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 Seeks Clarification on 87 Code of Conduct Complaints

The Election Commission has issued notices for clarification regarding 87 complaints of Code of Conduct violations. Law Officer Mohan Raj Joshi reported that 81 individuals received written notices, while six were asked for follow-up explanations. The commission has received 57 responses so far, which are currently under review. Investigations involve political parties, candidates, and media outlets, including Setopati Online, which was flagged via Press Council Nepal for publishing exit polls. To strengthen monitoring, 77 Assistant Chief District Officers have been appointed as monitoring officers under the 2026 directive to oversee non-financial matters, while Chief Treasury Controllers monitor financial irregularities.

Election Commission Orders Medical Teams at All Polling Stations

The Election Commission has directed the Ministry of Health and Population and the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration to ensure emergency medical services are available at every polling station on March 5. This measure aims to provide immediate health assistance to voters, security personnel, and election staff. Hospitals and health centers nationwide have been instructed to keep doctors, paramedics, and essential medicines on standby. Spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai urged all local levels and provincial governments to coordinate effectively, ensuring that both primary health posts and major hospitals are prepared to handle any medical emergencies during the nationwide voting.

Woman Arrested With 48 Passports at TIA

The Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) Security Office arrested 45-year-old Tara Chand Chaudhary of Nagarjun Municipality-1 on Thursday. She was intercepted while attempting to board Bhutan Airlines flight B3 773 bound for Delhi, India. During a security screening, police discovered 48 passports belonging to various individuals hidden in her luggage. Authorities have transferred her to the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office for further interrogation. Investigators are looking into potential human trafficking links or illegal foreign employment racketeering, as she lacked valid authorization to transport multiple travel documents across international borders.

Police Arrest Suspect in Tulsipur Cylinder Bomb Blast

Police arrested 39-year-old Sher Bahadur Damai (alias Sajak) in Rawatgaon for his alleged involvement in a cylinder bomb explosion in Tulsipur. The blast occurred on February 17 at the Patukhola border during a nationwide strike called by the CPN (Bahumat) party to boycott the upcoming elections. District Police Spokesperson Resham Bohara stated that Damai faces charges under the Explosive Substances Act. The Dang District Court has granted a 10-day remand for further investigation. Meanwhile, the party’s General Secretary, Dharmendra Bastola, remains in custody in Kathmandu as authorities search for other accomplices involved in election-disrupting activities.

Supreme Court to Hear Petitions Regarding Election Exit Polls

The Supreme Court has registered two separate writ petitions regarding election exit polls and media conduct for the March 5 polls. Students Ayush Badal, Akash Dhakal, and Advocate Abhash Regmi filed a petition seeking a mandamus to stop Setopati Online from publishing news that favors specific candidates, arguing it violates privacy and the 2026 code of conduct. Conversely, the media outlet filed its own petition against the Election Commission and Press Council, demanding the right to publish voter opinions. Both cases are scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Friday to determine the limits of media reporting during elections.

EC Imposes Nationwide Vehicle Ban for March 5 Polls

The Election Commission (EC) has ordered a nationwide halt on public and private vehicles from midnight on March 4 until voting ends on March 5 to ensure security during House of Representatives elections. Spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai said the decision was taken on the recommendation of the high-level election security committee. Essential services such as ambulances, fire engines, security vehicles, utility maintenance teams, and vehicles with special election passes will be exempt. Flights will operate normally. The Commission has also decided to request a nationwide alcohol ban from seven days before polling until final results are announced.

Govt. Imposes Nationwide Alcohol Ban for Election Period

The High-Level Election Security Committee has decided to impose a total ban on the sale, distribution, and consumption of alcohol starting seven days before the March 5 election until the final results are announced. Formed under the ‘Election Security Management Directive, 2021,’ the committee aims to ensure a dignified and peaceful environment. Furthermore, a vehicle restriction will be enforced from midnight on March 4 until polling concludes. Only essential services, including ambulances, fire brigades, and diplomatic vehicles or those with official permits, will be allowed to operate on the roads during the election day.

Foreign Tourists Restricted on March 5 Election Day

To ensure security for the House of Representatives election on March 5, the Election Commission has restricted foreign tourists’ movement across the country. Information Officer Suman Ghimire clarified that public transport and domestic flights will be suspended, though international flights will remain regular. The Nepal Tourism Board has issued an advisory stating that shuttle buses will operate to transport tourists between Tribhuvan International Airport and hotels using passes from the District Administration Office. While borders will close 72 hours prior to voting, essential services, hotels, and historic sites will remain open to accommodate international visitors during the one-day nationwide polling period.

Oxygen Supplies Dispatched to High-Altitude Polling Stations in Mustang

For the first time, the District Election Office in Mustang will provide oxygen cans and primary healthcare kits to 21 polling stations located above 3,000 meters. These centers, situated in Lo-Ghekar Damodarkunda, Lomanthang, and Varagung Muktikshetra, face high risks of altitude sickness for staff and voters. Election Officer Lokendra Gyawali stated that the Divya Deep Secondary School center sits at an elevation of 3,857 meters. To mitigate risks, the office has specifically deployed personnel with prior high-altitude experience. Integrated security plans have categorized these remote stations as highly sensitive, and reserve staff are on standby to replace any personnel who fall ill during the election.

