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.

Circular Issued to Enforce Election Code of Conduct Locally

The Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration has issued a circular to all 753 local units and 77 district coordination committees to strictly enforce the Election Code of Conduct 2026. According to Section Officer Dipesh Kattel, the code came into effect on January 18. The regulations apply to the upcoming House of Representatives election on March 5. The code, published in the Nepal Gazette on December 27, 2025, includes specific restrictions on resource use and will remain in place until further notice from the Election Commission.

Home Ministry Restricts National Flag Use in Rallies

The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a directive to all 77 district administration offices to prevent the misuse of the national flag during election campaigning. A statement released on Sunday emphasized that any party or candidate may use a maximum of 10 national flags during rallies, meetings, or door-to-door visits. The ministry warned of legal action for any use that undermines the flag’s dignity or violates the Election Code of Conduct 2026. Authorities have been instructed to monitor all political gatherings and enforce these limits to maintain the symbolic integrity of the national emblem during the election period.

Balen Shah Supporters Injured in Nepalgunj Vehicle Accident

Supporters of RSP senior leader Balen Shah were injured on Monday after falling from a moving vehicle near Ranjha Airport in Nepalgunj. According to SP Angur G.C. of the Banke District Police Office, four to five people fell from the back of a truck while welcoming the leader. The injuries were reported as minor since the vehicle was at a low speed within the airport premises. Balen Shah, who is a prime ministerial candidate for the March 5 elections, was traveling to western Nepal for campaigning. He is personally contesting the election from Jhapa-5.

Harka Sampang Accused of Using Children in Election Campaign

A complaint has been filed with the Election Commission against Harka Sampang, a candidate for Sunsari-1 and chairman of the Shram Sanskriti Party. The Dharan Town Child Network filed the case with the District Police Office and the Election Officer, alleging the illegal use of children in election publicity. The complaint cites Section 7(970) of the Children’s Act 2018, which prohibits using children for political purposes. Election Officer Divyaraj Ghimire stated that a committee is investigating the matter. If proven guilty, the candidate faces a fine of Rs 100,000 and potential disqualification.

200K Personnel Required for Nationwide Elections

The Election Commission is preparing to deploy approximately 213,000 staff for the House of Representatives election on March 5. For the 23,112 polling centers, centers with over 500 voters will have nine staff members, while those with fewer will have eight. Spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai noted that civil servants are the priority, but teachers and public corporation staff will be used if needed. The Ministry of Federal Affairs confirmed that sufficient personnel are available across federal, provincial, and local levels. Currently, 77 chief election offices and 88 election officer offices are being staffed.

Special Measles Vaccination Campaign Starts in Sarlahi

A special vaccination drive against measles and rubella began on Monday in Malangwa, Sarlahi, following an outbreak. The campaign targets approximately 8,000 children aged six months to 15 years across six wards. Health Office Chief Dr. Nawal Kishore Jha of the district confirmed 23 cases in Ward 3, with seven laboratory-confirmed infections. Supported by WHO and UNICEF, the drive will run until January 30. Health Minister Jangilal Rai inspected the program, noting that even previously vaccinated children should receive this booster due to the highly contagious nature of the disease.

Balen Shah and Wife Sabina Kafle Join RSP Door-to-Door Campaign

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) organized a door-to-door campaign in Damak-9, Jhapa-5, on Monday morning. Sabina Kafle, wife of candidate Balen Shah, participated in the event, which saw significant public turnout. The program ran from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM, starting from the Uraw settlement and passing through Panini School and Buddha Chowk. Leaders interacted with voters to discuss local issues and grievances. A second campaign phase is scheduled for 3:00 PM starting from Padajugi Chowk in Kamal Rural Municipality-5, as part of the party’s lead-up to the March 5 elections.

Former King Gyanendra Visits Janaki Temple, Sparks Royalist Enthusiasm

Former King Gyanendra Shah performed pilgrimages at the Janaki Temple and other local shrines alongside his family. Arriving in Janakpur on Sunday evening, the former royals were met on Monday by enthusiastic supporters and RPP activists chanting for the restoration of the monarchy. After offering prayers at the Janaki Temple, Shah walked 0.5 kilometers to the Ram Temple and the nearby Kaladevi Temple to conduct further rituals. Local youth groups organized a reception for him at the site. The visit has significantly energized royalist groups in the region.

Mandatory Real-Time Documentation for Health Insurance Claims

The Health Insurance Board has mandated that all service-providing health institutions use a real-time digital system for payment claims. Senior Medical Superintendent Dr. Pawan Kumar Shah issued a directive following the Real-Time Claims Procedure 2023. The board aims to reduce high claim rejection rates by requiring institutions to form internal review committees to verify documents before submission. The board emphasized that it will not be obligated to pay any claims that fail to meet these specific documentation standards. This move follows reports of nearly Rs 12 billion in outstanding insurance payments currently awaiting verification.

Chinese and American Nationals Detained for Visa Violations

The Department of Immigration detained a Chinese and an American national on Monday for suspicious activities violating their visa terms. Director Tikaram Dhakal reported that the Chinese national, in Nepal since 2012 on a business visa, was illegally teaching at schools. The American national, who entered in 2017, allegedly operated an unregistered children’s home in Godawari and was involved in religious proselytization. Both individuals were arrested in Kathmandu and Lalitpur following reports of activities inconsistent with tourist and business visa regulations. They remain in custody as the department continues its investigation into their activities and local business links.

