Sunday, December 14th, 2025

Today’s News in a Nutshell



KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.

Ishwar Pokharel announces candidacy for UML chair ahead of 11th General Convention

CPN-UML Senior Vice-Chair Ishwar Pokharel has formally announced his candidacy for party chair in the upcoming 11th General Convention scheduled for December 13–15 in Kathmandu. Releasing a detailed political–organizational document on Saturday, Pokharel said he is prepared to take on the party’s leadership, citing the need for deep introspection, structural reforms and a renewed commitment to internal democracy.

CPN-UML Senior Vice-Chair Pokharel outlines key agenda for 11th General Convention

In his announcement, Ishwar Pokharel highlighted a comprehensive agenda centered on internal democracy, organizational reforms, and a transparent leadership transition. He pledged to reinstate former President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s party membership, stressing that her exclusion had been politically harmful for UML. Pokharel also highlighted the need to reinstate the two-term limit for the chairmanship in the party statute, arguing that this would facilitate smoother leadership handovers. He underscored the importance of strict enforcement of party discipline, auditing, financial transparency, and effective implementation of decisions to strengthen internal governance.

Gen-Z group stopped from entering Singha Durbar to submit demand letter

A Gen-Z group led by Miraj Dhungana was barred from entering Singha Durbar on Tuesday while attempting to submit a demand letter to Prime Minister Sushila Karki. Police stopped the group at the main gate and pushed them back toward the Anamnagar bridge, preventing their entry into the administrative complex. The group had reached Singha Durbar to press various demands before the Prime Minister.

Gen-Z activists warn PM Karki against ignoring youth sentiment, accuse government of favoring old parties

Gen-Z activist Miraj Dhungana has warned Prime Minister Sushila Karki not to act against the sentiment of young citizens, accusing the government of preparing to prioritize traditional political parties in the upcoming elections. He cautioned that if old political forces return to power, the genuine demands of Gen-Z youths will once again be sidelined.

Home Minister Aryal says govt eager to hand over power to elected administration

Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal has said the current government is eager to hand over power to an elected administration, stressing that the cabinet was formed to fill a constitutional vacuum rather than to pursue personal interests. Speaking at the inaugural session of a provincial-level security seminar organized in Bhairahawa by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Law of Lumbini Province, Minister Aryal said the government is fully focused on fulfilling its mandated responsibilities.

Gold price jumps by Rs 5,200 per tola in a single day

The price of gold surged by Rs 5,200 per tola on Tuesday, according to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association. With the sharp rise, gold is being traded at Rs 247,900 per tola, up from Rs 242,700 the previous day.

UML issues five-point directive ahead of 11th General Convention delegate selection

As preparations near completion for delegate selection for the CPN-UML’s 11th General Convention, the party’s Organization Department has issued a five-point directive to ensure uniformity and discipline in the selection process. According to Kashi Nath Adhikari, Standing Committee member and head of the Organization Department, the instructions were endorsed during a virtual meeting held on Monday evening. The department has directed all subordinate committees to strictly follow the latest circular issued by the Central Committee.

UML submits application for party registration ahead of House of Representatives election

The CPN-UML has submitted an application for party registration to participate in the upcoming House of Representatives election. A team of UML leaders, including Chief of the party’s Central Election Department Niraj Acharya, visited the Election Commission to file the registration.

CPN-UML files petition in Supreme Court demanding reinstatement of dissolved House

The CPN-UML has filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking the reinstatement of the House of Representatives, which was dissolved after the formation of the interim government led by Prime Minister Sushila Karki on September 12. Following Karki’s appointment as Prime Minister, President Ram Chandra Paudel, on her recommendation, had dissolved the House of Representatives.

Gurung fires back at Thapa, confirms no special convention before polls

Nepali Congress central member Kalyan Gurung has countered remarks made by party General Secretary Gagan Thapa, asserting that the party will contest upcoming elections under the signature of current party president Sher Bahadur Deuba. On Monday, Thapa had stated the Nepali Congress would participate in the elections only after obtaining the signature of a new party president. This statement came after the party decided to allocate tickets for the upcoming polls under Deuba’s authorization, prompting Thapa’s opposition.

Home Minister Aryal meets Gen-Z youths, assures fair investigation of protests

Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal met with a group of Gen-Z Nepal activists from Rupandehi on Tuesday to receive a memorandum they had submitted. During the meeting, Minister Aryal said everyone must adhere to the rule of law and support security agencies in conducting impartial investigations. He assured the youths that the government is reviewing the incidents of September 8 and 9 from different perspectives and that the security administration is working to ensure a fair inquiry.

Govt forms committee to coordinate infrastructure development in Melamchi project–affected areas

The government has formed a committee to monitor, coordinate, and facilitate infrastructure development in areas affected by the Melamchi Drinking Water Project. According to Minister for Communications and Information Technology Jagadish Kharel, the Cabinet meeting held on November 24 decided to form the “Melamchi Project-Affected Area Monitoring, Coordination and Facilitation Committee” under the leadership of the Secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.

Nine Gen-Z protest victims still undergoing treatment in Kathmandu hospitals

Nine people injured after police opened fire during the Gen-Z protests remain under treatment in various hospitals, according to the Ministry of Health and Population. Three of the injured are receiving care at the Trauma Center, three at Kathmandu Medical College, Sinamangal, two at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, and one at the Spinal Injury Rehabilitation Center in Banepa.

