KATHMANDU: Stay updated with Nepal News’ daily evening briefing, bringing you the most important developments from Nepal and around the world. From politics and the economy to sports, entertainment, and culture, we provide a concise summary of the day’s top stories. Here are today’s key highlights:

Deepak Thapa Appointed 31st Inspector General of Nepal Police: The government has appointed Additional Inspector General (AIG) Deepak Thapa as the 31st Inspector General of Nepal Police (IGP). A Cabinet meeting on Monday selected Thapa, formerly the head of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), for the prestigious role.

His appointment follows the retirement of Basant Kunwar, the 30th IGP, who completed a 30-year career in the force. Several senior officers, including AIGs Tek Prasad Rai, Buddhiraj Gurung, Durga Singh, Kuber Kadayat, and Janak Bhattarai, are also retiring.

Thapa, who joined Nepal Police in 1995, steadily rose through the ranks. He was chosen over AIGs Sudip Giri and Tek Bahadur Tamang based on seniority, efficiency, and experience. His tenure as IGP will run until September 3, 2025.

Royalists Form Joint People’s Movement Committee for Monarchy Restoration: Royalist leaders have formed a Joint People’s Movement Committee to restore Nepal’s monarchy, appointing 86-year-old Navaraj Subedi as chairman. The committee includes key figures like Rabindra Mishra, Pashupati Shamsher Jabara, Prakash Chandra Lohani, Kamal Thapa, Rajendra Lingden, and Durga Prasai. Their agenda focuses on reinstating the monarchy, restoring the Hindu state, abolishing federalism, and ensuring good governance.

CPN-UML Reaffirms Commitment to Democracy and Constitution: The CPN-UML secretariat meeting on Monday reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nepal’s democracy while reviewing a decade of constitutional implementation. Assistant Secretary General Pradip Gyawali stated that the party remains firm on the Constitution, federal democratic republic, inclusivity, and social justice. The UML condemned anti-republican activities and warned against political regression. The meeting, addressed by Chairman and PM KP Sharma Oli, highlighted achievements in governance and development while emphasizing stability, reforms, and effective public service delivery.

Parliament Passes Governance Reform Bill Amid Opposition: The House of Representatives passed a bill to amend various Nepal Acts related to good governance and public service delivery. After a four-hour debate and vote division, the bill was approved by a majority, with 96 MPs in favor and 49 opposing. Opposition MP Ganesh Parajuli criticized the government for ignoring proposed amendments and insisted on a vote.

Govt Eases ID Rules for Vulnerable Citizens: The government has allowed children, the disabled, the helpless, and citizens over 90 years old to access essential services without a national identity card. Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak announced this exemption in Parliament, ensuring no obstacles in service access. While the national ID is mandatory for public services nationwide, this provision accommodates vulnerable groups. Social security allowances will require the national ID in all 77 districts from July 2025.

Lawmakers Raise Concerns Over Migrant Safety, Public Security, and Development Issues: Lawmakers in the House of Representatives urged the government to ensure the safety of Nepali migrant workers and expedite diplomatic efforts to repatriate the bodies of those who died abroad. Concerns over rising crime rates, economic decline due to youth migration, and public security failures were raised. Issues such as human-wildlife conflict, consumer rights, infrastructure development, digital transaction fees, and the need for technical education promotion were also highlighted.

Govt to Clarify VIP Facilities Law, Strengthen Border Security: Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak stated that a law is needed to define State facilities for former VIPs, ensuring it does not burden taxpayers. He also addressed border security, crime control, and disaster management, announcing plans for seven new border outposts. Regarding the Pathibhara cable car dispute, he urged peaceful resolution. The government remains committed to security, crime prevention, and citizens’ welfare.

Deuba Highlights Achievements Since Nepal’s Transition to Democracy: Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba emphasized that significant progress has been made in Nepal since the country transitioned to full-fledged democracy. While receiving the ‘RSS Photo Book: 16 Years of the Republic’ on Monday, he stressed the need to counter negative narratives by informing the public about development efforts. Deuba also praised the Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS) for its effective work in recent years.

