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.

One Dead in Siraha Land Dispute Triggering Highway Protest

Angry locals have blocked the East-West Highway at Manharwa Chowk following the death of Ajmuddin Sheikh in Karjanha Municipality-10. The blockade has halted all traffic on the vital national highway. The dispute began on Sunday, when suspects, including Bharosi Ghai and Ramdayal Sah, allegedly demolished a house on public land despite a court stay order. Sheikh was fatally beaten during the clash. Police are currently investigating the suspects and negotiating with protesters to reopen the road section of the national highway.

Six Arrested for Fraudulent Mountain Rescue Operations

The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) arrested six individuals for defrauding tourists through fake rescue documents. At a press conference on Sunday, AIG Manoj KC identified the suspects as Jayaram Rimal and Bivek Pandey of Mountain Rescue, Rabindra Adhikari and Bivek Raj Thapaliya of Nepal Charter Service, and Mukti Pandey and Subhash KC of Everest Experience and Assist. The group is accused of creating faked rescue reports to claim insurance money. The CIB initiated the crackdown to protect the integrity of Nepal’s mountaineering and tourism sectors against organized fraudulent activities and financial scams.

Supreme Court Bars Resham Lal Chaudhary from Contesting Elections

The Supreme Court issued a show-cause order on Sunday, maintaining the Election Commission’s decision to disqualify Resham Lal Chaudhary. A single bench of Justice Bal Krishna Dhakal summoned both parties for discussion on January 29. Chaudhary had filed his candidacy from Kailali-1, but it was canceled by the Commission following a complaint by Satyanarayan Bhattarai. Although Chaudhary moved the court to overturn the cancellation, the latest order effectively prevents him from contesting the upcoming March 5 polls while his legal status remains under scrutiny by the judiciary.

Court Orders Original Documents in Rabi Lamichhane Case

The Supreme Court ordered the retrieval of original documents concerning the amendment of charges against Rabi Lamichhane. A joint bench of Justices Manoj Kumar Sharma and Shrikant Paudel issued the order on Sunday following three writ petitions filed by senior advocates. Attorney General Sabita Bhandari had decided on January 14 to amend charges related to organized crime and money laundering for the RSP Chairman. The petitioners argue that amending charges already under trial in various district courts, including Kaski and Kathmandu, is unconstitutional and interferes with the ongoing judicial process.

Turkish Airlines Flight Recalled from Runway Due to Indicator Issues

Turkish Airlines flight TK-727, scheduled to depart from Kathmandu to Istanbul at 12:35 PM on Sunday, was recalled from the runway to the parking bay. Acting General Manager of Tribhuvan International Airport, Teknath Sitaula, stated that the aircraft was already in its takeoff roll when an onboard indicator signaled a technical issue. The pilot immediately aborted the takeoff and returned the plane for inspection. Sitaula confirmed that the aircraft would only be cleared for departure following a thorough technical examination by engineers to ensure passenger safety.

DOTM Releases Details of 732 Printed Driving Licenses

The Department of Transport Management (DOTM) published details of 732 printed driving licenses on its Facebook page on Sunday. Currently, the department prioritizes essential license printing through the Security Printing Center. Drivers requiring urgent licenses can apply online or in person. Printing services had halted after an arson attack during the Gen Z protests on September 8 and 9, 2025, which damaged department facilities. The DOTM continues to use the Security Printing Center to clear the backlog and provide services to citizens requiring immediate documentation for driving.

CPN (UML) and Congress Candidates Win Koshi National Assembly Seats

Three members were finalized for the National Assembly from Koshi Province on Sunday. Som Portel and Roshni Meche of the CPN (UML) were elected, while Sunil Bahadur Thapa of the Nepali Congress was previously elected unopposed. Meche secured 7,173 weighted points in the women’s category, and Portel won the Dalit seat with 7,423 points, defeating Namita Nyopane and Khem Sundas, respectively. Out of 359 voters, 345 participated. The winners include Thapa, a former minister and UN official; Portel, a former district chief; and Meche, an ethnic minority activist.

Holi Festival Poses Security Risks for Polls

High-level discussions are underway regarding security challenges for the upcoming elections. The Holi festival falls on March 2 and 3, just two days before the March 5 polls. Ministry of Home Affairs officials noted that the “silence period” beginning 48 hours before voting coincides with Holi celebrations, making it difficult to control political gatherings and feasts. Arson attacks on government offices during the Gen Z protests have also heightened concerns. Security committees are analyzing how to manage the festival crowds while strictly enforcing election codes to prevent violence and illegal campaigning in the Terai districts.

Court Orders Re-Collection of Burnt Files in Refugee Scam

The Kathmandu District Court has ordered the retrieval of documents for the fake Bhutanese refugee scam case after files were destroyed in an arson attack. On Sunday, Judge Dhruvaraj Karki directed the submission of missing evidence involving 30 defendants, including Top Bahadur Rayamajhi and Balkrishna Khand, within seven days. Arsonists targeted the court on September 8, 2025, during the Gen Z protests, burning vital records. The organized crime case involves allegations of defrauding Nepalis of millions for US resettlement. A final hearing date will be set once all plaintiff and defendant files are restored.

