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.

Three Die of Altitude Sickness in Manang

Three people have died of altitude sickness in different parts of Narpabhumi Rural Municipality, Manang district. According to the District Administration Office, the victims were working as porters and guides for tourists in the high Himalayan region.

Sudha Sharma and Bablu Gupta Sworn in as Ministers at Shital Niwas

Sudha Sharma Gautam and Bablu Gupta were sworn in as Minister of Health and Population and Minister of Youth and Sports, respectively, earlier today at Shital Niwas, the President’s official residence.  The ceremony was attended by President Ram Chandra Paudel, Chief Justice Prakashman Singh Raut, and Speaker Devraj Ghimire. With their induction, Prime Minister Sushila Karki’s cabinet now consists of 10 members, including the Prime Minister. Earlier, Khagendra Sunar and Ganpatilal Shrestha were considered for ministerial posts but were dropped due to controversies and last-minute portfolio changes.

Names of Sunar and Shrestha Dropped from Proposed Ministers List

Dalit activist Khagendra Sunar, initially recommended for the position of Minister of Labour, Employment, and Social Security, has had his name removed at the last moment amid widespread criticism. Following the backlash over Sunar’s recommendation, Prime Minister Sushila Karki decided to drop his name. Similarly, Ganpatilal Shrestha, who had been proposed for Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, was also removed at the last minute, though the reasons for his removal remain unclear. Sunar reportedly has multiple cases filed against him and was listed on the police’s wanted list.

SC Receives Petition Against Gen Z Movement Inquiry Commission

A writ petition has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking to halt the functioning of the commission investigating the suppression and arson during the Gen Z movement. The petition, filed by advocate Bipin Dhakal, names Gauri Bahadur Karki, chairman of the commission, and members Bigyanraj Sharma and Bishweshwar Prasad Bhandari as respondents. It alleges that Karki and Sharma publicly expressed opinions in favor of Gen Z protests, demonstrating bias, and seeks an interim order to prevent the officials from performing their duties.

Durga Prasai Blames ‘Foreign Grand Design’ for Weakening Nepal

Medical entrepreneur and campaigner Durga Prasai has said he welcomes the government’s official invitation for talks, while reiterating his claim that Nepal is being systematically weakened under a “foreign grand design.” Speaking during an editors’ interaction and through social media posts, Prasai said his movement seeks to protect the nation, its citizens, and traditional values from what he described as a corrupt political and financial system. Prasai, who leads the ‘National Campaign for the Protection of Nation, Nationality, Religion, Culture, and Citizens,’ said the government’s move to initiate talks reflects “a sense of responsibility that the previous Oli administration never showed.”

SC Orders Government to Justify Recall of Ambassadors from 11 Countries

The Supreme Court has sought clarification from the government over its decision to recall 11 Nepali ambassadors from various countries, issuing separate orders for discussions on interim relief. A single bench of Justice Kumar Regmi on Sunday directed both sides—the petitioners and the government—to appear for a hearing on November 2, while another bench led by Justice Binod Sharma called for a similar discussion on October 31. The orders come in response to writ petitions filed by Sunil Bhattarai and Pratibha Upreti, who have challenged the Cabinet’s October 6 decision to recall ambassadors appointed during the tenure of the KP Sharma Oli-led government. 

Health Minister Announces Psychosocial Counseling Service for Gen Z Protest Victims as First Decision

Newly appointed Minister for Health, Dr. Sudha Sharma, officially assumed office at the Ministry of Health on Sunday after taking the oath of office and secrecy. Immediately after assuming office, Minister Sharma made her first official decision — to establish a psychosocial counseling service for those injured and traumatized during the recent Gen Z movement. The service will provide mental health support, counseling, and rehabilitation programs for citizens who suffered both physical and emotional impacts during the protests.

Nepali Army Team Honored for Winning Gold at Exercise Cambrian Patrol

The Nepali Army team, which won a gold medal at the international military exercise “Exercise Cambrian Patrol 2025” held in the United Kingdom, has been honored in Kathmandu. In a special ceremony organized at the Army Headquarters on Sunday, Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) Ashokraj Sigdel awarded the team with the “Chief of Army Staff Commendation Medal.” According to the Nepali Army, a total of 10 personnel — nine participants and one manager — received the honor for their outstanding performance that brought international recognition to Nepal and its army.

Four More Arrested in Maharajganj and Koteshwor Police Murder Cases

Kathmandu Police have arrested four more individuals in connection with the murders of police officers at Maharajganj Police Circle and Koteshwor Police Post. The arrested include Rajiv Gurung from Tanahun, Yunik Shrestha, Sumit Titung from Sarlahi, and Deepak Magar from Ramechhap, police said.  The suspects were apprehended from different locations in Kathmandu, according to SP Pawan Kumar Bhattarai, spokesperson of the Kathmandu District Police Office.

