KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Teachers’ Federation postpones all protest programs
The agitating Nepal Teachers’ Federation has announced the postponement of all ongoing protest programs following an agreement with the government.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Federation confirmed that protests have been called off after receiving a written commitment from the government to address key demands, including the passage of the new School Education Act by 15 Ashadh 2082. This commitment builds on a previous agreement between the two sides.
Teachers and education employees had been on strike under the coordination of the Nepal Teachers’ Federation National Committee.
Council of Ministers endorses nine-point agreement reached between govt and agitating teachers
The Council of Ministers has approved the nine-point agreement reached between the government and the Nepal Teachers Federation, addressing the teachers’ key demands.
Minister for Education, Science and Technology Raghuji Pant confirmed that the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday evening endorsed the agreement, which was finalized earlier the same day during negotiations between the government and the Federation. The agreement followed a series of talks between the Nepal Teachers Federation and the government negotiation team led by Minister Pant.
Resham Chaudhary released after SC declares arrest letter invalid
Nagarik Unmukti Party patron Resham Chaudhary was released from Dillibazar Prison on Wednesday evening after the Supreme Court (SC) ruled that the order for his arrest was unauthorized and unofficial.
The court has now initiated legal proceedings against the official responsible for issuing the disputed letter without proper clearance.
Chaudhary had been detained earlier that day at the Nepal Academy (Pragya Bhawan), where he was attending a program to announce the unification of the Nagarik Unmukti Party and Janamat Party.
BJP Foreign Affairs Chief Chauthaiwale meets Home Minister Lekhak
Vijay Chauthaiwale, the head of the Foreign Affairs Department of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), met with Nepal’s Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak at Singha Durbar on Wednesday as part of his visit to Nepal.
Their discussions focused on improving Nepal-India bilateral relations, which have occasionally been strained in recent years.
Chauthaiwale arrived in Kathmandu earlier in the day and is scheduled to meet various senior political figures, including CPN-UML Chair and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, opposition leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda”, as well as prominent leaders from the ruling alliance and Madhesh-based parties.
Resham Chaudhary arrested
Resham Chaudhary, patron of the Nagarik Unmukti Party (NUP), has been arrested. He was taken into custody from the premises of Pragya Bhawan (Nepal Academy) in Kamaladi, where preparations were underway to announce a merger with the CK Raut-led Janamat Party.
Chaudhary was arrested by plainclothes police officers who had arrived at the venue specifically for the operation, eye witnesses said. He was arrested just as the Janamat Party and the Nagarik Unmukti Party were preparing to formally announce their merger on Wednesday.
According to the proposed structure, Resham Chaudhary was expected to serve as the party’s patron, Janamat Party leader CK Raut would assume the role of President, and Ranjita Shrestha of the Nagarik Unmukti Party would take the position of Co-President.
Janamat-NUP merger disrupted following Resham’s arrest
The planned unification between the Janamat Party and the Nagarik Unmukti Party (NUS) was postponed following the arrest of NUP patron Resham Lal Chaudhary.
Chaudhary was arrested from Kamaladi and transferred to Dillibazaar Jail in accordance with a prior Supreme Court verdict, just hours before the official merger announcement was to take place on Wednesday.
Janamat Party Chair Dr. CK Raut confirmed the postponement via social media, stating that the government deliberately arrested Chaudhary on the very day of the planned unification in an act of political retaliation. He urged party cadres to return home peacefully.
Coalition partners suggest reforms to boost govt efficiency
The ruling coalition held a meeting at the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar to discuss the upcoming government policies and programs for the new fiscal year.
Speaking after the meeting, CPN-UML Deputy General Secretary Pradeep Gyawali stated that the discussions focused on designing policies aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of development efforts.
“Suggestions were provided on key policy directions. It was emphasized that we must collectively strengthen democracy and respond firmly to the various forms of attacks it is facing,” he said.
