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.

MCA-Nepal Signs USD 23.7 Million Agreements Under the MCC Compact

Millennium Challenge Account Nepal (MCA-Nepal) has signed two major agreements worth about USD 23.7 million, equivalent to Rs 3.43 billion, to implement road maintenance works under the Millennium Challenge Corporation’s (MCC) Nepal Compact. The agreements cover the upgrade of the East-West Highway section from Dhan Khola to Lamahi using full-depth reclamation and Superpave technology. MCA-Nepal has also contracted international consultants and technocrats to supervise this project and periodic maintenance on the Narayanghat-Muglin road. The 40 km stretch will be widened to 12 meters, aiming to cut transport costs and improve road safety.

Double Homicide Investigation Unfolds in Lalitpur and Bhaktapur

A police investigation into a body found packed in a sack in Lalitpur has led to the discovery of a second murder. The body of Paruhang Rai, 21, from Bhojpur, was recovered today from the forests of Suryabinayak-7. Earlier, on December 17, the body of Keshavraj Hayu was found in a well at Sherphat. Police have arrested Devraj Dhungel and Jayaraj Adhikari in connection with the crimes. The suspects confessed to killing Hayu on December 10 and Rai on December 11. Further investigations are currently underway to determine the motive behind these serial killings.

Supreme Court Orders Exit Permits for Bhutanese Refugees

The Supreme Court has issued a mandamus order directing the government to grant exit permits to Bhutanese refugees seeking third-country resettlement. A joint bench of Justices Sunil Kumar Pokharel and Shrikant Paudel ruled that the concept of “overstay” fees under the Immigration Act does not apply to refugees. The decision followed a petition by Roshan Basnet from the Beldangi camp, who was denied departure despite having travel documents from Canada. The court emphasized that once registered, a refugee’s status remains valid regardless of ID renewal, and the government must provide permits within seven days of receiving official documents.

EC Unveils Timeline for Upcoming National Assembly Elections

The Election Commission has released the formal schedule for the upcoming National Assembly elections, with the voters’ list set for publication on January 3, 2026. Following the review of protests and claims, the final list will be published on January 6. Candidates must file their nominations on January 7 between 10 AM and 3 PM. The commission will publish the final list of candidates and distribute election symbols on January 12. The final voting process is scheduled to take place on January 25 from 9 AM to 3 PM at designated polling stations across all seven provinces.

Election Commission Fixes Provincial Weightage for Upper House Polls

The Election Commission has determined the provincial vote weightage for the National Assembly elections scheduled for January 25. The weightage for a Provincial Assembly member is set at 53, while chiefs and deputy chiefs of local levels hold a weightage of 19. Madhesh Province leads with a total weightage of 10,839, followed by Bagmati at 10,352 and Koshi at 10,135. Elections will be held for 18 out of 19 vacant seats. Voting centers will be established in provincial capitals, with two polling booths at each location to accommodate the different categories of voters participating in the electoral college.

Durga Prasai Issues Ultimatum and Election Warning

Durga Prasai, coordinator of the Save the Nation Campaign, has threatened to obstruct the elections scheduled for the coming March 5, 2026, if the demands of the youth and Gen Z protest are not met. During a press conference in Kathmandu, Prasai issued an ultimatum to the government until Poush 10 to address his campaign’s concerns. He urged Prime Minister Sushila Karki and Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal to take the movement seriously, claiming support from over 60 political parties. Prasai alleged that the current government is part of a foreign design and vowed to prevent the polls from taking place.

Gen Z Indigenous Group Accuses Miraj Dhungana of Betrayal

The Gen Z Indigenous group has expressed strong opposition to the “Joint Gen Z” protest led by Miraj Dhungana. Coordinator Sangram Singh Kiranti issued a statement labeling Dhungana a “fugitive” who abandoned the September 8 uprising. The group alleged that Dhungana is being funded by controversial figures like Deepak Bhatt and Mahesh Basnet to promote an agenda for an all-party government. They warned that this new protest is a ploy to return corrupt forces to power. Kiranti urged indigenous youth to stay away from today’s protests, calling Dhungana a “hired man” rather than a true representative of the generation.

