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.

PM Urges All Parties to Think About How to Make the Election Successful

Prime Minister Sushila Karki has reiterated her commitment to holding the election as scheduled on March 5 in a peaceful and fair environment. Addressing the all-party meeting held at her official residence in Baluwatar today, she said that the Election Commission, all organs of the security agencies, and state bodies directly concerned with the elections are ready for the election. “Let’s not think about whether the election will be held or not, lets think about how to make the election successful. If everyone thinks about the latter, there is no question of the election not happening,” she said. All 126 parties should hold the opinion that the election should be held and if we are unanimous, no one can disrupt the election.

SAARC Secretary General Calls on Vice President Yadav

The Secretary General of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Md. Golam Sarwar on Friday called on Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav at the latter’s office in Lainchaur. During the meeting, issues of recent political developments taking place in the SAARC member states, regional cooperation and other multidimensional topics were discussed, according to the Office of the Vice President. On the occasion, Vice President Yadav said that the Government of Nepal will extend its full support to the SAARC Secretary General in discharging the duty.

EC Briefed Government & Parties on Election Preparedness

The Election Commission (EC) briefed the government and political parties together on the status of election preparations. Prime Minister Sushila Karki had called the meeting for Friday at 4:00 PM at the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar. EC officials informed attendees about the readiness for the National Assembly election on January 25 and the House of Representatives election on March 5, 2026, outlining legal complexities, resource availability, and security challenges.

EC Calls for Applications for Proportional Representation System

The Election Commission (EC) has called upon political parties wishing to participate in the proportional representation (PR) system for the upcoming House of Representatives election on March 5, 2026, to submit their applications. The process begins on the coming Sunday at 10:00 AM and runs until 4:00 PM on Tuesday at the EC’s office in Kantpath. The deadline for political parties to submit the closed list of candidates for the PR system is December 28 and 29.

Clash Among CPN (UML) Cadres Over Convention Delegate Selection

A physical confrontation occurred among cadres of the CPN (UML) at the party’s central office in Chyasal on Friday afternoon. The incident took place when dissatisfied members of the Indigenous Nationalities Democratic Federation arrived at the office to protest the lack of a democratic process in selecting delegates for the upcoming General Convention. The convention is scheduled to begin on December 13 at Sallaghari, Bhaktapur. The protesting group, who had been vocal about procedural violations over the past one and a half years, clashed with another group present at the Chyasal office.

Public Entities Owe Government Rs 400 Billion in Overdue Debt

The total loan investment by the government stood at Rs 526.66 billion as of the last fiscal year, with Rs 367.884 billion coming from foreign sources. However, the return on this large investment remains poor, with total overdue principal and interest amounting to Rs 400.82 billion. The public entities with the highest overdue amounts include the NEA, Kathmandu Valley Water Supply Management Board, Nepal Water Supply Corporation, and the CAAN.

Probe Launched into Illegal Cutting of 164 Trees in Kanchanpur

A detailed investigation has been launched into the illegal felling and disappearance of 164 trees from the Gaurighat Community Forest in Krishnapur Municipality-7, Kanchanpur. The trees, which include 130 Khair and 33 Sisam, were cut and stolen in a two-hour period on November 27. Bharat Shah of the Subdivision Forest Office has been appointed as the investigating officer. Preliminary inquiries have been initiated with Krishnapur Mayor Hemraj Ojha and Ward 7 Chairperson Ghumman Rana on the unauthorized cutting, which violates the Forest Act.

RPP Calls for Mass Protest on December 9 to Establish Monarchy

The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), through Spokesperson Gyanendra Bahadur Shahi, has called for a mass protest on December 9. The party’s key demands include the establishment of a constitutional monarchy (similar to Japan or the UK), the abolition of the provincial structure, the declaration of a Hindu kingdom (including Hindu, Buddhist, and Kirat religions), and a directly elected executive prime minister. Shahi also called for a trilateral agreement between the King, Gen Z representatives, and political parties to resolve the nation’s political and constitutional problems.

Special Court Begins Recording Statements in CAAN Corruption Case

The Special Court on Thursday began recording statements for the detention hearing of Pradeep Adhikari, Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), and former director Murari Bhandari. The Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) arrested the two officials on Wednesday and filed a corruption case against six people regarding alleged irregularities in the construction of the Nalinchowk helipad in Bhaktapur. The CIAA seeks to recover Rs 135.7 million from the accused and impose an equal amount in fines. The helipad was inaugurated in June 2024.

