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.

7 Parties Submit PR Closed Lists to Election Commission

The number of political parties that have submitted their closed lists for the Proportional Representation (PR) system has reached seven, according to the latest update from the Election Commission. Monday is the final day for parties to file their candidate lists for the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5, 2026. The parties that have successfully registered their lists include the Nepal Majdoor Kisan Party, Rastriya Janamorcha, Nepal Loktantrik Party, Janapriya Loktantrik Party, CPN-Marxist (Pushpalal), JSP-Nepal, and the Gatishil Loktantrik Party. While major parties like JSP-Nepal submitted full lists of 110 candidates, others like the Gatishil Loktantrik Party filed smaller lists with 11 candidates.

Former Minister Ramesh Lekhak Denies Ordering Force Against Gen Z

Former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak claimed on Sunday that he never issued oral or written orders to use lethal force during the Gen Z protest. Speaking at a press conference after providing his statement to the Inquiry Commission, Lekhak asserted that there was no legal or situational reason for him to order police to fire on protesters. He stated that his resignation was a voluntary act based on moral grounds and professional integrity because he was deeply pained by the violence. He questioned the allegations, stating it would be impossible for him to commit the “wrong deed” of ordering the killing of citizens.

Ujyalo Nepal Party to Contest Independently After Failed Alliance

The Ujyalo Nepal Party (UNP) has moved to finalize its own Proportional Representation (PR) list after alliance talks with the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah collapsed. UNP Spokesperson Dr. Raju Thapa confirmed on Monday that unification is no longer possible. Central members alleged “political humiliation” by RSP Chair Rabi Lamichhane, claiming he reduced an initial 30 percent partnership offer to just five percent. Despite late-night talks on Sunday between Lamichhane, Shah, and UNP Patron Kulman Ghising, the parties could not agree on leadership positions, prompting UNP to launch its nationwide campaign independently.

EC Allocates 15 Days for Active Election Campaigning

The Election Commission (EC) has designated a 15-day window for political parties and candidates to conduct active election campaigns. According to the Code of Conduct, formal campaigning, including rallies, mass meetings, and media advertisements, can only begin 17 days before the polling date. With a 48-hour silence period required before voting, the effective campaign duration is 15 days. Although the final candidate list will be published on January 23, 2026, candidates must wait until February 15 to start public demonstrations, broadcasting campaign materials, or organizing door-to-door visits.

EC Draws Red Lines on Campaigning Methods

The Election Commission has imposed tight restrictions on election campaigning, banning digital ads, TV scrolls, mall displays, call centers, direct messages, and street performances. Promotion is allowed only through one officially registered website. Campaign materials may be placed only inside party or candidate offices, limited to cloth banners up to three by four feet. Use of public or private spaces, branded items, vehicles, music, decorations, graffiti, and children is prohibited. Rallies are allowed only between 7 am and 7 pm with prior approval, and national flags are capped at ten per event.

Renu Yadav and Pradeep Yadav Join Upendra Yadav’s JSP-Nepal

Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP) Co-Chair Renu Yadav and Deputy General Secretary Pradeep Yadav have officially left their party to join the Upendra Yadav-led Janata Samajbadi Party-Nepal (JSP-Nepal). On Monday, the leaders signed a unification agreement, bringing a majority of JSP central committee members into the fold of JSP-Nepal. This strategic move accepts the broader unification between JSP-Nepal and the Loktantrik Samajbadi Party (LSP). The agreement formalizes the integration of the faction led by Renu Yadav, strengthening the regional political front ahead of the upcoming national elections.

NC Performance Committee Approves Provincial PR Candidate Lists

The Nepali Congress (NC) Central Working Performance Committee has officially approved the lists of Proportional Representation (PR) candidates recommended by its seven provincial committees. Koshi Province President Uddhab Thapa confirmed on Monday that the meeting endorsed the names assigned to each province before pausing for a 2-hour recess. The party plans to publicly announce the final names following the break before heading to the Election Commission. Thapa noted that the party has already secured a receipt from the commission to file the closed list for the March 5, 2026, House of Representatives election before the midnight deadline.

