KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Election Commission allows revision of proportional candidate lists
The Election Commission (EC) has opened the door for revisions to the proportional representation (PR) candidate lists submitted by political parties ahead of the March 5 elections to the House of Representatives. In a statement issued on Friday, the Election Commission stated that any candidate included in a party’s closed list under the proportional electoral system may apply to withdraw their name. Upon receiving such an application, the Commission will formally notify the concerned political party. If a vacancy arises due to a withdrawal, the party may nominate another candidate from the same group to fill the slot, the Commission said.
NC to hold 15th General Convention from May 11 to 14
The Nepali Congress (NC) has decided to hold its 15th General Convention from May 11 to 14, settling an intense internal dispute over whether to convene a special general convention ahead of the upcoming elections. The revised schedule, proposed by NC Acting President Purna Bahadur Khadka, was endorsed at a meeting of the Central Working Performance Committee held in Sanepa on Friday. The meeting also approved Khadka’s proposal to extend the term of the working committee elected by the 14th General Convention until mid-June. Former General Secretary Dr. Shashank Koirala confirmed that both proposals presented by Acting President Khadka were passed. The meeting endorsed the proposal after General Secretaries Gagan Kumar Thapa and Bishwo Prakash Sharma announced plans to convene a special general convention, including booking a hall at Bhrikutimandap as the venue.
Is NC on the verge of a split?
A fresh dispute has erupted within the Nepali Congress (NC) after General Secretaries Gagan Thapa and Bishwo Prakash Sharma moved to fix the date of a special general convention. The party now faces a serious internal crisis, with one faction arguing that a general convention cannot be held, while another insists it must go ahead. The controversy intensified on Thursday after supporters of the special general convention were found to have booked a hall at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu for January 11 ans 12. This development has deepened divisions within the party, from senior leaders to grassroots cadres, with leaders openly expressing opposing views.
Election in 62 days: EC seeks transport service providers
With 62 days remaining until the House of Representatives (HoR) election scheduled for March 5, the Election Commission (EC) has called on relevant parties to apply for the transportation of essential election materials. According to the Commission, helicopters, trucks, containers, and courier services will be used to deliver election materials, and firms or companies operating in these sectors have been invited to enlist. Interested service providers must submit applications after meeting the required criteria. Applicants are required to submit copies of their operating licenses issued by the concerned authorities, Value Added Tax (VAT) registration certificates, tax clearance certificates up to fiscal year 2081/82, and documents showing transaction details for the past three fiscal years.
Buddha Air aircraft skids off runway at Bhadrapur Airport
A Buddha Air aircraft skidded off the runway at Bhadrapur Airport in Jhapa on Friday. According to Jhapa Chief District Officer Shivaram Gelal, the incident occurred after the aircraft veered off the runway during landing. Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) spokesperson Gyanendra Bhul confirmed that the ATR 72 aircraft, bearing call sign 9N-AMF, was operating a Kathmandu–Bhadrapur flight at the time. All passengers and crew members are reported to be safe. The aircraft was carrying 51 passengers.
Former President Bhandari visits Supreme Court, inspects damage from Gen-Z protests
Former President Bidhya Devi Bhandari visited the Supreme Court on Friday, where she inspected parts of the court premises that were damaged during the Gen-Z movement protests held on September 8 and 9 in 2025. During the visit, Bhandari observed structures of the court that were set on fire during the protests and took information from court officials and judges regarding the extent of the damage and the status of reconstruction. According to sources, the former President also held a one-on-one meeting with Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut. The discussion was held privately, with members of both secretariats asked to remain outside. The meeting between Bhandari and Chief Justice Raut reportedly lasted around one hour, during which they discussed issues related to the damage caused during the protests and the broader situation of the judiciary following the unrest.
Nepali Congress infighting deepens as convention representatives demand special convention
Internal disputes within the Nepali Congress have further intensified after the party failed to hold its regular 15th general convention on time. Convention representatives demanding a special general convention have issued a joint statement, sharply questioning the role of the Central Working Committee. In the statement issued on behalf of convention representatives advocating for a special convention, the party leadership has been accused of violating the party statute, weakening democratic processes and creating growing uncertainty within the organization. On October 15, a total of 2,488 convention representatives had formally registered an application, along with signatures, demanding a special general convention. According to Clause 17(2) of the party statute, the Central Working Committee is required to address demands raised by more than 40 percent of convention representatives. The signatories claim that 54 percent of representatives have supported the demand, yet the committee has remained silent.
