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.

PM Karki Launches Digital Service System for Social Welfare Council

Prime Minister Susila Karki inaugurated the Social Welfare Council’s digital service delivery system during a ceremony in Lalitpur on Wednesday. The Prime Minister emphasized that this technology-friendly system will provide fast, efficient, and transparent services to social organizations. Karki highlighted that social service is a pillar of development and praised non-governmental organizations for their contributions to health, education, and poverty alleviation. The new digital portal is expected to create an integrated database of NGO performance and development assistance, making the monitoring and evaluation process more effective for the state and civil society.

Ballot Papers Reached 75 Districts for March 5 Elections

The Election Commission has successfully delivered election materials and ballot papers to 75 districts for the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5. Assistant Spokesperson Kul Bahadur GC confirmed that materials for both the ‘First Past the Post’ and ‘Proportional’ systems have reached all districts except Kathmandu and Bhaktapur. Supplies for these remaining two districts are scheduled for delivery on February 26. This logistical milestone ensures that almost all polling jurisdictions across the country are equipped well ahead of the nationwide voting day.

Police Arrest 42 Individuals for Violating Election Code of Conduct

Nepal Police have arrested 42 individuals across the country for attempting to boycott the March 5 election. DIG Abi Narayan Kafle stated that while most were released after warnings, 14 people remain in custody. High-profile detainees include Dharmendra Bastola and Bishnu Timalsina of the CPN (Bahumat) party. Meanwhile, campaign coordinators Durga Prasai and Rishi Kattel were released following Supreme Court orders on Wednesday. Security agencies have identified 12 groups, ranging from monarchists to radical communist factions like the Baigyanik Samajwadi Communist Party, as potential threats to the peaceful conduct of the upcoming national voting process.

Supreme Court Orders Immediate Release of Durga Prasai

The Supreme Court ordered the immediate release of Durga Prasai, coordinator of the Nation, Nationality, Religion, Culture, and Citizen Protection Campaign, on Wednesday. Prasai was arrested on February 16 after threatening a nationwide shutdown. Justices Manoj Kumar Sharma and Meghraj Pokharel ruled that his detention violated personal liberty and was not legally justified. The court noted that the police failed to provide valid reasons for the emergency arrest warrant. While Prasai was freed from the District Police Range Kathmandu on Wednesday, the court allowed authorities to continue their investigation into his activities through a bail or recognizance process.

Security Tightened in Jhapa-5

Security has been significantly increased in Jhapa Constituency 5 for the March 5 election, which features high-profile candidates like KP Sharma Oli and Balendra Shah. SP Basundhara Khadka stated that the number of security personnel has tripled to prevent clashes between supporters. A Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) has been deployed to lead security in each municipality, including Damak, Kamal, Gauradaha, and Gauriganj. The Central Security Committee has classified this area as ‘highly sensitive.’ Authorities are implementing a special strategy to ensure a peaceful voting environment despite the intense political competition in the region.

CIB Arrests 2 More in Fake Tourist Rescue Scams

The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) arrested two more individuals involved in a ‘fake rescue’ insurance fraud targeting foreign trekkers. Those detained are Sandeep Tiwari, 28, and Rajendra Bahadur Singh, 56, a former official of the Aviation Operators Association of Nepal. Companies like Mountain Rescue Service allegedly forged invoices and medical reports to claim insurance money for unnecessary helicopter evacuations. CIB spokesperson Shiva Kumar Shrestha stated that nine people, including hospital and airline operators, have been caught so far. The suspects face charges under the Criminal Code, 2017, for organized crime and harming national interests.

Police Rescue Hostage from Kathmandu, Arrest 3 Suspects

The Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office rescued Purna Bahadur Bohora yesterday after he was held hostage and assaulted at the Roadline Palace Hotel in Teku. Following a special tip-off, a police team led by SP Rameshwar Karki secured Bohora’s release and arrested three suspects: Phapendra Nyaupane from Surkhet, Shiva Bahadur Gharti from Kaski, and Dhanraj Basnet from Jumla. The arrested individuals have been transferred to the District Police Range Kathmandu for further investigation and legal action regarding the kidnapping and physical assault of the victim.

