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 Orders Alternate Route for Khokana

Prime Minister Sushila Karki has directed authorities to move forward with a revised DPR for the Kathmandu-Terai Fast Track, bypassing the disputed Khokana entry point. During a meeting she emphasized that the National Pride Project cannot remain stalled indefinitely due to local cultural concerns. The revised plan will now establish the toll plaza at Pharsidol instead of Khokana. The Prime Minister urged the Army and relevant ministries to avoid delays that increase financial burdens on the state. This strategic shift aims to accelerate the completion of the expressway while respecting the religious and heritage concerns of the local community.

Kathmandu AQI Hits ‘Unhealthy’ Levels

Air pollution in Kathmandu reached critical levels on Tuesday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) hitting 191. This ranks Kathmandu as the third most polluted city globally, trailing behind Delhi at 229 and Lahore at 203. Environmentalists attribute the spike to vehicle emissions, construction dust, and a lack of rainfall. Director General Gyan Raj Subedi warned that without immediate rain or intervention, conditions will worsen for children and the elderly. Under the 2020 management plan, an AQI above 300 is considered a disaster, triggering emergency measures like banning waste burning and increasing the use of road brooms.

Ballot Printing Completed for March 5 Elections

The printing of all necessary ballots for the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5 has been completed. The ballot printing task assigned by the Election Commission was finished on Monday evening. Packaging has begun, and the ballots will be dispatched to the respective provinces starting today. A total of 20,300,000 first-past-the-post ballots were printed in 40 days, two days ahead of the 42-day schedule. The Centre printed between 1,300,000 and 1,500,000 ballots daily and aims to deliver them to all districts within 10 days. The Commission has already distributed 1 million specimen ballots, while the dispatch of 20,830,000 proportional representation ballots is ongoing. Ballots have reached Karnali and Sudurpashchim, with distribution to other regions underway.

Police Arrest Driver for Assaulting Pedestrian in Kathmandu

Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police arrested Paras Bam, 42, on Tuesday for brutally assaulting a pedestrian near Narayan Gopal Chowk. The incident occurred when Bam, a resident of Baitadi currently living in Baluwatar, exited his vehicle to beat a man walking in the middle of the road during a traffic stop. A video of the assault went viral on social media, prompting swift police action. SP Naresh Raj Subedi confirmed that Bam has been handed over to the District Police Range, Kathmandu, for further investigation into the violent public outburst and potential criminal charges.

Sarlahi Offices Close to Protest Sub-Engineer Murder

All government offices in Sarlahi remained closed on Tuesday to protest the brutal murder of sub-engineer Pramod Kumar Yadav. Yadav, 36, was shot dead in his rented room in Malangwa on Sunday evening. Civil servants are demanding that Yadav be declared a martyr and are seeking immediate justice and improved security for field staff. While Madhesh Province Minister Phakira Mahato visited the grieving family and ordered a high-level investigation, the killer remains at large. The Employees’ Union has warned of phased protests if the perpetrators are not arrested immediately, leaving thousands of service seekers stranded across the district.

Half of Kathmandu Candidates Yet to Open Mandatory Election Bank Accounts

Nearly half of the candidates contesting the March 5 House of Representatives election in Kathmandu have yet to open mandatory election bank accounts, officials said. Out of 250 candidates who filed nominations across the capital’s 10 constituencies, only 120 have opened dedicated election accounts so far, according to Kathmandu Election Officer Thakur Prasad Bhattarai. The Election Commission has directed that all election-related income and expenses must be conducted through a separate bank or financial institution account, as required by the Election Code of Conduct. Candidates receiving or spending more than Rs 25,000 are required to transact through this account. Commission Spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai said candidates may be required to submit bank details, bills, and vouchers if instructed. Spending limits range from Rs 2.5 million to Rs 3.3 million, depending on constituency geography.

