KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Nepal calls for diplomatic resolution of Middle East tensions
Nepal has urged all parties in the Middle East to resolve ongoing tensions through diplomacy and dialogue. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoHA) issued a statement on Sunday, emphasizing the need for restraint and the protection of civilians. “Nepal has urged all parties concerned to exercise maximum restraint, avoid further escalation, and ensure the safety of ordinary citizens. Differences should be resolved through diplomacy and dialogue,” the statement said. The government of Nepal also affirmed that it is closely monitoring developments in the region. It reiterated the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, in line with the United Nations Charter and international law.
Government says Nepalis stranded at Middle East airports are being kept safe
The government has assured that Nepali citizens stranded at airports in the Middle East are being provided with necessary safety arrangements. After a cabinet meeting at the Prime Minister’s residence, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bala Nanda Sharma, said on Sunday evening that due to the ongoing closure of several airports, it is not possible to bring citizens back immediately, and they are being kept safe at their current locations.
Failure to debate national plans among PM contenders unfortunate: Thapa
President of the Nepali Congress, Gagan Kumar Thapa, has said it is unfortunate that those declaring themselves prime ministerial candidates have failed to engage in substantive debate on plans to build the nation. Addressing a party election rally in Kirtipur, Kathmandu, on Sunday, Thapa said he had expected serious debate and competition over agendas and a five-year roadmap after candidates announced their bid for prime minister. However, such discussion has not taken place.
Home Minister Aryal guarantees a peaceful election
Minister for Home Affairs Om Prakash Aryal has announced that all security measures for the upcoming election to the House of Representatives members are finalized. Arriving in Nepalgunj today to assess the necessary security protocols for the March 5 election, Minister Aryal emphasized the government’s dedication to safeguarding the people’s right to vote in a secure environment.
1.72 million Nepalis in Middle East; breakdown by country
Concerns have been raised over the safety of Nepalis living in the Middle East following Israeli and US attacks on Iran over the past two days. Amid growing anxiety, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nepal on Sunday made public the updated details of Nepali nationals residing in Iran and other Middle Eastern countries.
Iranian attack in UAE kills three foreigners, including a Nepali; 58 injured
Three foreign nationals, including a Nepali citizen, were killed in an Iranian drone and missile attack in the United Arab Emirates on Sunday. A total of 58 others were injured in the incident. Quoting the UAE Ministry of Defence, Gulf News reported that since the attacks began on Saturday, the air force and air defence systems have intercepted 165 ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles and 541 drones.
HoR polls: EC clarifies vehicle pass arrangements for polling day
With only four days remaining for the House of Representatives (HoR) election scheduled for March 5, the Election Commission (EC) has clarified that many categories of vehicles will not require special passes on polling day. The Commission stated that under the Procedure for Vehicle Permits, 2082, arrangements have been made to ensure vehicle movement remains systematic, effective and friendly to essential services. It has recommended that vehicles used solely by concerned service providers and not carrying unrelated passengers be allowed to operate without passes. According to the EC, vehicles transporting drinking water, milk, fruits, vegetables, fish, meat and petroleum products will not need passes. Similarly, vehicles engaged in telecommunications, drinking water supply, electricity and sewage maintenance, as well as hospital service vehicles, including those used by doctors and health workers commuting between home and hospital, will be exempt.
Flight cancellations continue at TIA amid Middle East crisis
Escalating tensions in the Middle East continued to disrupt operations at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded. International flights have been canceled following the suspension of operations at several airports across the Gulf region, including Sharjah, Doha, Dubai, Kuwait City, Abu Dhabi and Dammam. As a result, multiple outbound and inbound flights from Kathmandu were called off. Passengers have been stranded since Saturday, with many seen waiting in confusion at the airport on Sunday morning. Several cancellation notices were posted across the terminal.
Nepali Embassy in Qatar urges citizens to follow security guidelines
The Nepali Embassy in Qatar has urged Nepalis residing in the country to strictly follow the security guidelines issued by the Qatari government amid rising tensions in West Asia. The Embassy advised all Nepalis in Qatar to remain vigilant, stay indoors where possible, and take necessary safety precautions. It emphasized the importance of following official guidance and not relying on rumors or unverified information from unknown sources. Citizens have been asked not to forward unverified news, videos, or messages, and to closely monitor official announcements and emergency alerts. The embassy also encouraged Nepalis to maintain regular contact with the embassy for guidance and assistance. The Embassy confirmed that it is in continuous contact with Nepalis across Qatar via phone and other communication channels. Currently, approximately 360,000 Nepali workers reside in the country.
