KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
NPL: Karnali Yaks beats Janakpur Bolts by 19 runs
KATHMANDU: Karnali Yaks made a winning start to the Nepal Premier League (NPL), defeating Janakpur Bolts by 19 runs in their opening match. Chasing a target of 133 runs, Janakpur were bowled out for 113. Younis Thakuri and Hussain Talat took three wickets each to help Karnali secure the victory. Younis conceded 22 runs in his four overs, while Hussain gave away 26 runs. Nandan Yadav claimed two wickets, conceding 13 runs in 2.3 overs. He dismissed Lalit to take the final wicket of Janakpur’s innings. Sompal Kami also picked up one wicket. Abhishek Tiwari top-scored for Janakpur with 20 runs. Moeen Ali and captain Harmeet Singh contributed 19 runs each. Jimmy Neesham was dismissed for 15, while opener Mayan Yadav scored 14 runs.
NPL: Chitwan Rhinos defeat Biratnagar Kings by eight runs
Chitwan Rhinos began their Nepal Premier League (NPL) campaign on a winning note, defeating Biratnagar Kings by eight runs at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Tuesday. Set a target of 158 runs, Biratnagar Kings were dismissed for 149 in 19.3 overs. Imran Sheikh top-scored with 39 runs, while Andre Russell struck 33 off just 17 deliveries and Lokesh Bam added 26 runs. Kamal Airee spearheaded Chitwan’s bowling effort, taking four wickets. Rijan Dhakal claimed two wickets, while Tom Taylor, Ranjit Kumar, Dan Mousley and Mausam Dhakal picked up one wicket apiece. Earlier, Chitwan Rhinos posted 157 for three in their allotted 20 overs after being asked to bat first. Dawid Malan led the scoring with 70 runs, while captain Ravi Bopara remained unbeaten on 32 and Dan Mousley contributed 29.
Cyclone Arnav’s impact in Nepal likely to weaken
As Cyclone Arnav approaches Nepal, meteorologists have urged people to remain cautious from Thursday through Saturday, warning of possible rainfall across the country and heavy snowfall in mountainous regions. The Weather Forecasting Division has said that although Cyclone Arnav, currently over the Bay of Bengal, appears strong, its impact is expected to weaken as it approaches Nepal from Thursday. In its five-day weather forecast issued on Tuesday morning, the division said weather conditions across Nepal were expected to remain mostly clear on Tuesday and Wednesday before the cyclone began affecting the country. Meteorologist Bibhuti Pokharel of the division said the cyclone was expected to make landfall near Visakhapatnam, India, from Wednesday. “Cyclone Arnav currently appears quite strong over the Bay of Bengal. It is expected to make landfall via Visakhapatnam, India, from Wednesday,” she said.
Deposits in PM’s relief funds exceed Rs. 18.13 billion
Financial contributions from individuals and institutions continue to flow into the Prime Minister’s Natural Disaster Rescue Fund and the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund following the devastating floods that hit the Bhotekoshi–Trishuli river system on August 26. According to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, the total deposits in bank accounts operated under the two funds had reached Rs. 18,136,187,686 as of 9 a.m. on Tuesday. The balance held in accounts of the Prime Minister’s Natural Disaster Rescue Fund across nine commercial banks stood at Rs. 13,494,689,957. An additional USD 30,536,169 was held in accounts at Himalayan Bank and Laxmi Sunrise Bank.
NEPSE posts marginal gain as turnover reaches Rs 5.79 billion
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) recorded a slight gain on Tuesday, with the benchmark index climbing 0.94 points to settle at 2,630.76 points, according to the exchange. However, other market indicators closed in negative territory. The sensitive index, which reflects the performance of large-cap companies, declined by 0.30 points to 475.47 points. Similarly, the float index fell by 0.10 points to 182.11 points, while the sensitive float index dropped by 0.26 points to 160.69 points. A total of 15,346,226 shares were traded during the session, generating a turnover of Rs 5.79 billion. Of the 13 sub-indices, four ended higher, while the remaining nine registered losses. Market performance was mixed, with share prices of 135 companies advancing and 136 declining. Meanwhile, eight companies recorded no change in their share prices.
Gold price rises by Rs. 800 per tola, silver falls
The price of gold in the domestic market increased by Rs. 800 per tola on Tuesday, while silver declined by Rs. 25 per tola. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of fine gold was fixed at Rs. 282,300 per tola, while silver was priced at Rs. 3,970 per tola. On Monday, gold was traded at Rs. 281,500 per tola, while silver was priced at Rs. 3,995 per tola.
33,000 foreign tourists visit Annapurna region in a month
A total of 32,963 foreign tourists visited the Annapurna Conservation Area in Asoj (mid-Sept to mid-Oct), including 12,645 from South Asian countries and 20,318 from other countries. Dr. Rabin Kadariya, chief of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), said tourist arrivals increased by 2,416 compared with the same month last year, when 30,547 foreign tourists visited the area. Asoj recorded the highest number of tourist arrivals in the current fiscal year. The region received 17,913 foreign tourists in Bhadra and 26,591 in Shrawan. According to Kadariya, tourist arrivals typically increase in Asoj and Kartik, which fall during Nepal’s main autumn tourism season. The project office maintains records of foreign tourists travelling along the Annapurna trekking routes. However, a large number of domestic tourists also visit the region by road each year.
