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.

Madhes CM Appointment Case: SC Hearing Deferred to Monday

The Supreme Court hearing on the writ petition filed against the appointment and swearing-in of Madhes Province Chief Minister Saroj Kumar Yadav has been postponed from Sunday to Monday. The joint bench of Justices Til Prasad Shrestha and Nripadhoj Niraula was scheduled to hear arguments related to the issuance of an interim order. The controversy stems from the former Province Head Sumitra Subedi Bhandari administering the oath to Yadav, leader of the largest party CPN-UML, at Bardibas Municipality-3, instead of the official provincial headquarters. The petition was filed by 74 Madhes Provincial Assembly members.

Seven-Party Alliance Continues Madhes Govt Protest

A seven-party political alliance in Madhes Province continued its protest for the third day on Sunday, staging a sit-in outside the Madhes Bhawan in Janakpurdham. The parties are demanding the dismissal of the Chief Minister, alleging the provincial government was formed through unconstitutional actions by the former Province Head. The coalition includes the Nepali Congress, Maoist Centre, and Janamat Party, among others. Maoist Centre Provincial Assembly member Bharat Shah expressed confidence that the Supreme Court’s pending decision on the Chief Minister’s appointment will be favorable to the people of Madhes.

Ensure Justice to Gen Z: Home Minister Aryal

Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal has directed the subordinates to carry out duties in a way to ensure feeling of change and justice to Gen Z. The government performance warrants reflection of the aspiration of Gen Z people, he reminded. During a meeting at Home Ministry on Sunday, Minister Aryal said all sides’ attention should be concentrated on holding upcoming election successfully. Active engagement of employees is necessary for it, he added.

RPP Lawmaker Confirms Consultation Before Madhes Cabinet Entry

Kanchan Bichha, the sole Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Member of Parliament in Madhes Province, stated that she consulted party chairman Rajendra Lingden before joining the CPN (UML)-led government as a minister. She claimed that Lingden advised her to act according to the political situation and even discussed providing support. However, shortly after her appointment by Chief Minister Saroj Kumar Yadav, Lingden instructed her to step down, which she has not done. Consequently, the RPP Disciplinary Committee has recommended action against Bichha, including the loss of her proportional representation seat and party membership.

EC Keeps House Poll Registration Deadline Unchanged

The Election Commission (EC) announced that the deadline for political parties to receive their registration certificates to participate in the upcoming House of Representatives election will expire on Monday. EC Assistant Spokesperson Prakash Neupane confirmed that the deadline of Sunday remains firm, with no discussion held to extend the registration period. The EC originally set this deadline on October 6. So far, only two new parties, the Shram Sanskriti Party and the Gatishil Loktantrik Party, have received registration certificates, while nearly 28 new parties are currently under the registration process.

Government Pioneers Legislation to Allow Overseas Proportional Voting

The Ministry of Home Affairs has drafted an ordinance to establish voting centers at respective embassies and missions for Nepali citizens residing abroad who are listed in the voter roll. Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal confirmed the draft has been sent to the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs for review. If the ordinance is enacted, overseas citizens will be allowed to vote in the proportional representation category. This initiative, which also seeks to allow voting for citizens within Nepal but outside their registered constituency, comes after a decade-old Supreme Court order and follows the formation of the Gen Z government.

Country Will Get Political Outlet With Reinstatement of Parliament: UML Chair Oli

CPN (UML) Chair KP Sharma Oli has expressed the view that the dissolved parliament should be reinstated to give political outlet to the country. Talking with a team of Press Chautari Nepal at Gundu-based residence today, Chair Oli reiterated that the parliament dissolved in ‘an unconstitutional and unauthorized way’ should be restored. He expressed worry that a wrong practice might established in country’s political system while dissolving parliament in unconstitutional way.

Supreme Court Interprets Revival of Original Act Upon Ordinance Invalidation

The Supreme Court has ruled that when an ordinance is rendered inactive, the provisions of the original act are deemed revived and active. The joint bench of Justices Sapana Pradhan Malla, Sunil Kumar Pokharel, and Meghraj Pokharel issued this interpretation while deciding a case concerning the division of Dr. CK Raut’s Janamat Party into the Jan Suraaj Party. The court deemed the Election Commission’s October 14, 2024, decision to register Jan Suraaj Party as illegal because the ordinance that lowered the division threshold to 20% had become inactive. The ruling aims to prevent a legal vacuum and ensure the continuity of the legal system.

