In Nepalgunj, Banke, the discovery of a bird flu threat has led to a ban on the import of chicks and white eggs from India. The Animal Quarantine Office is destroying 20 to 25 Indian broilers daily. The government is enforcing strict regulations on domestic transport and conducting awareness programs in open border areas. March 30, Nepalgunj.
Due to the detected risk of bird flu in Nepalgunj and surrounding open border areas of Banke, heightened vigilance measures have been implemented. Dr. Hareram Yadav, head of the Animal Quarantine Office in Banke, reported that chicks illegally brought from India through border points connected to the district are being destroyed on a daily basis. He confirmed that bird flu has not been detected in the area and emphasized that the import of chicks and white eggs has been prohibited. He noted, “People try to bring chicks and eggs across the open border zones, but they abandon them and flee when spotted by police.”
The government has imposed a complete ban on bringing chicks or white eggs from India into Nepal. Dr. Yadav also mentioned that there is strict monitoring and enforcement on internal transport as well as on poultry import and export. According to the Animal Quarantine Office, 20 to 25 Indian broilers are destroyed in the district each day. He added, “Clear directives have come from higher authorities, and we are fully alert. Bird flu risks have been identified particularly in the open border areas adjoining the Terai region.” The office regularly conducts public awareness programs, Dr. Yadav said. Senior Animal Development Officer Dr. Ganesh Bahadur Pun of the Veterinary Hospital and Animal Service Expert Center, Nepalgunj, confirmed that high-level precautions are being maintained in chick imports. The district has several open border points, including Suia, Bagauda, Khadaicha, and Jamunah.
Kathmandu, March 30 — Amid escalating tensions and the potential for conflict with Iran, the United States has increased its military presence in West Asia to over 50,000 troops. According to The New York Times, this surge includes the recent deployment of 2,500 Marines and 2,500 sailors, pushing the total number of US forces in the region beyond 50,000. This figure is approximately 10,000 more than the standard deployment levels.
Typically, around 40,000 US troops are stationed across Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Iraq, Syria, Jordan, and Qatar. Meanwhile, the US Navy’s largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, has arrived at the port of Split, Croatia, for repairs. The vessel was redirected from the Red Sea after a fire broke out in its laundry room on March 12. The 4,500 personnel aboard the ship are not included in the current 50,000 troop count.
Additionally, the Pentagon has secretly deployed 2,000 additional troops from the 82nd Airborne Division to locations within reach of Iran. Military experts note that this deployment represents the largest US troop presence in the region since the Iraq War in 2003. This increased military footprint is reportedly providing President Donald Trump with options to conduct ground operations in strategically significant areas like the Al-Faw Peninsula.
US President Donald Trump stated that the US could take control of Iran’s oil resources and potentially seize the key fuel hub known as Kharg Island. “To be honest, what I really like is taking oil from Iran, but some fools in America say, ‘Why are you doing that?’ but those people are fools,” he told the Financial Times in an interview. According to Trump, this move could involve taking control of Kharg Island. He said, “We can take control of Kharg Island, or we may not. We have many options.”
“This might mean that we have to stay there for some time.” Kharg Island is a small rocky area located 15 nautical miles (24 kilometers) off Iran’s coast. Although small, it is one of the most critical parts of Iran’s energy infrastructure. The island, a vital center for Iran’s oil exports, is considered a lifeline for Tehran’s economy.
Trump claimed there has been a regime change in Iran, from America’s perspective. Speaking recently aboard Air Force One, he reiterated comments he made last week on Fox News, saying, “You can say there’s really been regime change because their leadership has been killed.” Addressing reporters on the plane, he said, “If you look, we have already changed the regime there because a government was destroyed, toppled, all of them killed. The second leadership is almost finished as well.”
“Now the third group of leaders we’re dealing with are completely different from the previous ones. That’s why I consider it regime change, and frankly, they are much more practical.” “So in my view, regime change has happened. It couldn’t have been done better,” he added. Trump also expressed hope that Iran might be willing to negotiate with the US. “We might make a deal with them, but we might not,” he said.
