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 Karki Directs Officials to Prevent Passport Shortage

Prime Minister Sushila Karki has sought updates from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Passports regarding the current status of passport distribution. According to the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, officials from the ministry and the department were summoned to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers at Singha Durbar on Tuesday to brief the Prime Minister on the situation.

Nepal Airlines Discontinues ‘Business Class Upgrade’ Privilege for Officials

Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) has discontinued the long-standing privilege allowing its officials to upgrade from economy to business class. The decision was made by newly appointed NAC Executive Chairman Bikram Rai immediately after assuming office on Tuesday. He instructed the management to end the “business class upgrade” facility, which had been available to certain officials.

Former President Yadav Appreciates Government’s Election Preparations

Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal held a meeting with former President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav on Tuesday. The meeting was part of Prime Minister Sushila Karki’s directive to hold consultations with various stakeholders to create a conducive environment for the upcoming elections. Minister Aryal visited Dr. Yadav’s residence in Bagdol, Lalitpur, to inquire about his health and to discuss the political impact of the incidents that occurred on September 8 and 9.

UN Secretary-General Meets President Paudel in Doha

As part of his participation in the Second World Summit for Social Development, President Ramchandra Poudel, currently in Doha, Qatar, held a meeting with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. According to the President’s Secretariat the discussion focused on the implementation of the Copenhagen Commitment, social development, peace, social justice, and achieving shared goals for sustainable development.

Cabinet Decisions from November 3 Announced

The decisions from Monday’s Cabinet meeting were made public today, with Minister for Communications and Information Technology Jagadish Kharel announcing 13 resolutions adopted at the meeting. The Cabinet decided to appoint Ghanshyam Ojha, Deputy Attorney at the Office of the Attorney General, as a member of the Foreign Employment Tribunal. It also approved the participation of Dr. Ram Prasad Ghimire, Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Supplies, in the third review of Nepal’s trade policy, which will be held in Geneva, Switzerland, from November 17 to 19. Additionally, the Cabinet approved the Regulations for the Operation of the Fund for Investigation, Truth-Finding, and Reconciliation of Enforced Disappearances, 2025.

Nine Parties, Including Maoist Centre, Merge to Form “Nepali Communist Party”

Nine parties, including the CPN (Maoist Centre), have merged to form a new political party named the “Nepali Communist Party.” Agni Prasad Sapkota, spokesperson of the CPN (Maoist Centre), announced the decision on Tuesday after the final meeting of the party’s convention organizing committee. Earlier, last Friday, eight parties had agreed on the election symbol—a five-pointed star—but the party name had not yet been finalized.  “The national unification convention of the new party will be held on November 6, where representatives from all participating parties will be selected through mutual consensus and understanding,” Sapkota said.

PM Karki Insists on Making Foreign Employment Safe

Prime Minister Sushila Karki has emphasized that policy measures are needed to ensure that foreign employment is safe and freely accessible. During her address at a programme organized here today to mark the 18th establishment day of the Foreign Employment Board, the Prime Minister highlighted the need to guarantee transparency and dignity in foreign employment. She also instructed the Board to implement measures for the respectful reintegration of foreign employment returnees within their families, along with ensuring their social security.

Ex-President Bhandari Urges Govt to Ensure Violence-Free Elections

Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has emphasized that the government must actively work to create a conducive environment for elections. After obtaining a second copy of her citizenship certificate today from the Kathmandu District Administration Office, Bhandari advised the government and relevant authorities to focus on ensuring proper electoral conditions. She stated, “The government must work to make the upcoming elections violence-free and well-organized. Security forces should recover missing weapons and bring them under control.”

SC Denies Interim Order for Former NEA MD Shakya’s Reinstatement

The Supreme Court has declined to issue an interim order for former Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) Managing Director Hitendra Dev Shakya, who had filed a writ petition seeking reinstatement. Shakya submitted the petition on Monday, and it was heard on Tuesday by a bench led by Justice Nripadhwaj Niraula. The court directed the government to submit its response before issuing a final verdict.

Chinese Ambassador Pays Courtesy call on Health Minister Gautam

Dr. Sudha Sharma Gautam, Minister of Health and Population, held a courtesy meeting with Chen Song, the Ambassador of China to Nepal. According to the Ministry of Health and Population, the meeting, held on Monday at the ministry, focused on detailed discussions to make the bilateral partnership in the health sector more sustainable and effective. The ministry stated that special discussions were held on improving and expanding services at BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital, Bharatpur Cancer Hospital, and Civil Hospital.

Gagan Thapa Proposes Party Convention from Dec 31 to Jan 3

Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa has proposed holding the party’s general convention from December 31, 2025 to January 3, 2026. He put forward the proposal during the ongoing Central Committee meeting of the party. A central member attending the meeting stated that Thapa made the proposal at the beginning of the session, suggesting the 15th general convention be conducted between December 31, 2025 to January 3, 2026.

