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.

PM Oli, Indian PM Modi Hold Phone Talks: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli held a telephonic conversation with his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, to express condolences over the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed several lives, including that of a Nepali citizen.

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), PM Oli wrote, “Spoke with Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji and conveyed my deepest condolences on the loss of lives in the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Reiterated Nepal’s firm solidarity with India against such heinous acts. Grateful for his heartfelt condolences on the loss of Nepali citizen.”

PM Oli Condemns Terrorist Attack: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has condemned the terrorist attack on innocent tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Taking to the social networking site X, PM Oli has extended deepest condolences to the victims of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Nepal stands firmly with India and strongly condemn any and all acts of terrorism”, the PM wrote.

Close coordination has been established with different agencies to verify reports of a Nepali national among the victims, the PM said, expressing commitment to provide all necessary assistance from the government. According to Indian media reports, as many as 26 people, including a Nepali national were killed and 10 others were injured in the attack.

PM Oli Meets Indian Minister Khattar, Discusses Energy Cooperation: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli held a courtesy meeting with India’s Minister for Power, Housing, and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal Khattar, on Wednesday at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar. According to the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, the meeting focused on the friendly and cultural ties between the two neighboring countries, as well as various aspects of cooperation in the energy sector.

Discussions highlighted the growing collaboration in recent days, especially in hydropower development. Minister Khattar informed Prime Minister Oli about his recent field visit to the Arun-3 Hydropower Project and shared updates on the project’s progress. He emphasized India’s commitment to accelerating the implementation of the project.

Indian Power Minister Offers Worship at Muktinath: India’s Minister for Power, Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar offered worship at the Muktinath Temple here this morning. Together with him, Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Deepak Khadka, also paid homage to the God Muktinath.

Chief District Officer of Mustang, Bishnu Prasad Bhusal said that Ambassador of India to Nepal Naveen Srivastava and a 16-member team have arrived in Mustang along with the energy ministers of both the countries.Priest at Muktinath Temple, Krishna Prasad Subedi presented ‘tika’ and ‘prasad’ to the team members. Earlier, the team was welcomed by Chief District Officer Bhusal, chiefs of security agencies and people’s representatives.

Maoist Center Claims Current Government Lacks Moral Authority to Stay in Power: Main opposition party, the CPN (Maoist Center), has claimed that the current government has no moral right to remain in power for even a single day. This statement was made during a press conference organized by the party to express its stance on contemporary issues. Agni Sapkota, the Vice Chair and Spokesperson of the Maoist Center, stated that while the current government technically still exists, it has lost its legal legitimacy.

“In this sense, this government has completely failed to establish its justification and has no moral right to stay in power for even a single day,” Sapkota remarked. The Maoist Center also criticized the ruling coalition, labeling it as unnatural, opaque, and contrary to constitutional morality. The party added that the government has failed to accomplish any good work for the country and its people.

Top Leadership to Resolve Pending Issues in Civil Service Bill: Discussions are set to be held among top leadership to finalize the remaining issues in the Civil Service Bill. The discussions regarding the bill were concluded on Wednesday, and preparations were made to pass the bill in the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee of the House of Representatives today.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and CPN Maoist Center Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda) were invited to attend the committee meeting in preparation for this, as Prachanda is also a member of the committee. However, both of them did not attend the meeting. According to the committee chair, Ram Hari Khatiwada, the top-level discussion will now proceed to address the remaining matters. Prachanda has expressed his intention to discuss some of the bill’s complex issues with Prime Minister Oli and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba.

Government Announces Rs 1 million Relief Each for Families of Sabin Maharjan and Suresh Rajak: The government has decided to provide Rs 1 million each to the families of Sabin Maharjan and Suresh Rajak, who were killed during the pro-monarchy protest in Tinkune on Chaitra 15 (March 28). The decision was made during Monday’s Cabinet meeting and was publicly announced on Wednesday at a press briefing by Minister for Information, Communication, and Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung.

