KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Process begins to bring Bipin Joshi’s body back to Nepal
The process of repatriating the body of Nepali student Bipin Joshi, who had been held captive by the Palestinian group Hamas for the past two years, has begun. According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representatives from the Nepali Embassy in Israel visited the National Center for Forensic Medicine in Tel Aviv on Tuesday to verify Joshi’s body and initiate the repatriation process.
Body handed over by Hamas confirmed to be of Bipin Joshi; Israeli army suspects he was killed in captivity
The body of 24-year-old Nepali national Bipin Joshi, one of the four hostages whose remains were handed over by Hamas on Monday, has been confirmed through forensic testing, according to Israeli officials. As reported by The Jerusalem Post, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Tuesday that the remains of Guy Illouz and Bipin Joshi were among those received. The identification was confirmed after forensic examination, and the victims’ families have been informed.
Five writ petitions filed at Supreme Court against House dissolution
Five writ petitions have been filed at the Supreme Court challenging the dissolution of the House of Representatives. The petitions, including one by Yubaraj Saphal from Sindhuli, were filed on Tuesday. The dissolution came after the Gen-Z movement of early September, when President Ram Chandra Paudel dissolved the House and announced fresh elections for March 5 on the recommendation of interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki. The petitioners have argued that Karki’s appointment as interim prime minister was unconstitutional and have demanded that her appointment be annulled.
Speaker calls meeting of 10 parties after writ filed in Supreme Court seeking House reinstatement
Speaker of the dissolved House of Representatives Dev Raj Ghimire has called a meeting of 10 political parties to discuss the issue of parliament reinstatement. The meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Wednesday. Speaker Ghimire has invited representatives from Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, CPN (Maoist Centre), Rastriya Swatantra Party, Rastriya Prajatantra Party, CPN (Unified Socialist), Janamat Party, Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal, Janata Samajwadi Party, and Nagarik Unmukti Party to attend the discussion.
Deuba says he won’t step down immediately, vows to hand over leadership after 15th General Convention
Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba has announced that he will not immediately resign from his post, but will formally transfer party leadership to the new generation through the party’s upcoming 15th General Convention scheduled for the end of the year. Making his first public appearance since the Gen-Z protests of early September, Deuba addressed party leaders at the Congress central office in Sanepa, delivering a written statement to the Central Working Committee meeting.
Sher Bahadur Deuba questions interim government, hands over leadership to Khadka before leaving for Singapore treatment
Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba has raised questions over the functioning of the interim government, making his first public appearance since being assaulted at his private residence in Budhanilkantha during the Gen-Z protest on September 9. Addressing party leaders at the Nepali Congress central office in Sanepa, Deuba said Prime Minister Sushila Karki’s interim government appeared unwilling to cooperate with political parties. Following his address, Deuba handed over the responsibility of acting party president to Vice President Purna Bahadur Khadka before departing for Singapore for further medical treatment. According to a central committee member, Deuba informed party leaders that he was leaving the country for continued care, weeks after receiving 12 stitches on the back of his head from injuries sustained during the September assault.
Gold smuggling via vape: Hearing on former Speaker Mahara’s detention remains incomplete, sent back to custody
The hearing on whether to keep CPN (Maoist Centre) Vice Chair Krishna Bahadur Mahara in detention has remained incomplete. And, he has been sent back to the custody of the Kathmandu District Police Office. Mahara was arrested by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police on Sunday on charges of involvement in smuggling nine kilograms of gold hidden inside electronic cigarettes (vapes) brought from Dubai. The CIB filed the case at the district court on Monday.
Madhesh CM Satish Kumar Singh resigns during assembly session
Madhesh Province Chief Minister Satish Kumar Singh announced his resignation from the assembly floor on Tuesday while addressing a session convened to seek a vote of confidence. In his address before stepping down, Singh sharply criticized the Janamat Party for what he described as persistent non-cooperation and unilateral decisions within the party leadership. He said both the party’s central leadership and its provincial parliamentary head had acted without consultation, undermining the functioning of his government.
54 percent of Congress representatives sign petition demanding special convention
A total of 54 percent of Nepali Congress representatives have signed a petition demanding a special general convention, which is set to be submitted to acting party president Purna Bahadur Khadka on Wednesday. Party leaders and members had gathered at the party’s Sanepa headquarters on Tuesday to submit the signatures, but General Secretaries Gagan Thapa and Bishwo Prakash Sharma requested them to wait until Wednesday.
