- Saturday, 10 October 2026
Dang, Oct 10: A three-year-old child lost her life subsequent to consuming poisonous wild mushrooms.
According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Hem Bahadur KC of the District Police Office in Dang, the minor, Lakshmi Majhi, was a resident of Gadhawa Rural Municipality-1, Banghusri in the district.
Police reported that Sumitra Majhi, aged 26 and spouse of Rishi Majhi from the aforementioned locality, along with her daughter Lakshmi, both experienced severe illness following mushroom consumption.
Both individuals were promptly transported to Bhalubang Hospital for medical intervention. Deputy Superintendent KC indicated that Lakshmi was subsequently transferred to Lamahi Hospital for advanced medical care; however, she was pronounced deceased.
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10- Minister Khanal emphasizes Nepal’s climate sensitivity on global stage during Australia visit
Kathmandu, Oct 10: Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has returned home after an official visit to Australia, where he participated in the high-level ‘Pre-Cop Leaders Event’ on climate change in Fiji and Tuvalu.
During this visit, Australia pledged an additional 15 million Australian dollars in aid for the relief and recovery efforts following the recent floods in Nepal, bringing the total aid to 26 million Australian dollars.
Talking to media upon his arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) today, Foreign Minister Khanal shared significance of this visit in promoting Nepal’s climate sensitivity on the global stage, mobilizing equitable climate finance, and strengthening bilateral relations with Australia.
Invited by the leaders of Australia, Fiji, and Tuvalu, Minister Khanal aimed to build political consensus and advance the global climate agenda ahead of the 31st Conference of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP-31) scheduled for next November in Antalya, Turkey.
In his address at the ‘Pre-Cop Leaders Plenary’ in Fiji, he highlighted the interconnected climate challenges faced by Himalayan and Pacific island nations, referring to the recent floods in Nepal as a ‘Himali Tsunami’ and underscoring the disproportionate impact of climate change on countries that contribute minimally to the crisis.
Minister Khanal outlined four key priorities for COP-31, which include a commitment to limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, securing grant-based adaptation finance without increasing debt burdens, effectively deploying loss and damage funds, and fostering partnerships from ‘Mt. Everest to the Sea.’ His visit to Tuvalu allowed him to observe areas at risk of sea erosion and to draw parallels between the climate risks faced by the Himalayan region and those of Pacific island nations, thereby advocating for a unified stance on climate justice. Additionally, he noted that issues related to glacier and ice sheet erosion were incorporated into the ‘Taku Pakasoa Manifesto’ released during the ‘Pre-Cop’ event.
On October 8, during bilateral discussions in Melbourne, Australia, Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed condolences for the recent flood disaster in Nepal and reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to support the affected region. In addition to the previously announced A$11 million in humanitarian aid, Australia has pledged an additional A$15 million, bringing the total aid for Nepal’s disaster response to A$26 million.
The talks also covered important topics such as climate cooperation, glacier monitoring, and the modernization of early warning systems, alongside enhancing technical partnerships for climate-resilient infrastructure. Minister Khanal advocated for a more accessible and predictable Australian student visa process for Nepalese students and proposed increased cooperation in technical and professional education, joint research initiatives, and scholarship opportunities through Australia Awards.
Discussions also included potential collaboration in hydroelectricity, renewable energy, technology transfer, sustainable agriculture, tourism, and attracting Australian investments, as well as establishing direct air links between the two nations.
Furthermore, Minister Khanal met with New South Wales Premier Chris Minns to explore lessons from New South Wales’ experiences in flood and fire management, emphasizing the importance of disaster management cooperation.
The discussions between Nepal and Australia encompassed various collaborative initiatives, including potential study visits and technical exchanges between disaster management agencies. The operationalization of the Western Sydney International Airport opened avenues for expanding direct air links with Nepal, alongside support for the Nepali community’s language, culture, and community center.
