KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
EC briefs PM Karki on election Code of Conduct
The officiating Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other commissioners of the Election Commission (EC) on Friday briefed Prime Minister (PM) Sushila Karki on the Election Code of Conduct, which is set to be enforced ahead of the upcoming House of Representatives (HoR) elections to be held on March 5. Officiating Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari, along with other commissioners and senior EC officials, met Prime Minister Karki this afternoon to share information on election management and preparations. According to the EC, the Election Code of Conduct is expected to come into force from January 17 for the HoR elections scheduled for March 5. The Prime Minister’s Secretariat said that Finance Minister Rameshore Khanal, Education Minister Mahabir Pun, and Minister for Law Anil Kumar Sinha were also present at the meeting.
Election 55 days away: Parties allowed access to voter lists
The Election Commission (EC) has arranged to provide voter details from across the country to political parties upon payment of a prescribed fee. According to the election guidelines issued by the Commission, registered political parties can obtain the nationwide voter list by paying Rs 10,000 and submitting an official letter. The voter details will be provided electronically, excluding sensitive information such as date of birth, citizenship number and mobile number. The Commission will supply the data through a hard drive or pen drive. If a party requires voter details from only one province, the information can be obtained by paying Rs 5,000.
HoR election: EC to monitor social media to curb fake news and misinformation
The Election Commission (EC) has pledged to curb the spread of fake news and misinformation on social networking platforms ahead of the upcoming House of Representatives (HoR) elections. EC officials have said that the Commission is closely monitoring the circulation of false information, fake news, and negative activities on social media that could influence the March 5 HoR polls. EC Spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai said the commission will monitor issues such as fake news, hate speech, deepfakes, fake accounts, and defamation, adding that those involved in illegal activities will be punished in accordance with the law. He also said the EC will collaborate with relevant regulatory bodies to address such violations.
Ministers must remain neutral ahead of elections: Home Minister Aryal
Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal has said that ministers in the current government have no room to show bias toward any political party. Speaking at a Bagmati Province-level security seminar jointly organized by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Bagmati Province Ministry of Internal Affairs and Law, Minister Aryal said the government’s clear mandate is to hold elections on the scheduled date. He urged all concerned parties not to doubt the government’s commitment, stating that the government has already agreed to conduct the elections as scheduled. Referring to the Gen-Z protests, Minister Aryal said it was aimed at strengthening good governance and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining transparency and accountability. Warning that the country could face a crisis if elections are not held on time, he called on all stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring timely elections and to boost the government’s morale by supporting its efforts.
Kathmandu temperature drops to 2.4°C
As temperatures continue to fall across Nepal, the minimum temperature in Kathmandu dropped to 2.4°C today (Friday), marking the lowest temperature recorded in the capital this year, according to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology. Meteorologist Binu Maharjan noted that temperatures have been gradually declining since early January and this trend is expected to continue. Maharjan advised residents to take precautions against the cold during this period. Today’s 2.4°C is a new low for the year.
Kulman Ghising steps up political activities, meets Rabi Lamichhane
Former Minister Kulman Ghising has intensified his political engagement following his resignation, holding a high-level meeting with Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane to discuss party unification and related issues. Sources said the two leaders held a one-on-one discussion at Lamichhane’s residence. The meeting reportedly focused on party unification. Ghising emphasized that the unification process should be conducted in a respectful manner. Ghising’s Ujyaalo Nepal Party has sought agreement on a package of issues, including representation in the central committee, amendments to the proportional representation list, and candidacy in direct elections. Although a party unification agreement has already been signed, several issues remain unresolved between the RSP and Ujjala Nepal Party. While the RSP currently has 26 members in its central committee, no adjustment has yet been made to accommodate Ujyaalo Nepal leaders.
Sudan Gurung announces candidacy from Gorkha-1
Sudan Gurung, a leader of the ‘Hami Nepal’ campaign, has announced that he will contest from Gorkha-1 in the upcoming election to the House of Representatives (HoR). Gurung made the announcement through social media on Friday, stating, “I would like to formally announce my candidacy in the upcoming House of Representatives election from Gorkha constituency number 1.” Earlier, there had been speculation that Gurung would contest from Gorkha-2. In the last election, Maoist Centre Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ was elected from Gorkha-2.
