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.

Over 1.49K Election Police Personnel Complete Election Duty

A formal farewell ceremony was held today to honor 149,090 temporary police personnel following the completion of their 40-day service for the House of Representatives election. Out of the total force, 133,980 were mobilized under police, while 15,110 served under the Armed Police Force. Officials presented certificates of appreciation to the personnel for their critical role in maintaining election security. The specialized force was officially disbanded today as their temporary contracts expired, with the government expressing commitment to re-engage them during future national requirements.

Temperatures Rise Across Nepal as Weather Clears Post-Election

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology reported a steady rise in temperatures across Nepal from March 10 to March 12. In Kathmandu, maximum temperatures reached 25.4 degrees Celsius by Thursday afternoon, while Siraha and Banke recorded the country’s highest at 31.1 degrees Celsius. Conversely, Humde Airport in Manang remained the coldest at 3.2 degrees Celsius. Meteorologists have stated that increasing humidity and clear skies will continue to drive temperatures up over the next three days. Biratnagar and Nepalgunj are expected to see highs between 30 and 33 degrees Celsius shortly.

16 Nepalis Rescued from Illegal Work in Cambodia Returned Home

Sixteen Nepali citizens, lured by human traffickers into illegal employment in Cambodia, have been rescued and returned home. They had been working without visas at illicit online scamming centers and casinos, including engaging in online fraud. The rescue was coordinated by the Nepali Embassy in Bangkok with the cooperation of the Cambodian government and facilitated by the Non-Resident Nepali Association Cambodia. Authorities are also working to return other stranded Nepalis facing difficult circumstances. The Embassy urged Nepalis working illegally or overstaying visas in Cambodia to contact its representatives or NRNA Cambodia for assistance. Individuals whose passports were retained or lost during relocations are eligible for a free one-way travel permit. Officials emphasized that foreign employment should follow government labor permit regulations and warned against traveling on visit visas for work in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand. The Embassy requested media and civil society to help spread this advisory.

Newly Elected MPs in Kanchanpur Begin Local Engagement

Representatives from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) have initiated door-to-door meetings in Kanchanpur to address local grievances following the recent elections. Janak Singh Dhami, elected from Kanchanpur-1, visited Belauri Municipality and Laljhadi on Thursday to discuss pending road projects and employment creation. Similarly, Gyanendra Singh Mahat from Kanchanpur-3 met with residents in Bhimdatta Municipality and Dodhara Chandani, promising to prioritize policy reforms that benefit the youth. Both legislators emphasized that their tenure would focus on bringing the state’s presence to the grassroots level through direct interaction and the implementation of inclusive development projects tailored to the region’s specific needs.

Harka Raj Rai Secures Federal Seat with 35,741 Votes

Harka Raj Rai (Sampang), Chairman of the Shram Sanskriti Party, has transitioned from local to national politics after winning the Sunsari-1 seat with 35,741 votes. He defeated RSP candidate Goma Tamang by a margin of 8,492 votes. Rai, who resigned as mayor of Dharan to contest the election, led his four-month-old party to national status by securing three direct seats and crossing the proportional representation threshold. Known for his ‘Harkavad’ ideology emphasizing labor and self-reliance, Rai declared that his party would remain in the opposition to advocate for the rights of laborers, farmers, and marginalized communities in Parliament.

Sobita Gautam Discloses Rs 993K in Total Election Expenses

Sobita Gautam, the RSP candidate from Chitwan-2, has submitted her finalized election expenditure report to the District Election Office. The report confirms a total spend of Rs 993,045 during the House of Representatives campaign. Key expenses included Rs 325,000 for vehicle management over 15 days and Rs 296,800 for publicity materials. Other costs covered nomination fees of Rs 5,000, voter training, and administrative stationery. Gautam publicly disclosed the figures in compliance with Section 72 of the Election Act, maintaining transparency regarding the financial resources used to secure her legislative position.

Former Health Minister Pradip Paudel Submits Rs 2.3 Million Election Expense Report

Nepali Congress General Secretary and former Health Minister Pradip Paudel has submitted his official expenditure report to the Election Commission, totaling Rs 2.3 million. Paudel, who contested the House of Representatives seat from Kathmandu-5, was defeated by RSP candidate Sasmit Pokharel. According to the commission’s records, Pokharel secured the victory with 30,737 votes, while Paudel received 9,159 votes. The submission follows the legal requirement for candidates to disclose all financial activities, including publicity, transport, and administrative costs, within the stipulated timeframe after the conclusion of the national polls on March 5.

