KATHMANDU: Stay updated with Nepal News’ evening briefing, bringing you the day’s most important developments from Nepal and across the globe. From politics and economy to sports, entertainment, and culture, we deliver a concise roundup of the top news you need to know.

Election Commission to Submit Final Report by Mid-March

The Election Commission plans to submit the final report of the House of Representatives election to President Ram Chandra Paudel by mid-March. With the First-Past-the-Post results finalized, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) leads with 125 seats. Spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai stated that proportional representation (PR) counting is expected to conclude on Tuesday evening. Following this, parties will have until March 14 to submit their PR candidate lists. The commission aims to distribute certificates to elected members by March 19 before presenting the comprehensive electoral summary to the president.

Inquiry Committee Demands Release of Gen Z Report

The Commission of Inquiry Committee has urged the government to immediately publicize the findings of the Inquiry Commission on the Events of September 8 and 9, 2025.Committee Coordinator Raju Prasad Chapagain issued a press statement on Tuesday, emphasizing that citizens, victims, and civil society have a constitutional right to be informed about the report. The committee argued that transparency is a state obligation rather than a matter of governmental discretion. The statement highlighted that releasing the full report is essential for upholding the right to information and ensuring accountability for the incidents that occurred during those dates.

Government Spends Rs 7.83 Billion on Election Police

Over 149,000 temporary election police personnel, recruited for the March 5 parliamentary elections, are set to be discharged on March 12. Nepal Police spokesperson AV Narayan Kafle stated that the recruits will receive “Letters of Appreciation” for their 40 days of service. The government spent approximately Rs 7.83 billion on their salaries and benefits. While 11 temporary personnel died during duty, their families will receive Rs 2 million each in insurance. The discharge process will be carried out simultaneously by both the police and the armed police force across the country.

Finance Minister Khanal Returns Diplomatic Passport

Finance Minister Rameshore Prasad Khanal has officially returned his diplomatic passport to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the administration division. In a letter, Khanal stated that the purpose for the red passport, issued for his ministerial tenure, has concluded. A former Finance Secretary, Khanal joined the interim government following the Gen Z protests on September 8 and 9, 2025. While Khanal chose to make his surrender of the document public, other outgoing ministers from the transitionary cabinet have not yet issued public statements regarding the return of their diplomatic travel documents.

Baburam Bhattarai to Attend Global Summit in New Delhi

Former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai is scheduled to depart for New Delhi, India, on Wednesday to participate in the NXT 2026 Global Summit. According to his secretariat, the three-day event from March 12 to 14 will feature Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the chief guest. The summit aims to address contemporary issues including global governance, technology, international relations, and the environment. Bhattarai will join a distinguished group of international lawmakers, experts, and youth representatives to discuss collaborative solutions for global challenges. He is expected to return to Nepal on March 14 following the conclusion of the high-level international gathering.

Chinese Ambassador Calls on Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal

The newly appointed Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Zhang Maoming, paid a courtesy call on Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal at the Ministry of Home Affairs on Tuesday. Minister Aryal congratulated the Ambassador and proposed enhanced bilateral cooperation in telecommunications and cybercrime prevention. Ambassador Maoming praised the Nepal government for conducting peaceful and fearless parliamentary elections on March 5. He reaffirmed China’s continuous commitment to Nepal’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national independence. Both officials expressed confidence that the historical ties between the two nations would reach new heights through increased multifaceted collaboration and mutual support in various socio-economic sectors.

Bhutan PM Congratulates Balen and Rabi on Election Victory

Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay has congratulated Rabi Lamichhane, chairman of the Rashtriya Swatantra Party, and the party’s senior leader Balendra Shah (Balen) on receiving a massive mandate in the election held on March 5. In a message posted on the social media platform X (Twitter), Prime Minister Tobgay also congratulated the Nepali people for successfully conducting the election. “Congratulations to Mr. Balen Shah and Mr. Rabi Lamichhane on your landslide victory in Nepal’s general elections. I also congratulate the people of Nepal on the successful elections. I look forward to deepening the warm friendship between our two countries,” the Bhutanese prime minister wrote. In his message, Tobgay also expressed hope that relations between Bhutan and Nepal would further strengthen under the upcoming government.

