KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Oli rejects calls to step down, signals return as UML Chair after 11th General Convention
CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli has rejected calls from within his party to resign before the upcoming 11th General Convention, instead projecting himself as a stronger leader following the party’s ongoing Central Committee meeting. He urged dissenting leaders to remain within the bounds of party discipline. During the meeting, several leaders suggested that Oli should take a political decision similar to Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, who recently delegated executive authority to his deputy following the Gen Z-led protests in September. Unlike Deuba, however, Oli neither expressed self-criticism nor showed any willingness to step aside, instead accusing those demanding his resignation of engaging in a media trial.
Rallies, demonstrations banned at various places in Kathmandu
The District Administration Office (DAO) Kathmandu has banned protest demonstrations, sit-ins, processions, and public assemblies at various locations across the capital for the next two months. An order issued on Friday by Chief District Officer Ishwar Raj Paudel states that gatherings of more than five people are prohibited. The decision cites concerns that such assemblies could lead to unruly and undesirable activities, including vandalism and arson, as well as the potential for clashes, confrontations, mob violence, and public unrest.
Miraj Dhungana announces plan to form new political party
Miraj Dhungana, who rose to prominence following the Gen-Z movement, announced on Saturday that he is forming a new political party, marking his formal entry into national politics. Dhungana announced during a press conference held at the Everest Hotel in New Baneshwor, attended by several members of his team. While confirming his intention to establish a political party, Dhungana said the official name of the party has not yet been decided. He added that his group plans to seek suggestions from voters and the general public before finalizing the name.
Tihar festival begins today
Tihar, the second-largest festival celebrated by Nepali Hindus, begins today. Also known as Yama Panchak, the five-day-long festival honors various deities, animals, and familial bonds through rituals, lights, and cultural traditions. The first day of Tihar is observed as Kaag Tihar, during which crows—believed to be messengers of both good and bad news—are fed as a gesture of respect.
President Paudel directs security agencies to ensure fearless environment for elections
President Ram Chandra Paudel has instructed the heads of the country’s security agencies to guarantee that the upcoming elections are held in a free, fair, and fear-free environment, urging them to instill public confidence in the process. During a meeting held at the Office of the President in Sheetal Niwas on Saturday, attended by interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki, several ministers, and chiefs of the four security agencies, President Paudel emphasized the need for bold and decisive action to maintain peace and order during the elections.
Kathmandu DAO asks public to conclude Deusi-Bhailo programs by 9 pm
The District Administration Office (DAO) Kathmandu has urged the public to avoid activities prohibited by law during the Tihar festival, highlighting safety and discipline throughout the celebrations. In a public notice issued on Friday, the DAO advised people to exercise caution while using candles and electric lights and strictly refrain from buying, selling, storing, or using fireworks, explosives, or any fire-prone materials.
Twenty-one injured as seven vehicles collide in Chitwan
At least 21 people were injured when seven vehicles collided at Gaighat, Ward No. 29 of Bharatpur Metropolitan City, on Saturday morning. Deputy Superintendent of Police Rabindra Khanal of the Chitwan District Police Office said the accident occurred at around 7:30 a.m. The injured are undergoing treatment at Chitwan Medical College, Janata Care Hospital, and National City Hospital.
Finance Minister Khanal meets Singaporean President
Finance Minister Rameshore Khanal met with Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam on Friday on the sidelines of the World Bank Group’s annual meeting in Washington, D.C., the Embassy of Nepal said. During the meeting, Minister Khanal briefed President Shanmugaratnam on Nepal’s latest political developments and economic priorities. The Singaporean President highlighted five key areas crucial for achieving rapid economic growth — human capital, infrastructure, energy, trade, and liberalism — and underscored the importance of focused policy efforts in these sectors.
