KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
NPL 2026: Lumbini Lions trounce Sudurpaschim Royals by seven wickets
Defending champions Lumbini Lions have made an impressive start to their title defence in the 2026 Nepal Premier League (NPL), defeating Sudurpaschim Royals by seven wickets in the tournament’s inaugural match. At the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Lumbini Lions, led by Rohit Paudel, won the toss and elected to field first, restricting Sudurpaschim Royals to a meagre 87 runs in 17.2 overs. Sher Malla struck in the third over, trapping Sudurpaschim captain Binod Bhandari leg before wicket (LBW). Kishore Mahato then struck twice in the fourth over, dismissing Aarif Sheikh and Brandon McMullen. Sudurpaschim continued to lose wickets at regular intervals, with only captain Dipendra Singh Airee (27) and opener Saif Zaib (13) reaching double figures among the top-order batters. Anil Kharel remained unbeaten on 15 runs. Mahato led Lumbini’s bowling attack with four wickets, while Malla claimed three. Shadley van Schalkwyk, Tilak Bhandari and Rohit Paudel took one wicket each.
Six killed, three injured in Scorpio crash in Gulmi
Six people have died and three others have been injured in a Scorpio vehicle accident in Dabaukhani, Arbeni, Kaligandaki Rural Municipality-2, Gulmi. The deceased have been identified as driver Dilip Kumar Bagale, 67, of Waling Municipality-2, Syangja; Shiva Parajuli, 60, of Waling Municipality-10, Syangja; Loknath Pandey, 50, of Kaligandaki Rural Municipality-1, Sirkot, Gulmi; Sita Pandey and Kulananda Pandey of the same locality; and Nita Bagale of Waling Municipality-2, Syangja, according to Birendra Bir Bishwakarma, information officer and deputy superintendent of police at the District Police Office, Gulmi. Five of the victims died at the scene, while one succumbed to injuries during treatment. Police said the ages of Sita Pandey, Kulananda Pandey and Nita Bagale were not immediately available. Nita Bagale died while receiving treatment at Kaligandaki Community Hospital in Mirmi, Syangja.
PM Balen Shah at TU Cricket Stadium for NPL Opener
Prime Minister (PM) Balendra Shah arrived at the TU International Cricket Stadium in Kirtipur to watch the opening match of the third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL). Security has been tightened at the stadium following the Prime Minister’s arrival. More than 100 plainclothes security personnel have been mobilised for the tournament, which began on Monday. Security command posts have been established in different sectors, with more than 1,200 security personnel set to be deployed throughout the competition. The third edition of the NPL features eight franchise teams and is expected to generate a financial turnover of Rs. 1.5 billion. The tournament has drawn considerable interest from cricket fans, with internationally renowned players, including Australia’s David Warner, West Indies’ Andre Russell and Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan, set to participate. The opening match is being played between defending champions Lumbini Lions and last season’s runners-up Sudurpaschim Royals.
Two missing girls found dead in Dailekh forest
Two girls, aged 13 and 14, were found dead in a forest at Manghar, Bhagawatimai Rural Municipality-4, Dailekh, on Monday. According to the District Police Office, Dailekh, the girls were found dead at the same location in a forest near their home. The two were related as cousins, being the daughters of their maternal uncle and paternal aunt, respectively. The girls had slept in the same house on Sunday night but reportedly went out sometime during the night. Their bodies were discovered together in the forest a short distance from their home on Monday morning. The cause of the incident has not yet been established. Police teams from the Area Police Office and the district police office have launched an investigation after collecting evidence from the scene, according to the District Police Office.
PM Shah hails NPL as a major Nepali sports festival
Prime Minister (PM) Balendra Shah has described the Nepal Premier League (NPL) as a major festival of Nepali sports, extending his best wishes for the success of its third edition, which begins today. In a message posted on social media on the occasion of the third edition of the NPL, which begins today, Prime Minister Shah extended his best wishes for the tournament’s success. “I warmly welcome all the international players and commentators who have arrived to participate in the NPL. Heartfelt congratulations to all Nepali players, organisers and the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) for making this sporting festival a success,” he said.
Land ownership certificates are a right, not political assurance: Minister Rawal
Minister for Land Management, Cooperatives, Federal Affairs and General Administration Pratibha Rawal has said that land ownership certificates are a right, not a political assurance, for landless Dalits, squatters and unorganised settlers. During a visit to Chitwan to discuss land-related issues, the minister met locals at Ganeshsthan in Bharatpur Metropolitan City-11 on Monday to hear their grievances and discuss the process of distributing land ownership certificates. Rawal said the distribution of land ownership certificates had been used for political gain in the past, stressing that land ownership should not be linked to politics. “Land ownership certificates and politics should not be linked. You should receive land titles because it is your right,” she said.
