KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Sudurpaschim Royals cruise to victory against Pokhara Avengers
Captain Dipendra Singh Airee’s half-century guided former runners-up Sudurpaschim Royals to their first victory in the third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL), as they defeated Pokhara Avengers by six wickets. Chasing Pokhara’s target of 146 runs, Sudurpaschim scored 148 for the loss of four wickets in 16.2 overs. Captain Airee led the successful chase with an unbeaten 51 off 36 balls, hitting four fours and two sixes. Sudurpaschim lost their opening wicket early when opener Binod Bhandari was dismissed for four runs. Saif Ali Zaib and Brandon McMullen then added 34 runs for the second wicket. Saif scored 14 before being dismissed, while McMullen contributed 22 runs. Airee and Ishan Pandey subsequently took control of the chase, putting together a 74-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Pandey scored 37 off 31 balls before being dismissed, while Sherfane Rutherford remained unbeaten on eight runs to help secure the victory.
ANFA President and General Secretary released on bail of Rs 500,000 each
All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) President Pankaj Bikram Nembang and General Secretary Kiran Rai have been released on bail of Rs 500,000 each. A bench of the Lalitpur District Court, presided over by Justice Harisingh Dhami, ordered their release after both appeared before the court on Wednesday and recorded their statements. A case was filed against the two following an investigation by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police into an alleged scam involving ANFA. They had reportedly been absconding before appearing before the court. The court ordered their release on bail after recording their statements in custody.
Kathmandu Valley DAOs to issue copies of citizenship certificates issued in other districts
Nepali citizens who obtained their citizenship certificates in other districts can now obtain copies from designated District Administration Offices (DAOs) within the Kathmandu Valley. Following a circular issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the District Administration Offices in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur have made arrangements to issue copies of citizenship certificates, regardless of the district in which the original certificates were issued. According to a public notice issued by the Kathmandu District Administration Office, citizens who obtained their citizenship certificates in districts of Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini provinces can apply for copies at the Kathmandu DAO. Similarly, those whose citizenship certificates were issued in districts of Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces can apply at the Lalitpur DAO, while those who obtained their certificates in Koshi and Madhesh provinces can apply at the Bhaktapur DAO.
Cyclone Arnav raises risk of heavy rain, snowfall
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority has urged the public to remain on high alert amid the possibility of heavy rainfall, lightning, windstorms and snowfall on October 13 and 14 due to the influence of Cyclone Arnav, which is developing in the Bay of Bengal. In a notice, the Authority warned that moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and windstorms is likely in several areas of Koshi, Madhes, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces. According to Authority spokesperson Ram Bahadur KC, the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has forecast that the effects of Cyclone Arnav could begin to influence Nepal from Friday, October 14. Rainfall is also possible in some areas of Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces. The Authority has warned of a high risk of heavy snowfall, blizzards and avalanches in high-altitude hilly and mountainous areas.
Two Indian women arrested at TIA with 14 kg of Thai cannabis
Police have arrested two Indian women at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) with 14 kilograms of cannabis believed to have originated in Thailand. The arrested women have been identified as Shabananu Yar Muhammad Sheikh, 46, and Sharifa Abbas, 35. A police team from the Narcotics Control Bureau’s branch office at Tribhuvan International Airport in Gaucharan arrested the two women on Tuesday while profiling passengers arriving in Nepal by air. They had arrived in Kathmandu on a Batik Air flight. According to police, the women had travelled to Nepal from Thailand via Malaysia. Further investigation into the case is underway, said Jeevan Niraula, joint spokesperson for the Narcotics Control Bureau.
NEPSE surges 33.29 points as turnover exceeds Rs 7.45 billion
Nepal’s stock market recorded a strong performance on Wednesday, as the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index gained 33.29 points to settle at 2,664.06. The benchmark rose by 1.26 percent, with total daily turnover surpassing Rs 7.45 billion. Around 19.3 million shares were traded during the session. Market sentiment remained broadly positive, with share prices of 241 companies advancing, while 35 declined and three remained unchanged. Liberty Energy Company topped the turnover chart with transactions worth Rs 320 million. Ghaleemdi Hydro followed with Rs 280 million, while Butwal Power Company recorded Rs 260 million and Api Power saw trades worth Rs 190 million.
