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.

CPN (UML) Delegate’s Vehicle Torched in Siraha District

An electric charging van belonging to a recently elected CPN (UML) General Convention delegate from Siraha was intentionally set on fire by unknown individuals outside his home in Lahan Municipality, Ward 2, Bhagwanpur, on Monday night at 11 PM. The vehicle, a high-roof van, was reportedly purchased for Rs 6 million two years ago. Locals expressed outrage at the delayed response from the authorities, as the nearest fire engine had to travel from Golbazar Municipality because Lahan’s 30-year-old fire engine was out of order, and nearby roads were blocked due to construction.

Supreme Court Orders Madhesh CM to Seek Vote of Confidence within 24 Hours

Political tension has escalated in Madhesh Province following the Supreme Court’s order on Monday that the Chief Minister must seek a vote of confidence within 24 hours. Failure to secure the vote or to face the assembly will trigger the constitutional process to form a new government under Article 168(2). In response, a coalition of seven opposition parties verbally requested the Deputy Speaker to immediately convene the Provincial Assembly at 4 PM on Tuesday. Political parties have put their lawmakers on alert in Janakpur, anticipating a potential change in the provincial government leadership, which was plunged into uncertainty after the Chief Minister was appointed under Article 168(3).

Former MP Criticizes Election Commission Over Overseas Voting Exclusion

A former Member of Parliament (Sumana Shrestha) publicly objected to the Election Commission (EC)’s decision to exclude non-resident Nepalis from voting and inter-constituency voting, citing a lack of time and difficulty in achieving political consensus. The former MP questioned why the EC, a constitutional body with a mandate to conduct fair elections for all eligible adult voters, requires political party consent and argued that a Supreme Court mandamus on overseas voting has been pending for years without adequate preparation. She urged the EC not to use the Gen Z protest’s sentiment for a transparent election only to revert to old practices, emphasizing that if this change is not initiated now, it never will be.

Rastriya Swatantra Party Bars Members from Public Comments on Candidacy

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has instructed its leaders and members to refrain from making public comments about their candidacy for the upcoming House of Representatives election. The party’s Candidate Selection Committee issued a directive, noting that several leaders have publicly claimed to be aspirants, declared their candidacies, or stated that their nominations are confirmed. The committee clarified that only Rupandehi Constituency No. 3 has an officially selected candidate and that candidacies for all other constituencies are pending the party’s official selection process. The party urged all members to trust the selection process and uphold party discipline.

CPN (UML) Establishment Faction Wins Majority in Mahottari Convention Polls

The establishment faction of the CPN (UML) secured a decisive victory in the election for the General Convention representatives in Mahottari Constituency No. 1. In the voting held on Monday to select 10 representatives, nine candidates from the establishment faction were elected, resulting in a significant defeat for the opposing faction. A provincial lawmaker who had been twice directly elected and led the rival faction was defeated by a margin of only three votes. The election results demonstrate strong support for the party’s establishment leadership within this constituency ahead of the 11th General Convention.

RSP Official Sent to Jail for Arson During Gen Z Protests

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) chairperson for Pokhara 10 was sent to judicial custody by the Kaski District Court on charges related to arson and vandalism at the house of the Pokhara mayor during the Gen Z protests. The court ordered him and three other individuals to be detained pending trial for charges including criminal mischief and dacoity, while a minor was sent to a juvenile correction home. To date, 57 people have been arrested in Kaski district regarding the incidents, which caused an estimated Rs 5 billion in total damages, including destruction to 116 government offices and 329 vehicles.

Nepali Congress Directs Bodies to Recommend Election Candidates

The Nepali Congress party has circulated a directive to its relevant bodies to propose and recommend candidates for the National Assembly election, scheduled for January 25, 2026, and the House of Representatives elections (Direct and Proportional), scheduled for March 5, 2026, by mid-December. This instruction follows a decision made during the party’s Central Working Committee meeting on Monday. The party plans to distribute tickets for the proportional, direct, and National Assembly candidates simultaneously once the recommendations from the lower committees are received within the specified deadline, streamlining the selection process.

