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.

NPC Vice-chair Takes Oath of Office

Prime Minister Sushila Karki administered the oath of office and secrecy to newly appointed Vice-Chairperson of National Planning Commission, Dr Prakash Kumar Shrestha and member Prof Dr Suniti Shrestha (Hada). The duo took the oath before the Head of the Government at a special ceremony organized here today. The cabinet meeting on December 15 had appointed the two to the vacant position of NPC Vice-chair and member respectively. Present in today’s oath-taking ceremony were member of the Commission and Chief Secretary of the government of Nepal, Suman Raj Aryal, Secretary at the Office of Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, Raj Kumar Shrestha and Secretary of the Commission, Rabi Lal Pant among others high-ranking government officers.

Security Agencies Brief Home Ministry: March Election Feasible Despite Gen Z and Party Rivalries

Security agencies have briefed the Home Ministry, stating that holding the election on March 5, 2026, is feasible. While some political parties claim the security environment is sensitive due to escaped prisoners and unaccounted weapons, security heads argue these do not pose a major threat. They estimate many stolen weapons have been returned, and others discarded. The main security challenge is instead anticipated to be clashes between political factions and the Gen Z groups regarding participation in the election. Of the 14,000 escaped prisoners, nearly 10,000 have been recaptured. Security agencies believe the remaining escapees pose a threat primarily to complainants and judicial officials, not the electoral process itself.

31 National and International Organizations Authorized to Observe March Election

The Election Commission has granted permission to 31 organizations to observe the upcoming March 5, 2026 election. The EC received applications from 44 national and four international organizations. After reviewing the applications based on set criteria, the EC approved 27 national organizations and four international organizations. The international observers include The Carter Center Atlanta, The Multidisciplinary Institute of Training and Learning Massachusetts, the International Republican Institute, and the Asian Network for Free Elections. The approved national groups include the Nepal Human Rights Organization, the Federation of NGOs Nepal, and the Informal Sector Service Center, ensuring broad local oversight of the electoral process.

EC to Discuss Banning Children from Election Promoting

The Election Commission (EC) is holding a high-level discussion today to address several key electoral issues. EC Spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai announced the meeting will include the ministers of law and justice, communication and information, and women, children, and senior citizens. The agenda includes banning the unlawful use of children in election-related programs, making voting centers more accessible for the disabled and senior citizens, and promoting proportional representation. The meeting will also focus on the implementation of voter education programs to ensure greater participation and awareness across all demographic groups ahead of the upcoming election.

EC Seeks Clarification from 7 Parties for Failing to Submit Audit Reports

The Election Commission has sought clarification from seven political parties as to why they should not be dissolved (cancelled) for failing to submit their annual audit reports for three or more consecutive years. Two parties, Aam Aadmi Party Nepal and Nepal Communist Party (Democratic), have not submitted reports for four years. The EC is seeking the explanation because these parties have also failed to pay the corresponding annual fines levied on them. Parties have been given three days to submit a satisfactory written explanation, failing which the EC will initiate the process of dissolution under the Political Parties Act, 2017.

Presidential Political Advisor Sunil Bahadur Thapa Resigns to Run for Election

Sunil Bahadur Thapa, the political advisor to President Ramchandra Paudel, has resigned from his post. The President’s Secretariat confirmed the resignation, stating that Thapa stepped down to prepare for his candidacy in the National Assembly election scheduled for January 25. Thapa is a Central Committee member of the Nepali Congress, having been elected in the party’s 14th General Convention in 2021. He had previously served as the president’s advisor since President Paudel’s election in 2022.

NC Leaders Koirala and Deuba Meet Over Active Membership Dispute

Nepali Congress leader Shekhar Koirala met with party President Sher Bahadur Deuba, accompanied by Central Member Dr. Minendra Rijal, to discuss two critical party issues. Koirala voiced concern over the Active Membership Management Committee sending unnumbered forms to district chapters, arguing that these forms create complex problems nationwide and cannot be used to start the general convention process. Koirala urged Deuba to immediately recall the invalid forms and dispatch new ones. Furthermore, Koirala requested Deuba to revoke all disciplinary actions taken against party members related to the 2022 election alliance disputes, urging them to be directed toward preparing for the general convention and general election.

