KATHMANDU: Nepal News delivers daily updates on major events across various topics. From local developments to global affairs, we bring you the most important news of the day. Our evening briefing provides a concise summary of key updates in politics, economics, sports, entertainment, culture, and world affairs. Here’s today’s evening update:

Former King Gyanendra Welcomed by Massive Crowd in Kathmandu: Former King Gyanendra Shah returned to Kathmandu after a month-long stay in Pokhara, receiving a grand welcome from supporters at Tribhuvan International Airport. Leaders from RPP and RPP Nepal were present, while a large crowd lined the streets. Authorities tightened security to prevent disruptions. His recent Democracy Day remarks have sparked political backlash, with leaders challenging him to contest elections if he seeks a return to power.

Rising Royalist Sentiment Alarms Major Political Parties: The resurgence of royalists has unsettled Nepal’s three major political parties. The Maoist Center abruptly halted its Terai-Madhes Awareness Campaign, citing increased royalist activity. Party Chairman Prachanda warned former King Gyanendra to either contest elections or face consequences. Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak and PM KP Sharma Oli also condemned royalist movements, questioning their agenda. Nepali Congress leader Sher Bahadur Deuba reaffirmed that Nepal has no place for monarchy. Despite political differences, major parties appear united against any revival of the monarchy.

Prachanda Blames Government’s Actions for Encouraging ,Reactionary Forces’: Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal stated that the government’s anti-people actions have emboldened reactionary forces. Addressing a virtual event in Japan, he announced that the Maoist Center would fight against such elements. Citing royalist activities in Kathmandu, he revealed a temporary suspension of their Terai-Madhes campaign, focusing instead on parliamentary and student elections.

PM Oli Defends Constitution, Criticizes Former King’s Statement: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli reaffirmed that Nepal’s constitution was drafted by elected representatives and must be protected by all. Addressing the Sudurpaschim Province Assembly, he criticized former King Gyanendra Shah’s recent statement on Democracy Day, calling it unusual and warning against unrest. Oli dismissed rumors of a royal comeback, emphasizing the necessity of public mandate for leadership. He also reiterated that the current government was formed through consensus and assured a leadership transition as per prior agreements.

Kathmandu’s Air Pollution Worsens Amid Lack of Rainfall: Kathmandu Valley is experiencing worsening air pollution due to inadequate rainfall. Meteorologist Binu Maharjan stated that the western low-pressure system and local winds have prevented significant rainfall. Kathmandu ranked as the fifth most polluted city globally, with an AQI of 163. Experts warn pollution risks may persist until May-June. The Department of Environment cites industries, vehicles, and construction as major pollution sources. Health experts emphasize risks for vulnerable groups, while the government’s Air Quality Management Action Plan classifies AQI above 300 as a disaster.

Lawmakers Raise Concerns Over Protests, Discrimination, and Aviation Safety: In a National Assembly session on Sunday, lawmakers highlighted key issues, including rising monarchist demonstrations, Dalit discrimination, and aviation safety. Uday Bahadur Bohora warned of threats to the republic, urging governance reforms. Tul Prasad Bishwakarma demanded justice for Dalits, while others called for women’s empowerment and fair treatment of teachers. Mohammed Khalid raised concerns over Nepal’s air safety following a Buddha Air flight’s landing mishap, stressing its potential impact on tourism. Lawmakers urged swift government action on these pressing matters.

Family of Hamas Captive Bipin Joshi Meets PM Oli, Seeks Help: The family of Bipin Joshi, a Kanchanpur native held by Hamas for 1.5 years, met Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Sunday, urging his intervention for Joshi’s release amid the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. However, they received no new assurances. Despite 1.5 months of ceasefire, Joshi remains captive, raising concerns for his family.

NEPSE Drops by 46.33 Points, Closes at 2,772.10: The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) fell by 46.33 points (1.64%) to close at 2,772.10, extending its previous session loss. The index fluctuated between 2,819.92 and 2,766.08, with a total turnover of Rs. 10.09 Arba from 315 companies.

Himalayan Reinsurance Limited (HRL) led the turnover with Rs. 1.12 Arba, closing at Rs. 1,046. Three stocks gained 10%, while two saw a 10% decline. The Others Index suffered the highest sectoral loss (2.69%), while the Trading Index dropped the least (0.81%).

Commercial Banks Report Rs. 34.95 Billion Net Profit in Seven Months: In the first seven months of the fiscal year, commercial banks in Nepal earned a total net profit of Rs. 34.95 billion. Nabil Bank led with a net profit of Rs. 4 billion, followed by Global IME Bank at Rs. 3.89 billion and Nepal Investment Mega Bank at Rs. 3.43 billion. Other top earners included Everest Bank (Rs. 2.57 billion), Nepal Bank Limited (Rs. 2.45 billion), and NMB Bank (Rs. 2.34 billion). NIC Asia reported the lowest profit at Rs. 464.7 million.

