KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
PM Balen warns that no one will escape accountability
Prime Minister (PM) Balen Shah has issued a stern warning, saying that no one should assume they will escape accountability when the time comes. He made the remarks in a social media post without specifying their intended target. “When the right time comes, the wrong time comes for everyone. Don’t dream that one or two people will escape,” he wrote. The Prime Minister’s statement comes amid mounting criticism of the government over allegations of judges’ links with middlemen and police intervention at media houses.
Gagan Thapa questions govt’s actions, warns against arbitrary exercise of power
Nepali Congress (NC) President Gagan Thapa has questioned the government’s recent activities, expressing concern that certain groups within the state machinery have begun acting as though they themselves represent the state. He criticised what he described as the arbitrary exercise of power, saying that some people in government appeared to believe that their personal wishes and decisions constituted the law. Speaking at a press conference organised at the party’s central office on Sunday, Thapa commented on the government’s recent actions, particularly the police’s handling of journalists’ arrests and other related incidents. Referring to the arrest and subsequent release of several journalists, Thapa said the issue could not be considered resolved simply because those arrested had been freed. “Some friends were arrested and later released, but the matter cannot be resolved that way. It is not over,” he said. “The fundamental questions are how the government understands its authority and how it views freedom of expression.”
NPL: Janakpur beats Pokhara by nine runs
Opener Tritaraj Das’s half-century and Moeen Ali’s impressive bowling performance helped Janakpur Bolts secure their second consecutive victory in the Nepal Premier League (NPL), defeating Pokhara Avengers by nine runs on Sunday. Janakpur, which lost its opening match against Karnali Yaks by 19 runs before bouncing back with an eight-wicket victory over Kathmandu Gorkhas, has now collected four points from three matches, with two wins and one defeat. Pokhara, meanwhile, suffered its second consecutive loss after going down to Sudurpaschim Royals by six wickets in its opening match. Chasing a target of 148 runs, Pokhara managed only 138 runs for the loss of nine wickets in its allotted 20 overs. Moeen Ali was the standout bowler for Janakpur, claiming three wickets for just 13 runs, including a maiden over. Saif Hasan and Harmeet Singh took two wickets each, while Jimmy Neesham and Lalit Rajbanshi claimed one wicket apiece. Rahul Yadav went wicketless.
Country heading towards major crisis: Baburam Bhattarai
Former Prime Minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai has said that the country is heading towards a major crisis amid growing political instability and economic challenges. In a social media post, he pointed to intense internal conflicts within both ruling and opposition parties, increasing geopolitical manoeuvring in the country, and instability in key state institutions, including the judiciary, administration and police. “The continued decline of the economy, the growing burden of natural disasters, the ongoing migration of young people abroad, and increasing frustration among the public, media and civil society, among other factors, indicate that the country is heading towards a major crisis,” he wrote. According to Bhattarai, the country cannot afford instability and turmoil under any pretext. “Let us all remain serious and responsible in our respective fields. If we can, let us make a positive contribution. If we cannot, let us at least refrain from doing anything negative,” he wrote.
RSP to select local-level candidates through ‘Candidate Club’
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has decided to invite applications from interested and eligible individuals seeking to contest for the posts of ward chairperson and ward member in the upcoming local-level elections. A meeting of the party’s Local-Level Election Candidate Selection Framework Implementation and Coordination Committee, held at the party’s central office in Banasthali this morning under the chairmanship of its General Secretary and committee coordinator Bipin Kumar Acharya, decided to open applications through the ‘Candidate Club’. The party has also formed seven subcommittees to oversee the implementation and coordination of the candidate selection framework. According to party spokesperson Jagadish Kharel, Kabindra Burlakoti has been assigned to coordinate the Candidate Club, while Sushant Vaidik will head the Technology Subcommittee, Janak Singh Dhami the Grievance Coordination Subcommittee, Dr Toshima Karki the Inclusion and Women’s Participation Subcommittee, and Tashi Lhajom the Capacity Development Coordination Subcommittee.
Toll collection begins at Nagdhunga Tunnel from today
Vehicles using the Nagdhunga Tunnel will be required to pay toll charges starting today. The Development Assistance Implementation Division under the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport has announced that toll fees have been introduced for vehicles using the tunnel from today.According to the decision of the Executive Committee of the Road Board Nepal and a notice published in the Nepal Gazette, toll charges have been determined based on vehicle categories and the direction of travel. As per the notice, cars, vans, pickups, tractors, microbuses and other light vehicles will be charged Rs 65 when entering Kathmandu through the tunnel and Rs 60 when exiting Kathmandu. Similarly, mini-buses and mini-tippers/trucks will be charged Rs 115 when entering Kathmandu and Rs 80 when leaving. Buses and trucks with a single rear axle will have to pay Rs 260 when entering Kathmandu and Rs 200 when exiting. Meanwhile, multi-axle trucks, other heavy vehicles and heavy equipment will be charged Rs 600 when entering Kathmandu and Rs 250 when exiting.
