KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Nepal defeat UAE by eight wickets in second T20I
Nepal national cricket team secured a comfortable eight-wicket victory over the United Arab Emirates national cricket team in the second match of the T20I series. The match played at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground saw Nepal chase down the target of 129 runs in 15.5 overs, leveling the series. Openers led the chase with a brilliant performance from Kushal Bhurtel, who scored an explosive half-century. Facing 57 balls, he smashed 82 runs, including 12 fours and two sixes.
RSP studying allegations against Home Minister, no clarification sought yet: Bhupadev Shah
Rastriya Swatantra Party General Secretary Bhupadev Shah has said the party is studying the issues raised publicly against Home Minister Sudan Gurung, but has not yet sought clarification from him. Speaking to Khabarhub, Shah said the party’s attention was drawn after questions were raised about the home minister in public. “After questions were raised publicly about the home minister, our attention has been drawn to the matter. We are trying to understand the issue and study the details,” Shah said. “So far, the party has not asked him for clarification.”
SC refuses to register writ petition against Rabi Lamichhane
The Supreme Court of Nepal has refused to register a writ petition filed against Rabi Lamichhane. The court administration issued a darpeeth order, an administrative decision declining registration, on the petition submitted by Ayush Badal. With the order, the petition has been rejected at the registration stage. The writ had sought an order to bar Lamichhane from performing his duties as a Member of Parliament until a final verdict is delivered in cases filed against him, including cooperative fraud, organized crime and money laundering.
Home Minister Gurung attends Cabinet meeting amid mounting pressure to resign
Home Minister Sudan Gurung has entered the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers to attend the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday. Gurung’s participation in the meeting comes shortly after his discussion with Rabi Lamichhane at an apartment in Budhanilkantha. The Home Minister is currently facing growing pressure to step down amid allegations related to his reported association and partnership with businessman Deepak Bhatta.
CIAA files corruption case against former Department of Archaeology engineer
The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed a corruption case at the Special Court in Kathmandu against former senior divisional engineer of the Department of Archaeology Purna Bahadur Shrestha and another individual. The case was registered on Tuesday over alleged irregularities and bribery in a public procurement process carried out through a construction service operator and joint venture (JV) company. According to CIAA spokesperson Suresh Neupane, the charge sheet has already been registered at the Special Court.
Draft report of House Rules Committee submitted to Speaker Arjyal
The House of Representatives Rules Drafting Committee has submitted its draft report to Speaker DP Aryal. Committee Chair Ganesh Parajuli handed over the draft report to Speaker Aryal on Tuesday. Receiving the draft, Speaker Aryal said further discussions will be held on the proposed provisions. He stated that the draft will undergo detailed deliberations in the House and can be improved by correcting necessary shortcomings if identified.
Home Minister Gurung faces possible action as Balen and Rabi demand clarification
Prime Minister Balen Shah and Rabi Lamichhane appear increasingly serious about taking action against Home Minister Sudan Gurung as public scrutiny over him intensifies. Sources close to both leaders said preparations are underway to seek clarification from Gurung, with the possibility of action if his response is deemed unsatisfactory. While the Prime Minister’s Secretariat has not issued a clear official stance, leaders close to the Rastriya Swatantra Party claim that the party’s disciplinary commission is also preparing to question Gurung. Officials within the commission have maintained that anyone violating party discipline will face action.
Cabinet approves bills to amend three key laws; forms recommendation committee for SEBON chair
The government has decided to grant approval for presenting bills to amend three existing laws in the Federal Parliament. A meeting of the Council of Ministers held on Tuesday decided to forward bills to amend the Special Service Act, the House of Representatives Election Act, and the Voter Registration Act for parliamentary consideration. The government also decided to form a recommendation committee for the appointment of the Chairperson of the Securities Board of Nepal.
UML demands Home Minister Gurung’s resignation, calls for high-level probe
The CPN-UML has demanded the resignation of Home Minister Sudan Gurung, who has been linked to controversial businessman Deepak Bhatta. Issuing a statement, the UML also called for an independent and impartial investigation into the latest allegations involving the Home Minister. The party has urged the government to immediately form a high-level mechanism to investigate all related issues and initiate a thorough probe process.
Protest held in Singha Durbar demanding resignation of Home Minister; four detained
A protest was held in Kathmandu on Tuesday demanding the resignation of Home Minister Sudan Gurung, who has recently been facing multiple controversies. A group of students staged the demonstration, accusing Gurung of various allegations, including a reported partnership with businessman Deepak Bhatta, and called for his immediate resignation. During the protest, police detained four individuals in front of the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar.