Rakshya Bam Criticizes Sudan and Miraj

Rakshya Bam, coordinator of the Nepal Gen Z Front, has criticized calls for an all-party government and parliamentary reinstatement. Responding to recent interviews by Gen Z figures like Sudan Gurung and Miraj Dhungana, Bom argued that the country’s political course has moved beyond those options. She urged against becoming “strategic pawns” for personal interests and emphasized the need for a new mandate. Bom also took a stand against patriarchal comments, reminding critics of the significant role women have played in recent movements. She stated that her “bangle-wearing hands” remain raised in a fist against injustice and regressive political moves.

Police Arrest Gen Z Activist Nicholous Bhusal at Maitighar

On Monday, police arrested Gen Z activist Nicholous Bhusal and several others during a demonstration at Maitighar. The group, led by Miraj Dhungana, proceeded with the protest despite the Kathmandu District Administration denying permission for the gathering. Authorities moved in after the group defied the ban to launch what they called a nationwide peaceful movement. The Gen Z group had announced the protest to demand government reforms, but police intervened to maintain order in the restricted zone. The detainees are currently being held for questioning as the group continues to call for further demonstrations across the country.

Gagan Thapa Urges 15th Convention Before Upcoming Elections

Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa has emphasized that the party must complete its 15th General Convention before participating in the next elections. Addressing cadres in Kathmandu, Thapa stressed that the NC bears the primary responsibility for steering the constitution in the right direction. He warned that if elections are not held by March 5, 2026, the country could face uncertainty. Thapa also noted that the Gen Z protest reflects deep public dissatisfaction with corruption, urging the party to reform accordingly. He criticized the delay in Central Committee meetings, calling for a “transformed Congress” to lead the nation.

Nepal Army Affirms Commitment to Democracy Following Gen Z Unrest

The Nepal Army has released a statement via Jangi Adda affirming its loyalty to the constitution and civilian leadership following the Gen Z protest of September 8 and 9. The army clarified that it acted only to protect VVIPs, diplomats, and civilians, emphasizing that internal security remains the primary role of the Nepal Police and Armed Police Force. The statement rejected rumors of political ambition, noting that the army only facilitated an end to the political vacuum. It further defended the use of Prithvi Narayan Shah’s image as a symbol of national unity rather than a political message, reaffirming its commitment to a peaceful upcoming election.

Only 23 Hospitals Submit Reimbursement Claims for Gen Z Patients

Out of 80 hospitals that treated Gen Z protest victims, only 23 have submitted details for expense reimbursement. The Health Emergency and Disaster Management Unit (HEOC) under the Ministry of Health and Population has urged the remaining facilities to submit all records by December 25. Unit Chief Dr. Prakash Budhathoki clarified that only direct medical costs will be covered, while expenses for air tickets, taxis, and hotels will be deducted. Meanwhile, 703 injured individuals have received ID cards, and 546 have obtained relief funds. The ministry emphasized that only those with official IDs will be eligible for future healthcare and classification.

Reintegration Programs Ineffective for Returning Migrant Workers

A study by the University of Amsterdam and CESLAM reveals that government reintegration programs for returning migrant workers remain ineffective. Despite policies aiming to utilize their skills and capital, 54 youth surveyed across Kathmandu, Dhankuta, and Biratnagar struggled due to lack of market access and initial funding. The study highlighted poor coordination between agencies and a lack of awareness among workers regarding the Reintegration Programme (Operation and Management) Directives for Returnee Migrant Workers, 2022. Researchers emphasized the need for long-term mentoring and mental health support, noting that current efforts focus too narrowly on economics while ignoring gender-responsive and psychological needs.

Casino Operators Arrested in Biratnagar

Police in Biratnagar arrested the operators of two casinos for illegally allowing Nepali citizens to gamble. During a midnight raid led by SP Kabita Katuwal, authorities stormed Champion Zone Casino in Big Hotel and Golden Casino in Ratna Hotel. Operators Lokendra Bahadur Basnet and Ram Krishna Gautam were taken into custody along with 20 Nepali players caught red-handed. While laws restrict casino entry only to foreign nationals, these establishments had reportedly been hosting locals for a long time. Police plan to file cases under the Gambling Act this Monday against all individuals detained during the operation.

