KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
PM Karki urges youth to register for voter ID cards
Prime Minister (PM) Sushila Karki has called on the new generation to register for voter ID cards and participate responsibly in the upcoming elections. In a video message released today, the Prime Minister emphasized that obtaining a voter ID card is an essential civic duty and a prerequisite for exercising one’s conscience and democratic rights. “The Election Commission is currently collecting voter lists nationwide for the upcoming House of Representatives elections scheduled for March 5, 2026,” she said. “To build the Nepal that young people and all citizens dream of, the first step is to make your voter ID card,” Prime Minister Karki stated. “Then, use it wisely to choose the right representative—or become one yourself.”
Democracy’s strength lies in dialogue, not conflict: President Paudel
President Ram Chandra Paudel has said that democracy can only be strengthened through continuous dialogue and mutual understanding, not through conflict and confrontation. During a meeting held on Friday with the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Chair and Vice-Chair of the National Assembly, and the Speakers and Deputy Speakers of the Provincial Assemblies, President Paudel emphasized the importance of upholding democratic conduct by listening to and addressing the voices of citizens. “It is the need of the hour to move forward with the realization that the successful conduct of the House of Representatives (HoR) election announced for March 5, 2026, is the duty of all of us,” the President said.
Elections essential to bring Constitution back on track: RSP
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has emphasized that holding elections is crucial to bringing the Constitution back on track. In a political report presented by Acting Chair DP Aryal at an extended party meeting that began on Friday in Sauraha, Chitwan, the RSP highlighted the need for elections and stressed the government’s responsibility in the process. “Due to special circumstances in the party system, a non-party government has been formed,” the report stated. “The government, which holds the primary responsibility for conducting elections, must remain vigilant in creating a conducive electoral environment.”
IGP Chandrakuber Khapung clarifies no firing orders given during Gen-Z protest
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chandrakuber Khapung has stated that no one gave orders to police to open fire during the violent events of September 8 and 9. Speaking in an interview on Image Channel’s program Hotseat on Thursday, Khapung described the shootings as the outcome of circumstances at the time. On September 8, during the Gen-Z movement demonstration, 19 people were killed, 17 in Kathmandu and two in Itahari, Sunsari. On September 9, widespread destruction, looting, and arson led to the deaths of an additional 57 people, including 23 protesters, 10 detainees, and three police officers, while the deaths of 41 others remain unexplained. Twelve people reportedly died in a fire at Bhat-Bhateni Supermarket. Amid ongoing criticism of the police leadership, Khapung clarified that the force acted according to its legal duty to protect sensitive structures, such as the Parliament building. “The deaths are tragic and deeply saddening. I personally express my regret,” he said.
Sharma, Bhusal meet Biplav to explore alternative political bloc
Janardan Sharma and Ghanshyam Bhusal held a meeting with Netra Bikram Chand ‘Biplav’, the general secretary of the Communist Party of Nepal, at Harisiddhi in Lalitpur. Sharma, former deputy general secretary of the CPN-Maoist Centre, and Bhusal, general secretary of the CPN (Unified Socialist), discussed potential alternative political alignments with Biplav. The secretariat of Biplav stated that the meeting involved general discussions on forming a unified political bloc and strategies for moving forward. No final decisions were taken regarding the structure or direction of the proposed alignment.
If delayed, NC’s 15th convention must conclude by end of January 2026: Dr. Koirala
Nepali Congress leader Shekhar Koirala has reiterated that the party’s 15th general convention must be held by the end of December. Koirala made the statement during an informal discussion on Friday with district chairpersons and former district chairpersons in Kathmandu. He said holding the convention before the upcoming elections is necessary to ensure organizational unity and select fresh leadership for the party. Recalling his earlier stance, he said that if circumstances prevent holding the convention within December, it must be completed by the end of January 2026. He stressed that the schedule of the convention should be adjusted in accordance with the national election timetable set by the Election Commission.
Govt must adhere to Constitution: UML Chair Oli
Chairperson of the CPN-UML and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has emphasized that adhering to the Constitution and acting in accordance with it is the true essence of democracy. Speaking at an interaction with scholars organized today by the UML Central Department of Education and Human Resources, Oli said that the formation of a government under the “theory of necessity” and the subsequent dissolution of Parliament after the tenure of the Generation-Z government were both unconstitutional.
DP Aryal admits internal issues in RSP
Acting Chair of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Dol Prasad Aryal (DP), has acknowledged internal problems within the party, saying that failing to establish his own organizational values has contributed to the challenges. Aryal made the remarks on Friday while addressing the extended meeting of the party’s central committee in Sauraha, Chitwan. He admitted that the party has struggled to curb breaches of internal confidentiality and the growing controversies over the political conduct of its leaders. Before presenting his political report, Aryal said that the party must work to establish a proper culture and organizational norms, which he had not been able to achieve so far. He also noted that the party has been unable to present a unified stance to its supporters and the public nationwide.
