KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
President authenticates Public Procurement (Second Amendment) Ordinance
President Ramchandra Paudel has authenticated the Public Procurement (Second Amendment) Ordinance on the recommendation of the government. According to President’s Office spokesperson Ritesh Kumar Shakya, the ordinance was promulgated in accordance with Article 114(1) of the Constitution of Nepal. The President’s Office stated that the ordinance was issued on Thursday.
Rolpa accident death toll rises to 20
The death toll in the Bolero jeep accident in Rolpa district has risen to 20. The accident occurred on Thursday when a Bolero (Lu 1 Ja 4167) travelling from Rukum East towards Jaljala fell off a steep cliff at Jaljala, Thawang Rural Municipality–1. According to Police Inspector Sunil Thapa of the District Police Office, Rolpa, 17 passengers died on the spot, while three more deaths have since been confirmed.
President Paudel authenticates Cooperative Ordinance
President Ram Chandra Paudel has authenticated the Cooperative (First Amendment) Ordinance, 2083. According to Ritesh Kumar Shakya, the ordinance was issued on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers in accordance with Article 114 (1) of the Constitution of Nepal. A statement from the Office of the President said the ordinance was authenticated on Thursday.
President Paudel to consult constitutional experts on ordinances
Ram Chandra Paudel is set to hold consultations with constitutional experts today regarding ordinances recommended by the government after suspending Parliament. According to the President’s Office, Paudel has invited constitutional experts for discussions at Shital Niwas at 4 pm. The government has recommended six ordinances for approval on April 27 and 28. These include amendments to the Constitutional Council Act, and the Cooperative Act, along with ordinances related to health science institutions, amendments to various Nepal laws, removal of public officials, and university governance.
Govt takes strict stance on administrative reform, moves ordinance
The government has recommended an ordinance to the President aimed at administrative reform, including provisions to remove political appointees seen as obstructing governance. The decision was taken by a Cabinet meeting on April 27 and sent to Ram Chandra Paudel for authentication. Prime Minister’s political adviser Asim Shah shared details of the move through social media, stating that the ordinance was introduced to address policy-level bottlenecks in public service delivery and governance.
Home Ministry directs all districts to remove structures on encroached public land
The Ministry of Home Affairs Nepal has issued a circular to all 77 District Administration Offices, instructing them to remove structures built on encroached public land. The directive follows a secretary-level decision, with the ministry asking all District Administration Offices to take necessary steps in coordination with local authorities. Referring to its earlier circular dated March 3, the ministry has reiterated the need to identify and protect encroached public land.
Gagan Thapa calls new customs rule at border impractical and burdensome
President of the Nepali Congress Gagan Kumar Thapa has described the proposed rule requiring customs duty on goods worth over Rs 100 in border areas with India as impractical and troublesome for local residents. Speaking after visiting the Madhubani area in the border region of Sarlahi, Thapa said the rule has made daily life difficult for people living along the border. “I have returned with deep frustration and anger after interacting with local residents,” he said.
Proposal to collaborate with Finland for school education reform
The government has proposed collaboration with the Government of Finland to improve school education in Nepal. The proposal was put forward during a courtesy meeting between Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Sasmit Pokharel, and Finland’s Ambassador to Nepal, Petri Puhakka, held at the ministry on Thursday. Minister Pokharel said that Finland’s education system is regarded as one of the highest quality in the world, and expressed Nepal’s interest in strengthening cooperation in the sector. She also noted that Nepal and Finland have long enjoyed cordial relations, and thanked the Finnish government for its continued support to Nepal’s development efforts.
Lamichhane says swift evictions needed to avoid politicization, flooding risks
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane has defended the government’s recent eviction drive targeting informal settlements, arguing that the move was necessary to prevent political manipulation and mitigate risks ahead of the monsoon. Speaking at an informal parliamentary party meeting in Kathmandu, Lamichhane said the government acted swiftly after receiving indications that the issue of squatter settlements could be heavily politicized by various groups. “If we had delayed, the situation could have escalated due to excessive politicization,” he told lawmakers, adding that the government chose to intervene in a timely manner to maintain order and ensure proper management.
Squatters’ association announces phased protest for land rights
The All Nepal Squatters Association has announced a phased protest program demanding the protection of rights of landless Dalits, squatters, and unmanaged settlers. In an appeal issued by Chair Amar Pariyar, the association has called for participation in peaceful protests and urged political parties, organizations, and civil groups to extend support and solidarity. Under the first phase, the association said it will engage party leadership and leaders at various levels until May 3, informing them about the protest program and seeking implementation support.
