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.

Balen Lashes Out at Political Leaders on Facebook

Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balendra Shah (Balen), who has been accused of not sending fire engines to protect Singha Durbar and the Parliament building during the Gen Z protests, appeared combative on Facebook on Wednesday. Writing on social media, Mayor Shah not only defended himself but also questioned the moral character of political leaders. In his post, he lashed out with biting remarks about Nepal’s leadership.

Oli Says Home Minister Aryal Has a Personal Vendetta Against Him

CPN (UML) chair KP Sharma Oli said Home Minister Omprakash Aryal has shown a personal enmity toward him. Oli made the remarks Wednesday after inspecting his house in Balakot, Bhaktapur, which had been set on fire. Oli claimed the government has so far refused to punish the perpetrators and alleged that the home minister had ordered that the criminals be spared.

Nepal Remains Top Contributor of UN Peacekeepers Despite Troop Cuts

The United Nations (UN) is reducing peacekeeping troops by up to 25% in conflict-affected countries due to budget constraints. Nepal, a major contributor of peacekeepers, will see a reduction in deployed personnel but will remain among the top countries providing troops. Currently, over 120,000 peacekeepers from more than 120 countries serve in 14 UN missions worldwide. Nepal has 5,819 personnel deployed across 10 missions, including 538 military troops.

NA Chair Dahal Holds Bilateral Meetings with Parliamentary Delegations from Various Countries in Geneva

Chairman of the National Assembly, Narayan Prasad Dahal, who is currently in Geneva to participate in the 151st Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), held bilateral meetings with parliamentary delegations from several countries. During the assembly, Chair Dahal met separately with parliamentary delegations from the United Kingdom, the People’s Republic of China, and Sri Lanka.The meetings were held with the Chinese parliamentary delegation led by Xueijun Tian, who also chairs the IPU’s Asia-Pacific Group; the British delegation led by Fabian Hamilton; and the Sri Lankan delegation headed by Sunil Watagala.

Three Arrested for Misbehaving with CAAN Director General Adhikari

Police have arrested three individuals accused of misbehaving with Pradeep Adhikari, the Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN). The arrested have been identified as Kokil Shahi from Kavre, Sirjan Adhikari from Ramechhap, and Hem Tamang from Sarlahi.According to police, Tamang was arrested on Tuesday evening by the Lalitpur District Police, while Adhikari and Shahi were apprehended by a team from the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office, Teku.

PM Karki Appeals for Cooperation Ahead of Elections

Prime Minister Sushila Karki urged political parties and citizens to ensure a peaceful and fair election on March 5, 2026. Speaking at Lalitpur’s Mangalbazaar for Nepal Sambat 1146, she emphasized the government’s commitment to good governance and creating a safe voting environment. “The government must respond to calls for good governance under the Constitution. Everyone has a role to play — let’s work together as responsible citizens,” she said.

Oli Calls for Unity to Defend National Sovereignty

CPN (UML) Chair and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has called on Nepalis to unite in confronting challenges facing the nation. Extending greetings on the occasion of Nepal Sambat 1146, Oli said national unity rooted in cultural diversity and independence is Nepal’s greatest strength. “On the first day of Nepal Sambat 1146, we must strengthen national unity by protecting our cultural diversity and originality,” he said. “United Nepalis, committed to national sovereignty and interest, are our true strength.”

Narayangadh-Butwal Road Becoming Easier for Travel

The Narayangadh-Butwal section of the East-West Highway, which is currently undergoing expansion, is becoming easier for travel. The Narayangadh-Butwal Road Project has stated that the highway, except for the Daunne area, has become smooth for travel in other places along the 113-kilometer stretch. According to Engineer Shiva Khanal, Information Officer for the project’s eastern section, transportation has become easy in all areas except for about two kilometers on the eastern side and about five kilometers on the western side of the Daunne section.

Prachanda Says Left Unity Likely After Chhath

CPN (Maoist Centre) leader and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has claimed that leftist unity will take shape after the Chhath festival. Speaking to journalists in Janakpurdham on Wednesday morning, Prachanda said parties within the Socialist Front are moving forward with the unification process. “We are advancing the leftist unity and polarization process within the Socialist Front,” he said. “You will see a new political scenario of left unity after Chhath.”

