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 Paudel to Address Joint Session of Federal Parliament

President Ram Chandra Paudel is scheduled to address a joint session of both houses of the Federal Parliament on Friday, April 10, at 3:00 PM. According to Ritesh Kumar Shakya, spokesperson for the President’s Office, the address was finalized following a recommendation from the Council of Ministers. Under Article 95 of the Constitution, the president is required to address the joint session following the first session after elections. The address is expected to outline the government’s upcoming priorities and legislative agenda, marking a formal milestone in the current parliamentary calendar as the houses convene to hear the head of state’s message.

Deputy Speaker Election Scheduled for April 10

The election for the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives is set to take place on April 10. Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal announced the election date during a parliamentary session on Wednesday. Following Aryal’s election as speaker, the process for the deputy speaker, who must be of a different gender and party, has moved forward. The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which holds a near two-thirds majority in parliament, is expected to play a decisive role. Recent meetings between RSP Chairman Rabi Lamichhane and RPP leader Gyan Bahadur Shahi on April 4 suggest a potential agreement between the two parties for the position.

PM Balen Shah Reaffirms Global Diplomatic Partnerships

Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) held a collective meeting with ambassadors and heads of various diplomatic missions in Nepal at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers on Wednesday. During the courtesy visit, Prime Minister Shah emphasized that his government places high importance on its relations with all nations. He expressed a commitment to strengthening partnerships based on mutual trust and reciprocal benefits. The meeting served to reassure the international community of Nepal’s stable foreign policy and its openness to collaborative projects that support national development goals and regional stability through transparent and constructive engagement with global partners.

Foreign Ministry Conducted Diplomatic Code of Conduct Briefing for Cabinet

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs conducted a comprehensive presentation on diplomatic etiquette and the ‘Foreign Affairs and Diplomatic Code of Conduct’ for all ministers on Wednesday. Led by Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai, the session at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers covered Nepal’s foreign policy priorities, international relations, and the promotion of national interests. Press Secretary Deepa Dahal noted that the briefing detailed specific procedures for meeting foreign officials, technical aspects of diplomatic protocol, and the boundaries to be observed to maintain Nepal’s sovereign dignity. Secretary Rai emphasized the importance of balanced relations and strict adherence to established international norms during all official diplomatic interactions.

National Assembly Vice-Chair Quits Party Roles to Maintain Neutrality

Lila Kumari Bhandari, the newly elected vice chairperson of the National Assembly, announced her resignation from all political party responsibilities on Wednesday. Previously a central member of the CPN (UML), Bhandari issued a statement confirming her withdrawal to ensure impartiality and neutrality in her new constitutional role. She was elected unopposed to the position on April 6. The move follows the parliamentary tradition of presiding officers distancing themselves from partisan politics to uphold the dignity and fairness of the upper house’s legislative proceedings and administrative functions.

Interpol Notice Sought for Deuba Couple in Money Laundering Case

The Kathmandu District Court has issued arrest warrants for former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife, former Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, in a money laundering case. The investigation by the Department of Money Laundering Investigation began after foreign and local currency was found at their Budhanilkantha residence following arson during the ‘Gen Z’ protests on September 8 and 9, 2025. As the couple are currently in Hong Kong for medical treatment, Nepal Police are preparing to issue a Red Corner Notice through Interpol. Meanwhile, former Minister Deepak Khadka remains in custody as part of the same investigation, and Home Minister Sudhan Gurung confirmed that the source of the recovered funds is under serious scrutiny.

Nepal Bar Association Requests Stay on Administrative Court Hearings

The Nepal Bar Association (NBA) has requested the Administrative Court to postpone all hearings, except for urgent matters, following new security restrictions at Singha Durbar. The NBA sent a letter to the court’s chairperson after the government mandated that legal practitioners must obtain a “gate pass” to enter the complex, rather than using their professional identity cards. General Secretary Kedar Prasad Koirala stated that these hurdles create difficulties in representing clients. The NBA has urged Prime Minister Baalen Shah to facilitate easier access, noting that regular court proceedings, including the publication of the cause list, should be suspended until the previous entry arrangements for lawyers are restored.

Supreme Court Dismisses Writ Against Om Prakash Aryal’s Nomination

A constitutional bench of the Supreme Court, led by Acting Chief Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla, dismissed a writ petition filed against the nomination of former Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal to the National Assembly. The petition, filed by advocates Manish Kumar Shrestha and others on March 19, was quashed during its first hearing on Wednesday. Aryal had been recommended for the vacant seat on March 15 by the government led by Sushila Karki. The seat became vacant after Bamdev Gautam resigned shortly before his term ended on March 4. President Ram Chandra Paudel had previously held the recommendation before the court’s final ruling.

