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The number of people leaving Kathmandu for their hometown to celebrate Dashain is increasing day by day.

Nowadays, New Bus Park, Gongabu, is getting crowded due to the sheer number of people going home for Dashain and buying bus tickets in advance.

With the start of the biggest festival of Nepalis, people, who are living in Kathmandu Valley due to various purposes, have started returning home to celebrate Dashain with family members and relatives.

Chief of Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, Deputy Inspector General of Police Bharat Bahadur Bohara said a total 126,435 people left Kathmandu Valley from September 30 to October 3 morning in vehicles—buses, trucks, and motorcycles.

Similarly, Spokesperson of District Police Range, Kathmandu, Nabaraj Adhikari told RSS that the crowd of people returning home has increased at New Bus Park after schools have started closing for the holidays with the beginning of Dashain festival.

He further said they have increased the number of security personnel at New Bus Park keeping the growing crowd of people there in mind, stating that a help desk has been established in order to make passengers travel more smoothly.

Likewise, crowds of people returning home and pressure of vehicles has increased at New Bus Park, Kalanki and Koteshwor areas, shared Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office.

Kathmandu is experiencing significant traffic congestion at its entry and exit points due to an influx of passengers and vehicles during the Dashain festival. Driver Ramit Oli, who operates on the Kathmandu-Dhangadhi route for Sudurpaschim Travel, said there is a significant rise in the number of people leaving the city for their hometowns as the festival began.

Road conditions have deteriorated due to rain-related disasters, yet vehicles remain packed as demand rises. By Thursday afternoon, a total of 820 motor vehicles, including buses, microbuses, trucks, private cars, and motorcycles, had departed from Kathmandu. According to Superintendent of Police Nawaraj Adhikari from the District Police Range Kathmandu, 13,503 passengers left the city with those vehicles.

As of noon today, 544 vehicles entered Kathmandu, carrying 6,554 passengers. The number of people traveling in reserved and private vehicles, which are not accounted for in police records, is also said to be increasingly high.

Bus counters have already accepted advance ticket bookings until October 9, making it extremely challenging for travelers to secure a ticket. Lalit Magar from Rolpa said he arrived at the New Buspark in Gongabu in the early morning but was struggling to find a bus ticket to go home.

Nepal ranks as the world’s highest remittance-receiving country, according to the World Bank, with remittance inflows playing a vital role in sustaining household expenses. The ‘Nepal Development Update: International Migration and its Impact on Nepal’, published Wednesday, highlights that remittances contribute over a quarter of Nepal’s GDP, the highest ratio globally. This figure is nearly three times that of Pakistan, South Asia’s second-largest remittance recipient, where remittances account for 7.8 percent of GDP.

The report notes that remittance growth has strengthened Nepal’s foreign exchange reserves, with official remittance inflows recently reaching a nine-year high. It further emphasizes that remittances have significantly reduced poverty, cutting it by over 30 percent between 2011 and 2023.

David Sislen, the World Bank’s National Director for Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, praised Nepal’s reliance on foreign workers’ remittances. He stressed the importance of improving remittance management, fostering a robust domestic economy, and creating conditions that allow Nepalis to thrive both at home and abroad.

During a panel discussion titled ‘Making the Most of International Migration in Nepal’, Nepal Rastra Bank’s Deputy Governor, Dr Neelam Dhungana, discussed plans to increase remittance utilization, including encouraging formal remittance channels and offering a one percent additional interest rate for fixed deposit remittance accounts. Dr Dhungana also highlighted efforts to channel remittances into productive sectors.

Economic growth projected at 5.1 percent for 2024

Nepal’s economic growth is expected to rise, with the World Bank projecting a 5.1 percent growth rate for the fiscal year 2024, up from 3.9 percent in 2023. The increase is attributed to higher tourist arrivals, expanded hydropower production, and a boost in rice production. The report anticipates that Nepal’s economy will grow by 5.5 percent in 2025, largely driven by the private sector, thanks to a flexible monetary policy and relaxed regulatory provisions.

While the growth forecast does not factor in the impact of recent floods and landslides, the World Bank expects the construction, manufacturing, and wholesale and retail trade sectors to benefit from Nepal Rastra Bank’s policies. A projected 30 percent increase in tourism arrivals in 2024 is also set to stimulate growth in the service, transport, housing, and food sectors.

Hydropower production is forecasted to rise by 450 megawatts, while rice production is expected to grow by 4.3 percent, providing additional economic support. Sislen underscored the importance of maintaining this growth pace, calling for improvements in infrastructure, governance, human capital, and the private sector.

Inflation forecast

The World Bank forecasts inflation to hover around five percent in 2025 and 4.5 percent in 2026, following rates of 7.7 percent in 2023 and 5.4 percent in 2024. Private sector consumption is expected to rise by 1.8 percent in the 2024/25 fiscal year, with government sector consumption projected to increase by 5.8 percent. The current account surplus is expected to remain at 2.6 percent of GDP, and government revenue is predicted to grow by 20 percent.

