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, Deuba Hold Talks as Discontent Grows Within Nepali Congress: As tensions simmer within the Nepali Congress (NC) over the performance of the coalition government, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba held a crucial hour-long meeting at the PM’s official residence in Baluwatar on Tuesday. The high-level talks came against the backdrop of mounting frustration among senior NC leaders over what they see as the government’s ineffectiveness.

After earlier criticism from Dr. Shekhar Koirala, General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa added fuel to the fire, comparing the government’s sluggishness to “a turtle’s crawl.” Senior NC leader NP Saud has also joined the chorus of disapproval, openly lambasting the government’s approach. While Nepali Congress leaders have gone on the offensive, their coalition partner, the CPN-UML, has chosen to remain silent. A UML Secretariat meeting held Monday stopped short of addressing the criticisms, instead calling vaguely for the government to be made “more effective.”

Middlemen Have Access to the Prime Minister’s Bedroom, Says Gagan Thapa: Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Thapa has alleged that middlemen now have direct access to the Prime Minister’s bedroom, symbolizing the deep penetration of vested interests into the country’s highest political leadership.

Speaking at a program in Kathmandu on Tuesday, Thapa drew a sharp distinction between the private sector and middlemen, stating that the current economic problems stem not from private enterprises but from these intermediaries. “Our problem is not the private sector—it is the middlemen. They are the reason our economy is in trouble,” Thapa said. “I’m not naming any particular prime minister, but these middlemen have managed to reach even the bedroom of the leadership,” he added, implying deep-rooted collusion between power holders and vested interests.

PM Oli Appoints Prof. Dr. Khadga KC as Acting Vice-Chancellor of Tribhuvan University: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, in his capacity as Chancellor of Tribhuvan University (TU), has appointed Prof. Dr. Khadga KC as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of Nepal’s oldest and largest university. Dr. KC, who currently holds the position of Rector at TU, was handed the responsibility following the resignation of former Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Keshar Jung Baral. The appointment is an interim arrangement until a new permanent Vice-Chancellor is appointed.

The Vice-Chancellor is the chief executive of the university and oversees academic, administrative, and financial matters. As per Tribhuvan University’s statute, the Prime Minister of Nepal serves as Chancellor, while the Minister of Education serves as Pro-Chancellor. Dr. KC’s appointment comes at a time when Tribhuvan University is under growing scrutiny over delays in academic calendar, governance issues, and political interference. His leadership will be closely watched in the coming days, especially in how he manages pressing reforms and administrative challenges within the institution.

Teachers Continue Protests, Stage Sit-in at Baneshwor: Protesting teachers demanding the immediate promulgation of the School Education Act staged a sit-in at New Baneshwor on Sunday. The protestors, led by the Nepal Teachers’ Federation, marched from Maitighar Mandala toward the Parliament building. However, they were stopped by police at the restricted zone near Baneshwor, prompting them to stage a sit-in on the road.

The Nepal Teachers’ Federation has intensified its Kathmandu-centric protests, accusing the government of failing to implement previous agreements. The federation is demanding that the School Education Act be issued immediately—either through a regular parliamentary session, a special session, or an ordinance. The ongoing protests have already disrupted the beginning of the new academic session. The Federation has announced further protest programs, including boycotting student enrollment campaigns, withdrawing from the Grade 12 examination process, and refusing to check SEE (Secondary Education Examination) answer sheets.

Supreme Court Halts New Age Limit Rule for Public Body Appointments: The Supreme Court has issued a short-term interim order stopping the government from enforcing its revised guidelines that would allow individuals over 65 to be appointed to public bodies. This comes after the Finance Ministry removed the upper age limit, a move seen as linked to the appointment of a new Governor for Nepal Rastra Bank. Advocate Bishal Thapa filed a writ petition against the amendment. Justice Nityananda Pandey’s bench issued the order and scheduled a full hearing for April 20. The revised criteria affect 15 institutions, including the central bank, Securities Board, and Insurance Board.

NHRC Urges Swift Resolution of Teachers’ Protest, Citing Impact on Education Rights: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged the government to resolve the ongoing community school teachers’ protest in Kathmandu through meaningful dialogue. Expressing concern over the impact on children’s right to education and public life, the NHRC emphasized the need for peaceful negotiations. Teachers have been protesting since April 2, demanding the School Education Act address their long-standing grievances. The NHRC warned the disruption could affect SEE results, Grade 12 exams, and student enrollments. It called on the government to honor past commitments, consult widely on the bill, and modernize school laws to ensure access to quality education.

