KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
NPL 2025: Sudurpaschim defeats Pokhara by 18 runs
Sudurpaschim Royals defeated Pokhara Avengers by 18 runs in their Nepal Premier League 2025 match this evening. After setting a target of 193 runs for 7 wickets in 20 overs, Sudurpaschim successfully defended the total, restricting Pokhara to 175 runs for 8 wickets in their allotted overs. For Pokhara, only captain Kushal Bhurtel with 53 off 32 balls, James Neesham with 47 off 25, and Dan Douthwaite with 37 off 16 reached double figures, as the team lost wickets at regular intervals in pursuit of the challenging target. For Sudurpaschim, Harmeet Singh claimed 2 wickets, while all but one of the remaining six bowlers picked up a wicket each.
PM Karki vows to fulfill demands of Gen-Z martyrs’ families
Prime Minister Sushila Karki has affirmed that the government will not compromise on the demands put forth by the families of Gen-Z martyrs and protesters. Speaking during a discussion held today with three groups—Gen-Z protesters, families of martyrs, and the injured—Prime Minister Karki stated that the agreement between the government and the movement has reached its final stage. “A conclusion will be reached after consultation with the President regarding their demands,” she said. “The government will not compromise on the demands of Gen-Z protesters and martyrs. Please be assured that your demands will be fulfilled.”
Election on March 5 inevitable for democracy: President
President Ram Chandra Paudel has urged all Nepali citizens to participate in the upcoming House of Representatives election on March 5, 2026, calling it crucial for safeguarding the constitution, democracy, and the nation. He expressed confidence that the election results would strengthen good governance, development, and prosperity across the country. Addressing the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of the 75th anniversary of Padmakanya Multiple Campus, President Paudel stressed that education must equip students to meet current challenges. He highlighted the urgent need for skill-based education that imparts practical knowledge, moral values, and capacity-building aligned with the nation’s needs.
EC sets cut-off date for voters turning 18 ahead of March 5 poll
The Election Commission (EC) has fixed the cut-off date for determining voter eligibility for the March 5, 2026 House of Representatives election. According to the EC, individuals who turn 18 by March 4 will be considered eligible voters for the upcoming polls. EC spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai said the Commission will publish the details of all voters meeting the age requirement on its website on December 6. Any errors or complaints can be filed between December 7 and 13. The final voter list will be published on December 30 after necessary revisions are completed, Bhattarai added.
CPA goals align with youth voices: Prachanda
Nepali Communist Party Coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said that the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) played a decisive role in shaping Nepal’s democratic republican constitution founded on federalism, inclusiveness, and secularism. Extending best wishes on the occasion of the 19th anniversary of the CPA between the Government of Nepal and the then CPN (Maoist), Coordinator Dahal stated that the core objectives of the ‘People’s War’ and the Comprehensive Peace Agreement will remain unfulfilled until issues of social justice, good governance, economic equality, and prosperity are addressed.
EC says 37 parties registered so far for March 5 election
The Election Commission (EC) has stated that 37 political parties have registered for the upcoming (March 5, 2026) House of Representatives election. According to EC spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai, 37 parties have registered for the House of Representatives election and 7 parties for the National Assembly election. He added that a total of 126 parties have been registered with the Commission so far, while an additional 30 parties are currently in the registration process. Bhattarai stated that security, administrative, and other necessary preparations for the election are being carried out according to a work plan.
Conflict victims stage protest demanding resignation of transitional justice commission officials
Conflict-affected individuals have staged a sit-in at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, demanding the resignation of its officials responsible for transitional justice. Although 19 years have passed since the Comprehensive Peace Accord, the victims claim they have not received justice and accuse the commission of being turned into a hub for political favoritism. The protest was held on Friday at the commission’s office. The demonstrators have demanded the immediate dissolution of the commission, controlled by political parties and party-appointed leadership, calling it a violation of legal procedures for the third time. Ram Bhandari, a member of the families of disappeared persons, said that officials boycotted by the victim communities must resign immediately. He stressed the need to initiate a credible and transparent process in consultation with the conflict-affected communities.
Elections will be held on scheduled date: Minister Ghising
Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Kulman Ghising has affirmed that the election for members of the House of Representatives will take place on the announced date. Speaking briefly to journalists in Janakpurdham today, he urged the public to remain confident, stating that the government is committed and actively preparing for the election. He said that the environment necessary for the election scheduled for March 5, 2026 is taking shape and that people are enthusiastic about the upcoming polls.
