KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
PM Shah urges solidarity with disaster-hit families, pledges rehabilitation support
With the grief of recent disasters still weighing on the nation, Prime Minister (PM) Balendra Shah has extended his Bada Dashain greetings to Nepalis at home and abroad, calling for solidarity with affected families and reaffirming the government’s commitment to rehabilitation, economic prosperity and good governance. In his festival message, Shah said Dashain had arrived at a time when the country was mourning the lives lost in devastating incidents in Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Gorkha. He prayed for the eternal peace of the departed souls and the speedy recovery of the injured, while extending heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families on behalf of the nation. The Prime Minister said the government had prioritised the rehabilitation of displaced people and assured that relief and recovery efforts would continue for communities affected by the disasters.
Dashain strengthens social harmony, national unity: President
President Ram Chandra Paudel has said Dashain strengthens family bonds, social harmony and national unity while preserving Nepal’s rich cultural heritage amid its geographical, cultural and linguistic diversity. In a message issued on the occasion of Dashain 2083, the President extended his best wishes for happiness, peace, prosperity, good health and continued progress to all Nepalis at home and abroad. Paudel noted that although Nepal’s multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multicultural society encompasses diverse traditions and customs, Dashain has played a significant role in promoting forgiveness, goodwill, mutual respect and brotherhood.
Bijaya Dashami celebrates triumph of truth and virtue: Vice President Yadav
Beyond religious faith and age-old traditions, Bijaya Dashami embodies the enduring triumph of truth over falsehood, justice over injustice and virtue over evil, Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav has said, calling on people to embrace morality, goodwill and humanity on the occasion of Bada Dashain. In his message of best wishes for Bada Dashain 2083 on Saturday, the Vice President said the festival carries a timeless message that truth, justice, dutifulness and virtue ultimately prevail. He noted that the occasion also offers an opportunity for people to reflect on their conduct and behaviour. “Bijaya Dashami strengthens the belief that humanity, wisdom and moral power will triumph over falsehood, injustice, discrimination, violence and negative tendencies,” Yadav said in his message.
Phulpati brought into Dashain Ghar at Hanuman Dhoka
Phulpati, a collection of sacred plants and leaves symbolizing prosperity and good fortune, was brought into homes across Nepal on Saturday to mark the seventh day of Dashain, observed during the bright lunar fortnight of Ashwin. The traditional Phulpati ceremony was also held at Dashain Ghar inside Hanuman Dhoka Durbar in Kathmandu. The Phulpati was brought from the Dashain Ghar at Gorkha Durbar. The tradition of bringing a palanquin carrying Phulpati from Gorkha Durbar to Hanuman Dhoka every year on the seventh day of Dashain dates back to the time when King Prithvi Narayan Shah began administering the country from Hanuman Dhoka Durbar in Kathmandu.
Army holds Phulpati Badhai ceremony at Tundikhel
The Nepali Army held the traditional Phulpati Badhai ceremony at the Sainik Manch, Tundikhel, on Saturday to mark Phulpati, the seventh day of Dashain. The ceremony featured rifle and cannon salutes, including both rolling and combined salutes. An Army helicopter showered flower petals and displayed a banner reading “Phulpati Badhai Ceremony 2083.” The Army band performed the national anthem, while the ceremony also featured an honour guard, salutes by various battalions and a march-past. President Ram Chandra Paudel, Vice President Ramsahaya Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Balendra Shah and Chief Justice Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma attended the ceremony.
Gagan Thapa assumes office as Nepali Congress president
Newly elected Nepali Congress President Gagan Kumar Thapa has assumed office at the party’s central headquarters in Sanepa. Speaking after taking charge, Thapa said elections held during a party general convention are internal competitions, unlike general elections, and should be viewed as a responsibility rather than a matter of victory or defeat. He said the responsibility of the party president and other office-bearers goes beyond holding positions and includes protecting citizens’ democratic rights, dignity and justice. Thapa said the party would remain committed to the founding principles of democracy, dignity and social justice. He stressed the need to strengthen the party institutionally and connect it more closely with the public, farmers, youth and workers.
