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.

KP Sharma Oli Alleges Government Humiliation, Undecided on Protests or Election Participation:
CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has accused the government of humiliating him, while remaining undecided on whether his party should join protests or participate in upcoming elections. Speaking at a party induction program at the central office, Oli described being treated like a “gold smuggler” during airport checks upon returning from Jhapa and criticized similar treatment abroad. He alleged the actions were directed from higher authorities, saying the government is intent on causing trouble and behaving in an uncivil, apolitical manner. Oli emphasized that such disrespect toward party leaders reflects poorly on the government and undermines democratic norms.

Gagan Thapa to Visit Sarlahi for Election Campaign in Sarlahi-4:
Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa will visit Sarlahi on Sunday to campaign in Sarlahi-4, the constituency from which he has filed his candidacy for the House of Representatives election. Speaking to youths from Sarlahi-4 in New Baneshwor on Saturday, Thapa described contesting from the constituency as the most significant political decision of his life, made with the trust and support of local youth. He urged young supporters to visit Sarlahi during the election period and actively assist in spreading his message door to door, emphasizing the importance of youth engagement in his campaign.

Prachanda Calls for Responsible Action to Ensure Free and Fair Elections:
Nepali Communist Party (NCP) Coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal, also known as Prachanda, urged all stakeholders to ensure a clean and fair election. Speaking at a party entry program on Saturday, he emphasized the need for impartial elections to strengthen NCP as a major national force and free the country from the current crisis. Prachanda noted that an increasing number of members from the Revolutionary Communist Party, CPN-UML, and other leftist parties have joined NCP recently. He asserted that if undesirable activities during elections are prevented, NCP could emerge as the largest political force, advocating unity for a socialist revolution post the democratic movement.

Over 92% of Polling Sites in Sarlahi Marked Sensitive Ahead of Upcoming House Elections:
For the upcoming House of Representatives election, over 92% of polling sites in Sarlahi have been designated as sensitive. Sarlahi-4, where Congress Chairman Gagan Kumar Thapa is contesting, is included among these sensitive locations. In 2079 BS (2022), independent candidate Amaresh Kumar Singh had won from this constituency after being denied a Congress ticket; this time he is running under the Rastriya Swatantra Party. Out of 312 polling sites, 158 are classified as highly sensitive and 131 as sensitive, with only 23 deemed normal. Classification considered geography, proximity to the India border, past electoral conflicts, and criminal activity. Heightened security measures will ensure safe voting.

Nepali Communist Party Expels ‘Rebel’ Candidates Ahead of Upcoming Elections:
The Nepali Communist Party (NCP) has expelled several party members who filed “rebel” candidacies for the upcoming House of Representatives election, according to a statement issued by Coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Co-Coordinator Madhav Kumar Nepal. Action under Article 106 of the party statute targets those who defied official party directives, including candidates, proposers, supporters, and campaigners. Expelled members include Haribol Gajurel and Maheshwar Dahal (Sindhuli), Kulprasad KC (Dang), Major Rai (Udayapur), and Dharmanath Sah, Rajkumari Sah, and Jivach Sah (Siraha). The disciplinary move follows rebel candidacies against official NCP nominees in multiple constituencies, highlighting internal disputes over party tickets.

Expelled Leader Gajurel Demands Action Against NCP Coordinator Prachanda First:
Nepal Communist Party (NCP) leader Haribol Gajurel, recently expelled for defying the party’s official candidate list in the upcoming House of Representatives election, demanded that party coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” be held accountable first. Gajurel accused Prachanda of bypassing district recommendations in Sindhuli, making unilateral, ego-driven candidate decisions that violated party rules, procedures, and internal democracy. He criticized the expulsion of other leaders while leaving Prachanda unaccountable, calling it absurd. According to Gajurel, addressing Prachanda’s procedural violations should precede any disciplinary action against other members, as his leadership style has undermined party discipline and democratic practices.

