KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Continuous dialogue needed between government, political parties, and ‘Gen-Z’ groups: PM Karki
Prime Minister Sushila Karki has emphasized the need for ongoing dialogue and exchange of ideas between the government, political parties, and Gen-Z groups. Speaking at a tripartite discussion at the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar on Wednesday, she urged participants to engage in sufficient consultation, noting that Nepal’s problems must be addressed collectively by all Nepalis.
Nepal’s ‘Gen-Z’ activists urge government, parties to act against corruption and ensure good governance
During discussions with the government and political parties, representatives of the Gen-Z movement have stressed that their primary demands are good governance and action against corruption. Ram Bahadur Rawal, a member of the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, said the activists highlighted the need for the government to work alongside them on these agendas.
Stakeholders debate future direction of Gen-Z movement
Business leaders, representatives of the Gen-Z movement, and various stakeholders held discussions on the country’s current situation following the Gen-Z movement of September 8 and 9. While acknowledging the damage caused to both the government and private sectors during the protests, participants emphasized the importance of preserving the movement’s achievements.
Raju Nath Pandey to remain suspended, High Court rejects his writ petition
Patan High Court has rejected the writ petition filed by Raju Nath Pandey, the Chief of Kathmandu Metropolitan City Police Force. Pandey had filed the petition challenging his suspension by Chief Administrative Officer Saroj Guragain. A joint bench of Judges Dal Bahadur Khadka and Deepak Khanal dismissed the writ on Wednesday, confirming that Pandey will remain suspended. Following his suspension, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City had appointed Deputy Superintendent of Metropolitan Police, Bishnu Prasad Joshi, as the acting chief, a position he will continue to hold.
Supreme Court refuses to issue interim order on writ against House dissolution
The Supreme Court has refused to issue an interim order on the writ petition filed against the dissolution of the House of Representatives. The constitutional bench led by Chief Justice Prakashman Singh Raut concluded the preliminary hearing on Wednesday and issued a show cause order to the defendants. The bench comprises Chief Justice Prakashman Singh Raut and Justices Sapana Pradhan Malla, Kumar Regmi, Hari Prasad Phuyal, and Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma, Supreme Court Spokesperson Arjun Prasad Koirala informed.
Govt schedules National Assembly elections for January 25
The government has decided to hold elections for the National Assembly, with the polling date set for Sunday, January 25, according to Communications Minister and government spokesperson Jagdish Kharel. The decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday afternoon. The terms of 19 members elected in the 2020 National Assembly elections will end in February 2025. Of these, one member, Bamdev Gautam, was nominated by the President, while elections will be held for the remaining 18 seats.
Sit-in outside Baluwatar as tripartite meeting takes place inside
Some members of the Gen-Z 2.0 and the injured participants of the Gen-Z movement staged a sit-in outside the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar on Wednesday, protesting their exclusion from the meeting called by Prime Minister Sushila Karki. The protesters expressed anger over not being included in the talks between the government, nationally recognized political parties, and selected Gen-Z representatives. A large number of security personnel have been deployed outside the Prime Minister’s residence.
Tripartite meeting: Know the participants
The government is holding talks with political parties and Gen-Z representatives at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar on Wednesday. From the political parties, participants include Narayan Kaji Shrestha, Barshaman Pun, Madhav Sapkota, Prakash Adhikari, Deepak Karki, Prakash Jwala, Rajendra Pandey, Mohan Shrestha, Rajendra Gurung, Nisha Dangi, Swarnim Wagle, Mahesh Bartaula, Khitij Thebe, Basant Kushwaha, and Prakash Sharan Mahat, among others.
Government, political parties, and Gen-Z representatives begin talks in Baluwatar
The government, political parties, and representatives of the Gen-Z group have begun discussions at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar. According to the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, the agenda includes building an overall environment for the upcoming elections scheduled for March 5, as well as reaching political understanding among key stakeholders.
Minister Kharel assures social media will not be banned in Nepal
Minister for Communications and Information Technology Jagdish Kharel has made it clear that the government will not ban social media platforms in Nepal. Speaking during an interaction with representatives of digital media associations at Singha Durbar on Wednesday, Minister Kharel said social media has become the new mainstream medium of communication and therefore will not be restricted. He said all stakeholders should cooperate with the government to make social media platforms more responsible and better regulated.
Madhav Kumar Nepal stresses need for timely unity among like-minded parties
CPN (Unified Socialist) Chairman Madhav Kumar Nepal on Wednesday highlighted the importance of timely unity among like-minded political parties to strengthen the revolutionary and socialist movement in Nepal. Speaking at the opening of his party’s Central Committee meeting in Kathmandu, Nepal said that a strong revolutionary force is essential to accomplish the socialist revolution, making cooperation and unity among revolutionary communist parties indispensable.
