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 Sushila Karki Addresses Nation Ahead of Elections

In a televised address to the nation, Prime Minister Sushila Karki urged citizens to ignore misinformation and participate in the Thursday, March 5 election. She emphasized that the government is monitoring those spreading false predictions and artificial content on social media. Addressing the coincidence of the Holi festival with the election, she wished for “unity and harmony” to prevail. The PM also expressed deep concern for the safety of over 1.7 million Nepalis in the Middle East due to the Iran-Israel conflict, stating the government is closely tracking developments. She thanked the Election Commission and security forces for their tireless efforts in ensuring a free and fair poll.

Government Advises Nepalis in Middle East to Seek Safe Shelter

Following a Cabinet meeting at Baluwatar, Foreign Minister Balananda Sharma announced that Nepalis stranded at Middle Eastern airports due to regional airspace closures will be provided local management. Since all major airports in the conflict zone are closed, the government cannot facilitate immediate returns. Nepali embassies are coordinating with employers and airlines to ensure the safety and housing of citizens. Minister Sharma confirmed that there have been no reported Nepali casualties so far. The Ministry of Labor, Tourism, and Foreign Affairs are working together to monitor the health and security of workers across the region while issuing strict travel advisories for all citizens.

Identity of Nepali Citizen Killed in Abu Dhabi Confirmed

A 29-year-old Nepali national, Diwas Shrestha of Gorkha, was killed in a drone-related incident in Abu Dhabi, according to the Embassy of Nepal. The embassy said Shrestha, employed as a security guard by a Middle East company at the airport, lost his life while attempting to neutralize a drone. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates has been formally notified of his death, the embassy stated. Expressing deep sorrow, the embassy extended condolences over the loss of Shrestha, who had been working in the UAE capital.

Nepal to Close All International Border Points from Midnight

The government has announced the closure of all international border points starting midnight, Monday, ahead of the March 5 House of Representatives election. This standard security measure aims to ensure a peaceful, fair, and undisrupted voting process by restricting cross-border movement during the election period. Security forces have been deployed in high numbers to monitor sensitive border areas. Simultaneously, the Hilly region celebrated Holi, the festival of colors, on Monday, while the Terai districts will observe the festival tomorrow, following the traditional two-day staggered celebration across the country’s diverse geography.

RSP Campaign Vehicle Detained for Violating Election Code

Police in Sallyan detained a Bolero jeep belonging to the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) on Monday morning, March 2, 2026 (Phagun 19). The vehicle, used for election campaigning in Banagad-Kupinde Municipality, was found carrying 7 cartons of liquor, 2 cartons of beer, 2 bags of rice, and 3 cartons of cooking oil. While the driver, Nanda Rana, claimed the items belonged to a local merchant, the presence of party banners and flags led to allegations of voter bribery and an election code of conduct violation. RSP city chairman Lokendra Oli stated the party was unaware of the items and blamed the driver’s independent decision.

Lamjung CDO Suspended Over Illegal Vehicle Registration Charges

The Ministry of Home Affairs has appointed Joint Secretary Krishna Khanal as the new Chief District Officer of Lamjung following the suspension of Umesh Dhungana. The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) filed a corruption case against Dhungana and 31 others on February 25. The charges relate to the illegal registration of three stolen Indian vehicles at the Transport Management Office in Nepalgunj during his previous tenure. Investigations revealed that fraudulent customs receipts and fake documents were used to issue blue books, bypassing customs duties and causing significant financial loss to the government through the legalization of smuggled vehicles.

NOC Prohibits Bulk Fuel Storage in Containers

The Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) Executive Director Chandika Bhatta urged consumers on Monday not to hoard petroleum products in drums or jerrycans. Despite the upcoming March 5 election, the corporation assured that imports through pipelines remain steady and supplies are sufficient. The ban on filling external containers is a safety measure to prevent fire hazards and accidental explosions in residential areas. Bhatta emphasized that there is no risk of a fuel shortage during the three-day election holiday. Consumers are advised to purchase only the necessary amount of fuel for their vehicles to maintain market stability and ensure public safety during the festive and electoral period.

Silent Period Begins Tonight for March 5 House Election

The Election Commission has announced that the election silence period for the House of Representatives election starts at midnight on Monday. Assistant Spokesperson Kul Bahadur GC stated that all campaigning must cease 48 hours before the Thursday, March 5 polls. During this period, candidates and parties are prohibited from soliciting votes, posting political advertisements, or sharing promotional content on social media. Additionally, all campaign materials within 300 meters of polling stations must be removed. This transition from the active campaigning that began on February 16 is designed to allow voters to make independent decisions in a peaceful atmosphere before casting their ballots.

