KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Election atmosphere will not be disrupted: Acting CEC Bhandari
Acting Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Ram Prasad Bhandari has urged the public to prepare confidently for the upcoming election, assuring that it will be held on schedule. Speaking at a program in Kathmandu on Sunday, Bhandari emphasized that any attempts to disrupt the election will not succeed. He reaffirmed that the election will take place on the announced date and time. Noting that some candidates continue to contact him with doubts about the process, he advised them to continue campaigning calmly and without confusion. He also cautioned that frustrated elements may try to spread rumors for their own objectives but said the Nepali public will no longer tolerate such attempts. “The only alternative to good governance is the election itself. The election atmosphere will not be disrupted,” he stated firmly.
Ranjita Shrestha granted relief in Lichibari corruption case, released on Rs 500,000 bail
The Special Court has ordered the release of former Minister for Land Management, Cooperatives, and Poverty Alleviation Ranjita Shrestha on a bail of Rs 500,000 in connection with a bribery case involving the alleged seizure of land in the Lichibari orchard in Pokhara. The case involves a bribe transaction through intermediaries to transfer the Lichibari land to an individual’s name, with a total penalty of Rs 7.8 million. The Special Court bench, chaired by Judge Sudarsan Dev Bhatt with members Hemant Rawal and Dilliratan Shrestha, approved the bail.
Leopard terrorizing Manamaiju people rescued with dart
A leopard which unleashed terror at Manamaiju of Tarakeshwor municipality-10 in Kathmandu has been rescued on Sunday. The big cat had entered a house near the Manamaiju Temple on Sunday afternoon. The Division Forest Office took control the leopard by darting and rescued it safely, according to police.
Nepali Congress urges government to ensure fear-free election environment
The Nepali Congress has called on the government to create a safe and fear-free environment for the upcoming elections. At a press conference held on Sunday at the party office in Sanepa, Congress spokesperson Dev Raj Chalise highlighted ongoing attempts to disrupt the election and urged authorities to ensure a peaceful and secure voting process. Chalise noted that efforts are being made, through social media and other channels, to intimidate and discourage Congress candidates, which could prevent a fair and harmonious election. He emphasized that Congress, having achieved its current position through numerous struggles, will neither practice nor allow politics driven by fear.
Balen Shah holds door-to-door campaign in Gauradaha
Senior leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Balendra Shah, intensified his door-to-door campaign in Jhapa on Sunday. Contesting from Jhapa-5 in the upcoming March 5 election, Shah visited Gauradaha to meet locals. During the campaign, he listened to farmers’ concerns and also sought blessings from senior citizens in the area.
UML candidates in Bhaktapur unveil election manifesto
Candidates of the CPN UML in Bhaktapur have made their election commitments public for the upcoming House of Representatives election. Speaking at a press conference in Bhaktapur on Sunday, UML candidate for Bhaktapur Constituency No. 1, Som Prasad Mishra, and candidate for Constituency No. 2, Mahesh Basnet, unveiled their election manifesto.
EC recommends three-day public holiday during polls
The Election Commission Nepal has recommended that the government declare a three-day public holiday on March 4, 5 and 6 for the upcoming House of Representatives election. According to Commission Spokesperson and Joint Secretary Narayan Prasad Bhattarai, the Government of Nepal has been advised to grant a public holiday on the day before voting, the voting day, and the following day in order to encourage greater voter participation.
Congress says insecurity rising, candidates facing humiliation and mistreatment
Spokesperson of Nepali Congress, Devaraj Chalise, has alleged that incidents of misconduct and attacks targeting Congress candidates are increasing. Speaking at a press conference held at the party’s central office in Sanepa on Sunday to express views on preparations for the House of Representatives election and other contemporary issues, Chalise said acts of humiliation and mistreatment against Congress candidates have intensified as the March 5 election approaches.
Despite attempts to halt election, UML is preparing for victory: Oli
Chairman of the CPN-UML, KP Sharma Oli, said that despite attempts to disrupt the election, the party is preparing for victory without hesitation. Speaking at an election rally in Jhapa on Sunday, Oli asserted, “There are still attempts to stop the election, but we are preparing for victory without any hesitation.” He accused opposition parties of trying to spoil the election atmosphere by burning the UML flag and engaging in other undesirable activities, emphasizing that insulting the party flag is a crime against the election process. Highlighting the government’s achievements under his leadership, Oli claimed that UML is the only party deserving of victory.
