KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Former King Gyanendra delivers political message, predicts public-backed system in 2082 BS
Former King Gyanendra Shah has released a politically charged message on the occasion of Nepali New Year 2082, expressing hope that the country will move toward a new system aligned with the will of the people.
In a 14-minute video address, Shah said that while each new year begins with excitement, it often ends in disappointment due to the current political instability. Echoing sentiments from his earlier message on Democracy Day (Falgun 7), Shah warned that the nation remains trapped in corruption and unrest.
Referring to himself as the king, Shah extended New Year greetings to all Nepalis and stressed the importance of restraint when expressing political beliefs. “Freedom of expression is a beautiful aspect of democracy,” he said. “But such expression must be exercised with maturity and discipline.”
Supreme Court seeks statement of clarification on Rabi Lamichhane’s detention order
The Supreme Court has sought a clarification from the Tulsipur High Court regarding its decision to remand Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Rabi Lamichhane into custody. The request was made by a single bench of Justice Tek Prasad Dhungana on Sunday, following a preliminary hearing. The clarification must provide the legal rationale behind the High Court’s order to detain Lamichhane for trial.
Lamichhane, who is facing charges in the Supreme Cooperative fraud case, had filed a petition at the Supreme Court on Friday challenging the Butwal bench’s order.
Prachanda insists on govt led by Nepali Congress
Chairman of Maoist Center, Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has suggested that the foundation for forming a new government has been laid with the arrival of the Nepali New Year. Speaking to journalists in his home district of Chitwan, Prachanda indicated that the formation of a government under the leadership of the Nepali Congress (NC) is now a possibility.
When asked by a journalist about the prospects of a new government in the new year, Prachanda responded that while his party was not primarily focused on government formation, the situation was now pushing in that direction.
Birgunj curfew extended, will continue until midnight
The curfew imposed by local authorities in Birgunj, Parsa, since Saturday evening will remain in effect until midnight tonight. An all-party meeting held at the District Administration Office today reviewed the situation and decided to extend the curfew until midnight. The meeting was attended by representatives from various political parties, civil society, people’s representatives, and security agencies.
Natural disasters claim 745 lives past one year
In the past year, a total of 745 people lost their lives in disaster-related incidents across the country, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA).
The Authority reported that 8,861 disasters occurred over the year, resulting not only in fatalities but also in significant human and economic impact.
Spokesperson Ram Bahadur KC stated that 69 people went missing and 1,702 were injured in these events. In total, 18,991 households were affected, and the estimated economic loss amounted to Rs 3.13 billion.
Deuba calls for dialogue to address teachers’ demands
Nepali Congress (NC) President Sher Bahadur Deuba has called on the government to respond to the genuine demands of protesting teachers through dialogue and mutual understanding.
Speaking at an event organized by the Nepal Muslim Association at the party’s headquarters in Sanepa on Sunday, Deuba emphasized that any issues regarding the teachers’ concerns should be resolved through open discussion.
T20I series: Nepal misses out on title after narrow loss to Kuwait
Nepal came agonizingly close to winning the four-nation T20I series but lost the final to Kuwait by just 3 runs in a thrilling finish in Hong Kong. Chasing a challenging target of 175 runs, Nepal was bowled out for 171 in 19.3 overs. Despite a slow start, the match turned exciting thanks to standout performances from Bashir Ahmed and Nandan Yadav.
Bashir played a stellar innings, scoring 80 runs off 43 balls with eight fours and four sixes. Nandan’s explosive 37 from just 14 balls, including two fours and four sixes, reignited Nepal’s hopes.
Leader-driven planning sparks financial disarray in Gandaki Province
Seven years into the federal system, public dissatisfaction with Gandaki Province’s governance is mounting—primarily due to the provincial government’s style of operation.
Although budget formulation is meant to follow structured policies and programs aligned with long-term plans, there is little to no coordination between them. While provincial leaders and officials often claim that budgets are crafted based on federal and provincial periodic plans, the reality paints a different picture.
Gold price hits all-time high
The price of gold has reached a new record high today, after rising by a total of Rs. 9,600 per tola over the past two days. Gold prices surged by Rs. 5,700 per tola on Thursday and Rs. 3,900 on Friday. Today, the price increased by another Rs. 1,000 per tola, setting a new all-time high.
According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers, gold was priced at Rs. 186,000 per tola. On Friday, it was trading at Rs. 185,000 per tola.
