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.
Samba’s Double Strikes Seal Historic Win for Nepal Over India
Nepal’s women’s football team has defeated India on their home ground. In the match played on Monday, Nepal triumphed over India with a 2–1 victory. Both goals for Nepal were scored by team captain Sabitra Bhandari, also known as Samba. Sabitra netted the first goal for Nepal as early as the second minute of the match at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong.
Home Minister Aryal Visits Janakpur to Assess Security And Election Preparations
Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal arrived in Janakpur on Monday to review the security situation and preparations for the upcoming House of Representatives election. He was accompanied by Minister for Industry and Law Anil Kumar Sinha, Minister for Youth and Sports Bablu Gupta, and Home Secretary Rameshwar Dangal, among others. Earlier in the day, the ministerial team visited various Chhath ghats in Janakpur.
Government to Hold Dialogue With Gen Z Representatives, Political Parties on Wednesday
The government has scheduled a dialogue with Gen Z representatives and political parties on Wednesday, October 29, after 4 PM.
Representatives from various Gen Z groups, political parties, and government officials are expected to take part in the discussions.
The meeting aims to create a conducive environment for the upcoming elections and ensure broad participation in the process.
Prachanda Stresses Election as Only Path to Stability and Prosperity
Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, coordinator of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre), has emphasized that there is no alternative to holding peaceful elections to steer the country toward prosperity. Speaking to journalists, he said that given the recent challenges facing the nation, elections are the only feasible solution and all stakeholders must engage in the process. Prachanda stated that ensuring a successful election is the party’s top responsibility, and leaders and cadres at all levels have been instructed to focus on election preparations. “It is not a question of whether elections will happen or not; elections are unavoidable. That is why the party has already started preparing,” he said.
Biplav-led CPN Announces Nationwide Protests and Kathmandu Rally
The Netra Bikram Chand ‘Biplav’-led Communist Party of Nepal (CPN) has announced a series of nationwide protests culminating in a mass rally in Kathmandu on November 6. The decision came during a special Central Committee meeting in Kapilvastu from October 11–16. The party plans wall writings until October 29 and has outlined demands including an all-party interim government, anti-corruption investigations, a special court, guaranteed youth employment, and the dissolution of profit-driven NGOs. A torch rally is scheduled for October 31, followed by countrywide demonstrations and corner meetings on November 3.
NC President Deuba and Wife to Travel to Singapore for Medical Treatment
Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife, Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, a central committee member of the party, are scheduled to travel to Singapore for medical treatment on Monday. According to sources, the couple will depart on a Singapore Airlines flight at 10 PM. He reportedly communicated that the trip is solely for health-related treatment. The need for treatment comes after the couple was severely beaten at their residence in Budhanilkantha on September 9 during the Gen Z movement, leaving them in critical condition.
NDAN Questions Sudha Sharma’s Appointment as Health Minister
The National Doctors’ Association Nepal (NDAN), aligned with the Communist Party of Nepal (UML), has drawn the government’s attention to the appointment of Dr. Sudha Sharma as Minister of Health and Population. In a statement signed by spokesperson Dr. Arun Upreti, the association acknowledged Dr. Sharma’s experience, competence, and contributions while also highlighting potential concerns. The statement noted that Dr. Sharma had resigned from her position as Health Secretary to pursue employment with UNICEF in the past, warning that repeating such actions in the current context could be detrimental to the country.
Protest Erupts at KIST Hospital After Pregnant Woman’s Death
KIST Hospital in Lalitpur became tense after relatives of a pregnant woman, who died allegedly due to medical negligence, surrounded the facility in protest. Angered family members broke through police barricades and caused damage to the hospital premises. Police used tear gas to control the situation, while some officers were also pelted with stones and bricks by the demonstrators. The woman had died on Saturday during childbirth. Her relatives have blamed the hospital’s negligence for the fatality and claim that the hospital has yet to engage in dialogue with them.
