KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Election Commission recognizes Gagan Thapa-led Nepali Congress as official party
The Election Commission has decided to grant official recognition to the Nepali Congress led by Gagan Thapa. A meeting of the Commission held on Friday concluded that the faction headed by Thapa is the legitimate Nepali Congress. With this decision, the party’s election symbol, the tree, and the four-star flag have formally gone to the Thapa-led faction. The decision effectively transfers the party’s legacy to Thapa, who was elected party president through the second special general convention held from January 11 until Thursday morning. The convention, organized in Kathmandu, had declared Thapa as the new party chief. Earlier in the day, leaders and cadres from both the Gagan Thapa-led and Sher Bahadur Deuba-led factions appeared before the Election Commission to present their respective claims and arguments. Following the decision, supporters of both factions gathered outside the Commission’s office.
HoR elections: Duties and powers of polling officers explained
With 48 days remaining until the House of Representatives (HoR) election scheduled for March 5, public interest has grown around the roles and responsibilities of polling officers who will be deployed at polling stations across the country. The Election Commission has clearly outlined these duties, responsibilities and powers. According to the Voting Guidelines for Members of the House of Representatives, 2082, polling officers are required to participate in election-related training programs after their appointment and to verify and receive all necessary election materials. The guidelines also mandate polling officers to verify and receive voter identity cards and other polling station-related materials. They must coordinate closely with assistant polling officers, assigned staff, volunteers and security personnel, and ensure timely arrival at the designated polling station.
Tension flares at Kantipath as rival NC factions stage protests
Political tensions spilled onto the streets on Friday as leaders and cadres of the Sher Bahadur Deuba faction of the Nepali Congress (NC) staged slogan-chanting protests outside the Election Commission at Kantipath in Kathmandu. Earlier in the day, leaders from both rival factions had met the Acting Chief Election Commissioner and other commissioners to present their respective claims and views. After the meetings, workers from both sides gathered outside the Election Commission, raising slogans and escalating tensions in the Kantipath area. In response, a large number of security personnel were deployed to maintain law and order.
Deuba faction claims 885 NC convention delegates withdrew signatures backing Special General Convention
The faction of Nepali Congress led by party president Sher Bahadur Deuba has claimed that 885 convention delegates have withdrawn their signatures that were earlier submitted in support of the party’s second Special General Convention. Speaking to reporters after reaching the Election Commission on Friday, leaders Purna Bahadur Khadka and Shekhar Koirala said the delegates had formally distanced themselves from the Special Convention and submitted written notices withdrawing their support. “Among the signatories and participants, 885 delegates have withdrawn their signatures. All signatories from Karnali have submitted documents addressed to the acting party president through the central office, with signatures verified by the chief secretary both before and after the convention,” Khadka said.
Elections will be held on time: Prachanda
Nepali Communist Party (NCP) Coordinator and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said that the upcoming House of Representatives (HoR) elections, scheduled for March 5, will be held on time. Inaugurating the administrative building of Bharatpur Metropolitan City on Friday, Dahal said there is no alternative to elections. “There were similar rumors across the country even during the first Constituent Assembly elections, right up to the day before voting. But the elections were held as scheduled,” he said. Urging the public not to remain confused about whether the elections will take place, Dahal said political parties and the people have already moved forward. Emphasizing that elections are inevitable, he called on all stakeholders to work together to ensure that the polls are conducted fairly and on time.
Balen Shah calls for honest leadership and long-term vision for Nepal
Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor and senior leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Balen Shah, has said Nepal needs honest leadership and long-term vision, not short-term decisions or popular slogans. Taking to social media, Mayor Shah explained the reason behind his entry into politics, stating that the country now requires sustainable planning and integrity-driven governance. “Nepal no longer needs short-term decisions. It needs a long-term vision. It does not need popular slogans anymore, but honest leadership,” he wrote. Shah said his political engagement is guided by a clear purpose of making Nepal secure, sustainable and well-organized. “Our core objective in politics is to make Nepal safe, sustainable and systematic. Policies should ensure preparedness before crises arrive, structures should be resilient to disasters, and governance should earn the trust of the people,” he said, adding that the campaign is not about an individual but a collective effort for a safer future.
