KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Nepal to prioritize climate justice, Himalayan protection at COP-31
Nepal will prioritize climate justice, protection of the Himalayan region, climate adaptation, and climate-related loss and damage at the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP-31). The conference is scheduled to take place in Antalya from November 9 to 20. Although Nepal contributes minimally to global climate change, the Ministry of Forests and Environment is preparing to highlight the risks and losses the country has suffered due to its impacts and call for climate justice on the international stage. Ministry Secretary Rajendra Prasad Mishra said climate change has heightened risks in the Himalayan region, while recent disasters have further exposed its vulnerability. He said Nepal would draw international attention to the need to protect the region and address the losses suffered by vulnerable communities.
ICC Cricket World Cup League: Nepal defeat Oman by 10 runs
Nepal secured a 10-run victory over Oman in the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2, registering their third win in the ongoing series. After winning the toss at Al Amerat Cricket Ground (Ministry Turf 1) in Oman, Nepal elected to bat and set a target of 281 runs. In reply, Oman managed 270 runs for the loss of seven wickets in their allotted 50 overs. For Oman, Jatinder Singh scored 89 runs, while Hamad Mirza contributed 87. Hasnain Shah remained unbeaten on 40 runs, while Hasnain-ul-Wahhab and captain Vinayak Shukla added 15 and 13 runs, respectively. For Nepal, Dipendra Singh Airee and Lalit Rajbanshi claimed two wickets each. Captain Sandeep Lamichhane and Nandan Yadav took one wicket apiece.
President Paudel visits and worships at nine shrines
President Ram Chandra Paudel visited and worshipped at nine Shaktipeeths (shrines) in the Kathmandu Valley on Monday on the occasion of Navratri. During the visit, President Paudel offered prayers at Naxal Bhagawati, Guheshwori, Maitidevi, Kalikasthan, Bhadrakali, Nara Devi, Raktakali, Shobha Bhagawati and Indrayani temples in Kathmandu. He also received tika and prasad from the priests at the Shaktipeeths.
Landslides, floods disrupt roads in three districts
Several roads in Myagdi, Gorkha and Surkhet districts were disrupted by landslides, floods and damage to a bridge following rainfall, according to Nepal Police. The Beni-Jomsom road section in Myagdi operated under one-way traffic following a landslide at Baisari in Raghuganga Rural Municipality-2. The road was damaged at around 5:50 am on October 18. In Gorkha, roads were obstructed by floods in Arughat Rural Municipality-2 and 3, as well as in the Nayapul area of Arughat Rural Municipality-1. The road connecting Arughat with Dhading was also completely blocked due to a problem with an iron bridge in the area. The section remained impassable since 5:30 am today, police said. Meanwhile, the Karnali Highway operated under one-way traffic following a landslide at Aulise in Barahatal Rural Municipality-7 of Surkhet. The road has been affected since 5:45 am on October 18.
Regmi expresses concern over instability, extends Dashain greetings
Former Chairman of the Council of Ministers and former Chief Justice Khil Raj Regmi has expressed concern over the possibility of political and social instability amid natural calamities and economic difficulties, emphasizing the need to address factors that could undermine national stability. Regmi also extended his greetings to Nepalis at home and abroad on the occasion of Bada Dashain 2083 BS, calling for unity, compassion and adherence to the rule of law. In his festive message, Regmi said Dashain symbolizes the victory of truth over falsehood and justice over injustice, urging people to uphold these values in their personal and public lives. Referring to the challenges posed by recent natural disasters and floods, he stressed the need for collective efforts to support affected communities, particularly those who have lost their homes and are living in temporary shelters.
Chitwan National Park steps up security for festivals, deploys sniffer dogs
Chitwan National Park has introduced a special security strategy for the festive season, mobilizing more than 1,200 personnel, including park staff and Nepali Army personnel deployed to protect the park. According to park information officer Abinash Thapa Magar, security has been tightened in anticipation of increased movement of unfamiliar people during the festival period. “Thirty-five surveillance cameras have been installed in sensitive areas to strengthen security,” Magar said. He added that camping and ambush operations would be conducted in areas vulnerable to poaching. In addition to regular patrols, security personnel will conduct sweeping operations and patrol on bicycles, motorcycles, boats, vehicles and elephants, Magar said. During the Chhath festival period, increased vigilance is necessary as local communities living near the park may be occupied with celebrations, potentially creating opportunities for poachers.
