Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.

Nepal records 28 new cases of COVID-19 in a week

A surge in patients exhibiting symptoms of Coronavirus infection has been observed over the past week. Reports indicate an increase in cases of fever and flu among the populace, according to medical professionals. Dr. Prakash Budhathoki, the spokesperson at the Ministry of Health and Population, revealed that 28 new cases of COVID-19 were detected in the previous week. All these cases were individuals who had recently traveled from neighboring India to Sudurpaschim Province. The emergence of the new variant of Coronavirus, JN.1, first identified in India last January, has led to sporadic cases of COVID-19 in Nepal.

Annapurna Conservation Area Project receives 30k tourists in March

A total of 30,199 foreign tourists visited the Annapurna region in March. This includes 14,668 tourists from South Asian countries and 15,531 tourists from other countries, according to According to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). The arrival of tourists has increased with the end of the cold season and the number is expected to grow further in April, said Chief of ACAP Dr Rabin Kadaria. In 2023, a total of 191,558 tourists from 173 countries had visited the Annapurna region, a record so far. It surpassed the highest so far of 181,000 before Corona Virus pandemic in 2019. The number was 129,733 in 2022.

EC appoints Chief Returning Officer for Ilam-2 by-elections

The Election Commission (EC) has appointed Chief Returning Officer for the by-elections to be held in Ilam-2 on April 27. The Election Commission appointed District Judge Keshav Prasad Ghimire as the Chief Returning Officer. Meanwhile, the District Election Office Ilam stated that the office of the Chief Returning Officer will be established at the Ilam headquarters on Thursday. The final voter list will be published along with the establishment of the office of the Chief Returning Officer.

Gold price soars to unprecedented levels

The price of gold has once again soared to unprecedented levels. After experiencing a slight dip yesterday (Tuesday), gold prices surged by Rs 1,800 per tola today, following Monday’s record-setting spike. According to the Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of fine gold has been fixed at Rs 133,000 per tola and standard gold is traded at Rs 132,350 per tola.

Maoist leader Kali Kham Magar taken to Chitwan

Former division commander of the then Maoist People’s Army, 3rd Division in Shaktikhor Kali Bahadur Khammagar has been taken to Chitwan. A resident of Uttarganga Rural Municipality-6 in Rukum, the 50-year-old was arrested from Thamel in Kathmandu on Tuesday. He has been sent to the District Police Office Chitwan for further investigation into the case of abduction and murder, District Police Range Kathmandu spokesperson and Superintendent of Police Nawaraj Adhikari said. Khammagar has been accused of kidnapping and killing Ramhari Shrestha of Koteshwar, Kathmandu.

NC issues ultimatum demanding probe committee on Home Minister Lamichhane

Nepali Congress (NC) General Secretary, Bishwaprakash Sharma, has raised concerns over the absence of an inquiry committee regarding Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane’s involvement in a cooperative fraud case. Speaking during today’s meeting of the House of Representatives, NC leader Sharma reiterated the NC’s stance, insisting on a parliamentary inquiry against the Home Minister concerning the cooperative case. Sharma also dismissed reports that NC had offered the post of Prime Minister to Rabi Lamichhane before the formation of the new alliance.

World Bank predicts Nepal’s inflation to stay at 6.7% in 2024

According to the World Bank’s Nepal Development Update released on Tuesday, the consumer price inflation in Nepal is expected to persist at 6.7% in the Fiscal Year 2024, hovering near the central bank’s 6.5% ceiling. This projection is attributed to several factors including the removal of VAT exemptions, India’s food export restrictions, and increased paddy minimum support prices. However, a decline in inflation is forecasted for FY25 (6%) and FY26 (5.5%), driven by global commodity price moderation and domestic price containment through monetary policy.

