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.

CPN (UML National Congress: Voting Continues, 1100 Votes Cast

As many as 1100 delegates have cast their votes in the voting during the 11th National Congress of the CPN (UML) for electing a new leadership. In the voting underway at the National Congress site, Bhrikutimandap, some 1100 have already put their votes as of 7.00 pm Wednesday, shared UML central election commission vice-chairperson Sanuraj Pokharel.  Voting had started at 9.12 this morning. He further informed that the voters took nine minute to two hours five minutes while casting votes.

Chinese Ambassador Pays Farewell Call on PM Karki

Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Chen Song, paid a farewell call on Prime Minister Sushila Karki in Singha Durbar on Wednesday. Ambassador Song is returning home after completing his term. On the occasion, matters related to various dimensions of Nepal-China relations as well of bilateral interests were discussed, according to the PM’s Secretariat. Stating that China has been providing support to every aspects of Nepal’s development endeavour as a very close friend, the Chinese Ambassador mentioned that such support would be continued in future.

PM Karki Eager to Transfer Power Post Election

Prime Minister Sushila Karki expressed her readiness to hand over power to a new government following the March 5, 2026, elections. Speaking at the 107th Anniversary of Lalitpur Metropolitan City, she emphasized that governance and the upcoming House of Representatives elections are the government’s primary agendas. She noted that the Gen Z youth protests on September 8 and 9 created a new political context. Karki urged all citizens to support a cost-effective, fair, and peaceful electoral process, asserting that security forces are fully capable of controlling any criminal activities or unrest during this period.

Supreme Court Postpones Hearing on Rabi Lamichhane Passport Case

The Supreme Court has postponed the hearing of a writ petition filed against Rabi Lamichhane, Chairman of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, regarding alleged passport misuse. The petition, filed by Yuvraj Paudel, challenges the Office of the Attorney General’s March 20, 2023, decision not to prosecute Lamichhane. Paudel argues that obtaining a Nepali passport while holding US citizenship violates the Passport Act 1967. He claims the decision to drop the case was biased and that the Attorney General exceeded his jurisdiction by concluding there was no criminal intent behind Lamichhane’s actions.

Security Agencies Intensify Preparations for March Election

Security agencies, including the Armed Police Force, have accelerated internal preparations for the House of Representatives election on March 5, 2026. Under the Home Ministry’s action plan, a Central Election Cell has been established, led by a Deputy Inspector General. The strategy includes deploying Quick Response Teams (QRT) via air transport for high-risk areas. Shailendra Thapa, spokesperson for the Armed Police Force, stated that mobile patrols will begin a month before the polls in sensitive regions. The integrated security plan focuses on gathering intelligence, monitoring anti-election activities, and ensuring a fear-free environment through coordinated efforts across all security wings of the government.

Ministers Urge Election Commission to Monitor Candidate Spending

Ministers Anil Kumar Sinha and Jagdish Kharel have urged the Election Commission to strictly monitor candidate expenditures for the upcoming House of Representatives election. During a meeting on Tuesday, Sinha emphasized making elections less expensive to ensure true representatives reach parliament. Kharel noted that the practice of buying nominations and distributing money must be corrected to set a new standard for fair elections. Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari committed to taking punitive measures against those violating spending limits, stating that the commission will strictly enforce the code of conduct.

Government Holds Positive Dialogue with Durga Prasai-Led Campaign

The high-level political dialogue committee held its first meeting with the Nation, Nationality, Religion, Culture, and Citizen Protection Campaign led by Durga Prasai on Tuesday. Minister Jagdish Kharel described the discussions as cordial and positive, with both sides presenting their views. Preliminary agreements were reached to continue the dialogue through internal homework to address the campaign’s demands. The committee, led by Law Minister Anil Kumar Sinha, aims to ensure a successful election on March 5, 2026. A subcommittee under Minister Kharel has also been formed to facilitate internal problem-solving with various political factions and protesting groups.

Police Arrest Man for Rs 5.2 Million Foreign Employment Fraud

The Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office, Teku, arrested 50-year-old Lal Bahadur Baraili for allegedly swindling Rs 5.2 million from a victim by promising employment in the UK. Baraili, a resident of Pokhara currently living in Kathmandu, reportedly remained out of contact after collecting the large sum. Following a complaint, police apprehended him and handed him over to the Department of Foreign Employment in Tahachal for further investigation and legal action. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant as fraud cases involving foreign employment scams continue to rise in the country.