Rastriya Swatantra Party holds extended central committee meeting in Chitwan
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has commenced an extended meeting of its central committee in Chitwan. Party spokesperson Manish Jha informed that the meeting is being held at a convention hall in Sauraha. The two-day extended central committee meeting will cover key political, electoral, and organizational issues. According to party spokesperson Manish Jha, acting chairman D.P. Aryal will present the political report, vice-chair Swarnim Wagle will introduce the preamble of the party’s pledge for the upcoming elections, and general secretary Kabindra Burlakoti will present the organizational structure proposal.
PM Sushila Karki-led government registers first bill
The government led by Prime Minister (PM) Sushila Karki has registered the Alternative Development Finance Mobilization Bill, 2082, marking its first legislative move. This is the first bill to be registered in the National Assembly following the dissolution of the House of Representatives and represents the first legislative initiative of the interim government. The bill was presented by Finance Minister Rameshwor Khanal. It had been under discussion prior to the dissolution of the House of Representatives.
DP Aryal says RSP open to welcoming like-minded figures, including Balen and Kulman
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) acting chair Dol Prasad (DP) Aryal has said the party is open to welcoming like-minded individuals, including Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah and Energy Minister Kulman Ghising. Presenting the political report during the party’s Central Committee extended meeting in Sauraha, Chitwan, on Friday, Aryal said the RSP was entrusted by the Nepali people with the responsibility to unite scattered political forces and capable individuals across the nation. “I was there when we first reached out to those individuals while forming the party. They did not agree at the time, but we are still ready to welcome them now,” Aryal said, adding, “They understand the identity and significance of the RSP. We welcome those with a genuine desire to contribute, but we oppose those whose intent is only publicity.”
Finance Ministry calls for project proposals to utilize GEF biodiversity fund
The Ministry of Finance has called for project proposals to utilize funds received from the Global Environment Facility (GEF). Through a public notice issued by its Foreign Aid Coordination Division, the Ministry has invited proposals to use the remaining amount of USD 1,089,555 allocated to Nepal under the GEF’s Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF). The GBFF aims to support developing countries in achieving global biodiversity targets, including the conservation of ecosystems, protection of endangered species, and promotion of sustainable land and resource management. The Ministry has requested all concerned agencies to prepare and submit project proposals through the national budgetary system to make use of the remaining allocation.
Locals halt Melamchi water diversion demanding implementation of past agreement
The diversion of Melamchi drinking water to Kathmandu has been halted after locals shut down the water tunnel at Ambathan, Helambu Rural Municipality-1. According to the Melamchi Flood Victims Struggle Committee, the group has padlocked the site office of the Melamchi Water Supply Project, warning that water diversion will not resume until their demands are fulfilled. The committee, together with representatives of local political parties and flood-affected residents, said that previous agreements reached during earlier protests have not been implemented. “The government has failed to honor the commitments made to flood victims. Until our demands are met, water will not be allowed to flow to Kathmandu,” said Nawaraj Guragain, vice-chairman of the committee.
Majority of commercial banks see decline in profit in first quarter of current fiscal year
Most commercial banks in Nepal have reported a decline in net profit during the first quarter of the current fiscal year, with an overall drop of 18 percent compared to the same period last year, according to data released by the banks. Twenty operating commercial banks earned a combined net profit of Rs 1.314 billion in the first quarter, down from Rs 1.618 billion in the same period of the previous fiscal year. Rastriya Banijya Bank recorded the highest growth in net profit, which increased by 289.77 percent to Rs 58.97 million, up from Rs 15.13 million last year. In terms of absolute profit, Global IME Bank earned the most, reporting Rs 1.858 billion, compared to Rs 1.512 billion in the same period last year.
Gold price rises by Rs 600 per tola
The price of gold has increased by Rs 600 per tola on Friday, with the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association fixing it at Rs 238,400 per tola. The previous day, gold was priced at Rs 237,800 per tola, which had also risen by Rs 600. The association attributed the increase to recent gains in international gold markets impacting Nepalese prices. Meanwhile, silver prices rose by Rs 10 per tola, reaching Rs 3,020 per tola from Rs 3,010 the previous day.
Supreme Court to be fully operational from November 17
The Supreme Court (SC) is set to resume full operations from November 17. Following the arson attack during the Gen-Z movement on September 9, the SC had been providing only partial services. In a plenary meeting, the Supreme Court decided to regularly resume all services that were disrupted due to incidents of arson, stone-pelting, vandalism, and looting. “Since the case files have been preserved from destruction, cases that are yet to be heard will proceed on their originally scheduled hearing dates from November 17,” the court notice stated.
