Top 20 News Bulletins for the Day

Kathmandu. The major 20 news stories for today related to political activities both inside and outside the country, the economy, society, sports, international events, and other important topics are as follows.

1- The Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives, Federal Affairs and General Administration has formed a committee to study the status of software and hardware being used by its subordinate bodies. The ministry has formed a committee to study the actual condition of the hardware and software purchased for the management of land and records as well as for the Malis and LRMIS being used in the Survey Department. The committee, formed as per the ministry's decision on Bhadra 23, 2083, has been instructed to submit its report within seven days. The committee will study the actual condition, usage, quality, and usability of the purchased hardware and software. The committee, chaired by the ministry's under-secretary Dholkaraj Dhakal, consists of representatives from the information technology department of the Prime Minister's Office, deputy secretaries Devendra Sapkota and Ramchandra Regmi, accounts officer Digambar Rizal, and branch officer Lokmani Khanal as members. Computer engineer Dubesh Shrestha is the secretary of the committee. The committee has been entrusted with the responsibility to study all details and documents related to hardware and software purchases. Furthermore, it has been tasked with verifying whether the procurement process followed the existing standards and conducting on-site inspections of the actual condition, usage, quality, and utility of the purchased devices and software. Additionally, the committee has been asked to investigate any potential irregularities or misuse of public resources in the procurement process and to submit a report with concrete recommendations for improvement based on their findings. The study by the committee is expected to assist in identifying the effectiveness of digital systems related to land administration and the actual situation concerning the equipment purchased for them.

2- Traffic movement on the Prithvi Highway has been completely halted due to the landslide caused by the Trishuli River in the Galudi area of Dhading. The highway will be opened to one-way traffic from 9 PM tonight and two-way traffic will resume from tomorrow morning. According to the road department, efforts are underway to clear the blocked road by cutting the hillside and expanding the road at a rapid pace, aiming to start one-way traffic from 9 PM tonight. The plan is to begin work for two-way operation from 7 AM tomorrow. If weather and other conditions are favorable, the road expansion is scheduled to be completed by 6 PM tomorrow, allowing for two-way traffic. The department has urged passengers and vehicle drivers to avoid unnecessary travel until the road reopens and to comply with the information and traffic guidelines issued by the relevant authorities.

3- Portugal captain and star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has been temporarily suspended after coming under disciplinary proceedings. The Portuguese Football Federation has imposed temporary suspension on Ronaldo following its decision to initiate a disciplinary investigation on October 9, 2026. According to the federation, the disciplinary proceedings were initiated to investigate the disciplinary significance of events that occurred on October 7. It has been decided to impose additional temporary suspension apart from the automatic suspension previously applied to the player, and the federation's statement indicated that the process needed to be expedited. Ronaldo had publicly apologized for leaving the Portugal national team camp, signaling that he could face punishment. However, the duration of the suspension and the final penalty are yet to be determined.

4- US President Donald Trump has again expressed dissatisfaction over not being awarded this year's Nobel Peace Prize, labeling the decision to award it as a 'stigma that can never be erased' for Norway. Speaking at a campaign rally in New York, Trump commented that the decision to award the Nobel Peace Prize this year to South African legal expert Navi Pillay was disgraceful and humiliating. He stated that he did not know Pillay and had never heard of her name. Trump accused those involved in the Nobel Peace Prize decision-making process of being anti-democratic, claiming that the credibility of the award had been lost forever. He has previously stated that he should receive the Peace Prize based on his role in international diplomacy. In his address, he claimed to have played a role in resolving tensions between North and South Korea, Japan and North Korea, and the dispute between China and Taiwan. However, he did not provide evidence to support these claims. The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided to award the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize to 85-year-old Navi Pillay for her contributions to promoting peace and international law. Pillay, a former judge of the International Criminal Court and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, has worked in the field of human rights and international justice for decades. She had also been involved in the international tribunal set up to prosecute those responsible for the Rwandan genocide in 1994. Additionally, she led the UN investigative commission on Palestinian territories, which concluded that Israel committed genocide in Gaza. However, Israel has consistently rejected that conclusion. The Nobel Committee expressed concern over the significant pressure on the international legal system, emphasizing the trend of prioritizing power politics at the expense of the rule of law and respect for justice. The decision regarding the Nobel Peace Prize comes at a time when tensions are rising between the Trump administration and international judicial institutions. The US has opposed the activities of the International Criminal Court and has even imposed sanctions related to its work concerning Israeli leaders.

