KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
PM Shah ousts Labor Minister Sah following controversy
Minister for Labor, Employment and Social Security Deepak Kumar Sah was removed from his post just two weeks after his appointment. Prime Minister Balendra Shah dismissed Sah on Thursday, according to the Prime Minister’s press secretary, Deepa Dahal. Reports indicate that the decision followed a recommendation from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). Sah had been appointed minister on March 28. Sah was elected as a Member of Parliament from Mahottari-2 in the House of Representatives elections held on March 5. In recent days, he had also been demoted to the lowest rank within the Council of Ministers. His brief tenure was marred by controversy. Most recently, his wife, Junu Shrestha, drew criticism for attending a meeting of the Health Insurance Board. The RSP reportedly cited this incident as the reason for recommending his removal.
Former PM and UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli released on bail
Police have released former Prime Minister (PM) and CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli. Oli, who is undergoing treatment at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, was released on bail, according to Police Range Kathmandu spokesperson Pawan Bhattarai. Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak had been arrested on murder charges based on a report submitted by an inquiry commission formed to investigate the Gen-Z movement. However, they were released due to insufficient grounds and lack of evidence to proceed with a case. The Supreme Court had ordered authorities to either file a case against them or release them by April 9.
After bail KP Oli says allegations were baseless
Former Prime Minister and CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has stated that he has been released after authorities found insufficient grounds and evidence to prosecute him. Oli, who was released on bail on Thursday morning after 13 days in detention, shared the news on social media. He also described his detention as “illegal.” On Facebook, he wrote: “Although the government illegally detained me for 13 days on criminal charges out of prejudice and political vendetta, I have finally been released after lack of grounds and evidence to prosecute.” While Oli maintains that his arrest was unlawful, the Supreme Court had earlier ruled that his detention was legal. The court’s order stated: “As per the investigation file, the extension of the time limit by the court during the investigation of a criminal offense and remand in judicial custody cannot be said to be contrary to law. Therefore, the detention of these petitioners does not appear to be illegal, and the order for habeas corpus could not be issued as demanded.”
Former Home Minister Lekhak released
Following the release of CPN-UML Chairman and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has also been freed after 13 days in detention. Lekhak, a leader of the Nepali Congress, was released on bail and handed over to his family members, according to Kathmandu Police spokesperson SP Pawan Kumar Bhattarai. He was released from the Nepal Police’s No. 2 Armed Police Battalion on the 13th day of his arrest and handed over to his wife, Yashoda Lekhak. Earlier, a police team had handed over Oli to his wife, Radhika Shakya, and other relatives from the hospital premises in Maharajgunj.
26-year-old Rubi Kumari Thakur set to become Nepal’s youngest Deputy Speaker
Dhanusha’s 26-year-old Rubi Kumari Thakur is all set to become the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. The proportional representative lawmaker from Harka Sampang-led Shram Sanskriti Party will assume the post after receiving backing from the Rastriya Swatantra Party as well. Two female lawmakers had registered their candidacies for the Deputy Speaker post, with Thakur representing the Shram Sanskriti Party and Saraswati Lama representing the Rastriya Prajatantra Party. The House of Representatives Secretariat recorded the nominations on Thursday within the scheduled time. Thakur submitted her candidacy with the support of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, which holds 182 seats. Her proposal was put forward by Aren Rai and seconded by Ashok Kumar Chaudhary and Ambika Devi Sangroula. Thakur was accompanied at the secretariat by Rastriya Swatantra Party General Secretary Kabindra Burlakoti.
Case filed in Special Court against former Speaker Mahara in gold smuggling case
A corruption case has been filed against former Speaker and Nepali Communist Party (NCP) leader Krishna Bahadur Mahara, Joint Secretary to the Government of Nepal Arun Pokharel, and others for allegedly smuggling gold concealed in electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes or vapes). The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) lodged the case on Thursday against Mahara, Pokharel, and Mahara’s son Rahul Mahara, among others, accusing them of collaborating with Chinese smugglers to illegally transport gold hidden in e-cigarette packaging. The court has imposed a fine of around Rs 70 million. According to the charge sheet, Mahara and his associates were involved in smuggling gold brought by a Chinese gang in December 2022, using e-cigarette packaging as a cover. The case traces back to an incident on December 25, 2022, when a Chinese gang transported gold from Dubai disguised as e-cigarettes.
