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.

Curfew Imposed in Birgunj Following Religious Clash:

Birgunj, April 12: The District Administration Office, Parsa, has enforced a curfew in Birgunj after a clash erupted between two communities during the Hanuman Jayanti procession at Chapkaiya Chowk on Saturday. The violent incident saw shops set on fire and injuries to locals and police personnel. To control the escalating tension, authorities have deployed significant security forces. Chief District Officer Ganesh Aryal announced the curfew from 6:30 pm Saturday to 12 noon Sunday, banning movement and gatherings within designated zones: Bhediyahi Chowk (East), Sirsia Bridge (West), Gandak Chowk (North), and Shankaracharya Gate (South).

PM Oli Mocks Monarchists, Says Pashupatinath Monkeys Better Fit for Ministers:

Jhapa, April 12: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, speaking at a UML awareness rally in Jhapa, strongly criticized recent pro-monarchy protests, referencing the Tinkune incident where protesters engaged in vandalism, arson, and looting. He questioned their motives and credibility, ridiculing their claims of revolution. Oli stated it would be better to appoint the monkeys of Pashupatinath as ministers than allowing monarchists to lead the country. He accused them of fleeing after stealing alcohol and damaging industries, asserting that such acts cannot bring positive change. The Prime Minister reaffirmed that the government will not tolerate violent activities.

Prachanda’s Frustration- “Branded a Killer of 17,000, Yet I Haven’t Even Bitten Anyone But No One Speaks in My Defense:

Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ strongly rejected accusations of being responsible for 17,000 deaths during Nepal’s civil war. Speaking in Kathmandu, he said such claims are baseless and politically motivated. “I haven’t even bitten anyone, let alone killed,” he declared, adding that all actions during the conflict followed the rules of war. He expressed disappointment that no one from his party or allied groups has spoken in his defense. Prachanda reminded that he led the war and peace process, taking full responsibility. He urged supporters to speak the truth and not let silence distort the history of Nepal’s conflict.

Teachers Refuse to Return to Schools Until Education Act is Enacted:

Teachers protesting for the enactment of the Education Act have declared they won’t return to work until their demands are met. Demonstrating at Maitighar Mandala for the 11th consecutive day, the Nepal Teachers’ Federation accuses the government of violating past agreements. Leaders like Ganga Dhungana and Kumodkumar Singh warned that continued government inaction could collapse Nepal’s education system. They are demanding the Act be passed via regular or special parliamentary sessions or ordinance. As student admissions near, teachers insist the law must be passed immediately. Without it, they warn of intensified protests and full responsibility falling on the government.

Deuba Retracts Comment on Yogi Adityanath Visit, Cites Misinformation:

Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has corrected his earlier statement regarding Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Deuba had previously said Adityanath visited the Nepali Embassy in Delhi and expressed support for Nepal’s republic, thanking him for it. However, on Saturday, Deuba clarified that Adityanath never visited the embassy. Instead, Nepal’s Ambassador to India, Dr. Shankar Sharma, had met Adityanath elsewhere. Deuba admitted his prior comment was based on incorrect information. His statement comes amid controversy following a rally in Kathmandu where pro-monarchy supporters displayed Adityanath’s photo, sparking political reactions.

Nepali Contractors Unpaid for 15 Months by Chinese Firm Working on Fast Track:

Contractors working on the Kathmandu–Terai–Madhes Fast Track have accused Chinese company China State Construction Engineering Corporation of failing to pay over Rs 70 million, even 15 months after project completion. At a press meet in Hetauda, three Nepali firms—Nepal Machinery Exim, Fast Track Infra Concern, and Nepal Machinery Enterprises—said they had supplied construction materials as per contract terms, which guaranteed payment within a month. Despite repeated reminders, they’ve received no response. Managing Director Mukesh Sharawagi said the delay has pushed their businesses to the brink of collapse. They are now demanding government intervention and potential blacklisting of the Chinese firm.

Nepal Oil Corporation Reports Rs 9.5 Billion Profit and Rs 112 Billion in Taxes for FY 2023/24:

Kathmandu, April 12: Nepal Oil Corporation Limited (NOC) paid Rs 112 billion in taxes to the government from fuel transactions in fiscal year 2023/24, with total fuel trade worth over Rs 350 billion. The corporation reported a profit of Rs 9.5 billion, boosted by its implementation of a fully automated pricing system. During its 43rd Annual General Meeting, NOC approved a financial report showing revenue from petroleum sales of Rs 364.52 billion. Despite the profit, NOC’s accumulated profit stands at Rs 4.83 billion, with a decision to distribute a 10% dividend to shareholders. NOC holds a paid-up capital of Rs 11 billion.

NEA Begins Talks with Industrialists to Recover Dues on Dedicated and Trunk Lines:

The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has initiated steps to recover outstanding dues from industrial consumers using dedicated and trunk lines. NEA Managing Director Hitendra Dev Shakya met with major industrialists on Friday after the NEA Board reduced the review fee to 5 percent. He stressed the need for reliable power supply systems, which require time and investment. Industrialists, including Pashupati Murarka and Dhruva Thapa, expressed willingness to resolve disputes through the review process, emphasizing payment based on actual consumption. Shakya urged both sides to look forward and settle the issue in mutual interest.

