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.

RSP to Hold District Convention from April 28

The Rastriya Swatantra Party has decided to begin its district convention from coming April 28. RSP Spokesperson Manish Jha said that the secretariat meeting held today at the party’s central office in Banasthali decided to assign responsibilities to proportionally elected MPs in constituencies where there are no directly elected MPs. The Party is preparing to approve the list along with districts and constituencies in the central committee meeting to be held on Monday. The secretariat has set the agenda of the central committee meeting. According to party spokesperson Jha, a briefing about the party’s activities will be held at the beginning of the central committee meeting. The meeting will include reporting by central members. Central members have been allotted two minutes each. The meeting will also discuss the nomination of central committee office bearers, draft general convention procedures, and amendments to the statute. He shared that the meeting will also discuss the formation of candidate clubs and call for applications for the upcoming local level elections, and the right to vote for Nepali citizens living abroad.

NCP Condemns Evictions of Landless Families, Urges Govt to Ensure Rehabilitation

The Nepali Communist Party (NCP) has expressed strong objection over the government’s recent actions of evicting landless squatter families and demolishing their shelters in various parts of the country without providing proper alternatives. In a statement issued on Sunday, the party described such actions as “inhumane” and called on the government to immediately halt the evictions and ensure proper rehabilitation arrangements. It warned that activities carried out in the name of managing landless settlements have left affected families in distress and risk, weakening trust in the state among marginalized communities. The party also raised concerns over rising inflation and black market activities following the formation of the new government, urging immediate measures to control them. It criticized attempts to impose restrictions on student organizations, calling them unconstitutional and unacceptable. The statement noted that even during the Panchayat era, the right to organize was exercised, and any attempt to curtail such rights in a federal democratic republic is deeply concerning.

NC Gives Completion to Constitution Amendment Recommendation Committee

The Nepali Congress has completed the formation of an expert committee tasked with studying and recommending amendments to the constitution. The decision to form the committee was made during the party’s Central Working Committee meeting on 25 March 2026, under the coordination of Nepali Congress Vice President Pushpa Bhusal. According to Acting Chief Secretary Krishna Prasad Dulal, the committee has been finalized by adding 15 members. The panel includes senior advocates Radheshyam Adhikari, Harihar Dahal, Prem Bahadur Khadka, Upendra Keshari Neupane, Sher Bahadur KC, Yadunath Khanal, Gopal Krishna Ghimire, Yogendra Bahadur Adhikari, Dinesh Tripathi, Sitaram KC, and Lalit Kumar Basnet. Advocates Ran Bahadur Thebe, Sharmila Shrestha, and Jhalmaya BK are also part of the committee. Advocate Raju Katuwal will serve as the member secretary of the committee.

Ministers Dismiss Rumors on Separate SIM Card, Phones to Ministers

The government has refuted the rumors that it has established a private mobile phone system among the ministers. Government ministers and Asim Shah, political advisor to Prime Minister Balendra Shah, have made it clear that no separate mobile phone numbers and SIM cards have been managed for them. As Shah said, official structures are enough to coordinate with the government. He added that there is no need for extra mobile phone sets or SIM cards to maintain privacy among them. Shah said that the Prime Minister is available at the office from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on a regular basis, and, if necessary, he calls the ministers for direct interaction. He added that security and privacy protocols have been implemented within the office. According to him, the communication system among the government and ministers is being implemented via the Cabinet, the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers and secretariats. Government Spokesperson and Minister for Education, Science and Technology Sasmit Pokharel said no decision has been taken to establish a ‘private’ communications channel in the government.

RSP Central Committee Meeting on Monday

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is holding its central committee meeting on Monday. Party spokesperson Manish Jha said the central committee meeting would be held at party central office at 3:00pm on Monday. Citing party Chairman Rabi Lamichhane’s direction, all central members are requested to compulsorily attend the meeting. Similarly, the RSP held its secretariat meeting earlier today- from 3:30pm, to determine the agenda for tomorrow. The meeting also discussed organizational responsibility of the House of Representatives members, technical assistance and levy. Formation of various commissions, work procedure for district convention, advisory council, federal leadership forum, nomination in department and general convention draft committee, among others were also among the issues dwelt upon.

