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.

Dan Bahadur Karki Appointed as New Inspector General of Police

The government has appointed Additional Inspector General (AIG) Dan Bahadur Karki as the new Inspector General of Nepal Police. According to government spokesperson Jagadish Kharel, Monday’s Cabinet meeting decided to appoint Karki to replace outgoing IGP Chandrakuber Khapung, who will retire at midnight on Kartik 26 after completing 30 years of service, as per police regulations.

Government Dismisses Madhesh Province Chief Sumitra Subedi Bhandari

The government has dismissed Madhesh Province Chief Sumitra Subedi Bhandari, according to government spokesperson and Minister for Communications and Information Technology Jagadish Kharel. The decision was endorsed by the Cabinet meeting held on Monday evening. The government has also recommended Dr. Surendralal Karn to the President for appointment as the new Province Chief of Madhesh. Kharel said the move was taken in view of the recent political developments unfolding in the province.

Leaders Jhankri and Shrestha Re-join UML

Leaders and cadres of the CPN (Unified Socialist) including Ram Kumari Jhankri and Kisan Shrestha have returned to the CPN (UML) today. At an event held at City Hall today, CPN (UML) Chair KP Sharma Oli welcomed leader Jhankri and Kisan Shrestha to the UML.

Madhesh Province Erupts Over Secret CM Appointment

Tensions have flared in Madhesh Province after Governor Sumitra Subedi Bhandari secretly appointed UML leader Saroj Kumar Yadav as Chief Minister at 4 AM in a hotel in Bardibas, citing constitutional clause 168(3). The move came hours after outgoing CM Jitendra Sonal resigned, sparking outrage among Congress, JSP, and LSP lawmakers, who vandalized offices, burned tires, and clashed with staff. Opposition leaders called the act unconstitutional, while Janamat Party chief CK Raut urged an autonomous Madhesh declaration. The dispute is expected to reach the Supreme Court as protests intensify.

National AI Centre Established at Ministry of Communication

The National AI Centre has been established at the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology. Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Jagadish Kharel, inaugurated the center on Monday, stating that this small beginning marks a significant leap for Nepal in the field of Artificial Intelligence. With the formation of the AI Council and the implementation of the AI policy, Minister Kharel stated that Nepal is moving toward a digital age. He added that AI will be utilized to address issues like good governance, anti-corruption, and employment.

UML Leader Pasang Sherpa Released After Paying Fine in Polygamy Case

The Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist), abbreviated CPN (UML), Central Committee member Pasang Sherpa was released from Dillibazar Prison after paying the fine equivalent to his one-year jail sentence in a polygamy case. He was arrested on November 4 following a court order convicting him with a one-year sentence and a Rs 5,000 fine. Sherpa had successfully petitioned the Kathmandu District Court, presided over by Judge Anand Prasad Shrestha, to pay the remaining portion of his sentence and secure his release. The issue had sparked internal debate within the UML Secretariat regarding his suspension.

Rastriya Swatantra Party Sets Rs 50,000 Fee for Proportional Candidate Applicants

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has set an application fee of Rs 50,000 for individuals interested in becoming candidates for the Proportional Representation (PR) system. Applications opened on November 8. The party, which is preparing for the closed list submission scheduled for January 2-3, has decided that candidates from the previous election’s PR list are ineligible this time. The fee is nonrefundable, even if an applicant fails to be selected based on the party’s eventual vote share.

Nepal Rejects Malaysia’s Restrictive Manpower Criteria

Nepal has formally rejected Malaysia’s 10-point manpower criteria, which aimed to select recruiting agencies and was deemed an attempt to enforce a syndicate system. The Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Social Security sent an official diplomatic note clarifying that these criteria violate the principles of equal opportunity, transparency, and fair competition for Nepali foreign employment agencies. Nepal affirmed it would only operate according to its laws, bilateral agreements, and international commitments, suggesting mutual consultation to meet labor demands.

