UN extends Nepal’s LDC graduation preparatory period until November 2029
Nepal and Bangladesh have been given three more years to strengthen their economies and prepare for the loss of trade preferences and other support available to least developed countries.
Japan cites privacy in withholding details on Nepal’s envoy nominee
The parliamentary hearing committee is seeking clarification on Jigyan Kumar Thapa’s Japanese permanent residency and possible links to government-funded institutions, but Tokyo says it cannot disclose personal information.
The five questions Hari Phuyal must answer
The reported exchanges with Inam Sapkota raise questions about what was discussed, when suspicions arose and whether proper safeguards were followed to protect judicial independence.
Nepal plans temporary bridges to reopen flood-hit Rasuwagadhi border crossing
Authorities aim to restore road access to the Chinese border before rebuilding permanently, while also considering an expressway to Kerung in place of a proposed railway.
Chinese EVs win over some in South Korea, but Japan is proving to be a rougher road
Chinese automakers are gaining ground in South Korea with affordable electric vehicles, but low EV demand, consumer scepticism and strained diplomatic ties are making Japan a harder market to crack.
Patrick Stewart, Shakespearean actor turned ‘Star Trek’ and ‘X-Men’ star, dies at 86
The acclaimed British actor rose from poverty in Yorkshire to become one of the most recognisable faces in film and television, earning a knighthood for his contribution to drama.
EditorialNepal’s government needs to vet public appointments before announcing them
From Lumbini to the diplomatic corps, picks are being made before hard questions are asked.
PM Shah floated the idea of Nepal-India-China cooperation on climate. Why is the government slow to reach out to the neighbours?
Nepal’s foreign and environment ministries are working on a proposal to be sent to the two neighbours. Beijing has signalled openness to sharing climate data while Delhi has signed up to a regional mechanism.
Supreme Court justices, top officials drawn into Inam’s growing ‘nexus’
Messages and alleged financial records linked to Inam Sapkota have prompted calls for an independent probe into Chief Justice Manoj Kumar Sharma and Justice Hari Prasad Phuyal.
Nepal Police command meets for hours amid fears of IG sacking
The government is reportedly unhappy with IG Karki’s stance on following the due process while making big arrests.
‘Rahul, Rahul, Rahul’: Janakpur’s 16-year-old pacer is the NPL’s newest sensation
The talent-hunt find took four wickets against Kathmandu Gorkhas, striking with the first ball of two separate overs, and the stadium has already adopted him.
Lumbini Development Trust leadership row revives scrutiny of appointment process
The appointment of Ani Choying Drolma has sparked protests, renewed scrutiny of past controversies and raised questions about the government’s selection process at the birthplace of Buddha.
Karnali defeat Biratnagar in a nail-bitter
Sompal Kami’s unbeaten 62 off 32 balls steered Karnali to a thrilling four-wicket win over Biratnagar, chasing down 187 with one ball to spare after Lokesh Bam’s 87 had powered the Kings to the season’s highest total.
Small countries must defend multilateral trade system, says WTO chief
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala urges developing economies, including Nepal, to push for reforms and use WTO tools to help local businesses access global markets.
Spanish train crash death toll rises to 69 as rescuers search for victims
The crash, Spain’s second fatal high-speed rail accident this year, has killed 69 people and injured dozens, prompting a nationwide mourning period, a train drivers’ strike over safety funding and calls for a full investigation.
Lokesh Bam’s 87 lifts Biratnagar Kings to 186 against Karnali Yaks
The opener struck nine sixes in a 52-ball innings, while Sompal Kami claimed four wickets to keep Karnali in the contest.
Phuyal says alleged fixer invoked PM’s name to approach justices
The Supreme Court justice says Inam Sapkota raised pending cases with justices and warned them of impeachment, prompting them to report him to the prime minister’s office. He denies any financial dealings or improper arrangements.
Foreign enrolment remains a hard sell for Nepali medical colleges
Nepal reserves 33 percent of medical education seats for foreign students, but only 746 enrolled last year.
Indian foreign secretary, new ambassador to arrive in Kathmandu ahead of Shah’s India visit
Vikram Misri is scheduled to arrive on November 4 to discuss the agenda for the prime minister’s expected visit to New Delhi, likely on November 22, while Sudhakar Dalela arrives a day earlier to take up his diplomatic assignment.
14 years after initial deal, China proposes joint committee to manage border ports
Chinese envoy recently forwarded a draft agreement proposing better customs clearance, smart-port systems, border security, and the opening of new crossings.
Cyclone Arnab brings cold weather, rain and snow forecast through Saturday
Experts say moderate rain in the hills and Tarai is unlikely to cause major damage, but farmers preparing the harvest paddy could be affected.
Explained: How could Israel break the election deadlock?
Israel’s main parties face difficult coalition choices, from a unity government to an opposition-led alliance, as Netanyahu seeks to retain power.
Janakpur Bolts beat Kathmandu Gorkhas by eight wickets
Rahul Yadav takes four wickets to bowl Kathmandu out for 115 before Moeen Ali and Saif Hassan guide Janakpur to victory with an unbeaten stand.
