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.

Gen Z Groups Hand Draft Agreement to PM, Call for Governance Reforms

Various Gen Z groups, including the Gen Z Movement Alliance, Council of Gen Z, and Gen Z Front, met Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Friday and submitted a draft agreement for signing between the State and Gen Z sides.  During the meeting, they handed over to the Prime Minister the proposed agreement between the protestors and the government regarding the mandate of the Gen Z movement, led by the Unified Gen Z, according to the Prime Minister’s Secretariat. The draft states that the citizens killed during the September 8-9 protests should be declared martyrs, with prompt relief provided to the families of the martyrs and to the injured ones. 

EC Hands Over Certificate to Nepali Communist Party

The Election Commission has provided a certificate of party registration to the Nepali Communist Party (CPN) on Friday. A dozen of leftist political forces, including the CPN (Maoist Centre) led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ and the CPN (Unified Socialist) led by Madhav Kumar Nepal had formed the CPN and applied for the party registration at Commission.  CPN leader Lilamani Pokharel informed that his party received the certificate. The new political party, CPN, was announced through a unification programme on November 5. Dahal is the coordinator of the party.

Seven Out of Ten Ministers Submit Asset Details

At least seven out of the ten ministers in the cabinet led by Prime Minister Sushila Karki have submitted their property details, with three ministers yet to comply. The cabinet, formed after the Gen Z protest, saw Sushila Karki appointed prime minister on September 12. Among the three ministers appointed on September 15, Energy Minister Kulman Ghising has not submitted his details. Furthermore, Communication Minister Jagadish Kharel (appointed on September 22) and Health Minister Sudha Sharma Gautam (appointed on October 26) have also not submitted their asset declarations.

Madhes Deputy Speaker Voids Speaker’s Decision to Oust Five Province Assembly Members

Madhes Province Deputy Speaker Babita Kumari Raut has voided Speaker Ram Chandra Mandal’s decision to remove five Province Assembly members (four from JSP Nepal and one from the Janamat Party) for allegedly missing 10 consecutive meetings. Deputy Speaker Raut stated the Speaker’s action was retaliatory, citing that a motion of no confidence had been filed against Mandal on Thursday. Evidence, including attendance records, confirms all five members were present at the meeting on November 8. The conflicting orders highlight a growing internal dispute within the Madhes Province Assembly.

Election Commission Has 32 Parties in Registration Process; 126 Certified

The Election Commission (EC) reported that 32 political parties are currently undergoing the registration process. Of these, 23 parties have sought registration since the Gen Z protest, while nine are older. The total number of officially authorized parties has now reached 126. Prominent parties in the registration queue include the Nepali Communist Party, led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ and Madhav Nepal, and the Communist Party Nepal, led by Netra Bikram Chand (Biplav). Parties must obtain their registration certificate by November 16.

Former Madhes Province Chief Rajesh Ahiraj Files Petition in Supreme Court

Former Madhes Province Chief Rajesh Ahiraj, also known as Rajesh Jha, who is in custody on rape charges, has filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking immediate release. The appeal was filed on November 9. The case is scheduled to be heard on Friday, before the bench of Justices Kumar Regmi and Shrikanta Paudel. Ahiraj was initially sent to pre-trial detention by the Kathmandu District Court on July 30 and subsequently lost an appeal at the Patan High Court on August 28.

Nepali Congress Faction Demands 15th General Convention by Mid-December

The 25 Central Committee members from the establishment faction of the Nepali Congress have submitted a seven-point memorandum demanding that the party’s 15th General Convention begin by December 1. Central member Udaya Shumsher Rana stated that holding the convention on time is essential for achieving a desirable result in the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5, 2026. Other demands include setting a timeline to finalize active membership, amending the statute to ensure significant representation of youth, and ensuring meaningful participation of various marginalized groups in all party structures.

Lumbini Province Assembly’s Winter Session Called for December 1, 2025

The Lumbini Province Chief Krishna Bahadur Gharti Magar has called the winter (seventh) session of the Province Assembly for November 24, starting at 1:00 PM. The decision was made following a request from Chief Minister Chet Narayan Acharya, based on a provincial cabinet decision from November 10. Bills already registered for discussion include amendments to the District Assembly Act 2018 and the Local Government Operation Act 2019. The agenda also includes discussions on the Dalit Rights Bill and the Bill on Badghar and Bhalmansa Preservation and Development.

Ousted Madhes Province Members Demand Proof of Attendance Records

The Madhes Province Assembly members who were dismissed by Speaker Ram Chandra Mandal have submitted a written request to the Province Secretariat demanding certified copies of their attendance records for the past year. Members Sanjay Kumar Yadav and Urmila Devi Singh submitted the request on Friday. The Speaker had removed five legislators on Thursday, claiming they missed 10 consecutive meetings. Deputy Speaker Babita Kumari Raut had subsequently countermanded the Speaker’s removal decision.

