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.

PM Sushila Karki to Skip Dashain Tika in Tribute to Gen-Z Movement Victims:
Prime Minister Sushila Karki has announced she will not receive Dashain tika this year, according to her Chief Personal Secretary, Adarsh Kumar Shrestha. While Dashain is traditionally a time of joy and celebration, the Prime Minister chose to abstain from the tika ceremony as a mark of respect for the youth who lost their lives and those injured during the recent Gen-Z movement. Her secretariat clarified that she will not apply tika herself and urged the public to refrain from doing so during this period of mourning. The gesture underscores the government’s recognition of recent social upheavals and national grief.

Nepali Congress Objects to Passport Suspension of Former Leaders:
The Nepali Congress has raised objections to the interim government’s suspension of passports for five individuals, including the former Prime Minister and Home Minister. NC Chief Secretary Krishna Prasad Paudel, in a press release, urged the government to avoid fostering impunity or engaging in retaliatory politics against political parties. The move follows the Gen-Z protests on September 8–9, after which a government probe commission recommended travel bans on the former PM, Home Minister, and three senior officials from the Home Ministry. The party’s objection highlights concerns over potential political targeting and the importance of impartiality in enforcing such measures.

Department Warns of Intensified Monsoon from October 3, Advises Caution:
The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has warned that the monsoon will become more active in Nepal from October 3 due to a low-pressure system developing over the Bay of Bengal. Meteorologist Binu Maharjan said moist monsoon winds will enter Nepal, affecting Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini provinces, with light to heavy rainfall expected. On October 4–5, many areas may see moderate to heavy rains, and some locations could experience very heavy or extreme downpours. The department urged vigilance as the intensified monsoon during the Dashain period may trigger landslides, floods, and disrupt road and air transport.

Thousands Flock to Taleju Bhawani Temple on Mahanavami:
On Mahanavami, the historic Taleju Bhawani Temple in Hanumandhoka Durbar Square, Kathmandu, opened to the public, attracting thousands of devotees from early morning. Normally closed year-round, the temple welcomes worshippers only on Ashwin Shukla Navami, when believers offer prayers and seek blessings. Long queues stretched from the temple premises through New Road’s Juddha Shalik and surrounding lanes as devotees waited patiently for their turn. Built in the 16th century, Taleju Bhawani Temple is one of the Valley’s most significant religious sites, gaining special prominence during Dashain. The annual opening reflects the enduring faith and cultural traditions of Kathmandu’s Hindu community.

Over 611,000 Leave Kathmandu Valley During Dashain, Traffic Peaks at Key Checkpoints:
Since Dashain’s Ghatasthapana on 6 Ashoj, 611,657 people have left Kathmandu Valley, according to the Valley Traffic Police Office. In the past 24 hours alone, 58,396 residents departed, with 13,326 vehicles exiting the capital. A total of 113,415 vehicles have left the valley since the festival began, mainly heading to eastern, western, and far-western provinces. Meanwhile, 319,015 people have entered the valley via 77,545 vehicles, with major congestion reported at Koteshwor, Kalanki, Balkhu, New Bus Park, and Jagati checkpoints. Police reported that traffic is moving normally at entry and exit points despite the high volume of festival travel.

President Paudel Performs Traditional Kanya Puja on Mahanavami:
President Ramchandra Paudel observed the traditional Kanya Puja at the President’s Office today on the occasion of Ashwin Shukla Navami. He worshipped nine young girls from Bal Mandir, Naxal, following the ritual that honors them as embodiments of Goddess Navadurga, a practice traditionally performed by the Head of State during Mahanavami. First Lady Sabita Paudel also participated in the ceremony, offering prayers alongside the President. The annual ritual reflects Nepal’s rich cultural and religious traditions, symbolizing respect for purity, divinity, and the empowerment of young girls, while reinforcing the continuity of age-old ceremonial observances at the nation’s highest office.

Four Killed in Sarlahi Mudslide While Collecting Soil:
A tragic mudslide in Haripurwa Municipality, Sarlahi, claimed the lives of four people on Wednesday morning. Three children and an elderly person, who had gone to collect soil from Hardikhola along the Sarlahi-Mahottari border, were buried and died on the spot. The victims—65-year-old Sayada Khatun, six-year-old Sabiba Khatun, eight-year-old Dillu Mansur, and nine-year-old Nargis Khatun—hail from Magarthana, Sonama Rural Municipality-6, Mahottari. Two others who came to collect soil escaped. The bodies were taken to Malangwa Provincial Hospital, where they were declared dead. Police are investigating the incident, which occurred when a mound of soil collapsed while the group was digging near the riverbank.