CIAA Seizes Digital Devices of CAAN DG Adhikari

The Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) arrested the suspended Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), Pradeep Adhikari, at his residence on Wednesday, December 3, and seized his mobile phone, laptop, and other digital devices. The devices are being sent to the CIAA’s Digital Forensic Lab (DFL) for testing as part of an investigation into his alleged suspicious activities and transactions. Adhikari is facing multiple corruption complaints, including those related to the Nalinchowk Heliport and Pokhara International Airport.

26 Political Parties Opt Out of House of Representatives Election

A total of 26 of the 143 political parties registered with the Election Commission (EC) have decided not to contest the upcoming House of Representatives election on March 5, 2026. The remaining 117 parties have submitted applications to contest. Among the parties opting out are five Communist parties, including the Maoist Communist Party Nepal and the Maoist Janmukti Party Nepal, as well as the Nepal Bibeksheel Party and the Rastriya Samajwadi Party Nepal.

Road Accidents Decline, Fatalities Increase

A total of 2,088 road accidents have occurred so far in the current fiscal year, resulting in 69 fatalities, according to data released by the police during the International Volunteer Day on Friday. While the number of total accidents has declined annually (10,675 in the fiscal year 2022/23; 8,881 in the fiscal year 2023/24; 7,169 in the fiscal year 2024/25), the death rate has increased by 7.34 percent. The Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office reported that reckless driving, excessive speed, and failure to obey rules are the leading causes, with two-wheeled vehicles being involved in the most accidents.

Ministry Further Eases Rules for Converting Vehicle Fuel Systems

The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport has made it legally easier for vehicle owners to convert their vehicle fuel systems to more environmentally friendly or energy-efficient alternatives. This exemption, granted for an additional three years, temporarily lifts the restriction under Section 39 of the Vehicle and Transport Management Act, 1992, which previously prohibited changes to a vehicle’s original form and mechanical structure. Secretary Keshav Kumar Sharma stated this decision aims to facilitate the conversion of petrol vehicles to electric systems, improving environmental compliance.

License Renewals Halted for 126 Manpower Companies Under JITCO

The license renewal process for 126 manpower companies specializing in sending workers to Japan has been halted for four months due to a lack of coordination between the Department of Foreign Employment and the Ministry of Labor, Employment, and Social Security. The delay stems from the process of revoking the outdated 2009 directive, which was based on the defunct Japan International Training Cooperation Organization (JITCO) model. The issue is compounded by confusion over new legal provisions, despite the companies having already paid the renewal fees.

Surkhet Adopts Biometric System to Curb Driving Test Fraud

The Transport Management Office (TMO), Surkhet, has adopted a Traffic Biometric Measurement and Entry System (TBMS) to prevent fraudulent or fake examinees from entering driver’s license tests. The office resumed motorcycle and scooter category exams on Tuesday after a 19-month hiatus using this new biometric identification system. The system, the first of its kind, ensures that only authorized individuals participate, curbing past issues of corruption and middlemen. The office is also strictly prohibiting the entry of middlemen into the premises this year.

Security Stiffened at Nepal-India Border to Prevent Rohingya Entry

Security at Nepal’s border crossings with India has been significantly tightened over the past two weeks to prevent the unauthorized entry of Rohingya refugees. Security officials, acting on intelligence that refugees holding Indian Aadhaar cards are attempting to enter as laborers, are strictly checking identities at checkpoints like the Trinagar Customs point in Kailali. Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal visited the Trinagar checkpoint last Monday to review the situation and discuss the possibility of installing checking machines. Similar vigilance is being maintained along the open border and at the Gaddachauki checkpoint in Kanchanpur.

UN Special Rapporteur Arrives in Nepal on 10-Day Visit

Nicolas Levrat, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on minority issues, arrived in Kathmandu on December 4 for a 10-day visit to Nepal, concluding on December 13. During his visit, Levrat will examine policies and practices affecting ethnic, religious, and linguistic minorities, specifically assessing their effective political participation, access to education, justice, and the administration of criminal justice, including issues of hate crimes and hate speech. Levrat, who was appointed on October 13, 2023, will visit Kathmandu and travel to regions including the Madhesh and Karnali provinces. He is scheduled to present his full report to the UN Human Rights Council in March 2026.

