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.

NC General Secretaries Seek Legal Advice, Assert Special Convention Must Be Held Under Party Bylaws:
Nepali Congress (NC) General Secretaries Gagan Thapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma have consulted legal experts regarding convening a special party convention. According to party bylaws, Article 17(2), a special convention becomes mandatory once a majority of delegates submit a signed request. Lawyers confirmed that this is not optional and that the central committee cannot delay it. If the committee fails to act, the general secretaries or the requesting delegates themselves can legally call the convention, with decisions valid if 51% participate. Thapa and Sharma emphasized the convention is crucial to set new policies, strengthen the party, and protect internal democracy ahead of elections.

Nepali Congress Faces Internal Crisis Over Push for Special General Convention:
The Nepali Congress is embroiled in a fresh internal dispute after General Secretaries Gagan Thapa and Bishwo Prakash Sharma moved to schedule a special general convention, intensifying divisions within the party. Supporters of the convention booked Bhrikutimandap Hall for January 11–12, while the Deuba faction opposes any pre-election convention, citing the March 5 House of Representatives elections and party statutes. Proponents argue the special convention is a constitutional right when a regular convention cannot be held. Party leaders stress the need for consensus to avoid splits, with debates ongoing between upholding statutes and maintaining unity ahead of elections.

EC Allows Withdrawal and Replacement of Proportional Representation Candidates Before Final List:
For the upcoming House of Representatives election, candidates listed under proportional representation can withdraw their names within a specified timeframe, and political parties may nominate replacements. The Election Commission (EC) is reviewing nominations from 64 political parties to ensure compliance with legal inclusivity requirements. By Poush 20 (January 4), parties will be notified of any discrepancies, and revised lists must be submitted by Poush 27. Candidates wishing to withdraw may do so on Poush 28 (January 12), after which parties can submit replacements. The provisional list will be published on Magh 4, with any legal objections resolved before the final list is issued on Magh 20 (February 3).

Five RSP PR Candidates Withdraw from Proportional Representation Candidacy Ahead of Elections
Five candidates from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) have announced their withdrawal from the party’s proportional representation (PR) candidacy. Dr. Mahendra Lawati, Trishala Gurung, Sachin Dhakal, Ashif Shah, and Tashi Lakpa Sherpa stepped back from the PR list. Actor and TV host Ashif Shah was the top nominee in the Muslim male cluster, while Gurung is a singer and physician, and Sherpa, a renowned mountaineer and CEO of Fortin Pix Expeditions, recently joined RSP. Dhakal is the son of entrepreneur Chandra Dhakal, and Lawati is engaged in academia. The withdrawals reduce RSP’s PR candidate pool but reflect internal party realignments.

NC Party Coordinator and Former PM Prachanda Claims March 05 Elections, Urges Confidence:
Nepali Communist Party (NCP) Coordinator and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ stated that the country is now fully focused on the upcoming House of Representatives election scheduled for March 05. Speaking at a press meet in Khandbari, Sankhuwasabha, he emphasized that political parties have submitted their proportional representation lists to the Election Commission, leaving no doubt about the polls. Prachanda ruled out the formation of an all-party government or parliamentary reorganization, noting that the process has already advanced. He stressed that the youth-led “Gen Z” movement supports elections, and any constitutional amendments will proceed based on the new mandate.

Buddha Air Plane Accident in Bhadrapur Prompts Shortened Runway Operations:
Bhadrapur Airport resumed operations on a shortened 1,400-meter runway after a Buddha Air ATR 72 overran the runway Friday night. Airport chief Kishor Kumar Khatri said the aircraft’s rear ended up off-track, prompting the temporary runway reduction from 1,500 meters. The flight from Kathmandu carried 51 passengers, four crew members, and one engineer. Seven people, including co-pilot Sushant Shrestha, were injured; Shrestha sustained head and facial injuries and is being treated at Om Sai Pathivara Hospital. Authorities said weather was clear, and the accident is likely technical, with a full investigation underway. Local residents aided passengers during rescue.