Two months after Bhotekoshi flood, families still await DNA results for missing relatives
Two months after the devastating Bhotekoshi flash flood, families of those who went missing are still waiting for DNA test results to determine the fate of their loved ones. Anlal Rokaya of Thapuwa, Ward No. 20 of Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City, said his family had received no information about the DNA results of three relatives who went missing in the disaster. “We spent this year’s Dashain desperately waiting for the DNA results of our missing family members. We have neither found them alive nor received their bodies, leaving us unable to perform our social and cultural rites,” he said. Rokaya lost his 19-year-old son, Dipak Rokaya; his 53-year-old elder brother, Sher Singh Rokaya; and his 56-year-old sister-in-law, Bishnumati Rokaya, in the Bhotekoshi flash flood on August 26. Dipak had travelled to Rasuwa to visit his brother and go to Gosaikunda, but the trip ended in tragedy.
Cyprus Ambassador pays courtesy call on Foreign Minister Khanal
Cyprus’ Non-Resident Ambassador to Nepal, Evagoras Vrionidis, paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal on Tuesday. During the meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Singha Durbar, the two discussed various aspects of bilateral cooperation between Nepal and Cyprus, according to the ministry. Foreign Minister Khanal expressed concern about Nepali nationals living in Cyprus. The discussions also covered matters of mutual interest and cooperation between the two countries in multilateral forums, the ministry said.
Education Minister Pokharel, Cyprus Ambassador discuss higher education cooperation
Minister for Education and Sports Sasmit Pokharel and Cyprus’s non-resident Ambassador to Nepal, Evagoras Vryonides, discussed bilateral relations, cooperation in higher education and the welfare of Nepali students studying in Cyprus during a courtesy meeting today. According to the Ministry of Education, the meeting, held at the ministry in Singha Durbar, focused on bilateral relations, mutual interests and opportunities to expand cooperation in higher education. The two sides also discussed providing necessary support to Nepali students enrolled in universities and higher education institutions in Cyprus, protecting their interests and facilitating the resolution of potential problems they may encounter while studying abroad.
Four Indian nationals arrested for theft in Kathmandu
Police have arrested four Indian nationals on suspicion of stealing cash, gold and silver jewellery from houses and flats in Kathmandu while the residents were away. A team from the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office arrested the four suspects in connection with thefts reported in the Kalanki area and recovered the stolen items. The suspects have been identified as Bikash Podar, 25, a native of Khesraha in Samastipur, Bihar, India, who currently resides in Kalimati, Kathmandu Metropolitan City–13; Raju Podar, 19; Raju Kumar, 23, also known as Rajendra Podar; and Bina Devi, 46. According to Superintendent of Police Rameshwor Karki of the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office, the suspects allegedly stole cash, gold and silver jewellery from the flat of Urmila, also known as Sita Thapaliya, on Tasingdol Marg in Kalanki.
Police arrest 75 in sweep operation in Kathmandu
Nepal Police have arrested 75 people during a special sweep operation conducted across various parts of the Kathmandu Valley over the past 24 hours to curb criminal activities and maintain peace and security. According to the District Police Range, Kathmandu, those arrested include 60 men and 14 women, while one additional person was also taken into custody during the operation. However, the reported gender breakdown accounts for 74 of the 75 arrests. Superintendent of Police Dan Bahadur Thapa, spokesperson for the District Police Range, said the operation was carried out by mobilizing specialized police teams to prevent and control criminal activities and maintain public order.
Internal bitterness within party must end: NC President Thapa
Nepali Congress (NC) President Gagan Kumar Thapa has stressed the need to end internal bitterness within the party and strengthen unity among its members. Speaking at a programme organised by the BP Memorial Library in Pokhara on Monday, Thapa said the party would launch a renewed dialogue to reconnect with voters who had become disillusioned with the Congress. Marking the 113th BP Jayanti, he proposed a special campaign to reach out to families that were once associated with the party but have since drifted away.
Two arrested during protest against Ani Choing Dolma’s appointment in Lumbini
Two people, including Akram Khan, coordinator of the ‘Lumbini Bachau Mahaabhiyan’, have been arrested amid protests demanding the cancellation of the appointment of Ani Choing Dolma as vice-chairperson of the Lumbini Development Trust. Police arrested Khan, 61, and Babiuddin Musalman, 33, of Ward No. 9 of Lumbini Sanskritik Municipality from their residence in Parsa Chowk, Lumbini, while they were sleeping last night, according to Ram Bikas Chaudhary, co-coordinator of the campaign. The campaign has demanded the unconditional release of both men, alleging that they were arrested at midnight for peacefully protesting against Dolma’s appointment.
