KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Teachers continue protests for tenth consecutive day
Teachers and school staff across the country have remained on the streets for the tenth consecutive day, demanding the implementation of the Education Act and the fulfillment of previous agreements made by the government.
The educators are staging an academic strike, calling for the immediate promulgation of the Education Act and the execution of commitments that have repeatedly been promised but not delivered.
Court approves 12-day custody for Durga Prasai
The District Court of Kathmandu has granted permission to detain Durga Prasai and his bodyguards for 12 days to facilitate further investigation. The decision was made by a bench led by Judge Shishir Raj Dhakal, allowing the police to keep them in custody during the probe.
Durga Prasai brought to Kathmandu from Jhapa
Durga Prasai, who fled the country following a violent royalist protest in Tinkune, Kathmandu on March 28, has been brought to Kathmandu on Friday. Police have brought Durga Prasai and his bodyguard, Deepak Khadka, to Kathmandu after they fled following the violent royalist protest in Tinkune on March 28, where they called for the reinstatement of the monarchy.
They were flown from Bhadrapur Airport to Kathmandu on a Buddha Air flight. According to Nepal Police Central Spokesperson, Deputy Inspector General Dinesh Kumar Acharya, both Prasai and Khadka were arrested in Bhadrapur and transported to the capital via air.
At Bhadrapur Airport, Durga Prasai says: “Fight against smugglers, I came willingly, I fear no one”
Durga Prasai, who was arrested by Nepal Police near the Bhadrapur border on Friday, has sated that he is not afraid. Prasai, who played a prominent role in the violent pro-monarchy protest in Tinkune, Kathmandu on March 28, was apprehended and subsequently brought to the capital.
More arrests likely following Durga Prasai’s detention: Home Minister
Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has stated that the investigation into the recent violent protests led by pro-monarchy groups is ongoing and that additional arrests may follow after the detention of key suspect Durga Prasai.
Addressing a meeting of the Law, Justice and Human Rights Committee under the House of Representatives on Friday, Minister Lekhak confirmed that Prasai, the main accused in the incidents involving vandalism and arson, has been arrested. He added that efforts are underway to apprehend others involved in the violence.
Tinkune incident aimed to dismantle the system: Home Minister
Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has described the pro-monarchy violent protest in Tinkune on March 28 as a deliberate attempt to “tear up the constitution and destroy the system.” Speaking at a meeting of the Law, Justice, and Human Rights Committee under the House of Representatives on Friday, Lekhak said, “It was an attempt to tear up the constitution and undermine the democratic order.”
Don’t exploit Hinduism for divisive politics: Home Minister Lekhak
Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has called on all sides not to misuse Hinduism—a religion he described as the greatest in the world—for political gain.
Speaking at a meeting of the Law, Justice and Human Rights Committee, Lekhak affirmed his personal faith in Hinduism, stating: “I am someone who personally believes in Hinduism. It is a religion founded on one of the world’s most profound philosophies. There is no ambiguity in that. But let us not exploit such a noble religion for divisive political purposes.”
Petition filed in SC against ruling to detain Rabi Lamichhane
A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court (SC) challenging the decision of the Tulsipur bench of the Butwal High Court to remand Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP0 Chair Rabi Lamichhane to custody in connection with the cooperative fraud case. On Friday, RSP co-spokesperson Pratibha Rawal said that Rabi’s wife, Nikita Poudel, filed the writ petition at the apex court.
Gold price surges by Rs 3,900 in a single day
The price of gold reached a new record high in the domestic market on Friday, continuing its upward trend for the third consecutive day. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers, the price of gold rose by Rs 3,900 compared to the previous day.
It was traded at Rs 185,000 per tola, surpassing the previous day’s rate of Rs 181,100 per tola. The price of silver has also seen a slight increase. It rose by Rs 5 from Rs 1,900 per tola to Rs 1,905 per tola today.
High-level commission recommends revoking 15 acts to boost economic freedom
The High-Level Economic Reform Commission has recommended the repeal of 15 existing laws that it deems restrictive, outdated, or misused, as part of legal reforms aimed at creating an investment-friendly environment and lowering production costs.
