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.

Gen Z Movement Leader Gurung Calls on PM Karki

Gen Z movement leader Sudan Gurung on Tuesday called on Prime Minister Sushila Karki at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers at Singha Durbar. During the meeting, Gurung expressed his interest to be updated about the progress regarding an agreement to be reached between the government and the Gen Z movement, according to the Prime Minister’s Secretariat. He urged the Prime Minister to conclude the process required for finalizing the agreement giving official recognition to the Gen Z movement.

PM Karki Vows Hard Line on Corruption on International Anti-Corruption Day

Prime Minister Sushila Karki pledged that the government would not hesitate to take “the harshest steps” against corruption, despite being threatened by certain elements. Speaking at a program in Singha Durbar today, on the 22nd International Anti-Corruption Day, PM Karki stated that her administration was formed on the back of the Gen Z protest’s demand for good governance and is working at a fast pace. The day is being marked with the theme “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity.” The Prime Minister urged all officials to proceed fearlessly, noting that her experience in court made her aware of the obstacles placed against anti-corruption efforts. She emphasized that controlling corruption is not the responsibility of a single body, and the head of each agency is accountable for preventing corruption within their office.

Indian Additional Secretary Mahawar Meets Home Minister Aryal

An additional secretary at India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Munu Mahawar, held a courtesy meeting with Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal at the Home Ministry on Tuesday. They discussed bilateral relations and mutual interests. Mahawar pledged full cooperation for the upcoming House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5, 2026, promising to ensure necessary resources and security materials for the Nepali forces. Mahawar also committed assistance for post-Jajarkot earthquake reconstruction and disaster recovery. Home Minister Aryal requested Mahawar to expedite the construction of the Dhodhara-Chandani dry port and the Bhairahawa Integrated Check Post, while also urging effective information exchange between security agencies to control cross-border crime. Mahawar extended an invitation to Minister Aryal to visit India.

67 Parties Apply for Proportional Representation System

A total of 67 political parties have applied for registration under the Proportional Representation (PR) system for the upcoming House of Representatives election on March 5, 2026. According to Election Commission (EC) Assistant Spokesperson Sita Pun Shrees, 34 parties submitted applications on Monday, following 33 parties on Sunday. The deadline for submission was today at 4:00 PM. The EC will publish the list of applicant parties on December 10. The EC has also decided to update voter registration details collected until November 21 and set the cut-off date for voters reaching 18 years of age to March 4, 2026. The deadline for correcting errors in the voter list is December 12.

Home Ministry Directs Placement of 45 Gen Z Martyrs’ Names in 77 Districts

The Home Ministry has directed all 77 District Administration Offices (DAOs) to display the list of 45 individuals who were declared martyrs of the Gen Z good governance movement that occurred on September 8 and 9. Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal made the decision on Sunday. The Ministry issued a circular on Monday instructing the Chief District Officers to place the names, along with the details of the 45 individuals declared Gen Z Good Governance Warriors, in their offices within three days.

Pokhara Airport Scam: CIEC Files Case Against 55; Three More Probes Underway

The Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) filed a case in the Special Court on Sunday against 55 individuals, including politicians, high-ranking officials, and Nepal Civil Aviation Authority (CAAN) employees, alleging Rs 8.367 billion in irregularities during the construction of Pokhara Regional International Airport. The CIAA noted that its investigation is ongoing in three separate matters, including tax exemption, the cutting of the Chhinedanda/Ritthepani hills, and the appointment of consultants. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) also questioned these subjects. PAC claims that Rs 2.224 billion in tax was exempted outside the original agreement, and CAAN spent Rs 320.2 million on hill cutting, a task originally assigned to the contractor. The CIAA is now pursuing separate investigations for these distinct matters based on a past Special Court order.

Customs Agents Halt Services Nationwide in Protest of New Customs Act

Customs clearance operations have been halted across all customs offices nationwide after the Nepal Federation of Customs Agents called for a pen-down protest. The service disruption, which began on Sunday in Birgunj, is a protest against certain provisions of the Customs Act, 2025, which came into effect on December 7. The Federation argues that the new Act discourages legitimate trade and infringes upon the professional rights of customs agents by introducing unnecessary penalties and increasing discretionary powers. They cite the penalty increase for under-declaration to 100 percent as one such harsh measure. The protest has directly affected revenue collection and warned of further agitation if their concerns are not addressed.