5- The CPN-UML has nominated 13 members to the central committee. UML Secretary Mahesh Basnet disclosed that the party's standing committee meeting held on Saturday nominated them to the central committee. According to Basnet, the nominees include Shrijana Rai, Pushpa K.C., Savitra Aryal, Indu Kaderiya, Sita Pange, Sita Adhikari, Dharmanath Prasad Shah, Tejman Kangdawa, Tank Angbuhang, Navin Rokka, Min Prasad Guring, Double Pandey, and Tejendra K.C. Additionally, the standing committee meeting concluded that the party president will convene a meeting to make decisions regarding the remaining agenda items at an appropriate time.

6- In New Delhi, during a protest, the national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party Arvind Kejriwal and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee along with other MPs of the Trinamool Congress have been detained by Delhi police. Police detained Kejriwal and Banerjee along with other leaders during a protest called by the Kakrooch Janata Party (CJP) against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. In view of the protest, Delhi police have tightened security arrangements. Following the announcement of a protest at Jantar Mantar on Saturday, police checks have been increased in various areas of Delhi. Inspections of vehicles and suspicious individuals are being conducted in border areas of the capital. Some protesters have been detained by police in areas like Jantar Mantar and Connaught Place before the protest commenced. Due to the protests, shops in Connaught Place area of New Delhi remain closed. Due to roadblocks and route changes, the general public is facing difficulties in movement. Abhijit Deepak, the founder of CJP, was also detained by police at Delhi Airport. In consideration of the protest, 45 metro stations in Delhi have been closed and internet service has also been disrupted in some areas, as reported.

7- Newly elected president of the Nepali Congress Gagan Thapa stated that he regards his victory as a new responsibility. After winning the presidency, he expressed his commitment to change the way the party operates while addressing workers at the party office in Sanepa. He mentioned that he would invite back those who left the Congress and those who are dissatisfied, emphasizing that they have not come to reap the interest of history but to create a new one. President Thapa expressed a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption, emphasizing that if any leader, including himself, is found involved in any irregularities, the party would not bear the burden. He said, 'We will go among the youth and say that the Nepali Congress has a glorious history, but we have not come to reap the interests of history; we will not just recite history. We will create new history ourselves. We have come to the convention with the strength to create a new history.' Thapa thanked senior vice president Bipin Bhandari for his support, stating that their relationship would redefine the previous leaders' tendency to cause disputes within the party.

8- The National Human Rights Commission has urged all tiers of government and all relevant parties to make mental health services accessible, quality, and non-discriminatory. On the occasion of World Mental Health Day, the commission expressed concern that the rights to life, freedom, equality, and dignity of individuals affected by mental health issues have not been ensured. This year's World Mental Health Day is being celebrated with the slogan 'Listen to Experiences, Respect Voices, Initiate Change.' According to the commission, there is a challenge in protecting the rights of individuals affected by mental health issues due to trends of neglecting their experiences and voices, abuse, and discrimination. Limited access to mental health services, social stigma, economic difficulties, and lack of psychosocial support are impacting individuals' rights to live with dignity. The commission mentioned that discrimination from families and communities, natural disasters, and socio-economic conditions are also affecting mental health. Nevertheless, there is a particular lack of psychosocial counseling personnel at the community level to prevent such problems and provide assistance to affected individuals. The commission highlighted that the effective implementation of the right to live with dignity enshrined in Article 16 of the Constitution of Nepal, the right to be protected from discrimination based on health conditions stated in subsection (2) of Article 18, and the health-related rights mentioned in Article 35 has not been realized. Additionally, they urged attention to the effective implementation of health-related rights grounded in the Public Health Service Act, 2075.

