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.

President Addressed Joint Session of Parliament

On Friday, President Ram Chandra Paudel addressed a joint session of the House of Representatives and the National Assembly at the Parliament Building in Singha Durbar. The address, delivered in accordance with Article 95 of the Constitution of Nepal, followed the formation of the new House of Representatives. Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) presented the copy of the address to the President during the session. The meeting was attended by Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav, members of the council of ministers, and lawmakers from both houses.

Parliament Passes ‘Vote of Thanks’ for Presidential Address

The House of Representatives unanimously passed a vote of thanks on Friday following President Ram Chandra Paudel’s address to the joint session of the federal parliament. The proposal was presented by Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal. During the session, the Speaker also read a letter from the Office of the President regarding recent changes in the ministerial cabinet. The session concluded with the formal acknowledgment of the President’s constitutional role in addressing the legislature after the formation of the new government.

Gauri Kumari Yadav and Ramji Yadav Appointed as New Ministers

Gauri Kumari Yadav has been appointed as the Minister for Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, while Ramji Yadav has taken over as the Minister for Labor, Employment, and Social Security. Both new ministers are members of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). They were scheduled to take their oaths of office and secrecy before the President at Shital Niwas earlier today following their official appointment to the cabinet.

3 Nepalis Granted Amnesty in Qatar for Ramadan

The Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, has granted amnesty to three Nepali citizens on the occasion of Ramadan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the release but chose not to disclose the specific charges against the individuals to protect their privacy. Nepal has expressed gratitude to the Qatari government, noting that such gestures further strengthen the long-standing diplomatic ties between the two nations. This follows a tradition where the Qatari monarch grants pardons to prisoners during major Islamic holidays.

Supreme Court Full Bench to Address 8 Legal Questions in Rabi Lamichhane Case

A full bench of the Supreme Court is set to interpret eight critical legal questions regarding the Attorney General’s decision to drop money laundering and organized crime charges against RSP Chairman Rabi Lamichhane. The case was referred to the full bench on March 29. Key questions include whether the Attorney General’s power to drop or amend charges is “absolute” or must be based on objective evidence and whether charges can be withdrawn for defendants who are currently absconding, such as G.B. Rai. The court will also examine if dropping serious charges to facilitate a “settlement” in cooperative fraud cases violates the rule of law and the independence of the prosecution system.

Supreme Court Registrar Quashes Challenge Against Attorney General’s Eligibility

The Supreme Court administration has quashed a writ petition challenging the eligibility of Attorney General Narayan Datta Kandel. Advocate Madhav Kumar Basnet had filed the petition, claiming Kandel did not meet the constitutional requirement of having 15 years of continuous legal practice or work in the judicial field. However, Registrar Bhadrakali Pokharel dismissed the filing, stating the petitioner failed to provide sufficient evidence of how their legal or constitutional rights were violated. The registrar’s order noted that if any legal violation occurred, remedies should be sought through regular court procedures rather than a direct writ challenging the appointment.

Supreme Court to Hear Habeas Corpus Petition for Former Minister Dipak Khadka

The Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing for a habeas corpus petition filed on behalf of former Minister Dipak Khadka. A joint bench consisting of Acting Chief Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla and Justice Meghraj Pokharel will oversee the case. Khadka was recently arrested by the Department of Money Laundering Investigation for further inquiry into his assets. His wife, Binita Thapa, filed the petition after the Kathmandu District Court extended his remand. The Supreme Court has requested all relevant investigative documents from the Office of the Attorney General to determine the legality of his continued detention.

Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal Meets Indian Counterpart S. Jaishankar in Mauritius

Minister for Foreign Affairs Shisir Khanal held a bilateral meeting with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in Port Louis, Mauritius, on the sidelines of the 9th Indian Ocean Conference taking place from April 10 to 12. During the meeting, the Indian minister congratulated Khanal on assuming office. Both sides reviewed the longstanding and multifaceted relationship between Nepal and India. The discussion focused on areas of mutual interest, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and advancing ties between the two countries.

Foreign Ministry Prioritizes Safety of Nepalis in West Asia

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that the safety and rescue of Nepali citizens in West Asia is a top government priority amid the region’s deteriorating security situation. Currently, 28 Nepalis have been reported injured, with 27 already discharged and one remaining in stable condition. Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal held a telephone conversation with his UAE counterpart to discuss the protection of Nepali workers. Additionally, an emergency control room at the ministry remains active 24 hours a day, having already handled 132 calls. The ministry also noted that 551 Nepalis have been rescued from online scamming centers in Southeast Asia as of April 9.

Police Arrest Two Suspects in Pokhara Homicide Case

Kaski Police have arrested two individuals in connection with the murder of 42-year-old Sirjana Paudel KC in Pokhara. The victim was fatally attacked with a sharp weapon on the evening of April 8 and died while undergoing treatment. The primary suspect, identified as the victim’s 27-year-old nephew Shishir KC, was apprehended in Butwal on Friday. A second accomplice, 32-year-old Kushal Pariyar, was also taken into custody. Preliminary investigations suggest the motive was a long-standing family dispute and personal ego. Both suspects are facing charges of culpable homicide.

