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.

New Criteria Drafted for Local Level Classification and Merging

The Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration has prepared a preliminary draft of the Criteria for Changing the Number and Boundaries of Rural Municipalities and Municipalities 2026. The new guidelines, based on the Local Government Operation Act 2017, will use population, geography, economic capacity, and infrastructure development as primary factors for restructuring. The proposal suggests forming a study committee led by the District Coordination Committee chief to evaluate potential changes. Under the proposed process, a 2/3 majority of the respective local assembly must approve a boundary change before it is recommended to the federal government by the provincial cabinet.

CPN (UML) Chairperson KP Sharma Oli Discharged from Hospital

The Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist), abbreviated CPN (UML), Chairperson and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has been discharged from Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital following a successful gallbladder surgery. The medical team, led by Professor Dr. Dibya Singh Shah and Professor Dr. Mahesh Raj Sigdel, performed the procedure several days ago. According to hospital sources, his health condition is stable, and doctors have advised him to rest at home while continuing follow-up care. The surgery involved a team of specialists from the nephrology, surgery, and anesthesiology departments, who monitored his recovery before authorizing his return home.

Home Ministry Issues 9-Point Directive for Single-Window Service

The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a nine-point directive to District Administration Offices nationwide to implement a Single Window Service system. The directive, aimed at improving public service delivery, mandates that services like citizenship, passports, and national IDs be provided from a single desk to enhance efficiency and transparency. Home Minister Sudhan Gurung emphasized a zero-tolerance policy against middlemen and directed offices to establish help desks by 9:00 AM daily. Additionally, the policy requires the use of digital tokens, the establishment of grievance handling systems, and the provision of priority service for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

Supreme Court Staff Found Violating Dress Code and Punctuality

An emergency inspection at the Supreme Court revealed that several employees were failing to adhere to official dress codes and office hours. The Monitoring Division found that on April 16, at least 82 employees arrived after 9:00 AM, while 22 staff members were not wearing the prescribed uniform, opting instead for jeans and T-shirts. Furthermore, 70 employees were absent without prior notice or approved leave. The court administration has announced that the attendance machine will no longer accept check-ins after 9:15 AM and that continuous monitoring will be maintained to ensure professional discipline.

RSP Secretariat to Discuss Convention Procedures and Management

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is scheduled to hold a Secretariat meeting on Sunday at its central office in Banasthali. The meeting, called by Chairperson Lamichhane, will focus on six key agenda items, including preparations for the upcoming General Convention and the formulation of district convention procedures for 2026/27. Discussions will also cover the appointment of members to central commissions and advisory councils, as well as the management of party bank accounts for financial transparency. Additionally, the RSP will review its new initiatives for involving experts and planning organizational responsibilities for its members of parliament.

Lawmaker Harka Sampang Leads Labor Contribution at Pashupatinath

Harka Sampang, the chairperson of the Shram Sanskriti Party and member of the House of Representatives from Sunsari-1, participated in a voluntary labor contribution program at the Pashupatinath area, Kathmandu. The initiative, organized by his party, involved physical labor aimed at cleaning or maintaining the heritage site. Sampang, known for his consistent advocacy of labor culture, led the team in providing service to the religious and cultural landmark. The event highlighted the party’s commitment to community-based work and the preservation of national heritage through direct public participation.

Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa Welcomes Court Decision

Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa stated that the Supreme Court’s decision regarding the party’s official status has created an environment to strengthen and unite the organization. Following the verdict, Thapa emphasized that the outcome is not about victory or defeat but about adhering to democratic processes and legal methods. He expressed his commitment as president to lead the party’s journey toward the 15th General Convention, aiming to address the aspirations of the new generation while honoring the contributions of seniors. Thapa urged all members and well-wishers, both within Nepal and abroad, to play a positive role in the party’s revitalization and unity.

Govt. Seeks Suggestions on Local-Level Boundary Adjustments

The Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration has requested suggestions regarding the adjustment of boundaries and the number of rural municipalities, municipalities, and wards. The ministry has dispatched letters to all District Coordination Committees, Local Units, and stakeholders, inviting feedback on a preliminary draft aimed at reviewing the classification of local levels. This move, initiated under the Local Government Operation Act 2017, also considers the potential merging of different local governments. Interested parties are urged to provide their input via email within three days to assist in finalizing the organizational restructuring.

Campaign Demands Reversal of Fuel Price Hike in Kathmandu

The National Campaign for Protection of Nation, Nationality, Religion, Culture, and Citizens has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the recent fuel price increase. During a press conference in Kathmandu, campaign coordinator Durga Prasai warned of nationwide protests if the prices are not rolled back within one week. He criticized the government for the sharp hike, noting that while small increases in the past triggered massive student protests, the current significant rise has met with silence from major student unions. Prasai announced that the campaign’s student wing would lead the upcoming demonstrations to pressure the government into providing relief to citizens.

