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.

Political Parties’ Registration Extended by Four More Days

The Election Commission has decided to extend the time for political parties to register for the March 5 election to the House of Representatives. The deadline that was supposed to expire today has been ended by four days. The decision was made at the request of various political parties, said the Commission’s spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai. In the latest deadline starting November 17 to 26, applications have been received from 106 parties. The Commission has stated that the number of parties registered with the Commission so far is 137.

Endangered Cheer Pheasant Faces Poaching Risk in Mustang

The endangered Cheer Pheasant, also known as Wallich’s Pheasant, in Mustang’s Thasang rural municipality faces high risk from poaching and habitat destruction by wildfires. Research Officer Birat Rajak of the Bird Conservation Nepal stated that despite a recent count of 18 breeding pairs in 2025, the ground-nesting bird is vulnerable. Wildfires, particularly during the breeding season (from March to June), destroy nests, eggs, and chicks, hindering population growth. Local officials, including Thasang ward chairman Narendra Sherchan, have prioritized community awareness and are actively working on fire control measures to protect this rare bird, which is considered a Himalayan beauty.

National Tiger Census Set to Begin on December 16

The national tiger census is scheduled to begin on December 16, spanning three months across five national parks, including Chitwan and Bardia. The count is estimated to cost around Rs 25 million and will utilize 1,100 camera traps. The last census in 2022 recorded 355 adult tigers nationally. Chitwan led with 128, followed by Bardia with 125. Following the tiger count, the Rhino Census, which was postponed last year due to lack of funding, is set to proceed this year using a different methodology, continuing the government’s periodic wildlife monitoring efforts.

Ministry Warns 753 Local Units Against Allowance Misuse

The Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration issued a strict directive to all 753 local levels, warning them to stop the widespread misuse of government facilities. The order follows an investigation by the National Vigilance Center into numerous complaints. These complaints cite the extensive misuse of government vehicles for private travel, including weddings and funerals, and the illegal expenditure of millions of rupees on housing allowances by elected officials and staff. The ministry commanded that local levels must strictly comply with existing laws or establish necessary standards and procedures before accessing or utilizing any public service facility.

Ujyalo Nepal Party and Hamro Party Nepal Agree to Single Election Symbol

The Ujyalo Nepal Party, whose patron is Kulman Ghising, and Khagendra Sunar’s Hamro Party Nepal have agreed to contest the upcoming House of Representatives election using a single election symbol. The parties will campaign under the Ujyalo Nepal Party’s symbol, the Lighted Bulb. Party Spokesperson Raju Thapa stated that the understanding is part of a larger initiative to unify alternative political forces in the country. The alliance was formally announced at a joint press conference on Wednesday, marking their united push towards the next federal election.

CPN (UML) Shifts Convention to Sallaghari, Bhaktapur

The Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist), abbreviated CPN (UML), is preparing to shift the inauguration venue for its 11th National Convention to Sallaghari in Bhaktapur. The convention is scheduled for December 13, 14, and 15. Publicity Department Chief Rajendra Gautam confirmed that the move is intended to mitigate severe traffic congestion and minimize disruption to public movement in Kathmandu. The party held discussions considering Tundikhel and Bhrikutimandap before opting for the shift. Although the inauguration will be in Sallaghari, the closed session focusing on leadership selection will still be held at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu.

Former Law Campus Chairman Arrested for Supreme Court Arson

Former Nepal Law Campus Chairman Bishnu Dhungel was arrested in Chitwan on Wednesday by the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office for his alleged role in setting fire to the Supreme Court during the recent Gen Z protests. The arrest follows the circulation of a social media video showing Dhungel committing the act while criticizing judicial corruption. Dhungel was the elected chairman of the Law Campus in the fiscal year 2022/23 Free Students Union election. He is currently being transported to Kathmandu for further investigation into the criminal act.

