KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Former Speaker Mahara sent to judicial custody in gold smuggling case
The Kathmandu District Court has ordered former Speaker and CPN (Maoist Centre) vice-chair Krishna Bahadur Mahara to be sent to judicial custody for trial in connection with the gold smuggling case involving electronic cigarettes (vape).The decision came on Wednesday following a hearing on whether Mahara should be remanded in custody.
Nepal qualifies for T20 World Cup for second consecutive time
The Nepal national cricket team has qualified for the T20 World Cup for the second consecutive time. Nepal secured their spot through the East Asia-Pacific Qualifier held in Oman. Alongside Nepal, the host team Oman has also earned a place in the T20 World Cup.
Oli calls Gen-Z protests a ‘staged drama’, warns of counter-revolutionary forces
CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli on Wednesday warned that Nepal is on the verge of a “counter-revolution” in the wake of the Gen-Z protests that swept across the country on September 8 and 9, urging political forces to act swiftly to safeguard democracy and national stability. Inaugurating the party’s 10th Central Committee meeting at Rambagh Mahal in Lalitpur, Oli said the recent developments were “a sign of a dangerous political regression” that could push the country toward chaos if not addressed on time. The three-day meeting will discuss the evolving political situation, the party’s organizational strengthening, and its upcoming political strategies.
Parties term House dissolution unconstitutional at Speaker’s all-party meet
Leaders of major political parties on Wednesday reached a rare consensus that the recent dissolution of the House of Representatives was unconstitutional, undemocratic and politically motivated, during a meeting called by Speaker Devraj Ghimire. Nepal Communist Party (UML) leader Mahesh Bartual said all parties present at the discussion shared the view that the move to dissolve Parliament on September 12 was a conspiratorial act against parliamentary democracy.
Oli criticizes party leaders for failing to support him
UML Chair KP Sharma Oli on Wednesday raised concerns over what he described as deteriorating conduct among his own party leaders, asserting that he himself remains steadfast despite internal criticism. Speaking at the three-day Central Committee meeting that began Wednesday, Oli questioned why some leaders within the party had urged him to be more disciplined while failing to uphold the party’s interests.
Oli blames foreign-backed conspiracy for Gen-Z violence
CPN-UML Chairperson KP Sharma Oli has blamed foreign-backed conspirators for orchestrating the violent turn of last month’s Gen-Z protests, claiming that the nationwide unrest was a calculated attempt to destabilize Nepal’s political system and undermine national sovereignty. Presenting a 15-point political report titled The Country’s Political Situation and Our Policy at the party’s ongoing 10th Central Committee meeting in Kathmandu, Oli said while the demands of the protesting youths, focused on anti-corruption, good governance, and free access to digital platforms, were valid, “hidden forces exploited their movement to create chaos and incite bloodshed.”
Nepali Congress stakes rival claim to form Madhesh Province government
A new twist has emerged in the race to form the government in Madhesh Province after Nepali Congress parliamentary party leader Krishna Prasad Yadav staked his claim for the chief minister’s post on Wednesday, backed by 58 provincial lawmakers. Yadav submitted his claim to Province Chief Sumitra Subedi Bhandari with the signatures of 22 Congress, 28 CPN-UML, and 13 Janamat Party lawmakers. He was accompanied by UML’s parliamentary leader Saroj Kumar Yadav and other senior leaders while submitting the claim at the Office of the Province Chief.
Oli proposes UML’s 11th general convention for December in Pokhara
UML Chair KP Sharma Oli has proposed holding the party’s 11th general convention on December 13 to 15 in Pokhara, signaling a continuation of his leadership amid growing internal debates. Oli presented the proposal during Wednesday’s Central Committee meeting, which is focused on both political and organizational matters. The three-day 10th Central Committee meeting, ongoing in Lalitpur, will now deliberate on the proposal before finalizing the dates and agenda.
National Assembly Chair Dahal meets President Paudel ahead of IPU Assembly
National Assembly Chair Narayan Prasad Dahal met with President Ramchandra Paudel at the President’s Office in Sheetal Niwas on Monday to brief him about Nepal’s participation in the upcoming 151st Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly. According to Dahal’s secretariat, the National Assembly chair informed the President that Nepal’s federal parliament will be represented at the IPU Assembly to be held in Geneva, Switzerland, from October 19 to 23.
Gold price reaches Rs 248,900 per tola
The price of gold in Nepal climbed to a new record high on Wednesday, rising by Rs 400 per tola compared to the previous trading day. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Associations, hallmark gold is being traded at Rs 248,900 per tola, up from Rs 248,500 on Tuesday.
Jitendra Sonal stakes claim for Madhes Chief Minister post with backing of four parties
Loktantrik Samajbadi Party (LSP) Vice-Chair Jitendra Sonal on Wednesday formally staked his claim to lead the Madhes Province government, presenting the support of four political parties to the provincial head. Sonal has submitted his claim with the backing of the CPN (Maoist Centre), Janamat Party, Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP), and the CPN (Unified Socialist).
Earthquake tremors felt in Bajhang
A 4.9-magnitude earthquake was felt in Bajhang at 1:08 AM today, according to the National Seismological and Research Center. The epicenter of the quake was identified as Dantola in Bajhang district. The tremor, which occurred shortly after midnight, caused panic among local residents and was also felt in neighboring districts.
Permission required for real estate transactions over Rs 30 million through companies in metropolis
The government has introduced a new regulation requiring companies to obtain official permission for real estate transactions exceeding Rs 30 million within designated metropolitan and sub-metropolitan cities. According to a notice published in the Nepal Gazette by the Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation, the provision has been enforced under Section 26 (a) and (b) of the Land Revenue Act, 2034. The rule applies irrespective of the company’s registration location or the land area involved in the transaction.
