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 today:

President Urges Political Parties to Focus on Elections

President Ram Chandra Paudel has called on all political parties to concentrate on the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5, 2026, describing elections as the only way to safeguard the country, the people, democracy, and the Constitution. During an all-party meeting at Sheetal Niwas, President Paudel urged the government to ensure peace, security, and a fair, fear-free environment for the elections. He asked parties to address any doubts openly and warned that seeking alternatives to elections could harm the country.

Government Announces Decisions of Cabinet Meeting

The government has made public the decisions of its cabinet meeting held on October 9, announced by Government Spokesperson and Minister for Communication and Information Technology Jagadish Kharel at a press conference on Friday. The cabinet approved measures for reconstruction and repair of public infrastructure damaged during the September 8-9 protests, relief and economic rehabilitation for affected people, resumption of public services, and arrangements for the House of Representatives election.

Prachanda Warns of Threats to National Sovereignty

Chairperson of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre), Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, has expressed concern over what he calls a major threat to national sovereignty. Speaking in a discussion with editors, Prachanda said, “Such interference in our national sovereignty has never happened before. The challenge to sovereignty now is unprecedented.” He also noted that the political crisis in the country remains unresolved.

Ramesh Lekhak Denies Ordering to Use Force in Gen Z Protest

Former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has denied allegations that orders were given to use force during the Gen Z movement. Lekhak, who resigned from his ministerial post after the violent protests claimed 19 lives, commented on the matter one month later. Lekhak made the remarks while attending a meeting on Friday that included office-bearers and former office-bearers of the Nepali Congress. He stated, “It is not true that the then-Prime Minister or the Home Minister ordered the use of force.”

UML Accuses Interim Government of Fueling Division and Confrontation Instead of Holding Elections

CPN-UML has accused the interim government of steering the country toward “unnecessary bitterness, tension, and confrontation” instead of focusing on conducting elections. Speaking after a Secretariat meeting held in Gundu, Bhaktapur, on Friday, UML Deputy General Secretary Pradeep Gyawali said the party held serious discussions regarding the government’s recent actions.

BP Highway Reopens

The BP Highway, which had been blocked due to continuous rainfall, floods, and landslides, has been reopened. According to the Department of Roads, the highway resumed operation from 2 p.m. on Friday. The three days of incessant rainfall since October 3 had caused floods and damaged the road at 13 different points along the highway. Currently, a two-way diversion is being constructed at Mamti.

Four Newly Promoted AIGs Receive Insignia

Four newly promoted Additional Inspectors General (AIGs) of the Nepal Police were presented with their official insignia. Police Inspector General Chandra Kuber Khapung handed over the insignia during a ceremony held at the Nepal Police Headquarters on Friday. The officers honored with the insignia are Sushil Singh Rathor, Uma Prasad Chaturvedi, Himalaya Kumar Shrestha, and Dambar Bahadur BK. The Cabinet had approved the recommendation for their promotion during Thursday’s meeting.

Government Clarifies Contract Teachers Not Affected by Spending Cuts

Despite the government’s decision to curb unproductive spending and maintain fiscal discipline, it has clarified that contract teachers will not be affected. The Ministry of Finance had issued a statement on September 23, stating that temporary and contract employees could not be appointed beyond approved posts at the federal, provincial, and local levels. Following questions from local bodies and schools regarding contract teachers, the Ministry of Education confirmed that this restriction does not apply to them, ensuring that schools can continue hiring contract teachers as needed.

Three Dead, Six Injured in Bolero Jeep Accident in Humla

On Friday morning, a Bolero jeep accident in Desikhola, Chankheli Rural Municipality–4, Humla claimed the lives of three people. The jeep was traveling from Melcham, Chankheli–6 to the rural municipality center Piplang, en route to Surkhet, when the accident occurred. The deceased have been identified as Basanti Budha, her daughter, and Manbir Budha from Ward 6. Six others sustained injuries.

RSP Forms Task Force for Candidate Selection Ahead of Elections

The Secretariat of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) held a meeting today and approved several important decisions aimed at preparing for upcoming elections and strengthening party operations. For the March 5, 2026 House of Representatives elections, a seven-day task force led by Deputy General Secretary Bipin Kumar Acharya will collect suggestions from provincial, district, constituency, and municipal levels to draft a unified candidate selection framework.

Four Ministers Set For Foreign Visits

Four ministers from the interim government are scheduled to travel abroad within the next six weeks for official engagements. Finance Minister Rameshore Khanal will leave for the United States on Friday to attend the joint annual meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund. He will be accompanied by Finance Secretary Ghan Shyam Upadhyay and Nepal Rastra Bank Governor Biswo Nath Poudel.

