KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Tihar promotes diversity, harmony, and hope: President Paudel
President Ram Chandra Paudel has extended his best wishes on the occasion of Tihar, expressing hope that the festival will inspire all Nepalis to promote mutual goodwill, tolerance, brotherhood, good governance, and prosperity. In a message issued today, the President wished happiness, peace, progress, and prosperity to all Nepali sisters and brothers at home and abroad.
Govt. preparing to form 15-member cabinet; Home and Energy Ministers in key role
The government is preparing to expand the Cabinet to 15 members within a week, sources close to the Prime Minister’s Office said. Prime Minister Sushila Karki has been holding regular consultations to finalize the expansion, according to her chief advisor Ajaya Bhadra Khanal.
Sudurpaschim government provides Rs 200,000 to Bipin Joshi’s family
The Sudurpaschim provincial government has decided to provide Rs 200,000 in assistance to the family of Bipin Joshi from Kanchanpur, who was killed in the Hamas attack in Israel. Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah said the amount is being provided as humanitarian support. Earlier, the provincial Cabinet had decided to provide Rs 200,000 each to the families of those killed in the Hamas attack.
Home Minister Aryal says no one is above Law, not even KP Oli
Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal has said that CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli is not above the law and must abide by it like every other citizen. Speaking to journalists at Singha Durbar on Monday after meeting with the injured participants of the Gen-Z movement, Minister Aryal said no one has the privilege to remain beyond legal scrutiny.
PM Karki pays tribute to Bipin Joshi, drapes national flag over his body
Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Monday paid tribute to the late Bipin Joshi by draping the national flag over his body at Tribhuvan International Airport. Joshi’s mortal remains were brought to Nepal on Monday. During a condolence ceremony held at the airport, Prime Minister Karki expressed her respects to the late Nepali student.
Kathmandu dazzles in lights on Laxmi Puja
The Kathmandu Valley is aglow as Tihar, the second major Hindu festival of the year, lights up homes, streets, and entire neighborhoods. Decorative lamps, diyos, and strings of colorful lights shimmer across the city, creating a spectacular view visible even from nearby hills.
Education Minister pledges action over TU land encroachment
Minister for Education, Science, and Technology Mahabir Pun has said that the ministry will take necessary actions based on the recommendations of a probe committee formed to investigate the encroachment of Tribhuvan University (TU) land. Speaking at a press conference on Monday after assuming office, Minister Pun said the ministry would forward certain issues raised by the committee to the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) for further action.
Prachanda’s daughter Ganga Dahal resigns from party chair’s secretariat
Ganga Dahal, daughter of CPN (Maoist Centre) coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, has resigned from his secretariat. Announcing her resignation through a social media post on Sunday, Dahal said she decided to step down amid what she described as a smear campaign and character assassination attempts against her on social media and in some media outlets.
Private health institutions protest disrespectful behavior during nurse wage talks
Representatives of Nepal’s private health sector have raised concerns over disrespectful behavior directed at them during formal negotiations on nurses’ salary scales. In a joint statement, the Association of Medical and Dental Colleges Nepal and the Association of Private Hospitals in Nepal (AFIN) said that during taskforce-level talks organised by the Ministry of Health, some participants displayed placards apologising for the ongoing protest, used derogatory language, and behaved inappropriately. The associations described these actions as unacceptable.
Supreme Court to open for limited hours during Tihar break
The Supreme Court will remain open for a limited time during the Tihar holidays to hear habeas corpus petitions. According to a notice issued by the Supreme Court administration, the court will operate from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on all days of the festival except on Bhai Tika (October 23) and Saturday.
Flower prices triple as Tihar demand peaks
The prices of marigold and globe amaranth flowers have more than tripled as demand surges ahead of Tihar, Nepal’s second-largest festival. In Suryabinayak–7, Gundu, Bhaktapur’s main flower-producing area, farmers who sold marigolds at Rs 300 per kilogram a week ago were selling them at Rs 700 on Monday. In Kathmandu Valley markets, the same flowers were being retailed for up to Rs 1,000 per kilogram.
Work on TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur nears completion ahead of NPL
Construction work at the Tribhuvan University (TU) Cricket Ground in Kirtipur is moving at a rapid pace, with authorities aiming to complete the stadium before the upcoming Nepal Premier League (NPL) in November. According to project officials, 95 percent of the parapet construction has been completed, while all six floodlight poles have already been installed. Each of the six high-mast lights, standing 45 to 60 metres tall and weighing around 30 tonnes, has been fitted as part of the ongoing effort to bring the stadium up to international standards.
Norvic Hospital raises salaries for nursing staff
Norvic International Hospital has increased the salaries of its nursing staff, setting the minimum monthly pay for nurses with a bachelor’s degree at Rs 37,000. According to the hospital, the decision came into effect on October 18 and marks the second salary revision for nursing employees in the current fiscal year. Issuing a statement, the hospital said the raise recognises the dedication and service of nurses who work tirelessly in patient care.
Former Maoist combatant from Myagdi promoted to section commander in Russian army
A former Maoist combatant from Myagdi, Diamond C, who has been serving in the Russian military, has been promoted to the position of section commander amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. Currently deployed on the frontlines, Diamond announced his promotion through social media, saying he had been elevated from junior sergeant and section co-commander to sergeant and section commander.
Former minister Khadka questions home minister, media over reports of fleeing abroad
Former energy, water resources and irrigation minister Deepak Khadka has questioned Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal and sections of the media for what he called false and misleading reports claiming he had fled abroad using a special government code. Organising a press conference at his fire-damaged residence in Budhanilkantha on Friday, Khadka refuted reports suggesting he had left the country. “I am also a citizen of this country. Why would I run away?” he said. “I actually feel pity for the media that carried such baseless news.”
Nepal Police celebrates Kukur Tihar with service dogs
Nepal Police on Monday celebrated Kukur Tihar, honouring its service dogs with garlands, vermilion, and special meals to mark the festival dedicated to the loyalty and companionship of dogs. During a ceremony held at the Police Canine Division, handlers performed rituals and showcased obedience and discipline demonstrations by the service dogs. Medals and prizes were awarded to the best-performing dogs.
Nepal’s cricketing rise continues with back-to-back T20 World Cup qualification
Nepali cricket’s remarkable consistency and growth have caught the eye of the global cricketing world. Their fearless showing in the 2024 T20 World Cup, where they challenged powerhouses like South Africa, and their first-ever matches against India and Pakistan in the 2023 Asia Cup, signaled that Nepal’s rise in international cricket is no longer a surprise.
Comment