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:

President Paudel Authenticates Four Bills Passed by Parliament: President Ramchandra Paudel has authenticated four bills endorsed by both houses of the federal parliament. The authenticated bills include amendments to the Secured Transaction Act and the Corruption Alleviation Act, along with new legislation on e-commerce and legislative management. The authentication, conducted on Sunday in accordance with Article 113 (2) of the Constitution, was confirmed by the Office of the President.

Global Leaders to Attend Sagarmatha Sambaad 2025 in Kathmandu: The Nepali government has invited 450 global leaders to the Sagarmatha Sambaad 2025, scheduled for March 16-18 in Kathmandu, with around 150-175 expected to attend. The event will focus on mountain protection, climate-induced disasters, and agricultural resilience. Discussions will address immediate conservation measures, climate risks, and monitoring efforts. On the final day, participants will visit at-risk mountains in the Sagarmatha region.

Supreme Court Halts Government Task Force’s Review of NEA Electricity Bills: The Supreme Court has issued an interim order preventing a government-formed task force from reviewing Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) bills for dedicated feeder and trunk line users. The order follows a writ petition challenging the task force’s legality. NEA had refused to cooperate, arguing that disputes should be resolved through regulatory bodies or courts.

Protests Are a Democratic Right, Arresting for Burning Photos Is Unjust: Prachanda: CPN (Maoist Centre) Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ stated that protests are a fundamental democratic right and arresting individuals for burning photos is inappropriate. His remarks followed the arrest of RPP leader Nirajan Bam for allegedly burning Prachanda’s photograph during an anti-republic protest in Hetauda.

RPP Stages Torch Rally Demanding Release of Youth Leader Nirajan Bam: The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) staged a torch rally in Sinamangal, demanding the release of youth leader Nirajan Bam. Protesters chanted slogans against Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Maoist Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, calling for Bam’s immediate release.

PM Oli Stresses Equal Participation for Societal Progress: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli emphasized the need for equal participation of men and women to drive positive change in society. Speaking at the Women Leadership Summit 2025, he highlighted women’s role as a dynamic force in Nepali culture. He called for greater involvement in education, entrepreneurship, and employment, pledging policy reforms for development. PM Oli also honored footballer Preeti Rai and activist Ruksana Kapali.

Upcoming Fiscal Budget to Be Prepared Through Coordinated Approach: Finance Minister Paudel: Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel stated that the upcoming fiscal budget will be prepared in coordination with the Ministry of Finance, relevant ministries, and the National Planning Commission. Speaking at a budget discussion, he emphasized alignment of policies, programs, and resources for effective implementation.

MP Raghuji Pant Warns Against Misinformation on Federalism: Lawmaker Raghuji Pant has expressed concern over increasing attempts to spread illusions and frustrations in the country, citing the misuse of media and social platforms. Speaking in a special session of the House of Representatives (HoR) on Sunday, he emphasized that economic progress has been made under federal democracy, with Nepalis’ income nearly tripling since the shift from monarchy in 2008.

NEPSE Falls by 21.63 Points, Turnover at Rs. 6.83 Arba: The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) dropped 21.63 points (0.79%) today, closing at 2,714.85. The market saw a total turnover of Rs. 6.83 Arba, with 13.97 million shares traded across 316 companies. Himalayan Reinsurance Limited (HRL) led in turnover at Rs. 58.66 Crores, closing at Rs. 1000. Samudayik Laghubitta (SLBSL) gained the most (8.19%), while Green Development Bank (GRDBL) fell the most (-7.91%). The Trading Index gained 4.92%, while the Development Bank Index dropped 2.25%.

HoR Endorses Proposal to Amend Economic Procedure and Fiscal Responsibility Bill: The House of Representatives endorsed the proposal to consider the Economic Procedure and Fiscal Responsibility (First Amendment) Bill, 2081 BS. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel stated that the bill aims to strengthen budget implementation and fiscal discipline. He acknowledged challenges in meeting general expenditures and ensuring project implementation. Lawmakers raised concerns over revenue leakage, shrinking foreign aid, rising public debt, and lack of capital expenditure. Paudel emphasized prioritizing high-impact projects and amending the Public Procurement Act to improve economic management. Several lawmakers participated in the discussion, highlighting the urgency of fiscal reforms.

