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.

Election Commission Mandates First Aid Services at Polling Stations

The Election Commission has directed all relevant authorities to provide primary healthcare services at 10,967 polling locations and 23,255 voting centers for the March 5 election. Spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai issued a notice requesting the Ministry of Health and Population to keep doctors, paramedics, and essential medicines on standby. These services will cater to election staff, security personnel, and voters, including senior citizens and persons with disabilities. Furthermore, the government has approved a three-day public holiday surrounding the election day to encourage maximum voter participation and ensure a safe, healthy environment at all stations.

Nepal Issues Travel Advisory for Middle East Countries

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a travel advisory on Saturday, urging Nepali citizens to postpone visits to Israel and Iran due to escalating regional tensions. The Nepali Embassy in Tel Aviv has advised the Nepali community already residing there to remain indoors and strictly follow safety instructions from local authorities. Citizens are encouraged to stay in regular contact with embassies in Israel or Qatar. The ministry emphasized that travel to these countries should be avoided until the situation stabilizes. Furthermore, Nepalis working across the broader Middle East are advised to monitor developments closely and adhere to official security measures.

Army Conducts Security Drills Across Polling Stations

The Barkha Battalion of the Army has intensified security patrols and monitoring drills across all 296 polling stations in Saptari for the March 5 election. Chief Colonel Sobit Bahadur Chand reported that coordinated exercises involving foot patrols, vehicles, and armored carriers are being conducted to ensure a peaceful voting environment. High-risk and sensitive areas have been identified for additional personnel deployment and 24-hour surveillance. The army is utilizing advanced technology to monitor potential disruptors and maintain high alertness. These activities, including “flag marches,” are designed to build public confidence and ensure that the democratic process remains uninterrupted by unauthorized or chaotic activities.

Mustang Mobilizes All-Women Teams for Key Polling Centers

In Mustang, the Chief Election Officer’s Office has assigned all-female staff to manage two specific polling centers for the March 5 election. District Attorney Sushila Gyawali will lead the Jankalyan Basic School center in Syang, supported by an all-women team of health and administrative staff. Similarly, Assistant District Attorney Ranjita Pokharel will head the temporary polling station at the Jomsom Prison. Across Mustang’s 39 polling locations, six women have been appointed as election officers and 7 as assistant officers. Chief Election Officer Bidya Raj Poudel stated that these appointments showcase female leadership in ensuring a credible and systematic election for the district’s 11,328 voters.

Two Children Die of Undiagnosed Fever in Baitadi Village

In Baitadi, two brothers from the same family have died within five days after showing symptoms of high fever, dizziness, and vomiting. 10-year-old Bikash Mahara died on Saturday, following the death of his 13-year-old brother, Binod Mahara, on February 23. Local teacher Uddhav Mahara reported a rising number of fever cases in Mahara village, Purchaudi Municipality-10. In response, a medical team led by Dr Sijan Khadka from Baitadi District Hospital, equipped with laboratory facilities, has been dispatched to investigate the outbreak. Health officials are working to identify the cause of the deaths and provide urgent treatment to affected villagers.

Parsa Closes International Borders for 4 Days for Elections

The District Administration Office of Parsa has decided to close all international border points with India for four days to maintain election security. Chief District Officer Bhola Dahal announced that the closure will take effect from Monday, March 2, at midnight until Thursday, March 5, at midnight. During this period, all cross-border movement, except for emergency services, is strictly prohibited. Additionally, the administration has banned public gatherings, rallies, and the use of loudspeakers during the “silence period.” These measures are part of a broader strategy to ensure a fair and fearless environment for the House of Representatives election in the border district.

Kathmandu Imposes 9 PM Curfew on Nightlife Businesses

The District Administration Office of Kathmandu has ordered all nightlife businesses to close by 9:00 PM starting March 2 until the election day on March 5. This measure is intended to bolster security and maintain order during the final phase of the election cycle. According to the official notice, no commercial activities, excluding essential services, are permitted after the deadline. This temporary restriction aligns with the broader security strategy to prevent election-related disturbances. Authorities have requested full cooperation from business owners and the public, warning that non-compliance will lead to immediate administrative action during the pre-election period.

