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 Karki Directs Army: Ensure Zero Election Violence

Prime Minister Sushila Karki inspected the Nepal Army headquarters at Jungi Adda and instructed the military to ensure that “not a drop of blood is shed” and “not a single person is injured” during the upcoming House of Representatives election on March 5, 2026. She directed the military to work in flawless coordination with all security agencies based on a careful analysis of security sensitivities. The Prime Minister also urged the Army to cooperate with the police in recovering stolen weapons and restoring normalcy following the Gen Z protest, stating that the government’s national mandate is to hold an impartial and fair election.

Supreme Court Continues Madhesh Govt. Dispute Final Hearing

The Supreme Court began the final continuous hearing on Thursday regarding petitions challenging the formation of the Madhesh Province Government led by Chief Minister Saroj Kumar Yadav. The joint bench of Justices Hari Prasad Phuyal and Nitya Nanda Pandey continued the hearing to Friday. The court had previously issued an interim order barring the Yadav government from taking any actions with long-term consequences. The core dispute revolves around the process followed by the Province Chief in appointing Yadav under Article 168 (3), instead of reverting to 168 (2) after former Chief Minister Jitendra Prasad Sonar resigned.

Global Mountain Dialogue Established Following Nepal’s COP30 Push

Nepal has successfully established the mountains agenda globally through the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30), securing a commitment for an annual Mountain Global Dialogue on mountain conservation. The first global conference is scheduled for next year in Bonn, Germany. Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Development Dr. Madan Pariyar led a small delegation to Belém, Brazil, to advocate for the Himalayan issue. This advocacy was credited with securing a commitment from developed nations to increase adaptation finance threefold for highly vulnerable countries like Nepal, a key objective of Nepal’s role as the immediate past chair of the Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

President Approves Army Deployment for Elections

President Ram Chandra Paudel has approved the mobilization of the Nepal Army (NA) for the upcoming House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5, 2026. The approval, granted on Thursday evening based on a Cabinet recommendation, is part of the ‘House of Representatives Member Election Integrated Security Plan’ developed by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The NA will coordinate with other security agencies to provide election security, secure ballot printing and transport, conduct security patrols, and execute special operations to recover weapons looted during the September 8 and 9 Gen Z protests and re-apprehend escaped inmates.

Government to Increase Temporary Police for March Election

The government is preparing to increase the number of temporary police personnel for the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5, 2026, following an increase in registered voters. The existing security plan had projected 132,000 temporary police, but that number is expected to rise. According to Nepal Police AIG Abi Narayan Kafle, the recruitment process will begin swiftly once the Election Commission (EC) finalizes the polling centers. A total of 18,168,023 voters are now registered. Temporary police will be deployed for 40 days and will receive the same basic salary and allowances as a police constable, supporting the 71,000-plus police personnel.

139 Political Parties Now Registered with Election Commission

The number of political parties officially registered with the Election Commission (EC) has reached 139, with 21 new parties added in the last month alone. For the purpose of competing in the House of Representatives election on March 5, 2026, at least 108 political parties have re-registered with the EC. The deadline for election registration is Sunday, and the number of participating parties is expected to rise as the registration process for a few more new parties is in the final stage.

Kulman Ghising’s Party, ‘Ujyaalo Nepal,’ to be Formalized

The Ujyaalo Nepal Party, patronized by Kulman Ghising, is scheduled to be formally declared on December 3 at 1:00 PM at the Nepal Academy Hall in Kamaladi, Kathmandu. Energy Minister Kulman Ghising is set to be the chief guest at the declaration assembly, where the party’s long-term vision, core mission, and detailed manifesto for 2025 will be made public. The party has also issued an open application call, effective immediately, until December 15 for candidates who wish to run in the upcoming House of Representatives election on March 5, 2026.

