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.

Cabinet Meeting Chaired by PM Balen Shah Concludes in Singha Durbar

A Council of Ministers meeting was held at the Prime Minister’s Office in Singha Durbar on Tuesday afternoon. Chaired by Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen), the session included Home Minister Sudhan Gurung and other cabinet members. Discussions reportedly covered several pressing national issues and administrative appointments. The prime minister’s secretariat confirmed that the formal decisions made during the session would be released to the public shortly after the meeting’s conclusion. This meeting is part of the regular legislative and executive oversight conducted by the central government to address provincial and national developmental goals.

New Parliamentary Rules Require Ministers to Respond Within 7 Days

A new provision in the House of Representatives regulations mandates that ministers must respond to questions raised by lawmakers within seven days. Under Rule 15, which covers zero and special hours, the Speaker can also provide “accidental time” for urgent matters or serious incidents occurring between sessions. The regulation ensures that issues raised by members during these periods receive timely responses from the relevant government officials in the House. This update aims to increase executive accountability and ensure that the concerns of the public, as represented by their elected members, are addressed promptly within the legislative framework of the Federal Parliament.

Govt. Appoints Leadership for Troubled Cooperatives’ Management

The Council of Ministers appointed Dilli Raj Acharya as the chairman of the Troubled Cooperatives Management Committee during its meeting on Tuesday. Additionally, Nabaraj Simkhada and Roshan Bahadur Shakya were appointed as committee members. The cabinet also formed a recommendation committee, led by National Planning Commission Vice-Chairman Gunakar Bhatta, to appoint a new chairperson for the Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON). Furthermore, the meeting granted approval to present bills in the Federal Parliament to amend the House of Representatives Member Election Act, 2017, and the Voter List Act, 2017.

Lumbini Province Passes Bill on Dalit Rights Unanimously

The Lumbini Province Assembly unanimously passed a bill regarding the rights of the Dalit community during its 14th meeting of the 7th session on Tuesday. Speaker Tularam Gharti Magar confirmed the passage of the legislation following its presentation by Social Development Minister Janmajaya Timilsina. During the session, members also discussed concerns regarding the federal government’s new customs policy, which imposes taxes on goods worth over Rs 100, causing difficulties for low-income citizens. The assembly also heard demands for improved transportation services connecting Parasi to Bardiya and easier licensing processes for e-rickshaw drivers.

Draft Report on House of Representatives Regulations Submitted

The chairperson of the Draft Committee for House of Representatives Regulations, Ganesh Parajuli, submitted the committee’s final report to Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal on Tuesday. Parajuli, a member of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, presented the document, which outlines proposed changes to parliamentary procedures. Upon receiving the draft, Speaker Aryal stated that the regulations would be formally passed through the established legislative process. This report is expected to streamline how various parliamentary sessions, including zero and special hours, are conducted and managed. The submission marks a significant step in updating the operational framework of the federal parliament.

Nepal Student Union Protests Inside Singha Durbar Against Price Hikes

Activists from the Nepal Student Union (NSU) staged a protest inside the Singha Durbar complex on Tuesday afternoon, while a cabinet meeting was in progress. The protesters demanded the resignation of Home Minister Sudhan Gurung and immediate government action to control rising market prices. The demonstration took place directly in front of the Prime Minister’s Office, where student leaders like Bhuwan Bhatta and Kumbha Raj Deuba raised slogans against the administration. Police intervened during the protest and detained several activists. The union leaders argued that the government must remain accountable to the public and that ministers facing ethical questions should step down.

FNJ Announces Nationwide Protests Against Government Advertising Policy

The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) declared a nationwide protest against the government’s decision to provide advertisements only to state-owned media. The FNJ labeled the circular from the prime minister’s office as a violation of press freedom and open market principles. According to General Secretary Ram Prasad Dahal, the federation will submit memorandums to chief district officers on April 23. Further actions include a social media protest on April 24 and an appeal to local governments to ignore the federal directive on April 28. The FNJ warned of stricter measures if the government fails to withdraw the policy.

Department Warns of Heatwave Risks Across Terai Districts

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology issued a high-alert warning as temperatures soared above 40°C in the Terai region on Tuesday. Record temperatures were measured in Bhairahawa at 44°C, while Dhangadhi and Nepalgunj reached 43°C. Authorities urged citizens in 10 high-risk districts, including Banke and Rupandehi, to remain indoors during the afternoon. The heatwave, or Loo, is expected to persist through Thursday in western Nepal. Vulnerable groups, particularly children and the elderly, are advised to stay hydrated and wear light clothing to avoid heatstroke and dehydration.

