KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
‘Compelled by crisis’: President Paudel justifies HoR dissolution
President Ram Chandra Paudel has submitted a written response to the Supreme Court (SC) defending his decision to form the interim government led by Sushila Karki and to dissolve the House of Representatives on the same day. In his response to the writ petition filed against the Karki government and the parliamentary dissolution, President Paudel stated that the actions were necessary and constitutional due to “extraordinary circumstances.” He noted that following the resignation of then-Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli amid the escalating Gen-Z movement, the country was facing an “uncomfortable and constitutional vacuum,” making his steps compelling.
PM Karki urges UML to actively participate in March 5 elections
Prime Minister Sushila Karki has urged leaders of the CPN-UML to actively take part in the upcoming House of Representatives elections scheduled for March 5, 2026. During a meeting with UML leaders at the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar on Thursday, PM Karki said the government is committed to holding the elections on the announced date and called on the UML to participate fully in the process. According to UML leader Mahesh Bartaula, the party informed the Prime Minister that it is prepared to contest the elections once a conducive environment is ensured. He said the UML, which has long struggled to uphold democratic norms and values, has never objected to facing public scrutiny through elections.
Bashir’s heroics rescue Biratnagar, Karnali faces defeat
In the second match of Nepal Premier League (NPL) Season 2, Biratnagar snatched a thrilling 3-wicket victory over Karnali Yaks, thanks to Bashir Ahmed’s aggressive batting under pressure. Karnali seemed on course for victory, but Bashir’s timely innings turned the game around. Coming to the crease after Biratnagar lost their third wicket in just five overs and four balls, Bashir scored a quick 62 runs off 43 balls, including 3 fours and 3 sixes. Chasing a target of 161, Bashir sealed the win with a six off the fifth ball of the final over, as Biratnagar needed just four runs from the last two balls. Biratnagar finished at 163 for 7 in 19.5 overs, leaving Karnali disappointed for the third consecutive match.
Gen-Z 2.0 holds tribute at Maitighar to honor martyrs
The Gen-Z 2.0 movement on Friday organized a tribute at Maitighar in memory of the martyrs. Participants offered flowers and garlands at the martyrs’ portraits before observing a moment of silence. Family members of several martyrs were also present at the event, which was held to honor those who sacrificed their lives for justice and democracy. The organizers said the tribute was meant to remind the nation of the values the martyrs stood for and to reaffirm their commitment to peaceful civic activism.
NPL: Kathmandu Gorkhas beat Chitwan Rhinos by 53 runs
Kathmandu Gorkhas secured a comfortable 53-run victory over Chitwan Rhinos in the first match of Friday’s Nepal Premier League (NPL) Season 2 fixture at the TU International Cricket Ground. Chasing a target of 143 runs, Chitwan collapsed for just 89 runs in 17.1 overs, losing all their wickets after struggling with the bat from the very start. The defeat marks Chitwan’s second loss of the season. The team had earlier defeated Biratnagar Bolts and Karnali Yaks and also secured a win against Lumbini Lions. Kathmandu, meanwhile, registered their third win of the tournament. They had previously beaten Lumbini Lions and Janakpur Royals, while suffering losses against Biratnagar Bolts and Sudurpaschim Royals.
PM Karki urges zero-violence election environment
Prime Minister Sushila Karki, who is also overseeing the responsibilities of the Defence Ministry, inspected the Nepal Army headquarters to review security preparations for the upcoming House of Representatives elections scheduled for March 5, 2026. During the visit, the Nepal Army briefed her on the current security situation, major challenges, sensitive areas, coordination mechanisms, and the overall strategy for election deployment. The presentation also covered plans to ensure voter safety and maintain order throughout the polling process. Prime Minister Karki said that restoring peace and security has been the government’s first responsibility since it was formed following the Gen-Z protests on September 8 and 9. She said the government is committed to holding a free, fair and fear-free election on the scheduled date.
