KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Sudurpaschim Royals secure NPL playoff berth with seven-run victory over Kathmandu Gorkhas
Sudurpaschim Royals have booked their place in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) playoffs after registering a seven-run victory over Kathmandu Gorkhas on Friday. Batting first at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Sudurpaschim posted 125 runs for the loss of six wickets in their allotted 20 overs, recovering from a disastrous start that saw them reduced to 8/4. Captain Dipendra Singh Airee led the recovery with a composed 60 off 55 deliveries, while Tharindu Ratnayake remained unbeaten on 26. For Kathmandu, Jahandad Khan claimed three wickets and Santosh Yadav took two. In response, Kathmandu Gorkhas managed 118/7 in 20 overs, falling seven runs short of the target. Rashid Khan contributed 35 runs, while Dushan Hemantha added 21. Sudurpaschim’s Anil Kharel took two wickets to help secure the victory.
NPL: Chitwan Rhinos defeat Janakpur Bolts by four wickets
Chitwan Rhinos defeated Janakpur Bolts by four wickets in the second match of the day in the third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) T20 cricket tournament. At the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Chitwan chased down Janakpur’s target of 89 runs, scoring 89 for the loss of six wickets in 17.2 overs. For Chitwan, David Malan top-scored with an unbeaten 35 runs, while Kushal Malla contributed 15, Ravi Bopara 13 and Kamil Misra 12. For Janakpur, Rahul Yadav claimed three wickets, Lalit Narayan Rajbanshi took two, and Bishal Susling picked up one wicket. Earlier, after winning the toss and electing to bat, Janakpur managed 88 runs for the loss of nine wickets in their allotted 20 overs.
President Paudel appoints four new Supreme Court judges
President Ram Chandra Paudel has appointed four judges to the Supreme Court on the recommendation of the Judicial Council. The appointments were made in accordance with Article 129(2) of the Constitution of Nepal, according to the Office of the President. The newly appointed Supreme Court judges are Dr. Ratna Bahadur Bagchand, Chandra Bahadur Saru, Janak Pandey and Gokarna Dangi. Prior to their appointments, Dr. Bagchand served as Chief Judge of the Pokhara High Court, while Saru was a judge at the Patan High Court. Pandey served at the Hetauda Bench of the Patan High Court, and Dangi was serving at the Birgunj Bench of the Janakpur High Court.
Four newly appointed Supreme Court justices take oath of office
Chief Justice Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma administered the oath of office and secrecy to four newly appointed Supreme Court (SC) justices in the presence of President Ram Chandra Poudel on Thursday. The newly appointed justices—Dr. Ratna Bahadur Bagchand, Chandra Bahadur Saru, Janak Pandey and Gokarna Dangi—took their oaths at the President’s Office, Sheetal Niwas. Earlier, President Poudel had appointed the four justices on the recommendation of the Judicial Council after their names were endorsed by the Parliamentary Hearing Committee.
PM Shah urges RSP lawmakers to focus on national interests during China visit
Prime Minister (PM) Balendra Shah (Balen) has instructed lawmakers and leaders of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) to make their upcoming visit to China meaningful by prioritizing Nepal’s national interests and strengthening bilateral relations rather than treating it as a sightseeing tour. Members of the RSP parliamentary party and party leaders met Prime Minister Shah on Friday to brief him on their planned China visit and seek his guidance. Speaking to journalists after the meeting, RSP Chief Whip Kabindra Burlakoti said the Prime Minister had urged the delegation to use the visit as an opportunity to further strengthen the longstanding relations between Nepal and China while focusing on issues of national importance.
Foreign Minister Khanal and UN Secretary-General Guterres discuss Nepal’s flood recovery and climate action
Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal held a bilateral meeting with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday on the sidelines of the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31) in Antalya, Turkey. During the meeting, Foreign Minister Khanal expressed his sincere gratitude to Secretary-General Guterres for conveying a message of sympathy and solidarity to Nepal following the recent climate-induced floods in the Bhote Koshi region. He also appreciated Guterres’ leadership of the United Nations and his continued contributions to promoting multilateralism, global peace, human dignity and sustainable development. In response, Secretary-General Guterres acknowledged Nepal’s significant contributions to international peace and stability, particularly through its role as a major troop- and police-contributing country to UN peacekeeping missions.
