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.

House of Representatives Approves 3 Key Ordinances

The House of Representatives unanimously approved three ordinances on Monday. The approved 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. Home Minister Sudan Gurung presented the proposals, which faced no formal rejection notices. Additionally, the session passed a condolence motion for Ram Chandra Bhattarai, a former lawmaker from the Communist Party of Nepal. The next house meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday at 1:00 PM.

Lila Kumari Bhandari Elected Vice Chairperson of National Assembly

Lila Kumari Bhandari, a lawmaker from the CPN (UML), has been elected unopposed as the vice chairperson of the National Assembly. The announcement was made during the assembly session on Monday after no other candidates filed for the position. Bhandari, who was elected to the National Assembly from Sudurpashchim Province on January 25, received congratulations and well-wishes from fellow members across all political parties. Her election fills a key leadership role in the upper house as it prepares for the upcoming legislative session and budget discussions.

Foreign Minister Updates Parliament on Nepali Safety in Middle East

Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal informed lawmakers on Monday that over 88,000 Nepalis in conflict-affected areas of the Middle East have registered their details with the ministry. While the urgency for immediate evacuation has decreased, the government is facilitating return flights via Nepal Airlines, offering fares nearly 33% lower than market rates. Minister Khanal warned that the Nepal Oil Corporation faces a projected loss of Rs 17 billion over the next fortnight due to soaring oil prices. A comprehensive report on the conflict’s impact on remittances, fertilizer supplies, and industrial raw materials is expected to be submitted to the government by Tuesday.

Speaker Aryal Vows Neutrality and Fairness in Parliament

In his first address presiding over the House of Representatives after his election, Speaker DP Aryal pledged to maintain a neutral and impartial role. He emphasized on Monday that no lawmaker would face discrimination based on their party affiliation or the size of their parliamentary presence. Speaker Aryal stated that the role of the opposition is vital for good governance and that he would facilitate coordination between all political parties within the framework of the Constitution. He also highlighted the need to review and potentially repeal outdated laws rather than simply focusing on drafting new legislation, promising to uphold the dignity of the house through fair mediation.

Barshaman Pun Urges PM Shah to Prioritize Lumbini Projects

Lawmaker Barshaman Pun met with Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) on Monday to discuss accelerating development in Lumbini Province. Pun emphasized the urgent need to operationalize the Bhairahawa Regional International Airport and urged the Prime Minister to engage in diplomatic talks with India for international air routes. He also requested budget allocations for the Shahid Marg road connecting Dang to Dolpa and the resumption of the Madi Multipurpose Hydropower Project in Rolpa. Furthermore, Pun advocated for the Gandaki Economic Triangle project, an integrated plan involving Bharatpur, Butwal, and Pokhara to create a new industrial and economic hub.

New Drafting Committee Formed for House Rules of Procedure

The House of Representatives has formed a 15-member committee to draft new internal rules of procedure. On Monday, lawmakers approved the proposal presented by Kabindra Burlakoti, with Ganesh Parajuli of the Rastriya Swatantra Party appointed as the committee chairman. The committee, which includes representatives from various political parties, has been given 14 days to complete the draft. Simultaneously, Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal nominated members to the Business Advisory Committee, including Achyutam Lamichhane, Khushbu Oli, and Ganesh Singh Thagunna, to ensure the smooth coordination of parliamentary activities and legislative agendas.

Indigenous Peoples Commission Report Tabled in National Assembly

Minister for Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Sobita Gautam presented the Annual Report of the Indigenous Peoples Commission for the fiscal year 2024/25 to the National Assembly on Monday. The report was submitted on behalf of Prime Minister Balendra Shah. During the same session, National Assembly Chairman Narayan Prasad Dahal led the house in passing a condolence motion for former member Ram Chandra Bhattarai, who passed away at the age of 84. Following a minute of silence to honor the late CPN (UML) leader, the assembly adjourned until Wednesday, April 8.

