Nepal News Evening Briefing | Saturday, October 17, 2026

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.

2 Killed, 8 Injured in 23 Disaster Incidents in 24 Hours

At least two people were killed and eight injured in 23 disaster incidents across 21 districts between 10 AM Friday and 10 AM Saturday, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA). The authority’s bulletin, issued under the Ministry of Home Affairs, reported one death each from snakebites and fires. All eight injured people suffered snakebites. The incidents affected 15 livestock and caused property damage estimated at more than Rs 1.4 million. Since April 14, the country has recorded 7,384 disaster incidents, leaving 384 people dead, 14 missing and 2,400 injured, with 9,464 families affected. Snakebites accounted for the highest death toll at 109, followed by landslides with 76, floods with 41 and lightning strikes with 36.

Govt. Makes Public Significant 6-Month Progress Report Today

The Prime Minister’s Office reported major infrastructure advancements achieved during the government’s first six months, including extending irrigation to an additional 3,345 hectares via the Babai (600 hectares), Sikta (1,300 hectares), Badkapath (610 hectares), Rani Jamara Kulariya (150 hectares), and Mahakali (1,155 hectares) projects. Cross-border power flow capacity with India through the Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur and Dhalkebar-Sitamarhi 400 kV transmission lines expanded, raising import limits from 1,000 MW to 1,400 MW and exports from 1,100 MW to 1,650 MW. Operational additions include the Markichowk-Bharatpur 220 kV transmission line, Bahrabise-Lapsiphedi 400 kV line, Chobhar 132/11 kV substation, and partial commissioning of Bahrabise and New Khimti 400 kV substations. Cross-border targets establish December 2028 for the Chameliya-Dhauliganga 220 kV link, August 2026 for the New Butwal-Gorakhpur 400 kV Nepali section, and approved Motihari-Nijgadh 400 kV plans supporting exports through fiscal year 2034-35. Clean energy developments added 693 kW from small hydro, 841 kW from solar mini-grids, and distributed 119,500 clean cooking technologies.

President Paudel Extends Greetings on Bada Dashain Festival

President Ram Chandra Paudel extended best wishes for happiness, peace, prosperity, good health, and continuous progress to all Nepalis on the occasion of Bada Dashain on Saturday, October 17. Paudel noted that the festival significantly contributes to strengthening family reunions, social harmony, forgiveness, and cultural unity across geographical, cultural, and linguistic diversity. Citing Goddess Durga’s victory over demonic forces and Lord Ram’s triumph over Rawan on Bijaya Dashami, the Head of State highlighted Dashain as a celebration marking the victory of justice over injustice. Additionally, President Paudel expressed sorrow over flood losses, offering condolences to bereaved families and urging all sides to unite for the rehabilitation of affected individuals.

Vice President’s Highlights Morality and Virtue on Bada Dashain

Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav has said that the great festival of Hindus, Bijaya Dashami, is not just a religious faith but a celebration of the victory of human values, morality, and virtue. Delivering a message of best wishes on the occasion of Bada Dashami, 2026, today, he stated that the grand festival carries the timeless message that truth, justice, dutifulness and virtue ultimately prevail, and it provides people the opportunity to reflect on their conduct and behavior. ‘Bijaya Dashami strengthens the belief that humanity, wisdom, and moral power will triumph over falsehood, injustice, discrimination, violence, and negative tendencies,’ the Vice President said in his message. Highlighting that Bijaya Dashami promotes tolerance, self-discipline, restraint, and dedication to duty in society, he added that the festival inspires people to leave behind vices like greed, hatred, ego, envy, and hostility, and move forward on the path of cooperation, commitment, goodwill, and human sensitivity.

