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.

PM Karki Pays Tribute to Bipin Joshi

The body of Nepali citizen Bipin Joshi, who was killed while in the control of the Palestinian armed group Hamas, has arrived in Nepal. The body reached Nepal from Israel at 2:35 PM on Monday. Prime Minister Sushila Karki paid tribute to Bipin Joshi, expressing condolences to his grieving family and praying for his soul’s peace. A memorial service was held at Tribhuvan International Airport, attended by Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Kulman Ghising; Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal; Minister of Information and Communication Technology Jagadish Kharel; Chief Secretary Eknarayan Aryal; Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai; and Israeli Ambassador to Nepal Shmulik Arie Bass, among others, who also paid their respects.

KP Oli Not Above The Law: Home Minister Aryal

Home Minister Omprakash Aryal has stated that no citizen, including former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, has the privilege to stay above the law. He made the remarks while speaking to journalists after a discussion with those injured during the Gen Z movement at Singha Durbar. Aryal clarified that the directive preventing people from leaving the Kathmandu Valley was issued not by the government, but by the investigation commission.

Former Minister Khadka Refutes ‘Fled Abroad’ Allegations, Goes Live from Burnt Home

Former Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Deepak Khadka has strongly denied Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal’s claim and media reports alleging that he fled abroad after the Gen Z protests. Speaking at a press conference from his charred residence in Budhanilkantha and later going live on Facebook, Khadka said he was in Nepal the entire time and accused the government and some media of spreading misinformation to mislead the public. “Has the government issued a warrant against me or restricted my movement? How can they say I ran away?” Khadka questioned.

Supreme Court to Hear Habeas Corpus Cases During Tihar Holiday

The Supreme Court of Nepal will remain open from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM during the Tihar holiday to hear cases related to writs of habeas corpus. According to a notice issued by the Supreme Court administration, hearings will take place on all days during the festival except on Bhai Tika (October 24) and Saturdays. The court will specifically handle habeas corpus petitions during this period in accordance with Section 26 of the Administration of Justice Act, 2016.

Three New Political Parties Seek Registration at Nepal Election Commission

A total of three new political parties have submitted applications to the Election Commission of Nepal for official registration. The Rastriya Gen Z Party Nepal, led by Hira Prasad Soti (Kiran BK), has proposed the crossed khukuri as its election symbol. The party embraces social liberalism, highlighting youth leadership, federalism, secularism, proportional inclusion, environmentalism, sexual and gender minority rights, and republicanism. The Nepal Liberal Party, led by Gopilal Neupane, has requested a coin as its election symbol. The Rastriya Pariwartan Party, chaired by Ajay Kumar, has proposed a flute as its symbol.

Nepal Army Summons Battalion Commanders Following Gen Z Protest

Following the Gen Z protests, the Nepal Army has summoned Battalion commanders to military headquarters for questioning. The action comes after the demonstrations on September 8 and 9, which caused significant human and material damage, prompting the army to assess the situation. According to sources at the military headquarters, Battalion commanders from various regions were called in, including Ganesh Khadka of the Narasingh Dal Batallion in Singha Durbar, Tejendra Magar from Bhawanibas Batalion in Sindhuli, and Shiva Bhadel from the Military School in Dhangadhi.

Minister Mahabir Pun Discusses Measures to Improve Universities

The Minister of Education, Science and Technology, Mahabir Pun, has informed that discussions are underway to improve the quality of universities in Nepal. At a press conference on Monday, the minister stated that suggestions have been made to eliminate political influence within universities. Discussions have also been held with university vice-chancellors under the University Grants Commission on how to enhance university performance. The minister added that a draft plan will be prepared based on these recommendations.

Japanese Encephalitis Claims 32 Lives in Nepal This Year

Nepal has reported 32 deaths and 172 infections from Japanese Encephalitis (JE) this year, with cases spreading across 45 districts. JE has been showing aggressive patterns over the past three years. Last year, out of 86 infected individuals, 25 people lost their lives due to the disease. The most affected provinces this year are Lumbini, Madhesh, Koshi, Gandaki, and Bagmati.

