Nepal News Evening Briefing | Tuesday, April 29, 2025

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.

Opposition Slams Govt for Ignoring Urgent Proposals: Opposition parties, including the main opposition CPN (Maoist Centre), have objected to the House of Representatives for not scheduling a discussion on an urgent public importance proposal registered by them. As Tuesday’s session of the House began, opposition lawmakers stood up in protest.

Speaker Devraj Ghimire then allowed CPN (Maoist Centre) Chief Whip Hitraj Pandey to speak. Pandey stated that when they inquired about why their proposal was not included in the agenda, they were told ministers could not manage time for the discussion. He accused the government of being irresponsible toward Parliament. We approached the Speaker along with supporters of the proposal, only to be told that ministers couldn’t make time for it,” Pandey said. “This reflects the government’s negligence towards Parliament and the suffering of the general public.

Teachers’ Protest Enters 28th Day, Warn of Intensifying Movement: The nationwide teachers’ protest that began on Chaitra 20 (April 2) has entered its 28th day today. Despite a partial agreement during Monday night’s talks with the government, teachers remain on the streets, saying they will not return to classrooms until a formal agreement is reached.

On Tuesday, teachers staged demonstrations from Maitighar through Babarmahal to New Baneshwar. Teachers are demanding the immediate issuance of the new Education Act and the implementation of past agreements reached with the government. Despite several rounds of dialogue with the government, protesting teachers say the talks have not yielded any positive outcome. They have warned that unless immediate progress is made, they will escalate their movement further.

RSP MP Jha Decries Govt for Political Vendetta, Demands Asset Disclosure: In a scathing criticism of the government, Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) lawmaker Manish Jha on Tuesday accused Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli of targeting political opponents under the guise of governance, while also demanding that the assets of top executive officials be made public immediately. Raising the issue in the House of Representatives, Jha expressed concern over the government’s failure to disclose the property details of the Prime Minister and ministers even after 10 months in office.

“The same government that talks about transparency has kept the asset declarations under wraps for nearly a year. Why the delay?” he asked. Jha’s remarks came amidst escalating criticism over the recent detention of Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) senior vice-chairman Rabindra Mishra. Mishra, who was arrested following a violent pro-monarchy rally in Kathmandu’s Tinkune on March 28, remains in custody. Jha condemned the state’s handling of the case, calling it excessive and politically motivated.

Resident Doctors Continue Protest for 27th Day: Breaking their silence only through protest slogans, resident doctors in Nepal marked their 27th consecutive day of agitation on Tuesday, demanding fair treatment and allowances on par with eighth-level government employees. The protest, which began on Chaitra 21 (April 3), continued with a symbolic march from Maitighar to Baneshwar, a now-familiar route of dissent in Kathmandu.

Despite weeks of pressure, the protesting doctors remain firm in their stance: they will not back down unless the government ensures an equivalent subsistence allowance. The issue escalated after private medical colleges initially refused the demand, citing financial constraints. However, the tide shifted after the government signaled a willingness to increase MBBS seat quotas and tuition fees, giving private college operators a revenue cushion to negotiate on allowances.

Supreme Court Orders Written Response from Gagan Thapa in Contempt Case: The Supreme Court has directed Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Thapa to submit a written response in the contempt of court case filed against him. A bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Sapna Mall Pradhan and Justice Nityanand Pandey issued the order.

On Sunday, lawyers Bishal Thapa, Ananta Raj Luintel, and Prativa Upreti filed a contempt case against Thapa. The issue arose after Thapa accused the Supreme Court of delaying a ruling on 52 constitutional appointments without taking action, making the allegation on Thursday.

Bill Designed to Amend Some Nepal Acts, 2081 Passed: Today’s meeting of the House of Representatives has passed ‘Bill designed to amend some Nepal Acts, 2081’. The House unanimously passed the bill presented by Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Ajay Kumar Chaurasiya.

Earlier responding to queries raised by lawmakers, Minister Chaurasiya said a process has been forwarded to amend 89 laws and scrap two acts with the objective of correcting some technical errors and unintentional gaps in some acts. He expressed the belief that development construction activities would be more effective once the bill is enacted as an act. The HoR will meet next at 3:00 pm on May 2.