EC to Collect Temporary Voter List From January 2

The Election Commission will begin collecting temporary voter lists from January 3 to February 1. Temporary voters, including government employees, security personnel, prisoners, and residents of nursing homes, will be eligible to vote only under the proportional representation system. Spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai stated that individuals must already be on the final voter list published on Saturday to qualify. Approximately half a million temporary voters, including 200,000 election staff and 350,000 security personnel, are expected. District committees will finalize and publish the lists following a verification and complaint process.

Police Fire Warning Shots to Arrest Marijuana Smugglers

Morang Police arrested two individuals on Sunday night after firing a warning shot to intercept an ambulance smuggling marijuana. Superintendent of Police Kavita Katwal identified the suspects as Nischal Rai, 35, and Khagendra Limbu, 20, both from Dhankuta. Acting on a tip-off, a team from Belbari Area Police Office intercepted the ambulance at Lafa Tol, Kerabari-5, discovering 480 kilograms of marijuana inside. The driver, Rai, attempted to flee, prompting the police to fire a round into the air. Both suspects are currently under investigation at the Belbari police station.

Cold Wave Triggers School Closures Across Southern Districts

Extreme cold and persistent fog have led to the closure of schools in Saptari and Rautahat districts. Dakneshwori Municipality and Rajgadh Rural Municipality in Saptari announced closures from Monday to Friday. In Rautahat, Chandrapur and Madhav Narayan municipalities have also shut down community schools to protect students’ health. Other municipalities, including Gaur and Rajdevi, previously closed schools for several days as the cold wave impacted the elderly, children, and livestock. Officials noted that the closures may be extended if the weather conditions, which have disrupted daily life for two weeks, do not improve.

Rasuwagadhi Border Reopens After Six-Month Closure

The Rasuwagadhi border crossing between Nepal and China resumed operations on Sunday after being shut since July 8 due to flood damage. Chief District Officer Rajesh Panthi confirmed that the newly reconstructed Miteri (Friendship) Bridge at Lhendre Khola passed technical inspections. While pedestrians began crossing on Sunday, freight vehicles and traders will be allowed passage starting Thursday. Due to ongoing road paving in the G-216 border area, only one-way traffic will be permitted initially during specific morning hours. The 82-kilometer road from Galchhi to Rasuwagadhi remains partially damaged, limiting vehicle movement to a single lane in several sections.

Solar Lift Project Ends Water Scarcity for 327 Households in Remote Gulmi

A solar-powered lifting project has successfully delivered drinking water to 327 households in Balithum, Gulmi. The Rahakhola Devisthan Solar Lifting Project was completed with a total investment involving Rs 1.5 million from Lumbini Province, Rs 5.5 million from the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre, and Rs 2.9 million from the Centre for Rural Technology. Additionally, Gulmi Darbar Rural Municipality contributed Rs 2.2 million, while Wine to Water Nepal provided Rs 5.5 million. Local residents also contributed labor worth Rs 2.4 million, marking a collaborative effort to improve climate resilience and local livelihoods.

Singer Trishala Gurung and Nakim Uddin Recommended as PR Candidates

The Ujyaalo Nepal Party has recommended popular singer and physician Trishala Gurung as a candidate under the Proportional Representation (PR) system for the upcoming House of Representatives elections. The party cited her medical expertise and cultural influence as key factors for health sector reform and inclusive politics. Additionally, the party recommended Nakim Uddin, a prominent film producer and head of QFX Cinemas, as a PR candidate. These selections highlight the party’s strategy to integrate professionals and figures from the creative industry into the political sphere to drive diverse representation and professional competence in governance.

‘Jhari Pachhi Ko Indreni’ Earns Rs 6.2 Million in Nine Days

The film Jhari Pachhi Ko Indreni has collected a gross total of Rs 6.2 million within its first nine days of release. According to the Box Office Report from the Film Development Board, at least 19,793 tickets have been sold since it premiered on December 19. Directed by Arjun Ghimire, the movie explores social struggles, family separation, and the trend of youth migrating to Australia. The film features actors Ganesh Upreti, Ramesh Upreti, Deepa Shree Niraula, and Prakash Ghimire, marking Ganesh Upreti’s return to the silver screen after a nine-year hiatus.