“The Cabinet has decided to provide relief of Rs 1 million to the closest legal heirs of Sabin Maharjan and Suresh Rajak,” Minister Gurung stated. Sabin Maharjan was killed after being shot by police during the protest, while journalist Suresh Rajak died in an arson attack after being locked inside a house.

Calendar for Fiscal Year Policy and Program Presentation Prepared for May 2: The draft calendar for the presentation of the policy and program for the upcoming fiscal year has been prepared and is set to be presented to the House of Representatives on May 2. Speaker Devaraj Ghimire prepared the calendar after discussions with the chief whips.

Additionally, the government has proposed to begin pre-budget discussions from May 16. The draft calendar will be presented in the meeting of the Business Advisory Committee, scheduled for April 12. Speaker Ghimire had also proposed that the Parliament should be held on all days except Saturdays and public holidays due to the pressure of discussions on the pre-budget, policy program, budget, and the school education bill. The proposal was approved in the meeting.

Revised Schedule for Grade 12 Exams Published by National Examination Board: The National Examination Board has released a revised schedule for the Grade 12 examinations. Earlier, the exams were set to begin from Baisakh 11, but on Tuesday, the board made a sudden decision to cancel the previously announced timetable. The updated schedule, with exams now set to begin from Baisakh 21, was officially made public on Wednesday.

Home Minister Says Internal Probe Underway into Security Lapse During Tinkune Protest: Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has stated that an internal investigation is ongoing regarding the “security lapse” during the pro-monarchy protest held in Tinkune on Chaitra 15 (March 28). Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, Lekhak confirmed, “An internal inquiry is underway.” He said the investigation is focused both on those involved in the arson and vandalism, as well as any shortcomings on the part of security personnel.

“The incident will be investigated thoroughly and impartially,” the minister assured. The Kathmandu Valley Police Office has formed a probe committee under the leadership of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shekhar Khanal. The committee includes a total of seven members.

NC Central Committee Meeting Postponed Indefinitely: The Nepali Congress Central Working Committee meeting, which was scheduled for Baisakh 17, has been postponed indefinitely. Chief Secretary Krishna Prasad Paudel informed that the meeting has been put on hold until further notice. The party has not disclosed any reason for the postponement.

Teachers Continue Protest Demanding School Education Act: Teachers who have been protesting demanding the School Education Act continued their demonstration today as well. On Wednesday, they gathered and performed in the Maitighar (Baneshwor road) area of Kathmandu, chanting slogans and dancing. The teachers have been protesting for the last 22 days, demanding that the School Education Bill be issued by the government.

Even though the government has committed to issuing the bill during the upcoming session, the teachers have not stopped their protest. Amid the protest, Education Minister Bidya Bhattarai resigned on Monday, further complicating the situation.

Detained Monarchists, Including Durga Prasai, Presented to Court for Extended Remand: Individuals arrested during the pro-monarchy demonstration in Tinkune are being presented to the Kathmandu District Court on Wednesday for a further extension of their remand. Durga Prasai, regarded as a key figure behind the monarchist protests, has been brought to the court along with others for an extension of their detention period.

This is the second time authorities are seeking a remand extension for Prasai and his bodyguard Deepak Khadka. Earlier, on Chaitra 29, the Kathmandu District Court had granted a 12-day extension in their case. Meanwhile, in a related case, 20 others including Rabindra Mishra, who were also arrested in connection with the same Tinkune incident, were given a 15-day remand extension on Chaitra 26.

NRN Unity General Convention Issue: SC Orders Withdrawal of Appeal: The Supreme Court has ordered the withdrawal of an appeal regarding the issue of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) Unity General Assembly. This order was made in response to a petition filed by Rajesh Shamsher Rana, challenging a request made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the office of the Attorney General, to delay the unity assembly for six months.

The court ordered the withdrawal of the appeal in a case where the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had requested the delay in the assembly, citing the need for consultation with the high-level committee. The appeal was heard by a bench consisting of Justices Binod Sharma and Nityanand Pandey.

