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.

Vice President Stresses Role of Women’s Entrepreneurship in National Growth

Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav inaugurated the 9th International Women’s Trade Expo 2026 in Lalitpur on Friday. Organized by the Federation of Women Entrepreneurs’ Associations of Nepal, the three-day event promotes the theme of using indigenous products and encouraging local enterprise. Yadav highlighted that women’s participation in sectors like handicrafts, agriculture, and services is a catalyst for social transformation and job creation. He noted that constitutional provisions prioritize industries based on local labor and skills. The fair aims to bridge the gap between district-level producers and larger markets, ultimately strengthening the national economy and reducing imports through self-reliance.

Dol Prasad Aryal Set to be Elected Speaker Unopposed

Dol Prasad (DP) Aryal, Vice Chairman of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), is poised to be elected Speaker of the House of Representatives unopposed. According to the Federal Parliament Secretariat, Aryal was the sole candidate to file a nomination between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM on Friday. His candidacy was proposed by RSP Chairman Rabi Lamichhane and supported by lawmakers Sobita Gautam, Swarnim Wagle, and Sunil Lamsal. While the official announcement will be made during the parliamentary session on April 5, the lack of rival candidates ensures his victory for the top legislative post.

Home Minister Inquires About Health of Injured Gen Z Protesters

Home Minister Sudhan Gurung visited Kathmandu Medical College (KMC) on Thursday night to check on the condition of individuals injured during the Gen Z protests. During the visit, the Minisministerter received detailed briefings from attending physicians regarding the health status of the protesters. The injured individuals are currently receiving free medical treatment provided by former lawmaker Dr. Sunil Sharma, who is the operator of KMC. Minister Gurung expressed his gratitude toward Dr. Sharma for the humanitarian support. The home minister’s secretariat noted that the government is closely monitoring the recovery of all those hospitalized following the recent civil unrest.

Supreme Court Halts School Admissions Until Academic Session Begins

The Supreme Court issued an interim order on Friday, prohibiting schools from conducting new admissions before the official start of the academic session. Justice Bal Krishna Dhakal’s bench ruled that schools must wait until annual exam results are published and the new session begins on April 15. The order followed reports of schools issuing admission notices in violation of the Education Regulations 2002 and prior directives from the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology. The court emphasized that the admission process must be coordinated with the availability of certificates and academic timelines. The defendants have been given 15 days to submit a written response.

Ministry Fills Chief Administrative Officer Vacancies in 753 Local Units

The Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration has completed the deployment of Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs) to all 753 local units. Minister Pratibha Rawal confirmed that 145 vacant positions, including roles in Districts Coordination Committees, were filled between March 30 and April 2. Notable appointments include Tek Narayan Pandey in Tulsipur, Chandra Prasad Bhusal in Ghorahi, Dipak Gyawali in Butwal, and Gyan Hari Ghimire in Janakpur Sub-Metropolitan City. The vacancies were largely attributed to employee reluctance to serve in remote areas and political delays. The minister warned that employees refusing to go to their assigned posts would face strict disciplinary action under a merit-based transfer policy.

Eleven Nepalis Arrested Abroad for Spreading Fake News on Conflict

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the arrest of 11 Nepali nationals in West Asia for involvement in cybercrimes and spreading fake news regarding the ongoing regional conflict. Ministry spokesperson Lok Bahadur Chhetri stated on Friday that the individuals produced and shared fear-inducing photos and videos, violating local laws. While the specific countries were not named, the ministry warned that such activities could lead to heavy fines, imprisonment, or deportation. Nepali migrant workers have been repeatedly advised to follow official guidelines and avoid sharing unverified content or private messages that create panic. The government urged all citizens abroad to strictly adhere to the security regulations of their host nations during times of crisis.

Three Nepalis Rescued from Cambodia Arrive Home

Three Nepalis trafficked to Cambodia and forced into illegal online scamming centers, casinos, and other illicit activities were rescued and repatriated, the Embassy of Nepal in Bangkok said. The victims were sent back from Cambodia on Thursday and arrived at Tribhuvan International Airport on Friday with support from the Cambodian government and coordination with the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) Cambodia. The embassy said efforts are ongoing to rescue other Nepalis in distress amid rising cases of citizens being lured into online fraud operations and staying without valid visas or overstaying in Cambodia. Victims have reported passport seizure or loss, for which the embassy provides free one-way travel documents. Nepali arrivals to Cambodia have surged from 101 in 2021 to 1,977 in 2022, some 2,940 in 2023, at least 6,404 in 2024, and 9,676 in 2025. The Embassy urged citizens to seek foreign employment only through official labor permits and warned against traveling to Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand on false promises of high earnings.

