KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
No one above constitution and democracy: Rabi Lamichhane
Drawing a clear line on constitutional supremacy and democratic values, Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane has warned that anyone undermining the Constitution and democracy must face punishment, regardless of their position or influence. Lamichhane made the remarks while speaking to journalists following a secretariat meeting held at the party’s central office on Saturday. “I want to make one thing clear: Nothing stands above the Constitution, and nothing is greater than democracy. No individual is above them. The RSP is clear on this, and so am I,” Lamichhane said. He further stressed that anyone involved in activities that undermine the Constitution and democratic system must face punishment. “There should be no confusion about our position. Whoever has engaged in activities that undermine the Constitution and democracy must be punished and held responsible for their actions,” he said.
RSP to initiate parliamentary process for judicial restructuring
The ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is preparing to initiate the process of restructuring the judiciary, saying that parliamentary action is the only constitutional way to address the recent disputes within the judicial system. A secretariat meeting of the party held on Saturday concluded that Parliament has an indispensable role in resolving the issues and bringing about an overall restructuring of the judiciary. Briefing the media after the meeting, party spokesperson Jagdish Kharel said that the judicial controversies recently emerging in the media and on social media could not be resolved solely through the courts or the Judicial Council. He stressed the need for broader judicial restructuring and said the party had instructed its parliamentary committee to move the process forward.
Three killed, seven injured in Salyan jeep accident
Three people have died and seven others have been injured after a jeep plunged into a river in Salyan on Friday evening. The jeep (Lu. 1 Ja. 2368), travelling from Srinagar to Takura village, fell into a river approximately 150 metres below the road at Ratamate in Siddha Kumakh Rural Municipality-2. The accident occurred along an unpaved inner road section. All 10 people injured in the accident were rescued and rushed to various hospitals for treatment. However, three of them died during treatment, police said. The deceased have been identified as Krishna Basnet, 42, Sita BK, 45, and Sawne Roka, 43, all residents of Siddha Kumakh Rural Municipality-2, Salyan.
Heavy snowfall and rain disrupt life in Mustang; Korala road blocked
Heavy snowfall in Upper Mustang and continuous rainfall in the lower areas, triggered by the impact of Cyclone Arnab, have disrupted normal life in Mustang. The Korala checkpoint has been closed due to heavy snowfall, while landslides triggered by continuous rain have obstructed sections of the Jomsom-Korala road. Chief District Officer Parashuram Pokharel said heavy snowfall has been occurring in Lomanthang and Loghekar Damodarkunda rural municipalities since Friday night. Meanwhile, lower areas from Chhusang to Ward No. 3 of Waragung Muktikshetra Rural Municipality have been experiencing continuous rainfall. The district administration has urged tourists, local residents and container drivers transporting goods through the Korala checkpoint to take safety precautions amid the adverse weather.
More than 12 road sections blocked by floods, landslides
More than 12 road sections across the country, including the Prithvi Highway, have been obstructed by floods and landslides triggered by continuous rainfall over the past three days. According to Nepal Police Headquarters, a landslide has completely blocked traffic in both directions along the Prithvi Highway at Parewabhir in Gajuri Rural Municipality-2, Dhading. Similarly, the BP Highway has been completely blocked in the Kavrepalanchok section. Since 4:55 am today, traffic has been halted between Pinthali in Roshi Rural Municipality-9 and Gimdibesi in Ward No. 8 following the accumulation of debris from a seasonal stream. The Karnali Highway has also been completely blocked at Aulise in Barahatal Rural Municipality-7, Surkhet, due to a dry landslide. The Khotang section of the Mid-Hill Highway has also been obstructed, along with several sections of the Bagmati River Corridor in Lalitpur and the Kanti Lokpath.
Two tourists missing amid heavy snowfall in Badimalika
Two tourists who had travelled to the Badimalika religious and tourist destination in Bajura have gone missing following heavy snowfall and rainfall in the area. According to Naresh Bahadur Shahi, information officer at the District Police Office and a police inspector, the missing tourists have been identified as 20-year-old Manish Bohara of Bedkot Municipality, Kanchanpur, and 21-year-old Sagar Karki of Krishnapur Municipality-2, Kanchanpur. A group of five people had left the district headquarters, Martadi, for Badimalika on October 26. Three members of the group have already returned, while the other two remain missing, Shahi said. Bohara went missing on Friday while returning from the Badimalika Bhagwati Temple, situated at an altitude of 4,020 metres. Karki has been out of contact since last night, according to Shahi.
Policy reforms planned to help Nepali IT firms become global unicorns: PM Shah
Prime Minister (PM) Balendra Shah has said the government will introduce necessary policy and regulatory reforms to promote Nepal’s game development and information technology (IT) sectors, creating an environment for domestic companies to expand internationally and emerge as global unicorns. In a social media post on Friday, Prime Minister Shah said the government would review existing regulations and requirements to facilitate the growth of the sectors. He highlighted the international success of gaming applications developed by Nepali companies, citing Ludo, which has recorded approximately 200 million downloads worldwide, and Callbreak, with more than 150 million downloads. The Prime Minister also noted growing interest among young Nepalis in game development.
BP Highway blocked by landslides
The BP Highway has been completely blocked following landslides at Pinthali in Roshi Rural Municipality-9 and Gimdibesi in Roshi Rural Municipality-8. Rabin Bista, information officer at the District Police Office, said the road would not be reopened immediately as rainfall continues. He urged the general public to check the condition of the highway before travelling and to avoid unnecessary journeys until the road is cleared.
