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.

Finance Minister Unveils Budget for FY 2025-26, Budget Size Set at Rs 1.964 trillion: The government has set the budget size for the upcoming fiscal year 2082/83 (2025-26) at Rs 1.964 trillion. Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Poudel presented the budget today in the Federal Parliament, detailing the allocation of funds across various sectors. Out of the total budget, Rs 1.181 trillion has been earmarked for recurrent or operational expenditures, which cover day-to-day government expenses. Capital expenditure, which includes investments in infrastructure and development projects, has been allocated Rs 408 billion.

Republic Was Earned Through Sacrifice, Not Gifted, Says PM Oli: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, addressing the nation during a formal Republic Day celebration at Tundikhel today, said that Nepal’s republican system was not gifted but earned through immense sacrifice and relentless struggle by the people. He called for unity, vigilance, and collective responsibility to strengthen and institutionalize the federal democratic republic. “This is a special day for all of us,” Prime Minister Oli declared. “It was on this day in 2008 (Jestha 15, 2065 BS) that Nepal abolished monarchy and embraced a democratic republic after decades of tireless struggle and the sacrifices of thousands of brothers and sisters.”

Opposition’s Protest on Visa Scandal Will Continue, Says Maoist Center Chief Whip Pandey: CPN (Maoist Centre) Chief Whip Hitraj Pandey has accused Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak of trying to mislead the public regarding the visit visa scandal. Speaking during a special session of the House of Representatives today, Pandey said that instead of stepping down to facilitate an impartial investigation, the Home Minister attempted to deflect blame onto bureaucrats through a press conference held on Wednesday. “The Home Minister tried to distance himself from responsibility by blaming officials,” Pandey said.

UML Stages Republic Day Rally with Cultural Displays in Kathmandu: The CPN-UML marked Republic Day by organizing a rally accompanied by cultural displays in the capital on Thursday. The rally, which began earlier in the day, arrived at Bhrikutimandap, the designated venue, where it culminated in a corner meeting. UML cadres gathered at Bhrikutimandap were marching in a circular route around Tundikhel. UML continued its rally and demonstration in and around Ratnapark until 2:00 PM. After that, authorities had made preparations to allow royalist groups to stage their own demonstration.

Royalist Rally in Kathmandu Demands Monarchy and Hindu State Restoration: A large royalist rally calling for the restoration of Nepal’s monarchy and reestablishment of the Hindu state began on Thursday from Sifal, Kathmandu, marking a major event in a growing movement against the current federal system. The procession, led by Rastriya Prajatantra Party Nepal (RPP-Nepal) Chair Kamal Thapa and Joint People’s Movement Committee coordinator Nawaraj Subedi, advanced toward Ratnapark, where it culminated into a mass gathering at Shanti Batika. This demonstration was part of a coordinated campaign by over 45 royalist and pro-Hindu groups united under the Joint People’s Movement Committee banner.

Foreign Minister Rana in Hong Kong For Treaty Event: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba has arrived in Hong Kong to lead the Nepali delegation at a signing ceremony related to the establishment of an international organization for mediation. According to her press advisor Ekaraj Pathak, Dr. Rana departed for Hong Kong last night at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi of the People’s Republic of China. The signing ceremony is scheduled to take place tomorrow, May 30, in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China. Nepal will participate in the ceremony as an observer state.

Maoist Centre Vice-Chair Shrestha Expresses Discontent Over Acquittal of Aftab Alam: Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre) Vice-Chair Narayankaji Shrestha has expressed strong dissatisfaction over the High Court’s decision to acquit Congress leader Mohammad Aftab Alam. The court cleared Alam and others accused of setting a person on fire at a brick kiln, a verdict Shrestha described as a stain on the history of Nepal’s judiciary. Shrestha, who is also a former Home Minister, took to Facebook to voice his outrage, writing, “The ‘brave’ judges who have branded this dark day with a black mark of disgrace will never be forgotten by the Nepali people.” He emphasized that such a decision undermines public faith in the justice system and tarnishes the credibility of the courts.

System Must Change to Transform the Nation, Says Rajendra Lingden: Chairperson of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), Rajendra Lingden, has declared that a people’s movement has officially begun today. While reaching Ratnapark as part of the movement, Lingden called upon citizens across the country to join the protest, stating that a change in the current system is essential to transform the nation’s situation. “This is the first movement by the Nepali people for the sake of Nepal. Therefore, I earnestly appeal for everyone’s active participation, solidarity, and support in this collective struggle,” Lingden said.

