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.

PM’s Office Denies Reports of Pressure to Remove Home Minister Aryal

Prime Minister Sushila Karki’s Personal Secretariat has addressed recent media reports claiming that Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah has pressured the government to remove Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal. The statement underscores that decisions regarding the appointment or removal of ministers rest solely with the Prime Minister and cannot be influenced by outside pressure. It also highlights that the current government was formed following the mandate expressed through the Gen Z movement.  “Minister Aryal, serving in these extraordinary circumstances, is working tirelessly to create a stable environment for the upcoming elections, maintain peace and security, and uphold the morale of security forces,” the release stated.

Government Will Not Appoint Ambassadors Immediately: Minister Kharel

The government has decided not to immediately appoint ambassadors to countries where the posts are currently vacant. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday to announce the Cabinet’s decisions, Minister for Communication and Information Technology Jagadish Kharel, who is also the government spokesperson, said the interim government will not make ambassadorial appointments for now.

Adverse Weather Disrupts Flights at TIA

Flights across the country were affected today due to unfavorable weather conditions. The disruption was caused by bad weather and deteriorating “in-route weather,” impacting both domestic and international flights from Tribhuvan International Airport. According to airport spokesperson Rinji Sherpa, several domestic flights were today due to adverse weather, and flights to Bharatpur and Tumlingtar airports were suspended. Pokhara Airport had closed arrivals but allowed departures only. Sherpa added that a Shree Airlines flight from Biratnagar to Kathmandu was diverted, and another flight from Bhairahawa to Kathmandu was diverted back to Bhairahawa. On the international front, Nepal Airlines’ flight to New Delhi was diverted, while an Indigo flight was also redirected to New Delhi, and an Air India flight was diverted to Lucknow.

Jhalanath Warns Madhav Nepal: Join the Maoists If You Want

Senior leader of the CPN (Unified Socialist), Jhalanath Khanal, has sent a clear message to party chairman Madhav Kumar Nepal: “If you want to follow the Maoists instead of building a revolutionary party, go ahead.” Khanal said this while addressing the ongoing third full Central Committee meeting of the party that has been in session for two days. Khanal made strong remarks on the current political situation and the party’s weaknesses, emphasizing that this is not a time for merger but for party-building and ideological consolidation. “Now is the time to build a revolutionary party, not to go for a merger, “he said during his address.

Government Approves President Paudel’s Delegation Visit to Qatar

The government has approved a visit by a Nepali delegation led by President Ram Chandra Paudel to Qatar. The delegation will participate in the Second World Summit for Social Development, scheduled to be held in Qatar from November 3–6. Government spokesperson and Minister for Communications and Information Technology Jagdish Kharel announced the decision during a press conference at his ministry on Thursday, following the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday.

Indian Ambassador Srivastava Holds Courtesy Meeting with Communications Minister Kharel

Naveen Srivastava, Indian Ambassador to Nepal, paid a courtesy call on Minister for Communications and Information Technology Jagadish Kharel at the ministry in Singha Durbar. During the meeting, discussions focused on the historical bilateral relationship between Nepal and India, ongoing cooperation, and the current priorities of the Government of Nepal. Minister Kharel appreciated India’s support for various development projects in Nepal over the years and highlighted the economic, technical, and goodwill assistance India has provided, contributing to Nepal’s social and political development.

Three People Die in Baitadi After Falling from Cliff

Three people have died after falling from cliffs in different parts of Baitadi district. The victims have been identified as 55-year-old Bhimsingh Rawat from Pachkora, Melauli Municipality-7; 61-year-old Indrasingh Saud from Barulojani, Shivanath Rural Municipality-5; and 58-year-old Haruli Karki from Dhan, Dilasaini Rural Municipality-7. According to police spokesperson and Inspector Baldev Badu, Bhimsingh Rawat went missing on Wednesday after visiting the Shivanath Dham festival. His body was found this afternoon about 500 meters below the Olya cliff in Shivnath-6. Police said Indrasingh Saud also fell to his death from a cliff while returning from the Shivnath festival. Meanwhile, Karki, who had been missing since Wednesday, was found about one meter below a cliff while cutting grass in Nyaute. The Baitadi District Police Office stated that further investigation into all three incidents is ongoing.