Gold and silver prices decline
Gold and silver prices declined in the domestic market today, with the price of gold dropping by Rs 8,300 per tola and silver by Rs 175 per tola. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Associations, the price of fine gold has been fixed at Rs 272,000 per tola, while silver is being traded at Rs 3,650 per tola today. Last Friday, gold was traded at Rs 280,300 per tola and silver at Rs 3,825 per tola.
Nepal Tourism Board partners with TikTok to promote Nepal’s tourism globally
In a bid to showcase Nepal’s tourist destinations to a global audience through social media, tourism content creators from seven countries have arrived in Nepal under an initiative jointly undertaken by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and TikTok. According to the board, content creators from France, Portugal, Tunisia, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have been invited to Nepal at the initiative of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation. During their visit, the creators will produce videos and digital content highlighting Nepal’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, adventure tourism and local lifestyles. The content will be shared with international audiences through TikTok and other social media platforms. Three content creators from the UAE and Tunisia are producing content in Pokhara, while the others are based in Kathmandu. They will prepare promotional materials featuring major tourist destinations, including Pokhara, Chitwan and Bardiya, as well as Nepal’s cultural, historical and tourism attractions, said Surya Thapaliya, senior manager of the Nepal Tourism Board, to the RSS.
PM’s adviser Kumar Ben takes sarcastic swipe at journalists
The government has come under widespread criticism over the arrest and police intervention involving journalists on Friday. Meanwhile, Prime Minister’s Chief Political Adviser Kumar Ben has drawn attention for making a sarcastic remark on the issue. On Sunday afternoon, Ben posted a list of journalists on social media and made a sarcastic comment about the reported claim that the Prime Minister’s Secretariat had prepared a list of 28 journalists and instructed police to arrest them. In his Facebook post, he wrote, “Who is your favourite among these 28 journalists? If you are not among the 28, you are not a journalist but a friend.” The remark has raised concerns over press freedom and the constitutional spirit of freedom of expression, particularly amid growing criticism of the government’s handling of journalists. Ben appeared to be responding to a report published by Naya Patrika daily, which claimed that the Prime Minister’s Secretariat had provided police with a list of 28 journalists and directed their arrest.
BP Highway reopens to traffic after landslide debris cleared
Traffic along the BP Highway resumed on Sunday evening after landslide debris was cleared from several sections of the road following days of incessant rainfall. Traffic had remained disrupted since Saturday morning after heavy rainfall on Friday and Saturday triggered landslides at multiple locations between Chaukidanda and Nepalthok in Kavrepalanchok district. According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Rabin Bista, information officer at the District Police Office, the removal of landslide debris began on Sunday morning with the help of bulldozers. Security personnel and technical teams were also mobilised to clear the affected sections.
Eight families in Dang receive land ownership certificates
Eight landless families in Dang have received land ownership certificates, formally securing their rights to the land they have been occupying. Chief District Officer Nischal Raj Pandey and Gadhawa Rural Municipality Chairperson Yam Narayan Pokhrel jointly distributed the land ownership certificates to the families. The government has adopted a policy of addressing land-related issues faced by landless Dalits, squatters and people living in unorganized settlements. According to the District Administration Office, the distribution of land ownership certificates has been expedited in line with the government’s policy of legalizing land occupancy and ensuring land rights for landless families.
Nepal must turn climate commitments into credible leadership
‘From Sagarmatha to the Sea’, the challenge is no longer simply to raise the world’s attention to the climate crisis in the Himalayas, but to demonstrate that Nepal can turn its vulnerability into a platform for regional cooperation, investment and action. Nepal has long been recognized internationally as one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, despite contributing very little to global greenhouse gas emissions. Its melting glaciers, increasingly unstable mountain slopes, unpredictable rainfall, devastating floods and growing threats from glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) have placed the country at the frontline of the global climate crisis. Yet, vulnerability alone cannot define Nepal’s place in international climate diplomacy. As the country prepares for the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye, it must demonstrate that it can move beyond highlighting its predicament and become a credible contributor to regional and global climate solutions. Nepal’s recent engagement at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has helped draw international attention to the vulnerability of the Himalayas and their wider implications for regional and global development. This diplomatic momentum presents an opportunity, but it also raises an important question: how effectively can Nepal translate international commitments and diplomatic statements into tangible results at home?
