KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Govt’s sole objective is to hold elections: PM Karki
Prime Minister (PM) Sushila Karki has reaffirmed her government’s commitment to conducting parliamentary elections within six months and peacefully transferring power to an elected government. Speaking at a diplomatic briefing held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Prime Minister Karki — who also serves as Foreign Minister — stated that the interim government’s singular focus is to hold free, fair, and credible elections to the House of Representatives on March 5, 2026. “All state mechanisms, including the government, are focused on ensuring the necessary security, legal framework, and logistical management for credible elections,” said PM Karki.
Nepal returning to normalcy, says PM Karki in diplomatic briefing
In a high-level diplomatic briefing on Friday, Prime Minister Sushila Karki assured foreign ambassadors and representatives that Nepal is steadily returning to normalcy, as the government intensifies efforts to restore stability, promote transparency, and combat corruption. She stated that Nepal is returning to normalcy and urged the international community to help disseminate positive messages about the country’s progress. During the meeting, Prime Minister Karki expressed her gratitude to all countries and development partners for their continued cooperation, friendship, and understanding.
Nepal wins World Cup Qualifier title, crushes Samoa by 124 runs
Nepal has clinched the ICC T20 World Cup Asia and East Asia Pacific Qualifiers title with a dominant 124-run victory over Samoa in the final Super Six match held Friday at the Al Emirates Cricket Ground in Oman. Nepal had already secured World Cup qualification two matches earlier but sealed the top spot in style, finishing the tournament unbeaten with five wins from five matches. Batting first after Samoa won the toss and elected to field, Nepal posted a formidable 211/4 in 20 overs. Opener Aasif Seikh starred with the bat, scoring 69 off 41 balls, including 7 fours and 4 sixes.
KP Oli says he won’t step down as UML Chair
Chairman of the CPN-UML, KP Sharma Oli, has said he will not step down from the party’s leadership at this time, citing his long-standing involvement in the political movement and continued responsibility toward the party. Responding to calls for his resignation during the Central Committee meeting, Oli said he would not relinquish his position without first fulfilling his duties. “Some friends are calling for my resignation. I’ve carried a small part of this movement for 55 years, and I still have responsibilities on my shoulders,” Oli said. “My resignation will be discussed at the General Convention, where we will let the delegates decide.”
Govt accelerates process to terminate long-stalled road and bridge contracts
The government has intensified efforts to scrap dozens of long-delayed contracts for road and bridge projects that have remained incomplete for years despite repeated deadline extensions. According to the Department of Roads, the Postal Highway Directorate, the Federal Road Supervision and Monitoring Offices in Kathmandu and Itahari, and several divisional offices have initiated the process to terminate 17 non-performing contracts. Among them, the Road Division Offices in Biratnagar and Chandranigahapur, and the Postal Highway Directorate each have moved ahead to cancel five contracts, while the Nuwakot Division Office has started procedures to terminate two. Most of these contracts involve bridge construction works that have seen negligible progress.
Nepali Army aescues 61 VIPs, including political leaders, during Gen-Z protests
The Nepali Army (NA) said it rescued 61 VIPs, including political leaders and their families, by helicopter as the Gen-Z movement reached a critical and violent stage on September 9. Speaking at a press conference in Kathmandu on Friday, the Army stated that evacuations were conducted from key locations, including the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar, the President’s Office in Sheetal Niwas, and ministers’ residences in Bhainsepati. In addition to the VIP evacuations, the Army also rescued 23 police personnel who were at serious risk after attacks on police posts during the peak of the unrest, according to Rajaram Basnet.
Miraj Dhungana announces formation of new political party
Miraj Dhungana, coordinator of the Garikhan Deu campaign and a youth leader of the recent Gen-Z movement, announced plans to form a new political party on Friday. He said the party will embody the spirit of the Gen-Z movement and reflect the aspirations of Nepalese youth. Dhungana, who led the Garikhan Deu campaign advocating for opportunities in Nepal instead of going abroad, said the initiative aims to institutionalize the movement’s message. “The Gen-Z revolution succeeded because of collective effort. Now, it is necessary to channel this energy into political action,” he said. However, he clarified that the party will not participate in elections immediately. Dhungana outlined three conditions for contesting elections: the establishment of a directly elected executive prime minister, granting voting rights to Nepalis living abroad, and creation of a robust citizen-level structure to curb corruption.
Hulas and Ashok steel start paying electricity premium arrears to NEA
Hulas Steel Industries, operating in Simara, Bara, has begun paying off its arrears for electricity consumed through dedicated and trunk lines, the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) said on Friday. The industry had accumulated a total arrear of Rs 141.2 million for the period from February 2016 to May 2018. NEA approved a repayment plan of 28 monthly installments, with each installment amounting to Rs 5.043 million. Hulas Steel paid the first installment on Friday, NEA Executive Director Manoj Silwal confirmed. Similarly, another Simara-based company, Ashok Steel, with arrears totaling Rs 175.8 million, also made its first installment payment. Under a similar 28-installment plan, Ashok Steel paid Rs 6.3 million.
