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.

PM Karki Pushes All-Party Dialogue Ahead of Elections
Prime Minister Sushila Karki has intensified all-party consultations for the House of Representatives election set for March 5, 2026. Meeting over 110 party representatives, she shared detailed government plans, sought feedback, and emphasized security and preparedness. 56 party leaders presented views. Karki highlighted returning 821 seized weapons and controlling 7,000 prisoners, signaling the government’s readiness. She stressed the election as a constitutional necessity to prevent crisis and strengthen democracy, urging political parties to register with the Election Commission by November 26, 2025, to demonstrate minimum political commitment.

Curfew Imposed in Simara Following Protests
Simara, Bara, saw renewed tensions on Thursday, following Wednesday clashes between Janajagriti Youth (JNY) and CPN (UML) supporters. A curfew was enforced from 12:45 PM to 8 PM, covering 500 meters along the main road from Pathlaiya to Lalka Pul and the airport area. Police used force to disperse demonstrators, who blocked traffic and burned tires. JNY demanded arrests for 6 youth involved in Wednesday’s clashes.

At Least 35 Nepali Citizens Deported from US Arrive in Kathmandu
35 Nepali citizens deported from the United States arrived in Kathmandu on Wednesday via chartered flight. Most were intercepted attempting illegal entry through Mexico. The Police Human Trafficking Investigation Bureau conducted initial questioning; none filed complaints. Deported individuals hail from districts including Dang and Rukum. Since Donald Trump’s election, 310 Nepalis have been deported from the US. Authorities continue monitoring the returnees to ensure compliance with legal and immigration procedures.

Two Ward Chairs Arrested for Attacking Youths in Simara
In Simara, Bara, police arrested ward chairs of Jeetpursimara Sub-metropolitan City, Dhan Bahadur Shrestha (Ward-2) and Kaemodin Ansari (Ward-6) of CPN (UML), over alleged assault on JNY youth during Wednesday clashes. Following social media calls for protest, demonstrators burned tires at Simra Chowk, blocking traffic. The arrests follow a complaint against 6 individuals involved in the incident, escalating tensions after UML’s provincial youth gathering in Parwanipur. Police used force to disperse crowds at the airport, marking a continued security concern in Bara municipality.

CIAA Files Corruption Case Against Six Persons

KATHMANDU: The Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed a graft case against six people including then officiating chief of District Health Office in Bajura, Ashok Kumar Singh, at the Special Court.The case was registered also against then engineer of Education Development and Coordination Unit in Bajura, Sunesh Kumar Chaurasiya, sub-engineer Naresh Rawat, Chairperson of maternity centre building construction users’ committee, Paras Rokaya, secretary Muna Rokaya and treasurer Khadak Aidee on the charge of corruption. They are accused of causing damages to public property, shared CIAA Spokesperson, Rajendra Kumar Poudel.

At Least 37 Nepali Rescued from Myanmar Scam

Thirty-seven Nepali, lured by attractive employment offers, were rescued and repatriated from illegal online scamming centers operating in the Myawaddy area of Myanmar. The Nepali Embassy in Bangkok coordinated with relevant Thai authorities to bring them home safely today via Nepal Airlines flight RA402. The victims were forced into “online dating,” “crypto scams,” and “gaming.” They escaped and entered Thailand on October 19, 2025, after Myanmar security forces raided the centers. The Embassy is currently coordinating the swift return of 23 additional Nepalis from Myawaddy, two from Mesot, Thailand, and four from Cambodia. The Embassy urges citizens to obtain labor permits according to government standards for safe foreign employment.

Hearing for Rabi Lamichhane Postponed
The hearing for Rabi Lamichhane and Chhabilal Joshi regarding the Rs 109.9 million Supreme Cooperative fraud case was postponed. Lamichhane had requested bail by depositing his share of the settlement, Rs 27.4 million. The Patan High Court received the file alongside Joshi’s, delaying the Butwal District Court hearing. Both remain in custody, Lamichhane at Nakkhu Prison, Lalitpur, and Joshi at Bhairahawa Prison. The court is prioritizing the case after previous rulings ordered obtaining the original case file from the Supreme Court.

Cabinet Approves Deportation and International Engagements
The Cabinet has approved sending four Malaysian nationals back to their country without fines for delayed departure. The meeting on Tuesday also endorsed forming a World Bank negotiation team for a USD 95 million inclusive development loan. Approvals were granted for officials to attend international events in Qatar December 15–19, 2025; India November 24; Japan; and South Korea, along with receiving Japanese government honors for former officials. Additionally, legislative and regulatory frameworks for armed police and water-weather bills were approved, and temporary CEO duties were assigned at Nepal Airlines.