Two Children Drown in Mardi River in Pokhara: Two children drowned while swimming in the dam of Mardi River located in Hemja, Pokhara Metropolitan City–25, Kaski. The victims, 14-year-old Bishal Pariyar and 13-year-old Bibash Pariyar, both from Ward 6 of Machhapuchchhre Rural Municipality, lost their lives on Thursday afternoon around 1:45 PM. Their bodies were recovered by a diver team from Armed Police Force Nepal, Kalika Battalion No. 24. According to Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Surya Timilsina, Bibash’s body was retrieved at around 2:15 PM, followed by Bishal’s at 3 PM.

Communist Party of Nepal (CPN) Central Committee Meeting Scheduled for Jestha 18: The Central Committee meeting of the Communist Party of Nepal (CPN), led by Netra Bikram Chand ‘Biplav’, is scheduled to be held on Jestha 18 at the party’s central office located in Shivgadhi, Kapilvastu. According to Standing Committee member Karnajit Budhathoki, this meeting is part of the regular six-monthly process. Important agenda items include discussion on the party’s name, election symbol, party registration process, leftist polarization, production-related programs, and current political developments.

Government to Enroll Contract and Temporary Teachers in Social Security Fund: The government has announced plans to enroll contract employees and temporary as well as relief teachers in the Social Security Fund. This declaration was made during the presentation of the budget for the fiscal year 2082–083 (2025-26) by Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel in the joint session of the federal parliament. According to Minister Paudel, contract employees and temporary or relief teachers working within the approved posts will be included in the contribution-based social security program.

Electric Shock Claims Life of Employee in Miklajung, Panchthar: In Miklajung of Panchthar district, a 41-year-old employee named Jhalendra, also known as Chandra Magar, died from an electric shock. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening at the Solar Energy Mini-grid Electricity Office located in Ward No. 2, Saptami, Miklajung Rural Municipality. According to the local police office, Magar was electrocuted while repairing a transmitter. Sant Kumar Serma, the deputy chairperson of Miklajung Rural Municipality, informed the local police station at night about the accident. The incident site is approximately 7 kilometers northeast of the Ravi Police Outpost.

Federal Government to Transfer Rs 582.83 billion to Provinces and Local Levels: The Government of Nepal has announced that it will transfer Rs 582.83 billion to provincial and local governments through financial transfers in the upcoming Fiscal Year 2082/83 (2025-26). Presenting the national budget at the joint session of the Federal Parliament, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Poudel said this amount will be allocated to subnational governments through revenue sharing and various grants. According to him, based on the recommendation of the National Natural Resources and Fiscal Commission, Rs 60.66 billion will be transferred to the provinces and Rs 88.97 billion to local levels as equalization grants.

Third-Party Settlement to Expedite Health Insurance Payments: The government has allocated NPR 1 billion for the health insurance program in the upcoming fiscal year 2082/83 (2025-26). Presenting the budget speech in the joint session of the Federal Parliament, Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel informed that this fund is aimed at strengthening the health insurance scheme. He further stated that the pending insurance claim payments will be settled this fiscal year through a third-party settlement mechanism, ensuring timely reimbursement and better management of the program.

Additional 942 MW Power to Be Added in FY 2025-26, Installed Capacity to Reach 4,800 MW: In the fiscal year 2082/83, the Government of Nepal plans to generate an additional 942 megawatts of electricity from hydropower projects set to be completed within the year. With this addition, the country’s total installed power generation capacity will reach 4,800 megawatts. Alongside generation, the government has also targeted the construction of 731 kilometers of national transmission lines to enhance electricity distribution and reliability across the country.

Government Raises Age Limit for Senior Citizen Allowance to 70 Years: The government has increased the age limit for receiving the senior citizen allowance. Previously, all senior citizens who had completed 68 years of age were eligible to receive the allowance. However, the government has now raised this limit by two years, setting it at 70 years again. Nonetheless, senior citizens from remote, marginalized, and Dalit communities will continue to receive the allowance at the earlier age of 60. Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel explained that this decision was made after careful consideration of recommendations from the High-Level Economic Reform Commission and feedback from relevant stakeholders.

Manisha Koirala Advocates for Constitutional Monarchy and Hindu Kingdom in Nepal: Bollywood actress Manisha Koirala has expressed her support for the reinstatement of a constitutional monarchy in Nepal. She has also called for the restoration of Nepal’s identity as a peaceful Hindu kingdom. In a recent social media post, Koirala shared her thoughts on the country’s current state and the need for national dialogue. “Today is a day of deep reflection for me—as a Nepali who holds deep love for this nation’s identity, unity, and future,” she wrote. “I am speaking from my public platform—Facebook—because I believe the time has come to speak honestly and truthfully about the direction Nepal must take.”

