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The Election Commission (EC) held a meeting with political parties to discuss the House of Representatives election slated for March 5 next year.

Invitations were sent to political parties that were part of the dissolved House of Representatives (HoR) and those that secured at least one ward member in the last election, encouraging them to join in the preparations for the forthcoming election.

Meen Bishwakarma, Head of the Publicity Department of Nepali Congress; Guru Baral, Vice Chair of the CPN-UML; Dev Gurung, Secretariat Member of the CPN (Maoist Center); Kabindra Burlakoti, General Secretary of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP); Rajendra Prasad Pandey, Senior Vice Chair of the CPN (Unified Socialist); along with representatives from various other parties were present in the meeting.  

During the meeting, Acting Chief Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari called on the parties to take an active role in fostering an election atmosphere now that the election has been announced and preparations are underway.

Following the Gen-Z movement on September 8 and 9, the government was established under the leadership of former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, leading to the dissolution of the House of Representatives, with the upcoming election date confirmed for March 5 next year.

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The price of gold has increased by Rs 2, 000 per tola in the domestic market on Thursday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the precious yellow metal is being traded at Rs 250, 900 per tola today. It was traded at Rs 248, 900 per tola on Wednesday.

Similarly, the price of silver has increased by Rs 30 and is being traded at Rs 3, 270 per tola today.

Finance Minister Rameshwor Prasad Khanal, who is currently in the United States to attend the World Bank's annual meeting, held a discussion with Asian Development Bank President Masato Kanda on Wednesday.

It has been learnt that matters related to progress, achievements and challenges of projects being implemented in Nepal were discussed during the meeting.

The meeting was attended by Nepal's Ambassador to the United States Lokdarshan Regmi, Economic Consular Yugraj Pandey of the Embassy, members of the visiting delegation and senior officials of the ADB.

Nepal’s external sector has shown remarkable resilience, buoyed by improvements in the current account, balance of payments, remittance inflows and foreign exchange reserves over the first two months of the current fiscal year. However, the domestic economy remains sluggish, weighed down by weak internal demand, low credit growth and tepid fiscal performance.

According to the latest macroeconomic update from Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), the country’s gross foreign exchange reserves surged by 7.6 percent over the first two months of the current fiscal year, reaching Rs 2,881.35bn. In US dollar terms, reserves stood at $20.41bn.

Foreign exchange reserves held by banks and financial institutions (excluding NRB) rose by 13.7 percent, reaching Rs 298.97bn, compared to Rs 263.04bn at mid-July. The share of Indian currency in the total reserves currently stands at 22.5 percent. The reserves of the banking sector are sufficient to cover 19.7 months of merchandise imports and 16 months of both goods and services imports, according to the report.

Balance of payments remained in surplus by Rs 153.68bn as of mid-September, up from a surplus of Rs. 101.77bn in the same period last year. Similarly, the current account recorded a surplus of Rs 130.69bn, more than double last year’s Rs 54.41bn.

Remittance inflows, a key driver of external stability, jumped by 33.1 percent in Nepali rupee terms and 27.6 percent in US dollar terms. In the two-month period, total remittances reached Rs 352.0bn, with Rs 174.67bn received in the second month (during mid-August to mid-September) of the fiscal year alone. Merchandise exports rose sharply by 88.6 percent, while imports increased by a moderate 16.2 percent. Despite the rise in imports, strong remittance and reserve growth have helped maintain external balance.

Inflation, based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), stood at 1.87 percent year-on-year, reflecting subdued domestic demand and tight liquidity conditions. On the fiscal front, the government’s total expenditure reached Rs 180.17bn, while revenue mobilization amounted to Rs 157.53bn. A visible gap between government's revenue and spending early in the fiscal year does not bode well for the economy.  Private sector credit expanded slightly by 0.9 percent. On an annual basis, deposits grew by 12.5 percent and credit by 7.8 percent.