ADB Warns Nepal’s Water Security at Risk

The Asian Development Bank (ADB), in its Asian Water Development Outlook 2025, has warned that Nepal’s water security is at risk due to the steady decline of its springs and groundwater reserves. Over-pumping in the Kathmandu Valley has severely depleted aquifers, and numerous springs across the hills have dried up or diminished. The report notes that despite abundant water resources, only about 25 percent of the population has access to fully functional drinking water systems due to infrastructure gaps, fragmented governance, and climate impacts. While rural water security has improved, nearly half of rural households still face contamination risks, including naturally occurring arsenic in the Terai. The study calls for integrated watershed management, reforestation, and the protection of recharge zones to reverse the decline and address the paradox of water abundance yet persistent scarcity.

RPP Holds Protest Rally in Kathmandu for Monarchy and Hindu State

The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) organized a protest program in Kathmandu on Tuesday to exert pressure on the government. The party held a large assembly at Ratna Park following rallies from various locations across the valley. The protest and mass gathering were organized to create public pressure for the reinstatement of the monarchy and the establishment of a Hindu state in Nepal.

CPN (UML) Finalizes Delegate List for 11th National General Convention

The CPN (UML) is in the final stage of updating the list of delegates for its 11th National General Convention. At least 2,154 delegates were elected, and 108 will be nominated by the central committee, totaling 2,262 representatives. The total number of participants, including 351 members from the advisory council, will be 2,613. Issues in delegate selection in the Dhankuta and Okhaldhunga districts have been resolved through consensus, following the cancellation of the initial process by the party center. Verification of over 70 percent of the delegates is complete. The party expects to finalize all selections and card printing by Thursday.

Karnali Entrepreneurs Submit 11-Point Demand to CM

Industry and business entrepreneurs in Karnali Province submitted an 11-point attention letter to Chief Minister Yam Lal Kandel on Monday, expressing disappointment over the government’s failure to attract investors despite the region’s vast natural potential. The government’s policies have hurt the private sector, which is already struggling due to COVID, the earthquake, the Gen Z protests, and high bank interest rates. Key demands include ensuring the Karnali Highway operates smoothly 24 hours a day, launching a Startup Entrepreneur Program in collaboration with the private sector, and reviewing the decision to avoid holding government events in hotels. Other demands focus on promoting local businesses, reducing rent for small industrial villages, and allowing 24-hour hotel operations in key market areas along the highway.

Election Commission Voids Candidacy for Unpaid Fine

The Election Commission (EC) has voided the application of the Akhanda Sudurpaschim Party Nepal to contest the upcoming election for failing to pay a fine. The party was among six political parties that were fined by the EC for not submitting their income and expenditure details for the fiscal year 2023/24 on time. Out of the six penalized parties, one withdrew its application, and four paid the fines to contest the election jointly with other parties. However, the Akhanda Sudurpaschim Party Nepal did not pay the penalty, leading the EC to nullify its application. A total of 114 parties are registered to participate in the upcoming House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5, 2026.

19th Edition of Surya Kiran Joint Military Exercise Concludes in India

The 19th edition of the joint military exercise ‘Surya Kiran,’ involving the Nepali Army and the Indian Army, concluded in Pithoragarh, India, on December 8. The exercise, which began on November 25, focused on subjects including disaster management, counter-insurgency, counter-terrorism, jungle warfare, and humanitarian assistance. Major General Anup Jang Thapa led the observer delegation team from the Nepali Army. The ‘Surya Kiran’ exercise has been conducted alternately in Nepal and India since 2010. The Nepali Army stated that such joint exercises strengthen friendly relations, enhance professional skills among the ranks, and improve mutual understanding between the forces of both nations.

New Customs Act, 2025 BS, Introduces Blue Lane and Stricter Penalties

The new Customs Act, 2025, which came into effect on Saturday, has introduced the Blue Lane to the clearance process, making a total of four lanes. Similar to the Green Lane, the Blue Lane allows for the release of goods without inspection of documents or goods at the border. However, post-clearance inspection (PCA) is mandatory for Blue Lane goods, unlike the Green Lane, where PCA was optional. The new act also introduced the Authorized Business Person (ABP) concept for trade facilitation but significantly tightened penalties. Penalties for under-declaration of goods have been increased from 50 percent to 100 percent. Presenting forged documents to evade revenue can now result in a fine of 200 percent of the loss and up to a one-year jail term.

