KATHMANDU: Stay updated with Nepal News’ evening briefing, bringing you the day’s most important developments from Nepal and across the globe. From politics and economy to sports, entertainment, and culture, we deliver a concise roundup of the top news you need to know.

6 Nepalis Discharged After Abu Dhabi Drone Incident

The Nepali Embassy in Abu Dhabi confirmed that six out of seven Nepalis injured by falling drone debris in the UAE have been discharged from the hospital. The debris fell in the Al Ajban area after the UAE air defense intercepted drones launched by Iran on Friday. While seven Nepalis and five Indians were among the 12 total injured, the embassy reported that the one remaining Nepali in the hospital is out of danger. Diplomatic staff remain in contact with all victims to ensure their recovery and safety.

Police Arrest 195 in Major Search Operation Against Criminality

In a massive overnight operation, Kathmandu Police arrested 195 individuals involved in hooliganism, fraud, and middleman activities. Under the direction of SSP Ramesh Thapa, the search was concentrated in Thamel, Budhanilkantha, and the Tribhuvan International Airport area. Those detained are accused of harassing travelers at the airport and engaging in various illicit activities in the capital’s tourist hubs. Authorities stated that the operation aims to curb criminal influence and middleman interference in public spaces, with further investigations currently underway for all suspects.

Protests Erupt in Kathmandu Against Petroleum Price Hike

Youth activists staged a protest in Kathmandu on Saturday to voice their opposition to the recent increase in petroleum prices. Organized by the National Gen Z Citizens’ Campaign and the Mega Campaign Against Misrule, participants marched with placards demanding an end to inflation and the immediate removal of various taxes imposed on fuel. Protesters emphasized that the surge in fuel costs would trigger a chain reaction, leading to a rise in the prices of daily essential commodities. They urged the government to provide relief to the public by slashing taxes to make petrol more affordable.

Pokhara Launches Demolition Drive to Clear Phewa Lake Encroachment

Pokhara Metropolitan City initiated a major demolition campaign early Saturday to remove illegal structures near Phewa Lake. Using excavators starting at 3:30 AM, the city demolished over two dozen temporary huts and buildings constructed within the restricted 65-meter zone. Notably, demolition work reached the Waterfront Resort, following a Supreme Court mandate to clear all commercial and private encroachments within the lake’s boundary. The operation was supported by security personnel and aligned with recent federal directives to preserve the lake’s environment. The campaign follows years of delays in implementing court orders to protect the iconic water body.

Voter Registration to Resume Tomorrow

The Election Commission is set to resume the collection and updating of voter lists starting Sunday. Citizens who have already received their National Identity Card numbers can register their names online by entering their existing details. According to Spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai, those without a National ID must fill out an online form via the commission’s pre-enrollment system before visiting provincial or district election offices to provide biometric data, including photos and fingerprints.

Australia Congratulates Balendra Shah on Assuming Premiership

The Australian government has extended its congratulations to Balendra Shah on his appointment as the prime minister of Nepal. In a message sent via the Australian Embassy in Kathmandu, Foreign Minister Penny Wong wished Prime Minister Shah a successful tenure and emphasized the enduring friendship between the two nations. Minister Wong expressed her commitment to working with the Shah administration to foster a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Asia-Pacific region. The message marks a significant diplomatic gesture from a key international partner following the recent change in Nepal’s leadership.

Rabi Lamichhane and Gyanendra Shahi Hold Unity Talks

Rabi Lamichhane, Chairman of the Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Gyanendra Shahi, parliamentary leader of the Rashtriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), met today to discuss political collaboration. Following the meeting, Shahi shared photos of the encounter, stating that the two leaders are moving forward in a unified campaign to “build the country.” This meeting comes as RSP’s Dol Prasad Aryal is set to be officially declared the unopposed Speaker of the House on Sunday. Both leaders signaled that their shared political challenges have strengthened their resolve for cooperation.

Shram Sanskriti Party to Field Female Candidate for Deputy Speaker

Harka Sampang, Chairman of the Shram Sanskriti Party, announced that his party will contest the upcoming election for the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. Following the unopposed election of Dol Prasad Aryal from the Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP) as Speaker, Sampang stated via social media that his party would specifically field a female candidate. He challenged the “new” political forces in Parliament to decide whether they would support fresh leadership or align with traditional power blocs, questioning if his candidate would receive seven votes or 189.

Shekhar Koirala Refutes Factional Ties Within Nepali Congress

Senior Nepali Congress leader Shekhar Koirala clarified that he is not affiliated with any specific faction or group within the party. Speaking at the annual general meeting of the BP Smriti Community Cooperative Hospital in Kathmandu on Saturday, Koirala expressed dissatisfaction with social media reports linking him to various internal groups. He emphasized that his sole objective is to unite the Nepali Congress to establish it as the leading political force in the upcoming elections. He also suggested that retired physicians could play a vital role in effectively managing the cooperative hospital.

Foreign Minister Affirms Policy of Balanced International Relations

Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal stated that the government is actively working to strengthen Nepal’s international relations based on non-alignment, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. During an event organized by the Community Police Service Center on Saturday, he emphasized a policy of maintaining balanced and peaceful ties with all nations. At the same event, Kathmandu Valley Police Chief Ishwar Karki discussed ongoing efforts to create a crime-free society through community cooperation, while local leaders from Tokha sought government assistance for water management projects.