Rector Khadga KC Appointed Acting Vice Chancellor of Tribhuvan University: Prime Minister and Chancellor of Tribhuvan University, KP Sharma Oli, has appointed Rector Prof Dr Khadga KC as Acting Vice Chancellor for a period of three months. The position became vacant following the resignation of Vice Chancellor Keshar Jung Baral, which was formally accepted on April 10. The appointment was made under Clause 21 of the Tribhuvan University Act, 2049 BS, and will remain effective until a new Vice Chancellor is appointed. Dr KC, currently serving as the university’s Rector, will assume the additional responsibility as part of this interim arrangement.

Nepali Congress Calls April 30 CWC Meeting Amid Rising Internal Dissent: The Nepali Congress has scheduled a Central Working Committee meeting for April 30 to address pressing political developments and internal disagreements. Chief Secretary Krishna Prasad Paudel announced the 1 pm meeting will include office bearers, members, and invitees. The move comes as senior leaders—such as Shekhar Koirala, Gagan Thapa, and Bishwa Prakash Sharma—criticize the party’s continued support for the KP Sharma Oli-led government. Dissenters cite the administration’s poor performance and ideological friction with communist allies. The meeting is expected to examine the party’s role in the ruling coalition and its broader stance on governance.

Nepal Sees Rs 58 Billion in FDI Commitments in First Nine Months of FY 2024/25: Nepal received foreign direct investment (FDI) commitments totaling Rs 57.97 billion in the first nine months of FY 2024/25, up by Rs 27.85 billion from the same period last year. The Department of Industry reported that most FDI came via the approval route (Rs 55.77 billion), while Rs 2.89 billion came through the newly launched automatic system. The highest commitments were in the service sector (Rs 34.92 billion), followed by tourism (Rs 18.38 billion). Chaitra alone saw Rs 13.31 billion in pledges across 53 industries. Despite high commitments, actual FDI inflow last fiscal year was only Rs 5.96 billion.

No Rhino Poaching in Chitwan for 516 Days Despite Natural Deaths: Chitwan National Park has recorded 516 consecutive days without rhino poaching, according to CNP Information Officer Abinas Thapa Magar. The last poaching incident occurred on November 16, 2023, when two rhinos were killed in the Chaparchuli area, leading to the arrest of nine individuals. Since then, enhanced security strategies have prevented further poaching. In the current fiscal year, 24 rhinos have died from natural causes such as tiger and crocodile attacks, illness, and old age. As per the 2021 census, Nepal has 752 one-horned rhinos, with 694 residing in Chitwan National Park.

Rastriya Prajatantra Party Calls Central Executive Meeting: The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) has called a meeting of its Central Executive Committee. According to party spokesperson Mohan Shrestha, the meeting has been scheduled for 11 AM on Baisakh 4 (April 17).

“The meeting will discuss recent political developments, the arrest of Senior Vice-Chair Rabindra Mishra and General Secretary Dhawal Shumsher Rana, and various aspects of the party’s upcoming protest programs,” said spokesperson Shrestha. Mishra and Rana are currently in police custody for their alleged involvement in the incident that occurred on Chaitra 15 (March 28) in the Tinkune area of Kathmandu.

Jajarkot Hit by 4.1 Magnitude Earthquake: Recent days have seen frequent earthquakes in various parts of Jajarkot district. The National Seismological Center reported a 4.1 magnitude earthquake at 9:31 PM on Monday, with Paink in Jajarkot as its epicenter. So far, there have been no reports of damage from the earthquake, which originated in Paink, located within Kushe Rural Municipality.

The Center also noted that two other earthquakes occurred in the same region on the evening of April 3. The first had a magnitude of 5.2, followed by a 5.5 magnitude quake. Some houses experienced minor damage due to these tremors. Additionally, a 4.0 magnitude earthquake struck Darchula on Chaitra 20, and a 4.5 magnitude earthquake was recorded on Chaitra 12 (March 25), as per the Seismological Center.

