KATHMANDU: Stay updated with Nepal News’ daily evening briefing, bringing you the most important developments from Nepal and around the world. From politics and the economy to sports, entertainment, and culture, we provide a concise summary of the day’s top stories. Here are today’s key highlights:

Prachanda Accuses Former King Gyanendra of Grave Crimes: Maoist Centre Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has accused former King Gyanendra Shah of being a “brother killer” and a “statue thief.” Speaking at a party event in Melamchi, Sindhupalchok, Dahal questioned the former monarch’s recent activities, alleging his involvement in smuggling and the theft of Nepal’s historic artifacts. He also claimed his first tenure as PM aimed to investigate the Royal Massacre but was cut short.

Plan to Grant Lifetime Benefits to Former Officials Faces Widespread Backlash: The government’s plan to legally formalize lifetime benefits for former high-ranking officials has sparked strong opposition from politicians, lawmakers, and the public. While past attempts failed due to criticism, a new bill is being drafted following Cabinet approval. Critics argue it burdens Nepal’s struggling economy and rewards corrupt former leaders. Amid growing outrage, Deputy PM Prakashman Singh denied any such plan, calling the controversy unnecessary speculation.

Student Union President, Five Others Arrested for Vandalism in Campus Election Office: Police arrested six people, including the student union president, for vandalizing the election office at Mahendra Morang Adarsha Campus in Biratnagar-12 on Friday afternoon. The suspects broke plastic chairs, tore notices, and attempted to forcefully enter by breaking the office lock. The incident occurred at 2:45 PM. A joint police team swiftly intervened, arresting student leaders and campus students for the attempted break-in.

Government Calls for Resumption of Talks on Pathibhara Cable Car Dispute: The government’s negotiation team has invited protesters opposing the Pathibhara cable car project back to the discussion table. Coordinator Prem Prasad Bhattarai sent a letter urging dialogue on social, religious, and cultural concerns. Protesters, however, demand a ministerial-level committee, release of arrested individuals, and a halt to construction. Meanwhile, police have filed charges against 18 individuals.

16 Killed in Wild Elephant Attacks in Morang Since 2011: Wild elephants have killed 16 people in Morang since 2011, with the latest victim being 43-year-old Manbahadur Iwahang Limbu, who died on March 8 in Letang-9. Attacks are increasing, forcing villagers to stay awake at night in fear. Authorities report nine elephant deaths due to poaching, electrocution, and gunfire. Efforts like forest ponds and fruit-bearing plantations aim to reduce human-elephant conflict.

RPP Chair Lingden Claims Nepal on the Verge of Political Transformation: Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Chair Rajendra Lingden has asserted that Nepal is on the brink of a political shift. Speaking at Media Nepal’s 9th anniversary event in Kathmandu, he argued that monarchy and democracy are not opposing forces but rather complementary.

Lingden criticized the media for framing monarchy vs. democracy as a false dilemma, urging them to provide objective analysis. He cited Britain’s long-standing constitutional monarchy as an example and reiterated RPP’s stance on reinstating a constitutional monarchy and Hindu state.

NC General Secretary Gagan Thapa Urges Focus on Constitution and Parliament: Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Thapa has stressed that those who respect the constitution and parliament should not be distracted by other issues at this time. Speaking briefly to the media at Biratnagar Airport on Friday, he stated that lawmakers and government officials must focus on governance rather than external matters.

Thapa acknowledged public dissatisfaction, attributing it to political parties’ failure to deliver. He warned that ignoring the root causes of discontent could further worsen the situation.

Baburam Bhattarai Criticizes Socialist Front: Nepal Socialist Party (New Shakti) Chair Dr. Baburam Bhattarai has strongly criticized the Socialist Front, an alliance of four leftist parties, including the Maoist Center. He questioned why a coalition of communist factions was labeled as socialist. Accusing them of misleading cadres and the public, he called it a “severe ideological and moral deviation” and urged them to seek a post-communist and post-capitalist alternative.

