KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
PM Balen holds security briefing with chiefs of security agencies
Prime Minister (PM) Balendra Shah (Balen) on Thursday held a briefing with the chiefs of the country’s security agencies on the latest peace and security situation. Prime Minister Shah summoned Chief of Army Staff Ashok Raj Sigdel, Inspector General of Nepal Police Dr. Manoj Kumar KC and Inspector General of the Armed Police Force, Nepal, Narayan Dutta Poudel, to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers at Singha Durbar for the briefing. During the meeting, the security chiefs briefed the prime minister on the security situation, public safety and overall security management during the ongoing festive season. According to the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, Shah directed the Nepal Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force to strengthen mutual coordination, information sharing and cooperation to further improve the country’s security arrangements.
RSP will not interfere in govt’s work: Rabi Lamichhane
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane has ruled out any interference by the party in government affairs, saying both sides are operating within their respective roles and responsibilities, with no internal differences or coordination problems. Speaking to journalists in Chitwan on Thursday, Lamichhane said there was a clear distinction between the responsibilities of the government and those of the party. He said the party was not in the practice of having the prime minister appoint another person to manage the government or maintain unity within the party. Lamichhane emphasized the need for clarity and consistency in the functioning of both the government and the party. He said any questions or concerns regarding their respective activities would be addressed through discussions and coordination, adding that there was no internal conflict between the two.
Indian Foreign Secretary Misri pays courtesy call on PM Balen
Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) today. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two sides discussed various issues of bilateral interest during the meeting held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers. Misri, who arrived in Kathmandu on Wednesday for a two-day official visit to Nepal at the invitation of Nepal’s Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai, held a delegation-level bilateral meeting with Rai later that day. The discussions are expected to focus on preparations for Prime Minister Shah’s proposed visit to India and the possible agenda for the visit. During his visit on Wednesday, Misri also held separate meetings with Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle, Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal, Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha and Minister for Infrastructure Development Sunil Lamsal, besides his meeting with Foreign Secretary Rai.
NPL: Lumbini Lions defeat Janakpur Bolts by 16 runs
Unbeaten Lumbini Lions continued their impressive run in the third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL), defeating Janakpur Bolts by 16 runs on Thursday. Chasing a target of 150 runs at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Janakpur managed 133 runs for the loss of eight wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Atitya Mahat, batting down the order, top-scored for Janakpur with 30 runs. Captain Harmeet Singh contributed 33 runs, while Saif Hassan and Tritaraj Das scored 28 and 18 runs, respectively. However, the remaining batters failed to make a significant contribution. Darcy Short led Lumbini’s bowling attack with three wickets, while Tilak Bhandari and Sher Malla claimed two wickets each. Ruben Trumpelmann took one wicket. Earlier, Lumbini, who were put in to bat after losing the toss, posted 149 runs for the loss of eight wickets in their allotted 20 overs.
My hands are clean, my conscience clear: Gagan Thapa
Nepali Congress (NC) President Gagan Thapa has asserted that his moral standing remains strong, rejecting allegations linking him to the controversy surrounding the party’s legitimacy. In a video message released on Thursday, Thapa said attempts had been made to defame him by associating him with alleged middleman Inam Sapkota in the dispute over the Nepali Congress’s legitimacy. “I, Gagan Thapa, your brother, your friend, your son and your party president, am not standing on any weak moral ground,” he said. “I have always maintained that my hands are clean and my conscience is clear. If that were not the case, would I have had the courage to fight?” Thapa recalled that he had consistently challenged wrongdoing, even under governments more powerful than his own. He also said he had never hesitated to question misconduct by governments led by his own party.
NPL: Kathmandu Gorkhas thrash Biratnagar Kings
Kathmandu Gorkhas registered their second victory in the Nepal Premier League (NPL), defeating Biratnagar Kings by nine wickets on Thursday. With the victory, Kathmandu added two points to their tally, taking their total to four from three matches. Kathmandu had lost their opening match to Janakpur Bolts by eight wickets before bouncing back with a four-wicket victory over Karnali Yaks in their second game. Following Thursday’s result, Kathmandu joined Biratnagar, Karnali, Janakpur and Sudurpaschim on four points each. Lumbini Lions lead the standings with seven points, while Chitwan Rhinos have three points. Pokhara Avengers, who have lost all three of their matches, remain at the bottom. Chasing a modest target of 84 runs, Kathmandu reached 84 for the loss of one wicket in just 9.4 overs.