Gold prices reach Rs 258,000 per tola
The price of gold in the domestic market surged to an all-time high on Friday, continuing its recent upward trend. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of fine gold increased by Rs 7,100 per tola, reaching Rs 258,000 per tola, the highest rate ever recorded in Nepal’s market history. On Thursday, the precious metal was traded at Rs 250,900 per tola. Silver prices have also seen an uptick. The federation said the price of silver rose by Rs 110 per tola, reaching Rs 3,350 per tola, up from Rs 3,240 per tola a day earlier.
Ministry of Industry unveils a 39-point action plan with deadline
The government has introduced the ‘Immediate Reform Action Plan–2082 BS to Enhance the Effectiveness of Public Services’, aimed at promoting growth and efficiency in the country’s industrial and commercial sectors. The action plan, endorsed by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, lays out 20 reform measures for the industrial sector, eight for the commercial sector, and 11 for the supply sector. Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Anil Kumar Sinha said the initiative seeks to ensure timely service delivery and strengthen institutional capacity to respond swiftly to changing economic conditions. The plan is set to be implemented within the next five months, according to the ministry.
NA Chair Dahal leaves for Geneva to attend Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly
National Assembly Chair Narayan Prasad Dahal left for Geneva on Thursday to participate in the 151st Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). A delegation comprising National Assembly members Gopi Bahadur Sarki Achhami and Madan Kumari Shah is accompanying Chair Dahal. The IPU Assembly, scheduled to be held in Geneva, Switzerland, from October 19 to 23, will see Dahal address the gathering on behalf of Nepal, according to his secretariat. During the event, Dahal is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with the heads of parliaments from various countries.
Election Commission submits annual report to President Paudel
The Election Commission has submitted its annual report for the fiscal year 2081/82 to President Ram Chandra Paudel. The report was formally presented by the Commission’s Acting Chairperson Ram Prasad Bhandari during a program held at the President’s official residence, Sheetal Niwas, Friday.
UML Central Committee member Singh takes aim at party leadership
CPN-UML Central Committee member Arbind Singh has strongly criticised the party leadership during the UML’s 10th Central Committee meeting, raising serious questions about the leadership’s political direction, internal discipline, and moral integrity. In his statement at the ongoing meeting, Singh expressed dissatisfaction with the party’s recent political document, its handling of corruption allegations, the state of organisational affairs, and leadership style, saying the current approach has failed to reflect ground realities. Referring to the political report presented on September 7, Singh said it had “collapsed within 24 hours” of being tabled. “How can we move ahead for the next five years with a failed strategy?” he asked, adding that the party’s analyses had “ceased to be objective.”
UML central member Timalsina warns one person’s ambition must not drag party to ruin; former MP Gaire urges leadership transfer
CPN-UML Central Committee member Usha Kiran Timalsina on Friday warned that the party must not be steered toward destruction by the ambition of a single individual, addressing the 10th Central Committee meeting that has been underway in Lalitpur for three days. Timalsina, speaking at the session, said the party with a “long and proud history” could not afford to become reactionary and called on the leadership to take responsible decisions for the sake of the nation and the party. “Comrades, there was a big nightmare on Bhadra 24. If we do not learn from it, history will condemn us,” she said, urging senior leaders to consider stepping aside if required. “One person’s ambition must not block the development and progress of the whole party.”
Kathmandu Metropolitan City says it extinguished 57 fires during Gen-Z protests
Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) on Friday said it extinguished fires at 57 locations across the valley during the Gen-Z protests on September 8 and 9. Speaking at the 43rd KMC Executive Meeting, Bishnu Prasad Joshi, Chief of the Metropolitan Disaster Management Division, rejected claims that the city failed to deploy fire services when government structures, including Singha Durbar and the Supreme Court, were set ablaze. “We received a call at 1 pm on September 8 about a fire on Shantinagar road near an ambulance. We also controlled fires on an electric pole and a motorcycle in Sundhara,” Joshi said. “However, after clashes erupted in New Baneshwor around 3 pm, it was not possible to deploy fire trucks there.”
Home Minister urges modernization of Nepal Police on 70th Police Day
Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal has called for the modernization of the Nepal Police to meet contemporary challenges, especially as rising technological influence adds complexity to crime investigation. Speaking at the 70th Police Day and Tribute to Fallen Officers ceremony on Friday, Aryal said the Ministry of Home Affairs has the primary responsibility of providing the police with adequate resources to strengthen internal security and ensure smooth conduct of the upcoming House of Representatives election on March 5. Referring to the recent ‘Gen-Z’ protests on September 8 and 9, Aryal said that law enforcement often becomes the target when expressing views on government actions. He noted that looting and arson during the demonstrations had strained police resources, affecting service delivery to the public.
