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:

Police Seize Rs250 Million in Foreign Currency: Police have seized foreign currency worth nearly Rs250 million in Kathmandu. A team from the Valley Crime Investigation Office apprehended an individual carrying US dollars and euros hidden in a vehicle in Tokha. Superintendent of Police Ramesh Basnet stated that a machine is being used to count the large sum. Further investigation is ongoing, and police plan to hold a detailed briefing on the case later today.

Prachanda Stresses Need for Consultation Before Constitution Amendment: CPN (Maoist Centre) Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ emphasized the need for extensive consultations before amending the constitution. Speaking at the ‘People’s Cultural National Award-2081’ event on the 27th Cultural Resistance Day, he stated that amendments should proceed only if consultations reach a consensus. Prachanda dismissed the possibility of monarchy’s restoration and stressed unity among leftist forces. He also honored cultural martyrs’ families and launched 10 books by Maoist Centre leader Satya Pahadi.

RPP to Continue Protest for Monarchy and Hindu Nation: The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) has decided to continue its movement for the restoration of the monarchy and Nepal as a Hindu nation. In a meeting of its Central Executive Committee, the party resolved to push forward its agenda, including the abolition of the provincial structure. RPP has been vocal about reinstating the monarchy and revoking federalism, positioning itself as the main force advocating for Nepal’s traditional governance system.

Nepal Urges Ukraine to Release Seven Captive Nepali: Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba has urged Ukraine to release seven Nepali nationals held captive by the Ukrainian military. During a meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, she clarified that Nepal does not permit its citizens to join foreign armies and stated that these individuals were trafficked into the Russian military. Sybiha assured their release after legal procedures. The two countries also signed a visa-free entry agreement for diplomatic passport holders.

Congress to Counter Monarchist Narrative: Nepali Congress has decided to counter monarchist efforts to spread misinformation against republicanism. In a leadership meeting at Sher Bahadur Deuba’s residence, party officials reviewed the February 25 royalist protest and concluded that a monarchy revival is impossible. General Secretary Mahendra Yadav reaffirmed Congress’ commitment to the constitution and republic. To formalize the response, the party has scheduled an executive committee meeting on March 23. Meanwhile, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak briefed the party on the royalist demonstrations.

Madhesh Government to Boycott SEE: Madhesh Chief Minister Satish Kumar Singh announced that the provincial government will not participate in the Secondary Education Examination (SEE) starting April 2. He stated that the government’s decision to select exam center heads by lottery on March 10 was ignored. Despite informing the National Examination Board, it was not implemented.

SEE in Madhesh involves 88,858 students, 12,242 staff, and 4,580 security personnel across 312 centers.

Deepak Thapa Assumes Office as New Inspector General of Police: Newly appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deepak Thapa officially assumed office today, prioritizing law and order. The Cabinet promoted him on Monday, and Home Secretary Gokarna Mani Duwadi presented his insignia. Senior officials and media attended the ceremony. Thapa pledged to enhance Nepal Police’s progress with collective support. Before taking office, he honored police martyrs and planted a Neem tree at headquarters.

20 Rhinos Found Dead in Chitwan National Park in Eight Months: Twenty rhinos have died in Chitwan National Park (CNP) and surrounding areas in the past eight months, all due to natural causes, according to CNP Information Officer Abinash Thapa Magar. In the last fiscal year, 21 rhinos died, including two from poaching. The mortality rate has declined in recent years. Nepal’s 2021 rhino census recorded 752 rhinos, with CNP housing the highest number at 694.

Swoyam Shrestha Wins Pulchowk FSU Election Amid Peaceful Voting: Pulchowk Engineering Campus successfully conducted its Free Student Union (FSU) elections in a peaceful and disciplined manner, contrasting with disruptions in other campuses. Independent candidate Swoyam Shrestha won the presidency with 1,102 votes, defeating Rasik Lamsal of Akhil Krantikari (710 votes). With 3,807 registered voters, the election used electronic voting machines, ensuring efficiency. Unlike other campuses, Pulchowk saw no clashes or disruptions, making it a model for well-organized and respectful student politics.

