Kathmandu: Department of Transport Management (DoTM) has resumed driving license renewal and verification services from Sunday after restoring its Electronic Driving License and Vehicle Registration System (EDLVRS) server, which had been down since mid-September.



According to the department, other online services, including new license applications through applydlnew.dotm.gov.np, will restart once the website becomes fully functional.



The DoTM’s digital infrastructure was severely disrupted during the Gen Z movement protests on September 8 and 9, which caused extensive damage and led to a nationwide suspension of license-related services for over a month.

DoTM resumes license renewal services after server restoration

Kathmandu: Election Commission has granted official recognition to the Shram Sanskriti Party, led by Dharan Mayor Harka Sampang.



According to central committee member Gopal Bahadur Khadka, party representatives will visit the commission at 2 p.m. on Tuesday to collect the registration certificate.



The newly registered party has chosen “soil” as its election symbol. The party’s central committee comprises 28 members, including five office bearers: Devraj Lama as vice-chairperson, Aryan Rai as general secretary, Samita Rai as treasurer, and Arun Gurung as spokesperson.



Sampang, who serves as the party chairperson, had submitted the registration application to the Election Commission on October 28. Khadka said Sampang will personally attend the certificate collection ceremony.

Election Commission registers Mayor Harka Sampang’s party

Kathmandu: Department of Immigration (DoI) has withdrawn the six-point standard and several previous directives related to visit visas in an effort to curb irregularities and promote transparency in immigration services.



According to the DoI, travelers can now depart on a visit visa by presenting a valid passport, visa, flight ticket, and a self-declaration form. The new provision requires travelers to carry a passport valid for at least six months, a valid visa or entry permit, and documents verifying the purpose of their visit. Additionally, travelers must sign a self-declaration taking full responsibility for their travel.



The department stated that the previously implemented six-point standard will be reviewed. A High-Level Study and Investigation Committee formed in 2082 had recommended protecting citizens’ constitutional right to freedom of movement, upholding human rights, and preventing manipulation by vested interest groups in immigration processes.

DoI withdraws six-point standard to ensure transparency in visit visa process

The National Planning Commission (NPC) has deployed 38 teams across 44 districts to assess damage to public property, infrastructure, and private establishments caused during the Gen Z protests on September 8 and 9. The assessment will serve as the basis for reconstruction planning.



According to NPC Assistant Spokesperson Dr. Diwakar Luitel, the teams aim to collect all damage-related data within a week. To streamline the process, the NPC has launched a “Damage Assessment Survey Portal,” where local governments, provincial offices, and federal agencies are required to upload their reports.



“Usernames and passwords have been provided to around 260 local bodies in the 44 affected districts, all provincial offices, and concerned ministries. The collected data will be uploaded to the portal,” Luitel said, adding that all teams are expected to reach their assigned districts by Sunday.



A five-member committee, coordinated by the NPC Secretary, was formed by the Cabinet on September 21 to oversee the assessment and prepare reconstruction plans. A facilitation sub-committee, led by the NPC Joint Secretary, includes representatives from the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration, Ministry of Urban Development, and the National Disaster Risk Reduction Authority.



Of the deployed teams, 34 are operating in 41 districts outside the Kathmandu Valley, while four are working within the Valley. Additionally, 11 supervision teams led by Joint Secretaries have been mobilized across all provinces and the Valley to monitor the assessment process.

NPC deploys 38 teams to assess damage from Gen Z protests

Kathmandu: The Nepali Army (NA) has begun internal preparations to withdraw a portion of its troops from United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions after the UN directed a 25 percent reduction in peacekeeping forces worldwide due to budget constraints.



According to NA Spokesperson Brigadier General Raja Ram Basnet, the army has completed an internal report on the redeployment of its personnel and will soon submit it to the UN for review. “The internal report detailing the return of allocated personnel from different peace missions has been completed and we will shortly forward it to the UN peacekeeping body,” Basnet said, adding that the UN will make the final decision after reviewing inputs from all contributing nations.