“It’s hard to say regarding Iran. We talk to them, and then we might have to destroy again,” he added. Meanwhile, reports have emerged that Iran has warned of possible retaliatory attacks on universities and residences of US and Israeli officials. Pakistan’s foreign minister has indicated preparations to hold peace talks, though it remains unclear whether the US or Iran will participate.
Coach Guglielmo Arena of the Nepal national football team has expressed his commitment to securing a win against Laos. Nepal’s captain, Kiran Chemjong, has also emphasized that achieving victory is the primary goal. The match between Nepal and Laos, part of the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, is scheduled to kick off at 7 PM local time.
Speaking at the pre-match conference ahead of Tuesday’s final game, Arena stated, “We have arrived in Laos with a balanced squad of young and experienced players. My objective is to test the abilities of the younger players. That is why I have included five new players in the national team. Laos is a strong team, but we are fully prepared for tomorrow’s game. We will take the field with the goal of winning.” Arena has introduced Yubaraj Khadka, Pemba Dorje Lama, Roman Bhujel, Milan Rai, and Yogesh Dhimal to the team for the first time.
Captain Chemjong added, “Once on the field, winning will be our top priority. We have prepared well and will perform according to the coach’s strategy.” The match between Nepal and Laos begins at 7 PM local time. Both teams, placed in Group F, are already eliminated from the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. Each has accumulated 3 points from 5 matches. Previously, Nepal lost 2-1 to Laos in the first leg held in Laos. To date, Nepal and Laos have met six times, with Nepal winning four matches, Laos winning one, and one match ending in a draw.
Madhesh Province defeated Karnali Province in the PM Cup Men’s National Cricket Tournament. Karnali was all out for 129 runs in 31.2 overs. The match, held on Monday in Janakpur, saw Madhesh Province secure a 5-wicket victory over Karnali Province. Chasing a target of 130 runs set by Karnali, Madhesh achieved the target in 24.5 overs with the loss of 5 wickets.
For Madhesh, Niraj Yadav top-scored with 38 runs. Araniko Yadav remained unbeaten on 32, while Mayan Yadav contributed 24 runs. Pawan Sarraf added 17 runs. On the Karnali side, Deependra Rawat took 3 wickets, with Devan Pun and Prakash Jaisi claiming 1 wicket each. Karnali, having won the toss and opted to bat first, lost all wickets for 129 runs in 31.2 overs.
Opener Ravindra Shahi scored the highest for Karnali with 40 runs. Arjun Gharti made 24 runs, while Bipin Rawal and Dinesh Adhikari both scored 18 runs each. Captain Devan Pun added 12 runs. For Madhesh, Ashik Baithak bowled 10 overs, conceding 34 runs and taking 4 wickets. Vishal Patel and Araniko Yadav took 2 wickets each, and Pradip Paswan took 1 wicket. Prior to this match, Madhesh had played 4 matches and earned 7 points. Karnali has gained 3 points from 4 matches, currently holding the sixth position.
Generation Z experiences phone calls as stressful and intrusive, leading them to prefer text messaging. Growing up in the digital age, their communication style differs significantly. Whether it’s asking friends for an address or ordering food, they find sending a text message more comfortable than making a phone call. While some view this behavior as laziness, experts describe it as a form of telephobia—a kind of anxiety related to phone conversations.
A study conducted in the UK found that approximately 56 percent of Generation Z participants disliked answering phone calls. They reported that the sudden ringing of a phone causes them stress. In some cases, they have even urged their parents not to call them. This preference stems from their greater familiarity with chats, social media direct messages, and memes.
Communication experts explain that text messaging offers users more control and security than phone calls. For instance, texts can be edited multiple times, spell-checked, and allow time for research or reflection before responding to a question. In contrast, phone calls demand immediate reactions without prior thought. These advantages of texting have contributed to Generation Z’s tendency to avoid phone calls.
