KATHMANDU: Stay informed with Nepal News’ daily evening briefing, covering the most significant developments from Nepal and around the world. From politics and economy to sports, entertainment, and culture, we bring you a concise summary of the day’s top stories.

Prime Minister Oli Claims State Treasury is Empty: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli stated that the country’s treasury is empty. While addressing the inauguration ceremony of the Cinepa Film Shooting Studio at Baluwatar on Tuesday, Oli mentioned that during his previous tenure as Prime Minister, the state treasury had ample funds. However, he expressed concerns that the current financial situation is so dire that even announcing new projects seems daunting. He further elaborated that during his last tenure, there were enough funds to undertake any project, and he inaugurated health centers in all municipalities. Oli remarked, “People get very excited even for small projects. They say, ‘We are here,’ and collect donations.”

MPs Criticize Federal Government for Neglecting Reconstruction After Flood Damage: Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre) MPs Suryaman Dong and Lekhnath Dahal criticized the federal government for not focusing on the reconstruction of damages caused by continuous rainfall on Ashoj 11 and 12 last year (Nepali Calendar). Speaking during the emergency session of the House of Representatives, MPs Dong and Dahal, who represent Kavre and Sindhuli, demanded relief for the flood-affected people. MP Dahal stated that although there is NPR 7 billion in the Disaster Management Fund, the government has not spent it on flood victims along the Koshi and Rosi riverbanks. MP Dong urged the government to heal the wounds of the suffering people.

175 Foreign Delegates to Participate in Sagarmatha Dialogue: A total of 175 foreign delegates are set to participate in the Sagarmatha Dialogue. During a press conference held at Singha Durbar on Tuesday, Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba informed that 175 international guests would be attending the dialogue. She stated that there would be around 350 participants in total, including parliamentary vice-chairpersons and ministers. She also mentioned that high-level foreign representatives attending the dialogue would have courtesy meetings with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and sideline meetings with counterpart ministers. According to Minister Rana, preparations for the dialogue are in the final stages, with the government organizing around 10 pre-dialogue programs as part of the preparations.

Prison in Nepal Will be Transformed, Says Home Minister Lekhak: Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has stated that prisons in Nepal will be transformed not only into open rehabilitation centers but also into industrial hubs. Speaking at the inauguration of the newly constructed building and infrastructure of the Morang District Prison on Tuesday, Minister Lekhak emphasized that the government plans to modernize prisons to utilize inmates’ time productively and support income generation by turning them into industrial zones. He clarified that although legal provisions require prisoners to be held in confinement, the government remains sensitive to the human rights of inmates. Highlighting that human rights are guaranteed for all individuals in a democracy, he acknowledged the existing complaints about insufficient prison buildings and lack of necessary infrastructure compared to the number of prisoners.

Diversion Repaired After Flood Damage at Roshi River on BP Highway: The diversion at Roshi River in Mapti on the BP Highway, which was washed away by the flood on Monday, has been repaired. The BP Highway resumed operation after 13 hours of obstruction. Durga Prasad, the site engineer of the Bhaktapur Road Division, informed that the highway was back in operation following the repairs. The flood had further damaged the highway near Mangaltaar at Roshi Rural Municipality–12 on Monday night. With the efforts of police teams and locals, one side of the road was opened from early Tuesday morning. An emergency diversion was constructed at the site last year after floods in Ashoj washed away the highway. Police had rescued 17 stranded passengers from the highway.

Nepali Congress Claims Economist Dr. Bishwo Poudel Resigns from party: Economist Dr. Bishwo Poudel has resigned from the general membership of the Nepali Congress, according to party leaders. Rajeshwar Khanal, President of Congress Chitwan, claimed that Poudel did not renew his active membership after 2079 B.S. Poudel had contested in the 2079 House of Representatives elections from Chitwan Constituency No. 1. At that time, he was a member of the party’s central committee. Poudel is a voter from Ratnanagar, Chitwan. However, after losing that election, Poudel showed no interest in renewing his active membership, said President Khanal.

