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.

Madhesh CM to Expand Cabinet Before Confidence Vote

Chief Minister Krishna Prasad Yadav of Madhesh Province has reached an agreement with seven coalition parties to select a new speaker and expand his cabinet before seeking a vote of confidence. CM Yadav is preparing to expand the cabinet today, Monday. The Provincial Assembly meeting for the Speaker’s election has been called for Wednesday at 1 PM. CM Yadav will seek a vote of confidence on Friday at 4 PM. The coalition has agreed to allocate the Speaker position to JSP, with Ram Ashish Yadav being prepared for the post.

Kathmandu Mayor Shah Reports Rs 2.86 Billion in Completed Infrastructure

On the 31st Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) Anniversary, Mayor Balendra Shah announced that the KMC has completed infrastructure projects worth Rs 2.86 billion in the last fiscal year. This included improving 55 km of roads, installing 13,340 lights across 5,318 poles, and completing 276 tangible and 125 intangible heritage conservation projects at a cost of about Rs 910 million. The KMC has also recovered 208 ropanis of public land valued at Rs 23 billion and aims to free an additional 1,859 ropanis (worth approximately Rs 200 billion) in the future.

Home Minister Reaffirms Commitment to March Election Date

Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal stated that the government is fully committed to holding the House of Representatives election on the scheduled date of March 5, 2026. Addressing the Gandaki Provincial Security Seminar in Pokhara on Monday, the minister emphasized that the government was formed with the specific purpose of handing over power to an elected body. He confirmed that the Integrated Security Plan-2025 has been approved to ensure a free, fair, and fearless election environment. Chief Minister Surendra Raj Pandey of Gandaki Province also stressed that postponing the election would only lead the country back into political instability.

CIB Arrests Two National ID Employees for Data Misuse

The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has arrested two employees of the National ID and Registration Department in Singha Durbar for the misuse of operator user IDs and passwords to tamper with personal details and create new identity cards. The arrested are Sunit Prabhag Regmi (28) and Ashish Babu Kumal (28), both working as data registration operators. They were apprehended on Saturday and are being investigated under Section 41 of the National ID and Registration Act, 2019. They have been remanded into five-day custody by the District Court for further investigation.

Cooperative Dept. Re-Issues Directive Against Dual Board Membership

The Cooperative Department has re-issued a directive strongly enforcing the provision that one individual cannot simultaneously serve as a board member in more than one cooperative institution. This directive is a reiteration of a rule stipulated under Section 41 (5) of the Cooperative Act, 2017, which has also been mandated by the NRB and other regulatory bodies multiple times. The department issued the reminder following continued complaints of dual directorship, emphasizing that failure to comply will lead to legal action to ensure governance and prevent the misuse of resources due to conflicts of interest.

Over 179,000 People in Banke Forecasted to be Affected by Cold Wave

The Banke District Disaster Management Committee has forecasted that over 179,220 individuals from 35,572 families could be affected by the cold wave with dense fog this winter. The most severely impacted areas are expected to be the rural municipalities of Narainapur, Rapti Sonari, Janaki, Duduwa, and Baijanath, with urban areas like Nepalgunj and Kohalpur being less affected. The forecast, which targets vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and flood-displaced families, highlights the need for preparedness in a district where temperatures can drop to 4.2°C.

Wildlife Patrols Intensified in Upper Mustang Due to Extreme Cold and Poaching Risk

Wildlife security patrols have been intensified in the Chhoser area of Lomanthang in Upper Mustang, bordering China. The move comes as excessive cold forces wildlife down from higher ground, increasing the risk of poaching and conflict with domesticated animals. Teams from the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) and the police are patrolling up to Pillar No. 27 on the border. ACAP Chief Umesh Poudel stated that the period from mid-November to mid-March is considered high-risk for poaching, making regular patrols essential to remove snares and control illegal movement.

NC Leader Amod Prasad Upadhyay Passes Away at 91; Party Announces 3-Day Mourning

Nepali Congress senior leader and former minister Amod Prasad Upadhyay passed away on Saturday at the age of 91 while undergoing cancer treatment at HAMS Hospital. The party’s Central Working Committee, meeting on Monday, passed a condolence resolution, remembering him as a lifelong fighter for democracy. Upadhyay served as a member of the National Assembly (1991), was elected to the House of Representatives (1999) and the Constituent Assembly (2008), and held the position of Minister for Education and Sports in 1999. The party announced a three-day mourning period, with flags at half-mast, and will close all party offices tomorrow.

