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.

Kathmandu Streets Packed as 11 Groups Protest Amid Political Unrest: With the onset of Chaitra, Nepal has seen an eruption of protests from 11 different groups, including ruling UML cadres, pro-monarchy supporters, teachers, doctors, and Kulman Ghising supporters. Teachers are demanding previous agreements be implemented, while doctors protest wage discrepancies. Kulman supporters want his reinstatement and even call for him to be executive president. The March 28 (Chaitra 15) pro-monarchy rally turned violent, resulting in two deaths and over 60 injuries. In response, parties like RPP, Maoist Centre, UML, and Unified Socialist have launched counter-protests. Meanwhile, cooperative fraud victims and anti-federalists have also taken to the streets demanding justice.

Kathmandu’s Toxic Air Still Among World’s Worst, No Government Action Yet: Kathmandu’s air pollution remains at hazardous levels, ranking second among the world’s most polluted cities with an AQI of 211, according to IQAir. For over a week, residents have faced health issues due to toxic air, including eye irritation and respiratory problems. Environmental expert Dr. Uttam Babu Shrestha attributes the pollution to dense population, vehicle emissions, construction dust, and the valley’s bowl-like geography. Despite calls for urgent government action, no concrete steps have been taken. Officials cite differing expert opinions for the delay, while public health warnings urge residents to avoid outdoor activity and wear masks.

Persistent Smog Grounds Over 220 Flights in Kathmandu, Causing Heavy Airline Losses: Kathmandu has been shrouded in heavy smog for several days, severely reducing visibility and disrupting domestic flights. From March 30 to April 5, 226 two-way flights from seven domestic airlines were canceled due to poor visibility. The disruption comes during Nepal’s peak tourist season, heavily impacting airlines that rely on high-paying foreign passengers. Airlines report losing up to Rs 20 lakh in revenue in a week. Visibility at Tribhuvan International Airport dropped as low as 1,200 meters, below the required 1,600 meters for instrument-based landings. Experts blame pollution-laden smog, worsened by forest fires and dry weather, for the unprecedented impact.

Govt to Blame for Rising Public Frustration, Says NC Leader Gagan Thapa: Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa criticized the government for widespread public dissatisfaction, citing poor governance, corruption, and lack of accountability. Speaking at the first convention of the Nepal Tharu Association in Tulsipur, Dang, Thapa said citizens are restless, yet the Prime Minister claims everything is fine. He stressed that merely speaking against corruption is meaningless unless decisions reflect integrity. Thapa blamed government negligence for ongoing teachers’ protests and urged timely reforms. Highlighting the upcoming appointment of a new governor, he warned against favoring middlemen and called for decisions that the public and opposition can stand behind.

U.S. Deports 8 Nepalis for Immigration Violations Amid Ongoing Crackdown: The United States has deported eight Nepali nationals for residing illegally and violating immigration laws. According to sources, individuals with surnames Budha, Pun, Sen, Chaudhary, Khadka, Subedi, Pun Magar, and Pathak were sent back to Nepal via Air India. Several had entered the U.S. illegally through Mexico and were arrested upon arrival. Some lacked passports and were issued travel documents before deportation. The U.S. has intensified its crackdown on undocumented immigrants since Donald Trump’s presidency, and many Nepalis remain under ICE surveillance. The deportations are part of ongoing enforcement actions targeting illegal residency and immigration law breaches.

Former Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun ‘Pasang’ Appointed Vice Chair of Maoist Centre: The CPN (Maoist Centre) has appointed former Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun ‘Pasang’ as the party’s Vice Chair. Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ also nominated him as a central committee and standing committee member. Though he informally rejoined party meetings after his vice-presidential term ended, he is now officially active in Maoist politics. Initially appointed to oversee the party’s economic production unit, Pasang’s return sparked internal debate, delaying his formal elevation. A former deputy commander during the Maoist insurgency, he opted for politics over military integration post-peace process and served as Vice President from 2015 to 2022.

