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.

Govt Initiates Process to Confiscate Property of Late Congress Leader Khum Bahadur Khadka : Following the Supreme Court’s 12-year-old ruling, the government has begun the process of confiscating the assets of the late Congress leader Khum Bahadur Khadka. The decision, issued by Justices Kalyan Shrestha and Baidya Nath Upadhyaya in 2012, found Khadka guilty of accumulating illicit wealth. As per the ruling, property including land in Lalitpur under his wife Shila Sharma Khadka’s name is to be seized. Khadka’s family has already paid NPR 20 lakh, while a portion of land worth Rs. 94 lakh remains confiscated.

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak Visits Injured Protesters After 13 Days: Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak visited injured protesters at the hospital 13 days after the violent demonstration in Thankune on March 28, where 20 people were injured by gunshots and pellets. The government has committed to covering all medical expenses for the injured. However, some protesters, like Suman Gurung from Syangja, faced difficulties paying for treatment and were forced to leave the hospital. Injured individuals receiving treatment in various hospitals are assured reimbursement for their medical bills.

PM KP Sharma Oli Urges Investors to Confidently Contribute to Economic Development Amid Political Stability: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli emphasized the importance of political stability for economic growth, urging investors to invest confidently in the country. Addressing the 74th annual general meeting of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce, he highlighted the need for competitive and creative industrial advancement with the use of science and technology. He also called for collaboration to control corruption, stressing that the current stable government will continue until the next elections. Additionally, Chamber President Kamlesh Kumar Agarwal advocated for the establishment of an international-level exhibition center to boost local production and exports.

Durga Prasai Claims He Is in Nepal: After being on the run following the violent protests in Thimkune on March 28, Durga Prasai has claimed he is still in Nepal. In a video message, he stated he would return within 24 hours under the supervision of human rights activists and his lawyers. Prasai also claimed there was a conspiracy to assassinate him, allegedly involving Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Maoist leader Pushpakamal Dahal, and others. He announced half million Nepali rupees financial support for the families of two protesters killed during the incident.

Kathmandu Valley Receives Rain After a Long Time, Air Pollution Expected to Drop: After a long period, rain has finally arrived in the Kathmandu Valley. Tribhuvan International Airport and nearby areas are currently experiencing rainfall. Rain is falling in areas such as Kathmandu Airport, Tinkune, Phulchoki, Chandragiri, Sallaghari and Duwakot in Bhaktapur.

With the rain, it is expected that air pollution in the Kathmandu Valley will decrease, providing relief to the residents who have been struggling with poor air quality. In addition to Kathmandu Valley, areas like Jhapa, Sunsari, Sindhupalchok, Salayan, and Dang are also experiencing light rain along with thunderstorms and lightning.

PM Oli Inaugurates Panini Conference: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has inaugurated the Historic Panini Conference amidst a programme organized at Panini Rural Municipality of Arghakhanchi district today.

Sanskrit language scholars, religious teachers, researchers and policymakers are participating in the two-day conference. The event is organized by the Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Transport of Lumbini Province, the Tourism Development Council and Panini Rural Municipality and Rainadevi Chhahara Rural Municipality.

Kathmandu Leads Global Air Pollution Rankings: Kathmandu Valley has once again topped the global chart for the poorest air quality, based on Air Quality Index (AQI) readings taken at 6:15 am on Wednesday.

The capital recorded an AQI of 184, placing it firmly in the “unhealthy” category. Close behind were Delhi, India, with an AQI of 180, and Kampala, Uganda, at 157. Health professionals warn that Kathmandu’s air has reached levels that are hazardous to health.

RSP Flags ‘Unlawful Arrest’, Seeks NHRC intervention for Lamichhane: The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has urged the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to intervene over what it describes as the “unlawful arrest” and alleged “police misconduct” involving its party president, Rabi Lamichhane.

A party delegation, including Acting General Secretary Kabindra Burlakoti and Chief Whip Santosh Pariyar, visited the NHRC office on Tuesday to express concern about Lamichhane’s treatment and request the commission’s involvement in safeguarding his rights. On April 5, the Butwal bench of the Tulsipur High Court ordered Lamichhane to be held in judicial custody pending trial on charges related to the misappropriation of cooperative funds.

Dr. Jagman Gurung Warns of Mass Arrests if Royalist Protesters Aren’t Released: Dr. Jagman Gurung, the acting coordinator of the Joint People’s Movement Committee, has issued a warning that if royalist protesters who have been arrested are not released by 21st Baishakh (May 4), mass arrests will begin.

In a press conference held in Kathmandu on Wednesday, Dr. Gurung stated, “If the government does not meet our demands by 21st Baishakh, we will start the process of mass arrests from 22nd Baishakh (May 5) at Tinkune.” Dr. Gurung further emphasized that if the government does not release Navaraj Subedi from detention and cancel the charges against other royalist protesters by 21st Baishakh, a new phase of protests will begin from 22nd Baishakh.

