KATHMANDU: Stay updated with Nepal News’ evening briefing, bringing you the day’s most important developments from Nepal and across the globe. From politics and economy to sports, entertainment, and culture, we deliver a concise roundup of the top news you need to know.

Martyrs’ Day Marked Today

Nepal observed Martyrs’ Day today, paying tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for democracy, freedom, and social justice. The day commemorates the martyrs of the anti-Rana movement, including Shukraraj Shastri, Dharma Bhakta Mathema, Dasharath Chand, and Gangalal Shrestha. Leaders, officials, and citizens offered floral tributes and attended memorial programs across the country, including at Shahid Gate in Kathmandu. Speakers recalled the martyrs’ role in ending autocratic rule and stressed the need to uphold their ideals through democratic values, good governance, and respect for citizens’ rights.

President Paudel to Depart for Japan on Sunday

President Ram Chandra Paudel is scheduled to leave for an official visit to Japan on Sunday. The visit commemorates the 70th anniversary of Nepal-Japan diplomatic relations. Accompanied by First Lady Sabita Paudel, the president will fly via Nepal Airlines to Tokyo. High-level meetings are planned, including a state call on Emperor Naruhito on February 3 and discussions with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The delegation will also engage with the Japanese business community and attend a reception hosted by the Nepali Embassy before returning home on February 4.

Police Deploy Special Command for High-Profile Election Battles

Nepal Police has mobilized special commands in high-profile constituencies for the March 5 elections. DIG Abinarayan Kafle identified Jhapa, Sarlahi, and Chitwan as sensitive zones. In Jhapa-5, where KP Sharma Oli faces Balen Shah, an SSP-led unit has been deployed. Similarly, Sarlahi-4 is under high alert as Gagan Thapa competes against Amaresh Kumar Singh. Over 75,000 personnel will be stationed nationwide, including 12,000 moved from Kathmandu. The Ministry of Home Affairs has also introduced a “Ward-Level Coordination” concept to ensure a peaceful, bloodless voting process as instructed by PM Sushila Karki.

Only 3 Women Among 77 Chief Election Officers

For the March 5 elections, only three out of 77 Chief Election Officers are women: Sita Sharma Adhikari (Baglung), Gita Shrestha (Makwanpur), and Rita Kumari Bakhrel (Sindhupalchowk). Despite the low count at the top level, 18 women serve as election officers, including nine out of 10 in Kathmandu. Sita Sharma Adhikari has paused her judicial duties at the Baglung District Court to manage 115 polling stations. The Election Commission prioritizes judicial staff for these roles due to their legal expertise in handling candidate qualifications. These officers will return to their regular court duties only after the final results.

Debate Intensifies Over Educational Qualifications of Candidates

As the March 5 elections approach, social media is buzzing over the educational backgrounds of the 3,406 candidates. While 53 candidates hold a PhD and 324 have master’s degrees, 205 have not cleared SLC/SEE and 36 are only basically literate. Notably, 897 candidates did not disclose their education, as it is not legally mandatory. Educationist Kedar Bhakta Mathema argues that while degrees help in lawmaking, social experience is equally vital. Former Minister Sumana Shrestha cautioned against “elite” requirements, noting that only 0.8 percent of Nepalis have a degree, and the parliament should represent the struggles of all citizens.

Over 200 Election Candidates Lack SLC/SEE Qualification

An analysis of the March 5 parliamentary election nominees reveals that 205 candidates have educational qualifications below SLC/SEE. Out of 3,406 total candidates who filed nominations on January 20, only 2,509 disclosed their education levels, while 897 remained silent. Among those who provided details, 703 have passed SLC, 618 completed intermediate levels, and 563 hold bachelor’s degrees. The list also includes 324 master’s degree holders, seven with M.Phil. degrees, and 53 candidates with a PhD (doctorate), despite no legal minimum education requirement.

Home Ministry Issues Ward-Level Coordination for Elections

The Ministry of Home Affairs has introduced the “Organized Election Management Concept 2026” to ensure a peaceful voting environment. Spokesperson Anand Kafle of the ministry stated that the policy directs Chief District Officers to coordinate directly with local political leaders and civil society at the ward level. The plan involves creating lists of influential local figures, conducting site inspections of polling stations, and using SMS groups and virtual meetings for communication. By increasing local ownership of the process, the ministry aims to conduct the March 5 polls in a fair and fearless manner. The ministry and central security headquarters will monitor the implementation across all districts.