Police block royalist groups attempting rally from Samakhusi to Narayanhiti
Police have cordoned off royalist groups, including Shahi Yuwa Shakti Nepal, who gathered in Samakhusi on Saturday, preventing them from proceeding with a motorcycle rally. The groups had planned to ride from Samakhusi and Ekantakuna to Narayanhiti Palace, demanding the restoration of the monarchy and a corruption-free society.
KMC intensifies market monitoring ahead of Tihar to ensure food safety
As the second major festival of the year, Tihar, begins, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has stepped up market monitoring and urged businesses to provide safe and hygienic food to consumers. The move targets sweet shop owners and workers associated with the confectionery trade across the capital. KMC’s Agriculture and Livestock Department Chief, Nuranidhi Nyaupane, emphasized the city’s guiding principle of “Clean Food: Quality Business”. “During Tihar, sweet-based products consumed by the public must be safe, hygienic, and consumer-friendly. Business operators must comply with the law while ensuring clean food is made available,” Nyaupane said.
Minister Ghising urges investment of Urban Development Fund in revenue-generating sectors
Urban Development Minister Kulman Ghising has emphasized expanding the scope of the Urban Development Fund (UDF) and making it more effective by focusing on revenue-generating investments. Speaking during a review of the fund’s operations on Friday, Minister Ghising suggested that the fund should prioritize sectors that provide financial returns, including e-mobility initiatives such as electric vehicles and charging stations.
China’s generative AI user base doubles to 515 million
China had 515 million generative artificial intelligence (AI) users as of June 2025, doubling in just six months, according to a report released on Saturday. The figure represents an increase of 266 million users since December 2024, raising the user penetration rate to 36.5 percent nationwide, the report from the China Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC) said.
Want to take on top teams during T20 World Cup: Rohit Paudel
Nepali cricket team captain Rohit Paudel has expressed his desire to face India and Australia in the upcoming T20 World Cup scheduled next year in India and Sri Lanka. Speaking after Nepal’s victory over Samoa on Friday, Paudel said he looked forward to competing against high-profile teams and putting up strong performances. “Since the World Cup will be held in India, I hope to play against India, and also against Australia. England has also performed well, so we’ll get to play against top teams,” he said.
Trump urges Ukraine and Russia to ‘stop where they are’ after meeting Zelenskyy
President Donald Trump on Friday called on Ukraine and Russia to stop where they are and end the ongoing war, following a more than two-hour meeting at the White House with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Trump’s comments marked a notable shift in his approach to the conflict, signaling a push for an immediate ceasefire and suggesting that Moscow could retain territory it has seized from Kyiv. “You stop at the battle line and both sides should go home, go to their families, stop the killing, and that should be it,” Trump told reporters after arriving in Florida.
Nepal-India cross-border petroleum pipeline completes six years of operation
The Nepal–India cross-border petroleum pipeline has completed six years of operation, supplying the country with a significant portion of its fuel needs, Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) officials said. Since its inauguration, the 69.2-kilometre pipeline from Motihari in India to Amlekhganj in Nepal has transported a total of 634.92 million litres of petroleum products, according to the Madhesh Regional Office of NOC in Amlekhganj. Of this, 614.35 million litres were diesel, 20.15 million litres petrol, and 0.41 million litres kerosene, regional chief Pralayankar Acharya said.
NRB asks banks to operate during Tihar holidays except on Bhai Tika
The Nepal Rastra Bank has asked banks and financial institutions to remain open during the Tihar holidays except on the day of Bhai Tika to ensure smooth customs clearance and trade operations. In a circular issued to Class A, B, and C financial institutions, the central bank urged them to continue providing essential banking services to support trade facilitation and maintain the supply system during the festive break.
Khongtang–Khawa Bhangyang road upgraded
The rural road connecting Khawa Bhangyang via Khongtang, Hunge, and Cholanti in Temkemaiyung Rural Municipality, Bhojpur, has been successfully upgraded, significantly improving local transportation. Previously, the road was difficult to navigate, especially for vehicles. However, with the application of gravel, along with the construction of side drains and retaining walls, it is now much more accessible for the general public.
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