Nepal Receives Rs 1.32 Billion in Carbon Finance; Equity Demanded

Nepal has received its first installment of Rs 1.32 billion from the World Bank for verified REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) carbon reductions. Stakeholders at a Dhankadi workshop emphasized that the fair and equitable distribution of this fund is imperative, stressing that the proceeds must reach the Indigenous Nationalities and marginalized communities. These groups, they noted, play the primary role in forest preservation. Forest expert Rupesh Kalakheti confirmed that Nepal receives this compensation due to its high climate vulnerability, despite its low global carbon contribution. The payment is a major milestone in Nepal’s community-led climate action efforts.

Passport Issuance Poised for Amelioration Next Week Amid Supply Disruption

The Department of Passport (DoP) announced that the distribution of electronic passports is expected to ease starting next week, following a decision to adopt an alternative printing path for the transitional phase. Director General Tirtharaj Aryal stated that although a new contract means regular printing won’t begin until March 5, 2026, the DoP is working with the old company and another alternative to address the severe shortage. The scarcity arose because the former French-based company, Idemia, stopped printing transitional passports. The DoP currently holds only 175,000 booklets and may be forced to suspend distribution if printing does not resume within two weeks.

Fast Track Project Lags: 43% Progress in 8 Years

The Kathmandu-Terai-Madhes Expressway (Fast Track), entrusted to the Nepal Army (NA) since 2017, has achieved only 43.66% physical progress after eight years and two months (as of mid-October 2025). The project’s estimated cost has nearly tripled, now exceeding Rs 211 billion. The slow pace, which the NA attributes to insufficient budget, resource shortages, and legal complexities, is particularly visible at key segments. Specifically, the crucial Khokana-Dukuchhap starting point remains stalled due to unresolved disputes over land acquisition and the initial alignment.

Nepal and India Conclude Ninth Bilateral APF/SSB Coordination Meeting

The ninth bilateral coordination meeting between Nepal’s Armed Police Force (APF) and India’s Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) concluded in New Delhi, India, from November 12 to 14. APF Inspector General Raju Aryal led the Nepali delegation. The meeting focused on strengthening security cooperation to control border crimes, drug trafficking, illegal smuggling, and unauthorized movement. They also discussed enhancing joint border patrols and the exchange of information and training. IG Aryal returned to Nepal on Saturday and was received at the TIA.

National Human Rights Commission Initiates Inspection of Police Custody

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) conducted inspections of police custody facilities on Thursday and Friday, following complaints of torture and mistreatment of individuals arrested during the Gen Z youth protests. NHRC Spokesperson Tika Ram Pokharel confirmed the inspections, the reports of which are pending release. The inspections are part of a broader investigation by the NHRC into human rights violations that occurred during the violent protests on September 8 and 9. The incidents resulted in 76 deaths and involved arson and vandalism of governmental and private structures.

Nepal Telecom Announces Waiver of Penalties on Outstanding Dues

Nepal Telecom has announced a full waiver of penalties on outstanding dues for customers who settle their accounts for the fiscal year 2022/23 and prior years. According to a notice issued on Sunday, customers must make the payment by the end of February 12, 2026, to take advantage of the relief. The company urged all eligible customers to visit the nearest Nepal Telecom office to utilize this scheme. Failure to pay within the specified deadline will result in the customer’s name being publicly listed and blacklisted on the company’s website.

Rupandehi Jail Hosts Free Eye Camp for 311 Inmates

A free, one-day eye check-up camp was conducted at the Rupandehi Jail in Siddharthanagar for the prison’s 643 inmates. Organized by the Siddhartha Industry and Commerce Association (SICC) in collaboration with Shree Krishna Netralaya, Bhairahawa, the camp tested 311 inmates. Eighteen individuals received free spectacles, and ten others diagnosed with issues like cataracts and retinal problems were referred for further treatment. SICC President Netra Prasad Acharya highlighted the camp as part of the association’s commitment to social responsibility, urging other organizations to conduct similar welfare activities.

Kohalpur Locals Obstruct 33 KV Power Line Expansion Over Safety Concerns

Local residents in the Kohalpur area have obstructed the expansion of a 33 KV electricity transmission line, citing safety risks and a lack of coordination from the authorities. The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) Lumbini Province Division Office, Nepalgunj, was installing poles from Piprahawa to the Kohalpur sub-station when residents of Wards 8, 9, and 14 intervened. Ward 9 Chairman Upendra Nath Yogi and Ward 14 Chairman Nam Bahadur Ale Magar expressed dissatisfaction, claiming the NEA failed to coordinate with the local government or citizens. NEA Division Chief Dipak Gautam confirmed that while they are following regulations, they will seek a consensus to proceed.