CIAA Files Corruption Charges Against Six Officials in Dang

The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) filed corruption charges against six individuals, including Section Officer Prem Bahadur Khawas, at the Special Court on Monday. The accused include former ward chairman Rameshwar Ahir, ward secretary Rajesh Kumar Kahar, and three others from Rajpur Rural Municipality-4, Dang. They are charged with falsifying government documents and creating fake records to grant citizenship certificates to non-eligible individuals. Spokesperson Suresh Neupane stated the commission is seeking penalties and imprisonment under Sections 9 and 11 of the Corruption Prevention Act 2002.

National Assembly Committee Passes New Film Bill 2026

The Legislation Management Committee of the National Assembly passed the Film Bill 2026 on Monday. Minister for Law Anil Kumar Sinha stated the new law aims to develop the film sector as a formal industry while regulating and promoting domestic cinema. The bill replaces the outdated 1969 Film Act to align with federal structures and modern technology. It focuses on making the Film Development Board an autonomous and accountable body. The committee’s report is scheduled to be presented during the National Assembly meeting on Tuesday.

Film Development Board Releases Domestic Box Office Collection

The Film Development Board published commercial data for films as of January 24. Jhari Pachi Ko Indreni, directed by Arjun Ghimire, earned Rs 12.3 million with 3,217 tickets sold. Gobar Ganesh leads the Maghe Sankranti releases with Rs 11.4 million from 40,234 tickets. Other films, including Muglan, earned Rs 631,000, while Eklo collected Rs 4.6 million. The documentary Dimag Ghochne Manchhe, based on Ujjwal Thapa, earned Rs 312,000. Viral Gorkhey and Mirmire recorded earnings of Rs 3.4 million and Rs 3.3 million, respectively.

Overseas Rights for Film ‘Kumari’ Sold Ahead of Release

The overseas exhibition rights for the upcoming film Kumari have been sold for Australia, the USA, Canada, and the Middle East. Producer Mahendra Adhikari confirmed the film will release domestically on February 6, with simultaneous releases in Australia and the USA. Directed by Dinesh Raut, the movie marks the debut of Abhishek Khadka and Aakriti Rajbhandari. The trailer and songs, particularly Doko Bunne with over 6 million views, have generated high anticipation. Distribution partners include Astreya Production for the USA and Nepfilm for the Middle East, following strong demand from the Nepali diaspora.

Twentieth Pokhara International Marathon Set for February 14

The 20th edition of the successful Pokhara International Marathon will take place on February 14. Organized by Ex-Sportsmen Forum Nepal, the event will feature a new route starting from Pokhara Stadium and finishing at Barahighat by Phewa Lake. The marathon winner will receive Rs 400,000, while second-, third-, and fourth-place finishers will earn Rs 200,000, Rs 100,000, and Rs 50,000, respectively. The event, held under the slogan “For Health, For Pokhara,” also includes categories for half-marathons, 10 km and 5 km student runs, veterans, and wheelchair participants.

Manang Marshyangdi Records First Win in ANFA National League

Manang Marshyangdi Club secured its first victory in the ANFA National League by defeating Kankre Bihar Club 5-1 on Monday. At the ANFA ground in Satdobato, Gideon Nah scored twice, while Suresh Kumal, Anil Kumar, and Nawaraj Gurung added one goal each. Sandeep Deuwa scored the lone goal for Kankre Bihar, which suffered its fourth consecutive loss. With this win, Manang earned three points after four matches. The league features 13 “A” division clubs and four provincial teams, with the winner set to receive a prize of Rs 5 million.

APF Teams Dominate Tiger Cup Volleyball in Pokhara

The Armed Police Force (APF) secured victories in both men’s and women’s categories at the Tiger Cup Volleyball in Pokhara on Monday. In the women’s division, APF defeated Tribhuvan Army Club in straight sets (25-11, 25-18, 25-19), leading to the Army’s elimination from the final. In the men’s category, APF also won 3-0 against the Maldives Volleyball Association with scores of 25-20, 25-18, and 25-20. This marked the third consecutive loss for the Maldives team. Organized by the Tiger Group of Pokhara, the championship will conclude on January 31.

China Warns Citizens Against Traveling to Japan During Lunar New Year

China on Monday warned its citizens not to travel to Japan during the Lunar New Year, citing “a surge in crimes targeting Chinese citizens” and earthquakes. The advisory follows anger over Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s November remark on Taiwan, which Beijing said could justify a Japanese military response. The bill replaces the censor board with a certification committee led by experts. Chinese airlines extended free flight changes to Japan until October 24. While Chinese tourism to Japan fell 45% in December, Takaichi reaffirmed Japan’s One China policy, and Beijing is promoting tourism ties with South Korea.

Pakistan Central Bank Holds Key Policy Rate at 10.50%

Pakistan’s central bank kept its key policy rate unchanged at 10.50% on Monday, defying expectations of a cut after a surprise 50-basis-point reduction in December. The decision follows cumulative easing of 1,150 basis points since mid-2024. Inflation slowed to 5.6% year-on-year in December, with monthly declines due to lower perishable food costs, though non-food inflation remains elevated. IMF staff have urged caution, warning against premature monetary easing under Pakistan’s USD 7 billion loan program and recommending data-driven policymaking to stabilize inflation and rebuild external reserves.

EU Investigates Grok for Sexualizing Images of Women and Children

The European Union has launched an investigation into X’s AI tool Grok after reports it could sexualize images of women and children using simple prompts. EU officials, including Ursula von der Leyen and Henna Virkkunen, said digital undressing and manipulated sexual content violate consent and child protection laws. Research by the Center for Countering Digital Hate found Grok generated roughly three million sexualized images in days. The probe will determine whether X met obligations under the Digital Services Act, extending an existing investigation into illegal content and information manipulation following a USD 140 million fine in December.