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 Balen Holds Consultations with Provincial Lawmakers

Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) held high-level discussions with members of the House of Representatives and National Assembly representing Koshi and Karnali provinces on Monday. The meeting, conducted at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, included lawmakers from all political parties. The dialogue focused on identifying regional development priorities and addressing specific grievances from these provinces to be addressed in the upcoming federal budget. This initiative is part of the Prime Minister’s effort to ensure provincial needs are integrated into the national governance framework and to foster better coordination between the federal and provincial governments.

President Meets Outgoing Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut

Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut paid a courtesy visit to President Ram Chandra Paudel at Shital Niwas on Monday. The meeting took place as Chief Justice Raut approached the end of his tenure in office. During the visit, the two officials discussed matters related to the judiciary and the constitutional responsibilities of their respective offices. The visit follows standard protocol for departing heads of constitutional bodies. President Paudel acknowledged the service of the chief justice during his term, which saw significant judicial developments and the handling of high-profile constitutional cases.

RSS Executive Chairman Dharmendra Jha Resigns Citing Political Changes

Dharmendra Jha, the Executive Chairman of the state-owned National News Agency (RSS), resigned from his post on Monday. Jha stated that he decided to step down on moral grounds following the change in the country’s political landscape. In his resignation letter, he expressed that the newly formed government should have the opportunity to operate with its preferred leadership and wished the administration success. Jha, a veteran journalist and former president of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), had been leading the agency since his appointment by the previous administration.

Ride-Sharing Drivers Protest in Maitighar Against Commission Rates and Fuel Prices

Drivers associated with various ride-sharing platforms staged a peaceful protest at Maitighar Mandala on Sunday, citing exploitation by companies. Led by the Independent Drivers Foundation, the protesters demanded a revision of fare rates to reflect the rising cost of petrol. They accused companies of charging high commission fees while failing to provide insurance or social security benefits to the drivers. Following the demonstration, the foundation organized a motorcycle rally through various parts of Kathmandu to draw attention to their grievances. The drivers warned of further disruptions if the government does not regulate the commission structures and ensure fair earnings for the workers in the gig economy.

UML Leaders and Supporters Protest at Maitighar Demanding Release of KP Sharma Oli

Top leaders and supporters of CPN (UML) staged a massive protest at Maitighar on Monday to demand the immediate release of Chairman KP Sharma Oli. The demonstration, led by party secretaries Bhanubhakta Dhakal, Sherdhan Rai, and Mahesh Basnet, marched toward Babarmahal despite heavy police presence. Secretary Rai accused the government of political vendetta and warned that the state is pushing the country toward a confrontation similar to the conflict in Ukraine. The party’s Valley Special Committee organized the protest, vowing to continue street demonstrations until Oli, who was arrested on Saturday from his Gundu residence, is freed from judicial custody.

Police Arrest 15 Middlemen for Harassing Service Seekers at Ekantakuna

Authorities arrested 15 middlemen from the Transport Management Office in Ekantakuna, Lalitpur, on Monday. A joint team from the District Police Range Lalitpur and Satdobato Police Circle conducted the operation following complaints that middlemen were extorting money by promising “fast track” services. Police Spokesperson SP Gautam Mishra stated that the suspects were caught causing unnecessary distress to citizens visiting the office for license and vehicle-related work. All arrested individuals are currently being held at the Satdobato Police Circle for further investigation and legal action under the Social Offenses Act.

Hearing Postponed in Rabi Lamichhane Passport Misuse Case Due to Busy Bench

The Supreme Court hearing on the passport misuse case involving Rabi Lamichhane, chairman of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), was postponed on Monday as the bench could not be formed. The case was scheduled before a joint bench of Justices Kumar Regmi and Meghraj Pokhrel. However, Justice Pokhrel was occupied with the habeas corpus petition of KP Sharma Oli, while Justice Regmi was hearing the petition of Ramesh Lekhak. Petitioner Yuvraj Paudel (Safal) is challenging the Office of the Attorney General’s decision not to prosecute Lamichhane for obtaining a Nepali passport while still holding United States citizenship.

Kathmandu District Court Refuses Arrest Warrant Against Mahesh Basnet

The Kathmandu District Court on Monday declined to issue an arrest warrant against CPN (UML) Secretary Mahesh Basnet. The District Police Range Kathmandu had sought the warrant following a fresh complaint by Shobha Pathak, who accused Basnet of rape and forced abortion. SP Pawan Kumar Bhattarai explained that the court refused the request because the matter is currently under review at the High Government Attorney’s Office in Patan. Previously, the District Government Attorney’s Office had decided not to pursue the case, a decision that Pathak is now appealing to higher legal authorities.

