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.

13 Parties Register for National Assembly Election

A total of 13 political parties have applied for registration to participate in the upcoming National Assembly election. The deadline for registration, set by the Election Commission, was Sunday, with five parties filing on the final day. The election is scheduled for January 25, 2026, to fill 19 seats that will become vacant on March 4, 2026. Parties like the Rastriya Prajatantra Party, Janamat Party, and Nagarik Unmukti Party, Nepal, are among those that have registered. Nepali Congress also filed for both National Assembly and House of Representatives elections following its central committee decision on Saturday.

Total Parties Registered Reaches 132 for General Election

The number of political parties registered with the Election Commission (EC) has reached 132 with the official registration of Khagendra Sunar-led Hamro Party Nepal. Since the election date was announced on September 12, at least 13 new parties have registered. A total of 56 political parties have registered specifically to contest the upcoming House of Representatives election. The deadline for this election registration is November 26.

Government Focuses Staffing on Election and Corruption Control

The Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration is prioritizing the staffing of key sectors like the Election Commission, CIAA, and public service delivery offices to support the government’s goals. Secretary Rabi Lal Panta confirmed that over 200 employees were transferred in the last month. The ministry is working to end the trend of employees settling in powerful, easily accessible centers by transferring long-serving staff from Singhadurbar to remote areas while bringing staff from remote areas to key offices. Despite these efforts, the National Bookkeeping Office reports that 10,251 federal government posts remain vacant against a sanctioned strength of 51,580 as of the first month of the current fiscal year.

Proportional Election Program Starts December 5

The proportional representation election process is set to begin on December 6, marking the official start of the schedule for political parties to engage in this crucial phase. Parties are required to submit their applications to participate between 10 AM on December 7 and 4 PM on December 9. The submission of candidate closed lists is scheduled for December 28 and December 29. The voting for the general election under this system will take place on March 5, 2026.

PM Karki’s Secretariat Defends Staff Appointments

Prime Minister Sushila Karki’s private secretariat issued a statement on Monday to address public scrutiny over staff appointments. The Prime Minister’s Press Coordinator, Ram Bahadur Rawal, clarified that the secretariat operates with a minimal staff of 14 personnel against a sanctioned strength of 41. The PM has appointed only two advisors and four expert staff (one unpaid), while the maximum is seven and 19, respectively. The statement justified the appointment of trusted individuals, including one relative, citing the need for reliable 24-hour support at the PM’s residence, and requested the media to stop unwarranted allegations. The secretariat asserted the government remains focused on good governance and election preparation.

Minister Ghising Attends First Parliamentary Committee Meeting

Minister of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation Kulman Ghising attended his first parliamentary committee meeting since taking office. He appeared before the National Assembly’s Public Policy and Delegated Legislation Committee on Monday. The minister was present to provide updates and answer questions on the current fiscal year’s budget implementation, the recent power purchase agreement with India, the government’s expenditure cuts, and the progress of key projects like the Sunkoshi Marin Diversion and Rani Jamara Irrigation Projects.

Gen Z Group to Submit Memorandum to PM Karki on Governance

The Miraj Dhungana-led Gen Z group is scheduled to submit a memorandum to Prime Minister Sushila Karki at the Singha Durbar Prime Minister’s Office. The group, which was instrumental in the recent political change, is expressing dissatisfaction with the current government’s performance on good governance and security. Dhungana stated they would submit the memorandum at 3 PM on Monday to draw the Prime Minister’s attention to their concerns.

NC General Secretary Proposes Two Options for General Convention

Nepali Congress (NC) General Secretary Bishwa Prakash Sharma proposed two paths for holding the party’s general convention. The first option is to hold the regular convention at the end of Poush, potentially taking an extra 15 days if needed. The second option is for party President Sher Bahadur Deuba to call a special convention before mid-December, following the example of Suwarna Shamsher, which would be followed by a regular convention by mid-December this year.

Aam Janata Party Prepares for March Election

The Aam Janata Party (AJP), led by President Prabhu Sah, is intensifying internal preparations for the upcoming House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5, 2026. The party’s Kathmandu Valley Special Committee appointed electoral command personnel (incharges and coordinators) for all 15 constituencies across Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur. Spokesperson Chandra Bhushan Sah confirmed that the AJP will field candidates in all 15 areas and participate in the election.

Hamro Party Nepal Officially Registered with Election Commission

The Khagendra Sunar-led Hamro Party Nepal officially registered with the Election Commission (EC), receiving its certificate of recognition on Monday. The party had initially submitted its application for registration on November 4. This official registration allows the party to participate in upcoming elections.

