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.

PM Karki Reduces Secretariat to 6 Members

Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki has significantly downsized her secretariat from 20 to six members, removing 14 individuals. A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office indicated that this move adheres to the ‘Procedure for Management of Prime Minister’s Advisors and Secretariat, 2017 (Eleventh Amendment 2025),’ which originally allowed for 66 positions but was kept at 20 for austerity. The new 6-member secretariat includes the Chief Personal Secretary, Chief Advisor, Public Relations Advisor, Press Coordinator, Personal Section Officer (Photographer), and a Public Health Expert. Joint Secretary Hemraj Aryal confirmed the remaining six individuals were previously appointed.

Nepal Observes 8th Social Security Day

Nepal observed the 8th Social Security Day today with the slogan, “Social Security: Access to Universal Health Services, Pensionable Society, and Protection of Citizen’s Life, including Productivity Enhancement.” A special ceremony was held at the Prime Minister’s Office in Singha Durbar, presided over by Prime Minister Sushila Karki. The day marks the anniversary of the declaration of the contribution-based social security program, emphasizing “Social Security and Employment: The Foundation of Good Labor Relations.”

Election Commission Plans New Code of Conduct

The Election Commission is preparing to implement an election code of conduct approximately two months before the upcoming election, with discussions focusing on enforcing it after the submission of the proportional candidate closed list on December 28 and 29. New provisions in the draft code include a requirement for political parties and elected candidates to publicly release an annual progress report on their election manifesto (Clause 37). Furthermore, candidates for the first-past-the-post system must submit a sealed property declaration with their nomination. Elected candidates will be pressured to publicly disclose this declaration upon their consent.

Multiple Parties Seek Joint Election Symbols

The number of political parties seeking to contest elections under a single, joint election symbol is increasing. Ujyalo Nepal Party and Hamro Party Nepal have jointly applied to the Election Commission to use the electric bulb symbol. Similarly, Rastriya Mukti Party Nepal, Janata Samajbadi Party, and Nagarik Unmukti Party Nepal have applied for the Grinding Stone symbol. The Political Parties Act allows two or more parties to contest jointly, but they must disclose which party the candidate belongs to. The number of parties registered for the election has already reached 106 as of Wednesday, with the registration deadline extended until November 30.

Madhesh CM Announces Relief Ahead of Court Hearing

The day before a full hearing in the Supreme Court regarding the legitimacy of the Madhesh Province government, Chief Minister Saroj Kumar Yadav announced two major policy proposals on Wednesday. These include providing Rs 1,500 per 3,645 square feet (1 Kattha) in relief to farmers affected by drought and Cyclone Montha (total cost estimated at Rs 360 million) and a monthly living allowance of Rs 2,000 for unemployed graduate youth aged 18 to 35 (148,000 people, total cost estimated at Rs 350 million). The announcements, which some critics view as a political stunt, come amid concerns from high-level provincial staff about the government’s financial capacity to sustain a monthly allowance for the unemployed.

Rabi Lamichhane’s Supreme Cooperative Case Adjourned

The hearing for Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairman Rabi Lamichhane and former Gorkha Media Director Chhabilal Joshi, who are in custody on charges of fraud and organized crime related to the Supreme Cooperative, was adjourned. The case was scheduled before the Butwal bench of the High Court but was postponed after Lamichhane’s legal counsel requested a deferral. Lamichhane has appealed to be released on bail after depositing his portion of the restitution amount, which totals Rs 27.4 million out of the collective Rs 109.9 million claimed.

12 Bodies From Gen Z Protests Remain Unidentified

Twelve bodies found in the debris of Bhatbhateni stores in Chuchepati, Sunsari, and Morang following the September 9 protests remain unidentified. Police have been unable to determine the gender or identity of the victims, as the bodies were completely burned. DNA testing attempts on the charred remains were unsuccessful due to technological limitations in Nepal. While relatives of missing persons have filed reports, the extensive damage to the remains prevents further investigation, and the unidentified bodies have been cremated after collecting samples, in coordination with local authorities.

Police Intensify Efforts to Recover Weapons and Arrest Fugitives

With 98 days remaining until the elections, the Nepal Police has prioritized the recovery of weapons looted during the Gen Z protests and the re-arrest of over 4,500 escaped inmates. A dedicated campaign has recovered more than 35 percent of the missing weapons, though none of the recent crimes, including murder and robbery committed by fugitives, have involved the stolen weapons. For the election, the Integrated Security Plan has been circulated to all districts, and an estimated 132,000 to 150,000 temporary police will be recruited. So far, 580 people have been arrested, and 278 cases have been registered in connection with the protests.