Farmers advised to harvest rice after Nov 1 amid rain forecast
The Agricultural Development Office has urged farmers to monitor weather forecasts before harvesting and bringing in their rice crops, warning of possible rainfall across various parts of the country from October 28 to November 1. In a notice on rice harvesting and post-harvest management, the office warned that light to heavy rainfall could damage paddy crops and advised farmers to take precautions to minimise potential losses. The office recommended that farmers bring in already harvested, ripe rice by today or postpone harvesting until after November 1, depending on local weather conditions. Farmers have also been advised to plan harvesting as soon as weather conditions improve if they are unable to bring in their crops immediately.
Women in Jhapa’s Shivasatakshi earn income through collective flower farming
A field transformed into a garden of blooming marigolds, with women busy tending to the flowers, presents a vibrant scene in Takram, Ward No. 10 of Shivasatakshi Municipality in Jhapa. The blossoms not only signal the approaching Tihar festival but also reflect local women’s aspirations to earn an income through their own efforts. With the dual goals of creating employment opportunities in their community and achieving financial independence through collective efforts, local women have cultivated 10,000 marigold plants on six kathas of land. With the flowers blooming well, they are optimistic about earning a good income this Tihar. The women started the initiative by forming a marigold flower farmers’ mothers’ group, investing around Rs. 25,000 in the farming venture. According to group coordinator Kabita Basnet, the group expects to earn up to Rs. 300,000 from flower sales this year.
Kavre’s Kotthumka: A hidden Himalayan gem awaiting tourists
Kotthumka, also known as Chandeni-Mandan, is an emerging tourist destination in Ward No. 10 of Mandandeupur Municipality in Kavrepalanchok district. From this scenic hilltop, visitors can catch a glimpse of Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak, on clear days. The northern horizon also offers spectacular views of the Ganesh, Jugal, Gaurishankar and Langtang mountain ranges. Situated at an altitude of around 2,500 metres in the northeastern part of the district, approximately 30 kilometres from the district headquarters Dhulikhel, Kotthumka—now also known as Buddha Thumka—has considerable potential to attract domestic and international tourists. The construction of a statue of Gautam Buddha and a surrounding park has added to the area’s appeal.
Floods and landslides trigger drinking water shortage in Beni
Residents of Beni Bazaar, the district headquarters of Myagdi, are facing a drinking water shortage after floods and landslides damaged the water supply pipeline earlier this month. Heavy rainfall and landslides during the second week of October damaged the supply system, significantly reducing the amount of water reaching the town and leaving residents struggling to meet their daily needs. Ramesh Giri, chairperson of the Beni Drinking Water and Sanitation Users’ Committee, said Beni requires more than 20 litres of water per second, but the current supply has dropped to just eight litres per second. The committee supplies drinking water to around 25,000 people in 1,200 households across wards 2, 7 and 8 of Beni Municipality, Giri said.
Tourist arrivals rebound in Sauraha after floods and road disruptions
Tourist activity in Sauraha, Chitwan, has picked up significantly after floods, landslides and road blockages disrupted travel to the popular destination. The influx of domestic and international visitors has increased during the Dashain holiday period, supported by favorable weather. The revival in tourist arrivals has brought renewed optimism among local tourism entrepreneurs and business owners. Gokarna Giri, a tourism entrepreneur in Sauraha, said the growing number of visitors had lifted the spirits of local businesses. He noted that tourists were engaging in various activities, including shopping, jungle excursions and sightseeing, creating a lively atmosphere throughout the area.
SPFU contributes around Rs 15 million to Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund
The Shree Pashupatinath Foundation, USA (SPFU), has contributed approximately Rs 15 million to the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund to support people affected by the Bhotekoshi floods. The SPFU, an organization of non-resident Nepalis based in Southern California, raised USD 99,063.44 for flood relief through contributions from more than 300 individuals and organizations. After deducting USD 1,189.01 in bank and payment processing fees, the foundation transferred the remaining USD 97,874.43 to the Government of Nepal’s Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund, SPFU President Bimal Shrestha said.
Tourist arrivals rise at Shuklaphanta National Park
Tourist arrivals at Shuklaphanta National Park in Kanchanpur, a major tourist destination in Sudurpaschim Province, have increased in recent weeks amid the festive season. The number of domestic and international visitors has risen as people travel during the festival holidays, according to Bikram Chaudhary, a ranger at the national park. Covering approximately 305 square kilometres, Shuklaphanta National Park is renowned for its vast grasslands and rich biodiversity. It is home to large herds of swamp deer, along with wildlife such as tigers and rhinoceroses, and a wide variety of bird species. Chaudhary said 590 domestic and foreign tourists visited the park during a 13-day period following its reopening in the last week of October after the monsoon closure.
3,903 vehicles penalized for traffic rule violations in Sudurpaschim
Police have taken action against 3,903 vehicles for violating traffic rules in Sudurpaschim Province, collecting Rs 3,386,500 in revenue over the past month. Senior Superintendent of Police Padam Bahadur Bista of the Sudurpaschim Province Police Office shared the details. According to Bista, 235 road accidents were recorded across the province in Asoj, resulting in 12 deaths and injuries to 363 people. A total of 321 vehicles were involved in the accidents. Police attributed 208 accidents to driver-related causes, while six were linked to driving under the influence of alcohol. The statistics also identified nine accidents caused by vehicles, one by a passenger, two by pedestrians, five by quadrupeds and four by road conditions.
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