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.

One Nepali Among Three Killed in UAE as Iranian Drone and Missile Attacks Continue

One Nepali citizen is among three people killed in the United Arab Emirates following Iranian missile and drone attacks, the UAE Ministry of Defense said. A total of 58 people were injured in the attacks, which authorities said were part of Iran’s retaliatory campaign in the Gulf. In a statement, the ministry said the incidents resulted in the deaths of three civilians of Pakistani, Nepali, and Bangladeshi nationality. The attacks began on February 28, 2026, in response to US and Israeli strikes, according to officials. The UAE’s armed forces said they have so far dealt with 165 ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles, and 541 Iranian drones since the start of the campaign. Of the ballistic missiles detected, 152 were intercepted and destroyed, while 13 fell into the sea. The ministry said that on the second morning of the attacks, UAE forces destroyed 20 ballistic missiles, with eight missiles falling into the sea. It added that two cruise missiles and 311 drones were also destroyed during that phase. According to a statement, 21 drones struck civilian targets, while the remaining were intercepted. Overall, 506 out of 541 drones were intercepted and destroyed, while 35 drones landed inside the country, causing material damage.

Nepali Embassy in Qatar Calls for Adherence to Security Protocols

The Nepali Embassy in Qatar has urged the Nepali nationals living there to adhere to the security protocols set forth by the Qatari government. In light of the recent events in West Asia, the embassy has advised all Nepalis in Qatar to stay vigilant and prioritize their safety. The embassy has emphasized the importance of following the security recommendations and directives from Qatari officials, which include remaining indoors, taking necessary precautions, and refraining from believing rumors and unverified information from unfamiliar sources. Additionally, the embassy has requested that individuals refrain from sharing unverified information, news, and ‘video clips’, and to consistently monitor official announcements and emergency alerts, while maintaining regular communication with the embassy.  The embassy has confirmed that it is in constant contact with Nepalis in Qatar via telephone and other communication means. Currently, there are approximately 360,000 Nepali workers in Qatar. Tensions in West Asia have escalated following Iran’s retaliation against a joint military operation conducted by the United States and Israel on Saturday.

Nepal Suspends Labor Approvals for Gulf Countries Amid Rising Middle East Tensions

The Government of Nepal has suspended the issuance of labor permits for workers traveling to Gulf countries, citing escalating tensions in the Middle East. The decision comes in response to the ongoing conflict involving Israel, the United States, and Iran. Minister for Labor, Employment and Social Security Rajendra Singh Bhandari said the move was taken as a precautionary measure given the growing instability in the region. Labor approvals for foreign employment are issued by the Department of Foreign Employment. Following missile strikes by Israel and the United States on Iran, Iran has launched retaliatory attacks targeting US military bases in several Middle Eastern countries. According to officials, Iran has begun striking American military base camps located in countries including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait, heightening security concerns for Nepali nationals residing there. Minister Bhandari stated that the suspension of all labor approvals for foreign employment to the affected countries will remain in place until further notice.

IGP Karki Instructs Police Personnel for Peaceful Election

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dan Bahadur Karki has emphasized that police personnel should view the House of Representatives (HoR) election as a national commitment and fulfill their responsibilities with a collective sense of duty to guarantee a peaceful election. While addressing police staff today through audio-visual means about the security measures to be implemented before, during, and after the election, as well as current issues, he urged them to remember their obligations to the nation. Furthermore, he instructed them to be stationed in their designated areas with strategies developed from an analysis of security concerns. IGP Karki highlighted the necessity for dependable security plans and the importance of ongoing coordination and collaboration with other security agencies.

Nepali Workers in West Asia Urged to Stay in Regular Contact

The Nepal Democratic Foreign Employment Entrepreneurs’ Association, an affiliate organization of the Nepali Congress, has urged Nepali workers in the West Asia region to stay in regular contact. The central president of the Association, Deepak Thapa, issued a statement today expressing serious concern about the recent security situation developed in the West Asia region and urged the workers sent there through the foreign employment agencies affiliated to the Association to stay in regular contact. He requested all Nepali nationals living and working in the West Asia region to exercise high alertness and to fully comply with the security directives issued by the local administration of the respective countries. The Association has urged the Government of Nepal and Nepali embassies and diplomatic missions abroad to coordinate as necessary for the safety of their citizens, to provide regular information, and to operate emergency mechanisms effectively. Thapa requested that, as the protection of the life and safety of Nepali citizens is paramount, all licensed institutions in Nepal coordinate and cooperate continuously with the relevant employer companies to regularly receive information about the status of their workers.