Pension to Be Stopped for Retired Employees Convicted of Crimes: A provision has been agreed upon by lawmakers in the Federal Civil Service Bill that states retired employees will lose their retirement benefits if convicted of corruption. The proposal stipulates that individual receiving retirement benefits or family pension, who are convicted by a court for crimes such as government forgery, state crimes, drug trafficking, money laundering, human trafficking, kidnapping, and other similar criminal offenses, will be deprived of their benefits.

10 More People Arrested in Kathmandu Released on Bail: An additional 10 individuals who were arrested on charges of engaging in undesirable activities in the Tinkune area of Kathmandu have been released on bail. The individuals were part of a protest organized by the ‘Rashtra, Rastriyata, Dharma, Sanskriti, and Nagarik Bachau Maha Abhiyan,’ led by Durga Prasai, and the ‘Joint People’s Movement Committee for the Restoration of the Monarchy,’ led by Nabaraj Subedi.

These protests had taken place on March 28, and they participated in similar movements demanding the restoration of the monarchy. The 10 individuals were released after the District Police Office in Kathmandu approved their bail.

Sudip Neupane of Butwal Killed in Terrorist Attack in Kashmir: Sudip Neupane, a resident of Belbhariya in Butwal Sub-Metropolitan City-14, has been killed in a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, India. The 27-year-old had been temporarily living in Kalikanagar, Butwal-11.

He had traveled to Jammu and Kashmir last Saturday with his mother, sister, and brother-in-law for a family tour. Ward Chair of Butwal-14, Dadhiram Neupane, confirmed Sudip’s death in the attack. He stated that preparations are underway to bring his body to Kathmandu by this evening.

NEPSE Dips for Fourth Straight Session, Index Falls to 2655 Points: The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) continued its downward trend for the fourth consecutive trading day. On Wednesday, the benchmark index fell by an additional 32.38 points, bringing it down to 2,655 points. Alongside the decline in the index, overall trading volume also shrank. Compared to the previous day’s transaction of Rs 8.32 billion, the total turnover for the day stood at Rs 7.57 billion.

While stock prices of 28 companies rose, a total of 217 saw declines, and one remained unchanged. The Development Bank sector witnessed the sharpest decline, dropping by 2.09%. Most sectors fell by over 1%, including Banking (down 1.23%), Finance (down 1.15%), Hotels and Tourism (down 1.01%), Hydropower (down 1.78%), Investment (down 1.76%), Life Insurance (down 0.45%), Microfinance (down 1.04%), Non-life Insurance (down 0.97%), Others (down 1.50%), and Trading (down 0.30%). The only exception was the Manufacturing group, which remained slightly in the green, though by less than 1 point.

World Bank Projects Nepal’s Economic Growth at 4.5% for FY 2024/25: The World Bank has revised Nepal’s economic growth forecast for the current fiscal year (2081/82 BS or 2024/25 AD) to 4.5 percent, citing ongoing structural financial weaknesses and the adverse effects of natural disasters such as floods and landslides. In its latest “South Asia Development Update 2025”, titled “Taxing Times”, the World Bank notes that Nepal’s economic performance will be weaker than previously projected.

The report attributes this slowdown to long-standing vulnerabilities in the country’s financial system and recent natural calamities that have disrupted infrastructure, livelihoods, and productivity in key sectors like agriculture and tourism. Looking ahead, the World Bank estimates that Nepal’s economy will grow by 5.2 percent in FY 2082/83 (2025/26), indicating only a moderate recovery trajectory.

Calendar for Fiscal Year Policy and Program Presentation Prepared for May 2: The draft calendar for the presentation of the policy and program for the upcoming fiscal year has been prepared and is set to be presented to the House of Representatives on May 2. Speaker Devaraj Ghimire prepared the calendar after discussions with the chief whips.

