KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Manoj KC appointed Inspector General of Nepal Police
The government has appointed Additional Inspector General of Police (AIG) Dr Manoj Kumar KC as the new Inspector General of Police (IGP) of Nepal Police. A Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday decided to promote and appoint Dr KC to the top police post with effect from the same day, in accordance with Rule 41 of the Police Regulations, 2071 BS. According to Government Spokesperson and Minister for Education and Sports Sasmit Pokharel, the Cabinet also decided to establish a new position of Special Security Adviser to the Prime Minister at the IGP level within the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers. The newly created position is intended to provide the Prime Minister with security-related advice, recommendations and consultations to strengthen the country’s peace and security system in the current context.
Home Minister confers rank insignia on newly appointed IGP
In a departure from established practice, Home Minister Sudan Gurung conferred the rank insignia on the newly appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr Manoj Kumar KC, for the first time. On Wednesday, Gurung formally decorated KC with the IGP rank insignia following his appointment as the chief of Nepal Police. Previously, the Home Secretary had been performing the ceremonial duty of conferring the rank insignia on newly appointed police chiefs. The government appointed KC as the new IGP on Wednesday, replacing Dan Bahadur Karki. An emergency meeting of the Council of Ministers decided to remove Karki from the police leadership and appoint KC, who was previously serving as chief of the Criminal Investigation Department.
New IGP KC vows impartiality, accountability and police reforms
Newly appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr Manoj Kumar KC has pledged to make citizens’ safety, security and dignity the top priorities of Nepal Police, stressing that the force must earn public trust through impartiality, professionalism and effective service delivery. Speaking briefly after receiving the IGP rank insignia at the Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday, KC reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the Constitution and the rule of law. Vowing not to compromise on the integrity and impartiality of the police organisation, he described public trust and the relationship between police personnel and citizens as one of the force’s most valuable assets. “From today, let us begin a journey that shifts our focus from simply performing duties to delivering services. Citizens should feel trust, not fear, when they see a police officer, and every police personnel should take pride in wearing the uniform,” he said.
India ready to assist Nepal in rebuilding Bhotekoshi flood-damaged infrastructure: Misri
Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has expressed India’s readiness to support Nepal’s reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts in areas affected by the Bhotekoshi floods, which caused extensive damage to infrastructure. During a meeting with a Nepali delegation led by Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai in Kathmandu on Wednesday, Misri said India was prepared to consider Nepal’s proposals for assistance and projects required during the reconstruction and rehabilitation phase. Acknowledging the scale of the damage caused by the floods, he said India was willing to extend further support and hold detailed discussions with the Nepali leadership on the assistance required. Misri also highlighted the longstanding and special relationship between Nepal and India, describing the two countries as partners that have stood by each other through both favourable and difficult circumstances.
Continuous dry landslides reported in Manaslu region
Dry landslides have been occurring continuously in the Manaslu region of northern Gorkha since Tuesday morning, raising concerns among local residents. Kalden Chhewang Lama, chairperson of Ward No. 5 of Chumanubri Rural Municipality, said repeated landslides have been reported in Kyrak, particularly along the route connecting Kyrak to Serang Monastery. According to Lama, a major dry landslide has been occurring at Bumrang, about a 30-minute walk from Kyrak along the trail to Serang Monastery. “A massive dry landslide has been occurring at Bumrang on the route from Kyrak to Serang. Around 11 am on Tuesday, white dust and smoke-like clouds began rising as the landslide occurred. We went to inspect the site at around 1 pm and were shocked by what we saw. The landslide occurred again last night, and it is still continuing. We wanted to visit the site again, but could not because of the ongoing activity,” Lama said.
NEPSE edges up 1.40 points, turnover reaches Rs 7.43 billion
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) posted a marginal gain on Wednesday, with the benchmark index rising 1.40 points, or 0.05 percent, to close at 2,665.53 points. The market had declined by 6.62 points in the previous trading session. The benchmark index opened at 2,668.40 points and fluctuated throughout the trading session, reaching an intraday high of 2,686.06 points and a low of 2,660.64 points before closing at 2,665.53. Total turnover stood at Rs 7.43 billion, with 21,223,414 shares of 358 companies traded through 59,185 transactions. The total market capitalisation of NEPSE stood at Rs 45.88 trillion, while float market capitalisation reached Rs 15.61 trillion.