UML Central Secretariat Meeting Scheduled for March 17: The CPN (UML) has scheduled a Central Secretariat meeting for March 17 at 1 PM at the party’s Central Office in Chyasal, Lalitpur. According to UML Central Office Secretary Dr. Bhishma Adhikari, the meeting will focus on organizational matters and contemporary political issues, among other topics.

CPN (Unified Socialist) Announces Protest Program: The CPN (Unified Socialist) unveiled its first phase of protest programmes, set to conclude on May 8. General Secretary Ghanashyam Bhusal said the movement aims to free politics from power games, fight unemployment and corruption, and unite revolutionaries. Activities include discussions, public dialogues, and memorandum submissions at various levels. The second phase will be announced on May 8.

Congress MP Bajgain Files Complaint Against Minister Pandey: Nepali Congress MP Rajendra Bajgain has filed a complaint at the party headquarters, demanding action against Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Minister Badri Pandey. He accused Pandey of supporting China’s one-party system and violating the party’s democratic principles. The complaint alleges that Pandey’s remarks contradict Nepal’s constitution and national interest. Their long-standing internal rivalry previously escalated over corruption allegations linked to casino licensing.

Government Amends Industrial Business Regulations: The government has issued the Industrial Business (First Amendment) Regulations 2081, revising the Industrial Business Regulations 2078 under the authority of the Industrial Business Act 2076 (Clause 67). The amendment introduces ownership transfer approval under Rule 8 ‘Ka,’ requiring industries to submit documents such as board decisions, financial reports, tax clearance, and regulatory approvals for ownership changes. These provisions ensure transparency and regulatory compliance in industrial ownership transfers.

Health Ministry Plans Virtual Training Amid USAID Aid Freeze: With USAID halting healthcare funding, Nepal’s Health Ministry is considering virtual training and meetings. The freeze has disrupted vital programmes, including neonatal care, outbreak response, and maternal health initiatives. Officials warn of long-term impacts, urging the government to increase healthcare funding. Experts argue that virtual training is ineffective for life-saving skills, emphasizing the need for alternative funding sources to sustain crucial healthcare programmes.

Government Faces Rs 101 Billion Deficit in Eight Months: The government has been unable to balance income and expenditure, recording a Rs 101 billion deficit in the first eight months of the current fiscal year.

According to the Financial Comptroller General Office, total revenue stood at Rs 738 billion, while expenditure reached Rs 839 billion. Revenue sources included Rs 720 billion from taxes, Rs 9.16 billion in grants, and Rs 9.31 billion from other budgetary support. Government spending comprised Rs 584 billion in recurrent expenses, Rs 82 billion in capital expenditure, and Rs 172 billion in financial management. With revenue collection at only 50.75% of the annual target, meeting the fiscal goal remains challenging.

Despite setting a Rs 547 billion borrowing target, the government has already raised Rs 290 billion in loans. As of January, Nepal’s total debt has reached Rs 2.61 trillion, with Rs 1.28 trillion in domestic loans and Rs 1.32 trillion in external debt.

Government Expenditure Exceeds Revenue in Second Quarter of FY 2024/25: The government’s expenditure has surpassed its income in the second quarter of the current fiscal year, with spending reaching Rs 839.36 billion against an income of Rs 738.82 billion, creating a deficit of Rs 153.47 billion, according to the Office of the Financial Comptroller General. Development spending remains low, with only 23.37% of the capital budget utilized. Revenue collection stands at 50.2% of the annual target, while foreign grant mobilization is weak at just 17.51% of the projected amount. Despite significant spending, the slow pace of development investment raises concerns about fiscal management.

Nepal Secures Over Rs 44.66 Billion in Foreign Investment Commitments in Eight Months: In the first eight months of the current fiscal year, Nepal received foreign investment commitments exceeding Rs 44.66 billion across 427 industries, according to the Department of Industry. These investments are expected to generate 11,475 jobs. In Falgun alone, the department approved Rs 17.79 billion for 40 industries. The service sector received the highest commitments, with Rs 22.36 billion for 54 industries, followed by the tourism sector, which secured Rs 17.90 billion across 180 industries. Additionally, commitments were received in manufacturing (Rs 2.63 billion), IT (Rs 950 million), agriculture (Rs 760 million), energy (Rs 25.5 million), and infrastructure (Rs 20 million).

