KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
25-year-old Rubi Kumari Thakur elected Deputy Speaker
Rubi Kumari Thakur, 25, from Dhanusha, has been elected Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. The proportional representation lawmaker from the Harka Sampang-led Shram Sanskriti Party was elected on Friday. She received 229 votes. Rubi Thakur was supported by her party, the Shram Sanskriti Party, along with the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Nepali Congress, and Nepali Communist Party. The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) contested alone, while CPN-UML did not participate in the election. Thakur comes from a modest background and entered politics at a young age after growing up amid social challenges and family responsibilities. She was nominated as a proportional representation lawmaker under the Madhesi Janajati cluster. Her father works in Saudi Arabia, while her mother is a homemaker.
Deputy Speaker Thakur takes oath of office and secrecy
Newly elected Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rubi Kumari Thakur, has taken the oath of office and secrecy. Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal administered the oath in the presence of President Ram Chandra Paudel at a special ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhawan this evening. Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Balendra Shah, National Assembly Chair Narayan Prasad Dahal, members of the Council of Ministers, lawmakers, and heads of constitutional bodies were present on the occasion.
Pillars of federal democratic republic institutionalized: President
President Ram Chandra Paudel has said that the pillars of the federal democratic republic have now been institutionalized. Addressing a joint session of both Houses of the Federal Parliament on Friday, President Paudel stated, “The pillars of the federal democratic republic have been institutionalized.” He stressed that efforts should now focus on public welfare, urging Parliament to enact laws that serve the broader interests of the people. Addressing the joint session, President Paudel called for prioritising good governance, corruption control, job creation, and economic prosperity. He said the people expect accountable and transparent governance, effective service delivery, an end to corruption, social justice, and rapid economic development.
Gauri Kumari Yadav and Ramji Yadav sworn in as ministers
Newly appointed ministers Gauri Kumari Yadav and Ramji Yadav were sworn in today. President Ram Chandra Paudel administered the oath of office and secrecy at a ceremony held at the Rastrapati Bhavan in Kathmandu. Gauri Kumari Yadav has been appointed Minister for Labor, Employment and Social Security, while Ramji Yadav has been appointed Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies. According to the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, Prime Minister Balendra Shah made the appointments on Friday. Both ministers are members of the Federal Parliament representing the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP).
Five votes in favor of RPP candidate for Deputy Speaker
Five votes were cast in support of Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) candidate Saraswati Tamang for the post of Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. In Friday’s meeting of the House of Representatives, Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal announced that the proposal to elect RPP lawmaker Tamang as Deputy Speaker had been rejected. The proposal was tabled by RPP MP Gyan Bahadur Shahi. Only RPP lawmakers voted in favour of the proposal. A total of 215 votes were cast against the proposal, while 37 MPs abstained.
Former home minister Lekhak alleges ‘revengeful’ detention after release
Ramesh Lekhak has accused the government of detaining him in a revengeful and biased manner. In a statement issued on Friday following his release from 13 days in custody, Lekhak described the report of the commission formed to investigate the incidents of September 8 and 9, 2025, as incomplete and unverified, claiming the criminal charges against him were baseless. Lekhak was released after the Supreme Court issued a mandamus order directing the government to free him from custody.
RSP Chai Lamichhane bars lawmakers from visiting ministries for personal favors
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane has issued a strict directive to party lawmakers and leaders to stop unnecessary visits to government ministries at Singha Durbar for personal interests or political lobbying. Addressing the RSP parliamentary party meeting on Friday, Lamichhane warned lawmakers against seeking appointments or favors for relatives and associates. He emphasized that the party’s rise to power was fueled by the sacrifices of “Gen-Z” voters and urged representatives to honor that mandate rather than engaging in traditional nepotism.
Health Ministry directs hospitals to keep OPDs open on Sundays despite two-day weekend
The Ministry of Health and Population has directed all hospitals and health institutions to continue operating Outpatient Department (OPD) services on Sundays to ensure patients are not affected by the government’s recent two-day weekend policy. Issuing a press release, the Ministry clarified that while the Council of Ministers’ decision to grant public holidays on both Saturday and Sunday—effective from April 5 following the Gazette notification—is in place, essential health services must remain uninterrupted. To maintain effective service delivery, the Ministry has introduced a new operational guideline for healthcare facilities.
Home Minister Gurung orders shutdown of illegal crushers following Roshi flood inspection
Minister for Home Affairs, Sudan Gurung, has directed the immediate closure of all crusher plants and mining operations failing to meet regulatory standards in the Roshi area of Kavrepalanchok. The directive came during an on-site inspection of the disaster-hit sections of the BP Highway and the surrounding Panauti region, which suffered catastrophic damage during last year’s floods and landslides.