Devotees Take Holy Dip in Shali River as Shree Swasthani Fast Begins:
Hundreds of devotees have gathered at the Shali River in Sankhu, Kathmandu, to take a holy bath as the month-long Shree Swasthani fast begins. The observance, starting on the full moon day of the Nepali month of Poush, involves reciting the Swasthani holy story and abstaining from certain foods. The Shali River, steeped in ancient religious significance, becomes the focal point for ritual bathing throughout the month. Hindus from across Nepal and neighboring India participate in the sacred rites. The festival underscores the enduring cultural and spiritual traditions associated with the Swasthani observance.

Preparations Complete for Month-Long Shree Swasthani Brata at Sali River, Sankhu:
Preparations for the month-long Shree Swasthani Bratakhata have been completed by the Shree Madhavnarayan Swasthani Fasting and Salinadi Management Committee. The observance, which began Saturday on the full moon day of Poush, involves fasting, abstaining from certain foods, and reciting the Swasthani holy story. Around 200 men and women have registered, with more expected to join in the coming days. For the first time, a flower-showering ceremony from a helicopter will be held at Madhav Narayan Temple. Devotees take holy baths in the sacred Sali River, believed to bring healing, fortune, and prosperity, while traditional rituals are observed with devotion in Sankhu.

CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli Nominated for Jhapa-5 in Upcoming Parliamentary Election:
CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has been unanimously nominated as the party’s candidate for Jhapa-5 in the upcoming House of Representatives election. The decision was made at a regional committee meeting on Saturday, with all party members in agreement, according to UML Jhapa Secretary Tulsi Karki. Jhapa-5 is Oli’s home constituency, from which he was previously elected in the 2017 and 2022 elections. Supporters have also suggested nominating him for Jhapa-3, noting that his leadership could secure victory. Madhav Bidrohi, a UML Koshi Province advisory committee member, confirmed the widespread backing for Oli in both constituencies.

Rastriya Swatantra Party Uses Helicopters to Expand Reach in Remote Sankhuwasabha:
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (Raswapa) has adopted a unique strategy to expand its organization in Sankhuwasabha, using private helicopters to reach remote northern and southern areas. Starting Poush 16, mass gatherings and meetings were held in Bhotkhola and Makalu rural municipalities. Former Congress member Mingma Sherpa participates actively using his helicopter via Heli Everest. Initially, Tashi Lakpa Sherpa, owner of Heli Everest and MD of Seven Summit, was included on Raswapa’s proportional representation list, but withdrew following criticism over elite control in the quota system. The campaign aims to overcome challenging terrain and build support ahead of the March 05 elections, with Mingma Sherpa expected to be a candidate.

RSP Targets 151 Seats in Upcoming Parliamentary Election, Says Vice-Chair Dr. Swarnim Wagle:
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Vice-Chair Dr. Swarnim Wagle has announced that the party aims to win 151 seats in the February 21 House of Representatives election. Speaking at a mass party enrollment program in Pokhara, Wagle stressed that RSP will not settle for a minor role or support another government as a “magic number.” While 50–60 seats could give influence, a full majority is necessary to end national instability. Wagle highlighted RSP’s challenge to traditional parties’ arrogance and pledged to lead the country toward advanced political practice, confident that public support will deliver a decisive mandate.

Former King Gyanendra Visits Historic Kali Temple in Biratnagar:
Former King Gyanendra visited the renowned Kali Temple in Biratnagar on Saturday morning, after staying in Damak for several days. He was welcomed by temple management chairperson Meenakshi Nepal and other officials. A large crowd of supporters and devotees gathered, chanting slogans such as “Jai Shri Ram” and “Our King, Our Country.” The former king performed a ritualistic puja, participated in aarti, and received tika and prasada. After spending around 30 minutes at the temple, he discussed the temple’s management and recent condition with officials before returning to Damak. Security arrangements around the temple were heightened for the visit.

Ex-PM Baburam Bhattarai Condemns U.S. Attack on Venezuela as Violation of International Law:
Former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai strongly criticized the U.S. for its attack on Venezuela and the alleged abduction of its president, calling it a blatant violation of international law. Writing on Facebook, he described the assault as a “shameless breach of the international system” and urged all sovereign nations and the global community to condemn it in the strongest terms. Bhattarai warned that failing to stop such violent trends early could have severe consequences worldwide. His remarks underscore concerns about escalating foreign interventions and the potential destabilizing effects on international peace and security.

