KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Nepali Communist Party unveils commitment document
The Nepali Communist Party (NCP) has emphasized economic growth and job creation in its election manifesto for the upcoming (March 5) House of Representatives (HoR) elections. Unveiling the manifesto, NCP Coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ said the party, having led major political transformations in the past, is now committed to transforming the country’s economic and social conditions. The manifesto prioritizes political stability, corruption control, a new phase of economic reform, and prosperity with social justice. The party has proposed comprehensive reforms to the existing electoral system, describing it as expensive and vulnerable to corruption. The manifesto states that the governance structure and electoral system will be revised in line with the spirit of the people’s movement and the country’s needs.
Tamakoshi bus accident: Death toll rises to 12
The death toll from a bus accident in Tamakoshi, Ramechhap, has risen to 12. Eight people were injured in the accident. Among them, the bus driver is undergoing treatment in Manthali, while seven seriously injured passengers have been referred to Dhulikhel and Kathmandu for further treatment, according to Ramechhap Chief District Officer Shyam Krishna Thapa. Of those referred, six are being taken to Dhulikhel Hospital and one to Kathmandu, informed Pradya Thapa. The accident occurred on Tuesday morning when a bus bearing registration number Bagmati Province 01-005 Kha 9975, en route from Kathmandu to Okhaldhunga, plunged into the Tamakoshi River near Trivenighat in Manthali Municipality-6, Ramechhap. Some passengers died at the scene, while others succumbed to their injuries at Manthali Hospital. The bus was heading toward Polthali in Okhaldhunga via Manthali.
Ramechhap bus accident: 10 of 12 deceased identified
Ten of the 12 people who died in a bus accident near Manthali, the district headquarters of Ramechhap, earlier today have been identified. According to Manthali Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr. Keshab Singh Dhami, the deceased have been identified as Bhim Bahadur Tamang, 38; Sanumaya Tamang, 35; Ramita Tamang, 26; and Tara Tamang, 31, all from Likhu Tamakoshi Rural Municipality–7, Ramechhap. Also among the deceased are Babi Tamang, 22, and Dipendra Basnet, 26, of Likhu Tamakoshi–4; Dipesh Basnet of Likhu Tamakoshi Rural Municipality–6; Man Kumari Baruwal, 45, of Likhu–6; Shiva Shrestha, 34, of Golanjor Rural Municipality–6, Sindhuli; and Man Bahadur Tamang, 60, of Bhimeshwor Municipality–8, Dolakha.
PM Karki directs security agencies to remain on high alert for election security
Prime Minister (PM) Sushila Karki has directed security agencies to remain on high alert to ensure credible and effective security arrangements for the upcoming elections. Addressing the Division Commanders’ Coordination Meeting held today at the Nepali Army Headquarters, on the eve of Maha Shivaratri and Army Day, Prime Minister Karki stressed the need to avoid past mistakes and coordination gaps among security mechanisms. “I request the Nepali Army to work flawlessly in coordination with all security agencies, taking into account security sensitivities and lessons learned from previous elections, to ensure the upcoming election is conducted in a safe environment,” she said. The Prime Minister expressed full confidence that the Nepali Army would carry out its assigned responsibilities effectively in line with the Integrated Security Plan for the Election to the House of Representatives, 2082.
HoR polls: Ballot papers printed for 100 constituencies in 44 districts
The Election Commission (EC) has completed the printing of ballot papers for 100 constituencies across 44 districts for the House of Representatives (HoR) election scheduled for March 5. The ballots are being printed at Sanothimi, Bhaktapur. As of Monday, a total of 12 million 256 thousand ballot papers have been printed, according to Assistant Spokesperson of the Commission, Kul Bahadur GC. He said printing has been completed for districts including Dolpa, Mugu, Jumla, Kalikot, Humla, Jajarkot, Dailekh, Rukum (West), Salyan, Surkhet, Bajura, Achham, Bajhang, Doti, Dadeldhura, Darchula, Baitadi, Kailali, Kanchanpur, and Panchthar. Similarly, ballot printing has been completed for Ilam, Tehrathum, Bhojpur, Okhaldhunga, Sunsari, Taplejung, Sankhuwasabha, Solukhumbu, Khotang, Dhankuta, Baglung, Gulmi, Jhapa, Gorkha, Myagdi, Parbat, Bardaghat Susta West (Nawalparasi), Morang, Udaypur, and Mustang.
