KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Foreign Minister Khanal says govt committed to strengthening Nepal’s foreign relations
Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal has said the government is actively working to strengthen Nepal’s international relations based on the principles of non-alignment, sovereignty, territorial integrity and mutual respect. Speaking at a program jointly organized by the Community Service Center Nepal and the Community Police Service Center Nepal, Minister Khanal said the current government’s policy is to maintain friendly, balanced and peaceful relations with all countries. Chief of the Kathmandu Valley Police Office, Ishwar Karki, said police have been working in coordination with the community to build a crime-free society.
RSP chair Lamichhane, RPP parliamentary leader Shahi hold meeting
Chair of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, Rabi Lamichhane, held a meeting with parliamentary party leader of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party, Gyanendra Shahi, on Saturday. The meeting, held at Lamichhane’s residence, lasted for about an hour and has drawn attention in political circles. It is being viewed by some as a significant discussion amid ongoing political developments. According to sources, the two leaders discussed possible cooperation regarding the post of deputy speaker in the House of Representatives, parliamentary strategy, and future political direction.
Pokhara begins removing illegal structures along Phewa Lake
Pokhara Metropolitan City has started removing structures built in violation of standards along the banks of Phewa Lake. The metropolitan city, with support from the Nepal Police, used bulldozers on Saturday to demolish 32 temporary structures from Sedi to Khapaudi, according to Metropolitan Police Chief Purushottam Thapa. Thapa said the demolition drive was carried out to implement a verdict issued by the Supreme Court of Nepal regarding the removal of structures built against established standards around the lake.
Nepali Congress holds orientation for central representatives ahead of 15th general convention
The Nepali Congress has organized an orientation program for central representatives who will be deployed in electoral constituencies in preparation for the party’s 15th general convention. The program was held at the party’s central office in Sanepa, where representatives were briefed on preparations for the general convention, as well as their roles, responsibilities, and efforts to strengthen the party organization.
Only 723 out of 1,900 cooperatives submit reports regularly in Kathmandu
Of the nearly 1,900 cooperatives operating within Kathmandu Metropolitan City, only 723 have been submitting their annual reports regularly, according to the metropolis. Data from the Cooperative Department of the metropolitan city shows that nearly half of the cooperatives have failed to submit their reports on a regular basis, raising concerns about transparency and compliance. Officials say such a trend may indicate underlying problems in those institutions. Chief of the Cooperative Department, Dhruba Kumar Kafle, said the metropolis has repeatedly urged cooperatives to submit their annual reports. However, many have continued to ignore the directive.
Locals protest after structures demolished near Phewa Lake in Pokhara
Locals staged protests after the Pokhara Metropolitan City used bulldozers to demolish structures built around Phewa Lake on Saturday morning. The protest erupted after the metropolis began dismantling temporary huts as part of its drive to remove encroachments around the lake area. Affected locals obstructed the road, expressing anger over the demolition. Residents said the bulldozing has affected their businesses and livelihoods. The protest also disrupted vehicular movement in the area.
Health Ministry directs private medical colleges, hospitals to ensure minimum salary for nurses
The Ministry of Health and Population has directed private medical and dental colleges as well as hospitals to ensure minimum salaries and service facilities for nurses and other health workers. The Policy, Planning and Monitoring Division under the ministry recently issued a letter to the Association of Private Health Institutions of Nepal and the Nepal Medical and Dental College Association, urging them to implement an agreement reached with stakeholders on November 1. According to the ministry, complaints were received that some institutions have not implemented the agreement despite commitments to provide minimum salaries and benefits.
Actor Sagar Lamsal arrested over rape allegation
Actor Sagar Lamsal, popularly known as Bale, has been arrested in connection with a rape allegation. According to Senior Superintendent of Police Ramesh Thapa, chief of the Kathmandu District Police Range, Lamsal was arrested from Baluwa Khani in Kapan of Budhanilkantha Municipality. A woman currently living in the United States had accused Lamsal of rape. She made the allegation through a Facebook post on Friday, claiming that the incident occurred in the United States.
