KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Climate adaptation is a matter of climate justice: Foreign Minister Khanal
Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has said that climate adaptation should not be viewed merely as a technical or environmental response but also as an issue of climate justice. Addressing the High-Level Dialogue on Adaptation organised by the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) on the sidelines of the ongoing United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP-31) in Antalya, Turkey, Khanal said that least developed countries, despite contributing the least to global climate change, are among the hardest hit by its increasingly severe impacts. “For the least developed countries, adaptation is not only a technical or environmental response; it is also a matter of climate justice. Although our contribution to climate change is minimal, we are bearing the brunt of its increasingly severe impacts,” he said. During his address, Khanal highlighted the human and economic losses Nepal has suffered from recent climate-induced disasters. He stressed that climate-vulnerable countries could no longer afford to delay urgent climate action.
Janakpur Bolts’ NPL playoff hopes suffer setback after defeat to Sudurpaschim Royals
Janakpur Bolts’ hopes of reaching the playoffs in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) have suffered a setback following a 27-run defeat to Sudurpaschim Royals on Tuesday. With the loss, the first-edition champions have slipped to fifth place in the league standings with four points from six matches, having won two and lost four. In contrast, Sudurpaschim have strengthened their position in the playoff race, climbing to second place with eight points after securing their fourth victory in six matches. Kathmandu Gorkhas, who also have eight points, have already secured a playoff spot, having maintained a superior net run rate. Chasing a target of 121 runs, Janakpur were bowled out for 93 with one ball remaining, falling 27 runs short of the target. The defeat also brought back memories of Janakpur’s disappointing performance in the inaugural edition of the NPL, when they were dismissed for just 51 runs during the league stage.
Nepal Sambat 1147 celebrated across country with cultural festivities
Nepal Sambat 1147 was celebrated across the country today with cultural programmes, rallies and the exchange of greetings, marking the beginning of the New Year for the Newar community. The Newar community in the Kathmandu Valley, other parts of the country and abroad observed the occasion with various traditional and cultural activities. In Kathmandu, a colourful rally featuring cultural tableaux, traditional musical instruments and participants dressed in traditional attire was organised from Basantapur. Members of various organisations, cultural groups and the general public from the Newar community took part in the procession. Nepal Sambat is regarded as the original calendar of Nepal and an important symbol of the country’s history, culture and national identity. According to historical accounts, national luminary Shankhadhar Sakhwa introduced the calendar in 880 AD (937 BS) after freeing people in the Kathmandu Valley from their debts. Since then, the Newar community has been celebrating its commencement as the New Year.
PM Shah calls for social harmony, tolerance on Nepal Sambat
Prime Minister (PM) Balendra Shah (Balen) has urged Nepalis to set aside differences and strengthen social unity, mutual harmony and tolerance on the occasion of Nepal Sambat 1147 and Mha Puja. Extending his greetings to Nepalis at home and abroad through social media, Prime Minister Shah also paid tribute to national luminary Shankhadhar Sakhwa, who introduced Nepal Sambat by freeing people from debt. In his message, Shah described Nepal Sambat as Nepal’s original lunar calendar and an important symbol of the country’s identity and heritage. He also highlighted the philosophical and cultural significance of Mha Puja, a traditional Newar festival dedicated to the worship of the self. According to the Prime Minister, the ritual of worshipping oneself, with the body and consciousness as witnesses and in the symbolic mandap representing the Ashta Chiranjeevi (eight immortals), carries a profound message of self-purification and spiritual awareness.
Speaker Aryal describes Nepal Sambat as shared heritage of all Nepalis
Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal has described Nepal Sambat as a shared national heritage of all Nepalis, highlighting its historical, cultural and social significance beyond its association with the Newar community. Extending his best wishes on the occasion of Nepal Sambat 1147, Aryal wished all Nepalis at home and abroad happiness, peace, prosperity, good health and continued progress. He noted that although the calendar is deeply rooted in the cultural traditions of the Newar community, it represents the collective heritage and identity of the entire nation. In his message, the Speaker recalled the contribution of national luminary Shankhadhar Sakhwa, who is credited with introducing Nepal Sambat by freeing people from debt. “Recognised as Nepal’s original historical calendar, Nepal Sambat reflects the country’s rich cultural identity, social unity and collective self-respect. Its emphasis on public welfare, generosity and social justice carries an enduring message for society,” he said.