Gen-Z protests: Commission sends questionnaire to Deuba and Prachanda
The Commission of Inquiry into the incidents of September 8 and 9, 2025, has sent questionnaires to Nepali Congress (NC) President Sher Bahadur Deuba and Nepali Communist Party Coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’. A source in the Commission said that questions related to the incidents have been sent to both leaders. On September 9, various physical properties were set on fire and vandalized during protests across the country. Deuba was at his residence in Budhanilkantha when the crowd became uncontrollable. Protesters entered his house, bypassing the police deployed for security, and also assaulted Deuba and his wife, Arzu Rana. Both were later rescued by the Nepali Army. Similarly, Prachanda was inside Singha Durbar during the protests and was rescued by the Nepali Army. The houses of both leaders were set on fire and vandalized during the unrest.
Gen-Z split deepens
A new political realignment is taking shape as sections of the GenZ–led movement signal readiness to enter formal party politics through a negotiated agreement with the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), even as a key faction of the movement opts to remain outside the power structure. While the Gen-Z Front and Council are preparing the groundwork for a political and ideological partnership with RSP, the Gen-Z Movement Alliance has made it clear that it will continue its role as a street-based opposition, exposing deepening divisions within the youth-driven movement over the path forward.
Qatar grants amnesty to 13 Nepali prisoners
The Qatari government has granted amnesty to 13 Nepali citizens held in various prisons. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the amnesty was granted on the occasion of Qatar’s National Day and International Migration Day. In a press release, the Ministry thanked the Qatari government for extending clemency to the Nepali prisoners. The government of Nepal expressed gratitude for the amnesty, stating that the gesture has further strengthened the longstanding friendship and cordial cooperation between Nepal and Qatar. The Ministry noted that the move reflects the positive state of bilateral relations between the two countries. About two weeks ago, Nepal gifted two elephants to Qatar. Currently, an estimated 500,000 Nepalis are working in Qatar.
Gokul Baskota warns of ‘revenge politics’ taking root in Nepal
CPN-UML leader Gokul Baskota has warned that a form of revenge politics similar to that seen in Pakistan and Bangladesh is beginning to take root in Nepal’s political landscape. In a post on social media, Baskota said excessive power-centric politics has eroded ideological foundations, leading to such a trend. He expressed concern that growing political hatred could cross limits and take a violent turn. “Clear signs have begun to emerge that the revenge-oriented politics of the Pakistani model, and the Bangladeshi model that has taken root in recent times, is now sprouting in Nepali politics,” Baskota wrote on Facebook.
UML recommends ‘Chakre Milan’ as candidate from Gorkha-2
Milan Gurung, popularly known as ‘Chakre Milan’, has been recommended as the CPN-UML candidate for the upcoming March 5 House of Representatives election from Gorkha-2. Responding to the recommendation, Gurung said the decision was driven not by personal ambition but by persistent demands and pressure from the general public, particularly youth and senior citizens. He said he has been active in the UML since 2050 BS and has sought to contribute to politics alongside social service. “I am confident that the people of Gorkha will elect me and send me to Parliament,” Gurung said. He also expressed distress over accusations branding him as a goon, stating that despite being engaged in social service as an ordinary citizen, “a situation has been created where I cannot even say that I serve society.”
Gold and silver prices climb after three-day decline
After declining for three consecutive days, prices of gold and silver increased in the domestic market on Friday. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of gold rose by Rs 2,900 per tola on Friday. Gold, which was traded at Rs 259,600 per tola on Thursday, climbed to Rs 262,500 per tola. Similarly, the price of silver also went up. Silver, which was traded at Rs 4,415 per tola on Thursday, increased to Rs 4,525 per tola on Friday, the federation said.
Suspicious virtual asset transactions rise in Nepal, NRB flags 658 cases in five years
Suspicious transactions linked to virtual assets, which are illegal in Nepal, have increased in recent years, according to a new report by the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB). The Financial Information Unit (FIU) of the central bank, in its Strategic Analysis Report 2025 on Virtual Assets made public on Thursday, said it received information on 658 suspicious transactions and activities related to virtual assets over the past five years. Virtual assets, including cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, stablecoins, utility tokens and other tokenized assets, are banned in Nepal. Despite the prohibition, such assets are being used for trading, transfers, payments and investment purposes, the report noted. According to the FIU, between January 2021 and July 2025, a total of 658 suspicious transaction reports (STRs) related to virtual assets were recorded. Of these, 13 cases were reported in 2021, 173 in 2022, 138 in 2023, and 252 in 2024. As of July 16, 2025, an additional 82 cases had already been reported.
Pokhara to face daily five-hour power cuts until Jan 5
Large parts of Pokhara will face daily power outages of five hours starting today until January 5 due to maintenance work at the Kundahar Substation. According to the Pokhara Grid Division of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), electricity supply will be disrupted from 6:00 am to 11:00 am for four consecutive days as ‘busbar’ upgrading and maintenance work begins at the Kundahar Substation. Chief of the Pokhara Distribution Center, Jitendra Yadav, said the maintenance involves repair work on the 132 kV busbar of the substation, for which the NEA had earlier invited tenders.
