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.

Supreme Court Halts Removal of Five Madhes Provincial MPs

The Supreme Court has issued an order halting the removal of five provincial assembly members (MPs) in Madhes Province. A single bench of Justice Nityananda Pandey instructed Speaker Ram Chandra Mandal not to proceed with the immediate removal of the legislators. Speaker Mandal had dismissed four MPs from the JSP and one from the Nagrik Unmukti Party on November 13. The removed MPs, including Manish Kumar Suman, Sanjay Kumar Yadav, Singhasan Sah Kalwar, and Sarada Shankar Sah Kalwar (JSP), and Urmila Singh (Nagrik Unmukti Party), had filed a writ petition challenging the Speaker’s decision.

PM Karki Faces Contempt Case Over Envoy Recall

A contempt of court case has been filed against Prime Minister Sushila Karki for failing to comply with a Supreme Court order to maintain the status quo on the decision to recall 11 ambassadors. The government, formed after the Gen Z protest, decided to recall the envoys appointed by the previous government on October 16. The Supreme Court’s joint bench of Justices Saranga Subedi and Shrikant Paudel issued an interim order on November 2 to halt the decision. However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, under PM Karki, issued a directive the following day instructing the ambassadors to report back to the Ministry. The hearing for the contempt petition, filed by Advocate Prem Silwal, is set for November 23.

Minister Pun Criticizes Surge in Political Party Registration

Minister of Education, Science, and Technology Mahabir Pun has expressed dissatisfaction with the current surge in the registration of political parties, stating that this trend risks undermining the goals of the Gen Z protest. The minister noted on social media that 123 parties have been registered, with 32 more in the process. He warned that the excessive focus on division and forming new parties will lead to the return of the “corrupt parties,” which would likely reverse the positive work and decisions of the current government, causing the core aims of the youth movement to fail.

Police Issue Crowd Control Edict at NPL Venue

The Kathmandu District Police Range has issued a directive urging the public to refrain from unnecessary crowding near the cricket ground at Tribhuvan University as the second edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) commenced on Monday. The police explained that tickets for the inaugural day’s matches were completely sold out. Superintendent of Police Pawan Kumar Bhattarai requested spectators to watch the games from their designated spaces and to avoid gathering outside the playing venue. The police further requested the public’s cooperation in security management to fulfill their civic duty and ensure the orderly progression of the tournament.

Supreme Court Resumes After 69-Day Disruption

The Supreme Court is set to resume its regular hearings on Monday, after a 69-day disruption following vandalism, arson, and file destruction during the Gen Z protest on September 9. Spokesperson Arjun Prasad Koirala announced a 30-day period, from November 17 to December 16, for parties to register or extend deadlines related to the statute of limitations, notices, and summons. The court is also initiating a 60-day process, from November 17, 2025, to January 14, 2026, to recover and re-establish the burned case files. The court administration had previously announced a “zero period” following the incident.

Singh Durbar Reverts to Regular Pass System

Access to Singh Durbar has reverted to the regular gate pass system, effective since November 12, after repairs were completed following the Gen Z protest. The regular system, which issues passes from specific windows based on the ministry or agency being visited, had been halted after those windows and structures were vandalized and set on fire during the protest. Security officials confirmed that the necessary repairs were finished, and the normal process for issuing gate passes to enter Singh Durbar has now resumed.

Unprescribed Medicines Fueling Infections

The indiscriminate use of painkillers and antibiotics, often bought from pharmacies without a prescription for common sore throats, is leading to severe oropharyngeal infections, according to Dr. Raunak Dahal, an ENT specialist at Koshi Hospital, Biratnagar. Patients were presenting at the OPD after self-medicating, only to discover their simple sore throats had progressed to severe bacterial infections, in some cases accumulating pus. Dr. Dahal warned that ignoring symptoms can lead to critical consequences, including recurrent tonsillitis, pus accumulation requiring surgery, or the spread of infection to the heart valves, necessitating replacement. He stressed that self-medication is harmful to vital organs like the heart, kidney, and liver.

Air Quality Deteriorates in Kathmandu Due to Drought

Air quality in the Kathmandu Valley and other major cities is worsening due to a lack of rainfall since November 8. According to the Department of Environment, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Bhaktapur recently reached 127, with Shanku Park at 126, indicating a ‘Possible Risk’ level (defined as 101 to 150). Meteorologists warn that the drop in nighttime temperatures, combined with ongoing construction dust and the burning of crop residues in agricultural areas, traps pollution at lower atmospheric levels. With no significant rainfall expected for the next two weeks, the department warns that air pollution is likely to increase further.

CTEVT Implements QR Codes on Academic Certificates

The Examination Control Office of the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT) in Sanothimi, Bhaktapur, announced the implementation of QR codes on all academic certificates, effective Monday. According to the notice, the decision applies to the transcripts for diploma and certificate levels and the original certificates for pre-diploma levels, which are issued through the ITMS/Online system. This move is aimed at enhancing the security and authenticity of the academic credentials issued by CTEVT.

