KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
NPL: Lumbini defeat Biratnagar by four wickets
Lumbini Lions defeated Biratnagar Kings by four wickets to climb to the top of the points table and secure a place in the Qualifiers of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2026. In the match held at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Lumbini chased down Biratnagar’s target of 167 runs on the penultimate ball of the innings, losing six wickets in the process. Openers D’Arcy Short and Asif Sheikh laid a solid foundation for the chase, scoring 45 runs each. Ali Sheikh, who contributed 27 runs off 19 balls, and Sundeep Jora, who scored 25 off just 11 deliveries, played crucial roles in guiding their team to victory. Lumbini had already secured a place in the playoffs before Saturday’s match, while Biratnagar needed a win to remain in contention for the knockout stage.
Rabi Lamichhane pledges to deliver results, uphold public trust
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane has pledged not to betray the hopes, trust and confidence that people have placed in his party. Speaking at a greetings exchange programme organised by the RSP in Janakpurdham on Saturday on the occasion of the Chhath festival, Lamichhane said he would no longer approach the people with assurances and promises but would focus on delivering tangible results. Stating that the overwhelming public support for the party would not go in vain, he pledged to keep people’s interests at the centre of the party’s activities. “We do what we say, and we say what we do,” he said. Lamichhane also warned that action would be taken against anyone found engaging in financial transactions related to the distribution of party tickets in violation of the party’s rules, statutes and procedures.
Madhesh Chief Minister Yadav resigns
Madhesh Province Chief Minister Krishna Prasad Yadav has resigned from his post after realising that he would not secure a majority in the Provincial Assembly. Addressing the Provincial Assembly meeting convened to seek a vote of confidence on Friday, Yadav announced his resignation before the voting process began. Explaining his decision, he said public service and the trust of the people were more important than holding on to his position. Yadav was required to seek a vote of confidence after the CPN-UML, which was part of the ruling coalition, withdrew four ministers from the government and pulled out its support. Under constitutional provisions, he was required to secure a vote of confidence within 30 days.
Rabi Lamichhane rules out dispute between RSP and govt
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane has ruled out any dispute or division between his party and the government, saying that criticism and suggestions are part of democratic practice rather than signs of conflict. Speaking at a Chhath festival greetings exchange programme organised by the RSP in Janakpurdham on Saturday, Lamichhane said the suggestions and criticism offered by the party to the government should not be interpreted as signs of conflict or differences. He said discussions, debates and criticism within the party and between the party and the government were part of democratic practices and reflected the exercise of internal democracy. Noting that unnecessary rumours sometimes emerge when the party offers suggestions or criticism to the government, he urged people not to be misled by such claims. He added that the government was focused on fulfilling its commitments to the people.
Nepal needs stronger preparation and institutional capacity for climate negotiations: Minister Khanal
Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has stressed the need for stronger preparations, sustained diplomatic engagement and multilateral cooperation to enhance Nepal’s role and effectiveness in international climate negotiations. Speaking to the Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS) on Friday on the sidelines of the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Khanal shared his views on the complexities of climate negotiations and the challenges Nepal faces in strengthening its diplomatic preparations. He noted that COP decision-making is based on consensus among participating countries, making climate diplomacy particularly challenging as nations have different interests, priorities and positions.
Nepal prioritises employment generation and strengthening social security system
Nepal has reiterated its commitment to prioritising employment generation, strengthening the social security system and promoting inclusive social and economic transformation. Addressing the ninth session of the Social Development Committee of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP), National Planning Commission member Pukar Malla stressed the need to pursue economic growth alongside social inclusion. He emphasised the importance of ensuring the participation of marginalised communities in the development process and guaranteeing their access to the benefits of economic and social progress. Speaking at the session on Friday, Malla also highlighted Nepal’s major policy reform initiatives, including the ongoing reviews of the National Employment Policy and the National Industrial Policy.
Nepal calls for predictable, accessible and grant-based climate finance
Minister for Foreign Affairs Shisir Khanal returned home today after participating in the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP-31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). According to a press statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Khanal had left for Antalya, Türkiye, last week following a decision of the Council of Ministers. Minister for Agriculture, Forests and Environment Geeta Chaudhary will lead the Nepali delegation at the conference. The ministry described COP-31 as one of the world’s major multilateral forums for developing common policies, commitments and strategies to address the challenges and impacts of climate change. The conference has focused on limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, and strengthening the adaptive capacity and resilience of countries and communities vulnerable to climate change.