Business and Academic Leaders Register New Political Party

The Gatishil Loktantrik Party, involving Buddha Air owner Birendra Bahadur Basnet and sociologist Dinesh Prasai, has received its political party registration certificate from the Election Commission. The party, which initially applied on October 16, lists Prasai as chairman and Piyush Prasad Kayastha as general secretary, with businessman Basnet serving as a member. Upon receiving the certificate on Monday, Basnet stated the party aims to serve the nation and establish a law-abiding political culture in Nepal.

Wild Elephant Attack Kills Truck Driver on East-West Highway

A wild elephant attack terrorized the Pathalaiya-Nijgadh section of the East-West Highway in Bara’s Jitpursimara Sub-Metropolitan City-16. The chaos, which began on Sunday evening, tragically resulted in the death of 40-year-old truck driver Rajkumar Chaudhary on Monday morning at 8:00 AM. Chaudhary died at the scene while attempting to jump from his vehicle to escape the attacking elephant. Despite administrative requests for drivers to use alternative routes, some failed to comply. Highway traffic resumed after 12:30 PM once elephant-tracking teams were deployed.

Relatives Protest at Bharatpur Hospital Following Woman’s Death

On Monday, relatives of 30-year-old Sangita BK, a woman from Parsa undergoing child delivery, protested at Bharatpur Hospital following her death on Saturday night. The family alleged medical negligence, demanding an investigation. Sangita was admitted on November 5 for a check-up that revealed no fetal heartbeat. While the hospital claimed the death was due to pulmonary embolism and attempted a normal delivery to avoid unnecessary surgery, relatives insisted her life could have been saved with immediate operation.

Inmate Dies at Jhupka Prison, Served Sentence for Human Trafficking

A 53-year-old inmate, Sudhana Sardar, died at Jhupka Prison in Sunsari on Sunday. He was discovered unconscious in the ‘B’ prison block at 5:30 AM and was pronounced dead at the Inaruwa District Hospital at 6:15 AM. Sardar was serving a ten-year sentence for human trafficking, as ordered by the District Court on September 19, 2023. According to the District Police Office, Sardar was a known diabetic patient and was on regular medication at the time of his death.

Mydagi Farmers Abandon Local Rice Varieties for Higher Yields

Farmers in Myagdi are increasingly prioritizing production over quality, replacing traditional, aromatic local rice varieties like Gauriya and Jau Dhan with higher-yielding improved varieties like the Machhapuchhre and Khumal series. This shift, driven by lower disease resistance in native crops, has pushed local varieties to near extinction, threatening traditions like the famous puffed rice of Ratnechaur. Despite efforts by the Agricultural Knowledge Centre and some local governments to preserve indigenous seeds, the trend towards high production continues to dominate farming practices.

High-Level Security Team Inspects Nepal-China Border Pillars

A high-level team led by Armed Police Force (APF) Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Anjani Kumar Pokharel, Chief of the Bagmati Province APF, inspected border pillars 55 and 56 in Bigu Rural Municipality, Dolakha. This marks the first time an APF has led an inspection of this nature to strengthen border security. The team, which trekked for eight hours, assessed the pillars and the security situation. The initiative aims to enhance coordination with local representatives to control illegal activities and potentially establish a Forward Operating Force (FOF) in the area.

NEPSE Index Continues to Decline for Second Consecutive Day

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index experienced a continuous decline in the first two trading days of the week. After falling by 30.02 points on Sunday, the index dropped another 5.80 points on Monday, settling at 2560.29. Total share transactions reached Rs 4.51 billion. While 151 companies saw their share prices decrease, 90 gained, and 11 remained stable. Only the Hotel and Tourism, Investment, and Trading sub-indices managed to register positive growth for the day.

