KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
PM Karki assures parties of timely and peaceful elections
Prime Minister Sushila Karki has reiterated her commitment to holding elections on the scheduled date in a fearless environment. During a meeting with political parties at Baluwatar on Tuesday, PM Karki said, “The government is committed to conducting elections on time and in a fearless atmosphere. Ministers, security agencies, and all of us are working round the clock to make this happen.”
PM Karki’s talks with political parties extend; UML voices doubt over elections but refrains from protest
Prime Minister Sushila Karki’s meeting with political parties at Baluwatar has been extended. After holding a four-hour dialogue with Gen-Z representatives earlier on Tuesday, Prime Minister Karki began consultations with political parties from 4 p.m. The discussion, attended by leaders from 11 recognized parties represented in the dissolved parliament and two observers, was still ongoing at the time of reporting.
PM Karki says corruption probes prompt reactions from political leaders
Prime Minister Sushila Karki has said that several political leaders have begun making public statements in response to ongoing corruption investigations initiated by her administration. The remarks came after victims of the Gen-Z protests of September 8–9 pressed the government to take strict action against officials involved in both corruption and the suppression of the demonstrations. The meeting at Baluwatar lasted more than four hours on Tuesday.
Bipin Joshi cremated on Mahakali riverbank
The mortal remains of 23-year-old Bipin Joshi, who was killed after being taken hostage by Hamas during its attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, was cremated on the banks of the Mahakali River on Tuesday. Joshi’s father, Mahananda Joshi, and his cousin Kishor Joshi lit the funeral pyre as hundreds of locals gathered to pay their final respects. Before the cremation, a contingent of the Armed Police Force offered a ceremonial salute, and Kanchanpur Chief District Officer Laxman Dhakal draped the national flag over the coffin as a mark of honor.
Sudurpaschim CM orders action against traders defying paddy support price
Sudurpaschim Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah has directed the local administration in Kailali to take action against traders found violating the government-fixed support price for paddy. Shah issued the instruction following complaints from farmers that they were not receiving the minimum support price announced by the federal government. He telephoned Kailali Chief District Officer (CDO) Krishna Prasad Lamsal on Monday, directing him to immediately monitor the market situation and ensure that traders comply with the official price.
Twelve victims of Gen-Z protests remain unidentified
More than a month after the deadly Gen-Z protests of September 8 and 9, authorities have yet to identify 12 of the 76 people who lost their lives in the nationwide unrest, Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal said on Tuesday. According to Aryal, the government has released compensation of Rs 1.5 million each to the families of 53 identified civilians, along with three members of the Nepal Police who died during the protests.
Industries challenge NEA’s claim, reject payment without evidence
Industrialists have expressed strong opposition after Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) cut power lines, claiming that industries had failed to pay additional charges for using dedicated feeders and trunk lines. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the industrialists questioned why they should pay charges in the absence of clear evidence. They announced a firm decision to reject the disputed installment demands issued by NEA.
NEA cuts power to six major industries over unpaid dues
The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) on Tuesday disconnected power lines to six large industries that failed to clear outstanding dues related to the use of dedicated and trunk lines. Power supply to Triveni Spinning Mills, Shivam Cement, Jagadamba Steels, Reliance Spinning Mills, Ghorahi Cement, and Argakhanchi Cement was cut off after repeated notices to settle their arrears went unheeded, NEA spokesperson Rajan Dhakal said. “Thirty-one industries still have unpaid dues. We disconnected six major ones today, and discussions are underway on further action against others,” Dhakal said.
Gen-Z protest victims press PM Karki to take action against corruption
Victims of the Gen-Z movement have urged Prime Minister Sushila Karki to initiate strict action against corrupt and oppressive officials, warning that failure to do so could trigger another round of street protests. The appeal came during a four-hour meeting at Baluwatar on Tuesday, which ran from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The delegation, led by Rupin Khadka, included 18 individuals who were injured during the Gen-Z demonstrations. They pressed the government to act decisively against those responsible for corruption and violence.