Minister Chaudhary pledges to prioritise Indigenous issues in climate negotiations
Minister for Agriculture, Forests and Environment Geeta Chaudhary has pledged to strongly advocate for the protection of the rights, identity, culture and ancestral lands of Indigenous communities affected by climate change. Speaking at a discussion organised by the Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN) on the sidelines of COP-31 in Antalya on Friday, Minister Chaudhary stressed the need to incorporate the impacts of climate change and disasters on Indigenous communities, their territories, cultures and traditional livelihoods into climate adaptation and development plans. Noting that her current position was made possible by the movements and struggles of Indigenous communities for inclusion, she reaffirmed her commitment to raising their concerns at national and international forums.
Tourist arrivals surge in Ghandruk, Sikles and Lwang during festive holidays
The villages of Ghandruk, Sikles and Lwang in Kaski district have witnessed a surge in tourist arrivals during the peak tourism season, coinciding with the Tihar and Chhath holidays. The influx of domestic visitors has filled hotels and homestays, making it difficult for some tourists to find accommodation, particularly those without advance bookings. Ghandruk, located in Annapurna Rural Municipality-10 and 11, has experienced a significant increase in tourist arrivals since the day after Tihar. According to Bikram Gurung, chairperson of the Ghandruk Tourism Management Committee, around 3,400 to 3,500 tourists are visiting the village daily. With hotel rooms increasingly difficult to find, the committee has urged visitors to make advance reservations to avoid accommodation problems. Most visitors to Ghandruk are domestic tourists, although travellers from India and other countries are also arriving. A major destination along the Annapurna trekking circuit, Ghandruk serves as a popular stopover for trekkers heading towards Annapurna Base Camp and the Poon Hill-Ghorepani trekking route.
RTGS system to remain operational during public holiday
Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has decided to keep the Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) system operational even during the upcoming public holiday. According to a notice issued by the central bank, the RTGS service will operate from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on November 16. Although the government has declared Monday a public holiday on the occasion of the Chhath festival, the NRB has made arrangements to continue RTGS services to ensure the uninterrupted operation of the country’s payment system.
Massive dry landslide occurs in Gorkha forest area
A massive dry landslide has occurred in the forest area of Thado Bharyang in Dharche Rural Municipality-1, Gorkha district. The landslide occurred at Bagar, near Yaru Bridge. Assistant Chief District Officer of Gorkha, Netra Prakash Sharma, said there had been no loss of life or property in the incident. He added that a police team had reached the site to assess the situation and gather details about the landslide. Although the landslide debris, including rocks and soil, reached the Budhi Gandaki River, it was not likely to obstruct the river’s flow, said Laxman Gurung, chairperson of Dharche Rural Municipality.
RSP lawmakers meet party chair Lamichhane ahead of China visit
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) lawmakers scheduled to visit the People’s Republic of China have held discussions with party Chair Rabi Lamichhane ahead of their departure. The meeting, held at the party president’s residence today, was attended by party General Secretary Bipin Kumar Acharya, Chief Whip Kabindra Burlakoti and other lawmakers. An RSP delegation is scheduled to visit China from November 15 at the invitation of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Before the visit, the delegation met Prime Minister Balendra Shah on Friday. The Prime Minister urged the lawmakers to focus on strengthening Nepal-China relations during their visit.
Chhath festival: Second day marked by Kharna ritual today
The ancient Mithila region of Madhesh is immersed in the festivities of Chhath, with devotees observing the Kharna ritual on the second day of the four-day festival today. The festival began on Friday with the Nahaya-Khaya ritual, observed on the fourth day of the waxing moon in the month of Kartik. On the occasion, devotees took ritual baths, consumed traditional meals and made a solemn commitment to observe the Chhath fast. On the second day, corresponding to the Panchami Tithi, devotees observe a daylong fast after taking a ritual bath in the morning. In the evening, after sighting the moon, they worship Chhathi Maiya and offer kheer prepared in a new clay pot before consuming it as prasad. This ritual is known as Kharna in Maithili. Chhath is regarded as one of the most important festivals of folk faith in Mithila, with devotion, dedication, discipline and spiritual purification forming its central elements.