Respiratory Wards Overwhelmed as Cold and Pollution Rise in Kathmandu

Respiratory wards and ICUs at Bir Hospital and TU Teaching Hospital are overwhelmed due to a surge in cases of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pneumonia, driven by falling temperatures (around 7°C minimum) and rising air pollution in the Kathmandu Valley. Bir Hospital’s at least 24 respiratory beds are full, and both major tertiary care facilities report over 300 daily outpatients with respiratory issues. Doctors warn that the capacity of ICU beds is insufficient and urge the public to take preventative measures like mask-wearing and to receive influenza and pneumonia shots, especially the elderly and those with underlying conditions.

Social Security Fund Reaches 2.65 Million Contributors

The Eighth Social Security Day is being celebrated today with the slogan, ‘Social Security: Access to Universal Health Services, Pensionable Society, and Protection of Citizens’ Lives, including Productivity Enhancement.’ The Social Security Fund (SSF), established to realize the fundamental right to social security, now covers 2.65 million citizens as of Wednesday. This includes 649,511 from the formal sector, 1,996,579 from foreign employment, and 1,381 from the informal and self-employed sectors. The SSF has collected Rs 9.568 billion in contributions and disbursed Rs 17.72 billion in claims for various benefits.

Cabinet Approves Nepal Police O&M Survey

The Cabinet, during its Monday session in Mangsir, approved the Organization and Management (O&M) Survey for the Nepal Police. Central Police Spokesperson DIG Abhi Narayan Kafle confirmed that work on the O&M has begun, which will involve adjusting staffing levels, cutting unnecessary positions, and permanently establishing previously temporary offices. This move follows a similar recent adjustment within the Armed Police Force (APF).

KMC Explores LiDAR for Urban Mapping

Experts have suggested that Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology is suitable for creating detailed three-dimensional maps of Kathmandu Metropolitan City’s geography, infrastructure, and heritage sites. During an interaction organized by the Department of Information Technology, experts noted that LiDAR, which uses laser signals to create fine 3D maps and digital twins, could be used for urban planning, heritage documentation, disaster management, and smart city development. The technology can map and measure objects with up to two centimeters of accuracy, making it vital for recording the changing state of ancient structures.

Iron Barricades to Be Removed from Pashupatinath

The Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) is preparing to remove the iron barricades placed inside the Pashupatinath Temple that were used to manage queues, as they affect the heritage structure. PADT Acting Member Secretary Subash Chandra Joshi confirmed that the iron bars will be replaced with wood and rope. The Department of Archaeology also wrote to the PADT to remove the iron bars and the iron sky bridge, emphasizing that such metallic structures damage the integrity of the World Heritage Site.

Kathmandu Air Quality Worsens in Winter

Air pollution is escalating in the Kathmandu Valley as the winter season begins. A decrease in rainfall and wind speed during this season, combined with factors like vehicle smoke, road dust, industrial emissions, and burning agricultural waste, causes a buildup of pollutants. This phenomenon often makes Kathmandu one of the world’s most polluted cities during this time, with a visible layer of smog covering the valley when viewed from the surrounding hills.

13 Arrested in Thamel for Harassing Tourists

Police have arrested 13 individuals in Thamel, Kathmandu, on charges of harassing and robbing tourists. The arrested individuals, including Badal Tamang (19), Ganesh Nath (22), and Bishal Thapa Magar (24), were apprehended by the police. The Kathmandu District Administration Office has granted a four-day remand to investigate the detainees under the charge of indecent behavior.

Police Halt Child Marriage Between Chinese Citizen and Nepali Minor

Police in Bara intervened on Wednesday night to stop the child marriage between a Chinese citizen and a Nepali minor from the Muslim community in Haraiya, Karaiyamai Rural Municipality-1. The groom, the bride, and the bride’s father, Jakir Hussain, were taken into custody. Superintendent of Police Narendra Kunwar stated that a deep investigation is underway to determine the purpose and nature of the marriage. Local residents reported that at least three such marriages involving Chinese citizens have occurred in the area over the past year, potentially involving financial inducement.

228,000 Fish Released in Kaligandaki and Andhikhola

The Kaligandaki ‘A’ Fish Hatchery Service released 228,000 fish into the Andhikhola River and the Kaligandaki ‘A’ dam side. This annual campaign is conducted to maintain natural aquatic balance and protect the traditional fishing livelihoods of the Bote and Majhi communities. Atmesh Paudel, Chief of the Kaligandaki ‘A’ Hydropower Center, said the program addresses the permanent decline in aquatic life caused by dam construction and ensures the migration cycle of fish is not interrupted.