Nepal stagnates in corruption control, scores 34 in CPI 2025
Nepal has scored 34 points in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2025, released by Transparency International Nepal (TI Nepal), remaining unchanged from last year and indicating a lack of significant progress in controlling corruption. Covering 180 countries worldwide, the index places Nepal in the lower-middle range with 34 out of 100 points. Under the CPI methodology, a score of zero indicates a highly corrupt country, while 100 represents a very clean and transparent state. According to TI Nepal, Nepal’s score was calculated based on data from several international institutions, including the World Bank, World Economic Forum, Bertelsmann Foundation, Global Insight, World Justice Project and V-Dem.
Govt revises FY budget, cuts allocation by 14% in mid-year review
The government has revised the current fiscal year’s budget, reducing its size by 14.04 percent in a mid-year review, according to the Ministry of Finance. The original budget of Rs 1.964 trillion, presented on Jestha 15, has been adjusted to Rs 1.688 trillion. Under the revised allocation, Rs 1.126 trillion is earmarked for current expenditure, Rs 2.43 billion for capital expenditure, and Rs 319 billion for financial management. By the end of the fiscal year, the revised estimates indicate Rs 1.515 trillion will come from government sources, Rs 30.99 billion from foreign grants, and Rs 142 billion from foreign loans. Finance Minister Rameshore Khanal said the capital expenditure could not increase due to the need to focus on institutional stability and elections following the Gen-Z movement and subsequent transitional period.
Supreme Court orders government not to enforce English embossed number plates
The Supreme Court has issued an order to the government not to make English-language embossed number plates mandatory for vehicles. A joint bench of Justices Kumar Regmi and Mahesh Sharma Paudel directed the authorities not to implement the notice issued by the Department of Transport Management on September 19, 2025. The decision to make embossed number plates mandatory had been taken earlier under the leadership of then Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Devendra Dahal. Advocate Ram Bahadur Rawal had filed a writ petition at the Supreme Court challenging the decision. Earlier, on December 13, 2019, the Supreme Court had ordered the government to ensure that both letters and numbers on embossed number plates be written in the Nepali language. Following the ruling, the Language Commission had also drawn the government’s attention to the need to use Devanagari script on embossed plates.
NCP can become number one party in the election: Prachanda
Coordinator of the Nepali Communist Party (NCP), Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, has said that although public trust in the party is gradually increasing, a favorable political environment has not yet developed as expected. Speaking at a training program organized by the NCP Federal Contact Committee’s Central Election Mobilization Committee at Parisdanda on Tuesday, Prachanda said that hope and confidence among the people have been growing since the formation of the NCP. However, he noted that the kind of momentum seen around new forces on social media has not yet shifted in the party’s favor. Prachanda said that in the current election, being held under difficult and extraordinary circumstances, party leaders and cadres must work harder and remain more active than in the past to ensure a positive electoral outcome.
Balen Shah faces backlash over garlanding incident in Rajbiraj
Senior leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Balendra Shah, has come under criticism after he allegedly threw a garland at the statue of late Madhesh leader Gajendra Narayan Singh without stepping out of his vehicle during a visit to Rajbiraj on Tuesday. Shah, who arrived in Rajbiraj, the district headquarters of Saptari, as part of his election campaign for the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5, was seen waving to supporters from a sunroof-equipped vehicle. As his convoy reached Gajendra Chowk, where the statue of Gajendra Narayan Singh is located, Shah remained inside the vehicle and tossed the garland towards the statue before moving on. Hundreds of locals and RSP supporters had gathered along the streets since morning, expecting Shah to get down at Gajendra Chowk and formally pay tribute to the revered Madhesh leader. However, Shah did not step out of the vehicle or stop at the party office, which reportedly left many supporters disappointed.
Three arrested in connection with Nepal Police constable’s murder in Darchula
Three people have been arrested in connection with the murder of a Nepal Police constable in Darchula’s district headquarters. Constable Yogendra Gharti, who was serving at the Community Police Centre in Mahakali Municipality, was found dead on Wednesday behind a local hotel in Ward 4 of the municipality. Padma Bahadur Bisht, spokesperson for the Far-Western Province Police Office, said Gharti may have been stabbed to death. Darchula Chief District Officer Anil Paudel confirmed that three suspects have been taken into custody in connection with the incident. The arrested individuals are Deepika Pharswan, Manmati Aauji, and Prem Bahadur Bohara, all residents of Mahakali Municipality–4.