Ministers must reach out to people: Minister Rawal
Minister for Land Management, Cooperatives, Federal Affairs and General Administration Pratibha Rawal has stressed the need for direct engagement between the government and the public, saying ministers should visit people to listen to their concerns rather than expect them to approach government offices. Speaking to journalists at Bharatpur Airport in Chitwan today, Rawal said she had visited the district to inform the public about the government’s work and listen to their concerns, particularly those of landless people and victims of troubled cooperatives. Rawal said resolving the problems faced by landless citizens and cooperative victims was among the government’s top priorities. She said the process of returning savings to depositors of troubled cooperatives had already begun and assured that the government would expedite the process. “People have been suffering for a long time. Their savings need to be returned as soon as possible,” the minister said.
Prime Minister’s Relief Funds surpass Rs 18 billion
Financial contributions continue to flow into the Prime Minister’s Natural Disaster Rescue Fund and the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund following the floods in the Bhote Koshi River in Rasuwa. According to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, the combined balance in various bank accounts associated with the funds stood at Rs 18,093,236,852 as of 9:00 a.m. today. The Prime Minister’s Natural Disaster Rescue Fund holds Rs 13,480,429,064 across accounts in nine commercial banks. In addition, USD 30,491,444 is held in accounts at Himalayan Bank and Laxmi Sunrise Bank.
NC must reach out to people to regain lost trust: Gagan Thapa
Nepali Congress (NC) President Gagan Kumar Thapa has urged party leaders and cadres to reach out to people at their doorsteps to rebuild public trust in the party. Speaking at a welcome and interaction programme in Putalibazar, Syangja district, today, Thapa observed that the party had lost public trust, not merely votes. “The Congress has lost trust, not votes. Once trust is restored, votes will follow,” he said, expressing confidence that the party could regain public support. The leader of the major opposition party stressed the need to reach out to disgruntled voters who had distanced themselves from the party. He said their grievances must be heard and they must be informed about the changes taking place within the NC.
NEPSE slips 4.34 points on first trading day after Dashain
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) recorded a slight decline on its first trading day after the Dashain holidays, with the benchmark index falling 4.34 points to close at 2,629.82. The market initially moved upward during the early trading hours but reversed its gains and ended the session in negative territory. A total of 10,343,709 shares of 341 companies were traded through 38,788 transactions, generating a turnover of more than Rs. 4.02 billion. Of the companies traded, share prices of 99 advanced, while 171 declined and six remained unchanged.
NOC directs LPG industries to issue VAT bills
Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has directed liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) industries across the country to issue value-added tax (VAT) bills when selling cooking gas to customers. The LPG and Aviation Department of NOC said it had received complaints that gas industries were failing to issue invoices during sales. In response, the department has circulated a notice to all LPG industries, reminding them of the mandatory requirement to issue VAT bills to customers. The circular, signed by NOC Director and Engineer Binitmani Upadhyay, also noted that similar letters had previously been sent to the concerned association on August 14, 2024, and January 23, 2025.
124 killed, 2,988 injured in road accidents during Dashain
A total of 124 people have been killed and 2,988 injured in road accidents across the country during the Dashain festival, according to Nepal Police. Central Police Spokesperson Deputy Inspector General of Police Abinarayan Kafle said that 1,339 road accidents occurred between Asoj 25 and Kartik 28, resulting in the deaths of 83 men, 39 women, seven boys and five girls. Of the 2,988 injured, 437 sustained serious injuries, while 2,551 suffered minor injuries. Koshi Province recorded the highest number of accidents, with 397, while Madhesh Province reported the lowest, with 80. There were 171 accidents in Kathmandu Valley, 112 in Bagmati Province, 97 in Gandaki, 161 in Lumbini, 171 in Karnali and 150 in Sudurpaschim Province. According to police, motorcycles were involved in the highest number of accidents.