Chhath festival begins, bringing Mithila region to life
The Mithila region, including Mahottari district, has come alive with festive activities as preparations intensify for the four-day Chhath festival, which begins today on Kartik Shukla Chaturthi, following the conclusion of Tihar. Households across the region are filled with devotional Chhath songs praising the Sun God (Surya Dev) and Goddess Shashthi (Chhathi Maiya). The songs, reflecting the festival’s deep-rooted traditions of faith, devotion and purity, have created a distinctly festive atmosphere throughout Mithila. Locals are busy cleaning and decorating Chhath ghats along rivers, ponds and other religiously significant water bodies. Young people, in particular, have taken the lead in constructing and beautifying the worship sites. Houses, including traditional structures made of bamboo and thatch, are being cleaned, plastered and decorated. Streets, homes and public spaces are also illuminated with decorative lights. People from all economic backgrounds are preparing to observe the festival with devotion, according to their means.
Nepal calls for institutionalizing mountain issues in global climate negotiations
Nepal has called for mountain-related issues and climate change to be established as permanent and institutionalized agenda items in negotiations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Nepal has emphasized the need for a dedicated action plan, regular dialogue and strong high-level political commitment to address the growing climate risks facing mountain regions, including glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), loss of lives and property, and damage to fragile ecosystems. Presenting Nepal’s position at a high-level consultation on mountain regions and climate change organized on the sidelines of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), Dr. Maheshwor Dhakal, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Environment and Chief of the Climate Change Management Division, stressed that mountain-related concerns must move beyond discussions and translate into concrete action.
Indian Ambassador calls on Foreign Secretary Rai
Indian Ambassador to Nepal Sudhakar Dalela has paid a courtesy call on Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai. During the meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today, Secretary Rai congratulated Ambassador Dalela on his appointment and extended his best wishes for a successful tenure. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two sides discussed various issues of mutual interest. They also exchanged views on ways to further strengthen Nepal-India relations and enhance bilateral cooperation for the mutual benefit of both countries and their peoples.
Communications minister discusses expanding IT cooperation with Qatari and Estonian counterparts
Minister for Information and Communications Dr. Bikram Timilsina has held separate bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Qatar and Estonia to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in information and communication technology (ICT). Minister Timilsina, who travelled to Doha to participate in the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) 2026 Plenipotentiary Conference (ITU PP-26), met Qatar’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, according to a press release issued by the Nepali Embassy in Doha on Thursday. The meeting took place at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre on the sidelines of the conference. During the discussion, Minister Timilsina expressed gratitude to the Qatari government for providing relief materials to people affected by the devastating floods in the Bhote Koshi River area on August 26.
Nepal calls for global cooperation to bridge digital divide
Nepal has called for stronger international cooperation to protect telecommunications infrastructure from climate-induced disasters, narrow the digital divide and ensure equitable access to emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI). Presenting Nepal’s national policy statement at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-26) in Doha, Qatar, Minister for Communications Dr. Bikram Timilsina emphasized the need for targeted technical assistance, technology transfer and concessional financial support to prevent developing and least developed countries from lagging behind in digital transformation. Although global digitalization has created new opportunities, developing countries risk falling further behind because of unequal access to computing infrastructure, skilled human resources, investment and advanced technologies, he said. He added that disparities in access to emerging technologies such as AI and fifth-generation (5G) mobile networks were creating a new dimension of the digital divide.
Govt declares additional public holiday for Chhath festival
The government has announced an additional public holiday on Monday to mark the Chhath festival, according to a notice issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on Thursday. Sunday had already been declared a public holiday, as Chhath falls on the same day this year. The government has now extended the holiday to Monday to accommodate the festival’s concluding rituals. Ministry of Home Affairs Joint Secretary and Spokesperson Anand Prasad Kafle said that, according to tradition, devotees offer arghya to the setting sun on Sunday and conclude their fast by offering arghya to the rising sun on Monday morning. The additional holiday has been announced to facilitate the observance of the festival and its traditional rituals.