Police Forms AI Cell and Reports High Arrest Rates

In his first 100 days, Inspector General Dan Bahadur Karki established an Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Analytics Cell (AI-AAC) at Police Headquarters to modernize crime analysis using machine learning. Spokesperson Abinarayan Khalfle reported that the department secured land for 12 new offices and arrested 5,781 fugitives, recovering Rs 383.6 million in fines. Additionally, 1,715 kilograms of marijuana and 420 kilograms of hashish were seized. The force also launched an online emergency loan system for junior officers and revised the ration scale to include three new essential items, significantly boosting the morale and self-esteem of the lower-ranking personnel.

FNJ Calls for Media Safety Desks

The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) President, Nirmala Sharma, has urged the government to establish ‘Media Safety Desks’ and provide helicopter rescue services for journalists working in remote areas during the March 5 election. In a statement released Sunday, Sharma emphasized the importance of ensuring press freedom and protecting reporters from ‘self-censorship’ and physical threats. She highlighted the dangers of misinformation on social media and called on all media houses to remain committed to impartial and factual reporting. The FNJ stressed that maintaining the safety of journalists is crucial for a transparent democratic process and for upholding the constitutional values of the nation.

Helicopters Transport Election Staff to Remote Limi and Chala

The Election Commission has deployed Army helicopters to transport 102 staff members and security personnel to remote polling stations in Namkha Rural Municipality, Humla. Assistant Chief District Officer Rajendra Kumar Chand stated that air transport was necessary for the Chala and Limi stations, as foot travel is extremely difficult in the high-altitude terrain. Meanwhile, in Jumla, 925 temporary voters, including government employees and prisoners, have been registered to vote at two designated temporary polling centers. To ensure security for the March 5 polls, Jumla authorities have also prohibited the sale and consumption of alcohol across eight local units.

Gulmi District Bans Drones and Vehicles for Election Security

Gulmi Chief District Officer Badrinath Gaire announced a ban on drone flights starting Monday until the completion of the election vote count. The measure is intended to prevent voter intimidation and ensure aerial security around polling stations. Additionally, all private and public vehicle operations will be halted from midnight on March 4 until the polls close on March 5. Exceptions are granted only for essential services, including ambulances, fire trucks, security forces, and authorized diplomatic vehicles. Authorities warned that any violation of these orders would lead to strict legal action under the prevailing election and security laws.

QFX Cinemas to Close on Election Day for Voting

Nepal’s largest multiplex chain, QFX Cinemas, announced that all its theaters nationwide will remain closed on Thursday, March 5. The company issued a notice on Sunday stating that the closure is intended to facilitate the electoral process and encourage both staff and audiences to exercise their right to vote. Furthermore, services at certain locations may be affected on March 4 and March 6 as employees travel to their respective polling stations. QFX has urged moviegoers to check their official mobile app or website for updated showtimes and thanked the public for their understanding during this important national event.

Legendary Band Nepathya Thrills Thousands at Siliguri Concert

The iconic Nepali folk-rock band Nepathya performed to a massive crowd in Siliguri, India, on Saturday. Lead singer Amrit Gurung performed 17 hits, including Sa Karnali and Koshi Ko Paani, drawing fans from Mizoram, Sikkim, Assam, and Bhutan. Notable attendees included MP Raju Bista and MLA Neeraj Zimba, who described the band as a symbol of shared cultural identity and unity between India and Nepal. The event, organized by Positive Vibes, marked the start of Nepathya’s 2026 international tour. Following the successful show, the technical team returned to Nepal, with plans to continue the tour in domestic cities this November.

Nepal Idol Junior to Premiere in April with New Judges

Following the success of Nepal Idol, AP1 Television will launch ‘Nepal Idol Junior’ in the first week of April 2026. Organizers announced on Sunday that digital auditions are currently underway to find the nation’s best young singing talents. The judging panel for this inaugural season features popular artists Sugam Pokharel, Subani Moktan, and Asmita Adhikari. The show will be hosted by Dr Sharisa Shrestha and singer Mahesh Kafle, with Aleen Shrestha serving as the director. This new platform aims to provide a national stage for children, continuing the legacy of a franchise that has produced winners like Buddha Lama and Ravi Ode since 2017.