Interest rates have remained low so far in the current fiscal year with the weighted average interbank rate among banks at 2.75 percent, treasury bill rate at 2.13 percent, average deposit rate of commercial banks at 3.96 percent and the average lending rate at 7.66 percent. While Nepal’s external indicators signal a stable macroeconomic footing, economists warn that sluggish domestic activity and weak credit expansion could hinder sustained economic recovery in the coming months.

CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has called for an immediate reinstatement of the House of Representatives that was dissolved in the wake of the Sept 8-9 GenZ protests. He has also announced a national movement to “protect the constitution, democracy, and national unity,” while alleging that a deep-rooted conspiracy was behind the violent incidents that followed the GenZ protests.

Presenting a political document at the party’s central committee meeting on Wednesday, Oli said the tragic events were not random but part of a premeditated design aimed at destabilizing the nation and overturning the current constitutional order.

“The incidents of Sept 8-9 were not spontaneous public anger. It was a planned act to push the country into crisis and to destroy democracy and national unity,” Oli said, addressing the committee.

The UML report claimed that over 1,600 public and private properties were torched, vandalized, or looted, and that more than 14,000 prisoners were freed from jails across the country, with thousands still at large. It also alleged that around 1,200 weapons and nearly 100,000 rounds of ammunition were stolen from police and security forces.

“These events were too widespread, too coordinated, and too well-timed to be coincidental,” the document stated, alleging that certain domestic and foreign forces had taken advantage of public frustration to weaken Nepal’s sovereignty.

Oli strongly criticized the current caretaker government led by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, calling it “illegal, directionless, and incompetent.” He accused the government of failing to ensure public security, obstructing the constitutional rights of political parties, and creating instability by dissolving the House, instead of finding a democratic solution.

“The current government has no constitutional or moral legitimacy. It is incapable of holding credible elections and maintaining law and order,” Oli said, calling for the immediate reinstatement of Parliament.

Rejecting the government-formed inquiry commission as politically motivated, the UML demanded an independent and impartial high-level investigation led by a former Supreme Court justice to determine the causes of the violence and hold those responsible accountable.

Oli said his party would not accept any attempt to cover up the incident or to blame only the security forces without looking into the larger conspiracy behind the unrest.

The document also warned that thousands of escaped inmates and stolen arms pose a continuing threat to public safety. Oli urged citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement, while calling on the state to restore morale among the security forces who, he said, “acted under impossible circumstances to protect national property and lives.”

While condemning the violence, Oli acknowledged that the GenZ protesters had raised genuine concerns about corruption, unemployment, and governance. He said the UML recognizes these frustrations but warned that “foreign-influenced groups” may have tried to hijack the movement for destructive purposes. “The voices of the youth must be heard and addressed through reforms, not violence,” he said, calling on young people to channel their energy toward constructive democratic engagement.

The UML has resolved to launch a nationwide campaign—described as a “people’s movement for the protection of the constitution”—to press for the restoration of parliamentary democracy. Oli urged all pro-constitutional forces, civil society members, and citizens to join what he termed a peaceful struggle for national stability and democratic integrity.

He also announced that the UML’s 11th General Convention will be held in Pokhara on Dec 13-15, where the party will finalize its next political strategy. “We will not let conspiracies derail the achievements of our people’s struggle,” Oli declared. “The UML will stand at the forefront to defend the constitution, democracy, and national sovereignty.”

The central committee is expected to endorse Oli’s political document and approve a roadmap for mass mobilization in the coming days. The party leadership said it will focus on exposing what it calls the “deep political manipulation” behind the September unrest, while preparing organizationally for both political movement and eventual elections.

Oli also warned against the notion that his party is permanently out of government, saying the UML remains the leading political force capable of steering Nepal’s political and economic development. He said, “Some might think the UML is gone from power for good. That’s an illusion. UML is the party that has led Nepal’s political and economic progress—it has proven this in practice.”

He cited the latest World Bank report, claiming it vindicated the UML’s governance record. “The World Bank itself has said the economic growth rate will decline by three percent this year. This shows the difference between when we were in government and after we left,” he remarked, arguing that the UML had worked to uphold national dignity and create the conditions for Nepal’s graduation from a least-developed to a developing country.