Kathmandu Metropolis Issues Over 42,000 Digital Recommendations

Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has issued 42,856 electronic recommendations since implementing the digital system on January 26, 2025. According to Anirudra Nepal, Chief of the Information Technology Department, 23,863 of these electronic recommendations were approved in the last fiscal year and 18,993 in the current fiscal year. The system, ‘Recommendation and Certification Process Management System,’ offers 195 types of services online, with 20,398 service seekers utilizing it this fiscal year alone. KMC is working to further refine the system and implement electronic signatures to ensure citizens do not need to visit the office for services.

123 Political Parties Registered for Election

The Election Commission (EC) has seen a surge in new political parties registering for the upcoming House of Representatives election, largely catalyzed by the recent Gen Z protest. As of November 16, at least 123 parties have received registration certificates. Approximately 32 others have submitted applications but are still pending certification due to incomplete documentation. The EC has extended the deadline for these pending parties until November 26 to submit necessary documents to be eligible. Notable parties applying include the ‘People First Party,’ led by Prashant Singh, and ‘Ujyalo Party Nepal,’ which features six engineers and seven doctors among its central committee members.

Security Survey Begins for Lamjung Polling Sites

The District Security Committee in Lamjung, Nepal, is set to conduct an on-site inspection of proposed polling stations for the upcoming House of Representatives election on March 5, 2026. This inspection is a crucial step before finalizing the sites recommended by local administrative units. The Lamjung District Election Office initiated the inspection after new requests to add polling centers in three rural municipalities due to geographical challenges. Chief District Officer Dr. Tokraj Pandey confirmed that centers were requested in Dordi Rural Municipality-2, Marsyangdi Rural Municipality-3, and Besisahar Municipality-10. The security committee’s study will ensure robust security and accessibility before the final selection is made.

Election Commission Bars NGOs from Campaigning

The Election Commission (EC) has explicitly barred national and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs and INGOs) from engaging in propaganda for or against any political party or candidate in the upcoming House of Representatives election on March 5, 2026. The Code of Conduct (Clause 12) specifies nine prohibitions. These include using vehicles or buildings for campaigning, making or sharing campaign-related posts on social media, making political speeches (except for election education), and granting aid or initiating projects like foundation stone ceremonies.

Lumbini Province Registers 45,000 New Voters

The Lumbini Province Election Office, Dang, has reported a substantial addition of 45,488 new voters across the 12 districts of the province during the one-and-a-half-month period since September 28. Rupandehi recorded the highest increase, adding 10,537 voters, consisting of 5,956 males and 4,581 females. Banke followed with 9,473 new registrations. Other notable increases were seen in Kapilvastu with 5,930 and Dang with 4,932. The voter registration drive is continuous, running daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and is scheduled to conclude on November 21.

Banke Officials Survey Polling Stations Security

Security officials in Banke, Nepal, have initiated on-site monitoring of electoral centers in preparation for the upcoming House of Representatives election on March 5, 2026. Chief District Officer Dil Kumar Tamang stated the objective is to assess the security situation of the designated polling stations and centers to tailor local security strategies accordingly. CDO Tamang, accompanied by Superintendent of Police Angur GC and other officials, has already inspected sites in the Narainapur, Rapti Sonari, Khajura, and Dudhuwa rural municipalities. A task force has been established to study the sensitivity and condition of the 138 polling sites and 380 polling centers identified by the Election Commission.

84 Janamat Party Leaders Resign in Sunsari

A total of 84 leaders and cadres of the Dr. CK Raut-led Janamat Party in Sunsari announced their collective resignation on Sunday at a press conference in Inaruwa. The group, which included Central Leader and Sunsari In-charge Bhawani Mehta, Central Committee members, National Council members, and District Committee members, cited dissatisfaction with the party leadership’s style. Sunsari District President Rajkumar Yadav confirmed the mass resignation. Buddhiraj Neupane, Janamat Party’s Koshi Province President, indicated that this resignation is only a “casting” and that more resignations are expected from other provinces due to similar discontent with the party’s direction.

Lumbini Speaker Dissolves Secretariat

Lumbini Province Speaker Tularam Gharti Magar announced the dissolution of his personal secretariat, a decision effective from today. According to Provincial Assembly Secretariat Information Officer Giriraj Khanal, all five members of the Speaker’s secretariat, including Private Secretary Padam Somai (who held Under-Secretary level benefits), an Assistant Private Secretary, a Press Coordinator, an office assistant, and a driver, were removed. Speaker Gharti Magar cited “special circumstances” for the move, following the current government’s directive to limit the secretariats of chief ministers and ministers to a maximum of three members.

Madhesh Alliance Protests Government Formation

Lawmakers from the seven-party alliance, comprising the Nepali Congress, JSP Nepal, Janamat, CPN (Maoist Centre), LSP, CPN (Unified Socialist), and Nagrik Unmukti Party, continued their sit-in protest in front of Madhesh Bhawan for the seventh consecutive day on Monday. The alliance is demanding the annulment of the provincial government, arguing that the formation under CPN (UML) parliamentary leader Saroj Kumar Yadav, appointed by former Province Chief Sumitra Subedi Bhandari under Article 168 (3) of the Constitution, is unconstitutional. The alliance is also pursuing impeachment proceedings against Speaker Ram Chandra Mandal.

