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.

PM Balen Vows Riverbank Relocation, Shares Flood Images of Squatter Settlements

Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) has pledged to relocate vulnerable riverbank squatter settlements in Kathmandu, citing recurring flood risks and years of government inaction. In a recent Facebook post, he also shared old photos showing landless squatter communities fleeing floods and disasters, highlighting their precarious living conditions. Shah said thousands are forced to abandon homes each year during monsoon flooding, stressing that a long term solution can no longer be delayed. He added that relocation will be carried out humanely while also improving the Valley’s drainage and sanitation systems. The mayor reiterated commitments to identify genuine landless families and ensure proper resettlement, saying the government is preparing to address the issue through policy and coordination.

Police Fire Shots During Drug Raid in Sankhu

The Narcotics Control Bureau of the Nepal Police opened fire during a raid to apprehend drug users in Sankhu, Kathmandu today. Officers reportedly fired in self-defense after a suspect opened fire on the police team. One individual involved in drug use was injured during the exchange, though further details regarding their condition or identity have not been released. Police confirmed the recovery of one pistol from the scene and are continuing their investigation into the incident.

Police Install CCTV Units in Squatter Settlements Ahead of Clearance

The Kathmandu Valley Police Office installed high-definition, 360-degree CCTV cameras in squatter areas on Friday. While police staff described the installation as a “regular task” to fill coverage gaps, at least four large cameras were seen being deployed from police vans. The timing coincides with the government’s plan to clear the settlements, and the surveillance is expected to assist in monitoring potential confrontations and conducting investigations during the planned structure removals.

Urban Development Ministry Finalizes 11-Point Action Plan for Settlement Clearance

Urban Development Minister Sunil Lamsal chaired a multi-agency meeting on Friday to finalize an 11-point plan for clearing unauthorized settlements. The plan involves the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Health, and Kathmandu Metropolitan City to facilitate the removal of structures on April 25 and 26. The strategy includes using government vehicles for transport, providing medical teams and ambulances for vulnerable groups, and establishing “Verification Camps” where displaced families will receive photo ID cards. A Central Coordination Committee led by the Urban Development Minister will oversee the operation, which also includes immediate infrastructure work like road tracking once the land is cleared.

Government Prepares Temporary Shelters for Displaced Squatters at Stadium

As the government prepares to clear squatter settlements, Kathmandu Metropolitan City, the Ministry of Urban Development, and the District Administration Office are setting up temporary housing for displaced citizens. According to high-level officials, residents will first be taken to Dasharath Stadium in Tripureshwor for screening before being moved to one of three undisclosed temporary locations. An emergency executive meeting of the Kathmandu Metropolitan City was held on Friday to finalize security and management plans, though the proceedings were not broadcast live to maintain operational sensitivity.

Human Rights Commission Directs Government to Identify Squatters Before Eviction

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed serious concern over the government’s plan to remove squatter settlements along the Bagmati River. In a statement issued on Friday, the commission directed the government to ensure the identification of genuine squatters and provide alternative housing before any displacement occurs. Recalling its 2012 recommendations and Supreme Court orders, the NHRC urged authorities to avoid excessive use of force and requested a progress report on previous settlement management plans.

Pokhara Metropolitan City Gives 35-Day Notice to Clear Public Land

Pokhara Metropolitan City has issued a 35-day ultimatum to individuals and organizations, including the Nepali Congress, CPN (UML), and CPN (Maoist Center), to vacate encroached public land. Mayor Dhanraj Acharya stated that the decision, made on April 16, targets structures built on land belonging to the Pokhara Valley Town Development Committee. While political parties and social organizations must clear the land, the mayor clarified that genuine squatter settlements will not be touched until the Land Commission completes the distribution of land ownership certificates to 18,856 identified families.

Tri-Chandra Students Protest Demanding Higher Education Investment

Students of Tri-Chandra College, including members of the Free Student Union (FSU) and various political organizations, held a protest on Friday, demanding increased investment in higher education. The demonstrators called for the improvement of physical infrastructure in government colleges, the introduction of technology-friendly curricula, and the establishment of research funds. They also emphasized the need for internships to link students with employment opportunities and requested that organizations be given space for open intellectual debate and student activism.

Madhesh Province Assembly Session to End Tonight at Midnight

The current session of the Madhesh Province Assembly is set to conclude at 12:00 AM (midnight) on Friday. Acting on the recommendation of the Madhesh Province Council of Ministers meeting held on April 22, Province Head Surendra Labh Karna issued a formal notice for the prorogation of the session. The move follows Article 183(2) of the Constitution of Nepal, marking the end of the legislative deliberations for this period in the province.

RPP Chairman Removes Ranjan Karki from Central Committee

Rajendra Lingden, Chairman of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), has removed Ranjan Karki of Dolakha from his position as a Central Committee member. The decision, effective from today, follows recommendations from the disciplinary committee. Karki and four others were accused of spreading rumors against party leadership on social media, making hateful comments, and failing to participate in voting during the last election while repeatedly criticizing the party’s electoral outcomes.