Nepali Congress Calls Central Committee Meeting on April 30: Nepali Congress has called for a meeting of its Central Committee on the 17th of Baisakh (April 30). Nepali Congress Party Office’s Chief Secretary Krishna Prasad Poudel informed that the meeting is scheduled to take place at 1 PM at the party’s office in Sanepa.

The meeting will include the participation of Central Committee officials, members, and invited members. The discussion will focus on current political issues and will involve making necessary decisions on those matters.

Supreme Court Orders Report on Detention of Former DIG Chhabilal Joshi: The Supreme Court has issued an order requesting the High Court of Tulsipur’s Butwal Bench to provide reasons for sending former DIG Chhabilal Joshi to detention. The order was issued by the bench of Judge Binod Sharma, who directed the High Court to submit a report explaining the reasoning behind the decision to detain Joshi for further investigation in the case.

Last week, the High Court of Tulsipur’s Butwal Bench had ordered the detention of both Rabi Lamichhane and Chhabilal Joshi. Joshi, who is accused in the Supreme Cooperative fraud case in Butwal, had filed a petition in the Supreme Court, seeking the cancellation of the High Court’s order. Following the hearing of his petition, the Supreme Court has now directed the High Court to submit a report on the matter.

Pre-Monsoon Rains Begin Across Nepal; Weather to Remain Unsettled Until Thursday: Rainfall has been reported across various parts of the country, including the Kathmandu Valley. According to the Meteorological Forecasting Division under the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, light to moderate rain is currently occurring in most parts of Koshi and Bagmati provinces.

The ongoing rain, accompanied by thunder, is due to the influence of western winds and the activation of local winds. The current rain is expected to last for another two hours, with no likelihood of heavy rainfall. Weather will remain generally cloudy with light to moderate rain likely until Thursday. By Wednesday morning, light to moderate rainfall with thunder and lightning is expected in a few hilly areas of Koshi, Gandaki, and Karnali provinces, and in one or two locations in the remaining regions.

Four Injured in Lightning: Four persons from a same family have been injured in a lightning occurred at Sathimure of Khandbari municipality-9 in the district last night.

Those injured in the incident were Kopila Shrestha, her son Gagan, 18, daughter-in-law Babita, 18, and daughter Niruta, 13, according to Deputy Superintendent of Police, Dakshya Kumar Basnet. They have been undergoing treatment at District Hospital, Sankhuwasabha. All of them are out of risk.

One Held with Cannabis From TIA: A person was held in possession of 6.97 kilograms of cannabis from Tribhuvan International Airport. The arrested is identified as a 27-year-old man from India.

TIA Security Chief and Senior Superintendent of Police, Somendra Singh Rathaur confirmed the arrest of the India national from TIA who arrived Nepal on Thai Air flight last night. The contraband was found during a luggage check at arrivals. He has been sent to the Narcotics Bureau Koteshwor for further investigation into the case.

NEPSE Index Gains 27.14 Points on First Trading Day of 2082: On the first trading day of the year 2082, the NEPSE index rose by 27.14 points. With this increase, the index reached 2,689 points. During trading hours, the index had peaked at 2,704 points at 1:54 PM, marking the highest point of the day. Not only did the index increase, but there was also a notable rise in the total transaction amount. Compared to NPR 6.28 billion worth of transactions on Sunday, today’s turnover reached NPR 8.54 billion.

Prices of 212 companies went up, while 34 saw a decline. Investment and development bank sectors showed particular appeal, with the investment sector rising by 2.71% and development banks by 2.46%. Other sectors also posted gains: banking (0.48%), finance (1.59%), hotels and tourism (1.99%), hydropower (1.47%), life insurance (0.81%), manufacturing (1.22%), microfinance (0.60%), non-life insurance (1.07%), and others (0.61%).

Middlemen Have Access to the Prime Minister’s Bedroom, Says Gagan Thapa: Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Thapa has alleged that middlemen now have direct access to the Prime Minister’s bedroom, symbolizing the deep penetration of vested interests into the country’s highest political leadership.

Speaking at a program in Kathmandu on Tuesday, Thapa drew a sharp distinction between the private sector and middlemen, stating that the current economic problems stem not from private enterprises but from these intermediaries. “Our problem is not the private sector—it is the middlemen. They are the reason our economy is in trouble,” Thapa said. “I’m not naming any particular prime minister, but these middlemen have managed to reach even the bedroom of the leadership,” he added, implying deep-rooted collusion between power holders and vested interests.

