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 Validates Proportional Representation Lists

The Election Commission confirmed on Monday that the Proportional Representation (PR) lists submitted by political parties are accurate and adhere to required clusters. Yagya Prasad Bhattarai, head of the Law and Political Party Management Division, stated that no errors were found during the review process. According to the final tally, six parties secured PR seats. The Rastriya Swatantra Party led with 57 seats, followed by the Nepali Congress with 20, and the CPN (UML) with 16. The CPN (Maoist Centre) earned nine seats, while the Rastriya Prajatantra Party and Shram Sanskriti Party each received four seats.

Health Insurance Board Links Services to National ID System

The Health Insurance Board has signed an agreement with the Department of National Id and Registration to integrate health insurance with the National ID system. Director General Namraj Ghimire and Dr. Krishna Prasad Paudel formalized the partnership to transition from physical insurance cards to NID numbers. Information Officer Bikesh Malla stated that the board aims to launch online registration and renewals by April 8. This digital shift is expected to reduce duplicate registrations and fraud for the 10 million currently enrolled citizens. Future plans include implementing biometric verification to further streamline hospital service delivery.

5 Hunters Reported Missing Near Bardia National Park

At least five individuals from Surkhet who went hunting on March 7 have been reported missing near Bardia National Park. The missing persons include Resham Samseli, 41 years old Rabilal Damai, Ram Bahadur Gharti, and Sunil Samseli from Barahatal Rural Municipality-1, along with Durga Bahadur Sijali from Lekbeshi. The District Police Office Surkhet was only notified of their disappearance on Monday. Assistant Sub-Inspector Topendra Singh Thakuri is currently leading a search and rescue team to locate the group, who have remained out of contact for over a week.

Protest in Kakarbhitta Demands Justice for Inisa BK

A massive protest rally was held in Kakarbhitta, Jhapa, on Monday to demand strict punishment for those involved in the rape and murder of Inisa BK. Organized by the Pragati Shila Youth Club Dhulabari, the rally included students, teachers, and human rights activists who marched from the Hanuman Temple to the eastern border gate. Speakers including Ambika Bhandari and Binay Karki urged the government to ensure a fair investigation and immediate justice for the victim’s family. The protesters carried placards warning that a society where daughters live in fear is a failed one, highlighting rising security concerns following the heinous crime.

KMC Implements Dry Waste Management System

The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has launched a dry waste management initiative across 10 wards to reduce the volume of trash sent to the Bancharedanda landfill. Environment Department Chief Sarita Rai reported that this system has already diverted 3.19 metric tons of waste daily. The city has awarded annual contracts worth Rs 60.8 million to seven different regions for dry waste collection. Companies like Nepsemyak Service Private Limited and Practical Waste Solution will manage specific ward clusters, utilizing dedicated transfer centers to monetize recyclable materials and improve urban sanitation efficiency.

Family of Inisa BK Teenager Meets Home Minister for Justice

The family of 16-year-old Inisa BK met with Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal on Monday to demand the swift arrest and prosecution of her murderers. Chandra Bahadur Bika and Tapendra Bika submitted a memorandum urging the government to make the investigation public and ensure the safety of women and children. Inisha was raped and killed on March 7 in the Janajagaran Community Forest near Shahid Park, Birendranagar. Minister Aryal assured the family that the government is committed to ending impunity and that the perpetrators will face the full extent of the law.

Loan Shark Victims Protest Demanding Action for Fraud

Victims of predatory lending staged a protest at Bhadrakali, Kathmandu, on Monday, demanding strict punishment for usurers. Protesters, including Manju Shrestha and Sunita Chapagain Khatiwada, urged the government to prosecute arrested individuals like Shanti Tiwari and Binay Tibrewala. While 45 formal complaints have been filed, victims claim over 500 people were defrauded by the group. They thanked the Nepal Police and Kathmandu District Court for the initial arrests but emphasized the need for a total eradication of usury. Over 100,000 people in Nepal are estimated to be affected by high-interest ‘meter interest’ and unfair loan practices.

