KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Raghuji Pant appointed Minister of Education, Science and Technology
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has reshuffled the Cabinet.
On Wednesday, he appointed CPN-UML lawmaker Raghuji Pant as the Minister of Education, Science, and Technology, filling the vacancy left after Vidya Bhattarai resigned from the post earlier this week.
Following Bhattarai’s resignation on Monday, the ministry had remained without a leader. Alongside Pant’s appointment, Prime Minister Oli also dismissed Minister of State for Energy Purna Bahadur Tamang on the same day.
Tinkune incident: Court extends detention of Durga Prasai, Rabindra Mishra and 22 others by 3 days
The Kathmandu District Court has granted permission to extend the detention of medical entrepreneur Durga Prasai, Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) leader Rabindra Mishra, and 22 others for an additional three days.
A bench led by Judge Dhruvraj Karki issued the decision to allow further investigation into charges of crimes against the state, according to police sources.
The individuals were arrested in connection with a violent protest in Tinkune, Kathmandu on March 28 (Chaitra 15), which resulted in the death of two people.
Purna Bahadur Tamang says next in line for dismissal is PM Oli
Following his dismissal from the post of Minister of State for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation on Wednesday, Purna Bahadur Tamang warned that Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli will be the next to be removed from office.
“We will now work towards removing KP Oli from the post of Prime Minister. He won’t remain Prime Minister forever,” said Tamang, who also serves as the Ramechhap District President of the Nepali Congress. “Just as he dismissed me, his time will come too. I’ll actively pursue this campaign.”
Before his dismissal, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak had reportedly urged Tamang to resign, citing the prime minister’s directive.
NC-UML coalition lacks legitimacy, govt must step down: Maoist Center
The Maoist Center has stated that Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli no longer holds the moral authority to remain in office, even for a single day.
Speaking at a press conference held at the party headquarters in Parisdanda on Wednesday, party spokesperson and vice-chairman Agni Prasad Sapkota stated that the current government has completely lost its political legitimacy and has failed to justify its existence.
“The coalition is unnatural, non-transparent, and contrary to constitutional ethics,” said Sapkota, adding that the government has not accomplished a single act in favor of the nation or the people.
UML assures Education Bill passage by Baisakh end, urges teachers to end protests
CPN-UML Chief Whip Mahesh Bartaula has assured that the Education Bill will be passed in Parliament by the end of Baisakh (mid-May). Speaking to the media following a meeting between the party’s chief whips and whips with Speaker Devraj Ghimire on Wednesday, Bartaula stated that the demands of the teachers would be addressed during the upcoming budget session.
The government has scheduled the budget session for April 25. Bartaula urged teachers to end their ongoing protests, emphasizing their responsibility towards education and encouraging them to rejoin educational activities.
Maoist Centre calls for immediate passage of School Education Bill
The Maoist Centre has urged the government to address the legitimate demands of teachers by swiftly passing the School Education Bill.
In a press conference held at the party headquarters in Parisdanda today, party vice-chair and spokesperson Agni Prasad Sapkota emphasized the need to create an environment that would encourage striking teachers to return to schools by passing the Education Bill at the start of the upcoming parliamentary session.
Govt prepared to address teachers’ legitimate demands, urges end to protests
The government has expressed its readiness to address the legitimate demands of protesting teachers. Announcing the Cabinet decisions at Singha Durbar on Wednesday, government spokesperson and Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Prithvi Subba Gurung urged teachers to return to educational activities, emphasizing that prolonged agitation could jeopardize students’ futures.
Gurung stated that while the government has consistently appealed to the teachers to end their protests, there has been a lack of cooperation from their side.
Nepali killed in Kashmir attack identified as Sudip Neupane from Butwal
The identity of the Nepali citizen killed in the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, India, has been confirmed as 26-year-old Sudip Neupane of Butwal-11, Kalikanagar, Rupandehi.
Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba announced the confirmation on Wednesday, expressing sorrow over Neupane’s death and extending condolences to his family. Neupane was shot dead while walking on the road when a group of gunmen suddenly opened fire. His mother, Rima Neupane, sustained injuries during the attack.