NRB to Introduce New Five Rupee Note Starting Today: Nepal Rastra Bank has announced the introduction of new five-rupee notes in circulation starting today. The central bank has issued a notice stating that the new five-rupee note will be of the same size and color as the previous ones.

The new note will feature an image of Mount Everest on the left side of the front, a watermark of the rhododendron (Laliguras) on the right, the signature of then-Governor Mahaprasad Adhikari, and the series number in Nepali with the year 2081 B.S. written at the bottom border.

Indications of Improvement in High Earners’ Income: There are signs of improvement in the income of high earners, as indicated by an increase in revenue collection from taxpayers with annual business transactions exceeding one billion rupees. This increase in revenue collection is reported by the Large Taxpayer Office, which manages the tax administration for high-income individuals and businesses.

In the month of Chait, the office collected a total of 33 billion rupees in revenue. This represents a 22% increase in revenue compared to the same month last year. The months of Poush, Chaitra, and Asar are considered significant for income tax collection. According to the Income Tax Act, taxpayers are required to pay 40% of their estimated tax liability for the respective fiscal year in Poush. Similarly, an additional 30% each is due in Chaitra and Asar.

NNRFC Recommends Internal Debt Limits for Upcoming Fiscal Year: The National Natural Resources and Finance Commission has recommended the internal debt limit for the three levels of government for the upcoming fiscal year. For the upcoming fiscal year, the federal government is allowed to raise internal debt up to 5% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Meanwhile, provincial and local governments can raise internal debt up to 12% of their total revenue, including their internal sources and financial transfers. The commission’s recommendation states, “Based on an analysis of the country’s overall economic situation, revenue and expenditure projections, and market liquidity, the government will be able to raise internal debt up to 5% of the projected GDP for the fiscal year 2082/83.”

‘Chhakka Panja 5’ Released on OTT Platform MSM App: The blockbuster film Chhakka Panja 5 has been released on the OTT platform MSM App from the first day of the new Nepali year 2082. Directed by Deepashree Niraula, the film was originally released in cinemas during last year’s Dashain festival and grossed over Rs. 150 million at the box office.

The cast includes popular actors such as Deepak Raj Giri, Kedar Ghimire, Barsha Siwakoti, and Prakash Ghimire. The film is expected to attract a strong audience on OTT as well. It will be available on YouTube at a later date.

240 Talents From 60 Nations Shortlisted for Two Kathmandu-based Reality Shows: A total of 240 talents from 60 countries have been shortlisted for the second edition of two reality shows ‘Mero Voice Universe’ and ‘Mero Dance Universe’. They were selected through auditions held in over 12 countries including in Nepal by the ‘Intra -National Welfare and Support Foundation of America’. Foundation Executive Director Chudamani Bhattarai said 120 talents each have been allowed to compete in the reality shows.

Nepali speaking people who numbered above 7,000 competed during the audition rounds. The travel of those shortlisted candidates to Kathmandu was arranged by the Foundation itself. Ten from the USA audition, two from Canada audition, 10 from the UK, 10 from Portugal, four from Bhutan, 10 from Thailand, 10 from Hong Kong, 10 from Japan, two from Africa, 10 from the Dubai, 10 from Qatar, 10 from Australia, 60 from India and 82 from various cities in Nepal have been selected for the twin competitions.

Mustang Becomes a Popular Film Shooting Destination: With travel now easier along the Beni–Jomsom–Korala road, Mustang has emerged as a sought-after destination for film shooting. Since it is now possible to reach Mustang from the federal capital Kathmandu within a day, the number of film crews arriving to shoot in various parts of the district has significantly increased. The ease of transporting manpower, equipment, and other logistics has further attracted filmmakers from the Hollywood, Bollywood, and Kollywood industries.

Mustang’s unique geography has become a major draw for filmmakers in recent years. From the stunning Himalayan landscapes and diverse natural terrain to the rich biodiversity and vibrant cultural heritage—including traditional farming and livestock practices—the region has become a cinematic treasure trove. This has led to a noticeable surge in film productions choosing Mustang as their backdrop.

Lalitpur and Dhangadhi Secure Playoff Spots in Nepal Super League: The Nepal Super League (NSL), currently underway in Kathmandu, has confirmed its first two playoff contenders. Defending champions Lalitpur FC and last season’s runners-up Dhangadhi FC have both secured their places in the playoffs, maintaining unbeaten records. Each team has collected 11 points from five matches and is now set to face each other in their final league match, which will determine the league winner and runner-up.