Madhav Nepal Says Deal Was Struck by Gyanendra, Girija, and Himself: Unified Socialist Party Chairman Madhav Kumar Nepal revealed that the agreement to establish a republic in Nepal was first made between then-King Gyanendra Shah, Girija Prasad Koirala, and himself—before Maoist leader Prachanda joined. Speaking at a party event in Bagmati Province, Nepal stated that the UML had already decided to adopt republicanism months before the Maoists agreed. He detailed that the formal consensus was reached on April 24, 2006 (Baisakh 11, 2063 BS), with senior leaders and royal secretaries present. Nepal also thanked Gyanendra for not seeking a return to the throne and encouraged him to enter politics through a party.

Rastriya Prajatantra Party Denied Permission for Bhirkutimandap Protest, Suggested Alternative Locations: The Kathmandu District Administration has denied Rastriya Prajatantra Party’s (RPP) request to hold a pro-monarchy protest at Bhirkutimandap on Tuesday, citing security concerns due to ongoing teacher protests and a previously scheduled program by the National People’s Front. The administration has proposed alternative locations in Chabahil’s Sifal Chaur or Balkhu for the event. This decision follows heightened tensions surrounding the monarchy restoration movement and ongoing public unrest. Despite this, RPP is determined to continue its push for monarchy reinstatement, though the party will have to relocate their planned demonstration.

Nepal’s Debt to World Bank Reaches Rs 634 Billion, Constitutes One-Fourth of Foreign Loans: Nepal’s debt to the World Bank has surged to Rs 634 billion, making it the country’s largest multilateral lender. According to the latest report, the debt has steadily increased—from Rs 580 billion in FY 2079/80 to Rs 612 billion in 2080/81, rising by Rs 56 billion in the first six months of the current fiscal year. Nepal’s total debt stands at Rs 2.53 trillion, with external debt (Rs 1.3 trillion) outpacing domestic borrowing. The World Bank accounts for 10.3% of Nepal’s GDP in debt. Following the Bank, ADB and IMF are Nepal’s next biggest multilateral creditors.

Nepal Teachers’ Federation Calls for Indefinite Academic Strike: The Nepal Teachers’ Federation, which has been protesting in the capital for the past five days, has declared an indefinite academic strike.

In a statement issued on Sunday morning, the federation announced that the strike will begin nationwide tomorrow (Monday). Federation President Laxmi Kishor Subedi and General Secretary Tula Bahadur Thapa urged teachers and education staff across the country to support the strike by ceasing all activities, including the publication of results.

The federation, which has been protesting to demand various reforms from the government, has concentrated its protests in Kathmandu since last week. The purpose of the strike is to pressure the government into enacting a school education system of high quality and a school education act that benefits both students and teachers.

Prachanda Signals Possible Special Convention to Address Teachers’ Demands: Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda), Chairman of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre), has stated that a special convention could be called if necessary to fulfill the demands of protesting teachers. Addressing the training session of the National Liberation Front (NLF) on Friday, Prachanda expressed his support for the teachers’ protests.

He urged the teachers to continue their street protests until their demands are met and called on the government to stop actions that are troubling teachers. “I want to congratulate the teachers. You have said you will not stop the protest until your demands are fulfilled. As long as the demands are not met, ring the bell, do whatever you need. We are with you,” he added.

Kathmandu’s Air Quality Reaches Hazardous Levels: Air pollution in Kathmandu continues to be a serious issue. According to the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded this morning (Sunday), Kathmandu ranks second worldwide for air pollution.

At present, Delhi, India, holds the top position for air pollution, while Lahore, Pakistan, is in third place. The AQI in Kathmandu is currently 204, while Delhi’s AQI is at 249, and Lahore’s stands at 202. Despite some slight improvements in air quality due to winds in the Kathmandu Valley on Friday and Saturday, the situation remains hazardous.

Doctors have cautioned that the air quality in Kathmandu has reached levels that pose risks to human health. Experts believe the pollution is a result of accumulated dust in the atmosphere, caused by an extended dry spell, and smoke from nearby forest fires.

Residential Doctors of Nepal Medical College Protest Against Labor Exploitation: Residential doctors at Nepal Medical College, Jorpati, have taken to the streets protesting against labor exploitation. The doctors, who claim they have not received the minimum salary of NPR 48,000 approved by the cabinet, staged a demonstration at Maitighar.

