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Nepali Congress leader Prakash Man Singh, who is also the election candidate from constituency-1 of Kathmandu on behalf of the ruling alliance, has made public the election manifesto and intensified campaigning. At a press conference, leader Singh said he filed his candidacy as per people's aspiration in the area. He made a commitment that he would honestly fulfill people's mandate once he was elected. "I have already become vice president of the party and Deputy Prime Minister as well. So, I have the capacity to influence the center and forward development in the constituency," he said, building an argument for his candidacy. Leader Singh also reminded that the country got a constitution under NC's leadership and it is being institutionalized. According to him, it is imperative to vote for candidates of ruling alliance including Nepali Congress. He said that he had planned to ensure quality education, establish laboratories at ward level health facilities, and create jobs. He also emphasized the importance of technical education for job creation.

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has said that Nepal Police has been dedicating itself for the public security and service, as the closest 'friend' between the government and the people. Addressing a program organized at the Police Headquarters, Naxal to mark the 67th Police Day today, he said the Police, dedicated to the security of the nation and citizens amidst various ups and downs, has made significant achievement in maintaining law and order and security as well as in crime control front, which is worthy of feeling proud of by every Nepali. "The dedication of the former office-bearers in the leadership position and the sacrifices of the martyr police personnel have played a major role for the Nepal Police's reaching the present status," PM Deuba said, adding that the Police force which carries with it a history of around seven decades has become successful in establishing itself as a professional, capable, disciplined and dutiful public servant coming to the present situation. He reiterated that the government has been stressing on building a fear-free environment by maintaining law and order and peace and security throughout the nation keeping the country's internal and external security, protection of sovereignty and people's security at the center. "Peace and security are the basis of development and construction, and good governance," the Prime Minister said and praised the contribution of the police force dedicated selflessly to their duty day and night. The PM further said, "It is the police the people who are in distress first remember. It is the Nepal Police who is the friend and rescuer of the helpless, vulnerable and victims of crime. It is the police, the center of faith of all the citizens." Stating that the role played by the police personnel and physicians remaining in the frontline for the rescue of citizens in any natural disaster and emergencies from the 2015 mega earthquake  to the global COVID-19 pandemic is praiseworthy, he said the performance capacity of the Nepal Police is appreciated not only within the country but in foreign countries as well. It is the high professionalism shown by Nepal Police while discharging its duty that has won this accolade. "The police personnel and officials have been deployed in the United Nations peacekeeping missions by internalizing Nepal's commitment to international peace and security," PM Deuba said, adding that the government is positive towards increasing the participation and representation of Nepal Police employees in the peacekeeping operations in the coming days. He also directed that all the services of the police be made technology-friendly. "The present age is the age of information and technology. The effectiveness and efficiency of the organization has to be enhanced by equipping it with information and technology and making timely changes to the traditional system," PM Deuba stressed. Reiterating that it is the main responsibility of the police to control crime and conduct investigation, he said the law and order situation in the country would be consolidated only if the police sincerely fulfilled its responsibilities. The Prime Minister instructed the entire police rank and file to fulfill its duties and responsibilities sincerely and professionally without coming under anyone's pressure or influence and using the rights given it by the existing laws. He said that he is informed of the police force's dutifulness and its problems. The Head-of-Government stated that the police have been demonstrating its excellent capacity in spite of the limited means and resources and expressed the belief that it can render better results if the police force is provided with means and resources and appropriate training. He added that the government has been giving priority to modernization and strengthening of police and this would be continued in the coming days as well. Stating that all should pay attention to improving the career development of all employees of Nepal Police in a timely way and building an efficient police organization, PM Deuba directed the Ministry of Home Affairs to make the required plans for this purpose. Prime Minister Deuba praised the role of Nepal Police in conducting the local level election in a peaceful and fair environment and also expressed his confidence that it will not leave no stone unturned in making the upcoming House of Representatives and Province Assembly elections also in a free, fair and fear-free environment. Home Minister Bal Krishna Khand praised the roles of Nepal Police in saving lives of the country's citizens since its inception, and during earthquakes, COVID-19 pandemic and other natural disasters. "Police have reached out and helped people in need. They have played important roles in saving lives of people despite limited resources." Stating that use of new technology in criminal activities has posed additional security challenges, he said the Ministry itself was effortful to increase efficiency of the police. "The government is at work to encourage and increase efficiency of the police, and make it easier for their families to live a life," he said. Inspector General of Police Dhiraj Pratap Singh said Nepal's Police role for security of the people and the nation, during COVID-19 pandemic and incidences of natural disasters had further increased its credibility. Stating that the last local elections in the nation were held peacefully, he said the Nepal Police was committed to making all security arrangements required for conducting the elections to the House of Representatives and Province Assembly in an impartial and peaceful atmosphere. Fugitives from abroad and hiding in Nepal were apprehended with the help of 'Interpol', he said, adding that the registration of incidents of offenses last fiscal year was increased by 17 percent compared to the previous fiscal year, but the number of criminal cases declined. On the occasion, the Prime Minister awarded children of those police employees who attained martyrdom while on duty with ' Achyut-Meena Martyr Police Family Award and Fellowship'. Likewise, Superintendent of Police Santosh Khadka (Nepal Police Special Bureau) was honored with the ' Motilal Bohora Excellence Research Award' while the ' Lifetime Achievement Award' was conferred on former Additional Inspector General of Police Rajendra Bahadur Singh.  The Province 1 Police Office, Biratnagar which was adjudged the best in the inter-province police performance assessment won the ' police baton' award. The Prime Minister launched the Police Darpan-2079 BS and presented the letter of recognition to the dependent families of martyr police.  He laid a wreath on the Martyr Police Memorial.

