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 stories you need to know today.

Kathmandu Celebrates Indra Jatra with Grand Processions:
Thousands gathered across Kathmandu on Saturday to celebrate Indra Jatra, one of the city’s major festivals. The eight-day event, observed in Kathmandu Valley, Dhulikhel, and Dolakha, began Sunday with the raising of the sacred wooden pole, or lingo, at Basantapur Durbar Square. Known as Ya Sin in Nepal Bhasa, the pole is brought from a community forest in Suryabinayak, Bhaktapur, and installed outside the palace as part of opening rituals. Festival highlights included vibrant chariot processions of Ganesh, Bhairav, and Kumari, the living goddess. Devotees and tourists thronged the streets to witness the cultural spectacle.

Social Media Criticism Mounts Over Koshi Minister’s Hit-and-Run in Lalitpur:
Koshi Province’s Finance Minister Ram Bahadur Magar is facing widespread social media backlash after a hit-and-run incident in Lalitpur on Saturday morning. A government vehicle carrying Minister Magar struck 11-year-old Usha Magar Sunuwar near Harisiddhi Secondary School around 7:15 AM. CCTV footage shows the girl being hit while attempting to cross the road; the vehicle did not stop, though a motorcyclist nearby helped her. Police confirmed no serious injuries, and she was treated and discharged from B&B Hospital. The incident sparked online debates on moral accountability under the hashtag #EnoughIsEnough, despite recent social media restrictions.

CPN-UML Statute Convention Holds Provincial Group Discussions in Godawari:
The CPN-UML’s second statute convention at Sunrise Hall in Godawari, Lalitpur, is conducting group discussions on submitted reports. Delegates have been divided into ten groups representing provinces, the Kathmandu Valley, and central party structures. Koshi Province has completed its session and begun drafting its report, while Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali, Sudurpaschim, and Valley Special Province groups continue deliberations. Central bodies, mass organizations, coordination committees, and diaspora representatives are also participating. Reports will be presented tomorrow to party chair and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, with unresolved issues decided by voting to ensure a unified party statute.

Questions Raised on CPN-UML Internal Democracy as Dissenting Voice Blocked:
Serious concerns have emerged over internal democracy in the CPN-UML after dissenting proposals were blocked at the party’s second statute convention in Godawari, Lalitpur. Standing Committee member Karna Thapa was denied the floor despite standing for nearly 30 minutes, as Chair KP Sharma Oli removed his dissenting proposal from the official agenda. Thapa had submitted a 32-page report addressing issues such as internal democracy, organizational challenges, and the controversial continuation of former President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s party membership. The move has sparked criticism over the party’s commitment to democratic processes, raising questions about its decision-making transparency.

NC President Deuba Says Former Presidents Can Enter Politics, No Cabinet Reshuffle Planned:
Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba has clarified that the constitution does not bar former presidents or vice presidents from joining politics. Speaking at Biratnagar Airport on Saturday, Deuba emphasized that the current coalition government will continue without disruption. On constitutional amendments, he highlighted the need for a two-thirds majority and broad consensus. Deuba also confirmed that the party’s upcoming general convention will proceed as scheduled and that no immediate reshuffle of ministers is planned, signaling stability within both the party and the coalition government.

Prachanda Slams Congress-UML Government as an Alliance Formed by Middlemen and Brokers:
Maoist Centre chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal, or Prachanda, criticized the coalition government of Nepali Congress and CPN-UML, calling it an alliance formed by middlemen and brokers rather than the parties’ own leaders. Speaking at an FNCCI training in Pokhara, he accused the government of promoting crony capitalism and broker-led policies. Prachanda emphasized that the Maoist Centre represents the middle class and focuses on debt relief, cooperative reform, and uplifting lower strata. He added that public support for his party is growing, positioning the Maoist Centre as a genuine alternative power for the people.

Nepal, China Open Korala Border for Trade Ahead of Festivals:
The Nepal and China governments have agreed to open the Korala border in Mustang for commercial trade, providing relief to traders ahead of Dashain and Tihar. Previously limited to seasonal local use, Korala will now handle non-quarantine goods such as clothing and electronics starting Monday. The Customs Department has deployed four officials, while quarantine facilities remain unavailable. Closure of Rasuwa-Gadhi has left hundreds of containers stranded in Kerung, China, which are likely to be redirected through Korala. Narrow roads on the Nepal side pose challenges, but Chinese infrastructure is ready, promising a more cost-effective alternative to air and sea transport.