In its report submitted to the government today, the commission stated that these laws restrain economic freedom, increase business costs, and are no longer relevant in the current context.
Prime Minister should take responsibility for Tinkune incident: RPP
The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) has asserted that Prime Minister KP Oli should take full responsibility for the violent incident that unfolded in Tinkune on March 28.
Speaking during a meeting of the Law, Justice, and Human Rights Committee under the House of Representatives on Friday, RPP Member of Parliament Dhruba Bahadur Pradhan accused the government of deliberately inciting the violence.
“The government provoked the incident. Our understanding is that the violence was orchestrated intentionally,” Pradhan said. “I am alleging that the Prime Minister himself was at fault—he instigated it.”
Man arrested for threatening UML leader Surya Thapa via WhatsApp
Police have arrested a 29-year-old man for allegedly threatening to kill Surya Thapa, a central member of the ruling CPN-UML. The suspect, Pradeep Panta of Sainamaina Municipality-11 in Rupandehi, reportedly sent a threatening message to Thapa via WhatsApp late at night.
Thapa expressed his gratitude to the police for swiftly acting on the threat and launching an investigation. He also shared a document on social media disclosing the identity of the accused. “I am thankful to the police for arresting the individual who sent me a threatening message at 11:46 p.m., writing ‘Life on Threat. Who is he? Check it out,” Thapa wrote.
RSP to hold Central Committee meeting on April 17
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has scheduled a meeting of its Central Committee for April 17. The decision was made during a recent meeting of the party’s Secretariat, according to acting spokesperson Manish Jha.
Jha stated that the Central Committee will make key decisions regarding the party’s ongoing mass march, which began in Chitwan.
RSP general convention in limbo after Lamichhane’s arrest
The upcoming general convention of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), scheduled for April, has become uncertain following the arrest of party chair Rabi Lamichhane.
According to party leaders, the two-day secretariat meeting held on Wednesday and Thursday after Lamichhane’s imprisonment did not make any decision regarding the convention.
Though the issue was discussed during the meeting, leaders said they are unsure if it will be possible to hold the event in April as planned. A final decision will be made during the party’s central committee meeting scheduled for April 17.
State Minister seeks explanation from Energy Secretary over program boycott
Minister of State for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Purna Bahadur Tamang, has issued a 24-hour explanation notice to Energy Secretary Suresh Acharya after the latter failed to attend a government event where the minister was the chief guest.
The controversy stems from an event held in Jawalakhel, Lalitpur on April 7 to mark Irrigation Day, where Secretary Acharya was reportedly absent despite being called repeatedly to the stage.
High-level commission urges reforms to boost investment and cut production costs
The High-Level Economic Reforms Suggestion Commission has recommended structural reforms to create an investment-friendly environment and reduce production costs to revitalize Nepal’s slowing economy.
The commission’s report was submitted today to Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel by Commission Chair and former Finance Secretary Rameshwor Prasad Khanal at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Finance. Chair Khanal stated that Nepal’s economic slowdown has been driven by weakening demand, declining investment, limited credit expansion, and a downturn in real estate transactions.
Red Panda and Tahr Festival from Monday
A two-day Red Panda and Tahr Festival-2025 is set to kick off this Monday in Khotang, marking the upcoming Mundum Trail Visit Year-2025 and aiming to raise awareness about endangered species and local tourism.
Organized by the Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi Municipality, the festival will be held at Hurlung along the Diktel-Halesi road section of the Mid-Hill Highway. The event seeks to promote the conservation of the endangered Red Panda and Himalayan Tahr, both native to the Himalayan region.
Govt focused on constitutional amendment, good governance and economic revival: Minister Gurung
Minister for Communications and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung said on Wednesday that the government’s top priorities include constitutional amendment, good governance, and revitalizing the national economy.
Speaking to journalists at Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa, Minister Gurung—who also serves as the government spokesperson—said a task force comprising leaders of the ruling Nepali Congress and CPN-UML is actively reviewing constitutional provisions to make the document more inclusive and widely accepted.