New Leadership Appointed at TIA and CAAN Amid Corruption Charges

The Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation has appointed Teknath Sitaula as the acting General Manager of Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). The position became vacant after corruption charges were filed against the former chief, Hansraj Pandey, regarding the Pokhara International Airport project. Similarly, Dev Chandra Lal Karna has been appointed as the acting Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN). This follows the legal indictment of Director General Pradip Adhikari, which had left the aviation regulatory body without leadership. These appointments aim to ensure administrative continuity at the nation’s primary aviation hubs.

Authorities Shut Hospital and Pharmacies Over Compliance Issues

The Department of Drug Administration (DDA), Birgunj, has initiated legal action against one hospital and four pharmacies in Dhanusha for operating illegally. During a surprise inspection in Janakpurdham, officials sealed Janakpur Surakshya Hospital and Pharmacy, Prashant Medical Hall, Raghav Surgical Shop, and Community Service Hospital for failing to meet government standards. DDA Chief Shambhu Sah reported that out of two dozen establishments inspected, 11 pharmacies were found operating without a pharmacist. These shops received formal warnings for unauthorized medicine distribution, while those found without proper registration were shut down immediately.

Weather Forces Closure of Three Domestic Airports

Adverse weather conditions and thick fog have led to the temporary closure of three domestic airports in the Terai region. Flight operations are currently suspended at Bhairahawa, Janakpur, and Simara. While Dhangadhi Airport reopened recently, many Terai airports remain shut during morning hours, only resuming services in the afternoon as visibility improves. Despite the regional disruptions, flight operations at the international airport in Kathmandu remain regular. Passengers are advised to check flight statuses frequently as winter weather continues to impact domestic air travel schedules across the Southern Plains.

Nepal Bar Association Marks 70th Anniversary Today

The Nepal Bar Association, the umbrella organization for legal practitioners, celebrated its 70th Foundation Day on Monday. Chief Justice Prakashman Singh Raut and other legal luminaries attended the “Bar Day” ceremony at the Ramshahpath premises to honor the founding committee members. Association President Dr. Vijay Prasad Mishra stated that the event was celebrated across all offices nationwide on Monday. He reaffirmed the Bar’s commitment to maintaining a clean and impartial judiciary while upholding constitutionalism in Nepal. The association was established in 1956 and has since served as a critical pillar for the legal fraternity.

Police Rescue Four Missing Children in Saptari

The Armed Police Force (APF) safely rescued four children who had gone missing from Tirhut, Saptari. The children, identified as Shrishti Kumari Sardar, Kumari Sardar, Arosi Sardar, and Krishna Sardar, were found wandering near the Koshi Barrage area in Hanumannagar Kankalinimai. A patrol team from the APF Security Base Bhardaha noticed them in a suspicious condition. Authorities suspect they might have been lured there by unidentified individuals. Following their rescue, the children were handed over to their parents in the presence of local representatives and the Nepal Police, bringing relief to their distressed families.

Winter Chill Emptying High-Altitude Villages in Northern Gorkha

The high-altitude settlements of Chumanubri Rural Municipality in Gorkha are becoming deserted as residents migrate to cities to escape the biting cold. Chairman Nima Lama reported that 90% of families from Wards 1 and 7 have moved to Kathmandu, leaving only a few to tend to livestock. Schools, including Lho Secondary School, have temporarily relocated students to warmer areas like Arughat until March/April. Many residents spend the winter on pilgrimages to Lumbini or with children in the city. Villages are expected to remain quiet until the Gyalpo Lhosar festival brings families back home.

Birgunj Schools Closed for Three Days Due to Cold Wave

Birgunj Metropolitan City has ordered all schools to close for three days, from Monday to Wednesday, due to an extreme cold wave and thick fog. The decision was made to protect students’ health as temperatures plummeted across the Terai region. Anand Lamichhane, head of the educational administration, stated that the closure would be deducted from the annual leave quota. With a scheduled holiday on Friday, schools are set to resume on December 28. The Meteorological Forecasting Division predicts minimum temperatures in Simara and Janakpur will continue to drop, posing risks to children without adequate winter clothing.

Syangja Offices Merged into New Integrated Service Center

Following a decision by the Gandaki Provincial Government, the Social Development Office and the Industry and Tourism Office in Syangja have been merged. The new Integrated Service Center, located in Putalibazar-1, began operations on December 16. Office Chief Jiban Paudel stated that the merger aims to reduce administrative costs and provide a “one-window” system for citizens. The center will handle everything from business registration and market monitoring to educational infrastructure and skill-based training. With a staff of 15, the office intends to streamline services for the tourism, industry, and social sectors under a single roof.

