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.

PM Oli Calls Thailand Visit and BIMSTEC Summit “Successful” in Strengthening Nepal’s Relations:
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli described his official visit to Thailand and participation in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit as highly successful. The visit strengthened bilateral ties with Thailand, particularly in agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure, and resulted in a memorandum of understanding on cultural and tourism cooperation. PM Oli also discussed regional issues at the BIMSTEC Summit, emphasizing the need for regional cooperation on economic inequality, climate change, and peace. He invited Thai Prime Minister Shinawatra to Nepal and urged entrepreneurs to invest in Nepal, ensuring support for foreign investments.

Eight Injured as Two Earthquakes Strike Jajarkot and Rukum West:

Two earthquakes, measuring 5.2 and 5.5 magnitudes, struck Kuse Rural Municipality-9 in Jajarkot late Friday night, injuring eight people. Six injuries were reported in Jajarkot, and two in Rukum West. Minor cracks were observed in private and government buildings across Jajarkot, Rukum West, and Kalikot. The injuries were mainly caused by panic-induced jumps from rooftops or hasty evacuations during the tremors. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) urged the public to evacuate carefully during quakes and follow earthquake-resistant building practices for future safety.

RSP Vice President Wagle Plans to Internationalize Issues of MP Suspension and Corruption:

Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Vice President Swarnim Wagle announced plans to internationalize the suspension of party President Rabi Lamichhane’s MP position, calling it a malicious act aimed at undermining his role. Speaking at a rally in Chitwan, Wagle expressed intentions to bring the issue to international forums such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Geneva. He also mentioned plans to internationalize the Tikunkune incident and alleged corruption in the wide-body aircraft deal, stating that they would take legal action in U.S. courts to expose the wrongdoing. Wagle criticized the current government for lacking international credibility.

Kathmandu Choked by Toxic Smog; Experts Urge Health Emergency as AQI Soars:

Kathmandu Valley is grappling with severe air pollution, with AQI hitting 348—marked as extremely unhealthy. Experts blame weak winds, forest fires, and burning crop residues. The Ministry of Health warns of serious health risks, especially for children, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses. Doctors recommend avoiding outdoor activities and using masks. Environmentalists urge a health emergency declaration. Despite existing air quality management plans, enforcement is weak, and human rights advocates call the current situation a violation of the right to clean air.

Unified Socialist Party to Protest on April 7 Over Tinkune Incident and Political Issues:

The Unified Socialist Party has announced plans for nationwide protests on April 7, demanding a thorough investigation into the vandalism and arson during the Tinkune protest. Party officials, including Prakash Jwala and Ram Kumar Bhattarai, stated that protests will be organized at municipal, ward, provincial, and regional levels. The party will also hold political meetings addressing good governance, employment, and national prosperity while highlighting corruption and promoting socialist economic policies. Their ongoing campaign, which began on March 15, will continue until May 5, aiming to improve the electoral system and foster public engagement.

PM Oli States Fair Investigation Will Be Conducted Into Tikunkune Incident:

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, returning from an official visit to Thailand, addressed media at Tribhuvan International Airport, commenting on the Tikunkune incident. He acknowledged the calls for a judicial investigation but stated that while such an investigation is possible, it may not necessarily happen. Oli emphasized that any inquiry would be impartial, and the government would consider whether a judicial investigation is required. He clarified that while judicial inquiries are important, they are not always needed for every matter, and the decision would be made after careful consideration.

PM Oli Announces Indian PM Modi Won’t Attend Sagarmatha Dialogue, India to Send High-Level Representation:

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli announced that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not attend the Sagarmatha Dialogue due to prior travel commitments in Europe. However, Modi will be represented by high-level officials from India. Oli shared details of his meeting with Modi, describing the conversation as positive and friendly, with discussions on various bilateral issues, including the Pancheshwar project, trade, and irrigation from the Mahakali River. Oli emphasized that Nepal-India relations would be further strengthened through mutual cooperation, with unresolved issues to be addressed through dialogue and understanding.

Voting Concludes for 27th Nepal Bar Association Central Working Committee Election:

The voting for the 27th central working committee election of the Nepal Bar Association (NBA) was completed at 4:00 pm on Saturday. Senior Advocate Ramkrishna Nirala confirmed that the election process started at 8:00 am. Senior Advocate Prof Dr Bijaya Prasad Mishra is leading the democratic, progressive, and inclusive panel for NBA President, while Senior Advocate Raman Kumar Shrestha, former attorney general, is running from the professional layers’ group. A total of 57 candidates contested 25 positions, with voters casting ballots at 36 centres across the country.

Minister Bhandari Emphasizes Reducing Trade Loss and Boosting Exports to China:

Minister for Industry, Commerce, and Supply, Damodar Bhandari, highlighted the importance of reducing Nepal’s trade loss with China. Speaking at the 25th annual meeting of the Nepal Trans-Himalayan Commerce Association, he stressed promoting Nepali products like medicinal herbs, handicrafts, and agricultural items. Bhandari also discussed initiatives like infrastructure development at border points, the establishment of a trade facilitation committee, and training programs for Nepali traders on Chinese language and culture to enhance cross-border trade and product quality.

India Recognizes Nepal’s Food Test Reports, Easing Agri-Exports:

India has officially recognized food quality test reports issued by Nepal’s National Food and Feed Reference Laboratory (NFFRL), ending the long-standing requirement for Nepali exporters to conduct tests in India. The recognition, granted by India’s Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) and NABL, applies to 10 categories including tea, coffee, honey, dairy, spices, and processed water. This move significantly reduces export costs and delays—previously taking up to a month and costing up to NPR 50,000 per test. Nepali businesses can now export directly using domestic certification, a breakthrough expected to boost agri-export volumes and competitiveness in the Indian market.

