KATHMANDU: Stay informed with Nepal News’ daily evening briefing, covering the most significant developments from Nepal and around the world. From politics and economy to sports, entertainment, and culture, we bring you a concise summary of the day’s top stories.

SC to Continue Hearing on Inclusion of Ex-PMs Nepal and Bhattarai in Lalita Niwas Land Scam Probe: The Supreme Court of Nepal has decided to continue hearings on the demand to bring former Prime Ministers Madhav Kumar Nepal and Dr. Baburam Bhattarai under the scope of investigation in the Lalita Niwas land scam case. A special bench comprising Chief Justice Prakashman Singh Raut and Justices Tek Prasad Dhungana and Nityananda Pandey has placed the petition under the category of “continuous hearing” to decide whether cases should be filed against the two former prime ministers.

The case involves the illegal registration of government land at Lalita Niwas in individual names, during which both Nepal and Bhattarai, while serving as Prime Ministers, had endorsed separate Cabinet decisions facilitating the process. A writ petition was filed at the Supreme Court challenging the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) for only prosecuting subordinate government officials while excluding the top political leadership, despite their policy-level involvement in the land transfer.

Deuba Voices Discontent over Government Performance: Senior leaders of the ruling Nepali Congress have faced criticism from within their own party after publicly questioning the performance of the coalition government. At a high-level meeting held on Thursday at party president Sher Bahadur Deuba’s residence in Budhanilkantha, General Secretaries Gagan Thapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma came under fire for their recent remarks. Party leaders reportedly objected to the general secretaries’ criticism of the government, stating that such comments should have been discussed internally rather than aired publicly.

Even party president Sher Bahadur Deuba expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s performance during the meeting. According to a party leader, Deuba stated that although Congress was not opposing the KP Oli-led government, reforms and corrections were needed. “The government needs to make improvements. We are not against it, but it must correct its course,” Deuba reportedly said.

PM Oli Asks Deuba to Recommend Name for New NRB Governor: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has finally asked Sher Bahadur Deuba, the president of the ruling coalition partner Nepali Congress, to recommend a name for the new Governor. Although the five-year term of incumbent Governor Maha Prasad Adhikari ended on Chaitra 24 (early April), the government has yet to appoint a new governor. Currently, Neelam Dhungana has been assigned the role of Acting Governor.

The delay in the appointment stemmed from a lack of consensus between coalition partners—the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML. Even though the government had formed a recommendation committee led by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel, and comprising former Governor Bijay Bhatta and economist Bishwo Poudel, the committee has not been able to meet due to ongoing political disagreements.

SC Orders Presentation of Four Bhutanese Refugees, Halts Deportation Until April 24: The Supreme Court has issued an interim order directing authorities to present four Bhutanese refugees currently in custody in Jhapa before the court on April 24. The court also instructed officials not to deport them until that date. The order was issued following a habeas corpus petition filed by refugee Narayan Kumar Subedi, seeking their release after over 20 days in detention. Justice Hari Prasad Phuyal’s single bench directed the Department of Immigration and Kakarvitta Immigration Office to ensure the refugees’ presence. The four were deported by the U.S. to Bhutan, returned to Nepal, and are accused of illegal entry.

Janakpur High Court Acquits Bomjan in Child Abuse Case, Citing Statute of Limitations: The Janakpur High Court has acquitted controversial spiritual leader Ram Bahadur Bomjan in a child sexual abuse case, overturning a Sarlahi District Court verdict that sentenced him to 10 years in prison and fined him Rs500,000. A division bench ruled that the case was filed on February 5, 2017—four days past the statute of limitations, which expired on February 1. The court did not evaluate the charges’ merits but quashed the conviction on procedural grounds. Bomjan, accused of sexually abusing ten children at his ashram, was arrested in January 2024 after years in hiding. Petitioners may now appeal to the Supreme Court.