Traffic accidents rise sharply in Jhapa
Traffic accidents in Jhapa increased significantly in Asoj compared with the previous month, Bhadra. A total of 155 accidents were recorded in Asoj, leaving 13 people dead and 247 injured. According to statistics from the District Police Office, Jhapa, the district recorded 88 traffic accidents in Bhadra and 155 in Asoj, an increase of 67 in a single month. While four people died in accidents in Bhadra, the death toll rose to 13 in Asoj. Similarly, the number of injured people increased from 135 in Bhadra to 247 in Asoj. Earlier, 39 traffic accidents in Shrawan resulted in 12 deaths and 40 injuries. Police data show that the number of accidents increased steadily from Shrawan to Asoj, although the number of fatalities declined in Bhadra compared with Shrawan before rising sharply in Asoj.
Birgunj Customs Office exceeds monthly revenue target
The Birgunj Customs Office collected Rs. 26.7258 billion in revenue in the Nepali month of Asoj, exceeding its monthly collection target. The office had set a revenue collection target of Rs. 26.46 billion for the month. According to Chief Customs Administrator Krishna Prasad Mainali, fuel imports alone generated Rs. 2.29 billion in revenue during Asoj. Similarly, the office collected Rs. 1.80 billion from liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) imports, Rs. 1.40 billion from bitumen imports, and Rs. 500 million from apple and pear imports.
Authorities urge tourists to avoid trekking in Mustang for three days
The District Administration Office in Mustang and Lomanthang Rural Municipality have urged tourists to avoid trekking in high-altitude mountainous areas from October 29 tp 31 due to the possibility of adverse weather conditions. In a notice, the District Administration Office warned that moderate to heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds, is likely in many parts of Gandaki Province. The administration has urged tourists to exercise caution, warning of the risk of heavy snowfall and avalanches in high-altitude and mountainous areas. Mustang Chief District Officer Parashuram Pokharel said the advisory was issued to ensure public safety amid forecasts of falling temperatures, possible landslides along roads and potential disruptions to road and air transport.
TAAN urges trekkers, tourists to take precautions against Cyclone Arnab
The Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) has urged trekking guides, trekkers, and tourists to take precautions against the potential impacts of Cyclone Arnab, which has developed in the Bay of Bengal. Citing notices issued by the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), TAAN has called on all concerned to remain alert and prepare for possible weather-related risks associated with the cyclone. According to forecasts, the cyclone is expected to enter Indian territory on October 28, with its effects likely to be felt in Nepal from the night of October 29. The cyclone is expected to bring moderate to heavy rainfall, lightning, and strong winds to various parts of the Tarai, Chure, and mid-hill regions on October 30 and 31. Meanwhile, the high-hill and mountainous regions are at significant risk of heavy snowfall, blizzards, and avalanches.
DoT warns of Himalayan travel risks amid adverse weather forecast
The Department of Tourism (DoT) has urged tourists and mountaineers to avoid travelling to high-altitude Himalayan regions in view of forecasts of heavy rainfall across various parts of the country and the risk of snowfall and avalanches in the mountains between October 28 and November 1. According to a weather bulletin issued by the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, several parts of the country may experience heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds during the period. The adverse weather could increase the risk of floods, landslides, and soil erosion, while Himalayan areas could face blizzards and avalanches. Citing the potential risks to trekking and mountaineering activities, the Department has advised travellers to postpone trips to high-altitude Himalayan regions. Those already in these areas have been urged to exercise caution and follow weather updates issued by official authorities while planning their movements.
Nepal’s trade deficit widens 34.71 percent in first three months of FY 2083/84
Nepal’s foreign trade deficit surged by 34.71 percent during the first three months of the current fiscal year 2083/84, reaching Rs 532.49 billion, according to data released by the Department of Customs on Wednesday. The deficit stood at Rs 395.30 billion during the same period last fiscal year. The country’s total foreign trade expanded by 40.71 percent to Rs 761.07 billion between mid-July and mid-October. Imports accounted for 84.98 percent of total trade, while exports contributed just 15.02 percent. Imports rose by 38.18 percent to Rs 646.78 billion, while exports recorded a stronger growth of 57.03 percent, reaching Rs 114.28 billion. Despite the faster growth in exports, their overall share in the country’s foreign trade remained relatively small.
