- Saturday, 24 January 2026
Kathmandu, Jan 22: The Election Commission (EC) is set to publish the list of candidates for the upcoming House of Representatives (HoR) election after completing investigations into complaints filed against some nominations.
According to EC Assistant Spokesperson Kul Bahadur GC, the investigation, which began at 3:00 pm on Wednesday, will continue until 5:00 pm today.
He said that both the nominations and the complaints are currently under review. As per the election schedule, the provisional list of candidates will be published between 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm today.
Candidates who wish to withdraw their nominations have been given time from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm on Friday, January 23. The final list of candidates will be published between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm on Friday, and election symbols will be allotted to candidates from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm the same day.
Three election-related events have been scheduled for Friday at 77 Offices of Chief Election Officers and 88 Offices of Election Officers.
According to updates received by the EC from these offices, a total of 3,487 nominations have been registered for the HoR elections scheduled for March 5. Of these, 3,089 nominations were filed by men, 396 by women, and one by a gender and sexual minority candidate.
Complaints have been filed against five nominations from four districts: Sunsari-2, Rautahat-1, Bhaktapur-2, and Kailali-2. Two of the complaints are related to Bhaktapur-2.
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07- Gold, silver prices decline
Kathmandu, Jan 22: The prices of gold and silver declined in the domestic market on Thursday.
According to the Federation of Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, gold is being traded at Rs 292,200 per tola (11.66 grammes) today, against Rs 295,100 per tola on Wednesday. The price of the yellow metal has decreased by Rs 2,900 per tola.
On Wednesday, the price of hallmark gold stood at Rs 295,100 per tola, while silver was traded at Rs 5,920 per tola.
Earlier, on Tuesday, gold was priced at Rs 284,700 per tola, and silver at Rs 5,880 per tola. Likewise, last Sunday, gold was traded at Rs 278,800 per tola, while silver was priced at Rs 5,625 per tola.
On Monday, the price of gold rose to Rs 282,000 per tola, while silver was traded at Rs 5,810 per tola.
According to international media reports, gold is being traded at 4695 US dollar per ounce in the international market, while silver is priced at 95 US dollar per ounce.
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08- Equipment worth over 20 million handed to eye treatment centre
Barahathawa (Sarlahi), Jan 22: The Lions Club International has handed over modern equipment worth more than Rs 20 million to the Eye Treatment Centre in Lalbandi.
Madhes Province Chief Minister Krishna Prasad Yadav handed over state-of-the-art equipment worth Rs 22 million 21 thousand 860 to the Centre amid a programme here on Wednesday.
Director of Lions Club International Balkrishna Burlakoti said the equipment was handed over to the Community Eyecare Centre operating in Jalruwapani, Lalbandi Municipality-5 dor upgrading.
The Club has provided equipment including a microscope, lamp and an ophthalmic surgical machine capable of performing eye surgery.
After the Centre’s upgrade, citizens here will receive eye treatment facilities at a par with that of the Tilganga Eye Care Centre in Kathmandu, said the Club’s Director Burlakoti. He stated that all eye problems can now be treated at the centre.
The Nepal Red Cross Society Sub-branch in Lalbandi is about to start services by installing equipment at its building. At the programme, Chief Minister Yadav also inaugurated the Sub-branch medical treatment centre.
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09- 163 complaints lodged at Press Council Nepal in six months
Kathmandu, Jan 22: One hundred and sixty-three complaints have been registered with the Press Council Nepal (PCN) in the first six months of the current fiscal year.
PCN stated that 163 complaints have been registered until the end of Poush (January 14) in the fiscal year 2082/83 BS (2025/26).
PCN joint spokesperson Ram Sharan Bohara said that among the registered complaints, following the correspondence in accordance with the Journalist Code of Conduct, 77 refutations have been issued, 52 responses presented by the respondents have been communicated to the complainants, and 14 apologies/corrections were made.
Similarly, five content materials have been suspended, ten were asked for clarification, five were given instructions and warned, and during this period one media outlet was penalised by being placed on the non-compliance/blacklist.