Two Boys Drown to Death in Mahottari: Two boys drowned in a pond in Manarashiswa Municipality-1 of Mahottari district. The victims have been identified as 12-year-old Shubham Kumar Singh, son of Bikesh Kumar Singh from the same locality, and 11-year-old Aditya Singh (also known as Ayush), who was visiting his maternal uncle’s house from Dakneshwori Municipality-9, Saptari.

According to local youth Sunil Pandey, both boys had gone to bathe in the pond near the Mahadev Temple on Monday evening due to the hot weather. When they did not return home by night, a search was launched. Their clothes and slippers were found on the edge of the pond, and later, both bodies were discovered floating in the water.

Human Rights Situation in Nepal Further Deteriorates, Says Amnesty International: Amnesty International has reported that the human rights situation in Nepal has further declined in 2024, mirroring a broader global regression in justice, equality, and dignity—values that took more than eight decades to establish. In its global annual report, the organization stated that hard-won rights are increasingly under threat, and Nepal is no exception.

Amnesty International Nepal’s Director, Nirajan Thapaliya, said during the report’s release that the Nepali government has itself become a suppressor of criticism by restricting peaceful protests, using unlawful force, and arbitrarily detaining demonstrators. The report notes that the government has increasingly designated protest-restricted zones, making it difficult for citizens to exercise their right to peaceful assembly.

Gagan Thapa Highlights Possibility of Earning Lakhs from a Hilltop Again: Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa has stated that it is possible to earn lakhs while living on a hilltop. Speaking at the party’s central office in Sanepa on Tuesday during the submission of the policy recommendations on the upliftment and development of the underprivileged, Thapa explained that his previous remarks about earning two to three lakhs a month while residing on a hill in Kirtipur were often dismissed as a joke.

“When I mentioned Kirtipur’s hill, I am sure it reminds you of a certain context,” Thapa said. “When I spoke about the possibility of earning two to three lakhs from a hill, many found it amusing. But that was my imagination, my dream. And it is possible. Why is it possible? Because if a person has the right skills and abilities, they can make it happen.”

Dr. Govinda K.C. Opposes Move to Increase MBBS, BDS Seats: Dr. Govinda K.C., a prominent activist known for his repeated hunger strikes demanding reforms in Nepal’s medical sector, has expressed strong dissatisfaction over the government’s move to increase the number of MBBS and BDS seats. In a press statement issued on Tuesday, Dr. K.C. criticized the decision to expand MBBS seats beyond the current quota, calling it a mistake.

“The current number of MBBS seats must not be increased,” the statement reads. “The demands of resident doctors who have been victims of labor exploitation in private medical colleges must be addressed, and the past agreements made with the government must be implemented without delay.” Dr. K.C. has long campaigned for medical education reform, transparency, and accountability in the health sector, and has staged multiple hunger strikes in the past to push for these goals.

Kathmandu Metropolitan City Directs Private Schools to Distribute Scholarships by First Week of Jestha: Kathmandu Metropolitan City has directed private (institutional) schools to distribute scholarships to students from marginalized groups, including those from poor, disabled, women, Dalit, indigenous, conflict-affected, and martyr families, by the first week of Jestha. The Kathmandu Metropolitan City issued a notice on Tuesday, instructing the distribution of scholarships in accordance with the Compulsory and Free Education Act, 2075 and the Kathmandu Metropolitan Education Act, 2075.

According to the notice, private schools under the Kathmandu Metropolitan City are required to provide scholarships for students from grade 1 to grade 10, adhering to the provisions of the Compulsory and Free Education Act, 2075 and the Kathmandu Metropolitan Education Act, 2075. The scholarships must be given to students from economically disadvantaged, disabled, women, Dalit, indigenous, conflict-affected, and martyr families on an inclusive basis.

NEPSE Slips Over 15 Points Amid Broad-Based Sector Losses: The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index recorded a double-digit decline on Tuesday, reflecting widespread losses across almost all sectors. The benchmark NEPSE index fell by 15.08 points, closing at 2,631.98, marking a 0.57% drop from the previous session. Most trading groups ended in the red, with only the Mutual Fund sub-index managing a marginal gain of 0.07%.