Additionally, many young people perceive phone calls as indicators of urgent matters or bad news. An unexpected call often feels like a disruption. This trend increasingly affects workplace and social relationships because completely ignoring calls can undermine active listening skills, conversational ability, and empathy—traits essential for immediate, thoughtful responses. To address this issue, countries like the UK have started organizing workshops to help young people overcome their fear of phone calls. After all, communication is not just an exchange of words but a connection between people.
Toparaj Sharma, an online journalist based in Butwal, was honored by the Rupandehi Hatbazar Business Association in recognition of his contributions to journalism. Sharma received the award during the association’s 10th general assembly, with Butwal Sub-Metropolitan City Chief Khelraj Pandey presenting the certificate of appreciation.
Association President Humaram Pokhrel shared that there are 122 operational marketplaces in Rupandehi, involving around five thousand businesspeople. The event held on Chaitra 16 in Butwal acknowledged Sharma’s efforts in advocating for the rights and addressing the challenges faced by small business owners through his journalistic work.
Toparaj Sharma was formally recognized by Khelraj Pandey, Chief of Butwal Sub-Metropolitan City, and Humaram Pokhrel, President of the association. Sharma has been actively engaged in journalism for over two decades. Speaking at the occasion, Chief Pandey highlighted the vital role that the marketplaces in Rupandehi play in supporting farmers by facilitating the sale of their produce.
Following the request by the Office of the Government Attorney to hold former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak in custody for 10 days for investigation, a hearing on this matter is currently underway at the Kathmandu District Court.
Officials report that former Home Minister Lekhak has been brought before the court by the police.
Due to health reasons, former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, currently admitted to Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, is participating in court proceedings virtually.
According to Deepak Kumar Shrestha, the information officer of Kathmandu District Court, the court administration has fully prepared to facilitate Oli’s virtual appearance, connecting him online from the hospital.
Lekhak has been produced in court by the police, with dozens of lawyers signing up to represent him during the hearing.
Information officer Shrestha states that the court premises is crowded with legal professionals.
The Office of the Government Attorney has submitted a petition requesting that former Prime Minister Oli and former Home Minister Lekhak be held in custody for 10 days to facilitate investigation.
The court will first decide whether to validate the arrest warrants. Only after this decision will the court issue orders regarding any extension of the custody period for investigation, Shrestha explained.
What the Police Say
Image source, RSS
The Nepal Police stated that, as of now, no interrogation has been conducted with former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli nor with former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak.
They have indicated that after presenting the two individuals in court on Sunday, further investigative procedures will proceed.
The police had arrested Oli and Lekhak on Saturday morning following the recommendations of a high-level commission formed to investigate the use of force and damages during the indigenous peoples’ movement in Bhadra.
Following their arrests, Oli was taken to Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital for a medical examination and has remained there due to health concerns.
Ramesh Lekhak, also a leader of the Nepali Congress, spent the night in police custody.
Following Oli’s arrest, his political party, the CPN-UML, has launched a nationwide protest campaign.
A senior legal expert affiliated with Oli’s camp has revealed plans to file a writ petition for habeas corpus with the Supreme Court on Sunday, seeking his release.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Pawan Kumar Bhattarai, also the spokesperson for Kathmandu Police, stated that the arrests were made based on the recommendations of the commission investigating the incidents on Bhadra 23 and 24, and this will be presented in court.
He said, “We bring them with charges. We operate according to the commission’s recommendations on Bhadra 23 and 24.”
He further noted that the police have not yet begun interrogations.
“They were taken into custody yesterday morning and brought in for processing. The first step is to present them in court, followed by judicial custody while investigations proceed,” explained DSP Bhattarai.
Oli, age 74, remains admitted at the teaching hospital after his medical examination.
Having undergone kidney transplantation previously, Oli is reportedly kept under medical supervision due to some health issues.
