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.

Major Parties and Government Reach Agreement on Making Elections Successful

The government and major political parties in the country have reached an agreement on creating an environment conducive for the upcoming March 5 elections to the House of Representatives. The agreement was reached during a discussion held at the call of President Ramchandra Paudel at the Rastrapati Bhawan, Sheetal Niwas, on Tuesday afternoon, between Prime Minister Sushila Karki, Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, CPN (UML) Chair and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, and Communist Party of Nepal (CPN) Coordinator and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’.

Inquiry Commission Summons Ramesh Lekhak in Gen Z Protest Probe
The three-member inquiry commission investigating incidents during the Gen Z protest has summoned former Home Minister and Nepali Congress leader Ramesh Lekhak to give his statement. The commission’s chair, Gauri Bahadur Karki, confirmed that Lekhak received the notice on Tuesday, while a summons for former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is yet to be issued. The panel, also comprising ex-AIG of Nepal Police Bigyan Raj Sharma and legal expert Bishweshwar Prasad Bhandari, was initially mandated for three months but recently received a one-month extension to complete its investigation into alleged use of force during the protest.

Rabi Lamichhane and Balendra Shah Hold Political Talks

Rastriya Swatantra Party chair Rabi Lamichhane and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah met to explore possible collaboration for the upcoming House of Representatives elections. The meeting began at 7 pm on Monday and continued until 1:30 am Tuesday at the residence of former RSP lawmaker Asim Shah in Kamalpokhari. Key participants included RSP vice-chair DP Aryal, Asim Shah, Asif Shah, Kumar Ben, and filmmaker Nischal Basnet. The discussions were cordial and constructive, serving as an initial icebreaker. Both leaders reached an agreement in principle to work together in some form, with further details to be finalized in upcoming dialogues.

Kathmandu Records Lowest Temperature of the Year

Kathmandu recorded its lowest minimum temperature of the year as cold conditions intensified. According to meteorologist Hariprasad Dahal of the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, the minimum temperature dropped by nearly 2 degrees from the previous day. It fell from 6.8 degrees to 4.9 degrees, the lowest this year. The previous low was recorded on December 14 at 5 degrees. Dense fog continues across the Terai, while Himalayan regions remain clear.

Class 12 Exam Application Forms Open

The National Examination Board, Office of the Controller of Examinations (Grades 11 and 12), has opened examination application forms for Class 12 regular and partial examinees. According to the Board, the forms have been opened in line with the annual schedule of the academic session 2025/26. As stated in the annual examination calendar, examinees must deposit the examination fee by January 14. Students who miss the deadline may submit the application with a late fee until January 29, according to the notice issued by the Board.

HPV Vaccination Drive Faces Resistance in Private Schools
Immunization workers conducting the HPV vaccination drive in February encountered resistance in several private schools in Kathmandu. Teachers initially refused vaccination without parental consent, and even after consent forms were collected, not all parents approved. Some parents consulted private doctors who discouraged participation in the free government program. Health officials expressed concern over low uptake among educated and well-off families, noting that many buy the vaccine privately but decline government-provided doses. Officials also highlighted that persuading uneducated people in remote areas is easier than convincing urban families, some of whom deny entry to health workers and female volunteers.

Nationwide HPV Vaccination Program to Begin

The government will launch a nationwide HPV vaccination campaign from the second week of February, targeting girls aged 10 years or studying in grade six. Around 350,000 girls are expected to receive a single dose this year, compared to two doses administered last year. The month-long program will be conducted under the national immunization schedule with technical support from UNICEF Nepal. Health officials emphasized that the campaign is crucial to reducing cervical cancer, which claims an average of four women daily in Nepal. The initiative will run annually to strengthen HPV prevention efforts nationwide.

Embossed Number Plate Contract Extended by 3 Years

The contract related to embossed number plates has been extended by three years between the Department of Transport Management and Decatur–Tiger IT (Bangladesh/United States JV). The agreement, valid until November 27, has now been extended until 2028, according to the department. The extension includes time for infrastructure development and plate production. The original contract was signed on June 1, 2016. So far, only about 80,000 vehicles have received plates against the target of 2.5 million vehicles.