Rain expected across various pof Nepal from tomorrow
Rainfall is expected in various parts of Nepal from Thursday as the effects of a powerful cyclone named ‘Arnab’, which originated in the Bay of Bengal and struck the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, begin to influence weather conditions across the country. According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, the cyclone could bring heavy to very heavy rainfall to several provinces, along with snowfall in mountainous regions. Meteorologist Binu Maharjan of the Department said the effects of the cyclone were already being felt in Nepal, with partial cloud cover reported in Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces. Light rain was also recorded at one or two places in Lumbini Province on Wednesday morning. “The impact of the cyclone is already being observed in Nepal,” she said.
Health sector urged to remain on standby
The Health Emergency and Disaster Management Unit has urged the health sector to strengthen preparedness and response measures and remain on high alert in view of the adverse weather forecast. The Unit issued a circular to the Provincial Health Emergency Operation Centres of all seven provinces, calling for effective preparedness and response measures. The directive comes after moderate to heavy rainfall, accompanied by lightning and strong winds, was forecast in various parts of the country for three days beginning October 29. The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority have also urged the public to remain alert to the risks of landslides, floods, and inundation due to possible heavy rainfall.
Swiss ambassador meets education minister to discuss bilateral cooperation
Swiss Ambassador to Nepal Daniel Meuli paid a courtesy call on Minister for Education and Sports Sasmit Pokharel at the minister’s office on Wednesday. During the meeting, the two discussed bilateral relations and prospects for future cooperation in the education sector. Minister Pokharel expressed gratitude to the Swiss government for its continued support in advancing education in Nepal. He also informed the ambassador that the drafting of a new Act on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) had reached its final stage. According to the minister, the proposed legislation is expected to facilitate policy reforms in technical education, restructure the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT), and help make technical and vocational education more systematic and well-organized.
APF Nepal, India’s SSB discuss cross-border crime control
The Armed Police Force (APF) Nepal and India’s Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) have begun their 10th bilateral coordination meeting to strengthen border security and management, control cross-border crimes, and enhance cooperation between the two countries’ border security agencies. APF Nepal spokesperson Netra Bahadur Karki said the two-day meeting will review ongoing joint efforts to improve border security, curb illegal activities in border areas, combat human trafficking and drug smuggling, prevent the smuggling of illegal weapons and other goods, and maintain peace and order along the border. The meeting will also discuss implementing recommendations from the border management mechanism on removing encroachments in no-man’s-land, protecting and maintaining border pillars, and constructing new ones.
Minister Shrestha stresses data sharing, regional cooperation to mitigate disasters
Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Biraj Bhakta Shrestha has stressed the need for greater use of space technology, data sharing, and regional cooperation to mitigate complex disasters caused by climate change in the Himalayan region. He made the remarks at the inaugural session of the Fifth Ministerial Conference on Space Applications for Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific, organised by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP) in Bangkok, Thailand. Speaking at the event this morning, Minister Shrestha underscored the importance of regional cooperation and technological applications in addressing climate-related and geological disasters. He drew the conference’s attention to the loss of lives and property and the damage to infrastructure, including hydropower projects under construction, caused by a recent avalanche in Lirung, Langtang, and a landslide in the Budhigandaki area.
Review of promotion results for 6,000 teachers underway
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has accelerated the publication of review results for complaints filed by approximately 6,000 teachers included in promotion merit lists. According to TSC spokesperson Parashuram Tiwari, the Commission is publishing the review results for promotions based on performance evaluations, which account for 75 percent of the total assessment, in line with decisions made by the secretariat of the Promotion Recommendation Committee. The Commission said it had begun publishing the results after reviewing submitted documents and evidence in accordance with Chapter 15 of the Teachers Service Commission Operational Procedures, 2078, including its amendments. The process aims to finalise promotion outcomes for teachers at various levels across different districts.
Action recommended against three government employees for holding political party roles
A recommendation has been made to initiate legal action against three government employees for allegedly holding positions within a political party. Following a complaint lodged with the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), a recommendation for action has been forwarded to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers and the respective ministries. According to the RSP secretariat, all three employees are based in Kathmandu. However, their names and the government institutions where they work have not been disclosed. The complaint was filed with the party over allegations that individuals employed in public institutions had assumed roles within a political party.