Kulman Ghising Submits 16-Page Clarification to Energy Ministry: Nepal Electricity Authority’s Executive Director, Kulman Ghising, has submitted a 16-page clarification to the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation as per the Cabinet’s directive. The ministry had asked for an explanation on four points, including the alleged violation of the performance agreement. Ghising provided a seven-point response addressing concerns over last year’s performance report and his signing of an India-Nepal energy trade agreement. His response will determine the next steps regarding his tenure.

Karnali International Film Festival Kicks Off: The Karnali International Film Festival began on Sunday, organized by Red Cherry in collaboration with the Film Development Board. The event, inaugurated by Karnali Chief Minister Yam Lal Kandel, will run until Monday. The festival aims to promote Karnali as a film tourism destination, with discussions on local storytelling and regional film development scheduled.

Magne Raja captures royalist rally with national flags at airport: The upcoming film Magne Raja, starring Kedar Ghimire, Aryan Sigdel, and Barsha Siwakoti, includes scenes of royalist supporters waving Nepal’s national flag at Tribhuvan Airport. Director Rishi Lamichhane clarified that the film did not capture the former king but focused on patriotism. The film, set for release during Teej, features seven cameras used to film the protest scenes.

Nepal Secures Thrilling One-Wicket Victory Against Uganda: Nepal claimed a thrilling one-wicket win against hosts Uganda in the Women’s T20 International tournament. Chasing Uganda’s 76-run target, Nepal reached it with one ball to spare, despite losing nine wickets. Sanu Prabin (17), Puja Mahato (16), and Rubina Chhetri (10) contributed crucial runs. Earlier, Uganda managed 75/7, with Puja Mahato taking three wickets.

Chyasal Youth and Birgunj United Settle for Goalless Draw in ‘B’ Division League Opener: The opening match of the Martyr’s Memorial ‘B’ Division League ended in a goalless draw between Chyasal Youth Club and Birgunj United on Sunday at Dasharath Stadium. Both teams failed to capitalize on scoring opportunities, sharing one point each after the stalemate.

Sankata Ends ANFA U-16 Youth League with Hard-Fought Victory: Sankata Football Club concluded the ANFA U-16 Youth League with a narrow 1-0 win over Satdobato Youth Club on Sunday at the ANFA Complex. Krista Bhandari’s 57th-minute goal secured the victory. With 41 points from 20 matches, Sankata sits third, while Satdobato finished eighth with 17 points. Friends Club, with 39 points, still has a game in hand.

Church Boys United Reach Mechinagar Gold Cup Semifinals: Top-division league champions Church Boys United defeated Nepal Super League (NSL) team Jhapa FC 5-4 in a sudden death penalty shootout to reach the semifinals of the 5th Mechinagar Gold Cup. The match, held at Kakarvitta Secondary School on Sunday, ended 1-1 in regular time, leading to a penalty decider where Church Boys emerged victorious.

Deepak Rauniyar’s Song Rajaganj Released: The song Indreni from Deepak Rauniyar’s Rajaganj has been released, featuring Pravesh Mallik’s music, Dhirendra Premarshi’s lyrics, and Smarika Phuyal’s vocals. The film had a grand premiere in Janakpur’s Girija Hall, attended by dignitaries. Starring Dayahang Rai, Richa Sharma, and Nikita Chandak, Rajaganj has already impressed audiences at top global film festivals.

Modi Highlights AI’s Role in Women’s Empowerment: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared an article by Minister Savitri Thakur on AI’s role in empowering women. Modi emphasized AI’s potential in creating opportunities and supporting women’s progress. Thakur’s article highlighted India’s goal of becoming a developed, self-reliant nation by 2047, stressing the importance of equal participation of women in this vision.

Musk Proposes Sanctioning Ukrainian Oligarchs to End War: Elon Musk suggested sanctioning Ukraine’s top ten oligarchs, especially those with mansions in Monaco, to swiftly resolve the war with Russia. His comment on X responded to a discussion on U.S. aid to Ukraine. The proposal sparked debate, with critics questioning its effectiveness, especially since Ukraine recently sanctioned some of its own wealthy elites.

Rubio Leads U.S.-Ukraine Peace Talks in Saudi Arabia: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will arrive in Jeddah on Monday for U.S.-Ukraine talks as President Trump seeks a swift end to the Russia-Ukraine war. Rubio will meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. Talks will focus on a peace framework, following recent U.S.-Russia discussions in Riyadh.