320 polling stations and 817 polling centers set up in Kathmandu
The District Election Office, Kathmandu, has announced that a total of 320 polling stations and 817 polling centers have been established across the capital for the House of Representatives (HoR) elections scheduled for March 5. Kathmandu has the highest number of constituencies in the country, with 10 constituencies in total. According to Srijana Rayamajhi, Information Officer at the District Election Office, there are 710,708 registered voters in the ten constituencies, including 364,000 women, 346,116 men, and seven others.
Everyone’s cooperation indispensable for smooth election: Tuladhar
Election Commissioner Dr. Janaki Kumari Tuladhar has called on the federal, provincial, and local governments, political parties, candidates, and all stakeholders to extend full cooperation for the smooth conduct of the upcoming elections. In a message posted on the Election Commission’s social media platforms ahead of March 5 House of Representatives elections, Commissioner Tuladhar emphasized the importance of support from all levels of government and concerned parties. She expressed confidence that, as the country prepares for the election, all stakeholders would contribute positively to ensure a fair and orderly process.
Durga Prasai arrested
Durga Prasai, owner of B&C Hospital in Birtamod, Jhapa, was arrested by police from his residence in Bhaktapur this morning. A team from the District Police Complex, Bhaktapur, surrounded his house around 6 a.m. and presented an arrest warrant, taking him into custody at approximately 7:45 a.m. The warrant cites “investigation of a case against public peace” as the reason for his detention. Prasai is currently being held at the District Police Complex in Bhaktapur. Prasai was previously arrested in Kathmandu on February 16 and released on February 26. His release had followed a writ of habeas corpus filed by his wife, Uma Prasai, alleging illegal detention. A bench of Supreme Court justices, Manoj Kumar Sharma and Meghraj Pokharel, had subsequently ordered his release.
10 polling stations in Mustang classified as sensitive
10 out of 39 polling stations in Mustang have been categorized as sensitive ahead of the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5. The classification was made based on geographical remoteness and voter population. Chief District Officer Ajita Sharma said the specific locations of the sensitive polling stations have not been disclosed for security reasons. “The District Security Committee has identified certain polling stations as sensitive for various reasons. We have kept their details confidential and are making special security arrangements with priority focus on those areas,” she said, adding that the situation at other polling stations remains normal.
Security beefed up in Madhesh ahead of HoR elections
Security arrangements have been intensified across Madhesh Province in preparation for the upcoming House of Representatives elections. The Madhesh Province Police Office, Janakpurdham, stated that these measures are being implemented in a planned manner to prevent violations of the election code of conduct and ensure a fair and peaceful voting environment. Heightened security has been deployed along the Nepal-India border areas connected to the province. Checkpoints have been established, and special surveillance operations are underway. The office confirmed that monitoring and inspections have been conducted across all eight districts to ensure the security of polling stations. Out of 2,160 polling stations in Madhesh Province, 1,246 have been classified as highly sensitive, particularly those near the Indian border.
HoR polls: Over 80,000 passengers leave Kathmandu in two days
Voters are continuing to leave the Kathmandu Valley for their respective districts to cast their ballots in the March 5 House of Representatives (HoR) election. According to Pankaj Malla, Human Resources Chief of the private transport service provider Lotse Multipurpose Organization, around 80,000 passengers traveled out of the valley over the past two days, with 374 public buses operating on Friday and 317 on Saturday. Deputy Superintendent of Police at the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, Sunil Jung Shah, confirmed that approximately 80,000 passengers have left the valley during this period.
Kanchanpur administration urges people to avoid public Holi celebrations
The District Administration Office, Kanchanpur, has urged residents to refrain from unruly, disorderly, or illegal activities during the Holi festival. Assistant Chief District Officer Mohan Chandra Joshi warned that actions such as creating excessive noise, holding unauthorized processions, crowding, consuming or selling alcohol in public, forcibly applying paint, or splashing dirty water will be dealt with under the law. He also reminded the public that, under Section 13(d) of Chapter 4 of the Election Code of Conduct, 2082, implemented ahead of the upcoming House of Representatives elections, using political party symbols, candidate photos, or related campaign materials during public festivities is prohibited. Violations of this rule will invite strict action.