Gagan Thapa takes oath as Nepali Congress President
Gagan Thapa, elected President of the Nepali Congress at the party’s 15th General Convention, took the oath of office on Phulpati, the seventh day of Bada Dashain. Prem Bahadur Khadka, coordinator of the party’s Central Election Committee, administered the oath to Thapa at a ceremony held at the Nepali Congress Central Office in Sanepa today (October 17). Following the ceremony, Thapa formally assumed office. Senior Vice President Bishwaprakash Sharma and other party leaders congratulated him by presenting khadas (shawls). Five ‘batuks’ (Brahmin boys trained in Vedic rituals) recited Swasti before the oath-taking ceremony, which was attended by members of the Election Committee, newly elected Central Committee office-bearers and members, and other party leaders.
PM Shah calls for dignified Dashain celebrations
Prime Minister Balendra Shah has extended his best wishes to all Nepalis at home and abroad on the occasion of Bada Dashain, expressing hope that the festival will bring happiness, peace and prosperity to every household and strengthen bonds among Nepalis around the world. In his Dashain message, Shah described the festival as an important religious and cultural occasion that promotes family unity, love and respect. He highlighted the tradition of receiving tika, jamara and blessings from elders as a reflection of core Nepali values and intergenerational bonds. He also described Dashain as a symbol of the victory of truth over falsehood and divine power over evil, urging people to overcome negative traits such as greed, anger and ego and to embrace truth, morality and good conduct. Stressing that financial constraints should not prevent people from celebrating the festival, the Prime Minister called for dignified and meaningful celebrations. He reiterated the government’s commitment to national prosperity, public welfare and good governance.
Tatopani border crossing to reopen for cargo vehicles for three days
The Tatopani border crossing between Nepal and China will reopen for three days from October 18 to 20, allowing cargo vehicles to pass through the key trade route, the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies has said. According to a press statement issued by the ministry on Saturday, the border point will remain open exclusively to cargo vehicles during the three-day period. Other vehicles will not be permitted to cross under the arrangement. The temporary reopening is expected to facilitate the movement of goods across the Nepal-China border and support cross-border trade through the Tatopani checkpoint. Traders and transport operators using the route will need to plan their shipments within the designated period.
Dashain has kept cultural heritage and intimacy alive: NA Chair Dahal
National Assembly (NA) Chair Narayan Prasad Dahal has called on Nepalis to strengthen national unity, social harmony and mutual respect, saying the spirit of Bada Dashain should inspire collective efforts to build a prosperous, inclusive and harmonious Nepal. In a message issued on Saturday on the occasion of Bada Dashain 2083, Dahal extended his best wishes for happiness, peace, prosperity, good health and continued progress to all Nepalis at home and abroad. He expressed confidence that the festival would further reinforce mutual understanding, unity, cooperation and brotherhood among the people. Describing Dashain as a festival of profound religious, cultural and social significance, Dahal said it symbolizes the triumph of truth over falsehood and justice over injustice. He noted that the tradition of receiving tika, jamara and blessings from elders and relatives, along with family reunions, adds to the festival’s significance.
Monsoon disasters cause millions in damage in Beni
Floods and landslides triggered by this year’s monsoon have damaged 242 private houses in Beni Municipality, with the cost of restoring roads, drinking water systems and other infrastructure expected to run into hundreds of millions of rupees. According to the municipality, 91 houses were completely destroyed and 151 partially damaged, leaving all 242 houses in need of reconstruction. The worst-hit areas were Chinakhet and Chepare in Bhakimli, where two people died after being buried in landslides. Thirty-three sheds were also damaged. A concrete retaining wall built along the Kaligandaki River at Ganeshtole to protect Beni Bazaar was destroyed by flooding on Asoj 11. The Rs 7.5 million allocated in the current fiscal year for repairs to the damaged road has proved insufficient. Following a decision by the District Disaster Management Committee, an additional Rs 10 million has been sought from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority.
