KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Dr. Sudha Sharma, Bablu Gupta sworn in as ministers
Two new ministers were sworn in today. President Ram Chandra Paudel administered the oath of office and secrecy to Dr. Sudha Gautam and Bablu Gupta at the President’s Office on Sunday afternoon. Dr. Gautam will head the Ministry of Health and Population, while Gupta has been appointed to the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Earlier, the names of four ministers had been sent to the President’s Office for the swearing-in ceremony. However, the names of Ganapati Lal Shrestha and Khagendra Sunar were removed from the list hours before the oath-taking. Prime Minister Sushila Karki removed Sunar, who was set to be appointed as Minister of Labor and Employment, after concerns emerged regarding his controversial background.
36 Chief District Officers transferred across Nepal
The Ministry of Home Affairs has transferred 36 Chief District Officers (CDOs) across the country in a single decision. On Sunday, the ministry reshuffled CDOs from several key districts, including Rupandehi, Kailali, Mahottari, Parsa, Banke, Bardiya, Rautahat, and Kapilvastu.
World Cup Cricket League-2: Nepal defeated by the United States
Nepal faced a 106-run defeat against the United States in the ongoing ICC World Cup Cricket League-2 triangular one-day series. In the match held today at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Nepal was bowled out for 156 runs in 39.1 overs while chasing a target of 263 set by the USA.
First Gen-Z in interim government: Bablu Gupta becomes minister at 28
Activist Bablu Gupta has become the youngest minister in the Sushila Karki-led interim government. Gupta, who has been active in leading various social movements, was appointed Minister for Youth and Sports at the age of 28, setting a record as the youngest minister in Nepal’s history.
Prachanda says constitution and democracy must be safeguarded through elections
Chair of the CPN (Maoist Centre) Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has emphasized the need to safeguard the constitution and democracy through the electoral process. Speaking at a party gathering and training program organized by the Maoist Centre in Gorkha today, Dahal said that given the current political situation, there is no alternative to holding elections.
Health Minister Sharma’s first decision: Counseling services for those affected by Gen-Z movement
Newly appointed Health Minister Dr. Sudha Sharma assumed office at the Ministry of Health after taking her oath of office. Immediately after assuming her post, Minister Sharma announced her first decision: to establish counseling services for those injured and affected by the Gen-Z movement.
Sports Minister Gupta’s first decision: To live-stream ministry meetings
Newly appointed Minister for Youth and Sports Bablu Gupta assumed office at Singha Durbar after taking the oath of office earlier today. Soon after assuming his post, Minister Gupta made his first decision — to live-stream all meetings held under the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
Sudurpaschim Province Assembly session remains in limbo
The future of the Sudurpaschim Provincial Assembly meeting remains uncertain as repair and management work on the assembly building — damaged during the Gen-Z demonstration on September 9 24 — has yet to begin. According to the Secretariat of the Provincial Assembly, the meeting cannot be convened because the damaged infrastructure has not been restored, and no alternative venue has been arranged. Speaker Bhim Bahadur Bhandari said discussions are underway regarding the building’s maintenance and the procurement of essential materials. “The assembly hall’s tables, chairs, computers, and laptops were completely destroyed by fire. A meeting environment can only be created once these are replaced,” he noted.
Khagendra Sunar’s name removed from list of ministers
Prime Minister Sushila Karki has removed Khagendra Sunar, who was set to be appointed as Minister of Labor and Employment, from the list of ministers after concerns surfaced about his controversial background. Preparations were underway to appoint four individuals, including Sunar, with the swearing-in scheduled for Sunday afternoon. However, his name was removed at the last minute. Sources said that Prime Minister Karki discussed Sunar’s appointment with other ministers in Baluwatar shortly before the oath-taking ceremony and decided to exclude him.
Bagmati Province Assembly meeting likely in first week of November
Preparations are underway to convene the long-delayed meeting of the Bagmati Provincial Assembly in the first week of November. According to Deputy Speaker Apsara Chapagain, discussions are being held with leaders of political parties represented in the Provincial Assembly to finalize the date of the session. She said the assembly meeting is expected to be called immediately after the Chhath festival, following consultations with party leaders. The Assembly meeting has not been held for a long time, partly due to damage to the assembly hall during the Gen-Z protest, when the building was vandalized and set on fire. As a result, the provincial government has begun preparations to hold the upcoming session at the assembly hall of the Chief Minister’s Office in Hetauda Sub-Metropolitan City–2.