Four Firms Penalized Following Market Monitoring on Monday

The Department of Commerce, Supplies, and Consumer Protection (DoC&CC) penalized four firms after conducting market monitoring in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Lalitpur on Monday. Nyanu Nepali Sirak Industry in Madhyapur Thimi was fined Rs 20,000. Shree Chonga Ganesh Hardware and Krishna Plywood and Paint, both located in Sallaghari, Bhaktapur, were fined Rs 10,000 each. Imran Readymade in Kathmandu Metropolitan City-16 was also fined Rs 10,000. The firms were penalized for violating sections of the Consumer Protection Act, 2018. The DoC&CC monitored 15 firms in total, providing general instructions to 11 of them for necessary improvements and compliance with the law.

111 Children, Women, and Seniors Still Missing in Saptari

Police data from Saptari district shows that 111 children, women, and senior citizens who went missing over a three-and-a-half-year period are yet to be found. Police Inspector Anil Sah reported at a program on gender-based violence that a total of 426 individuals went missing between the fiscal year 2021/22 and the present, with 361 having been located. The 111 missing individuals comprise 65 from the first three fiscal years and 46 from the current fiscal year, 2025/26. Data for the three years shows seven boys and 33 girls are still missing. The Saptari District Police Office also reported receiving 95 complaints of violence against women in the five months since mid-July, with 70 cases resolved through mediation.

Importers and Agents Protest Against Stricter Penalties in New Customs Act

Importers and customs agents are protesting the newly implemented Customs Act, 2025, citing excessively harsh penalty provisions in Sections 3.3(2), 71, and 72. The Birgunj Chamber of Commerce and Industry criticized the government for discouraging legitimate traders by labeling minor human errors as “fraud codes” and imposing massive fines. The new rules mandate importers to pay penalties up to five times the value of the goods and agents to pay 10 percent of the customs duty for accidental data entry mistakes. The Birgunj Customs Agents Association confirmed that work at the Birgunj Customs Office has been disrupted and is demanding that the government amend the provisions immediately to prevent capital flight and a deepening contraction of the Nepali economy.

Nepal to Mark International Migrants Day with Focus on Governance and Safety

Nepal will celebrate International Migrant Workers Day on December 18 with the national slogan, “Good Governance in the Cycle of Labor Migration: Safe, Dignified, and Skilled Migration.” The main organizing committee, headed by Pitamber Ghimire, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Labor, stated that the day’s program will focus on making the legislature, executive, and judiciary more accountable for safe and dignified foreign employment. The week-long program aims to leverage remittances, skills, and experience gained from foreign employment to make the labor force more productive and competitive, which is in line with the government’s policy. The global day, observed annually on December 18, was established by the United Nations to raise awareness of the opportunities and challenges of migration and recognize the contributions of migrants worldwide.

Education Ministry Calls for Applications for Purwanchal and Mid-Western University Chairs

The Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology has issued a notice calling for applications for the positions of Chairperson for the Service Commissions of Purwanchal University and Mid-West University. The Ministry has also sought applications for the position of Member for the Purwanchal University Service Commission. Interested individuals are required to submit their personal details, academic certificates, and experience within seven days. Education Minister Mahabir Pun also noted that applications have been opened for the chairperson position of the Agriculture and Forestry University Service Commission.

Dang Contractors Idle as Development Works Stall Due to Budget Uncertainty

Construction contractors in Dang are sitting idle as development works, typically gaining momentum after the festival season, have stalled this year. Most projects have not moved forward because development offices lack budget assurance and have not called for tenders in time. This delay has significantly affected contractors and the labor force, with many daily wage workers traveling to India in search of employment. While the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure Development claims that the tender process is underway, they confirmed that the provincial government has cut 20 percent of the budget allocated for new schemes, citing limited resources and a focus on continuous and multi-year projects. Contractors argue that the lack of clarity is a bigger problem than the budget cut itself.

Viral Fever Spreads Among 180 Households in Bajura’s Badimalika

A viral fever outbreak is spreading rapidly in Badimalika Municipality, Bajura, affecting approximately 180 households. As the cold weather increases, residents, including students, are reporting symptoms such as cold, cough, headache, fever, and vomiting. Many students are struggling to attend classes due to illness. Student attendance has dropped significantly, with the majority of the 93 enrolled students being absent or coming to school sick. Min Bahadur Thapa, Chief of the Rila Urban Health Center, reported that they are receiving five to seven patients daily with viral fever symptoms, and while medication is providing some relief, the cold weather is worsening the situation.