NC leaders Close to Deuba Call for His Graceful Exit

A meeting of central committee members close to the establishment faction of the Nepali Congress has concluded, reaching a consensus that party president Sher Bahadur Deuba should be given a graceful exit through the regular 15th General Convention. The meeting also emphasized the need to unify and reform the party from the grassroots to the central level. The meeting, held at Arambha Restaurant in Shankhamul under the coordination of central committee member Guru Baral, decided that the party’s 15th General Convention should be conducted in a regular manner to ensure leadership transition and internal reform.

Kathmandu DAO Bans UML-Linked Youth Union Rally and Assembly

The District Administration Office, Kathmandu, has prohibited the youth wing affiliated with the Communist Party of Nepal (UML) from holding a motorcycle rally and assembly. The Youth Union had planned to organize the rally in Kathmandu on Saturday, starting from Tinkune. Chief District Officer Ishwar Raj Paudel issued a notice stating that rallies, processions, sit-ins, assemblies, and demonstrations by various groups could pose security challenges and complicate efforts to ensure public safety.

IGP Chandrakuber Khapung Denies Warning of Resignation

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chandrakuber Khapung has clarified that he never issued a warning about resigning. In a statement released through the Secretariat, he refuted reports in various media outlets claiming that he had threatened to resign. The statement, issued by Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Binod Ghimire, noted that during a security meeting attended by Prime Minister Sushila Karki and Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal, IGP Khapung did not make any remarks regarding resignation.

Nepal Enters Super Six of ICC T20 World Cup Asia & East Asia-Pacific Qualifiers

Nepal has advanced to the Super Six stage of the ICC T20 World Cup Asia and East Asia-Pacific Qualifiers as group winners. In their final group match, Nepal defeated Japan by five wickets, securing two crucial points to move forward. After Japan batted first and set a target of 132 runs, Nepal chased it down in 18 overs, losing five wickets. Japan, finishing as group runners-up, also qualified for the Super Six stage.

TU and CTEVT to Hold Re-exams After Answer Sheets Burned During Gen Z Movement

Tribhuvan University (TU) and the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT) will hold re-examinations after answer sheets were burned during the recent Gen-Z movement. At TU, 652 students’ papers from three centers were destroyed, and the exams were canceled by the Central Examination Steering Committee. Campuses have been asked to inform students of the rescheduled exams. At CTEVT, 14,700 answer sheets from diploma, certificate, and pre-diploma exams were burned. The re-exams are set to begin November 20, and the papers had been stored at a police office for safekeeping.

Japanese Encephalitis Kills 31 People Across Nepal This Year

A total of 31 people have died across Nepal this year due to Japanese Encephalitis (JE). This is the highest number of deaths from JE recorded in the past 10 years. In comparison, there were 25 deaths in 2024, seven in 2023, and only one in 2017. Between 2018 and 2022, no deaths were reported from Japanese Encephalitis in Nepal. There have been 164 reported infections this year, compared to 86 last year. Some vaccinated individuals have also died, likely because the vaccine’s effectiveness weakens over time. Currently, Japanese Encephalitis has spread to 110 municipalities across 42 districts.

Nepal Rastra Bank Increases Daily Gold Import Limit

Nepal Rastra Bank has increased the daily limit for gold imports. On Friday, the central bank amended its integrated circular to raise the daily gold import quota. Similarly, it has also made changes to the payment limit for remittances coming from abroad. According to a new circular issued by the Foreign Exchange Management Department, these provisions will come into effect immediately. As per the new rule, the daily gold import limit has been raised from the existing 20 kilograms to 25 kilograms.

Finance Ministry Begins Work on New Guidelines for Vehicle Facilities

The Ministry of Finance has begun preparations to draft new guidelines for managing vehicle facilities used by government employees. The ministry has started collecting details of officials and employees who have been provided with vehicles from all ministries and subordinate agencies for the purpose of drafting the new guidelines. The ministry has initiated this process in accordance with the Cabinet decision made on September 21.

Thai AirAsia to Resume Flights from GBIA

After remaining without international flights for six months, Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa will see Thai AirAsia resume operations from October 26. Thai AirAsia has already obtained permission to operate two flights per week from Bhairahawa. Other companies like Jazeera Airways are also in the pipeline. For Jazeera Air, coordination is underway between the country director and the airport.

Remittance Becomes Main Source of Liquidity in Nepali Banks

Remittance has become the primary source of liquidity for banks and financial institutions. When the inflow of remittances increases, liquidity in the banking system improves. As demand for new loans has remained low for a long time and remittance inflows have continued to rise, banks have accumulated large volumes of investable capital. Due to this excess liquidity, banks have been reducing interest rates on deposits, and interbank lending rates have also remained at low levels.

Government Approves Rs 20 Billion Energy Bond Issuance

The government has opened the way for the issuance of Rs 20 billion in energy bonds. The Cabinet meeting held on October 9 decided to allow the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) to issue bonds. The government has approved the phased issuance of energy bonds worth Rs 20 billion to manage financial resources for hydropower project construction by the Nepal Electricity Authority.

