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.
Government and Teachers’ Federation reach nine-point agreement, protests called off: The Government of Nepal and the Nepal Teachers’ Federation have reached a nine-point agreement. Minister for Education, Science, and Technology, Raghuji Panta, shared the decision while announcing the Cabinet’s resolution.
With this agreement, the teachers have pledged to call off their protest and participate in the national school enrollment campaign.
Resham Chaudhary Released: Resham Chaudhary, patron of the Nagarik Unmukti Party (NUP), has been released from Dilli Bazaar prison after the Supreme Court declared the letter ordering his arrest to be unofficial and unauthorized. According to jailer Baburam Aryal, Chaudhary was released following a new directive sent by the apex court nullifying the earlier letter. The court confirmed in a press release that the previous letter, based on which Chaudhary was arrested on Wednesday afternoon from the premises of the Nepal Academy, was not officially sanctioned.
Chaudhary had appeared at the event venue to attend a planned unification announcement between Nagarik Unmukti and the Janamat Party. However, his sudden arrest disrupted the announcement, forcing leaders to postpone the merger discussions. The Supreme Court has initiated legal proceedings against Mahiman Singh Bista, the section officer who sent the unauthorized letter, and has clarified that action is being taken under due process.
SC Declares Chaudhary’s Arrest Letter Unofficial, Orders Release: The Supreme Court has declared the letter issued for the arrest of Ramesh Chaudhary as unofficial. After an internal investigation, the court sent a new directive to the prison administration and police, instructing them not to act on the previous letter.
“The letter was issued while the case was still under consideration,” said Achyut Kuinkel, Deputy Registrar and Spokesperson for the Supreme Court, in a press release today. “Therefore, a new letter has been sent, instructing not to execute the previous one.” An internal review has been initiated to determine how the letter was issued. Following the court’s decision, Ramesh Chaudhary is set to be released today.
Resham Chaudhary Arrested, Sent to Dillibazar Prison: Resham Chaudhary, the patron of the Nagarik Unmukti Party (NUP) was arrested today afternoon. His arrest came just ahead of the anticipated unity with the Janamat Party, scheduled for today (Wednesday).
Chaudhary was apprehended at the Pragya Bhawan (Nepal Academy) in Kathmandu, where he had arrived to participate in the party unity program. He was arrested in accordance with a court order as he still has a remaining sentence to serve related to the Tikapur incident. Chaudhary was sent to Dillibazar Jail by police. Later, SC ordered his release saying the letter was unofficial.
Nagarik Unmukti Party to Exit Government: Nagarik Unmukti Party is set to exit the government. Party President Ranjita Shrestha confirmed the decision, stating that the party is preparing to leave the current government. Currently, Arun Chaudhary from the party serves as the Minister of State for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation in the government.
The decision to exit comes following the arrest of the party’s patron, Resham Chaudhary. President Ranjita Shrestha remarked, “Once Reshamji is released, we will exit the government.” This decision marks a significant shift in the party’s position in the government.
PM Oli Announces to Integrate Eye Health into National Health Insurance: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has announced that eye health will be integrated into the National Health Insurance Program. While inaugurating the international conference “In Sight of Life 2030” organized by eye health organizations in Kathmandu on Wednesday, Prime Minister Oli reaffirmed his commitment to sustainable development goals.
He emphasized prioritizing the inclusion of eye health in the primary healthcare system and essential services, particularly focusing on those at risk of vision loss. In reference to the rapid assessment of preventable blindness conducted in Nepal in 2022, which has helped guide national priorities, Prime Minister Oli highlighted the commitment to increasing cataract surgery coverage from 35.45% to 75% by 2030 as part of the health sector’s strategic plan.
Ruling Parties Push for Policies to Revive Economy, Inspire Youth: At a meeting of ruling coalition parties held on Wednesday, leaders urged the government to introduce policies that further strengthen Nepal’s democratic republic, revitalize the economy, and offer hope to the younger generation. Held at the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar, the meeting focused on ensuring that development projects are prioritized, timely, and efficient, with a strong emphasis on preventing misuse of resources.
Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, Deputy General Secretary of CPN-UML, briefed the media after the meeting. Gyawali said the parties called for integrated programs targeting youth through entrepreneurship, skill development, startups, business promotion, and market expansion. He added that recommendations were made to ruthlessly eliminate unnecessary structures and wasteful spending, improve governance and efficiency, and strengthen Nepal’s foreign relations.
