KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
HoR session prorogued after 145 days, 35 bills registered
The second session of the House of Representatives under the Federal Parliament concluded on Friday after 145 days. During the session, the House held 68 meetings over 62 days, conducting parliamentary business for a total of 277 hours and 30 minutes. Concluding the session, Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal said the House had made significant contributions to legislative work while also addressing issues of public concern. The government registered 35 bills during the session. Of these, 12 were passed by both houses of the Federal Parliament, while 11 were authenticated by the President. Another 20 bills remain under consideration in parliamentary committees. Major legislation passed during the session includes the Finance Bill, 2083; Appropriation Bill, 2083; National Debt Collection Bill; Election of Members of the House of Representatives (First Amendment) Bill; and Voters’ Roll (First Amendment) Bill. The House also passed the Public Procurement (Second Amendment) Bill, Prevention of Money Laundering (Third Amendment) Bill, Cooperatives (First Amendment) Bill, a bill amending certain Nepal laws related to health sciences academies, and the bill on the revival of the Nepal Special Services Act, 2042.
Foreign policy should drive Nepal’s economic prosperity: Foreign Minister Khanal
Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has stressed the need to make Nepal’s foreign policy more closely aligned with the country’s economic interests and development objectives. Speaking at the fourth AIDA Lecture Series organized by the Asian Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs (AIDA), Khanal said diplomacy should go beyond strengthening political and diplomatic ties and focus on generating tangible economic benefits through trade, investment, tourism, technology transfer and employment opportunities. He said economic diplomacy should be an integral part of Nepal’s broader development strategy, particularly as the global economy, regional competition and geopolitical landscape continue to evolve. Nepal, he added, must be able to translate its diplomatic relationships into concrete economic opportunities.
Climate justice must be translated into action, not slogans: Foreign Minister Khanal
Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has stressed that climate justice must be translated into concrete action rather than remaining a slogan, calling on the international community to provide Nepal with new, accessible and grant-based climate finance to address the impacts of climate change. Addressing the Kathmandu Climate BK-2026 programme on Thursday, Khanal said climate change is directly affecting Nepal’s development, agriculture, infrastructure, water security, public health, energy transition, financial stability and even foreign policy. “Although Nepal contributes less than 0.1 percent to global greenhouse gas emissions, Nepalis have suffered loss of lives and property because of the climate crisis. Despite Nepal’s negligible contribution to the crisis, its people have been forced to bear a disproportionate burden,” he said. “Climate justice means recognizing this disproportionate burden and taking concrete measures to address it.”
Foreign Minister Khanal briefs House on Nepal’s participation in UN General Assembly
Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal briefed today’s meeting of the House of Representatives on Nepal’s participation in the 81st United Nations General Assembly. Khanal said Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s address during the General Debate at the General Assembly had helped advance Nepal’s efforts to turn the issue of climate justice into reality. He also informed the House that, during Nepal’s participation in the General Assembly, the country held meetings and discussions with senior officials and foreign counterparts from various countries and participated in several sessions.
Tourism Mminister calls for urgent reforms at Nepal Airlines
Tourism Minister Khadak Raj Paudel has raised serious concerns over the operational mismanagement and worsening financial condition of Nepal Airlines, calling for comprehensive reforms to improve the national flag carrier. Speaking at a meeting of the Federal Parliament’s International Relations and Tourism Committee, Paudel stressed that the airline’s problems require immediate attention, with institutional management needing to be addressed as a priority. Commenting on the airline’s continued poor performance, Paudel said Nepal Airlines might already have faced liquidation had it been a privately owned company.
