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 calls for climate justice, stronger global cooperation at COP31
Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has called for climate justice, stronger international cooperation and adequate climate financing for vulnerable countries while inaugurating Nepal’s pavilion at the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye, on Monday. Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Khanal highlighted the growing vulnerability of fragile mountain ecosystems to climate change, particularly the increasing risks posed by the melting cryosphere and other climate-induced disasters. Referring to the recent Bhote Koshi disaster, which he described as a “Himalayan tsunami,” Khanal stressed that countries like Nepal are bearing disproportionate climate impacts despite making minimal contributions to global greenhouse gas emissions.
Swarnim Wagle featured in TIME’s 100 most influential climate leaders list
Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle has been included in TIME magazine’s list of the 100 Most Influential Climate Leaders of 2026 for his efforts to highlight Nepal’s climate vulnerability and advocate for international compensation for climate-related losses. In a profile published on Monday, the magazine recognised Wagle’s campaign for climate justice following the devastating glacial floods that hit Nepal in August, claiming more than 1,500 lives and displacing thousands of people. Highlighting the unequal impact of climate change, TIME noted that developing countries contribute only a small share of global greenhouse gas emissions but bear a disproportionate burden of its consequences. The magazine also highlighted Wagle’s efforts to keep the issue at the forefront of international discussions.
NPL: Kathmandu Gorkhas defeat Chitwan Rhinos by 10 runs
Kathmandu Gorkhas defeated Chitwan Rhinos by 10 runs in the second match of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) on Monday. Batting first, Kathmandu posted a target of 181 runs, restricting Chitwan to 170 runs in their allotted overs. Chitwan got off to a promising start but lost wickets in quick succession towards the end, eventually falling 10 runs short of the target. With the victory, Kathmandu climbed to the top of the NPL standings with eight points from five matches, having secured four consecutive wins. Lumbini are in second place with seven points.
NPL: Pokhara Avengers defeat Karnali Yaks by 63 runs
Pokhara Avengers registered a convincing 63-run victory over Karnali Yaks in today’s match of the third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL), securing their first win of the ongoing tournament. After winning the toss and electing to bat first at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Pokhara Avengers posted a formidable total of 217 runs for the loss of three wickets in their allotted 20 overs. In reply, Karnali Yaks were bowled out for 145 runs in 18.3 overs while chasing the 218-run target. Yuvraj Singh Samra starred with the bat for Pokhara, smashing a brilliant century. He scored 102 runs off 48 balls, including 10 fours and six sixes. Similarly, captain Kushal Bhurtel contributed 62 runs off 39 balls, hitting seven sixes. Overseas captain Chamika Karunaratne remained unbeaten on 35 off just 11 deliveries, including three fours and three sixes. Mehedi Hasan scored five runs, while Sunny BK added three. For Karnali, Sompal Kami claimed two wickets for 24 runs in his four overs, while Mark Watt took one wicket.
Finance Minister Wagle leaves for Türkiye to attend COP31
Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle has left for Türkiye to participate in the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Wagle left for Antalya, the host city of the climate summit, on Monday aboard a Turkish Airlines flight. During the conference, he is scheduled to represent Nepal and raise the country’s concerns regarding climate change and sustainable economic development at various high-level forums. COP31 officially commenced in Antalya on Monday. Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal has also arrived at the conference venue, leading Nepal’s delegation to the summit.
Three die in motorcycle accident in Nuwakot
Three persons died after a motorcycle plunged about 100 metres off the road at Bidur Municipality-9 in Nuwakot district on Sunday. The deceased have been identified as Buddhiman Tamang, 47, of Khaniyabas Rural Municipality, Dhading, and Sunita Thapamagar, 27, and Binda Thapamagar, 31, of Bidur Municipality-13, Nuwakot. Tamang was riding the motorcycle. According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Ekbal Hawari of the District Police Office, Nuwakot, the accident occurred at Khadkathok when the motorcycle (Ba 99 Pa 8202), travelling from Bhairamkot towards Trishuli, veered off the road and plunged down the slope. All three victims were rushed to Trishuli Hospital for treatment, but doctors declared them dead on arrival.