The biggest sectoral drag came from the Finance group, which dipped 1.22%, followed by Development Banks at 0.90%, and the Investment group, which lost 0.83%. Other decliners included Banking (0.57%), Life Insurance (0.54%), Microfinance (0.78%), Manufacturing & Processing (0.34%), Non-life Insurance (0.32%), Hotels & Tourism (0.20%), Trading (0.51%), and the Others category (0.75%).

Loan Against Shares Grows Even as Credit in Other Sectors Shrinks: While credit expansion in other sectors is shrinking, lending against shares remains encouraging. Compared to the end of the previous fiscal year, total credit growth until the end of Falgun of the current fiscal year has only been 6 percent. However, credit against shares has grown by 31.5 percent, according to Nepal Rastra Bank data.

Generally, loans against shares are mobilized within the market itself. However, despite the rise in share-based lending, the stock market has not grown. On the 31st of Shrawan, the NEPSE index had reached 3,000 points, with share-secured loans at Rs 91.44 billion. By the end of Falgun, share-secured loans had risen to Rs 118.5 billion, but the NEPSE index had fallen to 2,736 points.

Procurement Rules Amended Again to Ease Project Deadline Extensions for Contractors: The government has again amended the Public Procurement Regulations to make it easier to extend project deadlines for contractors. This is the 14th amendment in just 14 months. The amendment is intended to facilitate even projects with minimal progress. Now, the project deadlines will be extended based on the nature of the work.

If work cannot be completed within the initially agreed deadline, the contractor must explain the reasons for the delay, according to the regulations. For expired contracts or contracts where extension requests have not yet been approved, the suppliers, contractors, consultants, or service providers must disclose the specific work elements delayed and the causes. An application for deadline extension must be submitted to the relevant public entity within 30 days of the regulations being published in the gazette.

House of Representatives Passes Customs Bill: The House of Representatives on Tuesday passed the Customs Bill, 2081 (2024 AD), moving one step closer to its formal enactment. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel tabled the motion to approve the bill, which was endorsed without amendment.

The bill now heads to the National Assembly for further deliberation. Upon approval by the upper house, it will return to the House of Representatives for final endorsement and then be sent to the President for authentication. Once ratified, it will come into force as an Act of Parliament.

Nepathya to Embark on Seventh U.S. Tour Covering Seven New Cities: Popular Nepali folk-rock band Nepathya is set to embark on its seventh musical tour of the United States, continuing its mission of connecting global audiences to Nepali identity through music. Last year, the band completed a 1.5-month-long tour, performing in seven cities across the East and West coasts of the U.S.

This time, they will perform in seven new cities. The tour will kick off on May 17 in Austin, the capital of Texas, with the first show scheduled at Emo’s Austin. For the second concert, the band will travel directly from southern Texas to Seattle, Washington—a state bordering Canada—where they will perform on May 23. Nepathya is also scheduled to perform in Chicago, Boston, Pittsburgh, and Los Angeles.

Actor Aashirwad Chhetri to Star Opposite Divya Rayamajhi in New Film ‘Mayapreeti’: Aashirwad Chhetri, best known for his role in Nai Nabhannu La 6, is quickly becoming a rising name in Nepali cinema. After signing the film Mahaveer alongside veteran actress Niruta Singh, he is now set to star in another project titled Mayapreeti. He will be paired with actress Divya Rayamajhi, while the film will be directed by Avi Shrestha, who brings experience from international advertising.

The movie is being produced under the banner of One Two Three Studios Pvt. Ltd. and is currently in the workshop phase.Filming is scheduled to begin in early Jestha with Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Bandipur selected as shooting locations. Executive producers Nisha Adhikari and Santosh Karki are backing the film, which is being promoted as a modern love story that highlights the enduring value of love in both easy and difficult circumstances.

Singer Prakash Dutraj Makes Acting Debut in Film ‘Ahuti: The Way of Change’: Renowned Nepali singer Prakash Dutraj has made his acting debut in the upcoming film Ahuti: The Way of Change, which is currently being shot in Subhang, Panchthar. Dutraj stars alongside popular actress Samragyee RL Shah, forming the lead pair in the movie.

The film also features Rihan Giri in a significant role, and child actress Ayushi Dhakal has been cast as well. Dutraj expressed a mix of nervousness and excitement, saying, “It’s my first film, so I feel both scared and thrilled.” In promotional images shared by Samragyee, both lead actors appear in rural character roles.