Govt committed to curbing digital violence: Minister Kharel

Minister for Communications and Information Technology Jagadish Kharel has said the government is committed to preventing rising forms of digital violence against women and girls, amid rapid technological change. Inaugurating the “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” campaign in Kathmandu on Sunday, Minister Kharel stressed the need for collective action to end online abuse targeting women and girls. He noted that this year’s global theme is highly relevant, as the digital world can no longer be seen as separate from daily life.

Gen Z Front urges Election Commission to ensure voting rights for Nepalis abroad

The Nepal Gen Z Front on Monday submitted a memorandum to the Election Commission (EC), calling for Nepali citizens living abroad, and those residing outside their home districts, to be allowed to vote in the upcoming elections. According to Karnali Province focal person Binita Bogati, a team comprising Front Campaign Committee member Amrita Ban and members Rhishi Thapa, Nabin Bista, Adarsha Karna, and Diamond Shahi reached the EC to hand over the memorandum.

Three arrested in Damak with two pistols looted during Gen-Z protests

Police have arrested three individuals from Damak with two pistols that were looted from the Metropolitan Police Office, Kathmandu, during the Gen-Z protests. Officers also recovered 20 rounds of ammunition from their possession. According to the District Police Office, those arrested are Bishwo Lingden (29) of Prashantitol, Damak-6; Saroj Puri (26) of Damak-9; and Pawan Hangsunwa (30) of Aitabare, Chulachuli-4, Ilam.

Server glitch at Gangalal Heart Center leaves patients in distress

Patients at Shahid Gangalal National Heart Center faced difficulties on Tuesday morning after a technical issue halted the health insurance server, disrupting services at the ticket counter. According to patients in line, services have remained stalled since the counter opened at 8 am. “The hospital administration keeps saying the server will be restored shortly, but even after three hours nothing has resumed,” one service seeker said.

267 people arrested on charges of arson and vandalism

A total of 267 individuals have been arrested on charges of arson and vandalism linked to the Gen-Z movement that took place on September 8 and 9. According to the District Police Range, Kathmandu, 154 cases have been registered so far in connection with the incidents. Police reported that 87 of the arrested individuals have been released on bail.

Health Minister meets bilateral development partners, prioritizes reforms in maternal, mental health and insurance

Minister for Health and Population Dr. Sudha Sharma held a courtesy meeting on Tuesday with representatives of bilateral development partners working in Nepal’s health sector. The meeting was attended by Patrick S. Gunn and Nur Pant from the U.S. Embassy; Benjamin Sieder and Jan Driksen from the German Embassy; Diego Moroso and Dr. Deepak from the British Embassy; Mizuki Matsuzaki and Krishna Prasad Lamsal from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA); and Shristi Chitrakar and Milan Maharjan from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

Bagmati Corridor set for smart lighting and CCTV surveillance upgrade

The Bagmati Civilization Integrated Development Committee is set to install smart lighting and advanced CCTV surveillance along the Bagmati River corridor from Gokarna to Balkhu. The initiative aims to improve security, curb illegal activities, and support waste-management efforts in the area. According to the Committee, the corridor has increasingly faced waste-disposal problems, unauthorized activities, and security challenges. To address these, modern CCTV surveillance systems and high-mast smart lighting technology will be installed along the riverbanks.

205,168 new voters added in Makwanpur

A total of 205,168 new voters have been added across 13 districts of Bagmati Province for the upcoming elections scheduled for March 5, 2026, bringing the total number of registered voters to 3,618,037. In the previous provincial and federal elections held in December 2022 (2079 BS), the province had 3,422,869 registered voters.

Department of Commerce intensifies market monitoring

The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection has intensified market inspections in recent days, taking action against 14 industries and firms for violating consumer protection laws. According to the Department, Halesi Mart Pvt. Ltd. in Madhyapur Thimi, Bhaktapur, has been fined Rs 200,000, while Om Shivashakti Ceramic Pvt. Ltd., also located in Madhyapur Thimi, has been fined Rs 50,000.

NEPSE rises for third straight day, index climbs to 2,655 despite lower turnover

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index increased by 5.32 points on Tuesday, closing at 2,655.99. With this, the market has recorded a continuous rise for the past three trading days. Despite the gain in the benchmark index, overall turnover declined. Tuesday’s total transaction amount stood at Rs 5.82 billion, down from Rs 7.03 billion recorded the previous day.

Saudi ambassador bids farewell to President Paudel

Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Nepal, Saad Nasser Abdullah Abu Haimed, paid a farewell call on President Ram Chandra Paudel at the Presidential Palace on Tuesday. The meeting, the President’s Office said, focused on bilateral relations between Nepal and Saudi Arabia, as well as mutual interests and concerns.

Publish Date : 25 November 2025 22:12 PM

Nepal to send two elephant calves to Qatar

CHITWAN: Two elephant calves born at the Elephant Breeding and

NC Acting President Khadka calls emergency meeting of Nepali Congress CWC

KATHMANDU: The Nepali Congress (NC) has called an emergency meeting

Contracts will be cancelled if work remains unfinished: Minister Ghising

TANAHUN: Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Kulman Ghising has

UML General Convention: Closed session set to begin to elect new leadership

KATHMANDU: A closed session of the 11th General Convention of

Astalaxmi Shakya and Yubaraj Gyawali to step down from UML Central Committee

KATHMANDU: UML Vice Chairs Astalaxmi Shakya and Yubaraj Gyawali have