KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Kathmandu Gorkhas end Lumbini Lions’ unbeaten run with 36-run victory
Kathmandu Gorkhas registered their third consecutive victory in the Nepal Premier League (NPL), bringing defending champions Lumbini Lions’ unbeaten run to an end with a 36-run win at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Saturday. Powered by a half-century from Australian batter David Warner and an impressive bowling performance led by Jahandad Khan, Kathmandu successfully defended a target of 161 runs, restricting Lumbini to 124 runs in 19.3 overs. Sandeep Jora was Lumbini’s top scorer with 44 runs, but the team’s batting collapse early in the innings left it struggling to chase the target. The defeat ended Lumbini’s 10-match unbeaten streak in the NPL, including its six consecutive victories in the previous edition and four unbeaten matches in the ongoing tournament.
PM Shah urges upholding truth, justice and honesty
Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) has expressed hope that the Tihar festival will inspire people to uphold truth, justice and honesty and remain committed to good governance and people-centred development. In his festive greetings to the people on the occasion of Tihar, Prime Minister Shah highlighted the religious, cultural and social significance of the five-day festival, urging people to draw inspiration from its values and traditions. On the first day of Yama Panchak, marked as Kaag Tihar, on Saturday, Prime Minister Shah shared his message through social media, recalling the tradition of worshipping crows, which are regarded in Hindu mythology as messengers of Yamaraj, the god of death and justice. He noted the custom of offering sweet food to crows and saying ‘Shubha Bol, Shubha Bol’ (speak auspicious) when they caw in the courtyard, reflecting the traditional belief that their calls bring news or signal the arrival of guests.
Deuba expresses confidence in court verdict on Nepali Congress legitimacy dispute
Former Nepali Congress (NC) President Sher Bahadur Deuba has expressed confidence that the court will deliver justice in the ongoing dispute over the party’s official legitimacy, maintaining that his faction represents the legitimate Nepali Congress. Addressing the Kathmandu District Convention organised by his faction in the capital on Saturday, Deuba said the judicial process would ultimately establish the party’s legitimate leadership. He also accused the Gagan Thapa Nepali Congress of engaging in large-scale financial irregularities in connection with the party’s legitimacy dispute. Referring to the recent Inam Sapkota case, he claimed that it had further exposed financial manipulation surrounding the issue. Deuba also announced that he would not seek another term as party president at the upcoming general convention, signalling his intention to focus on strengthening the organisation and contributing to the country in other capacities.
Parliamentary Hearing Committee endorses four nominees for Supreme Court judges
The Parliamentary Hearing Committee of the Federal Parliament has endorsed the appointment of four nominees as judges of the Supreme Court (SC), clearing the way for their formal appointment. A meeting of the Committee on Friday approved the nominations of Dr Ratna Bahadur Bagchand, Chief Judge of the Pokhara High Court; Chandra Bahadur Saru, a judge at the Patan High Court; Janak Pandey, a judge at the Hetauda Bench of the Patan High Court; and Gokarna Dangi, a judge at the Birgunj Bench of the Janakpur High Court. The Judicial Council had recommended the four candidates for appointment to the Supreme Court on October 6. The Parliamentary Hearing Committee began hearings on their nominations on November 5. According to Committee Chairperson Bodh Narayan Shrestha, the Committee received a total of 13 complaints against the proposed candidates.
Nepal Telecom to deliver SIM cards to customers’ doorsteps through postal service
Nepal Telecom has introduced a doorstep SIM card delivery service in Parsa district in collaboration with the Department of Postal Services, aiming to make its services more accessible and convenient for customers. Under an agreement between Nepal Telecom and the postal department, customers in Parsa can now receive Nepal Telecom SIM cards at their home addresses through the postal service. According to Namanath Yadav, postal officer at the District Post Office, the service has been launched to save customers the time and effort required to visit telecom offices to obtain SIM cards. Customers can apply for a SIM card by completing Nepal Telecom’s online application form and receive it at their registered addresses through postal employees.
