Following the Gen Z movement, a committee established to draft a good governance roadmap has recommended implementing merit- and competition-based appointment systems within anti-corruption bodies and the judiciary, citing ongoing political interference in these institutions. The committee, chaired by the Secretary of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers’ Office, submitted a report this week to Nepal’s Chief Secretary. The report includes structural, policy, and technological suggestions aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of corruption control.
The committee’s summary, encompassing over 200 points, emphasizes transparent monitoring of asset declarations by judges and judicial officials and increasing accountability within court administration. The committee’s Secretary mentioned that the report was developed after extensive consultations with diverse stakeholders, and there is an expectation that the new government will implement its recommendations.
In Bhadra (August-September), the Gen Z youth-led movement demanding an end to corruption and improved governance resulted in the removal of the KP Oli-led government. The movement, which claimed the lives of 77 people, preceded the dissolution of the House of Representatives, and in last month’s parliamentary elections, the Rastriya Swatantra Party emerged as a political force securing nearly two-thirds of the seats. Prior to the election, the government led by Sushila Karki had formed this committee to study and prepare a good governance roadmap.
The committee’s report incorporates necessary reforms across all three tiers of government, various ministries, constitutional bodies, and the judiciary. It also addresses indispensable steps to enhance public trust in civil service, constitutional organizations, and security forces.
During the Gen Z protests, youth voiced slogans against corruption and expressed dissatisfaction with political interference in multiple institutions. The good governance roadmap outlines expectations from citizens for impartial investigations and strict actions against those involved in corruption, simplified and hassle-free public service delivery, and the use of digital technologies to reduce corruption. It also calls for granting independence and strengthening anti-corruption agencies such as the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority, the Office of the Auditor General, and the National Vigilance Centre, emphasizing the need to move forward decisively in this direction.
The National Sports Council has confirmed approval for the friendly football match between Nepal and Hong Kong scheduled at Dashrath Rangashala.
The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) had claimed the match was postponed due to lack of approval, but the council has refuted this, urging against misleading accusations.
The council emphasized that allegations against it hindering the development of Nepali sports are unfounded.
March 21, Kathmandu – The National Sports Council (NSC) has denied claims made by the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) that it had not granted permission for the upcoming friendly football match to be held at Dashrath Rangashala.
In an official notice signed by NSC spokesperson Khushraj Dahal, the council clarified it has already approved and authorized the match between Nepal and Hong Kong.
“As per the letter dated 2082/12/3 (Bikram Sambat calendar), the approval and permission have been granted. This is to inform all sports enthusiasts, players, and stakeholders,” the notice stated.
The National Sports Council also urged against making misleading allegations aimed at shirking responsibilities, emphasizing its continued commitment to the development and expansion of sports in Nepal.
Earlier, ANFA had issued a press release announcing the postponement of the international friendly football match between Nepal and Hong Kong at Dashrath Rangashala citing the absence of official approval from NSC.
Barcelona defeated Rayo Vallecano 1-0 in the Spanish La Liga.
Barcelona has secured 73 points from 29 matches, leading the table by 7 points.
Second-place Real Madrid will face Atletico Madrid today.
March 21, Kathmandu – With a solitary goal from Ronald Araujo in the first half, league leaders Barcelona defeated Rayo Vallecano in the Spanish La Liga.
In the match held on Sunday evening at their home ground, Barcelona won 1-0 over Vallecano, extending their lead at the top of the table. Araujo scored in the 24th minute of the first half.
With this victory, Barcelona have accumulated 73 points from 29 matches. They hold a 7-point lead over second-place Real Madrid, who have 66 points from one game less.
Real Madrid will face Atletico Madrid tonight. If that match ends in a draw or a loss for Real, Barcelona’s bid for the title will be further strengthened.
The Nepali Congress Central Working Committee meeting has been ongoing for 10 hours, with discussions focusing on party President Gagan Kumar Thapa’s resignation.
Participants are discussing government operations, current political developments, coalition status, and party strengthening efforts.
Vice President Bishwoprakash Sharma has tabled a proposal to reject President Thapa’s resignation.
March 21, Kathmandu – The Nepali Congress Central Working Committee meeting has continued for 10 hours, with central committee members expressing their views on political and organizational matters, including the resignation of party President Gagan Kumar Thapa. The meeting started at 8:45 am.
