KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Nepal’s economy grows 3.85 percent as capital spending hits five-year low
Nepal’s economy grew by 3.85 percent in fiscal year 2082/83 BS, while government capital expenditure fell to its lowest level in five years, according to the Ministry of Finance’s annual economic bulletin. The country’s gross domestic product (GDP) reached Rs. 66 kharba during the review period. However, economic growth slowed from 4.43 percent in fiscal year 2081/82 BS and remained below the 10-year average of 4.53 percent. Consumer price inflation eased to an annual average of 3.07 percent, down from 4.06 percent in the previous fiscal year. Inflation in the food and beverage category averaged 1.04 percent, while prices of non-food goods and services rose by 4.21 percent. Average annual wholesale inflation stood at 4.27 percent. Remittance inflows recorded substantial growth, increasing by 37.1 percent to Rs. 23 kharba 63 arba. Remittances accounted for 35.8 percent of GDP during the review year. The country’s foreign exchange reserves also increased significantly, rising by 45.6 percent to Rs. 38 kharba 98 arba, equivalent to 59.1 percent of GDP.
More than 262,000 people leave Kathmandu Valley for Dashain
More than 262,000 people have left the Kathmandu Valley since Ghatasthapana to celebrate Dashain with their families in their hometowns. According to Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Chief and Senior Superintendent of Police Suresh Prasad Kafle, a total of 262,075 people had left the Valley by Wednesday, travelling in 37,964 vehicles. The number of people leaving Kathmandu has increased in recent days, with growing crowds at bus parks and major exit points as residents who live in the valley for education, employment and other professional commitments return home for the festival. Of those who have left the valley, 161,167 are men and 100,908 are women, according to the figures provided. The number of passengers travelling on both long- and short-distance public transport services has also risen as Dashain approaches.
RSP opens applications for Candidate Club ahead of local elections
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has opened applications for its Municipal Candidate Club ahead of the upcoming local-level elections. In a notice issued through social media, the party invited eligible citizens interested in taking up leadership roles in local government to apply. According to the party, applicants can seek candidacy for the posts of mayor, deputy mayor, ward chairperson and ward member. The party said the initiative aims to promote capable, qualified and transparent leadership at the local level. It also expects the programme to provide a formal platform for new and aspiring leaders interested in participating in local elections.
Indigenous Nationalities Commission submits annual report to President
The Indigenous Nationalities Commission has submitted its annual report for the fiscal year 2082/83 to President Ram Chandra Poudel. According to the President’s Office, Commission Chairperson Ram Bahadur Thapa Magar presented the report at a special ceremony held at Sheetal Niwas, the President’s Office, on Friday. Article 294 of the Constitution of Nepal requires constitutional commissions to submit their annual reports to the head of state.
Budhigandaki floods: Helicopters rescue over 1,000 people
More than 1,000 people have been rescued by helicopter from flood-affected areas along the Budhigandaki River in northern Gorkha. Assistant Chief District Officer Netra Prasad Sharma said 1,044 people, including 70 foreign nationals, had been evacuated from Sunday through Thursday. Residents and visitors were stranded after the floods damaged footpaths and bridges connecting the affected areas with other parts of northern Gorkha. Nepal Army helicopters have been deployed to rescue those stranded, Sharma said. According to him, 96 people were rescued on Sunday, the first day of the flooding, followed by 321 on Monday and 186 on Tuesday. Another 441 people were evacuated on Wednesday.
Gold price declines in domestic market
Gold prices in the domestic market fell by Rs 1,100 per tola, while silver prices dropped by Rs 220 per tola on Thursday. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Associations, the price of gold has been fixed at Rs 288,400 per tola, while silver is priced at Rs 4,035 per tola. On Wednesday, gold was traded at Rs 289,500 per tola and silver at Rs 4,255 per tola.
Babu Thapa, convicted in Justice Bam murder, arrested in Sarlahi
Megh Bahadur Thapa, also known as Babu Thapa, who was convicted in the murder case of former Supreme Court Justice Rana Bahadur Bam and escaped from prison during the Gen Z movement in August 2025, has been arrested in Sarlahi. Police arrested Thapa while he was sleeping at his residence in Bagmati Municipality-1, according to the Sarlahi District Police Office. Police recovered two pistols, three magazines and 15 rounds of ammunition from his possession. Sarlahi Police Chief Superintendent of Police Rabindranath Poudel said one of the pistols bore the inscription ‘Made in USA’, while the other was unidentified. Thapa, a former central vice-president of the Churebhawar Rastriya Party, escaped from Kathmandu’s Central Jail in Sundhara on August 9, 2025 during the Gen Z movement.
Health screenings intensified at Gaddachouki border as Dashain, Tihar returnees arrive
Nepalis returning from India to celebrate Dashain and Tihar are undergoing health screenings at the Gaddachouki border checkpoint in Kanchanpur. With cross-border passenger traffic increasing during the festive season, the government has established health screening stations to detect six diseases: malaria, tuberculosis, HIV, COVID-19, dengue and scrub typhus. Siddharaj Bhatt, a public health officer at the District Health Office in Kanchanpur, said the screenings aim to identify potential health problems among returning Nepalis and prevent the spread of infectious diseases across the border. “Individuals found to have infections are referred to health facilities and provided with free treatment,” Bhatt said.
