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.

PM Karki and KP Oli Discuss Election Security

Prime Minister Sushila Karki met CPN (UML) Chairman KP Sharma Oli at Baluwatar on Thursday to discuss the upcoming elections. During the two-hour meeting, Oli expressed concerns regarding security challenges and the impartiality of the polls. PM Karki reassured him that 80,000 soldiers have been deployed since Wednesday to ensure a fear-free environment. Regarding Oli’s query about potential delays, the Prime Minister clarified that elections in Himalayan districts might only be moved to a second phase if heavy snowfall occurs. Both leaders emphasized the need for a credible electoral process to strengthen democracy despite the prevailing political climate and logistical hurdles.

Child Dies After Being Hit by RSP Candidate’s Vehicle

A four-year-old girl died on Thursday after being hit by a vehicle used for the election campaign of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) candidate Sheikh Sagir in Ishanath Municipality-4, Rautahat. The car struck the child while the candidate was conducting door-to-door visits in Mathiyatol. The driver took the critically injured girl to City Hospital Gaur but fled the scene shortly after. Doctors later declared the child dead at the Provincial Hospital Gaur. DSP Bishnu Prasad Bashyal of the District Police Office stated that police are searching for the fugitive driver and have launched a full investigation into the tragic accident.

EC to Monitor Candidates’ Social Media Spending

Election Commission (EC) Spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai announced that the commission will technically track candidates’ social media expenditures for the March 5 election. The EC has set localized spending limits: candidates in five Kathmandu constituencies (1, 3, 6, 7, and 8) are restricted to Rs 2.5 million, while others are capped between Rs 2.7 million and Rs 3.3 million depending on the region’s accessibility. Candidates must submit their total expenditure reports within 35 days of the results. The EC aims to ensure that digital campaigning stays within the legal financial boundaries to maintain electoral fairness.

Army Takes Over Prison Security During Election Period

The Nepal Army will take over security for 75 prisons across Nepal for one month to allow Nepal Police and Armed Police Force (APF) personnel to focus on election duties. With 71,000 police and 35,000 APF personnel deploying for the March 5 polls, the army will fill the temporary gap in prison management. Chomendra Neupane, Director of the Department of Prison Management, confirmed that the handover process is underway. This strategic shift ensures that nearly 80,000 army personnel provide external security, aerial patrols, and ballot box transportation while maintaining the integrity of correctional facilities nationwide.

4 Election Police Recruits Dismissed in Mustang

The District Police Office Mustang has dismissed four election police recruits for consuming alcohol during training. Police Inspector Santosh Bashyal stated that alternative candidates from the waiting list have replaced them to maintain discipline. Currently, 266 personnel are training under the Nepal Police and 46 under the Armed Police Force for the upcoming polls. Recruits receive a total of Rs 34,776 for 40 days of service, plus local allowances. This marks the first time Mustang has managed its own security workforce without relying on neighboring Myagdi for alternatives.

NHRC Warns Against Breach of Election Code

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has raised concerns over serious violations of the Election Code of Conduct ahead of the March 5 polls. Following monitoring, the commission noted that candidates are using undignified language and hate speech. NHRC Spokesperson Dr. Tikaram Pokharel highlighted that the misuse of digital technology to breach voter privacy and the recording of secret ballots are increasing. The commission also criticized some media outlets for predicting winners prematurely, which creates public confusion. The NHRC has urged all political parties and candidates to stop violent activities, including the vandalism of party offices, and to respect human rights during the campaign.

RSP Office Vandalized in Jhapa

Unknown individuals vandalized the contact office of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) in Kamal Rural Municipality-2, Jhapa, on Wednesday midnight. The miscreants smashed the glass windows of the rented residential building used by the party for election-related activities. The RSP Kamal Rural Municipality Chairman reported the incident to local authorities immediately. The District Police Office Jhapa has confirmed that an investigation is underway to identify and apprehend those responsible for the property damage. This incident occurs amid heightened political tension as the country prepares for the upcoming House of Representatives elections scheduled for March 5.