Health Ministry Directs Hospitals to Operate OPD Services on Sundays

The Ministry of Health and Population has instructed all hospitals across Nepal to maintain Outpatient Department (OPD) services on Sundays, despite the government’s two-day weekend policy. To ensure healthcare remains accessible, the ministry directed hospital management to evaluate their workload and deploy necessary staff for Sunday operations. Employees working on Sundays are to be provided with an alternate day off during the week. This directive also applies to provincial hospitals, with the ministry emphasizing that service continuity is a priority for public welfare.

Ministry of General Administration Transfers 68 Employees

The Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration has executed a major administrative reshuffle, transferring 68 employees across various branches. This transfer includes 54 undersecretaries who have been reassigned to different federal and local administration offices. The ministry stated that these changes were made today to improve administrative efficiency and ensure effective service delivery at both the federal and local levels.

Government Integrates Civil Servant Records and NOC into ‘Nagarik App’

As part of a long-term goal to strengthen digital governance, the Government of Nepal is in the final stages of making civil servant personal records, Public Service Commission (PSC) admit cards, and No Objection Certificates (NOC) for foreign study available via the ‘Narik App.’ Chandra Sah, Director General of the Department of Information Technology, confirmed the system is currently in its testing phase and will be fully operational within a week. This initiative follows the cabinet-approved “100-point Agenda for Administrative Reform” passed on March 27. Additionally, the department has signed an agreement with the Nepal Engineering Council to include professional engineering certificates on the platform, further centralizing essential digital services.

President Stresses Government-Private Sector Partnership for Growth

President Ram Chandra Paudel emphasized the critical role of the private sector in national development during the 75th Annual General Meeting of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce on Friday. He stated that economic prosperity is the foundation for strengthening the federal democratic republic and called for integrated efforts to create domestic employment opportunities. The president highlighted the need to move toward a digital economy and “green growth” through innovation and startup culture. Chamber officials noted that while political stability has improved, better coordination between the government and businesses is still required to create an investment-friendly environment and boost industrial output.

CPN (UML) to Remain Neutral in Deputy Speaker Election

The CPN (UML) has announced it will remain neutral during the election for the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. Speaking during a parliamentary session on Friday, MP Mohammad Istiyak Rai stated that the party decided on neutrality due to a lack of consensus and cooperation within the house. Despite this stance, Rai noted that Rubi Kumari Thakur of the Shram Sanskriti Party appears likely to secure the position, as she has the confirmed support of the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). The election is part of the ongoing administrative structuring of the newly formed legislature.

Gagan Thapa Defends Special Convention in Response to Supreme Court

Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa has submitted a written response to the Supreme Court, arguing that the party’s recent Special General Convention was a mandatory constitutional necessity. Thapa claimed that a petition filed by former President Sher Bahadur Deuba and Purna Bahadur Khadka should be dismissed, as the convention followed the party’s bylaws and was supported by over 40% of members. He argued that the four-year term of the previous committee, elected in 2021, had officially expired on December 9, 2025. Thapa maintained that his current leadership is the only legally valid committee and that the previous leadership no longer holds any standing to challenge party decisions in court.

Gyan Bahadur Shahi Criticizes Political Betrayal in Parliament

During a session of the House of Representatives, RPP MP Gyan Bahadur Shahi expressed his disillusionment with political alliances, remarking that “promises and betrayals are apparently justified in politics.” Shahi’s comments were directed at Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairman Rabi Lamichhane. Shahi claimed that his party’s candidate, Saraswati Lama, ran for Deputy Speaker based on assurances from Lamichhane, only for the RSP to later decide to support a candidate from the Shram Sanskriti Party. Despite the shift in support, Shahi maintained that while his party may be small in numbers, it remains strong in its ideological convictions.

Rapti Health Sciences Academy Expands Super-Specialty Services

The Rapti Academy of Health Sciences has significantly expanded its healthcare reach by launching neurosurgery, urosurgery, and cardiology services. Data from the academy shows that between mid-April 2025 and April 3, 2026, the urology department treated 5,074 patients and performed 649 surgeries. During the same period, the neurosurgery department saw 4,244 patients and completed 203 procedures. While the academy currently treats approximately 1,000 patients daily, officials noted that infrastructure remains a challenge, with a master plan for a 400-bed hospital currently awaiting approval from the Ministry of Finance.

Authorities Discuss Tech-Based Solutions for Kathmandu Traffic

The Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office organized a multi-stakeholder discussion today to address the increasing challenges of traffic management in the capital. Member of Parliament Ashish Gajurel emphasized that effective traffic management requires the integration of advanced technology and sufficient manpower to support the current police force. Technical experts noted that improving road infrastructure and long-term urban planning are essential to reducing congestion. Traffic officials highlighted the various risks faced by personnel on the ground and advocated for better equipment to enhance road safety and enforcement.

