KATHMANDU: Welcome to Nepal News’ Evening Briefing—your go-to update on the day’s most important developments in Nepal and beyond. From politics and the economy to sports, entertainment, and global affairs, we bring you a concise roundup of key events. Here is today’s evening update:

UML to Hold Nationwide Rallies in Support of Federal Democratic Republic: In response to pro-monarchy protests, the ruling CPN-UML has announced nationwide demonstrations in support of Nepal’s federal democratic republic. On March 24, all local wards will hold awareness programs. From March 31 to April 6, mass rallies will be organized in major cities. UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel has instructed party leaders to effectively implement the campaign. The party emphasized Nepal’s democratic achievements and vowed to counter regressive forces attempting to undermine the constitution.

PM Oli Accuses Former King Gyanendra of Seizing Power After Palace Massacre: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has alleged that former King Gyanendra Shah seized power after orchestrating the 2001 Palace Massacre. Speaking at an event in Kathmandu, he criticized Gyanendra for imposing a state of emergency and deploying the army to control the media. Oli also dismissed recent pro-monarchy protests, stating that Nepal’s democratic system cannot be overturned. He emphasized the need to strengthen democracy practically and assured efforts to ensure good governance.

PM Oli Urges Turkish President to Help Secure Bipin Joshi’s Release: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli spoke with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, requesting further efforts for the safe release of Nepali student Bipin Joshi, who was taken hostage by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Erdoğan assured him of serious action and updates for Joshi’s family. Earlier, Oli had also raised the issue with Egyptian President el-Sisi. The leaders also discussed economic and scientific cooperation, with Erdoğan inviting Oli to a diplomatic conference in Turkey this April.

‘No Cable Car’ Group Forms High-Level Negotiation Team: The ‘No Cable Car’ campaign in the Pathibhara region has formed a high-level negotiation team following Monday’s talks with the government. Khagendra Khembo, Chairperson of the joint struggle committee, will lead the team. Other members include Prasad Lingkhim, Saraswati Saru Singhak, and political representatives Dhanraj Limbu and Santosh Mehta. Both sides have agreed to advance discussions through this team.

PM Oli Vows to Conclude Peace Process, Resolve Border Disputes: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli reaffirmed the government’s commitment to completing the peace process, resolving border disputes with India diplomatically, and strengthening trade ties with China. Addressing Parliament, he emphasized justice for conflict victims and the enforcement of the amended Enforced Disappearances and Reconciliation Commission Act. Oli also pledged diplomatic efforts to reclaim Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura. He announced the reopening of 13 out of 14 China border trade routes, with negotiations ongoing for Urai Bhanjyang.

Prachanda Declares Maoists Will No Longer Rely on Alliances: Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has stated that his party will no longer depend on alliances with Nepali Congress or UML, as such coalitions have only harmed them. Speaking in Bara during the Tarai-Madhes Awakening Campaign, he said recent student union elections proved the Maoists can stand independently. He also recalled the 2007 Gaur massacre and pledged to push for Simraungadh’s inclusion in the UNESCO heritage list and upgrading the local customs office.

Janamat and Nagarik Unmukti Parties to Merge, Becoming Sixth Largest in Parliament: Janamat Party and Nagarik Unmukti Party are in the final stages of merging, expanding their influence from Madhes to Sudurpaschim. The united party will have Resham Chaudhary as its patron, CK Raut as chairman, and Ranjita Shrestha as vice-chair. The parties have agreed on the name “Janamat Party” and the election symbol “Dhakia.” With 10 MPs combined, the new entity aims to be a major political force, particularly in Madhes Province.

Army Chief Sigdel Reaffirms Nepal Army’s National Commitment: Chief of Army Sigdel reaffirmed that the Nepal Army remains committed to safeguarding national sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence, and unity under all circumstances. Speaking at a veterans’ conference in Kailali, he highlighted the army’s contribution to national security and overall development, instilling pride among Nepalis. Sigdel emphasized that this trust must never be broken. He also noted the army’s peacekeeping efforts abroad and outlined welfare initiatives for ex-servicemen, urging veterans to maximize the benefits provided by the Army Welfare Board.