CIAA Appeals Special Court Verdict on Tikapur Land Scam

The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority has filed an appeal in the Supreme Court regarding the illegal distribution of Tikapur Town Development Committee land. Dissatisfied with the Special Court verdict from January 9, 2025, which granted partial acquittals, the commission seeks full prosecution against 249 defendants, including former chairman Netra Prasad Joshi. The commission alleges that public land was transferred to individuals and organizations in violation of the Town Development Act 1988 and National Urban Policy 2007 through collusion between officials and private parties for personal gain.

Lalitpur Metro Celebrates 107th Anniversary with Cultural Ceremony

Lalitpur Metropolitan City celebrated its 107th Anniversary with a grand cultural ceremony attended by Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki. While Karki focused on the necessity of the March 5, 2026, elections for constitutional progress, Mayor Chiri Babu Maharjan expressed concerns regarding shifting public sentiments among youth. Maharjan criticized the changing stance of Gen Z activists, alleging they are now raising voices against holding the scheduled elections. The event honored various individuals for their contributions to the city, while the leadership reiterated its commitment to suppressing anarchy and ensuring a peaceful transition of power through democratic means.

Minister Ghising Announces Engineering Study for Karnali Chisapani Project

Minister Kulman Ghising announced that a detailed engineering study for the 10,800 MW Karnali Chisapani multipurpose project will soon commence. Speaking in Kailali on Tuesday, he stated that the Nepal Electricity Authority is currently selecting consultants for the Detailed Project Report. This mega project is envisioned as a South Asian model for economic prosperity and long-term flood control. Additionally, Ghising mentioned plans to involve local residents as shareholders in a new company being formed to operate the 4.71 MW powerhouse of the Rani Jamara Kulariya Irrigation Project following cabinet approval.

5% Increase in Youth Migrating for Foreign Employment

In the first five months of the current fiscal year, 339,611 Nepali youths left for foreign employment, a 5 percent increase compared to last year. Data from the Department of Foreign Employment suggests that over 800,000 individuals may migrate by the end of the year. Over the last five years, nearly 3.4 million workers have sought jobs abroad, averaging 634,000 annually. The surge is attributed to worker-friendly laws in destination countries and digitized online labor permit services. Historically, the fiscal year 2024/25 saw the highest number of departures, with over 839,000 labor permits issued.

Positive Tone in Tripartite Talks Regarding British Gurkha Demands

Tripartite talks between the governments of Nepal, the UK, and Gurkha representatives took place at the Ministry of Defence in London on Tuesday. This was the first ministerial meeting since March 27, 2024, featuring UK Veterans Minister Louis Sander-Jones and Acting Ambassador Bipin Duwadi. While no concrete agreement was reached on equal pensions, participants described the dialogue as positive. Duwadi emphasized that the issue is about dignity and honor for two centuries of service. The UK has proposed finding an “affordable solution” or a welfare package as an alternative to the requested GBP 1.5 billion pension settlement.

Government Reaffirms Commitment to Anti-Corruption Measures at Doha Summit

At the 11th Session of the Conference of the States Parties to the UN Convention against Corruption in Doha, Nepal declared a zero-tolerance policy against corruption. Govinda Bahadur Karki, leading the Nepali delegation, stated that the government is implementing legal and administrative reforms to fulfill Financial Action Task Force (FATF) obligations. Karki highlighted efforts to criminalize bribery, money laundering, and illegal wealth acquisition. The Nepali Embassy in Doha confirmed that the government remains fully committed to promoting good governance and controlling the abuse of power as it transitions toward establishing a more transparent and accountable institutional framework.

Government Scraps Postal Stamp Requirement for Revenue Collection

The government has decided to remove the requirement of using postal stamps as revenue stamps for authenticating documents, except where mandatory by law. Minister Jagdish Kharel announced that the cabinet meeting on Monday finalized this decision to simplify service delivery. Additionally, a high-level political dialogue committee was formed under Law Minister Anil Kumar Sinha. The government also accepted a Rs 12.38 billion concessional loan from the Asian Development Bank and approved the transfer of several Armed Police Force Additional Inspector Generals. Furthermore, organizational surveys for the Ministry of Youth and Sports were granted preliminary approval.

