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 Holds Meeting With Former President Yadav, Discusses Election Preparations

Prime Minister Sushila Karki held a courtesy meeting with former President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav at the Prime Minister’s residence, Baluwatar, where they discussed preparations for the upcoming elections and the current political environment. PM Karki stated that, in line with the sentiments of the Gen Z movement, her government is working to ensure good governance and to transfer power to a democratically elected government.

Probe Commission Questions Rabi Lamichhane for Over Five Hours

The High-Level Commission formed to probe the Gen Z movement took a five-and-a-half-hour statement from Rabi Lamichhane, President of the Rastriya Swatantra Party. Lamichhane was brought from Nakkhu Prison to the commission’s office at Singha Durbar on Wednesday for questioning. “He was brought via prison administration and questioned for five and a half hours,” commission member and former Additional Inspector General of Police, Bigyan Raj Sharma, told Nepal News.

Nepali Communist Party Formed as Nine Leftist Factions Merge; Jhalnath Khanal Joins

A merger of nine leftist factions including the Maoist Centre and the CPN (Unified Socialist) Party culminated today with the formation of the Nepali Communist Party at the national unity conference in Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu.  Among the key participants was former Prime Minister Jhalnath Khanal, a senior leader of the Unified Socialist Party, who had previously expressed dissatisfaction with joining the Maoist-led merger.  The merger includes the Maoist Centre, Unified Socialist, Janata Samajbadi Party, Nepal Samajbadi Party, the Biplav-split CPN, CPN Samajbadi, CPN (Maoist Samajbadi), CPN (Samyabadi), and the Deshbhakta Samajbadi Morcha led by Gopal Kiranti.

Jhalanath Khanal to Get Third Seniority in Newly Announced Nepali Communist Party

Senior leader of CPN (Unified Socialist), Jhalanath Khanal, is set to receive third seniority in the newly announced Nepali Communist Party. On Wednesday morning, top leaders, including Pushpa Kamal Dahal, agreed to grant Khanal the third position. Earlier, Bamdev Gautam had been considered for the third rank. Khanal had expressed dissatisfaction over the proposed unity among various party factions. Ultimately, he attended the announcement ceremony held at Bhrikuti Mandap.

SC Seeks Written Response in Gen Z Protests Inquiry Commission Case

The Supreme Court has issued a show-cause order and sought written responses from the inquiry commission probing the September 8-9 events, following a writ petition by Bipin Dhakal alleging bias. The bench, led by Acting Chief Justice Hari Phuyal, asked commission members, including Gauri Bahadur Karki, to clarify whether prior statements could affect impartiality. The court noted no interim order was needed, as the matter requires full hearing. The petition also names the Prime Minister’s Office among respondents.

Gandaki CM Pandey Urges Nepali Congress to Balance Election, General Convention Plans

Gandaki Province Chief Minister Surendra Pandey on Wednesday urged the Nepali Congress to move forward based on reality and collective consensus, emphasizing that the party must simultaneously prepare for both upcoming elections and its general convention. Speaking at a central working committee meeting, Pandey noted that government notifications indicate elections may be held on March 5, cautioning against prematurely concluding that elections will not take place. “There is a question of whether elections will happen or not. Interactions are ongoing, from the Prime Minister downward, but we should not assume elections won’t happen. Government reports indicate they are likely in March,” he said.

Nepal Bar Association Expresses Concern Over Recall of Ambassadors

The Nepal Bar Association (NBA) has expressed serious concern over the government’s decision to recall ambassadors while a related case is still pending before the Supreme Court. In a press statement issued on Wednesday, NBA General Secretary Kedar Prasad Koirala highlighted that the Supreme Court is currently considering the matter and has issued an interim order. “In this context, the government’s decision to recall the ambassadors and assign them to work at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs raises serious concern,” the statement said. The NBA stressed that any act that undermines or bypasses a court decision indirectly promotes arbitrariness.

Supporters of Regular General Convention in NC to Meet

Supporters of the regular general convention of the Nepali Congress have called a meeting in the capital. Following a gathering organized by the faction demanding a special general convention, leaders backing the regular convention have called their own meeting for Thursday. According to one of the organizers, the meeting will be held on Thursday at 11:30 a.m. at Anupam Foodland. The party continues to debate whether to hold a regular or special general convention. While top Nepali Congress leaders support the regular convention, the faction led by General Secretary Gagan Thapa has been advocating for a special convention.

UML Leader Pasang Sherpa Sent to Jail in Polygamy Case

Pasang Sherpa, a central member of the CPN (UML), was sent to jail on Wednesday following his arrest on Tuesday afternoon in connection with a polygamy case. Sherpa had been convicted a year ago by both the District and High Courts. A team from Kathmandu District Police Office arrested him on Tuesday. On Wednesday, he was produced in court and sent to Dillibazar Prison to serve the sentence. Originally from Taplejung, Sherpa had been residing in Bhaktapur’s Gundu area and was deployed for the security of UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli. He also served as President of UML’s Indigenous Federation, the party’s ethnic organization.