Inaruwa Mayor Launches Campaign to Clear Highway Encroachments

Inaruwa Municipality Mayor Kedar Bhandari initiated a campaign on Friday to remove illegal structures and encroachments along the East-West Highway. The drive began by clearing a hut in front of the residence of Israil Mansuri, the Koshi Province Minister for Industry, Agriculture, and Cooperatives. Mayor Bhandari stated that the action was taken after multiple public notices ranging from 35 days to three days were ignored by local residents. Supported by municipal and security police, the campaign aims to clear the sidewalks and beautify the city area. Minister Mansuri expressed his support for the initiative, stating that he had no objection to the removal of the structure in front of his home for the public good.

Action-Drama ‘Ram Nam Satya’ Announces Sequel During Premiere

The film ‘Ram Nam Satya,’ starring action icon Biraj Bhatta, officially premiered on Friday with a surprise post-credit scene announcing its sequel, ‘Ram Nam Satya 2.’ Directed by Michael Chand, the film follows a mysterious character known as ‘Agua’ who targets corrupt politicians. The announcement of the sequel prominently featured debut actor and social media star Ayush Singh Thakuri, suggesting he will lead the next installment. The film features an ensemble cast including Sushil Shrestha, Divya Rayamajhi, and Sunil Thapa. Produced by Upendra Shahi and Sweta Bimali, the movie is currently screening across the country’s major theaters.

Thalapathy Vijay’s Final Film ‘Jan Nayakan’ Leaked Online

The highly anticipated Tamil film ‘Jan Nayakan,’ starring superstar Thalapathy Vijay, has been leaked online in HD format prior to its theatrical release. This security breach follows a series of delays caused by disputes with the Censor Board, which had already pushed back the original January 9 release date. Industry reports indicate that the entire film appeared on pirated websites shortly after short clips went viral on social media. Directed by H. Vinod and featuring Pooja Hegde and Bobby Deol, the film is widely considered Vijay’s final cinematic project before he transitions fully into politics. Producers have warned that they will take legal action against those sharing or downloading the pirated content.

Bagmati Province Defeats Madhesh by 36 Runs in PM Cup

In a match held at the TB Shah Cricket Stadium in Birgunj on Friday, Bagmati Province secured a 36-run victory over Madhesh Province. Batting first, Bagmati scored 208 runs in 48.4 overs, led by Uttam Magar’s 44 runs and Captain Sandeep Lamichhane’s 36 runs. In response, Madhesh Province was bowled out for 173 runs in 34.3 overs. Pratis GC was named Player of the Match for his outstanding bowling performance, taking 5 wickets for 55 runs. Pawan Sarraf took 3 wickets for Madhesh, but his efforts were not enough to chase down the target.

Nepal to Host T20 Series Against UAE Ahead of League-2

The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has announced that Nepal will play a two-match T20 series against the UAE at the TU Cricket Ground. The matches are scheduled for April 19 and April 20. Following this, Nepal is set to host two major League-2 series over the next two months. The first series, featuring Nepal, Oman, and the UAE, will run from April 25 to May 5. This will be followed by a series between Nepal, Scotland, and the USA from May 12 to May 22. Currently, Nepal holds 12 points from 20 matches, placing them 7th in the standings.

China’s Xi Meets Taiwan Opposition Leader, Signals Push for Cross-Strait Stability

China’s President Xi Jinping met Taiwan opposition leader Cheng Li-wun in Beijing in a rare high-level exchange, with both sides emphasizing cross-strait peace and stability. The visit marks the first by a sitting Kuomintang leader in a decade, drawing criticism from Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party. Talks referenced the “1992 Consensus” and opposition to Taiwan independence, as China reiterated its territorial claim and openness to dialogue under that condition while rejecting engagement with Lai Ching-te.

Hormuz Strait Blockade Persists as Israel-Hezbollah Clashes Test Ceasefire Ahead of U.S.-Iran Talks

The Strait of Hormuz remained blocked despite a fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran, while fresh clashes between Israel and Hezbollah intensified tensions. Both sides accused each other of violating the truce, even as peace talks are set to begin in Islamabad. The blockade has disrupted global energy supplies, with limited ship movement and elevated oil prices. Donald Trump criticized Iran over restricted oil flows. Meanwhile, Benjamin Netanyahu signaled openness to separate talks with Lebanon, as regional instability continues despite diplomatic efforts.

Trump Demands Iran Cease Fees on Oil Tankers in Hormuz

US President Donald Trump has called on Iran to immediately stop imposing fees on oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Writing on his social media platform, Trump cited reports of tankers being delayed or blocked, calling the behavior irresponsible and unfair to global trade. Shipping tracking data indicated that no vessels crossed the strait on Thursday, despite earlier reports of transit resuming following a ceasefire agreement. US Vice President J.D. Vance echoed these concerns, stating that the current two-week ceasefire previously approved for diplomatic talks will end immediately if Iran fails to uphold its commitment to open the international waterway.