One hundred and fifteen guns seized in Myagdi
A large number of illegal weapons have been seized in Myagdi. The District Police Office has confiscated 115 illegal loaded guns within a month under the ‘Operation Bravo Sera’ campaign launched on December 1, 2025 to collect illegal firearms. The illegal weapons search campaign, conducted with a focus on ensuring security for the upcoming House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5 and curbing poaching in forests, has succeeded in seizing the highest number of loaded guns so far, said Deputy Superintendent of Police Surya Bahadur Thapa of the District Police Office.
Dense fog and cold wave disrupt life in western Tarai, including Banke
Daily life in Banke and other districts of the western Tarai has been affected by dense fog and cold weather conditions. The biting cold has particularly impacted children, students, laborers, the poor, the helpless and senior citizens, locals said. Many residents have been unable to step outside their homes due to the cold. Morning shops and marketplaces are opening later than usual, while markets begin to look deserted by evening as temperatures drop further. Drivers have also faced difficulties operating vehicles due to reduced visibility caused by fog. “Driving has become difficult because of dense fog combined with severe cold,” said Ram Prasad Tharu, a resident of Nepalgunj.
More than 1.158 million tourists entered Nepal last year
A total of 1.158 million foreign tourists visited Nepal in 2025. According to the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), these tourists arrived from various countries throughout the year. The figure represents a slight increase compared to 2024, when 1.147 million tourists entered the country. In December alone, 98,190 tourists visited Nepal. Of these, 30,093 were from neighbouring India, followed by 8,680 from China, 6,605 from the United States, 4,980 from Bangladesh, 4,419 from Australia, 4,234 from Thailand, 3,793 from the United Kingdom, 2,758 from Myanmar, and 2,429 from Malaysia. Overall, Nepal received 292,438 tourists from neighbouring India in 2025. The United States accounted for 112,316 visitors, followed by China with 58,684, the United Kingdom with 57,545, Bangladesh with 49,357, Australia with 37,550, Sri Lanka with 30,243, Thailand with 30,227, and Germany with 24,763 tourists, according to the Nepal Tourism Board.
KMC to promote and market local and traditional products
Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has announced plans to support the promotion and marketing of local and traditional products. The initiative aims to ensure the availability of fresh vegetables, grains, and fruits while strengthening the market for locally produced goods. Khyamraj Tiwari, coordinator of the Good Governance Committee and chairperson of Ward No. 26, said KMC is actively working to promote and market local and traditional products so that consumers can better recognize and access them.
Russian Foreign Minister congratulates newly appointed Foreign Minister Sharma
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has congratulated Nepal’s newly appointed Foreign Minister Bala Nanda Sharma. In a message, Lavrov noted that relations between Russia and Nepal have traditionally been friendly and constructive. He expressed his readiness to work together to further strengthen bilateral cooperation for the benefit of both countries. The Russian Foreign Minister also wished Minister Sharma good health and success in carrying out his duties, the Russian Embassy in Kathmandu stated.
Orange production in Syangja valued at Rs 1.32 billion this year
Syangja district has recorded orange production worth more than Rs 1.32 billion this year, according to the National Agricultural Modernization Program’s Implementation Unit. Information Officer Pratibha Budhathoki Chhetri said a total of 23,238 metric tons of oranges were produced in the district, with bulk sales averaging Rs 57 per kilogram. Compared to last year, production increased by around Rs 200 million. In the previous year, Syangja produced 20,084 metric tons of oranges. Productivity has also improved. This year’s yield stood at 16.37 tons per hectare, up from 14.66 tons per hectare last year. Of the total output, about 90 percent is sold in the market, while the remaining 10 percent is used for household consumption, gifts, and local purposes. Of this year’s production, 20,882 metric tons are considered marketable.
Two killed in road accident in Gulmi
Two people riding a motorcycle were killed after it was hit by a bus in Malika Rural Municipality of Gulmi this morning. Four others were injured in the accident. The bus, bearing registration number Lu Pra 01–00 Kha 0355 and belonging to Siddha English Boarding School, was carrying students from Ramche for a picnic when it collided with a motorcycle (Lu 9 Pa 8150) coming from the opposite direction towards Purkot under Madane Rural Municipality. According to Ganga Bahadur Saru, information officer at the District Police Office, the motorcycle was carrying 36-year-old Basanta Aryal and 56-year-old Mankala Aryal, the wife of his elder brother. Both were residents of Malika Rural Municipality–6, Mauwa.
Department of Commerce fines one firm
The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection has inspected 17 firms in a single day as part of its regular market monitoring drive. According to the Department, one firm, Ugrachandi Food Store, was fined Rs 20,000 during inspections conducted at various locations in Kathmandu. The action was taken under Sections 15 and 38(D) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2075 BS, in line with Section 39(1)(A) of the same law. Meanwhile, Nicontinental Pvt. Ltd. has been instructed to appear before the department within three days with relevant business documents. The Department also issued corrective instructions to 15 other firms.