Eight Arrested in Pokhara Cooperative Embezzlement Case

Pokhara police have arrested eight individuals, including Surendra Bahadur Godar, chairman of Pokhara Saving and Credit Cooperative Limited, in connection with the embezzlement of nearly Rs 890 million. The Kaski Cooperative Registrar’s Office reported a misappropriation of Rs 88,70,98,962.03 and initiated action on Tuesday, prompting the police to make the arrests on Wednesday. Those arrested include Chairman Godar, Vice-Chairman Shambhuraj Bastola, Treasurer Hiramani Dahal, Secretary Dil Bahadur KC, member Dorje Tamang, Manager Bhishma Prasad Gurung, Market Chief Bedi Prasad Subedi, and former Secretary and member Indra Prasad Dwa.

PCL Nursing License Exam Results Disappoint: Only 17.44% Pass

The results of the Proficiency Certificate Level (PCL) Nursing License Examination have shown a dismal performance. According to the Nepal Nursing Council, only 17.44 percent of the candidates passed the test conducted from November 2 to 4. Out of 645 applicants, 602 appeared in the examination, and only 105 managed to secure passing marks, the Council stated. The low success rate has once again raised concerns about the declining academic standards and quality of nursing education in Nepal.

NEPSE Rises By 12.17 Points

On Wednesday, the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) increased by 12.17 points. The total share turnover for the day reached Rs 4.68 billion, pushing the NEPSE index to 2,607.42 points. Among the traded shares, 149 companies saw their stock prices rise, 90 companies experienced a decline, while 12 companies’ share prices remained unchanged. Mabilung Energy Limited shareholders earned the highest profit from sales today, whereas sellers of First Microfinance Laghubitta shares incurred the largest losses.

Bank Deposits at NRB Cross Rs 800 Billion for First Time

The amount of money banks has deposited at Nepal Rastra Bank has crossed Rs 800 billion for the first time. By Tuesday, the total had reached Rs 809 billion. Banks have deposited R 170 billion through deposit collection instruments and Rs 639 billion under permanent deposit facilities. The funds deposited through the deposit collection instruments carry an average interest rate of 2.73%.

Seven-Point Agreement Between Nepal and India on Power Exchange

Nepal and India have reached a seven-point agreement on electricity exchange, strengthening transmission systems, and constructing new cross-border transmission lines. The agreement was reached during the 17th meeting of the Nepal-India Joint Technical Team at the secretary level, held on November 3-4 in Pokhara. The meeting was co-chaired by Sandeep Kumar Dev, Secretary of Nepal’s Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, and Bhavan Sahay Bairava, Chief Engineer of India’s Central Electricity Authority (CEA).

NRB Continues to Withdraw Excess Liquidity from Banks

The excess liquidity recently present in banks and financial institutions has been continuously withdrawn by Nepal Rastra Bank. The central bank has been withdrawing deposits from banks twice a week, on Sundays and Wednesdays. On Sunday alone, the central bank withdrew Rs 90 billion, and it withdrew Rs 50 billion on Wednesday. Nepal Rastra Bank uses deposit collection instruments to withdraw the funds. The total deposits have now exceeded Rs 7.4 trillion.

Minister Ghisings Urges Immediate Finalization of Budhigandaki Hydropower Investment Modality

Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Physical Infrastructure and Transport, and Urban Development Minister Kulman Ghising has stated that the investment modality for the national pride 1,200 MW Budhigandaki reservoir-based hydropower project must be finalized immediately. Minister Ghising discussed the progress of the project with Chiranjeevi Chataut, Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, and officials of Promoter Budhigandaki Company Limited, emphasizing that the project should not remain in its current state, and a decision on the investment modality must be made immediately.

Advance Ticket Sales Begin for Film ‘Jaari 2’

Advance ticket sales for the film “Jaari 2”, set to release on Friday, have begun at theaters across Nepal. According to the preliminary schedule, the film has already secured 121 shows nationwide by Tuesday afternoon, with projections of 200–300 shows by Thursday evening. In comparison, the film “Man Binako Dhan”, also releasing on the same day, has received relatively fewer shows, with theaters allocating approximately one show per screen for this film, directed by Tanka Budhathoki.

