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.

PM Karki Thanks, NKP Leaders, for Election Support

Prime Minister Sushila Karki hosted leaders of the Nepal Communist Party (NKP) at Baluwatar on Wednesday to express gratitude for their role in the successful House of Representatives election. The delegation included NKP Coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal, along with Madhav Kumar Nepal, Narayan Kaji Shrestha, and Barshaman Pun. The Prime Minister congratulated the newly elected members and praised the leaders for creating a positive democratic environment. Dahal noted that the Prime Minister’s integrity and determination were crucial in conducting the challenging polls within six months, preventing potential political instability in the country.

PR Lawmakers to Receive Certificates Tomorrow

The Election Commission is scheduled to distribute certificates to lawmakers elected under the Proportional Representation (PR) system on Thursday. The ceremony will take place at the Commission’s premises in Kantipath at 11:30 AM. Following the House of Representatives elections held on March 5, at least 110 members were elected through the PR category, while 165 were elected through the first-past-the-post system. While direct representatives have already received their credentials, the formal oath-taking ceremony for all 275 members of the House is being prepared for March 26.

Govt. Facilitates Land Route via Saudi for Nepali Returnees

The government has arranged a land transit route via Saudi Arabia for citizens seeking to return from Kuwait and Qatar amid regional conflict. Since air routes remain open in Saudi Arabia, the Nepali embassies in Kuwait and Doha are facilitating online tourist visas for travelers to reach Saudi airports by road. However, workers have criticized the move, claiming the total cost for visas, transport, and airfare could reach KWD 400, roughly Rs 200,000. Labor rights activists argue that many low-wage earners cannot afford these expenses, which equal several months’ salary, and have urged the state to provide more direct financial relief and repatriation support.

43 Locations Identified as Landslide Risks on Muglin Road

An assessment by the Bharatpur Road Division Office has identified 43 landslide-prone locations along the Narayangarh-Muglin road section. The study categorized eight sites as high risk, 22 as medium risk, and 13 as low risk. Engineer Arjun Ghimire highlighted Tuin Khola, Kali Khola, and Namsi Khola as critical zones due to falling rocks and debris flow. The department has allocated Rs 450 million for landslide prevention and mitigation works ahead of the monsoon season. This vital highway serves as a lifeline for Kathmandu, handling over 10,000 vehicles daily, making slope stabilization a high priority for the government.

Local Unit Distributes Subsidized Electric Stoves

To combat the severe shortage of cooking gas, Rajapur Municipality in Bardia has started distributing electric stoves under a heavy subsidy. The municipality is providing stoves, originally priced at Rs 3,767, to consumers for just Rs 865. Chief Administrative Officer Dashrath Budha stated that 600 consumers will receive the stoves in the first phase to ease the burden of the current fuel crisis. Mayor Dipesh Tharu emphasized that this initiative aims to reduce dependency on imported fuel, keep national wealth within the country, and promote alternative energy while lowering household expenses for local citizens.

Local Unit Urges Tourists to Protect Rhododendrons

Resunga Municipality has issued an appeal to visitors to preserve the natural beauty of the Resunga religious and tourist area. Chief Administrative Officer Baburam Palli reported concerns regarding tourists damaging local flora, including the blooming Laligurans (Rhododendron). The municipality noted that such activities harm the environmental balance and the aesthetic appeal of this historic site. Authorities have requested cooperation from all stakeholders to safeguard the area’s religious and ecological significance. As the rhododendrons are currently in full bloom, attracting large crowds, the local government emphasized the importance of sustainable tourism and forest conservation.

‘Ghode Jatra’ Celebrated with Horse Parades and Cultural Festivities Today

Ghode Jatra, the traditional horse festival, was celebrated today across the Kathmandu Valley, drawing crowds to Tundikhel for vibrant horse parades, equestrian skills, motorcycle stunts, and martial arts performed by the army. Observed on Chaitra Krishna Aunsi (today), the festival commemorates the legendary trampling of the demon Gurumapa’s soul to protect the city’s children. President Ram Chandra Paudel, Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav, and Prime Minister Sushila Karki attended the celebrations. Families and tourists also enjoyed traditional races, including the one-eyed horse race in Lalitpur. The festival symbolizes the triumph of good over evil while preserving age-old cultural beliefs and safeguarding the local community.

Investigation Launched into Burning of Chinese President’s Book

The Ministry of Home Affairs has ordered an investigation into the burning of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s book, The Governance of China, at Manmohan Technical Institute in Morang. The move follows a formal protest from the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Chief District Officer Yuvraj Katel confirmed that the institute’s written explanation is currently under review. While the college claimed the book was accidentally destroyed along with other waste paper, officials suspect the act may have been intentional. A formal probe committee is expected to be formed to examine the incident, which has sensitive diplomatic implications.