Gandaki Province Chief Minister Krishna Chandra Nepali Pokhrel has praised the role of Nepal Police to the establishment of peace and order despite the availability of limited resources. In his address to a program organized by the Gandaki Province Police Office, Pokhara to mark the 67th Police Day here today, the Chief Minister acknowledged the 'special' contribution of the Nepal Police to the enhancement of the nation's peace, security and order. He took time to mention that the Nepali Police had its relations with the liberation army that had a crucial role in the establishment of democracy by eliminating the Rana's rule in 2007 BS. The Nepal Police has a glorious history, according to him. He said the Nepal Police which had demonstrated its integrity and accountability in each moment including the time of natural disasters and in maintenance of peace and security proved it equally competent in the professional forum. On the occasion, he honored and awarded families of martyrs’ police and other personalities for their contribution to the profession. Gandaki Province Internal Affairs Minister Dobate Bishwakarma said the role of Nepal Police to the establishment of peace and security was commendable. He was hopeful that the Nepal Police would show its role as in the past to hold the elections to the House of Representatives and Province Assembly in a free and impartial atmosphere. Gandaki Province Police Chief Deputy Inspector General of Police Ram Dutta Joshi said the Nepal Police that was always aware of the delivery of pro-people, transparent and prompt services dedicated itself to the service of the nation and the people.  He pledged to take up the role to hold the upcoming elections peacefully. The best wishes message sent by the Inspector General of Police Dhiraj Prasad Singh was read out on the occasion. Similarly, the 67th Police Day has been marked in Hetauda, the capital of Bagmati Province in Makawanpur district, today. The Bagmati Province Police Office organized the function. On the occasion, Chief Minister of Bagmati Province Rajendra Pandey laid a wreath at the image of the 'Immortal Police'. All those present at the ceremony garlanded the Immortal Police memorial. Chief Minister Pandey lauded the role of police in maintaining law and order in the country. It is the responsibility of one and all to move forward by protecting the federal democratic republic and the constitution.

The minority Sunaha community has called for recognition as indigenous nationalities. The Sunaha have been demanding with the candidates who are coming to their settlements seeking votes in the upcoming elections that the Sunaha be recognized as indigenous nationality community by the State. "We have so far not got the State recognition as a separate ethnic identity. The party leaders only give us assurances in each and every election. But they forget it once they get elected. We have been demanding that the election candidates take initiatives for giving a separate ethnic identity to the Sunaha community," said local Kalu Sunaha. He also demanded that the Sunaha should be provided reservation quotas in all the state services as the Sunaha is a minority community. He added that the government has recognized the Raute community that is on the verge of disappearance as a separate ethnic minority group and is providing allowances. But he said that the Sunaha community is deprived of such state allowances as it has not been recognized as a separate ethnic group. Meghadevi Sunar complained that the political parties have been using the Sunaha community merely as a vote bank at the time of the election. "The political parties and their candidates only make false promises to us at the time of election that they will resolve our burning problems. There is nobody to speak for us after the election is over," she said. According to her, although they have demanded time and again with the government to recognize the Sunaha as a separate ethnic community, their demands have not been heard. The Sunaha people traditionally live by collecting gold from sand on river banks. The Sunaha's traditional occupation is also on the verge of disappearance in recent years. Ghanashyam Sunaha called for making provision for providing free education to the Sunaha children. "Sunaha is also a separate tribe like the Raute. The government should provide quotas to Sunaha like it is providing to other indigenous nationalities. We should also be recognized as having a separate ethnic identity," Ghanashyam said. The Sunaha communities who live only in Bardia and Kanchanpur have been calling for recognizing them as separate indigenous nationalities since long, but their demand has so far fallen on deaf ears.  

