KATHMANDU: Stay informed with Nepal News’ Evening Briefing, your essential daily roundup of key developments in Nepal and beyond. Covering politics, economy, society, sports, entertainment, culture, and global affairs, we bring you the biggest headlines of the day. Here’s what shaped Nepal on Wednesday, February 26, 2025—all in one place.

Nepal Falls Short Again in Four Nations Final: Nepal lost 2-0 to Myanmar in the Four Nations International Women’s Football Championship final, marking their 13th final defeat in 15 years. Goals from Yu Per Khaing and Win Theingi Tun secured Myanmar’s victory, while Nepal’s struggles in finishing cost them yet another title on home soil.

President and Vice President Offer Prayers at Pashupatinath on Mahashivaratri: President Ramchandra Paudel and Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav offered prayers at Pashupatinath Temple on Mahashivaratri. Culture Minister Badri Prasad Pandey and Pashupati Trust officials welcomed them. President Paudel, accompanied by his spouse Sabita Paudel, received prasad from the temple’s main priest, Ganesh Bhatta.

Shivaratri Celebrated Across Nepal with Devotion: Shivaratri was celebrated with great enthusiasm at Pashupatinath and Shiva temples across Nepal. Thousands of devotees, including Indian pilgrims and ascetics, thronged temples for rituals, fasting, and night-long prayers. While the festival was marked by deep spirituality, concerns were raised over misconceptions linking marijuana use to devotion.

Prachanda Energized by Maoist Campaign, Sees Victory Signal for 2027 Elections: The Maoist Centre’s Janata Sanga Maobadi: Terai-Madhesh Awakening Campaign kicked off from Nepal’s lowest point, Kachan Kawal. Party Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ is visibly excited, claiming the campaign’s response signals his party will emerge as the largest in the 2027 elections. He is actively reconnecting with the public.

Pokharel Blames Dahal for Government’s Fall: CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel accused Maoist Centre Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal of trying to dominate major parties, leading to his government’s collapse. Speaking in Kathmandu, he said the UML-Congress alliance aims to revive the economy, ensure good governance, and address public frustration, not just to gain power.

Nepal Reaffirms Human Rights Commitment at UN Meeting: Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba met UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk in Geneva, reaffirming Nepal’s commitment to human rights. She highlighted Nepal’s constitutional guarantees and progress despite limited resources. Dr. Rana also emphasized Nepal’s determination to conclude the transitional justice process through ongoing legal reforms.

Unified Socialist Forms Task Force for Protest Strategy: The CPN (Unified Socialist) has formed an eight-member task force to draft a detailed protest strategy. Led by General Secretary Ghanashyam Bhusal, the task force includes Metmani Chaudhary, Ramkumar Bhattarai, Sher Bahadur Kunwar, Savitra Bhusal, Jeewan Ram Shrestha, Bijay Poudel, and Ramkumari Jhakri.

Ruling Coalition Seeks Alternatives as Ordinances Stall in National Assembly: Nepal’s ruling coalition is exploring alternatives after six ordinances stalled in the National Assembly due to a lack of majority. The Janata Samajbadi Party refuses approval without land ordinance withdrawal. In response, Congress and UML plan to engage the Unified Socialist Party or amend the Political Parties Act.

President Paudel Attends Nepal Army Day and Mahashivaratri Celebrations: President Ramchandra Paudel attended a special ceremony marking Mahashivaratri and the 261st Nepal Army Day. He observed the feu-de-joie, skill displays, and received a guard of honor. The President laid a wreath at the NA memorial, launched “Sipahi-2081 BS,” and awarded top performers in a free-fall jump competition.

CPN-UML Calls Secretariat Meeting on March 1: The CPN-UML has scheduled a Secretariat meeting for March 1 at the party’s central office. According to Rajendra Gautam, head of the party’s publicity department, the meeting will focus on contemporary political issues and internal party matters.

Nepal-India Ties Must Strengthen for Regional Prosperity, Says Yadav: Rajkishor Yadav, chair of Nepal’s International Relations and Tourism Committee, called for stronger Nepal-India cooperation to enhance historical, cultural, and economic ties. Speaking at a conference in New Delhi, he emphasized promoting Buddhist, Ramayana, and Mahabharata tourism circuits and accelerating cross-border infrastructure projects.

Mustang Schools Reopen After Two-Month Winter Break: Community schools in Baragung, Gharpajhong, and Thasang rural municipalities have reopened after a two-month winter break. Schools close from mid-December to mid-February due to extreme cold and snowfall. In Upper Mustang, some schools relocate to warmer areas during winter. Mustang has 35 community schools and 12 seminaries.

Three Nepal Airlines Jets Grounded at Once: Nepal Airlines has grounded three aircraft—two narrow-body and one wide-body—causing major flight cancellations to Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kuala Lumpur, Doha, and Dammam. Around 2,000 passengers are stranded. One aircraft remains stuck in China over payment issues, while another requires repairs in Delhi. The crisis highlights NAC’s operational struggles.

Four Commercial Banks Barred from NRB’s Investment Facility: Kumari Bank, Nepal Investment Mega Bank, Laxmi Sunrise Bank, and Prabhu Bank have been barred from accessing Nepal Rastra Bank’s investment facility after their non-performing loan (NPL) ratios exceeded 5%. Kumari Bank recorded 6.96%, Nepal Investment Mega Bank 5.86%, Laxmi Sunrise Bank 5.67%, and Siddhartha Bank 5.06% NPL.

