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:

Oli, Deuba, and Prachanda to Hold Key Political Talks: Prime Minister and CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli, Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, and CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ are set to meet on Monday afternoon for high-level political discussions. With Prachanda back in Kathmandu after his recent political campaign outside the Valley, the meeting will focus on contemporary political issues, including the Commission for Investigation on Enforced Disappearances and Truth and Reconciliation Commission appointments. There is also speculation that the leaders may discuss the possibility of forming a national consensus government.

Congress Holds Off on Protests Against Former Monarchists: The Nepali Congress has decided not to immediately stage protests against former monarchists, despite calls from other political parties. At a party executive meeting in Sanepa on Sunday, spokesperson Prakash Sharan Mahat stated that Congress is monitoring anti-constitutional activities but does not see an urgent need for power demonstrations. The meeting reaffirmed the party’s commitment to the federal democratic republic, emphasizing that governance reforms and corruption-free administration should be pursued through constitutional implementation rather than protests.

No Possibility of Monarchy’s Return: NC President Deuba: Nepali Congress (NC) President Sher Bahadur Deuba has ruled out the possibility of monarchy’s return in Nepal, stating that former King Gyanendra Shah is not fit to be a constitutional monarch. Speaking at an NC training event in Bagmati Province, Deuba suggested that Gyanendra should form a political party if interested in politics. He urged NC leaders to remain united in support of the republic.

Five-Day Custody Extension for Siraha Dalit Discrimination Case Accused: The Siraha District Court has extended the custody of Aurahi Rural Municipality Chair Shiva Ji Yadav and former ward chair Dilip Yadav by five days for further investigation into caste-based discrimination and untouchability charges.

They were arrested on Friday evening for allegedly bulldozing Dalit victim Deepak Mallik’s house on February 22 to clear space for a religious event. Police are still searching for Bajrangi Baba, another accused in the case.

Shankar Pokharel: Without India’s Electricity, Load-Shedding Would Return: UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel has stated that Nepal would still face load-shedding if India did not supply electricity. Speaking at the 10th National Convention of Press Chautari Nepal, he recalled that Nepal experienced up to 18 hours of power cuts before the constitution was promulgated.

Pokharel credited KP Sharma Oli’s leadership for ending load-shedding and boosting electricity production to over 3,000 MW. However, he warned that Nepal remains dependent on India for power during the off-season. He also dismissed former King Gyanendra Shah’s relevance, stating that hereditary rule is unacceptable in modern society.

Tribhuvan University Professor Assault Case: Accused Arrested After Four Years: Yogendra Rawal, one of the accused in the assault on Tribhuvan University Associate Professor Prem Chalise four years ago, has been arrested. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) apprehended Rawal in Kirtipur and sent him to Dillibazar Prison to serve a two-year sentence and pay a Rs 20,000 fine, as per Kathmandu District Court’s verdict.

Earlier, in March 2024, another accused, Rabin Lama, was also arrested. The Patan High Court upheld the verdict, sentencing six individuals.

Former King Gyanendra Drives 8 Hours, Receives Welcome Across Nepal: Former King Gyanendra Shah drove for nearly eight hours from Kurintar to Kathmandu via Galchi and Bidur, receiving grand welcomes at multiple locations. Thousands of people greeted him with flowers and cheers in places like Khahare and Tokha. Before returning to Kathmandu, he visited Gorkha’s Upperkot, where he underwent a traditional coronation-style anointment (Abhishek) for his health and longevity. Supporters, including Maoist Center members, were seen chanting pro-monarchy slogans like “Our King, Our Country!” during his visit.

JSP Siraha Demands Release of Aurahi Rural Municipality Chair: Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP) Siraha has demanded the honorable release of Aurahi Rural Municipality Chair Shivji Yadav, who was arrested in connection with a caste-based discrimination case.

Submitting a memorandum to the Chief District Officer today, JSP Siraha President Ashok Kumar Yadav warned of protests if Yadav and others are not released. He stated that the authorities would be responsible for any consequences arising from the agitation.

The case involves the demolition of Deepak Malik’s house, allegedly due to caste-based discrimination.

President Paudel Urges Swift Action on Constitutional Goals: President Ramchandra Paudel has emphasized the need for the government’s prompt action in achieving Nepal’s constitutional goals of sustainable peace, good governance, social justice, and development.

Receiving the government’s annual report for FY 2080/81, he stressed the effective implementation of state policies and mobilization of resources. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli presented the report, reaffirming the government’s commitment to constitutional principles.

NA Members Demand Probe into Dalit House Demolition in Siraha: National Assembly members have called for an investigation into the forced demolition of a Dalit’s house in Siraha to clear space for a religious event. Ghanashyam Rijal condemned it as caste-based discrimination, demanding action against those responsible.

Lawmakers also raised other issues, including the murder of a Myagdi woman, health concerns, sugarcane farmers’ struggles, infrastructure demands, and energy policies. Some objected to Minister Deepak Khadka’s remarks on possible load-shedding.

