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.

Four Newly Appointed Ministers Take Oath of Office

Four newly appointed ministers took the oath of office at a ceremony held at the President’s Office, Shital Niwas. The new ministers Shraddha Shrestha, Madhav Chaulagain, Rajendra Singh Bhandari, and Kumar Ingnam were appointed by President Ram Chandra Paudel on the recommendation of the Prime Minister. According to the President’s Office, Shrestha has been assigned the Ministry of Women and Children, Chaulagain the Ministry of Forest, Bhandari the Ministry of Labor, and Ingnam the Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation. The swift appointment and swearing-in ceremony mark a move to fill key ministerial posts within the government.

EC Forms Committee to Determine Proportional Representation Percentage Based on Census

The Election Commission (EC) has begun the process of determining the proportional representation percentage for the upcoming House of Representatives election, based on the country’s population demographics. A six-member committee has been formed, convened by Joint Secretary Subhash Kumar Bhattarai of the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, with representatives from the EC, Ministry of Federal Affairs, and the National Statistics Office. The committee has been tasked with submitting a report within three days, setting the inclusion percentage for groups like Dalit, Indigenous Nationalities, Khas Arya, Madhesi, Tharu, and Muslim communities, based on the data from the National Census, 2022.

Judicial Council Revokes Controversial Amendment on High Court Judges’ Hierarchy

The Judicial Council has revoked the controversial amendment to its regulation, which had changed the order of precedence (hierarchy) for High Court judges. The amendment, enacted during the tenure of former Chief Justice Bishowambhar Prasad Shrestha and implemented from September 18, 2023, had led to a protracted conflict between the Nepal Bar Association and the bench. Though the Supreme Court had previously dismissed a writ petition challenging the amendment, the Council’s meeting on Tuesday officially decided to cancel the provisions after two years and three months. However, appointments made under the modified system will remain valid.

Contract Employees to Receive Full Allowance After Supreme Court Ruling

The Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers has instructed the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration to implement a recent Supreme Court ruling that mandates contract employees receive the same dearness allowance as permanent staff. This decision ensures that contract employees, who were previously excluded, will now receive the current monthly allowance of Rs 5,000, effective from the first month of the current fiscal year 2025/26. The order was issued following a verdict by the Supreme Court’s joint bench on November 24, which acted on a writ petition filed by a member of the Nepal Government Employees’ Organization.

Election Commission to Arrange Inter-Constituency Voting for Temporary Voters

The government, through the Election Commission (EC), is working to amend the law to allow citizens residing outside their permanent electoral constituencies (inter-constituency voters) to cast their ballots. The EC confirmed that consultations with experts are underway. The Policy Research Institute suggested establishing at least one specialized voting center in every local municipality for these temporary voters, who would be listed on a separate temporary voter roll. The proposal recommends allowing them to vote for both the direct and proportional electoral systems, sending the results to their respective permanent constituencies via the EC after a separate count. This system, though potentially adding time to results declaration, is deemed the most viable option.

Gen Z Activists Demand Guaranteed Voting Rights for Over 2 Million Nepalis Abroad

Gen Z activists met with Election Commission (EC) officials on Friday to demand a free, fair, and peaceful election and specifically called on the government to guarantee voting rights for the over 2 million Nepalis residing abroad. Activist Shirish Sahi highlighted that the number of overseas Nepalis exceeds the votes received by some political parties, asserting that all citizens must be allowed to exercise their franchise. Activist Prakriti Dhakal warned of street protests if the government continues to use “resource constraints” as an excuse, noting that over 115 countries worldwide have already ensured voting rights for their non-resident citizens. The activists submitted an attention letter to the EC regarding both inter-district and overseas voting rights.

