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.

Army Intensifies Security for March 5 Elections

The Nepal Army has scaled up security operations across the country ahead of the House of Representatives elections scheduled for March 5. While the Nepal Police and Armed Police Force occupy the first and second security tiers, the Army remains in the third tier, patrolling sensitive locations like airports, prisons, and government installations. Brigadier General Manoj Thapa of the Directorate of Military Operations stated that personnel could be deployed to the first tier in high-risk zones if necessary. Coordination with Chief District Officers and election officials remains active to ensure a peaceful environment and smooth polling in line with public expectations.

Election Commission Seeks Clarification from 51 in Code Violations

The Election Commission [EC] has requested formal explanations from 51 entities for alleged violations of the Election Code of Conduct 2026. According to Law Officer Mohan Raj Joshi, responses have been received from 30 parties and candidates, while 21 are still pending. Complaints involve registered media outlets, non-governmental organizations, and political candidates. To ensure compliance, Code of Conduct Monitoring Officers have been designated in all 77 districts. Assistant Chief District Officers handle non-financial issues, while Treasury Controllers monitor financial misconduct. Confirmed violations will lead to legal action at the district level to minimize non-compliance before the polls.

RSP District Leader Arrested for Leaking Confidential Documents

Police arrested Rikhiram Bhattarai, the Kapilvastu District Organization Chief of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), on Tuesday. Bhattarai is accused of leaking confidential bank transaction documents related to an active police investigation on his Facebook wall in February. DSP Ripendra Kumar Singh of the district police office stated that Bhattarai faces charges under the Electronic Transactions Act 2006 for breaching privacy and spreading hatred. The Kapilvastu District Court has granted a three-day remand for further investigation. Authorities noted that the suspect had previously been involved in similar social media incidents targeting the character of individuals.

Fugitive Extradited from Philippines for Threatening Officials

The Nepal Police extradited Prakash Pathak from the Philippines on Wednesday for issuing death threats against high-ranking officials. SSO Ramesh Thapa of the Kathmandu District Police confirmed that Pathak was brought to Tribhuvan International Airport by a joint team from Interpol and the Kathmandu Police. The suspect had issued a “deadline” to kill 10 individuals, including Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) Chief Prem Rai, claiming he would use escaped prisoners to carry out the acts. Pathak was arrested on December 31 in Malolos City following a diffusion notice issued on December 12. He is now in custody in Kathmandu to face charges of criminal intimidation and cybercrime.

Migrant Workers Return Home for March 5 Polls

Data from the Department of Immigration shows a surge in Nepalese citizens returning from abroad ahead of the March 5 elections. Between February 1 and February 10, at least 51,079 people returned to Nepal, outnumbering departures by over 1,000. Significant arrivals were noted from the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. Director Tikaram Dhakal noted that while many return for the New Year holidays, sociologists like Dr. Dinesh Prasai attribute the trend primarily to the upcoming polls for 165 direct and 110 proportional seats. Over 158,000 people returned in the last month, indicating high diaspora interest in participating in the democratic process.

HPV Vaccination Campaign Targets 493 Local Levels

The Department of Health Services has launched a Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign across 493 local levels in 56 districts to prevent cervical cancer. Dr. Abhiyan Gautam, Chief of the Child Health and Immunization Section, stated that the 20-day drive aims to vaccinate 350,000 girls. The campaign targets 6th-grade students and out-of-school girls aged 10 to 14. Due to snowfall, the campaign in the remaining 21 Himalayan and hilly districts will begin in April. Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among Nepali women, making this preventive measure a critical national health priority.

Service Disrupted at Humla District Hospital Due to Equipment Failure

X-ray services at the Humla District Hospital have been suspended for over a week due to a faulty machine cassette. Acting Office Chief Bhim Budha reported that 10 to 15 patients are being turned away daily from the remote facility. In addition to the X-ray crisis, the hospital lab is facing a shortage of chemicals for blood, kidney, and liver tests. The facility even ran out of paracetamol and was forced to borrow 500 tablets from a local medical center to stay operational. While the Nick Simons Institute has agreed to repair the equipment, the Rs 300,000 to Rs 400,000 cost has delayed the process in this high-altitude region.