Foreign Minister Khanal leaves for Türkiye to lead Nepali delegation to COP31
Minister for Foreign Affairs Shisir Khanal departed for Antalya, Türkiye, on Friday to lead the Nepali delegation to the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The conference is scheduled to take place from November 9 to 20. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Khanal will address the opening plenary of COP31 on November 9. He will also participate in the Leaders’ Summit scheduled for November 11-12. During the conference, Khanal will attend several high-level events, including ‘Advancing the Mountain Agenda: Glaciers, Cryosphere and Resilience under Overshoot, Shared Responsibility and Sustainable Financing’, jointly hosted by Nepal, the Republic of Tajikistan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Kingdom of Bhutan and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
NEA prepares to ensure uninterrupted power supply during Tihar, Chhath
The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has made special arrangements to ensure a reliable, regular and quality electricity supply during the upcoming Tihar and Chhath festivals. The NEA has made preparations to keep electricity generation, transmission and distribution systems fully operational and deploy technical personnel on standby around the clock to prevent disruptions during the festive period. A meeting of the NEA’s senior management team, chaired by Executive Director Dirghayu Kumar Shrestha, reviewed preparations for ensuring an uninterrupted power supply during Tihar and Chhath. The meeting discussed system operations, supply management and potential challenges that could affect electricity distribution during the festivals. Similarly, a joint virtual meeting was held with heads of provincial and divisional offices under the Load Dispatch Centre (LDC), Grid Operation Department, and Distribution and Customer Service Directorate. The meeting focused on coordinating electricity supply management, monitoring system performance and mobilizing the necessary technical workforce.
Police step up surveillance and patrols for festive security
Nepal Police has stepped up security measures across the country ahead of Tihar, Deepawali, Nepal Sambat and Chhath, deploying additional personnel and strengthening surveillance to prevent criminal activities and ensure public safety during the festive season. Under the ‘Special Security Plan for Festivals, 2083’, police manpower and surveillance have been increased in sensitive areas following an assessment of potential security threats, according to the Police Headquarters in Naxal. Marketplaces, religious sites, public transport hubs, border checkpoints and other crowded areas have been identified as priority security zones. Nepal Police Central Spokesperson Abinarayan Kafle said theft, robbery, gambling, drug and alcohol abuse, disputes, black marketing, food adulteration and fire incidents were among the major security challenges during festivals.
Land ownership certificate distribution process accelerated in Jhapa
The process of distributing land ownership certificates to landless people has gained momentum in Jhapa following the recent visit of Minister for Land Management, Cooperatives, Federal Affairs and General Administration Pratibha Rawal. The District Land Problem Resolution Committee has prepared to distribute land ownership certificates to 2,339 families from three local levels in the first phase. At a meeting held on Friday, the committee made public the names of eligible landless Dalits, landless squatters and families living in unorganised settlements from Buddhshanti Rural Municipality, Arjundhara Municipality and Mechinagar Municipality. According to the committee, the list includes 1,364 families from Buddhshanti Rural Municipality, 964 from Arjundhara Municipality and 11 from Mechinagar Municipality.
JICA begins reconstruction of damaged BP Highway section
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has begun reconstruction of the Barshekhola-Piple section of the BP Highway in Sindhuli, which was severely damaged by floods. Reconstruction work is also progressing on three other sections of the highway, according to the Division Road Office, Bhaktapur. The office said an agreement worth Rs 2.6 billion had been signed with JICA for the reconstruction of the Barshekhola-Piple section, and work has recently commenced. Division Road Chief Suman Yogesh said physical progress on the reconstruction of the Piple-Bhakundebenshi section in Kavrepalanchok has reached 52 percent. Similarly, the Khani-Awan-Kamaljit JV, which is responsible for reconstructing the 8.5-kilometre Dalabesi-Charsayabenshi section, has committed to completing the work by the end of June 2027.
Kaag Tihar observed across Nepal today
Kaag Tihar, the first day of the five-day Tihar festival, is being celebrated across Nepal today with traditional rituals and religious fervour. Dedicated to crows, Kaag Tihar holds special significance in Hindu tradition, where crows are regarded as messengers of Yamaraj, the god of death and justice. On this occasion, devotees offer food, particularly rice pudding and other delicacies, to crows, believing that pleasing them helps convey auspicious messages to Yamaraj and protects against untimely death, misfortune and negative events. Special worship ceremonies are being held at Kageshwari Mahadev Temple in Kageshwari Manohara Municipality to mark the festival. Religious rituals dedicated to crows are also being performed at Kageshwari Temple in Hanumandhoka, Kathmandu.
