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.

NC General Convention on Jan 10-12

After weeks of intense debate, the Nepali Congress is finally set to hold its Central General Convention on January 10–12, 2026. The NC Central Committee meeting, which concluded today, decided to hold the Central General Convention on the specified dates and to complete the distribution of active party membership by December 6, according to party spokesperson Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat. Likewise, as per the schedule finalized by the meeting, the renewal of active membership is to be completed by December 10, and all works related to new active members is to be finalized by December 23. 

EC Adds 168 Polling Stations, 120 Parties for March 5 Election

The Election Commission (EC) has added 168 new polling stations nationwide to simplify and organize access for voters for the House of Representatives election on March 5, 2026. Spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai confirmed that 93 obsolete or unused polling stations were simultaneously scrapped, resulting in a net addition of 75 sites. The total number of polling stations for the upcoming election now stands at 10,892. Additionally, a total of 120 political parties have registered to participate in the upcoming election, with the final review and certification for their use of a single election symbol scheduled for December 6.

Nine Gen Z Protest Victims Receive Relief in District

Nine individuals injured during the Gen Z protests on September 8 and 9 have received relief payments and identity cards in the district. Assistant Chief District Officer Chudamani Sharma Gautam reported that of the 142 injured, few have come forward, with some stating their injuries were minor. The government has decided to provide Rs 20,000 in relief to the injured, and the administration is working to finalize the categorization of victims this week.

Kathmandu Launches First ‘Road Pothole Maintenance Ambulance’ Service

The Road Division Office, Kathmandu, has launched Nepal’s first ‘Road Pothole Maintenance Ambulance’ service to quickly address potholes and road damage in the capital, aiming to reduce traffic disruption and accidents. Minister of Physical Infrastructure and Transport Kulman Ghising formally launched the service on Thursday, calling it a crucial step toward modern road management. The service operates 24/7 hours, 365 days a year, and uses a mobile app for citizens to report damage, allowing immediate dispatch of a trained team, especially during night hours (9 PM to 4 AM) when traffic is minimal.

Gen Z Leader Gurung Accuses CPN-UML of Disrupting Pokhara Event

Sudan Gurung, founder of the ‘Hamro Nepali’ organization and a Gen Z protest leader, accused the CPN (UML) of attempting to disrupt their program in Pokhara on Monday. Gurung, posting on social media, stated that he received news of attempts by the CPN (UML) and certain groups to sabotage the event, which was organized to strengthen the Gen Z organization. He affirmed that such actions would not stop their movement, as they stand for truth and the country.

EC Finalizes Election Code of Conduct with New Green Provisions

The Election Commission (EC) is in the final phase of drafting the Code of Conduct for the upcoming March 5, 2026 election, incorporating new provisions. Spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai noted that the draft emphasizes the use of eco-friendly and digital materials for campaigning, along with a preference for electric vehicles, to minimize pollution. A key new provision requires candidates to submit an estimated election expenditure and its source upon nomination. Candidates running under the First-Past-The-Post system must also submit an assets declaration along with their nomination papers, which will remain confidential unless the candidate is elected.

Nepal Airlines Crew Member Arrested in Doha for Gold Smuggling

Nepal Airlines crew member Sandesh Tiwari was arrested by Doha police on November 29 on suspicion of gold smuggling. Tiwari, who was scheduled to fly on flight RA 240 from Doha to Kathmandu, was apprehended during customs checks at Doha airport, where eight tolas of gold were reportedly recovered. The incident caused a 35-minute flight delay, and Tiwari has been suspended for three months. Nepal Airlines Doha Station Manager Krishna Bajgai confirmed the incident.

