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 Promises Permanent Solution for Landless Squatters

In a formal statement released today, Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) clarified that the government will distinguish between genuine landless squatters and illegal encroachers to provide a permanent solution. Addressing the planned clearance of settlements in areas like Thapathali, he argued that riverside dwellers face annual life-threatening floods and that relocating them is a matter of safety and human rights. The Prime Minister emphasized that clearing these areas is essential for the valley’s drainage system and vowed that his administration will distribute land to the truly landless as soon as possible, fulfilling election promises made by the Rastriya Swatantra Party.

President Calls for Awareness on Earthquake Risk Reduction

On the 10th Earthquake Memorial Day, President Ram Chandra Paudel emphasized the urgent need for effective disaster preparedness and risk reduction awareness. Commemorating those who lost their lives in the devastating earthquake on April 25, 2015, which was centered in Barpak, Gorkha, he noted that rapid urbanization is significantly increasing seismic vulnerability. The President urged all relevant agencies to ensure that newly reconstructed physical structures not only reflect Nepali heritage but also strictly adhere to earthquake-resistant technologies to safeguard citizens against future natural disasters.

Vice President Highlights Gender Equality on Sita Jayanti

Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav marked Sita Jayanti today by stating that the life of Sita remains a vital blueprint for promoting gender equality, independence, and self-reliance in modern society. In his message to the nation, he characterized the occasion as an opportunity to raise awareness against social evils, discrimination, and violence. He noted that the ideals of patience and courage demonstrated by Sita should inspire the nation to work toward women’s empowerment and cultural preservation while building a civilized and prosperous society free from exploitation.

Sudurpashchim Chief Minister Recommends Assembly Session for April 30

Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah met with Province Head Najir Miya today to recommend summoning the eighth session of the Sudurpashchim Provincial Assembly. Following the meeting at the province head’s residence, the session has been proposed for Thursday, April 30, at 4:00 PM. The two leaders also discussed current political developments and the province’s overall development agenda. The call for the session follows constitutional provisions under Article 183(1), marking a key step in the province’s legislative calendar for the new year.

Harka Sampang Urges Prime Minister Balen to Stop Evicting Squatters

Harka Sampang, Chairman of the Shram Sanskriti Party, took to social media today to urge Prime Minister Balen Shah to stop causing distress to the residents of squatter settlements. Following the start of eviction efforts in Kathmandu’s riverside areas on Saturday, Sampang suggested that land belongs to no one permanently and that the government should focus on development rather than old rivalries. He reminded the prime minister that all people eventually return to the soil, a philosophy reflected in his own party’s election symbol, and called for a more compassionate approach toward the urban poor.

Bagmati Assembly Speaker Election Stalled Over Ruling Party Dispute

The election process for the Speaker of the Bagmati Provincial Assembly remains uncertain as the ruling coalition partners, the Nepali Congress and CPN (UML), fail to reach a consensus. The position has been vacant since September 17, 2025, when Bhuwan Kumar Pathak resigned following the Gen Z protests. While the Nepali Congress, with 35 members, claims the seat as the largest party, the CPN (UML), which holds 25 seats, argues it should lead the assembly since the chief minister is from the Nepali Congress. Meanwhile, the Nepali Communist Party and Rastriya Prajatantra Party have also staked claims to the post in the 104-member house, leading to a missed deadline for the selection process originally slated for April 21.

Former Minister Bikram Pandey Arrested Over E-Bidding Hack

The Central Investigation Bureau arrested former minister and Kalika Construction owner Bikram Pandey today on charges of hacking an e-bidding website. According to AIG Manoj Kumar KC, investigations revealed that Pandey tampered with documents to secure government contracts. This arrest follows previous legal issues involving the Sikta Irrigation Project, where the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority filed a corruption case against him and 20 others on December 7, 2018. At that time, he was released after posting Rs 40 million bail.