Gen Z Leader Demands Dismissal of PM Karki’s Chief Private Secretary

Gen Z youth leader Rakshya Bam demanded the immediate dismissal of Prime Minister Sushila Karki’s Principal Private Secretary, Adarsh Kumar Shrestha, and the cancellation of appointments he secured for family members and relatives. Bam stated that Shrestha’s act of nepotism and ethical corruption was an insult to the Gen Z uprising, which demanded good governance, transparency, and accountability from the citizen government.

Lumbini Provincial Assembly Winter Session Begins

The Lumbini Province Assembly’s seventh winter session will begin today, Monday, with the first meeting scheduled for 1 PM. The agenda includes reading out the notification for the session and presenting various bills, such as amendments to acts concerning the operation of the District Assembly and District Coordination Committee and the facilities of local body officials. The Cabinet has also approved the introduction of bills for establishing the Lumbini Pragya Pratishthan.

Kailali Police Arrest 149 Absconding Defendants in One Week

Kailali Police arrested 149 absconding defendants (fugitives) who were convicted in various cases during the “Search and Sweep Operation” conducted over one week. Superintendent of Police Narendra Chand confirmed the arrests, which took place from November 17 to November 2. All arrested individuals were presented to the District Court for necessary legal action.

Government Approves New Design Guidance for Bamboo Structures

The government has approved the Design Guidance for Bamboo Structures, 2025, institutionalizing the use of bamboo as a structural material for construction. Approved by Minister Kulman Ghising and other relevant ministers, the guidance paves the way for the engineering design and construction of one- to two-story residential and commercial buildings using bamboo. The initiative aims to promote affordable and environment-friendly construction, reduce reliance on costly materials like steel and concrete, and help low-income families build durable, earthquake-resistant homes. The new guidance, based on international research, provides clear standards for bamboo harvesting, grading, and chemical treatment.

Beni Hospital Records More Abortions Than Deliveries

Provincial Hospital Beni has reported more safe abortion services than institutional deliveries, alongside an increase in cases involving women under 20 years old. In the first four months of Fiscal Year 2025/26, the hospital saw 191 safe abortions compared to 177 deliveries. Of the patients, 39 were under 20 in this period. Dr. Rabi Ranjan Pradhan, Hospital Chief, noted that while increased access is positive, the high number of pregnancies and abortions among those under 20 is a health risk and a challenge fueled by practices like child marriage. The government legalized abortion in 2002 and made it free in government facilities in 2016.

Highest Ever Coverage for Cholera Vaccine in Bara and Parsa

A massive cholera vaccination campaign achieved record high coverage in the Bara and Parsa districts. Dr. Abhiyan Gautam, Chief of the Family Welfare Division, stated that 88.25% of the target population in Bara (322,926 people) and 90% in Parsa (589,354 people) were vaccinated against the outbreak that occurred in Bhadra. The campaign, which achieved the highest coverage yet (typically 70% to 80%), was run in two phases between October 12 and October 18, 2025, and October 30 and November 13, 2025. The effort involved house-to-house vaccination to achieve maximum coverage.

Gulmi Health Camp Serves 536 Patients

The Madhane Community Health Center in Gulmi concluded a comprehensive three-week dental and women’s health camp, providing services to over 536 patients. Dental checkups were provided to 336 people, with 316 teeth extracted from 200 patients, according to Yam Lal Bhusal, Chief Health Assistant. Furthermore, over 200 women received services for various gynecological issues; six women with uterine prolapse were fitted with ring pessaries, and two with complex problems were referred. The center, established in 2011, continues to serve patients from the Gulmi, Pyuthan, and Arghakhanchi districts.

ID Cards Distributed to 615,161 Underprivileged People in 49 Districts

The government has successfully distributed underprivileged ID cards to 615,161 people across 49 districts, coordinating with local units. The cards are categorized by color: red for ultra-poor, yellow for medium-poor, and blue for generally poor. Damodar Wagle, Assistant Spokesperson for the Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives, and Poverty Alleviation, stated that the cards aim to streamline state services, such as health insurance and scholarships, using a single-door system and prevent misuse. Cards are currently being printed for an additional 200,000 poor people identified in 15 other districts, with the goal of ensuring benefits reach the targeted groups based on 18 poverty indicators.

