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.
Six Killed, 10 Injured In Bus Crash At Daunne
A bus travelling from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu overturned into a drain at Daunne in Nawalpur on Saturday morning, leaving six people dead and 10 others injured. The accident occurred at S Mode in Binayi Tribeni Rural Municipality-2 after the driver lost control of the vehicle while travelling downhill, according to the District Police Office, Nawalpur. The bus, bearing registration number Province 3-01-006 Kha 1553, was carrying passengers toward Kathmandu when it veered off the road and overturned. Police have identified all six individuals killed in the accident. The deceased have been identified as bus driver Suresh BC (36) of Khajura Rural Municipality-2, Dipendra KC (32) of Kohalpur Municipality-3, Ekendra Raj Regmi (55) of Kohalpur-10, and Krish Kanaujiya (22) of Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City-7, Banke; Nirjung Gurung (50) of Bheriganga Municipality-3, Jajarkot; and Narendra Raj Giri (65) of Swamikartik Rural Municipality, Bajura. The injured passengers are Harisharan Thapa, Tejendra Prasad Bhandari, Aakriti Tharu, Pawan Budha, Sanjay Tharu, Prem Bam, Anoj Khatri, Lal Bahadur Karki, Aslam Bhagwan and Anil Budhathoki.
PM Balen Shah Advances Housing Rights as Government Tables New Building Bill
Prime Minister Balen Shah announced that the Ministry of Infrastructure Development has registered the Building Bill 2026 at the Federal Parliament Secretariat, establishing a legal framework to guarantee housing rights for every Nepalese citizen. The proposed legislation introduces direct social support for low-income households, including housing subsidies of up to Rs 75,000—combining Rs 50,000 from the federal government and Rs 25,000 from provincial governments—alongside free naturally sourced construction materials, such as riverbed products, for first-time homebuilders and livestock shed construction. To protect vulnerable communities, the bill obligates the government to relocate settlements situated in disaster-prone or hazardous areas to safe locations and construct new homes for affected families. For middle-income households, the legislation outlines a framework for accessible, earthquake-resistant “smart homes” ranging in size from 900 to 1,300 square feet with estimated costs between Rs 2 million and Rs 7.5 million. Citizens will be able to acquire these homes through subsidized loan options over a 15-year period, featuring down payments starting at Rs 500,000 with monthly installments of Rs 11,000, scaling up to options with a Rs 2.5 million down payment and Rs 35,000 monthly installments.
Govt Introduces New Bills to Split CAAN into Oversight and Service Authorities
In a major overhaul aimed at resolving decades-long safety concerns, the government has introduced legislation to unbundle the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), ending its dual status as both service provider and industry regulator. Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Khadak Raj Poudel (Ganess) registered the Civil Aviation Authority Bill 2026 and the Nepal Air Service Authority Bill 2026 at the House of Representatives. Once enacted, the legislation will establish two independent bodies: a standalone Civil Aviation Authority dedicated strictly to safety oversight and licensing, and a separate Air Service Authority tasked with airport operations, infrastructure growth, and air navigation management. The law governing the operational entity will take effect 91 days after receiving presidential assent. The structural split directly addresses long-standing critiques from international aviation bodies. Audits conducted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in 2009, 2013, 2017, and 2022 repeatedly flagged CAAN’s overlapping mandate as a serious conflict of interest. The issue also contributed to the European Union placing Nepali carriers on its air safety blacklist.
Nepali Congress Candidate Nomination Registration Scheduled for Monday
Candidate nomination registration for the Central Working Committee election under the 15th General Convention of the Nepali Congress (NC) will take place on Monday. According to a press statement released by the NC Central Election Committee, the candidacy nomination filing has been scheduled from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Monday, October 5, at the Rashtriya Sabha Griha in Kathmandu. The statement, issued by Election Committee Member-Secretary Raju Katuwal, notes that all qualified Central General Convention delegates and eligible individuals may submit their nomination papers within the stipulated timeframe. Detailed operational schedules and additional procedures regarding the Central Working Committee election will be published subsequently, according to the committee.
Speaker Pledges Legal Initiative To Protect Newar Language, Culture And Heritage
Speaker of the House of Representatives Dol Prasad (DP) Aryal has pledged to take initiatives for laws aimed at protecting the language, art, culture and heritage of the Newar community across Nepal, including in Lalitpur. Speaking at the inauguration of the 33rd annual general assembly of Jyapu Samaj Yala, he said preserving cultural heritage was a responsibility of the present generation and stressed the need to safeguard traditional practices for future generations. Aryal highlighted the contribution of the Newar community to the preservation of monasteries, temples, cultural heritage, traditions and indigenous culture in Lalitpur. He said issues raised through direct dialogue with local communities would be taken forward in the legislative process and that he would work to facilitate the necessary legal initiatives. The Speaker also noted the community’s broader contribution to Nepal’s culture and heritage as well as to various social and political movements, underscoring the importance of protecting the country’s original cultural traditions and heritage for generations to come.
