KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
List of 20 hostages to be released by Hamas made public; Bipin Joshi’s name not included
The names of 20 hostages reportedly set to be released by Hamas have been made public, but Nepali national Bipin Joshi is not among them, according to BBC, which cited Palestinian news agency Shehab. The list includes the names of 20 Israeli citizens said to be alive and in the process of being handed over. However, neither Bipin Joshi nor Tamir Nimrodi, who was earlier listed as “missing”, appear on the list.
First seven Gaza hostages freed, now with Israeli military
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed that the first group of seven hostages freed in Gaza today are now in their custody. In Hostages Square, crowds erupted in cheers as news of the release spread, according to Alice Cuddy reporting from Tel Aviv.
Death of Bipin Joshi confirmed; bodies of four hostages to be handed over in first phase
The death of Nepali national Bipin Joshi, who had been held captive by the Hamas group in Gaza, has been officially confirmed. Israeli military spokesperson Brigadier General Ephraim “Effi” Defrin said on Monday afternoon that Hamas has agreed to hand over the bodies of four deceased hostages, including Joshi. According to reports quoting the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson, Hamas is set to return the bodies of Bipin Joshi, Guy Illouz, Yossi Sharabi, and Daniel Peretz to Israel through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Monday evening.
At security council meeting, PM stresses coordination among all security agencies
Prime Minister Sushila Karki, who leads the interim government, chaired a meeting of the National Security Council on Monday afternoon. According to the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, the meeting reviewed the overall security situation of the country and discussed necessary preparations in detail. Held at the Security Council Secretariat in Singha Durbar, the session featured reports from senior officials of relevant ministries on internal peace, border security, and emerging national challenges.
Gold smuggling case: Lawsuit filed against Mahara seeking Rs 85.8 million in compensation
A case has been filed at the Kathmandu District Court against CPN (Maoist Centre) vice-chair Krishna Bahadur Mahara in connection with the gold smuggling case involving e-cigarettes (vapes) imported from Dubai. The Kathmandu District Government Attorney’s Office registered the case on Monday, demanding compensation of around Rs 85.5 million (approximately 8 crore 55 lakh rupees).
Tenzing, seen with a pistol, remanded for further investigation
The Kathmandu District Court has extended the remand of Tenzing Dawa, who was seen carrying a pistol while wearing a T-shirt labeled “TOB” (Tibetan Original Blood). Tenzing was arrested on Sunday after a video of him carrying a firearm during the Gen-Z movement went viral. In the video, he is seen riding a bullet motorcycle around Bijuli Bazaar in Kathmandu, wearing a jacket with the words “Tibetan Original Blood”.
Securities Board pledges to implement investors’ recommendations on capital market reforms
The Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) has committed to implementing key suggestions submitted by investors amid growing pressure for immediate capital market reforms. In a notice issued on Sunday, SEBON said it was moving ahead with the implementation of the recommendations put forth by investors, reaffirming its commitment to address concerns raised by stakeholders in the stock market.
Complaint filed against former AIG Devendra Subedi at Cyber Bureau over false propaganda
A complaint has been filed at the Cyber Bureau against former Additional Inspector General (AIG) of Police Devendra Subedi, accusing him of spreading false information on social media. According to the complaint, Subedi allegedly circulated misleading claims that two days before the fire incident at the residence of CPN (Maoist Centre) Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, two truckloads carrying Rs 20 million in cash were secretly moved from the premises.
Gold price hits all-time high in domestic market
The price of gold in the domestic market has reached a new record high, surging by Rs 2,400 per tola on Monday, according to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association. With the latest rise, fine gold is now being traded at Rs 240,400 per tola, the highest rate ever recorded in Nepal. On Sunday, the precious metal was traded at Rs 238,000 per tola.
Trump declares “the war is over” as he heads to Israel for hostage release
US President Donald Trump has announced that “the war is over” as he travels to Israel for the expected release of hostages held in Gaza under a ceasefire deal. Under the agreement, Hamas is scheduled to release all Israeli hostages by 12:00 local time (09:00 BST). Of the 48 hostages, around 20 are believed to still be alive.
Rise in altitude sickness prompts alert in Upper Mustang
Tourists visiting Upper Mustang have been urged to take necessary health precautions as cases of high-altitude sickness rise among visitors. Lomanthang Rural Municipality has issued a public notice advising travelers to be cautious. According to the notice issued by Rural Municipality Chair Tashinarbu Gurung, the extreme cold in Upper Mustang is intensifying, and many tourists visiting high-altitude areas have fallen ill.
Education Minister says allocating state budget to National Innovation Center would be unethical
Education Minister Mahabir Pun has said it would be unethical for him to allocate government funds to the National Innovation Center (NIC) while serving as a minister. Pun, who is known for his active presence on social media, made the remark while sharing a video of a paddy-harvesting machine being tested at the Agricultural Equipment Factory operated under the NIC in Birgunj.