Armed Police Inspector Arrested with Rs 40,000 Bribe in Dhanusha

The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) arrested an Armed Police Force (APF) inspector in Lalgadh, Mithila Municipality-10, while accepting a bribe of Rs 40,000. The officer was caught red-handed on Friday while taking the money from a contractor involved in soil and gravel filling for the Kamala-Dhalkebar-Bagmati road section. The inspector had allegedly been creating unnecessary obstacles and seizing construction vehicles to harass the contractor. The CIAA Bardibas office is conducting further investigations into the case to ensure legal accountability for the abuse of power.

Chinese National Arrested in Thamel for Rs 177 Million Cryptocurrency Fraud

Kathmandu District Police arrested a 35-year-old male Chinese national from Thamel for orchestrating a massive fraud operation involving USDT cryptocurrency. According to police spokesperson Pawan Kumar Bhattarai, Feng lured Nepali citizens through social media and converted defrauded funds totaling Rs 177.9 million into digital currency. Authorities seized three mobile phones and documents related to international money transfers during the raid. The Kathmandu District Court has granted permission to detain the suspect for further investigation into his cross-border financial crimes.

Education Minister Inspects Janak Education Materials Centre

Minister for Education, Science, and Technology Sasmit Pokharel conducted an inspection of the Janak Education Materials Centre (JEMC) on Friday. During the visit, the minister directed officials to ensure all textbooks are printed and delivered to students before the start of the new academic session. Pokharel, who also serves as the government spokesperson, emphasized that there should be no delay in students receiving their learning materials. Additionally, the minister held talks with the Medical Education Commission to resolve legal hurdles preventing the start of classes at Dasharath Chand University of Health Sciences in Geta, Kailali, instructing the secretariat to facilitate necessary coordination to begin academic activities.

RSP Chairman Urges Priority for Families of Martyrs in Transitional Justice

Rabi Lamichhane, Chairman of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), emphasized on Friday that the pain of martyrs’ families must be the top priority in transitional justice. He stated that mothers who lost their children have the greatest urgency for justice, and their tears should be addressed before political interests. When asked about the arrest of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Lamichhane remarked that the focus should remain on those who suffered most during the conflict. He further noted that the RSP and its leaders remain under “public audit,” asserting that all party activities, political decisions, and expressions are transparent and subject to the close scrutiny of the citizens.

CPN (UML) Holds Emergency Meeting Over Leader’s Controversial Speech

An emergency meeting of the CPN (UML) central secretariat was convened at the party headquarters in Chyasal on Friday. The meeting addressed controversial remarks made by acting chairman Ram Bahadur Thapa ‘Badal’ during a parliamentary session on Thursday. Badal had alleged that the Rastriya Swatantra Party’s recent electoral success was aided by the civil administration, the army, and external entities. His statement triggered a backlash within the party, with several top-level leaders publicly expressing their dissatisfaction. The secretariat met to discuss the internal rift and the party’s official stance regarding the allegations, which have caused significant political ripples across the national landscape.

Transport Entrepreneurs Demand Immediate Fare Adjustments

The Federation of Nepalese Transport Entrepreneurs (FNTE) urged the government on Friday to adjust public transport fares following the recent hike in petroleum prices. General Secretary Dekhnath Gautam argued that while airfares are adjusted immediately with fuel price changes, the government remains silent on public transport. The Department of Transport Management had previously recommended fare increases of 11.33% for passenger vehicles and up to 14.29% for cargo on March 19, but the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport has yet to implement it. Entrepreneurs warned they may be forced to suspend services or unilaterally declare new fares if their demands for a scientific adjustment are not met.