CPN-UML holding Central Committee meeting tomorrow
The CPN-UML is holding its second Central Committee meeting tomorrow (Saturday) to deliberate on election strategy and current political issues. According to Min Bahadur Shahi, head of the UML Central Publicity and Publication Department, the meeting will begin at 11 a.m. at the Majestic Grand Party Palace in Ekantakuna, Lalitpur. Shahi stated that the meeting will discuss the party’s strategy for the upcoming House of Representatives elections and current political issues. The first central committee meeting, held on December 19, 2025, had announced the second central committee meeting, which is scheduled to run from January 10 to 11.
UML General Secretary Pokhrel hints at Mayor Balen over incitement to burn Singha Durbar
CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel has raised questions over who incited the burning of Singha Durbar, indirectly pointing towards Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balen Shah. In a Facebook post, Pokhrel stated that it was an UML-led government that took responsibility for reconstructing Singha Durbar in its original form after it was severely damaged by the earthquake. He then questioned who made statements inciting it to be burned and who actually carried out the act. “Now let us ask: who reconstructed Singha Durbar in its original form after it was badly damaged by the earthquake, and who incited and carried out its burning?” Pokhrel wrote.
Remittance inflows near Rs 900 billion in five months
Nepal received nearly Rs 900 billion in remittances during the first five months of the current fiscal year, reflecting a strong rise in inflows from overseas employment. According to a report released by Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) on Friday, remittance inflows increased by 35.6 percent to reach Rs 870.31 billion during the first five months of FY 2025/26. In the same period last year, remittances had grown by just 4.7 percent. In US dollar terms, remittance inflows rose by 29 percent to USD 6.16 billion, compared to a growth of 3.4 percent in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year. During the review period, net secondary income reached Rs 954.78 billion, up from Rs 700.43 billion in the same period last year. The central bank also reported changes in foreign employment trends. In the first five months of the fiscal year, 175,591 Nepalis obtained new final labor approvals (institutional and individual) for foreign employment, while 163,924 workers renewed their labor approvals.
Gold price jumps by Rs 2,100 per tola
The price of gold increased by Rs 2,100 per tola on Friday in the domestic market. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, gold was priced at Rs 267,800 per tola for the day. On the previous trading day, gold was traded at Rs 265,700 per tola. Earlier, on December 28, 2025, the price of gold had reached an all-time high of Rs 270,600 per tola. Meanwhile, the price of silver declined on Friday. Silver dropped by Rs 55 per tola to settle at Rs 4,780 per tola. It was traded at Rs 4,835 per tola a day earlier. Silver had earlier touched its highest-ever price of Rs 4,935 per tola on January 7.
MRI and CT scan report delays at Bir Hospital spark patient concerns
Patients at Bir Hospital are facing delays in treatment due to slow processing of critical diagnostic reports, including MRI and CT scans, raising concerns over hospital management and patient safety. A 70-year-old patient from Bhojpur, suffering from neurological and ENT-related issues, could not receive timely treatment because his diagnostic reports were delayed. Family members said the patient had slurred speech and thick mucus discharge from the throat, prompting ENT specialists at Bir Hospital to recommend a CT scan, while a neurology specialist advised an MRI. However, the MRI report took four days to arrive, and the CT scan report was received only after five days, forcing doctors to postpone treatment. “Tests were done, but the doctor said treatment could not start until the reports came,” said a family member. “The condition worsened day by day while waiting for the reports.”
Preparations intensify at Bhrikutimandap for NC special general convention called by Thapa and Sharma
Preparations for the special general convention of the Nepali Congress (NC), called by General Secretaries Gagan Thapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma, have intensified at Bhrikutimandap. The special general convention, scheduled for January 11 and 12, has seen decoration work begin early Thursday morning at Bhrikutimandap and surrounding areas. From as early as 5 am, party cadres have been decorating the venue with four-star party flags and banners. Work related to volunteer mobilization, stage construction, sound system installation and security arrangements is also being carried out simultaneously to ensure the event is orderly and effective. According to party sources, the special general convention is expected to hold in-depth discussions on organizational review, the party’s upcoming political course, and internal reforms.
NC convention delegates head to Kathmandu as special convention showdown nears
As the Nepali Congress (NC) approaches a decisive moment, convention delegates from across the country have begun traveling to Kathmandu to participate in the special general convention scheduled for January 11 and 12. According to party insiders, delegates representing 54.58 percent of the party’s general convention members, who had formally backed the call for a special convention, are on the move from eastern Koshi Province to far-western Sudurpaschim. Many delegates have taken to social media, posting messages under an informal “Let’s go to Kathmandu for the special convention” campaign, signaling their commitment to attend the gathering. The mobilization has intensified despite the party establishment’s clear opposition. A meeting of the NC Central Working Committee held on Thursday urged the organizers to withdraw the special convention. However, General Secretary Gagan Thapa, who attended the meeting, rejected the proposal and instead called on convention delegates to participate in the special convention as scheduled.