Gold and silver prices fall slightly
A decline in gold and silver prices in the international market has led to a corresponding drop in their prices in the domestic market. According to the Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Federation, the price of gold has been fixed at Rs 241,900 per tola, while silver of the same weight is being traded at Rs 3,015 per tola today. Compared to post-Tihar rates, gold prices have decreased by Rs 11,600 per tola and silver by Rs 265 per tola. As per international reports, gold is currently being traded at US$ 4,113 per ounce and silver at US$ 48 per ounce in the global market.
Cardamom exports from Mechi Customs rise 33% in first quarter
Cardamom exports from Mechi Customs Office in Kakarvitta, Jhapa district have increased by 33 percent in the first quarter of the current fiscal year 2082/83. According to the office, cardamom worth Rs 1.679 billion was exported during this period, totaling 1,072 metric tons. Information Officer Ishwar Kumar Humagain said that in the same period of the previous fiscal year 2081/82, cardamom exports were valued at Rs 1.722 billion. While cardamom exports have surged, tea exports have fallen sharply by 40.9 percent, declining from Rs 1.714 billion in the previous fiscal year to Rs 1.128 billion in the current period.
One killed in Gulmi road accident
One person died in a road accident that occurred at Kachurkharka in Madane Rural Municipality-1 last night. The deceased has been identified as Meghraj Pun, 19, an assistant driver from Aglung in the same locality, according to Ganga Bahadur Saru, Information Officer at the District Police Office, Gulmi. The accident reportedly took place when a tractor (registration number Ra.1Ta. 3502) loaded with sand failed to climb an uphill slope after its brakes malfunctioned. The vehicle was heading towards the ward office from Aglung, Madane Rural Municipality-1.
Festive season breathes new life into Pokhara’s tourism industry
After a prolonged slowdown, Pokhara’s tourism industry is buzzing again with a surge of domestic and foreign visitors. The long Dashain–Tihar holidays, clear skies, and favorable weather have brought renewed energy to the city’s hotels, restaurants, and adventure activities—lifting the spirits of tourism entrepreneurs and signaling a positive rebound for the sector. Renowned for its panoramic views of the Annapurna range, the serene Fewa Lake, and adventure sports like paragliding, bungee jumping, and zip-flying, Pokhara remains one of Nepal’s most popular destinations.
NDRRMA urges caution as fire incidents rise nationwide
A total of 14 fire incidents were reported across Nepal in a single day, prompting the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) to urge people to exercise extra caution to prevent fires. The increase in fire incidents has been linked to carelessness and lack of awareness, the authority said. On October 24, fires broke out in Panchthar, Sunsari, Saptari, Dhanusha, Mahottari, Rautahat, Dolakha, Lalitpur, Nawalpur, Rolpa, Gulmi, Rukum Paschim, Kanchanpur, and Darchula.
Janakpurdham ponds illuminated and decorated for Chhath festival
The ponds and reservoirs of Janakpurdham have been beautifully decorated with lights and colorful pandals as preparations for the four-day Chhath festival get underway. The festival, which officially began on Saturday, has brought renewed vibrancy to the ancient city. Major ponds such as Gangasagar, Aragya Sagar, Dasharath Pond, Agnikunda, Dhanushsagar, and Matkorwa Pokhari have been adorned with decorations and electric lighting to welcome devotees.
Delay in Narayanpur–Rajpur link halts completion of Postal Road
The Postal Highway — one of Nepal’s national pride projects–remains incomplete as the construction of the crucial Narayanpur–Rajpur road section, linking Rapti Sonari Rural Municipality-3 in Banke to Rajpur Rural Municipality in Dang, has yet to begin. Although a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the 35-kilometer section was prepared several years ago, the project has not moved forward. According to the DPR, the construction will require an estimated Rs 6 billion.