Home Minister Gurung urges younger generation to preserve Nepal’s cultural heritage
Home Minister Sudan Gurung has called on the younger generation to embrace and preserve Nepal’s distinctive art, culture, traditions and customs, stressing the importance of protecting the country’s cultural heritage amid growing modernization and Western influences. Addressing a programme organized in the Patan Durbar Square area of Lalitpur on Monday to mark Nepal Sambat 1147, Gurung said modernization should not come at the cost of the country’s unique cultural identity and ancestral traditions. “Despite the growing influence of modernization and Western culture, we must not abandon the traditions and cultural heritage handed down by our ancestors. Lalitpur’s art, culture, architecture, geography and historical monuments have played a significant role in establishing Nepal’s identity on the international stage,” he said.
Nepal Sambat reflects unique identity and rich culture: Gagan Thapa
Nepali Congress (NC) President Gagan Kumar Thapa has expressed confidence that the celebration of Nepal Sambat 1147 will further strengthen national unity, mutual harmony and the spirit of prosperity among Nepalis. In a congratulatory message issued on the occasion of Nepal Sambat and Mha Puja, Thapa described Nepal Sambat as a reflection of the country’s distinct identity, rich cultural heritage and glorious traditions. He expressed hope that the New Year would bring renewed hope, enthusiasm, happiness, peace and prosperity to everyone. “Rooted in an inspiring legacy of public welfare, Nepal Sambat provides an opportunity to further strengthen mutual understanding, closeness and unity among all Nepalis,” the message stated.
Festivals strengthen love and harmony in society: RSP Chair Lamichhane
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane has expressed confidence that festivals will further strengthen love, harmony and mutual understanding among families, communities and society. Extending greetings to the public on the occasions of Tihar, Nepal Sambat and Chhath, Lamichhane said festivals rooted in Nepal’s cultural identity and traditions play an important role in promoting national unity while celebrating the country’s diversity. He noted that such celebrations provide opportunities to strengthen social bonds, mutual respect and understanding among people from different communities. Wishing everyone happiness, peace and prosperity, Lamichhane expressed hope that Tihar, the festival of lights, joy and enthusiasm, and Chhath, a festival of faith and devotion, would bring renewed hope and positivity to people’s lives.
16-year-old dies in motorcycle accident in Bardiya
A 16-year-old boy has died and another person has been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident in Badhaiyatal Rural Municipality, Bardiya. The deceased has been identified as Rhythm Thapa, 16, a resident of Kohalpur Municipality-9. He died at Samramex Hospital in Lucknow, India, while undergoing treatment for injuries sustained in the accident. According to Resham Bohara, Deputy Superintendent of Police at the District Police Office, Bardiya, motorcycle rider Dixit Shrestha, 20, of Kohalpur-9, was also seriously injured in the crash. He is currently receiving treatment on a ventilator at the same hospital.
Child drowns in Rapti river in Dang
A six-year-old child died after drowning in the Rapti River in Dang district today. According to the District Police Office, Dang, the deceased has been identified as Kishan Dangi, the six-year-old son of Khadak Singh Dangi, a resident of Golaura, Tulsipur Sub-Metropolitan City-6. The incident occurred at around 11:00 am while Kishan was bathing in the Rapti River near his maternal uncle’s home in Hatbas, Rajpur Rural Municipality-7. After being rescued from the river, the child was found unconscious and rushed to Lamahi Hospital. However, doctors declared him dead upon arrival.
48-km embankment constructed along West Rapti River
A total of 48 kilometres of embankment has been constructed along the West Rapti River to protect agricultural land and human settlements from flooding, according to the Irrigation and Water Resources Management Project, Lamahi, Dang. The construction has helped protect and reclaim approximately 1,440 hectares of cultivable land, said the project’s Information Officer, Khumananda Wali. According to Wali, the West Rapti River stretches 157.6 kilometres from the confluence area of Dang and Pyuthan districts to the Nepal-India border in Banke. Of this length, 48 kilometres of embankment have been completed so far. During the last fiscal year alone, 5.61 kilometres of embankment were constructed, helping reclaim and protect 168 hectares of land.