PM Karki calls for young, honest leadership to replace old political mindset
Prime Minister Sushila Karki has urged voters to elect new, young and honest representatives to Parliament, saying the country can no longer be run with an outdated political mindset and working style. Speaking during a meeting with a delegation of Nepal Tamang Ghedung on Friday, Prime Minister Karki said meaningful change in governance is only possible if fresh and credible leadership emerges through elections. “The country can no longer be run with an old mindset or outdated style,” she said. “New faces must come in, youth must come in, and honest leadership must emerge. Governance should reflect the sentiments and aspirations of the younger generation.” Prime Minister Karki stressed that the upcoming elections should serve as an opportunity to transform the country’s political culture by prioritizing integrity, energy and accountability over traditional power structures.
UML questions readiness of election environment
The CPN-UML has raised concerns over whether the upcoming March 5 elections to the House of Representatives (HoR) will take place in a fear-free and fair environment. Speaking at a discussion organized by the Election Commission (EC) on the election code of conduct on Friday, UML Secretary Dr. Rajan Bhattarai said that a conducive election environment has not yet been created. “The election environment has not been established. How prepared is the Election Commission to prevent money laundering and misuse of funds, as highlighted earlier?” he asked. Dr. Bhattarai also questioned what steps the Election Commission is taking to ensure that the elections are conducted fairly and without fear. “It has not been guaranteed that candidates can confidently reach out to the public or campaign impartially in a fear-free environment,” he said.
CPN-UML holding Secretariat meeting tomorrow
The CPN-UML is holding a meeting of its Central Secretariat tomorrow to finalize candidates for the upcoming House of Representatives elections scheduled for March 5. According to Min Bahadur Shahi, coordinator of the party’s Publicity and Publication Department, the meeting will be held at the party’s central office on Saturday at 1 pm. Ahead of the nomination schedule on January 20 for all 165 constituencies, the party is preparing to formally approve its candidate list. Candidates had already been recommended by UML’s constituency coordination committees, district committees, and provincial committees.
RSP leader claims Balen Shah to contest from Jhapa-5 in House election
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) leader and advocate Yagya Mani Neupane has claimed that Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balen Shah will contest the upcoming House of Representatives election from Jhapa constituency No. 5. Speaking to Khabarhub, Neupane said he has stepped aside from Jhapa-5 in favor of Shah and is prepared to support his candidacy. “Balen is said to be contesting from constituency No. 5. I understand that discussions are also ongoing within the party,” Neupane said. “I will cooperate and move forward with him. We have already searched for a house for campaign purposes, and things have more or less been settled.” However, there has been no official confirmation from Mayor Shah or the RSP regarding his candidacy so far.
Deuba-led Nepali Congress warns of nationwide protests if Election Commission denies recognition
The Sher Bahadur Deuba-led faction of the Nepali Congress has warned of countrywide protests if the Election Commission fails to grant the party official recognition in accordance with its constitution. Speaking at a press conference at the party’s central office in Sanepa, acting party president Purna Bahadur Khadka said the Commission should not take the wrong path, though there remains some concern. “If the Election Commission does not recognize the Nepali Congress under our leadership, the party is ready to launch a nationwide movement,” he said. Khadka added that party activists would take to villages and wards carrying the party’s four-star flag in the event of such action. He also instructed party workers across the country to be prepared for mobilization if protests become necessary.
Japanese Ambassador calls on Minister Chaulagain
Ambassador of Japan to Nepal, Maeda Toru, paid a courtesy call on Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport as well as Minister for Forests and Environment, Madhav Prasad Chaulagain, on Friday. According to the minister’s secretariat, the meeting was held at the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport in Singha Durbar, where Minister Chaulagain and Ambassador Toru discussed issues of mutual bilateral interest. The discussion focused on Nepal–Japan relations, the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries, and the expansion of cooperation in the years ahead.
