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.

Gagan Thapa Elected Nepali Congress President

Gagan Kumar Thapa has been elected unopposed as the President of the Nepali Congress. Sitaram KC, Coordinator of the Central Election Committee, informed that Thapa was elected unopposed as the party president at the second special convention of the pro-faction currently held in Kathmandu. “Since Thapa was the only candidate for the president position, I announce that he has been elected unopposed,” said Coordinator KC while announcing the election results. After being elected to the position of president, addressing leaders, cadres, and well-wishers at the special convention venue, Thapa expressed his determination to make the party one that its members are proud to be part of. “With the trust you have placed in me to take on the responsibility of the presidency, I will not let anyone bow their head down before anyone. I will uphold the dignity of the Nepali Congress party. I will ensure that all members who join this party feel proud to be part of the Nepali Congress. The party will work to ensure citizens know that Congress is there for them in difficult times,” said newly elected president Thapa.

Thapa-Led Central Committee Reaches EC with Documents Passed by 2nd SGC

he central working committee led by Gagan Kumar Thapa, who is elected president by the 2nd special general convention (SGC) of the Nepali Congress, reached the Election Commission for updating official documents relating to SGC and election of new committee. The office bearers and central members under the leadership of President Thapa visited the central office of the Election Commission at Bahadur Bhawan and submitted the documents on reshuffling of NC central committee as per Clause 51 of Political Party Act, 2073. The team also handed over the documents like the decisions and proposals passed by the SGC, and details of the newly elected central working committee. Thapa shared this information to the media after his team’s visit to Election Commission on Thursday. Similarly, talking to media persons after submitting the documents to EC, Vice President under Thapa-led party, Bishwo Prakash Sharma, said the NC was not split but it had got legitimacy. The SGC elected the new central working committee unopposed on Wednesday. The office bearers and central members arrived at EC for updating the documents on it, he added.

Five People Killed as Cargo Truck Overturns

This morning, five individuals were killed and three others sustained injuries when a cargo truck overturned on the Postal Highway in Bhokraha Narsingh Rural Municipality, Sunsari. The truck (1Kha 4541), which was transporting marble from Biratnagar to Rajbiraj, lost control and overturned on the roadway, leading to the fatalities of five residents from the same locality in Barju Ward No. 1, as reported by the District Police Office, Sunsari. DSP Chandra Khadka stated that the truck accident resulted in the deaths of 32-year-old Birendra Gurung, 55-year-old Brahmadev Gurung, 50-year-old Tekbahadur Gurung, 28-year-old Nisu Gurung, and 55-year-old Chandra Bahadur Gurung, all hailing from Barju Ward No. 1. There were nine occupants in the truck: four in the front cab, including the driver, and five in the rear. The five individuals seated in the back were crushed by the marble and perished. The three injured persons in the cab are currently receiving treatment at Narsingh Home in Biratnagar. The driver has absconded.

President Paudel Calls for Successful HoR Elections to Fulfill People’s Aspirations

President Ramchandra Paudel has urged for ensuring the success of the House of Representatives (HoR) election scheduled for March 5 in order to provide the country with a way forward for a secure future, not only for the new generation but in deference to the wishes of all Nepalis in the changed context. Addressing the Diamond Jubilee programme of the Tribhuvan Secondary School in Balewa, Baglung, he said that this election must be made successful to fulfill the responsibilities of meeting the people’s aspirations for peace, good governance, development, and prosperity, the President’s Secretariat stated. The President said, “The constitution and federal democratic republican system of governance, which we have achieved through great struggle and sacrifice, must fulfill the people’s demand for lasting peace, good governance, development, and prosperity from those in power. We must not forget this.” Highlighting that prioritizing the people’s interest and service through good governance to end corruption, delays, and malpractices and to accelerate the pace of development is a current necessity, he said that in the changed context, the best way now to provide a solution to the country according to the new generation and public aspirations is through elections.