Remittance inflow reaches Rs. 352.08 billion in two months
Nepal received remittance inflows worth Rs 352.08 billion in the first two months of the current fiscal year, marking a 33.1 percent increase compared to the same period last year, according to the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB). In its report on the current economic and financial situation released on Tuesday, NRB noted that remittance income has continued to grow after a 15.8 percent rise during the same period last fiscal year. During mid-August to mid-September (Bhadau month), remittance inflows stood at Rs. 174.67 billion, up from Rs 127.99 billion a year earlier.
Foreign exchange reserves near Rs 2.9 trillion, sufficient to cover 16 months of imports
Nepal’s foreign exchange reserves have approached Rs 2.9 trillion, according to the latest report from the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB). Releasing the country’s current economic and financial situation on Tuesday, the NRB said the total reserves increased by 7.6 percent, reaching Rs 2.88 trillion in mid-September 2025, up from Rs 2.68 trillion in mid-July 2025.
Gold price hits all-time high in Nepali market
The price of gold in the domestic market has surged to a new record high, climbing by Rs 8,100 per tola on Tuesday. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, gold is now trading at Rs 248,500 per tola, the highest level ever recorded in Nepal. On Sunday, the precious metal was traded at Rs 240,400 per tola. Silver prices have also risen, increasing by Rs 105 per tola to reach Rs 3,325 per tola, the federation said.
NPI recommends allowing Nepalis abroad to vote in upcoming national elections
The Nepal Policy Institute (NPI) has recommended that the Election Commission introduce a system enabling Nepali citizens living abroad to participate in national elections, starting with the 2026 polls. Submitting a nine-point policy brief titled “External Voting Arrangements for Nepali Citizens Abroad: For the 2026 Election and Beyond” to Election Commissioner Januka Thuladhar and other senior officials, NPI urged the government to ensure voting rights for millions of Nepalis working, studying, or living overseas. The think tank proposed a hybrid external voting model, combining in-person voting at embassies, postal voting, and secure online e-voting, drawing lessons from Mexico and the Philippines, both of which have extended voting rights to their overseas citizens.
NEPSE drops 19.43 points as share prices of 214 companies decline
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) fell by 19.43 points on Tuesday, closing at 2,528.16 as the majority of listed companies saw their share prices drop. According to NEPSE, share prices of 214 companies declined, while only 33 recorded gains. The share prices of five companies remained unchanged.
Home Minister Aryal ends hunger strike of protester Madan Budha at Maitighar
Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal on Tuesday ended the hunger strike of Madan Budha from Achham, who had been staging a fast-unto-death at Maitighar Mandala demanding representation for Sudurpaschim Province in the federal government. Budha had been on hunger strike for the past four days, pressing a set of three demands displayed on a banner at the protest site.
All savings and credit cooperatives must now register under NCRA
The National Cooperative Regulatory Authority (NCRA) has announced that no savings or credit cooperative can operate without formal registration, introducing new standards to make the sector more organized, transparent, and accountable. Under the new directive, cooperatives conducting financial transactions without registration may face fines of up to Rs 1.5 million or risk cancellation of their registration. Previously, many cooperatives collected deposits and issued loans without formal registration, creating risks due to the lack of oversight. Now, all such institutions must obtain legal approval and renew their registration annually.
Private medical colleges say they cannot pay nurses government-mandated salaries
The Nepal Private Medical and Dental College Association has informed the Ministry of Health and Population that private institutions cannot provide nurses with salaries and benefits equivalent to those in government facilities. In a letter to the Ministry, Association President Dr. Gyanendra Karki explained that the financial structure, investment model, and operational system of private medical and dental colleges are entirely different from government institutions, making it unfeasible to implement identical pay scales.
Nepal Airlines cancels October 19 Kathmandu-Guangzhou flight
Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC), the national flag carrier, has announced the cancellation of its scheduled Kathmandu–Guangzhou flight on October 19. NAC Spokesperson Subash Dangi stated that the flight was canceled due to internal reasons. He added that all affected passengers have been accommodated through alternative arrangements. According to the Corporation, 68 tickets have been sold for the Kathmandu–Guangzhou flight on October 16, and 41 tickets for the Guangzhou–Kathmandu return flight on October 17. Similarly, 93 and 20 tickets have been sold for the October 23 and October 24 flights on the same route, respectively.
