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:

Kulman Ghising Removed as NEA Chief, Hitendradev Shakya Appointed: The cabinet has removed Kulman Ghising from his position as Managing Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). A cabinet meeting at Singha Durbar on Monday evening made the decision, a minister confirmed to Nepal News.

Before his removal, the government had sought an explanation from Ghising three times. Energy Minister Deepak Khadka repeatedly claimed that Ghising has been defying government directives. The government has appointed Hitendradev Shakya as the new Managing Director of NEA.

Top Leaders Agree to Form Committee for Transitional Justice Commissions: Top leaders of CPN-UML, Nepali Congress, and CPN (Maoist Centre) met at Singha Durbar to advance the formation of two key commissions: the Commission for the Investigation of Disappeared Persons and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Sher Bahadur Deuba, and Pushpa Kamal Dahal agreed to proceed with forming a recommendation committee to appoint commission heads and members. The process had stalled due to political interference and the resignation of a previous committee head. The leaders pledged to move forward based on mutual consensus to complete the transitional justice process.

Agreement Reached Between Swargadwari Guthi Farmers and Government: After 51 days of continuous protests at Maitighar, tenant farmers of Swargadwari Guthi have reached an agreement with the government. The government has committed to introducing a bill in the ongoing winter parliamentary session to amend the Guthi Sansthan Act, 2033, addressing farmers’ concerns.

Following extensive negotiations, the Swargadwari Guthi Farmers’ Struggle Committee agreed to suspend the protest. The draft of the amendment bill is ready and will be tabled in parliament soon. Around 16,000 people from 3,500 families in Dang, cultivating 1,053 bighas of Guthi land, are affected by this issue.

Rising Tiger Population in Nepal Calls for Habitat Expansion: With Nepal’s tiger population increasing from 121 in 2009 to 355 in 2022, experts stress the need for expanded habitats. Senior ecologist Haribhadra Acharya highlighted that tiger habitats have shrunk by 93% despite conservation efforts. Speaking at an event in Chitwan National Park, he proposed open zoos for tiger conservation and income generation. Nepal’s forests can accommodate around 500 tigers, but sufficient prey species must be ensured. Globally, tiger numbers have dropped from 100,000 a century ago to just 5,000 today.

Civil Society Warns Former King Gyanendra Against Undermining Constitution: A group of civil society members has warned former King Gyanendra Shah against attempting to restore the monarchy, calling his actions unconstitutional and a threat to Nepal’s sovereignty. They accused him of seeking support from India’s right-wing groups and undermining Nepal’s constitution. The statement also criticized his past authoritarian rule and warned that his return would lead to instability. The group urged vigilance against foreign-backed efforts to push Nepal toward monarchy and a Hindu state.

Committee Formed to Recommend New Nepal Rastra Bank Governor: The government has formed a three-member recommendation committee, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel, to select the next Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank. The Cabinet meeting on Monday appointed former Governor Bijay Bhattarai and economist Bishwo Paudel as committee members.

President Paudel Stresses Federal Democracy as Citizens’ Achievement: President Ramchandra Paudel emphasized that Nepal’s federal democratic republic was achieved through great sacrifices, ensuring citizens are sovereign, not ruled. Speaking at the inauguration of an administrative building in Solukhumbu, he highlighted the system’s role in decentralizing power and making leaders accountable. He urged local governments to prioritize citizen-focused policies, infrastructure, and economic development. Recalling past struggles against autocracy, he stressed the need to expand agriculture, tourism, and hydropower for progress. He also praised improved road connectivity, which has eased citizens’ daily lives.

Ranipokhari Opens Daily for Public Access After Restoration: Kathmandu Metropolitan City has opened the historic Ranipokhari for public access from 5 AM to 4 PM daily, with no entry fee. Built by King Pratap Malla in 1670, the site was severely damaged in the 2015 earthquake and underwent a five-year restoration costing over Rs 240 million. The temple at its center remains open only during Bhaitika. Conservationists urge strict management to preserve the site’s historical integrity for future generations.