Dr. Achyut Wagle Appointed as KU Vice-Chancellor: Professor Dr. Achyut Wagle has been appointed as the Vice-Chancellor of Kathmandu University (KU). The decision was made during a Cabinet meeting on Monday. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who serves as the university’s chancellor, approved the appointment.

Sitaula Calls for Constitution Amendment, Justice, and People-Centric Governance: Nepali Congress lawmaker Krishna Prasad Sitaula emphasized the need to amend the constitution if necessary and review its implementation. He stressed that justice for conflict victims must be expedited. CPN (Maoist Centre) lawmaker Urmila Aryal urged the government to prioritize public welfare over power politics. Other lawmakers highlighted issues such as free education, employment generation, social security for migrant workers, and the need for a probe into the Saurya Airlines crash.

NC Chief Whip Faces Backlash Over Call to Legalize Prostitution: Nepali Congress Chief Whip Shyam Kumar Ghimire faced strong opposition in Parliament after advocating for the legalization of prostitution to boost tourism. His remarks, made during a House of Representatives session, were widely condemned by lawmakers from both houses, with calls for a public apology. Critics argued his statement undermined Nepal’s social values. Prostitution remains illegal under Nepal’s Human Trafficking Act, but enforcement is weak, leading to ongoing debates over regulation and rights.

586 Foreigners Granted Labor Permits in Nepal in Eight Months: A total of 586 foreigners received labor permits to work in Nepal from mid-July to mid-March of the current fiscal year, according to the Department of Labour and Occupational Safety. In Falgun alone, 55 new permits were issued. The majority of foreign workers are Chinese, followed by individuals from the UK and the US. Additionally, 1,081 labor permits were renewed during this period, including 113 in Falgun.

NC Vice President Dhanraj Gurung Calls for Federal Restructuring: Nepali Congress Vice President Dhanraj Gurung has called for restructuring Nepal’s federal system, citing an excessive number of lawmakers. Speaking at an interaction program on Monday, he suggested reducing federal parliament members from 275 to 165. Gurung emphasized prioritizing capital formation for effective federalism, warning against a distribution-focused approach.

MP Prakash Jwala Opposes PSC Exam Attempt Limit: CPN (Unified Socialist) MP Prakash Jwala has criticized the proposed legal provision limiting candidates to six attempts in Public Service Commission (PSC) exams. Speaking in the House of Representatives on Monday, he argued that restricting citizens from even taking the exam contradicts the Constitution’s spirit. He warned that such limitations would push more Nepalis toward foreign employment, urging a review of the policy.

NEPSE Falls by 10.14 Points Amid Market Volatility: The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) declined by 10.14 points (0.37%) to close at 2,704.70, extending its previous session’s drop of 21.63 points. The index fluctuated between 2,739.55 and 2,693.55, with a total turnover of Rs. 5.40 Arba across 57,585 transactions. Himalayan Reinsurance Limited (HRL) led in turnover, while Rapti Hydro (RHGCL) gained 9.86%. Mahalaxmi Bikas Bank (MLBL) saw the biggest loss, falling 5.63%. The Manufacturing Index rose 0.44%, while the Trading Index dropped 3.38%, marking the steepest sectoral decline.

NRB Mandates Banks to Spend 60% of CSR Fund Annually: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has introduced new guidelines requiring banks and financial institutions to spend at least 60% of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) fund within a year. Banks must allocate 1% of their net profit to the CSR fund, but many were not utilizing it. The directive also mandates that 10% of the CSR budget be spent in each province and restricts spending to 5% per program to prevent misuse.

Schools Take Students to Watch ‘Anjila’ for Inspiration: Students from various schools have been watching Anjila, a biographical film based on Nepal women’s national football team captain and goalkeeper Anjila Tumbapo Subba. Schools have arranged screenings, believing the film delivers an inspirational message. On Monday, 360 students from Daffodil Boarding and Public Schools watched the movie at QFX in Darbarmarg. The film, directed by Milan Chams, portrays Anjila’s struggles and success. Producer Prem Kumar Shrestha stated that all profits will go toward building Anjila’s home.