‘Operation Sabhyata’ in Lakeside: 44 people taken into custody
Kaski District Police Office has taken 44 people into custody for their alleged involvement in various unlawful activities in Pokhara’s Lakeside area over three days, from Wednesday to Friday, as part of its ongoing ‘Operation Civilization’. According to the District Police Office, 28 people were arrested for engaging in quarrels while under the influence of alcohol, five for arguing and misbehaving with police personnel, two for carrying weapons, two for mistreating women and children, and one for waving flags. During the same period, police also took action against 81 vehicles. According to Police Inspector Ramji Devkota, acting information officer at the District Police Office, 57 drivers were found to be driving under the influence of alcohol, while one driver was arrested for other traffic-related offences.
World Diabetes Day observed today
World Diabetes Day is being observed today with various awareness programmes in different parts of the world to highlight the growing burden of diabetes and promote its prevention, early detection and treatment. Observed annually on November 14, the day aims to raise public awareness about diabetes, reduce its risk factors and improve access to prevention, diagnosis and treatment services. Over the past decade, the prevalence of diabetes has increased more rapidly in low- and middle-income countries than in high-income countries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), overweight and obesity are among the major risk factors contributing to the growing prevalence of the disease.
UN Secretary-General Guterres stresses urgent need to cut greenhouse gas emissions
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has stressed the urgent need for comprehensive reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, saying that although it is now impossible to prevent global warming from temporarily exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius, immediate action is essential to limit the extent and duration of the overshoot. Addressing the closing press conference of the ongoing United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Guterres called for annual reductions in greenhouse gas emissions of around 6 percent over the coming years. He warned that even if countries fully implement their existing climate commitments under their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), global temperatures could rise by more than 2.5 degrees Celsius by the end of this century.
Fire at Prajapati Complex in Radhe Radhe causes damage worth Rs 8 million
A fire broke out on the seventh floor of Prajapati Complex in Radhe Radhe, Madhyapur Thimi-9, this morning, causing estimated damage of around Rs 8 million. The fire broke out at around 8:00 am after complex owner Kumar Prajapati noticed smoke while opening his shop. He immediately alerted the fire brigade and police. According to Naresh Ranjit, owner of The Tranquil Times Spa and Wellness Pvt. Ltd., located on the seventh floor, the fire was caused by an electrical short circuit. Ranjit said the fire destroyed property worth approximately Rs 6 million belonging to the spa, which has been operating for the past five years. He added that the incident had caused substantial financial losses to the business.
Farmers urged to harvest ripe paddy crops promptly amid rising elephant movement
The District Administration Office, Jhapa, has urged farmers in Bahundangi, an area frequently affected by wild elephant incursions, to harvest and bring in their ripe paddy crops without delay. The administration has made the appeal as it prepares to deploy additional security personnel to prevent elephants from entering agricultural areas during the harvest season. Following an elephant attack that injured a person in Buddha Shanti on Friday morning, a team led by Chief District Officer Shravan Kumar Pokharel, accompanied by chiefs of the Nepali Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force, visited Bahundangi, a major entry point for wild elephants from India. At the time of the visit, farmers in Bahundangi of Mechinagar Municipality-4 were busy harvesting and transporting their ripe paddy crops. They were carrying out the work in coordination with local representatives, community organisations, Division Forest Office officials and security personnel.
Man dies after falling 150 metres from cliff in Achham
A 32-year-old man has died after falling from a cliff in Dhakari Rural Municipality-1 of Achham district. The deceased has been identified as Birkhe Budha, a resident of Basalla in the rural municipality, according to the District Police Office, Achham. Budha fell approximately 150 metres from a cliff near Basalla on Friday night while returning home from the local Saltokta Bazaar. Another man, 31-year-old Ganesh Budha, who was accompanying him, also fell from the cliff, said District Police Office Chief and Deputy Superintendent of Police Pavindra Bahadur Bamma. Following information that two people had been injured in the incident, a three-member police team led by Assistant Sub-Inspector Haridatta Bhatta was immediately dispatched from the Dhakari Police Post to rescue them.
Sama-Chakewa festival begins in Mithila region
The Sama-Chakewa festival, which symbolises love, goodwill and strong bonds between brothers and sisters, has begun in the Mithila region. The festival, which starts on the fifth day of the bright fortnight of Kartik (Kartik Shukla Panchami), is celebrated for 10 days and concludes on the 11th day, coinciding with the full moon. During the festival, sisters and daughters across Mithila gather in groups to sing traditional songs and perform dances, praying for the happiness, prosperity and long life of their brothers. According to Pandit Ram Kumar Shastri, who is familiar with the festival’s traditions, sisters and daughters visit paddy fields and open spaces outside their villages to collect soil dug up by their brothers on the first day of the festival.
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