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.

NA Session Summoned for 18th January

President Ramchandra Paudel has summoned a meeting of the National Assembly to be held on coming Sunday, 18th January, at 11:00 AM at the Federal Parliament Secretariat, Singha Durbar. According to a notice from the Office of the President, the session has been summoned on the recommendation of the Government of Nepal, Council of Ministers, in line with Article 93 (1) of the Constitution.

NC’s Special General Convention to be Extended till Tuesday

The closed session of the special general convention of the Nepali Congress is to be extended till Tuesday. The special general convention scheduled to be held for two days began on Sunday. This information was given during the closed session while discussions were underway on the reports presented by NC general secretaries Gagan Kumar Thapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma. According to the special general convention organizing committee, decisions on leadership and other issues are likely be taken during the closed session on Tuesday. To discuss the proposals, nine separate groups were formed in the closed session, including seven based on the seven provinces, and two based on the valley and the sister organizations, well-wisher and public relations committees.

Thapa’s Political Proposal Vows ‘no vote’ Provision, Liberal Democracy with an End to Pre-electoral Alliance

General Secretary of the Nepali Congress, Gagan Kumar Thapa, today presented his political proposal on contemporary issues, outlining a vision to transform the party into a dynamic and advanced democratic force capable of winning trust and confidence of a new generation.  The proposal was presented in the closed session under the party’s Special General Convention, which commenced at Bhrikutimandap on Sunday, initiated by the party’s General Secretary duo, Thapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma. Through the proposal, Thapa assured that the Special General Convention would guide the party towards becoming an organization with clear guidelines and effective management, progressing toward a promising future. “We will transform the Nepali Congress into a party with the revolutionary spirit of 2006 BS, the progressive and inclusive vision of 2015 BS, the popular mandate of 2048 BS, and the widely accepted leadership of 2062-63 BS,” Thapa announced. Echoing the need for liberal and progressive amendments to the Constitution in line with contemporary demands, he stated that it is a national responsibility to guide the country on the right path through dynamic constitutional enforcement. Thapa highlighted the relevance and necessity of the Special General Convention in the aftermath of the Gen Z movement, incorporating provisions for its validity, the historic traditions of the Nepali Congress, the current political context, and so on.

Acting President Khadka Urges Party Leaders, Cadres to Move Ahead with Unity

Acting President of the Nepali Congress, Purna Bahadur Khadka, has urged NC leaders and cadres to move ahead with unity. Issuing a press release at a time while the closed session of the special general convention is going on at the call of those in favour of NC special general convention at Bhrikutimandap, Khadka requested leaders and cadres not to carry out any activities making negative impact on party unity.  “It is necessary to end the difficult situation surfaced in the party being serious towards complex situation facing the country”, he argued. “Now the country is at a crossroads. The House of Representatives, the supreme institution of people’s representatives in the country, has been dissolved. There is widespread concern over democracy in the current state of confusion and uncertainty. The election to the HoR has been slated for coming March 5,” reads the statement. The acting President pointed out the need of bringing the constitution on the track through election. Stating that it was indispensable for NC to be united, organised and strong at current situation, he stressed the need of maintaining unity along with mutual coordination. “The NC has the history of giving an appropriate outlet during its leadership by evaluating the complex situation surfaced in the country in different times,” reminds the press release.

Party Unity Imperative: Leader Koirala

A Nepali Congress leader Dr Shekhar Koirala has said he was committed to taking the party ahead by keeping it intact. During a meeting with party office bearers, district committees and legal experts close to him today, Koirala mentioned that he was holding continuous discussions and meetings with all sides concerned to protect party from splitting. “I am insisting with party president, acting president and general-secretaries that I prevent the party from splitting,” he argued. Vice President Dhan Raj Gurung, Joint General Secretaries Badri Pandey and Jeevan Pariyar, central members Bal Bahadur KC, Dr Minendra Rijal, senior advocates Sher Bahadur KC, Yogendra Adhikari and Upendra Keshari Neupane, among others were present in the meeting.

Chief Election Commissioner Vows Strict Enforcement of Election Code of Conduct

Officiating Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari has vowed a strict enforcement of the election code of conduct. Anyone involved in violation of code shall be subjected to punishment, he reminded. Inaugurating the two-day orientation on election conduct and management for the chief returning officer and voting officers today, Chief Election Commissioner Bhandari reiterated the urgency of strict adherence to code of conduct. He sought further seriousness from the political parties and their candidates in terms of enforcement of the code of conduct. For this to happen, even the chief returning officer and election officer should remain alert, according to him. Bhandari further reminded that the code this time is not like that of 2079 election which was lax. The persons frustrating voting should not be spared, he underscored, urging the participants to remain aware of the political activities and of observers as well.

