Nepali wrestlers are set to participate in the Senior Asian Wrestling Championship being held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The Senior Asian Belt Wrestling Ellas competition will take place from April 12 to 14. Representing Nepal in the men’s 74 kg weight category will be Suresh Chunara and in the 97 kg category, Triloki Prasad Yadav.
Kathmandu, March 31: Nepali wrestlers are preparing to compete in two separate international events set to be held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The Senior Asian Wrestling Championship will take place from April 5 to 12, followed by the Senior Asian Belt Wrestling Ellas competition from April 12 to 14. Nepali athletes will participate in both events.
In both competitions, Suresh Chunara will compete in the men’s 74 kg weight category, while Triloki Prasad Yadav will represent Nepal in the 97 kg weight class. Notably, Suresh won a bronze medal at the Asian Belt Wrestling competition held in India last year.
Coached by Mumtaz Ali Idrisi, the team consists of three members including these two athletes. The team is scheduled to depart for Kyrgyzstan on Chaitra 24 (April 6).
On April 5, Prakash Kumar Kusari, president of the Nepal Wrestling Association and a member of the National Sports Council (NSC), will leave to attend the United World Wrestling Asia Council’s general assembly, also held in Kyrgyzstan. Ramcharitra Mehta, NSC member–secretary, bid farewell to the team on Thursday, extending best wishes for their success.
Ramcharitra Mehta, Member-Secretary of the National Sports Council, officially saw off the Nepali chess teams on Thursday. The team will participate in the 8th Shanghai Cooperation Organization International Team Chess Tournament held in China from April 7 to 12, featuring three players. The members of this squad are Rupesh Jaishwal, Ashish Phuyal, and Kritishara Adhikari. Tarabahadur Ranabhat has been appointed as the team manager.
Another team will compete in the FIDE ISCF World School Team Championship, Asian Continental Phase, taking place in Almaty, Kazakhstan, from April 6 to 11, with five players representing Nepal. This team includes Nihana Shrestha, Suhani Singh, Krishti Rizal, Vrijanandas Tamta, and Akarshan Kunwar. Nirajan Prajapati serves as the manager, with Rijendra Rajbhandari as the coach. Both teams are scheduled to depart for their respective destinations on Sunday.
The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police arrested businessman Deepak Bhatt on Thursday at the request of the Department of Money Laundering Investigation. Bhatt faces allegations of irregularities involving the purchase of shares worth approximately NPR 381 crore, violating Section 140 of the Insurance Act 2079. The District Court has permitted his detention for 10 days for further investigation, while Bhatt maintains his innocence and claims to be a victim.
During his presentation at the Kathmandu District Court on Thursday, the court authorized a 10-day custody period to facilitate investigation. Bhatt is among the major shareholders of Himalayan Reinsurance Company and is under investigation for alleged irregularities in the acquisition of shares of Nepal Reinsurance Company. The department has also initiated correspondence with the Nepal Securities Board and Insurance Board for further scrutiny.
It has been reported that Bhatt misappropriated NPR 273.33 crore from Himalayan Reinsurance, NPR 22 crore from affiliated companies, and additional amounts from Nepal Life Insurance and other companies. In court, Bhatt denied any wrongdoing, asserting that individuals close to him used his TMS account to commit fraud. He further stated that it is unjust for only him to face investigation while the real perpetrators remain unapprehended.
March 19, Kathmandu – During a special traffic inspection program in Kathmandu, traffic police have taken action against 31 drivers of vehicles with mechanical issues. The special check was conducted near the Mulapani Cricket Ground, where the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office reported that most vehicles inspected were found to be in unsatisfactory mechanical condition. Among the 52 vehicles inspected, defects were identified in components such as handbrakes, lights, and tires, with 31 vehicles exhibiting significant mechanical problems leading to driver penalties.
The traffic police emphasized that operating vehicles with such deficiencies increases the risk of accidents and endangers passenger safety. This inspection was carried out to reduce these risks and improve overall road safety.
March 19, Kathmandu — In the Himalayan Java National Basketball League (HJNB League) 2026, Tribhuvan Army Club emerged victorious in the second game held on Thursday. Army claimed their 11th win by defeating Times with a score of 99-85. This victory served as revenge for the loss they faced against Times in the first phase. Previously, Times had defeated Army 80-68.
