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.

Prime Minister Warns Against Election Boycott Extortion

Prime Minister Sushila Karki expressed serious concerns regarding election security during a meeting with officials in Butwal today. She directed security agencies to remain vigilant against small groups who, unable to contest fairly, use boycott threats to extort money from the public and maintain their political existence. The leader also highlighted potential natural challenges, such as snow in Rukum Purba and the upcoming Holi festival, which could impact peace. Additionally, she noted that recent incidents of burning party flags in the Terai region signal heightened competition that could lead to further violent clashes between rival factions.

EC Completes Ballot Paper Delivery Ahead of March 5 Elections

The Election Commission (EC) has delivered ballot papers and materials to Sudurpaschim, Karnali, and Koshi provinces, with transport to other provinces ongoing. Janak Shiksha Samagri Kendra Limited completed printing on February 16, producing 20.3 million first-past-the-post and 20.83 million proportional representation ballots. Nepal’s 18.9 million eligible voters will elect the 275-member lower house, 165 via FPTP and 110 through proportional representation. Delivery to all 77 districts is expected within 10 days. All 51 other election materials have been transported. The polls are set for March 5, less than two weeks away.

Curfew Imposed in Gaur After Renewed Clashes Between Two Communities

The District Administration Office, Rautahat, has imposed an indefinite curfew in Gaur, the district headquarters, from 1 PM today following renewed clashes between two communities. The decision was taken by the District Security Committee after violence resumed in Gaur Municipality 6, Sabagadh, despite a six-point agreement reached Friday evening. Stone pelting began around 9 AM Saturday. The curfew covers areas from Mudbalwa Gate in the east to Lalbakeya Embankment in the west, Bam Canal in the north, and Gaur Customs Office Gate in the south. Chief District Officer Dinesh Sagar Bhusal said movement, gatherings, meetings, processions, and demonstrations are strictly prohibited, with violators subject to legal action. Clashes have been reported in Wards 4, 5, and 6. Protesters allegedly set fire to vehicles and vandalized houses, and some individuals sustained minor injuries. Police fired warning shots and used tear gas to control the situation. Hundreds of personnel from Nepal Police and Armed Police Force Nepal have been deployed. Superintendent of Police Sitaram Rijal and Armed Police Superintendent Ram Hari Adhikari are at the site overseeing security operations.

Police Clash with Activists at Congress Election Rally

Police resorted to a baton charge in Bhokraha Narsingh Rural Municipality-4, Sunsari, on Saturday following a clash during a Nepali Congress event. The violence erupted in Sunsari Constituency 4 when supporters of candidate Gyanendra Karki encountered youth activists from the Rastriya Swatantra Party. According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Keshav Thebe, authorities intervened to disperse members of the Tarun Dal and opposing party workers as the situation turned volatile. While no major injuries were reported, the domestic nation’s security forces remained on high alert. Police confirmed that the situation in the area has since been brought under control.

Police Arrest Individual for Burning Political Party Flag

The Saptari District Police arrested a 25-year-old man for allegedly burning a political flag in Mahadeva Rural Municipality-5 on Saturday. According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Damber Bahadur Puri, the suspect, identified as Harinarayan Mandal, removed a CPN (UML) flag that was hung on a rope for election campaigning at Bhagwatpur Chowk and set it on fire. The individual, reportedly a member of the “Election Police” volunteer group, was taken into custody immediately following the incident. Authorities have initiated a formal investigation to determine the motive behind the arson as election tensions rise in the district.

13 Arrested Following Vehicle Arson Attack in Banepa

The Kavre Police arrested 13 individuals for their alleged involvement in setting fire to a tipper truck in Banepa. The incident occurred after a tipper fatally struck 30-year-old scooter driver Oman Pradhan on February 18. Following the tragedy, a mob engaged in stone-pelting and arson, destroying the vehicle. Among those detained are Bidur Budhathoki, Bikash Rai, and Shyam Manandhar. A local court granted authorities permission to keep the suspects in custody for seven days to facilitate further investigation. Police are currently reviewing surveillance and witness accounts to identify additional participants involved in the localized unrest.

60 Tiger Tracking Cameras Disappeared in Chitwan-Parsa

During a recent tiger census in the Chitwan and Parsa National Park complex, 60 out of 1,780 deployed cameras went missing. Information Officer Abinash Thapa of the Chitwan National Park Magar reported on Thursday that an additional 25 cameras were found damaged. The census, which utilized 958 grids over several weeks, concluded this Thursday. Despite the equipment loss, authorities completed the monitoring across two square kilometer sections per grid. The last census in 2022 recorded 355 adult tigers in the domestic nation, with 128 in Chitwan and 41 in Parsa. Data from the new count is currently being processed for official publication later this year.

Dhankuta Polling Center to Be Managed by Female Authorities

In a notable move toward gender inclusivity, the Office of the Chief Election Officer in Dhankuta announced that an all-female staff will manage a specific polling center for the March 5 election. The center, located at the Multipurpose Community Building Eye Hospital in Dhankuta Municipality-6, will be led by Polling Officer Indira Khadka Budhathoki. Chief Election Officer Harish Chandra Ingnum stated that while most of the 166 centers in the district will have mixed staff, this particular site will feature an all-women team of six personnel. Across the domestic nation’s district, a total of 996 employees are currently being deployed for election duties.

Army Delivers Election Supplies to Humla

Essential election materials arrived in the remote district of Humla on Saturday via a Nepal Army Sky Truck. District Election Officer Bhim Bahadur Rokaya confirmed the delivery of ballot boxes, security seals, indelible ink, stamps, and colored voter lists. The domestic nation’s military transport was utilized due to the district’s difficult terrain. While 235 ballot boxes were already in stock, an additional 196 were delivered to meet the requirement of three boxes per polling center. Humla currently has 34,372 registered voters, including 18,021 men and 16,351 women, preparing for the upcoming polls.