Jumla’s Nadaigufa awaits tourists
Nadaigufa, located in Upper Khopri village of Tila Rural Municipality-9, is an important site of religious and tourism significance. However, due to insufficient publicity and inadequate infrastructure, the cave is still waiting to attract visitors. Rich in historical and cultural value, Nadaigufa has long been revered for its religious beliefs and natural beauty. Yet, limited promotion and poor transportation have hindered its development.
Lost in the mist: Tourists stranded 10 hours near Dudhkunda
“The path vanished along with the shadow of the water and mountains. There was no mobile signal, only fog all around. Even the sky seemed lost,” recounted Dennis Magar of Okhaldhunga. Magar and his team went missing for about 10 hours while attempting to reach the renowned religious and tourist site, Dudhkunda, in Solukhumbu district. The group had set off from Salleri last Monday, heading toward Dudhkunda via the Kamodanda area of Solududhkunda Municipality-1. They began their hike in the morning but took the wrong turn at a fork in the trail. Soon, the path disappeared atop a cliff, and mobile signals were lost, leaving them stranded.
6,393 devotees visit Pathibhara Temple on Saturday
The renowned Pathibhara Temple in Taplejung district witnessed a record turnout this season on Saturday, with 6,393 devotees visiting the sacred site in a single day, according to the Pathibhara Area Development Committee. Devotees queued from 3:00 am to 3:00 pm to offer prayers and pay their respects. While the temple attracts visitors throughout the year, the number of devotees notably increases during festivals such as Dashain and Tihar, as well as around Chaite Dashain. Earlier in the month of Asoj, the committee recorded 29,174 devotees visiting the temple.
Annapurna Base Camp: Favorite among young trekkers
The Annapurna Base Camp has emerged as a popular tourist destination, attracting a growing number of trekkers, especially young travelers. Located at an altitude of 4,150 meters in Annapurna Rural Municipality-4 of Myagdi, the base camp marks the starting point for climbing the 8,091-meter-high Annapurna Himal. Its accessibility and relatively short trekking distance make it a favorite among visitors. Bharat Kumar Pun, Chairman of Annapurna Rural Municipality, noted, “This season, more tourists visited Annapurna Base Camp than expected. It has truly become the first choice for the youth.”
Migratory birds flock to lakes and ponds
Winter migratory birds have begun arriving in the Kanchanpur–Kailali borderlands, as well as in local rivers and ponds, from Siberia and other northern regions to escape the winter cold. Every year, as temperatures drop across the northern hemisphere, migratory birds travel long distances across the mountains to reach the relatively warmer wetlands of far-western Nepal. This seasonal movement has led to a noticeable increase in bird activity around the border areas and water bodies of Kanchanpur and Kailali districts.
Differently-abled people trek to Annapurna Base Camp
A group of differently-abled people successfully trekked to Annapurna Base Camp in Myagdi, highlighting the importance of disability-friendly tourism infrastructure. The trek was organized by the Disabled Network Annapurna Rural Municipality. Nine participants with six types of disabilities began their journey from Humkhola in Narchyang on 22 October and completed it today, according to the network’s secretary, Bishal BK. Participants included Chomu Sherpa Khushi, Ishwor Bastola, Rajesh Bhandari, Serebal Palasi, Sangita Sharma, Bishal BK, Bhim Gurung, and Basu Thakali, with Bandana Rai serving as their assistant.
Four killed in 26 road accidents during Tihar in Nawalpur
Four people lost their lives in various road accidents across Nawalparasi district during the Tihar festival. The District Police Office reported a total of 26 accidents occurring between October 18 and 25. According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Madhu Nepal, Information Officer of the District Police Office, 48 people were injured in these accidents. Motorcycles were the most commonly involved vehicles, with 26 motorcycles, eight scooters, an oil tanker, and six other vehicles, including an auto rickshaw, reported in the incidents.
Gulmi farmers reap profits from expanding kiwi cultivation
Farmers in Gulmi are increasingly turning to kiwi cultivation, drawn by its profitability and suitability to the local climate. One such example is 56-year-old Yama Bahadur Thapa of Barse, Satyawati Rural Municipality–8, who has been earning a substantial income through commercial kiwi farming. Traditionally, farmers in the area cultivated maize and sorghum, but Thapa’s fields now showcase thriving kiwi plants. He earns more than Rs 600,000 annually from kiwi farming alone.
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