‘Chitwan Rhinos’ to contribute to conservation of rare one-horned rhinoceros
Chitwan Rhinos, a cricket club named after the district’s iconic one-horned rhinoceros, has pledged to support rhino conservation by allocating five percent of the proceeds from sales of its T-shirts and other merchandise to conservation efforts. The club, which represents Chitwan in the Nepal Premier League (NPL), is participating in the tournament for the third consecutive year. Ayush Neupane, president of Chitwan Rhinos Sports Club, said the club was committed to protecting the endangered one-horned rhinoceros. “Since our name is associated with the rhino, we are also going to contribute to its conservation,” he said. Through its name and logo featuring the one-horned rhinoceros, the club has been promoting Chitwan and its wildlife to a wider audience. Chitwan National Park, renowned for its rich biodiversity and wildlife, has helped establish the district as a major ecotourism destination. The cricket club aims to further promote the region’s identity and conservation message through sports.
23 disaster incidents reported in 24 hours, six Dead, three missing
A total of 23 disaster-related incidents were reported across the country in the past 24 hours, leaving six people dead, three missing and 10 injured. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), the estimated property damage from the incidents, which included fires, snakebites, altitude sickness and a boat capsize, amounted to Rs. 2.9 million. The incidents occurred between 10:00 am on October 25 and 10:00 am on October 26. NDRRMA spokesperson Shanti Mahat said fires accounted for the highest number of incidents, with 11 cases reported. These were followed by nine snakebite incidents, two cases of altitude sickness and one boat capsize.
Nepal braces for three days of rain and snowfall
The Weather Forecasting Division of the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has issued a five-day weather forecast, warning of possible rain and snowfall in several parts of the country from Wednesday. According to meteorologist Rojan Lamichhane, Nepal is currently experiencing the partial influence of westerly winds. As a result, the weather is expected to become partly cloudy from today, with the possibility of rain and snowfall beginning Wednesday. “Weather conditions across various parts of the country are expected to change through Friday, with the possibility of rain and snowfall. Today, the Himalayan region will experience partly cloudy conditions, while the rest of the country will remain mostly clear,” Lamichhane said. He added that tonight, the Himalayan and hilly regions of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces are expected to experience partly cloudy conditions, while the weather in other areas will remain mostly clear.
Vitamin A to be administered to approximately 2.1 million children
Preparations are underway to administer Vitamin A supplements to approximately 2.1 million children across the country on November 4 and 5. The first phase of the government’s regular Vitamin A supplementation program for the fiscal year 2083/84 was originally scheduled for October 19 and 20. However, the program was rescheduled to November 4 and 5 due to the Dashain festival. Lila Bikram Thapa, chief of the Nutrition Section at the Department of Health Services, said Vitamin A capsules would be administered to children aged six to 59 months, while deworming medication would be provided to children aged one to five years. Approximately 2.1 million children are expected to receive Vitamin A supplements, while around 2 million children will receive deworming medication. The Vitamin A supplies have already been dispatched to provincial health supply centres.
Sri Lanka’s Perera to Play for Janakpur Bolts in NPL
Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Perera is set to represent the Janakpur Bolts in the third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL). The Janakpur Bolts announced Perera’s signing on their official Facebook page today. Welcoming the Sri Lankan cricketer, the franchise wrote, “Kusal Perera—a player known for his fearless batting style and his ability to deliver outstanding performances during crucial moments—has joined the Janakpur Bolts for the third edition of the NPL.” Perera has previously played in seven franchise leagues, including the Indian Premier League (IPL), Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and Pakistan Super League (PSL). With his participation in the NPL, the tournament will become the eighth franchise league in which he has competed.
US Congressional delegation meets Speaker Aryal
A US congressional delegation led by Representative Jason Smith, chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means, met with Speaker of the House of Representatives Dol Prasad Aryal and members of Parliament’s International Relations Committee on October 23. The meeting highlighted the nearly 80-year diplomatic relationship between Nepal and the United States and underscored the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation. According to the information shared about the visit, the delegation emphasized a strong US-Nepal partnership aimed at protecting American citizens, advancing US economic interests, and promoting greater security and prosperity in both countries.
NC General Secretary Sangraula describes Saptari as a land of martyrs
Nepali Congress (NC) General Secretary Dr. Dila Sangraula has described Saptari as a land of martyrs, highlighting its significant contribution to Nepal’s political history. Speaking at a program organised by the Nepali Congress Constituency-2 in Rajbiraj to mark Dashain, Tihar and Chhath, Sangraula acknowledged the contributions of senior citizens from Saptari to various political movements throughout the country’s history. She said the Nepali Congress was committed to moving forward in accordance with the aspirations of the people. She added that the party had evolved to embrace greater representation of youth, women and other sections of society.