Nepal lose to Canada by 24 runs in League 2
Nepal suffered a 24-run defeat against Canada in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 match played on Saturday. Chasing a target of 257 runs set by Canada, Nepal were bowled out for 232 in 46 overs. Arjun Kumal was Nepal’s top scorer with 87 runs off 112 balls, including four boundaries. Dipendra Singh Airee scored 27 runs, while Ishan Pandey and Gulshan Jha contributed 21 runs each. Aasif Sheikh made 20 runs and captain Rohit Paudel scored 18. Earlier, after winning the toss at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman, Canada were bowled out for 256 in 50 overs.
Jana Aastha editor Kishor Shrestha released from Cyber Bureau
Kishor Shrestha, editor-in-chief of Jana Aastha weekly, who was arrested on Saturday, has been released after several hours in custody. The Cyber Bureau arrested Shrestha from his residence in Lalitpur on Saturday morning following a complaint filed by Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) leader Himesh Pant over a news report concerning alleged land encroachment. Shrestha was released on Saturday evening after holding discussions with Pant, who is also an actor. He was freed after the two sides reached an agreement.
Bijaya Dashami inspires truth, justice and righteousness: Madhesh Province Chief
Madhesh Province Chief Surendra Labh Karna has said that Bijaya Dashami inspires people to uphold truth, justice and righteousness while fostering social harmony, mutual respect and unity among diverse communities. In his message of best wishes on the occasion of Bada Dashain on Saturday, Karna emphasised the need to promote tolerance, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence among the people of Madhesh Province, which is home to diverse communities, cultures and traditions. He expressed confidence that the festival would encourage people to stand against discrimination and injustice and work collectively towards building a more equitable, inclusive and prosperous society.
Cyber Bureau summons Himesh Pant after Kishor Shrestha
The Nepal Police Cyber Bureau has summoned Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) central member Himesh Pant for discussion following a dispute with Jana Aastha weekly Editor-in-Chief Kishor Shrestha over a news report. Both sides have filed complaints against each other with the bureau. Pant filed a complaint against Shrestha on Friday, while bureau sources said Shrestha had also lodged a complaint against Pant. Earlier on Saturday morning, a police team took Shrestha from his residence in Nakkhu, Lalitpur, to the Cyber Bureau for discussion. Pant has also been summoned by the bureau in connection with the case.
Journalist Kishor Shrestha arrested
Kishor Shrestha, editor-in-chief of Jana Aastha weekly, has been arrested again by police following a complaint alleging that the publication carried defamatory content about comedian and Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) central member Himesh Pant. A team from the Nepal Police Cyber Bureau arrested Shrestha at his residence in Nakkhu on Friday morning and took him to the bureau for discussion, according to the report. Pant had filed a complaint with the Cyber Bureau, alleging that Jana Aastha published news that damaged his reputation. Shrestha himself confirmed his arrest in a Facebook post after police arrived at his residence. “Those who abuse people are useless. They have come to take me from my home for the crime of publishing news,” he wrote. Jana Aastha has also lodged a complaint against Pant with the Cyber Bureau, alleging that he posted objectionable content on social media and used obscene language in response to the published report.
Kathmandu Valley records lower minimum temperature
The minimum temperature in the Kathmandu Valley dropped on Saturday compared to the previous day, indicating a gradual increase in cold conditions. According to the Weather Forecasting Division, the valley recorded a minimum temperature of 13.8 degrees Celsius at 5:45 am on Saturday. However, the reading is preliminary, as the official minimum temperature is recorded at 8:45 am. The temperature could fall further by the time the final measurement is taken, according to the Division. The valley recorded a minimum temperature of 15 degrees Celsius on Friday, meaning Saturday’s preliminary reading was 1.2 degrees Celsius lower.
