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.

Prime Minister Karki Prepares to Exit Office

Prime Minister Sushila Karki has begun preparations to vacate her official responsibility, with proposed Prime Minister Balen Shah expected to take the oath of office on Friday. According to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, Karki has already informally bid farewell to staff and moved her personal belongings from the Baluwatar residence to her private home in Tokha. Security arrangements at her Tokha residence are being upgraded to reflect her new status as a former prime minister. Secretariat officials confirmed that the family will relocate immediately following the new prime minister’s inauguration this Friday.

Supreme Court Continues Hearing on Rabi Lamichhane Case

The Supreme Court has kept the writ petition regarding the modification of charges against Rabi Lamichhane under continuous hearing as of Tuesday. The joint bench of Justices Binod Sharma and Abdul Aziz Musalman will resume the case on Thursday. The petition, filed by Senior Advocate Dinesh Tripathi and others, challenges Attorney General Sabita Bhandari’s decision to amend organized crime and money laundering charges against Lamichhane in various district courts. Petitioners claim the decision, allegedly made under Prime Minister Sushila Karki’s direction, is unconstitutional. The Office of the Attorney General has been asked to provide the formal minute orders and recommendations that led to the single-handed charge revision.

Vice President Yadav Meets Provincial Heads for Coordination

Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav held a collective meeting with the heads of three provinces at his office in Lainchaur on Tuesday. The meeting included Parshuram Khapung of Koshi, Deepak Prasad Devkota of Bagmati, and Najir Miya of Sudurpashchim. Discussions focused on the current political situation and contemporary national issues. According to the vice president’s office, the dialogue aimed to strengthen coordination between the federal and provincial governments and improve administrative governance. The provincial heads provided updates on the specific developmental activities and security situations within their respective regions, emphasizing the need for a unified approach to address local challenges through federal support.

Nepal Marks Tuberculosis Day with Goal to End Epidemic by 2035

Nepal observed World Tuberculosis Day with the slogan “Yes! We can end TB,” aiming for an epidemic-free nation by 2035 and total eradication by 2050. Director of the National Tuberculosis Center, Dr. Bhuvan Poudel, reported that in fiscal year 2024/25, at least 39,151 new cases were identified, including 61% men and 5.6% children. Despite having 6,241 treatment centers and 149 TB-free local initiatives, 42% of patients remain outside the formal treatment net. Globally, 10.7 million people suffer from active TB annually, resulting in 1.2 million deaths.

Question Papers Dispatched for Upcoming SEE Examinations

The Office of the Controller of Examinations under the National Examination Board (NEB) confirmed that all question papers for the Secondary Education Examination (SEE) will reach 77 districts by March 28. Controller Tukraj Adhikari stated that printing is complete, with the final dispatch to Mustang set for March 27. Approximately 509,000 students will participate in the exams across 1,961 centers from April 2 to April 12. Security committees led by Chief District Officers will manage police deployment to ensure a disciplined environment during the 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM sessions.

Tri-Chandra Students Demand Release of Gen Z Protest Report

Students from Tri-Chandra College staged a demonstration on Tuesday demanding the immediate public release of the Gauri Bahadur Karki investigation commission report. The commission, formed to probe the Gen Z protest, submitted its findings to the government on March 8. Protesters gathered in front of the college, urging the outgoing administration of Prime Minister Sushila Karki to ensure transparency before the leadership transition. The students warned of intensified protests if the findings remained suppressed. Despite the report being in government hands for over two weeks, it has yet to be made accessible to the public, fueling further student unrest.

Over 2,900 Citizens Receive Citizenship via Mother’s Name

Since the implementation of the Nepal Citizenship (Fourth Amendment) Regulations, 2026, a total of 2,948 individuals have obtained citizenship through their mother’s name. The Ministry of Home Affairs stated that the new rules allow children of Nepali mothers with unidentified or deceased fathers to receive naturalized citizenship after a local inquiry. The revised regulations, approved by the Council of Ministers on December 26, 2025, grant Chief District Officers the authority to issue these documents based on self-declaration and verified residency. This shift aims to simplify the process and increase local government accountability in ensuring citizenship rights for previously marginalized individuals.

Hall Prepared for New Lawmakers’ Oath

The Federal Parliament Secretariat has completed preparations for the swearing-in ceremony of newly elected members of the House of Representatives. Spokesperson Ekram Giri announced on Tuesday that since the main hall in the new Singha Durbar parliament building is unfinished, initial sessions and the March 26 oath-taking will occur in the multipurpose hall. The Secretariat has arranged seating, the rostrum, and the Speaker’s chair within this temporary venue. Giri urged relevant agencies to expedite the main construction, noting the logistical complexities of operating from the multipurpose hall. The first formal meetings of the new parliament will follow immediately after the ceremony.

