Today’s news is dominated by heightened pre-Dashain movement and safety measures alongside governance and accountability pressures.
Politics & Governance
Nepal’s festive season is driving major public activity as 56,809 people left the Kathmandu Valley in the last 24 hours, with departure surges ahead of Dashain and heavy traffic recorded through Nagdhunga and Bhaktapur. In parallel, the Koshi Province budget process is facing mounting financial stress, as highlighted in the growing burden of responsibilities with government change. Analysts cited projects added without secured funding and unresolved liabilities that are now compounding fiscal risks for the province.
Courts & Accountability
A political party has directed its Central Disciplinary Commission to investigate MP Khagendra Sunar, including a temporary ban on his participation in formal events while the probe runs. The action is framed under a zero-tolerance approach for conduct described as undermining women’s dignity and involving questionable transactions, with the party saying it will support independent investigation by state bodies. Separately, scrutiny outside Nepal continues over defense accountability after Saudi Arabia began an investigation following a missed missile interception in a case involving Houthi missile attacks.
Society & Community
Ahead of Dashain, authorities are tightening public health and consumer protections while also expanding road safety outreach across the Valley. The Kathmandu Valley has started stricter livestock checks ahead of Dashain, while market monitoring teams are deployed daily to reduce risks of artificial shortages and festival-time fraud. Traffic police have also stepped up enforcement and awareness, focusing on inspections and safer movement through hubs such as New Bus Park and Nagdhunga, although some travel disruptions continue due to floods and landslides affecting roads. In remote areas, tourists stranded in Chum Valley are being managed after flooding damaged bridges and trekking routes, with emergency airlift measures reported.
Date: October 13, 2026 (AD) | B.S.: Aswin 27, 2083
Top News
1. Over 56,000 passengers leave Kathmandu Valley in 24 hours ahead of Dashain (english.onlinekhabar.com)
Passenger traffic from the Kathmandu Valley has surged ahead of the Dashain festival, with 56,809 people departing in a 24-hour period. Major exit points saw significant numbers, including 27,649 through Nagdhunga and 20,615 through Bhaktapur. Transport operators face challenges due to deteriorating highways and recent disruptions, urging passengers to ensure valid tickets and vehicle conditions before traveling.
2. Valley sees tighter livestock checks ahead of Dashain (risingnepaldaily.com)
Authorities in the Kathmandu Valley are implementing stricter checks on livestock ahead of the Dashain festival to ensure health and safety standards. The initiative aims to prevent the spread of animal diseases and ensure the quality of livestock available for the celebrations.
3. People continue departing Kathmandu Valley for Dashain festival (theannapurnaexpress.com)
The number of people leaving the Kathmandu Valley for the Dashain festival has surged, with 56,809 individuals departing in the last 24 hours. Major checkpoints recorded significant traffic, including 27,649 from Nagdhunga and 20,615 from Bhaktapur. Transport entrepreneurs are struggling to manage the increased passenger flow due to damaged national highways, leading to delays and urging travelers to ensure ticket purchase and vehicle condition before departure.
4. चाडपर्वमा कृत्रिम अभाव र ठगी रोक्न तीव्र बजार अनुगमन, काठमाडौँ उपत्यकामा दैनिक १० टोली खटाइँदै (www.ratopati.com)
The government has intensified market monitoring to prevent artificial shortages and price hikes during the festival season, focusing on Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath. Approximately 10 monitoring teams are deployed daily in the Kathmandu Valley, with additional staff from various departments to ensure effective supply management and consumer protection. The Commerce Department is coordinating with other agencies to address supply chain disruptions and ensure adequate availability of essential goods, including gas and sugar, during the festive period.
5. हुथीको क्षेप्यास्त्र रोक्न नसकेपछि साउदीको हवाई प्रतिरक्षा प्रणालीमा प्रश्न, थालियो अनुसन्धान (www.onlinekhabar.com)
Saudi Arabia has initiated an investigation into its air defense systems after failing to intercept Houthi missile attacks. The effectiveness of the country's defense mechanisms is under scrutiny following these incidents.
6. Traffic police step up festival-centric safety campaign in Valley (theannapurnaexpress.com)
Traffic police in the Kathmandu Valley have intensified road safety campaigns ahead of the Dashain and Tihar festivals, anticipating increased traffic and passenger movement. Senior Superintendent of Police Suresh Prasad Kafle announced that awareness programs are being conducted in busy areas, with a focus on vehicle inspections and educating drivers about traffic rules. Enhanced surveillance is particularly concentrated at key transport hubs like New Bus Park, Nagdhunga, and Koteshwor to ensure safer travel during the festive season.
7. खगेन्द्र सुनारमाथि छानबिन गर्न अनुशासन आयोगलाई निर्देशन, औपचारिक कार्यक्रममा सहभागी हुन रोक (www.ratopati.com)
The National Independent Party has directed its Central Disciplinary Commission to investigate MP Khagendra Sunar, prohibiting him from participating in any formal events until the investigation concludes. The party emphasized its zero-tolerance policy towards actions that undermine women's dignity, improper pressure, threats, and questionable financial transactions, committing to fully support independent and fair investigations by relevant state bodies.
8. सडकमा बाढीपहिरोको असर : चार ठाउँमा एकतर्फी, एक ठाउँमा पूर्ण बन्द (www.onlinekhabar.com)
Heavy rainfall has caused landslides affecting road access in four locations, leading to one-way traffic in those areas, while one location is completely closed. Authorities are working to assess the situation and restore normalcy.
9. Tourists stranded in Chum Valley (theannapurnaexpress.com)
More than 80 tourists are stranded in Chum Valley due to flooding in the Budhigandaki River, which damaged bridges and trekking routes. Some tourists were airlifted to safety by the Nepal Army, while concerns about visa expirations due to the disruption have been raised. The government has stated that helicopters can operate without permits for emergency rescues.
10. सरकार बदलिने क्रमसँगै दायित्वको भारी थपिँदै (www.ratopati.com)
The Koshi Province government has included 91 multi-year projects in its current budget without secured funding, requiring billions of rupees. Experts indicate that political interests have exacerbated this financial chaos, with 257 water supply projects and 29 irrigation projects transferred to the province without budget support, leading to a significant fiscal crisis. The Ministry of Economic Affairs has yet to approve these projects, which are estimated to cost over NPR 21 billion, while the province struggles with existing liabilities exceeding NPR 20 billion from previously initiated projects.
Forex
| Currency Pair | Rate (NPR) |
|---|---|
| USD → NPR | 153.54 |
| CAD → NPR | 107.65 |
| AUD → NPR | 107.03 |
| GBP → NPR | 203.22 |
| JPY → NPR | 9.68 |
Metal Prices (International)
| Metal | Price (USD/oz) | Price (NPR/tola) |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | $4197.87 | NPR 241,702.60 |
| Silver | $60.64 | NPR 3,491.50 |
Disclaimer
- Forex rates are sourced from the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB).
- International gold and silver prices are sourced from swissquote.
- Nepal gold and silver prices are sourced from Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers' Association.
Prices are provided for informational purposes only and may be delayed, or inaccurate.
