KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
NPL: Sudurpaschim Royals defeat Chitwan Rhinos by five wickets
Sudurpaschim Royals registered their second victory in the Nepal Premier League (NPL), defeating Chitwan Rhinos by five wickets in the second match of the day on Monday. Chasing Chitwan’s target of 130 runs, Sudurpaschim reached 130 for the loss of five wickets in 16.4 overs. Brandon McMullen led the batting effort for Sudurpaschim with 43 runs off 21 deliveries, smashing six fours and two sixes. Ishan Pandey contributed 25 runs before being dismissed leg-before-wicket (LBW). Arif Sheikh added 20 runs, while Sherfane Rutherford remained unbeaten on 21. Binod Bhandari scored 11, whereas Saif Jaib and captain Dipendra Singh Airee managed two runs and zero, respectively. Ranjit Kumar was the most successful bowler for Chitwan, claiming three wickets for 28 runs. Rijan Dhakal and Mausam Dhakal took one wicket each.
NPL: Kathmandu Gorkhas Beat Karnali Yaks by Four Wickets
Kathmandu Gorkhas defeated Karnali Yaks by four wickets in an exciting Nepal Premier League (NPL) encounter on Monday. Chasing the target set by Karnali Yaks, Kathmandu secured the victory at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. Rashid Khan and captain Karan KC played key roles in Kathmandu’s win. Rashid scored a half-century, while Karan delivered an aggressive batting performance to guide his team to victory.
Opp’n parties urge govt to summon Parliament over political and constitutional concerns
Opposition parties have urged the government to convene a session of Parliament immediately, citing growing political concerns and the need for serious discussions on national issues, democracy and constitutional matters. The demand was made during a meeting of opposition parties held on Monday at the call of the Nepali Congress. Nepali Communist Party leader Pramesh Hamal, who attended the meeting, said the opposition parties had unanimously decided to urge the government to summon Parliament without delay. “We have decided to demand, on behalf of the opposition parties, that the session of Parliament be convened as soon as possible,” Hamal said after the meeting. He said the session was necessary to hold serious discussions on issues affecting the people, matters of national interest, democracy, and concerns over alleged challenges to the Constitution. Hamal said the meeting also held extensive discussions on current political developments, noting that serious problems had emerged in the country’s political landscape. “Serious questions have also been raised regarding national interest,” he said. “Similarly, we held serious discussions on people’s livelihoods and the relief and reconstruction support that communities affected by disasters should receive.”
PM Balen Shah says land administration services will be available at local level
Prime Minister (PM) Balendra Shah has announced that all land administration services will be made available through local governments within the next month. In a social media post, Shah said the government aims to fully decentralise land administration services as part of its 100-point governance reform agenda. “Singha Durbar in every village, land administration at the local level,” he wrote. He said the essence of a federal democratic republic is to bring the government closer to citizens by ensuring that public services reach them, rather than requiring them to travel long distances to access government offices. “Embracing this principle, the Government of Nepal has set a target of fully implementing land administration services at the local level as an integral part of its 100-point governance reform agenda,” he stated.
NC demands parliamentary probe into govt activities
The Nepali Congress (NC) Parliamentary Party has decided to demand the formation of a high-level parliamentary committee to investigate alleged collusion between court officials and middlemen. The meeting also decided to urge the government to immediately convene sessions of both the House of Representatives and the National Assembly to address the issue, said Chief Whip Basana Thapa. A meeting of the Nepali Congress Parliamentary Party held at Singha Durbar on Monday called for a special parliamentary committee to conduct an independent, impartial and transparent investigation into the government’s controversial actions and take legal action against those found guilty. The meeting stressed that governance must be carried out in accordance with the mandate received through elections and that neither the government nor any other institution can stand above the Constitution and the law, said Bhishma Raj Angdembe, leader of the Nepali Congress Parliamentary Party.
