KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues safety advisory for Nepalis in Israel and Iran
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a safety advisory for Nepali nationals in Israel and Iran amid escalating tensions in the region. The ministry has advised Nepalis residing in these countries to follow security instructions issued by local authorities, remain indoors as much as possible, exercise caution, and stay in regular contact with the local Nepali community. Travel without prior authorization from relevant authorities in Israel or Iran is strongly discouraged. Nepali nationals are also urged to maintain communication with the Ministry in Kathmandu, as well as the Nepali embassies in Tel Aviv and Doha.
Flight from Kathmandu to Abu Dhabi diverts to Oman amid Gulf states tensions
A flight from Kathmandu to Abu Dhabi was forced to divert to Oman after reaching UAE airspace, as missile attacks by Iran on US military installations in the Gulf disrupted flights across the region. The Airbus A320 operated by Air Arabia with callsign ADY044/3L44, which departed from Kathmandu, returned to Oman amid the escalating situation.
Iran fires missiles at Bahrain, Kuwait, UAE and Qatar amid escalating regional tensions
Iran has launched missile strikes targeting Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, as tensions in the Gulf region sharply escalate. According to Reuters, smoke was seen rising from the Juffair area of Bahrain, where the headquarters of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet is located. Bahrain confirmed that a missile attack had targeted the naval base. Earlier, Bahrain’s Interior Ministry had issued an emergency warning urging citizens to move to the nearest safe location.
Trump urges Iranians to ‘take over your government’ as US, Israel launch strikes on Iran
Donald Trump has appealed to the Iranian people to “take over your government” after the United States and Israel launched major strikes on Iran on Saturday. In a video posted on social media, Trump said the United States had begun “major combat operations in Iran,” claiming Tehran continued to advance its nuclear program and pursue missile capabilities capable of reaching the United States. The first apparent strike was reported near the offices of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in central Tehran. Iranian media reported attacks in multiple locations nationwide, with smoke seen rising from the capital. It was not immediately clear whether the 86-year-old Khamenei was present at the time. He has not appeared publicly in recent days amid escalating tensions.
Israel launches daylight strike on Tehran amid rising tensions over US-Iran nuclear talks
Israel launched a daylight attack on Iran’s capital on Saturday, with smoke seen rising from downtown Tehran following a series of explosions. The apparent strike occurred near the offices of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. It was not immediately clear whether the 86-year-old leader was present at the time. Khamenei has not appeared publicly in recent days as tensions with the United States have escalated. The attack comes as the United States has deployed a significant fleet of fighter jets and warships to the region in an effort to pressure Tehran into reaching a deal over its nuclear program. Donald Trump has sought an agreement to curb Iran’s nuclear activities, viewing the current internal unrest in Iran following nationwide protests as a potential opportunity to push for concessions.
Zelensky voiced readiness to meet Putin at trilateral summit
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday voiced willingness to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin at a trilateral summit with the United States, warning that the conflict could become protracted without such talks. There will be a chance to meet within half a year if Putin is ready for a trilateral meeting between the leaders of Ukraine, the United States and Russia, he said in an interview with Sky News. But he rejected the possibility of holding the talks in Moscow or Belarus.
Election Commission directs provision of first aid services at all polling centers on March 5
The Election Commission has directed authorities to ensure the availability of primary health care services at polling centers for the upcoming House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5. Issuing a statement, the Commission said necessary arrangements must be made to provide first aid services at polling centers to assist election staff, security personnel, and voters, including persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and those with health conditions.
Reconstruction of Rato Machhindranath chariot wheels begins after fire damage during Gen-Z movement
Reconstruction of the wheels of the revered Rato Machhindranath chariot has begun after two wheels were completely destroyed in a fire during the recent Gen-Z movement. The fire that broke out amid the protests left two of the chariot’s wheels beyond repair, prompting authorities and concerned bodies to initiate the process of building new ones. Traditionally, the chariot wheels are replaced every 12 years. However, reconstruction is undertaken earlier only in cases of unforeseen damage. This time, as the wheels were burned and rendered unusable due to the incident, rebuilding work has commenced in coordination with the concerned guthi and relevant authorities.
UML clarifies it has not formed alliance with any party
The CPN-UML has clarified that it has not entered into any alliance with other political parties for the upcoming House of Representatives election. Speaking to journalists on Falgun 16, the party’s central election campaign coordinator, Min Bahadur Shahi, said UML is contesting the election independently with a commitment to nation-building. Shahi stated that the party is fully focused on its electoral campaign with a clear vision for the country’s development.
Efforts underway to clear snow-blocked roads in Humla ahead of election
Authorities have begun efforts to reopen key roads in northern Humla that were blocked by heavy snowfall in the second week of Magh, aiming to ease voter movement ahead of the House of Representatives election. The Hilsa road section in Namkha Rural Municipality-5 and the Nyalau road in Ward No. 6 had remained obstructed due to accumulated snow, disrupting both vehicular movement and daily life. Assistant Chief District Officer Rajendra Kumar Chand said the road clearance work was initiated with only a few days remaining before the election to facilitate smooth travel for voters. Snow buildup had brought transportation to a halt, affecting locals and vehicles alike.
Nighttime businesses in Kathmandu to remain closed from March 2 to 5
The District Administration Office (DAO), Kathmandu, has decided to shut down nighttime businesses from March 2 until the polling day on March 5, citing election security concerns. The restriction has been imposed in view of maintaining law and order during the House of Representatives election. According to a notice issued by the DAO, no business establishments will be allowed to operate after 9:00 pm during the specified period. Businesses may remain open only until 9:00 pm until further decision.
Finance Ministry begins budget process, forms Revenue Advisory Committee
The Ministry of Finance Nepal has initiated the process for preparing the budget for the upcoming fiscal year, forming a Revenue Advisory Committee in line with the approved timeline and work schedule. Ministry spokesperson Tank Prasad Pandey said the committee has been constituted to provide recommendations to the government on key economic issues and matters to be incorporated in the next budget. The committee was formed by a decision of Finance Minister Rameshore Prasad Khanal on February 11, under the coordination of the Revenue Secretary at the ministry. The committee has already begun its work.
RSP launches outreach campaign in Kathmandu Valley
The Rastriya Swatantra Party has launched a public outreach and ‘Ghanti’ (bell) campaign in the Kathmandu Valley targeting the upcoming House of Representatives election. The campaign began on Saturday morning from Pashupatinath Temple and is scheduled to conclude in the evening at the party’s central office, known as Ghanti Ghar, located in Banasthali Chowk. Throughout the day, rallies have been organized along major roads and intersections across the Valley as part of the campaign.
Nepali Congress proposes public debate among prime ministerial candidates on March 2
The Nepali Congress has proposed a public debate among candidates aspiring to become prime minister in the government to be formed after the House of Representatives election. The party suggested holding the debate at Khulamanch in Kathmandu on March 2, coinciding with the Holi festival. It also proposed celebrating Holi together and discussing the agenda for the five-year term of the Parliament to be formed after the election.
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