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.

EC to Monitor Social Sites to Curb Fake News, Misinformation

The Election Commission (EC) has pledged to curb fake news and misinformation circulating through the social networking sites targeting the upcoming House of Representatives (HoR) elections. Organizing a news conference on Friday, the EC officials said the EC was closely monitoring the possibilities of wrong news, fake news and negative activities that could be circulated in the social sites targeting the March 5 HoR polls. EC Spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai said that monitoring of fake news, hate speech, deep fake, fake account, defamation and related aspects would be carried out and the illegal activities would be punished as per the laws adding that collaboration would be forged with the regulatory bodies for this. The EC also shared that officials of Meta and TikTok were consulted this week regarding the ways to curb fake news, hate speech, deep fake, fake account and defamation among others. For this, Meta, TikTok and X (formerly known as Twitter) have been written for the part of coordination. EC Spokesperson Bhattarai said that Information and Integrity Promotion Unit under the Information Dissemination and Coordination Centre has begun its work for the monitoring of the social sites through software.

EC briefs PM Karki on Election Code of Conduct

The Officiating Chief Election Commissioner and other commissioners of the Election Commission briefed Prime Minister Sushila Karki about the Election Code of Conduct, which is set to be released soon for the upcoming House of Representatives (HoR) elections. Officiating Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari, other commissioners and senior officials of the EC met with Prime Minister Karki this afternoon to share the information and brief the PM about the election management and preparations. It is said that the Election Code of Conduct will be brought into force starting January 17 for the March 5 elections. According to the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, Finance Minister Rameshore Khanal, Education Minister Mahabir Pun and Minister for Law Anil Kumar Sinha were also present at the meeting.

Over 3,500 Election Police Being Recruited in Sunsari

Over 3,500 election police personnel are being recruited in Sunsari for the upcoming election to the House of Representatives scheduled for March 5, 2026. According to the District Police Office, Sunsari, the recruitment process commenced today. A total of 3,578 personnel: 3,149 from the Nepal Police and 429 from the Armed Police Force are to be hired for election purposes, said Deputy Superintendent of Police Chandra Bahadur Khadka. The recruitment is being conducted in line with the Integrated Procedure on Recruitment Selection, Appointment and Mobilization of Election Police (Nepal Police and Armed Police Force, Nepal) Procedure-2082. Individuals aged 18 to below 54 years can apply at the District Police Office, Sunsari, and the Armed Police Force Headquarters No. 4 Brigade, Inaruwa, from January 9 to 15 for the selection process.

Property Worth Rs 13 Million Perishes in Fire Occurred in Jhapa

A fire erupted at a thukpa (traditional Tibetan noodle soup) industry in Damak Municipality-9, Jhapa, caused the damages worth Rs 13 million. The fire expanded to nearby residential area, engulfing a house. Spokesperson at District Police Office, Deputy Superintendent of Police Khagendra Bahadur Khadka, informed that the blaze broke out at Swastik Thupka Industry owned by Padam Bhandari of Damak-9 due to electrical defects on Friday. Entire industry perished in the fire, which later caught the three-story concrete house in the neighbourhood. All property in the house was destroyed in the inferno, according to Spokesperson Khadka. The locals and security persons worked in collaboration to extinguish the fire. Fire engines from Damak Municipality, Urlabari Municipality, Gauradaha Municipality, Pathari Shanishchare Municipality, Shivasatakshi Municipality, and Kamal Rural Municipality were mobilized to bring the fire under control. The District Police Office confirmed that both the industry and the house turned into ashes, causing a loss of nearly Rs 13 million. Other details are awaited.

Security Printing Centre: 9,000 Licenses Printed in Two Months

Around 9,000 units of driving license have been printed in the Security Printing Center in Panauti Municipality-5 during two months. The Department of Transport Management informed that total 8,983 units of license have been printed since the beginning of printing in the Centre on last November 7. License printing which was disrupted after vandalism in the department’s ‘mass printer’ during the Gen Z uprising has resumed from the Centre. It may be noted that Minister for Communication and Information Technology Jagadish Kharel had opened license printing amidst a programme on November 7. The Center and the Department had signed a contract on October 29 last year for license printing. As per the agreement, the Center shall provide 1.2 million units of license to the Department during six months. Department’s IT Director Keshab Khatiwada informed that total 8,983 licenses were printed during the period of two months.

