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 Addresses AI Misinformation Risks

Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari emphasized that the election code of conduct is essential for a fair vote on March 5. During an interaction with artists and content creators, he warned against the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to spread false information on social media. The Election Commission (EC) noted that 915,000 new voters have been added since 2022. Officials urged the media and influencers to act as goodwill ambassadors for voter education, ensuring that the public receives accurate information to prevent voter discouragement and maintain democratic integrity.

Military Bus Crash Injures 24 Soldiers in Bhojpur

A bus carrying Nepal Army personnel from the Naya Shreenath Battalion crashed in Bhojpur while traveling to establish a base camp for the March 5 elections. The vehicle fell 200 meters off the road at Setibagar. The accident resulted in injuries to 24 soldiers, 8 of whom were airlifted to Kathmandu via helicopter for emergency treatment. The troops were headed to Temke Maiyung Rural Municipality to ensure security for the upcoming House of Representatives polls. Local police are investigating the cause of the crash as rescue operations conclude at the site.

Former King Suggests Resolving Issues Before Election

Former King Gyanendra Shah issued a video message on Wednesday, marking the 74th National Democracy Day. He suggested that the government should focus on resolving national problems through consensus before proceeding with the upcoming elections. While acknowledging that periodic elections are standard in a democracy, the former king argued that current public sentiment favors addressing existing grievances first to avoid future conflict and instability. He emphasized the need for a national understanding that includes all stakeholders to ensure that the electoral process leads to a stable and peaceful path for the country.

62 Candidates Open Bank Accounts in Jhapa

Out of 90 candidates in Jhapa, 62 have opened mandatory bank accounts for the March 5 election. The Election Commission requires all election-related expenses to be processed through these accounts to ensure transparency. High-profile figures including CPN (UML) Chairman KP Sharma Oli, Rajendra Lingden, and Balendra Shah have complied. However, 28 candidates, mostly independents and from smaller parties, have yet to fulfill this requirement. District Election Officer Tulsi Nepal stated that candidates must also appoint an authorized person to manage expenses, as the commission continues to push for strict adherence to the financial code of conduct.

Former RSP President Joins Nepali Congress Party

Mamata Sharma, the founding president of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) in Madhesh Province, officially joined the Nepali Congress (NC) during a gathering in Janakpurdham. Sharma resigned from her previous party, citing a lack of evaluation for capable workers and a disregard for organizational rules. She stated that the RSP was operating against its own statutes and procedures. Her departure marks a significant shift in the provincial political landscape, as she renounced even her general membership before joining the NC to continue her political career under a different leadership structure.

Assailant Arrested for Attacking Officer at Pashupati

Police arrested 25-year-old Rijan Shrestha for attacking an officer on duty during the Maha Shivaratri festival at Pashupatinath Temple. The suspect, originally from Makwanpur, was identified after a video of him kicking a policeman in the chest went viral on social media. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ramesh Thapa of the Kathmandu District Police Range confirmed the arrest followed a public appeal for information on Tuesday. The incident occurred while the officer was managing crowds during the busy religious holiday. Shrestha was apprehended in the Chagal area of Kathmandu and now faces charges for assaulting a civil servant.

Police Arrest 99 Individuals in Narcotics Operation

The Kathmandu District Police Range arrested 99 individuals, including seven women, for drug trafficking during mid-January/mid-February. Authorities filed 65 cases following the seizure of 55.18 grams of brown heroin, 23,300 Tramadol tablets, and 2,813 Nitrazepam ampoules. Other confiscated items included 2 kilograms of marijuana and hundreds of ampoules of Diazepam and Phenergan. Additionally, police reported 36 suicides during the same month, with 24 victims being male. Furthermore, seven cases were registered regarding predatory lending, involving claims exceeding Rs 80 million.

Protests Erupt After Tipper Hits Scooter in Banepa

A scooter driver died on Wednesday after being struck by a tipper truck at Telecom Chowk in Banepa, Kavre. Following the fatal accident on the Arniko Highway, enraged locals set the truck on fire and blocked the road, leading to a tense standoff. Law enforcement eventually cleared the debris and resumed traffic flow. The body of the unidentified victim was taken to Scheer Memorial Hospital. One other person sustained injuries during the collision. The District Police Office is currently conducting further investigations into the incident.