Gen Z Leader Bhawana Raut Criticizes Current Government

Gen Z leader Bhawana Raut has expressed dissatisfaction with the current government, stating that she sees “little difference” between the Oli government and the current “citizen government,” particularly for failing to heed the voices of the Gen Z protest. In a lengthy social media post on Friday addressing Prime Minister Sushila Karki, Raut criticized the government for failing to prosecute those responsible for the Gen Z protests and for “whitewashing” individuals whom the world has deemed wrong. She stressed that the failure to listen honestly to the voices raised outside is a betrayal of the martyrs’ sacrifices.

Nepali Communist Party Holding Unity Assembly in Dhangadhi

The newly formed Nepali Communist Party is holding a unity assembly in Dhangadhi today. Convener Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Co-Convener Madhav Kumar Nepal have arrived in Dhangadhi to address the event. The assembly will be attended by leaders and cadres from the nine districts of the far-western region, representing the former Maoist Center and Unified Socialist parties that merged with ten other communist factions. This event marks the start of a series of unity assemblies planned for all seven provinces by the newly unified party.

Two NAC Pilots Grounded for Violating Flight Safety Rules

The Nepal Civil Aviation Authority (CAAN) has grounded two Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) wide-body captains, Captain Vijay Lama and Soni Rana, for violating flight safety operation rules. The pilots were accused of conducting unauthorized photo and video recording inside the aircraft while on duty. CAAN’s Flight Operation Division issued the directive on Friday, suspending both pilots from active flight duty until further notice. This marks the fourth time that Captain Lama, who is also a YouTuber, has faced action from CAAN for a similar offense.

NRNA Factions Agree to Unify

The two main factions of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) movement, led by Mahesh Kumar Shrestha and Badri KC, have agreed to unify, ending years of division and internal disputes. The ten-point agreement was reached on Thursday to merge the groups and operate as a single institution. The unified body will be led by Mahesh Kumar Shrestha and will hold its 12th General Convention on April 17, 2026. An 11-member steering committee, whose members will not be eligible to contest the 12th General Convention, will be formed to ensure transparency in the unification process, with a public announcement scheduled for Sunday in the presence of Prime Minister Sushila Karki.

NAC Announces 10% Discount on 10 Seats for Migrant Workers

Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) has introduced a new fare scheme offering a special 10 percent discount on ten seats per flight for Nepali migrant workers traveling from Kathmandu to Dammam, Doha, Dubai, and Kuala Lumpur. The discount is intended to provide assistance and affordability for labor-bound passengers. Migrant workers can avail themselves of this special facility by presenting the necessary documents at the NAC’s ticket counters in Nepal.

Man from Sarlahi Found Dead in Bara; Homicide Confirmed

Ram Kishor Singh (42), a manager at Kiran Beverage Water Industry and a resident of Sarlahi Dhankoul 2, was murdered with a sharp weapon on Thursday night in Bara. Singh’s body, which had a slit throat, was discovered on Friday morning near the Bhaluhi Chowk in Prosauni Rural Municipality-6. Police Superintendent Narendra Kunwar confirmed the incident and stated that a trained police dog was deployed to the crime scene as part of the ongoing investigation, which is being conducted from various angles to identify the perpetrator.

Worker Buried in Karnali Corridor Landslide, Body Recovered

The body of Prithivi Bohora (29) from Pachaljharana Rural Municipality-7, Kalikot, who was buried in a dry landslide on Thursday evening at the Ghatchaur Cliff section of the Karnali Corridor, was recovered on Friday afternoon. Bohora was walking to deliver diesel for the road construction bulldozer when the landslide occurred. The recovery was delayed due to the darkness and large rocks. The Nepali Army Development Works Directorate is currently constructing the 11-kilometer section of the road from Thirpu Ghatchaur to Piluchaur in Bajura along the Karnali Riverbank.