News Summary: With the formation of the new government, industrialists and businesspersons in Nepal are anticipating policy stability and a more conducive business environment. Industry leaders demand the government remove procedural complexities and implement a one-door system to streamline operations. As the Nepal Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) elections approach, Raghunandan Maru has filed his candidacy for a leadership position. The establishment of the new government has sparked optimism within the business community. Entrepreneurs believe that political stability will bring policy consistency, paving the way for economic advancement. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Finance is preparing the new budget, and election activities within FNCCI are gaining momentum. Below is an exclusive interview with Raghunandan Maru, President of the Cement Producers’ Association and Managing Director of Shivam Cement.
How do industrialists and businesspeople feel following the formation of the new government? We now have a strong two-thirds majority government, which the industrial and business sectors warmly welcome. Not only them, but even ordinary citizens are excited because we expect the ‘habitable’ environment that had existed merely in theory until recently to be implemented practically. We anticipate the removal of the longstanding issues that have plagued us.
What specific expectations do industrialists have from a stable government? Policy stability is a primary expectation. Long-term policies are essential. Investors seek assurance that their investments will be secure. Our group is actively working to attract foreign investors. However, they have noticed inconsistency in policies as budgets and governments change. Therefore, stable policies are the foremost demand. Additionally, procedural complexities must be eradicated. Issues persist at all stages—from company registration to operations. Unnecessary hassles in licensing must be eliminated entirely. Such obstacles continuously disrupt industries during this critical phase of nation-building. While no applications should be accepted without completing international legal procedures, the practice of circulating files even after fulfilling all requirements must end. The impractical forest user rights procedures are adversely affecting the hydropower and mining sectors. Although we unanimously agree on forest conservation, procedural delays must be removed. There should be regulations such as requiring 50 trees to be planted for every tree cut. We especially stress addressing the impact of user rights on hydropower and mining industries. The issue of limits and caps also presents challenges. To achieve a $100 billion economy, it is essential to ease conditions for establishing large industries. The government should demonstrate generosity and formulate investor-friendly policies to boost employment and strengthen the economy. Processes must be simplified with a one-door system. For instance, if a mining industry requests 1,200 ropanis of land, the state should allocate the boundary accordingly. If the industry fails, the land could be sold but not repurposed, enforcing clear regulations while maintaining ease of process. The Ministry of Land Reform’s complex procedures must be reformed and the practice of file circulation halted.
What are your thoughts on the one-door system making all procedures smoother? Absolutely. Even in today’s digital era, the practice of passing files from one table to another only hampers progress. A system where file status can be monitored easily via computer is necessary. We must adopt faster technology in government work and transition to a paperless system. Achieving this will allow the current government to transform the country’s economic structure.
The Rastriya Swatantra Party Nepal (RSWP) has promised to repeal outdated laws, and Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle has set up a dedicated team. How do industries and businesses react to this?
This is a significant achievement, and we are optimistic. The Economic Reform Commission, led by former Finance Minister Rameshwar Khanal, had also emphasized repealing redundant acts and regulations six years ago. This must now be implemented. It will accelerate reforms across the country.
The current government aims to double per capita income from $1,500 to $3,000 within five years. How feasible do you find this target? Youth migration must be halted, and despair dispelled—things the government can accomplish. The environment should promote youth entrepreneurship through flexible policies. We must support startups and small businesses with all kinds of incentives. Once young people start businesses, the economy will respond positively. Therefore, the $1,500 to $3,000 per capita income goal is achievable. Currently, many youths seek foreign employment, which negatively impacts societal structures. Relying heavily on remittances weakens the economy; a production-based approach is essential.
So you advocate increasing the number of young entrepreneurs? Yes. If we want a $3,000 per capita income and a $100 billion economy, nurturing youth entrepreneurship is vital. With the right vision and mindset, our nation can develop rapidly and become a donor country.
What do entrepreneurs expect from the upcoming budget? Tax policy requires revision. Value Added Tax (VAT) slabs should be differentiated, similar to India. Essential sectors should have lower taxes, while luxury goods should be taxed more. Tax policy must be pragmatic and balanced.
What tax rates would be appropriate? Lower taxes on essential items like food are needed to alleviate consumer costs. Higher rates can be applied on luxury goods.
How is the current status of the cement industry? The cement sector is increasingly export-oriented. While production capacity is sufficient, exports remain limited. The government used to provide export subsidies but has since halted them, causing difficulties for manufacturers. Continuation of such subsidies is necessary because they do not result in revenue loss. Nepal’s production capacity is about 20 million tons, but consumption is just over 8 million tons. Therefore, surplus production should be encouraged for export.