CPN (UML) 11th General Convention: Voting Underway; 20 Tharu Leaders Contesting

The CPN (UML)’s 11th National General Convention proceeds to its fourth day with voting scheduled to begin after 4 PM today. A total of 20 leaders from the Tharu community (13 men and 7 women) are contesting for the 301-member working committee, which includes 19 office-bearers. Former Lumbini Province Minister Baijnath Chaudhary (Nawalparasi) is the sole Tharu leader running for an office-bearer position, contesting for the Deputy General Secretary post. Tharu candidates are running on two main panels: one supporting Chairman K.P. Sharma Oli and the other supporting Senior Vice-Chairman Ishwor Pokhrel, with some also running as independents.

NC Jumla Recommends 4 Candidates for Federal Election

The Nepali Congress (NC) Jumla has recommended four candidates for the direct election to the House of Representatives, scheduled for March 5, 2026. The recommended leaders for the direct election are District President Karna Bahadur Shahi, Central Member Kantiaka Sejuwal, and local leaders Purna Prasad Acharya and Khadga Bahadur Sejuwal. Additionally, the committee recommended 14 names for the proportional representation system and four leaders for the National Assembly, including NC Karnali Province President Lalitajang Shahi. The final selection will be determined by the party’s central committee.

Investigation Commission Quizzes Army Chief, Security Heads on Gen Z Damage

The commission formed to investigate the loss of life and property during the Gen Z protest on September 8 and 9 has questioned senior security officials, including Nepal Army Chief of Staff Ashok Sigdel and former police chiefs. The questioning focused on the role of the security forces and the damage caused during the movement. The commission is now preparing to summon political figures, specifically former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak and former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, for statements. The commission’s current term is set to expire on December 20, and an extension is expected to allow the questioning of political figures to be completed.

Kathmandu Road Division Accelerates Road Marking and Traffic Sign Installation

The Road Division Office, Kathmandu, has intensified work on installing traffic signs and repainting road markings in the main streets of the Kathmandu Valley. The Division aims to complete the marking of approximately 300 kilometers of “core area” roads by January 14, 2026. A contract worth Rs 30 million was awarded for this work, which includes painting zebra crossings, center lines, and yellow lane markings. This work, traditionally rushed at the end of the fiscal year, was started early this winter to enhance driver visibility and safety. The Division is also preparing to install “Information Boards” at major intersections like Gaushala and Baneshwor to provide drivers with distance and direction information for key destinations like the airport.

Kathmandu CDO Office Introduces Public Announcement System

The Kathmandu District Administration Office (CDAO) is set to launch a Public Announcement System (PAS) next week, aiming to become a model office for streamlined service delivery, following increased demands for good governance after the Gen Z protests. The system will leverage high-level information technology and a token system. Service seekers will receive a digital token after an initial screening of documents by staff, who will then provide an estimated time for service completion. This system is designed to minimize hassle, with citizens waiting in a dedicated waiting area until they are escorted in for final verification. This initiative builds upon the ‘Time Card’ system previously implemented in 2022, which set specific time limits for services like citizenship and passport recommendations.

Koshi Province’s Indian Vehicle Security Sticker Campaign Halted

The Koshi Province Government’s high-profile “Security Check Sticker” campaign for Indian vehicles, launched as a “Dream Project” for the Koshi Tourism Year 2025 to ensure seamless travel, has been halted less than three months after its launch. Over Rs 6 million worth of printed stickers are now unused in the ministry’s store. The Ministry attributes the campaign’s failure to the non-cooperation of vehicle owners/drivers, who refused to stick the decal on their expensive cars for fear of glue marks. Despite the campaign’s intent to eliminate repeated checks, approximately 500 Indian vehicles still enter Koshi Province daily without the sticker, and tourists continue to face police checks and other hassles.

