KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Nepal steps up preparations for COP31 climate summit
Nepal has intensified preparations for the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), scheduled to take place in Antalya, Türkiye, from November 9 to 20. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forest and Environment, Nepal’s position paper for the global climate summit is nearing completion. The ministry is collecting feedback and submissions from relevant stakeholders to refine the document before its finalization. Joint Secretary Dr. Maheshwor Dhakal, chief of the ministry’s Climate Management Division, said the position paper is expected to be unveiled next week. Nepal aims to strengthen its diplomatic efforts at the conference to advance climate justice and secure greater access to international climate finance.
UML senior leader Bidya Bhandari leaves for China to attend Global Governance Forum
Former President and senior CPN-UML leader Bidya Devi Bhandari departed for China on Thursday to participate in the Global Governance Forum scheduled to take place from October 23 to 25. The forum will be held in Xiong’an, Hubei Province, China, under the theme “Rebuilding Trust and Cooperation in a Changing World.” According to Bhandari’s secretariat, she is scheduled to address the gathering as a special guest. The visit marks Bhandari’s first foreign trip since her return to active politics as a senior leader of the CPN-UML. The three-day forum will feature parallel sessions, panel discussions and roundtable meetings on October 24 and 25, focusing on major global political, economic and environmental challenges. Discussions will cover the protection of the United Nations-centred international system, reforms in global peace and peacekeeping, the promotion of multilateralism, and the growing role of developing countries in international relations.
Nepal to host ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier Playoff
Nepal will host the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier Playoff from December 4 to 21, the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has announced. The tournament will feature eight teams: the bottom four teams from the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2, along with the top two teams each from ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League A and B. The top four teams from the playoff will advance to the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier, keeping their hopes of securing a place in the One-Day International (ODI) World Cup alive. Nepal will have an opportunity to reach the World Cup Qualifier for the second consecutive time through the tournament. Meanwhile, Nepal’s scheduled cricket series against India A will be affected by the hosting of the international competition and will no longer take place according to the previously planned schedule.
ICC grants List A T20 Status to all NPL matches
All matches of the third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) have been granted official List A T20 status by the International Cricket Council (ICC), marking a significant milestone for domestic cricket in Nepal. The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) announced the recognition on Wednesday, saying the ICC status would help strengthen the country’s cricketing structure and support the sport’s continued professionalization. The third edition of the NPL is scheduled to take place from October 26 to November 21, 2026, at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. According to CAN, the recognition is expected to enhance the tournament’s credibility and raise the international profile of Nepali cricket. Official List A status also places the league’s matches within the recognized framework of limited-overs cricket, potentially adding greater significance to performances by participating players.
3,585 passengers benefit from free Nepal Police, APF bus services during Dashain
A total of 3,585 passengers benefited from free bus services operated by Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force (APF) in the Kathmandu Valley during the Dashain festival. According to Nepal Police Headquarters, three vehicles operated by Nepal Police provided free transportation to 1,406 passengers on October 20 and 21. Similarly, APF buses transported 2,179 passengers free of charge over three days beginning October 19, said Shailendra Thapa, deputy spokesperson for the force. The APF operated two buses in the Kathmandu Valley on Maha Ashtami, Maha Nawami and Bijaya Dashami to help passengers reach their destinations during the festive period. The free transportation services were introduced to ease travel for the public amid a shortage of public vehicles during Dashain, when many people travel to celebrate the festival with their families.
Nepali national among two killed by drone debris at Saudi Arabila oil facility
A Nepali national and a Filipino national were killed after debris from an intercepted drone struck an oil processing and production facility operated by Saudi Aramco in Saudi Arabia, according to the Saudi Ministry of Energy. An Indian national and a Pakistani national were also injured in the incident, which occurred on Wednesday. According to the Ministry, the drone was targeting the Shaybah oil field near the border with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) but was intercepted before reaching its target. Falling debris subsequently damaged the oil facility and sparked a fire in a vehicle belonging to a contractor working at the site. The ministry did not identify those responsible for launching the drone. However, Yemen’s Houthi rebels have carried out attacks targeting Saudi Arabia in the past.