Why have cement prices increased? Increases in transportation costs, diesel prices, packaging expenses, and raw material prices are the main factors. Although the Iran-US conflict’s impact isn’t directly visible, its multifaceted effects are beginning to emerge. We hope for a swift resolution.
What are your expectations from the new government regarding the cement industry? Limits and forest user rights remain major challenges. The user rights system should be abolished. Why require dual permits for cutting trees? Legal amendments are necessary. The mining industry needs procedural reforms; with improvements, it could contribute significantly to GDP, similar to China. The government should remove the environmental tax imposed on coal imports; taxing non-domestically produced goods is unjustified. Eliminating procedural complexities could make the cement sector highly profitable. Increasing government expenditures and focusing on capital investments will also boost cement consumption. Currently, provincial budgets consume a significant share, which requires reassessment.
How is cement export performing? Exports are nearly stalled, limited to border areas only. Competition with India has become challenging after subsidy cuts; state support is needed to maintain competitiveness.
What potential do you see for rapid national development? Infrastructure development will drive rapid progress. In a small country like Nepal, reducing distances is vital—for example, making it possible to travel from Taplejung to Biratnagar in two hours. This will strengthen the economy.
What is necessary to ensure an investment-friendly atmosphere in the current budget? Implementing a one-door system in government services is mandatory. Though this demand has been raised before, it has not been practically enforced. Improvements in licensing procedures, faster implementation, and guarantees for investment security are essential.
What role will you play in the upcoming FNCCI elections? With elections approaching, I am contesting for a committee member position on the dedicated panel led by Anjan Shrestha and Shiv Ghimire. Our goal is to run FNCCI responsibly and efficiently, contributing significantly to economic prosperity.
What are your priorities? Reducing the gap between the government and FNCCI is a key priority. The chamber should lead the government toward digitization, an area where we currently lag. I aim to remove the pessimism among industrialists and businessmen. I intend to promote new approaches to advance FNCCI and break distrust between the private sector and government. If successful, it will foster a more favorable investment environment.
Any final remarks? According to RSWP’s manifesto, legal and administrative reforms will alter the nation’s character. The Nepalese people should place full trust in the government, and industrialists should commit to developing the country domestically. This commitment will empower us to build a prosperous Nepal.
With the formation of a new government, industrialists and entrepreneurs are hopeful for policy stability and a conducive business environment.
Industries demand the government remove procedural complexities and implement a one-stop service system.
As the Nepal Chamber of Commerce election approaches, Raghunandan Maru has filed his candidacy for a new leadership position.
With the formation of a new government, optimism has spread throughout the business sector. The business community believes that political stability will bring policy consistency, opening pathways for economic progress. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Finance is preparing to draft the new budget. Additionally, election activities are intensifying at the Nepal Chamber of Commerce. In this context, we present an interview with Raghunandan Maru, Chairman of the Cement Producers’ Association and Managing Director of Shivam Cement:
How do industrialists and entrepreneurs perceive the formation of the new government?
The country now has a strong two-thirds majority government, which the industrial and business communities wholeheartedly welcome. Not only them, but ordinary citizens are also enthusiastic because the environment, which so far existed only in principle as ‘governable,’ is now expected to manifest in practice. The problems that have troubled us in the past are expected to be eliminated.
What are the concrete expectations of industrialists and entrepreneurs from a permanent government?
Policy stability is the primary expectation. Long-term policies are essential. Investors seek assurance that their investments are secure. Our group is trying to attract foreign investors who have realized that Nepal’s policies lack uniformity and change with budgets and government transitions. Therefore, stable policies are the biggest demand.
Another key issue is removing procedural complexities. Similar problems arise at every stage from company registration to operations. Unnecessary hassles in licensing must be eliminated or even completely eradicated. Such obstacles continuously disrupt industry growth during this critical time of nation-building.
Applications that have not completed international legal procedures should not be accepted, but the practice of unnecessary file processing even after completing all procedures must end.
The impractical procedures concerning forest user rights are impacting the hydropower and mining sectors. While there is no disagreement about forest protection, procedural hurdles must be reduced. Laws should require one tree to be planted for every tree cut. We expect special attention to be paid to the impacts caused by user rights in hydropower and mining industries.