Medical Council suspends Dr Yashoda Rijal over fake medical certificate case
The Nepal Medical Council (NMC) has decided to suspend Dr Yashoda Rijal, who has already been convicted by a court for preparing fake medical documents intended to influence judicial proceedings. The decision was taken by a full meeting of the Council after mounting public and institutional pressure over its failure to act despite the court verdict. Dr Rijal has been suspended for two months on a temporary basis, with the Council saying further action will depend on the final ruling of the appellate court. The Council also decided to issue a warning to another doctor and to initiate an investigation against a third, though it said these decisions will be formally disclosed only after 72 hours. According to the Council, Dr Rijal has filed an appeal against the district court verdict, and on that basis, she has been placed under temporary suspension for two months. However, the delay in disciplinary action despite her conviction has raised serious questions about the credibility and effectiveness of Nepal’s medical regulatory body.
NRNA America clarifies: Minister Bablu Gupta not invited to any official program
The Non-Resident Nepali Association, National Coordination Council USA (NRNA America), has clarified that Minister Bablu Gupta has not been invited to any of its official programs. In a press statement, NRNA America said that information circulated publicly claiming the minister’s participation by linking it to the organization is misleading. According to the association, no formal invitation of any kind has been extended to Minister Gupta for any program, meeting, or official activity organized under NRNA America. The organization has objected to the unauthorized use of its name, logo, and institutional identity to conduct programs or activities, stating that such actions violate its statute as well as US laws. It also clarified that it has no involvement in such activities.
HoR election: 7,500 security personnel to be mobilized in Jhapa
A total of 7,500 security personnel will be deployed in Jhapa district for the upcoming House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5. Chief District Officer Shivaram Gelal stated that election security will be ensured through the deployment of Election Police (field security personnel) alongside the Nepal Army, Armed Police Force, and Nepal Police. This time, 4,748 election police will be mobilized. To facilitate this, a joint recruitment process has been launched by the Armed Police Force and Nepal Police. The district has been assigned 285 and 815 polling stations (note: original numbers seem inconsistent—this may need clarification). Among them, 95 and 271 polling stations are classified as highly sensitive.
Fire incidents surge nationwide due to negligence
Fire incidents have surged across the country in recent days, largely due to negligence, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA). Between 10:00 am on January 7 and Thursday morning, a total of 19 disaster-related incidents were reported nationwide, of which 15 were fires. These incidents left 48 people injured and claimed one life, while the estimated financial loss stood at Rs 1.112 million. The authority said fires were reported in multiple districts, including Sunsari, Siraha, Sarlahi, Rautahat, Bara, Kailali, Kanchanpur, Achham and Dadeldhura. Forest fires were also recorded in Solukhumbu, Okhaldhunga, Myagdi, Rukum and Kalikot. In addition, incidents involving animal attacks were reported in Udayapur, Rautahat, Surkhet and Doti.
Nepal’s foreign exchange reserves cross Rs 3.2 trillion
Nepal’s foreign exchange reserves have surpassed Rs 3.2 trillion, reflecting a sharp improvement in the country’s external financial position, according to data released by Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) on Friday. NRB statistics show that total foreign exchange reserves, which stood at Rs 2.677 trillion at the end of July 2025, increased by 19.6 percent to reach Rs 3.201 trillion by December 2025. In US dollar terms, reserves rose from USD 19.50 billion in mid-July to USD 22.13 billion by mid-December, marking a 13.5 percent increase. Based on imports during the first five months of the current fiscal year (2025/26), the foreign exchange reserves held by the banking sector are sufficient to cover 21.7 months of merchandise imports and 18.2 months of merchandise and services imports, the central bank said.