Home Minister Assures Elections Will Not Be Disrupted by Escaped Inmates or Looted Arms

The Minister of Home Affairs assured that the upcoming election would not be jeopardized by the inmates who escaped from prison and the weapons that were looted during the Gen Z protests. Addressing a Sudurpashchim Province-level security workshop in Dhangadhi on Tuesday, the minister stated that efforts to arrest the 4,552 remaining escaped inmates and recover the looted arms are being intensified, claiming full control would be established before the election. He mentioned that 727 looted weapons have already been recovered and returned. The minister committed to ensuring a peaceful environment for the election, addressing concerns raised by provincial officials about security challenges.

Government to Issue Photo ID to Families of Individuals Declared Martyrs in Gen Z Protests

The Council of Ministers, in a meeting today, Tuesday, decided to issue photo identification cards to the immediate families of individuals who were declared martyrs during the Gen Z protests on September 8 and 9. The Ministry of Home Affairs will issue the cards to the parents, spouses, and unmarried children of the martyrs. Additionally, the Cabinet decided to mark September 8 annually as ‘Gen Z Martyrs Day.’ The government also announced that transactions involving goods or services valued at Rs 500,000 or more must be conducted through financial institutions or banking instruments starting January 15, 2026.

Cabinet Transfers Two Secretaries and Promotes One to Chief Secretary

The Cabinet meeting on Monday approved the transfer of two secretaries and the posting of one newly promoted secretary. The Secretary of the Public Procurement Monitoring Office (PPMO) was transferred to the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation. The secretary previously serving at the Culture Ministry was transferred to lead the PPMO. Additionally, a joint secretary was promoted to the rank of secretary and posted as the Chief Secretary of the Sudurpashchim Province government. The moves are part of the government’s ongoing administrative restructuring and realignment of senior bureaucratic roles.

International Day for the Abolition of Slavery Observed Globally

The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery is being observed globally today, Tuesday, December 2. The day aims to raise global awareness against modern forms of slavery, including human trafficking, forced labor, child labor, and sexual exploitation. The United Nations estimates that approximately 50 million people worldwide are currently subjected to modern slavery, with the majority being women and children forced into exploitative labor. The International Labor Organization (ILO) emphasizes the need for collaboration among governments and civil society to rescue and rehabilitate victims and ensure their long-term security against such rights abuses.

APF Transfers 23 Deputy Superintendents of Police

The Armed Police Force (APF) Nepal Headquarters, Halchok, issued a notice regarding the transfer of 23 Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs). The transfers are routine administrative adjustments aimed at optimizing operational efficiency across different units. Among the notable transfers, one official was moved to the Mob and Riot Control Training Academy in Lamapatan, Pokhara, and another official was assigned to the APF Intelligence Bureau. These reassignments ensure that key command positions are staffed to address the ongoing security needs and training requirements of the force.

APF Transfers 103 Police Inspectors to Various Units

The Armed Police Force (APF) Nepal Headquarters, Halchok, announced the transfer of 103 police inspectors to various units across the country. These large-scale reassignments are part of the APF’s administrative process to optimize deployment and strengthen units nationwide. The transfer list includes an inspector who was moved to the Gadhmai Bahini Headquarters in Makwanpur and another inspector who was transferred to the No. 30 Battalion Headquarters in Bageshwori, Banke. These transfers are critical for maintaining the operational readiness and effectiveness of the APF units.

Police Conduct High-Altitude Border Monitoring in Taplejung’s Himalayan Region

The District Police Office, Taplejung, has conducted a border monitoring operation in the high-altitude Himalayan region centered on the international boundary. A nine-member police team, led by a Deputy Superintendent of Police, patrolled areas including Ghunsa, Khambachen, Lonak, and the Kanchenjunga Base Camp in Phaktanglung Rural Municipality–6. The objective of the patrol was to monitor for theft, assess security challenges, track the activities of foreign tourists, control the illegal trade of Himalayan herbs and wildlife, and strengthen police service delivery in the remote border areas, ensuring preparedness for the upcoming election.

TAAN Launches AI Training for Digital Tourism Promotion

The Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN), in collaboration with the Nepal Tourism Board and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), launched a four-day training program focusing on Digital Tourism Promotion and AI Training for Trekking Agency Operators. The training, held in Kathmandu, involves 30 trekking entrepreneurs and staff. It aims to equip participants with practical skills in using Artificial Intelligence (AI) for digital marketing, content creation, online campaigns, and customer service automation. The initiative is expected to enhance the competitive capacity of Nepal’s trekking sector in the global tourism market by leveraging modern technology.