Hearing Delayed on Rabi Lamichhane’s Appeal, Returns to Kathmandu: The hearing on Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Rabi Lamichhane’s appeal against the Rupandehi District Court’s order was postponed today at the Butwal bench of the High Court, Tulsipur. Justice Jagat Bahadur Thapa recused himself, citing a prior ruling on a similar cooperative case. Due to this, the hearing was rescheduled for next week. Following the postponement, Lamichhane, his legal team, and secretariat members returned to Kathmandu.

Nepal Marks 15th Memorial Day of Former PM GP Koirala: The 15th memorial day of former Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala is being observed today with various programs honoring his role in Nepal’s peace process and democracy. Koirala led movements against King Gyanendra’s rule, restored democracy, and played a key role in integrating Maoist forces. Under his leadership, Nepal abolished the monarchy and became a federal republic. The GP Koirala Foundation held a commemorative event in his memory.

Prachanda Pays Tribute to Girija Prasad Koirala on His 15th Memorial Day: CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ paid tribute to late Girija Prasad Koirala on his 15th memorial day. Sharing a photo of the peace agreement signing, he recalled Koirala’s trust and advice. Prachanda vowed to uphold those ideals, pledging to fight for peace and democracy. He honored Koirala as a key figure in Nepal’s transition to a federal democratic republic.

Health Ministry Seeks Public Suggestions for Upcoming Budget: The Ministry of Health and Population has invited public suggestions for the fiscal year 2082/83 (2025/26) budget. Following Health Minister Pradeep Paudel’s directive, the ministry has set up a system to gather input from stakeholders through accessible platforms. A notice on its official website allows individuals to submit recommendations via a Google Form. Spokesperson Dr. Prakash Budhathoki assured that all suggestions will be considered in the budget drafting process.

NEPSE Drops by 12.38 Points, Turnover Reaches Rs. 4.56 Arba: The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) fell by 12.38 points (0.46%) today, closing at 2,669.76. This follows a previous session decline of 14.88 points. The index fluctuated between 2,685.87 and 2,666.69 throughout the session.

A total of 9.59 million shares from 312 companies were traded through 55,476 transactions, generating a turnover of Rs. 4.56 Arba. Nepal Reinsurance Company Limited (NRIC) led with Rs. 28.21 Crores in transactions, closing at Rs. 1,277.90. Dolti Power Company Limited (DOLTI) was the top gainer, rising 7.53%, while two companies saw a 10% drop.

Among sectoral indices, the Life Insurance Index posted the highest gain at 0.03%, while the Finance Index suffered the largest drop at 1.35%.

Nepal’s Imports and Exports Surge in First Eight Months of FY: In the first eight months of the current fiscal year, Nepal imported goods worth Rs 11.45 trillion, an 11.8% increase from Rs 10.30 trillion in the same period last year. After two years of negative growth, imports have been rising for the past three months, driven by crude soybean oil imports and exports. Exports also saw a significant 57.2% rise, reaching Rs 1.58 trillion, compared to Rs 1 trillion last year. Nepal’s total foreign trade during this period stood at Rs 13.03 trillion, with a trade deficit of Rs 9.87 trillion.

Nikhil Upreti Returns to Films After 6 Years with Acharya: Action star Nikhil Upreti is returning to films after six years with Acharya, which he will also direct. His last film was Villain (2019). He has registered the film’s title and cast himself alongside his wife, Sanchita Luitel, marking their on-screen reunion after a decade. The film, set to start shooting in May, will feature action with a strong storyline and incorporate Nepali culture, including the Newari language.

Salon Basnet’s Film Rangii to Premiere in Australia After Underwhelming Domestic Run: Salon Basnet’s debut production Rangii did not perform as expected at the domestic box office despite positive audience feedback. The film will now be screened abroad, starting in Australia on April 6. Rangii explores the emotional bond between a father and daughter, featuring Salon Basnet, Namrata Shrestha, and Dilip Rayamajhi. Directed by Suresh Nyaupane, the film highlights a father’s struggles to fulfill his daughter’s dreams.

Anil Rijal Releases New Song ‘Timrai Samjhana Cha’: Singer Anil Rijal has released his new song Timrai Samjhana Cha, which he wrote and composed himself. The song features vocals by Anil, Sandarbh Band, and Anita Jimba, with mixing and mastering by Raj Maharjan. The music video stars Sophia Gahatraj and is directed by Marsal Photographs. Anil hopes the song resonates with listeners, evoking deep emotions of love and longing.

