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.

Kaski Court Delays Withdrawing Rabi Lamichhane’s Cases

The Kaski District Court decided not to immediately withdraw organized crime and money laundering charges against Rabi Lamichhane. Although the Office of the Attorney General decided to drop these charges on January 13, Judge Nitish Rai stayed the process on Monday. This follows a writ filed by Yuvraj Poudel at the Supreme Court on January 15. Lamichhane still faces cooperative fraud charges in Kaski, Rupandehi, Kathmandu, and Chitwan.

Waste Near TIA Runway Poses Bird Strike Risk

A waste incinerator located 100 meters below the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) runway creates a “bird paradise,” increasing crash risks. Despite the April 2023 Fly Dubai engine fire incident, the Rs 50,000,000 machine continues operating at night. International Civil Aviation Organization rules prohibit such facilities within 3 kilometers. While Gokarneshwar Municipality Mayor Dipak Kumar Risal claims operations stopped, waste burning persists. In 2025, 13,000,000 passengers used the airport.

Box Office: ‘Kumari’ and ‘Rammita koo Pirati’ Struggle

The Film Development Board released box office figures on February 16. Both Nepali films released for Valentine’s Day are performing poorly. Kumari, directed by Dinesh Raut, earned Rs 5,600,211 gross by February 14, selling 17,025 tickets. Meanwhile, Rammita Koo Pirati, starring Ana Sharma, collected Rs 1,943,588 gross with 5,937 tickets sold. These romantic dramas failed to attract significant audiences despite the festive release season.

Lumbini Launches Campaign to Reduce Infant Mortality

The Lumbini Provincial Government started the “Safe Motherhood Campaign” to lower maternal and neonatal death rates. Health Minister Khem Bahadur Saru announced the initiative on Monday. While institutional births reached 87%, postnatal checkups remain low at 66%. In fiscal year 2024/25, 79,536 women gave birth in health facilities. The program offers free lab tests and Rs 2,000 monthly incentives for health workers, ensuring complete checkups for pregnant women.

Bir Hospital Limits Insurance Medicine to One Month

The National Academy of Medical Sciences, Bir Hospital, announced it will only distribute chronic disease medicines for 1 month under the health insurance program. Previously, patients received a 3-month supply. This change, effective from February 11, was implemented due to special circumstances. The hospital administration issued a public notice apologizing for the inconvenience caused to insured members who rely on long-term medication. This decision impacts many patients who travel long distances to the capital for their regular prescriptions.

Lahan Municipality Signs Deal for Free Cancer Screening

Lahan Municipality signed an agreement on Monday with Lahan Cancer Care Center to provide free cancer screening across 24 wards. Mayor Mahesh Prasad Chaudhary plans to serve 1,000 residents. The campaign, supported by Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital, focuses on early detection of cervical and other cancers. Ashok Lal Amatya confirmed specialists will conduct screenings every last Wednesday. This initiative aims to reduce the cancer burden for citizens in Siraha, Saptari, and Udayapur.

Bardibas Railway Victims Threaten Strike Over Rs 6.1 Million Claim

The compensation dispute for the Jayanagar-Bardibas Railway Project has intensified. Affected locals, including Uddhab Budhathoki, traveled to Kathmandu on Monday to demand Rs 6,100,000 per kattha. Despite the railway department head Hari Kumar Pokharel promising a “good news” resolution, victims issued a 10-day ultimatum. They have waited 7 years for compensation for 14 houses. If the cabinet fails to decide within 10 days, residents vow to stop all construction work in Bardibas.

Human Rights Commission Reviews Election Security

The National Human Rights Commission held a meeting on Monday with heads of 4 security agencies. Chairman Tap Bahadur Magar discussed protecting the human rights of voters and candidates during the upcoming March elections. Despite resource shortages, security chiefs expressed high morale for the task. Assistant Spokesperson Shyambabu Kafle stated that the commission directed the government to provide necessary communication and transport materials to ensure a fair, fearless, and impartial electoral environment.

Supreme Court Halts Rs 800 Million Payment to Chinese Firms

The Supreme Court put a stay on the execution of lower court orders regarding the Chameliya Hydropower Project. Chief Justice Prakashman Singh Raut and Justice Shrikant Poudel placed the case on the “unable to be heard” list on Monday due to time constraints. Previously, on March 16, 2025, Justice Balkrishna Dhakal issued an interim order stopping the payment of over Rs 800,000,000 to China Gezhouba Group and Pizdom Pingao JV.

Special Court to Hear Rs 218 Million Corruption Case

The Special Court will continue hearing a corruption case involving 9 officials from the Madhesh Province Social Development Ministry tomorrow. The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority filed the case on April 27, 2025, against former Secretary Imnarayan Shrestha and others. They are accused of embezzling Rs 218,939,780 during the purchase of medical equipment. Judges Sudarshan Dev Bhatta, Hemanta Rawal, and Dilliratna Shrestha are presiding.

Army Takes Over Jail Security for Elections

As a precautionary measure for the upcoming elections, the Nepal Army has assumed responsibility for the security of prisons in 7 districts of Sudurpashchim Province. This transition focuses on high-sensitivity areas to ensure stability during the voting period. While the army already maintains a presence near major centers like Kailali and Kanchanpur, they have now formally taken charge of prison perimeters in all hilly districts except Baitadi and Bajur. This strategic move aims to prevent any internal unrest or external interference within the correctional facilities during the democratic process.