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.

18 Dead as 2 Nepali Brothers Die in India Coal Mine Blast

Two brothers from Barahapokhari-1, Khotang, died Thursday in an illegal coal mine explosion in Meghalaya, India. The victims, 27-year-old Purna Bahadur Khapangi Magar and 24-year-old Surendra Khapangi Magar, were among 18 fatalities in the Umsang Ghat blast. Four other Nepalis were injured, including Nar Bahadur, Bam Bahadur, and Karna Bahadur Khapangi Magar, plus Lalit Bahadur Magar from Udayapur. Only Tarabal Magar escaped unhurt. The group had left for employment on December 18, 2025. India’s prime minister announced INR 200,000 compensation for the deceased’s families.

Sudurpashchim Announces Rs 100K Relief for Baitadi Bus Accident Victims

The Sudurpashchim Province government has decided to provide Rs 100,000 each in relief to the families of those who lost their lives in the bus accident in Baitadi on Thursday. A meeting of the Provincial Council of Ministers on Friday approved the relief package, which also includes free treatment for the injured at government hospitals. Province Minister for Internal Affairs and Law Hira Sarki said the decision was taken to support the bereaved families and ensure proper medical care for those injured. The accident occurred on Thursday evening when a bus carrying wedding passengers from Bhauni in Purchaudi Municipality-7, Baitadi, was returning to Bajhang. Thirteen people were killed, and 34 others were injured in the incident.

Durga Prasai Arrested Again in Kathmandu

Police arrested medical entrepreneur and campaign leader Durga Prasai from Chalnakhel, Kathmandu, on Friday while he was traveling to Birgunj. Kathmandu police stated Prasai was detained heading to a program and has been handed over to the Cyber Bureau. He planned to address a gathering at Ghantaghar in Birgunj, despite the local administration denying permission. Previously, on January 19, he was taken into custody by Kaski police near Pokhara Airport following an Election Commission request. Authorities say the arrests are linked to allegations of spreading misleading information.

Police Constable Faces Action for Political Facebook Post

The District Police Office in Parsa initiated departmental action against Police Constable Shyam Narayan Patel for expressing political bias on Facebook. Patel, who was stationed at the Sirsiya Police Post in the Parsa district, allegedly posted content supporting a specific political party. DSP Hari Bahadur Basnet, the spokesperson for the Parsa police, confirmed that the constable was summoned to the district headquarters for further investigation. This move aligns with the police code of conduct, which prohibits personnel from showing political favoritism on social media platforms to maintain the organizational neutrality required for the upcoming March 5 elections.

National Forensic Science Lab Bill Passed

The National Assembly unanimously passed the National Forensic Science Laboratory (Establishment and Operation) Bill 2024 on Friday. Law Minister Anil Kumar Sinha presented the bill on behalf of Prime Minister Sushila Karki. Lawmakers, including Bhedu Ram Bhusal and Rukmini Koirala, participated in the discussion, emphasizing the need for forensic infrastructure to aid investigations. The bill aims to modernize scientific research and evidence collection within the justice system. Following the approval, the next meeting of the National Assembly was scheduled for Monday at 1:15 PM.

Supreme Court Upholds Detention of Pradeep Adhikari

The Supreme Court bench of Hari Prasad Phuyal and Shanti Singh Thapa refused to release Pradeep Adhikari on Friday. The former Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal faces corruption charges involving Rs 135.7 million related to the Nalinckowk Heliport construction. The court sustained the Special Court’s December 7, 2025, order to keep him in custody. The CIAA filed the case on December 3, 2025, against six individuals and one company.

CIAA Challenges Court Order on Pokhara Airport Case

The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) moved the Supreme Court on Friday to overturn the release of Rishikesh Sharma. The former Deputy Director of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal is accused of inflating the Pokhara International Airport cost by USD 74.3 million. The CIAA claims defendants accepted a USD 264.9 million feasibility report from China CAMC Engineering without scrutiny. The commission demands Sharma be detained under Section 7 of the Special Court Act 2002.

