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.

Tihar Ends With The Celebration of Bhai Tika

The five-day-long Yama Panchak and Tihar festival concluded on Thursday with sisters applying Bhai Tika to their brothers, following the centuries-old Hindu tradition. Celebrated annually on Kartik Shukla Dwitiya, Bhai Tika marks the final and most significant day of Tihar, Nepal’s second-largest festival. On this day, sisters apply multi-colored tika—traditionally five or seven colors—to their brothers’ foreheads, wishing them longevity, health, and prosperity. With the conclusion of Bhai Tika today, the Tihar festival has officially ended across the country.

Minister Ghising Denies Reports of Joining Any Political Party

Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation Kulman Ghising has clarified that there has been no discussion about his involvement in any political party. Minister Ghising expressed serious concern over media reports and social media posts linking him to the Ujyaloo Nepal Party and claiming he was being made its chairperson. “As mentioned in some reports, there has been no discussion whatsoever regarding my involvement with that party,” he said.

NA Chair Dahal Meets with Australian Speaker in Geneva

National Assembly Chairman Narayan Prasad Dahal held a bilateral meeting with Milton Dick, Speaker of the Australian Parliament’s House of Representatives. Dahal, who is in Geneva to attend the 151st Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), met with the Australian Speaker. They discussed mutual relations, bilateral interests, cooperation, and parliamentary collaboration.

JSP Nepal to Join Madhesh Province Government Post-Chhath
Central Secretary Shailendra Prasad Sah of Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP) Nepal announced that the party will join the Madhesh Province government after Chhath. The move comes as Chief Minister Jitendra Kumar Sonal’s new government seeks a confidence vote. JSP will enter the coalition with a shared program agreed among alliance partners. Sah emphasized that all party members in the provincial assembly are experienced, accountable, and capable, and ministers will be chosen to ensure effective governance, transparency, and public service delivery immediately following the festival.

Death of CPN (Unified Socialist) Rukum West Deputy Chief
CPN (Unified Socialist) Rukum Paschim district deputy chairman Deepakraj Khadka, 47, passed away due to heart complications at Kathmandu’s Gangalal Heart Center. Khadka was also the chair of Musikot Municipality’s party committee and a member of the local hospital development committee. Party leaders described his death as a major loss, noting his dedication to political cooperation, social service, and community development. Locals remembered him as a social leader and entrepreneur who contributed significantly to tourism and public welfare initiatives in the Rukum region.

Nepal Nursing Association Demands Minimum Wage Implementation
The Nepal Nursing Association has urged hospitals to implement the government-mandated minimum wage for healthcare staff. Despite the government’s directive on October 10 to enforce salaries set in 2024 December, many hospitals continue underpaying nurses. Fifth-tier health professionals report receiving only Rs 15,000, far below the Rs 34,000 standard. The association stressed that this delay has prompted protests nationwide among nurses and healthcare workers across public, private, and community hospitals, demanding immediate compliance to ensure fair wages and recognition of their essential contributions to public health.

Suspect Arrested in Saptari Cooperative Fraud Case
Saptari police have arrested 33-year-old Laxmi Kumari Yadav in connection with a fraud and criminal breach of trust case against Navajyoti Savings and Credit Cooperative. The case, filed based on a complaint by Mayadevi Yadav, targets multiple accused, including the cooperative’s chairman. Laxmi Kumari was apprehended near the cooperative premises and presented before Saptari District Court, which extended her custody for seven days. Police confirmed investigations are ongoing to track other absconding suspects. Authorities emphasized the case involves significant financial malpractice affecting local residents.

Motorcycle Accident in Tarkeshwor Claims Life
Amit Putuwar, 26, of Tarkeshwor Municipality, died during treatment at City Hospital after a motorcycle accident on Tarkeshwor–Chisapani road. Police reported the bike lost control around 3:45 a.m., striking an electric pole, leaving Putuwar critically injured. His companion, 20-year-old Samir Putuwar, sustained multiple injuries and was transferred to Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital for further treatment. The incident highlights road safety risks in the Kathmandu Valley and ongoing concerns about traffic accidents involving motorcyclists in hilly and urban areas.

Man Arrested in Lalitpur with Pistol and Cash
Lalitpur police apprehended Shiv Kumar BK, originally from Khotehang, Sakela-1, after reports of suspicious activity in Dhapakhel. Authorities seized a Chinese pistol, one magazine, cash of Rs 487,000, and a mobile phone. BK was residing in Lalitpur-23 at the time of arrest. Police confirmed he is under investigation, highlighting concerns over illegal firearms and financial crime in urban areas. The operation emphasizes continued police vigilance and intelligence-driven interventions to prevent potential criminal incidents and maintain public safety.

