KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Supreme Court orders govt. to ensure teachers return to classrooms within three days
The Supreme Court on Thursday has directed the government to ensure that protesting teachers return to schools within the next three days, ending a 23-day-long agitation that has stalled the start of the new academic session.
Issuing an interim order, a single bench of Justice Nahakul Subedi instructed the authorities to address the teachers’ legitimate and constitutional demands without delay and create an environment conducive to resuming regular classes.
“The concerned authorities must take appropriate and necessary decisions to address the demands of the protesting teachers and ensure their return to schools within three days from the date of receiving this order,” the court stated.
Eight student leaders arrested near PM’s residence during solidarity protest for teachers
Police on Thursday detained eight student leaders affiliated with the ruling Nepali Congress’s student wing, the Nepal Student Union (NSU), during a protest near the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar.
The students were expressing solidarity with the ongoing agitation by the Nepal Teachers’ Federation in Kathmandu.
Those arrested include NSU central members Binod Raj Joshi, Vivek Acharya, Upashana Adhikari, Jitendra Timilsina (RR Campus Unit President), Sumit Bhattarai, Manish Bhattarai, Adarsh Tiwari, and Himal Bishta.
Parliament’s budget session to begin tomorrow
The budget session of the Federal Parliament is set to begin today (Friday) at 1 pm at the Parliament Building in New Baneshwor. President Ram Chandra Paudel called the session on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers, in accordance with Article 93 of the Constitution of Nepal.
This session, commonly known as the budget session, holds significant importance as it will see the presentation of the government’s annual policy and programs, followed by the national budget.
PM Oli rallies youth for ‘Mission 2084‘, slams opposition and monarchy rhetoric
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Thursday has dismissed rumors about the government’s downfall, stating that opposition forces were unnecessarily spreading such claims.
Speaking at the ‘Youth Celebration’ event organized by the ruling CPN-UML on the occasion of Democracy Day, Oli urged supporters to focus on the party’s long-term vision, dubbed “Mission 2084”.
“Opponents have started chanting that the government will fall. But in a democracy, we need stable governance,” said Oli. “We are focused on strengthening the system together. Let them worry about the government; we are looking ahead to elections.”
Minister Pant assumes Office, vows to address ongoing teachers’ protest
Newly appointed Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Raghuji Pant, has officially assumed office at Singha Durbar on Thursday after taking the oath of office and secrecy from President Ramchandra Paudel.
Upon taking charge, Minister Pant acknowledged the ongoing teachers’ protest, now in its 23rd day, and expressed commitment to resolving the issue.
“I’ve just arrived at the ministry and have started getting briefed on the issues. I’m not fully informed on every detail yet,” he said, adding, “Once I have a clearer understanding of the teachers’ demands and concerns, I will share my views in detail.”
UML’s ‘Youth Celebration’ kicks off at Bhrikutimandap
The ruling CPN-UML has launched a special program titled Youth Celebration at Bhrikutimandap to mark the party’s founding day and Democracy Day.
The event is being held to commemorate Democracy Day as a “people’s victory,” according to the party. UML has called for the participation of youth under the age of 40 in the one-day celebration.
The party aims to mobilize around 100,000 young people for the event. Prime Minister and party chair KP Sharma Oli, along with other senior and youth leaders, are expected to address the gathering.
U.S. to shut down Millennium Challenge Corporation
The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), a U.S. foreign aid agency known for its bipartisan support and strong track record of transparency, is being shut down by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), according to Politico.
Created in 2004 during President George W. Bush’s administration, the MCC has worked with over 50 developing nations to promote economic development and currently manages $5.4 billion in grants across 20 low-income countries.
The email, sent by MCC’s acting CEO, revealed that DOGE will be overseeing major program and staff cuts. Employees were offered voluntary early retirement (VERA) and deferred resignation (DRP) options, with an April 29 application deadline.
Prachanda urges strong parliamentary presence from Maoist leaders
Chair of the Maoist Centre and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has called on the government to address the legitimate demands of teachers and urged his party’s lawmakers to present themselves strongly in the upcoming budget session of Parliament.
Speaking at a meeting of the party’s parliamentary party held today, Dahal said that he has been holding discussions with representatives of teachers, doctors, and microfinance victims, and stressed that the government must take initiative to resolve their issues.
Heatwave alert issued for Tarai as temperatures soar across Nepal
The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has issued a heatwave alert for parts of the Tarai region, warning of soaring temperatures in Lumbini Province and extreme heat conditions in other southern plains.
