KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Adaptation Fund approves three climate adaptation projects for Nepal
The Adaptation Fund has approved three climate adaptation project proposals for Nepal aimed at strengthening vulnerable communities, protecting ecosystems through nature-based solutions and improving early warning systems for floods and landslides. The proposals were approved at the Fund’s 47th Board Meeting, which was also attended by Nepal’s representative on the Adaptation Fund Board, Naresh Sharma. Sharma said the projects would help communities exposed to climate change build resilience, conserve ecosystems and improve preparedness for climate-related disasters through stronger early warning systems. One of the approved proposals is the Green Koshi project, to be implemented by the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC). According to Sharma, the Board approved the project’s concept note with a proposed budget of USD 9.92 million. The initiative aims to strengthen climate resilience and conserve ecosystems through nature-based solutions.
Former President Bhandari urges global action on climate justice for vulnerable Nepal
Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has urged the international community to take Nepal’s call for climate justice seriously, saying recent devastating natural disasters have once again exposed the country’s vulnerability to climate change. Addressing the 2026 Global Governance Forum (Xiong’an), organised by the China Institute of International Studies in China, Bhandari outlined Nepal’s priorities for achieving climate justice, according to her secretariat. Linking global governance directly to climate justice, Bhandari described the Himalayas as a shared natural heritage that plays a vital role in regional water cycles, biodiversity and ecological balance. She stressed the need for greater cooperation among Himalayan countries, including China, Nepal and India, in climate data sharing, glacier monitoring, early warning systems and disaster response to protect the region and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Bhandari also called for stronger regional and international cooperation to reduce climate risks, alongside sustained and reliable support from the United Nations and international financial institutions.
Prachanda warns against attempts to erase Nepal’s political history
Nepali Communist Party (NCP) coordinator and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said that a new political situation will emerge in the country in the near future. Inaugurating the party’s awareness campaign at its central office in Parisdanda on Saturday, Dahal recalled the People’s War and expressed confidence that the party could regain public support despite challenges if it sincerely raised the issues affecting ordinary people. Reflecting on the difficult early days of the movement, he said a campaign that began with a limited number of cadres gradually gained the support of millions, ultimately paving the way for historic political change in the country. Dahal said efforts were being made to undermine the historical role and significance of his party’s ideology. He also expressed concern over what he described as a growing tendency to diminish the Maoist movement and its contribution to Nepal’s political transformation. Such attempts to disregard those who led the country’s political changes would not succeed, he asserted.
Sudurpaschim Royals sign West Indies batter Rutherford
West Indies’ explosive batter Sherfane Rutherford has signed with Sudurpaschim Royals for the third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL). The 28-year-old left-handed batter and medium-pace bowler is known for his aggressive approach in the shorter formats of the game. He can score quickly in the middle order, making him a valuable addition to the team’s batting lineup. Rutherford has represented the West Indies in 31 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and 61 T20 Internationals, scoring 873 runs and 1,123 runs in the two formats, respectively. His highest score in T20 Internationals is 84. Across all forms of T20 cricket, Rutherford has scored 5,090 runs in 283 matches, including 324 sixes, at a batting strike rate of 142.05. He has extensive franchise cricket experience, having played in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Indian Premier League (IPL), Pakistan Super League (PSL), Bangladesh Premier League, Sri Lanka Premier League, ILT20 and Major League Cricket.
Bodies of missing Japanese climbers found in Manang
The bodies of two Japanese climbers who went missing while attempting to scale Mount Gangapurna have been found, authorities confirmed on Friday. The climbers, Japanese nationals Hidesuke Taneishi and Tetsu Hashimoto, went missing while climbing the 7,455-meter Gangapurna Himal in Gyasyang Rural Municipality-6. According to Chief District Officer Mukti Prasad Khanal, the two climbers had embarked on the expedition with a Nepali guide through Kathmandu-based Cosmo Adventure Company. They had been out of contact since October 15. “After losing contact with the climbers at around 7,050 meters, helicopters and rescue teams were deployed to search for them. During the search, their bags and climbing equipment were found,” Khanal said. “After a continuous search, both bodies were located at an altitude of around 6,300 meters on the southern side of Mount Gangapurna.”
Tourist arrivals increase in Mustang after Dashain
Tourist activity in the Himalayan district of Mustang has picked up following the Dashain festival, with a significant increase in visitor arrivals over the past two days. Tourist arrivals, which had remained low before Dashain, began rising noticeably from Thursday. Earlier, floods, heavy rainfall and other monsoon-related disasters had disrupted travel to the district. The Beni–Jomsom road, the main route connecting Mustang with other parts of the country, was also blocked by landslides and river erosion. Police Inspector Ishwar Mahat, information officer at the District Police Office in Mustang, said tourist arrivals through the Beni–Jomsom corridor had increased following Dashain. According to police records, 5,663 tourists entered Mustang via the route between Ghatasthapana and Vijaya Dashami. The arrivals included 3,738 men and 1,925 women.