Municipal Energy Plans Handed Over to Two Rural Municipalities in Mustang

As a significant step toward strengthening local energy planning and implementation, Municipal Energy Plans (MEPs) of Varagung Muktichhetra and Gharapjhong Rural Municipalities in Mustang were formally handed over to the respective local governments on Wednesday. According to a press release issued on Friday, the handover ceremonies were held at the municipality offices where Dr Ranjan Prakash Shrestha, senior project manager at the European Union Delegation to Nepal and Dr Frank Fecher, Program Manager at GIZ Nepal, formally presented the MEPs to Rinzen Namgel Gurung, chairperson of Varagung Muktichhetra Rural Municipality, and Mohan Singh Lalchan, chairperson of Gharapjhong Rural Municipality. The MEPs were developed by the Municipalities with technical support from the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Program – Green Recovery and Empowerment with Energy in Nepal (REEEP-GREEN) project implemented by GIZ Nepal. Developed through extensive consultations with communities and stakeholders, the five-year plans provide a practical roadmap to address local energy challenges while promoting socio-economic development, climate resilience and clean energy use, according to the press release.

Remittance Inflows Rise 35.6% in First Five Months of Current Fiscal Year

Remittance inflows into Nepal reached Rs 870.31 billion during the first five months of the current fiscal year, registering a robust growth of 35.6 percent, according to Nepal Rastra Bank. In the same period last year, remittance inflows had increased by only 4.7 percent. In Mangsir 2082 alone, remittances amounted to Rs 183.18 billion, compared to Rs 118.79 billion in the corresponding month of the previous year. During the review period, 175,591 Nepalis obtained final labor approval (institutional and individual–new) for foreign employment, while 163,924 workers received re-entry labor approval. In the same period last year, these figures stood at 190,384 and 135,425, respectively. Meanwhile, net secondary income (net transfers) increased significantly to Rs 954.78 billion during the review period, up from Rs 700.43 billion recorded in the same period of the previous fiscal year.

Government Spends Over Rs 564 Billion in First Five Months of FY 2082/83

The Government of Nepal spent a total of Rs 564.46 billion during the first five months of fiscal year 2082/83. According to the Office of the Financial Comptroller General under the Ministry of Finance, expenditures increased across recurrent, capital, and financing categories during the review period. Of the total spending, recurrent expenditure stood at Rs 398.05 billion, capital expenditure at Rs 33.87 billion, and expenditure under financial management at Rs 132.54 billion. During the same period, the government’s total revenue mobilization reached Rs 406.30 billion, including the amount to be shared with provincial and local governments. Of the total revenue, tax revenue accounted for Rs 382.23 billion, while non-tax revenue amounted to Rs 24.07 billion, the Financial Comptroller General’s Office said. Meanwhile, the government’s cash balance increased significantly. As of mid-Mangsir 2082, the total cash balance held in various government accounts at Nepal Rastra Bank reached Rs 253.02 billion, includ

Sanjay Dutt Returns to Mumbai Without Even Spending 24 Hours in Nepal

Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt returned to Mumbai without even spending 24 hours in Nepal. Dutt had arrived in Nepal on Thursday evening to inaugurate the Badshah Casino, operated by Hotel Barahi in Thamel. During his stay in Nepal, Dutt also paid a visit to Pashupatinath Temple. He arrived in Kathmandu on a chartered flight from Dubai and also met Pushpa Kamal Dahal, coordinator of the Nepali Communist Party. Dahal shared photos of his meeting with actor Dutt on Facebook. He wrote, “Yesterday’s meeting with Sanjay Dutt was quite unforgettable. I have always been a fan of his acting in Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.” Dahal added, “The conversation with him was very enjoyable. I hope his stay in Nepal will be pleasant and comfortable.” Dutt, who has acted in popular films such as the Munna Bhai series, Rocky, Vaastav, Saajan, and Khalnayak, was most recently seen in the blockbuster film Dhurandhar.

Documentary ‘Dimag Ghochne Manche’ Hits Theaters Across Nepal

Although commercial theaters in Nepal mostly screen feature films, a documentary has recently made its way to the big screen. Titled Dimag Ghochne Manche, the documentary premiered on Friday and is being shown in theaters across Kathmandu, Damouli, Itahari, Bharatpur, Pokhara, Nepalgunj, and other cities, with around a dozen nationwide screenings. The documentary is based on the life of the late Ujwal Thapa, considered a pioneer of alternative politics in Nepal. It explores his childhood, studies abroad, civic engagement upon returning to Nepal, and his contributions to alternative political movements. Certified with a Universal rating by the Censor Board, the film runs for 1 hour and 50 minutes. The premiere was held on Wednesday at the QFX theater in Lalitpur, attended by Prime Minister Sushila Karki, Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal, Communications Minister Jagdish Kharel, and singer Ani Choying Dolma, among others. The attendees praised the documentary for effectively portraying Ujwal Thapa’s political and

