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.
PM Oli Claims Stability of Government Under NC and UML Leadership Until 2027: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli stated that the current government, formed under the leadership of the Nepali Congress and CPN (UML), will remain in power until 2027, ensuring political stability and continued national development. Addressing the CPN (UML) district convention in Siraha, he reassured that the government, aimed at national prosperity and stability, will not collapse despite opposition from smaller parties. Oli emphasized the government’s readiness for constitutional amendments and reaffirmed its commitment to development, including projects in the Madhesh region. Oli stated that the constitution would be amended at an appropriate time to enhance governance and strengthen the current federal democratic republic.
Prachanda Urges Progressive Writers to Foster Leftist Unity: CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ emphasized the important role of progressive writers in uniting fragmented leftist forces through ideological and cultural means. While congratulating the newly elected committee of the Progressive Writers’ Association, he reiterated his party’s commitment to leftist unity, stating that past divisions can still be overcome. Prachanda highlighted that the Maoist Centre’s central committee has officially endorsed continued efforts for unification. The Association’s 13th convention elected Devi Duwal Chhetri as its new chairperson.
RPP Chair Lingden Calls for New Understanding to Move the Country Forward: Rajendra Lingden, the chairman of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), has stated that the country cannot progress with the current path and emphasized the need for a new understanding. Addressing a warning assembly held in Balkhu, Kathmandu, on Tuesday, Lingden suggested that a new understanding is required for a system that accommodates both monarchists and republicans.
He said, “Let’s create a system where no one feels insulted.” Lingden reflected on the significant political changes the country has gone through by the time of the assembly and stressed the need for a balanced approach that includes diverse political ideologies. Regarding the March 28 incident, where violence erupted from the state’s side, Lingden stated that RPP does not believe in any form of violence.
RPP Leaders Mishra and Rana Granted 15 More Days in Custody: Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Vice Chair Rabindra Mishra and General Secretary Dhawalshamsher JBR, along with 18 others, have been granted an additional 15 days in custody by the Kathmandu District Court. The leaders are currently held at the District Police Range Bhadrakali in Kathmandu.
Mishra and JBR were arrested on March 28 during a protest in Tinkune, where they were accused of engaging in undesirable activities. On Tuesday, Judge Bishnu Prasad Upadhyay granted permission for further investigation, extending their detention for an additional 15 days.
PM Oli Says Constitutional Amendment Will Happen at the Right Time: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has stated that a constitutional amendment will take place at the right time. Addressing the 21st meeting of the fourth session of the Madhes Provincial Assembly on Tuesday, he mentioned that the groundwork for this amendment is currently underway.
He clarified that a committee will be formed to move forward with the amendment at an appropriate time. “Constitutional amendments will happen when necessary,” he said. “To strengthen the system and improve the current framework, we are moving towards constitutional amendments to make it stronger and more robust.”
Two Killed, 22 Injured in Road Mishap: Two persons died and 22 others were injured in a road accident occurred at Bharabliya village of Lumbini Sanskritik Municipality-7, Rupandehi. According to the District Police Office, Rupandehi, the deceased have been identified as Asmita Yadav, 12, of Gaidahawa rural municipality-1 and Janmati Yadav, 48, of Shuddodhan rural municipality-6.
The accident took place when a van (Lu 1 Cha 2763) with 24 passengers was returning home after completing a ritual function from Lumbini-based Mayadevi Temple. It overturned at Shivagadhiya on Monday evening due to over speed, said Sandeep Gupta, an eye witness.
Teachers Continue Protest in Kathmandu Demanding School Education Act: Teachers have staged a protest in Kathmandu by lighting torches during the day, demanding the enactment of the School Education Act. Despite seven days of street protests, the government has yet to address their concerns, leading the teachers to take this action.
The Nepal Teachers’ Association, which has been organizing the street protests in Kathmandu, began an educational strike from Monday, halting teaching activities in schools. Teachers from across the country have joined the Kathmandu-based protest. They expressed their frustration, stating that they had been forced to take to the streets due to the government’s failure to meet their long-standing demands.
Government Reissues Call for Dialogue with Protesting Teachers in Kathmandu: The Government of Nepal has once again called on protesting teachers in Kathmandu to come to the negotiation table. On Tuesday, the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology issued a notice urging teachers involved in the ongoing protest to engage in dialogue.
According to a statement signed by Ministry spokesperson and joint secretary Shiv Kumar Sapkota, no formal consultation or discussion has taken place with the ministry so far, despite the continued protest programs. “In light of the ongoing attention-drawing programs, the Ministry hereby invites the Nepal Teachers’ Federation to participate in a dialogue on April 9 (Wednesday),” the statement reads.
Rastriya Swatantra Party Calls Secretariat Meeting: The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has called for a meeting of its Secretariat. The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon at 4:00 PM at the central office in Banasthali, as informed by the acting spokesperson, Manish Jha.
The agenda for the meeting includes reviewing the previous session, party activities, current political developments, the upcoming General Convention, the people’s journey, discussions regarding provincial-level officials and central members, and other miscellaneous topics.