Floods and landslides disrupt highways in Gandaki and Karnali provinces
Road traffic has been disrupted in several parts of Gandaki and Karnali provinces due to floods and landslides, Nepal Police said. The Beni-Jomsom road section in Myagdi district is operating on a one-way basis following a landslide at Baisari in Raghuganga Rural Municipality-2. Similarly, floods have obstructed roads in Arughat Rural Municipality-2, -3 and -4, as well as the Nayapul area of Gorkha district. According to police, the road connecting Arughat with Dharche has been completely blocked after an iron bridge at Sotigaun was swept away. Traffic has also been affected by flooding at Nayapul in Arughat Rural Municipality-1, where only small vehicles are currently able to operate. In Karnali Province, the Karnali Highway is operating on a one-way basis following a landslide at Oilise in Barahatal Rural Municipality-5, Surkhet.
Rain possible in some parts of Nepal next week: Meteorologist
The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has urged the public not to panic over reports circulating on social media about a week-long spell of rainfall, saying rain is possible in some parts of the country from next Tuesday, but its extent and duration remain uncertain. Meteorologist Rajan Maharjan of the Weather Forecasting Division said the weather system was changeable and it was too early to determine exactly where rainfall would occur, how much rain could fall and how long it would last. He said farmers had been particularly concerned by social media reports claiming that rainfall would continue for an entire week. “There is a possibility of rain from next Tuesday. However, it is not yet certain where it will rain, how much rainfall there will be or how long it will continue,” Maharjan said, urging the public not to believe unverified reports or become unnecessarily alarmed.
Father and son killed in motorcycle accident in Arghakhanchi
A 62-year-old man and his 23-year-old son died after their motorcycle crashed in Bhumikasthan Municipality-2 of Arghakhanchi district last night. The victims died on the spot when the motorcycle, bearing registration number LU 64 P 7471, met with an accident, according to police. Deputy Superintendent of Police Diwas GC of the District Police Office, Arghakhanchi, confirmed the deaths, identifying the victims as Deviram Acharya, 62, and his 23-year-old son. Police said further investigation into the incident is underway to determine the circumstances that led to the crash.
Nepali Army officer strengthens women’s role in UN Peacekeeping
Lieutenant Colonel Rabin Thapa of the Nepali Army promoted the active participation of women peacekeepers in patrols, armed escorts and civilian protection missions while serving as a contingent commander with the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). Thapa emphasized the need to expand women peacekeepers’ involvement in operational assignments and strengthen engagement with local communities, particularly women and girls affected by conflict. Under his leadership, women peacekeepers participated in community outreach, emergency response and other security operations. Their involvement helped the battalion gain a better understanding of local security challenges and the protection needs of vulnerable communities. During periods of heightened insecurity, thousands of civilians sought refuge near United Nations bases following outbreaks of violence. In response, the battalion intensified patrols and strengthened civilian protection measures amid the deteriorating security situation.
Four suspension bridges to be rebuilt under Tanahun Hydropower Project
Four suspension bridges that will be affected by the reservoir of the 140-megawatt Tanahun Hydropower Project under construction in Tanahun district are set to be reconstructed. Tanahun Hydropower Limited has signed a contract agreement with Thani Kali Joshi Joint Venture (JV), Kathmandu, for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the bridges affected by the project’s reservoir. Project Chief Shyamji Bhandari said the contract was awarded for Rs. 1,697,038, excluding taxes. According to Bhandari, the four bridges will be rebuilt at suitable locations identified in consultation with local residents. The necessary construction equipment and materials have also been supplied for the work. The bridges will be constructed in Chulesi, Tunibote, Dablyang and Tutuwa. The existing structures will be affected by the rising water level once the project reservoir comes into operation, making it necessary to relocate and rebuild them.
Nepal sees post-monsoon weather, mountain snowfall likely
Nepal is experiencing post-monsoon weather conditions, with westerly winds also influencing the country’s weather patterns. According to the latest bulletin issued by the Weather Forecasting Division, the hilly and mountainous regions are experiencing partly cloudy conditions, while most parts of the Terai are expected to remain generally clear. The Division has also forecast the possibility of light rainfall and snowfall at a few places in the mountainous regions. Weather conditions may vary across the country due to differences in terrain and atmospheric influences. While the Terai is likely to experience relatively clear skies, residents in the hills and mountains may see increased cloud cover, with a chance of precipitation in some high-altitude areas.