WhatsApp messages reveal contact between Supreme Court justice and detained alleged fixer
Separate documents circulating on social media also appear to link Chief Justice Manoj Kumar Sharma, an RSP lawmaker and a senior police officer to alleged bribe payments.
Cyclone Arnab’s remnants raise landslide risk on Nepal’s main highways
Authorities have flagged key routes as vulnerable to landslides, rockfalls and flooding as the storm that struck India’s Andhra Pradesh coast weakens and brings rain to Nepal.
At least 68 people dead in Spain’s second major train crash this year
A Renfe train collided with a stationary Iryo service after being cleared to proceed despite a red signal, with 80 people injured and investigators probing a possible communications failure.
Why Modi 3.0 is a pale shadow of its first two terms
In its third term, the BJP government is merely reacting to its rivals’ agenda, unlike the first two terms when it set the narrative and the Opposition did a shoddy job of trying to catch up.
Preaching sustainability, practising overconsumption
With Teej and Dashain past us and Tihar around the corner, we mindlessly buy either to justify sales and offers or to never rewear an outfit.
Annapurna Circuit sees trekking arrivals rebound after floods
More than 5,300 foreign tourists trekked the route during Dashain, 769 more than in the same period last year, as improving weather and repairs restored access.
Israeli stocks fall, shekel weakens as Netanyahu bloc beats election forecasts
Israeli markets slump as Netanyahu’s bloc outperforms election forecasts but falls short of a majority, raising uncertainty over government formation and the prospect of another election.
Cyclone Arnab kills seven in Andhra Pradesh as heavy rain hits eastern India
More than 180,000 people were evacuated in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha as the storm weakened after making landfall, disrupting flights and triggering heavy rain across several states.
Rain expected across Nepal on Thursday as cyclone weakens
The system is forecast to bring rain from Thursday afternoon, with heavy downpours possible overnight and on Friday.
Israel’s vote prolongs Middle East instability
The election leaves Netanyahu’s path to power uncertain but keeps the risk of further escalation with Iran alive, unsettling oil markets.
Nepal government’s film grant scheme gets mixed reviews
The government aims to promote films that highlight the country’s culture, history and tourism. Filmmakers welcome the move but criticise the 21-day deadline.
Sudurpaschim Royals bounce back
The Royals, which lost their first match against Lumbini Lions, handed Pokhara Avengers a six-wicket defeat on Wednesday.
Pakistan’s last-minute NOC demand hits NPL franchises hard
A sudden $25,000 fee requirement from the Pakistan Cricket Board forces NPL teams to scramble for emergency replacements, dampening global appeal and leaving fans disappointed.
Driving licence applicants in Kathmandu face week-long waits for trials
Server outages and excessive fees have added to applicants’ woes. Legal hurdles have delayed plans for new centres.
Ani Choying’s new role brings old controversies to the fore
The government has appointed the Buddhist nun and singer to lead the Lumbini Development Trust despite unresolved questions over her citizenship and a money-laundering investigation dating back to 2018.
Constitutional bench in limbo as Supreme Court struggles over formation amid disagreements and boycotts
When Chief Justice Sharma formed the bench on October 7, Justice Phuyal refused to sit, leading to the suspension of proceedings.
EditorialNepal needs meaningful actions to end child marriage by 2030
Nepal’s progress remains uneven, with poverty leaving girls in disadvantaged households more vulnerable.
Why investing in care is key to our shared future
Care workers, most of them women, deserve recognition, decent work and social protection.
What a regional climate agreement for the Himalayas should contain
Prime Minister Shah’s proposed Himalayan Climate Resilience Mechanism is a welcome start. A regional legal agreement among Nepal, India and China would give it a foundation.
Members push to revive SAARC, but India holds firm
Twelve years since the last summit, the bloc remains paralysed by deep-seated rivalry between India and Pakistan, and the requirement for unanimous consent among its eight members.
Small countries must defend multilateral trade system, says WTO chief
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala urges developing economies, including Nepal, to push for reforms and use WTO tools to help local businesses access global markets.
Dashain exodus deepens blood shortage in Valley
Daily demand exceeds 400 pints, but collections have fallen to around 20. Patients needing urgent surgery are among the hardest hit.
Dipendra Singh Airee’s half-century earns Sudurpaschim first NPL win
The Royals chase down Pokhara Avengers’ 145 for a six-wicket victory, reaching their target with 19 balls to spare at the TU International Cricket Ground.
Pokhara set Sudurpaschim a target of 146 in NPL
Arjun Gharti’s unbeaten 40 helps Pokhara Avengers post 145-7, while Anil Kharel takes three wickets for Sudurpaschim Royals.
At least 30 people killed in Spain when two high-speed trains collide
Several carriages derailed in the collision near Toledo, the second fatal train accident on the Madrid-Andalusia line in nine months. The cause of the crash remains unclear.
Sudurpaschim elect to field against Pokhara in NPL
Captain Dipendra Singh Airee wins the toss and sends Pokhara Avengers in to bat at TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.
Tihar’s electric glow threatens Bhaktapur’s clay-lamp tradition
Prajapati potters say falling demand for traditional oil lamps is putting their generations-old craft at risk.