KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Harishayani Ekadashi being observed today
Harishayani Ekadashi, one of the most significant festivals in the Hindu calendar, is being observed across Nepal today. The day marks the beginning of the four-month holy period known as ‘Chaturmas’, during which Lord Vishnu is believed to enter a state of divine sleep (Yoga Nidra) in the cosmic ocean, Kshirsagar. As part of the tradition, Tulsi (holy basil) saplings that were planted on the occasion of Jestha Shukla Ekadashi about a month ago are ceremonially transplanted into the Tulsi pot (Tulsi Math) at homes. Since Tulsi is regarded as a sacred manifestation of Lord Vishnu, special worship of the plant begins today and continues until Haribodhini Ekadashi in the month of Kartik.
Education Secretary arrives in Dhangadhi for talks with Dr Govinda KC
Education and Sports Ministry Secretary Chudamani Paudel has arrived in Dhangadhi as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to reach a negotiated settlement with Dr Govinda KC, who is on a hunger strike. Education and Sports Minister Sasmita Pokharel said Secretary Paudel was dispatched to hold direct talks with Dr KC and discuss the demands he has raised. The visit follows an initial telephone conversation between Minister Pokharel and Dr KC on Friday evening. The ministry said the secretary’s visit is a continuation of those discussions.
Health Minister directs effective treatment management for Dr Govinda KC
Health and Food Safety Minister Nisha Mehta has expressed concern over the deteriorating health of Professor Dr Govinda KC, who is currently on his 24th hunger strike. The ministry said Minister Mehta spoke with Seti Provincial Hospital Chief Medical Officer Dr Hemraj Pandey and instructed hospital authorities to ensure effective treatment and necessary coordination for Dr KC’s care. The ministry’s chief adviser, Dr Manohar Pradhan, also coordinated with the hospital administration and sought updates on Dr KC’s health condition, treatment process and overall management. According to the ministry, doctors have advised that Dr KC may not be able to remain at the hospital for an extended period due to his condition. Preparations are also being made for alternative treatment arrangements if required. The ministry said it is continuously monitoring his health.
UML and NCP agree to cooperate in forming provincial governments
The CPN-UML and the Nepali Communist Party (NCP) have reached an agreement to cooperate in the formation and operation of provincial governments across all seven provinces. Under the agreement signed on Friday, the two parties will jointly form provincial governments and share power in the provincial assemblies. The agreement states that the partnership aims to end recent disputes over provincial budget formulation, address budget deadlocks and unhealthy political competition, and promote political stability, good governance, prosperity and provincial development. As per the deal, the CPN-UML will lead the governments in Koshi, Bagmati and Lumbini provinces, while the NCP will head the governments in Karnali and Sudurpashchim.
Agriculture University to admit first batch of international students
The Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU) in Chitwan is set to admit international students for the first time in its history. In the initial phase, the university plans to enrol 10 international students across four undergraduate programmes. According to Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Rishiram Kattel, three students will be admitted to the Faculty of Agriculture, three to Forestry, three to Veterinary Science and one to Fisheries Science. The university said it is finalising the necessary guidelines for international admissions. International students enrolling in Veterinary Science will be charged a tuition fee of US$10,000, while those joining the other faculties will pay US$4,000, Prof Kattel said.
Woman found dead inside burnt car in Tarkeshwar
A woman was found dead inside a burnt electric car parked in Kalebase, Tarkeshwar Municipality-1, Kathmandu, on Saturday. Police identified the deceased as 45-year-old Rashmi Rijal of Shubhakamana Chowk, Tarkeshwar-9. According to police, she had been out of contact since Friday. The District Police Range, Kathmandu, said her burnt body was discovered on the rear seat of the vehicle on Saturday afternoon. A police team has reached the scene and launched an investigation.
Two arrested in Kathmandu for foreign employment fraud promising jobs in New Zealand, Portugal
Police on Friday arrested two persons from different parts of the Kathmandu Valley on charges of swindling job seekers with the false promise of sending them to New Zealand and Portugal for foreign employment. The arrestees have been identified as Raj Kumar Bhandari, 51, a native of Rupandehi currently residing in Trakeshwar Municipality-10, Kathmandu, and Suresh Ghimire, 29, hailing from Okhaldhunga and residing in Budhanilkantha Municipality-12, Kathmandu. According to police, Bhandari reportedly collected Rs 300,000 from two individuals promising to send them to New Zealand, while Ghimire duped a victim out of Rs 1.8 million under the pretext of securing a visa for Portugal. Both suspects had gone out of contact after receiving the money.
