KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Top leaders set to address first meeting of House of Representatives
Top political leaders are set to address the first meeting of the House of Representatives elected through the March 5 polls. A meeting held at Singha Durbar on Wednesday under the coordination of Arjun Narasingh KC reached an agreement to allow top leaders of major parties to address the first sitting of the House.
UML appoints Ram Bahadur Thapa Badal as acting chair as Oli remains in custody
The CPN-UML has appointed Vice-Chair Ram Bahadur Thapa Badal as acting party chair, as Chair KP Sharma Oli remains in custody. The decision was taken by Oli himself, assigning Badal to lead the party in an acting capacity until his release. The development comes on the same day Badal was elected as the parliamentary leader of the UML in the House of Representatives.
Oli undergoing treatment at TUTH, doctors awaiting reports before surgery decision
KP Sharma Oli, chair of the CPN-UML, is currently undergoing treatment at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital in Maharajgunj after multiple health complications were detected. Oli, who was arrested from Gundu in Bhaktapur on Saturday in connection with a culpable homicide case, was admitted to the hospital on March 29 after doctors found irregularities in his heart rhythm along with several other health issues.
High Court dismisses Shobha Pathak’s writ against UML secretary Mahesh Basnet
The High Court Patan has dismissed a supplementary writ filed by Shobha Pathak against Mahesh Basnet, providing relief to the leader of the CPN-UML. Pathak had accused Basnet of rape and had filed a complaint seeking legal action. However, the District Government Attorney’s Office Kathmandu had earlier decided not to proceed with the case.
MPs to directly report constituency issues to PM’s office via WhatsApp groups
Members of the House of Representatives will soon be able to report problems from their constituencies directly to the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers through a dedicated system, officials said. During a Wednesday discussion with MPs representing Madhesh Province at Singha Durbar, Prime Minister Balendra Shah announced that lawmakers will be able to submit constituency issues immediately through WhatsApp groups created for each province. Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) lawmaker Manish Jha said the system is designed to allow MPs to easily communicate local issues to the government. MPs from Madhesh Province also shared both immediate and long-term problems of their constituencies with the Prime Minister during the discussion.
Six parties hold first meeting in Singha Durbar after House of Representatives elections
Following the government’s decision to convene a parliamentary session, a meeting of the six parties that secured seats in the House of Representatives from the March 5 elections has begun at Singha Durbar. The meeting, called by the Federal Parliament Secretariat, has brought together lawmakers from the participating parties in the lower house. In this session, only six parties are represented: the Rastriya Swatantra Party, Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, Nepali Communist Party, Shram Sanskriti Party, and Rastriya Prajatantra Party.
Bhairahawa Airport plans flight expansion, aims for full international operations
Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa is moving forward with a new strategy to increase flight operations and attract international airlines, with the goal of bringing the airport to full operational capacity. Airport management has announced plans to significantly expand international flights starting from the upcoming winter schedule. Airport General Manager Shyam Kishor Sah said efforts are underway to regularize currently limited international flights and ensure consistent service.
NC disciplinary panel declares Purna Bahadur Khadka’s statement unauthorized
The Nepali Congress (NC) disciplinary committee has declared a statement issued by former Vice-President Purna Bahadur Khadka on March 28 as unauthorized. The decision was made during a Wednesday meeting at the party’s central office in Sanepa. The committee noted that Khadka used a fake letterhead to issue a statement mentioning responsibilities not assigned to him, calling it a breach of party discipline. “The statement is unauthorized and is being formally cautioned. Any future actions of this kind will be subject to disciplinary measures under NC’s bylaws and Nepali law,” the committee said. The disciplinary panel also decided that if Khadka continues leading parallel activities within the party, further action will be taken.
House of Representatives to elect Speaker on April 5
The House of Representatives is set to elect its new Speaker on April 5, following a consensus reached at an all-party meeting held on Wednesday at the Parliament Secretariat in Singha Durbar. Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) lawmaker Kabindra Burlakoti said that a proposal for the Speaker’s election will be presented in the first House meeting on Thursday, with April 3 set aside for nomination submissions. Until a new procedural guideline is enacted, the House will operate under the existing rules, Burlakoti added. The first meeting will also include a tribute to martyrs of the Gen-Z movement, along with remarks from the top leaders of participating parties.