Speaker Devaraj Ghimire Reaffirms Nepal’s Commitment to Bandung Principles: Speaker Devaraj Ghimire has reaffirmed Nepal’s commitment to the principles of the Bandung Declaration. While addressing the Fourth Conference of the Parliamentary Network of the Non-Aligned Movement held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on Monday evening, he highlighted that Nepal has always played a leading role in promoting global peace, equality, and justice.
He stated that the spirit of Bandung, initiated 70 years ago, continues to inspire peace-loving countries like Nepal. Ghimire emphasized, “As a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement, Nepal believes in peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among all nations.”
Protests Disrupt Traffic Management in Kathmandu: Various protests disrupted traffic management in Kathmandu on Tuesday. Protests were reported in several areas, including the New Baneshwor-Maitighar road section, Balkhu area, Shantibatika-Baluwatar road section, and Jawalakhel-Maitighar road section. These protests caused significant traffic issues in the affected areas.
Teachers protested from New Baneshwor to Maitighar Mandala, while the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) held a demonstration in the Balkhu area. In the Shantibatika-Baluwatar road section, cooperatives, microfinance institutions, and victims of usury protested. Meanwhile, the Rashtriya Janamorcha Party organized a procession from Jawalakhel, which advanced towards Maitighar.
Chair Dahal Stresses Unity Among Leftist Forces: Chairperson of the CPN (Maoist Centre), Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, has said progressive writers could play a leading role to unite divided leftist forces in an ideological and cultural manner. Congratulating the newly elected working committee of the Progressive Writers’ Association today, he stressed the need for unity among leftist political forces.
Also the former Prime Minister, Dahal mentioned, “The Maoist Centre central committee has passed the policy to continue the efforts for the unity among leftist parties. We should not think that unity among the parties divided earlier is impossible.”
Minister Paudel Addresses 58th Session of UN Health Commission: Minister for Health and Population, Pradip Paudel, addressed the 58th session of UN Commission on Population and Development in New York today. In his address, Minister Paudel shared that Nepal had made a significant progress in reduction of child and maternal mortality in the last three decades. The case of child marriage was dropped and use of family planning contraceptives increased in Nepal, he added.
“Nepal is committed to improving health facilities to its citizens. However, government’s lone efforts are insufficient for it,” he said, underlining the need of international cooperation and solidarity for continuous improvement in health indicators.
South Korean Tourist Dies of Altitude Sickness While Returning from Tilicho Lake: A South Korean national has died due to altitude sickness while returning from Tilicho Lake. The incident occurred at a location called Thorong Khola in ward no. 9 of Ngisyang Rural Municipality, Manang district.
The deceased has been identified as tourist Myongok Jong, who passed away early this morning. Police have been mobilized for the management and retrieval of the body. Once the body is brought to the district headquarters, a decision will be made on whether to conduct the postmortem in Chame or send it to Kathmandu.
Stock Market Declines Further, NEPSE Index Drops By 3.44 Points: After a drop of 33 points the previous day, the stock market declined further on Tuesday, with the NEPSE index falling by an additional 3.44 points. Following this decline, the NEPSE index settled at 2,666 points.
Based on the final price calculation of listed companies, the NEPSE had risen by 1.73 points. However, when the weighted average price was calculated, there was a drop of 3.44 points compared to the previous day. For the past two weeks, the index has been calculated based on the weighted average price of the last 15 minutes of trading.
Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel Assures No Political Interference in NRB’s Policies: Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel has stated that there will be no political interference in the policies of Nepal Rastra Bank. Speaking at the ‘NADA Auto Dialogue’ organized by the NADA Automobiles Association of Nepal, Poudel said that the policies implemented in the automobile sector were formulated by the central bank itself.
Poudel, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister, said that the government is aware of the dissatisfaction among auto dealers regarding the central bank’s decision to lower the loan-to-value ratio in its midterm review. “The 80/60 issue is not set in stone. It can be resolved through discussion,” he said.
NRB Warns Public About Rising Financial Fraud Through Digital Platforms: Nepal Rastra Bank has urged the public to remain vigilant against criminal activities conducted via digital mediums. The central bank warned people not to fall for tempting offers such as “Get a mobile phone at a cheap price,” “Win a lottery,” “Double your money,” or “Buy crypto or forex.” These are common tricks used in digital fraud schemes.
In a message released on Tuesday for financial awareness, the bank cautioned that if individuals believe such messages and share their private details, including citizenship and other sensitive documents, they may not only fail to earn money but also risk losing their own assets. The bank advised everyone to be cautious when receiving such messages and to make decisions carefully after thoughtful consideration.
Sanjiv Kumar Paudel’s New Song ‘Na Din Sake Khushi Timilai’ Released: A new song titled “Na Din Sake Khushi Timilai” composed, written, and sung by Sanjiv Kumar Paudel has been released. The song is arranged by Devendra Newa.