According to Bohara, 744 contents from 632 media/web portals/social networks have been self-monitored during this period.
“Among the 744 contents are 447 media contents and 185 non-media contents, and based on the severity of violations of the code of conduct, 136 media and 27 non-media have been instructed and cautioned. For 20 non-media with no contact, an investigation has been conducted and correspondence has been sent to the relevant authority for action,” said a statement issued by spokesperson Bohara on Wednesday.
PCN has stated that while it has been regularly monitoring whether journalists and media outlets comply with the Code of Conduct for Journalists, it has initiated a special monitoring process regarding compliance with the Election Code of Conduct in the context of its implementation.
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10- Three people killed in separate accidents
Kathmandu, Jan 22: Three people have died in separate incidents that took place in three districts today.
A person was killed in an accident involving an auto-rickshaw at Deumai of Ilam.
The accident occurred this morning near the Panitar Tea Garden in Deumai Municipality-3 while the auto was going from Jitpur to Mangalbare. Information Officer Laxmi Bhandari of the District Police Office said that 18-year-old Yunish Luintel from Dhuseni, Deumai Municipality-5, died in the accident. He died on the way while being taken to the hospital after being seriously injured in the mishap.
In Sarlahi, a worker died after being crushed by a sugarcane juice machine. Chun Chun Raya, 19, from Mahinathpur, Dhankaul-4, died after being crushed in the sugarcane juice machine at Annapurna Sugar Industries located in Dhankaul Rural Municipality-3, police said.
Raya, who was trapped in the machine during work, died on the spot, according to Superintendent Saroj Rai, spokesperson of the District Police Office, Sarlahi. According to the police, Raya’s body has been kept at the Provincial Hospital in Malangwa for a post-mortem. Spokesperson Rai stated that further investigation into the incident is ongoing.
In Baitadi, a person was killed and three others were injured in a tractor accident at Anarkholi, Patan Municipality-8.
A tractor bearing registration plate number Ma 1 Ta 1013 coming from Dhangadhi to Baitadi met with an accident in the district this morning. One person died at the scene of the accident and three people were injured. The identities of the deceased and the injured ones have not been determined, said Suraj Singh, spokesperson and police inspector of Baitadi.
The injured have been sent to Dadeldhura Hospital for treatment. The tractor fell some 50 metres down the road, it is said.
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11- IGP Karki directs police units to make reliable security plan for fear-free election
Kathmandu, Jan 22: Inspector General of the Nepal Police, Dan Bahadur Karki, has directed the bodies concerned to mobilize security personnel making a reliable security plan in order to hold upcoming election to the House of Representatives in a fear-free and impartial environment.
IGP Karki issued such directives to police personnel on the issue of security sensitivity and contemporary issues to be adopted through audio-video medium by the Nepal Police Headquarters in the context of upcoming election.
He laid emphasis on the need of effective security management by collecting information of criminal activities to curb any criminal activities.
IGP Karki urged the police personnel to carry out activities being more active keeping various issues as crime investigation, revenue leakage in check points, arms seizure, traffic management and arresting fugitives on priority, according to the Police Headquarters.
Similarly, Chief of Operations Department of the Nepal Police Headquarters, Additional Inspector General Uma Prasad Chaturvedi and Chief of Crime Investigation Department, Additional Inspector General Sushil Singh Rathore, requested the police personnel to be deployed at the workplace to adapt to the situation.
There was virtual presence of senior police officer as well as chiefs and representatives of Kathmandu Valley Police Office, Province Police Offices of all seven provinces, Nepal Police Highway Security and Traffic Management Office, province Police Training Centres, Nepal Police Special Security Battalion and Province Police Battalion, District Police Range, District Police Office and subordinate offices on the occasion.
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12- Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier: Nepal suffers 2-run defeat against Netherlands
Kathmandu, Jan 22: Nepal lost to the Netherlands in its second match today under ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier.
In a match held at Kirtipur-based Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Nepal suffered a narrow two-run defeat against Netherlands. With this victory, Netherlands, which is in Group B, gathered six points from three matches.