CIB Arrests Prabhu Bank CEO and Two Senior Officials

The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police has arrested Prabhu Bank CEO Ashok Sherchan, Deputy CEO Mani Ram Pokharel, and Chief Credit Officer Rivas Shrestha on charges of banking offenses. Sherchan was arrested at the bank’s headquarters in Bijulibazar based on a Nepal Rastra Bank report. This follows the Kartik 11 arrest of Prabhu Group’s former chairman, Devi Prakash Bhattachan. Preliminary investigation suggests that Bhattachan and Sherchan were involved in the embezzlement of nearly Rs 1 billion in deposit money collected from nearly 3,000 cooperatives through Prabhu Management Pvt Ltd between mid-November 2022 and mid-June 2024.

Nepal Observes World AIDS Day; New Infections Decline

Nepal is observing World AIDS Day today with the theme “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response,” focusing on ending AIDS by 2030. According to the National Centre for AIDS and STD Control (NCASC), the number of new HIV infections estimated in 2024 is 614, an 89 percent decline from 2000. Currently, 34,337 people are confirmed to be living with HIV in Nepal, with 26,372 receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). Discrimination remains a challenge, preventing some patients from seeking treatment.

Ministry of Education to Auction Burnt Gen Z Protest Debris

The Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology has issued a notice to auction the remnants and debris from the fire caused by the Gen Z group’s protest and vandalism. The auction, requiring a cash deposit of Rs 1,955, includes 1,216.5 kg of iron, 117 kg of computer monitors, and 84.45 kg of scrap. The Ministry has set a minimum bid price of Rs 39,088 for the materials.

CPN-UML Selects 27 Delegates for 11th General Convention in Kailali

The CPN (UML) has selected 27 General Convention representatives from all five constituencies of Kailali for its 11th General Convention. According to Ran Bahadur Chand, Secretary of the CPN (UML), Sudurpashchim Province, the representatives were chosen across open, women, and youth categories. Constituency 5 saw Dharma Raj Pathak, Nepalu Chaudhary, Bishnu Kumar Chand, and Yagya Raj Dhungana elected from the open category.

Supreme Court Rules Against Blacklisting Inactive Company Directors

The Supreme Court ruled that an inactive company director, who has completed the process of separation from the company’s operating committee, cannot be placed on a blacklist for failure to repay a loan. The ruling was issued in a dispute between Nepal Plastron Industries and a commercial bank. Justices Hari Prasad Phuyal and Sunil Kumar Pokharel stated that applying financial liability to a director who technically remains on the board but sold their shares before the loan was taken is not justified. The Court emphasized that placing someone on a blacklist without due process can be viewed as a “civil death” and must adhere to the principles of natural justice.

Government Terminates 38 Road Contracts; 235 on Watchlist

The government has successfully terminated 38 out of 235 non-performing road and bridge contracts under the Department of Roads (DOR). According to DOR data, more termination notices will be published soon. The cancellations targeted projects that failed to meet deadlines despite multiple extensions, violated fundamental contract agreements, or were abandoned by the contractors. The largest contract terminated so far is the Kankai Bridge project in Jhapa, which, after 14 years and five extensions, only achieved 65 percent physical progress.

Nepal-India Border Forces Launch Joint Campaign Against Encroachment

Border forces from Nepal and India have agreed to launch a joint campaign to address the long-standing land encroachment along the no-man’s land. The decision was made at a meeting on Sunday in Kalaiya, involving APF chiefs from Bara, Parsa, and Rautahat, and commanders from India’s Sashastra Seema Bal Battalions 71, 44, and 47. The campaign will focus on dismantling illegal constructions, maintaining boundary pillars, preventing crime, and curbing illegal activities like smuggling and human trafficking, with local governments set to issue public notices soon.

Home Minister Aryal Inspects Trinagar-Gauriphanta Border Point

Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal inspected the Trinagar-Gauriphanta border point in Kailali on Monday. Arjal arrived in Dhangadhi to address a Provincial Security Symposium scheduled for Tuesday, which will cover the security situation, crime control, border security, and the upcoming election. He was accompanied by key security chiefs, including Home Secretary Rameshwar Dangal, Inspector General of Police Dan Bahadur Karki, and other high-ranking officials.