Scotland defeats Nepal in practice match

Nepal has been defeated by Scotland in the practice match for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier. During the match held at Kirtipur-based TU Cricket ground today, Scotland defeated Nepal by 27 runs. Chasing the 184-run victory target posted by Scotland, Nepal was limited to 156 runs in allotted 20 overs at the loss of six wickets. For Nepal, Samjhana Khadka scored the highest 52 runs (not out). Similarly, Kabita Kunwar made 29 runs, Captain Indu Barma 28 runs and Kabita Joshi 22 runs. Darcey Carter of Scotland took three wickets while Kathryn Bryce, Olivia Bell and Chloe Abel took one wicket each. Earlier, chose to bat first after winning the toss, Scotland gathered 183 runs in 20 overs by losing six wickets. Kathryn Bryce made 62 runs (not out) in 28 balls while Priyanaz Chatterji 40 runs (not out). Likewise, Rubina Chhetri and Kabita Kunwar of Nepal took wickets each while Riya Sharma and Rachana Chaudhary one wicket each.

New Diamond Defeats Nepal Police Club 3–2 to Reach Women’s Volleyball Final

In the National Women’s Volleyball Championship, New Diamond Youth Sports Club defeated departmental team Nepal Police Club 3–2 to secure their place in the final. The match, held Friday at the National Sports Council (RAC) covered hall in Tripureshwor, saw New Diamond dominate early by winning the first two sets 25–14 and 25–19. Nepal Police made a strong comeback, taking the third set 25–20 and a thrilling fourth set 29–27, forcing a decisive fifth set. New Diamond ultimately clinched the match with a 15–10 win in the final set.

Minister of Youth and Sports Gupta Cancels U.S. Visit After Backlash

Youth and Sports Minister Bablu Gupta will no longer travel to the United States following widespread criticism. According to his Chief Personal Secretary Binod Rimal, the minister decided on Friday not to go after facing opposition over his alleged travel on a “fake invitation.” “There was no final decision yet on whether he would go, and he had not even applied for a visa,” Rimal stated. The Cabinet, in its meeting on 5 J, had approved Minister Gupta’s participation in the “Role of Youth in the Development of Nepal Post-Janajati Revolution” program in the U.S. The decision faced backlash after the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA), chaired by Bikash Upreti, announced the event, leading to public criticism.

Iran Protests Sweep Nation Despite Internet Shutdown as State TV Warns of ‘Casualties’

Iranian protesters shouted and marched through the streets into Friday morning after a call by the country’s exiled crown prince for demonstrations, despite Iran’s theocracy cutting off the nation from the internet and international telephone calls. Short online videos shared by activists purported to show protesters chanting against Iran’s government around bonfires as debris littered the streets in the capital, Tehran, and other areas. Iranian state media broke its silence Friday over the protests, alleging “terrorist agents” of the U.S. and Israel set fires and sparked violence. It also said there were “casualties,” without elaborating. The full scope of the demonstrations couldn’t be immediately determined due to the communications blackout, though it represented yet another escalation in protests that began over Iran’s ailing economy and that has morphed into the most significant challenge to the government in several years. The protests also represented the first test of whether the Iranian public coul

Trump Refuses to Confirm Contact with Putin After US Seizes Russian-Flagged Tanker in Atlantic

President Donald Trump on Thursday (local time) refused to clarify whether he had spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin after US forces seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the Atlantic Ocean, CNN reported. Responding to a query during an interview on Fox News, Trump said, “I don’t want to say that, but the fact is that the Russian ships, there was a submarine and a destroyer, they both left very quickly when we arrived, and we took over the ship and the oil is being unloaded right now.” US forces boarded and seized the tanker on Wednesday (local time) after a weeks-long pursuit on the high seas, an operation that has heightened tensions with Moscow and added pressure on Russia’s ally Venezuela. While Trump claimed oil was being unloaded from the vessel, the tanker was not carrying any oil at the time of the seizure, according to analytics firm Kpler, CNN reported. The ageing tanker, originally named Bella 1, was sanctioned by the United States in 2024 for operating as part of a so-called “shadow fl

Gaza Civil Defence Says Israeli Attacks Kill 13 Including 5 Children

Gaza’s civil defence agency said Israeli attacks in the Palestinian territory on Thursday killed at least 13 people, including five children, despite a ceasefire that has largely halted the fighting. Four people, including three children, were killed when a drone struck a tent sheltering displaced people in southern Gaza, agency spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP. In the north of the Gaza Strip, an 11-year-old girl was killed near the Jabalia refugee camp and a strike on a school killed one person, while a drone near Khan Yunis in the south killed a man, the agency added. Two more Gazans, including a child, were killed in other attacks, reported the agency, which operates under Hamas authority. Later on Thursday evening, four more people were killed in an Israeli air strike that targeted a house in an eastern area of Gaza City, Bassal said, adding that rescue work to search for several people who were missing had begun. “The death toll has risen to 13 as a result of Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip since this