Snow Leopard Survey Begins in Mustang High-Himalayan Region

The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) has launched a survey in the high-Himalayan region of Mustang to determine the population and status of the elusive snow leopard, also known as the “Queen of the Himalayas.” ACAP has installed 15 cameras in the Baragung Muktikshetra Rural Municipality to study the big cat’s habitat, prey, and movement, focusing on areas where it has been previously sighted or caused livestock damage. The two-month study, in collaboration with Biocos Nepal, aims to leverage the winter season when heavy snow often forces the snow leopards to descend to lower altitudes in search of food.

DDA Orders Recall of Substandard Paracetamol Tablet

The Department of Drug Administration (DDA) has directed Lomus Pharmaceuticals to immediately recall its Paracetamol Tablet (Setofen), Batch No. CT 2723, from the market. The order was issued under Section 14 of the Drug Act, 1978, after the National Drug Laboratory confirmed the batch was of substandard quality. The medicine was manufactured in June 2023 and has been sold for approximately two and a half years, despite the statutory requirement in Section 12 that all drugs must be safe, effective, and of high quality. Health experts continue to raise concerns over the slow testing process, which allows substandard medicines to remain on the market for extended periods.

76 Cataract Patients Undergo Surgery in Helambu Free Eye Camp

A free eye camp conducted in Helambu Rural Municipality, Sindhupalchowk, successfully performed cataract surgery on 76 patients, according to the report made public on Friday. Organized by the Helambu Rural Municipality with technical support from the Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh Kirtipur Eye Hospital, the camp was held across various wards from November 21 to 26. In total, 150 cataract patients were identified during the screening. The local government is focusing heavily on health programs, including ambulance services and priority care for senior citizens, people with disabilities, and single, incapacitated individuals.

Ilam’s Rong Municipality Guarantees Education, Health, and Security for 21 Vulnerable Children

The Rong Rural Municipality in Ilam has assumed guardianship of 21 orphaned and vulnerable children through its ‘Chairman with Students Program.’ The initiative, which came into effect on Thursday, guarantees the children’s health, education up to grade 12 (free of cost), and financial security through regular bank savings. Chairman Mani Kumar Syangbo emotionally described the project as his “dream project” and handed over a year’s worth of educational materials and clothing to the children. The municipality is also preparing to launch an entrepreneurship program for the children and is seeking collaboration from donors to strengthen the initiative.

NAFEA Protest Hike in Foreign Employment Medical Fee

The Nepal Association of Foreign Employment Agencies (NAFEA) has protested the government’s decision to increase the health examination fee for migrant workers to Rs 9,500, effective last Wednesday. NAFEA criticized the move, claiming it was an “unimaginable step” that imposes an unnecessary financial burden on Nepali workers and was implemented in an “unscientific manner” while the Ministry of Labor was without a minister. The association demands that the government address the lack of validity of Nepali medical tests in some destination countries and ensure that manpower agencies are not held solely responsible for the financial loss if a worker is declared medically unfit abroad.

Mid Valley College Hosts 2nd Inter-School Science and IT Exhibition

Mid Valley Secondary School College is hosting the Second Inter-School Science and Information Technology Exhibition-2025 on Thursday and Friday at its premises in Madhyapur Thimi. The exhibition features 93 scientific devices and models created by students from 67 schools across the Kathmandu Valley, including concepts like Smart City and Smart Home. College Director Kamal Aryal stated that the exhibition, which saw over 4,000 visitors on the first day, aims to enhance students’ creative abilities and practical knowledge. The top three schools will receive cash prizes of Rs 30,000, Rs 20,000, and Rs 10,000, respectively.

Gulmi Police Train Staff on Gender-Based Violence and Human Rights

The Gulmi District Police Office (DPO) conducted an orientation program for its personnel on gender-based violence (GBV) as part of the 16-day campaign against GBV, using the slogan ‘Use Technology Correctly: End Gender-Based Violence.’ The program, organized by the Women, Children, and Senior Citizen Service Center, focused on the types of violence, the role of police in reduction, and human rights. Deputy Superintendent of Police Ganga Bahadur Saru emphasized that the training is crucial, as police are the first point of contact for victims. The DPO recorded 109 domestic violence complaints in the last fiscal year, 2024/25.