Israeli Ambassador Calls on Prime Minister Karki

Israeli Ambassador to Nepal, Shmulik Arie Bass, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sushila Karki. During the meeting held this afternoon at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar, Ambassador Bass congratulated PM Karki for making history as Nepal’s first female Chief Justice and first female Prime Minister, extending best wishes for her success. According to the Prime Minister’s secretariat, Prime Minister Karki expressed her gratitude and joy on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the friendly relations between Nepal and Israel and emphasized the need for continued efforts from both counties to elevate friendly relations to new heights. Ambassador Bass acknowledged the cordial relationship between Nepal and Israel and expressed his commitment to work to further strengthening it. He also conveyed his appreciation to the Government of Nepal for the recent ratification of the labour agreement between the two countries and the associated implementation protocols, noting that this establishes a legal framework for employment opportunities for Nepali workers in Israel. The Prime Minister thanked the Government of Israel for creating job opportunities for Nepali citizens and highlighted that the current government’s primary focus on the election to the House of Representatives, assuring that the government is dedicated to conducting the elections peacefully. During the meeting, both parties underscored the importance of initiating additional significant activities to commemorate the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Israel.

Baitadi Jeep Accident: Death Toll Reaches Four

The death toll in a jeep accident that occurred in Baitadi has reached four. The incident had occurred today at Sadighati of Patan municipality–8 in Baitadi along the Jayaprithvi Highway. Basanti Aeir, 27, of Sigas rural municipality–1, is the latest victim. She breathed her last during a treatment at Dadeldhura Hospital, said Baitadi Police Spokesperson Police Inspector Suraj Singh. The jeep (Ma 1 Ja 224), which was en route to Dadeldhura from Motinagar, skidded off the road and plunged about 300 meters after the driver suddenly lost control of the vehicle. Those who died on the spot include Nishant Bohora, 24, and Bhan Dev Bhatta, 29, of Sigas rural municipality–1, and Rakesh Rawal, 13, of Aalital rural municipality–3, Dadeldhura. The injured Bimala Aeir, 19, of Sigas rural municipality–1; a four-year-old girl from the same locality; driver Ganesh Bista; Kamala Bista, 25, of Patan municipality–8; Lalmani Bohara, 25, of Sigas rural municipality–1; and Birendra Bohara, 32, of Aalital rural municipality–3 are undergoing treatment at Dadeldhura Hospital.

121 Incidents of Press Freedom Violations in a Year

A total of 121 incidents of press freedom violations have been recorded in Nepal in 2025. The incidents related to press freedom violations are based on applications registered with the Press Council Nepal and its regular monitoring, says a press statement issued by PCN here today.  Among the incidents, the highest is incident of threats and abuse at 50 while 37 were related to assault, 15 related to professional insecurity, nine relation to obstruction, five of arrest attempts, two of suspicious deaths, two of policy restrictions and one incident of gender-based violence. By province, the highest number of incidents was founded to have taken place in Bagmati Province with 62, followed by 27 in Madhes Province, eight in Sudur Paschim, seven in Koshi, 6 each in Lumbini and Gandaki and five in Karnali. The council has stated that 200 journalists/media outlets were obstructed from exercising their press freedom in the year.  The monitoring and documentation was carried out from January 1 to December 31, 2025, adds the statement.

Trade Halted at Tatopani Border After Major Fire in China’s Nyalam-Khasa Region

The Nepal-China northern trade point at Tatopani has been completely closed from today following a massive fire in the border forests of China’s Nyalam-Khasa area. The Chinese administration has suspended all movement through the border, citing heightened safety risks. The fire, which began Sunday night in the central part of Nyalam and Khasa, including the Chobin area, has not yet been brought under control, prompting the closure, according to Inspector Jagat Bahadur Rai of the Kodari Police Office. As the fire spreads, the movement of locals, tourists, and cargo vehicles has been halted. Areas around the border, including Lipin and Tatopani, are now covered in smoke and ash, and communication and network services in the border region have been affected.Since last year, after the flooding forced the Rasuwa border to close, most trade with China was routed through Tatopani. With Tatopani now closed, containers carrying imported goods worth millions are stuck. Arjun Sapkota, president of the Nepal Truck Container Workers’ Union, stated that the uncertainty over when the border will reopen has further worsened the crisis for traders and importers.