9- Minister for Foreign Affairs Shishir Khanal's visit to Australia, Fiji, and Tuvalu focused on raising Nepal's voice concerning the impacts of climate change on international platforms, garnering support for post-flood reconstruction, and expanding bilateral relations. During the visit, Australia announced an additional AUD 15 million in aid for Nepal for post-flood relief and recovery. With this, Australia's total announced assistance has reached AUD 26 million. Minister Khanal was in Australia for the formal visit after participating in a high-level pre-conference on climate change held in Fiji and Tuvalu. He participated in the event organized to prepare for the United Nations climate change conference to be held in Antalya, Turkey in November. While addressing the high-level event in Fiji, Khanal stated that although the Himalayan region of Nepal and Pacific island nations are located in different geographies, they are both experiencing severe impacts of climate change. He mentioned that the melting of Himalayan snow and rising sea levels are tied to the global climate crisis. At the upcoming climate conference, he emphasized the need to remain committed to the goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, to provide grant-based climate financing without adding debt burdens on at-risk nations, and to make loss and damage funds effective. He also brought forth the concept of collaboration between Himalayan regions of Nepal and island nations in the Pacific in areas like knowledge, technology, early warning systems, and climate adaptation under the partnership 'From Everest to the Ocean.' During the Tuvalu visit, Minister Khanal observed areas at risk of coastal erosion, rising tides, and sea level rise. He indicated that this highlighted the connection between the climate risks seen in Nepal's Himalayan regions and the issues faced by the island nations in the Pacific. On October 8, during a bilateral meeting with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong in Melbourne, an additional AUD 15 million in aid for Nepal was announced. This brings Australia's total assistance to AUD 26 million, including AUD 11 million previously announced for emergency response. The additional support is intended for the reconstruction of infrastructure damaged by floods, restoration of essential services, and strengthening early warning systems to mitigate future flood risks and impacts, according to the Australian side. During the discussions, Khanal requested Australia to prioritize discussions at the upcoming climate conference on the impacts of climate change on Nepal's Himalayan ecosystem. Discussions regarding expanding collaboration in climate adaptation, disaster preparedness, early warning systems, and building climate-resilient infrastructure also took place. In the course of expanding relations between Nepal and Australia, the ministers discussed possibilities for cooperation in education, trade, investment, technology transfer, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, tourism, and labor relations. Khanal emphasized the need to expand collaboration with Australian universities and technical and vocational education institutions, to conduct recognized educational programs from Australia in Nepal, and to simplify the student immigration process for Nepalese students. Discussions regarding the establishment of direct air connections between Nepal and Australia were also held. During a meeting with Chris Minns, the Premier of New South Wales, discussions encompassed disaster management, flood and post-fire reconstruction, the interests of the Nepalese community, and direct air connectivity. Additionally, during interactions with representatives, businesspeople, students, and intellectuals from the Nepali community in Australia, Khanal called for utilizing the knowledge, skills, and technology of expatriate Nepalis in post-flood reconstruction. Throughout the visit, he also directed the inspection of the Nepalese Embassy in Canberra to ensure that services such as passport issuance and certification are efficient, streamlined, and technology-friendly. Overall, Minister Khanal's visit has ensured additional support from Australia for post-flood reconstruction and has laid the foundation for advancing cooperation on climate justice, Himalayan conservation, education, trade, investment, and grassroots relations.