Home Minister Sudan Gurung leaves for UAE to attend World Police Summit
Home Minister Sudan Gurung has left for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to participate in the World Police Summit. Gurung left for Dubai from Tribhuvan International Airport on Friday evening at the formal invitation of the UAE government. The summit will focus on international police cooperation, advancements in security technology and the exchange of best practices in crime prevention and control. The conference will feature high-level policy discussions, thematic and technical sessions, workshops, training programmes, international exhibitions, the World Police Awards and other activities. This edition of the summit will address a range of emerging security challenges and technological developments, including defence and crisis response, autonomous robots, drones and human capabilities, artificial intelligence-based policing, digital transformation, cyberattacks and digital fraud prevention.
Gold and silver prices decline in domestic market
Gold and silver prices declined in the domestic bullion market on Friday, with gold falling by Rs 12,600 per tola and silver by Rs 155 per tola. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of hallmark gold has been fixed at Rs 271,700 per tola, while silver is being traded at Rs 3,700 per tola. On November 9, hallmark gold was priced at Rs 284,300 per tola, while silver stood at Rs 3,855 per tola.
Foreign Minister Khanal says welfare of Nepali diaspora remains government priority
Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has said that addressing the problems and concerns of Nepali citizens living and working abroad, including those in Turkey, remains a priority of the government. Khanal made the remarks during a meeting with Binod Poudel, president of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) National Coordination Council (NCC) in Turkey, in Antalya on the sidelines of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31). During the meeting, Poudel submitted a memorandum outlining various concerns and challenges faced by the Nepali diaspora in Turkey. Receiving the memorandum, Foreign Minister Khanal assured that the government was committed to addressing the grievances of Nepalis abroad promptly and effectively, according to his personal secretariat.
DDC Biratnagar Project Chief Sharma arrested in financial irregularities case
Nepal Police has arrested an individual in connection with alleged financial irregularities at the state-owned Dairy Development Corporation (DDC). The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police arrested Nabin Kishore Sharma, chief of the corporation’s Biratnagar Milk Distribution Project, on charges of involvement in financial irregularities and organised crime. According to the bureau, the arrest of Sharma, 45, a resident of Sarlahi, was made public today. CIB spokesperson Senior Superintendent of Police Anupam Shumsher Rana said Sharma was arrested following allegations that the corporation had suffered substantial financial losses due to the illegal financial benefits obtained through the involvement of the then general manager and senior officials.
NCP Coordinator Prachanda leaves for Russia
Nepali Communist Party (NCP) Coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ departed for Russia on Friday morning to participate in an international conference scheduled to take place from November 14 to 17. The conference, titled ‘For the Freedom of Nations’, is being organized by the All-Russian Political Party. Political leaders and representatives from more than 60 countries are expected to attend the event, which will provide a platform for discussions on international political issues.
Madhesh Chief Minister Yadav to seek vote of confidence tomorrow
Madhesh Province Chief Minister Krishna Prasad Yadav is set to seek a vote of confidence in the Provincial Assembly tomorrow (Saturday). Provincial Assembly Speaker Ram Ashish Yadav has called a meeting of the Assembly for Saturday to facilitate the vote of confidence process. According to Speaker Yadav, a meeting of the Business Management Advisory Committee will also be held on Saturday to determine the agenda for the Provincial Assembly meeting, including the proposal for the Chief Minister to seek a vote of confidence. Chief Minister Yadav is required to seek a vote of confidence after the CPN-UML and the Nepali Communist Party (NCP), both of which were supporting his government, withdrew their support. He had already sent a formal letter to the Provincial Assembly Secretariat on Wednesday, requesting that arrangements be made for a vote of confidence.
Bhairav Kunda in Rasuwa steeped in religious beliefs and ancient legends
Bhairav Kunda, situated in the Gosaikunda region of Rasuwa, holds a distinctive place among the area’s numerous sacred lakes because of the religious beliefs, myths and traditional restrictions associated with it. Unlike other water bodies in the region, Bhairav Kunda is traditionally regarded as a mysterious and forbidden lake associated with fear and spiritual restrictions. Located in the high Himalayan region below the main Gosaikunda (Chhokar) and above Saraswati Kunda (Banglatti), the lake is known as ‘Chona’, meaning black lake, among the local Tamang community. While Gosaikunda is traditionally regarded as a symbol of purity, life and divine blessings, Bhairav Kunda is associated with fear and spiritual prohibitions. According to local beliefs, pilgrims visiting Gosainkunda refrain from bathing in Bhairav Kunda. There is also a longstanding tradition of not looking back at the lake while returning after circumambulating Gosaikunda.
