KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Prime Minister Karki assures security and timely elections
Prime Minister (PM) Sushila Karki and Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal have urged the public and political parties not to doubt the government’s commitment to holding the House of Representatives elections on March 5, 2026, assuring that security arrangements are under control and preparations are moving ahead as planned. During an interaction with editors from various media outlets at the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar, both leaders emphasized that the government is working through dialogue and consensus to ensure a peaceful and credible election.
SC seeks govt’s written response on passport restrictions for Oli, Lekhak
The Supreme Court (SC) has directed the government to submit a written response within 15 days regarding the passport restrictions and travel bans imposed on former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, and others. A single bench of Justice Nripdhwaj Niraula issued the order on Tuesday during the preliminary hearing of a writ petition challenging the government’s decision. The court has asked the government to provide a detailed explanation within the stipulated timeframe. The writ petition was filed on October 29 by advocate Dr. Premraj Silwal, seeking interim relief to annul alleged illegal actions, orders, and letters issued against Oli, Lekhak, and other officials, and to protect their constitutional and legal rights. However, the court did not issue any interim order at the time.
President Paudel to leave for visit Qatar on Nov 3
President Ram Chandra Paudel will leave for Qatar on November 3 to participate in the Second World Summit for Social Development, scheduled to take place in Doha from November 4 to 6. The visit follows an invitation from the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed in a press statement today. Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai informed that President Paudel will lead a 12-member Nepali delegation to the Summit. He is scheduled to address the plenary session and the high-level roundtable on November 4.
Unified Socialist decides to merge with Maoist Center
The CPN (Unified Socialist) has decided to unite with the CPN (Maoist Center). The decision was endorsed by a majority of the party’s central members during the Central Committee meeting that concluded on Friday, according to Vice Chair Jagannath Khatiwada. However, several senior leaders, including respected leader Jhalanath Khanal, General Secretary Ghanashyam Bhusal, Ramkumari Jhakri, Ghanendra Basnet, Bijay Poudel, Jeevan Ram Shrestha, Laxman Lamsal, Damodar Aryal, Ashok Ghimire, Akil Hussain Khan, and Hari Parajuli, opposed the move.
Rastriya Swatantra Party initiates political dialogue with change-supporting forces
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has initiated political dialogue with parties and groups that support political change, beginning on Friday. The discussions, titled ‘Achievements of the Gen-Z Movement, Future Path, and Solutions’, are being led by RSP’s Vice-Chair, Dr. Swarnim Wagle. The dialogue is being held at Nepal House, Baluwatar. Former Prime Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai, is participating as a guest speaker. Also present is Ramesh Chaudhary, leader of the newly registered Nagarik Unmukti Party. RSP has formed a team led by Dr. Wagle to facilitate these discussions with various political factions.
All 14 trekkers missing near Saribung Pass found safe
All 14 trekkers who had gone missing near Saribung Pass while heading to Phu village in Manang via Damodarkunda have safely made contact with the Mustang District Administration Office on Friday evening. Authorities confirmed that all members of the group, including three Austrian nationals, are safe. Chief District Officer Bishnu Prasad Bhusal said the group, which had departed from Kathmandu two weeks ago through Himalayan Adventure Travels, was out of danger. The trekkers had lost contact since Tuesday due to heavy snowfall and poor weather conditions in the high-altitude region, situated at around 6,000 meters above sea level.
Sushila Karki shoulders immense responsibility, busy navigating post-Gen-Z challenges
Since assuming office as Nepal’s first female prime minister following the Gen-Z movement, Sushila Karki has taken on a daunting portfolio of responsibilities, overseeing peace, security, governance, and the fulfillment of the movement’s objectives. Her tenure has been defined by the enormous task of stabilizing the nation in the aftermath of widespread protests, while simultaneously steering the government toward elections and maintaining public trust in state institutions. Karki’s role is particularly complex due to the high expectations placed on her by the public and political actors alike. She must balance the need to enforce law and order with the demand for accountability over incidents that occurred during the September 8 and 9 Gen-Z protests, which left extensive damage across Kathmandu and other parts of the country.
Resham Chaudhary calls Gen-Z movement a civil uprising, not a protest
Resham Lal Chaudhary, leader of the Nagarik Unmukti Party Nepal, has called the Gen-Z movement of September 8 and 9 not just a protest but a civil uprising. Chaudhary made these remarks during the political dialogue organized by the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), titled ‘Achievements of the Gen-Z movement, Future Path, and Solutions.’ He challenged the notion of the movement being just an agenda, stating, “Who said this is a protest? This is a people’s revolt.” Chaudhary cautioned the participants, saying the Gen-Z movement was not just a temporary disturbance but an indication of deeper unrest. He urged the youth involved to stay alert, hinting at the ongoing struggles and political risks.
Nepal simplifies visit visa travel requirements for citizens
The Department of Immigration has scrapped the previous checklist for Nepali citizens traveling abroad on a visit visa and introduced a new, simplified procedure. According to a ministerial decision by the Ministry of Home Affairs on July 29, Nepali citizens now need to present only four documents to travel on a visit visa. The Department urged citizens to travel confidently without relying on intermediaries.