Lalitpur Leaders Urge Gagan Thapa Not to Resign as President

Elected representatives from Lalitpur issued a joint press statement on Thursday urging Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa to reconsider his decision to resign. Thapa, who faced defeat in Sarlahi-4 against RSP’s Amaresh Kumar Singh, reportedly expressed his intent to step down following the party’s poor performance in the March 5 elections. Leaders, including Lalitpur Mayor Chiribabu Maharjan and District Coordination Committee head Rishidev Phuyal, argued that Thapa’s leadership is essential for party stability during this transition. While the Deuba faction has demanded his resignation, supporters emphasize that the party secured 18 FPTP, or direct, seats under his brief 50-day tenure following the special convention.

CPN (UML) Retains Only 25 Seats as National Vote Share Declines

The CPN (UML) has dropped to the third-largest party in Parliament, securing only 25 seats in the latest House of Representatives election. This marks a significant decline from 2022, with the party’s proportional representation vote nearly halving to 1.4 million. Under the first-past-the-post system, CPN (UML) won only 9 seats in districts like Taplejung, Ilam-2, and Dhankuta, while losing major strongholds in Jhapa, Morang, and the Kathmandu Valley. Notably, the party’s candidates lost their security deposits in 49 constituencies after failing to secure at least 10% of the valid votes. The party is expected to have 16 proportional representation lawmakers.

Fugitive Arrested with 88 Grams of Heroin at Nagdhunga

Sabina Adhikari, a 30-year-old woman who escaped custody during the Gen Z protests on September 9, was arrested on Wednesday at the Nagdhunga checkpoint. According to SSP Krishna Koirala of the Narcotic Control Bureau, police recovered 88 grams of brown heroin from her possession during a bus search. Adhikari, a resident of Dhankuta, was traveling from Rajbiraj to Kathmandu in a passenger bus. She is currently being held at the Thankot Police Circle for further investigation into her involvement in drug trafficking and her previous escape from detention during the civil unrest.

Campaign Demands Transport Office Establishment in Ghorahi

The “Build Ghorahi Campaign” submitted a memorandum to Prachanda Bikram Neupane, the Lumbini Province Minister for Industry, Tourism, and Transport, demanding a local transport contact office. Led by coordinator Sabin Priyasan, the delegation highlighted that residents currently face significant hurdles traveling to other districts for license renewals and tax payments. In response, Minister Neupane announced on Thursday that preparations are underway to establish a branch office in Ghorahi soon. This follows previous appeals made to various stakeholders, as the campaign seeks to streamline administrative services for vehicle owners and reduce the unnecessary financial burden on the local population.

Consular Department Registers 65,886 Citizens in West Asia

The Department of Consular Services reported that 65,886 Nepali citizens have registered on the online portal since its launch on March 2. Director General Duparda Sapkota stated that the portal was established to track and assist citizens following the escalation of conflict in West Asia involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. An Emergency Response Team led by Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai has directed all regional missions to maintain regular contact with registered individuals via email and phone. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also urged citizens to avoid recording or sharing sensitive media that could violate local laws.

Kuwait Extends Civil ID Validity for Workers, Including Nepali

The Kuwaiti government has extended the Civil ID validity for migrant workers, including Nepalis, who are unable to return from home leave due to regional conflicts. Under the revised rules effective February 28, 2026, domestic workers can now return within 7 months, while company employees have up to 9 months before their IDs are canceled. Previously, these limits were four and six months, respectively. Meanwhile, 61,989 Nepalis have registered their details on the Department of Consular Services online portal. Currently, there are approximately 175,000 Nepalis in Kuwait, including 75,000 female domestic workers, awaiting stabilized flight schedules to return to their jobs.

Conflict Impacts Nepali Safety Across West Asian Nations

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that while most Nepalis in West Asia are safe, one death and 15 injuries have occurred in the United Arab Emirates due to ongoing drone attacks. In Bahrain, despite 84 missile strikes and 147 drone attacks, no Nepali casualties were reported, though four citizens are currently housed in emergency shelters. Due to security sensitivities, the Embassy of Nepal in Manama is temporarily operating from the ambassador’s residence. Meanwhile, in Israel, at least 16 Nepalis sustained minor injuries following a Hezbollah attack on March 10, though daily life is reportedly returning to normal.