Image source, EPA/Shutterstock
Lekhak was taken to Kantipur Hospital for a medical checkup and later held at the Police Battalion No. 2 at Maharajgunj, according to police reports.
DSP Bhattarai reported, “Both are currently in stable condition. One had minor issues which require monitoring in the teaching hospital; the other has no health problems.”
Seven individuals were arrested following a CPN-UML protest in the capital on Saturday, all of whom were later released, police said.
Habeas Corpus Petition to be Filed
Image source, Nepal Photo Library
A lawyer who consulted Oli a day prior to the arrest has stated that three procedural errors were made during the arrests of the two leaders.
Senior Attorney Tikaram Bhattarai remarked, “First, a necessary arrest order was issued without court permission. Ordinarily, no one can be arrested without court approval, which is absent here.”
“Police issue such orders only in necessary situations like the accused fleeing or destroying evidence, neither of which applies here.”
The second error concerns the commission’s report. “The arrest based on a confidential report that has not been formally published raises questions about transparency and fairness,” he said.
“Third, even if the report is legitimate, it does not show orders given by Oli or Lekhak nor their presence at the scene, thus the recommended charges do not apply.”
On Saturday morning, Oli requested legal assistance to defend his case and plans to file a habeas corpus petition at the Supreme Court on Sunday.
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Video caption begins, Ramesh Lekhak taken for extension hearing
The commission’s report, leaked unofficially through media prior to its official release, implicates government leadership, noting a failure to take timely and necessary security measures despite being aware of the security situation.
It states, “Even after deaths caused by firing on Bhadra 23, no initiative was seen from then-Prime Minister and other responsible officials. Their negligent and indifferent behavior resulted in significant human losses.”
However, the authenticity of the report, shared only by media, has not been officially confirmed by relevant authorities.
The CPN-UML has announced plans to submit memoranda across district administration offices nationwide on Sunday, demanding the release of Oli.
Hark Sampang, chairman of the Labor and Culture Party, has announced that he will not participate in the meeting convened by the Prime Minister at Singha Durbar. MP Sampang has urged the House of Representatives to be called into session and stated that his party’s lawmakers will not attend the informal meeting. The Prime Minister has invited lawmakers from Koshi Province for discussions, and the Secretariat has also summoned party MPs. Kathmandu, 16 Chaitra.
Explaining his decision to skip the Prime Minister’s meeting, MP Hark Sampang said, “I do not understand the reason for calling an informal meeting without initiating a parliamentary session. We will not take part in the informal meeting.” He stressed the importance of the House of Representatives convening regularly, saying, “There should be at least one meeting every week. It is unacceptable to avoid questions from the people. All questions must be answered. Long live democracy.”
Anmol KC began his acting career as a child artist in the film ‘Dharma’ and has worked in 17 films to date. In 2025, Anmol achieved significant success by presenting two hit films, ‘Farki Farki’ and ‘Jerry on Top.’ His upcoming film, ‘Batulo Jun,’ which is based on a rural character, is scheduled for release next year.
Starting his career in Kathmandu as a child actor with the film ‘Dharma,’ Anmol then appeared in the roles of child characters in ‘Superstar’ and ‘Nepali Babu.’ The film ‘Hostel’ marked a turning point in his career, bringing him widespread success and setting him on a path from which he would not look back. So far, he has worked in 17 films.
The year 2025 proved to be a golden year for Anmol’s career, during which he delivered two consecutive hit films, ‘Farki Farki’ and ‘Jerry on Top,’ significantly advancing his career. Particularly, ‘Jerry on Top,’ based on a mountainous love story, became his highest-grossing film to date. It earned more than 100 million NPR at the domestic box office.
Anmol has primarily been known for his roles as an urban character. It remains to be seen whether he will establish himself as a rural character through ‘Batulo Jun.’ Anmol is celebrating his birthday on Monday. Wishing him many happy returns of the day!
Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have issued a warning to obstruct the southern entrance of the Red Sea shipping route.
The Strait of Hormuz, already nearly blocked by Iran, has caused severe global economic disruptions. Should tensions escalate in the Red Sea, the situation could become even more complicated.
Following a conflict that began about a month ago in the Middle East, the Houthis on Saturday launched their first missile attack on Israel, which Israel successfully intercepted.
Houthi spokespeople claimed they conducted extensive attacks using cruise missiles and drones targeting “many significant military objectives” in Israel.
Two years ago, a similar Houthi threat to block this maritime route forced numerous ships bound for Europe and America to reroute around Africa.
The internationally recognized government of Yemen has condemned Iran’s attempt to forcibly involve their country in the Middle Eastern conflict.
Recent Attacks in the Gulf Region
Iran continues to carry out missile and drone strikes targeting sites across the Gulf states.
Recent attacks have been reported overnight in Qatar, Kuwait, and the UAE.
In Bahrain, Alba, one of the world’s largest aluminum producers, is assessing damage to its facilities caused by recent attacks.
Previously, Iran targeted aluminum plants in Bahrain and the UAE, claiming those facilities were linked to the US military.
Israel reported that on Saturday it completed another phase of attacks against Tehran, the Iranian capital, targeting command centers and weapons sites.
Potential for Ground Operations?
Image source, Reuters
According to the Washington Post, the Pentagon is preparing for a potential ground campaign against Iran that could last for weeks.
However, US officials have indicated it remains unclear whether former President Donald Trump would authorize such an operation.
The US has already deployed the USS Tripoli and approximately 3,500 troops to the region.
Image source, EPA
Reports suggest that planned operations may focus on intense assaults combining special forces and conventional troops rather than a full-scale invasion.
Efforts to obtain responses from involved parties are ongoing.
Talks in Pakistan
Under an agreement with Iran, Pakistan will allow an additional 20 Pakistani-flagged vessels to use the Strait of Hormuz.
This narrow maritime passage is currently mostly closed to commercial shipping.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced the deal ahead of meetings with Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia on Sunday and Monday aimed at reducing tensions in the Middle East.
According to a correspondent, Pakistan is well positioned to mediate a resolution to the Middle East crisis.
Islamabad maintains close ties with both Iran and the United States but hosts no US military bases.
Tribhuvan Army Club secured their ninth win in the HJNBL by defeating ROYAL 102-75.
Army holds second place with 19 points from 10 games, behind Golden Gate and ahead of Times in third.
Eight teams compete in the HJNBL, with the champion earning a 400,000 NPR cash prize.
March 29, Kathmandu – Departmental team Tribhuvan Army Club achieved their ninth victory in the Himalayan Java National Basketball League (HJNBL) 2026.
In a match held Sunday night at the covered hall of Dashrath Rangashala, Tripureshwor, Army defeated ROYAL with a convincing 102-75 scoreline.
Army led 24-21 after the first quarter and extended their lead with a commanding 33-8 second quarter, reaching halftime ahead 57-29. They outscored their opponents 20-18 in the third quarter, while ROYAL won the fourth quarter 28-25.
Having played 10 matches, Army now holds nine wins. Golden Gate and Times also have 19 points each from 10 games, but Golden Gate leads the standings, with Army second and Times third.
Nischal Maharjan was the top scorer for Army with 22 points. Saiyun Rai was declared Man of the Match.
The second edition of the HJNBL, organized by the Nepal Basketball Association (NEBA), features 8 competing teams.
The league follows a double round-robin format with a total of 56 games. The top four teams after the league phase advance to the playoffs. The league’s first and second place teams face off in the first qualifier, while the third and fourth place teams compete in the eliminator match.
The loser of the first qualifier and the winner of the eliminator then play the second qualifier. The winners of the first and second qualifiers contest the final match.
The tournament champion will receive a cash prize of NPR 400,000, the runner-up NPR 200,000, and the third-placed team NPR 100,000.