The protesters carried placards with slogans like “Control extreme commercialization of health education,” “Stop black market for PG seats,” “End politics in health education,” and “Stop labor exploitation of residential doctors.” One of the protesting doctors stated, “The government has passed a minimum salary of NPR 48,000 through the cabinet, but we are only receiving NPR 19,500. This is extreme labor exploitation, and that’s why we are compelled to protest.”

Human Rights Organizations Call for Judicial Inquiry into Violent Incident at Tinkune: Human rights organizations have demanded a judicial investigation into the violent incident that took place during a pro-monarchy protest at Tinkune on march 28. The groups have expressed serious concern over reports of excessive force used by the police during the demonstration.

Details of the incident revealed that 58 rounds of gunfire were fired, with 20 individuals injured, and one, Sabin Maherjan, losing his life due to gunshot wounds. Thirteen of the injured are reportedly receiving medical treatment.

Citing a confidential police report, the organizations noted that over 700 rounds of tear gas were fired, along with 198 rounds of blank ammunition, raising serious questions regarding the use of lethal weapons. They have called for a thorough investigation into the police’s handling of the situation.

Madhav Nepal Claims Three People Were Behind Republic Consensus: Madhav Kumar Nepal, Chairman of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Socialist), has claimed that the consensus for the Republic was made by three individuals. Speaking at the gathering and training session of the Nepal Indigenous Nationalities Federation (Socialist) in the Bagmati Province on Sunday, Nepal revealed that the initial agreement was made by him, Girija Prasad Koirala, and the then King Gyanendra. “We were the three who made the agreement: Girija Prasad Koirala, myself, and Gyanendra. Only later did Prachanda join,” he stated.

Protesters Demand Resignation of Energy Minister Deepak Khadka: Demonstrations were held once again today at Maitighar Mandala in Kathmandu, demanding the resignation of Energy Minister Deepak Khadka and expressing strong support for Kulman Ghising. Protesters condemned Ghising’s dismissal from the post of Executive Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority, calling it disrespectful and unjust.

The rally was organized under the leadership of the “Kulman Ghising Reinstatement Joint Struggle Committee Nepal”. Participants chanted slogans demanding that Minister Khadka step down and called for the immediate reinstatement of Ghising to his former position.

Meeting Between Janamat and Nagarik Unmukti Leadership Concludes with Agreement on Party Unity: A meeting of top leaders from the Janamat Party and Nagarik Unmukti Party concluded in Rajapur, Bardiya, with a consensus on the principles of party unity. The two-day meeting resulted in significant agreements regarding the unity process, bringing the parties closer to finalizing their merger.

The meeting was attended by Janamat Party President Dr. CK Raut, Nagarik Unmukti Party (NUP) Patron Resham Chaudhary, and President Ranjita Shrestha. Dr. Raut has already returned from Bardiya, while Chaudhary has headed back to his residence. A working group meeting will be convened soon to finalize the details. After several rounds of discussions, the leadership meeting also reached an agreement on the party’s name and election symbol.

Nepali MP elected to IPU Sustainable Development Committee: National Assembly member Dr Anjan Shakya has been elected to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Standing Committee on Sustainable Development.

She was elected representing Nepal from the Asia-Pacific region in the IPU’s 150th assembly held in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. Speaker Devraj Ghimire is leading the Nepali delegation to the assembly that began on April 5 and will continue until April 9.

Shakya defeated candidates from the Maldives and Iran to become the first ever MP to be elected to the Committee from Nepal. In her comments following the victory, MP Shakya said that she felt that with her victory it has also helped to enhance Nepal’s prestige on the international stage.

9 Arrested for Gambling in Nagarjun: In Nagarjun Municipality-1’s Raniban, the police have arrested 9 individuals on charges of gambling. The arrests took place on Saturday night when the individuals were found gambling at the house of Dev Bahadur Sunar in Raniban.

The police team, deployed from the Swayambhu Police Station, seized cash worth NPR 157,800 and 3 decks of cards from the suspects during the operation.

Stock Market Growth: Investor Wealth Rises by NPR 66.5 billion: Last week, the value of assets for stock investors increased by approximately NPR 66.5 billion. During this period, the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index rose by an average of 40 points, pushing the total market capitalization to NPR 44.89 trillion. This represents an increase of about NPR 66.5 billion compared to the previous Thursday, when the total market capitalization was NPR 44.22 trillion.