Shram Sanskriti Party fields Rubi Thakur for Deputy Speaker with RSP backing
The Shram Sanskriti Party led by Harka Sampang has decided to nominate proportional representation lawmaker Rubi Thakur as its candidate for Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. The ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party has agreed to support the candidacy of the 25-year-old leader, effectively ensuring her election to the post. RSP General Secretary Kabindra Burlakoti confirmed that the party has taken a decision to back the Shram Sanskriti Party’s nominee for the Deputy Speaker position. With the backing of the ruling party, Thakur’s appointment is now seen as almost certain, marking a significant political development and elevating a young leader to a key constitutional role.
Surendra Pandey calls for ideological clarity in politics
Surendra Pandey has said ideological clarity is the greatest strength in politics. Expressing his views through a Facebook post, the leader of the CPN-UML, said the party has its own proud history, struggles and original ideological foundation. Pandey clarified that the narrative of the Maoist insurgency in Nepal is not the official position of UML. He stressed that the party’s core political line remains People’s Multiparty Democracy. According to him, the doctrine upholds peaceful competition, constitutional supremacy and the people’s vote as the basis for political change. Pandey also noted that leaders coming from different political backgrounds may have their own interpretations. However, once united under the UML banner, they should speak in line with the party’s official documents.
Nepal welcomes US-Iran ceasefire agreement
The government of Nepal has welcomed the ceasefire agreement between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a press release, described the two-week ceasefire as a positive step toward easing tensions in West Asia, creating space for dialogue, diplomacy, and the peaceful resolution of differences. The government emphasized that the ceasefire represents a constructive initiative for promoting regional peace and stability and highlighted the importance of safeguarding the humanitarian well-being of civilians affected by the conflict. It also expressed support for international efforts aimed at achieving sustainable peace and stability both regionally and globally.
Shekhar Koirala signals acceptance of special convention leadership, steps into mediation role
Senior leader of the Nepali Congress Shekhar Koirala has indicated a positive stance toward accepting the leadership formed through the party’s special general convention, in a move seen as an effort to maintain internal unity. According to a leader close to party president Gagan Thapa, Koirala is willing to formally recognize the legitimacy of the newly formed leadership and working committee. He has also expressed readiness to play a mediating role to bridge divisions within the party. In a bid to facilitate dialogue, Koirala on Tuesday formed separate negotiation teams to engage with both factions within the party. For discussions with the faction aligned with former party president Sher Bahadur Deuba, Koirala has tasked Minendra Rijal and Govinda Pokharel. Similarly, for talks with the establishment faction, he has assigned former assistant general secretaries Jeevan Pariyar and Badri Pandey, according to a party source.
Two killed, six injured in jeep accident in Kanchanpur
Two people died on the spot and six others were injured in a jeep accident in Krishnapur Municipality, Kanchanpur. According to Birendra Thapa, Police Inspector at the District Police Office, Kanchanpur, the incident occurred around 6:05 pm on an unpaved inner road in Krishnapur-1, Kumgada, when a jeep (registration Se 1 Ja 290) went out of control and fell approximately 50 meters. Police rushed to the site immediately after receiving the information. The deceased have been identified as 60-year-old Nandaram Parki and 62-year-old Kalawati Devi Bohara, both residents of Krishnapur-1. Eight people, including the driver, were in the jeep at the time of the accident. The driver, 24-year-old Arjun Saud, sustained serious head and body injuries.
Speaker Aryal meets National Assembly chair Dahal at Singha Durbar
Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal and National Assembly Chair Narayan Prasad Dahal held a meeting at Singha Durbar on Thursday. The meeting marks the first formal interaction between Aryal and Dahal after Aryal was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives. During the meeting, Dahal congratulated Aryal on his election and wished him a successful tenure, according to the chair’s secretariat. Aryal was elected unopposed as Speaker on April 5.
Power struggle intensifies in RSP as PM Shah overrules Lamichhane in deputy speaker race
The Federal Parliament premises on Thursday reflected the deepening cracks within the ruling alliance as Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) leader Gyanendra Shahi appeared visibly dejected after his party was sidelined in the Deputy Speaker race. Despite multiple assurances from Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane, the RPP found itself stranded at the final hour without the support it was promised. The RPP had initially considered Khushbu Oli for the post but eventually fielded Saraswati Lama, the wife of leader Buddhiman Tamang. Shahi claimed that the nomination was filed only after a direct phone call from Lamichhane, who reportedly told him to proceed regardless of the outcome. However, as the political dust settled, it became clear that the RSP leadership had pivoted, leaving the RPP without a single supporting vote from other parties. Shahi described the move as a betrayal, stating that the RSP chairman must now take responsibility for the shifting decisions.