Independent and NSU Candidates Win FSU Elections in Chitwan: In the Free Student Union (FSU) elections held on Tuesday, an independent candidate won the presidency at Chitwan Engineering Campus, while a Nepal Student Union (NSU) candidate secured victory at Shaheed Smarak College. Independent candidate Prajwal Adhikari, backed by NSU and ANNFSU (Revolutionary), defeated ANNFSU-UML’s Bishal Pokharel at Chitwan Engineering Campus. At Shaheed Smarak College, NSU’s Anish Thapa Magar won, but ANNFSU-UML protested the election process. Elections were stalled in 11 colleges due to disputes.

Clash Erupts Between NSU and ANNFSU at Patan Multiple Campus: A clash broke out between Nepal Student Union (NSU) and All Nepal National Free Students’ Union (ANNFSU) at Patan Multiple Campus after ANNFSU halted voting, alleging fraudulent ballots. Several individuals were injured during the confrontation. The dispute escalated while a multi-party meeting was underway to resolve the issue. ANNFSU, affiliated with UML, accused NSU of casting fake votes, leading to tensions between the two student groups.

PAC to Review 48 Out of 114 Complaints: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has decided to discuss 48 out of the 114 complaints it received. A Sub-Committee led by NC MP Sanjay Gautam will study these cases. CPN (Maoist Centre) MP Janardan Sharma emphasized prioritization, while NC MP Ramkrishna Yadav suggested inviting ministry officials for discussions. The PAC recently received 14 additional complaints, increasing the total to 114.

Investigation Report on Pokhara Balloon Explosion Submitted: The probe committee investigating the balloon explosion at the inauguration of Pokhara Tourism Year 2025 has submitted its report to Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak. The explosion had injured Deputy Prime Minister Bishnu Paudel and Pokhara Mayor Dhanraj Acharya.

The report recommends banning flammable substances at public events, ensuring strict security protocols, and using non-explosive helium gas for balloons. It also suggests mandatory safety approvals for such events and better coordination between organizers and security agencies.

Nepal-India Foreign Ministers Discuss Bilateral Ties in New Delhi: Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba met with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in New Delhi on Tuesday. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue. The two ministers discussed Nepal-India bilateral relations, mutual interests, and ongoing cooperation in trade, transit, and water resource development. Minister Rana reaffirmed Nepal’s commitment to strengthening ties with India. The discussion also covered recent high-level visits and bilateral engagements between the two countries.

Nepal-US Talks Focus on Bilateral Ties and Hostage Release: Nepal’s Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana met Ricky Gill, a senior US security official, during the Raisina Dialogue 2025 in New Delhi. They discussed strengthening Nepal-US relations and shared democratic values. A key focus was securing the release of Bipin Joshi, a Nepali citizen held by Hamas. Rana urged US assistance and highlighted Nepal’s diplomatic efforts with Israel, Qatar, and Egypt for Joshi’s safe return.

Congress Leaders Criticize Chief Whip Over Controversial Statement: Nepali Congress Chief Whip Shyam Ghimire’s call for legalizing prostitution and marijuana has sparked controversy within the party. His remarks in Sunday’s parliamentary session drew strong objections from Maoist MPs and were later discussed in Tuesday’s Congress leadership meeting. Senior leaders, including secretary general Gagan Thapa and Prakash Sharan Mahat, criticized him, while some defended him. Amid opposition pressure, Ghimire may be asked to apologize in Parliament on Wednesday.

Janamat Party Claims Ranjita Shrestha Supports Merger with NUP: The Janamat Party, led by Dr. CK Raut, claims that Nagarik Unmukti Party (NUP) Chairperson Ranjita Shrestha supports party unification. Dr. Raut and Shrestha met on March 15 to discuss the merger. Janamat Party spokesperson Sharad Singh Yadav stated that NUP’s central committee will finalize the decision. While NUP patron Resham Chaudhary asserts the process is underway, Shrestha has not commented. NUP is set to hold a meeting by March 28 to discuss the matter.

Pokhara Academy of Health Sciences Holds Ninth Assembly: The Pokhara Academy of Health Sciences (PoAHS) held its ninth assembly today, chaired by Prime Minister and Chancellor KP Sharma Oli. The meeting approved the budget and program for the current fiscal year and reviewed the Auditor General’s report. PM Oli urged PoAHS to enhance medical education and health services. Vice Chancellor Dr. Duk Bahadur Chhetri presented the progress report. Health Minister and Pro-Chancellor Pradip Paudel also attended the assembly.