Supreme Court Launches Web Portal for Constitutional Bench

Acting Chief Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla inaugurated a new web portal dedicated to the Constitutional Bench at the Supreme Court on Friday. The portal aims to enhance transparency and provide updates on the 282 pending cases, some of which are over eight years old. To clear the backlog, the court has committed to holding sessions two days a week and aims to settle one-third of the cases within the next three months. The portal will allow public access to orders, judgments, and live streaming of significant constitutional debates, aligning with the judiciary’s five-year plan to implement a technology-friendly justice system in Nepal.

FNJ Give Government 3-Day Ultimatum Over Ad Policy

The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) issued a 3-day ultimatum to the government to withdraw a recent decision limiting the publication of government notices to state-owned media. Following a meeting on Friday, FNJ President Nirmala Sharma labeled the policy discriminatory and a threat to the survival of independent media. The circular, issued by the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, directed all ministries and local levels to prioritize state outlets for advertisements. Media stakeholders warned that such a move would severely impact the financial health of private press. The FNJ stated it would pursue both dialogue and protest if the decision is not rectified within the given timeframe.

Nepal Police Transfers 2,915 Assistant Head Constables

The Human Resource Development Department of Nepal Police Headquarters announced the transfer of 2,915 Assistant Head Constables on Friday. The mass transfer was conducted based on operational requirements, with salary and allowances for the new posts effective from mid-April. Notable transfers include Ankit Thapa to Bisanpur Police Post, KapilvastKapilvastu;u, Ankit Tharu to the District Police Office, Lamjung; and Angaraj Pariyar to the Ward Police Office, Narayangahat, Chitwan. The department emphasized that these routine movements are part of regular administrative procedures to ensure effective policing and personnel management across various branches and regional offices.

Chitwan Forest Office Begins Production of Sacred ‘Dev Briksha’ Saplings

The Division Forest Office, Chitwan, has initiated the production of 10,000 saplings of sacred trees known as Dev Briksha. The nursery includes species such as Peepal, Banyan, Swami, and Amla, categorized according to traditional zodiac and planetary gardens. Office head Bishnu Prasad Acharya stated that these specialized saplings are intended for creating religious gardens to promote cultural tourism and preserve local civilizations. In total, the office plans to distribute 120,000 saplings this year, starting from June 29. Last fiscal year, approximately 150,000 plants were distributed to the public for environmental and religious purposes.

DDA to Implement New Entry Card System from April 15

The Department of Drug Administration (DDA) under the Ministry of Health and Population will implement a mandatory entry card system from April 15 to streamline and secure access to its premises. According to the department,the entry the system will apply to authorized representatives of pharmaceutical manufacturing and importing companies and firms, aiming to reduce unnecessary crowding and restrict entry of unrelated individuals. To obtain an entry card, companies must submit details including the representative’s name, designation, address, national ID number, and photograph, as well as the company name, address, and type. The requirement does not apply to service seekers visiting for pharmacy registration, renewal, or licensing, nor to students on study visits or tours. The Department has instructed all stakeholders to submit required details by April 13.

Bird Flu Outbreak Prompts Culling of 85,000 Chickens in Koshi

Health authorities in Koshi Province have culled approximately 85,000 chickens following an outbreak of the H5N1 bird flu virus. The Directorate of Livestock and Fisheries Development, Biratnagar, confirmed that the infection spread across 22 commercial farms in Jhapa, Morang, and Sunsari districts. Destroyed livestock includes 70,000 layers, 7,000 broiler parents, and over 2,300 local breeds, along with 227,000 eggs and 28,000 kilograms of feed. Authorities have imposed a strict ban on the transport of poultry products from infected zones and warned of the potential risk of bird-to-human transmission.

KMC Prepares 2-Wheeled Ambulance Service

Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) is preparing to launch a motorcycle ambulance service to ensure medical professionals reach patients faster in heavy traffic. Acting Mayor Sunita Dangol instructed the Health Department to develop a mechanism where medics can arrive before four-wheeled ambulances. The system will include a tracking feature for relatives to monitor the ambulance’s location and staffing. Since mid-April 2019, the KMC has provided free emergency transport to 84,489 patients, with 69 births occurring inside ambulances. Studies suggest the valley requires 49 ambulances to meet the standard of reaching any patient within eight minutes.