Kathmandu Expands Demolition Drive from Thapathali to Gairigaun

Kathmandu authorities have expanded their anti encroachment campaign, moving from Thapathali to Gairigaun after clearing squatter settlements along the Bagmati riverbank. A joint team of Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and Kathmandu Metropolitan Police carried out the removal of structures built on public land in Thapathali earlier in the day before shifting operations to Gairigaun in Ward 9 of Kathmandu Metropolitan City. Security forces dismantled both temporary and permanent structures built through land encroachment under strict security arrangements. Officials said the campaign is being conducted as per government directives to reclaim public land and manage unplanned settlements. Police reported that security personnel remain on high alert during the operation, but no clashes or resistance have been recorded so far in either location as the demolition drive continues.

NMC Suspends Doctor and Seals 2 Clinics After Patient Death

A preliminary probe by the Nepal Medical Council (NMC) into the death of Gita Pandey has led to the immediate suspension of Dr. Satish Rupakheti’s practice and the sealing of Zonal Pharmacy and Indulekha Health Clinic in Butwal. The investigation, led by Dr. Samrat Parajuli, found that the 13-week pregnant woman died on April 19 after seeking an abortion through multiple facilities. While the victim’s husband, Prakash Pandey, has filed murder charges against Dr. DB Khatri and others, the council’s final report is expected to provide further details on medical negligence and the illegal operation of the involved health centers.

Minister Shrestha Holds Energy Talks with Chinese and Indian Ambassadors

The Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Biraj Bhakta Shrestha, held separate meetings today with the Chinese Ambassador, Zhang Maoming, and the Indian Ambassador, Naveen Srivastava. Discussions with the Chinese envoy focused on regional energy challenges and strengthening practical cooperation for shared prosperity. In the meeting with the Indian Ambassador, both parties emphasized expanding bilateral partnerships in the energy sector and promoting sustainable regional connectivity. These high-level dialogues aimed to solidify long-term partnerships and ensure the effective utilization of water resources for the mutual benefit of the neighboring nations.

Ministry Issues 3-Day Ultimatum to 16 Defiant Officials

The Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration issued a three-day ultimatum today to 16 chief administrative officers who have failed to report to their assigned local levels. These officials, transferred between August 2025 and March 2026, have ignored previous instructions to join their new offices. The ministry warned that failure to comply within the given timeframe will result in departmental action under Rule 39 of the Civil Service Regulations, 1993. This move is part of the ministry’s effort to ensure all local government units are properly staffed and operational.

Government Seeks Feedback on Federal Civil Service Bill Draft

The Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration has released the draft of the Federal Civil Service Bill today, inviting public suggestions within seven days. The proposed legislation introduces a mixed structure of nine categories and 14 levels, setting the retirement age at 60 years. Key provisions include a limit on reservation benefits to once per career level and a strict two-year cooling-off period for high-ranking officials before they can accept constitutional or diplomatic appointments. The bill also proposes dismissing any employee who joins a political party or its wings and explicitly bans civil servants from providing private coaching for Public Service Commission exams.

Tourism Ministry Announces Vacancies for Nepal Airlines Board

The Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation has invited applications today to fill four vacant positions on the Nepal Airlines Corporation board. Through a public notice, the ministry is seeking candidates with expertise in commerce, finance, accounting, or aviation and tourism promotion. Under the Nepal Airlines Corporation Act, 1963, three positions are currently vacant, while one will become vacant within the next six months. Interested professionals are required to submit their applications to the ministry within seven days to undergo a competitive selection process.

Traffic Police Penalize 2,903 Violators in 24 Hours

The Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office took action against 2,903 drivers for various traffic violations over the past 24 hours, collecting more than Rs 2.5 million in revenue. According to official data, the penalties included 127 for drunk driving, 281 for illegal ride-sharing, and 200 for ignoring traffic signals. Other violations recorded were speeding by 176 drivers, lane discipline breaches by 312 individuals, and unauthorized use of horns in prohibited zones by 65 motorists.