CPN (UML) Chairman Candidate Fee Set at Rs 15,000

The CPN (UML) Central Election Commission has set the registration fee for the chairman candidate at Rs 15,000 for the upcoming election. The fee for other central office bearers (excluding the chairman) and central commission chairpersons is Rs 10,000, while central members and commission members will pay Rs 5,000. The current Chairman, KP Sharma Oli, and Senior Vice-Chairman Ishwar Pokhrel are set to compete for the top post, with both leaders finalizing and contesting with their own panels for all 19 office-bearer positions.

Tatopani Border Reopens; Rs 300 Worth of Goods Damaged

The Tatopani border point, located on the Araniko Highway on the border with China in Sindhupalchok, reopened on Sunday after a week-long blockade by locals was resolved. The road closure was enforced due to non-implementation of an agreement concerning the Eco landslip construction. As a result of the week-long halt, approximately 300 containers, mostly carrying fruit like apples, kiwis, and grapes, were stranded. Traders reported that about 40% of the fruit, valued at Rs 300 million, was spoiled, resulting in a huge loss for businesses. Customs clearance has resumed, though the processing speed remains slow.

Halesi Municipality Gives Rs 1.2 Million Incentive for Peanut Production

The Halesi Tuwachung Municipality in Khotang has provided over Rs 1.2 million in incentive payments to local peanut farmers based on their production. This year, 261 farmers produced 3,128 muri (one muri is 37.3 kg) of peanuts, or 93.84 metric tons, nearly double the previous year’s yield. Mayor Bimala Rai stated the municipality chose an output-based incentive, giving Rs 2,500 for five muri and Rs 300 for each additional muri, to ensure the benefits reached genuine farmers. The increased incentive, up from Rs 632,900 last year, has successfully encouraged more farmers to grow the crop.

Lahan Market Reliant on Indian Vegetables; Pesticide Testing Lacking

The Lahan market is largely dependent on vegetables imported from the Indian market, which local traders say account for 80% of the total supply this year due to delayed rains and low local production. Farmers cited late rainfall, lack of reliable irrigation, non-availability of fertilizers, and poor market prices as reasons for shifting to other crops like sugarcane. Consumers, meanwhile, are forced to consume potentially pesticide-laden vegetables, as the Thadi Customs checkpoint lacks a quarantine facility for pesticide testing. Customs Chief Thakur confirmed that they have repeatedly requested the department to establish a quarantine, but no arrangement has been made yet.

98 Inmates Still at Large Following Kanchanpur Jailbreak

Police have arrested three individuals in connection with the jailbreak at Kanchanpur Prison on September 9 during the “Gen Z” protests, with further investigation underway. The individuals were found to be directly involved in helping the prisoners escape, according to District Police Chief SP Khadga Bahadur Khatri. Of the 357 inmates who escaped, 294 returned voluntarily, and 63 were later recaptured by the police. However, 98 inmates, including 17 Indian nationals, remain at large. Police are continuing the search based on information provided by the arrested suspects.

NRNA Unity Convention to Be Held on February 23-25

The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) has announced that its 12th Unity General Convention will be held in Kathmandu from February 23 to 25, 2026. This decision was made at the Steering Committee meeting on Sunday following the unification of previously separate factions. The committee also formed a five-member “NCC Unity Committee” under the coordination of Gangadhar Gautam to finalize the integration of the National Coordination Councils (NCCs) worldwide. The NRNA is planning regional interactions to spread the message of unity and has appealed to non-resident Nepali communities globally for support to make the convention successful.

International Nepali Film Festival and Awards to Launch in New Delhi in Feb 2026

The International Nepali Film Festival and Awards (INFFA) has announced its inaugural event will take place in New Delhi, India, from February 1 to 3, 2026. Supported by the Embassy of Nepal, the festival aims to promote Nepali films globally and foster collaboration between the film industries of India and Nepal. Submissions for films released in 2024 and 2025 are open until January 7, 2026. The event will feature an awards ceremony and special screenings and will be attended by renowned film personalities from both nations.

Himalayan Rim Film Exhibition Opens at TU, Focuses on AI and Culture

The Himalayan Rim Film Exhibition Which started on Sunday at the Tribhuvan University Department of Mass Communication and Journalism. Running for three days with the theme ‘Civilizational Mutual Learning, Technological Innovation,’ the exhibition features animated films, creative workshops, and cinematic dialogues. The first day featured an AI-generated short film, The Spirit of the Mountains, which showcased the fusion of traditional culture and advanced AI technology, along with the animated film The Legend of Hei ll. The exhibition will also be held at Kathmandu University and Lumbini University, focusing on the journey from intangible cultural heritage to AIGC (AI-generated content) animation.

NVA Volleyball Championship Winner to Get Rs 500,000

The 9th NVA Women’s and Men’s Volleyball Championship will be held in Kathmandu from December 26 to January 4, 2026, at the Dasharath Stadium covered hall. The winner of both the women’s and men’s categories will receive a prize of Rs 500,000, with the runner-up getting Rs 250,000 and the third-place team receiving Rs 125,000. The best player will be awarded Rs 25,000. This league will serve as a qualifier, selecting the top 8 men’s and 6 women’s teams for the 10th PM Cup NVA National League.

