KATHMANDU: Stay updated with Nepal News’ evening briefing, bringing you the day’s most important developments from Nepal and across the globe. From politics and economy to sports, entertainment, and culture, we deliver a concise roundup of the top news you need to know.

First Session of Newly Elected House of Representatives Begins

The first session of the House of Representatives following the March 5 elections commenced on Thursday. The meeting, held in the multipurpose hall of the new Federal Parliament building, was attended by Prime Minister Balendra Shah, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Rabi Lamichhane, and Harka Raj Rai. The 275-member house is led by the RSP with 182 seats. Senior member Arjun Narsingh KC presided over the session, where three ordinances were tabled, and the election date for the new Speaker was officially set.

Parliament Secretariat Releases Schedule for Speaker Election

The Federal Parliament Secretariat has published the official timetable for the election of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, scheduled for Sunday, April 5. Nominations will be registered on Friday, April 3, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, with the candidate list appearing at 2:30 PM. If more than one candidate is proposed, the vote will occur during the session starting at 11:00 AM on Sunday. The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which holds 182 seats, has nominated DP Aryal for the position.

9 Corpse of Nepali Workers Repatriated from Kuwait Amid Conflict

The corpses of nine Nepali workers who died in Kuwait were brought back to Nepal yesterday via a Kuwait Airways chartered flight. The deceased include four women and five men from various districts, including Siraha, Dang, and Sindhupalchowk. Additionally, 318 stranded workers were rescued on the same Boeing 777-300 aircraft. Flight operations in the Middle East have been severely impacted by attacks between the US, Israel, and Iran, leading to temporary closures of Kuwait International Airport and delaying the repatriation of citizens.

Home Minister Tables 3 Ordinances in First House Meeting

Home Minister Sudhan Gurung presented three key ordinances during the first meeting of the House of Representatives on Thursday. The tabled documents include the Voter List (First Amendment) Ordinance 2026, the House of Representatives Member Election (First Amendment) Ordinance 2026, and the Nepal Special Service (Second Amendment) Ordinance 2026. These amendments aim to address population-based reservations and update voter registries following the March 5 elections. The Nepal Special Service amendment also relocates the National Investigation Department from the Prime Minister’s Office back to the Ministry of Home Affairs. The next session is scheduled for April 5.

Sudurpaschim Cabinet Approves Local Service Regulations 2026

The Sudurpaschim Provincial Government, chaired by Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah, approved the Sudurpaschim Province Local Service Regulations, 2026, on Wednesday. This follows the enactment of the Local Service Act in 2025. The cabinet also revised salary and benefit scales for the chief minister, ministers, and provincial assembly members. Additional decisions included granting funds for the construction of the Himali Rural Municipality police post in Bajura and approving guidelines for the Sudurpaschim Janata Housing Program. New appointments were also made to the hospital management committees in Doti and Achham.

RSP Chairman Pledges Action-Oriented Governance in Parliament

Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairman Rabi Lamichhane addressed the House of Representatives on Thursday, stating that the current government will prioritize work over speeches. Speaking as the first orator of the session, Lamichhane emphasized that the government aims for national prosperity and will focus on solving problems rather than merely identifying them. He promised zero tolerance for violence against women and ensured social security for the elderly. Lamichhane also apologized for historical state discrimination against the Dalit community and vowed to create a favorable environment for investment and employment to bring overseas Nepali citizens back to the country.

MP Harka Raj Rai Demands One Industry per Municipality

Addressing the House of Representatives on Thursday, Shram Sanskriti Party Chairman and MP Harka Raj Rai urged the government to implement a one industry per municipality and one job per household policy. He emphasized that the state must ensure public access to resources and prioritize environmental protection and anti-corruption measures. Rai criticized the demolition of huts belonging to landless squatters and demanded they be provided with formal land ownership certificates. He also called for the abolition of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and equal pay for former Gorkha soldiers. Additionally, he requested an investigation into the assets of all ministers and parliamentarians to ensure transparency.

