KATHMANDU: Stay informed with Nepal News’ daily evening briefing, covering the most significant developments from Nepal and around the world. From politics and economy to sports, entertainment, and culture, we bring you a concise summary of the day’s top stories.

Nepali Congress Rules Out Alliance with Maoist Center, Focuses on Budget and Internal Issues:

The Nepali Congress has clarified it has no plans to ally with the CPN-Maoist Center. Following a parliamentary party meeting on Saturday, Chief Whip Shyam Ghimire dismissed rumors of an alliance, saying recent phone calls between leaders were routine political interactions. He affirmed that the Congress has no intentions of changing the government. The meeting focused on budget allocation, equitable development, and internal matters, including concerns about the Nepal Rastra Bank Governor’s appointment. MPs also raised issues regarding cases against lawmakers Mohan Bahadur Basnet and Maya Rai. Party President Deuba downplayed the incidents, citing past political experiences.

PM Oli Calls for UML Majority, Urges Youth to Back Development Agenda:

Prime Minister and CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli emphasized that a majority government led by UML is essential for Nepal’s rapid and uninterrupted development. Speaking at a National Youth Association Nepal event at UML headquarters, Oli said past delays in realizing UML’s leadership need were due to misleading narratives by interest groups. Urging youth to support UML in the upcoming elections, he stressed that leadership requires hard work and experience, comparing it to the struggles of global icons like Messi and Mbappe. Over 100 youths, including doctors and engineers, joined UML at the event, where young entrepreneurs were also honored.

Windstorm Kills Four, Injures 28 Across Nepal; Damages Estimated at Rs1.08 Billion:

A powerful windstorm that swept across Nepal on Friday claimed four lives and injured at least 28 others, Nepal Police reported. The deceased include individuals from Kapilvastu, Bara, and Nawalparasi West. Significant property damage was recorded, including six houses and two animal sheds. In Nawalparasi East, the storm toppled a transmission tower of Nawalpur FM 104.4 MHz, suspending broadcasts. Preliminary damage is estimated at Rs1.08 billion. The day also saw 18 fire incidents and 59 lightning strikes nationwide. Authorities are actively responding and collecting data as emergency teams assess the full scale of the destruction.

Prachanda Meets Conflict Victims’ Families in Doti, Addresses Mass Gathering:

CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ held discussions with families of martyrs and those forcibly disappeared during the armed conflict, during his visit to Dipayal, Doti. The visit is part of the Mid-Hill Highway Campaign that began a day earlier. Prachanda also visited the Sahid Smriti Awasiya School at Rajapur, established in memory of the conflict’s martyrs. As leader of the main opposition in Parliament, Prachanda is scheduled to address a mass gathering in Dipayal. His visit underscores continued engagement with conflict-affected communities in Nepal’s far-western region.

Home and Tourism Ministers Visit Everest Base Camp, Vow Reforms in Rescue, Infrastructure:

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak and Tourism Minister Badri Pande visited Sagarmatha Base Camp to assess tourism, mountaineering, and security concerns. Arriving by helicopter in Khumbu Pasanglhamu-4, they discussed rescue operations, tourist convenience, and emergency response. Minister Lekhak emphasized the need for emergency helicopters while warning against misuse. Minister Pande pledged infrastructure development and better management of the region, highlighting national tourism priorities. Local tourism entrepreneurs and climbers, including Kami Rita Sherpa, urged road access, communication upgrades, more emergency helicopters, a climbers’ welfare fund, and extension of the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee’s term for effective regional oversight.

Sagarmatha Sambaad Highlights Urgent Need for Climate-Resilient Cities Amid Growing Urban Risks:

On the second day of the Sagarmatha Sambaad in Kathmandu, experts and leaders stressed the escalating climate risks faced by urban centers, calling for urgent reforms to build climate-resilient cities. Discussions focused on green infrastructure, nature-based solutions, and financial tools like municipal bonds and climate funds. Speakers, including COP-29 President Mukhtar Babayev and Kathmandu Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol, highlighted cities as both major emitters and frontline victims of climate change. Proposals included transitioning to electric vehicles, upgrading informal settlements, and enabling local governments to access climate finance directly. The dialogue, attended by 175 international delegates, continues through Sunday.

Japanese Vice-Minister Akiko Meets PM Oli, Reaffirms Support for Nepal’s Development:

Japanese Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs IKUINA Akiko paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli at his Baluwatar residence during her visit to Nepal for the Sagarmatha Sambaad. PM Oli emphasized Nepal-Japan cordial relations and highlighted the need for global collaboration to address climate change. He thanked Akiko for Japan’s participation in the dialogue and acknowledged Japan’s expertise in disaster-resilient infrastructure and environmental sustainability. Akiko reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to support Nepal’s development, particularly in education, human resources, and environmental conservation. The meeting was also attended by Japanese Ambassador Maeda Toru and Nepalese foreign ministry officials.