Oli admitted that internal jealousy and infighting have long weakened the UML, saying there was never “complete unity” within the party. “Even when I was prime minister, there were always elements of envy, backbiting, and attempts to pull my government down,” he said. “Our own members continuously spread lies and deceit to make the government fail.” He alleged that the government formed after the promulgation of the constitution was toppled from within the party itself, just when it had begun implementing historic and long-term development programs.

Warning that the country is being pushed toward “counter-revolution,” Oli said the recent events were taking Nepal in a dangerous direction. “An unexpected reactionary incident has taken place in the country. If we cannot stop it effectively, Nepal will be dragged into counter-revolution,” he said.

He added that the nation is “sliding toward ruin” and stressed the need to restore democratic, peaceful, and development-oriented governance. “We must immediately bring the country back to a democratic, people-oriented, corruption-free and peaceful path,” he said.

Oli emphasized that the UML has become a primary target because of its good performance, not wrongdoing. “We are under attack not because of bad policies but because our policies are right and pro-national,” he said.

The UML chair proposed strict disciplinary action against any member involved in unethical, anarchic, or corrupt activities. “The Secretariat has strengthened party unity during this difficult time. Now, the Central Organization Department will take immediate action against those who violate discipline and inform the Secretariat accordingly,” he announced. Oli urged central committee members to embody and promote unity within the organization. “Let us internalize this spirit of unity and make it stronger throughout the party,” he appealed.

In a notable outreach, Oli invited the CPN (Unified Socialist)—which split from the UML in 2021—to return for party reunification, saying unity among left forces is crucial for national stability. “Do not seek shelter in others’ courtyards. This is a strong house—come back home,” Oli said, addressing the Unified Socialist. “This party has hundreds of thousands of dedicated cadres. Don’t wander elsewhere looking for space.” He also called on other political forces to join hands for cooperation and national unity.

Oli also said he had always remained steadfast in his principles despite political challenges. “I have never deviated or changed. I have always stood firm for the country and the people,” he said, asserting his commitment to leading the UML toward renewed strength and purpose.

Currently there is no significant weather system affecting the country, the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology stated.

There will be partial clouds in the hilly areas of all provinces this afternoon, while the rest of the areas will mainly experience fair weather, the Department said.

There is a possibility of light rain in one or two places in the hilly areas of Koshi, Bagmati, and Gandaki Provinces.

Similarly, the Department has stated that the weather across the country will mainly remain clear tonight.

Nepal defeated Oman by 38 runs in the match held under Super Six of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Asia & EAP Qualifier on Wednesday.

Chasing the target of 152 runs, Oman managed to score 113 runs in the stipulated 20 overs at the loss of nine wickets at Al Amerat, Oman.

Nepal posted 151 runs at the loss of nine wickets, with 69 runs off 51 balls by opener Kushal Burtel, who top scored followed by his opening partner, Aasif Sheikh who scored 24 runs in 20 overs.

Bowler Aadil Ansari was the third batsman of Nepal to score in double figures, scoring 16 runs off 15 balls, before Gulshan Jha scored a quick fire 18 runs off 10 balls.

For Nepal, Gulshan Jha took three wickets while Nandan Yadav and Sompal kami claimed two wickets each. Sandeep Lamichhane sent one batsman to the pavilion.

For the hosts, Binayak Shumla gathered 32 runs off 19 balls followed by Mohammad Nadim (25).

Earlier, for the hosts, Nadeem Khan took four wickets, giving away only 20 runs in his full quota of four overs. Jiten Kumar Ramanandi and Sufyan Mehmood took two wickets each.

Nepal, which were already qualified for the ICC T20 World Cup, are close to winning the trophy by securing eight points.

Nepal are on the top of the score board while Oman are second in position with six points.

Both Nepal and Oman have already qualified for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka, from February to March in 2026.

Nepal are playing their final match under the Super Six against Samoa on Friday.