Over Rs 18.37 billion deposited in PM’s Relief Fund
Financial contributions continue to flow into the Prime Minister’s Natural Disaster Rescue and Relief Fund, established following the Bhotekoshi flood in Rasuwa. According to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, more than Rs 18.37 billion has been deposited in various accounts of the fund as of 9 am today. Nine accounts maintained at Rastriya Banijya Bank hold Rs 13.62 billion, while US dollar accounts at Himalayan Bank and Laxmi Sunrise Bank contain a combined USD 31.425 million.
Nepal Infrastructure Summit to mark shift from past practices: Finance Minister Wagle
Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle has said this year’s Nepal Infrastructure Summit aims to break away from traditional practices and usher in significant changes in the country’s infrastructure and investment sectors. Speaking at a press conference in Kathmandu on Thursday ahead of the summit, Wagle said the government was working to establish a distinct identity for the event. “We are committed to radical restructuring to drive policy and legal reforms in the infrastructure and investment sectors,” he said. Wagle said the government was pursuing comprehensive reforms in various areas, including the economy, legal system, resource management, peace and justice. By prioritizing infrastructure development and introducing policy reforms, the government aims to give the country a collective push towards development, he added.
US Charge d’Affaires Bouldin Meets Foreign Minister Khanal, discusses bilateral issues
US Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Megan Bouldin met with Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal on Thursday to discuss a range of bilateral issues following his recent visit to the United States. During the meeting, Bouldin highlighted the ongoing delivery of more than USD 36 million in US assistance for Nepal’s flood response, noting that the United States is the country’s leading donor for disaster relief efforts. She also highlighted the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact’s USD 550 million programme, which supports the development of Nepal’s electricity transmission network and road infrastructure, contributing to the country’s recovery. As part of the strong US-Nepal partnership, Bouldin also called for the swift passage of human trafficking legislation drafted with US assistance to meet international standards.
Gold soars by Rs. 13,300 per tola in Nepali market
Gold and silver prices witnessed a sharp rise in the domestic market on Thursday, with gold increasing by Rs. 13,300 per tola and silver by Rs. 265 per tola. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Associations, the price of hallmark gold has been fixed at Rs. 288,900 per tola today, while silver is being traded at Rs. 3,920 per tola. On Wednesday, gold was priced at Rs. 275,600 per tola, while silver was traded at Rs. 3,655 per tola. The latest rates reflect a significant increase in the prices of both precious metals in the domestic market.
Ousted IGP Karki moves Supreme Court seeking reinstatement
Outgoing Nepal Police Inspector General (IGP) Dan Bahadur Karki, who was removed from his post on Wednesday, moved the Supreme Court, seeking reinstatement. According to a legal practitioner close to Karki, the writ petition will argue that removing a serving police chief without valid grounds violates the Police Act. The petition reportedly argues that Karki is entitled to remain in office under the provisions of the Police Act, 2012, and the Police Regulations, 2071 BS, which stipulate the service period, tenure and age limit for the post of Inspector General of Police. Karki joined the Nepal Police Service on Chaitra 18, 2054 BS. Under the Police Regulations, the maximum service period for the IGP is 30 years, while the age limit is 58. Karki, born on Shrawan 15, 2029 BS, is currently 54 years old. The IGP’s tenure is four years. Karki was appointed to the post on Kartik 27 last year and is yet to complete his first year in office.
Two killed as truck collides with motorcycle in Siraha
Two people were killed when a truck collided with a motorcycle in Siraha on Thursday morning. The accident occurred at around 10 am in Bhaluwahi, Siraha Municipality-11, along the Chauharwa-Siraha road section. According to police, a truck (Na. 1 Dha. 553) belonging to the Nepal Electricity Authority’s Madhesh Province Provincial Office in Janakpur, travelling from Chauharwa towards Siraha, collided with a motorcycle (S. 9 Pa. 7650) heading in the opposite direction. The two men riding the motorcycle sustained serious injuries and were rushed to the Provincial Hospital in Siraha. However, doctors declared them dead at 10:25 am. Police said the truck driver fled the scene after the accident and efforts are underway to locate him. Both vehicles are being taken to the police office for further investigation. Police are also working to establish the identities of the deceased and contact their family members.
Millions of children in Nepal growing up on frontlines of climate crisis: UNICEF
Millions of children in Nepal are facing growing and overlapping climate, environmental and disaster risks that threaten their health, nutrition, education, protection and future prospects, UNICEF has warned. A new advocacy brief launched by UNICEF, titled Growing Up in a Climate Hotspot: The Risks Shaping the Lives and Futures of Nepal’s Children, highlights how climate change is already reshaping childhood across the country and calls for urgent action to put children at the centre of climate policies, financing and interventions. Drawing on multiple national and global data sources, the brief paints a concerning picture of the environmental threats facing children in Nepal. According to the findings, 9.9 million children are exposed to unhealthy levels of air pollution, making it one of the most widespread environmental threats to children in the country. Similarly, 7.3 million children are exposed to drought, threatening water security, livelihoods, food production and nutrition, while 5.7 million face exposure to extreme hot days, putting their health, well-being and learning at risk.
