KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Nepal Army clarifies data collection on squatters
The Nepal Army has clarified that its recent data collection on squatters is aimed at strengthening disaster response, not targeting vulnerable communities. In a statement, the Army said the activity is part of efforts to enhance rescue operations, relief distribution, and rehabilitation during emergencies. It explained that the data is being used for hazard mapping and updating records to better assess potential disaster risks. The clarification follows reports circulating on social media and in sections of the media suggesting that the Army had sought details of squatters, raising public concern.
NC suspends Ramechhap district President Kanchharam
The Nepali Congress has suspended its Ramechhap district President Purna Bahadur Tamang, also known as ‘Kanchharam’, on charges of breaching party discipline. According to the party’s Central Disciplinary Committee, Tamang was earlier asked to furnish clarification for allegedly making misleading and factually incorrect statements against the party leadership. However, the committee concluded that his response was neither satisfactory nor convincing, leading to his suspension until a final decision is reached.
DAO urges removal of structures built on encroached land
he District Administration Office Kathmandu has urged people to vacate houses and temporary structures built on encroached land, including riverbanks and public, government and private property. Issuing a public notice on Wednesday, the office asked residents to clear such structures by the evening of April 30, warning that clearance operations will begin from 7:00 am the following day in high-risk areas. According to Assistant Chief District Officer Muktiram Rijal, the settlements are located in disaster-prone zones and pose serious safety risks.
Parties urge to convene federal parliament session
Opposition parties have urged the government to immediately convene a session of the federal parliament. A meeting held today under the chairmanship of main opposition party, Nepali Congress parliamentary party leader, Vishma Raj Angdembey took a decision to urge the government to withdraw the ordinance on amending the Constitutional Council Act, 2066 BS and the Cooperatives Act, 2074 BS and request it to instead submit to the House. CPN (UML) parliamentary party leader Ram Bahadur Thapa, Nepali Communist Party Chief Whip Yubaraj Dulal, and Rastriya Prajatantra Party MP Saraswati Lama were present in the meeting.
NC seeks clarification from seven leaders over alleged non-cooperation
The Nepali Congress Central Disciplinary Committee has sought clarification from seven party leaders accused of not supporting official candidates during the House of Representatives election. A meeting of the committee held in Lalitpur under coordinator Taraman Gurung decided to issue letters asking the individuals to submit written explanations within five days. Those asked to clarify include Devkaran Prasad Kalwar (Santu), Pradeep Sunuwar, Prachanda Bikram Neupane, Raju Khanal, Jangilal Rai, Sakunti Devi Mahara and Kaushal Kishor Rai.
Government launches biweekly salary payment for civil servants
The government has begun paying salaries to civil servants every 15 days, introducing the system as a pilot project from Wednesday. The initiative was formally launched by Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle at a programme held at the Ministry of Finance Nepal. According to the ministry, the payment process has been implemented through the Computerized Government Accounting System (SIGAS), with salary entries processed by the Office of the Financial Comptroller General and payment orders sent to treasury and accounts offices.
Local representatives object to Army letter, say due process not followed
Elected representatives in Bardiya have raised serious objections to a letter issued by the Nepal Army seeking updated details of squatter settlements, alleging that due legal procedures were not followed. The concern comes amid a notice issued by the Division Forest Office in Bardiyaghat under Lumbini Province to clear encroached forest areas. Local representatives argue that the move could affect the housing rights of residents who have been living in the area for years. Citing the Constitution of Nepal, which guarantees the right to housing, they said the decision contradicts its spirit and fails to consider the ground reality.
Nepal lose to Oman by 102 runs in ICC World Cup League 2
Nepal national cricket team suffered a 102-run defeat against Oman national cricket team in an ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 match at TU Ground on Wednesday. The rain-affected game was decided under the DLS method, with Oman emerging victorious. Chasing a target of 306 runs, Nepal managed only 155 runs for the loss of seven wickets in 36.5 overs. Dipendra Singh Airee was the top scorer for Nepal with a half-century, making 60 runs.
NC spares Khadka, suspends Tamang in disciplinary action
The Nepali Congress Central Disciplinary Committee has taken contrasting decisions against two leaders named Purna Bahadur, dropping action against one while suspending the other. A meeting of the committee led by coordinator Taraman Gurung decided not to proceed with disciplinary action against former acting president Purna Bahadur Khadka. The committee concluded that the issue had lost relevance following a recent verdict by the Supreme Court of Nepal, which settled the party’s internal legitimacy dispute after the special general convention.
Adverse weather disrupts flights across Nepal
Air traffic has been affected across parts of the country since Wednesday afternoon due to adverse weather conditions. According to officials at Tribhuvan International Airport, domestic flights have been disrupted as poor weather conditions persist in Kathmandu and several other regions. Airport General Manager Teknath Sitaula said flights to destinations including Simara, Pokhara, Biratnagar and Bhairahawa have been delayed.
