Nepal’s top developments today span party politics, public accountability, and major social and economic concerns.
Politics & Governance
Nepali Congress is set to start its 15th General Convention in Kathmandu as party leaders prepare for leadership contests and policy discussions, with more than 7,500 delegates expected. Coverage notes the convention is scheduled to begin today and is likely to see Gagan Kumar Thapa as a leading candidate for president, amid warnings that internal fragmentation could deepen. The political environment also remains active in parallel party events, including the Janamat Party’s convention headed by CK Raut.
Courts & Accountability
Tribhuvan University has reported findings that around 450 professors and employees misused study leave, with repayment still incomplete for most identified individuals. The university says it has recovered Rs 167.1 million from 77 people, while 83% have yet to repay, and enforcement is planned by mid-January, supported by a help desk for recovery efforts. The case also highlights how institutional oversight is being tested, as TU’s committee details non-returners and resignations linked to the study leave misuse TU professors, employees found to have misused study leave; only 17% repay.
Economy & Business
A new government proposal would amend the Building Act to expand housing support through subsidised loans, tax exemptions, and lower down payments for smart home construction. The bill outlines down payments as low as Rs 500,000 and monthly instalments around Rs 11,000, alongside provisions such as free map approvals and cash grants for extremely poor families building their first homes New bill proposes subsidised loans, tax breaks for smart homes. Separately, international energy risks are rising after a reported drone and missile attack on Saudi Arabia’s Aramco facilities, which has raised concerns about global oil supply and price impacts Houthi drone attack on Saudi Arabia’s largest oil company Aramco concerns about oil prices rising.
Society & Community
Health insurance enrollment in Sudurpaschim has surpassed 732,000 people, with Kailali leading at 361,979, as the programme continues to expand under the Health Insurance Act 2017. The Health Insurance Board oversees access to healthcare services up to Rs 200,000 depending on family size, reflecting continued rollout since 2016 More than 732,000 people enrolled in health insurance in Sudurpaschim. In road safety developments, at least six people were killed and 12 injured when a bus overturned in Daunne, Nawalpur, with police investigating brake failure as a key factor At least six people killed, 12 injured in bus accident in Nepal.
Date: October 04, 2026 (AD) | B.S.: Aswin 18, 2083
Top News
1. Fragmented Nepali Congress to Hold 15th General Convention from Sunday (theannapurnaexpress.com)
The Nepali Congress (NC) will commence its 15th General Convention on October 4 in Kathmandu, with over 7,500 delegates expected to attend. Gagan Kumar Thapa is likely to be re-elected as party president, while a rival faction led by former president Sher Bahadur Deuba is organizing a separate gathering. Political analysts caution that ongoing internal divisions may further weaken the party, marking its second significant split in nearly 25 years.
2. साउदीको सबैभन्दा ठुलो तेल कम्पनी अरामकोमाथि हुथीको ड्रोन हमला, तेलको मूल्य बढ्ने चिन्ता (www.ratopati.com)
Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for a drone and missile attack on Saudi Arabia's Aramco oil facilities in Riyadh, escalating tensions in the region. In response, the internationally recognized Yemeni government has conducted military operations against Houthi military structures in Sana'a and Saada, raising concerns about potential impacts on global oil supply and prices. The ongoing conflict between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia risks evolving into a broader regional crisis, affecting energy security and trade routes.
3. NC's 15th General Convention to begin in Kathmandu today (risingnepaldaily.com)
The Nepali Congress (NC) is set to commence its 15th General Convention in Kathmandu today. This event will gather party members to discuss key policies and elect new leadership.
4. स्थानीय चुनाव केन्द्रित अभियानका लागि रास्वपाले तोक्यो नेताहरूको जिम्मेवारी (सूचीसहित) (www.onlinekhabar.com)
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has assigned responsibilities to its leaders for the upcoming local elections in Nepal. A detailed list of designated leaders and their respective roles has been prepared to streamline the campaign efforts.
5. जनमत पार्टीको दोस्रो महाधिवेशन सुरु, अध्यक्षमा सीके राउतको एकल उम्मेदवारी (www.onlinekhabar.com)
The second national convention of the Janamat Party has commenced, with CK Raut being the sole candidate for the presidency. This event marks a significant moment for the party as it seeks to consolidate its leadership.
6. More than 732,000 people enrolled in health insurance in Sudurpaschim (english.onlinekhabar.com)
More than 732,000 individuals have enrolled in the health insurance program in Sudurpaschim Province, with Kailali having the highest enrollment at 361,979. The program, initiated on March 25, 2016, aims to provide affordable healthcare, allowing families to access services worth up to Rs 200,000 based on their size. The Health Insurance Board oversees the program, established under the Health Insurance Act 2017.
7. 450 TU professors, employees found to have misused study leave; only 17% repay (english.onlinekhabar.com)
Tribhuvan University has identified approximately 450 professors and employees who misused study leave, recovering Rs 167.1 million from 77 individuals, while 83% of those identified have yet to repay. The Study Leave Management Implementation Committee reported that around 250 individuals did not return from their leave, and many have resigned without repaying the funds. The university plans to enforce repayment by mid-January and has established a help desk to assist in the recovery process.
8. कांग्रेस महाधिवेशन आइतबारदेखि, इतिहासकै धेरै प्रतिनिधि सहभागी हुने (www.onlinekhabar.com)
The Nepali Congress party's Mahadhiveshan will commence on Sunday, featuring a record number of delegates participating. This event marks a significant moment in the party's history, with a large turnout expected.
9. New bill proposes subsidised loans, tax breaks for smart homes (english.onlinekhabar.com)
The government has proposed a bill to amend the Building Act, 1998, introducing subsidised loans, tax exemptions, and affordable payment plans for constructing smart homes. The legislation aims to facilitate financial packages through coordination with banks and local governments, allowing down payments as low as Rs 500,000 and monthly instalments around Rs 11,000. It also includes provisions for free map approvals and cash grants for extremely poor families building their first homes, with the goal of improving housing accessibility for low- and middle-income citizens.
10. At least six people killed, 12 injured in bus accident in Nepal (theannapurnaexpress.com)
At least six people were killed and 12 injured when a bus overturned and fell into a drainage ditch in Daunne, Nawalpur, due to brake failure. The bus was en route from Kohalpur to Kathmandu along the Mahendra Highway when the accident occurred around 3:45 AM. Emergency responders transported the injured to Madhyabindu Provincial Hospital, and police are investigating the incident while identifying the deceased.
Forex
| Currency Pair | Rate (NPR) |
|---|---|
| USD → NPR | 153.88 |
| CAD → NPR | 108.37 |
| AUD → NPR | 107.45 |
| GBP → NPR | 203.5 |
| JPY → NPR | 9.76 |
Metal Prices (International)
| Metal | Price (USD/oz) | Price (NPR/tola) |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | $4139.58 | NPR 238,874.21 |
| Silver | $60.4 | NPR 3,485.38 |
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.