New NC Leadership Formed by Special General Convention Holds First Meeting

The first meeting of the new Central Working Committee formed after the second Special General Convention of the Nepali Congress (NC) has been concluded. The Special General Convention elected Gagan Kumar Thapa as the new party president. The meeting, held at the party office in Kupandole, Lalitpur, decided to inform the Election Commission of the decisions taken by the Special General Convention on the same day, according to newly elected central member Ajay Babu Shiwakoti. The meeting was attended by office-bearers and members of the newly elected committee. The Special General Convention, convened on January 11 by party leaders who supported the event, unanimously elected a new Central Working Committee under the leadership of Thapa. Party leaders Gagan Kumar Thapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma had taken the initiative to organize the Special General Convention. Meanwhile, a separate meeting of the NC Central Working Committee, held on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Acting President Purna Bahadur Khadka, decided to expel General Secretaries Thapa and Sharma, along with Joint General Secretary Farmullah Mansur, from the party, accusing them of acting against the party statute.

Rasuwa Turning Attractive Tourism Destination: 32,000 Plus Tourists Visit in Six Months

A total of 32,672 tourists have visited mountainous district, Rasuwa, during the last six months. There is an increasing presence of tourists visiting Gosainkunda area having historical and religious importance, as well as panoramic Langtang region. Senior Conservation Officer at Langtang National Park Shyam Kumar Shah informed that 32,671 domestic and international tourists visited Gosainkunda and Langtang areas from Shrawan (mid-July 2025) to the end of Poush (mid-January 2026). Among the visitors were 5,884 foreign tourists and 26,787 domestic. The number is expected to touch 50,000 in the current fiscal year. As reported, around 44,000 tourists visited Rasuwa in the last fiscal year. Keshav Dhadari, the park’s record keeper, informed that the park charges an entry fee of Rs 3,000 for foreign tourists and Rs 100 for Nepali visitors. He further informed that revenue amounting to Rs 23.9 million was generated in the past six months. Babulal Tamang, president of a local organization, said with the rise in the inflow of tourists visiting the Himalayan district, local hotels, farmers, labourers, and the entire community have particularly benefited from the bustling activity in Gosainkunda, Langtang, and Syaphru areas.

Magar People Celebrate Maghe Shakranti Festival

The Magar community has celebrated the Maghe Shakranti festival by organizing various cultural programmes across the country today. The Magar people exchanged greetings and conducted cultural programs at Tundikhel, Kathmandu on this occasion. In the celebration organized by Nepal Magar Association Central Committee, cultural pageants, traditional sports and costumes, and display and sales of ethnic cuisine were the attractions. Association’s Chairman Gyanendra Punmagar informed that once the Maghe Shakranti was given recognition with a public holiday, it has gained importance of national festival, especially after the country adopted republic system. He added that celebration of the festival would contribute to protection and promotion of Magar people’s cultural identity and strengthening of the social harmony and human rights. Even the rituals worshipping ancestors are performed by this community on this occasion. Even a morning rally along with pageants was held from Shantibatika to Tundikhel, Kathmandu. The indigenous Magar people living in the federal capital, coming from various parts of the country, joined the celebration.

Everyone’s Role Vital to Peace, Harmony: PM Karki

Prime Minister Sushila Karki has said everyone can play a vital role to maintain mutual harmony, cooperation, peace and national unity. In her address to a Maghi celebration programme organized by the Tharu community in the federal capital on Thursday, PM Karki said although the Maghi festival is given different names by different communities, the value it bears is tremendous. “We’re diverse but united. We’re plural but together. We’re complete because we’re many,” she observed, Nepal has a unique history with unity, harmony and coexistence, the PM reminded, adding that this is the very original identity and strength of Nepalis. PM Karki said, “We are in a critical situation at present, so we need further restraint and unity. Such cultural festivals help us keep intact peace, tolerance and national unity. We should play roles from the respective sides for our unity and strength.” Moreover, she shared that she had intimate relations with hardworking Tharu community. “I had many friends from Tharu community during my childhood. I’ve relished the Tharu cuisines. So, Maghi is a special festival for me as well,” the PM recounted. Original cultural pageants were performed on the occasion.