Teachers and Staff Continue Protest for Education Act: Teachers and staff protesting in Kathmandu for the Education Act raised their hands in a symbolic gesture of protest on Wednesday. Gathering at the Baneshwor-Babarmahal road section, the teachers and staff raised their hands simultaneously, demanding the swift enactment of the Education Act and the creation of a conducive environment for dialogue.

Earlier, on Tuesday, teachers had also used symbolic methods such as lighting lamps, tying black ribbons, wearing black masks, blowing whistles, staying silent, and even lying on the streets to express their discontent.

Bodies of Missing Siblings Found in Narayani River in Eastern Nawalparasi: The bodies of two siblings who went missing in the Narayani River in Gaindakot Municipality-1, Eastern Nawalparasi, have been found. The siblings, 13-year-old Diksha Serpunja and 9-year-old Swapnil Serpunja, went missing in the river on Tuesday evening.

Their bodies were recovered by an Armed Police Force (APF) diving team on Wednesday, as confirmed by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Shailendra Thapa. According to DSP Thapa, the two children were swept away by the river at around 5:30 PM on Tuesday.

Two Die in a Motorcycle Collision in Siraha: On Wednesday morning, two motorcycles collided in Dhangadhimai Municipality, Siraha, resulting in the deaths of two individuals. According to the Siraha police, 30-year-old Jaykumar Giri from Sukhipur Municipality-8 and 28-year-old Santosh Kumar Yadav from Kalyanpur Municipality-12 succumbed to their injuries during treatment after the crash.

Citizen Inquiry Commission Formed to Investigate Violence During March 28 Rally: A citizen inquiry commission has been formed under the leadership of Devendra Lal Nepali to investigate the violence that erupted during the peaceful rally held on March 28 at Tinkune, which was organized for the reinstatement of the monarchy.

According to a statement released by the spokesperson of the United People’s Movement Operational Committee, Swagat Nepal, the commission has been set up to investigate human rights violations that occurred during the incident. The commission will include former AIG Rabi Raj Thapa, Dr. Ram Prasad Upreti, Dr. Gyan Basnet, and Hari Kattel as members.

NEPSE Index Rises by 9.66 Points, Total Share Transaction Amounts to Rs 4.48 billion: The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index rose by 9.66 points on Wednesday, reaching a total of 2,676.28 points, reflecting a 0.36% increase compared to the previous day.

Today, 154 companies saw an increase in their share prices, while 90 companies experienced a decline, and one company’s share price remained unchanged. During 45,094 transactions, a total of 1.73 million shares were bought and sold, amounting to a total of Rs 4.48 billion in trading value.

Nepal’s Economic Growth to Rise to 4.4% This Fiscal Year Projects ADB: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has projected Nepal’s economic growth to reach 4.4% in the current fiscal year, marking a slight improvement from last year’s 3.9%. The forecast, published today in the Asian Development Outlook 2025, attributes the expected growth to a gradual recovery in key sectors.

According to the ADB, Nepal’s economy is showing signs of improvement, driven by a surge in hydropower generation, an increase in wheat production, and renewed momentum in the services sector. These factors have helped the economy recover from previous slowdowns, contributing to a more optimistic growth outlook for this year. ADB’s report suggests that as the broader economy stabilizes, the pace of recovery is expected to continue, reflecting ongoing structural improvements and sectoral performance gains.

Nepal Aims to Generate 28,500 MW of Electricity in 10 Years: Energy Minister Khadka: Minister of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Deepak Khadka, has stated that the development of the energy sector will be a key driver in the country’s prosperity. While inaugurating the Sanjen Khola Hydropower Project on Wednesday, he emphasized that the government is working towards a target of producing 28,500 megawatts of electricity within the next 10 years.

Khadka also highlighted that Nepal’s energy sector development is progressing through close cooperation with its two large neighboring countries, India and China. He expressed satisfaction with the growing domestic and international support in the hydropower sector, reflecting a positive trend toward investment and collaboration.

Business Community in Rupandehi Demands Immediate Operation of GBIA: Industrialists and businesspeople from Rupandehi have raised their voices demanding the immediate operation of Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahwa.

Today, the Siddhartha Industry Commerce Association, Siddhartha Network Rupandehi, and Chamber of Commerce Rupandehi held a press conference in Bhairahwa and announced a series of protests to demand the airport’s operation.

The protests will include sit-ins in front of the airport, among other activities. The business community has vowed to launch a decisive movement, uniting all sectors to ensure the airport’s functioning. A joint action committee will be formed under the leadership of Siddhartha Network Rupandehi, with all local organizations participating in the unified struggle.

Nepali Film Market Reaches Historic Rs. 2.7 billion This Year: This year, the size of the Nepali film market has reached an unprecedented Rs. 2.7 billion, according to the Box Office Report released by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology.

This year, the Nepali film industry achieved a significant milestone, with Rs. 2.7 billion in earnings from both domestic and international releases. Of the total, the 59 Nepali films released this year earned a combined Rs. 1.8 billion.