Boundaries are also a challenging issue. If we aim to create an economy of 100 billion USD, establishing large industries requires a favorable environment. The government should show flexibility and introduce policies that facilitate large-scale investments. This will create employment and strengthen the economy.
A one-stop system should be implemented to simplify processes. For example, if a mining industry requests 1,200 ropanis of land, the state should define the boundaries and grant it. Rules can allow the industry to sell the land if it fails but prohibit its use for other purposes. However, the process itself must be easier. The Ministry of Land Reform’s complex procedures need reform, and the practice of unnecessary file circulation must be stopped.
What is your perspective on all tasks becoming easier through the one-stop system?
Certainly. Even in today’s IT era, the practice of passing files from one table to another only hinders progress. A system should be developed to track the status of files easily via computers. Government work should adopt faster technologies and transition to a paperless system. If achieved, the present government can bring a structural economic transformation in the country.
The Rastriya Swatantra Party has promised to scrap outdated laws, and Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle set up a committee. How has the industry reacted?
This is a significant achievement for which we remain optimistic. The Economic Reform Commission, led by former Finance Minister Rameshwar Khanal, had also recommended scrapping outdated and unnecessary acts and rules six years ago. This must now be implemented as it would accelerate reforms in the country.
The current government aims to raise per capita income from $1,500 to $3,000 within five years. How do you assess this target?
Youth migration must be halted, and despair removed—something the government can achieve. An environment conducive to entrepreneurship with flexible policies for youth is essential. All types of encouragement should be given to startups and small businesses. Once young people start businesses, the economy will benefit positively. Therefore, the goal of increasing income from $1,500 to $3,000 is achievable. Currently, youths go abroad for employment, negatively impacting social structures. An economy reliant on remittances is harmful; it must be production-based.
You are emphasizing the growth of young entrepreneurs?
Yes, if we want to create a $3,000 per capita income and a $100 billion economy, youth must be made entrepreneurial. With good thinking and vision, Nepal can rapidly develop and become a donor country.
What do entrepreneurs expect from the upcoming budget?
A review of the tax policy is necessary. Value-added tax (VAT) should have different slabs, similar to India’s system. Lower taxes should apply in essential sectors, and higher taxes should apply to luxury goods. Tax policy must be practical and balanced.
What tax rates do you find suitable?
Essential commodities like food should have low taxes to reduce the burden of expensive consumables. Luxury items can be taxed at higher rates.
What is the current state of the cement industry?
The cement industry is becoming export-oriented. While production capacity is abundant, exports remain limited. The government used to provide export subsidies but has stopped recently, causing difficulties for producers. Such subsidies must continue, as there is no revenue loss. Nepal has a production capacity of about 20 million tons, but consumption is only around 8 million tons. Hence, surplus production should be encouraged for export.
Why have cement prices increased?
Increased transportation costs, rising diesel prices, higher packaging expenses, and raw material price inflation are the main reasons.
Has the Iran–US conflict had any impact?
Though the impact is not immediately visible, multidimensional effects have begun. We hope for a swift resolution.
What are your expectations from the new government for the cement industry?
Boundaries and forest user rights are principal challenges. The user rights system itself should be abolished. Why should dual approval be required for cutting trees? Such laws need amendment. Regulations hindering mining industry growth must be simplifed so that the mining sector, like in China, can significantly contribute to GDP.
The government should remove the green tax imposed on coal imports; it is inappropriate to tax non-produced goods. Removing procedural complexities will enable the cement industry to yield great benefits.
Government spending should increase, especially focusing on capital expenditure, which will also drive cement consumption. Currently, provincial budgets are large and need reassessment.
What is the status of cement exports?
Exports are almost halted; only border regions see cement exports. After subsidy cuts, it has become difficult to compete with India. The state must provide concessions.
What do you see as possibilities for rapid national development?
Infrastructure development will trigger rapid growth. For a small country like Nepal, connectivity must be made easy—for example, traveling from Taplejung to Biratnagar should take two hours. This will strengthen the economy.
What is needed in the current budget to ensure an investment-friendly environment?
Implementing a one-stop government service system is mandatory. Although this demand was made before, it was not realized. Licensing processes should be improved, execution accelerated, and investment security guaranteed.
What role will you play in the upcoming Nepal Chamber of Commerce election?
With elections approaching, I have filed my candidacy for the executive committee on the dedicated panel of Shiv Ghimire under Anjan Shrestha. Our aim is to run the Chamber responsibly and systematically, which will considerably contribute to economic prosperity.
