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 Gives Authenticity to Thapa-Led Nepali Congress

The Election Commission (EC) has conferred authenticity on the Nepali Congress led by Gagan Kumar Thapa, newly elected President from the recent special general convention. The EC meeting held on Friday decided to update the central working committee of NC led by Thapa, arguing that the special general convention of the Nepali Congress that elected new committee under Thapa’s leadership was legal and legitimate. NC Vice President elected from the special general convention, Bishwo Prakash Sharma, informed that the EC’s decision came in their favour based on the law and procedure. With this, NC’s election symbol ‘Tree’ and the flag bearing four stars would belong to the NC led by President Thapa. The EC has informed that the bases for its decision were: provision of demanding special general convention by 40 percent of general convention representatives; mandatory provision to hold such convention in response to the demand; and absence of disagreement from anyone to the demand of special general convention.

Deuba Faction Calls CWC Meeting

The Sher Bahadur Deuba faction of the Nepali Congress has called a meeting of the party’s Central Working Committee. Acting President of the Deuba faction, Purna Bahadur Khadka, has directed that the meeting be held on Saturday at 8:00 am at the party office in Sanepa. According to Chief Secretary Krishna Prasad Paudel, the meeting will require the mandatory presence of Central Working Committee office-bearers, members, invited members, and the presidents of all seven provincial committees. Earlier today, the Election Commission granted official recognition to the Nepali Congress led by Gagan Thapa. However, the Deuba faction has rejected the Commission’s decision.

Nepal Bar Objects Govt Decision to Withdraw Case of RSP President Lamichhane

The Nepal Bar Association (NBA) has said that the government’s decision to withdraw a case relating to organised crime and money laundering against Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Rabi Lamichhane is inappropriate. Issuing a press statement today, NBA General Secretary Kedar Prasad Koirala said the Association strongly objected to the decision, stating that it promotes impunity through the politicisation of offences and the criminalisation of politics, thereby undermining the spirit of criminal justice. The NBA has demanded a guarantee of the rule of law and called on the government to immediately revoke its decision. Through the statement, the NBA said it has consistently advocated for an impartial, fair and transparent criminal justice system. The decision to withdraw the case contradicts existing legal provisions and sets a negative precedent regarding case retraction, he added. Such selective decisions, the statement argued, undermine the jurisdiction of courts and badly dent the concept of an independent judiciary.

Amresh Kumar Singh to Join RSP

Amresh Kumar Singh has announced that he will be joining the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). He shared the information through a Facebook status on Friday, stating that he is set to begin a new chapter in his political journey through the party. Singh will formally enter the RSP during a party program to be held in Janakpur on 19 Jan. In his post, he wrote that he would launch his new political chapter from Janakpurdham. He also stated that the voice he had raised earlier as an independent against corruption and misgovernance in the country and Madhes would now become even stronger through the Rastriya Swatantra Party.

Deuba-led NC Warns of Nationwide Protests if EC Denies Recognition

The Nepali Congress led by Sher Bahadur Deuba has warned of nationwide protests if the Election Commission fails to grant it official recognition. Speaking at a press conference held at the party’s central office, Acting President Purna Bahadur Khadka said the party would launch protests across the country if such a situation arises. “We do not believe the Election Commission will take the wrong path, but there are concerns,” Khadka said. “If the Election Commission does not recognize the Nepali Congress under our leadership, the party is ready to launch a nationwide movement. We will take to the streets from villages to wards, carrying the four-star flag.” Khadka added that if the situation comes to that, the party has instructed its cadres and sister organizations across the country to mobilize and participate in the protests at the party’s call.

Kathmandu Metropolitan Police Chief Rajunath Pandey Resigns

Rajunath Pandey, Chief of the Kathmandu Metropolitan City Police, has resigned from his post. Pandey, who had been active at the metropolitan level as a close aide of Mayor Balen Shah, submitted his resignation on Friday. He has stepped down to contest the upcoming House of Representatives election scheduled for March 05, representing the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). Pandey has stated that he will run from Kathmandu Constituency No. 4, a seat that has been repeatedly won by Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa. Pandey’s resignation comes amid widespread speculation that Mayor Balen Shah is preparing to contest the election from Jhapa Constituency No. 5. Sources indicate that Balen is also planning to resign from the mayoral post by Saturday or Sunday.

UML Central Secretariat Meeting Scheduled for Saturday

The CPN (UML) has announced a Central Secretariat meeting for Saturday at 1 PM.   The meeting will determine the candidates for the House of Representatives election, which is slated for March 5, as stated by Meen Bahadur Shahi, the head of UML’s Central Department of Publicity and Publication. The party aims to select one candidate for each electoral constituency based on the recommendations from district and provincial committees. UML has mandated that at least two names be put forward, including one woman. The timeline for submitting candidacy nominations for the election is set for January 20. The meeting will take place at the UML Central Office, Chyasal, Lalitpur.