Supreme Court calls for impartial probe into issues involving middleman Inam Sapkota
The Supreme Court’s full court meeting called for relevant authorities to conduct an impartial investigation into issues involving middleman Inam Sapkota. The full court meeting was held on Monday to discuss recent media reports concerning Supreme Court judges, according to Supreme Court spokesperson Dr. Ashok Kumar Shrestha. He said the meeting deliberated on news reports currently circulating in the media and made five decisions following the discussions. Among its decisions, the full court called on all concerned authorities to remain committed to the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law. It also urged the relevant bodies to take the issues involving Sapkota seriously and ensure an impartial investigation.
Nepal announces 15-member squad for U-19 Asia Cup
The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming Men’s U-19 Asia Cup, with Bipin Prasad Sharma named captain. According to CAN, the tournament will be held in Oman from November 5 to 14. Nepal has been placed in Group A alongside India, Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Nepal will begin its campaign against India on November 6, followed by matches against the UAE on November 8 and Pakistan on November 10. The squad comprises Bipin Prasad Sharma (captain), Niraj Kumar Yadav, Prashiddha Jaishi, Sohail Kunwar, Darsh Sunar, Rohit Chand, Nischal Chhetri, Ashish Luhar, Roshan Shahi, Suryanshu Koirala, Abhay Yadav, Sushil Rawal, Nitesh Kumar Patel, Shubham Khanal and Sachin Bhatta.
NEPSE drops 32.65 points as market turnover declines to Rs 7.18 billion
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index lost 32.65 points on Monday, closing at 2,657 points on the first trading day of the week. The market remained in negative territory throughout the trading session. Total turnover also declined to Rs 7.18 billion, down from Rs 8.89 billion recorded in the previous session. Of the companies traded, share prices of 252 declined, while 21 registered gains and six remained unchanged. All sectoral indices ended the session lower, with the development bank sub-index suffering the largest loss of 1.88 percent. Among individual companies, Beni Hydropower emerged as the top gainer, with its share price climbing 15 percent. Makar Jitumaya Suri Hydropower rose by 8.77 percent, while Mandakini Hydropower gained 5.47 percent.
Gold price rises by Rs 2,300 in Nepali market
Gold and silver prices witnessed an increase in the domestic market today, according to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association. The price of gold climbed by Rs 2,300 per tola to reach Rs 274,300. On Sunday, gold had fallen by Rs 8,300 per tola to Rs 272,000. Before that, its price had increased by Rs 5,000 over four consecutive days, following a steep decline of Rs 11,700 on October 25. Similarly, silver prices rose by Rs 70 per tola to Rs 3,720 today. On Sunday, silver had dropped by Rs 175 per tola to Rs 3,650. Gold recorded its all-time high in the Nepali market on January 29, 2024, when its price surged by Rs 20,500 to reach Rs 339,300 per tola. Silver also hit its record high of Rs 7,505 per tola on the same day.
Govt office hours revised to 9 am–4 pm for winter season
Starting today (November 2), government offices across Nepal will operate from 9 am to 4 pm for the next three months, until January 29, 2027. According to a notice published in the Nepal Gazette, the revised schedule will apply five days a week, with offices closing one hour earlier than the previous 9 am to 5 pm schedule. The adjustment has been made considering shorter daylight hours during the winter season, when it gets dark around 5 pm. The government had earlier decided to implement a two-day weekend, with both Saturday and Sunday designated as public holidays. The Cabinet made the decision citing difficulties in the supply of petroleum products. Although the two-day weekend was initially introduced in response to those difficulties, the arrangement has continued.
Indian Foreign Secretary Misri to visit Nepal
Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is scheduled to arrive in Nepal on November 4 for a two-day official visit. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal and India’s Ministry of External Affairs issued separate press statements on Monday, announcing Misri’s upcoming visit. According to Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Misri is visiting Nepal at the invitation of Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai. During the visit, Misri will hold a meeting with his Nepali counterpart, Rai, to review various aspects of Nepal-India relations and discuss ways to further strengthen bilateral ties. Misri is also scheduled to pay courtesy calls on senior government officials during his stay in Nepal. He is scheduled to return to New Delhi on November 5.