Currently, nearly 6,000 Nepali soldiers including over 500 women are serving across 11 UN peacekeeping missions in roles ranging from military operations to medical support, administration, and logistics. The NA plans to proportionally reduce troop numbers across all sectors while maintaining operational balance.



Despite the downsizing, Nepal will remain the largest contributor of peacekeepers, as all member states are required to reduce their deployments proportionally. The NA reaffirmed Nepal’s continued commitment to global peace efforts and stated that the country is capable of deploying up to 10,000 troops if requested.



Lieutenant General Anup Jung Thapa, Director General of the Directorate of Military Operations, said the reduction would have minimal impact on Nepal’s diplomatic relations with the UN or other countries. “Such reductions may have minor direct or indirect effects, but the Nepali Army will continue to be the largest contributor to UN missions,” he said.



Nepali peacekeepers have earned global recognition for their professionalism and contribution to international stability, strengthening Nepal’s diplomatic profile and generating foreign revenue through UN remuneration. Since 1958, when Nepal first deployed five military observers to Lebanon, nearly 160,000 Nepali troops have served in UN missions, with 74 losing their lives and 75 injured while on duty.



Globally, the UN peacekeeping downsizing is expected to reduce around 13,000 to 14,000 military and police personnel across 114 contributing countries, affecting the 11 active missions currently operating in conflict and post-conflict zones.

Nepali Army prepares to withdraw troops following UN peacekeeping force reduction

Kathmandu: Health services across the country have been disrupted after nurses from private hospitals and colleges went on strike demanding equal pay, allowances, and benefits as those received by government-employed nurses.



The protest, which began two weeks ago in Pokhara’s Gandaki Medical College and Manipal College, has now spread nationwide. Nurses have submitted a 15-point demand calling for legal reforms to ensure fair pay, job security, night duty allowances, and permanent nursing positions in schools.



Nepal Nursing Association (NNA) President Prof. Chandrakala Sharma said the association has been leading the movement since October 21. From October 29, nurses have been halting non-emergency services for two hours daily, warning the protest will continue until their demands are met.



Talks held on Thursday between government ministries, private hospital representatives, and protest leaders ended without agreement.



Private hospitals said they lack the financial capacity to match government pay scales, while the NNA accused them of violating directives to provide at least the minimum salary equivalent to government nurses.



In response, the government has formed a 14-member task force led by Additional Health Secretary Shree Krishna Shrestha to address the ongoing dispute.

Nurses’ strike disrupts health services across Nepal

Kathmandu: Nepali Army has rescued around 1,500 people, including 200 foreign tourists, who were stranded in different parts of Manang district following heavy snowfall.



According to the Army Headquarters, civilians trapped in Tilicho, Khangsar, Pisang, Upper Manang, and Humde areas were evacuated to safety. The rescue operation was carried out by a team from the Naya Bhairabidal Battalion in Manang, with the support of the Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and local residents.



The rescued individuals have been brought to a secure location, the Army said, adding that coordination among security agencies and locals was crucial in completing the large-scale rescue operation.

Army rescues 1,500 people stranded by heavy snowfall in Manang

Kathmandu: The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) has issued a nationwide safety advisory urging trekkers, mountaineers, and tourism operators to remain cautious as heavy snowfall and rainfall continue to affect high-altitude areas in western and central Nepal.



According to forecasts from the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM), regions in Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim provinces are expected to experience heavy snowfall between October 27 and 29. The DHM has also warned of possible flooding and weather-related hazards in several districts, including Gorkha, Manang, Myagdi, Nawalpur, Kaski, Dolpa, Humla, Jumla, and Baglung.



Local administrations in the Annapurna and Manaslu regions have requested visitors to stay in contact with guides and local authorities and to avoid trekking until conditions improve. The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trail has been temporarily closed until October 31 due to continuous snowfall and poor visibility.



The NTB has advised trekkers to monitor weather forecasts regularly, carry warm and waterproof clothing, and stay alert for signs of avalanches and flash floods. Travelers have been urged to avoid camping near rivers or vulnerable slopes and to postpone travel if conditions appear unsafe.