Ramgram Stupa Attracts Over 15,000 International Tourists in 2025

The Ramgram Stupa in Ramgram Municipality, Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta West), which holds the original relics of Gautam Buddha, is experiencing a significant increase in foreign tourist attraction. Over 15,000 international tourists and Buddhist pilgrims from 31 countries (excluding Nepal and India) visited the Stupa by November 2025. The top countries of origin were Thailand (6,160), China (2,207), Burma (975), and South Korea (796). The municipality is prioritizing the conservation and promotion of the Stupa area to establish it as a valuable global Buddhist heritage site.

Nepal (TAAN) and Korea (KATA) Sign MoU to Boost Korean Tourism

The Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) and the Korea Association of Travel Agents (KATA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at promoting Korean tourism in Nepal. The agreement outlines that KATA will organize various promotional activities and campaigns to attract more Korean tourists and trekkers and will assist TAAN with information and technology to enhance their safety. In reciprocity, initiatives will also be taken to encourage Nepali tourists to visit Korea. TAAN President Sagar Pandey stressed the need to increase the number of direct flights between Nepal and Korea to facilitate tourist growth, while TAAN assured security for Korean trekkers through the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS).

Tiger Census 2026 Starts Across the Nation

Nepal began its nationwide tiger census, an exercise conducted every four years, today, with a formal inauguration in Sauraha, Chitwan. The census is led by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC). Approximately 250 technical personnel will be mobilized nationwide to complete the count within 2.5 to 3 months. The survey employs 1,100 high-tech camera traps across three main blocks—Chitwan-Parsa, Banke-Bardia, and Shuklaphanta-Laljhadi—to identify individual tigers by their unique stripe patterns, with the final result expected by International Tiger Day (July 29). The estimated cost for logistics and deployment is around Rs 30 million. With the count reaching 355 in 2022 (nearly triple the 121 recorded in 2009), the focus is now shifting to managing the growing challenges of human-tiger conflict and studying the carrying capacity of Nepal’s forests. Currently, 18 problematic tigers that pose a risk to human settlements are kept in cages across the nation.

Balen Shah’s Song ‘Aam Nepali Buwaa’ Crosses 1 Million Views in 24 Hours

Mayor Balen Shah’s original song, Aam Nepali Buwaa, has garnered impressive views on YouTube, surpassing 1 million views within 24 hours of its release. The track also serves as the Original Sound Track (OST) for the upcoming film, Jhari Pachhi Ko Indreni, which is slated for release on the coming Friday. Shah composed the music using a segment of Mahakavi Laxmi Prasad Devkota’s renowned poem, Kun Mandir Ma Janchau Yatri, and provided his own lyrics and vocals. Although the song received massive positive feedback, the record for the most viewed Nepali song in 24 hours is held by Jane Bhaye Jam Maya by Durgesh Thapa and Sisan Baniya, with 1.63 million views.

Actress Benuka Rai Records Emotional Song for Husband’s Upcoming Film ‘Mirmire’

Benuka Rai, wife of actor Dayahang Rai, has recorded a heartfelt, emotional song titled “Chhori” for the film Mirmire. The song, featuring lyrics by Harka Saud and music by Manoj Thapa Magar, is said to perfectly match the film’s theme of a deep father-daughter relationship. Although Benuka, a singer, has been less active in the music scene following her marriage, her voice contribution to her husband’s film is considered a special feature. Dayahang Rai is in the lead role of Mirmire, which is written and directed by Yam Sherpa. The film is scheduled for release on January 15, 2026.

Nepal Women’s Cricket Team Appoints Indian Coach Harsal Jayant Pathak

The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has appointed former Indian cricketer Harsal Jayant Pathak as the new head coach for the Nepali National Women’s Cricket Team. Pathak, an all-rounder who previously coached the Thailand women’s team, is the first foreign coach for Nepal’s women’s side, selected from 70 global applicants. Pathak will lead the team in preparing for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifiers, which are scheduled to be held in Kirtipur, Nepal, from January 12 to February 1, 2026.