Kriti Sharma Makes Acting Debut with Music Video ‘Riting Ryai Ryai’: Kriti Sharma, daughter of renowned filmmaker Ashok Sharma, has debuted as an actress in the music video Riting Ryai Ryai, starring alongside model Sunil Chhetri. Known for her behind-the-scenes work as an assistant director in films like Paniphoto and Rato Tika Nidharma, Kriti was encouraged by Chhetri’s offer. The song, composed by Rajendra Thapa and sung by Basanta Thapa and Elina Chauhan, features choreography by Abhi Bagale.

Karnali Registers Third Win in PM Cup with Thrilling Victory Over Lumbini: Karnali Province secured its third win in the PM Cup National One-Day Cricket Tournament, defeating Lumbini Province by five runs in a thrilling match at Siddharthanagar Cricket Ground. Defending a 206-run target, Karnali bowled out Lumbini for 200 in 49.4 overs. Deependra Rawat’s 66 and Arjun Gharti’s 56 were crucial for Karnali, while Prajwal Thapa’s 84 for Lumbini went in vain. Karnali now stands fifth with six points from six matches.

Nepal to Host Two CAVA Women’s Volleyball Tournaments in 2025: Nepal will host two Central Asia Volleyball Association (CAVA) tournaments in 2025: the CAVA Women’s Nations League from October 11-17 and the CAVA Women’s Champions League from December 1-7, both in Kathmandu. Last year, Nepal hosted the CAVA Women’s Nations League and the Men’s Club Championship, where Nepal’s women’s team finished as runners-up after losing to India in the final.

Nepal Police Club Maintains Unbeaten Streak with Seventh Consecutive Win in PM Cup: Nepal Police Club continued its dominant run in the PM Cup National One-Day Cricket Tournament, securing a seventh consecutive win with a 93-run victory over Bagmati at Mulpani’s ExtraTech Oval. Chasing 298, Bagmati was bowled out for 204 in 45.2 overs. Police’s Kushal Bhurtel top-scored with 88, while captain Dipendra Singh Airee added 60. Lalit Rajbanshi starred with the ball, taking four wickets.

Saraswati Yuba Club Secures Third Spot in ‘B’ Division League: Saraswati Yuba Club climbed to third place in the Shahid Smarak ‘B’ Division League with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Naya Basti Yuba Club. Dhirendra Bahadur Shah scored the decisive goal just before halftime, converting Sabin Lungeli Magar’s cross. This marks Saraswati’s second consecutive win after defeating Bansbari 2-1 earlier. Meanwhile, Naya Basti, failing to score in two matches, dropped to 10th place.

Jhapa FC Signs Nigerian Forward Alhaji Gero for NSL Season 3: Nepal Super League (NSL) franchise Jhapa FC has signed Nigerian striker Alhaji Gero for the third season. The 31-year-old forward has played in leagues across Sweden, Denmark, Iran, and Indonesia, bringing international experience to the team.

Hamas Fires Rockets at Tel Aviv as Israeli Strikes Kill 85 in Gaza: Hamas’s armed wing launched rockets at Tel Aviv on Thursday, citing retaliation for civilian casualties in Gaza. The Israeli military expanded its ground offensive in the enclave and restricted traffic on its main north-south route. Gaza health officials reported at least 85 people killed overnight by Israeli strikes. Meanwhile, the UN confirmed that five UNRWA staff members were killed in Gaza in recent days.

Zelensky Denies Discussing US Ownership of Ukraine’s Nuclear Plants with Trump: Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky denied discussing US ownership of nuclear power plants with Donald Trump, clarifying that their conversation focused only on potential US investment in the Zaporozhye plant. Trump reportedly suggested American ownership for security reasons, but Zelensky insisted no such offer was made. The plant, currently under Russian control, could become profitable if returned to Ukraine. The discrepancy in accounts of their conversation remains unresolved.

EU Rejects Putin’s Demand to Halt Military Aid to Ukraine: The European Union has rejected Vladimir Putin’s demand to completely stop military aid to Ukraine as a condition for ceasefire negotiations. During a call with Donald Trump, Putin reiterated his stance but only agreed to halt attacks on energy infrastructure, falling short of a full ceasefire backed by the US and Ukraine. On Thursday, all but one EU leader firmly dismissed Putin’s request, emphasizing continued support for Kyiv.