New Parties Struggle to Secure 500 Signatures Needed for Registration

New political groups seeking registration at the Election Commission are struggling to collect the required 500 verified signatures under the Political Parties Act 2017. At least 29 proposed parties still lack certificates. Many have not verified central committee details or citizenship and voter ID copies. Only a few, including Rashtriya Nirman Dal and NCP Maoist, have completed the process. Ujyalo Nepal Party has verified 359 signatures, while Swabhiman Party secured only 400 pledges in four days. Parties filing by November 16 must finish all procedures by November 26.

Nepali Congress Postpones Central Committee Meeting to Saturday

The Nepali Congress has postponed its central committee meeting to Saturday, November 22, at 1 PM in Lalitpur. Chief Secretary Krishna Prasad Paudel issued the notice and instructed office bearers, central committee members, invited members, and all seven provincial presidents to attend. The meeting will review party affairs and ongoing political developments and discuss organizational strategies for the coming months.

UML Registers for National Assembly Election but Skips House Polls

CPN UML has registered for the January 25, 2026, National Assembly election, signaling that it will not participate in upcoming House elections under current conditions. The Election Commission reports that 22 parties have applied for House election registration as of November 19. Rastriya Janamorcha has also registered for the National Assembly contest. UML maintains that the political environment is not conducive for House elections at this time.

Supreme Court Hearing on House Dissolution Postponed

The Supreme Court postponed the hearing on 17 petitions against the dissolution of the House of Representatives. Scheduled for Wednesday, the session was delayed as all opposition written responses were not yet submitted. A new hearing date is set for December 8. The petitions, filed against President Ram Chandra Paudel’s dissolution on September 12, challenge the legality of interim government formation. The constitutional bench includes Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut and four justices. Advocates argued for interim orders restricting government powers, but the final hearing awaits submission of all oppositions’ written replies.

PM Karki Calls for Party Registration, Electoral Discipline

PM Karki underlined the constitutional duty of political parties to secure democracy through the March 5, 2026 election. She warned parties that abstaining or boycotting the vote would favor anarchy over democratic protection. The government will strictly monitor election spending, limit campaign periods to 21 days, and ensure transparent, cost-efficient elections. Karki emphasized law enforcement will investigate election-related violence swiftly, allowing citizens to vote fearlessly. Leaders from Nepali Congress, CPN (UML), and other parties urged the government to guarantee a secure, peaceful election environment to maintain public trust in democratic institutions.

Nepal Police Issues Seven-Point Advisory to Prevent Online Scams

Kathmandu Police has issued a seven-point advisory after a surge in online fraud. Scams include lottery messages demanding advance tax, fake online sellers requesting early payments, and video call extortion where criminals record and alter footage for blackmail. Police urge residents to verify sellers before paying, avoid opening unknown links, never share OTP codes, and confirm directly when friends or relatives request money because social media hacks are frequent. The advisory highlights risks on Facebook, WhatsApp, Viber, Imo, and Instagram and stresses the need for caution while making online purchases.

Five Child Laborers Rescued in Hetauda

Hetauda Sub-Metropolitan City rescued five children engaged in labor across multiple wards. During inspections, children aged 10 to 15 were found working in motorcycle workshops, hotels, candy production, and a furniture shop. Hetauda authorities fined employers Rs 170,000 in total and ordered Rs 32,000 monthly compensation per child. Rescued children came from Chitwan, Rautahat, Parsa, and nearby regions of India. Inspections involved labor office officials, municipal child welfare officers, police representatives, and CWIN Bal Helpline staff. The action strengthens Hetauda’s child-friendly policy and ensures rescued minors receive proper legal protection and welfare services.

Narayanghat-Butwal Highway to Close for Two Nights for Blacktopping

A section of the Narayanghat-Butwal road near the Narayani River will be closed on Friday and Sunday from 11 PM to 4 AM for blacktopping work. Vehicles heading east will stop at designated points across Nawalpur, while westbound traffic will halt in various Chitwan locations. Heavy trucks will be parked from Beldihya to assigned zones. After completion of 170 meters of blacktop, nearly 60 kilometers of the corridor toward Daunne will be connected. Travelers are advised to use alternative routes or wait in queues during closure hours.

Narayani Bridge to Halt Traffic for Night Repairs

The Narayani Bridge between Gaidakot and Narayangadh will be closed from 11:00 PM to 4:00 AM on Thursday and Friday for asphalt work. Vehicles from Narayangadh to Butwal will be stopped at Ramnagar, and those from Butwal to Narayangadh at Thumsi. The work, undertaken by China State Engineering Corporation, is part of the widening project of Butwal-Narayangadh Road, ongoing for the past 7 years, now reaching the Gaidakot-Dumkibas section for final resurfacing.