Prachanda slams Oli, urges voters to ‘punish arrogance’ at ballot
Nepali Communist Party Coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ said that the country has reached a critical political turning point and that broad unity among leftist and patriotic forces has become inevitable. Calling the upcoming elections the only viable way forward, he urged citizens to participate seriously in the electoral process. Speaking at a mass meeting in Dhangadhi on Friday, Prachanda said he holds a special emotional and political connection with the Sudurpaschim Province, noting that since the establishment of the republic, many key dialogues, visits, and development efforts have centered on the region. Pointing at UML Chair KP Sharma Oli, he said, “The time has come for the people to teach a lesson to arrogant forces that try to take the country down the wrong path.”
Intense competition erupts in Koshi as UML prepares for 11th General Convention
With the 11th National General Convention of CPN-UML approaching, elections to select convention representatives are underway across most districts of Koshi Province, except Solukhumbu, where all representatives were selected unanimously. In Solukhumbu, Buddhikumar Rajbhandari and Dufkumar Bastola were chosen under the open category, DB Ranapal under the marginalized quota, Kalpana Rai and Mohan Kumari Karki under the women’s quota, and Jagnath Bastola under the youth quota for those under 40 years. According to the schedule, UML activists in all 14 districts of Koshi Province are actively preparing to select their representatives by November 29. Koshi is the home province of both UML provincial chair KP Sharma Oli and former President Bidya Devi Bhandari, which has created visible factional tension between the two leaders.
Ujyaalo Nepal to hold party declaration program on Dec 3
The Ujyaalo Nepal Party has said that it will hold a party declaration meeting on December 3, with Energy Minister Kulman Ghising in attendance. During a press conference on Friday, the party said the meeting will take place from 1 pm to 4 pm at Nepal Academy in Kamaladi, Kathmandu. The party stated that it will formally unveil its long-term vision, main goals, and detailed manifesto 2025, during the event. The party’s theoretical perspective, priorities, and action plan will be clearly presented to the public, the statement added.
Gold price crosses Rs 250,600 per tola, up nearly Rs 9,000 in a week
The price of gold has once again crossed the Rs 250,000 per tola mark, continuing its upward trend in the domestic bullion market. The Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association set the price of fine gold at Rs 250,600 per tola for Friday. This is an increase of Rs 2,200 compared to the previous trading day. On Thursday, gold was traded at Rs 248,400 per tola. Gold has surged by nearly Rs 9,000 within a week. Last Friday, the yellow metal was priced at Rs 241,700 per tola. Meanwhile, the price of silver is also moving close to its record level. The Federation has fixed silver at Rs 3,345 per tola for today, marking a rise of Rs 65 from the previous day. Silver was traded at Rs 3,280 per tola on Thursday.
Foreign employment agents protest steep hike in medical test fees
The Nepal Democratic Foreign Employment Business Association has expressed strong objection to the government’s decision to sharply increase medical examination fees for outbound Nepali workers. In a statement issued today, the Association said the new rates, set to take effect from November 26, will impose an unbearable financial burden on migrant workers, most of whom come from poor and vulnerable backgrounds. Under the revised structure, the medical test fee for workers going to the UAE has been raised from Rs 4,500 to Rs 9,500, while the fee for workers heading to other countries has increased from Rs 6,500 to Rs 9,500.
KMC to launch digital literacy program for residents
The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) is set to launch a digital literacy training programme aimed at helping residents safely conduct digital transactions and navigate online services. KMC spokesperson Nabin Manandhar said the initiative is being introduced to protect citizens from internet-related risks and strengthen their confidence in using digital platforms. “With the growing use of information technology, every individual should understand proper internet use and basic digital security,” he said. “Technology makes life easier, but if not used cautiously, the risks increase equally.”
NEPSE ends the week with 4.52% gain
The NEPSE Index closed this week at 2,676.03, marking a gain of 115.74 points, or 4.52%, compared to last week’s close of 2,560.29, which had risen 0.57% from the previous week. During the week, the index recorded a high of 2,678.29 and a low of 2,562.34, resulting in a weekly volatility of 115.95 points, up from 47.06 points in the previous week. Monday saw the highest intraday gain of 50.44 points, with a turnover of Rs 7.03 billion, while the total weekly turnover amounted to Rs 32.50 Arba. Technical indicators show a daily RSI of 64.69 and a weekly RSI of 51.81. The MACD remains above zero at 11.47, while the Signal line stays in the negative zone, indicating mixed momentum.
