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.

Nationwide Alcohol Prohibition and Security Measures

The Election Commission and Ministry of Home Affairs have announced a strict nationwide prohibition on the sale, distribution, and consumption of alcohol to ensure a peaceful environment for the March 5, 2026 (Falgun 21) election. In accordance with the Election Security Management Directive 2022, the ban takes effect from today (Friday) midnight in most districts, including Kaski, Syangja, Sindhuli, Bardia, Kanchanpur, and Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta Paschim), and will remain in force until the final election results are officially declared.

Local administrations have mobilized security units for micro-monitoring of hotels, restaurants, and retail shops. Violators of this order will face immediate legal prosecution, including heavy fines and the permanent revocation of business licenses. Furthermore, the commission confirmed that all private and public vehicular movement will be suspended from midnight on March 4 until polling concludes on election day. Exceptions are granted only for essential services and ticketed travelers using airport shuttle services.

APF and SSB Coordinate Cross-Border Security in Champawat

The Armed Police Force (APF) Nepal and India’s Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) concluded a DIG-level coordination meeting in Champawat, Uttarakhand, on Thursday. Both sides agreed to intensify joint and parallel patrols to prevent illegal infiltration, human trafficking, and drug smuggling ahead of the March 5 election. Officials focused on enforcing border closures during the silence period and monitoring third-country nationals. Led by the APF No. 7 Baidyanath Brigade, the delegation ensured that security units from Sudurpashchim Province and India maintained constant information exchange to mitigate cross-border threats.

Government Deploys Over 341K Security Personnel

For the upcoming March 5 election, the government has mobilized 341,111 security personnel to ensure a peaceful voting environment. This force includes 79,727 from the Army, at least 34,576 from the Armed Police Force, and at least 75,797 from the Police. Additionally, 149,090 temporary election police and 1,921 personnel from the National Investigation Department are deployed. The Election Security and Risk Management Committee confirmed that current nationwide security remains stable, with the army officially authorized to support the overall security framework.

Election Commission Mobilizes 221K Staff Nationwide

The Election Commission is deploying 221,000 employees across 165 constituencies for the March 5 election. Staffing will be managed across 23,112 permanent polling centers and 143 temporary centers reserved for proportional voting. According to Assistant Spokesperson Prakash Neupane, centers with over 500 voters will have nine employees, while smaller centers will have eight. Training for polling officers and assistant officers is underway, and all essential materials, including ballots, reached every district by Thursday. Polling officers are now authorized to provide final on-site training to their respective teams.

Stakeholders Emphasize Reproductive Health Access for Disabled Youth

During a program in Lalitpur, stakeholders highlighted the urgent need for equitable and respectful access to sexual and reproductive health for youth with disabilities. Representatives from the Family Welfare Division and the Nursing and Social Security Division emphasized that infrastructure, including hospitals and schools, must become disability-friendly. Key recommendations include increasing budgets, training service providers in inclusive care, and providing materials in Braille and sign language. Officials noted that while structural improvements are ongoing, community awareness and home-based services for those with severe disabilities are essential to ensure no one is left behind in the healthcare system.

Election Commission Clarifies Valid ID Requirements for Voting

The Election Commission announced that voters listed in the electoral roll can use several forms of identification for the March 5 election. In addition to the official Voter ID Card, citizens may present a Nepalese citizenship certificate, National ID Card, passport, land ownership certificate, or driver’s license. To facilitate logistics on election day, a dedicated unit at the Secretariat and the Kathmandu District Administration Office will issue vehicle passes. The commission has instructed security personnel and polling staff to ensure that any voter with a valid document and a registered name can cast their ballot.

Sankhuwasabha Records 33 Election Code of Conduct Violations

The Election Code of Conduct Monitoring Committee in Sankhuwasabha has received 33 complaints regarding violations ahead of the March 5 election. Monitoring Coordinator Chiranjibi Adhikari reported that most complaints involve six political parties and candidates using prohibited items like hats, t-shirts, and banners, as well as organizing unauthorized motorcycle rallies. While 21 complaints were verbal and resolved immediately, six written complaints have prompted formal requests for clarification from the accused parties. The district, which has 119,630 voters across 164 polling centers, remains under tight surveillance to ensure fair competition among the 15 participating parties.