Communications Minister Timilsina attends ITU conference in Qatar
Minister for Communications and Information Technology Dr. Bikram Timilsina has participated in the opening ceremony of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference 2026 (PP-26) in Doha, Qatar. Leading the Nepali delegation, Minister Timilsina attended the inaugural ceremony held at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) on Monday. He also participated in a formal meeting of heads of delegations from participating countries, where he interacted with counterparts from various friendly nations, according to a press release issued by the Nepali Embassy in Doha. During the conference, Eric Fournier, a French candidate for the post of Director of the ITU Radiocommunication Bureau, paid a courtesy call on Minister Timilsina. Their discussions focused on spectrum management and satellite orbital resources in Nepal. Fournier also shared his vision and plans for the position.
Nepali tea exports through Kakarbhitta nearly double
Nepali tea exports to India through the eastern border point of Kakarbhitta have increased significantly, with both export volume and earnings recording substantial growth in the first month of the current fiscal year compared to the corresponding period last year. According to data from the Mechi Customs Office, Nepal exported 1,715,932 kilograms of tea worth Rs 495.45 million during Asoj of the current fiscal year 2083/84 BS. In comparison, 924,445 kilograms of tea worth Rs 247.49 million were exported during the same month of the previous fiscal year 2082/83. This represents an increase of more than 85 percent in export volume, while export earnings have nearly doubled. Besides tea, cardamom and plywood also accounted for a significant share of exports through the Kakarbhitta border point. The Mechi Customs Office reported that cardamom worth Rs 988.88 million and plywood worth Rs 442.35 million were exported during Asoj.
Nepal Sambat embodies social justice and human coexistence: Vice President Yadav
Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav has described Nepal Sambat as a living symbol of the originality, generosity, social justice and spirit of human coexistence that define Nepali civilisation. Extending his best wishes on the occasion of the inauguration of Nepal Sambat 1147 today, the Vice President highlighted the historic contribution of national luminary Shankhadhar Sakhwa, who freed people suffering from debt through his commitment to public welfare. He said Sakhwa’s remarkable initiative had established enduring ideals of service, charity and social responsibility in Nepali society. In a message issued on the occasion, Vice President Yadav noted that the humanitarian values demonstrated by Sakhwa continue to serve as an inspiration and example for the country even today.
President Paudel highlights Nepal Sambat’s role in unity
President Ram Chandra Paudel has said that Nepal Sambat, introduced by national luminary Shankhadhar Sakhwa, is Nepal’s original calendar and an important symbol of the country’s history, culture and identity. In a congratulatory message issued today on the occasion of Nepal Sambat 1147, President Paudel recalled that Sakhwa introduced the era during the reign of Lichchhavi King Raghavdev after freeing farmers and economically disadvantaged people of the Kathmandu Valley from debt, marking the beginning of a new era. The President said that such historical traditions have played an important role in strengthening Nepal’s civilisation, history, independence and national identity while promoting a civilised, tolerant and united society.
Nepal calls for greater access to adaptation finance to strengthen mountain resilience
Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has emphasised the need to mobilise greater climate adaptation financing and expand access to such resources to protect mountain regions from the growing impacts of climate change. He made the remarks while addressing a high-level programme titled ‘Strengthening the Resilience of Mountain Areas through Adaptation Finance’, organised on the sidelines of the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31), which began in Antalya, Türkiye, on Monday. The programme was jointly organised by Nepal, Bhutan and Kyrgyzstan in collaboration with the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and the Joy Environment Network. During his address, Khanal highlighted the economic, physical and human losses caused by the recent devastating disaster in Nepal, which he described as a ‘Himalayan Tsunami’. He stressed that stronger regional and global solidarity and cooperation are essential to enhance the resilience of mountain regions against the escalating impacts of climate change.
RSP congratulates Swarnim Wagle on TIME100 Climate 2026 recognition
The ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has congratulated Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle on being named one of the TIME100 Climate 2026 list of the world’s 100 most influential figures in climate action. In a press statement issued today, RSP General Secretary Bipin Kumar Acharya described the recognition as a significant achievement for Nepal and congratulated Wagle, who is also the party’s vice-chairperson and a lawmaker. TIME magazine recognised Wagle for his advocacy on climate action and climate justice, particularly following the devastating floods that struck the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli river system on August 26. The party said Wagle’s efforts to highlight Nepal’s climate vulnerabilities on international platforms, mobilize climate finance and advocate for reforms in global mechanisms addressing climate change had helped amplify the country’s voice in international discussions.
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