrade the stadium to international standards and facilitate night matches. In the first phase, a parapet with a seating capacity of 10,000 spectators is being built, along with the installation of eight floodlights.
Factionalism has weakened Nepali Congress: NP Saud
Nepali Congress (NC) leader NP Saud has warned that the party is not prepared for the elections scheduled for 2027, citing deepening organizational weaknesses and internal factionalism. Speaking at the central working committee meeting held in Sanepa, Lalitpur on Sunday, Saud expressed serious concern over the current state of the party. He noted that the Nepali Congress has failed to play an active and responsive role in the evolving political scenario.
“Attacks on political parties are increasing—not just on parties but also on the Constitution itself,” he said. “In such a situation, the Nepali Congress must raise a clear and firm voice.”
NC will face difficulties in 2027 polls if things don’t change: Chandra Bhandari
Nepali Congress (NC) leader Dr. Chandra Bhandari has called for a comprehensive self-assessment of the party, making sharp remarks on its organizational structure, government performance, and future strategy. Speaking at the Central Working Committee meeting held at the party’s central office in Sanepa, Lalitpur, on Sunday, Bhandari said that although the Nepali Congress is part of a coalition government led by two major parties, the expected progress has not been achieved.
“Our leaders are quick to take office but reluctant to work,” he remarked. “Because responsibilities are not assigned to the right people at the right time, the government is like a shepherd who doesn’t cut grass—the buffalo will starve.”
SOTTO Nepal elects new executive committee
The Society of Travel and Tour Operators (SOTTO) Nepal, the umbrella organization representing travel and tour operators across the country, has elected its new leadership. Man Bahadur Shahi, Director of Far West Travel and Tours Pvt. Ltd. and a tourism entrepreneur from the Far-Western region, was unanimously chosen as the new chairman. The 15-member executive committee was elected during the general assembly held on Saturday in Kathmandu, with the guiding slogan, “A Collective Voice for Prosperous Tourism.”
Women representatives proving capable of leading in key positions
Women representatives in Tansen have expressed confidence in their ability to take on leadership roles in key positions. Elected as ward members and executive members since the local elections of 2079 BS, they say they are now prepared to contest for higher posts in the upcoming elections. Savita Bhattarai, ward member of Tansen Municipality-2, said women deserve opportunities to lead, as they have proven their competence.
Preparations underway for dengue prevention in Pokhara
Dengue infection has already spread to 73 districts this year, according to the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division. The Division has warned that over 60,000 people could be infected, urging heightened vigilance. Since the risk remains high from mid-July to mid-October, all three levels of government have begun preparations for the prevention and management of the disease. In Pokhara, the capital of Gandaki Province—which was a hotspot for dengue last year—community-level awareness and orientation programs are being actively conducted.
Under-construction ‘elephant crossing’ 45 percent complete
Construction of the ‘elephant crossing’ on the Birtamod–Charali section of the Asian Highway in Jhapa has reached 45 percent completion. According to project engineer Ashray Mahat, the structure is being built with wildlife safety in mind and is the only such crossing under the highway project in Koshi Province. So far, 60 percent of the single-lane section and 35 percent of the double-lane section have been completed.
After floodwaters in June washed away the temporary diversion, it was rebuilt using a large hampipe, allowing construction to resume, said chief engineer Sunilbabu Pant. The crossing, 15 meters long and 6.5 meters high, has a total budget of Rs 33.958 million, with Rs 15.2 million worth of work completed so far.
Commercial cultivation of ‘Sarpagandha’ begins in Tanahun community forests
Commercial cultivation of the rare medicinal plant ‘Sarpagandha’ (Rauwolfia serpentina) has started in Devghat Rural Municipality. The Madhuban Community Forest Users Committee of Devghat-5 has planted 8,000 ‘Sarpagandha’ saplings for the first time in the district on four ropanis of land. The Division Forest Office invested Rs. 400,000, while the Community Forest Group contributed Rs. 110,000 for the sapling plantation, said the group’s chairman, Dilliram Adhikari.
Door-to-Door citizenship distribution brings joy to service recipients
Puniya Kumari, a 53-year-old resident of Shikaribas in Thori Rural Municipality-3, had been unable to obtain Nepali citizenship for decades. As a result, she was also unable to secure citizenship for her children. However, her long wait ended on Saturday when she received her naturalized citizenship certificate—granted through marriage—under the Integrated Service Operation Program conducted by the District Administration Office (DAO). Overwhelmed with emotion, Kumari expressed her happiness: “I couldn’t reach the District Administration Office in Supauli to obtain citizenship,” she said. “Receiving it through a program held right at my doorstep has brought me immense joy.”