Nagdhunga-Malekhu Road Reopened for Two Days Due to CPN (UML) Convention

The Nagdhunga-Malekhu road section, which has been undergoing daily, five-hour partial closures for upgrade work, has been fully reopened for today, Friday, and tomorrow, Saturday. This decision was made by the Nagdhunga-Muglin Road Project to ease traffic congestion and potential road jams during the inauguration session of the CPN (UML)’s 11th Central General Convention. The five-hour daily closure, running from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM, had been in effect from December 10 until December 16. Project Chief Keshav Prasad Ojha confirmed the temporary halt in coordination with the Dhading and Kathmandu District Administration Offices, following a request from the Youth Federation to the Minister of Physical Infrastructure and Transport.

CPN (UML) National Convention Final Prep on Nepal Trust Land in Bhaktapur

Preparations for the CPN (UML)’s 11th National General Convention, scheduled for December 13 to 15, are in the final stages. The inauguration ceremony will be held at the 731443.56 square meter grounds of Nepal Trust in Sallaghari, Bhaktapur. The main stage is being constructed in the Malla-era style, mirroring the architecture of the Changunarayan Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. According to Publicity Department Chief Rajendra Gautam, most delegates from various districts are expected to arrive by today. The venue is being prepared to accommodate up to three lakh attendees, with 25,000 chairs for the main audience, as the party focuses on making the event grand and disciplined, deploying 10,000 National Volunteers and additional support staff.

NC Jajarkot Recommends Five Candidates for House of Representatives Election

The Nepali Congress, Jajarkot, has recommended five names for the upcoming House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5, 2026. The decision was made at a party meeting held in the district headquarters, Khalanga. According to party spokesperson Chhavi Pant, the names recommended for the direct election system are Mahendra Bahadur Shah, Khadga Bahadur Budha, Mukti Prasad Acharya, Maina Karki, and Ram Jang Shah. For the proportional representation system, the party has recommended Ram Chhaya Shahi, Hajari Nepali Badi, Bhumilal Rokaya, Janak Badi, and Bishnu Giri. The meeting also recommended Deepak Jang Shah, Khamba Jang Shah, and Gita Nepali for the National Assembly member position.

Cabinet Approves Gen Z Agreement; Report Cites Rs 84.457 Billion in Damages

The Cabinet, meeting on Thursday at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, approved the 10-point agreement reached between the Prime Minister and representatives of the Gen Z protest on Wednesday. Minister for Communication and Information Technology Jagadish Kharel stated that the agreement, which expands the jurisdiction of the Judicial Inquiry Commission, will be published in the Gazette and implemented with high priority. Separately, a committee formed to assess damages from the September 8 and 9 Gen Z protests submitted its report, estimating total physical damage across 54 districts and 262 local levels at Rs 84.457 billion. The report noted that 77 people lost their lives, and 2,429 were injured during the movement.

Local Units Boost Disaster Management with Climate Resilience Plans

Local units are increasingly prioritizing climate-resilient planning, leading to more effective and transparent disaster management, especially in flood-prone areas. Municipalities like Tikapur and Janaki in Kailali and Madhuwan in Bardiya have developed disaster management policies, strategies, and insurance procedures, often with technical support from organizations like Practical Action and B Group. Tikapur Municipality’s seven-year strategic action plan focuses on early warning systems and gender equality. This has institutionalized relief distribution, replacing ad hoc decisions with criteria-based systems, ensuring that organizations channel aid through the local unit. The introduction of specific laws and plans has enhanced accountability and encouraged community-level preparedness, shifting the perception that disaster management is solely the municipality’s responsibility.

Sudurpaschim Chief Minister Shah Departs for Treatment in New Delhi

Chief Minister of Sudurpaschim Province, Kamal Bahadur Shah, has left for New Delhi, India, today, Friday, to seek advanced treatment for severe bone and nerve issues in his right leg and spinal cord, which have made walking difficult. CM Shah had previously been receiving treatment at Medicity Hospital in Kathmandu and Seti Provincial Hospital in Dhangadhi. Following a doctor’s recommendation, he traveled by land to Max Super Speciality Hospital in Saket, New Delhi. The Chief Minister has assigned Bhadur Singh Thapa, Minister for Internal Affairs and Law, as the acting head of the government. CM Shah’s secretariat confirmed that he will cover the cost of his treatment in India personally and plans to return quickly.

