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.

New Federal Parliament Building to Be Handled by March 14

National Assembly Chairman Narayan Prasad Dahal inspected the under-construction Federal Parliament building in Singha Durbar on February 20. Minister for Urban Development Kumar Ingnam committed to handing over the House of Representatives hall, center lobby, and canteen by March 15. Chairman Dahal expressed optimism that the upcoming parliamentary session will be held in the new facility, despite noting that construction speed needs to increase. Currently, workers are focused on interior finishing and installing imported equipment. The government emphasized that there is no alternative but to complete the priority sections within the stipulated deadline.

3 Indian Nationals Arrested at TIA with over 11 KG Marijuana

Today, police arrested three Indian nationals in possession of more than 11.27 kilograms of marijuana at the arrival tunnel gate of Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). According to police, the arrested individuals have been identified as 43-year-old Samina Akhtar Baig Mirza, 24-year-old Mohammad Junaid, and 44-year-old Afsana Amir Hussain Sheikh. A team deployed from the Tribhuvan International Airport Security Office and the Drug Control Bureau recovered approximately 3 kilograms and 870 grams of marijuana from Junaid and Mirza and around 7 kilograms and 400 grams from Afsana. The trio has been handed over to the Drug Control Bureau for further investigation and action, said police.

Supreme Court Orders Presence of Durga Prasai in Court

The Supreme Court issued an order on Friday, demanding the physical presence of medical entrepreneur Durga Prasai following a habeas corpus petition. A single bench of Justice Shree Kanth Paudel also ordered the police to submit a written explanation for Prasai’s arrest. Prasai was taken into custody on February 16 after the court initially refused an interim order to stop his potential arrest. Police had previously questioned him regarding his campaigns against the upcoming March 5 elections. The petition was filed by his wife, Uma Prasai, alleging that his detention was unlawful and lacked sufficient grounds.

Female Authorities to Manage Polling Centers in Kavre

In a push for gender inclusivity, three polling centers in Kavrepalanchowk will be managed entirely by female staff for the House of Representatives election on March 5. The District Election Office announced that female officers will take full charge at Kalika Secondary School in Dhulikhiel-10, Karthari Secondary School in Dhulikhel-9, and Sanjeevani Secondary School in Dhulikhel-7. Across the district’s 400 polling centers, a total of 2,400 employees have been deployed. This initiative highlights the growing role of women in the electoral process, as 326,611 registered voters prepare to cast their ballots for 42 candidates across two constituencies.

RSP Postpones Pre-Election Rallies in Bhairahawa and Pokhara

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has postponed its planned pre-election rallies in Bhairahawa and Pokhara. Vice-Chairman Dol Prasad Aryal said the programs, which were to be addressed by Party Chairman Rabi Lamichhane and Senior Leader Balendra Shah, have been deferred until further notice, citing special circumstances. In a formal communication, Aryal stated that the declaration assembly scheduled for Saturday in Bhairahawa, Rupandehi, as part of preparations for the 2026 House of Representatives election, has been postponed due to organizational priority setting and strategic considerations. Political observers suggest the decision follows reports of possible resistance after RSP supporters allegedly burned a UML party flag in Dang a day earlier.

Kathmandu Air Pollution Decreases to 99 AQI; Ranked 18th Globally

Air pollution in the Kathmandu Valley is decreasing, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 99 this afternoon. On Tuesday, the AQI was 191, dropping to 114 on Wednesday. The Department of Environment attributes this to increased wind speed. Kathmandu, previously the world’s third most polluted city, has dropped to 18th. Director General Gyanraj Subedi noted that rain and wind reduce pollution by clearing dust. Environmentalist Bhushan Tuladhar emphasized the need for wildfire control and vehicle smoke testing. According to AQI standards, 99 is moderate, while levels above 151 are unhealthy for all.

Anti-Rabies Vaccine Shortage Hits Bheri Hospital Patients

Bheri Hospital in Nepalgunj, Banke District, is facing a severe shortage of anti-rabies vaccines, forcing patients to purchase expensive doses from private pharmacies. Acting Medical Superintendent Dr Sanket Kumar Risal stated that the free vaccination service has been halted as stocks from the provincial government ran out. Despite the hospital receiving over 200 patients daily for dog bites, the supply of doses has not kept pace with the high demand. Local resident Naresh Thapa expressed frustration, noting that impoverished families cannot afford the high market price of the vaccine. The hospital administration has formally requested urgent supplies from both the central and provincial governments to resume life-saving services.