JSP Nepal Expels 7 Leaders, Including Lahan Deputy Mayor

Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP) Nepal has expelled seven leaders, including Lahan Municipality Deputy Mayor Ram Chalitar Mahato, for violating party discipline. The Siraha District Committee issued a statement on Thursday announcing the termination of their general memberships. Other expelled members include Ram Sogarath Yadav, Hari Narayan Yadav, Mahesh Yadav, and Ward Chairman Ramesh Goit Yadav. District Chairman Ashok Kumar stated the action was taken because the individuals engaged in activities contrary to the party’s constitution and policy. This mass expulsion follows internal friction within the district committee ahead of the national elections, as the party seeks to consolidate its local leadership and maintain organizational unity.

Swarnim Wagle Files Complaint with Cyber Bureau

RSP Vice-Chairman Swarnim Wagle, a candidate from Tanahun-1, has filed a complaint with the Cyber Bureau against individuals spreading misinformation on social media. Wagle alleged that fake documents were created to tarnish his reputation and disturb social harmony. The complaint specifically mentions Bagmati Province MP Lakshmi Ghimire and Mohan Lama Rumba for circulating malicious content regarding his personal life and religion. SP Deepak Raj Awasti confirmed the bureau has started an investigation to identify the groups behind the smear campaign. Wagle has demanded strict legal action against those using digital platforms to influence the election through defamation and the spread of fabricated news.

Supreme Court Refuses Interference in Local Center Dispute

The Supreme Court has ruled that it will not interfere in the relocation of local unit administration centers until a final decision is made by the federal government. The ruling came regarding a dispute in Isma Rural Municipality, Gulmi, where two ward chairs, Chura Bahadur Khatri and Tika Bahadur Reshmi, challenged a December 2, 2020, recommendation to move the center. A bench of Justices Til Prasad Shrestha and Meghraj Pokharel noted that while the village assembly voted 21 to eight in favor of the move, the matter remains under government review. The court stated that petitioners can still approach the government with grievances before seeking judicial remedies as a last resort.

Over 7.2 Million Ballot Papers Printed for Direct Elections

The Election Commission has completed printing 7,260,000 ballot papers for 60 constituencies under the first-past-the-post system. Assistant Spokesperson Kul Bahadur GC stated that packing is finished for 25 districts, primarily in Karnali and Sudurpashchim provinces. A total of 20.3 million direct ballots are required. Printing began at Janak Shiksha Samagri Kendra on January 30, following the completion of 20.4 million proportional ballots. The commission plans to transport materials via trucks to hilly areas and Nepal Army helicopters to five remote Himalayan districts starting February 8.

Advertising Board to Monitor Misleading Election Ads

The Advertising Board issued a directive on Thursday warning candidates against broadcasting misleading or derogatory advertisements. In coordination with the Election Commission, the board is strictly monitoring social media and mainstream platforms for content that belittles opponents or confuses voters. Violations of the Advertising (Regulation) Act, 2019, and the Election Code of Conduct, 2026, will result in legal action. The board’s regulatory team is conducting microscopic audits of audio-visual materials to prevent the spread of disinformation. Officials emphasized that all campaign materials must adhere to the 2022 advertising code of conduct to ensure a transparent and respectful electoral environment for all citizens.

Over 79,000 Army Personnel Deployed for Election Security

Following the Cabinet’s recommendation and President Ram Chandra Paudel’s approval, 79,727 Nepal Army personnel officially entered the field on Wednesday for election security. Brigadier General Rajaram Basnet stated the army will secure 165 constituencies, airports, and the Nepal Rastra Bank. Operating in the “third tier” of security, the army has established election cells from headquarters to district levels. They have placed helicopters on standby in five locations, including Kathmandu and Surkhet, for aerial patrols and transporting ballot boxes from remote areas. The army will remain deployed until the final results are announced to ensure a peaceful voting environment.