Nepal’s Major Life Insurers Record Double-Digit Growth in New Business: Nepal’s life insurance sector saw a 14.4% growth in new business, generating NPR 184.3 billion ($1.38 billion) in the first seven months of fiscal year 2081/82. Nepal Life led with a 24.8% increase, while Prabhu Mahalaxmi Life saw the highest growth rate of 53.69%.

Nepal, World Bank, and India Near Final Agreement on Upper Arun Hydropower Project: The Nepal government is nearing an agreement with the World Bank and India to proceed with the Upper Arun Hydropower Project, with a capacity of 1,063 MW. Changes to the project’s land demarcation have been made to address Indian concerns. The World Bank, along with India, is preparing to invest $2 billion, but the final deal hinges on a solution that satisfies both parties. The Energy Ministry has stepped in after the Nepal Electricity Authority’s previous actions caused friction with the World Bank.

‘Feri Resham Filili’ Hits Theaters Nationwide: Nepali film Feri Resham Filili premiered on Tuesday and was released nationwide on Wednesday, coinciding with Maha Shivaratri. Directed by Niraj Maharjan, the film has received positive feedback. Actor-director Ashok Sharma highlighted its entertainment value and social message, while actress Richa Sharma praised the cast’s performances.

Lalitpur Secures Second Consecutive Win in PM Cup Bagmati Qualifiers: Lalitpur registered its second consecutive victory in the PM Cup National Men’s Cricket Tournament Bagmati qualifiers, defeating Bhaktapur by 96 runs at the Mulpani Cricket Ground. Chasing a 284-run target, Bhaktapur managed only 187/9 in 50 overs. Lalitpur now has four points from two matches.

Sunil Chhetri to Attend Mechinagar Gold Cup in Nepal: Former Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri will attend the opening of the fifth Mechinagar Gold Cup in Nepal. The knockout tournament, running from March 8-15, features eight teams, including three ‘A’ Division clubs, two Indian teams, and one Nepal Super League (NSL) side.

Jhapa 11 Enters Final of Bhadrapur Jhapa Gold Cup: Jhapa 11 Football Club secured a spot in the final of the Bhadrapur Jhapa Gold Cup by defeating Bhutan’s Daga United FC 3-1. The match, held at Mechi Stadium, remained tied 1-1 until injury time, when Jhapa scored twice. Jhapa will face Bhadrapur Blazers in the final.

PM Oli Meets KP Oli Cup Players, Supports Commentator’s Ailing Mother: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli met players and organizers of the Third KP Oli Cup Football Championship. He handed Rs 200,000 for commentator Prakash Ruchal’s mother’s cancer treatment. The tournament, organized by the National Youth Association Nepal, runs from February 23 to March 4.

Maha Kumbh 2025 Concludes with Final Holy Dip on Mahashivratri: The Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj concluded today, February 26, with the final holy dip on Mahashivratri. Over 65 crore devotees participated in the spiritual gathering, witnessing grand processions and ascetics taking the ‘Shahi Snan’ at the sacred Sangam. The final attendance figures will be announced soon.

Pakistan Intensifies Crackdown on Afghan Refugees: Pakistan has ramped up its crackdown on Afghan refugees, targeting 800,000 undocumented individuals for repatriation. Reports of arrests and harassment have emerged, while Pakistan defends the move as enforcing immigration laws. The UN and rights groups urge Pakistan to halt deportations, citing humanitarian concerns.

China, U.S. Discuss Trade Cooperation Amid Tensions: China is ready to enhance communication with the U.S. to foster stable trade ties, Vice Commerce Minister Wang Shouwen said. In a meeting with Myron Brilliant, Wang emphasized mutual respect and cooperation. Both sides acknowledged broad economic opportunities and urged dialogue over confrontation to strengthen bilateral trade relations.

China Condemns Canadian, EU Sanctions on Its Companies:

China denounced unilateral sanctions imposed by Canada and the EU on its companies for allegedly aiding Russia, calling them baseless. Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian urged Canada to revoke its decision and criticized the EU for targeting Chinese firms. China vowed to take necessary countermeasures to protect its interests.

Mysterious Illness Kills 53 in DR Congo, WHO Investigates: At least 53 people have died from an unknown illness in DR Congo’s Equateur province, the WHO reported. Symptoms include fever, chills, vomiting, and diarrhea, with deaths occurring rapidly. Ebola and Marburg have been ruled out, while investigations focus on malaria, typhoid, meningitis, and possible food or water poisoning.

Trump Proposes $5 Million ‘Gold Card’ Path to U.S. Citizenship: President Donald Trump announced plans for a “gold card” offering U.S. citizenship to wealthy applicants for $5 million. He emphasized its economic benefits, predicting high tax contributions and job creation. When asked about Russian oligarch eligibility, Trump said, “Yeah, possibly,” adding he knows “some very nice” oligarchs.

High-Risk Migrants Transferred to Guantanamo Bay for Detention: Nine migrants deemed “high threat illegal aliens” arrived at Guantanamo Bay from Fort Bliss, Texas, on Tuesday as part of U.S. mass deportation efforts. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth oversaw the transfer. More flights are expected, with detainees held under guard at the naval base’s detention center.