Nepali Congress Forms Committee to Study Gauri Bahadur Karki Report

The Nepali Congress has established a committee to review the report of the Gauri Bahadur Karki commission regarding the events of September 8 and 9, 2025. Senior Advocate Yadunath Khanal will lead the study committee, which includes former judge Krishna Prasad Poudel and advocates Binod Karki and Ramchandra Gautam. The committee is tasked with analyzing the commission’s findings and submitting a recommendation report to the party’s central office within seven days. This move comes as the party seeks to formulate a formal stance on the legal and social implications of the Gen Z protest suppression.

Family Receives Body of 16-Year-Old Inisa BK After 27 Days

The family of 16-year-old Inisa BK received her body from Karnali Province Hospital on Thursday, after a 27-day protest. The family agreed to the cremation at Samjhighat following a district court order to send four suspects to a juvenile correction center for trial. Inisha was found dead on March 7 in a community forest in Birendranagar. A post-mortem report confirmed she died of excessive bleeding following a brutal rape. While police initially suggested a single perpetrator, the family and government attorneys maintain the crime was a collective act of violence.

Police Begin Recording Statement from KP Sharma Oli in Hospital

Investigation officers and government attorneys began taking a formal statement from former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli at the T.U. Teaching Hospital on Thursday. Oli was arrested for the alleged suppression of the Gen Z protest on September 8 and 9, 2025. Due to health issues, he remains hospitalized, and doctors advised against moving him. SP Pawan Bhattarai confirmed that the inquiry focuses on the specific charges outlined by the Commission of Inquiry. Meanwhile, the statement of former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, who was also arrested, has been completed.

Court Allows Rabi Lamichhane to Fight Case Through Proxy

The Parsa District Court has granted Ravi Lamichhane, the newly elected lawmaker from Chitwan-2, permission to fight the Sano Paila Cooperative fraud case through a legal proxy. Judge Suman Kumar Neupane issued the order on Thursday, after Lamichhane appeared in court on Wednesday to receive his trial date. This ruling means Lamichhane will no longer be required to travel to Parsa personally for every court hearing. The case involves allegations of financial irregularities within the Sano Paila Savings and Credit Cooperative, where Lamichhane remains a primary defendant.

Secondary Education Examinations Begin Nationwide for 512,421 Students

The Secondary Education Examination (SEE) commenced peacefully across Nepal on Thursday, at 1,966 centers. A total of 512,421 students appeared for the first day’s English exam, including 23 students at a center in Japan. The cohort includes 441,566 regular students and 70,855 for grade improvement. Students with disabilities were granted an additional one hour and 30 minutes, while those requiring scribes were permitted assistants who have completed grade nine.

Everest International School Students Appear for SEE in Japan

For the sixth consecutive year, students from Everest International School in Japan participated in the Secondary Education Examination (SEE) starting Thursday. Following the Nepali curriculum, a total of 23 students, comprising nine males and 14 females, sat for the exams. The school has been facilitating the SEE for its students since 2021. This unique international center allows Nepali students living in Japan to continue their formal education under the national board requirements of Nepal while residing abroad.

RSP Nominates DP Aryal for Speaker of the House of Representatives

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has officially decided to field Vice-Chairman DP (Dol Prasad) Aryal as its candidate for the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The decision was made during a parliamentary party meeting held at Singha Durbar on Thursday. Party Chairman Ravi Lamichhane proposed Aryal’s name, which was unanimously endorsed by the members. With the RSP holding a dominant 182 seats in the 275-member house, Aryal is the frontrunner for the election scheduled to take place on April 5.

RPP Supports Scrapping Provincial Structure to Save Rs 100 Billion

During the House of Representatives meeting on Thursday, RPP Chief Whip Gyan Bahadur Shahi demanded the immediate abolition of the provincial structure. He argued that the national economy cannot sustain the annual expenditure of nearly Rs 100 billion required to maintain provincial governments. Shahi stated that provinces have merely become hubs for managing political cadres rather than serving the public. He offered the RPP’s support to provide the current government with a two-thirds majority if they move to amend the Constitution and dissolve the provincial layer to alleviate financial pressure on the state.