Kathmandu Valley’s minimum temperature drops to 13.5 degrees Celsius
The minimum temperature in the Kathmandu Valley has dropped to 13.5 degrees Celsius, marking the second consecutive day of decline. According to the Weather Forecasting Division, the minimum temperature was recorded at 13.5 degrees Celsius at 8:45 am on Thursday. The Valley’s minimum temperature stood at 14.5 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, down from 15 degrees Celsius on Tuesday. The Division records daily minimum and maximum temperatures at various locations across the country, including the Kathmandu Valley. With the monsoon having withdrawn and the influence of westerly winds increasing across the country, temperatures are gradually falling, bringing cooler conditions.
Kaligandaki bridge reopens after 18-day closure
The bridge connecting Ghiring in Tanahun with Dedhgaon in Nawalpur has reopened to traffic after remaining closed for 18 days due to flood damage caused by the Kaligandaki River. The flood on September 27 washed away the access roads on both sides of the bridge, disrupting transportation between Ghiring Rural Municipality in Tanahun and Baudikali Rural Municipality in Nawalpur. A temporary access road on the Nawalpur side was completed last week, while the road on the Tanahun side was finished on Wednesday, allowing vehicles to resume operations across the bridge. Hom Bahadur Thapa, chairperson of Ghiring Rural Municipality, confirmed that traffic had resumed following the completion of the repair work. The restoration was carried out by Siddhababa Construction Services with financial and technical support from the Road Division Office, Tanahun.
Bharatpur Airport authorities directed to improve cleanliness and facilities
The district administration has directed the concerned authorities to improve cleanliness and management at Bharatpur Airport following complaints about unhygienic toilets, irregular cleaning and inadequate beautification of the airport premises. The monitoring was carried out after members of the public raised concerns about the poor condition of the airport’s facilities. Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Sobita Gautam, who is also a member of the House of Representatives elected from Chitwan Constituency-3, drew the attention of Chief District Officer Ganesh Aryal to the issue after receiving complaints. According to Aryal, he and Minister Gautam jointly inspected the airport premises following repeated complaints from passengers and other members of the public.
Nepal Red Cross launches relief and recovery programme for flood-affected communities
The Nepal Red Cross Society, in collaboration with Bidur Municipality, has launched a comprehensive relief and recovery programme for communities affected by recent floods in the Bhotekoshi area, providing immediate financial assistance of Rs 100,000 to affected families. The initiative was announced by Jagan Chapagain, secretary general and chief executive officer of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), during his visit to the flood-hit areas. The partnership aims to address the immediate humanitarian needs of affected households while supporting long-term recovery, rehabilitation and disaster resilience. Under an agreement signed by the two sides, the programme will cover several key areas, including healthcare, water and sanitation, housing and livelihood recovery. As part of the initiative, the Red Cross plans to support 1,000 families in restoring their livelihoods and provide rental assistance to 2,000 households until permanent housing solutions are secured. The organisation will also directly manage support for 600 households.
Two killed, three injured in jeep accident in Jajarkot
Two people were killed and three others injured when a jeep plunged about 300 metres off the road in Junichande Rural Municipality-2, Jajarkot, early Thursday morning. According to the District Police Office, Jajarkot, the jeep (Karnali Province 02-001 Cha 1243), travelling from Surkhet to Junichande Rural Municipality, went out of control and fell off the road at around 2 am. The deceased have been identified as the jeep driver, 20-year-old Santa Bahadur Basnet of Kalli Syala, Junichande Rural Municipality-9, and 30-year-old Bipana Bhandari, wife of Dil Bahadur Bhandari of Syala, Junichande Rural Municipality-3, according to Deputy Superintendent of Police Puri of the District Police Office.
Educationists stress the need to safeguard university autonomy
Educationists have stressed the need to safeguard university autonomy, curb political interference and introduce policy reforms to improve the quality and accessibility of higher education in Nepal. They expressed these views at a national workshop titled ‘University Grants Commission and Nepal’s Higher Education’, organised by Pragyik Vidyarthi Parishad (PVP) Nepal. The participants highlighted the need for legal reforms, increased investment in research and institutional autonomy to address longstanding challenges in the higher education sector. They also emphasised the importance of expanding access to university education, making it more affordable and improving academic standards. Former Purbanchal University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr Biju Kumar Thapaliya stressed the need to end political interference in higher education.