Home Minister Faces Scrutiny Over Fewa Lake Land Lease

Home Minister Sudan Gurung has addressed controversy surrounding a leased plot of land in the Simle area of Pokhara, which allegedly falls within the restricted 65-meter boundary of Fewa Lake. While the Pokhara Metropolitan City recently demolished unauthorized structures along the lakeshore, the minister’s own leased property remains locked and overgrown. Gurung claimed he and two other entrepreneurs were “defrauded” by the landowners eight to 10 years ago, as they were assured the land was outside the prohibited zone. He stated that he halted construction immediately upon learning of the violation and plans to seek legal recourse against the owners for the loss of his investment.

Nepali Congress Pledges Support for Positive Governance Reforms

In a session of the National Assembly on Monday, Nepali Congress lawmaker Ranjit Karna stated that the party would support the government in its efforts toward positive change and social justice. While noting that the public has yet to feel the full impact of prosperity due to administrative delays and corruption, Karna emphasized that the Nepali Congress is ready to combine its experience and innovation with the government’s willpower. He affirmed that while the party will back steps beneficial to democracy and the nation, it remains committed to opposing any actions that go against the public interest, particularly regarding quality education, health services, and foreign employment issues.

Police Arrest 1 Man for Digital Sexual Harassment of Activist

The Cyber Bureau has arrested a 24-year-old man from Rautahat for engaging in digital sexual violence against activist Amisha Parajuli. Parajuli filed a complaint on April 1 after being subjected to obscene comments and harassment on social media following her participation in a political protest. SP Dilip Kumar Giri stated that the man admitted to the offense during interrogation. The bureau is currently seeking data from Meta (Facebook) to identify 18 other account holders named in the complaint. Authorities warned that using pseudonyms or fake profiles will not protect offenders from legal consequences under the current cyber laws.

Govt. Offices Shift to 9:00 AM Opening Nationwide

Effective today (Monday), all government offices and educational institutions across Nepal have transitioned to a 9:00 AM opening time. The Council of Ministers finalized this decision on Sunday to accommodate the new two-day weekend policy, aimed at reducing petroleum consumption during the current supply crisis. Under the revised schedule, office hours are set from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. The decision, which was promptly published in the Gazette, is intended to lower the operational costs of state vehicles and mitigate the impact of rising global fuel prices on the national economy.

Vigilance Centre Deploys Teams to Monitor New Office Hours

The National Vigilance Centre has deployed monitoring teams to nine districts outside the Kathmandu Valley to ensure compliance with the newly implemented government office hours. Following the government’s decision to set working hours from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM starting Monday, the Centre is conducting surprise checks on employee attendance and service delivery. Spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhatta stated that the teams are also utilizing “file tracking” to identify administrative delays. Any discovered instances of corruption or severe negligence will be forwarded to the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) for further legal action to ensure effective public service.

Health Insurance Board Warns Hospitals Against Charging Cash for Medicine

The Health Insurance Board has issued a stern warning to healthcare providers against charging insured citizens cash for medicines included in the insurance package. In a notice released on Monday, the Board stated it had received numerous complaints regarding hospitals forcing patients to purchase supplies from private pharmacies. This practice violates Rule 19 (1) (a) of the Health Insurance Regulation, 2018. The Board further warned that any institution discriminating against insured members or imposing mandatory advance bookings could face the cancellation of their service agreement under Section 12 of the Health Insurance Act, 2017. Additionally, hospitals must claim the lower rate if their internal pricing is less than the government-mandated insurance rate.

Madhesh Province Faces Financial Crisis Due to Budget Shortfall

Madhesh Province is heading toward a severe financial crisis as current revenues have failed to meet projected targets. Finance Minister Mahesh Yadav announced during a press conference in Janakpurdham on Monday that the province has collected only Rs 4.25 billion out of the expected Rs 10.38 billion. With a total budget of Rs 46.98 billion, the government anticipates a deficit of Rs 17 billion. Consequently, all projects under Rs 1 million have been halted, except for disaster management and ongoing repairs. Capital expenditure remains low at 8%, forcing the government to cut administrative and luxury spending to avoid a total fiscal collapse.

Winter Session of Gandaki Provincial Assembly Concludes

The winter session of the Gandaki Provincial Assembly ended at midnight on Sunday, following a recommendation from the provincial cabinet. During this session, which began on March 22, the assembly passed two significant pieces of legislation: the Public Health Act and the Gandaki Province Road Act, 2024. According to Shashidhar Subedi, a branch officer at the assembly secretariat, two other bills regarding the regulation of cannabis for medicinal and industrial use and the right to food quality are still being discussed in various committees. The session was formally prorogued by Province Head Dilliraj Bhatta in accordance with constitutional provisions.

