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.

Department Issues Severe Windstorm Warning for Four Provinces

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has issued an urgent weather alert for intense windstorms expected in parts of Sudurpashchim, Lumbini, Madhesh, and Koshi provinces. The storm system is forecasted to begin tomorrow, Wednesday, at 5:45 PM and subside by Thursday morning at 7:45 AM. Districts including Dadeldhura, Banke, Bara, and Morang are at high risk. Meteorologist Ujjwal Upadhyay warned that the merging of two pre-monsoon systems will also bring heavy rain, lightning, and hail. Travelers are strongly advised to avoid night journeys on the Tribhuvan, Prithvi, and B.P. highways between Tuesday and Thursday due to the increased risk of landslides and poor visibility.

Government Bypasses Parliament to Recommend Two Ordinances

Following the postponement of the federal parliament session, the Cabinet has recommended two major ordinances to President Ramchandra Paudel. The ordinances concern the Constitutional Council and Cooperatives, aiming to facilitate high-level appointments and address the cooperative crisis. The budget session, originally set for April 30, was canceled by the government citing “insufficient preparation.” The Constitutional Council ordinance is particularly significant as it could allow the government to appoint the Chief Justice and heads of various commissions without the usual parliamentary scrutiny. Presidential advisors confirmed the documents are currently under review at the Shital Niwas.

New Academic Session Starts Today Following Court Order

The new school academic session officially begins today, Tuesday, across Nepal. The government shifted the start date from the traditional April 15 to prevent private schools from conducting premature admissions before final exam results. This follows an interim order from the Supreme Court issued by Justice Bal Krishna Dhakal, mandating that admission processes only start after the official commencement of the session. The Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology has instructed local levels to ensure that institutional schools refund any illegally collected admission fees or charges exceeding the 2015 guidelines.

Over 1,000 Families Register at Dasharath Stadium Help Desk

More than 1,078 displaced families have registered their details at a government help desk in Dasharath Stadium as of Tuesday afternoon. These families, totaling over 4,000 individuals, including 1,500 children, were displaced following the clearance of squatter settlements in Thapathali, Manohara, and Sinamangal. The Integrated Development of the Bagmati Civilization Committee is managing the registration to coordinate housing and meals. While many have been moved to holding centers in Kirtipur or local lodges, Kathmandu Metropolitan City is providing health check-ups and food. Displaced residents continue to arrive at the stadium from various riverside settlements seeking government assistance.

Karnali Province Calls 8th Session of Provincial Assembly

The Karnali Province government has recommended summoning the eighth session of the Second Provincial Assembly. Following a cabinet meeting today, the government requested Province Head Yajnaraj Joshi call the first meeting for May 11 at 3:00 PM. This new session follows the conclusion of the seventh session on March 29. The assembly is expected to focus on legislative priorities and the upcoming provincial budget for the next fiscal year. Government spokesperson Binod Kumar Shah confirmed the recommendation was formally submitted to the provincial head’s office today.

Home Delivery of Passports Expanded to 14 Districts

The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology has successfully launched a home delivery service for passports in 14 districts, including Gulmi, Jhapa, and Kaski. Using the Postal Services Department, the government has already delivered 319 passports directly to citizens’ homes. Additionally, 256,126 driving licenses have been transported to local transport offices, with home delivery for licenses already starting in Kaski and Morang. This initiative is part of the government’s 100-day goal to transform the postal service into a “government courier,” which will soon include the delivery of Nepal Telecom SIM cards and university certificates.

Speaker DP Aryal Meets Chinese Ambassador on Strategic Cooperation

Speaker of the House of Representatives Dol Prasad (DP) Aryal met with Chinese Ambassador Zhang Maoming today to discuss bilateral relations and parliamentary cooperation. Speaker Aryal reaffirmed Nepal’s commitment to the one-China policy and assured that Nepalese soil would not be used against China. The meeting focused on accelerating Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects and upgrading border infrastructure. Ambassador Maoming congratulated the Speaker on behalf of the National People’s Congress and pledged continued support for Nepal’s sovereignty. Both parties agreed to enhance legislative exchanges following the 2022 memorandum of understanding between the two nations’ parliaments.

Minister Sita Badi Pledges Transparent Governance and Anti-Corruption

The Minister for Women, Children, and Senior Citizens, Sita Badi, issued a public commitment today to maintain absolute transparency during her tenure. Marking five weeks in office, Badi pledged to avoid nepotism, unlawful recommendations, and any form of corruption. She explicitly stated she would not facilitate job appointments or transfers based on personal relations nor protect individuals involved in crimes like drug trafficking or fraud. The minister vowed to prioritize the rights of marginalized groups, including Dalits and the LGBTIQ+ community, while refusing unnecessary ministerial perks such as luxury quarters or diplomatic passports to ensure the prudent use of state resources.

Student Wings Protest Ghantaghar to Tribhuvan University

Student organizations conducted a march at Tribhuvan University (TU) today to protest a potential government ban on political student unions. Marching from the Ghantaghar to the T.U. Gate, protesters labeled the proposed ban as an unconstitutional intervention in civil rights. The students demanded the government immediately withdraw the decision to scrap Independent Student Unions and stop the “barrackization” of educational institutions. Additional demands included the strict implementation of meritocracy in academic appointments, inflation control, and the continuation of the 45 percent transport fare discount for students, which they claim is under threat from current policy discussions.