Madhesh Police Collect 481 Firearms for Election Safety

The Madhesh Province Police Office in Janakpurdham has collected 481 licensed firearms following a directive to ensure a secure environment for the March 5 election. Despite records showing 2,531 licensed weapons across the province’s eight districts, 2,050 firearms are still outstanding. Local administrations have urged citizens to surrender their weapons at the nearest police unit or the District Police Office immediately. This collection is part of a broader security strategy to prevent the use of private arms in election-related conflicts and to maintain public order during the high-stakes political period.

Kaski Reports Zero Written Complaints on Code Violations

Chief Election Officer Himlal Belbase confirmed that no written complaints regarding Election Code of Conduct violations have been filed in Kaski for the March 5 election. While political parties have remained cooperative, authorities have received verbal reports concerning loud music and noise pollution from campaign vehicles. In response, security forces and monitoring officers have intensified rural and urban inspections. Additionally, the Provincial Election Office noted that 46 candidates have opened mandatory bank accounts. One individual faced action for social media violations, and over 50 prohibited posts were removed voluntarily after authorities contacted the respective parties for compliance.

Border Facilitation Arranged for Parikrama Pilgrims During Election

The District Administration Office has announced that Indian pilgrims participating in the Mithila Madhyamiki Parikrama (the act or ritual of moving clockwise round an object of devotion as an indication of reverence) will be granted special passage during the election border closure. Although borders will be sealed from March 3 to March 5, pilgrims can return to India through the Jaynagar, Jatahi, Matihani, and Bhittamore crossings from Tuesday to Wednesday noon. Chief District Officer Indradev Yadav clarified that this facilitation is strictly for departure (returning to India) to ensure the safety of thousands of monks and devotees who conclude their 15-day journey in Janakpur on Monday.

Kanchanpur Administration Issues Vehicle Pass Deadlines

The District Administration Office in Kanchanpur has requested candidates, observers, and media outlets to apply for election day vehicle passes by March 3. Candidates may request permits for one vehicle via the Chief Election Officer, while media houses are limited to 5 passes each upon recommendation from the Federation of Nepali Journalists. Assistant Chief District Officer Mohan Chandra Joshi clarified that while essential services like ambulances, milk tankers, and fire brigades can move freely, all other private and public transport will be prohibited on March 5 to ensure a peaceful voting process.

Lamjung Polling Centers Managed Entirely by Female Staff

Two polling centers at the Janabikas Secondary School in Besishahar, Lamjung, will be managed exclusively by female staff for the March 5 election. Polling officers Mita Kumari Thapa and Manju Thapa Magar will lead teams composed entirely of female assistant officers and support staff for centers ‘A’ and ‘B,’ which serve 1,225 voters combined. Authorities are also discussing deploying all-female security teams to these locations. In Lamjung, women outnumber men by 1,924 among the 137,124 registered voters. A total of 1,152 employees will manage the district’s 192 polling booths.

Syangja Appoints 38 Women as Polling Officers

In Syangja, 38 women have been officially appointed as polling officers to lead teams for the March 5 election. In Constituency-1, 23 women will head centers in locations such as Putalibazar and Phedikhola, while Constituency-2 will have 15 female-led centers in Waling and Galyang. Chief Election Officer Upendra Prasad Gautam confirmed that a total of 1,935 employees are being deployed across 322 polling booths. The district has 248,816 registered voters. This appointment of female leadership aims to ensure inclusive management and efficient conduct of the voting process across both electoral regions.