TU to Implement ‘Earn While You Learn’ Policy in Agriculture and Forestry

The Tribhuvan University (TU) is advancing efforts to implement the government’s ‘Earn While You Learn’ policy, as stated in the fiscal year 2025/26 policy and programs. Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Deepak Aryal announced that the program would initially be introduced in the Institutes of Agriculture and Veterinary Science and the Institute of Forestry. The concept will then be gradually expanded across other faculties and institutes. TU aims to strengthen professional partnerships with the business community to facilitate mutual support in knowledge sharing, production, research, and the development of physical infrastructure.

IGP Karki Assures Security to Private Sector Following Gen Z Protest

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dan Bahadur Karki assured the private sector in Butwal that police will guarantee security and bring those involved in extortion and criminal activity to justice. Meeting with the Butwal Industry and Commerce Association on Tuesday, IGP Karki emphasized that secure industry and trade are vital for national prosperity. Association President Hari Prasad Aryal highlighted the private sector’s fear and uncertainty following the widespread vandalism, arson, and looting during the Gen Z movement on September 8 and 9. He urged authorities to swiftly identify and prosecute those responsible to ensure a safe business environment.

27 Police Personnel Absent Without Leave Given 7-Day Ultimatum

Police Headquarters issued a public notice on Wednesday giving 27 police personnel an ultimatum to report to duty within seven days. These personnel have been absent without leave since various dates in August, September, and October. The absent staff includes one Police Sub-Inspector, two Head Constables, three Assistant Head Constables, 20 Constables, and one Office Assistant. The notice, issued after efforts to locate them failed, warns that if they do not present themselves with an explanation, they will face disciplinary action and dismissal from service in accordance with the Police Regulations.

Government Vehicles to Get Insurance Following Gen Z Protest

The government initiated comprehensive non-life insurance for its vehicles, a policy decision made on September 21 following widespread damage during the Gen Z protest on September 8 and 9. The Ministry of Finance successfully completed the insurance of 20 four-wheeled vehicles under its ownership on November 21 through Nepali insurance companies. Ministry officials stated that this measure will help manage resources and improve service delivery. By relying on insurance claims for damage repair or replacement due to arson or accidents, the government anticipates a significant reduction in direct expenditure from the state treasury.

Bagmati Corridor to Be Monitored by CCTV and Smart Lighting System

The High Powered Committee for Integrated Development of the Bagmati Civilization, under the Ministry of Urban Development, is implementing an advanced surveillance system to enhance safety and cleanliness along the Bagmati River Corridor from Gokarna to Balkhu. The system includes 120 high-tech, weather-resistant CCTV cameras, with the monitoring unit at the Kathmandu Valley Police Office. Additionally, 567 smart streetlights and floodlights will be installed to illuminate dark areas. This measure aims to curb illegal dumping, criminal activities, and unauthorized behavior, boosting the effectiveness of the Bagmati Clean-up Mega Campaign.

Gen Z Protest Against Mahesh Basnet in Dhangadhi

Gen Z youth organized a protest in Dhangadhi today following the news of the arrival of CPN (UML) leader Mahesh Basnet. The youth gathered on the road near Hasanpur and the Dhangadhi Stadium, holding signs and chanting slogans against Basnet. The leader was scheduled to address a youth awareness campaign organized by the National Federation of Youth at the Kailali Chamber of Commerce and Industry hall. The demonstrators staged the opposition near the venue, reflecting continued public tension and political dissent against certain leaders.

13,013 Children in Gulmi Receive Vitamin A and Deworming Medication

A total of 13,013 children in Gulmi district were successfully administered vitamin A capsules and deworming medicine under the National Nutrition Program. Vitamin ‘A’ was provided to children aged six months to five years, while deworming medicine was given to those aged one to five years. The program saw high coverage in Resunga Municipality, where 2,183 children were reached. A network of 997 health volunteers was deployed across all 93 wards in the district’s 12 local levels to ensure widespread access to this essential public health initiative, confirming the commitment to child nutrition and health.