Nepali Congress Committed to Advancing Issues Raised by Gen Z Protest

Nepali Congress lawmaker Bhishma Raj Angdembe affirmed the party’s commitment to concluding the issues raised by the Gen Z protest. During the House of Representatives meeting on Thursday, he noted that the party has entered a new era of transformation by electing Gagan Thapa as president. Angdembe emphasized that while the NC is now the second-largest party, its democratic principles remain the shared path for all groups, including former rebels and royalists. He urged the parliament to turn public hope into trust by addressing past governance failures. He also demanded that the government release the full investigation report regarding the September 8 and 9, 2025, events to ensure accountability for both suppression and destruction.

CPN (UML) Leader Badal Views Election Defeat as a Temporary Lesson

Ram Bahadur Thapa ‘Badal,’ Vice-Chairman of CPN (UML) and parliamentary party leader, stated that the defeat of major traditional parties in the March 5 elections offers a serious lesson. Speaking at the House of Representatives on Thursday, he described the loss as temporary and committed to an honest opposition role. Badal questioned the motives behind using students during the September 8 and 9, 2025, incidents and the arrest of former executive leaders. While congratulating the RSP on its “magical victory,” he also extended ironic gratitude to the army, the previous Sushila Karki government, and the media for their perceived roles in the political shift.

Nepali Congress Postpones District Presidents’ Gathering

The establishment-other faction of the Nepali Congress has postponed its scheduled gathering of district presidents originally set for Thursday. This follows a 2-day meeting of central committee members elected during the 14th General Convention. Outgoing Acting President Purna Bahadur Khadka had convened the initial sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday. Party leaders noted that the decision to put the gathering on hold was made to align with internal organizational priorities. No new date has been fixed for the meeting of the district leadership as the faction reviews its internal strategy.

KMC to Launch Night Bus Service from April 14

Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC), in collaboration with Sajha Yatayat, will begin operating night public transport services from April 14, marking the Nepali New Year. The service will run on two major routes using four electric buses. The north-south route spans 16 kilometers from Lagankhel to Budhanilkantha, passing through Patan Hospital, Alka, Norvic Hospital, Paropakar Maternity and Women’s Hospital, Trauma Center, Bir Hospital, Kanti Children’s Hospital, Teaching Hospital, and Shahid Gangalal National Heart Center. The east-west route covers 20 kilometers from Thankot to Tribhuvan International Airport via Satungal, Kalanki, Kalimati, Tripureshwor, Thapathali, Maitighar Mandala, Baneshwor, Minbhawan, and Tinkune. Buses will operate daily from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM at 20-minute intervals. The service will include CCTV monitoring and deployment of metropolitan police for security. The initiative aims to address the lack of public transport after 8:00 PM, reduce reliance on expensive travel options, improve safety for passengers, and provide a more reliable and sustainable urban transport system.

Lalitpur Metropolitan City Launches Environment Van for Monitoring

Mayor Chiri Babu Maharjan inaugurated the Environment Van for Lalitpur Metropolitan City on Thursday. The initiative aims to strengthen environmental protection and waste management by deploying environmental police to monitor activities across the city. The team will take strict action against open burning of plastic, excessive vehicle emissions, noise pollution, and unauthorized advertising. City Police Chief Sitaram Hachhethu stated that the van will also be used to prevent damage to trees and greenery. This move is part of the city’s broader effort to maintain a clean, green, and well-managed urban environment.

Gharial Crocodile Nest Survey Begins in Rapti River

Chitwan National Park launched its annual survey to locate Gharial crocodile nests in the Rapti River on March 15. Information Officer Abinash Thapa Magar stated that the search will continue until April 23, with the involvement of the local Bote community. Once the nests are identified, staff will collect the eggs for the Gharial Breeding Center to ensure safe hatching. While previous surveys covered both the Rapti and Narayani rivers, this year’s efforts are concentrated solely on the Rapti River to manage conservation resources effectively.

Task Force Formed to Draft 2026 Monsoon Response Plan

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) has established an 18-member task force to prepare the National Monsoon Preparedness and Response Action Plan 2026. Led by Joint Secretary Roshni Kumari Shrestha, the team includes representatives from federal ministries, security agencies, and departments. The plan aims to minimize the loss of life and property through coordinated efforts between federal, provincial, and local levels. Home Minister Sudhan Gurung recently directed the NDRRMA to ensure the plan is finalized promptly. Stakeholders have been given one week to submit suggestions before the next review meeting.