Minister Khanal engaged with Australian Governor-General Sam Mostyn to address Nepal-Australia relations, the interests of Nepali students, and the support for Nepal’s climate agenda at COP-31. He also held virtual discussions with Deputy Leader of the Opposition Angus Taylor and met MP Alex Haque to explore educational cooperation and bilateral relations. During his visit, Minister Khanal interacted with over 200,000 members of the Nepali community in Australia, including academics, business professionals, and students.
He encouraged the diaspora to leverage their skills and knowledge for Nepal’s post-disaster reconstruction, emphasizing the need for approximately five billion US dollars for this effort. He called for active participation from the Nepali community in the reconstruction process and expressed his commitment to enhancing consular services for Nepali abroad, ensuring they are efficient and user-friendly.
Additionally, Minister Khanal inspected the Nepali Embassy in Canberra, prioritizing economic diplomacy and service delivery. He instructed embassy officials to streamline consular services for students and citizens, while also focusing on attracting quality investments from Australia, boosting bilateral trade, and promoting tourism. Overall, the visit was instrumental in strengthening Nepal’s climate diplomacy, garnering support for reconstruction efforts, and advancing bilateral agendas in trade, investment, education, and air connectivity.
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11- Govt should focus on effective service delivery: chair Ghising
Chitwan, Oct 10: Kulman Ghising, President of the Ujjyalo Nepal Party, has advocated for the current government to be given a chance to demonstrate its capabilities through positive collaboration.
Talking to media in Bharatpur Airport in Chitwan, he acknowledged the government’s initiatives aimed at enhancing good governance, combating corruption, and revitalizing closed indigenous industries.
Ghising stressed the importance of these efforts being conducted within the legal framework and urged the government to address pressing issues affecting citizens’ daily lives. He highlighted the need for the government to focus on controlling inflation, ensuring the availability of fertilizers and seeds in agriculture, and reconsidering tax policies.
Ghising specifically called for the avoidance of additional taxes in critical sectors such as electricity, education, health, and ride-sharing, emphasizing the need for the government to be attentive to the direct impacts on the people.
He pointed out that while legislative measures are essential, their effective implementation is equally crucial for improving the welfare of the people and various regions of the country.
Ghising expressed disappointment that the government’s actions have yet to meet public expectations for hope and progress.
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12- President Paudel insists on transformation in education system
Kathmandu, Oct 10: President Ramchandra Paudel has said that education system should be revised in line with changing global scenario, preparing students to face future challenges and seize emerging opportunities.
During his address to a ceremony held here today, marking the 80th anniversary of Pashupati Mitra Secondary School, the President said that education system is evolving rapidly with the rapid development of science, technology and artificial intelligence.
The President was of the view that social goodwill should be incorporated as an integral part of the education system, describing it as a foundation for building the nation’s future. He stressed the need of instilling discipline, integrity, hard work, good conduct, patriotism and a sense of social responsibility among students.
The President said that students are nation’s future teachers, doctors, engineers, administrators, businesspeople, politicians, scientists and responsible citizens. Therefore, he said, education should go beyond textbooks and curricula, rather than focusing solely on achieving good grades.
He stressed the need to encourage students to think innovatively, explore solutions to problems, use technology properly and develop a strong sense of responsibility towards the nation.
According to the President, collaboration among the government, policymakers, and all stakeholders in the education sector is essential to guide students towards these goals.
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13- Foreign Minister returns home after attending Pre-Cop Leaders Event
Kathmandu, Oct 10: Minister for Foreign Affairs Shisir Khanal returned home today following his participation in the high-level ‘Pre-Cop Leaders Event’ held in Fiji and Tuvalu, as well as an official visit to Australia.
Talking to media upon his arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Foreign Minister Khanal said the Government of Australia had announced grants worth 15 million Australian dollars to assist Nepal’s reconstruction efforts following the devastating Bhotekoshi-Trishuli river system floods.
The total amount of monetary aid announced by the Australian government for post-disaster response efforts b has now reached 26 million Australian dollars, according to the Minister.
