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.

2025/Durga Prasai Vows to Block Balen’s Eviction Drive

“Save the Motherland” campaign leader Durga Prasai on Sunday vowed to stop Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) Mayor Balen Shah’s plan to demolish the Manohara squatter settlement. Speaking at a rally, Prasai accused Balen and Raju Pandey of targeting the poor and urged residents to resist eviction. He alleged corruption involving Balen and Victor Paudel and warned all political parties against using squatters as a vote bank. Prasai called for mass mobilization for his November 23 protest, saying he would ensure permanent housing for settlers.

Air Pollution Worsens in Nepal and India, AQI Reaches Hazardous Levels

Air pollution is rising sharply in Kathmandu Valley and other parts of Nepal, with forecasts indicating further increases. As of 9 a.m. today, Surkhet recorded the highest level at 170 PPM, followed by Bhaktapur (132 PPM), Deukhuri in Dang (124 PPM), Shankh Park, Kathmandu (123 PPM), and Khumaltar, Lalitpur (105 PPM). Shankha Park saw pollution surge from 73 PPM yesterday to 123 PPM today. Experts cite dry weather, stagnant air, crop residue burning, and environmentally unfriendly construction as major causes. Meanwhile, in Delhi, India, air quality reached ‘Very Poor’ levels on Sunday, with an average AQI of 391.

Bodies of Two Missing Indian Nationals Found in Manang

The bodies of two Indian citizens—52-year-old Jignesh Kumar Lallu Bhai Patel and 17-year-old Priyansa Kumari Patel—who had been missing since October 20, were recovered by the Armed Police Force. The pair had left Gyalsen Hotel in Manang’s Ngisyang Rural Municipality–4 around 2 PM on Sunday, saying they planned to visit Maleri-pa Monastery in Ward 5 of the same municipality. They went missing after that. Upon their disappearance, the hotel informed the Armed Police Force and the Nepal Mountain Rescue Training School in Manang to initiate a search.

Allow UML Right to Hold Peaceful Demonstration: Chair Oli

CPN (UML) Chair KP Sharma Oli has urged the authorities not to impose restrictions on his movement and passport, nor prohibit the peaceful demonstration planned by the Youth Association Nepal, the party’s youth wing. Addressing the third meeting of the YAN Central Committee on Sunday, the party Chair and former Prime Minister said the democratic rights secured through long struggle deserve unobstructed exercise. He further sought permission from the authority for organizing peaceful demonstrations after prior information to the administration and police.

Minister Pun Urges Teachers to Shun Political Affiliation

Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Mahabir Pun, has urged teachers and employees of educational institutions to maintain a non-political nature. In a press statement issued Sunday, the Minister said while teachers have the right to form trade unions for collective representation and bargaining, such organizations should not be affiliated with any political party, thereby remaining non-political. He reminded that he would not recognize any teachers’ trade unions associated with specific political parties.

CIB Relaunches Investigation into Fake Bhutanese Refugee Scam

Nepal Police’s Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has reopened and intensified the investigation into the fake Bhutanese refugee scam following the arrest of a new fugitive middleman. High-level CIB officials confirmed to Nepal News that the probe has been “relaunched with a new dynamic” after the recent political changes and the Gen-Z–led public pressure on governance.

NEPSE Falls by 30.02 Points

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) declined by 30.02 points on Sunday. During today’s trading, shares worth Rs 4.90 billion were transacted, causing the NEPSE index to drop to 2,566.09 points. Along with the index, NEPSE’s market capitalization fell by 1.15 percent. In today’s trading, share prices of 222 companies decreased, 28 companies saw their share prices rise, and one company’s share price remained unchanged.

Deposit and Credit Protection Fund to Invest Rs 4.66 Billion

The Deposit and Credit Protection Fund is set to invest Rs 4.66 billion. The fund plans to invest the amount currently held in various banks. Class “A” banks licensed by Nepal Rastra Bank will be able to obtain the investment amount by November 10. The fund has also set conditions for banks wishing to receive the funds. To qualify, a bank must have been in operation for at least five years and must have recorded profits continuously for the past five fiscal years.

NRB Absorbs Rs 30 Billion in Deposits Today

Nepal Rastra Bank has absorbed Rs 30 billion in deposits today. Despite the end of the Dashain and Tihar festivals, excess liquidity remains high, prompting the central bank to conduct another auction to absorb deposits. Currently, total deposits have exceeded Rs 7.4 trillion. The central bank has been using deposit collection tools and standing deposit facilities to manage excess liquidity and interest rates. Only banks and financial institutions licensed by the central bank under classes “A”, “B”, and “C” are eligible to participate in the auction.

NEA Says Company Offering Best Bid Was Selected for Power Purchase

The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has announced that it has signed a competitive agreement to purchase electricity from India to ensure a reliable and sustainable supply during the winter season. In a statement issued on Saturday, NEA said that among the two companies that submitted proposals, the company offering the lowest rate was selected. NEA continues to import electricity through India’s Energy Exchange Market (IEX) via the Day-Ahead and Real-Time markets and through other bilateral exchange mechanisms.