10- CPN-UML Deputy General Secretary Yogesh Bhattarai has drawn the attention of President KP Sharma Oli to maintain a balance between young and old leaders when appointing the remaining central committee members and forming the standing committee and politburo. Informing the ongoing standing committee meeting that he was unable to attend due to necessary work, Bhattarai has publicly expressed his views addressed to President Oli. He stated that he had informed about his absence from the meeting in advance. Bhattarai noted that the country's political situation is becoming serious and complex, emphasizing that the defense of democracy and the constitution has become a national issue. In such a situation, major political parties need to transform themselves and unite strongly to fulfill their national responsibilities, he said. He reminded that sufficient discussions on these matters were also held in the central committee meeting completed in the first week of Ashoj. He noted that the ongoing standing committee meeting has made decisions to call a national council and organize conventions at the ward and municipality levels, expressing hope that this would help make the party dynamic through organizational processes and reach positive conclusions on internal and national important issues. However, though there was a request during the previous central committee meeting to prioritize including those under 40 in the central committee nominations, and to consider representation from regions and communities that were previously neglected along with maintaining internal balance within the party while forming the standing committee and politburo, he stated that the decisions did not encompass that spirit. He mentioned that it failed to generate the expected positive energy. In the ongoing standing committee meeting, matters regarding the nomination of central committee members and formation of the standing committee and politburo are on the agenda, and Bhattarai has drawn the president's attention to three issues. He asserted that young members under 40 should be given special attention in the appointment of remaining central committee members, and that focus should be on representing regions and communities that were overlooked in the past while also considering internal balance within the party. Furthermore, he emphasized the need to maintain a balance between new and old leaders when forming the standing committee and politburo. He highlighted that internal unity within the party is essential to face upcoming elections and challenges, cautioning against any decisions that might disrupt party unity. He urged that hasty decisions should be avoided to prevent future regrets. If consensus cannot be reached, he suggested that matters concerning the appointment of central committee members and the formation of the standing committee and politburo be resolved in the upcoming meeting of the central committee.

11- The Nepal Telecommunications Authority has clarified that it has not granted any approval to increase the charges for internet and email services. The authority stated that it has drawn attention to various media reports claiming an increase in internet service charges, mentioning that it has not received any proposal from service providers to raise charges so far. The authority reinforced that telecommunication service providers need to charge reasonable and fair rates. It noted the provisions that service providers must submit proposals for charge adjustments at least three months before the implementation date, following the authority's procedures. Additionally, the authority reminded that approved rates need to be publicly published. It warned that service providers may face action under the Telecommunications Act and Rules if they increase service charges without approval, charge more than the approved rates, or operate services in an unauthorized manner that adversely affects consumers. If internet service providers are found to have charged above approved rates or acted unlawfully against consumer interests, complaints can be filed with the authority. The authority is committed to protecting consumers' rights, maintaining healthy competition, and regulating internet services.

12- US President Donald Trump announced that a deal has been made to import diesel from Russia as part of efforts to lower fuel prices. He stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to immediately supply 300,000 tons of diesel and then more in subsequent amounts. According to the agreement, he mentioned that an additional 500,000 tons of diesel will be available in November and then another 1 million tons afterward. The US Treasury Department is said to have temporarily eased restrictions on Russian diesel imports until April 7. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized this decision, stating that it gives Putin a gift and helps prolong the war. He warned that Russia could launch further attacks in exchange for diesel. This measure comes as fuel prices in the United States have been rising due to the war with Iran. However, analysts have questioned whether Russia can supply the announced amounts and how much this will reduce fuel prices in the US market. Russia has indicated its readiness to supply oil and petroleum products to the US and the global market. However, it remains unclear what the US will provide in return under the agreement.

13- The Ministry of Home Affairs has instructed the return of security personnel deployed for various individuals and entities in violation of procedures. The ministry issued a notice stating that security personnel utilized for domestic or personal work outside the provisions established by law and procedures should be immediately returned to the relevant office. The Ministry of Home Affairs has directed all security forces to ensure that all security personnel deployed or retained contrary to procedures must be mandatorily returned to their respective offices within seven days. The notice stated, 'In light of complaints received regarding the use of security personnel for domestic or personal work beyond the established provisions of the security management procedures for highly influential and prominent individuals, the respective security forces have been directed to return all security personnel deployed in contrary situations within seven (7) days to their assigned offices.' It has been pointed out that in cases of deployment of security personnel in violation of directives and procedures, the respective officer or official responsible for the deployment will face action. The notice also urged the public to report any misuse of security personnel outside security duties to the Home Ministry’s call center. It is requested that the identity of the person reporting will be kept confidential.

