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.

Five-Point Agreement Reached After Shooting in Sunsari

A five-point agreement was signed on Thursday to ease tensions in Sunsari following the death of 45-year-old Bijay Sah, who was killed by Armed Police Force (APF) fire on Wednesday night. Sah was reportedly transporting goods from India when the incident occurred, sparking local protests and an attack on a border post. The agreement includes a seven-day investigation by a committee led by the Assistant Chief District Officer. Authorities have promised compensation and employment for Sah’s wife, while his son will receive assistance if he chooses to join the APF in the future. Following the deal, the family agreed to hand over the body for an autopsy and burial.

Commission to Summon KP Sharma Oli Over Gen Z Protest

The Inquiry Commission investigating the events of September 8 and 9, 2025, is preparing to summon CPN (UML) chair KP Sharma Oli for a statement. Commission Chairman Gauri Bahadur Karki announced on Thursday that a formal letter is being sent regarding Oli’s involvement or knowledge of the Gen Z protest. Karki noted that if Oli fails to appear, the commission will decide on further legal steps. Meanwhile, the statement of former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has been completed, and his travel restrictions are set to be lifted. The commission expects to submit its final report within the one-month extension period granted by the government.

PM Holds Talks with Durga Prasai & Group

Prime Minister Sushila Karki met with Durga Prasai, coordinator of the Nation, Nationality, Religion, Culture, and Citizen Welfare Campaign, at Singha Durbar on Thursday. Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal and Communications Minister Jagadish Kharel also participated in the dialogue. The meeting focused on the group’s long-standing demands, which have been raised since November 22. Prasai urged the government to fully implement agreements regarding financial relief for debtors and the protection of national identity. This session follows multiple previous rounds of inconclusive talks between the government and the campaign group, which has led several street protests in the capital.

Health Ministry Issues Mask Mandate Today Amid Hazardous Air Quality

The Ministry of Health and Population has urged citizens to wear masks when outdoors due to dangerous levels of air pollution in Kathmandu Valley and other urban centers. The National Health Education, Information, and Communication Center issued a notice on Thursday advising the public to stay indoors unless necessary. Doctors warned that the current atmospheric conditions pose severe risks, including respiratory issues, eye irritation, and chronic health complications. The pollution spike is attributed to stagnant winter air and industrial emissions. The ministry emphasized that mandatory mask-wearing is a critical preventative measure as the capital’s air quality index consistently remains in the hazardous category this week.

Govt. Launches Online Tracking System for Foreign Nationals

On Thursday, Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal inaugurated the Foreign Nationals Management Information System to track and secure visitors in Nepal. Developed by the Department of Immigration, the system is mandatory for star hotels in Kathmandu Valley during the first phase. By March 1, it will expand nationwide to include all hotels, airlines, and travel agencies. Director General Ram Chandra Tiwari stated the system aims to monitor visa compliance, prevent crimes, and assist in emergency rescues. Service providers must now report the check-in and check-out details of all foreign nationals directly to the state’s integrated database.

RSP Faces Criticism Over PR Representation for Diaspora

Supporters of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) living abroad are protesting the party’s failure to nominate promised diaspora candidates on the proportional representation (PR) list. Although the RSP’s Diaspora Department recommended 11 names for the 10 percent quota, only one individual, Kishore Gandharva, was included. Gandharva is listed at number 78 overall and 6th in the Dalit male cluster, meaning the party would need to win over 100 PR seats for him to enter parliament. Critics argue that the party, which often champions voting rights for overseas Nepalis, has ignored its own internal decision regarding representation for its international supporters.

CPN (UML) PR List Shows Zero Representation from 21 Districts

The CPN (UML)’s proportional representation (PR) list for the House of Representatives excludes candidates from 21 districts, including Makwanpur, Mustang, and Taplejung. According to the Election Commission, the party’s list of 110 names represents only 56 districts. Notably, nine candidates are from Jhapa alone, including Anita Subba and Som Portel. The Election Commission is currently reviewing the list to ensure it meets legal cluster requirements. Political parties have until January 11 to make amendments. The final list for the 275-member house, which includes 110 PR seats, will be officially published on February 3 following the verification of candidate eligibility.

Nepali Congress Faction Books Venue for Special General Convention

Leaders within the Nepali Congress pushing for a Special General Convention have officially booked the hall at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu. Central Committee member Pratima Gautam confirmed the booking was made on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. General Secretaries Gagan Thapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma have argued that the convention is mandatory since 54 percent of representatives submitted signatures demanding it. Although the party leadership previously set dates for a regular convention, dissidents claim those deadlines are unlikely to be met. The booking signals a formal escalation by the faction seeking a leadership overhaul and ideological shifts within Nepal’s oldest democratic party.

Over 1.5 Million Nepalis Traveled Abroad in 2025

Data from the Department of Foreign Employment reveals that at least 1.5 million and 23,000 Nepalis traveled abroad between January 1 and December 31, 2025. Spokesperson Tikaram Dhakal reported that during the same period, 1.3 million and 13,191 citizens returned to Nepal. The statistics also highlight a significant influx of foreign visitors, with 1 million and 15,378 tourists entering the country while 982,561 departed. While most foreigners visit for tourism under various visa categories, Nepalis primarily travel for employment and education, followed by business and tourism. The figures reflect Nepal’s ongoing reliance on labor migration and the steady recovery of its domestic tourism sector.

