The outdoor swimming pool located at the International Sports Complex in Satdobato, Lalitpur, began operations for the general public from Wednesday. Bhojanand Rai, Chief of the Administration Department under the National Sports Council (NSC), inaugurated the pool with a traditional prayer ceremony. The event was also attended by Devaraj Katwal, Chief of the Supply and Storage Branch, and Leelaram Basnet, Head of the International Sports Complex, among others.
The swimming pool will operate in three daily shifts: 10 AM to 12 PM, 1 PM to 3 PM, and 4 PM to 7 PM. The entry fee is set at NPR 200 for the first and second shifts, and NPR 250 for the third shift. Additionally, there are special concessions for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
This outdoor pool, which generally remains closed during the winter season, was shut down from Ashoj 10 (approximately late September). However, the adjacent heated indoor pool has continued regular operations without interruption.
The first trailer of the narrative film ‘Masterni,’ produced by Priyanka Karki’s home production company Aayanka Films, has been released. Directed by Indian filmmaker Subhendu Ghosh, ‘Masterni’ completed its filming over 17 days in Kathmandu and Pokhara. The movie is a crime thriller murder mystery and is set to premiere from September 28.
While Aayanka Films has previously produced web series, this is their first narrative feature film. Priyanka Karki discreetly completed the shooting of this project. The film features performances by Priyanka Karki, Ayushman Joshi, Cabinet Shrestha, and Pranit Karki. Notably, Cabinet Shrestha is a Shark on Shark Tank Nepal and the head of Agni Group.
The executive producer of ‘Masterni’ is Suraksha Singh Malhotra. Alongside Priyanka, the ensemble cast includes Saroj Khanal, Pramod Agrahari, Aryan Sigdel, Anup Bikram Shahi, Gauri Malla, Simran Khadka, Raksha Thapa, Vishal Pahari, and Dinesh Kafle. The screenplay, based on Priyanka’s own story, was penned by San Basnyat.
The Gandaki Province government has restructured its cabinet and administered the oath of office to new ministers. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Surendra Pandey, ministers including Govind Bahadur Nepali, Nand Prasad Nyaupane, and Jit Bahadur Sherchan have taken their oaths. This cabinet reshuffle follows the power-sharing agreement between the Nepali Congress and the Communist Party of Nepal (UML). April 15, Kathmandu.
The Gandaki Province government has undergone a cabinet reshuffle, with new ministers sworn in. Chief Minister Surendra Pandey leads the team, with Govind Bahadur Nepali appointed as Minister for Physical Infrastructure Development and Transportation; Nand Prasad Nyaupane as Minister of Energy, Water Resources and Drinking Water; Jit Bahadur Sherchan as Minister of Economic Affairs; Bhim Bahadur Karki as Minister for Agriculture, Land Management and Cooperatives; Yashoda Rimal as Minister of Industry and Tourism; Lakshman Bahadur Pandey as Minister of Health; and Namdu Gurung as Minister of Forests and Environment. This reshuffle marks the reorganization of the provincial cabinet.
April 15, Kathmandu – Under the mediation of US Secretary of State Mark Rubio, ambassadors from Israel and Lebanon engaged in a historic two-hour meeting in Washington. In the highest level of direct dialogue seen since 1993, both countries agreed to advance further direct discussions aimed at a peace agreement. This breakthrough came after US President Donald Trump pressured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reduce hostilities, opening the door for talks. Previously, Netanyahu had rejected Lebanon’s proposal for direct negotiations.
According to officials from the US, Israel, and Lebanon, the primary focus of the talks is to reduce Hezbollah’s influence in Lebanon, disarm the group, and strengthen the Lebanese government. Lebanese Ambassador Nada Hamadeh emphasized the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire and called for the full implementation of the November 2024 agreement. She also urged for concrete actions to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Lebanon.
Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter declared that Israel would continue its military operations against Hezbollah. He described both parties as being “on the same side of the equation” in efforts to free Lebanon from Hezbollah’s control, calling the progress a positive achievement. A joint statement issued by the US State Department clarified that any ceasefire agreement must be mediated by the US directly between the two governments and not imposed under Iranian pressure.