BJP Foreign Affairs Chief Chauthaiwale Meets Deuba Duo: Dr. Vijay Chauthaiwale, the head of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s Foreign Affairs Department, held a meeting with Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and Nepal’s Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba in Kathmandu today, shortly after arriving in the capital for a high-level political visit. Chauthaiwale confirmed the meeting through a social media post, describing the engagement as “insightful” and focused on “several topics of mutual interest.”
The meeting reflects ongoing informal diplomatic engagements between the Indian ruling party and Nepal’s political leadership, even as official bilateral relations remain tepid. Chauthaiwale, a key international outreach figure in India’s ruling party, landed in Kathmandu Wednesday morning and is on a multi-day visit to Nepal.
BJP Foreign Affairs Head Vijay Chauthaiwale Meets Home Minister: Vijay Chauthaiwale, the head of the Foreign Affairs Department of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), arrived in Nepal on Wednesday. During his visit, Chauthaiwale held a meeting with Nepal’s Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak. According to the Home Minister’s Secretariat, the meeting took place at the Ministry of Home Affairs in the afternoon.
The discussion focused on strengthening the multifaceted relationship between Nepal and India. The Home Minister’s office stated that the dialogue was positive and constructive. Home Minister Lekhak expressed his belief that Chauthaiwale’s visit and meetings in Nepal will have a positive impact on bilateral relations between the two neighboring countries.
Teachers’ Protest in Kathmandu Continues for 29th Day: The teachers’ protest in Kathmandu continues, now reaching its 29th consecutive day. Since Chaitra 20 (April 2), teachers have been staging demonstrations from Maitighar to Babarmahal, raising various demands related to their rights and concerns. Today, too, teachers gathered in the Babarmahal area to continue their protest. The movement remains active despite ongoing talks with the government. On Tuesday night, a round of dialogue took place between the Teachers’ Federation and government officials.
Although no concrete agreement was reached, the government expressed a commitment to address the teachers’ demands through a forthcoming Cabinet meeting. The Teachers’ Federation has resolved to continue both dialogue and protest simultaneously. Ruling CPN-UML’s Deputy General Secretary Pradeep Gyawali stated on Wednesday that an agreement with the teachers is expected soon.
Health Ministry Instructs Full Disclosures of Doctors’ Details in Patients’ Report Card: The Minister for Health and Population has directed all public healthcare facilities across the country to disclose complete identification details about the doctors and other health workers involved in treatment of patients. Healthcare professionals have been instructed to ensure that the recommendations for radiology, laboratory tests and other diagnostic procedures are clearly documents in patients’ report cards.
The Ministry, in a circular today, issued the order towards this with an objective to ensure accountability and transparency in public health sector. The move is also expected to further facilitate in treatment of the patients as well to simplify the re-testing process for patients. All the federal hospitals and health institutions have been asked to include all vital identification details of the doctors such as full name, medical specialization, Nepal Medical Council’s registration and signature of the doctors among others in the patients’ report card.
Protest in Kathmandu Demands Dismissal of Judges for Overturning Caste-Based Charges in Rukum Case: A protest was held in Kathmandu’s Maitighar Mandala demanding the immediate dismissal and legal action against High Court Surkhet judges Som Kanta Mainali and Matrika Prasad Bhandari, who overturned caste-based discrimination charges in the Rukum Soti killings.
The demonstration was organized by Dalitka Lagi Dalit Abhiyan Nepal. Protesters accused the judges of denying justice in the case involving the killing of Nawaraj BK, a Dalit youth from Jajarkot, and five others. While the High Court upheld the life imprisonment sentences for the accused, it annulled the Rukum West District Court’s verdict that had held them guilty under charges of caste-based discrimination and untouchability.
Nepal Stock Market Sees Decline of 8.14 Points; Trading Volume Increases: On Wednesday, the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index dropped by 8.14 points, settling at 2,623 points. The highest point reached during the day was 2,642. Despite the decline in the index, the trading volume increased. The total transaction value rose from NPR 7.57 billion on the previous day to NPR 9.37 billion. Out of 107 companies, 136 saw a decrease in their stock value, 1 remained stable, and only a few companies saw an increase.
Most sectors witnessed a decline in their indices. The banking sector dropped by 0.70%, while development banks saw a decrease of 1.06%. The finance sector experienced a 1.24% fall, and hotel and tourism stocks dropped by 0.50%. Other sectors such as investment, life insurance, manufacturing, non-life insurance, and others also saw significant declines, with decreases ranging from 0.07% to 1.16%. However, there were slight increases in the hydropower, microfinance, and trade sectors, with respective growth rates of 0.61%, 0.04%, and 0.40%.