Nepali Congress Urges EC to Curb Breach of Election Code

The Nepali Congress (NC) has drawn the attention of the Election Commission (EC) toward the incidents of some political parties allegedly violating the Election Code of Conduct-2082BS. A delegation led by NC’s Spokesperson and Central Publicity Committee Coordinator Devaraj Chalise called on Officiating Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari on Sunday and raised the concerns over alleged breaches of the election code of conduct. The team called EC for the strict enforcement of the election code. The party accused that some political parties were still overtly misusing the election symbols during publicity campaign. Even children were involved in the campaigns to a sheer contradiction to the code of conduct, the party reminded. NC claimed that the national flag of Nepal was misused against the directives issued by the EC while misinformation and propaganda were spread through social media at the vested interest of certain political parties. In the memorandum submitted to the EC, the NC asserted that it believes in fair competition and reaffirmed its commitment to fulfilling the responsibilities entrusted to it by the Nepali citizens as well as to safeguarding and promoting democracy, the Constitution and human rights.

Border Points in Banke to Remain Closed for Three Days during Election Silence Period

Border points in Banke district will remain closed for three days starting from the beginning of the silence period for the House of Representatives Member Election 2026. The District Administration Office, Banke issued a public notice stating that all border crossings will be shut from 12:00 midnight on March 2 until 12:00 midnight on March 5, according to Assistant Chief District Officer Mahesh Kumar Gurung. The notice states that the decision was taken to ensure the election is conducted in a free, fair, fearless, and credible environment. All border points in Banke connected to India will remain closed during this period. Banke shares an approximately 65-kilometer-long border with India.

Durga Prasai Remanded to Five Days in Custody for Investigation

The administration has granted permission to keep Durga Prasai, coordinator of the “Nation, Nationality, Religion, Culture and Citizen Protection Mega Campaign,” in custody for five days. The District Administration Office, Bhaktapur, approved the remand following his arrest on Sunday from his residence in Bhaktapur. Authorities have initiated an investigation against Durga Prasai on charges related to offenses against public peace. Earlier, he had been arrested in Kathmandu on 16 Feb and was released on 25 Feb. Previously, filing a habeas corpus petition claiming that he had been detained unlawfully, his wife Uma Prasai had moved the Supreme Court. A joint bench of Justices Manoj Kumar Sharma and Meghraj Pokharel of the Supreme Court of Nepal had ordered his release. Prasai has been publicly expressing views claiming that the elections would not take place.

Joint Team for Ballot Box Safety and Transportation to Counting Centers: NA

The Nepali Army (NA) asserted that as in the previous elections, a joint security team would transport ballot boxes to the counting centers after the voting is over for March 5 House of Representatives elections. Issuing a statement on Sunday, the NA’s Directorate of Public Relations and Information said that as in previous elections, a joint team consisting of the Nepal Police, the Armed Police Force, the Election Officer, designated representatives of political parties and the NA would transport the ballot boxes from the polling stations to the respective counting centers in line with the existing protocols. The NA reminded of its mobilization in all elections held since 1991, mentioning that it has been shouldering responsibilities such as guarding the ballot papers printing centers, transporting the ballot papers and escorting the ballot boxes to the counting centers following the voting. To ensure that the upcoming election is held safely, the NA reaffirmed its commitment to collaborate and coordinate with the concerned agencies as per the Integrated Security Plan in place. It may be noted that the election security arrangements are being executed in accordance with the House of Representatives Member Election Act-2074 BS and the House of Representatives Member Election Integrated Security Plan-2082 BS.

NOC to Keep Depots Open During Public Holidays

The Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has announced that its depots will remain open during the upcoming public holidays to ensure an uninterrupted supply of fuel across the country. According to the Corporation’s Spokesperson Manohar Kumar Thakur, the government has declared a three-day public holiday for the elections, along with additional holidays this week, prompting the NOC to keep its provincial offices and depot/branch offices operational throughout the holiday period. A total of 11 depots nationwide will remain open, including the Koshi Provincial Office in Biratnagar, Madhesh Provincial Office in Amlekhgunj, Fuel Depot in Mahendranagar (Dhanusha), Bagmati Provincial Office in Thankot, Gandaki Provincial Office in Pokhara, Lumbini Provincial Office in Bhairahawa, Fuel Depot in Nepalgunj, Karnali Provincial Office in Surkhet, Sudurpaschim Provincial Office in Dhangadhi, Branch Office in Charali (Jhapa), and Branch Office in Birgunj. The Corporation also stated that fuel sales and distribution will continue from the Thankot Depot on March 2 despite the public holiday.

