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.

Special Court Sets Hearing for Madhav Nepal in Patanjali Scam

The Special Court has scheduled a hearing for January 28 regarding the Patanjali land corruption case involving former Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal. On Wednesday, the court received investigation files from the CIAA after repeated orders from judges Sudarshan Dev Bhatta and Hemanta Rawal. The CIAA filed a lawsuit on June 5, 2025, against 93 individuals, seeking Rs 185.8 million in damages. The case alleges that during Nepal’s premiership in the fiscal year 2009/10, the Cabinet illegally transferred 159742.10 square meters of land to Patanjali Yogpeeth for private benefit, bypassing legal ceilings.

Former Secretary Sangeeta Mishra Released on Bail

The Special Court allowed former Secretary Dr Sangeeta Kaushal Mishra to post bail of Rs 500,000 on Wednesday in a corruption case related to the purchase of 3D mammography machines. A joint bench of judges Narayan Prasad Paudel, Dilliratna Shrestha, and Bidur Koirala issued the order, allowing her to contest the case from outside custody. The CIAA had filed the lawsuit against Mishra and 14 others, seeking Rs 140.6 million in damages. Mishra, who was recently discussed as a potential health minister in the Gen Z government, denies the allegations of financial irregularities during her tenure.

DAOs Order Submission of Licensed Firearms Before Election

To ensure a peaceful environment for the House of Representatives election on March 5, district administration offices have directed citizens to surrender licensed firearms. Following instructions from the Ministry of Home Affairs, all 77 districts issued notices requiring weapons and ammunition to be submitted to the District Police Office or local units by February 3. Rupandehi set an earlier deadline of January 29, while Lamjung, with over 1,000 licensed owners, also mandates the February 3 cutoff. Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal emphasized that these measures, along with ongoing efforts to recover arms looted during the September 8 and 9, 2025, Gen Z protests, are vital for election security.

Contempt Case Filed Against Government Over ‘Right to Reject’ Option

Advocate Shreena Nepal filed a contempt of court case at the Supreme Court on Wednesday against the government and the Election Commission. The petition alleges that authorities failed to implement a long-standing court order to include a “None of the Above” (NOTA) or “Right to Reject” option on ballot papers. Despite multiple rulings since 2013, the current ballots being printed for the March 5 elections still lack this feature. A joint bench consisting of Justices Til Prasad Shrestha and Meghraj Pokharel issued a show-cause notice on Tuesday, highlighting concerns that the omission undermines the sovereign rights of 18.9 million voters.

Inclusive Socialist Party Fields 6 Transgender Candidates for FPTP

The Inclusive Socialist Party has officially registered six candidates from the gender minority community for the First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) election system. Party Advisor Sunil Babu Pant confirmed on Wednesday that the candidates include Numa Limbu from Morang-4, Surendra Pandey from Kathmandu-1, and Pinky Rai from Okhaldhunga-1. Other candidates are Devendra Bahadur Khatri from Rupandehi-2, Purna Chandra Paudel from Kathmandu-10, and Binod Lama from Kavrepalanchok-1. Furthermore, the party has recommended 15 individuals from the transgender community for the proportional representation system, marking a historic move toward political inclusion.

United States Deports 80 Nepali Nationals via Chartered Flight

The United States government deported 80 Nepali citizens, arriving in Kathmandu via a chartered flight on Tuesday evening. Immigration Department spokesperson Tikaram Dhakal confirmed that the group included 79 men and 1 woman. Most were deported for lacking valid documents, staying illegally, or violating U.S. immigration laws, including one student who overstayed their visa. The Anti-Human Trafficking Research Bureau noted that many had paid up to Rs 15 million to reach the U.S. through illegal routes. The bureau is currently questioning the returnees and has urged them to file complaints against illegal traffickers.

Security Committee to Monitor Social Media During Election Period

The Security Council Committee, chaired by Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal, decided on Wednesday to increase surveillance on social media to prevent election-related misuse. Security officials briefed the committee on potential risks of misinformation and illegal activities during the campaign for the March 5 polls. The meeting, attended by chiefs of all four security agencies, reviewed the Integrated Election Security Plan, 2026. The committee directed all district security offices to ensure a reliable environment for political rallies and warned that strict legal action would be taken against individuals using digital platforms to disrupt the electoral process.

Supreme Court Orders Records in Pokhara Airport Corruption Case

Supreme Court Justice Hari Prasad Phuyal issued an order on Wednesday to summon the case files regarding the Pokhara Regional International Airport corruption scandal. The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) filed a petition challenging the Special Court’s decision to release suspects on low bail. The CIAA claims that officials, including Pradeep Adhikari, inflated construction costs by over USD 74.3 million in collusion with China CAMC Engineering. The anti-graft body is demanding that the suspects be held in custody during the trial due to the massive financial loss caused to the state.

KMC Lifts Building Ban on Riverbanks After Court Order

The Kathmandu Metropolitan City officially lifted the ban on construction and map approvals for land near riverbanks on Wednesday. This decision follows a Supreme Court ruling on January 18, which partially overturned a previous verdict requiring an additional 20-meter buffer zone. The Metropolis issued a public notice stating that private landowners can now proceed with construction by adhering to the original 2008 standards. This move provides significant relief to thousands of residents whose property development was halted following the controversial “construction prohibited zone” declaration last year.