Traditional Bull Fighting Held in Rukum Purba
Rukum Purba’s Bhume Rural Municipality hosted the annual traditional bullfighting competition in Mahat village, preserving a centuries-old local custom. Ten teams participated, with farmers’ bulls awarded cash prizes for ranking from first to consolation places. Led by newly elected rural municipal chief Dharam Budha, the rural municipal committee also regulates local agriculture, grazing, and festival funds, which support small infrastructure projects. Residents described the event as a celebration of labor, skill, and heritage. Organizers face challenges expanding participation due to lack of insurance and limited prize money for competing bulls.

Bhai Tika Observed Across Terai-Madhes
Bhai Tika, part of the five-day Yamapanchak festival, was observed today in Mahottari and across Terai-Madhes regions. Sisters invite brothers to their homes, perform rituals including washing their feet, applying multicolored tika, and offering ceremonial food. Brothers reciprocate with gifts, jewelry, and cash. The festival symbolizes protection, prosperity, and familial bonding. Cultural experts note the tradition dates back to ancient Mithila, with rituals celebrating sibling ties, blessings for long life and strength, and moral teachings that continue to reinforce local customs and social cohesion.

Public Bhai Tika Celebrations in Kathmandu
Kathmandu’s Rani Pokhari Balgopaleshwar Temple opened for the annual Bhai Tika, allowing residents without siblings to participate. Similarly, Khanchaneshwar Mahadev Temple hosted rituals for individuals observing the festival. These annual events provide a public venue for cultural participation and continuity of sibling-oriented rituals. The tradition, active since 1978 at Rani Pokhari, strengthens community bonds while accommodating those without immediate family, ensuring cultural engagement and preservation of the Bhai Tika rituals in an urban setting.

President Poudel Celebrates Bhai Tika
President Ramchandra Paudel received this year’s Bhai Tika from sisters Sharada Pandit and Chanda Ojha at Shital Niwas. The ceremony took place at 11:39 AM, the auspicious time set by the Nepal Panchang Nirdeshak Samiti. While the timing is precise, the festival continues throughout the day. The president’s participation highlights the cultural importance of Bhai Tika, reflecting national recognition of family traditions and rituals that symbolize blessings, protection, and the enduring role of siblings in Nepali society.

Arrest in Maharajgunj Police Killing Case
Kathmandu police have arrested 21-year-old Song Gurung in connection with the killing of police constable Uttam Thapa during protests on September 9. The incident also resulted in the death of police officer Milan Rai and damage to Maharajgunj police station. Previously, other suspects were apprehended for the killings of Thapa and Rai, as well as Koteshwor police officer Amrit Gurung. Authorities stated that investigations are ongoing, and arrested individuals have been sent to judicial custody for further prosecution, highlighting ongoing scrutiny of violence during civil unrest.

Actor Nischal Basnet Faces Criticism Over Protest Video
Actor-director Nischal Basnet faced public backlash after videos emerged showing him at the September 9, protest near the set Parliament building fire. In the clips, he praised the Gen Z participants for taking unprecedented action. Following criticism, Basnet clarified on social media that he did not commit arson and is willing to face legal consequences if proven otherwise. He stressed his presence was in protest against corruption, and he called for investigation before assuming culpability. The controversy prompted dialogue between artists and the Prime Minister about misinformation and social responsibility.

Nepal Falls to Turkmenistan in CAVA Cup Men’s Volleyball
Nepal suffered a 3–0 defeat against Turkmenistan in its opening match of the CAVA Cup Men’s Volleyball tournament, held Wednesday at the indoor hall in Kathmandu. Turkmenistan dominated with set scores of 25–22, 25–18, and 27–25, leaving Nepal unable to gain momentum. The loss marks a challenging start for the Nepali team as they aim to recover ahead of Thursday’s crucial fixture against hosts Bangladesh. Fans hope the squad will adjust strategies and deliver a stronger performance in the next match.

Cristiano Ronaldo Tops SportsPro’s Most Marketable Athletes List
Cristiano Ronaldo, recently named the world’s highest-earning footballer by Forbes, has now been ranked first on SportsPro’s list of the 50 most marketable athletes worldwide. The UK-based sports media firm evaluated athletes based on brand strength, total addressable market, and financial valuation, scoring them out of 100. At 40, Ronaldo rose four places from last year, leading all footballers, while Lionel Messi fell 11 spots to 16th. Other notable athletes include Lewis Hamilton, Simone Biles, and Stephen Curry, reflecting the growing influence of non-football sports in global marketing.