Bandipur to develop tourist park featuring a 67-foot national flag
A tourist park featuring a giant national flag measuring 67 feet in height is being developed in Tallotar, Ward No. 1 of Bandipur Rural Municipality in Tanahun district. The national flag, which will be installed at the park near the Prithvi Highway, was unveiled for the first time in Bandipur Bazaar on Thursday. According to the park construction committee, the initiative aims to promote tourism in Bandipur and attract domestic and international visitors travelling along the Prithvi Highway. The proposed park is expected to emerge as a new tourist attraction for passengers commuting between Kathmandu and Pokhara. The national flag will measure 67 feet in height, 45 feet in length and 30 feet in width. The project is being undertaken as part of local efforts to expand tourism infrastructure and create additional attractions for visitors.
One killed, five injured in motorcycle-scooter collision in Kailali
One person was killed and five others injured when a motorcycle and a scooter collided in Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City-15, Kailali district. Sushila Bam, 35, of Taranagar, Dhangadhi-5, who was riding the scooter, died after the motorcycle travelling towards Phulbari from Dhangadhi collided head-on with the scooter coming from the opposite direction. Bam, who sustained serious injuries in the accident last evening, died during treatment at Maya Metro Hospital in Dhangadhi this morning, said Yogendra Timilsina, spokesperson for the District Police Office. The motorcycle rider, Prabin Chaudhary, 26, of Dhangadhi-14, his 22-year-old wife, Anjali Chaudhary, and their seven-year-old daughter, Mamta Chaudhary, were injured in the collision. Two other scooter occupants, Saroj Malla, 24, and Babita Malla, 22, both residents of Taranagar, Dhangadhi-5, also sustained injuries.
Gorkha’s Nyauli Waterfall emerges as an attractive tourist destination
Nyauli Waterfall, located in Lapubansi, Ward No. 7 of Dharche Rural Municipality in northern Gorkha, is gradually gaining popularity as an attractive destination for domestic and international tourists. The approximately 55-metre-high waterfall, situated between Tampu Hill and Dharche Chingar Hill along the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River, has become a popular attraction because of its scenic natural surroundings. Water cascading down from the high mountains, the Budhi Gandaki River flowing below and the lush greenery surrounding the waterfall combine to create a picturesque landscape. Tourists travelling along the Manaslu trekking route also stop at the site to admire its beauty and capture photographs.
Pedestrian killed in accident
A pedestrian was killed and two others injured after an electric car struck them in Bharatpur Metropolitan City on Friday morning. The deceased has been identified as Parbati Bhujel, 30, of Bharatpur-15. The electric car, bearing registration number Bagmati Province 01-034 Cha 9221, was travelling from Furtichowk towards Navinchowk in Bharatpur-16 when it hit Bhujel and two other pedestrians. Bhujel, who sustained serious injuries in the collision, died during treatment at Bharatpur Hospital. According to Chandra Bhushan Yadav, Deputy Superintendent of Police at the District Police Office, Chitwan, the two other injured pedestrians are receiving treatment at Chitwan Medical College. Their condition is reported to be normal.
14-year-old girl dies after bus hits motorcycle
A 14-year-old girl died after a bus collided with a motorcycle in Bhaktapur. The bus (Ba 01-005 Kha 9697), travelling from Kavre towards Bhaktapur, hit a motorcycle (Ba 02-001 Pa 2366) travelling in the same direction. The victim, identified as 14-year-old Bhumika Rai, was riding pillion on the motorcycle and died in the collision, according to Deputy Superintendent of Police Deepak Kumar Karki of the District Police Office, Bhaktapur. Motorcycle rider Roshan Rai, a resident of Khotang, sustained injuries in the accident. Police have taken the bus driver into custody for further investigation.
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