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.

PM Sushila Karki Visits Families of Gen-Z Protest Martyrs, Pledges Support:
Prime Minister Sushila Karki today visited the families of those who lost their lives during the Gen-Z protests on September 8–9, offering condolences and reassurance. She met the families of martyrs Sauran Kishor Shrestha (Kathmandu-16, Banasthali), Kanchhi Nagarkoti (Nagarjun-3), and Buddhi Bahadur Tamang (Maitri Nagar, Kirtipur-2). During the visit, PM Karki assured that the government is committed to fulfilling the martyrs’ dreams and addressing the issues faced by their families. Accompanied by Communication and IT Minister Jagadish Kharel, she emphasized that the state stands with the victims. Families expressed gratitude, saying they felt the government’s presence and support.

Nepalis Celebrate Vijaya Dashami with Red Tika and Jamara Blessings:
Nepal marked Vijaya Dashami, the main day of the Durga festival, with devotees receiving red tika and jamara from elders as symbols of good fortune and prosperity. The tika is applied using water from the sacred kalash established on Ghatasthapana. Observed on Ashwin Shukla Dashami, the festival is celebrated with joy and reverence, as families bless one another in honor of Goddess Durga. The Nepal Calendar Determination Committee designated 11:53 AM as the most auspicious time to receive tika. Across the country, communities participated in the age-old ritual, reflecting deep-rooted cultural and religious traditions.

Two Dead, 13 Injured in Jhapa Bus Accident:
A tragic road accident occurred today at Giribandhu Tea Estate in Birtamod-6, Jhapa, leaving two dead and 13 injured. The deceased have been identified as Dinesh Kumar Bhattarai, 46, from Itahari-11, and Raj Kumar Chaudhary, 42, from Rangeli-2. The accident involved a Sagarmatha Yatayat passenger bus traveling from Biratnagar to Kakadvitta. Chaudhary, who was the driver’s assistant, was among those killed. The injured have been admitted to B&C Hospital for treatment. Police confirmed that the bus driver fled the scene and a search is ongoing to apprehend him. Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident.

Authorities Warn of Heavy Monsoon Rains, Advise Caution During Dashain Travel:
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority has urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly at night, until Monday due to expected heavy monsoon rains across several provinces. Landslide-prone and riverside communities have been advised to stay alert, identify safe high grounds, and prepare to evacuate if needed. District authorities will regulate vehicle movement based on road and weather conditions. The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology reported active monsoon winds following a low-pressure system from the Bay of Bengal, causing rainfall in Kathmandu Valley and other regions. Heavy rainfall and potential flash floods are expected in Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini, and Madhesh provinces.

Dashain Tika Traditions Vary Across Nepalese Communities:
Dashain, Nepal’s major festival, features diverse tika traditions across communities. In the Kirant Rai community, white tika symbolizes auspiciousness and is applied on living individuals, reflecting a practice adopted under state influence over 200 years ago. Among the Newars, black tika is used during Dashami, following tantric rituals to energize the body and honor household deities, while red tika symbolizes prosperity in Hindu communities. Historical records trace Dashain celebrations to the Lichchhavi period, with the use of red tika signifying victory, longevity, and good fortune. Early rituals in Jumla and Sĩnja involved flour-based tika due to limited rice production, highlighting regional variations in the festival.

Nepal’s Old Political Parties Face Criticism for Stagnant Leadership Ahead of Elections:
As Nepal prepares for elections, major parties like UML, Congress, and Maoist are gearing up to campaign under their long-standing, criticized leadership. Party elites are reportedly deciding both candidates and proportional representation lists themselves, with KP Oli and Prachanda asserting control over their parties. Analysts and leftist observers argue that these parties prioritize appearances over genuine communist principles, limiting political renewal. Even if their candidates win, entrenched leadership may prevent meaningful change. Sociologists note widespread dissatisfaction stems from development imbalances and centralized services, with rural areas neglected despite infrastructure projects. Calls grow for leadership reforms to align party behavior with electoral promises.

Nearly 3,000 Firearms and Over 168,000 Bullets Looted Across Nepal During Unrest:
According to the Nepal Police Headquarters in Naxal, a total of 2,964 firearms and 168,798 rounds of ammunition were looted nationwide amid recent unrest. Among the missing weapons are 1,190 automatic rifles—including 323 SLRs and 326 INSAS rifles from the Nepal Army—33 SMGs, 275 .303 rifles, and six Mark Four rifles. Shotguns, pistols, and gas guns were also stolen, with 647 pistols and 13,705 rounds of pistol ammunition unaccounted for. The Police Act, 2012 mandates strict safeguarding of police arms, with offenders facing up to life imprisonment or 14 years’ jail if firearms or government property are surrendered to attackers.

Minister Kulman Ghising Inspects BP and Mid-Hill Highways, Orders Urgent Repairs:
Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Kulman Ghising inspected the BP Highway, Mid-Hill Highway, and surrounding roads and bridges in Kavrepalanchok, Sindhuli, and Ramechhap districts during the Dashain holiday. Overseeing portfolios including Urban Development and Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, he assessed damaged structures and bridges caused by floods and landslides. Ghising instructed officials to implement temporary repairs, including constructing Bailey bridges and culverts, and filling potholes to ensure smooth traffic flow. He also reviewed progress on key projects such as the Khaireni Ghat Bridge. The minister emphasized immediate action to restore critical infrastructure and maintain road safety.