Home Minister Inspects Sensitive Dolakha Polling Stations Ahead of Vote

Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal inspected polling centers in the Baiteshwar Rural Municipality of Dolakha on Friday. Accompanied by the Acting Chief Election Commissioner and heads of the Army, Police, and Armed Police Force, the minister reviewed security plans to prevent a repeat of past election irregularities. Officials noted that Baiteshwar, which historically sees a 90% to 95% voter turnout, is under high surveillance. The Chief Election Officer confirmed that coordination between security agencies has been tightened at various border points to monitor individuals who have previously disrupted the voting process.

Leopard Attack Injuries Man in Godawari Municipality

A 61-year-old man, originally from Solukhumbu, was injured during a leopard attack in Godawari Municipality-5, Sunartol, on Thursday. The incident occurred at 8:30 PM while the victim was walking home from work. Local residents rescued the man and killed the leopard during the encounter. The injured individual is currently receiving medical treatment at the Patan Academy of Health Sciences in Lagankhel. The Lalitpur Police confirmed they are coordinating with the District Forest Office regarding the death of the leopard and the safety of the local community following the predator’s intrusion.

Migratory Birds Begin Return as Temperatures Rise

Migratory birds that arrived in Chitwan National Park to escape the winter are now returning to their northern habitats. Ornithologists from the Nepal Bird Conservation Association Bagmati noted that species like the Demoiselle Crane, Ruddy Shelduck, and various ducks from Mongolia, Russia, and China began departing in late February to early March. These birds, which traveled through the Kali Gandaki gorge, will all depart by late March. Meanwhile, summer migratory birds from India are beginning to arrive in Chitwan for the breeding season. The park remains a vital sanctuary, hosting 652 of the 902 bird species found across Nepal.

KMC Documents 509 Ancient Place Names

The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has identified 509 ancient and original names for locations across 10 wards. Conducted by the Heritage and Tourism Department and the Integrated Urban Development Center, the study confirmed 430 primary names and 79 secondary names. A third phase of the project was launched on Friday to research Wards 12, 13, 15, 21, 22, 23, 27, and 28. Acting Mayor Sunita Dangol emphasized that these names reflect the city’s civilization and history. The metro plans to install information boards at these sites, ensuring they are placed carefully to avoid visual pollution while preserving cultural identity.

Medical Council Fixes Minimum Salary for Fellowships

The Nepal Medical Council has established a minimum salary requirement for doctors enrolled in fellowship programs across various universities and health academies. Following a full meeting on January 7 and 8, the council mandated that full-time fellowship doctors must receive a salary equivalent to at least the 9th level of government service. This decision follows recent protests at the National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS) over high fees and a lack of subsistence allowances. Registrar Dr Satish Kumar Dev stated that the move aims to boost physician morale and ensure fair labor practices in advanced medical education.

92 Officers Graduate from Army Command and Staff College

The Army Command and Staff College in Shivapuri held a graduation ceremony for 92 officers on Friday. The graduating class included 81 members of the Army, one each from the Police, Armed Police Force, and National Investigation Department, and eight international officers from nations including China, India, and Pakistan. Chief of Army Staff Ashok Raj Sigdel presented the ‘Best Student Award’ to Major Dipendra Bikram K.C. and the ‘Best International Student Award’ to Major Anmol Chaudhary of the Indian Army. To date, the college has trained a total of 1,507 security officials and international students.

Comedian Jitu Nepal Clarifies Fake Social Media Claims

Actor and comedian Jitu Nepal has issued a video message from Dhankuta to debunk misleading social media posts. A fake Facebook account under the name Dinesh Adhikari falsely claimed that the artist had criticized political leaders Rabi Lamichhane and Balendra Shah. Nepal, who is currently filming Karki Saila, clarified that he has not made any comments against any political party or individual. He expressed frustration that the viral misinformation has led to unnecessary online harassment by supporters of the mentioned leaders. The artist urged the public to rely only on his official accounts and emphasized his focus remains strictly on his professional acting work.