The Gandaki Province has become champion with four gold medals in full contact karate under the 9th National Games, 2079. Deputy Coordinator of the National Games Deepak Godar said that the Gandaki Province has outshined the Nepal Army to become the champion with four gold. Pushpa KC of Gandaki Province won a gold medal in the women's below 40-kg category. She had defeated Garima Karki of Sudurpaschim Province to emerge the province champions in full contact karate. Likewise, Nepal Army and Gandaki Province secured equal three gold medals in another tournament. In the karate held in 12 categories including seven for men's and five for women's, Gandaki won three gold medals including two under men's in 30-40 and 45-50 kg categories and one under women's in 50-55 weight group category. Likewise, the Nepal Army secured gold medals including two in open weight category and one in 60-65 weight category. Bijaya Singh of the Army won the gold medal in the men's open category. He defeated Rupak Nepali of Gandaki Province in the final. Nepal Army's Sani Singh also secured gold in men's 60-65-kg weight category. He won the gold by defeating Shiva Bhujel of Gandaki. Similarly, Sushan Lamichhane of the Nepal Police won gold medal and Bikas Gurung of Army won silver medal in men's 55-60-kg weight category. Dharmindar Ram of Madhes Province won gold medal in men's 50-55-kg weight category while Chok Bahadur Budhathoki of Nepal Army won silver. Likewise, Anish Budhamagar of Gandaki Province won the gold medal in the 45-50-kg weight category. Sunil Tamang of the Armed Police Force won the gold medal in the 40-45-kg weight category. In the men's 35-40-kg category, Abhishek Dimdung clinched the gold medal defeating Sagar Thing of Nepal Army. Manju BK of Nepal Army won the gold medal in women's open weight category. Dhani Ranamagar of Gandaki Province won the gold medal in the 50-55-kg weight category. Nabina Dhamal of Bagmati Province secured the gold medal in women's 45-50-kg weight category. Rina Majhi of APF won the gold medal in the 40-45-kg weight category. A total of 11 teams comprising seven provinces, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, Nepal Army and NRNA took part in the tournaments at the Exhibition Centre in Pokhara.  

Nepal Army's departmental team has topped the ranking with seven gold medals in ongoing ITF taekwondo tournament under the 9th National Games. So far Bagmati province has clinched three gold and Gandaki one gold medal in the same sports event. Army has continued the position of top scorer with six gold medals in single pattern and one gold in team pattern. In a tournament held on Sunday, Nepal Army clinched the gold medal in men's team pattern category while Bagmati province secured gold in women's team pattern category. In the ITF that started on Saturday, tournaments of single sparring, team sparring, single pattern and team pattern are taking place. A total of 250 players from seven provinces and three departmental teams are participating in the tournaments. Players are competing for 45 gold medals, 45 silver and 30 bronze medals. The matches are taking place in the local Bangechaur ground.  

Nepal's urban population has reached 66.08 percent. As per the preliminary statistics of the National Census, 2078 BS, the size of urban population has increased in comparison to the earlier Census, 2068 BS, said Joint-Secretary at Ministry of Urban Development Ramchandra Dangal. As noted, the urban population was 63.19 percent and rural population 36.81 percent in the year 2068. According to the World Cities Report, 2022 published by UN Habitat this month, the urbanization process was found rapidly increasing in developed countries. Almost 79 percent of the population reside in urban areas in such countries. If the same growth continues, the urban population is projected to reach 87 percent in advanced countries. The report has also projected the population growth rate of 0.46 percent in developed countries from 2020 to 2025. The report was made public on the occasion of the World Habitat Day which is marked on the first Monday of October at the call of the UN Habitat. In 2022, World Habitat Day (WHD 2022) under the theme "Mind the Gap. Leave No One and Place Behind" looks at the problem of growing inequality and challenges in cities and human settlements. World Habitat Day 2022 seeks to draw attention to the growing inequalities and vulnerabilities that have been exacerbated by the triple ‘C’ crises — COVID-19, climate and conflict. The United Nations (UN) had started observing the day on the first Monday of October since 1986. Nepal has also started marking the day since 2001. This year Nepal is observing the day today by organizing several programs with the theme 'Necessity of inclusive urban settlement: shared commitment of all". As the eighth day of Dashain festival was fallen on the first Monday of October, the ministry has decided to mark the day on third Monday, the ministry sources said.

The Election Commission (EC) has so far printed 4,421,000 ballot papers under the first-past-the-post electoral system for the elections to the House of Representatives and the Province Assembly. The voting for the twin elections has been scheduled for November 20 in a single phase. Of the printed ballot papers, 2,138,000 are for the PA elections and remaining 2,256,000 for the HoR. The printing of ballot papers under the Proportional Representation (PR) has been already completed and presently the papers are being transported to the districts. Under the PR, 20,184,000 ballot papers are for the PA elections and 20,400,000 for the HoR. Currently, the printing is underway at the Janak Education Materials Center, Sanothimi amidst tight security arrangements.