Kathmandu
Tuesday, October 28, 2025

Nepal News Evening Briefing | Tuesday, October 28, 2025

October 28, 2025
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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.

Government Withdraws All Security Personnel of Former PM Madhav Nepal

The government has recalled all security personnel assigned to former Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal. According to sources at the Ministry of Home Affairs, both Armed Police Force and Nepal Police officers deployed for his security have been withdrawn. Previously, the government had assigned 16 APF personnel and 2 Nepal Police officers to provide security to Nepal.

Government to Hold First Tripartite Talks With Political Parties And Gen Z Tomorrow

In a bid to create a conducive atmosphere for elections, the government is set to hold, for the first time, a tripartite meeting with political parties and the Gen Z group. The meeting is scheduled for tomorrow (Wednesday) at 4:00 PM at the Prime Minister’s official residence, Baluwatar. Discussions will take place among representatives of the government, political parties, and the Gen Z group.

Petition Filed in Supreme Court Challenging Travel Ban, Passport Restrictions on KP Oli and Four Others

A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the legality of travel bans and passport restrictions imposed on former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, former Home Secretary Gokarna Mani Duwadi, former Chief of the National Investigation Department Hutaraj Thapa, and former Chief District Officer of Kathmandu Chhabilal Rijal. The petition, submitted by lawyer Premraj Silwal, argues that the decisions taken by the Gauri Bahadur Karki-led Inquiry Commission—ranging from restrictions on traveling outside the valley to blocking passports—are unlawful.

No Immediate Appoint of New Ambassadors for 11 Vacant Posts

The government, which recently recalled 11 ambassadors, has decided not to immediately appoint replacements for the vacant posts. The delay is due to the absence of a functioning parliament and other legal complications. Ministry staff will serve as acting ambassadors at the vacant missions. Earlier, Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal stated in an interview that the government will not immediately fill the recalled ambassadors’ posts, as it is focused on preparations for upcoming elections and will avoid other administrative matters. Meanwhile, a petition has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the recall of the ambassadors.

Biplav-led Party Registers with Election Commission Ahead of March 5 HoR Polls

Leaders of the party led by Netra Bikram Chand (Biplav) submitted an application to the Election Commission to register under the name “Communist Party Nepal”, ahead of the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5, 2026. The delegation was led by spokesperson Khadga Bahadur Bishwakarma, along with Santosh Budha Magar and Karnajit Budha. Speaking at a press briefing after submitting the application, Bishwakarma described the day as historic, noting that this marked the party’s first participation in Nepal’s parliamentary system since its formation in 2012.

Iih Claims Balen’s Move Against Home Minister Could Topple Prime Minister

Social activist Iih has analyzed the political upheaval and behind-the-scenes power plays that emerged in Nepal following the Gen Z protests of September 8 and 9 and during the formation of the new government. According to Iih, the initial efforts to form a new government were limited to a small inner circle, with major political parties and power centers remaining largely inactive. He said that Balen lost his chance due to political and ideological ambiguity, while Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal played a key role with a firm but lawful approach. Iih also claimed that Balen and his circle are now attempting to replace Aryal as home minister with either Metropolitan Police Chief Raju Pandey or Meera Chaudhary. “If the home minister weakens, the prime minister’s position could also change,” he said.

UML to Hold Secretariat Meeting on November 1

The CPN (UML)’s Secretariat meeting is scheduled for this Saturday, November 1. The party stated that the meeting will focus on preparations for its 11th General Convention and will make various decisions related to the event. The Central Committee meeting held from October 15-17 had decided to hold the 11th General Convention in Pokhara from November 13-15. The Secretariat meeting on November 1 will finalize decisions regarding the convention.

Minister Ghising Appeals to International Community to Invest in Nepal’s Renewable Energy

Nepal’s Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Kulman Ghising, has called on the international community to invest in Nepal’s renewable energy sector, including hydropower and solar energy. Addressing a session on regional and global interconnectivity for clean energy transition in Delhi on Tuesday, Minister Ghising highlighted Nepal’s hydropower potential as a strategic source for South Asia’s clean energy transformation. He stated that Nepal is at a crucial stage in its clean energy journey, capable of supporting a sustainable energy future for the region.

Armed Police Force Force Rescues 750 Stranded by Snow in Manang

The Armed Police Force (APF) has rescued 750 people stranded in snow in Manang.  The stranded individuals, who were visiting Manang, were safely brought from Tilicho Base Camp to Khangsar in Manang Ngisyang Rural Municipality-9, the APF said. Additionally, 50 people were kept safe at Tilicho Base Camp, according to APF Deputy Spokesperson DSP Shailendra Thapa. Some visitors were returned safely because Khangsar lacked sufficient space and food to accommodate everyone.