43 Arrests Made in Chitwan Over Gen Z Vandalism

The Chitwan District Police Office has arrested 43 individuals suspected of vandalism, arson, and looting during the recent Gen Z protest. The arrestees are being prosecuted on various charges, including criminal mischief, theft, indecent behavior, and drug offenses. According to the Chitwan District Administration Office, the turmoil resulted in significant damage across the district. Official data confirms that 79 public structures, 16 private houses and businesses, and three political party offices were affected by the acts of vandalism and looting. Authorities are continuing to pursue legal action against those who infiltrated the peaceful protests.

Dang Police Fine 80 Overloaded Vehicles, Collect Rs 160,000

Police in Dang district took action against 80 vehicles, primarily tippers, for carrying excessive loads of construction materials like stone, sand, and limestone. The vehicles were fined during checks conducted on November 23 and 24. Each of the 80 vehicles was penalized Rs 2,000, resulting in a total revenue collection of Rs 160,000. District Police Spokesperson Deputy Superintendent of Police Chakra Bahadur Shah confirmed the action. Traffic police continue to warn drivers about removing unauthorized extensions used to illegally increase the vehicle’s capacity for transporting overloaded materials.

Labor Disputes Escalate in Pathalaiya–Birgunj Industrial Corridor

Labor disputes are escalating at three major industries in the Pathalaiya–Birgunj Industrial Corridor after workers began pressure programs demanding the implementation of increased minimum wages effective from July 17, bonuses, and the withdrawal of cases filed against them. Workers at Jagadamba Steel are protesting the administration’s reluctance to implement labor laws and previous agreements. Workers at the long-closed Triveni Spinning Mill are demanding its resumption and the withdrawal of cases filed against two dozen labor leaders starting from mid-May. The Madhesh Province Industry Department has pledged to mediate the issue.

Roads Board Nepal Starts Road Tolls with QR System

The Roads Board Nepal has started collecting road tolls in-house via an electronic QR payment system, eliminating the previous contractor-based method to prevent fund non-payment and arbitrary charges. Collection resumed on the Bhairahawa–Bhumahi section and will soon expand to major routes, including Narayangadh–Muglin and Birgunj–Pathlaiya. The Federation of Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneurs, led by Bijay Bahadur Swar, agreed to pay the toll but demanded that the expense be adjusted into the vehicle fare structure. The Board argued that the collected fees will be used for road maintenance, ultimately benefiting transport operators.

Medical Fees for Foreign Employment Test Raised

The Ministry of Labor, Employment, and Social Security issued a circular on Wednesday mandating a new medical examination fee of Rs 9,500 for foreign employment, effective from today. This mandatory fee covers 34 types of tests. This specific fee had previously been determined by a ministerial decision last year, but its implementation was delayed due to opposition from medical entrepreneurs. The new rate replaces the earlier fee structure, which ranged from Rs 3,500 to Rs 6,500. The circular was issued during a period when the post of labor minister was vacant.

Ministry of Industry Launches 39-Point Immediate Reform Action Plan

The Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supply has launched a 39-point Immediate Reform Action Plan with set deadlines to boost the effectiveness of public services in the industry, commerce, and supply sectors. The plan focuses on promoting business governance, developing micro-enterprises for poverty reduction, and supporting traditional occupations of the Dalit community. Joint Secretary Jitendra Basnet stated that the plan aims to immediately improve service delivery, with goals including drafting the Company Bill, 2025, and amending the Micro-Enterprise Development Program Operation Directive, 2020, by February 12, 2026. Various bodies are tasked with implementing the plan.