Deuba Faction Opposes NC Convention Pending Court Ruling

The Sher Bahadur Deuba faction of the Nepali Congress (NC) has opposed holding a regular general convention until the Supreme Court rules on the party’s official status. Following the release of the convention schedule by the Gagan Thapa-led committee, leader Shyam Kumar Ghimire stated on Tuesday that the party must wait for the judicial verdict to avoid further internal conflict. Ghimire, a former lawmaker, urged the Supreme Court to expedite its decision to restore public trust. He argued that neglecting Deuba’s influence led to previous electoral losses and insisted that unity between both factions is the only way to prevent a humiliating defeat in future national elections.

Gagan Thapa Proposes Schedule for 15th NC General Convention

Nepali Congress (NC) General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa presented a proposal on Tuesday to hold the party’s 15th General Convention from September 9 to 11. The proposed timeline, submitted during the Central Working Committee meeting in Sanepa, includes a membership distribution drive starting April 4. According to the schedule, ward-level conventions will occur by July 22, followed by municipal, provincial, and district-level gatherings through August. The plan seeks to finalize all active membership audits by June to ensure the national convention concludes in September, marking a structured transition for the party’s leadership.

Former Minister Bhim Acharya Released on Bail in Corruption Case

The Special Court ordered the release of former Tourism Minister Bhim Acharya on bail of Rs 250,000 on Monday. A joint bench of judges, Narayan Prasad Poudel, Hemanta Rawal, and Umesh Koirala, issued the order following Acharya’s statement regarding the Pokhara International Airport corruption case. The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) filed the case on December 6, 2024, naming 55 defendants with a claim of Rs 8.367 billion. Acharya is accused of bypassing legal procedures to approve the USD 215.9 million contract with a Chinese firm, causing an unnatural cost increase from the original USD 169.6 million estimate.

Clashes Erupt in Bardiya During Anti-Drug Protests

Police fired 10 warning shots and four tear gas canisters in Bardiya to disperse protesters blocking the Nepalgunj-Gulariya road. The clash occurred in Gulariya-11, Ganeshpur, after locals demanded the closure of the border following the drug-overdose deaths of two youths, Suresh Khatik and Bohran Khatik. Ten security personnel, including Assistant Constable Santosh BK, were injured by stones thrown by the crowd. Protesters allege that the nearby Indian market of Laukahi has become a narcotics hub. DSP Pramesh Bista stated that while the situation is now under control, a formal autopsy report is awaited to confirm the exact cause of the youths’ deaths.

3 Arrested for Rs 125 Million Embezzlement in Pokhara

Kaski Police arrested three individuals on Monday for allegedly embezzling Rs 125.6 million from Dhanush Savings and Credit Cooperative. The suspects include Krishna Bahadur Jaisi, Manager Jagat Poudel, and Secretary Biraj Subedi. According to a report from the Registrar’s Office, Subedi misappropriated Rs 22.5 million, while Poudel took Rs 12.5 million. Jaisi, notably a victim of the Suryadarshan Cooperative fraud case, is accused of creating fake accounts to embezzle Rs 8.2 million. Police spokesperson Hari Bahadur Basnet confirmed that 13 individuals are implicated in the scam. This marks the 19th cooperative in Gandaki Province to face criminal investigation for financial irregularities and fund misappropriation.

Action Initiated Against Hospital Contractor in Bhojpur

The Temkemaiyung Rural Municipality in Bhojpur has initiated legal action against Bhumi Himalayan JV, the construction company responsible for the 15-bed Kot Hospital. The project, which began in the fiscal year 2020/21, has been left in limbo. The local government issued a seven-day public notice for the contractor to provide an explanation or face contract termination and forfeiture of their security deposit. Chairman Saroj Basnet emphasized that the delay has severely hindered local healthcare services. The municipality intends to pursue administrative penalties under the Public Procurement Act, 2006, to ensure accountability for the irresponsible abandonment of essential public infrastructure.

Third Red Panda Festival to Promote Tourism in Ilam

The third Red Panda Festival is scheduled to take place in Ilam from April 3 to April 6. Organized by Sandakpur Rural Municipality, the event focuses on the 40-kilometer “Red Panda Trail” connecting Maipokhari to Jaubari. Coordinator Sanam Rai stated the festival aims to attract 10,000 domestic and international tourists to observe rare red pandas, 18 species of rhododendrons, and over 60 mountain peaks. Highlighting biodiversity and indigenous culture, the festival serves as a key initiative to boost trekking and wildlife tourism in Eastern Nepal’s high-altitude forests.