Controversy Rekindled Over Nepal Rastra Bank Governor Appointment: A fresh controversy has erupted over the government’s reported plan to appoint Executive Director Gunakar Bhatta as Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank. The debate recalls a 21-year-old legal opinion by then-Attorney General Mahadev Yadav, who had advised against appointing an executive director as governor, stating only a sitting deputy governor is eligible under the Nepal Rastra Bank Act. Yadav has reiterated his stance, emphasizing that bypassing institutional hierarchy undermines the central bank’s integrity. Critics argue the law and precedent support transparency and merit, and that four officials senior to Bhatta currently hold higher ranks within the bank.

SC Keeps Case Against Former PMs Nepal and Bhattarai on Hold in Lalita Niwas Land Scandal: The Supreme Court has placed the case against former Prime Ministers Madhav Kumar Nepal and Dr. Baburam Bhattarai in the Lalita Niwas land scandal under “hearing continued” status. After a full bench hearing on Thursday, Chief Justice Prakashman Singh Raut and Justices Tek Prasad Dhungana and Nityananda Pandey decided to defer further proceedings. The petition seeks a court order to initiate legal action against both leaders, who, as prime ministers, chaired Cabinet meetings that approved the transfer of government land to private ownership. The writ was filed nearly five years ago by senior advocate Balkrishna Neupane.

Six DIGs Recommended for AIG Promotion in Nepal Police: The government has recommended six Deputy Inspector Generals (DIGs) for promotion to the vacant posts of Additional Inspector General (AIG) in Nepal Police. The promotion recommendation committee, chaired by Home Secretary Gokarna Mani Duwadi, selected DIGs Chandrakuber Khapung, Lalamani Acharya, Krishnahari Sharma Pokharel, Dan Bahadur Karki, Rajan Adhikari, and Manoj KC. Khapung, Acharya, and Sharma joined the service in 2052 BS, while Karki, Adhikari, and KC entered in 2054 BS. All six are among the most senior officers.

Parliamentary Sub-Committee Recommends Investigation into Pokhara Airport Construction: A parliamentary sub-committee formed to study the construction of Pokhara Airport has recommended an investigation into the individuals involved in the project from the feasibility study phase to the completion of construction. The Public Accounts Committee of the Parliament, led by MP Rajendra Lingden, suggested that the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) be directed to conduct an inquiry into those involved in the policy, procedural, and implementation aspects of the airport project.

The sub-committee has also recommended the immediate suspension of the Director-General of the Civil Aviation Authority, Pradeep Adhikari, and an investigation into his role. Adhikari, who served as the project head from 2071 to 2074 (2014-2017), has been serving as the Director-General since January 2022. The CIAA is currently investigating him.

Serious Human Rights Violation in Tinkune on 15th Chaitra, Concludes Parliamentary Committee: The Parliamentary Committee on Law, Justice, and Human Rights has concluded that there was a serious human rights violation during the protests at Tinkune on 15th Chaitra (March 29, 2025).

The committee made this finding after discussions with high-ranking officials, including Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Gokarnamani Duwadi, Inspector General of Nepal Police Deepak Thapa, and Inspector General of the Armed Police Force Raju Aryal. This finding is based on the events surrounding the protests by monarchist supporters, where the committee noted severe violations of human rights.

Teacher Protests Escalate Over Education Act Demands in Kathmandu: Teacher and staff protests, demanding the release of the Education Act, have intensified in Kathmandu. Teachers from all over the country gathered on Thursday to escalate the protest. The protests have caused disruptions in traffic on the Maitighar-Babarmahal road, where the demonstrators blocked the entire road, affecting transportation services. The Nepal Teachers’ Federation has been leading the movement, which has been centered in Kathmandu since 20th Chaitra (April 2, 2025).

The federation is demanding the release of the Education Act, which they believe would protect teacher rights and improve the education system. Despite a seven-point proposal being prepared by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology to address the teachers’ concerns, the teachers have expressed disagreement and have vowed to intensify the protests further. The teachers continue to block major roads, including Maitighar-Babarmahal-Bijulibazar, in their efforts.