Immigration Warns Educational Institutions Over Foreign Student Non-Compliance

The Department of Immigration (DoI) issued a warning on Wednesday to educational institutions, requesting immediate notification of foreign students involved in activities other than academics. DOI Director Tikaram Dhakal warned colleges against admitting students solely for financial gain or visa purposes, noting that some students are using study visas for extended stays and engaging in illegal activities. Educational institutions are now required to ensure foreign students regularly attend classes and report any suspicious behavior to the DoI or local administration. The DoI is also requesting the Ministry of Education to conduct regular monitoring of these institutions.

Meeting Postponed Due to Minister Kharel’s Busy Schedule

The meeting of the National Assembly’s Legislation Management Committee, scheduled for Wednesday to discuss the Film Bill, was postponed due to the busy schedule of Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Jagdish Kharel. Committee Secretary Manoj Kumar Giri announced that the next detailed discussions on the Film Bill are now set for November 29, 30 and 31. The committee is currently advancing six bills, including the Film Bill, the Tourism Bill, and the Social Networking Bill, which were not invalidated by the dissolution of the House of Representatives and are currently undergoing clause-by-clause deliberation.

Chitwan Ends Biratnagar’s Winning Streak

Biratnagar Kings’ three match winning streak has come to an end, with a loss against Chitwan Rhinos in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2025 today. In the day-night match played at the TU International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, Biratnagar lost to Chitwan by 48 runs. Chasing a target of 175 runs to win, Biratnagar was bowled out for 126 runs in 16.5 overs.  Merchant de Lange top-scored with 39 runs while Pratish GC scored 30 runs for Biratnagar. For the bowling side, Ranjit Kumar took 5 wickets while Kamal Singh Airee took 2 wickets.

Narayan Gopal’s Wish Fulfilled by ‘Geet Ganga’

The final wish of legendary singer Narayan Gopal to establish a music school is nearing completion with the construction of the ‘Geet Ganga’ building in Maharajgunj. The project was the responsibility given to his late wife, Pemala Guruwacharya, before his death on December 5, 1990. The two-building complex will house an advanced studio, music classrooms, a museum dedicated to Narayan Gopal, and an FM music radio. The project was initiated in 2020 after the Kathmandu Metropolitan City allocated Rs 55 million for construction.

LOD Pays Rs 400,000 Music Royalty

Lord of the Drinks (LOD), a venue located in Thamel, Kathmandu, has paid Rs 400,000 in music royalty, plus Rs 52,000 Value Added Tax (VAT), following a lawsuit filed by the Music Royalty Collection Society Nepal. According to Suresh Adhikari, president of the society, LOD had been using public music without permission or paying royalties. The Society had initiated legal proceedings through the District Government Attorney, Kathmandu, last May. With the payment complete, LOD has now been granted permission to use the music.

Global HIV Efforts Face Setback Due to ‘Catastrophic’ International Fund Cuts

The global effort against HIV and AIDS has suffered its biggest setback in decades due to abrupt and dramatic cuts in international funding, according to the United Nations. UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima stated that the sudden international funding cuts are having “catastrophic consequences” for low- and middle-income countries. Byanyima pointed to the “abrupt halt” from the United States after President Donald Trump returned to the White House, alongside other major donors significantly reducing foreign aid spending. She warned that failure to address this funding shortfall could risk 3.3 million additional new infections by 2030.

UAE Mandates Police Report for Nepali Visas

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has made police reports mandatory for all Nepali citizens seeking visit and labor visas, a strict measure implemented after the Gen Z protest in September. This is based on concerns that individuals involved in criminal activities might attempt to enter the UAE. The UAE has been the top destination for Nepali workers, accounting for 32 percent of all labor permits in the fiscal year 2024/25. Foreign employment agencies confirmed that the new requirement has already led to a decrease in the number of new labor permits being issued for the UAE compared to last year’s figures.

