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.

EC Launches Toll-Free Call Center 1102

The Election Commission (EC) inaugurated a dedicated call center on Monday to address voter inquiries for the March 5 elections. Spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai announced that citizens can dial the toll-free number 1102 between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM. The center features six desks to handle simultaneous queries regarding the election code of conduct and voting procedures. The first inquiry, received from Gandaki Province, concerned the status of Public Service Commission exams during the election period. The center will remain operational until the final election certificates are issued to winning candidates.

Durga Prasai Arrested Over Rs 520 Million Bribery

Medical entrepreneur Durga Prasai, the coordinator of the ‘Nation, Nationality, Religion, Culture, and Citizens Protection Campaign,’ was arrested by police at the Pokhara International Airport gate on Monday. Kaski Police Chief Superintendent Nabin Karki confirmed that Prasai, who was in Pokhara for a group gathering, is being prepared for transfer to Kathmandu. The arrest follows a Cyber Bureau complaint filed by the Election Commission on Sunday. Prasai is accused of making public claims that Rs 520 million was exchanged to resolve a dispute regarding the legitimacy of the Nepali Congress special general convention.

Rabi Lamichhane Expresses Faith in Balen Shah During Janakpur Rally

During a campaign rally in Janakpurdham on Monday, Rastriya Swatantra Party Chairman Rabi Lamichhane praised Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah, stating a five-minute meeting convinced him they could work together. Lamichhane shared that he told his late mother’s photograph that Balen would fulfill the country’s dreams. Despite facing numerous legal cases, Lamichhane remarked that he is not afraid of going to jail because Balen is now leading the movement for justice. The event highlighted a strengthening political alliance between the two influential leaders as they prepare for the upcoming national elections on March 5.

Ashika Tamang to Contest Dhading-1 Under RSP

Activist Ashika Tamang has officially received a ticket from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) to contest the House of Representatives election from Dhading-1. Although she previously announced an independent candidacy for Kathmandu, she accepted the RSP ticket on Monday from leader Ganesh Parajuli. Tamang, who gained prominence through her foundation and support for victims of the September 8 and 9, 2025, Gen Z protest, stated her mission is to represent the voice of the youth and fight corruption. Despite an earlier proportional representation offer from Balen Shah, she opted for a direct electoral battle.

Former Madhesh Chief Minister Satish Kumar Singh Resigns from Assembly

The former Chief Minister of Madhesh Province, Satish Kumar Singh, officially resigned from his position as a member of the Provincial Assembly on Monday. Singh submitted his resignation letter to Speaker Ram Ashish Yadav at the Provincial Assembly office in Janakpurdham. Elected from the Janamat Party representing Saptari-2 (A), Singh cited Article 180 (A) of the Constitution of Nepal 2015 in his formal departure. His resignation, effective immediately, comes amid preparations for the upcoming federal elections, where he is expected to seek a new legislative role.

Sports Minister Bablu Gupta Resigns

Minister for Youth and Sports Bablu Gupta resigned from his post on Monday to contest the upcoming House of Representatives elections. Gupta, a member of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), informed Prime Minister Sushila Karki of his decision while campaigning in Janakpur alongside Rabi Lamichhane and Balen Shah. His tenure was recently marred by a controversial United States visit, leading the prime minister to suggest his departure. Gupta is now focused on filing his candidacy, following the election code of conduct, which requires sitting ministers to vacate their positions before contesting.

3 Lumbini Provincial Lawmakers Resign for Election Race

Three members of the Lumbini Provincial Assembly resigned on Monday to contest seats in the House of Representatives. Dhan Bahadur Maskey of the Nepal Communist Party and Dharma Bahadur Chaudhary of the Ujyalo Nepal Party submitted formal letters. Additionally, Kanhaiya Baniya, elected in 2022 from Rupandehi-4(1), announced his resignation via social media to join the Rastriya Swatantra Party. Following these departures, the 87-member provincial body has been reduced to 84 active members as prominent leaders shift their focus toward federal governance.