PM Oli expresses grief over Jammu and Kashmir incident
Prime Minister (PM KP Oli has expressed sorrow over the brutal terrorist attack on innocent tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Taking to social media, he extended heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families. He wrote, “In this hour of grief, the Government of Nepal stands firmly with the Government of India. Nepal condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.”
PM Oli, Indian PM Modi hold telephon conversation following Pahalgam attack
Prime Minister KP Oli spoke with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the phone to express condolences following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in multiple casualties, including the death of a Nepali citizen.
Sharing the update on X (formerly Twitter), PM Oli wrote, “Had a conversation with Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji to extend heartfelt condolences over the tragic loss of lives in the Pahalgam terrorist attack. I reaffirmed Nepal’s strong solidarity with India in opposing such brutal acts. I appreciate his sincere condolences on the death of a Nepali national.”
Foreign Minister Rana expresses grief over J&K terrorist attack
Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba said that the Nepal government was deeply shocked and saddened by the heinous terrorist attack that took place in Pahalgam, Kashmir.
Taking to the social networking site X, the Foreign Minister strongly condemn this act of terrorism and the senseless violence that has claimed innocent lives. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families during this difficult time, and we wish a swift and full recovery to those who have been injured”, she wrote.
RSP calls Parliamentary Party meeting ahead of House session
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has scheduled a meeting of its Parliamentary Party ahead of the upcoming session of the Federal Parliament. According to RSP spokesperson Manish Jha, the meeting has been called by the party’s deputy parliamentary leader, Biraj Bhakta Shrestha. It will be held at the parliamentary party office in Singha Durbar on Thursday at 2 p.m.
NEB releases revised exam routine for Grade 12
The National Examination Board has published a revised exam schedule for Class (Grade) 12 following the recent change in exam dates. The exams, originally scheduled to begin on April 24, were postponed by 10 days to May 4 due to the ongoing teachers’ strike. The exams will now run through May 16, 2025.
No issues in running the govt: Home Minister Lekhak
Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has clarified that there are no issues in running the current government. Speaking at a meeting with journalists today, he addressed concerns regarding power-sharing, following the resignation of the Education Minister and the appointment of the governor, urging that there should be no doubts.
“There is no issue in the government. A member of the search committee formed to recommend the governor resigned. We will complete this process and move forward. We will discuss it in the next cabinet meeting and finalize it,” he said in response to a media query.
Heat wave alert issued amid soaring temperatures across Nepal
The Meteorological Forecasting Division has issued a public alert as temperatures continue to rise, warning of potential heat waves across several regions of Nepal, particularly in the southern plains.
Meteorologist Rojan Lamichhane said maximum temperatures have already reached 40 degrees Celsius in parts of the Tarai. “In provinces like Madhesh, Lumbini, and the Far West, temperatures have hit 38 degrees and are likely to rise further over the next two days,” Lamichhane said. “There is a possibility of heat waves, so the public should remain cautious.”
NEPSE drops 32.38 points on Wednesday
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) ended today’s session with a loss of 32.38 points (1.20%), closing at 2,655.94, following a decline of 9.96 points in the previous trading day.
The index opened at 2,687.69, reaching a high of 2,687.68 and a low of 2,653.74 during the day. The total trading volume was Rs. 7.57 billion, with 18,477,703 shares traded across 308 companies in 64,140 transactions.
House session to run daily as key bills, budget discussions loom
The upcoming session of the House of Representatives will convene daily except on Saturdays and public holidays, in view of the heavy legislative workload.
Speaker Devraj Ghimire proposed the daily sittings during a meeting with party chief whips at Singha Durbar on Wednesday, citing pressure to discuss pre-budget issues, the government’s policies and programs, the annual budget, and the much-anticipated School Education Bill.
The proposal has been approved, and the meeting schedule will be formally presented in the Business Management Advisory Committee meeting on April 25, according to Nepali Congress Chief Whip Shyam Ghimire.
Parliament must prioritize passing School Education Bill: Speaker Ghimire
Speaker Devraj Ghimire has emphasized that it is the Parliament’s responsibility to prioritize the passage of the School Education Bill.
Speaking at a meeting with the Chief Whips of various political parties to discuss current political issues, Speaker Ghimire stated that the bill must be passed as a matter of urgency, especially as teachers from community schools are protesting and demanding the enactment of the Education Act.