At Least Four Killed in Hong Kong High-Rise Fire

A massive fire tore through multiple high-rise apartment buildings in a housing complex in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district on Wednesday, resulting in four fatalities and several injuries. Authorities upgraded the alarm to a level 5, the highest severity. The fire spread rapidly on bamboo scaffolding and construction netting around the exterior of the complex, which houses almost 2,000 apartments. The dead include one firefighter, and five other people were hospitalized, with three in critical condition. Temporary shelters have been opened for those left homeless by the blaze.

India Protests Citizen’s Detention in Shanghai

The detention of Pema Wangjom Thongdok, a UK-resident Indian citizen, at Shanghai airport last Friday has sparked a diplomatic row between Delhi and Beijing. She was detained because her passport listed her birthplace as Arunachal Pradesh, a region China claims as “South Tibet.” After 18 hours, Thongdok was released following the intervention of Indian officials. India’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, lodged a strong protest against the arbitrary detention, asserting that Arunachal Pradesh is an “integral and inalienable” part of India. China, however, insisted its authorities acted lawfully and maintained its territorial claim.

Australia Social Media Ban Faces High Court Challenge

A constitutional challenge against Australia’s ban on social media for children under 16 has been filed in the nation’s High Court, just two weeks before the world-first law is set to take effect on December 10. The challenge was filed by the Digital Freedom Project on behalf of two 15-year-olds, Noah Jones and Macy Neyland. The group argues that the ban “robs” young Australians of their implied constitutional right to freedom of political communication. Communications Minister Anika Wells publicly stated that the government would not be intimidated by legal challenges and remains steadfastly on the side of parents.

Thailand Flood Death Toll Reaches 33

The death toll from the ongoing severe flooding in southern Thailand has climbed to 33, a senior government official reported on Wednesday. The government spokesperson, Siripong Angkasakulkiat, stated that the causes of death included electrocution and landslides. The region continues to face challenges as authorities work to manage the flooding and address the aftermath of the natural disaster.

Taiwan Unveils USD 40 Billion Defense Budget

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te announced a supplementary defense budget of USD 39.89 billion to underscore the nation’s determination to defend itself against rising threats from China. The spending package, running from 2026 to 2033, will fund missiles, drones, and the new “T-Dome” air defense system. President Lai stressed that there is “no room for compromise on national security” and rejected the notion of submitting to becoming “China’s Taiwan.” The 2026 defense spending is projected to reach 3.32 percent of GDP, exceeding the 3 percent threshold for the first time since 2009.

EU Speeds Up Plan for Frozen Russian Assets

The European Union (EU) has accelerated efforts to finalize a scheme to use €140 billion ($162 billion) in frozen Russian sovereign assets to support Ukraine in 2026 and 2027. This renewed urgency follows the release of details from a US-backed peace plan that proposed an alternative use of the funds. The EU plan involves lending the money to Kyiv for defense and budget needs, which Ukraine would repay upon receiving war reparations from Russia. The European Commission is preparing a draft legal proposal to address concerns from Belgium, where the majority of the assets are held, especially regarding potential Russian lawsuits.

Zelensky Ready for US Peace Framework

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Tuesday that he is ready to advance the US-backed framework for ending the nearly four-year war with Russia. He urged European allies to discuss the framework for deploying a “reassurance force” to Ukraine and stressed that security decisions must include Ukraine and Europe. The framework is reportedly a 28-point plan unveiled by US President Donald Trump last week, which may require territorial concessions, a major sticking point for Kyiv. Trump has directed his special envoy and Army secretary to meet separately with Russia and Ukraine this week.

India Releases Constitution Translated into Nine Languages, Including Nepali

India is celebrating its 76th Constitution Day today, marked by the release of the Constitution translated into nine regional languages by President Draupadi Murmu. During a special ceremony, the president issued the translated copies, which include Nepali, Malayalam, Marathi, and Punjabi, among others. Notably, the Punjabi version is being released for the first time in 50 years, while the Bodo and Kashmiri languages are included in the constitutional text for the first time. This initiative aims to increase accessibility to the foundational document across various linguistic communities in India.