RSP Conducts Orientation for Newly Elected Lawmakers

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) organized a two-day orientation program for its newly elected parliamentarians in Gwarko, Lalitpur. Lawmaker Ashika Tamang noted the sessions focused on parliamentary conduct and public speaking to prepare new representatives for their roles. Similarly, MP Hari Dhakal, elected from Chitwan Constituency 1, shared his previous legislative experiences regarding budget formulation and governance. The party emphasized that these sessions are crucial, as many of its members are entering Parliament for the first time. The orientation aims to align the lawmakers with the party’s agenda of maintaining transparency and meeting public expectations over the next five years.

Rabi Lamichhane Directs RSP Lawmakers on Conduct and Ethics

Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Rabi Lamichhane instructed his lawmakers to maintain high ethical standards and consult the party before making public statements. Addressing an orientation program, he emphasized that MPs are no longer private citizens, and their comments can affect the national economy and foreign relations. Lamichhane urged lawmakers to use government hospitals for medical treatment to experience the same services as the public. He warned against involvement with middlemen and stressed that the primary duty of an MP is lawmaking rather than seeking ministerial positions. He further reiterated the party’s commitment to the current constitution while advocating for improvements in the governance structure.

Nepali Congress Calls Central Committee Meeting for Friday

The Nepali Congress has summoned a meeting of its Central Working Committee following the House of Representatives elections held on March 5. Acting Chief Secretary Krishna Prasad Dulal announced that the session is scheduled for Friday at 1:00 PM at the party’s central office in Sanepa. All office bearers, central members, and provincial presidents have been requested to attend the gathering. This marks the first formal high-level party meeting since the conclusion of the nationwide polls to discuss the election outcomes and the contemporary political landscape.

Artificial Gas Shortage Uncovered During Rupandehi Inspections

Market monitoring in Rupandehi has exposed an artificial shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) created by hoarding. Officials from the Area Administration Office, Butwal, recovered over 500 hidden gas cylinders from 15 dealers across Butwal and Sainamaina. Specifically, Langhali Gas Dealer was caught overcharging customers by Rs 300 per cylinder. Ramprasad Sharma of the administration office stated that the overcharged amounts were immediately refunded to consumers and the dealer was recommended for legal action. According to the Federation Gas Dealers’ Association, it clarified that there is no actual shortage of imports.

KMC Halts Events at Tundikhel for Grassland Construction

The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has prohibited all public gatherings, sports, and religious programs in the southern part of Tundikhel effective March 22. This restriction is necessary to facilitate the construction of a new grassland area. A public notice issued by the KMC requested organizers to find alternative venues for scheduled festivities and ceremonies until the project is completed. The metropolitan office emphasized that the temporary closure is essential for the effective implementation of the beautification and environmental conservation work planned for the historic open space.

Saptari Court Remands Kidnapping Suspect to Prison

The Saptari District Court has ordered the remand of 30-year-old Imtiaz Ahmed for his involvement in the kidnapping of a seven-year-old girl. According to the District Police Office, Ahmed abducted Aashu Khatun from Bisunpur on February 17 and later demanded a ransom of Rs 10 million and five kilograms of gold. Police arrested the suspect at Khado Khola on February 19 after luring him to a ransom exchange point. Following an investigation into charges of kidnapping and hostage-taking, the court sent the accused in judicial custody to Rajbiraj Prison on Tuesday to await trial.

Jurisdictional Dispute Erupts Over Lamki Chuha Hospital

A dispute has emerged between the Sudurpaschim Province government and Lamki Chuha Municipality regarding the management of Lamki Chuha Hospital. Although the municipality currently operates the 15-bed facility, the provincial Ministry of Social Development recently appointed a new development committee led by Ram Bahadur Bista. Mayor Sushila Shahi stated the municipality will not accept the new board until human resources and financial liabilities are clarified. While the federal government previously decided to bring the hospital under provincial jurisdiction, the municipality maintains that a formal handover has not yet occurred. Ministry Secretary Dr. Hemraj Regmi confirmed that the legal transfer is complete despite practical hurdles.

46,778 Vaccinated Against Japanese Encephalitis in Nawalparasi

A special vaccination campaign against Japanese encephalitis in Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta Purba) has reached 46,778 citizens. The Provincial Public Health Office reported that 19,109 men and 27,669 women received the vaccine by Tuesday. The campaign targets 150,000 citizens aged 35 and above following a rise in infections. Public Health Officer Pravin Kumar Khanal noted that 31.1% of the target population has been covered so far, with Madhyabindu Municipality showing the highest progress at 49.8%. This fiscal year, the district recorded 15 cases and six deaths due to the virus.

Actress Advises RSP Lawmaker Sudan Gurung

Actress Reecha Sharma publicly advised Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) lawmaker Sudan Gurung to accept his government salary and benefits. Her comments followed Gurung’s announcement at a party orientation in Lalitpur on Tuesday, where he vowed to forgo his pay and perks as a self-sufficient citizen. Sharma argued that receiving a rightful salary for public service is a legal entitlement and suggested that focusing on avoiding corruption and illicit contracts is more important. She noted that citizens working for the state should be compensated fairly to maintain institutional integrity, rather than working for free.

