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.

President and Vice President Offer Condolences to KP Oli

President Ram Chandra Paudel and Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav visited the Gundu residence of CPN (UML) Chairman K.P. Sharma Oli on Tuesday. They offered condolences following the death of Oli’s father, Mohan Prasad Oli, who passed away at 97 years old last Friday. The leaders met with the former prime minister and his grieving family to express sympathy. According to the vice president’s secretariat, the visit aimed to provide support during this period of paternal mourning for the CPN (UML) leader.

Middle East Missions Maintain Uninterrupted Services Amid Tension

The government confirmed that all 10 Nepali diplomatic missions in the Middle East continue to operate without disruption despite regional tensions. Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Lok Bahadur Poudel Chhetri clarified that embassies remain open, providing essential consular services, including passport renewals. To ensure safety, missions have shifted several services to an online-only format, while physical presence for biometric enrollment now requires prior appointments. An Emergency Response Team, led by the Foreign Secretary, has held its third meeting to monitor the safety of Nepali citizens. Currently, 75,000 individuals have registered their status via an online portal.

Supreme Court Ends Double Allowances for Academy Members

The Supreme Court has upheld a decision by the Nepal Academy to stop providing lifelong monthly allowances to members already receiving government salaries or pensions. A joint bench of Justices Manoj Kumar Sharma and Nripadhwaja Niraula dismissed a writ petition filed by 11 members, including former Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Vasudev Tripathi. Member Secretary Dr. Dhan Prasad Subedi confirmed that the ruling validates the February 23, 2023, council decision. Impacted members include Ganga Prasad Upreti, Tulsi Diwas, and Dr. Dhruva Chandra Gautam. The court ruled that receiving both a state pension and the academy’s honorary stipend constitutes an illegal double benefit.

Multi-Purpose Hall Readied for New Members of Parliament

The Federal Parliament Secretariat is preparing a multi-purpose hall in Putali Bagaincha, Singha Durbar, for the swearing-in and initial meetings of newly elected lawmakers. Spokesperson Ekram Giri stated that the regular assembly hall in the new building will not be completed in time for the upcoming session. Consequently, the multi-purpose hall is being repurposed as an alternative venue and will be ready within 3 days. Although members were elected on March 5, the exact date for the first meeting remains unconfirmed. The secretariat aims to ensure that all 275 members can be accommodated for their constitutional oath-taking.

EC to Distribute Certificates on Thursday

The Election Commission (EC) will distribute certificates to the 110 members elected through the proportional representation (PR) system on Thursday. Election Officer Krishna Bahadur Raut announced the ceremony will begin at 11:30 AM at the commission’s headquarters. Following the March 5 elections, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) secured 57 PR seats, followed by Nepali Congress (20), UML (16), NCP (9), Shram Sanskriti (4), and RPP (4). Elected members must submit two photos and citizenship details by Tuesday. The formal presentation of the final results to the president will conclude the election process.

Election Results Finalized with RSP Securing Majority

The Election Commission officially finalized the results for all 275 seats of the House of Representatives on Monday. Following the March 5 polls, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) secured an absolute majority with 182 (182) total members, just two seats short of a two-thirds majority. Nepali Congress followed with 38 seats, while UML and NCP won 25 and 17, respectively. A total of 96 women will serve in the new parliament, fulfilling the 33% constitutional requirement. Secretary Krishna Bahadur Raut will present the final report to the President on March 19, clearing the way for the RSP leader to be appointed Prime Minister.

National Assembly Chair Appreciates Chinese Support During Elections

National Assembly Chairman Narayan Prasad Dahal expressed gratitude to the Chinese government for its assistance during the recent election cycle and the Gen Z protest period. During a meeting with the new Chinese Ambassador, Zhang Maoming, at Singha Durbar on Tuesday, Dahal reaffirmed Nepal’s commitment to the One China Policy. He emphasized that bilateral relations remain strong based on the Panchsheel principles. Ambassador Zhang expressed optimism for shared prosperity through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Both officials discussed strengthening parliamentary cooperation and accelerating infrastructure projects to ensure political stability and economic growth for both nations.

RSP Conducts Orientation for 182 Newly Elected Lawmakers

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) began a two-day orientation program for its 182 newly elected members of the House of Representatives in Lalitpur. General Secretary Kabindra Burlakoti issued a six-point directive for the attendees, focusing on parliamentary procedures and policy-making. Vice Presidents Dol Prasad Aryal and Dr. Swarnim Wagle inaugurated the session on Tuesday. The training includes presentations from former secretaries Suresh Adhikari and Toyanath Adhikari. Lawmakers, including Toshima Karki and Biraj Bhakta Shrestha, will share legislative experiences to prepare the party for its majority role following the March 5 elections.

