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 Saturday, March 01, 2025—all in one place.

Prachanda Blames Leaders’ Arrogance for Maoist Party’s Weakening:
Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal admitted that arrogance among leaders weakened the party. Speaking at a public awareness campaign in Siraha, he accused domestic and foreign elements of conspiring against them. He vowed to restore the party’s strength, claiming that ruling parties are undermining past achievements.

Ruling Parties Engaged in Horse-Trading MPs to Pass Ordinances: Lingden:
Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Chairman Rajendra Lingden has accused the ruling parties of attempting to pass ordinances by buying other parties member of parliamentarian. Speaking at a mass gathering in Butwal, he claimed that the government is focused on protecting corruption. Lingden further stated that the current federal system has failed and should be abolished.

Madhav Kumar Nepal Accuses UML of Hindering National Development:
Unified Socialist Chairman and former PM Madhav Kumar Nepal accused UML’s policies of obstructing Nepal’s development. Speaking at a mass gathering in Mayadevi, he criticized UML’s arrogance and corruption in governance. Nepal emphasized the need for a Socialist Front, urging transformative forces to unite for change.

President Paudel Urges Unity for Nation-Building:
President Ramchandra Paudel called for collective efforts to strengthen Nepal’s economy and curb youth migration. Speaking at a religious festival in Pokhara, he emphasized developing agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure to create jobs and boost income. He highlighted Nepal’s federal democratic republic as a result of long struggle and sacrifice.

Vice President Yadav Praises Japan as Nepal’s Trusted Development Partner:
Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav hailed Japan’s role in Nepal’s development, highlighting its support in infrastructure, health, and agriculture. Speaking at JAAN’s 51st anniversary, he praised Japan’s expertise and technology, emphasizing the Nagdhunga tunnel project. He urged further expansion of community development efforts in rural Nepal.

Government Committed to Identifying Flaws and Advancing Development: DPM Singh:
Deputy Prime Minister and Urban Development Minister Prakash Man Singh stated that the government is committed to identifying weaknesses and driving national development. Speaking in Kathmandu, he emphasized that the coalition government, including Congress, UML, and smaller parties, aims to ensure stability, good governance, and economic progress.

Ordinance Will Be Passed to Strengthen Good Governance: Minister Gurung:
Minister for Communications Prithvi Subba Gurung stated that the government’s ordinance will be passed, emphasizing its role in promoting good governance and effective public services. Speaking at the 32nd anniversary of Himalaya Eye Hospital, he defended the Social Media Bill, assuring that press freedom would not be curtailed.

Pokharel Dismisses Rumors on Government’s Stability:
CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel criticized those spreading rumors about the government’s tenure, calling it a ploy to fuel instability. Speaking at a hotel association event, he affirmed UML and Nepali Congress cooperation until the next election, emphasizing the need for stable governance and reforms through six proposed ordinances.

Shekhar Koirala Meets Family of Prakriti Lamsal, Calls for Fair Investigation:
Nepali Congress leader Dr. Shekhar Koirala met the family of Prakriti Lamsal, who was found dead at KIIT in Odisha, India. Visiting their home in Bhairahawa, he assured them of a fair investigation and urged authorities to take strict action against those responsible.

NP Saud Warns Against Government’s Two-Thirds Majority Arrogance in Lawmaking:
Nepali Congress leader NP Saud cautioned the government against using its two-thirds majority to push laws affecting security agencies. Speaking at an ex-servicemen’s event in Pokhara, he stressed the need for serious discussions, warning that weakening the chain of command could have long-term security consequences.

Nationwide Anti-Drug Campaign Launched:
Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak inaugurated a nationwide anti-drug campaign initiated by Nepal Police. He emphasized making Nepal drug-free by engaging local governments, schools, youth clubs, and organizations. Inspector General Basanta Bahadur Kunwar stressed collective efforts, revealing rising drug abuse cases, with cannabis-based drugs accounting for 80% of consumption.

Finance Ministry Begins Budget Drafting for FY 2082/83 with Rs 19 Trillion Ceiling:
The Ministry of Finance has started drafting the budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2082/83, following the approved budget calendar. According to ministry spokesperson Shyam Prasad Bhandari, the budget is being prepared within the Rs 19 trillion ceiling set by the National Resource Estimation Committee.

Life Insurance Business Grows by 28.05%; Nepal Life Leads with Rs 4.59 Billion Premium:
The life insurance sector in Nepal has recorded a 28.05% growth in new business, according to the Nepal Insurance Authority. In the first seven months of the current fiscal year, 14 life insurance companies collected NPR 18.43 billion in first-year premiums, compared to NPR 14.39 billion in the same period last year.
Nepal Life secured the highest premium collection at NPR 4.59 billion, marking a 39.04% increase from the previous year. National Life followed with NPR 2.73 billion (24.09% growth), while LIC Nepal ranked third, collecting NPR 1.54 billion (28.92% growth).

