KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Election preparations: Commission reviews applications of 15 new parties
The Election Commission (EC) is studying documents submitted by 15 political parties seeking registration ahead of the upcoming House of Representatives elections scheduled for March 5, 2026. According to the Commission, ten parties submitted applications before the election announcement, while five applied afterward. EC spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai said that while parties can generally apply for registration at any time, the recent surge follows the Gen-Z movement, the formation of a new government, and the dissolution of the House of Representatives, prompting youth participation in party formation. “Applications that meet all procedural requirements will be approved,” he said.
Economic indicators dip in wake of Gen-Z movement
The Gen-Z protests of September 8 and 9 have left a visible dent on Nepal’s key economic indicators, according to government data and recent reports from international financial institutions. The two-day nationwide movement, followed by weeks of political uncertainty, has disrupted investment confidence, slowed domestic transactions, and dampened short-term growth prospects. The government had projected the economy to expand by 5.5 percent in the current fiscal year. However, a new World Bank report has revised Nepal’s growth forecast down to 2.1 percent, identifying the Gen-Z movement and its political aftermath as key factors behind the slowdown. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has also lowered its growth projection for Nepal.
Three girls, including twin sisters, drown in canal
Three girls, including twin sisters, drowned in a canal near Satbigha in Patharaiya Gujarwa of Janaki Rural Municipality–5, Kailali. The victims drowned while bathing in the Kulariya Canal under the Rani Jamara Kulariya Irrigation Project, informed Prakash Dangi, Deputy Superintendent of Police and Chief at the Area Police Office, Tikapur. According to police, twin sisters Nisha Bajgain and Manushi Bajgain of Block No. 15, Tikapur Municipality–1, and Sulochana Timilsaina of Janaki Rural Municipality–5, Gujarwa, lost their lives in the incident.
Unified Socialist calls Central Committee meeting for Oct 29
The Unified Socialist party has convened a central committee meeting in Kathmandu on October 29 to discuss party unity and internal matters. The meeting aims to advance ongoing unification talks with various leftist, communist, and socialist forces, informed Deputy Chief of the Central Propaganda Department, Damodar Aryal. According to Aryal, the meeting will deliberate on the party’s ideological direction after unification, the management of leaders, and other organizational issues. Ideological differences and internal disputes within the party are also expected to be settled through this session.
NC general secretaries call for voter registration drive
Nepali Congress (NC) General Secretaries Bishwo Prakash Sharma and Gagan Kumar Thapa have urged party members across all levels to actively participate in the ongoing voter registration and update campaign announced by the Election Commission. The Election Commission is registering and updating the voter list until mid-November. In a joint circular, Sharma and Thapa called on provincial and district committees, as well as local party units, to launch an “all-out voter registration campaign” immediately after the Chhath festival.
Singer Nitu Paudel dies during treatment after self-immolation attempt
Singer Nitu Paudel has died while undergoing treatment at Kirtipur-based Burn Hospital, according to police. Paudel passed away at around 8 a.m. on Friday morning, police officials said. She had been admitted to the hospital after sustaining severe burn injuries earlier this week. According to police, Paudel had attempted self-immolation at a recording studio in Anamnagar a few days ago. She was rushed to the hospital immediately after the incident. Following the incident, police had called singer Babul Giri for questioning as part of the preliminary investigation. Authorities have not disclosed further details about the motive behind the act or any findings from the inquiry.
Two, including Chinese national, held with Rs 6.9 million in Kathmandu
Police have arrested two individuals, including a Chinese national, with illegal possession of Rs 6.9 million in cash from Swayambhu, Kathmandu. The arrests were made on Thursday, and the suspects were made public on Friday. According to Additional Inspector General of Police Dan Bahadur Karki, those detained are Rojina Sunar (22) of Nilkantha Municipality, Dhading, and Jio Yang (38), a Chinese citizen. AIG Karki said an investigation is underway to determine the source of the money, which the suspects failed to justify. Police also confiscated gold jewelry found in their rented apartment during the search.
Film Development Board condemns ‘character assassination’ of artists involved in Gen-Z movement
The Nepal Film and Cultural Foundation has condemned what it calls the character assassination and criminalization of artists who participated in the recent Gen-Z movement. In a statement issued on Friday, Foundation Chairperson KP Pathak said the institution is seriously concerned over coordinated online and political campaigns targeting prominent figures from the film industry. “The participation of artists in social movements reflects a continuation of history and an expression of democratic responsibility, not a crime,” the statement said. “Attempts to defame or criminalize them are a direct assault on democratic values and cultural freedom.”