NRB Cautions Prime Commercial and Kumari Bank

The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has taken action against Prime Commercial Bank and Kumari Bank for non-compliance with regulatory directives during the first quarter of the current fiscal year. Prime Commercial Bank’s CEO received a warning for failing to correctly classify loans based on overdue periods and for inadequate calculation of loan loss provisions and risk weightage on certain loans. Kumari Bank was also cautioned for allowing banking transactions, other than deposits, to individuals and entities on the blacklisting system.

Nepal Telecom Launches Affordable Student Fiber Offer

Nepal Telecom has unveiled the ‘NT Fiber Student Offer’ targeting students born in 1997 or later. The offer, inaugurated by Minister of Communication and Information Technology Jagadish Kharel, aims to promote digital education with affordable high-quality internet. For Rs 4,999 (including tax), eligible students receive 30 Mbps internet service for one year, along with a free dual-band CPE and 100 meters of fiber. The scheme will be effective until February 5, 2026.

KP Sharma Oli Calls Gen-Z Movement a “National Catastrophe,” Urges UML Strengthening

CPN (UML) Chair KP Sharma Oli strongly criticized the Gen-Z movement, labeling it a “national catastrophe” that caused chaos, death, and destruction, and undermined democracy. Speaking at the Homecoming campaign launch in Kathmandu, Oli welcomed leaders like Ram Kumari Jhakri and Kisan Shrestha back into the UML, saying their return revitalized the party physically and psychologically. He mocked the new Nepali Communist Party as a “party of senior citizens” and stressed that rejoining UML reflects conviction, not personal gain. Oli announced plans to form local security teams to prevent future unrest and warned against the long-term consequences of impunity.

Nepal’s Left Politics Fragmented as New Alliances Emerge Ahead of Elections

Nepal’s leftist political landscape is reshaping ahead of the 2025 elections as leaders chart separate paths. Former UML Vice-Chairman Bhim Rawal is set to join the newly formed Nepali Communist Party (NCP) led by Prachanda, Madhav Kumar Nepal, and Jhal Nath Khanal, with discussions ongoing for him to become General Secretary. Meanwhile, Ghanshyam Bhusal, Netra Bikram Chand “Biplav”, and Janardan Sharma are forming a working alliance as an electoral front without a full merger. While both blocs claim commitment to ideological clarity and left unity, unresolved leadership and vision differences highlight the fragility of these emerging left coalitions.

CIAA Files Chargesheet Against Eight Officials Over Dolpa Road Project Irregularities

The Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) filed a chargesheet today at the special court against eight individuals, including the then Chief Administrative Officer of Tripurasundari Municipality, Lal Prasad Pokharel, over alleged irregularities in the Khadang–Lha road upgrade in Ward No. 5 during FY 2078/79. Other accused include municipal engineers, administrative and education officers, accounts staff, MIS operator, and representatives from the bid evaluation committee and construction company Divyanirman Sewa Pvt. Ltd. and Bhimraj Neupane. The CIAA has sought a fine of Rs 5,589,063 under Section 17 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 2059 BS.

Six-Hour Daily Closure on Dumre–Besisahar Road for Widening Works

The Turture–Chambas section of the Dumre–Besisahar road in Bhanu Municipality, Tanahun, will be closed for six hours daily from November 9 to 21 to allow road widening up to the Dhukurdhi area. Administrative Officer Bikash Shrestha said the closures aim to minimize accident risks and facilitate smooth construction under the Dumre–Besisahar–Chame Road Project. Traffic will be stopped daily from 6:30–9:00 AM, 11:00 AM–1:00 PM, and 2:00–4:00 PM. Commuters are advised to use the alternative Turture–Bimalnagar via Palungtar–Khatritar route during closure periods. Authorities urged travelers to plan journeys accordingly and follow safety guidelines.