NRB to Withdraw NPR 50 billion from Market to Manage Excess Liquidity: With excess liquidity in the banking sector, Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) is set to withdraw NPR 50 billion from the market on Wednesday. To manage excess funds, NRB will withdraw the amount through its deposit collection instrument for a 21-day period.
The central bank issued a notice calling on banks and financial institutions to participate in an online bidding process by 3 PM today. Citing an oversupply of money in the financial system, NRB has been regularly withdrawing liquidity from the market twice a week—on Sundays and Wednesdays—for the past one and a half years.
Nepal’s Economy to Grow by 4.61% This Fiscal Year: Nepal’s economy is projected to expand by 4.61% in the current fiscal year, according to preliminary national account estimates released by the National Statistics Office. Last fiscal year, the economy grew by 3.87%, but the revised growth rate has now been adjusted slightly down to 3.67%, the Office stated.
The projected growth is calculated at consumer prices, indicating a modest yet steady economic recovery. Furthermore, the size of Nepal’s economy is expected to reach NPR 6.107 trillion by the end of fiscal year 2081/82 BS. At the end of the previous fiscal year, the economy stood at NPR 5.704 trillion
Non-Agricultural Sector to Drive Economic Growth of 4.61% This Fiscal Year: The Central Statistics Office has released preliminary estimates for Nepal’s economic growth in the current fiscal year, forecasting a GDP growth rate of 4.61%. According to the report published on Wednesday for the fiscal year 2081/82 BS, the non-agricultural sector is expected to contribute significantly, with a projected growth of 4.28%.
Meanwhile, the agriculture sector is estimated to grow by 3.28%, as per Rishiram Sigdel, Director of the National Accounts Division at the Central Statistics Office. These projections reflect ongoing economic recovery, driven largely by industry and services outside of the agricultural domain.
Nepal’s Per Capita Gross National Income to Reach USD 1,517 This Fiscal Year: According to projections released by the National Statistics Office on Wednesday, Nepal’s per capita gross national income (GNI) is expected to reach USD 1,517 by the end of the current fiscal year. This marks a modest increase of USD 50 compared to the previous year.
At the end of the last fiscal year, Nepal’s per capita income stood at USD 1,467, which was an increase of USD 57 from the year before. Despite the continued growth, the pace of increase has slightly slowed compared to the previous fiscal year. The figure reflects the average national income per person, factoring in the country’s total income divided by its population.
Nepali Film ‘Bigul’ Begins with Auspicious Launch Ceremony: The Nepali film ‘Bigul’ was officially launched on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya with a traditional ceremony at the Koteshwar Mahadevsthan temple on Wednesday. A pair of doves were released to symbolize peace and freedom. Directed by Ramesh Koirala, the film will begin shooting in the third week of Baisakh.
The muhurat (inaugural) shot featured lead actors Naren Khadka and Benisha Hamal. The ceremony was attended by notable figures including Rajendra KC (Bagmati Province Coordinator of the Nepal Cultural Federation), directors Pradeep Shrestha and Suchitra Shrestha, and Janakdeep Parajuli, Chair of the Film Directors Society of Nepal. Written by Dinesh Koirala, with screenplay and dialogues by Maunata Shrestha, the film’s cinematography will be handled by Shiva Dhakal.
Jeetu Nepal’s ‘Jwai Saab’ Released on OTT Platform MSM: The comedy film ‘Jwai Saab’, starring popular actor Jeetu Nepal, has been released on the OTT platform MSM. According to the production team, the release was made in response to audience demand. Directed by Basanta Niraula, the film also features actress Niti Shah in a major role.
Previously released during the Dashain festival in theaters, the team hopes it will gain similar popularity online. The story revolves around a humorous competition to select the ideal groom for a young woman. The MSM app had also recently released the blockbuster ‘Chhakka Panja 5’.
Teaser of Upcoming Dashain Release ‘Balidan’ Unveiled on YouTube: The teaser of the upcoming film ‘Balidan’, set for release during Phulpati (Dashain), has been launched on YouTube. It was released on the birthday of lead actor Sameer Bhatta. An action-heavy teaser, it attempts to establish the film’s central character and delve into the narrative’s emotional and patriotic layers.