The music video, directed by Bikram Chauhan, features actors Badal Ghimire, Asmita Subedi, and Geeta Bista. The video also includes cinematography by Prakash Khadka, color coordination by Milan Bishwokarma, and editing by Lakshman Chauhan.
Nepal Idol Season 2’s Participant Pawan Giri Releases New Song ‘Wastabikataa‘: Pawan Giri, a participant from Nepal Idol Season 2, has released his new song titled “Wastabikata.” The song features lyrics and music composed by Giri himself, with his own voice also featured.
Giri has also handled the music arrangement for the song. The grand premiere of “Wastabikata” was held at Universal Café in Satdobato, Lalitpur. The event saw the notable presence of popular musicians, media professionals, and singers who have contributed significantly to the Nepali music industry.
Poetry Collection ‘Band Kothako Jhyal’ by Poet Hemant Shishir Released: The poetry collection “Band Kothako Jhyal” by poet Hemant Shishir has been released. The collection won the “Bishwajyoti Pandulipi Puraskar,” an award established to encourage young poets under the age of 40 who have not yet published any work. The book was officially launched today.
The event was attended by Nepal Academy of Fine Arts’ Chancellor Naradmani Hartamchali, Professor Dr. Rajani Dhakal, poets Rajendra Salav, Bishwabhimohan Shrestha, and Usha Sherchan, who jointly released the book. The poetry collection is published by Shangrila Books.
Secretaries Appointed to 11 Sub-Committees for 10th National Sports Competition: The 11 secretaries for the sub-committees of the 10th National Sports Competition have been appointed. Tankalal Ghising, the coordinator of the 10th National Sports Competition Executive Committee and member secretary of the National Sports Council (NSC), has appointed secretaries to 11 sub-committees.
As per the arrangement, the coordinator of the executive committee has the authority to designate secretaries. Therefore, Ghising has appointed 11 employees from NSC to serve as secretaries to the various sub-committees.
Planning Boys United Continue Unbeaten Streak in ‘B’ Division League: Planning Boys United have maintained their unbeaten streak in the Sahid Smarak ‘B’ Division League. In a match held at the ANFA ground in Satdobato on Tuesday, Planning Boys defeated Saraswati Youth Club 3-0. The team showcased a dominant performance, securing their fifth win.
Sujan Dangol scored the opening goal in the second minute to give Planning Boys the lead. Saroj Karki added a goal in the 73rd minute, and Phaguram Tharu sealed the victory with a goal in the 82nd minute. Despite their efforts, Saraswati was unable to score.
Rupandehi Advances to Semifinals in Lumbini Provincial T20 Cricket Tournament: In the Lumbini Provincial T20 Cricket Tournament 2081, Rupandehi secured a thrilling 18-run victory over Banke, thanks to tight bowling from captain Dev Khanal and Ajay Chouhan. Banke was bowled out for just 97 runs, allowing Rupandehi to advance to the semifinals.
The match, held at the Deukhuri International Cricket Ground in Lamahi-5, Dang, saw Banke chasing a target of 116 runs. Banke managed to score 51 runs with 4 wickets down, but they were eventually bowled out for 97 runs after adding only 46 more runs.
NATO Chief Says China Military Expansion ‘staggering’: China’s expansion of its armed forces is “staggering”, NATO’s chief said on a visit to Japan beginning Tuesday aimed at “projecting” the alliance’s power in the Asia-Pacific region. Let us not be naive about China,” secretary general Mark Rutte told the Japan Times. The build-up of their armed forces and investments in their defence industry, and in their defence capabilities, is staggering,” Rutte said in the interview published on Monday.
US President Donald Trump is pressuring other members of the mainly European NATO alliance to increase their military spending. At the same time Trump wants Asia-Pacific allies to beef up their militaries to help confront China and contain North Korea.
UN Food Agency Concerned Over Possible termination of U.S. Emergency Food Assistance: The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) on Monday expressed deep concern over recent notifications from the United States indicating a potential halt to emergency food assistance funding in 14 countries. If implemented, this could amount to a death sentence for millions of people facing extreme hunger and starvation,” the WFP said in a statement on X.
The agency said it is currently in contact with the U.S. government to seek clarification and appeal for the continued support of its life-saving programmes. The WFP acknowledged and expressed gratitude for the contributions it receives from the United States and other international donors, said the agency, reiterating its commitment to delivering “vital food assistance to vulnerable communities in hunger hot spots across the globe.
China Increases Temperature Around Taiwan: Just like the proverbial frog in a pot, who boils to death after the water is heated incrementally, so China under Chairman Xi Jinping is gradually but inexorably ramping up the pressure and heat against Taiwan.
By acting in this way, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is normalizing such coercive behavior against the democratic nation. PLA activity around Taiwan has been at record-breaking levels since May 2024, as communist-controlled China ramps up the pressure. To illustrate how China is stoking the boiler, PLA aircraft sorties into Taiwan’s self-declared air defense identification zone (ADIZ) from 1 January till 31 March 2025 were at record levels.
