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.
Sushila Karki Sworn In As Head Of Interim Government
President Ram Chandra Paudel has administered the oath of office to former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as the head of the interim government. The appointment was made under Article 61 of the Constitution. Following Karki’s appointment, President Paudel dissolved the House of Representatives. The date for new parliamentary elections will be decided by the Council of Ministers. The development comes after KP Sharma Oli resigned on Tuesday amid the Gen-Z protest movement.
Speaker, NA Chair Appeal for Peaceful Action Within Constitutional Framework
Speaker Dev Raj Ghimire and National Assembly Chair Narayan Dahal condemned the violence and property damage during the Gen-Z protests on September 7 and 8, emphasizing adherence to constitutional processes. They paid tribute to youths who lost their lives, wished speedy recovery to the injured, and urged uninterrupted medical care. Ghimire and Dahal underscored that sovereignty, civil liberties, territorial integrity, national unity, and independence must be protected, with all issues resolved constitutionally.
Four Burnt Bodies Found in Bhat-Bhateni Supermarket, Dharan
Four bodies were found inside the Bhat-Bhateni Supermarket building in Dharan, burned beyond recognition. DSP Prakash Jabegu of the Dharan Area Police Office confirmed that the fire, set by an anarchic group under the banner of the Gen-Z movement, was brought under control only on Friday. The human remains, reduced to ashes, could not be identified. Authorities suspect the bodies may belong to people who entered the building from outside, as relatives of several missing persons have reported contacting police.
Death Toll in Gen-Z Protests Reaches 51; Post-Mortems Underway
The Gen-Z protests have claimed 51 lives, including three police officers and one Indian woman, according to Nepal Police. The fatalities span Kathmandu Valley and other districts. On the first day of protests, 21 people were killed, including nine inmates. Post-mortem examinations have begun at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH). The Forensic Department at TUTH confirmed that nine bodies are currently undergoing post-mortem, with a total of 36 bodies received so far. One victim remains unidentified. Relatives must present a letter from the District Police Office, Kathmandu, to authorize the procedure.
Former President Yadav Calls for Constitutional Approach to Gen-Z Demands
Former President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav has urged that the demands of the Gen-Z generation be addressed through proper implementation of the Constitution. In a Friday statement, he condemned the unprecedented violence, arson, and destruction during the September 8 rallies, expressing condolences to the victims’ families. Yadav stressed that while the movement’s goals—ending corruption, ensuring free expression, and accountable governance—are valid, the destruction of Singha Durbar, ministry buildings, courts, and businesses must be thoroughly investigated to protect national unity, public safety, and economic stability.
Bureaucracy Ready to Support Incoming Govt: Chief Secretary Aryal
Chief Secretary Ek Narayan Aryal has stated that the new government will function from Singha Durbar. Speaking to journalists on Friday after inspecting physical infrastructure at Singha Durbar, Aryal clarified that the bureaucracy is ready to work with the government formed in response to the Gen-Z movement’s demands and that it will operate from Singha Durbar itself. Amid rumors that the Prime Minister’s office might be moved to Narayanhiti Palace since Singha Durbar was damaged by fire, Aryal denied such claims.
Nepal Army Urges Public Not to Believe Misleading or False News
The Nepal Army has requested the general public not to trust misleading or false news. Amid recent comments, opinions, and analyses linking the army to ongoing events, the army clarified that it regularly shares its official stance and activities through press releases, official notes, and social media channels. In a statement issued Friday morning by the Directorate of Public Relations at the Army Headquarters, it said: “Given the current circumstances, various comments, opinions, and analyses involving the Nepal Army have been circulated. The Nepal Army has consistently communicated its positions and activities through press releases, press notes, and official social media.”
Nepali Congress Must Apologize to the Nation: Gagan Thapa
Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Thapa has said that party restructuring has become essential. He emphasized the difference between securing votes and earning public trust, urging the party to conduct self-assessment. “Why has citizens’ trust been broken? We must review this. Especially the younger generation seems to have rejected us,” Thapa said in a video message. “Why are they not with us? We must not only search for answers but also take concrete action.” He added that the party has failed to move in line with the pace and sentiment of the times.
NID Chief Hutaraj Thapa to Retire Tomorrow at Midnight
The head of the country’s sole intelligence agency, the National Investigation Department, Hutaraj Thapa will go on mandatory retirement tomorrow. With Thapa completing his three-year term and stepping down, the post of Chief Investigation Director will become vacant. KP Sharma Oli has already resigned from his position as Prime Minister after the Gen-Z movement escalated into violent protests. The country is now in a state of political vacuum.
Nakkhu Prison Appeals to Gen-Z Movement Fugitives to Surrender
The administration of Nakkhu Prison in Lalitpur has urged those who escaped during the Gen-Z movement to come forward immediately. The prison authorities have made a public appeal to ensure full compliance with legal procedures and the law. Following the escalation of violence in the Gen-Z movement, several inmates, including Rastriya Swatantra Party President Rabi Lamichhane, fled from Nakkhu Jail. Lamichhane has claimed that the prison administration released him after completing all necessary procedures.
NHRC For Finding Way Out Based on Rule of Law
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged one and all to find a way out based on the rule of law. In a press release issued today, the NHRC spokesperson Dr Tikaram Pokharel stated that it would be appropriate to find a way out based on human rights, democratic values, and the rule of law. “In the current crisis in the country, the National Human Rights Commission is in contact with President Ramchandra Paudel. The Commission has expressed the opinion to the President that it would be appropriate to find a solution based on the concepts of human rights, democratic values, and the rule of law,” reads the press release.