Risks in the financial system

The report also highlights several risks to Nepal’s financial system, including high levels of non-performing loans that limit private sector credit growth, policy discontinuity that may hinder investment, and delays in capital expenditure implementation affecting infrastructure development. Additionally, regional instability and trade disruptions could negatively impact tourism and domestic demand.

The report also warns that economic shocks in Gulf countries and Malaysia, which host many Nepali migrant workers, could reduce remittance inflows, impacting household consumption, poverty alleviation, and human capital development. Migration from Nepal remains costly and unequal, with a challenging process for many.

Despite these risks, Vice-president of the National Planning Commission, Dr Shivraj Adhikari, remains optimistic. He emphasized Nepal’s gradual economic improvement, pointing to capital expenditure increases and budgetary process reforms as key steps towards macroeconomic stability. “The domestic product will increase, and more jobs will be created,” he stated.

National Assembly Chair Narayan Dahal called on President Ram Chandra Paudel at the Rashtrapati Bhawan, Shital Niwas today.

On the occasion, the upper house chairman informed the Head of State about his participation in the 149th Assembly of Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).

Chair Dahal is leaving for Switzerland on October 11, leading a Nepali delegation to the IPU Assembly to be held there from October 13-17.

The General Debate of the IPU Assembly will focus on the overall theme "Harnessing science, technology and innovation (STI) for a more peaceful and sustainable future" and provide a platform for delegates to deliberate, exchange views and galvanize parliamentary action.

The Assembly will adopt resolutions on the emergency item and on the subject item taken up by the Standing Committee on Democracy and Human Rights entitled "The impact of artificial intelligence on democracy, human rights and the rule of law". The Assembly is expected to conclude with the adoption of an outcome document on the overall theme of the General Debate, the IPU has stated on its website.

The festive season is here and, with that, it’s time to host people and have some nice get-togethers that will make you forget all your worries. But before you start welcoming guests, why not ensure your home reflects the festive spirit? Here are three nifty ways you can change the look of your space to lend it a celebratory vibe.

Use fun fabrics

You can’t go around changing all your upholstery but you can give them a quick facelift by covering them with fabrics that signify the festivities. Floral or ikat prints and patterns work wonderfully to give your living space a holiday cheer. Simply drape some fabric over the armrest of your couches or use them as throws. You can use old sarees to cover your cushions too or buy some inexpensive ones at one of the many stores that are offering holiday discounts at the moment. Check out Kaapa in Kupondole, Lalitpur or Cotton Co Nepal in Baneshwor Height in Kathmandu.

Decorate with flowers

One of the easiest and inexpensive ways of doing up your space involves decorating with flowers. You can use any glassware or ceramics you have around the house to create some stunning displays with flowers. Buy a few bunches of flowers and just put them up on the dining area or the coffee table. You can also choose to cut some long stems from trees and create a stunning display with leaves. Alternatively, you can add some battery-operated string lights to these to create a visually appealing setup. Though we don’t recommend fake flowers, we must admit there are some pretty real-looking ones available in the market these days. Try to play around with some but don’t go overboard with these as it can end up looking tacky.

Rotate your knickknacks

Our homes start looking boring because of the sameness of the décor day in and day out. Consider rotating your décor items to give your space a fresh appeal. Simply switching things up can change Take out your holiday decorations like the ‘panas’ (traditional oil lamps) and brass/bronze ‘khadkulo’ and use them as centerpieces on the dining table or on top of a console in the entryway. You can fill the khadkulo with water and place flowers or water petals and floating candles on it. Add a few drops of essential oil to the water to give your space a nice fragrance as well. The panas can be used in place of candlesticks or simply as décor items. If you are feeling especially quirky and creative, you can repurpose items around the house as festive décor. For instance, a brass puja ‘thali’ can be used as a coffee table tray. There is no rule here, just do what you feel works for you.

The price of gold has increased by Rs 400 per tola in the domestic market on Friday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the precious yellow metal is being traded at Rs 161, 300 per tola today. It was traded at Rs 160, 900 per tola on Thursday.

Similarly, the silver is being traded at Rs 1,980 per tola today.

Jyotsna Yogi is a model and actor who has worked in several  music videos and films. Shreya Shrestha of ApEx interviewed Yogi about her career, life, challenges and achievements.

Can you share a bit about your family and educational background?

I have a diverse family background. My father is a skilled artist and handwriting teacher from Dang while my mother, who is from Sankhu, is also the backbone of our family. She is the sweetest and strongest woman I know. I also have a younger brother who lives in the US with his wife, who is a dedicated and intelligent nurse. My family has always been close-knit and supportive, encouraging me to pursue my dreams. As for myself, I was born and raised in Kathmandu. I finished my MBA in Human Resource Management and completed my undergrad in London. I also took a crash course in the Film and Television Institute of India Acting in FTII, Pune.