The Secretariat of Vice President Bishwoprakash Sharma has stated there is a possibility that the meeting may conclude today. Discussions have been held on government functioning, current political developments, the status of the coalition, party strengthening, issues faced by affiliated organizations, and active membership management. All central members present have reportedly advocated rejecting President Thapa’s resignation.
The proposal to reject the resignation was presented by Vice President Sharma. Since President Thapa did not attend the meeting, it has been chaired by Sharma.
The Rastriya Swatantra Party has urged the new government to accommodate individuals and officials who received political appointments.
RSP General Secretary Kabindra Burlakoti stated that appointments beyond merit are inappropriate.
He argued that only those appointed based on merit should be facilitated.
March 21, Kathmandu – The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has urged the new government to provide pathways for individuals and officials who obtained political appointments.
General Secretary Kabindra Burlakoti of RSP expressed his viewpoint that with new circumstances and an incoming government, facilitating those with political appointments is appropriate.
“It is appropriate to facilitate officials and individuals appointed directly when a new government is forming. However, the people do not favor such appointments,” he said. “This decision is not made by the party but is the responsibility of the government. Yet, appointments beyond merit are inappropriate.”
Burlakoti emphasized that only appointments made on the basis of qualifications and merit should be facilitated.
“Only those appointed through proper merit-based processes and not beyond merit should be facilitated,” he added.
Iran has demanded a permanent end to the war rather than merely a ceasefire. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated in an interview with the Japanese news agency Kyodo News, “Iran does not want a ceasefire; instead, it seeks a complete, comprehensive, and permanent end to the conflict.” He expressed openness to any initiatives that could fully end the war and highlighted the issue of forced conflicts being imposed on Iran.
Araqchi emphasized that the government is prepared to hear and consider proposals for ending the war. He added, “Some countries are seeking solutions to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, but I do not believe that the United States is willing to stop its aggression.” Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump had expressed hopes for a swift end to the war with Iran. On Truth Social, he stated, “We have come extremely close to achieving our goals.”
A missile landed next to a journalist during a live television broadcast from Lebanon
A missile landed beside a reporter who was broadcasting live from southern Lebanon, a video released by Russian state television channel RT has shown.
Following the incident, RT’s Lebanon Bureau Chief Steve Sweeney and his cameraman were taken to hospital for treatment.
The authenticity of the footage has been confirmed by the BBC.
Israel has intensified air and ground attacks against the Hezbollah militant group in southern Lebanon.
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The title of the eighth edition ‘Entertainment Table Tennis Championship’ was claimed by the team of Mahesh Shrestha, Diksha Dahal, and Rinoj Thakuri.
The runner-up position was secured by the team of Ravi Dhakkhwa, Allen Maharjan, and Bipul Maharjan, while the team of Rakesh Maharjan, Swabeccha Nembang, and Pramesh Karki took third place.
ETT President Suman Khadgi announced prizes including an overseas trip for the winners, a trip to Pokhara for the runners-up, and mobile phones for the third-place team.
March 21, Kathmandu – The prestigious title of the eighth edition of the ‘Entertainment Table Tennis Championship’ was won by the team comprising Mahesh Shrestha, Diksha Dahal, and Rinoj Thakuri.
The tournament, organized by the Entertainment Table Tennis Organization (ETT), concluded at Bulls Health Club in Nakhu, Lalitpur. The team of Ravi Dhakkhwa, Allen Maharjan, and Bipul Maharjan secured the runner-up position, while Rakesh Maharjan, Swabeccha Nembang, and Pramesh Karki claimed the third place.
Suman Khadgi, ETT President and Vice President of the All Nepal Table Tennis Association, shared that the winning team is awarded an overseas trip, the runners-up will enjoy a trip to Pokhara, and the third-place team will receive mobile phones as prizes.
The tournament, held under the slogan ‘For the nation’s table tennis, for health,’ featured a total of 96 players competing, both male and female, according to organizer Sunil Shakya.
Due to shortages of LPG for cooking, consumers are increasingly attracted to electric stoves.
In the current fiscal year 2082/83, 147,864 electric stoves were imported into Nepal within eight months.
Among the imported units, 104,717 are induction stoves and 42,218 infrared stoves, with a total import value of NPR 304.112 million.
March 22, Kathmandu – With the scarcity of LPG for cooking, consumers have become attracted to electric stoves as an alternative option.
According to customs department data for the current fiscal year 2082/83 (from mid-July to mid-March), a total of 147,864 various types of electric stoves have been imported into Nepal during this period.