Impact of Petro Price Hike: 125 Projects’ Contract Likely to Halt in Chitwan District

As the prices of fuel and other essential materials continue to rise following the evolving situation in West Asia in the recent weeks, nearly 125 development projects run in Chitwan by Infrastructure Development Office have been severely affected. Chief of Office, Birendra Kumar Chaudhary, said that currently out of 267 projects 217 are under implementation after contract agreements in Chitwan, adding that 125 of them are hit hard, as their construction work is likely to pause. The price of fuel increased sharply compared to the time of the signing of contract agreement and also short supply of bitumen led to the pause in the project advancement, Chaudhary added. He shared that the construction entrepreneurs have submitted a memo at the Office demanding a construction holiday in the projects that could be paused with immediate effect. Currently, the Office is developing 19 bridges and several road projects under other projects. It is said that up to 60 per cent of the total projects initiated from the Office would not be completed on time if this situation continues.

Sunday Holiday Cuts Traffic in Kathmandu Amid Global Energy Crisis

As tensions between Iran and the United States fuel a global energy crisis, Nepal is beginning to feel the impact. In an effort to reduce fuel consumption, the government has decided to declare Sundays as holidays for schools and government offices. The Nepal Oil Corporation has also urged citizens to save fuel. According to Nawaraj Adhikari, Senior Superintendent of Police at the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, vehicle movement in Kathmandu has decreased significantly on Sundays. He stated that traffic volume has dropped by around 50 percent. “Compared to Saturdays, Sundays still see slightly higher traffic, but it is not like before,” he said. However, traffic congestion can still be observed at major intersections such as Kalanki, Chabahil, New Baneshwor, Maitighar, Gaushala, and Jadibuti.

CAN Appoints Basanta Shahi and Kalam Ali as Assistant Coaches

The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has appointed Basanta Shahi and Kalam Ali as assistant coaches of the Nepal national cricket team ahead of upcoming tournaments. Shahi has previously served in the same role under former head coach Monty Desai. He was recently working with the Lumbini Province team. Similarly, Kalam Ali has experience as the assistant coach of Nepal’s ‘A’ team and has also worked as a coach in Bagmati Province. He was actively involved as the coach of Chitwan Rhinos in the Nepal Premier League. The appointments aim to strengthen the national team’s coaching setup as it prepares for a busy schedule of international competitions.

Nepal to Host ‘World of Dance Nepal 2026’ for the First Time

Nepal is set to host the globally recognized dance platform World of Dance Nepal 2026 for the first time. The event was officially announced during a special ceremony held on Sunday. The judging panel will include Kiran Thapa, Jerry Tawal, and Terrence Lewin. Speaking at the event, Thapa emphasized that the platform will differ from traditional television reality shows, focusing more on performance-based dance rather than dramatization. He expressed confidence that Nepal has no shortage of talent and that the platform will help bring it forward. Actress Pariksha Limbu highlighted the strong connection between dance and acting, noting that both involve storytelling, expression, and emotion. She added that elements like timing and choreography play crucial roles in both fields. Similarly, Kavita Nepali, the face of the event, shared that such platforms bring renewed hope at a time when the dance scene in Nepal appears to be weakening. She thanked the organizers and encouraged dancers to keep pushing forward. Also speaking at the event was Mike Harker from the US Embassy. According to the organizers, the competition will feature a gold-plated trophy along with various prizes. Participants can register via an app to join auditions, and winners will receive cash prizes, gift hampers, and multiple awards.

Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone Expect Second Child, Couple Shares Joyful Announcement

Bollywood couple Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone have announced that they are expecting their second child. Deepika made the announcement on Sunday, revealing that she is pregnant again. The couple had earlier welcomed their daughter, Dua. The new development also explains why Ranveer Singh and Deepika had recently been less visible together at public events, which had sparked speculation among fans. Deepika shared the happy news along with a post featuring their daughter Dua holding a pregnancy test kit showing a positive result, which quickly went viral on social media. Following the announcement, congratulations poured in from fans and colleagues across the film industry. Many fans expressed their excitement and sent warm wishes to the couple, with some even playfully speculating about the baby’s gender. Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh welcomed their first child, daughter Dua, on September 8, 2024. The couple had previously shared glimpses of their family moments on social media during festivals and special occasions.

