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 Shah Urges New Army Officers to Prioritize Discipline

Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) addressed the commissioning ceremony of 183 new officers at the Nepal Army School in Kharipati, Bhaktapur, on Thursday. After the cadets completed 36 months of rigorous training, the prime minister awarded khukuris and sticks to the top performers. He emphasized that the newly commissioned officers must remain committed to the motherland, strictly adhere to the chain of command, and maintain the highest standards of military conduct. PM Shah expressed confidence that the new leadership would successfully lead diverse units and contribute to national security and public service.

Current Session of Federal Parliament to End Friday Midnight

President Ram Chandra Paudel has decided to prorogue the current session of both houses of the Federal Parliament effective from midnight tomorrow (Friday). This decision was made under Article 93(2) of the Constitution of Nepal, following a recommendation from the Council of Ministers on April 6. The session had originally commenced on April 2. Before the prorogation, President Paudel is scheduled to address a joint meeting of the House of Representatives and the National Assembly on Friday.

Government Welcomes US-Iran 2-Week Ceasefire Agreement

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a press release on Wednesday welcoming the two-week ceasefire agreement between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran. The government described the move as a positive step toward reducing tensions in West Asia and creating space for diplomacy. While expressing concern over the humanitarian impact of the month-long conflict, Nepal emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution through dialogue. The statement also affirmed Nepal’s support for international efforts to maintain regional and global stability following the agreement reached just before the US military deadline.

RSP Supports Rubi for Deputy Speaker Position

Rubi Kumari Thakur, a 25-year-old lawmaker from the Shram Sanskriti Party, has been nominated as a candidate for the position of Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. The ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has extended its support to her candidacy, according to RSP Spokesperson Manish Jha. RSP Member of Parliament Ashok Kumar Chaudhary has seconded her bid. Thakur was elected as a Member of Parliament under the proportional representation system.

RPP Nominates Saraswati Lama for Deputy Speaker of HoR

The parliamentary party of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) has decided to nominate Saraswati Lama as its candidate for the post of Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. RPP parliamentary party leader Gyan Bahadur Shahi announced the decision, confirming Lama’s candidacy. According to Shahi, efforts are ongoing to reach a consensus on the selection of the Deputy Speaker, and discussions are being held with other political parties.

PM Shah Assumes Labor Ministry Portfolio

President Ram Chandra Paudel has reassigned the Ministry of Labor, Employment, and Social Security portfolio to Prime Minister Balendra Shah following a cabinet reshuffle on Thursday. The move comes after PM Shah removed Labor Minister Dipak Kumar Shah from his post upon the recommendation of RSP Chairman Rabi Lamichhane. The Council of Ministers now consists of 14 members. The dismissal follows allegations that the former minister misused his position to appoint his spouse to the Health Insurance Board, which has been criticized as a violation of party ethics and administrative dignity.

UML Chair Oli and NC Leader Lekhak Freed

Former prime minister KP Sharma Oli is scheduled to undergo gallbladder surgery on Monday, with his condition currently stable and under medical supervision at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital. Oli was arrested on March 28 from his residence over allegations related to the Gen Z protest and was later hospitalized after health complications, including irregular heartbeat, were detected during initial tests. He was subsequently released and handed over to his family following a court directive. The Supreme Court had ordered authorities to conclude investigations within a set deadline or release those detained under conditions. Former home minister and Nepali Congress (NC) Ramesh Lekhak has also been released under similar provisions.

Corruption Case Filed Against Former Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara

The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed a corruption case at the Special Court against former Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara regarding gold smuggling via electronic cigarettes (vapes). The CIAA is seeking a recovery of Rs 77.8 million from Mahara, his son Rahul, Under Secretary Arun Pokharel, and 4 foreign nationals. The investigation revealed substantial evidence of illicit transactions and connections with Chinese nationals involved in the smuggling operation. This legal action follows a lengthy probe into the high-profile case that surfaced last year.

Police Launches SMS and Phone Update System

The police has introduced a new service to provide status updates on complaints and FIRs directly to citizens via SMS or phone calls. Central Spokesperson DIG Abi Narayan Kafle stated that the system aims to improve efficiency and save time for service users, who previously had to visit police stations in person for updates. According to the Police Headquarters, once a complaint or legal document is registered at any unit, officers will use the provided contact number to inform citizens of the progress. This initiative is part of a broader digital transformation to make police services more accessible and transparent.

