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.
Supreme Court Sets Early Hearing Date in Constitutional Appointment Dispute: In a rare move, the Supreme Court of Nepal has scheduled a fresh hearing in the constitutional appointment dispute just days after the previous one—breaking from its usual practice of long gaps between sessions. According to the court administration, the next hearing will be held this Sunday (Baisakh 7). Sources say Chief Justice Prakashman Singh Raut had initially aimed to continue hearings from Thursday, but due to scheduling conflicts with some justices, he decided on Sunday instead. Typically, the Constitutional Bench convenes only on Wednesdays. This marks a notable shift, with a new date fixed within just four days.
The controversy dates back to when the Constitutional Council recommended 52 individuals for appointment to various constitutional bodies on December 15, 2020, and May 9, 2021, under then-Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. The Oli government had amended the Constitutional Council Act via ordinance to bypass the presence of the Speaker and opposition leader in meetings.
Gagan Thapa Says Government Will Last Until 2084, Calls for Reforms: Despite his earlier criticisms, Congress General Secretary Gagan Thapa said the current government will remain intact until 2084 BS. Speaking at an event in Bara, Thapa dismissed rumors of a coalition breakdown, stressing the need to reform government performance. He urged the coalition to address past shortcomings and move forward united. Emphasizing constitutional amendment for a more efficient federal system, Thapa said federalism must reflect Madhes’ sacrifices. He also confirmed the party’s general convention will be held in Mangsir 2083.
Home Minister Lekhak Dismisses Rumors of Rift Within Ruling Coalition: Home Minister and Nepali Congress leader Ramesh Lekhak dismissed speculations about instability in the ruling coalition, calling them baseless. Speaking to the media after a high-level mechanism meeting, he said there are no internal problems. Lekhak also stated that recommendations for the new Governor will be finalized soon. While Congress General Secretary Gagan Thapa has recently voiced dissatisfaction with the government, Lekhak declined to comment, calling it Thapa’s personal opinion. The meeting also discussed addressing teachers’ demands in the upcoming parliamentary session.
President Calls Parliament Session for April 25: The meeting of both houses of the Federal Parliament has been called. President Ramchandra Paudel, on the recommendation of the government, has scheduled the meeting for both houses at 1:00 PM on the 12th of Baishakh (April 25).
“President Ramchandra Paudel, in accordance with Article 93, Subsection (1) of the Constitution of Nepal, has called for a session of both houses of the Federal Parliament at 1:00 PM on Friday, the 12th of Baishakh (April 25), 2082, at the International Convention Centre, New Baneshwor, on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers dated 1st of Baishakh, 2082,” stated an announcement by spokesperson Shailaja Regmi Bhattarai from the President’s Office. The Cabinet meeting held yesterday (Tuesday) evening had recommended to the President the calling of the budget session.
Govt. Urges Agitating Teachers to Return to Classroom: The government has urged the agitating teachers to return to their classrooms. A meeting of the Council of Ministers on Tuesday urged the teachers to postpone the protest programmes and return to the workplace taking into consideration the time of students’ enrollment, SEE answer sheets checking and national examination of grade 12.
Minister for Education and Science and Technology, Bidya Bhattarai, said the government has decided to summon the session of the federal parliament on April 22 for the purpose of passing the school education bill. Minister Bhattarai said that the government was sensitive to address the demands raised by the Federation of Nepal Teachers.
NC General Secretary Sharma Criticizes Government’s Performance: Nepali Congress General Secretary, Bishwaprakash Sharma, has expressed seven points of disagreement with the government under the leadership of UML Chair KP Sharma Oli. He has also stated that the current government’s approach is not worthy of support.
Sharma pointed out seven weaknesses of the government on X on Wednesday, stating, “Hastening decisions that shouldn’t be made, delaying decisions that should be, this tendency of the government is not supportable. The pace of the government, with both major parties involved, has not been satisfactory. Let’s assess the weaknesses, find the rhythm, and increase the pace. The government must emerge from confusion, and its actions must be felt; however, the working style must change.”