Bheri Babai Diversion Project Nears Completion with 83% Progress:

The Bheri Babai Diversion Project, launched in fiscal year 2014/15, has made 83.7% progress. The project aims to divert water from the Bheri River to the Babai River for irrigation in Banke and Bardiya districts, benefiting 51,000 hectares of land. Despite land acquisition challenges, significant infrastructure, including tunnels and dams, is completed. The project also includes electricity generation, with 46 MW capacity, and is expected to boost agriculture and energy supply once finished.

Director Ashok Thapa Magar Announces New Film Jalaki After Khushma’s Success:

After the success of Khushma, director Ashok Thapa Magar has announced his new film Jalaki. The film, based on a love triangle, is currently being shot in Kalika Bhagwati Temple, Baglung, following a launch event at Pokhara’s Bindhyabasini Temple. The cast includes Sonam Topden, Upasana Singh Thakuri, Astitva Bhattachan, and debutant model Akriti Rajbhandari. The movie will feature locations in Rukum, Magdi, Baglung, Pokhara, and South Korea, and showcase the culture of the Magar and Gurung communities. Jalaki is produced under the banner of M Media Pvt. Ltd.

Bollywood Dance Icon Nora Fatehi to Perform Live in Kathmandu:

Bollywood dancer and actress Nora Fatehi will perform live in Kathmandu at the Nora Fatehi Live in Nepal event, held at Hyatt Ground, Boudha Tusal. She will be accompanied by a team of over 20 dancers. The event, organized by Worldwide Films Network in collaboration with Human Respect Nepal, aims to support underprivileged children’s education. Along with Nora, local artists will also perform. Nora Fatehi is known for her hit songs like Dilbar Dilbar and Kusu Kusu.

Upasana Singh Thakuri Inspired by Action Scenes in ‘Karma,’ Wants to Explore Action Roles:

Actress Upasana Singh Thakuri, inspired by the action scenes in the upcoming movie Karma, has expressed a desire to take on action roles. Although she has not done any action scenes herself, watching them during the shoot motivated her to explore such roles in the future. Upasana, who stars opposite Bipin Karki in Karma, is ready to accept offers for action films. Directed by Saurabh Chaudhary, Karma is a mix of action, drama, and suspense, featuring a talented cast.

Director Ashok Thapa Magar Announces New Film Jalaki After Khushma’s Success:

After the success of Khushma, director Ashok Thapa Magar has announced his new film Jalaki. The film, which is based on a love triangle, began shooting in Baglung’s Kalika Bhagwati Temple after a launch event at Pokhara’s Bindhyabasini Temple. The cast includes Sonam Topden, Upasana Singh Thakuri, Astitva Bhattachan, and debutant Akriti Rajbhandari. Jalaki will highlight the culture of the Magar and Gurung communities and will feature locations in Rukum, Magdi, Baglung, Pokhara, and South Korea.

Upasana Singh Thakuri Inspired by Action Scenes in ‘Karma,’ Wants to Explore Action Roles:

Actress Upasana Singh Thakuri, inspired by the action scenes in the upcoming movie Karma, has expressed a desire to take on action roles. Although she has not done any action scenes herself, watching them during the shoot motivated her to explore such roles in the future. Upasana, who stars opposite Bipin Karki in Karma, is ready to accept offers for action films. Directed by Saurabh Chaudhary, Karma is a mix of action, drama, and suspense, featuring a talented cast.

World Cup Winner Roberto Carlos to Visit Nepal for NSL 3rd Edition:

Brazilian football legend and World Cup winner Roberto Carlos will visit Nepal to watch the third edition of the Nepal Super League (NSL). Nepal Sports and Event Management (NSEM) confirmed his arrival on Saturday, where he will attend the NSL qualifier matches.

Pokhara Thunders Secures First Win in NSL by Beating Kathmandu Rangers 2-0:

Pokhara Thunders defeated Kathmandu Rangers 2-0 in the Nepal Super League (NSL) on Saturday at the Dasarath Stadium. This marked Pokhara’s first victory, earning them three points and moving up to 4th place in the standings. Stefen Samir Vinong scored the first goal in the 25th minute, and Sudil Rai added another in the 59th minute. Kathmandu suffered their first defeat after drawing their previous two matches. Pokhara had previously lost to FC Chitwan and Lalitpur City FC.

Russia’s Position on Ukraine Peace Settlement to Be Revealed Soon, Says Marco Rubio:

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Russia’s stance on a potential peace settlement for the Ukraine conflict will soon be known. Following a March 18 phone call, President Putin agreed to a 30-day ceasefire on energy facility attacks. However, Moscow accuses Kiev of violating the agreement. Rubio emphasized that both sides must agree to end the war and expressed hope that Russia is serious about peace. He warned of re-evaluating US actions if Russia isn’t committed to peace.

Russia’s Military Production Surges While Europe Struggles, Says British Think Tank:

The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) reported that Russia has significantly increased its military production during the Ukraine conflict, while NATO’s European members have struggled to meet the challenge. Russia’s defense industry benefits from centralized coordination and strategic planning, while Europe lacks control and suffers from inefficiencies due to fragmented markets and regulatory issues. The report calls for better coordination and reforms in Western Europe to strengthen defense capabilities and reduce reliance on US support.

US Stocks Plunge in Worst Week in Years Amid Trump’s New Trade Rules:

The US stock market experienced its most volatile week in years, following the implementation of new trade rules by Donald Trump. A 10% import tax on goods from most countries, including major partners like China and the EU, took effect. On Friday, all three major US stock indexes saw sharp declines, with the S&P 500 falling nearly 6%. Global markets, including the UK, also suffered. While Trump remains firm on the tariffs, there is growing concern over the economic uncertainty.