Supreme Court Website Recovered, Operations Return to Normal
The Supreme Court has fully restored its website, easing the court’s administrative and judicial functions. The IT Department of the Supreme Court resumed complete website operations on Monday, following damage caused by arson and vandalism during the Gen Z protests on September 9. The Supreme Court manages case proceedings through an online case management system covering both itself and subordinate courts. During the September 9 arson, the IT room on the upper floor of the Supreme Court building was damaged. Although the court reopened a few weeks ago, the website remained offline, and all data had been lost.
Dengue Cases Continue to Surge in Nepal: 144 New Infections Reported in a Week,
Nepal continues to grapple with a steady rise in dengue cases, with 144 new infections recorded nationwide in the past week. Previously limited to the monsoon season, dengue transmission has now persisted through the end of October, heightening public health concerns. According to the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD), 24 new cases were confirmed in the past 24 hours alone, bringing the country’s total number of dengue infections to 6,668 this year. Province-wide data show that Bagmati Province has been hit hardest with 1,649 cases.
Cyber Bureau Questions Lawyer Swagat Nepal for Six Hours
The Central Cyber Bureau of the Nepal Police questioned lawyer Swagat Nepal for about six hours on Sunday regarding allegations of cybercrime. Nepal appeared at the bureau’s office in Bhotaahiti following the summons. SP Deepakaraj Awasthi, spokesperson for the bureau, confirmed that the questioning lasted around 5–6 hours and that additional questioning is scheduled for Tuesday. The investigation pertains to allegations of cyber-related offenses against Nepal.
Snowfall Likely in Several Provinces for Next Three Days
The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has warned of possible snowfall and rain across Nepal starting Monday night and continuing for the next three days. A special weather bulletin released on Monday cited the influence of western winds and a low-pressure system over the Arabian Sea as the main cause. According to the bulletin, light to moderate snowfall and rain are expected in parts of Gandaki, Lumbini, and Karnali provinces, as well as in hilly and mountainous areas of other provinces, until Wednesday morning. The department also noted that heavy snowfall could occur at one or two locations in the high mountain regions of Gandaki Province.
NC Acting President Khadka Condemns ‘Unconstitutional’ Dissolution of House of Representatives
Nepali Congress acting President Purna Bahadur Khadka has declared that the House of Representatives was dissolved unconstitutionally. Speaking at a ceremony on Monday at the party’s central office in Sanepa, marking the 73rd anniversary of its sister organization, Nepal Tarun Dal, Khadka criticized the interim government formed on the strength of the Gen Z movement for dissolving the lower house in violation of the constitution. “The House of Representatives was unconstitutionally dissolved,” Khadka said, adding that the Tarun Dal’s establishment day is being observed amid this political turmoil.
Health Minister Sharma Visits Injured Gen Z Protesters
Health and Population Minister Dr. Sudha Sharma Gautam visited hospitals in Kathmandu on Monday to meet protesters injured during the Gen Z movement. She checked on patients at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu Medical College (KMC), and the National Trauma Center. “Treatment for the injured is going well. Some are improving, while others remain in critical condition. We are ensuring that no treatment is lacking,” Dr. Sharma told reporters after visiting the patients. She added, “Seeing their condition was very difficult. I hope this movement is not in vain. I urge those opposing the government not to try to disrupt the elections. This is my request to everyone.”
Clash in Ramnagar, Sunsari: 11 Injured, Security Tightened
A clash erupted late Sunday night between two groups in Ramnagar, Ward No. 2, Harinagar Rural Municipality, Sunsari. The dispute reportedly began during a dice game and escalated into a physical altercation, leaving 11 people injured. Following the incident, security has been significantly reinforced in the area. A joint team of the Nepali Army, Armed Police Force, and Nepal Police has been deployed to prevent further violence. Currently, all three security forces are conducting regular patrols throughout Ward No. 2.