German Ambassador Volz Calls on PM Karki

Udo Volz, Ambassador of Germany to Nepal, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sushila Karki today at the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers’ Office. The meeting, the first between the two leaders since Prime Minister Karki assumed office, focused on bilateral interests and strengthening friendship between Nepal and Germany. Ambassador Volz conveyed his best wishes for the Prime Minister’s tenure and expressed Germany’s readiness to provide support in line with Nepal’s priorities. Prime Minister Karki thanked the Ambassador for his goodwill.

PM Karki Directs Study on Impact of Malaysia’s New Rules for Foreign Employment Agencies

Prime Minister Sushila Karki has instructed the Ministry of Labor to study the potential impact of Malaysia’s newly introduced standards for foreign employment agencies and to prepare necessary measures. The Prime Minister met with Secretary Krishna Hari Pushkar on Thursday morning in her office to discuss the issue. Secretary Pushkar informed that Nepal has received information about Malaysia’s new standards and emphasized that the matter needs to be addressed diplomatically.

UML General Secretary Pokharel Claims Conspiracy to Undermine Nepal’s Legal System

DANG: Shankar Pokharel, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Nepal (UML), has claimed that there is a conspiracy aimed at destabilizing Nepal’s legal system. He made the remarks during a press conference organized by Press Chautari in Dang on Thursday. Pokharel argued that attacks on the judiciary during the recent Gen Z movement were not ordinary incidents but the result of a deliberate plot to undermine the country’s legal framework. “There was no role of the judiciary in suppressing the Gen Z movement,” he said. “This is the outcome of a conspiracy aimed at destabilizing the legal system.”

Japan Grants 2.8 Billion Yen for Reconstruction of BP Highway

The Government of Japan has pledged grant assistance worth 2.8 billion yen (approximately Rs 2.6 billion) for the emergency reconstruction of the Sindhuli section of BP Highway, which was severely damaged by floods in September 2024. The Exchange of Notes was signed in Kathmandu in the presence of Finance Minister Rameshore Prasad Khanal and Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal. MAEDA Toru, Ambassador of Japan to Nepal, and Ghanshyam Upadhyaya, Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, officially signed the agreement.

Parliamentary Committee Meets After 53 Days of Gen Z Protests

After 53 days of the Gen Z movement, a parliamentary committee has finally convened. Today, the Federal Strengthening and National Concerns Committee under the National Assembly held its meeting at Singha Durbar. The meeting agenda included discussions on topics for the committee’s upcoming sessions, as well as plans for field inspections and interaction programs. However, lawmakers used the occasion to recall the Gen Z movement, demanding that the Prime Minister or Home Minister be summoned for discussions.

Cyclone Montha to Bring Rain Across Most Parts of Nepal Until Saturday Morning

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has forecast rain across most parts of the country until Saturday morning due to the ‘Montha’ cyclone. Bibhuti Pokharel, spokesperson for the department, told Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS) that there will be light, scattered rain in Karnali and Sudurpashchim provinces, while other provinces are expected to receive moderate rainfall. She added that the weather is likely to improve only from Saturday morning. Pokharel also said that rainfall is expected in the Kathmandu Valley and surrounding areas over the next 24 hours, though it will not be continuous everywhere.

Around 2,000 Tourists Rescued from Himalayan Regions After Heavy Snowfall

Around two thousand domestic and foreign tourists stranded in the Himalayan regions of the country due to continuous rainfall and heavy snowfall have been rescued. Because the snowfall occurred during the peak trekking season, many local, domestic, and international trekkers were trapped in high-altitude areas of Manang, Mustang, Myagdi, and Gorkha. As of Thursday, authorities reported the safe rescue of around 1,500 local and domestic tourists and over 200 foreign visitors. Some tourists still trapped in deep snow are being rescued.

Ghanashyam Bhusal Flags Risks in Unity Talks with Maoist Centre

Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Socialist) General Secretary Ghanshyam Bhusal has warned that unity with the Maoist Centre could lead to an even bigger crisis. Addressing the central committee meeting on Thursday, Bhusal stated that even if unity is pursued in the current manner, the Maoist Centre may not remain intact. He also clarified that he has not participated in the proposed unity process. A member quoted Bhusal saying, “I have no involvement in the unity process. From the beginning, I have maintained that unity should focus on political issues, not technical matters.”