China’s CPC Delegation Led by Zheng Yuha to visit Nepal Thursday

A high-level delegation from the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC), led by Nepal desk chief Zheng Yuha (Sarala), is scheduled to arrive in Kathmandu on Thursday. This marks the first major visit from China following the September 8 Gen Z protests. Sources at the Chinese Embassy stated the three-day visit aims to study Nepal’s changing political landscape and the preparations for the March 5 elections. Zheng, an expert on Nepali affairs, is expected to meet with various political leaders to discuss bilateral relations and regional stability.

Film ‘Kumari’ Announces Concert and Trailer Launch in Kathmandu

The upcoming movie Kumari, set for nationwide release on February 6, has intensified its promotional campaign with a musical tour. Director Dinesh Raut announced that a grand concert and trailer launch will take place at Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu, on Saturday. The event will feature performances by Kehar Singh Limbu and his band, along with the female group ‘Streez.’ After successful tours in Nepalgunj, Pokhara, and Chitwan, the production team aims to engage capital audiences. Lead actors Aakriti Rajbhandari and Abhishek Khadka will also participate in the free event.

Action Film ‘Parivartan’ Receives PG Certificate from Censor Board

The Central Board of Film Censors has granted a PG (Parental Guidance) certificate to the action-suspense film Parivartan, scheduled for release this Friday. Director Bijay Kerung stated on Wednesday that the 2-hour 13-minute film covers contemporary political upheaval and includes intense action sequences, requiring viewers under 16 to be accompanied by a guardian. Produced by Deepak Siwakoti under the Divyasi Films banner, the movie stars Sushil Shrestha, Anjana Baraili, and Saroj Khanal. Advance booking for the film, which features a script by Shivam Adhikari and music by SD Yogi, is set to open shortly.

Japanese Film Festival Set for Kathmandu and Pokhara

The Embassy of Japan, in collaboration with the Japan Foundation, is organizing the Japanese Film Festival in Kathmandu and Pokhara, offering free screenings of English-subtitled Japanese films. The festival will be held in Kathmandu at Rastriya Nachghar, Jamal, on January 23 and 24, and in Pokhara at the Pokhara Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Gaira Patan, on February 13 and 14. Entry is free on a first-come, first-served basis. Organizers say the festival aims to deepen cultural understanding and strengthen Nepal-Japan relations.

Steve Smith and Mitchell Marsh to Join European T20 League

Australian cricketers Steve Smith and Mitchell Marsh have signed to play in the European T20 Premier League (ETPL), co-owned by Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan. On Wednesday, legends Steve Waugh and Glenn Maxwell were also revealed as franchise owners for the league, which will operate in Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands. Waugh is a co-owner of Amsterdam Flames, while Maxwell joined Irish Wolves. The first season is scheduled from August 26 to September 20 this year. The league aims to develop cricket in Europe by pairing local talent with world-class international stars.

SAFF U-19 Football Team Announced

The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) has announced 23 members of the Nepali team playing the SAFF U-19 women’s championship. The tournament is being held in Pokhara from January 31 to February 7. The team members are Alija BK, Anita Ranamagar, Ashika Karki, Maya Maske, Minmaya Shrestha, Barsha Kunwar, Barsha Oli, Bhumika Budhathoki, Gyansu Dolmo Lho, Jharna Dumrakoti, Juna Tamang, Kutisha Tamang, Nirmala Acharya, and Prajita Rai. Others in the team include Purnima Tadi, Sara Limbu, Sabnam Rai, Saloni Kumari Chaudhari, Sangita Kumari Malla, Senu Pariyar, Srijana Baduwal, Sushila KC, and Yam Kumari BK. Four countries, such as Nepal, India, Bangladesh, and Bhutan, are competing in the championship, according to ANFA.

Life Term for Man Who Killed Former Japan PM Shinzo Abe

The man who assassinated former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe in 2022 has been sentenced to life in prison. Tetsuya Yamagami pleaded guilty to fatally shooting Abe during a campaign speech in Nara, a crime that shocked Japan, a country with extremely low gun violence. Prosecutors sought life imprisonment, calling it a grave act, while the defense argued for leniency, citing Yamagami’s claim of religious abuse linked to his mother’s financial ruin through the Unification Church. Abe’s killing triggered nationwide scrutiny of the church’s practices and its political links, leading to investigations and ministerial resignations.

United States Suspends Immigrant Visas and Mandates USD 15,000 Bond

Effective Wednesday, the United States Department of State has paused all immigrant visa issuances to nationals from Nepal and 38 other countries. Under Presidential Proclamation 10998, the U.S. is limiting entry to protect national security and reduce public assistance costs. Furthermore, Nepali nationals seeking B1/B2 non-immigrant visas are now required to post a bond of up to USD 15,000 if they are deemed a risk for utilizing public benefits. This high-stakes policy shift follows a broader crackdown on immigration from nations with high rates of public assistance usage among their immigrants.