EC Urges Media to Halt Exit Poll Results

Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari has urged media outlets to stop publishing election exit polls and result predictions. Speaking in Kathmandu on Tuesday, Bhandari warned that premature “predictions” confuse voters and discourage candidates, violating the Election Code of Conduct 2026. He highlighted that the misuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create misleading content poses a serious risk to the fairness of the March 5 elections. The Commission requested social media influencers and artists to help promote authentic voter education instead of spreading unverified data that could undermine democratic competition.

Two Charged in Rs 980 Million US Smuggling Scam

The Anti-Human Trafficking Bureau has filed a money laundering case against Kal Bahadur Basnet and Amit Basnet for defrauding 250 Nepalis under the guise of US migration. On Monday, the Kathmandu District Court received the charge sheet seeking a recovery of Rs 980.5 million. Investigations reveal that Kal Bahadur transacted Rs 706 million, while Amit handled Rs 274.5 million. While Kal Bahadur is in Dillibazar Prison, Amit remains at large. Authorities are seeking double the amount in fines and up to 15 years in prison for the illicit smuggling operation.

Special Court Grants Bail to Kabita Paudel in Visit Visa Case

The Special Court has ordered the release of Kabita Paudel on a bail of Rs 500,000. A bench led by Judge Sudarshan Dev Bhatta issued the order on Tuesday regarding Paudel’s alleged involvement in a visit visa scam. Paudel is accused of being an accomplice to former Chief Immigration Officer Tirtha Raj Bhattarai, managing illicit funds worth Rs 10.3 million. While she claims innocence, the court cited recovered diaries and messages as evidence of her involvement in property investments using bribe money. Although the investigation continues, the court ruled that detention during the trial was not mandatory.

Valley Police Collect Rs 20 Million in Monthly Fines

Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police collected Rs 2.705 billion in revenue during the first six months of the current fiscal year. Officers penalized 37,416 vehicles for various violations, including 2,447 cases of driving under the influence (DUI). Alarmingly, 16 public bus drivers were caught under the influence of drugs. The monthly report also recorded 577 accidents resulting in 15 deaths and 695 injuries, primarily caused by driver negligence. Additionally, 229 vehicles were reported stolen, with police recovering 76. To boost morale, the office has started weekly hiking and cinema outings for its 100-strong personnel units.

Bhaktapur Police Register 152 Cases in One Month

District Police Range, Bhaktapur, released its monthly report on Monday, revealing that 152 criminal cases were filed in Magh. SP Surya Bahadur Khadka confirmed the arrest of 110 individuals, including those involved in two high-profile murders. The report highlights 62 cases of banking offenses and 16 thefts. Notably, 32 people were sent to prison, and Rs 6.7 million was collected in fines and recoveries. Traffic enforcement in Bhaktapur also remained strict, with 1,607 vehicles penalized, generating Rs 1.1 million in revenue. Additionally, police successfully found 23 of the 32 people reported missing during the month.

KMC Survey Finds 11 Seniors in Critical State

A health survey by Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) of 452 senior citizens has identified 11 individuals requiring immediate hospitalization. Focal person Kalpana Shrestha reported that 208 seniors need regular medical monitoring, while 82 are struggling to afford medicine due to poverty. The survey, which began on February 1, revealed that 192 seniors lack health insurance. Participants are classified into green, yellow, and red zones based on their physical and mental health. This initiative aims to provide doorstep primary healthcare to residents over 70, ensuring that the city’s most vulnerable population receives prioritized medical attention.

KNMCTH to Hold Free Surgery and Gynecology Health Camp on February 21

The Kathmandu National Medical College and Teaching Hospital (KNMCTH) in Ghattekulo is organizing a free surgery and gynecology health camp on February 21 from 9 AM to 3 PM. The camp aims to provide specialist consultation and health checkups for patients with surgical and gynecological concerns. Surgical services will cover conditions such as piles, fistula, fissure, hernia, hydrocele, kidney and gallbladder stones, diabetic foot, and prostate-related issues. Under gynecology, consultations will be available for menstrual irregularities, white discharge, uterine prolapse, post-menopausal bleeding, infertility, PCOD, and fibroids. Patients requiring follow-up treatment will receive a 40 percent discount on surgery, 50 percent off ultrasound services, and 30 percent off other tests. Free urine and blood sugar tests will also be provided. The hospital expects strong public participation.