While Iranian and Pakistani mediators have claimed that the recent Iran-Israel ceasefire will also apply to Lebanon, the US and Israel have rejected this. The talks are widely viewed as part of a long-term plan to resolve border disputes, establish security agreements, and ultimately sign a comprehensive peace treaty between Israel and Lebanon. This direct dialogue, emerging amid decades of tension and recent intense conflict, marks a significant turning point in Middle East politics.
Lumbini Province has secured a place in the top six of the Jai Trophy Cricket tournament based on net run rate. Despite Nepal Police Club and Gandaki Province also earning 9 points each, Gandaki Province was eliminated due to an inferior net run rate. In the match where Army defeated Lumbini by 1 wicket, Kushal Malla took 4 wickets. On 16 April, Kathmandu – Lumbini Province has qualified for the Jai Trophy Cricket. Although they lost to the Army by 1 wicket on Wednesday, Lumbini nonetheless managed to finish in the top six. Both Nepal Police Club and Gandaki Province also had 9 points, but Gandaki failed to advance because of a lower net run rate. Had Lumbini won against the Army, they would have qualified outright, but even after the defeat, their net run rate was sufficient to secure sixth place. Gandaki Province, meanwhile, finished seventh due to their net run rate. Although they also earned 9 points in 9 matches, their net run rate was -0.107. It had already been confirmed earlier that Lumbini’s net run rate would not decline into negative territory. Even though Nepal Police Club was defeated by Madhesh Province, the Police team maintained a higher net run rate. Madhesh Province earned 11 points after beating the Police.
In the match, the Army successfully chased down a target of 139 runs set by Lumbini in 25.2 overs with the loss of 9 wickets. For the Army, Kushal Malla scored the highest with 41 runs, followed by Arjun Saud with 28 runs. Bhim Sarki also contributed 18 runs. Batting first after winning the toss, Lumbini was all out for 138 runs in 39.2 overs. Ranjit Khadka and captain Dev Khanal both scored 23 runs, while Akash Tripathi added 21 runs. From the Army’s bowling lineup, Kushal Malla took 4 wickets, with Naren Saud and Bhim Sarki claiming 2 wickets each. Shahab Alam and Basir Ahmad took 1 wicket apiece.
Akshay Kumar, a 22-year-old Indian national, was apprehended at Tribhuvan International Airport with eight kilograms and 560 grams of cannabis. He arrived in Kathmandu from Bangkok via a Thai Airways flight. The arrest was made by a joint team from the Airport Security Office and the Narcotics Control Bureau. Following the seizure, the Narcotics Control Bureau has initiated an investigation into the matter. On 16 April in Kathmandu, Akshay Kumar was caught late Tuesday night carrying the large quantity of cannabis. The coordinated operation by the airport security and narcotics officials highlights ongoing efforts to control drug trafficking through the airport. Kumar remains in custody as the investigation continues.
Entomologist Mark Moffett from the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History has discovered an unusual cooperation where small “cone” ants clean the bodies of larger “harvester” ants. In the Chiricahua mountain range of Arizona, this behavior has been observed in 90 instances, with cleaning sessions lasting from 15 seconds to 5 minutes. Scientists explain that this collaboration allows the smaller ants to gain energy while helping the larger ants avoid infections and parasites. April 15, Kathmandu.
The research by entomologist Mark Moffett highlights that small cone ants diligently clean much bigger harvester ants. Published in the journal Ecology and Evolution, the study reveals a fascinating relationship between these two different ant species. While ants generally exhibit aggressive behavior, in this case, the large harvester ants remain calm near the nests of smaller ants, even exposing their sharp mandibles.
Subsequently, the small cone ants climb onto the larger ants’ bodies, meticulously licking off debris and parasites from their mouths and bodies. According to Moffett, he first noticed this scene by chance while having coffee in the Chiricahua mountain range in Arizona. Initially, he mistook it for ant aggression, but observing more closely revealed that the large ants were willingly being groomed. In a study of at least 90 events, grooming sessions on one harvester ant ranged from 15 seconds to 5 minutes.
After cleaning, the larger ants shake off the smaller ants and then proceed on their way. This cooperation benefits both parties: small cone ants feed on energy-rich microscopic particles from the larger ants’ bodies, while the bigger harvester ants receive thorough cleaning, which helps protect them against infections and parasites. According to entomologist Moffett, this finding hints at many more undiscovered secrets in natural ecosystems. Detailed observation of small creatures like ants can uncover such remarkable behaviors.