Home Ministry Approves Recruitment Standards for Election Police Ahead of March 5 Polls:
Nepal’s Home Ministry has finalized standards for recruiting election police in preparation for the March 5 national elections. Officials from Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force (APF) agreed on recruitment criteria, with Nepal Police authorized to hire 134,000 personnel and the APF 15,000, slightly below their initial requests. Recruits will undergo 10 days of training before deployment for one month at 10,967 polling centers nationwide, including 3,500 classified as highly sensitive. For the first time, the APF will directly recruit election police. Priority will be given to former security personnel and experienced temporary election staff, who will receive full service benefits, uniforms, and allowances.

Gen-Z Leader Bhavana Raut Critiques Urban-Centric “Alternative Politics” in Nepal:
Gen-Z leader Bhavana Raut satirized the surge of “alternative politics” candidates crowding Kathmandu’s constituencies, suggesting 10–12 more electoral zones might be needed. She questioned why all politicians prefer urban centers while ignoring rural areas, criticizing city-focused politics for failing to address the country’s real issues. Responding to criticism of rural voters’ awareness, Raut argued the blame lies with decades of political neglect, where villages are remembered only during elections and development promises remain slogans. Highlighting structural flaws in Nepal’s political system, she warned against blaming voters and urged politicians to engage rural communities meaningfully rather than focusing solely on urban strongholds.

Large-Scale Survey Launched to Count Snow Leopards in Mustang and Manang:
A major survey has begun in Mustang and Manang to determine the exact number of snow leopards, a key indicator of Himalayan ecological health. Under the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), over 225 camera traps have been installed across high-altitude zones for the first time on such a scale. Cameras are placed using a 5×5 km grid and will remain for six months, capturing photos and videos for scientific analysis. The study aims to assess population, habitat, prey availability, and human–wildlife conflict mitigation. Local herders and ACAP technicians are involved to balance scientific data with local knowledge.

Aquatic Bird Census Launched in Kanchanpur to Assess Populations and Threats:
A census of aquatic birds has begun in Kanchanpur District to record the population and status of indigenous and migratory species across reservoirs, lakes, ponds, rivers, and wetlands. Coordinated by Bird Conservation Nepal and initiated by Shuklaphanta National Park, over 20 enumerators are using binoculars, cameras, and GPS, with elephants deployed to reach remote areas. The census, running until January 18, covers sites including Sikari Taal, Rani Taal, and the Mahakali River. Data on species, threats, human activity, and habitat conditions will be collected. Populations have declined by half due to habitat loss, urbanization, pesticide use, and reduced food availability, highlighting urgent conservation needs along the Central Asian Flyway.

Patan Durbar Museum Records 313,300 Visitors in 2025 Amid Slight Drop in Foreign Tourists:
The Patan Durbar Museum welcomed 313,300 visitors in 2025, including 105,300 foreign tourists, of whom 43,053 came from SAARC countries, and 208,000 domestic visitors, including 40,400 students. This represents a slight decline from 318,337 foreign visitors in 2024, attributed to the Gen-Z Movement and road improvement works around Patan Durbar Square. Administrative Chief Sureshman Lakhe noted that despite fluctuations in foreign tourist arrivals, domestic visitation continues to rise steadily each year. The museum remains a key cultural and historical attraction, drawing growing interest from Nepali citizens while continuing to serve as a prominent destination for international travelers.

Third Song ‘Doko Bunne’ Released Ahead of Anticipated Nepali Romance Film ‘Kumari’:
The third song from the upcoming Nepali romance film Kumari, titled Doko Bunne, has been released ahead of the movie’s nationwide release on Magh 23. Unveiled at a special media event in Baneshwor’s One Cinema, the song features vocals by Kehar Sing Limbu with lyrics by Sagar Lamichhane Magar and Suman Tamang, and choreography by Shishir Khati. The video stars debutants Abhishek Khadka and Akriti Rajbhandari, portraying youthful love in a nostalgic style. Director Dinesh Raut emphasized the song reflects the film’s originality and Nepali essence. Produced by Mahendra Adhikari and Kedar Bhusal, Kumari is set to release near Valentine’s Day, promising appeal for all age groups.

