KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Renovation works underway in partially damaged ministries inside Singha Durbar
Renovation and maintenance works have begun in ministries inside Singha Durbar that were partially damaged during the Gen-Z protests. Following the September 9 arson attacks, repair and repainting works are being carried out so that the affected ministries can resume operations.
Ministry of Health building declared unfit for use
The Ministry of Health and Population building at Ramshah Path, which was set on fire on September 9 during the second day of the Gen Z movement, has been declared unfit for use. The building holds significant value in Nepal’s engineering and architectural history. Designed in the style of world-renowned architect Louis Kahn, it is regarded as a rare pillarless model structure.
Government initiates efforts to reopen blocked roads
The government has begun efforts to clear roads blocked by landslides in various parts of the country. After landslides disrupted major highways, including the Narayanghat–Muglin section, stranding passengers since Friday night, Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Kulman Ghising convened a meeting with relevant authorities.
Passenger vehicles to exit Kathmandu via Nagdhunga tunnel
Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Kulman Ghising, held discussions with stakeholders today on festival-targeted transport management and road safety. Following the meeting, Minister Ghising directed authorities to provide passengers with round-the-clock information on road conditions, address complaints promptly, and ensure blocked roads due to floods and landslides are reopened without delay.
Auspicious Dashain tika timings announced for different countries
The International Panchang Decision Committee has announced auspicious timings for the application of tika during Vijaya Dashami for Nepali Hindu communities living abroad. According to Member Secretary Acharya Laxman Panthi, the timings have been determined based on local calendars and adjusted to each country’s local time. The decision follows numerous inquiries from Hindu devotees around the world regarding tika schedules.
Foreign investment commitments reach Rs 33 billion for 236 projects
As of September, a total of 236 projects have secured foreign investment commitments amounting to Rs 33 billion, according to the Department of Industry. The department’s report on foreign investment approvals for Shrawan and Bhadra shows that 225 small, four medium, and seven large-scale projects have received commitments. By sector, agri-based industries received the largest investment by amount, while information technology projects topped in number. Agri-based projects alone secured commitments worth Rs 21 billion across nine projects.
Govt. releases Rs 10 billion for concessional loan interest subsidy
The government has released around Rs 10 billion for interest subsidies on concessional loans. According to the Ministry of Finance, a total of Rs 9.8 billion has been disbursed under the Integrated Procedure on Concessional Loan Interest Subsidy, 2082 for the current fiscal year.
Government buildings damaged in Gen-Z movement undergo inspection
Cleaning and technical inspection have begun on government buildings damaged by arson during the Gen-Z movement. Authorities have stated that the affected structures will only be used after detailed technical assessments. On Saturday, the Ministry of Health and Population building at Ramshah Path, which was severely damaged during the protests, underwent cleaning and structural inspection.
Western artists push cultural boycott of Israel over Gaza war
A growing number of Western musicians, actors, writers, and other cultural figures are calling for a boycott of Israel over the ongoing Gaza conflict, drawing comparisons to the international cultural boycott of apartheid-era South Africa. The movement, aimed at pressuring Israel through cultural channels amid limited government-led economic sanctions, has gained momentum across music, film, and publishing industries. British actor Khalid Abdalla, known for The Kite Runner and The Crown, said, “There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that, globally, we’re at a tipping point,” after signing a petition advocating a boycott of some Israeli cinema institutions.
Six ANNFSU leaders object to ex-chair’s return after resignation during Gen-Z protests
Six district presidents and in-charges of the All Nepal National Free Students Union(ANNFSU) in Bagmati Province have submitted written objections after Sujan Kadariya, who resigned from the student union on September 9 amid the Gen-Z protests, sought to return as ANNFSU chair. Leaders from Kavre, Sindhupalchok, Dhading, Chitwan, Makwanpur and Dolakha jointly lodged the protest, asking the central body not to reinstate Kadariya or to list his name among former presidents. The group said they were acting to uphold internal discipline and the organisation’s credibility following the upheaval that accompanied the nationwide protests.
Young protester missing in since Gen-Z protest
A 24-year-old man from Humla has been missing in Kathmandu for the past 11 days after taking part in the Gen-Z protests, his family and community leaders have said. Thukten Palwar Tamang, originally from Khagalgaun in Namkha Rural Municipality–3, Humla, had been living in Tinchuli, Kathmandu, where he worked at a local hotel. According to his father, Tashi Chiring, Thukten joined demonstrations on September 8 but returned home that evening.
“We will participate in elections, but leadership change is not the answer”
The fallout from the September 8 and 9 Gen-Z protests has triggered an intense debate over leadership change in Nepal’s two largest political parties, Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML. Once seen as untouchable, both parties were forced into retreat in the aftermath of the youth-led uprising that toppled the government overnight and left senior leaders scrambling for political space.
Seven major highways blocked across Nepal due to landslides and floods
Continuous rainfall over the past few days has triggered floods and landslides, causing disruptions on seven major highways across the country. Binod Ghimire, Chief Spokesperson of Nepal Police and Deputy Inspector General, confirmed that efforts are underway to clear the landslides in the affected areas. He reported that the Koshi Highway at Bhotkhola is completely blocked.
India issues travel advisory for citizens visiting Nepal after Gen-Z protests
The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has issued a travel advisory urging its citizens to exercise caution while visiting Nepal in the aftermath of the Gen-Z protests of September 8 and 9. The embassy noted that while the situation in Nepal has improved compared to recent weeks, travelers should remain vigilant.
Birgunj’s historic Ghanta Ghar repaired after seven months
The iconic Ghanta Ghar (clock tower) of Birgunj, a landmark of the city’s heritage, has been repaired and restored seven months after part of its structure collapsed due to wear and tear. The balcony portion of the tower had fallen, raising concerns over the preservation of one of Birgunj’s most recognizable monuments. Birgunj Metropolitan City has since reconstructed the damaged section and repainted the tower, giving it back much of its original appearance.
Incessant rainfall submerges paddy fields in Nawalparasi
Continuous rainfall over the past few days has severely damaged paddy crops in Palhinandan and Sarawal of Bardaghat Susta West, Nawalparasi. According to Chulhai Prasad Yadav, Ward Member of Palhinandan-1, more than 700 bighas of paddy fields in the areas of Shankarpur (Sarawal) and Palhinandan have been submerged. He said that this year’s paddy crop was nearing harvest when floods from the Dhanewa and Jharahi rivers swept through the fields, destroying the yield.
KMC to conduct festival market inspections
Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has announced that it will begin market inspections targeting the upcoming festive season from next week. According to KMC Assistant Spokesperson Dhruba Kumar Kafle, the inspections had been postponed by a week due to the Gen-Z movement on September 8 and 9. With the Hindu festival of Dashain approaching, the metropolis is now preparing to carry out the monitoring.
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