Gulmi Emerges as Birdwatching Haven, Hosting 36% of Nepal’s Avian Species:

A recent Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN) study has recorded 325 bird species in Gulmi district—36% of Nepal’s total 899 species—highlighting its exceptional biodiversity. The study, conducted from mid-November to mid-December, identified 289 species in Madane forest and 267 in Resunga forest. Notable sightings include the globally rare cheer pheasant and nesting sites of the endangered slender-billed vulture. Other threatened species such as the spiny babbler and Himalayan griffon were also documented. Experts credit the conservation value of Madane and Resunga forests, with Resunga hosting six of Nepal’s nine vulture species. BCN is working with local authorities to strengthen protection efforts.

COP-29 President Calls on PM Oli, Backs Sagarmatha Sambaad’s Climate Message:

President of COP-29 and Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan for Climate Issues, Mukthar Babayev, met Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli at the latter’s official residence in Baluwatar. PM Oli thanked Azerbaijan for its leadership in addressing climate change through global cooperation and stressed the need for non-aligned nations to advocate for the “Himalayas to Oceans” initiative to engage major powers. Mukthar, in Nepal for the Sagarmatha Sambaad, congratulated PM Oli for hosting the dialogue and promoting global awareness for the protection of the Himalayas and the environment. The meeting highlighted shared climate concerns and collaborative action.

‘Mahabhoj’ Unveils Intense New Poster Ahead of Trailer Release:

With the tagline “Truth Never Hides,” the highly anticipated Nepali film ‘Mahabhoj’ is set to release on Jestha 15. A new poster featuring lead actors Dayahang Rai, Aryan Sigdel, and Khagendra Lamichhane hints at deep societal struggles. Designed by Royal Bhimsen of Trident Concept, the poster captures intense emotions—Dayahang appears solemn, Khagendra seems anxious, and Aryan reflects uncertainty. Directed by Dinesh Raut and written by Subedi, Mahabhoj portrays the voices of cooperative fraud victims. Produced by Himal Kadel, the film stars a strong ensemble cast and promises a powerful narrative with strong social commentary woven into its storytelling.

‘Woolen Sweater’ Sets Box Office on Fire, Goes Global with Packed Shows:

The Nepali film ‘Woolen Sweater’ has become a domestic hit, grossing NPR 5.75 crore in its first week, and is now gaining global traction. Directed by Navin Chauhan, the film is showing in over 30 US cities and drawing strong crowds in Australia, Japan, South Korea, and Europe. Audiences have praised its realistic storytelling, engaging dialogues, and standout performances by Bipin Karki, Miruna Magar, and others. Its songs are viral on YouTube and TikTok. The cast has begun a promotional tour across Nepal. With packed theaters and growing international screenings, the film has cemented its place in Nepali cinema history.

Church Boys Exit Rara Gold Cup in Sudden Death as Morang’s LX FC Reach Final:

Church Boys United were knocked out of the Rara Gold Cup semifinals after a dramatic 5–4 sudden death loss to LX Football Club Belbari, Morang. The match ended 2–2 in regulation time. Pradeep Lama gave Morang an early lead in the 11th minute, but Church Boys came back with two goals from Samir Tamang in the second half. In injury time, Chiring Gurung scored to force a tiebreaker. Both teams missed one shot each in the penalties, leading to sudden death, where Chiring scored and goalkeeper Bivek saved Samir’s shot. Vivek was declared Man of the Match. Morang face Birtamod United in the final.

Nepali Footballer Rekha Paudel Honored by Nepali Club in UAE:

Nepali national women’s football team member Rekha Paudel was honored by the Nepali community club Nakhil Gurkha FC in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Currently playing professional football in the UAE, she was recognized with a cash prize on Friday following a friendly match between her team, Abu Dhabi Country Club, and Nakhil. The club said the honor was in appreciation of her recent outstanding performance with the national team and to further encourage her. Nakhil Gurkha FC includes several former players from Nepal’s top-tier Martyr’s Memorial ‘A’ Division League, such as Tirtha Rana Magar, Sharan Basnet, and Neer Kumar Rai.

Trump to Call Putin and Zelenskyy, Aims to Broker Ukraine-Russia Ceasefire:

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he will speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday to discuss ending the war in Ukraine, referring to the ongoing conflict as a “bloodbath.” Trump stated that following the call with Putin, he will also speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and members of NATO. He expressed hope that these conversations will lead to a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. The announcement follows renewed peace talks in Istanbul and signals a more direct U.S. involvement in brokering a potential settlement to the prolonged conflict.

Lavrov and Rubio Discuss Istanbul Peace Talks, Signal US-Russia Cooperation on Ukraine:

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed the recent Istanbul peace talks on Ukraine in a phone call initiated by the US. Both welcomed the resumed negotiations and expressed readiness to support the peace process. Lavrov praised the US for its role in bringing Kyiv back to the table, while Rubio affirmed Washington’s support for settlement efforts. Talks resumed following Russian President Putin’s proposal, which Ukrainian President Zelensky accepted after US President Trump urged Kyiv to agree. The two diplomats also addressed broader international issues and Russia-US relations during the call.