How did modeling and acting enter your life?

I had been studying all my life and wanted to do something completely opposite, something colorful and fun. As a child, I always wanted to be on television. That dream never left me, even though I majored in Business Management. It was during this transformative journey that I stumbled upon a modeling competition but never won any titles. In the end, the experience after that, I enjoyed every second of it that I never wanted to let go of this industry. Then I started my modeling career in 2013 with House of Fashion and by 2015, I debuted in the movie “Ma Ta Timrai Hoon,” which showcased my versatility and talent. I am engaged in acting and now I am pursuing Direction as well.

What is a challenging moment in your life and what lessons did you learn from it?

One of my most memorable struggles was when I moved to the UK for studies, because I am an introvert and socially awkward person. I had never left my family. So, when I had to relocate to the UK, my mind went blank. I used to panic a lot. In university, on buses, in front of literally everyone, I was a mother’s child. So that situation taught me a lot about being independent, making decisions, and breaking out of my childhood bubble. 

What is a proud moment in your life?

One of my proudest achievements that I admire is from the work on the music video “Upahaar” by Swoopna Suman, my husband. Even though this would’ve been my second directorial project, entrusting with the project, I took on responsibilities ranging from casting and styling to conceptualizing and directing. When viewers praised my work and Suman told me he made the right choice, it was a defining moment for me. The project not only validated my skills but also earned the respect and admiration of my family.

What inspired you to create the story of Book of Paws, and how did the idea come to life?

Beyond my work in the entertainment industry, I am passionate for animal welfare. I used to get a lot of messages on dogs and cats regarding adoptions, lost and found cases, emergencies and so on. They would request me to post it on my profile to spread the word, which I always did. Later, my page started to look a little less about me. Here, I thought about creating the Instagram page @bookofpaws, where I share posts about animals in need of homes and care. With nearly 2,000 followers, the page has successfully helped countless dogs and cats find their forever homes. It’s my way of trying to help them and it makes me happy more than other things.

The government’s disaster response efforts to the recent floods and landslides that swept across Nepal proved woefully short. The tragic loss of 233 lives, with 22 still missing, paints a grim picture of the magnitude of the catastrophe triggered by heavy rainfall. The government's sluggish and inadequate response compounded this natural disaster into a crisis of governance.

Close to the Capital, a family of four was swept away by a rain-swollen Nakkhu river while waiting for hours for help to arrive. As many as 35 people were crushed inside their vehicles when landslide debris fell on them while waiting for the road to clear, a mere few kilometers before reaching the Nagdhunga entry point to the Kathmandu Valley. The bodies could be recovered only after two days. In Timal village in adjoining Kavre, it took three days for authorities to start the search for people buried under the debris. These incidents show this is not merely nature's wrath but a damning indictment of our disaster preparedness and response mechanisms.

Though the Weather Forecasting Division under the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology had forecast heavy rainfall, the authorities did not take any proactive measures. No effort was made to relocate people living on river banks to higher grounds. As a result the capital city, supposedly the nation's most developed area, crumbled under three days of incessant rains. Hundreds of people were displaced in the capital alone as houses near riverbanks were waterlogged, exposing deep-rooted issues in our urban planning and infrastructure development. This is not a new problem though. Successive governments have failed to address it comprehensively. 

The economic toll of this disaster is mounting with preliminary studies estimating losses at over Rs 18bn. Agriculture, one of the largest contributors to gross domestic production (GDP), was among the worst-hit with crops ready for harvest destroyed by floods and landslides. Roads have been washed away at multiple locations. As we approach Dashain, a time for family reunions, the government faces the daunting task of restoring connectivity and ensuring a safe passage for millions of people. The immediate need is for efficient rescue and relief operations, followed by swift infrastructure restoration. 

Transfer of officials for their alleged failure to effectively respond to the crisis alone is not sufficient. The country needs a paradigm shift in disaster management. The government must invest in robust early warning systems, strengthen emergency response capabilities, implement stricter building codes and urban planning regulations, and train its employees on disaster preparedness. We must prepare well as climate change is certain to exacerbate such extreme weather events in the coming days.

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba had a bilateral meeting with Deputy Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic, Edil Baisalov, on the sidelines of the Third ACD Summit in Doha.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two leaders exchanged views on further strengthening friendly relations between the two nations.

Likewise, Foreign Minister Rana held a bilateral meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar U Than Swe on the sidelines of the Summit. The Ministry stated that discussions were focused on various aspects of Nepal-Myanmar relations.

Addressing the Third ACD Summit in Doha on Thursday, Minister Rana stated that Nepal strongly values multilateralism and regional cooperation as pillars of regional and global peace, stability, and prosperity.