Academic Session 2026 to Begin on April 28

The Center for Education and Human Resource Development has clarified that the new academic session for 2026 and student admissions will officially start on April 28. While promotional and creative activities are encouraged to begin on April 15, formal teaching will commence on May 4. Schools have been instructed to utilize the period before April 28 for annual planning and teacher development. The center also reminded educational institutions to align their schedules with the two-day public holiday system (Saturday and Sunday) implemented by the government.

Online Voter Registration Sees 90% Adoption Rate

The Election Commission has resumed voter list collection and updates, with a new system allowing online applications using National ID details. District Election Officer Bikas Lamsal noted that approximately 90% of recent applicants have utilized the online platform. So far, 464 people have registered, with 419 using the digital method. Additionally, all 27 candidates from Tanahun constituencies No. 1 and No. 2 have submitted their official election expense reports to the commission within the required timeframe.

3 Universities Sign Tripartite Research Agreement

The Tribhuvan University, Mid-West University, and Far-Western University signed a tripartite memorandum of understanding (MoU) for academic and research cooperation. The agreement was signed in Mahendranagar by Vice-Chancellors Prof. Dr. Dipak Aryal, Prof. Dr. Dhruva Kumar Gautam, and Prof. Dr. Hemraj Panta in the presence of University Grants Commission Chair Prof. Dr. Devraj Adhikari. The partnership aims to institutionalize the sharing of educational resources and technology through digital platforms. This collaboration is expected to address the shortage of high-level academic personnel by facilitating joint classes and shared faculty expertise across the three institutions.

Double Murder Reported at Patan Krishna Temple Over Phone Dispute

In a tragic incident at the Krishna Temple premises in Patan, two brothers, 33-year-old and 26-year-old, were stabbed to death on Wednesday. Police have arrested the primary suspect, Sanjeev Nepali, and one other individual. The conflict reportedly began after a “wrong number” call led to a verbal altercation over the phone between the brothers and the suspect. When the parties met in person at the Durbar Square around 4:00 PM to resolve the dispute, the confrontation turned violent, resulting in the fatal stabbing.

Former Minister Rameshore Khanal Praise PM’s Decision to Sack Labor Minister

Former Finance Secretary Rameshore Khanal and various academic circles have praised Prime Minister Balen Shah’s decision to dismiss Labor Minister Deepak Kumar Shah. The dismissal followed a recommendation from RSP Chair Rabi Lamichhane, who cited a breach of dignity after the minister allegedly appointed his spouse to the Health Insurance Board. Khanal noted that the firm stance against impunity reflects a maturing governance system where accountability is non-negotiable. The decision was welcomed as a move to uphold the image and principles of the ruling coalition and to maintain high ethical standards within the Council of Ministers.

Speaker Aryal and National Assembly Chair Dahal Hold First Meeting

The newly elected Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dole Prasad Aryal, held his first formal meeting with National Assembly Chairman Narayan Prasad Dahal at Singha Durbar on Thursday. Chairman Dahal congratulated Aryal, who was elected unopposed on April 5. The leaders discussed parliamentary coordination and preparations for President Ram Chandra Paudel’s joint address to the Federal Parliament scheduled for Friday. This meeting marks the beginning of their collaborative leadership over the two houses of the legislature.

Vehicle-Free Asan Initiative Rescheduled to April 18

The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has rescheduled the commencement of the ‘Vehicle-Free Ason’ initiative to Saturday, April 18. Originally planned for April 11, the date was moved during a meeting led by Acting Mayor Sunita Dangol to ensure better preparation. Every Saturday, vehicles will be prohibited from entering the area between Kamalakshi, Bhotahiti, and Mahabouddha to preserve the cultural essence and reduce pollution in the ancient Ason market. Wada 27 Chairman Yogesh Kumar Khadgi emphasized that the program aims to promote traditional trade and heritage routes, with the Metropolitan Police Force managing traffic and security.

Palpa Hospital Starts Oxygen Plant to Address Local Shortage

Palpa Hospital has inaugurated its own oxygen plant, ending the district’s reliance on supplies from Butwal and Bhairahawa. Tansen Deputy Mayor Pratikshya Gaha Sinjali noted that the plant will supply not only the hospital’s patients but also private clinics and medical colleges. The facility, which was repaired by specialized technicians after being stagnant for a year, can fill up to 20 cylinders daily. Medical Superintendent Dr. Rajendra Paudel announced that oxygen will be sold at Rs 350 for small cylinders and Rs 650 for large ones. With this stability, the hospital plans to resume surgical services by the second week of April.

