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.

Nepali Congress to Contest March 5 House of Representatives Election:
The Nepali Congress has decided to participate in the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5, following a Central Working Committee meeting at its Sanepa office on Saturday. The party concluded that elections are the best path to address the current political situation and safeguard the constitution. Congress will also register for National Assembly polls. Spokesperson Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat highlighted concerns over absconding convicts, missing weapons, and restrictions on political activities, urging authorities to ensure fair and safe elections. The party also called for law-and-order improvements, restraint from violence, and dialogue-driven solutions, while aiming for consensus on its general convention.

Nepali Congress Warns of Deepening Crisis, Demands Law and Order Before 2026 Elections:
The Nepali Congress, concluding its Central Working Committee meeting, warned that the worsening law and order situation threatens free and fair elections. Citing thousands of absconding prisoners, missing weapons and rising violence, the party said a fear-free environment is essential. NC stated the September crisis forced the President to appoint an interim Prime Minister outside Parliament, though a constitutional solution was possible. Calling the Parliament dissolution unconstitutional, the party awaits the Supreme Court’s final interpretation. Expressing sorrow over the September 8–9 violence that killed dozens and destroyed public property, NC demanded compensation, peace, security and credible elections on March 5, 2026.

Over 837,000 New Voters Registered Ahead of March 5 Elections:
The Election Commission (EC) has registered 837,094 new voters following the announcement of the March 5 House of Representatives election. The updated figures were released after the extended voter registration and revision deadline expired on Friday midnight. Of the total, 344,914 were enrolled via biometric verification, while 492,180 were added through the National Identity Card system, following the EC’s move to allow National ID-based registration. Prime Minister Sushila Karki confirmed the updated voter roll on social media. With approximately 18.17 million eligible voters in Nepal, the deadline extension from November 16 to November 20 prompted this surge in new registrations.

UML Chair Oli Demands Immediate Reinstatement of Dissolved House of Representatives:
CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has called for the immediate reinstatement of the dissolved House of Representatives, calling its dissolution unconstitutional and unauthorized. Speaking at a mass gathering at Bhrikuti Mandap on Saturday, Oli described the step as “regrettable” and insisted there is no alternative to restoring parliament. He asserted that only UML can navigate the country out of the current political crisis, promising to implement multiparty democracy and a complete democratic framework. The mass assembly and rally were held to showcase UML’s strength and commitment to upholding constitutional rule, with the party determined to return Nepal to a lawful and democratic path.

Prachanda Calls for National Unity, Encourages Gen-Z Participation in Communist Party:
Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda,’ chairman of the Nepal Communist Party (NCP), warned of forces working to weaken the nation during a Gen-Z dialogue at the party office in Paris Danda on Saturday. Emphasizing the protection of national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and universality, he stressed the need for all generations to prioritize nation-building. Prachanda called for advancing Gen-Z ideas, agendas, and energy to strengthen Nepal and its people, while preparing youth as the ideological, political, and emotional leadership of a new Nepal. He highlighted Gen-Z initiatives promoting good governance and inducted several young leaders into the NCP to foster their active participation.

Federal Democratic Front Parties Agree to Contest Upcoming Elections Together:
Parties affiliated with the Federal Democratic Front have agreed to contest the upcoming elections jointly. The decision was reached at a meeting held on Saturday, confirmed by Lumbini Socialist Party (LOSPA) Chairman Mahanta Thakur. The meeting also emphasized the need for a conducive election environment and submitted demands to the government to ensure fair and safe elections.

Gagan Thapa Urges Nepali Congress to Hold Pre-Election Convention:
Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa has emphasized the need for the party to hold a general convention ahead of upcoming elections. Speaking after the Central Working Committee meeting at the party’s Sanepa office on Saturday, Thapa said new leadership and policies are essential, making a pre-election convention necessary. Given limited time, a regular convention may not be feasible, leaving a special convention as the only option. He added that the party must hold either a periodic convention by mid-January 2026 or a special convention by mid-December. The November 27 meeting will decide the final course, with efforts underway to reach a consensus.