Finance Minister Lowers Cash Transaction Limit to Curb Black Money:
Finance Minister Rameshwor Khanal announced that the government has reduced the cash transaction limit to curb non-transparent dealings and restrict circulation of illicit money. Speaking at Rastriya Banijya Bank’s 61st anniversary event in Kathmandu, he said certain sectors are still used to convert illegally earned black money into white. While banks and financial institutions perform better, vigilance remains crucial. Minister Khanal emphasized the transition from physical to virtual currency and banking, and said the Ministry of Finance is working with Nepal Rastra Bank to promote investment based on entrepreneurship and income potential rather than collateral. He noted financial sector issues may occasionally arise.

Ujyalo Nepal Chair Kulman Ghising Rejects Allegations Over Broken Unity with RSP:
Ujyalo Nepal Party Chair Kulman Ghising stated that the breakdown of unity with the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) originated at RSP’s top leadership level, rejecting claims that he sought positions during the unity process. Speaking at a goodwill event in Kathmandu, Ghising said he had agreed to unity, accepting Rabi Lamichhane as chair and Balen Shah as senior leader. He noted that Ujyalo Nepal exercised restraint in proportional representation candidate selection but proposed slightly more candidates for direct elections. Ghising suggested external pressure may have influenced RSP’s withdrawal and emphasized that his party is well-prepared for the upcoming elections.

AJP Chair Prabhu Sah Accuses Balen Shah of Oppressing Madhesi Workers in Kathmandu:
Prabhu Sah, chair of the Aam Janata Party (AJP) and former minister, accused current Rastriya Swatantra Party leader Balen Shah of mistreating Madhesi laborers, street vendors, and marginalized communities during his tenure as Kathmandu mayor. Speaking at an AJP Bagmati provincial election coordination meeting, Sah alleged that Shah confiscated bicycles of vegetable and fruit sellers, evicted scrap dealers, and harassed poor women trying to earn a livelihood on sidewalks. Sah also claimed that Shah ignored protests by sugarcane farmers and debt-affected families seeking justice. He criticized Shah’s recent campaign rhetoric claiming Madhesi identity as disconnected from his alleged past actions.

Upper Dolpa Voters Heading to Lower Regions Amid Winter; Authorities to Collect Details:
In Upper Dolpa, located in northern Dolpa district, authorities will collect data on voters who travel to lower regions during winter for essential work or medical treatment. Residents from She-Foksundo, Dolpobuddha, and Chharka Tangsong rural municipalities often leave for towns as heavy snowfall and cold make local life difficult. Concerns have arisen that these voters may miss the parliamentary election on Falgun 21. The District Election Office has assigned staff to record information on voters who have moved, as well as the condition of polling stations. With roads still unconnected to the national highway and schools closed for winter, logistical challenges remain.

Proceedings on Sudurpaschim Local Services Amendment Bill Stalled Amid Coalition Dispute:
Further action on the Sudurpaschim Province Local Services (Formation and Operation) First Amendment Bill 2082 has been halted due to disagreements among ruling coalition parties. The bill, aimed at revising disputed provisions of the Act, has been stalled despite being tabled in the Provincial Assembly. Speaker Bhim Bahadur Bhandari cited vested interests as obstructing progress, while a court has issued an interim order suspending the Act’s implementation. Section 9, which altered seniority among employees, sparked dissatisfaction. Efforts to align the Act with federal law remain uncertain, and regular Assembly sessions have been adjourned until further notice under the Nepali Congress–CPN-UML coalition government.

Maoist Leader Chanda Dismisses “Old vs New Party” Debate as Misleading:
NCP (Maoist) General Secretary Netra Bikram Chand “Biplav” criticized the ongoing political debate framing parties as old or new, calling it a misleading distraction for the public. Speaking at a party election training program, he said the real issue lies not between old and new parties, but between the entrenched state and the people. Chand emphasized that merely forming new parties cannot resolve systemic problems unless the existing state structure changes. He asserted that the Maoist party alone possesses the vision and leadership to transform the old power structure into a people-centered authority, urging cadres to communicate this to citizens.