Cycle Rally Organized for Sanitation Worker

Creasion Nepal organized the Hamro Cycle Yatra rally to honor waste collectors and promote environmental conservation. The event, held in coordination with the European Union’s GreenShift project, coincided with Global Recycling Day 2024. Over 400 participants, including 200 sanitation workers, joined the rally, which started at Shankhamul and traversed through Balkhu, Jawalakhel, and Kupandole. Chairperson Aruna Karki and Director Sujata Koirala emphasized the slogan “Waste is an Opportunity, Not a Problem,” highlighting the vital role of informal waste workers in protecting the planet. The rally aimed to provide social recognition to these environmental contributors.

Bollywood Spy Thriller Set for Strong Opening in Nepal

The Aditya Dhar-directed film Dhurandhar: The Revenge is expected to earn approximately Rs 10 million on its opening day in Nepal this Thursday. The movie has secured 325 shows across major Nepali multiplexes, ending a month-long slump in local theater attendance. In India and North America, the film has already set records with INR 308.4 million in preview sales. Starring Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, and R. Madhavan, the franchise is being considered for a third installment by Jio Studios. The first part of the film previously grossed over Rs 100 million at the Nepali box office.

Sandeep Lamichhane Joins Liege Red Lions for EU T20 League

Leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane has signed with the Liege Red Lions to compete in the upcoming EU T20 League in Belgium. The club confirmed the acquisition through a pre-sign agreement, though the specific contract amount remains undisclosed. The tournament is scheduled to take place from May 30 to June 7. A total of six teams will participate in the league, including franchises from Antwerp, Bruges, Leuven, Liege, Ghent, and Brussels. This international stint adds to the professional portfolio of the prominent Nepali national team cricketer as he prepares for the European circuit.

Times International Club Secures Third Win in National Basketball League

In the Himalayan Java National Basketball League (HJNBL), Times International Club defeated Solo Basketball Club with a score of 88 to 75 at the Dashrath Stadium covered hall. Captain Sadish Pradhan led the victory with 22 points, earning the man of the match title. Earlier, Tribhuvan Army Club beat Kirtipur 92 to 78, with Nischal Maharjan scoring 22 points. Organized by the Nepal Basketball Association (NeBA), the ongoing league features eight competitive teams. Times dominated the first half 47 to 28, successfully maintaining their lead despite a late comeback attempt by Solo.

Sankata Club Defeats NRT 4-0 in Women’s League Opener

Sankata Club secured a dominant 4 to 0 victory over New Road Team (NRT) in the opening match of the Sahid Smarak ANFA Women’s League Football on Wednesday. Playing at the Chyasal Ground in Lalitpur, Sankata’s goals were scored by Win Theingi Tun, Lucy Hoze Mokambi, Shukriya Miya, and Queenabel Amankrah. The league features nine teams, including APF Club, Nepal Police Club, and Tribhuvan Army Football Club. Although ten teams were initially announced, the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) excluded Rapti FC shortly before the tournament commenced. Sankata scored two goals in each half.

Iran Launches High-Tech Cluster Warhead Missiles at Tel Aviv

Iran launched a missile strike targeting Tel Aviv on Tuesday in retaliation for the assassination of National Security Council chief Ali Larijani. The strike involved cluster warheads, which are designed to bypass interception systems by dispersing over a wide area. Reuters reported that one projectile hit Ramat Gan, resulting in the deaths of two elderly citizens and causing significant property damage. Meanwhile, a projectile fell near Iran’s Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, though no damage was reported. International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint to prevent a nuclear catastrophe as regional tensions escalate.

Over 46,000 Structures Damaged in US-Israel Strikes on Iran

Joint military strikes by the United States and Israel since February 28 have damaged over 46,000 civilian structures across Iran. According to Razieh Alisavandi of the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS), the destruction includes 39,000 residential buildings and 6,851 commercial units. The attacks also hit 236 health centers and 120 educational institutions, resulting in 206 deaths at schools and 16 in the medical sector. The IRCS reported the loss of one rescue helicopter and one staff member. Iran continues to document these incidents as violations of international humanitarian law while maintaining 24-hour pharmacy operations for critical patients.

Argentina Formally Withdraws from World Health Organization

Argentina officially completed its withdrawal from the World Health Organization on Tuesday. Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno announced that the process followed a formal notification sent to the United Nations Secretary-General exactly one year prior. The move, directed by President Javier Milei, aims to ensure full sovereignty over national health policies and increase resource flexibility. The Argentine government stated it will henceforth pursue international health cooperation through bilateral agreements and regional forums rather than the global body. This exit became effective following the mandatory one-year notice period required under the Vienna Convention.

UN Warns of Global Hunger Surge Amid Middle East Conflict

The United Nations World Food Program warned that the escalating Middle East conflict could drive global hunger to record levels by 2026. An estimated 45 million additional people face food insecurity if hostilities persist. Experts noted that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz are obstructing shipments of both fuel and fertilizers, directly impacting global food production. In Lebanon, over one million people, including 300,000 children, have been displaced. The United Nations urged all parties to respect international humanitarian law to protect civilians and health infrastructure as aid efforts for food and water intensify.