Bagmati Province Prepares to Cut Ministries from 14 to Seven

The Bagmati Province government has initiated plans to reduce the number of ministries from 14 to seven, in line with its efforts to cut costs and promote fiscal discipline. A few days ago, the province’s main opposition party, the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre), submitted a memorandum urging the government to reduce the number of ministries. Following this, a joint meeting of the ruling Nepali Congress and the Communist Party of Nepal (UML) provincial parliamentary parties reached a consensus on the ministry reduction. The government has since begun laying the groundwork to implement the plan.

Prachanda Calls for Leftist Unity and National Cooperation

Coordinator of the CPN (Maoist Centre), Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, has said that leftist unity and national cooperation are necessary to resolve the nation’s ongoing political complexities, meet public expectations, and safeguard national sovereignty and democracy. In an appeal released through his official Facebook page today, Prachanda stated that the country’s problems and crises can only be resolved through progressive ideas, committed organization, and sincere political initiatives. He said, “Organizational polarization among patriotic, progressive, and leftist forces, and national cooperation among democratic forces, has become indispensable.”

Writ Filed at SC Against Chair and Members of Gen Z Protest Probe Commission

A writ petition has been filed at the Supreme Court against Gauri Bahadur Karki, chair of the commission formed to investigate the Gen Z protests and subsequent arson incidents of September 8 and 9. Advocate Bipin Dhakal filed the petition on Sunday, naming Karki along with commission members Bigyan Raj Sharma and Bishweshwar Prasad Bhandari as defendants. According to the Supreme Court administration, the writ was officially registered on Tuesday, and a hearing has been scheduled for Wednesday.

Snowfall in Gorkha Affects Daily Life and Tourists in Manaslu Region

Snowfall has occurred in several villages of northern Gorkha. Locals from Chumnuwri Rural Municipality reported that snow has been falling in various settlements there since last night. Pasangphunjo Lama of Chumnuwri Rural Municipality–7 said that the snowfall has affected daily life. “It started raining lightly last night, and it turned into snow during the night. It is still snowing,” he said. “People are staying indoors warming themselves by fire, and even the livestock are kept inside.” Villages over 3,000 meters in elevation in the ward, including Niley, Chhule, Pangdun, Laar, Phurpe, Lamagaun, Burji, Jong, and Chhekam, are now covered in snow.

19 People Injured in Jhapa Road Mishap

Nineteen passengers were injured in a road accident happened at Maidhar of Shivasatakshi Municipality-10 in Jhapa district this morning, according to the police. The passenger-carrying public bus (Pra 1-01-001 Kha 4209) lost control and skidded off the road along the East-West Highway. Spokesperson of District Police Office, Jhapa, and Deputy Superintendent of Police Khagendra Bahadur Khadka said the injured people were rushed to the Birta City Hospital based in Birtamod, Jhapa.

Heavy Snowfall Disrupts Normal Life in Everest Region

The Everest region has been experiencing heavy snowfall since early Tuesday morning, affecting daily life and tourism. According to local authorities, thick snow has covered areas above Dingboche in Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality, while lower areas such as Namche Bazaar and its surroundings are witnessing rainfall. Lamakaji Sherpa, Chairperson of the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC), said, “There’s heavy snowfall above Dingboche and rainfall in lower settlements. All tourists have stayed indoors — it’s not possible to go outside.” Currently, there are an estimated over 3,000 foreign tourists in the Everest region.

Earthquake Tremors Felt in Sankhuwasabha

An earthquake struck Sankhuwasabha district this morning. According to the National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Center, a tremor measuring 4.3 magnitude on the Richter scale occurred at 7:32 AM, with its epicenter located in Kimathanka. The tremors were felt across the district and surrounding areas.

Security Forces Mobilized to Assist Tourists Amid Heavy Snowfall at ABC

Due to deteriorating weather and heavy snowfall, a team of security personnel has been deployed to assist tourists visiting Annapurna Base Camp (ABC). Heavy snowfall has been ongoing since last night in Annapurna Base Camp, located in Narchyang, Annapurna Rural Municipality-4, Myagdi. With a large influx of tourists and limited communication access, there is a risk of tourists falling ill or getting stranded. To manage this, the Nepal Police and Armed Police Force have been deployed along the ‘Maurice Herzog’ trail to provide support, in coordination with the rural municipality.

