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Non-life insurance companies have so far paid out only 18.7% of the total claims filed for losses arising from the Gen Z protests of September 8 and 9, according to updated figures from the Nepal Insurance Authority (NIA). 

The two days of violent unrest, marked by arson, vandalism and clashes between security forces and protesters, resulted in extensive damage to public property, business establishments, vehicles and private homes.

Of around 3,300 claims amounting to approximately Rs 23.44 billion received by insurers, companies have made advance and parietal payments totaling Rs 4.38 billion to policyholders, the NIA said.

Property insurance has accounted for the largest share of losses. Out of 710 property claims worth Rs 19.88 billion, insurers have so far settled about Rs 3.21 billion. Similarly, out of 2,308 motor insurance claims valued at Rs 3.47 billion, payments totaling Rs 1.08 billion have been made as of December 3..

Engineering and contractor’s risk policies have seen 225 claims worth Rs 555.5 million, of which insurers have settled Rs 68.1 million. Transport insurance accounts for 12 claims valued at Rs 16.8 million, with payouts of Rs 6.6 million. Under the “other” category, insurers have paid Rs 4.9 million against 45 claims totaling Rs 384 million.

According to the NIA, 1,984 of the total claims are linked directly to arson and vandalism in Kathmandu and several districts. Seventy-four people were killed in the protests, which escalated after police used excessive force to disperse crowds. Hotel Hilton Kathmandu alone reported damages of around Rs 8 billion, making it one of the largest individual losses.

All fourteen non-life insurance companies and four microinsurers have reported exposure to losses from the protests. Seven companies have liabilities exceeding Rs 1 billion each.

Oriental Insurance has received the highest claim totaling Rs 5.14 billion from 40 policies, followed by Siddhartha Premier Insurance with Rs 4.93 billion across 258 claims. Shikhar Insurance ranks third in terms of claim value, with 366 cases totaling Rs 2.39 billion. IME Prudential Insurance has 24 claims worth Rs 1.59 billion, while Sagarmatha Lumbini Insurance has reported 233 claims amounting to Rs 1.47 billion.

The Election Commission has received applications from 100 political parties for the proportional election system. These parties submitted their applications before the deadline for the proportional category of the House of Representatives election, which is set for March 5. 

The Commission had designated the registration period for parties aiming for the proportional election from December 7-9.

According to the Commission, during this timeframe, a total of 100 political parties applied for the proportional election system. Among the applicants, there are parties that have opted for a joint election symbol as well as those that have chosen a single election symbol. 

The Commission has indicated that it will conduct a thorough review of the applications received and aims to approve them December 12. As per the Commission's schedule, the closed list for proportional representation is to be submitted on December 28 and 29.

Following a necessary review of this list, the preliminary list will be released on January 19. Claims, objections, and required scrutiny will take place regarding this list, with the final list expected to be published on 3 February. 

Out of the 275-member House of Representatives, 165 members will be elected through the direct election system, while 110 members will be elected via the proportional representation system.

Tottenham Hotspur maintained their strong Champions League home form with a 3-0 win against Slavia Prague thanks to an own goal and penalties for Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons on Tuesday, Reuters reported. 

The London club were made to work hard by the visitors but eventually eased to a third win on their own turf in this year's competition to boost their hopes of a top-eight finish.

Thomas Frank's side got their noses in front in the 26th minute when a Pedro Porro corner was headed into his own net by David Zima under no real pressure, according to Reuters. 

Jules Kounde's quickfire brace of headers helped Barcelona to fight back to edge past Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1 in the Champions League at Camp Nou on Tuesday, marking a much-needed win for the Catalan side, Reuters reported. 

After a draw against Club Brugge and a loss to Chelsea, Barcelona found their stride to climb to 14th in the standings, level on 10 points with several teams, as they aim for a top-eight finish to secure direct qualification for the last 16. Frankfurt are 30th with four points from six matches.

Frankfurt struck first in the 21st minute through Ansgar Knauff on the counter but Barca's persistence paid off when Kounde scored twice early in the second half, according to Reuters. 