Trichandra College Student Union Demands Mandatory NOC for Nepali Students Traveling to India

The Independent Student Union of Trichandra College has called for a mandatory No Objection Certificate (NOC) for Nepali students traveling to India. On Monday, the union leadership met with the Nepali Ambassador to India, Shankar Prasad Sharma, to present their request. During the meeting, the union highlighted several issues concerning the welfare and interests of Nepali students both in India and Nepal. Key points raised included maintaining accurate records of Nepali students in India, establishing a close-connection network to ensure their safety, and making insurance mandatory for students traveling to India.

Former Maoist Combatant ‘Diamond C’ Promoted to Section Commander in Russian Army

Diamond C Myagdeli, a former Maoist combatant from Myagdi, has been promoted to the rank of Section Commander in the Russian army, where he is currently engaged in the ongoing war against Ukraine. Writing on Facebook, Diamond explained that economic necessity forced him to move abroad despite unfulfilled dreams from his time in the People’s War. “Many dreams from the People’s War remained incomplete. I had to go to Russia to support my family,” he wrote. He described his promotion from Junior Sergeant Section Co-Commander to Sergeant (Section Commander) as a step that comes with serious and challenging responsibilities.

Ministry to Take Action on TU Land Issues: Minister Pun

Education, Science, and Technology Minister Mahabir Pun stated that the ministry will take appropriate action based on the recommendations received from the investigation committee on Tribhuvan University’s land. Holding a press conference today after assuming responsibility of the ministry, he said that some issues highlighted by the investigation committee will be referred to the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) for implementation.

Ganga Dahal Resigns from Prachanda’s Secretariat

Ganga Dahal, daughter of Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda) and member of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre), has resigned from her position in her father’s secretariat. In a social media post on Monday, she stated that she decided to step down due to continuous targeted attacks against her father, the party chairman, and the party itself, which involved using her as a focal point. She explained that resigning from the secretariat would be in the best interest of her father, the party, and the ongoing political movement. Despite stepping down from the secretariat, Dahal confirmed that she will remain an active party member for life.

NC Leader Shahi Alleges Home Minister Hid Weapons Looted During Gen Z Protests

Nepali Congress leader and former Tarun Dal general secretary Bhupendra Jung Shahi has alleged that Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal hid weapons looted during the Gen Z protests. Shahi raised the accusation in response to Aryal’s statement that political parties should provide commitments that the looted weapons and escaped detainees would not be used. He claimed that the Home Minister is spreading rumors and using the situation to prolong his tenure in power.

Banks to Remain Open During Tihar Holidays Except on Bhai Tika

All banks and financial institutions will remain open during the Tihar holidays except on Bhai Tika day. Nepal Rastra Bank issued a notice directing banks to remain operational for customs clearance and essential transactions. The Bank and Financial Institution Regulation Department stated that necessary banking services must remain available throughout Tihar.

Internet Providers Ordered to Get Tariff Approval Before Implementation

The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) has directed Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to obtain prior approval for tariffs before implementing them. Following complaints of arbitrary pricing, the NTA issued a public notice reminding ISPs of the requirement under Section 42 of the Telecommunications Act. The authority emphasized that all service fees charged to customers must be pre-approved.

Government to Expand Jurisdiction of Town Development Fund

The government is preparing to expand the jurisdiction of the Town Development Fund, Urban Development Minister Kulman Ghising said. According to him, the Fund will be made more effective by extending its scope and investing in profitable sectors rather than keeping it inactive. While reviewing its activities, Minister Ghising suggested investing in areas such as electric public transport and charging stations.

Discount on Airfare for Senior Citizens and Differently-Abled Passengers

The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has decided to provide airfare discounts for senior citizens and differently-abled passengers.
The decision was made during a meeting chaired by CAAN’s Director General on Sunday, with representatives of domestic airlines.
CAAN instructed all airlines to implement the agreed provisions effective immediately.

