- Thursday, 1 January 2026
Kathmandu, Dec 31: Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, the Coordinator of the Nepali Communist Party (NCP), has asserted that conducting elections as per schedule is crucial to address the current political crisis.
During his address at the event ‘Cooperation for Peace, Stability, and Prosperity: A Collective Initiative’ hosted by the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) today, he highlighted that acquiring a new mandate through elections and reinstating the parliament is essential for progress. “To achieve peace, stability, and prosperity, it is vital to form a new parliament by holding elections in a just and secure atmosphere.
The new parliament will tackle the uncertainties present in the constitution,” said Dahal. He also pointed out that recent political developments and the Gen-Z movement have prompted the established political entities to engage in self-reflection.
Coordinator Dahal stressed the importance of political party leadership recognizing their flaws and striving for enhancement. “We must undertake self-evaluation to identify our weaknesses. The established powers have now arrived at a juncture where they must either advance by prioritizing citizens’ needs or concede that their rationale has come to an end,” he remarked.
The NCP Coordinator noted that economic growth alongside political stability cannot be achieved without the proactive involvement of the private sector. “Without safeguarding and promoting the private sector, development and prosperity remain unattainable.
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22- Rent of Bhrikutimandap-based structures will be revised
Kathmandu, Dec 31: Minister for Women, Children and Social Welfare, Shraddha Shrestha, has said letter would be sent immediately to entrepreneurs and organisations, who have not paid dues of Bhrikutimandap-based Social Welfare Board strictures.
Talking to media persons after inspecting the premise here today, Minister Shrestha mentioned “We had heard that some of the entrepreneurs and organisations had not paid dues and we came to know about the problems. We will send letter asking them to pay the dues immediately.”
She clarified that rent of structures would be determined as per the time during renewal of rent agreement, adding, “Activities would be forwarded to raise the overdue from those who have leased the structures for business purpose.”
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23- Bandipur receives twice as many tourists as targeted for 2025
Bandipur (Tanahun), Dec 31: A total of 634,000 tourists visited Bandipur in 2025. The number is double the number that the tourist town had targeted to bring in after announcing 2025 as Visit Bandipur Year.
Among the tourists who visited Bandipur in 2025, 453,000 tourists, including 100,000 foreign tourists, stayed overnight in Bandipur during this period, according to Visit Bandipur Year 2025 Coordinator Bains Bahadur Gurung. The number of tourists coming to Bandipur for a day-long visit was almost 200,000.
Local hotel and tourism entrepreneurs are elated that Bandipur, which had targeted to bring in 500,000 tourists in 2025 and 2026, was able to achieve the goal in 2025 itself.
“We had targeted bringing in five hundred thousand tourists in two years, but the target was achieved in one year,” said Gurung.
Bandipur Hotel Association President Phulmati Thapa said that the increased number of tourists have encouraged hotel entrepreneurs here to upgrading their services and add more facilities.
Bandipur Rural Municipality Chair Surendra Bahadur Thapa said that Bandipur is a suitable destination for both tourists who can afford to spend a modest amount of money and those who can afford to pay a high price.
To conclude the Visit Year various cultural programs including a street food festival is being held here today.
There are more than 80 hotels and a dozen homestays affiliated with the Hotel Association in operation in and around Bandipur. In addition, a five-star hotel with state-of-the-art services has also reached the final stage of operation.
Bandipur Bazaar, which can be reached after traveling about eight kilometers from Dumre Bazaar, can now also be reached by a cable car. The cable car service that has been put into operation from Thuladhunga to Baralthok will take travelers to Bandipur in seven minutes.
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24 – Tourism Minister for promoting quality tourism
Kathmandu, Dec 31: Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Anil Kumar Sinha, has stressed the importance of promoting initiatives for quality tourism.
During the 27th anniversary celebration of Nepal Tourism Board here today, Minister Sinha, who also serves as the law minister, highlighted the necessity of improving quality to elevate Nepal’s tourism to an international level.