Immigration Data Shows 1 Million Foreign Arrivals in 2025

The Department of Immigration has officially recorded 1 million and 15,378 foreign arrivals in Nepal throughout the year 2025. According to the year-end report, 982,561 foreign nationals departed the country during the same timeframe. Most visitors entered under tourist visas, though the department manages 10 different visa categories, including labor and study permits. This milestone of exceeding 1 million arrivals is seen as a positive indicator for the national economy. The data suggests that while tourism remains the primary draw, the diversity of visa services provided reflects Nepal’s growing international engagement in various professional and educational sectors.

Unpaid Teachers Shut 18 Schools, 6,000 Students Sidelined

Over 6,000 students are out of school as teachers from 18 institutions in Kamala Municipality, Dhanusha, launched a strike on December 16, 2025. Educators, including Manju Kumari Mahato, claim they have not received salaries or allowances since July due to internal disputes between local representatives. Deputy Mayor Shila Devi Mandal accused Mayor Bisheshwar Prasad Yadav of failing to call a municipal assembly to pass the annual budget. The deadlock has halted social security payments and caused medicine shortages at health posts. Mayor Yadav promised to convene the assembly soon following the recent arrival of a chief administrative officer.

Jumla District Administration Launches Free On-Site National ID Forms

The District Administration Office in Jumla has started providing on-site free online form-filling services for National Identity Cards. Chief District Officer Deepak Paudel stated the move aims to relieve the financial burden on citizens, especially those from low-income backgrounds who were previously paying Rs 200 at private shops. The office has managed dedicated staff, desktops, and internet facilities, operating from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Officials noted that 50 to 60 people visit daily for the service, which is now mandatory for banking, passports, and senior citizen allowances. Even during power outages, the administration ensures manual services continue uninterrupted.

Manang Ranks First in National Performance Evaluation

Manang district has been ranked as the best-performing district in Nepal for the first quarter of the fiscal year 2025/26. In a performance evaluation by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Manang secured 28.75 out of 29.25 points, topping all 77 districts. Rasuwa followed in second place with 28.6875 points. Chief District Officer Nawaraj Paudel attributed the success to regular online services powered by solar energy, mobile camps for National Identity Cards, and efficient disaster management. The district also resolved legal complaints within one month and managed land for a Border Outpost (BOP) near the China border despite temperatures reaching -10°C.

Action-Packed Teaser Released for Movie ‘Pratibairam’

The teaser for the film Pratibairam, directed by Roshan Das, was unveiled during a press conference on Thursday. Set in the Madhesh region, the movie tackles social and political themes, including the dowry system and the bond between siblings. The film marks the debut of lead actor Samrat Das, supported by a cast including Supragya Sharma and Birendra Kushwaha. Produced by Rage Entertainment in collaboration with King YT, the movie was filmed in Nepali, Hindi, Maithili, and Bhojpuri languages. Yuna Digital has acquired the digital rights, and the film is scheduled for a theatrical release in May.

NPC Men Advance to NVA Cup Semifinals with Straight-Set Win

Nepal Police Club (NPC) secured a spot in the semifinals of the 9th NVA Volleyball Championship (2025) on Thursday. In the second quarterfinal match, NPC defeated Koshi Province Volleyball Association in straight sets with scores of 25-19, 25-17, and 25-18. NPC will now face Help Nepal Sports Club in the semifinals for a place in the final. Help Nepal had already advanced after defeating Budhanilkantha Volleyball Club. Other quarterfinal matches scheduled for today include matchups between Rukum, APF Club, Tribhuvan Army Club, and Khilji Youth Club to determine the remaining semifinalists in the men’s category.

Zohran Mamdani Becomes Youngest New York City Mayor in History

Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as the mayor of New York City just after midnight on January 1, in a historic ceremony at a decommissioned Manhattan subway station. The 34-year-old makes history as the first Muslim to lead the largest city in the United States, as well as the first mayor of South Asian descent and African birth. During the private ceremony conducted by Attorney General Letitia James, Mamdani took his oath on a Quran. Highlighting the importance of public transit, the mayor also announced Mike Flynn as the new Department of Transportation commissioner before a public inauguration at City Hall.

China Imposes Sales Tax on Contraceptives to Boost Birth Rates

Starting January 1, China has implemented a 13% sales tax on contraceptives, including condoms and birth control pills, while exempting childcare services from taxation. This move is part of a broader overhaul of the tax system aimed at encouraging couples to have children as the country faces a shrinking population for three consecutive years. While marriage-related and elderly care services are now exempt from VAT, the tax on birth control has sparked concerns regarding unwanted pregnancies and HIV rates. Official figures show only 9.54 million babies were born in 2024, nearly half the number recorded a decade ago.

Neuralink to Begin High-Volume Brain Implant Production in 2026

Elon Musk announced on Wednesday that Neuralink will start high-volume production of brain-computer interface devices in 2026. The company also plans to transition to an entirely automated surgical procedure for implants this year. Designed to assist individuals with spinal cord injuries, the technology has already allowed patients to control digital tools through thought. Since starting human trials in 2024, at least 12 people worldwide with severe paralysis have received the implants. The expansion follows a successful June 2025 funding round that secured USD 650 million to scale the company’s medical and technological operations.

TSMC Nanjing Secures US License for Chip Equipment Imports

On Thursday, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSMC) confirmed that the U.S. government granted an annual license for its Nanjing facility to import U.S. chip-making equipment. The approval follows the expiration of previous “validated end-user” exemptions on December 31, 2025. This license allows TSMC to supply export-controlled items to its China plant, which produces 16-nanometer chips, without needing individual vendor licenses. South Korean firms Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix received similar approvals. The Nanjing site currently contributes approximately 2.4% of TSMC’s overall revenue, ensuring uninterrupted product deliveries for 2026.