PM Criticized for Appointing Secretary to NTNC

Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki faced heavy criticism on Sunday for nominating her Chief Personal Secretary, Adarsh Kumar Shrestha, as the Chairman of the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC). Prominent figures like Mahabir Pun and former Minister Sumana Shrestha condemned the move as nepotism and a violation of new political values. Critics argued that such appointments, made just before a new government takes office, undermine the spirit of the recent Gen Z protest for good governance. Shrestha was previously involved in a controversy regarding the appointment of his wife to the secretariat, leading to calls for him to decline the current NTNC position.

RSP Schedules Orientation for Newly Elected Lawmakers

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) will host a two day orientation program for its newly elected Members of Parliament on March 17 and 18. General Secretary Kabindra Burlakoti announced that the training in Kathmandu will focus on parliamentary procedures, party policies, and effective representation of public issues. All lawmakers are instructed to arrive by 9:00 AM on the first day. The sessions, led by experts, aim to prepare the representatives for their roles in the House of Representatives. This move is part of the party’s strategy to ensure a disciplined and impactful presence during its upcoming parliamentary term.

CK Raut Announces Retirement from Parliamentary Politics

Janamat Party Chairman CK Raut announced his retirement from parliamentary politics during a television interview on Monday. Raut, who lost the Saptari-2 seat to Ramji Yadav of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), stated he initially contested against his personal wishes to boost party morale. Although he will step away from seeking office, he intends to remain active as the party leader and continue advocating for his principles and the rights of the people. Raut reflected on his decision to enter politics in the fiscal year 2018/19 after the Independent Madhesh Alliance faced restrictions. He remains committed to preparing the Janamat Party for future local and provincial elections.

Committee Formed to Investigate Fatal Gorkha Microbus Crash

A five members committee led by Superintendent of Police Dan Bahadur Thapa has been formed to investigate a microbus accident in Gorkha that killed seven Indian pilgrims. The vehicle, carrying 14 passengers from Tamil Nadu, fell off a cliff near Kantar on the Manakamana-Abukhaireni road. Superintendent of Police Bharat Bika confirmed that the bodies were handed over to the Indian Embassy following post-mortems at Gorkha Provincial Hospital. The committee will conduct a field study to determine the cause of the crash. Meanwhile, the seven injured survivors are currently receiving medical treatment at the Old Medical College in Chitwan.

Transport Entrepreneurs Demand Fare Hikes Following Fuel Price Rise

The Federation of Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneurs (FNNTE) has requested the government to adjust public transport fares following a sharp increase in fuel prices. The Nepal Oil Corporation raised diesel by Rs 10 and petrol by Rs 15 per liter on May 16. The FNNTE issued a statement noting that fares have not been adjusted since March 6. They urged the Department of Transport Management and provincial ministries to implement a scientific fare adjustment based on 13 economic indicators. The federation also called for better management of fuel leakage to ensure a stable supply for the industry.

Kathmandu Metropolitan City Opens Free Parking at Dharahara

The Kathmandu Metropolitan City officially opened the Dharahara basement parking area on February 22 following a cabinet decision. City Police Chief Bishnu Prasad Joshi announced that the service is currently free and operates from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The facility is divided into three levels: B-1 accommodates 127 four-wheelers, while B-2 holds 700 motorcycles. To ensure security, 30 fire extinguishers and CCTV cameras have been installed. The city has prohibited roadside parking in nearby areas like Khichapokhari and Sundhara to encourage use of the new underground facility and reduce traffic congestion.

Over 2,300 Girls in Remote Gulmi Vaccinated Against Cervical Cancer

A total of 2,358 girls and adolescents in Gulmi received the HPV vaccine during a targeted campaign held from February 8 to 14. Cold Chain Assistant Shyam Kumar Panta from the Health Office Gulmi stated that the drive reached 95.7% of its 2,462 target. The campaign utilized 228 vaccination centers and an equal number of health workers. Targeted groups included Grade six students and out-of-school 10-year-old girls. Additionally, girls aged 11 to 14 who missed last year’s drive, where 10,843 were vaccinated, were also covered.

Chitwan Administration Orders Unauthorized Consultancies to Close

The District Administration Office Chitwan has issued a 15 days ultimatum for unauthorized educational consultancies and foreign employment service providers to shut down. Assistant Chief District Officer Chiranjibi Sharma stated that many firms operating without government approval have been misleading citizens with false promises of visa processing and job guarantees. The notice directs these institutions to either obtain valid licenses and renewals or cease operations immediately. The administration warned that failure to comply with this directive within the specified period will result in strict legal action under prevailing laws to protect service seekers from potential fraud.

