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 Sushila Karki Visit Janaki Temple

Prime Minister Sushila Karki visited the Janaki Temple in Janakpur on Friday to offer prayers. Arriving via a special Army helicopter, the prime minister was accompanied by her husband for the religious visit. They were welcomed by Mahant Ram Tapeshwar Das and other sages of the temple. Following the visit, she engaged with local religious leaders and observed the temple’s historical premises. This visit occurred amidst her regional administrative tour, highlighting the cultural significance of the site. Security was tightened in Janakpur for the high-level visit, which concluded shortly after the ritual ceremonies were completed.

Iran Restores Gas Supply to India Following Diplomatic Outreach

Iran has permitted two gas tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz for delivery to India following a formal condolence message from New Delhi. After the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US-Israeli strike on February 28, 2026, Iran briefly closed the waterway, which handles 20% of global gas supplies. Following a visit by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to the Iranian embassy on March 5, and a call between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and his counterpart, shipping resumed. India, which imports 90% of its cooking gas through this route, had faced potential energy shortages during the week-long closure.

Heavy Rain and Hailstorms Disrupt Flights Nationwide

A sudden weather shift caused by a western low-pressure system brought heavy rain, hailstorms, and high-speed winds to Kathmandu and western Nepal on Friday. The Meteorology Forecasting Division reported that visibility dropped significantly, turning day into darkness in the capital. The storm disrupted flight operations at Tribhuvan International Airport and other domestic hubs. Meteorological officials warned of winds reaching 50 to 60 km/h in the Terai and predicted heavy snowfall in high-altitude areas of Karnali and Sudurpashchim. While the system is moving northeast, the weather is not expected to clear until Sunday.

Fire at Lamhi Substation Disrupts Electricity in Deukhuri Region

A major fire broke out at the Lamhi Substation in Dang on Friday afternoon, causing a complete blackout across the Deukhuri region. According to engineer Pratikshya Neupane of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), the fire occurred around 1:00 PM at the Ratodanda facility. The blaze completely destroyed the panels for the Bhalubang and Gadhwa feeders. Service was interrupted in Lamhi Bazaar, Maurighat, Kalakate, Gadhwa, and Rihar. Technical teams are currently working to redirect power from the Ghorahi-Beldamar feeder to restore partial service. Repair work is ongoing, and full restoration is expected once the damaged panels are replaced or bypassed by technicians.

7 Nepalis Arrested in Gulf Countries for War-Related Social Media Posts

Authorities in the Gulf region have arrested seven Nepali nationals for allegedly spreading rumors and posting restricted visuals related to the ongoing Iran-Israel-US conflict. According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Lok Bahadur Poudel Chhetri, three individuals were detained in the UAE, three in Saudi Arabia, and one in Kuwait. The arrests followed the defiance of official warnings against photographing or filming fallen drones and missiles following Iranian strikes. In the UAE, such offenses can lead to up to one year of imprisonment, a fine of up to 100,000 AED, and subsequent deportation.

Cooperative Victims Protest at Maitighar Over Recovery and Action

The National Federation of Cooperative Victims and Savers organized a protest at Maitighar on Friday to demand the return of their savings. A large number of victims participated in the rally, carrying banners and placards calling for government intervention against fraudulent cooperative owners. Protesters expressed frustration over the delay in recovering their deposits and criticized the state’s slow response in regulating the sector. The federation warned of further demonstrations if their demands for a concrete repayment plan and legal action against defaulters are not met. This protest is part of a series of ongoing agitations by savers who have lost billions in various cooperatives.

Parliament Secretariat Schedules Swearing-In Ceremony for March 25

The Federal Parliament Secretariat has scheduled the swearing-in ceremony for newly elected members of the House of Representatives for March 26. The event will take place at 2:00 PM in the multipurpose hall of the new Federal Parliament Building in Singha Durbar. Members are required to arrive two hours early with their original election certificates, citizenship copies, and two photos. The secretariat has requested attendees wear formal or national attire. Members wishing to take the oath in their mother tongue must provide a translated copy to the secretariat three days in advance.

Final Classification Deadline Set for Gen Z Protest’s Injured Protesters

The District Administration Office in Kathmandu has issued a final call for individuals injured during the Gen Z protest to appear for classification. Assistant Chief District Officer Muktiraj Rijal announced that the final session will occur on April 3 at the administration’s hall. The committee, led by the Chief District Officer, has already classified a majority of the injured during previous sessions in November and December. Eligible individuals must bring their medical records and Gen Z injury identity cards. This represents the last opportunity for protesters to be officially categorized under the 2026 procedural guidelines.

