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.

80,000 Army Personnel to be Mobilized in Upcoming HoR Elections

The Nepali Army (NA) has geared up its preparation to mobilize 80,000 army personnel in the run-up to the House of Representatives (HoR) elections to be held on coming March 5. NA’s Brigadier General and Spokesperson Rajaram Basnet informed that the army force would be mobilized in the elections in accordance with the endorsed Integrated Security Plan 2082 which has already been approved by the President. “In line with the directive of the Integrated Security Plan, the army personnel would be mobilized in the field a month ahead of the elections,” he shared. The government has endorsed the Integrated Security Plan while the National Security Council has also approved the matter of mobilizing the Army for election security. The Army would work in three phases in course of the elections. NA would bear the major responsibility of providing security to ballot paper printing in the pre-election time and vital structures during the elections. In coordination and collaboration with the Nepal Police and Armed Police Force, the NA would take up the responsibility for providing security to vital structures such as airports and prisons. In course of the elections, the NA would run election-related integrated training and drills in coordination, collaboration and cooperation of four security agencies and district administration offices.

Call forRrecruitment of 139,000 Election Police Personnel

Nepal Police has called for applications from those interested and eligible to be recruited as Election Police personnel for the upcoming March 5 House of Representatives elections. The Police Headquarters issued a notice today, calling applications for a total of 133,980 positions. Applications for the Election Police personnel can be submitted to all 77 District Police Offices from tomorrow i.e. January 9 to 15. The Police Headquarters has stated that the age of the candidate should between 18 to 54 years by the last date for registering the application form. Nepali citizens, who can read and write, who have not been convicted by a court for any criminal offense, who are not members of any political party at the time of recruitment, who are physically and mentally healthy, and who are not members of terrorist and destructive organizations are eligible to take part in the recruitment process, shared Nepal Police Spokesperson and Deputy Inspector General of Police Abinarayan Kafle. Individuals who have applied for various positions in various security agencies, such as the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force Nepal, or former forest guards and security organizations and have passed the physical fitness and health tests will be selected as election police officers.

Chair Lamichhane Urges Party Cadres to Maintain Restraint

Chairperson of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Rabi Lamichhane, has urged the party leaders and cadres to present themselves in a restraint manner. Addressing a programme organised at RSP party office, Bharatpur on Thursday, Chair Lamichhane viewed, “The RSP has been facing the allegation that RSP supporters are aggressive. So it is necessary to be disciplined and become well-cultured.” Election is the best part of democracy, the RSP Chair reminded, underscoring that election has no alternative at present, so activities should not be carried out to disrupt this democratic exercise. The RSP does not indulge in the politics of revenge, Lamichhane made it clear. According to him, the RSP should be strong to fulfill the dreams of the entire nation, so selection of right leadership is the need of hour.

Citizenship Issued in Mother’s Name for the First Time in Banke

The District Administration Office, Banke has issued a citizenship certificate in mother’s name for the first time in the district. Chief District Officer Dil Kumar Tamang conferred the citizenship certificate by descent on 24-year-old Mohan Godiya, a resident of Nepalgunj Sub Metropolitan City-8.The document was provided in line with the second amendment of the Citizenship Act, 2063 BS and the fourth amendment of the Rule. According to Chief District Officer Tamang, Godiya was conferred the citizenship certificate in the name of his 46-year-old mother, Maya Kumari Godiya. Godiya reacted that after getting citizenship, he felt that he was a real citizen of the state.“I have involved actively in sports since the age of 17, participating various national games as well, but also lost many opportunities for lack of citizenship certificate,” he said. Now onwards, he would enjoy the benefits, Godiya shared the happiness.

Upper House Committee to Discuss Landmines, Explosives With Security Bodies

The National Assembly, Public Policy and Delegated Legislation Committee is scheduled to discuss matters related to landmines and explosives with the chiefs of security agencies on Friday. Committee chairman Maya Prasad Sharma said that discussions with stakeholders were being planned regarding the upcoming House of Representatives election. The committee has invited the Chief of Army Staff Ashok Raj Sigdel, Inspector General of Police Dan Bahadur Karki, and Inspector General of Armed Police Raju Aryal to the discussion. Discussions on the study report regarding the implementation of the Immigration Act, 2049, and the status of delegated legislation were held in today’s meeting of the committee. Members of Parliament Nara Bahadur Bista, Sumitra BC, Shreekrishna Prasad Adhikari, Gomadevi Timilsina, Rukmini Koirala and others had participated in the discussions today.

Labour Ministry Takes Decisions in Favour of EPS Exam Graduates

The government has taken three decisions in favour of those passing the Employment Permit System (EPS) exams for South Korea bound employment but who had not yet gained any opportunity for several reasons. The Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Social Security has decided to request the Korean government through diplomatic channel to extend validity of the current roster prepared through the EPS system for Korea. The Ministry decided to approach the Korean government as the current limit of the roster has deprived those passing EPS exams but yet to obtain opportunity to go to Korea for employment. Similarly, it has also decided to take necessary diplomatic steps regarding the demand of individuals listed in the roster under EPS and increase the quota of Nepali workers going to Korea through the system. Additionally, it has been decided to form a task force to make recommendations to ensure transparency and fairness in matters such as sending personal details of individuals in the roster going to Korea through the EPS system to employers.