Worker Killed in Fast Track Bridge Construction Accident

A construction worker died on Tuesday evening during the construction of the Kathmandu-Terai Fast Track. Arjun Thing, 29, from Sindhupalchok, fell 21 meters into a bridge foundation pit at Chhekredanda, Bhimphedi-8, Makwanpur, after a winch machine’s brakes failed. According to Makwanpur District Police, Thing died at the scene. Another worker, Julfe Tamang, 37, sustained back injuries and has been transported to Kathmandu for medical treatment. The accident occurred at bridge number one of the expressway project. Authorities are investigating the mechanical failure that led to the fatal fall during the evening shift.

Candidates in Makwanpur Open Dedicated Election Accounts

In Makwanpur, 24 out of 44 candidates have opened separate bank accounts for election-related expenses as required by the Election Code of Conduct. Information Officer Tara Prasad Acharya stated that 20 candidates, including nine from political parties and 11 independents, have yet to apply for the mandatory recommendation letters. Candidates in the two constituencies of Makwanpur are permitted to spend up to Rs 3.3 million. Chief Election Officer Gita Shrestha emphasized that using a dedicated account ensures transparency. Violators face fines of up to Rs 100,000 or the possibility of candidacy cancellation if they fail to manage all financial transactions through the banking system.

Police Inspector Arrested on Rape Charges in Chitwan

Police Inspector Pradip Mahat, stationed at the Khairahani Area Police Post, Chitwan, has been arrested on charges of raping a woman. DIG Dipak Regmi of the Bagmati Province Police confirmed that the arrest followed a formal complaint filed by the victim. The woman alleged that Mahat raped her at a hotel in the Khairahani area in September 2025. The inspector is currently being held in custody at the Chitwan District Police Office for further investigation. Authorities stated that the case is being handled with high priority to ensure a fair legal process, emphasizing that no official is above the law regardless of their rank or position.

Voter Education Campaign to Start Nationwide on February 15

To minimize invalid votes for the March 5 elections, the Election Commission will launch a nationwide voter education campaign from February 15 to March 1. Spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai announced that 6,743 volunteers, one for every ward in 753 local units, will be mobilized. These volunteers will visit households to demonstrate the correct voting process using mock ballot papers. The commission aims to increase voter turnout and simplify the polling procedure for the public. All seven provincial governments and political parties have been urged to support the volunteers to ensure that the electoral process remains transparent, accessible, and inclusive for all citizens.

Kapilvastu Secures 172 Firearms Ahead of March 5 Elections

In Kapilvastu, 172 licensed muskets have been temporarily collected ahead of the House of Representatives election on March 5 to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful voting environment. Following a public notice issued on January 19 by the District Administration Office, police teams visited firearm owners to collect the weapons, which are now safely stored at the District Police Office. The move aims to prevent fear, intimidation, or any undesirable activities during the election. After the polls conclude, the firearms will be returned to their owners in accordance with the law.

Corruption Case Filed Against Suspended Bagmati Mayor

The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) filed a corruption case against suspended Bagmati Municipality Mayor Bharat Kumar Thapa and 12 others at the Special Court on Wednesday. The case involves the illegal construction of the ‘Bharat Tal’ fish pond on Sagarnath Forest Development Project land. The CIAA is claiming Rs 586.2 million in damages for the loss of forest products and royalty leakage. Other defendants include Deputy Mayor Lila Kumari Muktan and several forest officials. Investigations revealed that the municipality excavated 4.7 million cubic meters of material without environmental clearance or legal authority, resulting in massive revenue loss.

Trade Unions Oppose Acting MD Appointment at Nepal Telecom

Employee trade unions at Nepal Telecom have protested the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology’s decision to appoint an Acting Managing Director (MD) by bypassing senior officials. A joint statement from the Nepal Telecommunication National Employees’ Organization and Nepal National Employees’ Organization claimed the move violates the 2021 Service Rules. The unions argue that the most senior official should have filled the vacancy left by Sabina Maskey Pradhan, who retired on February 4. They warned that such “arbitrary” decisions during the Election Code of Conduct period create managerial chaos and ignore established seniority protocols within the state-owned utility.

