KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Nepal hopes to secure mountain issues in final COP-31 decision
Nepal expects the final decision of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP-31) to address the growing climate risks facing mountain regions, the effects of rising temperatures, climate finance and adaptation measures. Speaking at a press conference organised by the Government of Nepal at the Nepal Pavilion in Antalya, Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said that although efforts to include mountain-related issues as a separate item on the formal COP-31 agenda had not succeeded, an understanding had been reached to continue discussions on these concerns. Nepal and Bhutan had jointly proposed the inclusion of a dedicated mountain agenda at the conference. However, the proposal was not adopted as a separate agenda item. Khanal said Nepal was continuing efforts to address the proposed issues through existing negotiation processes and other conference mechanisms. He said discussions with Türkiye, the current COP presidency, and Australia, which will co-chair the upcoming negotiation process, had produced a positive understanding on keeping mountain-related concerns on the agenda for continued discussions.
Nepal, Finland discuss strengthening Bilateral Cooperation on COP31 sidelines
Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal held a bilateral meeting with Finland’s Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, Ville Tavio, on the sidelines of the ongoing 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) in Antalya on Wednesday. During the meeting, Foreign Minister Khanal expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Finland for their solidarity and prompt humanitarian assistance following the recent devastating climate-induced floods in Nepal. He briefed the Finnish minister on Nepal’s recovery and reconstruction efforts, the resettlement of disaster-affected communities and the disproportionate impacts of climate change on people’s lives and livelihoods, as well as mountain ecosystems. The two ministers also exchanged views on matters of mutual interest, including issues related to the COP31 process. They reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening friendly relations and cooperation between Nepal and Finland in various areas, including trade, investment, energy, connectivity, infrastructure development, forest conservation, technology and climate action.
Minister Wagle calls for special financial package for vulnerable countries
Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle has called for a special international financial package, including grants, concessional loans and debt relief, to support vulnerable countries, including Nepal, in post-disaster reconstruction and economic recovery. Speaking at a discussion titled ‘Full Bill of Disaster: Debt, Credit Rating and Currency after Climate-induced Shocks and the Form of Support Package’, organized at the Nepal Pavilion during the ongoing 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) here today, Minister Wagle said Nepal could not shoulder the financial burden of climate-induced disasters alone. He said the government had to divert funds from other development and social sectors to mobilize resources for post-disaster rescue, relief and reconstruction. The disasters had directly and severely affected schools, hospitals, social security programmes and other development initiatives, he added. Minister Wagle expressed gratitude to India, China, the United Kingdom, the United States, the European Union and countries in the Middle East and Gulf region for their support to Nepal during the disasters.
Forest Minister Chaudhary attends COP31 in Sherpa attire to highlight Himalayan issues
Minister for Agriculture, Forest and Environment Geeta Chaudhary attended the opening day of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) wearing the traditional attire of the Sherpa community to draw international attention to the challenges facing Nepal’s Himalayan regions due to climate change. According to her secretariat, Minister Chaudhary chose the traditional Sherpa attire to highlight the severe impacts of climate change on Himalayan communities and ecosystems and to draw the attention of the international community to the need for protecting mountain regions. Her participation in the traditional attire is also expected to help showcase Nepal’s distinct Himalayan identity on the international stage and highlight recent disasters, including the Bhotekoshi disaster, as well as the growing climate-induced disasters affecting the country’s mountainous areas.
Foreign Minister Khanal urges media to ensure balanced and informed reporting on COP31
Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has called on media organizations to report on the ongoing 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) with sensitivity, accuracy and a proper understanding of the conference’s processes and objectives. He stressed that journalists should familiarize themselves with the COP negotiation process before preparing reports, cautioning against portraying the conference negatively at its early stage or suggesting that no progress has been made. “It is not appropriate to present a bleak picture when COP31 has only just begun. Reporting should not create the impression that no achievements have been made, as journalists need to understand the COP process, its objectives and the broader context,” he said. Minister Khanal, who is leading Nepal’s delegation to COP31, made these remarks during an interview with RSS correspondent Bhishma Raj Ojha on Nepal’s participation, initiatives and engagement in the conference here today.