The Minister said Nepal raised the concern over increasing snow-melting and rising sea levels in the Event, calling for greater collaboration among nations from the mountainous regions to coastal areas to address these interconnected impacts of climate change.
Sharing Nepal’s priorities for COP-31 with media, he reaffirmed the country’s commitment to limiting the global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, securing grant-based climate adaptation finance that does not add to the debt burden, ensuring the effective operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund, and advancing the ‘Sagarmatha to Sea’ partnership.
COP-31 is scheduled to be organised in Antalya, Türkiye, on November 9-20, 2026.
It is said during bilateral talks with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, discussions focused on climate cooperation, the enhancement of early warning systems, climate-resilient infrastructure, and the expansion of technical partnerships.
Similarly, a meeting with New South Wales Premier Chris Minns focused on exchanging experiences in flood and bushfire management, as well as reconstruction efforts.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nepal’s participation in the ‘Pre- COP Leaders Event’ took place at the joint invitation of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, and Tuvaluan Prime Minister Feleti Penitala Teo. The visit aimed to build political consensus ahead of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), scheduled to take place in Antalya, Turkiye, in November 2026, and to advance the global climate agenda collectively.
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14- NHRC calls for accessible, non-discriminatory mental health services
Kathmandu, Oct 10: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged the government and stakeholders concerned to ensure everyone has access to healthcare services, including mental health services, as guaranteed by the Constitution and the existing laws.
In press release issued today on the occasion of World Mental Health Day, the NHRC called for mental health services to be made widely accessible, affordable, of good quality, and free from discrimination.
The NHRC has urged governments at all three levels and all stakeholders for the management of human resources to provide local psychosocial counselling and support. It also stressed the need to ensure the privacy and dignity of people experiencing mental health issues, and ensure their meaningful participation in decisions concerning them.
World Mental Health Day is observed globally on October 10 every year. This year’s theme is ” Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change”.
The NHRC has expressed concern that the fundamental rights to life, liberty, equality, and dignity of citizens with mental health issues in Nepal are not being adequately respected or protected.
According to the press release, the NHRC monitoring has revealed that the voices and lived experiences of people with mental health conditions are often overlooked, leaving them vulnerable to abuse, discrimination and violations of their rights.
The Commission also said that limited access to mental health services, social stigma, discrimination, financial hardships, and a lack of psychosocial support continue to undermine the rights of the affected people to live with dignity.
According to the World Health Organisation, more than 1 billion people globally live with a mental health condition. These conditions account for 1 in 6 years lived with disability globally and can contribute to significant distress, disability and inequities.
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15- Traffic resumes on BP Highway
Banepa (Kavrepalanchowk), Oct 10: Traffic on the BP Highway, which was disrupted by the incessant rainfall, has resumed.
According to information officer at the District Police Office, Rabin Bista, the mudslide obstructed the highway near Pinthalibesi in Roshi Rural Municipality-9, Kavrepalanchok.
According to him, the mudflow occurred on a section of the under-construction road between Narke and Pinthalibesi.
The mud and debris were cleared from the site with a help of a dozer. The public have urged to travel cautiously, warning that the continuous rainfall may trigger further landslides and obstruct other sections of the highway.
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16- Thapa pledges to transform NC, regain public trust
Lalitpur, Oct 10: Newly elected Nepali Congress (NC) President Gagan Kumar Thapa, has pledged to transform the party under his leadership and restore public trust in it.
Addressing party cadres and supporters at the party office in Sanepa today, following his election to the post through party’s 15th National General Convention, the leader was of the view a change in the leadership alone would not be enough to bring meaningful transformation.
He stressed that improvements in the party’s performance, along with greater responsibility and accountability, are essential to rebuilding public trust and confidence.
Describing competition for party leadership as a natural practice in democracy, Thapa pledged to move forward by bringing everyone together, including his election rival, Shyam Krishna Khadgi. Acknowledging that public trust in the party had eroded, he stressed the need to reshape the Nepali Congress into an organisation that could earn confidence of farmers, industrialists, businesspeople, and Nepali citizens working abroad.