Home Ministry Issues Circular to Election Code Monitoring Officers in all 77 Districts

The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a circular to the assistant chief district officers of all 77 districts, who have been designated as Election Code of Conduct Monitoring Officers, directing them to perform their responsibilities effectively. Ministry spokesperson Anand Kafle said the instruction calls for proactive measures to prevent potential violations of the Election Code of Conduct during the election period and for the regular submission of reports to the ministry detailing actions taken. The Election Commission has appointed assistant chief district officers in all 77 districts as monitoring officers to ensure effective oversight and implementation of the Election Code of Conduct, 2026, at the district level. To ensure the upcoming House of Representatives election is conducted in a clean, fair, transparent, and credible manner, the ministry has also established a Central Command Post under the coordination of the secretary.

Nepal Telecom Employees’ Silent Protest During 22nd Anniversary

While Nepal Telecom celebrated its 22nd anniversary, three major employee unions held a silent protest on Thursday. The National Employees’ Organization, Nepal Telecom Workers Union, and Nepal National Employees’ Organization demanded the amendment of the 2008 service regulations. Employees complained that career growth has been stalled for 13 to 14 years due to frozen promotions. They also protested the withholding of dearness allowances and bonuses approved by the general assembly. The unions issued a joint statement urging management to upgrade the aging billing system and improve service quality to protect consumer rights and boost employee morale.

Ministry Issues Warning on Tobacco Regulation Violations

The National Health Education, Information, and Communication Center under the Ministry of Health and Population has mandated strict adherence to the Tobacco Control and Regulation Act, 2011. Authorities warned that smoking in public places carries a fine of Rs 100. Media outlets broadcasting tobacco advertisements face fines up to Rs 100,000. Selling tobacco to individuals under 18 years of age or pregnant women results in a fine of Rs 10,000. Additionally, offices failing to display “No Smoking” signs will be fined Rs 5,000, while businesses operating without a mandatory sales license face penalties of Rs 10,000.

New Timeline Set for Multi-Year Project Recommendations

The Ministry of Finance has revised the deadlines for multi-year project approvals under the Source Agreement Standards, 2026. The National Planning Commission must now submit project recommendations by December 1, 2025, a shift from the previous mid-December deadline. The Ministry of Finance is required to finalize source agreement decisions by December 30, 2025. For the current fiscal year, a special provision allows ministries to submit proposals by January 14, with final approvals due by February 12, based on the three-year budget projection and available resources.

Nearly 2,000 Snakebite Cases Reported in Sudurpashchim Over 3 Years

At least 1,926 people have been affected by snakebites in Sudurpashchim Province over the past three years, according to the Provincial Health Directorate. Of them, 154 were bitten by poisonous snakes. In fiscal year 2025/26 alone, 587 cases were reported, including 17 poisonous bites. The figures stood at 827 cases in 2024/25 with 46 poisonous bites and 512 cases in 2023/24 with 91 poisonous bites. Kailali and Kanchanpur are the highest-risk districts due to dense settlements, farms, rivers, and bushes. Incidents rise during the monsoon and farming season from mid-May to mid-October. Health workers warn that delays caused by reliance on faith healers instead of hospitals increase fatalities. While basic treatment is available in all nine districts, poor roads and transport force critical patients to be referred elsewhere.

Spiritual Action Drama ‘Shivansh’ Trailer Released

The trailer for the upcoming film Shivansh: Chapter 1 was released ahead of its February 13 premiere. Directed by Santosh Kumar Atreya, the spiritual action drama features actor Pravin Khatiwada as a mysterious monk seeking divine power. The plot revolves around a sacred stone and the ancient Samudra Manthan myth. The film features music by renowned Indian singer Kailash Kher and stars Tej Giri, Bikash Joshi, and Rusha Neupane. Produced by Anjan KC, the movie is scheduled for release on Maha Shivaratri, offering a unique blend of Hindu mythology and modern mystery.

