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:

Former Speaker Mahara Arrested in Gold Smuggling Case

Former Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara, 68, was arrested on Sunday by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB). The CIB confirmed that Mahara was taken into custody under the Customs Act 2007 and the Organized Crime Act. He was apprehended from Khumaltar, Lalitpur-26, in connection with a gold smuggling case. Mahara was taken into custody from Khumaltar, Lalitpur-26, in connection with a gold smuggling case seized at Tribhuvan International Airport on December 25, 2022. At that time, Chinese national Li Hansong had brought 730 electric cigarettes (vapes) in 73 packages, with gold illegally hidden inside.

Nepal Defeats UAE By One Run

Nepal began the Super Six stage of the ICC T20 World Cup Asia and East Asia-Pacific Qualifiers with a thrilling one-run victory over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Sunday.Chasing a target of 141 runs set by Nepal, UAE fell just short, scoring 140 runs for the loss of nine wickets in the allotted 20 overs. With this win, Nepal has moved one step closer to World Cup qualification, earning four points — the same as Oman.

National Assembly Chair Dahal Discusses Upcoming Elections with PM Karki

Narayan Prasad Dahal, Chairperson of the National Assembly, held discussions with Prime Minister Sushila Karki regarding the National Assembly elections. On Sunday, Chairperson Dahal visited the Prime Minister’s Office in Singha Durbar to consult with PM Karki about the provision requiring elections 35 days prior, as the term of one-third of National Assembly members is set to end on March 4, 2026. After the discussions, Dahal informed that consultations also covered convening National Assembly sessions.

Maoist Centre Condemns ‘Character Assassination’ Campaign Targeting Chair Prachanda

The CPN (Maoist Centre) has strongly condemned what it calls a coordinated smear campaign against party chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ and his family members in certain media outlets and on social media platforms. In a statement issued by Govinda Acharya on behalf of Prachanda’s Secretariat, the party expressed grave concern over recent attempts to spread misinformation and defame the leadership. “At this sensitive juncture, we strongly denounce the deliberate, baseless, and defamatory content being circulated against the party leadership,” the statement reads.

Shekhar Koirala Faction Opposes Demand for Special Convention

The faction led by senior Nepali Congress leader Dr. Shekhar Koirala has opposed the ongoing call for a special general convention within the party. While General Secretaries Gagan Thapa and Bishwo Prakash Sharma have claimed to have gathered the required signatures to demand the convention and asserted that the Koirala camp supports their move, Dr. Koirala and his allies have refuted the claim. Leaders close to Koirala clarified that they are not part of the initiative and have urged their supporters not to be misled by reports suggesting their endorsement of the special convention campaign.

NSU Files Complaint Against Balen Shah and Sudan Gurung

The Nepal Student Union (NSU), the student wing of the Nepali Congress, has filed a complaint against Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah and “Hami Nepal” founder Sudan Gurung. In the complaint submitted to the District Police Office, Lalitpur, NSU accused the two of being responsible for the violent incidents during the Gen-Z protests held on September 8 and 9. The complaint was signed on behalf of NSU by Ashok Singh Bista. The union alleged that Mayor Shah and Gurung incited students to participate in the protests.

Gagan Thapa Calls for Farewell to Three Major Party Leaders

Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Thapa has proposed that the top leaders of the three major political parties should step down to pave the way for new leadership and a fresh political environment. In a video message shared on social media on Sunday, Thapa said, “Let’s bid farewell to the three top leaders of the three major parties and begin a new culture of dialogue.” Thapa, who has been consistently calling for the party’s general convention, emphasized that a generational transition in leadership is essential for political renewal.

Supreme Court to Partially Resume Services from October 14

The Supreme Court of Nepal will partially resume its services from October 14, following the suspension caused by the violent incidents of arson, vandalism, stone-pelting, and looting on September 9. According to the decision of the Full Court meeting held on October 12, the court—which had so far been registering and hearing only habeas corpus and other urgent petitions—will now begin registering and hearing writ petitions as well.

Swiss Ambassador Calls on PM Karki, Discusses Development Cooperation and Upcoming Elections

Ambassador of Switzerland to Nepal, Dr. Danielle Meuwly, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Sunday. During the meeting, the two discussed the long-standing partnership between Nepal and Switzerland, focusing on development cooperation, post-earthquake reconstruction, the upcoming national election, and issues of transitional justice. Ambassador Meuwly also expressed her enthusiasm about marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Switzerland next year.