Nepalis Bought Rs 1.97 Billion Worth of Gold and Silver on Dhanteras

Data show that on Dhanteras day alone, Nepalis purchased about Rs 1.54 billion worth of 70 kilograms (6,001 tola) of gold. Similarly, around 1,500 kilograms (128,602 tola) of silver worth Rs 430.8 million were sold that day, at Rs 3,350 per tola. In total, gold and silver worth nearly Rs 1.97 billion were bought on Dhanteras. Despite rising prices, crowds filled jewelry shops in New Road, Bishalbazar, Baneshwor, and Koteshwor.

Singer Nitu Paudel Critically Burned in Suicide Attempt; Police Investigate Babul Giri

Police have launched an investigation against singer Babul Giri after singer and artist Nitu Paudel attempted suicide by setting herself on fire at Yam Tilak Studio in Anamnagar on Saturday. Paudel doused herself with petrol and ignited her body inside the studio, sustaining burns over 60% of her body. She is currently undergoing treatment at Kirtipur Burn Hospital. “The singer attempted suicide. She is under treatment, so I cannot comment on her condition in detail,” said Ramesh Thapa, Chief of Kathmandu District Police.

Film ‘PR’ to Release on December 12

The film ‘PR’, directed by Shobhit Basnet, is scheduled for release on December 12. Produced under Salon Salina Films, the movie features RA Suraj Paudel, Binita Karki, Rajan Kunwar, Pooja Chaudhary, Ashma Adhikari, Bimala Khatri, Max Ganesh Budhathoki, Krishna Thapa, and Naveen Ghayal. The emotional drama revolves around love, struggle, and migration, highlighting the dreams and challenges faced by Nepali youth going abroad. The film is presented by Ranjit Sah and Santosh Tiwari, with producers Laxman Sapkota and Pradeep Dahal.

‘Soltini’ Gets Ready for Release as Tihar Festivities Begin

The film ‘Soltini’, scheduled for release this Bhai Tika, has received a universal certificate from the Film Censor Board, allowing it to be viewed by all audiences. The movie features actors Prakash Saput, Pareeksha Limbu, Sundar Dhital, Sabu Gurung, Sujan Khatiwada, Wilson Bikram Rai, Ravindra Jha, Prakash Ghimire, Prem Subba, and Kavita Ale, among others. Directed by Arjun Subedi, the film is based on an intercaste love story and sensitively portrays social discrimination, inequality among communities, and struggles in love.

Keki Adhikari and Anjana Baraili Celebrate Tihar with Deusi Bhailo

With the Tihar festival underway, the second day of Yam Panchak is marked by Lakshmi Puja in homes nationwide. Meanwhile, Dog Tihar is also being celebrated, where dogs are offered special treats and honored for their loyalty. As part of the festival celebrations, actors Keki Adhikari and Anjana Baraili participated in Deusi-Bhailo performances promoting the film ‘Paran’ from October 31. The event, organized by Rastriya Lok Sancharkarmi Nepal, also included the film’s director Deepak Prasad Acharya, production manager Anish Adhikari, and other team members.

New Tihar Song ‘Happy Tihar’ Released

A new Tihar-themed song titled ‘Happy Tihar’, sung by Hari Mijar and Dhiraj Dhakal, has been released on the OSR Movies YouTube channel. Lyrics were written by singer Mijar, with arrangement and composition by Amrit Lohagun. The video features performances by singers Mijar and Dhakal, along with Purushottam Sapkota King Ayush, Samjhana Ranabhat, and Monika Tamang. Videography and editing were handled by Mahendra Ojha.