Police Made Public Man Arrested with Counterfeit Currency in Inaruwa

On Wednesday, police made public the arrest of 25-year-old Azad Miya, who was arrested yesterday for possessing counterfeit Nepali currency. The suspect was apprehended at a vegetable market in Inaruwa Municipality-5 after attempting to shop with a fake Rs 500 note. Upon a search by the Sunsari District Police Office, officers recovered 8 additional counterfeit notes of the same denomination. The suspicious activity was reported by local vendors, leading to the immediate intervention of a police team. Authorities are currently conducting a detailed investigation to determine the source of the forged bills and any potential links to a larger counterfeiting ring.

Citizens Hand Over 407 Weapons to Rolpa Police

In preparation for the March 5 elections, residents in Rolpa handed over 407 licensed firearms to the local administration. Chief District Officer Krishna Thapa reported that while there are 1,086 registered weapons in the district, only about 40% have been submitted so far. Authorities warned that those failing to comply with the handover request within the deadline will face legal action. The weapons and ammunition will be returned to their owners after April 3. This measure aims to ensure a peaceful, fear-free environment for the upcoming House of Representatives voting process.

New E-Commerce Directive Mandates Firm Registration

The Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies issued the Electronic Business Directive 2025 to regulate online trade. Under the new rules, all e-commerce firms must register on the portal of the Department of Commerce, Supplies, and Consumer Protection. Registered businesses must use Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB)-approved payment gateways and maintain records for five years. Firms failing to register within seven days of a warning face platform shutdown. The directive also mandates data encryption for user privacy and requires refunds for canceled orders to be processed within 7 days.

Nyali Khola Bridge Construction Closes Gorha Road

Traffic on the Benighat-Arughat-Larke road section in Dharche Rural Municipality, Gorkha, will be closed for four days starting from tomorrow. The closure is necessary to facilitate the construction of a motorable bridge over the Nyali Khola waterfall. Chief Administrative Officer Buddiram Basnet stated that all four-wheelers and heavy vehicles are prohibited until February 22. This route is the primary link for the Dharche and Chumnubri regions. Local authorities have urged travelers and tourists to use alternative paths and apologized for the inconvenience to daily supplies and economic activities during this essential infrastructure project.

DDA Orders Recall of ‘Enclave OD’ Batch Over Quality Concerns

The Department of Drug Administration (DDA) has directed Curex Pharmaceuticals in Kavre to immediately recall a specific batch of its product Enclave OD after laboratory tests found it substandard. Samples collected during routine market monitoring and analyzed at the National Medicine Laboratory failed to meet required standards. Citing Section 14 of the Drug Act 1978, the Department has suspended the sale and distribution of batch TEOD-026 and instructed healthcare providers, pharmacies, and the public not to prescribe, sell, distribute, or use the affected medicine.

Community Nursing Program Reaches Five Local Units

The Nursing and Social Security Division of the Department of Health Services is successfully implementing a door-to-door community nursing program in five local units. In cities like Chandragiri, Itahari, and Bardibas, nurses visit homes to create digital health profiles and conduct check-ups for pregnant women, children, and senior citizens. The initiative focuses on screening for non-communicable diseases like hypertension and diabetes while promoting healthy lifestyles. Officials noted that the program has significantly increased institutional births in Bardibas. The government plans to expand this service to other local units to improve overall public health outcomes and maternal safety.

Rolpa Administration Requires Permission for Election Rallies

The Rolpa District Administration issued a notice requiring political parties to obtain official permission before organizing rallies or assemblies for the upcoming House of Representatives elections. Starting February 16, candidates may conduct door-to-door campaigns and public meetings. However, they must notify the District Administration Office at least 24 hours in advance with details on dates, routes, and locations. Applications can be submitted via email or in person. This measure ensures compliance with the Election Commission code of conduct to maintain peace and order.

Manang Prepares for Election Amidst Heavy Snow

Election preparations in the Himalayan district of Manang have reached the final stages for the March 5 polls. Chief Election Officer Ram Prasad Paudel reported that security forces are currently clearing thick snow to reach the remote Narpa Bhumi Rural Municipality. A total of 171 staff members have been deployed across 29 polling centers to serve 7,000 voters. While geographic and weather conditions pose challenges, officials confirmed that election materials are arriving as scheduled. Three candidates from the Nepali Congress, Nepali Communist Party, and Mongol National Organization are competing for the seat.

