KATHMANDU: Stay updated with Nepal News’ evening briefing, bringing you the day’s most important developments from Nepal and across the globe. From politics and economy to sports, entertainment, and culture, we deliver a concise roundup of the top news you need to know today.

Government Announces Major Spending Cuts, Reconstruction Fund, and Probe Commission

The government has decided to introduce sweeping spending cuts, establish a reconstruction fund, and form a high-level commission to investigate incidents linked to the recent Gen Z movement. Announcing the Cabinet decisions on Sunday, Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal said that projects costing less than Rs 30 million will be halted in order to reduce state expenditure. The government estimates that this measure alone could save nearly Rs 120 billion in recurrent expenses. However, contractors who have already completed projects but not yet received payments will still be compensated from the allocated budget.

Silwal Appointed as NEA Executive Director, Shakya Transferred

The government has appointed Manoj Silwal as the new Executive Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal informed that Silwal was appointed by the Cabinet meeting held on September 21. The decision was made based on the proposal of Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Kulman Ghising. Shakya, who had been serving as Executive Director, has been transferred to the Water and Energy Commission, Aryal added.

Judicial Commission Formed to Probe Atrocities During Gen Z Movement

The government has formed a judicial probe commission to investigate atrocities committed during the Gen Z movement. A Cabinet meeting on Sunday appointed former judge Gauri Bahadur Karki as the chair of the commission. Karki is a former chief of the Special Court. The commission includes two members: former AIG Bigyan Raj Sharma and legal expert Bishweshwar Prasad Bhandari. It has been mandated to submit its report within three months.

PM Karki Pledges Support to Private Sector After Gen Z Movement Damage

Prime Minister Sushila Karki expressed regret over the damage and arson in the private sector during the recent Gen Z movement and reaffirmed her commitment to support its recovery. On Sunday, during a discussion at Singha Durbar with representatives of industrial and business associations, as well as industrial houses, PM Karki assured that the government stands with the private sector and will provide assistance for restoration. During the meeting, private sector representatives shared details of the damage sustained during the protests.

Six Senior Nepali Congress Leaders Resume Dialogue
Six senior leaders of the Nepali Congress have once again become active in internal dialogue. They gathered on Sunday morning at the Chaksibari residence of leader Prakash Man Singh. The former office bearers and senior leaders discussed possible strategies for the upcoming 15th General Convention of the party. Former vice presidents Gopalman Shrestha and Bimalendra Nidhi were among the participants. Former general secretaries Singh, Krishna Prasad Sitaula, and Dr. Shashank Koirala also joined the talks. Party spokesperson Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat was present as well.

Supreme Court Holds Hearings Under Makeshift Tent

After the Supreme Court building was set on fire on September 9 during the Gen Z protests, court proceedings are now being conducted under a temporary tent structure. From Thursday (September 18), benches have resumed operations. Under the tent, wooden tables and chairs have been arranged – judges on one side, legal practitioners on the other, with court officials seated in between – to continue hearings despite the destruction.

Injured Gen Z Protesters Stage Sit-in at Singha Durbar

Injured participants of the Gen Z movement expressed anger at Singha Durbar on Sunday while attempting to submit a memorandum to Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal. The protesters, referencing “Hami Nepal” coordinator Sudan Gurung, warned him not to claim leadership of the demonstration. Unable to enter the building, they staged a sit-in at the south gate of Singha Durbar. Police later escorted the protesters into the Home Ministry. At the gate, they reiterated that the Gen Z movement had no single leader and stressed that their demands must be addressed.

President Paudel Authenticates Citizenship Bill

President Ram Chandra Paudel has authenticated the Citizenship Bill. According to the President’s Office, the bill, which had been passed by the Federal Parliament and submitted for authentication, was endorsed under Article 113(2) of the Constitution. The authenticated bill is an amendment to the Citizenship Act, 2006.

Indian Ambassador Meets Minister Ghising, Reaffirms Support

Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava held a courtesy meeting with Energy, Urban Development, Physical Infrastructure, and Transport Minister Kulman Ghising on Sunday morning at the ministry in Singha Durbar. Following the Gen Z protests, Ghising was appointed as a minister in the interim government. During the meeting, Ambassador Srivastava congratulated Ghising and wished him success in his tenure. The discussion also highlighted India’s commitment to continue supporting Nepal in the areas of energy, transport, physical infrastructure, and urban development.