Govt prepares design for new Rs 1 coin featuring Nepal’s updated political map
The government has prepared a design for a new one-rupee coin featuring Nepal’s updated political map. According to the Ministry of Finance, the new coin design incorporates the country’s complete political map along with an image of Akash Bhairav. The ministry stated that preparations are underway to submit the proposed design to an upcoming Cabinet meeting for approval before moving toward implementation. The government aims to issue the new coin to reflect national identity and heritage symbols. Once approved by the Cabinet, the formal process for minting and bringing the coin into circulation will be initiated.
Nepal, UN begin drafting new sustainable development cooperation framework for 2028-2032
Nepal and the United Nations have formally launched the process of preparing the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2028-2032, setting the stage for a new five-year partnership aligned with Nepal’s national development priorities and its transition from Least Developed Country (LDC) status. The decision was endorsed during the annual meeting of the UNSDCF Joint Steering Committee, co-chaired by National Planning Commission Vice Chair Dr Gunakar Bhatta and UN Resident Coordinator for Nepal Lila Pieters Yahia. The committee also reviewed progress under the current framework and set priorities for its remaining 18 months before the new framework is scheduled to be signed in July 2027. Prepared jointly by the Government of Nepal and the UN Country Team, the new cooperation framework will be aligned with Nepal’s Sixteenth Plan and support the country’s post-LDC graduation development agenda.
Dr Govinda KC hospitalized after health condition worsens during 24th hunger strike
Medical activist and professor Dr Govinda KC has been admitted to Seti Provincial Hospital in Dhangadhi after his health condition deteriorated during his 24th hunger strike. KC, who had been staging a fast-unto-death at Krishna Temple Dharamshala, was taken to the hospital on Saturday after a medical examination showed that his blood sugar level had dropped significantly. Doctors recommended immediate intensive care treatment, according to KC’s aide Amrit Jaishi. Following the recommendation, he was shifted to the hospital for further treatment. Dr KC began his 24th hunger strike in Dhangadhi on Thursday, putting forward a five-point demand.
Buddha Air adds ATR 72-600 aircraft to fleet, plans operations from next month
Buddha Air has added a new ATR 72-600 aircraft to its fleet and plans to bring it into commercial operation next month after completing the required regulatory procedures. According to the airline, the aircraft, bearing the call sign 9N-AOS, was ferried from Toulouse, France. The ATR 72-600 is equipped with a full glass cockpit avionics suite, modern navigation systems, digital flight management technology and advanced safety features. The airline said the aircraft is also more fuel-efficient, making it an environmentally friendly addition to its fleet. Buddha Air said the newly acquired aircraft is fitted with the Required Navigation Performance Authorization Required (RNP-AR) approach system, which enables safer landings at Kathmandu and Bhairahawa airports in visibility as low as 900 metres.
NRB makes National ID mandatory for digital wallet registration
Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has amended the Integrated Payment Systems Directive, 2082, making the National Identity Card mandatory for opening digital wallets and updating user information with licensed payment service providers. The central bank introduced the 15th amendment through a circular issued by its Payment Systems Department on Friday. Under the revised directive, licensed payment service providers must verify the electronic record of a Nepali citizen’s National Identity Card before allowing the opening of a digital wallet. The amended rules also require payment service providers to obtain a self-declaration from all wallet users by the end of Ashwin 2083 (October 17, 2026), confirming whether they possess a National Identity Card. The declaration can be collected through mobile applications or other appropriate digital platforms.
Parliamentary committee directs government to modernize Nepal’s border security system
The National Assembly’s Federalism Enablement and National Concerns Committee has directed the government to make Nepal’s border security system more effective, well-managed and technology-driven in response to emerging security challenges along the country’s frontiers with India and China. The directive was issued during the committee’s meeting held at Singha Durbar on Friday. Committee Chair Jayanti Devi Rai said the government has been instructed to strengthen security agencies by providing adequate manpower, resources, modern equipment and infrastructure. The committee also called for the establishment of sufficient Border Outposts (BOPs) at strategic locations to enhance border surveillance and overall security.
RSP condemns black soot attack on lawmaker Ganesh Paudel, demands action
The parliamentary party of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has strongly condemned the black soot attack on House of Representatives member Ganesh Paudel, calling for a fair investigation and legal action against those responsible. In a statement issued on Friday, Chief Whip Kabindra Burlakoti said the party’s serious attention had been drawn to the incident in which Paudel, who was elected from Rautahat Constituency No. 4, was splashed with black soot while returning from a public interaction programme on Shrawan 7. The RSP said that while democratic systems guarantee the right to express dissent and protest, violence, abuse or humiliating treatment of elected representatives is unacceptable in any democratic society.
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