Unified Socialist leaders oppose Unified Socialist–Maoist merger plan
Dissatisfaction has emerged within the CPN (Unified Socialist) after party chair Madhav Kumar Nepal moved forward with a plan to merge the party with Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’-led CPN (Maoist Centre). Several leaders voiced strong objections as Nepal prepared to pass the unification proposal through a majority vote during the party’s ongoing third central committee meeting in Kathmandu. Senior leaders, including Jhalanath Khanal, General Secretary Ghanashyam Bhusal, Standing Committee members Ramkumari Jhakri and Laxman Lamsal, have warned that they will rebel if the party proceeds with the merger.
Thapa pushes for Congress general convention schedule
Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa, who boycotted Thursday’s central committee meeting, joined a separate meeting on Friday morning with Dr. Shekhar Koirala’s faction at Bishalnagar. The meeting, led by Koirala, discussed and drafted a schedule for the party’s upcoming 15th general convention. Thapa and fellow General Secretary Bishwoprakash Sharma later met Acting Party President Purna Bahadur Khadka to press for approval of the proposed timetable. According to Vice President Dhan Raj Gurung, the draft schedule is set to be presented in Friday’s central committee meeting for endorsement. “We have prepared a schedule to hold the regular general convention before the upcoming elections,” Gurung said, adding that the general secretaries urged Khadka to finalize it through consensus.
Shekhar Koirala faction sets timetable for regular general convention
Following a factional meeting, Nepali Congress leader Dr. Shekhar Koirala’s group has finalized a schedule for the party’s regular general convention. On Friday morning at the party’s contact office in Bishalnagar, Dr. Koirala convened his supporters to prepare the timetable. To ensure unanimous approval, General Secretaries Gagan Thapa and Bishwprakash Sharma met Acting President Purna Bahadur Khadka. The schedule is set to be presented at the party meeting on Friday for formal adoption. According to Deputy Party President Dhanaraj Gurung, the timetable was created after consultations with several central committee members and office-bearers, emphasizing that the general convention should be held before the upcoming elections.
Five arrested for involvement in looted pistol sale and firing incident
Nepal Police has arrested five individuals involved in the looting, sale, and illegal possession of weapons stolen from security personnel during the Gen Z protests. Those arrested have been identified as Krishna Gurung, 21, of Dhunibesi, Dhading; Rajan Deula, 25, of Bhagawanpau, Kathmandu-15; Akbar Khan, 24, of Motihari Sitamadhi, India; Shumin Shakya, 26, of Kathmandu-15; and Prabhat Malla, 38, of Baneshwor, Kathmandu. They were apprehended from different locations across the Kathmandu Valley, according to District Police Range, Kathmandu Spokesperson Pavan Kumar Bhattarai.
High public turnout in voter roll update for upcoming elections
The Election Commission (EC) has reported an enthusiastic public response to the ongoing voter roll collection and updating campaign ahead of the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5, 2026. The process, which runs daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. across all seven provinces and 70 district election offices, has seen significant participation from citizens eager to update or verify their records, according to Commission spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai. The registration drive has so far recorded 90,032 new voter registrations, with the Commission estimating that the figure could rise by another 100,000 by the end of the campaign.
Civil Hospital nurses join nationwide protest
Nurses working in private health institutions across Nepal are currently protesting to demand the implementation of government-mandated minimum wages and service benefits. The nationwide demonstration is organized under the banner of the Nepal Nursing Association, with nurses also holding sit-ins as part of their protest. On Friday, nurses at Civil Hospital joined the movement, peacefully staging a sit-in while displaying placards in support of the ongoing campaign.
Fifteen stranded tourists rescued from Hidden Valley
Fifteen tourists, including three British nationals, who were stranded in the Hidden Valley while trekking along the Dhaulagiri Circuit, have been rescued after being trapped by heavy snowfall since Tuesday. A joint rescue team comprising personnel from the Nepali Army, Armed Police Force, Nepal Police, and trekking guides was deployed on Wednesday to carry out the operation. Rescue efforts were hampered by severe snowfall, poor visibility, and limited communication in the area. Despite the difficult conditions, the team located the stranded trekkers after three days of continuous search near Batasedanda, at an altitude of around 4,900 meters.
KMC urges residents to keep garbage at home amid landfill obstruction
Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has urged residents to temporarily store household waste at home due to disruptions at the Bancharedanda landfill site — the Valley’s main waste disposal area in Nuwakot. In a notice issued today, the Department of Environment Management requested citizens not to discard garbage on roads or in public spaces, but instead to keep it safely within their homes or premises until further notice. According to KMC, garbage collection and disposal have been halted as obstructions continue at the Bancharedanda landfill, preventing the transportation of waste from the Valley to the final dumping site.