President Paudel to prorogue both Houses of Federal Parliament from Friday night
President Ram Chandra Paudel has ended the current session of both houses of the Federal Parliament, effective from midnight on Friday. The decision follows a recommendation made by the Council of Ministers on April 7. According to a statement issued by the Office of the President, the prorogation was carried out in accordance with Article 93 (2) of the Constitution of Nepal. “President Ram Chandra Paudel, upon the recommendation of the Government of Nepal, Council of Ministers dated April 7, has ended the current session of both houses of the Federal Parliament effective from 12:00 midnight on Friday, April 10,” the notice from the President’s Office stated. President Paudel is also scheduled to address a joint session of the Federal Parliament tomorrow. As per constitutional provisions, the President is required to address the first session of the Federal Parliament following a general election.
PM Balen Shah tells newly commissioned army officers to serve with discipline
Prime Minister Balendra Shah has urged newly commissioned officers of the Nepali Army to serve the nation with discipline, integrity and a strong sense of responsibility. Addressing the commissioning parade of officer cadets at the Nepal Military Academy on Thursday, the prime minister congratulated the cadets for successfully completing nearly 36 months of rigorous training. Shah encouraged the newly commissioned officers to dedicate themselves fully to the nation and its people, emphasizing the importance of military conduct, the chain of command and discipline in carrying out their duties. He also expressed confidence that the officers would be able to lead soldiers from diverse social backgrounds and build a capable and unified team.
Two youths die after being stabbed
Two youths from Jhapa, critically injured in a stabbing incident in Patan’s Durbar area on Wednesday afternoon, have died. They succumbed to their injuries this morning at B&B Hospital. According to the Lalitpur District Police Range, the deceased are Sumit and Srijan Nembang of Kamal Rural Municipality-6, Jhapa. Police have arrested Sanjeev Nepali of Lalitpur Metropolitan City-9 and Gagan Sunar of Gaindakot in connection with the murder of the Nembang brothers.
Two killed, two injured in ambulance accident
Two people died after an ambulance transporting a patient from Hima Rural Municipality, Jumla, to Nepalgunj met with an accident near Mayor Khola in Khandachakra Municipality, Kalikot. The accident occurred last night. Ambulance driver Shakti Shahi, 26, of Marchigaun, Hima Rural Municipality-7, and Bhim Bahadur Adhikari, 32, of Patharkhola from the same locality, died on the spot, according to Ganesh Gyawali, Information Officer at the District Police Office, Kalikot. Two others, Lokendra Shahi and Akkal Adhikari, both from the same rural municipality, were injured in the incident. They are currently undergoing treatment at the district hospital, police said.
Gold price drops Rs 4,300 per tola
The price of gold fell by Rs 4,300 per tola in the domestic market on Thursday, according to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association. With the latest decline, gold was traded at Rs 294,700 per tola, down from Rs 299,000 per tola on Wednesday. Silver prices also declined on Thursday. The price of silver dropped by Rs150 per tola compared to Wednesday.
Govt printing around 40,000 licenses to clear backlog
The government has significantly accelerated the printing of driving licenses, with authorities aiming to clear a long-standing backlog within the next year. According to Devaraj Dhungana, Executive Director of the Security Printing Center, around 40,000 licenses are currently being printed ежедневно, reflecting a major scale-up in production capacity. Dhungana said the printing of licenses has been given top priority, with approximately 2.9 million pending licenses targeted to be completed by the end of the Nepali fiscal month of Asar 2083 (mid-2026). As part of this plan, the government has set a short-term target to print 1.2 million licences by Baisakh 12, while the remaining 1.7 million are also being processed at an accelerated pace. Minister for Communication and Information Technology Dr. Bikram Timilsina has directed the printing center to ensure there are no disruptions in the process and to expedite the completion of all pending licenses as soon as possible.