Army installs Bailey bridge over Budhigandaki in two days
The Nepali Army (NA) has completed the installation of a Bailey bridge over the Budhigandaki River at Aarughat, connecting Dhading and Gorkha districts, in just two days. According to the NA Directorate of Public Relations and Information, the bridge was handed over to the Gorkha Road Project on Monday following the completion of installation work. The concrete bridge over the river was damaged by flooding on October 11, when a section on the Gorkha side was washed away. The army’s swift completion of the Bailey bridge installation has been appreciated by local residents. Measuring approximately 27.43 metres in length and 4.2 metres in width, the new bridge is expected to ease transportation for residents of areas surrounding Dhading and Gorkha. The Nepali Army said the bridge would also facilitate the transportation of essential relief supplies and other emergency materials to flood-affected areas.
Heavy rainfall damages paddy crops worth Rs 20.17 million across Nepal
Heavy rainfall from September 24 to 27 has damaged paddy crops across Nepal, reducing estimated production by 438 metric tons and causing losses worth Rs 20.17 million, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Environment. The Ministry reported that the rainfall affected 229.33 hectares of paddy fields nationwide. Dr. Maniratna Aryal, a senior agricultural economist and the ministry’s information officer, said the damage to paddy accounted for 57.17 percent of the total agricultural losses recorded during the period. Lumbini Province suffered the heaviest losses, particularly in Banke and Dang districts. A total of 205.07 hectares of paddy fields were damaged in the two districts, resulting in an estimated production loss of 359.80 metric tons and financial losses amounting to Rs 15.46 million.
One killed, two injured in bus-motorcycle collision in Dhanusha
One person was killed and two others were injured when a bus collided with a motorcycle at Makhanaha in Sabaila Municipality-5, along the Dhanushadham-Sabaila inner road section, in Dhanusha district. According to police, the accident occurred last night when a bus (Na 6 Kha 9031), travelling from the opposite direction, struck a motorcycle (Madhesh Province 02-01 Pa 6449) heading from Sabaila towards Dhanushadham. The motorcycle driver, Dhiraj Mandal, 20, a resident of Dhanushadham Municipality-7, sustained critical injuries. He was rushed to the Provincial Hospital in Janakpurdham, where doctors declared him dead, said Deputy Superintendent of Police Om Prakash Khanal, spokesperson for the District Police Office, Dhanusha.
Two youths arrested with 72,080 tramadol capsules
Police have arrested two youths with 72,080 tramadol capsules from Pharping Bus Park in Dakshinkali Municipality-5, Kathmandu. According to the Area Police Office, Pharping, the two were arrested while travelling in a car from Birgunj to Kathmandu with the prescription drug. The arrested have been identified as Sudip Patel, 27, of Koyaria in Kalaiya Sub-Metropolitan City-23, Bara, and Sunil Sahni, 27, of Alau in Birgunj Metropolitan City-17. Police said further investigation into the case was underway.
Goddess shrines across country draw devotees on Maha Ashtami
Thousands of devotees have flocked to temples and shrines dedicated to Goddess Durga across the country, including the Kathmandu Valley, to offer prayers and perform rituals on the occasion of Maha Ashtami, the eighth day of Bada Dashain. As the lunar calendar has extended the festival observance, devotees have visited major Shakti shrines, including Guheshwari and Maitidevi, to worship the goddess, with Maha Ashtami rituals being observed for a second consecutive day. In the Kathmandu Valley, large numbers of worshippers visited Kalikasthan, Naxal Bhagawati, Bhadrakali, Shobha Bhagawati, Bijeshwari, Indrayani, Raktakali, Shwetakali, Chamundamai, Sundarimai, Bajrayogini, Taleju Bhawani and Tokha Chandeshwari, among other shrines.