NTNC Teams Deployed to Track Problematic Wildlife

The National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) has deployed technical teams to track and control problematic wildlife in three districts. Under the direction of Member Secretary Dr Naresh Subedi, rescue units are active in Barbardiya, Salyan, and Dailekh. The operation follows recent fatal attacks by a tiger in Salyan and wild boars in Dailekh. In Salyan, technicians have set ‘baits’ in three locations, while a leopard trap is ready in Barbardiya. Working with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, the NTNC has already rescued two leopards and captured one tiger in the last two months to mitigate escalating human-wildlife conflict in Karnali and Lumbini provinces.

Air Quality in Kathmandu Valley Reaches Unhealthy Levels

The air quality in Kathmandu Valley remained “unhealthy” on Wednesday, with the Air Quality Index [AQI] measured at 192. This follows a reading of 175 on Sunday. According to the Department of Environment, the rising pollution is attributed to a lack of rainfall and low wind speeds, which trap pollutants in the bowl-shaped valley. Industrial emissions and ongoing construction projects have further worsened the situation. Disaster management expert Dr. Dharam Raj Upreti warned that levels above 150 are hazardous for children and those with respiratory issues. The government has urged citizens to avoid burning waste and advised vulnerable groups to stay indoors until conditions improve.

NTB and FDB Partner for Film Tourism Promotion

The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the Film Development Board (FDB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Wednesday to establish Nepal as a global filming destination. Signed by CEO Deepak Raj Joshi and Executive Chairman Dinesh DC, the agreement focuses on strategic coordination to boost the economy and create jobs. Key initiatives include representing Nepal at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, hosting a film festival in Pokhara, and launching storytelling campaigns. This partnership aims to highlight cultural heritage sites, benefiting local hotels, transport services, and small businesses through international film production.

Singer Eleena Chauhan Reflects on Independence on Promise Day

On Wednesday, coinciding with Promise Day, singer Eleena Chauhan reflected on her legal divorce from her former husband Bishnu Sapkota, which occurred exactly 1 year ago. Posting on social media, Chauhan noted that the Kathmandu District Court finalized the separation on this date in 2025. She shared with her followers that she is celebrating her first year of “independence” and personal growth. Chauhan vowed to recognize her own value and move forward with her career. She concluded her message by wishing herself a happy Promise Day, marking a significant emotional transition while the rest of the country celebrates Valentine’s week.

Film ‘Lalibazar’ Set for Release on May 1

The teaser for the film Lalibazar was released on Wednesday, officially announcing its premiere date as May 1. Produced by Shatkon Arts, the movie was filmed in Rajapur, Bardia, and features actress Swastima Khadka in a non-traditional lead role. Directed by Yam Thapa, the cast includes Rabindra Singh Baniya, Abhay Baral, and debutants Bishal Devkota and Prasansha Subedi. The script was co-written by Pradeep Bhattarai, who also serves as executive producer. The film’s music is composed by Prakash Saput and Khem Century. Fans have expressed high expectations for the movie, particularly due to the unique rural setting and Khadka’s transformative performance.

Nepal to Face Italy in T20 World Cup Clash Tomorrow

The Nepali national cricket team will face Italy in their second Group C match of the T20 World Cup at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, on Thursday. After a narrow 4-run loss to England, Nepal is looking for its first points against the tournament debutants. Captain Rohit Paudel stated that the team has learned to handle pressure from the previous match and aims for a win to stay in contention for the Super Eight. Nepal previously defeated Italy in a 50-over match 13 years ago. Currently, England, the West Indies, and Scotland lead the group with two points each, while Nepal and Italy remain at the bottom of the table.