Four arrested over murder charge
Four individuals have been arrested for their alleged involvement in the murder of 24-year-old Sammar Bahadur Tamang of Shadananda Municipality-13, Bhojpur. According to the Central Police Newsroom, those arrested include Sunil Rai, 21, Chandra Kumar Rai, 44, Suraj Rai, 27, and Rajesh Darji, 26, all residents of Bekhamcha in Ward No. 14 of the same municipality. Police said a team from Police Post Boya apprehended the suspects after receiving information from locals that Tamang had been beaten to death. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
TU Teaching Hospital to implement two-day weekly holiday
Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital has announced a two-day weekly public holiday following the government’s decision to implement a two-day weekend. According to a notice issued by the hospital, it will now observe holidays on Saturdays and Sundays. Hospital administration said the decision was implemented after the Tribhuvan University Executive Council endorsed the government’s move on April 5. As per the new schedule, office hours on working days, except Saturdays and Sundays, will run from 9 am to 5 pm. However, the hospital said essential patient services will continue uninterrupted. Outpatient department (OPD) and surgical services will operate throughout Friday and on other days to ensure patient care is not affected.
Govt printing around 40,000 licenses to clear backlog
The government has significantly accelerated the printing of driving licenses, with authorities aiming to clear a long-standing backlog within the next year. According to Devraj Dhungana, Executive Director of the Security Printing Center, around 40,000 licenses are currently being printed ежедневно, reflecting a major scale-up in production capacity. Dhungana said the printing of licenses has been given top priority, with approximately 2.9 million pending licenses targeted to be completed by the end of the Nepali fiscal month of Asar 2083 (mid-2026). As part of this plan, the government has set a short-term target to print 1.2 million licences by Baisakh 12, while the remaining 1.7 million are also being processed at an accelerated pace. Minister for Communication and Information Technology Dr. Bikram Timilsina has directed the printing center to ensure there are no disruptions in the process and to expedite the completion of all pending licenses as soon as possible.
‘Janandolan Diwas’ observed today
‘Janandolan Diwas’ (People’s Movement Day) was marked across the country today with various programs commemorating the restoration of democracy in Nepal. The day honors the historic achievement of ending the 30-year Panchayat system in April 1990, which paved the way for the re-establishment of multiparty democracy. The Panchayat system had been introduced by King Mahendra on December 15, 1960. The movement that led to its end was a joint people’s uprising led by the Nepali Congress in alliance with leftist forces. The 50-day movement, spearheaded by Nepali Congress leader Ganeshman Singh, played a decisive role in restoring democratic governance. The movement began on Falgun 7, marking an earlier milestone in Nepal’s democratic journey. On April 8, 1990, King Birendra addressed the nation and formally announced the reinstatement of the multiparty system, bringing an end to the Panchayat era.
Ministry directs schools to refund illegally collected fees
The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has directed all concerned authorities to ensure the refund of fees illegally collected from students. The Ministry instructed schools to return such amounts following complaints that some institutional schools had been enrolling students before the start of the academic session 2083 BS and charging fees exceeding approved limits, in violation of prevailing laws and a Supreme Court order. The Ministry stated that despite an earlier directive, complaints persist that certain schools are still collecting unauthorized fees. It has therefore instructed all concerned to refund the amounts in accordance with Section 16D(6) of the Education Act (as amended), 2028.
Heavy rain disrupts Butwal-Narayangadh road
Traffic on the Butwal-Narayangadh road was severely disrupted due to heavy rainfall. The Daunne section of Binayi Triveni Rural Municipality-2 along the East-West Highway in Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta East) has been completely blocked as roads turned slippery and muddy. Areas near Ghiukhola and Bishwakarma Temple in Daunne saw vehicles getting stuck, according to Superintendent of Police Yubaraj Khadka of the District Police Office, Nawalparasi. The Narayangadh-Butwal Road Project said repair work is underway, including laying gravel to restore passage in the Daunne section.
Five-year delay ends as Kathekhola–Resh road finally blacktopped
A long-neglected road connecting the centre of Kathekhola Rural Municipality to Resh in Baglung has finally been blacktopped, five years after construction began. The four-kilometre stretch from Kathekhola Rural Municipality-7 to Resh, initially scheduled for completion within two years, was completed after repeated delays, making it the first long blacktopped road in the rural municipality. According to Rural Municipality Chair Raju Thapa, a contract worth Rs 67.1 million was signed in 2077 BS to blacktop and slope the road within two years. However, the deadline was extended six times as the contractor failed to complete the work on time.
25 arrested with drugs from various locations
A total of 25 people were arrested from various parts of the country on drug-related charges, including seizures of tramadol tablets, brown heroin, and 30 kilograms of narcotics. The arrests took place across multiple districts, including Kathmandu, Chitwan, Kailali, Sunsari, Sindhupalchowk, Morang, Jhapa, Bara, Sarlahi, Dhading, and Bardiya, according to the Central Police Newsroom.
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