Lingden urges fresh national consensus post-election
Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Chairman Rajendra Lingden has urged that the country should move forward with a new understanding after the election. Speaking at an election rally in Rupandehi, Chairman Lingden emphasized that the nation’s problems cannot be solved by holding the 2027 election in 2026 alone. He said that after the March 5 election, all parties should unite and work toward a fresh national understanding. A candidate from Jhapa-3, Lingden expressed his frustration that no one listened to the RPP’s call for a new agreement between the king, political parties, and the youth before the election. He urged voters to cast their ballots in a way that would encourage the establishment of a national consensus in the country. He also advised candidates to use their votes wisely, noting that the opportunity to meet and greet voters at their doorsteps lasts only until March 5.
Bad-performing RSP MPs will be recalled: Lamichhane
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane has stated that any party-elected MP who turns out to be unfit or corrupt will be recalled. He made this promise to voters during his election campaign in Chitwan. Speaking at a meeting, Lamichhane emphasized that the RSP does not rely on businessmen or middlemen for support. He said, “We do not need backing from businessmen or intermediaries. I am standing here today to tell you that if those elected through the RSP fail to meet expectations, we will recall them even after they assume their positions as MPs.” He added, “We have a precedent of recalling MPs within 72 hours. That is why we need strong voter support, to ensure that when we take action to recall MPs, the majority cannot block it.”
All stock market indices fall; Nepse closes at 2,614 points
All stock market indices fell Sunday, the first trading day of the week. The Nepse index dropped by 27.59 points compared to the previous day, closing at 2,614 points. Trading turnover also declined. Earlier, turnover on Tuesday was recorded at NPR 8.36 billion, while today it fell to NPR 6.69 billion. Of the companies traded today, the share prices of 34 increased, 220 decreased, and 7 remained unchanged. All sectoral indices saw mixed movements: Banking -0.52%, Development Bank -1.41%, Finance -0.56%, Hotel and Tourism -1.09%, Hydropower -1.81%, Investment -0.94%, Life Insurance -0.73%, Production and Processing -1.02%, Microfinance -0.48%, Non-Life Insurance -0.42%, Others -0.85%, Trade -3.59%.
Gold price rises by Rs 5,600 per tola in Nepali market
The price of gold increased by Rs 5,600 per tola on Sunday. According to the Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers Federation, gold has been fixed at Rs 310,300 per tola for the day. On the previous trading day, it was priced at Rs 304,700 per tola. Meanwhile, the price of silver has also risen by Rs 375 per tola. Silver, which was traded at Rs 5,050 per tola the previous day, has increased to Rs 5,425 per tola.
HoR elections: 20,000 publicity materials violating code of conduct removed
As election campaigning intensifies ahead of the March 5 House of Representatives polls, the District Administration Office in Dhanusha has removed approximately 20,000 publicity materials installed in violation of the election code of conduct. The office cleared leaflets, pamphlets, banners, and posters that had been pasted indiscriminately by various candidates within the Janakpurdham municipal area. According to the administration, materials placed in violation of the code were removed from public spaces, electricity poles, government buildings, and roadsides. The administration had earlier given candidates and political parties a one-day deadline on Thursday to remove materials that breached the rules. However, after the materials were not cleared within the stipulated time, authorities initiated removal operations.
Hidden Manichud Daha: A serene escape inside Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park
Nestled deep within the dense forests of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, which stretches across the northern hills of the Kathmandu Valley, lies the serene and mystical ‘Manichud Daha’ (lake). Renowned for its natural beauty and religious significance, this tranquil lake offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Far removed from Kathmandu’s urban noise, ‘Manichud Daha’ provides visitors with a calm and spiritually uplifting environment. It has become an ideal destination for nature lovers seeking solitude away from the city. In recent years, the number of domestic tourists visiting the site has steadily increased. Located at an altitude of approximately 2,400 meters above sea level, reaching the lake requires a three-hour uphill trek from the Jorpati-Sankhu area, Gagalpedi, or Sundarijal. The journey itself is rewarding, as trekkers pass through dense forests filled with cool mountain air and the soothing sounds of chirping birds. The area is also popular for peaceful hiking and birdwatching.
Temporary polling stations set in Sunsari ahead of election
The District Election Office, Sunsari, has announced the establishment of two temporary polling stations for the upcoming House of Representatives (HoR) election scheduled for March 5. According to District Election Officer Krishna Paudel, one temporary polling station will be set up at Jhumka Prison in Ramdhuni-5 to allow prisoners to cast their votes. The second station will be located at the Jhumka Agricultural Entrepreneur Promotion Center in Ramdhuni Municipality-1, designated for government employees, other staff, and security personnel. “The polling station at the prison will ensure that inmates exercise their voting rights, while employees and security personnel will vote at the Agricultural Entrepreneur Center,” explained Paudel.
