KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Contempt petition filed against Gagan Thapa over remarks on judiciary
A contempt of court petition has been submitted to the Supreme Court against Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Thapa, alleging that his recent public comments disrespected the judiciary.
According to a source at the Supreme Court, the petition was filed by advocates Ananta Raj Luintel and others, accusing Thapa of attempting to influence a pending case regarding the appointment of 52 constitutional officials. The court has set a preliminary hearing for Tuesday.
Parliamentarians condemn Kashmir attack
The extremist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 27 lives last Tuesday, was brought up during a meeting of the House of Representatives on Sunday. MP Saraj Ahmed Farooqui strongly condemned the attack and called for strict action against the perpetrators.
Farooqui also took issue with RPP MP Gyanendra Shahi’s statement, which he argued aimed to disrupt social harmony and hurt the sentiments of the Muslim community in Nepal.
24 people including Rabindra Mishra and Durga Prasai remanded for 7 more days
The Kathmandu District Court has granted a seven-day remand for Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) senior vice-president Rabindra Mishra and Janakmandar of the Rajabadi Andolan, Durga Prasai, in connection with the recent Tinkune incident. A total of 24 individuals, including Mishra and Prasai, were presented before the court on Sunday for an extension of their remand.
Police deploy water cannons on agitating teachers attempting to break through restricted area
Police used force against protesting teachers after they attempted to break through a prohibited area near the Federal Parliament building in New Baneswor.
As in previous days, teachers gathered from various locations and marched toward the Parliament. In response, police deployed water cannons to push them back. A scuffle ensued between the teachers and the police, during which some protesters were seen throwing stones at security personnel.
62 injured in clash with police: Teachers’ Federation
The Teachers Federation has reported that 62 teachers were injured in a clash between teachers and police in Baneshwor on Sunday. The teachers, who have been protesting on the streets for 25 days, had previously held peaceful demonstrations, but today’s protest turned violent. Federation President Laxmi Kishor Subedi stated that the injured teachers are being treated at the Trauma Center, Everest, and Civil Hospitals.
Sumana urges agitating teachers to reject govt’s dictatorial tendencies
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) MP and former Education Minister Sumana Shrestha on Sunday condemned the government’s suppression of protesting teachers. Her remarks came after a clash left 63 teachers and a journalist injured — the first instance of violence since the peaceful protest began on April 3.
Expressing solidarity with the agitating teachers, Shrestha appealed to teachers to stand against the government’s dictatorial tendencies and character.
Protests make it seem like we’ve committed a heinous crime: PM Oli
Prime Minister (PM) KP Sharma Oli has stated that his government has not done anything wrong. Speaking at the fourth national conference of the Madan Bhandari Foundation in Kathmandu on Sunday, he remarked that the ongoing protests are being staged as if the government has committed a grave crime against the nation.
“What has the government done now? We haven’t done anything wrong,” Oli said. “We haven’t done a single bad thing. Yet, there are protests. It’s as if the government is trying to ruin the country. We are working to put the damaged economy and democracy back on track. But the protests make it seem as if we have committed a heinous crime against the country.”
Over five billion unspent budget returned to state treasury
Over five billion rupees in unspent budget from various government bodies have been returned to the state treasury. The majority of the refunded budget falls under capital expenditures. Notable agencies returning significant amounts include the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, and the Millennium Challenge Account Nepal (MCA-Nepal) Development Committee.
According to Ambika Prasad Khanal, the Ministry’s Information Officer, Rs 53.4 million was refunded under general expenditures, while a substantial Rs 5.03 billion was returned under capital expenditures.
Govt to unveil Policy and Program on May 2
The government will present its Policy and Program for the fiscal year 2082/83 BS (2025/26) on May 2. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli shared the schedule during a CPN-UML parliamentary party meeting held on Saturday.
“We plan to present the Policy and Program on May 2,” said PM Oli, adding that a follow-up meeting will be held on May 3 to gather feedback from party leaders and subject experts. The Policy and Program serves as the foundation for the annual budget, which is traditionally tabled in Parliament on Jestha 15 of the Nepali calendar each year.
Prime Minister’s role ineffective: NC Spokesperson Mahat
Nepali Congress (NC) Spokesperson Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat has criticized Prime Minister KP Oli for failing to play an effective role in governance.
He stated that the government, formed by two major political forces, has been unable to address the people’s grievances as expected and urged the Prime Minister to become more proactive.
Speaking at a press conference in Ghorahi today, Mahat accused the Prime Minister of poor coordination and a lack of cooperation, particularly in managing the ongoing teachers’ protests, the appointment of a new governor, and ensuring good governance.