PM Sushila Karki Meets Local Government Leaders, Urges Cooperation Ahead of Elections

Prime Minister Sushila Karki met with representatives from the National Association of Rural Municipalities and the National Association of Municipalities at Baluwatar to discuss local governance, challenges, and preparations for upcoming elections. She emphasized coordination among federal, provincial, and local governments, the importance of peace, and the multiparty system. Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal urged local authorities to help track escaped prisoners and maintain order. Local leaders raised concerns about austerity measures affecting staffing and projects. Karki assured them that concerns would be addressed, stressing their vital role in creating a stable and conducive election environment while promoting discipline and political culture.

Nepal Launches National AI Center to Boost Digital Transformation

The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology inaugurated the National AI Center on Monday, with Minister Jagdish Kharel emphasizing its significance for Nepal’s digital future. Despite starting in a small office, the center symbolizes a major step in advancing the country’s AI sector. Minister Kharel highlighted that the AI Council and the national AI policy are laying the groundwork for technology-driven governance. He noted that artificial intelligence will support solutions for issues raised during the Gen-Z movement, including good governance, reducing corruption, and generating employment, positioning AI as a key tool for achieving national development objectives and public welfare.

Six Nepali Comedians Set for ‘Hanschha America: Volume 1’ U.S. Stand-Up Tour

Six popular Nepali comedians—Bharatmani Paudyal, Suman Koirala, Kailash Karki, Suman Karki, Maxam Goudel, and Sajan Shrestha—will perform across more than 15 U.S. cities in a major stand-up comedy tour titled “Hanschha America: Volume 1”, organized by Fame Nepal and Sunrise Entertainment. The tour, scheduled from December through January, has completed visa and logistical arrangements. Audiences can expect performances of well-known characters from the hit Nepali show Comedy Night with Champions, including Bharatmani’s ‘Gharbeti’ and Suman Koirala’s ‘Michael.’ Organizers have invited local promoters and communities to host events, promising laughter, entertainment, and meaningful cultural engagement for Nepali audiences in the U.S.

Mrs. Nepal World 2025’ Grand Finale Set for This Saturday

The prestigious beauty pageant for married women, Mrs. Nepal World 2025, will hold its grand finale this Saturday at Nepal Police Club, Exhibition Road. Winners for Mrs. Nepal World, Mrs. Nepal International (8th edition), and MS International will be announced, with Mrs. Nepal World earning the chance to represent Nepal at Mrs. World 2025 in the United States. Contestants showcased talents in singing, dancing, poetry, acting, and stand-up comedy at the earlier talent show. They also attended a self-care workshop at Roop Rang Beauty Studio. Organizers emphasize the pageant’s role in women’s empowerment, confidence, and international recognition of Nepali women.

Teaser of Nepali Film ‘Muglaan’ Released, Showcasing Youth Struggles and Dreams Abroad

Rihan Production’s upcoming film Muglaan has released its teaser, highlighting the harsh realities of Nepali society. The story centers on a young man who travels to India for work to support his family, facing immense hardships abroad while also dealing with local oppression in his village. The teaser poignantly portrays his struggle to fulfill family happiness and personal dreams. The film explores themes of youth migration, rural relationships, and life challenges. Starring Prabhat Pal and Smarika Dhakal, alongside Shivanshu, Dinesh DC, Moti Subedi, and others, Muglaan is written and directed by Ashish Dhakal, produced by Goman Singh, with Rita Chaudhary as co-producer, and will release nationwide on Poush 10.

Film Development Board Honors 15 Personalities with Cultural Transformation Awards

On the occasion of Constitution Day 2082, the Film Development Board honored 15 artists, producers, technicians, and cultural figures for their outstanding contributions to Nepal’s cinema and its social and cultural transformation. A special ceremony was held at the board’s Chabahil premises, with Minister for Communications and Information Technology Jagdish Kharel and Secretary Radhika Aryal presenting awards. Each honoree received a cash prize of NPR 20,000 and a certificate. The awardees included actors, directors, musicians, and technical experts such as Shiv Shrestha, Sabita Gurung, Tirtha Thapa, and Yes Kumar. Board Chair Dinesh DC expressed confidence in continued achievements in the film sector.