Bodies of Two Missing Italian Climbers Found in Pangbari Mountain, Gorkha

The bodies of two Italian climbers who had been missing for the past five days in Pangbari Mountain, Gorkha, have been recovered. According to Rajkumar Shrestha, Information Officer and Deputy Superintendent of Police at the District Police Office, the bodies of 67-year-old Stefano Farinato and 37-year-old Alessandro Gaputo were found at the first camp of Pangbari Mountain. Both climbers were discovered covered in snow. The bodies were transported to Samagaun by helicopter.

Former Bagmati Province State Minister Jonche Passes Away

Former Minister of State for Industry, Commerce and Supplies of Bagmati Province Rajani Amatya Jonche has passed away during treatment. Jonche, who was also a member of the Nepali Congress Mahasamiti, breathed her last on Tuesday morning while undergoing treatment at Madhyapur Thimi Hospital. Her final rites will be performed later today (Tuesday) at Hanumanghat, Bhaktapur. Jonche had served as the minister of state under the leadership of Rajendra Prasad Pandey in 2021. She was the widow of martyr Radheshyam Jonche.

Eight Climbers Rescued Safely After Avalanche on Yalung Ri in Dolakha

Security personnel have successfully rescued eight climbers who were trapped in an avalanche on Yalung Ri in Dolakha district. The avalanche, which struck on Monday, had already claimed seven lives. Those rescued include three foreign nationals and five Nepali climbers. The rescue operation was carried out by personnel from the Nepal Army, Armed Police Force, and Nepal Police. At the time of the avalanche, there were 15 climbers at the base camp.

Nicholous Bhusal Arrested in Gorkha

Dr. Nicholous Bhusal, who has recently made controversial statements against Prime Minister Sushila Karki, Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Sah, and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, was arrested today in Gorkha. He was taken into custody at Saraswati Ashram in Gorkha Municipality–8 by a team from the Valley Crime Investigation Office.  The police had been monitoring Bhusal for making inflammatory statements on social media aimed at inciting violence. A few days ago, Bhusal made anarchic remarks in Kathmandu against former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and then-Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, who had resigned following the Gen Z protests, even going so far as to threaten to burn their homes

NEPSE Index Drops 27.64 Points, Market Turnover Falls

The Nepali share market continued its downward trend on Tuesday as the NEPSE index fell by 27.64 points, closing at 2,595.24. This follows Monday’s decline of 8.24 points. The Sensitive index fell by 3.93 points, the Float index by 1.91 points, and the Sensitive Float index by 1.30 points. Trading involved 322 companies, with a total of 10.34 million shares exchanged, valued at approximately Rs 5.16 billion, down from Monday’s Rs 6.05 billion.

Total Deposits in Banks Reach Rs 74.75 Trillion

The total deposits in banks and financial institutions have reached Rs 74 trillion 75 billion, according to Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB). The central bank stated that deposits have been increasing in recent times. As of the first week of November, commercial banks alone have collected Rs 67 trillion 17 billion in deposits. During this same period, banks and financial institutions have extended Rs 56 trillion 35 billion in loans. Among them, commercial banks alone have disbursed Rs 50 trillion 12 billion in credit.

Rs 4 Billion Insurance Claims Filed After Floods and Landslides

Floods and landslides since October 4 have led to insurance claims worth nearly Rs 4 billion. The Insurance Board reported that around Rs 4.78 billion in claims were filed for flood damages. A total of 734 claims were submitted to 13 general insurance companies and 2 micro-insurance firms, with estimated claims totaling Rs 3.78 billion.

Minister Ghisings Pledges Government Commitment to Electrifying Transport and Kitchens

Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Kulman Ghising, has stated that the government is serious about electrifying transport and kitchen systems across the country. Addressing the 29th anniversary of the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC) today, Minister Ghising acknowledged that while some progress has been made, much work remains. He highlighted the increasing use of electric vehicles and the need to replace gas used in kitchens with induction or other alternative energy sources, emphasizing that further efforts are needed to promote these technologies.

Midway Solution Reached in Dedicated and Trunk Line Dispute

A meeting between Prime Minister Sushila Karki, Finance Minister Rameshwor Khanal, Energy Minister Kulman Ghising, Industry Minister Anil Sinha, Chief Secretary Ek Narayan Aryal, and FNCCI President Chandra Prasad Dhakal agreed on a middle-ground proposal to resolve the dedicated and trunk line dispute. It was agreed that one installment equivalent to the disputed amount would be accepted as a security deposit, not as payment, and power connections would be restored immediately. Industries can pursue review and legal remedies afterward.