Birgunj Nears Completion of Rs 20 Million Plastic Recycling Plant

Birgunj Metropolitan City is in the final stages of constructing a modern plastic processing plant at its Nagwa dumping site. Funded by a Rs 20 million investment from Surya Nepal Private Limited, the facility is designed to process 20 metric tons of plastic waste daily. Mayor Rajesh Man Singh and industry head Suresh Kaji Maharjan inspected the site on Wednesday, noting that the plant will convert waste into reusable materials. The project, a tripartite agreement including Zero Waste Initiative Nepal, aims to manage a significant portion of the city’s 65 metric tons of daily refuse. Once operational, the plant will be handed over to the metropolis for long-term environmental management.

Remote Humla Students Receive Textbooks on First Day of Academic Session

For the first time in Humla, approximately 17,000 students in 141 community schools received textbooks on the very first day of the new academic session. Savita Upadhyaya, head of the Education Development and Coordination Unit, confirmed that timely transportation by suppliers ensured books reached remote areas like Simkot and Tanjakot following the end of winter and election breaks. While most grades are fully supplied, Kailash Rokaya, principal of Balmandir Secondary School, noted a slight shortage for grades 9 and 10, which is expected to be resolved within two days via shipments from Surkhet. The early distribution has allowed classes to commence without traditional delays.

100 Escapees Still At Large from Chitwan District Prison

One hundred inmates remain at large following a mass escape from the District Prison Office in Chitwan on September 9, 2025, prison authorities said. Among those who have not returned, 11 are Indian nationals. A total of 743 inmates, including four minors, had escaped from the facility that day. According to Prison Office Chief Rabindra Prasad Dhungana, 643 inmates have since been accounted for, with some returning voluntarily while others were apprehended and brought back by police. Authorities have expressed concern that individuals accused of serious crimes are among those still missing, raising the risk of potential criminal activity in the community. The prison administration had earlier directed escapees to contact the office by October 6, 2025, warning that failure to comply would result in legal action under the Prison Act 2022 and other prevailing laws. Individuals found harboring or assisting escapees will also face prosecution. The facility currently houses 685 inmates, including 38 women.

Nagu Residents Demand Development in 10-Point Memorandum

Locals of Naugaad-1, Nagu, who boycotted the House of Representatives election to protest infrastructure neglect, have submitted a 10-point memorandum to RSP candidate Rajesh Singh Samanta. The struggle committee, led by Narendra Bahadur Bam, clarified that the boycott was a call for attention to basic needs, including the construction of the Dallekh-Nagu-Sina road and the installation of suspension bridges over the Gophagad and Daha rivers. The memorandum also demands the nationalization of the Nageshwar Jyotirlinga shrine and the establishment of a local food depot. Samanta committed to lobbying the federal government to ensure these long-pending projects are completed to improve regional connectivity.

New Wheels for ‘Rato Machindranath’ Chariot Near Completion

Construction of new wheels for the Rato Machindranath chariot has entered its final phase in Lalitpur following damage caused by the Gen Z protests. Traditionally, these wheels are replaced only once every 12 (12) years; however, arson during the unrest necessitated immediate reconstruction. Dil Kumar Barahi, head of the chariot construction team, noted that work began on January 24 (Shree Panchami) and is expected to finish by this Saturday. The chariot is being prepared for the upcoming festival, with the ritual ascent scheduled for April 18 and the procession beginning on April 21.

Health Insurance Board Orders Hospitals to Provide On-Site Medicines

The Health Insurance Board has issued a formal circular directing all healthcare institutions to stop requiring insured patients to purchase medicines from outside pharmacies. Information Officer Bikesh Malla stated that some hospitals were forcing patients under insurance packages to buy medical supplies in cash from external shops, violating the Health Insurance Act 2018. Under the Health Insurance Regulations 2018, non-compliant hospitals will face legal action under Rule 18. The national program currently provides coverage of up to Rs 100,000 for families of five based on a Rs 3,500 contribution.

Paleswan Joshi Lakhe Elected President of Women Surgeons of Nepal

The annual general meeting of Women Surgeons of Nepal has elected Professor Dr. Paleswan Joshi Lakhe as its new president. The assembly also appointed Professor Dr. Chheten Yonjan Tamang as General Secretary and Dr. Sujita Hirachan as Treasurer, while Dr. Maya Bhattachan and Dr. Namrata Khadka were elected as members. During the event, the Dr. Pratibha Dhoubhadel Memorial Scholarship was awarded to several medical professionals. Dr. Isha Dahal, Dr. Dakshata Shakya, and Dr. Rashmi Pudasaini each received Rs 100,000, while five other doctors received Rs 50,000 each to support their surgical training and professional development in memory of the late Dr. Dhoubhadel.