Arun River Bailey Bridge Collapses Under Weight of Heavy Truck

A Bailey Bridge connecting wards 5 and 2 of Makalu Rural Municipality in Sankhuwasabha collapsed on Saturday. The incident occurred at 9:00 AM when a heavy truck, plate number Province-03-001 KA 2920, carrying cement for the Kasua Hydropower Project, attempted to cross the Arun River. The driver, 40-year-old Arjun Shrestha, sustained serious injuries and is being prepared for airlift to Kathmandu. The collapse has completely cut off the route to Makalu Base Camp, severely impacting local residents, tourists, and the delivery of daily essentials. Authorities are currently coordinating with the hydropower company for urgent repairs.

Mustang Bans Alcohol for 6 Days to Ensure Election Peace

The Mustang District Administration has announced a six-day ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol to ensure security for the March 5 election. Assistant Chief District Officer Ekanarayan Bhandari stated that the restriction starts on February 26 and will remain in effect until the final election results are announced. Authorities have warned of strict legal action against violators and have ordered security patrols to conduct surprise inspections at hotels and businesses. Furthermore, vehicles traveling on the Beni-Jomsom and Korala-Jomsom roads will be searched to prevent alcohol transportation. This move aims to protect the district’s 11,328 voters and maintain its reputation for peace.

Myagdi Election Candidates Adopt Mandatory Bank Accounts

All 12 candidates contesting the House of Representatives election in Myagdi have successfully opened dedicated bank accounts to manage their campaign finances. Chief Election Officer Surya Bahadur Thapa confirmed that this move follows the Election Commission’s mandate to ensure fiscal transparency. The spending limit for candidates in this district is set at Rs 3.1 million. Monitoring is being led by Ram Prasad Sharma from the Treasury and Accounts Controller’s Office to prevent extravagant or illegal spending. Currently, the district has 82 polling stations and 86,397 registered voters. Over 1,074 employees have been mobilized to conduct the elections in a fair and disciplined manner.

Kathmandu Valley Outflow Doubles Ahead of Elections

Travel demand from Kathmandu Valley has surged as the March 5 election, the Holi festival, and a week-long public holiday approach. The Federation of Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneurs reported that the number of departing passengers has doubled, with approximately 800,000 people expected to leave by March 3. Currently, 300,000 travelers have departed within a week, a significant jump from the usual 80,000. While traffic congestion in the capital has decreased by 50%, transportation companies have added extra buses and private ‘reserve’ trips to accommodate the massive economic and social movement toward rural districts.

Kanchanpur Bans Drones and Alcohol for Election Security

To ensure security for the March 5 election, the Kanchanpur District Administration has prohibited the use of drones and the sale of alcohol. Assistant Chief District Officer Mohan Chandra Joshi stated that all drone flights, even those previously authorized, are banned from March 2 until the election concludes. Violators will face legal action under prevailing laws. Furthermore, the District Security Committee has imposed a complete ban on the sale, distribution, and consumption of alcoholic beverages throughout the election period. These measures aim to maintain social harmony and prevent any disruptions to the democratic process.

Kohalpur Municipality Issues 15-Day Ultimatum to Remove Cables

Kohalpur Municipality in Banke has issued a 15-day ultimatum for the removal of disorganized and unused cables hanging across the city. Chief Administrative Officer Man Bahadur Giri announced that the presence of these cables poses fire risks, causes traffic accidents, and spoils the city’s aesthetic. Telecommunication and cable TV providers have until March 15 to manage their wires. If the deadline is not met, the municipality will begin removing the cables itself starting March 16. All costs incurred during the removal process will be recovered from the respective service providers to ensure the safety and beautification of the urban area.