National Assembly Chair Dahal Extends Dashain Greetings

Chairperson of the National Assembly, Narayan Prasad Dahal, expressed his belief that the festival inspires everyone to contribute to building an advanced, inclusive, and prosperous Nepal by further strengthening national unity, social harmony, tolerance, and mutual respect. Wishing for Bada Dashain 2083 today, he expressed the hope that this festival will reinforce the feelings of camaraderie, unity, collaboration, and brotherhood among all Nepalis. He extended his wishes for happiness, peace, prosperity, good health, and continuous progress to all Nepali sisters and brothers residing both within the country and abroad. Highlighting that Dashain is a festival with religious, cultural, and social significance, Chairman Dahal noted that it is celebrated as a symbol of the victory of truth over falsehood and justice over injustice. The tradition of receiving tika and jamara from elders and blessings further enhances the festival’s importance. ‘From Ghatasthapana to Bijaya Dashami, the religious rituals, the tradition of receiving tika, jamara, and blessings from elders, and family reunions reflect our cultural heritage,’ he stated.

Prime Minister Balen Calls For Governance and Unity in Dashain Message

Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) extended best wishes to all Nepalis on Saturday, October 17, for the Dashain festival, expressing hope it brings joy, peace, and prosperity. Shah highlighted the festival as a symbol of truth triumphing over falsehood and urged citizens to reject negative traits like greed, anger, and ego to promote good governance. Expressing condolences for disaster victims in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Gorkha, he confirmed ongoing government rehabilitation efforts for displaced residents. Shah acknowledged the plight of citizens working abroad due to limited local economic opportunities, reiterating government commitments toward national prosperity and public welfare.

High-Ranking Officials Attend Army’s Phoolpati Firing Ceremony at Tundikhel

The Army held a ceremonial firing display at Sainik Manch, Tundikhel, on Saturday to mark Phoolpati, the seventh day of Bada Dashain. The ceremony featured burst and volley firing with rifles and cannons, a march-past, a salute guard and a performance of the national anthem by the military band. Flowers were also showered from an army helicopter, which displayed a banner reading “Phoolpati Badhai Ceremony-2026.” President Ram Chandra Paudel, Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Balendra Shah and Chief Justice Manoj Kumar Sharma attended the ceremony. Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal, National Assembly Chairperson Narayan Prasad Dahal, ministers, senior government officials and other dignitaries were also present. The Army presented a guard of honor to President Paudel. The ceremonial firing is held annually at Tundikhel on Saptami, the seventh day of Bada Dashain, to mark Phoolpati.

Health Minister Says Trauma Treatment Services to be Expanded Across Nation

Minister for Health and Food Safety, Nisha Mehta, has informed that the government had prioritized the expansion of trauma treatment services throughout the nation. It is essential to deliver prompt and high-quality medical care to the citizens suffering after accidents, she said, adding that the government was working actively to establish trauma centers in various parts. Even the rehabilitation facilities are planned for patients’ recovery, she said. The Minister was saying it during an event held to observe the Trauma Day on Friday. “Rapid response to emergency health issues, immediate first aid provision at the incident site, quick transportation to hospital and better emergency medical care are essential in saving lives of those injured in accidents,” she argued. According to her, public awareness on practices of road safety and adherence to traffic rules are other significant issues.

Home Minister Gurung Visits Taleju Bhawani and Kumari at Hanumandhoka Today

Home Minister Sudhan Gurung visited Hanumandhoka Durbar Square today to offer prayers to Taleju Bhavani and receive blessings from the living goddess Kumari on the occasion of Phulpati. The minister arrived at the heritage site this morning to perform rituals and worship Taleju Bhavani. He joined the general public in the queue to receive darshan of the Kumari. Visiting various Shaktipeeths for worship on Phulpati is a long-standing tradition during the Bada Dashain festival. Every year, large numbers of devotees gather at Hanumandhoka Durbar Square to observe these religious rites during the festival period.

Over 187,000 New Voters in Election Commission Updated Voter Roll

The Election Commission (EC) has updated the voter roll, adding 187,886 voters. A total of 18,903,689 people were eligible to vote in the March 5 House of Representatives (HoR) elections. According to the EC, the updated voter list, as of August 31, includes 9,769,825 men, 9,321,336 women, and 214 people listed under the ‘other’ category. In a press statement issued on Friday, the EC said it had removed 158,264 names from the voter roll. The figure includes 45,322 voters who are dead, as well as voters with duplicate registrations and those who have renounced their citizenship or had it revoked.

Health Insurance Board Warns Hospitals Against Unnecessary Tests and Service Delays