Minister Warns ‘Climate Change Impacts Women’

Minister for Women, Children, and Senior Citizens Shraddha Shrestha highlighted the severe impact of climate change on women in Nepal’s tourism sector. During a recent address, she noted that events like glacial lake outbursts and irregular snowfall disproportionately affect women who depend on informal income from homestays and local handicrafts. Minister Shrestha criticized “gender-blind climate financing,” arguing that most resilient funds focus only on physical infrastructure rather than social security for women workers. She emphasized that as men migrate for work due to climate disasters, women face a “triple burden” of managing households, farming, and community disaster response. She called for direct investment in female-led enterprises and climate-resilient cooperative structures.

Bara RSP Candidate Resigns, Citing Financial Irregularities in Party

Pawan Chaudhary, a founding member and organization chief of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) in Bara District of Madhesh Province, resigned from his post and general membership on Friday. Chaudhary accused the party leadership of deviating from its core principles of “Youth in Politics” and “Select the Capable.” He alleged that the selection process for the upcoming March 5 election was influenced by financial irregularities and nepotism. In his resignation, Chaudhary claimed that the contributions of active members were ignored in favor of non-transparent decisions, making it impossible for him to remain silent within the organization’s current structure.

Police Intensify Checks Against Smuggling at Rasuwagadhi Border

The Nepal Police at the Rasuwagadhi border have urged traders and drivers to follow legal customs procedures amid rising cases of revenue evasion. District Police Chief Ashok Thapa reported that smugglers are increasingly using laborers to move small quantities of goods across the Friendship Bridge to bypass taxes. Between July 17, 2025, and February 12, authorities seized illegal goods worth Rs 6.2 million. Police have intensified inspections of large trucks and electric vehicles, where items like Chinese cigarettes and alcohol are frequently hidden. Drivers and business owners have been warned of strict legal action if found transporting goods without paying the mandatory customs duties.

KMC to Manage Historic Dharahara Tower

The Kathmandu Metropolitan City is set to take over the operation and management of the historic Dharahara tower following an agreement with the federal government. On Friday, Acting Mayor Sunita Dangol announced that a study committee will be formed to oversee the transfer process. A key focus of the takeover is the management of the basement parking facility, which the Metropolis plans to offer as a free parking alternative for the New Road commercial area. Dangol emphasized that the city is ready to manage the site as a local government asset, ensuring that existing contracts with private companies for parking are handled legally during the transition to public management.

Army Escorts Students in Salyan Amid Tiger Terror

A reign of terror has gripped Kalimati, Salyan, after tigers from Banke National Park entered human settlements, killing two people in January. Consequently, the Nepalese Army has begun escorting students to and from Nepal Rastriya Secondary School in Ghuiyabari as the 90-minute jungle trek became too dangerous. Local residents report frequent sightings of the predators and significant livestock losses. Ward Chairman Mitralal Rijal has requested school buses from the Karnali Provincial government to ensure student safety. While forest officials are attempting to control the situation, villagers remain terrified, moving only in large groups to avoid attacks.

Pokhara University Awarded Degrees to 6,622 Students

Pokhara University conferred degrees upon 6,622 graduates during its 21st convocation ceremony held in Khudi Dhungepatan, Kaski, on Friday. The graduates included 3,625 from the Faculty of Management, 2,506 from Science and Technology, 365 from Health Sciences, and 126 from Humanities and Social Sciences. University Information Officer Lok Prasad Dhakal stated that top-performing students received the Chancellor’s Medal and Vice-Chancellor’s Medal. Additionally, 664 students were recognized on the Dean’s List for academic excellence. The ceremony marked a significant milestone for the university as it celebrated the largest cohort of graduates in its recent history.

ICA Appoints Diptee Acharya as Asia-Pacific Ambassador

The International Curriculum Association (ICA), supporting over 1,000 schools in 90 countries, appointed Diptee Acharya as ICA Ambassador for the Asia-Pacific region for 2025/2026. Acharya, Founding Director of Sanskriti International School, will represent ICA in Nepal and neighboring countries, expanding teacher networks for International Early Years, Primary, and Middle Years curricula. This recognizes Acharya’s two decades of dedication to progressive education. Her school was the first in South Asia to achieve IPC accreditation. As ambassador, she will guide schools, conduct training, and promote quality international curriculum implementation across the region.