Two killed, 13 injured in jeep accident in Rukum West
Two people were killed and 13 others injured when a jeep met with an accident at Nayadanda in Aathbiskot Municipality-5, Rukum West, on Monday afternoon. According to the District Police Office, the double-cab jeep (Bhe. 1 Cha 3112), travelling from Thapagaun towards Nayadanda, plunged approximately 150 metres off the road after losing control while reversing. Police identified the deceased as 10-year-old Hari Bahadur Thapa and 29-year-old Laxmi Ram Thapa, both residents of Aathbiskot Municipality-5. They died on the spot.
107 people arrested for gambling across Nepal
A total of 107 people have been arrested from various parts of the country on charges of gambling, according to the Central Police News Room. Of those arrested, 41 were detained in Surkhet, 11 in Lalitpur, 11 in Kavrepalanchok, 18 in Dhanusha and 26 in Sarlahi. Police have recovered approximately Rs. 2.5 million from the arrested individuals.
Gold and silver prices rise in domestic market
Gold and silver prices increased in the domestic market on Monday, with gold gaining Rs 1,300 per tola and silver rising by Rs 45 per tola. According to the Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Federation, the price of hallmark gold was fixed at Rs 284,300 per tola (11.66 grams), up from Rs 283,000 per tola on Sunday. Similarly, silver was traded at Rs 3,855 per tola, compared to Rs 3,810 on Sunday. The latest rates reflect a rise in the prices of both precious metals in the domestic market.
Two-way traffic resumes on Prithvi Highway after landslide clearance
Two-way vehicular movement has resumed along the Prithvi Highway following the clearance of a dry landslide at Ghoptebhir. Traffic operations resumed at 1:30 pm today after authorities cleared the landslide debris at Ghoptebhir in Ichchhakamana Rural Municipality-4, which had blocked the highway earlier in the morning. According to Sachendra Mishra, information officer at the Nagdhunga-Muglin Road Project, West Section, vehicular movement, which had been disrupted by the landslide, has now returned to normal. The debris was cleared with the help of six machines, including loaders and excavators, deployed from the Muglin and Dhading sides. Earlier, a similar dry landslide occurred at the same location on Sunday, disrupting traffic for several hours. Vehicular movement resumed at 1:00 am on Monday after the debris was removed.
COP-31: Nepal takes climate disaster realities to global stage
From villages swept away by glacial floods to hydropower infrastructure reduced to rubble, Nepal’s mounting climate crisis is set to take centre stage at the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP-31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), beginning today in Antalya, Türkiye. Carrying accounts of devastating floods, human casualties, destroyed settlements and billions of rupees in economic losses, Nepal is heading to the global climate summit with a clear message: countries that contribute least to global warming should not be left to bear its most devastating consequences. The August 26 floods in the Bhote Koshi River, which caused widespread devastation in Rasuwa, remain among the most painful reminders of Nepal’s growing vulnerability to climate-induced disasters. The disaster left more than 1,450 people dead and over 5,000 missing, according to the figures cited in the disaster account, while inflicting enormous damage to public infrastructure, private property and livelihoods.
Indian Ambassador meets Industry Minister Dipak Kumar Sah
Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Sudhakar Dalela, paid a courtesy visit to Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Dipak Kumar Sah, at the Ministry in Singha Durbar today. During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to further strengthen and expand bilateral trade and economic cooperation between Nepal and India, according to the Minister’s Secretariat.
Mustang welcomes over 51,000 tourists in first 20 days of Kartik
Mustang has received more than 51,000 domestic and international tourists during the first 20 days of Kartik, signalling a strong recovery in the district’s tourism sector following months of disruption caused by natural disasters. According to Santosh Basyal, information officer at the District Police Office, Mustang, a total of 51,123 tourists visited the district during the period. The visitors included 41,191 domestic tourists, 8,549 tourists from SAARC countries and 1,383 from other international destinations. Basyal said tourist arrivals have increased significantly and expressed hope that the positive trend would continue throughout the winter, provided weather conditions remain favorable. Statistics from the police tourist information centre show that domestic visitors comprised 29,511 men and 11,680 women. Among tourists from SAARC countries, 4,900 were men and 3,649 were women. Similarly, visitors from other countries included 834 men and 549 women.