Local Unit Implements Six-Day Work Week

Aathrai Tribeni Rural Municipality in Taplejung has decided to operate its offices six days a week, with Saturday remaining as the only public holiday. Rural Municipality Chair Dipendra Pomu announced that offices will remain open from Sunday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, to reduce the backlog of services caused by frequent holidays. To support this change, the local government has introduced incentives for staff who work on additional days or during emergencies. This policy diverges from the central government’s standard two-day weekend, prioritizing direct service delivery for local residents.

Nepali Film ‘Elephants in the Fog’ Selected for Cannes

The 79th Cannes Film Festival has selected the Nepali film Elephants in the Fog for its prestigious ‘Un Certain Regard’ category. Directed by Abinash Bikram Shah, the film focuses on a family in a marginalized community affected by wild elephant attacks. This selection is being hailed as a major milestone for the Nepalese film industry. The festival is scheduled to take place in Cannes, France, on May 13-14. The official selection was announced today, sparking widespread celebrations and congratulations from the local filmmaking community.

Film Development Board Names Top 5 Grossing Films

The Film Development Board’s annual report for this year highlighted a successful year with 56 releases. ‘Paran’, directed by Deepak Prasad Acharya, topped the list with a collection of Rs 177.6 million. In second place, ‘Aa Bata Aama‘ earned Rs 131.3 million, followed by the climbing drama ‘Jerry on Top’ at Rs 122.8 million. ‘Unko Sweeter’ grossed Rs 114.1 million, and the sequel ‘Jaari 2’ secured the fifth spot with Rs 62.4 million. The report noted that the mix of social dramas and commercial sequels successfully revitalized the domestic box office.

Madan Krishna Shrestha Calls for Collective Apology to Dalit Community

Veteran actor Madan Krishna Shrestha shared a message on social media urging a collective apology to the Dalit community for historical injustices and discrimination. He praised Rabi Lamichhane’s recent speech in parliament, which included a formal apology, describing it as a mature and necessary step for national unity. Shrestha expressed his own willingness to apologize for any unintentional biases from his ancestors, emphasizing that “Dalit” and “untouchable” are terms that should be discarded to build a more humane society. He noted that true Nepalese nationalism is rooted in mutual empathy and ethnic unity, which is essential for the country’s future progress.

Mother-Daughter to Share Screen in ‘Ba: Ek Yoddha’

Actress Jharana Thapa and her daughter Suhana Thapa are set to appear together in a film for the first time, playing lead roles in Ba: Ek Yoddha, the directorial debut of composer Hari Lamsal. Filming has been underway for the past two weeks, with the cast initially kept undisclosed. The project, produced under the banner of Artistic Entertainment, began shooting on March 23 following a ceremony at the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu. Hari Lamsal, who has also written the story and screenplay, presents a narrative centered on the role of a father in a Nepali family, portraying him as a “warrior” facing lifelong struggles. The film is produced by Basanta Lamsal, with cinematography by Shiva Ram Shrestha.

Woman Sentenced to 15 Years in Actor Matthew Perry Ketamine Death Case

Jasveen Sangha has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for supplying ketamine linked to the 2023 death of Matthew Perry. A federal court handed down the sentence after she pleaded guilty to multiple drug-related felonies, including distribution resulting in death. Prosecutors said Sangha continued selling ketamine even after Perry’s death, influencing the harsher penalty. Authorities found she supplied dozens of vials through intermediaries, ultimately reaching Perry via close associates. Perry, who had struggled with substance dependence, had turned to illicit sources after doctors declined to increase his prescribed dosage.

Tribhuvan Army Club Leads PM Cup After Sixth Victory

The Tribhuvan Army Club maintained its top position in the Prime Minister Cup One-Day Cricket Tournament with a 7-wicket win over Sudurpashchim Province in Janakpur on Thursday. Captain Binod Bhandari scored a spectacular 100 runs off 75 balls, while Bashir Ahmed dominated the bowling by taking 5 wickets for 35 runs. Meanwhile, in Birgunj, Nepal Police Club defeated Karnali Province by 48 runs. Dinesh Kharel scored 82 for Police, and Lalit Rajbanshi took 5 wickets, pushing the team to third place in the standings with 9 points.

