KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Oli and Lekhak placed in remand for further investigation
KP Sharma Oli, chairman of the UML and Ramesh Lekhak of the Nepali Congress have been placed in remand custody as the Kathmandu District Court approved keeping them detained for an additional five days to allow further investigation.
Both were arrested on March 28 in connection with the investigation of the Gen-Z movement that took place on September 8 and 9, 2025. Their representatives had filed a pre-trial detention review application on March 29, and the first hearing on March 30 resulted in a show-cause order issued on behalf of the government.
DP Aryal elected Speaker unanimously
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) lawmaker Dol Prasad (DP) Aryal has been unanimously elected Speaker of the House of Representatives. A meeting of the HoR on Sunday confirmed Aryal’s election to the post by a majority. Earlier, a proposal was submitted in the House of Representatives to elect Aryal as Speaker. The proposal was tabled by Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane. The Federal Parliament Secretariat had scheduled the nomination process for the Speaker election on Friday. When nominations closed, Aryal was the only candidate to file his candidacy. Earlier, the CPN-UML had considered nominating a candidate for the Speaker post but ultimately decided not to submit a nomination. With no other candidates in the race, Aryal has now been elected Speaker unanimously.
DP Aryal sworn in as Speaker
Dol Prasad (DP) Aryal was sworn in as Speaker of the House of Representatives (HoR) today. President Ram Chandra Paudel administered the oath of office and secrecy to Aryal at Sheetal Niwas. After the ceremony, Aryal proceeded to the Speaker’s office to assume his duties. Aryal was the sole candidate in last Friday’s nomination process for the post of Speaker. In today’s House meeting, senior member Arjun Narsingh KC formally announced that Aryal had been elected unopposed. As Speaker, Aryal will now preside over the meetings of the House of Representatives. The next session is scheduled for 1 pm tomorrow (Monday).
Hearing on pre-trial detention plea of Oli, Lekhak deferred
The Supreme Court has deferred the hearing on the pre-trial detention petition filed by former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak. The hearing, scheduled for Sunday before a bench comprising Justices Binod Sharma and Sunil Kumar Pokharel, saw full-day arguments but no conclusion, resulting in the matter being held in abeyance. Earlier, on March 30, the court had issued a show-cause order in the case on behalf of the government.
Deepak Khadka remanded for seven more days in money laundering case
Deepak Khadka, a leader of the Nepali Congress, will remain in custody for an additional seven days. The Kathmandu District Court has granted the extension to allow further investigation into allegations of money laundering. Khadka had previously been arrested and initially remanded for ten days for investigation.
Saturday and Sunday declared public holidays
The government has decided to declare Saturday and Sunday as public holidays. The decision was made at a meeting of the Council of Ministers held today (Sunday). Government offices and all educational institutions will observe these holidays starting from April 6 to facilitate petroleum supply, government spokesperson Sasmit Pokharel said. He added that office hours for government offices, except educational institutions, will be from 9 am to 5 pm.
Kathmandu District Court convicts Supreme Court branch officer Mahiman Singh Bista in forgery case
Mahiman Singh Bista has been found guilty by the Kathmandu District Court for a written document-related offense. Bista was convicted for issuing a fake letter that led to the arrest of Resham Lal Chaudhary, the then-chairman of the Nayarit Unmukti Party. Chaudhary was arrested on the basis of the forged letter issued by Bista on April 30, 2025.
Court orders release of UML MP Rekha Sharma
CPN-UML lawmaker Rekha Sharma, a member of the Lumbini Provincial Assembly, has been released following a court order. A bench of Judge Jagat Poudel at the District Court, Kathmandu, on Sunday ruled that Sharma should not be kept in custody. The court stated that there was no basis for re-arrest in a case where the government had already decided not to prosecute. The Office of the Attorney General had earlier decided not to file charges against Sharma, citing a lack of objective and conclusive evidence. The court also noted that the alleged victim is continuing her education and that Sharma has been acting as a guardian, based on submitted documents.