According to the department, residents in the Tarai areas of Madhes, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini, and Sudurpaschim Provinces should brace for intense heat over the coming days. A heatwave is specifically forecast for the Terai belt of Lumbini Province.
Shashank Koirala hosts tea party at his residence
Nepali Congress leader chosted a tea party at his residence in Maharajgunj on Thursday. He invited former party office bearers and other senior leaders to the gathering. During the event, discussions were held with the aim of forming a separate group ahead of the upcoming general convention.
The meeting began with the presence of senior leaders including Krishna Prasad Sitaula, Bimalendra Nidhi, Prakash Man Singh, Bijay Kumar Gachhadar, and Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat.
Gold price increases by Rs 200 per tola
The price of gold rose by Rs 200 per tola on Thursday. Gold, which had recently dropped close to Rs 190,000 per tola, climbed to Rs 190,600. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers, silver was traded at Rs 2,010 per tola today, up from Rs 1,965 on Wednesday. Gold prices have been rising in the global market in recent days.
RPP Nepal holds performance committee meeting today
The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Nepal held its performance committee meeting today. General Secretary Rajaram Bartaula said that Party Chair Kamal Thapa addressed the meeting, presenting his views on the current political scenario and the party’s future direction.
The meeting also reviewed organizational activities and deliberate on the party’s role in recent events, including the March 28 Tinkune incident.
Madhav Kumar Nepal stresses on social transformation
Chairperson of the Unified Socialist Madhav Kumar Nepal has stressed the importance of driving economic and social transformation through the development of national industries and capital.
Extending his best wishes on the occasion of Democracy Day, leader Nepal said that meaningful social transformation can only be achieved through sustained economic growth within the framework of a federal democratic republican system—an outcome of long political struggle.
Nepal Police transfers 121 DSPs in major reshuffle
A total of 121 Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) of Nepal Police have been transferred. The transfers were decided during a meeting held on Wednesday. According to Superintendent of Police Yogendra Singh Thapa of the Department of Natural Resources and Development, the transfers were made as per the decision of the Inspector General of Police.
Leadership and good governance training concludes in Nepalgunj
A 30-day in-service training programme on ‘Leadership and Good Governance’ for government officials of Lumbini Province has concluded in Nepalgunj.
The training, organized by the Provincial Centre for Good Governance (PCGG), aimed to strengthen the capacity of assistant-level public service employees to improve service delivery at provincial and local levels.
Addressing the closing session, Acting Principal Secretary of the Office of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers (OCMCM) Ishwor Paudel said institutions like PCGG play a vital role in advancing federalism by equipping staff and elected officials with the skills to tackle emerging governance challenges.
Online citizenship recommendation begins in six Baitadi local levels
Six out of ten local levels in Baitadi district have begun providing citizenship recommendation services online. According to Chief District Officer Dirgharaj Upadhyay, the initiative aims to enhance service delivery through technology and ease the burden on service recipients.
Shivnath and Pancheshwor rural municipalities, along with Melauli, Patan, Dasharathchand, and Purchaudi municipalities, have started issuing online recommendations from the ward level.
19th Loktantra Diwas observed across Nepal
Nepal observed the 19th Loktantra Diwas (Democracy Day) today with various programs held nationwide in honor of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the fight for democracy and freedom.
The day commemorates two major milestones in Nepal’s democratic journey: the reinstatement of the dissolved House of Representatives by then-King Gyanendra Shah on April 24, 2006, and the official end of King’s rule on April 28, 2006.
In his historic declaration, then King Gyanendra had stated, “Recognizing that the source of state power is the Nepali people and that sovereignty lies with them, the House of Representatives is hereby reinstated in accordance with the people’s aspirations as expressed through the popular movement.”
Preparations in full swing for Rato Machindranath Jatra
Preparations for the Rato Machindranath Jatra are in full swing, with the construction of traditional wooden chariots progressing rapidly in Pulchowk, Lalitpur. The Rato Machindranath Jatra, dedicated to the deity revered as the God of Rain and prosperity, holds immense historical and cultural significance for the Newar community of the Kathmandu Valley.
The festival is set to begin on Baisakh 15 (April 28) and will continue for about a month, with the chariot procession passing through various villages.
Acute blood shortage in Kavre leaves patients at risk
A severe shortage of blood has crippled medical services in Kavrepalanchok, with the Nepal Red Cross Society’s Blood Transfusion Service Center in Banepa reporting zero units of blood in stock.
Hospitals and families of patients were left scrambling on Thursday after the center, the district’s main blood bank, failed to provide even a single unit of blood. “There is high demand from hospitals and individuals, but we currently have nothing in stock,” said Gokul Baniya, the center’s store in-charge.
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