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.

60% of Medical Candidates Fail Licensing Exam

The Nepal Medical Council (NMC) reported that 60 percent of candidates failed the latest licensing examination. Registrar Dr. Satish Kumar Dev announced on Wednesday that only 39.45 percent of MBBS and BDS graduates passed the 74th licensing exam conducted at the Pulchowk Engineering Campus. Out of 943 participants, only 372 were successful. Specifically, in the MBBS category, only 300 out of 775 participants (38.7 percent) passed, while 72 out of 168 BDS participants (42.85 percent) were successful. This high failure rate has sparked concerns regarding the educational quality of medical colleges in Nepal.

EC Submits National Assembly Election Report to President

Officiating Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari submitted the official report of the National Assembly elections to President Ram Chandra Paudel on Wednesday. The report, presented during a ceremony at Sheetal Niwas, details the outcomes of the elections held on January 25. This formal submission marks the completion of the electoral process for the upper house seats. President Paudel acknowledged the efforts of the Election Commission in conducting the polls, which saw a coalition of major parties securing a majority. The document provides a comprehensive overview of voter turnout, candidate performance, and the final seat allocation.

Educational Background of Candidates Sparks Social Media Debate

The educational qualifications of candidates for the upcoming House of Representatives election have become a major topic of discussion on social media. An analysis by the Election Commission reveals that out of 3,406 candidates, approximately 19 percent, or 645 individuals, did not disclose their educational details in their forms. Additionally, the credentials of 252 candidates were listed as unclear. While the current law does not mandate a minimum educational requirement for candidates, voters are questioning those who left the fields blank or used symbols like “-“. The candidates range from those who are only literate to individuals holding PhD degrees.

Sporadic Rain in Kathmandu, Snow in High Hills as Air Quality Worsens

A low atmospheric pressure affecting Nepal has triggered a sudden change in weather across the country, including the Kathmandu Valley, bringing rain, snowfall, and deteriorating air quality. The Meteorological Forecasting Division said rainfall and snowfall have been recorded since Wednesday morning in high-altitude regions, as well as parts of Sudurpaschim and Karnali provinces. This afternoon, the high hills and mountainous areas are expected to remain mostly cloudy, while other regions may see partial cloud cover with isolated rainfall. Light rain has been reported in parts of the Kathmandu Valley since early morning, disrupting daily activities. Meanwhile, experts have urged people to wear masks outdoors as air quality has declined sharply. According to the Swiss air quality monitoring platform called the ‘IQAir,’ Kathmandu’s air quality has reached a very unhealthy level.

Poor Weather Conditions Disrupt Flights at TIA

Adverse weather and low visibility severely disrupted domestic and international flights at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) on Wednesday. Spokesperson Santosh Kumar Basnet reported that visibility dropped to 1,600 meters, affecting large aircraft that require at least 2,200 meters. An Air India flight from New Delhi was diverted to Varanasi after being unable to land. Similarly, a Nepal Airlines widebody from Doha was held over the Simara skies. Domestic flights to Tumlingtar, Bharatpur, Surkhet, and Rajbiraj were cancelled. While IFR landings continued, satellite-based RNP/AR approaches were limited to specific international carriers like Qatar and Turkish Airlines.

Candidates Invest Heavily in Digital Campaigning Packages

Candidates for the March 5 elections are increasingly outsourcing digital promotion to IT firms, spending between Rs 1,200 and Rs 20,000 per post for social media boosting. A Pokhara-based company confirmed managing content for candidates in Gulmi, Butwal, and Biratnagar to reach specific demographics via Facebook and TikTok. Election Commission Assistant Spokesperson Kul Bahadur GC stated that the E-Monitor Plus tool is tracking these “invisible” dollar expenses to ensure they remain within legal spending limits. The commission warned that buying fake likes or comments through bots is a violation of the election code of conduct and may result in penalties.

Recruitment of 149,090 Election Police Gains Momentum

Selection for the temporary Election Police has been completed in 61 districts for March 5. Police Spokesperson DIG Abi Narayan Kafle stated that 211,727 applications were received nationwide. The Nepal Police will recruit 133,980 personnel, while the Armed Police Force will hire 15,110 for the first time. Training is scheduled to begin on January 29, with field deployment starting February 8. The Ministry of Finance has secured Rs 7.13 billion for this recruitment. All applicants underwent Criminal Record System (CRS) checks to ensure no individuals with criminal backgrounds are hired.

Temporary Election Police Selection Completed in 61 Districts

Nepal Police have completed the selection of temporary election police in 61 districts for the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5. A total of 211,727 people applied nationwide. According to Police Headquarters, results have been published in districts where applications met the required numbers. In the remaining 16 districts, where applications were fewer than needed, a fresh call was issued, and the results of written and oral exams are being published today. Selected personnel will begin training tomorrow. After 10 days of training, they will be deployed to polling stations starting February 8. For this election, 133,980 temporary election police will be recruited in total. This includes 15,110 personnel to be recruited by the Armed Police Force for the first time.