80 Individuals Acquire Non-Resident Nepali Citizenship in Gulmi District

A total of 80 individuals in Gulmi district have acquired Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) citizenship since the District Administration Office (DAO), Gulmi, began issuing them on November 5, 2023. The DAO confirmed that it provides the citizenship on the same day if all necessary documents are complete, though limited staff may cause delays if many applications are received simultaneously. This citizenship, which began to be implemented following the enforcement of the Nepal Citizenship (Third Amendment) Regulation, 2023, grants all rights except for political and administrative ones, meaning NRN citizens can own property and invest in business but cannot vote or run for office.

Election Commission Approves Three New Polling Stations in Gulmi

The Election Commission (EC) has approved the addition of three new polling stations in Gulmi district to improve voter accessibility for the upcoming election. Following recommendations from the District Security Committee and the District Election Office, new voting locations have been established at the Ward Office building in Satyawati Rural Municipality–6, the school in Gulmi Darbar Rural Municipality–1, and the ward service center in Muskot Municipality–1. Additionally, 516 voters from an existing station in Muskot Municipality–4 have been shifted to a new location. The district now has a total of 145 election sites and 279 polling centers and has registered 2,823 new voters.

Tanahun Registers 8,366 New Voters in Recent Enrollment Drive

The voter registration campaign for the upcoming House of Representatives election, running from September 26 to November 21, added 8,366 new voters in the Tanahun district. Of the new registrations, 3,200 individuals registered in person, and 5,166 registered online, reflecting a growing preference for digital identity and registration systems. The district now has a total of 247,004 registered voters as of September 24, 2025, with 127,915 female and 119,089 male voters. Furthermore, a committee has recommended establishing two new polling centers to enhance accessibility and manage crowds for the upcoming election.

Voter Registration Campaign Adds 1,892 New Voters in Dadeldhura

The voter registration campaign, conducted by the Election Commission from September 26 to November 21, resulted in the addition of 1,892 new voters in Dadeldhura district. The new registrations include 1,272 individuals who applied through the online system and 620 whose names were registered based on biometric details. The total number of voters in the district now stands at 91,919, comprising 45,983 female and 45,936 male voters. The District Election Office has intensified its work to rearrange polling centers and update voter details, including the recommendation to add four new polling locations for the upcoming election scheduled for March 5, 2026.

Eight Individuals Charged with Corruption in Kalikot’s Narharinath Rural Municipality

The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed a corruption case against eight individuals, including former local government officials, of Narharinath Rural Municipality, Kalikot. The charges, filed on Monday at the Special Court, Kathmandu, relate to financial irregularities and non-payment of wages during the construction of the Okhreni Odikhola Irrigation Canal in Ward 7. The CIAA has demanded action against the former officials, with some having a determined bail amount of Rs 19.4 million. Separately, the CIAA filed a case against seven individuals from Mayadevi Rural Municipality, Kapilvastu, over Rs 4.6 million in misappropriated public funds.

Nepal Human Rights Film Festival to Focus on Child Rights

The 13th edition of the Nepal Human Rights International Film Festival (NHRIFF) is scheduled to take place in Kathmandu from December 11 to 15. Running since 2010, this year’s festival will feature films centered on the theme of child rights. Over 40 films from around the world will be screened at venues including the Film Development Board, Chabahil, and the Nepal Tourism Board, Bhrikutimandap. The festival includes a ‘Competition’ section for films produced between 2024 and 2025, with awards and cash prizes of Rs 50,000 each for the winners of the Best Documentary and Best Fiction categories, both Nepali and international.

Indian Actress Comments on Cruelty at Chitwan Elephant Festival

Indian Bollywood actress Sunny Leone has appealed for an end to cruelty at the Chitwan Elephant Festival through the animal welfare organization PETA Asia. The festival is held annually in Sauraha from December 26 to 30. The actress, who has been active in animal rights since being named PETA Asia’s ‘Person of the Year’ in 2016, stated there is no reason to celebrate the festival, as elephants are subjected to beatings and severe abuse to force them into performing unnatural acts for entertainment. Her appeal follows a similar request made last year by Bollywood actor John Abraham, urging Nepal to stop these cruel practices.