Call for KMC to take responsibility for Singha Durbar reconstruction
The issue of reconstructing Singha Durbar, which was gutted during the recent Gen Z protests, was raised during the 43rd executive meeting of the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) on Friday. At the meeting, Prem Thapa, chairperson of Ward No. 3, expressed sorrow over the destruction of historic landmarks, including Singha Durbar and the Parliament building, during the protests on September 8 and 9, and proposed that KMC should take charge of rebuilding Singha Durbar.
Sharp exchange between Mayor Shah and Ward Chair over KMC office building
A heated exchange erupted between Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah and Ward No. 11 Chairperson Hiralal Tandukar over the construction of the metropolitan city’s office building during the 43rd executive meeting on Friday. Ward Chair Tandukar urged that the construction be expedited, citing difficulties in holding executive meetings due to the absence of a permanent KMC building. “Before anything else, we need our own building. It’s time to show results through work, not promises,” he said. Mayor Shah, however, responded that construction would begin after the Tihar festival. “Why does it need to start immediately? I have already said construction will start after Tihar,” he told Tandukar. The disagreement escalated as Tandukar pressed for immediate action, prompting a sarcastic reply from the mayor.
KMC reclaims more than 200 ropanis of public land
The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has reclaimed more than 208 ropani of public land that had been encroached upon, Mayor Balen Shah. In a post on social media, Mayor Shah said the recovered land, valued at Rs 23 billion, is part of the city’s ongoing campaign to reclaim illegally occupied public property. According to him, the metropolitan city has set a target to recover a total of 1,859 ropani and 14 ana of encroached land — worth nearly Rs 200 billion — since he assumed office. The campaign is being implemented under the authority granted by the Local Government Operation Act, 2074, which empowers local governments to protect, manage, and recover public land and property.
Finance Minister Khanal invites global community to explore Nepal
Finance Minister Rameshwor Khanal has called on the international community to visit Nepal, highlighting the country’s abundant natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Speaking at a discussion program titled “Sustainable Tourism: Employment, Livelihoods, and Economic Growth” organized by the World Bank Group on Thursday, Minister Khanal emphasized Nepal’s commitment to promoting sustainable tourism as a driver of economic development.
Bhai tika: 11:39 a.m. auspicious on Oct 23
The Nepal Panchang Nirnayak Bikash Samiti has announced the most auspicious time for Bhai Tika this year. According to committee chairman Prof. Shambhu Prasad Dhakal, the ideal moment falls on Thursday, October 23, at 11:39 a.m. “While the head of state should observe the auspicious muhurat precisely, the general public can safely apply tika during the afternoon,” said committee member Prof. Devmani Bhattarai.
Nepal Telecom expanding services across Karnali
Nepal Telecom’s Karnali Provincial Directorate in Surkhet is actively working to expand communication services across Karnali Province, aiming to improve digital access in even the most remote areas. Dr. Kamal Lamichhane, Director of the Provincial Directorate, stated that efforts are underway to expand 4G and fiber internet services throughout the province. So far, communication infrastructure has been extended to 37 municipalities.
Child dies from snake bite in Jhapa
A 10-year-old boy, Anish Rai of Chamlingdanda, Arjundhara-11, died today after being bitten by a snake while sleeping in his bed last night. Following the bite, Rai was initially rushed to the Nepal Army Snake Bite Treatment Center in Charali. However, due to the unavailability of necessary treatment there, he was referred to B&C Hospital in Birtamod for further care. He died during treatment, confirmed Assistant Inspector Domi Sah of the Area Police Office, Anarmani.
Early marigold bloom poses marketing challenge for Tanahun farmer
Manju Shrestha of Dahare, Shuklagandaki Municipality–8, Tanahun, has cultivated marigold flowers on two ropanis of land. Although marigolds typically bloom around the Tihar festival, this year they have blossomed earlier than expected—raising concerns about market timing and sales. Shrestha, who has been engaged in marigold farming for the past five years, planted 5,000 marigold plants this season. He said the flowers normally bloom just in time for Tihar, allowing for steady sales during the festive period. However, the early bloom this year has left him uncertain about how to store and protect the flowers until then.
Commission submits annual report to President Paudel
The Indigenous Nationalities Commission submitted its annual report for the fiscal year 2081/82 BS (2024/25) to President Ram Chandra Paudel on Friday. Commission Chair Ram Bahadur Thapamagar presented the report during a formal ceremony held at the Office of the President, Sheetal Niwas.
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