Chandrapur Dojo Dominates Second Mayor’s Championship Taekwondo

The Rautahat District Taekwondo Association successfully concluded the Second Mayor’s Championship Taekwondo Tournament in Chandranigahpur. Among five competing teams, Chandrapur Taekwondo Dojo secured the first position with 15 gold, 11 silver, and 14 bronze medals. Namuna Taekwondo followed in second place with 7 gold medals, while Holy Vision took third with 4 gold medals. Individually, Swornim Gurung and Neha Singh Thakuri were named the best male and female fighters, respectively. During the closing ceremony, Mayor Sanjaya Kumar Kafle honored Kenish Khadka, who recently won a gold medal at the Fourth Mount Everest Taekwondo event, celebrating the region’s growing martial arts talent.

Doctors Without Borders Reports 26 Staff Missing in South Sudan

Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) announced on Monday that 26 of its staff members are missing following intensified violence in South Sudan. The organization has been forced to suspend medical services in Lankien and Pieri due to ongoing clashes between government and opposition forces since December. An MSF facility in Lankien was reportedly hit by a government airstrike on February 3, forcing many staff to flee into remote areas without access to food or water. The United Nations has warned that the world’s youngest nation is at risk of returning to a “full-scale civil war” as the power-sharing agreement between political rivals continues to deteriorate.

India Enters T20 World Cup Semifinals with Record Win

India secured a place in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 semifinals by defeating the West Indies by 5 wickets. Chasing a target of 196 runs, the largest ever successfully chased by India in the tournament’s history, Sanju Samson delivered a stellar unbeaten 97 runs. This victory marked India’s sixth semifinal appearance, equalling records held by Pakistan and England. Despite Rovman Powell becoming the first West Indian to hit 150 international sixes and Shimron Hetmyer setting a record with 19 sixes in a single edition, India maintained its unbeaten streak at Eden Gardens. India is now scheduled to face England in the upcoming semifinal match.

Afghanistan Launches Air Raids on Pakistan Military Bases

The Afghan Ministry of Defense announced on Monday that the Afghan Air Force conducted retaliatory airstrikes on major military installations in Pakistan. Targeted sites include the Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, the 12th Brigade Base in Quetta, and Bholari Airbase. Afghanistan stated these strikes were a direct response to Pakistani aerial attacks on Kabul and Bagram. Satellite imagery reportedly shows significant damage to four Pakistani airfields. This sharp escalation in cross-border military activity has raised international fears of a wider conflict. Kabul warned that any further violations of Afghan airspace would receive an even more severe response from their military forces.

Iran’s drone strike hits British RAF base in Cyprus

A drone strike targeted Britain’s Royal Air Force (RAF) base at Akrotiri in Cyprus shortly after midnight, causing limited damage and no casualties, officials said Monday. President Nikos Christodoulides confirmed a Shahed-type unmanned aircraft crashed into the facility at 12:03 a.m., prompting a full operational alert. Authorities said a second drone was intercepted. It was unclear where the Iranian-made drone was launched from. Cyprus said it is not involved in any military operation. The base, retained by Britain since 1960, has supported missions in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen.

Israeli Strikes in Lebanon Killed 31

According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, Israeli attacks in Beirut and southern Lebanon have killed 31 people and injured 149 others. The ministry said the toll is preliminary. Earlier, Israel warned residents of more than 50 towns and villages in Lebanon to evacuate immediately. The Israeli military said it is carrying out targeted strikes in response to launches from Hezbollah. Hezbollah confirmed firing missiles and drones toward Israel, stating the action was in retaliation for the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Rare Lunar Eclipse to Be Visible in Nepal on Tuesday Evening

A partial lunar eclipse will be visible across Nepal on Tuesday. According to the Nepal Panchanga Niryanak Samitee, the eclipse will begin at 3:34 PM and conclude at 7:02 PM. Although it starts before moonrise, it will be visible as a “Grastodit Khandagras” (rising while partially obscured) when the moon appears at 6:03 PM. This is the only eclipse visible from Nepal this year. Suresh Bhattarai, president of the Nepal Astronomical Society, stated that no special equipment is needed to view the event. Religious scholars advised that ‘Sutak’ (prohibitions) will begin at 9:03 AM, during which eating is generally avoided except for children, the elderly, and the sick.