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. Here are today’s key news updates:

Opposition of Disrupting Parliament Over Unnecessary Issues: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli criticized opposition parties for obstructing Parliament over what he called “non-issues,” specifically the removal of a government employee. Speaking at the Eighth International Women’s Trade Fair in Lalitpur, Oli expressed concern that such disruptions could affect Parliament’s schedule. He also addressed the opposition’s protests, stating there was no need to exaggerate the situation and dismissing their demonstration as an attempt to create unnecessary turmoil. He reaffirmed that rallies would take place at two locations in Kathmandu.

Durga Prasai Appointed Public Commander for Royalist Movement: The Joint People’s Movement Committee (JPMC) for the Restoration of Monarchy has appointed medical entrepreneur Durga Prasai as its public commander. Announced at a Thursday press conference, Prasai will lead a royalist protest in Kathmandu’s Tinkune area on Friday. Meanwhile, republic supporters will hold a counter-protest at Bhrikuti Mandap. With demonstrations set at two locations, authorities have heightened security measures to maintain order.

Australian Embassy Issues Travel Advisory Amid Upcoming Protests in Kathmandu: The Australian Embassy in Nepal has issued a travel advisory urging citizens to remain vigilant due to planned protests by royalist and socialist groups in Kathmandu on Friday. The embassy warned of potential traffic disruptions and heightened security in the city. It advised Australian nationals to limit travel and avoid unnecessary outings, especially in protest-affected areas. The embassy also urged the public to follow instructions from local security forces.

American Citizen Arrested for Supporting King in Kathmandu Protest: Police have arrested 58-year-old American citizen Julian Kirpal from Maitighar Mandala during a royalist protest against the dismissal of Kulman Ghising. Kirpal was detained for chanting slogans in support of the king. He has been taken into custody at the Singha Durbar circle, and police are taking action under immigration laws. A photo of his passport was found on his mobile phone, and further investigation is ongoing, according to SP Apil Raj Bohara.

Kathmandu on High Alert Ahead of Rival Political Protests: Authorities have placed security forces on high alert in Kathmandu ahead of rival protests by pro-monarchy and republican groups on Friday. Durga Prasai-led royalist supporters will gather at Tinkune, while the Socialist Front, including Maoist and leftist parties, will rally at Bhadrakali. Kathmandu’s Assistant Chief District Officer Ashok Kumar Bhandari assured tight security to prevent clashes. Security agencies are working in coordination, urging the public to go about their daily activities without fear.

RPP Calls on Party Cadres to Join Royalist Protest in Kathmandu: The Rajendra Lingden-led Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) has urged its members to actively participate in Friday’s royalist protest in Kathmandu, organized by the Joint People’s Movement Committee for the Restoration of Monarchy. Despite internal disputes over involvement, RPP Spokesperson Mohan Kumar Shrestha dismissed confusion, calling for full participation. The party condemned misinformation about the protest’s cancellation and reaffirmed its commitment to working with like-minded forces. Lingden is reportedly dissatisfied with Nirmal Niwas’s approach to the movement.

Nepali Army Rescues Six Injured in Armed Attack in Congo: A Nepali Army unit deployed under the UN peacekeeping mission in Congo has rescued six locals injured in an attack by an armed group. The Chandidal Battalion evacuated them to its Level 1 hospital for initial treatment before airlifting them to a Level 2 hospital in Bunia for further care. The victims were residents of the Lodha IDP camp, which came under attack from armed militants. The Nepali Army confirmed the rescue and medical assistance efforts.

NHRC Calls for Peaceful Protests, Urges Authorities to Uphold Human Rights: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged all groups to exercise their right to protest peacefully ahead of planned demonstrations by the Socialist Front and pro-monarchists in Kathmandu. NHRC Spokesperson Dr. Tikaram Pokhrel emphasized the need to abide by national and international laws while respecting others’ rights. The commission also called on security agencies to uphold human rights while maintaining law and order. NHRC officials will monitor Friday’s demonstrations to ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards.

Security Tightened for Energy Minister Amid Protests Over Kulman Ghising’s Removal: Amid growing public outrage over Kulman Ghising’s dismissal as Nepal Electricity Authority’s chief, security for Energy Minister Deepak Khadka has been increased. Additional security personnel and a lead vehicle have been assigned, while some of his scheduled events have been canceled. Upon arriving at Parliament, Khadka downplayed the protests, stating a more qualified replacement had been appointed. Public demonstrations continue across Kathmandu, with citizens burning effigies of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Minister Khadka in protest.

Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari Arrives in Rupandehi for Various Programs: Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has arrived in Rupandehi today to participate in various programs. She was welcomed at Gautam Buddha International Airport. On Chait 16, Bhandari will be the chief guest at a women’s leaders’ dialogue in Bhairahawa. The event will address issues such as challenges, achievements, and future possibilities for female local representatives. Bhandari is also scheduled to lay the foundation stone for a Buddhist monastery in Lumbini on Friday.

Unhealthy Air Quality Recorded in Seven Cities, Kathmandu Valley Worst Hit: Seven cities, including five locations in Kathmandu Valley, are experiencing unhealthy air quality, with Shankha Park in Kathmandu recording the highest AQI of 172. Other affected areas include Ratnapark (160), Bhaktapur (154), Bhaisepati (161), and Khumaltar (155). Outside the valley, Ilam (168) and Dhangadhi (157) also reported poor air quality. AQI above 150 is harmful to all, with WHO guidelines warning of severe health risks as levels rise. Authorities urge precautions, especially for vulnerable groups.

Nepal-India Border Management Talks Begin in Pokhara: A high-level meeting on border management between Nepal and India has started in Pokhara. The 13th Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting will conclude on Friday. The meeting, held after three years, aims to address border security issues and cross-border crimes. The discussions involve officials from security, foreign, and surveying departments, focusing on border pillar repairs and drug trafficking concerns. Nepal has expressed dissatisfaction with India’s lack of cooperation on controlling drug smuggling.

Top Political Leaders Inaugurate National Conference on Transitional Justice: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, and CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ jointly inaugurated a national conference on transitional justice, truth, and victim reparation rights. The event is being held at Everest Hotel in New Baneshwar. The three leaders had previously reached a consensus on selecting office-bearers for the transitional justice mechanisms on Monday.

NEPSE Gains 41.43 Points, Continues Upward Momentum: The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) surged 41.43 points (1.58%) to close at 2,663.30, extending its upward trend after a 39.13-point rise in the previous session. The index fluctuated between 2,621.46 and 2,666.17, with a total turnover of Rs. 5.22 Arba from 55,442 transactions involving 309 companies. Himalayan Reinsurance Limited (HRL) led turnover at Rs. 51.18 Crores, closing at Rs. 1,020.10 per share. Gurans Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (GLBSL) was the top gainer, jumping 10%, while Kumari Sabal Yojana (KSY) fell the most, dropping 1.82%. Sector-wise, the Trading Index led with a 6.09% gain, while the Mutual Fund Index saw the smallest rise at 0.37%.

India to Supply Additional 600 MW to Nepal, Ensuring Evening Power Supply: India has approved an additional 600 MW of electricity to Nepal during evening hours (6 PM to 11 PM) via the Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur transmission line, starting April 1. This adds to the existing 1,004 MW provided during solar hours. Energy Minister Khadka assured uninterrupted power supply, dismissing load-shedding rumors. The move follows Nepal’s request to address dry-season shortages, with officials welcoming India’s support as a crucial step toward energy stability.

Ministry of Finance Discusses Budget Priorities with 16 Ministries: The Ministry of Finance has held discussions with 16 ministries regarding the budget for the fiscal year 2082/083. In a meeting with the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Finance Minister Vishnu Prasad Paudel emphasized prioritizing policy shifts over budget figures. He highlighted the importance of federalism, the role of all three levels of government, and the transfer of federal programs to local levels. Paudel urged focusing on essential programs, avoiding smaller projects under Rs 3 million, and presenting realistic proposals to ensure an efficient and practical budget.

Kantipur Film Academy to Launch Theater on World Theatre Day: Kantipur Film Academy has announced the construction of a new theater, set to open in the Naksal Gaidhara area. Actor Rajesh Hamal laid the foundation stone on World Theatre Day. For nine years, the academy has focused on film production and acting education. The new theater aims to combine film and theater studies, offering students opportunities for hands-on practice. The 144-seat theater is expected to be completed by Baishakh and will also host other theater groups.

Santosh Babu Lohani Appointed as Member of Film Development Board: Santosh Babu Lohani, director of “Shubh Labh,” has been appointed as a member of the Film Development Board, Nepal’s highest film body. He was appointed for a two-year term by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology following a ministerial decision. Lohani received his appointment letter from Information Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung. His political ties with the ruling party helped him secure the position after the tenure of former members expired. One more board member is yet to be appointed.

