KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
President Paudel issues two ordinances, certifies one bill
President Ram Chandra Paudel has issued two ordinances and authenticated a bill related to the establishment and operation of the National Forensic Science Laboratory. According to the President’s Office, Paudel issued the Nepal Academy of Science, Technology and Innovation Ordinance and the Science, Technology and Innovation Ordinance on the recommendation of the Government of Nepal. He also authenticated a bill passed by the Federal Parliament to provide for the establishment and operation of the National Forensic Science Laboratory.
Prime Minister’s Office reports progress over past week
The government has made 611 appointments to positions that became vacant following the issuance of the Ordinance on Special Provisions Relating to the Removal of Public Officials, 2083, according to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers (OPMCM). At a regular press briefing held at Singha Durbar on Friday, OPMCM spokesperson and Joint Secretary Hemraj Aryal said 419 new appointments and other recruitment decisions had been made across 80 entities, including government ministries, autonomous bodies, boards, councils, institutions, commissions and universities, following the removal of public officials. According to Aryal, the Cabinet made 14 appointments based on proposals from the OPMCM, while 178 appointments were made to positions in universities, commissions and academies. A total of 159 appointments were made across 13 entities under the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, while 82 appointments were made across 15 entities under the Ministry of Health and Food Safety. Similarly, 70 appointments were made across 18 bodies under the Ministry of Education and Sports.
Govt committed to strengthening Nepal Police: PM Shah
Prime Minister (PM) Balendra Shah has said the government is committed to strengthening the Nepal Police and enhancing its capacity to respond to potential disasters and emerging security challenges.In a message issued on Friday to mark the 71st Police Day, Shah said the government had prioritised policy guidance, legal reforms, modern training and infrastructure development to empower police personnel who serve the public and remain at the forefront of emergency response operations. He also announced plans to develop the Nepal Police Hospital into a medical college to improve healthcare services for police personnel, their dependent family members and the general public. The prime minister paid tribute to police personnel who lost their lives in the recent Bhotekoshi-Trishuli disasters and in the line of duty over the years. He also wished a speedy recovery to those injured or disabled while performing their duties.
Efforts underway to make Nepal Police more professional: Home Minister Gurung
Home Minister Sudan Gurung has said the government is preparing legal reforms to make the Nepal Police more capable, professional and modern. Speaking at a programme organised in Kathmandu on Friday to mark the 71st Police Day, Gurung said work was underway on a new police bill aimed at reforming the organisation. “The government is taking initiatives to improve service facilities through legal provisions to motivate police personnel. Facilities related to housing, healthcare and transfers will be managed,” he said, adding that efforts were underway to digitise all police offices. Gurung said the government would also promote the use of retired security personnel’s knowledge and skills while working to enhance their self-esteem.
NC elects 19 office bearers under Gagan Thapa’s leadership
A team of 19 office bearers has been elected at the 15th General Convention of the Nepali Congress (NC) under the leadership of Gagan Thapa. While Bishwaprakash Sharma was elected senior vice-president and Pushpa Bhusal women’s vice-president unopposed, 17 office bearers, including party president Thapa, were elected through a competitive process. Thapa, who was elected president at the party’s Special General Convention, secured another victory at the regular General Convention, defeating Shyam Krishna Khadki by a wide margin. Thapa received 6,584 votes, while Khadki secured just 375. Dr Chandrakanta Bhandari and Madhu Acharya were elected to the two open vice-president positions in a contest involving seven candidates. Govinda Bhattarai, Surendra Raj Pandey, Dhanraj Gurung, Deepak Giri and Dr Chandra Mohan Yadav were among those defeated.
India appoints Sudhakar Dalela as next ambassador to Nepal
India has appointed senior diplomat Sudhakar Dalela as its next ambassador to Nepal, as Kathmandu and New Delhi seek to strengthen cooperation in trade, energy, connectivity and regional affairs. According to a statement issued by the Indian government on Friday, Dalela, a 1993-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer currently serving as a secretary at India’s Ministry of External Affairs, is expected to assume his new assignment shortly. He will succeed Naveen Srivastava, who took charge as India’s ambassador to Nepal on June 25, 2022. Srivastava has served in Kathmandu for more than four years, during which the two countries continued to advance cooperation in cross-border energy trade, connectivity and economic partnerships. Both diplomats belong to the same IFS batch.