Ministry of Health Calls for Collaboration on Universal Health Coverage Day 2025

The Ministry of Health and Population has called upon all stakeholders to cooperate in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) on the occasion of Universal Health Coverage Day 2025, celebrated under the slogan “Financial Protection for Universal Health Coverage.” The ministry highlighted that the government is running annual programs to guarantee citizens’ fundamental rights to free basic health services, emergency care, and quality treatment, as mandated by the Constitution and the Public Health Service Act, 2017. Efforts are underway to strengthen primary health care, expand the health insurance program to all 77 districts, and develop specialized services, including utilizing technology like telemedicine to reach underserved populations, aiming to address health disparities and ensure quality care without financial hardship.

TUTH Begins Trial of Home-Grown AI Tool ‘ChestGuru’ for X-Ray Diagnosis

The Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH), Maharajgunj, has started trialing the homegrown Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool “ChestGuru” for emergency chest X-rays to enhance diagnosis and patient care. Developed by Nepali health-tech company “Second Eye,” the tool can instantly detect 14 different ailments, including tuberculosis and pneumonia, from a single X-ray image within seconds. According to Dr. Ghanashyam Gurung, a professor of radiology at TUTH, the system helps reduce diagnostic errors, allows junior doctors to make accurate assessments, and enables faster triage in overcrowded emergency rooms by flagging urgent cases for prioritization. The tool supports the Nepali language and underwent validation showing sufficient safety and performance for frontline clinical use.

3 Honored for Human Rights and Social Justice Work

Three individuals were honored at the 17th Human Rights Grand Assembly 2025 in Rajbiraj on Friday, a provincial dialogue program held to mark the 77th International Human Rights Day. The event, organized by the Single Women Group for Human Rights, Madhesh Province, recognized Baidyanath Jha, a press freedom fighter active in journalism in Saptari for four decades; Bimala Parajuli, founder president of the Single Women Group for Human Rights, Saptari; and Manohar Pokhrel, current INSEC coordinator for Koshi Province. Chief Justice of the Saptari District Court, Kishor Ghimire, presented the honorees with shawls and certificates of appreciation, stressing the need for individual responsibility to prevent human rights violations, which are often perpetrated by human beings themselves.

Local Unit Offers Free Eye Treatment; 78 Patients Found with Cataracts

A free, three-day eye treatment camp has begun in Surunga Municipality, Saptari, funded by the municipality and technically supported by the Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh and Sagarmata Eye Hospital, Lahan. On the first day, Thursday, a total of 248 locals received services, including 149 women and 99 men, at the Janata Secondary School, Bhediya. According to Mayor Gita Chaudhary, 78 of the patients were diagnosed with cataracts, and their surgeries will be performed for free. The camp is providing eye examination and treatment services to residents of Wards 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the municipality.

3 Found Dead in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur

Three individuals were found dead in separate incidents across Kathmandu and Bhaktapur districts. In Kathmandu Metropolis-32, Dobhanpul, Baikuhari Bhattarai (55) was found deceased in the Bagmati River on Thursday. Separately, Phurwa Tamang (35), originally from Ramechhap, was found dead on Friday at the Om Sahara Guest House in Gausala, Kathmandu Metropolis-9. Additionally, an unidentified male, approximately 65 years old, was found dead in a shelter (Pati) at Chyamsingh, Bhaktapur Municipality-8, on Thursday. Police are currently investigating all three incidents.

