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.

Prime Minister Balen Shah Extends New Year Greetings

On the occasion of New Year 2083 BS (April 14), Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) conveyed his best wishes for peace, prosperity, and happiness to Nepalis at home and abroad. In a message shared via social media on Tuesday, he quoted a Sanskrit verse wishing for the well-being and health of all living beings. The prime minister expressed hope that the new year would foster positive energy, mutual harmony, and national unity. He further emphasized that the cooperation and collaboration of all citizens remain essential for building a prosperous Nepal, wishing everyone a life free from obstacles and suffering.

Government Issues 18-Point Draft for National Commitment

The Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers has released a draft of an 18-point “National Commitment” for governance reform, seeking feedback from political parties and stakeholders. The document consolidates various points from political party manifestos into a unified 100-point action plan. The commitment covers 8 key sectors, including economic stability, agricultural self-reliance, tourism, energy development, and infrastructure. It also prioritizes good governance, corruption control, and digital technology. The government aims to implement this framework to streamline administrative processes and enhance service delivery across the country.

Ministry Directs Local Govt. to Curb Use of Harmful Pesticides

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has requested all local units across Nepal to strictly control the uncontrolled use of lethal and banned pesticides in vegetables and fruits. Citing reports on serious risks to human health and environmental balance, the Agriculture and Livestock Business Promotion Division issued a 5-point directive. The ministry highlighted that under the Constitution of Nepal, local governments hold the primary responsibility for agricultural management. As the issue directly affects public health, the letter urges local authorities to take a decisive role in monitoring produce and ensuring the safety of food items within their jurisdictions.

Federal Parliament Begins Process to Re-establish Personal Secretary Benefits

The Federal Parliament Secretariat Management Committee has initiated the process to provide personal secretary facilities to Members of Parliament. During a meeting chaired by Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal on Monday, the committee decided to write to the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs to make necessary legal arrangements. This move comes after the previous government, led by Sushila Karki, abolished the post of personal secretaries for lawmakers on September 21, 2025. The meeting included the Chairman of the National Assembly, Narayan Prasad Dahal, and other high-ranking secretariat officials to ensure a systematic reinstatement of the benefit.

Home Minister Sudhan Gurung Inspects Narayangadh-Butwal Road Section

Home Minister Sudhan Gurung conducted an inspection of the Narayangadh-Butwal road section on Tuesday and directed contractors to complete the work within the stipulated timeframe. Expressing dissatisfaction with the ongoing delays, he issued a warning to the Chinese contractor company, stating that further negligence is unacceptable. The minister highlighted that the slow progress has caused significant suffering for passengers and increased the risk of accidents. In response, construction representatives committed to completing the road works within the next 15 days, pledging to accelerate activities to meet the new deadline.

Government Plans 25 Percent New Workforce and 17 Ministries

In its new National Commitment draft, the government has proposed inducting 25 percent new and capable personnel into the civil service within the next 5 years. The plan also includes fixing the number of federal ministries at 17, a reduction previously advocated by the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). To improve efficiency, the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers will be transformed into a result-oriented center for inter-ministerial coordination and monitoring of major projects. The government also plans to introduce a “Time Card” system in public service delivery to eliminate traditional, cumbersome administrative layers and delays.

Former PM KP Sharma Oli Recovering in ICU After Gallbladder Surgery

Former Prime Minister and CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli is currently recovering in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH) following gallbladder surgery on Monday. A medical team led by Prof. Dr. Dibya Singh Shah and Prof. Dr. Mahesh Raj Sigdel performed the procedure. His secretariat informed that his health condition is improving and he is expected to be moved to a general ward by Wednesday. Doctors have advised that he remain in the hospital for a few more days for further observation. Several senior specialists in nephrology and anesthesiology are involved in his post-operative care.

Harka Sampang Publicly Declares Assets Following Social Media Requests

Harka Sampang, Chairman of the Shram Sanskriti Party, disclosed his personal assets via social media following public requests for transparency. He stated that he owns 4 to 5 tolas (one tola is 11.66 grams) of gold, earned during his time in foreign employment, and maintains a bank balance of approximately Rs 200,000 to Rs 400,000. Regarding ancestral property, he mentioned that his mother owns some sloping land, bamboo groves, and fields in Chokhane village, Khotang, which has not yet been divided among his siblings. He clarified that he currently holds no property registered directly in his own name.