Yangwarak Pokhari transforms into Panchthar’s latest tourist hotspot
Yangwarak Pokhari (Pond) in Jordhara, Yangwarak Rural Municipality-4, Panchthar, has emerged as a popular tourist destination following the completion of infrastructure development works that took five years. Tourism infrastructure worth Rs 6.44 crores has been constructed around the pond, which holds religious and historical significance. Once surrounded by trees, bushes, water lilies and accumulated waste, the natural pond has been transformed into an attractive destination featuring a water fountain, selfie spots and neatly installed railings. The pond measures approximately 50 metres in length and width and is seven metres deep. The infrastructure development project was undertaken by YSM Joshi Ashu JV, Kathmandu.
Skandamata worshipped on the fifth day of Navaratra
Skandamata, the fifth form of Goddess Durga, was worshipped in Dashain Ghars and prayer rooms across the country today, marking the fifth day of Navratra during Bada Dashain. Every year, Skandamata is worshipped with traditional rituals on the fifth day of Navratra, which falls on Ashwin Shukla Panchami during the fortnight dedicated to Goddess Durga. The nine forms of Goddess Durga, collectively known as Nava Durga, are worshipped over the nine days of Navaratra. Shailaputri is worshipped on the first day, Brahmacharini on the second, Chandraghanta on the third, Kushmanda on the fourth, Skandamata on the fifth, Katyayani on the sixth, Kalaratri on the seventh, Mahagauri on the eighth and Siddhidatri on the ninth.
Modern technology introduced to reduce agricultural production costs
The Agricultural Development Resource Center in Waling-1, Syangja, has emphasized the use of modern machinery and equipment to reduce agricultural production costs. The center, which serves 11 districts in Gandaki Province, has begun using modern rice harvesting machines for the first time. According to office chief Sudip Regmi, the rising cost of agricultural production has made the adoption of modern technology necessary to ease the financial burden on farmers. “The production costs of agricultural commodities have increased significantly in recent years,” Regmi said. “Reducing these costs will directly benefit both farmers and consumers.” The center produces seeds of improved varieties of paddy, wheat, millet and various vegetable crops. Regmi said the shortage of agricultural labourers has become a major challenge, particularly in seed production.
One killed, 16 injured in Udayapur bus accident
One person died and 16 others were injured when a passenger bus travelling from Kathmandu to Dharan crashed at Surkhe in Triyuga Municipality-7 along the Madan Bhandari Highway in Udayapur. According to District Police Office Chief Rajan Chapagain, the deceased has been identified as 18-year-old Sonu Basial of Basaha, Chaudandigadhi Municipality. Of the 35 people aboard the bus, 16 sustained injuries in the accident.
Drivers, transport operators face action over unhygienic and overpriced highway eateries
Drivers and transport operators of public passenger vehicles will face strict action if they stop at highway hotels and restaurants found serving unhygienic food or charging excessive prices. The Department of Transport Management issued a public notice announcing the move following widespread complaints that highway eateries were serving stale, low-quality food contaminated by flies and charging exorbitant prices to travellers. The decision was made following a meeting of concerned agencies at the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure, according to the department. The department has directed drivers of public passenger vehicles to stop only at hotels and restaurants that provide clean, hygienic and quality food. Wherever possible, vehicles have been instructed to stop at establishments displaying the food hygiene sticker issued by the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control.
Nepal’s external sector strengthens as trade deficit and inflation rise
Nepal’s external sector remained strong in the first two months of fiscal year 2026/27, with record-high foreign exchange reserves and substantial surpluses in the current account and balance of payments. However, inflation and the trade deficit continued to rise, according to Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB). The central bank’s latest report on the country’s current economic and financial situation showed that year-on-year consumer price inflation reached 6.34 percent by mid-September, compared to 1.87 percent in the same period last year. Food and beverage inflation stood at 7.54 percent, while non-food and services inflation reached 5.69 percent.
Process begins to introduce advanced navigation system at Pokhara airport
The process of introducing an advanced air navigation system at Pokhara International Airport has moved forward to reduce flight disruptions, diversions and cancellations caused by adverse weather and poor visibility. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has begun technical studies to implement the Required Navigation Performance Authorization Required (RNP-AR) approach and landing procedure at the airport. According to CAAN, a preliminary study for the system has been completed. The airport currently operates a radio-based navigation and landing system. However, its geographical location, surrounding hilly terrain and technical and operational limitations pose challenges to flight operations during adverse weather and low visibility.
Congress to announce 15th general convention results by Thursday night
The Nepali Congress is expected to announce the complete results of the ongoing vote count for its Central Working Committee elections by Thursday night. Raju Katuwal, secretary of the election committee, said all results would be made public by Thursday night. According to Katuwal, results have already been announced for several positions, including party president, vice-presidents, general secretaries, and Dalit, open, women’s and Muslim joint general secretaries.
Unidentified man found dead in Kathmandu’s Ranipokhari
The body of a man was found floating in Ranipokhari on Wednesday night. The body of a man estimated to be between 35 and 40 years old was found floating in the pond at Ranipokhari, located in Kathmandu Metropolitan City-28. Following a report from locals, a 25-member disaster rescue team from the Nepal Police Disaster Response and Training Centre reached the site under the command of a police inspector. The team retrieved the body using necessary rescue equipment.
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