Corporate T-10 Cricket Tournament Announced for January

A Corporate T-10 Cricket Tournament, organized by Sports and Events, is scheduled to take place at the Mulpani Ground in Kathmandu from January 28 to February 4. The T-10 format competition will feature 16 participating teams. Each team must consist of 11 players, with 8 in the playing squad and 3 as reserves. Every team is guaranteed a minimum of three matches. Attractive prizes and honors will be awarded to the winning team and outstanding players.

Government Allocates NPR 6 Crore for 10th National Sports Competition

The government has approved a budget of NPR 6 crore for the 10th National Sports Competition, scheduled from Falgun 1 to 7, marking an increase of NPR 7 lakh from the previous allocation of NPR 5.4 crore for FY 2082/83, Youth and Sports Minister Bablu Gupta announced. The National Sports Council decided in its recent board meeting to hold the event in the first week of Falgun. This biennial competition, which could not be held last year, will now proceed under Minister Gupta’s leadership, with Karnali Province carrying the event flag following their role in the 9th National Sports Competition in Pokhara.

Janakpur Bolts to Face Kathmandu Gurkhas in NPL 2025 Season Opener

The second edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) will kick off on Mangsir 1 (November 17) with defending champions Janakpur Bolts facing Kathmandu Gurkhas. The seven-team tournament will also feature Sudurpashchim Royals, Lumbini Lions, Biratnagar Kings, Chitwan Rhinos, and Pokhara Avengers. The league stage runs from November 17 to December 7 with two daily sessions: 11:45 AM and 4 PM. Post-league playoffs include Qualifier 1 on December 9, the Eliminator on December 10, and Qualifier 2 on December 11. The top two teams from these stages will advance to the final, concluding the tournament.

Lumbini Lions Sign Former Afghanistan Captain Gulbadin Naib for NPL Season 2

Lumbini Lions have announced the signing of former Afghanistan captain Gulbadin Naib for the second season of the Nepal Premier League (NPL). Naib, 34, is the team’s third foreign recruit after Australia’s Darcy Shirt and Italy’s Thomas Draka. He has played 75 T20 internationals, scoring 945 runs with three half-centuries and taking 33 wickets, while across 170 T20 matches he has amassed over 2,500 runs and 101 wickets. Naib has experience in IPL, Afghanistan Premier League, Bangladesh Premier League, and ILT20. Lumbini Lions, led by Rohitkumar Paudel and coached by Tinu Yohannan, retain several key players and acquired new talents through the mini-auction.

ANFA-Players Talks Stall Over Demand for Live Broadcast

The scheduled talks between the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) and the Nepal Football Players Association (NFPA) have been postponed. ANFA had called the players for a meeting following protests against the decision to hold only a National League and skip the A-Division League. However, the NFPA team, led by President Bikram Lama, refused to participate unless ANFA agreed to live broadcast the conversation. ANFA declined the demand, leading the players’ association to maintain their stance of not negotiating without public transparency.

Nepal Women’s Cricket Team Heads to India for Six Friendlies

The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has announced a 15-member Nepali Women’s National Team for a friendly cricket series in India. The team will tour India from November 13 to 19, 2025. Nepal will compete against women’s teams from three Indian states: Uttarakhand, Bengal, and Rajasthan. The schedule includes a total of six friendly matches (two against each state team). This tour is expected to provide Nepali players with essential international experience and help enhance their skills.

Kathmandu Gurkhas Secure KIIC Sponsorship Ahead of NPL Season 2

Kathmandu Gurkhas have signed a sponsorship deal with educational consultancy KIIC for the second season of the Nepal Premier League (NPL). Under the agreement, KIIC’s logo will appear on the team’s jerseys. KIIC, which has provided guidance to students pursuing international studies for 20 years, joins Gurkhas’ growing list of partners, including WorldLink (main sponsor), Shikhar Insurance (gold partner), Extreme Energy Drinks (drinks partner), and Tulip Hotel (hospitality partner). The team retains marquee players Karan KC, Bhim Sarki, Shahv Alam, Rashid Khan, Dipesh Kandel, and Pratik Shrestha, while adding international talents including John Simpson, Ricardo Vasconcelos, Gerhard Erasmus, Milind Kumar, Ben Charlesworth, and Sunny Patel.