No system can replace republicanism: Prachanda
Chairman of the Maoist Centre, Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, has reaffirmed his commitment to fulfilling the aspirations of the martyrs, declaring that the republican system achieved through their sacrifices has no alternative.
Speaking at Matiyabasti in Punarbas Municipality during the Maoist Tarai-Madhes Awakening Campaign, Dahal emphasized that the party’s Postal Highway-centered movement is dedicated to the people. He announced that the “One Martyr, One Employment” program would be launched today as part of an event honoring families of martyrs.
Monarchy will not be reinstated: PM Oli
Prime Minister (PM) KP Sharma Oli has firmly stated that the monarchy will never be reinstated to Nepal, emphasizing that it was abolished through the people’s struggle and the establishment of a democratic republic.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Ninth National General Convention of the Rastriya Janasanskritik Mahasangh Nepal (National People’s Cultural Federation, Nepal) today, PM Oli—who is also the Chair of the CPN (UML)—criticized those opposing the current system, calling them “a group of fools” who prefer servitude over citizenship even in a republic.
“Some people see only negativity in the republic because they lack the spirit of freedom,” he said.
Nepal’s economy expectd to grow by 4.61% this fiscal year
The National Statistics Office has projected Nepal’s economic growth at 4.61 percent for the current fiscal year 2081/82 BS (2025/26).
Releasing the report on Wednesday, the Office also estimated the size of the national economy to reach Rs 6.107 trillion. According to the report, Nepal’s economy grew by 5.1 percent in the second quarter of the current fiscal year.
BJP’s Foreign Affairs Head Chauthaiwale in Kathmandu
Dr. Vijay Chauthaiwale, Head of the Foreign Affairs Department of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), arrived in Kathmandu on Wednesday for a three-day official visit aimed at boosting Nepal-India relations and engaging with key political actors.
A close ally of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chauthaiwale is expected to contribute to efforts to mend the recently strained ties between the two countries.
During his stay, he is scheduled to meet with former Prime Minister and opposition leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, senior figures from the ruling coalition, opposition leaders, and representatives of Madhesh-based parties.
Teachers protest in Kathmandu today as well
Teachers from across the country continued their protest in Kathmandu today under the leadership of the Nepal Teachers Federation. Today’s demonstration follows another round of inconclusive talks between government representatives and Federation officials held last night.
Federation President Laxmi Kishor Subedi stated that the protest movement will continue alongside ongoing dialogue with the government. He emphasized that the Federation’s representatives remain committed to advocating for their demands.
Second round of talks between teachers and govt yields no deal
Discussions between the Nepal Teachers Federation and the government once again ended without a resolution. However, both parties described the talks as constructive and forward-moving.
Education, Science, and Technology Minister Raghuji Pant expressed optimism, stating that negotiations with the Teachers Federation are progressing positively. Speaking to journalists after Tuesday night’s meeting at the Ministry, he said efforts are ongoing to reach a final settlement soon.
Gold price drops by Rs 700 in Nepali market
The price of gold in the Nepali market declined on Wednesday, with the Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Federation reducing the rate by Rs 700 per tola. As per the Federation, gold was traded at Rs 188,100 per tola today, down from Tuesday’s price of Rs 188,800. Similarly, the price of silver also decreased by Rs 5, with the metal traded at Rs 1,970 per tola on Wednesday.
Ministry orders full disclosure of doctors’ details in patients’ report cards
The Ministry of Health and Population has instructed all public healthcare institutions across the country to include full identification details of doctors and other medical personnel involved in patient care on report cards.
The directive requires that all recommendations for radiology, laboratory tests, and other diagnostic procedures be clearly documented in patients’ records to ensure transparency and accountability in the public health sector.
According to the circular issued today, all federal hospitals and public health institutions must now include essential identification details such as the doctor’s full name, medical specialization, Nepal Medical Council registration number, and signature on patient report cards.
