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.

Election Commission Scraps Registration of 6 Political Parties

The Election Commission has canceled the registration of six political parties for failing to pay mandatory fines. The removed entities include Aam Aadmi Party Nepal, CPN (Democratic), Nepal Rastrabadi Party, Aadhunik Nepal Samajhbadi Party, CPN (Gaurabshil), and Maoist Janamukti Party Nepal. Following the decision on Tuesday, only 137 parties remain on the official record. These groups failed to submit audit reports for four consecutive years, violating Section 40 of the Political Parties Act, 2017. Despite a three-day ultimatum issued on December 15, the parties failed to provide satisfactory explanations, leading to their permanent removal.

Election Commission Announces Officers for National Assembly Polls

The Election Commission has appointed seven district judges as election officers for the National Assembly elections scheduled for January 25, 2026. The officers include Bhimraj Prasai for Koshi, Shubhanath Puri for Madhesh, and Gita Shrestha for Bagmati. Nominations for the 19 vacant seats will be registered on January 7, with final candidate lists and symbols provided by January 12. Voting will take place from 9:00 to 3:00 on election day. This administrative setup ensures the legal framework is ready for the upcoming transition of members whose terms expire on March 4, 2026.

Two-Day Passport Service Begins

The Department of Passports has announced that it will now provide passports within two working days. This efficiency follows the successful printing and supply of 396,000 passport booklets. Previously, a decision was made to provide 700,000 units for an interim period. With the supply chain stabilized, the department is operating at full capacity to personalize documents. Applications submitted by December 1 will be fulfilled by December 30, while subsequent requests will follow. Distribution will occur through district offices, area administration offices, and Nepali diplomatic missions abroad, ensuring a smooth process for all citizens.

Fugitive Arrested After Killing Youth in Thamel

Police have arrested a fugitive convict named Akash Magar in Rolpa for the murder of a youth in Thamel. Magar had escaped from Nakkhu Jail in Lalitpur on September 9 by vandalizing the facility during Gen Z protests. On September 29, he allegedly killed 25-year-old Tamang due to an old grudge. The victim died while undergoing treatment at Bir Hospital. SSP Ramesh Basnet confirmed that Magar, originally imprisoned for robbery, was identified through CCTV footage and technical investigation. The suspect has been brought to Kathmandu for further legal action.

Baburam Bhattarai Discussed Gen Z Protest with Indian Media

Former Prime Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai discussed the causes of Nepal’s Gen Z protest during an interview with NDTV in India. He attributed the September protest to high youth unemployment, lack of quality education, and widespread government corruption. Dr. Bhattarai also noted that the previous government’s ban on social media served as a catalyst for the protests. He praised the recent agreement to lower the minimum age for election candidates from 25 to 21, facilitating youth participation in parliament. Dr. Bhattarai concluded that traditional parties can no longer deliver necessary reforms, predicting the rise of alternative political alliances in upcoming elections.

Minister Kulman Ghising Highlights 100 Achievements in 100 Days

Minister Kulman Ghising, overseeing Energy, Physical Infrastructure, and Urban Development, released a list of 100 achievements from his first 100 days. Key highlights include collecting Dedicated and Trunk line arrears in installments and exporting electricity worth Rs 19 billion to India and Bangladesh. In the infrastructure sector, he signed a JPY 34.49 loan agreement with Japan for Koteshwor intersection improvements. Ghising also terminated 40 underperforming contracts and finalized financial models for the Budhigandaki and Upper Arun projects. He emphasized field-based management over office-centric administration to expedite stalled bridge and road projects.

Nicholous Bhusal Begins Hunger Strike Demanding PM’s Resignation

Activist Nicholous Bhusal commenced an indefinite hunger strike at Maitighar in the capital starting at 10:00 PM last night. According to Gen Z activist Ajay Sodari, Bhusal is demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sushila Karki. This protest aligns with a broader Gen Z protest, led by Miraj Dhungana, which claims the current government has failed to address the aspirations of the youth. Bhusal, who has been an active participant in recent government-targeted demonstrations, aims to pressure the administration for political accountability. The strike highlights growing dissatisfaction among young activists regarding the implementation of recent agreements and overall government performance.