“Mahar” Set to Release During Gai Jatra with Pal Shah in a Pivotal Role: Actor Pal Shah’s new film Mahar, featuring actresses Benisha Hamal and Niti Shah, is scheduled to release on July 23, just ahead of the Gai Jatra festival on July 25. The movie is under significant pressure for success, as Pal’s earlier films Raavayan and Mayavi this year did not perform well. Directed by Om Pratik, Mahar marks his comeback after seven years. The film includes notable actors like Arjun Jung Shahi and Mithila Sharma, and is set in rural Nepal, featuring music by Suresh Adhikari.

Tribhuvan Army Club Reaches Final After 4-Wicket Win Over Nepal Police Club: Tribhuvan Army Club entered the final of the Prime Minister’s Cup National Men’s One Day Cricket Tournament after defeating Nepal Police Club by 4 wickets in a departmental derby. Army chased down Police’s target of 149 runs in 41 overs, with Vivek Yadav remaining unbeaten on 41. Police, who scored 148 runs, saw their top scorer, Dipendra Singh Airee, make 50 runs. Despite equal points, Army advanced to the final due to a better net run rate.

Church Boys United Reach Final of 23rd Tilottama Gold Cup: Church Boys United defeated Machhindra FC 4-1 in the second semifinal of the 23rd Tilottama Gold Cup. Armand Bedoum scored a hat-trick, while captain Abayomi Fakulne added one goal. Church Boys will now face APF in the final, which will be held on Saturday.

Two Bowlers Reach Milestone of 100 Wickets in PM Cup ODI Cricket Tournament: In the Prime Minister’s Cup One Day Cricket Tournament, two bowlers from departmental teams have reached the milestone of 100 wickets. Lalit Narayan Rajwanshi of Nepal Police Club became the first to achieve this feat, taking 107 wickets in 41 innings. His best performance came against Sudurpashchim Province, where he took 6 wickets for 15 runs. Similarly, Shaha Alam of Tribhuvan Army Club reached 100 wickets by taking 4 wickets for 31 runs against Police Club in a departmental derby.

Nepal U-19 Cricket Team Clinches Series Against Delhi U-19: The Nepal U-19 cricket team secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match practice series against Delhi U-19, winning the second match by 102 runs on Thursday at the Narayani Cricket Ground in Birgunj. Nepal set a target of 193 runs, and Delhi was all out for 90 runs in 30.4 overs. Aparajit Paudel was the star performer with 5 wickets, while Abhishek Tiwari contributed 60 runs for Nepal. The final match of the series is scheduled for Saturday.

Nepal U-19 Cricket Team Clinches Series Against Delhi U-19: The Nepal U-19 cricket team secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match practice series against Delhi U-19, winning the second match by 102 runs on Thursday at the Narayani Cricket Ground in Birgunj. Nepal set a target of 193 runs, and Delhi was all out for 90 runs in 30.4 overs. Aparajit Paudel was the star performer with 5 wickets, while Abhishek Tiwari contributed 60 runs for Nepal. The final match of the series is scheduled for Saturday.

Putin to Visit India Soon, First Since Ukraine War: Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit India soon, marking his first trip since the Ukraine war began. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov confirmed the visit during a video conference, stating that Putin had accepted an invitation from India’s government. Lavrov highlighted Russia’s focus on strengthening bilateral ties with major global powers, including India, with whom Russia shares a strategic partnership. Lavrov also praised the contributions of BRICS and SCO members like India and China in promoting a multipolar world.

Zelenskyy Urges US to Show Resilience Against Russia: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the need for Ukraine’s partners, particularly the US, to show the same resilience and strength in the face of Russia. Speaking after meeting French President Macron, he expressed hope that the US would stand strong in negotiations for a ceasefire. Zelenskyy also acknowledged bipartisan support from the American public but criticized certain US officials, like special adviser Steve Witkoff, for echoing Russian narratives, which he believes undermines peace efforts and weakens pressure on Russia.

Protests Continue Across Turkey Amid Imamoglu’s Arrest, 1,879 Detained: Protests in Turkey have led to 1,879 detentions since last Wednesday, following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on corruption charges. Authorities report that 260 detainees remain in custody, while 489 were released. The unrest has left 150 police officers injured. Police forcefully dispersed student protests, and a nationwide ban on public gatherings has been extended until April 1. Critics say the arrest was politically motivated ahead of upcoming elections.