RSP Central Committee Meeting to Discuss General Convention: The Central Committee meeting of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) will convene on Thursday to make an official decision regarding the national convention scheduled for the last week of Baisakh. The meeting has been called by the party’s working spokesperson, Manish Jha, following a decision from the party secretariat and the party’s acting chairman. The meeting, to be held at the party’s central office in Bansthali, will have four main agendas.
The first agenda will involve reporting on the party activities with central members’ updates and discussions on contemporary political events. The second agenda will focus on the detailed schedule for the national convention. Apart from the general convention, the Central Committee meeting of the Rastriya Swatantra Party will also include special reporting on various topics such as the Jana Yatra program, the Blueprint Task Force, Leadership Academy, training, and organizational strengthening.
RPP to Hold Meeting on Upcoming Protests: The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) has called a meeting of its central executive committee. Party spokesperson Mohan Shrestha informed that the meeting will be held at 11 AM on Thursday in Dhumbaraahi.
The meeting will discuss the party’s upcoming protests, demands for the release of party leaders arrested after the Tinkune arson, and other related matters. RPP has been challenging the current system while actively supporting the monarchy. Accordingly, the party has also prepared for a demonstration in the capital on the 7th of Baisakh, with decisions related to this to be made in the meeting.
Teachers and Staff Continue Protest in Kathmandu Demanding Education Act: Teachers and staff are continuing their protest in Kathmandu today, demanding the enactment of the Education Act. Their protest has caused a standstill in traffic on the Maitighar-Babarmahal road as they have blocked the entire road, disrupting transportation services. The protesters have been chanting slogans such as “We don’t know anything else, we don’t accept discrimination against teachers,” “Enact the Education Act,” and “Beware of those opposing the Education Act.”
Since 20th Chaitra, teachers and staff have been leading protests in Kathmandu under the banner of the Teachers’ Federation, demanding the enactment of the Education Act, especially the Teacher-Employee Friendly Education Act. On Tuesday evening, the Cabinet meeting expressed its commitment to address the demands of teachers and staff, urging them to end their protests and return to schools. The meeting also decided to recommend to the President to call for the monsoon session of Parliament starting from 12th Baishakh to address teachers’ demands.
Speaker Ghimire States Teacher Demands Cannot Be Addressed During Budget Session: Speaker Devaraj Ghimire has stated that addressing the demands of teachers during the budget session is not possible. In an interview with News Agency Nepal on Wednesday in Jhapa, Speaker Ghimire explained that due to the prioritization of budget-related matters in the budget session, it will not be feasible to address teachers’ demands.
He further emphasized that the education bill will need to be placed as the top agenda in the session and concluded before moving on to other matters. “The upcoming session will need to prioritize budget-related topics, and addressing the education bill immediately as the first agenda and moving on to other issues is not possible. The budget must be presented by 14th of Jestha and passed by the end of Ashar, according to the legal procedure,” Speaker Ghimire added.
Home Minister Orders Investigation into Woman’s Death in Siraha: Minister for Home Affairs Ramesh Lekhak has directed the police administration to conduct an investigation to find the facts and truth in connection with the death of 24-year-old Anandi Devi Sadaya of Jagatpur, Nawarajpur rural municipality-3 in Siraha district. Sadaya, who was sexually assaulted some four months ago, was found dead at her home on Tuesday.
Home Minister Lekhak expressed serious concern over the incident and called Inspector General of Police Deepak Thapa, directing him to investigate the facts regarding the incident, according to the Home Ministry Secretariat. Sadaya was sexually assaulted by Sanjeev Kumar Yadav, 22, and Shyam Sundar Yadav, 32, of Bariyarpatti rural municipality-1 in Siraha on December 24, 2024, when she had gone there to meet her older sister, according to District Police Office Siraha Chief and Superintendent of Police Anantaram Sharma. According to him, a case has been registered against them on the charge of attempted extortion, but they have not been arrested.
Three Police Officers Punished for Misconduct Against Migrant Workers: Three police officers have been punished for mistreating a youth returning from foreign employment. According to Shekhar Khanal, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) at the Kathmandu Valley Police Office, the three officers involved in the incident have been removed from airport security.