Transport Officer Arrested with Bribe in Hetauda

Amrit Bhetuwal, a sixth-level officer at the Transport Management Office in Hetauda, was arrested for accepting a bribe. The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) caught him and middleman Khagendra Paudel after they received Rs 11,500 from a service seeker for a vehicle transfer agreement. CIAA spokesperson Suresh Neupane confirmed that a team from the Hetauda office conducted the raid at the office premises in Ward No. 11. Authorities seized three mobile phones during the operation. Both individuals are currently in custody as the commission proceeds with a detailed investigation into the corruption case.

Gorkha Polling Station to Be Led Entirely by Women

The Chief Election Officer’s office in Gorkha has designated the City Hall polling station in Gorkha Municipality-7 as a ‘Model Booth’ to be managed entirely by women. Polling Officer Simran Kafle will lead a team of six female staff members, including Devi Kumari Sharma and Indira Baral. Security at the station will also be handled by female personnel under the command of a female assistant sub-inspector. Chief Election Officer Bishnu Prasad Gautam stated that this initiative aims to empower women and showcase their leadership in conducting peaceful elections. Across Gorkha, at least 1,992 staff have been deployed for the 333 polling booths.

Humla Polling Stations Face Snow Challenges for 34,372 Voters

In Humla, at least 15 out of 64 polling stations have fewer than 300 voters for the upcoming election, where a total of 34,372 citizens are registered. District Election Officer Bhim Bahadur Rokaya noted that the Banadev Basic School in Tajakot has the lowest turnout with only 54 voters. Chief Election Officer Nilkantha Baral reported that heavy snow at high-altitude stations like Yari and Nyalu has made access nearly impossible. Despite using excavators to clear paths, the extreme weather remains a significant hurdle. Conversely, Malika Secondary School in Kharpunath remains the largest station with 1,063 registered voters.

First Snowfall of Year Hits High Altitudes of Panchthar

The high-altitude regions of Panchthar bordering India experienced their first snowfall of the year on Tuesday afternoon, ending a long drought since mid-October 2025. Significant snow accumulated in tourist areas like Charrate, Phalot, and Timbu Pokhari. Local resident Bimal Gurung noted that the sudden weather shift has brought extreme cold to the region. The snowfall has significantly impacted the daily lives of Armed Police Force personnel stationed at Border Outposts (BOPs) in Chiwabhanjyang and Tinsemana. While the moisture is welcomed for agriculture, the dropping temperatures have created challenging conditions for security forces guarding the border.

6 Candidates in Jumla Fail to Open Mandatory Election Bank Accounts

Out of 10 candidates in Jumla, six have failed to open mandatory bank accounts despite the Election Commission’s directive for transparent spending. Only four candidates, including Shantilal Mahat of CPN (UML) and Naresh Bhandari of Nepali Communist Party, have submitted their account details. District Election Officer Dipendra Kandel warned that spending without a bank account is considered non-transparent and illegal. While candidates are permitted to spend up to Rs 3 million, many are conducting high-cost rallies and printing materials without utilizing the required banking channels. Additionally, six candidates have yet to submit their official election manifestos to the office.

Taplejung Candidates Required to Open Bank Accounts for Rs 3.3 Million Budget

In Taplejung, all 13 candidates contesting the House of Representatives election have opened dedicated bank accounts to manage their election expenses. According to Monitoring Officer Yamanath Giri, the Election Commission has mandated bank transactions for any election-related expenditure or donations exceeding Rs 25,000. The maximum spending limit for a candidate in Taplejung is set at Rs 3.3 million. Candidates from major parties, including Gajendra Prasad Tumyahang of Nepali Congress and Kshitij Thebe of CPN (UML) must ensure financial transparency by conducting all economic activities through these verified accounts to prevent illegal funding and maintain electoral integrity.