Nepali Congress postpones Central Working Committee meeting
The Nepali Congress has postponed its Central Working Committee meeting originally scheduled for April 30 until further notice. “The meeting of the Nepali Congress Central Working Committee, which was set to take place at the party’s central office on Wednesday, Aril 30, 2025 at 1 PM, has been postponed until further notice,” read a statement issued by Chief Secretary Krishna Prasad Poudel.
Rimal mocks Bhusal’s speech, demands action over rhetoric
A war of words has erupted between senior communist leaders as Bishnu Rimal, Deputy General Secretary of CPN-UML and Chief Political Advisor to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, publicly challenged Unified Socialist Party General Secretary Ghanshyam Bhusal to demonstrate that his own party is as good and capable as he claims.
Taking to social media on Tuesday, Rimal issued a pointed critique aimed at Bhusal, questioning his continued commentary on UML and other major parties instead of strengthening his own political outfit.
“Sir, you have truly become the General Secretary!” wrote Rimal. “If so, then why not make your own party look as good as you want, as you wish, as you imagine? Now what is this useless ranting for?”
Three killed in Doti road accident
Three people lost their lives in a road accident at Jorayal Rural Municipality-1 along the Bhimdatta Highway in Doti district. According to Binod Sharma, Chief of the District Police Office, Doti, a mini-truck carrying food grains (registration number: Sudurpaschim Province 01001 Kha 3428) was en route from Dhangadhi to Bajhang when it met with an accident on Wednesday morning.
Gold price drops sharply by Rs 7,100 after reaching record high
The price of gold, which hit a record high on Tuesday, saw a sharp decline today. Gold prices dropped by Rs 7,100 per tola today, after soaring by Rs 6,900 per tola yesterday to reach an all-time high of Rs 197,500. As of today, the price stood at Rs 190,400 per tola.
According to the Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Federation, the recent steep rise in gold prices over the past few days has now been followed by a significant fall.
The price of silver has also declined, dropping by Rs 5 per tola today. Silver is currently being traded at Rs 1,965 per tola. Just last week, gold prices surged by Rs 16,000 per tola within a span of six days.
Indian Minister Manohar Lal Khattar offers prayers at Muktinath temple
Indian Minister for Power and Housing Manohar Lal Khattar visited the sacred Muktinath temple on Saturday morning, offering prayers alongside Nepal’s Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Deepak Khadka.
The high-level delegation was accompanied by Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava and a 16-member team, according to Mustang Chief District Officer Bishnu Prasad Bhusal.
Blocked Narayangadh-Butwal road reopens for two-way traffic
The Narayangadh-Butwal road section, which had been blocked by a dry landslide, has reopened for two-way traffic.
The blockage occurred on Tuesday afternoon in the Daunne area of Binayi Triveni Rural Municipality-2, Nawalparasi (east of Bardaghat Susta). The landslide had caused a complete halt in traffic, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded.
Landslide obstructs Koshi Highway
A landslide has blocked the Bhotkhola section of the Koshi Highway in Sankhuwasabha district. According to Ram Kumar Lamichhane, Acting Chief of the District Police Office, the road was obstructed following a landslide that occurred this morning in Alphatte, located in Makalu Rural Municipality-3. The landslide was triggered by erosion caused by flooding in the Ekuwa River after heavy overnight rainfall on Tuesday.
Nepal home to 10% of world’s snow leopard population: WWF
Nepal is home to approximately 397 snow leopards, according to new data released by WWF Nepal. The endangered species, found only in high-altitude regions, occupies an estimated 30,500 square kilometers of Nepal’s Himalayan landscape.
While the IUCN notes Nepal holds about 2% of the global snow leopard population, WWF Nepal’s latest findings suggest that Nepal is responsible for nearly 10% of the world’s known individual snow leopards, based on the most recent range-wide estimates by the US-based Snow Leopard Trust.
NP Saud calls for constitutional amendment to reduce govt size and financial burden
Nepali Congress central member NP Saud has stressed the need for constitutional amendments to reduce the size of federal and provincial governments, saying the current structure is financially unsustainable and burdensome to the public.