He underscored the vital role of the Nepal Tourism Board, noting that as the global landscape evolves rapidly, it is crucial for Nepal to strategically incorporate digital engagement, quality tourism, sustainable practices, and new source markets into its national priorities and progress accordingly.
Minister for Women, Children, and Senior Citizens Shraddha Shrestha, expressed her commitment to her ministerial responsibilities, leveraging the knowledge and experiences acquired from her involvement with the NTB. Minister Shrestha reiterated her intention to re-enter the tourism sector in the future, despite her current obligations in a different role. On the occasion, she was honored by the Board.
Chairman of Nepal Tourism Board and Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Mukunda Prasad Niraula, highlighted the urgent need to improve the quality of tourism in Nepal. He emphasized that modern tourism development strategies should focus on local engagement to ensure that communities benefit, thereby underlining the importance of nurturing and advancing cultural tourism.
Chief Executive Officer of the board, Deepak Raj Joshi, said that around 1,160,000 tourists visited Nepal in 2025, marking a three percent increase compared to the previous year.
The event also saw the board recognizing the contributions of the Nepal Association of Tours and Travels, Hotel Association Nepal, Nepal Mountaineering Association, Himalayan Rescue Association, and Pacific Asia Travel Association.
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25- Govt. holding election to establish good governance: PM Karki
Kathmandu, Dec 31: Prime Minister Sushila Karki has shared that establishing the foundation of good governance and holding election to the House of Representatives on March 5 are clear mandate given to the incumbent government. She also said the government has been working seriously to fulfill this mandate.
At a programme ‘Collaboration-Collective Initiative for Peace, Stability and Prosperity’ organised by Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce on Wednesday, PM Karki mentioned that holding election on the slated date by maintaining political stability and trust was the main priority of the government. “Though political changes have taken place, aspirations of citizens were not fulfilled. Conduct of leadership did not improve.”
Stating that the country had to bear a loss of around Rs 84 billion during the Gen Z movement, PM Karki reiterated that all sides should exercise restrain to maintain peace and law.
She pointed out that collaboration among all political parties, civil society and private sector was indispensable to hold the March 5 election successfully, claiming that the government has already carried out some important steps for the professional security.
Mentioning that discount has been given to private sector through monetary, financial and development projects, the Prime Minister opined, “The government has extended the deadline to pay tax. Doors have opened to information technology to invest in foreign land. Efforts have been made to make it easier for companies to bring in foreign investment within the legal frame. “
The private sector has been making country’s economy vibrant even by hiding its challenges, PM Karki viewed that the government was ready to listen the pain of private sector and resolve practical problems.
“This government has no rights to change laws. But activities are underway to establish political stability by creating the base of good governance remaining within existing structures,” she argued, adding the government was ready to launch all initiatives required for the security of private and public property.
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26- Proportional Representation (PR) closed list will be reviewed: President
Lamichhane
Kaski, Dec 31: President of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Rabi Lamichhane has said that the proportional representation (PR) closed list for the House of Representatives elections will be reviewed, as necessary.
At a press meet organized in Pokhara today, he clarified that if there are any complaints regarding the party’s unity agreement and the list being submitted to the Election Commission it will be addressed. He also mentioned that the current vigilance over the party’s activities is a welcome step.
“There have been some criticisms and complaints regarding the closed list submitted by the party. There may be some problems since it was submitted at the last minute. The RSP has rules, we will not go beyond the rules under any circumstances, there is even a provision for ‘right to recall’. The party statute itself does not allow nepotism,” he said.
President Lamichhane said that the youth have faith in Balen Shah and that he was promoted as the Prime Minister to collaborate with him as a spark of ‘new change’. “After the GenZ movement, Balen played a responsible role and the current government was formed based on his goodwill, advice and suggestions. GenZ has faith in Balen. We have shared responsibilities with him in agreement with him and according to the needs of the country.”