Dang border to Close for 72 Hours for Elections

The District Administration Office in Dang has announced the closure of all border points with India for 72 hours to ensure a peaceful election. Assistant Chief District Officer Sabitra Pun issued a notice stating that the border will be shut from midnight on March 2 until midnight on March 5. This measure aims to prevent illegal activities, unwanted movements, and security threats during the House of Representatives voting period. Authorities have urged residents and travelers to plan accordingly, as all cross-border transit will be strictly prohibited throughout the specified duration.

Banke Border to Shut for 3 Days Starting March 2

In a joint agreement between Nepal and Indian security officials, the 65-kilometer border in Banke will be fully closed for 72 hours starting midnight on March 2. Chief District Officer Dil Kumar Tamang stated that the Jamunaha crossing and all auxiliary points will remain shut until midnight on March 5. SP Angur GC noted that security patrols will be tripled to prevent illegal infiltration. Most polling stations in the border area are categorized as “highly sensitive,” and both nations have agreed to conduct joint patrols to ensure a fear-free election environment.

Kanchanpur Border to Close for 72 Hours for Elections

Assistant Chief District Officer Mohan Chandra Joshi announced that all border points in Kanchanpur shared with India will be closed for 72 hours starting midnight on March 2. The closure will last until midnight on March 5 to ensure the House of Representatives election is conducted in a secure environment. Furthermore, all non-essential vehicle movement will be prohibited from midnight on March 4. Exceptions will be made for ambulances, fire trucks, and diplomatic vehicles. This measure is intended to maintain peace and prevent any cross-border interference during the voting process.

Jhula Ghat Border to Close for 72 Hours from March 2

The Jhula Ghat border point in Baitadi, which connects Nepal with India, will be closed for 72 hours starting from midnight on March 2 until midnight on March 5. Chief District Officer Krishna Thapa stated that the closure is intended to ensure a free, fair, and fearless environment for the House of Representatives election. Security has been tightened along the 31-kilometer border area, with increased monitoring at various river crossings. Essential services may still pass through the border during this period, subject to mutual coordination between the two neighboring countries.

Panchthar Bans Drone Flights During Election Period

The District Administration Office in Panchthar has issued a public notice banning the use of drones to ensure security for the March 5 election. Chief District Officer Basudev Dahal clarified that even previously authorized drones are prohibited from flying within the district starting midnight on March 2 until the completion of voting. The administration cited security sensitivity as the primary reason for this restriction. All parties have been urged to strictly follow the directive, as unauthorized drone activity will be met with legal action to maintain a safe and orderly electoral process.

Govt. to Fund Medical Treatment for Injured Election Personnel

The federal government has decided to bear all medical treatment expenses for security personnel, including the police, temporary election police, and armed police force, who may be injured during the upcoming elections. Government Spokesperson and Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal announced the decision during a press briefing on Wednesday. Additionally, the cabinet meeting held on Tuesday concluded that the government will provide financial assistance and compensation to the dependent families of any security personnel who lose their lives while performing their duties during the electoral period.

Supreme Court Orders Filing of Rs 750 Million Compensation Lawsuit

The Supreme Court has issued a mandamus order allowing Ram Prabesh Sah of Sarlahi to file a Rs 750 million compensation lawsuit against Shahid Gangalal National Heart Center without paying the full court fee upfront. Sah alleged his daughter died due to a wrong blood transfusion. Lower courts had blocked the filing because he could not afford the Rs 7.5 million fee. Justices Hari Prasad Phuyal and Nityananda Pandey ruled that financial hardship should not bar access to justice. The court also directed the government to establish clear legal limits on court fees for the impoverished.

