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.

Over 111,000 Leave Kathmandu Valley in 24 Hours Amid Festive Rush:
More than 111,000 people left Kathmandu Valley in the past 24 hours, the Traffic Police Office reported on Sunday. Since Ghatasthapana, an estimated 467,000 people have departed, with transport federation officials suggesting the total could reach around 800,000. Major road congestion has created difficulties for travelers trying to reach their destinations. Bijay Bahadur Swar, President of the Nepal Transport Entrepreneurs National Federation, said the Federation has urged traffic authorities to support smoother transport operations. In response, the Traffic Police have deployed additional personnel to manage the heavy flow, ensuring safer and more efficient travel during the Dashain festival season.

Heavy Rainfall, Floods, Landslides Block Highways in Six Locations Across Nepal:
Continuous rainfall, floods, and landslides have blocked highways at six locations in Sankhuwasabha, Sindhupalchowk, and Rasuwa districts, halting vehicular movement, Nepal Police spokesperson DIG Binod Ghimire reported. The Koshi Highway is fully obstructed at Bhotekhola-4 and Makalu-3 in Sankhuwasabha. In Rasuwa, the Pasanglhamu road section at Gosainkunda-2 is blocked by landslides, with clearance efforts underway. Araniko Highway has been blocked at Sunkoshi-7 and Bhotekoshi in Sindhupalchowk. Authorities are coordinating to remove debris and restore traffic flow. The prolonged disruptions have caused major challenges for transportation, emphasizing the need for caution and preparedness during heavy monsoon conditions.

PM Karki Vows Timely House Election:
Prime Minister Sushila Karki has assured that the upcoming House of Representatives election will be held on schedule. In her Dashain greetings message on Monday, Karki said the government, formed in response to the Gen-Z Protest, remains committed to fulfilling its mandate, including timely elections and advancing good governance across all levels. Extending her best wishes for peace, happiness, and prosperity to Nepalis at home and abroad, she urged unity during the festival season. The Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that Karki will neither receive nor offer Dashain Tika to the public this year.

Deuba Urges Constitutional Path to Resolve Political Crisis:
Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has called for addressing Nepal’s political challenges strictly within the framework of the Constitution, describing it as the supreme law shaped by decades of people’s sacrifices and aspirations. Extending Dashain 2025 greetings, Deuba said the festival embodies unity in diversity and strengthens social harmony. He paid tribute to Gen-Z youths killed during the September protests and expressed sorrow over the violence and destruction caused by criminal groups. Deuba urged peace, stability, and prosperity through constitutionalism, while stressing Dashain’s symbolism of justice, unity, and resilience for the nation.

Prachanda Urges Dashain Celebrations to Foster Unity, Social Justice Amid Political Challenges:
Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda,’ Coordinator of the Special Convention Organising Committee of the CPN (Maoist Centre) and former Prime Minister, has called on Nepalis to celebrate Dashain 2082 with determination for social unity and progress. In his Bijay Dashami message, Prachanda emphasized that cultural festivals like Dashain inspire national unity, religious tolerance, family reunion, and turning grief into strength. Highlighting Nepal’s complex political situation, he stressed the need to protect past achievements and address unresolved constitutional issues, including a directly elected executive. He also noted that the party is implementing changes to support the demands of Gen-Zs.

RSP Directs Outgoing MPs to Return Diplomatic Passports:
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has instructed its 21 outgoing Members of Parliament to immediately return their diplomatic passports and MP identity cards to the Federal Parliament Secretariat. In a statement on Monday, spokesperson Manish Jha said the party expects the process to be completed without delay. The RSP also directed leaders and members at all levels to accept only greeting cards during the Dashain festival, discouraging other gifts. Citing the deaths of 75 people during the recent Gen-Z movement, the party urged restraint in celebrations and prohibited festival programs under the party’s banner or flag.

Speaker Ghimire Urges Peace Through Constitutionalism:
Speaker of the House of Representatives Devraj Ghimire has emphasized that Dashain 2082 embodies reconciliation, family reunion, and the triumph of truth over injustice. Extending festive greetings, Ghimire noted that rituals like Tika, Jamara, and blessings strengthen family bonds and unite Nepalis across ethnic, linguistic, and geographic divides. He urged the nation to channel the energy of recent Gen-Z protests toward peace, underscoring that their calls for good governance and transparency can be addressed through the constitution and rule of law. According to Ghimire, lasting solutions are achievable through democratic practices and parliamentary supremacy.

Month-Long Landslide Blockage Cuts Off Khandbari–Kimathanka Road:
The Khandbari–Kimathanka section of the North-South Koshi Corridor has remained closed for a month after a massive landslide in Makalu Rural Municipality-3 swept away nearly 200 meters of road in late August. The shutdown has crippled transportation, damaged farmland, and disrupted supplies of food and essentials to nearby villages. Road Planning Office chief Ram Bahadur Gurung said repairs cannot begin until the terrain stabilizes. Local leaders report extreme hardship, with residents forced to rely on alternative routes. As a key trade route to China, stakeholders warn the prolonged closure poses serious national-level economic and connectivity challenges.