Finance Minister Khanal Emphasizes Forestry as Basis for Prosperity

Finance Minister Rameshore Khanal highlighted the vital role of the forestry sector in Nepal’s economy during a plantation event at the Federal Parliament on Friday. Khanal noted that the government has initiated over half a dozen steps to mobilize forests for national income and job creation. He emphasized that “wildlife tourism” and trekking routes are primary drivers of foreign exchange and revenue. The Ministry of Finance is currently discussing “Biosphere Reserve” designations with the Ministry of Forests and Environment and has agreed on a partnership with the Ministry of Industry to promote wood-based businesses. He urged for policies focused on sustainable economic benefits.

RSP to Nominate Balen for Prime Minister

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has announced it will select its parliamentary party leader through consensus rather than a vote. General Secretary Kabindra Burlakoti stated that the party aims for a unanimous selection among elected lawmakers. According to party sources, the RSP plans to appoint senior leader Balendra Shah (Balen) as the parliamentary leader to transition him into the role of prime minister. A central committee meeting scheduled for March 26 is expected to formally endorse this decision. This move follows the party’s recent electoral success, where it secured a majority in the House of Representatives.

Nepali Congress Meeting Postponed Following Gagan Thapa’s Absence

The Nepali Congress central committee meeting, which began on Friday at the party headquarters in Sanepa, has been postponed until Sunday. The session, chaired by Vice President Bishwa Prakash Sharma, saw the chair of President Gagan Thapa left empty. Thapa remained absent after submitting his resignation, taking moral responsibility for the party’s defeat in the House of Representatives elections. Vice President Sharma presented a preliminary election review report and proposed that the committee reject Thapa’s resignation. The meeting is expected to resume at 8:00 AM on Sunday for further deliberation.

Gen Z Front Protests Harassment of Coordinator Rakshya Bam

The Nepal Gen Z Front issued a statement on Friday condemning the harassment of their coordinator, Rakshya Bam, during a peaceful protest at Maitighar. The group criticized an incident where fellow activists and injured leaders reportedly shouted slogans against Bam on Thursday. The Front emphasized that while there may be internal disagreements, constitutional rights to peaceful assembly must be respected. The protesters have been demonstrating for six days, demanding the public release of the report by the Gauri Bahadur Karki commission investigating the Gen Z protest from September 8, 2025. They warned that such internal conflict only weakens their pursuit of justice.

Ministry Identifies GESI Mainstreaming Challenges in Forestry Sector

The Ministry of Forests and Environment has released a strategic plan highlighting the lack of social inclusion and gender mainstreaming within the sector. Despite increased representation of women, persons with disabilities, and marginalized communities in forestry cooperatives and community groups, the report notes that institutional integration remains weak. Challenges include inadequate gender-responsive budgeting, lack of disaggregated data, and limited equitable sharing of economic benefits. Furthermore, the Ministry pointed out that 24-hour field requirements pose risks of gender-based violence. The strategy calls for policy reforms across all three levels of government to ensure meaningful participation and transparency in environmental programs.

Surge in Border Passes for Humla Residents Seeking Work in China

The District Administration Office in Humla has reported a significant increase in residents applying for border passes to work in Taklakot, China. Following the March 5 elections and the clearing of snow from the Naralekh road at 4,670 meters, 177 new passes were issued and 67 were renewed. Chief District Officer Tek Kumar Regmi noted that most applicants are from the Namkha and Simkot rural municipalities. Over 9,000 residents from the district have sought employment and business opportunities in Taklakot since the border pass distribution began, with many operating hotels and retail shops.

Measles Outbreak in Dhorpatan Triggers Special Vaccination Drive

A measles outbreak in Dhorpatan Municipality has prompted the Family Welfare Division to launch an emergency vaccination campaign. Since March 9, health workers have vaccinated 5,900 children and adolescents aged 10 months to 19 years. Out of 133 suspected cases, 11 have been lab-confirmed. Burtibang Hospital has treated 81 patients, with six currently hospitalized. Dr. Abhiyan Gautam of the Child Health and Immunization Section confirmed that the infection has affected individuals ranging from six months to 45 years old. Isolation wards have been established to prevent further transmission of the virus.

First Local Unit to Provide Free Pneumonia Vaccines

Gosaikunda Rural Municipality in Rasuwa has become the first local level in Nepal to purchase and distribute free pneumonia vaccines for its elderly citizens. The municipality invested approximately Rs 4.5 million to procure Pfizer vaccines. Chairman Kaisang Nurpu Tamang announced that the drive, running from March 23 to March 30, will target 700 residents, including those over 70 years old and citizens with disabilities. Health Branch Chief Bimal Ghimire confirmed that 43 vaccination centers have been established across six wards to protect vulnerable groups from bacterial infections during the cold season.

