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.

Nepal Celebrates National Democracy Day Today

Nepal celebrated National Democracy Day on Thursday, commemorating the 1951 revolution that ended the Rana regime. President Ram Chandra Paudel and Prime Minister Sushila Karki attended the main ceremony, where the Nepal Army performed a march past and cultural displays. The event honored the sacrifices of martyrs who fought for public sovereignty and a democratic system. High-ranking officials emphasized the importance of good governance and national prosperity. The celebration served as a reminder of the long struggle for freedom, aiming to inspire current leaders toward achieving sustainable peace and social justice across the country.

PM Commits to Safe Elections on Democracy Day

Prime Minister Sushila Karki addressed a special program marking the 76th National Democracy Day and Election Day on Thursday. She pledged that the government is utilizing its full strength to ensure a fair and peaceful election on March 5. The Prime Minister acknowledged the recent Gen Z youth movement, stating that the state must address the energy and moral concerns of the youth rather than suppressing them. She emphasized that the upcoming parliament must lead Nepal into a new era of democratic stability, ensuring justice and accountability for all citizens.

Seven Election Police Injured in Jumla Van Accident

Seven election police personnel were injured on Thursday when an electronic van crashed at Dhaulapani in Tatopani Rural Municipality-6, Jumla. The vehicle was traveling from Jumla Bazaar toward Nagma when the accident occurred. Chief District Officer Rabin Babu Regmi confirmed that all injured personnel were taken to the Karnali Academy of Health Sciences for treatment. Two of the victims are reported to be in critical condition. Authorities are still working to identify the injured individuals and investigate the cause of the crash. This incident highlights the safety risks faced by security forces deployed for election duties.

Local Units Mobilize 6,743 Volunteers for Voter Education

All 753 local units across Nepal have intensified voter education for the March 5 election. Between February 15 and March 1, the Election Commission deployed volunteers across 6,743 wards to demonstrate correct voting techniques. In Pathari Sanischare, Mayor Mohan Prasad Tumbapo noted that while the Gen Z protest damaged some government infrastructure, the municipality is prioritizing stable elections. Similarly, in Matihani and Shivapuri, local authorities are coordinating logistics and security housing to ensure a peaceful atmosphere and reduce the number of invalid votes.

Armed Police Force Deploys 1,600 Personnel for Elections

The Armed Police Force Headquarters in Halchowk deployed 1,600 personnel to various districts for election security. This mobilization aims to secure the House of Representatives elections scheduled for March 5. All security agencies have begun shifting personnel from the Kathmandu Valley to outer districts to ensure a safe voting environment. This strategic deployment is part of a nationwide effort to strengthen security coordination and protect polling stations as the election date approaches.

Home Minister Inspects Polling Stations in Kathmandu

Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal inspected polling stations in Kathmandu constituencies 3 and 5 on Wednesday to ensure preparations for the March 5 election. Accompanied by Home Secretary Raj Kumar Shrestha and Chief District Officer Ishwar Raj Paudel, the minister visited schools in Sundarijal, Gokarneshwar, and Tokha. Minister Aryal instructed election officers to stay alert against misinformation on social media and promised a fair, fearless, and peaceful voting environment. The inspection team reviewed logistical arrangements at the Gokarneshwar and Saraswati secondary schools to guarantee that all security protocols are strictly followed.

RSP Unveils 100-Point Commitment Letter

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) released a 100-point commitment letter in Surkhet, Karnali Province. The document prioritizes good governance, transparency, and digital transformation in public services. RSP leaders emphasized creating employment, promoting local agriculture, and launching special infrastructure projects tailored for Karnali. The party also pledged to establish a monitoring mechanism with specific timelines to ensure these promises are fulfilled. By focusing on entrepreneurship and anti-corruption measures, the RSP aims to offer a different political style compared to traditional practices, specifically targeting the youth and marginalized communities in the region.

Kathmandu Valley Mayors to Share Waste Management Costs

The 13th meeting of the Kathmandu Valley Mayors Forum decided that all 18 local units will now share the financial and managerial burden of waste management. Previously, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) bore the entire cost of the Bancharedanda Landfill Site. Acting Mayor Sunita Dangol and Forum Chair Chiribabu Maharjan announced that future costs will be based on the volume of waste produced by each local level. Additionally, the forum approved a master plan for a cycle lane connecting Shivapuri to Godavari and agreed to collaborate with the federal government on a Metro Rail system.