Illegal Crusher Plant Shut Down by Monitoring Committee

The District Monitoring Committee has shut down an illegally operating crusher plant in Leguwaghat, Arun Rural Municipality-6, Bhojpur. District Coordination Committee Chief Kamal Thulung confirmed the action, stating that the crusher was found to be illegally exploiting natural resources without completing any legal procedures. The monitoring committee determined that the crusher violated the Stone, Gravel, Sand Excavation, Sale, and Management Standards, 2020. Specifically, the plant was operating only about 300 meters north of the Leguwa-Bhojpur Highway bridge and 60 meters from the Arun River, distances prohibited by law. Thulung stated that the committee is facing pressure to reopen the plant but is committed to bringing all law-violating crushers under the legal framework. The illegal operation had been running since 2016.

Kali Gandaki River Rafting Season Ends Early with Near-Zero International Tourists

The rafting season on the Kali Gandaki River ended early this week due to rising cold, with a near-zero turnout of international tourists. The season, which typically runs from mid-September to late November, saw more than 3,000 foreign tourists last year, but numbers plummeted this year due to factors including the Gen Z protest. Hom Pun, operator of River Explorer Nepal, noted that some bookings were canceled. Dev Regmi, operator of Salom Rafting Trek and Expedition, stated that while the Kali Gandaki is a popular destination for its long, moderate flow, the protests and resulting low tourist arrivals created major problems. The next rafting season is expected to begin from March to June.

Tahanu N-PABSON to Host Two-Day Sports Festival in Damauli

The National Private and Boarding Schools’ Association Nepal (N-PABSON) Tanahu chapter is set to organize a two-day sports festival in Damauli on December 11-12. At a press conference held on Tuesday, N-PABSON Tanahu President Bishweswar Khanal announced that preparations are in the final stage. The event, which aims to promote the overall development of students through sports, is expected to cost between Rs 350,000 and Rs 400,000. The festival will feature competition for 26 gold medals and will see participation from 28 schools. Schools demonstrating excellence in participation, cultural procession, and discipline will receive an Rs 2,000 cash prize and a certificate.

Himalayan Willow Appoints Cricketer Nandan Yadav as Brand Ambassador

Himalayan Willow, a cricket gear company, has appointed national cricket team member and medium-pacer Nandan Yadav as its brand ambassador. Pradip Yadav, CEO and co-founder of Himalayan Willow, and Nandan signed the one-year agreement. Under the agreement, the company will provide Nandan with cricket equipment and financial support for one year. At the same event, the KG Sports brand, in collaboration with Himalayan Willow, announced a one-year sponsorship deal for equipment for young Nepali batsman Sandeep Jora. Nandan Yadav thanked the company for appointing a bowler as a brand ambassador.

NPL Cricket 2025: Sudurpaschim into Final

Sudurpaschim Royals has advanced to final in the ongoing Nepal Premier League (NPL). In today’s first qualifier match, Sudurpaschim Royals has reached the final defeating Biratnagar Kings by 77 runs. Biratnagar however will get a chance to play eliminator. Chasing the 156-run target presented by Sudurpaschim, Biratnagar was all-out scoring 78 runs in 14.1 overs. Despite Faf du Plessis scoring a maximum of 36 runs, Biratnagar could not avoid defeat.

‘Gurkha Warrior’ Becomes First Nepali Film Premiered in IMAX

The Nepali film Gurkha Warrior became the first Nepali film to be premiered in the IMAX format at the IMAX Cineworld in London’s Leicester Square in 2023. IMAX is an advanced display system known for its massive screen, high-resolution cameras, and powerful sound. Director Milan Chams, a former Gurkha soldier, dedicated one year to securing the screening, which tells the story of Gurkha soldiers fighting in the Malayan jungle in 1949. Chams stated that the screening was a matter of pride for Nepal, overcoming the challenge of the cinema hall’s strict policies. The honor was granted due to the British respect for the Gurkhas, suggesting it may be difficult for non-Gurkha films to secure a similar premiere.