Family Drama ‘Shree Bukuro’ Trailer Out

The trailer for the family drama Shree Bukuro: The Home Calling has been released on YouTube, with the film set to premiere on February 13. Set in rural Gandaki Province, the story focuses on Lakshmi Giri’s character and her dream of building a small home (Bukuro) for her family. The film explores emotional themes of parental love, sibling dynamics, and the struggle for happiness in a village setting. The cast includes Aashirwad Chhetri, Nikita Acharya, and Laya Sangraula. This poetic narrative aims to provide a heartfelt cinematic experience centered on the intricacies of human relationships and traditional values.

Nepal Defeats Canada by 6 Wickets in T20 World Cup Warm-Up

Nepal defeated Canada by six wickets in their second warm-up match of the T20 World Cup in Chennai. Chasing a target of 162 runs, Nepal reached the total in 18 overs, losing four wickets. Wicketkeeper Aasif Sheikh led the chase with a blistering 58 off 29 balls, hitting six fours and three sixes, before retiring out. Sundeep Jora scored 44 off 30 balls, while Gulshan Jha added 31 from 25 deliveries. Dipendra Singh Airee remained unbeaten on nine. Earlier, Canada posted 161 for six in 20 overs after a shaky start. Navneet Dhaliwal made 41, while Shreyas Movva struck a quick 38 off 19 balls. For Nepal, Sandeep Lamichhane took two wickets for 14 runs. Nepal had earlier beaten the United Arab Emirates by seven wickets in the first warm-up match.

Fifth National Ski Competition to Begin in Mustang

The Nepal Ski Association is set to organize the Fifth National Ski Competition in Baragung Muktikshetra, Mustang, on February 7. A team of officials and athletes led by Mustang Ski Association President Suraj Gurung has already prepared the ground loop in the Muktinath area. The event, featuring 14 male and 10 female athletes, aims to promote mountain tourism. Following recent heavy snowfall, senior trainers, including Swaraj Shrestha, are conducting sessions in Alpine skiing methods. The association will cover all costs, including transportation and meals, to encourage participation in this high-altitude adventure sport.

US-China Ties Show Signs of Thaw, Xi Warns Trump on Taiwan

Chinese President Xi Jinping told US President Donald Trump that Taiwan remains the most critical issue in China-US relations, urging Washington to act prudently on arms sales to the island. Xi emphasized respect, dialogue, and mutual benefit while reaffirming China’s claim over Taiwan. Trump described the call as “excellent,” noting discussions on Ukraine, Iran, energy trade, and a possible rise in Chinese soybean imports. The leaders also highlighted improving ties after recent trade and technology disputes. Taiwan later said its relations with the US remain “rock solid.”

US Drone Makers Target Asia as Security Fears Over China Grow

US drone firms made a strong debut at the Singapore Airshow, pitching combat and surveillance drones to Asian nations wary of China’s military expansion. Companies including Anduril, Shield AI, and AeroVironment showcased battle-tested systems used in Ukraine, highlighting resilience in GPS-jammed environments. Shield AI announced a deal with Singapore’s ST Engineering, while Anduril expanded operations across East Asia. Firms also unveiled “loyal wingman” combat drones designed to fly alongside fighter jets, reflecting a shift toward drone-centric future warfare in the Pacific.

Pakistan Says Balochistan Operation Ends After Deadly Separatist Attacks

Pakistan’s military said it has concluded a week-long operation in Balochistan following coordinated attacks by the Baloch Liberation Army, which briefly seized towns and government buildings. The military claimed 216 militants were killed, along with 22 security personnel and 36 civilians, though provincial officials reported higher casualties. Authorities say order has been restored, though search operations continue. The insurgency-hit province is vital to China-Pakistan Economic Corridor projects. Pakistan accused India of backing the militants, a claim New Delhi strongly denied.

Air India Probes Crew Actions After Boeing Jet Grounded Over Fuel Concern

Air India has launched an internal investigation after a Boeing 787 flew from London to India despite a suspected fuel control switch issue, which was reported only after landing. Britain’s aviation regulator has sought a full explanation and warned of regulatory action if compliance lapses are found. Pilots reportedly observed the switch failing to latch twice before stabilizing. The aircraft was grounded in India for checks. Air India said it is following safety protocols, stressing passenger and crew safety as its top priority.