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27- Former Minister Gupta remanded to judicial custody
Kathmandu, Dec 31: The special court has issued an order to remand former Minister Rajkumar Gupta to judicial custody in a bribery case.
The court today ordered to remand Gupta in custody for trial under the Prevention of Corruption Act on charges of accepting a bribe of Rs 7.8 million.
The order was handed down by a division bench of judges Sudarshan Dev Bhatta, Dilli Ratna Shrestha and Bidur Koirala of the special court. Gupta has been charged of accepting bribes while he was the Minister of Federal Affairs and General Administration.
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28 – Protection of private sector imperative for country’s development:
Communications Minister Kharel
Kathmandu, Dec 31: Minister for Communications and Information Technology Jagadish Kharel has clarified that the government has not imposed any interference on the private sector.
He claimed that the government however has enabled environment for the state and government agencies to perform in an independent and professional manner.
At a programme on ‘Collaborative initiative for peace stability and prosperity’ organized by the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) today, Minister Kharel emphasized the need to keep private sector secured.
The country could not move ahead without putting protection of private sector on the priority, Minister Kharel, also the government spokesperson, said. “Private sector could in no way be overlooked to advance the socialism-oriented system of governance”, Kharel noted.
He also took the opportunity to express the government’s commitment to create enabling atmosphere for industry, trade and business.
Claiming that the upcoming March 5 House of Representatives (HoR) election has been assured, the communication minister said the government has advanced the election process without any hiccups.
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29 – RPP, RPP Nepal unite
Kathmandu, Dec 31: Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) and Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Nepal have united. At a programme organised here on Wednesday, unification between the two parties was announced.
On the occasion, RPP Chair Rajendra Lingden shared that unification between the nationalist forces was held to establish issues like good governance and Hindu nation, adding unification with other parties with similar ideology would be done in coming days.
Stressing the need of lessening extreme frustration rising in the Nepali society due to power-centric politics by large political parties, he expressed the view that his party could resolve the existing crisis in the country.
Similarly, RPP Nepal Chair Kamal Thapa shared that he returned to RPP as the political agenda of the party faced crisis, expressing the commitment that he would be active against the politics of prohibition which is taking place continuously in the country, extreme corruption, employment and interference upon constitution.
Expressing happiness over unification between the two parties, former Chairperson Dr Prakash Chandra Lohani, as well as other leaders underscored that the country should be move forward based on the constitution and constitutional provisions.
The country would be pushed into a conflict if the election is held in status quo, they said and pointed out the need of forging consensus by holding discussion with representatives of political parties, Gen Z and traditional forces.
After the unification between the two parties, Thapa has been ranked second after chair Lingden.
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30- Incidents of press freedom violation on rise in 2025: FNJ
Kathmandu, Dec 31: The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) has stated that the incidents of press freedom violation have increased by three fold in 2025 in comparison to the previous year.
The exercise of press freedom has turned further challenging in Nepal owing to the state of impunity on the crime against journalists, weak financial status of media, and rise in the threat to professional and physical safety of journalists, states the press release issued by FNJ General Secretary Ram Prasad Dahal.
According to the monitoring of the umbrella organization of working journalists, a total of 139 anti-press incidents were recorded in 2025.
In the incidents, 118 journalists and media workers as well as 31 media houses were directly affected. Two journalists—Suresh Rajjak of Kathmandu and Ajaya Gorkhali of Chitwan were killed while carrying out their journalistic jobs.
In the year 2024, a total of 60 incidents of press freedom violation occurred while it was merely 58 in 2023. The FNJ has stated that the legal frameworks to stifle the freedom of press and of expression were put forward; tough amendments were made in the Press and Publications Act and undemocratic decision was taken to shut 26 social media platforms, including facebook during the year 2025.
It may be noted that 26 incidents of press freedom breach were documented during the Gen Z uprising on September 8 alone. Over 100 journalists and media house were affected in the violent incidents during and aftermath of the uprising.
