KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
PM Balen Shah discloses assets, reports Rs 14.6 million in bank account
Prime Minister Balen Shah has made his property details public, revealing that he has Rs 14.6 million in his bank account. According to the asset declaration released on Sunday, Shah stated that the amount was earned through his activities on social media platforms. He reported having around 4 million followers on Facebook, 1.2 million subscribers on YouTube and about 500,000 followers on X. The asset details also mention that Dhruvadevi Shah owns five annas of land in Kathmandu and 1.2 bighas of land in Dhanusha District. Similarly, Ram Narayan Shah owns nine bighas of land in Mahottari District. The declaration further states that Shah’s wife Sabina Kafle possesses 190 tolas of gold jewellery.
Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle declares assets worth over Rs 120 million
Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle has disclosed that he owns assets worth over Rs 120 million. The Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers made public the asset details of ministers on Sunday. According to the declaration, Wagle owns an apartment worth Rs 20 million in Sanepa, Lalitpur; a house built on land valued at Rs 50 million in Bhaisepati; an apartment worth Rs 37.5 million in Dhulikhel, Kavre; and land worth Rs 20 million in Bandipur. He has also reported holding 71,093 shares in Madhya Tamor Hydropower. Similarly, Wagle owns 25,762 promoter shares in Shangrila Development Bank and has shares worth Rs 30 million in Upper Madi Khola Hydropower. The disclosure further shows that he holds shares worth Rs 90 million in National Fund Management Limited and Rs 60 million in Thulo Khola Hydropower.
Home Minister Gurung declares 19 ropanis of land, 89 tola gold, 6 kg silver
Home Minister Sudan Gurung has declared significant holdings of land and precious metals, according to the asset details made public by the government. As per the disclosure, Gurung owns 19 ropanis and 15 annas of land in Dhankuta, which he stated was acquired through investments made over different periods. The declaration also reveals substantial ancestral property. His father, Dil Bahadur Gurung, owns 30 kaththa of land in Bharatpur-18, Gunjanagar of Chitwan.
Energy Minister Shrestha holds Rs 8 million across eight banks, owns watch worth Rs 300,000
Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha has disclosed assets including over Rs 8 million deposited across eight banks. According to his property details, he owns two houses in Kathmandu—one in his own name in Ward No. 24 and another in the name of Bikash Shrestha in Ward No. 13. The first property covers two annas of land, while the second spans four annas. He has stated that the houses were built by selling ancestral property. Shrestha has reported total bank deposits of Rs 8,040,117 across eight banks in Kathmandu. Of this, funds in six banks are from self-earned income, Rs 1.5 million deposited in Synergy Cooperative Ltd. is from ancestral sources, and Rs 2.5 million is from a mix of ancestral, marital, and self-earned income.
Education Minister Sasmit Pokharel declares assets worth Rs 241.6 million
Minister for Education, Science and Technology Sasmit Pokharel has declared total assets worth Rs 241.6 million, according to details made public on Sunday. The disclosure released by the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers shows that the minister owns a three-and-a-half-storey house in Kathmandu valued at around Rs 40 million.
“Nepal committed to multilateralism”
The Government of Nepal has reiterated that the country has always remained firmly committed to multilateralism, expressing its dedication to international solidarity before the global community in New York. At a special reception organized at the United Nations Headquarters by the Permanent Mission of Nepal to the UN, Nepal highlighted its longstanding contribution to global peacekeeping on the occasion of the 263rd Nepal Army Day. The event also marked the Nepal Army’s 68 years of continuous service in UN peacekeeping missions across conflict-affected regions. The mission stated that Nepal believes the current global challenges can best be addressed by strengthening multilateralism with the United Nations at its core. Nepal’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Lok Bahadur Thapa, shared insights into the distinguished history of the Nepali Army. He noted that the institution, known for its service, sacrifice, and professionalism, has played a vital role in safeguarding national sovereignty as well as contributing to global peace and security.