Speaking at a recent event, the former minister said the country’s existing political framework—with 761 governments at the local, provincial, and federal levels—has led to excessive spending on governance. “The number of ministries, ministers, and parliamentarians is too high. It must be reduced to make the government small, streamlined, and economical,” Saud said.
Land Minister Adhikari assigned additional responsibility for Ministry of Education
Minister for Land Management, Cooperatives, and Poverty Alleviation Balram Adhikari has also been assigned the responsibility of leading the Ministry of Education.
Following the resignation of Education Minister Bidya Bhattarai two days ago, the ministry had remained under the direct supervision of Prime Minister KP Oli. However, it has now been temporarily entrusted to Minister Adhikari.
CZOP urges teachers to rethink protest approach, prioritize students’ rights
The Children as Zone of Peace (CZOP)-National Campaign has called on protesting teachers and school staff to reconsider the nature of their ongoing movement, urging them to be mindful of the rights of students and the impact on the academic calendar.
The Nepal Teachers’ Federation has been staging protests in Kathmandu since April 2, demanding, among other issues, the immediate passage of the School Education Bill, 2081. However, the prolonged agitation has disrupted community school admissions, the evaluation of SEE answer sheets, and preparations for Grade 12 exams.
PM Oli meets Brazilian football legend Roberto Carlos
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli met Brazilian football legend Roberto Carlos at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar today. Carlos, a former World Cup winner, is in Kathmandu to attend the second qualifier match of the third season of the Nepal Super League (NSL).
Welcoming the football star, Prime Minister Oli said his visit would inspire Nepali players and youth, and boost enthusiasm for sports in the country.
Gandaki CM: Province prioritizing reduction of maternal mortality and suicide
Gandaki Province Chief Minister Surendra Raj Pandey has said that reducing maternal mortality and suicide rates is a top priority for the provincial government.
Speaking at a provincial-level interaction on gender justice organized by the National Women’s Commission in Pokhara on Wednesday, Chief Minister Pandey highlighted that Gandaki Province has a higher maternal mortality rate than other provinces.
To address this, he said the government is working to improve access to specialized health services and monitoring for pregnant and postpartum women.
Private medical colleges object to MEC’s PG stipend decision
Private medical college directors have voiced strong objections to the Medical Education Commission’s (MEC) recent decision to provide a monthly maintenance allowance of Rs 48,737 (equivalent to government level 8) to postgraduate (PG) resident doctors.
Speaking at a press conference in Kathmandu on Wednesday, representatives of the Association of Private Medical and Dental Colleges of Nepal said that the decision — made at the commission’s 16th meeting — is not practically viable without proper financial support.
Cricket head coach Stuart to arrive in Nepal on Friday
The head coach of the Nepali national cricket team, Stuart Law, is set to arrive in Nepal on Friday, according to Nepal Cricket Association (CAN) spokesperson Chhumbi Lama.
Training matches involving 52 players will begin the following day, Saturday, after Law’s arrival. CAN has released the schedule for a practice league featuring four teams, formed from the 52 selected players.
Indian Power Minister Khattar calls on PM Oli
Indian Minister for Power, Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal Khattar, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli today. During the meeting, held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar, the two discussed various dimensions of Nepal-India relations, with a focus on cultural ties, energy sector development, and bilateral cooperation.
Minister Gupta urges global cooperation to uphold rights of indigenous nationalities
Minister for Federal Affairs and General Administration, Raj Kumar Gupta, has emphasized Nepal’s commitment to protecting the rights of indigenous nationalities, calling for greater international cooperation to promote their dignity, welfare, and empowerment.
Addressing the 24th Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) at the UN headquarters in New York today, Minister Gupta highlighted that Nepal’s Constitution guarantees extensive rights to indigenous communities. His remarks were shared by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Kali Prasad Parajuli.
Minister Sudi acknowledges gaps in rights for sexual and gender minorities
Minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizens, Nawal Kishor Shah Sudi, has said the government is committed to advancing the rights and welfare of marginalized and backward communities, including women and sexual and gender minorities.
Speaking at a program organized by Mitini Nepal to mark Lesbian Visibility Day 2025, Minister Sudi emphasized that budget allocations have been specifically designated for the empowerment and development of gender and sexual minorities.
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