Tatopani border crossing to open for three days
The Tatopani border crossing between Nepal and China will remain open for three days, from October 18 to 20, to facilitate the movement of cargo vehicles, the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies has said. According to a press statement issued by the ministry on Saturday, the border point will be open exclusively to cargo vehicles during the three-day period. Other vehicles will not be permitted to cross under the arrangement.
Health Ministry urges hospitals to maintain services during Dashain holidays
The Ministry of Health and Population has urged federal and provincial hospitals to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services throughout the Dashain holidays, stressing the need to keep essential medical facilities operational during the festive period. The ministry has asked all hospitals to ensure the continuous availability of essential services, including emergency care, emergency surgeries, maternity services and intensive care, by arranging adequate medical personnel and other necessary resources throughout the holidays.
Election Commission adds 187,886 voters to updated electoral roll
The Election Commission (EC) has added 187,886 voters to the electoral roll, bringing the total number of registered voters to 18,903,689, according to the updated list published ahead of the March 5 House of Representatives elections. According to the commission, the updated voter roll as of August 31 includes 9,769,825 men, 9,321,336 women and 214 voters registered under the ‘other’ category. In a press statement issued on Friday, the EC said it had removed 158,264 names from the voter roll. The deleted entries included 45,322 deceased voters, as well as duplicate registrations and the names of people who had renounced their citizenship or had their citizenship revoked.
One killed, another injured in Kapilvastu road accident
One person was killed and another injured when two motorcycles collided with a truck on the East-West Highway at Bankasbas in Shivaraj Municipality-1, Kapilvastu, on Saturday morning. According to Police Inspector Rajan Dhakal of the District Traffic Police Office, the rider of one of the motorcycles died in the collision. The deceased’s identity has not yet been established. The rider of the other motorcycle, Dilip Kumar Yadav, 23, of Bachaiya, Gadhwa Rural Municipality-2, Dang, sustained injuries, while his pillion passenger, Anil Yogi, 21, escaped unharmed.
14 arrested with drugs in seven districts
Police have arrested 14 people on drug-related charges during routine patrols and operations in seven districts across the country. According to the Central Police Newsroom, Govinda Tamang, 32, of Rapti Municipality-1, Chitwan, and Safal Bikram Rana, 24, of Manahari Rural Municipality-3, Makawanpur, were arrested with the controlled drug tramadol at Thanabharyang in Hetauda Sub-Metropolitan City-11, Makawanpur. Similarly, two people, including Nabin Ale Magar, 22, of Nilkantha Municipality-5, Dhading, who resides in Chunikhel, Lalitpur, were arrested with tramadol at Wai Wai Chowk in Lalitpur Metropolitan City-18. In another incident, Saroj Bardeva, 21, of Pragati Tole, Belka Municipality-8, Udayapur, was arrested with nitrazepam at Kothu in the same municipality. Bishal Bik, 30, of Dokebazar, Punarbas Municipality-11, and Kushal Chaudhary, 22, of Joshipur Rural Municipality-9, Kailali, were arrested with a substance suspected to be brown sugar at Phataiya Khalla in Belauri Municipality-1, Kanchanpur.
Nepali cricket gains international standing after NPL receives ICC recognition: CAN
The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has said Nepali cricket has gained international credibility after the Nepal Premier League (NPL) received official recognition from the International Cricket Council (ICC). Speaking at a press conference held at the TU Cricket Ground on Saturday, CAN Secretary Paras Khadka said the ICC’s official recognition of the NPL has raised the profile of Nepali cricket. He said the NPL will be presented with new and distinct dynamics in the upcoming edition. Khadka said the ICC Anti-Corruption Code will be fully implemented in the NPL. He added that cases involving spot-fixing, match-fixing and other violations will be dealt with by the relevant regulatory bodies in accordance with ICC rules and international regulations.
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