HoR forwards seven Bills to related committees for thorough deliberation
Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Sobita Gautam presented proposals in the House of Representatives (HoR) meeting on Friday, recommending that the Bill to Revive the Provisions of Some Nepal Acts, 2083 and the National Defense University Bill, 2083 be sent to the relevant committees for in-depth deliberation. Minister for Infrastructure Development Sunil Lamsal proposed that the Waste Management Bill, 2083 be forwarded to the relevant committee for deliberation. Minister for Women, Children, Gender and Sexual Minorities and Social Security Sita Badi tabled the Bill to Amend Some Nepal Acts Related to Women, Children, Gender and Sexual Minorities and Social Security, requesting the meeting to send it to the relevant committee for discussion. Minister for Health and Food Safety Nisha Mehta proposed that the HoR meeting forward the Mother’s Milk Substitutes (Control of Sale and Distribution) (First Amendment) Bill, 2083, the Safe Maternal and Reproductive Health Rights (First Amendment) Bill, 2083, the Safety of Health Workers and Health Institutions (Second Amendment) Bill, 2083, and the Ram Raja Prasad Singh Institute of Health Sciences Bill, 2083 to the relevant committees for clause-by-clause discussion.
CAN announces squad for ICC World Cup Cricket League 2
The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has announced a 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 series to be held in Oman. Nepal, Canada and hosts Oman will compete in the tri-series, which is scheduled to begin on October 7 as part of the World Cup League 2. According to a statement issued by CAN on Thursday, Sandeep Lamichhane will lead Nepal in the series. The squad includes captain Lamichhane, Aasif Sheikh, Dipendra Singh Airee, Dev Khanal, Ishan Pandey, Rohit Kumar Paudel, Arjun Kumal, Sandeep Jora, Gulshan Jha, Basir Ahmad, Karan KC, Nandan Yadav, Lalit Narayan Rajbanshi, Sahab Alam and Sher Malla.
Kathmandu Valley transport master plan proposes mass transit, tunnels and car-free zones
The draft Strategic Environmental Assessment Report of the Kathmandu Valley Urban Transport System Master Plan, jointly prepared by the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport and a team of experts from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has been made public. The master plan aims to develop a safe, inclusive and sustainable transport system across Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur districts through 2050. The report says the valley’s growing traffic congestion cannot be addressed through conventional road expansion alone, noting that vehicle density has reached 868 vehicles per kilometre. Average traffic speeds during office hours have fallen to 13.6 kmph in the morning and 10.6 kmph in the evening.
NA holds 52 meetings during current session
The 21st session of the National Assembly (NA) concluded on Friday after holding 52 meetings over 145 days, with the proceedings lasting a total of 98 hours and 10 minutes. Sharing details of the session at its conclusion, NA Chairman Narayan Prasad Dahal said the session began on May 11 and ended on October 2. Of the 52 meetings, 40 included zero-hour sessions. Chairman Dahal also presented details of the time spent by NA members raising and discussing various issues. In four meetings, 27 members spent a total of five hours and 27 minutes discussing matters of public concern. Similarly, 22 members took part in discussions on urgent issues for one hour and 56 minutes across nine meetings.
Speaker Aryal meets President Paudel
Speaker Dol Prasad (DP) Aryal held a courtesy meeting with President Ramchandra Paudel on Friday at the President’s official residence, Shital Niwas. During the meeting, Speaker Aryal informed President Paudel that he is scheduled to leave Nepal on Sunday to attend the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
Foreign Minister Khanal leaving for Fiji to attend Pre-COP Leaders’ event
Minister for Foreign Affairs Shisir Khanal is leaving for Fiji tomorrow (October 3), leading a Nepali delegation to the Pre-COP Leaders’ Event, scheduled to be held in Fiji and Tuvalu on October 5-6. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Khanal will deliver his remarks at the Leaders’ Plenary on October 6. Prior to the plenary, he is scheduled to participate in a media question-and-answer session alongside the President of Palau and the prime ministers of Australia and Fiji. Following his participation in the Pre-COP Leaders’ Event, Khanal will travel to Australia, where he is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with his Australian counterpart, Penny Wong, on October 8.