Mid-term review of budget: Revenue stands at 38 percent, spending at 35 percent

Both the revenue and expenditure of the government have appeared weak in the mid-term review of the current fiscal year’s national budget. According to the Financial Comptroller General Office (FCGO), the government’s revenue has shrunk to 38 percent and spending to 35 percent against the annual target as of mid-January. For the current fiscal year, the government had proposed a budget of Rs 1,964 billion and 110 million. By the end of the Nepali month of Poush (mid-January), the government has spent Rs 690.216 billion, which is 35.14 percent of the annual target. The budget spending under the current expenditure heading for the reporting period is 41.25 percent of the annual target. Out of Rs 1,181 billion allocated for current headings, Rs 487 billion 143.1 million has been spent so far. The capital expenditure has shrunk to 12.12 percent. For the current fiscal year, a recurrent budget of Rs 407 billion 888 million was proposed, but only Rs 494.2 million has been spent so far. Similarly, under the financial management heading, Rs 375 billion 242 million was allocated for the current fiscal year, and by mid-January 2026, Rs 153 billion 644.9 million has been spent.

Nepal Bankers’ Association signs collaboration agreement with VISA

Nepal Bankers’ Association (NBA) has signed a collaboration agreement with VISA, a global leader in digital payments, to conduct a series of programs and activities aimed at creating cybersecurity awareness and capacity building within Nepal’s financial sector. With a longstanding partnership committed to advancing digital payments in Nepal, NBA and VISA continue their efforts with a strategic focus on cybersecurity. The joint initiative covers provincial activities along with focused interaction sessions with the concerned stakeholders. Primarily, the partnership shall focus on conducting cybersecurity programs across all the seven provinces. In order to support the provincial engagements, a wider program shall also be organized to bring concerned stakeholders along with officials from various agencies and regulators. In addition to these activities, the partnership shall also focus on conducting focused interactive sessions amongst VISA officials and officials from the banks.

Venture Waste-to-Energy Project Shut Down Quickly

The Venture Waste to Energy project, launched with the objective of processing waste from Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City to produce gas and fertiliser, has shut down just a short time after coming into operation. To generate energy by processing Dharan’s waste, a tripartite agreement was signed eight years ago between Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City, the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre, and Venture Waste to Energy Pvt. Ltd. In accordance with the agreement, the industry was established in Dharan–6, Panbari, on an area of 22 katthas with an investment of Rs. 240 million. The project also received a subsidy of around Rs. 70 million from the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre and the World Bank.

Former Australian All-rounder Ian Harvey Appointed Nepal’s Bowling Consultant

Former Australian all-rounder Ian Harvey has been appointed as the bowling consultant coach of the Nepal national cricket team. The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has included him in the coaching setup with a focus on the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup. Nepal will play the Women’s ICC T20 World Cup next in India. The 53-year-old Harvey does not have experience in T20 International cricket. However, he has played in various franchise leagues of the shorter format. In his career, he scored 715 runs in 73 ODIs, 8,409 runs in 165 first-class matches, 5,977 runs in 305 List A matches, and 1,470 runs in 54 club matches. The T20 World Cup will begin on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka. A total of 20 teams will participate in the tournament, which will be held over 29 days across eight venues in India and Sri Lanka. Nepal has been placed in Group C, alongside two-time champions England and West Indies, as well as Italy and Bangladesh.

Laliguras Beat Jawalakhel 1–0 in National League

Laliguras Association Club from the mofussil made a pleasant start to the National League, while Satdobato Youth Club and Sankata Club were forced to settle for a disappointing draw. In the second match played on Thursday at the ANFA Complex in Satdobato, the Pokhara-based club defeated A-Division League side Jawalakhel Youth Club by 1–0. In the other match of the day, Satdobato and Sankata failed to score, ending the game goalless. As a result, Laliguras collected three points, while Satdobato and Sankata shared one point each. Laliguras scored the decisive goal in just the second minute of the match, when Raj Bhusal converted a free kick taken by Lachu Thapa. That early strike proved to be the match-winner. In the day’s first match, Satdobato and Sankata created a few chances but were unable to turn them into goals.