Dhankuta District Reopens Election Police Applications Due to Shortage:
The District Police Office, Dhankuta, has reopened applications for election police recruitment for the House of Representatives election 2082 (2026) after receiving insufficient submissions earlier. Out of the total quota of 1,085 personnel, only 876 applications were received during the initial call from January 9–15, prompting a first extension until January 17. Police Inspector Kishor Tamang confirmed a shortage of 67 personnel. The application deadline has now been extended to include Saturday and Sunday. Interested candidates can submit applications at the District Police Office, Dhankuta; Armed Police Force Nepal, Chhintang; or the Area Police Offices in Chhintang and Rajarani.

Election Police Applications in Baglung Fall Short Despite Multiple Deadline Extensions:
For the March 5 parliamentary elections in Baglung, authorities requested 1,487 election police personnel, including 1,298 from the Nepal Police and 189 from the Armed Police Force. However, only 1,051 applications have been received so far—1,048 from the Nepal Police and three from the Armed Police Force. Among applicants, 823 are men and 228 women. Despite extending the application deadline twice, sufficient applications were not submitted, prompting a third extension until Sunday. An additional 436 applicants are still required. Applications can be submitted at the District Police Office Baglung or the Area Police Offices in Burtibang and Galkot.

Rastriya Prajatantra Party Leader Kamal Thapa Claims Only RPP Can Fulfill Gen-Z Demands:
Kamal Thapa, leader of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), said his party is uniquely positioned to address the demands of Gen-Z youth. Speaking at an RPP meeting for Kathmandu-5, Thapa emphasized that issues of good governance and ending corruption, raised by Gen-Z activists, align with RPP’s agenda. He criticized the mishandling of recent youth protests and claimed only RPP can complete their unfinished demands. Thapa accused the Nepali Congress and communist parties of perpetuating corrupt systems through unholy alliances and syndicates. He declared his candidacy for the upcoming House of Representatives election from Kathmandu-5, pledging to end corruption and mismanagement.

Koshi CM Karki Condemns Misuse of National Flag in Election Campaigns:
Koshi Province Chief Minister Hikmatkumar Karki criticized the use of Nepal’s national flag for election campaigning, calling it illegal and objectionable. Speaking at a handover and award ceremony in Dhankuta, he said draping the flag to seek votes undermines national dignity, unity, and social harmony. CM Karki also condemned the government’s declaration of individuals who caused unrest during the Gen-Z protests as martyrs, highlighting the ethical contradiction in honoring those who committed theft or violence. He urged organizing morally upright youth in villages to prevent misuse of national symbols and to protect democratic and societal values.

Surendra Pandey Urges Unity and Restraint Amid CPN-UML Leadership Controversy:
CPN-UML leader Surendra Pandey emphasized that party unity during the election period is primarily the responsibility of the leadership. Commenting on recent controversial remarks by chair KP Sharma Oli, Pandey urged leaders to inspire cadres rather than weaken morale. He warned against publicly belittling colleagues, noting that internal differences should be handled with restraint and respect. Highlighting ticket distribution debates, Pandey stressed that disagreements should not harm the party’s collective strength. He said he is focusing on ground-level campaigning to ensure UML victories and maintain organizational credibility, calling for unity and collective action amid external and internal electoral challenges.

First Snowfall of the Year Hits Karnali and Sudurpaschim, Brings Relief to Farmers:
Snowfall has begun across high hill and Himalayan regions of Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces, marking the first snow of the year in areas such as Jumla, Mugu, Humla, and Dolpa. Alpine pastures in Dolpa are now fully covered in snow, benefiting winter crops like wheat and barley after a prolonged dry spell. Snow continues in parts of Humla, Dolpa, Mugu, and Jumla, while Sudurpaschim reports snow in Dadeldhura, Bajhang, Darchula, and Baitadi. Farmers have welcomed the precipitation, though heavy snow in upper Humla and Dolpa may disrupt the March 5 elections. Meteorologists predict clearer skies with another possible snowfall in three days.