Kathmandu District Administration Office resumes passport service
The District Administration Office (DAO), Kathmandu, resumed passport application services starting today. According to a public notice issued by the office, services will operate in two shifts—from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The online appointment system will open at 5:00 PM for those applying through limited application counters. Due to a high volume of applicants and limited processing stations, the DAO has requested service seekers to arrive strictly at the time specified in their appointment confirmation. Passport services had been disrupted following arson and vandalism at the DAO premises during the Gen-Z protests on September 8 and 9.
Finance Minister Khanal holds series of high-level meetings in Washington DC
Finance Minister Rameshwor Khanal, who is currently in Washington DC to attend the annual meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, participated in a series of meetings and discussions on Monday and Tuesday. On Tuesday, Minister Khanal met with U.S. Deputy Trade Representative Brian Switzer to discuss bilateral trade relations and tax policies. According to the Nepali Embassy in Washington, the meeting was productive and included officials from both Nepal and the United States.
Prachanda on possible unity with UML: Only possible if KP Oli steps aside
CPN (Maoist Centre) Coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has spoken about the possibility of party unity with CPN-UML during a meet-up program in Benighat-Rorang, Dhading. Addressing party leaders and youth, Prachanda emphasized that the upcoming elections would be the Maoist party’s main agenda.
British envoy Fenn calls on PM Karki, assures of necessary support to conduct polls
The Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Nepal, Rob Fenn, along with his delegation, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sushila Karki today. During the meeting took place at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, both sides discussed matters of mutual interest and bilateral cooperation.
2,488 Congress representatives submit signatures demanding special convention
A total of 2,488 representatives from the Nepali Congress’ 14th General Convention have submitted signatures demanding a special convention of the party. The signatures were handed over to Acting Party President Purna Bahadur Khadka at the party’s central office in Sanepa on Wednesday.
Mechi Highway reopens after 11 days
The temporary diversion over the Jogmai River, connecting Maijogmai Rural Municipality-4 Namsaling and Ilam Municipality-10 Godak along the Mechi Highway, has been completed. With the completion of the diversion on Wednesday, vehicles have resumed movement through the Rajduwali section, which serves as an alternative route of the highway.
Landslides pose ongoing challenge in Kaligandaki Corridor
Landslides have been a persistent problem along the Kaligandaki Corridor, especially in the Dablyang area of Baglung Municipality-10, where disruptions have occurred every monsoon for the past five years. This year, a major landslide struck Kalakhola Bagar in Baglung Municipality-13, damaging a 50-meter section of the road and further highlighting the corridor’s vulnerability. The Gaindakot–Ramdi–Maldhunga section of the Kaligandaki Corridor—a national pride project—has seen frequent landslides, particularly in areas where the road was carved through large rock formations.
Mustang produces over Rs one billion worth of apples this year
Apple production in Mustang has surpassed Rs 1.1 billion in value this year, marking a notable increase from last year. According to the Agricultural Knowledge Center, Mustang produced 7,636 metric tons of apples this year—up from 7,238 metric tons in the previous year. Center chief Rajesh Gurung stated that the production figures were compiled through coordinated monitoring efforts involving agricultural technicians, local-level agricultural offices, and farmers, using the crop-cutting method across various orchards.
Diversion constructed on Jogmai River to reopen Tilkeni–Simalgolai road
The Tilkeni–Simalgolai road section—an alternative route to the Mechi Highway—is set to reopen from today following the construction of a diversion over the Jogmai River. This vital route connects Namsaling in Maijogmai Rural Municipality–4 with Godak in Ilam Municipality–10. According to Pawan Bhattarai, Chief of the Ilam Road Division Office, vehicular movement will resume after completion of diversion works on the Jogmai River, where infrastructure was recently installed.
Motorboat services resume in Bhojpur’s Kopche–Baraha area
Motorboat services have resumed from Kopche to the Baraha area in Haspur, Hatuwagadhi Rural Municipality–9, Bhojpur, after being suspended since July due to high river flow. The suspension had created mobility challenges for locals, especially in the southern region, where the lack of concrete bridges over the Arun and Dudhkoshi rivers continues to pose difficulties. With water levels now receding, the jetboat service has resumed, easing travel for residents. Local businessman Milan Rai confirmed that boats are currently operating between Kopche and Baraha, with potential to extend the route up to Chatara Bridge if river conditions continue to improve.
Regular hand washing helps reduce malnutrition: Vice President Yadav
Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav has emphasized that hygiene is the foundation of good health and that regular hand washing plays a vital role in reducing malnutrition, preventing health complications, and controlling the spread of diseases. Extending his best wishes on the occasion of Global Handwashing Day 2025, Vice President Yadav expressed confidence that this day will raise awareness about hygiene and health, and inspire people to adopt the simple yet effective habit of hand washing as part of their daily routine.
97-year-old Khewang gifts village a scenic view tower
In a remarkable gesture of community spirit, 97-year-old Jas Bahadur Khewang of Parewadanda, Yangwarak Rural Municipality-6, Panchthar, has gifted his village a newly constructed view tower. A retired British Army soldier, Khewang has dedicated the past 50 years of his life to serving his community. Using his personal savings, he built the view tower at a cost of Rs 1.5 million, recognizing the scenic potential of Parewadanda, which offers sweeping views of Panchthar, Taplejung, and Tehrathum from its location near the Pushpalal (Mid-Hill) Highway.
NEPSE falls by 22.58 points as trading volume shrinks
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index fell by 22.58 points on Wednesday, closing at 2,505.58 points as share prices of most listed companies declined. Out of the 206 companies traded today, 206 recorded a loss in share value, while 40 companies saw gains and five remained unchanged, according to NEPSE.
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