Credit Investment Gaining Momentum:  Credit investment in Nepal is rising, with banks disbursing Rs 20 billion in Falgun, bringing total credit to Rs 3.03 trillion. Increased imports, stock market growth, and higher working capital loans have driven this rise. While Rs 700 billion is available for investment, banks are focusing on loan recovery. By Falgun’s end, deposits stood at Rs 6.74 trillion, with an average lending rate of 8.55%.

Impact of U.S. Aid Cut: Rhino Census Halted in Nepal: The rhino census, conducted every five years, has been suspended this year due to a lack of funds after USAID paused its support. The government has not allocated a budget for regular rhino monitoring, so parks will estimate rhino numbers through manual observations.

Nepal’s last census in 2021 recorded 752 rhinos: 694 in Chitwan, 38 in Bardiya, 18 in Shukla Phanta, and 3 in Parsa. Historic counts show fluctuations, with 800 rhinos in 1950, declining to 100 by 1965, and gradually increasing to 466 in 1995. Later counts recorded 612 (2000), 409 (2005), 435 (2010), 645 (2015), and 752 (2021). Despite financial constraints, officials aim to conduct a partial census using available park resources.

India to Supply Electricity Only for 12 Hours Daily from Sunday: Starting Sunday, India will supply electricity to Nepal only from 6 AM to 6 PM (12 hours). Currently, Nepal imports power for up to 20 hours daily, but with the reduction, load shedding in industrial areas is expected to increase.

According to Chandan Ghosh, chief of NEA’s Load Dispatch Center, India is following the existing agreement to supply electricity only during solar hours. He assured that Nepal would manage the situation through alternative sources like Kulekhani hydropower.

India had set March 15 to June 30 as the period to supply electricity only during solar hours. Peak-hour load shedding in industries may worsen, but discussions with India are ongoing.

A Project Steering Committee (PSC) meeting in February also set new power tariffs for 2025/26. The new rates, effective April 2025, await approval from NEA’s board and the Electricity Regulatory Commission.

PM Oli Urges NPC to Prioritize Poverty Alleviation Through Productivity and Entrepreneurship: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has directed the National Planning Commission (NPC) to prioritize poverty alleviation by increasing production, productivity, and entrepreneurship. In a meeting with NPC officials, he emphasized investing in skill development, employment, and entrepreneurship as infrastructure projects near completion. Oli urged ministries to present concrete plans to boost productivity, stating that economic growth depends on self-reliance. He also stressed effective monitoring of national-pride projects and governance. NPC Vice Chairman Prof. Dr. Shiva Raj Adhikari briefed on the 16th Plan, project reviews, and fiscal federalism. Economic advisor Dr. Yuba Raj Khatiwada and Chief Secretary Eaknarayan Aryal attended.

Nepal Rastra Bank Moves Toward Full Implementation of Basel III: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) is advancing toward full implementation of Basel III by introducing a new liquidity framework for commercial banks. The “Basel Framework on Liquidity Standards,” prepared by NRB’s Bank and Financial Institutions Regulation Department, has been released for feedback. This framework ensures financial institutions maintain adequate liquidity to prevent crises. It includes Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) requirements, mandating banks to hold High-Quality Liquid Assets (HQLA) sufficient to cover 30 days of cash outflows. HQLA is categorized into Level 1 assets (such as cash reserves and government bonds, counted at 100%) and Level 2 assets (lower-rated bonds, counted at 85% or 50%).

Additionally, banks must align long-term lending with long-term funding sources. Reporting began in 2081 BS, with full implementation set for 2085 BS. The NRB aims for 70% compliance by mid-2082, 85% by mid-2083, and 100% by mid-2084.

PM Oli Directs Streamlining of ‘Sagarmatha Sambaad’ Scheduled for May: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has directed authorities to streamline preparations for the three-day Sagarmatha Sambaad (Sagarmatha Dialogue) set for May 16 in Kathmandu. After inspecting the Sagarmatha Sambaad Secretariat, he emphasized efficient coordination. A Directive Committee, led by Oli, oversees the event, with a Management Committee chaired by Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba. The government has invited global leaders, including from India and China. Announced for the International Year of Glacier Preservation 2025, the dialogue focuses on climate change, mountains, and humanity’s future. A press meet will soon update on preparations.

Muglin-Pokhara Road: 73 km Blacktopped in Eastern Section: Under the Muglin-Pokhara Road Project, 73.11 km of blacktopping has been completed in the eastern section. Engineer Bishnu Prasad Pandey reported 78.95% physical and 59.25% financial progress. The contract, worth Rs 6.21 billion, was awarded to China Communication Construction. Additionally, the 315-meter-long Madi Bridge has reached 65.07% completion. This four-lane project, funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), aims to enhance connectivity.

1,300 Tonnes of Fertiliser Stranded at Tatopani Customs for Eight Months: Around 1,300 tonnes of chemical fertiliser has been stuck at Tatopani Customs for eight months due to a pricing dispute between the Agricultural Inputs Company Limited (AICL) and importers. Imported from China by a joint venture, the fertiliser is deteriorating in storage. A High Court ruling ordered both parties to resolve the issue, but no agreement has been reached. Farmers face shortages while the customs office, lacking seizure authority, awaits a resolution. Clearance will only be given after lab tests confirm usability, but delays continue to hinder storage and distribution.

‘Karma’ Teaser Released, Bipin Karki in Full Action Mode: The teaser for Karma was released, featuring Bipin Karki in full-action mode. Directed by Saurabh Chaudhary, the film blends action, drama, and suspense. Upasana Singh Thakuri co-stars, with Mukunda Bhusal, Divya Dev, and Sarita Giri in key roles. Set for release on Chaitra 29, 2081, Karma promises high-octane stunts, emotional depth, and thrilling storytelling. Produced by Basanta Lamsal, it will release in Nepal and overseas simultaneously.

Mukunda Bhusal’s Intense Look Revealed for Action Film Karma: The makers of Karma have unveiled Mukunda Bhusal’s character look on the occasion of Holi. Dressed in a coat and tie, his intense expression hints at a revenge-driven role, likely as the film’s antagonist. Karma, an action-drama, marks Bipin Karki’s first full-fledged action film. Directed by Saurabh Chaudhary, it stars Upasana Singh Thakuri, Divya Dev, and others. Seven Seas Films holds its international distribution rights.

Nepal Defeats Hong Kong by Six Wickets in Women’s T20I Quadrangular Series: Nepal defeated Hong Kong by six wickets in the Women’s T20I Quadrangular Series at Entebbe Cricket Oval, Uganda, on Friday. Batting first, Hong Kong posted 104/8 in 20 overs, with Shanzeen Shahzad scoring 54. Nepal’s Rajmati Airee took three wickets, while Indu Barma claimed two. In response, Nepal chased the target in 19.3 overs, led by Samjhana Khadka’s 47 and Puja Mahato’s 20. Hong Kong’s Kaur Mahekdeep and Emma Lai took one wicket each. This was Nepal’s final match in the series, finishing with two wins and four losses.

NOC Protests Government’s Travel Restrictions on Officials: The Nepal Olympic Committee (NOC) has protested the government’s move to block its officials from traveling abroad. At a press conference on Friday, NOC condemned the restrictions as a violation of constitutional and human rights. Recently, immigration authorities in Kuwait attempted to deport NOC President Jeevan Ram Shrestha, but the Olympic Council of Asia intervened. The government has also restricted NOC’s access to resources and frozen its bank accounts, citing an unauthorized election.

Nepal Police Club Wins Departmental Derby Against APF: Nepal Police Club secured a two-wicket victory over Nepal APF Club in the departmental derby of the PM Cup National Men’s One-Day Cricket Tournament on Friday. Chasing a 95-run target, Police reached 96/8 in 26.2 overs, with Kushal Bhurtel scoring 31. Earlier, APF was bowled out for 94 in 27.4 overs. Lalit Rajbanshi starred with six wickets, while Bhuvan Karki took three for APF.

NSL 2024 to Kick Off with Lalitpur vs Kathmandu: The third edition of the Nepal Super League (NSL) will begin on March 29, with defending champions Lalitpur City FC facing first-edition winners Kathmandu RayZrs at 6 PM. The tournament, running until April 25, features seven teams after Birgunj United and Sporting Ilam withdrew. A single round-robin league will determine the playoffs, with the final set for April 25. Teams have finalized signings and begun training, while NSL organizers have confirmed the competition format and schedule.

Bagmati Secures 55-Run Victory Over Sudurpashchim in PM Cup: Bagmati Province registered a 55-run win over Sudurpashchim in the PM Cup National Men’s One-Day Cricket Tournament on Friday. Chasing a 267-run target, Sudurpashchim was bowled out for 211 in 47 overs. Tek Rawat scored 45, while Bagmati’s Rijan Dhakal and Sonu Devkota took four wickets each. Earlier, Bagmati posted 266/8 in 50 overs, with Shub Kansakar scoring 77 and Ashutosh Ghiraiya 58.

Kshitiz Bhandari Wins Nepal’s First Himalayan Freestyle Chess Championship: FIDE Master (FM) Kshitiz Bhandari clinched the title of Nepal’s first-ever Himalayan Freestyle Chess Championship by defeating Candidate Master (CM) Milan Lama 2-0 in the best-of-three final at Hotel Royal Singi on Friday. Organized by the Himalayan Chess Academy, the event followed the freestyle format introduced by former world champion Bobby Fischer. Bhandari won NPR 25,000, while runner-up Lama received NPR 9,600. In the Himalayan Blitz Cup, Rajan Puri emerged victorious, scoring 7.5 points. The tournament featured multiple youth and rating-based categories, with a total of 50 players competing for a prize pool of NPR 125,000.

NSL 2024 Fixtures Announced, Season Kicks Off on March 29: The fixtures for the third edition of the Ncell Nepal Super League (NSL) have been announced. Defending champions Lalitpur City FC will face first-edition winners Kathmandu RayZrs in the opening match on March 29 at Dasharath Stadium. Seven teams will compete, with 21 league-stage matches followed by four playoff games, totaling 25 matches. Player auctions and drafts are complete, while teams have finalized most foreign signings.

Putin Thanks Modi, Trump, and Other Leaders for Peace Efforts in Ukraine: Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed gratitude to world leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former US President Donald Trump, for their focus on resolving the Ukraine conflict. At a press conference with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Putin acknowledged their commitment to peace. Modi, during his White House visit, reaffirmed India’s stance, stating that India supports peace, not neutrality.

India Rejects Pakistan’s Train Hijacking Allegations as Baseless: India has dismissed Pakistan’s claims of Indian involvement in a train hijacking incident, calling them baseless. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that Pakistan should focus on its internal issues rather than shifting blame. He emphasized that the world knows where the epicenter of global terrorism lies and reiterated India’s firm rejection of Pakistan’s accusations.

Moscow Acknowledges US ‘Cautious Optimism’ on Ukraine Ceasefire: Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said Moscow sees justification for Washington’s “cautious optimism” regarding a Ukraine ceasefire. The US and Ukraine proposed a 30-day truce, with US envoy Steve Witkoff presenting details in Moscow. President Vladimir Putin called the idea “good” but stressed key issues must be addressed. Putin supports Trump’s stance but insists on monitoring and guarantees that Ukraine won’t use the pause for mobilization or rearmament.

Hungary Lifts Veto, Allowing EU Sanctions on Russia to Be Renewed: Hungary has dropped its veto, enabling the European Union to renew sanctions on over 2,400 Russian individuals and entities. The agreement came just before the sanctions were set to expire. Budapest secured the removal of four names, including three it specifically requested. This marks the second time in three months Hungary has challenged EU sanctions. Hungary argues Trump’s potential peace deal warrants reconsidering EU support for Ukraine.