Madhav Kumar Nepal tell govt to build trust with parties ahead of elections
Unified Socialist Chair Madhav Kumar Nepal has urged the government to consult political parties and leaders closely to ensure credible and orderly elections. Speaking to the media on Tuesday during a Deusi-Bhailo program in Kathmandu, Chairman Nepal said his party would cooperate to make the upcoming polls transparent and dignified, emphasizing the need for the government to engage all stakeholders in the process.
Nepal exports 1,150 MW of electricity to India on Laxmi Puja
In a remarkable display of energy surplus, Nepal exported a record 1,150 megawatts of electricity to India on the night of Laxmi Puja — even as domestic demand for power soared during one of the country’s most vibrant festivals. The export took place on Monday evening, coinciding with Laxmi Puja, the peak of the Tihar celebration, when households across Nepal lit thousands of lamps and adorned homes with flowers in honor of the goddess of wealth. According to the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), national power demand on Laxmi Puja reached 1,650 megawatts — a 48-megawatt increase from last year’s 1,602 megawatts. Despite the surge, Nepal was able to meet internal demand while continuing significant electricity exports to neighboring India and Bangladesh.
Two hydropower projects begin operation in Myagdi’s Rahughat
Tundi Power Company has successfully brought into operation two hydropower projects on the Rahughat river, located within Raghuganga Rural Municipality of Myagdi district. The two run-of-the-river projects — Chimkhola-Rahughat-Mangale (35.5 MW) and its cascade project, Upper Rahughat Hydropower Project (48.5 MW) — have a combined capacity of 84 megawatts. Both are situated across Wards 4, 7, and 8 of Raghuganga Rural Municipality and are now connected to Nepal’s national grid.
Nepal committed to humanitarian norms and global solidarity: NA Chair Dahal
National Assembly (NA) Chairperson Narayan Prasad Dahal has reaffirmed Nepal’s strong commitment to upholding humanitarian norms and promoting international solidarity. Addressing the 151st General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Geneva on Monday, Chairperson Dahal spoke on the theme “Upholding Humanitarian Norms and Supporting Humanitarian Action in Times of Crisis.” He emphasized Nepal’s contributions to International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and its longstanding support for humanitarian principles.
Two killed in scooter accident in Chitwan
Two people lost their lives in a scooter accident near Bharatpur Airport late last night. According to the District Police Office, Chitwan, a scooter with registration number Bagmati Province 06-003 Pa 0692 lost control and crashed in Bharatpur-10, near the airport. The deceased have been identified as Sandeep Ghimire (25) and Kushal Aryal (28), both residents of Bharatpur-21. Ghimire was driving the scooter, while Aryal was riding pillion.
9 arrested for gambling in Budhanilkantha
Police have arrested nine individuals for gambling with cash at Newa Chuli Resort in Chunikhel, Budhanilkantha Municipality-13. A total of Rs 231,000 in cash was seized during the operation carried out last night. According to police, those arrested include Sujan Shrestha, 33, originally from Indrawati Rural Municipality-8 in Sindhupalchowk and currently residing in Jorpati; Bikash Shrestha, 33; Rakesh Shrestha, 31; Sunil Shrestha, 37; Jitendra Tamang, 37; and Jay Kumar Shrestha, 37 — all from Chunikhel, Budhanilkantha. Also among the arrested are Suraj Rana, 38, from Basundhara; Namgel Bholan, 27, from Sohrakhutte, Nayabazar; and Ramshankar Parajuli, 42, from Maipi, Kathmandu.
Farmers harvest oranges early due to monkey infestation
Farmers in Bhojpur have been forced to harvest their oranges earlier than usual this year due to increasing damage caused by monkeys. Traditionally, oranges are harvested in the months of November and December, but this year the harvest has been moved up to October to minimize losses. Locals report that large groups of monkeys have been raiding fruit orchards, eating not only oranges but also mangoes, avocados, and other crops. They also damage plants by breaking branches and causing general destruction.
Inland Revenue Office Jhapa collects Rs 750 million in first quarter
The Inland Revenue Office (IRO) Bhadrapur has collected Rs 750.27 million in revenue during the first three months of the current fiscal year 2025/26. This amount represents 16.90 percent of the annual revenue collection target. According to Chief Tax Officer Gopal Bahadur Thapa, the office had aimed to collect Rs 870.10 million in the first quarter but achieved 86.42 percent of that target. Of the total revenue collected so far, Rs 272.27 million came from income tax, Rs 319.02 million from value added tax (VAT), and Rs 186.95 million from excise duty.