Waste management services to be disrupted in Valley for two days
Waste management services across the Kathmandu Valley will be disrupted on November 10 and 11 due to the closure of the Bancharedanda landfill site during the Tihar festival. According to Sarita Rai, Chief of the Kathmandu Metropolitan City’s Environment Management Department, employees working at Bancharedanda, the Valley’s final waste disposal site, will be on leave on the two days, affecting regular waste management operations. Rai said regular waste collection and management services would resume from November 12. She urged residents not to dump waste indiscriminately on roadsides and in public places while the landfill site remains closed.
Thamel Tourism Development Council contributes Rs. 1.64 million to PM’s Relief Fund
The Thamel Tourism Development Council has contributed Rs. 1.64 million to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund to support the reconstruction and rehabilitation of areas affected by the Bhotekoshi floods in Rasuwa on August 26. The Council handed over the amount through Kathmandu Chief District Officer Ishwori Raj Poudel last evening. At a programme titled ‘Discussion and Interaction on Peace and Security in Thamel Area’, organised by the Council in Thamel on Friday evening, Council Chairman Rajuman Dangol handed over the cheque to Chief District Officer Poudel. On the occasion, Poudel highly appreciated the support extended by homeowners and businesspeople in the Thamel area to disaster victims. Council Treasurer Kinchu Lhamu Bhutia Shrestha said the contribution was made with the objective of supporting the reconstruction of disaster-affected areas, restoring damaged physical infrastructure and providing relief to affected communities.
NC President Thapa calls for balancing cultural preservation with modernity
Nepali Congress (NC) President Gagan Thapa has stressed the need for Nepali society to embrace modernity while preserving its originality, traditions and cultural heritage. Addressing a program in Lalitpur on Saturday to mark Nepal Sambat 1147, Thapa said development should move forward by striking a balance between preserving traditional cultural and social heritage and embracing new ideas and innovations. Expressing happiness over the efforts being made in various parts of Lalitpur to promote both cultural originality and modernity, he said intangible social values such as love, harmony, trust and brotherhood were more important than material possessions. He highlighted the role of community-based organisations, including Tole Improvement Committees, in strengthening social relationships, fostering a sense of belonging and promoting unity among residents.
Rs. 8 billion allocated to promote youth entrepreneurship in Koshi Province: CM Karki
Koshi Province Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki has said the provincial government has introduced various programmes targeting young people, with a focus on boosting production and addressing unemployment. Speaking at a press conference in Khandbari, the district headquarters of Sankhuwasabha, Chief Minister Karki said around Rs. 8 billion had been allocated in the current fiscal year’s budget to support young people seeking employment and business opportunities in the province. He said the programme aims to provide concessional loans for three years to young entrepreneurs interested in establishing and operating small and medium-sized enterprises.
Power demand expected to reach 1,700 MW on Laxmi Puja: NEA
Peak electricity demand in Nepal is expected to reach around 1,700 megawatts on the day of Laxmi Puja this year, according to the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). The NEA has stated that it is fully prepared to ensure an adequate and uninterrupted power supply during the festival. NEA Executive Director Dirghayu Kumar Shrestha said domestic electricity generation would be sufficient to meet the estimated demand on Laxmi Puja. Electricity generation during the period is projected to reach around 2,500 megawatts, exceeding domestic demand and ensuring sufficient power availability for smooth supply, he said.
Ilam to host first Suryodaya Tea Festival on November 21-22
Ilam is set to host the ‘First Suryodaya Tea Festival-2083’ on November 21 and 22, with the aim of promoting tea tourism, showcasing local tea products and highlighting the region’s growing tourism potential. The festival will be jointly organised by Suryodaya Municipality, the Koshi Province Government and the Tourism Development Project. It will feature a range of activities, including tea trail races, discussions on tea, tea promotion and tasting, trekking along tea garden trails, local food and culinary exhibitions, and cultural processions. Preparations for the two-day event have been intensified, according to the organisers.
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