Minister Kharel Stresses Need for Autonomous Film Development Board

Minister for Communication and Information Technology Jagadish Kharel emphasized that the Nepal Film Development Board must be developed as an autonomous body, arguing that the tradition of political appointments and mass resignations with every government change hinders the development of the entire film sector. Speaking at a discussion on the Film Bill at the National Assembly Legislation Management Committee, Minister Kharel opposed the current practice where the government can remove the chairman at any time. Committee members agreed that while the government may appoint the chairman, the selection should be made through an open competition to ensure the best candidate is chosen for the post.

Nepal Army Opens Recruitment for Technical, Air, and Miscellaneous Ranks

The Nepal Army has issued a call for applications for vacant officer and non-commissioned officer ranks in the technical, air, and miscellaneous services through open competition. Eligible Nepali citizens must first fill out the online application form on the Nepal Army website, print the submission, and physically submit it with an Rs 10 stamp to the Central Army Recruitment Selection in Sanobharyang, Swayambhu. The application period runs from December 12 to January 10, 2026, with an extended deadline until January 17, 2026, upon payment of a double fee. The required application fee must be deposited in the Nepal Bank Limited account specified for examination fees.

Nepal Police Announces Recruitment for 459 Inspector and Assistant Inspector Positions

The Nepal Police has announced new recruitment for the Police Inspector and Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) positions within the Janapad Police Group. A notice was issued today, announcing applications for 21 positions for Police Inspector and 438 positions for Assistant Sub Inspector, totalling 459 vacancies. Eligible citizens can apply for the Police Inspector position until January 19, 2026, and for the Assistant Sub Inspector position until January 22, 2026.

Nepal Engineering Council Seeks Applications for Office Assistant Post

The Nepal Engineering Council (NEC) has issued an advertisement for the permanent appointment of an Office Assistant through open competitive examination, following approval from the Public Service Commission (PSC). Interested Nepali citizens who have passed the PSC pre-qualification exam and hold an SLC or equivalent degree can apply online via the Council’s website. Applications must be submitted within 21 days from the notice publication date (Friday), meaning by January 1, 2026, with a double fee option extending to January 8, 2026. The application fee is Rs 600. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and not exceed 35 (40 for women and persons with disabilities).

Actor Sitaram Kattel ‘Dhurmus’ Confirms US Trip for Daughter’s Medical Treatment

Actor Sitaram Kattel (‘Dhurmus’) confirmed via a Facebook statement today, Friday, that he and his wife are in the United States (US) for their daughter’s medical treatment, dispelling rumors that he had fled following the controversy over the Gautam Buddha International Cricket Stadium project. He explained that his daughter suffered from meningitis and a bone infection at 16 days old, leaving her right leg 7 centimeters shorter than her left. He stated that doctors recommended specialized treatment in the US, and he secured an “Extraordinary Green Card” a year ago, which provides free treatment for children of low-income parents through insurance. Dhurmus noted that he wished to resolve the stadium issues first but had to prioritize his daughter’s critical health care.

Two New Nepali Films, ‘PR’ and ‘Lokanti,’ Released Today

Two new films, PR and Lokanti, were released across the country today, Friday, as part of the typical “Friday Release” schedule. These two films feature different subjects and cast members in an attempt to attract audiences. However, they have not secured all the film halls nationwide, as older Nepali and foreign films are still occupying some screens. PR was directed by Shovit Basnet, while Lokanti was directed by Ranjit Rana.

NPL Winner to Receive Rs 11 Million: Sudurpaschim Royals vs Lumbini Lions

The final match of the second season of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) will take place on Saturday (tomorrow) at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur at 3:30 PM. The match will feature a clash between last year’s runner-up, the Sudurpaschim Royals, and the Lumbini Lions. The winner of the NPL will be awarded a prize of Rs 11 million. The runners-up will receive Rs 5.1 million, the third-place team Rs 2.5 million, and the fourth-place team Rs 1.5 million. The tournament, organized by the Cricket Association of Nepal, began on November 17 with eight participating teams.

