KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
41 parties submit election manifestos to EC
All 41 political parties participating in the upcoming House of Representatives (HoR) elections have submitted their election manifestos to the Election Commission (EC) of Nepal. The Election Commission said that all contesting parties have furnished their manifestos. Although the Commission had requested parties to submit their manifestos in advance, submissions continued beyond the deadline, according to EC. Regarding individual candidates, she stated that there is a provision to submit details at the district-level election offices, and therefore, complete data is yet to be compiled.
EC calls for one-minute TikTok videos on voter awareness
With just 13 days remaining until the House of Representatives (HoR) election, the Election Commission (EC) has launched a TikTok-based voter education campaign, offering cash prizes of up to Rs 50,000. TikTok, widely used for entertainment, is now being mobilized for a national cause. The Commission is encouraging citizens, especially youth, to create short, engaging videos that promote voter awareness and responsible participation in what it describes as a “national democratic exercise.” As part of the campaign, participants are invited to produce one-minute TikTok videos focusing on topics such as voter education and the election code of conduct. The initiative aims to make the upcoming House of Representatives Member Election 2082 more informed, dignified, and participatory.
Major parties prioritize energy sector in election manifestos
Major political parties have placed the energy sector at the center of their election manifestos, portraying it as a key driver of Nepal’s economic prosperity. With targets set under varying timelines, parties have pledged to remove policy bottlenecks, simplify administrative procedures, and create an investment-friendly environment. Increasing domestic consumption, generating employment, and expanding energy diplomacy to access regional markets have emerged as common priorities. The parties have also committed to ending policy complexities that currently require developers to coordinate with multiple ministries and departments, proposing one-door mechanisms to facilitate private sector investment. Energy has emerged as a shared agenda among most parties contesting the election. Experts note that if effectively implemented, these commitments could reduce unemployment, drive industrialization, and strengthen Nepal’s economic growth.
UML cadres vandalize RSP office in Dang
The liaison office of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Dang Constituency-3 was vandalized on Friday evening, allegedly by cadres of CPN-UML, in Tulsipur. RSP Constituency-3 candidate Kamal Subedi confirmed that the party office was damaged. A video of the incident has since gone viral on social media, showing individuals chanting slogans of the Youth Union and CPN-UML while vandalizing the office. Personnel from Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force attempted to intervene and control the situation. The incident comes a day after a video surfaced showing an individual burning a UML flag during a program in Dang, when Rastriya Swatantra Party Chair Rabi Lamichhane was traveling from Surkhet to Ghorahi on Thursday night. UML had expressed serious objection to the incident, sparking controversy.
Acting CEC calls for collective support for peaceful polls
Acting Commissioner of the Election Commission (EC) of Nepal Ram Prasad Bhandari has stressed the need for collective support to ensure that the upcoming House of Representatives (HoR) election is conducted in a peaceful, fair and fear-free environment. Speaking at an interaction program on “Effective Implementation of the Election Code of Conduct and the Role of Stakeholders,” jointly organized by the Election Commission and the Nepal Law Society in Biratnagar today, Acting Commissioner Bhandari expressed confidence that all stakeholders would extend their cooperation to make the election historic and festive with maximum public participation. He warned that anyone found violating the election code of conduct would be held accountable and urged political parties, candidates, and voters to exercise restraint and strictly follow the rules and procedures.
RSP denies involvement in UML flag burning, demands action against culprits
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has stated that its members were not involved in the burning of the CPN-UML flag. Issuing a press release on Friday, RSP Dang Chair Binay Ghimire expressed serious concern over media reports claiming that the UML flag had been set on fire. Clarifying that party cadres were not involved in the incident, the RSP stated: “We firmly believe that certain infiltrators and undesirable elements, unsettled by the enthusiastic presence of well-wishers who had spontaneously gathered along the roadside to welcome the party’s central president returning to Dang after concluding his program in Surkhet, created this confusing situation.” The party has demanded immediate action against those responsible for the incident. “We strongly urge the concerned security agencies to conduct a fair, factual, and impartial investigation into the matter and bring the perpetrators to justice,” the statement said.