Highlighting supply chain difficulties caused by the crisis in the Middle East, Nepal Oil Corporation continues the policy of selling only half gas cylinders. However, the head of the umbrella organization of gas entrepreneurs demands permission to sell full cylinders.
Gas industries across the country report that cylinders weighing 14.2 kilograms are ready for market distribution. They state that all cylinders, including those used for storage at industrial sites, are fully filled, and the rule allowing sale of only half cylinders has hindered gas sales.
Following attacks by the US and Israel on Iran and Tehran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, supply issues have emerged. Since late February, the government implemented the half-cylinder sales policy.
The executive director of Nepal Oil Corporation stated that Indian Oil Corporation has reduced gas supply by up to 15 percent of Nepal’s requested volume.
A corporation spokesperson said that decisions regarding the entrepreneurs’ demands will be made only after thorough review.
What Businessmen Are Saying
Photo source, Getty Images
Diwan Bahadur Chand, president of the Nepal LPG Gas Industry Association, said they have submitted a written request to the government to allow sales of 14.2 kg cylinders.
He said, “All of our cylinders are fully filled. Even those used for storage in industry are completely filled. Due to inability to empty cylinders, the circulation of cylinders for refilling has decreased, which we have specified in our letter.”
Chand mentioned that Nepal Oil Corporation has not yet made any decision on the issue. On Sunday, they gathered information and learned that there has been a 30 percent reduction in gas supply from the Mathura refinery in India.
“We continue to demand full permission to sell 14.2 kg cylinders. We are ready to revert if necessary. Currently, we are unable to sell even the gas we have, and vehicles are stuck in queues.”
They have also issued an ultimatum warning that if the government fails to meet the demand by Friday, action may be taken against those responsible. They emphasize that even refilling gas in Indian cylinders has not been possible.
Chand added, “If the decision is not made, we have already informed the Oil Corporation that we will switch to 14.2 kg cylinders or stop gas sales altogether.”
For April, the Nepal Oil Corporation allocated a quota of 51,282 metric tons of gas imports from India to 60 gas industries in Nepal. Gas cylinders arrive from Baruni in Bihar, Mathura in Uttar Pradesh, Paradip in Odisha, and Haldia and Durgapur in West Bengal.
Manoj Kumar Thakur, spokesperson for Nepal Oil Corporation, said the issue of full-cylinder distribution is under review.
He said, “This matter is under discussion. We are carefully considering market conditions. The evaluation of whether the crisis may reoccur or if supply disruptions are likely will guide the decision.”
Quota Allocations from Each Refinery
Officials from the corporation report that Nepal’s monthly gas consumption ranges between 45,000 and 46,000 metric tons.
Although the corporation lacks LPG storage facilities, about 10,000 metric tons of storage capacity and stocks are available at 60 industries nationwide.
Photo source, Reuters
For April, Nepal Oil Corporation has allocated quotas to import approximately 11,000 metric tons from Baruni, 2,500 metric tons from Haldia, 9,000 metric tons from Durgapur, 16,000 metric tons from Paradip, and 12,800 metric tons from Mathura.
Last week, the Mathura refinery informed Nepal Oil Corporation it could supply 9,200 metric tons of gas in 511 cylinders.
Chandika Bhatt, Executive Director of Nepal Oil Corporation, said that despite a 10 to 15 percent cut in gas supplies, the distribution system has been made efficient.
He added, “We are implementing meticulous management of gas distribution. Where gas is unavailable, we notify immediately and distribute gas based on priority, actively working to avoid any severe market shortages.”
How Much Does Nepal Spend on Cooking Gas?
Photo source, Nepal Photo Library
Caption, Last week, the corporation set the price of a 7.1 kg LPG cylinder at NPR 955.
Last week, Nepal Oil Corporation raised the price of 14.2 kg LPG cylinders by NPR 100 to NPR 2,010. The corporation reports experiencing a loss of more than NPR 416 per cylinder.
According to statistics published by the supply minister, LPG accounts for around 3.5 percent of Nepal’s total imports.
