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:

Three Killed, Seven Injured in Arghakhanchi Bus Accident: Three people, including two women and a man, died on the spot, and seven others were injured in a bus accident at Bhuwanpata, Shitganga Municipality-2, on Wednesday. The bus, en route from Arghakhanchi to Bardaghat, veered off the road and fell 200 meters down a slope.

Police Inspector Bishnu Prasad Poudel confirmed the casualties. The injured were first treated at a primary health center in Thada before being referred to Butwal for further care. Authorities are investigating the incident for more details.

PM Oli Defends Ghising’s Removal, Criticizes Opposition: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has dismissed the need for further explanation regarding the removal of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) Managing Director Kulman Ghising, stating that appointing Hiteshdev Shakya in his place is his response.

Speaking at a youth gathering in Kathmandu, Oli criticized opposition parties for demanding answers in Parliament, accusing them of trying to disrupt peace and stability in the country. He stated, “The Prime Minister has already responded by appointing a new director, and the matter is resolved.” Oli also criticized the opposition’s continued obstruction of parliamentary proceedings, accusing them of preventing progress and creating unnecessary issues for the country.

PM Oli to Visit Thailand for Bilateral Talks, BIMSTEC Summit: Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli will visit Thailand from April 1 to 5 at the invitation of Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra. This marks the first official visit by a Nepali PM since diplomatic ties began in 1959.

Oli will discuss bilateral relations with Shinawatra and attend the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok on April 4. He will also hold talks with leaders from BIMSTEC nations. Accompanied by high-level officials, including Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, PM Oli will return to Nepal on April 5.

House Disruption Looms Over Kulman Ghising’s Dismissal- Prachanda: CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has declared that the House of Representatives will not function unless Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli provides a satisfactory explanation for the dismissal of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) Managing Director Kulman Ghising.

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, Prachanda warned of escalating protests if Oli’s clarification is unconvincing. He also accused the Prime Minister of acting deceitfully by making the decision immediately after their discussion on transitional justice. Additionally, he urged the media to report facts accurately amid speculation linking both issues.

Energy Minister to Address Parliament on Kulman Ghising’s Dismissal: Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Deepak Khadka, will respond in the House of Representatives on Thursday regarding the removal of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) Managing Director Kulman Ghising.

Opposition parties, including the CPN (Maoist Centre), RSP, RPP, and CPN (Unified Socialist), disrupted Wednesday’s session, demanding an explanation from Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. However, UML Chief Whip Mahesh Bartaula stated that Minister Khadka would address the issue instead. The opposition remains firm on its demand for the PM’s response, threatening continued obstruction if he fails to speak.

Civil Servants Threaten Protests Over Federal Civil Service Act: Civil servants across Nepal have warned of nationwide protests if their demands are not addressed in the Federal Civil Service Act currently under discussion in Parliament. Employee unions are urging amendments to address stagnation in promotions, job insecurity, and unfair transfers.

Prakash Bhattarai of the Nepal Civil Servants Union emphasized the need for a transparent promotion and transfer system. He warned that if the act is passed without addressing employees’ concerns, it could weaken morale and disrupt public services. Discussions with the government are ongoing, but protests remain a possibility.

RSP Reaffirms Commitment to Republic Amidst Maoist Queries: Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has urged not to doubt its commitment to the republic. Dr. Swarnim Wagle, the party’s vice-chairperson, clarified the party’s stance during a meeting organized by the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre). In response to Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s question about supporting royalist movements, Wagle reaffirmed the party’s full commitment to the republic.

DPM Prakash Man Singh Calls for Quality Education Reform: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development, Prakash Man Singh, has emphasized the need for quality education to guide society in the right direction. Speaking at an interaction on the School Education Bill, organized by the Nepali Congress Education Department, he highlighted the necessity of updating education policies to align with the times.

Singh stressed the role of local governments in implementing education policies and called for their input to refine the bill. Mayors and deputy mayors shared their perspectives, with the program aiming to incorporate their feedback for effective legislation.

7th Annual Water and Peace Seminar 2025 Begins in Kathmandu: The 7th Annual Water and Peace Seminar 2025, themed “Diplomacy, Dialogue, Discourses: Exploring Potentials and Challenges for Inclusive Water Cooperation,” is taking place in Kathmandu from March 26-27 at Hotel Himalaya.