Madhes Chief Minister Yadav to seek vote of confidence on November 14
Madhes Province Chief Minister Krishna Prasad Yadav is scheduled to seek a vote of confidence in the Provincial Assembly on November 14. Chief Minister Yadav will present the confidence motion at 1:00 pm after the CPN (UML) and the Nepali Communist Party withdrew their support from his government. Yadav said a letter would be sent to the Provincial Assembly Secretariat requesting a meeting of the Assembly to facilitate the confidence vote. He added that discussions with various political parties were underway and would continue in an effort to secure the required support for the motion. Four ministers from the CPN (UML) resigned en masse and withdrew their party’s support from the Nepali Congress-led provincial government on October 11. Similarly, four ministers representing the Nepali Communist Party withdrew their support on November 6. A minimum of 54 votes is required to secure a majority in the 107-member Madhes Provincial Assembly.
Truth, non-violence and equality have united Nepali society: Vice President Yadav
Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav has said that the principles of truth, non-violence, equality, education, hard work, simplicity and morality advocated by Mahaguru Falgunanda have helped unite Nepali society. Issuing a message on the occasion of Mahaguru Falgunanda Jayanti on Tuesday, Vice President Yadav described Falgunanda as an influential historical figure in the fields of Kirat religion, philosophy, culture and social reform. In his message, Yadav highlighted Falgunanda’s efforts to raise awareness against social evils, including the dowry system, extravagant spending, superstition and discrimination. “The awareness campaign launched by Mahaguru Falgunanda against the dowry system, unnecessary expenditure, superstitions, discrimination and other social evils made a significant contribution to social transformation in Nepal while promoting self-respect and moral values. His teachings remain equally relevant and inspiring in building a simple, civilised and disciplined society,” the message stated.
President Paudel receives Bhai Tika from younger sister
President Ram Chandra Paudel received Bhai Tika from his younger sister, Sharda Pandit, at the auspicious time of 11:07 am on Tuesday at the President’s Office, Shital Niwas. On the occasion, Pandit offered her brother traditional gifts, including walnuts, almonds and fruits, along with other presents. President Paudel also applied tika to his sister and presented her with gifts and dakshina, according to the President’s Private Secretariat. The Nepal Calendar Determination Committee had announced 11:07 am as the auspicious time for this year’s Bhai Tika rituals. Bhai Tika, which marks the final day of Yamapanchak and the Tihar festival, celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. On this occasion, sisters apply tika to their brothers, praying for their long life, good health and prosperity, while brothers also offer tika and blessings to their sisters.
Koshi Province implements official Language Act, declares November 11 Language Day
The Koshi Province Government has implemented the Act on the Use of Languages in Official Government Business from Tuesday, marking a significant step towards recognising, protecting and promoting the province’s linguistic diversity. Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki announced the implementation of the Act on the occasion of the 141st birth anniversary of Mahaguru Phalgunanda Lingden, a national luminary and social reformer who founded the Kirat religion. Describing the move as an important milestone, Karki said the Act would help ensure respect for linguistic diversity and promote the use of different languages in provincial government affairs. On the occasion, he also declared November 11 (Kartik 25) as Language Day in Koshi Province. The day will be observed annually to celebrate the province’s multi-ethnic, multilingual and multicultural identity.
Int’l cooperation essential for Rebuilding Disaster-Resilient Communication Infrastructure: Minister Timilsina
Minister for Information and Communications Dr. Bikram Timilsina has stressed the need for resilient communication infrastructure and stronger international cooperation to ensure uninterrupted communication services during and after disasters. Leading the Nepali delegation at a high-level thematic discussion held on Monday during the 2026 Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-26) of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) in Doha, Qatar, Timilsina highlighted the damage caused to Nepal’s communication infrastructure by recent floods and landslides. He said devastating flash floods along the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli river corridor had caused significant loss of life and property, while also damaging critical communication infrastructure and disrupting services in several parts of the country.