14- Indian YouTuber Dhruv Rathee was taken into custody by Delhi police on Saturday morning from his residence in Gurugram. He was detained while participating in the planned CJP protest at Jantar Mantar. Police reportedly mobilized three teams from the crime branch to detain Rathee around 6 AM from his residence in Sector-55, Gurugram. The police team took him to the crime branch office, where he was questioned for about an hour. Following that, Indian media reported that he was transferred to Delhi in three vehicles coordinated with Delhi police. The police had reportedly been stationed outside his house since the night before. In view of the CJP protest, Delhi police had tightened security. The Delhi police also detained other leaders including chief Abhijit Deepak of the protest organization.

15- A controversy over AI security has erupted at OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT. The company terminated three employees involved in security investigations: Tomek Korbak, Jasmine Wang, and Mikita Balesny. The company stated that they had violated policies regarding the management of sensitive information. However, the dismissed researchers accused the company of prioritizing business interests over safety concerns. OpenAI confirmed the dismissal of the three employees. According to the company, internal investigations found that they had violated explicit policies concerning sensitive information management. However, details regarding which specific policy was breached have not been publicly disclosed. The company clarified that their dismissal was not due to expressing concerns about AI safety or openly sharing their opinions. OpenAI emphasized the need for mutual trust between employees to advance its operations. All three dismissed researchers have sent letters to various security oversight groups within OpenAI providing information about the circumstances of their dismissal. In these letters, they highlighted their concerns regarding AI security. They expressed concern that the discussions regarding their dismissals within and outside the company could create an environment in which employees might find it difficult to speak openly about security risks and to express dissent against company decisions. They urged the company to maintain a commitment to AI security oversight, including allowing independent external security monitors to operate and maintaining the capacity to monitor rapidly evolving advanced AI systems. Given the complexities of identifying the capabilities and potential risks of advanced AI systems, the need for independent testing and continuous oversight is deemed essential. Researcher Tomek Korbak shared that he was informed of his dismissal due to a conversation with Metr, an external nonprofit entity that assesses AI capabilities and risks. According to Korbak, this conversation was part of his job. However, he has not been provided further detailed information regarding his dismissal.

16- The Donald Trump administration has imposed strict sanctions against the International Criminal Court. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that the court must stop targeting American and Israeli citizens, or otherwise, efforts will be made to dismantle the court. The US's dissatisfaction with the court arose after arrest warrants were issued for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Deputy Prosecutor of the court, Najahat Shami Khan, condemned the US sanctions, stating that they undermine the work of international law and independent judicial institutions. She clarified that investigations and legal proceedings will continue despite the sanctions. Established in 2002, the International Criminal Court deals with serious offenses such as war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. The United States has consistently opposed the court's activities although it is not a member.

17- Five student leaders have been arrested for allegedly harassing Tribhuvan University Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Bhola Thapa, and the student organization has demanded their immediate release. The arrested individuals include Lokesh Khadka, the president of the student union of RR Campus; Hikmat Budha, the secretary of the university campus student union; and members Kulbahadur Budha, Tej Prakash Sanjel, and student Raman Upadhyay, who were arrested from the pro-vice chancellor's office premises. The student organization has protested, claiming they were detained without reason. 11 student organizations released a joint statement on Friday evening demanding their immediate release. The student organizations involved in the call for release include Karuna Katuwal, president of the Nepal Students Union, Dipak Dhami, president of the All Nepal National Free Students Union, Vijay Prakash Sharma Sapkota, president of the Revolutionary Free Students Union, Mahesh Shrestha, president of the Free Students Union, Narendra C, president of the Socialist Students Union, Birendra Shah, president of the Revolutionary Students Union, Subash Jisi, president of the Sixth Revolutionary Union, Mahesh Shrestha, president of the (Revolutionary) Union, Hyaal Tamang, president of the Scientific Socialist Students Organization, Sunita Budhathoki, president of Student Relations, and Poshana Kumar Yadav, president of the Student People's Association.