TU to Introduce PhD in Sanskrit Next Year

Tribhuvan University (TU) will offer PhD programs in Sanskrit starting next year following a decision by the Faculty Board of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. Assistant Dean Dr. Bamdev Adhikari announced that the faculty also plans to publish all examination results within 100 days. Additionally, a new theater program within Mass Communication and Journalism will be launched. Other administrative decisions included the affiliation cancellation of Nava Kshitiz College in Bardibas, while Ratna Rajya Laxmi Campus and Saraswati Campus received permission to conduct Master’s programs in Journalism and Political Science, respectively.

Filming of Social Drama ‘Pancha Pandav’ Begins in Kakarbhitta

The formal filming of the movie Pancha Pandav, produced under the banner of Kali Rani Films, commenced on Monday in the border town of Kakarbhitta, Jhapa. Despite the title, director Basanta Niraula clarified that the film is a contemporary social drama rather than a religious story. The lead cast includes Haribansha Acharya, Jitu Nepal, Aryan Sigdel, Mahesh Tripathi, and Sagar Lamsal (Bale), with Deepa Shree Niraula and Jani Gurung in female roles. The 40 days shooting schedule, captured by cinematographer Shyam Tamang, will primarily take place within Jhapa. The story and dialogue were penned by Sushil Paudel.

Release Date for Film ‘Mitjyu’ Moved Forward to May 22

The production team of the film Mitjyu has announced that the movie’s release date has been moved up from May 29 to May 22. A new poster featuring actors Dayahang Rai, Saugat Malla, Teriya Fauja Magar, and Shishir Wangdel was released alongside the announcement. Directed by Anil Budha Magar, the film also stars Pushkar Gurung and Subarna Thapa. The cinematography was handled by Shishir Bishankhe, with music composed by Shree Krishna Bam Malla. Saugat Malla appears in a unique avatar in the latest promotional material. The film is now set to hit theaters a week earlier than originally scheduled for the Nepali audience.

ANFA Protests Erupt Over A-Division League Schedule

Clubs and supporters staged a protest at the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) gate on Monday to express dissatisfaction with the Shahid Memorial ‘A’ Division League schedule. Led by former President Karma Tsering Sherpa, the protesters accused the current leadership of making unilateral decisions. Although a previous agreement with the Nepal Football Players Association set the league start date for April 13 clubs claim they were not properly consulted. The group presented seven demands to ANFA, criticizing the association’s failure to implement prior agreements. The sit-in highlighted growing friction between the football governing body and its member clubs regarding tournament management.

Sujan Kakshapati Wins Double Gold in International Debut

Nepali Uma Kung Fu player Sujan Kakshapati secured two (two) gold medals during his international debut at the Battle of Bavaria in Regensburg, Germany. According to Sanjit Kumar Rai, President of the Nepal Uma Kung Fu Association, Kaxapati triumphed in both the Chinese Creative Form and Traditional Form with Weapon categories. He scored 23.02 points in the creative event against five competitors and 22.58 points in the weapons category against seven athletes. The competition featured 1,200 participants from 10 nations. Kaxapati, a national silver medalist, is scheduled to return to Nepal on Tuesday.

Open Nepal Paragliding Championship to Return After Five Years

The 21st Open Nepal Paragliding Championship is scheduled to take place in Pokhara from March 19 to 21. Former President of the Nepal Airsports Association (NAA), Krishna Bhandari, confirmed that 90 pilots, including participants from China and India, have already registered. The competition will focus on the accuracy category across male, female, and overall team divisions. Winners will receive Rs 150,000, while the overall team champion will get Rs 75,000. The event, supported by the Nepal Tourism Board and Pokhara Metropolitan City, will feature take-offs from Sarangkot and landings at Khapaudi.

Trump Threatens to Delay China Visit Over Hormuz Crisis

U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to postpone his scheduled visit to China if Beijing does not assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Following the February 28 attacks on Iran, the strategic waterway responsible for 25% of global crude oil was closed, causing energy prices to spike. Trump has announced that he expects cooperation before his late March summit with President Xi Jinping. He emphasized that China receives 90% of its oil via the strait. The delay could stall final trade reconciliations and discussions on the Taiwan issue, pressuring China to deploy naval escorts.