Government to Classify Public Enterprises into Two Categories
Government-owned public institutions are to be classified into two groups. Approving the Public Institutions Management and Good Governance Policy, 2025, the Ministry of Finance has decided to categorize the institutions as commercial and strategic. Public institutions that need to compete with the private sector will be classified as commercial institutions. For these institutions, the public procurement process will be simplified. Institutions that implement government programs, fulfill national and international commitments, or provide essential services not offered by the private sector will be classified as strategic institutions.
FATF Says Nepal’s Efforts to Exit Grey List Insufficient
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global watchdog on money laundering and terrorist financing, has said that Nepal’s efforts to exit the “grey list” are inadequate. Nepal was placed on the grey list on February 21, 2025. FATF had provided Nepal with an action plan, giving the country two years to meet the targets. Although Nepal has formulated the plan, FATF noted that implementation remains weak.
Plan to Enroll Private Sector Workers in Social Security Fund Stalled
The plan to compulsorily enroll private sector employees into the Social Security Fund from the current fiscal year has been stalled. The government’s plan could not be implemented after the Gen Z movement and a change in government. The policy and program had stated that all individuals employed under any terms and conditions would be compulsorily brought under the contribution-based Social Security Fund, expanding its scope and role.
Nepal’s International Trade Surges by 26 Percent During Festival Season
During the main festive season, Nepal’s international trade witnessed a significant rise. In the first quarter of fiscal year 2025/26, international trade reached Rs 540 billion, a 26.04 percent increase compared to the same period last fiscal year (Rs 429 billion). According to the Department of Customs, both imports and exports showed a remarkable surge during the festive season this year.
Power Tariff Dispute Forces Shutdown of Major Industries
Major industries across the country have started shutting down due to disputes over electricity tariffs that intensified after Kulman Ghising became Energy Minister. As the Nepal Electricity Authority began cutting power lines over unpaid dues related to dedicated and trunk lines, several large industries that provided thousands of jobs and paid millions in revenue were forced to close. All Bhairahawa plants were shut down last Friday after their lines were cut.
Teaser of Upcoming Nepali Film ‘Pariwartan’ Released
The teaser for the upcoming film ‘Pariwartan’, set to release on January 23, 2026, has been unveiled by the production team on the occasion of Chhath festival. The teaser conveys a strong message that youth must lead the nation’s transformation, opposing existing corruption, injustice, and oppression in the country. Actor Sushil Shrestha is seen in an action-packed avatar in the film. Speaking at the teaser release event, producer and story writer Deepak Shiwakoti said that ‘Pariwartan’ aims to bring the voice of patriotic youth to the screen.
‘Satidevi’ Selected for Egyptian American Film Festival
The film ‘Satidevi’, directed by Laxman Subedi, has been selected for the Egyptian American Film Festival in New York, running from October 31 to November 2. The festival features films from many countries worldwide. Director Subedi expressed his joy at the selection, saying, “Being selected for the festival proves that hard work pays off. This is not just my achievement but a proud moment for Nepal as well.” The film had previously won awards, including cash prizes, at the South Asian Film Festival 2023, where Subedi also received recognition.
Badri Pangeni, Pratap Das, and Eleena Chauhan Complete Successful US Tour
Musicians Badri Pangeni, Pratap Das, and Eleena Chauhan successfully completed their US tour organized by Fly Nepal Travels. The music program, ‘Aba Sunchha America’, ran during August, September, and October 2025 across multiple cities including New York, Dallas, Austin, Niagara Falls, Boston, New Hampshire, Baltimore, Cincinnati, Chicago, Akron, Columbus, Colorado, and San Francisco. During the three-month tour, the trio entertained audiences with live performances, drawing large crowds at each venue, according to organizers.
Nepal Suffers Fourth Defeat at CAVA Nations Cup Volleyball
Nepal’s national volleyball team faced its fourth consecutive loss at the CAVA Nations Cup in Bangladesh on Monday. In an indoor match held in Dhaka, Sri Lanka defeated Nepal 3–0, winning the sets 25–18, 25–17, and 25–20. Earlier, on Sunday, Nepal lost 3–0 to Afghanistan, and in previous matches, the team was defeated 3–0 by Turkmenistan and 3–2 by Bangladesh. Nepal managed a 3–0 victory over the Maldives in the tournament, which features six participating teams. The top two teams in the round-robin stage will compete for the championship title.