NEPSE Rises by 34 Points, Trading Crosses Rs 7.5 Billion

On the last trading day of the week, the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index saw an increase. On Thursday, the total turnover reached Rs 7.51 billion, and the NEPSE index rose by 34.22 points. Shares of 216 companies increased in value, bringing the NEPSE index to 2,600.38 points. Market capitalization also rose by 1.33 percent. However, 28 companies saw a decline in their share prices, while 5 companies’ shares remained unchanged.

Loan Investment Weak in First Quarter Despite High Deposit Growth

During the first quarter of the current fiscal year, bank loan investment appears weaker. Although deposit growth is the highest in a decade, loan expansion in the first quarter is the second lowest in the last decade. While the economy has been recovering after several slow fiscal years, the Gen Z protest on September 8-9 and floods and landslides in early October caused banking sector performance in the first quarter to be the most disappointing in the last decade.

Nearly 200 MW Electricity Wasted After NEA Cuts Lines of Large Industries
Energy producers informed that nearly 200 MW of electricity started being wasted after Nepal Electricity Authority cut lines of large industries over dedicated and trunk line disputes. Even before cutting lines, 400–500 MW of electricity was regularly being wasted for various reasons. After simultaneously cutting lines of two dozen large electricity-consuming industries, at least an additional 200 MW of electricity has started being wasted.

Nepal and India Sign JV Agreements for New Cross-Border 400 kV Transmission Lines

Joint Venture (JV) Agreements for new cross-border transmission lines were signed yesterday between the Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) and the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), in the presence of Manohar Lal Khattar, Minister of Power, Government of India, and Kulman Ghising, Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Government of Nepal. The agreements envisage the development of the Inaruwa (Nepal) – New Purnea (India) and Dododhara (Nepal) – Bareilly (India) 400 kV transmission lines. These lines will complement the under-construction 400 kV Gorakhpur (India) – New Butwal (Nepal) transmission line, which is making good progress. Together, these projects are expected to add approximately 6,000 MW of additional transmission capacity between India and Nepal.

NRB Punishes Two Development Banks for Regulatory Violations

Nepal Rastra Bank has taken action against two development banks for violating regulatory directives. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2025/26, the central bank also took action against Lumbini Development Bank (national-level) and Saptakoshi Development Bank (regional-level). The central bank stated that Lumbini Development Bank increased the service benefits of its Chief Executive Officer in violation of the NRB Act.

Film ‘Pariwartan’ to Screen in Japan, Qatar, and UAE

Bijay Kerung’s directed film ‘Pariwartan’ is set to be screened in Japan, Qatar, and the UAE. The film’s screening rights for Qatar and the UAE have been acquired by Ashish Entertainment, while Yuna Entertainment has secured the rights for Japan. The international sale of rights has heightened excitement among both audiences and distributors. “The film aims to take Nepali cinema to a new level, and audiences have already received the message of national transformation through the film’s teaser,” makers of the film claimed.

‘Paran’ Opens Booking Ahead of Friday Release

The film ‘Paran’, set to release from Friday, has opened bookings nationwide. Produced by Shekhar Golchha of the Golchha Group and Ranjit Acharya of advertising agency Prisma Advertising, the film is being screened across the country. Made under the banner of Biscope Cinema, the film has so far received over 64 shows, with additional shows expected later today. Featuring an emotional family storyline, the film is anticipated to attract large family audiences at the Nepali box office. The debut directorial venture of Deepak Prasad Acharya (Kaku) stars senior actor Neer Shah in the central role.

Advance Ticket Sales Begin for ‘Jaari 2’ in US Theaters

Several US theaters have begun advance ticket sales for ‘Jaari 2’. Eight theaters in Nepali-populated states including Colorado, Arizona, California, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and New York have started screening shows. By Thursday morning, these theaters had announced 38 shows. Theaters such as Harkins Theater in Colorado and Arizona, Apple Cinemas chains in California, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and New York City have opened bookings. The film, directed by Upendra Subba, will be presented in international markets by Seven Seas International.

Nepal Lose to UAE By 5 wickets in World Cup League 2

Nepal lost their second ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 match, going down to the UAE by five wickets in Sharjah. Batting first, Nepal were all out for 233 runs in 50 overs. Captain Rohit Paudel scored a fine 109 off 130 balls, his second ODI century. UAE chased the 234-run target in 43.3 overs, led by Aryansh Sharma’s 98 runs.

