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.

325,000 Security Personnel to be Deployed for the Election

The four security agencies (Nepali Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and National Investigation Department) will deploy personnel across the country starting November 26 for the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5, 2026. The plan, approved by the National Security Council on Thursday, authorizes the deployment of approximately 325,000 personnel, including 79,000 Army, 72,000 Police, 33,000 Armed Police, and 130,000 temporary police. The cabinet is meeting Friday to formally approve the deployment of the Army.

Bara Administration Backs Out of Talks with Gen Z Youth

The local administration in Bara has withdrawn its formal invitation for talks with the Gen Z youth who have been protesting in Simara since Wednesday. The Bara District Administration Office initially called for formal talks on Thursday. However, Chief District Officer Dharmendra Kumar Mishra now stated that an official dialogue is unnecessary, as the main demands of the movement have already been met. Superintendent of Police Santosh Tamang confirmed that the administration is concluding its work, including arresting those against whom complaints have been filed.

Conflict Victims Protest Against TRC and CIEDP

On Friday, conflict victims staged a protest today, accusing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and the Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons (CIEDP) of not being victim-friendly. Complaining of lack of justice 19 years after the comprehensive peace agreement, protesters demanded the immediate resignation of officials from both commissions. Spokesperson Ram Bhandari of the ‘General Conflict Victim Community’ said the victims have rejected the forcibly formed commissions from the beginning and are running protests across all seven provinces, demanding a new commission that truly represents their interests.

Co-op Victims Vandalize Buddhanagar Office in Protest

Cooperative victims staged a protest and vandalized the gate of the Office of the Problematic Cooperative Management Committee on Friday. The victims demonstrated outside the office, demanding the immediate return of their savings and accusing the government of protecting cooperative scammers. Police were deployed to the scene and took about 18 protesters into custody after they broke the gate while attempting to enter the premises.

UML Youth Launch Force Amid Gen Z Counter-Protest

Youth affiliated with CPN-UML marched through Kathmandu on Friday to mark the launch of the party’s National Volunteer Force, which was introduced by UML Chair KP Sharma Oli at the Karki Banquet in Babarmahal. The procession was led by leaders Mahesh Basnet and Kshitiz Thebe. Simultaneously, a group of youth, including those injured during the September Gen Z protests, staged a sit-in at Maitighar. Police were deployed in the area to maintain order and prevent any potential confrontations between the opposing groups. Political mobilization and youth dissent converge in Kathmandu.

Government and Bancharedanda Locals Reach 11-Point Agreement

The government and the locals of Bancharedanda reached an 11-point agreement on Thursday in Singha Durbar, resolving the waste disposal conflict. Key agreements include providing compensation for houses, sheds, and crops from the Fiscal Year 2025/26 and establishing a system for providing free medical treatment for affected locals at Kathmandu Metropolitan City government hospitals within one month. The agreement also covers addressing leachate contamination within 15 days and the immediate removal of obstructions to waste transportation and disposal by locals.

Sudan Gurung Demands Home Minister’s Resignation

The Gen Z protest leader Sudan Gurung has demanded the resignation of Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal, stating that the minister has no right to remain in office. Speaking to journalists in Siraha on Friday during an inspection of the Kamala Bridge, Gurung accused Minister Aryal of failing to deliver on promises made during talks at the President’s Office concerning the movement’s demands. Gurung asserted that if the Gen Z demands are not fulfilled, such a Home Minister is unnecessary, maintaining pressure on the government following the protests.

Election Commission Sets Voter Age Cutoff Date

The Election Commission has approved the voter registration update program for the General Election set for March 5, 2026, setting March 4, 2026, as the date by which voters must reach 18 years of age. Spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai announced that the preliminary list will be published on December 6. Voters can submit corrections, claims, or complaints regarding the list online or at the relevant election offices from December 7 to 13. The final voter list will be published on December 30.

Education Ministry Drafts Unified Higher Education Bill

The Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology is drafting a revised Unified Higher Education Bill to integrate the operation of currently separate universities. Education Minister Mahabir Pun has formed a task force led by University Grants Commission Chairman Devraj Adhikari, including former vice-chancellors like Kedar Bhakta Mathema. The draft is a modification of the bill prepared some two years ago. It proposes open competition for the appointment of vice-chancellors and bringing colleges with foreign affiliations under the UGC’s regulation.