Official Trailer Released for Nepali Film ‘Gobar Ganesh’ Depicting Urban Struggles:
The official trailer for the Nepali film Gobar Ganesh has been released, highlighting the struggles and dreams of rural youth arriving in Kathmandu. Unveiled at a special event in the capital, the trailer portrays a young man’s mental and physical challenges as he navigates city life, contrasting his idyllic rural expectations with harsh urban realities. Scenes emphasize his work collecting garbage for a living and the emotional impact on family relationships. Directed by Marichman Shrestha, who also sings the film’s title track, Gobar Ganesh stars Marichman Shrestha and Varsha Siwakoti, with Binod Nyaupane, Padam Tamang, Santosh Baniya, and other established actors in supporting roles.

Singer Tanka Budhathoki Announces New Film ‘Ba-Aama’ Following Debut Success:
Singer and composer Tanka Budhathoki, encouraged by his debut film Man Binako Dhan, has announced his second project titled Ba-Aama, inspired by his popular song of the same name. The film, registered with the Film Development Board, will be produced under Tanka Budhathoki Productions with investment confirmed from Bishnumaya Mainali. Focusing on family and social themes, the movie will star renowned child singer Ashok Darji and AR Budhathoki in lead roles. The screenplay and dialogues, based on Budhathoki’s original story, are being finalized by seasoned writer Shivam Adhikari. Filming is slated to begin from Baisakh next year.

Filming Completed for Nepali Comedy-Drama ‘Bob Dai’ Starring Saugat Malla and Simran Pant:
The principal photography for the Nepali film Bob Dai, featuring versatile actor Saugat Malla and actress Simran Pant, has wrapped after 42 days of continuous shooting across various locations in Kathmandu, including Chandragiri and Kirtipur. Director Pravin Shrestha confirmed all scenes, except for two songs, have been filmed, with post-production work now underway. The comedy-drama revolves around the life of a young man from Kirtipur, with the title inspired by the Newar tradition of addressing elder brothers as “Dai.” The film also features prominent actors Santosh Pant, Vishal Pahadi, Pramod Agrahari, and others, promising a blend of humor and social themes.

Cricket Association of Nepal Announces Busy 2026 Calendar for Men’s, Women’s, and Age-Group Teams:
The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has unveiled its 2026 cricket calendar, featuring a full schedule of international and domestic tournaments for men’s, women’s, and age-group teams. Key events include the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier in January, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in February, and multiple League 2 series, bilateral and tri-nation series, and age-group tours throughout the year. Major domestic competitions, including the Nepal Premier League in November, are also highlighted. CAN emphasized that the calendar aims to provide consistent international exposure, structured development for youth teams, and stronger domestic competitions, marking a packed year for Nepali cricket.

Nepal to Host Two Bilateral Series Against Test Nations Before Monsoon:
Nepal’s national cricket team will host two bilateral series against Test-playing nations before the monsoon, the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) announced. CAN Secretary Paras Khadka confirmed the schedule alongside the 2026 calendar, with Nepal also hosting Cricket World Cup League-2 series: Oman and UAE from March 10–25, and the USA and Scotland from May 5–18. The home series aim to strengthen Nepal’s limited-overs status, as the team currently ranks seventh with 12 points in the eight-nation League-2. The men’s squad is preparing for the T20 World Cup in India, while women will host the T20 World Cup Qualifiers in January. Nepal is also co-hosting the 2027 U-19 ICC World Cup with Bangladesh.

Construction Resumes at Gautam Buddha International Cricket Stadium in Bharatpur:
Construction at the Gautam Buddha International Cricket Stadium in Bharatpur has resumed after Bharatpur Metropolitan City took over the long-delayed project from the Dhurmus Suntali Foundation. Project engineer Santosh Acharya stated that work is currently focused on pillars and parapet structures, with the main structural construction targeted for completion by the end of Chaitra. Finishing works and ground preparation are expected to take an additional six months. The Dhurmus Suntali Foundation halted construction in August 2021 due to funding shortages, leaving only 39 percent complete. The resumption of work has reignited hope for the stadium, a key infrastructure project for cricket and sports development in Nepal.