HoR polls: Security Situation Strengthened in Sudurpaschim

The police administration has strengthened the security provision for conducting the upcoming House of Representatives (HoR) polls in a free, fair and fearless manner. Spokesperson of the Sudurpaschim Police Office Gautam Mishra said that election security planning has been implemented considering the geographical remoteness, road networks and sensitivities of election stations for the HoR polls scheduled for March 5. Mishra said that the Nepali Army will be deployed in the outer ring of the voting stations and polling centres and the Nepal Police in the inner ring. Likewise, the Armed Police Force will also be deployed for the polls. The administration has categorized the voting stations and polling centres as normal, sensitive and highly sensitive and the security provisions have been ensured accordingly. According to Mishra, Bajura and Achham districts are considered more sensitive in terms of security arrangements. In the province, 300 voting stations are categorized as normal, 395 as sensitive and 481 as the highly sensitive ones in regard to election security.

Nepal Medical Association Election Postponed

The election for the Nepal Medical Association has been postponed. Today, the Association released a statement indicating that, in light of the interim order from the Patan High Court, the previously established election schedule has been postponed. Chief Election Officer Dr. Pranayaratna Shakya mentioned that the election committee will soon issue a new notice and provide an updated election schedule. The association’s election was set to take place outside the Kathmandu Valley on 16 and 17 January, and within the valley on 29, 30 and 31 January. Earlier, in a writ petition submitted by Dr Ajay Kumar Mishra, the Patan High Court issued a final ruling that prohibited the election from proceeding as planned.

Nepal Secures First International Futsal Win After Seven Years

Nepal’s national men’s team has recorded its first international futsal victory in seven years. At the SAFF Men’s Futsal Championship being held at Nonthaburi Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, Nepal defeated Sri Lanka 2–1 on Friday. This marks Nepal’s first win in international futsal after 7 years and 1 month. Nepal last won an international futsal match on December 14, 2018, beating Pakistan 2–1. That victory came during a triangular futsal series held in Islamabad, Pakistan, and was only Nepal’s second international futsal win. Prior to that, Nepal had defeated Turkey 9–0 at the International Soccer Futsal Cup in February the same year. Nepal had remained winless in international futsal matches since then. Sri Lanka took an early lead in the 10th minute through a goal by Mohamed Sajan. However, five minutes later, Saroj Tamang equalized for Nepal. The first half ended 1–1, but in the 21st minute, Saroj Tamang scored again to secure a 2–1 victory for Nepal.

Barcelona Beat Racing Santander 2–0 to Reach Copa del Rey Quarterfinals

Defending Copa del Rey champions Barcelona secured a place in the quarterfinals with a 2–0 victory over second-division leaders Racing Santander. Real Madrid, meanwhile, had already been knocked out of the competition the previous day after suffering a surprise defeat. In Thursday’s match in Santander, Ferran Torres gave Barcelona the lead in the 66th minute. Breaking away after a pass from Fermín López, Torres rounded the goalkeeper and calmly slotted the ball into an empty net. Lamine Yamal sealed the win in the sixth and final minute of added time with Barcelona’s second goal. Racing Santander had two goals disallowed for offside, with efforts in the 77th and 86th minutes ruled out. Racing came close to equalizing in stoppage time of the second half, but Barcelona goalkeeper Joan García made a crucial last-gasp save to deny Imanol Lozano and preserve his team’s lead. After the match, goalscorer Ferran Torres said, “We are lucky to have a goalkeeper like Joan. These teams come well prepared and have quality players, which is why matches are difficult for top-division teams.”

Guinness Record Holder Sunar Receives Honorary Doctorate in Sports Science

Dinesh Sunar, who has set 21 Guinness World Records in various sports, has been conferred with Honorary Doctorate in sports science by an American University. The International Internship University recently awarded Sunar with an Honorary Doctorate in Sports Science and Human Performance, a title conferred on the individuals demonstrating an exceptional leadership skills and exemplary contributions globally. Sunar, now onwards Dr Sunar, has earned international fame for his extraordinary performance as a parkour player, gymnast and stunt artist. It is his first Honorary Doctorate.  He is one of the four persons awarded with the Honorary Doctorate by the University in 2025. “This honour speaks volumes that success can be achieved with dogged determination and opportunities,” he noted, expressing his confidence that the recognition would help enhance Nepal’s reputation in the international community. Sunar, representing Nepal, has clinched several gold medals in national and international gymnastic competitions. He is currently serving as the trainer for the World Free Running Parkour Federation in the USA.