Anup Bikram Shahi Shines in Prominent Role in Bollywood Debut Battle of Galwan:
Actor Anup Bikram Shahi is making his Bollywood debut in the film Battle of Galwan. Initially speculated to have a minor role, the song Matrubhumi confirms his significant presence. In the video, Anup, playing a Chinese soldier, faces Salman Khan, who greets him respectfully, highlighting a crucial scene. Based on the 2020 Ladakh clash between India and China, Anup shares a 13-minute action sequence with Salman, filmed over 25 days in Ladakh and Mumbai. Directed by Apoorv Lakhia, the film releases on April 17, with Salman as Indian Army Colonel Santosh Babu, Chitrangda Singh in a key role, and the late Prashant Tamang also appearing.

Nepali Film Kalli Wraps Up Shooting with Pooja Sharma’s Item Dance:
The Nepali film Kalli has completed its entire shoot, concluding on its 60th day with actress Pooja Sharma performing a special item dance in Chobhar, Kathmandu. Main scenes were shot in Jumla’s scenic locations. Sharma danced to Kya Ramri, her first item number and post-marriage project. The video also features Uttam Pradhan, Kiran Shrestha, and Sulakshan Bharti. Produced by Lekali Entertainment and Kasturi Production, the film is directed by Laxman Sunar with a story by Mahesh Dawadi. The cast includes Sougat Mall, Arpan Thapa, Benisha Hamal, and others. The movie portrays a conflict between gods and demons and is set for release on Falgun 1.

Bjay Baral and Anjana Baraily Reunite for Director Saroj Paudel’s Sindure Jatra:
Director Saroj Paudel, known for breaking box-office records with Poornabahadur Ko Sarangi, has cast Bjay Baral and Anjana Baraily as leads in his upcoming film Sindure Jatra. The duo, reprising their previous collaboration, was selected for their ability to bring the story’s characters to life rather than just commercial appeal. Paudel plans to finalize other cast members soon and begin pre-production for cinematography. The film’s main story is written by Paudel himself, with screenplay contributions from Sabin Adhikari and Basanta Nyaupane. Sindure Jatra aims to continue Paudel’s legacy of combining strong storytelling with box-office success.

Trailer of Nepali Film Aa Bata Ama Released, Showcasing Youth Struggles and Parental Love:
The official trailer of the Nepali movie Aa Bata Ama was launched in Kathmandu ahead of its Magh 16 release. The film explores the emotional journey of a young Nepali man seeking a better future abroad and the deep love of his parents. Actor Pal Shah plays the ambitious son, Bipana Thapa returns as the mother, and Pradeep Rawat portrays the father. Set in rural Nepal, the film highlights family bonds, societal challenges, and the sacrifices of parents. Produced by Arya Entertainment, with direction and writing by Chandra Pant, the movie combines strong performances, compelling storytelling, and music by Kosish Kshetri, Babul Giri, and Thaneshwar Gautam.

Arpan Thapa Returns to Directing with Romance Film A French Kiss:
After a six-year hiatus from directing, actor Arpan Thapa has announced his new film A French Kiss. The launch event took place on Friday at Ganesh Temple, Kamaladi, Kathmandu, during Saraswati Puja. Produced by ATF Production, the film stars Thinle Lhamo of Shambala fame opposite Arpan, with Gauri Mall and Ayesha Tamang in supporting roles. Filming begins on Monday, Magh 12, at locations across Chitwan. Executive producer Sougat Basnet and co-producer Subhash B. Shahi oversee the project, with cinematography by Sudip Baral and music by Deepak Bajracharya. Scheduled for release in 2026, the film is a romantic story aimed at young audiences.