Gold price rises marginally
Gold prices in the domestic market recorded a slight increase on Tuesday, a day after witnessing a sharp rise. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of gold increased by Rs 900 per tola on Tuesday, reaching Rs 305,500 per tola. On Monday, gold had surged by Rs 4,100 per tola to trade at Rs 304,600. The price on Sunday stood at Rs 300,500 per tola. Meanwhile, silver prices declined slightly on Tuesday. Silver, which was traded at Rs 5,250 per tola on Monday, is being traded at Rs 5,240 per tola today. The federation said silver prices fell by Rs 10 per tola compared to the previous day.
Polling station inspections intensified in Baitadi
Inspection of polling stations in Baitadi district has been intensified in preparation for the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5. Chief District Officer Krishna Thapa said the District Security Committee is prioritizing the monitoring and inspection of highly sensitive polling stations. Of the district’s 129 polling stations, 33 have been classified as highly sensitive from a security perspective. Similarly, 28 polling stations have been categorized as sensitive, while the remaining 68 fall under the general category. The District Security Committee has stated that all polling stations listed as highly sensitive will be inspected.
Monitoring of polling stations continues in Kaski
Monitoring of polling stations in Kaski district is ongoing in preparation for the upcoming House of Representatives election. Officials from the District Security Committee, along with the Chief Electoral Officer, are regularly inspecting polling stations across the district. Assistant Chief District Officer Chitrangat Baral said polling stations identified as highly sensitive and sensitive from a security perspective are being given priority during monitoring. He said the inspections aim to assess the actual condition of polling centers in coordination with local representatives, school principals or vice principals, and local leaders.
Over 3,500 female students to receive HPV vaccination
A Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign targeting 3,595 schoolgirls will be conducted in Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta East) to help prevent cervical cancer. According to Keshav Chapagain, head of the Provincial Public Health Office, Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta East), the campaign will run from 13 to 25 February and cover sixth-grade girls studying in 174 community and institutional schools across the district. “The vaccination program will be conducted in all eight local levels of the district,” Chapagain said. “A total of 810 students will be vaccinated in Kawasoti Municipality, 730 in Gaindakot, 635 in Devchuli, 552 in Madhyabindu, 384 in Binayi Triveni Rural Municipality, 271 in Hupsekot, 111 in Bulingtar, and 102 in Baudikali Rural Municipality.”
US appeals court clears path for deportation as TPS ends for Nepalis
A United States appeals court has opened the way for deportation proceedings by allowing the Trump administration to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for immigrants from Nepal, Honduras and Nicaragua. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals on Monday ruled that a previous federal court order blocking the implementation of the TPS termination will remain suspended while the appeal is under review. The decision permits the Trump administration to move forward with enforcing its decision to end TPS for nationals of the three countries. The Trump administration had decided last year to terminate TPS for thousands of Honduran, Nepali and Nicaraguan nationals. With the termination, beneficiaries will lose the legal right to live and work in the United States under the program. According to the court order, the earlier injunction preventing the termination of TPS for Nepal, Honduras and Nicaragua will not remain in effect even as the appeal process continues.
Earthquake jolts Taplejung
An earthquake was felt in the Kanchenjunga area of Taplejung early this (Tuesday) morning. According to the National Earthquake Measurement and Research Center, the quake measured 4.0 magnitude and occurred at 2:47 am. The epicenter was located near the Nepal-India border, the center said. Tremors were also felt in several parts of eastern Nepal. No immediate reports of damage or casualties were received.
Sumana Shrestha criticizes extension of Gen-Z probe commission deadline
Former minister Sumana Shrestha has expressed dissatisfaction over the government’s decision to extend the deadline of the investigation commission formed to probe incidents related to the Gen-Z movement. Issuing a statement through her secretariat on Tuesday, Shrestha raised serious questions, alleging that the commission’s report has been deliberately delayed for the third time. “The Gauri Bahadur Commission’s report should have already been made public. It has been postponed for the third time and will now not be released before the election,” Shrestha said. “So what happens now? Those who would have been affected by the report are already relieved.” She questioned the silence of other political parties, asking whether they were unaffected or simply willing to let the issue fade before the elections. “Is there no anger among other political parties? Do future leaders have no objection? Or is it enough that the election proceeds smoothly?” she asked.
