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.

64 Parties Join PR Race for March Elections

A total of 64 political parties have submitted closed lists for the Proportional Representation (PR) system for the House of Representatives elections on March 5, 2026. According to Spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattari, 54 parties will use their own symbols, while 10 parties will share four symbols, resulting in 58 symbols on the ballot. Major parties, including Nepali Congress, CPN (UML), RSP, and RPP, are among the 18 groups fielding a full list of 110 candidates. Conversely, six parties submitted the minimum requirement of 11 names, citing strict cluster requirements and limited preparation time as primary challenges.

Kulman Ghising Breaks Silence on UNP and RSP Merger

Kulman Ghising, the patron of the Ujyalo Nepal Party (UNP), spoke publicly on Tuesday regarding the unification with the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). Breaking his silence 14 hours after the agreement, Ghising stated on social media that the “historic integration” prioritizes national interest and public desire over individual positions or personal gain. He expressed confidence that the move would lead the country toward a brighter future. Despite earlier speculation regarding his somber expression in merger photos, Ghising emphasized that the two parties are now standing together to provide a proper exit from the current political stalemate.

Oli Ridicules RSP-UNP-Balen Alliance as a “Front of the Weak”

CPN (UML) Chairman KP Sharma Oli criticized the recent political unification between the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), the Ujyalo Nepal Party (UNP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah’s faction. Speaking at an interaction on Tuesday, Oli labeled the alliance a “front of the weak,” comparing it to a coalition of chickens, goats, and foxes. He questioned how “pot-carried water” could compete with the “ocean” of established parties like CPN (UML) and Nepali Congress. Oli asserted that the 11th General Convention has prepared CPN (UML) to provide a national verdict in the upcoming elections, dismissing the popularity of the new alliance.

Former Presidents Ram Baran and Bidya Devi Meet Today

Former Presidents Dr Ram Baran Yadav and Bidya Devi Bhandari held a meeting today. During the meeting held at the residence of Nepali Congress central committee member Kiran Yadav, at Lazimpat, they discussed the current political situation of the country, according to former President Bhandari’s Secretariat. They discussed the contemporary issues, including the incumbent government’s activities, the March 5, 2026 election to the House of Representatives, and current political outlets.

Minister Ghising Warns Contractors Over Delay in Road Repairs

Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Kulman Ghising announced on Tuesday that construction contractors will face heavy penalties for delaying road repairs. Speaking at the 23rd anniversary of Road Board Nepal, Ghising emphasized that the government will no longer tolerate repeated delays and will cancel contracts if necessary. He noted that while the demand for repairs is high across federal and provincial levels, budget constraints remain a challenge. Director General Dr. Bijay Jaisi and Secretary Keshav Kumar Sharma added that timely maintenance is vital, as delays can increase reconstruction costs by three to four times.

7 Police Officers Rewarded for Solving Two Homicide Cases

The Kathmandu Valley Police Office, Ranipokhari, rewarded seven police personnel on Tuesday for their successful investigation into two separate homicide cases. The officers were recognized for solving the killings of 25-year-old Keshab Raj Hayu and Paruhang Rai. Those honored include DSP Ved Poudel, DSP Panchalal Gole, and Inspector Shiva Thapa, along with two sub-inspectors, one assistant sub-inspector, and one head constable from the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office. Following the investigation, police arrested suspects Devraj Dhungel and Jayraj Ashikari in connection with the crimes committed in the Sindhuli district.

Film Development Board to Digitize Historic Analog Nepali Films

The Film Development Board has invited applications to digitize and preserve classic Nepali films originally produced in analog format. Board Chairman Dinesh DC announced on Tuesday that interested producers or rights holders must apply within 21 days. The initiative aims to protect Nepal’s cultural and historical heritage by moving old documents of society and history into secure digital mediums. Chairman DC emphasized that these films are more than entertainment; they are vital archives for future generations. The program intends to expand the reach of Nepali cinema internationally while ensuring long-term conservation and research opportunities for researchers.

NPC Women Reach NVA Cup Semifinals After Defeating APF

Nepal Police Club (NPC) advanced to the women’s semifinals of the 9th NVA Cup Championship after defeating APF Club on Tuesday. In a competitive departmental derby at the National Sports Council (NSC) covered hall in Tripureshwor, NPC secured a 3-2 set victory. After winning the first two sets 25-21 and 25-15, NPC lost the next two to APF before sealing the final set 15-9. In the men’s category, Khilji Youth Club entered the quarterfinals by defeating Dhorpatan Sports Club 3-0. Khilji will now face Tribhuvan Army Club in the next round of the tournament, which concludes on January 3.

Former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia Dies at 80

Bangladesh’s first female prime minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson, Begum Khaleda Zia, has died at the age of 80. She passed away at 6 am on Tuesday while receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, the BNP confirmed through Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and the party’s official Facebook page. Khaleda Zia had been hospitalized since November 23 after suffering heart and lung infections and was also battling pneumonia.

Pakistan-US Relations Thaw in 2025 Following Trump-Munir Meeting

The year 2025 is being recognized in Islamabad and Washington as a period of significant diplomatic warmth. The shift follows a high-level meeting between US President Donald Trump and Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. Federal Minister Sherry Rehman described the “bromance” as a game-changer for trade and security. Relations were further bolstered after the May 2025 India-Pakistan air war, where Trump praised Pakistan’s role in preventing escalation. Despite the optimism, former Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi cautioned that sustainable ties must transition from personalized leadership deals to long-term shared commercial and strategic interests.