October 30, 2024: Snapshot of today's main news

Kathmandu, October 30 — In this section, we present the key headlines of the day. If you have been busy and missed the news, we have got you covered. Here are the highlights.

Bangladesh wins SAFF Women's Championship

Bangladesh has defeated Nepal by 2-1 goals in the final of SAFF Women's Championship held at Dasarath Stadium today (Wednesday). Both teams struggled to score in the first half, ending 0-0. 

In the second half, Bangladesh took the lead in the 53rd minute when Monika Chakta scored. Just two minutes later, Nepal equalized with a goal from Amisha Karki, assisted by Preeti Rai. 

In the 77th minute, Ritu Porna Chakma scored another goal for Bangladesh, bringing the score to 2-1.

Leaders call for serious review of communist movement in Nepal

Senior Communist leaders have emphasized the need for a serious review of the shortcomings and weaknesses observed during the 75 years since the establishment of the Communist Party of Nepal (CPN).

The discussion took place during an ideological program titled "75 Years of the Communist Party of Nepal and Future Tasks," organized by the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre) in Kamaladi on Wednesday, in conjunction with the centenary celebration of founding member Nar Bahadur Karmacharya.

Addressing the event, former Prime Minister and chairman of the Maoist Centre, Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda,' urged party members to conduct a thorough review of their own parties' shortcomings with ideological clarity.

Suspended Chief Secretary Aryal cleared of corruption charges

Suspended Chief Secretary Dr. Baikuntha Aryal has been cleared of corruption charges. The Special Court has ruled in his favor.

The decision was made by the bench led by Chief Justice Tek Narayan Kunwar, along with Justices Khushi Prasad Tharu and Ritendra Thapa.

The ruling stated, "Defendant Dr. Baikuntha Aryal demonstrated that the budget allocation for the National Security Printing Center was made through the national budget via LMBs. The director of the security printing center, defendant Bikal Paudel, presented the budget and procurement plan to the defendant's secretary, who, in his capacity as secretary of the ministry, approved the budget and procurement plan without any substantive deviation from the budget's intent. As it is evident that all parties involved worked in the interest of implementing a project of national necessity and significance, the allegations of damaging government property or seeking personal gain against the defendant were not substantiated. Thus, the defendant is acquitted of the charges."

Sewa Lamsal endorsed as Nepal’s ambassador to Belgium

The proposal to appoint Sewa Lamsal as the Nepali Ambassador to Belgium has been approved. The parliamentary hearing committee approved her name during a meeting held today.

Earlier in the meeting, Lamsal presented her action plan. In her proposal, she stated that if her name is approved by the committee, she aims to expand relations between the two countries and play an active and effective role in protecting and promoting Nepal's national interests in multilateral forums.

She also mentioned that her priorities would include promoting tourism and seeking opportunities for high-income and dignified employment.

Weather forecast: Rain expected during Tihar

The Meteorological Forecasting Division has reported the likelihood of rain during the Tihar festival period across various provinces. This information was shared in a special bulletin released today.

On the days of Tihar—Chaturdashi (October 31), Amavasya (November 1), Pratipada (November 2), and Dwitiya (November 3)—there is a possibility of partial to generally cloudy weather, with light rain accompanied by thunderstorms in some areas of the hilly regions of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Karnali provinces.

New immigration office at Korala border opens

An immigration office has been established at the Korala border checkpoint in Mustang.

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak inaugurated the office on Wednesday.

The inauguration ceremony for the immigration office was held in Korala, located in Lo Manthang, and was attended by Gandaki Province Chief Minister Surendra Raj Pandey, Secretary of the Home Ministry Gokarna Mani Duwadi, and security officials.

Gold prices surge by NPR 2,200 per tola

The price of gold has increased by NPR 2,200 per tola on Wednesday compared to Tuesday.

According to the Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers Association, the price of hallmark gold has been set at NPR 170,700 per tola on Wednesday.

The previous day's price was NPR 168,500 per tola. The new price established on Wednesday is the highest recorded so far. Recently, the price of gold has been continuously rising.