Among the imported stoves, induction cooktops have gained the highest popularity. By the end of the current fiscal year’s mid-March period alone, 104,717 induction stoves were brought into the country.
Similarly, the import of infrared stoves is also significant. During the same period, customs reported importing 42,218 infrared stoves. Aside from induction and infrared, only 929 units of other electric stove types were imported.
From a financial perspective, a substantial amount has been spent on importing these electric stoves. The total value of over 147,000 stoves imported in eight months amounts to NPR 304.112 million.
The import value of induction stoves alone stands at NPR 222.74 million, while infrared stoves amount to NPR 76.77 million. Revenue collected by the government from these imports totals NPR 43.37 million.
Two individuals, Upendra Khatri from Budhanilkantha Municipality–2, Kathmandu, and Nijar Sapkota from Gauriganga Municipality–2, Kailali, have been arrested for allegedly stealing 26 tolas of gold.
A team from District Police Office Kathmandu arrested them for allegedly stealing 26 tolas and 8 aana of gold along with silver jewelry worth 33,000 NPR from a house in Kalopul on March 19.
Police have recovered stolen gold and silver jewelry, a kukri knife, rod, sword, scooter, and cash amounting to 249,000 NPR from the accused individuals.
March 21, Kathmandu – Two men have been arrested on charges of stealing 26 tolas of gold.
The arrested are 23-year-old Upendra Khatri from Budhanilkantha Municipality–2, Kathmandu, and 26-year-old Nijar Sapkota from Gauriganga Municipality–2, Kailali.
They were taken into custody by a team from the District Police Office Kathmandu. The suspects are accused of stealing 26 tolas 8 aana of gold and silver jewelry worth 33,000 NPR from a residence in Kalopul on March 19.
Police have recovered stolen gold and silver jewelry from them. Additionally, a kukri, rod, sword, scooter used in the theft, and cash totaling 249,000 NPR were also seized, according to the police.
The Nepali Congress has resolved to demand the government to publicly release the report of the commission led by former Chief Justice Gauri Bahadur Karki.
The Karki Commission investigated the incidents of the Genji movement on Bhadra 23 and 24 and has already submitted its report to the Prime Minister.
With the government not yet releasing the report, protests have taken place, and Congress asserts that the government has the responsibility to make the report public.
March 21, Kathmandu – The Nepali Congress has decided to press the government to publish the findings of the Karki Commission. In a recent Central Committee meeting, the party resolved to urge the government to disclose the report submitted by the commission led by former Chief Justice Gauri Bahadur Karki, which examined the Genji movement events.
‘The Central Committee meeting concluded that the government should be demanded to release the commission’s report,’ stated Congress General Secretary Pradeep Paudel. ‘It is the government’s duty and responsibility to make the report public, and the party will formally request the government to do so.’
The government had formed this commission to investigate the human and material damages incurred during the Genji movement on Bhadra 23 and 24. The commission worked for over six months before submitting the report to the Prime Minister. However, the government has yet to make the report public. Demonstrations are also ongoing, demanding the disclosure of the commission’s findings.
The number of injured in the missile attack on the city of Arad in southern Israel has reached 88. According to Israel’s national ambulance service, 10 people are in serious condition while 19 have sustained moderate injuries. As the conflict with Iran enters its fourth week, missile and drone attacks on Israeli cities have intensified.
March 21, Kathmandu – Following a severe missile attack on the city of Arad in southern Israel, the injured count has risen to 88. The national ambulance service in Israel reported that the injured have been immediately admitted to hospitals, with 10 in critical condition and 19 moderately wounded. The remaining 55 have been classified as minor injuries. Earlier, the reported injured number was 64, but recent updates indicate the number has increased.
As the war with Iran enters its fourth week, missile and drone strikes across various Israeli cities have escalated. The damage in Arad is being regarded as the largest human toll in the area so far. The Israeli military has issued a stern warning of a strong response to the attack.
Business stakeholders in Nepal are monitoring potential impacts on local pharmaceutical production and imports due to supply chain disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, with officials assuring suitable strategies will be implemented accordingly.
According to the Department of Drug Administration’s website, Nepal hosts approximately 130 pharmaceutical industries, of which over 80 are currently operational, as reported by the Nepal Pharmaceutical Entrepreneurs Association.