Political Parties Recommend Candidates for Siraha Constituencies

The Janata Samajwadi Party has recommended Satyanarayan Yadav and Asheshwar Yadav for direct elections in Siraha 1 and Siraha 3. Meanwhile, internal disputes emerged within the Nepali Congress after the district committee removed Ramsunder Chaudhary from the recommendation list. Young leaders and regional officials have appealed to the central committee for justice. Simultaneously, the Nepali Congress proposed Padmanarayan Chaudhary for Siraha 1 and Chitralekha Yadav for the proportional list in Siraha 2. These recommendations are part of the preparations for the upcoming National Assembly and general elections, as parties finalize their strategic candidate lineups.

Cold Wave Impacts Terai Life

A severe cold wave and thick fog have paralyzed life across the Terai-Madhesh region, significantly affecting Mahoottari. In response to plummeting temperatures, Bhangaha Municipality and Ramgopalpur Municipality decided to close all community and religious schools from Tuesday to Friday. According to the local units, the closure protects children’s health as the weather remains hazardous. Meteorologists note that this fog blanket stretches from Pakistan to Bangladesh, impacting agriculture and causing road accidents. Consequently, local administrations are coordinating to provide relief materials and wood for fires to vulnerable communities.

Gandaki Public Service Commission Invites Job Applications

The Gandaki Province Public Service Commission has announced a large-scale recruitment drive for local-level positions. According to the notice published on Wednesday, applications are invited for fourth-level technical and non-technical posts. Available technical roles include assistant sub-engineers, water and sanitation technicians, field assistants, and agricultural assistants. Non-technical openings include administrative assistants and accounting assistants. The recruitment process follows the Local Service Act, 2023, incorporating internal competitions and inclusive quotas for women, indigenous people, Dalits, and other groups. This initiative aims to fill critical vacancies and strengthen administrative capacity across various local government units within the province.

National Statistics Office Seeking 80 New Employees

The National Statistics Office issued a notice on Wednesday seeking to hire 80 personnel on a contract basis. The office is looking for 20 supervisors and 60 enumerators to serve in Morang, Dhanusha, Kathmandu, Kaski, Dang, Surkhet, and Kailali. Eligible Nepali citizens are invited to submit their applications within 15 days from the date of the announcement. This recruitment drive is part of the office’s ongoing efforts to strengthen data collection and supervisory capabilities across various districts. The hired staff will support the national objective of gathering accurate statistical information for government planning and developmental programs.

Government Registers 58 Percent of Farmers Digitally

The Agriculture, Information, and Training Center has successfully registered 58 percent of Nepal’s farmers in its digital system. As of December 15, at least 2,383,000 farmers out of the 4,130,000 identified in the 2021 census have been listed. The system tracks land details and production levels to categorize farmers into subsistence, small, medium, and large groups. Once completed, the government plans to distribute ID cards, providing streamlined access to subsidies for chemical fertilizers, seeds, and technical services. This integrated data collection, coordinated with local levels, aims to modernize agricultural support and ensure that aid reaches the intended recipients efficiently.

Lumbini Province to Be Declared Fully Literate on Dec 28

Lumbini Province has achieved full literacy status and will hold an official declaration ceremony in Deukhuri, Dang, on December 13. Chief Minister Chetan Narayan Acharya will formalize the announcement as all 12 districts have met the required criteria. Minister for Social Development Janma Jaya Timilsina highlighted that districts like Dang, Palpa, and Rupandehi maintain literacy rates above 96 percent. Additionally, the province saw a significant rise in SEE pass rates, jumping from 38.65 percent in the academic session 2023 to 62.06 percent in 2024. Butwal, Tilottama, and Tansen were noted as high-performing municipalities within the region.

BP Koirala Institute Launches 24-Hour Integrated Lab Services

The BP Koirala Health Science Foundation in Dharan has integrated its routine and emergency laboratories into a single Central Laboratory. Starting last Saturday, this facility began providing 24-hour testing services. According to official reports, emergency and EHS patients will receive results within 2 hours, while OPD and IPD patients will wait no longer than three hours. This new system eliminates the need for double sampling and ensures that ward rounds are supported by timely diagnostic data. The automation covers various technology-based tests, significantly improving the efficiency of healthcare delivery at the prominent medical institution.

