KATHMANDU: Stay informed with Nepal News’ daily evening briefing, covering the most significant developments from Nepal and around the world. From politics and economy to sports, entertainment, and culture, we bring you a concise summary of the day’s top stories. Here are today’s key news updates:

Nepal Secures Historic Win Against Singapore After 36 Years: Nepal secured a historic 1-0 victory against Singapore in an international friendly at the Singapore National Stadium on Friday. Jillespie Jung Karki scored the only goal in the 12th minute, converting a cross from Manish Dangi, marking Nepal’s first-ever goal against Singapore. This was Nepal and Singapore’s first encounter since 1989, when Singapore had dominated with a 7-0 victory. Prior to that, Nepal had suffered 2-0 and 3-0 defeats in 1982 and 1989. The previous matches were part of the World Cup Qualifiers and King’s Cup, but this time, Nepal triumphed over a team ranked 160th in FIFA rankings, 15 places higher than Nepal.

Six Killed, Hundreds Affected in Fire Incidents Across Nepal: Six people, including a child, lost their lives in 501 fire incidents across Nepal in the past month, according to Nepal Police Spokesperson DIG Dinesh Kumar Acharya. The fires injured 59 people, damaged 87 houses and 57 cowsheds, and killed 146 cattle, displacing 38 families and causing Rs 404.8 million in losses. Koshi Province saw the highest number of fires (135). Police mobilized 3,614 personnel for fire control. The Home Ministry urges caution due to rising temperatures and dry conditions.

Nepali Student at KIIT Had Filed Harassment Complaint 11 Months Before Death: Odisha Minister: Odisha’s Higher Education Minister Surjya Prakash Suraj revealed that Nepali student Prakriti Lamsal had lodged a sexual harassment complaint against a classmate 11 months before her death. Speaking in the Odisha Assembly, he confirmed that KIIT authorities received her complaint on March 12, 2024. Congress MLA Dasarathi Gomango accused the university of failing to act, demanding action against officials. Lamsal, a third-year computer science student, was found hanging in her hostel room on February 16, 2025.

Prachanda Rules Out PM Bid Before 2027, Focuses on Party Campaigns: CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ stated he is not vying for Prime Ministership before 2027. Speaking in Birgunj, he highlighted his past efforts against corruption, loan shark victims’ justice, and citizenship facilitation. He criticized the government for discouraging competent officials. Prachanda is leading the Terai-Madhes Awareness Campaign to strengthen grassroots connections. He announced a Mid-Hill Highway Campaign, similar to the ongoing Postal Highway drive. During his visit, he engaged in public discussions and rallies, emphasizing his party’s commitment to raising public concerns.

Municipal Chair Arrested for Atrocities Against Dalit Family in Siraha: Siraha’s Aurahi Rural Municipality Chair, Shivji Yadav, and former ward chair Dilip Yadav have been arrested for demolishing a Dalit family’s house during a religious event. Organizer Bajrangi Baba barred Dalits from the area, ordering the demolition. Yadav sent a bulldozer to destroy Deepak Malik Dom’s home, even removing the soil where Dalits lived. The displaced family, living there for 30 years, had received the house under a government housing program, but it was razed on February 22.

NA Meeting Postponed Over Procedural Dispute on Governance Bill: Minister for Communications and IT Prithvi Subba Gurung presented the Good Governance and Public Service Delivery Bill in the National Assembly (NA) on behalf of PM KP Sharma Oli. However, lawmaker Renu Chand objected, citing Rule 93 of NA Regulations, arguing the bill should be labeled a “replacement bill” if introduced through an ordinance. Due to this procedural conflict, NA Chair Narayan Prasad Dahal postponed the meeting. Meanwhile, NA Secretary Dr. Surendra Aryal tabled three bills on economic reforms, privatization, and financial responsibility, following messages from the House of Representatives.

Govt Must Avoid Actions That Dissatisfy Citizens- Thapa: Congress General Secretary Gagan Thapa emphasized that the government must refrain from actions that fuel public dissatisfaction. Speaking in Nawalparasi, he stressed that one negative decision could overshadow multiple positive initiatives. Thapa urged continuous party vigilance over government actions. He highlighted federalism’s challenges, citing insufficient power delegation to provinces. He also called for grassroots awareness to counter misinformation. Congress leaders Devendra Raj Kandel and Vinod Chaudhary stressed party unity and policy-driven development in their constituencies.

Foreign Minister Deuba Calls India Visit ‘Fruitful,’ Discusses Key Issues: Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba termed her India visit fruitful, emphasizing enhanced bilateral relations. At the Raisina Dialogue 2025, she met officials from India, Moldova, Georgia, Ukraine, and the US. She urged India to continue purchasing Nepal’s electricity and requested US intervention for the release of Nepali citizen Bipin Joshi from Hamas captivity. She also sought Ukraine’s help in freeing seven Nepali POWs. Addressing media, she stated India supports Nepal’s democracy and no political interference was discussed.

Shekhar Koirala Warns of Weakening Nepali Congress Without Timely Convention: Nepali Congress leader Dr. Shekhar Koirala has warned that the party will weaken if its general convention is not held by the end of 2082 Mangsir. Speaking at an event in Kathmandu, he urged leaders to ensure the convention takes place on time.

Koirala directed his supporters to demand the convention on social media, stating that pressure from all sides would force the leadership to act. He emphasized party unity for national development and denied any rift with President Sher Bahadur Deuba.