Rampur Hosts Blood Donation to Combat Genetic Diseases in Tharu Community

A blood donation program held in Rajapur Municipality, Bardiya, successfully collected 63 pints of blood. Organized by the Volunteer Blood Donors Society Rajapur in coordination with the municipality, the drive was essential to stock the Rajapur Blood Bank, as the Tharu-majority community faces a high incidence of genetic diseases like sickle cell anemia and thalassemia, which require regular blood transfusions. Mayor Dipesh Tharu was among the 63 donors, and he stressed the need for healthy citizens to donate to prevent the need for patients to travel to Gulariya, Nepalgunj, or Kathmandu for blood.

Tharu Community Celebrates Lavangi Puja with 833 Animal Sacrifices

The traditional Lavangi Puja of the Tharu community was celebrated with great fervor on Tuesday at the Ghorighora temple in Kailali, considered a major ancestral shrine for the community. The annual ritual, performed during the Sita Bibaha Panchami date to offer new crops to the deity before consumption, saw a total of 833 animal sacrifices, including 51 goats and three pigs. The main priest, known as the Besahaur Guruwa Dharmaraj Chaudhary, led the ceremony. The event also featured a three-day Tharu cultural festival and saw the participation of Tharu leaders from 76 villages and neighboring rural municipalities.

Biratnagar Defeats Karnali by 3 Wickets

Biratnagar Kings have defeated Karnali Yaks by 3 wickets in the day-night match played under the Nepal Premier League (NPL) at TU International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur today. Chasing a victory target of 161 runs set by Karnali, Biratnagar surpassed the target with 1 ball remaining and three wickets to spare. Player-of-the-match Basir Ahamad batted till the end to score 62 runs in 43 balls to win the game for his team. Narayan Joshi contributed 25 runs in 16 balls followed by Sahil Patel and Sam Heazlett who scored 19 and 16 runs respectively. Biratnagar scored 25 runs as extras including 9 byes, 5 wides and 6 leg byes and 1 noball.

Kathmandu Gorkhas Defeat Chitwan Rhinos by 53 Runs in NPL

Kathmandu Gorkhas defended a modest total of 142 to beat Chitwan Rhinos by 53 runs at the TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. After early setbacks, Milind Kumar (38) and John Simpson (60) steadied Kathmandu’s innings. Chitwan struggled against disciplined bowling, finishing 89 all out in 17.2 overs. Sohail Tanvir led the attack with 4 for 25, supported by Ranjit Kumar, Kamal Airee, and Ravi Bopara.

Nepali Disability Cricket Team Heading to India for Series

A 17-member Nepali team, including 15 players, is set to leave for Haryana, India, on Sunday to participate in the India-Nepal Disability Cricket Series. The squad includes players such as Ram Prasad Kharel, Pradip Rijal, and Hem Bahadur Gurung. The team was formally bid farewell on Friday by outgoing RAKHEP Member Secretary Tanka Lal Ghising and National Sports Council member Anjana Shrestha.

Ganesh Chowk Wins Football Tournament, Awarded Prize in Cardamom

Ganesh Chowk of Panchthar secured the championship title at the Second Phungphungde Waterfall Tourism and Cultural Fair by defeating Himali Tokpegola Youth Club 1-0 in the final match on Thursday. The winning team received a cash prize equivalent to Rs 302,082, which was paid in 131 kilograms of cardamom, reflecting the local market price of Rs 92,000 per 40 kg. The runner-up, Tokpegola Youth Club, was awarded Rs 150,082 equivalent in cardamom, alongside the customary trophies, medals, and certificates.

Nepal Police School Wins 21st Sainik Aawasiya Football Trophy

The Nepal Police School, Sanga, won the 21st Inter-School Running Football Trophy, organized by the Sainik Aawasiya Mahavidyalaya. In the thrilling final match, Nepal Police School defeated Sainik Aawasiya Mahavidyalaya (Red) 2-0. A total of 12 teams from Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Kavre participated in the competition, which began on November 18. The winners received Rs 50,000 cash, a trophy, and medals, while the runner-up received Rs 30,000. Dipsan Pandey of the winning team was named the Best Striker.