Female Version of Popular Song ‘Dhoka Mathi Dhoka’ Released

The female version of the popular song “Dhoka Mathi Dhoka”, originally written by Bhupendra Budhathoki and sung by Pramod Kharel, has been released. The female version is performed by renowned singer Eleena Chauhan. Composed by Sunil BC with musical arrangement by Bishal Niraula, the song depicts the story of a loved one betraying the protagonist and leaving them alone and heartbroken. The song was sung by Eleena because its theme resonates with her real-life experiences. Eleena also appears in the song’s official video.

New Episodes of ‘Comedy Darbar’ Delayed Due to Film Shoot

The main reason for the delay in airing new episodes of “Comedy Darbar” is the film “Kakakiki”. The Comedy Darbar team is currently busy with the movie’s shooting, which is taking place in the Himalayan region. Before leaving for the shoot, some episodes had been recorded as stock. However, due to the extended filming schedule and the exhaustion of pre-recorded episodes, no new episode aired last Friday. The team announced via social media that new episodes will resume from the upcoming Friday. The film “Kakakiki” is directed by Vikky Agrawal.

Nepal Defeated by 4 Wickets Against UAE in ICC World Cup League 2

Nepal suffered a 4-wicket defeat against the UAE in the triangular ODI series of the ICC World Cup League 2, marking their fourth consecutive loss. In the ongoing series at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Nepal lost both matches against the USA and UAE. Nepal was beaten by 106 runs by the USA, by 5 wickets in the first match against the UAE, and today (Wednesday) by 4 wickets.

Karnali Yaks’ Trophy Tour Boosts Cricket Enthusiasm in Salyan

Ahead of the second edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL), the Karnali Yaks team toured Salyan on Tuesday with the championship trophy, aiming to raise enthusiasm for cricket in the district. Sabin Hamal, President of the Nepal Cricket Association (CAN) Salyan, said the campaign provides significant support for cricket development. “This trophy tour has increased interest and excitement for cricket in our district,” he said. “We believe this initiative will attract children to the sport and benefit Nepali cricket in the long term.”

Pokhara Avengers Collaborates with Nepathya for Musical Event

The Nepali band Nepathya will perform a live musical concert at the Pokhara Stadium on Friday in collaboration with the Pokhara Avengers, a team participating in the Nepal Premier League (NPL). According to Pokhara Avengers, the musical event will be held as part of the NPL Trophy Tour in Gandaki Province. Within just a few hours of announcing the concert on social media, over a thousand tickets, including student discount tickets, were sold out, the team said, expressing gratitude to the fans for their overwhelming support.

Typhoon Kalmaegi Kills 66 in Central Philippines, Thousands Flee Homes

At least 66 people have died and hundreds of thousands have been forced to evacuate as Typhoon Kalmaegi, one of the strongest storms this year, battered the central Philippines, authorities reported. The typhoon caused severe flooding across Cebu, the most populated island in the central region, where 49 of the fatalities occurred. An additional 26 people remain missing, according to a civil defence official. Dramatic videos show residents sheltering on rooftops while cars and shipping containers are swept through flooded streets.

Train Collision Kills 11, Injures 20 in India’s Chhattisgarh

The death toll in the Bilaspur train accident has risen to 11, with 20 others injured after a passenger train allegedly ignored a red signal and collided from behind with a goods train near Bilaspur station in Chhattisgarh on Tuesday. The incident occurred around 4 p.m. when the MEMU (Mainline Electric Multiple Unit) passenger train was traveling from Gevra in neighboring Korba district toward Bilaspur. One coach of the passenger train ended up on top of a cargo train wagon.

UPS Cargo Plane Crash in Louisville Kills 7

Seven people were killed and at least 11 others injured when a UPS cargo plane crashed while taking off from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday evening, Kentucky officials confirmed. The freight plane exploded around 5:15 p.m. local time (10:15 GMT), sending thick black smoke into the sky. Governor Andy Beshear said the three crew members aboard the aircraft were likely among the fatalities. Many of the injured suffered severe injuries, and the death toll could rise as rescue efforts continue.

Israel Launches Raids in Southern Gaza as Hamas Returns Captive’s Body

The Israeli army has intensified raids, artillery shelling, and demolitions in southern Gaza. Hamas has returned the body of an Israeli captive. Israel has confirmed the handover but said the identity of the deceased has not yet been verified. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told Al Jazeera that the United Nations is facing greater challenges distributing humanitarian supplies during the current ceasefire compared to the previous one.

Zohran Mamdani Projected as New York City’s First Muslim Mayor

Zohran Mamdani has won New York City’s tightly contested mayoral race, defeating independent candidate Andrew Cuomo, according to projections by the Associated Press. A self-described democratic socialist, Mamdani will become the city’s first Muslim mayor. His campaign attracted liberal voters with promises of free childcare, free bus transport, and a rent freeze for roughly one million rent-regulated New Yorkers. Democratic candidates are also performing strongly in other key races, including gubernatorial contests in New Jersey and Virginia.