India’s Chief Justice B. R. Gavai Visits Lumbini, Birthplace of Lord Buddha:
India’s Chief Justice B. R. Gavai made his first visit to Nepal since assuming office, visiting the sacred birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha. Welcomed by Lumbini Development Trust officials, Gavai toured the Maya Devi Temple complex, recited sutras, and performed a ceremonial lamp-lighting prayer for world peace, human welfare, Nepal’s progress, and India-Nepal friendship. He reviewed ongoing development projects, praised Nepal’s efforts to promote Lumbini internationally, and received a Buddha statue as a gift. The visit also included discussions between Indian and Nepalese legal experts, aiming to strengthen judicial collaboration. The LDT anticipates the visit will enhance Lumbini’s global cultural and religious prominence.

“Nepo Kid” Trend Sparks Anti-Corruption Movement in Nepal:
The “Nepo Kid” social media campaign is gaining momentum in Nepal, targeting children of politicians and influential figures for enjoying privileges linked to corruption. Dozens of accounts on TikTok, Reddit, and other platforms have shared videos showing luxury lifestyles, foreign education, and lavish holidays, contrasting ordinary youths’ struggles. Inspired by anti-government protests in Bangladesh and Indonesia, organizers are calling for street demonstrations starting September 8, despite recent social media restrictions. The online movement, emphasizing anti-corruption and political accountability, continues to grow, raising debates about fairness and the ethics of targeting politicians’ children.

Nepali Film Abhimanyu Faces Screening Delay Amid Demon Slayer Buzz:
Nepal is set for a cinematic clash on September 27, with the Nepali film Abhimanyu and Japanese anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Infinity Castle releasing nationwide. However, controversy has erupted even before the premieres. While multiplex chain QFX has opened ticket sales for Demon Slayer, Abhimanyu’s shows remain unannounced, frustrating producer Binod Paudel. He claims QFX treated the Japanese film as a “trial” to gauge advance bookings before promoting Nepali films similarly. Other theaters have already scheduled Abhimanyu. Social media debates highlight perceived favoritism toward foreign films, sparking renewed discussion on the Nepali film industry’s ties with multiplex chains.

Bangladeshi Hit Film No Dorai to Premiere in Nepal:
Bangladesh’s critically acclaimed film No Dorai will now reach Nepali audiences, with screenings across the country from Bhadra 27, announced Apple Entertainment. Directed by Tanin Rahman Anshul, the 2019 National Film Award-winning movie tells the real-life story of Aisha from Cox’s Bazar, a young woman whose deep passion for surfing challenges societal norms. The film highlights female empowerment, perseverance, and personal courage, set against the backdrop of Bangladesh’s surfing culture.

Produced in Bengali and Chittagonian with English subtitles, the Nepal premiere next Tuesday will host high-profile officials, including the Foreign Minister and Bangladeshi Ambassador. No Dorai is brought to Nepal under a SAFTA-based bilateral agreement between Apple Entertainment and Bangladesh’s Star Cineplex.

NSJF Pulsar Sports Award 2081 Nominations Announced Across Four Categories:
The Nepal Sports Journalists Forum (NSJF) has unveiled the nominations for the 22nd Pulsar Sports Award 2081 in four categories: Male Athlete, Female Athlete, Young Athlete, and Coach. Each category features five nominees based on national and international achievements. Notable male nominees include cricketers Dipendra Singh Airee and Kushal Bhurtel, while female nominees include karateka Erica Gurung and footballer Rekha Paudel. Young athletes such as Ajay Bik and Anjali Maharjan are nominated alongside coaches like Kaviraj Negi Lama. The awards ceremony will be held at Pokhara Event Center on Bhadra 29, where winners, including the People’s Choice award, will be announced, with Pulsar motorcycles and cash prizes awarded.

Lalitpur Queens Secure Back-to-Back Wins in Everest Women’s Volleyball League:
Lalitpur Queens, last season’s runners-up, claimed their second consecutive victory in the Everest Women’s Volleyball League. In Saturday’s Valley Derby at Pokhara’s multipurpose covered hall, Lalitpur defeated Kathmandu Spikers in straight sets, 25–19, 25–23, 25–21. With two wins in a row, Lalitpur has accumulated six points and sits atop the league standings. The Queens had also won their opening match against Madhesh United in straight sets, maintaining their unbeaten start to the season.

