KATHMANDU: Stay informed with Nepal News as we bring you the most important updates from local to global events. Our evening briefing provides a concise summary of the day’s key developments across politics, economics, sports, entertainment, culture, and world affairs. Here is today’s evening update summary:

Ordinance Proposal on Parliament Agenda, UML & Congress Issue Whip: The House of Representatives is set to discuss the acceptance of five ordinances in Wednesday’s session. In preparation, UML and Congress have issued a whip, mandating MPs’ attendance. The proposed agenda includes ordinances on governance, financial procedures, privatization, business environment, and cooperatives. Speaker Devraj Ghimire may revise the agenda before the session. The controversial land-related ordinance is excluded from the discussion due to internal disagreements within the ruling coalition.

U.S. to Deport 10 Undocumented Nepalis via Charter Flight to Kathmandu: The U.S. is set to deport 10 undocumented Nepali immigrants on Wednesday via a chartered Griffon Air flight. The plane is scheduled to land at Tribhuvan International Airport at 10 AM. This marks the first time under Trump’s administration that Nepalis are being deported via chartered aircraft. The flight originates from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and will stop in Tirana, Albania, before arriving in Nepal. A similar deportation occurred in December.

CIAA Challenges Lalita Niwas Verdict in Supreme Court: The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has appealed to the Supreme Court against the Special Court’s verdict on the Lalita Niwas land scam. The CIAA claims the ruling was flawed and seeks to overturn acquittals, demanding appropriate penalties. Last year, the Special Court convicted 131 individuals but cleared high-profile figures, including former deputy Prime Minister Bjay Kumar Gachhadar and former minister Chandra Dev Joshi, which the CIAA disputes.

JSPN Continues Government Support Despite Criticism: The Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal (JSPN), led by Upendra Yadav, has decided to continue supporting the KP Sharma Oli-led government. Following a three-day meeting in Lalitpur, spokesperson Manish Suman confirmed that no decision was made to withdraw support. However, the party criticized the government’s failure in controlling corruption, ensuring good governance, and advancing development. JSPN opposed the land-related ordinance while supporting five others and backed the ‘No Cable Car Campaign’ in Pathibhara. The party also announced plans for local conventions by mid-May and a 100-day public outreach campaign across key highways.

Prachanda Vows to Protect Political Gains, Calls for Tharu Unity: CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ emphasized the party’s responsibility to safeguard political rights achieved through the Maoist movement. Speaking at the Tharu National Liberation Front’s National Conference in Tikapur, Kailali, he accused corrupt forces of attempting to reverse federalism and inclusion. Dahal reaffirmed the relevance of ethnic and regional fronts in the socialist revolution and urged Resham Chaudhary’s Nagarik Unmukti Party to merge with the Maoists. He also called for the return of Tharu leaders to the party and condemned Chaudhary’s imprisonment as a political conspiracy.

PM Oli Warns Against Paying Workers Below Minimum Wage: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has cautioned that employing workers for less than the minimum wage is a punishable offense. Speaking at the 78th anniversary of Nepal’s Trade Union Movement, he highlighted concerns about nurses receiving unfair wages and emphasized the need for worker satisfaction to ensure business growth. Oli stressed collaboration among the government, employers, and workers for mutual benefit. He also urged global efforts to combat climate change, linking it to Himalayan preservation. The event honored mountaineers and disaster rescuers while discussing workers’ rights and environmental issues.

CAN Federation Unveils Plan to Make Nepal a Global IT Hub: The Computer Association of Nepal Federation (CAN Federation) has developed a two-year strategic roadmap to position Nepal as a global IT hub. During a two-day meeting in Hetauda, the federation committed to policy reforms, technology development, and international collaboration. President Sunaina Ghimire Pandey emphasized initiatives like the Data Protection Act, E-Governance Blueprint, and cybersecurity measures. The federation also plans to promote “Made in Nepal” software, attract foreign investment, and push for IT tax exemptions. Outgoing President Ranjit Kumar Podar stressed the need for policy reforms and digital literacy to enhance Nepal’s digital economy.

Government and Gas Industry Reach Agreement, Ending Protests: The Nepal government and the Nepal LP Gas Industry Association signed a five-point agreement, leading to the withdrawal of industrialists’ protests. Following discussions at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, the price of LP gas was increased by Rs 12.75 per cylinder, setting the new price at Rs 1,922.75. The price hike accounts for adjustments in transportation, operational, and administrative costs. The agreement was reached after talks led by Ministry Secretary Govinda Bahadur Karki.

Narayanman Bijukchhe Re-Elected as NWPP Chair: Narayanman Bijukchhe ‘Rohit’ has been re-elected as the chairman of the The Nepal Workers Peasants Party (NWPP) at the party’s 8th General Convention. The 85-year-old leader will continue to head the party. The convention also elected a 29-member central committee and four alternative central members. Prem Suwal, the party’s only federal lawmaker, has been selected as the party’s secretary.