Nepal Government Suspends NOC for Studying Language and Undergraduate Courses in South Korea: The government of Nepal has suspended the issuance of the No Objection Certificate (NOC) for students going to South Korea for language and undergraduate studies. The Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology announced the decision through a public notice on Tuesday. According to the ministry, a task force will be formed to regulate D-2 (undergraduate) and D-4 (language studies) visas, and further decisions will be made based on the recommendations provided by the task force. The notice clearly stated that the NOC for students aiming to study under D-2 and D-4 visa categories in South Korea would remain suspended until further notice.

NC Lawmaker Rai Charged in Swarnalaxmi Cooperative Fraud: Nepali Congress lawmaker Maya Rai has been charged in connection with the Swarnalakshmi Cooperative fraud case in Kalimati. Based on the investigation report prepared by the Kathmandu District Police Range, the District Government Attorney’s Office in Babarmahal filed the case at the Kathmandu District Court. Rai, along with other individuals, has been named as defendants in the case, which was registered under a supplementary prosecution on charges of cooperative fraud. Previously, leaders of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, including its president and former Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane, were also charged in connection with the same cooperative fraud. Lamichhane was later released on bail.

Health Minister Pradeep Poudel Warns of Inability to Bear Healthcare Burden if Health Insurance is Not Expanded: Minister of Health and Population Pradeep Poudel stated that if the health insurance program is not expanded, the state will not be able to bear the responsibility for healthcare. Speaking at a program organized by the Nursing and Social Security Division, Minister Poudel said the growing number of patients with communicable and non-communicable diseases each year has made it challenging for the state to bear healthcare responsibilities. “The risk of new diseases is increasing, and the number of patients is rising every year. Now, the state cannot take the responsibility for treatment,” said Minister Poudel. “If the health insurance program is not expanded, it will be impossible to manage patients’ treatment.”

Habeas Corpus Writ Filed on Behalf of Rabindra Mishra: Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Vice Chairman Rabindra Mishra, who was arrested for alleged anarchic activities during a pro-monarchy protest at Tinkune, Kathmandu on Chaitra 15 (March 28), has filed a habeas corpus writ. On Tuesday, Sarika Karki filed the habeas corpus writ at the Supreme Court on behalf of Mishra, making the Government of Nepal’s Ministry of Home Affairs the respondent. The court has set a hearing date for Baisakh 31, Wednesday.

Landslide Blocks Path of Tourists Returning from Kanchenjunga: A landslide at Ekmana Bhanjyang of Khewang, Sirijanga Rural Municipality-7, has stranded tourists returning from Kanchenjunga. The landslide on Tuesday morning obstructed the road. Due to the lack of food and lodging facilities in the area, local police directed the tourists and their guides to Pingdanda. Local Umesh Gautam informed that excavators and machines are being sought to clear the road. According to him, the ward office and a police team led by Police Sergeant Dhanraj Tumbapo are working to open the road. A group of around 30–35 people, including 15 foreign tourists, is stranded. The landslide has completely blocked the route between Yamphudin and Khewang.

Stock Market Declines by Double Digits on Tuesday: The stock market witnessed a double-digit decline on Tuesday, with the market index (NEPSE) dropping by 14.12 points, settling at 2,634.86. The total transaction volume for the day amounted to NPR 9.63 billion. A total of 77 companies saw an increase in their share prices, while 168 companies experienced a decline. One company maintained its share price without any change. In today’s trading, shares of Crete Micro Life and Om Megashree Pharmaceuticals hit the positive circuit limit, marking significant growth. Conversely, shares of Gurans Laghubitta Financial Institution saw the largest drop among listed companies. Sector-wise analysis revealed that life insurance, development banks, and manufacturing and processing companies showed growth in their indices.

Ministry of Finance Holds Discussions with Development Partners on Upcoming Budget: The Ministry of Finance has held discussions with development partners regarding the upcoming fiscal year’s budget. On Tuesday, the Ministry invited bilateral and multilateral agencies that provide economic assistance to Nepal for discussions. During the discussion, Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel noted that Nepal’s economic indicators are gradually improving. “We have been initiating economic reforms for some time and are seeing positive results. Moving forward, we will prioritize economic reforms,” said Finance Minister Poudel. “The amendments made through ordinances, recommendations from the High-Level Economic Reform Commission, and various policies and decisions are critical aspects of policy reform,” he added.