NEPSE Surges 62.29 Points to 2571; Volume Jumps to Rs 4.57 Billion

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index closed on Tuesday with a substantial gain of 62.29 points, settling at 2571. After a brief dip at the opening, the market remained green all day. Trading volume saw a high increase, reaching Rs 4.57 billion, up significantly from Sunday’s Rs 2.79 billion turnovers. Price gains were widespread, with 236 companies rising against only 12 declining.

Banking Sector’s Non-Performing Loans Reach 4.62 Percent

According to Nepal Rastra Bank, as of the end of last fiscal year, the non-performing loan (NPL) rate of banks and financial institutions stood at 4.62 percent — equivalent to Rs 258 billion out of total loans worth Rs 5.594 trillion. Meanwhile, unpaid interest reached Rs 56.08 billion, compared to Rs 56.03 billion by mid-April. This indicates a slight improvement in recovery by the final quarter of the last fiscal year, leading the banking sector to expect better liquidity conditions in the current year.

Rs 35 Billion FDI Commitments in Three Months

Nepal received Rs 35.13 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) commitments in the first quarter (mid-July to mid-October) of the current fiscal year 2025/26. According to the Department of Industry, 311 projects were approved during this period, with Rs 4.94 billion committed from mid-September to mid-October alone for 54 new projects. The department said the commitments include seven large-scale, four medium-scale, and 300 small-scale industries.

Banks Deposit Nearly Rs 800 Billion in NRB in One Day

Banks deposited nearly Rs 800 billion in the central bank on Monday. Under the fixed deposit facility, 39 banks and financial institutions deposited Rs 730 billion for three days at an interest rate of 3%. Additionally, through the deposit collection instrument, 18 banks and financial institutions deposited Rs 90 billion for 42 days, with an average interest rate of 2.72%.

Nepal Exports 1,140 MW Electricity to India

The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) is currently exporting 1,140 megawatts of electricity to India daily, including 200 megawatts cut from industrial supply. India has permitted Nepal to export up to 1,165 megawatts, of which approximately 1,140 megawatts are currently being exported. The government has set a roadmap for energy production by 2035, targeting 28,500 megawatts of electricity generation, of which 13,500 megawatts will meet domestic demand and 15,000 megawatts will be exported to India and Bangladesh.

Filming of ‘Kabaddi 5’ Halted in Mustang Due to Rain and Snow

Filming of the movie ‘Kabaddi 5’ in the trans-Himalayan district of Mustang has been disrupted due to rain and snowfall. The shooting schedule has been paused since Tuesday.  Since Monday night, Mustang has experienced rainfall and snowfall. The film, produced by Bansuri Films, is being shot in the Larjung area of Lower Mustang. The Mustang District Administration Office has issued a notice advising caution and discouraging trekking due to the high possibility of light to heavy snowfall.

Trailer of ‘Jaari 2: Song of Chyabrung’ Released

The trailer of the film ‘Jaari 2: Song of Chyabrung’, set to release on November 7, has been unveiled. Released on Monday to coincide with the Chhath festival, the trailer focuses on family complications arising from disputes between husband and wife. It also highlights the cultural identity of the Limbu community and the significance of the Chyabrung drum. The film, written and directed by Upendra Subba, stars Dayahang Rai, Miruna Magar, and Bijay Baral in the lead roles. The movie is produced by Rambabu Gurung, Madhu Mijar, and Jiban Gurung.

Singer Eleena Chauhan Highlights Respect Over Money for Artists

Singer Eleena Chauhan stated that artists seek respect and recognition more than money. On Monday evening, she shared this view through a Facebook post. Having recently returned to Nepal after a long tour in the United States, Chauhan addressed the organizers, emphasizing that organizers should be mentors, not owners, of the artists. She wrote: “I speak as it is – this tour became a major learning experience for me. Artists were treated not with respect but as servants. Some felt like prisoners, others had to endure humiliation. I want to make one thing clear: an organizer is a mentor of an artist, not their owner. These unpleasant experiences taught me many lessons – no artist should face such humiliation again.”

Sabitra Bhandari and Preeti Rai to miss Nepal’s Friendly Against India

Nepal will be without key players Sabitra Bhandari (Samba) and Preeti Rai in the final friendly match against India scheduled for Wednesday, the All-Nepal Football Association (ANFA) confirmed. The match, initially set for Thursday, was rescheduled for Wednesday but will be an unofficial fixture, as only two matches during the FIFA international window are recognized officially. Nepal had earlier lost 3–0 to Iran but made a strong comeback by defeating India 2–1, with Samba scoring both goals in that win. As the final match is not recognized by FIFA, Samba has already returned to Australia, where she plays club football, while midfielder Preeti Rai has returned to Nepal and will soon depart for Jordan to join her club Al-Ittihad.

