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.

President Postpones Summoning of Federal Parliament Sessions

President Ram Chandra Paudel has postponed the summoning of the sessions of both houses of the Federal Parliament until further notice. Based on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers made on April 21, the meetings were initially scheduled for April 30 in accordance with Article 93(1) of the Constitution of Nepal. However, following a fresh recommendation from the government today citing special reasons, the summoning has been suspended. A statement issued by Ritesh Kumar Shakya, spokesperson for the Office of the President, confirmed the decision, though specific details regarding the “special reasons” for the postponement were not disclosed.

Open Letter Urges PM Balen to Finalize Transitional Justice

A group of 40 organizations representing conflict victims has issued an open letter to Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen), demanding the logical conclusion of the transitional justice process. The letter calls on the government to restore credibility to the process and ensure the rights of victims to truth, justice, and reparation are met. Victims expressed concern that transitional justice was not explicitly included in the government’s recently unveiled 100-point reform plan. Their six demands include making the appointment of commissioners transparent and victim-centric and amending laws to resolve the current legitimacy issues surrounding the existing commissions.

Lumbini Provincial Assembly Session Prorogued

The current 7th session of the Lumbini Provincial Assembly has been prorogued effective from midnight on Thursday. The session was ended by Province Head Krishna Bahadur Gharti Magar upon the recommendation of the Council of Ministers led by Chief Minister Chetan Narayan Acharya. During this winter session, 16 meetings were held. In the final meeting, the assembly unanimously passed a bill to amend the District Assembly and District Coordination Committee Operation Act, 2018. The session also included progress reports from the Social Development Committee and addressed contemporary issues during the zero hour.

Businessman Shekhar Golchha Arrested Today

Businessman Shekhar Golchha was arrested on Thursday by a team from the Central Investigation Bureau in Kathmandu as part of an insider trading investigation linked to shares of Himalayan Reinsurance Company. According to Additional Inspector General Manoj KC, Golchha was taken into custody from Naxal following a recommendation by the Securities Board of Nepal. The Securities Board of Nepal had called for further investigation after its report indicated Golchha’s alleged involvement in facilitating transaction payments on behalf of businessman Deepak Bhatt. Bhatt is currently in custody in connection with a separate money laundering case. Authorities say Golchha’s role emerged during scrutiny of financial dealings related to the transactions under investigation.

Supreme Court Issues Show Cause Notice Over Attorney General’s Appointment

The Supreme Court has issued a “show cause” notice to the government regarding the appointment of Attorney General Dr. Narayan Datta Kandel. Following a preliminary hearing on multiple writ petitions, Justice Kumar Regmi’s bench ordered the government to provide reasons why Kandel should not be removed from his post. The petitioners, including several advocates, argue that Kandel does not meet the legal requirement of 15 years of continuous legal practice, as he spent a significant amount of time living and working in the United Kingdom. The court has summoned both parties for a discussion next Thursday to decide on the request for an interim order to bar Kandel from performing his official duties.

Ministry Receives Strategy to Triple Per Capita Energy Consumption

The Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation has received the ‘Energy Consumption Increase and Export Strategy, 2083’ aimed at making the energy sector a pillar of economic transformation. The strategy, presented to Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha on Thursday, aims to increase per capita energy consumption from 450 units to 1,500 units within the next 10 years. Key goals include 100% electrification, replacing LP gas with electric appliances, and expanding the electric vehicle charging network. The strategy also targets exporting 15,000 MW of electricity within a decade, focusing on high-demand evening periods to maximize economic gains and reduce the trade deficit.

NMA Objects to Restrictive Rules at National Medical College

The Nepal Medical Association (NMA) has expressed serious concern over “insulting” rules imposed on resident doctors at National Medical College in Birgunj. According to a statement by General Secretary Dr. Sanjeev Tiwari, the college administration has mandated that doctors pay annual fees for accommodation, food, and internet upfront and forces them to stay in hostels against their will. Furthermore, the college has reportedly seized the original academic certificates of the doctors and requires them to sign in for attendance four times a day. The NMA has condemned these actions as a violation of personal freedom and professional dignity, demanding that the college administration immediately withdraw these decisions.

Law Students Protest Against Plan to Dissolve Student Unions

Students from Nepal Law Campus held a protest march on Ramshahpath, Kathmandu, on Thursday to oppose the government’s reported plan to dissolve student unions. The protesters expressed strong dissatisfaction with the proposed move, which aims to remove political student organizations from universities. Similar protests have been occurring over the past few days as news of the government’s preparations to dissolve these unions surfaced. The students argued that such a move would suppress their political rights and collective voice within academic institutions.

Supreme Court Postpones Hearing on Rabi Lamichhane Case

The Supreme Court has postponed the hearing on a writ petition challenging the Attorney General’s decision to amend charges in the money laundering and organized crime case involving Rabi Lamichhane. A full bench comprising Justices Nripa Dhwoj Niroula, Nityananda Pandey, and Shree Kanta Paudel was set to hear the case on Thursday, but the hearing was stalled following a request from the Office of the Attorney General. The case involves a decision made in mid-January by then-Attorney General Sabita Bhandari to amend charges for several defendants, including the fugitive GB Rai. The court had previously ordered a full bench review to interpret 8 specific legal questions related to the case.