NEA Extends Administrative Review Deadline for Dedicated Feeder and Trunk Line Customers: The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has announced that the deadline for administrative review for customers (industries) using dedicated feeders and trunk lines has been extended until the end of May. NEA published a public notice stating that customers with outstanding electricity bills can apply for administrative review until the specified date. Customers are required to deposit 5% of the bill amount either in cash or as a bank guarantee valid for one year under the NEA Electricity Distribution Regulation 2078, Clause 55 (2).

Loan Interest Rates Drop to Historic Low: The interest rates on loans have fallen to a historic low since Nepal Rastra Bank began calculating the weighted average interest rates. Nepal Rastra Bank started calculating the weighted average interest rates in Ashoj 2069 B.S. At that time, the weighted average interest rate on loans was 12.94%, while the weighted average interest rate on deposits was 4.14%. Similarly, it began keeping weighted average base rate statistics from Poush 2069 B.S. In Poush 2079 B.S., the weighted average base rate of commercial banks stood at 9.38%, while the weighted average interest rate on loans was 12.56% and on deposits was 5.13%.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli Lays Foundation for ‘Cinepa’ Film Studio: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli laid the foundation stone for the ‘Cinepa’ Film Shooting Studio in Banepa Municipality-10 of Kavrepalanchok on Tuesday. The studio, which is set to be constructed on 42 ropani of land, will be an advanced film shooting site equipped with modern facilities. At the event organized by the Film Development Board at the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar, Prime Minister Oli inaugurated the project.

Although six decades have passed since the inception of the film industry in Nepal, producers and artists have long complained about the lack of modern studio facilities.

Film ‘Jari 2’ Begins Shooting in Panchthar: The shooting for the film Jari 2 has officially started. Filming began on Monday in the Panchthar district. Prior to the shoot, the film’s shubhamarhut (auspicious start) ceremony was also held, with actor Dayahang Rai, actress Miruna Magar, and others in attendance. On the occasion of the Nepali New Year 2082, the film was announced on the first day of the year. Apart from Dayahang and Miruna, the film will feature actors Bijay Baral, Richa Sharma, Buddhi Tamang, Pushkar Gurung, Prem Subba, Mao Tse Gurung, Manhang Lawati, Bishnu Moktan, Kamalmani Nepal, Anil Subba, Rekha Limbu, Bedana Rai, and Srijana Ninglekh as part of the cast.

Film ‘PR’ Completes Shooting in Nepal and Australia: The shooting for the film PR, directed by Sovit Basnet, has been completed. After 28 days of shooting, the film is now wrapped up. Director Basnet confirmed that 10 days of the shoot were conducted in Nepal, while 28 days were spent in Australia. The film, presented by Ranjit Shah, was shot 60% in Australia and 40% in Nepal. In Nepal, filming took place in the areas of Dhampus in Kaski, Pokhara, and Chitwan. The film, produced under the banner of Salon Salina Films, features a cast that includes Nir Shah, Gauri Mall, Rabindra Khadka, Uttam KC, Suraj Paudel, Rajan Kunwar, Binita Karki, Pooja Chaudhary, Bimala Khatri, Asma Adhikari, Kushal Thapa, Ganesh Budhathoki, Krishna Thapa, Max, and Nabin Ghayal.

Film ‘Jana Harayako Bahun: Sambandhaka Dhaagaaharu’ Completes Shooting: The shooting of the film Jana Harayako Bahun: Sambandahka Dhaagaaharu has concluded. The production team held the film’s endclap (final clap) event on Monday evening at a party palace in Lalitpur. During the event, it was announced that the film had completed its 35-day shoot. The director of the film is Himal Neupane, and this is his directorial debut. The shooting took place in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, and Kavre. Director Himal Neupane expressed satisfaction, stating that the filming went as expected. “We are now putting in effort in post-production, and we will deliver a great film to the audience,” he added.