CIAA Investigates Massive Financial Irregularities at Prithvi Chandra Hospital

The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority has launched an investigation into financial irregularities worth crores at Prithvichandra District Hospital in West Nawalparasi. The commission’s Butwal office requested details following reports of corruption involving the former medical superintendent and other staff. Allegations include Rs 20 million paid for non-functional lifts in a Rs 14 billion project and a Rs 6 million X-ray machine that was never used. Furthermore, Rs 4.1 million in health insurance claims remained unrequested. Civil society has demanded strict action against those responsible for the significant loss of public funds.

Actor Pradeep Khadka Meets Rabi Lamichhane in Nakkhu Prison

Actor Pradeep Khadka met with Rastriya Swatantra Party Chairman Rabi Lamichhane at Nakkhu Prison on Tuesday. During the 45-minute meeting, the two discussed contemporary political issues. Khadka stated that he visited the jail after Lamichhane requested a meeting. Meanwhile, the film Aa Bata Aama, starring Bipana Thapa and Paul Shah, is gearing up for a January 30, 2026, release. Directed by Chandra Panta, the film’s promotional events, including performances at the Sudurpaschim Cultural Festival, have drawn thousands of emotional fans, highlighting the strong bond between parents and children portrayed in the movie.

Disabled Youth Successfully Complete Bungee Jump in Wheelchairs

To mark the 34th International Day of Persons with Disabilities, 36-year-old Dilip Sapkota and 25-year-old man performed a historic bungee jump in wheelchairs at The Last Resort. Located at a height of 160 meters, this adventure aimed to shatter misconceptions about the capabilities of disabled individuals. Sapkota, who has lived with a spinal condition for 13 years, and Dahal, who was injured in a motorcycle accident four years ago, demonstrated immense courage. Their feat at the Bhote Koshi site sends a powerful message to the state to promote disability-friendly adventure sports in Nepal.

Football Star Lionel Messi Visits Vantara Wildlife Center in India

Global football icon Lionel Messi visited Vantara, the wildlife rescue and conservation center founded by Anant Ambani, during his recent trip to India. Photos released on Wednesday night showed Messi, along with teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, participating in a religious ceremony with Anant and Radhika Merchant. Messi enjoyed playing football with a rescued elephant calf named Maniklal. In a gesture of respect, the Ambani family named a lion cub in the center ‘Lionel’ after the star. Messi praised the family’s extensive efforts toward wildlife conservation and environmental protection.

FIFA Introduces USD 60 World Cup Tickets After Backlash

Following intense criticism over “extortionate” pricing, FIFA has introduced a limited number of affordable tickets for the 2026 World Cup. The new “Supporter Entry Tier” tickets are priced at USD 60 and will be available for all 104 matches, including the final. These tickets represent 10 percent of the allocation for fans of qualified national teams. While UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer welcomed the move, fan groups like Football Supporters Europe called it a “hollow gesture,” noting that following a team to the final could still cost a minimum of USD 6,900.

Delhi Imposes Severe Pollution Curbs with 50 Percent Office Attendance

Authorities in Delhi implemented strict Stage 4 measures under the Graded Response Action Plan on Wednesday as air quality hit the “severe plus” category. The Delhi Government directed all private and government offices to operate with only 50 percent physical attendance, mandating the rest to work from home. To support those affected by the construction ban, Minister Kapil Mishra announced a compensation of Rs 10,000 for each registered construction worker. The AQI levels have consistently crossed the 450 mark, leading to school closures and flight disruptions across the capital region.

Nick Reiner Charged with Murder in Stabbing of Hollywood Parents

Prosecutors in Los Angeles have filed two counts of first-degree murder against Nick Reiner, 32, for the deaths of his parents, director Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner. The couple was found with multiple stab wounds in their Brentwood home on Sunday, December 14. Nick Reiner faces a special circumstance allegation of multiple murders and the use of a knife, which could lead to life without parole or the death penalty. Tributes poured in from stars like Billy Crystal and Larry David, who remembered the couple as a dynamic and unselfish force in the film industry.

Sydney Terror Suspect Naveed Akram Charged with 15 Murder Counts

Naveed Akram, 24, has been charged with 59 offenses, including 15 counts of murder and committing a terrorist act, following the Bondi Beach mass shooting. The attack, which targeted a Hanukkah celebration on Sunday, was described by authorities as ISIS-inspired. Akram’s father, Sajid Akram, was killed by police during the incident. Funerals for the victims, including Rabbi Eli Schlanger, began on Wednesday amidst national grief. Investigations revealed the pair had recently traveled to the Philippines, and concerns have been raised regarding how the elder Akram legally acquired the six firearms used in the assault.