Landfill Protest Talks Collapse in Kathmandu Valley

Local residents of Bancharedanda blocked garbage disposal, demanding implementation of past agreements. Minister Kulman Ghising held a meeting with officials from Dhunibensi Municipality, Kakani Rural Municipality, Kathmandu Metropolitan City, and legal representative Subhas Pathak to resolve the issue. Despite drafting a 9-point agreement, disagreements during the signing led to no consensus. Ghising warned that repeated new demands could force the government to step back from negotiations. He emphasized previous agreements had been implemented, land acquisition for landfills would begin after environmental impact assessments, and urged locals to withdraw protests to prevent negative public messages.

Vehicle Licensing Updates Through Facebook Notifications

The Department of Transport Management will now post completed driver licenses on its official Facebook page, “Hello Transport Department,” due to technical issues in the previous automated system. Applicants whose licenses are ready will be notified to collect them within 72 hours. Renewal or additional license class applicants must bring their old licenses and official receipts. This change ensures faster, transparent, and safer license distribution.

285 Temporary Armed Police Offices Made Permanent

The Council of Ministers approved upgrading 285 temporary Armed Police offices to permanent status. This includes 17 district posts, 45 proposed border posts, and 215 border outposts, raising total permanent offices to 396. Key units such as the Nilbarahi Regiment, trauma centers, field hospitals, and diplomatic security posts will gain structured personnel and leadership upgrades. The reform strengthens organizational capacity, enhances security at critical locations, and provides uniformity across training institutions. New appointments also include three deputy inspector generals and enhanced operational command for field hospitals and intelligence units.

Passport Services to Simplify in 1–2 Weeks

The Department of Passport announced that services will simplify within 1–2 weeks under interim management. Recent reductions in service due to interim arrangements caused inconvenience. Authorities warned against fraud, noting 15 suspects were detained for scamming applicants. The department confirmed readiness for faster, safer service and immediate resolution of passport-related issues.

Forest Chairman Sentenced for Embezzlement

The Special Court has sentenced Karna Bahadur Shahi, Chairman of the Ranichaur Community Forest Users Group in Jajarkot, to six months in prison for embezzling community forest funds. The court, presided over by Chairman Sudarsan Dev Bhatta and Member Dilliratna Shrestha, found Shahi guilty of presenting false revenue deposit vouchers and fake bills. Shahi was ordered to pay a principal amount of Rs 331,147 and an equal amount as a fine. The court concluded that Rs 649,900 of the advanced funds was misappropriated using fake documents. This judgment underscores the government’s commitment to combating corruption within community development projects.

Mellekh Rural Municipality Cancels Contracts of 48 Employees

Mellekh Rural Municipality in Achham has terminated contracts of 48 temporary staff following a decision on November 16. Positions canceled include 1 radiographer, 4 lab technicians, 6 Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), 1 staff nurse, 1 medical officer, 8 ward assistants, 1 computer operator, 1 assistant operator, 3 eye care workers, 3 technicians, 1 sports trainer, 2 employment section staff, 8 sweepers, and 5 office helpers. Services have been disrupted, and the eye treatment center is closed. Only one Auxiliary Health Worker (AHW) is running medical services. The municipality has begun recruitment through competitive exams.

Free Eye Camp Restores Vision to 206 in Taplejung

A three-day free eye camp in Taplejung concluded on Tuesday, restoring sight for 206 patients. Organized by Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh at Dichen Dongla Memorial Eye Treatment Center, the camp provided treatment to over 1,600 people. 206 cataract surgeries and 3 minor operations were conducted by world-renowned ophthalmologists Dr. Sanduk Ruit (79 surgeries) and his son Dr. Sagar Ruit (130 surgeries). The camp was supported by Tilganga Eye Hospital, Ruit Foundation, Seva Foundation, and Phungling Municipality, highlighting collaborative efforts in rural eye care services.

Milk Farmers Shift to Private Dairies After DDC Payment Failures

Delayed payments of nearly 200 days have pushed farmers toward private dairies and other related producers. Many now convert unsold milk into ghee or sell directly to processors. DDC’s market share is shrinking as loose milk gains popularity among consumers because of higher fat content. Biratnagar’s daily milk sales have dropped to 2,500 to 3,000 liters, and total dairy product sales have contracted to 3,000 liters equivalent. Farmers’ livelihoods are under increasing strain, and there are concerns that many may abandon livestock rearing if the situation continues.