Film ‘Paanch Pandav’ Launched with Auspicious Ceremony

The film ‘Paanch Pandav’ was officially launched with a blessing ceremony on Tuesday at Ganesh Temple, Kamaladi. The event saw participation from actors Haribansha Acharya, Jitu Nepal, and director Basant Niraula, among others. During the ceremony, the film script was worshipped as part of the traditional ritual for good fortune. The film, directed by Basanta Niraula, will be produced by Kalyani Sakha. It will feature performances by Haribansha Acharya, Jitu Nepal, Dipashree Niraula, and Sitaram Kattel ‘Dhurmus’, among others.

Auditions Announced for Child Cast of ‘Roll No. 1’

A new film ‘Roll No. 1’, based on child psychology, is in production, and the makers have announced auditions for child actors. Presented by Seven Seas Cinema, the film requires talented children aged 7 to 12 years. According to the production team, they are looking for three boys aged 7–8, one girl aged 6–7, and two boys aged 11–12 for key roles. All selections will be finalized by director Binod Paudel. The children should have wheat-colored skin and a height of 2.5 to 3 feet. Interested candidates can submit a short video clip to the production company via social media. The team will shortlist candidates for a final audition.

Filming of ‘Pension Patta’ to Begin in Mangsir

The film ‘Pension Patta’, directed by Maotse Gurung, will start filming in the last week of November, the director confirmed. Written and produced by Gurung, the film is set against the backdrop of retired army personnel. It tells the story of a greedy young man who transforms into a generous person, exploring the changes in his character and behavior. The film will feature actors Dayahang Rai, Gaumaya Gurung, Pashupati Rai, Puskar Gurung, Prakash Giri, and Luniva Tuladhar, among others. Some cast members are still under selection, Gurung added.

England Wicketkeeper Joins Kathmandu Gorkhas

England’s wicketkeeper-batter John Simpson is set to play for Kathmandu Gorkhas in the upcoming Nepal Premier League (NPL) Season 2. The Kathmandu-based franchise, owned by Kathmandu Sports Development Ventures Pvt. Ltd., officially signed the English cricketer for the new season. The 37-year-old Simpson has represented England in three One Day Internationals (ODIs), all during Pakistan’s 2021 tour of England. In the second ODI at Lord’s, he scored 17 runs and took five catches behind the stumps.

Everest Women’s Volleyball League to Resume on Nov 12

The second edition of the Everest Women’s Volleyball League (EWVL), which was suspended due to the Gen Z movement, is set to resume on November 12. According to organizers, the remaining matches will start on November 12 and the league is expected to conclude within three days. Out of 16 scheduled matches, 9 have already been completed, all held in Pokhara. The remaining matches will now be played in Kathmandu.

Death Toll in Central Vietnam Rises to 40 as Typhoon Kalmaegi Approaches

The death toll from a week of record-breaking rainfall and flooding in central Vietnam has risen to 40, authorities said Tuesday, as another powerful storm, Typhoon Kalmaegi, threatens the already battered region. The central provinces of Vietnam have been deluged by torrential rains, turning streets into canals, causing riverbanks to burst, and submerging some of the country’s most-visited historic sites. In one 24-hour period, rainfall reached 1.7 meters, breaking national records. The fatalities occurred in Hue, Da Nang, Lam Dong, and Quang Tri provinces, according to the Ministry of Environment’s Disaster Management Agency, which also reported six people remain missing.

Trump Endorses Andrew Cuomo in NYC Mayoral Race

U.S. President Donald Trump has endorsed Andrew Cuomo in the New York City mayoral race, urging voters not to support left-wing front-runner Zohran Mamdani. Posting on Truth Social Monday evening, Trump wrote: “Whether you personally like Andrew Cuomo or not, you really have no choice. You must vote for him, and hope he does a fantastic job. He is capable of it, Mamdani is not!” Independent candidate Cuomo, a former Democratic governor of New York and longtime Trump critic, responded to the endorsement cautiously, saying: “He’s not endorsing me. He’s opposing Mamdani.”

Peru Cuts Diplomatic Ties with Mexico Over Asylum for Former Prime Minister

Peru has severed diplomatic relations with Mexico after accusing it of granting asylum to former Prime Minister Betssy Chavez, who is on trial over an alleged coup attempt in 2022. The decision came hours after Chavez, who served under former President Pedro Castillo, sought refuge at the Mexican Embassy in Lima. Speaking at a news conference, Peru’s Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela said: “Today we learned with surprise and deep regret that Betssy Chavez, the alleged co-author of the coup attempt by former President Pedro Castillo, is being granted asylum at the Mexican Embassy residence in Peru.”