Kavre Police Order Loan Defaulters to Repay Troubled Cooperatives

The District Police Office in Kavrepalanchowk has issued a public notice demanding that 284 borrowers immediately repay their loans to two crisis-ridden cooperatives. Investigating Officer Ved Narayan Shrestha stated that 142 individuals from Mukul Saving and Credit and 142 from Pashupati Saving and Credit have failed to settle their debts. The police have given a five-day deadline for these borrowers to report to the office with a repayment plan. So far, 26 people have been arrested for embezzling depositors’ funds, while 67 other cooperative officials remain fugitives. Legal action will be taken against any debtors who ignore the summons.

Election Staff Training Underway in 167 Sunsari Polling Stations

District Election Officer Krishna Paudel announced that training for personnel assigned to 167 polling stations in Sunsari is currently being held at Sarada Secondary School in Inaruwa-5. The sessions focus on election security, crowd management, and voting procedures for the House of Representatives election on March 5. Training for staff across four constituencies began recently and is scheduled to conclude on Friday. This initiative aims to ensure that all officers are well-prepared to maintain a peaceful and orderly voting environment for the thousands of voters expected at the district’s stations.

Foreign Minister Meets Chinese and Maldivian Ambassadors

Foreign Minister Bala Nand Sharma held separate courtesy meetings with the ambassadors of China and the Maldives at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday. During the meeting with Chinese Ambassador Zhang Maoming, discussions focused on bilateral relations and mutual cooperation. Minister Sharma also met with the non-residential Ambassador of the Maldives, Aishath Azima, to deliberate on various aspects of two-way ties. Both ambassadors had presented their credentials to President Ram Chandra Paudel on Tuesday. These diplomatic dialogues aim to strengthen international partnerships ahead of the upcoming national elections.

Tiger Census to Begin in Shuklaphanta From March 7

The Shuklaphanta National Park is set to begin a tiger census on March 7, immediately following the general elections. Information Officer Purushottam Wagle stated that automatic cameras will be installed across the Shuklaphanta-Laljhadi-Jogbudha complex, which is divided into 260 grids of 2 by 2 kilometers. The previous 2022 census recorded 36 adult tigers in this area. Conservationists are optimistic about an increase in numbers due to the high prey density of 146 per square kilometer. The counting was delayed as park staff were mobilized for election duties scheduled for March 5.

Banke Achieves 92% Coverage in HPV Vaccination Campaign

The District Health Office in Banke successfully vaccinated 7,897 adolescent girls against cervical cancer during a campaign from February 8 to 23. Public Health Officer Gokarna Giri reported a 92% success rate against the target of 8,584 girls, including both students and those out of school. The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine was administered across municipalities, with Nepalgunj recording the highest count of 1,909 and Duduwa the lowest at 426. This initiative is crucial, as cervical cancer claims an average of four women’s lives daily in Nepal.

Senior Folk Singer Kamal BK Nirmohi Passes Away at 56

Renowned folk singer and artist Kamal BK Nirmohi passed away on Tuesday evening while undergoing treatment for kidney failure at Bheri Hospital. He was 56 years old. Nirmohi, who had been undergoing regular dialysis, was placed on a ventilator after losing consciousness on Saturday. His death follows the passing of his wife, Heramdevi BK, who also died of kidney disease on February 6. Born in Dang, he was a resident of Nepalgunj. His final rites were performed at Sidhaniyaghat on the Rapti River on Wednesday afternoon, attended by numerous artists and well-wishers.

Actress Roshni Karki Meets Sex Workers for Film ‘Lalima’

Actress Roshni Karki, who stars in the upcoming film Lalima releasing on March 13, revealed she met with at least 10 sex workers to prepare for her role. Karki plays a challenging character named Lalima and spent time understanding the mindset and lifestyle of women in the profession. She noted that most women she spoke with entered the trade due to financial desperation. By sharing these experiences, Karki hopes to provide an authentic portrayal of a hidden social reality. The film focuses on the psychological struggles of sex workers, aiming to give a voice to their often-ignored life stories.

