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 Completes Printing of 3 Million FPTP Ballots for 25 Districts

The Election Commission (EC) has completed the printing of 3 million first-past-the-post (FPTP), or direct election, ballot papers for the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 21. According to Election Commission spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai, the ballots were printed for 25 districts. Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Bhattarai said the printing work for the FPTP system in these districts has been fully completed. He added that around 17 million ballot papers are still left to be printed. The Commission is currently printing between 1.2 million and 1.5 million ballots per day to meet the election deadline. The Election Commission has been accelerating the printing process to ensure timely distribution of ballot papers ahead of the polls.

Over 20 Million PR Ballots Printed

The Election Commission announced on Sunday that it has completed printing 20.8 million ballot papers for the Proportional Representation (PR) category of the March 5 election. Spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai informed the press that printing for the first-past-the-post (FPTP) category is also underway, with 25 districts already completed. As of Saturday evening, 3 million FPTP ballots had been printed. The commission is fast-tracking the process to ensure all materials are ready for the upcoming parliamentary polls.

Supreme Court Bans Publishing Citizenship Numbers in Results

The Supreme Court has issued a mandamus order to the Department of Transport Management to stop publishing the citizenship numbers of candidates in driving license results. A joint bench of Justices Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma and Meghraj Pokharel ruled that such disclosure violates the Right to Privacy guaranteed by the Privacy Act 2018. The case was filed by law student Bivek Chaudhary, who argued that exposing sensitive data risks identity theft and cybercrime. The court clarified that according to the Driving License Examination Guidelines 2021, only names and roll numbers should be made public.

Govt. Expresses Gratitude to UAE for pardoning 267 Nepali citizens

The Government of Nepal has expressed sincere gratitude to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for granting a generous pardon to 267 Nepali inmates on the occasion of the UAE’s 54th National Day. Nepal sees the pardon as a symbol of friendship, goodwill, and cordiality in the existing bilateral relations between the two countries. The decision came in response to repeated requests from the Embassy of Nepal in Abu Dhabi, following instructions from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. According to the press release, the pardoned Nepali citizens, provided they have no other pending legal cases or restrictions, can return home after completing the necessary legal procedures under UAE law.

Police to Borrow 2,800 Pistols from Army for March 5 polls

The Nepal Police has requested to borrow 2,800 pistols from the Army to ensure security during the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5. According to Police Headquarters in Naxal, the weapons were requested from the Military Headquarters (Jungi Adda) with the understanding that they will be returned after the elections. The Army has approved the request, and the pistols will be distributed to provinces as needed. Nepal Police previously borrowed weapons from the Army during the November 2022 House of Representatives and Provincial Assembly elections, as well as during the 2022 local elections, including Chinese pistols, for election security purposes.

7 Arrested for Using Fake Documents for US DV Lottery

The Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office has arrested seven individuals for forging academic certificates to apply for the US Diversity Visa (DV). The investigation began after 19-year-old Kiran Singh Thakuri submitted a fake Grade 12 certificate to the US Embassy, which was later flagged by the National Examination Board. Other arrested accomplices include Anil Sharma, Laxman Basnet, and Keshav Phuyal. Police SP Rameshwar Karki of the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office stated that the suspects, arrested between January 29 and 30, have been sent to the Bhadrakali police station for prosecution under document forgery laws.

Corruption Case Filed Against 8 Over Rs 465 Million Clinker Scam

The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed a corruption case at the Special Court against eight officials of Udaipur Cement Industry. The charges involve the embezzlement of 38,769 metric tons of clinker worth Rs 465.2 million. Former General Managers Surendra Kumar Paudel and Mahesh Prasad Kafil face claims of Rs 124.7 million each. Investigation revealed that officials colluded to record higher clinker stocks on paper than what physically existed between 2017 and January 2021. Other accused include division heads Sanjay Kumar Lal and Hari Prasad Adhikari.

Bhaktapur Juvenile Home Transfers 75 Inmates to Nuwakot

Following a cabinet decision on December 18, 2025, the government has transferred 75 juvenile inmates from the Bhaktapur Juvenile Correction Home to the Nuwakot Central Prison. The transfer specifically targets inmates who have reached the age of 18. The District Security Committee, chaired by the Chief District Officer of Bhaktapur, approved the move on January 23. Although 76 transfers were authorized, one inmate remained behind due to illness. Officials stated that another 67 individuals currently at the correction facility are being prepared for similar transfers in the near future.