Scotland Experts Train Nepali Medics in Helicopter Retrieval

Nepal Mediciti Hospital, in collaboration with Scotland’s Emergency Medical Retrieval Service (EMRS), launched an advanced training program on Monday for medical evacuations. The “Retrieval Medicine” course focuses on the safe management and transfer of critically ill patients via helicopter. Dr. Sanjay Karki, Chief of Emergency Services, explained that the training covers patient positioning and in-flight care protocols. Currently, only seven Nepali hospitals possess certified helipads, and just 104 medical professionals are specialized in this field. Supported by experts from Switzerland, India, and Japan, the initiative aims to align Nepal’s emergency medical services with international standards for disaster and high-altitude rescue operations.

Chitwan National Park Deploys Advanced Security Technology

Chitwan National Park (CNP) has integrated high-tech surveillance to curb wildlife poaching and forest crimes. Information Officer Avinash Thapa Magar confirmed that the park now utilizes four trained sniffer dogs alongside real-time monitoring, CCTV cameras, drones, and vehicle tracking systems. These technological measures complement traditional patrols by foot, bicycle, elephant, and boat. Supported by the Army and local youth committees, the integration of technology has led to significant success in arresting offenders and seizing illegal wildlife parts. Park administration emphasized that these modern tools are essential for the long-term protection of endangered species and biodiversity.

Nepal’s Tallest National Flag Hoisted in Inaruwa

A 210-foot national flag, the tallest in Nepal, has been hoisted at the Green City Park in Inaruwa-7, Sunsari. The flag was raised by the DN Group during a special ceremony accompanying the Pathibhara Devi temple construction rituals. Accompanied by traditional Panchebaja music and religious worship, the project aims to establish Inaruwa as a major landmark for domestic tourism. Local officials believe that the combination of the record-breaking flag and the new religious structures will significantly contribute to the developmental and cultural promotion of the region. The Green City project remains under construction, with the flag serving as its central symbolic centerpiece for national pride.

Producer of Film ‘Tel Visa’ Arrested for Foreign Employment Fraud

Police arrested Shivraj Karki, the producer of the film Tel Visa, in Swayambhu on charges of defrauding over 250 individuals. Karki, who operated P&M Innovation Service in Chabahil for 10 years, allegedly collected millions of rupees by promising foreign employment. Manohar Bhatta, spokesperson for the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office, stated that six arrest warrants were pending against him. Karki had been hiding in New Delhi, India, where he managed a fast-food business and possessed Indian ID cards. Over 100 victims have already contacted the police. He has been handed over to the Department of Foreign Employment for further legal action regarding the fraud.

Bipana Thapa and Paul Shah Cast in ‘Aa Bata Aama 2’

Actress Bipana Thapa and actor Paul Shah have been signed as lead actors for the upcoming film Aa Bata Aama 2. Director Chandra Panta announced the casting on Monday, confirming that the sequel will continue the story of the first film, which earned over Rs 131 million in Nepal. In the sequel, Thapa will play the mother and Shah her son. While the director has not confirmed if other original cast members will return, filming is set to begin in April. The production team plans to release the movie during the next Dashain festival. The first film was a massive commercial success, running for 51 days in theaters.

Bagmati Province Defeats Gandaki by 170 Runs

In the Prime Minister Cup cricket tournament on Tuesday, Bagmati Province secured a massive 170-run victory over Gandaki Province. Batting first at the Mulpani cricket ground, Bagmati posted a total of 294 runs for 8 wickets in 50 overs. Ishan Pandey top-scored with 71 runs, supported by Ashutosh Ghiraiya’s 59. Chasing a target of 295, Gandaki was bowled out for just 124 runs in 31.5 overs. Arjun Kumal made 74 runs, but the rest of the lineup collapsed against Rijan Dhakal, who took 3 wickets, and Sandeep Lamichhane, who claimed 2 wickets.

NSC Demands Explanation from ANFA Over Early Elections

The National Sports Council (NSC) has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) to explain its decision to hold early elections without prior approval. Despite an earlier NSC directive to halt the process, ANFA, led by President Pankaj Bikram Nembang, insisted the March 27 election in Jhapa is constitutional. The NSC warned of legal and administrative action if ANFA fails to provide satisfactory documentation regarding the procedural clarity of the snap polls. Critics and stakeholders have protested the move, alleging that ANFA skipped mandatory district and club-level elections to favor existing representatives while the case remains pending in the High Court.

Trump Suspends Attacks on Iran Following Potential Talks

US President Donald Trump announced a five-day suspension of strikes against Iranian energy infrastructure, citing productive talks with Tehran. However, Iran has denied that any such negotiations took place. Trump’s announcement followed a threat to destroy all Iranian infrastructure if the Strait of Hormuz was not fully reopened within 48 hours. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that Tehran is not ready for talks and accused Trump of making false claims to stabilize global oil markets. Iran’s Foreign Ministry suggested the comments were a tactic to lower energy prices before further military action. Despite the temporary halt, both nations remain in a state of high military alert.