He also called for changes in the party’s working style to reconnect well-wishers with the organization and create an environment in which the Nepali Congress would be welcomed into every household.
According to him, party members would have one week to review the report adopted by the General Convention and provide their feedback. Based on their submissions, an action plan would be prepared at the first meeting of the new Central Working Committee.
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17- Pokharel honoured with Sahitya Sandhya-Govinda Bhatta Memorial Award
Kathmandu, Oct 10: Critic and Professor Dr Madhav Prasad Pokharel has been honoured with the ‘Sahitya Sandhya-Govinda Bhatta Memorial Award’ for the year 2082 BS.
The award carrying a purse of Rs 50,000 was presented to Dr Pokharel in recognition of his significant contribution to the development of essay, literary criticism, research, linguistic and others.
Senior critic and literary figure Dr Abhi Subedi presented the award to Dr Pokharal at a programme held here on Saturday.
The award was institutionalised in commemoration of Bhatta, a leftist intellectual and literary critic, to honour his legacy. The revolving fund for the award was established by senior litterateur and Nepal Academy’s former Chancellor Ganga Prasad Upreti.
A meeting of Sahitya Sandhya, chaired by its Chairperson Ram Binay, decided to confer this year’s award on Dr Pokharel.
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18- Posthumous Award for Journalist Thami
Bhaktapur, Oct 10: The Working Journalists’ Forum, Bhaktapur, has honoured posthumously journalist Tekraj Thami with the ‘ Active Journalist Award’ 2026. The prize carries a purse of Rs. 5,000 and a letter of citation.
At a programme organised here today, widow of journalist Thami, Kalika Khadka (also a journalist with the , received the award. A veteran journalist associated with *Naya Patrika* daily, Thami lost his life after going missing in the August 26 Bhote Koshi floods in Rasuwa.
Similarly, Sundar Shilpakar—a Bhaktapur-based journalist working for Kantipur Television and the President of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), Bhaktapur—was honoured with the ‘Late Laxmimaya Kasichwa Active Journalism Award,’ which also includes a cash prize of Rs 5,000.
During the Forum’s 16th Annual General Meeting and 6th Central Convention, Forum President Ramesh Giri also honoured Bagmati Province Chief Minister Kiran Thapa Magar, Suryabinayak Municipality Mayor Basudev Thapa and Secretary of the Bagmati Province Ministry of Health, Dr. Sumitra Gautam.
Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Thapa emphasized that journalists should not limit themselves to information available on Google but should visit the actual locations to understand the reality before writing news reports.
Highlighting the crucial role of journalists in the country’s development and prosperity, he urged them to keep elected representatives accountable, expose malpractices, and disseminate factual news.
Health Secretary of Bagmati Province, Dr. Sumitra Gautam, on the occasion announced that the province has arranged for free medical treatment for journalists, noting that a recommendation from the Federation of Nepali Journalists is all that is required to avail of this service.
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19- Session of Koshi Provincial Assembly prorogued
Biratnagar, Oct 10: The Office of the Koshi Province Chief has announced that the current 9th session of the Koshi Provincial Assembly has concluded, effective from this midnight.
Province Chief Parshuram Khapung prorogued the session based on the recommendation of the provincial government, in accordance with Article 183 (2) of the Constitution, according to a statement issued today by Sampurna Thapa, Information Officer at the Office of the Province Chief.
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20- Ten leaders nominated to UML Central Committee
Kathmandu, Oct 10: A meeting of the Standing Committee of the CPN-UML held today decided to nominate 10 leaders from various districts as members of the Central Committee.