Journalist Dinesh Sitaula Passes Away at 45

Journalist Dinesh Sitaula has passed away after falling unconscious while in Achham during an election-related journey alongside Rastriya Swatantra Party leader Balendra Shah. Sitaula was airlifted to Kathmandu for treatment, where he died on Sunday at 12:45 pm. Doctors at Grande Hospital confirmed his death, stating that he was on ventilator support at the time. A 45-year-old resident of Tokha, Kathmandu, Sitaula was unmarried and had long been active in journalism related to cinema and culture. He was a former president of the Film Journalists Association, Nepal, and played a key role in promoting hundreds of Nepali films. He also served as the editor and chairperson of the online portal The Cinema Times.

149,090 Election Police Personnel Selected for March 5 Polls

A total of 149,090 special election police have been selected for the upcoming March 5 parliamentary elections. This force includes 133,980 personnel under Nepal Police and 15,110 under the Armed Police Force (APF). Training for the 40-day service period began on Sunday. Each recruit will receive a total salary of Rs 34,000, calculated at Rs 869.40 per day, along with a ration allowance and a one-time transport fee of Rs 846. The 10-day training covers basic security protocols and public conduct. The government has allocated approximately Rs 10.393 billion for election security management.

Nepal Welcomes 92,573 Tourists in a Month

Tourist arrivals in Nepal grew by 15.7 percent in January, with a total of 92,573 visitors. According to the Nepal Tourism Board, India remained the largest source market with 26,624 tourists. Other top contributing countries included China with 9,101, the USA with 8,406, Bangladesh with 5,814, and Australia with 4,957. Regional data shows that 39.3 percent of arrivals were from SAARC nations, while 26.1 percent came from other Asian countries. Europeans accounted for 12.3 percent, followed by Americans at 10.8 percent and Oceania at 5.7 percent.

Cancer Treatment Services Expand to Rapti Academy

The Rapti Academy of Health Sciences has signed an agreement with the BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital to begin cancer treatment services in Dang. The deal, signed by Acting Vice-Chancellor Shyam Lamsal and Executive Director Dr. Shivaji Paudel, facilitates the exchange of specialized medical personnel. Previously, residents of the Rapti zone and western Nepal had to travel to Chitwan or Kathmandu for expensive oncology care. This collaboration aims to provide local access to cancer treatment, significantly reducing travel time and costs for patients in the region.

Health Alert in Banke as One Local Unit Detects 52 TB Patients

Banke district continues to face a high risk of tuberculosis (TB) after 52 new cases were identified in a single local unit over the past six months. According to the health unit of Khajura Rural Municipality, all confirmed patients are currently receiving free treatment through health facilities under its jurisdiction. Ward No. 8 reported the highest number of cases with 14 patients, while Ward Nos. 1 and 6 recorded none. Other wards reported six cases in Ward No. 2, 12 in Ward No. 3, five each in Ward Nos. 4 and 5, and 10 in Ward No. 7. The District Administration Office, Banke, has classified the area as extremely vulnerable, warning that one TB patient can infect 10 to 15 others. Authorities have urged community vigilance, early detection, and strict adherence to treatment, emphasizing that TB should not be concealed and that free testing and care are readily available.

Ministry Requests Census of Environment Inspectors Across Nepal

The Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration has issued a circular to all local levels requesting details on active environment inspectors. Following a request from the Ministry of Forests and Environment, the census seeks to identify the current number of inspectors at the federal, provincial, and local levels. The data will help determine if the existing workforce is sufficient to address national environmental regulations and protection tasks. The Department of Environment aims to use this information to fill vacant positions and ensure that all municipalities have adequate personnel to monitor environmental conservation efforts effectively.

Map Errors Delay Rs 4.805 Billion Nagdhunga-Malekhu Road

The upgrade of the 38.86-kilometer Nagdhunga-Malekhu section of the Prithvi Highway has reached only 37.5 percent completion despite the three-year contract ending in December 2025. A 183-day extension was granted after incorrect design data led to mapping discrepancies. Handled by Sharma-ZICG for Rs 4.805 billion, the World Bank-funded project involves building six-lane and four-lane sections. Engineer Bijay Darai reported that while 9 kilometers are blacktopped, issues like shifting utility poles and high traffic continue to hinder the 150 workers currently on-site.