Ministry Receives Over 3,500 Suggestions on Civil Service Draft

The Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration has received over 3,500 suggestions regarding the preliminary draft of the Federal Civil Service Bill. Published on the ministry’s website on April 24, the draft aims to institutionalize the federal governance system. A task force led by the Administration Reform Division is currently analyzing feedback from civil servants and the general public. The ministry has assured stakeholders that appropriate suggestions will be incorporated into the final version to improve the bill’s effectiveness and address existing gaps in administrative law.

RPP Criticizes Government for Governing Through Ordinances

Mohan Shrestha, spokesperson for the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), has expressed deep dissatisfaction with the government’s reliance on ordinances. Following the cabinet’s recommendation to issue decrees on the Constitutional Council and Cooperatives, Shrestha accused the “powerful” government of undermining democracy. He noted that the sudden postponement of the parliament session, followed by the bypass of legislative processes, mirrors the same old political tactics the current leadership once criticized. The RPP argued that such moves disregard the mandate of the people and weaken constitutional institutions. The party warned that using executive orders to make crucial judicial and commission appointments threatens the balance of power.

Nepali Congress Slams Government Over Ordinance Governance

The Nepali Congress has strongly criticized the government for proroguing parliament to issue laws via ordinances. Spokesperson Devraj Chalise issued a statement today calling the move an “executive encroachment” on the legislature’s authority. The opposition party argued that bypassing the parliament, especially when the government holds a clear majority, signals a dangerous trend toward power centralization. The protest follows the recommendation of two ordinances shortly after the scheduled budget session was postponed. The party has urged the government to respect democratic values and parliamentary dignity, demanding an immediate reconsideration of the decision to govern through executive decrees rather than legislative debate.

Free Heli-Rescue Program Benefits 71 Pregnant Women in Gandaki

The Gandaki Province government’s free aerial rescue program has served 71 pregnant and postpartum women since its launch in the fiscal year 2019/20. The service, targeting those with life-threatening complications, has seen the highest utilization in Baglung with 30 rescues, followed by 18 in Myagdi. While the federal government provides similar services in designated remote areas, the province covers all its districts. Officials noted a recent decline in rescue frequency, with only six cases in 2025/26, attributed to the upgrade of district hospitals and the availability of specialist doctors at the local level.

Kathmandu Metropolis Begins Monitoring 40,000 Hostel Residents

The Kathmandu Metropolitan City education department has launched a massive inspection campaign across local hostels, which currently house approximately 40,000 residents. Five specialized teams are evaluating facilities based on the “Hostel Operation Standards.” Under the direction of Acting Mayor Sunita Dangol, the teams are checking for mandatory CCTV surveillance, fire safety equipment, and clean drinking water. Hostels failing to meet minimum health and security requirements face immediate closure. The campaign aims to ensure a safe residential environment for students and professionals while regulating the industry through a formal registration process.

Suasta Ward Chair Arrested for Fake Death Registration

Police have arrested Prabhunath Ahir, the Ward Chair of Susta Rural Municipality-5, and Ward Secretary Sanjay Kumar Chaudhary for issuing a fraudulent death certificate. The arrests in Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta Paschim) followed a complaint that a 66-year-old man was registered as deceased while still alive. Tarikh Miya Ansari, who allegedly provided false information to register the death of his “brother” to claim property or benefits, is also in custody. Authorities have charged the group under the National Identity Card and Registration Act 2019. Seven other witnesses who signed the fraudulent documents remain at large as the district court proceeds with the investigation.

Traffic Police Penalize 2,746 Drivers and Collect Rs 2.9 Million

The Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police penalized 2,746 drivers in the last 24 hours, collecting Rs 2.9 million in fines. Violations included 79 cases of driving under the influence, 225 ride-sharing infractions, and 324 lane discipline breaches. Authorities also penalized 175 drivers for jumping red lights and 55 for unauthorized honking. Spokesperson Naresh Raj Subedi urged passengers to report any suspected drug or alcohol use by drivers to the 103 hotline to ensure public safety.

Traffic Police Penalize 54 Drivers for Overcharging Passengers

The Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office penalized 54 public transport drivers today for charging fares above the government-mandated rates. During a special monitoring operation led by SP Naresh Raj Subedi, officers inspected 299 buses to verify compliance with official fare charts. The crackdown revealed that many drivers were overcharging passengers, especially on routes utilizing electric vehicles where rates have not been increased. Authorities issued fines of up to Rs 5,000 per violation and mandated that all public vehicles display clear, visible fare lists inside the cabin. Police emphasized that strict monitoring will continue to protect commuters from financial exploitation during their daily travel.