Two die in Bhojpur road accident
Two people lost their lives in a road accident that occurred at Setibagar in Bhojpur Municipality-3. The incident took place when a tractor (Province 1-02-003 Ta. 1124), transporting cow dung from Bokhim in Ward No. 5 of the municipality, met with an accident last night.
According to Yubaraj Timsina, Chief of the District Police Office, the deceased have been identified as 52-year-old Nir Prasad Phuyal, a ward member of Bhojpur Municipality-5, and 55-year-old Bhakta Bahadur Thapa, a resident of the same locality.
Air pollution in Kathmandu Valley rises as rains subside
Air pollution levels in the Kathmandu Valley have surged once again as recent rains and winds begin to taper off. On Saturday, Kathmandu was ranked 42nd among the world’s most polluted cities. As of 9:45 a.m. today (Sunday), it has climbed to seventh place, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 153.
Sujan from Bode to pierce his tongue for third time on April 15
Twenty-eight-year-old Sujan Bagha Shrestha of Bode, Madhyapurthimi Municipality, is set to pierce his tongue for the third time during the annual Tongue Piercing Festival, celebrated on Baisakh 2, the second day of the Nepali New Year.
Sujan is the youngest son of 50-year-old Buddha Krishna Bagha Shrestha, who himself pierced his tongue nine times as part of the same tradition. Sujan’s uncle, Krishna Chandra Bagha Shrestha, holds the record in the family, having pierced his tongue 12 times.
Brother killed, sister injured in Tanahu road accident
A teenage boy lost his life and his younger sister was injured in a road accident along the Prithvi Highway on Saturday late afternoon.
According to the District Police Office, Tanahu, 18-year-old Manish Alemagar of Byas Municipality-6 died after the scooter he was riding as a passenger, along with his 15-year-old sister Anisha Alemagar, was struck by a tipper truck at Phusrekhola in Myagde Rural Municipality-1.
20 arrested for robbing Rs 6 million in Pepsicola Town Planning area
A robbery involving Rs 6 million in cash took place in the Pepsicola Town Planning area around 9 p.m. on Wednesday night. The amount was stolen from two bags belonging to a man who had reportedly brought the money to settle a land deal.
According to District Police Range Kathmandu spokesperson SP Apil Raj Bohara, 20 individuals have been taken into custody in connection with the case. The police have yet to make a public statement, citing an ongoing investigation.
Five local levels in Banke sans fire engines
Five out of the eight local levels in Banke district lack a fire engine to respond to fire incidents within their jurisdictions. Only three local levels—Nepalgunj Sub-Municipal Corporation, Kohalpur Municipality, and Narainapur Rural Municipality—currently have fire engines.
Nepalgunj has three fire engines, while Kohalpur and Narainapur each have one. Additionally, Nepalgunj Airport is equipped with two fire engines, and the Nepal Oil Corporation’s Ranjha facility has one.
FNCCI President Dhakal urges budget alignment with Reform Commission recommendations
President of the Federation of Nepal Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Chandra Prasad Dhakal, has urged the government to prepare the upcoming budget in line with the recommendations of the High-Level Economic Reform Commission.
Speaking at an interaction on budget and revenue policy organized by the Revenue Advisory Committee under the Ministry of Finance in Rupandehi on Saturday, Dhakal said that aligning the budget with the commission’s suggestions would help address several pressing economic issues.
PM lays foundation stone for Gauradaha City Hospital
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli laid the foundation stone for Gauradaha City Hospital in Jhapa today. The ceremony was held at Chautu Chowk in Ward No. 1 of the municipality.
Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Oli expressed confidence that the hospital would serve not only local residents but also people from neighboring areas of India. He added that the hospital’s services could be expanded as needed and emphasized the government’s commitment to delivering basic services across all sectors through the use of information and technology.
Fourth session of Madhes Province Assembly concludes
The fourth session of the Madhes Province Assembly has been officially prorogued, effective from midnight on Saturday. According to the Office of the Province Chief, the session was concluded by Madhes Province Chief Sumitra Subedi Bhandari on the recommendation of the provincial cabinet meeting held earlier the same day.
65 bridges built in Karnali over 21 months
Karnali Province has seen the construction of 65 bridges over the past 21 months, according to the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Urban Development. These include 23 RCC and 42 suspension bridges, with six suspension bridges built between July and December of the current fiscal year.
Spokesperson Ramesh Subedi reported motorable bridges were completed on five roads, while four suspension bridges were built in Humla and two in Kalikot. One motorable bridge each was completed in Surkhet, Jajarkot, Kalikot, Mugu, and Salyan.
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