Maoist Chairman Prachanda Rules Out Joining Government Until 2084: Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ announced on Thursday that his party (the Maoist Center) will not join the government until 2084. Speaking during a press conference in Rupandehi, held as part of the ‘Postal Highway Awareness Campaign’, Prachanda said the decision reflects a commitment to avoid past mistakes. “We are not rushing to join the government because public trust in the Maoists is resurging,” Prachanda stated.

“Thousands of people are reconnecting with the Maoist Center and its leadership, which strengthens our sense of responsibility. This decision not to enter the government until 2084 is firm. Any notion of haste is unfounded,” he added. The Maoist leader emphasized his stance against pursuing power at any cost. “If I had compromised for the chair, I could have stayed in power by securing support from the Congress or UML, or by turning a blind eye to corruption and land mafias. But that would have meant abandoning my principles,” he said.

Heinous Crimes Committed During Conflict Cannot Be Condoned, Says PM Oli: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has made it clear that inhuman and heinous crimes committed during the conflict cannot be forgiven while taking the transitional justice to the final conclusion. Inaugurating the Sixth National Convention of the National Ex-Army and Police Organization of Nepal (NEAPON) here today, PM Oli, who is also the Chairman of CPN (UML), said that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Commission of Investigation on Disappeared Persons would carry out works to provide justice to the conflict victims.

Stating that there would be no further delay in the formation of these commissions, he made it clear that any kind of murder, violence, activities that disturb religious harmony and anarchy would not be acceptable as the country has already adopted the democratic system after defeating authoritarianism.

Sumana resigns as Joint General Secretary of RSP: Sumana Shrestha, a member of the House of Representatives, has resigned from the post of Joint General Secretary of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). Shrestha had submitted her resignation to President Rabi Lamichhane on Chaitra 17 (March 30), but the matter came to light today. According to her secretariat, she submitted her resignation letter to President Lamichhane, saying that there should be one person, one responsibility in the party.

During the conversation, she convinced the president that since the new generation is in favor of party transformation, there should be one person and one post, and submitted her resignation letter. Shrestha is expected to submit her resignation during the party’s central committee meeting scheduled for 3 PM today.

RPP to Hold Protest in Restricted Area on Baisakh 7 Says Chair Lingden: Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Chairman Rajendra Lingden announced that his party will stage a protest in a government-declared restricted area on Baisakh 7 (April 19). Speaking to the media following a meeting of the party’s Central Executive Committee on Thursday, Lingden said the protest will be held to oppose what he called the shrinking space for civil liberties under the current government.

“The government is increasingly curtailing citizens’ rights,” said Lingden, “and in response, we’ve decided to hold a protest right in the restricted zone.” He clarified that the event scheduled for Baisakh 7 will be a protest, not a public assembly, and will be conducted in a demonstrative format to highlight the party’s opposition to the government’s actions.

‘Buddha Boy’ Bomjan Acquitted by Court: Ram Bahadur Bomjan, the self-proclaimed ascetic known as the “Little Buddha,” has been acquitted by the High Court Janakpur, leading to his release from prison. Bomjan was facing charges of sexual misconduct against a minor nun follower from Sarlahi. However, the High Court overturned the verdict previously issued by the Sarlahi District Court and cleared him of all charges on Chaitra 6, 2081 B.S. (March 19, 2025 A.D.).

The bench of Justices Narishwar Bhandari and Khemraj Bhatta at the High Court issued the acquittal. Earlier, on Ashar 10, 2081 B.S. (June 24, 2024), the Sarlahi District Court had sentenced Bomjan to ten years in prison and imposed a compensation fine of five lakh rupees. He had appealed this decision to the High Court. According to Deputy Registrar Sushil Yadav of the Janakpur High Court, “The ten-year imprisonment and the five-lakh rupee compensation order by the Sarlahi District Court was overturned due to insufficient evidence, resulting in the dismissal of the case.”

Supreme Court Halts Deportation of Four Bhutanese Refugees Detained in Jhapa: The Supreme Court of Nepal has issued an interim order preventing the immediate deportation of four Bhutanese individuals currently held in custody in Jhapa district. The decision was handed down by a bench led by Justice Hari Prasad Phuyal, which instructed authorities to present the detainees before the court on Baisakh 11 (April 23).