Six injured Nepalis discharged after missile debris incident in Abu Dhabi
The Nepali Embassy in the United Arab Emirates has shared the latest update on the condition of Nepali nationals injured in Friday’s incident in Abu Dhabi. Issuing a statement on Saturday, the embassy said seven Nepali citizens were injured after debris from a missile fell in the Abjan area of Abu Dhabi on Friday. Among them, one person had earlier been reported to be in critical condition. According to the latest update from the embassy, six of the injured have already been discharged from hospital after receiving general treatment. One injured person is still undergoing treatment in hospital.
Shram Sanskriti Party stakes claim for Deputy Speaker post
The Shram Sanskriti Party has announced its intention to contest the post of Deputy Speaker in the House of Representatives (HoR). Party Chair Harka Sampang Rai, in a Facebook post, confirmed that the party will field a female candidate for the position. He also expressed confidence that the newly-formed Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) would support the Shram Sanskriti Party’s candidate. “We have congratulated the Speaker on being elected unopposed. Now the election for the Deputy Speaker is underway! We are fielding a female candidate. Let’s see whether the new members vote for the new candidate or stick with the old ones – will it be 7 votes or 189?” Rai wrote.
Power struggle intensifies in UML as Bishnu Paudel shifts stance after Oli’s arrest
A new power struggle has surfaced within the CPN-UML after party Vice Chair Bishnu Paudel appeared to change his stance following the arrest of party Chair KP Sharma Oli. Oli was arrested on March 28 over allegations related to the violent turn of the Gen‑Z Movement in Nepal held on September 8 and 9, 2025, during which several youths reportedly lost their lives. His arrest has created a possibility of a shift in the internal power balance within the party. Paudel, who was elected vice chair from Oli’s panel during the party’s 11th General Convention, is now seen aligning himself with leaders outside the establishment faction. Political observers say his move could significantly alter the balance of power inside the party.
Kathmandu police arrest five gang members, 18 others in ‘Operation Safety’
Kathmandu Police have arrested five alleged gang members and 18 others accused of harassing passengers at the airport during a special operation conducted across the Valley on Friday night. According to Superintendent of Police (SP) Pawan Bhattarai, spokesperson for the District Police Office Kathmandu, the arrests were made as part of ‘Operation Safety Kathmandu’. Police arrested Praveen Tamang, also known as ‘Dimple’, for his alleged involvement in gang activities associated with the Shyam Lama group in the Boudha area.
NC leader Shekhar Koirala says he is not aligned with any faction
Leader of the Nepali Congress, Shekhar Koirala, has clarified that he is not affiliated with any faction within the party. Speaking at the annual general meeting of BP Memorial Community Cooperative Hospital in Kathmandu on Saturday, Koirala objected to recent claims linking him to the non-establishment faction within the party. He said misleading narratives were being spread on social media associating him with different groups.
Bamdev Gautam writes open letter to PM urging release of Oli from custody
Central member of the Nepali Communist Party, Bamdev Gautam, has written an open letter to Prime Minister Balen Shah urging the release of former Prime Minister and CPN-UML chair, K.P. Sharma Oli, from custody. Gautam cited Oli’s age of 74 and his poor physical health, stating that keeping him in custody under such conditions is inappropriate. He also criticized the overnight raid and early morning arrest, calling it a wrongful approach, and requested the Prime Minister to rectify the action.
Youth protest fuel price hike in Kathmandu
Youth activists staged a protest in Kathmandu on Saturday against the recent hike in petroleum product prices. The protesters said the increase in fuel prices could lead to a rise in the cost of daily essential goods, placing an additional burden on the public. During the demonstration, participants displayed placards with slogans such as “Stop the burden of inflation,” “Reduce petrol tax,” “Lower fuel prices to give relief to the public,” and “Abolish taxes on petrol.”
Portugal to open consular office in Kathmandu
The government of Portugal has announced plans to open a consular office in Kathmandu. Portugal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Portugal shared the update through its official social media platforms, including Facebook and X, stating that the move is expected to strengthen bilateral relations, promote shared interests, and enhance cooperation between the two countries. Nepal has long been requesting the Portuguese government to establish a diplomatic mission in Kathmandu. The planned consular office is expected to ease access to services for Nepali citizens.
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