KMC Students and Staff Integrated into Digital Attendance System

Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has integrated 36,280 students, teachers, and staff from 83 community schools into a centralized digital attendance system. Following a directive from Acting Mayor Sunita Dangol in January, the education department successfully digitized records for primary to grade 10 participants. Education Chief Namraj Dhakal announced that starting March 15, all school grants and salary releases will be strictly based on these digital records. Additionally, the city has allocated Rs 360 million for physical infrastructure surveys, with detailed project reports currently underway for 23 schools to modernize the learning environment.

Rajesh Hamal’s New Film ‘Prawasi Jiwan’ Hits Theaters

The film Prawasi Jiwan premiered in theaters on Friday. Jointly directed by Shyam Chhetri and Ram Adhikari, the movie focuses on the struggle and success stories of Nepalis living in the United States. Superstar Rajesh Hamal leads the cast, which also features Sarita Lamichhane, Buddhi Tamang, Mahadev Adhikari, Angela Basnet, Gagan Subedi, and Lokesh Bhitrikoti. The film’s cinematography was handled by Amrit Bisuwa, with editing by Ram Adhikari and music composed by Nabin Karki. This release highlights the ongoing cultural and economic narratives of the Nepali diaspora in America.

APF &Police Club Draw in Thrilling National League Match

In the ongoing ANFA National League in Kathmandu, a departmental clash between APF Club and Nepal Police Club ended in a 2-2 draw on Saturday. Playing at Dasharath Stadium, both teams displayed aggressive tactics but ultimately shared points. Following this match, APF has accumulated 20 points from eight games, while Police Club holds eight points. In an earlier match on the same day, Shree Bhagwati Club dominated Kankrebihar Club with a crushing 6-0 victory. This win brings Shree Bhagwati’s total to eight points, while Kankrebihar remains at the bottom of the league table with only one point from eight matches.

20 Players Called for ICC World Cup League-2 Training

The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has summoned 20 players for a closed training camp ahead of the ICC World Cup League-2, scheduled for March 10 to March 20. The squad, led by Captain Rohit Paudel, includes veterans like Sandeep Lamichhane and Sompal Kami, along with rising talents selected based on their Jai Trophy performances. Nepal will host a tri-nations series against the UAE and Oman, marking the first home series in two years. Nepal currently sits in 7th place with 12 points. The first match is set against Oman on March 10 at the TU Cricket Ground.

South Korea Grants Google Conditional Access to Map Data

The South Korean government has granted Google conditional permission to export precise 1:5,000 scale mapping data to its foreign servers. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport approved the request on Friday, ending years of restrictions. Google must first process the data within South Korea and blur sensitive military and government sites on services like Google Earth. Additionally, the company must appoint a local compliance officer to ensure data security. Google Vice President Chris Turner welcomed the decision, which is expected to significantly improve navigation services for international tourists and local users who previously relied on indigenous apps.

Israel and US Launch Major Strikes on Iran, Escalating Regional Confrontation

Israel and the United States launched coordinated military strikes against Iran on Saturday, marking a significant escalation in the long-running conflict over Iran’s nuclear and missile programs. Explosions were reported in Tehran and across Iran, with sirens sounding in Israel as air defenses activated and schools, workplaces, and airspace were closed. The operation, described by Israel as preemptive and aimed at removing an “existential threat,” was carried out after months of rising tensions and months of planning with U.S. involvement. Iran responded with ballistic missile attacks on Gulf Arab states and northern Israel, triggering widespread alerts and civilian safety measures. Global airlines have canceled or rerouted flights across the Middle East amid the crisis. The situation drew international concern, with the European Union calling developments ‘perilous’ and Russia condemning U.S.-Israeli strikes as unprovoked aggression, demanding a return to diplomacy. One fatality was reported in the United Arab Emirates due to Iranian retaliatory strikes. The broader regional impact includes heightened emergency readiness, ongoing missile exchanges, and growing concern that the conflict could widen beyond the two nations.