Rabi Lamichhane Predicts a Year of “Removing Thorns”

Rabi Lamichhane, Chairman of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), remarked that the new year would be a symbolic year for “removing thorns.” In his New Year greeting, he noted that the process of addressing deep-rooted national issues would be painful and require the strength to endure. “This is the year to pull out the thorns; it will hurt a lot. May you have the strength to bear it,” he stated, offering his best wishes to the public. His metaphorical message suggests a year of rigorous reform and difficult decisions ahead for the party and the country.

Nepali Congress Launches “Root Campaign” for Membership Update

The Nepali Congress has commenced a nationwide campaign, titled the Root Campaign, to update active memberships and reorganize the party. President Gagan Kumar Thapa inaugurated the initiative by updating his own membership in Kathmandu Metropolitan City-30. The campaign, scheduled to run until mid-May, mandates that every active member must visit their respective wards in person to renew their status. This rule aims to end the practice of proxy renewals and ensure a more disciplined and accountable organizational structure. Leaders emphasized that the move is crucial for strengthening party grassroots and maintaining internal discipline.

Energy Ministry and CNI Discuss Boosting Domestic Power Consumption

Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Biraj Bhakta Shrestha, met with representatives of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) to discuss the development of the energy sector. During the meeting on Monday, Minister Shrestha affirmed the government’s commitment to collaborating with the private sector to increase both electricity exports and internal consumption. CNI President Binod Raj Pandey urged the government to implement “wheeling charges” to allow industries to transmit self-produced energy and requested immediate Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) for completed surveys. The discussions also focused on providing incentives for industries to transition from fossil fuels to electric equipment.

Night Electric Bus Service Launches on Two Routes in Kathmandu

The Kathmandu Metropolitan City, in collaboration with Sajha Yatayat, launched a night-time electric bus service starting Tuesday evening. The first phase covers two major routes: Lagankhel to Budhanilkantha (16 kilometers) and Thankot to the International Airport (20 kilometers). The four electric buses will operate between 8:00 PM and 11:00 PM, arriving at designated stops every 20 minutes. To ensure passenger safety, the buses are equipped with CCTV cameras and will have municipal police personnel on board. The service was officially inaugurated at the Sajha Yatayat office in Pulchowk at 7:00 PM.

Nepal Showcases Tourism Potential at ‘Ottawa Travel Fair’

The Embassy of Nepal in Canada participated in the 27th Annual Travel and Vacation Show held in Ottawa on April 11 and 12, showcasing the country’s tourism potential through a dedicated stall. The display featured promotional materials, traditional artworks, original Nepali products, and documentaries highlighting major tourist destinations. Embassy officials engaged with visitors, addressing queries and distributing brochures and pamphlets. The stall drew large crowds, particularly adventure enthusiasts interested in mountaineering, trekking, meditation, and wellness, along with practical information on air connectivity and visa procedures.

First-Ever Snow Leopard Census to Begin in Dhorpatan Reserve

Authorities are set to conduct the first-ever census of snow leopards in Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve. Preparations are underway to deploy 56 camera traps across high-altitude blocks, with around 10 trained enumerators collecting images, tracks, and droppings over 45 days. Spanning 1,325 sq km above 4,000 meters, the reserve hosts snow leopards alongside blue sheep and Himalayan tahr, though the species has never been formally counted. The study aims to establish baseline data for conservation and future monitoring.

Wave of Film Announcements and Releases

The first day of New Year 2083 BS (April 14) saw a surge in Nepali film announcements and release date reveals. Director Deepak Acharya announced his second film, Chiranjivi Bhavah, following the success of Paran. Actress Keki Adhikari announced Station, directed by Sulakshan Bharati, for a September 4 release. Other notable announcements include Ratauli starring Puja Sharma and Bijay Baral, Dui Kinara by producer Binod Poudel, and Ganga Rani by Raj Bahadur Sane. Additionally, release dates were set for Karki Saila on July 17 and Pension Patta on September 11. Actor Salin Man Bania also hinted at a comeback after an 8-year hiatus.

Tulsi Ghimire’s Film “Pahad” Releases Nationwide on New Year

Director Tulsi Ghimire’s latest film, Pahad, released in theaters across Nepal this Tuesday. The movie features a veteran cast including Madan Krishna Shrestha, Bipin Karki, and Shiva Shrestha. The narrative focuses on the increasing trend of foreign migration and its impact on rural Nepalese hills, where villages are becoming deserted, leaving only the elderly and children behind. Ghimire stated that although the story is set in the mountains, it represents a portrait of the entire country’s social and emotional struggle with migration. The film, produced by a team including Surendra Lama Thing, aims to highlight the loss of community and the search for opportunity.