From mid-July to mid-February, Nepal purchased over 372,000 metric tons of LPG from Indian Oil Corporation, with customs data showing imports valued at more than NPR 3.731 billion.
In the previous fiscal year, Nepal imported over 554,000 metric tons of LPG from India and 6.7 metric tons from China, paying NPR 6.258 billion for Indian imports and approximately NPR 1.08 million for Chinese LPG.
This report is also available in video format. To watch videos and subscribe to our channel click here. Our content is also available on Facebook, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. The Nepali service can also be heard daily at 8:45 PM via radio programs.
Peter Markayar has taken over as Hungary’s Prime Minister, ending Viktor Orbán’s 16-year tenure. While he has made it clear he will not initiate a call to Russian President Vladimir Putin, he pledged to respond if Putin reaches out. Markayar’s party, Fidesz, secured a two-thirds ‘supermajority’ in parliament, and he has committed to eradicating corruption and nepotism.
April 15, Kathmandu – Following the conclusion of Viktor Orbán’s 16-year governance in Hungary, Peter Markayar assumed the prime ministerial office. He has already engaged in discussions with European leaders but stated he will not be the one to call Putin directly. Markayar said, ‘If Putin calls, I will answer the phone.’ He added, ‘I don’t expect this to happen, but if it does, I will urge him to end this killing and war within six years.’
The Russian side has expressed hope that the new government will respect Markayar’s victory and maintain practical relations with Hungary. Although Markayar said he would not be the first to call former US President Trump, he acknowledged he would welcome such a call. He also emphasized Hungary’s strong partnership within the US-led NATO alliance. Markayar plans to invite Trump to attend the 70th anniversary of the Hungarian uprising against Soviet occupation this October.
Markayar gained political momentum through a grassroots movement against corruption and nepotism. Preliminary results show Fidesz winning 136 seats out of 138, a slight shortfall from full control but still considered a two-thirds supermajority, which allows constitutional amendments. On Monday, Markayar was a prominent topic among European leaders, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen commenting that ‘Hungary has chosen Europe.’
Markayar dismissed the previous government’s plans as negligible and affirmed Hungary’s commitment to remaining within the European Union (EU) and joining the Eurozone. He also intends to visit neighboring Poland, Austria, and Germany for diplomatic talks, all countries with which Hungary maintains strong relations. Markayar noted, ‘From Russia’s perspective, this war was meaningless; thousands of Russians have lost their lives, and thousands of Russian families have been destroyed.’
Markayar suggested a brief phone conversation with Putin could be possible, but he expressed limited confidence in ending the war. During a press conference on Monday, the new Prime Minister was handed a note alleging that the outgoing Foreign Minister had destroyed confidential documents related to sanctions against Russia. However, the ministry has not responded to these allegations.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has decided not to renew the defense agreement with Israel. Speaking to journalists in Verona, she announced the government’s decision to suspend the defense pact. The Israeli Foreign Ministry claimed that there is no concrete security agreement with Italy and stated that this decision would have little impact on security. April 15, Kathmandu.
Meloni explained that the decision to halt the renewal was made after considering the current situation regarding the defense agreement with Israel. This agreement has been longstanding, with successive governments of political parties automatically renewing it every five years. The Italy-Israel defense pact included significant aspects such as the exchange of military equipment and joint research initiatives.
Given the ongoing war and regional tensions, Italy has decided to suspend the agreement for the time being. Prime Minister Meloni also emphasized the need to make every possible effort to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Israel has not expressed an immediate negative reaction to Italy’s decision. A spokesperson for the Israeli Foreign Ministry asserted that no concrete security agreement exists with Italy and indicated that this move would not affect Israel’s security.
Iran has strongly condemned YouTube’s ban on a group creating ‘Lego’ style AI videos in support of Iran. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei described YouTube’s action as an attempt to suppress the truth about an ‘illegal war’ against Iran. YouTube suspended the channel named ‘Explosive Media’ for broadcasting violent content.
The suspension followed the release of a video mocking former US President Donald Trump and proclaiming an ‘Iranian victory.’ Baghaei used the social media platform X to assert that YouTube’s move was aimed at silencing the reality of this ‘illegal war’ on Iran. He questioned why an independent animation channel was suddenly shut down in a country that hosts well-known animation studios like Pixar, DreamWorks, and Disney.
