KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Police issue evacuation notice in Thapathali squatter settlement
Municipal police of Kathmandu Metropolitan City have begun making public announcements in the Thapathali squatter settlement, urging residents to vacate the area. Authorities issued the notice through loudspeakers, warning that the settlement must be cleared starting from 6:00 am on April 24. On Thursday evening, teams from the metropolitan police, Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force Nepal reached the settlement area and requested residents to leave within the timeframe.
Parliament session postponed a day after being called
President Ram Chandra Paudel has postponed the federal parliament session just a day after announcing it. Earlier, on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers, the president had summoned the session to begin on April 30 at the federal parliament building in Singha Durbar. However, following another recommendation from the Cabinet on Thursday citing special reasons, the session has been postponed for the time being, according to the Office of the President.
Government decides not to relocate Police Academy
The government has decided not to relocate the National Police Academy Nepal located in Maharajgunj. Government spokesperson and Minister for Education, Science and Technology Sasmita Pokharel said the Cabinet meeting held on Thursday decided that all land currently used by the academy will remain under its ownership and use. Earlier, a Cabinet decision on September 06, 2018 had allocated the academy’s land to the Office of the President.
Businessperson Shekhar Golchha arrested in share transaction case
Businessperson and former president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Shekhar Golchha, has been arrested by police. A team from the Central Investigation Bureau Nepal Police (CIB) detained him from the Naxal area in Kathmandu. According to police, the arrest was made based on an investigation report by the Securities Board of Nepal into a controversial share transaction case linked to Deepak Bhatta.
Lack of social media liaison offices hampers cybercrime control: IGP Karki
Inspector General of Police Dan Bahadur Karki has said the absence of registered liaison offices of social media platforms in Nepal has made it difficult to resolve cybercrime cases. Briefing a meeting of the Federalism Strengthening and National Concerns Committee under the National Assembly of Nepal on Thursday, Karki said misuse of social media is on the rise. According to him, platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp are increasingly being used to create fake accounts, spread abusive content, disseminate misinformation and carry out digital banking-related crimes.
Nepali Congress to elect parliamentary party leader on Friday
The Nepali Congress is set to select its parliamentary party leader on Friday, with discussions ongoing to reach a consensus. A meeting of party lawmakers held at Singha Durbar on Thursday discussed the selection process, with leaders indicating that efforts are being made to choose the leader unanimously. However, if consensus fails, the leader will be elected through a formal voting process. “We held discussions today regarding the selection of the parliamentary party leader. The process, including nomination registration, will begin from around 9 am tomorrow,” said Bharat Bahadur Khadka. “Whether through consensus or election, the leader will be decided tomorrow.”
No Cabinet decision on removing squatters, says govt spokesperson
The government has said no formal decision has been taken to remove squatters in the Kathmandu Valley, despite preparations reportedly initiated by Prime Minister Balen Shah. Speaking while making public recent Cabinet decisions on Thursday, government spokesperson and Minister for Education, Science and Technology Sasmit Pokharel clarified that the Council of Ministers has not approved any such move. “No decision has been made by the Cabinet regarding the removal of squatters,” Pokharel said. “As far as we are aware, the government has not taken any concrete decision on this matter.”
Govt to proceed with ADB loan for drinking water project, forms negotiation team
The government has decided to move ahead with negotiations to secure a concessional loan from the Asian Development Bank for an integrated drinking water supply and sewerage management project. According to government spokesperson and Minister for Education, Science and Technology Sasmit Pokharel, Thursday’s Cabinet meeting decided to form a negotiation team led by a joint secretary from the Ministry of Finance to finalise the financial agreement and related documents for the USD 115 million assistance package. The loan is expected to support infrastructure development in drinking water supply and sanitation services across targeted urban areas.
Conflict victims urge PM Shah to conclude transitional justice process
Conflict victims have urged Prime Minister Balendra Shah to take concrete steps to bring the transitional justice process to a logical conclusion through an open letter. The letter, sent by 40 organizations representing conflict-affected communities, calls for restoring credibility in the transitional justice process and ensuring it reaches a meaningful outcome. It emphasizes the need to guarantee victims’ rights to truth, justice and reparation, expressing hope that the government, backed by a near two-thirds majority, will address this historic responsibility with seriousness.
Harka Sampang and Sudan Kirati in talks for possible party unification
Talks are underway between Shram Sanskriti Party chair Harka Sampang and former minister Sudan Kirati regarding the possibility of joining forces under a single political platform, leaders familiar with the discussions have said. According to party insiders, discussions have been ongoing on the potential inclusion of Kirati and other leaders into the Shram Sanskriti Party led by Sampang. The talks reportedly include internal party restructuring and leadership roles. Kirati has also confirmed that discussions are taking place with Sampang, stating that he has been engaging in talks with various political leaders from multiple angles. However, he said no final decision has been made regarding party unification.
Food & Beverage and Hospitality Expo 2026 begins at Bhrikutimandap
The “Food & Beverage and Hospitality Expo 2026” has begun at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu, bringing together businesses from the food, beverage and hospitality sectors under one roof. According to organizers, more than 300 companies are participating in the expo, which serves as a key platform to explore innovations related to design, décor, kitchenware, housekeeping solutions and new technologies in the hospitality industry. The event is expected to provide opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses to connect with potential partners and suppliers through live demonstrations, competitions and networking sessions.
Pradeep Paudel urges govt to ensure OPD services in public hospitals even on holidays
Nepali Congress General Secretary and former Health Minister Pradeep Paudel has drawn the government’s attention to the disruption of OPD services in public hospitals during public holidays, stating that patients are facing unnecessary hardship. Taking to social media, Paudel urged the government to adopt policies that expand, rather than restrict, access to healthcare services. He stressed that the closure of outpatient department (OPD) services on public holidays has caused significant inconvenience to the general public. “Suspension of OPD services in government hospitals has not only limited access to healthcare but also increased the financial burden on patients,” Paudel said.
Kathmandu ranks second among world’s most polluted cities with AQI 247
The air quality in Kathmandu has deteriorated sharply, with the city ranking as the second most polluted in the world on Thursday, according to data released by IQAir. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Kathmandu was recorded at 247, placing it just behind Lahore, Pakistan, which topped the global list with an AQI of 381. An AQI level above 200 is considered very unhealthy and poses serious health risks to the general population. Health experts warn that prolonged exposure to such high pollution levels can lead to respiratory problems, aggravate existing heart and lung diseases, and increase the risk of long-term health complications. Children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions are particularly vulnerable.
Gold, silver prices decline in Nepal
Prices of gold and silver have declined in the Nepali market on Thursday, according to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association. The price of gold dropped by Rs 1,800 per tola, falling to Rs 298,700 today from Rs 300,500 on Wednesday. Similarly, silver prices also witnessed a decrease. Silver is being traded at Rs 5,020 per tola today, down from Rs 5,130 yesterday, marking a decline of Rs 110.
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