Nepal Faces Rs 660 Billion Budget Deficit for FY 2082-83 (2025-26): Nepal’s National Resources Estimation Committee has set a resource ceiling for FY 2082-83 (2025-26), projecting a budget deficit of Rs 660 billion. With a budget ceiling of Rs 1.95 trillion and expected internal revenue of Rs 1.26 trillion, the shortfall will be covered by internal and external loans and grants. Foreign aid is expected to rise by 28.8%, but reliance on loans for recurrent expenses remains a major challenge.

NEPSE Drops 30.36 Points as Investors Book Profits: The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index fell by 1.05% (30.36 points) on March 4, closing at 2,846.30 points after a nine-day rally. Turnover declined to Rs 12.94 billion from Rs 14.28 billion. All sectoral indices ended lower, with Manufacturing & Processing falling the most (-2.21%). Guardian Micro Life Insurance hit the upper circuit, while Sindhu Bikash Bank plunged 10%. Himalayan Reinsurance led trading with Rs 1.09 billion in transactions. Analysts attributed the decline to profit booking.

Nepal Rastra Bank Issues 7-Point Directive for Financial Institutions: Nepal Rastra Bank has issued a seven-point directive covering aspects from the mid-term monetary policy review. It reduces the loan loss provision for good loans from 1.10% to 1.00% for banks and financial institutions. Infrastructure loans with a grace period over a year must allocate proportional loan loss provisions annually. Agricultural loans for crops like silk, cotton, and fruits will have a phased provision structure. Electric vehicle loans are capped at a 60% loan-to-value ratio.

PM’s Employment Programme Struggles as Loan Nears Exhaustion: The Prime Minister’s Employment Programme, launched by KP Sharma Oli in 2018 with a Rs 13.62 billion World Bank loan, remains ineffective. Despite 800,000 applicants this year, only 3,334 have received jobs. The government allocated Rs 4.85 billion for 5,473 projects, but job creation has stalled. Officials cite budget cuts, aiming to employ 60,000 people. Experts warn against loan mismanagement, urging effective implementation to prevent further failures in Nepal’s youth employment initiative.

SEBON Approves New Rule for Determining Closing Price in NEPSE: The Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) has approved Nepal Stock Exchange’s (NEPSE) request to implement a new rule for determining the closing price of stocks. Instead of the last traded price at 3:00 PM, the new rule will consider the average price of the last 15 minutes (2:45–3:00 PM) as the closing price. This aims to curb abnormal price fluctuations and enhance market stability. NEPSE will conduct system testing, likely starting this Friday, before full implementation within a month.

Govt Allocates Rs 3.84 Billion for Health Insurance and Free Treatments: The Ministry of Finance has released Rs 3.84 billion for health insurance payments and other medical programs. Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel approved the allocation, which includes Rs 3 billion for the Health Insurance Board, Rs 600 million for senior citizens’ treatment, and Rs 240 million for free heart disease treatment at Sahid Gangalal National Heart Center. The funds aim to improve healthcare accessibility and support vulnerable populations.

Filming of ‘Haribahadurko Jutta’ Completed, Set for Dashain Release: The filming of Haribahadurko Jutta, produced by Saroj Oli, has been completed in 29 days, with only song sequences remaining. Lead actor and concept creator Haribansha Acharya shared that the shoot went smoothly. Directed by Dipendra K. Khanal under the SM Motion Pictures banner, the film features Haribansha Acharya, Prakash Saput, Swastima Khadka, and others. The movie is set to release during Dashain’s Phulpati festival.

Actor Paul Shah’s Facebook Followers Cross 1 Million: Nepali actor Paul Shah’s official Facebook page has surpassed 1 million followers. Excited by this milestone, he shared a gratitude post on social media. His popularity is evident in festivals, where large crowds gather to see him. With this achievement, Paul becomes one of the most-followed Nepali actors. Meanwhile, his latest film Mayavi is currently screening in cinemas across Nepal.

‘Women in Cinema’ Festival Kicks Off in Kathmandu: The ‘Women in Cinema’ Film Festival began in Kathmandu on Tuesday, celebrating the 115th International Women’s Day. Organized by the Women Filmmakers Empowerment Committee under the Film Development Board, the three-day event was inaugurated by Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol. Various film industry figures, including board chairman Dinesh DC, attended. The festival aims to promote female filmmakers, with screenings and discussions. The opening film, Sindoor, was also showcased.

Singer Durgesh Thapa Expresses Outrage Over Canceled Event in Dang: Singer Durgesh Thapa has expressed anger on social media after his event in Dang was canceled. He blamed selfish motives, political interference, and a planned strategy behind the decision. Frustrated, he stated that some individuals prioritize politics over artistry. Thapa also mentioned feeling saddened seeing fans return disappointed. He further claimed that his name is not just an identity but a brand in the entertainment industry.