Kathmandu Valley’s minimum temperature drops to 13.5°C
Kathmandu Valley’s initial minimum temperature fell to 13.5 degrees Celsius on Thursday morning, down from 14.2 degrees Celsius recorded at the same time a day earlier, according to the Weather Forecasting Division. The temperature was recorded during the Division’s initial observation at 5:45 am on Thursday, indicating a decline of 0.7 degrees Celsius compared with Wednesday’s early-morning reading. However, the valley’s final minimum temperature on Wednesday was also recorded at 13.5 degrees Celsius, according to the division. The final reading is taken at 8:45 am, meaning the initial measurement may differ from the day’s officially recorded minimum temperature. The final minimum temperature for Thursday is expected to be confirmed after the scheduled 8:45 am observation.
Seven houses gutted in fire in Banke
Seven houses were destroyed in a fire suspected to have been caused by an electrical short circuit in Kapasi, Janaki Rural Municipality-6, Banke district, on Wednesday afternoon. A window of another concrete house was also damaged in the incident. According to police, the fire broke out at the house of Iddu Khan at around 2:20 p.m. It was brought under control by 4 p.m. with the help of police personnel and fire engines from Kohalpur Municipality and Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City. The blaze completely gutted single-storey thatched houses belonging to Sabir Khan, Iddu Khan, Firoz Khan and Jabir Khan. Similarly, single-storey houses with tin roofs owned by Jabed Khan, Sarnam Khan and Saurabh Khan were also reduced to ashes.
Fire at Banke Steel Factory causes damage worth Rs. 15.6 million
A fire broke out in a furnace oil tank at Ambe Steel Sariya Company in Bakaspur, Janaki Rural Municipality-5, Banke district, early Thursday, causing an estimated damage of Rs. 15.6 million. According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Prati Singh Rathore, information officer at the District Police Office, Banke, the fire started at around 1:30 am, reportedly due to an electrical short circuit in the furnace oil tank used in the steel production process. Following the incident, a police team from the Area Police Office in Khajurakhurd was dispatched to the site after receiving information about the fire. The blaze was brought completely under control within an hour through the joint efforts of Nepal Police personnel, local residents and firefighters, Rathore said.
Nepali team leaves for Western Asian Youth Chess Championship in India
A Nepali chess team has departed for Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, to participate in the Western Asian Youth Chess Championship 2026, scheduled to run from October 22 to 31. Raju Tamrakar, spokesperson for the Nepal Chess Federation, bade farewell to the 18-member delegation at Tribhuvan International Airport on Thursday. The team is led by Nita Sainju, a member of the federation’s central committee, and comprises 11 players from different age categories, five guardians, a judge and other team members. The Nepali players competing in the championship include Sunab Ojha, Shubhang Pradhan, Agrim Sainju, Ayush Bhandari, Prabir KC, Agrata Acharya, Nihana Shrestha, Ujjibani Kandel and Nelisa Ojha. Prabish Prajapati will serve as the team’s judge.
Five killed in road accidents across Nepal in 24 hours
Five people have died in separate road accidents across the country in the past 24 hours, while 313 others have been injured in crashes reported in Kathmandu, Sunsari, Makawanpur, Morang and Tanahun districts, according to Nepal Police Headquarters.
Cardamom cultivation trial proves successful in Beni
Cardamom cultivation launched on a trial basis in Musung village of Beni Municipality-3, Myagdi, has proved successful, prompting farmers to expand production commercially. Padam Pun, chairperson of Beni Municipality-3, said more farmers had begun cultivating cardamom after plants grown in the forest area of Charkhola started producing well. The trial cultivation began three years ago. Cardamom is now being grown on more than 20 ropanis of land after bushes were cleared from barren and wetland areas. Favourable climatic conditions, suitable geography, market access, and attractive prices have encouraged farmers to take up the crop. Around 50 years ago, a landslide destroyed cultivable land in the area, leaving it barren. The success of cardamom farming has created new opportunities to bring such land back into productive use.