2nd Janakpur International Film Festival Concludes with Awards

The second Janakpur International Film Festival, themed ‘Stories Beyond Borders: Where Culture Meets Cinema,’ concluded on Monday. Organized by the Samvad Foundation, the four-day event showcased over 65 national and international films. Major winners included David Casals-Roma’s Cops for Best Short Fiction and Sheikh Al Mamun’s Drained by Dreams for Best Feature Fiction. Coordinator Kumar Bhaskar emphasized that the festival aims to promote Janakpur’s religious and cultural identity globally. He urged local and federal governments to invest in film tourism infrastructure to preserve the historic city’s heritage through the medium of modern cinema.

Film Development Board Inaugurates National Film Museum

The Film Development Board officially launched the Nepali Film Museum on Tuesday to preserve the history and technology of domestic cinema. Inaugurated by Secretary Lakshmi Kumari Basnet, the event saw various artists and organizations donate historic artifacts. Notable contributions included a Red camera from Cine Focus, 152 posters from Music Nepal, and 704 posters from film enthusiast Khumraj Paudel. Cinematographer Purushottam Pradhan provided scripts for 63 films. Board Chairman Dinesh DC described the museum as a campaign to save the soul of Nepali cinema, aiming to develop it into a research center for future generations of filmmakers and students.

10th National Games Postponed Despite Budget Allocation

The 10th National Games, originally scheduled for February 13 to 19 in Surkhet, has been postponed until after the House of Representatives elections. The cabinet confirmed the delay on Tuesday, noting that a new date will be set later. Despite the postponement, the government has already allocated Rs 540 million for the event in the 2025/26 budget. The official mascot, a red panda, and the logo featuring the national flag have been unveiled. The National Sports Council has also launched an online portal for athlete registration for this biennial competition.

Laligurans Association Secures Top Spot in ANFA National League

Laligurans Association climbed to the top of the ANFA National League standings following a dominant 4-1 victory over Kankrebihar Club at Dasharath Stadium on Wednesday. This marks Laligurans’ fifth win in seven matches, bringing their total to 17 points. In contrast, Kankrebihar Club remains at the bottom with only one point after suffering its sixth defeat. The league features 13 competing teams, with the ultimate winner set to receive a prize of Rs 5 million. The tournament continues to showcase high-intensity football as teams vie for the prestigious title and the substantial cash reward.

Japan to Deploy Missiles Near Taiwan by 2031

Japan plans to station medium-range surface-to-air missiles on Yonaguni Island by fiscal year 2030, ending March 2031, Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said. The island lies just 110 km from Taiwan. The move comes amid strained ties with China, which claims Taiwan and has increased military and economic pressure on Tokyo. The missile system will reportedly track multiple aerial threats simultaneously. Japan has steadily expanded its military presence on Yonaguni, including plans for an electronic warfare unit. Officials say the timeline could shift depending on infrastructure upgrades, but the deployment signals a stronger Japanese defense posture in the region.

Indian PM Modi Visits Israel Amid Rising Regional Tensions

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins a two-day visit to Israel aimed at strengthening defense and technology ties. He is set to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for talks on artificial intelligence, security cooperation, and trade. The visit comes as tensions rise between the United States and Iran, raising concerns of wider regional instability. Modi is expected to address Israel’s parliament and visit the Holocaust memorial Yad Vashem. Analysts say India seeks stable relations in the Middle East, where millions of Indian nationals live and work, while maintaining its long-standing independent foreign policy stance.

Gucci Criticized for AI-Generated Fashion Campaign

Gucci is facing online criticism after using AI-generated images to promote its upcoming Milan Fashion Week show. Though labelled as AI-created, some social media users questioned whether the approach aligns with the brand’s emphasis on creativity and craftsmanship. Critics argue luxury fashion should rely on human talent rather than automation. Others see the campaign as artistic experimentation or commentary on modern fashion culture. Experts warn AI marketing can bring backlash if it damages brand perception. Gucci has previously explored digital art and AI projects. The debate highlights growing tensions between technology and tradition in the luxury fashion industry.