Hong Kong Pro-Democracy Media Tycoon Jimmy Lai Found Guilty Under NSL

Hong Kong pro-democracy campaigner and media tycoon Jimmy Lai was found guilty of colluding with foreign forces under the city’s National Security Law (NSL). The court ruled that Lai, 78, used his now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper to lobby foreign governments for sanctions against Hong Kong and China. He was also found guilty of publishing seditious material under a colonial-era law. Facing a potential life sentence, Lai will be sentenced early next year. The verdict was condemned by the UK and rights groups as “politically motivated persecution” used to crush dissent, a claim rejected by Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee.

Hollywood Director Rob Reiner and Wife Found Dead in Apparent Homicide

Legendary Hollywood filmmaker and actor Rob Reiner (78) and his wife, actress and producer Michele Reiner (68), were found dead in their Los Angeles home, prompting a homicide investigation. Authorities were called to the upmarket Brentwood neighborhood on Sunday afternoon. Police did not immediately identify the circumstances of death or whether a weapon was used but confirmed no suspect is currently being sought. Reiner was celebrated for directing classic films including The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, and A Few Good Men. The family has asked for privacy following the “tragic passing.”

Bondi Beach Attack: Australia Plans Tougher Gun Laws After 15 Deaths

Australia plans to signal tougher gun laws after a mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach left 15 people dead and 40 injured at a Jewish celebration. The attack, the worst in nearly 30 years, involved a father (50) and son (24) using registered weapons. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he would ask the Cabinet to consider limits on the number of weapons permitted by a license and the duration of licenses, noting that licenses should not be “in perpetuity.” A heroic bystander who tackled one gunman was shot twice, and a fundraising page for him has raised over ATS 550,000.

Thailand Halts Fuel Shipments to Laos Border Amid Cambodia Conflict

Thailand’s military announced it has stopped fuel shipments passing through the Chong Mek border checkpoint with Laos due to fears they were being diverted to Cambodia, with which Thailand is fighting a fierce border conflict. The scale and intensity of the clashes along the 817 km land border are unprecedented, displacing over half a million people and killing at least 38 over the past eight days. The Thai Defense Ministry stated the intention is not to impact the Lao people but to restrict supplies, while Cambodia accuses Thailand of escalating the conflict using drones and F-16 airstrikes.

STMicroelectronics Ships Over 5 Billion Chips to SpaceX for Starlink

STMicroelectronics (STMicro) has disclosed that it has shipped over 5 billion radio-frequency antenna chips (“front-end modules”) to Elon Musk’s SpaceX for its Starlink satellite network since their collaboration began around 2015. A senior executive stated that the volume of chips delivered in the next two years could potentially double that number, driven by the fast-growing commercial space market. Starlink currently operates in over 150 markets and serves approximately 8 million users. STMicro is also preparing to supply chips for the upcoming inter-satellite laser links on SpaceX platforms.

British MI6 Chief Warns of ‘Aggressive’ Russia Threat

Blaise Metreweli, the first female chief of Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), will warn in her first major speech that Russia poses an “aggressive, expansionist, and revisionist” threat. Metreweli, who took over in October, will affirm the UK’s enduring support for Ukraine and its commitment to sustaining pressure on Russia. She will also emphasize the need for MI6 to ramp up the use of technology and tradecraft, stating officers must be as comfortable with “lines of code as we are with human sources.” The head of Britain’s armed forces also highlighted an increased probability of Russia invading a NATO country.

China to Cover All Childbirth Expenses to Boost Flagging Population

China’s National Healthcare Security Administration announced that it plans to cover all out-of-pocket expenses related to childbirth by 2026 to incentivize more young couples to have children. This includes full reimbursement for all policy-covered medical expenses, such as prenatal checkups, aiming for “‘no out-of-pocket expenses’ for childbirth.” The move is a response to the country’s flagging population, which began dropping in 2022 due to decades of the one-child policy, high childcare costs, and rapid urbanization. China is actively seeking policies like childcare subsidies and free preschool education to address the demographic crisis.

Delhi Air Quality Hits Severe Level, AQI Reaches 471

Delhi and surrounding areas are grappling with hazardous air quality, prompting authorities to move classes online and ban construction activity. On Monday morning, the city’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 471 (classified as “severe”), more than 30 times the limit recommended by the WHO. This spike, attributed to factors including industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and crop stubble burning, led the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to invoke the highest level (“Level IV”) of its graded response action plan (GRAP). Residents, especially children and those with respiratory conditions, are advised to stay indoors.