Police Arrest 16 Middlemen at Bharatpur Land Revenue Office

Chitwan police arrested 16 middlemen from the Bharatpur Land Revenue Office on Thursday for obstructing services and harassing the public. Following complaints of fraud and unauthorized interference, the office has now banned all middlemen from the premises. A new directive mandates that only landowners, legal heirs, or officially registered Land Service Operators with valid identity cards are allowed entry. All official transactions must now be initiated through formal applications or verified service providers. Police are conducting further investigations into the arrested individuals to ensure compliance with the new security measures at the government facility.

Security Gaps at 150-Year-Old Jhulaghat Border Crossing

The Jhulaghat border crossing in Baitadi, established in 1877, lacks modern security equipment like X-ray baggage scanners and metal detectors. Security personnel from the police and Armed Police Force are forced to manually inspect bags and poke holes in imported sacks to check for contraband. While the Indian side uses automated machines, Nepali travelers face delays and multiple manual checks. Additionally, the currency exchange counter at the border has remained closed since 2000, forcing people to pay a 5% commission to local traders. There are also no pesticide testing facilities at the quarantine post, despite the high volume of daily trade.

Former Crown Prince Paras Shah Undergoes Heart Device Battery Replacement

Former Crown Prince Paras Shah had the battery of his implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) replaced at Norvic International Hospital on Thursday, a doctor involved in the procedure confirmed. ICDs are typically used for patients with weakened heart muscles or a history of cardiac arrest. The device helps regulate the heart’s rhythm and ensures it beats safely. The former crown prince was admitted to the hospital at 8 a.m. for the procedure. Following the battery replacement, he remains under observation and will continue to receive monitored care at Norvic Hospital over the next few days.

Child Leprosy Cases Found in Parsa as Infections Rise

Health officials have expressed concern after 44 new cases of leprosy were identified in Parsa during the first eight months of the current fiscal year. The Leprosy Mission Nepal reported on Thursday that 17 cases were found in Birgunj Metropolitan City, including a child under the age of 14. Program Manager Amjad Ali Mikrani noted that child cases indicate active transmission within the community. In the previous fiscal year 2024/25, at least 109 cases were recorded. Health experts are urging local governments to allocate budgets for early detection to prevent permanent disability.

Over 2,600 Citizens Receive Free Eye Care in Kohalpur

A week-long free eye camp in Kohalpur, organized by Kohalpur Municipality and Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology, provided services to 2,687 residents. According to Public Health Inspector Amrit Kumar Rana, the screening camp held from March 23 to March 29 identified 373 cases of cataracts. Free surgeries were subsequently performed for 201 women and 172 men between March 30 and April 1 at the Kohalpur City Hospital. Mayor Purna Prasad Acharya stated that the municipality is committed to conducting such specialized camps every six months to ensure accessible healthcare for all local citizens.

HIV-Infected Individuals in Tikapur Demand Regular Nutrition Support

HIV-infected residents in Tikapur have urged the local government to maintain nutrition assistance after the budget was slashed from Rs 750,000 to Rs 300,000 this year. Navajivan Ekta Samaj highlighted that the Rs 6,000 annual per-person support is vital for those unable to perform physical labor. Currently, 165 people are living with HIV in Tikapur, with nearly 600 receiving ART services at Tikapur Hospital. While financial constraints limited current funds, the budget would be prioritized next year.

World Autism Awareness Day Emphasizes Dignity and Equal Participation

The United Nations (UN) observed World Autism Awareness Day on Thursday, focusing on the rights and social inclusion of individuals with autism. Initiated in 2007, the day aims to promote understanding of this neurological condition, which affects behavior, communication, and thinking styles. In a message, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged member states to ensure the full realization of human rights and fundamental freedoms for autistic people. The UN emphasized that society must respect the contributions of every individual and foster an environment where they can participate equally without discrimination.