Additionally, the government has proposed to begin pre-budget discussions from May 16. The draft calendar will be presented in the meeting of the Business Advisory Committee, scheduled for April 12. Speaker Ghimire had also proposed that the Parliament should be held on all days except Saturdays and public holidays due to the pressure of discussions on the pre-budget, policy program, budget, and the school education bill. The proposal was approved in the meeting.

Bill Registered in Parliament to Establish Alternative Development Finance Fund: A bill has been registered in the Parliament to establish an Alternative Development Finance Fund with an authorized capital of Rs 100 billion and a paid-up capital of Rs 25 billion to mobilize investment in the infrastructure sector.

The Ministry of Finance registered the bill last Friday aiming to arrange resources for the country’s overall economic growth and sustainable development of high-return infrastructure and other sectors. The bill proposes legal provisions to identify, prioritize, and attract internal and external investment in infrastructure projects. It also outlines proper use of financial instruments including domestic and foreign investment, institutional structures, monitoring, and evaluation systems.

Singer Anju Panta Honored as ‘Decade Singer’: Singer Anju Panta has been honored with the title of “Decade Singer” for her remarkable contribution to Nepali music over the past thirty years. She received the National Capital Honor Award 2081 at the Capital Awards event held recently in Kathmandu. The award was presented by Deputy Speaker Indira Rana. Anju Panta has established herself as a leading voice in Nepali modern music and playback singing, having sung in over 8,000 songs throughout her career.

Her iconic ghazal “Na birse timilai, na paae timilai” is widely regarded as her signature piece. Currently, she is serving as a judge on the popular reality singing show “Mero Voice Universe.” Her daughter, Paritoshika Panta, who is a theatre artist and model, was also recognized at the event with the “New Talent Capital Award.”

Grand Premiere of ‘Bhuthan’ Held in Kathmandu: The film Bhuthan, starring renowned actor Haribansha Acharya in the lead role, held its grand premiere in Kathmandu. The premiere took place on Tuesday evening at QFX inside Civil Mall, Sundhara, drawing a diverse audience that included actors, journalists, politicians, social workers, and athletes. Following the screening, many attendees expressed their admiration for the film during conversations with the media.

They praised Bhuthan, directed by Binod Paudel, for elevating the standard of Nepali cinema with its powerful storytelling and production quality. The film centers on the plight of Bhutanese refugees—a topic that has long been sensitive and underrepresented in Nepali cinema. Speaking to the press, Nepali Congress General Secretary Bishwo Prakash Sharma said the film reflects the stories of many. “Through Bhuthan, there has been a genuine attempt to bring the pain of Bhutanese refugees to life,” Sharma remarked.

First Song ‘Aankha’ from ‘Ke Ghar Ke Dera: Ghar No. 2’ Released: Director Dipendra K. Khanal has released the first song from his upcoming film Ke Ghar Ke Dera: Ghar No. 2. Titled “Aankha”, the lyrical track features vocals by Rikesh Gurung, lyrics by Ram Abiral Bista, and music composed by SD Yogi. The song centers on the emotional journey of a romantic couple, with the video featuring lead actors Khagendra Lamichhane and Upasana Singh Thakuri.

Ke Ghar Ke Dera: Ghar No. 2 is a social drama written by Buddhi Sagar, a celebrated author known for novels such as Karnali Blues, Eklo, and Phirphire. This film marks his debut as a screenwriter. The movie features an ensemble cast including Khagendra Lamichhane, Nischal Basnet, Upasana Singh Thakuri, Aryan Sigdel, Keki Adhikari, Prakash Ghimire, Srijana Napit, Sanjog Rasaili, Rubina Ghimire, and Suraj Bista.

Brazilian Star Footballer Carlos Calls on PM Oli: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and visiting Brazilian former football player Roberto Carlos had a meeting today. The meeting took place at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar. Renowned football player Carlos is currently in Nepal to attend the ongoing Nepal Super League (NSL) third season football championship under way at Dashrath Stadium as a special guest.