Grimsby Minster to Exhibit Massive Solar Art Installation

A giant art installation titled ‘Helios,’ depicting the sun, will be exhibited at Grimsby Minster in the UK starting April 9. Created by artist Luke Jerram, the 5-meter-wide sculpture weighs 50 kg and uses high-resolution NASA data from 400,000 images of the solar surface. The artwork is internally lit to showcase the sun’s realistic textures and will be accompanied by a surround-sound composition. Organized by the charity The Culture House: This display follows the artist’s previous world-renowned installations of the Earth and Moon. The exhibition aims to offer an immersive astronomical experience for visitors in the Northeast Lincolnshire region.

Cricketers Lokesh Bam and Sher Malla Honored by SPA

The Sudur Pashchimanchal Academy (SPA) College honored national cricketers Lokesh Bam and Sher Malla on Friday. During the college’s 27th anniversary, both athletes received the ‘SPA Honor’ and a cash prize of Rs 101,000 each. Bam was recognized for his 39-run performance against England in the ICC T20 World Cup in Mumbai, while Malla was rewarded for taking a wicket on his first international delivery. The college, which supports over 24 national and international cricketers, presented the awards to encourage local talent and celebrate their contributions to sports on the global stage.

Sankata Club Defeats Chitlang FC in National League

Sankata Club secured a dominant 4-0 victory against Chitlang FC during a National League match at the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) Complex in Satdobato on Friday. The highlight of the game was a hat trick by Richard Onyema, who scored in the 1st, 47th, and 75th minutes. Badaru contributed the second goal in the 35th minute to bolster the lead. With this win, Sankata Club has accumulated nine points in the league standings, while Chitlang FC remains at 7 points. The victory marks a significant momentum boost for Sankata Club as the national tournament continues.

Banepa To Host 20th NNIPA Sports Awards in April

The Nepal National and International Players Association (NNIPA) will organize the 20th NNIPA Sports Awards on April 3. For the first time, the event will take place outside the Kathmandu Valley at the Chandeshwari Temple premises in Banepa. General Secretary Shiva Sundar Gothe announced that athletes from 27 different sports will be honored. The ceremony will feature categories such as Best Male and Female Player, Talented Player, and the Gajraj Joshi Ideal Sports Personality award. Additionally, an NNIPA Sports Journalism Award and a recognition for the year’s best Para Athlete will be presented during the gala.

Tough Immigration Rules Cause UK Work Visas to Drop

New data from the UK Home Office shows a significant decline in work visas due to stricter immigration policies. By December 2025, the number of work visas issued dropped to 168,000, a 19% decrease from 2024 and nearly a 50% drop compared to 2023. Specifically, Health and Care visas fell by over half to 13,177. Tightened requirements, including an annual salary threshold of GBP 41,700, Graduate Level (RQF Level 6) job mandates, and higher English proficiency scores, have discouraged applicants. While legal migration fell, illegal entries rose by 7%, with 46,497 individuals arriving via unauthorized routes.

India–Israel: Modi Visit Boosts Defense, AI and Trade Cooperation

During a two-day visit to Israel, the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to expand collaboration in defense and artificial intelligence and pursue a free trade agreement. The leaders upgraded bilateral ties to a “Special Strategic Partnership” and signed more than a dozen deals covering cybersecurity, trade, space, agriculture, and investment. Israel will admit 50,000 additional Indian workers over five years, while India plans to introduce its UPI digital payment system in Israel. Both sides condemned terrorism and backed renewed peace efforts for Gaza, while reiterating support for regional stability.

Pakistan–Afghanistan: Cross-Border Strikes Escalate Tensions

Pakistan launched air and missile strikes on targets in Afghanistan, including Kabul and Kandahar, marking a sharp escalation in tensions with the Taliban-led government. Islamabad said the action targeted militant-linked sites, while Kabul called it an act of aggression and claimed retaliatory attacks. Both sides reported casualties, though figures remain unverified. The confrontation follows longstanding disputes over cross-border militancy along their 2,600-km frontier. Regional powers, including Russia, China, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Iran, have urged restraint and offered mediation as fears grow of prolonged instability in the nuclear-armed region.