Capital Gains Tax from Share Trading Surges: The Nepalese government’s capital gains tax revenue from share trading has tripled in one year, reaching NPR 12.2 billion in just eight months of the current fiscal year.

Data from CDSC shows a 3.79% rise compared to last year’s same period. The surge in NEPSE index and investor profits boosted tax collection. In February alone, NPR 1.33 billion was collected. Investors pay 5% tax on long-term gains and 7.5% on short-term. Corporate and stock dealers also contributed. July recorded the highest tax collection at NPR 4.27 billion due to increased trading activity.

NEPSE CEO Shortlist Announced, Final Selection on Chaitra 6: The selection committee for the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) CEO has shortlisted five candidates: Chudamani Chapagai, Narad Kumar Luintel, Purna Prasad Acharya, Badri Prasad Pyakurel, and Hemant Basyal. They will present their business plans and face interviews on Chaitra 6 at the Ministry of Finance. The committee, led by Sebantak Pokharel, will recommend one candidate, with the final appointment made by the Council of Ministers. The transparent selection process aims to bring strong leadership to NEPSE, shaping the future of Nepal’s stock market.

NRB to Collect NPR 40 Billion in Deposits: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) will collect NPR 40 billion in deposits from the banking system through a 21-day deposit collection instrument. Interested Class “A”, “B”, and “C” banks and financial institutions can bid until 3 PM today. The minimum bid amount is NPR 100 million, with increments of NPR 50 million. The interest rate will be determined through bidding, and principal plus interest will be repaid on Chaitra 24. This measure is aimed at managing excess liquidity in the financial system.

Banks Shift Focus to Loan Recovery Amid Rising Bad Debt: With bad loans increasing, Nepali banks have prioritized loan recovery over new lending from Chaitra. Usually, banks focus on recovery in the fourth quarter, but this year, they have started early due to rising non-performing loans (NPLs), which reached 4.5% in Q2. Several banks face high distributable losses and capital pressure, limiting dividend distribution. Banks struggle to recover loans from real estate, SME, and construction sectors, with collateral auctions failing due to falling property prices. The tightened monetary policy and economic slowdown further complicate recovery efforts, forcing banks to intensify collection measures before the fiscal year ends.

MP Asim Shah Criticizes Film Censorship in Parliament: During Sunday’s House of Representatives meeting, MP and filmmaker Asim Shah raised concerns about film censorship in Nepal. Citing the example of the movie ‘Rajaganj’, he criticized unnecessary edits before release and condemned the censorship of a Prime Minister’s speech in a film. Shah accused the government of restricting freedom of expression and demanded that film experts, not political appointees, be placed on the Censor Board. He also pledged support for filmmakers protesting against censorship.

‘Anjila’ Earns Over NPR 20 Million in First Three Days: The Nepali movie ‘Anjila’, released last Thursday, has grossed NPR 20.7 million in its first three days, according to the producer Prem Kumar Shrestha. The film has seen houseful shows across Nepal, with additional screenings added due to high demand. Based on the life of Nepali women’s national football team captain Anjila Tumbapo Subba, the film portrays her struggles and success. The song ‘Raat Kina Hunchha Hajur’ has also gone viral, further boosting the film’s popularity.

‘Dori’ Trailer Released Ahead of March 28 Premiere: The trailer of the Nepali movie ‘Dori’, set for release on March 28 (Chaitra 15), has been unveiled at a ceremony in INI Cinemas, New Baneshwor. Director and lead actor Arun Lama, alongside Anjana Baraili, Praveen Khatiwada, Shishir Bangdel, and other cast members, attended the event. The trailer hints at a thriller-horror storyline intertwined with family and social themes. Produced by Dinesh Bhattarai, the film features music by Rajanraj Siwakoti and screenplay editing by Manoj Pandit.