What are your primary agendas?
Reducing the distance between the government and the Chamber is my main priority. The Chamber must lead the government towards digitalization, where we currently lag. I will work to eliminate the disappointment among industrialists and entrepreneurs.
I want to advance the Chamber in a new direction and break the distrust between the private sector and the government. If we succeed, it will foster a more stimulating investment environment for business owners.
Anything else you would like to add?
According to the Rastriya Swatantra Party’s manifesto, legal and administrative changes will transform the nation’s framework. The Nepali people should fully trust the government, and industrialists should commit to developing the country. Such resolve will empower us to build a prosperous Nepal.
The Attorney General’s Office has transferred Deputy Attorney General Ramhari Kafle following allegations that he played a role in undermining the fake rescue case. The Prime Minister’s Office expressed concern after receiving a complaint regarding the matter. Kathmandu, 19th Chaitra.
Deputy Attorney General Somkant Bhandari has been appointed to replace Ramhari Kafle, who has been transferred to the Attorney General’s Office. This move comes as a result of the Prime Minister’s Office’s interest and intervention.
March 31, Kathmandu – Controversial statements made by parliamentary party leader Ram Bahadur Thapa Badal during the first meeting of the House of Representatives have caused significant upheaval within the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist), UML. Contrary to the party’s official stance, Badal leveled accusations ranging from the Nepal Army and bureaucracy to foreign organizations. He devalued the assembly itself by alleging that the election results were the outcome of a conspiracy involving these entities. Senior UML leaders have expressed objections to Badal’s remarks. As a result, the UML convened an urgent secretariat meeting on Friday afternoon at the party office in Chyasal to hold a serious discussion regarding his statements.
Badal was appointed leader of the UML parliamentary party only on Wednesday. Although there were internal questions about his leadership, he was confirmed as the leader. In the first House meeting today, Thapa spoke for 6 minutes and 17 seconds, casting deep doubts on the election outcomes on behalf of UML. Vice-chairman Bishnu Prasad Paudel announced via social media that the secretariat meeting would seriously discuss these remarks and arrive at an appropriate conclusion. Paudel also shared the notice for the secretariat meeting online.
“The views expressed today by UML parliamentary party leader Ram Bahadur Thapa in the House do not align with the party’s established policies and beliefs. A thorough discussion will take place at the upcoming central secretariat meeting, and appropriate decisions are expected,” Paudel wrote on Facebook. Prior to Paudel’s statement, UML General Secretary Yogesh Bhattarai expressed opposition to Thapa’s address. He refuted Thapa’s comments and reaffirmed UML’s respect and trust in state mechanisms including the Nepal Army, judiciary, and bureaucracy. “Our party holds no hostility toward security forces like the Nepal Army, constitutional bodies such as the judiciary, or the bureaucratic system; our respect and confidence for them remain unwavering,” Bhattarai emphasized.
Addressing parliament, acting chairman Thapa attributed the success of the Rashtriya Swatantra Party (Raswapa) to the roles of the army, bureaucracy, the government led by Sushila Karki, the investigation commission led by Gauribahadur Karki, the Barbara Foundation, and other institutions. “On September 7 and 8 (Bhadra 23 and 24 in the Nepali calendar), an illegal color revolution succeeded under Raswapa’s undisclosed leadership. The general election held on February 3 (Fagun 21) legitimized this blue revolution,” Thapa asserted.
According to Badal, invisible foreign powers also played a crucial role in securing the magically engineered victory for Raswapa. “For what purpose did the armed TOBs (temporarily organized battalions) mysteriously surface on September 7 and 8? Why were former prime ministers and home ministers unlawfully arrested?” he questioned. Reading from a prepared speech, Thapa mainly argued that the rise of Raswapa did not come from genuine public will. Although leaders have accepted defeat on social media, a formal review within the party is pending. “Until now, UML believes the elections were peaceful and fair,” said an official.
“However, our Member of Parliament raised questions about the election process today in parliament. A serious internal discussion will follow,” he added. According to him, the statements made by Thapa are refutable, which prompted the urgent meeting. “UML is a party that trusts state mechanisms. No evidence of electoral fraud has surfaced so far. Under such circumstances, his remarks are clearly disputable,” he asserted.
