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.

EC Partners with TikTok to Combat Election Misinformation

The Election Commission (EC) signed a memorandum of understanding with TikTok on Wednesday to control misleading and harmful content ahead of the March 5 elections. EC Joint Secretary Narayan Prasad Bhattarai and TikTok’s Head of Government Relations, Ferdous Al Mottakin, exchanged the agreement in the presence of Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari. Under this partnership, TikTok will provide free support to promote official election information and ensure a safe digital space. This collaboration aims to strengthen democratic institutions by providing users with verified facts and mitigating the impact of disinformation during the high-stakes national voting process.

EC Bars Judicial Appointments During Code of Conduct

The Election Commission (EC) has instructed the Judicial Council to halt all new judge appointments while the election code of conduct is in effect. Following a query from the council last week regarding vacancies, the EC clarified on Wednesday that senior-based appointments cannot proceed until after the March 5 polls. The code of conduct has been active since January 18. While district judges who recently passed the Public Service Commission exams are currently being posted, no further discretionary or seniority-linked hiring is permitted. This move aims to ensure political neutrality and prevent potential influence on the judiciary during the election cycle.

Security Agencies Deploy for Integrated Election Plan

Under the Integrated Security Plan 2026, all four security branches began joint deployment tomorrow for the upcoming elections. The Nepal Army will station 80,000 personnel across 165 constituencies, managing the outer security perimeter and ballot transport. The Nepal Police will deploy 77,000 officers, supported by 133,000 temporary “election police” for inner-circle security at 23,112 polling stations. The Armed Police Force will contribute 49,686 personnel to the second security tier. Authorities have categorized 3,680 locations as “highly sensitive,” ensuring rapid response teams can reach any site within 10 minutes to maintain order for 18.9 million voters.

EC Publishes Final Proportional Representation List

The Election Commission published the final list of 3,135 candidates for the 110 proportional representation seats in the House of Representatives. The list, released on Tuesday, includes 1,772 women and 1,363 men from 63 political parties. Following the merger of the Janata Samajwadi Party Nepal and Loktantrik Samajwadi Party, 57 unique election symbols remain for the upcoming polls. Additionally, the commission issued a new directive requiring candidates to conduct all financial transactions exceeding Rs 25,000 through bank accounts to ensure transparency. This applies to both the proportional and the first-past-the-post (FPTP) system, also known as direct election.

Election Police Recruit Dies in Cliff Fall

A 32-year-old temporary election police recruit, Prakash Chand, died on Wednesday morning after falling from a cliff in Baitadi. District Police Chief Deepak Kumar Rai stated that the incident occurred at Kharkate Salleri while Chand was returning home after completing a training session at the Sundarkhali grounds. Chand, a resident of Dasharathchand Municipality-4, was part of the specialized force prepared for the March 5 elections. This tragedy highlights the difficult terrain where security personnel are currently training. Authorities have handed over the body to the family after completing the necessary legal and medical procedures.

Health Minister Demands Rs 15 Billion to Save Insurance Program

Health and Population Minister Dr. Sudha Gautam has requested the Ministry of Finance to immediately provide Rs 15 billion to resolve the financial crisis facing the National Health Insurance Program. During a meeting on Wednesday with Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki, Dr. Gautam warned that hospitals might stop services if the current Rs 24 billion liability is not managed. Finance Secretary Ghanshyam Upadhyay committed to supporting the ministry through budget transfers and re-prioritizing existing funds. However, he emphasized that the Ministry of Health must prioritize long-term policy reforms and internal improvements to ensure the program’s sustainability beyond the current fiscal emergency.

Monthly Rs 21,800 Relief Released for 42 Gen Z Martyr Families

The Ministry of Urban Development has started providing a monthly pension of Rs 21,800 to the families of 42 Gen Z martyrs who died during protests on September 8 and 9, 2025. At least 76 people were killed during the unrest, with all except jail escapees later declared martyrs, including three police personnel. The current pension excludes police families. According to the ministry, funds covering 10 years have been released from the Reconstruction Fund, amounting to Rs 119 million based on 13 months of payment per year. Although discussions were held with the Ministry of Finance, officials confirmed the funds were released without its formal approval.

No Election Code of Conduct Complaints Filed in Kaski So Far

No complaints related to violations of the Election Code of Conduct have been registered in Kaski district since candidate nominations for the House of Representatives election. Rudra Neupane, information officer at the Election Office in Pokhara, said political parties are currently focused on internal preparations. He added that a district-level Code of Conduct Monitoring Committee, coordinated by the Chief Election Officer and co-coordinated by the Chief District Officer, is actively overseeing compliance. Kaski has three constituencies and 49 candidates in the race. Although the official campaign period runs from February 16 to March 1, parties have begun preparatory activities. Election officials said groundwork is underway to ensure a fair, peaceful, and fear-free poll.

