Saturday, January 24th, 2026

Today’s News in a Nutshell



KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.

Gagan Thapa to visit Sarlahi-4 on Sunday after filing candidacy

CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli has said the country is at a decisive juncture where it must choose between winning or losing its future. Speaking at the party’s central office in Kathmandu on Saturday while welcoming former JSP-Nepal central member and share investor Dipendra Agrawal into the UML, Oli urged all forces to stand on the side of safeguarding the nation. Welcoming those who join UML with the intention of strengthening the country, Oli said Agrawal had entered a “patriotic party.” He added that UML stands for peace, democracy, good governance, and development.

May have to take to streets alongside election preparations: Oli

CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli has said that the party may have to take to the streets while simultaneously preparing for the upcoming elections. Speaking at the party office in Chyasal on Saturday while welcoming former JSP-Nepal central member and share investor Dipendra Agrawal into the UML, Oli said the government appears intent on troubling and humiliating his party, which could force it to resort to protest alongside election preparations.

Prachanda calls for clean and fair elections

Coordinator of the Nepali Communist Party (NCP), Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, has called on all stakeholders to act responsibly to ensure clean and fair elections. Speaking at a party entry programme held in Kathmandu on Saturday, Dahal said impartial elections are essential to steer the country out of its current crisis and to establish the Nepali Communist Party as a strong national force. He said the party has recently seen a growing influx of members from various leftist groups, including revolutionary communists and the CPN-UML. Dahal claimed that if undesirable activities during elections are curbed, his party could emerge as the largest political force.

Candidates’ personal details made public

The Election Commission has made public the personal details of election candidates. According to Commission spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai, the personal details submitted by candidates along with their nomination papers have been disclosed in line with Clause 22(1) and Schedule-10 of the Directives Related to HoR Election, 2082, and made public as per Sub-clause (3) of the same provision. The Commission stated that making candidates’ personal details public is necessary to ensure transparency, fairness, and credibility in the election process. In accordance with legal provisions, details of all concerned candidates have been published on the Commission’s official website.

Oli takes swipe at new parties: They don’t know where they’re going

CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli has said the country is at a decisive juncture where it must choose between winning or losing its future. Speaking at the party’s central office in Kathmandu on Saturday while welcoming former JSP-Nepal central member and share investor Dipendra Agrawal into the UML, Oli urged all forces to stand on the side of safeguarding the nation. Welcoming those who join UML with the intention of strengthening the country, Oli said Agrawal had entered a “patriotic party.” He added that UML stands for peace, democracy, good governance, and development.

Over 2,100, including JSP-N central member Dipendra Agrawal, join CPN-UML

A total of 2,100 people, including Janata Samajwadi Party Nepal (JSP-N) central committee member Dipendra Agrawal, have joined the CPN-UML. At a programme held on Saturday at the UML central office in Chyasal, Lalitpur, party chair KP Sharma Oli welcomed the new members by offering khada and tika. Among those joining the UML were securities entrepreneur Agrawal, along with young businesspersons Surendra Shahi, Khagendra Thapa, Padam Saud, and Ashok Saud.

Cash transaction limit lowered to curb opaque dealings: Finance Minister Khanal

Finance Minister Rameshwor has said the government has lowered the limit on cash transactions to control opaque dealings and curb the circulation of illicit money. Speaking at a programme organized in Kathmandu on Saturday to mark the 61st anniversary of Rastriya Banijya Bank, Minister Khanal said some sectors are still operating in a non-transparent manner and are being used as channels to convert illegally earned black money into white. He said the cash transaction ceiling was reduced to address such practices.

RSP unity broke down at top leadership level, says Kulman Ghising

Ujyalo Nepal Party Chair Kulman Ghising has said that the breakdown of unity with the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) occurred at the party’s top leadership level, rejecting allegations that he sought positions during the unity process. Speaking at a goodwill exchange program in Kathmandu on Saturday, Ghising said he had agreed to party unity by accepting Rabi Lamichhane as chair and Balen Shah as senior leader. He insisted that claims of bargaining for posts are unfounded. Ghising stated that while discussions were underway on party management, he was informed that unity had been broken from RSP’s top level. He claimed that Ujyalo Nepal Party had shown restraint in proportional representation candidate selection, although it had proposed fielding a slightly higher number of candidates in direct elections.

ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier: Nepal defeats Zimbabwe

Nepal registered its first win in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier by thrashing Zimbabwe, thanks to half century contributions of Puja Mahato to the team Nepal. In the match played at the TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur today, Nepal defeated Zimbabwe by six wickets. Chasing the target of 130 runs given by Zimbabwe, Nepal fulfilled the target in 19.3 overs at the loss of four wickets.
Nepal’s Puja Mahato made the highest 52 runs in 50 balls including four fours and two sixes.

Nepal becomes first South Asian country to join LEAF Coalition, secures $55 million climate finance

Nepal has signed a landmark agreement with the LEAF Coalition to receive up to 55 million US Dollars in climate finance, marking the country as the first in South Asia to access funds through this global initiative for forest protection. The Lowering Emissions by Accelerating Forest Finance (LEAF) Coalition is a public-private partnership that includes over 30 international companies alongside the governments of Norway, the United Kingdom, the United States, and South Korea. The agreement, signed on Friday by the Ministry of Forests and Environment, underscores Nepal’s ongoing commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions through jurisdictional REDD+ programmes. Officials emphasized that the deal will support Nepal in maintaining 45% of its land as forest by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Algorithm-driven social media shaping Nepal’s elections, raising deeper democratic concerns

When Gen-Z youths called for protests on September 8 and 9, 2025, one of the key triggers was the government’s decision to shut down social media platforms. Despite the restrictions, young users continued to access social media using tools such as virtual private networks (VPNs) and alternative DNS methods, underscoring how deeply embedded digital platforms have become in everyday life. Today, life outside social media is increasingly difficult to imagine for ordinary people. From small traders to large entrepreneurs, the entire cycle of production and consumption is closely linked to digital platforms. Students rely on social media not only for learning but also for accessing health-related information and services. Rather than returning to offline realities, society appears to be becoming even more dependent on social media.

Udaya Shamsher Rana proposes public debate among prime ministerial candidates

Nepali Congress deputy general secretary and Lalitpur-2 House of Representatives candidate Udaya Shamsher Rana has proposed holding a public debate by bringing together all prospective prime ministerial candidates on a single platform. Through a social media post on Wednesday morning, Rana noted that most major parties have already announced their prime ministerial candidates ahead of the elections, generating natural curiosity among citizens. He emphasized the need for an open discussion on concrete policies, plans, and programs for nation-building. According to Rana, candidates should present their clear positions on the economy, employment, education, health, and good governance through such a public debate.

Heavy snowfall blocks highways in Sudurpaschim, disrupts daily life

Heavy snowfall has blocked major highways in the hilly districts of Sudurpaschim Province, disrupting transportation and daily life. In Baitadi, areas including Narakholi, Khodpe, Shribhawar, Satbanj, and Dehimadau experienced heavy snowfall, leaving the Dashrath Chand and Jay Prithvi highways completely impassable since last night, police reported. Suraj Singh, police spokesperson for Baitadi, said traffic along the highways has been fully halted due to the overnight snowfall. The snowfall has also caused power outages in several areas. “The heavy snowfall at night has blocked roads and electricity services. Efforts have begun to restore normalcy,” Singh added.

Publish Date : 24 January 2026 22:09 PM

Today’s News in a Nutshell

KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of

Traffic opened on blocked Mid-Hill Highway

DHORPATAN: The Mid-Hill Highway, which was blocked from Friday night

Western Nepal experiences rainfall and snowfall; light showers expected through Sunday

KATHMANDU: Due to a western low-pressure system, Nepal’s western region

HoR election: Complaints filed against three candidates in PR list

KATHMANDU: Complaints have been lodged regarding three candidates included in

ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier: Nepal defeats Zimbabwe

KATHMANDU: Nepal registered its first win in the ICC Women’s