Nepali Congress Leaders Demand Convention Before Election

Nepali Congress General Secretaries Gagan Thapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma stated that they will not contest the March 5, 2026, General Election unless the party holds a General Convention beforehand. During discussions today with 28 Central Committee members close to party President Sher Bahadur Deuba, the General Secretaries stressed the need for leadership change through either a regular or special convention. The 28 members also urged the leadership to announce a schedule for the 15th General Convention, with a Central Committee meeting scheduled for Saturday at 1:00 PM to decide on the matter.

TU Opens Master’s First Semester Admission

The Tribhuvan University (TU) announced that admissions for the master’s first semester will be open from November 27 to December 26. A notice stated that new student applications for the Academic Year 2025-2026 will be accepted in departments including Humanities and Social Sciences, Management, Education, and Science and Technology. The entrance examination dates will be determined by the respective offices. Classes for the semester are scheduled to begin in mid-January 2026, marking the start of the new academic year.

Hetauda Road Division Demands Structure Removal

The Road Division Office, Hetauda, of Makawanpur District issued a notice today demanding the removal of structures built within the road boundary along the Mahendra Highway and Tribhuvan Highway. Structures, both permanent and temporary, that fall within 25 meters on both sides of the road centerline must be removed within 15 days. The affected areas include Ratomate to Rapti Bridge and Buddha Chowk to Samari Bridge. The office warned that failure to comply will result in demolition by the Road Division, with costs collected from the concerned parties under the Public Roads Act, 1974.

27 Officials Appointed as Public Food Analysts

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has appointed 27 senior food research officers as public food analysts. This appointment was made based on the provisions of the Food Sanitation and Quality Act, 2024. The ministry published the notice in the Gazette on Thursday, stating that the officials, including Deputy Director General Mahipal Ram Baidya of the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control, are tasked with maintaining the quality and sanitation of food items. This move aims to ensure food quality standards across the department and its branch offices.

Pratappur Staff Cut Affects Service Delivery

Pratappur Rural Municipality, Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta Paschim), has been forced to close three branches, which are Employment, Land Management, and Women and Children, after terminating 92 staff members to cut costs following a Federal Government directive. Chairman Umesh Chandra Yadav reported that essential service delivery has been affected, requiring the rehiring of about 20 staff. To secure the needed funds, the Rural Municipality has convened a special assembly to increase internal revenue, aiming to generate Rs 50 million this fiscal year through new measures like operating a dedicated cattle market.

Bharatpur Installs Smart Lights on 210 KM of Road

Bharatpur Metropolitan City has installed smart lights on 210 kilometers of road under the ‘Ujyalo Sahar Bharatpur‘ campaign, in collaboration with the Nepal Electricity Authority. Mayor Renu Dahal announced that 6,000 lights, including 16 Hi-Mast and 75 Mini-Mast lights in main squares, were installed in two phases at a cost of Rs 350 million. The lights were installed across highways, link roads, and other busy areas to enhance security and provide a sense of safety for both internal and external tourists during the nighttime.

Kathmandu Bus Park Decision Implementation Lags

The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) decision to operate all passenger vehicles leaving the Kathmandu Valley from the New Bus Park is facing implementation issues, even after two and a half years. The KMC first published the notice on June 2, 2023, with an effective date of June 16, 2023. KMC Spokesperson Nabin Manandhar attributes the difficulty to the non-cooperation of transport entrepreneurs. Currently, 300 long-distance and 200 short/medium-distance buses operate daily from the New Bus Park, which is managed by Lotse Multipurpose Company.

Kalikot Seeks Two New Polling Centers

The District Election Office, Kalikot, has recommended the addition of two new polling centers to the Election Commission ahead of the March 5, 2026, General Election. The centers are requested for Khandachakra Municipality-3 (180 voters) and Ward 8 (142 voters), based on the need to reduce the geographical travel distance for voters. If the recommendation is approved, Kalikot will have a total of 125 polling centers and 105 polling stations. District Chief Bishwomangal Sharma noted that 554 new voters have been added online, bringing Kalikot’s total electorate to 81,287 voters.