Pakistan Congratulates Nepal on Successful Parliamentary Elections

The Government of Pakistan has extended its congratulations to the people and Government of Nepal for the successful conduct of the House of Representatives elections. In a message shared by the Pakistani Embassy in Kathmandu, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar expressed his warmest wishes. He emphasized that Pakistan highly values its brotherly ties with Nepal and looks forward to strengthening long-standing bilateral cooperation. Dar further noted Pakistan’s commitment to working closely with the incoming Nepali administration to expand regional peace, prosperity, and mutual development across various sectors of common interest.

Nepal Student Union Summons Senate Meeting for March 20

Dujang Sherpa, President of the Nepal Student Union (NSU), has called a Senate meeting scheduled for March 20 at Tribhuvan University’s hall. The meeting will focus on three primary agendas: the revised and amended constitution of the NSU, the schedule for the 12th Central General Convention, and miscellaneous organizational matters. As the supreme body of the union, the Senate includes central committee officials, district presidents, and heads of various university coordination committees. This gathering aims to streamline the union’s internal governance and finalize the roadmap for its upcoming national leadership elections.

Court Rules NGOs Must Provide Financial Transparency

The Patan High Court has established a significant precedent by ruling that Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) are “public entities” and must disclose their financial and administrative records to citizens. A joint bench of Chief Judge Lal Bahadur Kunwar and Judge Basudev Nyaupane upheld a National Information Commission decision regarding the Blue Diamond Society. The court rejected the organization’s claim of privacy, stating that donor agreements and salary details are matters of public interest under the Right to Information Act, 2007. Consequently, the society must now provide five years of audit reports and board minutes to the petitioner, Numa Limbu.

Committee Formed to Investigate Police Death in Kailali

The Kailali District Police Office has formed a five-member committee to investigate the death of a police constable in Tikapur. 33-year-old Sandesh Chadara died on Monday night after reportedly falling from the roof of the Tikapur Area Police Office barracks. Led by DSP Yogendra Timilsina, the committee aims to uncover the facts surrounding the incident within four days. The victim’s family had raised concerns, labeling the circumstances of the fall as suspicious. Chadara, a resident of Bajhang, was rushed to the Tikapur Provincial Hospital but succumbed to his injuries during treatment. Authorities have assured a transparent probe to address the family’s grievances.

Man Arrested for Murdering Wife in Kailali

Police in Kailali have arrested 55-year-old Premlal Chaudhary for the murder of his wife, Mana Devi Chaudhary. The 50-year-old victim’s body was discovered on March 3 inside a goat shed where the couple slept. According to DSP Yogendra Timilsina, the investigation revealed that Premlal, under the influence of alcohol, fatally beat his wife with a stick following a minor dispute. The couple’s 28-year-old son, Magaru Chaudhary, filed a formal complaint against his father. Premlal is currently in custody, and authorities are preparing to prosecute the case under homicide charges as further forensic evidence is being collected.

Air Pollution in Kathmandu Reaches Extremely Unhealthy Levels

Kathmandu ranked as the second most polluted city globally on Tuesday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) hitting 195. According to the Department of Environment, air quality in Lazimpat reached a hazardous 226, while Birendranagar recorded 232. Associate Professor Dr. Binod Pokharel from Tribhuvan University attributed the spike to stagnant air and cross-border pollutants. The pollution levels are currently 8.5 times higher than World Health Organization (WHO) standards, posing severe risks to public health. Forecasters anticipate a slight improvement by Thursday following predicted rainfall and increased wind speeds, which may help clear the toxic haze over the valley.

Pokhara Metropolitan Distributes Six Tons of Maize Seeds

The Pokhara Metropolitan City has distributed over six tons of improved maize seeds to local farmers at a 50 percent subsidy. Agriculture Division Chief Manahar Kadariya reported that 1,100 kilograms of Rampur Composite, 3,100 kilograms of Arun-2, and 2,010 kilograms of Manakamana-3 varieties were provided to over 500 applicants. The initiative aims to boost agricultural productivity across the 6,000 hectares of maize-growing land in the metropolis. Farmers purchased the seeds at half the market price of Rs 110 per kilogram. This program is part of the city’s larger strategy to encourage commercial farming and ensure food self-sufficiency within the region.