Eastern hills emerge as favorite getaway for Indian tourists
From the tea gardens of Ilam to the sunrise views of Antudanda, Koshi Province is fast becoming a favorite escape for Indian tourists. As the province marks Tourism Year 2082, local authorities hope to turn the region’s natural beauty and cultural diversity into a major driver of economic revival after the pandemic slowdown. Launched with the target of attracting 1.5 million visitors from neighboring India and other countries, the campaign has completed its first six months. Kamalesh Sharma, a tourist from Bihar, India, is visiting Nepal with his family of four. Speaking from Kanyam, Ilam, he said, “I had come to Nepal before with friends, but this is my first visit with my family. This year’s experience has been more comfortable and enjoyable.” Sharma added that many Indian tourists like him are drawn to Nepal for its hospitality and affordable, quality accommodations.
3 killed, 6 injured in Bolero accident in Solukhumbu
Three people were killed and six others injured when a Bolero jeep met with an accident in Solukhumbu last evening. According to DSP Manojit Kunwar of the District Police Office, Solukhumbu, the vehicle was traveling from Mapya Dudhkoshi Rural Municipality to Mahakulung Rural Municipality when it skidded off the road and plunged about 400 meters at Bhirkuna, on the border of Wards 6 and 7 of Mapya Dudhkoshi, around 7:30 p.m. The identities of the deceased and injured have not yet been disclosed. The vehicle had gone to Mapya to pick up passengers returning from Khumbu to Mahakulung.
69 road accidents reported in Chitwan during Tihar
Chitwan district witnessed 69 road accidents within a week, largely attributed to drunk driving and speeding. According to Police Inspector Deepak Rijal of the District Police Office, seven people lost their lives in accidents that occurred on various roads across the district between October 18 and 24. He said nighttime accidents caused by drunk driving have increased noticeably. A total of 141 people were injured in these incidents, he added. Meanwhile, police arrested 21 individuals involved in gambling at various locations in the district. The District Police Office reported that cases have been filed against them and legal action initiated.
335 MW Humla Karnali Second Hydropower Project set for development in Humla
Preparations have begun for the construction of the 335-megawatt Humla Karnali Second Hydropower Project in Humla, one of Nepal’s least developed districts. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process for the project is currently underway. The Ministry of Forests and Environment initiated the EIA based on recommendations from the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation. The Ruru Hydropower Project company will be responsible for developing the project, which will be located in Kharpunath and Sarkegad rural municipalities of Humla.
PADT refutes claims that Home Minister entered Pashupatinath Temple wearing shoes
The Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) has clarified that Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal did not enter the main premises of the Pashupatinath Temple wearing leather shoes. According to PADT Acting Member Secretary Subhash Chandra Joshi, the Home Minister had visited the temple privately with his family on October 22 and did not enter any restricted area with shoes on. He said Minister Aryal had only taken a family photograph in front of a doorway located at the Nairitya Kon (southwest corner) outside the main temple. The photograph, however, was later circulated on social media with false claims that the minister had entered the temple wearing shoes, PADT stated.
Goods worth Rs 12.28 billion imported through Mechi Customs
Goods worth Rs 12.28 billion were imported through the eastern border post at Kankarbhitta in the first three months of the current fiscal year 2082/83. This marks an increase of Rs 1.44 billion 27 million, or 13.31 percent, compared to the same period last fiscal year, when imports totaled Rs 10.84 billion 30 million, according to Ishwar Kumar Humagain, Information Officer and Customs Officer at the Mechi Customs Office. In contrast, exports from the border post have declined. During the first quarter of the current fiscal year, goods worth Rs 4.80 billion 39 million were exported, down from Rs 6.86 billion 69 million in the same period last year—a decrease of 21.08 percent, Humagain said.
One person dies in motorcycle accident in Baitadi
A man has died in a motorcycle accident in Baitadi district. The deceased has been identified as Prem Singh Bista, 58, of Sukeli, Patan Municipality–6, according to Police Inspector Baldev Badu of the District Police Office, Baitadi. Inspector Badu said Bista had left home around 4 p.m. on Thursday to go to Siude but did not return that evening. His family reported him missing to the Area Police Office, Patan. During the search, his body was found about 100 meters below the Annadi bend of Patan Municipality–4, along the Dasharathchand Highway.