Nepali Film ‘Pitambar’ Gains Momentum with Strong Audience Response:

The Nepali film Pitambar debuted with moderate attendance on Friday but saw a notable increase in audience engagement across cinemas in Kathmandu and nationwide on Saturday. Actors like Pradeep Khadka, Divya Rayamajhi, and others visited several cinemas to thank viewers, boosting excitement. Directed by Krisha Chaulagain, the multi-starrer features a large ensemble cast and has garnered positive feedback, fueling confidence in reviving the Nepali film industry. The film was produced by Vishal Chaulagain and showcases a diverse technical team.

Nepali Film Anjila Continues Strong Performance in Fifth Week of Release:

Nepali film Anjila has maintained impressive box office performance, even in its fifth week of release. With nearly 50 shows running across cinemas in Kathmandu and nationwide, the film continues to attract significant audiences. Despite multiple releases since February 29, Anjila remains one of the top performers. Based on the life of Nepali national football team captain, Anjila Tumbapo Subba, the film’s strong storyline, direction, and emotional connection with the audience have contributed to its ongoing success.

Matri Bhumi to be Produced by Phalgunand Lingden Films:

Phalgunand Lingden Films Pvt. Ltd. is set to produce the film Matri Bhumi, with Kavita Rai Lingden as the producer. The film will be written and directed by Dinesh Lingden and stars actors such as Sanjeev Thebe, Sonia Sharma, Bhimbahadur Magar, and more. The story will explore Nepal’s diverse cultures and traditions, with filming locations in Kathmandu, Eastern Nepal, and parts of the USA. The movie will feature action choreography by Punya Ojha and Babbu Tamang, among other notable contributions.

Nepal Qualifies for Final in T20 Series as Rain Halts Match Against Hong Kong:

Nepal advanced to the final of the Quadrangular T20 International Series after rain disrupted their match against Hong Kong at Mission Road Ground. Hong Kong had scored 68 runs in 9 overs with 9 wickets down when rain forced the game to a halt. As the match could not resume, both teams were awarded one point each. With this result, Nepal secured enough points to reach the final, while Hong Kong finished third in the standings. Nepal will now face Kuwait in the final match of the series.

Jhapa FC Still Winless in NSL After 1–1 Draw with Pokhara Thunders:

Jhapa FC extended their winless run to four matches in the Nepal Super League (NSL) after a 1–1 draw against Pokhara Thunders at Dasharath Stadium on Saturday. This was Jhapa’s fourth straight draw, keeping them in sixth place with four points. Pokhara, with five points from five matches, moved up to fourth. After a goalless first half, Pokhara took the lead in the 52nd minute through Stephan Binong. However, Jhapa equalized in the 65th minute when Arsic Lazar scored from a free-kick earned after Ujjwal Rai was fouled. Both teams eventually settled for a point each.

Lalitpur City FC First to Reach NSL Playoffs, Beats Butwal Lumbini 2–0:

Defending champions Lalitpur City FC became the first team to enter the playoffs of the third edition of the Nepal Super League (NSL) after defeating Butwal Lumbini FC 2–0 at Dasharath Stadium on Saturday. With this win, Lalitpur tops the table with 11 points from five matches. Butwal, with just one point, is out of the tournament even before their final match against Pokhara Thunders. Ananta Tamang scored the opener in the 23rd minute through a free header from a corner. Santosh Khatri doubled the lead in the 88th minute after a mistake by Butwal’s defense and goalkeeper Deep Karki.

Unannounced Load-Shedding Cripples Industries Along Birgunj–Pathlaiya Corridor:

Industries in the Birgunj–Pathlaiya Industrial Corridor are reeling under unannounced power cuts and irregular electricity supply, said the Birgunj Chamber of Commerce and Industry. For the past three days, over 2,000 small and large-scale industries in Parsa and Bara districts have suffered due to unnotified load-shedding by the Nepal Electricity Authority. Raw materials are going to waste, machines are malfunctioning, and production costs are soaring, affecting output capacity, said Vice President Madhav Rajpal. President Hari Gautam criticized the reversal of past progress, reminding that the corridor was once declared load-shedding-free and industries were promised stable power under the “Bright Nepal” campaign.

Trump Administration Exempts Smartphones, Electronics from Reciprocal Tariffs Amid Concerns Over Price Increases:

The Trump administration has exempted smartphones, computers, and other electronic devices from reciprocal tariffs, including the 125% levies imposed on Chinese imports. The decision, announced by US Customs and Border Patrol, comes after concerns from US tech companies over rising gadget prices, as many are made in China. The exemptions also apply to semiconductors, solar cells, and memory cards. Some estimates suggested that iPhone prices could triple due to tariffs. The move is part of Trump’s broader tariff strategy, aimed at addressing global trade unfairness and bringing manufacturing jobs back to the US, while maintaining a 10% tariff on most countries.

US Steps Down as Chair of Ukraine Defence Contact Group, Leaves Leadership to Germany and UK:

The United States will no longer chair the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG), with Germany and the UK assuming leadership permanently, as confirmed by Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans. The UDCG, an alliance of 57 countries, has supported Ukraine’s defense efforts since Russia’s invasion. Previously led by the US under former Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, the group’s leadership role has shifted to the UK and Germany. This move is part of a broader trend signaling a diminished US role in NATO, as Western allies prepare for the potential withdrawal of thousands of US troops stationed in Europe.