Bipin Karki Shares Transformed Look on Facebook, Sparks Curiosity Among Fans

Actor Bipin Karki shared a striking photo on Facebook on Saturday, revealing a dramatically transformed appearance. Captioning the image, he wrote, “Clothing alone does not define a character.” Known for fully immersing himself into his roles, Bipin’s latest look has drawn significant attention on social media. In the photo, he appears in a worn-out red jacket left unzipped, dark brown pants torn at the knees, and a dust-covered, rugged appearance—portraying what seems to be a character shaped by hardship and struggle. Many social media users have praised the actor, saying the image reflects the depth of preparation he invests in his roles. However, Bipin has not disclosed whether the look is from an upcoming film or a music video, further fueling speculation. Some fans believe he may be preparing for a new project featuring a similarly intense character. Bipin has consistently won audiences’ hearts by adapting himself to diverse roles, and this latest image once again highlights his dedication to his craft.

Asian Football Postpones Club Knockouts After US, Israel Strikes

Asian Football Confederation (AFC) bosses postponed on Sunday first-leg knockout matches to be played by clubs in the Middle East this week, after the United States and Israel’s strikes on Iran. The decision to reschedule matches involved all three of the AFC’s main club competitions, including the Champions League Elite, the Malaysia-headquartered AFC said. “In light of the developing situation in the Middle East… matches in the West Region, originally scheduled for March 2-3, 2026, will now be rescheduled,” it said in a statement in Kuala Lumpur. “The AFC will continue to closely monitor this rapidly evolving situation and remains resolute in ensuring the safety and security of all players, teams, officials, and fans,” the body added. Games included a scheduled match between Qatar’s Al-Duhail and Saudi powerhouse Al-Ahli, according to the AFC schedule. Other Elite round-of-16 games like Dubai-based Shabab AlAhli hosting Iran’s Tractor, and Abu Dhabi club Al Wahda versus Al-Ittihad are also affected. Matches played elsewhere in the Asian region will continue as scheduled, the AFC said.

Sanath Jayasuriya Decides to Step Down as Sri Lanka Head Coach

Sanath Jayasuriya has decided to step down as head coach of the Sri Lanka men’s national cricket team following their disappointing exit from the T20 World Cup. He announced that the tournament would mark the end of his tenure. Sri Lanka’s narrow five-run loss to Pakistan in the Super 8 stage at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Saturday proved to be their final match of the competition. Although Sri Lanka had defeated Ireland, Oman, and Australia in the group stage to reach the Super 8, they failed to replicate that success in the second round. They lost their first Super 8 match to England by 51 runs and then suffered a 61-run defeat against New Zealand. Jayasuriya revealed that he had already made up his mind to leave the coaching role, though he has not yet formally informed Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). The 56-year-old said he had long planned for the World Cup to be his final assignment.

10 killed, scores injured as protests turn violent near US Consulate in Pakistan’s Karachi

At least 10 people were killed and dozens injured on Sunday after violent clashes erupted between police and protesters on MT Khan Road as crowds marched toward the US Consulate in Karachi. The protests followed the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israeli air strike. The Edhi Welfare Organization’s information wing confirmed that nine people were initially killed and several others injured near Mai Kolachi Road amid firing and unrest. All victims were shifted to the Civil Hospital Karachi’s Trauma Center. Hospital authorities said 32 injured individuals were brought in for treatment, while the identification of the deceased was underway. One injured person later succumbed to wounds, raising the death toll to 10. Those killed include 23-year-old Kazim, 26-year-old Mubarak, 25-year-old Adil, 25-year-old Abbas, 20-year-old Khawar Abbas, 28-year-old Sajid Ali, and 23-year-old Muhammad Ali. According to an official statement from the Sindh government, demonstrators breached the external security perimeter of the US Consulate, entered the premises, and caused damage. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in a video message, said Sunday was “a day of mourning for the Muslim Ummah, as well as for the people of Iran and Pakistan.” He said every Pakistani citizen shared the grief of the Iranian people and urged protesters not to take the law into their own hands, calling for peaceful demonstrations.

Airspace Closed, Flights Cancelled as US-Iran Conflict Flares

Thousands of flights have been delayed or cancelled in the biggest disruption to global air transport since the Covid-19 pandemic as airlines suspend services to the Middle East following the US and Israeli attacks on Iran. Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates all announced at least partial closures of their skies after Saturday’s strikes and Iran launching missiles at capital cities around the wealthy Gulf region. Major carriers from the Middle East, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the United States announced widespread cancellations, leaving thousands of passengers stranded. Notable airlines that cancelled services included Emirates, Etihad, Air France, British Airways, Air India, Turkish Airlines, and Lufthansa. According to aviation analytics company Cirium, of around 4,218 flights scheduled to land in Middle Eastern countries on Saturday, 966 (22.9 percent) were cancelled, with the figure rising above 1,800 if also including outbound flights. For Sunday, 716 flights out of 4,329 scheduled to the Middle East have been cancelled, Cirium said. Flight tracking website FlightAware meanwhile said more than 19,000 flights had been delayed globally and more than 2,600 were cancelled as of 0230 GMT Sunday.