SSP Khanal also mentioned that they are currently under investigation and inquiry at the Kathmandu Valley Police Office. Sanjay Ojha from Morang, who arrived in Kathmandu from Dubai on 31st Chaitra, had completed immigration and customs checks before being subjected to the misconduct.
Gagan Thapa Criticizes Slow Progress of Congress-UML Alliance Government: Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa has continued his criticism of the government led by the chairman of the Communist Party of Nepal (CPN-UML), KP Sharma Oli, which was formed in alliance with Congress. Addressing a rally in Bara on Wednesday, Thapa warned that the government must now act quickly.
He mentioned that the purpose behind the Congress-UML alliance and the formation of the government has not been fulfilled at the desired pace. “When Congress and UML formed the government, it was based on a significant objective. This time the alliance was formed for good governance,” Thapa said. “However, the speed at which we should have moved forward is lacking. Decisions that should have been made immediately are being delayed, and it’s not right.”
Govt Forms New Taskforce on Financial Allowance for PG Medical Students: The government has once again formed a taskforce to address the issue of sustenance allowance for resident doctors pursuing postgraduate (PG) medical education in private medical colleges. The 18th meeting of the Medical Education Commission held on Wednesday formed an 11-member taskforce under the coordination of Education Secretary Dr. Deepak Kafle. “To resolve the issues raised, such as sustenance allowance for resident doctors and PG seat allocations, the taskforce has been formed,” said Dr. Anjani Kumar Jha, Vice Chairperson of the Commission. “A new decision will be made based on the recommendations provided by the taskforce.”
The taskforce includes Health Secretary Dr. Bikas Devkota, Dr. Ramesh Kanta Adhikari, former Chairperson of the Medical Council Dr. Bhagawan Koirala, former Dean of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) Dr. Divya Singh Shah, President of the Nepal Medical Association Dr. Anil Karki, President of the Medical and Dental Colleges Association of Nepal Dr. Gyanendra Man Singh Karki, as well as deans of IOM and Kathmandu University.
NEPSE Nears 2,700 Mark as Hydropower Leads the Surge: On Wednesday, the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index approached the 2,700-point threshold, climbing 7.01 points from the previous day to close at 2,696. During intraday trading, the index reached as high as 2,704 points. Despite the rise in the market, the total trading volume saw a slight decline. While transactions worth NPR 8.54 billion were recorded the previous day, the total turnover today stood at NPR 7.26 billion.
Share prices of 147 companies increased, 97 declined, and 2 remained unchanged. Hydropower stocks were notably favored by investors, with the hydropower sub-index rising the most by 1.63 percent. Other sectors also saw gains, with banking up 0.39 percent, development banks up 1.11 percent, life insurance up 0.05 percent, non-life insurance up 0.55 percent, and the trading sector up 0.11 percent.
NRB to Raise NPR 30 billion through Deposit Collection: Nepal Rastra Bank is set to collect NPR 30 billion in deposits on Tuesday as part of its efforts to manage excess liquidity in the market. The central bank will utilize the deposit collection tool to absorb this liquidity. The bank will collect the funds through a bidding process, which will take place at 3pm today.
The deposits will be collected for a period of 21 days, and commercial banks, development banks, and financial companies are eligible to participate. They will need to propose interest rates through the bidding process. Banks can engage in multiple rounds of bidding, with preference given to the lowest interest rate proposals. Currently, there is excess liquidity in the banking system, and Nepal Rastra Bank has been regularly conducting such bidding processes to manage it. Today, the bank will collect NPR 30 billion through this mechanism.
Foreign Investors Approved to Repatriate NPR 9.49 billion in Dividends and Royalties: Foreign investors in Nepal have been granted approval by the Department of Industry to repatriate dividends totaling NPR 9.49 billion (approximately USD 95.5 million) for the current fiscal year, from Shrawan to Chait. During the same period last year, approvals were granted for the repatriation of NPR 9.01 billion (approximately USD 90 million) in dividends.
