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.

Interim Government Lacks Mandate to Restructure Governance System: PM Karki

Prime Minister Sushila Karki has stated that the interim government does not have the authority to implement systemic changes in state governance, such as introducing a directly elected executive head as demanded by Gen Z. In her address to the nation today, PM Karki urged everyone to participate in the upcoming general elections on March 5, 2026, where such issues of governance reform raised by Gen Z can be addressed through the people’s mandate.

Government Studying Possibility of Withholding Passports of Top Leaders 

Government spokesperson and Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Jagdish Kharel, said on Thursday that the government is studying the issue of restricting passports of top leaders. Speaking to journalists, Kharel explained that the matter is under review.

U.S. Ambassador Pays Courtesy Call on Minister Kharel

Minister for Communications and Information Technology Jagadish Kharel held a meeting on Thursday afternoon with U.S. Ambassador to Nepal Dean R. Thompson at the ministry office. During the courtesy call, the two discussed matters of mutual interest between Nepal and the United States.

Government Shifts Oversight of Revenue, Money Laundering and Intelligence Agencies

In a significant bureaucratic reshuffle, the government has moved three key oversight bodies away from the Prime Minister’s Office, placing them directly under line ministries. Communications and Information Technology Minister Jagdish Kharel announced Thursday that the Department of Revenue Investigation (DRI) and the Department of Money Laundering Investigation (DMLI) will now operate under the Ministry of Finance.

Baburam Bhattarai Pushes for Directly Elected Presidential System

Former Prime Minister and Nepal Samajwadi Party (Naya Shakti) leader Baburam Bhattarai has called for Nepal to move toward a directly-elected presidential system, urging reforms to correct flaws in the current electoral process. Addressing Gen-Z representatives at a press conference on Thursday, he emphasized that negotiations with the government should ensure written reforms are implemented before the next election. “This is the government you formed. There must be written agreements with this government to ensure that some reforms are carried out before the election,” he said.

Nepal’s Monsoon to Remain Active for Another Week

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has stated that the monsoon will remain active in Nepal for another week. The department has been conducting daily weather forecasts and early-warning programs aimed at reaching all Nepalis with disaster-related information by 2027. It highlighted collaboration with the World Meteorological Organization and the Centre for Applied Research and Development (CARD) to ensure that every Nepali receives timely disaster warnings.

Prachanda Announces Leadership Transition Within Party Through Proper Procedure

CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda,’ has announced that leadership within the party will be handed over through proper legal and procedural channels. With the younger generation seeking transformation, Prachanda emphasized that leadership succession will not occur simply by someone appointing another; it must follow established procedures. A central committee member noted that leadership does not always have to remain in the hands of the chairman, and no one can unilaterally take over. “Leadership will be transferred through proper procedure,” Prachanda declared.

EC to Collect and Update Voter List Until Mid-November

The Election Commission has decided to collect and update the voter list until November 16. In a meeting held today, the commission approved the voter registration and update process to ensure that citizens turning 18 by March 4, 2026, are eligible to vote. Following the Gen Z uprising, the interim government led by Sushila Karki had announced elections for March 5, 2026. Although voter registration was initially scheduled to stop after the election announcement, the government amended the provision through an ordinance on Wednesday, allowing the commission to continue collecting and updating the voter list.

NC to Participate in Upcoming Elections, Says Khadka
Nepali Congress Vice-President Purna Bahadur Khadka has confirmed that the party will contest upcoming elections, emphasizing that the government must create a conducive environment for democratic parties. Speaking to journalists at the fire-damaged Surkhet party office after the Gen Z movement, Khadka clarified that there is no question of Congress skipping the elections. He also noted that the government’s cabinet is nearing completion and that the party is monitoring how the government advances the legal amendment process.

Minister Ghising Meets Swiss Ambassador to Discuss Cooperation
Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation Minister Kulman Ghising held a courtesy meeting with Switzerland’s Ambassador to Nepal, Danielle Meuwly, at the ministry in Singha Durbar. Ambassador Meuwly congratulated the minister and wished him a successful tenure. Discussions focused on the current implementation of Swiss-supported projects, areas for short- and long-term assistance, Swiss investment, and potential bilateral cooperation opportunities.