UML holds youth rally ahead of National Volunteer Force launch
The CPN-UML on Thursday announced the formation of the National Volunteer Force (NVF) to safeguard party policies and leadership. Ahead of the formal declaration, UML-affiliated youth held a rally led by Madhesh Basnet and Youth Union president Kshitij Thebe. The party stated that the formation of the NVF aims to address growing insecurity and unrest in society and to boost public morale following the incidents of September 8 and 9.
Gen-Z movement’s injured protesters stage sit-in at Maitighar
Injured participants of the Gen-Z movement from the September 8 and 9 protests held a sit-in at Maitighar Mandala on Friday. The group took to the streets after the CPN-UML mobilized its youth supporters ahead of announcing the formation of its “National Volunteers Force,” prompting concerns among the injured Gen-Z protesters. The injured demonstrators said they staged the sit-in to prevent UML from holding its program at Maitighar.
Oli–Pokhrel set to face off for UML chair as internal push for new leadership intensifies
CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli and Senior Vice-chair Ishwar Pokhrel are set for a rare leadership battle at the party’s 11th General Convention, after Pokharel formally announced his candidacy during the UML Secretariat meeting on Thursday. According to leaders present in the meeting, Pokhrel informed Oli that he would contest for the chair, solidifying the first direct challenge to Oli’s bid for a third consecutive term as party chief. A Secretariat member said Oli had urged leaders to move ahead “in unity and with one mind” to send a positive message to cadres and the public. However, Pokhrel responded that he was “equally capable of leading the party” and would not withdraw his candidacy. “Oli was taken aback when Pokhrel said he would run,” the leader added. “Pokhrel insisted that after Oli completing two terms, it was time for others to get their turn.”
Astalaxmi Shakya says she will back Ishwar Pokhrel in UML’s 11th General Convention
CPN-UML Vice Chairperson Astalaxmi Shakya has announced that she will support Ishwar Pokhrel in the party’s upcoming 11th General Convention. Shakya said she will back Pokhrel for the party leadership in the convention scheduled to begin in Kathmandu on December 13. “We have put forward Comrade Ishwar, and we stand firmly behind him. In several meetings, we had advised Chair KP Sharma Oli to step aside and move forward according to a new political direction, but he refused,” Shakya told Khabarhub. “Given the current complex situation, the country and the party need new leadership and new policies. That is why we have supported Comrade Ishwar.”
Gold and silver prices drop
The price of gold and silver has gone down. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of gold dropped by Rs 1,300 per tola today, while silver declined by Rs 85 per tola. With the latest revision, gold was traded at Rs 241,700 per tola. Similarly, silver stood at Rs 3,100 per tola. International media reported that gold was trading at USD 4,062 per ounce in the global market today.
Commerce Department intensifies market inspections, penalizes multiple firms over quality violations
The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection has stepped up market monitoring in recent days, conducting a series of inspections across Kathmandu and taking action against several businesses for quality lapses. On Thursday alone, the department inspected nine packaged drinking water industries in the Capital after receiving complaints about substandard water being supplied to consumers. Officials said the inspections were carried out under the Consumer Protection Act, 2018 and Consumer Protection Regulations, 2019, with necessary directives and penalties issued where required.
Hetauda begins road-border clearance drive following ministerial directive
Authorities in Hetauda have initiated the process of clearing encroached road borders in the town’s main market area following the directive of the Minister for Energy, Physical Infrastructure and Urban Development. The move follows a meeting held on Thursday involving Hetauda Sub-Metropolitan City Mayor Mina Kumari Lama, Chief District Officer Basanta Adhikari, ward chairpersons and other officials, where all sides agreed to proceed with the long-pending clearance plan. As per the agreement, the Road Division Office, Hetauda issued a public notice on Friday, formally beginning the process of removing structures built within the road boundary.
42 glacial lakes in Koshi Province classified as highly dangerous: ICIMOD
The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) has released data showing that 42 glacial lakes in Koshi Province are currently in a highly dangerous condition. The findings were presented by ICIMOD expert Sharad Prasad Joshi during an interaction program titled “Risks Arising from Rapid Changes in Nepal’s Glaciers and Glacial Lakes” held today in Khandbari, the headquarters of Sankhuwasabha district. He cited a 2020 report that outlines the escalating risks. According to Joshi, Nepal has a total of 2,069 glacial lakes, of which 42 highly vulnerable lakes are located in the Koshi region alone. He warned that a glacial lake outburst could cause massive loss of lives, property, and infrastructure, stressing the need for heightened alertness and preparedness.
Inmate dies in Jhapa prison
Karna Bahadur Limbu, a resident of Darjeeling, West Bengal, India, who was serving his sentence in the Jhapa District Prison, has died. According to the Jhapa District Prison administration, Limbu, who had been suffering from high blood pressure, passed away this morning while undergoing treatment at the Provincial Hospital in Bhadrapur.