While Lalitpur and Dhangadhi have booked their spots, the competition for the remaining two playoff berths remains fierce. Kathmandu RayZers, who have already completed all their league-stage matches, sit in third place with 8 points. FC Chitwan, currently in fourth with 7 points, still have a game in hand and are in a strong position to qualify. Pokhara Thunders, with 5 points, and Jhapa FC, with 4 points, also have one match left and remain in contention depending on other results. Butwal Lumbini FC, on the other hand, are at the bottom of the table with just 1 point and have been eliminated from playoff contention.

8th National Skateboard Championship to be Held on Baisakh 5 and 6: The 8th National Skateboard Championship, jointly organized by the Nepal Skating and Skateboarding Association and the National Sports Council, is scheduled to take place in the first week of Baisakh. The competition will be held on Baisakh 5 and 6 at the Skaters Nepal Skatepark in Tokha Municipality, Kathmandu.

During a press conference on Tuesday, the organizers announced that the tournament will feature 250 male and 150 female participants. According to the President of the Nepal Skating and Skateboarding Association, Achyut Khanal, competitors have been selected from all seven provinces to participate in the national championship.

Inter- Local Level Volleyball Tournament Schedule Announced in Taplejung: The game schedule for the Inter-Local Level Volleyball Tournament, held as part of the Kanchanjunga Diamond Festival, has been announced. According to Man Kumar Limbu, the Secretary of the Kanchanjunga Conservation Area Management Council, the first match will be held on Baisakh 3, with the host team, Fakhtanglung Rural Municipality, from Group ‘A’, facing off against Phungling Municipality.

On the same day, the second match will feature Mikwakhola Rural Municipality from Group ‘B’ competing against Sirijunga Rural Municipality of the same group. On Baisakh 4, the third match will see Sidinwa Rural Municipality from Group ‘A’ playing against the invited team from Yangwarak Rural Municipality in Panchthar. The fourth match of the day will be between Pathibhara Yangwarak Rural Municipality from Group ‘B’ and Merindin Rural Municipality. After the group-stage matches, the semifinals and finals will follow.

Former Malaysian PM Abdullah Badawi Dies at 85: Former Malaysian prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who promised reforms after taking over from his iron-fisted predecessor Mahathir Mohamad but was criticised for lacklustre leadership, has died, his family said. The 85-year-old passed away in hospital on Monday after a lingering illness. He will be buried Tuesday after a state funeral.

Affectionately known as “Pak Lah” or Uncle Lah, Abdullah became prime minister in 2003, succeeding Mahathir, the sharp-tongued authoritarian leader who resigned after 22 years in power. He served as Malaysia’s fifth prime minister until 2009 when he was forced to stand down after his ruling coalition’s poor showing in general elections and following relentless criticism from Mahathir, who had turned against his hand-picked successor.

Taiwan Sees Heightened Chinese Military Activity Around Its Territory: Taiwan recorded 10 sorties of PLA aircraft and seven PLAN vessels operating around its territory on Tuesday, as shared by Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND). In a post on X, MND observed that these were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) on Tuesday. It further noted that six out of 10 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern, southwestern and eastern ADIZ. 10 sorties of PLA aircraft and 7 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today.

6 out of 10 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern, southwestern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded”, MND wrote on X. As per the MND, on Monday, Taiwan recorded six sorties of PLA aircraft and seven PLAN vessels operating around its territory. 6 sorties of PLA aircraft and 7 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today.

Trump Blames Zelensky for Starting War After Massive Russian Attack: Donald Trump has blamed Volodymyr Zelensky for starting the war with Russia – a day after a massive Russian attack killed 35 people and injured 117 others in Ukraine. The US president said the Ukrainian leader shared the blame with Russian President Vladimir Putin for “millions of people dead” in the Ukraine war.

“You don’t start a war against someone 20 times your size and then hope that people give you some missiles,” he told reporters at the White House, also blaming former US President Joe Biden for the conflict. Trump’s comments come after widespread outrage over Russia’s attack on the Ukrainian city of Sumy on Sunday, which was the deadliest Russian attack on civilians this year.