The narration is filled with nationalist sentiment, with lines such as: “The nation seeks the one born from the soil. The blood boils. I am the son who will never let my mother or my country bow.” The teaser ends with Bhatta’s intense scream, adding emotional depth to the visual. Director Santosh Sen praised Sameer Bhatta’s acting skills, saying the film brings out his full artistic potential. Sen added that the teaser is the first in a series to be released.
Pokhara to Host First-Ever International Indoor Volleyball Tournament: In a bid to promote volleyball as the national sport and boost tourism, Pokhara is set to host its first-ever international-level indoor volleyball tournament. Organized by Lions International District 325 M Nepal, the First Lions Cup International Volleyball Tournament will begin on Thursday. The matches will be held at the multipurpose covered hall of Pokhara Stadium.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, District Governor of Lions, Chandi Prasad Aryal, announced that six teams, including two foreign teams, will compete in the tournament. Teams from departmental clubs, Gandaki Province, India, and Iran will participate. The six teams will be divided into two groups, with league matches determining the top two from each group to advance to the semifinals.
Four Youths Reach Kanchenjunga South Base Camp via Mountain Biking: For the first time ever, four Nepali youths have reached the southern base camp of Kanchenjunga—the world’s third-highest and Nepal’s second-highest peak—on mountain bikes. The expedition took place as part of the Sirijanga Festival 2082, organized by Sirijanga Rural Municipality. The cyclists reached an altitude of 4,990 meters, just above the base camp elevation of 4,910 meters, according to Dr. Chitrakumar Mabo Limbu, Vice Chairperson of the rural municipality.
The mountain biking team included four members of the Dharan-based MTB Group: Abhishek Maden, Dip Sagar Tamang, Anish Tamang, and Nima Sherpa. They cycled from Oktang to the newly established Thungim trail section. Rural Municipality Chairperson Lal Krishna Chauhan said the successful mountain biking mission confirms the strong potential for adventure tourism in the region.
First National Martyrs’ Memorial Sports Tournament to Be Held in May: The First Shahid Smriti (Martyrs’ Memorial) National Sports Tournament is set to be held this coming Jestha, organized by the Shahid Smriti Sports Academy. The competition will feature four sports: rugby, open national taekwondo, badminton, and futsal.
While the rugby and taekwondo events will be hosted in Kathmandu, the badminton and futsal matches will take place in Jhapa, in the Koshi Province. According to Academy Chairperson Ranjit Tamang, the tournament will run from the second week to the final week of Jestha. A full schedule, prize details, and sponsorship announcements will be made public at the end of Baisakh, the Academy said in an official statement.
Fourteen People Killed in India Hotel Fire: At least 14 people, including two children, have been killed after a massive fire broke out at a hotel in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal. Two people were also seriously injured in the fire, which started on Tuesday night at Rituraj Hotel in Kolkata city. The blaze is now under control, but authorities say they are still carrying out rescue operations. It’s not yet clear how the fire started.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X that he was “anguished by the loss of lives” and announced financial compensation to the families of the victims. Deadly fires are often reported in buildings in Indian cities, with poor planning and lax enforcement of safety regulations playing a role. Last year, at least 27 people died in a massive fire at a games arcade in the western state of Gujarat.
Taiwan Detects 20 Sorties of Chinese Aircraft in Its Territory: Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) on Wednesday detected 20 sorties of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, eight People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels, and one official ship operating around Taiwan. According to the MND, 18 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern, southwestern, and eastern Air Defence Identification Zones (ADIZ).
Sharing a post on X, the MND wrote, “20 sorties of PLA aircraft, 8 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. It added, “18 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern, southwestern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded. On Tuesday, MND said that 27 sorties of PLA aircraft, nine PLAN vessels and one ship were detected operating near Taiwan until 6 am. According to Taiwan’s MND, 27 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan’s northern and southwestern ADIZ.
China’s Shenzhou-19 Astronauts Return to Earth: Three Chinese astronauts returned to Earth on Wednesday after six months on the country’s space station, state media footage showed, as Beijing advances towards its aim to become a major celestial power. Beijing has ploughed billions of dollars into its space programme in recent years, aiming to fly a crewed mission to the Moon by 2030 and eventually build a base on the lunar surface.
Its latest launch last week ferried a trio of astronauts to the Tiangong space station, heralding the start of the Shenzhou-20 mission. They have taken over from Shenzhou-19 crew Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong and Wang Haoze, whose landing capsule touched down in the northern Inner Mongolia region on Wednesday. Pictures from state broadcaster CCTV showed the capsule, attached to a red-and-white striped parachute, descending through an azure sky before touching down in a cloud of brown desert dust.