APF Held to Goalless Draw by Bhutan in SAFF Women’s Club Championship

The host team, Armed Police Force (APF) Football Club, was held to a goalless draw by Bhutan’s Transport United Ladies in the SAFF Women’s Club Championship at Dashrath Stadium in Tripureshwor. Despite continuous pressure and several scoring opportunities, including a 30th-minute free kick from captain Anita Basnet that hit the crossbar, APF’s weak finishing allowed the resolute Bhutanese defense and goalkeeper Sangeeta Monger to keep the score level. APF’s Head Coach Jibesh Kumar Pandey expressed disappointment over the missed goals but maintained that the goal remains to win the title. In another match, India’s East Bengal FC secured their second consecutive victory, defeating Pakistan’s Karachi City FC 2-0, which eliminated the Pakistani club from the title race.

Baglung District Running Cup Begins with 800+ Students Competing for 148 Medals

The District-Level President’s Running Cup Competition kicked off today, Friday, in Baglung. The event, which runs through Saturday, features over 800 students competing for 148 medals across 66 events, including volleyball, kabaddi, karate, taekwondo, wushu, and athletics. According to District Sports Development Committee Chairman Krishna Prasad Kandel, all preparations were completed for the start. Teams will be recognized for the best and most disciplined march-past, with a prize of Rs 18,000 in cash, a trophy, and certificates. Notably, the Taman Khola and Tara Khola rural municipalities are not participating, citing financial constraints that prevented them from holding the event locally.

UAE Eases Labor Visa Process for Nepalis Following Gen Z Protest and Elections

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has loosened its worker visa process for Nepalis, a positive development following a temporary halt on visa facilities due to the security concerns raised by the Gen Z protest. The UAE government had informally suspended labor visas after initially blocking tourist visas. The former president of the Nepal Association of Foreign Employment Agencies confirmed that the UAE government has now eased the restrictions upon request from the Nepali government, acknowledging the improved security situation. Last year’s data shows an average of 752 Nepalis traveled to the UAE daily for employment. In the first four months of the current fiscal year, 80,901 people obtained final labor approval for the UAE.

Austria Bans Hijab for Schoolgirls; Non-Compliance Fine of Up to EUR 800

Austria has passed a strict new law banning the wearing of hijabs by female students in both state and private schools. The ruling coalition, led by a right-wing party, claims the measure is a “clear commitment to gender equality.” The law expands on a previous ban that was overturned by the Constitutional Court in 2020. Critics and intellectuals have labeled the new law unconstitutional and fear it will fuel anti-Muslim sentiment. Under the new legislation, parents or guardians who repeatedly violate the ban may face fines of up to EUR 800, and the student may be handed over to the “Child and Youth Welfare Agency.”

Reddit Challenges Australian Social Media Ban for Under-16s in High Court

Reddit has launched a legal challenge in Australia’s High Court against the nation’s landmark social media ban, which prevents citizens under 16 from having accounts on over 10 platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok. The ban, which is the world’s strictest, does not allow exemptions for parental approval. Reddit argues the law is “missing the mark,” forcing intrusive verification processes and isolating teens. This marks the second challenge, following a previous case filed by two 15-year-old Australian teens, who argue the ban is unconstitutional as it infringes on the “implied freedom of communication on governmental and political matters.” Communications Minister Anika Wells stated the government “will not be intimidated by big tech.”

Thailand Dissolves Parliament Amid Border Clashes and Confidence Vote Threat

Thailand’s Parliament has been dissolved following nearly a week of renewed, deadly clashes along the border with Cambodia, which have killed at least 20 people and displaced hundreds of thousands. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul issued a royal decree on Friday, citing the border dispute and his minority government’s inability to govern effectively and stably. This move was brought forward as Anutin faced an imminent no-confidence vote from the largest opposition, the People’s Party, which accused his Bhumjaithai party of failing to honor a deal for constitutional reform. A general election is required to be held within 45 to 60 days. Anutin is Thailand’s third prime minister since August 2023.