PM Oli and Deuba agree to appoint new Governor this week
Prime Minister (PM) KP Oli and Nepali Congress (NC) President Sher Bahadur Deuba have agreed to appoint a new governor for Nepal Rastra Bank within this week.
The agreement was reached during a two-hour meeting between the two leaders at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar last evening.
“They have agreed to finalize the appointment of the new governor this week,” a source said, adding that the decision will likely be made by next Thursday.
NC expresses outrage in Parliament over Rajendra Lingden’s statement
The ruling Nepali Congress (NC) has expressed strong dissatisfaction in the House of Representatives over comments made by Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Chairman Rajendra Lingden.
The Nepali Congress has demanded a formal response regarding Lingden’s statement in the previous parliamentary session, where he alleged that the son of Nepali Congress joint General Secretary was caught and released by police after stealing alcohol from Bhatbhateni supermarket on March 28.
Speaking during Sunday’s meeting of the House of Representatives, Nepali Congress Chief Whip Shyam Ghimire questioned which Nepali Congress leader’s son Lingden was referring to.
UML’s Padam Giri criticizes Prachanda for undermining govt stability
CPN-UML lawmaker Padam Giri has criticized aoist Center Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda’s statement about the imminent collapse of the government, calling it irresponsible.
Speaking in the House of Representatives on Sunday, Giri expressed concern over Prachanda’s remark, which suggested that the government, formed by major political parties to ensure national stability, was on the verge of collapsing.
NEPSE index gains 3.58 points, closes at 2,661.60
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) rose by 3.58 points (0.13%) to close at 2,661.60 today, following a 2.08-point increase in the previous session. The index opened at 2,657.75, hitting a high of 2,684.51 and a low of 2,657.37 during the day. The total market turnover reached Rs. 10.87 billion, with 28,438,428 shares traded across 314 companies in 89,161 transactions.
Magnitude 4 earthquake hits Dolpa early Sunday morning
An earthquake with its epicenter in Dolpa was recorded early this (Sunday) morning. According to Dr. Lokvijay Adhikari, senior seismologist at the National Seismological Center, a magnitude 4 tremor struck Kanjiroba in Dolpa at 3:06 a.m. on Sunday. Just two days earlier, another earthquake had struck with its epicenter in Sindhupalchowk.
88 companies in line to issue IPOs worth over Rs 55 billion
The Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) has IPO applications worth over Rs 55 billion pending from 88 companies seeking to raise capital through public share offerings.
According to the list published by SEBON on April 17, 2025 BS, these 88 companies are awaiting approval to issue ordinary shares (IPOs). If all of them receive approval, they will collectively issue 403,970,640 shares and raise Rs 55.56 billion from the public.
To apply for all these IPOs, an investor would need to deposit at least Rs 107,587.20 into the account of the share issue manager. If the IPOs do not proceed, the funds will be refunded to the applicants.
RSP’s Manish Jha criticizes govt for forgetting commitments
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) parliamentarian Manish Jha has expressed his desire for the current ruling coalition to remain intact.
Speaking in today’s House of Representatives meeting, Jha criticized the government while emphasizing the importance of the coalition’s continuation.
“The coalition should not collapse. We hope it continues to function as it is,” Jha said. “We still want to see how far it will fall and how much further it can go. That’s why we wish for the coalition to survive and not collapse.”
Court grants three-day detention of MP Maya Rai
The court has granted a three-day detention for Nepali Congress Member of Parliament (MP) Maya Rai, who was arrested on charges of cooperative fraud.
Rai, arrested from her residence in Kapan, Kathmandu, on Saturday evening, was presented in court by the District Police Range, Kathmandu, for an extension of her remand on Sunday. This marks the first time the Kathmandu District Court has granted a three-day remand.
HoR informed about arrest of NC lawmaker Maya Rai
Members of the House of Representatives (HoR) were informed about the arrest of Nepali Congress lawmaker Maya Rai. Deputy Speaker Indira Rana read out the notice regarding Rai’s arrest during the House of Representatives meeting on Sunday.
The notice stated that Rai, a fugitive accused in a fraud and organized crime case involving GB Rai, the Chairman and director of Swarnalaxmi Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited, was arrested during the investigation.
Police notify Parliament Secretariat of MP Maya Rai’s arrest
Police have officially notified the Parliament Secretariat about the arrest of Member of Parliament (MP) Maya Rai. Rai, a Nepali Congress MP, had been on the police’s fugitive list for an extended period in connection with the Swarnalaxmi Cooperative fraud case. She was arrested from Kathmandu on Saturday. It is customary to inform the Speaker of Parliament when an MP is arrested.