Prachanda Proposes Special General Convention in November

Maoist Centre Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has proposed holding a special party general convention in November to select a new leadership. In the party office bearers meeting, Prachanda suggested that all party organizational structures from the central level to districts be dissolved and rebuilt under a new framework. “Let us dissolve the central committee and form a general convention organizing committee,” Prachanda stated during the meeting.

Narayangadh–Muglin Road Blocked Again by Landslide

The Narayangadh–Muglin road section was once again blocked on Sunday evening after a fresh landslide occurred at Tuin Khola. The road, which had reopened partially at 4 p.m. for one-way traffic, was obstructed again around 8 p.m. due to continuous landslides. According to Gayatri Sharma, chief of the Chitwan District Traffic Police Office, the debris could not be cleared as landslides kept falling. Authorities issued a notice restricting all vehicular movement from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., citing nighttime risks.

Nepali Workers Return Home from India Ahead of Dashain Festival

With the major Hindu festival of Dashain approaching, Nepalis who had gone to neighboring India for employment have begun returning home. People from various districts of Sudurpashchim, including Baitadi, have started coming back from India. The District Police Office Baitadi reported that the number of returnees has increased at several border points, including Baitadi, leading to crowded conditions in vehicles. Baitadi Police spokesperson Baldev Badu stated that the number of Nepalis returning from Jhulgahat in Baitadi, which borders India, is steadily rising.

NHRC Urges Halt to Hate Speech Amid Political Changes

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed serious concern over hate speech coming from various sectors of society, individuals, groups, and political leaders, urging an immediate stop to such expressions. In a statement issued on Sunday, the commission highlighted that even after the formation of a new government and the announcement of elections following the Gen Z movement, the persistence of hate speech remains alarming. According to the NHRC, such statements risk encouraging violent activities in society.

NEPSE Sees Slight Recovery; Trading Hits Rs 9.18 Billion

On Sunday, the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) rose by 3 points, following a sharp drop of 160.33 points last Thursday.  The index closed at 111.70 points. Trading on Sunday reached Rs 9.18 billion, resulting in a 4.44% increase in market capitalization. Out of 252 companies traded on NEPSE, 224 saw their share prices rise, while 28 companies experienced a decline. Nine different companies’ shares surged by 10% each, hitting the circuit limit.

NRB Facilitates Exchange of Torn or Damaged Notes
Nepal Rastra Bank and financial institutions exchange notes that are torn, soiled, partially burned, or dirtied. However, notes damaged during protests require a specific process, including a recommendation from the police or government agency verifying how the money was destroyed. In routine cases, government recommendations are not required for exchanging small numbers of damaged notes.

Nepal Fully Ready to Welcome Tourists, Says NTB
Nepal sent a message of full readiness to welcome tourists at the 12th Asian Tourism Fair held in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Organized from September 18 to 20 at the International Convention City Basundhara, the event saw significant participation from Nepali tourism companies following the recent Gen Z movement challenges in Nepal. The participation conveyed to Bangladeshi tourism professionals and tourists that Nepal has returned to normalcy and is prepared for the safe reception of visitors.

NRB Withdraws Rs 70 Billion Amid High Liquidity
Nepal Rastra Bank has withdrawn Rs 70 billion in deposits on Sunday due to excessive liquidity. The central bank used the deposit collection mechanism through bidding. Currently, total deposits have exceeded Rs 7.2 trillion. The central bank has been managing liquidity and interest rates through deposit collection instruments and standing deposit facilities. Only banks and financial institutions classified as ‘A’, ‘B’, and ‘C’ and authorized by the central bank participated in the bidding.

NEPSE Suspends Final 15-Minute Average Calculation Method

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) has suspended the calculation method for the final 15-minute average. NEPSE announced on Sunday that the calculation method has been suspended starting today. The decision to suspend the method was made in a meeting of the Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON). Based on that decision and the instructions issued by the Board, NEPSE has implemented the suspension of this calculation method.

Film ‘Unko Sweater’ Released on OTT Platform
The commercially successful film ‘Unko Sweater,’ released in theatersin May, has now been launched on OTT platform MSM Video. Produced by Artmandu, the film is written and directed by Nabin Chauhan. It stars Bipin Karki, Miruna Magar, Alex Paras, Pariksha Limbu, Wilson Bikram Rai, Bhawana Khapangi Magar, and Sunil Pokharel, with music composed by Kovid Bajra.

New Song ‘Chanchale Aankha…’ by Rujan Siwakoti Released
Singer Rujan Siwakoti’s latest track ‘Chanchale Aankha’ has been released, featuring female vocals by singer Melina Rai. The lyrics are by DP Khanal, with music by Devendra Baral and arrangement by Bisham Acharya. The music video stars Sunil Kshetri and Keki Adhikari, directed by Sunil himself. The video also features choreography by Abi Wagle, cinematography by Dinesh Parajuli, and editing by Amrit Chapagai. Rujan hopes the audience will embrace the video.