Govt. to Reduce Number of Ministries to 17 Within 30 Days

To control rising recurrent expenditure and administrative overlap, the government announced it will reduce the number of federal ministries to 17 within 30 days. This decision involves amending the Government of Nepal (Allocation of Business) Rules to streamline service delivery. Furthermore, all public entities have been directed to prepare objective performance indicators for every position within 45 days to link employee performance with results. A new accountability and review system will be implemented within 90 days to ensure that high-performing staff are rewarded while those with poor performance face consequences, ending the trend of equal treatment regardless of output.

Govt. Mandates 10% Free Beds for Indigent Patients in All Hospitals

The Ministry of Health and Population will strictly enforce a rule requiring all public and private hospitals to provide at least 10 percent of their total beds free of charge to poor, helpless, and unidentified patients. To ensure transparency, the government will launch a ‘Free Health Portal’ within 30 days for real-time monitoring of service utilization. Additionally, a digital integrated health information system will be developed within three months to manage patient records and prevent unnecessary referrals to private hospitals. The government also plans to establish ‘Affordable Pharmacies’ in all government hospitals within 100 days to provide medicines at minimum generic prices.

Finance Minister Pledges to End Bribery and Administrative Hassles for Private Sector

Finance Minister Dr. Swornim Wagle committed to eliminating administrative obstacles, bribery, and unnecessary legal entanglements for the private sector on Monday. Meeting with representatives of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FNCCI), he stated that businesses will no longer need to pay bribes or stand in long lines at government offices. The minister announced a shift in policy toward imposing financial fines rather than imprisonment for minor economic irregularities. While promising that the state will act as a supportive partner, he warned of ruthless action against those who engage in planned dishonesty or intentional fraud.

Govt. Waives Registration Fees for Small Industries to Boost Entrepreneurship

The government led by Balen Shah decided to abolish registration fees for industries with a capital of up to Rs 250 million to create a middleman-free environment. Under a new 100-point governance roadmap, these industries will now be registered exclusively through cottage and small industry offices within a 45-day implementation window. Additionally, Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) will reduce the risk weight for loans to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), agriculture, and information technology sectors within 30 days. A ‘Startup Fast Track’ system will also be launched to ensure business registration is completed within two days through a unified digital platform.

PM Balen Shah Chairs 2nd Cabinet Meeting of the New Administration

Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) presided over the second meeting of the newly formed Council of Ministers on Monday afternoon at 4:00 PM. The meeting, held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, was attended by all ministers of the lean cabinet. While the specific agendas were not fully disclosed, the session focused on implementing the 100–point governance roadmap approved in the previous meeting. Discussions also included the administrative restructuring of ministries and the deployment of officials to key departments to accelerate the government’s reform agenda during its first month in office.

Home Minister Sudhan Gurung Inspects Police Headquarters and Prohibits Interference

Home Minister Sudhan Gurung inspected the police headquarters in Naxal on Monday and assured that there would be no political interference in police operations. During his address to high-ranking officials, including Inspector General Dan Bahadur Karki, the minister emphasized the need to bridge the distance between citizens and the police through polite behavior and effective service. He pledged to prioritize career development based on a scientific performance system and announced plans to equip the police with advanced technology and disaster management tools. Home Secretary Raj Kumar Shrestha also lauded the police for their professional role in successfully conducting the recent parliamentary elections.

Harka Sampang Files Police Complaint Over Death Threats on Social Media

Lawmaker and Chairman of the Shram Sanskriti Party, Harka Sampang, filed a formal complaint with the cyber bureau of the Nepal Police against a woman for issuing death threats. Sampang alleged that a user named Sunita Khadka threatened his life through platforms including TikTok and Facebook. The lawmaker shared a copy of the police complaint on his official social media page to inform the public of the incident. The police have initiated an investigation into the matter under the Electronic Transactions Act to track the origin of the threats and ensure the safety of the elected official.

Lawmaker Gyanendra Shahi Submits 9-Point Demand for Karnali Development

Gyanendra Shahi, the Parliamentary Party Leader of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), presented a nine-point demand to Prime Minister Balen Shah on Monday. During a provincial consultation meeting, Shahi highlighted the urgent need for infrastructure expansion, improved education, and better healthcare in Karnali Province. The demands specifically focus on job creation and the sustainable utilization of local resources. In response, Prime Minister Shah assured the lawmakers that the government is committed to the inclusive development of Karnali and promised necessary policy and structural support to address the long-standing regional disparities.

Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari Visits Arrested Leader KP Sharma Oli at TUTH

Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari visited CPN (UML) Chairman KP Sharma Oli at the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH) on Monday to inquire about his health. Oli, who was arrested on Saturday in connection with the Gen Z protest investigation, is currently being treated in the hospital’s ‘Red Zone’ due to health complications. During the visit, Bhandari consulted with attending physicians regarding the former Prime Minister’s condition. Oli remains in judicial custody for five days as authorized by the Kathmandu District Court, while his legal team challenges the arrest in the Supreme Court.

Supreme Court Orders Govt. to Justify Arrest of KP Oli and Ramesh Lekhak

The Supreme Court directed the government to provide the original files and reasons for the arrest of CPN (UML) Chairman KP Sharma Oli and Nepali Congress leader Ramesh Lekhak within three days. The order followed a preliminary hearing on habeas corpus petitions filed by Radhika Shakya and Yashoda Lekhak, the wives of the detained leaders. The petitioners argue that the arrests, based on the unpublished Gauri Bahadur Karki Commission report, are illegal and politically motivated. While Oli is receiving treatment at TUTH, Lekhak is being held at the No. 2 Battalion of the Nepal Police. The court has summoned all relevant investigation documents before making a final ruling.

Lumbini Province Launches Integrated Data Management Information System

Chief Minister Chetan Acharya inaugurated the Provincial Data Management Information System in Lumbini on Monday. The system, developed by the Provincial Planning Commission in collaboration with the Asia Foundation, integrates 1,196 data variables across 34 sectors. It is designed to connect all 109 municipalities within the province to ensure evidence-based decision-making and transparency. Chief Minister Acharya handed over the responsibility of operating the system to the Provincial Information Technology Institute, emphasizing that the platform will allow citizens to track the achievements and performance of the provincial government since its inception.

Khotang Farmers Protest ‘Monkey Attacks’ by Carrying Agricultural Tools to the Streets

Farmers in Diktel, Khotang, held a unique protest on Monday by carrying plows, yokes, and spades to the streets to demand protection from increasing monkey attacks. The protesters argued that their agricultural tools are becoming useless as monkeys destroy crops before they can be harvested, leading to empty granaries and forced migration to the Terai region. The farmers warned the state that they would abandon farming altogether if the government fails to implement an effective plan to manage the monkey population. The crisis has escalated to the point where monkeys are entering homes to loot food and attacking residents, causing widespread fear in rural settlements.

High Alert Issued in Banke and Kavre to Prevent Outbreak of Bird Flu

Authorities in Banke, Kavre, and Sindhupalchowk have increased surveillance and restricted the import of poultry products following bird flu risks. Dr. Hare Ram Yadav, Chief of the Livestock Quarantine Office in Banke, reported that 20 to 25 Indian broiler chickens are being destroyed daily to prevent the virus from entering through the open border. Imports of chicks and white eggs from India remain strictly prohibited. In Kavre, Chief District Officer Gopal Kumar Adhikari directed technical personnel to intensify testing at the Mangaltar checkpoint, while monitoring has also been tightened at the Sanga and Nala entry points to the Kathmandu Valley.

Chitwan Prison Becomes Top Choice for Ailing Inmates Due to Specialized Healthcare Access

Chitwan Prison has emerged as the preferred facility for sick inmates across Nepal due to its proximity to the BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital, Bharatpur Hospital, and two major medical colleges. Prison Chief Rabindra Prasad Dhungana reported that 118 inmates are currently receiving treatment for various conditions, including 54 for high blood pressure and 30 for diabetes. Despite the facility’s popularity for medical referrals, it faces a budget shortfall, having spent its Rs 1.2 million medical allocation for the fiscal year. The prison currently houses 679 inmates, significantly exceeding its capacity of 505.

Corruption Case Filed Against Principal and 2 Others in Jumla for Scholarship Fraud

The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) filed a corruption case at the Special Court against Narendra Bahadur Mahat, the principal of Ganesh Secondary School in Jumla. Mahat, along with school management committee chairman Til Prasad Bhattarai and an accounting assistant, is accused of embezzling Rs 145,350 intended for girl students’ scholarships during the fiscal year 2022/23. The investigation revealed that the accused forged documents claiming the funds were distributed to 127 students. The CIAA has sought the recovery of the embezzled amount along with fines and imprisonment for the involved officials.