Internal Conflict Hits Nepali Congress Over Gagan Thapa

Nepali Congress is facing an internal rift after President Gagan Thapa expressed his intent to resign following the party’s election loss. While Thapa seeks to take moral responsibility for the 38 seats won, Vice President Bishwa Prakash Sharma is actively blocking the move, preferring to wait for the 15th General Convention. Meanwhile, leaders loyal to Sher Bahadur Deuba have criticized Thapa’s leadership on social media, blaming him for the defeat. General Secretary Gururaj Ghimire announced that a central committee meeting will be held in late March to review results. Deuba, currently in Singapore, remains in contact with his faction while awaiting court rulings on the party’s legitimacy.

Measles Outbreak Persists in Dhorpatan Despite Vaccination Drive

A measles outbreak in Dhorpatan Municipality, Baglung, remains uncontained despite a vaccination campaign targeting 6,763 children and adolescents. Since February 20, at least 126 suspected cases have emerged, with 7 confirmed through laboratory testing. Currently, 20 patients remain in isolation at Burtibang Hospital and Bobang Health Post. Public Health Office Chief Prabin Sharma noted that infection affects those aged six months to 48 years. To date, 5,767 individuals and 237 health workers have been vaccinated across nine wards to curb the spread.

Market Monitoring in Mugu Leads to Disposal of Expired Goods

The Office of Industry and Consumer Protection conducted a market raid in the Gamgadhi bazaar of Mugu on Monday. Led by Administration Officer Rabindra Mishra, teams inspected shops in Wards 1 and 2, seizing and destroying expired soft drinks, biscuits, and chocolates. Office Chief Kamal Bhatta instructed several stores, including H.K. Food Store and Kamana Store, to update their price lists and renew their weighing scales with the Department of Weights and Measures. Shops selling rice without production dates were warned, and several owners were summoned to the district office within three days. The operation aimed to ensure food safety and fair pricing for local consumers.

KMC Offers Free Cancer Screening at Bir Hospital

Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) and Bir Hospital signed an agreement on Monday to provide free breast and cervical cancer screenings. Health Department Chief Deepak Kumar KC and Hospital Director Prof. Dr. Dilip Sharma formalized the partnership, which targets women aged 30 to 60. Acting Mayor Sunita Dangol emphasized that regular testing is vital to preventing premature deaths. Starting March 30, the hospital will screen 100 to 120 women daily. The program also includes early-stage treatment for those who tested positive in previous cycles.

Protests Erupt in Kathmandu Over Inisa BK Murder

Protesters gathered at Maitighar Mandala on Tuesday demanding the death penalty for the individual who raped and murdered Inisha BK in Surkhet. Organized by the United Citizens Party, the demonstration pressured the government for immediate justice and better protection for women and children. A post-mortem report revealed that the victim died from excessive bleeding following a sexual assault in a community forest in Birendranagar. While police have intensified their search for suspects, participants carried placards reading “Hang the Rapist” and warned of continued protests. They criticized the state’s perceived silence on rising crimes against minors in the province.

National Park Distributes Compensation

Langtang National Park has distributed Rs 1.4 million to 157 farmers affected by wildlife attacks during the current fiscal year. Wild boars caused the most damage, affecting 111 people, followed by monkeys (34), leopards (11), and bears (1). Leopard attacks resulted in livestock losses valued at Rs 370,000. Relief is provided under the Wildlife Damage Relief Guidelines, 2023. Farmers must submit police reports and technical inspections to claim compensation, while the park advises residents to avoid entering forests alone.

Nepalgunj Issues 15-Day Ultimatum to Clear Road Encroachments

Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City has issued a 15-day ultimatum to remove unauthorized structures along the Surkhet Road and Ranjha sections. The notice directs the removal of huts and hoarding boards within seven feet of the outer drainage edge to facilitate a two-meter-wide footpath and greenery project. Chief Administrative Officer Ram Hari Sharma warned that the city will use dozers to clear remaining encroachments after the deadline, with costs recovered from the concerned parties. While the Citizen Care Forum requested unified construction standards, the city maintains that clearing public space is essential for urban development and pedestrian safety.