Foreign Employment Insurance Generates Nearly NPR 2 Billion in Premiums:
Life insurance companies in Nepal have collected nearly Rs 2 billion in premiums through foreign employment insurance policies. According to the Nepal Insurance Authority, life insurers accumulated NPR 1.97 billion in premiums in the first seven months of the current fiscal year, marking a 15.09% increase from the previous year’s NPR 1.71 billion.

Himalaya Airlines to Launch Regular Pokhara-Lhasa Flights:
Himalaya Airlines is set to begin regular flights from Pokhara International Airport to Lhasa, Tibet. According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, flights will commence on March 31. Ticket bookings have already opened following slot approval from Lhasa Gonggar Airport.

Kailash Rural Municipality Launches 1,200-Meter Zipline Project:
Makwanpur’s Kailash Rural Municipality has built a 1,200-meter zipline at a cost of NPR 8.8 million, connecting the Kailash and Vaikunth areas. The first-phase testing was successfully completed in Ward 2 of Vaikunth, expected to benefit citizens in Dhading, Rorang Benighat, Thahanagar, Raksirang, and Manahari. Officials anticipate regular operations soon.

Manoj Gajurel Joins Comedy Darbar as King, Sajina Khanal as New Host:
Comedy Darbar has welcomed Manoj Gajurel as the new King and Sajina Khanal as the host, replacing Bijay Baral and Namrata Shrestha. The 27th and 28th episodes have been filmed, featuring star guests. The set has also been revamped with new designs and seating arrangements.

Prakash Saput Unveils Second Song of Basanta:
Singer-actor Prakash Saput has released Bina Swadai Ko, the second song from his directorial debut Basanta. Sung by Devendra Bablu, the song blends Jhakri Bhaka with a horror-romantic theme. Featuring Prabhat Pal Thakuri and Shree Shivanshi, the film is set for release on Chaitra 22.

Gorkhali Rugby Club Wins First Gorkhali Rugby Sevens Title:
Gorkhali Rugby Club defeated Tribhuvan Army Club 12–7 to win the First Gorkhali Rugby Sevens in Bharatpur. Captain Yadu Adhikari’s golden score secured victory. The winners received NPR 200,000, while the runners-up earned NPR 100,000. Indian player Javed Hussain was named the tournament’s best player.

Lokendra Rai and Sonima Sherpa Win Fifth Stage of KVR 100-Mile Race:
Lokendra Rai and Sonima Sherpa triumphed in the fifth stage of Nepal’s first 100-mile KVR Stage Race Challenge. The 32 km race from Pharping to Single Tree saw Rai finish in 3:46:44 and Sherpa in 5:03:40. A total of 56 athletes, including 20 foreigners, participated.

Midfielder Preeti Rai Honored as Best Female Footballer of 2081:
Nepal’s national women’s football team midfielder, Preeti Rai, has been honored as the Best Female Footballer of 2081. Young Star Foundation awarded her Rs 100,000 in recognition of her ANFA Women’s League performance. Despite not winning the league’s best player award, Rai’s overall impact was highly praised.

Modi Highlights India’s Global Rise at NXT Conclave 2025
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the world is keenly watching 21st-century India. Speaking at the NXT Conclave 2025 in New Delhi, he emphasized India’s transformation from a back office to a global force. He highlighted India’s growing manufacturing power, Mahakumbh’s global impact, and the success of ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Local for Global’ initiatives. Modi noted that India’s positive momentum is driven by real developments, not manufactured narratives, citing Ayush and Yoga’s global reach.

Relief Efforts Continue After Chamoli Avalanche; Six Workers Still Missing:
Rescue operations are ongoing in Mana village, Chamoli district, after a severe avalanche. So far, 49 workers have been safely rescued, while efforts continue to locate six missing individuals. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami conducted an aerial survey, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured full central support after discussing the situation.

Trump-Zelenskyy White House Meeting Turns Heated; U.S.-Ukraine Deal Falls Apart:
A White House meeting between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy over U.S. access to Ukrainian rare minerals ended in a heated exchange. Trump accused Zelenskyy of disrespecting the U.S. and declared the deal off, saying Zelenskyy wasn’t ready for peace. Vice President JD Vance also criticized Zelenskyy’s stance.

China Slams U.S. Tariff Hike, Vows Retaliation:
China strongly opposes the U.S. decision to raise tariffs on Chinese imports from 10% to 20%, calling it a violation of WTO rules. Beijing vowed countermeasures, emphasizing its strict drug policies. In response to previous tariffs, China had already raised duties on U.S. coal, LNG, and automobiles.