Customs Clearance Resumes at Nepal–India Border
Customs clearance of freight trucks stranded at the Nepal–India border has resumed. The clearance process had been obstructed for the past few days due to security concerns and shortage of staff at Nepal’s customs offices. With the resumption, the supply of essential goods into Nepal has become easier. Although there were no restrictions on truck movement from the Indian side, and Indian customs continuously requested facilitation, hundreds of trucks were stranded at the border due to delays on the Nepali side.
Banks Resume Partial Operations Amid Tight Security
Banks have resumed operations under tight security. Earlier, banks had continued services through digital platforms like mobile banking, but from Thursday they partially reopened physical offices. Banks designated certain branches for service. Nabil Bank, for instance, operated seven branches in Kathmandu Valley on Thursday. It operated three offices in Kathmandu and two each in Bhaktapur.
FNCCI Urges Government for Security and Business Facilitation
The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) has strongly urged the government to ensure security necessary for uninterrupted business operations and to facilitate various sectors.
The federation warned that with the private sector already suffering losses worth billions due to the protests, further delays in restarting businesses would have a serious impact on the economy.
Gold Prices Hit Record High in Nepal
The price of gold has set a new record in the Nepali market. According to the price list published on Friday by the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, hallmark gold reached Rs 215,800 per tola.
The same gold per 10 grams reached Rs 185,015. On Thursday, hallmark gold was fixed at Rs 214,700 per tola. Similarly, silver prices have also increased.
Bhat-Bhateni Supermarket Vows to Rebuild After Heavy Damage
Bhat-Bhateni Supermarket, which suffered major damage from vandalism and arson during the protests, has pledged to rise again.
In a Facebook post, the company said: “Sad moments have passed, but hope is not lost. Even though our store is destroyed today, with your support, we feel stronger.” The company also appreciated the thousands of helping hands assisting in cleaning and rebuilding. The post read: “Thousands of supportive hands are helping clean, wiping our tears, and giving us the strength to rise again.”
Deepak Raj Giri Calls for Unity Amid Protests
Actor Deepak Raj Giri has emphasized the need to move forward in a way that represents everyone’s views. In a social media post, he stated that while the Gen-Z movement achieved its objectives, it also caused significant human and material losses, partly due to the infiltration of various vested-interest groups. Video evidence reportedly supports this claim. Giri further warned that Gen-Z must avoid being misled by different groups with their own agendas, as such groups could provide wrong advice and push the country into major conflict.
Rajesh Payal Rai Expresses Ministerial Ambitions
Singer Rajesh Payal Rai expressed interest in being appointed as Minister of Communication, Foreign Affairs, or Tourism. Amid discussions on forming an interim government, Rai stated on Facebook late Wednesday, “Gen-Z brothers, let me handle the Ministry of Communication and Foreign Affairs; I have not demanded the Prime Minister’s position.” Although he mentioned the Foreign Ministry, in Nepal external diplomatic matters are handled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
‘INFA Awards 2025’ Postponed Due to Protests
The organizers of the ‘INFA Awards 2025’ have announced a new date for the event due to the ongoing Gen-Z protests. Originally scheduled for September 13, 2025, in the United Kingdom, the program will now take place on November 1, 2025. Manish Karki, head of the awards, said the decision was made considering the sensitive situation caused by government crackdowns, use of force, and arrests during the protests, which have resulted in 19 civilian deaths and hundreds of youth injuries.
Players Stranded in Pokhara Return Home After Volleyball League Suspension
Players stranded in Pokhara have begun returning home following the suspension of the Franchise Everest Women’s Volleyball League. All remaining league matches were halted after the Gen-Z protests that started on September 8, which have so far claimed 30 lives. The subsequent curfew forced both the league and the airport to close, leaving players stuck in the city. With the airport reopening Wednesday evening, players, coaches, and officials began traveling home from Thursday.
More Than Two Million People Evacuated from Deadly Floods in Pakistan
More than two million people have been evacuated in Pakistan’s Punjab province as floods sweep the country’s eastern region, authorities have said. Another 150,000 have been evacuated in Sindh province, national disaster management chief Inam Haider Malik told reporters on Thursday, warning that the “number may rise over the coming days”. Monsoon rains have killed more than 900 people nationwide since late June, according to an update from the International Medical Corps on Friday.
Bolsonaro Sentenced to 27 Years in Prison for Plotting Brazil Coup
The former president of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, has been sentenced to 27 years and three months in prison after being found guilty of plotting a military coup. A panel of five Supreme Court justices handed down the sentence just hours after they had convicted the former leader. They ruled he was guilty of leading a conspiracy aimed at keeping him in power after he lost the 2022 election to his left-wing rival, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Four of the justices found him guilty while one voted to acquit him.
Israel’s Netanyahu Says ‘There Will Be No Palestinian State’
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has officially moved forward with a settlement expansion plan in the occupied West Bank that would make any future Palestinian state virtually impossible. The Israeli leader signed an agreement on Thursday to move ahead with the project, which would bisect the West Bank. “We are going to fulfil our promise that there will be no Palestinian state. This place belongs to us,” Netanyahu said at the event in Maale Adumim, an Israeli settlement just east of Jerusalem. “We are going to double the city’s population.”