Two killed in separate accidents in Makawanpur
Two individuals lost their lives in separate accidents in Makawanpur district on Monday, police confirmed. Bhuminanda Timalsina, 55, of Simaltar Rural Municipality-5, died after being electrocuted while cleaning his house in Makawanpurgadhi.
He succumbed to his injuries during treatment at Hetauda Hospital, according to Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Shyam Aryal. In a separate incident, a 76-year-old pedestrian, Anirudra Bastakoti, died after being struck by a scooter at Gurudham Chowk, Hetauda Sub-metropolitan City-16, along the Hetauda–Dharan Chatara road section.
Gold hits record high in international market amid falling dollar
Gold prices soared to an all-time high in the international market on Friday, reaching $3,219.84 per ounce, as investors flocked to the precious metal amid a weakening U.S. dollar and escalating global trade tensions.
The surge in gold prices comes as the U.S. dollar index (DXY) dropped to 99.71 points, its lowest level in a year, following heightened trade war rhetoric from U.S. President Donald Trump.
The price rally reflects growing uncertainty in global markets, with traders seeking stability in commodities like gold during periods of economic and geopolitical instability.
Commission suggests increasing retirement age and changing social security rules
A government-appointed commission has suggested increasing the retirement age of civil servants and changing the age limit for senior citizens to receive social security allowances. The High-Level Economic Reforms Recommendation Commission has recommended raising the retirement age for government employees from 58 to 60 years, and the age for receiving senior citizen allowances from 68 to 70 years.
Indian vlogger beaten in Bhojpur, claims racist slurs and police neglect
An Indian vlogger and dancer, Ratul Rogx, has come forward with serious allegations of physical assault and racial abuse during his recent visit to Bhojpur, casting a shadow over the growing popularity of the Mundhum trekking route.
Rogx, who had travelled to Bhojpur to participate in a dance competition, was reportedly assaulted by a group of local youths led by Santosh Chamling Rai, a controversial figure with a history of arrests.
The attack occurred in Chakhiya, a location within the Mundhum trail. In a video shared on social media after fleeing to India, Rogx claimed that he was verbally abused with racial slurs and violently beaten, resulting in visible injuries, including severe facial swelling.
Calls grow to investigate former King Gyanendra for role in Tinkune protest
There are increasing demands to investigate former King Gyanendra Shah for his alleged role in the royalist protest that turned violent in Tinkune, Kathmandu, on March 28, leading to the deaths of two people.
Leaders from various political parties have stated that Shah, along with protest leader Durga Prasai, should be held accountable for the incident.
CPN-UML leader Sachet Mahesh Bartaula has already said that the former king should be implicated. Similarly, Ghanshyam Bhusal, General Secretary of the CPN (Unified Socialist), also said the former monarch should be made responsible.
Capable human resources essential for national security: PM Oli
Prime Minister (PM) KP Oli emphasized the importance of capable human resources for safeguarding national security, noting the increasingly dynamic, multi-faceted, and challenging nature of today’s security environment.
Speaking at the induction parade ceremony for newly commissioned cadets of various Nepali Army groups, held at the Nepali Military Academy in Kharipati, Bhaktapur, Prime Minister Oli highlighted the critical role of a well-trained and professional military force.
Environment-friendly transport a national priority: Minister Dahal
Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Devendra Dahal, has emphasized that developing environment-friendly transport systems and infrastructure is a national priority for Nepal.
Addressing the Third International Transport Conference 2025 in Kathmandu today, Minister Dahal underscored Nepal’s commitment to minimizing environmental impacts during the implementation of development projects. He pledged government support for the promotion of eco-friendly vehicles and sustainable transport solutions.
Govt focused on constitution amendment and good governance: Minister Gurung
Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, has stated that constitutional amendment, promotion of good governance, and revitalization of the economy are top priorities of the current government.
Speaking to media at Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa, Minister Gurung, who also serves as the government spokesperson, said that the Constitution will be amended in a manner that ensures broader civic-level acceptance.
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