The nominations were made during the meeting chaired by party Chair KP Sharma Oli. According to a press statement issued by General Secretary Shankar Pokharel, the nominees include Sirjana Rai (Bhojpur), Sabitra Aryal (Rupandehi), Indu Kadariya Bista (Kanchanpur), Sita Pangeni (Nawalpur), Sita Adhikari (Palpa), Dr Pushpa KC Bhandari (Kaski), Dharmanath Prasad Sah (Siraha), Tejman Kandangwa (Tehrathum), Tanka Angbohang (Taplejung), Nabin Rokka (Rolpa), Min Prasad Gurung (Syangja), Dabbal Pandey (Dolakha), and Tejendra KC (Rupandehi).
The meeting also decided to hold party ward committee conventions and conventions for rural municipality and municipality-level committees.
According to the statement, the meeting also decided that in the 13 districts where the post of district president is vacant, presidents would be appointed through decisions made at the respective district levels; these bodies would then be transformed into organizational committees and forwarded to the higher-level committee for approval.
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21- ‘Parijat on Canvas’ Art Exhibition
Kathmandu, Oct 10: A week-long art exhibition titled ‘Parijat on Canvas’, featuring artworks inspired by the literary works of the distinguished Nepali writer Parijat has commenced at the Parijat Memorial Center in Mhaipi.
Inaugurating the exhibition on Saturday, former Chancellor of the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts, Nardamani Hartamchhali, remarked that artists have initiated a noble endeavor by creating paintings based on Parijat’s literary works. When one artist creates art based on the work of another it allows for an understanding of the creative insights and differing perspectives shared between them.
Participating artist Saurganga Darshandhari shed light on the objective of creating art based on the creations of Parijat.
Sukanya Waiba, the Center’s patron and founding president, remarked that the artists had done justice to Parijat by creating artworks based on her writings.
The exhibition features artworks by 16 artists inspired by Parijat’s literary creations, including her poems, short stories, novels, and memoirs. The participating artists are Nardamani Hartamchali, Devendra Thumkeli, SC Suman, Palsangmo Lama, Pradip Adhikari, Saurganga Darshandhari, Dineshwar Mahato, Basu Kshitij, Keshavraj Khanal, DB Bhandari, Liladhar KC, Mohan Shivakoti, Kishor Ranabhat, Rasikraj, Manara Prajapati, and Shobha Dhakal.
The organizers stated that the exhibition is scheduled to run for one week, with the possibility of extension if necessary.
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22- Committee to study government software and hardware procurement
Kathmandu, Oct 10: The Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives, Federal Affairs and General Administration has formed a committee to study the status of the procurement and usage of software and hardware currently used by its subordinate agencies.
The committee was formed to assess the actual condition of the hardware and software procured for systems such as ‘NeLIS’, LRMIS, and ‘Mero Kitta’ management, which are currently in use at the Department of Survey and the Department of Land Management and Archive.
The committee has been directed to submit its report within seven days. It will examine the actual condition, usage, quality, and utility of the procured hardware and software.
The committee is led by Joint Secretary Dholakraj Dhakal with Information Technology Director representing the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, Under-Secretaries Devendra Sapkota and Ramchandra Regmi, Accounts Officer Digambar Rijal, and Section Officer Lokmani Khanal as members while Computer Engineer Dubesh Shrestha serves as the Member-Secretary.
The committee has been tasked with reviewing all details and documents related to the hardware and software procurement. Its mandate also includes verifying whether the procurement process adhered to prevailing standards and conducting on-site inspections to assess the actual condition, usage, quality, and utility of the procured equipment and software.
The committee’s study is expected to help ascertain the actual status regarding the effectiveness of digital systems related to land administration and the equipment procured for them as well as the utilization of public resources.
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23- Committee to study government software and hardware procurement
Kathmandu, Oct 10: The Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives, Federal Affairs and General Administration has formed a committee to study the status of the procurement and usage of software and hardware currently used by its subordinate agencies.
The committee was formed to assess the actual condition of the hardware and software procured for systems such as ‘NeLIS’, LRMIS, and ‘Mero Kitta’ management, which are currently in use at the Department of Survey and the Department of Land Management and Archive.
The committee has been directed to submit its report within seven days. It will examine the actual condition, usage, quality, and utility of the procured hardware and software.