‘Jerry On Top’ Starring Anmol KC Set for Release on October 17, 2025: The release date of the film ‘Jerry on Top’, starring Anmol KC, Kedar Ghimire, and Aanchal Sharma, has been confirmed. The film will hit screens across the country on 31st Ashoj (October 17, 2025), coinciding with the Tihar festival.

Producer Saroj Neupane confirmed the release date after finalizing it with the distributor. The film was shot over 60 days, with locations in Mustang, Kathmandu, and Lukla. The remaining two songs will be filmed in Pondicherry, India, and Kathmandu.

Additionally, the producer has sold the international distribution rights (except for Australia) to LG Association in Hong Kong, under a Minimum Guarantee (MG) agreement, ensuring that half of the investment will be recovered from international sales.

Filming of ‘Barishtha Balaram’ Completed: The shooting of Surendra Paudel’s directed film ‘Barishtha Balaram’ has been completed. The film was shot in various locations in Chitwan and Hetauda, with filming wrapping up in 36 days.

The film, which presents a social narrative, aims to provide both a message and entertainment, according to Paudel. ‘Barishtha Balaram’ stars Dayahang Rai, Bijay Baral, Samriddhi Aryal, Gaumaya Gurung, Pashupati Rai, Mao Tse Gurung, Pradeep Chowdhury, and Ram Babu Regmi, among others.

Nepal Defeats Qatar by Eight Wickets in First Match of Four-Nation T20I Series: Nepal has defeated Qatar by eight wickets in the first match of the Four-Nation T20I Series taking place in Hong Kong from today. Chasing the 152-run victory target posted by Qatar, Nepal completed it in 17 overs at the loss of two wickets.

For Nepal, Kushal Bhurtel scored the highest 38 runs off 19 balls while Captain Rohit Paudel collected 37 runs in 29 balls, Aasif Sheikh 33 runs and Basir Ahmed 30 runs. Nepal got an additional 16 runs in the match. Mujeeb Ur Rahman took two wickets for Qatar.

Third ODI Against Afghanistan Interrupted by Rain, Nepal Declared Winner: The third One Day International (ODI) match against Afghanistan was interrupted by rain. The match, held at Mulpani Cricket Ground, saw Nepal’s opponent, Afghanistan, scoring 46 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in 20.1 overs before the rain halted play.

With the game disrupted by the weather, Nepal was declared the winner based on the Duckworth-Lewis method. Earlier, Nepal had made 191 runs in 44.5 overs.

Dang to Face Rupandehi in Lumbini Province T20 Cricket Final: In the ongoing Lumbini Province-level T20 Cricket Tournament in Dang, the final will feature teams from Dang and Rupandehi. The two finalists were decided after the completion of the semifinal matches on Wednesday, organized by the Lumbini Province Sports Council and managed by the Dang District Cricket Association.

In the match held at Ghorahi Cricket Stadium in Gulariya, Ghorahi-17, Dang secured their place in the final by defeating Kapilvastu by 6 wickets. Chasing a modest target of 92 runs set by Kapilvastu, Dang completed the target in 17.5 overs with the loss of 4 wickets, ensuring their spot in the final.

Fire in Northern China Nursing Home Kills 20: Twenty people have died in a fire at a nursing home in northern China’s Hebei province, Beijing’s state news agency Xinhua said Wednesday. The fire broke out around 9:00 pm (1300 GMT) Tuesday at the nursing home in Longhua County, roughly 180 kilometres (112 miles) northeast of the capital Beijing.

Twenty people were confirmed dead by 3:00 am Wednesday, Xinhua reported. Other elderly people in the nursing home have been transferred to nearby hospitals for further observation and treatment,” the state news agency said.

Nearly 100 Dead in Dominican Republic Nightclub Roof Collapse: Rescuers raced to find survivors early Wednesday after the roof of a Dominican Republic nightclub collapsed during a concert by popular singer Rubby Perez, one of nearly 100 people killed in the disaster.

Rescue workers were pressing on with the search effort, which more than 24 hours after the roof caved in began to be limited more to recovering bodies. Renowned Dominican merengue singer Perez, who was on stage at the popular Jet Set nightclub when the roof collapsed shortly after midnight Tuesday, was one of those killed, according to his manager.

Imran Khan’s Sisters Resolute to Meet Him in Jail Despite Tensions: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s sisters remain determined to meet their brother at Adiala Jail, despite the ongoing tensions, ARY News reported. According to ARY News, 11 PTI workers, including Imran Khan’s sisters, have voluntarily surrendered themselves. The sisters, along with PTI workers, sat down on the lawn of a wedding hall.

Among those present were Sahibzada Hamid Raza, Aliya Hamza, Shafqat Awan, Niazullah Niazi, Raja Yasir Hasnain, and Hamid Khan, who joined Imran Khan’s sisters. Station House Officer Saddar, Owais Azim, offered to send Aleema Khan and the other sisters home, but Aleema Khan remained adamant, insisting that she will not leave without meeting her brother, Imran Khan.