NEPSE rises by double digits as trading volume improves
The NEPSE index on Sunday, the first trading day of the week, recorded a significant increase, gaining 19.27 points to close at 2,674.20. Alongside the index, trading volume also saw a notable improvement compared to the previous day. On Thursday, total transactions amounted to Rs 4.17 billion, which rose to Rs 5.64 billion on Sunday, with 13.93 million shares of 341 securities exchanged during the session. During the day, 187 companies saw their share prices increase, while 64 experienced declines, and 11 remained stable. Among the top gainers, Salpa Bikas Bank surged by 9.99 percent, Premier Laxmi Bank maintained its share price at Rs 642.90, and Reliance Spinning Mills rose by 9.99 percent to Rs 624.20 per share.
First-time voters in Nawalparasi prioritize future, education, and jobs
As the upcoming elections on March 5 draw near, excitement and curiosity are rising among young voters, many of whom are preparing to cast their first ballots and actively participate in the democratic process. Previously viewing elections as a responsibility for older family members, these youths are now stepping into the role of decision-makers. Through social media, debates, discussions, and school-campus dialogues, they are seeking to understand the constitution, governance, civic duties, and the electoral process. First-time voters in Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Sustapur) say they will base their votes on “future-building” rather than personal interests, prioritizing quality education, job creation, transparent governance, and leaders who genuinely understand citizens’ problems.
18 flights from TIA canceled amid Middle East tensions
As many as 18 flights from Tribhuvan International Airports (TIA) have been canceled due to escalating tensions in the Middle East, affecting over 3,000 passengers. Flights worldwide have been disrupted amid ongoing tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) said Nepali flights were also impacted due to restrictions and disruptions in regional airspace. According to Information Officer Gyanendra Bhul, 18 flights were affected on Saturday alone. Approximately 3,000 passengers were impacted as a result.
Gold and silver prices rise
Gold and silver prices increased in the domestic market today compared to last Friday. Gold prices rose by Rs 5,600 per tola (11.66 grams), while silver increased by Rs 245 per tola. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of hallmark gold has been fixed at Rs 320,500 per tola, up from Rs 314,900 per tola last Friday. Similarly, silver is now priced at Rs 5,985 per tola, compared to Rs 5,740 per tola on Friday. In the international market, gold is currently trading at USD 5,278 per ounce, while silver is priced at USD 94 per ounce.
11,000 quintals of paddy purchased from farmers in Mahottari and Dhanusha
Over the past three months, the Madhes Province Office of Food Management and Trade Company Limited in Janakpurdham has purchased 11,665 quintals of paddy from farmers in Mahottari and Dhanusha districts. According to Nirmal Thapa, provincial head of the office, paddy worth Rs 42.324 crore was bought from 300 farmers. Purchases have now been halted as the office’s storage facilities are full. The paddy was procured at Rs 3,628.33 per quintal. A large numbers of farmers sold their paddy due to the higher-than-market rates offered by the office, said Assistant Manager Ganga Prasad Sah.
Jhapa’s ‘Tapasyadham’ emerges as a spiritual tourism destination
The newly constructed ‘Tapasyadham’ in Mechinagar-10, Dhulabari, is fast becoming a destination for spiritual tourism. Built by the Brahma Kumari Rajyoga Sewa Kendra at a cost of Rs 130 million, the Dham is located in Lilabasti, about one and a half kilometers north of the Dhulabari turn on the East-West Highway. The impressive structure stands on five kattas of land generously donated by Nepali Congress Vice President Bishwa Prakash Sharma and his brother Rajya Prakash Sharma in memory of their late parents, Parshuram Sharma and Sabitra Devi.
39 candidates seek recommendations to open bank accounts in Chitwan
Of the 64 candidates registered for the upcoming House of Representatives (HoR) elections in Chitwan, only 21 have opened bank accounts, while 39 have sought recommendations to do so, according to the District Election Office. Bhimsen Karki, chief of the District Election Office, said all candidates have been urged by phone to open accounts. “Some candidates ask, ‘We don’t spend money, why should we open an account?’ Others said they are in the process of opening one,” he added. The new requirement to open a bank account is part of the Election Commission’s efforts to ensure good governance, making campaign finances from political parties and candidates more transparent and accountable.
Election materials to be airlifted by helicopter in Humla
Election staff and materials, including ballot papers, will be transported by helicopter to four remote polling stations in Humla district due to heavy snowfall. According to Chief District Officer Tek Kumar Regmi, helicopters will be used to airlift personnel and materials to Bhrikuti Basic School in Jang, Sunkhani Basic School in Halji, Himshikhar Basic School in Til, and Himalaya Basic School in Chala, located in Namkha Rural Municipality. Transport services to these areas have been disrupted by snowfall, making road access impossible. A total of 20 election staff members, 102 additional personnel, and 80 security personnel — including the Nepal Army and Nepal Police — will be deployed along with the necessary election materials.
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