Preparations Underway to Convene Bagmati Provincial Assembly in Early November

The Bagmati Provincial Assembly, which has not met for a long time, is being prepared to convene in early November.  According to Deputy Speaker Apsara Chapagain, the assembly is expected to be called into session shortly after the Chhath festival. She added that discussions are ongoing with leaders of the political parties represented in the assembly regarding the timing of the session. Once consultations conclude, the exact date for the assembly meeting will be finalized. Discussions are currently leaning toward convening the meeting in early November.

Youths Loyal to CPN-Maoist Center Form ‘Gen-Z Red Force’

A group of young supporters of the CPN (Maoist Center) has formed a new organization called the ‘Gen Z Red Force.’ At a press conference held in Kathmandu on Sunday, they announced that the group already appointed coordinators in 65 districts and across all seven provinces. Gen Z Red Force Chairperson Smriti Timalsina outlined the group’s agenda, which includes advocating for a direct executive presidential system, implementing a fully proportional electoral system, launching an anti-corruption campaign, and investigating the assets of all those who have held power since 1950.

EC Estimates Rs 7.5 Billion for Upcoming House of Representatives Poll

The Election Commission has estimated that the upcoming election for the House of Representatives, scheduled for March 5, 2026, will cost approximately Rs 7.5 billion. As part of preparations for the elections, the Commission has drafted a preliminary budget. However, the budget has not yet been finalized. The Commission plans to finalize it soon and submit it to the Ministry of Finance. A Commission official said that the budget is still under preparation. “The estimated cost is around Rs 7.5 billion, but the final decision is yet to be made,” he added.

Sudurpaschim Provincial Assembly Session Remains Stalled

The future of the Sudurpaschim Provincial Assembly session remains uncertain as reconstruction and maintenance of the assembly building—damaged during the Gen Z demonstration on September 9—have yet to begin. According to the Secretariat of the Provincial Assembly, the session cannot resume because the damaged infrastructure has not been restored and no alternative venue has been arranged. Discussions are ongoing regarding the building’s repair and procurement of essential materials. The assembly hall’s tables, chairs, computers, and laptops were completely destroyed in the fire.

NEPSE Ends Higher on Sunday, Gains 5.19 Points

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) rose on Sunday, recovering momentum after 2:30 PM to close 5.19 points higher at 2,509. Earlier in the day, at 11:23 AM, NEPSE had dipped to 2,470 points, the day’s lowest. Trading volume remained low, with a total turnover of Rs 2.66 billion, slightly below the last trading day before Tihar, which saw Rs 2.79 billion in transactions. Among listed companies, 98 saw their share prices rise, 146 declined, and 4 remained unchanged.

NRB Withdraws RS 90 Billion from Banking System
Banks withdrew RS 90 billion from the banking system on Sunday, from the RS 125 billion they had deposited before Tihar. Nepal Rastra Bank withdrew this amount from the banking system for 42 days. Through various monetary instruments, the central bank recovers excess funds lent to banks and increases liquidity when capital is low.

Gold Imports Surge in First Quarter of FY 2025/26

Gold imports in Nepal have soared in the first quarter of the current fiscal year, totaling 601 kilograms of raw gold and nearly 5 kilograms of jewelry, according to the Customs Department. In comparison, during the same period last fiscal year, only 113.5 kilograms of gold were imported. The increase is attributed to rising gold prices, prompting investors to boost investments in gold, thereby driving higher demand.

Nepal Records Nearly Rs 400 Billion Trade Deficit in First Quarter of FY 2025/26

Nepal incurred a trade deficit of around Rs 395 billion in the first three months of the current fiscal year 2025/26, according to data released by the Customs Department. As of mid-October, the country’s imports totaled Rs 468 billion, while exports stood at R 72.82 billion. This resulted in a total foreign trade of R 540 billion, leaving Nepal with a substantial trade gap of Rs 395 billion during the period.

NEPSE Employees Stage Protest Over Bonus

Employees of the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) held a protest on Sunday within the exchange premises. Until just before Tihar, the staff had been demonstrating with black armbands. On Sunday, they marched with banners inside the premises to voice their demands. NEPSE employees have been on strike since September 23 regarding their bonus. The labor court had ordered the management to allocate 5% of NEPSE’s annual profit as employee bonuses, but the management reportedly resisted implementing the directive, prompting the staff to begin their protest.