High Court Janakpur Orders Field Inspection of Disputed Public Land

The High Court Janakpur issued a landmark order on Monday to conduct a physical inspection of disputed land allegedly registered as private property. A bench led by the acting chief judge scheduled the site visit for April 26 at 10:00 AM. Judges, registrars, and surveyors from the Dhanusha Survey Office will personally observe the land to resolve complexity in the case filed by Prithvi Shah Haluwai against Jagdish Pasman. This practice, conducted under Section 178 of the National Civil Procedure Code, 2017, aims to verify if the land serves as a public road.

Writ Petition Seeks Suspension of Rabi Lamichhane as Member of Parliament

A writ petition was filed at the Supreme Court on Tuesday, seeking the immediate suspension of Rabi Lamichhane from his position as a member of Parliament. The petition, submitted by law student Ayush Badal, names the Federal Parliament Secretariat, the Speaker, and the Home Ministry as defendants. The legal challenge is based on Section 27 of the Money Laundering Prevention Act, 2008, which mandates the automatic suspension of public officials facing serious criminal charges. The petitioner argues that Lamichhane’s continued presence in parliament during ongoing investigations into cooperative fraud and money laundering creates a conflict of interest.

Shram Sanskriti Party Submits 33-Point Recommendation to Government

The Shram Sanskriti Party chairman, Harka Sampang, presented a 33-point recommendation to the government during a press conference on Tuesday. The party urged the government to avoid international treaties like MCC or SPP that could indirectly link Nepal to global conflicts. Recommendations included reducing educational workloads to focus on practical learning, halting illegal construction, and prioritizing border security. Furthermore, the party called for the resignation of Home Minister Sudhan Gurung to address growing political controversies. Sampang emphasized the need for a governance model that is more accountable to the general public.

Foreign Minister Meets US Assistant Secretary to Strengthen Bilateral Ties

Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal held a high-level meeting with the United States Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, S. Paul Kapur, on Tuesday. The discussions focused on deepening the long-standing bilateral relationship between Nepal and the United States. Both officials emphasized expanding cooperation in trade and investment sectors. The meeting underscored a mutual commitment to regional stability and economic growth through collaborative diplomatic efforts. This visit by the assistant secretary highlights the ongoing strategic engagement between the two nations across various developmental frameworks.

Police Intervene in Siraha Prison Dispute and Detain 22 Inmates

Security forces detained 22 inmates at Siraha Prison on Tuesday morning, following an attempted takeover of the internal administration. The unrest began two days ago when a group of prisoners tried to forcibly remove the head inmate (Chowkidar) to seize control of prison management. To prevent further violence and maintain discipline, police launched a targeted operation inside the facility. The detained individuals are being processed for transfer to other correctional centers. This incident follows a similar security breach in January 2026, where firearms were recovered, leading to the relocation of 13 other inmates.

Police Arrest Drug Trafficker After Firing Warning Shots in Morang

Morang police arrested a 21-year-old man after firing two warning shots during a high-speed chase on Monday night. The man was intercepted at Hatiyadanda while transporting 475 grams of brown sugar from India on a motorcycle. The operation is part of the “Drug-Free Morang Campaign-2026,” launched on April 14. Authorities noted that the suspect had been frequently smuggling narcotics for distribution in Rani, Rangeli, and Sijuwa. Following his capture, he was taken into custody at the Area Police Office Sijuwa for legal proceedings.

Capital Traffic Police Penalize Over 3,500 Drivers in Kathmandu Valley

The Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police penalized 3,501 drivers for various violations during a 24-hour period ending Tuesday morning. Enforcement actions included 77 citations for driving under the influence and 158 for jumping red lights. Additionally, 172 drivers were booked for lane violations, while 89 were caught speeding. The total revenue collected from these fines amounted to Rs 2.5 million. Authorities reported that other common offenses involved open doors, improper horn usage, and unauthorized passenger pick-up or drop-off points.

Government Distributes Vitamin A and Deworming Tablets to Millions

The Ministry of Health and Population successfully administered Vitamin A capsules to approximately 2.3 million children during a nationwide campaign on April 19 and 20. Additionally, 2.1 million children received deworming tablets, while 800 toddlers were provided with Balvita nutritional supplements. The program utilized 50,000 female community health volunteers and 15,000 health workers. This biannual initiative, running since 2002, aims to reduce child mortality, prevent malnutrition, and strengthen the immune systems of children aged six to 59 months.

Joint Team Begins Annual Swamp Deer Census in Shuklaphanta

A comprehensive swamp deer census commenced in Shuklaphanta National Park on Tuesday, involving 35 personnel from the Army and the National Trust for Nature Conservation. Using the “head count” method, technicians are monitoring the population from four towers and two vehicles, supported by three elephants for inaccessible areas. Tools such as drones, telescopes, and binoculars are being utilized during the six-day counting period ending April 25. The 2024 census recorded 2,182 swamp deer in the park’s 34-square-kilometer grassland.