Influence of Cyclone Arnab weakens, weather improves
The weather across Nepal improved today as the impact of the low-pressure system lingering over the western part of the country, a remnant of Cyclone Arnab, continues to weaken. According to the Weather Forecasting Division, cloudy conditions prevailed over mountainous areas, including parts of Lumbini Province, while most other parts of the country experienced partly cloudy weather. Light rainfall was reported in some areas of Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini and Karnali provinces, although the overall weather situation is showing signs of improvement. The Division had forecast partly cloudy conditions across the country this afternoon, with the possibility of light rain and snowfall at one or two locations in the Himalayan and hilly regions. Similar conditions are expected to continue tonight. There is a possibility of light rain and snowfall at isolated places in the Himalayan and hilly areas of Gandaki, Karnali and Sudurpashchim provinces.
Six Indian tourists missing in Dolpa snowfall
Six Indian tourists, including two women, have reportedly gone missing after heavy snowfall while travelling from Ward Nos. 4 and 8 of Dolpo Buddha Rural Municipality towards Shey-Phoksundo Lake in Dolpa district. They were last reported missing in the Numla Pass and Bagla Pass areas between Ward Nos. 4 and 8 of Shey-Phoksundo Rural Municipality. Local guides suspect that the tourists may have become stranded following heavy snowfall in the Himalayan region, reportedly influenced by Cyclone Arnab developing in the Bay of Bengal. According to local sources, the tourists proceeded towards the high-altitude area despite warnings from residents that crossing the mountain passes would be difficult due to snowfall. They are believed to have become trapped in the snow while returning. Dolpa Chief District Officer Junu Hamal confirmed that the tourists became stranded while returning from Dho towards Phoksundo Lake. She said they had been warned by locals about the difficult weather and mountain conditions but proceeded with their journey.
Heavy rainfall triggers landslides, blocks roads in three districts
Several road sections in Kavre, Khotang and Lalitpur districts remained blocked due to continuous rainfall, landslides and debris flowing from Khahare Khola, according to a notice issued by the Police Headquarters today. Traffic was completely obstructed along the BP Highway at Pinthali in Ward No. 9 and Gimdibesi in Ward No. 8 of Roshi Rural Municipality, Kavre, after debris carried by Khahare Khola accumulated on the road. Similarly, a landslide triggered by continuous rainfall blocked approximately 15 metres of the Mid-Hill Highway at Lakuridanda in Halesi Tuwachung Municipality-1, Khotang, after debris fell onto the road from the hillside. In Lalitpur, rising water levels in the Bagmati River disrupted traffic along the Bagmati River Corridor road at Sundarighat in Lalitpur Metropolitan City-2.
Landslide puts seven houses at risk in Kalikot
A landslide triggered during the construction of the administrative building of Khandachakra Municipality in Kalikot has put several nearby houses at risk. The landslide occurred last August while the foundation of the under-construction building was being excavated at Manma Serapata in Khandachakra Municipality-1. The landslide buried part of the main road in Manma Bazaar and damaged a house. Seven houses located above the construction site are now at high risk of further landslides. Construction work has also remained affected since the incident in Bhadra. Khandachakra Municipality Deputy Mayor Ganesh Bahadur Shahi claimed that the landslide risk would be automatically addressed once the building was completed. “Once the building is constructed, a retaining wall will be built behind it. The landslide risk will be eliminated after that,” he said. Shahi said that the house that collapsed in Bhadra had been assessed for compensation and that the municipality had forwarded the details to the Ministry of Home Affairs through the District Administration Office.
Sikta Irrigation Project collects data on beneficiary farmers
The Sikta Irrigation Project, a national pride project currently under construction, has started collecting data on beneficiary farmers in its command area to ensure effective water distribution and management. The project is collecting data on farmers who are currently receiving irrigation services through branches and sub-branches of the Eastern and Western Main Canals, as well as those who will benefit from the irrigation facilities in the future, said Project Director Raju Acharya. He said the data collection process has reached its final stage, as registration as a water user is mandatory to receive irrigation services. The data was collected following consultations with local people’s representatives and farmers. “Water user membership is mandatory to receive irrigation services. Based on this membership, committees for operating sub-branches, branches and the main canals will be formed,” Director Acharya said. “The project will undertake water management activities, including irrigation expansion and the construction of necessary infrastructure, based on the estimated costs.”