Gold price rises by Rs 600 per tola in Nepali market today
The price of gold has continued to rise in the domestic market, increasing by Rs 600 per tola on Wednesday, while the price of silver has declined. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Associations, the price of gold has been fixed at Rs 275,600 per tola today, up from Rs 275,000 on Tuesday. Gold had increased by Rs 700 per tola on Tuesday. On the previous Tuesday, its price had risen by Rs 2,300 to Rs 274,300 per tola. On Sunday, the price of gold had plunged by Rs 8,300 per tola. This followed a cumulative increase of Rs 5,000 over the preceding four days. Meanwhile, the price of silver has declined by Rs 20 per tola today to Rs 3,655. On Tuesday, silver had also fallen by Rs 45 per tola to Rs 3,675.
Power supply to be ensured during festive season
Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Biraj Bhakta Shrestha has directed the concerned authorities to ensure an uninterrupted electricity supply during the upcoming festive season. He has also instructed the subordinate agencies to prioritise preparatory measures and adopt systematic planning for electricity management during the upcoming dry season. Minister Shrestha urged the Executive Director and staff concerned to make all necessary arrangements to ensure a regular and reliable power supply throughout the Tihar and Chhath festivals. Furthermore, he directed the Nepal Electricity Authority to assess the potential for domestic electricity generation and power imports to maintain a stable and reliable supply during the dry season.
Tribhuvan University reclaims 705 ropanis of land in Kathmandu Valley
Tribhuvan University (TU) has reclaimed 705 ropanis of land in the Kathmandu Valley that legally belonged to the university but had long remained under the occupation of various institutions, organisations and individuals. Minister for Education and Sports Sasmit Pokharel said the university had successfully recovered land through coordinated efforts by the Ministry of Education and Sports and the TU administration. The reclaimed land had been occupied without authorisation, used in violation of existing agreements or retained beyond the expiry of lease periods. The recovery drive was launched primarily on the basis of the findings of the TU Land Investigation Committee and the university’s internal records. As part of the initiative, an inventory was prepared of university-owned land across the Kathmandu Valley that had been occupied without proper authorisation.
South African cricketer David Miller arrives in Nepal
South African cricketer David Miller has arrived in Nepal to play in the third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL). Miller landed at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) this morning, where he was welcomed by representatives of NPL franchise Karnali Yaks. This is his first visit to Nepal. Karnali Yaks have signed Miller as an overseas player for this edition of the tournament. The 37-year-old left-handed batter is renowned for his aggressive batting in limited-overs cricket and his ability to turn matches around under pressure. Miller has represented South Africa in 140 T20 Internationals, scoring 2,804 runs, including two centuries and nine half-centuries. Similarly, he has scored 4,762 runs in 180 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), with eight centuries and 24 half-centuries.
133 killed in disaster-related incidents during monsoon season
A total of 133 people lost their lives in disaster-related incidents across Nepal during this year’s monsoon season, while 14 others remain missing and 227 were injured. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), these figures exclude casualties from the Bhotekoshi floods. NDRRMA Spokesperson Ram KC said that 3,533 families were directly affected by monsoon-induced disasters during the 118-day monsoon period. The human toll was slightly lower than last year’s figures. During the previous monsoon season, 140 people died, 30 went missing and 300 sustained injuries. A total of 5,995 families were directly affected during that period, according to the authority. KC said that although 77 districts were affected by monsoon-related disasters this year, 45 districts recorded significant human casualties.
Pakistani Ambassador calls on Gandaki Chief Minister, discusses bilateral cooperation
Mohammad Aamir Khan, Ambassador of Pakistan to Nepal, paid a courtesy call on Gandaki Province Chief Minister Surendra Raj Pandey in Pokhara to discuss ways to further strengthen the friendly and cordial relations between Pakistan and Nepal. During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on expanding cooperation with Gandaki Province, particularly Pokhara, in key areas such as tourism, agriculture, education, healthcare, startups and trade. Ambassador Khan highlighted the longstanding friendship between the two countries and their shared cultural heritage, including Buddhist and Hindu traditions. He emphasised the importance of promoting cultural exchanges and strengthening people-to-people ties to further deepen bilateral relations.
Two Indian nationals arrested with firecrackers
Police have arrested two Indian nationals for allegedly possessing and trading firecrackers worth Rs 623,465 in different parts of the district. The arrested individuals have been identified as Sanjay Sah Teli, 41, a native of Motihari district in India who currently resides in Harihartol, Kalika Municipality-6, and Kanhaiya Kumar, 29, from the same district, who resides in Bahraghere, Bharatpur Metropolitan City-3. According to District Police Office Chief and Superintendent of Police Rameshwor Poudel, police recovered 80,372 firecrackers and Rs 172,300 in cash from their possession. SP Poudel urged the public to inform the nearest police office if they have any information about the illegal trade of firecrackers and other explosive materials. He said the arrested individuals would face charges related to the transportation, storage and possession of explosives.