‘Rock On’ Song from ‘Hostel-3’ Released on YouTube: The song ‘Rock On’ from the movie ‘Hostel-3’ has been officially released on YouTube. Featuring Paras Bam Thakuri and Rihan Giri, the song is sung by Sameer Kaji and composed by Mahesh Gyawali, with arrangement by Yogesh Kaji. Director Sushan Kandel stated that the song, originally placed at the film’s end, was uploaded online due to popular demand.

‘Hostel-3’ has performed well in Nepal, grossing NPR 43.2 million in its first week. The film continues to attract audiences in its second week.

Lumbini Secures Third Victory in PM Cup One-Day Tournament: Lumbini Province registered its third win in the PM Cup National Men’s One-Day Cricket Tournament, defeating Bagmati Province by 48 runs at Deukhuri Cricket Ground, Dang, on Sunday. Defending 115 runs, Lumbini bowled out Bagmati for just 67 runs in 22.5 overs. Biprasan KC and Ajay Chauhan took three wickets each. Earlier, Akash Tripathi top-scored with 33 as Lumbini managed 115 runs in 32.4 overs.

APF Registers Third Win in PM Cup One-Day Tournament: Departmental team Nepal APF Club secured its third victory in the PM Cup National Men’s One-Day Cricket Tournament, defeating Karnali Province by five wickets at Siddharthanagar Cricket Ground on Sunday.

Chasing 190 runs, APF reached the target in 39.2 overs, with Deepak Bohara scoring an unbeaten 70 off 67 balls. Karnali managed 189 runs in 47 overs, with Abhishek Gautam taking four wickets for APF.

Koshi Registers First Win in PM Cup with Dominant Performance: Inspired by Bipin Mahato’s outstanding bowling, Koshi Province secured its first victory in the PM Cup National Men’s One-Day Cricket Tournament, defeating Gandaki Province by 9 wickets at the Extratake International Cricket Ground, Bhairahawa, on Sunday. Gandaki managed only 31 runs in 24.4 overs, with Mahato taking 6 wickets for 17 runs. Chasing 32 runs, Koshi reached the target in 8.2 overs, losing just one wicket.

Fusion Football Club Enters Mills Gold Cup Semifinals: Fusion Football Club Gaighat, Udayapur, advanced to the semifinals of the 5th Mills Gold Cup Football Tournament after a 1-0 victory over Progressive Youth Club, Saptari, in the opening match at Jute Mill Ground, Biratnagar, on Sunday. Yuvraj Thapa scored the decisive goal in the 68th minute, securing Fusion’s win. Despite Saptari’s aggressive attacks, goalkeeper Anil Magar’s outstanding saves denied them an equalizer. Magar was named Player of the Match.

India to Host ASEAN Counter-Terrorism Meeting: India and Malaysia will co-chair the 14th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus Experts Working Group on Counter-Terrorism in New Delhi on March 19-20. Delegations from 10 ASEAN nations, eight dialogue partners including the US, China, Russia, and Japan, along with Timor Leste and the ASEAN Secretariat, will participate.

US, Russia Discuss Ceasefire, Diplomatic Ties: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov discussed restoring bilateral communication and advancing Ukraine ceasefire negotiations. The call followed high-level talks in Saudi Arabia and Istanbul, focusing on diplomacy and potential US-Russia direct flights. Meanwhile, Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, met Putin in Moscow, presenting a 30-day ceasefire proposal. Putin supports the truce but demands key adjustments, including resolving the status of Ukrainian forces in Kursk Region.

US-Russia Ceasefire Talks Progress Amid Ukraine Conflict: US envoy Steve Witkoff met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, discussing a Ukraine ceasefire proposal. Witkoff, representing Donald Trump, described the talks as positive, following negotiations led by US officials Mike Waltz and Marco Rubio. Putin supported a 30-day ceasefire but raised implementation concerns. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister insisted Kyiv’s forces would continue operations in Kursk Region, despite Russia offering them time to surrender.