Nepalis Join Massive Tel Aviv Rally, Hope for Bipin Joshi’s Safe Return

The Nepali community in Israel made a powerful presence at a massive thanksgiving rally in Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square on Saturday evening, waving Nepal’s national flag and holding photos of Bipin Joshi, the Nepali citizen held hostage by Hamas. Carrying placards reading “Bring Bipin Home,” they prayed collectively for his safe return. Many said Joshi symbolizes the hope and resilience of the entire Nepali community. The event, attended by over 100,000 people, featured U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.

Death Toll Rises to Four in Humla Jeep Accident

The death toll from the jeep accident in Desikhola of Chankheli Rural Municipality-4, Humla, has risen to four after a two-year-old girl succumbed to her injuries while undergoing treatment at Karnali Province Hospital, Surkhet. According to Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Shankar Pokharel, the deceased has been identified as a two-year-old girl from Simkot Rural Municipality-8. Earlier on Friday, three people had died in the same accident.

President Paudel Discharged After Recovery, Health Stable

President Ram Chandra Paudel has recovered and been discharged from the Manmohan Cardiothoracic Vascular and Transplant Center, Maharajgunj, under Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, after a brief hospitalization. He was admitted on Sunday afternoon after feeling unwell. Following necessary medical tests and treatment, doctors confirmed that his health had improved. In a statement issued by the center’s Executive Director, Prof. Dr. Ratna Mani Gajurel, it was noted that President Paudel’s condition is now normal, and regular health monitoring will continue.

Jhalanath Khanal Rejects Merger with Maoist Centre

Senior CPN (Unified Socialist) leader Jhalanath Khanal has opposed his party’s proposed unification with the Maoist Centre, saying it is “not the right time for merger.” In a written statement from New Delhi, where he is attending to his wife’s treatment, Khanal urged the party to first conduct a “ruthless review” of its four-year journey since splitting from the UML. He warned against “taking the wrong path that could push the party into a pit.” Khanal accused his party chair Madhav Kumar Nepal and other left leaders of drifting toward right-wing politics.

Nepal Army Wins Gold at UK’s ‘Exercise Cambrian Patrol 2025’

A Nepal Army team won the gold medal at the international military exercise ‘Exercise Cambrian Patrol 2025’ held in Brecon, Wales, United Kingdom, from October 10 to 12. According to the Directorate of Public Relations and Information of the Nepal Army, the team scored the highest marks among 117 teams from 33 countries. Running annually since 1960, the exercise tests military skills over two days, including planning, reconnaissance, casualty management, and carrying weapons and 50-pound (22 kg) equipment across a 50-kilometer route.

NEPSE Falls Sharply on Sunday, Drops 78.83 Points to 2,503.35

On the first trading day of the week, Sunday, Nepal’s stock market witnessed a landslide drop. The NEPSE index fell by 78.83 points, settling at 2,503.35. Trading on NEPSE on Sunday totaled RS 6.70 billion. In comparison, the previous trading day on Thursday recorded RS 5.27 billion in turnover. A total of 324 companies were traded on NEPSE, with 67,202 transactions involving 1,436,468 shares.

Nepal Rastra Bank absorbs Rs 50 billion liquidity

Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) is set to absorb Rs 50 billion from the market for seven days as liquidity in banks and financial institutions has increased. To manage excess liquidity, NRB announced that it would withdraw the amount through its deposit collection instrument.
Banks and financial institutions have been invited to participate in online bidding until 3 PM today to withdraw the money.

75 companies in IPO pipeline at SEBON

A total of 75 companies from various sectors are in the pipeline at the Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) to issue 375.4 million IPO shares worth Rs 54.15 billion. Most of the companies awaiting IPO approval belong to the hydropower sector.

Government introduces Startup Loan Procedure 2025

The government has introduced the “Startup Loan Operation Procedure 2025” to transform the increasing use of information technology and innovative, creative ideas in business into startup enterprises. According to the procedure prepared by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, startup entrepreneurs will be provided collateral-free loans ranging from a minimum of Rs 500,000 to a maximum of Rs 2 million at an annual interest rate of 3 percent.

Government halts cash incentives for exports

The government has suspended the cash subsidy program for exports for the current fiscal year. According to the Export Cash Subsidy Procedure, 2018, exporters were entitled to up to 5 percent subsidy.
However, the Department of Industry, under instructions from the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, has published a notice halting the program for now.

Teaser of Upcoming Film Paran Released

The teaser of the upcoming film Paran, which will be released on October 31, has been unveiled. The poetic teaser was released on Sunday to mark the birthday of veteran actor Nir Shah. It features the words of poet Nabaraj Parajuli, presented in the poet’s own voice. The words of poet Parajuli prominently reflect the emotions of Nir Shah, the main actor of the film. The poem expresses that a son is a gift from God and emphasizes that just as a father raises a child, the son should support his father in the same way until the end of life.