Last week, stock trading occurred for only four days, during which the NEPSE index rose by nearly 57 points over three days (Sunday, Wednesday, and Thursday). However, on Tuesday, the index fell by about 17 points. On average, the NEPSE index rose by approximately 40 points last week. The NEPSE index, which closed at 2,663.30 points the previous Thursday, increased to 2,703.39 points by the end of last week.

Dr. Shekhar Koirala Warns Government Against Manipulating Economy: Nepali Congress leader Dr. Shekhar Koirala has stated that the government has no right to manipulate the economy. Commenting on rumors of middlemen gaining influence in the appointment of the Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank, Dr. Koirala warned the government against playing games with the economy.

He emphasized, “If middlemen are gaining influence in the governor’s appointment, it will challenge the government. It will not only be unfortunate for the government but also for Nepal. This is an extremely serious matter.”

Speaking at the launch of Dr. Suman Koirala’s book Katroma Khaltī in Kathmandu, Dr. Shekhar Koirala also criticized the current government for failing to ensure good governance.

Health Insurance Board Still Owes NPR 16.45 billion in Payments: The Health Insurance Board has announced that it still owes NPR 16.45 billion in payments. During a press conference today, the Board revealed that by the end of Falgun (mid-March), this amount remains unpaid to hospitals covered under the insurance scheme.

Executive Director of the Health Insurance Board, Dr. Raghuraj Kafle, explained that due to a shortage of human resources and adequate budget, the payments owed would rise to NPR 24 billion by the end of Ashad (mid-July). He also mentioned that with only NPR 1 billion in the Board’s fund, managing the insurance program has become a challenge. “About NPR 2 billion is spent on service providers. The expenses are 15 times higher than the revenue,” he added.

New NRB Guidelines Limit Cooperative Borrowing and Member Deposits: Cooperative institutions in Nepal can now borrow only up to five percent of their total assets from banks, financial institutions, and cooperative banks, according to new directives issued by Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB).

The provision is part of the “Directives and Guidelines for Savings and Credit Cooperatives 2081”, introduced by the central bank. Under the new rules, cooperatives are also restricted from taking loans that exceed 100 percent of their capital fund.

In addition to borrowing limits, the guidelines also place a cap on how much savings cooperatives can collect per member. For cooperatives operating within a single district, the maximum deposit limit per member is NPR 1 million. Those operating across multiple districts can collect up to NPR 2.5 million per member, while cooperatives with a working area beyond one province are limited to NPR 5 million per member.

Film ‘The Mahavir’ Announced with Teaser Poster: A new film titled ‘The Mahavir’ is set to be made, with the production team revealing a thematic poster to announce the project. Directed by GB Aagri, the details of the film’s storyline have not yet been disclosed by the producers. However, the red and dark tones of the teaser poster suggest that the story may be set against a backdrop of war.

The poster features two strong horses racing, with two individuals engaged in a face-off. In the center, a large sword is shown wrapped in a red cloth, with someone seemingly preparing to lift it. This imagery strongly hints at the film’s potential war-themed narrative.

‘Narsimha: Avatar’ Gains High International Demand, Japan Rights Sold: With the release of the first look for ‘Narsimha: Avatar,’ directed and written by Dibakar Bhattrai, international demand for the film has surged. According to Bhattrai, inquiries have been coming in from various countries, and he claims that the film will be sold in most countries within the next few days.

In the meantime, the film’s rights for Japan have been sold to UNA Entertainment. The company’s head, Ujjwal Guragai, stated that they purchased the rights after receiving significant interest from Japanese audiences about the film. However, the production team has not disclosed the amount for which the Japan rights were sold.

‘Janai Harayeko Bahun’ Starts Filming with Auspicious Ceremony: The film ‘Janai Harayeko Bahun’ has officially started its journey with an auspicious ceremony held today. The ceremony took place in the morning at the Budhanilkantha area of Kathmandu.

During the event, most of the cast members were present. The beginning shot was given by actress Miruna Magar, actor Sushank Mainali, and actors Gaurav Pahadi and Bholaraj Sapkota at the Budhanilkantha temple premises. The film’s shooting is set to begin tomorrow.