Local Unit Constructed Ground to Promote Sports and Youth

A new sports ground, measuring 35 meters long and 15 meters wide, has been constructed by leveling the barren land in Satamure hill in Mangalaghat, Beni Municipality-7, with the support of the municipality. The ground now serves multiple purposes: it accommodates volleyball, basketball, badminton, and dart games; acts as a barrier preventing floodwaters from the Barahpakho area from directly entering the settlement; and reduces the risk of accidents caused by children playing on the roads. The consumer committee received Rs 1.3 million from the municipality this fiscal year for building a pedestrian path, wire fencing, and a small spectator stand.

Kathmandu to Host 15th International Open Friendship Taekwondo Championship

The 15th International Open Friendship Taekwondo Championship (IOFTC) is set to take place in Kathmandu from December 18 to 20 at the National Sports Council Covered Hall. The championship, which celebrates its 25th anniversary, aims to promote sportsmanship and international friendship through taekwondo. Approximately 1,000 athletes, coaches, and referees from countries including South Korea, the USA, the Philippines, and Australia are expected to participate. The event will feature sparring and Poomsae disciplines across various age and weight divisions, with competition for a total of 65 gold, 65 silver, and 130 bronze medals. The total prize money for the championship is Rs 725,000.

Donald Trump Sues BBC for USD 10 Billion Over Edited January 6 Speech Clip

President Donald Trump sued the BBC for defamation, seeking USD 5 billion for each of the two counts, totaling USD 10 billion in damages. Trump accused the publicly owned broadcaster of defaming him by using an edited clip from his January 6, 2021, speech that omitted his call for peaceful protest. The edited clip made it appear that he had directly instructed supporters to storm the US Capitol. Although the BBC has apologized and admitted the error, it asserts there is no legal basis for the lawsuit. Trump’s legal team claimed the BBC has a “long pattern of deceiving its audience” in coverage against him, driven by a leftist political agenda.

Sydney Hanukkah Attack Investigated as ISIS-Inspired Terrorism; Gunmen Traveled to Philippines

Police are investigating the deadly Hanukkah event attack in Sydney, which killed 15 people, as an act of terrorism inspired by Islamic State (ISIS), allegedly committed by a father and son. Police confirmed the two alleged gunmen had traveled to the Philippines last month, though the purpose of the trip is still under investigation. One gunman was killed and the other wounded by police. Improvised explosive devices and two homemade flags associated with ISIS were found in the younger male’s vehicle. The incident has led to increased scrutiny of Australia’s gun laws and prompted calls for the government to ensure the security of Jewish Australians amidst heightened antisemitic incidents.

UK and South Korea Finalize New Trade Deal

The UK and South Korea finalized a new trade deal, which the UK government claims will safeguard billions in British exports and create jobs. The deal maintains tariff-free trade on 98 percent of goods and services, protecting GBP 2 billion of UK exports from potential tariff increases after the previous agreement was set to expire. Key UK sectors such as pharmaceuticals, car manufacturing, and financial services are expected to benefit. South Korea’s trade minister noted that the agreement is less about tariffs and more about reducing non-tariff barriers, such as simplifying product origin rules and creating new digital and investment protections to enhance cooperation between the complementary economies.

Dense Fog Causes Massive 13-Fatality Multi-Vehicle Pile-up on India’s Yamuna Expressway

At least 13 people were killed and over two dozen injured in a massive multi-vehicle pileup on the Yamuna Expressway near Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, early Tuesday morning. The accident occurred on the Agra to Noida carriageway due to severely reduced visibility caused by dense fog. At least seven buses and several smaller vehicles collided, with some catching fire. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed grief and directed officials to ensure proper medical care for the injured. Authorities had recently lowered the maximum speed limit on the expressway from 100 kmph to 75 kmph for light vehicles and 60 kmph for heavy vehicles to prevent such winter fog-related accidents.