Thapa withdraws name as proposed ambassador to Japan
Jigyan Kumar Thapa has withdrawn his name from the recommendation for appointment as Nepal’s ambassador to Japan. Thapa decided to withdraw his candidacy after questions were raised during a parliamentary hearing regarding his acquisition of permanent residency (PR) in Japan.Thapa, who chaired the parliamentary hearing committee, said he had decided to withdraw his name amid concerns over a possible conflict of interest. He added that he would submit a formal application shortly. During the hearing, Thapa had clarified that he had already renounced his Japanese PR. However, the hearing remained inconclusive after lawmakers raised questions regarding Article 291 of the Constitution and the timing of his renunciation of permanent residency.
Traffic police deploy 1,600 personnel for Tihar and Chhath festival security
The Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office has introduced a special security arrangement for the upcoming Tihar and Chhath festivals, mobilizing 1,600 traffic police personnel to ensure smooth traffic management and passenger safety. According to Superintendent of Police and spokesperson Naresh Raj Subedi, 14 passenger assistance desks have been set up at various locations across the valley to help travellers and address their concerns. As part of the festival security measures, authorities have intensified technical inspections of long- and medium-distance public vehicles. Technical teams, in coordination with traffic police, are carrying out mechanical and emission tests at bus parks, Jagati and Nagdhunga to ensure vehicles are roadworthy before departure. Traffic police have also stepped up monitoring of speeding, overloading and drunk driving to prevent road accidents. Particular attention is being given to enforcing the mandatory requirement of deploying two drivers on long-distance public vehicles.
NOC initiates process to merge LPG companies
Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has initiated the process of merging liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) companies operating under different names and brands. According to NOC Director Binit Mani Upadhyay, the proposed merger policy aims to simplify the sale and distribution of LPG and safeguard consumer interests. The corporation has written to all LPG industries, asking them to prepare merger plans and proceed with the consolidation process, Upadhyay said.
7,688 disaster incidents recorded across Nepal between mid-April and Nov 1
A total of 7,688 disaster incidents were recorded across Nepal between mid-April and November 1, claiming 402 lives and leaving 17 people missing, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA). The Authority has documented various types of disasters during the period, including snakebites, landslides, floods, lightning strikes, fires, lake-related incidents, animal attacks, avalanches, storms, heavy rainfall, boat capsizings, forest fires, explosions, hailstorms and earthquakes. Ram Bahadur KC, spokesperson and deputy secretary of the Authority, said the country recorded 1,735 landslides, 1,668 snakebite incidents, 1,641 fires, 593 heavy rainfall events, 537 storms, 466 floods, 417 animal attacks and 333 lightning incidents. Similarly, the records include 192 forest fires, 79 lake-related incidents, six avalanches, nine earthquakes, four hailstorms, two boat capsizings, one explosion and five other incidents.
Dr. Govinda KC airlifted from Ilam to Kathmandu for further treatment
Senior medical professional Prof. Dr. Govinda KC, who has been staging a hunger strike in Ilam demanding reforms in medical education, has been airlifted to Kathmandu for further treatment. KC, who was admitted to Ilam District Hospital on Sunday after developing health complications, was brought to Kathmandu by a Nepali Army helicopter this morning. According to his secretariat, he will receive treatment at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital. He was admitted to the hospital where medical examinations revealed dangerously low blood glucose levels and an elevated level of acetone in his urine. KC began his 25th Satyagraha protesting the decision to grant permission for medical education programmes at institutions that lack the necessary infrastructure. He has also demanded the annulment of decisions involving conflicts of interest.
Six Indian tourists rescued from snowbound Dolpa
Six Indian tourists stranded in Dolpa district following heavy snowfall were rescued by helicopter and flown to the district headquarters, Dunai, on Monday morning. The tourists had been stranded at Danigadh in Shey-Phoksundo Rural Municipality-8 while travelling towards Upper Dolpa after visiting Shey-Phoksundo Lake. Heavy snowfall blocked their route, leaving them unable to continue their journey. According to Dolpa Chief District Officer (CDO) Junu Hamal Dhakal, an attempt to evacuate the tourists on Sunday was unsuccessful due to technical problems. A helicopter rescue operation was successfully carried out on Monday morning, bringing all six tourists safely to Dunai. The rescued tourists have been identified as Momita Haldar, Piyali Kole, Jajala Trived Kumar, Aditya Singh, Dipalina Biswas and Rajesh De.