Prachanda Proposes Special Convention, Party Leaders Express Dissent
CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal, also known as Prachanda, proposed holding a special general convention in the upcoming December during the central committee meeting. Senior Vice-Chair Narayankaji Shrestha and Deputy General Secretary Janardan Sharma expressed disagreement. Sharma suggested that all office-bearers resign and allow the central committee to supervise leadership transition to the younger generation, while Shrestha noted that holding the special convention in December may not be feasible as proposed by Prachanda.

Landslide-Prone Muglin–Narayanghat Road Spurs Alternative Route Discussions
Persistent landslides on the Muglin–Narayanghat road have prompted talks about an alternative route through Tanahun and Nawalparasi districts. Minister Kulman Ghising said in a Thursday press briefing that while the track in the alternative area has been excavated, bridge construction delays have prevented its use. He stressed that completing the bridges is crucial to making the route operational.

Yogesh Bhattarai Admits Failure to Address Gen Z Expectations

CPN (UML) Secretary Yogesh Bhattarai has admitted, through self-criticism, that his party failed to address the changed needs and expectations following the Gen Z movement.  In a statement issued on Thursday, he paid tribute to those who lost their lives during the protests and acknowledged this shortcoming. “September 8 has already shown that everything was not fine. Accepting this truth, we must say that we were unable to fulfill the changed needs and expectations, and for that we seek an apology,” Bhattarai said.

Over 138,000 Travelers Leave Kathmandu After Ghatasthapana

In the three days following Ghatasthapana, a total of 138,296 people has left Kathmandu. According to the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, 40,923 travelers departed on September 22, 39,814 on September 23, and 57,559 on September 24. The students, businesspeople, and employees from different parts of the country who had come to Kathmandu for studies, trade, or work have started returning home. He added that these figures account for travelers who passed through the Thapathali, Sanga, Dakshinkali, and Balaju checkpoints en route to their destinations.

NEPSE Dips Amid Low Trading Ahead of Dashain

On the last trading day of the week, Thursday, the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) fell by 2.35 points, bringing the NEPSE index down to 2,652 points. Trading volume also declined, reaching Rs 326 million compared to Rs 412 million the previous day. The slowdown is attributed to the Dashain festival, as investors were reluctant to trade—buyers were concerned they would not receive shares in their Demat accounts before Dashain, while sellers feared not getting payments in their bank accounts. Today, the share prices of 107 companies rose, 139 fell, and 5 remained unchanged.

Government Aims to Save Rs 120 Billion Through Austerity
To manage expenses in necessary areas and ensure austerity in public spending, the Cabinet has made several important decisions. According to the Ministry, the decision on re-prioritizing projects and cutting unproductive expenditures targets extensive improvements in both capital and recurrent expenditures. The government estimates that around Rs 120 biillion will be saved from this decision. The government plans to mobilize the saved amount in national priority sectors and elections.

Nepal’s Public Debt Reaches Rs 2.743 Trillion
Nepal’s public debt has surpassed Rs 2.743 trillion. According to the Public Debt Management Office, this figure was reached by mid-September in the current fiscal year. At the end of the previous fiscal year (mid-July 2025), public debt stood at Rs 2.674 trillion. As of mid-September, internal debt accounted for Rs 1.281 trillion, while external debt stood at Rs 1.461 trillion.

SEBON Employees Accuse Finance Ministry of Attacking Autonomy
Employees of the Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON), the capital market regulatory body, have accused the Ministry of Finance of attacking the board’s autonomy. In a joint press release, both employee unions active at the board said that micromanagement by the ministry has caused serious problems. They claimed that the ministry’s order to cut off employee facilities legally provided since the establishment of the board and to recover previously provided amounts, is illegal, flawed, and impractical.

20 Projects, Including Cable Cars, Listed as National Priority
The government has listed 20 projects, including six cable car projects, under national priority projects. According to the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, the Cabinet has listed industrial villages, industrial zones, special economic zones, dry ports, petroleum pipelines, and cable car projects operated by the private sector as national priority projects.

Suraj Shrestha and Deepika Byambu Magar Release New Song ‘Trishuli Maya Ko’

The music video for the song ‘Trishuli Maya Ko,’ sung by Suraj Shrestha and Deepika Byambu Magar, has been released. The lyrics are written by Prahlad Subedi, who also composed the music. Known for his expressive and contemporary folk-duet writing, Subedi has fused traditional and modern elements in this song. The song is arranged by Ramesh Senchury, and the video features Sudhir Shrestha and Usha Upreti.