Paul Shah Connects with Fans as ‘Aa Bata Aama’ Gains Momentum

The film Aa Bata Aama, released on Friday, has begun its box office run on a strong note, receiving encouraging feedback from audiences. Buoyed by the positive response, the production team and cast have been visiting cinema halls across the Kathmandu Valley to interact with viewers and gather direct feedback. On Saturday, actors Paul Shah, Bipana Thapa, Usha Upreti, and Bollywood actor Pradeep Ram Singh Rawat visited Ashtanarayan Cinema Hall in Balaju, where they engaged with audiences and posed for photographs. Fans showed particular enthusiasm in taking selfies with Paul Shah and Rawat. Directed by Chandra Panta, the film portrays an emotional story centered on the bond between a mother and her son.

7th Nepal Cultural International Film Festival Begins

The Nepal Culture and Film Center has inaugurated the 7th Nepal Cultural International Film Festival in Kathmandu. Running until today, the event features 85 films from 39 countries, including categories for documentaries, animations, and human rights. Eight international delegates from countries like France, the USA, and Israel attended the opening ceremony. Screenings are being held at the Film Development Board in Chabahil, the Nepal Tourism Board in Bhrikutimandap, and the Nepal Police Club. The festival showcases diverse cultural performances alongside global cinema.

Filming Completes for Jitu Nepal’s ‘I am Jit Bahadur’

The production of the movie I am Jit Bahadur wrapped up. Starring and produced by comedian Jitu Nepal, the film completed its shooting in just 15 days. Directed by Subhendu Ghosh, the story is reportedly inspired by Jitu Nepal’s own life struggles and success in the Nepali entertainment industry. The cast features prominent actors including Priyanka Karki, Barsha Raut, Niti Shah, and Aryan Sigdel. Following the final scene in Kathmandu, the film will now enter the post-production phase before its official release.

National Rafting and Canoeing Championships Begin in Trishuli

The 9th National Rafting and 14th National Canoeing Slalom Championship commenced Sunday in the Trishuli River at Phisling, Chitwan. Organized by the Nepal Rafting and Canoeing Association (NRCA), the event features 51 athletes. NRCA President Rajiv Shrestha stated that the top five performers in canoeing will qualify for the first-round selection for the Asian Games in Japan this September. Winners in the rafting category will receive prizes of Rs 65,000, Rs 35,000, and Rs 25,000, while canoeing winners will be awarded Rs 25,000, Rs 15,000, and Rs 7,500.

Tribhuvan Army and Planning Boys United Secure National League Wins

In the ongoing National League in Kathmandu, Tribhuvan Army Club defeated Shree Bhagwati Club 3-1 at Dasharath Stadium on Sunday. Gillespye Jung Karki scored one goal, while Navayug Shrestha netted two, bringing Army to 11 points from 5 matches. In another match at the ANFA Complex, Planning Boys United beat Kankre Bihar Club 3-0 with goals from Babin Bohora, Roman Bhujel, and Heman Limbu. This victory placed Planning Boys United at 10 points from 5 games, while Kankre Bihar remains at 0 points after five consecutive losses.

Khamenei Warns US Against War as Tensions Rise in Gulf Region

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has warned that any US attack would trigger a wider regional conflict, as Washington increases its military presence near Iran. The United States has deployed an aircraft carrier to the region, while Iran plans naval drills in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route. Both sides exchanged sharp rhetoric over military activity and nuclear concerns. Meanwhile, recent explosions inside Iran, blamed by authorities on gas leaks, have heightened public anxiety. Tensions persist amid ongoing unrest and international pressure over Iran’s domestic and nuclear policies.

Deadly Wave of Attacks Rocks Pakistan’s Balochistan

A surge of gun and bomb attacks across Pakistan’s Balochistan province has left 31 civilians and 17 security personnel dead, according to provincial Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti. Security forces said at least 145 attackers were killed in counter-operations. The banned Balochistan Liberation Army claimed responsibility, calling it retaliation against the state. Attacks hit police posts, government offices, and public areas in multiple towns, prompting shutdowns of roads, rail services, and mobile networks. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowed to continue anti-terror operations. Balochistan has long faced unrest rooted in political grievances and disputes over resource control.

India Budget 2026 Focuses on Infrastructure, Manufacturing, Fiscal Discipline

India’s 2026-27 federal budget prioritizes higher infrastructure and defense spending while reinforcing fiscal restraint amid global uncertainty. Capital expenditure will rise by about 9 percent to INR 12.2 trillion, with major investments in roads, ports, railways, and defense. The government announced fresh pushes in semiconductors, rare earths, textiles, and data centers, including new industrial corridors and tax incentives. No new personal income tax cuts were announced. The fiscal deficit target has been lowered to 4.3 percent of GDP. Markets reacted negatively after a hike in securities transaction taxes.