Nepal Oil Corporation depots to operate on rotating schedule during Tihar

During the Tihar holiday, the Nepal Oil Corporation's depots will open on a rotating schedule. The depots will be open for one to three days during the five-day holiday.

During this period, the Bagmati Provincial Office in Thankot will be open on all days except Thursday and Saturday.

The depots in Nepalgunj and Dang will only open on Friday. Additionally, the Dipayal and Surkhet depots will open as needed, while all other depots are scheduled to open on Friday and Monday.

The Corporation has also requested the public to check with the respective depots for information regarding sales and distribution during this period.

View the schedule here.

Import from Rasuwagadhi-Kerung Highway begins

Import of goods has begun from the Rasuwagadhi trade transit point with the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung Highway coming into operation. 

The import has started with the resumption of the highway after its maintenance. Vehicular movement was completely disrupted along the highway after It was blocked due to recent heavy rains and floods. 

According to the Rasuwa Customs Office, four containers of apples, two containers of pears, and three containers of walnut were imported via the checkpoint on Tuesday. 

Why Wikipedia has landed in legal trouble in India

Wikipedia is embroiled in a major legal battle in India that experts say could impact how the online encyclopaedia functions in the country.

The battle stems from a 20m rupee ($237,874; £183,012) lawsuit filed by India’s largest newswire service against Wikimedia Foundation, which runs Wikipedia, for allegedly publishing defamatory content against it.

In the lawsuit in the Delhi high court, Asian News International (ANI) said a paragraph in its description on Wikipedia falsely accuses it of being "a propaganda tool for the incumbent [federal] government” and of "distributing material from fake news websites" and demanded the page be taken down.

Wikipedia says the content on the website is completely managed by volunteers and that the Foundation has no control over it.

US calls deadly Israeli air strike 'horrifying'

At least 93 people are dead or missing after an Israeli air strike on the town of Beit Lahia in northern Gaza, the Hamas-run health ministry says, in an attack that the United States called "horrifying".

Rescuers said a five-storey residential building was hit, and videos on social media showed bodies covered in blankets on the floor.

The Israeli military said it was "aware of reports that civilians were harmed today [Tuesday] in the Beit Lahia area". It added that the details of the incident were being looked into.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have been operating in northern Gaza during the past two weeks, particularly in the areas of Jabalia, Beit Lahia and Beit Hanoun.

At least 72 people die in devastating flash floods in eastern Spain

At least 72 people are known to have died after torrential rain caused flash floods in south-eastern Spain, police say.

The country has been badly hit by heavy rain and hailstorms, triggering rapid flooding across multiple regions.

Rescue efforts are under way and the president of the Valencia region, Carlós Mazón, said it was “impossible” to put an exact number on the final death toll at this stage.

Footage uploaded to social media shows floodwaters causing chaos, knocking down bridges and dragging cars through the streets. Other video appeared to show people clinging to trees to avoid being swept away.

Radio and TV stations have reportedly been receiving hundreds of calls for help from people trapped in flooded areas or searching for loved ones, as emergency services struggle to reach some areas.

Canada alleges Indian Home Minister Amit Shah ordered campaign targeting Sikh separatists

A Canadian official alleged Tuesday that Indian Home Minister Amit Shah ordered a campaign of violence, intimidation and intelligence-gathering targeting Sikh separatists inside Canada.

Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister David Morrison told Parliament members of the national security committee that he had confirmed Shah’s name to The Washington Post, which first reported the allegations.

“The journalist called me and asked if it was that person. I confirmed it was that person,” Morrison told the committee.

Morrison did not say how Canada knew of Shah’s alleged involvement.

Valencia match postponed after flash floods in Spain

Valencia's Copa del Rey match against Parla Escuela has been postponed after the devastating flash floods in Spain.

At least 72 people have died after torrential rain in the country, with the town of Chiva, near Valencia, receiving more than a year's worth of rain in eight hours.

Valencia's away game against the sixth-tier side was to be played in Parla, located 15 miles from the Spanish capital of Madrid, on Wednesday.

The match has been rescheduled to 6 November and will be played at the same venue.