NEPSE drops 11.90 points as turnover reaches Rs 4.29 billion
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index declined by 11.90 points to close at 2,587.25 points, as trading activity generated a total turnover of Rs 4.29 billion. A total of 11.9 million shares were traded during the session. Of the companies whose shares were traded, prices of 61 companies rose, while 207 companies recorded losses. The share prices of 11 companies remained unchanged. Individual stocks recorded price movements ranging from a maximum gain of 14.29 percent to a decline of 8.55 percent. Sectoral performance was largely negative, with all sub-indices except the mutual fund sector closing lower. The highest turnover recorded in an individual stock during the session stood at Rs 260 million.
Heavy snowfall in Hilsa disrupts Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage
The Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage has been disrupted by continuous rain and heavy snowfall in Hilsa, Humla, along Nepal’s northern border. The Hilsa-Taklakot road has been blocked by snow, leaving 41 Nepali citizens stranded at the border checkpoint. Most of those stranded are residents of Namkha Rural Municipality-1, 2 and 3. They had been engaged in business in Taklakot, China, and arrived in Hilsa last Friday. According to Immigration Officer Bimal Poudel, movement across the border has been completely halted after around two and a half feet of snow accumulated in Hilsa. The Chinese authorities have also suspended border movement for pilgrims travelling to Kailash Mansarovar. The Immigration Office in Hilsa said the border checkpoint could resume operations from October 4, depending on weather and road conditions.
Gold and silver prices rise in domestic market
The prices of gold and silver increased in the domestic market on Friday, with gold rising by Rs 1,500 per tola and silver by Rs 25. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of gold was fixed at Rs 294,800 per tola, while silver was traded at Rs 4,450 per tola. On Thursday, gold was priced at Rs 293,300 per tola and silver at Rs 4,425 per tola.
Parliamentary subcommittee formed to probe election police uniform procurement
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the House of Representatives has formed a subcommittee to investigate the procurement of uniforms for election police. The committee formed a nine-member subcommittee at its meeting on Friday, led by Manish Jha, a lawmaker from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). The subcommittee has been given two months to complete its study. The subcommittee members are Ain Mahar, Yogesh Gauchan Thakali, Aren Rai, Khagendra Sunar, Khushbu Oli, Ramesh Kumar Malla, Ganesh Dhimal and Mahendra Bahadur Shahi. Nepal Police procured uniforms for election police in January. Lawmaker Khagendra Sunar has repeatedly raised questions over the procurement process, alleging irregularities.
NA meeting: Home minister tables replies from various ministries
Minister for Home Affairs Sudan Gurung today tabled in the National Assembly (NA), the upper house of the Federal Parliament, the answers to oral and written questions concerning the Ministry of Home Affairs that could not be presented earlier. Minister Gurung also tabled the answers to oral and written questions related to the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Infrastructure Development that had remained unanswered in the Assembly. On behalf of Prime Minister Balendra Shah, Minister for Land Management, Cooperatives, Federal Affairs and General Administration Pratibha Rawal presented the 63rd Annual Report of the Office of the Auditor General, 2083; the Annual Report of the Election Commission of Nepal for the fiscal year 2081/82; and the Annual Report of the Muslim Commission of Nepal for the fiscal year 2081/82 before the Assembly.
Kathmandu Metropolitan City to prepare detailed action plan for vaccination services
Kathmandu Metropolitan City is set to prepare a comprehensive action plan for routine vaccination services provided by both government and private health institutions within its jurisdiction from this year. In previous years, the metropolis prepared detailed action plans only for vaccination programmes conducted through its health promotion centres. From this year, however, the metropolis will also assess routine immunisation services and vaccine-preventable diseases, disseminate information about new vaccines and diseases, promote hygiene, and regularly update its vaccination action plan, according to Maiya Saiju, a public health officer and local resource person for the vaccination programme. The programme has been divided into two phases. The first phase began on Tuesday with the participation of vaccinators from health institutions providing vaccination services within the metropolis.