Cooperative producing paddy seeds on 100 hectares
The Bijbriddhi Agricultural Cooperative, based in Munuwa, Janaki Rural Municipality-4 in Kailali, has cultivated rice seeds on 100 hectares of land this year. The cooperative, which began seed production nearly two decades ago, has mobilized around 100 farmers from Wards 4 and 7 of Janaki Rural Municipality to produce rice seeds. Fertile soil and effective irrigation have encouraged farmers to engage in seed production. Last year, the cooperative produced 3,500 quintals of rice seeds.
Govt working to make TIA systematic and effective: Tourism Minister Pandey
Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey has said that efforts are underway to make Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) more systematic and efficient. Speaking at a meeting of the International Relations and Tourism Committee under the House of Representatives at Singha Durbar today, Minister Pandey said that the airport service improvement plan is being implemented. “We are taking concrete steps to streamline operations at TIA. A structured program has been introduced to upgrade airport equipment and enhance service efficiency,” he said.
Woman dies after falling into septic tank
A 64-year-old woman has died after falling into a septic tank in Sharadpur, Bharatpur Metropolitan City-9. The deceased has been identified as Radhika BK. According to the District Police Office, she fell into a ring-type septic tank near her residence on Saturday and sustained serious injuries. She was taken to Bharatpur Hospital for treatment but succumbed to her injuries during treatment.
Blocked Nala-Bhaktapur road section reopened using hume pipes
Traffic has resumed on the previously blocked Nala-Bhaktapur road section from this morning after a temporary fix was implemented. The bridge at the border of Banepa Municipality Wards 4 and 1 in Kavre collapsed on Friday night, disrupting vehicular movement. The District Traffic Police Office, Banepa, informed that traffic has been restored after six large Hume pipes were placed to temporarily rebuild the collapsed section.
People bathe in the holy Kaligandaki river on Harishayani Ekadashi
Hindu devotees have begun the Chaturmas fast by planting Tulsi (holy basil) saplings in their homes today on the occasion of Harishayani Ekadashi, also known as Ashadh Shukla Ekadashi. The Chaturmas festival, observed for four months, also begins from this day. To mark this sacred occasion, people have been taking ritual baths in the holy Kaligandaki River since early morning. Bathing fairs have been organized along the riverbanks at religious pilgrimage sites including Modibeni, Setibeni Dham, Purtighat, Gopang, Nayapul, Khaniyaghat, Milanchowk, and Waribeni.
Composite technology wall built to prevent Rahughat river erosion
An embankment has been constructed to protect the roads and motorable bridges of the Kaligandaki Corridor in Beni Municipality-9 (Galeshwor) and Raghuganga Rural Municipality-3 (Rahughat), Myagdi, from the erosion risk posed by the Rahughat River. The Beni–Jomsom–Korla Road Project under the national pride Kaligandaki Corridor has built a composite technology wall along the riverbank at a cost of Rs. 33.986 million. The wall aims to safeguard roads, bridges, and nearby settlements. According to Chakra KC, Ward Chair of Beni-9, the embankment has significantly reduced the risk of flooding and erosion in the Galeshwor and Rahughat areas.
Two boys drown while swimming in Sunsari
Two boys drowned while swimming in the Mura rivulet at Jabdi on Saturday. According to District Police Office spokesperson Yogendra Khatiwada, the victims have been identified as nine-year-old Yunish Khatri of Itahari Sub-Metropolitan City-16 and 11-year-old Hem Bahadur (Bishu) Pariyar of Itahari-5. A police team led by Inspector Lekh Nath Dahal from the Area Police Office, Pakali, reached the site immediately after receiving information about the incident.
Muharram festival being observed today
The Muslim community across the country observed the Muharram festival today, commemorating the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Mohammad. As part of the tradition, devotees set up tazias—replicas of Imam Hussain’s tomb—outside their homes. Mohammad Harun Halwai, Central President of the Nepal Muslim Ittehad Organization, said it is customary to place tazias during this sacred occasion, which falls in the first month of the Islamic calendar.
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