Disease outbreaks, pesticide use push beekeeping business into crisis
Beekeeping, once a thriving source of income for farmers in Jhapa, is facing a growing crisis due to recurring disease outbreaks, indiscriminate pesticide use and difficulties in marketing honey, threatening the livelihoods of commercial beekeepers. Devi Kumari Dahal of Shivasatakshi Municipality-11, popularly known as the ‘Bee Sister’, has lost 150 beehives to disease, leaving her with only 50 colonies. Dahal began commercial beekeeping 18 years ago with a group, starting with just two hives and an investment of Rs 1,000. Her enterprise gradually expanded to as many as 900 hives, enabling her to produce around 10,000 kilograms of pure honey annually and earn up to Rs 3 million.
Six of eight prisoners who escaped from Dolpa Jail arrested
Police have arrested six of the eight inmates who escaped from Dolpa District Jail after digging a tunnel, with two more fugitives apprehended on Sunday. The latest arrests include Hari Bahadur Budha of Tripurasundari Municipality-4 in Dolpa and Yagya BK of Jajarkot. They were captured while hiding in a forest above Rangaun in Tripurasundari Municipality-4, said Deputy Superintendent of Police Anil Raj Giri of the District Police Office, Dolpa. According to Giri, both Budha and BK were serving prison sentences in a rape case. Earlier, on 18 Kartik, police arrested Kali Prasad Rokaya and Kapil Pariyar, both from Jajarkot, while they were hiding at the house of Kamala Budha in Rangaun, Tripurasundari Municipality-4. Similarly, Ram Bahadur BK of Rukum West and Resham Rana of Salyan were arrested on 17 Kartik, said Santosh Singh Rathore, spokesperson for the Karnali Provincial Police Office in Surkhet.
President Paudel performs Gaipuja rituals
President Ram Chandra Paudel performed Gaipuja, or cow worship rituals, on the occasion of the Gaitihar festival today. President Paudel performed the rituals at the President’s Office, Shital Niwas, worshipping the cow as a symbol of Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity. He also followed the traditional rituals and fed the cow. During the Tihar festival, cows are worshipped as symbols of prosperity and good fortune. Gaitihar, also known as Gai Tihar, is observed on the third day of the five-day Yamapanchak festival, popularly known as Tihar.
Tihar promotes mutual goodwill and prosperity: President Paudel
President Ram Chandra Paudel has said that Tihar, a festival with cultural, mythological and scientific significance, is a celebration of light, brightness and hope. Extending his best wishes to all Nepalis on the occasion of Tihar 2083 BS, President Paudel said the festival brings together people of different castes, languages and cultures, strengthening the bonds of national unity. Describing Tihar as an important festival for preserving Nepal’s unique cultural heritage, he said traditions such as Bhai Tika and the worship of various deities convey messages of love, affection, social harmony, prosperity, compassion and kindness, as well as the triumph of light over darkness. In his message, the President noted that Tihar traditions involve worshipping crows, dogs, cows and oxen, as well as Govardhan Mountain. Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped during Lakshmi Puja, while brothers and sisters exchange Tika and celebrate their bond of affection.
Eight killed in road accidents across four districts within 24 hours
Eight people have died in separate road accidents in Kapilvastu, Bardiya, Dailekh and Nuwakot within a period of 24 hours. According to the Central Police Newsroom, a bus (Lu. 1 Kha 9726) struck and killed 77-year-old Lakhan Ahir of Laxminagar, Kapilvastu Municipality-3. The accident occurred at Bargadawa in Maharajgunj Municipality-3, Kapilvastu. Similarly, two people were killed when two motorcycles collided at Chaubato Chowk in Banabipur, Thakurbaba Municipality-5, Bardiya. The deceased have been identified as Abhishek Chaudhary and Mahendra Rijal. In Dailekh, 22-year-old Yogesh Simkhada and 41-year-old Rane Sarki, both from Sanni Triveni Rural Municipality of Kalikot, died when a Mahindra Bolero travelling from Kalikot to Surkhet met with an accident at Gurans Rural Municipality-1. Likewise, three people lost their lives in a motorcycle accident at Bidur Municipality-9, Nuwakot. The deceased have been identified as 47-year-old Buddhiman Tamang of Khaniyabas Rural Municipality-5 and 31-year-old Binda Thapa Magar and 27-year-old Sunita Thapa Magar of Khaniyabas-13.
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