Lawmaker Mahabir Pun Urges Government to Eradicate Nepotism

In a Wednesday session of the House of Representatives, Lawmaker Mahabir Pun called on the government and political parties to eliminate “viruses” like nepotism, favoritism, and flattery that weaken the governance system. He argued that these trends have persisted since the unification of Nepal and urged ministers and lawmakers to stop appointing relatives to public positions. Pun also highlighted that Gulmi district, despite being declared a “mountain district” in 2018, has yet to receive the basic services and benefits associated with that status. He demanded that the government immediately provide the necessary facilities and infrastructure promised to the residents of Gulmi.

Army Chief Emphasizes Military Role in National Unity and Security

Chief of Army Staff Ashok Raj Sigdel affirmed that the army remains at the forefront of maintaining national unity and protecting the country’s sovereignty. Speaking at a veterans’ conference on Wednesday, he highlighted the army’s historical contributions to Nepal’s independence and international peacekeeping. Army Chief Sigdel noted that while the institution is respected globally, the ‘Nepali Army Welfare Board’ faces sustainability challenges due to economic contraction, falling interest rates on fixed deposits, and a reduction in the number of troops deployed for peacekeeping missions. He emphasized the need for the army to evolve to meet both current and future security challenges.

Govt. Prioritizes Completion of National Irrigation Projects

Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Viraj Bhakta Shrestha announced on Wednesday that major irrigation projects like Sikta, Bheri-Babai, and Rani Jamara Kulariya will no longer be left in limbo. Speaking on the 73rd Irrigation Day, he stated that the Sunkoshi-Marin project’s procurement process will be completed within 90 days, while Bheri-Babai is targeted for completion in two years. Minister Shrestha emphasized a shift toward an integrated system linking irrigation with energy, food security, and livelihoods. He also stressed the need for inter-ministerial coordination to remove obstacles facing large systems like the Gandak and Bagmati projects.

Energy Ministry Sets Deadlines for Key Liquidity and Power Projects

Minister for Energy Biraj Bhakta Shrestha has instructed agencies, including the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), to prepare immediate “checklists” for projects that can be completed within the current fiscal year. During a meeting with leadership from the Water and Energy Commission and the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre, Minister Shrestha expressed his willingness to facilitate budget transfers if allocated funds remain unspent while other essential programs face shortages. He urged the development of an “Action Plan” in coordination with local municipalities to achieve energy self-sufficiency. Additionally, he directed the start of preparatory work for energy development models in collaboration with universities and “Energy Startup” projects.

Health Insurance Reaches One-Third of Population in First Decade

On the 10th anniversary of the Health Insurance Program, Minister for Labor Deepak Kumar Shah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing quality healthcare to all citizens. The Health Insurance Board reported that the program now covers nearly one-third of Nepal’s population, with 93% of premium-paying members utilizing the services. Currently, a contribution of Rs 3,500 per year covers a family of five for treatment up to Rs 100,000. Executive Director Krishna Prasad Paudel highlighted plans for institutional reforms and faster claim settlements through the maximum use of technology to address service provider complaints.

Police Arrest 33 Intermediaries Operating in Government Offices

The Madhesh Province Police Office arrested 33 intermediaries on Wednesday for operating illegally within various government offices. Arrests were made at transport and land revenue offices in Parsa, Rautahat, Sarlahi, Dhanusha, and Saptari. Preliminary investigations revealed that the individuals were extorting extra money from citizens by promising faster services, providing false information, and causing irregularities in service delivery. The police stated that the police are coordinating with relevant agencies to identify other involved parties and warned of strict legal action against anyone hindering transparent government service.

Kathmandu Metro to Reconstruct 200-Year-Old Gagneshwar Temple

The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has decided to complete the reconstruction of the Gagneshwar Mahadev Temple in Ward 32, which was originally destroyed in the 1934 earthquake. Work had previously stalled at the foundation level due to a lack of provincial funding. KMC Heritage and Tourism Committee Coordinator Ashaman Sangat stated that the temple will be built in a three-roof style. Despite delays from the Department of Archaeology, KMC officials insisted that social beliefs and oral history should guide the design in the absence of written documents. The metropolis also plans to conduct feasibility studies for the reconstruction of the Koteshwar Mahadev Temple.

