KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of the major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business and economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
All royalist leaders share stage in call for monarchy’s return
Royalist activities in Nepal have intensified over the past month, with one group after another taking to the streets to demand the restoration of the monarchy and a Hindu nation.
The momentum has been growing steadily since former King Gyanendra Shah’s return from Pokhara on March 9, when a visibly united royalist front welcomed him. The movement gained further traction after a March 28 demonstration in Tinkune, Kathmandu — led by Durga Prasai and Nawaraj Subedi — turned violent, drawing widespread attention. Despite the arrest of several leaders, royalist groups and parties have continued to stage public events, keeping the streets heated with their demands.
Teachers’ movement will not falter: Subedi
Nepal Teachers’ Federation President Laxmi Kishor Subedi has stated that no teacher will back down from the ongoing movement until the School Education Act is officially implemented.
Addressing the protesting teachers in Kathmandu’s Bijuli Bazaar area on Monday, Subedi emphasized that the movement would not falter. “Those in power may crumble and run away, but we will not tire or give up,” he said.
“Look at the thousands of teachers who have been standing firm on the front lines of this movement for the 27th day. We will not back down until the Education Act is implemented.”
Madhav Nepal and Jhalanath humiliated as agitating teachers reject their support
The top leadership of the Unified Socialist, which had arrived to show support for the ongoing teachers’ protest in Maitighar, left the scene humiliated after the teachers themselves rejected their presence.
The team, including party chairman Madhav Nepal and senior leader Jhalanath Khanal, had intended to address the protestors in support of their cause. However, their plans were thwarted when the teachers, in unison, shouted slogans against them, demanding they leave the protest site.
As the leaders attempted to engage with the teachers, they were met with chants of, “No leader needs to come here, if you want to speak, do so in Parliament.”
MPs urge govt to create environment for teachers’ return to schools
Members of Parliament have called on the government to create an environment for community school teachers, who are currently protesting in Kathmandu, to return to their workplaces.
Speaking during an emergency session of the House of Representatives today, lawmakers expressed concern over the clashes that occurred during the teachers’ peaceful protests, condemning the use of force against them and urging the government to stop such excesses. They also emphasized the urgent need to enact the School Education Act to address teachers’ concerns and facilitate their return to schools.
Maoist Centre urges govt to address agitating teachers’ demands through dialogue
The main opposition party, Maoist Centre, has called on the government to engage in meaningful dialogue with teachers who are peacefully protesting to demand the implementation of the School Education Act, along with other concerns.
In a statement, the party’s vice-chairman and spokesperson, Agni Prasad Sapkota, criticized the government’s handling of the ongoing protests led by the Nepal Teachers’ Federation, which have entered their 26th day today. He condemned the government’s attempts to suppress the movement instead of addressing the underlying issues.
LMC orders community schools to resume classes amid ongoing teachers’ protest
Lalitpur Metropolitan City has directed all community schools under its jurisdiction to resume educational activities from Tuesday, following a Supreme Court order to ensure children’s right to education is not disrupted.
Issuing a circular on Monday, Metropolitan City Spokesperson Raju Maharjan instructed all community schools to begin the new academic session from April 29.
“In accordance with the Supreme Court’s directive that children across the country should not be deprived of regular education, all community schools are requested to fully operate regular classes, student enrollment, and other educational activities,” Maharjan stated.
Cooperative victims stage half-naked protest at Maitighar Mandal
Long-time victims of cooperative fraud staged a dramatic half-naked protest at Maitighar Mandal on Monday, demanding swift government action to recover their misappropriated savings.
The demonstrators, who gathered at the symbolic protest site, covered only half of their bodies with black cloth, signaling their anger and grief. They said the unusual form of protest was intended to highlight the government’s continued disregard for their plight.
Carrying placards bearing slogans such as “Movement is not a desire but a compulsion” and “Do not consider our patience as weakness,” the victims warned that their movement should not be underestimated.
Lawmakers stress urgent need for aviation law to enhance safety and transparency
Lawmakers in the House of Representatives on Sunday called for the urgent enactment of a new law to strengthen Nepal’s civil aviation sector, emphasizing the need to ensure safety, transparency, and international credibility.
Participating in the principled discussion on the Civil Aviation Authority Bill presented by Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey, MPs said the bill was crucial to reform and secure Nepal’s aviation sector.
MP Rajendra Kumar KC said the bill was necessary to establish a proper legal framework for civil aviation. Similarly, MP Eknath Dhakal argued that the bill would address a longstanding conflict of interest by separating the regulatory body from the service provider, leading to improved oversight.
A resolution of public importance registered by major opposition party
The major opposition CPN (Maoist Centre) has registered a resolution of urgent public importance demanding discussion in the House to address the demands of the agitating teachers and doctors.