Violent Windstorm Causes Extensive Damage Across Sindhuli

A massive windstorm struck Sindhuli on Monday evening, damaging over a dozen homes and destroying crops across multiple municipalities. In Golanjore-1, the roof of Jukepani Primary School was completely blown off, while nine houses in the ward sustained heavy damage. Former lawmaker Lekhnath Dahal has urged the government to begin immediate relief and reconstruction. Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) engineers reported that fallen poles and snapped wires have cut off power to Ghyanglekh, Sunkoshi, and Marin. Although no human casualties were reported, the destruction of transformers and communication lines has severely hindered recovery efforts and local contact.

Magnitude 4 Earthquake Hits Darchula District

An earthquake measuring 4 on the Richter scale struck Darchula on Tuesday morning. The National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Center reported that the tremor occurred at 10:12 AM, with its epicenter located near Sitoula. No immediate reports of casualties or structural damage have been confirmed. This seismic activity follows a 3.6 magnitude earthquake that hit Chainpur, Bajhang, on March 6. Authorities continue to monitor the region for aftershocks, while residents in surrounding areas reported feeling significant vibrations during the brief event.

Salyan Police Arrest 16 Fugitives and Recover Illegal Weapons

Salyan District Police arrested 16 fugitives involved in various criminal cases in a month (mid-February to mid-March). Information Officer Purna Bahadur KC stated that police also recovered 16 unlicensed muzzle-loading guns from different locations. During this period, 15 new cases were registered, while 22 ongoing investigations were completed. Traffic enforcement resulted in the penalization of 241 vehicles, collecting Rs 212,500 in revenue. Additionally, the department conducted 48 awareness programs targeting cybercrime and suicide prevention, reaching 2,141 citizens to improve regional security and legal compliance.

Kaski Police Arrest 138 Individuals in Monthly Crackdown

Kaski District Police arrested 138 suspects in one month (mid-February to mid-March), including 26 long-term fugitives. Information Officer Hari Bahadur Basnet reported that the department collected Rs 12.5 million in fines. During the month, 183 criminal cases were registered, alongside 67 reports of social violence and 11 domestic abuse cases. Narcotic raids led to the arrest of 14 individuals and the seizure of 748 buprenorphine and 726 diazepam ampoules. Traffic enforcement collected Rs 3.4 million from 4,003 violations. Additionally, 46 missing persons were successfully located during the intensive monthly operations.

Gulmi Police Report Peaceful Election Month with Zero Major Incidents

Gulmi District Police registered 10 cases in one month (mid-February to mid-March), noting a remarkably peaceful election period. Deputy Superintendent of Police Ganga Bahadur Saru stated that only one rape and four suicides were recorded, with no major political violence. Police arrested three fugitives, collecting Rs 3,00,000 in fines. Traffic operations penalized 286 vehicles, generating Rs 282,000 in revenue. Superintendent Narayan Prasad Adhikari confirmed that three new police vehicles arrived for the Gulmi West and local stations. Future priorities include awareness campaigns to reduce the suicide rate, which tragically included a 93-year-old resident last month.

Bhojpur Launches Week-Long Forest Fire Awareness Campaign

Bhojpur District began a week-long forest fire management campaign on March 15, under the theme of community and government participation. On Tuesday, a public awareness rally was held in the district headquarters, featuring representatives from local security forces, businesses, and the Division Forest Office. Officer Kapil Dev Adhikari emphasized that collective action is necessary to protect biodiversity from increasing dry-season fires. Participants carried placards urging residents to report blazes to the police and avoid starting fires in forest areas. The campaign, which runs until March 21, aims to educate locals on the devastating impact of wildfires on regional forest resources and rural settlements.

TIA Conducts Annual Firefighting and Rescue Drill

The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) organized a comprehensive fire control and rescue simulation at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) on Tuesday morning. This annual exercise aims to minimize potential casualties and damage during aircraft accidents, adhering to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. TIA management stated that regular drills are mandatory for major international airports to test the readiness of emergency response teams and firefighting equipment. The simulation involved coordinated efforts between airport security, medical teams, and technical staff. Authorities emphasized that such practices ensure high safety levels for both domestic and international flight operations within the country’s busiest terminal.

Filming Completed for Rajendra Basnet’s ‘Karki Maila’

Director Rajendra Basnet has wrapped up the filming of the movie Karki Maila in just 21 days. Shot across Dhankuta, Chatara, and the Barahachhetra region, the production finished ahead of its original one-month schedule. The film features Jitu Nepal paired with Priyana Acharya for the first time, alongside Sushil Pokhrel and Manshi Sharma. Producer Balkumar Rai and presenter Krishna Bhagat Chamling expressed satisfaction with the cast’s efficiency. Cinematographer Dambar Rai captured the rural-themed drama, which also includes performances by Manil Tamang and Renuka Acharya. While the shoot is complete, the production team has not yet announced a formal release date.