DoFE, EPS Korea branch warns against false job promises in South Korea
The Employment Permit System (EPS) Korea Branch under the Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE) has urged aspiring workers not to fall prey to false promises or misleading information about job opportunities in South Korea. In a press release issued on Thursday, the EPS Korea Branch clarified that the worker selection process through South Korea’s EPS system is fair, transparent, and reliable, and that no individual, company, or social media platform has the authority to influence it. The Branch cautioned the public against fraudulent assurances and misinformation spread through fake Facebook pages and other social media accounts impersonating the EPS Korea Branch.
Nepal, Germany discuss ways to strengthen health sector cooperation
Health and Population Minister Dr. Sudha Sharma held a courtesy meeting with Udo Eugen Volz, Ambassador of Germany to Nepal, on Thursday to discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation in the health sector. According to the Ministry of Health and Population, the discussions focused on strengthening Nepal’s health insurance system, promoting quality production of generic medicines, advancing gender equality and social inclusion in health services, improving health insurance claims management through digital technology and artificial intelligence, and supporting health infrastructure development.
Triveni Synthetic pays first installment of electricity dues, power supply restored
Triveni Synthetic Yarn Industries, operating in the Bara–Parsa Industrial Corridor, has paid the first installment of its outstanding electricity dues owed to the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). According to NEA Executive Director Manoj Silwal, the industry made the first payment on Thursday, following which the power supply, which had been disconnected on October 21, was restored on the same day. Triveni Synthetic had an outstanding balance of Rs 43.98 million, which has now been divided into 28 installments. As part of the agreement, the company paid Rs 1.57 million as the first installment.
Mustang-Dolpa road blocked for 10 days due to heavy snowfall
The Mustang-Dolpa road has been blocked for the past 10 days following heavy snowfall. The Road Division Office, Mustang, had expanded the road from Pakling in Mustang to Dolpa via Sangta village to Chuksamba. The Road Division Office, Baglung, upgraded the Mustang-Dolpa road and opened a new track to allow residents of Upper Dolpa to travel to Jomsom in Mustang, transport goods, and use a shorter route between Pokhara and Kathmandu compared to the Dolpa headquarters in Dunai.
Nepal go down to Afghanistan by 17 runs in Hong Kong Sixes opener
Nepal lost to Afghanistan by 17 runs in their opening match of the ongoing Hong Kong Sixes Cricket Tournament. Chasing a target of 113 runs, Nepal managed to score only 95 runs for the loss of two wickets in the allotted six overs. Sundeep Jora was the standout performer for Nepal, retiring after scoring a half-century. Rashid Khan and Adil Alam contributed 11 runs each, while Lokesh Bam added 10 runs. Earlier, Afghanistan, opting to bat first after winning the toss, posted 112 runs in six overs, losing five wickets. Karim Janat top-scored with 35 runs, while Farmanullah Safi remained unbeaten on 30. Gulbadin Naib chipped in with 22 runs.
Nepal Police will perform in line with Gen Z’s aspirations: AIG Karki
Chief of the Kathmandu Valley Police Office, Ranipokhari, Additional Inspector General (AIG) Dan Bahadur Karki has said that the Nepal Police is committed to fulfilling the aspirations of Generation Z for development, good governance, and a corruption-free society. Speaking at a program organized today to hand over the reconstructed building of the Police Sector at New Bus Park, AIG Karki emphasized that meeting Gen Z’s expectations aligns with the broader hopes of the Nepali people. The original police building had been torched and damaged during the Gen Z protests on September 9.
NEA to benefit from cross-border transmission line project
The government has clarified that the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) will also gain direct benefits from the upcoming cross-border transmission line project between Nepal and India. An agreement has already been signed between the two countries to jointly construct two additional 400 kV transmission lines—the Inaruwa–Purnia and Dododhara–Bareilly corridors. To implement the project, a joint venture company (JVC) will be established between the NEA and Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL).
Exports rise from Birgunj border checkpoint
Exports from the Birgunj border checkpoint have increased significantly in the current fiscal year compared to the same period last year. According to Chief Customs Administrator Bishnu Prasad Gyawali, goods worth Rs 26.59 billion were exported during the first three months of the current fiscal year. In the same period last year, exports stood at Rs 8.84 billion, reflecting a sharp year-on-year rise. Among major export items, refined soybean oil led the list, with 67.13 billion liters valued at Rs 13.98 billion exported in the first quarter. Likewise, juice exports reached 21.148 billion liters, worth Rs 2.7 billion during the same period.