9th Nepal International Film Festival Opens in Kathmandu

The 9th edition of the Nepal International Film Festival (NIFF) began in Kathmandu on Thursday, with the screening of the Iranian film My Daughter’s Hair. Over the next 5 days, 88 films from 40 countries will be showcased under the theme Future Forward. Festival Chairman KP Pathak noted that despite travel disruptions due to regional conflicts, many international guests, including Indian director Ramesh Sippy, attended the opening. The festival also features a “Reel” competition for young talent, where Anugrah Ghale, Sajil Basnet, and Aryan Kumar secured the top three positions.

Army and Sudurpaschim Secure Victories in PM Cup Cricket

Tribhuvan Army Club and Sudurpaschim Province registered wins in the Prime Minister Cup Men’s National Cricket Tournament on Thursday. In Janakpur, the army defeated Madhesh Province by 4 wickets, chasing a target of 185 in 29.2 overs. Trit Raj Das top-scored with 69 runs. Meanwhile, in Birgunj, Sudurpaschim beat Gandaki Province by 2 wickets while chasing 191. With this victory, Army leads the standings with 9 points from 5 matches, followed closely by Sudurpaschim with 8 points. Madhesh and Gandaki currently hold the 4th and 9th positions, respectively, in the national league table.

Nepali Wrestlers to Compete in International Tournaments in Kyrgyzstan

Nepali wrestlers Suresh Chunara and Triloki Prasad Yadav are set to represent the country in two international competitions in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The Senior Asian Wrestling Championship will run from April 5 to 12, 2026, followed by the Senior Asian Belt Wrestling Alysh Championship from April 12 to 14. Chunara will compete in the 74 kg category, while Yadav will participate in the 97 kg category. The 3-member team, including coach Mumtaz Ali Idrisi, is scheduled to depart on April 7. Chunara previously won a bronze medal at the Asian Belt Wrestling in India.

Fuel Prices Surge in Bhutan Amid Middle East Conflict

The ongoing war in the Middle East has triggered a sharp spike in petroleum prices in Bhutan, prompting the government to announce new rates on Wednesday. Since February 28, petrol prices have risen by over 60%, reaching levels between 65 and 95 Ngultrum per liter. As a landlocked nation of 800,000 people, Bhutan relies entirely on India for fuel imports. The government has urged citizens to walk or work remotely to conserve energy. Despite being a carbon-negative country and an exporter of hydroelectricity, Bhutan faces significant economic pressure as international supply chains remain disrupted by the escalating global conflict.

Trump’s Iran Address Triggers Slump in US Stock Markets

US President Donald Trump’s address regarding the conflict with Iran led to a notable decline in global financial markets on Thursday. Rising crude oil prices coupled with geopolitical uncertainty caused the Dow Jones and S&P 500 futures to drop by approximately 0.7%. The Nasdaq futures saw a steeper decline of nearly 1%. Market analysts noted that these future contracts reflect investor anxiety over the potential for a prolonged war. The downturn indicates a lack of confidence in immediate stability, as traders react to the threat of military escalation and its subsequent impact on energy costs and international trade routes.

Iranian President Addresses Americans Amid Escalating Tensions

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian published an open letter to the American people via social media on Thursday, stating that Iran has never initiated a war. This follows claims by US President Trump that Iran had requested a ceasefire. Pezeshkian’s letter did not mention a ceasefire but emphasized that his country has long faced aggression. In response, Trump posted that Washington would only consider a ceasefire if the Strait of Hormuz remains safe and open, otherwise threatening to return Iran to the “Stone Age.” Pezeshkian concluded that the choice between “confrontation and dialogue” would define the future for the next generation of both nations.

India’s Defense Exports Hit Record $4.15 Billion Milestone

India’s defense exports reached a record USD 4.15 billion in the last fiscal year, marking a 60% increase since 2024. Data released by the Ministry of Defense on Thursday shows that state-owned companies contributed 55% of the exports, while private firms provided the remainder. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh stated that the surge to Rs 384.24 billion reflects international confidence in India’s manufacturing. Major buyers include the USA, France, and Armenia, with exports ranging from missiles and radar systems to artillery. Despite this growth, India remains one of the world’s largest arms importers, accounting for 8% of global purchases.