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:

PM Karki Directs Nepali Envoys to Secure International Support for Upcoming Elections

Prime Minister Sushila Karki has directed Nepali ambassadors to coordinate with the international community for the upcoming elections. In her first virtual meeting with envoys since taking office after the Gen-Z Movement, Karki instructed them to secure international monitoring and support for the polls. She also called for stronger coordination to boost economic recovery through foreign aid and investment, urging embassies to promote Nepal as a safe destination for business and tourism.

Nepali Congress Stakes Claim to Form Government in Madhesh Province

The Nepali Congress has staked a claim to form a new government in Madhesh Province under the leadership of its parliamentary party leader, Krishna Prasad Yadav, with backing from the CPN-UML and the Janamat Party. The three parties submitted their claim to the Office of the Province Chief on Wednesday, asserting the support of 58 provincial assembly members — four more than the 54 needed for a majority in the 107-member assembly. Although incumbent Chief Minister Satish Kumar Singh of the Janamat Party has lost his majority, he has yet to resign.

Deuba Calls Meeting of NC Office Bearers And Former Officials

Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba has called a meeting of the party’s office bearers and former office bearers. According to Joint General Secretary Jeevan Pariyar, the meeting has been scheduled for 1 p.m. on Thursday. The party’s Central Working Committee is set to meet from October 12, and Thursday’s gathering has been called in preparation for that meeting.

Kathmandu Metropolitan’s Multi-Partner Dengue Control Drive Shows Results: Mayor Shah

The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has said that its multi-stakeholder dengue control program has proven effective in curbing the spread of dengue, which typically emerges as an epidemic during the monsoon season. According to data shared by the metropolis, the infection rate has significantly declined in recent months. From mid-June 2023 to mid-August 2024, the city recorded 3,586 dengue cases. The figure had risen to 5,637 in the following year. However, since mid-August 2024 to date, only 349 cases have been reported — a notable decrease attributed to the city’s coordinated prevention efforts.

PM Karki Conducts Virtual Meeting with Nepali Ambassadors
Prime Minister Sushila Karki conducted a virtual meeting today with ambassadors and mission chiefs from 44 countries to discuss Nepal’s current political scenario, economic challenges, and key international relations priorities. Officials stated that Karki provided guidance on addressing declining tourism and foreign investment and issued instructions to strengthen diplomatic engagement. The meeting follows the Gen Z Movement, which led to temporary travel restrictions for Nepali citizens, and aimed to keep global partners informed ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled for March 5, 2026.

CPN (UML) Leader Calls for Probe into Energy and Finance Ministers
The Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist), or CPN (UML), leader Mahesh Basnet has demanded an immediate investigation into alleged corruption by Energy Minister Kulman Ghising, calling him one of the most corrupt officials in government. Basnet also urged scrutiny of Finance Minister Rameshore Khanal, highlighting growing concerns over accountability and transparency in the administration.

IT Minister Calls for Smooth Election Environment
Communications and IT Minister Jagadish Kharel emphasized the government’s mandate to conduct parliamentary elections on March 5, 2026. Kharel urged all stakeholders, including media, to help create a conducive election environment and highlighted ongoing efforts to address Gen Z protest impacts, governance, corruption, and disaster relief.

Civil Society Calls for Political Accountability, Voluntary Retirement of Leaders
A coalition of 30 prominent civil society figures has issued a joint appeal urging Nepal’s senior political leaders to apologize to the public and voluntarily step down from active politics. The group emphasized that decades of political stagnation, corruption, and misuse of authority have eroded public trust and weakened the democratic system. They stressed the urgency of holding timely elections to ensure citizens’ participation and restore faith in governance. The appeal highlights the need for a moral reset and accountable leadership to safeguard the future of Nepal’s democracy and political institutions.