Gandaki Province Chief sets deadline for govt formation amid CM’s resignation

Following the resignation of Chief Minister Surendra Raj Pandey, the Province Chief of Gandaki Province has called upon political parties to assert their claim to the Chief Minister’s post within the next seven days. The deadline, set for April 9 at 3 PM, aims to expedite the process of government formation in the province as per Article 168 of the Constitution of Nepal.

National Assembly Vice-Chairman election set for April 10

The National Assembly (NA) is gearing up to hold elections to fill the vacant position of Vice-Chairman on April 10, as announced today by NA Chairman Narayan Dahal. The vacancy arose following the resignation of Urmila Aryal on May 28, as per an agreement within the ruling alliance.

Ireland Wolves triumph over Nepal ‘A’ by 21 runs in ODI opener

In the thrilling opening match of the ODI series, Ireland Wolves clinched victory over Nepal ‘A’ by a margin of 21 runs on Wednesday. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Ireland Wolves managed to score 157 runs before being all out in 38.3 overs. Kamal Singh Aire showcased exceptional bowling skills, claiming four wickets with an impressive hat-trick. Additionally, Sahab Alam and Mausam Dhakal secured two wickets each, while Rijan Dhakal contributed with one wicket. Cade Carmichael led the charge for Ireland Wolves with a top score of 51 runs, supported by NA Rock’s 39 runs. In response to the modest target of 158 runs, Nepal ‘A’ faltered, being bowled out for 136 runs in 25.3 overs by the Irish team.

CM Raj Kumar Sharma steps down from Karnali Province leadership

In a significant development, Chief Minister Raj Kumar Sharma of Karnali Province has tendered his resignation from his position. During Wednesday’s session of the Provincial Assembly, CM Sharma formally announced his decision to step down. He cited the shifting political landscape as the primary reason behind his resignation, opting to relinquish his post without undergoing a vote of confidence.

Supreme Court orders detention of suspended Judge Giri in marital rape case

The Supreme Court (SC) has issued an order to detain suspended judge Bhuvan Giri in connection with a marital rape case. In a significant ruling, a joint bench comprising judges Hari Phuyal and Til Prasad Shrestha overturned the decision of the High Court, instructing authorities to remand Giri in custody. This decision comes after both the Kathmandu District Court and the Patan High Court had previously granted bail to Giri.

RPP decides not to support the ruling alliance at provincial level

The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) has made a decisive move by opting not to back the ruling alliance in the formation of provincial governments. In a meeting held on Wednesday, the party’s office bearers reached the decision, as confirmed by party spokesperson Mohan Shrestha. According to Shrestha, the RPP is inclined to lend its support to the opposition coalition, signaling a shift in political dynamics at the provincial level.

Nepal secures spot in SMS Friendship Cup finals with eight-run victory over Gujarat

Nepal has clinched a spot in the finals of the SMS Friendship Cup in India after defeating Gujarat by eight runs. In the first innings, Nepal posted a challenging target of 182 runs for Gujarat to chase down. Opening batsmen Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh led the charge with half-centuries each, forming a solid partnership of 125 runs for the opening wicket. Bhurtel contributed 67 runs, while Sheikh scored an impressive 85 runs. On the bowling front, Jayamet Patel was the standout performer for Gujarat, claiming three wickets, supported by Arya Desai and Drushant Soni, who took two wickets each. In the ongoing T20 tri-series, this victory marks Nepal’s third consecutive win. In the previous matches, Nepal emerged victorious against both Gujarat and Baroda.

Karnali Province calls for political parties to form new government

Province Chief Tilak Pariyar of Karnali Province has issued a call to political parties, urging them to stake their claim for the position of Chief Minister within the next seven days. Following the resignation of Chief Minister Raj Kumar Sharma on Wednesday, the Province Chief has initiated the process for the formation of a new government in accordance with Article 169(1) of the Constitution of Nepal. As per the constitutional provision, the Chief of Province is tasked with appointing the leader of the parliamentary party with a majority in the Provincial Assembly as the Chief Minister.