Zelensky Says Oil Sanctions Relief Provides Billions for Russian Military

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday condemned the easing of sanctions on Russian oil after the United States extended a waiver meant to soften surging energy prices driven by the Middle East war. “Every dollar paid for Russian oil is money for the war” and is used for devastating strikes on Ukraine, Zelensky said in a post on X. Zelensky did not mention the United States, but President Donald Trump’s administration on Friday issued a month-long sanctions waiver allowing the sale of Russian oil and petroleum products that are at sea. The action was intended to bring down soaring energy prices. But the US Treasury Department extension came two days after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that Washington would not renew the waiver. Zelensky said there were more than 110 tankers carrying Russian oil in breach of international sanctions currently at sea, carrying more than 12 million tons of crude “which, due to the easing of sanctions, can once again be sold without consequences. “That is USD 10 billion — a resource that is directly converted into new strikes against Ukraine,” Zelensky said. The Ukraine leader said that in the past week, Russia had launched more than 2,360 attack drones, more than 1,320 guided aerial bombs and nearly 60 missiles of various types at Ukraine.

Rat Poison Found in Baby Food jar in Austria as Products Recalled

Austrian police have found rat poison in a baby food jar, they said late Saturday, in a probe that has seen the supplier recall the line over suspected tampering. The Germany-based HiPP brand announced the recall at SPAR supermarkets in Austria late Friday over the possibility that “a hazardous substance” was introduced into its “carrot with potato” puree through tampering. As part of ongoing investigations in Germany, police have seized jars in Austria, as well as the Czech Republic and Slovakia, police in Austria’s eastern Burgenland province said in a statement. “A sample of the seized product was examined on Saturday afternoon and tested positive for rat poison,” they said. Austria’s agency for food protection said on Saturday that rat poison may have been introduced as part of an extortion scheme. Customers were asked not to consume the product, which can be identified by a white label with a red circle on the bottom of the jar, and instead return it to the store of purchase. The scare is the latest to hit the baby food market. Since December, several manufacturers — including European giants such as Nestle, Danone and Lactalis — have issued recalls of infant formula in more than 60 countries that could be contaminated with the toxin cereulide.

As Iran War Strains Ties with Trump’s US, UK looks to Europe

Britain’s government is set to announce legislation next month to move the country closer to the European Union, as the Iran war sours the UK’s so-called special relationship with the United States. President Donald Trump’s unpredictability and stream of insults towards America’s historically is adding impetus to Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s bid to deepen ties with the 27-nation bloc, a decade after Britons narrowly voted to leave the EU. “We have a government that is already eager to move closer towards the EU, and the events in Iran provide an opportunity to speed up that process,” Evie Aspinall, director of the British Foreign Policy Group think-tank, told AFP. Starmer’s administration is preparing an EU “reset” bill that will give ministers powers to align UK standards with EU single market rules as they evolve — something called “dynamic alignment”. King Charles III will announce the legislation on May 13 when he reads out Starmer’s legislative plans for the coming months, a government official told AFP on condition of anonymity. Starmer has repeatedly called for a deeper economic and security relationship with Europe since his Labor party won the 2024 general election, ousting the Conservatives, who had implemented the 2016 Brexit referendum. He has upped those calls in recent days, telling Dutch leader Rob Jetten on Tuesday that “he believed the partnership between the UK and the bloc needed to be fit for the challenges we were facing today”. The EU is Britain’s biggest trading partner, while the International Monetary Fund warned this week that the UK will be the advanced economy hardest hit by the Iran conflict.

Bangladesh Hikes Fuel Prices to Adjust for Import Expenses

The Bangladeshi government has hiked the fuel prices with effect from Sunday. According to a price notification from the country’s Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources on Saturday night, a liter of octane now costs 140 taka (about 1.14 U.S. dollars), 20 taka higher than the previous rate. The prices of diesel and kerosene have been increased from 100 taka and 112 taka per liter to 115 taka and 130 taka per liter, respectively. Each liter of petrol now costs 135 taka, a rise of 19 taka, said the notification. Bangladesh has been forced to increase fuel oil prices as a result of rising import fuel costs linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict, the country’s Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Iqbal Hassan Mahmood told journalists on Sunday. He said that since the outbreak of the conflict, Bangladesh has been importing fuel and building up stocks at higher costs, and that the current price adjustment still falls short of those import expenses. “We were compelled to take this step,” the minister said, adding that fuel purchases must be made in foreign currency. “We’ve tried to ensure that prices remain at a tolerable level.”