Parliamentary Committee directs govt to devise reliable guiding principles and policies
The Committee for Monitoring and Evaluating the Implementation of the State’s Directive Principles, Policies, and Obligations has advised the government to formulate new policies and programs that can effectively determine the direction of the nation and gain the trust of the public.
During a meeting today, the Committee emphasized that the directive principles, policies, and obligations of the State serve as guidelines for the operation of the government.
The meeting directed the government to present reliable policies and programs for the upcoming fiscal year 2082-83 BS (2025-26), which should be addressed in the budget.
Nepal Teachers Federation urges local levels to stop threatening protesters
The Nepal Teachers Federation has called on local governments to refrain from threatening teachers participating in the ongoing Kathmandu-centered protest demanding the promulgation of the School Education Act.
The Federation issued a statement on Saturday after reports emerged that some local authorities had issued notices instructing teachers to return to work and had taken actions such as threatening, transferring, or pressuring principals and employees involved in the protest to resign.
Journalist Sabina Karki injured in clash during teachers’ protest
Journalist Sabina Karki, who was covering the teachers’ protest near New Baneswor, has been injured during clashes. Karki sustained an eye injury and is currently receiving treatment at Tilganga Eye Hospital. She has suffered serious injuries to both eyes and is undergoing treatment, hospital sources said. Karki was injured when police used a water cannon during the protest.
Chief Justice Raut leaves for UK on a 10-day visit today
Chief Justice (CJ) Prakash Man Singh Raut left for a 10-day visit to the UK today. CJ Raut is be accompanied by Supreme Court Justice Hari Prasad Phuyal, High Court Justices Ritendra Thapa and Hemanta Rawal, as well as Supreme Court Registrar Bimal Poudel. Initially, Chief Justice Raut was scheduled for a foreign visit on April 24, with plans to visit Turkey first and then the UK.
Kathmandu Mayor Balen in Pokhara for birthday celebration
Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) Mayor Balen Shah is in Pokhara with his family to celebrate his birthday. He arrived in Pokhara on April 24, accompanied by his parents, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, wife, and daughter.
Although he has not met anyone officially in Pokhara, Balen has been spending time with his family. After arriving, they stayed at the Deurali Farm House in Chauthe, and Balen has been boating at Begnas Lake and Fewatal (Fewa Lake) with close friends. Photos of these activities have been shared on social media.
Gold prices up slightly
The price of gold saw a modest increase while silver declined in the domestic market on Sunday, the first trading day of the week. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of gold rose by Rs 100 per tola, reaching Rs 189,700. On Friday, gold was traded at Rs 189,600 per tola. Meanwhile, the price of silver fell by Rs 10 and was traded at Rs 1,990 per tola.
Nepal Layers Poultry Farmers Association increases egg prices
The Nepal Layers Poultry Farmers Association has raised the price of eggs, with large-sized eggs now priced at Rs 430 per crate (30 eggs), medium-sized at Rs 380, and ‘XL’ size at Rs 450 per crate.
Previously, the price of large eggs had dropped to Rs 350 per crate. Binod Pokharel, President of the Association, shared that the decision to increase the prices was made during a meeting held on Saturday.
KMC mourns holiday to honor Tirtharam Dangol
Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) declared a mourning holiday today in honor of Tirtharam Dangol, the former Deputy Chief Minister of the then Kathmandu Nagar Panchayat, following his passing last Friday.
The KMC Administration Department issued a notice announcing the closure, stating that only essential services would operate during the mourning holiday. Dangol, who had been battling cancer for an extended period, was laid to rest at Teku yesterday.
Mustang faces water shortages and agricultural crisis amid climate change
The Himalayan district of Mustang is witnessing severe impacts of the climate crisis, with local water sources drying up and farmers grappling with major challenges in agriculture and livestock farming.
Locals report that rising temperatures in the region have triggered a steady decline in water availability, affecting drinking water supplies, agricultural production, animal husbandry, and even local biodiversity.
Devotees flock to Mata Tirtha to honor mothers
Across Nepal, people celebrated the festival of Mata Tirtha Aunsi today by honoring their mothers with sweets, love, and reverence. Observed annually on the Aunsi (new moon) of the Baishakh Krishna Paksha, the day holds deep emotional and spiritual significance.
Rooted in classical traditions, the festival is regarded as a time to express devotion, gratitude, and respect towards mothers—who, according to scriptures, are placed above even teachers, scholars, and fathers.
Patients suffer as OPD service closes at Beni Provincial Hospital
Patients seeking treatment at the Beni-based Provincial Hospital have been left stranded after the closure of outpatient department (OPD) services.