Nepal Finishes Third in South Asian Athletics Championship

India reaffirmed its dominance in regional athletics by winning the overall title at the 4th South Asian Senior Athletics Championship 2025, held at Birsa Munda Stadium. India topped the medal tally with 20 gold medals and a total of 58 medals. Sri Lanka secured second place with 16 golds and 40 medals overall, while Nepal finished third, earning two silver and four bronze medals. Despite limited training and exposure, Nepali athletes delivered commendable performances, showcasing resilience and promise on the regional stage.

Arika Gurung to Compete in World Karate Championship

Arika Gurung is set to participate in the World Karate Championship. According to the World Karate Federation (WKF), she earned the opportunity to compete through a universality quota. Last month, in the qualifying competition held in Paris, France, she won all her group-stage matches and reached the quarterfinals, securing her place through the quota system. The championship will take place in Cairo, Egypt, from November 27 to 30. Gurung will compete in the women’s Kumite 68 kg category in the individual event.

Rotary Club to Host ‘The Himalayan Swing Open 2025’

The Rotary Club of Himalayan Golfers is set to organize the ‘The Himalayan Swing Open 2025’ for the first time. The event will be held on November 1 at the Gokarna Forest Resort in Kathmandu. According to the club, the competition is not only a sporting event but also focused on social objectives.  As part of the first phase of this initiative, talented young golfer Avani has been selected for training at the Tarun Sardesai Golf Academy in Karnataka, India. She will be the first Nepali female golfer to receive international training.

12 Killed as Tourist Plane Crashes in Kenya’s Kwale County

A small aircraft en route to the Maasai Mara National Reserve crashed early Tuesday morning off the coast of Kwale County, killing all 12 people on board, officials confirmed. According to authorities, the Cessna Caravan aircraft went down in a mountainous, forested area about 40 kilometers from the Diani airstrip, just minutes after takeoff. The plane reportedly caught fire upon impact, leaving charred wreckage scattered across the crash site. The Kenyan Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) said 12 people were aboard the aircraft, though it has not yet been confirmed how many were passengers and how many were crew members. An investigation into the cause of the crash is currently underway.

Jamaica Faces “Catastrophic” Storm with Multiple Deaths

Jamaica is bracing for one of the most powerful hurricanes in its history as Hurricane Melissa, a category five storm, approaches the island. Already, three people have died in Jamaica, with additional fatalities reported in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. U.S. meteorologists are warning of “catastrophic and life-threatening” conditions. With sustained winds reaching 175 mph (282 km/h), Melissa is the strongest hurricane of the year globally and could become the most powerful to strike Jamaica since records began in 1851. The storm is intensifying as it moves slowly north-northeast.

Sudanese Army Withdraws from Last Stronghold in Darfur

Sudan’s army chief, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has confirmed that government forces have withdrawn from their final stronghold in the war-torn Darfur region, following the capture of the city of El-Fasher by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The withdrawal, announced late Monday, comes amid mounting international concern and reports of widespread atrocities in the newly seized city. The RSF claimed full control of the main Sudanese army base in El-Fasher on Sunday, marking a major victory for the group in the ongoing conflict that has ravaged Sudan since 2023.

Severe Cyclone ‘Montha’ Nears Andhra Coast

Severe cyclonic storm ‘Montha,’ active over the Bay of Bengal, is expected to make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam near Kakinada by Tuesday evening or night. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts maximum sustained wind speeds of 90-100 kmph, gusting up to 110 kmph. A Red Alert is active for 16 districts in Andhra Pradesh and coastal areas of Odisha. Over 38,000 people have been evacuated, and infrastructure damage has already been reported in Andhra Pradesh’s Bapatla district.

Trump Signs Rare Earths Deal with Japan

US President Donald Trump has signed a rare earths agreement with Japan’s newly elected Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi. The meeting served as an early test for Prime Minister Takaichi, during which both leaders described the pact as ushering in a new “golden age” for US–Japan relations. Under the deal, Japanese exports to the US will face a 15% tariff, a measure that had been previously agreed upon but was finalized on Tuesday. Trump’s comments indicate that he is extending significant goodwill toward Takaichi, according to our Tokyo correspondent.