Hetauda Road Expansion Forces Structure Removal

The Makwanpur District Administration Office has issued a 15-day ultimatum for the removal of all permanent and temporary structures built within 25-25 yards (75-75 feet) of the center line of the Mahendra Highway and Tribhuwan Highway in Hetauda. Effective December 6, vehicle movement will be restricted in the main market area to allow for the road expansion. The decision follows a Supreme Court order allowing the removal of encroaching structures. A special task force has been formed, led by Engineer Yadav Subedi of the Hetauda Road Division Office, to oversee the process and manage alternative routes for traffic.

NEA Gulmi Launches Student Safety Campaign

The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), Gulmi Distribution Center, has initiated a student awareness campaign to mitigate electrical risks. The campaign focuses on school-aged children who are highly vulnerable to electrical accidents. Information Officer Bharat Pokhrel stated that students at Devisthan Secondary School in Malika Rural Municipality-7, Bagla Secondary School in Dhurkot Rural Municipality-7, and Janasahayog Secondary School in Resunga Municipality-5 have already received safety training. The center plans to extend the campaign across the district, leveraging the effectiveness of raising awareness from the school level to homes and communities.

Satyawati RM Holds Free Cancer Screening for Women

Satyawati Rural Municipality in Gulmi organized a free Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) screening camp for uterine and breast cancer. Conducted at Johang, Juniyan, and Limgha health posts as part of the annual program, the camp served 193 women. Health Coordinator Himalal Bhandari reported that 41 women were treated for uterine prolapse, and seven were referred for specialist care. The rural municipality, which has 14 health institutions, plans to declare itself a fully institutionalized delivery service-provided municipality by next month.

Cooperative Donates IT Equipment to Saptari Court

The Nepal Cooperative Society Limited, Rajbiraj, donated one computer and one printer to the Saptari District Court as part of its social responsibility initiative. The court had been struggling to conduct daily work due to the destruction of IT equipment during the Gen Z protest on September 9. Registrar Shyam Hari Adhikari expressed gratitude, noting that the equipment, though a small contribution, will help enhance the court’s digital service delivery and ensure quick and easy judicial services for the public.

Drivers Block Road Over Poor Kalaiya-Malahi Conditions

The Nepal Independent Auto Drivers’ Union Federation started an indefinite road blockade on Thursday due to the severely dilapidated condition of the 16-kilometer Kalaiya-Malahi road section in Bara. Federation President Safi Ansari reported that about 150 tempo drivers blocked the road near the Pasaha River bridge. The drivers, who claim to spend up to Rs 15,000 a month on vehicle repairs due to potholes, are demanding immediate blacktopping. Local police are attempting to negotiate with the drivers, who are demanding a concrete assurance for road repair.

JSP Madhesh Chief Resigns

Ashok Kumar Yadav, the Madhesh Province President of the Ashok Rai-led Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP), has resigned from his post and given up his general membership. Yadav stated in his resignation letter to the party president that the development and protection of rights for the country and Madhesh are not possible under Madhesh-centric parties in the current political climate. Separately, it was reported that some leaders, including JSP Vice-President Rajendra Shrestha, are set to join the Nepali Communist Party today.

Federal Parliament Secretariat Promotes 3 Staff

The Federal Parliament Secretariat has promoted three employees to the under secretary position in the Administration Service, General Administration Group. The promotions were based on the decision of the Promotion Recommendation Committee on Wednesday and the decision of October 17. The promoted employees are Shailendra Ghimire, Bhanu Pokhrel, and Pramila Paudel Gautam.

SAARC Program Committee Holds 61st Meeting

The 61st meeting of the SAARC Program Committee concluded virtually on Wednesday. Foreign Ministry Joint Secretary and Committee Chairman Kiran Shakya highlighted SAARC as a crucial platform for dialogue and cooperation among member states. SAARC Secretary-General Mohammad Golam Sarwar discussed the importance of the Committee’s role and expressed confidence in achieving collective goals for the prosperity of South Asian nations. The meeting reviewed and finalized the annual schedules of activities and budgets for SAARC’s specialized bodies and regional centers for the coming year.

Sudurpaschim Royals Clinch Fourth Consecutive Win in NPL

The Sudurpaschim Royals secured their fourth consecutive victory in the Siddhartha Bank Nepal Premier League (NPL) on Thursday, defeating the Lumbini Lions by 7 wickets at the TU International Cricket Stadium in Kirtipur. The Royals chased down the 144-run target in 18.2 overs, bringing their total points to 8 and putting them close to the playoffs. Wicketkeeper Binod Bhandari scored an unbeaten 69 runs off 49 balls, his first half-century of the season, while Aarif Sheikh contributed 39 runs. This marks the third consecutive defeat for the Lumbini Lions.