Nepal Telecom Expands 4G to Simbokpa in Sankhuwasabha

Nepal Telecom has successfully launched 4G services at Simbokpa Hill in the Bhotkhola rural municipality of Sankhuwasabha. A technical team led by engineer Ashish Acharya, supported by the Nepali Army and local officials, overcame difficult mountainous terrain to install the Base Transceiver Station (BTS). Prem Rai, Chief of Nepal Telecom in Khandbari, stated this is a major milestone for a region long deprived of modern communication. Authorities also confirmed that 4G connectivity will be extended to the Kimathanka border area in the coming days, providing residents with reliable high-speed internet.

Devghatdham to Be Declared Plastic-Free Zone

The sacred pilgrimage site Devghatdham will be officially declared a plastic-free zone on December 26. The Devghat Area Development Committee announced the initiative following a massive cleanup drive this Sunday. The campaign, supported by the Sahmati organization and local municipalities across Tanahun, Chitwan, and Nawalpur, aims to protect the Narayani, Trishuli, and Kaligandaki rivers. Authorities will enforce a ban on plastic thinner than 40 microns. To encourage compliance, the committee is distributing cloth bags at river entrances, highlighting the spiritual and environmental necessity of keeping the confluence pure for thousands of annual pilgrims.

Rai Community Culture to be Showcased in Film “Nakchhong”

The upcoming film Nakchhong, written and directed by Kiran Rai, explores the spiritual struggles of a son following his father’s death within the Rai community. Producer Jyotiraj Rai stated that the movie focuses on the “Bijuwa” tradition and ancient cultural consciousness. Starring Bhuwan Singh Rai and Sushma Subba Gurung, the film aims to preserve history that the community is beginning to forget. The recently released trailer depicts a son’s internal and social conflict as he balances family expectations with traditional rituals. While the official release date is yet to be announced, the film features music by Dinesh Kaji Bantawa.

Applications Open for International Nepali Film Award Festival in New Delhi

The International Nepali Film Award (INFA) has announced that its first festival will take place in New Delhi, India, from February 1 to 3, 2026. The event aims to promote Nepali cinema to international audiences and strengthen cultural ties. Applications are open until January 7, 2026, for films released in 2025. Senior actor Krishna Malla will head the jury, which includes Tulsi Ghimire and Bipana Thapa. INFA Chairperson Rajendra Ghimire and festival director Janakdeep Parajuli stated that the event will explore co-production possibilities and showcase Nepal as a premier filming destination.

US Actor James Ransone Dies at 46; Death Ruled Suicide

American actor James Ransone, famous for his role as Ziggy Sobotka in the hit crime drama The Wire, passed away on Sunday at the age of 46. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the cause of death was suicide. Ransone, a Baltimore native, rose to prominence in the show’s second season before starring in major films like It Chapter Two and The Black Phone. His most recent work included appearances in Poker Face and the upcoming Black Phone 2. Fans and colleagues have expressed deep shock over the loss of the versatile actor.

Nepal Names Final Squads for 2026 SAFF Futsal Championship

Head coaches Anil Bahadur Gurung and Bikram Maharjan have announced the final Nepali men’s and women’s squads for the 2026 SAFF Futsal Championship. The tournament is scheduled to take place in Thailand from January 13 to 26. The men’s team features key players like Amit Lama and goalkeeper Dipesh Shrestha, while the women’s roster includes Anita KC and Sabitra Kishan. Both teams were selected after rigorous training camps. This championship represents a significant opportunity for Nepal to showcase its growing talent in futsal on a regional stage against top South Asian competition.

20 Teams Confirmed for Ninth NVA Volleyball Championship

The Nepal Volleyball Association (NVA) has finalized the participation of 20 teams for the Ninth NVA Women’s and Men’s Volleyball Championship-2025. Starting December 26 at the Dasharath Rangasala covered hall, the event will feature 12 men’s and 8 women’s teams. General Secretary Roshan Shrestha confirmed that non-departmental teams can include three foreign players. The tournament, running until January 3, 2026, serves as a qualifier for the PM Cup NVA League, with the top eight men’s and top six women’s teams advancing. Notably, the Gandaki team will not be participating in this year’s championship, which features major departmental clubs like Police, Army, and APF.