Government to Issue 45 New Licenses for Liquor and Tobacco Industries, Ending Market Syndicate: The Ministry of Industry is preparing to open licensing for liquor and cigarette industries, a move halted for years due to market syndicates preventing new competition. Certain groups have long monopolized the sector, blocking new players from entering. Now, the government is set to issue 45 new licenses for distilleries, microbreweries, and tobacco production, with some investors agreeing to acquire up to three licenses each. The Industrial Promotion Board, chaired by the Industry Minister, will finalize the decision. The Department of Industry has begun internal preparations, aiming to break the monopoly and create a competitive market.

Public Accounts Committee Forms Seven Subcommittees to Investigate 48 Complaints: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the House of Representatives has formed seven subcommittees to investigate 48 complaints related to various ministries and departments. Committee member Sanjay Gautam proposed the formation of the task forces.

Additionally, Gautam’s existing committee will screen 16 more complaints and future submissions. Subcommittees will probe aviation, energy, telecom, finance, cooperatives, foreign employment, health, and corruption in Pokhara and Bhairahawa airports. Each is led by different lawmakers, including Lekanath Dahal, Prem Ale, Manish Jha, Gokul Baskota, and Tara Lama. The airport corruption committee must submit its report within 15 days.

Dhalkevar-Bara Transmission Line Completed, Strengthening Nepal-India Power Trade: The Dhalkevar-Bara section of the Hetauda-Dhalkevar-Inaruwa 400 kV transmission line has been completed, improving Nepal’s power transmission and enabling expanded Nepal-India electricity trade. The 100 km line passes through Madhesh Province to Saraswati Danda in Makwanpur. The Dhalkevar-Inaruwa 154 km section was already operational.

NEA Executive Director Kulman Ghising inaugurated the temporary 132 kV charge of the 400 kV line to ease westward electricity flow and facilitate power imports from India during winter shortages. Upgrading Hetauda-Dhalkevar’s old 132 kV line will boost capacity from 200 MW to 400 MW, enhancing domestic supply and exports to India.

‘Viral Gorkhe’ Teaser Released: Director Nigam Shrestha’s upcoming film ‘Viral Gorkhe’, set to release on Jestha 30, has unveiled its teaser. The 2-minute teaser humorously portrays Saugat Malla’s character chasing viral fame on TikTok. The film satirizes the craze for social media popularity. Featuring Saugat Malla, Srishti Shrestha, Rishi Dhamala, Buddhi Tamang, and Laxmi Giri, the film explores the impact of viral culture. Produced by GMI Films & Nirvana Film School, it is Shrestha’s fourth directorial venture.

Song of Nepali Movie ‘Karma’ Released: A song from the upcoming Nepali movie ‘Karma’, set to release on Chaitra 29 (April 11, 2025), has been unveiled. Titled ‘Sari Lagaideu’, the song is sung by Salina Bik, with lyrics by Sushma Sigdel and music by Bhaskar Swar. The choreography is by Kabiraj Gahatraj, featuring lead actors Bipin Karki and Upasana Singh Thakuri.

Purushottam Neupane’s Musical Evening in Pokhara: Senior folk singer Purushottam Nyaupane will perform at a solo musical evening in Pokhara on Chaitra 22. Organized by the National Folk and Duet Song Academy, the event will take place at Pokhara Sabha Griha from 3 PM onwards. Nyaupane, active for over three decades, will present his popular songs live. Several renowned artists will join him in this grand musical celebration.

Ashok Sharma’s Daughter Kriti Debuts in Acting: Director and actor Ashok Sharma’s daughter, Kriti Sharma, has made her acting debut. While her brother, Ankit Sharma, debuted in the film Rato Tika Nidharma, Kriti has stepped into acting through a music video. She appears alongside Sunil Chhetri in the song “Riting Ryairyai”. Though passionate about film direction, Kriti has previously worked as an assistant director in Paniphoto and Rato Tika Nidharma.

Defender Suman Shrestha Makes Debut for Nepal National Football Team: Suman Shrestha made his debut for the Nepal national football team in a friendly match against Singapore. Head coach Matthäus Roos included him in the starting lineup for the first time. Suman, who plays for Nepal APF Club, earned his spot after performing well in domestic competitions. He previously won the Lalit Smriti U-18 Youth League with Brigade Boys Club.

National Sport Climbing Championship Begins: The National Sport Climbing Championship, organized by the Nepal Climbing Sports Association (NCSA), started on Friday in Kathmandu. The event is sponsored by Wongchu Peak & Musa Masala and was inaugurated by NSC Member Secretary Tanka Lal Ghising. A total of 19 climbers (6 women and 13 men) are competing. Bouldering and lead qualifiers were completed on Day 1, with eight players advancing to the finals. The championship follows international federation rules.

Karnali Clinches Second Consecutive Win in PM Cup: Karnali Province secured its second straight victory in the PM Cup National One-Day Tournament, defeating Madhesh Province by 81 runs on Friday in Bhairahawa. Defending 220, Karnali bowled out Madhesh for 139 in 35.2 overs. Dipendra Rawal top-scored with 61 runs, while Dinesh Adhikari claimed four wickets. Karnali now has eight points from seven matches, moving to fourth place.

Israel Threatens Gaza Annexation as Offensive Intensifies: Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned of annexing parts of Gaza if Hamas does not release hostages. Israeli forces have escalated attacks, killing over 500 people since Tuesday. A UN building strike left two French nationals seriously injured, and the UN warns of a severe food crisis. Meanwhile, an Israeli court blocked the dismissal of the Shin Bet chief.

Israel’s Attorney General Blocks Netanyahu from Replacing Shin Bet Chief: Israeli Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara ruled that Prime Minister Netanyahu cannot appoint a new Shin Bet chief after the government moved to dismiss Ronen Bar. Citing a Supreme Court decision, she warned Netanyahu that any action undermining Bar’s position is prohibited, including holding interviews for a replacement.