Transport Department Warns Operators Over Excessive Fares, Threatens Route License Cancellation:
The Department of Transport Management has issued a warning to public transport operators over complaints of charging fares above the regulated limit. The department specifically highlighted reports of excessive fares on routes between Kathmandu and the Far-Western region. Authorities have cautioned that if operators are found violating fare regulations, strict action could be taken, including the cancellation of route permits. The notice, released on Wednesday, urges transport businesses to comply with prescribed fare structures to protect passengers’ rights and ensure fair pricing. The department emphasized its commitment to monitoring public transport and penalizing non-compliant operators to maintain service standards.

Title Song ‘Dajuko Sali’ Released Ahead of Nepali Film ‘Soltini’:
The title song ‘Dajuko Sali’ from the upcoming Nepali film ‘Soltini’ has been released online ahead of the movie’s release on Kartik 6. Sung by S.D. Yogi, the song features lyrics by Arjun Suvedi, music by Hercules Basnet, arrangement by Uday Raj Paudel, and mixing/mastering by Shyamshwet Rasaily, with choreography by Mausam Himali. Starring Prakash Saput and Pariksha Limbu alongside Sundar Dhital, Sabbu Gurung, and Sujan Khatiwada, the song portrays romance and rural life. Directed by Arjun Suvedi, the film highlights love, culture, and social issues, including caste discrimination. Shot across Ilam, Birtamod, Bhojpur, and other scenic locations, it promises a mix of romance and societal storytelling.

Shooting of Nepali Film ‘Malti Mangle’ Completed, Post-Production to Begin:
The shooting of the Nepali film ‘Malti Mangle’ has officially wrapped up after 31 days, executive producer Sagar Gyawali confirmed. Filming took place across scenic locations in Tanahun and Syangja districts. The project began with a traditional script and camera puja at Koteshwor Mahadevsthan Temple in Kathmandu, with first clap by Gopal Karmacharya and first scene acted by Vijay Baral and Varsha Raut. Produced under Rani Music International with Uni Entertainment, the film is directed by Praku Pandey, who also wrote the story, with screenplay and dialogues by Guragai. Lead roles feature Vijay Baral, Varsha Raut, and Maxam Gaudel. Post-production work will commence immediately.

Kalkin Shrestha Sets New National Record in 800m Freestyle at Asian Aquatics Championship:
Nepali swimmer Kalkin Shrestha established a new national record in the men’s 800-meter freestyle at the 11th Asian Aquatics Championship in Ahmedabad, India, completing the distance in 9 minutes 12.62 seconds. He surpassed the previous record of 10:00.85 set by Shirish Gurung in 2013. Fellow swimmer Atharv Singh also broke Gurung’s record with a time of 9:16.91. On the same day, the Nepali team—including Abhib Pradhan, Jaden Shrestha, Rewant Bahadur Shrestha, and Alvin Maharjan—set a national record in the 4×100m freestyle relay with 3:47.73, breaking the previous mark from 2024. In total, Nepali swimmers established four national records at the championship.

Nepal Misses Historic Clean Sweep as West Indies Chase 123 Runs Unbeaten:
Nepal lost the final match of their historic series against West Indies by 10 wickets on Tuesday, preventing a clean sweep despite leading the series 2-1. Nepal had earlier won two games, scoring 19 and 90-run victories. Batting first at Sharjah International Cricket Stadium, Nepal posted 122 runs in 19.5 overs, with opener Kushal Bhurtel top-scoring 39. West Indies chased the modest target in 12.2 overs without losing a wicket, led by openers Amir Jongu (74 off 45 balls, 5 fours, 6 sixes) and Akim Aguste (41 off 29 balls, 4 fours, 2 sixes). Ramon Simmonds claimed four wickets for West Indies.

Denmark Mobilizes Reservists Amid Unexplained Drone Sightings Near Strategic Sites:
Denmark has called up hundreds of reservists after a series of mysterious drone sightings near strategic sites, including Aalborg airport and military base, TV2 reported. Air traffic was briefly halted at both locations, which host F-16 and F-35 fighter jets, though the drones were never identified. In response, the Danish Armed Forces issued a classified order summoning part of the reserve force. Authorities also imposed a temporary civilian drone ban through Friday, coinciding with an EU informal council meeting in Copenhagen. Russia denied involvement in similar European airspace violations, dismissing accusations as Western “scaremongering,” according to Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

US Federal Government Shuts Down Amid Deadlocked Congress:
The US federal government officially shut down at midnight after Congress failed to pass a funding measure, marking the first shutdown since 2019. Deadlock persists as Republicans demand a seven-week funding extension, while Democrats seek major concessions before supporting any measure. Democratic leaders Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer blamed President Donald Trump and Republicans for the impasse, citing threats to healthcare and rising costs. Hundreds of thousands of federal employees face furloughs, while essential staff must work without pay. Critical services remain operational, but non-essential functions, including immigration hearings and federal lending, may be delayed. The Senate will vote again tomorrow to resolve the standoff.