Similarly, after losing today’s match against Netherlands, Nepal’s chances of reaching in Super six have become weak. Earlier, Nepal lost to Thailand in its first match.
Chasing a 141-run victory target, Nepal was limited to 138 runs in the allotted 20 overs at the loss of seven wickets. For Nepal, Rubina Chhetri gathered the highest 32 runs while Sita Rana Magar 27 runs (not out) and Bindu Rawal 18 runs.
Isabel van der Woning took three wickets while Silver Siegers, Robine Rijke and Caroline de Lange one wicket each.
Earlier, winning the toss, Netherlands had made 140 runs in 20 overs by losing five wickets. For Netherlands, Babette de Leede scored the highest 49 runs while Sterre Kalis, Robine Rijke and Iris Zwilling gathered 30 runs, 19 runs and 14 runs respectively.
Rubina Chhetri of Nepal took two wickets while Riya Sharma, Suman Bista and Puja Mahato one wicket each.
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13- Gen Z activists call for successful conduct of March 5 elections
Kathmandu, Jan 22: Gen Z activists have described the upcoming election to the House of Representatives (HoR), scheduled for March 5, as a historic opportunity to further strengthen the rule of law and democratic practices.
They believe it is a shared responsibility of all stakeholders to ensure the success of the election in the interest of democracy, good governance, development, and national unity.
Speaking to RSS, Gen Z activist Supriya Shahi expressed hope that the election would be conducted impartially and successfully, with active and meaningful participation from informed voters, leading to the election of competent and responsible people’s representatives.
“Gen Z activists are seeking opportunities within the country. The government formed after the election should ensure good governance along with transparency and accountability,” she said.
Similarly, activist Awarna Chaudhary said that the government to be formed after the election is expected to address the issues and concerns of Gen Z. He echoed the need for broader cooperation to conduct the election peacefully and successfully, while recognizing diversity and ensuring a high voter turnout.
Chaudhary also urged political parties to strengthen internal democracy and ensure representation in proportional elections in line with the spirit of the Constitution.
He stressed that the post-election government should focus on controlling corruption, upholding the rule of law, promoting advanced education, ensuring gender equality and social justice, conserving the environment, creating jobs within the country, and expanding digitalized public services.
Likewise, Gen Z Front Sudurpashchim Province Coordinator Nabin Bista called for the election to be conducted in an impartial and fearless atmosphere with wide public participation.
“Corruption must be eradicated, and the voices of the Gen Z movement must be addressed,” he said, highlighting the need for effective implementation of the agreement reached between Gen Z movement representatives and the government.
It may be noted that the Gen Z movement held on September 8–9 led to the formation of a new government with a mandate to hold a fresh House of Representatives election on March 5, following the dissolution of the then lower house. Accordingly, election preparations are underway, and the Election Commission is scheduled to publish the provisional list of candidates after 5:00 pm today.
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14- Study on human civilization at Tui valley in Dang finds fragments of prehistoric tools
Tulasipur (Dang), Jan 22: Efforts are underway to explore the history of human civilization at ‘Tui’ valley located at Tulasipur sub-metropolis-13 in Dang district.
Tulasipur sub-metropolis has started a historical study, saying the area could be developed as a touristic area in the context when three foreign nationals have already conducted research into the prehistory of the area.
The foreigners had chosen the Chure area of Dang as it is believed that the prehistoric humans chose Chure area as their habitat. In this connection, the sub-metropolis had conducted preliminary cultural and archeological survey of Tui valley. Fragments of utensils used by humans during that period were found in course of the survey.
The survey was carried out by researchers—Prof Dr Dilli Raj Sharma and Ashok Tharu. Researcher Dr Sharma shared that artefacts were found at different places including Jumlikot, Khunkhune, and Gidhaniya.
“Based on the pottery and other tools found there in course of the research, it can be assumed that people had inhabited in this area during the Stone Age,” he argued. Sharma and Tharu had carried out research at Gidhaniya, Majhaktuwa, Raniyapur, Jhakri Dhunga, Janti Dhunga, Bigule Dhunga, Sita Dehari Jumlikot and Rajakot.