Anuj Chanara Decides to Leave Karnali Province Cricket Team

Cricketer Anuj Chanara has announced his decision to stop playing for the Karnali Province team, citing a lack of opportunities. After being excluded from the final match against Gandaki in the ongoing Prime Minister Cup, Chanara expressed his frustration on social media. He noted that despite a strong performance against the Police Club, where he took 2 wickets for 35 runs in 6 overs, he was repeatedly benched. Chanara, who was the first player from Karnali to reach the national team camp, claimed that the team leadership provided inconsistent reasons for his exclusion, leading to his resignation from the provincial side after 5 to 6 years of service.

India Secures Double Victory in South Asian Regional Tennis Qualifiers

India secured victories in both the boys’ and girls’ categories on the second day of the ITF Asia 12 and Under Tennis Competition (South Asian Regional Qualifiers). In matches held at the Satdobato tennis courts on Tuesday, the Indian boys’ team defeated Bhutan 3–0, while the girls’ team beat the Maldives with the same scoreline. Elsewhere, Pakistan’s boys defeated the Maldives 3–0, and the Sri Lankan girls’ team beat Pakistan 3–0. The top 2 teams from this tournament, organized by the Nepal Tennis Association, will qualify for the Asian Finals to be held in Singapore from September 15 to 20.

Bihar Chief Minister’s Nitish Kumar Resigns to Join Rajya Sabha

Nitish Kumar has resigned from the post of Chief Minister of Bihar, India, announcing the decision via X (Twitter) after submitting his resignation to the Governor. Having served as Chief Minister for over 20 years across multiple terms since November 24, 2005, he recently secured a seat in the Rajya Sabha (Upper House). Kumar had been leading the state with support from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Following his departure, the BJP is expected to lead the Bihar government for the first time, with reports suggesting Samrat Choudhary may be positioned as the new Chief Minister.

UN States No Legal Authority Exists to Close International Sea Routes

The United Nations (UN) has clarified that no country possesses the legal right to block international shipping routes. Arsenio Dominguez, head of the UN International Maritime Organization (IMO), stated that any attempt to close the Strait of Hormuz would set a dangerous precedent. He emphasized that while regional conflicts are understood, international law provides no basis for such closures. Dominguez added that retaliatory actions heighten risks for the 20,000 crew members currently operating in the area and threaten to further destabilize a global economy already facing significant financial pressures.

Pakistan Proposes Islamabad for Next Round of US-Iran Diplomatic Talks

Pakistan has formally proposed hosting the second round of diplomatic talks between the USA and Iran in Islamabad. This follows reports of progress in initial dialogues, with US Vice President JD Vance noting “some advancement” and President Donald Trump indicating interest from the other side. While Pakistani officials emphasize a continuous diplomatic process over one-off meetings, regional tensions remain high. Meanwhile, Hezbollah has threatened to reject any agreements from upcoming US-Lebanon-Israel talks, challenging the ceasefire efforts that seek to end a conflict that has claimed at least 2,089 lives.

US-China Trade Tensions Rise Over Iran Military Support Claims

Trade tensions between the USA and China have escalated after President Donald Trump threatened new tariffs on Chinese goods. The warning followed US intelligence reports suggesting that China plans to provide advanced air defense systems and missiles to Tehran. Trump warned of imposing up to 50 percent tariffs if China proceeds with military aid to Iran ahead of his scheduled meeting with President Xi Jinping. Beijing has dismissed the reports as “fabricated,” with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun warning of a “strong counter-attack” if the USA uses these claims as a pretext for further tariffs. While China is a major buyer of Iranian oil, it maintains no formal military alliance with the country.

Colombia Approves Plan to Cull 80 Hippos Linked to Pablo Escobar

The Colombian government has approved a management plan to cull approximately 80 hippos to protect the local ecosystem. These animals are descendants of 4 hippos brought to the country by drug trafficker Pablo Escobar in the 1980s. Environment Minister Irene Velez stated that previous efforts, such as sterilization and relocation to zoos, proved too costly and ineffective. While the hippos have become a tourist attraction, they pose a threat to villagers and compete with native species. The population has grown to approximately 170, leading the government to take this controversial step despite strong opposition from animal rights activists.