KATHMANDU: Stay informed with Nepal News’ Evening Briefing—your essential daily roundup of key developments in Nepal and beyond. From politics and the economy to society, sports, entertainment, culture, and international affairs, we bring you the day’s biggest headlines. Here’s what shaped Nepal on Thursday, February 27, 2025—all in one place.

Kulman Ghising Challenges Ministry’s Authority to Seek Clarification: NEA Managing Director Kulman Ghising questioned the Ministry of Energy’s demand for clarification, arguing it lacked a clear basis. Minister Dipak Khadka has given him 24 hours to justify his role in the Nepal-India electricity agreement. Despite criticism, Ghising’s tenure is widely praised for ending load-shedding and reviving NEA.

Protests Erupt Against Govt Over Minister’s Attempt to Remove Kulman Ghising: Citizens protested at Maitighar Mandala after Energy Minister Deepak Khadka twice sought clarification from NEA Executive Director Kulman Ghising, attempting to remove him. Protesters chanted slogans like “No government that pushes the country into darkness” and demanded immediate payment of Scout land rent.

25 Injured in Pick-Up Accident in Ilam, 8 in Critical Condition: At least 25 people were injured when a pick-up van crashed in Mai Municipality-1, Ilam, while transporting passengers to a Nepal Magar Association event. Twenty-four were referred to B&C Hospital, Jhapa, while one remains in Mai Hospital. Eight victims are in critical condition, officials said.

Four Uzbek Nationals Caught Smuggling 3.7 Kg Gold at TIA: Nepal Police arrested four Uzbek nationals, including a woman, with 3.745 kg of gold at Tribhuvan International Airport. They arrived on a Fly Dubai flight and were caught during a security check. Authorities are conducting further investigations, said TIA Security Chief Somendra Singh Rathore.

Government Transfers 78 Joint Secretaries: The government has transferred 78 joint secretaries following a Cabinet meeting on February 25. Key transfers include Padam Kumar Shrestha and Dilip Kumar Gautam to the Ministry of Finance, Yogendra Dulal to the Ministry of Land Management, Yubaraj Adhikari to Madhes CM’s Office, and Bhabishwar Pande to the Home Ministry.

Finance Ministry Forms Budget Writing Committee for FY 2082/83: The Finance Ministry has formed a Budget Writing Committee for FY 2082/83, led by Budget Division Chief Shreekrishna Nepal. The committee will draft the budget speech, set priorities, and provide policy recommendations. The committee members include Dhaniram Sharma (Chief, Foreign Division), Uttarkumar Khatri (Chief, Revenue Division), Thanaprasad Pangeni (Chief, Administration Division), Tirtha Chiluwal (Deputy Director General, Inland Revenue Department), and Sushila Aryal (Deputy Auditor General).

PM Oli Vows to Curb Digital Crimes, Ensure Fair Justice: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has pledged to control digital crimes and the misuse of technology while protecting social norms. Speaking at an international digital crime conference, he emphasized AI-driven crime prevention and international cooperation. He assured that social media rights remain intact while strengthening governance and justice.

Prachanda Pledges to Promote Historic and Mythical Sites: CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has vowed to preserve and promote Nepal’s historical and mythical sites for tourism. Speaking at a Sunsari event under the Maoists’ Tarai Madhesh Awakening Campaign, he pledged party-led initiatives and infrastructure development support for such areas.

Maoist Chairman Dahal Arrives in Saptari for Party Campaign: Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal arrived in Saptari on Thursday evening for the Janata Sanga Maoist campaign, focusing on the Hulaki Highway-centered Tarai-Madhes Awakening Initiative. He will stay overnight in Hanumannagar and attend an event in Rajbiraj on Friday before unveiling statues in Chhapaki Bhathaul and Banaula.

Minister Gurung Defends Social Media Bill, Says It Aims to Curb Misuse, Not Free Speech: Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung defended the social media bill at the Nepal Literature Festival 2025, stating it aims to curb misuse, not restrict free speech. He emphasized its necessity to prevent fraud, violence, and cybercrimes. The bill, currently in parliament, faces criticism for potentially limiting expression.

British Army Chief Praises Nepali Army’s Commitment and Professionalism: British Army Chief Roly Walker commended the Nepali Army during a program marking its 262nd anniversary in London. He lauded its role in UN peacekeeping and reaffirmed Britain’s support. Nepali Ambassador Dr. Chandra Kumar Ghimire highlighted NA’s historical significance, while an audiovisual showcased its contributions to peace and disaster relief.