Cabinet sets minimum support price of wheat at Rs 4,107 per quintal
The government has fixed the minimum support price of wheat at Rs 4,107 per quintal for the fiscal year 2083/84. The decision was made at a Cabinet meeting held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers on Friday. Making the decisions public, Minister for Information and Communications Dr Bikram Timilsina said the meeting had approved several proposals related to agriculture, disaster relief, foreign assistance and legislation. The Cabinet approved the Nepal Special Service (21st Amendment) Regulations, 2083. It also approved emergency grant assistance equivalent to 295 million Japanese yen from the Japanese government and a grant of 20 million euros from Germany. At the proposal of the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, the Cabinet granted in-principle approval to draft a bill to establish the Budhigandaki Development Authority.
SAARC secretary-general pays farewell call on President Paudel
South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Secretary-General Mohammad Golam Sarwar paid a farewell call on President Ram Chandra Paudel at the President’s Office on Friday. Sarwar, a Bangladeshi diplomat, is set to return to his home country shortly following the completion of his three-year term as SAARC secretary-general.
Support during difficult times matters most: Gagan Thapa
Newly elected Nepali Congress (NC) President Gagan Thapa has said that support received during difficult times is far more valuable than the backing offered when things are going well. Thapa made the remarks at a greetings exchange programme organised in Kathmandu on Friday on the occasion of the Dashain, Tihar and Chhath festivals. “There are many people who support you when you are moving forward smoothly, when things are easy,” Thapa said. “But the support you receive when you are struggling and have fallen is much more important.” Reflecting on his political journey, Thapa said he had faced setbacks on numerous occasions. “I am a political activist, and I have fallen many times during my political journey,” he said. Thapa expressed gratitude to those who stood by him during periods of weakness and difficulty, saying their continued support and affection meant a great deal to him.
Thousands leave Kathmandu Valley as Dashain travel rush grows
The number of people leaving the Kathmandu Valley to celebrate Bada Dashain with their families has increased, with more than 348,000 passengers departing since Ghatasthapana (October 11). People living in the capital for education, employment and other professional activities have begun returning to their hometowns and villages to celebrate the major Nepali festival with their families and relatives. Passenger traffic has increased at various exit points in the valley, with public transport services experiencing a surge in demand on both short- and long-distance routes. Deputy Superintendent of Police Rabindra Khanal of the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office said 348,314 passengers had left the valley between Ghatasthapana and the morning of October 10. Passengers have been leaving the valley through various routes, including Pharping, Nagdhunga, Thankot, Bhimdhunga, Tinpiple, Sankhu, Jagati in Bhaktapur and Bhattedanda in Lalitpur.
Nepal Telecom offers 30 Mbps fiber internet for Rs 4,999 a year
Government-owned Nepal Telecom (NTC) has launched a new annual fiber internet package offering speeds of 30 Mbps for Rs 4,999, effective today. The new package comes as private internet service providers have announced the discontinuation of affordable internet packages. According to Nepal Telecom, the new offer is available to NT Fiber customers under its Fiber to the Home (FTTH) service. The company is also introducing packages with higher speeds and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity. NTC spokesperson Dr Kamal Lamichhane said the annual package costs Rs 11,499 for 100 Mbps internet and Rs 12,999 for 150 Mbps, including internet and telephone services. Similarly, customers can subscribe to the 200 Mbps package for Rs 16,499 annually.
Gold and silver prices rise in domestic market
Gold prices in the domestic market increased by Rs 1,700 per tola, while silver prices rose by Rs 115 per tola on Friday. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of fine gold was fixed at Rs 290,100 per tola, while silver was priced at Rs 4,150 per tola. On Thursday, gold was traded at Rs 288,400 per tola, while silver was priced at Rs 4,035 per tola.
NRB to invest Rs 24.83 billion in bank and financial institution deposits
Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has announced plans to invest Rs 24.83 billion from its various funds in fixed-term deposits with banks and financial institutions. The central bank has invited commercial banks, development banks and finance companies classified as ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ to submit proposals specifying the amounts they are willing to accept and the interest rates they offer. The deposits will be placed for 366 days, from November 2, 2026, to November 2, 2027. Of the total amount, Rs 19.86 billion has been earmarked for ‘A’ class commercial banks, Rs 3.72 billion for ‘B’ class development banks and Rs 1.24 billion for ‘C’ class national-level finance companies.
Chitwan National Park launches e-ticketing system for tourists
Chitwan National Park (CNP) has introduced an electronic ticketing system, allowing tourists to purchase entry tickets online and complete the admission process without visiting ticket counters in person. In the initial phase, online ticketing is available for visitors entering the park through the Sauraha area. The service will be expanded to other entry points based on the results of the initial implementation. Previously, tourists and tourism entrepreneurs had to visit ticket counters and pay in person to obtain entry tickets. The new system is expected to save time and make the ticketing process more convenient. Chitwan Constituency No. 1 lawmaker Hari Dhakal, who chairs the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee, and the Park’s senior conservation officer, Dil Bahadur Purja Pun, jointly inaugurated the system on Thursday.