Youth missing in Saptakoshi River found dead
A 23-year-old man who went missing while swimming in the Saptakoshi River on Sunday evening was found dead on Monday morning. The deceased has been identified as Osan Koirala of Barahchhetra Municipality-10. Information Officer at the District Police Office, Chandra Bahadur Khadka, said the body was taken to the District Hospital in Inaruwa for a postmortem examination.
Three rescued after microbus plunges off BP Highway in Kavre
Three people, including the driver, were injured when a microbus plunged off the BP Highway at Selfiedanda, Namobuddha Municipality-2, Kavrepalanchok. The microbus (Ba 3 Kha 8459), travelling from Jhapa to Kathmandu, veered off the road and plunged approximately 200 metres down a slope at around 2 a.m. According to the District Police Office, Kavre, the injured have been identified as driver Lok Bahadur Century, 37, of Ilam Municipality-6, Rita Apagai, 26, of Bhumlu Rural Municipality-7, Kavre, and her nine-year-old son, Ritik. Rameshwor Pandey, assistant sub-inspector at the Temporary Police Post in Kavrebhanjyang, said personnel from the Nepali Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force jointly rescued the three and transported them to Dhulikhel Hospital for treatment.
Maha Ashtami observed for second day today
Maha Ashtami was observed today as well due to an extension in the Navaratri calendar. The committee has therefore advised devotees to repeat today the rituals performed on Maha Ashtami yesterday ((Sunday). According to the calendar approved by the committee, Maha Ashtami falls on both October 18 and 19. The rituals performed on October 18 should be repeated on Ocotber 19 in the Dashain Ghar or puja room, said Prof. Dr. Devmani Bhattarai, a former committee member and head of the Department of Theology at Balmiki Vidyapeeth. “Although October 19 is the ninth day of Navaratri, the rituals should be performed as prescribed for the eighth day,” Prof. Dr. Bhattarai said. He added that Maha Gauri, the eighth form of the goddess Nava Durga, should be worshipped in the Dashain Ghar puja room on Monday. Other Maha Ashtami rituals should also be repeated on the day, he said.
Identities of deceased, missing and injured identified in Sindhuli accident
The identities of three people who died and those reported missing and injured in a Sumo accident in Sindhuli on Monday have been revealed. The vehicle (Ko 1 Ja 2976), which was travelling from Kathmandu to Khotang, plunged into the Sunkoshi River at Nagathan, Fikkal Rural Municipality-6, Sindhuli. The deceased have been identified as Yupana Rai, 21, and Lafyang Rai, 19, both from Dube, Lafyang, in Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi Municipality-5, Khotang, and Swastika Bishwakarma, 16, from Indrenipokhari, Khotehang Rural Municipality-6, Khotang. According to Janak Rai, a local resident of Lafyang, Yupana and Divya were studying in Kathmandu while also doing general jobs. Swastika was preparing for the Secondary Education Examination (SEE) in Kathmandu. Three people died on the spot when the Sumo plunged approximately 150 metres below the Mid-Hill Highway at Nagathan at around 2:30 a.m.
Jumla exports 7,330 metric tons of apples
Jumla has exported around 7,330 metric tons of apples to other districts so far this season, according to the District Agriculture Development Office. Office Chief Ram Bhakta Adhikari said the district has produced approximately 19,500 metric tons of apples this year, generating an estimated turnover of Rs. 550 million. Farmers are currently selling apples from their orchards at a minimum price of Rs. 75 per kilogram. In Banjarabala, located in Tatopani Rural Municipality-6, a collective apple farm spread across 7,140 ropanis has produced 34 metric tons of apples. According to Adhikari, apples worth Rs. 3 million have been sold from the farm alone. Apple cultivation covers approximately 4,605 hectares, equivalent to 92,080 ropanis, across Jumla. The office has set a target of expanding cultivation by an additional 108 hectares, or 2,160 ropanis, in the current fiscal year.
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