The committee is led by Joint Secretary Dholakraj Dhakal with Information Technology Director representing the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, Under-Secretaries Devendra Sapkota and Ramchandra Regmi, Accounts Officer Digambar Rijal, and Section Officer Lokmani Khanal as members while Computer Engineer Dubesh Shrestha serves as the Member-Secretary.
The committee has been tasked with reviewing all details and documents related to the hardware and software procurement. Its mandate also includes verifying whether the procurement process adhered to prevailing standards and conducting on-site inspections to assess the actual condition, usage, quality, and utility of the procured equipment and software.
The committee’s study is expected to help ascertain the actual status regarding the effectiveness of digital systems related to land administration and the equipment procured for them as well as the utilization of public resources.
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24- Narendra wins Pokhara Mountain Race
Kaski, Oct 10: Narendra Singh Rawat from Sudurpaschim Province has won the third edition of the mountain race competition held in Pokhara on Saturday.
Competing in the event, Rawat successfully defended his title by completing the designated 8-kilometer course in 34 minutes and 35 seconds. Rawat, a native of Baitadi, had also won the title in the previous edition.
Along with the win, Rawat received a cash prize of Rs 50,000, a medal, and a certificate. Meanwhile, Gautam Shrestha completed the course in 35 minutes and 16 seconds, coming second and winning cash prize of Rs 30,000.
Likewise, Neeraj Bhatta Chhetri finished third with a time of 35 minutes and 29 seconds, receiving a prize of Rs 15,000. Meanwhile, in the women’s category, Dirpa Basnet from Khotang secured first place, completing the eight-kilometer distance in 48 minutes and 13 seconds. She received a cash prize of Rs 15,000.
Similarly, Dorpata Kathayat finished second with a time of 50 minutes and 20 seconds, winning Rs 7,000. Minu Budha took third place with a time of 51 minutes and 13 seconds, receiving Rs 5,000.
In the U-16 category, Kamal BK, Muluk Singh Khatri, and Saksham Bohora secured first, second, and third places, respectively. Organized by the Pokhara Promotion Center and Pokhara Click to mark World Tourism Day, the race began at the World Peace Pagoda and concluded at Buddha Park, passing through the Mahadev statue and the ward office.
Pokhara Metropolitan City Mayor Dhanraj Acharya, Pokhara-22 Ward Chairperson Himlal Baral, Metropolitan Chief Administrative Officer Rajan Paudel and other guests presented the prize and certificates to the winners.
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25- 161 food inspections in a year in Dang
Tulsipur (Dang), Oct 10: The Division Office of Food Technology and Quality Control, Tulsipur (Dang), has inspected and monitored various food businesses 161 times over the past year.
These inspections were carried out during the fiscal year 2082/83. Information Officer Sudarshan Gosain stated that the inspections comprised 88 solo inspections conducted by food inspectors and 73 joint inspections involving representatives from various regulatory bodies.
The inspections covered food markets and shops (95 times), food industries (176 times), hotels, restaurants, and eateries (71 times), and sensitive industries such as those dealing with milk, oil, and processed drinking water (40 times).
Beyond regulatory activities, the office organized various awareness-raising training and orientation programs aimed at enhancing the capacity of food business operators and ensuring consumer health and safety. In accordance with the ‘Guidelines for Grading Hotels and Restaurants Based on Food Hygiene, 2074,’ a total of 51 hotels and restaurants in the Lamahi, Rapti, Tulsipur, and Ghorahi areas were graded and issued certification logos.
The office has also prioritized raising awareness about food hygiene and nutrition at the school and community levels.
Over the past year, the office confiscated and destroyed unfit food items valued at more than Rs 450,000. food items worth a total of Rs 456,368 found to be expired, contaminated, or otherwise unfit for consumption during inspections in the last fiscal year (2082/83) were seized and destroyed, according to Information Officer Gosai,
Meanwhile, a total of 13 cases have been filed in court under the Food Hygiene and Quality Act, 2081.
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