US provides over $36 million to support Nepal’s flood recovery
The United States (US) has provided more than $36 million in assistance to help Nepal respond to and recover from the devastating floods of August 26. US Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Megan Bouldin highlighted the assistance during a meeting with Speaker of the House of Representatives Dol Prasad Aryal on Thursday, reaffirming the strength of the US-Nepal partnership. During the meeting, Bouldin also stressed the need for swift progress on economic reforms to improve Nepal’s business climate and ensure fair competition for American companies. She said American technology and infrastructure could contribute to Nepal’s flood recovery efforts. The US diplomat also appreciated the speaker’s assurance that action would be taken on legislation to combat human trafficking and hold traffickers accountable.
Former Chief Justice Shrestha receives Asia Region Lifetime Achievement Award
Former Chief Justice (CJ) of Nepal Kalyan Shrestha has received the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award at the Asia Region ACSI Awards in recognition of his contributions to judicial independence, human rights protection and judicial reform. Shrestha, who served as the 24th chief justice of the Supreme Court, has contributed to making Nepal’s judicial system more transparent, accountable and accessible to the public. He has consistently advocated for constitutional supremacy, the rule of law and democratic values. His judicial contributions include landmark rulings and initiatives concerning the protection of fundamental rights, the rights of marginalized communities, environmental justice and transitional justice.
18 flood-damaged suspension bridges resume operation after repairs
Eighteen suspension bridges damaged by flooding in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers have been repaired and brought back into operation. According to the Suspension Bridge Division Office under the Department of Local Infrastructure Development, 18 suspension bridges along the Trishuli corridor were damaged by the floods. Shanker Budhathoki, planning chief at the office, confirmed that all 18 bridges had been repaired and were now operational. Around Rs 55 million was spent on the repair works, he said. Major repairs were carried out on several bridges, including the Pimaltar Jagarama suspension bridge connecting Belkotgadhi-7 in Nuwakot and Tarkeshwar-2; the Foresetar suspension bridge linking Belkotgadhi-5 in Nuwakot with Galchi-1 in Dhading; the Jiling suspension bridge connecting Belkotgadhi-8 and Bidur Municipality-3 in Nuwakot; and the bridge linking Siddhalek-3 and Benighat Rorang-3 in Dhading, according to Budhathoki.
Pakistani cricket legend Misbah-ul-Haq appointed Sudurpaschim Royals coach
Sudurpaschim Royals, a franchise in the Nepal Premier League (NPL), has appointed former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq as its coach. The franchise announced the appointment through its social media accounts. “One of Pakistan’s most respected figures in international cricket, former captain and head coach Misbah-ul-Haq has now become a part of Sudurpaschim Royals,” the team said in its announcement. In a video shared on the franchise’s social media platforms, Misbah-ul-Haq expressed his excitement about joining Sudurpaschim Royals as head coach.
Locals join hands to repair Langtang trekking route
Local residents have repaired sections of the flood- and landslide-damaged Langtang trekking route through voluntary community efforts, restoring access for tourists and local people. Residents of Gosainkunda Rural Municipality-4 in Langtang took part in repairing landslide-affected sections above Paljor and below Rimiche. According to Dindup Tamang, ward chair of Gosainkunda-4, locals worked together to repair the sections most severely damaged by landslides. The devastating flood on August 26 completely destroyed Syafru Bazaar, the main gateway to Langtang, and swept away the bridge connecting to Syafru. With the main gateway and bridge destroyed, an alternative trekking route has been opened to facilitate travel for tourists and local residents, Tamang said.
Govt adopts policies to ensure sustainable food security: Minister Chaudhary
Minister for Agriculture, Forest and Environment Geeta Chaudhary has said the government has adopted various policies, laws and plans to eliminate hunger and ensure sustainable food security, thereby upholding the constitutionally guaranteed right to food. She said the government’s efforts were guided by the Agricultural Development Strategy, the Right to Food and Food Sovereignty Act, the 16th Plan and strategies aimed at transforming the country’s food system. In a message marking the 46th World Food Day on Thursday, Minister Chaudhary extended her greetings and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to modernizing, commercializing and diversifying agriculture. She said innovative approaches, research and the development and expansion of technology were essential to increasing agricultural production and productivity.
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