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 CWC Meeting to Convene Tomorrow

Amidst differing stands between the party establishment and some leaders over the conduct of general convention, the Nepali Congress (NC) is holding its Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting tomorrow. The meeting will convene at party’s central office, Sanepa, Lalitpur at 1:00 pm, said Krishna Prasad Poudel, chief secretary at the NC party office. Chief secretary Poudel shared that the upcoming CWC meeting would deliberate on issues such as party’s 15th national convention and the upcoming March 5 election to the House of Representatives, among others.  While the CWC meeting last Friday had decided to organize party’s 15th national convention coming May 11-14 in Kathmandu, a majority of national convention representatives (approximately 54 per cent) had registered a proposal at the party office on October 15, calling a special convention. The proposal is under consideration at present.

RSP Forms Two Sub-Committees

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has formed two sub-committees for party adjustment and upcoming election. A central committee meeting of the party held today decided to form candidate  recommendation sub-committee under coordination of party vice-chairperson Dr Swarnim Wagle to select capable candidates for election to the House of Representatives scheduled for March 5. The sub-committee has got the responsibility to select capable candidates and recommend for the election process, said RSP Spokesperson, Manish Jha. Similarly, party unity adjustment sub-committee was also formed under coordination of party general-secretary Kabindra Burlakoti with an objective of facilitating party unification and adjustment process. The party secretary would nominate members for sub-committees.

Six Die in Jeep Accident

Six persons died in a jeep accident occurred at Jurikhet of Bhimphedi rural municipality-6 in Hetauda district on Sunday evening. Among nine persons injured in the accident, six persons died while receiving treatment, according to Pushkar Bogati, spokesperson at District Police Office, Makwanpur.  The jeep (Na 1 Ja 1778) was heading to Hetauda from Kathmandu via Bhimphedi-Kulekhani roadway.Spokesperson Bogati further said the injured ones were rescued immediately and taken to Hetauda Hospital. However, the dead ones are yet to be identified. Three others injured in the incident have been undergoing treatment at Hetauda Hospital.

Parsa DAO Calls for Maintaining Social Harmony

The District Administration Office, Parsa has called on everyone to maintain social harmony in the district.  Bhola Dahal, Chief District Officer of Parsa, made a public appeal today urging people not to engage in any activities that disrupt social harmony.  The District Administration’s appeal comes in the context of the protest demonstration organized in Birgunj today. “Individuals involved in fomenting social, religious, or cultural animosity among each other, affecting national unity, or spreading false rumors that harm the social reputation of communities are being closely monitored on social media accounts such as Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram,” he said. “It is requested that such activities be taken seriously and that everyone remains alert and cautious.”

UML Chair Oli’s Name Recommended For Candidacy From Jhapa-5 in HoR Election

As the House of Representatives election approaches, the name of KP Sharma Oli, the Chairperson of the CPN (UML) and former Prime Minister, has been unanimously recommended to contest the election from Jhapa Constituency No. 5. Prem Giri, the district chair of the party, announced that the regional committee meeting held today has fully supported Chairperson Oli’s nomination. Jhapa-5 is known as Oli’s home constituency, where he has successfully won parliamentary elections in 1991, 1994, 1999, 2013, 2017, and 2022. However, he did experience a setback in the first Constituent Assembly election in 2003 B.S., but he was later elected from the same constituency in the second Constituent Assembly election in 2007 B.S. Additionally, three candidates from Jhapa Constituency No. 4 have been suggested for the upcoming House of Representatives election set for March 5. Lal Bahadur Sawa Limbu, Hira Thapa, and Bhojakumari Nepal have been nominated by the party’s district chair Giri, who confirmed that these names were approved during today’s regional committee meeting. Jhapa consists of five constituencies.

25th Armed Police Force Nepal Day: ‘East-West Flag March’ Started from Gaddachauki

The east-west flag march has been launched this morning from the western border transit Gaddachauki in Kanchanpur on the occasion of the 25th Armed Police Force Nepal Day. Marking its Silver Jubilee, the Armed Police Force Nepal has started a flag march from the western border at Gaddachauki with the aim of promoting national unity, patriotism and security awareness, according to the Armed Police Force Baidyanath Brigade Attariya. Chief District Officer of Kanchanpur, Madan Koirala, and the Commander of the Armed Police Force Baidyanath Brigade, Deputy Inspector General Pradeep Pal, inaugurated the march. The flag march has been organized with the aim of raising public awareness about the role of the Armed Police Force and strengthening the sense of dedication to the nation. On the occasion of its Silver Jubilee celebration, the Armed Police Force Nepal, recalling its contributions to peace, security and disaster management, has expressed its commitment to play an even more effective role in the days to come. The APF Nepal stated that it organised the flag march to enhance coordination within the organisation, strengthen team spirit, and increase public relations with border area residents, local levels, and relevant stakeholders.