Nepal Seeks UNHRC Seat: Minister Deuba Urges Global Support: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba has urged the international community to vote for Nepal’s UN Human Rights Council membership (2027–2029). Speaking in Geneva, she highlighted Nepal’s human rights achievements and commitment to democracy, urging ambassadors and diplomats to support Nepal’s candidacy.

PSC Chair Regmi Criticizes Gandaki’s Hiring Ordinance, Calls It Against Merit System: Public Service Commission Chair Madhav Prasad Regmi criticized Gandaki Province’s ordinance allowing contract-based hiring, calling it a violation of the province’s own Civil Service Act and merit system. Speaking at a parliamentary committee meeting, he warned that such appointments could encourage nepotism and urged for federal legislation to regulate staffing.

Post-Quake Reconstruction Accelerated: Home Minister Lekhak: Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak announced that post-quake reconstruction in Jajarkot, Doti, and Bajhang has been intensified. Speaking at a Disaster Management Committee meeting, he stated that preparations are underway to establish a Reconstruction and Restoration Project unit, ensuring effective implementation of rebuilding efforts in the affected districts.

Elderly Man Killed in Elephant Attack in Jhapa: A 76-year-old man, Bhim Prasad Bhattarai of Haldibari-4, Jhapa, died in a wild elephant attack, police confirmed. He entered Chaukibiran Community Forest at 10 AM, and his body was found at 4 PM. Authorities, including police and local representatives, are investigating the incident in the dense Jalthal forest.

President Paudel Inaugurates Gyalpo Lhosar Festival: President Ramchandra Paudel inaugurated the 2152nd Gyalpo Lhosar, the Sherpa community’s New Year, at Sheetal Niwas. Cutting the traditional Phemar dish, he emphasized that such festivals promote national unity and cultural harmony while acknowledging the Sherpa community’s contribution to Nepal’s economy and heritage preservation.

NEPSE Surges by 49.15 Points, Closes at 2,815.04: The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) gained 49.15 points (1.77%) today, closing at 2,815.04. The total turnover stood at Rs. 11.39 Arba, with 26.19 million shares traded across 300 companies. Himalayan Reinsurance Limited (HRL) led turnover, while Bhugol Energy saw the biggest decline. Banking stocks gained the most, rising 3.32%.

Olangchung Gola’s Carpets Boost Local Economy with Exports to China: With the reopening of the border, Olangchung Gola in Taplejung has resumed carpet exports to China, revitalizing the local economy. These traditionally woven carpets, priced between Rs 15,000 to 45,000 in China, offer significant financial gains for artisans. The expanding trade has also created local job opportunities.

Reliance Spinning Mills Launches Nepal’s Largest 9.2 MW Solar Plant: Reliance Spinning Mills has commissioned a 9.2 MW solar plant at its Khanar factory in Sunsari to address power shortages. Developed by Prozeal Green Energy Limited, the plant will help meet the industry’s 13–14 MW daily demand. Reliance, Nepal’s largest spinning mill, employs over 4,000 workers.

‘Varishtha Balaram’ Set for October 20, 2025, Release: The upcoming film Varishtha Balaram, starring Dayahang Rai and Vijay Baral, is set to release on October 20, 2025 (Laxmi Puja). Directed by Surendra Paudel, the film explores social themes and will be shot in Terai. Filming begins next week, aiming for a standout cinematic experience.

‘Dherai Narisaun’ Released: Popular singers Khem Century and Sangita Thapa Magar have released a new song, Dherai Narisaun. Written and composed by Ramesh Pariyar, the song features Pushpa Khadka and Sanisha Bhattarai in the video. Directed by Bikram Chauhan, the video showcases vibrant choreography. Currently in Nepal, Sangita continues to create and release new music.

‘Mayavi’ Unveils Fifth Song, Eyes Strong Weekend Box Office: On Maha Shivaratri, Mayavi released its fifth song, Bihani Ko Nyano Mausam, featuring Paul Shah, Deepika Prasai, and Samim Khan. Despite a strong opening with houseful shows in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj, collections dipped Thursday. The team expects a rebound over the Gyalpo Lhosar and weekend holidays.

10th National Games Postponed Again, Now Set for June 2025: The 10th National Games in Karnali Province have been postponed again, now scheduled for June 16–23, 2025. The NSC board meeting, chaired by Sports Minister Tejulal Chaudhary, also set the first National Para Games for June 30–July 4 in Kathmandu.

Six National Sports Associations Suspended by NSC: The National Sports Council (NSC) has suspended six national sports associations for participating in the Nepal Olympic Committee elections. The suspended associations include badminton, tennis, cycling, athletics, gymnastics, and weightlifting. The NSC board approved the executive committee’s recommendation to take action against these associations.