One killed, six injured in Doti jeep accident
One person was killed and six others were injured in a jeep accident in Doti district. The deceased has been identified as 45-year-old Harka Bahadur Negi.
The accident occurred when a jeep (SuPra 02001 Ja 0567), en route from Dhangadhi to Purchaudi in Baitadi, veered off the road along the Bhimdatta Highway near Melkhola, Jorayal Rural Municipality-2, according to District Police Office Chief Binod Sharma.
International Jazz Day celebrated today
International Jazz Day was observed today across the globe. Jazz, known for its rich melodies and instrumental improvisation, has captivated audiences since the early 20th century and remains especially popular among youth in Western countries.
In November 2011, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially designated April 30 as International Jazz Day.
The day is celebrated worldwide to promote intercultural dialogue, respect for human rights and dignity, the fight against discrimination, freedom of expression, gender equality, and the role of youth in driving social change.
FPAN approves proposal to amend statute
The Family Planning Association of Nepal (FPAN) has approved a proposal to amend sections of its statute during a special general assembly held recently. The meeting also discussed the organization’s future plans and strategic direction. Presidents from 28 districts, central office-bearers, and members of the central working committee participated in the assembly.
On the occasion, FPAN President Rajendra Bahadur Shrestha emphasized the need for collective efforts to make the organization self-reliant. Executive Director Dr. Praveen Shakya briefed participants on various programs being implemented by the Association, according to a press release issued by FPAN.
Preparations complete for Koshi Province Investment Summit
Preparations have been finalized for the Koshi Province Investment Summit, organized by the provincial government. The details were shared during a press conference held by the Province Investment Authority today.
The Summit will take place at the Birendra Auditorium in Biratnagar. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is scheduled to inaugurate the event on Thursday, with the two-day conference concluding on Friday.
‘2030 In Sight Live Nepal’ Conference begins, aims to globalize Nepal’s eye care practices
An international conference of global eye care providers, titled ‘2030 In Sight Live Nepal’, kicked off today in Kathmandu. Organized for the first time in Nepal by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), the event brings together representatives from IAPB member organizations dedicated to eye health and blindness prevention worldwide.
Participants include international charitable organizations, eye hospitals, academic institutions, and corporate entities, all of whom are part of the IAPB network.
Foundation for a strong national economy must begin at local level: Prachanda
Maoist Centre Chair and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has emphasized the need to build the foundation for a strong national economy starting from the local level.
Speaking to journalists at Shobhatal, a tourist site in Belauri Municipality, Dahal urged local governments to prioritize sectors such as agriculture, forestry, health, education, employment, and industry to strengthen the overall economy.
“If we can establish agriculture-based industries, it will significantly benefit the national economy,” he said. “As we are in the era of information technology, the IT sector must also be integrated into our economic development.”
Eye health will be included in National Insurance Program: PM Oli
Prime Minister (PM) KP Oli announced today that eye health services will be integrated into Nepal’s national health insurance programme.
Speaking at the inauguration of the international conference ‘2030 In Sight Live Nepal’, organized by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) and other health organizations, PM Oli emphasized the government’s commitment to making eye care universally accessible by 2030 in line with the 2030 In Sight strategy.
Nepal makes significant strides in eye health: Minister Paudel
Minister for Health and Population Pradip Paudel has said that Nepal has made remarkable progress in the field of eye health, positioning itself as a global example in ophthalmic care.
Addressing the ‘2030 In Sight Live Nepal’ conference—organized by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) and held for the first time in Nepal—Minister Paudel highlighted the country’s advancements in eye care, driven by innovation and modern technologies.
“Nepal has a proud legacy in eye care services, and our progress aligns with the global goals for eye health,” he stated.
The Minister noted that increasing urbanization, aging populations, and changing lifestyles have contributed to a growing demand for eye care services, particularly in South Asia, where blindness rates remain high. He expressed hope that the conference would generate impactful strategies to further strengthen ophthalmic services.
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