CPN (UML) Leader Ain Mahar Appointed Chief Whip of Parliamentary Party

Ain Mahar, a member of the House of Representatives from Bajhang, has been appointed as the Chief Whip of the CPN (UML). The appointment was made by the parliamentary party leader, Ram Bahadur Thapa ‘Badal’ effective from today. Mahar’s appointment follows the provisions of the CPN (UML) Federal Parliamentary Party Statute, 2020. He will now lead the party’s legislative coordination and discipline within the Federal Parliament.

Congress Postpones Parliamentary Leader Election for Consensus Efforts

The Nepali Congress has temporarily halted the election for its parliamentary party leader, originally scheduled for today. Following a directive from the Central Working Committee, a task force led by Vice President Bishwa Prakash Sharma and including members Pushpa Bhusal, Pradip Paudel, and Gururaj Ghimire has been formed to find a consensus candidate by Saturday evening. While candidates like Arjun Narasingh KC, Bhishma Raj Angdembe, and Mohan Acharya were in the fray for the 38 parliamentary seats, President Gagan Kumar Thapa is now leading discussions to ensure shared leadership to face constitutional challenges. If consensus fails, a new election schedule will be announced.

Kaski Police Arrest 183 Persons During Two-Day Sweep Operation

The Kaski District Police Office arrested 61 individuals during the second night of a “Sweep Operation” conducted between 9:00 PM on April 23 and 6:00 AM on Friday. This follows the arrest of 122 persons on the first day, bringing the total to 183. The operation targeted drug trafficking, substance abuse, hooliganism, and alcohol-induced public disturbances across various locations in the district. Authorities aim to curb criminal activities and maintain social peace through these intensified nighttime patrols and targeted raids.

Traffic Police Penalize 2,692 Drivers Collecting Rs 760,000 in Revenue

In a 24-hour crackdown ending on Friday, the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office penalized 2,692 drivers for various violations, depositing Rs 760,000 into the state treasury. Actions included 91 cases of drunk driving, 63 for unfit mechanical conditions, and 224 for traffic signal violations. Additionally, 132 drivers were fined for speeding, 237 for lane indiscipline, and 78 for prohibited honking. Other penalties involved door-safety violations, improper passenger drop-offs, and general rule-breaking by 1,780 individuals.

Government Recalls Consul General Dr. Bindeshwar Prasad Lekhak from Hong Kong

The Council of Ministers decided yesterday to recall Dr. Bindeshwar Prasad Lekhak, the Consul General of Nepal in Hong Kong. Government spokesperson Sasmit Pokharel announced that Dr. Lekhak has been directed to report back to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs within 20 days. The decision marks a significant change in the diplomatic representation in the region, though specific reasons for the recall were not detailed in the official announcement.

Government Suspends Foreign Travel Nominations for Staff for 3 Months

The Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers has instructed all ministries, commissions, and government agencies to stop nominating employees for foreign travel for the next three months. This directive, issued following a decision on March 27, aims to ensure the successful implementation of a 100-point governance reform list. The government believes that the absence of key personnel on foreign trips could hinder the high-priority tasks currently underway, necessitating their presence in Nepal to meet administrative targets.

Cabinet Transfers 25 Joint Secretaries Across Departments

A Council of Ministers meeting on Thursday approved the simultaneous transfer of 25 Joint Secretaries across various ministries and agencies. Notably, five joint secretaries were moved out of the Ministry of Finance, with no new officials transferred in to replace them. Mahesh Bhattarai, previously the head of the Economic Policy Analysis Division, has been moved to the Office of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers in Bagmati Province. Other key transfers include Sewanta Pokharel and Mahesh Baral to Madhesh Province, Madan Dahal to Sudurpashchim Province, and Sushila Aryal to Lumbini Province. The reshuffle includes officials from the Inland Revenue Department and the Financial Federalism Coordination Division, aiming to fill senior provincial administrative roles.

Foreign Ministry Rescues 612 Nepalis from Digital Scams in SE Asia

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has successfully rescued and repatriated 612 Nepali citizens from online digital scanning centers in Southeast Asia. According to ministry spokesperson Lok Bahadur Poudel Chhetri, the rescued individuals include 487 from Cambodia, 111 from Myanmar, eight from Laos, and six from Thailand. While 53 more individuals are currently being processed for return, 14 Nepalis remain in Cambodian custody for alleged criminal involvement, including organized fraud and kidnapping. Over 21,000 Nepalis have visited Cambodia since 2021, many suspected of being lured into these illegal scamming operations.

Radhe-Radhe Transport Office Plans to Clear 176,250 Licenses in 6 Months

The Transport Management Office in Radhe-Radhe, Bhaktapur, has developed a plan to distribute 176,250 smart driving licenses within the next six months. Distribution began on April 21, covering all pending licenses from 2022 to 2024 and some from 2025. While 3,000 licenses were distributed in the first three days, officials noted that the eight staff members can only process about 1,000 per day. Service seekers, some waiting for four years, have been urged to avoid crowding and use mobile apps or receipts for identification, as an additional 100,000 printed cards are still expected to arrive.