Nepal Defeated by Hong Kong by 7 Wickets in ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier: In the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier match held on Tuesday, Nepal faced a 7-wicket defeat against Hong Kong. This was Nepal’s first loss in Group C, while it marked Hong Kong’s first victory in the tournament. In the rain-shortened match, which was reduced to 5 overs, Nepal set a target of 30 runs. Hong Kong successfully chased it down in just 4.3 overs, losing 3 wickets. Opener Shanzin Shahzad led Hong Kong’s batting with an unbeaten 15 runs off 12 balls, which included one six. Mariko Hill contributed 11 runs off 11 balls. For Nepal, Kavita Kunwar was the standout bowler, taking 2 wickets for just 5 runs in 1.3 overs. Meanwhile, Puja Mahato proved to be expensive, conceding 19 runs in her 2 overs.

Siraha and Bara Secure Easy Wins in Third Janakpur Mayor Cup: On Monday, Siraha and Bara both secured comfortable victories in the third Janakpur Mayor Cup. At the Ramjanaki International Multipurpose Stadium, Siraha defeated Rautahat by 36 runs, while Bara triumphed over Parsa by a wide margin of 112 runs. In the first match, Siraha won the toss and chose to bat. They posted a total of 109 runs in 20 overs, losing 9 wickets. In response, Rautahat was all out for 73 runs in 17.5 overs. In the second match, Bara won the toss and opted to bat first. They scored 174 runs in 20 overs, losing 8 wickets. In reply, Parsa was bowled out for just 62 runs in 17.3 overs.

Saraswati Youth Club’s Forward Dhirendra Bahadur Shah Allowed to Play: Saraswati Youth Club in the ‘B’ Division League has finally received justice. The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) has decided to lift the indefinite ban on forward Dhirendra Bahadur Shah, allowing him to play. ANFA sent a letter to Saraswati on Tuesday, informing them that Shah is eligible to play. With this decision, Shah is now allowed to participate in the remaining three matches of the league. Saraswati Youth Club is set to play against Birgunj United on Tuesday. Birgunj United currently holds third place with 16 points from 10 matches. “After eight matches, ANFA has finally acknowledged its mistake. On Monday evening, ANFA informed us that Dhirendra is eligible to play. Now, Indraman Tuladhar has sent a letter,” said Saraswati Youth Club President Uttamraj Bhandari.

Indian PM Modi visits Adampur Air Base:  Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday debunked Pakistan’s claim of destroying India’s S-400 air defence system by posing in front of it during his visit to Adampur airbase in Punjab. This comes after Pakistan’s air force (PAF) claimed that its hypersonic missiles destroyed the S-400 system in Adampur. The PAF also shared fake videos and operationalised its disinformation campaign.Earlier in the day, PM Modi visited Adampur airbase, where he interacted with the air force warriors, days after India launched Operation Sindoor.

330 Afghan Prisoners Released from Pakistani Jails in Week: A total of 330 Afghan inmates imprisoned in Pakistan have been released and returned to their homeland, official data from the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation showed Tuesday. The detainees returned to Afghanistan over the past week through the Spin Boldak border crossing point in southern Kandahar province, the ministry said. Pakistan has set free thousands of jailed Afghans and sent them back to Afghanistan over the past year. Nearly 7 million Afghan refugees, most of whom are undocumented migrants, are currently living abroad, with most living in Afghanistan’s neighboring Iran and Pakistan.

Trump Heads to the Gulf Eyeing Deals Amid Diplomatic Offensive: Donald Trump will arrive in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday on the first leg of a Gulf tour that will also take him to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, eyeing business deals even as accords on the Middle East’s hotspots will likely be harder to reach. The trip marks the US president’s first major visit abroad of his second term, with the White House saying he looked forward to a “historic return” to the region. Eight years ago Trump also chose Saudi Arabia for his first overseas trip as president — when he memorably posed with a glowing orb and participated in a sword dance. His decision to once again bypass traditional Western allies to travel to the oil-rich Gulf states underscores their increasingly crucial geopolitical role — along with his own business relations in the region.