Parliamentary Committee Directs Government to Build Model Detention Centers: The Law, Justice, and Human Rights Committee has instructed the government to build a model detention center in each province to improve detainee conditions and uphold human rights.

Committee Chairperson Bimala Subedi emphasized the need for policy reforms, proper resource management, and adherence to constitutional rights. The committee also approved three reports on detention center conditions and requested the Speaker to present them in the House of Representatives for further discussion.

Mayor Balen Shah Challenges Minister Prakash Man Singh on Urban Issues: Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah has publicly questioned Urban Development Minister Prakash Man Singh over unresolved urban challenges, including unmanaged settlements, Kapan Khola regulation, and public property protection.

In a social media post, Shah criticized the lack of action, urging Singh not to sacrifice the city for political rivalry. He also warned against tarnishing Ganesh Man Singh’s legacy. Shah has frequently clashed with Nepali Congress and CPN-UML leaders over Kathmandu’s governance.

Gandaki Kotihom Mahayagya Relocated to Birauta, Pokhara: The Gandaki Kotihom Mahayagya 2082, initially planned at Barahighat, will now be held at Sadashiva Siddheshwar Harihar Temple in Birauta, Pokhara-17 from March 30 to June 9, 2025. The relocation follows a March 7 dispute at Barahighat, leading to police intervention. A problem-solving committee formed by Pokhara Mayor Dhanraj Acharya selected the new site. Meanwhile, legal proceedings continue over unauthorized tree-cutting linked to the event organizers.

Minister Paudel Advocates Contributory Health Insurance System: Health Minister Pradip Paudel has emphasized that healthcare is the people’s top priority and advocated for a contributory health insurance system to ensure sustainability.

Speaking at a Nepali Congress event in Dang, he proposed funding the system by allocating 50% of tax revenue from tobacco and alcohol and 2% contributions from government and institutional employees. He stressed that private sector involvement is essential, as government investment alone cannot sustain health insurance.

Two Schoolchildren Killed in Water Tanker Accident in Banke: Two school students were killed when a water tanker hit their cycle at Betahani Chowk in Duduwa Rural Municipality-2, Banke, this afternoon. Locals, enraged by the accident, set the tanker ablaze and surrounded the police post where the driver is being held. Police resorted to blank fire as the mob pelted stones. The children’s bodies remain at the scene amid protests.

National Assembly Approves Bill to Amend Acts for Good Governance: The National Assembly has approved the proposal for consideration of the Bill to Amend Some Nepal Acts Related to Promotion of Good Governance and Public Service Delivery, 2081. Communication Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung defended the bill, calling it essential for effective service delivery. The opposition CPN (Maoist Centre) objected, arguing it wasn’t introduced as a replacement bill. Lawmakers can now propose amendments.

NEPSE Drops 53 Points, Closes at 2,614.68: The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) plunged 53.04 points (2.04%) today, closing at 2,614.68. The market saw a total turnover of Rs. 6.32 Arba, with 12.37 million shares traded in 72,265 transactions.

Himalayan Reinsurance Limited (HRL) led in turnover with Rs. 42.06 Crores, while NMB 50 (NMB50) gained the most at 3.94%. Mithila Laghubitta (MLBBL) suffered the steepest loss, dropping 10%. Sector-wise, the Finance Index fell the most (-2.98%), whereas the Mutual Fund Index saw the smallest decline (-0.71%). NEPSE’s total market capitalization stood at Rs. 43.41 Kharba.

Nepal’s Public Debt Rises Sharply, Nears 47% of GDP: Nepal’s public debt has surged to Rs 26.76 trillion, reaching 46.91% of GDP, raising concerns among economists. In just eight months of the current fiscal year, Nepal borrowed Rs 241 billion, mostly from domestic sources. Currency fluctuations have added Rs 66 billion to the debt burden. Every Nepali now owes Rs 91,000 on average. Nepal has outstanding loans from eight bilateral and 16 multilateral donors, with 81.44% from the World Bank and ADB. Experts warn that without proper planning and transparent spending, Nepal risks falling into a debt trap despite government assurances of productive investments.

Industrialists Accuse NEA of Biased Power Cuts, Creating Load Shedding Crisis: Industrialists have accused the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) of cutting power to industries in a biased manner, forcing up to 12-hour shutdowns while maintaining uninterrupted supply for households. Cement, steel, and textile producers criticized NEA for denying the existence of load shedding and failing to provide a power cut schedule. They urged the government to implement the Lal Commission report to resolve disputes over dedicated and trunk power lines, calling NEA’s actions unjust and misleading.

Foreign Aid Commitment Rises by Rs 132 Billion This Fiscal Year: Foreign aid commitments have surged by Rs 132 billion this fiscal year, reaching Rs 221.45 billion by mid-February 2024/25, up from Rs 89.49 billion last year, according to the Finance Ministry. Of the total aid, 74.5% is in loans, while 25.5% is grants. The energy sector received the highest share (25.5%), followed by environment and climate (21.6%) and irrigation (12.9%), with good governance receiving the least (0.2%).

