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:

Hamas Claims Four Hostages, Including Bipin Joshi, Killed in Israeli Airstrikes

Palestinian extremist group Hamas has claimed that four hostages, including Nepali national Bipin Joshi, were killed in Israeli airstrikes. According to The Times of Israel, their bodies are scheduled to be handed over to the Red Cross today. However, Israel has not yet confirmed the report. On October 7, 2023, Hamas carried out attacks in Israel, taking hundreds of people hostage, including Joshi. Earlier this morning, Israeli military officials held a virtual meeting with Joshi’s family, the Nepali Ambassador to Israel, and officials from Israel’s Foreign Ministry and Prime Minister’s Office, stating that there is no information on Joshi’s current status. On Monday evening, Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Joshi’s condition remains unknown until all hostages are released and the bodies of those killed are recovered.

Case Filed Against Former Speaker Mahara Over Gold Smuggling

A case has been filed at the Kathmandu District Court against former Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara on charges of customs evasion and organized crime linked to gold smuggling through electronic cigarettes (vapes). Mahara was arrested by the CIB on Sunday, and the District Government Attorney’s Office filed the case without extending his custody. He had earlier been arrested in the same case on March 18, 2024. The case involves a Chinese national, Li Hansong, who in December 2022 smuggled 9 kg of gold hidden in 730 vapes via Tribhuvan International Airport.

Signatures for NC Special Convention to Be Submitted Tomorrow

The Nepali Congress convention delegates are set to submit the signatures they have collected to push for a party special convention tomorrow (Tuesday). Central committee member and leader of the signature campaign, Pratima Gautam, said the signatures will be submitted ahead of the upcoming Central Committee meeting. There is growing demand within the party to hold a special convention and change the leadership if a regular convention is not feasible. Party rules stipulate that a special convention must be held if 40% of convention delegates or central committee members submit such a request through signatures.

Complaint Filed Against Former DIG Subedi Over False Claims on Prachanda

A complaint has been filed against former Deputy Inspector General of Police, Debendra Subedi, for allegedly spreading false information on social media. The posts claimed that two trucks carrying Rs 20 million were hidden two days before the residence of CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal, also known as Prachanda, was set on fire during the Gen Z protest on September 9. The complaint was submitted to the Nepal Police Cyber Bureau on behalf of Prachanda’s Secretariat. It states that the dissemination of such information could be considered a cybercrime under existing laws.

Three Girls Drown in Floodwaters in Rautahat

In Gaur Municipality of Rautahat, three girls tragically drowned in floodwaters. The victims, all from Rajdevi Municipality-8, were swept away near the border area in Gaur-1. The girls were part of a group of seven who had come to Gaur to collect grass when they got caught in the floodwaters. Locals managed to rescue four of them, while the bodies of three were recovered. Nepal Police and Armed Police Force teams found the bodies during a search operation. All three girls’ bodies have been taken to the Provincial Hospital in Gaur.

Young Leaders Urge Nepali Congress Leadership to Hold Regular General Convention

A group of young leaders within the Nepali Congress has drawn the attention of the party’s top leadership to the need for a regular general convention. The message was conveyed to Party President Sher Bahadur Deuba through Chief Secretary Krishna Prasad Paudel. The letter emphasized that only a regular general convention can ensure meaningful participation of the younger generation in the party’s structure. “It is stated that the only legitimate way to advance the party’s reorganization, generational transition, and transformation process is through a duly conducted regular general convention,” the letter read.

Police to Launch Search Operation for Looted Weapons

The police are set to conduct a rigorous “search operation” to recover weapons looted during the Gen Z Movement.  According to the Nepal Police Headquarters, 1,276 rifles and pistols were stolen nationwide during the protests on September 8 and 9. The Ministry of Home Affairs had issued a public notice on September 25, giving an ultimatum to return the weapons by mid-October.  Two weeks after the notice, only 500 weapons have been returned, while 600 remain unaccounted for.

Ministry Directs Implementation of Salary and Benefits for Health Workers

The Ministry of Health and Population has instructed relevant authorities to arrange salaries and other benefits for doctors, nurses, and other health workers. The ministry has issued letters to all establishments nationwide—including government hospitals, medical colleges, community, and private health institutions—directing immediate implementation of these measures. In a letter issued by the ministry, various points were outlined regarding the provision of these facilities.