Nepali Box Office Revives with ‘Anjila’ and ‘Hostel 3’: After months of disappointing business, Nepali cinema is witnessing a resurgence. Laj Sharanam, released on Mahashivaratri, has grossed nearly NPR 40 million but is still struggling to recover its investment. Hostel 3, released on February 23, is performing well and may soon be a hit. Among the Holi releases, Anjila has emerged as the strongest, with viral word-of-mouth boosting its weekend earnings. Out-L: Dafa 219 is also performing decently, while festival-favorite Rajaganj is struggling commercially.

Nepal Announces 23-Member Squad for Singapore and Malaysia Matches: Head coach Matheus Ros has announced Nepal’s 23-member national football squad for the upcoming friendly against Singapore on March 21 and the AFC Asian Cup Qualifier against Malaysia on March 25. Forwards Subas Bam Thakuri, goalkeeper Anjal Shrestha, and defender Suman Shrestha earned their first call-ups. Meanwhile, forward Rejin Subba and midfielder Kritishratna Chhunju have made their return to the national team. The squad includes key players like Kiran Chemjong, Rohit Chand, and Anjan Bista.

Shree Kumari Suffers Second Consecutive Defeat in ‘B’ Division League: Shree Kumari Club faced its second straight loss in the Martyr’s Memorial ‘B’ Division League, falling 2-0 to Birgunj United on Monday at ANFA Headquarters. With this defeat, Shree Kumari has dropped to the bottom of the table. Meanwhile, this was Birgunj’s first win, moving them to fifth place. Bipin Tumsing Magar and Kripakanta Mahato Tharu scored for Birgunj. In the day’s first match, Planning Boys United secured a dominant 4-0 victory over Chyasal Youth Club.

Nepal Police Club Secures Fifth Consecutive Win in PM Cup: Nepal Police Club extended its winning streak in the PM Cup National One-Day Cricket Tournament with a comfortable 61-run victory over Sudurpashchim Province on Monday at Siddharthanagar Cricket Ground. Chasing Police’s 161-run target, Sudurpashchim collapsed for 99 runs in 28.3 overs. Lalit Narayan Rajbanshi starred with the ball, taking six wickets for just 16 runs. With this win, Police remain at the top with 10 points from five matches, while Sudurpashchim, with only two points, sits at the bottom of the table.

Naren Bhatt to Lead Nepal in ICC U-19 World Cup Asia Qualifier: Nepal Cricket Association (CAN) has appointed Naren Bhatt as the captain of Nepal’s U-19 team for the ICC U-19 World Cup Asia Qualifier, set to take place in Nepal from April 12 to 21. Nepal will compete against Afghanistan, Hong Kong, Oman, and UAE. Before the tournament, Nepal will play a Youth ODI series against Afghanistan. CAN has also announced an 18-member preliminary squad, from which the final 14-member team will be selected.

Lalitpur City FC Signs Defender Pape Abdoulaye Diakite: Lalitpur City FC has signed Senegalese defender Pape Abdoulaye Diakite for the third edition of the Nepal Super League. The 32-year-old, who has played in top leagues across Africa, Asia, and beyond, previously featured in Vietnam’s top division and India’s Super Kerala League with Calicut FC. Lalitpur’s marquee player for this season is Ananta Tamang. The club will face Kathmandu Razors FC in the league’s opening match on Chaitra 16.

Putin and Trump to Discuss Ukraine Ceasefire in Scheduled Call: Russian President Vladimir Putin and former US President Donald Trump are set for a phone conversation on Tuesday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed. The call will focus on a US-proposed ceasefire in Ukraine, territorial disputes, and endangered power plants. US special envoy Steve Witkoff, who met Putin last week, described discussions as “positive.” While Putin supports a ceasefire, he insists on resolving key issues first.

EU Chief Kallas Warns Against Trusting Russia Ahead of Trump-Putin Call: European Commission President Kaja Kallas has cautioned Western leaders about trusting Russia ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump’s scheduled phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. She criticized Moscow’s conditions for a Ukraine ceasefire, arguing they show a lack of genuine commitment to peace. Kallas warned that Russia’s demands, including blocking Ukraine from NATO, are unacceptable to the European Union and urged continued caution in negotiations.