Singer Elina Chauhan Warns of Fraud Using Her Name
Singer Elina Chauhan has revealed that fraudsters are misusing her name. Posting on social media, she urged everyone to stay alert against such scams. “I have learned that some people are collecting money using my Facebook ID,” she wrote, warning fans not to give money to fraudsters. She requested that anyone contacted through fake accounts using her name or ID should immediately block and report them.

Himanchal Raj KC Crowned ‘Mister Nepal World 2025’
Himanchal Raj KC from Lalitpur won the title of ‘Mister Nepal World’ at the grand finale of ‘Mister Nepal 2025’ held late Saturday evening at Hotel Soaltee. KC said he was very happy to be recognized as ‘Mister Nepal’ and expressed that the title carries the responsibility of uplifting Nepal’s name in the international arena. In the same contest, Girishratna Shakya from Bhadrapur, Jhapa, was declared ‘Mister Global Nepal’ while Prakash Chauhan from Morang won the title of ‘Man of the World’.

Nepal Announces Preliminary Squad for AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers

Head coach Matt Ross of the Nepal men’s national football team has announced the preliminary squad for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers against Vietnam. On Sunday, Ross called up 34 players for the training camp, which will begin from Tuesday, according to ANFA spokesperson Suresh Shah. The squad includes captain and goalkeeper Kiran Kumar Chemjong, forward Anjan Bista, winger Ayush Ghalan, midfielders Erik Bista and Yogesh Gurung, and defenders Ananta Tamang, Abhishek Limbu, and Sanish Shrestha, who are currently playing in the Bangladesh Premier League.

Nepal Cricket Team Finally Secures UAE Visa for Unity Cup T20 Series

The Nepal national cricket team has finally received visas to travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the upcoming Unity Cup T20 International Series against the West Indies. The three-match series will be held at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium from September 27 to 30. Nepal was originally scheduled to depart for the UAE on Friday, and the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) had even organized a farewell at the TU Cricket Ground on Thursday. However, the UAE initially denied visas to the team.

Israeli Assault Kills 91 Palestinians in Gaza in a Single Day

At least 91 Palestinians were killed on Saturday as Israeli forces intensified their air and ground assault on Gaza City, medics reported. The dead included family members of Dr. Mohammed Abu Salmiya, director of Gaza City’s al-Shifa Hospital, and four people on a truck attempting to flee northern Gaza under Israeli evacuation orders. Israeli forces bombed residential homes, schools converted into shelters, tents housing displaced families, and vehicles carrying civilians trying to escape. At least 76 people were confirmed dead in these strikes.

Dutch Police Clash with Anti-Immigration Protesters

Dutch police used tear gas and water cannon to disperse violent anti-immigration protesters in The Hague on Saturday. Thirty people were arrested and two officers injured as large groups of people clashed with police, with some throwing rocks and bottles. Around 1,500 people blocked a highway crossing the city, while a police car was set on fire, the Netherlands news agency ANP reported, citing police figures. Prime Minister Dick Schoof condemned the “shocking and bizarre images of shameless violence”, saying it was “completely unacceptable”.

UK and Portugal Poised to Recognise Palestinian State
Britain and Portugal are expected to formally recognise a Palestinian state on Sunday, just days before a crucial UN gathering where multiple nations plan to follow suit in an effort to increase pressure on Israel over its Gaza campaign. In recent months, a growing number of Israel’s longstanding allies have reconsidered their stance as the country intensifies its military operations in Gaza, a conflict reignited by Hamas’s unprecedented attack in 2023. The Palestinian enclave remains under siege, suffering widespread devastation, soaring casualties, and acute shortages of food.

Evacuations in Philippines, Taiwan as Super Typhoon Nears

The Philippines and Taiwan ordered evacuations Sunday ahead of possible flooding and landslides as Super Typhoon Ragasa approached, gaining strength on its way to an eventual collision with southern China. The storm was undergoing “rapid intensification” and expected to make landfall on the sparsely populated Batanes or Babuyan islands by Tuesday afternoon, the Philippine weather agency said. Maximum sustained winds were 185 kilometres per hour at the storm’s center as of 11 am (0300 GMT), with gusts reaching up to 230 kph as it moved westward toward the archipelago nation, the weather service said.