Pop Singer Dhiraj Rai to Hold Solo Concert Celebrating 30-Year Career

Pop singer Dhiraj Rai is set to hold a solo concert at the Rastriya Nachghar to mark 30 years in his musical career. The event, organized by the Lions Club of Everest Buddha Janmabhumi, will take place on Friday, February 20, 2026. Expected to draw 850 attendees, the concert is being held to support the Srijanshil Bal Sewa Pariwar in Gothatar. The singer, who began his career with ‘The Move’ band in the 1990s, is known for his unique blend of traditional Nepali music with contemporary pop and rock elements and for promoting the message ‘Buddha Born in Nepal’ globally.

Thrill Film ‘Abhimanyu’ Premiered, Hinting at Sequel

The thriller film Abhimanyu premiered on Monday to invited guests, who were treated to an unexpected surprise near the end with the appearance of a major actress in a special role. The producer had intentionally kept the actress’s presence a secret, which was only revealed during the screening. Her entry as an investigation officer, set against a backdrop of dowry issues, suggests that the story will continue. The actress’s role aligns with her previous portrayals of police officers, and the unexpected conclusion hints that she will be the central figure if the producers move forward with a sequel. The film is currently set for a wide release starting this Friday.

Janakpur Bolts Win First NPL Match Against Chitwan Rhinos

The Janakpur Bolts secured their first victory in the Nepal Premier League (NPL), defeating the Chitwan Rhinos by six wickets and keeping their playoff hopes alive. Chasing a target of 177, the Bolts reached 180 for four in just 17.3 overs, primarily driven by impressive half-centuries from both openers. The highest scores came from Maaz Sadaqat, who smashed 63 off 30 balls, and Anil Kumar Sah, who scored 61 off 36 balls. Earlier, the Rhinos had set a competitive total of 176 for four, with Dawid Malan top-scoring with 80 runs.

ANFA to Commence National League Football on January 9

The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) has decided to commence the National League football tournament on January 9, 2026. The decision was made during an emergency meeting of the ANFA Executive Committee. This move aims to officially kick off the highly anticipated football competition, ensuring the sporting calendar progresses despite previous delays. Further details regarding the league schedule, participating teams, and venues are expected to be announced shortly by the governing body of football in Nepal.

Nepal Makes First Formal Representation at World Boxing Council Convention

Nepal marked its first formal presence at the international boxing stage by participating in the 63rd World Boxing Council (WBC) Annual Convention, held in Bangkok, Thailand, from November 30 to December 5. Two delegates from the Nepal Professional Boxing Commission represented the country at the conference, which gathered promoters, champions, trainers, and officials from approximately 150 nations. This inaugural participation is expected to play a crucial role in expanding professional boxing in Nepal and aligning Nepali athletes with international standards, helping to strengthen the country’s global recognition in the sport.

DR Congo Omits Key Forward from Africa Cup of Nations Squad

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) coach omitted forward Yoane Wissa from the 26-man squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco. The 29-year-old forward has been inactive since sustaining a knee injury in October. Although his club manager confirmed he had returned to training and participated in a practice match, the national coach ultimately left him out. The DR Congo team will compete in Group D alongside Benin, Botswana, and Senegal, with their first game scheduled for December 23. The coach retained faith in the squad that recently won the African World Cup playoff.

Suriname Coach Stanley Menzo Resigns Ahead of World Cup Playoffs

The head coach of the Suriname national football team, a former Netherlands goalkeeper, surprisingly quit on Sunday. His resignation follows the team’s failure to secure direct World Cup qualification last month after losing their final group game to Guatemala. Despite the resignation, Suriname still qualified for the March inter-confederation playoffs as one of the best runners-up in the Concacaf zone, where they will face Bolivia in the semi-final in Mexico. The coach stated he was proud of their achievements but believed stepping back was the right decision at this time, following criticism from the local media and fans.

South Africa Names Two Uncapped Players in Africa Cup of Nations Squad

South Africa has named two uncapped 20-year-olds in its 25-man squad for the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco later this month. Coach Hugo Broos included the two players, who compete for Club Brugge in Belgium and Queens Park Rangers in the Championship, respectively, stating the selection was aimed at building for the future and gaining international exposure. The coach expressed confidence in the team’s increased maturity and experience, setting a target of reaching at least the semi-finals, mirroring their achievement at the last tournament. South Africa begins its campaign on December 22 in Marrakech against Angola, before facing Egypt and Zimbabwe in Group B.