Govt. Hikes Nepal Police Ration Allowance by 10 Percent

The government has decided to increase the ration allowance for Nepal Police personnel by 10 percent, effective February 13. Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal announced the decision following a cabinet meeting at Baluwatar. In Kathmandu, the daily allowance will rise from Rs 201.25 to Rs 221.92, while in Humla, it will reach Rs 952.36. For the first time, eggs, meat, and biscuits have been added to the 19-item ration scale. IGP Dan Bahadur Karki stated the hike is a significant achievement for boosting police morale, marking the first increase since 2021.

Police Seize 200 Bags of Smuggled Fertilizer

Authorities in Katari, Udaipur, seized over 200 bags of chemical fertilizer on Thursday evening. The subsidized urea, intended for local farmers, was being illegally transported to a trader in Dudhuli, Sindhuli, by the Durga Bhawani Cooperative. Following a tip-off from the Farmer Struggle Committee led by Ganesh Thapa, police intercepted the shipment. Katari Mayor Rajesh Chandra Shrestha and Deputy Mayor Gita Khadka announced the recommendation to revoke the cooperative’s registration. This incident occurs amid a chronic fertilizer shortage, prompting the local government to initiate joint monitoring of all warehouses to curb artificial price hikes.

High-Level Committee Formed for 12th NRNA World Conference

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has established a high-level organizing committee to prepare for the 12th NRNA World Conference, scheduled for March. Chaired by Foreign Minister Bala Nanda Sharma, the committee includes secretaries from the Finance, Industry, and Law ministries, along with the CEO of the Investment Board Nepal. Dr. Badri KC, president of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA), stated that the committee aims to ensure a well-managed event. Notable members include FPCCI President Chandra Dhakal and NRNA President Mahesh Kumar Shrestha. The ministry has also proposed an online system for the upcoming elections.

Over 2,500 Missing in Madhesh Province Within Six Months

Madhesh Province Police reported a dire situation regarding missing persons, with 2,572 individuals disappearing in the last six months. From December 16, 2025, to January 14 alone, some 1,448 people went missing, though 1,501 have since been located. Spokesperson Kamal Thapa also detailed losses from the Gen Z protest, citing four deaths and damage to 234 government offices worth Rs 573.5 million. Additionally, police vehicle damage is estimated at Rs 20.6 million. During the unrest, 1,045 prisoners and 68 minors escaped from facilities, with 579 adults and 20 minors still at large.

‘Lead’ Contamination Found in 40 Percent of Cosmetic Products

A study by the Center for Public Health and Environmental Development (CEPHED) revealed dangerous levels of heavy metals in daily consumer goods. Executive Director Ram Charitra Sah of CEPHED reported that 40 percent of Sindoor samples and 45 percent of toothpastes, including brands like Colgate and Dabur Red, contain lead. Some Sindoor samples showed lead levels up to 124 PPM. Patanjali’s kajal also tested positive for lead. Experts warn that lead exposure causes permanent brain damage and lower IQ in children. DG of the Department of Drug Administration, Narayan Dhakal, emphasized that the Drug Act must be amended to regulate cosmetics strictly.

Mass Elephantiasis Campaign Begins in 12 Sarlahi Units

Health authorities have launched a mass drug administration campaign in 12 local units of Sarlahi to combat lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis). A recent survey by the World Health Organization (WHO) found infection rates as high as 1.8 percent in southern municipalities, including Malangwa, Balara, and Godaita. Authorities have warned that any rate above 1 percent is critical. The campaign targets 430,941 residents, which is 80 percent of the local population. Health workers are visiting households to distribute medication to everyone over the age of 2, aiming to break the transmission cycle of the parasite carried by Culex mosquitoes.

Thai Royal Princess Sineenatha Bilaskalayani Visits Lumbini

Thai Royal Family member Sineenatha Bilaskalayani arrived in Lumbini on Thursday, via the Belahiya border point. The 41-year-old princess, who holds the title of Royal Noble Consort, is leading a 70-member delegation as part of a four-shrine Buddhist pilgrimage. After visiting Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, and Kushinagar in India, she participated in special prayers at the Royal Thai Monastery. She is scheduled to offer prayers at the Mayadevi Temple on Friday morning before departing for Bangkok from Gautam Buddha International Airport on a chartered Boeing 737 at 2:00 PM.