Local Unit Completes Rabies Vaccination and Sterilization Drive

Kalika Municipality in Chitwan has concluded a three-day campaign for permanent sterilization and rabies vaccination of community dogs and cats. From March 26 to 28, a total of 272 dogs and two cats were sterilized. Veterinary official Dr. Raju Prasad Neupane stated the initiative supports the national goal of reducing human rabies deaths to zero by 2030. The campaign targets community animals due to their frequent contact with wildlife, which increases disease transmission risks. Following the procedures, the animals received medical check-ups and post-operative care. This year’s effort follows a similar drive last year that treated 150 animals.

APF Health Camp Benefits 769 Residents in Kanchanpur

A free health camp organized by the Armed Police Force (APF) in Punarnabas, Kanchanpur, provided medical services to 769 individuals. Held to mark the 25th anniversary of the No. 7 Baidyanath Brigade, the camp primarily served senior citizens, women, and children. Medical teams conducted screenings for eye conditions, dental issues, and gynecological problems. Specifically, 485 patients received eye check-ups, while 72 women accessed specialized gynecological services. APF officials emphasized that while border security and maintaining peace are their primary duties, organizing social service initiatives like health camps is an essential part of their commitment to the community.

FJAN Opposes Government Decision to Limit Advertisements

The Film Journalists Association of Nepal (FJAN) has objected to the government’s decision to channel advertisements exclusively through state-owned media, calling it a threat to press freedom. In a statement issued Friday, General Secretary Raghunath Sapkota said the move undermines private and community media that uphold democratic values. The association argued the policy restricts an open and competitive information system and attempts to impose a ‘syndicate’ in advertising, which could weaken independent media outlets. It warned that limiting advertisement flow would ultimately curtail freedom of expression, stressing that such a practice is incompatible with democratic norms. The association has urged the government to immediately withdraw or revise the decision to safeguard press freedom, democratic principles, and civil rights.

Actor Sagar Lamsal Removed from Film Following Allegations

Kalirani Films company has officially expelled actor Sagar Lamsal (Bale) from the movie Panch Pandav following allegations of sexual assault. The decision was made during an emergency meeting on Friday, after a woman living in the US accused the actor of rape on social media. Producer Nabin Shrestha stated that despite 90% of Lamsal’s scenes being completed in Jhapa, all footage featuring the actor will be removed from the film on moral grounds. The production team has demanded a thorough investigation into the claims. The film’s management clarified that Lamsal is no longer associated with the project and expressed their commitment to maintaining ethical standards within the Nepali film industry.

Biraj Bhatta’s ‘Ram Naam Satya’ Set for Release

The action-thriller film ‘Ram Naam Satya,’ starring veteran actor Biraj Bhatta, is scheduled to hit theaters next Friday, April 10, coinciding with the Nepali New Year (April 14). During the trailer launch, Bhatta emphasized that while the film features high-octane action, it is driven by strong emotions, suspense, and a powerful script. Directed by Michael Chand, the movie features a star-studded cast including Sunil Thapa, Sushil Shrestha, Prashant Tamrakar, and Divya Rayamajhi. The trailer has received positive feedback, and Bhatta noted that the production took significant time to ensure a quality cinematic experience for all types of audiences.

NSC Vice-Chairman Dhruba Acharya Resigns

Dhruva Acharya, the Vice-Chairman of the National Sports Council (NSC), submitted his resignation to the Ministry of Youth and Sports on Wednesday. Appointed in 2024 during the previous administration, Acharya cited his busy schedule and the changing political landscape as reasons for his departure. Acharya, who also chairs the Madan Bhandari Sports Academy, is closely affiliated with the CPN (UML). His exit follows recent shifts in the federal government and ongoing friction within national sports governing bodies.

Nepali Climbing Team Departs for Asian Championships in China

A Nepali climbing squad is set to travel to China on Sunday to compete in the Asian Climbing Championships and the World Climbing Series. The team includes Tenzing Burtin Rai and Ronak Upreti in the men’s category and Swastika Chaudhary in the women’s category. The Asian Championships will be held in Mishan from April 8 to 12, where athletes will compete in Boulder and Lead events. To secure a spot in the 20th Asian Games in Japan, competitors must finish in the top 16 positions. Additionally, the team will participate in the World Climbing Series in Keqiao from May 1 to 3, focusing solely on the Boulder discipline.