The association’s president warned that alongside disruptions in petroleum supply, shortages of essential raw materials for medicine production have already begun to manifest, with continued conflict potentially exacerbating the situation significantly.
The Department of Drug Administration’s director general highlighted that several co-products derived from petroleum processing are used in pharmaceuticals, suggesting global supply issues may also affect Nepal.
He mentioned that the shortage of raw materials necessary for saline solution production is already being reported and that a comprehensive assessment of potential impacts will be undertaken.
The founder of one of Nepal’s leading pharmaceutical companies urged the government to eliminate complex procedures and adopt more industry-friendly policies.
What Are Pharmaceutical Producers Saying?
Image source, PA Media
Haribakta Sharma, founder and executive director of Deurali Janata Pharmaceutical Pvt. Ltd., which has been producing medicines since 1991, stated the government must adopt supportive policies to aid manufacturers facing rising raw material costs.
He said, “Many suppliers have already stopped taking orders from us. If raw materials become unavailable, producing medicines in the future will become very difficult. We are currently working with existing raw materials to minimize supply disruptions.”
“However, if imports are halted and prices escalate significantly, industries will be unable to procure necessary materials. Given Nepal’s small market size, global contracting capabilities are limited, hence policy reforms are essential.”
He added that the government has mandated selling medicines at a fixed price for nearly two decades, and the new administration should consider revising this policy.
Prakash Khandelwal, president of the Nepal Pharmaceutical Entrepreneurs Association, emphasized that producing medicines without vital petroleum by-products is impossible and shortages of these materials have already begun.
He stated, “Our primary source of raw materials is India, where problems are also mounting. The duration of this war and its effects on us remain uncertain.”
Khandelwal added, “Since most raw materials come from India, any shortage there will reflect here. If this situation persists, the challenges for us will grow.”
According to a recent report in The Times of India, shortages of propane gas—essential for reactor and vapor emissions—have forced many pharmaceutical companies in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh to partly or fully shut down operations.
This has affected the production of medicines such as paracetamol, vitamins, hormones, and certain antibiotics.
What Is the Role of the Regulatory Authority?
Image source, PA Medicine
Image caption, Concerns expressed in India over rising costs of pharmaceutical raw materials
Narayan Dhakal, director general of the Department of Drug Administration, acknowledged that Nepal may experience effects due to the global supply disruptions and has initiated discussions with stakeholders.
“The impact is inevitable and will manifest soon. Transportation costs will rise and raw material supply will be affected, increasing pressure. I am in talks with producers and believe VAT on some items should be reviewed,” he noted.
Following reports of potential shortages in raw materials for saline solution, Dhakal said efforts are underway to evaluate possible consequences of this crisis.
“I have instructed producers to provide detailed, objective information on these effects; within one to two days we will have a clearer picture,” he added.
“Industries typically stock raw materials for two to four months. However, with increasing disruptions in India, we must monitor the coming period closely. Discussions with business stakeholders will clarify the full impact.”
What Suggestions Are Business Leaders Offering?
Image source, Getty Images
Prakash Khandelwal, president of Nepal Pharmaceutical Entrepreneurs Association, stressed the need for the government to pursue diplomatic efforts to ensure uninterrupted supplies of raw materials from India and China.
He informally shared these concerns with the Ministry of Health, adding, “Our neighboring nations have large populations with significant medicine demands. Given Nepal’s small market, proactive steps must be taken immediately.”
Amid preparations for a National Independent Party-led government following elections in the third week of the Nepali month of Falgun, challenges related to fuel and supply systems have begun to surface.
With the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key international maritime route in Iran’s sphere of influence, reports have emerged indicating potential disruptions to pharmaceutical supply chains reaching the United States.
Founder Haribakta Sharma pointed out that Nepal’s pharmaceutical industry is heavily burdened by excessive regulations and control, warning that current supply chain challenges could force industries to shut down.
He emphasized, “Worldwide, consumer price indexes determine pricing, and inflation also influences costs. Yet, our government enforces a fixed price for medicines by official gazette notification, even though a cup of tea costs between 25 to 30 rupees.”
“The focus on price without considering quality poses a significant problem in Nepal. Without reforms, industries will shut and importing medicines will become impossible. Immediate revision of outdated policies is critical,” he concluded.
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Nepal Police Club successfully defended the Jay Trophy cricket title by defeating Tribhuvan Army Club by 4 wickets in the final.
Police chased down the target of 227 runs set by Army on the third day’s third session, losing 6 wickets in the process.