Sindhuli SBI Bank heist masterminded by house owner, police recover stolen cash
Police have revealed that the robbery at the Nepal SBI Bank branch in Hayutar, Ghyanglekh-2, Sindhuli, on January 13 was orchestrated with the involvement of the property owner himself. A team from the Sindhuli District Police has arrested seven individuals, including the house owner, 44-year-old Chhabilal Syangtan, in connection with the evening heist, which occurred around 7:45 pm. Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Sindhuli DSP Surya Prakash Subedi confirmed the roles of all seven suspects. Those arrested include 49-year-old Bhagwat Singh Thapa from Banepa, Kavre; 47-year-old Chaturman Bajju from Ghyanglekh; 24-year-old Shashank Shrestha from Bharatpur, Chitwan; 23-year-old Milan Giri from Panchakanya-5, Nuwakot; 19-year-old Bibek Magar; and a 16-year-old minor.
UML to field candidates in all 165 constituencies as Nepali Congress remains divided
The CPN-UML is set to field candidates in all 165 constituencies for the March 5 House of Representatives elections, following the split in the Nepali Congress and limited prospects for alliances with other major parties. The party’s Secretariat will hold a meeting on Saturday at 1 pm at the central office to finalize the list of candidates, according to Meen Bahadur Shahi, coordinator of UML’s Publicity and Publication Department. The election schedule sets candidate nominations for all 165 constituencies on January 20, prompting UML to formalize its list a week in advance. So far, around 35 leaders, including party chairman KP Sharma Oli, have been unanimously recommended by the lower committees.
Why Shekhar Koirala’s search for a middle ground ended in political isolation
A four-month-long tug-of-war between the Nepali Congress (NC), left largely paralysed after the Gen-Z movement, and the party establishment ended without compromise. On Thursday, the country’s largest political party formally split. In the early hours of Thursday, 2,662 general convention delegates, 56.12 percent of the total, including General Secretaries Gagan Kumar Thapa and Bishwaprakash Sharma, formed a new central working committee. This followed the dissolution of the Sher Bahadur Deuba-led central working committee elected by the 14th General Convention. It remains unclear whether the 137-member working committee formed by the dissident faction will receive legal recognition from the Election Commission (EC). However, the Gagan-led committee reached the Commission on Thursday afternoon to register its claim. A day earlier, the establishment faction had already approached the Commission, informing it of disciplinary action taken against Thapa and other leaders.
UML receives candidate recommendations from local levels for March 5 elections
The CPN-UML Central Office has received names of aspiring candidates from lower levels for the upcoming House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5. UML Secretary Rajan Bhattarai said that the names sent from district and provincial committees have reached the central office, and a final decision on candidates will be made soon. “All names for the upcoming elections have come through districts and provincial committees,” he said. “Some constituencies have recommended a single candidate while others have forwarded multiple names. We will finalize the candidates from each constituency shortly.” He added that the party instructed district committees to recommend at least three candidates, including one woman. In some constituencies, more than three names were submitted by the district committees. The nomination process for candidates is scheduled for January 20.
Writ petition filed in SC against AG’s approval to amend Rabi Lamichhane’s charge sheet
A writ petition has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the Attorney General’s decision to approve the amendment of the charge sheet against RSP chair Rabi Lamichhane. The petition was submitted by Yubaraj Paudel, who claims that the AG’s decision violates the Constitution and existing laws and seeks its annulment. The case has been registered at the Supreme Court’s High Branch and court staff are currently reviewing the petition. Paudel has also requested an interim order to halt further proceedings, citing the risk that the case may be prematurely withdrawn.
Gen-Z injured protesters, families of martyrs stage sit-in at PM’s Office
Injured participants of the Gen-Z movement and families of those killed during the protests have staged a sit-in at the Prime Minister’s Office, saying their demands remain unmet. The protesters reached the gate of the Prime Minister’s Office on Friday and began a sit-in, pressing the government to address their pending demands. They said repeated assurances from authorities have not translated into concrete action.
NC leader Min Bishwakarma claims no special convention held
Nepali Congress leader Min Bishwakarma has stated that the party has not conducted any special convention. Speaking to reporters on Friday after leaders from Sher Bahadur Deuba’s faction submitted documents at the Election Commission claiming their faction’s legitimacy, Bishwakarma said, “No convention or special convention has taken place. Our Central Working Committee unanimously decided on the central convention for May 12, 13 and 14.” He also claimed that all competing leaders from the party’s 14th convention, including the then-elected president, and the majority of the Central Committee members remain under Deuba’s leadership.