Nepal Captain Rohitkumar Paudel Scores Century After 3 Years 7 Months in ODI Cricket

Nepal national cricket team captain Rohitkumar Paudel scored a century in One Day International (ODI) cricket after three years and seven months, during a match against the host team at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2. This is the second century of his career. Paudel’s previous century came on March 25, 2022, in Kirtipur, when he scored 126 runs against Papua New Guinea. After a gap of three years, seven months, and five days, Paudel has once again reached the three-figure mark with the bat.

National Men’s Football Team Head Coach Ross Resigns

Matt Ross, the head coach of the Nepal National Men’s Football Team, has resigned from his position. Kiran Rai, General Secretary of the All-Nepal Football Association (ANFA), confirmed that Ross submitted his resignation a few days ago. Appointed in March 2025 for a one-year term, Ross resigned before completing even a year in office. During the eight-month tenure of Ross as head coach, the Nepali national team played seven international matches, securing one victory, two draws, and four defeats. In his debut match as coach, Nepal recorded a win against Singapore.

ANFA Senior Vice President Requests Suspension of General Secretary

All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) Senior Vice President Bir Bahadur Khadka has formally requested President Pankaj Bikram Nembang to suspend General Secretary Kiran Rai. In a written statement submitted to the president on Thursday, Khadka claimed that he has not engaged in any wrongdoing and argued that it is the General Secretary’s actions that have obstructed the association’s decisions and disrupted the football system. Khadka stated, “To keep Nepali football vibrant and ensure its operation according to rules, regulations, and proper procedures, the General Secretary has become an obstacle. Therefore, I request that my decision to suspend him be implemented.”

Sudanese RSF Militia Killed 460 People at el-Fasher Hospital

The Rapid Support Forces militia reportedly killed hundreds of civilians at the main hospital in el-Fasher, days after it captured the Sudanese city, the head of the UN’s health agency says. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the UN health agency was “appalled and deeply shocked” by the reported killing of 460 people at the hospital. Earlier, the Sudan Doctors’ Network said that on Tuesday RSF fighters had “cold bloodedly killed everyone they found inside the Saudi Hospital, including patients, their companions, and anyone else present”. It gave no casualty figures, but said medical facilities in the city had been “transformed into human slaughterhouses”.

Trump Urges Resumption of US Nuclear Weapons Testing Amid Global Competition

President Donald Trump has called on US military leaders to resume testing nuclear weapons, citing the need to keep pace with other nations such as Russia and China. On social media, just ahead of his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea, Trump wrote, “Because of other countries’ testing programs, I have instructed the Department of War to start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis.” Trump emphasized that the United States possesses the largest nuclear arsenal in the world, with Russia second and China a “distant third,” noting that the US has not conducted nuclear tests since 1992. The announcement comes days after Trump criticized Russia for testing a nuclear-powered missile, reportedly with unlimited range.

Hurricane Melissa Leaves Devastation Across the Caribbean

Hurricane Melissa has continued its destructive path across the Caribbean, flattening homes, damaging infrastructure, flooding neighborhoods, and claiming dozens of lives. The impact was especially severe in Jamaica on Wednesday, where the island was struck directly by the category five storm, one of the strongest hurricanes ever recorded in the region. At least five people have been confirmed dead in Jamaica, with many residents stranded on rooftops and widespread power outages reported. Prime Minister Andrew Holness described the situation as “total devastation” across the nation. Meanwhile, in Haiti, at least 20 people lost their lives due to severe flooding as Melissa, now downgraded to a category two storm, swept through the region.

US to Reduce “Fentanyl Tariff” on Chinese Goods From 20% to 10%.

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in South Korea on Wednesday, resulting in a series of announcements aimed at boosting trade relations between the two countries. As part of the agreement, President Trump said the US will reduce the “fentanyl tariff” on Chinese goods from 20% to 10%. In return, China will begin purchasing large quantities of soybeans, sorghum, and other agricultural products from the United States. China also committed to easing access for US companies to buy rare earth minerals, which are critical for electronics and other high-tech industries. In exchange, the US agreed to suspend plans to expand export controls on foreign firms listed on the Entity List, measures that had previously affected Chinese companies.