Gen Z Activist Ajay Sodari Hospitalized After 9-Day Fast

Gen Z activist Ajay Sodari was rushed to Bir Hospital on Wednesday afternoon after his health deteriorated during a nine-day hunger strike at Maitighar Mandala. Sodari, a member of the “Gari Khan Deu” group led by Miraj Dhungana, is demanding the cancellation of current election activities and the formation of an all-party government. His six-point demand includes the release of Gen Z prisoners, an investigation into corruption, and voting rights for Nepalis abroad. Fellow activist Prakash Sharma stated that despite the critical condition of the protester, authorities have yet to address the demands for constitutional rewriting and a directly elected prime minister.

Finance Minister Pledges to Exit FATF Grey List by 2027

On National Anti-Money Laundering Day, Finance Minister Rameshore Prasad Khanal emphasized the need for Nepal to exit the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) “grey list” within the next year. Speaking on Wednesday, he noted that while the Asia Pacific Group set a January 2027 deadline, Nepal aims to complete all reforms by late 2026. To ensure transparency, a mandatory banking channel for transactions above Rs 500,000 was implemented on January 15. Minister Khanal urged effective property seizure and stronger investigations to restore international trust in Nepal’s financial and capital markets.

Gagan Thapa Pledges Five Years of Service to Madhesh

Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa declared on Wednesday that the party will fully utilize the next five-year parliamentary term for economic progress and agricultural reform. Speaking at a campaign event in Sarlahi-4, where he is a candidate, Thapa acknowledged past shortcomings in providing proper representation and rights to the Madhesh region. He described Madhesh as the birthplace of the Nepali Congress and vowed to correct previous mistakes. Thapa emphasized that the party seeks strong support from all 32 constituencies in the province to ensure the next five years result in tangible improvements in health, education, and employment opportunities.

JSP Nepal Expels Pradeep Yadav and Seven Others

The Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP) Nepal expelled eight members, including former Minister for Water Supply Pradeep Yadav, on Wednesday. In a joint statement, Patron Mahantha Thakur and Chairman Upendra Yadav cited violations of party discipline and the official code of conduct as the reasons for the expulsion. The move follows reports of these members filing candidacies against official party nominees for the upcoming House of Representatives election. Pradeep Yadav, who previously resigned from the cabinet in 2025 following Gen Z protest deaths, recently joined the CPN (UML) to contest the polls from the Parsa-1 constituency.

President and Vice President Prepare for Overseas State Visits

President Ram Chandra Paudel and Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav are preparing for foreign visits ahead of the March 5 elections. President Paudel is scheduled to depart for a four-day official visit to Japan on February 1 to mark the 70th anniversary of Nepal-Japan diplomatic relations. Following his return, Vice President Yadav will travel to the UAE for the World Government Summit, held from February 3 to February 5. Due to the constitutional protocol that both leaders should not be abroad simultaneously, the president’s itinerary was shortened to accommodate the vice president’s fixed international commitment.

2,766 Temporary Election Police to Be Deployed in Chitwan

A total of 2,766 temporary election police personnel will be deployed in Chitwan district for the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5. According to Police Spokesperson and Deputy Superintendent of Police Rabindra Khanal, 3,350 people applied, and 2,940 names, including 174 alternates, were shortlisted after written and interview exams. Of those selected, 2,441 are from Nepal Police and 325 from the Armed Police Force Nepal. Training will begin on February 1 at the District Police Office and designated area police offices and posts. Deployment will start on February 8, and personnel will be released on March 9 after completing one month of duty.

Security Plan Implemented for 431,687 Voters in Dang

Dang district has finalized its Integrated Security Plan 2026 to manage 159 polling stations for the upcoming parliamentary elections. Chief District Officer Bishwa Prakash Aryal classified 16 stations as “highly sensitive” and 134 as “sensitive.” A total of 5,177 security personnel, including 2,415 Election Police, 1,381 Nepal Police, and 609 Army troops, will be deployed. Police Chief Deepak Kumar Shrestha confirmed that a district command post is active to monitor social media for misinformation. The plan focuses on three phases: pre-poll, polling day, and post-election security, specifically considering the post-Gen Z protest environment for the district’s 431,687 voters.

Border Surveillance Tightened After Nipah Virus Outbreak

Koshi Province has increased health surveillance at border points with India following confirmed Nipah virus cases in West Bengal. Strict screening at Kakarbhitta, Pasupatinagar, Jogbani, and Bhantabari. Jhapa District Administration, led by CDO Shivaram Gelal, established temporary health desks to monitor passengers from India for symptoms like fever and respiratory distress. While no cases have been detected in Nepal, officials are prioritizing awareness because the virus, often spread by bats and pigs, has no specific vaccine. High-risk individuals will be referred to Provincial Hospital Bhadrapur or placed in home isolation.

Civil Society Groups Submit 13-Point Manifesto Suggestion

A coalition of 16 organizations, led by the NGO Federation of Nepal, released a 24-page suggestion letter for political parties ahead of the March 5 elections. During a press conference in Kathmandu on Wednesday, Federation Chairman Arjun Bhattrai urged parties to include citizen concerns regarding rights, accountability, and the Gen Z uprising in their manifestos. The “Citizen Appeal Letter 2082” highlights 13 key areas, including climate justice, economic growth, and ending discrimination. The coalition, including the Federation of Nepali Journalists and the National Federation of the Disabled, demands that the upcoming election serve as a decisive turn for implementing the 2015 Constitution.