Kathmandu Dominates Tribhuvan University in PM Cup Cricket: Kathmandu secured its first win in the Bagmati selection of the PM Cup Cricket, defeating Tribhuvan University by 355 runs. Chasing 411, TU collapsed for just 55. Sonu Devkota starred with 107 off 45 balls, while Kathmandu’s bowlers, led by Devkota, bundled out TU in 26.1 overs.

Church Boys United Thrash Machhindra 4-1 in ANFA U-16 Youth League: Super-sub Aditya Rana Magar’s hat-trick powered Church Boys United to a 4-1 victory over Machhindra FC in the ANFA U-16 Youth League. With this win, Church Boys now have 38 points from 16 matches, while Machhindra remain at 26. Sushan Thapa Magar also scored, with Rahul Yonjan netting for Machhindra.

Asia Cup 2025 Set for September, Nepal Misses Out: The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has scheduled the 2025 Asia Cup for September in a T20 format, keeping the 2026 T20 World Cup in mind. This edition will feature eight teams, including newly added Oman and Hong Kong. Nepal, however, failed to qualify after finishing fourth in the Premier Cup. The tournament is likely to be hosted in Sri Lanka or the UAE, with BCCI retaining hosting rights. Defending champions India, along with Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, UAE, Oman, and Hong Kong, will compete for the title.

Himalayan Sherpa Club Secures Thrilling 2-1 Victory in ANFA U-16 Youth League: Himalayan Sherpa Club secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over Friends Club in the ANFA U-16 Youth League. Shiv Nepali scored for Sherpa, while Bipin Chaulagain’s own goal added another. Despite Subharaj Moktan’s goal for Friends, Sherpa climbed to eighth place with 14 points, while Friends remain fourth with 27.

Nepal’s Star Trio Returns to Club Football After Women’s Champi: Nepal captain Anjila Tumbapo Subba, Sabitra Bhandari, and Rekha Paudel have returned to their clubs after the International Women’s Championship. Anjila plays in Greece, Samba in France, and Rekha in Abu Dhabi. Despite their efforts, Nepal lost the final to Myanmar, concluding their home tournament campaign.

Toran Bikram Shahi Maintains Lead in Surya Nepal NPGA Tour Championship: Toran Bikram Shahi retained his lead after the third round of the Surya Nepal NPGA Tour Championship, scoring 2-under 70 for a total of 13-under 203. He is just one stroke ahead of Niraj Tamang, who carded a brilliant 4-under 68. Amateurs Rahul Bishwakarma and Sadhbhav Acharya share third place at 6-under 210.

India Seeks Critical Mineral Mining Opportunities in Zambia, Congo, and Australia: India is exploring mining opportunities for lithium, cobalt, and copper in Zambia, Congo, and Australia through state-run consortium KABIL, Mines Secretary V.L. Kantha Rao said. Zambia has granted India 9,000 sq. km for exploration. As demand for lithium grows, India aims to reduce dependence on Chinese imports.

Prayagraj Maha Kumbh Opens Five Spiritual Tourism Corridors: UP CM Yogi: Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath announced that Prayagraj Maha Kumbh has established five spiritual tourism corridors to boost religious tourism. He emphasized their role in preserving cultural heritage and enhancing pilgrim experiences. These corridors aim to attract global devotees while strengthening Uttar Pradesh’s identity as a spiritual and cultural hub.

Seven New Ministers Inducted in Bihar Cabinet Expansion: Seven BJP MLAs were sworn into Bihar CM Nitish Kumar’s cabinet, bringing the total ministers to 36. Governor Arif Mohammed Khan administered the oath in Patna. The expansion, ahead of assembly elections, strengthens BJP’s presence in the cabinet, now holding 21 positions. Bihar BJP chief Dilip Jaiswal resigned per party policy.

Trump, Zelenskyy to Sign Rare Earth Minerals Deal: US President Donald Trump announced that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will sign a deal granting the U.S. access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, partially compensating for over $100 billion in military aid. While Trump prioritizes financial returns, Zelenskyy seeks security guarantees, which Trump suggests should be Europe’s responsibility.

UN Warns of Worsening Crisis in Sudan as Famine Spreads: The UN warns that Sudan’s humanitarian crisis is worsening, with famine affecting multiple regions. Over 12 million people are displaced, and 24.6 million face acute hunger. Aid operations, including MSF’s services in Zamzam camp, have halted due to conflict. The UN urges immediate action to protect civilians and uphold humanitarian law.