Film Lalibazar Releases 3rd Song Highlighting Mother’s Struggle

The makers of the upcoming film Lalibazar, set to release on May 1, released a snippet of its third song, “Mai Ramri Chhu Ta Ni,” today. Featuring lyrics and music by Prakash Saput and vocals by Deepika Bayambu Magar, the song highlights female beauty and is already trending on social media. The film, directed by Yam Thapa and produced by Shatkon Arts, tells the story of a mother’s struggle to protect her daughter from the exploitative Nathiya tradition within the Badi community. Starring Swastima Khadka in a leading maternal role, the movie follows the success of the studio’s previous hits like Jatra and Mahajatra.

3rd Karnali International Film Festival Concludes in Birendranagar

The Third Karnali International Film Festival 2026 concluded today in Birendranagar, highlighting the region’s potential as a premier destination for film tourism. Organized with the Film Development Board, the event featured a story competition focusing on Karnali’s geography and culture. Chief Minister Yamlal Kandel pledged dedicated budget and policies to support filmmakers, while the Karnali Pragya Pratishthan announced incentives for those choosing to shoot in the province. The festival successfully brought together industry leaders, including Board Chairman Dinesh DC, to promote Karnali as an international filming hub, specifically highlighting locations like Kupinde Lake in Salyan.

Nepal Secures 37-Run Victory Over UAE in Cricket League-2

Nepal recorded a 37-run victory against the UAE today in the first match of the ICC World Cup Cricket League-2 home series. Batting first at the TU Cricket Ground, Nepal scored 200 runs in 48.2 overs, led by vice-captain Dipendra Singh Airee’s 75 runs. In response, the UAE was bowled out for 163 runs in 48.2 overs. Karan KC was the pick of the bowlers with 4 wickets, while Sompal Kami and Sandeep Lamichhane took 2 each. This win marks Nepal’s first victory in 10 months in the League-2 cycle, with their next match scheduled against Oman on Wednesday.

Nepal-Egypt Friendship Run Held in Cairo to Mark Everest Day

The Nepali Embassy in Cairo organized a 5-kilometer “Nepal-Egypt Friendship Run” today to commemorate Sagarmatha Day and the International Day of Wellness. Held in the Wadi Degla Protected Area (Reserve), the event was inaugurated by Ambassador Sushil Kumar Lamsal and Egyptian official Mohamed Yusuf under the theme “From Mountains to Nile Running for a Green Future.” Over 350 participants, including diplomats, local athletes, and members of the Nepali community, took part. The run celebrated the 73rd anniversary of the first ascent of Mount Everest while highlighting the link between traditional practices like yoga and nature conservation.

Iran Resumes International Flights Following Ceasefire Extension

International flight operations resumed from Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport today after a 56-day suspension caused by conflict with the United States and Israel. Flights have been recorded to cities including Madinah, Muscat, and Istanbul following US President Donald Trump’s announcement of an extended ceasefire. Iran’s airspace had been entirely closed since February 28 after targeted strikes on the country. While peace talks in Islamabad have yet to reach a final agreement, the resumption of civil aviation marks a significant de-escalation in the region, allowing thousands of stranded travelers to move across West Asia for the first time in nearly two months.

Indian Embassy in Iran Issues Travel Advisory Amid Regional Tension

The Indian Embassy in Tehran issued a new advisory today, urging Indian citizens to avoid traveling to Iran due to escalating regional tensions and operational uncertainties in international flights. The embassy advised those already in the country to coordinate with officials for a safe return home, noting that the Strait of Hormuz conflict has made air travel unpredictable. Official data shows that approximately 1,212,000 passengers have arrived in India from the region since February 28. This follows a similar advisory from April 8, as the Indian government continues to monitor the safety of its citizens in the Middle East.

US-Iran Peace Talks Enter Second Round in Islamabad

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad, Pakistan, today for a critical second round of peace talks with the United States. While the Iranian delegation reportedly has no plans for direct meetings with American officials, they intend to relay concerns through Pakistani mediators. The US delegation, including Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, is expected to arrive by Saturday evening. Although Vice President JD Vance is not currently part of the team, the White House expressed hope for a positive breakthrough. The talks aim to resolve the ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which has severely destabilized global oil markets and led to a two-week ceasefire extension by the Trump administration.