Karnali Yashvis Secures Back-to-Back Wins in Everest Women’s Volleyball League:
Defending champions Karnali Yashvis recorded their second consecutive victory in the Everest Women’s Volleyball League (EWVL) on Saturday. At the Pokhara Multipurpose Covered Hall, Karnali defeated Lumbini Labhaj 3–1, bouncing back after losing the first set 23–25. They claimed the next three sets 25–21, 25–17, and 25–22, with Lumbini losing momentum after Karnali captain Aruna Shahi was injured and forced off the court in the third set. Karnali had earlier beaten Pokhara Ninjas 3–0. In the day’s opening match, Lalitpur Queens defeated Kathmandu Spikers 3–0. The final match between Pokhara Ninjas and Madhesh United is ongoing. The league, organized by Infinity Dreams Pvt. Ltd., runs until Bhadra 28.

Third Mr. Kanchenjunga Bodybuilding Competition Set for Birtamod:
Preparations for the third Mr. Kanchenjunga Open Bodybuilding Competition have been completed, with the event scheduled for Bhadra 27–28 in Birtamod. Organizers say this edition marks the first national-level bodybuilding contest in Jhapa, elevating it from its previous provincial status. The competition, organized by Body Garage, will feature athletes across six weight categories: 55kg, 60kg, 65kg, 70kg, 75kg, and above 75kg. Prejudging will take place on the first day, followed by the finals on the second day. The winner will receive NPR 500,000, with cash prizes for runners-up down to sixth place. Around 200 participants from across the country are expected.

Luis Suárez Suspended Six Matches After League Cup Final Incident:
Inter Miami striker Luis Suárez received a six-match ban for spitting at a Seattle Sounders staff member after their 3–0 League Cup final defeat on August 31. Midfielder Sergio Busquets was banned for two matches for striking Obed Vargas, defender Tomas Abiles three matches for aggressive conduct, and Sounders coach Stephen Lenhart five matches for rule violations. All four face financial penalties and are barred from matches and training during their suspensions. Suárez issued a public apology, calling his behavior inappropriate, while Inter Miami expressed regret. Major League Soccer may impose additional sanctions.

Trump Authorizes US Military to Shoot Down Venezuelan Aircraft if Threatened:
U.S. President Donald Trump warned that the US military is authorized to shoot down Venezuelan aircraft if commanders deem them a threat. The statement followed reports of Venezuelan jets buzzing US warships on an anti-drug mission near Venezuela. Trump framed the military presence as a crackdown on narcotics, citing billions of dollars of drugs entering the US and Venezuelan prisons allegedly facilitating trafficking. Recently, Washington deployed eight warships, an attack submarine, and ten F-35 fighters to deter further incidents. Earlier this week, a US strike on a suspected drug boat killed 11. Tensions with President Nicolas Maduro’s government have escalated amid longstanding sanctions and opposition backing.

Modi Affirms Strong US-India Ties Amid Trump’s Criticism Over Russian Oil:
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described US-India relations as “very positive and forward-looking,” responding to US President Donald Trump’s remarks about India’s oil purchases from Russia. Trump, while expressing personal friendship with Modi, criticized India for buying Russian oil and cited tariffs of up to 50% on Indian goods. Speaking after the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit, Trump said India’s moves disappointed him but reaffirmed the “special relationship” with the country. Modi thanked Trump for his sentiments, emphasizing the Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership. US officials have warned of trade consequences if India does not align with Washington on Russia.

Trump Threatens Retaliation After EU Fines Google €2.95 Billion:
US President Donald Trump has warned of retaliatory action after the European Commission fined Google €2.95 billion for abusing its dominant position in online advertising. Trump called the fine “very unfair” and signaled a potential Section 301 trade investigation to penalize EU actions harming American companies. The Commission found Google favored its own ad technology, disadvantaging competitors, advertisers, and publishers, targeting tools like the AdX exchange and DFP platform. EU Competition Commissioner Teresa Ribera suggested a structural remedy, such as divesting part of Google’s Adtech business, to resolve the conflict. Google has 60 days to propose remedies.