Kathmandu Metropolis Grants Rs 20 Million for Hospital Waste Plant

Kathmandu Metropolitan City has signed a cooperation agreement to provide a Rs 20 million grant to the Paropakar Maternity and Women’s Hospital for a hazardous waste management plant. Acting Mayor Sunita Dangol and Hospital Director Dr. Shree Prasad Adhikari formalized the deal on Friday. The funds will cover equipment procurement and truss construction. The plant will process waste from both the hospital and metropolis-run health centers. Acting Mayor Dangol emphasized that the initiative addresses the city’s shortage of processing sites and will remain valid until June 2026.

Police Arrest Man with Rs 2 Million in Illegal Hundi Funds

Armed Police Force Nepal arrested a man in Birgunj on Friday with Rs 2 million in suspected illegal Hundi money. Binay Shankar Sah Turha was intercepted at the Customs Entrance in Birgunj Metropolis-16 while entering from India on a motorcycle. According to information officer Mohan Niraula, the cash was concealed inside the motorcycle’s seat cover. Authorities also recovered an identity card from the Birgunj Customs Agents Association from the suspect. Both the individual and the seized funds have been handed over to the Birgunj Customs Office for further investigation into illegal cross-border financial transactions and foreign exchange violations.

Human Rights Commission Rescues 23 Indian Workers from Saptari

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Madhesh Province office rescued 23 Indian workers from the Baba Dharmaraj (BDR) brick kiln in Saptari on Thursday. The operation, led by provincial head Buddha Narayan Sahani in coordination with Saptari Police, followed online complaints of forced labor and unpaid wages at the facility owned by Raju Sah. The rescued group includes 12 women, seven men, and four children from Assam, India. The NHRC stated that the workers will be handed over to their families after formal processing, and legal action will be initiated against the industry operator.

Over 38,000 Students in Karnali to Appear for Upcoming SEE Exams

Approximately 38,379 students from Karnali Province are set to participate in the Secondary Education Examination (SEE) starting April 2. According to Khim Prasad Dhakal of the Education Development Directorate, the cohort includes 32,255 regular students and 6,124 appearing for grade improvement. Surkhet district has the highest participation with 9,779 students across 34 centers, while Dolpa has the lowest with 674 students at four centers. In total, 161 examination centers have been established across the 10 districts of the province to facilitate the national boards.

Nepal Eye Hospital to Screen 20,000 Students in Kathmandu

Kathmandu Metropolitan City and Nepal Eye Hospital have signed an agreement to conduct eye examinations for 20,000 students across the valley. Health Department Chief Deepak Kumar KC and CEO Dharmaraj Gosain finalized the deal on Thursday. Under the agreement, the metropolis will provide Rs 3 million to the hospital. Specialist doctors will visit at least 30 schools to perform screenings and distribute necessary medicines and eyeglasses to students. This public-private partnership aims to identify vision issues early and provide essential corrective support to school-aged children within the metropolitan area.

Humla to Vaccinate 713 Girls Against Cervical Cancer

The Health Service Office in Humla will launch a vaccination drive against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) targeting 713 girls across the district’s seven rural municipalities. Scheduled from March 24 to March 29, the campaign focuses on girls aged 10 to 14 years in grades six to 10. Acting Chief Dr. Bhim Bahadur Budha stated that 52 vaccination centers across 58 schools have been identified. For girls outside the school system, vaccines will be provided at local health posts. A total of 940 doses have been allocated to cover the remote and geographically challenging district.

K-Pop Group BTS Returns with New Album ‘Arirang’

Global music sensation BTS officially returned on Friday, with the release of their new album, ‘Arirang’. The 14-track album features the lead single ‘Swim’, which debuted with a highly stylized music video on global digital platforms including Spotify and Apple Music. To celebrate the comeback, a massive concert is scheduled for Saturday in Seoul, with an expected attendance of 300,000 fans. Nepali fans can watch the live performance on Netflix starting at 3:45 PM on Saturday. Security in the South Korean capital has been heightened to manage the influx of international visitors.