Koshi Province to Rebuild All Homes Damaged by Floods
Koshi Province has decided to reconstruct all houses destroyed or damaged by recent floods and landslides. Reconstruction will begin immediately in the hardest-hit districts of Ilam, Jhapa, and Morang, with field inspections and coordination led by provincial ministers. Seven local units of Ilam have been recommended as disaster-stricken. The province will reallocate budget and deploy all resources to expedite relief, reconstruction, and road restoration efforts.

Pokhara Lychee Garden Land Scam Case Filed
The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed a corruption case at the Special Court concerning the Pokhara Lychee Garden land scandal. Seven individuals, including former ministers Raj Kumar Gupta, Balram Adhikari, and Ranjita Shrestha, are accused. The case seeks recovery of Rs 7.8 million from the defendants. CIAA launched the investigation following audio recordings that allegedly reveal discussions between the former ministers and middlemen over bribe deals tied to the misappropriation of land. The Special Court is reviewing the case, and further details are expected soon.

Annapurna Region Sees Decline in Tourist Arrivals
The Annapurna Conservation Area reported 19,386 foreign visitors in September, down 3,702 from the same period last year. Key factors include the recent Gen Z protests, adverse weather, and canceled trips to popular sites like Muktinath. Of these, 8,542 were from Asian countries and 10,844 from other nations. Tourist inflow is slowly recovering, with around 200 visitors recorded at the Ghorepani–Poon Hill site on Wednesday. Authorities urge tourists that the region remains safe and encourage domestic travel during the festive season. The conservation area spans 7,600 sq km across 15 local governments in Kaski, Lamjung, Manang, Myagdi, and Mustang districts.

Mass Rescue Near Everest Saves 1,000 Stranded by Snowstorm
Nearly 1,000 climbers and support staff stranded by a severe weekend snowfall on the Tibetan Plateau near Mount Everest have been safely rescued. Using firefighters, horses, mules, yaks, and drones, rescuers brought 580 climbers and over 300 local guides and workers to nearby settlements. One hiker died from hypothermia and altitude sickness in neighboring Qinghai. Meanwhile, floods and landslides along the Nepal-India border have killed more than 70 people, with rescue efforts ongoing.

Nepal Clinches Women’s T20I Series Against Malaysia
Nepal won the five-match Women’s Twenty20 International series 3–2 against Malaysia, sealing victory in the decisive fifth match by five wickets at Bayuemas Cricket Oval. Chasing 104, Nepal reached 105/5 in 18 overs, with Rubi Poddar (26), Puja Mahato (23), Rubina Chhetri (15*), and Samjhana Khadka (13) contributing. Kabita Kunwar and Rajmati Airee took three wickets each, while Malaysia’s Winifred Duraisingam top-scored with 40.

UK Film Study Tour 2025: Nepali Delegation
Four Nepali film professionals: actress Keki Adhikari, critic Abhimanyu Dixit, and directors Nima Gelu Lama and Shanta Nepali, were selected for the British Council’s UK Film Study Tour 2025. The program begins during the BFI London Film Festival, running from October 8 to October 19. The tour’s aim is to boost cultural exchange, with the delegates set to interact with UK film companies and explore co-production and educational opportunities.

Deepak Raj Giri Announces Next Dashain Film
Actor-producer Deepak Raj Giri, currently in the U.S. for the Chhakka Panja Comedy Tour, announced he will release a new Nepali film next Dashain. Giri thanked audiences for supporting this year’s Dashain releases and promised a fresh project for the next year’s Dashain season.

Godaita Ward Chair Arrested for Assault on Police
Police have arrested Binesh Kumar Das, ward chair of Godaita Municipality-7, Sarlahi, for allegedly attacking the Godaita police post and assaulting officers on September 17. The incident left the station in charge with broken teeth and five other officers injured. The attack reportedly stemmed from a local dispute over Durga Puja donations. Police have placed Das in custody, and his detention may be extended by the Sarlahi District Court.

South Asia’s Growth to Ease to 5.8% by 2026
The report forecasts South Asia’s economy to expand 6.6 percent this year but slow to 5.8 percent by 2026, 0.6 points below previous estimates. It said South Asia could boost productivity, private investment, and jobs by reducing trade barriers and harnessing AI benefits. The services sector has driven three-fourths of job growth in the past decade due to relatively low trade tariffs.