Kanti Lokpath Highway to Close for 7 Hours Daily for 60 Days

The Kanti Lokpath highway will be closed to traffic for seven hours daily starting Saturday, December 6, for 60 days. The closure, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, is required to widen various sections of the road and clear landslides that occurred during the rainy season. The Kanti Highway Road Project Ekantakuna issued a notice on Tuesday, stating that vehicles will be restricted on the route for the duration of the work.

CityNet Nepal Demands Federal, Provincial Funds for Gen Z Damage Reconstruction

CityNet Nepal, a network of metropolitan and municipal bodies, has demanded that the federal and provincial governments provide funds for the reconstruction of infrastructure destroyed during the Gen Z protest on September 8 and 9. The network, following a meeting in Birgunj, stated that the damage has severely impacted public services. The meeting, which included leaders from 16 municipalities, also collectively decided to establish a Disaster Risk Reduction Research and Training Center in Nepal’s cities to enhance resilience against climate change and pollution challenges.

Free Eye Camp in Rural Saptari Treats Over 750 Patients

A one-day free eye camp held at the Kankalini Temple premises in Hanumannagar Kankalini Municipality-1, Saptari, successfully treated 757 people, including 457 women and 300 men. The camp, jointly organized by the Social Life Center Saptari Nepal and the municipality, exceeded its initial goal of treating 150 to 200 patients. At least 113 patients were diagnosed with cataracts and will be provided with free surgery by the medical team from Chaudhary Eye Hospital, Lahan.

Free Health Camp in Rural Sunasari Treats 215 People

A free health camp was successfully conducted at the Gautampur Health Post in Harinagar Rural Municipality-3, Sunsari, where 215 people received health services. Organized by the Global Cardio Hospital Bhokraha Narshing in coordination with the local health post, the camp provided specialized services including gynecology, orthopedics, neurology, ECG, X-ray, mental health counseling, and free medicine distribution. The camp aimed to bring essential health services closer to citizens in rural areas.

Cold Wave in Makwanpur Leads to Spike in Respiratory Illnesses

A recent increase in cold weather and the accompanying cold wave in Makwanpur and surrounding districts have led to a surge in patients suffering from colds, fevers, and respiratory illnesses. Hospitals in Hetauda, including Hetauda Hospital and Churehill Hospital, as well as rural health centers, are seeing increased patient loads. Acting Director Dr. Ramchandra Sapkota of Hetauda Hospital reported that 50 to 60 patients, ranging from infants to seniors above 60 years old, are arriving daily with symptoms of common cold, fever, pneumonia, and respiratory distress.

No Applicants for Vice-Chancellor Post at Dasharath Chand University

The search for a Vice-Chancellor (VC) for the Shahid Dasharath Chand Health Science University has failed, with no applications received despite the position being advertised two times. The deadline for the second call, which was extended from November 2 to November 16 and again to November 21, has now passed without a single candidate. Education, Science, and Technology Minister Mahabir Pun publicly appealed on Friday for any interested professor or doctor committed to national service to apply for the post.

Resunga Municipality Launches ‘Mission Employment’ Program

Resunga Municipality has launched the “Mission Employment” program to combat the daily out-migration of young, working-age people and address the issue of fallow fertile land. The program, which prioritizes young entrepreneurs, aims to promote skill development, enterprise creation, and job growth through mentorship rather than grants. Run in collaboration with Daayitwa NGO over 180 days, the program will benefit 40 business firms. The goal is to uplift entrepreneurs into a position where they can invest themselves, fostering a culture of respecting labor and seeking prosperity within their home communities.

Swar Samrat Narayan Gopal’s 35th Memorial Day Observed Today

The 35th memorial day of singer and musician Narayan Gopal Gurubacharya was observed today, December 5. Revered by the title Swar Samrat (Emperor of Voice), Narayan Gopal is celebrated for his distinct voice and musical craft in songs reflecting love, social values, life experience, and cultural feelings. The Narayan Gopal Music Fund, established in Maharajgunj after his demise, is commemorating him today with various programs. His popular songs include Lau Suan Ma Bhanchu, Mero Ramkahani, Parkhi Basen Aaula Bhani, and Timro Jasto Mutu Mero Pani.