Gita Jayanti Celebrated to Honor Divine Knowledge

Gita Jayanti, the day the religious text Bhagavad Gita was revealed, is being celebrated today with recitations and discourses. The festival commemorates the day when Lord Krishna delivered the knowledge of the Gita to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, believed to be 5,133 years ago on Margashirsha Shukla Ekadashi. The celebrations aim to prevent the loss of this Vedic knowledge for future generations, similar to how many branches of the Four Vedas have been lost over time.

Pathlaiya and Amlekhganj Hotels Receive Hygiene Ratings

Twelve hotels and restaurants in the Pathlaiya and Amlekhganj areas of Bara, popular stops along the East-West Highway, have received classified logos based on food hygiene standards. The Food Technology and Quality Control Division Office, Birgunj, awarded the logos after on-site assessments, with one establishment receiving the ‘Three Star’ (Excellent) grade, two receiving ‘Two Star’ (Very Good), two receiving ‘One Star’ (Satisfactory), and seven receiving a (General) grade. The classification aims to strengthen hygiene standards and provide a safety indicator for consumers.

11,577 Trees Cleared for East-West Highway Expansion

An order has been issued to cut 11,577 trees across the Sarlahi, Mahottari, and Dhanusha districts for the expansion of the East-West Highway’s Kamla–Dhalkebar–Pathlaiya section to four lanes. The largest number of trees will be cut in Mahottari (6,027), followed by Sarlahi (3,674) and Dhanusha (1,876). Cutting has begun in Sarlahi and Dhanusha. Project Chief Rajesh Kumar Das stated that major challenges remain in relocating electricity poles and water pipes, despite the resolution of the tree-cutting issue that had previously delayed the work.

Schools of Rural Kalikot Face Severe Shortage of Teachers

Community schools in rural Kalikot are suffering from a chronic shortage of subject-specific teachers, particularly in mathematics, science, and English. Rupadevi Secondary School in Narharinath Rural Municipality-7 has advertised for a math teacher 18 times since Baisakh but has failed to receive a single application from a licensed teacher. Similarly, Kalika Secondary School in Shubhkalika Rural Municipality-2 had its federal grant for a science teacher frozen after five attempts to hire a licensed teacher failed. Due to the shortage, schools are forced to hire teachers without a license by raising funds from guardians.

Two Leopards Found in Gorkha: One Dead, One Unconscious

Two male leopards were found in the Dhiki Danda Community Forest in Barpak Sulikot-8, Gorkha, on Sunday evening. Division Forest Chief Madan Kumar Shandilya reported that one leopard was found dead, possibly from a fall, while the other, estimated to be five to six months old, was found semi-conscious, possibly after being poisoned. The deceased leopard will undergo a post-mortem, and officials are currently discussing whether to release the rescued leopard to its natural habitat or send it to a rescue center once it recovers.

Neer Shah Starrer ‘Paran’ Becomes Highest-Grossing Film of 2025

The Neer Shah-starrer film Paran has earned a gross of over Rs 16.1 million at the domestic box office. The film, directed by Deepak Acharya, was released on October 31 and sold 569,754 tickets by the last Saturday, November 29. This makes Paran the highest-grossing Nepali film of the year 2025 so far.

Japanese Music Events Abruptly Canceled in Shanghai Amid Diplomatic Tension

Several Japanese music events in Shanghai, including a performance by Maki Otsuki that was cut mid-song and a canceled concert by pop star Ayumi Hamasaki, have sparked criticism among fans. The cancellations follow a rise in diplomatic tensions between Beijing and Tokyo over Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks on Taiwan. The incidents have fueled nationalist sentiments on Chinese social media while also drawing accusations from fans that authorities are unnecessarily limiting cultural freedom.