The event, part of a week-long program running until April 1, brings together experts, policymakers, and academics to discuss water diplomacy, especially in South Asia. Speakers emphasized Nepal’s role in fostering regional water cooperation, highlighting climate challenges, transboundary water issues, and inclusivity.

Socialist Front Warns Against Disruption of March 28 Protest: The Socialist Front has warned against any attempts to obstruct its planned pro-republic demonstration on March 28. During a meeting at the CPN (Unified Socialist) office in Aloknagar, leaders expressed concerns over efforts to weaken the protest.

Spokesperson Khadga Bahadur Bishwakarma stated that any disruption would be a “foolish act.” The demonstration at Bhrikutimandap will coincide with a pro-monarchy rally at Tinkune. Bishwakarma urged mass participation, emphasizing national sovereignty. The meeting also reinforced that parliament will not resume unless Prime Minister Oli clarifies Kulman Ghising’s dismissal.

Supreme Court Constitutional Bench Clears Path for Nepal’s Second Stock Exchange: Nepal’s Supreme Court Constitutional Bench has dismissed a writ petition challenging the government’s plan to establish a second stock exchange, removing the final legal hurdle. The bench, led by Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut, ruled in favor of issuing new licenses. With all legal barriers removed, the Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) is now expected to proceed with licensing, introducing competition to NEPSE, Nepal’s sole stock exchange since 1994, and potentially transforming the country’s capital markets.

Nepal Stock Exchange Rebounds, Gains 39.13 Points: The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) recovered from a 58.05-point drop, gaining 39.13 points (1.51%) to close at 2,621.86. The market saw a total turnover of Rs. 4.2 Arba, with 9,142,941 shares traded. Himalayan Reinsurance led turnover with Rs. 41.86 Crores, while Mountain Hydro Nepal was the top gainer, rising 5.85%. Upakar Laghubitta faced the steepest decline, dropping 7.09%. The Others Index posted the highest gain of 2.09%.

Life Insurance Sector Crosses Rs 1 Trillion Mark: Nepal’s life insurance industry has surpassed Rs 1 trillion in total business volume, with 14 major life insurance companies reporting double-digit growth. According to Nepal Insurance Authority’s latest data for the first eight months of FY 2081/82, insurers collected Rs 108.71 billion in premiums, a 10.33% increase from last year.

Nepal Life holds the largest market share at 27.04%, followed by National Life (12.53%), LIC Nepal (11.55%), and Himalayan Life (10.32%). Reliable Nepal and Citizen Life recorded the highest growth rates at over 20%. However, Rastriya Beema Company saw a 14.37% decline in premium collection.

Commercial Banks See Surge in Margin Lending Amid High Liquidity: Commercial banks in Nepal have seen a nearly 40% increase in margin lending as of mid-February 2024, with total loans reaching Rs 93.12 billion. The surge is attributed to high liquidity, low credit demand, and NRB’s flexible monetary policies. Banks like Nepal SBI, Machhapuchhre, and Kumari have notably expanded their portfolios, while Nabil Bank remains the largest provider. The rise is driven by a strong stock market, accessible loans, and improved liquidity, with the NRB removing the Rs 200 million cap on institutional margin loans.

“Anjila” Earns 8.7 Crore in 13 Days, Continues Strong Box Office Run: Nepali film Anjila has become a domestic box office hit, grossing 8.7 crore in 13 days of release. Distributor Karan Shrestha confirmed this based on reports from theaters across Nepal. Producer Premkumar Shrestha expressed satisfaction with the film’s performance, citing strong support from audiences. Directed by Milan Chams, the film, based on the life of national football team captain Anjila Tumbapo Subba, continues to perform well and is set to release in 16 countries worldwide.

Narendra Khadka to Lead New Nepali Film “Bigul”: Actor Narendra Khadka has been signed for the lead role in the upcoming Nepali film Bigul, based on a social issue. The film’s production team recently finalized his contract for the main role. Khadka, known for his work in over a dozen films, gained fame from his debut in Hammesa and the critically acclaimed Bulaki, for which he won awards at film festivals. Directed by Ramesh Koirala and written by Maunata Shrestha, Bigul is set to focus on raising a voice against injustice. The film will begin shooting on the first day of the Nepali New Year 2082.