US Institution Offers Student Loans Up to USD 100K

In a first for Nepal, MPOWER Financing, an American institution, has introduced collateral-free education loans up to USD 100,000 for postgraduate students. Associate Director Claire Almand stated the loans target STEM and MBA students heading to 500 top universities in the US and Canada. Using a data-driven algorithm, the firm evaluates career potential instead of requiring a guarantor. The loans feature fixed interest rates for a 10-year term. The entire process is digital, allowing students to apply online in 30 minutes for funds covering tuition and living expenses.

Russian General Killed in Car Bomb Attack

A high-ranking Russian general, Fanil Sarvarov, was killed on Monday after a car bomb detonated in Moscow. Sarvarov, who headed the operational training directorate of the Russian Armed Forces, died from his injuries. Russia’s Investigative Committee is currently examining if the attack was linked to Ukrainian security services. This follows a similar incident last year when Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov was killed by an explosive on a scooter. Security officials have increased surveillance in the capital as they probe the third killing of a senior military officer within a year.

Bondi Beach Attack Leaves 15 Dead and Dozens Injured

Australian authorities reported that 15 people were killed and dozens injured during a mass shooting at a Jewish Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach. Court documents released on Monday revealed that the attackers, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed, threw homemade pipe and tennis ball bombs into the crowd before opening fire, though the devices failed to detonate. Police shot and killed Sajid Akram, while Naveed has been charged with 59 offenses, including murder and terrorism. The incident has sparked a national debate, leading the New South Wales parliament to propose strict new gun ownership and protest laws.

Japan Votes to Restart World’s Largest Nuclear Plant

In a watershed moment on Monday, a regional assembly in Japan voted to allow the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant to resume operations. This marks the first time since the 2011 Fukushima disaster that the world’s largest nuclear facility, with an 8.2 GW capacity, has been cleared for a restart. Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO) plans to reactivate the first of seven reactors by January 20. While the government aims to strengthen energy security and achieve carbon neutrality, the decision faced protests from residents. TEPCO has pledged JPY 100 billion for regional development to gain local support.

ASEAN Diplomats Meet to Resolve Deadly Border Conflict

Top diplomats from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) met in Malaysia on Monday to address escalating border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia. The conflict has resulted in at least 41 deaths and displaced nearly one million people this month. Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan urged both nations to revive a ceasefire originally brokered in July. While Thailand has demanded a “genuine” ceasefire before negotiations, Cambodia seeks a peaceful resolution through regional dialogue. Military officials from both sides are scheduled to meet on Wednesday to discuss de-escalation along the 800-kilometer disputed border.

HTC Launches AI Smartglasses to Compete with Meta

HTC is betting on its open platform strategy to build market share in the smartglasses industry. Its newly launched VIVE Eagle eyewear, priced at HKD 3,988, allows users to choose their preferred AI model, including Google’s Gemini and OpenAI. Unlike competitors with closed ecosystems, HTC aims to leverage various platforms to provide better flexibility. The company launched the model in Hong Kong earlier this month and plans to expand to Japan and Southeast Asia in early 2026. Charles Huang, HTC’s senior VP, emphasized that user data is not used for training AI, prioritizing privacy and security.

Italy Fines Apple EUR 98.6 Million for Market Abuse

Italy’s competition authority, AGCM, has fined Apple EUR 98.6 million for abusing its dominant position in the mobile app market. The regulator found that Apple violated European regulations by imposing restrictive privacy policies on third-party developers through its App Store. The investigation, coordinated with the European Commission, concluded that Apple’s “App Tracking Transparency” policy was detrimental to business partners and not proportionate to its privacy goals. This fine follows a series of recent antitrust actions against major tech firms as Europe tightens its enforcement of the Digital Markets Act.

Indian National Arrested After Illegal Border Crossing in Kasur

An Indian national, identified as Sharandeep Singh, was arrested by Pakistan Rangers after crossing the international border into Kasur district. Officials reported on Saturday that the suspect, a resident of Jalandhar, was detained in the Sehajra area under the jurisdiction of the Ganda Singh police station. After initial questioning and documentation by the Rangers, he was handed over to local police for further legal proceedings. Authorities are currently investigating whether the border crossing was an accidental straying or a deliberate attempt to enter the country. Further action will be taken in accordance with international border laws.