Janardan Sharma Blames Prachanda’s Opportunism for Maoist Party’s Collapse, Launches New Leftist Initiative:
Janardan Sharma, coordinator of the Progressive Campaign, has accused Maoist Centre Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ of opportunism, claiming it weakened the Maoist movement and ultimately led to the party’s collapse. Speaking at a national assembly in Tripureshwor, Sharma said his repeated suggestions over two years were ignored, and unresolved internal issues fueled the rise of the Gen-Z rebellion. He criticized Prachanda for political deception, clinging to power, and prioritizing personal gains. Sharma announced plans for a new leftist party embracing Marxist principles, collective leadership, and a 99-member central committee. The initiative will merge with NESPA’s New Force on Sunday, strengthening organizational efforts.

AJPA Chairman Prabhu Sah Accuses Government, KP Oli of Hijacking Gen-Z Movement:
Prabhu Sah, chairman of the Aam Janata Party (AJPA) and former minister, has accused Prime Minister Sushila Karki’s government and CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli of deliberately pushing Nepal toward controlled instability. Speaking at an extended AJPA district committee meeting in Chautara, Sindhupalchok, Sah claimed both leaderships undermined the Gen-Z movement’s spirit and objectives, alleging that the September 23 protests were hijacked by Karki, Om Prakash Aryal, and Kulman Ghising. He criticized the Home Ministry for failing to control arms, fugitive convicts, and post-protest repression, calling for resignations. Sah also accused Oli of staging daily political theatrics due to fear of losing party power.

Medicine Truck Overturns, Blocking Kanti Lokpath Since Early Morning:
Kanti Lokpath, a key short route connecting Hetauda to Kathmandu, has been completely obstructed since early morning after a truck overturned on the road. The truck (Na 3 Kha 3192), carrying medicines from Birgunj to Kathmandu, lost control due to brake failure at Baguwa in Bhimphedi Rural Municipality-8, Makwanpur. According to DSP Puskar Bogati of the Makwanpur District Police Office, the overturned vehicle has fully blocked traffic, leaving many vehicles stranded. Police teams are working to remove the damaged truck and restore vehicular movement, though clearance efforts are still underway.

Nepali Film ‘Harsh’ Launches Nationwide Promotional Campaign Ahead of Release:
The upcoming Nepali film Harsh has intensified its promotional campaign across major cities, including an outreach program in eastern Nepal’s Jhapa district. The production team, including director Ekta Paudel and lead actors Khagendra Lamichhane and Barsha Raut, visited schools such as Lincoln College, Nidhi School, Valmiki School, and Children’s School to engage students and audiences, highlighting the film’s storyline and message. The movie, featuring a stellar cast including Nir Shah, Santosh Pant, Sharmila Malla, Mao Tse Gurung, and others, aims to revive pure family-oriented cinema in Nepal. Harsh is set to release nationwide on Mangsir 12.

Song ‘Sampurna’ from Mini-Series ‘Teen Spirit’ Starring Malika Mahat Released:
The song Sampurna from the mini-series Teen Spirit, starring actress Malika Mahat, has been officially released on the G2One Digital YouTube channel. The track, depicting young love and emotions, features melodious vocals by Apurbh Tamang with musical arrangement by Manish Gurung. Produced by G2One Digital in collaboration with Young Hearts Films, the series is jointly directed by Jeevan Swar and Sunil Gurung. Alongside Malika Mahat, the cast includes Lakshya Tamang, Anusha Byung Rai, Sabi Thapa, Suresh Rai, Ronish Subba, Rinex Basnet, Manika Lama, Geeta Shri, Sangeeta Thapa, and Prakash Shrestha. The series is written by Sunil Gurung, produced by Asim Shah, with executive producer Vishal Sharma and creative director Asif Shah.

Mark Watt’s Explosive Century Gives Karnali Yaks First NPL 2025 Win:
Karnali Yaks defeated Lumbini Lions by 9 wickets to secure their first win in Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2025. Opener Mark Watt smashed a sensational 144 off 44 balls, including 12 sixes and 6 fours, at a strike rate of 259.09, guiding Karnali past the 157-run target in just 12.2 overs. Priyank Panchal (12) and William Bosisto (29) supported Watt’s onslaught. Lumbini Lions had earlier posted 156/8, with Captain Rohit Paudel top-scoring at 49. Sher Malla claimed the only wicket for Karnali. The victory earned Karnali their first point, while Lumbini remain with 2 points from two matches.