Indian national arrested for betting during NPL 2026
An Indian national has been arrested on charges of engaging in online betting during the third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL). According to the Central Police Newsroom, the arrested man has been identified as 32-year-old Sonu Kumar Sinha, a native of Bhojpur district in Bihar, India, who currently resides in Thamel, Kathmandu Metropolitan City-17. The Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office arrested Sinha following information that individuals were involved in online betting during NPL 2026. During the preliminary investigation, police found that Sinha had conducted transactions totalling Rs 8,981,729 through various online betting platforms. He has been handed over to the Kathmandu District Police Office for further investigation and legal action on charges of gambling and betting.
Dang produces more than 2,500 cartons of eggs daily
Egg production in Dang district has gradually recovered, reaching more than 2,500 cartons a day following efforts by poultry farmers to organise themselves and improve market access. Daily production in the district, which once stood at 5,000 to 6,000 cartons, had dropped to around 1,000 cartons due to inadequate marketing arrangements. However, production has started increasing again after farmers came together and took collective initiatives to market their products. Ishwor Prakash Shrestha, president of the Nepal Layer Poultry Farmers Association, said egg production had been steadily increasing as farmers became more organised and improved their marketing practices.
Jeep accident in Baitadi leaves one dead, six injured
One person was killed and six others injured when a jeep plunged off the road in Baitadi district on Wednesday evening. The accident occurred at Soudani Khola in Melauli Municipality-1 along the Patan-Pancheshwor road section. The jeep was travelling from Dadeldhura district headquarters to Pancheshwor Rural Municipality in Baitadi when it lost control and fell off the road. According to District Police Office spokesperson Suraj Singh, the deceased has been identified as 35-year-old Suna Mangola of Pancheshwor Rural Municipality-2, Baitadi. Mangola, who was critically injured in the accident, died while undergoing treatment at the Primary Health Centre in Melauli. Six others, including the jeep driver, sustained injuries in the accident. The injured are receiving treatment at the Primary Health Centre in Melauli, according to the District Police Office.
KMC urges residents to avoid burning plastic as winter approaches
With air pollution likely to worsen as winter sets in, Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has urged residents to avoid burning plastic waste and other materials that release harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. Sarita Rai, head of the KMC Environment Department, said vehicle emissions, dust from roads and construction activities, industrial smoke and the burning of plastic waste are among the major sources of air pollution in the capital. She stressed the need for public cooperation to control pollution, warning that deteriorating air quality poses serious health risks, particularly to vulnerable groups such as children, senior citizens and people suffering from asthma and other chronic illnesses. Rai called on residents and businesses to follow environmental standards and adopt responsible practices to reduce pollution.
Govt extends deadline for companies to update records without penalties
The government has extended the deadline for companies to update their records and qualify for a waiver of fines until mid-January, giving businesses an additional two months to comply with regulatory requirements. The previous deadline was set for mid-November. Under the extended provision, companies that have failed to submit their annual statements can avoid penalties by clearing their outstanding dues for the fiscal year 2025/26 within the revised deadline. Registrar of Companies Krishna Kumari Shrestha has urged businesses to update their records and complete the required formalities on time to benefit from the exemption. Meanwhile, the number of new company registrations in Nepal has continued to rise. A total of 20,736 companies were registered in fiscal year 2024/25, compared to 26,291 in the following fiscal year, representing an increase of 5,555 registrations. During the first four months of the current fiscal year, up to October, 10,480 new companies had already been registered.
60,570 families in Jhapa apply for land ownership certificates
More than 60,000 families in Jhapa district, including landless Dalits, other landless residents and unorganised settlers, have applied for land ownership certificates, according to the District Land Problem Resolution Committee. The committee reported that a total of 60,570 families have submitted applications seeking land ownership certificates. According to Chief District Officer Shravan Kumar Pokharel, who chairs the committee, the applicants include 2,896 landless Dalit families, 15,783 other landless families and 41,851 families classified as unorganised settlers. In addition, the committee has recorded 5,296 families whose applications were received by previous commissions. CDO Pokharel said the revenue rates applicable to land regularisation have been revised. Under the new provisions, a revenue rate equivalent to 12 percent of the minimum assessed land value has been set for residential purposes, while a 7 percent rate applies to agricultural land.
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