232 Dalit Candidates Contest in FPTP Elections

Out of 3,406 candidates for 165 seats, only 232, or 6.81%, are from the Dalit community. According to the Dignity Initiative, Khas-Arya candidates lead at 38.76%, followed by Indigenous Nationalities at 23.87%. Major parties fielded few Dalit candidates, with Nepali Congress fielding only Prakash Rasaili ‘Snehi’ in Bajhang. CPN (UML) fielded Bimala BK in Bardia-2 and Chakra Prasad Rasaili in Dadeldhura. Smaller parties like CPN (Maoist) fielded 20 Dalit candidates for the direct electoral system.

Khas-Arya Candidates Dominate Kathmandu Constituency 10

The Election Commission data reveals that Khas-Arya candidates comprise 52% of the field in Kathmandu Constituency 10. Indigenous nationalities follow at 36%, Dalits at 8%, and Madhesis at 4%. Among 83,301 total voters, 42,716 are women. The 25 candidates include Binod Shrestha from CPN (UML), Himal Karki from Nepali Congress, and Pradip Bista from RSP. Only five women are contesting, alongside 10 independent candidates such as Purna Chandra Paudel and Anuj Pradhan.

80-Year-Old Candidates on PR Closed List

The Election Commission closed list for proportional representation includes 3,135 candidates aged 25 to over 80. Among them, 1,772 are women and 1,363 are men. The largest group consists of 535 candidates aged 40 to 44. There are 12 candidates older than 80. Ethnically, the list features 911 Indigenous Nationalities, 946 Khas-Arya, and 425 Dalits. The commission removed 76 names following complaints during the verification process in January.

Ballot Printing Gains Pace: 1.3 Million Papers Produced Daily for March 5 Polls

As preparations intensify for the House of Representatives election on March 5, around 1.3 million ballot papers are being printed daily at the Janak Education Material Center in Sanothimi. Managing Director Yadunath Paudel said that of the 20.3 million ballot papers required for the first-past-the-post (FPTP) system, also known as the direct system, 8 million had been printed by Thursday evening. He added that printing will be completed within a week, followed by packing. Printing and packing of 20.8 million proportional representation ballots have already been completed, with 1 million sample ballots dispatched. Transportation of proportional ballots will begin on February 8 to 9, while direct system ballots will be sent to districts by February 13 to 14. The center is working in line with the Election Commission’s schedule to ensure timely delivery to all constituencies.

Stakeholders Discuss Simplifying Disability ID Procedures

The Social Security Civil Society Network organized a discussion in Kathmandu on Friday to improve the Disability Identity Card Distribution Procedure 2017. Chairman Gopal Thapa Magar and activist Sudarshan Subedi emphasized the need for a uniform, inclusive system across all local levels. Currently, 30 local units have implemented the sample procedure. Advocate Raju Basnet noted the guidelines must align with the Disability Rights Act 2017. Participants from UNICEF and various medical fields suggested gathering more feedback to ensure all types of disabilities are covered.

Bardiya Locals Protest Leopard Attacks at Admin Office

Locals in Bardiya staged a protest at the District Administration Office on Friday, following two fatal leopard attacks. On Thursday, Nandu Rokaya of Gulariya-4 and Maisara Dangi of Madhuwan-9 were killed by the predator. Protesters breached the main gate, demanding immediate compensation for the victims’ families and authorization to kill the leopard. They highlighted the increasing danger to lives and property in the region. The demonstration called for enhanced security measures and better forest management to prevent further wildlife encounters as fear grows across local communities in the district.

Nepal Deports 333 Foreigners and Launches New Tracking System

Between mid-July 2025 and mid-January 2026, Nepal (NP) arrested 333 foreign nationals for violating visa terms. The Department of Immigration reported that these individuals, arriving on tourist or business visas, engaged in illegal marriage bureaus, religious proselytization, or overstayed. In 2025, total deportations reached 501. Notable cases included a Korean-origin US national and four Chinese nationals fined Rs 50,000 each. To bolster security, the Foreign Nationals Management Information System (FNMIS) launched January 1 in Kathmandu, becoming mandatory nationwide by March 1. This digital platform tracks visitors via hotels and airlines to curb crime and aid rescues.