Sci-Fi Film ‘Eklo’ to Premiere at Prestigious New York Museum

The Nepali science-fiction film Eklo is set to premiere at the world-renowned Museum of the Moving Image in New York, USA. The museum, which typically screens films by globally famous artists like Christopher Nolan and Martin Scorsese, is hosting the Nepali film’s premiere on December 28. Directed by Pradeep Shahi, this is his third film. The film features a cast including Pradeep Khadka, Bijay Lama, Benisha Hamal, and Kavita Nepali and is executive produced by Binod Subedi. Eklo is scheduled for public release in Nepal and other countries on January 1, 2026.

Austrian Filmmaker Carola Mair to Visit Nepal for Documentary Screening and Exhibition

Prominent Austrian documentary filmmaker Carola Mair is set to visit Nepal next week. She will be present at Oscar International College on Friday, December 12, for the screening of her documentary Hellwach, followed by an interaction. Immediately after, she will inaugurate the 3-day Calliope Exhibition, which runs from December 12 to 14 at the college. The Calliope Exhibition, organized in collaboration with the Austrian Embassy in New Delhi, features Mair as one of 12 powerful Austrian women selected for their contributions.

Netflix Nears Deal to Acquire Warner Bros Discovery Film and Streaming Assets

Netflix is reportedly the top bidder in the sale of Warner Bros Discovery’s film and streaming businesses, offering USD 28 per share. This bid places Netflix ahead of rivals Comcast and Paramount Skydance. Paramount had previously bid USD 24 a share in October for the entire company, including cable networks like CNN, and submitted a renewed bid closer to USD 27 a share on Thursday. The acquisition involves major franchises like Harry Potter and Game of Thrones and the HBO Max streaming service. Paramount’s lawyers have challenged the sale process, accusing Warner Bros. of favoring Netflix.

Edinburgh Airport Halts All Flights Due to Air Traffic Control IT Issue

Edinburgh Airport suspended all incoming and outgoing flights after an IT issue affecting its air traffic control provider brought the international hub to a standstill at approximately 08:30. Officials are working to resolve the issue, which is currently anticipated to affect 27 departures and 11 arrivals. An airport spokesman described the situation as “fluid”, and passengers have been advised to contact their airlines for updates.

Greece Approves Purchase of 36 Israeli PULS Rocket Artillery Systems

Greek lawmakers approved the purchase of 36 PULS rocket artillery systems from Israel for approximately USD 757.84 million late on Thursday. The PULS system, made by Elbit, has a range of up to 300 km (190 miles) and is intended to help protect Greece’s northeastern border with Turkey and Greek islands in the Aegean. This deal is part of a plan to spend about USD 32.66 billion by 2036 to modernize the Greek armed forces.

Japanese Embassy Warns Citizens in China Ahead of Nanjing Massacre Anniversary

The Japanese embassy in China issued a safety advisory on Friday, ahead of next week’s anniversary of the Nanjing Incident (Nanjing Massacre), which is considered particularly sensitive. The advisory, citing rising anti-Japanese sentiment intensified by recent political comments, urged citizens to exercise special caution and refrain from speaking loudly in public or wearing items that would make them obviously Japanese. The 1937 mass killings by invading Japanese troops have long been a flashpoint in China-Japan relations.

Putin and Modi Meet in New Delhi to Strengthen Ties

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi began summit talks in New Delhi on Friday. The visit, Putin’s first in four years, aims to boost trade, which is currently skewed in Russia’s favor due to India’s energy imports. Modi told Putin that India supports every effort for peace in Ukraine, while Putin thanked him for his attention to resolving the conflict. The leaders are expected to announce a raft of deals, including an agreement for Indian firms to jointly set up a urea plant in Russia with the Uralchem group.

India and Russia Discuss $100 Billion Trade Target and Defense Cooperation

During their summit, Putin and Modi discussed expanding cooperation in high technologies, aviation, space, and artificial intelligence, with a goal of growing trade to USD 100 billion by 2030. Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov met with his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh on Thursday, December 4, stating that Russia is ready to support India in becoming self-reliant in defense production. Putin also challenged U.S. pressure on India not to buy Russian fuel, noting that the U.S. itself purchases Russian nuclear fuel.