One arrested for burning UML flag in Dang
One person has been arrested in Dang on charges of burning the CPN-UML flag. Police have taken 55-year-old Buddhi Bahadur Basnet of Talsipur-7, Kalakhola, Dang into custody. A team from the District Police Office, Dang arrested Basnet during an ongoing investigation. The District Police Office said he is currently detained and that further investigation is underway. Authorities are also searching for others allegedly involved in the flag-burning incident. According to reports, on Thursday evening at around 9:30 pm, a person at the reception of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane burned the UML flag. While the UML has accused RSP cadres of being responsible, the RSP has clarified that its members were not involved.
RSP postpones election rallies in Bhairahawa and Pokhara
The Rastriya Swatantra Party has postponed its scheduled election rallies in Bhairahawa and Pokhara. According to party Joint Spokesperson Pratibha Rawal, the rally planned for February 21 in Bhairahawa and another scheduled for February 22 in Pokhara have been deferred for the time being. Party Chair Rabi Lamichhane and senior leader Balen Shah were slated to address both gatherings. However, Rawal said the events have been postponed due to special reasons, without disclosing further details. Earlier this week, the party had already held election assemblies in Dhangadhi and Birendranagar of Surkhet. After attending the Surkhet rally, senior leader Balen Shah reportedly fell ill and returned to Kathmandu. Meanwhile, Lamichhane continued the campaign trail, traveling from Surkhet to Banke and then to Dang. He reached Tulsipur in Dang on Thursday night as part of his election outreach. Tension reportedly surfaced in Tulsipur after RSP supporters, who had gathered to welcome Lamichhane, burned the flag of the CPN-UML during the reception program.
CPN-UML Dang district condemns flag burning, urges RSP to maintain political decorum
The CPN-UML Dang district committee has expressed serious concern over the burning of the party flag and objectionable slogans raised in Tulsipur market on Thursday. District Chairperson Shivkumar Acharya stated that individuals associated with the Rastriya Swatantra Party raised offensive slogans against UML Chairperson and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli while burning the party’s flag. The UML said the act undermined democratic norms, political etiquette, and the rule of law. Acharya emphasized that the right to freedom of expression cannot be misused to justify anarchy or hate-driven behavior. He further highlighted that political disagreements should be expressed through debate, discussion, and public opinion, and acts like flag burning reflect intolerance and disregard for democratic values.
Finance Minister Khanal pledges adequate resources for elections
Finance Minister Rameshore Khanal has pledged that there will be no shortage of resources required to conduct the upcoming elections. Speaking at the Nepal Tourism Symposium organized jointly by the Nepal Tourism Board and Parisuchak Media on Friday, the minister said the government’s focus remains on ensuring the successful completion of the elections. He stressed that the time has now come to concentrate on economic issues, adding that pulling the government out of ongoing debates over political instability remains the biggest challenge. The Finance Minister also acknowledged that the previous government’s commitment to provide industry-level facilities to the tourism sector has not been fully implemented. Stating that the government is making every possible effort to strengthen the country’s economy, he said various policy-level measures have already been introduced to support economic improvement.
Rabi Lamichhane accuses Shankar Pokharel of orchestrating his removal from Parliament
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane has expressed strong anger toward CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel, accusing him of orchestrating his removal from parliament. Speaking at a RSP election rally in Ghorahi, Dang, on Friday, Lamichhane did not mention Pokharel by name but condemned those who allegedly ousted him while he was serving as Home Minister. “While I was performing well as Home Minister, those who deceitfully removed me from parliament are right here,” he said. He further accused the same group of playing a central role in suspending him from his parliamentary position. “The planners at that time are here. The people gave me the highest number of votes for a second term, yet they deceitfully removed me,” he alleged. Lamichhane added, “While I was working against corruption, they colluded with intermediaries and had me removed in just two hours through midnight signatures.”
‘Flying Kiss’ trend enters Nepali politics as Lamichhane, Balen adopt new campaign style
A campaign style rarely seen in Nepali politics, the flying kiss, has recently been popularized by leaders of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, drawing both attention and debate. Party President Rabi Lamichhane and senior leader Balen Shah have been seen using phrases such as “I love you” and “Love you” while gesturing flying kisses toward supporters during election rallies. Since the early days of the campaign, the two leaders have adopted the gesture in public gatherings to energize crowds and attract younger supporters. However, the trend has also led to enthusiastic backers crossing conventional boundaries of political decorum. In some instances, supporters have attempted to kiss the leaders on the cheek, while others have tried to hug them or bow in reverence. During an election event in Jhapa, a young male supporter kissed Balen Shah on the cheek, leaving the leader visibly embarrassed. Similarly, during a campaign program in Surkhet on Thursday, a woman in the crowd embraced and kissed Lamichhane amid a gathering. Lamichhane responded with an awkward smile as the incident unfolded.