Karnali Province Cabinet Makes Various Decisions

The Karnali Province Government has decided to allocate budgets to the concerned local levels for implementing the programme to strengthen the services of one health institution in each federal election constituency without a provincial hospital. Announcing the decisions of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, the provincial government spokesperson and Minister for Land Management, Agriculture and Cooperatives, Binod Kumar Shah, said that the cabinet decided to allocate a budget of Rs 10 million each to Panchapuri Municipality of Surkhet for the Salkot Hospital, Dullu Municipality for Dullu Hospital, and Hima Rural Municipality for Kalikakhetu Primary Health Centre. Similarly, he stated that the provincial government has decided to seek approval from the federal government, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Finance, to grant Rs 6 million to the concerned area police office for the construction of the incomplete building of the Area Police Office, Rakam Karnali, Dailekh. According to him, it has been decided to approve the temporary staffing structure of the Provincial and Local Road Improvement Project, Provincial Project Management Unit Surkhet, and the Rural Road Network Improvement Project, Project Implementation Unit, Surkhet.

SC Seeks Written Response on Nishad Community’s Reservation Quota

The Supreme Court (SC) on Thursday sought a written response by issuing a show cause notice in a writ petition filed calling for the provision of reservation quota for the Nishad caste. A single bench of Justice Til Prasad Shrestha asked to submit the written response with valid reasons, causes and available evidence within 15 days of notice through the Office of the Attorney General. Khajanti Mahato Naniya, on behalf of the Nepal Nishad Ekata Samaj, had lodged the petition at the SC on January 2 by naming the Federal Parliament, Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, and other bodies.  The SC stated that the written response was demanded since the issue in the petition should be addressed through parliament based on its nature. The Nishad community includes Nuniya, Bin, Malah, Kewat, Kewarat, Turaha, Amat, Kol/Kaul, Khara, Khulwat, Khulwat/Khunot, Gangai, Godh, Godhi, Chaya/Chayav/Chai, Chauhan, Tiyar, Dhimar/Dhiwar, Bahardar, Beldar, Bot, Rajbhar, Sorhiya/Soraiya, Banpar, Gaudh, Bote and Modiyar/Moriyari. The petitioner demanded that the reservation quota be ensured for the members of the Nishad community in civil service, semi-state-owned agencies, Nepali Army, Nepal Police and other state bodies.

NRB Issues Rs. 10 Billion Worth of Debt Instruments

Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has issued debt instruments worth Rs. 10 billion today, Poush 24. As excess liquidity in the banking sector continues to rise, the central bank has issued one-year Nepal Rastra Bank debt instruments through a bidding and issuance process to absorb surplus funds. NRB stated that the interest rate on the debt instrument, named Nepal Rastra Bank Debt Instrument 2083 “Cha”, will be determined through a competitive bidding process. The minimum bid amount has been set at Rs. 50 million, and bids can be placed up to the total announced amount in multiples of Rs. 50 million. The principal repayment date has been fixed for Poush 24, 2083, while interest payments will be made on a semi-annual basis. Commercial banks, development banks, and finance companies are eligible to participate in the bidding process. While allocating the issued amount, bids will be ranked from the lowest to the highest interest rate, and a single cut-off interest rate will be determined at the point where the total announced amount or the allocation amount set by the committee is met. The debt instruments will be sold at this single interest rate to bidders quoting that rate or lower, NRB said.

Reconstruction of Damage from 8-9 September Protests Estimated at Rs 3.63 Billion

The reconstruction and repair of physical damage caused during the September 23–24 protests is estimated at Rs 36.3 billion, according to a five-member committee formed under the National Planning Commission. The total damage from the protests is estimated at Rs 84.46 billion, accounting for 1.38% of Nepal’s GDP and 4.3% of this fiscal year’s budget. Public and government assets bore 53% of the losses, private property 40%, and community or other assets 7%, with Bagmati Province suffering the highest damage at 66.5%. The protests damaged 2,671 buildings, mainly public structures, and caused losses to vehicles, other assets, cash, and valuables. Employment was also affected, with 2,999 people impacted, including 2,353 losing their jobs entirely. The human toll included 77 deaths, mostly men, with 39 aged 13–28. The report provides a detailed plan for rebuilding, repair, and compensation for affected public and private assets.

‘Viral Gorkhe’ to Release Nationwide in Nepal from 15 Jan

Actor Saugat Malla has revealed that his upcoming film Viral Gorkhe, set to release across Nepal from 15 Jan, revolves around the influence of social media. The story follows an ordinary person’s journey to go “viral,” exploring the challenges and consequences of online fame while delivering both entertainment and a timely social message. Malla explained, “If the story was only about platforms like TikTok, I might not have taken the role. But it’s connected to society and real-life experiences. The film shows the effort to go viral and the challenge of staying relevant, making it engaging for audiences.” Actress and former Miss Nepal Srishti Shrestha praised the storyline, highlighting how it portrays both positive and negative aspects of social media in a satirical, time-relevant way. Directed by Nigam Shrestha, the film also stars Buddhi Tamang, Laxmi Giri, Rajaram Paudel, journalist Rishi Dhamala, and other actors, promising a mix of entertainment and social commentary.