Three Arrested in Separate Foreign Employment Fraud Cases

Kathmandu police arrested three individuals for defrauding unemployed youth of Rs 2.5 million by promising foreign jobs. Rupesh Lamichhane of Kavre district took Rs 900,000 for Australia, while Hira Tamang of Dhading collected Rs 8.5 million for Slovakia. Additionally, Kumari Tamang of Nuwakot was arrested on February 4 for cheating victims of Rs 7.9 million with fake UK job offers. Spokesperson Rameshwar Karki stated that all suspects were sent to the Department of Foreign Employment in Tahachal for prosecution. The arrests followed complaints from victims who lost contact with the agents after paying.

Social Drama ‘Dimag Kharab’ Released on YouTube

The Nischal Basnet-directed film Dimag Kharab was released on YouTube on Friday, via the OSR Movies channel. Director Basnet shared the update on social media regarding the social drama comedy, which originally premiered in theaters in 2024. Written by Aakash Baral, the movie features stars including Dayahang Rai, Khagendra Lamichhane, Swastima Khadka, Arpan Thapa, and Bijay Baral. Before its digital debut on YouTube, the film was available on various OTT platforms for premium subscribers.

National Deaf 11-A Side Football Starts February 8

The National Deaf 11-A Side Football Tournament will be held at Dasharath Stadium on February 8 and February 9. Organized by Sunderdhoka Saathi Sewa, the event features eight teams from seven provinces, with Bagmati Province fielding two squads. Executive Director Bijeta Luitel Adhikari stated the event aims to showcase the talent of deaf athletes and prepare them for international competitions. The winning team will receive Rs 50,000, while the second- and third-place teams will get Rs 40,000 and Rs 30,000, respectively. Four matches are scheduled for the opening day.

US-Iran Talks Begin in Oman as Military Tensions Rise

Senior US and Iranian officials have arrived in Oman for indirect talks amid escalating tensions and fears of military conflict. The discussions follow a US military buildup in the Middle East and Iran’s violent crackdown on nationwide protests last month. The scope of the talks remains unclear, with Washington pushing for limits on Iran’s nuclear program, missiles, and regional influence, while Tehran insists discussions focus only on nuclear issues. Oman’s foreign minister held separate meetings with both sides to explore conditions for renewed negotiations. The talks come as the US threatens military action and Iran demands sanctions relief.

Pakistan: Deadly Mosque Blast in Islamabad Kills at Least 20

At least 20 people were killed and dozens injured after an explosion ripped through a Shiite mosque during Friday prayers in Islamabad’s Tarlai area, officials said. The blast prompted emergency declarations at three city hospitals, with injury figures ranging from 80 to over 100. While the cause has not been officially confirmed, authorities suspect a suicide bombing. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack and expressed deep grief over the loss of life. Security agencies have launched an investigation as the country grapples with another major act of violence targeting worshippers.

US’s Trump Endorses Japan’s PM Takaichi Ahead of Snap Election

US President Donald Trump has publicly endorsed Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi ahead of Sunday’s snap election, calling her a strong and dependable leader. The backing is rare but follows closer US-Japan ties after a deal that reduced US tariffs in exchange for major Japanese investment. Takaichi, who took office in October, has emphasized defense spending and a firm stance on regional security, including Taiwan. Trump said he would host her at the White House in March. Polls suggest she is favored, though economic challenges and China ties remain key tests.

AI Helps Scientists Match Dinosaur Footprints to Trackmakers

Researchers have developed an artificial intelligence method to identify which dinosaurs made fossilized footprints, tackling a long-standing challenge in paleontology. The system analyzed nearly 2,000 footprints spanning 150 million years, using eight measurable features such as toe spread, heel position, and load distribution. The approach reduces reliance on subjective interpretation and helps compare tracks more objectively. One notable finding supported earlier claims that some 210-million-year-old footprints resemble bird tracks, despite predating known bird fossils. Scientists say the tool could significantly improve understanding of dinosaur movement, behavior, and evolution.