On the occasion, PM Oli welcomed the football star Carlos and said that his visit to Nepal inspired the players and youths here. Stating that Nepal and Brazil enjoyed cordial diplomatic relations, the PM stressed on exchange of learning in sports sector between the two countries.

Nepali Taekwondo Team Leaves for Japan: A seven-member Nepali team, including five athletes, is set to depart for Osaka, Japan this Thursday to participate in the 21st edition of the WATA (World Amateur Taekwondo Association) International Taekwondo Championship. Scheduled from April 25 to 27, the competition will feature events in both kyorugi (sparring) and poomsae (forms). Representing Nepal in the under-30 kg category is Hridayani Basnet, while Jolina Basnet will compete in the under-34 kg division, and Sohan Pathak in the under-24 kg category.

In the poomsae discipline, Saksham Shrestha will participate in the under-12 individual category, and Ashraya Upadhyay will represent Nepal in the under-14 group. The team is being coached by Saroj Tamang. Notably, Kajal Shrestha, a gold medalist from the 13th South Asian Games, will serve as a referee in the competition. Kajal had also officiated in the 20th edition of the same championship.

Manmohan Memorial Cricket Tournament Moves to Biratnagar: Due to the unavailability of a proper playing field in Inaruwa, the third edition of the Manmohan Memorial (MM) One-Day National Cricket Tournament is being shifted to Biratnagar. The tournament will take place from Baisakh 13 to 20 (April 25 to May 2) at the Girija Prasad Koirala Cricket Stadium in Baijanathpur, Biratnagar, as announced by the MM Cup Foundation Sunsari.

 The decision comes after the Jail Field Ground in Inaruwa remained in a disorganized state for an extended period under the pretense of renovation, explained Foundation Chairperson Biplav Ghosh. This year’s 50-over cricket tournament will feature six teams, including one from India. Participating teams include Nepal Police Club, Tribhuvan Army Club, Armed Police Force (APF) Club, Assam Cricket Team (India), as well as provincial teams from Koshi and Bagmati.

Attack on Tourists in India’s Kashmir Kills 26, Injures 17: Twenty-six people were killed and 17 were injured when suspected militants opened fire at tourists in India’s Jammu and Kashmir territory, police said on Wednesday, the worst such attack in the country in nearly two decades. The attack took place on Tuesday in a meadow in the Pahalgam area of the scenic, Himalayan federal territory and the dead included 25 Indians and one Nepalese national, police said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi decried the attack as a “heinous act” and pledged the attackers “will be brought to justice”. “Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakeable and it will get even stronger,” he said in a post on X. Modi cut short his two-day visit to Saudi Arabia and returned to the capital New Delhi early on Wednesday.

52 Rescued, 103 Bodies Found After Mandalay Condo Collapse: As of Tuesday, 52 people have been rescued, and 103 bodies have been recovered from the collapsed Sky Villa condo in central Myanmar’s Mandalay region, the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar reported on Wednesday. The building collapsed after a powerful earthquake struck on March 28, the report said.

The Myanmar Rescue Team, Mandalay Region Fire Services Department, and the Mandalay Region government personnel have been carrying out rescue and clearance operations since March 28 at the collapsed site of Sky Villa, it added. The earthquake has caused the deaths of 3,759 people and injuries to 5,107 others, with 114 individuals still reported missing nationwide as of Tuesday, according to Global New Light of Myanmar.

China Hikes Military Incursions Around Taiwan: Taiwan detected 29 Chinese aircraft, six Chinese naval vessels and two official ships operating around itself as of Wednesday (local time), a statement by the Taiwan’s Ministry of Defence stated. Of the 29 sorties, 25 crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern, southwestern and eastern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ).

In a post on X, the MND said, “29 PLA aircraft, 6 PLAN vessels and 2 official ships operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 25 out of 29 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern, southwestern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded.” Earlier on Tuesday, Taiwan detected 11 Chinese aircraft, six Chinese naval vessels and four official ships around its territory, a statement by Taiwan’s Ministry of Defence said.