Rasuwa Intensifies CCTV Installation at 36 Polling Stations

The District Election Office in Rasuwa has accelerated the installation of CCTV cameras across 36 polling stations to enhance transparency for the March 5 elections. District Election Officer Rajan Raya confirmed that installation is complete in Uttargaya Rural Municipality and will soon finish in the remaining four local units. Additionally, 383 personnel have been trained, and 51 types of voting materials, including ballot boxes, are ready. To boost voter education, 27 volunteers and five monitors have been deployed, while all 12 candidates, including three independents, have opened mandatory bank accounts for transparent expenditure tracking.

All-Female Teams to Lead 3 Polling Booths in Jhapa

In a move toward gender-inclusive electoral management, women have been appointed to lead three polling booths at the Mechi Stadium in Jhapa Constituency No. 3. Assistant Election Officer Dilli Prasad Prasai announced that all staff, including polling officers and security personnel, will be female. Key appointments include Pushpalata Upreti, Srijana Panta, and Goma Dahal as polling officers for centers ‘A,’ ‘B,’ and ‘C,’ respectively. Jhapa district features 713,537 voters across 285 polling stations. A total of 4,936 personnel, including 815 polling officers, are currently undergoing orientation to ensure a fair and systematic voting process.

Electricity Regulatory Commission Drafts New Corporate Governance Standards

The Electricity Regulatory Commission is preparing the ‘Corporate Governance Standards for Licensed Institutions, 2026.’ The draft mandates that boards must include at least one female director if there are female shareholders. It prohibits more than one family member from serving on a board simultaneously and requires vacant positions to be filled within 35 days. Independent directors must have at least 10 years of specialized experience and cannot hold executive roles. Furthermore, institutions must coordinate with the Commission regarding social responsibility spending. The standards also require companies to follow transparent public procurement principles, barring any firms with a direct conflict of interest from participating in construction or consultancy bids.

Police Bust Indian-Nepali Gang for Rs 120 Million Financial Fraud

Jhapa Police have made public seven individuals, including six Indian nationals and one Nepali, for orchestrating a massive financial scam. The gang arrested in Bhadra-8 with vehicles labeled ‘Press’ fooled victims by using bundles of plain paper sandwiched between genuine banknotes to film fake wealth videos. Authorities seized 21 tin boxes and 237 bundles of paper, estimated by the suspects to represent Rs 120 million. The suspects, including Arindam Dhar and Devendra Sapota, used forged government stamps, fake police IDs, and tax certificates to lure traders. Spokesperson Khagendra Bahadur Khadka confirmed that the group is being prosecuted for document forgery and organized fraud under the Criminal Code, 2017.

Relocation Recommended for 10 Settlements Inside Banke National Park

Babai Rural Municipality Chairman Kul Bahadur Khatri has formally recommended the relocation of 10 settlements situated within the buffer zone of Banke National Park. The affected areas in Wards 1 and 7, including Kiureni, Banchare, and Jaljala, have faced severe risks from wildlife and a lack of infrastructure since the park’s declaration. Residents, claiming their ancestors lived there 50 years prior to the park’s establishment, have threatened to boycott the March 5 elections due to government neglect. The recommendation aims to ensure the safety of citizens while maintaining the ecological integrity of the protected national forest.

African Swine Fever Outbreak Confirmed in Sudurpashchim Province

An outbreak of African swine fever has been confirmed among pigs in Kailali and Kanchanpur districts. Senior Veterinarian Naresh Prasad Joshi from the Animal Disease Investigation and Control Division Veterinary Epidemiology Section in Dhangadhi reported that samples from Dhangadhi, Ghodaghodi, and Krishnapur tested positive via PCR methods. The highly contagious virus causes high fever (104°F to 107°F) and visible skin hemorrhages, with a mortality rate near 100%. While not a zoonotic threat to humans, the economic risk to farmers is severe. Authorities have urged pig farmers to implement strict biosecurity measures and report any sudden deaths to the Veterinary Hospital or Animal Quarantine Centers immediately to prevent a wider epidemic.

Rapti Health Science Academy Launches Medicine Counseling Room

To prevent medication errors and improve patient literacy, the Rapti Health Science Academy in Dang has inaugurated a dedicated Medicine Counseling Room. Registrar Prof. Shyam Lamsal stated this is the first such initiative in the district, aimed at helping patients understand dosages, side effects, and necessary precautions. Hospital Director Prof. Dr. Janardhan Panthi opened the facility, noting that many patients struggle to read handwritten prescriptions. The academy plans to appoint expert pharmacists to staff the room, ensuring that every patient receives clear, verbal instructions before starting their treatment, thereby enhancing the safety and efficacy of healthcare services provided by the provincial institution.

