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.

Election Commission Grants One Week to Correct PR Lists

The Election Commission has announced that political parties will have one week to correct their proportional representation (PR) closed lists. Spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai announced that the commission will notify parties regarding cluster mismatches by January 4. Parties can then resubmit their amended lists between January 5 and January 11. Candidates wishing to withdraw their names have until January 12. The commission plans to publish the final lists of candidates on February 3, ensuring all legal requirements for inclusion and cluster representation are met before the election.

Supreme Court Orders Inclusion of Disabled Persons in PR Lists

The Supreme Court has issued an order to the Election Commission to ensure that persons with disabilities are included in the proportional representation (PR) closed lists submitted by political parties. The joint bench of justices Hari Phuyal and Tek Prasad Dhungana ruled that if any party has failed to include disabled representatives, they must be allowed to correct and resubmit their lists. The order follows a writ petition filed by Madhav Prasad Chamlagain, who argued that despite constitutional provisions for inclusive representation, persons with disabilities were being marginalized. This ruling forces political parties to adjust their current submissions to meet inclusivity standards.

Proportional Ballot to Feature Only 58 Election Symbols

The Election Commission has announced that the proportional representation (PR) ballot papers for the upcoming March 5 elections will feature only 58 election symbols. Commission spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai explained that while 100 parties initially registered to compete using 93 symbols, only 64 parties successfully submitted their closed lists. Among these, 10 parties have agreed to compete under a single shared symbol, reducing the total symbols on the ballot. This marks a departure from previous practices where all registered parties’ symbols were printed, regardless of whether they submitted a final list of candidates.

Myagdi Police Recover 115 Illegal Arms and Ammunition

The Myagdi District Police Office has recovered 115 units of illegal muzzle-loading muskets within a month under its Operation Bravo Sierra, which began on December 1, 2025. Deputy Superintendent of Police Surya Bahadur Thapa of Myagdi police stated that the campaign was launched to ensure security for the March 5 House of Representatives elections and to curb poaching in forests. The highest recovery was from Raghuganga Rural Municipality with 48 guns. Police found the weapons hidden in sheds, forests, and abandoned houses. Possession of unlicensed firearms can lead to five years of imprisonment and a Rs 50,000 fine.

13 Nepalis Granted Amnesty in Qatar

The Government of Qatar has granted amnesty to 13 Nepali prisoners on the occasion of its National Day and International Migrants Day. Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement thanking the Qatari government for this humanitarian gesture, describing it as a reflection of the deep bilateral friendship between the two nations. Currently, approximately 500,000 Nepalis are employed in Qatar, with over 140,000 joining last year alone. The amnesty follows a recent diplomatic exchange where Nepal gifted two elephants to Qatar. The released individuals are expected to be repatriated following the completion of administrative procedures.

General Secretary Sharma Confirms Nepali Congress Will Not Split

Nepali Congress General Secretary Bishwa Prakash Sharma assured party members and supporters on Friday that the party will remain united. Speaking at the central party office in Sanepa, Sharma dismissed rumors of a split, emphasizing that the party would follow its statutory provisions. Despite demands from Sharma and fellow General Secretary Gagan Thapa, backed by 54 percent of convention representatives, for a Special General Convention, the leadership has prioritized the upcoming February elections. Sharma insisted that while he advocates for new leadership and policies through a convention, the party remains a single entity heading into the polls.

Deuba and Dahal Accept Commission Letters After Public Warning

Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and NCP Coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ have reportedly accepted letters from the Inquiry Commission following a warning that a public notice would be issued. Both leaders had initially refused to receive the letters regarding the September 8 and 9, 2025, Gen Z protest investigation. Deuba argued he was a victim of arson, while Prachanda questioned the basis for his testimony as an opposition leader. However, commission officials clarified the letters were for general inquiries, not formal depositions. After being told their non-cooperation would be noted in the final report, both leaders accepted the correspondence within hours of each other.

JSP Nepal Instructs Local Committees to Recommend Candidates

The Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP) Nepal has directed its provincial and district committees to recommend candidates for the first-past-the-post seats in the upcoming House of Representatives elections. Publicity Department Chief Purna Basnet stated that committees must collect names based on political background and contributions within seven days. The recommendations must adhere to Article 117, Clause 3 of the party statute regarding qualifications. Once the district and provincial committees submit their lists to the central office, the final selection of candidates will be determined by the Federal Parliamentary Board, headed by Party Chairman Upendra Yadav.