Nepali Film ‘PR’ Set for Release in East Asia

The film PR, directed by Shovit Basnet, is confirmed for release in East Asian countries, including Japan, starting on December 12 in Nepal. The film, which tells the story of Nepali students struggling in Australia to achieve Permanent Residency (PR), will be released in Australia and New Zealand one week after its domestic release. Bijendra Shrestha’s distribution company acquired the rights for these two countries. Starring RA Suraj Paudel, Binita Karki, and Rajan Kunwar in lead roles, the film addresses a relevant social issue, as the number of Nepalis acquiring PR in Australia exceeded 151,140 as of 2022.

Family Drama Film ‘Harsha’ Released Nationwide Today

The family drama film, Harsha, was released nationwide on Friday, screening in approximately 100 shows. Directed by Ekata Poudel, the film recently had its premiere in Kathmandu. The movie features lead actors Khagendra Lamichhane and Barsha Raut, alongside veteran artists Nir Shah, Santosh Panta, and Sharmila Malla. Produced under the banners of Astalaxmi Productions and E-Prime Movies, the film’s story was also written by director Poudel.

Severe Floods Hit Asia, Affecting Millions and Causing Over 136 Deaths

Parts of Asia are experiencing some of the worst flooding in years, with millions of people affected across Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. The severe weather has resulted in a significant loss of life. At least 80 people have died in Indonesia this week, and the death toll in Sri Lanka has reached 56, with 21 people still reported missing. Humanitarian efforts are underway as the region grapples with the widespread destruction caused by the extreme weather.

Trump Vows to ‘Permanently Pause’ Migration from ‘Third World Countries’

US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that his administration would implement a “permanent pause” on migration from all “Third World Countries” following an attack near the White House. The attack, which involved an Afghan national who had entered the US legally in 2021 and was granted asylum this year, prompted the announcement. Trump stated the plan would include terminating “millions of Biden illegal admissions” and removing anyone deemed “not a net asset” to the US. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services also indefinitely stopped processing all immigration requests related to Afghan nationals on Wednesday (US time).

Putin to Visit India for Strategic Talks on December 4-5

Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to visit India on December 4-5 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss bilateral ties and international issues. The state visit will include talks with Modi and a separate meeting with Indian President Droupadi Murmu. The Kremlin stated that the visit is of “great importance” for comprehensively discussing the strategic partnership, covering political, trade, economic, and cultural spheres. The meeting takes place as India’s imports of Russian oil are expected to hit their lowest in at least three years in December amid pressure from the US.

Vietnam Awards 5G Contracts to Chinese Firms Huawei and ZTE Amid US Tensions

Huawei and ZTE, leading Chinese telecommunications companies, have won a series of contracts this year to supply 5G equipment in Vietnam, raising concerns among Western officials. This move follows a warming of ties between Hanoi and Beijing and tensions with Washington over tariffs on Vietnamese goods. A consortium including Huawei was awarded a USD 23 million contract in April, and ZTE has won at least two contracts totaling over USD 20 million for 5G antennas. Western officials fear these deals could undermine trust in Vietnam’s networks and jeopardize its access to advanced US technology.

Japanese Court Upholds Ban on Same-Sex Marriage, Diverging from Other High Courts

A Japanese court in Tokyo has ruled that the country’s ban on same-sex marriage is constitutional, disappointing plaintiffs and activists who had hoped for marriage equality. This verdict runs contrary to five other high court rulings across the country that had found the ban unconstitutional. The judge, Ayumi Higashi, stated that laws on same-sex marriage should first be deliberated in Parliament. Japan remains the only G7 country that does not fully recognize same-sex couples, in contrast to Taiwan, Thailand, and Nepal in Asia.