First Five-Star Hotel in Sudurpashchim to Cost Rs 2.20 Billion

Club Chaulani Limited and IHG Hotels signed an agreement to manage the first five-star hotel in the Sudurpashchim Province. The Holiday Inn by IHG in Dhangadhi will feature 115 modern rooms, including 5 premium suites. The total project cost is Rs 2.20 billion, financed through Rs 1.43 billion in bank loans and Rs 770 million in promoter equity. Construction is already 40 percent complete. This international chain hotel aims to elevate the region’s tourism infrastructure to global standards. The signing ceremony involved Dr. Rajendra KC and Sudeep Jain, marking a significant milestone for private sector investment in the province’s urban centers.

Film ‘Kumari’ Announces Nationwide Musical Concert Tour

The production team of the film Kumari will launch a nationwide promotional tour titled “Kumari Live Musical Concert.” The tour starts on January 15, 2026, and concludes on February 6, visiting Dang, Pokhara, Kathmandu, Nepalgunj, Chitwan, and Dharan. Popular singer Kehar Singh Limbu and his band, “Kehar & The Lunga,” will perform the film’s soundtrack and other popular hits to engage younger audiences. Directed by Dinesh Raut, the romantic drama is scheduled for release on February 6, coinciding with Valentine’s Day. Produced by Mahendra Adhikari, the film features new actors Abhishek Khadka and Akriti Rajbhandari alongside an ensemble cast.

‘Comedy Champion’ Season 4 Opens Digital Auditions

Digital auditions for the fourth season of the popular reality show Comedy Champion are open until January 14, 2026. Producer Bishal Bhandari announced that contestants can submit 10-minute videos via WhatsApp at 9801877120 or email. This season, themed “Urban Comedy,” will focus on intellectual and global comedic styles. Physical auditions are scheduled for late February to March, with filming starting in April. While the judge panel is being finalized to match the new theme, Manoj Gajurel is confirmed to return. The show, produced by Three Production, will air on Himalayan TV, attracting participants from Nepali communities worldwide.

Himalayan Rim Film Festival Concludes at Kathmandu University

The Himalayan Rim Film Festival recently concluded at Kathmandu University, promoting China-Nepal cultural exchange. The event showcased Chinese animation and technology, featuring the film White Snake and creative interactions. A highlight was the workshop held last Wednesday, where artists used eco-friendly paper to create art inspired by films like New Gods: Yang Jian and The Legend of Hei II. Professor Zhang Yan from Beijing Normal University lectured on AI’s role in film innovation. Organizers noted that such activities help Nepali youth understand the cultural spirit and technological advancements within the contemporary Chinese animation industry.

Minister Inspects Sports Office Closed for Ten Months

Santosh Kumar Pandey, the Lumbini Province Minister for Youth and Sports, inspected the Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta Paschim) District Sports Development Committee office on Tuesday. The office has remained closed for 10 months due to administrative confusion and staffing issues, stalling local athletic activities. During discussions with former Chairperson Ritman Kamu Magar and other officials, the minister directed immediate resolution of management hurdles. Minister Pandey committed to making the office fully operational soon to ensure athletes have access to training and services. Currently, leadership positions in sports committees across 12 districts of Lumbini Province remain vacant, awaiting official appointments.

Alok Memorial Marathon Offers Prizes Up to Rs 50,000

The District Sports Development Committee will host the Alok Memorial National Marathon on December 27. The 42-kilometer race offers a top prize of Rs 50,000, with Rs 30,000 and Rs 20,000 for second and third places. Additionally, the “Nawalpur Runs” event features a 10-kilometer men’s and 5-kilometer women’s race with prizes of Rs 20,000, Rs 15,000, and Rs 10,000. The event aims to promote local tourism and pressure authorities to complete the 38.47-kilometer Alok Ring Road. While Rs 400,000,000 was estimated for initial road upgrades funded by the Asian Development Bank, construction remains stalled.