Sarlahi Poll Sites Listed as Highly Sensitive for March 5

The Sarlahi District Security Committee, led by CDO Ramu Raj Kadariya, has begun inspecting polling stations for the March 5 elections. All 81 booths in Constituency 4, where Nepali Congress President Gagan Kumar Thapa is running, are listed as highly sensitive. SP Yogendra Kumar Khadka noted that border areas with India face significant security challenges. Out of 312 total sites in the district, 158 are highly sensitive and 131 are sensitive. The race is particularly competitive, as Thapa faces Amresh Kumar Singh, who is contesting on an RSP ticket after winning as an independent in 2022.

Candidates Aged 26 to 70 to Contest Elections in Kaski

In Kaski, 49 candidates aged between 26 and 70 years have filed nominations for the March 5 (Phagun 21) elections. Data from the Election Officer’s Office shows Nirdosh Bikram Poudel, 26, in Kaski-2 as the youngest, while Gopal Giri, 70, in Kaski-3 is the oldest. Across three constituencies, 18 political parties and 6 independents are competing. Only five out of 49 candidates are women. The district has 308,572 registered voters, including 17,004 new voters added since the 2022 elections, marking a significant increase in electoral participation.

Winter Police Shifts and Election Logistics Challenge High Himalayas

Police units in high-altitude areas like Nini and Humla moved to lower regions on October 16, 2025, due to sub-zero temperatures. However, for the March 5 elections, 12 officers led by a sub-inspector must return early. According to police, security teams will be deployed via helicopter to remote booths. Similar shifts are occurring in Dolpa, Mugu, and Manang. DIG Abi Narayan Kafle confirmed that all units will return before the polls. Officials expressed concern that while security returns, many voters who migrated with livestock may find it difficult to return for voting.

Measles Outbreak in Malangwa Prompts Emergency Vaccination

A measles outbreak has been confirmed in Malangwa Municipality-3, Sarlahi, with 7 confirmed cases and 22 others under home monitoring. Health Office Chief Dr. Naval Kishore Jha warned of the rapid spread and announced a special vaccination campaign from January 26 to January 30. Children aged six months to 14 years in wards 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, and 10 will receive the vaccine. The Malangwa Municipality health unit urged parents to visit nearby centers immediately to prevent further infection, emphasizing that timely vaccination is the only way to stop the highly contagious disease among children.

Health Minister Gautam Reports Three-Month Progress

Health Minister Dr. Sudha Sharma Gautam released her progress report on Sunday, three months after taking office on October 27, 2025. Key achievements include classifying 189 individuals injured in Gen Z protests for free treatment and proposing lifelong healthcare for martyr families. The ministry initiated amendments to the Health Insurance Act, Drug Act, and Health Worker Security Act. Additionally, Gautam prioritized maternal and neonatal health in Lumbini, Karnali, Gandaki, and Madhesh provinces, where mortality rates are high. She pledged to improve transparency and public trust in the national health system through effective service delivery.

Bharatpur Hospital Performs Nearly 9,000 Surgeries in One Year

Bharatpur Hospital provided surgical services to 8,956 patients during the fiscal year 2024/25. The data includes 7,632 major, 761 intermediate, and 563 minor surgeries. While high, the volume slightly decreased from the previous two years, which both saw over 9,400 procedures. Additionally, the hospital served 431,595 patients in its Outpatient Department (OPD) and 74,310 in the emergency ward over the same period. Hospital officials noted that the facility remains a critical hub for medical services in the central region, managing a massive flow of patients despite the slight dip in surgical cases this year.

Nepal Open University Convokes 545 Students in Kathmandu

Nepal Open University held its convocation ceremony for 545 students from the faculties of Science, Social Sciences, and Management. Prime Minister and Chancellor Sushila Karki awarded the Chancellor’s Medal to top-performing graduates at the bachelor’s and master’s levels. Out of the total graduates, 191 attended the physical ceremony. Keynote speaker and former TU Vice-Chancellor Kedar Bhakta Mathema addressed the gathering. Established in 2016, the university provides distance learning opportunities across Nepal, currently offering programs from undergraduate to PhD levels to ensure accessible higher education for students nationwide.

Tanahun Police Re-Open Recruitment for Election Police

The District Police Office, Tanahun, has issued a second call for election police applications due to a manpower shortage. Initially, 1,433 individuals applied for 1,573 positions, but only 1,216 passed the physical and written exams. DSP Shrawan Kumar BK announced that new applications are being accepted at offices in Damauli, Abukhaireni, Belchautara, Bhanu, and Bandipur. On Saturday alone, 192 new applicants, including 67 women, registered. The office aims to fill the remaining vacancies immediately to ensure adequate security for the upcoming national polls and maintain law and order across the district.