Thapa’s parliamentary address stated: Honorable Speaker, I first pay homage to all known and unknown martyrs of Bhadra 23 and 24 who sacrificed their invaluable lives for national sovereignty, democracy, republic, federalism, peace, and prosperity. On these dates, an illegal color revolution succeeded under Raswapa’s undisclosed leadership. The general election on Falgun 21 granted legitimacy to the blue revolution. On Chaitra 13, a grand religious ritual led to the swearing-in of Shri Balendra Shah as Prime Minister. I extend heartfelt congratulations to Raswapa and the honorable Prime Minister Balendra Shah on behalf of UML for this historic victory. The decisive actors behind this unprecedented triumph included the Nepal Army, bureaucracy, the Sushila government, the Karki commission, the Barbara Foundation, and other institutions and individuals. I sincerely congratulate them on behalf of UML. External powers, TOBs, AI, and algorithms that labeled the heroes of nationalism, democracy, republic, federalism, peace and prosperity as enemies played an instrumental role in this victory. This scientific victory raises serious questions: Why were the Singha Durbar, Sheetal Niwas, Baluwatar, Supreme Court, political leadership’s private residences, police stations, and commercial establishments burned? Who incited naive students to breach restricted zones? Why did armed TOBs appear on September 7 and 8? Why were former prime ministers and home ministers unlawfully detained? What is the meaning behind plans to arrest political leaders? Why did nationwide repression and terror increase? Why was media trial and cyber terror fabricated? The answers to these questions will be revealed in time. We will continuously question the state about these issues and raise our voices in this House. I congratulate and wish well to the opposition including Nepali Congress, UML, CPN, Labour Culture Party, Rastriya Prajatantra Party, and independent honorable members. Finally, this unprecedented victory has taught a serious lesson to the defeated camp and given them a chance to rectify their shortcomings. This defeat is temporary and will soon turn into victory through learning. Thank you.
March 19, Gulmi – The Secondary Education Examination (SEE) commenced on Thursday with the English subject exam on its first day.
Shortly after the exam concluded, four local levels in Gulmi started the evaluation of answer sheets from day one itself.
According to Thaneswar Ghimire, Chief of the Education Development and Coordination Unit in Gulmi, Chandrakot, Dhurkot, Madane, and Rurukshetra rural municipalities began the answer sheet evaluation today.
He also reported that examinations were conducted peacefully across all exam centers today. The remaining local units will begin evaluating answer sheets starting Friday.
This year, 4,452 students from 151 schools in Gulmi are participating in the SEE exams, which is a decrease compared to last year.
In the SEE exams of 2081 BS (2024 AD), 4,857 candidates from 138 schools appeared.
This year, 405 fewer candidates are taking part compared to last year. Currently, 3,342 students are appearing from the regular general category, 258 from the technical stream, and 851 candidates from the grade improvement stream.
Kathmandu, 19 Chaitra – Home Minister Sudhan Gurung made an unannounced inspection at Tribhuvan International Airport. Arriving at the airport shortly before the inspection, he began his review by visiting the VIP lounge, immigration department, and the arrival and departure halls for passengers.
According to sources close to him, Home Minister Gurung conducted this inspection with the purpose of addressing common problems frequently experienced by ordinary travelers at the airport, along with the demands for their resolution. During the inspection, he issued strict instructions to the relevant staff, emphasizing that no inconvenience should be caused to service users.
He requested an end to the difficulties faced by distressed citizens returning from abroad, urging officials to ensure such complaints do not recur. Furthermore, he directed that unnecessary checks of casual clothing and personal items should be avoided to prevent causing discomfort to passengers.
Golden Gate Basketball Club defeated KVC Hounds 91-78 in the HJNBL, marking their 11th win.
Golden Gate holds the top spot with 23 points from 12 games, while Hounds sit fourth with 20 points.
The league’s top four teams will advance to the playoffs, with the champion receiving a cash prize of 400,000 NPR.
March 31, Kathmandu – In the Himalayan Java National Basketball League (HJNBL) 2026, Golden Gate Basketball Club secured their 11th win on Thursday in the opening match held at the Dashrath Rangashala Covered Hall in Tripureshwor.
Golden Gate defeated KVC Hounds 91-78 in the game.
Golden Gate led 26-22 in the first quarter, both teams scored an equal 20 points in the second quarter. In the third quarter, Golden Gate extended their lead with a 27-19 score, and outscored the opposition 18-17 in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.
This marks Golden Gate’s 11th win in 12 games, maintaining their position at the top with 23 points. They have established a 2-point lead at the summit.