Mongolian Heart Band Heads to UK for First Live Performance

The popular Nepali band Mongolian Heart is set to perform live in the UK for the first time. The band members are scheduled to depart from Nepal on Wednesday for the concert tour. The main concert, organized by GT Base Entertainment, will take place on December 13 at the Harrow Centre in London. Established 33 years ago in 1992, the band, led by Raju Lama, is known for its hit songs in folk, slow rock, and pop genres, including ‘Parkhaima,’ ‘Badalpariko Desh Bata,’ and ‘Gajalu Tika.’ Manager and guitarist Bobby Lama confirmed that all preparations are complete and the band is eager to connect with the UK audience.

Magnitude 7.5 Earthquake Injures 30 in Northeastern Japan

A magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck off the coast of the Aomori region in northeastern Japan on Monday night, injuring at least 30 people and forcing the evacuation of 90,000 residents. The quake occurred at 23:15 at a depth of 50 km, prompting a temporary tsunami warning, with waves of 70 cm observed. Approximately 2,700 homes in Aomori Prefecture lost power, and train services were suspended. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged citizens to prepare for immediate evacuation if shaking occurs and to remain on high alert for a potentially stronger tremor in the coming week. No irregularities were reported at the Higashidori and Onagawa nuclear plants or the disabled Fukushima site. Japan, which experiences about 1,500 earthquakes annually, has a 60–90 percent chance of a megaquake in the Nankai Trough within the next 30 years.

Sudan Airstrikes Kill Over 1,700 Civilians

An investigation by the Sudan Witness Project documented 384 military airstrikes between April 2023 and July 2025 that reportedly killed more than 1,700 civilians and injured 1,120. The project, focusing on attacks by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) air force, which uses unguided bombs, found patterns of repeated hits on residential areas (135 cases), markets (35 instances), and vulnerable sites like displacement camps and hospitals (19 strikes). The SAF denied targeting civilians, stating its strikes are directed only at Rapid Support Forces (RSF) military targets. However, Sudan Witness argues the patterns strongly suggest the SAF is not doing enough to avoid civilian casualties. The report highlighted a strike in North Darfur’s Zamzam camp for displaced people, where an unguided bomb, matching a Sudanese-produced SH-250 munition, was documented.

Ukraine to Present Revised Peace Plan to US to Avoid Territorial Cessions

Ukraine is preparing a revised peace proposal to submit to the White House after President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected the initial US-backed plan, reiterating that he has no legal or moral right to surrender territory. Meeting with European and NATO leaders in London and Brussels on Monday, Zelensky emphasized that Russia is insisting on territorial concessions, including total control of the Donbas region. The initial 28-point US draft has been cut down to 20 points, though Zelensky stressed that no “pro-Ukrainian” points have been removed. He singled out control of the Donbas and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant as the most sensitive issues. Meanwhile, Russia conducted drone attacks, leaving the city of Sumy in northwestern Ukraine without power overnight.

US Allows Nvidia to Sell Advanced H200 AI Chips to China

US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that Nvidia and other US chip companies, such as AMD, will be permitted to sell their advanced H200 AI chips to “approved commercial customers” in China. The decision follows extensive lobbying by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. The sale is conditional, with President Trump stating that “25%” of the Chinese revenues will be paid to the United States. The H200 is a generation behind Nvidia’s most advanced Blackwell chip. Nvidia applauded the decision, calling it a “thoughtful balance” that supports US jobs and manufacturing. However, national security analysts warn that easier access to these high-quality AI chips enables China’s military to develop advanced AI capabilities for battlefield advantage.

Thailand-Cambodia Border Clashes Escalate, Killing 10 and Displacing 146,000

Deadly clashes have escalated along the disputed Thailand-Cambodia border, killing at least 10 people and displacing more than 146,000 civilians in the past 48 hours. Both sides blamed the other for violating the US-backed ceasefire deal signed six weeks ago. Cambodia’s senate president, Hun Sen, stated that Cambodia was compelled to counterattack to defend its territory. Thailand’s defense ministry vowed to defend its sovereignty, with the prime minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, insisting there will be no talks until Cambodia complies with Thailand’s terms. The conflict, which dates back more than a century, saw the Thai navy taking action to expel Cambodian forces encroaching in Trat province. Over 125,000 people in Thailand and more than 21,000 in Cambodia have been evacuated to temporary shelters.