Gulmi Connects to National Power Grid

Gulmi has officially integrated into the national electricity grid following the successful testing of the Unaychaur–Paudi–Burtibang section. NEA Managing Director Hitendra Dev Shakya inspected the Rs 4.76 billion project, which includes five substations and 248 towers across 86 kilometers. This 132 KV transmission line, funded by the Ministry of Energy and NEA, aims to end frequent power outages and stimulate local industrial growth. Former Minister Gokarna Bista noted that this infrastructure marks a shift from historical power shortages to a new era of economic prosperity for the residents of Gulmi and Baglung.

Screening of ‘Bigul’ Postponed Amid Election Sensitivity

The producers of Bigul have announced the suspension of its theatrical screenings until further notice, citing the sensitive election environment. In a statement issued by MGP Limited, the exhibition was officially halted from Wednesday following consultations with relevant authorities and an assessment of the current situation. Producer Dinesh Koirala said a new release date will be announced soon, apologizing for the inconvenience and thanking audiences, artists, technicians, journalists, and guests for their support. Directed by Ramesh Koirala, the film had been receiving positive reviews in theaters. It stars Benisha Hamal and Naren Khadka in lead roles.

Samara Hits Historic T20 World Cup Century

Canada’s 19-year-old batter, Yuvraj Singh Samara, became the first associate nation player to score a century in a Men’s T20 World Cup. Despite his brilliant 110 runs off 173 balls against New Zealand, Canada lost the match as the Black Caps chased the target in 15.1 overs. This defeat officially eliminated Canada, Afghanistan, and the UAE from the tournament, while New Zealand and South Africa advanced to the Super-8. Samara, inspired by Indian legend Yuvraj Singh, previously gained fame for a 15-ball half-century. His historic innings is already being hailed as a World Cup masterpiece.

Nepal Winless After Defeat to India ‘A’

Nepal’s journey in the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars ended in Hong Kong on Tuesday following a 7-wicket loss to India ‘A’. Batting first, Nepal was bowled out for a meager 78 runs in 18 overs, with Samjhana Khadka top-scoring with 22. India’s Tanuja Kanwar took 4 wickets, while Minu Mani claimed 3. India ‘A’ chased the target in just 7.5 overs, led by Vrinda Dinesh’s 39 runs. Having previously lost to Pakistan ‘A’ and the UAE, Nepal exits the group stage without a single victory, highlighting a need for significant technical improvements.

Japan and Malaysia Launch Cross-Border Carbon Storage

Japan and Malaysia are partnering on a pioneering cross-border Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) project. Under the plan, Japan will collect liquefied carbon dioxide from its industrial sectors and ship it to Malaysia for underground storage in depleted gas fields near Sarawak. Malaysia aims to become a regional CCS hub, projecting a potential economic gain of USD 250 billion over 30 years. While Japan targets storing 20 million tons of carbon annually by 2030, critics have labeled the move as “carbon colonialism.” They argue that exporting emissions is a temporary fix that shifts the environmental burden to Southeast Asia instead of reducing global pollution.

Bangladesh: Tarique Rahman Sworn In as New Prime Minister

In Bangladesh, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman was sworn in as the country’s new prime minister on Thursday. President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath at the South Plaza of Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban around 4:15pm. Alongside him, 25 ministers and 24 state ministers were also sworn in. Their portfolios are expected to be announced later. Earlier in the day, the BNP Parliamentary Party elected Tarique as its leader at a meeting held at the parliament complex. A total of 212 MPs from the BNP alliance, 76 from the Jamaat-led alliance, and seven independent MPs also took oath.