Three lakh tourists visit Annapurna region
A total of 299,831 foreign tourists have visited the Annapurna region. Of them, 177,628 tourists were from South Asian countries, while 122,203 were from other parts of the world, Rabin Kadariya, head of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), said. The number of visitors has increased compared to previous years. While 244,455 tourists visited the region in 2024, only 181,000 tourists had visited in 2019. The Annapurna trekking circuit includes Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal, Ghandruk, Tilicho Lake, Thorong La Pass, Upper Mustang, the Muktinath area, Ghodepani in Myagdi, and other destinations.
Hospital building constructed at Rs 141 million
A 15-bed municipal hospital building has been constructed at a cost of Rs 141 million in Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta East), Nawalpur. Devchuli Municipality Mayor Hari Prasad Neupane said that the hospital building was constructed by upgrading the Dumkauli Primary Health Centre. He said specialist services will be provided along with the completion of the building. Specialist services will be available at the hospital six days a week. These include orthopaedics; ear, nose, and throat (ENT); dermatology; gastroenterology; pulmonology; cardiology; gynaecology; mental health; ophthalmology; and dental services. The hospital has been providing round-the-clock services.
Tourists flock to Beldhunga for panoramic mountain views
Beldhunga, which was little known until a decade ago, has now emerged as a popular tourist destination in Baglung district. Known as a natural viewing point, Beldhunga, located on the border of Baglung and Myagdi districts, has become a preferred spot for tourists seeking panoramic views of the Himalayas. With increased local awareness, promotion, and development efforts, Beldhunga has gained recognition and has become a favoured destination for domestic tourists. The site lies on the boundary of Dhamja Okhale of Kathekhola Rural Municipality–3 in Baglung and Bhakimli of Beni Municipality–3 in Myagdi. The breathtaking view of dozens of mountain peaks visible from Beldhunga has captivated visitors. The site derives its name from a tall, bell-shaped rock, which has been known as Beldhunga since ancient times. Infrastructure, including railings and viewing facilities, has now been developed at the site.
Research on syphilis begins at Bheri Hospital
Research on syphilis has begun at Bheri Hospital, Nepalgunj. A one-year scientific study will examine the economic and social aspects of syphilis, particularly among adolescents and young women affected by risky sexual behavior, informed Dr. Badri Chapagain, Chief Consultant, Dermatologist, and Venereologist at Bheri Hospital. Dr. Chapagain emphasized that the disease should not prevent people from seeking employment abroad. He noted that a “Venus Corner” has been established at Bheri Hospital for the testing, treatment, and consultation of patients. “As the risk of syphilis increases, this initiative ensures patients have easier access to hospital services,” he said.
Policy validation for solid waste management completed in three local bodies under EU-supported GreenShift project
The policy validation process for solid waste management in three local bodies under the EU-supported GreenShift project has been successfully completed, officials said. The process covered Janakpurdham Sub-Metropolitan City and Bardibas Municipality in Madhesh Province and Lalitpur Metropolitan City in Bagmati Province, where policies were formulated for comprehensive waste management, informed Program Director Sujata Koirala of Creasion Nepal. Project lead Santosh Kumar Magar said that, with extensive discussions supported financially and technically by the European Union, the three local bodies are expected to approve the solid waste management bills in their upcoming board meetings. The validation process is seen as a critical step to ensure effective implementation of the waste management legislation.
Homestays in Byas and Bandipur connected by new hiking trail
Homestays in two municipalities of Tanahun district have now been connected by a newly mapped hiking trail. The trail links homestays in Byas Municipality and Bandipur Rural Municipality, the two areas with the highest number of homestays in the district. The hiking trail has been designed to connect these homestays, encouraging longer stays by both domestic and international tourists. Bandipur, known as the “Queen of the Hills,” is located eight kilometers from Dumre along the Prithvi Highway. After arriving, tourists will find the trail mapped out, with promotion efforts in the final stage, according to Harish Gurung, chairman and tourism expert at Sampada Nepal. The preparations aim to make the trail accessible for tourists who prefer staying in homestays.
DDA issues recall notice for Levoflox-500 tablets of batch BB-24001
The Department of Drug Administration (DDA) has issued a notice directing the recall of Levoflox-500 tablets from the market. The recall applies specifically to tablets bearing batch number BB-24001. The Department has instructed all concerned parties not to recommend, sell, distribute, or use the medicine from this batch. Manufactured by Magnus Pharma Pvt. Ltd., Levoflox-500 is commonly used to treat bacterial infections. According to the DDA, laboratory tests conducted at the National Drug Laboratory found that the specified batch failed to meet required quality standards. As a result, the sale and distribution of the drug have been suspended, and all stocks must be immediately withdrawn from the market.
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