Tharu Community Concludes Dashain with Gawalya Tika, Sakhiya Dance Continues:
The Tharu community concluded Dashain with the traditional ‘Gawalya Tika’ ceremony, following ancestral offerings, or ‘pittar’, on Navami. According to cultural expert Rohit Chaudhary, Tharu Dashain begins on Ghatasthapana, with the eighth day dedicated to worshipping a rice-flour dhikri, and the ninth day for honoring ancestors. The festival formally ends with the application of Gawalya Tika throughout the village. Despite the conclusion of Dashain, the vibrant Sakhiya dance tradition continues for about a week, preserving Tharu cultural heritage and community bonding. The celebrations highlight the unique customs of the Tharu people, distinct from mainstream Dashain rituals in Nepal.

Historic Brahma Temple in Kathmandu Gets Reinstalled Finial:
Kathmandu Metropolitan City has reinstalled the finial on the historic Brahma Temple, a structure over a century old, located on Gayatri Marg, Ward 8. The ritualistic installation was performed by Ashaman Sangat, Coordinator of the Metropolitan Heritage and Tourism Committee and Chairperson of Ward 8. The two-story pagoda-style temple, dating back to the sixth century, was originally constructed at a cost of Rs. 11.5 million. The reinstallation of the finial preserves the architectural and cultural significance of the temple, which remains a key heritage site in Kathmandu. The restoration underscores the city’s ongoing efforts to protect and maintain historic monuments.

Gen-Z Protests and Poor Roads Leave Manang’s Tourism Sector Deserted:
Once bustling with trekkers and holidaymakers, Manang district lies deserted this peak tourist season. Foreign and domestic visitors, who typically flock to the Annapurna Circuit, Tilicho Lake, and local peaks, have largely stayed away. Officials and local entrepreneurs attribute the decline to the ongoing Gen-Z protests, political instability, and treacherous road conditions, including landslides from Kathmandu via Besisahar and Lamjung. Hotels are empty, tourist hot spots are deserted, and local economies reliant on tourism and agriculture face significant losses. Residents and business leaders are urging the government to implement urgent measures to revive Manang’s stagnant tourism and protect livelihoods.

Nepal Women Fall Short by 3 Runs Against Malaysia in T20I Opener:
Nepal’s women’s cricket team suffered a narrow 3-run loss to Malaysia in the opening T20 International at Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur. Chasing 105, Nepal scored 101 for 7 in 20 overs, falling short despite a tense final over with Kavita Joshi and Rajmati Airee at the crease. Puja Mahato top-scored with 30, supported by Samjhana Khadka (18), Joshi (13*), and captain Indu Barma (12). Malaysia’s Nur Dania Syuhada excelled with 3 wickets for 10 runs, while Winifred Duraisingam and Aisah Elisha took 2 each. Earlier, Malaysia posted 104 for 5, led by Duraisingam’s 27 and Ainna Hashim’s 26.

Dipendra Singh Airee Retains Fourth Spot in ICC T20I All-Rounder Rankings:
Nepal all-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee has maintained his fourth position in the ICC T20 International all-rounder rankings, according to the latest update on Wednesday. Despite a modest showing in the recent West Indies series, in which he played only two matches, Airee’s rating points rose from 209 to 214. Pakistan’s Saim Ayub now tops the all-rounder list, followed by India’s Hardik Pandya and Afghanistan’s Mohammad Nabi. In other rankings, Nepal’s Aasif Sheikh climbed three places to 77th in batting, while Lalit Rajbanshi advanced six spots to 51st in bowling, reflecting steady progress for Nepal’s cricketers on the global stage.

Russia and Ukraine Exchange 185 Prisoners Each Amid Ongoing Conflict:
Russia and Ukraine have each returned 185 troops in the latest prisoner swap, with Ukraine additionally releasing 20 civilians, according to Moscow’s Defense Ministry. Both groups are receiving medical and psychological care in Belarus. The exchange follows agreements reached during Türkiye-hosted talks in Istanbul on July 23. Footage shows Russian soldiers celebrating with flags before boarding buses. Previous swaps have included both prisoners of war and fallen soldiers, sometimes without parity. Moscow praised the move as constructive diplomacy, while accusing Kiev of hindering broader negotiations. Ukraine continues to call on Western allies for increased sanctions on Russia and military support.

France Urges EU to Fast-Track Military Mobility and Establish Coordinating Authority:
French authorities are calling on the EU to quickly create mobility corridors and a central coordinating body to ensure rapid troop and equipment movement across the bloc in case of conflict. Brig. Gen. Fabrice Feola highlighted that current cross-border permit processes can take over 10 days, far exceeding the EU’s five-day target. Priority corridors and 500 infrastructure projects—bridges, tunnels, and railway upgrades—have been identified, with €70 billion needed for adaptation. France emphasizes unified coordination to avoid discontinuities and internal competition, particularly for NATO reinforcements entering from the Atlantic. Simplified customs procedures and interministerial cooperation are seen as achievable steps to strengthen military readiness.