Police arrest 92 in sweep operation across Kathmandu
Police have arrested 92 people during a special sweep operation conducted across Kathmandu district over the past 24 hours as part of efforts to curb criminal activities and maintain peace and security in the Kathmandu Valley. According to the District Police Range, Kathmandu, the operation was carried out at various locations, targeting public spaces, public transport, areas surrounding government offices, and other crowded places. Of those arrested, 84 are men and eight are women, police said. The arrests include people suspected of involvement in various criminal activities as well as convicted offenders who had been absconding. Superintendent of Police Dan Bahadur Thapa, spokesperson for the District Police Range, Kathmandu, said the operation aimed to maintain public order, strengthen security, and prevent and control criminal activities.
Winter tourism picks up at Banke National Park
Winter tourism has begun to pick up at Banke National Park following the resumption of jungle safaris, which had been suspended during the monsoon season. Krishna Chaudhary, chairperson of Gavar Valley Community Homestay, said jungle safaris had reopened after dirt roads inside the park were repaired following the end of the rainy season. The park is now covered in lush greenery, offering visitors an opportunity to experience its natural beauty and wildlife. According to Chaudhary, Banke National Park, Nepal’s youngest national park, is rich in biodiversity. The rare and protected four-horned antelope, locally known as chausinga, is one of its main attractions. Visitors can also encounter leopards, elephants, rhinoceroses and various species of birds. To attract more visitors, the park authorities and local tourism entrepreneurs have introduced a special safari package priced at just Rs. 1,000. The discounted package has begun attracting domestic and international tourists, particularly young people and budget-conscious travellers. It offers an affordable opportunity to experience jungle safaris and observe wildlife, Chaudhary said.
NRCS urges blood donations as stocks run dry
The Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS) has urgently appealed to the public to donate blood after stocks of blood and blood components at its Central Blood Transfusion Service were depleted. The shortage comes amid a decline in blood donation programmes during the Dashain holidays, even as demand for blood to treat patients in hospitals continues to rise. Dr Prakash Yadav, chief of the Central Blood Transfusion Service operated by the NRCS, said stocks of whole blood, packed red blood cells (PRBCs) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) across all blood groups had been exhausted, making it difficult to meet patients’ needs. He urged healthy men and women aged 18 and above to donate blood, particularly voluntary donors who have completed at least three months since their previous donation.
1,410 climbers to scale 44 Nepal peaks this autumn
A total of 1,410 climbers from 76 countries have obtained permits from the Department of Tourism to scale 44 mountains in Nepal during the autumn season. Department section officer Sudha Regmi said the climbers include 341 women and 1,069 men, forming 161 expedition teams. The department has collected Rs 318 million in royalties from the climbing permits issued this autumn. Mount Manaslu (8,163 metres) has received the highest number of permits, with 500 climbers — 127 women and 373 men — from 43 teams. The royalty collected from permits for Manaslu stands at Rs 222.08 million. Similarly, 37 climbers from six teams have obtained permits to scale Dhaulagiri I, generating Rs 8.47 million in royalties. Three climbers from a single team have been granted permits to climb Mount Makalu, generating Rs 688,050 in royalties, according to Regmi. Furthermore, 121 climbers from 12 teams have obtained permits for Himlung Himal, with the department collecting Rs 7,427,720 in royalties. Likewise, 386 climbers from 32 teams are preparing to scale Mount Ama Dablam, contributing Rs 57,699,650 to government revenue.
Chitwan’s rice zone expects 5,000-tonne rise in paddy output
Paddy production in Chitwan’s designated rice zone is expected to increase by 5,000 metric tonnes to 50,000 tonnes in the current fiscal year 2026/27, according to preliminary crop assessments. The rice zone produced 45,000 metric tonnes of paddy last fiscal year from 8,500 hectares of land, said Sauraj Bishwakarma, information officer at the National Agriculture Modernization Programme Implementation Unit in Bharatpur. “Paddy production in the rice zone has increased. Based on crop-cutting assessments, we estimate that output will reach 50,000 metric tonnes this year,” Bishwakarma said. The designated rice zone covers parts of three municipalities in eastern Chitwan: Ratnanagar, Khairahani, and Rapti.
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