Nepali Congress Conducted Orientation for 15th National Convention

The Nepali Congress organized an orientation program for central representatives designated for the party’s 15th National Convention. General Secretary Pradip Poudel and other senior leaders gathered at the party headquarters in Sanepa today to train representatives on their specific roles and responsibilities. The party had previously scheduled the main convention to take place from October 2 to 5, 2026, in Kathmandu. According to the established timeline, the process for active membership distribution and updates was set to occur between March and April.

Army to Host Reunion for 90,000 Retired Personnel

The Army has announced its annual Ex-Servicemen’s Convention, aiming to bring together approximately 90,000 retired soldiers. Spokesperson Rajaraman Basnet stated that the program, themed “Reunion, Welfare of Beneficiaries, and Sustainability of the Fund,” will be held in four phases from April 5 to April 17. This year’s convention expects 33,000 attendees from 34 districts across Lumbini, Gandaki, Madhesh, and Bagmati provinces. Funded by the Army Welfare Fund, the event provides a platform for retirees to share grievances and suggestions directly with the chief of army staff.

Nine Public Transport Drivers Fined for Drunk Driving

The Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office penalized nine public transport drivers for driving under the influence of alcohol on Saturday. The arrests were made during a surprise inspection conducted across various locations in the capital. Spokesperson Naresh Raj Subedi stated that the special operation targeted public vehicles to ensure passenger safety. The apprehended drivers are facing legal action for operating public transport while intoxicated. Authorities have intensified these “surprise checks” as part of a broader campaign to reduce road accidents in the valley.

Ministry Reports Progress on Health Sector Governance Reforms

The Ministry of Health and Population has released its first-stage progress report regarding governance reforms in the health sector. The ministry has successfully updated its website to reflect that 32 hospitals comprising 19 private and 13 government facilities are now providing free treatment on 10% of their total beds. Additionally, monitoring and feedback sessions were conducted at Bir Hospital, Shahid Gangalal National Heart Center, and Kanti Children’s Hospital to enhance service quality. The ministry has also prepared a preliminary draft of the Hospital Service Improvement Guideline and initiated the setup of burn treatment beds at Tikapur, Mahakali, Seti, and Kalaiya hospitals.

Actor Sagar Lamsal Arrested on Rape Allegations

Police arrested actor Sagar Lamsal, popularly known as ‘Bale,’ from Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu, following a rape accusation. The arrest came after a young woman studying in the United States posted an allegation on social media claiming Lamsal assaulted her a year ago. SSP Ramesh Thapa confirmed that an investigation is underway. Following the public allegation, the production banner Kalarani Films officially removed Lamsal from the movie ‘Panch Pandav.’ Despite having completed 90% of his scenes, the filmmakers stated that all his footage will be discarded and he will no longer be part of the project on moral grounds.

Ramesh Sippy and Rajesh Hamal Discuss ‘Sholay’ at NIFF

During the Nepal International Film Festival (NIFF), legendary Bollywood director Ramesh Sippy engaged in a dialogue with actor Rajesh Hamal, referring to him as a combination of Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra. Sippy shared insights into the making of the cult classic ‘Sholay,’ revealing that while the film was initially planned with a budget of Rs 10 million, it eventually cost Rs 30 million. He noted that a single scene took 21 days to film due to weather conditions. Hamal praised Sippy’s direction, noting how every character and even the horses in the film became iconic. The event was held at the Nepal Tourism Board hall as part of the ongoing festival activities.

Dual Natural Disasters in Afghanistan Claim 69 Lives

Afghanistan is reeling from dual natural disasters that have claimed at least 69 lives. On Friday evening, a 5.8 magnitude earthquake struck at a depth of 186.4 km, killing at least eight people, primarily due to a house collapse in Kabul province. Simultaneously, government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid announced on Saturday that heavy rains and flash floods have killed 61 people and injured 116 across southern and western provinces. The flooding has destroyed or damaged 2,448 homes and washed away vast agricultural lands, with four individuals still missing. The Afghanistan Meteorological Department has warned of continued heavy rainfall and high risks of further flash floods in the coming days.

60% of Ships Crossing Hormuz Strait Linked to Iran Amid Conflict

A maritime data analysis shows that 60% of the 221 ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz between March 1 and April 3 were either arriving from or departing for Iran. Following the US-Israel strikes on February 28, Iran suspended global fuel supplies, causing volatility in energy markets. Data from Kpler indicates that 30 out of 37 oil tankers crossing the strait originated from Iran, with almost all vessels carrying 8.45 million tons of crude oil heading toward China. Other nations using the waterway include the UAE at 20% and India at 14%.

Trump Proposes Record $1.5 Trillion Defense Budget for 2027

US President Donald Trump has proposed a USD 1.5 trillion defense budget for 2027, marking a 44% increase and the largest military investment request in a decade. Budget Director Russell Vought stated the move aims to “reinvest in national security” amid a dangerous global climate. President Trump indicated that federal focus will remain on the military rather than domestic sectors like healthcare or education, suggesting those should be managed at the state level. While the proposal serves as a policy roadmap for Congress, it signals a significant shift toward federal military prioritization as tensions with Iran continue.