Youth Build Sports Ground Through Volunteers

Youth in Ramche, Annapurna-8, Myagdi, constructed a modern sports ground by combining government funds with local donations and volunteer labor. Led by the New Deurali Youth Club, the project involved an investment of over Rs 8.1 million. Club President Khim Bahadur Punja noted that the facility includes a concrete court, club building, toilets, fencing, and a spectator parapet. Contributions came from the rural municipality, ward office, local groups, and residents living abroad. The project ensures that daily sports activities no longer disrupt the neighboring Deurali Basic School, providing a dedicated venue for community festivals and athletic training.

Nepal Olympic Committee Passes 2026 Budget and Major Event Schedule

The 21st General Assembly of the Nepal Olympic Committee (NOC) concluded on Monday, chaired by President Jeevan Ram Shrestha. Secretary General Rajiv Shrestha presented progress reports for 2025, while the assembly passed the annual budget and programs for 2026. Key international competitions for 2026 include the Asian Games in Japan, the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Saudi Arabia, the Youth Olympics in Senegal, and the Beach Games in China. The assembly also formed a Prevention of Manipulation of Sports (PMC) committee led by Kiran Bajracharya and requested the government to return the NOC office building in Satdobato.

NFCA and KTM City Sign Three-Year Apparel Partnership

The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) and sports apparel brand KTM City signed a three-year cooperation agreement on Monday. The memorandum, signed by ANFA General Secretary Upendra Man Singh and KTM City CEO Sabin Mahato, aims to provide affordable football gear to local clubs. NFCA President Karma Tsering Sherpa stated that 8 clubs participating in the national league will receive significant support, including a 50 percent discount on jerseys and kits. The partnership specifically targets clubs without existing brand deals, including four teams based outside the Kathmandu Valley, to bolster the financial stability of the 30 member clubs across A, B, and C divisions.

Government Opens Labor Permits for Returnees to Iraq

The Nepal government has decided to issue labor permits for citizens who hold valid residency cards and official visas for Iraq, allowing them to return to their jobs after home leave. The Council of Ministers finalized this decision last Friday, benefiting approximately 30,000 Nepalis currently working in Iraqi companies. While the ban on new labor permits for Iraq remains due to its “high-risk” status since 2004, this move legitimizes those already working there. Ministry spokesperson Pitambar Ghimire clarified that this only applies to returning workers, ensuring their employment security and enabling the government to maintain official records of citizens in the country.

Thailand and Cambodia Agree to Ceasefire Following China-Led Talks

Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to consolidate a ceasefire after high-level trilateral talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Yunnan, China. The agreement, finalized on Monday, follows weeks of border clashes that killed at least 101 people and displaced over 500,000 civilians. A joint communique released by Xinhua news agency stated that both nations committed to rebuilding political trust and restoring livelihoods in the Dangrek mountain range border areas. This marks the second ceasefire since late October. While US President Donald Trump had previously attempted to broker peace, this latest consensus aims for a more lasting regional stability through diplomatic and military contact.

Fire at Indonesia Nursing Home Kills 16 Elderly Residents

A tragic fire at the Damai retirement home in Manado, Indonesia, killed 16 people and injured three others on Sunday night. The city’s fire and rescue agency chief, Jimmy Rotinsulu, reported that the blaze began around 8:30 PM (12:30 GMT) while many residents were resting. Local residents and emergency services managed to evacuate 12 people, but many victims were found “unrecognizable” in their rooms. Preliminary witness reports mentioned an explosion in the kitchen before the fire engulfed the building within five minutes. Authorities are currently working to identify the deceased as police continue to investigate the exact cause of the disaster.

Kim Jong Un Oversees Strategic Cruise Missile Launch Drill

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervised a long-range strategic cruise missile drill on Sunday to verify the country’s nuclear counterattack readiness. According to KCNA, the missiles hit their targets in the sea west of the Korean Peninsula. Kim described the test as a “responsible exercise” to check the DPRK’s nuclear deterrent in response to mounting security threats. This launch follows recent inspections of a nuclear-powered submarine and surface-to-air missile tests. Experts believe the drill tested upgrades for missiles capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads ahead of the ruling party’s major congress scheduled for early 2026.