MCA-Nepal begins upgrade of 40km Dhan Khola–Lamahi road section
Millennium Challenge Account Nepal (MCA-Nepal) has officially commenced the upgrading of the 40-kilometer Dhan Khola–Lamahi section of the East-West Highway. The project introduces modern construction techniques, Full Depth Reclamation (FDR) and Superpave, for the first time in Nepal, aiming to enhance road quality, durability, and sustainability. These methods are expected to create longer-lasting road surfaces by reusing existing asphalt materials while reducing environmental impact. The upgraded road will be widened to 12 meters, including a 7-meter carriageway and 2.5-meter shoulders on both sides.
Rabi Lamichhane defends ordinances in RSP parliamentary meeting
Chair of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, Rabi Lamichhane, has directed party lawmakers to focus on governance reform, service delivery, and organizational strengthening, while defending the government’s recent ordinance move. Speaking at an informal meeting of the party’s parliamentary group on Wednesday, Lamichhane outlined key policy priorities ranging from improving governance practices to addressing public grievances and institutional coordination. He stressed the need for regular interaction between ministers and lawmakers, stating that coordination at the ministerial level would be institutionalized. “With a change in government, the culture of governance and public service must also change,” he said.
RSP begins early preparations for local elections, forms candidate selection panel
The ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party has started early preparations for the upcoming local level elections, scheduled after the completion of the current five-year term in 2027. The party is planning to hold local and provincial assembly elections simultaneously and has initiated groundwork toward that goal. A parliamentary party meeting held on Wednesday decided to form a committee to oversee candidate selection guidelines and manage a candidate club for election preparation.
Opposition forms united front against ordinances pushed by PM Balen Shah
Opposition parties have formed a united front, concluding that the government led by Prime Minister Balen Shah is attempting to bypass Parliament through ordinances. The opposition bloc launched a collective protest after Shah, on Tuesday, recommended two ordinances, related to the Constitutional Council and cooperatives, to President Ram Chandra Poudel. The move has drawn criticism, particularly because Shah, who is in a minority in the Constitutional Council, proposed provisions allowing decisions to be made with the presence of just three members, an approach similar to that adopted by former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.
Narayangadh–Butwal road expansion: Road safety works continue
Road safety works have begun in sections where construction has already been completed under the Narayangadh–Butwal Road Expansion Project. According to Shiva Khanal, Information Officer of the project’s eastern section, road safety activities are currently underway in completed stretches of the eastern section. The safety works include painting white and yellow road markings, marking the central divider, installing cement barriers between the main road and service lanes, and placing speed limit signs. Similarly, installation of roadside railings, W-beams, and delineator posts is also in progress.
Basana Thapa appointed Chief Whip of NC Parliamentary Party
Basana Thapa and Niskal Rai have been appointed Chief Whip and Whip of the Nepali Congress Parliamentary Party, respectively. Parliamentary Party Leader Bhishma Raj Angdembe made the appointments on Wednesday. According to the Parliamentary Party Office, the appointments were made in accordance with Article 13(2) of the Nepali Congress Parliamentary Party Statute (as amended, 2083).
Nepali Congress replaces Sitaula as National Assembly parliamentary party leader
The Nepali Congress has removed Krishna Prasad Sitaula from the post of parliamentary party leader in the National Assembly. The party has appointed Kamala Devi Pant as the new leader in the upper house. According to a statement, parliamentary party leader Bhishmaraj Angdembe made the appointment in line with the party’s parliamentary statute.
Rabi Lamichhane instructs MPs not to use ‘honorific’ titles
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane has instructed party MPs not to use honorific titles in official documents. During an informal discussion at the party’s parliamentary office in Singha Durbar on Wednesday, Lamichhane directed MPs to maintain uniformity in letterheads, visiting cards, and other official materials, and to avoid the use of honorifics. He also urged MPs to act as mentors and advisors, emphasizing the importance of seeking suggestions and continuing to learn. “There is still much to learn,” he said.
Balen blends learning and leadership to steer new Cabinet
Prime Minister Balen Shah has adopted a collaborative and learning-oriented leadership style in his first month in office, relying on experienced ministers for guidance while actively helping new members of his Cabinet navigate administrative challenges. With many ministers assuming office for the first time, the prime minister has been engaging in regular consultations to better understand the complexities of governance. Cabinet members say Shah has been seeking insights from those with prior ministerial experience, particularly in understanding procedures, legal frameworks, and decision-making processes. Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha and Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal, both of whom have previously served in government, have been among those the prime minister frequently consults.
Gold prices drop for second consecutive day
Gold prices in the domestic market have fallen by Rs 6,000 per tola over the past two days, according to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association. After declining by Rs 3,000 per tola on Tuesday, gold dropped by another Rs 3,000 today. The Federation has fixed the price of gold at Rs 294,500 per tola for the day. Earlier, gold was traded at Rs 300,500 per tola on Monday and had fallen to Rs 297,500 per tola on Tuesday.
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