Laj Sharanam” Enters Fifth Week with Continued Success: The film Laj Sharanam, which released on Falgun 14, has entered its fifth week of screenings, continuing to receive love from audiences since its release on the occasion of Shivaratri. The production team is excited about the movie’s success, claiming positive audience feedback and strong box office performance.

Director Kumar Kattel (Jigri) has helmed the movie, with notable performances from actors like Sitaram Kattel, Vijay Baral, Arpan Thapa, and others. Produced under the banner of JP Creation by Navin Shrestha, with co-producers Ram Naresh Shah and Srijana Khadka, Laj Sharanam remains popular in its screenings.

New Song ‘Gham Pani Gham Pani’ Released with Vocals by Samiksha and Shubhangi: A new song titled ‘Gham Pani Gham Pani’ has been released with vocals by popular singer Samiksha Adhikari and rising child singer Shubhangi Singh Khadka. The lyrics are by Prakash Sapkota, with R&B music. The music video features actress Barsha Raut alongside Shubhangi, directed by Ashish Gurung and filmed by Arjun Tiwari’s team. Choreography is by Sanjay Bishwa Karma, and the video is edited by Milan Bishwa Karma. The song, released on the Culture Creation YouTube channel, has received positive reactions and showcases Shubhangi’s growing popularity.

Shri Kumari Club Faces Third Consecutive Loss in ‘B’ Division League: Shri Kumari Club suffered their third straight loss in the Sahid Smarak ‘B’ Division League, falling 2-1 to Chyasal Youth Club on Wednesday at the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) headquarters. Chyasal, who had previously drawn and lost their first two matches, finally claimed victory. Anil Bomjan Lama and Ashwin Ghorasaini scored for Chyasal, while Yaman Maharjan scored a consolation goal for Shri Kumari during injury time. With this win, Chyasal moved to 6th place on the table, while Shri Kumari slipped to the bottom.

Nepal U-19 Football Team Call-Up for SAFF Championship Training Camp: The Nepal U-19 football team has called up 42 players for closed training ahead of the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) U-19 Championship. The training camp, led by head coach Urjan Shrestha, follows a selection process that involved 58 players. The camp will run until Sunday at ANFA’s headquarters in Satdobato. Nepal will begin the championship on May 11 against Sri Lanka, followed by a match with India. Nepal has won the tournament twice, in 2015 and 2017.

Yuvraj Khadka’s Injury-Time Goal Sends APF to Tilottama Gold Cup Final: Yuvraj Khadka’s injury-time goal led APF Club to a 1-0 victory over Sankata Club in the first semifinal of the 23rd Tilottama Gold Cup. With this win, APF secured at least NPR 666,666 and advanced to the final, where they will face the winner of the second semifinal between Church Boys United and Machhindra FC. The game was tied for most of its duration until Khadka capitalized on a rebound in the 94th minute. Khadka was also named ‘Man of the Match.’

Ebu Papa Kebe and Imo Ijekel Arrive in Nepal for NSL 3rd Edition: The two key players who helped Lalitpur City win the Nepal Super League (NSL) last season, Ebu Papa Kebe and Imo Ijekel, have arrived in Nepal for the third edition of the tournament. Lalitpur has signed both players for the new season and will face the defending champions, Kathmandu Rangers, in their opening match on Chait 16. Ijekel, who scored 6 goals last season, was pivotal in Lalitpur’s victory, including two goals in the final against Dhangadhi FC. Kebe, from France, scored 3 goals last season.

Russia Reaffirms Commitment to Ceasefire: Despite Ukraine’s ongoing attacks on energy infrastructure, which violate a US-brokered ceasefire, Russian spokesperson Dmitry Peskov affirmed Russia’s commitment to the pause. While acknowledging Ukraine’s non-compliance, Peskov emphasized Russia’s adherence to the agreement, citing its importance in improving US-Russia relations. Moscow also linked the continuation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative to the fulfillment of past commitments.