Afghanistan Under-19s Clinch 1-Run Victory Over Nepal Under-19s: In a dramatic finish, Afghanistan Under-19s emerged victorious by just 1 run against Nepal Under-19s in the 2nd unofficial Youth ODI at Mulpani, Kathmandu, on Sunday. Afghanistan set a target of 169 runs, and despite a valiant effort from Nepal, they fell short, finishing their innings at 167 runs in 49.3 overs.

Afghanistan’s innings saw a solid contribution from captain Mahboob Khan, who scored 58 runs off 114 balls, anchoring the team’s total of 168 in their allotted 50 overs. Despite the best efforts of Nepal’s bowlers, including Santosh Yadav and Cibrin Shrestha, who took 3 and 2 wickets respectively, Afghanistan managed to hold on to a competitive total. Other key wickets fell to Shrestha, Yadav, and Bipin Sharma, but the Afghan batting held firm in the latter stages.

In reply, Nepal’s top-order was led by Sahil Patel, who played a gritty knock of 64 runs off 119 balls. However, Afghanistan’s bowlers, particularly Wahidullah Zadran and Roohullah Arab, put pressure on the Nepalese batsmen, with Zadran claiming 2 wickets for 32 runs.

Arika Gurung Wins Gold at Australian Open Karate Championship 2025: Nepal’s karate star, Arika Gurung, known as the ‘Himalayan Warrior,’ clinched a gold medal at the Australian Open Karate Championship 2025 on Saturday. The event was held in Sydney, Australia, where Erika triumphed in the women’s 68 kg weight category.

The Nepal Karate Association believes that bestowing this title upon her will further inspire and energize karate players in Nepal. In addition to Arika’s victory, four other Nepali athletes also earned bronze medals at the championship. The bronze medalists include Santosh Shrestha (Men’s 67 kg), Barsha Budhamagar (Women’s 50 kg), Pushpka Lama (Women’s 55 kg), and Sabina Shrestha (Women’s 61 kg).

Rupandehi District Selects Players for Lumbini Provincial T20 Cricket Championship: Rupandehi District has selected its players for the upcoming Lumbini Provincial T20 Cricket Championship. The selection committee, chaired by Dhiraj Adhikari Kshetri, the vice president of the Rupandehi Cricket Association, has named 14 players for the team, with young cricketer Dev Khanal appointed as the captain.

The competition, organized by the Lumbini Provincial Sports Council, will begin on Monday and will be held at the Deukhuri International Cricket Ground in Lamahi and the Gulria Cricket Ground in Ghorahi, Dang. Kshetri, the chair of the selection committee, informed that the players were selected based on their recent performances.

India’s Modi Praises Close Sri Lanka Ties at Holy Tree: India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to Sri Lanka’s sacred Buddhist tree on Sunday before wrapping up a state visit during which he secured defense and energy deals.

Modi offered flowers to the Sri Maha Bodhi, an object of worship and a symbol of sovereignty for the Buddhist-majority Island, in the pilgrim city of Anuradhapura. The tightly guarded fig tree is believed to have grown from a sampling of the tree in India under which the Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment over 2,500 years ago.

The Hindu-nationalist Indian premier also worshiped and offered robes to the tree during a previous visit in 2015, underscoring its religious and cultural importance to both nations.

Taiwan Detects Hike in Chinese Activity Around Region: Taiwan detected seven sorties of Chinese aircraft and seven Chinese naval vessels operating around it as of 6 am (local time) on Sunday, according to a statement by the Taiwanese Ministry of National Defence (MND).

In a post on X, the MND said, “7 sorties of PLA aircraft and 7 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today, 5 out of 7 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.

“12 sorties of PLA aircraft and 6 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 9 out of 12 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s southwestern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly,” MND said in a post on X.

US storms, ‘severe’ flooding death toll climbs to 16: Violent storms battering the central-eastern United States have killed at least 16 people, officials said, with the National Weather Service warning on Saturday of “severe” flash flooding in the coming days.

A line of fierce storms stretching from Arkansas to Ohio has damaged buildings, flooded roadways and produced dozens of tornadoes in recent days. Tennessee was hardest hit by extreme weather, with state authorities saying on Saturday that 10 people had died across the western part of the state. Two people were killed due to floods in Kentucky, according to state Governor Andy Beshear, including a child who was “swept away by floodwaters.”