American Citizen Arrested at Airport with Liquid Marijuana Oil

Police at Tribhuvan International Airport arrested an American citizen in possession of five bottles of liquid substance suspected to be marijuana or hashish oil. The suspect, identified as a 46-year-old man, was intercepted at the luggage screening area while preparing to board Air India flight AI 218 to Delhi. Security officials discovered a total of 1.25 liters of the suspicious liquid. Following the arrest, the suspect was handed over to the Narcotic Control Bureau for further investigation and legal action.

2 Brothers Die in Kailali After Consuming Dead Chicken Meat

Two young brothers died in Kailali after consuming the meat of a dead broiler chicken. The victims, identified as five-year-old Dipak Tamrakar and eight-year-old Bhim Tamrakar from Chure Rural Municipality-3, Bhaktapur, fell ill on Thursday and passed away during treatment at Seti Provincial Hospital on Friday. Their mother, Radhika Tamrakar, and younger brother, three-year-old Dipesh, are currently receiving treatment at the same hospital. Health officials have issued a stern warning against consuming meat from diseased or dead livestock, as it poses a fatal risk to human health.

Surge in Violence Against Women and Children Reported in Banke

District Police Office Banke reported a significant rise in crimes against women, children, and senior citizens, with 103 complaints registered in the month of March alone. Of these, 82 cases were resolved, while 21 remain under investigation. Additionally, 53 individuals were reported missing during the same period, of whom 29 have been found. The data also shows 68 complaints related to domestic violence, with 52 cases settled through mutual agreement. Police have also arrested 171 individuals in connection with 201 general and serious criminal cases registered during the month.

Fourth Karnali Film Workshop Scheduled for April 21 in Surkhet

The fourth Karnali Film Workshop is set to take place in Birendranagar, Surkhet, from April 21 to April 26. Organized by KB Entertainment in collaboration with the Film Development Board, the workshop aims to promote storytelling and filmmaking talent in the Karnali Province. The event will feature a masterclass by Film Development Board Chairperson Dinesh DC and training on scriptwriting, cinematography, and editing. 25 students selected from 10 districts will participate, with plans to produce three documentaries and two short films during the session to showcase the region’s cultural diversity.

Film Producers to Invest Rs 3 Billion in Upcoming Fiscal Year

Nepali film producers are projected to invest approximately Rs 3 billion in movie production for the upcoming fiscal year 2026/27. Data from the Film Development Board shows that 230 films have been registered for production permits, with a total declared investment of Rs 2.893 billion. This marks a significant increase from the Rs 2 billion declared last year. Budgets for these films range from Rs 500,000 for independent projects to Rs 100 million for the high-budget film ‘Maiti.’ However, officials estimate that only 60% to 70% of these registered projects will eventually reach the screen.

Nepal to Face USA in ICC Women’s Challenge Trophy Opener

Nepal will play its first match against the USA today in the ICC Women’s Challenge Trophy 2026 at the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium in Kigali, Rwanda. This marks the first-ever official T20 International meeting between the two teams. The tournament, which runs from April 18 to May 1, features 5 teams, including Rwanda, Italy, and Vanuatu, playing in a double round-robin format. Nepal currently holds the highest ranking among the participants at 21st in the world. The squad, captained by Indu Barma, will face Italy in their second match on Sunday.

Rajan Rokaya and Santoshi Shrestha Win Kantipur Half Marathon

Rajan Rokaya of the Tribhuvan Army Club and Santoshi Shrestha of Dhading have won the 14th edition of the Kantipur Half Marathon. In the 21.1 km main event held on Saturday, Rokaya finished first in the men’s category with a time of one hour and 4.03 minutes, marking his first victory in the race. Shrestha secured her second consecutive win in the women’s category, finishing in 1 hour and 18.11 minutes. Both winners received a cash prize of Rs 150,000. The event, themed ‘Run for Nepal,’ saw participation from over 4,000 runners across multiple categories.

UN Secretary-General Warns of Declining Trust in International Law

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that the growing disregard for international law is eroding global trust and stability. Speaking on the 80th anniversary of the International Court of Justice, Guterres emphasized that adhering to the court’s rulings is a binding obligation under the UN Charter. He noted that military actions violating international rules and failures to uphold humanitarian duties have led to increased skepticism and global instability. Guterres stressed the need for a renewed commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes, warning that attempts to replace the rule of law with the law of force only escalate armed conflicts and insecurity.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions Rise as Maritime Transit Faces Disruption

Iran has tightened military control over the Strait of Hormuz, warning that the key energy route is effectively closed again amid escalating regional tensions. Shipping sources reported that vessels attempting passage came under fire, while maritime communication indicated restrictions on transit. The move follows accusations of external blockades and ceasefire violations, with Iran signaling a return to strict oversight of shipping activity. Earlier signs of resumed tanker movement were reversed as security conditions deteriorated. The developments have heightened uncertainty over global energy supplies, raising concerns of prolonged disruption in oil and gas flows through the strategic waterway.