PM’s Office orders probe into illegal medicine price hike; DDA Director General Dhakal recalled
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has initiated a formal investigation into the unauthorized hike in medicine prices, placing Narayan Dhakal, the Director General of the Department of Drug Administration (DDA), under scrutiny. Following the PMO’s directive on Thursday, the Ministry of Health and Population has recalled Director General Dhakal to the Ministry to facilitate a transparent inquiry. In a letter addressed to the Health Secretary, the PMO has mandated that the investigation be completed and a detailed report submitted within seven days.
NEPSE index declines by 13.46 points
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index fell by 13.46 points to 2,837.77, a decline of 0.47 percent. According to NEPSE, a total of 21,087,628 shares of 335 companies were traded 97,480 times, generating a turnover of Rs 8.99 billion. In today’s trading, the hydropower group rose by 0.08 percent and the production and processing group increased by 1.59 percent, while all other sectoral indices declined. Banking fell by 0.74 percent, development banks by 0.67 percent, finance by 0.60 percent, hotels and tourism by 0.44 percent, investment by 0.12 percent, life insurance by 0.71 percent, microfinance by 0.73 percent, mutual funds by 0.49 percent, non-life insurance by 0.48 percent, and the “other” group by 1.39 percent.
ADB projects Nepal’s economic growth at 2.7 percent
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has projected Nepal’s economic growth rate to remain at 2.7 percent in 2026. According to the Asian Development Outlook April 2026 published by the ADB, this marks a decline compared to 4.6 percent growth recorded in the previous fiscal year. ADB Country Director for Nepal Arnaud Cauchois said economic growth is expected to slow due to political uncertainty, the Gen Z movement of September, 2025,, and the ongoing conflict in the West Asia. He noted that maintaining political stability would help advance reform initiatives and boost economic confidence, while also warning that the Middle East conflict continues to pose risks through potential impacts on oil prices, tourism, and remittance inflows.
Nepali Ambassador to Germany Rupakheti resigns
Nepali Ambassador to Germany Dr. Shail Rupakheti has resigned from his post. He had been presenting himself at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs following his recall by the Sushila Karki-led government. His resignation, submitted on Wednesday, was accepted by Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal on Thursday. The government had earlier decided to recall ambassadors from 11 countries, a decision which was challenged in the Supreme Court through a writ petition filed by the affected ambassadors. Following a court order to maintain the status quo, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had arranged a separate mechanism for recalled ambassadors who had not stepped down. Rupakheti had also been reporting to the Ministry without resigning.
Student unions announce protest against govt move to scrap organizations
A coalition of student unions has announced a phase-wise protest against the government’s reported plan to dissolve student organizations. Organizing a press conference in Kathmandu on Friday, the Joint Student Union declared the first phase of its protest program against the move. As per the schedule, the unions will hold interactions with civil society leaders on April 12, followed by discussions and interactions across campuses in all districts from April 13 to April 17. They also plan to engage with former student leaders and lawmakers on April 18.
Gold price rises by Rs 2,200 per tola
The price of gold increased by Rs 2,200 per tola in the Nepali market on Friday, according to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association. With the latest increase, gold is being traded at Rs 296,900 per tola, up from Rs294,700 per tola on Thursday. Silver prices also increased on Friday. The price of silver rose by Rs85 per tola compared to Thursday.
Fuel prices rise again as NOC cites global market volatility
Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has increased the prices of petroleum products, citing fluctuations in the international market. The new rates came into effect from today following a decision by the Corporation’s board of directors. Prices of petrol, diesel, kerosene, cooking LPG, and aviation fuel have all been raised. According to the revised rates, petrol has increased by Rs 17 per liter, while diesel and kerosene have gone up by Rs 25 per liter each. The price of cooking LPG has been raised by Rs 100 per cylinder, and domestic aviation fuel has increased by Rs 6 per liter.
Department of Foreign Employment orders removal of misleading ‘labor permit’ signs from private centers
The Department of Foreign Employment has issued a strict directive to cyber centers and private institutes operating in the vicinity of its offices to remove all misleading advertisements and signage related to labor permits by April 13. The Department’s notice targets establishments displaying signs such as “Labor permits processed here,” “Online labor forms filled here,” or “Labor work handled here.” According to the Department, such advertisements create significant confusion among migrant workers, leading them to believe that private entities have the authority to issue or officially process government labor permits.
Govt directs measures to ensure effective health service delivery
The government has instructed concerned bodies to make alternative arrangements to ensure the continuity and effectiveness of health service delivery following the implementation of a two-day weekend system (Saturday and Sunday). The Ministry of Health and Population has directed hospitals to operate outpatient services on Sundays based on their workload and available manpower. It has also instructed institutions to manage staff schedules by providing two days off, including one day other than Saturday. In cases where this is not feasible, hospitals have been asked to ensure service continuity by granting compensatory leave.