Shiva Pariyar Questions Basis of Karki Commission’s Conclusion

Singer Shiva Pariyar has objected to being named as an individual who spread misleading propaganda in the report of the Gauri Bahadur Karki Commission, calling the conclusion unfounded and unjust. In a press release issued Monday, he urged the government to re-evaluate the finding, stating it has harmed his personal reputation and public image as an artist. Pariyar said his social media post during the Gen Z protests on September 8 and 9, 2025, was a question aimed at verifying a circulating rumor, not an attempt to mislead. He noted that he had asked whether reports claiming 32 missing individuals were found dead inside the Parliament building were true and deleted the post as soon as he realized the information was incorrect. He further argued that some media outlets distorted his intent in their coverage, which he believes led the commission to portray him as culpable. Describing himself as a responsible citizen and artist committed to truth, Pariyar said he remains willing to assist the state if required.

Anmol KC Film ‘Batulo Joon’ Scheduled for Release During October 16

Actor Anmol KC announced the release date of his upcoming film Batulo Joon on his birthday, Monday. The movie, featuring KC and actress Princy Khatiwada, is set to hit theaters on October 16, during the Phulpati festival of Dashain. Directed by Bhuwan KC, the film’s poster depicts a romantic yet mysterious theme set against a full moon. Produced by Sunrise Pictures, the cast includes Prakash Ghimire and Laxmi Giri. Anmol KC shared the poster as a gift to his fans, promising a unique cinematic experience for the festive season.

Madhesh Province Secures 3rd Consecutive Win in Prime Minister Cup Cricket

Madhesh Province maintained its undefeated streak in the Prime Minister Cup Men’s National Cricket Tournament by defeating Karnali Province by five wickets on Monday. Playing at the Ram Janaki Ground in Janakpur, Madhesh successfully chased the target of 130 runs in 24.5 overs. Araniko Yadav delivered an all-round performance, scoring an unbeaten 32 runs and taking two wickets. Aashik Baitha was the standout bowler for Madhesh, claiming four wickets. With this victory, Madhesh has accumulated seven points from four matches, while Karnali remains with three points.

Nepal National Football Team Prepared for Final AFC Asian Cup Qualifier Against Laos

Coach Guglielmo Arena expressed confidence as the Nepal National Football Team prepares to face Laos on Tuesday in their final AFC Asia Cup qualifier. During the pre-match conference, Arena emphasized his goal of grooming young talent, including five debutants: Yuvraj Khadka, Pemba Dorje Lama, Roman Bhujel, Milan Rai, and Yogesh Dhimal. Captain Kiran Chemjong stated that the team is focused on securing a win following the coach’s strategy. While both teams are already out of the qualification race, Nepal holds a historical advantage with four wins in six previous encounters against Laos.

Over 7 Million Citizens Register for Voluntary Organ Donation in China

The China Organ Donation Administrative Center reported on Monday that the number of voluntary organ donors in China has surpassed 7,300,000. Since the program’s expansion in 2013, more than 65,000 individuals have donated organs after death, saving over 200,000 lives and restoring sight to 100,000 people. Additionally, 69,000 full-body donations have been completed. To honor these donors, 380 memorial sites have been established across the country, where special commemorative events are held annually during the Qingming Festival.

Indonesian Peacekeeper Killed in Explosive Attack Near Lebanon Border

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) confirmed the death of an Indonesian peacekeeper on Monday following an explosive attack near Adchit El Qoussayr in southern Lebanon. The attack, involving indirect artillery fire, also left another peacekeeper seriously injured and three others with minor wounds. The incident occurred amidst escalating clashes between the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Hezbollah militants. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the attack, emphasizing that peacekeepers must never be targeted. Tensions in the region have surged since March, following the assassination of Iran’s supreme leader, leading to frequent cross-border fire and risks to international personnel.

United States Increases Military Deployment to 50K Personnel in Middle East

The United States has increased its military presence in the Middle East to 50,000 personnel as the conflict with Iran enters its second month. US President Donald Trump sent an additional 10,000 troops, including 2,500 Marines from Japan and specialized airborne units. While the USS Abraham Lincoln remains stationed in the region, the USS Gerald Ford was relocated for repairs following a fire incident. Experts suggest the deployment aims to seize Kharg Island, which handles 90 percent of Iran’s crude oil exports, to force Tehran into ending the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.