65 vehicles stolen in Gandaki Province, only 17 recovered
A total of 65 vehicles were reported stolen in Gandaki Province in the last fiscal year, but only 17 have been recovered so far. According to police data, two four-wheelers and 63 two-wheelers were stolen during the period. Of these, one four-wheeler and 16 motorcycles have been found, while 48 vehicles remain missing. Two vehicle theft complaints have been filed in the current fiscal year, but none of the stolen vehicles have been recovered yet. Most thefts reportedly occur at night or from residential parking areas.
Medicines seized for violating distribution standards
Police have confiscated a large quantity of medicines being sold in violation of government standards. A team from the Maharajgunj Police Circle seized the drugs from Takshak Pharmacy in Basundhara, Tokha Municipality–5, after receiving information that prescription-only medicines were being sold without authorization. According to Inspector Laxman Devkota, police recovered 385 tablets of ‘Spain’, 750 tablets of ‘Anticof’, 100 tablets of ‘Pregabalin’, 200 capsules of ‘Pregabalin LP’, and 100 capsules of ‘Pregamer 75’.
Emphasis on earthworm fertilizer production to promote organic farming
To promote organic farming and reduce the use of chemical fertilizers, the rural municipality has started producing earthworm (vermicompost) fertilizer in Pauwadung. The initiative, launched under the Vice-Chairperson Self-reliant Program through the Women’s Development Board, aims to empower local women to become self-reliant and entrepreneurial. According to Vice-Chairperson Jyotsana Rai, 19 women’s groups from all six wards are now producing earthworm fertilizer under the program. Launched last year, the initiative provides financial and technical support to participating women.
Elderly woman killed after being hit by truck in Makwanpur
An 84-year-old woman died after being hit by a truck along the East-West Highway in Nirmalbasti, Manahari Rural Municipality-7, Makwanpur, on Thursday. According to Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Pushkar Bogati, spokesperson for the District Police Office, the deceased has been identified as local resident Indrakumari Syangtan. The incident occurred when a truck (registration number Na 8 Kha 1256) en route from Chitwan to Hetauda struck the elderly pedestrian. Syangtan, who sustained serious injuries in the accident, died while undergoing treatment at Hetauda Hospital.
Preparations for Chhath begin across Mithila
Preparations for Chhath, the festival symbolizing purity, discipline, and mutual harmony, have begun across the Mithila region. Once confined to the Madhesi community, the festival has now spread widely, including to Kathmandu and the hill regions. The federal government has announced a public holiday on October 27 for Chhath, while the Madhesh provincial government has also declared a holiday on the following day. According to Maithili culture expert Rambharos Kapadi, preparations are underway in all villages, towns, rivers, and ponds across Mithila, including the provincial headquarters, Janakpurdham.
Madhesh Province announces public holiday on October 28 for Chhath
The Madhesh Province government has announced an additional public holiday on October 28, the fourth day of the Chhath festival. The Ministry of Home, Communications and Law issued a notification today stating that the province will observe a holiday across all districts, as devotees conclude the Chhath festival by offering Arghya to the rising sun on Tuesday morning, October 28.
Six people die in separate incidents across the country in 24 hours
Six people have died in separate incidents reported from various districts across the country in the past 24 hours. In Kailali, three girls, including twin sisters, drowned in a canal at Pathraiya Gujaruwa of Janaki Rural Municipality–5. According to police, they were bathing in the Kulariya Canal under the Rani Jamara Kulariya Irrigation Project when the incident occurred. The deceased have been identified as twin sisters Nisha Bajgain and Manushi Bajgain of Tikapur Municipality–1, and Sulochana Timilsaina of Janaki Rural Municipality–5. The twins were fifth graders at Janajagriti Secondary School, Sitapur, Tikapur, while Sulochana was a fourth grader at Saraswati Secondary School, Durgauli.
One person killed in motorcycle collision in Palpa
One person died in a motorcycle collision along the Kaligandaki Corridor road section at Turungdi Khola in Rampur Municipality-7, Palpa today afternoon. The deceased has been identified as 28-year-old Arjun BK of Baganaskali Rural Municipality-9. The accident occurred around 2:30 pm when two motorcycles — Lu 13 Pa 8635 heading from Tansen toward Rampur and Lu 77 Pa 4505 coming from the opposite direction — collided head-on. BK, who was riding pillion on the motorcycle (Lu 13 Pa 8635), succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment at Rampur Hospital, police said.
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