RSP Demands Fresh Mandate, Criticizes Past Coalition

At an all-party meeting held Tuesday evening at Baluwatar, Sobita Gautam and Swarnim Wagle represented the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). The party denounced the previous UML–Congress coalition as a symbol of misgovernance and arrogance. Wagle said the moral and political legitimacy of the old regime ended after the September 8 Gen Z protest massacre, making a fresh mandate necessary. “A new election for the House of Representatives must be held within six months, while the National Assembly’s permanent structure should remain to prevent regression,” he added. While expressing goodwill toward the Sushil Karki-led government, RSP warned that support cannot be indefinite.

Gai, Goru, and Govardhan Puja Celebrated Today

The fourth day of the five-day Hindu festival of Tihar is being celebrated across Nepal today, marked by Gai Puja (cow worship), Goru Puja (ox worship), and Govardhan Puja rituals. This year, both Gai Puja and Goru Puja fall on the same day. During Gai Puja, devotees worship cows — revered in Hinduism as symbols of prosperity and motherhood — by offering sweets, garlands, and special delicacies. Simultaneously, devotees also observe Govardhan Puja, commemorating the legend of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan Mountain to shield the people of Gokul from torrential rains unleashed by Lord Indra.

Minister Kharel Says Dialogue with Parties Has Created Conducive Poll Environment

Formed on the foundation of the Gen Z Movement, the current government has taken the initiative to hold the elections announced for March 5, 2026, and to promote good governance and curb corruption in the country. For this purpose, the government organized an all-party meeting on Tuesday to advance dialogue between the government and political parties. Speaking to the media after the meeting, Minister for Communications and Information Technology Jagdish Kharel said that the dialogue among political parties had helped foster an election-friendly atmosphere. He said, “The government is encouraged by today’s discussion with the political parties. It has created an environment conducive to elections.

Government to Introduce New Company Act by February, 2026
The government will bring a new Company Act by February, 2026. The Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies released the “Immediate Improvement Plan–2025 to Enhance Service Effectiveness,” committing to introduce the bill within Magh. Minister Anil Kumar Sinha began reform plans immediately after assuming office. Former Supreme Court Judge Sinha, having long worked as a corporate lawyer, led the initiative to fix policy-related problems, according to ministry officials.

Land Revenue Collection Affected by Protests and Festivals

From mid-September to mid-October, land revenue offices across the country collected a total of Rs 2,75,85,57,927. Due to the Gen Z Movement, more than a dozen land revenue offices nationwide suffered arson and damage. The Department of Land Management and Records said that revenue collection remained normal because office operations were disrupted by festivals and protests.

10 Hydropower Projects Receive Construction Permits in First Quarter
The Department of Electricity Development has granted construction permits to a total of 10 hydropower projects in the first quarter of the current fiscal year. The total capacity of these projects is 241.50 MW. So far, the department has issued permits for 266 projects with a total capacity of 10,825 MW, according to department data. By mid-October, permits were granted for Lapa Khola (4.72 MW), Lower Barun (132 MW), Myagdi Khola B (12.50 MW), and Lower Likhu Cascade (6 MW).

Silver Gains Popularity Among Investors
Since silver is cheaper and more accessible than gold, general investors in the Nepali market are increasingly attracted to it. Particularly as silver prices rise alongside gold, when gold prices are high, many choose silver as an alternative and are storing it. If silver prices continue to rise, it may eventually gain value comparable to gold. From streets to online networks, silver is currently a hot topic.

Chinese Customs in Korala Border Prepared, Nepal Faces Challenges

Officials say that while China has spent an amount equivalent to Nepal’s one-year budget to prepare customs offices and necessary infrastructure in Korala border, Nepal still faces significant bottlenecks. Among those who obtained temporary passes to travel from Mustang to the Chinese market, vehicles are being brought to the border. Nepal has yet to arrange permanent provisions for border operations.

Puja Sharma and Prabhat Lama to Star in Film ‘Mahadasha’
The film Mahadasha will feature the pair of Puja Sharma and Prabhat Lama. The production team finalized Puja for the cast ahead of Tihar, while Prabhat had already been finalized earlier. The two will appear together as a pair in the film. Prabhat, known as a comedian, is making his film debut with Mahadasha, while Puja has acted in several films. The debut film, directed by producer Kiran Nepali, had earlier signed Niruta Singh, Uttam Pradhan, and hip-hop artists Hakim Gurung, Pramod Agrahari, and Prema Lamgade.