Nepal Army to Host 11th Open Marathon on February 7

The Nepal Army will organize the 11th COAS Open Marathon on February 7 to mark the 263rd Army Day and Mahashivaratri. Over 2,500 runners are expected to participate across five categories, including the 42.195-km full marathon and 21-km half-marathon. Major Gagan Bahadur Mahatara announced cash prizes totaling Rs 300,000 for the winner, along with motorcycles and scooters provided by Kathmandu Metropolitan City. The event aims to promote social unity and health awareness. Registration is open at army centers for students, soldiers, and the general public under the theme of national security and unity.

Nepal Police Club Defeats Army in Tiger Cup Volleyball

Nepal Police Club defeated Tribhuvan Army Club 3-1 in the 6th Tiger Cup National and International Invitation Club Championship. At the Pokhara Stadium court, Police secured the victory despite Army winning the third set 25-21. In the men’s category, Parbat District Volleyball Association earned its second win by defeating APF 3-1. In the women’s division, New Diamond Sports Club and Thailand Queens emerged victorious. The tournament, organized by Tiger Group of Pokhara, features six men’s and five women’s teams and will continue until January 31 using a single round-robin format.

Actor Arpan Thapa to Direct and Star in New Film ‘French Kiss’

A new film titled French Kiss has officially entered production following a commencement ceremony. Directed by actor Arpan Thapa, the film is scheduled to begin filming in Chitwan on Monday. The production team plans to shoot across various scenic locations within the Chitwan district. The movie features Arpan Thapa and Thinley Lhamo in leading roles, supported by prominent actresses Gauri Malla and Ayasha Tamang. Sudip Baral serves as the cinematographer, while popular musician Deepak Bajracharya will compose the music. The makers aim to release the film within the year 2026.

Rapper Vyoma Gets Engaged, Shares Personal Journey with Fans on Insta

Rapper Vyoma has announced his engagement to Sweta Mishra, sharing the news with fans on social media today. Reflecting on their journey, the artist revealed their relationship began in 2020 after a simple reply to an Instagram story. Despite the challenges of a long-distance relationship and various personal hurdles, the couple expressed that choosing each other at every turn has only strengthened their bond. Vyoma noted that what started as a casual digital interaction ultimately transformed their lives, leading to their lifelong commitment today.

Nepal and Saudi Arabia Set to Sign Labor Agreement

Nepal and Saudi Arabia will finalize a long-awaited bilateral labor agreement during the “Labor Expo” in Riyadh, the capital, on Monday and Tuesday. Labor Minister Rajendra Singh Bhandari, with senior officials, will sign the pact with Saudi counterpart Ahmad bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi. The deal excludes domestic workers, focusing on construction and security staff, and aims to end exploitative conditions, ensuring insurance, social security, and occupational safety for nearly 500,000 Nepalis. Annually, around 150,000 Nepalis migrate to Saudi Arabia, with 152,000 labor permits issued in the fiscal year 2024/25 and a peak of 188,692 in the fiscal year 2021/22.

Protests Erupt Across USA Cities After Federal Agents Kill Unarmed Minneapolis Man

U.S. immigration agents fatally shot a 37-year-old U.S. citizen during an enforcement operation in Minneapolis on Saturday, triggering protests and sharp disputes between federal and state authorities. Federal officials claimed an agent fired in self-defense, alleging the man resisted and posed a threat. However, widely circulated bystander videos reviewed by media outlets appear to contradict that account, showing the man unarmed while intervening during a scuffle. Local leaders questioned the federal narrative and demanded a state-led investigation, accusing agencies of blocking access. The killing sparked demonstrations across multiple U.S. cities and intensified criticism of the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement tactics.

American Climber Conquers Taiwan’s 508-Meter Taipei 101 in Global Live-Stream Event

American climber Alex Honnold has completed a rope-free ascent of Taipei 101, scaling the 508-meter skyscraper in Taiwan without any safety equipment. The climb, delayed by rain, was completed in one hour and 31 minutes and streamed live with a broadcast delay. Honnold’s time set a new benchmark, far surpassing the previous ascent of the tower. Known globally for his free solo climb of Yosemite’s El Capitan, Honnold drew cheers from onlookers during the ascent and was welcomed at the top by his wife. Taiwanese Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim publicly congratulated him on the feat.

China Probes Top General in Rare Military Crackdown

China’s defense ministry has launched an investigation into General Zhang Youxia, the country’s highest-ranking military officer after President Xi Jinping, citing serious violations of discipline and law. Another senior officer, General Liu Zhenli, is also under probe. Zhang, a vice chair of the Central Military Commission and a Politburo member, had been retained beyond retirement age, signaling strong trust from Xi. The move follows the expulsion of nine generals in October and sharply reduces the commission’s leadership, underscoring Xi’s intensified anti-corruption drive within the armed forces.