Government Service Cuts Strand Freed Kamalari Students

Freed Kamalari students, particularly the ultra-poor residing at Lavajuni Hostel in Lamahi Municipality-3, Narti, are struggling after the government cut their services. Hiramoti Chaudhary, president of the Freed Kamalari Development Forum, stated that students face difficulties affording food and continuing their studies. The government stopped providing scholarships and a Rs 4,000 monthly allowance for hostel residents about three years ago. Previously, scholarships ranged from Rs 1,500 for basic level to Rs 10,000 for bachelor’s level. Currently, only 10 students reside at the hostel, which was established in 2011. Lumbini Province Minister Janamjaya Timilsina has allocated Rs 75 million for marginalized children and vowed to check the disbursement.

Police and Smugglers Exchange Gunfire in Bara

A shootout occurred between Nepal Police and smugglers on the border of Bara near Chikani-Pakadiya in Pacharaut Municipality-6 on Sunday at 10:30 PM. Police, acting on intelligence about illegal goods being smuggled from Hanumannagar, India, were ambushed. Deputy Superintendent of Police Bijay Raj Pandit stated that the smugglers fired two rounds at the 20-person police team, forcing the police to respond with seven rounds to control the situation. The smugglers abandoned four Indian-plated motorcycles, two mobile phones, and Aadhaar cards as they fled back across the border. Local security sources have raised concerns over the role of the Armed Police Force in controlling smuggling in the area.

Teachers Federation Demands Local Allowance in Phidim Municipality

The Nepal Teachers Federation submitted a letter to Phidim Municipality demanding the immediate implementation of local allowances for teachers, which were mandated by the federal budget. The Federation, led by President Hari Krishna Mishra, argued that Phidim Municipality is designated as a ‘D’ category area eligible for the benefit. The demand is based on provisions in the Economic Procedures and Financial Accountability Act, 2018, and related work procedures. Acting Chief Administrative Officer Nirmala Dahal acknowledged the letter and informed the team that a clarification request regarding the payment has already been sent to the Education and Human Resource Development Center in Bhaktapur.

Rastriya Swatantra Party Forms Committee in Mustang

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) formed its Mustang district committee, led by Chairman Sudesh Gurung, during its first district assembly on Sunday. Acting President DP Aryal attended the event. Other officials include Vice Chairman Bishnu Thakali and Secretary Jeevan Hirachan. With the establishment of the Mustang committee, Manang and Dolpa are the only two districts remaining where the RSP has yet to form a party structure.

Sudurpaschim Secure Third Straight Win, Led by Player-of-the –Match Airee

Captain Dipendra Singh Airee took 4 wickets for just 23 runs and scored 39 runs in 28 balls to lead from the front in securing the third straight win for his team, Sudurpaschim Royals today. In the day-night match held at TU International Cricket Stadium, Sudurpaschim defended 139 runs to defeat Karnali Yaks by 45 runs, and get back to the top of the points table with 6 points in three matches. Chasing the victory target of 140 runs set by Sudurpaschim, Karnali Yaks were bowled out for 94 runs in 19.2 overs. Pawan Saraf top-scored for Karnali with 27 runs, while Mark Watt scored 17, captain Sompal Kami scored 14, and Gulshan Jha scored 13 runs. For the bowling side, in addition to captain Airee‘ four wickets Harmit Singh and Abhinash Bohra took two wickets each.

Biratnagar Kings Clinches Third Consecutive NPL Victory

Biratnagar Kings secured their third consecutive victory in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) Season 2 by defeating defending champions Janakpur Bolts by 9 runs. Chasing a target of 136 runs, Janakpur managed only 126 runs for 9 wickets in 20 overs. Lofty Eaton top-scored for Janakpur with 42 runs. Biratnagar Captain Sandeep Lamichhane was the star bowler, taking 4 wickets for just 11 runs in 4 overs. Surya Tamang supported him with 3 wickets for 20 runs.

PM Karki Congratulates Blind Women’s Cricket World Cup Team

Prime Minister Sushila Karki extended congratulations to the Nepal Blind Women’s T-20 World Cup team for finishing as runners-up. Nepal secured the silver medal after being defeated by India by seven wickets in the final match held on Sunday at the P Sara Oval Cricket Ground in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The Prime Minister lauded the team for raising the nation’s profile and dignity on the world stage, despite facing various physical and daily life challenges.