TU Education Faculty Dean’s Office Padlocked Over High Failure Rate: Students have padlocked the dean’s office of the Faculty of Education at Tribhuvan University after 68% of students failed their third-semester exams. They claim errors in the numerical questions of the “Measurement and Evaluation in Education” paper led to the poor results. The students demand action against those responsible, a free re-totaling system, and a rechecking option. They have vowed to continue their protest until their demands are met.

Absconding NEA Official Arrested for Illegal Property Acquisition: Dhruba Kumar Upreti, an assistant manager at Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), has been arrested after being convicted of illegal property acquisition by the Supreme Court. The court had sentenced him to six months in prison and fined him Rs 25.51 million. Upreti had been on the run since the verdict on November 27 but was arrested by Nepal Police’s Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) in Kathmandu. He was presented in court and has been sent to Dillibazar Jail.

Binod Chaudhary Urges Lumbini Govt to Prioritize Tourism Development: Industrialist and Nepali Congress leader Binod Chaudhary has urged the Lumbini provincial government to focus on tourism-driven development, emphasizing Lumbini’s significance as Buddha’s birthplace. In a meeting with Chief Minister Chet Narayan Acharya, he suggested enhancing the Buddha Circuit to attract global Buddhist tourists. Acharya shared plans for a monorail project to boost connectivity and private sector investment. Chaudhary also submitted a memorandum advocating for West Nawalparasi’s development and effective budget allocation for ongoing projects.

NEPSE Rebounds by 26.10 Points After Six-Day Losing Streak: After six consecutive losses, the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) surged 26.10 points (0.99%), closing at 2,640.78. The market fluctuated between 2,645.99 and 2,592.32, with a total turnover of Rs. 4.48 Arba from 58,235 transactions across 326 companies. Guardian Micro Life Insurance (GMLI) led gainers with a 9.51% rise, while Upper Hewakhola Hydropower (UHEWA) dropped 4.26%. Finance Index saw the highest sectoral gain of 3.52%, while the Mutual Fund Index increased by 0.44%. Shivam Cements led turnover charts, recording trades worth Rs. 32.69 Crores, closing at Rs. 966.60.

Nepal’s Poverty Reduction Remarkable, but Growth Challenges Persist-World Bank: Nepal has nearly eradicated extreme poverty over the past three decades, a success unmatched among its peers, according to the World Bank’s Nepal Country Economic Memorandum. The report credits migration and remittances for this achievement, with over 7% of Nepal’s population working abroad by 2023. However, structural challenges, weak exports, and slow hydropower development hinder economic growth. The World Bank urges policy reforms to boost investment, exports, and digitalization. Without action, Nepal’s growth could fall below 4% long-term. The government reaffirmed its commitment to reforms under its 16th Development Plan.

SEBON Increases Underwriting Limit for Bank- and Insurance-Owned Merchant Banks:  The Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) has revised the underwriting capacity for merchant banks owned by banks and insurance companies. These institutions can now underwrite securities up to their net worth, provided their parent banks or insurers guarantee liability coverage. Previously, the limit was three times their net worth, but this rule was not officially included in the Merchant Banker Regulations. SEBON spokesperson Niranjaya Ghimire confirmed that the regulations will soon be formally amended to reflect this change, expanding underwriting capacity for such institutions.

Narad Luintel Appointed as NEPSE CEO: The Nepal government has appointed Narad Luintel as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE). The decision was made during a cabinet meeting on Monday. Luintel, who previously served as Member Secretary of the Taragaon Development Committee, will now lead Nepal’s stock exchange, overseeing its operations and growth.

Upcoming Film Pitambar Partners with Nepal Super League for Promotion: The team behind Pitambar, set for release on April 12, is aggressively promoting the film through digital billboards and theater cutouts. A special trailer launch event is scheduled for March 28 at Bhrikutimandap. Additionally, Pitambar has partnered with Nepal Super League (NSL) as its “Movie Partner.” Directed by Krisha Chaulagai, the action-packed film stars Pradeep Khadka, Dayahang Rai, Saugat Malla, and Aryan Sigdel.