Former PM Khanal Acquires Citizenship Certificate from Kathmandu

Former Prime Minister and senior leader of the Nepali Communist Party (NCP), Jhalanath Khanal, has received a citizenship certificate from the District Administration Office, Kathmandu on Sunday. He received the citizenship certificate again after the first one he had perished in the fire at his home during Gen Z movement. Several other essential documents were also burnt in the fire set by the protestors on his home on September 9. So, he visited the District Administration Office, Kathmandu for the citizenship. Chief District Officer Ishwor Paudel handed over the citizenship certificate to former PM Khanal. Khanal’s spouse Rabi Laxmi Chitrakar was seriously injured in the fire set by protestors on their home on September 9. She returned home from India after intensive treatment some days back.

Import Resumes in Full Swing from Rasuwagadhi Transit

With the resumption of the Rasuwagadhi border checkpoint, the import of goods from neighbouring China has begun. According to the Border Security Post Rasuwagadhi, 18 electric vehicles (EV Micro-bus) entered Nepal from the Rasuwagadhi border checkpoint on Saturday. These vehicles were imported for the first time in the current fiscal year and are currently in the parking area at Timure. The customs office has stated that the importers of these vehicles are working to pay the due revenue. Similarly, on Saturday alone, 39 cargo containers carrying apples, ready-made clothes, garlic, vehicle spare parts, walnuts, batteries, and medical supplies entered Nepal. Customs Office Spokesperson Thakur Gautam shared that since the reopening of the Rasuwagadhi border crossing last Thursday, 96 containers of goods have entered Nepal till Saturday and the inspection and clearance process for ready-made goods will begin from today. He said that perishable goods such as apples and walnuts are given priority for the customary inspection for clearance. Meanwhile, the Office collected Rs 90.87 million in revenue in two days after the border crossing came back to regular operations. The customs in the Nepal-China border point remained closed since a long time after the Miteri bridge connecting the two countries was washed away by the devastating floods in July last year. The Chinese side has constructed a bailey bridge to bring back the customs point into operation.

Solar Energy Worth Rs 47.1 Million Sold in five Months

Solar energy producer, Jhapa Energy, has sold power worth Rs 47.1 million to Nepal Electricity Authority in five months. The company produced 6.52 million units of power during the period from Shrawan to mid-Mangsir of the fiscal year 2082/83 from its 10-megawatt solar power project based in Buluchowk, Ward No. 4, Shivasatakshi Municipality, according the chair of the company’s board of directors, Lal Bahadur Sanwa Limbu. The Nepal Electricity Authority purchases the power produced by Jhapa Energy at the rate of Rs 7.30 per unit. It has been producing electricity commercially since the past two years.  Jhapa Energy has established the project in an area of 22 bigaha of land in Buluchowk, where 21,600 solar panels have been installed. The solar power generated from the project is transported to the Nepal Electricity Authority’s Buluchowk substation, located within a kilometer, and connected to the national power grid. Jhapa Energy had generated solar power worth Rs 50 million and sold it to the NEA in the fiscal year 2080/81. Chairman Limbu said that sales increased to Rs 90 million in the fiscal year 2081/82.

Nepali players Win 26 Medals in Asian Taekwondo Invitational Championship

Nepali players have won 26 medals, including four gold, seven silver and 15 bronze, in the Asian Taekwondo Invitational Tournament and the 10th Mansan Taekwondo Open Championship held in Nanjing, China. They clinched the medals in the Gyorugi, Poomsae and Speed Kick department. Jolina Basnet, Hridayani Basnet, Kairab Prasad Lohani and Gita Bista have secured gold medals while Ashraya Upadhyay, Sakshyam Shrestha, Aayam Poudel, Meghani Ghatani, Jigme Tenzing Sherpa, Deepak Dulal and Ranjita Bhusal won silver medal. Similarly, Abin Jung KC, Aaravi Gyawali, Yatna Timsina, Inaya Maharjan, Maira KARKI, Shreyan Karki, Yuzen Tamang, Sohan Pathak, Angel Rai, Joseph Gurung, Yonden Tamang, Yubsang Tamang, Rinjen Aakyangmi Thami, Riyansh Basnet and Jamyang Tenzing Sherpa won bronze medal in the championship. Taekwondo players from Little Bud School, Gongabu Dojang and Daffodil Public School had competed in the championship. Saroj Tamang and Bikesh Bidari were the team instructors.