Home Minister Meets UNODC Regional Representative

Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal held a courtesy meeting with Christian Holge, the South Asia Regional Representative for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), on Wednesday. During the session at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Minister Aryal thanked the UNODC for its ongoing support in drug control and crime prevention. Holge reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to continuing its partnership with the Nepali government, praising the ministry’s proactivity in implementing collaborative programs. The meeting included representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and focused on expanding future cooperation to tackle transnational crime and enhance border security measures across the region.

NC’s Gagan Thapa Accepts Resignation of Chief Secretary Poudel

Nepali Congress (NC) President Gagan Kumar Thapa accepted the resignation of Chief Secretary Krishna Prasad Poudel on Wednesday. Poudel, who had served in the position since April 19, 2019, stepped down on January 22 following the election of new party leadership during a special general convention. Consequently, Thapa appointed Secretary Krishna Prasad Dulal as the Acting Chief Secretary. The appointment was made in accordance with the party’s statute and employee regulations to ensure the continued administrative functioning of the Nepali Congress central office during the transition.

Turkish Airlines Flight Diverts After Engine Fire

A Turkish Airlines wide-body aircraft, flight TK 727, experienced a right-engine fire shortly after takeoff from Tribhuvan International Airport on Wednesday at 1:28 PM. General Manager Teknath Sitaula reported that the crew noticed the issue four minutes into the flight and initially continued on a single engine. After determining a long-distance flight to Istanbul was unsafe, the pilot diverted the plane to Kolkata, India, where it landed safely. All 236 people on board, including 225 passengers and 11 crew members, are unharmed according to the Civil Aviation Authority.

KMC Launches Digital Attendance System

Kathmandu Metropolitan City has introduced an integrated digital attendance system for teachers, staff, and students in community schools. Developed jointly by KMC’s Education Department and Information Technology Department, the system is now linked with schools, with login credentials already distributed. Facial registration and data entry for teachers and staff have been completed in nine community schools, while student enrollment is ongoing, said Acting Education Chief Keshav Prasad Gyawali. Built using internal resources, the system reduces reliance on consultants. Schools will manage records and reports, while KMC monitors data centrally. The system will later integrate with Sub-National Treasury Regulatory Application (SuTRA) and notify parents of student absences.

Corruption Case Halts Services in Budhiganga Municipality

Service delivery in Budhiganga Municipality, Bajura, has collapsed after seven key employees were suspended following a corruption lawsuit. The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) filed charges at the Special Court regarding a building construction contract. The case involves former Mayor Dipak Bikram Shah and 13 others, with a claimed embezzlement of Rs 32.7 million. Current Mayor Ram Bahadur Baniya reported that the technical, administration, and education departments are closed. The crisis is worsened by the absence of a Chief Administrative Officer and the expiration of contract worker terms, leaving daily governance and development projects completely paralyzed during the election season.

Mustang Village Vacated Due to Extreme Snowfall

Sangta village in Mustang, located 3,800 meters above sea level, has been entirely vacated due to heavy winter snowfall. With the March 5 elections approaching, local officials have proposed moving the polling station from Himali Basic School to the neighboring village of Phalyak. Ward Chair Surendra Gurung noted that most of the 39 registered voters have moved to Kathmandu or Pokhara for the winter and are unlikely to return until mid-April. Currently, only six herders remain in the area to guard livestock. Chief District Officer Ajita Sharma stated that a final decision on shifting the polling site will be made after all-party consultations.

Direct Delhi Bus Service to Boost Muktinath Tourism

Pilgrims from New Delhi can now reach the sacred Muktinath Temple in just 30 hours following the launch of a direct bus service to Beni. The route, operated by Modern Era Tours and Shrishti Yatayat, began on Wednesday with a daily departure from Beni at 6:45 AM. The 1,400-kilometer journey passes through Ayodhya and Agra, taking 27 hours to reach the Indian capital, with an additional 3-hour drive to the temple. Beni Mayor Surat KC inaugurated the service, stating it would significantly aid over 100,000 Indian tourists who visit the high-altitude shrine annually.