Biska Jatra Security: Troublemakers to Face Lifetime Blacklisting

Authorities in Bhaktapur have announced strict measures for the upcoming Biska Jatra (Bisket Jatra), scheduled from April 10 to April 18. Following a meeting led by Chief District Officer Umesh Kumar Dhakal, it was decided that individuals caught throwing stones or disrupting the festival will be detained for the duration of the event and blacklisted in police records, potentially barring them from future foreign travel. Security will be monitored by 36 CCTV cameras and three drones. Additionally, the sale and consumption of alcohol will be prohibited in the district during the nine-day and eight-night tantric festival to maintain order and public safety.

44 Climbers Authorized for Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Expeditions

The Department of Tourism has issued climbing permits to 44 mountaineers for the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna peaks during the current spring season. 17 climbers, including eight women, have received permission to scale the 8,167-meter Dhaulagiri massif. For the 8,091-meter Annapurna peak, 27 climbers, including eight women, have been authorized. Branch Officer Sharmila Banjade reported that the government has collected Rs 7,564,650 in royalties from Dhaulagiri and Rs 12 million from Annapurna so far this season. Overall, 170 climbers have been permitted to scale 12 different peaks across Nepal this spring.

Snow Leopard Attack Kills 21 Livestock in Upper Mustang

A snow leopard attack in Chumjung, Lomanthang-4, resulted in the deaths of 21 mountain goats and sheep on Saturday night. The livestock belonged to local farmer Ghyacho Gurung, whose pen was breached despite being enclosed with gabion wire. According to Umesh Paudel, head of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), the estimated loss stands at Rs 455,000. This marks the latest in a series of attacks in the region, including similar incidents in Kimling and Marpha. To monitor the predator’s movements, ACAP has installed three CCTV cameras in the area and is processing relief funds for the affected farmers.

Health Ministry Orders Weekly Reporting to Prevent Vaccine Shortages

The Ministry of Health and Population has mandated weekly reporting on vaccine stocks to prevent shortages of rabies, snakebite, and routine immunizations. Division Chief Dr. Chuman Lal Das issued instructions to Dr. Abhiyan Gautam (Child Health and Immunization), Dr. Amrit Pokhrel (Zoonotic and Communicable Disease), and Chetan Nidhi Wagle (Supply Management) to submit detailed reports every Friday. The new system aims to make the supply chain more transparent and accountable following reports of shortages in several districts. The officials are now responsible for ensuring that procurement, storage, and distribution processes remain uninterrupted to maintain the availability of life-saving vaccines across all health centers in Nepal.

Films Record Rs 1.083 Billion in Annual Box Office Revenue

Nepali cinema saw a significant financial boost in the fiscal year 2025/26, with 56 films generating a total gross revenue of Rs 1.083 billion. According to the Film Development Board, approximately 3,781,544 tickets were sold throughout the year. The highest-grossing film was “Paran,” directed by Deepak Acharya, which earned Rs 177.6 million. Other top performers included “Aa Bata Aama” with Rs 131.3 million and “Jerry on Top.” Overall, four films crossed the Rs 100 million mark, reflecting a strong recovery for the domestic film industry.

FIFA and AFC Threaten ANFA with Suspension Within 7 Days

FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have issued a joint ultimatum to the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA), warning of immediate suspension if election proceedings are not finalized within seven days. In a letter sent to ANFA General Secretary Kiran Rai on Saturday, the global and regional governing bodies demanded that ANFA resume its electoral process independently of government interference. The warning follows the National Sports Council’s (NSC) decision on March 26 to suspend ANFA for three months for attempting to hold elections without prior approval. FIFA clarified that if the NSC decision is not revoked, ANFA will face a ban from international competitions and lose access to FIFA and AFC development funds.