15-Day Notice to Clear Forest Encroachment

The Sub Division Forest Office Dumkibas has issued a 15-day notice demanding the removal of structures built by encroaching on the national forest area around Daunne and Dumkibas markets in Binayi Tribeni Rural Municipality–2, Nawalpur. The notice targets structures, commercial activities, and shops built along the Narayangarh–Butwal highway section. Forest Officer Manoj Baral confirmed that if the structures are not voluntarily removed within the 15 days, enforcement will be used according to the Forest Act 2019, and legal action will be taken against the encroachers.

Bajura Recommends 12 New Polling Centers

The District Election Office, Bajura, has recommended adding 12 new polling centers across four local levels for the upcoming March 5, 2026, General Election. Acting Chief Angat Mahat reported that additions include two in Swamikartik Khapar Rural Municipality-1 and two in Ward 3. The office also recommended shifting four existing centers in Budhiganga Municipality to their respective ward offices. Bajura currently has 70 polling stations and 112 centers. 221 new voters were added in the last 22 days, bringing the district’s total electorate to over 86,000.

Dhankuta Local Units Ignore Staff Cut Order

Five local units in Dhankuta are currently defying the directive issued by the Federal Government to remove unnecessary temporary, contract, and daily wage staff. The Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration issued the order on September 24. While Chhathar Jorpati Rural Municipality and Mahlaxmi Municipality complied, five others are refusing, citing obstruction from local political leaders. Activist Lakpa Tamang has delivered memorandums to three of the dissenting municipalities, demanding the removal of politically appointed staff within a seven-day ultimatum.

Speaker Ghimire Submits SC Reply Against PM Appointment

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Devraj Ghimire, submitted a written response to the Supreme Court agreeing that the current Prime Minister’s appointment and subsequent dissolution of the House are unconstitutional. In his response to the writ filed by Ayush Badal, Ghimire accepted the petitioner’s demand to annul the appointments. Ghimire asserted that PM Sushila Karki’s appointment violated Article 76, as she is not an HoR member. He even recalled Karki’s own differing opinion in a previous case to highlight the unconstitutional nature of her current position.

Nepal Wins Third Match in Kabaddi World Cup

Nepal secured its third victory in the ongoing Women’s Kabaddi World Cup in Dhaka, Bangladesh. In the Group ‘B’ match on Thursday, Nepal defeated Kenya 28–21. With this victory, Nepal has garnered six points from four matches. Nepal previously won against Zanzibar 58–16 and Poland 63–25 but suffered a loss in its third match to Chinese Taipei 31–15. Nepal is set to play its final group stage match against Iran on Saturday, hoping to advance further in the competition.

14th EU Film Festival Set for Pokhara

The 14th European Union Film Festival is scheduled to take place in Pokhara at QFX Trade Mall tomorrow and Sunday. The event, celebrating “Cinema Without Borders,” will screen 25 films, including 10 European feature films, 6 BAFTA-nominated shorts, and 9 Nepali short films, according to Press and Information Officer Bidya Maharjan of the EEAS. All screenings will be free and will include English subtitles. A special discussion titled “What now for the film industry?” will be held on Saturday, featuring industry professionals.

Malika’s ‘Teen Spirit’ Mini Series Releases New Song

The song Sampurna from the mini-series Teen Spirit, starring actress Malika Mahat, has been released on the G21 Digital official channel. The song features the vocals and lyrics of Apurbha Tamang and music by Manish Gurung. The series, directed by Jeevan Swanr and Sunil Gurung, is a presentation of G21 Digital. The cast also includes Lakshya Tamang, Anusha Bayung Rai, and Sabi Thapa. Asim Shah is the producer, with Sunil Gurung as the writer and Aasif Shah as the creative director, focusing on themes of family, love, and social conflict.

Filming Begins for New Movie ‘Bob Dai’

Filming for the new movie Bob Dai has commenced in Chandragiri, presented by Roteping Entertainment in collaboration with Shree Ram Balaji Films. The movie has a 45-day shooting schedule, primarily in the Kirtipur and Chandragiri areas of Kathmandu. Directed by Pravin Shrestha, marking his return after 12 years since ‘Mokshya,’ the film focuses on the story of Kirtipur. The title, pronounced ‘Bob Dai,’ is derived from the Newari pronunciation of “Dai” (elder brother). Saugat Malla stars in the titular role, alongside Simran Pant and Santosh Pant.