Kulekhani reservoir nears full capacity; downstream residents urged to remain alert
Residents in downstream areas have been urged to exercise caution as the Kulekhani reservoir approaches its maximum storage capacity following continuous rainfall. The water level in the reservoir has reached 1,527.93 metres, against its maximum capacity of 1,530 metres. According to Prahlad Raut, chief of the Kulekhani-I Hydropower Project, the water level is rising rapidly due to persistent heavy rainfall in the reservoir’s catchment area. The project office has already issued a warning. Raut told RSS that a warning siren would be sounded if the opening of the dam gates becomes necessary to regulate the water level. He also advised travellers to exercise caution while using the Deurali-Sisneri road section.
Govt preparing to involve all parties in COP31 participation
The government is preparing to ensure the participation of representatives from various political parties in Nepal’s delegation to the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. At the initiative of Prime Minister Balendra Shah, preparations are underway to involve representatives of both ruling and opposition parties in the House of Representatives to develop a common national position on climate change, according to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers. The initiative aims to strengthen Nepal’s representation and make its voice more effective on the international stage. On Friday, chief whips and representatives of various political parties held discussions at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers on Nepal’s participation in COP31.
Manohara river swells, residents urged to remain alert
The water level in the Manohara River at Chyasal, Lalitpur, has risen following continuous rainfall. With the river swelling, the authorities have urged residents living in nearby areas to remain vigilant. In view of the potential risk, the Armed Police Force Nepal’s No. 21 Battalion, Lalitpur (Dakshinkali), has been kept on standby with necessary preparations for possible rescue and response operations. The authorities have also urged residents and people travelling through areas along the river to exercise caution. They have advised the public not to gather to watch the rising water or venture into potentially dangerous areas.
NPL: Lumbini Lions-Chitwan Rhinos match postponed
The match between Lumbini Lions and Chitwan Rhinos scheduled for today under the third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) has been postponed due to continuous rainfall. Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) Secretary Paras Khadka confirmed that the match was called off because of the adverse weather conditions. According to Khadka, the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Stadium in Kirtipur has become waterlogged due to rainfall that has continued since Thursday night. Following the postponement, both Chitwan and Lumbini have been awarded one point each.
Heavy snowfall hits five Himalayan districts in Karnali
Heavy snowfall across the high-altitude settlements of Karnali Province has disrupted daily life, blocked mountain roads and raised concerns over possible weather-related disasters in the region. The higher elevations of Humla, Mugu, Jumla, Dolpa and Kalikot have received snowfall, while several areas are experiencing continuous rainfall. According to local residents, snowfall has been reported in Shey Phoksundo, Dolpo Buddha and Chharka Tangsong rural municipalities of Dolpa; Namkha Rural Municipality of Humla; Mugum Karmarong Rural Municipality of Mugu; Patarasi, Tatopani and Kanakasundari rural municipalities of Jumla; and Tilagufa Municipality of Kalikot. Chief District Officer of Dolpa, Junu Hamal Dhakal, said lower areas of the district were experiencing rainfall, while heavy snowfall had affected Shey Phoksundo, Dolpo Buddha and Chharka Tangsong rural municipalities in Upper Dolpa.
TU allocates Rs 10.25 million for human resource development
Tribhuvan University (TU) has allocated Rs 10.25 million for a human resource development programme in the current fiscal year. The programme aims to provide in-service and induction training to 775 university teachers and employees. The annual meeting of the Human Resource Development and Welfare Council, organized by TU’s Coordination Division on Friday, approved the programme and budget for training under nine different headings. The meeting, chaired by TU Rector Prof. Dr. Anjana Singh, decided to provide orientation to newly appointed teachers and employees on the university’s organizational structure, working procedures, code of conduct, rights and responsibilities. Similarly, the university has approved capacity-building training for administrative staff based on identified needs. The programme will also focus on enhancing the managerial skills of senior officials, campus chiefs, department heads and administrative leaders.
Govt to form task force to promote medical tourism
The government is preparing to establish a task force to promote medical tourism, with the aim of positioning Nepal as a regional hub for quality and affordable healthcare services. A decision to initiate the formation of the task force and begin its work promptly was made during a meeting held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers. The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister’s Health Adviser Prof. Dr. Jagdish Prasad Agarwal and attended by secretaries from concerned ministries, directors and representatives of private hospitals. Discussions focused on developing medical tourism services for international patients seeking quality and affordable treatment in Nepal. Key issues included establishing an appropriate regulatory framework, setting standards for hospital quality and patient safety, and facilitating medical visas for foreign patients and their companions.
Snowfall in Bajura’s highlands, rain disrupts daily life
Heavy snowfall in the high Himalayan regions and persistent rainfall since Friday have disrupted daily life in Bajura, with plunging temperatures, strong winds and worsening weather conditions affecting residents across the district. Snowfall was reported in the high-altitude areas of Badimalika, Budhinanda, Gaumul, Khaptad, Chhededaha and Himali, among other local levels, last night. Rain has continued across the district, intensifying the cold and affecting local residents, livestock and daily activities. Elderly people, children and those with health problems have been particularly affected. Rain and snowfall have also made travel difficult on rural roads and footpaths, while farmers are struggling to carry out agricultural and livestock-related activities. Electricity supply through the central transmission line has also been disrupted since last night due to persistent rainfall and strong winds.
Voter roll to be updated using National ID and civil registration data
The Election Commission (EC) is preparing to update and verify the voter roll using data from the National Identity Card and Civil Registration Departments. Under an agreement reached between the Election Commission and the two departments, the voter registration and updating process will utilize information from the Personal Event Registration and Social Security Management Information System. According to EC spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai, the departments will securely transmit civil registration data to the Commission through appropriate technical channels, as stipulated in the agreement. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the parties on October 29 to make the voter roll updating process more convenient, systematic and effective.
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