NC leader Kancharam Tamang claims special convention cannot select CWC
Nepali Congress leader and former minister Kancharam Tamang has stated that while a special convention can be called under party statute, it cannot be used to select the Central Working Committee (CWC). Speaking to reporters while Deuba’s faction was heading to the Election Commission to claim legitimacy, Tamang said, “One can personally call 10–50 people and appoint a vice president or president, but the law does not allow it. The Nepali Congress rules and statutes do not permit it.” When asked whether the recent special convention was valid under the party statute, Tamang clarified, “The statute allows calling a special convention, but they do not allow selecting a CWC through it.”
Gold and silver prices edge up in domestic market
Prices of gold and silver in the local market recorded a slight increase on Friday, extending a rally that has continued for the past five days. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of gold rose to Rs 277,200 per tola, while silver climbed to Rs 5,645 per tola. Meanwhile, international media reports say that gold is trading at USD 4,615 per ounce in the global market, while silver is priced at USD 92 per ounce.
Balen’s aide Rajunath Pandey resigns from KMC
Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) Police Chief Rajunath Pandey, who has been serving as an aide to Mayor Balendra Sah, has resigned from his post. Pandey stepped down on Friday to contest the upcoming House of Representatives (HoR) elections scheduled for March 5 as a candidate of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). He has announced his intention to run from Kathmandu Constituency No. 4, a seat long held by Gagan Kumar Thapa, the newly elected president of the Nepali Congress. Pandey’s resignation comes amid speculation that Mayor Balendra Shah plans to contest from Jhapa Constituency No. 5. Balendra is reportedly preparing to step down from the mayoral post by Saturday or Sunday.
Preparation essential to reduce earthquake damage: Home Minister Aryal
Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal has emphasized that preparedness is essential to minimizing damage caused by earthquakes. Speaking at the 28th Earthquake Memorial Assembly held at Bhugol Park in Kathmandu on Friday, he stressed the need to strengthen intergovernmental coordination for effective disaster management. Home Minister Aryal said that disaster preparedness efforts undertaken by local governments must be institutionalized. “Mutual practice and learning can enhance capacity,” he said. “We must continue to strengthen citizen awareness and implement the basic indicators of resilient cities.”
Petrol and diesel prices down
Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has revised the prices of petroleum products, reducing fuel rates effective from today. According to the new price list, the price of petrol has been reduced by Rs 3 per liter, while diesel and kerosene have been reduced by Rs 1 per liter each. With the adjustment, petrol is now priced at Rs 156 per liter, and diesel and kerosene at Rs 136 per liter. The Corporation said the revision was made based on the new purchase price received from Indian Oil Corporation on Thursday, following a decision by the NOC Board of Directors.
Two killed, one critically injured in separate road accidents in Jhapa and Nawalparasi
Two people have lost their lives and one has been critically injured in separate road accidents in Jhapa and Nawalparasi districts. In Jhapa, a collision between a truck and a motorcycle occurred late Monday night along the East–West Highway at Birtamod Municipality-5. The accident claimed the life of 32-year-old Khagendra Magar of Bahradashi Rural Municipality-4. According to Jhapa District Police Office spokesperson Khagendra Khadka, the truck (Na 8 Kha 2297), which was heading from Birtamod towards Buttabaari, collided with a motorcycle coming from the opposite direction. Magar, who was riding the motorcycle, died at the scene, while his 25-year-old wife, Sukmaya Tamang, sustained critical injuries. She is undergoing treatment. The truck driver has fled the scene, and police have launched a search operation.
Pedestrian dies after being hit by bus
A pedestrian was killed after being struck by a bus in Mahendranagar today. According to Police Inspector Birendra Thapa of the District Police Office, the male pedestrian, whose identity has not yet been established, sustained serious injuries in the accident and died while undergoing treatment at Mahakali Provincial Hospital. Police have taken the bus and its driver into custody, and further investigation into the incident is underway.