11th Nepal International Trade Fair to be held from December 3
The 11th edition of the Nepal International Trade Fair will be held in Kathmandu from December 3 to 7, with the aim of promoting Nepal’s international trade. Organised by the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) with government support, the fair will feature participation from Nepal, China, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Bhutan. The event aims to boost exports of products identified as priorities under the Nepal Trade Integration Strategy, including cardamom, tea, ginger, handicrafts, pashmina, and medicinal and aromatic herbs. At a press conference held in Kathmandu on Sunday, organisers said that more than 200 stalls would be set up to showcase domestic and international goods and services.
13 arrested with drugs in police operations
Police have arrested 13 people from various parts of the country on charges of possessing illegal drugs during routine patrols and security operations. Police also seized prescription-only medicines, Rs 20,200 in cash and a motorcycle from the suspects. According to the Central Police Newsroom, three people were arrested at two locations in Kathmandu on Friday and Saturday. Similarly, two people each were arrested in Jhapa and Sunsari, while one person each was arrested in Parsa, Lamjung and Bardiya. Three others were arrested at two locations in Kailali. Chhiring Sherpa, 39, of Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality-3, Sindhupalchowk, was arrested at Chuchepati in Kathmandu Metropolitan City-6 with 4 grams and 250 milligrams of a substance suspected to be brown sugar (heroin) and Rs 20,200 in cash. Two other people were arrested at Jadibuti in Kathmandu Metropolitan City-32 with 6 grams and 740 milligrams of a similar substance. Khadga Rajbanshi, 24, of Barhadashi Rural Municipality-2 and Chaitan Hemaram, 25, of Ward No. 1 of the same rural municipality in Jhapa, were arrested at Khaybari in Jhapa Rural Municipality-5 with 1 gram and 95 milligrams of a substance suspected to be brown sugar.
Birgunj to restrict waste disposal in Sirsiya River during Chhath
An all-party meeting held here has decided to prohibit waste disposal in the Sirsiya River during the upcoming Chhath festival to ensure a clean and safe environment for devotees. The meeting, chaired by Chief District Officer Bhola Dahal on Saturday, decided to take measures to improve water quality and maintain a healthy environment. Accordingly, industries will be prohibited from discharging untreated wastewater into the river. Industries will be instructed not to release chemical-laden wastewater into the river without proper treatment. Each industry will also be required to operate its wastewater treatment plant round the clock. The meeting, attended by Birgunj Metropolitan City Mayor Rajeshman Singh, also decided to prepare a land identification and feasibility study report for the construction of a common waste processing centre. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the government will provide grants to small and medium-sized industries.
Two overhead bridges completed in Mahendranagar, third under construction
Construction of two pedestrian overhead bridges along the Janakpurdham-Dhalkebar six-lane commercial road at Mahendranagar Bazaar in Kshireshwornath Municipality-5 of Dhanusha district has been completed. Painting and beautification works are currently underway, while preparations are being made to open the bridges to the public soon. According to the Road Division Office, Mujelia, Janakpurdham, the bridges are the first of their kind to be constructed in Madhesh Province. They have been built to ensure safer and more convenient movement of pedestrians across the busy road. The project involves the construction of three overhead bridges at major pedestrian crossing points: Mahila Bikash Chowk and Sakhuwa Chowk in Mahendranagar, and another in Laxminiya Rural Municipality. The total estimated cost of the project is around Rs 105 million.
Bharatpur Metropolis introduces blood donation lessons in school curriculum
Bharatpur Metropolitan City has introduced lessons on blood donation in its local school curriculum for students in Grades 6 to 8, aiming to foster a culture of voluntary blood donation from an early age. The metropolis has claimed that it is the first local government in Nepal to introduce blood donation education as part of the school curriculum. The lessons, developed by the metropolis itself, have been incorporated into the disaster management section of the curriculum in view of the recurring shortage of blood in Chitwan district. Subashchandra Acharya, chief of the metropolis’s Education Administration Division, said the lessons aim to instil humanitarian values, social responsibility and a willingness to donate blood among students.
43 disaster incidents reported across Nepal, 13 injured
At least 13 people have been injured in 43 disaster-related incidents reported across the country in recent days, with property damage estimated at Rs 940,000. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), the incidents included landslides, heavy rainfall, floods, fires, snakebites, animal attacks and snowfall. Landslides accounted for the highest number of incidents, with 17 cases reported nationwide, said Ram Bahadur KC, spokesperson for the authority. Similarly, seven incidents were triggered by heavy rainfall, while five cases each of fire and flooding were recorded. There were also four incidents each involving snakebites and animal attacks, along with one snowfall-related incident during the reporting period, KC said.
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