Bangladesh Says Will not Play T20 World Cup Matches if in India

Bangladesh has requested their matches at next month’s T20 World Cup be played in Sri Lanka, after India forced a Bangladeshi player to quit the Indian Premier League. Political relations between India and Bangladesh soured after a mass uprising in Dhaka in 2024 toppled then prime minister Sheikh Hasina, a close ally of New Delhi.The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), after an emergency meeting on Sunday, said it had “formally requested” the International Cricket Council (ICC) shift their games to Sri Lanka. “The Board of Directors resolved that the Bangladesh National Team will not travel to India for the tournament under the current conditions,” a BCB statement read. It said its decision was made due to “growing concerns regarding the safety and security” of its players, and based on its government’s advice. Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was on Saturday released by the Kolkata Knight Riders after the IPL team were “advised” by Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to do so, following tensions between the neighbouring nations. Earlier, Asif Nazrul, Youth and Sports Adviser in the interim government, said that Dhaka “will not accept any insult to Bangladeshi cricket, cricketers and Bangladesh under any circumstances.” “The days of slavery are over,” he added, in a statement carried by the state-run BSS news agency on Sunday.

Documentary Co-Husband Selected for 12th Ethnografilm Festival

The Nepali documentary Co-Husband, which depicts the polyandry system of Nepal’s mountainous districts, is selected for its screening in the 12th Ethnografilm Festival to be held in France from April 2-5. Co-Husband’s Director Ganesh Pandey confirmed the approval of the submission. The 35-minute-long documentary film was filmed in Humla, Pandey said.

Filmmaker Tank Budhathoki to Produce New Movie ‘Ba–Ama’

Filmmaker Tank Budhathoki, who produced and directed ‘Man Binako Dhan’, is set to make a new movie titled ‘Ba–Ama’. The film will again feature child actor Ashok Darji, who also played the lead role in Budhathoki’s previous movie. In addition, Budhathoki’s son, AR Budhathoki, will play a major role, while other cast members are currently being finalized. The movie’s title has already been registered with the Film Development Board. The script and dialogues, based on Budhathoki’s story, are being written by Shivam Adhikari. “The script writing is in its final stage, after which we will proceed with the casting process. We plan to start filming from Baisakh,” Budhathoki said.

26 Dead in Northeast Nigeria Boat Capsize: Emergency Services

At least 26 people drowned and 14 others are missing after a boat carrying farmers and fishermen capsized in northeastern Nigeria, the emergency services said Sunday. The incident happened late Saturday, when a rudimentary passenger boat going from Jigawa State to Yobe State capsized, Mohammed Goje, executive director of the State Emergency Management Agency in Yobe state, told AFP. “So far, emergency volunteers and rescue teams have recovered 26 bodies,” he said. His agency said in a statement that 14 others were missing. Thirteen other passengers were rescued, he said, adding that search and rescue operations were still underway Accidents are common on Nigeria’s busy rivers, often caused by overloaded boats, poor maintenance or failure to comply with safety regulations. Several dozens die each year in various accidents along the country’s waterways.

Venezuelan Capital Quiet, Streets Empty After US Strike

A lingering smell of explosives hung over Venezuela’s capital Caracas on Saturday as shocked residents took stock after an early-morning US strike that ousted strongman Nicolas Maduro. While a few hundred Maduro supporters gathered to clamor for his freedom, the streets were otherwise eerily quiet. “I felt the explosions lift me out of bed. In that instant I thought: ‘My God, the day has come,’ and I cried,” Maria Eugenia Escobar, a 58-year-old resident of the city of six million people, told AFP. The strikes started around 2:00 am local time, with dozens of detonations that some people at first mistook for fireworks. Windows rattled from the shockwaves and residents rushed out onto terraces and balconies as military aircraft zoomed overhead. “It was horrible, we felt the planes flying over our house,” said a resident of the Coche neighborhood, near the city’s largest military complex, which was targeted in the raid. Residents saw columns of smoke rising from several parts of the city, which was soon cloaked in a fog-like haze.Witnesses spoke of bombings in La Guaira, Caracas’s airport and port, in Maracay to the west, and in Higuerote to the east.

Myanmar Junta Says to Release Over 6,000 Prisoners in Annual Amnesty

Myanmar’s junta said on Sunday it would release more than 6,000 prisoners as part of an annual amnesty to mark the country’s independence day. “The Acting President of the Union of the Republic of Myanmar has pardoned 6,134 male and female prisoners who are serving their terms at respective prisons, detention centres and camps,” the junta’s National Defence and Security Council said in a statement. Fifty-two foreign prisoners were also to be released and deported, it said in a separate statement. The military has arrested thousands of protesters and activists since its February 2021 coup that ended Myanmar’s brief democratic experiment and plunged the nation into civil war. The yearly prisoner amnesty “on humanitarian and compassionate grounds”, according to the national security council, comes as the country marks 78 years of independence from British colonial rule. Hundreds of people were waiting for the release of their family members outside Yangon’s Insein prison on Sunday morning, holding papers with names of prisoners on them, an AFP journalist said.