APF Storms Into Semifinals of Women’s Gold Cup Football With 14-1 Victory: APF Football Club secured a spot in the semifinals of the 2nd International Women’s Gold Cup in Ilam with a dominant 14-1 win over India’s Mother Teresa FC. Rashmikumari Ghising scored six goals, while captain Anita Basnet netted five. APF will face Nepal Police Club in the semifinals. The final is set for March 7, with the winner receiving NPR 400,000 and the runner-up NPR 200,000.

Makwanpur Enters PM Cup Cricket Final After Thrilling Win Over Kathmandu: Inspired by outstanding performances from Shub Kansakar and Suman Sunar, Makwanpur secured a spot in the final of the Bagmati selection for the Prime Minister Cup National Men’s Cricket Tournament.

In the semifinal at Mulpani, Makwanpur defeated Kathmandu by three wickets, successfully chasing 232 runs in 41 overs. Shub scored 73 off 40 balls, while Suman contributed 51. Kathmandu had earlier posted 231 runs in 47 overs. Makwanpur will face Lalitpur in the final.

Nepal Police Club Knocked Out in First Match of Sunagava Gold Cup: Nepal Police Club suffered a 2-0 defeat against Rupandehi’s Farsatikar Club in their first match of the Sunagava Sainamaina Gold Cup. Ganesh Hamal scored both goals in the 29th and 64th minutes, earning the Player of the Match award and NPR 5,000. Farsatikar advanced to the quarterfinals. On Wednesday, APF will face Abhishek Church Rajahar. The tournament winner will receive NPR 700,000, while the runner-up will get NPR 400,000.

Nepal’s Head Coach Matt Ross Calls 30 Players for Closed Football Training Ahead of AFC Qualifiers: Nepal’s Head Coach Matt Ross Calls 30 Players for Closed Football Training:

Nepal’s newly appointed football head coach, Matt Ross, has called 30 players for closed training. Young forward Subash Bam has been included in the senior team’s training for the first time. Nepal is set to play a friendly match against Singapore on March 21 and face Malaysia in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers on March 25. The squad includes key players like Kiran Kumar Limbu, Rohit Chand, and Anjan Bista.

Salyan Khadgi Appointed Assistant Coach of Nepal National Football Team: Salyan Khadgi has been appointed as the assistant coach of Nepal’s national men’s football team. Formerly the head coach of A-Division club Sankata, Khadgi received his appointment letter from ANFA General Secretary Kiran Rai. He will assist the team for upcoming matches against Singapore (March 21) and Malaysia (March 25) in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. Vinod Dangol, Ramesh Kumar Karki, Nakul Hamal, and Nishant Joshi have also been assigned key roles.

PM Modi Advocates AI and Traditional Knowledge for Wildlife Conservation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with AI, machine learning, and geospatial mapping for wildlife and forest management. Speaking at the 7th National Board for Wildlife meeting in Gujarat, he highlighted AI’s role in tackling forest fires and human-animal conflicts. Modi also released India’s first riverine dolphin estimation report, counting 6,327 dolphins across 28 rivers. Uttar Pradesh led in numbers, followed by Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam. He announced key initiatives, including a National Referral Centre for Wildlife and the 16th Asiatic Lion Population Estimation.

EU Plans €800 Billion Defence Boost Amid US Aid Suspension to Ukraine: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed a €800 billion “Rearm Europe Plan” to strengthen EU defence capabilities, following the US suspension of military aid to Ukraine. She emphasized the need for Europe to take greater responsibility for its security. The plan includes €150 billion in loans for joint defence investments, covering air and missile defence, artillery, and drones. Details on funding sources remain unclear, but unused post-COVID recovery funds may be considered. The proposal comes ahead of an extraordinary EU summit on Thursday.

Trump Pauses Military Aid to Ukraine for Review: The White House announced a pause on military aid to Ukraine, stating that the administration is reviewing its support to ensure it contributes to peace. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy emphasized the need for security guarantees to prevent future Russian aggression. The Kremlin welcomed the move, suggesting it could push Ukraine toward peace talks. Trump linked continued U.S. aid to a deal on rare earth minerals and is expected to make an official announcement during his congressional address on Tuesday.

U.S. Imposes 25% Tariffs on Canada and Mexico, Prompting Retaliation: The U.S. imposed 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican exports despite their efforts to curb illegal migration and drug trafficking. Trump stated there was “no room left” for further negotiations. The announcement led to sharp declines in U.S. stock markets. Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau condemned the move, vowing retaliation with 25% tariffs on $107 billion worth of U.S. goods. He warned that the tariffs would hurt trade and increase costs for American consumers. Trudeau also highlighted Canada’s efforts to curb fentanyl smuggling into the U.S.