RPP lawmaker Shahi calls for action against Gen-Z movement and corruption cases
Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) lawmaker Gyan Bahadur Shahi has called for action against those found responsible by the commission formed to investigate the “Gen-Z movement, as well as individuals involved in corruption. Speaking at today’s meeting of the House of Representatives, Shahi said his party would support legal action against anyone found responsible for criminal activities, provided action is taken promptly and in accordance with the law. He said the situation forcing young people to seek employment abroad had not ended and called on the government to prioritize the expansion of industries, factories and health institutions within the country.
Monsoon likely to withdraw from Nepal by Dashain
With Dashain approaching, Nepal’s monsoon season is nearing its end, with meteorologists saying the southwest monsoon could withdraw from the country by the festival. According to meteorologists at the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, weather patterns indicate that the monsoon is gradually retreating and could completely withdraw by Dashain. The monsoon entered Nepal from the eastern region on June 19 this year. Meteorologists said there is currently no significant weather system capable of producing heavy rainfall across the country. The monsoon has already withdrawn from most parts of neighbouring India and is now gradually retreating from western Nepal as well.
Govt preparing to allow security agencies to distribute LPG
The government is preparing to allow security agencies to sell and distribute liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in an effort to ensure supplies during potential shortages. Rudrasingh Tamang, Secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, said arrangements were being made to facilitate LPG distribution through outlets operated by security agencies if the regular supply system faces difficulties. Speaking at a program on “Easy Supply Management and Monitoring of Daily Consumables” organized by the Development, Economic Affairs and Good Governance Committee on Thursday, Tamang said security agencies, including the Nepal Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force, are already involved in the sale and distribution of petroleum products.
Police sweep operation in Kathmandu leads to 250 arrests overnight
Police have launched a citywide sweep operation in Kathmandu as part of efforts to prevent and control criminal activities. According to SP Dan Bahadur Thapa, spokesperson for the District Police Range, Kathmandu, 250 people were arrested for various offences during the operation conducted from Thursday evening until 6 am on Friday. The arrested individuals include 227 men and 23 women. Among those arrested were 13 individuals who had been convicted by courts but were absconding without serving their sentences. Police also arrested a person who had escaped from jail during last year’s Gen-Z movement and three defendants who had been evading arrest in ongoing cases.
Flooding at Myagdi’s Relekhola dam halts power generation
Power generation at the Relekhola Hydropower Project in Annapurna Rural Municipality-4, Narchyang, Myagdi, has been halted after floodwaters entered the project’s dam. The 6 MW project, promoted by Hume Consult Pvt. Ltd., stopped generating electricity after floodwaters entered the dam at the foot of Relekhola. According to project chief Darshanik Kafle, power generation was completely suspended following heavy rainfall and flooding from September 24 to 26. A landslide in the Relekhola area caused the water level to rise, resulting in floodwaters accumulating at the dam. The access road to the dam site, located in a geographically remote area, has also been blocked by landslides, making it difficult to reach the site and resume operations after diverting the floodwaters.
Bus driver dies, 11 passengers injured in Kapilvastu accident
A bus driver was killed and 11 passengers injured when a truck and a bus collided at Chorkhola in Shivaraj Municipality-1, Kapilvastu, on Friday. According to Police Inspector Rajan Dhakal of the District Traffic Police Office, Kapilvastu, the accident occurred when a truck (Na. 6 Kha 3333) travelling east along the East-West Highway collided with a bus (Lu. Pra. 03-001 Kha 0099) coming from the opposite direction. Bus driver Suman Khatri of Khajura Rural Municipality-5, Banke, died at the scene, Dhakal said.