Trailer of Nepali Film ‘Barishtha Balaram’ Unveiled

The trailer for the Nepali movie ‘Barishtha Balaram’ was released on Thursday in Kathmandu. It highlights the playful quarrel between lead actors Dayahang Rai and Bijay Baral. The conflict shows Bijay feeling belittled due to his poor background, while Dayahang asserts himself when others interfere in his work by the river. The trailer also shows Vijay’s romantic interest in Samriddhi Aryal, a young character in the film.

New Nepali Pop Song ‘Lahar Jhai’ Released

Lyricist Dabbu Kshetri’s song ‘Lahar Jhai’ has been released, featuring vocals by Benisa Paudel in a pop style. The music and arrangement are by Jugal Dangol. The music video, directed by Dabbu Kshetri and produced by Bilakshhan Creation, stars Sarita Bharati. It depicts the energy and independence of a young woman longing to soar freely like a bird. Filmed in Malaysia, the video’s cinematography was handled by Badri Thapa and editing by Birendra Bhatta ‘Bipin’.

Director Deepakraj Giri Comments on Nepali Politics

Nepali filmmaker Deepakraj Giri has stated that no miraculous hero can emerge in Nepalese politics. On Facebook, he wrote, “In Nepali politics, no miraculous hero can emerge. If someone does, they are either an American agent or an Indian broker.” Using satire, he added: “Even Lord Buddha went to India to attain enlightenment; if it happened today…” emphasizing the improbability of extraordinary political saviors in modern Nepal.

Six Nepali Women Cricketers to Play in Malaysia’s NCIE Women Inter-State T20 Championship

Six Nepali women cricketers, including vice-captain Pooja Mahato, will participate in the MCA Women Inter-State T20 Championship in Malaysia, the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) announced on Friday. Puja Mahato, former national captain Rubina Chhetri, and Kabita Kunwar will play for the Sarawak Cricket Association, while former vice-captain Sita Rana Magar, Kabita Joshi, and Rajmati Airee will represent the Selangor Cricket Association. The championship will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from October 18 to 28.

Nepathya Eagles and Ramapur Revivals Claim Wins in Tilottama Cricket League

On the second day of the Tilottama Cricket League, Nepathya Eagles and Ramapur Revivalians registered victories in thrilling contests at Extratech Oval, Tilottama–17 on Thursday. Nepathya Eagles defeated P2KD Squad by 80 runs. After losing the toss and batting first, the Eagles posted a challenging 129-run total for 8 wickets in 20 overs.

Chasing 129, P2KD’s innings collapsed entirely, with the team all out for just 48 runs. In the second match, Ramapur Revivals defeated Khelasiki Orcas by 5 wickets to secure their win.

Abdullah Al Mutairi Criticizes Nepal and Afghanistan Media

Sri Lankan coach Abdullah Almutairi claimed that after his removal, both Nepal and Afghanistan football were negatively affected. Ahead of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers match between Sri Lanka and Turkmenistan at the Racecourse Ground on Thursday, Almutairi said that the media in Nepal and Afghanistan targeted him unfairly. He stated, “I was targeted in Nepal and Afghanistan, but the impact was greater on their football than on me. I want to tell Sri Lankan fans and media not to involve players in controversies.”

Strong 7.4 Magnitude Quake Hits Southern Philippines

A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck off the southern coast of Philippines, prompting tsunami warnings from Philippine and Indonesian authorities. Residents in coastal towns in central and southern Philippines were asked to evacuate as authorities warned of waves over a metre (3.3ft) above normal tide levels. At least one person was killed in the earthquake on Friday morning, which also led to power cuts and classes being suspended in parts of the country.

Israel Approves First Phase of Gaza Deal

Israel has approved the first phase of a Gaza agreement, which is set to lead to a ceasefire and the release of hostages, according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office. The ceasefire was scheduled to come into effect following approval by the Israeli cabinet. However, eyewitnesses reported that airstrikes continued in parts of Gaza overnight. Under the deal, the Israeli military will begin a partial withdrawal from Gaza, with a 24-hour timeframe to implement the pullback.

Venezuelan Opposition Leader María Corina Machado Wins 2025 Nobel Peace Prize

María Corina Machado, a prominent democracy campaigner and opposition leader in Venezuela, has been awarded this year’s Nobel Peace Prize. Machado, who has largely remained in hiding since last year’s presidential elections, was recognized “for her tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela” and “her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.” The chairman of the Nobel Committee described her as “one of the most extraordinary examples of civilian courage in Latin America in recent times.”

Taiwan to Build Air Defense Dome Against ‘Hostile Threats’

Taiwan will build a dome-like air defence system to guard against “hostile threats”, President William Lai announced a day after his government warned that China is enhancing its ability to attack the island. Lai did not mention China by name – but Beijing has long claimed self-governed Taiwan as its own and hasn’t ruled out the use of force to take it. Lai also said there was a “clear necessity” to boost spending – a likely reference to increasing Chinese incursions into Taiwanese waters and airspace, including military drills that simulate an invasion.