Nepali Women’s Cricket Clinches Six-Wicket Win Over Zimbabwe in T20 Qualifier:
Nepal’s women’s cricket team defeated Zimbabwe by six wickets in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier at Kirtipur. Chasing 130, Nepal reached 131/4 in 19.3 overs despite early setbacks, losing two wickets for 47 runs in 5.3 overs. Captain Indu Verma and vice-captain Puja Mahato rebuilt the innings with a 35-run partnership, while Mahato’s top score guided the team to victory. Sita Ranamagar left due to injury, and contributions also came from Bindu Rawal and Samjhana Khadka. For Zimbabwe, Josephine Nakai Nkomo took two wickets. The win keeps Nepal’s qualification hopes alive and boosts team morale.

Nepali Women’s Cricket Shows Grit Despite Loss to Netherlands; World Cup Hopes Dim:
Nepali women’s cricket displayed courage and skill against the Netherlands but fell short by three runs in a dramatic final over at Kirtipur. Former captains Rubina Chhetri and Sita Ranamagar led a 45-run unbeaten eighth-wicket partnership, yet Nepal suffered their second consecutive loss in the ICC Women’s T20 Global Qualifier. The defeat weakens Nepal’s chances of reaching the Super Six and ultimately the World Cup in England and Wales. Nepal now defeat Zimbabwe and hope other group results go in their favor. Rubina remains optimistic, highlighting the team’s growing experience and potential for future success.

Nepali Football’s Crisis: When Love for the Game Turns Into Protest Against Its Rulers:
Football remains Nepal’s most loved sport, deeply rooted in national culture, despite rising popularity of cricket and volleyball. Its recent decline is not due to fading public interest, but widespread frustration with misgovernance, corruption, and arrogance within football administration, especially ANFA. Empty stadiums reflect protest, not apathy. Supporters continue to love the game but are forced to ignore its leadership, hoping for reform. ANFA’s controversial push for early elections without district polls, defiance of court and government orders, and misuse of FIFA threats have deepened the crisis. Unless governance improves, Nepali football risks further decline and institutional collapse.

Parbat Edges Nepal Police in 6th Tiger Cup Thriller; Gandaki and APF Also Shine:
Parbat Volleyball Club staged a dramatic 3–2 win over Nepal Police Club in the men’s category of the 6th Tiger Cup at Pokhara Stadium. Parbat claimed the first two sets, but Police rallied to force a fifth, losing narrowly 15–13. Gandaki Province recorded a 3–0 win over Maldives, while APF defeated Thailand Queens 3–2. In the women’s tournament, Nepal Police Club overcame Tribhuvan Army Club 3–1. The championship features six men’s teams and five women’s teams competing in a round-robin format, with the top two advancing to the final. Tomorrow’s schedule includes four matches across both men’s and women’s categories.

Sita Ranamagar Joins Elite Nepali Cricketers With 1,000 T20I Runs:
Nepal’s all-rounder Sita Ranamagar has reached the 1,000-run milestone in her T20 International career, achieving the feat against Zimbabwe in the ICC T20 World Cup Global Qualifier at Kirtipur. She becomes the third Nepali player to reach this landmark, following captain Indu Verma and Rubina Chhetri. Ranamagar has scored her 1,000 runs in 66 matches, including a half-century, demonstrating consistent performance and vital contributions for the national side. This achievement highlights her status as one of Nepal’s leading women cricketers and underscores her importance in Nepal’s ongoing campaign in the Global Qualifier.

Gandaki Province Crushes Maldives in Straight Sets at Tiger Cup Volleyball:
Gandaki Province achieved a commanding straight-set victory over the Maldives Volleyball Association in the second match of the Tiger Cup Volleyball Tournament. The team dominated from the beginning, winning 25–13, 25–14, and 25–21. Despite losing their opening match against the departmental team APF, Gandaki showed resilience and teamwork in their second outing. Santosh Bik’s exceptional performance earned him the “Tiger of the Match” award, highlighting his crucial role in the win. Gandaki’s strong showing boosts their confidence in the tournament and signals a competitive campaign ahead in the Tiger Cup, keeping their hopes alive after an initial defeat.

