T20 World Cup: Nepal lose to England by four runs
Nepal lost to England in the opening match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup played at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. .
Nepal lost to the twice World Cup winner by four runs. Losing the game with a narrow margin, Nepal missed the opportunity to set a record in Nepal's cricket history.
Chasing the target of 185 runs, Nepal managed to score 180 runs in 20 overs by losing six wickets.
For Nepal, Deependra Singh Airi contributed the highest 44 runs with six fours and a six.
Likewise, Captain Rohit Poudel and Lokesh Bam made 39 runs while Kushal Bhurtel gathered 29 runs.
As Arif Sheikh made 10 runs, the other batters could not contribute the runs in double digits.
Ashif Sheikh made seven runs and Gulsan Jha was out in one run.
Winning the toss, England chose to bat first and made 184 runs in 20 overs by losing seven wickets.
England's Liam Dawson took two wickets.
For bowling, Deependra Singh Airi and Nandan Yadav took two wickets each while Sher Malla and Sandeep Lamichhane took one each.
This is Nepal's third participation in the T20 World Cup. Nepal were eliminated in the group stage in the previous two World Cups, including in the previous edition held in 2024 in USA/West Indies.
This is the first time that Nepal are playing against England.
Nepal are ranked 16th in the T20 rankings, while England is ranked third.
Nepal are in Group 'C' of the tournament along with England, the West Indies, Italy and Scotland.
Nepal are scheduled to face Italy in its second game on February 12.
Nepse plunges by 10. 24 points on Sunday
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) plunged by 10. 24 points to close at 2, 698. 45 points on Sunday.
Similarly, the sensitive index dropped by 0. 79 points to close at 459. 68 points.
A total of 26,236,204-unit shares of 330 companies were traded for Rs 1. 54 billion.
Meanwhile, Super Mai Hydropower Limited (SMH) was the top gainer today with its price surging by 10. 00 percent.
Likewise, Kalimchowk Darshan Limited (KDL) was the top loser as their price fell by 8. 91 percent.
At the end of the day, the total market capitalization stood at Rs 4. 53 trillion.
Milan sees protest during Olympic time
Six people were arrested in Milan after clashes between police and protesters on the first day of the Winter Olympics. AP wrote that thousands marched over issues like the cost of living, with some throwing flares and stones. Police responded with water cannon.
The protests follow new security laws after violent demonstrations in Turin last weekend. Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini called those involved in Milan “criminals” and praised the strengthened police powers.
According to AP, officials also reported suspected sabotage on northern Italy’s railways. Fires, severed cables, and a small explosive device disrupted travel near Bologna, Venice, and Pesaro. Services have since returned to normal.Organizers and protesters highlighted concerns over the cost and environmental impact of the Games. Despite the disruptions, authorities said to AP, Italy’s image and the Olympics’ success remain intact.
Kathmandu Valley's air quality reaches 'unhealthy level'
The air quality of Kathmandu Valley worsened on Sunday and reached an 'unhealthy level'.
As per the Air Quality Index (AQI), air pollution level of the Kathmandu Valley has reached an unhealthy level with 175 this afternoon.
Kathmandu ranked the seventh among the most polluted cities in the world today. Cairo has been listed in the top rank of the most polluted cities during the period with 273 AQI.
Director General of the Department of Environment, Gyan Raj Subedi, shared that dry weather, operation of factories and industries and speedy development construction are reasons behind the air pollution, adding there is possibility of more air pollution until rainfall occurs.
Bodies concerned have been suggested to lay emphasis on environment-friendly development, he underlined.
Disaster Management Expert Dr Dharma Raj Upreti said air quality from 0-50 AQI (green sign) is categorized good while 51-100 AQI (yellow signal) moderate, 101-150 AQI unhealthy for sensitive group, 151-200 AQI unhealthy, 201-300 AQI very unhealthy and above 301 AQI hazardous.
As per the Air Quality Management Procedure, 2076 for Kathmandu Valley, the government has made provision to consider a situation where AQI exceeds above 300 as a disaster.
Netanyahu to meet Trump on Wednesday
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet US President Donald Trump in Washington on Wednesday to discuss talks with Iran. AP wrote, Netanyahu emphasized that any negotiations must address Iran’s ballistic missiles and support for militant groups.
The US and Iran held indirect nuclear talks in Oman on Friday. For the first time, the US included its top military commander in the Middle East. Iran signaled the talks concluded for now, while stressing nuclear issues must be discussed calmly, without threats.
AP reported that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that if the US attacks, Tehran would retaliate against American bases in the region. He said missile and defense matters are "in no way negotiable."
Thailand holds early election on Sunday
Voters in Thailand cast ballots Sunday in an early general election. The race is seen as a three-way contest among progressive, populist and traditional power-based politics, AP reported. More than 50 parties are competing, but only three are major contenders.
According to AP, analysts say it may struggle to form a government due to opposition from rival parties. Its reform-focused agenda appeals to young and urban voters. The Bhumjaithai Party, led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, is backed by royalist and military-aligned groups. It campaigns on national security and economic support. The party has strong grassroots networks in rural areas.
The Pheu Thai Party, linked to former leader Thaksin Shinawatra, focuses on economic revival and populist promises. Voters also took part in a referendum on whether to begin drafting a new constitution. Results are expected to shape Thailand’s political future.
Simple gestures are enough for romance
Romance on Valentine’s Day does not need expensive gifts or grand plans, relationship experts write to AP. Small, thoughtful actions often matter more than chocolates or fancy dinners. Simple kindness helps couples feel closer.
Therapists say romance looks different for everyone. For some, it is holding hands or helping with daily tasks. For others, it is a funny message or coffee in bed. What matters is showing care in ways a partner values.
Experts also added that romance changes over time. Busy schedules, work, and family responsibilities affect how couples connect. Regular effort, like date nights and honest communication, helps keep relationships strong. According to AP, taking pressure off Valentine’s Day is key. Love does not need to be perfect or spontaneous. Consistent, small gestures throughout the year often mean the most.
Power cuts hit Kyiv businesses
Before dawn in Kyiv’s Podil district, bakeries and cafés struggle to work as power cuts hit again and again. According to AP, Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid have forced businesses to rely on generators.
For small businesses, generators are costly and exhausting to run. Fuel expenses are high and schedules are unpredictable. Owners say it is now impossible to operate without backup power, especially during the harsh winter, AP reported.
According to the report, restaurants and cafés are among the hardest hit. Some have been forced to close temporarily due to lack of electricity, water, or heating. Many operate at a loss as customer numbers fall and costs rise. Despite the pressure, some businesses continue as community lifelines.