Real estate transactions gradually declining, revenue collection also falls
Real estate transactions have been steadily declining across the country, leading to a notable drop in revenue collection. According to the Department of Land Management, which tracks nationwide land transactions, revenue generation has fallen consistently over the first four months of the current fiscal year. Despite the government introducing new measures to facilitate land transactions—including a recent amendment to the Land Use (Third Amendment) Regulations—revenue collection has not increased as expected.
Govt to invest Rs three billion to construct cross-border transmission lines
The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) will invest a total of Rs 3 billion in joint venture companies to be established for the construction of two Nepal–India cross-border electricity transmission lines. According to the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, the investment structure for the joint venture between the NEA and India’s Power Grid Corporation of India Limited has been finalized. Ministry Secretary Chiranjibi Chataut said the NEA will invest Rs 1 billion in the joint venture to be set up in Nepal and Rs 2 billion in the corresponding company to be established in India.
World Television Day observed today
Today marked the celebration of World Television Day, observed each year on 21 November at the initiative of the United Nations. The UN General Assembly declared this day on 17 December 1996, acknowledging the expanding influence of television in shaping public opinion, informing decision-making, and contributing to global peace, security, and development. Television is regarded as a powerful medium that connects communities worldwide, highlights critical issues, and plays a vital role in fostering awareness and dialogue.
More than 35,000 tourists visit ACAP in Kartik
A total of 35,952 foreign tourists visited destinations under the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) in Kartik (mid-Ocotber to mid-November), marking an eight percent increase compared to the same month last year. In Kartik 2081 BS, the area recorded 33,310 foreign visitors, while 24,416 tourists had entered in Kartik 2080 BS. Asoj (mid-September to mid-October) and Kartik are considered peak tourist months in Nepal. Among South Asian countries, India accounts for the highest number of visitors to the region, according to ACAP Chief Dr. Rabin Kadariya.
Paved road constructed in Mauwaphant, Raghuganga
A paved road has been constructed in Mauwaphant, where the Raghuganga Rural Municipality office is located, at a cost of Rs 5.3 million. The 291-meter stretch from Mauwaphant Chowk to the rural municipality office has been widened to six to eight meters and built with a proper slope. According to Raghuganga Rural Municipality Chairperson Bhaba Bahadur Bhandari, the project includes a drainage system for water management and a retaining wall to enhance road safety. Locals have expressed satisfaction with the completion of the paved road.
Bhojpur’s ‘Siddhakali’ emerging as a center of religious tourism
The renowned Siddhakali Shaktipeeth in Bhojpur is steadily developing into a major destination for religious tourism. According to the Swasthani Brata Katha, this Shaktipeeth originated at the spot where the left eye of Sati, daughter of Daksha Prajapati, is believed to have fallen. Devotees from across the country and abroad visit this sacred site. It is widely believed that worshipping at Siddhakali brings healing, happiness, and prosperity. Local priest Kamal Dahal said devotees from various regions come here to offer prayers. Special worships are performed during Ashwin and Chaitra Shukla Paksha, as well as on Ekadashi, Ram Nawami, Bala Chaturdashi, Shivaratri, and during the month of Shrawan.
Smart lights installed along 210 kilometers of roads in Bharatpur
Smart lights have been installed along 210 kilometers of roads within the Bharatpur Metropolitan City area. According to the metropolis, 16 high-mast and 75 mini-mast lights have been set up at major intersections in two phases. Under the “Bright City Bharatpur” campaign, the metropolis, in collaboration with the Nepal Electricity Authority, has installed 6,000 lights along highways and internal roads, Mayor Renu Dahal said. Lights have been placed on highways, secondary highways, access roads, ward-border roads, and other strategically important and busy routes. The installations were completed in two phases at a cost of Rs 350 million.
Fruit imports worth Rs 400 million in four months
Fruits worth Rs 404.44 million have been imported through the eastern border checkpoint at Kakarbhitta over the past four months. Apples, bananas, oranges, mangoes, and other varieties were imported during the first four months of the current fiscal year 2082/83. In the same period of the previous fiscal year 2024/25, fruit imports through the checkpoint amounted to Rs 213.55 million, according to Mechi Customs Office Information Officer Ishwar Kumar Humagain. This represents an increase of Rs 198.95 million in fruit imports this fiscal year. Nepal imports fruits primarily from India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Australia, Malaysia, South Africa, China, the Philippines, the United States, and South Korea. Based on a comparative list of the top 10 goods imported through Kankarbhitta, fruits rank fifth.
Comment