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.
Govt. to Administer Vitamin A, Deworming Medication to Children on November 3-4
The government will conduct the first phase of its annual Vitamin A and deworming medication distribution program on November 3 and 4, with the schedule changed this year due to the Bada Dashain public holiday. The program was previously scheduled for October 19 and 20. However, the government shifted the dates to November 3 and 4 to avoid a clash with the Dashain holiday period. Under the program, children aged 6 to 59 months will receive Vitamin A supplements, while deworming medication will be administered to children aged 12 to 59 months. The government conducts the distribution program in two phases each year. The second phase is scheduled for April 19 and 20, 2027. The program aims to protect children’s health and prevent malnutrition and other health complications. Parents are urged to take eligible children to their nearest distribution center on the designated dates to receive the supplements and medication.
Inmate Found Dead Inside Pyuthan District Prison
An inmate serving a custodial sentence at the Pyuthan District Prison was found dead inside a prison restroom facility under suspicious circumstances. Identified as 27-year-old Om Bahadur Gharti, a resident of Gaumukhi Rural Municipality-3, the prisoner entered the bathroom to bathe during the afternoon but failed to emerge, prompting fellow inmates to investigate and discover him hanging from a clothing hook using a makeshift cord. Prison authorities immediately deployed an emergency response team that transported the victim to the District Hospital in Bijubar, where attending medical personnel pronounced him dead. The deceased had served five years of a 16-year judicial sentence handed down in an incest conviction case, while a specialized police investigation team led by the district deputy superintendent has initiated formal inquiries into the incident.
Around 500,000 Passengers Leave Kathmandu Valley for Dashain
Nearly 500,000 passengers have left the Kathmandu Valley to celebrate Bada Dashain with their families, with at least 496,323 people departing by public transport between Ghatasthapana and October 17. According to the Spokesperson of the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, the outflow of passengers began on October 11. The number of people leaving the valley has declined today compared with the previous two days. Passenger pressure remains high at major departure points, including New Bus Park in Gongabu, Machhapokhari, Kalanki, Balkhu, Koteshwor and Gaushala. People have been leaving the valley through several checkpoints to reach their hometowns for Dashain, including Pharping, Nagdhunga, Thankot, Bhimdhunga, Tinpiple, Sankhu, Jagati in Bhaktapur and Bhattedanda in Lalitpur.
NTC Addresses Regulatory Concerns Over Rs 4,999 Internet Package
Nepal Telecom (NTC) issued a press statement on Sunday, October 18, addressing recent media reports concerning a 30 Mbps FTTH internet package priced at Rs 4,999. Spokesperson of NTC urged stakeholders not to be misled by reports stemming from a Saturday, October 17, notice from the Nepal Telecommunications Authority regarding license compliance. Nepal Telecom clarified that it has consistently communicated package details to the regulatory body, noting that the 30 Mbps package was initially launched as a student offer on July 14, 2026. The company requested the public to rely on verified facts regarding its service offerings, confirming full administrative alignment with regulatory requirements while continuing network operations.
Lumbini Defense Group Opposes Ani Choying Drolma’s Role, Calls for Local Scholar Appointment
The Lumbini Defense Maha Abhiyan formally demanded that the government immediately rescind the appointment of Ani Choying Drolma as vice president of the Lumbini Development Trust (LDT), citing serious public controversies regarding financial transparency, citizenship validity, and past asset investigations. During a press conference, campaign representatives highlighted that financial records from 2019 involving an inbound transfer of over USD 1.6 million, equivalent to approximately Rs 183.1 million originating from Hong Kong, prompted scrutiny from the Nepal Rastra Bank and the Department of Money Laundering Investigation, requiring formal institutional clearance. Furthermore, organizational leaders raised questions regarding citizenship documentation details and argued that the administration of a premier international Buddhist pilgrimage site should prioritize qualified local scholars and recognized cultural figures rather than controversial appointments.
Local Protests Erupt in Katari Demanding Legal Action and Compensation
Local residents staged demonstrations and obstructed vehicular traffic at Buddha Chowk along the Madardan Bhandari Highway in Katari, Udayapur, demanding strict legal prosecution and appropriate financial compensation following a fatal traffic accident that claimed the local teacher Suman Shrestha. The incident occurred when a passenger HiAce microbus traveling eastward toward Kathmandu collided with a motorcycle in Bhorkhola, Katari Municipality-5, critically injuring the motorcycle driver. Although the victim was rushed to the Katari Provincial Hospital, attending physicians pronounced him dead upon arrival, prompting area police to take the vehicle driver into custody while local demonstrations temporarily disrupted regional transportation networks.
3 Killed After Jeep Plunges into Sun Koshi River in Sindhuli
Three people died after a jeep traveling from Kathmandu to Khotang plunged into the Sun Koshi river in Sindhuli on October 17. According to Sunkoshi police, all three victims were women. The vehicle, fell approximately 200 meters from the road in Phikkal Rural Municipality-6 at around 2:30 a.m. The jeep was found partially submerged in the river. While the three deceased were found at the scene, their identities have yet to be confirmed. Police are also searching for three other individuals who remain missing following the accident. Local resident Rakesh Pokharel stated that there were 10 people on board the vehicle, including the driver. Four injured passengers were rescued and sent to Sindhuli Hospital for treatment. The survivors have been identified as 38-year-old Samjhana Rai and her 12-year-old daughter Shivani Rai from Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi Municipality-3, Bamrang. Also receiving treatment are 13-year-old Ankit Bishwakarma from Diktel and the driver, Ashish Bista from Okhaldhunga.
4 People Arrested with More than 9 Quintals of Cannabis
At least four people have been arrested with 915.68 kilograms of marijuana from Gyanodaya Tol, Inaruwa Municipality-4. Assistant information officer at the District Police Office, Hemraj Oli, told RSS that the marijuana of this quantity was found this morning during a search at Bulbul Yadav’s house near the Hanuman temple in that area. Bulbul Yadav, 36, from Inaruwa Municipality-4, Santosh Yadav, 23, Ashish Yadav, 30, and 22-year-old Kundan Yadav from Duhabi Municipality-10 have been taken into custody. One motorcycle has also been impounded in that connection, Oli said.
APF Establishes 1st Canine Branch at Gaddachauki Border Point With K-9 Dogs
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