651 Prisoners Yet to Return After Gen-Z Protests; Deadline Set for October 6:
KATHMANDU — Of the 1,280 prisoners who left Nakkhu Prison during the Gen-Z protests on September 8–9, 651 have yet to return, following incidents of vandalism, attacks, and arson. So far, 587 prisoners have voluntarily returned, while some have been relocated to other facilities. The Department of Prison Management has set October 6 as the deadline for the remaining inmates to surrender, warning that legal action will follow noncompliance. Authorities have called for assistance from families, local bodies, security agencies, and media to locate and bring back the absconding prisoners, who are also advised to report to the nearest police station or prison.

President Paudel Attends Fulpati Feu de Joie at Nepal Army Pavilion:
President Ramchandra Paudel, as the supreme commander-in-chief of the Nepal Army, attended the Fulpati badhai and feu de joie at the NA pavilion in Tundikhel today. The ceremony featured a guard of honour, helicopter and drone flower showers, and performances of Malshree music and Durga hymns. Various NA companies conducted drills and march pasts. The event was also attended by Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Sushila Karki, Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut, Speaker Devraj Ghimire, National Assembly Chair Narayan Prasad Dahal, ministers, officials, and the public. The feu de joie is a traditional annual Fulpati celebration.

At Least 15 Injured in Tamghas Bus Collision Caused by Brake Failure:
At least 15 people were injured when a passenger bus (registration Lu 1 Kha 7776) traveling from Butwal to Arje via Tamghas collided at Chhaldi Panah due to brake failure, police reported. Local resident Manish Kunwar said the bus was prevented from veering further downhill by a house, averting potentially greater damage. Ganga Bahadur Saru of the District Police Office stated that the injured were receiving treatment at Gulmi District Hospital in Tamghas. Authorities are investigating the incident, while the bus’s mechanical failure has raised concerns over vehicle safety standards on hilly routes.

Emergency Labor Service Continues to Support Migrant Workers:
Nepal’s Department of Foreign Employment has extended its emergency labor service to assist Nepali workers facing difficulties abroad. The department has made provisions to issue labor permits for those in urgent need. “We have arranged for labor permits specifically for workers in distress,” said Kamal Prasad Bhattarai, Director General of the department. Special measures have been put in place to ensure timely support. This initiative aims to safeguard the rights and welfare of Nepali migrant workers, providing them with essential documentation and assistance during emergencies while abroad.

Nepali Film ‘Kumari’ Song Goes Viral Among Gen Z Audiences:
The song “Kata Chhau Mero Phool” from the upcoming Nepali film Kumari is taking the internet by storm. Performed live by singer Kehar Singh Limbu and his band Kehar & The Lunga, the track has already inspired over 150,000 TikTok videos and amassed more than 550,000 YouTube views. Gen Z audiences are particularly embracing it. Director Dinesh Raut revealed that 50% of the film’s shooting is complete and the song’s popularity has boosted the team’s confidence. Kumari stars debutants Abhishek Khadka and Aakriti Rajbhandari, alongside a talented ensemble cast, and is set to release later this year.

Second Song from Nepali Film ‘Jerry on Top’ Introduces Fresh Tamang Selo Flavor:
Ahead of the upcoming Tihar festival, the second song “Kurauni” from the Nepali film Jerry on Top has been released, offering audiences a fresh take on Tamang Selo. Sung as a duet by Kali Prasad Baskota and Somia Baraily, the song is both written and composed by Baskota. The video, choreographed by Kiran Thapa, features lead actors Anmol KC, Anchal Sharma, Jasita Gurung, and Kedar Prasad Ghimire (Magne Budha). Directed by Suyog Gurung, the film also stars Bhuvan KC, Usha Khadgi, and a special appearance by Surakshya Pant, and is produced by Saroj Nyaupane and partners.

Trump May Greenlight Ukrainian Long-Range Strikes Inside Russia, Says Special Envoy:
US special envoy Keith Kellogg indicated that President Donald Trump could already have approved Ukrainian long-range strikes against targets inside Russia. Ukraine requires Washington’s approval to use US-supplied weapons for deep strikes; such permission was first granted in November 2024 under President Biden. Kellogg suggested Trump, as commander-in-chief, would make the final decision and that Ukrainian requests for weapons like Tomahawk missiles are being considered. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov downplayed the impact, noting Ukrainian forces would struggle to operate Tomahawks without direct US involvement, which Moscow views as a potential escalation.

Pro-EU Sandu’s Party Secures Parliamentary Majority:
Moldovan President Maia Sandu’s pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) claimed victory in Sunday’s parliamentary elections, winning 50.17% of the vote and securing 55 of 101 seats. Sandu had warned of “massive Russian interference,” and opposition leader Igor Dodon called for protests, though turnout was modest. European leaders praised the result: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Polish PM Donald Tusk, and Ukrainian President Zelensky hailed it as a win for democracy and European integration. The outcome allows Sandu to form a government without coalition partners, reinforcing Moldova’s westward trajectory.