According to the FNJ, institutional loss worth around Rs 600 million was incurred due to arson, robbery and vandalism in media house while private property amounting to Rs 180 million was damaged in the incidents. Five journalists sustained injuries in the shootout that took place during the events.
Likewise, FNJ has cautioned all journalists and stakeholders towards possible incidents of press freedom violation in the run-up to the House of Representatives (HoR) elections announced for 5 March 2026.
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31- Price of petrol and diesel reduced, LPG increased
Kathmandu, Dec 31: Nepal Oil Corporation has reduced the price of petrol, diesel and aviation fuel.With effect from Thursday morning, the price of petrol has been reduced by Rs 4 per litre, diesel and kerosene by Rs 5 per litre and aviation fuel by Rs 6 per litre for domestic aviation and by USD 42 for international flights to Kathmandu.
The new price will be effective from Thursday morning. The corporation has stated that even though the purchase price of LP gas has increased, the retail selling price of gas has been kept unchanged keeping in mind the interests of consumers.
According to the Corporation, the new price of petrol for a distance of up to 15 kilometers from the depot or office has been fixed at Rs 156.50 per liter in the first category, Rs 158 in the second category and Rs 159 in the third category.
Similarly, the price of diesel/kerosene has been fixed at Rs 134.50, Rs 136 and Rs 137 per liter respectively.
The first category includes Charali, Biratnagar, Janakpur, Amlekhgunj, Bhalbari, Nepalgunj, Dhangadhi and Birgunj. The second category includes Surkhet and Dang and the third category includes Kathmandu, Pokhara and Dipayal.
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32- Foreign Minister attends state funeral of former PM of Bangladesh
Kathmandu, Dec 31: Minister for Foreign Affairs Bala Nanda Sharma attended the state funeral of former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Begum Khaleda Zia, in Dhaka, on Wednesday.
A floral wreath was laid at the burial site of the mortal remains of late Khaleda Zia on behalf of the Foreign Minister and the Government of Nepal.
On the occasion, Foreign Minister Sharma also met with the son of late Begum Zia and the Acting Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, Tarique Rahman, and conveyed condolences to the latter on behalf of the Government and people of Nepal. Sharma noted that Begum Zia was a distinguished statesperson who played a significant role in Bangladesh’s political and democratic journey.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Rahman thanked Foreign Minister Sharma for paying his last respects at the funeral and expressed hope that the excellent friendship and cooperation between the two countries would continue to flourish in the days ahead.
In the afternoon, Foreign Minister Sharma called on the Chief Adviser of the Interim Government of Bangladesh Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus.
On the occasion, he handed over to the Chief Adviser a message from the Prime Minister of Nepal Sushila Karki, extending her deepest condolences on the demise of Begum Zia.
In her message, the Prime Minister noted with gratitude the significant role Begum Zia played in strengthening Nepal-Bangladesh relations, particularly during her three tenures as the Prime Minister. Foreign Minister Sharma underscored that she would be remembered for her contributions to the growth and development of Bangladesh, and for her strong advocacy of regional cooperation and solidarity.
The Chief Adviser expressed his gratitude for Nepal’s true friendship and its enduring support to the Government and people of Bangladesh ever since the country’s independence, including during the difficult times. The two leaders also deliberated on the excellent state of Nepal-Bangladesh relationship and explored ways to further strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including trade, energy, connectivity, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.
Also today, Foreign Minister Sharma held a meeting with Adviser for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh Md. Touhid Hossain and handed over to him a personal letter of condolences.
Foreign Adviser Hossain thanked Foreign Minister Sharma for attending the funeral and expressed appreciation for the consistent support extended by the Government of Nepal on all occasions.
The Foreign Minister is on a visit to Bangladesh from 30 December to 01 January 2026 to attend the state funeral of Begum Khaleda Zia. He will depart Dhaka for Kathmandu on Thursday afternoon.
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