Rabi Lamichhane Heads to Chitwan Court

Rastriya Swatantra Party Chairman Rabi Lamichhane is traveling to Chitwan today, to receive a court date regarding the Sahara Cooperative fraud case. Following his recent bail release in the Supreme Cooperative case in Butwal, Lamichhane must now appear before the Chitwan District Court. His personal secretary, Abinash Acharya, reported that his 9 AM Buddha Air flight was delayed due to poor weather conditions. This follows his appearance at the Kathmandu District Court on Monday. The leader continues to navigate multiple legal challenges related to cooperative fund embezzlement allegations.

Leaders Doubt March 5 Snap Elections but Say Polls Unavoidable

Political party leaders and legal experts expressed doubts about snap elections scheduled for March 5, citing shortcomings, but said elections are unavoidable. At a meeting called by the Election Commission and Home Ministry, participants urged Prime Minister Sushila Karki to engage with top party leaders. Concerns were raised over preparedness to implement provisions on overseas voting, out-of-constituency voting, and a no-vote option. Experts said laws were being introduced too late in the election process.

Barshaman Pun Warns Against Changing Election Rules Midway

Nepali Communist Party (formerly CPN-Maoist Centre) leader Barshaman Pun said election rules should not be changed after the process has begun. Although he expressed readiness to cooperate for the March 5 elections, he warned altering rules could lead to conflict. He said voting rights for Nepalis abroad are legitimate but must be clearly defined by the Election Commission. Pun also warned that if elections are not held within six months, the dissolved parliament could be reinstated.

Parties Stress Law and Order Ahead of Elections

Nepali Congress leader Mahendra Yadav said Prime Minister Sushila Karki must immediately hold dialogue with major parties to ensure elections on March 5. CPN (UML) secretary Mahesh Basnet said his party believes elections will not take place on the scheduled date. Rastriya Swatantra Party leader Shishir Khanal stressed that law and order and a fear-free environment are essential for credible elections. He said inter-district voting is practically possible.

Government Inspects Party Offices Damaged During Gen Z Protests

The government inspecting political party offices damaged during the Gen Z protest, according to Minister Jagdish Kharel. A team including Minister Anil Kumar Sinha and Advisor Ajay Bhadra Khanal will conduct inspections today, starting at 11 AM. The inspection will cover offices of the Nepali Congress, CPN (UML), and CPN (Maoist Center). The government said the inspection aims to assess the extent of damage caused during the protests and determine further steps.

Mother-in-Law, Sister-in-Law Held for Sindhulpalchok Murder

Police arrested two women on Tuesday, for the suspected murder of 32-year-old Sushila Bomjan in Sindhulmadi. The suspects, the victim’s 59-year-old mother-in-law, and 35-year-old sister-in-law, allegedly set Sushila on fire using petrol on Sunday. Preliminary investigations suggest the victim faced years of physical and mental torture. Police recovered petrol bottles and a lighter at the scene. The victim’s father filed a formal complaint, and the District Court has granted a five-day remand for further investigation. The victim’s husband is currently working in Korea.

Fog Halts Nepalgunj Flights as Visibility Drops

Dense fog and cold waves disrupted all flights at Nepalgunj Airport on Tuesday. Visibility plummeted to between 400 and 600 meters, far below the 1,600 meters required for landing and 1,000 meters for takeoff. No flights to Kathmandu or hilly districts were possible until late afternoon. Major carriers, including Buddha Air, Shree Airlines, and Yeti Airlines, were forced to delay or cancel scheduled trips. This weather pattern mirrors conditions from the previous day. Passengers remained stranded at the terminal waiting for clearing skies, as the thick haze paralyzed regional air travel.

Sugar Mills Resume Operations in Madhesh Province

Three sugar mills have resumed operations in Madhesh Province, including Indu Shankar Sugar Industry and Mahalaxmi Sugar Industry in Sarlahi and Everest Sugar Mill in Mahottari. Indu Shankar Sugar Industry began crushing on Monday, with a daily capacity of 35,000 quintals. Everest Sugar Mill is facing a shortage of sugarcane, receiving only 15,000 quintals against the required 30,000 quintals per day.