Corruption Case Filed Against Bitthadchir Officials in Bajhang

The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) filed a corruption case at the Special Court on Wednesday against five individuals, including former officiating Chief Administrative Officer Ramesh Bahadur Bista. The case involves embezzlement worth Rs 2.6 million during the construction of a building at Sunkuda Secondary School in Bitthadchir Rural Municipality-9, Bajhang. According to CIAA Spokesperson Suresh Neupane, the accused submitted fake bills and inflated work evaluations. Other defendants include School Management Committee Chairman Ramesh Bahadur Adhikari, Principal Dhan Bahadur Bista, Accountant Harka Bahadur Bista, and Sub-engineer Kiran Bhandari.

Trailer of Anna Sharma’s ‘Rammita Koo Pirati’ Out Today

The trailer for the film Rammita Koo Pirati, the directorial debut of Sudipta, was launched during an event in Kathmandu on Wednesday. The movie, scheduled for release on February 6, features Anna Sharma and marks the acting debut of singer Samir Shrestha. Produced by Sero Films, the cast includes Dheeraj Magar, Binay Shrestha, and Gaumaya Gurung. The musical score features contributions from Sushant KC, Mahesh Kafle, and Asmita Adhikari. Director Sudipta described the film as a story of love and separation rather than a conventional romance, focusing on the emotional journey of the character Rammita.

Indian Actor Rohit Choudhary Joins Nikhil Upreti’s ‘Acharya’

Indian television actor Rohit Choudhary is set to make his Nepali film debut in the movie Acharya, directed by Nikhil Upreti. Production Manager Shankar Pandey confirmed that Choudhary, known for popular series like Kumkum Bhagya and Brahmarakshas, has been filming in Nepal for the past week. The film features Nikhil Upreti in the lead role alongside Pramod Agrahari and Kameshwor Chaurasiya. Produced by Sanchita Luitel, who is also debuting as a choreographer for a song in both Nepali and Hindi versions, the project is generating significant interest. Choudhary will play a pivotal role in this cross-border production.

Ice Climbing Training Begins in Manang

The Nepal Tourism Board, in collaboration with the Nepal Mountaineering Instructors Association (NMIA), launched the 7th Ice Climbing Level-1 training in Humde, Manang. Running from January 27 to February 5, the session follows a theoretical orientation held in Kathmandu on January 23. Thirty-six participants are being trained by 11 experienced instructors on technical skills, including the use of ice axes, crampons, and rescue procedures. Senior Director Hikmat Singh Ayer stated the program aims to promote international safety standards. Successful graduates will receive internationally recognized certifications, enhancing their professional credibility in the global mountaineering industry.

APF Club Leads ANFA National League Table

Nepal APF Club climbed to the top of the ANFA National League standings after defeating Jawalakhel Youth Club 2-1 on Wednesday. During the match at Satdobato, Samir Raj Thokar scored both goals for APF, while Dharbendra Kunwar scored a consolation goal for Jawalakhel. APF remains undefeated with 12 points from four matches, leading Laligurans Association, which holds 10 points. The tournament features 13 “A” Division teams and four provincial clubs, including Chitlang FC and Kankrebihar Youth Club. The winner of the league will be awarded a prize of Rs 5 million.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar Killed in Plane Crash

Ajit Pawar, deputy chief minister of India’s Maharashtra state, was killed in a plane crash on Wednesday along with four others. The Learjet crash-landed at Baramati airport while Pawar was traveling from Mumbai ahead of local elections. Authorities said no one survived, and an investigation into the cause is underway. A powerful political figure known as “Dada,” Pawar played a central role in Maharashtra politics for decades and governed in coalition with India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and leaders across parties expressed shock as the state announced three days of mourning.

South Korea’s Former First Lady Jailed in Bribery Case

Kim Keon Hee, the wife of South Korea’s ousted former president Yoon Suk Yeol, has been sentenced to 20 months in prison for accepting bribes linked to the Unification Church. A Seoul court cleared her of stock manipulation and election-related charges but ruled she abused her position for personal gain. Yoon is already serving a five-year sentence over abuse of power tied to his failed martial law attempt. This marks the first time in South Korea’s history that both members of a former presidential couple have been convicted simultaneously. Kim said she accepted the court’s decision and apologized.

Amazon to Cut 16,000 Jobs Globally Following Internal Email Error

Amazon, the e-commerce company, has confirmed it will cut 16,000 jobs worldwide as part of a renewed cost-cutting drive, following an internal email about layoffs that was mistakenly sent and then withdrawn. The reductions will affect staff in the US, Canada, and Costa Rica and are aimed at removing management layers and bureaucracy. Amazon said the move follows unfinished restructuring from last year, when it announced 14,000 job cuts. The company has now shed tens of thousands of roles since 2022 as CEO Andy Jassy pushes stricter workplace rules and cost controls amid a wider tech industry slowdown.