India Protests Erupt After Mob Killing of Hindu Man in Bangladesh

Tensions between India and Bangladesh escalated following the lynching of 27-year-old Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh on December 18. Hundreds protested near the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on Wednesday, demanding justice for the factory worker killed over blasphemy allegations. 10 people have been arrested in connection with the crime. In response to the unrest, Bangladesh suspended consular and visa services in New Delhi and Agartala. US Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi condemned the violence, urging the government in Dhaka to protect religious minorities. The incident has severely strained diplomatic ties weeks before Bangladesh’s scheduled parliamentary elections.

Libya Army Chief and 7 Others Killed in Turkey Plane Crash

Libya is observing three days of mourning after Army Chief of Staff Mohammed Ali Ahmed al-Haddad died in a plane crash in Turkey on Tuesday. The Falcon 50 business jet carrying five Libyan officials and three crew members crashed near Ankara shortly after reporting an electrical failure. Libyan Prime Minister Abdul-Hamid Dbeibeh confirmed the deaths, calling it a tragic loss. The delegation was returning from high-level defense talks. Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya reported that wreckage was located in the Haymana district. Libyan authorities have dispatched investigators to Turkey to determine the cause of the fatal malfunction.

US Imposes Visa Bans on Thierry Breton and 4 Activists

The US State Department announced visa bans against former EU Commissioner Thierry Breton and four other Europeans on Tuesday. Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused the individuals of using the Digital Services Act (DSA) to coerce American tech platforms into censoring viewpoints. The move targets Imran Ahmed, Clare Melford, Anna-Lena von Hodenberg, and Josephine Ballon. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot condemned the restrictions, stating Europe will not allow others to impose digital rules. Breton described the ban as a witch hunt. The US administration maintains these actions protect American sovereignty from extraterritorial regulatory overreach by foreign officials and organizations.

Zelensky Unveils Updated 20-Point Peace Plan in Florida

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky detailed an updated 20-point peace plan on Wednesday, following negotiations in Florida. The framework proposes security guarantees from the US, NATO, and Europe alongside a potential “free economic zone” in the Donbas region. The plan suggests a military strength of 800,000 for Ukraine to deter future invasions. While Moscow demands a withdrawal from a quarter of Donetsk, US negotiators are exploring a demilitarized zone. Zelensky emphasized that Russian troops must exit Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv, Sumy, and Kharkiv, while issues regarding territory remain for leaders to resolve.

Venezuela Accuses USA of Extortion at UN Security Council

Venezuela accused the United States of the “greatest extortion” during an emergency UN Security Council session on Tuesday. The meeting addressed the US seizure of two Venezuelan oil tankers, an act Ambassador Samuel Moncada labeled “worse than piracy.” President Trump previously ordered a naval blockade involving 15,000 troops to stop drug flows, though Venezuela claims this is illegal “pillaging.” While Russia and China condemned the US for bullying, US Ambassador Michael Waltz argued that oil sales fund “narco-terrorist activities.” Washington continues to pursue a third tanker as part of its ongoing campaign.

Second Bombing This Week in Moscow Kills 3 More

A bomb explosion in Moscow killed 3 people on Wednesday, after police officers approached a suspicious man near Yeletskaya Street. The Moscow State Traffic Inspectorate identified the deceased officers as 24-year-old Ilya Klimanov and 25-year-old Maxim Gorbunov. The blast occurred near the site where Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov was assassinated on Monday. Under Russian law, the families of the fallen officers are entitled to RUB 5 million in state compensation. While Russia suspects Ukrainian involvement, Kyiv has offered no official comment on the incident.

ISRO Commences Countdown for Heaviest 6,100 KG Satellite

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) began the 24-hour countdown on Tuesday for its LVM3-M6 mission. Scheduled for Wednesday, the rocket will carry the BlueBird Block-2 satellite, weighing 6,100 kg, from Sriharikota, India. This payload is the heaviest in LVM3 history and is part of a commercial deal with US-based AST SpaceMobile. The satellite is designed to provide direct 4G and 5G cellular broadband to smartphones worldwide. ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan offered prayers ahead of the launch, which aims to deploy the largest commercial communications array ever sent to low Earth orbit