Over 3,500 drivers penalized in Kathmandu Valley in 24 hours
Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office has taken action against 3,501 drivers across the Valley in the past 24 hours. According to spokesperson and SP Naresh Raj Subedi, the violations included 77 cases of drunk driving, 69 cases of drivers in unfit condition, 158 instances of running red lights, and 89 cases of overspeeding. Similarly, 172 drivers were penalized for lane violations, 57 for keeping vehicle doors open, 77 for violating no-horn zones, and 55 for improper passenger pick-up and drop-off. A total of 2,747 drivers were booked under other categories.
Harka Sampang unveils 33-point reform agenda, urges govt to focus on production, governance
Chairperson of the Shram Sanskriti Party, Harka Raj Rai, has presented a 33-point suggestion to the government, calling for sweeping reforms across governance, economy, and education. Speaking at a press conference in the capital on Tuesday, Rai urged the government to ensure stable and reasonable pricing of essential goods such as salt, oil, energy, and petroleum products. He stressed the need for a fundamental shift in the education system, advocating for a model centered on labor, production, construction, and innovation. Rai argued that an education system disconnected from practical skills cannot bring meaningful change, and called for reducing rote-based learning to no more than three days a week while promoting practical education.
Harka Sampang suggests Home Minister Gurung should step aside amid controversies
Chairperson of the Shram Sanskriti Party, Harka Sampang, has said it would be appropriate for Home Minister Sudan Gurung to step aside amid ongoing controversies surrounding him. Speaking at a press conference held in Singha Durbar on Tuesday, Sampang stated that repeated allegations against the Home Minister make it reasonable for him to pave the way, indicating resignation as a suitable course. He, however, added that the government appears to be making efforts toward maintaining good governance and urged against rushing to conclusions.
Oli missing from UML posters sparks speculation of internal power struggle
The CPN-UML has stirred fresh debate after party Chair KP Sharma Oli was conspicuously absent from posters unveiled for the 70th anniversary of the communist movement. The party on Monday released two posters for the event scheduled on April 22 at its central office in Chyasal. Both posters prominently feature late communist leaders but exclude Oli, raising concern and curiosity among party supporters. The posters include images of founding and influential figures such as Pushpa Lal Shrestha, Madan Bhandari, and Manmohan Adhikari. Another version also features Tulsi Lal Amatya and Sahana Pradhan. However, Oli’s absence from both designs has drawn significant attention.
KMC gives final 3-day deadline for integrated transport service from New Bus Park
Kathmandu Metropolitan City has issued a final three-day deadline for transport operators to begin providing integrated passenger vehicle services from the New Bus Park. The metropolitan office had earlier published a public notice on April 8, urging operators of both long- and short-distance bus services to operate in a unified manner from within the bus park. A meeting chaired by Acting Mayor Sunita Dangol on Tuesday reviewed the progress made so far and discussed coordination for implementing upcoming plans.
US Assistant Secretary Kapur meets Foreign Minister Khanal
US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs S. Paul Kapur paid a courtesy call on Minister for Foreign Affairs Shishir Khanal on Tuesday during his visit to Nepal. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the meeting held at the ministry focused on further strengthening Nepal–US bilateral relations. The two sides also discussed expanding cooperation with greater emphasis on trade and investment, the ministry said.
Gold price rises by Rs 1,600 per tola
The price of gold increased in the domestic market on Tuesday, rising by Rs 1,600 per tola compared to Monday, according to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association. The federation has fixed the price of gold at Rs 301,300 per tola for today. On Monday, gold was traded at Rs 299,700 per tola. Meanwhile, the price of silver declined by Rs 30 per tola today. With the drop, silver is being traded at Rs 5,160 per tola.
TIA to close for seven hours at night to speed up construction
Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) will remain closed for seven hours each night until May 18 4 to accelerate infrastructure development. According to Induraj Adhikari, chief of the airport’s Terminal Management Division, all flight operations—including takeoffs and landings—will be suspended from 11:45 pm to 6:30 am to allow for pavement construction work. Construction is currently underway on the taxiway adjacent to the runway, and the nightly closure has been implemented primarily for safety reasons.
Eastern border closed for 72 hours due to Indian elections
The eastern border crossing at Kakarbhitta–Panitanki has been sealed for 72 hours from Monday evening in view of the assembly elections in West Bengal. According to Khagendra Bahadur Khadka, information officer at the District Police Office, Jhapa, the Darjeeling District Administration Office halted the movement of people and vehicles across the border from 6:00 pm Monday until voting concludes on April 23. Such temporary closures are a regular practice during elections, implemented through coordination between Nepal and India to ensure security. During the “border seal” period, all general movement—including pedestrians and vehicles—has been suspended.
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