Cold weather fails to deter Dhorpatan visitors
Despite the biting cold, Dhorpatan is witnessing a surge in winter tourism this year. Water freezes in taps, thick frost covers the ground, and many locals have moved down to the valleys, leaving mostly temporary residents and business owners. While the area used to be largely deserted during winter just five years ago, its natural beauty is now attracting visitors year-round, with hotels reporting steady occupancy even in the cold season. Last year, Dhorpatan was also quiet at this time. Although tourist activity remained strong until the last week of Mangsir, the area stayed deserted until Chait. Hoteliers say they are encouraged by the growing winter tourist inflow. Jeevan Adai, president of the Dhorpatan Valley Hoteliers Association, said that while hotels remained closed for about four months last year, this year they have not had to shut down even for a single day.
Ninth edition of NIFF to be held from April 2
The ninth edition of the Nepal International Film Festival (NIFF), organized by the Nepal Film and Cultural Foundation with the aim of connecting Nepali cinema to the global film market, will take place from April 2–6, 2026. Continuing its slogan, “A celebration of stories from around the world,” the organizers have officially announced the dates for this year’s festival. According to NIFF, films for this edition have been selected with a special focus on the interests of the younger generation. “This time, we have prioritized films centered on youth. Our goal is to make NIFF more youth-friendly,” said NIFF President KP Pathak. “To encourage young filmmakers, we have also organized sessions such as workshops on AI filmmaking. Through films, we aim to inspire hope among young audiences.” This year, more than 800 films from over 80 countries applied to participate in the festival.
Applications for election police in Parsa more than double required number
Applications for election police (temporary police) in Parsa district have exceeded demand by more than twofold for the upcoming election of members of the House of Representatives (HoR) scheduled for March 5. The Recruitment, Selection and Appointment Committee for Election Police, Parsa, had called for 2,852 personnel from the Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force. However, a total of 5,399 applications have been received from the Nepal Police alone. Similarly, against a demand of 385 personnel from the Armed Police Force, 521 applications had been submitted as of January 15.
Mid-Hill Highway: Construction of ‘Arch Bridge’ begins
Construction of an ‘arch bridge’ has begun over Modikhola in Parbat under the Pushpalal Mid-Hill Highway Project. The bridge construction has started three years after the blacktopping of the Parbat section of the highway was completed. According to the Pushpalal Mid-Hill Highway Project Office, the bridge is being built to connect Modi Rural Municipality–2 and Patichour–6, Dimuwa in Parbat. Project engineer Kalpana Mishra said the bridge will be 62 meters long and 11 meters wide, and a budget of Rs 75 million has been allocated for the construction of the double-span bridge.
Former Australian cricketer Ian Harvey appointed Nepal men’s team bowling consultant
Former Australian cricketer Ian Harvey has been appointed as the bowling consultant coach of the Nepal men’s national cricket team. The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) said Harvey has been appointed with a focus on Nepal’s preparations for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup. Harvey is currently serving as an assistant coach of county side Glamorgan. Harvey enjoyed a long professional career, claiming 445 wickets in 305 List A matches. He also represented Australia in 73 One Day Internationals, taking 85 wickets at the international level. Nepal is set to participate in the ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka in February–March.
Good governance must begin with oneself: Minister Ingnam
Minister for Land Management, Cooperatives, and Poverty Alleviation, Prof. Dr. Kumar Ingnam, has emphasized that good governance must begin with every individual. Speaking at the inauguration of the Land Revenue Office’s service for land administration at Kageshwari Manohara Municipality today, Minister Ingnam made it clear that good governance is impossible without eliminating corruption, middlemen, and brokerage. He highlighted the need to firmly oppose corruption and brokerage at all levels, including within public bodies like the Land Revenue Office. “Everyone, from leadership to employees and citizens, must play a responsible role in establishing good governance,” he said.
Nepal Medical Association election postponed
The election of the Nepal Medical Association (NMA) has been postponed following an interim order issued by the Patan High Court. In a press release, the Association stated that the election program scheduled under the previously announced timetable has been postponed in view of the court’s order. Chief Election Officer Dr. Pranayaratna Shakya said the Election Committee will issue a new notice as soon as possible and make the revised election schedule public. The NMA election was scheduled to be held outside the Kathmandu Valley on January 16 and 17.
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