Teacher Attrition Rises as New Generations Avoid the Profession

An estimated 1,000 teachers leave their profession annually in Nepal, often migrating to the civil service or other sectors for better security and benefits. Mahendra Parajuli, spokesperson for the Education and Human Resource Development Center, acknowledged the trend as individuals seek better opportunities. Prof. Bal Chandra Luitel of Kathmandu University warned that without intervention, Nepal could face a shortage of over 100,000 teachers within three years. To mitigate this, the government is developing a “Teacher Bank” to mobilize graduates as volunteers. Currently, about 279,585 teachers are employed across the country’s community and institutional schools.

Rekha Thapa Completes Filming of ‘Maya Bhanekai Yesto Hola’

Actress Rekha Thapa has wrapped up the filming of her latest directorial venture, Maya Bhanekai Yesto Hola, after 28 days of shooting. The project marks Thapa’s return to the director’s chair after eight years, following her previous films Himmatwali and Malika. Produced under Diya and Amu Films, the movie features a cast of four former Miss Nepals, including Shrishti Shrestha, Namrata Shrestha, Neeti Shah, and Usha Khadgi, alongside veteran actor Madan Krishna Shrestha. The script, written by Dhruv Lamsal after a 10-year hiatus, tells a social love story. The production team aims to release the film nationwide during next year’s Teej festival.

Bagmati Province Defeats Koshi in PM Cup as Sandeep Takes 5 Wickets

Bagmati Province secured a dominant 7-wicket victory over Koshi Province in the Prime Minister’s Cup Men’s National Cricket Tournament on Wednesday. Playing in Janakpur, Bagmati captain Sandeep Lamichhane took 5 wickets for 33 runs, restricting Koshi to just 99 runs in 28.2 overs. Koshi’s captain Sujan Thapaliya top-scored with 21 runs. In response, Bagmati chased down the 100-run target in just 9 overs, led by Bibek Magar’s unbeaten 61 runs. With this win, Bagmati moves to 6 points from 7 matches, while Koshi remains at the bottom with only 1 point.

Nepal to Host ICC World Cup League-2 Series in Kirtipur

The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has announced that Nepal will host two triangular series of the ICC World Cup League-2 at the Kirtipur grounds. The first series, featuring Oman and the UAE, will run from April 25 to May 5. The second series, featuring the USA and Scotland, is scheduled from May 12 to May 22. These matches were previously postponed due to regional tensions in the Gulf. Currently, the USA leads the standings with 36 points, while Nepal sits in seventh place with 12 points from 20 matches. The top four teams in the league will qualify directly for the 2027 One Day International World Cup.

US and Iran Agree to Two-Week Temporary Ceasefire

After more than a month of intense conflict, the United States and Iran reached a two-week temporary ceasefire on Wednesday. The agreement was finalized just one hour before a deadline set by US President Donald Trump, who described it as a “decisive victory.” Iran also claimed a “historic win” and agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil route, for the duration of the pause. Pakistan will host formal negotiations starting Friday, April 10. While global oil prices dropped by 17% following the news, long-term stability remains uncertain as both nations maintain conflicting demands regarding nuclear programs and regional military presence.

Israel Joins Ceasefire but Excludes Lebanon Operations

The White House confirmed that Israel has agreed to the temporary ceasefire with Iran; however, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clarified that the pause does not apply to Lebanon. Military operations against Hezbollah will continue, where conflict has already resulted in over 1,500 fatalities. The broader conflict, which escalated following the reported death of Iran’s Supreme Leader in February, has seen extensive damage to infrastructure across the region. While Iran indicated the ceasefire covers all fronts, the Israeli stance indicates that localized fighting may persist despite the broader halt in direct US-Iran hostilities.

India’s RBI Maintains Interest Rates Amid Middle East Conflict Risks

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) decided to keep its benchmark repo rate unchanged at 5.25% during its Monetary Policy Committee meeting on Wednesday. Governor Sanjay Malhotra stated the decision aims to stabilize the economy against inflation risks exacerbated by the Iran war, which began on February 28. The RBI noted that while the Indian rupee has faced pressure, the recent two-week ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz may ease fuel and energy supply constraints. This move follows a cumulative 125 basis point cut in February, with analysts praising the current hold as a necessary step for market confidence.

Pakistan to Host High-Level Peace Talks in Islamabad

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has invited delegations from the United States and Iran to Islamabad for decisive peace talks scheduled for Friday, April 10. Following the announcement of a two-week ceasefire, Sharif expressed gratitude to both leaderships for choosing mediation over further destruction. Pakistan, alongside China, Turkey, and Egypt, played a central role in preventing a large-scale military escalation that threatened Iranian civilian infrastructure. While Sharif expressed optimism for a permanent resolution, the talks face significant hurdles, including US demands for total nuclear control and Iran’s insistence on the removal of international sanctions and the withdrawal of US forces from the region.