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.

Four Newly Appointed Ministers Take Oath

Four newly appointed ministers took their oath of office and secrecy today before President Ramchandra Paudel at a special ceremony held at the President’s Office, Sheetal Niwas, at 3 PM. The ministers sworn in were Mahabir Pun as Minister for Education, Science, and Technology; Anil Kumar Sinnha as Minister for Industry, Commerce, Supply, and Land Reform; Madan Pariyar as Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development; and Jagadish Kharel as Minister for Communications and Information Technology.

Speaker Ghimire Makes First Public Appearance Since House Dissolution

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Devaraj Ghimire, participated in the oath-taking ceremony of newly appointed ministers held on Monday at Sheetal Niwas. This marks Ghimire’s first public appearance since Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned following the protests on September 8 and 9, which also led to the dissolution of the House of Representatives. Ghimire had not attended the earlier oath ceremony of interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki and three other ministers.

Kathmandu Witnesses Mass Outflow of Passengers for Dashain

The Hindu festival of Bada Dashain began today with the observance of Ghatasthapana rituals in households across the country. The celebrations will continue for 15 days, culminating in family gatherings, feasts, tika, and blessings. Thousands of people left the capital this morning to celebrate Dashain in their home districts, causing heavy traffic at major exit points. Kalanki, Koteshwar, Balkhu, Balaju, and Jorpati reported traffic congestion as long-distance buses were packed with travelers.

Route Permits for Public Transport Opened Nationwide

The National Federation of Nepal Transport Entrepreneurs has announced that route permits for passenger vehicles have been opened from today to facilitate smooth public transport services across the country during the festive season. With the decision, public vehicles will be allowed to operate directly to their destinations without needing to take alternative routes. However, existing restrictions on certain roads will continue to apply. The Federation stated that the route permits will remain open until October 8.

Industry Minister Sinha Announces Employment for Martyrs’ Families

Newly appointed Industry, Commerce, and Supply Minister Anil Kumar Sinha announced that families of martyrs and individuals injured in incidents will be provided employment opportunities. He made the declaration on Monday while assuming office at the ministry. Minister Sinha also decided that government agencies will prioritize the use of domestically produced materials, including furniture and construction supplies.

Newly Appointed Minister Pun Pledges to Follow Expert Advice

Newly appointed Education, Science, and Technology Minister Mahabir Pun has stated that he will base his work on the advice and suggestions of experts. Speaking to journalists after taking his oath at the President’s Office, Sheetal Niwas, Minister Pun emphasized that the ministry will prioritize science, technology, innovation, and applied research. He added that he intends to implement the good recommendations provided by experts as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Maoist Center Schedules CC Meeting for September 25

The CPN (Maoist Center) has decided to convene its Central Committee meeting starting September 25. The decision was made during a meeting of the party’s office bearers on Sunday. Chief Secretary of the party office, Ganeshman Pun, informed central committee members that the exact location and timing of the meeting will be decided later. Party Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ proposed holding a special general convention in November, with the aim of dissolving all existing party committees from the central to local level.

Finance Minister Khanal Meets U.S. Ambassador Thompson

On Monday, Finance Minister Rameshore Prasad Khanal held a meeting with U.S. Ambassador to Nepal, Dean R. Thompson, at the Ministry of Finance. During the meeting, the two discussed Nepal’s current changing situation and the assistance the United States could provide in this context. Finance Minister Khanal highlighted that the current government, formed under specific circumstances, is focused on completing elections within the designated time, implementing reconstruction plans, and boosting private sector morale through incentive packages.

RSP Calls Central Committee Meeting for Tomorrow

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has called its central committee meeting for next morning to prepare strategy for the upcoming election to the House of Representatives. Acting President of the party, Dol Prasad Aryal called the meeting to garner views from the central committee members in the changed context as well as to discuss election strategy. RSP Spokesperson Manish Jha shared that discussion would be held on various issues including party organisation and departments, contemporary situation, and general convention.