Indonesia Bars Israeli Gymnasts from Jakarta Championship
Indonesia has blocked Israeli gymnasts from participating in a world championship event in Jakarta, citing security, public order, and adherence to national principles. Sports Minister Erick Thohir confirmed the decision aligns with the country’s constitutional obligations and policy of not recognizing Israel until it acknowledges Palestinian independence. The International Olympic Committee warned that Indonesia would be barred from hosting future Olympic or world championship events under the Olympic umbrella if the ban persists. Indonesia remains committed to participating actively in other regional and international sporting events despite the restrictions.

FIDE Takes Action After Naroditsky’s Death and Kramnik Controversy
Former world chess champion Vladimir Kramnik is facing disciplinary proceedings after publicly accusing late U.S. grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky of cheating, sparking outrage. Naroditsky, 29, died unexpectedly this week, and FIDE president Arkady Dvorkovich announced that Kramnik’s statements before and after the death will be reviewed by FIDE’s Ethics and Disciplinary Commission. Prominent players and streamers condemned Kramnik’s conduct, emphasizing the immense stress Naroditsky faced. FIDE extended condolences to his family and will honor him with a special award recognizing his contributions as a player, teacher, and online chess commentator.

US Sanctions Target Russia’s Oil Firms
The US has imposed sanctions on Russia’s largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, aiming to pressure Moscow into negotiating peace in Ukraine. President Trump announced the move after shelving a proposed meeting with Putin in Budapest. While the economic impact on Russia may be limited, the sanctions target firms funding the Kremlin’s war machine. The UK and EU have similarly imposed sanctions. US and European leaders hope these measures will compel Russia to halt hostilities and facilitate progress in stalled negotiations with Ukraine, though Moscow has resisted.

US Strikes Against Drug-Smuggling Vessels in Pacific
US forces struck a second vessel allegedly carrying drugs in the Pacific, killing three people without harming US personnel, marking an escalation in anti-drug operations. These strikes follow a similar attack the previous day and are part of a wider campaign against narco-terrorist organizations. President Trump affirmed the legal authority to conduct strikes and suggested possible expansion to land targets. US operations have so far killed 37 people, highlighting tensions with Colombia and Ecuador over Pacific trafficking routes. The campaign emphasizes ongoing US efforts to combat international drug smuggling.

Gaza Medical Evacuations Stalled Amid Ceasefire
The World Health Organization reports that 15,000 Palestinians in Gaza urgently need medical evacuation, but the Rafah border remains closed despite the ceasefire. Israel has returned 54 unidentified Palestinian bodies, some showing signs of torture and execution, which were buried in Deir el-Balah. Medical personnel and humanitarian agencies continue to appeal for safe evacuation and access. The situation underscores severe humanitarian distress in Gaza, the ongoing impact of conflict on civilians, and the critical need for international intervention to provide medical care and human rights protections.

Polish Border Fortifications Threaten Bialowieza Forest
Poland’s military infrastructure along the Belarus border is threatening the Bialowieza Forest, Europe’s largest primeval forest and UNESCO World Heritage site. “Eastern Shield” border fortifications include roads, barriers, and razor-wire fencing, affecting wildlife movement and forest ecosystems. Researchers warn paving roads disrupts animal migration, increases roadkill risks, and prevents ecological connectivity across borders. The forest, home to European bison and other species, now faces pressure from heavy machinery and geopolitical security measures, raising concerns about balancing national defense needs with environmental conservation and biodiversity protection.

Dassault Systèmes Lowers Revenue Forecast
French software firm Dassault Systèmes revised its full-year revenue growth outlook to 4–6%, down from 6–8%, after third-quarter results missed estimates. Total quarterly revenue was €1.46 billion, with operating profit of €440 million. Weak performance in Life Sciences and CENTRIC PLM divisions contributed to the shortfall. CFO Rouven Bergmann noted limited impact of AI development on 2025 revenue but expects modest gains in 2026. The firm continues partnerships to enhance clinical research, streamline trials, and improve patient outcomes, emphasizing ongoing strategic initiatives despite slower-than-expected growth.

European Aerospace Firms Plan Satellite Merger
Airbus, Thales, and Leonardo unveiled a framework agreement to merge their loss-making satellite manufacturing operations, starting in 2027 pending regulatory approval. The venture, employing 25,000 workers with annual revenues of €6.5 billion, aims to enhance Europe’s strategic autonomy in space. Airbus holds 35%, while Thales and Leonardo each hold 32.5%. The merger combines manufacturing and services from Thales Alenia Space, Telespazio, and other operations, targeting mid-triple-digit million euro synergies in operating income. Officials cited rising competition from low-orbit satellites and the need for collaboration to strengthen European space capabilities.