Spy Cameras Installed in Mustang to Curb Poaching

The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) in Jomsom installed online spy cameras and offline cameras in the Marpha forest of Mustang to prevent illegal hunting. Ranger Deepak Oli explained that poachers often target wildlife like the blue sheep and birds during the snowy winter when animals move to lower areas for food. Authorities recently destroyed 7 wire traps for blue sheep and 3 for birds. The cameras will also help monitor human-wildlife conflict, as leopards have been attacking local livestock. Currently, over 100 cameras are active in Upper Mustang to protect rare species like the snow leopard.

Actress Niti Shah Celebrated Pre-Wedding Party with Other Celebs

Actress Niti Shah is set to marry Yachit Rana on Friday following a week of traditional wedding festivities. On Wednesday night, the couple hosted a celebratory banquet at Trisara Restaurant in Durbarmarg, Kathmandu, for close friends and celebrities from the film, music, and modeling industries. The event featured 25 performances, including dances by Niti’s co-actors Paul Shah and Benisha Hamal. Former Miss Nepal Ashma Kumari KC hosted the party, which lasted until midnight. The ceremony marks a high-profile union within the Nepali entertainment sector, drawing significant attention from the media and fans.

Film ‘Jhari Pachhi Koo Indreni’ Released On YouTube

The film Jhari Pachhi Koo Indreni, directed by Arjun Ghimire, was released on YouTube this Thursday via Balen Shah’s official channel. The digital release comes just two months after its theatrical debut on December 19, 2025. The movie features a cast including Ganesh Upreti, Deepa Shree Niraula, and Priyana Acharya. The story focuses on the struggles of the youth against corruption and social irregularities. Despite its recent departure from cinema halls, the production team expects a strong digital reception due to the film’s positive word-of-mouth regarding its portrayal of contemporary social issues and systemic challenges in Nepal.

ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Super-8 Teams Confirmed

The eight teams for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Super-8 stage have been finalized. From Group A, India and Pakistan advanced, while Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe moved on from Group B. Group C sees the West Indies and England progressing, and South Africa and New Zealand qualified from Group D. Nations like Ireland, Australia, Afghanistan, and Nepal have been eliminated. The Super-8 matches begin this Saturday, featuring two groups of four. The first match will be between New Zealand and Pakistan, leading up to the final on March 8.

Nepal-Portugal Consultation Mechanism to Meet in Lisbon

The first meeting of the Nepal-Portugal Bilateral Consultation Mechanism will take place in Lisbon this Friday. Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai is leading the Nepali delegation to review bilateral relations and regional cooperation. During the visit, Secretary Rai will officially inaugurate the newly established Embassy of Nepal in Portugal and meet with the local Nepali community, which currently exceeds 40,000 residents. The delegation, including Ambassador Prakash Mani Paudel, will also discuss shared interests with Portuguese officials before returning to Nepal on Sunday. This mechanism was established in 2018 to strengthen diplomatic ties.

Nepal Deploys Extra Staff to Handle Spain Application Surge

The Embassy of Nepal in Madrid, Spain, received nearly 5,000 passport applications in February after the Spanish government announced a legalization process for undocumented immigrants. Acting Ambassador Purak Adhikari estimated that this surge will generate over Rs 100 million in revenue. To manage the load, a two-member team from the Department of Passports in Kathmandu will provide services from February 21 to March 1. The embassy is processing up to 400 applicants daily at its Madrid premises to ensure Nepalis meet the April deadline for legal status.

Former South Korean President Yoon Sentenced to Life

A South Korean court has sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to life imprisonment after convicting him of abuse of authority and leading an insurrection tied to his brief December 2024 martial law declaration. Prosecutors had sought the death penalty. The court found his actions undermined democratic institutions, including parliament and the election body. Martial law lasted about six hours before lawmakers overturned it amid mass protests. Yoon, 65, denies wrongdoing and plans to appeal. Already serving a separate five-year sentence in another case, he remains in detention as additional trials continue.