Kathmandu Ranked 2nd Most Polluted City Globally

Kathmandu has been ranked as the second most polluted city in the world today, according to IQAir, a Swiss-based air quality monitoring organization. On Thursday morning, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the capital reached 213, a level classified as “very unhealthy” for public health. The pollution has significantly increased across Kathmandu and its surrounding areas. Lahore, Pakistan, held the top spot on the global list with an AQI of 382. Authorities have advised citizens to take necessary precautions as the current atmospheric conditions pose severe risks to respiratory health.

Police Detain 122 Individuals in Pokhara ‘Sweep Operation’

Kaski District Police conducted a coordinated “Sweep Operation” at five locations in Pokhara last night, resulting in the detention of 122 individuals. The operation targeted activities such as creating public disturbances, disrupting security, and illegal drug use in areas including Baidam, Rambazar, Shishuwa, and Bagar. Police officials reported that 82 of those detained were found to have consumed drugs, with some possessing marijuana. The majority of the detainees are young men. This follows a recent crackdown in the Lakeside area against individuals involved in fraudulent activities targeting tourists.

Government Rescinds Decision to Relocate Police Academy

The government has decided not to relocate the National Police Academy located in Maharajgunj. During a Council of Ministers meeting on Thursday, the government ruled that the academy will retain all its land for its original use. This decision reverses a previous cabinet move from September 6, 2018, which had allocated the academy’s land to the Office of the President. According to government spokesperson and Minister for Education, Science, and Technology Sasmit Pokharel, the facility will now continue its operations at the current site without further transfer plans.

Gandaki Province Establishes Rs 50 Million Infectious Disease Fund

The Gandaki Provincial Government has established a dedicated fund of Rs 50 million to effectively manage and treat infectious diseases. The decision follows a recent measles outbreak in Baglung that strained existing resources. According to government spokesperson and Economic Affairs Minister Jit Prasad Sherchan, a new “Emergency Health and Infectious Disease Management Procedure” has also been approved to facilitate the fund’s operation. Additionally, the cabinet decided to provide Rs 17.5 million in financial assistance to 197 patients suffering from serious illnesses, including 168 cancer patients. The government also approved the purchase of four vehicles for the Provincial Assembly Secretariat to replace those damaged during previous unrest.

Kathmandu Valley Mayors Forum Calls for School Resumption

The Kathmandu Valley Mayors Forum has requested all local levels within the valley to begin regular educational activities from April 28. During a meeting on Wednesday, the forum decided that the new student enrollment campaign should start on April 24. This local directive aims to resolve confusion caused by the federal government’s schedule, which had set class resumptions for May 4. Forum Chairman Chiribabu Maharjan emphasized that basic and secondary education falls under local jurisdiction. The forum also urged schools to prepare for online or alternative teaching methods if fuel shortages or other crises arise.

Disasters Claim 30 Lives Nationwide in One Month

Natural disasters, including fires, storms, lightning, and snowfall, resulted in the deaths of 30 people across the country during the month of March 15 to April 13. The victims include 16 men, 10 women, and four children. Additionally, 222 people were injured, and 143 were displaced. The disasters caused significant infrastructure damage, affecting 191 houses, 117 sheds, and three government offices, with estimated losses totaling Rs 337.2 million. Koshi Province reported the highest number of incidents at 272. A total of 4,841 police personnel were deployed for response efforts.

Local Units Resume School Classes Ahead of National Schedule

Most local units in Nawalparasi (Bardaghat-Susta Purba) have started regular classes for the 2026-27 academic session ahead of the federal schedule. While the federal government planned for enrollment to start on April 28 and classes on May 4, municipalities like Madhyabindu began teaching on April 20. Similarly, Kawasoti, Gaindakot, and Hupsekot resumed classes earlier this week. Local officials stated the decision was made to ensure the academic calendar is not disrupted by the two days holiday system. However, Devchuli Municipality and Vinayi Tribeni Rural Municipality have decided to strictly follow the federal government’s timeline, leading to confusion among parents.

Local Unit to Operate Schools on Sundays

The Khotehang Rural Municipality in Khotang has decided to operate schools on Sundays to ensure the curriculum is completed. Citing that the government’s two days public holiday policy prevents schools from meeting the required teaching hours, the Village Education Committee decided on Tuesday to resume classes starting April 26. Following the completion of the enrollment campaign on April 23, all 483 community and 16 private schools in the municipality will follow this new schedule. This local decision overrides the previous federal directive issued on March 27, which mandated holidays on both Saturdays and Sundays.

Police Headquarters Orders Six Absconding Personnel to Report

The Police Headquarters has issued a mandatory directive for six personnel who have been absent without leave to report to the office within seven days. The Law Branch under the Secretariat of the Inspector General of Police published a notice on Thursday identifying the employees who have been out of contact for an extended period. The public notice includes the names, ranks, and addresses of the missing personnel. They have been warned that failure to appear within the specified timeframe, excluding travel time, will result in legal action according to prevailing laws and police regulations.