Machhindra Club Records Third Straight Win, Beats Planning Boys United 2–0:
Machhindra Club continued their winning streak in the National League, defeating Planning Boys United 2–0 at Dasharath Stadium. Saurabh Subba scored in the 41st minute, followed by Jonathan’s 74th-minute goal to secure the victory. This marks Machhindra’s third consecutive win after earlier wins over NRT (1–0) and Manang Marsyangdi Club (2–1). For Planning Boys United, it was their first loss, having previously defeated Nepal Police Club 1–0 and drawn 0–0 with Tribhuvan Army Club. Machhindra’s consistent performance positions them as strong contenders in the league, while Planning Boys United will aim to bounce back in their upcoming matches.

Trilateral Peace Talks in Abu Dhabi Aim to Resolve Ukraine Conflict:
Peace talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the US continue in Abu Dhabi, focusing on the future of eastern Donbas amid Russia’s nearly four-year full-scale invasion. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy highlighted frequent updates from negotiators, emphasizing that Russia must be ready to end the war it initiated. The discussions, attended by senior diplomats and military officials from all sides, cover territorial issues, possible buffer zones, and control mechanisms. Kremlin officials stressed Ukraine’s troop withdrawal from Donbas as crucial. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy signaled openness to a free trade zone in eastern Ukraine under Kyiv’s control. Observers see the meetings as tentative progress despite major challenges.

Sudan’s War Leaves 8 Million Children Out of School Amid Rising Poverty and Hunger:
Fighting in Sudan has kept over 8 million children—nearly half of school-aged children—out of classrooms for almost 500 days, Save the Children reports. Many schools are closed, damaged, or shelter displaced families, while teachers face unpaid months, prompting resignations. North Darfur is hardest hit, with only 3% of schools operating. Education, the NGO warns, is vital for children’s safety, stability, and protection from exploitation or armed recruitment. The conflict has displaced 13 million people and driven poverty to 71% of the population. Food insecurity affects 21.2 million, particularly in Al Fashir and Kadugli, raising urgent humanitarian concerns.

Exiled Sheikh Hasina Urges Bangladeshis to Resist Interim Government Ahead of Elections:
Exiled former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina called on citizens to rise against the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus, criticizing its ability to hold free and fair elections. Speaking in her first public address from India, Hasina highlighted the need to protect religious minorities, women, and vulnerable communities, and urged the UN to conduct a “truly impartial investigation” into post-government collapse developments. The Awami League leader, barred from contesting the February 12 general election, delivered her pre-recorded message at the “Save Democracy in Bangladesh” event, emphasizing the urgency of restoring democratic norms and ending violence and disorder in the country.

Russia Strikes Ukraine Amid Trilateral Peace Talks in Abu Dhabi:
Ukraine condemned overnight Russian attacks that killed one person and injured 23, striking Kyiv, Kharkiv, and energy infrastructure, just as trilateral peace talks with the US and Russia resumed in Abu Dhabi. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha denounced the strikes as “barbaric,” while President Zelensky said the main target was energy facilities amid freezing temperatures. The talks, the first since Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion, focus on ending the war, but the key territorial dispute over Donbas and Crimea remains unresolved. Ukraine rejects ceding territory, while the Kremlin demands troop withdrawal from eastern regions. Some progress was reported, but a lasting settlement remains uncertain.

EU Nears 50% Renewable Electricity, Solar Set to Surpass Hydro:
Renewable electricity use across the EU has surged to 47.5%, nearly half of total consumption, driven by hydro, wind, and rapidly expanding solar. Austria leads with nearly 90% green power, followed by Sweden (88%) and Denmark (80%), while Italy (18th) and France (21st) lag behind. Wind accounts for 38% of renewable electricity, hydro 26%, and solar, the fastest-growing source, jumped from 1% in 2008 to 23% in 2024. Experts predict solar will soon overtake hydro as Europe’s main green electricity source, bolstering energy security as countries continue to build solar plants at record rates.