Parties’ election pledges contradict past stance on free school education
Political parties appear to have taken positions in their election manifestos that contradict their earlier stance on making school education compulsory and free through legislation. While some parties that had opposed making school education mandatory and free through an Act have now pledged in their manifestos to gradually ensure compulsory and free schooling, others that previously stood firmly in favor of such provisions have remained silent on the issue in their latest commitments. The issue surfaced prominently during discussions on the School Education Bill at the Education, Health and Information Technology Committee of Parliament. Lawmakers from the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML were seen resisting provisions that would set a clear timeline to make school education free.
Kathmandu’s air pollution declines, ranks 18th most polluted city today
Air pollution levels in the Kathmandu Valley have decreased, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) dropping to 99 this afternoon. The Valley’s AQI had reached 191 last Tuesday before declining to 114 at the same time on Wednesday. The Department of Environment attributed the improvement to increased wind speed, which has helped disperse pollutants. According to AQI rankings, Kathmandu, which was listed as the third most polluted city in the world on Tuesday, has fallen to 18th place today. Currently, Lahore tops the list with an AQI of 373, followed by Kolkata with an AQI of 186. Director General of the Department of Environment, Gyanraj Subedi, said pollution levels typically rise during dry weather and decrease with rain and wind.
One arrested with mobile phones and laptops worth Rs 1.38 million from TIA
Police have arrested one person with mobile phones and laptops worth Rs 1.38 million from Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) and made the seizure public today. The arrested individual has been identified as Sanjeev Khadka, 34, of Lalbandi Municipality-1, Sarlahi, according to Tribhuvan International Airport Security Office spokesperson and Superintendent of Police Rajkumar Silwal. Spokesperson Silwal said, “While monitoring the area, he was seen walking suspiciously outside the Golden Gate of the airport and attempting to illegally collect and transport electronic goods by tricking passengers arriving in Nepal from abroad to evade customs.” The items seized included four iPhone 17 Pro Max 256 GB worth Rs 800,000, an M4 MacBook Air 256 GB worth Rs 260,000, and an M4 MacBook Air 512 GB worth Rs 320,000.
Mustang receives over 325,000 tourists in seven months
A total of 325,558 tourists visited Mustang during the first seven months of the current fiscal year, according to the District Police Office. Of the total visitors recorded between mid-July and mid-January, 69,814 were foreign nationals and 255,744 were domestic tourists. Police data show that 19,781 tourists entered Mustang in July, 23,205 in August, 75,599 in September, 83,766 in October , 49,500 in November, 39,153 in December, and 32,04 in January via the nationally recognized Beni–Jomsom road. During the same period last fiscal year, 340,729 domestic and foreign tourists had visited Mustang. Compared to last year, tourist arrivals decreased by 18,171 visitors, or 5.33 percent, during the corresponding period.
RSP cadres burn UML flag in Dang, UML leaders protest
Cadres of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) have allegedly burned a flag bearing the election symbol of the UML in Dang. According to reports, the incident took place in Tulsipur, the home town of UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel. A video circulating on social media shows individuals identified as RSP cadres burning a UML flag marked with the party’s election symbol, the sun. The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday night when RSP supporters had gathered to welcome party chair Rabi Lamichhane. Those involved in the act were also seen chanting slogans against UML Chair KP Sharma Oli. Lamichhane had arrived in Ghorahi via Tulsipur on Thursday night from Surkhet. UML leaders and cadres have strongly objected to the incident and demanded action.
PM Sushila Karki visits Muktinath, directs officials to ensure free and fair elections
Prime Minister (PM) Sushila Karki today visited the Muktinath Temple located in Baragung Muktikshetra-1, Mustang. Arriving by a helicopter of the Nepali Army, Prime Minister Karki performed the traditional ritual of bathing under the 108 stone spouts on the temple premises and offered prayers to Lord Muktinath. She was welcomed by Baragung Muktikshetra Rural Municipality Chairperson Rinzin Namgel Gurung, who is also Vice-Chairperson of the Muktinath Development Committee, Assistant Chief District Officer Eknarayan Bhandari, Committee Administrator Dinesh Bhusal, and local representatives.