Nepali in Milano Runway Volume 5 Showcases Local Fashion Trends

The Milano Runway Volume 5 fashion event concluded on February 25 at Club Nova in Kathmandu. The show featured prominent figures including former Miss Nepal Malvika Subba, actor Aashirwad Chhetri, and actress Shweta Khadka. Several titleholders, including Miss Universe Nepal 2025 Sanya Adhikari and Mr. Nepal International 2024 Kshitij Shrestha, also participated. Organized to bridge the gap between local talent and international standards, the event showcased creative designs from various local designers. The show served as a platform for both established celebrities and emerging models to present the latest trends in the Nepali fashion industry.

NSC Directs ANFA to Postpone Central Committee Elections

The National Sports Council (NSC) has directed the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) to postpone its central committee elections scheduled for March 27 in Jhapa. Chandra Kumar Rai of the NSC stated that ANFA failed to coordinate with the council before publishing the election schedule, violating the National Sports Development Act 2020. The NSC expressed concern that ANFA ignored previous warnings to halt the process until formal approval was granted. ANFA has been given three days to provide a written response. The council warned that any further steps taken without NSC authorization would be considered an illegal breach of sports regulations.

Morang Defeats Sunsari by 55 Runs in Anil-Meen Trophy

Morang secured a 55-run victory over Sunsari in the opening match of the Anil-Meen Trophy at the Merylebone Jwala Cricket Ground in Biratnagar on Thursday. Batting first, Morang was bowled out for 114 runs in 27.3 overs, with Pratik Pokharel scoring a crucial 32 runs. In response, Sunsari collapsed for just 55 runs in 19.4 overs. Krish Sharma led the bowling attack for Morang, taking five wickets for 17 runs. The tournament, organized by the Nepal Cricket Foundation, honors former players Anil Shrestha and Meen Dahal and follows a “Best of Three” format to promote cricket in Koshi Province.

China Cuts Fertilizer Exports Amid Global Supply Concerns

China, one of the world’s largest fertilizer exporters, has restricted the export of nitrogen-potassium and phosphate-based fertilizers to secure its domestic market. Sources indicate that Beijing suspended the export of these mixtures in mid-March 2026, limiting shipments primarily to ammonium sulfate. This move adds significant pressure to global agricultural markets already strained by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. China exported over USD 13 billion worth of fertilizer last year, and the current ban affects nearly 50 to 75% of that volume. Experts warn that the resulting shortage could lead to higher global food prices as shipping routes through the Middle East remain restricted.

US and Japan Launch USD 73 Billion Energy and Minerals Partnership

President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi have announced a “New Golden Age” of cooperation with over USD 73 billion in energy projects. The deal includes USD 40 billion for nuclear reactors in Tennessee and Alabama using Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology. An additional USD 33 billion is allocated for natural gas infrastructure in Pennsylvania and Texas. Beyond energy, the nations agreed to secure critical mineral supply chains to counter Chinese influence, specifically focusing on deep-sea mineral exploration near Japan’s Minami-Tori-shima Island, which holds vast deposits of rare earth elements essential for high-tech industries.

UK Unemployment Rate Hits Five-Year High at 5.2 Percent

The United Kingdom’s unemployment rate rose to 5.2% between November 2025 and January 2026, marking its highest level in five years. Data shows that youth unemployment for those aged 18 to 24 reached 14%, significantly driving the overall increase. While average earnings grew by 3.9%, real wage growth was only 0.7% after inflation adjustments. The number of payroll employees decreased by 109,000 over the year. Experts attribute the decline to rising labor costs, the expansion of artificial intelligence (AI), and economic uncertainty caused by conflicts in the Middle East.

Creditors Agree to 16 Percent Cut on SriLankan Airlines Debt

Creditors of the debt-ridden SriLankan Airlines have agreed to a 16% “haircut” on USD 175 million worth of bonds. This agreement marks a critical step in the national carrier’s debt restructuring following Sri Lanka’s default on USD 46 billion in external debt. Bondholders representing 97% of the remaining amount accepted the reduction, choosing between immediate cash payments or new bonds with a 4% coupon maturing in 2028. Airline Chairman Sarath Ganegoda stated the deal allows the company to focus on its future stability. Despite the restructuring, the airline remains burdened by a total loss of approximately USD 1.9 billion as government efforts to find a buyer continue.

US Defense Secretary Seeks Additional USD 200 Billion for Iran Conflict

United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated on Thursday that there is no fixed timeline for ending the military conflict against Iran, which began on February 28. During a press conference alongside General Dan Kane, Hegseth confirmed that President Donald Trump will determine the conclusion of the war. The Department of Defense has requested an additional budget exceeding USD 200 billion from Congress to sustain ongoing operations. Officials noted that costs are expected to rise as the military ensures sufficient resources for future tactical engagements against Iranian forces and their regional allies.