Foreign Minister Khanal holds separate meetings with counterparts from Mauritius, Singapore
Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal held separate meetings with ministers from Mauritius and Singapore on the sidelines of the Indian Ocean Conference. Minister Khanal is currently in Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius, to participate in the conference. On the occasion, he met with Dhananjay Ramful, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Regional Integrity and International Trade of Mauritius, and Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim, Singapore’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs as well as Social and Family Development, in separate meetings, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During the meetings, Minister Khanal discussed a range of issues, including strengthening bilateral relations, enhancing regional cooperation, and promoting mutual interests and welfare.
Minister Sobita Gautam declares Rs 1.05 million in bank deposits, gold, diamond holdings
Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Sobita Gautam has declared over Rs 1.05 million in bank deposits along with loans, vehicles, and precious metals, according to asset details made public by the government. As per the disclosure, Gautam holds Rs 1,050,335 in her bank accounts. The statement also shows that she has taken loans from multiple financial institutions.
Indian PM Modi invites PM Shah to India
Indian Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi has invited Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra (Balen) Shah for an official visit to India, with both countries aiming to ensure the trip produces concrete outcomes, Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said. According to Foreign Minister Khanal, Modi extended the invitation in a congratulatory message shortly after Shah assumed office on March 27, reports said. Khanal, who is attending the ninth Indian Ocean Conference, said preparations are underway to make the visit meaningful and productive rather than ceremonial. According to him, Prime Minister Khanal has accepted the invitation, but the visit will take place only after sufficient groundwork is completed at both technical and political levels to ensure tangible results.
Nepali Congress to elect Parliamentary Party leader on April 17
The Nepali Congress (NC) is set to elect the leader of its parliamentary party in the House of Representatives (HoR) on April 17. Party Joint General Secretary and Election Committee Coordinator Prakash Rasaili ‘Snehi’ said that the election schedule will be made public on the same day. He said efforts are ongoing to reach a consensus on selecting the party leader. However, he added that the electoral process will proceed if consensus is not achieved. “The Nepali Congress parliamentary party leader will be elected on April 17. The election committee will publish the schedule on the same day,” he said. “The party leadership will continue efforts to build consensus. If a single candidate emerges, the leader will be elected unanimously; otherwise, the leader will be chosen through a democratic election process.” Meanwhile, lawmakers including Arjun Narsingh KC, Bhishma Raj Angdembe, Mohan Acharya, and others are reportedly in the race for the position of parliamentary party leader.
Speaker Aryal vows impartial role, calls for fast-track lawmaking process
Speaker Dol Prasad (DP) Aryal has expressed his commitment to work in a neutral and impartial manner in the interest of the country and its people. Speaking at a press meet organized by the Federation of Nepali Journalists in Malekhu today, he said he would uphold integrity and neutrality while contributing to the formulation and implementation of laws. Speaker Aryal stated that he would place the country and its citizens at the center of his responsibilities as a facilitator in both new lawmaking and constitutional amendments. “It is my belief that development, prosperity, and happiness should not be delayed. I will work in a way that ensures everyone feels included in the process,” he said.
Nagdhunga Tunnel in final preparations for operation
The Nagdhunga-Sisnekhola Tunnel, Nepal’s first modern road tunnel connecting Kathmandu and Dhading, has reached the final stage of preparation for operation. The project is expected to usher in a new era in the country’s transport infrastructure and is considered to be of multifaceted importance. The foundation stone of the tunnel was formally laid in October 2019 by then Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Initially, the project cost was estimated at around Rs 22 billion, but due to geological challenges, design changes, and other construction-related factors, the cost has increased to more than Rs 27 billion. The construction contract was awarded to Hazama Ando Corporation (JV), with financial support provided through a concessional loan from the Japanese government.
National Assembly Chair Dahal meets President Paudel
National Assembly (NA) Chair Narayan Prasad Dahal paid a courtesy call on President Ram Chandra Paudel at the President’s Office today. On the occasion, Chair Dahal informed President Paudel of his upcoming participation in the General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, to be held in Turkey. According to the President’s personal secretariat, the meeting also included discussions on contemporary national issues.