Security Printing Center prints 9,000 licenses in two months
The Security Printing Center in Panauti Municipality-5 has printed around 9,000 driving licenses with QR codes over the past two months. The Department of Transport Management stated that 8,983 licenses have been printed since the center resumed operations on November 7, 2025. The center began printing after the Department’s mass printer was vandalized during the Gen-Z movement. Minister for Communications and Information Technology Jagadish Kharel inaugurated the license printing by pressing the printing press button on November 7. An agreement signed between the Center and the Department on October 29 requires the printing of 1.2 million licenses within six months. Keshav Khatiwada, IT Director of the department, said that while 8,983 licenses have been printed, only 7,000 have been distributed so far. He added that approximately 3 million licenses, including those for new applicants and renewals, are yet to be printed.
3,912 election police to be recruited in Mahottari
A total of 3,912 election police personnel will be recruited in Mahottari district for the upcoming House of Representatives (HoR) elections to be held on March 5. The Election Police Selection and Appointment Committee, Mahottari, issued a consolidated notice on Monday announcing the recruitment. According to the notice issued by Chief District Officer Indradev Yadav, the election police will be recruited in line with the approved Unified Procedure 2082 on Recruitment, Selection, Appointment and Mobilization of Election Police (Nepal Police/Armed Police Force, Nepal). Mahottari district, which has four parliamentary constituencies, includes 258 polling stations, 536 polling centers, and 431,282 registered voters for the upcoming elections.
Farmers concerned as oranges get infested by insects in Lamidanda
Farmers in Lamidanda, Sangachokgadhi Municipality-1, Chautara, are worried after oranges ready for sale were infested by insects and moths, causing the fruit to fall prematurely from the trees. Local farmer Bhoj Bahadur Karki said that orange farming, which once generated income worth lakhs of rupees, is now being severely affected by diseases and insect infestations. “It has become difficult to bring the fruit to the market due to falling fruits, insect infestations, and diseases,” he said. Another farmer, Krishna Bahadur Karki, also reported major losses in his orchard in recent years due to the same problems, despite having earned substantial income from orange sales in the past.
Nepal announces its first Fish Sanctuary in the Karnali River
Nepal has announced its first-ever Fish Sanctuary, marking a major step toward conserving aquatic biodiversity and ensuring the sustainable management of fish resources. Rajapur Municipality in Bardiya and Tikapur Municipality in Kailali have jointly declared a Fish Sanctuary in the lower stretch of the Karnali River. The protected zone spans about 3.9 kilometres, stretching from Tedhiya in Rajapur Municipality–3 and Chhediya of Tikapur–4 to Anarhawa of Tikapur–8. The designated river segments are considered ecologically critical as they serve as breeding, spawning and nursery habitats for indigenous fish species. These stretches also provide vital habitat for nationally and internationally important aquatic wildlife, including dolphins, gharials and otters.
Agni Sapkota says people unhappy with NCP aligning with Congress and UML
Nepali Communist Party (NCP) leader Agni Sapkota has said that the public does not approve of his party moving closer to the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML. Speaking to journalists on Friday, Sapkota said criticism and negative reactions have emerged from within the party and from the wider public over any attempt to align with Nepali Congress and UML. “Our party ranks, supporters, well-wishers and the general public have not really liked the idea of going together with Congress and UML. There have been continuous criticisms and comments on this issue,” he said. Sapkota added that there had been an understanding that cooperation could be possible in the National Assembly if it helped secure numbers, but said such a deal ultimately failed to materialise.
Two killed, four injured in Jajarkot SUV crash
Two people were killed and four others injured when an SUV met with an accident in Chhedagad Municipality–8, Baharnakhola of Jajarkot on Friday morning. According to police, a double-cab Bolero (Karnali Province 02-001 Cha 1327) travelling from Pajaru of Chhedagad–9 towards Thalha lost control after its brakes failed and plunged about 150 metres off the road along an inner road section. The deceased have been identified as 70-year-old Nandakla Adhikari and 28-year-old Raju Adhikari, both residents of Chhedagad–9, Pajaru, said Jajarkot Police Chief Basant Kumar Sharma.
Fire destroys property worth Rs 13 million in Jhapa
Property worth approximately Rs 13 million was destroyed in a fire that broke out at a thukpa (traditional Tibetan noodle soup) industry in Damak Municipality-9, Jhapa, on Friday. According to District Police Office Spokesperson Deputy Superintendent of Police Khagendra Bahadur Khadka, the fire started at Swastik Thukpa Industry, owned by Padam Bhandari of Damak-9, due to an electrical fault. The blaze later spread to a nearby residential area, engulfing a three-storey concrete house. Both the industry and the house were completely destroyed in the inferno, with all property inside the house perishing, DSP Khadka said.
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