The four men—Ashok Gurung, Santosh Darji, Roshan Tamang, and Ashish Subedi—were recently deported from the United States on Chaitra 11 (March 24). After their deportation, they traveled via India and entered Bhutan, but Bhutan expelled them, leading them to enter Nepal, where they were detained by immigration authorities. The court’s order came in response to a habeas corpus petition filed by Narayan Kumar Subedi, demanding the release of the detainees. Nepal’s Department of Immigration had decided to deport them again, but this process has now been halted until further court proceedings.

Nepal Police Cyber Bureau Warns Against AI Misuse in Music and Social Media: The Cyber Bureau of Nepal Police has issued a strong warning against the misuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for generating defamatory content. With the increasing use of social media and AI tools, the bureau has raised concerns about their potential for criminal misuse, such as character assassination and creating obscene or offensive materials. In an official post on social media, the bureau highlighted that using AI to produce abusive music or spread harmful, misleading content could result in criminal charges.

The authorities have called for a halt to these activities, emphasizing that while social media and AI can be powerful tools, their exploitation for malicious purposes goes against the law. The Bureau’s statement serves as a reminder to the public about the serious legal consequences that can follow such cybercrimes.

Rain Forecast Across Most Parts of Nepal for the Next Three Days: Starting today, rain is expected in several parts of Nepal for three consecutive days, according to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology. Meteorologists have stated that low local atmospheric pressure is causing rainfall in most provinces except Sudurpaschim. The influence of weather systems from Uttar Pradesh, India, has also contributed to the ongoing precipitation. At present, rainfall is being observed in Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini, and Karnali Provinces.

Given that it is currently the harvesting season for crops like wheat and lentils, the Department has advised farmers to check weather updates before harvesting. There is a chance of rainfall in various parts of the country over the next three days. Since it’s the harvesting period for crops such as lentils and wheat, farmers are requested to be cautious and act based on weather forecasts.

NEPSE Rises by 26 Points to Settle at 2,722.73: The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index has risen by 26.49 points to settle at 2,722.73. According to NEPSE, 23.773 million 731 shares of 311 companies were bought and sold 90,555 times, resulting in a transaction of Rs 10.79 billion 7363 thousand 282.32, according to NEPSE. On the last trading day of the week, the trading volume also increased along with the market. While the share prices of 187 companies increased today, the prices of 59 companies decreased.

The previous day, a transaction of Rs 7.265 billion 122 thousand 241 was made. Today, trading decreased by 0.15 percent, while the indices of all other groups increased. In today’s trading, the share price of Nepal Micro Insurance Company has entered a positive circuit. Today, the share price of NICA Asia Debentures fell the most by 4.79 percent.

PM Oli Asks Deuba to Recommend Name for New NRB Governor: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has finally asked Sher Bahadur Deuba, the president of the ruling coalition partner Nepali Congress, to recommend a name for the new Governor. Although the five-year term of incumbent Governor Maha Prasad Adhikari ended on Chaitra 24 (early April), the government has yet to appoint a new governor. Currently, Neelam Dhungana has been assigned the role of Acting Governor.

The delay in the appointment stemmed from a lack of consensus between coalition partners—the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML. Even though the government had formed a recommendation committee led by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel, and comprising former Governor Bijay Bhatta and economist Bishwo Poudel, the committee has not been able to meet due to ongoing political disagreements.

Infrastructure Minister Urges Transparency and Cost-effectiveness in Projects: Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Devendra Dahal has instructed government employees to ensure transparency and frugality in project execution, development works, and resource mobilization. Addressing a workshop on arrears clearance organized by the ministry in Bhairahawa on Thursday, he emphasized minimizing arrears during project implementation and focusing on timely settlement when they do arise.

