KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
US, Pakistan and Iran begin high-level talks in Islamabad
High-level trilateral talks between the United States, Iran and Pakistan have begun in Islamabad. The meeting is being attended by US Vice President JD Vance, US special envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Representing Iran are Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Prachanda cautions of protests if constitution or national interest is undermined
Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has warned that his party will protest both in the streets and in Parliament if any attempts are made to undermine the constitution or weaken national interests. Speaking at a program organized at the party’s central office in Paris Danda on Saturday, the coordinator of the Nepali Communist Party said his party would extend constructive support to the government led by the Rastriya Swatantra Party. However, he cautioned that any interference with constitutional provisions or threats to national interest would be firmly resisted.
Preparations underway for last rites of Nembang brothers killed in Patan
Preparations are underway for the final rites of two brothers who were killed in a stabbing incident in Patan three days ago. The bodies of Sumit Nembang, 33, and Sirjan Nembang, 26, have been kept at Patan Hospital and are set to be cremated at the premises of Pashupatinath Temple. The brothers were fatally stabbed on Wednesday night at the premises of Krishna Mandir in Lalitpur.
Medical Association says Sunday OPD services not feasible, urges govt to reconsider
The Nepal Medical Association has urged the government to reconsider its decision to operate Outpatient Department (OPD) services on Sundays, citing serious concerns over workforce shortages and increasing workload. The appeal comes after the Ministry of Health and Population directed hospitals to continue OPD services on Sundays following the implementation of a two-day weekend policy for Saturday and Sunday.
Foreign Minister links Himalayan melting to Indian Ocean stability at Port Louis Summit
Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal has called for collective stewardship in Indian Ocean governance, emphasizing that the future of the world’s highest peaks and its vast oceans are inextricably linked. Addressing the 9th Indian Ocean Conference in Mauritius on Saturday, Khanal argued that for a landlocked nation like Nepal, the Indian Ocean is not a distant geography but a vital lifeline for trade, energy, and environmental survival.
First Parliamentary Session concludes procedural tasks; Committee Chair elections set for April 17
The inaugural session of the 7th House of Representatives has concluded its procedural mandates, successfully establishing the parliament’s leadership and organizational structure. The session, which prorogued at midnight on Friday, focused primarily on internal transitions rather than the enactment of new legislation, effectively clearing the path for the upcoming Budget Session. During this brief session, Dol Prasad Aryal was elected as the Speaker of the House of Representatives, while Ruby Kumari Thakur was elected Deputy Speaker. Additionally, the National Assembly elected Leela Kumari Bhandari as its Vice Chairperson.
Debate intensifies over reopening the long-dormant Janakpur Cigarette Factory
Discussions regarding the revival of the Janakpur Cigarette Factory (JCF), once one of Nepal’s most iconic and productive industrial landmarks, have gained significant momentum among policymakers and industry experts. Established as a major state-owned enterprise, the factory was a cornerstone of the national economy, providing direct employment to thousands and contributing substantially to the national treasury through internal production.
Shankar Pokharel slams PM Shah’s silence in Parliament; questions asset disclosures
CPN (UML) General Secretary Shankar Pokharel has criticized Prime Minister Balendra Shah for failing to remain accountable to the public, characterizing his silence in the sovereign parliament as a sign of autocratic governance. Speaking at a program organized at the party’s central office in Chyasal on Saturday, Pokharel expressed deep concern over the Prime Minister’s decision not to address the House during its first session. He argued that a Prime Minister elected by a representative body is duty-bound to communicate the government’s policies and vision through the legislature.
Health Ministry launches ‘Hospital Service Reform Procedure 2026’
The Ministry of Health and Population has officially implemented the ‘Hospital Service Reform Procedure 2026’ to streamline medical services and ensure they are more patient-centric and accessible. Issued under the Public Health Service Act 2018, the new guidelines aim to eliminate long-standing systemic inefficiencies in government and private healthcare facilities. According to Ministry Joint Spokesperson Dr. Sameer Kumar Adhikari, the procedure mandates that hospitals prioritize quality and convenience for every citizen while moving toward a more transparent and digitized healthcare model.
PM Shah skips inaugural address as first session ends
The first session of the newly elected House of Representatives was formally prorogued at midnight on Friday, following a recommendation from the Council of Ministers. During the final meeting of the House, Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal read the official letter from the President’s Office regarding the termination of the session. Formed after the general elections held on March 5, the parliament held its first meeting on April 2 and conducted a total of six sittings during its nine-day duration.
Fake Bhutanese refugee scam remains unresolved as calls grow for fresh probe
The high-profile Fake Bhutanese Refugee Scam, widely described as one of the most disgraceful and organized crimes in Nepal’s history, remains entangled in the judicial process, with the case yet to reach a final conclusion. The issue has resurfaced in public discussion after the government led by Balendra Shah came to power following the March 5 elections. The new administration has begun reopening several cases involving corruption and money laundering, prompting speculation that further investigation into the refugee scam could also move forward.
Gagan Thapa vows to rebrand party, focus on unity
Gagan Thapa, president of the Nepali Congress, has said the party will be unified and rebranded with the goal of emerging as the largest force in the 2027 local and provincial elections. Speaking at a programme in Pokhara, Thapa said the party leadership would adopt a flexible approach to bring all factions together and strengthen the organisation. He said that, as party chair, he would try to accommodate everyone to maintain unity. “I am in the responsibility of the chair. I will remain flexible and try to bring everyone together. We need to unite the party and conduct the convention,” he said.
Govt orders to ensure breastfeeding rooms at airports
The government has directed authorities to establish breastfeeding and baby care rooms at all airports across the country, including Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), within 24 hours. The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation has also instructed that such facilities be properly managed, ensuring cleanliness, safety, and privacy. Airports have further been directed to operate primary care rooms for sick and passengers with special needs.
Education Ministry defends free MBBS seat for Gen-Z activist Ekta Shah
The Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology has clarified that the government’s decision to provide a free MBBS scholarship to Ekta Shah, an activist injured during the Gen-Z movement, is fully compliant with existing laws and regulations. The clarification follows public criticism and concerns that providing a seat to Shah bypassed the established merit-based selection process of the Medical Education Commission (MEC).
Comment