Health Ministry directs hospitals to match staff salaries with government standards
The Ministry of Health and Population has instructed all health institutions across the country to ensure that the salaries, services, and benefits provided to health workers are aligned with government standards. According to Ministry spokesperson Dr. Prakash Budhathoki, a circular has already been issued to all government hospitals, medical colleges, as well as community and private hospitals, requiring them to pay nurses and other health professionals salaries equivalent to those offered in government facilities.
Madhesh Chief Minister Singh to seek vote of confidence tomorrow
Madhesh Province Chief Minister Satish Kumar Singh is scheduled to seek a vote of confidence in the Provincial Assembly tomorrow (Tuesday). According to Basu Prasad Koirala, Secretary of the Provincial Assembly Secretariat, the assembly meeting has been set for 1:00 PM, during which Chief Minister Singh will table the motion.
Nepal Student Union calls for NC general convention before upcoming elections
The Nepal Student Union (NSU), the student wing of the Nepali Congress, has demanded that the party hold its general convention before the parliamentary elections scheduled for March 5. At a press conference in Kathmandu on Monday, NSU leaders said the party must undergo internal reforms and revitalization through a timely convention to restore public trust and strengthen its democratic foundation.
Obstruction continues on Mechi Highway’s Rajduwali stretch
The Ilam–Rajduwali road section in Ilam Municipality-9, part of the Mechi Highway, will remain closed for the foreseeable future following a series of landslides triggered by heavy rainfall on October 4. According to authorities, the complex geological structure of the area is preventing immediate restoration. Chief District Officer Sunita Nepal stated that while continuous efforts are being made to clear the road, recurring landslides and road collapses have made the task extremely difficult. “We are working to reopen the road, but due to the unstable terrain, there is no immediate possibility of doing so,” she said.
Shivnarine Chanderpaul appointed head coach of Janakpur Bolts for upcoming NPL season
West Indies cricket legend Shivnarine Chanderpaul has been appointed head coach of defending champions Janakpur Bolts ahead of the second season of the Nepal Premier League (NPL). The franchise announced Chanderpaul’s appointment on Monday morning, describing it as a long-term partnership aimed at strengthening the team’s coaching setup and nurturing domestic talent.
5,547 prison escapees still at large
housands of prisoners who escaped during the Gen-z movement on September 8 and 9 are still on the run, according to government authorities. The Department of Prison Management has stated that it is working to make the process of re-arresting these prisoners more effective and coordinated. According to the Home Ministry, several significant decisions have been made to bring the escapees back into custody. So far, 9,008 inmates have been apprehended and returned to various prisons across the country.
Three Indian nationals arrested with marijuana at TIA
Police arrested three Indian nationals at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu after they were found in possession of illegal drugs. The individuals, identified as Salim Ibrahim Ansari (50), Rehan Mohammad Ajaz Sheikh (24), and Zainab Bashir (32), were apprehended in the customs area with approximately 11.275 kilograms of marijuana, according to Deputy Inspector General of Police and Central Police Spokesperson Binod Ghimire.
Three arrested with drugs from different places in Siraha
Police have arrested three individuals with drugs from different locations in Siraha. Of the three, two were arrested in the Golbazar area, and one in the Madar area, police confirmed. According to Ramesh Bahadur Pal, Deputy Superintendent of Police at the District Police Office, at around 11 pm on Saturday, a joint team from the Area Police Office, Golbazar, and the Narcotics Control Bureau Branch Office, Golbazar, acting on special information, stopped and searched a motorcycle (Province 2-01-001 Pa 3026) traveling from Menchowk in Durga Mandir, Golbazar Municipality-6, toward Gumba Chowk.
Safari opens in Shuklaphanta National Park
Jungle safari has resumed in Shuklaphanta National Park, with the park administration reopening the activity for tourists from Monday. The safari had been suspended since the onset of the monsoon, after heavy rains damaged roads within the park. According to the park’s information officer, Purushottam Wagle, the safari is now open but only along specific routes.
Temporary diversion under construction on Feme river
A temporary diversion is being constructed over the Feme River along the Phidim–Falot road in Panchthar to restore traffic movement. The road has been blocked since September 28, when floods washed away the previous diversion.
Baglung farmers harvest 55,600 tons of potatoes
Potato farming in Baglung district has yielded production worth Rs 1.94 billion this year, despite a slight decline in both cultivated area and output compared to last year. Farmers in the region typically grow potatoes during two seasons—monsoon and winter—with monsoon yields generally being higher. The upper regions of Baglung, known for their favorable climate and soil conditions, have become a hub for potato cultivation, producing crops worth millions of rupees annually.
Comment