Govt to Provide Free Internet in 10 Major Cities Within 5 Months

Newly appointed Minister for Information, Communication, and Technology, Jagadish Kharel, has announced plans to make free internet services available at major public locations in 10 key cities across Nepal within five months. Taking office today, Minister Kharel reviewed proposals submitted by ministry staff and requested some additions before finalizing the plan. Under the decision, public areas in the selected cities outside Kathmandu will be equipped with internet access, marking his first major initiative since assuming the post.

Bus and Truck Collide in Hetauda, 31 Injured

At least 31 passengers were injured when a bus and a truck collided on the Bastipur road section of the East–West Highway in Hetauda Sub-Metropolitan City-19. The incident occurred when a passenger bus (No. Na 6 Kh 2119) traveling from Chitwan to Birgunj lost control after a front tire burst and collided with a goods truck (No. Na 6 Kh 8180) heading from Hetauda toward Chitwan. The truck then went out of control and hit an empty fuel tanker (No. Na 7 Kh 1774) coming from Kathmandu to Bara. The accident took place Monday afternoon.

Private Sector Estimates Rs 80 Billion Loss from Gen Z Movement

The recent “Gen-Z Movement” caused vandalism, arson, and looting, leading to an estimated preliminary loss of around Rs 80 billion in Nepal’s private sector. To boost morale after this destruction, the government has announced an immediate relief package.
On Sunday, a delegation of the private sector led by Chandra Prasad Dhakal, President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), met Prime Minister Sushila Karki and briefed her about the unimaginable losses.

RTGS Payment System Operated on Ghatasthapana Holiday
Despite Ghatasthapana being a public holiday, the Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) system remained operational for electronic payments. According to Nepal Rastra Bank, RTGS was run on Monday from 10 AM to 4 PM. In its earlier notice, the central bank had stated that the system would stay open during the holiday. RTGS is primarily used for high-value payments.

Finance Ministry Introduces Direct Email Channel to Report Bribery or Misconduct

Employees working under regulatory bodies of the Finance Ministry can now directly report cases of bribery or misconduct to the Finance Minister. The ministry has announced that complaints can be sent via email to [email protected] or [email protected]. Citizens or stakeholders can lodge complaints if employees fail to perform their duties, neglect required tasks, exert undue pressure, or engage in inappropriate conduct.

Airlines Sell Tickets at Maximum Fares During Dashain Rush

During Dashain, airlines in Nepal sell tickets at the maximum fares set by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal. Airlines claim this is necessary as there is heavy one-way demand during the festival. From Ghatasthapana onwards, most passengers travel out of Kathmandu, while return flights to Kathmandu remain empty. After Ghatasthapana, however, inbound passenger flow increases. Currently, domestic airlines in Nepal have the capacity to carry more than 15,000 passengers daily.

Automobile Market Dulls During Peak Festive Season Due to Gen-Z Movement

This year, the automobile market looks completely different due to the Gen-Z Movement. The market has lost its sparkle during what should have been the busiest trade season. Showrooms that should be buzzing are now deserted, and sellers are struggling with multiple challenges. Not only is there a lack of customers who usually dream of buying new cars during festivals, but the slowdown has also frustrated dealers.

Film ‘Lajjawati’ Launched
The film ‘Lajjawati,’ directed by Raj Bahadur Sane, had its auspicious launch ceremony on Monday at the Pashupatinath Temple premises on the occasion of Ghatasthapana. The event saw Mukun Bhusal, Shreekrishna Niraula, Menuka Majhi, and Januka Bishwakarma perform the traditional inaugural rituals. With the launch, filming has officially begun. Director Sane stated that the shooting schedule is set for 30 days. The film is presented under the banner of Aaha Films by Saurabh Oli, with producers Kamal Prasad Sharma and Sandeep Rokaya.

First Song ‘Kasturi’ from Film ‘Jerry on Top’ Released
The first song, ‘Kasturi,’ from the film ‘Jerry on Top,’ set to release on October 17 has been unveiled. The production company Ananya Films released the song on Monday on the occasion of Ghatasthapana. The video features actor Anmol KC and actress Anchal Sharma, with scenic shots captured from Mustang in Nepal to Rajasthan in India. The choreography is by Kiran Thapa, presenting Anmol and Anchal as a romantic pair, showcasing strong on-screen chemistry. The song is sung by Ashish Guwaju and Sadiksha Kattel, with music composed by Jayen J Vibe.