First Owl and Owlet Festival to be Held in Dang

Lamhi Municipality in Dang is set to host the first-ever Owl and Owlet Festival on May 1 and May 2 at the Biological Diversity Park. Organized by the Ajammari Community Forest User Group and Friends of Nature, the event aims to raise awareness for the conservation of these endangered birds. The festival will feature a large owl mascot, a robotic exhibition, and a temporary museum. Authorities reminded the public that illegal trade or hunting of owls carries fines up to Rs 50,000 and potential imprisonment of up to one year.

Historic Jai Nepal Cinema Hall Receives License to Reopen

The Film Development Board has granted an operating license to the historic Jai Nepal Cinema Hall, marking its return after nearly five years. The theater, a landmark in Kathmandu’s Durbarmarg area since the 1970s, had been closed since 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Board Chairman Dinesh DC handed over the permit to operator Gopal Kaji Kayastha today, noting the hall’s significance to the city’s cinema culture. The reopening aligns with the board’s target to increase the number of active cinema halls in Nepal to over 200 within the current fiscal year, reviving a key venue for Nepali, Hindi, and English films.

Court Halts Release of ‘Lalibazar’ Until May 5

The Patan High Court has ordered a temporary halt to the screening of the film Lalibazar, just days before its scheduled release. A single bench of Judge Prakash Dhungana issued the interim order, directing authorities to suspend the film’s release until May 5, according to Information Officer Govinda Prasad Koirala. The order follows a writ petition filed by Roshani Nepali on behalf of the Badi community, raising objections to certain words used in the film. Directed by Yam Thapa and produced by Shatkon Arts, Lalibazar portrays the struggles of women from the Badi community. The film had been scheduled for release on May 1 after receiving a universal certificate from the Central Board of Film Censored earlier this week.

Nepal Defeats Rwanda by 38 Runs in T20I Challenge Trophy

The Nepal women’s national cricket team defeated host nation Rwanda by 38 runs today, Tuesday, in the ICC Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy. Defending a target of 104, Nepal bowled out Rwanda for 65 runs in 17.4 overs at the Gahanga Cricket Stadium. Manisha Upadhayay led the bowling attack with 4 wickets, while captain Indu Barma top-scored with 33 runs. Nepal has now secured 6 points from 6 matches in the double round-robin tournament and is scheduled to face Italy and Vanuatu in the upcoming fixtures.

New Diamond Enters Final of 10th PM Cup NVA Volleyball

New Diamond Sports Club advanced to the final of the 10th PM Cup NVA Volleyball League after defeating APF Club 3–1 today, Tuesday. At the National Sports Council (NSC) covered hall in Tripureshwor, New Diamond secured sets of 25–21, 20–25, 25–18, and 25–21, reaching 12 points. In another match, Tribhuvan Army Club beat Sudurpashchim Province 3–0, though both teams are now out of the title race. The league, costing Rs 11.5 million, will award Rs 1 million to the winner on May 2.

APF Football Club Wins Chandragadhi Women’s Gold Cup

The Armed Police Force (APF) Football Club secured the Chandragadhi Women’s Gold Cup title in Bhadrapur, Jhapa, on Monday. APF defeated fellow departmental side Tribhuvan Army Football Club 1–0 in the final, with Rashmi Kumari Ghising scoring the decisive header in the 72nd minute. The champions received a cash prize of Rs 1.1 million, while the runners-up earned Rs 500,000. Renuka Nagarkoti was named the tournament’s best player, winning Rs 101,000, and Saru Limbu took home Rs 11,000 as the player of the match.

UK King Charles to Address US Congress Amid Strained Bilateral Ties

The United Kingdom’s King Charles III is set to address the United States Congress during his state visit to Washington, DC, focusing on unity, democratic values, and strengthening the transatlantic alliance amid rising tensions. Relations have come under strain as US President Donald Trump criticized UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer over the Iran conflict. Security has been heightened following a recent attack in the capital. The visit, joined by Queen Camilla, includes ceremonial events and diplomatic outreach aimed at reinforcing ties. It also highlights trade cooperation and shared history as both countries navigate differences during a significant year for the United States.

UAE Exits OPEC, Dealing Blow to Saudi-Led Oil Alliance

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced its exit from OPEC and the wider OPEC+ alliance, a major setback for the group led by Saudi Arabia amid global energy instability. The decision comes as tensions linked to the Iran conflict disrupt oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for about one-fifth of global energy supplies. UAE Energy Minister Suhail Mohamed al-Mazrouei said the move reflects a strategic shift in production policy and was made independently. The exit risks weakening unity within the oil bloc, already strained by geopolitical divisions. It also aligns with criticism from US President Donald Trump, who has accused OPEC of inflating oil prices.

Luxury Superyacht Tied to Putin Ally Sails Through High-Risk Strait of Hormuz

A luxury superyacht linked to Russian billionaire Alexei Mordashov, a close ally of Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, has transited the Strait of Hormuz despite ongoing restrictions in the vital shipping route. The vessel traveled from Dubai to Muscat, Oman, becoming one of the few private ships to pass through the strait in recent months. The passage comes as Iran continues its standoff with the United States over the waterway, which carries about one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies. Maritime traffic remains sharply reduced, contributing to rising global oil prices. Meanwhile, diplomatic engagement between Russia and Iran has intensified, underscoring their deepening strategic ties.