Reconstruction of Beni–Darbang–Muna road estimated to cost Rs 70 million
The reconstruction of the flood- and landslide-damaged Beni–Darbang–Muna road in Myagdi is estimated to cost around Rs 70 million. The road, which connects Mangala, Malika and Dhaulagiri rural municipalities in western Myagdi with the district headquarters, Beni, suffered extensive damage from floods, landslides and erosion along the Myagdi River following continuous rainfall from September 23 to 27. According to the Infrastructure Development Office in Myagdi, around 22 locations along the road from Beni to Muna, the administrative centre of Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality, have been damaged. Engineer Mohan Ruwali of the office said the disasters had washed away road surfaces and severely damaged gabion walls, retaining walls and paved sections. Fifteen locations between Beni and Panabagar in Mangala Rural Municipality-2 were damaged by landslides of varying sizes, while river erosion caused road collapses at two locations. The preliminary estimate for repairing road infrastructure along this section alone stands at Rs 30 million to Rs 40 million.
Nepal braces for possible rain, snowfall from Oct 28
Nepal is likely to experience changing weather conditions next week, with rain and snowfall forecast in parts of the country from October 28 to November 1. The Weather Forecasting Division has urged people to remain alert as a low-pressure system developing over the Bay of Bengal could influence the weather. According to the Division’s weather forecast bulletin issued on Saturday morning, weather conditions are expected to remain generally stable over the next three days. However, the possibility of rain and snowfall is expected to increase from Wednesday through Sunday. The Division said a low-pressure area had developed over the east-central and adjoining southeastern Bay of Bengal, potentially influencing weather conditions in Nepal during the period. The Division has urged the public to remain alert and take necessary precautions in view of the possibility of changing weather conditions.
Cross-border tourism event aims to strengthen Nepal–India partnership
The Nepal–India Cross Border Tourism Connect 2026 is set to take place in Chitwan from October 26 to 28, with the aim of strengthening tourism cooperation and expanding business opportunities between the two countries. The event is being jointly organised by the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) International Coordination Council (ICC) and the Samriddha Chitwan Campaign. Somnath Sapkota, programme coordinator and spokesperson for the NRNA International Coordination Council, said the initiative aims to deepen Nepal–India tourism ties under the slogan “Promoting tourism while connecting borders and enhancing friendship.” He said the programme would focus on promoting Nepal more effectively in the Indian tourism market, establishing direct business links between tourism entrepreneurs from both countries, and connecting Nepali destinations with international tourism networks.
NCP launches one-and-a-half-month national awareness campaign
The Nepali Communist Party (NCP) launched a nationwide awareness campaign lasting one and a half months today. The campaign was inaugurated today at the party’s central office in Parisdanda, according to NCP spokesperson Prakash Jwala. NCP coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ and co-coordinator Madhav Kumar Nepal jointly inaugurated the campaign at Parisdanda. Programmes will be conducted in wards and villages across the country during the campaign. The party’s Central Coordination Committee meeting had earlier decided to run the nationwide campaign from October 24 to December 11. Alongside the campaign, the NCP has decided to organise ward and municipal conventions in preparation for the upcoming local elections. The party also plans to complete the remaining work of integrating its various committees, mass organisations and front organisations during the campaign.
336 vehicles penalized in Kathmandu Valley in a single day
A total of 336 vehicles were penalized for violating traffic rules in the Kathmandu Valley over a 24-hour period. According to the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, action was taken against 336 vehicles for various traffic violations during the period. Office spokesperson Superintendent of Police (SP) Nareshraj Subedi said 102 drivers were penalized for driving under the influence of alcohol, 39 were identified through CCTV surveillance, and 20 were caught running red lights. Similarly, action was taken against 57 vehicles for speeding, eight for unnecessary honking, three for violating lane discipline, and two for being in poor mechanical condition. The remaining 105 vehicles were penalized for various other traffic violations. The traffic police have stepped up surveillance during the festive season and have been taking action against drivers found violating traffic rules.
52 vehicle accidents reported in Makawanpur in Asoj, six killed
A total of 52 vehicle accidents were reported in Makawanpur district during the month of Asoj, leaving six people dead and 78 others injured. Deputy Superintendent of Police Madhav Prasad Kafle, spokesperson for the District Police Office, said police had rescued 50 people involved in the accidents. Police also took 855 enforcement actions related to vehicle accidents during the period, collecting Rs 855,500 in revenue, he added.