Nepal Announces Preliminary Squad for Matches Against Hong Kong and Laos: Nepal has announced its preliminary national football squad for two upcoming matches—an international friendly against Hong Kong in June and the AFC Asian Cup Qualifier match against Laos. According to the All-Nepal Football Association (ANFA), head coach Matt Ross has named 30 players for the preliminary stage. Nepal will play Hong Kong on June 5 in a friendly match and will face Laos on June 20 in the Asian Cup qualifiers.

ANFA has instructed the selected players to report to the ANFA Complex on Baisakh 17 (April 30). Notably absent from the squad are forward Samir Tamang—who delivered an impressive performance for Pokhara Thunders in the recently concluded Nepal Super League—defender Padam Bhattarai, and Aditya Shakya from champion team Lalitpur City.

NSC Orders Elections in Seven National Sports Associations: The National Sports Council (NSC) has ordered seven sports associations without elected leadership to conduct elections within three months. The Coordination Division under NSC issued the directive to associations for badminton, gymnastics, tennis, cycling, handball, athletics, and weightlifting.

These associations must organize central general assemblies and elections within three months in compliance with the National Sports Development Rules, 2079 BS. Chandra Kumar Rai, head of the Coordination Division, said in a statement that the elections should be held with the participation of representatives from active provincial and district bodies and that the results must be submitted within 15 days of completion, approved by the NSC chairperson.

Koshi Province Registers Historic First Win Against Nepal Police Club in MM Cup: Koshi Province made a remarkable start in the MM Cup One Day National Tournament by securing their first-ever win against Nepal Police Club. In the opening match of Group B, played at the Baijanathpur Cricket Ground in Biratnagar, Koshi stunned the Police team with a 37-run victory. Chasing a modest target of 94 runs, Nepal Police Club was bowled out for just 56 runs in 24.5 overs. No batsman from Nepal Police could manage to reach double digits.

Koshi’s bowling was led by debutant left-arm spinner Prem Kamat, who claimed an impressive 5 wickets. Earlier, Koshi Province, having lost the toss and opted to bat first, was dismissed for 93 runs in 29.3 overs. Opener Rupak Baral top-scored with 21 runs, while Minash Thapa and Suman Gahataraj each contributed 15 runs.

Explosion in Northeastern Nigeria Kills 26, Injures 3: At least 26 people were killed and three others injured in north-eastern Nigeria after two vehicles detonated an improvised explosive device (IED), TASS reported, citing Reuters and local residents. The incident unfolded on Monday along a road linking the towns of Rann and Gamboru Ngala in Borno state, a region that has long been plagued by extremist violence.

According to residents, the vehicles struck the hidden explosive while traveling between the two towns, causing a blast that claimed dozens of lives. The injured survivors were quickly transported to the nearest hospital for urgent medical treatment, though details on their conditions have not been released, TASS reported.

Liberal Leader Mark Carney Set to Hold on to Power in Canada: Canadian News outlet CTV News has projected incumbent Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and his Liberal Party will hold on to power, winning enough seats in the 45th federal election to form the government. Carey had taken over from Justin Trudeau, who resigned towards the end of his term after his party lost faith in him.

Liberal Leader Mark Carney, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, Bloc Quebecois Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet and Green Party Co-Leader Jonathan Pedneault have been at the head of campaigning for what was seen as one of the most unpredictable elections in Canadian history. Now it appears that Canadians have decided which party will form government, and which of the parties’ leaders will steer the country from its helm in Ottawa, CTV News reported.

Trump Expected to Ease Tariffs Impact on Automakers: US President Donald Trump has agreed to soften the impact of tariffs on automakers who have been hit by multiple levies, US media reported on Monday. The move comes ahead of a Trump rally planned for Tuesday night near Detroit to mark the president’s first 100 days in office.

The shift means companies paying 25 percent tariffs on car imports won’t also pay other duties, such as those on steel and aluminum, according to The Wall Street Journal, which was first to report the shift. The administration is also allowing some reimbursements on foreign auto parts, levies that were supposed to take effect on May 3, said the Journal, citing unnamed sources. US automakers have been among the hardest-hit sectors because the tariffs affect imports from Mexico and Canada.