Sagar Khanal Debuts in Crime Thriller Film ‘11:55’: Actor Sagar Khanal is set to make his big-screen debut with the upcoming crime thriller 11:55 (Do Not Trust Anyone), releasing on Chaitra 8. Having previously worked in TV commercials and music videos, Khanal expressed excitement and nervousness about his first film role. Directed by Keshav Pandey, the film features Mahesh Tripathi, Srishti Shrestha, Karishma Shrestha, Buddhi Tamang, and Vishal Pahari. It has received an ‘Adult’ certificate from the censor board, restricting viewers under 16.

Naul Digital Releases New Song Allare: Naul Digital has released a new song, Allare, featuring a fusion of traditional and modern Nepali dance styles. Sung by Babina Bhattarai, the song has lyrics by BB Thapa and music arrangement by Rubina Kumar Shrestha. The music video stars Bina Raut in the lead, with direction by Roshan Puri and choreography by Rajiv Karn. Director Puri, based in the U.S., has extensive experience in event production and music video direction.

Former PM Jhalanath Khanal Launches ‘Maile Buneka Rahar’ Song: Former Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal officially launched the song Maile Buneka Rahar at an event in Kathmandu. Sung by Swarupraj Acharya, the song features lyrics by Subas Kumar Lamsal and music by Ram Karki.

The music video, directed by Suresh Thapa, stars Bhuwan K. Pokharel, Kusum Sharma, Sridhar Khanal, and Mansi Sharma. The event was attended by cultural figures, including Premnath Adhikari, Daman Rupakheti, and Tara KC.

Patan High Court Halts Nepal Olympic Committee’s Special General Assembly: The Patan High Court has issued an interim order to halt the special general assembly of the Nepal Olympic Committee (NOC) scheduled for March 20. The order came in response to a writ petition filed by the Nepal Wushu Federation demanding participation in the assembly. Despite the court’s order, the NOC, led by Jeevan Ram Shrestha, conducted elections, which the government later annulled, intensifying the ongoing dispute within the organization.

Madhyapur Youth Secures First Win in Shahid Smarak ‘B’ Division League: Madhyapur Youth Association claimed its first victory in the Shahid Smarak ‘B’ Division League, defeating Jhapa Football Club 2-0 at the ANFA Complex, Satdobato. With this win, Madhyapur now has four points from two matches, while Jhapa suffered its second consecutive loss. The goals came from Sajin Thapamagar and an own goal by Jhapa. Madhyapur took the lead in the 31st minute, and Sajin sealed the victory with an injury-time strike.

Urjan Shrestha Reappointed as Nepal U-19 Football Team Head Coach: Urjan Shrestha has been reappointed as the head coach of Nepal’s U-19 national football team. The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) confirmed his appointment on Tuesday. Shrestha previously led Nepal in the SAFF U-20 Championship but lost 4-1 to Bangladesh in the final. The upcoming SAFF U-19 Championship will be held in Arunachal Pradesh, India, from May 9-18. Nepal will face Sri Lanka on May 11 and India on May 13 in Group A.

Bagmati Registers Second Win in PM Cup with Ishan Pandey’s All-Round Performance: Bagmati Province secured its second victory in the PM Cup National One-Day Cricket Tournament, defeating Gandaki by 69 runs at Siddhartha Cricket Ground. Chasing a target of 289, Gandaki was all out for 219 in 44 overs. Ishan Pandey starred for Bagmati, scoring 69 runs and taking four wickets. With this win, Bagmati now has four points from five matches, climbing to sixth place, while Gandaki remains eighth with two points.

Israel Resumes Gaza Strikes, Claims US Coordination; Hamas Warns of Ceasefire Breach: Israel resumed airstrikes on Gaza early Tuesday, killing at least 400 Palestinians, according to hospital officials. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strikes were necessary due to stalled ceasefire talks. Israel stated that the offensive was “fully coordinated with Washington,” while the White House confirmed it was consulted before the attacks. Hamas accused Israel of breaching the ceasefire and warned that the renewed fighting could jeopardize ongoing hostage negotiations.

Hungary Bans Pride Events, Approves Facial Recognition to Identify Attendees: Hungary’s parliament passed a law banning Pride events and allowing police to use facial recognition technology to identify attendees, intensifying Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s crackdown on the LGBTQ+ community. Backed by Orbán’s Fidesz party, the law prohibits events violating Hungary’s “child protection” legislation, which bans the depiction of homosexuality to minors. Attendees of banned events face fines up to €503, with the state directing funds toward “child protection” efforts.