Logistics Tenders Invited for March HoR Election

The Election Commission has invited firms to enlist for transporting essential materials for the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5. Logistics will involve helicopters, trucks, and containers. Interested courier services, possessing 77-district networks, must submit tax clearances through 2024/25. Financial eligibility requires an average annual turnover of Rs 30 million for helicopter providers, Rs 10 million for truck operators, and Rs 3 million for courier firms. Applications for multiple categories will be disqualified. The Commission retains full authority over the final selection of service providers to ensure secure nationwide election logistics.

NRB Study Links Youth and Students to Illegal Crypto Trading

A strategic analysis report by Nepal Rastra Bank’s (NRB) Financial Information Unit reveals a surge in illegal cryptocurrency and virtual asset trading despite legal bans. The report identified 658 suspicious transactions over four years, with cases rising from 13 in 2021 to 252 in 2024. Data shows that 92 percent of those involved are aged 21 to 40, with students making up 29 percent of offenders. Most suspicious activities were reported by commercial banks, as users utilize banking systems and Hundi for payments. The central bank expressed concern over the high involvement of the younger generation in digital betting and unregulated virtual markets.

Nepal Police Club Beats Army to Reach NVA Finals

Nepal Police Club (NPC) advanced to the finals of the 9th NVA Club Volleyball Championship after defeating Tribhuvan Army Club 3-1 in the departmental derby on Friday. In the match held at the Tripureshwor Covered Hall, NPC won the first set 25-12, lost the second 29-31, but dominated the remaining sets 25-14 and 25-18. NPC will now face New Diamond Sports Youth Club for the title, following New Diamond’s straight-set victory over APF. Army will compete against APF for the third-place position, while NPC prepares for the championship match.

Madan Krishna Shrestha Honored at Ninth Rapti Music Awards

Veteran artist Madan Krishna Shrestha was felicitated, and folk singer Komal Oli received the Long-term Sadhana Honor at the 9th National Rapti Music Award-2025 in Kathmandu. Organized by Rapti Samaj Kathmandu, the event presented awards across 42 categories. Other honorees included Aakash Shrestha for the Cultural Talent Award and Shashi Sharma Mazgaiya for the Rapti Social Honor. The ceremony saw the participation of prestigious figures such as D. Bhimarjun Acharya, Nir Shah, and Paul Shah. The event aimed to recognize significant contributions to the development of the Rapti region’s culture and social sectors.

South Korean BTS Confirms New Album Release for March 20

Bangtan Boys (BTS) fans worldwide are celebrating as the globally renowned K-pop band announced its first new album in nearly four years, set for release on March 20. This will be the group’s first project since June 2022’s “Proof,” following the members’ completion of mandatory military service. Bighit Music confirmed the reports through its official accounts. Band members sent handwritten messages to fans, with RM expressing his excitement and Jin celebrating his return as a full team member. The announcement marks the official end of the group’s hiatus and the beginning of their new era in the global music scene.

Japan’s Female Lawmakers Petition for More Toilets in Parliament

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi joined 60 female lawmakers in petitioning for more women’s restrooms in the national parliament building. Following the October 2024 elections, a record 73 women now serve in the 465-seat Lower House, leading to long queues and limited facilities. Currently, there is only one female restroom with two cubicles near the plenary chamber, compared to extensive facilities for men. The parliament building, constructed in 1936, was built a decade before women gained the right to vote. While Takaichi pledged to increase female representation, her 19-member cabinet currently includes only two other women besides herself.

Pakistan Sentences Eight Journalists to Life Imprisonment

An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan has sentenced eight journalists and social media commentators to life imprisonment in absentia. The group, including Sabir Shakir and Moeed Pirzada, was convicted of terrorism-related offenses for online activities supporting jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The charges were linked to the May 9, 2023, protests that followed Khan’s arrest. The court ruled their content promoted fear and unrest. Human rights groups and the Committee to Protect Journalists have condemned the move as a crackdown on dissent. Most of those convicted are currently residing outside Pakistan, and the sentences await confirmation by the Islamabad High Court.

India Approves USD 28.62 Billion Investment in Electronics Manufacturing

The Indian government has approved new electronics manufacturing projects worth USD 28.62 billion across eight states. This initiative is part of an incentive program aimed at reducing import dependence and expanding local capacity. The projects are expected to create approximately 34,000 jobs and strengthen domestic supply chains. India produced electronics worth USD 125 billion in the fiscal year ending March 2025 and aims to reach a USD 500 billion output by 2031. These incentives attract both global and domestic investors, positioning India as a competitive hub for high-tech manufacturing in the global market.