All Six Floodlight Towers Installed at Tribhuvan Cricket Ground

All six floodlight towers at Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground have now been installed. The Vision–Ishwari JV erected two poles in a single day on Sunday, completing the installation of all six towers. According to the project chief, six high-mast lights weighing 30 tons each have been set up at heights of 45 meters and 60 meters around the stadium. Partial floodlight installation has already been completed on poles 1, 4, 5, and 6, while work on the remaining two poles will begin soon.

Nepali Women’s National Football Midfielder Returns Home Ahead of Friendly Matches

Midfielder Preeti Rai of the Nepali women’s national football team has returned home after playing in a professional league in Jordan. The team is scheduled to play friendly matches against India and Iran, with the match against Iran set for October 24, followed by a game against India three days later in Shillong. Earlier, goalkeeper Anjila Tumbapo Subba had returned from India, while striker Savitri Bhandari ‘Samba’ and defender Pooja Rana arrived on Sunday.

30-Member Nepali Team to Compete in South Asian Senior Athletics Championship in India

A 30-member Nepali contingent, including 26 athletes, is set to participate in the South Asian Senior Athletics Championship in Ranchi, India, from October 24 to 26. Athletes such as Mukesh Pal, Rajan Rokaya, Som Kumal, Salin Dewan, Santoshi Shrestha, Purnalakshmi Nyaupane, Sushil KC, Shivraj Parki, Arun Mahto, Ramchandra Tharu, Tilak BK, Yubaraj BK, Ganesh Singh Rawat, Nageshwar Air, and Chandra Dev Joshi will compete in various events. Women athletes Praveen Rana, Basanti Chaudhary, Simakumari Tharu, Jayrani Tharu, Sita Shahi, Sarmilakumari Tharu, Saraswati Chaudhary, Ranjita Adhikari, Dina Gopali, and Narayani Bhandari will also represent Nepal in the championship.

Israel Accused of Ceasefire Violations as Death Toll in Gaza Rises to 97

The Gaza Government Media Office has accused Israel of repeatedly breaching the ceasefire, saying at least 97 Palestinians have been killed and 230 wounded since the truce began. The office claimed Israel has violated the agreement 80 times, despite assurances of restraint. Israel’s military said the latest wave of air raids was a response to an alleged ceasefire violation by Hamas, though the group denied any involvement in renewed hostilities. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump insisted that the ceasefire remains in effect, adding that Washington is working to ensure the situation in Gaza stays “very peaceful.”

Trump Says Gaza Ceasefire “Still in Place” Despite Deadly Israeli Strikes

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that the ceasefire agreement in Gaza remains in effect, even as Israel’s military confirmed carrying out a series of airstrikes against Hamas targets. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that it would continue to enforce the truce after both Israel and Hamas accused each other of violating the deal. According to the IDF, the strikes began in southern Gaza after “terrorists fired an anti-tank missile and gunfire” toward Israeli troops stationed in Rafah, killing two soldiers. Hamas, however, said it was “unaware” of any such clashes in the area currently under Israeli control.

Bolivia Elects Centre-Right Rodrigo Paz as President

Bolivia has elected Rodrigo Paz of the centre-right Christian Democratic Party (PDC) as its new president, marking the end of nearly 20 years of rule by the Movement for Socialism (MAS). With 97 percent of ballots counted, Paz secured 54.5 percent of the vote in Sunday’s run-off election, defeating right-wing former interim President Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga, who garnered 45.4 percent, according to the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE). The victory signals a major political shift in Bolivia, where the MAS had dominated politics since the early 2000s under former President Evo Morales and his successors.

Airport Inferno Could Cost Bangladesh $1bn in Damages

Business leaders in Bangladesh fear losses of more than $1bn (£750m) after a devastating fire broke out in the logistics section of the country’s main airport on Saturday. Clothes and raw materials were among the goods destroyed, which could put some businesses at risk, according to the country’s export associations. The cause of the fire – which took 27 hours to extinguish – is still being investigated. The blaze had forced the temporary suspension of flights and airport operations. Bangladesh is the word’s second-largest exporter of clothes after China, supplying global retailers like H&M and Walmart.