Everest Climbers Stranded as Ice Block Delays Route Opening

Hundreds of climbers are stranded at Mount Everest base camp as a massive ice formation blocks the route through the Khumbu Icefall, delaying the start of the climbing season. A large serac has prevented route-setting teams from fixing ropes and ladders to higher camps, halting acclimatization and supply movement. The route, usually opened by mid-April, remains inaccessible. Authorities say progress depends on the ice collapse or alternative route assessment. With over 400 permits issued this season, delays have raised concerns over congestion and safety during the narrow April to May climbing window.

Film Development Board Provides Aid to Seven Sick Filmmakers

The Film Development Board provided financial assistance to seven filmmakers facing health challenges through the Filmmakers Welfare Fund on Thursday. Recipients included actors Roma Bista and Kshitiza Shakya, stunt artist Phadendra Bahadur Bishwakarma, director Pasang Temba Sherpa, journalist Shanti Prasad Upadhyay, and producer Pravin Thapa. Financial support was also handed to the family of the late makeup artist Ashok Rokka. Board Chairman Dinesh DC and veteran actress Basundhara Bhusal emphasized the board’s commitment to the security and welfare of those contributing to the Nepali film industry.

Anup Bikram Shahi Completes Dubbing for Bollywood Film ‘Matrubhoomi’

Nepali actor Anup Bikram Shahi has completed the dubbing for the Bollywood film Matrubhoomi at Empire Audio Studio in Mumbai. Produced under the Salman Khan Films banner, the movie features Shahi in a lead role alongside Salman Khan. While an official release date has not been confirmed, industry reports suggest the film is likely to premiere around India’s Independence Day in August. This project marks a significant step for Nepali actors in the international market, with high expectations from fans in both Nepal and India.

Rekha Thapa’s Third Directorial Film to Release on September 11

Actress and director Rekha Thapa announced the release date for her third directorial venture, Maya Bhanekai Yesto Hola, scheduled for September 11. The film, marking Thapa’s return to direction after eight years, is a love story produced under the “Diya and Amu Films” banner. The cast includes Madan Krishna Shrestha, Sristi Shrestha, Namrata Shrestha, and Niti Shah, with a special appearance by Usha Khadgi. Distribution rights have been secured by Rich Entertainment, Apple Entertainment, and FD Company for a nationwide release during the Teej festival.

National Men’s Team ‘A’ Secures Dominant 115-Run Victory Over Oman

Nepal A defeated Oman by 115 runs in the second one-day match at Upper Mulpani on Friday. After being put in to bat, Nepal scored 284 for 7 in 50 overs, led by Ishan Pandey with 69, Dev Khanal with 64, and Kushal Malla with 57. In response, Oman was bowled out for 169 in 36.3 overs. Yuvraj Khatri led the bowling attack with 3 wickets for 16 runs, while Hemant Dhami, Aakash Chand, and Sher Malla claimed 2 wickets each.

National Women’s Team Loses to Vanuatu in ICC T20 Challenge Trophy

The Nepal Women’s National Cricket Team suffered a 22-run defeat against Vanuatu in the ICC Women’s T20 Challenge Trophy held in Kigali, Rwanda, on Friday. Chasing a target of 98, Nepal was bowled out for 75 in 15.3 overs. Samjhana Khadka was the top scorer with 24 runs. Earlier, Vanuatu posted 97 for 5 in 20 overs, with Valenta Langiatu scoring 42. For Nepal, Riya Sharma took 2 wickets for 11 runs. Nepal is scheduled to play against the USA on April 26.

Pentagon Weighs Measures Against NATO Allies Over Iran War Support

An internal Pentagon communication outlines options for the United States to act against NATO allies it views as uncooperative during the Iran conflict, including limiting their roles within the alliance and reassessing positions on strategic issues such as territorial claims. The proposals reflect frustration over restricted access, basing, and overflight rights, considered a basic expectation within NATO operations. The document does not suggest withdrawing from the alliance or closing US bases in Europe but highlights growing tensions over burden-sharing, military support, and divisions on involvement in the conflict and securing key global shipping routes.

SAARC Member States Agree on Regional Development Report

Member nations of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) reached a consensus on the SAARC Development Report during a meeting in Male, Maldives, yesterday. The second meeting of the Intergovernmental Expert Group on Poverty Alleviation focused on regional cooperation and economic growth. Prathama Uprety, SAARC Director for Information and Poverty Alleviation, thanked the Maldivian government and the Asian Development Bank for their support. The meeting, chaired by Maldives Deputy Minister Ali Rashid, included senior officials from development and foreign ministries across the region.

NATO Rules Out Suspension of Members Amid US-Spain Tensions

NATO has clarified that its founding treaty contains no mechanism to suspend or expel member states, following reports that the United States considered measures against Spain over its stance on the Iran conflict. An internal Pentagon communication reportedly outlined possible actions against allies seen as uncooperative, including reviewing military access rights and diplomatic positions on disputed territories. Spain declined to support military operations linked to Iran, while broader divisions have emerged within the alliance over involvement in the conflict and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz. The reported proposals do not include withdrawal from NATO or closure of US bases in Europe.