Shuklaphanta Municipality Collects Rs 7.14 Million in Internal Revenue in First Six Months

Shuklaphanta Municipality in Kanchanpur has collected Rs 7,142,034 in internal revenue during the first six months of the current fiscal year 2082/83. The revenue was collected through the municipality’s main office and all 12 ward offices. According to the Chief Administrative Officer of the municipality, Khemraj Bisht, Rs 2,776,660 was collected from the main office, while Rs 4,365,374 was collected from the ward offices. Revenue sources include Rs 160,474 from property tax, Rs 1,241,600 from land revenue, Rs 794,680 from house rent tax, Rs 184,620 from rent and lease tax, and Rs 57,500 from vehicle tax. Additionally, business tax contributed Rs 5,912,125, tax from commercial transactions of agricultural and livestock products Rs 75,300, and other taxes Rs 23,623. Revenue from the lease and sale of government property amounted to R 255,895, government property sales Rs 44,500, other sales Rs 1,000, electricity service fees NPRs 300, other service fees and sales Rs 4,600, judicial fees Rs 500, and other administrative service fees Rs 94,100.

TUTH to Suspend Health Insurance Services Due to Government Payment Delay

Tribhuvan University Teaching (TUTH) Hospital has decided to halt all health insurance services after the government failed to make pending payments. The hospital administration announced that from 15 Jan, all treatments under the health insurance scheme will be suspended. The Health Insurance Board reportedly owes hospitals over Rs 1 billion in pending payments. According to the hospital, the prolonged delay in claims payments has severely affected its financial condition, making it impossible to continue the services. The board still owes the hospital more than Rs 40 million, while the hospital incurs over Rs 5 million in monthly expenses. The hospital administration stated that only 50% of claims submitted to the board were approved, creating further financial strain. Additionally, there has been a significant gap between the treatment rates set by the hospital and the board, and repeated attempts to resolve the issue went unheeded, leaving the hospital with no choice but to make this difficult decision.

Raphinha Brace Gives Barcelona 3–2 Win Over Real Madrid in Super Cup Final

In the Spanish Super Cup final held in Saudi Arabia on Sunday, Barcelona defeated their arch-rivals Real Madrid 3–2, with Raphinha scoring twice to secure the trophy. Raphinha’s decisive goal in the 73rd minute was a stroke of luck. While attempting the shot, he slipped, but the ball deflected off Real defender Raul Asensio and beat goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois into the net.The first half of the final was highly thrilling, with three goals scored during stoppage time—two for Real Madrid and one for Barcelona. Raphinha had also scored twice in last year’s final when Barcelona beat Real 5–2. “We gave everything we had on the field,” Raphinha said. “I was very emotional at the end. We needed this kind of victory.” With this win, Barcelona claimed their 16th Super Cup title, strengthening their record as the club with the most trophies, while Real Madrid remains second with 13 titles. Kylian Mbappe, who missed the semifinal due to a knee problem, came on in the 76th minute but could not equalize. He had also missed the semifinal against Atletico Madrid but was present for the final in Saudi Arabia.

Liverpool Defender Conor Bradley to Undergo Surgery After Knee Injury

Liverpool defender Conor Bradley has suffered a knee injury, the club confirmed in a statement released on Sunday, announcing that he will undergo surgery. Bradley was injured towards the end of Thursday’s goalless draw against Arsenal. During stoppage time, he landed awkwardly while attempting a clearance and was seen writhing in pain on the field. Liverpool stated that Bradley will have surgery in the coming days, after which he will begin the rehabilitation process. The club has not yet set a timeline for his return to the pitch. The incident occurred when Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli attempted to push Bradley off the field to quickly restart play in the final moments, which angered Liverpool players. Following the incident, Martinelli apologized to Bradley. In an Instagram post, Martinelli wrote, “Conor and I have exchanged messages, and I have apologized to him. I didn’t realize he was seriously injured at the time. I am sorry for my actions and wish him a speedy recovery.”

Teaser for Vishal Bhardwaj-Shahid Kapoor Film ‘O Romeo’ Released

The teaser for the upcoming film O Romeo, directed by Vishal Bhardwaj and starring Shahid Kapoor, has been released. O Romeo marks the fourth collaboration between Vishal Bhardwaj and Shahid Kapoor. Their previous projects—Kaminey, Haider, and Rangoon—received widespread acclaim from both audiences and critics. The 1-minute 35-second teaser gives a glimpse of the film’s brutal, violent, and emotional storyline, heightening audience anticipation. Right from the start, Shahid Kapoor appears as the intense, fierce, and battle-hardened ‘Romeo.’ This portrayal is considered one of the deepest and most serious roles of his career. The teaser showcases numerous action sequences, suggesting that the film goes beyond a simple love story to explore themes of violence, revenge, and the profound conflicts of human emotions. Actresses Tripti Dimri, Disha Patani, Tamanna Bhatia, and actors Vikrant Massey, Avinash Tiwari, Farida Jalal, and Nana Patekar make brief but impactful appearances in the teaser, indicating multiple layers and twists in the storyline. Nana Patekar and Vikrant Massey’s roles, in particular, are expected to add significant strength to the film.