‘Dhurandhar 2’ in the Works After Massive Success of Ranveer Singh’s Spy Thriller

Following the success and popularity of the Bollywood spy thriller ‘Dhurandhar’, starring superstar Ranveer Singh, preparations are underway for its sequel, ‘Dhurandhar 2’. According to Filmfare, Akshaye Khanna, who played the character Rahman Dacoit—killed in the first installment—will be returning in the second part. The makers are planning to focus specially on the backstory of Rahman Dacoit in Dhurandhar 2. The film’s release has been officially announced for March 19, 2026, coinciding with Eid. The first part of Dhurandhar proved to be a major success, earning over ₹500 crore worldwide within just three weeks of release, giving a strong boost to the franchise. Alongside Ranveer Singh, the film featured notable performances by Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Akshaye Khanna, Aditya Roy Kapur, and Arjun Rampal, which were widely appreciated.

Actor Aakash Shrestha Confirms Comeback to Films With New Action Project

Actor Aakash Shrestha has not been seen in lead roles on the big screen for the past few years. During this period, he appeared in a few films in guest roles. Although Aakash worked in numerous music videos, he had been saying that he was waiting for a strong story to return to films. Now, his comeback has been confirmed. Shrestha will return to the big screen through an untitled project directed by Rupesh Tamang, who previously directed action films such as Jai Shambhu and Danbhi. A written agreement between Aakash and the producers was signed on Thursday on the occasion of Maghe Sankranti. The film will be made in the action genre, and director Rupesh is preparing to present Aakash in a never-seen-before avatar. Aakash is also very excited about the project. The story has been written by Suman Gajmer, and filming is scheduled to begin by the end of Falgun. Details about the title, cast, and technical crew will be revealed gradually. The film will be produced under the banner of Juna Films.

Final Death Toll from Hong Kong Fire Put at 168

The final death toll from a devastating fire at a Hong Kong housing complex in November is 168, the city’s security chief said on Thursday, seven more than previously announced. The blaze that tore through the high-rise estate in Tai Po District was the world’s deadliest residential building blaze since 1980. Authorities previously said in the aftermath of the disaster that they had identified 161 victims. Announcing the completion of identification work on Thursday, security secretary Chris Tang said the number had risen to 168, a final toll. “All remains and bodies from the incident have been identified” with nobody unaccounted for, he said. The names of the deceased will not be released at this stage to respect their grieving families’ wishes, Tang said. All the families of the deceased have been notified, police said in a statement. The deceased comprise 110 women and 58 men, aged between 6 months and 98 years. They include a firefighter, two interior decorators, five construction workers and 10 migrant domestic workers. The fire at the Wang Fuk Court complex engulfed seven out of eight residential towers, which were undergoing renovations and wrapped in substandard netting that may have contributed to its spread.

Sudan Food Aid to Run out in March Without New Funding, UN Warns

Food aid in Sudan is set to run out by the end of March unless new funding is secured, the United Nations said Thursday, raising fears for millions caught up in the world’s largest hunger crisis. The warning comes after almost three years of civil war in Sudan, where fighting between the army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has left tens of thousands dead and 11 million displaced. “By the end of March, we will have depleted our food stocks in Sudan,” Ross Smith, the World Food Program’s Director of Emergency Preparedness and Response, said in a statement. “Without immediate additional funding, millions of people will be left without vital food assistance within weeks,” he added. Smith said the WFP has already “been forced to reduce rations to the absolute minimum for survival”. According to the UN, more than 21 million people — almost half of Sudan’s population — are now facing acute food insecurity. A UN-backed assessment confirmed last year that famine had taken hold in El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, which was overrun by the paramilitary forces in October.

Trump, Venezuela’s Interim President Talk Oil, Trade

US President Donald Trump held a phone call with Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodriguez, discussing bilateral relations and topics of common interest. “We are making tremendous progress, as we help Venezuela stabilize and recover,†Trump said inآ a social media post.آ He later said that he and Rodriguez discussed “many topics,” including oil, minerals, trade and national security. Venezuela’s new leader Delcy Rodriguez described her phone call with US President Donald Trump as “productive and courteous.” “I had a long, productive, and courteous telephone conversation with the President of the United States, Donald Trump, conducted in a framework of mutual respect,” Rodriguez wrote on Telegram. This call marks the first known contact between the two leaders since the arrest of Nicolas Maduro on Jan. 3 in a military mission.