Nepali Film ‘Jerry on Top’ to Screen in Canada

The film Jerry on Top, which premiered in Nepal on October 17, will now be screened in Canada. Promotion Nepal Pvt. Ltd. will manage the Canadian release. Ashish Puri, operator of Promotion Nepal, and producer Bibek Thapa have agreed on distribution rights in Canada due to audience demand. Booking for Canadian screenings is now open. Promotion Nepal previously screened Purnbahadur ko Sarangi, Tel Visa, Chhakka Panja 5, and other short and feature films in Canada. Jerry on Top will be shown in major Canadian cities starting November 1.

Song ‘Nyauli Banaimaa’ from ‘Barishtha Balaram’ Enters YouTube Million Club
The song Nyauli Banaimaa from the film Barishtha Balaram has surpassed ten million views on YouTube within a month of its release. Sung by Shantishree Pariyar and Prashant Shiwakoti, the song was widely discussed on social media and ticketing platforms immediately after release. With this milestone, it has become one of the most successful recent film songs in Nepal.

Nepali Music Video ‘Beli Chameli’ Released Starring Shweta Mahar

The Nepali music video Belli Chameli, featuring Indian model Shweta Mahar, has been released. Actor Paul Shah stars alongside Mahar as her on-screen partner. Choreographer and director Kabiraj Gahtraj’s video also features Raj Tiger, Bindu Rasaili, Rensika Khatri, and Suraksha Tamang. The song’s lyrics and music are by Rajendra Bajgain, with vocals by Swati Bhat and rap by Binod Dhakal. Music arrangement is by Nishad Chandra.

Film ‘Paran’ Announces Social Media Contest with Rs 100,000 Prize

The upcoming narrative film Paran, set to release next week, has announced a social media contest. The prize money is Rs 100,000. Participants in the “Mero Paran” contest must identify the person they consider their ‘Paran’ in life, post a photo with a caption on Facebook, and tag or mention the film’s official page. Directed by Deepak Acharya ‘Kaku’, the film explores themes of relationships and affection.

Nepal Eliminated from CAVA Cup Men’s Volleyball Title Race

Nepal has been knocked out of the race for the CAVA Cup Men’s Volleyball title. In the fourth match held on Sunday at the indoor hall in Dhaka, Nepal suffered a straight-set 3–0 defeat against Afghanistan. This marks Nepal’s third loss in the ongoing tournament. Earlier, Nepal had lost 3–0 to Turkmenistan and 3–2 to Bangladesh. However, a 3–0 victory over the Maldives in their fourth match had kept Nepal’s hopes of reaching the final alive. Sunday’s loss, however, ended Nepal’s chances of finishing in the top two.

Nepali Judo Team to Leave for Bahrain to Compete in Asian Youth Games

The Nepali judo team is set to leave for Bahrain on Monday to participate in the 3rd Asian Youth Games. Although the Games have already begun, the judo events will commence on October 29. Nepal will be represented in judo by Samita Nepali, who will compete in the women’s under-44 kg category among 13 contenders. Samita is affiliated with the Prisoners Assistance Mission (PAM) and will be coached by Debakimaya Shrestha, a national team member and assistant judo coach at PAM.

Trump Oversees Historic Thailand-Cambodia Peace Deal

US President Donald Trump presided over the signing of what he called a “historic” peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia, resolving a decades-long border dispute. The agreement follows a ceasefire in late July, brokered under Trump’s pressure, which ended five days of clashes that killed more than two dozen people. During his one-week high-stakes Asia trip, Trump will also visit Malaysia to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit, Japan to meet the country’s new conservative leader, and South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders’ summit.

Trump Hikes Tariffs on Canadian Goods Over Controversial Ontario Ad

US President Donald Trump announced a 10% increase in tariffs on Canadian imports following an anti-tariff advertisement aired in Ontario featuring former President Ronald Reagan. In a social media post on Saturday, Trump called the ad a “fraud” and criticized Canadian officials for not removing it before the World Series baseball championship. “Because of their serious misrepresentation of the facts, and hostile act, I am increasing the Tariff on Canada by 10% over and above what they are paying now,” he wrote.

Russian Air Strikes Injure 14 in Kyiv Amid Trump-Putin Tensions

At least 14 people, including four children, were injured in overnight Russian air strikes on Kyiv, Ukrainian officials said. The attacks targeted two high-rise residential buildings, though it was unclear whether the structures were hit directly or by falling debris, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said. “Everyone is receiving medical assistance, some have been hospitalized,” the city’s military administration added in a Telegram post. Separately, Russian air defenses intercepted a drone heading toward Moscow, according to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin.