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:

Prachanda Vows to Unite Socialist and Maoist Forces Before Elections:

CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ announced plans to unite all socialist and Maoist factions before the 2084 BS elections. Speaking at a mass meeting in Chitwan, he asserted that the Maoist Centre can compete independently and warned of rising regressive forces. He reaffirmed support for a directly-elected presidential system and highlighted growing public trust in the party. Vice Chairs Agni Sapkota and Pampha Bhusal emphasized the party’s role in national transformation and good governance, while grassroots feedback was described as encouraging.

Dalit Family Files Complaint Over Caste-Based Discrimination in Siraha:

A Dalit family in Aurahi, Siraha, has filed a police complaint against local officials for caste-based discrimination and forced displacement under the pretext of a religious event. The complaint names Municipality Chair Shivji Yadav, former ward chair Dilip Yadav, and Bajrangi Baba. Police have arrested two accused, while Bajrangi Baba remains at large. Authorities have begun legal proceedings, with penalties ranging from three months to three years in prison and fines between Rs 50,000 and Rs 200,000.

Nagarik Unmukti Party Forms Task Force for Merger with Janamat Party:

The Nagarik Unmukti Party (NUP) has formed a three-member task force to facilitate its merger with the Janamat Party. The Central Working Committee meeting in Kathmandu assigned lawmaker Gangaram Chaudhary as the coordinator, with Sunita Chaudhary and Ramlal Dangoura as members.
Earlier, Janamat Party had also formed a task force led by MP Abdul Khan. Addressing the NUP meeting, Janamat Party Chair CK Raut emphasized unity and pride in their shared identity. NUP patron Resham Chaudhary echoed the need for deeper solidarity.

No Lifelong Facilities for Former VIPs-Health Minister Paudel:

Health Minister Pradip Paudel stated that former VIPs should not receive lifelong state facilities, though they deserve respect and honor. Speaking at an event in Banke, he emphasized that Nepalgunj Medical College must resolve its own issues and warned hospitals violating the Labour Act of losing affiliations. He also highlighted plans for medicine price adjustments, expanding health insurance, and strengthening local hospitals.

Strengthening Federalism Requires Coordination & Reforms: Speaker Ghimire

Speaker Devraj Ghimire emphasized the need for continuous dialogue and debate to strengthen federalism. Speaking at a discussion in Bagmati, he highlighted the importance of effective implementation, policy formulation, and resource mobilization. He stressed that federalism’s success depends on coordination among government levels. Ghimire also called for legal reforms, staff management, and financial adjustments while urging swift passage of key legislation.

Kathmandu’s Water Crisis Deepens Amid World Water Day Observance:

As the world observes World Water Day, Kathmandu Valley faces an escalating water shortage. Despite policies aimed at sustainable water management, the Valley’s daily demand of 470 million liters far exceeds the 160 million liters supplied. Residents increasingly rely on bottled water and tankers, but poor regulation raises health concerns. Meanwhile, traditional water sources are vanishing, exacerbating the crisis. With insufficient monitoring and ineffective policies, Kathmandu’s water woes highlight the urgent need for sustainable solutions and stricter oversight to ensure safe drinking water for all.

Former King Gyanendra Visits Ancestral Land in Gorkha:

Former King Gyanendra Shah visited Gorkha for the first time since the establishment of the republic. On Saturday, he offered prayers at the Gorkhakali and Gorakhnath temples, spending nearly two hours at the Gorkhakali Temple, historically worshipped by Shah dynasty kings.
Shah also observed the post-earthquake reconstruction of the Gorkha Durbar. Supporters briefly chanted slogans in favor of the monarchy and held a motorcycle rally from Abu Khaireni to Gorkha Durbar. On Sunday, he is scheduled to visit Manakamana Temple.

Monarchists Protest at Narayanhiti, Demand Restoration of Monarchy:

Monarchist demonstrators staged a protest in front of Narayanhiti Palace Museum on Saturday, calling for the restoration of the monarchy. The demonstration was led by Shahi Yuwa Shakti Nepal, a group advocating for the reinstatement of the former royal institution. This marks the second consecutive Saturday of protests at the palace gate, where participants waved national flags and voiced their support for the monarchy.

Lokdarshan Regmi Assumes Office as Nepali Ambassador to the US:

Nepali Ambassador to the United States, Lokdarshan Regmi, has officially assumed office four months after his appointment. Regmi took charge at the Nepali Embassy in Washington, D.C., on March 21. President Ramchandra Paudel had appointed him on November 10, 2024, and administered the oath on December 1. A former chief secretary (2017–2020), Regmi previously served as Nepal’s ambassador to the UK. Initially recommended as ambassador to India under Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s government, he was later appointed to the US during KP Oli’s tenure.

Australia Deports Nepali Citizen Over Domestic Violence Charges:

Australia has deported a Nepali citizen involved in domestic violence. Identified as Thapa, he was sent back to Nepal last week on a Thai Airways flight, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Australian authorities had arrested and investigated Thapa before coordinating with the Nepali Embassy for necessary travel documents. While Australia treats domestic and personal violence as a serious crime, specific details about Thapa’s offense remain undisclosed.

Rs 3.68 Billion Invested in Koshi’s Orthodox Tea Industry: What Lies Ahead?

Koshi Province has 84 orthodox tea industries with a total investment of Rs 3.68 billion, where 36.4% comes from loans and 63.6% from equity. Only two industries have foreign investment. The region has 100 processing units, including 21 organic-certified and 79 non-certified.
In FY 2079/80, these industries produced 7.83 million kg of processed tea, with 88.6% exported, mostly to India and third countries. The industry’s revenue was Rs 2.57 billion, with 86.72% from exports. Low capacity utilization (56.21%) is due to raw material shortages, inconsistent electricity supply, and lack of skilled labor.

Bagmati Province Struggles with Low Spending and Declining Revenue:

Bagmati Province has spent only 25.62% of its Rs 64.05 billion budget in the first eight months of FY 2081/82. Current expenditure stands at 35.22%, while capital expenditure is just 19.94%. Revenue collection is also lagging, with only 38.13% of the target met. Provincial revenue has declined annually, with last year’s collection falling short by Rs 9.31 billion. Officials attribute the shortfall to reduced federal allocations, economic slowdown, and lower tax revenues. The Ministry of Tourism, Industry, and Cooperatives had the lowest spending at 9.79%, while the Office of the Provincial Chief Attorney led at 47.69%.

Smartphone Imports in Nepal Surpass Rs 21 Billion in Eight Months:

In the first eight months of the current fiscal year 2081/82 (up to the end of Falgun), smartphone imports in Nepal have exceeded Rs 21.91 billion, according to the Department of Customs. This marks an increase compared to the same period last year. During the same period last fiscal year, Nepal imported smartphones worth Rs 19.37 billion, with a total of 1.25 million units. However, this year, 1.4 million smartphones have been imported.
Along with rising smartphone imports, government revenue collection has also increased. Last year, Rs 3.60 billion was collected in revenue, while this year, it has reached Rs 4.08 billion. Additionally, 1.6 million other telephone sets worth Rs 1.52 billion were imported in the same period, generating Rs 283.8 million in revenue.

Reduced Power Imports from India Strain Kulekhani Hydropower Reservoir:

Nepal’s Kulekhani hydropower reservoir is under pressure as electricity imports from India have been limited to 12 hours daily. To meet demand, all three Kulekhani projects are operating round-the-clock, causing the water level to drop by an average of 36 cm daily. Since the dry season began, the reservoir level has already decreased by 6.18 meters. If it drops to 1,483 meters, power generation will cease, raising concerns over energy sustainability.

National Water Conference Focuses on Sustainable Resource Management:

Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Dipak Khadka, emphasized the critical role of water resources in daily life and national prosperity at the first National Water Conference 2081 BS. Organized by the Water and Energy Commission Secretariat, the two-day event focuses on preserving glaciers, integrated water management, governance, transnational cooperation, and climate change. Khadka urged collective efforts to protect and efficiently utilize Nepal’s water resources.

Real Estate Entrepreneurs to Launch Investment Company Amid Economic Crisis:

Struggling with Nepal’s prolonged economic downturn, real estate entrepreneurs have decided to establish an investment company with their own funds. The company, funded through small contributions from developers nationwide, aims to reduce reliance on bank loans. Announced at the Rupandehi Real Estate Association’s convention, the initiative seeks to revive the post-pandemic market. Leaders argue that excessive government regulations have worsened the sector’s crisis and demand real estate be recognized as an industry.

Gold Imports Surge After Tariff Cut, Reaching Over 1,200 kg in Eight Months:

Nepal’s gold imports have surged after the government reduced customs duty from 20% to 10% on December 22, 2023. From July 2023 to mid-March 2024, over 1,223 kg of gold worth NPR 14.77 billion was imported. The highest monthly import was in January 2024, with 402 kg. The government collected NPR 1.61 billion in revenue. Commercial banks are authorized to import up to 20 kg daily, sourcing gold mainly from UAE, Turkey, China, India, and over 20 other countries.

Kaligandaki Corridor Road Nears Completion After 8 Years:

The blacktopping of a 9 km stretch of the Beni-Jomsom-Korala road, part of the national pride Kaligandaki Corridor connecting India and China, has been completed. Delayed by five years due to challenging terrain, COVID-19, floods, and contractor issues, 95% of the road upgrade is now done. Once fully completed, the road will boost trade, tourism, and regional development, significantly reducing travel time and enhancing connectivity in Gandaki Province.

No Lifelong Facilities for Former VIPs, Says Health Minister Paudel:

Minister for Health and Population, Pradip Paudel, has stated that former VIPs should not receive lifelong state facilities, though they deserve respect. Speaking at a Nepali Congress Banke event, he emphasized that medical colleges must follow regulations and warned of scrapping affiliations for institutions failing to pay staff. He also highlighted efforts to adjust medicine prices, enhance domestic production, and expand health insurance coverage to 6.6 million households.

Multi-Starrer Action Film Pitambar Set for Chaitra 29 Release:

Directed by Krisha Chaulagai, Pitambar features a star-studded cast, including Dayahang Rai, Saugat Malla, Pradeep Khadka, Aryan Sigdel, Srijana Pant, and Gauri Malla. The suspense around the lead character, Pitambar, has intrigued audiences, with promotional posters teasing multiple male actors. Produced by Bishal Chaulagai, the film includes cinematography by Purushottam Pradhan, music by Ashish Aviral & Babul Giri, and choreography by Kabiraj Gahatraj. The song Ma Ta Fan Bhayein Yar is already trending.

Trailer of Prakash Saput’s Debut Film Basanta Released:

The trailer for Prakash Saput’s debut film Basanta has been released, highlighting caste discrimination and inter-caste love struggles during Nepal’s 2006 People’s Movement. Starring Saput and Swastima Khadka, the film promotes the #SabaiBarabar (All Are Equal) campaign. Directed and written by Saput, Basanta releases on Chaitra 22 (April 4, 2025), featuring Anup Baral, Prabhat Pal Thakuri, and cinematography by Susan Prajapati.

Flood-Affected Nepali Film Workers Receive Aid:

The Film Workers’ Welfare Fund has provided financial assistance to flood-affected film industry workers for the first time. Nepal Film Development Board Chairperson Dinesh DC and Welfare Fund Chairperson Basundhara Bhusal distributed NPR 45,000 each to affected workers. Previously focused on supporting financially weak and critically ill artists, the fund has now extended aid to disaster victims. Beneficiaries include members of Nepal Film Artists Association, Nepal Film Technicians Association, and Nepal Film Stunt Artists Association. The initiative aims to ensure continuous support for film workers in need.

APF Defeats Army to Win Women’s Football Title:

APF Club clinched the championship by defeating Tribhuvan Army Football Club 4-2 in a tiebreaker in the final at Krishna Ground, Bharatpur. The match ended 1-1 in regulation time, with Army taking an early lead through Bimala Chaudhary, but Rashmi Kumari Ghising equalized in the 74th minute. APF won NPR 300,000, while Army received NPR 150,000. Preeti Rai was named Player of the Final. APF secured its third title this season, having also won the ANFA Women’s League and Ilam Gold Cup. The tournament featured eight teams.

NSL Trophy Unveiled in Pokhara:

The trophy for the third edition of the Ncell Nepal Super League (NSL) was unveiled and displayed in Pokhara on Saturday ahead of the tournament, which will be held from Chaitra 16 to Baisakh 13. Managed by Pokhara Thunders FC, the trophy was showcased at five locations, including Pumdikot Shiva Temple, Shanti Stupa, and Pokhara Stadium. Gandaki Province’s Minister for Sports, Bindukumar Thapa, unveiled the trophy. After Pokhara, it will be displayed in Lalitpur and Kathmandu before the tournament begins.

Israeli Forces Destroy Gaza’s Only Cancer Hospital Amid Renewed Offensive:

Israeli forces pushed deeper into Gaza on Friday, destroying the territory’s only specialized cancer hospital. The Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital, located in the Netzarim Corridor, had been inaccessible to doctors. Israel claimed Hamas was operating there, while Turkey said Israeli troops had used it as a base. The attack follows Israel’s move to retake Netzarim after breaking a ceasefire.

Israel Launches Deadly Strikes on Lebanon, PM Warns of ‘New War’:

Israel launched its most intense airstrikes on Lebanon in nearly four months after rockets were fired into its territory. The Israeli military targeted Hezbollah sites in southern Lebanon, killing two people, including a child. Lebanese PM Nawaf Salam warned of a “new war,” condemning Israel’s renewed military operations. Hezbollah denied involvement, and Lebanon has launched an investigation.