NMA says Sunday OPD service difficult to implement
The Nepal Medical Association (NMA) has drawn the attention of the Ministry of Health and Population, stating that it would be difficult to operate outpatient department (OPD) services on Sundays. The NMA has urged the ministry to reconsider its decision to run OPD services on Sundays in line with the government’s newly implemented two-day weekly leave system. The Ministry of Health and Population, however, has issued a directive instructing all health institutions to ensure uninterrupted medical services, regardless of the two-day weekly holiday. It has called on hospitals to manage workloads and continue OPD services even on Sundays. In response, the NMA stated that implementing the directive would be challenging due to a shortage of medical personnel.
Gold and silver prices rise in Nepali market
The price of gold and silver, which had increased on Friday, continued to rise today. According to the Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers Federation, the price of gold has increased by Rs 200 per tola today, reaching Rs 297,100. Last Friday, gold had risen by Rs 2,200 per tola, while on Thursday it had decreased by Rs 4,300 per tola. Similarly, the price of silver has also increased today by Rs 15 per tola, reaching Rs 4,975.
7,648 disaster incidents reported in a year
A total of 7,648 disaster incidents were recorded over the past year, with fire-related incidents—including wildfires—making up the largest share. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, the high number of fire incidents highlights the urgent need for government agencies to take stronger and more proactive measures for prevention. The Authority’s statistics emphasize the importance of adopting targeted precautions to reduce fire-related risks. It has attributed the significant loss of lives and property to factors such as negligence, lack of public awareness, and the common practice of burning forests, dry vegetation, and other combustible materials. Data from the Authority show there were 3,720 fire incidents nationwide in the period. These incidents resulted in 105 deaths, 571 injuries, and affected 4,260 families. During the same period, 328 wildfire incidents were reported. These led to two deaths, three injuries, and impacted 58 families.
Inaruwa Municipality clearing encroached road areas
Inaruwa Municipality, the district headquarters of Sunsari, has begun clearing road areas encroached along the East-West Highway. Chief Administrative Officer Dilli Niraula said the municipality has started removing structures built within the highway’s designated boundary. This includes clearing construction materials and dismantling roadside shops. He added that the municipality used bulldozers to carry out the work after repeated notices to encroachers went unheeded. Earlier, the municipality had issued a seven-day notice, urging people to vacate the encroached areas. Mayor Kedar Bhandari stated that the campaign to clear the road was launched after the notice period expired. Encroachment had been reported along the East-West Highway stretch from Inaruwa Bus Chowk to Sukuwagachhi, where scrap businesses, construction materials, and shop goods had occupied the roadside. This not only disrupted traffic flow but also affected the area’s appearance.
Preparations complete for Nationwide Economic Survey
Preparations for a nationwide economic survey have been completed, the National Statistics Office announced. Enumerators and supervisors have already been deployed to their respective areas for data collection. The economic census is set to begin on April 15, with field data collection scheduled to conclude by June 21. Around 5,000 personnel have been mobilized for the enumeration process. Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle has urged industrial establishments, businesses, and all concerned stakeholders to actively participate in the census. He emphasized that data collected from the economic and industrial sectors will play a crucial role in national planning and policymaking. The survey will gather key information across 18 sectors of the economy. It will include details on the number and types of industries, enterprises, service providers, cooperatives, and both public and private institutions. Data on employment, production, and service delivery will also be collected.
Two arrested with undisclosed amount of cash in Kathmandu
Police on routine patrol have arrested two individuals carrying an undisclosed amount of cash in Kathmandu. According to the Central Police Newsroom, the arrested are 23-year-old Krishna Kumar Paswan of Chandranagar Rural Municipality–4 and 41-year-old Shivnarayan Mahato of Chandranagar Rural Municipality–1. The cash was recovered during a body search after the duo, who had arrived from India on a motorcycle, were intercepted by police. The cash amount has not been disclosed.