Dahal added that citizens expect good governance and transparency in every public service, and the government is prioritizing financial discipline. He urged employees to be accountable in all their tasks. Noting problems such as delayed project completion, abandoned works, and underperforming projects, the minister called on all offices and staff to pay serious attention.

Prachanda Blames ‘Middlemen Dispute’ for Delay in Appointment of NRB Governor: Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, Chairman of the main opposition party CPN (Maoist Centre) and former Prime Minister, has stated that the delay in appointing the Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank is not due to disagreement among political parties but rather because of a conflict among middlemen.

Speaking to journalists in Rupandehi on Thursday, Prachanda claimed that the real tug-of-war is between intermediaries, not political parties. “People might think the delay is due to a lack of consensus between parties,” he said, “but in reality, it’s the middlemen who can’t agree. Sometimes they try to influence Congress, other times UML, and that’s why the appointment is stuck.”

Nepal Approves New Trade Policy 2081, Replaces Trade Policy 2072: The Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies has officially approved Nepal’s new Trade Policy 2081, replacing the existing Trade Policy 2072. The approval was recently granted by the Minister for Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, Damodar Bhandari. The updated policy aims to promote exports, establish a direct relationship between imports and exports, and reduce trade imbalance.

It also emphasizes the development of trade-related infrastructure to boost the country’s competitive capacity in international markets. The policy includes detailed provisions regarding trade strategies, implementation plans, quality control of goods and services, promotion of domestic production, and overall reforms in the trade and commerce sectors to align with modern economic needs.

‘Joginder’s Paan Dokan’ Season 2 to Air from Thursday on Bagmati TV and YouTube: The popular Nepali comedy show Joginderko Paan Dokan (Joginder’s Paan Shop) is set to return for its second season starting this Thursday. The show, hosted by Shiva Shankar Rijal, who also plays the lead character, Joginder, will be broadcast on Bagmati Television and OSR Digital’s YouTube channel. The new season will air every Thursday from 8:30 PM to 9:00 PM on Bagmati TV, and the episode will be uploaded at 9:00 PM on YouTube.

Rijal will continue to bring humor to the show in his signature Madhesi dialect, engaging with well-known personalities from various fields. The upcoming season promises a blend of entertainment and meaningful messages. The first episode will feature Paras Bam Thakuri, the debut actor from Hostel 3 and a popular TikTok figure. Later episodes will also include appearances by political leader CK Raut.

Former Miss Nepal Asmi Shrestha to Tie the Knot on Baisakh 8: Former Miss Nepal Asmi Shrestha has shared the exciting news that she is set to get married. In a post on her social media, Asmi announced that she and her fiancé, Shashank Lal Shrestha, will tie the knot on Baisakh 8 (April 22, 2025), Monday. She expressed gratitude for the support of their families, saying, “With our families’ blessings and hearts full of love, we are getting married.”

Asmi and Shashank got engaged on Poush 19, 2080 (January 3, 2024) in the United States, where Shashank currently resides. Asmi, who was crowned Miss Nepal in 2016, has remained active in the fields of modeling and music videos since then, continuing her career in the entertainment industry after her pageant victory.

Roberto Carlos to Attend NSL 2025 as Chief Guest: The Nepal Super League (NSL) is set to welcome one of football’s greatest legends, Roberto Carlos, as the chief guest on Baisakh 6 (April 19, 2025). The Brazilian football icon will be present at the NSL qualifier match. Carlos will be watching the clash between two of the strongest teams in the league: Lalitpur City Football Club and Dhangadhi Football Club.

The match will be significant for both teams. Dhangadhi FC, which has reached the finals twice, is still on the hunt for its first NSL title, while Lalitpur City FC, the defending champion, will be entering the field with the intent to defend their title. Known globally for his powerful free kicks, speed, and unparalleled energy on the pitch, Roberto Carlos remains a football icon admired by millions around the world.

Ganesh Thapa’s FIFA Ban Lifted After 10 Years: The former president of the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA), Ganesh Thapa, has had his 10-year ban lifted by FIFA, the global governing body of football. In a press release issued on Thursday, Thapa himself confirmed that his ban, which had been imposed by FIFA in April 2015, had finally been revoked. Thapa mentioned that his ban was officially lifted on Baisakh 2 (April 15, 2025), marking the end of a decade-long suspension from any football-related activities.