Advance Booking Opens for Film ‘Barishtha Balaram’
Advance booking for the film Barishtha Balaram has been opened. Multiplexes and other cinema halls have started accepting bookings for the film starring Dayahang Rai and Bijay Baral. The number of shows allocated to the film has not yet been determined. The production team said the film has received good show allocations. Even though many films are releasing during Tihar, Barishtha Balaram has received more shows.

Legendary Folk Singer Kamal B.K. Nirmohi Battles Illness
The voice of radio personality and folk singer Kamal B.K. Nirumohi, who has captivated audiences in western Nepal for three decades, is now silent. After dedicating more than 30 years to Nepali folk music and broadcasting, Nirmohi is now struggling with his own health. Both of his kidneys have failed, leaving him confined for a long time to his bed at home in Nepalgunj–10. Once known for his energetic voice on radio programs, Nirmohi’s voice now trembles even after speaking for a short time.

Karnali Yaks Sign Scotland Spinner Mark Watt for NPL

Karnali Yaks Sports Pvt. Ltd. has signed Scottish spin all-rounder Mark Robert James Watt for the upcoming Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2025 to be held in December. Watt is the franchise’s first foreign signing. The 29-year-old Watt has played 77 T20 Internationals for Scotland, taking 89 wickets and scoring 294 runs. In 82 ODIs, he has claimed 110 wickets.

Nepal’s Kamana Bista Shines at Naiboli Volleyball Championship 2025

Nepal’s national volleyball player Kamana Bista continued her excellent performance at the Naiboli Volleyball Championship 2025. She is competing for the host team, Naifaru Chelsea Sports Club, in the tournament held in the Maldives. In the first match, Naifaru defeated their opponents convincingly with straight set scores of 25–12, 25–02, and 25–21, securing an easy 3–0 victory. In the second match, the team struggled but still registered a 3–1 win with set scores of 25–21, 22–25, 25–22, and 25–10.

High Court Cancels Appointment of Karnali Sports Development Council Secretary

The appointment of a Social Development Ministry employee as the Secretary of the Karnali Province Sports Development Council has been annulled. The Surkhet High Court canceled the government’s decision and issued a mandate in favor of the petitioners. On June 1, the Cabinet had decided to appoint Jawaharlal Hamal, Deputy Secretary (Level 10) of the Social Development Ministry, as Secretary of the council. Advocates Sher Bahadur Khatri and Upendra Kumar Rawat filed a writ petition at the Surkhet High Court arguing that the appointment of the employee was against legal provisions.

Trump Cancels Planned Putin Meeting, Calls It a “Wasted Meeting”
Donald Trump said he did not want a “wasted meeting” after plans for face-to-face talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the Ukraine war were put on hold. At the White House on Tuesday, Trump noted that Moscow’s refusal to halt fighting along the current front line remained a key sticking point. Earlier, a White House official said there were “no plans” for a Trump-Putin meeting in the immediate future, after Trump had previously suggested talks in Budapest within two weeks.

Ukraine Strikes Russian Chemical Plant with Storm Shadow Missiles
Ukraine targeted a Russian chemical plant using UK-made Storm Shadow long-range missiles, the military confirmed on Tuesday. Describing it as a “successful hit” that penetrated Russian air defenses, Ukraine’s general staff said the outcome of the “massive” strike is still under assessment. The Kremlin has warned against supplying Ukraine with long-range weapons, but Kyiv insists that striking Russian facilities critical to Moscow’s war effort is necessary.

Israel and Hamas Exchange Captives’ Remains Amid Ceasefire Tensions
Israel and Hamas exchanged the remains of more captives, though Hamas says Israel is violating the Gaza ceasefire by refusing to reopen the Rafah border with Egypt. Two bodies, one soldier and one civilian, were returned to Israel late Tuesday and identified Wednesday as Aryeh Zalmanovich, 85, and Army Master Sergeant Tamir Adar, 38. The handover was organized by Hamas’ Qassam Brigades and facilitated through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

Pakistan to Close 54 Afghan Refugee Villages Amid Tensions
Pakistan announced it will close all 54 Afghan refugee villages nationwide, including those in Kohat, as part of its 2023 campaign to expel “illegal foreigners.” Residents like Meer, who have lived in Pakistan their whole lives, expressed shock. “How can I uproot everything when we were born here, lived here, married here, and buried our loved ones here?” he said. Tensions have risen between Pakistan and the Taliban, who returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021. Fighting broke out along the border earlier this month.