Some pieces of stone, fragments of stone tools and sharp-edged weapons were also recovered from east Raniyapur in course of the study. The study report was prepared with financial support of Tulasipur sub-metropolis.
Earlier in 1978, Robert M West had carried out a study of the place. Similarly, Gudrun Corvinus conducted a historical research of the area from 1982-1992 and Randy Holland from 1992-1995.
Dr Sharma added that the report was prepared after week-long onsite study.
According to him, due to extensive human encroachment and natural disasters, the prehistoric artefacts are gradually disappearing and are at greater risk.
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15- Climate-friendly agricultural village to be established in Kanchanpur
Kanchanpur, Jan 22: A climate-friendly agriculture village is set to be established in Kanchanpur, and the Agriculture Knowledge Centre, Kanchanpur, has invited proposals from farmers, farmers’ groups, firms, and cooperatives for the initiative.
To be implemented under the Sudurpashchim Province Government’s budget, the programme aims to develop a climate-resilient agricultural system, introduce eco-friendly technologies in vegetable and fruit farming, and increase agricultural production as well as farmers’ income.
According to the Centre’s Agriculture Publicity Director, Hari Prasad Paneru, the initiative seeks to address challenges posed by climate change to the agricultural sector and to promote a sustainable, climate-resilient farming system that enhances farmers’ productivity, income, and self-sufficiency.
The programme includes the construction of polyhouses, installation of drip irrigation systems, use of mulching technology, production of earthworm (vermicompost) fertilizer, application of liquid fertilizers, marketisation, and other support activities for vegetable farming.
Such initiatives help reduce water consumption and production costs in agriculture while protecting farming activities from climate-related risks, Paneru added.
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16- Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier: Namibia gets 145 run victory target
Kirtipur (Kathmandu), Jan 22: Under the ICC Women T20 World Cup Global Qualifier, Bangladesh has posted a 145-run target before Namibia. In the match held at the Tribhuvan University (TU) Cricket Ground today, Bangladesh was invited to bat first with losing the toss. It, at the loss of seven wicket scored, 144 runs in 20 overs.
Sobhana Mostary of Bangladesh scored the highest 27 while Dilara Akter made 25.
Towards bowling, Namibia’s Saima Tuhadeleni and Sylvia Shihepo took two wickets each while Wilka Mwatile and Jurriene Diergaardt took one wicket each.
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17- 95 polling centres classified as highly-sensitive in Jhapa
Jhapa, Jan 22: The Security Bodies have classified voting stations in three groups in order to make voters and polling centre in the district fear-free for upcoming election to the House of Representatives.
Chief District Officer Shiva Lal Gelal said 95 voting centres in the district have been classified as highly –sensitive. Out of 285 polling centres in the district, 147 voting centres have been identified as sensitive while 43 as normal.
The district has 815 polling stations. Gelal added that Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, Nepal and Nepali Army would be mobilized to hold the March 5 election in fear-free environment.
He shared that they have demand additional security personnel with province police office as additional security personnel are needed this time as compared to past considering the security sensitivity in Jhapa constituency -5.
There are five constituencies as well as 713,537 voters in Jhapa.
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18- Deadline of Investigation Commission extended by 20 days
Kathmandu, Jan 22: The deadline of the Investigation Commission formed by the government to probe the damages occurred during the September 8 and 9 Gen Z movement has been extended by 20 days.
A meeting of the Council of Ministers today took a decision to this effect, confirmed Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal.
The Commission was formed by the Cabinet decision on September 21, 2025 under the chair of former judge Gauri Bahadur Karki. It comprises former Additional Inspector General of Police (AIGP) Bigyan Raj Sharma and legal expert Bishweshwor Bhandari as members.
The term of the Commission has been extended again for the second time at the proposal of the Home Ministry as preparation of the report was underway though the three-month deadline was given to the Commission in the beginning. The term of the commission was terminating today itself.
The government has decided to accept grant assistance of two million US dollars of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank for the Butwal-Pokhara section upgrading project.
Similarly, Home Minister Aryal has been appointed as the government’s Spokesperson. Other decisions of the meeting would be made public in regular press meet, it is said.
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