Nepali Women Wrestlers Set Tilicho Lake World Record

Nepali wrestlers Bhagwati Khadka (Unika) and Asmita Sunar (Jureli), along with American wrestler Camille Colletti Ligon (Holi-dead), competed in a major wrestling event near Tilicho Lake (3,800 meters above sea level) on Wednesday. The event, organized by the Nepal Women’s Wrestling Foundation (NWWF), aimed to set a Guinness World Record for wrestling at the world’s highest altitude. Unika and Jureli emerged victorious in their respective matches, successfully securing the world record. This follows a previous successful event at Kalapatthar on May 29, 2024.

Chaudandigadhi to Host Koshi Province Badminton Tournament

The newly constructed indoor badminton court in Sundarpur, Chaudandigadhi Municipality-5, Udayapur, will host the Third Deputy Mayor Cup Koshi Province-Level Badminton Tournament-2025. Organized by the Sundarpur Badminton Club with support from the Chaudandigadhi Municipality, the event will be formally inaugurated by Koshi Province Chief Minister Hikmat Karki. The tournament will run on December 1, 2, 7, and 8 and feature categories like Province-Level Men’s Doubles, Mixed Doubles, Veterans 45+, and Boy’s U-19 Singles, with cash prizes and trophies for winners.

Unmanned Aircraft Association Demands Drone Regulation

The Unmanned Aircraft Association of Nepal met with Minister of Youth and Sports Bablu Gupta on Thursday to demand regulation of informal drone and pilotless sports activities in Nepal. The association expressed concern over activities like drone racing operating without clear standards, negatively impacting safety and the integrity of the sport. They suggested that the government delegate the responsibility for technical oversight and regulation to technically proficient non-governmental bodies, similar to how the Nepal Cricket Association manages cricket.

Nepal Women’s Football Team Defeats Indonesia in Friendly

The Nepal women’s national football team suffered a 2-1 defeat against Indonesia in an international friendly match on Wednesday at the Maguwoharjo Stadium in Yogyakarta. Nepal initially took the lead with an own goal resulting from a corner kick by Anita Basnet, but the hosts rallied in the second half with goals from captain Gea Yumanda (58th minute) and substitute Aulia Al Mabruroh (67th minute). The team struggled to maintain an aggressive offense without star forward Sabitra Bhandari, who was out due to injury. Nepal is set to play its next match against Chinese Taipei on Tuesday.

Train Accident in China Kills 11 Railway Workers

A train accident in Kunming, China, on Thursday morning resulted in the deaths of 11 railway maintenance workers and injuries to two others. The incident occurred at the Luoyang Town railway station when a train testing seismic equipment hit the workers on a curved section of the track, according to the Kunming Railway Bureau. Emergency response measures were immediately activated, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the tragic incident, which is being called the deadliest rail accident in more than a decade in China.

US Suspends Afghan Immigration Processing After White House Shooting

The US has suspended processing all immigration requests from Afghans following the shooting of two National Guard soldiers near the White House on Wednesday. The suspect, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal (29), an Afghan man who arrived in the US in September 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome and was granted asylum earlier this year, was shot four times by intervening National Guard members. US President Donald Trump called the attack an “act of terror” and ordered 500 additional National Guard members to be deployed to Washington, D.C.

Pope Leo XIV Begins Historic Trip to Turkey and Lebanon

Pope Leo XIV has begun the first foreign trip of his papacy, a six-day journey to Turkey and Lebanon with the overarching theme of “building bridges.” A key event will be in Iznik, Turkey, where he will join leaders of other Christian traditions to mark the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. Despite recent Israeli airstrikes on Beirut, the Pope’s visit to Lebanon remains unchanged. On the final day, he will celebrate Mass at the Beirut waterfront, praying for the more than 200 people killed in the 2020 port explosion.

EU Agrees on New Rules to Protect Consumers from Online Payment Fraud

EU member states and the European Parliament have agreed on new rules to enhance customer protection against online payment fraud, hidden fees, and data leaks. The new legislation will make payment service providers liable for covering customer losses if they fail to implement appropriate fraud prevention measures. It also mandates that online platforms must remove fraudulent ads and makes them liable for bank reimbursement costs if they fail to do so. Additionally, the rules require banks to ensure access to human customer care, not just chatbots, and improve cash access in rural areas.

55 Dead in Massive Hong Kong High-Rise Fire

At least 55 people have been killed in a massive fire that engulfed a high-rise public housing complex, Wang Fuk Court, in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong. The blaze tore through seven of the eight tower blocks, which house about 4,600 residents. The fire was classified as a level five blaze, the most serious level in Hong Kong. As officials work to quell the remaining flames, three construction company executives have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, with an investigation into the cause of the fire underway.