Beni–Pakhapani Road: Kirakhor–Neptechaur section being blacktopped
Blacktopping has begun on the Kirakhor–Neptechaur section of the Beni–Pakhapani road. The two-kilometer stretch from Kirakhor to the ward office in Neptechaur, Beni Municipality–9, has been blacktopped using premix technology. According to Ward Chair Chakra KC of Beni Municipality–9, the seven-meter-wide road will be fully blacktopped. Additionally, another two kilometers of gravel will be laid along the Neptechaur–Toripani section. Road safety structures, including drains and retaining walls, are also being constructed in full swing to ensure proper drainage during the rainy season. A contract worth Rs 116 million 1 thousand 364 has been signed with a construction company for the blacktopping work.
Nepal and Bangladesh expand energy cooperation
Bangladesh has agreed to import an additional 20 megawatts of electricity from Nepal. The decision was made at the seventh meeting of the Joint Steering Committee of Energy Secretaries of Nepal and Bangladesh. The two sides agreed to complete the necessary procedures to export the extra electricity on top of the 40 megawatts Nepal is already supplying. According to Sandeep Kumar Dev, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Bangladesh agreed to increase imports after completing required technical preparations.
Kalyan Gurung challenges calls for special general convention
Nepali Congress leader Kalyan Gurung has publicly taken a firm stand against what he describes as misleading campaigns, confusion, and internal disagreements surrounding the party’s proposed special general convention. Speaking at a program in Kathmandu, Gurung claimed that attempts to project a special general convention as the only solution were intentional and agenda-driven, insisting that the party has multiple alternatives available. Gurung argued that Article 179(20), the provision under which the special general convention has been demanded, clearly requires the signatures of 40 percent of the convention representatives. He urged the party to immediately begin verification and authentication of those signatures.
Upper Mustang breaks age-old winter migration tradition as Korala border boosts jobs, trade
For centuries, Upper Mustang would empty out by early winter. By October, nearly all residents of Lomanthang and Lo-Ghekar Damodarkunda would migrate downhill to escape extreme cold and to run seasonal businesses. Water taps froze solid, irrigation canals turned to ice, and schools shifted their entire classes to the lower belt. Only elderly villagers and herders stayed behind. But this year, that centuries-old pattern is changing. The transformation began after the Nepal-China Korala border point, once open only briefly in monsoon trade fairs before COVID, was fully opened year-round in November 2023. Though it initially remained only partially operational, Upper Mustang residents slowly started setting up makeshift trade tents along the border.
NEA regulator to join South Asian infrastructure forum after Cabinet approval
Nepal’s Electricity Regulatory Commission (ERC), the national regulator for the energy sector, is set to obtain membership of the South Asia Forum for Infrastructure Regulation (SAFIR), a regional body of infrastructure regulators. The Cabinet meeting held on November 24 granted approval for the ERC to formally join the forum. The commission had been pursuing SAFIR membership for the past several years. According to the ERC, the membership marks a significant milestone, enabling Nepal to engage in regional and international regulatory cooperation, share best practices, and strengthen institutional capacity.
Tea worth Rs 1.37 billion exported from eastern border port
Tea worth Rs 1.37 billion was exported from the eastern border point of Kakadbhitta in the first quarter of the current fiscal year. According to Ishwor Kumar Humagain, Information Officer at the Mechi Customs Office, 4,688,932 kilograms of tea were exported to India during the review period. This is 37 percent less than during the same period of the previous fiscal year. In the same period last fiscal year, tea worth Rs 2.20 billion was exported. This is Rs 831.76 million more than the export value recorded this fiscal year.
Bandipur Rural Municipality promoting Siddha Cave
Bandipur Rural Municipality, Tanahun, is working to promote Siddha Cave, located in Bimalnagar, Bandipur Rural Municipality–4, which is considered the largest cave in Nepal. Despite its immense tourism potential, Siddha Cave has long remained under-promoted. Surendra Thapa, Chairman of Bandipur Rural Municipality, said that the cave can be reached with just a 20-minute walk from the Prithvi Highway and could attract many more visitors if promoted properly.