Aaha Rara Pokhara Gold Cup to Be Held in February

The dates for the 25th edition of the popular Aaha Rara Pokhara Gold Cup have been announced, scheduled to take place from February 10 to February 21, 2026. The organizer, Sahara Club Pokhara, is preparing to invite 10 teams, including A-Division, departmental, and international clubs. Keshav Bahadur Thapa, president of the club, stated that they are also in discussions with the Pokhara Metropolitan City to invite teams from its sister cities. The previous edition saw Uzbekistan’s Black Bulls win the title and resulted in a profit of Rs 2.4 million.

Bollywood Legend Dharmendra Dies at 89

On Monday, Bollywood star Dharmendra died in Mumbai, India, at the age of 89. Often described as the “original He-Man of Bollywood,” he appeared in over 300 films during a career that spanned three decades. He is best remembered for his iconic role as Veeru in the 1975 blockbuster Sholay. The actor, who was born on December 8, 1935, was honored with the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997 and the Padma Bhushan in 2012. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute, saying his passing “marks the end of an era in Indian cinema.”

Film ‘Paran’ Becomes 2025’s Highest Grosser at Rs 141.6 Million

The Neer Shah-starrer film Paran has emerged as a major box office success, achieving a nationwide gross of Rs 141.6 million as of last Saturday. The film has sold an impressive 499,168 tickets across the country, reflecting strong audience interest and widespread popularity. Directed by Deepak Acharya Kaku and released on October 31, Paran has quickly risen to become the highest-grossing Nepali film of the current year. Its remarkable performance underscores both the enduring appeal of Neer Shah and the growing commercial potential of Nepali cinema.

Docu-drama ‘Moun’ Teaser Released; Highlights Autism Awareness

The teaser for the docu-drama Moun, produced by Celebrity Times, has been released, focusing on the sensitive issue of autism. The 1 minute 14 second teaser centers on a mother emotionally accepting a mistake with her daughter. Producer and Director Ramji Gyawali stated that the project, written by Ram Sharan Pathak and starring Saroj Khanal and Hiuwala Gautam, is a social responsibility effort to raise consciousness. Special screenings and charity shows, which were postponed due to the recent Gen Z protest, are being rescheduled for film festivals and awareness campaigns in schools and colleges.

Nepal Receives USD 407.1 Million in Climate Finance, Less Than 1 Percent of Need

Nepal has received USD 407.1 million from various climate funds to support 49 projects aimed at mitigating climate change effects. The funding includes USD 148.3 million from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and USD 153 million from the Climate Investment Fund. However, the Finance Ministry estimates that Nepal requires USD 121.12 billion to address the impact of climate change, meaning the amount received so far is less than one percent of the total requirement.

Bangladesh Renews Extradition Request for Sheikh Hasina to India

The interim government of Bangladesh has formally sent a new diplomatic note to India requesting the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Foreign Affairs Advisor Mohammad Touhid Hossain confirmed the move, which follows Sheikh Hasina’s recent death sentence conviction by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) for crimes against humanity. Dhaka stressed that India is obligated to cooperate under the existing extradition treaty, viewing the sheltering of a person convicted of such crimes as a “grave mockery of the justice system.” India’s Foreign Ministry acknowledged the tribunal’s decision and committed to “constructively engaging” with Bangladesh to support peace and stability.

Suicide Attack Kills 3 Security Officials in Pakistan

Two suicide bombers attacked the Federal Constabulary’s headquarters in Peshawar, Pakistan, on Monday, killing three security officials and wounding at least 12 people (5 security officials and 7 civilians). The attackers charged the compound at around 08:10 local time but were gunned down at the gate, leading authorities to call it a “foiled terrorist plot.” The attack occurred in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which borders Afghanistan. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the incident.

Geopolitical Tensions Escalate Over Palau

Palau, a nation with fewer than 20,000 people, is at the center of a geopolitical struggle between the US, China, and Taiwan. Palau is one of only about 12 nations recognizing Taiwan. President Surangel Whipps Jr. claimed China offered “a million” tourists in exchange for switching diplomatic ties. China allegedly “weaponized” tourism in 2017 after Chinese visitors accounted for nearly half of all tourists between 2015 and 2017. The US is simultaneously strengthening its military presence in the archipelago under the Compact of Free Association agreement.

US and Ukraine Refine Peace Plan Framework

The United States and Ukraine continued peace talks in Geneva, Switzerland, on Monday, to agree on a “refined peace framework” after Sunday’s negotiations. The talks were prompted after the US blindsided Kyiv and European allies last week with a 28-point peace plan that was viewed as a Kremlin wish list. The original plan called for Ukraine to cede territory and abandon its ambitions to join NATO. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stressed that compromise must strengthen, not weaken, Ukraine.