Durgesh Thapa Prepares to Release New Song ‘Naach Naach Bhai Naach’

Durgesh Thapa is currently at the peak of his career, continuously delivering hit songs while his national and international tours show no signs of slowing down. Having just returned from his U.S. tour, he is now on a nationwide performance spree. The global hitmaker behind ‘Dushman Hereko Herai’ has recently completed shooting the music video for his upcoming song ‘Naach Naach Bhai Naach’, which is scheduled for release on YouTube on 10 Magh. Durgesh revealed to Onlinekhabar that the release coincides with the birthdays of both himself and his son, Dakshit. Directed by Viju Parki and shot by Rupesh Thapa, the music video is described as grand and visually striking. The song features Durgesh’s own lyrics and composition, with vocals by Rajesh Payal Rai and lyrics contributions from Varsha Itani. Rap portions are performed by Vyoma. Immediately after the shoot, Durgesh chartered a helicopter to Gorkha for a live performance, where he delivered a spectacular show to a packed audience. Photos from the event show fans enjoying and dancing along to his hit songs.

Death Toll from Protests in Iran Hits at Least 544, Activists Say, as Trump Says Iran Wants to Talk

U.S. President Donald Trump said Sunday that Iran proposed negotiations after his threat to strike the Islamic Republic over its bloody crackdown targeting demonstrators there, a move coming as activists said the death toll in protests rose to at least 544. Trump and his national security team have been weighing a range of potential responses against Iran including cyberattacks and direct strikes by the U.S. or Israel, according to two people familiar with internal White House discussions who were not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. “The military is looking at it, and we’re looking at some very strong options,” Trump told reporters on Air Force One on Sunday night. Asked about Iran’s threats of retaliation, he said: “If they do that, we will hit them at levels that they’ve never been hit before.” Trump said that his administration was in talks to set up a meeting with Tehran, but cautioned that he may have to act first as reports of the death toll in Iran mount and the government continues to arrest protesters. “I think they’re tired of being beat up by the United States,” Trump said. “Iran wants to negotiate.”

Bangladesh Detains 53 ARSA Rebels, Issues Myanmar Border Alert

Bangladesh issued a “high alert” along its Myanmar border after detaining 53 members of the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) militant group for crossing into its territory, Dhaka paramilitary officials said Monday. At least two people have been injured since Sunday, including a 12-year-old girl who suffered a gunshot, in Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar, home to more than a million Rohingya refugees. “We are on high alert and have already detained 53 people for trespassing,” Colonel Moinuddin Ahmed of paramilitary Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) told AFP. Local witnesses said ARSA fighters were detained on Sunday after crossing into Bangladeshi territory. “One of them (detained persons) has been sent to hospital while the rest are in police custody (and) legal procedures are ongoing,” Saiful Islam from Teknaf police station told AFP. ARSA was formed to wage an insurgency against the stateless Muslim minority’s persecution in Myanmar and is also fighting rival Arakan Army guerrillas. Bangladesh military officials say heavy fighting is ongoing across the border in Myanmar’s Rakhine state.

At Least 544 Killed, Over 10,600 Arrested as Iran Protests Enter 15th day: Human Rights Group

At Least 544 people have been killed and more than 10,681 individuals arrested and transferred to prisons amid protests in Iran, as demonstrators have taken to the streets across multiple provinces over the past 15 days in anti-government rallies driven by soaring inflation, economic hardship and mounting public anger over governance. According to the latest data released by the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) on Sunday, protests erupted at 585 locations across the country, spanning 186 cities in all 31 provinces, underscoring the scale and intensity of the unrest now in its fifteenth day. In the report, HRANA, which is registered in the United States of America as a non-profit noted that over the past 24 hours it had received a fresh wave of data and visual documentation, even as an internet shutdown–now in place since the thirteenth day of protests–has severely hampered independent verification and information flow. According to HRANA’s verified figures up to January 11, 483 protesters have been killed, along with 47 members of military and law enforcement forces and one government-affiliated non-civilian. The dead also include five non-protesting civilian citizens, while eight children under the age of 18 have been recorded among the fatalities, though they are not included in the main breakdown.