Karnali Cuts Ministry Count to Seven

The Karnali Provincial Government reduced its ministerial structure from eight to seven on Monday morning by abolishing the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Law. Its functions were repatriated to the Office of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers, led by Chief Minister Kandel. Minister Binod Kumar Shah confirmed that this first phase of administrative reform, based on the High-Level Organization and Management Survey Committee report, cut 25 staff positions, including one provincial secretary. This move decreases the ministry’s total staff from 101 to 76 and is projected to save the province approximately Rs 30 million annually in administrative costs.

Nationwide First Aid Effort Reaches 50 Districts

The ‘Contribution: Campaign for the Nation,’ an organization dedicated to nationwide first aid training and awareness, successfully concluded its fifth General Assembly in Kathmandu under the banner, “One Home, One First Aid.” Chairman Om Upreti highlighted the dangers of traditional and ignorant first aid practices, which he stated lead to thousands of preventable deaths annually. The campaign, which was initiated to “do something for our motherland,” has already provided free primary first aid training in approximately 50 districts, covering critical scenarios such as snakebites, drowning, and road accidents. The assembly was attended by representatives, artists, and social workers from across the country.

‘Chhakka Panja 5’ Dominates INFA 2025 Awards in London

The International Nepali Film Award (INFA 2025) ceremony was held successfully in Greenford Hall, London, on Saturday, honoring more than three dozen artists and technicians. The film Chhakka Panja 5 dominated the event, winning the award for Best Film. The film’s team also secured Best Director for Deepa Shree Niraula and Screenplay Award for actor Deepak Raj Giri. Other major awards went to Mahesh Tripathi of ‘Laj Sharanam’ for Best Actor and Deeya Maskey of Karsang for Best Actress.

Dancer Aashma Bishwokarma Goes Viral with 75 Million Views

Nepali dancer Aashma Bishwokarma is currently drawing widespread attention after her cover dance video for a South Indian film song accumulated 75.5 million total views across major social media platforms by Monday, the fifth day of its release. This marks the highest-viewed video of her career. Bishwokarma, associated with the ‘Cartoonz Crew’ dance group, created the video based on the song Chikiri Chikiri from the Ram Charan-starrer film Peddi. The video was also shared and praised by Bollywood actress Janhvi Kapoor and among others.

NPL 2025: Defending Champions Start with a Defeat 

Defending champions Janakpur Bolts was defeated by Kathmandu Gorkhas in the inaugural match of the Nepal Premier League 2025, a franchise-based Twenty20 cricket tournament, that began in Kirtipur earlier today. The Kathmandu Gorkhas surpassed the victory target of 131 set by Janakpur with two overs to spare. Openers Aakash Tripathi and Ben Charlesworth set the foundation for the win, with a partnership of 70 runs for the first wicket. Tripathi scored 39 runs in 45 balls while Charlesworth scored 46 runs in just 23 balls. Milind Kumar and John Simpson scored 19 and 13 runs respectively, before Mohammad Aadil Alam hit the winning runs after hitting a six of the penultimate ball of the 18th over.

Bagmati Province Volleyball Cup Scheduled for December

The late Manoj Shrestha Memorial Cup Bagmati Province Inter-District Women’s Volleyball Tournament is slated to commence in December. Organized by the District Volleyball Association of Dhading, the competition will run from December 24 to 27 and feature teams from districts across Bagmati Province. The tournament offers substantial cash prizes: the champion team will receive Rs 200,000, the runner-up Rs 100,000, and the third-place team Rs 50,000. Amrit Gurung, the convener of the tournament and president of the Dhading District Volleyball Association, confirmed the prize money and stated that individual awards will also be given to the best players and coaches.

Norway and Portugal Qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup

Norway and Portugal have secured their spots in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to be held across three countries from June 11 to July 19. Norway qualified after defeating Italy 4 to 1 in the European qualifiers on Sunday night, marking their first appearance in the tournament in 28 years. Portugal secured their spot from Group F by routing Armenia 9 to 1. Erling Haaland scored two goals for Norway, while Joao Neves and Bruno Fernandes each scored a hat trick for Portugal. A total of 48 teams will compete in this tournament for the first time.

42 Indian Umrah Pilgrims Killed in Saudi Bus Crash

At least 42 Indian Umrah pilgrims, including several from Hyderabad, are feared dead following a bus collision with a diesel tanker near Mufrihat, Saudi Arabia, on Monday morning. The bus, carrying 46 people from Mecca to Madinah, burst into flames upon impact. Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar confirmed only one survivor is currently under treatment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar both expressed sorrow via X, and the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah have activated a 24×7 Control Room to assist affected families and coordinate with Saudi authorities.

Ex-PM Hasina Sentenced to Death

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal in Dhaka has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death for crimes against humanity. The charges stem from the suppression of the July to August uprising last year, which resulted in the alleged killing of 1400 people. Former Police Chief Al Mamun, who turned state witness, was handed a five-year jail sentence. Hasina, who fled to India in August 2024, was tried in absentia. The verdict, which was live-streamed by Bangladesh Television, follows a case initiated in June by the prosecution.