Doctors at the hospital halted OPD operations starting Friday, expressing solidarity with the Nepal Medical Association’s protest, which demands that resident doctors receive a monthly subsistence allowance equivalent to the government’s eighth-level pay grade. The shutdown has caused significant distress among patients, particularly those traveling from remote villages.
NC spokesperson Mahat condemns terrorist attack in Kashmir
Nepali Congress (NC) spokesperson and former Finance Minister Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat has strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack targeting Hindus in Indian Kashmir, calling it a heinous crime that demands strict action against the perpetrators.
Speaking at a press conference organized in Ghorahi today during a party program, Dr. Mahat expressed deep sorrow over the incident.
“A very painful terrorist attack targeting Hindus took place in Indian Kashmir. This is a heinous crime and whoever is behind it and involved in this terror should be dealt with sternly,” he said.
Land titles distributed to landless Dalit families
The Dharche Rural Municipality has distributed land titles to landless Dalit families on Saturday. Rural Municipality Chair Laxman Gurung said that land titles were provided to landless Dalit families through the District Committee of the Land Problem Resolution Commission.
On the occasion, Mangal BK, Raju BK, Ait Singh Kami and Ram Bahadur Kami were provided land titles.
More than 250 landless settlers have applied for land titles in Dharche and the necessary process has been initiated to provide them with land titles, said Gurung.
National Innovation Center revives Birgunj Agricultural Tool Factory, develops 16 new tools
The National Innovation Center has successfully researched and developed 16 different types of agricultural tools within 32 months of taking over the operation and management of the Birgunj Agricultural Tool Factory.
According to Ritesh Dev, the head and engineer at the factory, the center has been dedicated to innovating tools that address the needs of Nepali farmers.
“We have researched and developed 16 types of agricultural tools, both small and large, that are essential for agricultural activities in Nepal,” he said.
Jumla to maintain honey production data as beekeeping gains popularity
In an effort to strengthen local livelihoods and promote beekeeping, Jumla district is set to maintain systematic records of honey production from the next fiscal year.
The Karnali Beekeeping Cooperative Society Limited announced that it will begin collecting accurate data on honey output across all local levels.
The move follows skill-based training and the distribution of necessary materials to beekeepers in Kanakasundari Rural Municipality-1. Ward Chair Bhim Bahadur Bhandari said that ten farmers, who primarily earn their living through beekeeping, received a five-day training course funded by a ward budget of Rs 100,000.
Mustang faces water shortages and agricultural crisis amid climate change
The Himalayan district of Mustang is witnessing severe impacts of the climate crisis, with local water sources drying up and farmers grappling with major challenges in agriculture and livestock farming.
Locals report that rising temperatures in the region have triggered a steady decline in water availability, affecting drinking water supplies, agricultural production, animal husbandry, and even local biodiversity. In a recent discussion program organized as part of a five-year energy survey by GIZ in Gharpajhong Rural Municipality and Varagung Muktichhetra Rural Municipality, residents highlighted the growing difficulties caused by climate change.
Children and youth at the center of Nepal’s climate change agenda
More than 100 children and youth from across the country have expressed concern about climate change and the crisis it has created.
Gathered for the Children and Youth Dialogue in the capital on Saturday, they discussed climate change response led by children and youth in the context of the international Sagarmatha Sambaad being organized by the government.
At the programme, 20-year-old Nischal Bhatta said climate change is not a concern of the future it is a reality of today. “We demand an environment conducive to ensuring climate justice and building a climate-resilient society.”
Girls in Matihani learn Mithila painting to fight child marriage and foster self-reliance
Matihani Municipality has launched a one-month Mithila painting training program for 30 schoolgirls to empower young girls and combat child marriage.
Among them is 17-year-old Khushbu Yadav from Matihani-8, who dreams of mastering the traditional art form and building a self-reliant future.
“I am studying in grade 12 at Ram Mavi. Now I have the opportunity to learn Mithila painting, and my dream is to excel at it,” said Yadav. “Mithila painting is gaining recognition worldwide, and I am determined to hone my skills.”
The Women, Children and Senior Citizens Branch of the municipality is running the training, targeting girls aged 13 to 19 from Wards 6, 7, and 8. The initiative aims to equip them with marketable skills that can open pathways to economic independence.
PM Oli challenges to prove middlemen access his bedroom
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has challenged those who accuse him of allowing middlemen access to his bedroom to provide proof of such claims.
In his address at the inauguration of the fourth national conference of the Madan Bhandari Foundation, Prime Minister Oli denounced such allegations, accusing political conspirators of spreading falsehoods.
He remarked that these accusations stem from individuals engaged in deceitful political games. PM Oli emphasized that the formation of a government with the participation of both the UML and Nepali Congress is crucial for the country.
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