Rekha Thapa Makes Theater Debut After 25 Years in Film: Rekha Thapa, Nepal’s film star, is spending four to five hours daily in a completely different arena, nearly a month after shifting focus from the silver screen where she has been active for over 25 years. The star, who made her Nepali film debut with Hero, is now adapting from the vast skies of cinema to the grounded world of theater. This marks her first-ever stage performance in her acting career. Today, on Jestha 15 at Kantipur Theatre in Gairidhara, she will debut in the play Meera, written by Deepak Sinjali and directed by Sundar Dhital. Reflecting on this new chapter, Rekha shares a mix of curiosity and excitement as she steps onto the stage for the first time.

Senior Singer Meera Rana to Receive ‘Prem Dhwaj Pradhan National Music Award – 2082’: The Golden Voice Prem Dhwaj Pradhan Memorial Foundation has announced that senior singer Meera Rana will be honored with the ‘Prem Dhwaj Pradhan National Music Award – 2082’. The award, presented every two years on the occasion of Prem Dhwaj Pradhan’s birth anniversary, recognizes outstanding contributors in the field of music and creativity. The announcement was made during a meeting chaired by Mrs. Kiran Pradhan, the founder and chairperson of the foundation and wife of singer Prem Dhwaj Pradhan.

CAN Appoints Nic Pothas as Consultant of Nepal’s National Cricket Team: Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has appointed South African coach Nic Pothas as a consultant coach of the Nepali national cricket team for the ICC Cricket World Cup League-2 to be held in Scotland. CAN has stated in a press release today that Pothas has been appointed as the consultant for the national cricket team. Previously, he was associated with the national teams of Sri Lanka, West Indies and Bangladesh. The Nepalese national men’s cricket team is preparing for a triangular series under the ICC Cricket World Cup League-2.

ANFA Calls Meeting with 14 A-Division Clubs, Excludes APF Club: The All-Nepal Football Association (ANFA) has called a meeting with 14 clubs participating in the Shahid Smarak ‘A’ Division League, excluding the departmental team APF Club. ANFA General Secretary Kiran Rai sent letters on Wednesday inviting the 14 clubs to discuss preparations for the upcoming U-16 league, which ANFA will organize starting from 15th Ashad (Nepali calendar). The meeting is scheduled for Friday at ANFA’s headquarters in Satdobato. However, APF Club has not been invited to attend the meeting. ANFA has yet to resolve the ongoing dispute between departmental team APF Club and Three Star Club.

Lakpa Ngima Sherpa Wins Women’s Title at Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon: Police constable Lakpa Ngima Sherpa has won the women’s title at this year’s Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon. Sherpa, a resident of Khijidemba Rural Municipality-9 in Okhaldhunga district, secured first place in the marathon organized by Himalayan Expedition Company. She completed the 42-kilometer course from Everest Base Camp to Namche. Sherpa was honored at a special ceremony in Namche by Chief District Officer Anoj Kumar Ghimire and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Manojit Kunwar for her outstanding achievement.

Elon Musk Leaves White House but Says Doge Will Continue: Elon Musk has said he is leaving the Trump administration after helping lead a tumultuous drive to shrink the size of US government that saw thousands of federal jobs axed. In a post on his social media platform X, the world’s richest man thanked Trump for the opportunity to help run the Department of Government Efficiency, known as Doge. The White House began “offboarding” Musk as a special government employee on Wednesday night. His role was temporary and his exit is not unexpected, but it comes a day after Musk criticized the legislative centerpiece of Trump’s agenda.

Israel Announces Major Expansion of Settlements in Occupied West Bank: Israeli ministers say 22 new Jewish settlements have been approved in the occupied West Bank – the biggest expansion in decades. Several already exist as outposts, built without government authorisation, but will now be made legal under Israeli law, according to Defence Minister Israel Katz and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. The issue of settlements – which are widely seen as illegal under international law, though Israel disputes this – is one of the most contentious areas of dispute between Israel and the Palestinians.

US to Revoke Visas of Chinese Students, Says Marco Rubio: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday said that the US will begin revoking visas of Chinese students, including those with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields. In a social media post on X, Rubio wrote, “The U.S. will begin revoking visas of Chinese students, including those with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields.” This development comes as another step in Donald Trump administration push to tighten control over foreign enrolments in higher education.