Barcelona Thrash Athletic Bilbao 5–0 to Reach Spanish Super Cup Final

Barcelona secured a dominant 5–0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in the Spanish Super Cup semifinal held at Al-Naimah Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, booking their place in the final. Under coach Hansi Flick, Barcelona put immense pressure on their Basque rivals, scoring four goals in the first half. Ferran Torres opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, converting a rebound from Fermín López, followed by Fermín’s curling goal in the 30th minute. Rooney Bardghji added a third goal just four minutes later, and Rafinha completed his brace with strikes in the 38th and 52nd minutes, ensuring a comprehensive win. Rafinha, who returned to peak form after a six-week injury layoff earlier this season, praised the team’s focus and preparation for the upcoming final. Young star Lamine Yamal, who spent most of the match on the bench, is expected to be fit for Sunday’s final. Barcelona will face either Real Madrid or Atlético Madrid, who clash in the other semifinal on Thursday. Athletic forward Nico Williams remained on the bench due to a groin injury, while goalkeeper Unai Simón acknowledged the team’s collective failure in the heavy defeat. Barcelona currently leads La Liga, while Athletic Bilbao sits eighth, fighting for European qualification.

Starc Headlines ICC Player of the Month December 2025 Nominees List

Australian pacer Mitchell Starc headlined the nominees for the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for December 2025, with West Indies all-rounder Justin Greaves and New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy also making the cut. The left-arm pacer was instrumental in sealing Australia’s Ashes series win in December itself, taking 16 wickets and scoring 139 runs across the first three Tests at Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide. His dominant tenth-wicket haul in Perth set the tone for a largely Australian-dominant series and also posted useful fifties down the order, as per ICC. During the second Brisbane Test, his 77 took Australia past the 500-run mark in the first innings and paved the way for a 177-run first innings lead from which England could not recover. Besides that, he took a total of eight wickets, including a six-wicket haul. At Adelaide, his 54 in the first innings helped Australia score a solid total of 371 runs and took a total of four wickets with the ball. Moving on to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), he took two wickets each in both innings, but his side lost the Test match, their first loss to England at home after 18 Tests.

2 Killed, Others Injured in Salt Lake City Shooting

US police announced on Thursday that two people were killed and others injured in a shooting in Salt Lake City, Utah. A police spokesman said an initial report indicated the incident occurred in a parking lot. “There was some sort of altercation, and that’s when shots were fired,” police spokesman Glen Mills told reporters.They reported that at least two of the eight victims died from their injuries, while three of the survivors remain in critical condition, while the condition of the rest remained unknown. Police added that they have launched a large-scale search for the suspects. Gun violence is one of the most pressing security and social crises in the US. The country experiences high rates of violent gun crime, along with frequent mass shootings, leaving deep human, economic, and psychological scars.

Fuel Shortages, Road Closures Slow Humanitarian Response in Gaza: OCHA

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Wednesday that fuel shortages and road closures are significantly slowing the humanitarian response in the Gaza Strip.”While fuel deliveries have resumed, ongoing access restrictions, congestion, and storage gaps continue to drive up costs and delay assistance”, OCHA said in a statement. It noted that UN partners were able to resume the distribution of monthly food rations for the first time since October 2023, reaching 100,000 people. Since the ceasefire, 35 health service points were reactivated, while 25 new ones were established, including 12 primary healthcare centers, most of which are located in northern Gaza, OCHA added. It also noted the expansion of Temporary Learning Spaces (TLSs) to 424 sites, including two TLSs that were opened between Jan. 3 and 4. The Israeli occupation continues its war of genocide in the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7, 2023, leaving thousands of martyrs, wounded, and missing persons, in addition to hundreds of thousands of displaced people. Living conditions have severely deteriorated, with famine causing the deaths of many citizens, and widespread destruction that has destroyed most cities of the Strip, amid the occupation’s restrictions on the entry of food and medical supplies.

Direct Bangladesh-Pakistan Flights to Resume After 14 Years

Bangladesh and Pakistan are to resume direct flights after more than a decade, Dhaka’s national airline said on Thursday, as ties warm and regional power balances shift. Biman Bangladesh Airlines is scheduled to fly its first Dhaka-Karachi flight on January 29 and will be operated twice weekly, the first regular flights since 2012. “We are relaunching the Dhaka-Karachi route with two weekly flights,” airline manager Bosra Islam told AFP on Thursday. Bangladesh and Pakistan — geographically divided by more than 1,500 kilometres (930 miles) by India — were once one nation. They split after a bitter war in 1971. “The resumption of direct flights will significantly improve connectivity between Bangladesh and Pakistan, supporting business travel, tourism, and family reunions,” Biman Bangladesh Airlines said in a statement. Travellers between Bangladesh and Pakistan must currently use connecting flights through Gulf hubs such as Dubai and Doha. Bangladesh has been in political turmoil since a student-led revolt overthrew Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, ending her autocratic 15-year rule.