George Munsey’s Blitz Powers Biratnagar Kings to Five-Wicket Win over Kathmandu Gorkhas:
Biratnagar Kings defeated Kathmandu Gorkhas by five wickets in the second match of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) on Saturday. Chasing 135, Biratnagar reached 136/5 in 17.2 overs, led by George Munsey’s explosive 36 off 16 balls, including 2 sixes and 5 fours. Martin Guptill contributed 25, while Naren Saud added 24. For Kathmandu, Shahab Alam claimed 2 wickets, with Gerhard Erasmus, Karan KC, and Santosh Yadav taking one each. Batting first at TU International Cricket Ground, Kathmandu posted 134/6 in 20 overs. The win gave Biratnagar their first points of NPL 2025, keeping the competition closely contested.

Nepal’s Cricket Rise Contrasts With Dhurmus–Suntali Stadium Crisis:
Nepal is celebrating a major cricket revival as the Nepal Premier League and the revamped TU Cricket Ground showcase rapid progress driven by government priority and private investment like the new Astratech Oval. Yet this success contrasts sharply with the stalled Gautam Buddha Cricket Stadium in Chitwan, started eight years ago by comedians Dhurmus and Suntali. Their ambitious Rs 60-crore project, once praised nationwide, remains unfinished due to legal hurdles, mounting debt above Rs 18 crore, and lack of formal state decisions. As Dhurmus’ health struggles emerge online, the episode highlights weak institutions, emotional hype, and the risks of relying on individuals over the state.

Cricket Surges as Nepali Football Faces Collapse: Three Years Without a League:
Nepal’s sporting landscape is shifting as cricket rises rapidly while football sinks into deep crisis. The Nepal Premier League has revitalized cricket, drawing massive crowds to Kirtipur and showcasing improved infrastructure and leadership. In contrast, football—once Nepal’s most popular sport—has gone three years without an A-Division League. The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) is mired in disputes, corruption allegations, failed calendars, and power struggles. Players and clubs are protesting, even hanging their medals at ANFA’s gate. Despite youth minister Bablu Gupta’s intervention, agreements remain unimplemented. As cricket thrives, Nepali football stands paralyzed, leaderless, and uncertain about its future.

Indian PM Modi Meets Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, Other World Leaders at G20 Summit:
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and several other global leaders on the sidelines of the G20 Summit on Saturday. Upon arrival, he was welcomed by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and engaged in discussions with multiple dignitaries. Modi was seen shaking hands with Meloni, whom he last met at the G7 summit in Canada in June. Earlier, he praised her autobiography, I Am Giorgia, calling it reflective of enduring ideals. Modi also met Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and held a “very productive” discussion with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, highlighting active diplomatic engagements at the summit.

US Peace Plan for Ukraine Undermines EU Strategy on Frozen Russian Assets:
A new US-promoted peace plan for Ukraine has upended the EU’s approach to using Russia’s immobilized assets for reparations. The US-led proposal suggests unblocking frozen Russian funds, turning them into an investment platform managed by Washington, potentially giving the Kremlin commercial benefits and avoiding direct war reparations. The 28-point blueprint, negotiated without European input, includes $300 billion in Russian Central Bank assets across G7 nations, creating two funds: one to finance Ukraine’s reconstruction with US-European participation and another shared with Russia for joint projects. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy described the plan as a difficult choice between dignity and key partnership with the US.

Brazil’s Supreme Court Orders Pre-Trial Detention of Jair Bolsonaro Ahead of 27-Year Sentence:
Brazil’s Supreme Court ordered the pre-trial detention of former president Jair Bolsonaro on Saturday, just days before he was to begin serving a 27-year prison sentence for leading an attempted coup. Bolsonaro was taken to the Federal Police headquarters in Brasília, with Judge Alexandre de Moraes emphasizing that the arrest should respect his dignity, without handcuffs or media exposure. The ruling cited an alleged attempt to tamper with his electronic ankle bracelet, indicating a potential escape plan. The arrest occurred around 6 a.m., hours after the judge’s decision, confirmed by Bolsonaro’s aide Andriely Cirino.