Japanese Encephalitis Claims 35 Lives This Year

Japanese encephalitis has claimed 35 lives this year, according to Dr. Abhiyan Gautam, Chief of the Child Health and Immunization Section. Out of 1,739 suspected patients, 179 cases were confirmed. In 2024, the disease caused 25 deaths. Patients ranged in age from 3 to 89 years, with 28 districts identified as high risk. Most fatalities occurred among individuals above 40 years, and only 9 percent of the deceased had received vaccination, according to health authorities.

KMC Seeks Contact with Nonoperational Schools

The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) Education Department has issued a notice requesting 107 schools found nonoperational to contact the department within 15 days. The decision follows a resolution dated August 13. The metropolis warned that failure to verify school operations within the given period could lead to cancellation of operating permits. The department stated that the verification process aims to update institutional records and ensure compliance with education regulations under the metropolitan jurisdiction.

Free Tuition Classes to Run in 80 Dalit and Mushahar Settlements

Lahan Municipality has announced the operation of free tuition classes in Dalit and Mushahar settlements. The municipal Education Section has prepared the Tuition Class Operation and Management Procedure, 2025, and initiated the program. Applications were invited for 35 teacher positions, receiving around 150 applications, according to Education Officer Amiri Yadav. A written examination will be held on January 9, 2026, for fair selection. Selected teachers will receive a monthly remuneration of Rs 10,000. Tuition classes will run daily for 2 hours across 80 settlements.

Gaur Schools Closed for Four Days Due to Cold Wave

Schools in Gaur Municipality have been closed for 4 days due to cold waves and extreme cold. The municipality issued a notice closing all community and institutional schools from today until December 27, deducting the days from annual holidays. Mayor Shambhu Sah said low student attendance and health risks, especially for early-grade students, prompted the decision. Following the notice, Gaur Municipality PABSON also announced the closure of private schools. Dense fog, cold winds, and falling temperatures in Rautahat have disrupted daily life and reduced public activity.

Artudio to Host Solo Exhibition in Lalitpur

Artudio will present “Whispers of the Inner Self,” a solo exhibition by contemporary artist Suchin Shrestha, at its Patan Wing in Nakabahil, Lalitpur. The exhibition opens on December 27 and runs until January 10, 2026. Rooted in the human figure, the exhibition explores psychological and emotional states through restrained contemporary visuals. The works focus on interiority, silence, and introspection, presenting the self as fluid rather than fixed, according to the organizers.

Fine Arts Workshops Held in Parbat District

With support from the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts, painting workshops and interaction programs were held in local municipalities. The program took place at Bhavani Vidhyapeeth Secondary School, Phalewas Municipality, and Phalewas 5. Member secretary Devendra Kumar Kafle Thumkeli said the academy is working to decentralize fine arts activities nationwide. Deputy Mayor Shobha Kumari Chhetri said such programs help promote culture and art tourism at the local level.

Kutumba Concert Tickets Priced at Rs 500

Organizers of the Kutumba Live Music concert in Budhanilkantha have fixed the ticket price at Rs 500. According to 29 resort and farmhouse operators, Dimesh Shrestha, Kiran Shrestha, Susant Shrestha, and Kumar Shrestha, tickets will be limited in number. Dimesh Shrestha said the decision was made to avoid overcrowding and ensure a calm, safe, and high-quality musical experience for the audience. The concert will be held on January 10 starting from 5 pm, featuring traditional and Newari music.

Dhankuta Boxing Association Extends Medical Assistance

The District Boxing Association in Dhankuta extended financial support to two patients battling serious illnesses. Chautis Lal Rai from Dhankuta Municipality–8, suffering from kidney failure, received Rs 118,470, while Jiten Chemjong of Chaubise Rural Municipality–7, fighting blood cancer, was given Rs 30,000. The assistance was funded through a cultural event held at Dhankuta Buspark from December 11 to December 20. Organizers collected a total of Rs 605,000, with Rs 90,000 remaining after covering event expenses. The program highlights local efforts to support critically ill residents and strengthen community solidarity in healthcare assistance.