Nepali Congress internal rift deepens as Shekhar Koirala holds separate strategy meeting
The internal conflict within the Nepali Congress between the establishment faction and the camp led by former party president Sher Bahadur Deuba is intensifying, with leader Dr. Shekhar Koirala moving ahead with separate strategic consultations. Despite attending meetings called by former acting president, Purna Bahadur Khadka, Koirala has now begun drafting independent political strategies amid growing factional tensions. Family members Dr. Shashank Koirala and Sujata Koirala, who had earlier aligned in discussions held at Bishalnagar a week ago, have reportedly shifted closer to the Deuba camp, deepening internal divisions.
Kathmandu air quality improves after rainfall, drops to moderate level
Air quality in the Kathmandu Valley has shown notable improvement after rainfall, following a sharp spike in pollution levels last week. According to the Air Quality Index (AQI), pollution levels had surged to 247, placing the valley in the “very unhealthy” category and raising serious health concerns among experts. As of today, the AQI has dropped to 79, which falls under the “moderate” category, indicating a gradual recovery in air quality.
Supreme Court orders swift probe into transitional justice complaints
The Supreme Court has issued a mandamus order directing the government to expedite investigations into complaints related to transitional justice and bring them to a prompt conclusion. A constitutional bench led by Acting Chief Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla, along with Justices Manoj Kumar Sharma, Nahakul Subedi, Abdul Aziz Musalman and Tek Prasad Dhungana, issued the directive on Tuesday. The order instructs authorities to effectively investigate complaints registered with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Nepal and the Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons and ensure timely resolution.
Opposition parties unite against Balen-led government’s recent decisions
Major opposition parties represented in Parliament have formed a united front against recent decisions taken by the government led by PM Balen Shah. A meeting of opposition leaders held on Thursday under the chairmanship of Prem Prasad Dangol expressed serious concern over the government’s actions, stating that several decisions have created fear and uncertainty among citizens. Participants, including Nepali Congress Chief Whip Basana Thapa and NCP Chief Whip Yubaraj Dulal, concluded that recent moves by the government have negatively impacted public confidence.
Tribhuvan University officials resign following ordinance move
Senior officials of Tribhuvan University have tendered their resignations after the government recommended an ordinance to the President aimed at scrapping all political appointments. Those who resigned include Vice-Chancellor Deepak Aryal, Rector Khadga KC, and Registrar Kedar Prasad Rijal. The collective resignation comes in response to the proposed legal provision that seeks to end politically appointed positions across institutions.
Deputy Speaker Thakur discharged from hospital after health improves
Deputy Speaker Rubi Kumari Thakur has returned home after her health condition improved following treatment at the hospital. According to her personal secretary Tara Rai, Thakur was discharged from KIST Hospital on Thursday after showing signs of recovery. She had been admitted on Wednesday after developing complications related to diabetes.
Confederation of Nepalese Teachers backs two-day weekend in schools, urges implementation
The Confederation of Nepalese Teachers has expressed its support for the government’s decision to implement a two-day weekend in educational institutions and urged all concerned stakeholders to ensure its effective execution. The decision was taken by a Cabinet meeting in response to disruptions in petroleum supply, enforcing Saturdays and Sundays as public holidays for government offices and academic institutions while maintaining office hours from 9 am to 5 pm. Chair Laxmi Kishor Subedi and General Secretary Tula Bahadur Thapa issued a joint press statement on Thursday endorsing the move.
Displaced families in Kirtipur shelter raise concerns over cramped and inadequate living conditions
Families displaced from squatter settlements in the Kathmandu Valley have been temporarily relocated to a shelter in Sundarighat, Kirtipur, after eviction drives carried out by the government. Those who registered at the Dasharath Stadium are now being housed at the premises of Radhaswami Satsang Vyas Nepal. A total of 161 individuals from 57 families displaced from Thapathali and Gairigaun settlements are currently staying at the site. Each family has been allocated a tent, although they initially stayed together in a large open hall.
Gold, silver prices continue to decline
Gold and silver prices continued their downward trend on Thursday, according to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association. Gold prices fell by Rs 1,800 per tola compared to Wednesday, bringing the rate to Rs 292,700 per tola. On Wednesday, gold was traded at Rs 294,500 per tola. The price had already dropped by Rs 3,000 on Wednesday and another Rs 3,000 on Tuesday, marking a total decline of Rs 7,800 over three days. Similarly, silver prices also decreased on Thursday. The price of silver dropped by Rs 105 per tola to Rs 4,810, down from Rs 4,915 per tola on Wednesday.
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