Dr. Narayan Kandel appointed Attorney General
The government has appointed advocate Dr. Narayan Kandel as the new Attorney General, the country’s legal advisor. The decision was made by the cabinet on Sunday. Prior to this, advocate Subas Acharya had also been considered for the position, but Prime Minister Balendra Shah chose Kandel, a native of Baglung.
Home Minister slams misguided policing: Serious offenders ignored for 36 years
Home Minister Sudan Gurung has sharply criticized decades of political inaction, saying that for 36 years, law enforcement has focused on minor offenders rather than real criminals. His comments come as the newly formed government under the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSSP) takes decisive steps to restore public order and hold influential figures accountable. Since the formation of the government led by the RSP, Minister Gurung has criticized the political parties that previously held power for decades. On Sunday morning, he wrote on social media, “Security personnel have been handcuffed for 36 years.”
Shankar Agrawal released after arrest in money laundering case
Businessman Shankar Agrawal, previously the chairman of Shankar Group, has been released after being arrested on charges related to money laundering. Agrawal was taken into custody by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) Nepal Police on Friday and was held at the Lalitpur District Police Office.
Govt shuts down over 7,000 online betting apps and websites
More than 7,000 apps and websites related to online betting have been shut down by the Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA). In line with the government’s governance reform initiatives, the NTA coordinated with internet service providers to identify and close illegal betting platforms. Deputy Director Surya Prasad Lamichhane stated that internet service providers were instructed to locate and shut down illegally operating betting apps and websites. “So far, more than 7,000 URLs and apps have been closed. In the past week, the Authority received over 50 complaints regarding online betting through phone, email, and messages, and action has been taken on all of them,” he said.
Shanker Group’s Director Shulav arrested
Director of Shanker Group, Shulav Agrawal, has been arrested in connection with a money laundering investigation. He was taken into custody from Bhairahawa, Rupandehi, and has now been produced before the Money Laundering Department. Shulav’s father, Shanker Agrawal, was previously arrested by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police on Friday. Police said Shulav, who was reportedly in India recently, was arrested following instructions from his father to appear before authorities. Both Shanker and Shulav are being investigated due to their connections with businessman Dipak Bhatta, who has already been arrested on multiple charges. Shulav had earlier served as chairman of the controversial Himalayan Life Insurance Limited.
NEPSE drops 105.50 points as turnover crosses Rs 12.38 billion
The benchmark index of the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) fell by 105.50 points on Sunday. With a total turnover of Rs 12.38 billion, the NEPSE Index declined to 2,676.68 points by the end of trading. Among the companies traded during the session, share prices of 261 companies declined while only seven companies posted gains. Shares of Reliance Spinning Mills recorded the highest increase during the day’s trading, while Narayani Development Bank saw the biggest drop in share price. Following the market decline, sub-indices of all trading groups also closed in negative territory.
Gang leader ‘Sanubhai’ among 18 arrested in Kathmandu
Kathmandu police arrested 18 individuals last night, including the notorious gang leader known as ‘Sanubhai’. The arrests were made in Samakhusi, Kathmandu, on Saturday night, according to SSP Ramesh Thapa of the District Police Range, Kathmandu. The operation is part of an ongoing crackdown on gang activities in the capital. On Friday night, police had already detained over 150 people in similar operations across Kathmandu. “So far, we have taken 195 individuals into custody, including 37 identified gang members,” Thapa said. “This campaign will continue without interruption.”
NC holding Parliamentary Party meeting tomorrow
The Nepali Congress (NC) is holding a meeting of its parliamentary party at Singha Durbar at 11:00 a.m. tomorrow. According to Nepali Congress MP Basana Thapa, the meeting is expected to discuss the selection of the parliamentary party leader. “The official agenda has not been announced yet, but the party leader needs to be elected,” she said. Other major parties have already chosen their parliamentary party leaders. The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has selected its senior leader as parliamentary party leader, while CPN-UML has appointed Ram Bahadur Thapa to the position. Similarly, the Nepali Communist Party has chosen Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ as its parliamentary leader.