Nepal’s Domestic Football Returns After Three Years Amid Player Shortages:
Nepal is set to host the ANFA National League on Poush 25, marking the return of domestic football after over three years. Initially planned as a top-division-only event, the league now features 17 teams, including lower-division clubs, following agreements between ANFA and club officials. Preparations face challenges due to a shortage of top-tier players, with over a dozen stars migrating abroad in recent months. Clubs struggle to field competitive squads, and many national team members are unavailable due to foreign contracts. Despite these issues, ANFA has allocated funds to support teams, and the league is expected to revive domestic football excitement.

New Diamond Youth Club Wins NVBA Women’s Volleyball Championship:
New Diamond Youth Sports Club clinched the women’s title at the 9th NVBA Men’s and Women’s Volleyball Championship, defeating defending champions Nepal Police Club 3–0 in the final. The match, held at the National Sports Council’s covered hall in Tripureshwor, saw New Diamond dominate throughout, winning the sets 25–18, 25–19, and 25–18. The victory marked a commanding and pressure-free performance for the champions. Along with the title, New Diamond received a prize of NPR 500,000, while the runners-up, Nepal Police Club, took home NPR 250,000. The win highlights the rising competitiveness of women’s volleyball in Nepal.

Tip Top Help Nepal and New Diamond Claim NVBA Volleyball Championships:
Tip Top Help Nepal Sports Club won the men’s title at the 9th NVBA Volleyball Championship, defeating Tribhuvan Army Club 3–0 in the final, with scores of 25–21, 25–21, 25–? and remaining unbeaten across five matches. This marks their third championship in four years. In the women’s category, New Diamond Youth Sports Club triumphed over Nepal Police Club 3–0 (25–18, 25–19, 25–18), claiming the title for the first time in four years and their second overall. Meanwhile, Nepal Police (men) and APF Club (women) secured third place in close contests. Both champions demonstrated dominant and flawless performances throughout the tournament.

Nepal’s Shivali Gurung to Compete in Asia-Pacific U-14 Tennis Trophy:
Nepalese tennis player Shivali Gurung will represent Nepal at the Asia-Pacific Elite U-14 Trophy in Melbourne, Australia, from January 28 to 30. Ranked fourth in the U-14 category in Asia, Shivali will first travel to Malaysia on Sunday as part of her preparation before heading to Australia, according to Nepal Tennis Association Secretary Ajay Vist. She was formally seen off at the National Sports Council in Tripureshwor by Youth and Sports Minister Bablu Gupta and NSC Secretary Ramcharitra Mehta. Officials including NSC executive members and Tennis Association President Manohardas Mul attended the farewell ceremony, wishing her success in the tournament.

US Launches Airstrikes on Venezuela; Maduro Reportedly Captured:
US President Donald Trump confirmed a large-scale American airstrike on Venezuela, claiming that President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were captured and flown out of the country. The operation, reportedly conducted by Delta Force, triggered explosions across Caracas, with videos showing military helicopters overhead. Venezuelan officials condemned the attack as an attempt to seize the nation’s resources, declaring a state of emergency. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello urged troops to remain calm and resist despair. While Washington stated its goals were only partially achieved, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio signaled no immediate further action, marking the largest US military mobilization in the Americas since the Cold War.

Russia Condemns US Strikes on Venezuela, Calls for Restraint:
Russia’s Foreign Ministry has condemned US airstrikes on Venezuela as “armed aggression,” urging restraint and warning against further escalation. US President Donald Trump confirmed the strikes, claiming Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was captured and flown out. Venezuelan officials denounced the attacks, accusing Washington of targeting the country’s natural resources, and declared a state of emergency in Caracas and several states. Moscow expressed solidarity with Venezuela and supported an urgent UN Security Council meeting, emphasizing Latin America should remain a zone of peace. Russian lawmakers accused the US of seeking to impose its will on an “undesirable” regime, amid ongoing tensions over drug trafficking and alleged US military actions.

Swiss Ski Resort Fire: First Four Victims Identified Amid Tragic Toll:
Swiss authorities have identified the first four victims of the New Year’s Eve fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana: two Swiss women, aged 21 and 16, and two Swiss men, aged 18 and 16. The blaze, which killed 40 and injured 119, is believed to have started when sparklers on champagne bottles were held too close to the ceiling. Families of the victims continue to await news of missing loved ones. Police and forensic teams continue identification efforts. The bar, popular with teenagers, drew crowds aged 16 and above. Swiss President Guy Parmelin called the disaster “one of the worst tragedies” in the country’s history.