Party Chief Whip Hitraj Pandey said the government has ignored the voices of the agitating teachers as well as the doctors agitating for professional rights.
Chief Whip of RastriyaSwatantra Party Santosh Pariyar, Lawmaker of CPN (Unified Socialist) Sher Bahadur Kunwar, Chair of AamJanata Party PrabhuSah and Chair of Rastriya Janamorcha Chitra Bahadur KC have seconded the resolution.
Committee submits report on Pokhara Airport corruption allegations, Baskota voices dissent
The parliamentary subcommittee formed to investigate alleged corruption during the construction of the Pokhara Regional International Airport submitted its report on Monday, but internal differences among members have surfaced.
The subcommittee, led by Rastriya Prajatantra Party Chair and Member of Parliament Rajendra Lingden, presented its 38-page report at a press conference held at Shankar Hall in the Parliament Building.
The subcommittee, formed under the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the House of Representatives nearly a year ago, based its findings on on-site inspections, document studies, and stakeholder discussions.
Coordinator Lingden stated that the report reached six key conclusions regarding irregularities and complaints surrounding the airport’s construction.
Three killed in Palpa jeep accident
Three people have died in a jeep accident in Palpa, while two others, including the driver, have been injured. According to the District Police Office, Palpa, the accident occurred last night in Rainadevi Chhahara Rural Municipality (Siddheshwor). The jeep, registered as Lu 3 Cha 2377, was traveling from Asare towards Thulopokhari when it lost control and plunged approximately 200 meters off the road around 10:15 p.m. on Sunday.
Two killed in lightning strike in Kaski
Two people were killed in a lightning strike in Kaski on Sunday. According to the District Police Office, Kaski, the incident occurred in Annapurna Rural Municipality-11. The victims have been identified as Bharat Kumar Rai and Mahesh Rai, both from Silichong Rural Municipality-4 in Sankhuwasabha.
Medical Education Commission directs private colleges to match resident doctors’ allowance
The 19th meeting of the Medical Education Commission, chaired by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, has decided that private medical colleges must provide an increased subsistence allowance to resident doctors, effective immediately. Resident doctors have been urged to end their agitation and return to work and studies following the decision.
The commission had earlier, during its 16th meeting on Februray 7, decided that private medical colleges must pay a monthly subsistence allowance of Rs 48,737 to postgraduate (PG) resident doctors, equal to the amount provided in government institutions.
The meeting also accepted the report submitted by an 11-member task force formed to review the number of seats and fee structures for MBBS and BDS programs, considering demands made by private medical colleges.
Will proceed with UML alliance for stability: Gagan Thapa
Nepali Congress (NC) General Secretary Gagan Thapa has emphasized that dissatisfaction should not be exploited for political gain. Speaking at a program organized in Kathmandu on Monday, Thapa warned against trading on public dissatisfaction and called for responsible actions that do not incite unrest.
He acknowledged that while citizens are generally satisfied with Nepal’s political achievements, widespread restlessness and dissatisfaction remain.
Nepal exports tea worth Rs 3.57 billion in last nine months
Nepal exported tea worth Rs 3.57 billion as of April 13 in the current fiscal year 2024/25, which began on July 16, 2024. Tea exports are expected to reach Rs 4.5 billion by the end of the year, according to the National Tea and Coffee Development Board.
Chandra Puri, an official of the board, stated that Nepal’s tea sector has created approximately 60,000 jobs. There are currently 171 tea estates and 120 small- and medium-sized tea processing centers in the country.
Over 400 climbers obtain permits for Mt. Everest ascent this spring
A total of 402 climbers from 53 countries have secured permits to climb Mt. Everest, the world’s highest peak, as of April 27 for this spring’s climbing season, according to the Department of Tourism. Among them, 74 are women.
Department Director Liladhar Awasthi stated that 41 expeditions have received permits this season. In the same period last year, 414 climbers, including 75 women and 339 men from 41 expeditions, obtained permits to climb Everest.
Nepal clinches 12 medals at South Asian Youth Table Tennis Championship
Nepal secured a total of 12 medals—including one gold, six silver, and five bronze—at the South Asian Youth Table Tennis Championship held at the National Table Tennis Training Centre in Lainchaur.
India dominated the tournament, winning the remaining 13 gold medals across the U-19 and U-15 categories. Nepal’s gold medal came in the U-19 boys’ team event, where the team of Prabesh Basnet, Gananjay Dahal, Himal Bista, and Rubin Maharjan delivered an impressive performance.