Driver killed in Bolero accident in Ilam
A Bolero driver was killed when his vehicle veered off the road in Deumai Municipality-1, Ilam, this morning. According to police, the vehicle was heading towards Chauribazar in Chamaita when the driver lost control and the vehicle plunged off the road. The deceased has been identified as 21-year-old Bipin Diyali of Chamaita, Deumai Municipality-1, Deputy Superintendent of Police Laxmi Bhandari of the District Police Office, Ilam, said. Police have launched an investigation into the incident.
Eight arrested in Itahari gambling bust; Rs 456,000 seized
Eight people have been arrested for allegedly gambling in Itahari, Sunsari, with Rs 456,000 seized from them, police said. According to Chandra Bahadur Khadka, information officer at the District Police Office, Sunsari, a police team acting on a tip-off arrested the eight individuals on Sunday evening at The Eastern Hotel in Shanti Chowk, Itahari Sub-Metropolitan City-4, while they were allegedly gambling. Police identified the arrested individuals as local residents Mohan Ghimire, Manoj Rai, Ishwar Karki, Tikaram Gelal, Jeevan Adhikari, Yubaraj Magar, Durga Prasad Thapa and Khagendra Limbu. In addition to the cash, police seized seven decks of playing cards allegedly used in the gambling session. Police said further investigation into the case and the involvement of all eight individuals is underway.
Misty Manungkot beckons tourists with sunrises and mountain views
At the break of dawn, Damauli in Tanahun appears to disappear beneath a thick blanket of fog when viewed from the hilltop of Manungkot. The golden rays of the rising sun illuminating the white blanket of fog, the surrounding mountain ranges and the gentle morning breeze create a captivating spectacle for visitors. Drawn by this enchanting scenery, domestic tourist arrivals at Manungkot, a popular tourist destination in Tanahun district, have begun to increase with the onset of the colder season. Gita Parajuli, who travelled to Manungkot from Pokhara, described the morning experience as unforgettable. She said spending the night at Manungkot and watching the sunrise amid the fog was particularly captivating, adding that the natural scenery visible from the hilltop was enchanting. Another visitor from Pokhara, Radhika Parajuli, was equally mesmerized by the landscape blanketed in fog. She said the sight of fog spreading in all directions, with glimpses of the surrounding natural scenery emerging through it, was exceptionally beautiful.
Manish Pandit appointed Chairman of Film Development Board
Manish Pandit has been appointed Chairman of the Film Development Board following a Cabinet decision, according to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers. The Ministry of Information and Communications had submitted a shortlist of three candidates for the position to the Council of Ministers. Rabindra Prasad Paudyal, Information Officer at the Ministry, said a three-member selection committee had shortlisted Manish Pandit, Naresh Paudel and Nisha Adhikari before forwarding their names to the Council of Ministers. Pandit was selected from among the three candidates. He has previously worked with the Film Development Board as an expert and adviser during the implementation of the box-office system and e-ticketing in cinema halls. The two-year tenure of outgoing chairman Dinesh DC has ended.
Visit Jhangajoli in Tanahun to explore its herbal garden
Looking for a peaceful getaway that combines natural beauty, family activities and a relaxing atmosphere? Jhangajoli, located in Shuklagandaki Municipality-6 of Tanahun district, could be an ideal destination for your next family outing. With its lush greenery, children’s park, herbal garden, local cuisine and comfortable accommodation, Jhangajoli is gradually developing into an attractive destination for family tourism. The destination offers visitors an opportunity to spend quality time with their families, enjoy nature and engage in recreational activities with children. It is located about 1.5 kilometres beyond Khairenitar Bazaar along the Prithvi Highway, on the way to Tinkhole Devi Temple. A blacktopped road and parking facilities make the destination easily accessible to visitors travelling in private vehicles.
Myagdi’s Bhurung-Tatopani hot spring offers relief to weary travellers
Bhurung-Tatopani hot spring in Annapurna Rural Municipality-2 of Myagdi district has become a popular destination for domestic and international tourists seeking relaxation after long journeys. Located along the Beni-Jomsom-Korala road, part of the Kaligandaki Corridor connecting China and India, the natural hot spring serves as a resting place for travellers heading to Mustang, trekking along the Annapurna Circuit and visiting the Annapurna Base Camp via the Maurice Herzog Trail. Visitors say bathing in the naturally heated water helps them unwind and recover from travel fatigue. Bimlesh Shakya of Kathmandu shared his experience, saying the warm water helped relieve his tiredness and the cold he experienced while travelling to Mustang. “After bathing in the hot water, the fatigue from the journey and the cold of Mustang seemed to disappear. My tired body felt refreshed,” he said.
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