Suhang Nembang demands election for UML parliamentary party leader
Younger leaders of the CPN-UML have mounted a strong challenge in the race for the party’s parliamentary leader, positioning Ilam-2 lawmaker Suhang Nembang as a key contender. Nembang has leveraged the momentum of youth sentiment and the country’s changing political dynamics to stake his claim, directly contesting Vice Chair Ram Bahadur Thapa party chair and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. With both sides holding firm, the contest has highlighted generational tensions within the party, raising the possibility of a formal election for the parliamentary leadership if consensus cannot be reached.
UML parliamentary party leader race sparks rift between senior and young leaders
A dispute has emerged within the CPN-UML as senior and younger leaders clash over the selection of the parliamentary party leader. The disagreement surfaced during a secretariat meeting held in Chyasal, Lalitpur, on Wednesday, after younger leaders put forward strong claims for the leadership position. Party chair and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who is currently in police custody, is said to be backing Vice Chair Ram Bahadur Thapa for the post.
Complaint filed after cyber harassment targeting woman supporting KP Oli
Amisha Parajuli, who faced cyber attacks after expressing support for KP Sharma Oli, has filed a complaint with the Cyber Bureau of Nepal Police. Parajuli lodged the complaint at the bureau in Bhotahiti, Kathmandu, alleging character assassination and online abuse. She was accompanied by her mother, sister, and other family members during the filing. According to Police Superintendent Dilip Kumar Giri, the complaint has been officially registered, and further action will be taken after reviewing the details.
Sapana Pradhan Malla assumes office as Acting Chief Justice
Senior-most Supreme Court (SC) justice Sapana Pradhan Malla has taken charge as Acting Chief Justice following the retirement of Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut on Tuesday upon reaching the age limit of 65. As per Article 129(9) of the Constitution of Nepal, the senior-most justice of the Supreme Court automatically assumes the role of Acting Chief Justice when the position falls vacant. Justice Malla has nearly a decade of judicial experience. She is widely recognized for landmark rulings on gender equality, gender-based violence, and constitutional issues.
US lowers Nepal travel advisory to Level 2, urges caution
The United States Department of State has downgraded its travel advisory for Nepal to Level 2, stating that travel is permitted with increased caution. The revision comes after the end of nationwide protests that began in September 2025 following the Gen-Z movement. While the overall security situation has improved, the advisory notes that the risk of civil unrest and sudden demonstrations still remains. According to the updated notice, protests across the country have largely subsided, and Nepal’s security environment is currently stable. However, it warns that demonstrations may still occur, particularly in urban areas, and could escalate quickly.
Home Minister Gurung directs police to ensure citizen-friendly and transparent service
Home Minister Sudan Gurung has directed police personnel to deliver citizen-friendly, clean, transparent, and service-oriented policing. During an on-site inspection of the District Police Range Kathmandu on Wednesday, Minister Gurung instructed all police officials to prioritize public-centric service and maintain high standards of accountability. According to SSP Ramesh Thapa, the Home Minister also expressed the government’s commitment to ensuring necessary arrangements for the use of technology in policing services.
Chandra Bhandari voices concern over parallel activities within Nepali Congress
Nepali Congress leader Chandra Bhandari has expressed dissatisfaction over growing parallel activities within the party and the conduct of senior leaders. Taking to social media on Wednesday, Bhandari urged senior leaders, including Purna Bahadur Khadka, to adopt a more restrained and responsible approach to politics. Targeting what he described as parallel activities led by leaders aligned with Khadka and Shekhar Koirala, Bhandari remarked that such behavior does not suit experienced figures within the party.
Gold price jumps by Rs 7,400 per tola
The price of gold increased by Rs 7,400 per tola on Wednesday. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of gold has been fixed at Rs 297,600 per tola for the day. The precious metal was traded at Rs 290,200 per tola on Tuesday. Overall, gold prices have risen by Rs 9,100 per tola over the past week. Last Wednesday, gold was traded at Rs 288,500 per tola.
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