Actor Rajesh Hamal Criticizes “Buffer State” Terminology for Nepal

Veteran actor Rajesh Hamal publicly criticized the use of the term “buffer state” to describe Nepal, arguing that a nation’s identity should be defined by its own foreign policy rather than its neighbors. His comments follow a recent commitment letter from the Balen Shah-led government that mentioned the term. Hamal stated that describing a country based solely on its geographic location between superpowers like India and China devalues its unique sovereignty. He highlighted that Nepal has built an independent identity through non-alignment and active participation in the United Nations. He compared Nepal’s potential to Singapore, which established global status through effective economic diplomacy rather than geographic labels.

World of Dance Nepal 2026 Officially Announced with Gold-Plated Trophy

The formal launch of World of Dance Nepal 2026 was announced during a press conference in Kathmandu on Tuesday. The second edition of the global franchise features Bollywood’s contemporary dance icon Terence Lewis as the “Celebrity Grand Judge,” alongside local judges Kiran Thapa and JD Tamu. Winners in the four categories, Upper, Junior, Upper Team, and Junior Team, will each receive Rs 100,000 and a 24-karat gold-plated trophy. National Director Roshan Gahataraj emphasized that the platform aims to take local talent to the world stage. Auditions are scheduled for Nepalgunj on May 2, Butwal on May 5, Pokhara on May 9, Kathmandu on May 13, and Itahari on May 16.

UAE Captain Protests Incorrect National Anthem at Kirtipur Stadium

The opening T20 International match between Nepal and the UAE at Tribhuvan University Stadium on Monday was marred by a major technical blunder. During the pre-match ceremony, the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) played the incorrect national anthem for the UAE twice. UAE captain Muhammad Waseem expressed visible dissatisfaction and eventually signaled his team to walk away before a third attempt could be made. CAN spokesperson Chumbi Lama admitted to the management error, explaining that staff had attempted to find the anthem on YouTube without verification. The incident occurred in front of National Sports Council members and top CAN officials, including Paras Khadka.

ANFA Announces 35-Member Squad for SAFF Women’s Championship 2026

The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) released a 35-member preliminary squad for the upcoming SAFF Women’s Championship 2026. Head coach Nabin Neupane announced the roster on Tuesday and scheduled closed training to begin on April 27. The 8th edition of the tournament will be held in Margao, Goa, India, from May 25 to June 7. The squad includes key players such as Anjila Tumbapo Subba, Preeti Rai, and Rekha Poudel. Nepal aims to secure its first title in the competition after finishing as runners-up in multiple previous editions.

Intelligence Sharing Strained Between US and South Korea Over Nuclear Data

A diplomatic chill has emerged between the United States and South Korea following public remarks by Unification Minister Chung Dong-young regarding North Korea’s nuclear activities. Chung suggested a uranium enrichment site was operational in Kusong, leading Washington to partially restrict satellite intelligence sharing starting this month. While US Forces Korea declined to comment, reports suggest the United States viewed the disclosure of sensitive data as unauthorized. President Lee Jae-myung defended the minister, stating the information was already public knowledge. Despite the friction, military officials noted that overall surveillance of the 28,500 US troops stationed in the region remains normal as they monitor North Korea’s ballistic missile program.

Apple Appoints John Ternus as New CEO as Tim Cook Steps Down

Apple announced that John Ternus will succeed Tim Cook as chief executive officer, effective September 1. Cook, who led the company for 15 years, will transition to the role of executive chairman. Under Cook’s leadership, Apple became the first public company to reach a USD 1 trillion valuation in 2018, with its current market value nearing USD 4 trillion. Ternus, a 25-year veteran of the company and current head of hardware engineering, was described by Cook as a visionary leader with an “innovator’s soul.” The transition follows months of speculation regarding Cook’s successor at the tech giant.

US Seizes Iran-Linked Tanker as Ceasefire Talks Hang in Balance

The United States has seized a tanker linked to Iran in international waters, intensifying tensions as a fragile ceasefire nears its deadline. The vessel, carrying a large volume of crude and heading toward Asia, was intercepted without incident as part of ongoing maritime enforcement. The move risks undermining last-minute efforts to restart peace talks, with Iran still undecided on participation due to continued blockades. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains largely restricted, disrupting global energy flows and keeping markets volatile. With limited time before the truce expires, uncertainty persists over whether negotiations will proceed or the conflict will escalate again.