Birgunj Dry Port Customs Collects Rs 32.32 Billion in Eight Months: The Dry Port Customs Office in Birgunj has collected Rs 32.32 billion in revenue in the first eight months of FY 2024/25, achieving 92% of the monthly target in the last two months, according to Chief Customs Officer Dhan Bahadur Baruwal. The highest revenue collection was recorded in mid-March (Rs 4.68 billion). The annual target for the office is Rs 60.04 billion set by the Department of Customs.

PAN Registrations Exceed 433,000 in Seven Months, Business PANs Decline: The number of taxpayers registering for a Permanent Account Number (PAN) in the first seven months of FY 2024/25 has surpassed 433,000, according to the Finance Ministry.

By mid-February, 363,702 individuals had registered for individual PANs, while business PAN registrations dropped to 68,485 from 70,648 last year. VAT and excise tax PAN registrations also declined. In total, 6.659 million taxpayers have registered for PAN by mid-February.

‘Dori’ Unveils 10 Character Posters Ahead of Release: The upcoming film ‘Dori’, set to release on Chaitra 15, has unveiled 10 character posters, introducing key actors Arun Lama, Anjana Barailee, Raj Paudel, Praveen Khatiwada, and others. The posters highlight various themes like honesty, friendship, jealousy, struggle, and debt—all integral to the film’s storyline. Directed by Arun Lama, ‘Dori’ explores the mystery of an invisible force. The film features cinematography by Saurabh Lama and music by Rajanraj Siwakoti, with a blend of comedy and thriller elements.

Bipin Karki in His First Action Role in ‘Karma’: Acclaimed actor Bipin Karki takes on his first-ever action role in the upcoming film ‘Karma’, where he faces off against Mukun Bhusal, who plays a full-fledged villain for the first time. Directed by Saurabh Chaudhary, the film promises intense action, drama, and suspense.

Set to release on Chaitra 29, ‘Karma’ stars Upasana Singh Thakuri, Divyadev, Sarita Giri, Ben Basnet, and others. The film will have a simultaneous release in Nepal and overseas.

Madhav Sharma: Rising Screenwriter Behind ‘Hostel 3’: Madhav Sharma is an emerging name in Nepali cinema, having written the screenplay and dialogues for ‘Hostel 3’, a commercially and critically successful film. He also worked as an associate director in the movie, which explores college life. Previously part of the writing team for ‘Ae Mero Hajur 4’ and ‘Upahar’, Sharma emphasizes that a strong storytelling style is key to a film’s success. He advises aspiring writers to study, observe, and understand Nepal’s cultural and cinematic landscape.

Singer Kamal Khatri Blessed with a Baby Boy: Singer Kamal Khatri and his wife have welcomed a baby boy. Sharing the joyous news on social media, Khatri expressed his overwhelming happiness, calling it one of the most unforgettable moments of his life. He thanked doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers for a safe delivery and expressed gratitude to family, relatives, and friends for their love and support.

APF Defeats Gandaki by 31 Runs for Fifth Win in PM Cup: Departmental team Nepal APF Club secured its fifth victory in the PM Cup National Men’s One-Day Cricket Tournament with a 31-run win over Gandaki Province on Sunday at Extratake Oval, Bhairahawa.

Chasing 259 runs, Gandaki managed 227/8 in 50 overs. Asif Sheikh’s 80-run knock helped APF post 258 runs in 49.2 overs. APF now has 10 points from seven matches, ranking third, while Gandaki remains at the bottom with two points.

Sudurpashchim Secures 31-Run Victory Over Koshi in PM Cup: A century from Kiran Thagunna led Sudurpashchim Province to a 31-run win against Koshi Province in the PM Cup National Men’s One-Day Cricket Tournament on Sunday. Chasing 243 runs, Koshi was bowled out for 211 in 45.1 overs, despite Shakib Haq’s 62-run effort. Earlier, Thagunna scored 115 runs off 91 balls, guiding Sudurpashchim to 242 runs in 43.4 overs. Sudurpashchim now has six points from eight matches, ranking seventh.

Israel Launches Rafah Incursion as Gaza Death Toll Surpasses 50,000: Israeli ground troops entered Rafah amid mass Palestinian evacuations. Gaza’s Health Ministry reports over 50,000 Palestinian deaths since the Israel-Hamas war resumed. Israel continues strikes and ground operations, citing militant targets. Meanwhile, Israel’s Cabinet approved a plan for the “voluntary departure” of Palestinians, sparking concerns over forced expulsion. Defence Minister Katz stated the initiative would comply with Israeli and international law.

Trump Claims He Alone Can Stop Putin, Pushes for Ukraine Ceasefire: U.S. President Donald Trump has reiterated his ability to halt the Ukraine war, citing “rational” talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. U.S. and Ukrainian officials are set to meet in Saudi Arabia to discuss a potential ceasefire. Trump hinted at territorial concessions for peace, while recent escalations challenge ongoing negotiations. The U.S. hopes for a ceasefire by Easter.