Prakash Saput’s Basanta Trailer Sparks Audience Interest: Singer-actor Prakash Saput’s directorial debut Basanta has gained attention for its strong social message on caste discrimination. The four-minute trailer, released Saturday, has surpassed 400,000 views and trended on YouTube. Starring Saput and Swastima Khadka, the film follows a couple torn apart by caste differences. With Saput’s writing and music, Basanta is set for release on April 4.

Manisha Koirala Open to Returning to Nepali Films: Veteran actress Manisha Koirala, who started her career in Nepali cinema before making it big in Bollywood, has expressed interest in working in Nepali films again. Speaking at the Nepal International Film Festival, she urged filmmakers to offer her an exceptional role. While active in politics, she denied immediate plans to enter it formally, emphasizing cinema as a powerful medium for change.

Durgesh Thapa Reveals He Offered Music Video Role to Pal Shah: Singer and performer Durgesh Thapa revealed that he had offered actor Pal Shah a role in the music video for his hit song “Dusman Hereko Heryai.” Speaking in a television interview, Thapa said Shah declined the offer, leading him to proceed with the video in his own way. Thapa emphasized moving past old controversies, focusing on their careers, and giving audiences what they want.

Gandaki Defeats Madhesh in Super Over at PM Cup: Gandaki Province clinched a thrilling victory over Madhesh Province in a Super Over during the PM Cup National Men’s One-Day Cricket Tournament on Monday. After both teams scored 246 runs, Gandaki set a 23-run target in the Super Over, which Madhesh could only manage 9 runs. Arjun Kumal starred with a 106-run century, while Rupesh Singh’s *51 for Madhesh went in vain.

APF Secures Seven-Wicket Win Over Lumbini in PM Cup: APF Club registered a dominant seven-wicket victory against Lumbini Province in the PM Cup National Men’s One-Day Cricket Tournament on Monday. Chasing 224, APF reached the target in 41.5 overs, powered by Puran Bik’s unbeaten 72 and Rohit Kumar Paudel’s 71. Earlier, Lumbini posted 223/8, with captain Dev Khanal scoring 63. APF’s Amar Singh Rautela and Abhishek Gautam took three wickets each.

Bagmati Crushes Karnali by Nine Wickets in PM Cup: Inspired by Rijan Dhakal’s five-wicket haul, Bagmati Province secured a dominant nine-wicket victory over Karnali Province in the PM Cup National Men’s One-Day Cricket Tournament on Monday. Chasing 59, Bagmati reached the target in 6.3 overs, with Ishan Pandey scoring 22. Earlier, Karnali was bundled out for 58, with Sunil Dhamala scoring 15. Surya Tamang also shone, taking four wickets for Bagmati.

Sankata Advances to Tilottama Gold Cup Semifinals with 4–0 Victory: Nepal’s Sankata Club stormed into the semifinals of the 23rd Tilottama Gold Cup with a commanding 4–0 win over Kalimpong Georgia FC (India) on Monday. Srijan Raj Gautam starred with all four goals, including a hat-trick—the tournament’s first. Sankata will now face APF Club in the semis. Meanwhile, Machhindra FC and Adorn Garhwal Sporting Club will battle for the final semifinal spot on Tuesday.

Lebanon Seeks U.S. Help to Prevent Israeli Strikes on Beirut: Lebanese leaders have been in intensive talks with Washington and Paris to prevent Israeli airstrikes on Beirut, a Lebanese official said Monday. The urgency follows heavy Israeli strikes over the weekend, which killed eight people in southern Lebanon. The escalation came after rockets hit northern Israel, breaking a ceasefire in place since November 27. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned Beirut could face the same fate as Metula, the town targeted by the rockets.

EU’s Kallas Calls for Renewed Talks Amid Israel-Hamas Escalation: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas urged immediate negotiations following a surge in violence in the Israel-Hamas war. Speaking in Jerusalem after meeting Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, Kallas warned that “violence feeds more violence” and expressed concern for both Palestinian civilians and Israeli hostages. Sa’ar stated that the war could “end tomorrow” if Hamas releases hostages, Gaza is demilitarized, and armed groups withdraw.