6 Bagmati Provincial Lawmakers Resign

Six members of the Bagmati Provincial Assembly resigned on Monday to run in the March 5 federal elections. The resigned include Kundan Raj Kafle of Nepali Congress, Aman Kumar Maskey and Prakash Shrestha of CPN (UML), Yuvraj Dulal and Basanta Prasad Manandhar of the Nepal Communist Party, and Sunil KC of RPP. Most individuals are former provincial ministers. Kafle submitted his resignation in person to Deputy Speaker Apsara Chapagain in Hetauda, while others utilized email. The Provincial Assembly Secretariat has initiated the formal process to record these vacancies.

Amaresh Kumar Singh Vows Self-Immolation if Balen Fails to be PM

Dr Amaresh Kumar Singh, who recently joined the Rastriya Swatantra Party, made a dramatic proclamation during a speech in Janakpur on Monday. Singh declared that Balen Shah is the only “superhero” capable of leading the country as the next prime minister. He went as far as to vow self-immolation in Janakpur if Balen does not achieve the premiership, comparing the sacrifice to the soil of Goddess Sita. Begging for votes with his traditional clothes, Singh urged the people of Madhesh to support this movement to ensure a transformative leadership for Nepal.

Rahul Bishwakarma Wins D&D Golf with Rs 50,000 Prize

Rahul Bishwakarma clinched the title of the D&D Amateur Golf Championship with a final round of 4-under 66. He finished with a total score of 2-under 138, defeating runners-up Prakrit Tamang and Sundar Rai by 9 strokes. This historic event marked the first time Nepali amateur golfers received cash prizes, with Rahul taking home Rs 50,000. Prakrit and Sundar received Rs 30,000 and Rs 24,000, respectively. Sponsored by UK-based golfers Deu Kumar Rai and Dipendra Rai, the 36-hole tournament in Dharan featured 38 players and a total prize purse of Rs 200,000.

NRT Secures First Victory in National League Football

New Road Team (NRT) claimed its first win in the National League on Monday, defeating Satdobato Youth Club 3-1. In the match held at Dasharath Stadium, Bigyan Khadka scored twice, while Timothy Okereke added a third. Satdobato’s lone goal came from Fode Fofana in the 32nd minute. NRT, which lost its opening match to Machhindra FC, now moves up the table. Meanwhile, the Laligurans Association of Kaski secured its second consecutive victory by defeating the Nava Jana Jagriti Youth Club 4-1. The league continues with high-profile matches scheduled for the evening session.

Ritesh Gurung’s ‘Mountain of Spirits’ Wins Screenplay Award in Dhaka

Nepali writer Ritesh Gurung secured the third position at the 4th West Meets East Screenplay Lab during the 23rd Dhaka International Film Festival. His screenplay, titled Mountain of Spirits, was selected from global entries, earning him a cash prize of Rs 237,000. Gurung was the sole representative from Nepal in the lab, which was judged by experts like Mary Stephen and Mostofa Sarwar Farooki. The jury praised the work for its deep portrayal of local beliefs and spirituality. Gurung plans to use the funds for further script development to bridge South Asian cinema with global markets.

Garima Sharma Reveals School-Life Romance with Anjan Paudel

Model and actress Garima Sharma introduced her long-term partner to the public via Instagram on Monday. Following her recent “promise ring” announcement, she shared photos with her partner, identified as Anjan Paudel. Sharma noted that their relationship began during their school days at Skyrider College in Ratnanagar, Chitwan. While Garima is a native of Bharatpur and active in the Nepali film industry, Paudel is a resident of Tandi, Chitwan, currently living in Australia for studies and work. The post received widespread congratulations from fans and colleagues within the entertainment industry.

China’s Birth Rate Hits Record Low Despite Baby Incentives

China’s birth rate fell to a record low in 2025, dropping to 5.63 per 1,000 people, while deaths rose to their highest level since 1968, according to official data. The population declined by 3.39 million to about 1.4 billion, marking a fourth straight year of shrinkage. Despite incentives such as cash bonuses, extended maternity leave, and relaxed birth limits, fertility remains around one child per woman. Rising child-rearing costs, lifestyle choices, and an aging society continue to weigh on births, deepening economic and social pressures.