Leopard Rescued from a School in Lalitpur

A leopard was rescued on Tuesday morning from the storeroom of Machhapuchhre School in Kusunti Height, Lalitpur, by a technical team from the Central Zoo. The animal was safely captured after being tranquilized in a joint operation involving Nepal Police personnel from Satdobato, the District Forest Office Lalitpur, and a team from the Lalitpur Metropolitan Police. According to Central Zoo Chief Satya Narayan Sah, the leopard, estimated to be about 10 years old and weighing around 60 kg, has been kept at the zoo’s wildlife hospital for treatment. After recovery, it will be released back into its natural habitat. Zoo officials said the facility has rescued 241 wild animals, birds, and mammals over the past year, with 57 released back into the wild after treatment. The zoo currently houses more than 1,300 animals from 115 species.

Tiger Census Begins in Shuklaphanta National Park

The official tiger census commenced on Tuesday in Shuklaphanta National Park, extending to the Laljhadi-Mohana corridor and Jogbudha in Dadeldhura. The park administration has divided the survey area into 260 grids, each measuring 2 by 2 kilometers. Senior Conservation Officer Chandra Shekhar Chaudhary announced that 580 automated cameras and a technical team of 77 personnel have been deployed for the task. Shuklaphanta, spanning 305 square kilometers, previously recorded 43 Bengal tigers. Experts believe the high density of tigers in this relatively small area is due to an abundant prey base, making it a critical site for national conservation efforts.

Health Ministry Urges Domestic Production of 98 Essential Drugs

The Ministry of Health and Population has called upon domestic pharmaceutical industries to produce 98 types of essential medicines. During an event in Lalitpur, Division Chief Dr. Chuman Lal Das stated that Nepali companies currently meet only 40 to 50 percent of the national demand. He urged manufacturers to view this expansion as a social responsibility to ensure high-quality, affordable medicine reaches rural areas. Dr. Das also emphasized the need for effective communication to dispel rumors regarding the quality of local products, noting that the Health Insurance Program serves as a guaranteed market for these domestically produced supplies.

Dhorpatan Launches Measles Vaccination Drive After Outbreak

The Ministry of Health and Population is conducting a measles vaccination campaign in Dhorpatan Municipality, Baglung, following confirmed infections. About 7,000 children aged 10 to 20 will be vaccinated, according to Dr. Abhiyan Gautam of the Department of Health Services Nepal. Recent tests at the National Public Health Laboratory Nepal confirmed measles in five individuals from Wards 7, 8, and 9, while 56 suspected cases remain under observation. Dr. Gautam stated the outbreak originated from a patient who traveled from India in mid-February and visited a hospital without notifying authorities, leading to further transmission. A response team including federal and provincial doctors is actively managing the outbreak. As measles is highly contagious, one infected person can spread it to up to 18 others. Samples from 14 patients have been sent to the National Public Health Laboratory in Teku, while 30 patients with measles-like symptoms are currently hospitalized.

Police Seize 213 Kilograms of Marijuana in Parsa

Police in Parsa district seized approximately 213 kilograms of marijuana near the livestock market in Jirabhawani Rural Municipality-4 on Monday. A team from the Paterwa Sugauli Area Police Office intercepted a tractor, registration number Me 1 Ta 5714, traveling from Supauli toward Jagannathpur. Upon spotting the officers, the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene. During the search, police recovered the contraband packed in 22 plastic bags. Authorities have launched a manhunt for the absconding driver and stated that further investigations into the smuggling network are currently underway.

Balen Remains Active in Hip-Hop, Prepares Remastered Songs for Release

Contrary to reports labeling him a ‘former rapper,’ Balen continues to actively perform as a hip-hop singer. Two months ago, his song Aam Nepali Buwa, featured in the film Jhari Pachhi Ko Indreni, was released on YouTube and remains popular. During the recent House of Representatives election campaign, millions of fan videos incorporated the track. A source close to Balen confirmed that three of his songs are being remastered for release on his YouTube channel. These include Maya with Trishala Gurung, originally released on Spotify in 2021; Sabai Lai Hatar Chha with Rachana Dahal, initially an audio release four years ago; and Jai Mahakali, first shared 11 years ago. The 35-year-old former mayor of Kathmandu, who is preparing to become the youngest prime minister, continues to balance politics with music. His songs Balidaan and Savage have garnered significant social media traction. In a recent interview with the World Association of the Major Metropolises, he said music is a tool to engage and raise awareness among the younger generation on serious national issues.