Santosh Rai Wins Bronze at USA Open Karate Championship 2026

Nepali karateka Santosh Rai has secured a bronze medal in the Kata category at the USA Open Karate Championship 2026. Held at the Fort Worth Convention Center in Texas, Rai achieved the podium finish through the repechage round by defeating Carrasquel of the United States. Earlier in the tournament, he secured victories against Viaro Pierpaolo and Compos Johnny before losing to Osaka Hisao in the third round. While Rai also competed in the Kumite (Fight) category and won five bouts, he narrowly missed out on a second medal. Coach Sunil Lama praised Rai’s performance, noting that he displayed exceptional skill against top international competitors.

Nepali Chess Players Depart for International Tournaments in China and Kazakhstan

Nepali chess players have departed for prestigious international competitions in China and Kazakhstan. A team led by the treasurer of the Nepal Chess Federation left on Sunday for the 8th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) International Team Chess Tournament, held from April 7 to April 12. The team includes national champion Fide Master Rupesh Jaiswal, Ashish Phuyal, and top-ranked female player Kritisara Adhikari. Simultaneously, another 5-member youth team, including Nihana Shrestha and Brijananda Das Tamta, will compete in the Asian Continental Stage of the FIDE ISCF World School Team Championship in Almaty, Kazakhstan, from April 6 to April 11.

APF Club Secures Third Victory in PM Cup

Armed Police Force (APF) Club secured its third win in the Prime Minister Cup One Day National Cricket Tournament by defeating Sudurpashchim by 45 runs on Monday. Playing in Janakpur, APF posted a total of 259 runs for the loss of nine wickets, led by Sundeep Jora’s 55 runs and Lokesh Bam’s 47 runs. Despite Sher Malla taking three wickets for Sudurpashchim, the team was bowled out for 214 in 46.3 overs. APF’s Yuvraj Khatri delivered a standout performance, taking five wickets for 34 runs. With this win, APF sits in sixth place, while Sudurpashchim remains in second despite the loss.

Chandragadhi Women’s Gold Cup Ties Announced with Record Prize

The Chandragadhi Youth Club has unveiled the match fixtures for the Chandragadhi Women’s Gold Cup, set to take place from April 18 to April 27. The tournament winner will receive Rs 1.1 million, the highest prize money ever offered in Nepali women’s football, while the runner-up will take home Rs 500,000. The opening match at Mechi Stadium in Bhadrapur will feature RS Pokhara Football Club against Tribhuvan Army Football Club. International teams, including Thimphu City FC from Bhutan and Rani Laxmibai Sports Academy from India, are also set to compete for the prestigious title.

Nigeria Rescues 31 Hostages Following Easter Church Attacks

Nigerian military forces have rescued 31 people kidnapped during Easter attacks on churches in Kaduna State. The rescue operation took place in Ariko village, located approximately 100 kilometers north of Abuja, following raids on Catholic and Evangelical churches. While the military successfully forced the kidnappers to retreat after a gunfight, local officials confirmed that at least five people were killed during the initial assault. This incident follows a pattern of mass abductions by criminal gangs, known as bandits, who often collaborate with jihadist groups. Separately, the Nigerian army reported killing 65 bandits in Zamfara State as part of an ongoing crackdown on regional violence.

Iran Consults India and Russia Over Regional Security Crisis

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held separate telephone consultations with his Russian and Indian counterparts, Sergey Lavrov and Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, on Monday. Araghchi provided detailed updates on the damage caused by 37 days of US and Israeli attacks on Iranian industrial sites, hospitals, and the Bushehr nuclear plant. Minister Jaishankar emphasized the importance of diplomatic efforts to restore regional stability and affirmed India’s support for international initiatives to end the war. Minister Lavrov called for an immediate halt to attacks on civilian infrastructure and nuclear facilities, warning that a further expansion of the conflict could have catastrophic effects on global economic and security interests.

Mediators Propose 45-Day Truce Amid Escalating US-Iran Conflict

Mediators from Egypt, Pakistan, and Turkey have proposed a 45-day ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to halt the escalating conflict between Iran and the United States. While the draft has been sent to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US Envoy Steve Witkoff, no formal response has been received. The conflict, which began on February 28, intensified on Monday with an airstrike in Eslamshahr, killing 15 people. Major General Majid Khademi, the intelligence chief of the Revolutionary Guard, was also killed in a targeted strike. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has currently disrupted 20% of the world’s oil and gas supply.