Local Units Declare Public Holiday for Magar Unity Day

To celebrate the 44th National Magar Unity Day, multiple local government units across Nepal have declared a public holiday on Friday. The move honors the Magar community, which constitutes 53.03% of the population in districts like Palpa. All 10 local units in Palpa, including Tansen and Rampur, have announced closures. In Gulmi, nine units, including Resunga, Kaligandaki, and Isma, will observe the holiday. Butwal Sub-Metropolitan City Mayor Khel Raj Pandey also issued a notice for a local holiday. The closure applies to ward offices, health posts, and educational institutions, while essential services remain operational amidst cultural festivities and traditional performances.

Department of Food Technology Issues 188 New Industry Licenses

The Department of Food Technology and Quality Control released its semi-annual progress report for the fiscal year 2025/26 on Thursday. According to Spokesperson Dr Bal Kumari Sharma, the department and its eight provincial offices authorized 188 new food industries in the last six months. Additionally, 435 new industries were recommended for opening, and 1,218 existing licenses were renewed. The department also conducted 5,906 market inspections targeting hotels, highways, and schools. In the second quarter alone, 3,038 inspections were carried out to ensure food safety standards and regulatory compliance across the country.

Actress Namrata Sapkota Marries Ojas in Private Ceremony

Popular Nepali actress Namrata Sapkota tied the knot with a young man named Ojas on Thursday. The wedding ceremony was held privately at her residence in Sitapaila, Nagarjun, with only close family members in attendance. Sapkota, who debuted in the 2013 film Antaral, has appeared in over a dozen movies, including her recent project Numbari Sun. Known for her previous bold statements regarding unconventional motherhood and her recent journey as an Osho Sannyasi, she shared news of her nuptials via a social media post of her Mehendi ceremony on Wednesday evening, keeping her husband’s identity largely private until the wedding.

Anmol KC Starrer ‘Jerry On Top’ To Release in India

The Nepali film Jerry on Top, starring Anmol KC, is set to release in several Indian cities on Friday. Target cities include Darjeeling, Sikkim, Delhi, and Kolkata. A grand premiere was held in Gangtok on Thursday, attended by actors Anmol KC, Bhuwan KC, and Jashita Gurung, and musician Kali Prasad Baskota. Directed by Suyog Gurung, the film has already earned over Rs 170 million worldwide, including Rs 120 million in Nepal, making it the highest-grossing film of KC’s career. The Indian release, managed by Asali Production, aims to expand the international market for high-budget Nepali cinema.

Nepal Police Club Secures Dominant 7-0 Victory in National League Today

The Nepal Police Club delivered a crushing 7-0 defeat to Nav Janajagriti Club during a one-sided All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) National League match at Dasharath Stadium on Thursday. Dhirendra Bahadur Shah and Sanjeev Lama each scored two goals, while Dasharath Giri, Bharat Shah, and Vijay Uran contributed one each. This victory marks the Police Club’s second win of the season, bringing their total to seven points from seven matches. In another fixture, New Road Team (NRT) and Planning Boys United shared points after a 1-1 draw, with goals from Timothy Chimere and Captain Pratap Singh Rai.

Nepal and India Sign Bilateral Biodiversity Conservation Agreement

Nepal and India signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in New Delhi on Wednesday to strengthen biodiversity conservation. The agreement was signed by Nepali Ambassador Dr. Shankar Prasad Sharma and Indian Secretary Tanmay Kumar in the presence of Ministers Madhav Prasad Chaulagai and Bhupender Yadav. The pact focuses on coordinating efforts to protect trans-border wildlife like elephants, rhinos, and tigers. It also aims to combat illegal wildlife trade through the South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network (SAWEN). The agreement will automatically renew every five years and undergo review every three years, facilitating joint patrols and information sharing between the two neighboring nations.

4.8 Magnitude Quake Rattles Sikkim Region; Tremors Felt Across South Asia

A 4.8 magnitude earthquake struck near Naya Bazar in India on Thursday around 11:34 a.m. local time, according to seismic monitoring data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The shallow quake, with a depth of about 10 kilometers, was also felt in neighboring countries, including Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and China. There are no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage from the tremor.

Instagram to Alert Parents Over Teen Self-Harm Searches

Meta Platforms announced that Instagram will notify parents if teenagers repeatedly search for suicide- or self-harm-related terms within a short period. The alerts will apply to accounts enrolled in the platform’s optional parental supervision feature and will begin next week in the United States, Britain, Australia, and Canada. The move comes as several governments, including Australia and the United Kingdom, consider tighter youth social media restrictions. Instagram said it already blocks harmful searches and redirects users to support resources.

Hong Kong Court Overturns Jimmy Lai Fraud Conviction

A Hong Kong appeals court has overturned the fraud conviction of pro-democracy media figure Jimmy Lai, quashing his previous prison sentence after finding errors in the lower court’s ruling. Despite the decision, Lai will remain in jail serving a 20-year sentence under the national security law imposed by China following the 2019 protests. The case has drawn criticism from the United States and the United Kingdom. Authorities said they will review the judgment to decide whether to pursue a further appeal.