Film ‘Mona Lisa (Bloody Love)’ to Be Produced in India-Nepal Collaboration
A new film titled ‘Mona Lisa (Bloody Love)’ will be produced through collaboration between Indian and Nepali filmmakers. The production unit announced the film on the occasion of Ghatasthapana. The film will be produced under the joint banner of B & K Entertainment and Ox International Studios, with writing and direction by King Yogi. It is expected to have a large budget, involving experienced technical teams from India and other countries, according to Ox International Studios.

First Look Poster of Film ‘Paribartan’ Released
The first look poster of the film ‘Paribartan,’ produced under the Divyasi Films banner, was released on Monday, coinciding with Ghatasthapana. The production team also announced the release date as January 23. The poster features the main actor, Sushil Shrestha, in an action avatar, highlighting elements of fire, combat, and revenge. The sword in his hand is depicted with flames, reflecting the intensity of the storyline. The poster suggests a suspenseful action narrative focusing on the struggles of the protagonist during his journey of transformation.

Nepal Cricket Team Departs for UAE to Play Unity Cup T20-I Series

The Nepal national cricket team departed for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Monday evening to participate in the Unity Cup T20-I series against the West Indies. The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) confirmed that the team left at 7:25 PM. Originally scheduled to travel on Friday, the team’s departure was delayed after the UAE initially denied visas. With approvals received on Sunday, the squad was able to depart as planned. The three-match T20-I series will take place at Sharjah Cricket Stadium from September 27 to 30.

Nepal Qualifies for U-17 SAFF Semifinals

Nepal has secured a place in the semifinals of the ongoing U-17 SAFF Championship in Sri Lanka. On Sunday night, Bangladesh defeated Sri Lanka 4–0, allowing Nepal to advance to the semifinals. With consecutive losses in Group ‘A’, Sri Lanka has been eliminated from the tournament. Earlier, Nepal had defeated Sri Lanka 2–0 in their opening group match but lost 4–0 to Bangladesh in the second game. In the semifinals, Nepal will face either India or Pakistan.

Israeli Attacks Kill At Least 18 Palestinians Across Gaza
At least 18 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli airstrikes across Gaza since dawn, with 14 casualties reported in Gaza City alone, medical sources said. France and Saudi Arabia plan to convene dozens of world leaders to push for a two-state solution. Several leaders are expected to formally recognise a Palestinian state, a move likely to provoke strong reactions from Israel and the United States. The announcement follows a recent wave of recognition, with Canada, Australia, and Portugal joining the United Kingdom in formally recognising Palestine.

UK, Canada, and Australia Formally Recognise Palestine
A wave of Israel’s allies is set to recognise the state of Palestine, part of a broader effort to isolate Hamas and counter Israeli moves seen as undermining a Palestinian homeland. On Sunday, the UK, Canada, and Australia formally announced recognition of Palestinian statehood through separate but coordinated statements, marking the first G7 nations to take this step. Portugal also declared its recognition late Sunday.

 Trump Announces Skyrocketing H-1B Visa Fees, Tech Industry in Panic
On Friday, US President Donald Trump sent shockwaves through the tech industry by announcing a dramatic increase in the cost of skilled worker permits, raising fees up to $100,000—a potential 50-fold hike. The move sparked immediate chaos: Silicon Valley companies warned employees against international travel, overseas workers scrambled for flights, and immigration lawyers scrambled to interpret the new rules.

Super Typhoon Blowing by Northern Philippines and Taiwan Forces Evacuations and Closures

Thousands of people were evacuated from northern Philippine villages and schools and offices were closed Monday in the archipelago and neighboring Taiwan as one of the strongest typhoons this year threatened to cause flooding and landslides on its way to southeastern China. Super Typhoon Ragasa had sustained winds of 215 kilometers (134 miles) per hour and gusts of up to 265 kph (165 mph) and was centered east of the island town of Calayan off Cagayan province, Philippine forecasters said.