Mock Election Drills Conducted in Sarlahi District

The Nepal Army and other security agencies conducted a comprehensive mock security drill at a sports field in Malangwa-2 on Saturday. The exercise was designed to prepare personnel for potential clashes at polling stations during the upcoming House of Representatives election on March 5. In Salyan, similar drills led by DSP Dr Hem KC and Chief District Officer Mahendra Kumar Sapkota demonstrated the coordination between the Nepal Police and Armed Police Force. These simulations aim to ensure that the domestic nation’s security apparatus can handle riots or obstructions effectively, maintaining a peaceful environment for voters across the district.

Salyan Mock Poll Records 16% Invalid Votes

A mock election held in Salyan on Saturday revealed a high invalid vote rate of 16.67%. Organized by the Office of the Chief Election Officer, the exercise involved 30 participants to test voting and security procedures for the March 5 polls. Out of 36 mock ballots cast, 6 were found invalid. Chief Election Officer Prahlad Kumar Yogi noted that the exercise also demonstrated a three-tier security strategy involving the Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and Nepal Army. Information Officer Tejendra Kumar Chand emphasized that voter education programs will be intensified to reduce errors among the district’s 162,449 voters.

Voter Education Volunteers Mobilized in Rukum Paschim

The District Election Office in Rukum Paschim has deployed 73 volunteers to conduct voter education across every ward ahead of the March 5 election. Office Chief Mohanlal KC stated that the campaign, which runs until March 1, focuses on teaching the 106,660 local voters how to correctly mark and fold ballots. Of the 76 polling stations in the district, 21 have been classified as highly sensitive. Trained volunteers are visiting households to minimize invalid votes and ensure a smooth process for the 12 candidates contesting the seat. Local authorities are supervising the door-to-door educational initiative.

Mayors Forum to Build Integrated Cycle Lane

The Kathmandu Valley Mayors Forum has approved a master plan to construct an integrated cycle lane connecting all 18 municipalities. Forum Chairperson Chiri Babu Maharjan announced that the first phase will cover a route from Shivapuri in Budhanilkantha to the Botanical Garden in Godawari. The project aims to promote the ‘Smart City’ concept and reduce reliance on motorcycles. Additionally, the forum decided that all municipalities will share the financial and managerial burden of waste management, which was previously handled primarily by the Kathmandu Metropolitan City. The domestic nation’s government has been urged to draft specific legislation to support the new cycling infrastructure and safety standards.

Political Movies Trend on YouTube Ahead of Elections

A new trend of releasing politically themed films on YouTube has emerged ahead of the House of Representatives election on March 5. Following the digital release of Dimag Kharab and Jhari Pachhi Koo Indreni, the film Senti Virus was uploaded on Friday. Directed by Rambabu Gurung and starring Sitaram Kattel and Kunjana Ghimire, the story mirrors real-world domestic tensions by depicting a couple divided by opposing political loyalties during a village election in Kavre. Analysts view the timing of these releases as a strategic effort to engage voters through social commentary and humor during the peak campaign season.

Rawat and Shrestha Win 14th Dharan 10K Run

Narendra Singh Rawat and Santoshi Shrestha claimed the top titles at the 14th Dharan 10K Run on Saturday. Under the slogan “Charity Run for Education,” Rawat finished the race in 31 minutes and 50 seconds, while Shrestha won the women’s category in 37 minutes and 36 seconds. Julius Muruki Wahome from Kenya secured second place in the men’s division. The winners each received Rs 60,000 along with medals and trophies. Approximately 3,500 runners participated in the event, which was attended by singer Raju Lama. Prizes were also awarded in the veteran and under-16 categories to promote domestic sports.

Nepal Dominates Mount Everest International Taekwondo Medal Tally

Dilika Bhlon secured a gold medal in the women’s 59 kg category at the 4th Mount Everest International Taekwondo Tournament, defeating India’s Shahi Arushi Naga. The event, organized by the Nepal Taekwondo Association, saw multiple domestic victories, including Imon Rana in the 48 kg and Lalit Rana Magar in the 45 kg divisions. While Bhutan’s Sonam Chophel won gold in the 78 kg category, host nation athletes like Kiran Lama and Sonia Tamang also claimed top spots. According to General Secretary Hemanta Dangi, over 1,200 players from 23 countries are competing in this international championship held in the capital.

India, Brazil Target USD 20 Billion Trade in Five Years

India and Brazil on Saturday agreed to set a bilateral trade goal exceeding USD 20 billion within five years, following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva. Discussions focused on critical minerals, security, and broader trade cooperation. Modi described Brazil as India’s largest Latin American trading partner and praised President Lula’s leadership. He said joint efforts strengthen the voice of the Global South and emphasized that terrorism and its supporters are threats to all humanity. Modi confirmed the commitment to deepen economic and strategic ties while expanding collaboration across key sectors.

Microsoft Names Asha Sharma Gaming CEO as Phil Spencer Retires

Microsoft announced on Friday that gaming chief Phil Spencer is retiring after 38 years, with Asha Sharma appointed as executive vice president and CEO of its gaming division. Sharma, formerly leading AI product development at Microsoft, aims to refocus on Xbox and core players. The move follows challenges including tariff-driven costs, stiff competition from Sony, and a 9.5% decline in gaming revenue last quarter. Spencer will stay in an advisory role through the summer. Microsoft also confirmed the departure of Sarah Bond and the reshuffling of leadership, including Matt Booty as executive VP and chief content officer, reporting to Sharma.