Trailer Released for Family Drama ‘Hami Teen Bhai’

The trailer for the upcoming film Hami Teen Bhai, directed by Madhusudan Bhattarai, was released on Tuesday, highlighting a story of brotherly conflict and property disputes. Starring Binod Neupane, Kushal Bista, and Phalit Rai, the film explores how familial relationships deteriorate after marriage and inheritance demands. The cast also includes Laxmi Bardewa, Jahanwi Basnet, and Rajaram Paudel. Written by Shivam Adhikari and produced by Triratna Shrestha, the social drama features cinematography by Shiva Dhakal. Scheduled for a theatrical release on March 27, the movie aims to portray realistic emotional struggles within traditional Nepali households through a blend of love and rivalry.

Commercial Rafting Launched on Mahakali River in Kanchanpur

Commercial rafting operations officially commenced on the Mahakali River in Bhimdatta Municipality, Kanchanpur, on Monday. Launched during Water Week, the project is a collaboration between NEEDS Nepal and various tourism associations. Adrift Adventure Pvt. Ltd. is currently operating two boats under the leadership of local pilot Kishan Bhatt. Mayors Padam Bogati and Kishore Kumar Limbu pledged infrastructure support to boost local employment. While Indian companies have operated since 2015, this initiative marks a significant step for Nepali tourism, targeting groups of five to 10 participants.

Lumbini Govt. to Build 15 Open Gyms

The Lumbini Provincial Government is investing Rs 12.4 million to construct 15 open-air gymnasiums across the province. The Ministry of Health aims to reduce non-communicable diseases, which now account for 71% of deaths in Nepal. Each gym will receive a budget of Rs 832,866. Palpa will host six gyms, while Rupandehi gets three. Sites in Banke, Nawalparasi, Dang, Kapilvastu, Gulmi, and Rolpa will each receive one. In Bardaghat-14, Dharmabasti, former sports committee chair Ritman Kamu Magar welcomed the initiative, which is scheduled for completion and handover by April.

AFC Penalties Malaysia for Fielding Ineligible Players Against Nepal

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has sanctioned the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) for using ineligible players during the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. The AFC Disciplinary and Ethics Committee ruled on Tuesday that Malaysia’s 2-0 win over Nepal on March 25, 2025, and their 4-0 victory against Vietnam on June 10, 2025, are now 0-3 forfeits. FAM was fined USD 50,000, payable within 30 days. Consequently, Malaysia’s qualification hopes have ended, while Vietnam has secured a spot in the Asian Cup with 15 points.

A-Division Clubs Protest ANFA’s Unilateral League Schedule

Martyr’s Memorial ‘A’ Division clubs continued their protest at the ANFA headquarters gate on Tuesday, opposing the unilateral decision to start the league on April 13. Club officials accused the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) of violating previous agreements and failing to consult stakeholders. Despite a meeting on Monday, no consensus was reached, leading to a continued sit-in. The clubs allege that ANFA is rushing the league to deflect from the upcoming March 27 elections in Jhapa. Protesters vowed to continue their strike until their seven-point demand list is met, effectively halting all preparations for the country’s top-tier football competition.

Sri Lanka Implements Weekly Holiday to Manage Fuel Crisis

The Sri Lankan government has introduced a mandatory weekly holiday every Wednesday for government employees starting tomorrow to conserve fuel. Commissioner of Essential Services Prabath Chandrakeerthi announced that all public schools, universities, and courts will remain closed on Wednesdays. Essential sectors, including health, customs, and water supply, are exempt from this schedule. Government agencies have been authorized to adjust workloads across the remaining four working days. Additionally, all official government events are suspended until further notice. The government has also requested private sector organizations to adopt similar energy-saving measures to mitigate the ongoing fuel shortage.

Dubai International Airport Resumes Flights After Drone Attack

Dubai International Airport resumed operations on Tuesday morning after a brief closure caused by an Iranian drone attack on Monday. The incident led to the cancellation of several flights, including a FlyDubai service scheduled to arrive in Kathmandu at 11:00 PM and depart at 12:30 AM. According to Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal official Gyanendra Bhul, the delayed flight finally operated at 8:00 AM on Tuesday. While the airport reopened within three hours of the attack, airlines are still finalizing updated schedules for Tuesday’s remaining flights between Dubai and Nepal due to the disruption.