Delay in distributing land ownership certificates to landless unacceptable: Minister Rawal
Minister for Land Management, Cooperatives, Federal Affairs and General Administration Pratibha Rawal has directed authorities to expedite the distribution of land ownership certificates to landless people, describing the delay in the process as unacceptable. During an interaction with office-bearers of the District Land Problem Resolution Committee, chief administrative officers of all 15 local governments in Jhapa and employees of the Land Section at the District Administration Office, Minister Rawal expressed dissatisfaction with the progress made so far in distributing land titles to landless Dalits, landless squatters and unorganized settlers. “The progress so far cannot be considered satisfactory. Thousands of land ownership certificates should have been distributed to landless people, but the expected results have not been achieved,” she said. Stating that the government had already introduced policy reforms through an ordinance to address land-related problems, Rawal said the government was ready to facilitate any remaining legal or policy arrangements.
Damage assessment in disaster-hit Parbat’s Jaljala nears completion
The collection of details and assessment of damage caused by monsoon-related disasters in Jaljala Rural Municipality of Parbat district, adjacent to Beni Bazaar, the headquarters of Myagdi, has reached its final stage. A joint team of elected representatives and technical personnel has completed on-site inspections and damage assessments in several wards to determine the requirements for the reconstruction, retrofitting and rehabilitation of private houses damaged by floods and landslides along the Kaligandaki River following heavy rainfall. According to Jaljala Rural Municipality Vice-Chairperson Deepak Acharya, inspections have been completed in wards 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 9, where officials collected damage details, assessed losses and distributed relief materials. The assessment and relief distribution in Ward No. 7, particularly in the severely affected areas of Dhairing and Nagliwang, are expected to be completed within the next couple of days. “After completing relief distribution to disaster-affected families, we have moved towards managing temporary shelters and initiating reconstruction,” Acharya said.
Five arrested with 209 kg of marijuana in Dharan
Police have arrested five people with 209 kilograms and 420 grams of marijuana in Chyandanda, Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City-20. According to the District Police Office, Sunsari, a police team launched an operation following a special tip-off that marijuana was being transported in two Scorpio vehicles. The suspects were arrested with the contraband, which was loaded into the two vehicles. Police fired two rounds into the air after the suspects attempted to evade them before taking them into custody, said Chandra Bahadur Khadka, Information Officer at the District Police Office. Those arrested have been identified as Ramsagar Kumar Yadav, 24, of Dakneshwari Municipality-10, Saptari; Rajendra Prasad Mandal, 45, of Rajgadh Rural Municipality-1; Santosh Thakur, 38, of Madhubani district, Bihar, India; Rajkumar Sah, 59, of Chhinnamasta Rural Municipality-6, Saptari; and Amrit Bishungkhe, 21, of Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City-11.
Motorcyclist dies after being hit by bus in Chabahil
A motorcyclist who was critically injured after a bus hit his motorcycle in Chabahil, Kathmandu, has died during treatment. The deceased has been identified as Suman Prasad Adhikari of Mahashila Rural Municipality-1, Parbat district, according to the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office. According to the office, the accident occurred this morning at Chabahil in Kathmandu Metropolitan City-7. A bus (Pra 3-01-006 Kha 0630), travelling from Gopikrishna Bridge towards Chabahil Chowk, hit a motorcycle (Ba Pra 02-053-1864) travelling in the same direction. Adhikari sustained serious injuries in the collision and was rushed to Helping Hands Hospital in Chabahil for treatment. He later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital, said Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office spokesperson and Superintendent of Police Naresh Raj Subedi.
30-day countdown begins for 10th National Games
Minister for Education and Sports Sasmit Pokharel has said preparations for the 10th National Games are progressing at full pace, with just 30 days remaining before the national sporting event begins. Marking the start of the 30-day countdown, Pokharel said construction of essential infrastructure, human resource management and resource mobilization were underway through coordination and collaboration among the federal government, Karnali Provincial Government and Birendranagar Municipality. He stressed that all stakeholders at different levels must fulfil their respective responsibilities with commitment and accountability to ensure the successful organization of the event.
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