Minister Khising Meets South Korean Ambassador Park to Discuss Energy, Infrastructure, and Cooperation

Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Physical Infrastructure and Transport, and Urban Development Minister Kulman Ghising held a courtesy meeting with South Korean Ambassador to Nepal Park Tae-Young today at Singha Durbar. During the meeting, Ambassador Park congratulated Minister Ghising and wished him success in his tenure. He expressed his desire to further strengthen the long-standing economic cooperation between Nepal and South Korea. Minister Ghising highlighted the need for large reservoir-based hydropower projects to ensure energy balance and boost electricity exports.

NSU Demands Oli and Lekhak Be Held Accountable for Gen Z Movement Atrocities

The Nepal Students’ Union (NSU), affiliated with the Nepali Congress, has demanded that the former Prime Minister and Home Minister be brought under immediate investigation. At a press conference in Kathmandu on Monday, NSU President Dujang Sherpa said that former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak must take responsibility for the human losses during the Gen Z movement.

Disaster Risk Reduction a Top Government Priority: Home Minister Aryal

Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal has stated that the government is giving high priority to disaster risk reduction and management. Speaking on Monday at the inauguration of the Fourth National Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Lalitpur, Minister Aryal emphasized that Nepal is highly vulnerable to natural disasters, making risk reduction and management a national priority. He noted that disasters such as earthquakes, floods, landslides, inundation, and fires not only cause loss of life and property but also hinder development progress.

Dengue Cases Rise Across Kathmandu Valley and Other Districts

Over the past week, dengue infections have been increasing in the Kathmandu Valley and several districts across the country. In the last seven days, 413 new dengue cases have been reported. According to the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD), a total of 5,874 people have tested positive for dengue since start of 2025. Dengue has spread to 75 districts, resulting in four deaths. EDCD data indicates that the highest number of new infections last week were reported in the Gandaki Province.

Durga Prasai Claims Current Government Will Not Last, Calls for Monarchy

Durga Prasai, coordinator of the “Nation, Nationality, Religion, Culture, and Citizen Protection Campaign,” claimed on Monday that the current government will not survive under any circumstances. Speaking to journalists at Tribhuvan International Airport, he stated that the country needs a king. “The king is meant to unite everyone,” he said. “Religion is like the country’s constitution, and we do not need this kind of constitution.”

NEPSE Index and All Sectoral Indicators Rise on Monday

On Monday, the stock market saw gains across all sectoral indicators, including the NEPSE index. The NEPSE index increased by 44.25 points, closing at 2,547. While the market showed some fluctuations at the opening, it gained momentum after 12:30 PM. Despite the overall rise in the market, trading volume declined. Yesterday’s turnover of Rs 6.70 billion fell to Rs 4.97 billion today. Out of 200 companies, share prices of 44 companies decreased, 8 remained unchanged, while the rest saw an increase.

Nepal Rastra Bank Unveils National Payment Switch Plan
To make digital payments more organized, transparent, inclusive, and sustainable, Nepal Rastra Bank has released a blueprint for the National Payment Switch and National Payment Ecosystem. All banks, wallets, and payment service providers will be connected via a shared switch, facilitating seamless, fast, and secure card and non-card transactions. The master reference document also aims to fully integrate Nepal’s payment system, making it transparent and cross-border friendly.

Government Spending Increases in First Quarter Despite Low Budget
Government payments have started increasing in the first quarter of a fiscal year with lower overall expenditure. Five-year data shows that although payments were minimal in the first quarter, improvement has occurred, with rising expenditure trends observed in recent years. The Finance Ministry’s bulletin for fiscal year 2024/25 notes that first-quarter payments, though historically low, have shown improvement.

Banks Accumulate Over Rs 1.15 Trillion in Loanable Funds
With only five days left in the first quarter, banks and financial institutions have accumulated about NPR 1.15 trillion in loanable funds. Following the start of the new fiscal year, loanable funds increased significantly. The expanded budget and monetary policy are expected to boost credit flow and reduce bank liquidity. Early signs of increased credit demand have already emerged.

SEBON Gives 9-Point Commitment to Investor Group
The Securities Board of Nepal provided a 9-point commitment to a group of investors visiting the board. The investor group had approached the board to pressure it for not implementing the suggestions of the Capital Market Reform Task Force formed by Former Finance Secretary (now Finance Minister) Rameshore Khanal. Members of the board’s executive committee provided commitments on nine points. Accordingly, the board pledged to implement margin trading via brokers by mid-November.

Nepali Film ‘Muglaan’ Set to Release on December 25

The Nepali film Muglaan will be released on December 25. The production team announced the release date on Monday while unveiling the film’s first-look poster. The poster features actor Prabhat Pal and actress Smarika Dhakal in rural attire. Prabhat appears to be playing the flute, while Smarika is shown in a shy pose, hinting at a romantic storyline between them. The visuals also suggest themes of Nepali village life and diasporic backgrounds. Other actors, including Shree Shivanshu, are also featured in the poster.