Scientific research should be a national responsibility: Vice President Yadav
Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav has stressed the need for collaboration among all stakeholders to strengthen evidence-based policymaking, stating that health research should be regarded as a national responsibility rather than merely an academic exercise. Inaugurating the 12th National Summit of Health and Population Scientists in Nepal organised by the Nepal Health Research Council in Kathmandu today, Vice President Yadav said health research can provide long-term insights into disease patterns, treatment options, population health trends, and socio-economic impacts.
Stakeholders stress urgent need to improve Kathmandu traffic management
Stakeholders have emphasized the need for improved traffic management in the Kathmandu Valley during a discussion organized by the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office today. The discussion, hosted by House of Representatives member Ashish Gajurel, focused on the challenges and possible solutions related to traffic management in the Valley. On the occasion, MP Gajurel stressed the need for the use of technology, as well as adequate manpower and equipment, to improve traffic management, noting that traffic police are carrying out significant responsibilities despite limited resources.
Israel pushes for Lebanon talks as strikes threaten Iran ceasefire
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel is seeking direct negotiations with Beirut, following a wave of heavy bombardments in Lebanon that left more than 300 people dead and put a fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran at risk. U.S. President Donald Trump had announced a truce in the six-week-long conflict with Iran late Tuesday, just hours before a deadline after which he had warned of severe consequences. Meanwhile, in Islamabad, authorities tightened security ahead of the first round of U.S.-Iran negotiations. However, tensions remain high as Iran has yet to ease its near-total blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a move that has severely disrupted global energy supplies. Tehran cited continued Israeli strikes in Lebanon as a major obstacle to de-escalation.
26 injured in bus accident
Twenty-six passengers were injured when a bus met with an accident at Bankaswasa in Kapilvastu along the East-West Highway last night. According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Ripendra Singh of the District Police Office, the bus (Bhe 1 Kha 4373), en route from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu, overturned during the night. He added that all passengers were rescued immediately after the accident. Of the injured, 17 are receiving treatment at Sanjeevani Hospital in Chandrauta, while three are being treated at the Basic Hospital.
President Paudel highlights economic growth as foundation for national prosperity
President Ram Chandra Paudel has stated that the development and expansion of trade, industry, and economic activities are the fundamental pillars of the country’s economic prosperity. Addressing the 75th Annual General Meeting and Diamond Jubilee celebration of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce in Kathmandu on Friday, President Paudel called upon all stakeholders to unite toward achieving the economic prosperity envisioned by the people to further strengthen the federal democratic republic.
Case filed for setting fire to forest
The Division Forest Office has filed a case in court against an individual accused of setting fire to a community forest. According to Division Forest Officer Pradeep Nath Sharma, a case has been lodged at the Nuwakot District Court against Narayan Tamang of Suryagadhi Rural Municipality-4, Archale, who was arrested for allegedly starting the fire. The case is based on evidence collected during the investigation, including a video showing Tamang setting fire to the Chandeshwari Community Forest.
Lack of protection threatens vital wetlands in Shuklaphanta
Lakes within Shuklaphanta National Park, home to some of the world’s rarest wildlife, are gradually disappearing due to lack of protection. Among them, Rani Tal, Kalikich Tal, and Shikari Tal have long been overrun by water hyacinth, putting their very existence at risk. Park Information Officer Purushottam Wagle stressed the urgent need for conservation and development of these lakes. He said artificial ponds have been created in several parts of the park and supplied with solar-powered water to help meet wildlife needs during the dry season. There are around 120 natural and artificial water bodies within the park.
Unregulated crusher mines in Roshi blamed for massive environmental destruction
Growing concerns have emerged over the devastating role of crusher and stone mining operations in the Roshi and Kalati regions, following visual evidence linking these industries to catastrophic environmental degradation. Recent photographic documentation reveals a landscape transformed from lush agricultural terrain into a series of barren, eroded craters, signaling a deepening ecological crisis in the district. The visual evidence highlights how intensive mining and the heavy movement of industrial machinery have severely compromised the geography of the Roshi corridor.
Nepal to host UAE for two-match T20I series ahead of CWC League 2
The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has announced that the national team will play a two-match Twenty20 International (T20I) series against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the TU Cricket Ground this month. According to the schedule released by CAN, the matches are set for April 20 and April 21. This T20I series will serve as a crucial preparation for both sides ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 tri-series, which is scheduled to commence in Kathmandu on April 25. The League 2 series, featuring Nepal, Oman, and the UAE, was rescheduled to late April following cancellations caused by regional conflicts in West Asia.
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