68th Grammy Awards to Stream Live on Monday

The 68th Grammy Awards are set to take place this weekend in Los Angeles, USA, with the ceremony broadcasting in Nepal on Monday, February 2, at 6:45 AM. Comedian Trevor Noah will host the show for his sixth and final consecutive year. Highlights include Justin Bieber’s return to the stage after a 4-year hiatus and Kendrick Lamar leading the nominations with 9 nods. This year introduces a “Best Album Cover” category and expands the “Big Four” categories from 5 to 10 nominees. Fans can watch the event live on Disney Plus Hotstar and Star Movies.

Itahari to Host Koshi Excellence Awards 2026

The Nayan Media Foundation will host the Koshi Excellence Awards 2026 in Itahari on February 19. The event aims to promote tourism and cultural identity in Koshi Province. This year, the awards expand to 16 categories, including new additions for Automobiles, Music, and the Capital Market. Former Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank, Maha Prasad Adhikari, serves as the chief advisor, with Pawan Sharda heading the four-member jury. The ceremony, to be broadcast live on Kantipur Television, aligns with the “Koshi Tourism Year 2025” initiative to honor individuals contributing to national and international sectors.

New Diamond Wins Sixth Tiger Cup Volleyball Title

New Diamond Sports Club secured the women’s title at the Sixth Tiger Cup National and International Invitational Club Volleyball Championship in Pokhara. In the final held on Friday, New Diamond defeated Nepal Police Club in straight sets (25-11, 25-22, 25-16). The champions were awarded Rs 6 Lakh 66,666, while the runners-up received Rs 366,666. Sumitra Regmi was named the tournament’s best player, earning Rs 26,666. Thailand Queens finished third, taking home Rs 206,666. The men’s final lineup will be decided following the upcoming match between Parbat and Gandaki Province.

Nepal U-20 Women to Face China’s Yunnan Youth Team

The Nepal National U-20 Women’s Football Team is set for a friendly match against China’s Yunnan Youth Women’s Team on Saturday. Organized by ANFA and the Nepal Overseas Chinese Association to celebrate the Chinese New Year, the game will be held at Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu. Captain Birsana Chaudhary and Coach Yam Prasad Gurung expressed confidence in the team’s coordination following a press conference on Friday. This match, supported by the Chinese Embassy, marks three years of regular youth exchanges aimed at strengthening sports diplomacy and friendship between the two neighboring nations.

Pokhara Ready for SAFF U-19 Women’s Championship

Pokhara is set to host the SAFF U-19 Women’s Championship starting Saturday, marking the first time the tournament is held outside Kathmandu. Four nations, which are Nepal, India, Bangladesh, and Bhutan, will compete in a round-robin league format until February 8. SAFF General Secretary Purushottam Kattel confirmed that all technical preparations at the Pokhara Stadium and training grounds in Lamechaur are complete. This international event returns to the lake city after a 7-year gap in major football, providing a significant boost to local sports infrastructure and regional tourism ahead of the March elections.

Young Woman Collapses During Public Caning in Indonesia’s Aceh

Authorities in Indonesia’s Aceh province publicly caned six people, including a young couple, for violating Islamic Sharia law. The 21-year-old woman fainted after receiving 140 strokes for sex outside marriage and alcohol consumption, exceeding standard penalties. Her partner and four others, including an Islamic police officer, were also punished. Aceh is the only province in Indonesia that enforces Sharia-based criminal law, where public caning remains a common sentence despite criticism from rights groups. Local activists say the punishment lacks proper regulation and post-punishment care. Officials confirmed the police officer involved will be dismissed.

China Approves Nvidia AI Chip Purchases for DeepSeek Under Conditions

China has granted approval for leading AI startup DeepSeek to purchase Nvidia’s H200 artificial intelligence chips, according to sources cited by Reuters. The clearance comes with regulatory conditions still being finalized by China’s state planner. Chinese tech firms including ByteDance, Alibaba, and Tencent have also received approval to buy large volumes of the chips. The H200 has become a sensitive issue in China-US relations, despite recent US export clearance. Any deal could face scrutiny from US lawmakers. DeepSeek is expected to launch its next-generation AI model later this month.

United States Warns as United Kingdom Deepens China Ties

United States President Donald Trump warned that closer United Kingdom economic engagement with China is “dangerous,” as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended efforts to reset ties with Beijing during an official visit. Starmer held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, promoting trade access, investment, and visa-free travel. Trump did not elaborate on his warning but has previously threatened tariffs on allies engaging with China. UK officials rejected Trump’s criticism, saying relations are being pursued cautiously. Starmer said recent agreements, including lower whisky tariffs, signal progress in building mutual trust between the UK and China.