UK Study Visa for Nepali Students Jumps 89% in One Year

The number of Nepali students receiving study visas for the UK has increased by 89 percent in the year ending September 2025, despite stricter immigration rules and a decrease in net migration. According to the UK Home Office data, 20,572 study visas were issued to Nepali students, placing Nepal as the fifth largest nationality receiving these visas, replacing the United States. The increase is attributed to aggressive promotion by British universities and educational consultants, as well as a high visa success rate.

Death Toll in Indonesia Floods Climbs Past 500; 500 Still Missing

The death toll from floods triggered by a rare cyclone in Indonesia last week has climbed to over 500, with rescue workers struggling to reach affected areas. The disaster, which impacted approximately 1.4 million people across three provinces, has also left another 500 people missing. Thousands are still cut off from critical supplies and food aid, and some residents have described the floodwaters as being “like a tsunami.” The national disaster response has faced criticism for being ill-prepared and slow to distribute aid.

Cyclone Ditwah Kills 355, Leaves 366 Missing in Sri Lanka

Cyclone Ditwah, which brought Sri Lanka’s worst floods in a decade last week, has caused the death toll to climb to 355, with 366 people reported missing. The cyclone, which set off landslides in the hilly central region, impacted over half a million people, disrupting train and flight services. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake called it the “largest and most challenging” natural disaster in Sri Lanka’s history. The storm also brought heavy rain to India’s southern state of Tamil Nadu, where three people died in related incidents.

Four Arrested in South Korea for Hacking 120,000 Video Cameras

Police in South Korea have arrested four people for allegedly hacking over 120,000 Internet Protocol (IP) cameras in homes and businesses to create sexually exploitative content for an overseas website. The suspects exploited vulnerabilities like simple passwords, with locations including private homes and clinics. One suspect is accused of hacking 63,000 cameras and selling 545 videos for USD 12,235 in virtual assets. Police are working to shut down the illegal website and are cooperating with foreign agencies on the investigation.

UK MP Tulip Siddiq Sentenced to Two Years in Absentia in Bangladesh

Labour MP and former minister Tulip Siddiq has been sentenced to two years in prison and fined USD 821 in Bangladesh after being tried in her absence over corruption allegations. The sitting MP for Hampstead and Highgate was found guilty of influencing her aunt, the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, to secure a land plot. Siddiq, who strongly denies the charges and is based in London, is unlikely to serve the sentence but continues to face outstanding charges as part of a wider legal crackdown on the former regime.

Russia Grants Visa-Free Access to Chinese Citizens for Up to 30 Days

President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree granting visa-free access to Russia for up to 30 days for many categories of Chinese citizens, including tourists, business people, and academics. The decree, effective until September 14, 2026, mirrors a move by Beijing to grant visa-free travel to Russian passport holders. The decision reinforces the “no limits” strategic partnership signed between Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping but does not cover Chinese migrant workers or long-term students.

Amazon and Google Launch Joint Multicloud Networking Service

Amazon and Google have jointly introduced a multicloud networking service combining AWS’ Interconnect multicloud with Google Cloud’s Cross-Cloud Interconnect. The service aims to provide private, high-speed links between the two companies’ computing platforms in minutes to meet the surging demand for reliable connectivity and improve network interoperability. The collaboration comes shortly after an Amazon Web Services (AWS) outage on October 20 disrupted thousands of websites worldwide, causing estimated losses between USD 500 million and USD 650 million to US companies.

India Asks Smartphone Makers to Preload Non-Deletable Cybersecurity App

India’s telecoms ministry has privately ordered smartphone makers, including Apple, Samsung, and Google, to preload all new devices with the state-owned cybersecurity app Sanchar Saathi, which cannot be deleted. The November 28 order gives manufacturers 90 days to comply, with the goal of combating cyber threats and fraudulent mobile connections. Although the government highlights the app’s success in recovering lost phones, the move is likely to face opposition from Apple and privacy advocates who argue it removes user consent as a meaningful choice.