Writ Filed at Patan High Court to Stop Screening of ‘Rammita Koo Pirati’

A writ petition was registered at the Patan High Court on Friday, demanding a halt to the film Rammita Koo Pirati. Court Information Officer Parbati Hitan confirmed the filing by advocates Srishti Bhatta and Laxmi Tamang, who seek an injunction. Defendants include the Film Development Board, Shiro Films, Annapurna Sharma (Anna Sharma), Sudipta Adhikari, and Sagar Lamsal. Petitioners argue the film promotes hostility toward men and gender discrimination, affecting social harmony. They allege the board and censor authority cleared the film despite concerns over public decency. The film, starring Sharma, is currently in theaters.

Actress Niti Shah Marries Yachnit Rana in Traditional Ceremony

Actress Niti Shah entered into matrimony with Yachnit Rana on Friday in a traditional ceremony held at a hotel in New Plaza, Jhamsikhel, Kathmandu. Close relatives and friends from both families attended the event. The couple had previously completed a legal marriage in 2025 at the Kathmandu District Court. Rana is an aerospace engineer by profession, and the two had been in a relationship for more than two years. Shah, who won the title of Miss Nepal International 2017, made her film debut with Khajure Bro and later appeared in Jwai Saab, Narasimha Avatar, and Mohar. Prior to the wedding, the couple organized a pre-wedding photoshoot and a private bachelorette celebration. A reception party has been scheduled for Saturday evening.

Tour De Thakurdwara 2026 Cycling Festival Begins in Nepalgunj

The “Tour de Thakurdwara 2026” cycling festival commenced on Friday, organized by the Nepalgunj Cycling Club. Over 250 cyclists from Nepal and India are participating in the event to promote tourism, healthy lifestyles, and environmental conservation in the Banke and Bardia regions. On the first day, the rally traveled from Water Park in Nepalgunj to Gabar Valley, passing through Banke National Park. Former club president Pradip Sapkota emphasized that the festival aims to highlight local natural and cultural landmarks. Participants will continue their journey toward Thakurdwara on Saturday, engaging in awareness activities to boost the local economy and promote sustainable tourism.

Sahara Club to Face Jaulakhel in Rs 1.4 Million Gold Cup Final

Sahara Club and Jaulakhel Youth Club will compete in the final of the 25th Aaha Rara Pokhara Gold Cup tomorrow. The match at Pokhara Stadium offers a winner’s prize of Rs 1.4 million and a runner-up prize of Rs 700,000. Sahara Club reached the final after defeating Manang Marshyangdi in a sudden-death shootout, while Jaulakhel secured their spot by beating Abha FC from Uzbekistan. Both coaches expressed high confidence during a pre-match press conference on Friday. The tournament featured 12 teams, including three international clubs, marking a quarter-century of continuous football tradition in Pokhara.

India Joins US-Led Pax Silica Strategic Initiative

India joined the Pax Silica strategic initiative on Friday, a US-led partnership aimed at securing technology supply chains. This group, which includes Japan, South Korea, the UK, and Israel, focuses on creating a reliable network for semiconductor design and manufacturing while reducing dependence on China. The move signals a reset in India-US relations following recent trade concessions. US President Donald Trump recently lowered import duties on Indian goods from 25% to 18%, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to remove a 25% levy on Russian oil. This partnership strengthens India’s role as a key security partner in the Indo-Pacific region.

Over 4 Million Afghan Refugees Return Home in One Year

Approximately 4,076,808 Afghan refugees returned to Afghanistan over the past year, according to Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation spokesperson Abdul Mutalib Haqqani. The returnees include both voluntary repatriations and deportations from neighboring countries. Upon arrival, refugees were provided with essential aid in temporary camps before being relocated to their home provinces. Since the current government took power in August 2021, over 8 million citizens have reportedly returned. Official media outlets highlighted that the government is facilitating the reintegration process, though international agencies continue to monitor the humanitarian conditions of the massive influx of people returning to the conflict-affected nation.