Nepal Army Invites Applications for 3,600 Military Positions

The Nepal Army has issued a call for applications to recruit 3,600 new personnel for military ranks across various garrisons and units. The largest single recruitment drive is for 425 personnel for the Northwest Division Headquarters in Nimare, Surkhet. Other requirements include 350 positions for the Valley Division in Narayanhiti and 100 for the Ransher battalion in Suryavinayak, Bhaktapur. The minimum educational qualification for the military position is passing Class 8. Candidates with SEE or higher certificates are also eligible, provided they meet the specified GPA requirements.

Nepal Police Orders Personnel to Quit Unrelated Social Media Groups

The Police Headquarters has directed all police personnel to leave social media groups and pages that are not officially related to the organization. The internal circular was issued immediately after newly appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dan Bahadur Karki assumed office on Thursday. Central Police Spokesperson DIGP Abhi Narayan Kafle confirmed the new stricture, stating that the Nepal Police has its own official pages and groups for information dissemination. This move is aimed at increasing discipline and controlling the flow of information among staff.

Chitwan Medical College Launches Robotic Surgery Outside Kathmandu Valley

The Chitwan Medical College (CMC) Teaching Hospital has become the first outside the Kathmandu Valley to offer robotic surgery service, with 14 procedures performed since September. Hospital Director Prof. Dr. Dayaram Lamsal stated the service, which is also offered by B & B Hospital in Kathmandu, was established with an investment of approximately Rs 320 million. The operations, led by robotic and uro-surgeon Dr. Pratik Man Singh Gurung, cover procedures for the prostate, kidney, bladder, and gynecological issues. The hospital is hosting a conference, “CMC-CON,” on Saturday, featuring a live robotic surgery.

Transport Management Department Suspends License Services Due to Data Center Failure

The Department of Transport Management (DoTM) has once again faced a problem with its data center, leading to the suspension of all services related to the electronic driving license system and applications for new licenses. The department announced on Friday that the online application process has been halted until further notice. The data center, which had partially resumed operations on November 2 following major damage caused by protests on September 8 and 9, is currently experiencing technical issues.

Hong Kong Waives Transit Visa Requirement for Nepali Passport Holders

The Hong Kong government has removed the mandatory transit visa requirement for Nepali passport holders traveling to and from other countries via the Hong Kong International Airport. The new rule is effective starting Saturday. The Consulate General of Nepal in Hong Kong announced the decision, crediting continuous diplomatic efforts for the change. Since June 2005, Nepali citizens have been required to obtain a transit visa, which often causes inconvenience at one of the world’s busiest airports. The waiver is expected to significantly ease travel for Nepali passengers.

Information Act Key to Promoting Good Governance, Says Journalist Federation

Journalists were urged to utilize the Right to Information (RTI) Act to actively combat all forms of irregularities and promote good governance. Speaking at a program organized by the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), Lalitpur Branch, in collaboration with Bagmati Rural Municipality–2, FNJ Vice President Umid Prasad Bagchand emphasized the crucial role of journalists in using RTI responsibly, keeping the country and its citizens at the forefront. Assistant Chief District Officer of Lalitpur, Geeta Ghimire, and local leaders also stressed that accurate information positively impacts society and helps establish transparency in local governance.

Election Commission Calls for Party Registration Ahead of March Elections

The Election Commission, Nepal, has called for political party registration for upcoming elections for the House of Representatives (HoR) and the National Assembly (NA). Party registration for the HoR election, scheduled for March 5, 2026, is open from November 17 to November 26. Registration for the NA election, scheduled for January 25, 2026, is open from November 17 to November 23. The NA election is being held to fill one-third of the seats that will become vacant on March 4, 2026.

Minister Kharel Urges Seoul Embassy to Act as Guardian for Nepalis

Minister of Communication and Information Technology Jagadish Kharel has urged officials at the Nepali Embassy in Seoul, South Korea, to act as a guardian for Nepali citizens there. During a visit to the embassy on Friday, Minister Kharel asked the officials to play an effective role in facilitating the rights and solving the problems of Nepalis. He also asked Ambassador Dr. Shiva Maya Tumbahamphe to help strengthen bilateral relations and create an environment for foreign investment in Nepal. The minister is in Seoul to participate in the 11th Global ICT Leadership Forum.

Nawalparasi (west of Bardaghat Susta) Classifies 12 Polling Stations as Highly Sensitive

Following the government’s announcement of the March 5, 2026, House of Representatives election, the Nawalparasi (West of Bardaghat Susta) District Security Committee has classified 12 polling stations as “Highly Sensitive.” Four of these highly sensitive locations are in Susta Rural Municipality. The district will maintain the 120 established polling stations, with 287 polling centers based on the 2022 voter roll. Assistant Chief District Officer Poshan Raj Bhandari noted that nearly 1,500 new voters have registered since the process began on September 26.