Film Maijharo Starts Musical Promotions in Eastern Nepal

The film Maijharo, which is set to release from October 24, has also begun musical promotions in towns of Eastern Nepal. Director and comedian Wilson Bikram Rai is entertaining audiences with his own musical performances. The program also features singer Rajesh Payal Rai and musician-singer Anmol Gurung. The film’s promotion unit held a program in Dharan on Thursday and another in Birtamod’s Mukti Chowk on Saturday.

Kaliprasad Baskota to Perform in Manchester

Singer and composer Kaliprasad Baskota is set to perform in Manchester, UK, on Sunday, October 12. He had already arrived in the UK on Friday in preparation for the event. The musical program is being organized by 8848 Vibes on the occasion of Dashain and Tihar. This will be Kaliprasad’s first performance in Manchester. Manoj Bajgain, managing director of 8848 Vibes, stated that the program will recreate Nepali cultural flavors, celebrating Dashain and Tihar through music.

Bhandari and Bista to Participate in Maldives ‘Naiboli Volleyball Challenge 2025’

Nepali female volleyball players Usha Bhandari and Kamana Bista will participate this year in the ‘Naiboli Volleyball Challenge 2025’ to be held in the Maldives. The competition, scheduled from October 17 to 30, is a prestigious domestic-level volleyball tournament in the Maldives. Usha has previously played in the Maldives six times, making this her seventh appearance. She will represent the Hinnavaru Sports Club this time. Meanwhile, Kamana will be participating in the tournament for the second time. She is scheduled to depart on Tuesday, while Usha has already flown to the Maldives on Sunday.

ANFA Postpones Meeting with A-Division Clubs

The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) has postponed the meeting with A-Division clubs, which was scheduled for Sunday. According to ANFA, the meeting was delayed because necessary preparations were not yet complete, and the clubs have been officially notified of the postponement. The meeting was expected to include representatives from ANFA, Machhindra Football Club, Sankata Club, Tribhuvan Army Football Club, Nepal Police Club, Manang Marshyangdi Club, Himalayan Sherpa Club, Friends Club, Jawalakhel Youth Club, Naya Basti Youth Club, Shatabdi Youth Club, and Sunrise United Club.

Football Fans Stage Protest at ANFA Headquarters

Nepali football supporters staged a peaceful sit-in protest at the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) headquarters on Sunday. Around a dozen fans gathered in the morning, carrying placards to protest the growing disorder in Nepali football, the suspension of the national league, financial non-transparency, unaccountable leadership, and the decision to host home games abroad. In anticipation of the protest, a large number of security personnel were deployed around the ANFA complex in Satdobato early in the morning. It has now been three years since Pankaj Bikram Nembang was elected as the president of ANFA.

Taliban Says 58 Pakistani Troops Killed in ‘Retaliatory’ Border Attacks

The Taliban government has confirmed that it attacked Pakistani troops in multiple mountainous locations on the northern border. A Taliban spokesman said 58 Pakistan military personnel had been killed in what it called “an act of retaliation”. It claimed Pakistan had violated Afghan airspace and bombed a market inside its border on Thursday. Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the Afghan attacks were “unprovoked” and civilians were fired at, warning that his country’s forces would respond “with a stone for every brick”.

US Explosives Plant Blast Kills 16 in Tennessee

The confirmed death toll from the devastating explosion at the Accurate Energetic Systems (AES) plant in rural Tennessee has been finalized at 16 people, with authorities confirming that no survivors were found. The blast occurred on Friday, October 10, 2025, at approximately 7:45 AM Central Time (CT), which translates to 6:30 PM Nepali Time (NPT). The massive explosion leveled at least one building at the military explosives facility. Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis confirmed the fatalities on Saturday, October 11, after two people initially reported missing were located alive and off-site.

Hamas Pushes for Release of Seven Palestinian Prisoners in Hostage Swap

Hamas is pressing for the release of seven high-profile Palestinian prisoners, an official familiar with the negotiations said. The group has indicated that if Israel agrees to free even two of these prisoners, Hamas will return the Israeli hostages today—one day earlier than initially expected. Under the ceasefire agreement, which took effect on Friday, Hamas has until 12:00 local time (10:00 BST) on Monday to release all Israeli hostages. In return, Israel will release 250 Palestinian prisoners along with 1,700 detainees from Gaza, including nearly two dozen children.