Transmission line repair begins in Myagdi
Repair work has begun on power transmission lines supplying Annapurna Rural Municipality and Mustang, following damage caused by floods and landslides. Flooding in the Kaligandaki River following heavy rainfall from September 24 to 26 damaged and brought down four towers of the 220 kV Dana-Khurkot transmission line at Pokharebgar, Dhirchyang and Bhirkate in Dowa, Annapurna Rural Municipality. The damage disrupted electricity supply to Mustang district and parts of Annapurna Rural Municipality. The disruption has also affected six hydropower projects with a combined capacity of 176 MW in Myagdi and Mustang, as they have been unable to connect to the national grid. The resulting shutdown has caused losses estimated at millions of rupees, while the lack of electricity has also disrupted communication services and affected daily life.
Embankment protects Gaindakot settlements from record Narayani flood
An embankment along the Narayani River has helped protect several settlements in Gaindakot from flooding and erosion, even as the river recorded its highest water level in six decades. The Narayani River reached a record flood level on September 27. In previous years, smaller floods had inundated and eroded several settlements in Gaindakot. This time, however, residents said the flood caused damage to only one settlement in Ward No. 2, while other riverside communities remained largely protected. According to locals, the settlement in Ward No. 2 was inundated because no embankment had been constructed along the riverbank north of the Narayani Bridge. They credited the approximately five-kilometre embankment built south of the bridge with protecting other settlements from the powerful current. Manoj Pariyar of Gaindakot said large boulders placed along the riverbank had significantly reduced the impact of the flood.
Homes lost, dreams alive: Parbat’s Farse waits to rebuild
Until a few days ago, there were houses, barns, farmland and children playing in Farse in Parbat district. Today, the Kaligandaki River flows through much of the area, leaving behind little more than debris and memories. The flood of September 27 in Farse, Jaljala Rural Municipality-8 of Parbat, has upended the lives of dozens of families. Houses built through years of hard work, accumulated possessions and livestock raised with care were swept away by the raging river. Nirmala Sapkota’s family from Dhodeni, Ratnechaur-1 of Beni Municipality, had been living in Farse for years. With good transport links and easy access to markets for agricultural produce, the family had made the settlement its home and workplace. Once considered financially well-off in the community, Nirmala now says her family has been reduced to nothing.
Parsa resident wins Rs 1 million under taxpayer incentive scheme
Lalbabu Sah Kanu of Parsa has won a Rs 1 million prize under the government’s taxpayer incentive scheme. The Inland Revenue Department announced his name on Friday, October 2, for transactions made during the first 15 days of October. The winner was announced at a programme held at the Ministry of Finance in the presence of Sumnima Udas, chairperson of the House of Representatives’ International Relations and Tourism Committee, and lawmakers Ganesh Karki and Santosh Rajbanshi. According to the Inland Revenue Department, Kanu was selected for the bumper prize after purchasing lubricant oil worth Rs 21,000 and obtaining a tax invoice for the transaction.
One killed, five injured in tipper collision in Siraha
One person was killed and five others injured when a tipper collided with an electric vehicle (EV) carrying passengers in Karjanha Municipality-4, Siraha, along the East-West Mahendra Highway. Police said two of the injured are in critical condition. According to Ramesh Bahadur Pal, information officer at the District Police Office, Siraha, the accident occurred when the EV (MP 01-001 Ja 0124), travelling east to west, was struck by a tipper coming from the opposite direction. Shova Kumari, 45, of Golbazar Municipality-4, who was seriously injured in the accident, died while undergoing treatment. Her body has been kept at Provincial Hospital, Siraha, for postmortem examination.
Language Commission submits annual report to President Paudel
The Language Commission has submitted its annual report for the fiscal year 2025/26 to President Ramchandra Paudel. Acting Chairperson Krishna Prasad Neupane handed over the report to President Paudel during a special ceremony held at the President’s Office, Shital Niwas, on Friday. On the occasion, Neupane briefed the President on the commission’s major activities and achievements over the past year in protecting, promoting, and developing Nepal’s languages, as well as in advancing linguistic policy. Under the Constitution, the Language Commission is required to submit its annual report to the President every year.
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