Additionally, NEBA announced an attractive award for the Most Valuable Player (MVP), who will be selected based on outstanding performance throughout the tournament.
The Supreme Court will hear the passport misuse case against RSSP Chairman Ravi Lamichhane on 16th Chaitra 2079.
The hearing will be conducted by Justices Kumar Regmi and Meghraj Pokharel.
Two years ago, Yuvraj Paudel filed a writ alleging that Lamichhane had used both Nepali and American passports improperly.
Chaitra 16, Kathmandu – The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the passport misuse case against RSSP Chairman Ravi Lamichhane today.
The hearing will take place before a bench comprising Justices Kumar Regmi and Meghraj Pokharel. This is the 12th time the case has been called after multiple postponements.
The case stems from allegations made by Yuvraj Paudel two years ago, accusing Lamichhane of using both Nepali and American passports.
Paudel contends that the Attorney General’s Office’s decision not to pursue the case against Lamichhane on passport misuse grounds was unlawful.
Three years ago, former Attorney General Dinmani Pokharel decided on 6th Chaitra 2079 not to proceed with the case concerning Lamichhane’s passport controversy. However, Paudel has approached the Supreme Court with a writ, and preparations are underway for a favorable hearing.
Previously, the Supreme Court had requested the case file three times. On 22nd Chaitra 2079, a bench led by Justice Hariprasad Phuyal ordered the Attorney General’s Office to explain why the decision was made, questioning the relationship between the office and the decision.
With the decision now received and the hearing scheduled for today, this marks a significant milestone in the process.
The Nepal Gold and Silver Traders’ Association has set the gold price at Rs 283,500 per tola on Monday. The previous day’s price was Rs 286,000 per tola, reflecting a drop of Rs 2,500. Over the past week, however, gold prices have risen by Rs 8,000. On Monday, silver traded at Rs 4,700 per tola, which is Rs 20 less than the previous day. Kathmandu, 16th Chaitra.
On Monday, the price of gold decreased by Rs 2,500 per tola. According to the Nepal Gold and Silver Traders’ Association, today’s gold price is set at Rs 283,500 per tola, whereas it was Rs 286,000 the day before. Overall, there has been an increase of Rs 8,000 in the gold price over the past week. One week ago, on Monday, gold traded at Rs 275,500 per tola.
Similarly, the price of silver has also declined today. Compared to the previous day, silver’s price has dropped by Rs 20 per tola. Yesterday, silver was traded at Rs 4,720 per tola, falling to Rs 4,700 today. A week ago on Monday, silver was traded at Rs 4,425 per tola.
Former acting president of the Nepali Congress, Purna Bahadur Khadka, has convened a meeting of the Central Committee elected at the 14th General Convention. After the arrest of former Home Minister Ramesh Lal Thakuri, Khadka issued a statement in his capacity as acting president, declaring his intention to politically oppose the developments. Following this, the Congress discussed not renewing Khadka’s active membership after his statement.
On March 30, in Kathmandu, Khadka called the former Central Committee to meet on Tuesday. A leader close to party president Sher Bahadur Deuba confirmed that the Central Committee elected at the 14th General Convention has been summoned. Sources close to outgoing acting president Khadka also confirmed the convening of the Central Committee meeting.
According to sources, the meeting is scheduled to take place over two days, Tuesday and Wednesday, at a hotel in Dhumbarahi. A Central Committee member elected at the 14th General Convention also confirmed receiving notification for the extraordinary Central Committee meeting. Following the meeting, Khadka is reportedly preparing to call gatherings of provincial and district party presidents.
Previously, on March 28, Khadka held discussions in Thamel with senior party leaders who had not recognized the special General Convention. After the talks, he issued a statement as acting president, declaring political and legal opposition to the arrest cases involving former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lal Thakuri. Khadka also appealed to party leaders and workers to remain prepared to face any political challenges that may arise going forward.