Touching Teaser of Nepali Film ‘Paran’ Released

The highly anticipated film Paran, preparing for release from October 31, has unveiled an emotional teaser. Presented in a poetic style, the teaser provides a brief glimpse of the storyline. Released on the birthday of veteran actor Neer Shah, the teaser features words and voice by poet Nabaraj Parajuli. Through poetry, it portrays a father in the later stages of life hoping for his son’s support until his final moments. The poem conveys that just as the father nurtured his son as a gift from God, the son must provide the same care in return.

Popular Singer Nitesh Jung Kunwar to Perform in Dallas

Popular singer and musician Nitesh Jung Kunwar is set to perform in Dallas, USA. His live concert, part of the “Hitaiko Maya America Tour 2025”, will be held on Friday, October 24. Presented by Fame Nepal, the program will take place at the Hangout Restaurant and Sports Club in Irving, near Dallas.

CAN Requires ‘Release Letter’ for Players Switching Teams

The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has made it mandatory for players wishing to play for other provincial or departmental teams in upcoming national and provincial competitions to obtain a ‘release letter.’ According to CAN’s annual work plan, players aiming to join another team in national competitions this fiscal year must secure the release letter from their respective district cricket association before participating with the new team.

Janakpur Bolts Appoint West Indies Legend Shivnarine Chanderpaul as Head Coach

Defending Nepal Premier League (NPL) champions Janakpur Bolts have appointed West Indies legend batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul as their head coach. Janakpur Bolts Managing Director Niroj Khatiwada stated in an official release that Chanderpaul has been signed on a long-term contract, though further details of the agreement were not disclosed. Khatiwada expressed confidence that the partnership with Chanderpaul will strengthen the team. In the first edition of the NPL, the team was coached by Pubudu Dasanayake.

512 Players Registered for Nepal Kabaddi League Season 2

The Nepal Kabaddi League (NKL) is attracting more players ahead of its second season. NKL organizers, Astronics Management, announced on Monday that 512 Nepali players have registered for the Season 2 draft. Astronics Management Chief Amit Kumar Begani said, “In the first season, 278 Nepali players registered for the NKL draft. This time, 512 domestic players have signed up, showing the growing craze for the league and its increasing appeal among players.”

Among the registrants, Bagmati Province leads with 155 players, followed by Sudurpashchim (103), Lumbini (98), Madhesh (70), Koshi (35), Karnali (27), and Gandaki (24).

At Least 42 Killed in Bus Crash in South Africa

At least 42 people, mostly foreign nationals from Zimbabwe and Malawi, were killed when a passenger bus crashed on the N1 highway near Makhado on Sunday evening, provincial authorities confirmed on Monday. Among the victims was a 10-month-old baby girl. The accident occurred about 90 km from the Zimbabwe border when the driver reportedly lost control, causing the bus to roll down an embankment.  The bus was traveling the roughly 1,500 km route from Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) to Harare, carrying migrant workers returning home after working in South Africa.

All 20 Living Hostages in Gaza Released, Israeli Military Confirms

The Israeli military has confirmed that all 20 hostages held in Gaza have been handed over. The hostages were abducted by Hamas in southern Israel during the 7 October 2023 attacks. Among them are twin brothers Ziv and Gali Berman, who were seen together in Gaza this morning. As part of the deal, Israel will release 250 Palestinian prisoners and over 1,700 detainees in exchange for the hostages. US President Donald Trump is in Israel and is set to address the Israeli parliament. Following his address, he will travel to Egypt to participate in a peace summit with global leaders.

China Accuses US of ‘Double Standards’ Over Tariff Threat

Donald Trump’s latest threat to impose an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods is “a typical example of US double standards”, China’s government has said. A commerce ministry spokesperson also said China could introduce its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the US president carries out his threat, adding it was “not afraid” of a possible trade war. On Friday, Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to tighten its rules for rare earths exports, accusing it of “becoming very hostile” and trying to hold the world “captive”. He also threatened to pull out of a meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping later this month.

Mokyr, Aghion, and Howitt Win 2025 Nobel Prize in Economics

Economists Joel Mokyr, Philippe Aghion, and Peter Howitt have been awarded the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences for their groundbreaking research on innovation-driven economic growth and the principle of creative destruction. The Nobel Committee credited the trio for deepening the understanding of how innovation fuels long-term growth by replacing outdated technologies and industries with new ones — a process first described by Joseph Schumpeter in 1942.