Nikita Chandak to Debut in Netflix Series ‘Glory’ on May 1

Former Miss Nepal 2017 and actress Nikita Chandak is set to make her debut in the Hindi web series ‘Glory’, which will begin streaming on Netflix on May 1. Chandak, who represented Nepal at Miss World and debuted in the Nepali film ‘Sanglo’, shared the news via Instagram, describing this milestone as her “Netflix season.” Produced by Atomic Films, the series is a thriller centered on themes of revenge. While her specific role remains undisclosed, Chandak has been active in Mumbai’s digital and commercial projects, recently appearing in an advertisement with Rajkumar Rao and starring in the Venice Film Festival-premiered film ‘Rajagunj’ directed by Deepak Rauniyar.

‘Beautifulam’ Song from ‘Life Dyamage’ Released Ahead of May Premiere

A new song titled ‘Beautifulam’ from the fantasy comedy drama Life Dyamage has been released at an event in Kathmandu ahead of the film’s scheduled release on May 15. The dance number features music and vocals by SD Yogi, lyrics by Adarsh Sushil, and choreography by Kiran Thapa, showcasing the film’s lead cast. The film marks the directorial debut of content creator Nimesh Shrestha, who also stars alongside Surakshya Panta. Produced under Fun Revolution Entertainment, the film includes an ensemble cast and is written by Nimesh Shrestha, Isha Thapa, and Abhishek Kharel, aiming to deliver a distinctive fantasy comedy experience.

Uttam Pradhan and Niruta Singh Reunite for Movie ‘Sarathi’

The filming of ‘Sarathi’, the directorial debut of Kumar Gajurel, commenced following a ceremony at the Bhadrakali Temple in Kathmandu. The project marks the onscreen reunion of actors Uttam Pradhan and Niruta Singh after nearly two decades. Produced by Kimve Productions in collaboration with Dheeraj Infinity Films, the movie features senior editor Tara Thapa ‘Kimve’ as a producer. The production team has departed for Gurjakhani, Myagdi, for a scheduled 40-day shoot. The cast also includes Mukunda Shrestha, Samrant Thapa, Giri Vishwakarma, Gayatri Joshi, and Madan Thapa, with the project receiving support from various veteran filmmakers and the Nepal Chhantyal Association.

FIFA and AFC Demand Reinstatement of ANFA by May 4

FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have formally requested the National Sports Council (NSC) to lift the suspension of the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA). In a letter sent to the NSC, the international governing bodies set a deadline of May 4 to end the suspension, citing concerns over the violation of ANFA’s autonomy. The NSC had suspended ANFA for three months on March 25 after the association attempted to hold “early elections” that allegedly bypassed the national sports act. FIFA warned that failure to reinstate the football body by the specified date could lead to more severe complications for Nepali football on the international stage.

Dharan to Host National Ranking Badminton Tournament in May

The second Open and National Ranking Badminton Tournament is scheduled to take place in Dharan from May 1 to 3. Organized with an estimated budget of over Rs 2.3 million, the event expects participation from more than 450 local and national athletes. Competitions will span multiple categories, including men’s and women’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. The winner of the men’s singles will receive Rs 51,000, while the men’s doubles winners will be awarded Rs 121,000. To encourage local talent, special preliminary matches will also be held on April 27 and 28.

Construction of Cricket Stadium for 2028 Olympics Begins in California

Work has officially commenced on a new cricket stadium in Pomona, California, in preparation for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. At a special ceremony held on Wednesday at the Fairplex Grounds, ICC Chairman Jay Shah described the project as a major milestone for cricket’s 2.5 billion fans worldwide. Cricket is returning to the Olympics after 128 years, having last appeared in the 1900 games. The stadium will be used by the Major League Cricket team Los Angeles Knight Riders as early as July, well before the Olympics begin on July 14, 2028. The inclusion of T20 cricket for both men and women is expected to significantly expand the sport’s reach in the United States.

Israeli Strikes in Lebanon Kill Journalist, Raise War Crime Allegations

Air strikes in southern Lebanon killed a journalist and injured another, triggering allegations of violations of international humanitarian law. Officials say media workers were hit while seeking shelter and that rescue efforts were obstructed, including an ambulance reportedly targeted. Military sources denied targeting journalists, citing security threats linked to armed group activity. The incident adds to a pattern of recent casualties among journalists and medical personnel amid ongoing hostilities. Hundreds of strikes have hit civilian and service infrastructure during the conflict, with casualties mounting. The escalation comes as ceasefire efforts remain fragile and negotiations continue without a clear breakthrough.

World’s Key Oil Artery Under Strain as Iran Hardens Stance

Strait of Hormuz tensions escalated after Iran seized cargo vessels and enforced new controls following the collapse of peace talks. The waterway, a route for roughly one-fifth of global oil and gas trade, remains effectively restricted, with Iran demanding relief from a maritime blockade before reopening access. Military activity has intensified, including patrols and positioning of naval assets near the strait. Interceptions of tankers and disrupted shipping routes have added to uncertainty. Energy markets reacted with rising oil prices, while global equities showed mixed movement. The standoff underscores a prolonged disruption to one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.