Nepal Wins 2 Silver and 4 Bronze Medals at 4th South Asian Senior Athletics Championship
Nepal secured 2 silver and 4 bronze medals at the 4th South Asian Senior Athletics Championship held in Ranchi, India, which concluded on Sunday. Athletes Santoshi Shrestha and Som Bahadur Kumal each won two medals. Som Bahadur earned a silver medal in the 800-meter race and a bronze medal in the 4×400 mixed relay. He completed the men’s 800-meter race in 1 minute 52.03 seconds, securing second place. Santoshi Shrestha won bronze medals in both the women’s 5,000-meter and 10,000-meter races, setting a new national record in the 10,000-meter event.
Fixture Announced for LVD Jhapa Women’s Gold Cup
The match schedule for the LVD First Jhapa Women’s Gold Cup 2025, an international invitational knockout football tournament, has been released. The tournament is set to begin on November 1. The opening match will feature the Nepal Police Club women’s team against the Church Boys United women’s team. The second match on November 2 will see Sikkim’s Singling Sporting Club from India face Nepal APF Football Club. On November 3, Jhapa Football Club will compete against Sankata Football Club in the third match. The fourth match, scheduled for November 4, will feature Tribhuvan Army Football Club against RS Pokhara Football Club.
India and China Resume Direct Flights After Four-Year Suspension
Direct air services between India and China have officially resumed, signaling a thaw in relations between the two Asian giants. An IndiGo flight (6E 1703) from Kolkata landed in Guangzhou on Monday, carrying about 180 passengers. Flights between the two countries were suspended in early 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic and had not resumed due to heightened tensions following a deadly border clash in the Himalayas. However, both nations have gradually rebuilt ties, reaching a landmark agreement on border patrols last year.
US and China Reach Framework for Potential Trade Deal
The United States and China have agreed on a preliminary framework for a potential trade deal that will be discussed during the upcoming leaders’ summit later this week, according to the US Treasury Secretary.
Scott Bessent told CBS, the BBC’s US news partner, that the framework includes a “final deal” regarding TikTok’s US operations and a deferral of China’s tightened controls on rare earth mineral exports. He added that the 100% tariff on Chinese goods proposed by former President Donald Trump is unlikely to take effect, while Beijing is set to resume significant soybean purchases from the US.
Sudan’s RSF Claims Capture of Key City El-Fasher
Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have claimed control over the strategic western city of El-Fasher, marking a potential turning point in the country’s prolonged civil war. In a statement posted on social media, the RSF said it had seized the city “from the grip of mercenaries and militias allied with the terrorist army.” If confirmed, the loss would deal a devastating blow to Sudan’s army, as El-Fasher represented its last significant foothold in the Darfur region, effectively ceding control of the area to the RSF.
UN Says Israel Blocking Aid Entry into Gaza Despite ICJ Ruling
The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) says Israel continues to block entry for its international staff and humanitarian aid into Gaza, defying a ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Meanwhile, Hamas has expanded its efforts to recover the remains of 13 Israeli captives still missing in Gaza, working with Red Cross and Egyptian search teams operating behind Israeli military lines.
Palestinians returning to what remains of their homes face deadly risks from unexploded ordnance, with at least 53 people reported killed and hundreds injured by munitions left behind by Israeli forces.
President Javier Milei’s Party Wins Big in Argentina’s Legislative Elections
Argentina’s President Javier Milei’s party has scored a sweeping victory in the country’s legislative elections, strengthening his mandate to pursue sweeping economic reforms and austerity measures.Preliminary results show Milei’s La Libertad Avanza party winning 40.84 percent of the vote for Congress seats, ahead of the opposition Peronist coalition, which secured 31.64 percent. The result gives Milei greater leverage to advance his radical free-market agenda, which includes slashing public spending and deregulating Argentina’s struggling economy.