Nepathya Performs for Exuberant Nepali Diaspora in Nagoya, Japan

The band Nepathya received a warm welcome during their first concert in Nagoya, Japan, on Thursday. The two-hour event at Nagoya Lives saw an exuberant crowd, consisting mainly of the city’s significant Nepali diaspora, many of whom traveled from nearby cities. Lead vocalist Amrit Gurung opened with “Ho Rama Rama” and later appealed to the audience to unite abroad and fulfill their duty to Nepal by supporting children who cannot attend school. Following the successful performance in the city, which hosts over 50 Nepali restaurants, the band is scheduled to perform next at the Tokyo Dome City Hall on Tuesday.

Baglung to Inaugurate Mayor Cup Football Tournament After Five-Year Hiatus

The Mayor Cup Football Tournament is set to resume in Baglung from November 30 to December 4, organized by the Baglung Municipality City Sports Development Committee. The competition, which will be held at the Banghechaur playground in Ramrekha, Ward 1, is an open tournament, allowing participation from any municipality nationwide, with a maximum of 10 teams expected. According to Coordinator Sudip Gautam, the winning team will receive a cash prize of Rs 333,000, and the runner-up will receive Rs 222,000.

UK Implements Austerity Measures to Restrict Asylum Seekers’ Rights

The UK Labour Party government announced stringent new measures late Saturday, aimed at reducing irregular immigration and countering far-right opposition. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated they are ending the “Golden Ticket” for asylum seekers. The duration of refugee status will be reduced from five years to 30 months, followed by “regular reviews.” The Home Office aims to make refugees wait up to 20 years before applying for long-term residency, a process currently available after five years. The UK Refugee Council has warned the government that these restrictions will not deter people from attempting to reach the UK.

Lahore Attains Grave Pollution Ranking Amid Catastrophic Air Quality

Lahore, Pakistan’s cultural capital, was ranked the world’s second most polluted city on Saturday, registering an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 396. ARY News reported that air quality across Punjab province has reached a highly dangerous state, with Faisalabad recording an AQI of 571. To protect the public, the provincial government has enforced school closures and limited business hours for markets and restaurants. Reports by Human Rights Watch and the Dawn newspaper cited poor-quality diesel, cold weather, and crop burning as contributing factors, noting that pollution levels exceeded WHO safety standards by 80 times.

Mexico City Anti-Government Protests Injure 120 People

Clashes during large anti-government protests in Mexico City on Saturday resulted in 120 injuries, including 100 police officers. Thousands of demonstrators, organized by Gen Z youth groups and fueled by public outrage over violent crime, rallied against President Claudia Sheinbaum’s government. Protesters dismantled barriers at the National Palace, prompting police to use tear gas. Authorities arrested 20 people for offenses including robbery and assault. President Sheinbaum, who maintains high approval ratings, accused right-wing political opponents and online bots of promoting the demonstration, which was heavily influenced by the recent assassination of Mayor Carlos Manzo.

DR Congo and M23 Rebels Sign Framework Peace Agreement in Doha

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebel group signed a framework peace agreement in Doha, Qatar, on Saturday, aiming to end the conflict in the eastern DRC that has resulted in thousands of deaths and displacement. The agreement, supported by the US and Qatar, covers eight protocols, though implementation details for six of them are still pending. Despite the diplomatic progress, violence persists in the DRC, with both sides trading blame for ceasefire violations, and the deal failing to address the threat posed by numerous other armed groups operating in the volatile east.

YouTube and Disney Settle Fee Dispute, Restoring Channels to YouTube TV

Google’s YouTube and Walt Disney reached an agreement to restore the full lineup of Disney-owned networks to YouTube TV on Friday, ending a fee dispute that had blacked out channels for millions of subscribers since October 30. The restored networks include ABC, ESPN, FX, and National Geographic. As part of the deal, ESPN’s complete sports lineup, including ESPN Unlimited content, will be available to base-plan subscribers at no extra cost by the end of 2026. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the dispute centered on carriage fees, with Disney seeking rates comparable to those paid by other major distributors.