According to the department, over the past nine months, foreign investors have also been approved to repatriate royalties amounting to NPR 1.47 billion (approximately USD 14.7 million). This includes foreign currency approvals of USD 930,000, INR 383.5 million, and EUR 61,431. In comparison, during the same period last fiscal year, royalties worth NPR 1.7 billion (approximately USD 17 million), USD 1.05 million, INR 554.6 million, and EUR 61,431 were also approved for repatriation.
CAAN Requests Qatar Airways to Launch Direct Flights to Bhairahawa and Pokhara: Pradeep Adhikari, the Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), has urged Qatar to connect Nepal’s cities of Bhairahawa and Pokhara through direct flights. During a meeting on Tuesday with Mohammed bin Fleh Al Hajri, the Chairman of the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA), Adhikari requested the initiation of commercial flights to Gautam Buddha International Airport (GBIA) in Lumbini and Pokhara International Airport (PIA) via Qatar Airways.
However, Qatar Airways is not yet ready to operate commercial flights to both Bhairahawa and Pokhara airports. After Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) underwent a 10-hour closure for upgrades, Qatar Airways made half of its scheduled flights to Bhairahawa, with flights operating from Kartik 27 to Mangsir 15 for passengers who had already booked tickets (Qatar–Bhairahawa–Kathmandu–Qatar).
Supreme Court Convicts Unity Life Directors in Decade-Old Fraud Case: The Supreme Court has found the directors of Unity Life International guilty in the widely discussed fraud case that dates back over a decade and a half. The verdict includes both prison sentences and financial penalties, along with a provision to return defrauded funds to the victims. A joint bench of Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut and Justice Til Prasad Shrestha issued the ruling, which orders compensation for ordinary citizens who were swindled by the company.
According to Supreme Court spokesperson Achyut Kharel, Unity Life Chairman Kashiram Gurung, along with directors Bhim Bahadur Gurung, Indra Bahadur BK, Netra Rajbanshi, Krishna Bahadur Kshetri, and Mahendra KC, have each been sentenced to two years and six months in prison. They have also been fined NPR 25,000 each. In the case of the deceased director Bishnu Bahadur Kshetri, both the prison sentence and fine have been waived.
Nepali Film ‘Eklo’ to Be Screened at Cannes Film Festival: The Nepali film Eklo will be showcased at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, following its selection for the Cannes Producers Network. Directed by Pradeep Shahi, this marks a significant milestone for the film, which will be presented at the upcoming festival.
Shahi has been chosen for the Cannes Film Festival 2025 Producers Network, securing a spot among influential filmmakers and producers from around the world. His film Eklo, a sci-fi zombie thriller, is based on the spiritual and mythical backdrop of the Himalayas. Currently in the post-production stage, Eklo blends Eastern philosophy with Western cinematic thriller elements, offering a unique narrative experience. Shahi will present his writing and direction at the event in May.
Classic Song ‘Achchha Lekin Londonko Chisoley Samaula’ Re-released for Rajesh Hamal’s Comeback Film: The iconic Nepali song “Achchha Lekin Londonko Chisoley Samaula” has been re-released in a new version. The song has been re-recorded for superstar Rajesh Hamal’s comeback film Narsimha Avatar and was officially unveiled during a special program held in Kathmandu on Wednesday.
The music video features energetic dance performances by lead cast members including Rajesh Hamal, Niti Shah, Sanisha Bhattarai, Raj Katuwal, Saroj Khanal, Usha Khadgi, and Dipa Shahi. The new version is sung by Shambhujit Baskota and Rachana Rimal. The lyrics and music are also by Shambhujit Baskota.
Announcement of Nepali Film ‘Maina’: The Nepali film Maina has officially been announced. The film will be produced by Rajendra Dhakal (Rahul) and directed by Chandrakumar Bhattrai. The production unit unveiled the theme poster, signaling the crime thriller genre of the film. This film will mark Bhattarai’s directorial debut.
Bhattarai brings with him extensive experience as an assistant director, having worked on over a dozen films, including Summer Love, Maruni, Raja Rani, and Seto Bagh. The story for Maina is written by Govinda Malla and the film will be presented by Susmita Films.