Karnali apples: From Jumla to Terai markets
Nepalgunj-based fruit entrepreneur Premlal Sahu Teli has spent the last four decades tirelessly promoting Karnali apples in western Nepal’s market. Before the Karnali Highway came into operation, transporting apples from the remote hills of Karnali to the Terai cities was a major challenge. Premlal recalls the early days when apples had to be airlifted to Nepalgunj for sale. “It was difficult to maintain the quality of the apples due to poor transportation management,” he said. “Earlier, because there was no road, we had to bring them by air. There was a high risk of the apples getting crushed or rotting during transport.”
Korala Customs collects Rs 3 billion in three months
The Korala Customs Office has collected Rs 3.02 billion in revenue during the first three months of the current fiscal year. According to Office Chief Ramesh Khadka, 1,498 electric vehicles and 671 cargo containers carrying various goods were imported through the checkpoint, while 28 cargo vehicles transporting Nepali products were exported to the Xinjiang autonomous region of China. Currently, the majority of Nepal’s trade with China is conducted via the Korala checkpoint, as the Tatopani and Rasuwagadhi checkpoints remain blocked due to floods and landslides.
Increase in paddy production in Chitwan
The Chitwan district has witnessed a notable rise in paddy production this year, with an increase of 21,480 metric tons compared to the previous year. According to Nirmal Poudel, an officer at the Agricultural Development Office, Chitwan, paddy was cultivated on 27,324.9 hectares of land this season. The average productivity stood at 4.967 metric tons per hectare, resulting in a total production of 135,725.06 metric tons of paddy. However, unseasonal rainfall caused damage to crops planted on about 30 hectares, leading to a loss of 149.01 metric tons of paddy, Poudel informed.
Bhairav Temple constructed in Pokhara
A new Bhairav Temple, reflecting the ancient Newari civilization and culture of the Kathmandu Valley, has been constructed in Bhairavtol, Pokhara, at a cost of Rs 17 million 88 thousand 615. According to the Bhairav Cultural Conservation Committee, a stone statue of Kalbhairav will be installed in the temple on November 12 through traditional Tantric rituals. Committee Chairman Tirthaman Pradhananga stated that with the migration of the Newar community to Pokhara, efforts have been made to preserve and promote their cultural heritage.
FMTCL purchases 12,500 quintals of paddy in Kailali
The Food Management and Trade Company Limited (FMTCL), Provincial Office Dhangadhi, has purchased 12,527 quintals of paddy in Kailali district so far. The company began procurement from six designated centers across the district on 21 Kartik. According to Deepak Thapa, Chief of the Provincial Office, the company has purchased 3,879 quintals of paddy from the Tikapur procurement center, 2,339 quintals from Mohanpur, and 2,000 quintals from Satti. Likewise, 1,724 quintals have been purchased from Gauriganga, 1,300 quintals from Bhajani, and 1,285 quintals from Joshipur.
Rurukshetra Rural Municipality urges residents to remove structures within road standards
The Rurukshetra Rural Municipality has requested local residents to remove houses and structures built within the road boundaries to facilitate the smooth and timely upgrading of the Madan Bhandari Highway. According to the municipality, the Madan Bhandari Highway Planning Office had earlier written to the local authority, urging it to ensure the timely removal of structures such as houses, shops, and other buildings that are obstructing the ongoing highway construction.
Dang sees 1,700 new voters added in a month
Around 1,700 new voters have been added in Dang in the past month. The additions are part of the voter registration and update process that began on September 28 in preparation for the upcoming House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5, 2026. As of Thursday, 1,680 new voters have been added to the list. Gehendra Kunwar, Information Officer at the Provincial Election Office, Dang, said the number is relatively low. “This is a very low number. Registration is currently being done only within the district, which could be why fewer people are registering,” he explained.
Parbat’s Paiyun to provide relief to farmers for damaged paddy crops
Paiyun Rural Municipality, Parbat, plans to distribute Rs. 3 million in relief to farmers whose rice crops were damaged by rain and windstorms last week. According to Nirbhik Narayan Bhurtel, ward chairman of Paiyun Rural Municipality-5, farmers had requested assistance from the rural municipality and ward office following the recent storms. The executive meeting subsequently decided to provide relief after assessing the damage.
17 killed in nine years due to wild elephant attacks in Kanchanpur
Human–wildlife conflict has been on the rise in Kanchanpur district, with wild elephant attacks claiming 17 lives—including three women and 14 men—over the past nine years. According to data from the Shuklaphanta National Park and the Division Forest Office, the fatalities occurred in and around the park, as well as in national and community forest areas, in the last nine years. Sofia Bhattarai, Officer at the Division Forest Office, Kanchanpur, said that eight people were killed in the national and community forests and nearby settlements alone during this period. Two others sustained injuries in separate incidents.
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