Film ‘Muktipur’ Begins Filming with Script Puja

The filming of the movie Muktipur officially commenced on Tuesday following a traditional script puja at the Indrayani Temple in Kathmandu. Directed by Sunil Pandey, the crime-revenge drama marks his debut in feature-length cinema. The film is a collaboration between Sahiba Films Production and the Everest Film Academy. Starring Najir Hussain, Gaurav Pahari, and Prakash Shah, the movie also introduces actress Aakriti Budhathoki. The story follows a family’s struggle for justice after a life-altering event. Executive producer Bishal Shrestha stated that the crew has a 40-day shooting schedule, with plans to release the film within six months of its completion.

Film Board to Host Debut Stall at Cannes Festival

The Film Development Board of Nepal will participate in the 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival for the first time with a dedicated stall. In collaboration with the Nepal Tourism Board, the stall aims to promote Nepali cinema and facilitate international collaborations. Board Chairman Dinesh DC stated that the booth will serve as a platform for filmmakers to showcase posters, trailers, and promotional materials to global distributors and audiences. The festival is scheduled to take place from May 12 to 23 in Cannes, France. This initiative follows previous successful representations at the Goa Film Festival and marks a significant step toward the global branding of the Nepali film industry.

ANFA Headquarters Unlocked Following Agreement with Players

The lockdown at the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) headquarters ended on Tuesday after a successful negotiation at the players’ hostel. Both parties agreed to start the Sahid Smarak A-Division League on April 13. ANFA spokesperson Suresh Shah confirmed that the B and C Division leagues would also be completed by mid-November. Furthermore, ANFA committed to depositing funds into the players’ welfare fund and releasing outstanding prize money in installments starting this April. The players had previously locked the gates to demand salary arrears dating back to 2017 and a definitive calendar for the national share market of football.

ANFA and Players Union Agree to Start League on April 13

The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) and the Nepal Football Players Association have reached a consensus to commence the A-Division League on April 13. Following a protest where players locked the ANFA headquarters, spokesperson Suresh Shah announced that the opening match will take place in late April, with regular matches resuming from May 3. Agreements were also reached regarding player prizes and the welfare fund. Players Association President Bikram Lama expressed satisfaction, noting that the fixation of a clear date ends a hiatus of over 1,000 days since the last league season.

Cricket Calendar Finalized for Jay Trophy and PM Cup

The Nepal Cricket Association (CANN) has announced the rescheduled dates for the Jay Trophy Elite Cup and the Prime Minister Cup. The Jay Trophy final, which was postponed due to elections, will now take place from March 17 to 19 at the Mulpani cricket ground. Nepal Police Club and Tribhuvan Army Club will compete in a three-day format for the title. Following this, the PM Cup Men’s One Day National Cricket Tournament is set to run from March 21 to April 17. Matches will be hosted across Parsa, Janakpur, Kirtipur, and Mulpani to promote the sport nationwide.

Sri Lanka Postpones Cricket Series Against Afghanistan

Sri Lanka Cricket has indefinitely postponed its upcoming limited-overs series against Afghanistan, which was scheduled to be held in the UAE. The series, including three T20Is and three ODIs, was slated to begin on March 13 in Sharjah. Officials cited regional conflict and flight disruptions following recent tensions between the US and Iran as the primary reasons for the cancellation. Additionally, Sri Lanka announced the appointment of former South African player Gary Kirsten as their head coach on a two-year contract starting April 15. Kirsten replaces Sanath Jayasuriya, who resigned following the team’s early exit from the T20 World Cup.

Australia Grants Asylum to Five Iranian Footballers

The Australian government has granted humanitarian visas to five members of the Iranian women’s football team. The players, Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Ghanbari, Zahra Sarbali, Atefeh Ramajanzadeh, and Mona Hamoudi, sought protection after refusing to sing their national anthem during an Asian Cup match against South Korea. Immigration Minister Tony Burke fast-tracked the permanent protection visas, citing safety concerns if the athletes returned to Iran. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed the decision, stating the players should feel safe in their new home. The protest gained international attention, and the move has received support from both the Australian opposition and US President Donald Trump via social media.