Baitadi administration tightens liquor regulations to ensure fair polls
In view of the upcoming March 5 House of Representatives elections, authorities have imposed stricter restrictions on the sale, distribution, and transportation of alcoholic beverages in Baitadi district. The decision has been taken to ensure that the elections are conducted in a clean, fair, and fear-free environment. According to Administrative Officer Bhojlal Tharu of the District Administration Office, the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages will be prohibited after 7:00 pm starting from March 3 until the completion of the election process. He stated that the decision to tighten regulations followed discussions with local business operators to better manage the sale, distribution, and consumption of alcohol during the election period.
Minister Aryal pledges full government support to strengthen RSS
Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal has assured that the government will provide all possible support to make the Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS) more effective. During an inspection of the RSS central office today, Minister Aryal expressed his commitment to backing the agency’s plans to become self-reliant and efficient. He reviewed the agency’s operations, including news collection, editing, and photo services. RSS Executive Chairman Dharmendra Jha briefed the minister on the overall functioning of the agency, the news dissemination process, financial management, resources, and human capital. Minister Aryal, who also serves as the government spokesperson, visited the ‘RSS Media Museum’ as part of his inspection.
Cardamom exports worth Rs 8.61 billion increase
Cardamom exports through the Mechi Customs Office have increased by 59.80 percent by mid-February in the current fiscal year 2025/26. According to data from the Mechi Customs Office, cardamom worth Rs 8.61 billion was exported during the review period. Information Officer Ishwar Kumar Humagain stated that 4,153.15 metric tons of cardamom were exported during the first ten months of the current fiscal year. During the same period of the previous fiscal year (2024/25), cardamom worth Rs 5.38 billion was exported. Meanwhile, tea exports have declined by 26.70 percent in the first ten months of the current fiscal year. Tea worth Rs 2.32 billion was exported during the period, compared to Rs 3.16 billion recorded during the same period last fiscal year.
Earthquake strikes near Ritak in Sankhuwasabha
A 4.1-magnitude earthquake shook the area near Ritak in Bhotkhola Rural Municipality, Sankhuwasabha, at 7:31 a.m. today, the National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Center in Lainchaur reported. This follows an earlier tremor of 3.9 magnitude that occurred near Bansar in Lamjung district on January 25.
Passenger bus accident in Manhari’s Bijauna injures 22
Twenty-two passengers were injured this morning when a bus lost control and crashed into an electric pole in Bijauna, Manhari Rural Municipality-7, Makwanpur, along the East-West Highway. Deputy Superintendent of Police Pushkar Bogti, spokesperson for the Makwanpur District Police Office, stated that the bus, numbered Ba Pra 06-001K 0054 and traveling from Birgunj to Chitwan, veered off the road before hitting the pole. All injured passengers were rescued and transported to Chitwan Hospital for treatment.
Govt instructs hospitals to provide Gen-Z injured details before Feb 27
The government has instructed all health institutions (hospitals) to provide details of individuals injured during the Gen-Z protest. Dr. Prakash Budhathoki, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, stated that all institutions involved in the treatment of those discharged during the Gen-Z protests have been directed to submit the details to the Ministry of Health immediately. According to Dr. Budhathoki, the Ministry issued this directive following the decision of the coordination committee established to ensure effective treatment and care for the injured. All health institutions have been asked to provide the details by February 27.
Flights to Gulmi reduced to three times a week
Air services at Resunga Airport in Gulmi will now operate only three times a week, the Nepal Air Service Corporation has announced. Previously, flights were scheduled four times weekly, on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, but the new timetable will run only on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Saturdays, according to Suman Thapa, Station Chief of Resunga Airport. Thapa explained that the reduction is due to the limited number of Twin Otter aircraft, currently only three, and the periodic maintenance these planes require. Despite this, flights have generally operated regularly over the past three months, except during the rainy season when adverse weather sometimes disrupts schedules.
Myagdi’s Dobagaun Hospital remains unused due to budget and staffing shortages
A municipal hospital building in Dobagaun of Annapurna Rural Municipality-1, northern Myagdi, has remained unused for four years due to a lack of budget and manpower. Situated on a steep slope away from the main settlement, the yellow concrete building appears well-constructed from the outside but stands empty inside. Although the five-bed hospital was completed in 2078 BS, it has yet to receive essential medical equipment or doctors. As a result, the structure, built at a cost of over Rs 51.12 million, is gradually deteriorating. Dobagaun lies about 15-20 minutes by vehicle from the hospital site, in a remote area with limited road access and scattered settlements. The facility was constructed on more than 12 ropanis of land donated free of cost by seven local residents, in line with the federal government’s policy to establish basic hospitals in every local unit. However, the absence of operational planning has left the building unused.
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