Govt outlines eight reasons for confidence as preparations intensify for elections
Following the September 8 and 9 Gen-Z protests, President Ram Chandra Paudel appointed former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as the Prime Minister on September 12. Acting on her recommendation, the President dissolved the House of Representatives effective from 11 p.m. on September 12, with Karki announcing that general elections will be held on March 5, 2026. While the UML has demanded the reinstatement of the dissolved House, the Nepali Congress, Maoist Center, Rastriya Swatantra Party, and other political forces have supported going to the polls. A month after assuming office, on October 21, Prime Minister Karki held consultations with leaders of 10 political parties and reaffirmed that elections would be held on schedule, stating that there would be no postponement under any circumstances.
Durga Prasai announces nationwide peaceful movement from November 23
Durga Prasai, coordinator of the “National Campaign to Save Nation, Nationality, Religion, Culture, and Citizens”, has announced a nationwide movement starting from November 23. Speaking to the media after a discussion with officials of the National Human Rights Commission on Wednesday, Prasai clarified that the movement will be non-violent and will take place across the country, from Mechi in the east to Mahakali in the west.
Technical glitch in Foreign Employment Department’s system troubles applicants
A technical problem in the Department of Foreign Employment’s information management system (FIMS) has caused difficulties for individuals applying for labor approval. According to the department’s information officer, Tika Ram Dhakal, the system malfunction began on Tuesday, creating inconvenience particularly for those submitting applications from outside the department premises.
Over 19,000 tourists visit Rara Lake in one year, boosting local organic produce sales
Rara Lake, one of Nepal’s most attractive domestic and international tourist destinations, welcomed more than 19,000 visitors in the past year, according to officials at Rara National Park. Rishikesh Yadav, Officer-in-Charge of the park, reported that among the 19,104 domestic tourists, 6,171 were women and 12,933 were men. Additionally, 77 tourists from SAARC countries, 64 men and 13 women, and 276 from other foreign countries, 163 men and 113 women, visited the lake.
NEPSE down 5 points as trading volume rises
After gaining 62 points on Tuesday, the NEPSE declined by 5 points on Wednesday, with the NEPSE index closing at 2,566.16. Despite the drop in the index, total turnover increased, reaching Rs 5.45 billion compared to Rs 4.57 billion the day before. Among listed companies, share prices of 85 firms rose, 159 declined, and 6 remained unchanged. The Hotel and Tourism sector led the gains with a 2.15% increase, followed by Trade at 2.00% and Hydropower at 0.01%.
Biplav announces Leninist shift, says party will contest elections under unified front
Netra Bikram Chand ‘Biplav’ has announced that his party will move forward to register and participate in the upcoming elections by redefining the Leninist approach to parliament, elections, and government. In a Facebook post today, Biplav stated that the party is transitioning from the traditional Leninist use or boycott stance toward elections to a new model aligned with the school of unified people’s revolution. He said this approach embraces the electoral front as part of a broader political struggle. “We have decided to register the party and move ahead in the electoral front by internalizing it as part of the overall struggle, in line with the school of unified people’s revolution,” he wrote.
Heavy snowfall disrupts life in Manang; rescue efforts hampered by vehicle shortage
Life in Manang district has been severely affected following heavy snowfall, leaving several tourists stranded in high-altitude areas. Security personnel have been carrying out rescue operations since early morning, but a lack of vehicles has made the task difficult. Chief District Officer Navaraj Paudyal said rescue efforts are ongoing despite challenges. “We are rescuing stranded tourists, but vehicles are stuck in the snow, and there is a shortage of alternative transport,” he said. According to Paudyal, tourists stranded near Tilicho Base Camp have been rescued, while arrangements have been made for others in Khangsar. Authorities have also cleared snow along a 25-kilometer road section to ease movement.
Gold price drops by Rs 700 per tola; silver goes up
The price of gold continued to fall in the domestic market on Wednesday, dropping by Rs 700 per tola in a single day. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Associations, gold is being traded at Rs 236,300 per tola today, down from Rs 237,000 per tola on Tuesday.
Helicopter crash reported in Lobuche, pilot rescued
A helicopter belonging to Altitude Air crashed in Lobuche, Solukhumbu, on Wednesday morning while attempting to land. According to eyewitnesses, the aircraft slipped during the landing process, leading to the accident. No passengers were onboard at the time of the crash, and the pilot, Bibek Khadka, has been safely rescued.
One killed, 21 injured in Damak bus accident
One person was killed and 21 others injured when a passenger bus met with an accident near Pangini Chowk in Damak Municipality–2 on Monday night. According to Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Khagendra Bahadur Khadka of the District Police Office, 35 passengers were on board the bus (Ba 2 Kha 1983), which was traveling from Damak to Tandi, Morang, when it crashed.
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