18- West Indies secured a 6-wicket victory over India in the second T20 international cricket match. Captained by Shai Hope, the West Indies chased down India's target of 250 runs with 9 balls to spare, thanks to his century and aggressive batting from Sherfane Rutherford. In the match held at the international cricket stadium in Ranchi, India batted first, scoring 249 runs for 5 wickets in the allotted 20 overs. In response, West Indies scored 252 runs for 4 wickets in 18.3 overs to secure the victory. Captain Hope scored an unbeaten 102 runs, hitting 6 fours and 9 sixes off 45 balls. Rutherford contributed with 84 runs from 37 balls, hitting 7 fours and 7 sixes. Hope and Rutherford shared a crucial partnership of 120 runs for the fourth wicket. West Indies initially lost wickets continuously while chasing the target. Mayank Yadav dismissed Kamal Puran and Shimron Hetmyer in the initial overs, putting pressure on the team. With 24 runs, Rovman Powell was out, leaving West Indies at 58 runs for 3 wickets. However, Hope and Rutherford formed an outstanding partnership, pulling the game away from India's grasp. After Rutherford was out, Romario Shepherd aggressively scored an unbeaten 34 runs off 13 balls, ensuring a comfortable victory for the West Indies. Hope, who made a brilliant century, was named the player of the match. Earlier, for India, Sanju Samson scored the highest with 82 runs, hitting 9 fours and 4 sixes off 41 balls. Ishan Kishan scored 43 runs off 22 balls, while captain Shreyas Iyer made 40 runs off 18 balls. Tilak Varma added an unbeaten 44 runs off 18 balls, setting up a substantial total for India. With this victory, the five-match T20 series is now tied at 1-1. After winning the first match, India suffered a defeat in the second, allowing West Indies to make a comeback in the series. The third match of the series will be held on Sunday in Indore.

19- Gagan Thapa has been elected as the president of the Nepali Congress. He secured the presidency by defeating rival Shyam Krishna Khadki in the party's 15th general convention elections. Thapa received 6,584 votes while his competitor Khadki received 375 votes. Out of a total of 7,013 votes cast, 54 were invalid while 6,959 votes were counted, according to the central electoral committee. Thapa achieved a spectacular victory, capturing 93.8% of the votes cast. Previously, three candidates had filed nominations for the party presidency. However, in the final phase, Kishore Singh Rathore withdrew his nomination, leading to a contest between Thapa and Khadki.

20- In the Saudi Pro League, Al Nasr defeated Al Diriya with a score of 3-0. In the match held at Al Awal Park in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Cristiano Ronaldo, Samu Costa, and Kingsley Coman scored, ensuring a comfortable win for Al Nasr. In the 23rd minute of the match, Ronaldo scored, giving Al Nasr the lead. Ronaldo took advantage of an opportunity provided when the opposing goalkeeper Walid Abdullah failed to completely stop Kingsley Coman's powerful strike. This goal marked Ronaldo's 980th career goal after returning to the club following a national team controversy. In the 35th minute, Samu Costa doubled Al Nasr's lead with a header off a corner taken by Joao Felix. In the second half, Al Nasr continued to attack. In the 77th minute, Coman scored with a pass from Sadio Mane, sealing the team's victory at 3-0. With this win, Al Nasr secured three crucial points in the league. After eight matches, the team now stands in second place in the table with 19 points. Though they have the same points as leaders Al Qadsiah, they trail behind based on goal difference.