World Polio Day: Sustained efforts needed to maintain polio-free status
Prof. Dr. Srijana Shrestha, Chairperson of the World Health Organization’s South-East Asia Regional Certification Commission for Polio Eradication, has emphasized the need for sustained efforts to maintain Nepal’s polio-free status. In a video message released today to mark World Polio Day, she said Nepal’s achievements in polio eradication were significant but stressed that continued efforts were essential to preserve this status in the long term. Noting that the persistence of poliovirus anywhere in the world poses a risk of its introduction into Nepal, she underscored the importance of constant vigilance, particularly given the country’s open borders and cross-border movement of people. Dr. Shrestha outlined five key priorities for maintaining Nepal’s polio-free status. First, she stressed the need to ensure that routine immunization services reach every child, particularly those living in remote and high-risk areas and communities, so that all children receive the full course of vaccination.
Former President Bhandari calls for trilateral cooperation on meteorological data sharing, glacier monitoring
Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has called for stronger cooperation among Himalayan countries, including Nepal, China, and India, in sharing meteorological data, monitoring glaciers, developing early warning systems, and coordinating disaster response. Addressing the 2026 Global Governance Forum in Xiong’an, Hebei Province, China, earlier today, Bhandari said global governance was closely linked to climate justice. She noted that the unprecedented natural disasters Nepal experienced in August had underscored the gravity of the challenge. She described the Himalayas as a shared natural heritage that plays a vital role in regional water cycles, biodiversity, and ecological balance. Bhandari also called for strengthening the United Nations as an effective institution that reflects the diversity and aspirations of the contemporary world. She said peace and development were mutually reinforcing and that ending poverty and hunger, promoting human well-being, and redirecting resources from the arms race towards development were shared responsibilities.
Vehicular movement resumes on Beni–Darbang road
Vehicular movement along the Beni–Darbang road, which connects three local levels in western Myagdi with Beni Bazaar, has resumed after a week-long disruption. The road had been blocked by dry landslides at Phaparkhet, along the border of Beni Municipality-4 and Mangala Rural Municipality-2, since October 18. The Infrastructure Development Office in Myagdi temporarily reopened the road by clearing the landslide debris. Raju Pandey, a representative of Mangala Construction, said vehicular movement had resumed temporarily from Friday, taking into account the increased movement of passengers during the Dashain festival. However, he noted that further work was needed to find a lasting solution to the landslide problem. Mangala Construction has been assigned the responsibility of clearing the debris.
Drug trafficking uncovered at pharmacy in Pokhara, operator arrested
Police have uncovered the sale of controlled drugs under the guise of a pharmacy in Pokhara after seizing a large quantity of pills from a drug store. Police arrested Amisha Dhungana, 29, operator of Jaldhare Drug Store in Kalichowk, Pokhara Metropolitan City-26, on charges related to the illegal sale of drugs. According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Birendra Kumar Paswan, information officer at the District Police Office, Kaski, a team from the Area Police Office, Shishuwa, raided the pharmacy following a tip-off about suspected drug trafficking. During the operation, police seized four types of pills from the shop operator. The seized items included 6,400 Codep-P (codeine) pills, 450 pregabalin pills, 150 lorazepam pills and 160 chlordiazepoxide pills.
Farmers busy with paddy harvesting
Terraced fields across the hilly landscape in Bhojpur have turned golden as paddy stalks ripen, signaling the arrival of the harvest season. As the Dashain festival coincides with the peak paddy-harvesting season, farmers are now preparing to return to their fields after celebrating with family and relatives. Sangita Khadka, a farmer from Bhojpur Municipality-6, said the rush to harvest paddy begins as soon as Dashain rituals, including receiving tika and jamara and enjoying festive feasts, come to an end. With the arrival of the Nepali month of Kartik, paddy, the region’s main staple crop, has ripened and turned golden, adding to the scenic beauty of the hillsides and villages. Farmers are optimistic that this year’s harvest will be better than in previous years, citing favorable weather, timely monsoon rains, and adequate irrigation.
20 disaster-related incidents reported across Nepal in 24 hours
Nepal recorded 20 disaster-related incidents across the country in the past 24 hours, leaving eight people injured and causing property damage estimated at approximately Rs 2.41 million. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), the incidents included fires, snakebites, altitude sickness, landslides, and wild animal attacks. The incidents occurred in various districts between 10:00 am on October 23 and 10:00 am on October 24. NDRRMA spokesperson Shanti Mahat said snakebite cases were reported in Saptari, Dhading, Gorkha, Kanchanpur, and Dadeldhura. Meanwhile, fire incidents were recorded in Morang, Sunsari, Bara, Nawalparasi East, Dang, Salyan, Kailali, and Dadeldhura. Similarly, altitude sickness cases were reported in Manang and Dolpa, while a landslide occurred in Myagdi. Wild animal attacks were also reported in Kaski and Kailali.
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