Search operation: 226 individuals arrested in four days
Nepal Police has arrested 226 people over four days during search operations conducted across the country targeting illegal activities, including hooliganism, illegal brokering, and indecent behavior. Deputy Inspector General of Police and Central Spokesperson Abi Narayan Kafle stated that legal action has been initiated against those arrested as part of the campaign launched on April 1. According to details from Police Headquarters, between April 1 and 3, 51 people were arrested in Kathmandu Valley, 19 in Koshi Province, 7 in Madhes Province, 23 in Bagmati, 2 in Gandaki, and 11 in Karnali. On April 4, 62 people were arrested in Kathmandu Valley, along with 8 in Madhes Province, 10 in Gandaki, 4 in Lumbini, and 2 in Sudurpaschim Province. Spokesperson Kafle added that legal action will continue and the nationwide campaign remains ongoing.
Gold and silver prices stable in Nepali market
The prices of gold and silver in the local market remained stable today, a trend that has persisted since last Friday. While gold prices have remained unchanged since last Thursday, silver had increased by Rs 50 per tola last Friday compared to the previous day. According to the Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Federation, the price of gold today is fixed at Rs 294,000 per tola, while silver is priced at Rs 4,830 per tola. These prices are unchanged from last Friday.
497 electric vehicles imported through Birgunj border in seven months
A total of 497 electric jeeps, cars, and vans, valued at Rs 1.4864 billion, have been imported through the Birgunj border during the first seven months of the current fiscal year. The customs office has collected Rs 963.6 million in revenue from these imports. In comparison, during the same period last fiscal year, 165 electric vehicles worth Rs 431 million were imported, generating Rs 355 million in revenue. According to Uday Singh Bista, Information Officer at the Birgunj Customs Office, imports of electric vehicles have surged sharply compared to the previous year.
EC resumes voter registration and update program from today
The Election Commission (EC) Nepal resumed its voter registration and voter list update program from today. The decision was taken during a meeting of the commission held on April 1. According to the Commission, Nepali citizens who have obtained a National Identity Card number can register their names online by entering the required details linked to the card. Spokesperson for the Commission, Narayan Prasad Bhattarai, said those who have not yet obtained a national identity card must fill out an online form through the commission’s pre-enrolment system and submit biometric details, including photographs and fingerprints.
MPs stress good governance and transparency
National Assembly members today emphasized the need for good governance, transparency, and effective control of corruption under the newly formed government. During today’s session, Nepali Congress’s Khamma Bahadur Khati urged the government to rise above party interests and prioritize national interests. Gita Devkota highlighted the need for farmer-friendly policies, while MP Chandra Bahadur KC said the government should focus on the country’s economic development as its main priority. During the zero hour, Assembly members raised concerns over the rising prices of daily necessities due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia and the challenges faced by marginalized communities as a result.
Snowfall hits Upper Mustang and Muktinath
Heavy snowfall has been reported in Upper Mustang and Muktinath regions since Saturday night, continuing the winter season’s impact in the area. The first snowfall of the season occurred on October 27, making this the sixth snowfall of the ongoing season. Umesh Poudel, head of the Office of the Emergency Response Team in Lomanthang, said that settlements and high-altitude lakes in Upper Mustang have been covered in snow. Areas from Syangbache to Korala in Baragung Muktinath-3 have received up to one foot of snow. “This is the sixth significant snowfall in locations including Ghiling, Ghami, Charang, Lomanthang, Thingar, Chhoser, Samjung, Namasung, Bharsa, Yara, Ghara, Dhi, and Surkhang,” said Uday Timilsina, an official of Lomanthang Rural Municipality.