Rashid Khan scored the highest 81 runs for Police, while Sagar Dhakal took 4 wickets. Army’s Pawan Karki and Shahab Alam claimed 2 wickets each.
March 19, Kathmandu – Nepal Police Club has successfully defended its Jay Trophy cricket title by defeating Tribhuvan Army Club by 4 wickets in the final, securing the championship for the second consecutive time.
Chasing a target of 227 runs set by Army, Police reached the target by the third session on the third day, losing 6 wickets. Rashid Khan led the charge with a top score of 81 runs, while Kushal Bhurtel contributed 51 runs.
For Army, Pawan Karki and Shahab Alam claimed 2 wickets each, while Akash Chand and Bhim Sarki took one wicket apiece.
By the end of the second day, Army held a lead of 178 runs, adding another 48 runs on the third day to extend their total. Akash Chand had been in a 49-run partnership for the last wicket.
Army posted 221 runs in their first innings, a total matched by Police, who were also dismissed for 221 in their first innings before starting their second innings. Army then posted 226 runs in their second innings before being all out.
Key contributions for Army included Akash Chand’s 37 runs, along with 36 by Kushal Malla, 33 by Shahab Alam, and 32 by Bhim Sarki. Sompal Kami remained unbeaten with 23 runs, Tritraj Das added 20, and Imran Sheikh scored 15, while Akash Chand remained not out on 15 runs.
Sagar Dhakal took 4 wickets for Police, while Karan KC and Lalit Rajwanshi claimed 3 wickets each.
In their first innings, Police batted 61.4 overs to score 221 runs before all out. Since Army posted the same score in their first innings, there was no lead gained.
Batting at number nine, Karan KC led Police’s efforts with an unbeaten 72 runs from 109 balls, hitting 2 fours and 1 six. He shared a 62-run partnership with Lalit Rajwanshi for the ninth wicket. Captain Arif Sheikh contributed 44 runs, Lalit Rajwanshi added 20, Kushal Bhurtel scored 18, and Dinesh Kharel made 17 runs.
Army’s Sompal Kami took 5 wickets conceding 72 runs over 17 overs, while Akash Chand picked up 2 wickets. Shahab Alam, Pawan Karki, and Naren Saud took one wicket each.
Army won the toss and opted to bat first, scoring 221 runs in 58.2 overs during their first innings. Their opener Imran Sheikh made the top score of 50 runs. Bhim Sarki scored 39, Kushal Malla 38, Tritraj Das 32, and Basir Ahmad contributed 30 runs.
For Police, Rashid Khan took 4 wickets, while Karan KC and Lalit Rajwanshi took 3 wickets apiece.
Police had also defeated Tribhuvan Army Club in the final of the previous edition, winning the title then as well.
Mahalaxmi Development Bank conducted a week-long financial literacy, rally, and awareness campaign from Chaitra 2 to 8, coinciding with Global Money Week.
The bank’s various branches and regional offices provided information on savings, loans, investments, and financial services to students and youth.
On the occasion of Global Money Week 2026, the Nepalgunj branch distributed educational materials to students at Yuddha Sanskrit Secondary School.
Chaitra 8, Kathmandu – Mahalaxmi Development Bank successfully completed a series of activities from Chaitra 2 to 8 in celebration of Global Money Week.
On this occasion, the bank identified various target groups with limited financial access and organized financial literacy, rallies, and awareness programs through its branches and regional offices, the bank stated.
As part of the week-long campaign, branches and regional offices in Darbarmarg, Hetauda, Itahari, Bhairahawa, Vijaypur, Pokhara, Birgunj, Dhangadhi, Suryapura, Dadeldhura, Lahan, Bichbazar, Mangalsen, Chipledhunga, and other locations conducted financial literacy programs aimed at students and young people, according to the bank.
The nationwide event was held under the slogan “Smart Money Talks” and saw participation exceeding one thousand individuals. During the programs, participants received information on savings, loans, investments, clean currency notes, electronic financial services, remittance, grievance redressal, financial service providers, securities market, risk management, insurance, financial fraud, and financial discipline.
The bank also actively participated in morning rally programs including financial literacy sessions organized by Nepal Rastra Bank and various other institutions.
In honor of Global Money Week 2026, the Nepalgunj branch of the bank distributed educational materials to students studying at Yuddha Sanskrit Secondary School in Banke district.