Magar Language Instruction to Start in Tarakhola

The Tarakhola Rural Municipality in Baglung will introduce the Magar language into the school curriculum starting the next academic session in mid-April 2026. Following a feasibility study, officials selected the Dhut dialect as the medium of instruction. National Assembly member Suresh Ale Magar praised the move for preserving indigenous heritage. Initially, the language will be taught as an optional subject for grade one students at Durga Bhawani Secondary School and Argal Secondary School. Chairperson Dhan Bahadur BK confirmed that teacher training and textbook printing will commence soon to meet the legislative requirements for local language education.

London to Host First Nepal Music Festival

Kutumba band, Cipul Chettri and The Travelling Band are set to headline the inaugural Nepal Music Festival 2026 in London. Organized by Mamaghar Entertainment UK, the event will take place on February 9 at the prestigious Troxy venue. A 16-member delegation will arrive in the UK on February 6 for the performance. Director Bimal Timilsina stated the festival aims to promote Nepali folk and modern music on an international stage. Kutumba is known for traditional instruments like the Sarangi, while Bipul Chettri gained fame with hits like Syndicate and Asaar, drawing a multi-generational audience.

Nischal Basnet’s ‘Dimag Kharab’ to Release on YouTube

Director Nischal Basnet announced on Tuesday that his social drama ‘Dimag Kharab’ will be released on YouTube this Friday. Actress Swastima Khadka confirmed the film will be available on the OSR Digital channel. Originally released in theaters two years ago, the movie earned over Rs 100 million at the box office and received critical acclaim. The story centers on a common citizen’s struggle against systemic corruption and political malpractice. The star-studded cast includes Khagendra Lamichhane, Swastima Khadka, Dayahang Rai, Arpan Thapa, and Bijay Baral. Produced by Raunak Bikram Kandel, the film highlights the mental toll of societal injustices.

Kankrebihar Club Secures First Point in National League

Surkhet-based Kankrebihar Club earned its first point in the National League Football on Wednesday by drawing 2-2 against Chitlang FC. After losing five consecutive matches, the team finally opened its account at the ANFA Complex. Bharat Nagalark gave Kankrebihar an early lead in the 29th minute, but Chitlang fought back with goals from Chetan Kumar Tharu and Aron Thapa. However, Sandip Deuba scored a dramatic equalizer in the fifth minute of second-half injury time. Despite the draw, Kankrebihar remains in 16th place with 1 point from 6 matches, just ahead of the winless Nava Janajagriti.

CAN Unveils New Jersey for Women’s Cricket Team

The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) and Xtreme Energy Drinks unveiled the new national women’s cricket team jersey on Wednesday under a two-year sponsorship deal. Secretary Paras Khadka and National Sports Council Member Secretary Ram Charitra Mehta jointly launched the kit. Xtreme Energy Drinks pledged long-term support for women’s cricket development to boost player confidence. Additionally, the sponsor announced they will distribute 2,000 free national jerseys to fans at Wankhede Stadium in India during Nepal’s matches in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

Mount Everest International Taekwondo Dates Rescheduled

The Nepal Taekwondo Association has announced new dates for the 4th Mount Everest International Taekwondo Championship. Originally set for early February, the event will now take place from February 16 to February 20. This tournament, which includes the 2nd Mount Everest GCS International Poomsae Championship, is a WT G-1 ranked event. Over 1,500 athletes from more than 20 countries are expected to compete for 74 gold medals. Registration remains open until February 10 as organizers prepare infrastructure meeting international standards for the participants.

Inter Milan Features Nepali Song on Official Page

The renowned Italian football club Inter Milan surprised fans by posting a video on its official Facebook page featuring the Nepali song Aakha Jhim Jhim Bho. The lyrics were written by Nepal Police Chief Dan Bahadur Karki and composed by Basanta Sapkota. The post, captioned in the Nepali language, honored the legendary striker Ronaldo and his tenure during the 1997-98 season. Many Nepali fans expressed joy and astonishment, questioning if the page was hacked or managed by a Nepali admin. The club, currently leading the Serie A standings, has never been relegated in its history.

Jeffrey Epstein Documents Mention Nepal 118 Times

Declassified documents from the U.S. Department of Justice reveal that Nepal is mentioned 118 times in files related to Jeffrey Epstein. The “Epstein Library” contains emails regarding Tibetan carpets worth $51,000 and mentions a friendship with a former King of Mustang. While no criminal links to Nepal have been found, the records discuss post-2015 earthquake aid. Czech model Petra Nemcova requested support for her Happy Hearts Fund, which raised USD3.5 million for school repairs in districts like Nuwakot. Other entries mention hiring Nepali domestic workers in the United States and medical assistance from Israeli defense forces following the disaster.