Sanya Adhikari Crowned Miss Universe Nepal 2025

Sanya Adhikari has won the title of ‘Miss Universe Nepal 2025’ in the grand finale held Wednesday evening at the Royal Tulip Hotel in Lalitpur. Alongside her, Aarohi Basnet was declared first runner-up, Sonalisha Dhungana second runner-up, Alina Yari third runner-up, and Jyoti Thapa fourth runner-up. Fourteen contestants participated in the finale. Winner Sanya received Rs 200,000 in cash along with gifts worth thousands of rupees.

Film Shows Divided for Dashain

For the upcoming Dashain festival, films ‘Haribahadur Ko Jutta,’ ‘Balidan,’ and ‘Maitighar’ have been allocated showtimes in a 40-30-30 percent ratio. As of Thursday afternoon, at 1 PM, the Samir Bhatta-starrer ‘Balidan’ has received the most shows, totaling 193 nationwide. The social drama ‘Maitighar,’ starring Kedar Ghimire and Dheeraj Magar, directed by Milan Tamang, has been allocated 121 shows.

Song from Upcoming Film ‘Barishtha Balaram’ Released

A song titled ‘Nyauli Banai Ma’ from the upcoming film ‘Barishtha Balaram’ has been released. The music video features the film’s lead actors Bijay Baral and Samriddhi Aryal, indicating their on-screen pairing. The song is sung by Prashant Shiwakoti and Shantishree Pariyar, who also composed the music and wrote the lyrics. The video is choreographed by Pradeep Lama.

Nabin Neupane Appointed as Head Coach of National Women Football Team

The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) has appointed Nabin Neupane as the head coach of the Nepal national women’s football team. He has been assigned to lead the team until the SAFF Women’s Championship scheduled for next year. The position had been vacant since July, when Belgian coach Patrick De Wilde left the team following a captaincy controversy during the AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers held in Uzbekistan. On Thursday, ANFA officially handed over the responsibilities to Neupane. 

Over 80 Killed in Gaza Amid Intensified Israeli Strikes

More than 80 Palestinians were killed across the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, with the heaviest toll reported in Gaza City, according to local hospitals. At least 20 people, including women and children, died overnight when a strike targeted a building and tents sheltering displaced families in the central Daraj neighborhood near Firas market, first responders confirmed. The Israeli military said its operation struck two Hamas fighters, adding that reported casualty numbers did not match its own assessment.

Indian Authorities Impose Security Restrictions in Ladakh After Deadly Clashes

Authorities in India enforced security restrictions in two main districts in the remote Ladakh region on Thursday, a day after four people were killed and dozens injured when police clashed with hundreds of protesters demanding greater autonomy from the Indian government for the Himalayan territory. Officials banned assembly of more than five people in Ladakh’s Leh and Kargil districts following the violent clashes Wednesday. Hundreds of police and paramilitary soldiers patrolled streets Thursday while shops and businesses remained shut due to the restrictions.

Trump Demands Inquiry Over UN ‘Triple Sabotage’

Donald Trump has demanded an investigation into what he called a “triple sabotage” during his visit to the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday. In a post on social media, the US president referred to an escalator abruptly stopping as he and First Lady Melania Trump stepped on, a teleprompter malfunctioning during his speech, and an audio issue in the auditorium. A UN official said the sound system was designed to allow people to hear translated speeches through earpieces. The UN previously said a safety mechanism might have been triggered by Trump’s videographer

New Mass Graves Found as Kenyan Death Cult Continues

Two years after the Shakahola Forest Massacre revealed one of the world’s deadliest death cults, Kenyan authorities have discovered more victims in the village of Binzaro, located 30 kilometres from the original site. The previous massacre left almost 450 people dead, many starved while others, including children, were strangled, beaten, or suffocated under the direction of alleged cult leader Paul Mackenzie, a self-proclaimed pastor. While Mackenzie and dozens of followers were arrested, police in July uncovered 34 bodies and 102 body parts at Binzaro, buried in shallow graves under trees and leaves.