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.

India and Pakistan Agree to Immediate Ceasefire:

India and Pakistan have agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire following days of escalating conflict involving missile, drone, and jet attacks. The surprise announcement came via U.S. President Donald Trump on Truth Social, where he praised both nations for using “common sense and great intelligence.” Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that all military action by land, air, and sea would cease from 5 p.m. local time. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reiterated Islamabad’s commitment to regional peace without compromising sovereignty. Though Trump claimed mediation, Indian sources told AFP the ceasefire was arranged bilaterally. The truce follows Pakistan’s strikes on Indian air bases earlier Saturday, retaliating for overnight Indian raids, which reportedly caused limited damage.

US Mediation Leads to Ceasefire Agreement Between India and Pakistan:

India and Pakistan agreed to cease hostilities after a call between their military officials on Saturday. Major General Kashif Abdullah of Pakistan reached out to Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai of India, offering to stop firing and air attacks. India responded by agreeing to the same. The US played a key role, pushing Pakistan to cease hostilities, with reports suggesting that its support for Pakistan’s IMF bailout was contingent upon this. However, there were no direct talks between the foreign ministers or national security advisors of the two countries.

PM Oli Emphasizes Forest Conservation, Warns Against Immature Saal Tree Harvesting:

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli stressed the need to protect Saal trees and prevent their premature felling under the guise of scientific forest management. Speaking at the National Forest Promotion seminar, he highlighted Saal trees’ role in rainfall and underscored that they should not be harvested for commercial use before maturity. Oli urged a shift from forest expansion to productive use, advocating for commercial fruit farming and the conversion of shrubs into dense forests. He promoted animal husbandry to support forest regeneration and wildlife growth. Addressing misconceptions about his conservation stance, Oli took pride in Nepal’s success in tiger conservation and expanding forest coverage. He also announced the upcoming ‘Sagarmatha Sambad’ to foster international cooperation on climate action.

Prachanda Highlights Maoist Centre’s Grassroots Campaign and Past Achievements:

CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairman and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ said his party is reaching out to the grassroots to uplift the living standards of the poor. Speaking at a mass meeting in Phidim organized by the party’s Panchthar District Coordination Committee, he described the recent Tarai-Madhes Awakening Campaign as a public-driven movement, helping the party understand local concerns. Prachanda noted that major infrastructure projects like the Mid-Hill Highway, Postal Highway, and various north-south corridors began under Maoist-led governments. According to his personal secretariat, he also recalled his third premiership as a period focused on promoting social justice, good governance, and economic reform. The outreach aims to reconnect with citizens and address their pressing issues.

Speaker Ghimire Urges Political Leaders to Defend System, Ensure Stability and Development:

Speaker Devraj Ghimire has called on politicians to assess Nepal’s current situation with a positive and judicious mindset amid growing misleading narratives. Speaking at an interaction organised by the Ex-Parliamentarians’ Forum in Kathmandu, he stressed the need for accurate analysis to counter elements opposing the democratic system, noting that the system itself is sound but leadership must evolve. Ghimire emphasized the importance of political stability and consistent policies for national development. Law Minister Ajay Kumar Chaurasiya echoed this, stating that national consensus is vital to meet public aspirations and protect the achievements of past democratic struggles. Former Speaker Taranath Ranabhat also urged political unity to resolve ongoing challenges and strengthen Nepal’s democracy.

Gurung Warns Against Threats to Democracy, Emphasizes Press Freedom and Climate Awareness:

Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, said terrorism, anarchy, and autocracy threaten democracy and press freedom. Inaugurating the Lomanthang International Media Summit in Lalitpur, he stressed the need for strengthening democratic values and journalistic integrity, especially in light of rising misinformation on online platforms. Gurung called for unity among media to combat disinformation that undermines religious tolerance and cultural harmony. He emphasized that democracy and press freedom are interdependent, and urged for impartial journalism and rule of law. The summit, also addressing the climate crisis, featured voices from international and national media leaders including IFJ Vice Chair Sabina Indrajeet. Over 120 journalists have departed for Lomanthang to continue the summit discussions focused on press freedom and climate change.

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba Calls Free Press the Backbone of Democracy:

Foreign Minister Dr Arzu Rana Deuba emphasized that a free press and informed citizens are vital to safeguarding democracy. Speaking at the Lomanthang International Media Summit in Lalitpur, she said press freedom is indispensable for democratic governance and societal progress. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to freedom of expression, noting that Nepal’s constitution guarantees it both in the preamble and fundamental rights. Acknowledging rising challenges to democracy and public trust, Dr Rana urged journalists to uphold ethics and combat misinformation. She also highlighted Nepal’s upcoming “Sagarmatha Sambad” (May 16–18) as a global climate dialogue, inviting national and international media to support Nepal’s advocacy for climate justice and amplify its voice on climate change impacts.

Light to Moderate Rain Likely in Hilly Areas Amid Westerly Wind Influence:

The Meteorological Forecasting Division has predicted light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning in some hilly areas of Koshi, Lumbini, and Sudurpaschim Provinces. This weather pattern is attributed to the combined influence of westerly and local winds, along with moisture-laden air from the Arabian Sea. The weather will remain partly to generally cloudy in these regions and partly cloudy elsewhere. There is also a chance of light snowfall in mountainous areas and windstorms in parts of Madhes and Lumbini. Tonight, hilly areas may experience light to moderate rain and thunderstorms, while mountainous areas could see light rain or snow.

FIFA to Expand Women’s World Cup to 48 Teams from 2031:

FIFA has announced that the Women’s World Cup will expand from 32 to 48 teams starting with the 2031 edition. The FIFA Council unanimously approved the decision, citing the rapid global development of women’s football. The expanded format will introduce 12 groups, increasing the number of matches from 64 to 104 and extending the tournament by a week. FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized that the move is aimed at offering more nations the opportunity to compete at the elite level and fostering holistic growth of women’s football structures globally. Since its 1991 debut, the tournament has steadily expanded, most recently featuring 32 teams in 2023. Brazil will host the 2027 edition. The men’s World Cup will also expand to 48 teams in 2026.