Atalanta sealed an important Champions League comeback victory, overturning Chelsea 2-1 at home on Tuesday through goals from Gianluca Scamacca and Charles De Ketelaere, Reuters reported. 

The win put the Bergamo side near the top of the Champions League table, giving them a major step toward direct qualification for the round of 16 with 13 points, while Chelsea sit in the knockout phase play-off section on 10.

Joao Pedro broke the deadlock for Chelsea after 25 minutes, pouncing on a quickly taken corner that caught Atalanta sleeping. He swept in a pinpoint low cross from Reece James and, after a brief VAR check confirmed he had timed his run perfectly, the goal stood, according to Reuters. 

Liverpool shrugged off the absence of Mohamed Salah as midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai scored an 88th-minute penalty to give them a 1-0 Champions League win at Inter Milan on Tuesday that boosts their hopes of a top-eight finish, Reuters reported. 

With the shadow of absent winger Salah's recent falling-out with head coach Arne Slot still hanging over them, Liverpool needed a positive result, but Inter made it hard for them until a late loss of concentration cost them dearly.

With the game heading for a draw, Alessandro Bastoni tugged on Florian Wirtz's shirt and the German's theatrical tumble in the box alerted the VAR, who told the referee to take a second look, according to Reuters. 

On the occasion of the historic 40th anniversary of the SAARC Charter, the Secretary General Ambassador Md. Golam Sarwar and Madam Taslima Sarwar hosted a Diplomatic Reception in Kathmandu today.

Rt. Hon'ble Ramsahay Prasad Yadav, Vice President of Nepal, graced the function with his presence as the Chief Guest.

The reception was attended by the high dignitaries of Nepal, Ambassadors and Representatives of the Embassies of the Member States, Observer States, Heads of Diplomatic Missions and International Organizations in Kathmandu, representatives of business community and civil society, editors and reporters of media houses and people from all walks of life​​​​​​​.

Heads of States/Governments as well as the Foreign Ministers of SAARC Member States issued dedicatory messages on 08 December 2025 to commemorate this momentous day.

In their special messages, the Heads of State/Government and Ministers of Foreign Affairs have underscored the importance of SAARC as a shared platform to foster mutual understanding, collaboration and solidarity in order to build a peaceful, prosperous and integrated South Asia.

Reaffirming their commitment to the ideals and founding objectives as articulated in the Charter, the Leaders also acknowledged the imperatives of concerted efforts and meaningful action to harness economic potentials, achieve sustained and equitable development, and to address the shared challenges confronting the region bound by history, culture and destiny.

Addressing today’s function, Ambassador Sarwar briefly reflected on the journey SAARC has made so far. With its focus on institutional strengthening and norm setting in priority areas to the implementation of programs in the first forty years, to now aiming for global outreach, SAARC has made tremendous progress in both scope and substance, he said.

It may be mentioned that the Heads of State/Government of seven South Asian countries launched SAARC by adopting its Charter at the First Summit held in Dhaka, Bangladesh on 08 December 1985. Since then, 08 December is observed as the SAARC Charter Day every year across the South Asia.

Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav has said public disenchantment reflected in the September 8-9 Gen Z protest makes it clear that human rights are yet to be guaranteed fully.

Giving a message of best wishes on the occasion of the Human Rights Day today, Vice President Yadav wished the Day inspired all sides to work in unison to ensure equality, justice, freedom of expression, thereby living dignified life.

Active participation and intervention the Gen Zers wanted has reminded them of the urgency of opportunities, transparency and good governance, he said, adding, "Nepal's federal democratic republic system is at work to enforce social justice and human rights." 

Irrespective of the constitutional guarantees, still some sections and communities are waiting desperately for identities and socioeconomic developments, the Vice President argued. He further said violation of human rights is not acceptable in a democratic system, so activities fueling discrimination, injustice and inequality must be curbed.

Concrete initiatives are needed to fully guarantee the rights of education, health and employment to the disabled persons, indigenous ones, Madhesi and Dalit people, the Vice President underscored.