International Human Space Flight Day being observed today
International Human Space Flight Day was observed around the world today with various programs, marking the beginning of the space age in human history. The United Nations General Assembly declared April 12 as International Human Space Flight Day through a resolution adopted on April 7, 2011. The day highlights the contributions of space science and technology, emphasizing their role in achieving sustainable development goals and improving living standards worldwide. This day commemorates the historic achievement of Yuri Gagarin, a Soviet citizen who, on April 12, 1961, became the first human to travel into space and orbit the Earth, ushering in a new era of space exploration. Earlier, on October 4, 1957, the launch of Sputnik 1, the first man-made satellite, had already laid the foundation for space exploration. In the decades that followed, humanity achieved several major milestones in space travel.
Youth arrested with 19 kg of marijuana
A youth has been arrested with 19 kilograms of marijuana from the Zeromile area in Siraha. Rajesh Das of Dhangadhimai Municipality-9, who was reportedly heading towards India carrying the contraband on a motorcycle and an autorickshaw, was taken into custody.According to Sumanjung Thapa, Chief of the Armed Police Force in the area, a team deployed by the Armed Police Force following a tip-off about marijuana smuggling arrested him this morning. During a subsequent search in the Sukhipur area, police recovered a silver bracelet, cash amounting to Rs. 25,000, and a mobile phone from his possession.
Minister Chaudhary stresses biodiversity conservation
Minister for Forest and Environment Gita Chaudhary has underscored the need to conserve biodiversity and plant resources while promoting the utilization of forest products for employment generation. Speaking at the National Plant Day event in the federal capital today, Minister Chaudhary said that biodiversity conservation is directly linked to food security, employment, and economic development. She, however, expressed concern over the growing impacts of climate change driven by human activities. She said environmental degradation and the depletion of plant resources are serious concerns, adding that timely intervention is necessary for their protection. “Nepal is rich in biodiversity. Herbs and non-wood forest products play an important role in our economy. The tradition of exporting them in raw form must be discontinued,” she stressed.
One worker dies, another injured as brick kiln wall collapses in Dang
A construction worker died after a wall of a brick kiln collapsed at Jahadagaun in Tulsipur Sub-Metropolitan City–16 today. Another worker was injured in the incident. Police identified the deceased as 30-year-old Tirtharam Paswan of Bahraich, India, according to District Police Office spokesperson and Deputy Superintendent of Police Resham Bohora. The injured has been identified as 36-year-old Deshraj Paswan, also from the same locality. He was given first aid treatment in Dang and later referred to Kohalpur Teaching Hospital for further treatment.
Customs evasion goods worth over Rs 2.1 million seized in Baitadi
Illegal goods worth over Rs 2.1 million have been seized in Baitadi. The Armed Police Force (APF) seized a Bolero pickup and a tractor along with contraband goods from Pancheshwor Rural Municipality–4, Haldubinayak, early this morning. The total value of the seized items is estimated at Rs 2.1 million. According to Armed Police Force, Baitadi, Deputy Superintendent of Police Jang Bahadur Kunwar, the vehicles and goods smuggled from India by evading customs were intercepted around 3:00 am today. The seized goods include 23 quintals of sugar, five quintals of sugarcane, and other grocery items. The Bolero pickup (registration number Sudurpashchim Province 01-001 Cha 2789) and a tractor (registration number Sudurpashchim Province 01-002 Ta 5090) were also confiscated, DSP Kunwar said.
Legendary singer Asha Bhosle passes away
Asha Bhosle, one of the most iconic and versatile voices in Indian music history, passed away on Sunday, leaving behind a legacy that shaped the soundscape of Indian cinema and music for over eight decades. She was 92. Dr Pratit Samdani at Breach Candy Hospital confirmed the demise of the legendary singer. “Asha Bhosale breathed her last today in Breach Candy Hospital. She passed away due to multi-organ failure,” Dr Samdani said. She had been admitted to Breach Candy Hospital on Saturday evening following extreme exhaustion and a chest infection. The veteran singer’s granddaughter, Zanai Bhosle, had earlier confirmed her hospitalisation through a social media statement, requesting privacy for the family.
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