21-year-old dies in road accident at Tinkune
A 21-year-old youth was killed in a motorcycle accident at Tinkune, Kathmandu, last night. Police said the motorcycle (Ba 68 Pa 4153) went out of control and crashed along the road in Kathmandu Metropolitan City–32. The deceased has been identified as Samir Chaudhary, a resident of Godawari-8, Kailali, currently living in Baneshwar. He was rushed to Kathmandu Medical College, Sinamangal, where he died during treatment, according to Superintendent of Police Naresh Raj Subedi, spokesperson for the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office.
11:39 am declared auspicious time for Bhai Tika
The Nepal Panchang Nirnayak Vikas Samiti has announced the most auspicious time for Bhai Tika this year. According to the committee, the best time falls on Thursday, October 23, at 11:39 a.m., said committee chairman Prof. Shambhu Prasad Dhakal. “While the state head should follow the auspicious muhurat, the general public can safely apply tika during the afternoon,” committee member Prof. Devmani Bhattarai said. This year, Yam Panchak begins on Saturday, October 18, when Yamdeep Daan is traditionally offered. Other festivals during this period include Dhanteras, Kag Tihar (October 19), Dhanvantari Jayanti, Kukur Tihar and Laxmi Puja (October 20), and Go, Goru, and Aatma (Mha) Puja (October 22), following Vedic and Panchang guidelines.
Govt fixes new retail price for bottled and jar water
The Department of Commerce, Supply and Consumer Protection has set a maximum retail price for bottled and jar water, one of the most commonly used consumer goods in the country. As per the new rate, a one-liter bottle of water will cost Rs 16 inside the Kathmandu Valley and Rs 20 outside the Valley, while a 20-liter jar will cost Rs 47 inside the Valley and Rs 60 outside. Previously, traders had been selling bottled and jar water at arbitrary prices without regulation.
Finance Minister Khanal addresses US Chamber of Commerce business dialogue in Washington DC
Finance Minister Rameshwor Khanal, currently in the United States to attend the annual meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), addressed a business dialogue organized by the US Chamber of Commerce. The event, titled “From the Himalayas to the Heartland: Strengthening the US-Nepal Partnership,” focused on enhancing bilateral economic ties. Minister Khanal spoke about Nepal’s current economic landscape and investment opportunities. Nepal’s Ambassador to the US, Lokdarshan Regmi, embassy officials, and members of the US Chamber of Commerce were also present.
Former Israeli envoy bids farewell to Bipin Joshi, says ‘two-year hope has ended’
Former Israeli Ambassador to Nepal Hanan Goder has said that Nepali student Bipin Joshi, who was abducted by Hamas during the October 7, 2023, attacks in Israel, is “no longer with us.” In a Facebook post, Goder shared a photograph of Bipin taken before his departure to Israel, writing that the two-year-long hope surrounding his fate had now come to an end. Goder recalled meeting Bipin in Nepal before he left for his studies in Israel, describing him as “an energetic, charming, and capable young man” who had a strong desire to contribute positively to his family, community, and country.
Beni-Darwang road reopens after post-monsoon repairs
The Beni-Darwang road, a key route connecting three rural municipalities in western Myagdi to the district headquarters Benibazar, has resumed operation after being repaired following monsoon-induced landslides. Passenger buses and freight vehicles have started plying the road again after landslide debris was cleared and the road was widened in several areas. According to the Infrastructure Development Office, repair works were carried out at Phaparkhet, Lampata, Panabagar, and Bangepahiro.
Alternative Mechi Highway route still non-operational
The alternative route to the Mechi Highway remains non-operational, even 10 days after the Ilam-Rajduwali section in Ilam Municipality-9 was blocked. Authorities had planned to use the Tilkeni–Simalgolai road as a temporary route, but delays in its operation have caused ongoing hardship for passengers and transport operators. Efforts are currently focused on enabling small vehicle movement by constructing a temporary diversion over the Jogmai River, which connects Namsaling (Maijogmai Rural Municipality-4) and Godak (Ilam Municipality-10). However, high water levels and a shortage of hume pipes have stalled progress, according to Pawan Bhattarai, Chief of the Ilam Road Division.
Nepal Rastra Bank issues 10-gram silver medallion coins
Nepal Rastra Bank has begun issuing silver medallion coins. The central bank is offering four types of coins, each weighing 10 grams and priced at Rs 3,000. Purchasers are allowed to buy only one coin per person. To buy a coin, buyers must present a photocopy of their citizenship certificate or any other valid ID that includes their citizenship number.
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