Skeleton of one-horned Rhino found
The skeleton of a rare one-horned rhinoceros has been found in the Damasthani Buffer Community Forest in Rapti Municipality-1, Chitwan. According to Ganesh Tiwari, Information Officer at Chitwan National Park, the skeleton, including the horn and hooves, was discovered around six months after the animal is believed to have died. Authorities suspect that the rhino died of natural causes. Tiwari said the intact horn and hooves suggest that the animal was not killed by poachers. According to the latest census, Chitwan National Park and its buffer zone are home to 694 adult rhinos, while the national population stands at 752. With the growing rhino population, deaths due to natural causes have also become a concern, contributing to the overall mortality rate.
Indian tourists’ interest in Manang continues to grow
Manang is witnessing a growing influx of Indian tourists, with 5,049 visitors from India travelling to the district by October 2026. According to Dhak Bahadur Bhujel, chief of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Unit in Manang, a total of 30,662 foreign tourists visited the district during the first 10 months of 2026. Of the total visitors, 19,140 were men, 11,512 were women and 10 were recorded under other categories. Indian tourists accounted for the largest number of visitors, with 5,049 arrivals, followed by 2,768 from Israel, 1,948 from Germany, 1,899 from China and 1,034 from France. “Visitors from 119 countries have travelled to different parts of Manang by October,” Bhujel said, adding that 5,090 tourists came from South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries, while 25,572 came from other countries.
Nepal Tourism Board to organize ‘Kukur Tihar’ reel competition
The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) is set to organize the ‘Kukur Tihar Reel Competition 2026’ for the first time to promote Nepal’s cultural tourism through digital platforms. The competition is being organized under the direction of Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Khadga Raj Paudel as part of the board’s efforts to promote Nepal’s traditional festivals, culture and heritage to international audiences through digital media. The board has previously organized various promotional activities in this regard. On the occasion of Bada Dashain, it coordinated with local governments and tourism-related organizations to install traditional bamboo swings (linge ping) at 100 locations across the country. The reel competition aims to showcase the cultural significance of Kukur Tihar, the close relationship between humans and dogs, and Nepal’s unique traditions to the international community through creative digital content.
Water tourism operators urged to ensure safety in Pokhara
The District Administration Office, Kaski, has urged operators of water tourism activities in Pokhara, including those operating on Fewa Lake, to ensure safety and comply with existing laws. The office directed operators to register boats, kayaks and surfing boats with the relevant authorities before operating them. It also stressed that participation in water-based recreational activities without wearing life jackets must be strictly prohibited. According to the statement issued by Assistant Chief District Officer Ramesh Gharti, business operators must regularly monitor the safety conditions of people participating in water tourism activities.
Commercial marigold floriculture booming in Dang
Commercial marigold farming is gaining popularity in Dang, with more farmers taking up cultivation to meet the growing demand during festivals such as Tihar and Deepawali. Prem Biwas Gharti, an established artist from Tulsipur, has joined hands with four others to cultivate marigolds commercially in Jinuwagaun, Tulsipur Sub-Metropolitan City-17. Gharti said he ventured into floriculture alongside his music career to become involved in agriculture. “Although I am involved in the arts, I started marigold farming with the aim of becoming active in the agricultural sector as well,” he said. The group, operating under the Aromatic Agriculture Group, has planted around 2,400 marigold saplings of the ‘Karma 555’ variety on five katthas of land.
Geological study conducted in landslide-affected areas of Parbat’s Jaljala
A team of geologists has conducted a geological assessment of landslide-affected areas in Jaljala Rural Municipality of neighbouring Parbat district, which suffered extensive damage during the recent monsoon-induced disasters. The team, comprising geologists, local representatives and technicians from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, inspected settlements damaged by landslides as well as areas considered vulnerable to further disasters. A team including geologists Suman Pandey and Sandesh Regmi inspected landslide-affected areas in Farse, Kirakhor, Khanigaun and Tangwang on Tuesday, according to Jaljala Rural Municipality Vice-Chairperson Deepak Acharya. “The team will conduct further assessments in Kerabari, Pulchowk and Bhedabari,” Acharya said.
Diverse butterfly species found in Shivapuri National Park
Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, which extends across four districts, including Kathmandu, is home to a wide variety of butterfly species. According to park statistics, 124 of the 630 butterfly species recorded in Nepal are found in Shivapuri National Park. With its lush forests, tranquil surroundings and scenic trails, the park is a popular destination for hiking and nature enthusiasts. Its diverse wildlife, numerous bird species and colourful butterflies add to the park’s natural beauty, making it an attractive destination for nature lovers.
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