Yak Herds in Mustang Shifted to Lower Pastures Due to Heavy Snowfall

Following heavy snowfall and severe cold a week ago, yak herders in Mustang have relocated their animals to lower pastures. The snowfall has completely covered grazing lands in the highlands, and water sources have frozen, forcing locals to move their yaks to warmer lower regions to protect them from the harsh conditions.

Domestic Box Office: ‘Jaari 2’ and ‘Paran’ Cross Rs 1 Crore in Single Day

The Nepali films Jaari 2 and Paran both achieved over Rs 10 million in gross revenue at the domestic box office on Saturday. On the ninth day of screening, Nir Shah’s Paran earned Rs 12 million gross in a single day. Interestingly, even on its ninth day, Anmol KC’s Jerry on Top grossed Rs 12.65 million. Meanwhile, Jari 2: Song of Chyabrung, starring Dayahang Rai, earned Rs 12.10 million gross on its second day of screening on Saturday.

Kantipur Theatre to Stage Third Play ‘Maharani ko Jatra’ Following Hits of ‘Meera’ and ‘Shirish ko Phool’

Following the successful staging of Meera, which marked Rekha Thapa’s debut, and Shirish ko Phool, which saw the comeback of actor Jeevan Luintel after a long break, Kantipur Theatre, the playhouse of Kantipur Film Academy, is set to present its third play, Maharani ko Jatra. The prior popularity of Meera and Shirish ko Phool has created high anticipation for this upcoming production. Both previous plays saw strong attendance from theatre enthusiasts, film professionals, artists, and journalists. Theatre practitioners believe that since Kantipur Theatre’s inception, the stage has become more expansive and professional, enhancing the local theatre scene.

‘The Composer’s Desk – First Edition 2025’ Celebrates Creative Musical Collaboration

Aiming to showcase the creative collaboration in music composition, The Composer’s Desk – First Edition 2025 was held grandly at the National Assembly Hall on Saturday. This edition combined the essence of Nepali folk melodies with the cinematic depth of a musical score, offering audiences a unique experience. The program’s musical arrangements, format, and special instrumentation were inspired by the artistic vision of Ganga Thapa, founder and musician of Namlo Music Hub.

Sharad Vesawkar Retires from International Cricket

Sharad Vesawkar, who has spent two decades in Nepali cricket, has retired from international cricket. Vesawkar announced his retirement on Sunday following Nepal’s final match against the UAE in the ongoing Hong Kong Super Sixes, where he also captained the team. The 37-year-old made his debut in 2002 with the Nepal U-15 national team and later debuted for the senior national team in 2004 against the UAE.

Nepal Defeated by UAE in Hong Kong Super Sixes, Bowled Out for 86

In a Bowl League match of the Hong Kong Super Sixes, Nepal suffered a 43-run defeat against the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Chasing a target of 130 runs, Nepal was bowled out for 86 in the allotted six overs, losing four wickets, thus ending their Hong Kong Super Sixes campaign. For Nepal, Mohammad Adil Alam was the top scorer with 32 runs, while Sandeep Jora added 31. No other players managed to reach double figures.

Ashish Gurung Hat-Trick Powers Laligurans Association Club to Convincing Win in ANFA President’s Cup

Laligurans Association Club registered an impressive victory in the ANFA President’s Cup, thanks to a hat-trick by Ashish Gurung. In the opening match of the tournament held on Sunday at the Garitar Stadium in Hetauda, Laligurans defeated Janajagriti Club 4–0. Forward Ashish scored in the 33rd minute, the 90th minute, and the third minute of injury time to complete his hat-trick—the first of the tournament. Yam Bahadur Shrestha added another goal to secure a one-sided win for the team.

Over 900,000 Evacuated as Super Typhoon Fung-wong Approaches Philippines

More than 900,000 people have been evacuated in the Philippines ahead of Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which is expected to make landfall on Sunday evening. The Philippine meteorological agency upgraded the storm to a super typhoon, with sustained winds of around 185 km/h (115 mph) and gusts reaching 230 km/h (143 mph). The eastern Bicol region was the first to experience the storm’s impact on Sunday morning, while Luzon, the country’s main population center, is forecast to be hit later in the day.

Tens of Thousands Protest in Lisbon Against Controversial Labour Reforms

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Lisbon, Portugal, on Sunday to protest proposed labour laws they say threaten workers’ rights. The centre-right government aims to make it easier for employers to fire staff, outsource work, and limit certain compassionate leaves, including bereavement leave for women who suffer miscarriages. Officials say the measures are intended to boost job flexibility and productivity in one of Western Europe’s poorest countries. The CGTP union, Portugal’s largest, called the reforms “one of the greatest attacks ever made against workers” and announced a general strike on 11 December.

Over 1,400 US Flights Cancelled Amid Federal Government Shutdown

More than 1,400 flights to, from, or within the United States were cancelled on Saturday as airlines reduced traffic following federal government shutdown directives. Flight delays also remained high, with nearly 6,000 delayed flights reported—down from over 7,000 on Friday—according to flight tracker FlightAware. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had earlier announced plans to cut air travel capacity by up to 10% at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports, citing fatigue among air traffic controllers who are working without pay during the shutdown.