Film Board Honors 15 Artists and Technicians for Cultural Contribution

The Film Development Board awarded the ‘Cultural Transformation Honor and Award’ to 15 senior and young artists, producers, and technicians for their contributions to the social and cultural transformation of the Nepali film sector. Minister of Communications Jagadish Kharel presented the award, which included a Rs 20,000 cash prize and a certificate. Honorees included actors Shiv Shrestha and Nazir Hussain, director Tirth Thapa, and singer Anju Panta, among others, at a ceremony held at the Board’s premises on Monday.

BBC’s Top Executives Resign Following Leaked Bias Report

BBC Director General Tim Davie and CEO of BBC News Deborah Turness both resigned following the leak of an internal dossier by former standards adviser Michael Prescott, which detailed wide-ranging claims of institutional bias and editorial failings. The report highlighted “troubling matters,” including “anti-Trump” bias in US election coverage, a misleading edit of a Donald Trump speech, “one-sided” transgender coverage, and “selection bias” against migration stories. It also specifically cited anti-Israel bias in BBC Arabic and misrepresentation of Palestinian casualty figures in Gaza. While both executives defended the BBC’s impartiality, Turness stated the “buck stops with me” regarding her departure.

Senate Passes Procedural Vote to End Record-Breaking US Shutdown

The US Senate passed a procedural vote to advance a compromise deal, signaling the first serious progress toward ending the longest government shutdown on record. After 40 days of deadlock, the vote, which required 60 votes, succeeded when eight Democrats crossed the aisle to join Republicans. The agreement includes funding for federal agencies, guarantees pay for 1.4 million federal workers, and funds the SNAP food safety net until next September. However, it still needs to clear the House of Representatives.

China Lifts Key Export Controls on Auto Chips Amid US Trade Ease

China’s Commerce Ministry has lifted export controls on computer chips made by Nexperia, which are crucial for car production, granting exemptions for civilian use. This move, which eases trade tensions with the US, prevents imminent supply shortages warned by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (EMEA). Concurrently, China also paused an export ban on semiconductor-related materials to the US and suspended port fees for American ships, following an agreement between President Xi Jinping and Donald Trump in October.

Zelenskyy Seeks 25 Patriot Air Defence Systems as Ukraine Faces Winter Blackouts

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced plans to order 25 Patriot air defence systems from the United States to counter persistent Russian aerial attacks, which have caused rolling blackouts ahead of winter. Zelenskyy acknowledged the systems’ high cost and lengthy manufacturing time but emphasized Ukraine’s urgent need. He suggested that European countries could temporarily lend their Patriots to Kyiv while awaiting delivery of the new batch, allowing Ukraine to strengthen its defences immediately. Zelenskyy highlighted that while the financial framework for the order is clear, some elements of the agreement remain unresolved, underscoring the urgency of international support for Ukraine’s security.

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy Placed Under House Arrest After Brief Prison Sentence

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy was granted conditional release and moved to house arrest Monday, less than three weeks into a five-year prison sentence for criminal conspiracy to illegally fund his 2007 campaign via Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. French prosecutors imposed strict judicial oversight: Sarkozy cannot contact witnesses or co-defendants and is barred from leaving France while appealing. During his brief imprisonment in La Santé prison, footage showed other inmates harassing him. Sarkozy, who led France from 2007–2012 and backed NATO’s Libya intervention, has consistently denied wrongdoing, calling the ordeal exhausting but asserting he responded fully to all summons and court proceedings.