Japanese encephalitis vaccination campaign to begin in Chitwan
A vaccination campaign against Japanese encephalitis is set to begin in Chitwan district from April 8. A total of 18,811 residents of Madi Municipality and 4,204 residents of Bharatpur Metropolitan City-19 are scheduled to receive the vaccine. Chief of the Public Health Office, Nirmal Ghimire, stated that the campaign will continue until April 13. The vaccine will be administered to adults over 30 who have not previously been vaccinated, as well as children under 15 who missed earlier doses. According to Ram KC, the district’s insect control officer, one person died and four were infected with Japanese encephalitis in 2024, while in 2025, 16 cases were reported, resulting in five deaths.
Ministry of Agriculture resumes farmer registration after five months
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has resumed the registration of farmers after a five-month pause. Registered farmers receive various services, subsidies, and identity cards. These benefits include chemical fertilizers, seeds, financial assistance, service management, and other support, according to Mahananda Joshi, Information Officer at the Ministry. The registration process is being coordinated with local authorities nationwide to ensure accurate identification of genuine farmers. Integrated data is being collected, including land area under cultivation, crop production, and other relevant details.
Child killed in accident
A child has died after being struck by a bus allegedly driven by the driver’s assistant. The deceased has been identified as 10-year-old Ires Ghosle, an Indian national currently residing at Nagarban Road in Bharatpur Metropolitan City-3. According to police, the assistant driver of the bus (Ba.Pra. 06001 Kha 0492) hit the child while reversing the vehicle for parking on Saturday night. Ghosle, who sustained serious injuries in the incident, died during treatment at Bharatpur Hospital. The bus has been impounded, and the assistant driver has been taken into custody for further investigation, said Deputy Superintendent of Police Rabindra Khanal of the District Police Office.
Earthquake recorded near Mijuredanda in Kaski
A minor earthquake was recorded near Mijuredanda in Kaski district this morning. According to the National Seismology and Research Center in Lainchaur, the earthquake, measuring 3.5 on the Richter scale, struck the area at 8:34 a.m. Earlier, on April 1, a 4.0-magnitude earthquake was also recorded near Dainakot in Mugu district.
One killed, three injured in motorcycle accident in Rolpa
One person died and three others were injured in a motorcycle accident in Bhalubang-Sulichaur Khadakkhand of Sunilsmriti Rural Municipality-2. The deceased has been identified as 27-year-old Manoj Marmathani of Sunilsmriti-2. According to police, Marmathani died during treatment at the Primary Health Center in Sulichaur after two motorcycles collided on the road in Eklepipal while traveling from Khungri to Sulichaur. The motorcycles involved were numbered Ra 6 Pa 5527 and Ra 3 Pa 1017, and the accident occurred at 8:00 am today.
Promotion of Sagarmatha can help increase tourist flow
World-renowned Nepali mountaineer Mingma Gyalbo Sherpa has said that since Sagarmatha (Mt Everest) is the pride and identity of Nepal, promoting it globally could help increase tourist arrivals. Speaking at a program organized in Kathmandu today to highlight the Everest Tourism Award and World Peace Summit, he emphasized the importance of such events in attracting more investment to the tourism sector. The A.M.S. Global Himalaya Foundation will organize the Award and Summit in Kathmandu from May 29. Founding Chairperson Satya Kala Tamang Lama said the events are part of efforts to promote Nepal’s folk art, culture, and tourism to the world. Representatives from more than 30 countries are expected to participate.
Tiger census completed in Shuklaphanta
The tiger census in Shuklaphanta National Park has been completed, officials said. The census was conducted in the Shuklaphanta-Laljhadi-Jogbudha Complex under the National Tiger Survey Program, according to Purushottam Wagle, Conservation Officer of the park. The fieldwork, which began in the last week of Falgun using the ‘camera trapping’ method, has now been completed, and the cameras are being collected. “The cameras placed across Shuklaphanta and Division One have been retrieved,” Wagle said. “The number of tigers will be determined after analyzing the images from the collected cameras.”
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