Elderly woman killed in wild elephant attack in Kanchanpur
A 60-year-old woman died after being trampled by a herd of wild elephants in Shuklaphanta Municipality-2, Kanchanpur, on Tuesday night. According to the Jhalari Area Police Office, the victim has been identified as Laxmi Dagaura, a resident of Shuklaphanta-2. She died on the spot after being attacked by the elephants. The herd entered Tarapur settlement, located within the vicinity of Shuklaphanta National Park, and damaged Dagaura’s house before trampling her to death, said local resident Chhabilal Dagaura of Ranipur. Laxmi and her husband, Mohan Dagaura, were sleeping inside their house when the elephants entered the settlement. While Laxmi was killed in the attack, her husband managed to escape unharmed.
US jury convicts Naresh Bhatt of first-degree murder in wife Mamta’s death
A jury in the US state of Virginia on Tuesday found Naresh Bhatt guilty of first-degree murder in the death of his wife, Mamta Kafle Bhatt, rejecting his claim that she had died by suicide, according to US media reports. The jury also convicted the 39-year-old of concealing and defiling his wife’s body, concluding a trial that followed Mamta’s disappearance in July 2024. Her remains have yet to be recovered, CNN reported. During his testimony last week, Bhatt told the court that he found Mamta unconscious on the bedroom floor on July 30, 2024. He claimed he attempted to revive her for between 45 minutes and an hour but was unsuccessful. He further testified that he panicked and, fearing he would be held responsible for her death, used a saw to dismember her body before placing the remains in rubbish bags and disposing of them. Bhatt denied murdering his wife and maintained that she had taken her own life. However, his testimony differed from his initial account to police, when he claimed Mamta had left their home and might have travelled to New York or Texas.
PM Balen Shah calls for stronger sibling bonds
Prime Minister (PM) Balen Shah has extended warm greetings to Nepalis at home and abroad on the occasion of Bhai Tika, calling for stronger bonds of love, trust and mutual respect between brothers and sisters. In his message marking the festival, observed on the final day of the five-day Tihar celebrations, Shah highlighted its religious, cultural and social significance, expressing hope that the occasion would further strengthen family relationships. Recalling the mythological story of Yamaraj and his sister Yamuna, the Prime Minister noted that Bhai Tika is associated with the tradition of sisters praying for their brothers’ long life, good health, happiness and prosperity. According to Hindu mythology, Yamuna welcomed her brother Yamaraj with tika and prayers on Kartik Shukla Dwitiya. Pleased with her love, devotion and hospitality, Yamaraj blessed her, granting long life and protection from the fear of death to brothers who receive tika from their sisters on this auspicious day.
15-kilometre embankment constructed along Babai river in Dang
The Irrigation and Water Resources Management Project in Lamahi, Dang, has constructed a 15-kilometre embankment along the Babai River to protect agricultural land from erosion and flooding. According to Information Officer Khumananda Wali, the embankment has helped protect 468 hectares of cultivable land along the 132.8-kilometre-long river. Wali said several embankment construction and irrigated land protection projects have been completed in different locations of Dang district. The completed projects include works worth Rs 12.484 million in Dangisharan Rural Municipality-1 and 4, Rs 24.738 million in Tulsipur Sub-Metropolitan City-14, Rs 7.481 million in Dangisharan-1, Rs 4.57 million in Ghorahi Sub-Metropolitan City-8 and Rs 1.493 million in Raharipur, Dangisharan-1. Similarly, embankment construction work worth Rs 9.661 million has been completed at Ekali Khola in Tulsipur-2.
Balgopaleshwar Temple at Ranipokhari opens on Bhai Tika
The Balgopaleshwar Temple, located in the middle of Ranipokhari in Kathmandu, opened its doors to devotees today on the occasion of Bhai Tika, particularly for those who do not have siblings. The temple is opened only once a year, on Bhai Tika. On this day, people without brothers or sisters visit the temple to offer prayers, receive blessings and perform the traditional tika ceremony. According to historical inscriptions, Ranipokhari was built in 1727 BS by King Pratap Malla following the death of his son, Chakrawartendra Malla, to console his grieving queen. The Balgopaleshwar Temple was also established in the middle of the pond during that period.
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