Sumnima Tuladhar Appointed Nepal’s Non-Resident Ambassador to Norway

Sumnima Tuladhar, who currently serves as Nepal’s residential ambassador to Denmark, has been formally appointed as the country’s non-resident ambassador to Norway. The decision follows a Cabinet meeting that recommended her extension to the additional post. President Ram Chandra Paudel approved the appointment, enabling Tuladhar to oversee Nepal’s diplomatic relations with Norway while continuing her responsibilities in Denmark.

Indonesia Flood Death Toll Climbs to 631

The death toll from the floods that struck Indonesia last week has risen to 631 as of Tuesday, with rescue workers still struggling to reach affected areas. The floods, caused by a rare cyclone that formed over the Malacca Strait, have impacted approximately 1.5 million people across three provinces: Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. Nearly 500 people remain missing, and about 1 million have been evacuated. Aid distribution has been severely hampered by impassable roads and bureaucratic delays, leading to growing anger among residents who are cut off and facing shortages of food and clean water.

Hong Kong Leader Orders Inquiry into Deadly Fire that Killed 151

The leader of Hong Kong has ordered the creation of an independent committee, to be led by a judge, to investigate a devastating fire that killed at least 151 people at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex. The fire, the deadliest in over 70 years for the city, spread rapidly across seven of eight tower blocks due to protective netting that failed to meet flame-retardant standards. At least 13 people, including directors of a construction company, have been arrested for suspected manslaughter. The investigation is expected to take up to four weeks, with authorities also suspending work on 30 private construction projects.

Taliban Assures Tajikistan of Tightened Border Security After Deadly Attacks

Afghanistan’s Taliban administration assured Tajikistan on Tuesday that it is prepared to strengthen border security and conduct joint investigations following two attacks that killed five Chinese nationals and injured five others last week. In a call, the Afghan Foreign Minister expressed regret and stressed the necessity of “joint measures against malicious elements.” He confirmed that the Islamic Emirate is fully ready to boost coordination between border forces and engage in any form of cooperation to prevent future incidents. The attacks, which included a drone dropping grenades, occurred along the remote mountainous frontier of the neighboring countries.

UK Criticizes Year-Long Delay of Aid Consignment to Gaza

The UK government criticized the delay in humanitarian aid reaching Gaza after a consignment of more than 1,100 tents took over a year to arrive. The tents, each capable of housing a family of five, reached Gaza on Monday and are expected to shelter up to 12,000 people over the harsh winter months. The Foreign Secretary emphasized that the delay in aid cannot continue, especially as the UN warns that 1.5 million people urgently need shelter. Approximately 1.9 million people, nearly 90 percent of Gaza’s population, have been displaced since the Israel-Hamas conflict began in October 2023.

US Envoy and Putin to Meet in Moscow Amid Ukraine Peace Optimism

Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to meet with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow on Tuesday, following the White House’s expression of optimism about reaching a deal to end the Ukraine war. The meeting follows two days of negotiations in Florida aimed at refining a US-backed peace plan. The Ukrainian president described the earlier talks as “constructive” but noted that the “territorial issue” remains the most difficult sticking point, as the Kremlin continues to push for Ukraine to cede eastern territory. The US has emphasized that the draft peace deal has been significantly refined and is hopeful for a resolution.

Putin Visits India to Boost Oil and Defense Ties Amid US Sanctions

Russian President Vladimir Putin began a two-day visit to India on Thursday, aiming to increase sales of Russian oil, missile systems, and fighter jets. India is a major buyer of Russian arms and has been Russia’s top purchaser of seaborne oil despite Western sanctions imposed after the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. However, India’s crude imports from Russia are projected to hit a three-year low this month due to tightened sanctions and India’s increasing purchases of US oil and gas. Putin, accompanied by his defense minister, will meet with the prime minister to discuss new arms deals and civilian nuclear energy cooperation.

China and Japan Trade Barbs Over East China Sea Island Confrontation

The coast guards of China and Japan offered differing accounts of a recent confrontation near the disputed Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea. China’s Coast Guard claimed its vessels approached and warned off a Japanese fishing vessel that had “illegally entered” its territorial waters. Conversely, Japan’s Coast Guard reported that it intercepted and expelled two Chinese Coast Guard ships that had entered Japanese waters while approaching the fishing vessel. The incident comes amid spiraling diplomatic tensions between the two nations following controversial comments made by a Japanese prime minister about Taiwan last month.