Tribhuvan Army Club and Times Basketball Club, who have played one game less, are tied with 21 points and face each other today.
This was Hounds’ fourth defeat, having previously lost to Golden Gate 91-87 as well, giving Golden Gate a double victory over Hounds.
Following this loss, Hounds’ eight-game winning streak came to an end. After losing their first three games, they had won eight consecutive matches. Hounds currently hold fourth place with 20 points from 12 games.
Nikesh Magar of Golden Gate was named Player of the Match.
The second edition of the HJNBL, organized by the Nepal Basketball Association (NEBA), features competition among eight teams.
The league follows a double round-robin format with a total of 56 games. The top four teams after the league phase will qualify for the playoffs. The first qualifier match is played between the teams finishing first and second in the league, while the eliminator match is between the third and fourth placed teams.
The loser of the first qualifier and the winner of the eliminator then face off in the second qualifier. The winners of the first and second qualifiers will compete in the final.
The champion team will receive a cash prize of 400,000 NPR, the runner-up 200,000 NPR, and the third-place team 100,000 NPR.
Additionally, the Best Player of the tournament will be awarded the Most Valuable Player (MVP) prize, as announced by NEBA.
Chaitra 18, Kathmandu – The Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist), CPN-UML, has convened an emergency Secretariat meeting. Vice President Vishnu Prasad Paudel announced the meeting via Facebook.
Paudel stated that the Secretariat will discuss concerns raised regarding the address by the acting chairman, Ram Bahadur Thapa, during today’s meeting of the House of Representatives.
According to office sources, the Secretariat meeting is scheduled for tomorrow at 1 PM.
Today, the UK will host a virtual conference of 30 nations to discuss the reopening of the strategic Hormuz Strait.
The Strait has been completely disrupted due to ongoing attacks by Iranian forces on commercial ships.
The United States will not participate in the conference, although President Trump has challenged other nations to reopen the Strait independently.
The United Kingdom will hold a virtual conference on Thursday involving 30 nations to discuss reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for 20 percent of the world’s oil and gas supply.
Tensions have escalated following conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran, with Iranian forces continuously attacking commercial vessels, causing significant disruption to this crucial maritime passage.
Chaired by British Foreign Secretary Harriet Baldwin, the meeting aims to explore diplomatic and political strategies to secure the Strait. However, the United States will not be taking part in this significant gathering.
On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a controversial statement, challenging other countries to take the initiative and courageously reopen the Strait themselves, despite delays.
France, Germany, Japan, Australia, and other nations attending the conference are expected to make a joint appeal urging Iranian forces to cease attacks on commercial shipping.
A table tennis program under the global relay event was successfully held at the Nepal Olympic Committee (NOC) Earthquake Memorial Multipurpose Covered Hall in Dallu, Kathmandu. Organized by the French Embassy in Nepal and coordinated by the Nepal Olympic Committee and the All Nepal Table Tennis Association, the event brought together players of various abilities and age groups on a single platform to promote mutual cooperation and unity. Kathmandu, 19 Chaitra.
On Thursday morning at the NOC multipurpose covered hall in Dallu, a special friendly table tennis event under the “Relay Around the World” initiative took place. Hosted by the French Embassy and coordinated with the Nepal Olympic Committee and the All Nepal Table Tennis Association, the program aimed to strengthen diplomatic and community relations through sports.
The event embodied the spirit of the Global Embassy Sports Initiative by uniting professional athletes, local students, and diverse stakeholders on one stage. Focusing on inclusive participation, the program broke traditional competitive boundaries by enabling participants of different skill levels and age groups to compete together at the same table. The organizers deliberately formed mixed groups combining experienced players and novice learners to conduct both practice and matches.
This approach helped reduce generational and skill differences among players, fostering greater cooperation and a spirit of unity. The relay, conducted sequentially by French embassies worldwide, has evolved into a global campaign aimed at bridging social and generational divides. Virginie Corteval, the French Ambassador to Nepal, described sports as a powerful medium not only for competition but also for promoting world peace, harmony, and the development of a healthy civil society.
Jeevan Ram Shrestha, President of the Nepal Olympic Committee, stated that the event was conducted with foundational values of excellence, respect, and friendship, strengthening bilateral relations between Nepal and France at the citizen level. The program saw wide participation from NOC General Secretary Rajiv Shrestha, other officials, French Embassy staff, athletes, and media personnel.