UAE Introduces Income Criteria for Nepali Tourist Visa Sponsors
The UAE has implemented new rules requiring sponsors to meet minimum monthly income thresholds to bring relatives or friends on tourist visas. According to UAE authorities, immediate family must earn at least UAE Dirham (AED) 4,000, extended family AED 8,000, and non-relatives AED 15,000. Sponsors must provide proof of income and relationship documents. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Nepal, is coordinating with the UAE embassy to assess impacts on Nepali residents.

UK PM Starmer Arrives in India to Strengthen Trade Ties
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in India Wednesday for his first official visit, months after London and New Delhi signed a historic free trade agreement (FTA). Accompanied by a 125-member delegation including CEOs and leading industrialists, Starmer is set to meet PM Narendra Modi and jointly address a fintech conference in Mumbai. The FTA aims to cut tariffs on British whisky, cosmetics, and medical equipment, while India’s exports, such as textiles, shoes, and frozen shrimp, gain reduced duties. Despite industry pressure, Starmer ruled out expanding visa access for Indian professionals.

Government Prepares to Reopen BP Highway
The government plans to reopen the BP Highway by Friday after heavy rains damaged temporary sections. Works are underway at Chaukidanda, Mangalatar, Kalikhola, and Nepalthok, with diversions being created for safe passage. The 160 km highway, connecting Kathmandu to Eastern Terai and funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), had sections washed away in last year’s floods. Authorities aim to restore traffic before Dashain to avoid holiday congestion. Permanent repairs will follow at high-risk locations next year.

Myanmar Paragliding Attack Kills 24
At least 24 protesters were killed and 47 injured after the military dropped two bombs from a motorized paraglider in Chaung U township, Sagaing region. The protest targeted conscription and upcoming elections. Volunteer militias tried to intervene but were overwhelmed. Amnesty International condemned the attack as part of a growing trend of paramilitary assaults. Observers highlight Chinese and Russian military tech as giving the junta an operational edge.

UK-China Espionage Case Collapses
Charges against Christopher Cash (30) and Christopher Berry (33) for spying for China were dropped due to insufficient evidence. Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Parkinson cited the need to classify China as a national security threat at the time of the alleged offenses. Critics, including former DPP Lord Macdonald, called for government accountability. The case highlights challenges in prosecuting espionage under the Official Secrets Act.

Nepal and Germany Sign €41 Million Cooperation Deals
Nepal and Germany signed two key agreements today for financial and technical cooperation. Germany committed up to €20 million for Nepal’s power distribution strengthening and up to €21 million for technical support in health, agriculture, governance, and inclusive development. Both projects will be implemented within five years, by September 5, 2029.

China Slams Taiwan President Lai
China condemned Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te for seeking foreign support and praised U.S. President Trump, calling Lai a “prostitute” of foreign powers. China reiterated that Taiwan independence efforts relying on foreign backing are doomed and labeled such actions as “separatist fallacies.” Taiwan’s government has yet to respond. The statement coincides with Taiwan’s upcoming National Day speech.

Typhoon Matmo Hits Vietnam, 8 Dead, Thousands Displaced
Vietnamese authorities report that Typhoon Matmo caused eight deaths and five injuries, flooding over 15,700 homes and damaging 400 more. More than 14,600 hectares of crops were submerged, and over 97,000 livestock perished. Roads in 602 northern and north-central locations were blocked. Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh urged immediate safety measures for affected residents.

Germany Authorizes Police to Shoot Rogue Drones
Germany will allow police to shoot down drones violating airspace, following repeated airport disruptions. The law, awaiting parliamentary approval, includes alternatives such as lasers and signal jamming. Authorities cited a recent spike in drone incidents, possibly linked to Russian hybrid tactics. The law aligns Germany with other EU nations, granting security forces powers to neutralize airborne threats.