Today's news focuses on governance and accountability actions alongside regulatory and diplomatic developments affecting Nepal.
Politics & Governance
President Ram Chandra Paudel said Nepal is keen to collaborate with Switzerland on climate change, during a meeting with Swiss National Council President Pierre-Andre Page, with both sides emphasizing environmental stability and the need for early warning systems. President Paudel also highlighted Switzerland’s support for Nepal’s democracy and development. In London, Tourism Minister Poudel attended the World Travel Market where Nepal is running 33 stalls to promote tourism.
Courts & Accountability
Appointments linked to decisions in Rabi Lamichhane-related cases have drawn public backlash, with protests reported from inmates after his release from custody. Rabi Lamichhane remains under legal challenge while judges associated with bail and related orders received promotions or key positions. Separately, the CIAA arrested Bhojraj Ghimire, Chief Administrative Officer of Madhyapur Thimi, after recovering Rs 3.3 million allegedly connected to a bribe, and said the investigation continues.
Economy & Business
Nepal Oil Corporation has proposed that gas industries buy and sell 30% of their monthly LPG quota at commercial rates, giving the industry one week to decide and outlining use restrictions for commercial purposes. Nepal Oil Corporation also discussed possible industry mergers to reduce costs, following a meeting with the Nepal LPG Industry Association. In parallel, Bagmati Province reported spending only 6.69% of its budget in the first three months, raising concerns about implementation efficiency.
Society & Community
Cultural events are being organized nationwide to welcome Nepal Sambat, with performances and activities aimed at strengthening community participation and cultural heritage. Tourism trends also show signs of recovery, with tourist arrival updates reporting 132,814 visitors in October including 17,437 from the United States. Meanwhile, UK immigration rule changes are expected to affect thousands of Nepalis, according to reporting on revisions to UK PR rules.
Date: November 03, 2026 (AD) | B.S.: Kartik 18, 2083
Top News
1. APF seizes illegal goods worth Rs 1.33 billion from border areas since Balen-led government took office (english.onlinekhabar.com)
The Armed Police Force (APF) has seized illegal goods valued at Rs 1.33 billion from border areas since Prime Minister Balendra Shah's government took office, focusing on smuggling, drug trafficking, and arms smuggling. Between March 27 and October 29, the APF arrested 421 individuals for drug-related offenses, seized 17 illegal firearms, and rescued 167 people from human trafficking, including 118 children. Additionally, the APF removed 237 structures and cleared land to address border encroachment, conducting over 2,800 programs to engage with local communities.
2. Nepal keen to collaborate with Switzerland in climate change issues: President Paudel (theannapurnaexpress.com)
President Ram Chandra Paudel expressed Nepal's eagerness to collaborate with Switzerland on climate change and environmental challenges during a meeting with Swiss National Council President Pierre-Andre Page. Paudel highlighted Switzerland's support for Nepal's democracy and development, while Page emphasized the instability of the Himalayas and the need for early warning systems, indicating Switzerland's readiness to assist.
3. Judges behind court orders favouring Rabi Lamichhane rewarded with key positions (english.onlinekhabar.com)
Several judges who facilitated Rabi Lamichhane's release from custody in cases of cooperative fraud, money laundering, and organized crime have received promotions or key judicial appointments. Notably, Justice Basudev Acharya, who ordered Lamichhane's bail, now heads the Special Court, while Justice Dr. Ratna Bahadur Bagchand has been recommended for a Supreme Court position. The decisions by these judges have sparked public outrage and protests from inmates, as Lamichhane's release was perceived as unjust amid ongoing legal challenges against him.
4. Nepal Oil Corporation proposes 30% commercial gas quota, gives industry one week to decide (english.onlinekhabar.com)
Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has proposed that gas industries purchase and sell 30% of their monthly liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) quota at commercial rates, requiring a decision from the industry within a week. The proposal includes measures to ensure that the gas is used exclusively for commercial purposes and discusses potential mergers among gas industries to reduce costs. The meeting involved NOC officials and representatives from the Nepal LPG Industry Association, including NOC board member Namaraj Ghimire and president Diwan Chand.
5. बेलायतको पीआर नियममा व्यापक परिवर्तन, हजारौं नेपाली समेत प्रभावित हुने (www.onlinekhabar.com)
The UK has announced significant changes to its PR (Permanent Residency) rules, which will affect thousands of Nepalis among others. These alterations are expected to impact the residency status of many individuals currently residing in the UK.
6. CIAA team recovers Rs 3.3 million from EV; Madhyapur Thimi CAO Ghimire held (theannapurnaexpress.com)
A special team from the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) arrested Bhojraj Ghimire, Chief Administrative Officer of Madhyapur Thimi Municipality, after recovering Rs 3.3 million from an electric vehicle linked to him. The money is alleged to be a bribe, although Ghimire has denied the accusations. The CIAA is continuing its investigation into the matter.
7. Bagmati Province spends only 6.69% of budget in three months (risingnepaldaily.com)
Bagmati Province has utilized only 6.69% of its budget in the first three months of the fiscal year. This low expenditure raises concerns about the efficiency of budget implementation in the province.
8. पर्यटनमन्त्री पौडेल लन्डनमा, वर्ल्ड ट्राभल मार्केटमा नेपालबाट ३३ स्टल (www.onlinekhabar.com)
Tourism Minister Poudel is in London for the World Travel Market, where Nepal has set up 33 stalls to promote its tourism sector. The event aims to enhance Nepal's visibility and attract international tourists.
9. Cultural events to greet Nepal Sambat (risingnepaldaily.com)
Cultural events are being organized across Nepal to celebrate the arrival of Nepal Sambat, the official lunar calendar of the country. Various performances and activities are planned to promote cultural heritage and community participation during this festive period.
10. Kathmandu Cable: Inside Nepal’s political corridors (theannapurnaexpress.com)
Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is visiting Nepal from November 4 to 5 for bilateral talks with Nepali counterpart Amrit Bahadur Rai and to prepare for Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s potential visit to New Delhi. Meanwhile, opposition parties in Nepal are demanding a parliamentary session to address controversies, including bribery in the judiciary, as the Supreme Court calls for an impartial investigation into allegations against senior justices. Additionally, Nepal's tourism sector is recovering, with 132,814 tourists visiting in October, including 17,437 from the United States.
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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.