Cricketer Hemant Dhami Named Brand Ambassador

Cricketer Hemant Dhami has been appointed brand ambassador of Biz Education for a period of 3 years. The agreement was signed by Dhami and Hari Karki, founder and managing director of Biz Education. Karki stated that the partnership aims to support youth development beyond branding activities. Dhami expressed gratitude, stating that the institution contributes not only to education but also to sports and youth futures. Biz Education said the collaboration will focus on long-term engagement with students and aspiring athletes.

ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier: Match Schedule Released

The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) announced the schedule for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier, featuring 10 nations from 14 January to 1 February. Nepal, in Group B with Scotland, Thailand, the Netherlands, and Zimbabwe, qualified for the global stage after winning the Asia qualifiers. Group A includes Bangladesh, Namibia, the United States, and Papua New Guinea. Matches will be held at Mulpani and TU International Cricket Grounds, Kathmandu, with Nepal opening against Thailand on 18 January. The top three from each group advance to the Super Six, and the top four teams will qualify for the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup.

Bangladesh Suspends Visa Services in India Amid Protests

Bangladesh’s high commission in New Delhi halted all consular and visa services from 22 December 2025 following protests over the lynching of Hindu man Dipu Chandra Das. The assistant high commission in Agartala and VFS Global’s Siliguri center also closed after demonstrations and vandalism. Notices cited “unavoidable circumstances,” with staff on site but no services. The shutdown affects applicants across Tripura, Mizoram, Assam, and northern West Bengal, stranding students, patients, and traders. Closures reflect escalating India-Bangladesh tensions linked to minority attacks, political disputes, and previous mission threats. Authorities have not announced resumption dates, leaving ordinary people dependent on distant centers like Kolkata.

Nvidia to Ship H200 AI Chips to China

Nvidia has informed Chinese clients it aims to ship between 40,000 to 80,000 H200 AI chips to China before the mid-February Lunar New Year. The shipments, totaling 5,000 to 10,000 chip modules, depend on government approval. President Donald Trump recently announced sales would be allowed with a 25% fee. Nvidia also plans to open orders for new production capacity in the second quarter of 2026. This marks a major policy shift from previous restrictions as Beijing weighs domestic industry impacts.

Call of Duty Co-Creator Vince Zampella Dies in Crash

Vince Zampella, the 55-year-old co-creator of the Call of Duty franchise, died in a car crash in California on Sunday. Zampella was traveling in a Ferrari on the Angeles Crest Highway when the vehicle struck a concrete barrier and caught fire. Both Zampella and a passenger died in the accident. Electronic Arts, the parent company of Respawn Entertainment, confirmed the loss. Zampella was a legendary figure in gaming, also responsible for hits like Titanfall and Apex Legends.

Mexican Navy Plane Crashes Near Galveston, Texas

A small Mexican Navy plane on a medical mission crashed in heavy fog near Galveston, Texas, on Monday, killing at least 5 people, including a 2-year-old child. The aircraft was transporting a young burns victim on behalf of the Michou y Mau Foundation. Of the 8 people reportedly on board, 2 were rescued, and 1 remains missing. Witness Sky Decker assisted in the rescue of a badly injured woman trapped in the wreckage in Galveston Bay.

Pentagon Warns of China’s Nuclear Expansion

A draft Pentagon report reveals China has likely loaded more than 100 DF-31 intercontinental ballistic missiles into newly built silo fields near the Mongolian border. The report states Beijing shows no interest in arms control talks and is on track to exceed 1,000 nuclear warheads by 2030. Additionally, the Pentagon warns China expects to be capable of winning a war over Taiwan by the end of 2027. Beijing maintains its nuclear strategy is defensive and focused on “minimum level” national security.

Pakistan Signs USD 4 Billion Arms Deal with Libya

Pakistan has finalized a defense deal worth between USD 4 Billion and USD 4.6 Billion to sell military equipment to the Libyan National Army (LNA), led by Saddam Khalifa Haftar. The deal, reportedly finalized last week in Benghazi, includes 16 JF-17 fighter jets and 12 Super Mushak trainer aircraft. This significant weapons sale proceeds despite a U.N. arms embargo on Libya in place since 2011. Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir emphasized Pakistan’s advanced military capabilities during the negotiations.