One arrested on charges of dealing in cryptocurrency
Nepal Police have arrested Mohammad Saif, a resident of Dallu, Kathmandu Metropolitan City–15, on charges of illegally dealing in cryptocurrency. According to Pawan Kumar Bhattarai, Information Officer at the District Police Range, Kathmandu, Saif, originally from Kalaiya Municipality in Bara and currently living in Dallu, was taken into custody following information that he had been engaging in cryptocurrency transactions, which are banned in Nepal.
Beni–Pakhapani Road: Kirakhor–Neptechaur section being blacktopped
Blacktopping has begun on the Kirakhor–Neptechaur section of the Beni–Pakhapani road. The two-kilometer stretch from Kirakhor to the ward office in Neptechaur, Beni Municipality–9, has been blacktopped using premix technology. According to Ward Chair Chakra KC of Beni Municipality–9, the seven-meter-wide road will be fully blacktopped. Additionally, another two kilometers of gravel will be laid along the Neptechaur–Toripani section. Road safety structures, including drains and retaining walls, are also being constructed in full swing to ensure proper drainage during the rainy season. A contract worth Rs 116 million 1 thousand 364 has been signed with a construction company for the blacktopping work.
Bharatpur Metropolitan City expands smart toilet facilities
Bharatpur Metropolitan City has launched a campaign to construct smart toilets in urban areas. Construction of modern smart toilets has reached its final stage at two locations, while two other facilities are already operational. Santosh Acharya, Divisional Engineer of Bharatpur Metropolitan City, said that the campaign is currently focused near the metropolitan office, where work on the toilets has reached its final stage. “The toilets have been constructed on land near the neighboring District Police Office facing the road. Both projects are nearly complete and were built at a cost of Rs 10 million,” he said.
KMC demolishes illegal structures on public land in Devnagar
Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has demolished illegally built structures on public land in Devnagar, Ward No. 10, to clear space for the construction of the Bhadrakumari Ghale Sports Park. According to KMC, a dozer was deployed on Friday to remove encroachments on the public land located in the Dhobikhola corridor section. The city had performed the foundation-laying ceremony for the sports park at the same site a few days ago. SP Manoj Prasad Lamichhane of the Kathmandu Metropolitan Police Force said the demolition was carried out to free the land designated for the park.
Underground electrification in Bharatpur reaches 80% completion
Underground electrification in the Bharatpur Metropolitan City (BMC) area has reached 80 percent completion. The project had aimed to finish the work by mid-March next year, and progress so far remains on track. The Nepal Electricity Authority’s Pokhara–Bharatpur Distribution System Strengthening Project is implementing the underground electrification along the six-lane road and the bypass in Bharatpur. According to Project Chief Engineer Ananda Subedi, test transmission has already begun in areas where underground installation has been completed. He said that electricity is currently being supplied through underground lines in about 40 percent of the project area.
Prakash Paudel elected unopposed as UML’s general convention delegate from Myagdi
Prakash Paudel has been elected unopposed as a delegate from Myagdi district for the CPN-UML’s 11th General Convention scheduled to begin on December 13. Paudel, who narrowly lost the race for ANNFSU central chairperson, secured unanimous selection as a UML General Convention representative. He has been endorsed under the under-40 youth cluster from Myagdi. With this, Paudel now has an open path to contest for a UML central committee position. Known both as an ANNFSU leader and a social campaigner, he has maintained a growing presence inside the party in recent years.
People receiving social security allowance to get free medical treatment
The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) is set to provide free medical treatment to individuals receiving social security allowances. The initiative covers senior citizens, single women, persons with disabilities, survivors of gender-based violence, and other vulnerable groups. According to KMC Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol, the city has already signed an agreement with the Chhatrapati Free Clinic-Hospital for the current fiscal year to deliver these services. KMC Chief Administrative Officer Saroj Guragain said the program aims to ensure that needy citizens can access treatment without difficulty, and urged the hospital to prevent misuse of the service.
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