Proposed Law Envisages Up to Rs 1.5 Million Fine for Airlines Charging Overapproved Airfares
Airline operators and individuals overcharging passengers beyond government-approved airfares during festive peak seasons and emergencies face fines of up to Rs 1.5 million under proposed legislative reforms. Section 47(d) of the Civil Aviation Authority Bill 2026, currently tabled at the Federal Parliament, classifies selling tickets above rates fixed and approved by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) as a punishable offense. First-time offenders will face fines ranging from Rs 500,000 to Rs 1.5 million, administered directly by CAAN’s Director General. Repeat violations will carry a mandatory penalty equal to double the previously levied fine. The stringent framework aims to eliminate opportunistic price gouging during high-demand periods such as Dashain and Tihar, as well as during natural disasters like floods and landslides when highway disruptions force travelers onto flights. Once enacted, the law will legally obligate carriers to strictly adhere to CAAN-approved tariff caps under all operational circumstances.
Nepali Congress General Convention Venue Gets Health Desk
Delegates attending the Nepali Congress 15th General Convention will have access to free basic and emergency medical services through a dedicated health desk staffed by 30 health workers. The facility has been set up on the western side of the open stage where the convention is being held and will operate from five rooms. The health committee under the convention organising committee has arranged the service to provide routine health checks as well as immediate medical assistance. According to health committee coordinator Dr Kedar Narsingh KC, the facility will operate in two shifts, with eight doctors, paramedics and nurses providing services. Delegates will be able to receive checks for conditions including diabetes and high blood pressure, along with free medicines such as paracetamol, oral rehydration solution and drugs for treating wounds and injuries. Arrangements have also been made to transfer delegates to Bir Hospital, the National Trauma Center or BP Memorial Hospital in Basundhara if they require hospital-based emergency treatment. Two ambulances will remain on standby at the convention venue for such cases.
Besisahar-Chame Road Reopens After Six Days Of Flood And Landslide Disruptions
Travel and the movement of essential supplies toward Manang have resumed after the Besisahar-Chame road, which had remained blocked for six days by floods and landslides, was reopened. The obstruction was cleared after landslide debris and accumulated rocks and soil were removed from the road sections at Khotro in Nasong Rural Municipality-3 and Koto in Chame Rural Municipality-5. Information officer of the Dumre-Besisahar-Chame Road Project, Navin Bista, said the road was brought back into operation following the clearance work. Several sections of the route had been affected by landslides during the disruption, while the road had also subsided at some locations. The reopening has restored road connectivity toward Manang and made it easier to transport food and other daily essentials while also facilitating the movement of people along the route.
This Year’s Monsoon Exiting via Sudurpaschim
Starting this morning, this year’s monsoon has begun to withdraw from various provinces of Nepal, beginning with Sudurpaschim Province. According to the Meteorological Forecasting Division, the monsoon has withdrawn from many areas of Sudurpaschim and Karnali provinces, as well as the western parts of Lumbini Province and some areas in the western part of Gandaki Province. The Department states that as the monsoon winds are weakening, there is a possibility that the monsoon will withdraw from the remaining parts of Nepal within the next few days.
Hotels Booked Across Kathmandu for NC 15th General Convention Delegates
Hotels across major hubs in Kathmandu—including Gaushala, Koteshwor, Lazimpat, Thamel, Naya Bus Park, Sundhara, Balaju, and Kalanki—have been secured to accommodate 10,000 delegates and supporters attending the Nepali Congress 15th General Convention. Under regional allocations, delegates from Koshi and Madhesh are assigned to Gaushala and Koteshwor; Bagmati to Lazimpat and Thamel; Gandaki and Lumbini to Balaju and Naya Bus Park; Karnali and Sudurpaschim to Sundhara and Kalanki; and foreign liaison committee delegates to Lazimpat and Thamel. A total of 5,000 rooms have been managed at discounted rates. Domestic convention delegates must cover their own accommodation costs, whereas the party will pay for foreign guests. Additionally, the party will provide morning and afternoon meals for delegates at Bhrikutimandap throughout the convention, which runs through October 8. Hotel lists, locations, and rates are published on the party website, with assistance available for housing difficulties.
Japanese Encephalitis Confirmed In 131 People Across 37 Districts
Japanese encephalitis has been confirmed in 131 people across Nepal so far in 2026, with 28 deaths recorded from the infection. A latest situation report from the Family Welfare Division under the Ministry of Health and Food Safety shows that 1,372 people have been identified with acute encephalitis syndrome in the country this year, among whom 131 tested positive for Japanese encephalitis. The report states that 87 percent of those infected had not received the Japanese encephalitis vaccine. The confirmed cases have been reported in 90 local levels across 37 districts. Most of the infected people were found to live near paddy fields or pig farms and to be involved in agricultural work. The government is continuing vaccination campaigns against Japanese encephalitis in affected areas. The campaign is currently being conducted across all local levels of Jhapa and in Ghodaghodi Municipality, Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City and Lamkichuha Municipality of Kailali. People aged 30 and above and health workers are the target groups for the ongoing vaccination drive.
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