Army Team Wins Friendly Football Match Against Defense Journalists

The Directorate of Public Relations and Information (DPR) of the Army defeated a team of defense journalists 4–1 in a friendly football match held at the Jangi Adda grounds on Friday. For the Army, Captain Vijay Pandey scored twice, while Major Upan Karki and Basanta Oli added one goal each. Dipesh KC scored the lone goal for the journalists. The match was organized to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the DPR, which was established on April 3, 2002. Major General Prem Pun kicked off the event, which aimed to strengthen the relationship between the military and the media.

Over 600,000 Indians Return Back Amid West Asia Conflict

More than 624,000 passengers have traveled from West Asia to India since February 28, following heightened tensions involving the US, Israel, and Iran. Additional Secretary Asim R. Mahajan of the Ministry of External Affairs reported that the safety of the diaspora remains the top priority. Airlines are operating limited special flights between the UAE and India, with approximately 90 flights expected to land at various Indian destinations on Thursday. Ongoing flight operations also continue from airports in Saudi Arabia and Oman. The government is closely monitoring the welfare of Indian nationals, including those injured in recent incidents in the UAE.

Todd Blanche to Replace Pam Bondi as US Attorney General

Donald Trump announced that Pam Bondi will step down from her role as US Attorney General to transition into a new role in the private sector. Bondi, a staunch supporter of the administration, will be replaced by Todd Blanche, her former deputy. Trump praised Bondi’s leadership at the Justice Department via a post on Truth Social. Her tenure was frequently marked by discussions surrounding the release of files related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. Bondi is the second high-ranking official to leave the administration in recent weeks, following the removal of Kristi Noem in March. Blanche is expected to assume the top law enforcement position immediately.

Pakistan’s Industrial Surge Drives 3.89% GDP Growth

Pakistan’s economy expanded by 3.89% in the second quarter of fiscal year 2025/26, largely driven by strong industrial performance, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. The figures were approved at the 116th meeting of the National Accounts Committee. The industrial sector led growth with a 7.40% expansion, followed by services at 3.69% and agriculture at 1.76%. Manufacturing alone grew by 5.71%, supported by gains in large-scale production, construction, and utilities. The Committee also revised earlier data, lowering first-quarter growth from 3.71% to 3.63%. Annual GDP growth for 2023/24 was adjusted to 2.62%, while 2024/25 was revised to 3.06%. Despite a slight decline in major crops, agriculture posted modest gains due to livestock. Services growth remained steady, backed by trade, transport, financial, and public sectors.

Australia Rejects US Pressure to Change Pharmaceutical Subsidy Scheme

Australian Health Minister Mark Butler announced on Friday that the government will not negotiate changes to its Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) despite pressure from the US. This follows President Donald Trump’s executive order imposing a 100% tariff on certain patented drug imports. The US administration has accused Australia’s scheme of unfairly devaluing American pharmaceutical innovation. In 2025, Australia exported approximately USD 1.03 billion worth of pharmaceuticals to the US. Minister Butler affirmed that the policy of negotiating prices directly with manufacturers is non-negotiable, while trade officials are working to reverse what they call “unwarranted” US tariffs.

IMF Reaches $250 Million Credit Agreement with Rwanda

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced a preliminary agreement with the Government of Rwanda for a new 38-month USD 250 million Extended Credit Facility (ECF) program. The initiative aims to support economic reforms and help the country manage the impacts of the conflict in West Asia. Although Rwanda saw a strong growth of 9.4% in 2025, the IMF expects this to slow to 6.8% in 2026 due to supply chain disruptions and surging energy prices. The program, pending IMF Board approval in June, will focus on macroeconomic stability, debt management, and private sector promotion.

Suicide Bombing in Northwest Pakistan Kills 5

A suicide car bomb targeting a police post in the Bannu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan, killed three women and two children on Friday. Four others were injured in the blast. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack. Security experts note a significant rise in militant violence in the region since the Taliban returned to power in Kabul in 2021, with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) frequently targeting security forces. Islamabad has reiterated its accusations that Afghanistan is providing a safe haven for militants, an allegation that continues to strain relations between the two neighbors.