Gold price drops by Rs 1,400 per tola today
The price of gold in the domestic market has fallen by Rs 1,400 per tola (11.66 grams) today. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, hallmark gold is being traded at Rs 188,300 per tola, down from Rs 189,700 per tola on Sunday. Similarly, the price of silver has dropped by Rs 20 per tola, with today’s rate set at Rs 1,970 per tola.
Crowds of climbers bring vibrancy to Everest Base Camp
A few days ago, renowned mountaineer Kami Rita Sherpa shared a video on social media from Everest Base Camp, calling it his ‘Mountain Home.’
The video showcases neatly arranged, colorful tents, and the camp now resembles a lively village. Climbers from all over the world have gathered at the base camp, and the crowd has infused the area with a unique energy.
“Everest Base Camp is like a small world, with people from across the globe coming together,” said Lakpa Sherpa, a mountaineer currently at the base camp.
“It’s become like a village, and there’s a joyful atmosphere here.” Kami Rita, who holds the world record for summiting Everest 30 times, is now attempting his 31st ascent. The camp itself is adorned with vibrant tents, giving it a festive vibe.
Private sector’s role crucial in boosting national economy: NC President Deuba
Nepali Congress (NC) President Sher Bahadur Deuba has praised the private sector for its significant contribution to the national economy.
Speaking at an interaction organized by the NC’s Industry and Trade Department today, President Deuba emphasized the importance of the private sector in achieving the country’s economic prosperity. “Strengthening industries and businesses is key to promoting the market for domestic goods and services,” he said.
Itahari’s Yubaraj Bhattarai turns beekeeping into profitable venture
Yubaraj Bhattarai from Itahari Sub-metropolitan City-4 earns an additional eight lakh rupees (Rs. eight hundred thousand) annually through beekeeping.
With favorable weather conditions, Bhattarai produces a significant amount of honey. He began his beekeeping venture in 2072 BS on the advice of his father and has since set an example of how modern technology can yield substantial profits from this practice.
200 families earn a living by cultivating watermelons in Kanchanpur
Bandhu Chaudhary, a resident of Pipaladi, Shuklaphanta Municipality-3, has been earning his livelihood by selling watermelons grown in the Syaali River basin for the past 15 years.
Watermelons planted in the Nepali month of Magh are typically ready for sale by the last week of Chaitra. “Earlier, we had to transport watermelons from village to village on bicycles and bullock carts, exchanging them for wheat,” he said.
World Day for Safety and Health at Work observed today
The World Day for Safety and Health at Work was observed globally, including in Nepal, today.
The theme for World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2025 is “Revolutionizing Health and Safety: The Role of AI and Digitalization at Work.”
Marked annually since 2003 at the call of the International Labour Organization (ILO), this day highlights the importance of preventing accidents and diseases in the workplace. The observance is part of the ILO’s global strategy to ensure occupational safety and health.
Three new Korea Overseas Volunteers arrive in Nepal
The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has dispatched three new Korea Overseas Volunteers (KOVs) to Nepal. They will begin their assignments on May 31, 2025, following the completion of their local adaptation training program in Lalitpur.
Hwang Pyo Hong will be dispatched to Baglung Special Child Class in Baglung to serve in the Special Education sector. Likewise, Ugeun Gwon will be assigned to Bishwa Bhasha Campus in Kathmandu, where he will contribute to Korean Language Education.
Yari Customs Office reopens after four-month closure
The Yari Customs Office in northern Humla has resumed operations after a four-month closure. The office had been shut since December 25 due to extreme cold and heavy snowfall. Customs services restarted after Office Chief Ramraj Jaisi returned to Hilsa. “The office was closed after notifying the Customs Department when snow began accumulating in the area. It officially reopened on Sunday,” Jaisi said.
Third edition of Rock Climbing Festival from May 3
The third edition of the annual rock climbing festival is going to be held in Sokla valley of Bhimeshwor Municipality-2 from coming May 3 to 4.
The two-day festival is going to be organized with the aim of promoting Sokla Valley as a hub for adventure rock climbing, said Chair of Sokla Tourism Development Society, Arjun Pakhrin. Financial support is being received from the Nepal Tourism Board for the festival to be held in collaboration of various local levels.
Pokhara-Muglin road expansion nears completion
The Pokhara-Muglin road, a major section of the Prithvi Highway and the primary lifeline of Gandaki Province, is nearing completion after years of construction delays.
According to project officials, the upgraded four-lane road will be fully operational by this winter if there are no further obstacles.
The road expansion began in April 2021 and aims to ease transportation between Pokhara, Kathmandu, Narayangadh, and surrounding areas.
The eastern section (Jamune-Muglin), constructed by China Communication Construction Company under a Rs 6.21 billion contract, has achieved 82.95 percent physical progress, with only three kilometers left to be blacktopped.
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