He clarified in his statement, “I would like to inform you that the ban imposed on me has been lifted. FIFA had placed the ban on me on April 16, 2015, and it has now come to an end on April 15, 2025.” The FIFA ban had prohibited Thapa from participating in any football-related activities. Although Thapa initially mentioned that his ban began in April 2015, FIFA had actually imposed a 10-year suspension on him in November 2015 (Kartik 2072).

Nepali Women’s Roller Derby Team Heads to India for Training: The Nepali National Women’s Roller Derby Team has departed for India as part of its preparations for the 20th Asian Roller Skating Championship, which will be held in Incheon City, South Korea, from July 19 to 30. The team will undergo a 10-day closed training camp in Punjab, India, from April 18 to 28, in order to sharpen their skills and improve team coordination before the prestigious continental tournament. The players in the squad include Kripa Panta, Presika Bohora, Nayana Shakya, Prasuna Lama, Ayushma Thakuri, Nimisha Tamang, Pasang Yangji Sherpa, Yogina Shrestha and Suchina Bhuju.

The team’s manager is Sanju Shrestha, while Bikash Lama is accompanying them as an official. A total of 11 members are part of the delegation, and they were officially given a warm send-off by Member Secretary of the National Sports Council (NSC) Tanka Lal Ghising, NSC board member Kamal Prasad Bhattarai, and President of the Nepal Skating and Skateboarding Association, Achyut Khanal.

Gaza Rescuers Say 25 Killed in Israeli Strikes on Displaced People: Gaza’s civil defence agency reported on Thursday that a wave of Israeli air strikes hit multiple encampments for displaced Palestinians across the territory, killing at least 25 people. Agency spokesman Mahmud Bassal said an overnight strike targeted several tents in the Al-Mawasi area of the southern city of Khan Yunis, resulting in 16 deaths.

At least 16 martyrs, most of them women and children, and 23 others were wounded following a direct strike by two Israeli missiles on several tents housing displaced families in the Al-Mawasi area of Khan Yunis,” Bassal told AFP. According to Bassal, two additional strikes on other encampments of displaced people killed eight and wounded several more. Seven were killed in a strike on tents in the northern town of Beit Lahia, while another attack near the Al-Mawasi area killed a father and his child who were living in a tent, Bassal said.

UN Watchdog Chief Says Iran ‘not far’ From Nuclear Bomb: The UN nuclear watchdog’s chief Rafael Grossi warned that Iran was “not far” from possessing a nuclear bomb, shortly before he arrived in Tehran on Wednesday for talks. Western countries including the United States have long accused Iran of seeking to acquire nuclear weapons — an allegation Tehran has consistently denied, insisting that its programme is for peaceful civilian purposes.

“It’s like a puzzle. They have the pieces, and one day they could eventually put them together,” Grossi told French newspaper Le Monde in an interview published on Wednesday. “There’s still a way to go before they get there. But they’re not far off, that has to be acknowledged,” he said. The International Atomic Energy Agency watchdog was tasked with overseeing Iran’s nuclear programme and its compliance with a 2015 nuclear deal which collapsed three years later when the United States withdrew from it during President Donald Trump’s first term.

Gold hits new record over US-China trade war fears: Gold has jumped to a fresh high as investors fret over the impact of the trade war between the US and China. Spot gold touched $3,357.40 (£2,540) per ounce on Wednesday, before dipping from its peak. It has risen by around a third since the start of the year.

The rise follows comments by the head of US central bank who said President Donald Trump’s tariff policies are likely to mean slower growth, higher prices and unemployment risks. The precious metal is viewed as a safer asset for investors during times of economic uncertainty. At the Economic Club of Chicago on Wednesday, Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell said higher-than-expected tariffs announced in recent weeks could result in slowing US economic growth and rising prices for consumers.