Gulmi Recommends Adding Three New Polling Stations to Election Commission

The Gulmi District Administration Office and the Election Office have recommended that the Election Commission add three new polling stations to ensure voter convenience for the upcoming elections. Acting Chief District Officer Hari Prasad Gaire reported that the decision, made in a joint meeting, proposes establishing one new site each in Gulmi Darbar Rural Municipality-1, Satyawati Rural Municipality-6, and Muskot Municipality-1. Additionally, 516 voters are to be shifted from Muskot Municipality-4 to a new location. Until the last election, Gulmi had 142 polling sites and 279 polling centers, catering to 223,850 voters.

Dolpa’s Remote Settlements Receive 4G Connectivity

Several remote settlements and trails in Dolpa’s Thulibheri Municipality and Shey-Phoksundo Rural Municipality have finally gained access to communication with the activation of a Nepal Telecom (NT) 4G tower on Thursday. The tower, located in Ward 10, now connects villages like Rah, Parila, and Chepka, as well as the Shey-Phoksundo Trail and yarsa (Ophiocordyceps sinensis) collection meadows. Local social worker Narendra Mahat reported that approximately 500 households in Rah and Parila villages now have access to phone service and the internet.

Film ‘Jhari Pachhiko Indreni’ to Release on December 19

The film Jhari Pachhiko Indreni, directed by Arjun Ghimire Pandey, is set for release on December 19. The production unit announced the release date on Thursday. The film is produced by Nagraj Entertainment, with Anisha Sendang Limbu as the producer and Anu Thapa, Pankaj Khadka, and Ram Karki as co-producers. The cast includes Ganesh Upreti, Ramesh Upreti, Prakash Ghimire, Deepa Shree Niraula, and many others, with Bimochana Dawadi and Jessica Pokharel making their debut. A song from the film is also included on Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah’s YouTube channel.

Nava Janajagriti Youth Club Qualifies for ANFA National League

The Nava Janajagriti Youth Club secured its spot in the ANFA National League after a decisive 7-2 victory over the Hairans Club in the final Group ‘B’ match at the Gauritar Stadium in Hetauda, Makwanpur, on Friday. The win gave Nava Janajagriti 10 points from 4 games, securing the top spot in the group. Sujan Dangol scored a hat-trick for the winning side. Kakrebihar Club, with 7 points from one fewer match, also qualified for the National League following this result.

France Qualifies for 2026 World Cup with 4-0 Win Over Ukraine

France secured its berth in the 2026 World Cup with a 4-0 victory over Ukraine on Thursday, November 13, 2025 (Kartik 27, 2082 B.S.) (Nepali Time). The match at Parc des Princes observed a minute’s silence to mark the 10th anniversary of the 2015 Paris attacks. Goals from Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, and Hugo Ekitike gave France an unassailable six-point lead in Group D. Meanwhile, Portugal will have to wait after losing 2-0 to the Republic of Ireland, a match where Cristiano Ronaldo received a red card.

ACS and BlackRock Form EUR 2 Billion Joint Venture for Data Centers

Spain’s ACS and BlackRock’s Global Infrastructure Partners have formed a 50/50 joint venture to develop an initial EUR 2 billion (approximately USD 2.33 billion) portfolio of 1.7-gigawatt data centers. ACS stated the transaction will provide a EUR 100 million capital gain. The new platform will focus on developing data center assets across Europe, the US, and Australia to meet the soaring demand for AI and cloud computing infrastructure. The partners plan to invest approximately EUR 1 billion in equity, with an additional EUR 1 billion in variable payments depending on project commercialization milestones.

China Welcomes Thai Monarch to Showcase Reliability Amid US Trade Unease

Chinese leader Xi Jinping hosted Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida on Friday, November 14, 2025 (Kartik 28, 2082 B.S.) (Nepali Time), marking the first visit by a Thai monarch since diplomatic ties were established 50 years ago. Chinese state media portrayed the visit, alongside a visit by Spain’s monarchs, as a sign of friendly coexistence and a signal to other nations that China is a reliable economic partner, contrasting with the trade unease caused by US President Donald Trump’s tariffs. Xi stressed strengthening strategic coordination and enhancing cooperation on major projects, including a railway connecting the two countries.

BBC Apologizes to Donald Trump for Edited Documentary Clip

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) issued a personal apology to US President Donald Trump on Thursday, November 13, 2025 (Kartik 27, 2082 B.S.) (Nepali Time), regarding an edited clip from its “Panorama” documentary. The edit spliced parts of Trump’s January 6, 2021, speech, creating the misleading impression that he had called for violence. Although BBC Chairman Samir Shah apologized for the “error of judgment,” the broadcaster maintained that there was no legal basis for Trump’s threat to sue the public broadcaster for up to $1 billion in damages.