Nepal Crushes Hong Kong by 9 Wickets in U-19 Asia Qualifier: Nepal registered a comfortable victory over Hong Kong in the U-19 Cricket World Cup Asia Qualifier. On Wednesday, at the Mulpani Ground in Kathmandu, the home team defeated Hong Kong by 9 wickets. Chasing a modest target of 116 runs, Nepal reached the total in just 12.3 overs, losing only one wicket.
Opener Niraj Kumar Yadav scored 23 runs, while Sahil Patel and Naren Bhatt guided the team to victory with unbeaten knocks. Sahil scored 42 not out off 41 balls, and Naren smashed 39 not out from just 23 balls. Both batters struck eight fours each. Before being dismissed LBW by Hong Kong’s Shayan Puri, Niraj also hit four boundaries in his 23-run innings.
Nepali Boxers Return Home from ‘Four Nations Cup Boxing Championship 2025’ in Bhutan: Nepali athletes have returned home from the ‘Four Nations Cup Boxing Championship 2025’ in Thimphu, Bhutan, with a total of four gold, three silver, and two bronze medals. Officials from the Boxing Association welcomed the players at the airport.
In the women’s 50kg category, Nepal’s Aarati Bamjan defeated Bhutan’s Jamol Jigdal 5-0, securing the first gold for Nepal. In the women’s 52kg category, Nepal’s Asmita Duwal also triumphed with a 5-0 victory over Bhutan’s Demo Norbu, claiming the second gold for Nepal.
Nepal Set for Decisive Game Against Afghanistan in Asia Qualifier: Nepal has won its first three matches in the ICC U-19 World Cup 2026 Asia Qualifiers. In the opening game, Nepal defeated the UAE by 5 runs, followed by an 8-wicket victory over Oman. On Wednesday, Nepal triumphed over Hong Kong by 9 wickets at the Lower Mulpani ground.
Having secured three consecutive wins, Nepal will now face Afghanistan in a decisive match on Saturday at the same venue. Afghanistan, who are playing against the UAE on Wednesday, has also won their previous two matches, making the upcoming match against Nepal a crucial one for them.
Trump Says Ball in China’s Court on Tariffs: Donald Trump believes it is up to China to come to the negotiating table on trade, the White House said Tuesday, after the US president accused Beijing of reneging on a major Boeing deal. The ball is in China’s court. China needs to make a deal with us. We don’t have to make a deal with them,” said a statement from Trump read out by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
There’s no difference between China and any other country except they are much larger,” she told a briefing. Leavitt’s comments came after Trump said that China had “reneged” on a major deal with US aviation giant Boeing. This followed a Bloomberg news report that Beijing ordered airlines not to take further deliveries of the company’s jets.
Peru’s Ex-president and First Lady Sentenced to 15 Years Jail: Peru’s former president, Ollanta Humala, has been found guilty of money laundering and sentenced to 15 years in prison. A court in the capital, Lima, said that Humala had accepted illegal funds from the Brazilian construction company Odebrecht to bankroll his election campaigns in 2006 and 2011. His wife, Nadine Heredia, who co-founded the Nationalist Party with Humala, was also found guilty of money laundering and sentenced to 15 years.
Heredia was granted asylum by Brazil and will have safe passage to travel there with her son, Peru’s foreign ministry said. Prosecutors had asked that Humala be sentenced to 20 years in jail and Heredia to 26 and a half years. After a trial lasting more than three years, the court gave its long-awaited verdict on Tuesday. Humala attended the verdict in person while his wife heard it via video link. The 62-year-old former president and his wife had denied any wrongdoing.
Syria’s Alawites Still Face Targeted Attacks: A month after a wave of revenge attacks left hundreds of Alawite civilians dead, members of the Syrian religious minority are still living in fear, with dozens killed in smaller attacks since the start of April. The Muslim minority group was seen as a privileged minority under the rule of the Alawite Assad family, but since Bashar Assad ‘s government fell late last year members have feared revenge from the country’s Sunni majority.
The new government promised to protect minority groups, but when a group of Assad loyalists attacked security forces near the coastal city of Latakia last month, it sparked a counteroffensive that took a brutal toll on the coastal region’s largely Alawite population.