Kathmandu begins HPV vaccination campaign for girls against cervical cancer
Kathmandu Metropolitan City has started administering the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to girls and adolescents as part of a campaign against cervical cancer. Although the campaign was formally launched on Sunday, vaccinations in the capital city began from Monday. Under the campaign, girls enrolled in Grade 6 this year, as well as 10-year-old girls not attending school, are being vaccinated. Girls aged 11 and 12 in Grade 6 are also receiving the vaccine. In 2025, the government vaccinated around 1.7 million girls nationwide, covering students from Grades 6 to 10 and out-of-school girls aged 10 to 14. This year, the campaign targets girls aged 11 to 14 who missed last year’s vaccination. The government aims to vaccinate approximately 350,000 girls against cervical cancer through the HPV vaccine.
Sugarcane harvest begins in Bara, farmers busy delivering to mills
With the sugarcane selling season underway in Bara, farmers are intensifying efforts to harvest and deliver their crops to mills. From morning to evening, farmers are busy in the fields cutting sugarcane and preparing it for transportation to the district’s only sugar factory, Reliance Sugar Mills. For many farmers, sugarcane cultivation provides employment at home and has contributed to improving household living standards. The government has set the minimum price for sugarcane at Rs 620 per quintal for the fiscal year 2025/26, with an additional subsidy of Rs 70, bringing the total to Rs 690 per quintal. However, farmers have expressed concerns that the price is insufficient given rising production costs. Farmers’ representatives had demanded Rs 750 per quintal.
Guthi Sansthan allocates Rs 4 million for Maha Shivaratri preparations
The Guthi Sansthan has allocated Rs 4 million for the management of this year’s Maha Shivaratri festival. At a press conference on Tuesday at the Sansthan’s headquarters in Tripureshwor, spokesperson and Chief Legal Officer Janak Pokhrel said Rs 800,000 has been set aside for purchasing firewood, while Rs 3.2 million will cover festival operations. The Sansthan confirmed that all preparations for Maha Shivaratri have been completed. In collaboration with the Pashupati Area Development Fund, arrangements have been made for firewood, meals, and designated spaces for the ascetics residing in the Pashupati area, Pokhrel added. On February 15, the Sansthan’s Pashupati branch office will present Panchamrit and other puja items to the Pashupatinath temple, and lights will be lit around the temple in the evening.
PM Karki thanks India for support ahead of Nepal elections
Prime Minister Sushila Karki has expressed gratitude to neighboring friendly nation India for its support in facilitating Nepal’s upcoming elections. At Singha Durbar, PM Karki met with Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, and thanked him for providing vehicles and other resources to help ensure the smooth conduct of the elections during a crucial period for the country. In response, Ambassador Srivastava said India will always support Nepal’s democratic process and considers it a duty to assist as a friendly neighbor. He also noted that the democratic and constitutional stability Nepal achieves after the elections will be important for India as well.
Four held on charge of attacking APF personnel in Birgunj
The District Police Office, Birgunj, has nabbed four people for attacking the Armed Police Force, Nepal personnel while raiding an illegally run warehouse in Birgunj on Monday. Three APF personnel were injured and two vehicles were damaged following the attacks of local traders at the Adarshanagar area after the Birgunj Customs Office and APF raided the godown on Monday. Spokesperson of the District Police Office in Parsa and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Hari Bahadur Basnet confirmed that those four assaulters were held until Monday night. He shared that further investigations are ongoing based on the CCTV footage about the assaults against the APF, Nepal.
Bagmati Province Assembly endorses 90 bills in eight years
The Bagmati Province Assembly has endorsed 90 bills in the eight years since its formation, of which 89 have been authenticated by the Province Chief and implemented. According to Secretary of the Bagmati Province Assembly Secretariat, Purna Bahadur Darjee, the bill related to lottery management and control was returned by the Province Chief and is currently under deliberation in a thematic committee of the Assembly. A total of 93 bills have been registered in the Province Assembly so far. During this period, the Assembly endorsed 50 principal acts and 21 amendment acts. Likewise, all 14 ordinances registered were endorsed; seven were replaced, while five became inactive.
HoR polls: 27 candidates in the fray in Sunsari-1
A total of 27 candidates are contesting in the House of Representatives (HoR) election in Sunsari constituency No. 1. Of them, 19 are representing various political parties, while eight are independent candidates. The main contest is expected among candidates from major parties including the CPN-UML, Nepali Congress, Nepali Communist Party, Rastriya Swatantra Party, Shram Sanskriti Party, and Nepal Workers and Peasants Party, alongside several independent contenders. Candidates aged between 31 and 68 are in the race. Rajkumar Limbu, 31, of the Sanghiya Loktantrik Rastroya Manch, is the youngest candidate, while Bhupi Rai, 68, of the Rastriya Sajha Party, is the eldest.
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