Preparations Complete for 10th Suryanagar Gold Cup

The Nawa Yuva Club in Bardaghat-16, West Nawalparasi, has finalized preparations for the 10th Suryanagar Gold Cup, starting Friday. The winner will receive Rs 666,666, and the runner-up will get Rs 333,333. Bardaghat Municipality has allocated Rs 1.2 million for the tournament, which features 8 elite teams. The opening match will take place between Hardi Yuva Samaj of Chitwan and Hetauda Academy of Makwanpur. The final is scheduled for April 18, with thousands of spectators expected to attend.

Sixth Mayor’s Cup Badminton Begins in Taplejung

The 6th Koshi Province Mayor’s Cup Badminton Tournament commenced at the Indreni Badminton Hall in Phungling, Taplejung, on Thursday. Organized by the District Badminton Association and funded by Phungling Municipality, the event features over 14 districts competing in five categories. Deputy Mayor Bhimadevi Ojha inaugurated the competition, which includes prizes up to Rs 25,000 for the men’s singles winner and Rs 20,000 for the open mixed doubles. The tournament aims to encourage local talent by hosting the province’s best players, with the final matches scheduled for Saturday.

South Korea and US Launch 2-Week Joint Aerial Drills

The South Korean Air Force announced the commencement of a two-week joint aerial exercise with the United States starting this week at the Gwangju Air Base. The drills are designed to improve operational efficiency and include training for defensive counter-air interception and close air support. South Korea has deployed fighter jets, attack aircraft, and transport planes, while the US Air Force is participating with various military assets. Officials confirmed that this year’s exercise is being conducted under South Korean leadership, focusing on strengthening the combined defense posture of the two allies.

Iran Attacks Kuwait and UAE Following Strikes on Lavan Island

Hours after a fragile two-week ceasefire was declared, Iran launched drone and missile attacks against Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Wednesday. Iranian state media reported the strikes were retaliation for an earlier aerial attack on Iran’s Lavan Island, which damaged oil infrastructure and caused fires at a refinery. The Kuwaiti military confirmed intercepting 28 drones, though some reached critical infrastructure, including power stations and water desalination plants. The UAE also confirmed using its air defense systems to intercept incoming Iranian missiles. The escalation underscores the volatility of the ceasefire as Iran targets regional energy hubs in response to infrastructure damage.

Trump Maintains Military Presence Near Iran Amid Delicate Ceasefire

US President Donald Trump clarified on Tuesday that United States military forces will remain stationed near Iran until a “real and fully implemented agreement” is reached. Despite the ongoing two-week ceasefire, Trump emphasized via social media that US ships, aircraft, and personnel would stay in place with full combat readiness. He noted that while the enemy’s capabilities have been significantly damaged, the likelihood of a final deal remains “extremely low.” Trump reiterated that any permanent settlement must ensure Iran never obtains nuclear weapons and that the Strait of Hormuz through which one-fifth of the world’s oil flows remains safe and open.

Iran Calls Permanent Peace Talks ‘Impractical’ Following Intense Israeli Strikes

After Israel launched its most severe strikes on Lebanon to date on Wednesday, Iran characterized the prospect of permanent peace talks with the United States as “impractical.” Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that regional instability remains high despite the two-week ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump. Ghalibaf accused Israel of violating ceasefire terms by intensifying attacks on Hezbollah, while noting serious disagreements regarding Iran’s nuclear program. Although the White House claimed Iran signaled a willingness to transfer its uranium stockpile, Ghalibaf maintained that Iran retains the right to continue production under current terms. Amid the geopolitical tension, global oil prices dropped 14% to approximately USD 95 per barrel.

UN Condemns Massive Israeli Airstrikes in Lebanon; Death Toll Tops 250

The United Nations has strongly condemned the massive wave of Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon on Wednesday, which reportedly killed over 250 people. UN Humanitarian Coordinator Imran Riza described the scale of the attacks as “horrific,” noting that Israel launched over 100 strikes within a 10-minute window. Explosions and sirens were heard continuously across Beirut and Southern Lebanon, leaving hospitals overwhelmed and prompting urgent nationwide appeals for blood donations. The UN has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the restoration of humanitarian access, urging both Israel and Hezbollah to respect international law.