South Africa Wins First-Ever T20 World Cup Double Super Over

South Africa secured its second consecutive victory in the ICC T20 World Cup by defeating Afghanistan in a historic double super over on Wednesday. This marks the first time in T20 World Cup history that a match has been decided by a second tie-breaker. Both teams initially tied at 187 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. In the first super over, Afghanistan scored 17 runs, which South Africa matched, leading to the second over. South Africa then set a target of 24 runs, restricting Afghanistan to 19. With 4 points, South Africa sits second in Group D, trailing New Zealand on net run rate, while Afghanistan, UAE, and Canada remain scoreless.

Southern Hemisphere Wildfires Surge as Record Heat Grips Early 2026

Record heat and destructive wildfires have swept across the Southern Hemisphere at the start of 2026, hitting Argentina, Chile, Australia, and South Africa. Temperatures in parts of Australia neared 50 degrees Celsius, while fires in Chile killed 21 people and destroyed homes. Scientists say the crisis is unfolding despite a weak La Nina cooling phase, underscoring the growing impact of human-driven climate change. With a possible shift toward El Nino, global temperatures could climb further, potentially setting another annual record. Experts warn that intensifying heat, drought, and winds are making fires more destructive and costly worldwide.

China Purges Top Generals as Xi Defends Military Anti-Corruption Drive

President Xi Jinping said China’s military has grown stronger through an intensified anti-corruption campaign, even as two top generals were removed in high-level disciplinary probes. The Central Military Commission has effectively shrunk to Xi and one vice chairman after multiple expulsions and investigations. The leadership shake-up comes as China accelerates military modernization and expands its global reach. Analysts say the purge signals tighter political control over the armed forces. Xi praised rank-and-file soldiers for loyalty, calling the past year extraordinary amid sweeping efforts to reinforce party authority within the military.

Australian Opposition Leader Faces Challenge After Key Resignation

Australian opposition leader Sussan Ley is under pressure after shadow defense minister Angus Taylor resigned, raising expectations of a leadership contest. Ley narrowly won party leadership following a major election defeat but has struggled with internal divisions and weak polling. Reports suggest Taylor’s allies may push for a vote to replace her. The Liberal-National coalition has faced repeated splits over policy disputes, including climate and energy targets. Analysts say growing support for smaller conservative parties has intensified factional tensions within the opposition bloc.

Iran Intensifies Crackdown While Signaling Openness to Nuclear Talks

Iran has expanded arrests of reformist figures and activists following recent protests, while also signaling willingness to negotiate limits on its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. Officials said enriched uranium could be diluted if restrictions are lifted. The dual strategy reflects Tehran’s effort to suppress dissent while exploring diplomatic engagement with Washington. Protest-related death tolls remain disputed, with rights groups reporting far higher numbers than official figures. Despite domestic repression, Iranian leaders describe recent US talks as constructive, though deep mistrust persists between both sides.

Indonesia Prepares Troops for Possible Gaza Deployment

Indonesia is preparing up to 8,000 soldiers for potential deployment to Gaza under a US-backed stabilization framework. The troops would focus on medical and engineering roles as part of an international force aimed at securing border areas and supporting reconstruction. President Prabowo Subianto says the move aligns with Indonesia’s support for a two-state solution, though some domestic groups oppose cooperation with Washington. Details of the mission remain unclear, and broader participation from other Muslim-majority countries is still under discussion amid unresolved tensions in Gaza.

Canada School Shooting Leaves 8 Dead in British Columbia

At least eight people died in a shooting at a secondary school in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, including a woman identified as the suspected shooter. More than 25 were injured, two critically. Police also found two additional bodies at a related residence. Authorities are investigating the motive and connections between victims. The small community was placed under lockdown during the response. The attack marks Canada’s deadliest mass shooting since 2020. National leaders expressed condolences as investigators continue to examine the circumstances behind the tragedy.

Instagram Chief Testifies in US Trial Over Youth Mental Health Claims

Instagram head Adam Mosseri is testifying in a US court case alleging the platform’s design fosters addiction among young users. The lawsuit, filed by a California woman, claims features like endless scrolling worsened her anxiety. The outcome could shape hundreds of similar cases against social media firms. Meta denies the allegations, stating it prioritizes youth safety and user controls. Internal company documents are expected to be examined during the trial. The case unfolds as several countries consider stricter limits on children’s access to social media platforms.