According to Baghaei, YouTube has restricted alternative voices to protect the false narratives of the US administration. While ‘Explosive Media’ claims to be a group of independent creators, many suspect close ties to the Iranian government. Last week, after the ceasefire announcement, the group released a video with the caption “Trump surrendered, Iran won.”
YouTube suspended the channel citing the broadcast of violent content. However, Explosive Media challenged YouTube’s decision by questioning how their Lego-style animations could be considered violent. The videos depicted Trump as an elderly, isolated character detached from reality. This ban highlights the increasing friction between technology platforms and political issues.
Actor Anmol K.C. has been officially confirmed to star in the sequel to the highly successful 2025 film ‘Jerry on Top.’ On Wednesday morning, Anmol and the producers finalized a written agreement for the new film titled ‘Jerry: The Last Climb.’ The screenplay is being developed by Brajesh Khanal, while the rest of the cast has yet to be finalized.
According to sources following the agreement signed in Kathmandu, Anmol is the only confirmed cast member so far. Participation of Aanchal Sharma and Jasita Gurung remains uncertain. A source stated, “Up to now, only Anmol has been finalized for the film. Discussions with other actors have not been confirmed yet.” Direction responsibilities will be handled by Suyog Gurung.
Brajesh Khanal shared a photo on social media celebrating “a new collaboration between uncle and nephew,” referring to his ongoing partnership with Anmol. He wrote, “Uncle and nephew are collaborating on another new film.” The project, which began around the new year, is anticipated to set new standards of success. The screenplay is expected to be completed within the next two to three months. Meanwhile, Anmol is currently busy with the film ‘Batulo June.’
After principal photography wraps on April 5 for this new film, Anmol is likely to begin working on the new sequel to ‘A Mero Hajur.’ Following that, the production of the new ‘Jerry’ series is expected to move forward. ‘Jerry on Top’ remains the highest-grossing film of Anmol’s career to date.
April 15, Kathmandu – The registration of nominations for the chairpersons of parliamentary committees will take place tomorrow, Thursday. According to the Federal Parliament Secretariat, nominations can be registered between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM. The nomination registration process will be conducted at the Office of the Secretariat of the House of Representatives located at Singha Durbar. The list of candidates will be published tomorrow at 4:30 PM.
There are a total of 16 parliamentary committees in the Federal Parliament. Of these, 10 committees fall under the House of Representatives, 4 under the National Assembly, and 2 are joint committees. The elections for the chairpersons of the subject committees under the National Assembly have already been completed, while elections for the 10 committees under the House of Representatives and the 2 joint committees remain pending. On Chaitra 27 (April 10), the House of Representatives had finalized the appointment of members to subject committees. On the same day, Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal set the date for the election of chairpersons of parliamentary committees for the upcoming Friday.
For the election of a chairperson in the respective committee, any member can submit their candidacy with the proposal of one member and the support of another member of that committee.
A lion that had fallen into a nine-meter deep well in Somnath district of Gujarat, India, was dramatically rescued. After villagers reported the lion’s fall into the well during the night, the forest department dispatched a rescue team. Using ropes, the team successfully pulled the lion out alive.
After the rescue, the lion was taken to a wildlife health center and later released back into the forest. The site, located near Gir National Park, is known for frequent lion sightings.
The price of gold in the Nepali market rose by NPR 2,900 per tola on Wednesday, reaching NPR 302,700 per tola. The previous day, gold traded at NPR 299,800 per tola. Silver prices also increased by NPR 155 per tola on Wednesday, climbing to NPR 5,220 per tola. April 15, Kathmandu – The gold price in Nepal has once again exceeded NPR 300,000 per tola. According to the Nepal Gold and Silver Business Association, gold prices rose by NPR 2,900 per tola on Wednesday. Following this increase, the gold price settled at NPR 302,700 per tola. The previous day saw gold trading at NPR 299,800 per tola. Last Wednesday, gold traded at NPR 299,000 per tola. Silver prices also experienced gains today, increasing by NPR 155 per tola compared to the previous day. Yesterday, silver traded at NPR 5,065 per tola, while today’s price is NPR 5,220 per tola. Last Wednesday, silver prices stood at NPR 5,025 per tola.