Jungle safari route reopened in Shuklaphanta National Park
Shuklaphanta National Park has reopened a designated jungle safari route for domestic and international tourists, marking the start of the safari season following the end of the monsoon. According to Chandrasheshar Chaudhary, Senior Conservation Officer at the park, the safari route has been established to ensure safe and accessible travel for visitors. While the core Shuklaphanta grassland — the park’s main attraction — remains waterlogged in some areas, the newly designated route allows for vehicle entry without disturbing the terrain.
Sweets, raisins, and lights fuel festive buzz in Dharan
As the Tihar festival begins, the streets of Dharan have come alive — not just with lights and decorations, but with the energy and effort of hundreds of small traders fueling the city’s festive economy. From the break of dawn until late evening, markets like Bhanuchowk, Ghantaghar, vegetable market, and other areas are bustling with people shopping for sweets, raisins, coconuts, clay lamps, twinkling lights, red vermilion powder, and other essential items for the festival. Local vendors say business is booming.
Ah! The enchanting Futphute Waterfall
Towering mountains rise on either side, as the Mistri River—fed by the glaciers of Annapurna and Nilgiri—carves its way through a narrow gorge that looks almost man-made. At the base lies a perfectly round, blue-hued pool. And from above, the mesmerizing Futphute Waterfall cascades like a silver ribbon through stone. Located in Annapurna Rural Municipality-4 of Myagdi, the Futphute Waterfall may resemble a mere stream from afar, but up close, it reveals an awe-inspiring natural marvel. Situated at the entry point of the ‘Maurice Herzog’ trekking route, which leads to the Annapurna Base Camp, this waterfall has quickly become a favorite among trekkers and nature lovers.
Students preserve indigenous culture through traditional ‘Deusi-Bhailo’
In an effort to preserve their cultural heritage, Magar students in Baglung have come together to promote traditional songs and dances during the Tihar festival. Concerned by the growing influence of Hindi, English, and rap music in ‘Deusi-Bhailo’ performances, the students are reviving original forms of celebration that reflect the rich traditions of their community. They have chosen to perform only indigenous dances such as Maruni, Sorathi, and Kaura, which have been popular in Baglung for generations.
Earthenware trade declines in Birgunj
The traditional trade in earthenware used during the Tihar and Chhath festivals has seen a notable decline in Birgunj this year, say local vendors. Fourteen-year-old Alok Prajapati of Birgunj Metropolitan City-11, Ranighat, who has been selling earthenware on the footpath near Ghantaghar Chowk for the past three years, said business has been slow compared to previous festive seasons. “In earlier years, daily sales reached up to Rs 5,000. Now, earning even Rs 2,500 a day is difficult,” he shared. “The demand for ‘diyas’ and ‘pala’ (oil lamps) has dropped significantly.”
NC ready for polls if govt ensures conducive environment: Khadka
Nepali Congress Acting President Purna Bahadur Khadka has said the party is ready to participate in the upcoming parliamentary elections if the government creates a conducive and credible environment for voting. “The Nepali Congress, as a democratic party, is prepared to go to the polls once the necessary conditions for free and fair elections are ensured,” Khadka said while addressing a memorial event in Surkhet on Tuesday marking the 13th death anniversary of former party president Govinda Bahadur Malla. “So far, the government has done nothing to demonstrate its readiness to conduct the elections.”
Govt releases Rs 4.8 million in medical aid for Gen-Z protest victims
The government has released Rs 4.85 million to cover the immediate medical expenses of those injured during the Gen-Z protests in September, the Ministry of Home Affairs said on Tuesday. Based on an initial report from the Ministry of Health and Population, each injured person will receive Rs 20,000 as immediate relief. The first tranche of funds has already been dispatched to nine districts, Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Kaski, Surkhet, Kailali, and Dadeldhura, according to the Home Ministry.
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