Mahakali Irrigation Project sees 27% progress after 18 years with Rs 9 billion investment
The Mahakali Irrigation Project, launched in 2006, has seen only 27% physical progress despite an investment of Rs 9 billion. The project, which aims to irrigate 33,520 hectares of land in the Kanchanpur and Kailali districts, was initially estimated to cost Rs 35 billion. According to Senior Division Engineer Rajesh Bhakta Pokharel, the project’s slow pace is attributed to budget constraints, land compensation issues, and difficulties in forest area management. “The project has been delayed due to local dissatisfaction with compensation and the lack of effective management of land and forest areas,” Pokharel said.
Nepal Airlines to appoint new General Manager through open competition
The General Manager of Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) will now be appointed through an open competition process. A selection committee has been formed under the coordination of Hari Prasad Mainali, Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, to identify and recommend suitable candidates. Prime Minister Sushila Karki, who also heads the Ministry, approved the formation of the committee, according to her press coordinator Ram Bahadur Rawal.
Kathmandu Metropolitan City launches community dog sterilization program
Kathmandu Metropolitan City has officially launched a community dog sterilization program across its 32 wards. The initiative, aimed at controlling the street dog population and improving public health, is being implemented through agreements with five organizations. The program, part of the fiscal year 2025/26 budget, began after a call for proposals from interested organizations to handle the sterilization and rabies vaccination of community animals. Five organizations were selected, with specific wards assigned to each. Nurnidhi Neupane, Head of the Agriculture and Livestock Department, said the sterilization will be conducted as a public service, not a commercial venture. “We expect the process to follow agreed standards and animals should not be released until fully recovered,” he said during the signing ceremony.
NMA submits health system improvement suggestions to Health Minister
The Nepal Medical Association (NMA) has submitted a set of recommendations to Health and Population Minister Dr. Sudha Sharma for the improvement of the country’s health system. NMA chair Dr. Anil Bikram Karki and other officials met with Minister Sharma on Friday, offering their best wishes for her tenure and presenting their suggestions. The recommendations focus on strengthening primary health structures, enhancing the national health insurance program, and improving coordination between federal, provincial, and local levels in terms of monitoring and accountability. The association also emphasized the importance of addressing key challenges in the healthcare system by involving doctors, healthcare workers, and the public.
Teams deployed in 44 districts to assess damages from ‘Gen-Z’ protests
A total of 38 teams have been deployed across 44 districts to assess damages to public property, physical infrastructure, and private establishments caused during the ‘Gen-Z’ protests on September 8 and 9. According to Dr. Diwakar Luintel, assistant spokesperson at the National Planning Commission (NPC), all teams are expected to collect detailed data on the damages within the coming week. To standardize and streamline data collection, the NPC has launched a ‘Damage Assessment Survey Portal’. Local governments, provincial offices, and federal agencies have been provided login credentials to submit online reports. “Approximately 260 local levels across the 44 affected districts, along with all provincial and federal ministries and central agencies, have been given usernames and passwords to upload data onto the portal,” said Luintel. Technical teams have also been deployed to facilitate the data collection process.
Home Minister directs officials to ensure security for private sector
Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal has instructed authorities to enhance coordination for the security of the private sector, citing rising security concerns following the protests on September 8 and 9. The directive was issued in a circular sent to the Chief District Officers (CDOs) of all 77 districts. In the circular, the Home Minister directed the CDOs to hold necessary discussions on the damages caused by the protests and assess the current situation of the private sector to ensure adequate security measures are in place.
Weather expected to improve from tomorrow morning
After several days of rain and cloudy skies caused by Cyclone Montha and a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, the Weather Forecast Division has predicted that weather conditions across Nepal will start improving from tomorrow morning. The Division said most parts of the country, which have been experiencing widespread rain and snowfall, will gradually see clearer skies as the weather system weakens.
308 cases of violence against women recorded in three months
The Women’s Rehabilitation Center (WRC) has reported a total of 308 incidents of violence against women between Chait and Jestha (April–June 2025), highlighting a continued rise in gender-based violence across the country. According to a statement issued by WRC, 41 cases were collected from media reports, while 267 were gathered directly from the organization’s working areas. Among these, 21 were cases of murder and three were attempted murders.
World Urbanization Day being observed today
World Urbanization Day was observed across various countries today under the theme “People-Centered Smart Cities,” promoting the message of sustainable urban development and global cooperation. A special event is being held in Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, at the initiative of the United Nations to mark the occasion. Celebrated in a different city each year since 2014, the day aims to foster global collaboration in building sustainable and inclusive cities that address challenges such as housing shortages and unequal access to opportunities.
Bus accident in Chitwan injures 33
A passenger bus traveling from Gaur to Kathmandu met with an accident this morning in the Tikauli forest area of Bharatpur Metropolitan City-9, leaving 33 people injured. According to Shailendra Thapa, Joint Spokesperson of the Armed Police Force Office in Chitwan, the injured passengers were immediately rescued and taken to Chitwan Medical College, National City Hospital, and Bharatpur Hospital for treatment.
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