Nepali national Amrit Jha released from custody in Iran
The Government of Nepal has extended its appreciation and gratitude to the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for granting pardon to 128 Nepali inmates.
The UAE government recently granted pardon to 128 Nepali inmates there on the auspicious occasion of the Holy Month of Ramadan.
In a press statement on Wednesday, the Ministry stated that it highly values this gesture of pardon on the basis of humanitarian ground as a demonstration of cordiality in the bilateral relations between Nepal and the United Arab Emirates.
"The decision of pardon was taken following the request of the Government of Nepal made through the Embassy of Nepal in Abu Dhabi, UAE," according to the Ministry.
Likewise, the Ministry has confirmed that Nepali national Amrit Jha, who was arrested in Iran during the West Asia conflict, was freed on Wednesday.
Jha was held by the Iranian Army from the Strait of Hormuz nearly a month ago.
According to Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal, Jha is in contact with Nepal's Honorary Counsel General in Iran and the Embassy of Nepal in Qatar.
Nepal's diplomatic team is working to bring Jha out from there, Minister Khanal confirmed.
Weather to remain generally cloudy in hilly, Himalayan regions
The hilly and Himalayan regions are generally cloudy in different parts of the country at present.
The Weather Forecasting Division of the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, stated that the hilly region of the Koshi Province, along with the Himalayan regions of Bagmati and Gandaki Provinces, will be generally cloudy today.
The remaining hilly and Himalayan regions of the country will be partly cloudy, and the Tarai region will have mainly fair weather.
There is a possibility of light rain and snowfall with thunder and lightning at a few places in the hilly and Himalayan regions of the Koshi Province, as well as at one or two places in the Himalayan regions of Bagmati and Gandaki Provinces, the Division mentioned.
Later tonight, the weather in the Tarai belt will be generally fair, while the Himalayan regions of Koshi and Gandaki provinces will be generally cloudy, and the hilly and Himalayan regions of the other provinces will be partly cloudy.
At present, there is a partial influence of feeble Western and local winds in Nepal, according to the Department.
Sindoor Jatra being observed
Local residents celebrated the famous Sindhoor Jatra in the premises of Balkumari Temple, Madhyapur Thimi on Wednesday.
This festival is celebrated every year on Baishakh 1 and 2 as part of Biska Jatra observed by people of the Newar community in Bhaktapur district.
The festival marks the arrival of spring.
On the occasion, devotees gather at one place and take out a procession carrying 32 palanquins carrying idols of various deities.
People smear Sindhoor (orange vermillion powder) to each other while taking out the procession.
International Wellness Day being observed today
The International Wellness Day is being marked by organizing various programs today.
The United Nations had, at the initiative of Nepal, on March 10, 2026 endorsed a resolution, declaring to observe April 15 each year as International Wellness Day (Aarogya Diwas).
"To promote awareness and action for holistic well-being, the General Assembly proclaimed 15 April as International Wellness Day," the UN said. This Day serves as a platform for education, cultural exchange, and knowledge-sharing — encouraging people everywhere to embrace accessible, inclusive, and affordable wellness practices that enhance both personal and collective health, according to the UN.
The UN noted that the wellness sector plays a growing role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — from creating jobs and reducing poverty to promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth. Wellness supports quality of life, protects human dignity, and empowers individuals and communities to adopt sustainable lifestyles and safeguard resources for future generations.