NC to take action against rebel candidates in HoR elections
The Nepali Congress (NC) has decided to take action against party members who rebel against its candidates in the upcoming House of Representatives (HoR) elections scheduled for March 5. The decision was made at a meeting of the party’s Central Disciplinary Committee on Friday at the central office, BP Smriti Bhawan, Sanepa. The meeting, chaired by committee coordinator Taraman Gurung, resolved to take action against individuals, proposers, and supporters who might oppose the party’s official candidates in several districts, including Kapilvastu.
Maldhunga–Beni road upgrade completed
The upgrading of the Maldhunga–Beni road, which connects Myagdi and Mustang to the national highway network, has been completed under the national pride Kaligandaki Corridor (Beni–Jomsom–Korala) project linking China and India. The 13-kilometer stretch from Maldhunga in Kushma Municipality–1 to Beni, the headquarters of Myagdi, has been widened to 11 meters and blacktopped using asphalt technology, upgrading it to a standard two-lane road. In March 2021, Apex–Khadka–Krishna JV signed a contract worth Rs 528.6 million to blacktop the road section passing through Jaljala Rural Municipality wards 8, 7, 4, and 3.
World Day of Social Justice observed today
The World Day of Social Justice was observed across various countries through a range of programs today. The day is celebrated annually under the auspices of the International Labour Organization (ILO). According to a United Nations General Assembly resolution passed on 26 November 2007, the day has been officially observed every year on 20 February since 2009. The main objective of the day is to urge the global community to come together to promote social justice, equal opportunities, labor rights, and decent work for all.
More than 1,600 APF personnel deployed for election security
More than 1,600 personnel from the Armed Police Force Nepal have been deployed to various districts across the country to ensure security during the upcoming elections. According to Joint Spokesperson Shailendra Thapa, the personnel were dispatched from the APF Headquarters in Halchowk to support election security operations nationwide. Meanwhile, Additional Inspector General Ganesh Bahadur Thada Magar has instructed all APF units to remain sensitive to security concerns in election areas and to mobilize accordingly. Addressing officials virtually, he directed all units to treat election security as a priority campaign and to perform their duties with heightened vigilance.
Bagmati Province govt’s multi-year projects near completion
Several projects implemented in Makawanpur and Chitwan under the multi-year plan of the Bagmati Province Government have been completed, according to the Urban Development and Building Office, Hetauda. The office stated that half a dozen projects were completed after intensifying regular monitoring and supervision to ensure timely implementation. Chief Engineer Bhupendra Kumar Yadav of the Urban Development and Building Office, Makawanpur, informed that construction of the Hetauda Hospital building has been completed and is currently in the handover process. Although the original deadline was set for mid-Asar 2081 BS, delays in land management by the hospital led to some extension of the timeline. Similarly, construction of the Underground Water Resources and Irrigation Development Division Office building in Chitwan has been completed in the fiscal year 2081/82 under the multi-year plan.
Three Indians arrested with over 11 kg of marijuana at TIA
Three Indian nationals were arrested from the arrival tunnel gate of Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kahtmandu on Friday with 11.27 kilograms of marijuana. The arrested have been identified as 43-year-old Sameena Akhtar Baig Mirza, 24-year-old Mohammad Junaid, and 44-year-old Afsana Amir Hussain Sheikh, according to Central Police Spokesperson and Deputy Inspector General of Police Abin Narayan Kafle. Police deployed from the Tribhuvan International Airport Security Office and the Narcotics Control Bureau recovered approximately 3.87 kg of marijuana from Junaid and Mirza, and 7.4 kg from Sheikh. Spokesperson Kafle said the trio has been handed over to the Narcotics Control Bureau for further investigation and legal action.
Cooperative-affiliated farmers drawn to milk production in Tanahun
Farmers in Belbas of Byas Municipality-13 in Tanahun district have increased milk production despite the ongoing dry season, encouraged by steady income from dairy farming. Of the 161 farmers affiliated with the Belbas Dairy Producers Cooperative, 45 are engaged in commercial livestock farming. According to the cooperative’s manager, Shree Prasad Sankhi, daily milk collection has risen from 1,600 litres to 1,700 litres. “Milk production typically declines during the dry season, but here it is increasing,” Sankhi said, adding that farmers are earning between Rs 15,000 and Rs 200,000 per month from milk sales.
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