Communications Ministry Pushes Social Security and Digital Reforms
Minister Jagdish Kharel directed all staff under the Communications Ministry to join the mandatory Social Security Fund. In a review meeting for the fiscal year 2025/26, he emphasized quality public broadcasting, innovative content, and timely service delivery. The ministry aims to achieve paperless operations by mid-January 2026, currently implemented in the Finance and Communications Ministries. Kharel also instructed agencies to prioritize pension schemes for senior journalists, increase capital expenditure, enhance revenue collection, and ensure overdue payments recovery. Officials presented progress reports from Gorkhapatra, Public Service Broadcasting, Rastriya Samachar Samiti, Press Council, and Nepal Telecom.

Actress Nisha Adhikari Enters Politics

Actress Nisha Adhikari joined the newly formed Gatisheel Democratic Party, signaling her active entry into politics. She expressed readiness to contest direct elections, emphasizing public trust in her service vision. Nisha holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science and is pursuing an MPhil in “Conflict, Peace, and Development,” with future plans for a PhD. She stated her aim is to serve citizens directly rather than entering politics via proportional representation. Nisha’s political engagement prioritizes public service, governance reform, and party building, reflecting her long-standing interest in politics and societal betterment.

 ‘Lokanti’ Set to Release on December 12

The Nepali family drama Lokanti, produced by Krishan Films, will release nationwide on December 12. Directed by Ranjit Rana, it explores family, love, conflict, peace, and social issues. Actors Asraj Garach and Richa Thapa lead the cast, with Bimala Limbu, Kumar Nyaupane, and Bikash Adhikari in key roles. Cinematography was done in Kavre, aiming to highlight cultural nuances through natural settings. The film also marks the acting debut for Kumar Nyaupane and Bikash Adhikari.

Chitwan Rhinos Posts 143-Run Victory Target Before Lumbini Lions

Chitwan Rhinos has posted a 143-run victory target before Lumbini Lions in today’s match being held under the ongoing Nepal Premier League. Invited to bat first after losing the toss at TU International Cricket Stadium, Kirtipur, Chitwan Rhions made 142 runs in 20 overs losing seven wickets. The team had lost three wickets while collecting 43 runs. Captain Kushal Malla gathered 21 runs while Ravi Bopara 66 runs, Dev Khanal 14 runs, Deepak Bohara 10 runs, Saif Zaib 15 runs, Arjun Saud 15 runs (not out) and Sohail Tanvir five runs. Towards bowling, Ruben Trumpelmann of Lumbini Lions took three wickets while Abhishesh Gautam and Glubadin Naib took two wickets each.

ANFA and A-Division Clubs Hold Coordination Meeting

The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) concluded a meeting with A-Division clubs to address league scheduling and prior agreements. Clubs demanded adherence to previous commitments for the National League, while the Players’ Association insisted the A-Division League start in Poush. Earlier, a meeting including ANFA officials, the Sports Minister, and players agreed to hold the league by mid-April, 2026. A follow-up meeting with all three parties is planned to finalize league arrangements.

Japan-China Relations Hit Years-Long Low Over Taiwan

Relations between Japan and China have reached their lowest point in years, triggered by comments Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made on November 7 regarding Taiwan. Takaichi’s statement that an attack on Taiwan could threaten Japan’s survival caused strong protests from Beijing, which demanded a retraction. The crisis escalated on November 20, as China postponed a trilateral culture ministers’ meeting and indicated a blanket ban on Japanese seafood imports. Other measures included suspending talks on resuming Japanese beef imports and Chinese airlines offering refunds for Japan-bound routes. Despite the diplomatic pressure, Japan stated that Takaichi’s remarks were in line with its long-standing views.

900 Evacuated, 170 Climbers Stranded After Semeru Eruption

Indonesian authorities evacuated over 900 people and are facilitating the safe return of 170 climbers stranded after the Semeru volcano, one of the country’s tallest mountains, erupted 10 times on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. The volcano, located on Java Island, emitted massive ash plumes and sent lava up to 13 km (8.08 miles) down its slopes. The climbers, stuck overnight at a lakeside camping area, are now being helped to safety, with officials confirming all climbers and guides are safe. The alert level remains at its highest. The last major eruption in December 2021 killed at least 51 people.

US President Trump Signs Bill to Release Epstein Files

US President Donald Trump signed a bill on Wednesday ordering the release of government files related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The legislation, which overwhelmingly cleared the House of Representatives (427 to 1) and the Senate (unanimous consent) on Tuesday, requires the Justice Department to release all information within 30 days. While the bill allows for some information to be withheld if it compromises active investigations or invades personal privacy, the move was hailed as “monumental” by victims’ families. The files will include transcripts, flight logs, and items seized in raids of Epstein’s properties.