Myagdi Candidates Prioritize Himalayan District Status

Candidates in Myagdi have made the implementation of the “Himalayan District” status a central issue for the March 5 election. Although the government officially listed Myagdi as a Himalayan district on March 3, 2019, the status remains unfulfilled in practice. Candidates from the Nepali Congress, CPN (UML), and Nepali Communist Party promised to amend laws so the region can receive appropriate budgets, grants, and employee benefits. Currently, the lack of implementation prevents remote areas from accessing specific mountain-region services and discourages staff from serving in the district. Approximately 86,397 voters are registered for the upcoming polls.

3 Films Halt Screenings Due to Poor Showtimes

Following the releases for the Maha Shivaratri festival on February 13, several films, including Shivansh-Chapter 1, have suspended their screenings. Anjan Cine Production House announced the halt on Wednesday, citing a lack of appropriate showtimes in theaters. Other films, Bigul and Shree Bukuro: The Home Calling, also stopped their runs earlier. Shivansh, directed by Santosh Kumar Atreya, features actors like Prabin Khatiwada and Tej Giri. Producers stated that the decision was necessary until a better distribution window becomes available, highlighting the ongoing challenges small-budget mythological and mystery films face in the competitive cinema market.

Priyana Acharya Joins Cast of Film ‘Karki Saila’

Actress Priyana Acharya, known as Munni, has signed on for the upcoming film Karki Saila, directed by Rajendra Basnet. She will star alongside lead actor Jitu Nepal. Production is set to begin in Dhankuta, with the director noting that Acharya was selected to fit the specific requirements of the story. Produced under the Karna Bahadur Films banner, the movie features a supporting cast including Sushil Pokharel and Mansi Sharma. The project, presented by Krishna Bhagat Chamling, will feature music by Dipson Limbu and cinematography by Dambar Rai as filming commences in various scenic locations.

5th Nepal Basketball League Starts March 15

The Nepal Basketball UK will host the fifth A Star Nepal Basketball League 2026 starting March 15 in the United Kingdom (UK). The tournament, supported by A Star Financial Solutions and A Star Mortgages UK, features 14 teams, including 11 men’s and 3 women’s squads. Games will be held at Springwest Academy and Aldershot Garrison, with the final scheduled at Brunel University on July 4. Organizers stated the league aims to showcase the talent of Nepali youth and strengthen community unity. Supporters noted that sports play a vital role in keeping youth away from drugs and violence.

South Africa Secures Super 8 Spot in Delhi

On Wednesday, South Africa maintained its undefeated record in the International Cricket Council (ICC) T20 World Cup 2026 by defeating the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by 6 wickets in Delhi. The UAE scored 122 for 6 in 20 overs, with Alishan Sharafu contributing 45 runs. South Africa chased the target in 13.2 overs, led by Dewald Brevis with 36 runs. South Africa and New Zealand have both qualified for the Super 8 stage from Group D. This victory follows South Africa’s previous wins over Afghanistan, Canada, and New Zealand, solidifying their dominance in the tournament.

UK Unemployment Rate Hits Five-Year High at 5.2%

The United Kingdom (UK) unemployment rate reached 5.2%, the highest level in five years, according to the Office for National Statistics, UK. Data shows that 1,883,000 people remain jobless, while 20.8% of the population is classified as economically inactive. Experts attribute this rise to high living costs, sluggish economic growth, and a reduction in private-sector hiring. The Bank of England expressed concern over the labor market’s stagnation, warning that job creation may remain weak. This trend is expected to negatively impact national consumption, tax collection, and overall economic stability.

India and France Partner to Build High-Altitude Helicopters

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron announced a partnership to manufacture high-altitude helicopters in India during a summit in Mumbai. The leaders upgraded their relationship to a Special Global Strategic Partnership, expanding beyond defense trade into space, maritime security, and technology. Macron highlighted that many global tech leaders at companies like Alphabet, Microsoft, and IBM are of Indian origin, noting India’s rise as a leading nation. The collaboration aims to produce aircraft capable of flying at altitudes comparable to Mount Everest, strengthening bilateral security and innovation ties.