Movie ‘Laalima’ to Premiere Post-Election with 60 Shows

The film industry is set to break its post-election lull with the release of Laalima tomorrow. The movie, which explores the lives of sex workers, has secured over 60 shows nationwide on its opening day. Directed by Roshan Miraj, the film features theater artist Roshni Karki in the lead role, supported by Usha Rajak and Shishir Wangdel. Production teams have already opened advance bookings, marking the first major theatrical release since the conclusion of the national polls. Cinema halls, which had been screening older titles during the election period, are expecting a surge in viewership as new domestic content returns to the screen.

First Bhaktapur Film Festival to Showcase 24 Indie Films

A group of young filmmakers will host the inaugural Bhaktapur Film Festival on March 20 and March 21 at the Nepal Vocational Academy. Directed by Kiran Kilambu, the festival aims to promote “cinema literacy” and provide a platform for independent filmmakers. The event will feature 24 films, opening with Nabin Subba’s The Road to the Village and concluding with the documentary Mother Rebika.” The schedule includes a Heritage Walk on March 14 and a screenwriting workshop. Organized by Smit Giri and others, the festival focuses on highlighting the unique arts, literature, and Newa culture of Bhaktapur.

10 Teams Set to Compete in Shahid Smarak ANFA Women’s League

The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) has announced that the Shahid Smarak ANFA Women’s League will commence on March 18. Matches are scheduled to be held at the Chyasal Ground, featuring 10 competing teams. The lineup includes prominent clubs such as Tribhuvan Army, Nepal Police, APF, and Sankata FC, alongside newer entrants like Bagmati Youth and Rapti FC. According to the official schedule, the opening match will feature a clash between New Road Team and Sankata FC. This season aims to showcase national talent and provide a competitive platform for women’s football across the country’s major departmental and local clubs.

Pokhara to Host International Paragliding Championship in March

The 21st edition of the Nepal Open Paragliding Championship is scheduled to take place in Pokhara from March 19 to March 21. After a five-year hiatus caused by Covid-19 and flight bans, 87 pilots from eight nations, including Italy and Saudi Arabia, have registered. The competition features accuracy categories with total prize money exceeding Rs 650,000. Winners in individual and team events will each receive Rs 150,000. Organizers expect the event to revitalize adventure tourism in Gandaki Province following the recent lifting of solo flight restrictions.

Church Boys United Defeats Kankrebihar Club 2-1

Church Boys United secured a 2-1 victory over Kankrebihar Club during the ANFA National League match held at the ANFA Complex in Satdobato on Thursday. Richard Wilson was the standout performer, scoring both goals to secure the win for Church Boys. Kankrebihar’s lone goal came from a penalty successfully converted by Suden Bikram Bishwokarma. With this result, Church Boys United has accumulated 22 points after nine matches, while Kankrebihar remains at the bottom of the standings with one point. The league continues to showcase competitive domestic football as teams vie for the top positions.

US Military Expenditure Exceeds $11.30 Billion in Iran Conflict

The Pentagon informed U.S. lawmakers during a classified briefing on Tuesday that military operations against Iran cost over USD 11.30 billion in the first six days. Since joint U.S. and Israeli strikes began on December 31, high-cost munitions like the AGM-154 Glide Bomb, priced up to USD 836,000 each, have been utilized. Analysts noted that the first 100 (100) hours alone saw an average daily spend of USD 890 million. With the White House expected to request an additional USD 50 billion budget, debate has intensified in Congress regarding the duration and ultimate objectives of the conflict.

Iran Signals Possible Withdrawal from 2026 FIFA World Cup

Iran may not participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to the country’s current security situation, according to Youth and Sports Minister Ahmad Dunyamali. The tournament is scheduled to begin on June 11, 2026, and will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Iran is scheduled to face New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, Belgium on June 21, and Egypt in Seattle on June 26 during the group stage. However, participation has become uncertain after escalating tensions involving attacks by the United States and Israel and the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. In an interview with IRIB Sports Network, Dunyamali said the country currently lacks safe conditions for its players to take part in the tournament. He added that two wars in the past eight to nine months have resulted in thousands of civilian deaths. Earlier, Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, said after meeting Donald Trump that the United States was ready to welcome Iran to the World Cup, emphasizing that football helps unite people worldwide. Meanwhile, Mehdi Taj, president of the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran, has also raised concerns about Iran’s participation. Security worries have also affected athletes, with six members of the country’s women’s national team reportedly receiving humanitarian visas from Australia.