“The mountains will always be there, safety must come first,” the NTB stated in its advisory.



The Board has also appealed to hotels, homestays, and trekking agencies in affected areas to provide safe accommodation for stranded tourists at reasonable rates. It further requested travel and trekking associations to assist with coordination and communication efforts.



Reiterating the need for vigilance, the NTB urged all travelers and tourism stakeholders to follow official updates from the DHM and local authorities as unstable weather continues to impact the Himalayan region.

NTB issues safety advisory as heavy snowfall disrupts trekking routes

Kathmandu: The Supreme Court (SC) of Nepal has decided to file a formal police complaint against those responsible for torching and vandalizing courts across the country during the Gen-Z movement protests, in what officials describe as a historic move by the judiciary to seek justice through legal channels.



The decision was made during a full court meeting of all justices on Sunday. 



The move follows massive arson and vandalism that left the SC’s Ramshahpath premises in ruins. The fire, which burned for nearly three days, destroyed around 20,000 active case files and verdict records from about 197,000 concluded cases, along with 50 vehicles and over 150 motorcycles.



Other courts, including the Special Court and Kathmandu District Court, also suffered extensive damage amid the unrest.



For many, the sight of Nepal’s highest court engulfed in flames struck at the core of the nation’s belief in justice and the rule of law. Now, as the SC takes steps to formally seek redress, legal experts say the move represents not only an effort to hold the perpetrators accountable but also a symbolic reaffirmation of faith in the judiciary itself.

Supreme court to file police complaint over arson, vandalism during Gen-Z protests

Kathmandu: The main day of the Chhath festival is being observed this evening with devotees across the country offering Argha (ritual offerings) to the setting sun.



The government has declared a public holiday today to mark the occasion. Devotees will stay awake through the night and offer Argha to the rising sun tomorrow morning, concluding the four-day festival.



In the Kathmandu Valley, major worship sites have been prepared at Gaurighat, Kamal Pokhari, Bishnumati, Nakkhu, Gahana Pokhari, and Kupondole for devotees to perform rituals.



Traditionally celebrated in Nepal’s Terai region, the Chhath festival has gained growing participation in the hilly and Himalayan areas in recent years, fostering social harmony and unity.



According to belief, observing Chhath with devotion brings prosperity, family welfare, and freedom from sorrow. Devotees maintain purity and consume only clean, vegetarian food during the festival, which is regarded as one of Nepal’s most sacred celebrations.

Nepal celebrates Chhath festival

Kathmandu: Newly appointed Minister for Health and Population Dr. Sudha Sharma assumed office on Sunday, announcing her first decision to provide psychological counseling to those injured during the recent Gen Z protest.



Speaking to the media after taking charge, Dr. Sharma pledged transparency in the procurement of medical supplies and vowed zero tolerance for corruption in the health sector. “The Gen Z protest was for good governance and an end to corruption. I hope I will not have to hear any complaints of corruption under my tenure,” she said.



The minister said mental health is among the government’s top priorities and revealed plans to coordinate with the Ministry of Finance to secure funding for free health insurance for families of those martyred in the protest. “This government belongs to the citizens, and performance alone will determine our evaluation,” she added.



Addressing concerns over nurses’ pay rates, Dr. Sharma said the issue would be resolved through dialogue and mutual understanding.



A former Health Secretary, Dr. Sharma is a specialist in gynecology and obstetrics and an experienced public health expert.

Health Minister Dr. Sudha Sharma prioritizes mental health, anti-corruption drive

Kathmandu: Prime Minister Sushila Karki is scheduled to meet leaders of seven political parties today to discuss preparations for the upcoming elections. The meeting will take place at 4 PM at the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar.



Leaders from major political parties, including the Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, CPN (Maoist Center), Rastriya Swatantra Party, Rastriya Prajatantra Party, and other parties represented in the recently dissolved House of Representatives, are expected to attend the discussions.



The Karki-led interim government, formed in the aftermath of the Gen Z movement on September 8 and 9, has announced that the national elections will be held on March 5.

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