Trailer of Psychological Thriller ‘The Blue Light’ Released on YouTube

The trailer of the psychological thriller film The Blue Light has been released on YouTube. It was unveiled through the YouTube channel of Mauri Pictures, a film production company owned by actress Benisha Hamal. Benisha has begun acquiring digital rights through this film. She serves as both the executive producer and an actress in the movie. The trailer offers insight into the film’s storyline and character portrayals. The film depicts a narrative filled with love, romance, attack, revenge, murder, fear, and legal entanglements. As the main characters revolve around distrust, intent, and violence, the trailer highlights how they engage in a dangerous game to destroy one another. Directed by Baliram Chauhan, the film stars Ayushman Deshraj Joshi, Srishti Shrestha, Mahesh Tripathi, and Suraksha Itani. Child artists Grishma Katuwal and Sahara Sharma also appear in the film.

Film ‘Kumari’ Launches Nationwide Promotion Campaign with Concert in Nepalgunj

The film Kumari has begun its nationwide promotional campaign with a live concert in Nepalgunj. On Monday evening, the event titled “Kumari Live Musical Concert with Kéhar and The Lunga” was held there. Singer Kehar Singh Limbu and his musical band energized the audience with lively performances. Actors Abhishek Khadka and Aakriti Rajbhandari, along with director Dinesh Raut, also captivated the crowd with musical performances. A large turnout of spectators enjoyed entertainment through the film’s hit songs. Limbu and his band performed songs featured in the film, including “Doko Bunne Nigali Choyale,” “Kata Chhau Mero Phool,” and “Timi Bina,” along with their popular tracks “Sarar” and “Baiguni.” During the widely popular song “Doko Bunne,” actors Abhishek Khadka and Aakriti Rajbhandari performed a live dance on stage, prompting the audience to join in and dance along. Speaking at the event, director Dinesh Raut said that he always directs films with audience preferences and interests in mind, adding that he has made every effort to make Kumari an outstanding film.

Social Media Platforms Removed 4.7 Million Accounts After Australia Banned Them for Children

Social media companies have revoked access to about 4.7 million accounts identified as belonging to children in Australia since the country banned use of the platforms by those under 16, officials said. “We stared down everybody who said it couldn’t be done, some of the most powerful and rich companies in the world and their supporters,” communications minister Anika Wells told reporters on Friday. “Now Australian parents can be confident that their kids can have their childhoods back.” The figures, reported to Australia’s government by 10 social media platforms, were the first to show the scale of the landmark ban since it was enacted in December over fears about the effects of harmful online environments on young people. The law provoked fraught debates in Australia about technology use, privacy, child safety and mental health and has prompted other countries to consider similar measures.

Trump Announces Formation of Gaza Peace Council

US President Donald Trump has announced the formation of a Gaza Peace Council, a body outlined in a US-backed plan aimed at ending the war in the territory. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said it was a great honor to announce that the council had been formed, adding that the list of its members would be revealed soon. He described it as the greatest and most distinguished council ever formed at any time or place. Trump said that, in his capacity as head of the Peace Council, he supports the newly appointed Palestinian technocratic committee and the national committee tasked with administering Gaza during a transitional period. He added that these Palestinian leaders were firmly committed to a peaceful future. The announcement comes shortly after the formation of a 15-member Palestinian technocratic committee to manage Gaza in the post-war period. The US-backed Gaza peace plan came into effect on October 10 and includes provisions for the deployment of an international stabilization force in the territory, as well as the training of Palestinian police units.

US Warns Iran that ‘all options are on the table’ in Emergency UN Meeting

After weeks of escalating tension, U.S. and Iranian officials faced each other Thursday at the U.N. Security Council, where America’s envoy renewed threats against the Islamic Republic despite President Donald Trump’s efforts to lower the temperature between the two adversaries. The U.S. was joined by Iranian dissidents in rebuking the government’s bloody crackdown on nationwide protests that activists say have killed at least 2,677 people. “Colleagues, let me be clear: President Trump is a man of action, not endless talk like we see at the United Nations,” Mike Waltz, U.S. ambassador to the U.N., told the council. “He has made it clear that all options are on the table to stop the slaughter. And no one should know that better than the leadership of the Iranian regime.” Waltz’s remarks came as the prospect of U.S. retaliation for the protesters’ deaths still hung over the region, though Trump signaled a possible de-escalation, saying the killing appeared to be ending. By Thursday, the protests challenging Iran’s theocracy appeared increasingly smothered, but the state-ordered internet and communication blackout remained.