Bhuwan & Anmol’s New Movie ‘Batulo Joon’ Starts Filming

Filming for the movie Batulo Joon, produced under the Sunrise Pictures Pvt. Ltd. banner, began today at the Baglamukhi Temple, Patan. Actor and director Bhuwan KC is making his directorial comeback after nearly 10 years since ‘Dreams.’ The movie, a rural romance, stars Anmol KC alongside actresses Prinsy Khatiwada and Nancy Khadka, with Bhuwan KC also playing a major role. The 45-day shoot will take place in Kathmandu, Dhorpatan, Kavrepalanchok, Chitlang, and Pokhara.

US Ambassador Pledges Health Support in Baglung

US Ambassador to Nepal, Dean R. Thompson, visited Dhaulagiri Provincial Hospital, Baglung, and acknowledged the significant positive changes occurring in maternal and child health in Nepal with small aid. Ambassador Thompson and his delegation, including USAID officials, reviewed the quality of the maternal and child health services. Hospital officials informed the team that improvements were largely due to USAID-supported training programs. Despite the recent end of USAID grants, Ambassador Thompson committed to advocating for continued support for maternal and child health in the future.

Fire at COP30 Talks in Brazil Disrupts Final Negotiations

The COP30 UN climate talks in Belém, Brazil, were evacuated after a fire broke out inside the venue, a former aerodrome, disrupting final negotiations. The blaze was extinguished in six minutes, and 13 people were treated for smoke inhalation, according to the UN. Emergency medicine specialist Kimberly Humphrey reported that first responders inhaled “toxic fumes.” Eyewitnesses, including Dr. Harshita Umesh, described chaos and screaming. The cause of the blaze is unknown, though one eyewitness suggested an electrical fire.

UK Immigration Changes Cause Concern for Nepali Migrants

The proposed major changes to the UK’s immigration system, announced by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood on Thursday, have caused widespread concern among Nepali migrants. The plan seeks to extend the period to obtain Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) from five years to 10 years. Solicitor Deepak Bhattarai states that legally resident migrants claiming benefits for more than 12 months may face a 20-year wait, making it one of the longest periods in Europe. The new rule is estimated to affect around 2.6 million migrants who arrived since 2021.

India Halts Russian Oil Imports Ahead of Sanctions

India’s largest conglomerate, Reliance Industries, owned by Mukesh Ambani, has stopped importing Russian crude oil for its export refinery in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The company made the transition ahead of schedule to ensure full compliance with a looming EU ban on fuels made from Russian oil via third countries, effective January 21, 2026, and new US sanctions. The decision, welcomed by the White House, follows global pressure on India to curb the import of discounted Russian oil, which had risen significantly since 2022. Geopolitical pressure forces a major shift in India’s oil imports.

Zelensky Ready to Consider US-Drafted Russia Peace Plan

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated he is ready to work with the US on its vision for ending the war with Russia. The widely leaked plan, drafted by US and Russian envoys, proposes that Kyiv make major concessions, including ceding large areas of the Donetsk region, reducing its army to 600,000 personnel, and promising not to join NATO. The proposal also includes lifting sanctions on Russia and restoring it to the G8. Zelensky, who remains focused on securing a “worthy peace,” is scheduled to discuss the proposals with US President Donald Trump. A potential diplomatic path emerges for the end of the conflict.

India and Afghanistan to Relaunch Air Cargo Services

India and Afghanistan are set to launch air cargo services soon to boost bilateral trade. The announcement followed a visit by Taliban Trade Minister Nooruddin Azizi to New Delhi on Friday. India’s foreign ministry confirmed that air freight corridors between Kabul and New Delhi and Amritsar have been “activated,” with flights starting soon. This move aims to strengthen ties between the two nations and ensure Kabul’s access to essential goods, particularly amid ongoing sour relations with common neighbor Pakistan. Trade ties are set for an upgrade between India and Afghanistan.