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.

Minister Balaram Adhikari Accused Of Accepting Rs 3.2 Nillion Bribe In Leaked Audio: Just a day after Federal Affairs and General Administration Minister Rajkumar Gupta resigned over a Rs 7.8 million bribery scandal, an audio recording allegedly implicating Minister for Land Management, Poverty Alleviation and Cooperative Development Balaram Adhikari in a separate bribery case has surfaced. The leaked audio, lasting 11 minutes and 46 seconds, claims that Minister Adhikari accepted a bribe of Rs 3.2 million. It further alleges that the bribe transaction was arranged by his son, Manoj Adhikari. However, the authenticity of the audio has not yet been verified.

Students Torch Effigies Of PM Oli And Education Minister Panta: Students have launched a protest against the commercialization of education and the violation of their constitutional right to education. On Wednesday evening, student activists affiliated with the All Nepal National Free Students Union (Revolutionary), aligned with the CPN (Majority), burned effigies of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Education Minister Raghuji Panta. The protest took place on the road section from Dillibazaar to Singha Durbar.

JSP-N Withdraws Support to Oli-Led Government: The Upendra Yadav-led Janata Samajwadi Party-Nepal (JSP-N) has withdrawn its support to the coalition government led by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Although JSP-N was not formally part of the Oli-led Cabinet, it had been a member of the seven-party ruling alliance. The decision to withdraw support was made during a parliamentary party meeting of the party held on Wednesday.

Ruling Coalition Loses Two-Thirds in HoR; Slips into Minority in National Assembly: With the exit of the Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP) Nepal, which has 5 lawmakers, and the Nagarik Unmukti Party (NUP) with 4, the ruling coalition has lost its two-thirds majority in the House of Representatives. In the National Assembly, the ruling alliance is now in a clear minority. In the 59-member National Assembly, Nepali Congress holds 16 seats, CPN-UML has 11, and the ruling coalition partner Loktantrik Samajwadi Party (LSP) has just 1 — totaling only 28 seats. Meanwhile, the opposition commands a majority: CPN (Maoist Centre) has 17 seats, CPN (Unified Socialist) 8, JSP Nepal 3, and Rastriya Janamorcha 1.

President Paudel Warns Against Seeking Alternatives to Parliamentary System: President Ramchandra Paudel has stated that the democratic governance system regards the parliament as the platform where the voices of the people are expressed and necessary laws are enacted. In a meeting held on Wednesday at the President’s residence, Sheetal Niwas, with journalists associated with the Parliamentary Affairs Journalists’ Society, he reminded that one of the functions of the parliament is to form the government. “In fact, the parliament has another important role, which is to form the government,” President Paudel said.

Bhagwati Neupane Sworn In As Minister For Federal Affairs And General Administration: Newly appointed Minister for Federal Affairs and General Administration, Bhagwati Neupane, took the oath of office and secrecy at a special ceremony held at the presidential residence, Sheetal Niwas, this evening. Neupane was administered the oath by President Ram Chandra Paudel, a day after her appointment by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. The ceremony was attended by key state dignitaries including Prime Minister Oli himself, Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav, National Assembly Chairperson Narayan Dahal, and other high-level officials.

Govt to Probe Spain Travel Scandal and Bribery Audio Leak, Says Minister Gurung: The government has launched parallel investigations into two major controversies: the alleged disappearance of individuals during an official Spain visit and the leaked audio implicating former Minister Rajkumar Gupta in a bribery case. Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, Minister for Communication and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung confirmed that the government is investigating reports that several individuals who accompanied the Prime Minister to Spain—outside the official delegation list—did not return.

Investigation Committee Records Statement from State Affairs Committee Chair Khatiwada: The special investigation committee has recorded a statement from Ramhari Khatiwada, chairperson of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee. The session took place Wednesday in the meeting hall of the former State Affairs Committee. The committee was formed under the leadership of Congress MP Jeevan Pariyar following demands for an inquiry into alleged manipulations during the cooling-off period of the Federal Civil Service Bill. Members present at the meeting included committee members Ishwari Gharti, Madhav Sapkota, Ganesh Parajuli, Sushila Thing, Roshan Karki, and Undersecretary Manoj Kumar Giri, among others.

UML Calls Secretariat Meeting for Thursday Afternoon: The CPN-UML has called a meeting of its Central Secretariat for Thursday at 1 PM.  The meeting will take place at the party’s central office in Chyasal, Lalitpur. According to UML Central Office Secretary Dr. Bhishma Adhikari, the meeting has been called to finalize the agenda and preparations for the upcoming Politburo meeting on July 18 and the Central Committee meeting on July 21. The party has already announced that it will hold its second Statute Convention on September 5–7 in Godawari, Lalitpur.

Health Minister Urges Need to Regulate Dengue Test Charges: Health and Population Minister Pradeep Paudel has stressed the need to regulate charges for dengue testing, stating that efforts will be made to provide tests free of cost wherever possible, or at least determine a fixed fee. Speaking at the launch of the “Shrawan Dengue Awareness Month” campaign on Wednesday, Minister Paudel said, “We have not yet felt the urgency of the situation as needed. It’s essential to make society realize the complexity and risks of dengue.” He added, “Thinking ‘I am safe’ is meaningless—we must all remain alert.”

Home Minister Assures Rescue of Drivers Stranded in China Due to Rasuwagadhi Flood: Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak said preparations are underway to bring back 135 drivers stranded in China due to the Rasuwagadhi flood via the Tatopani border. The assurance came after receiving a memorandum from the Dhading Drivers’ Association, which highlighted drivers stuck for days and unable to return home, causing concern among their families. Minister Lekhak confirmed coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to facilitate their safe return. The flood caused severe damage to the Nepal-China Friendship Bridge, hydropower projects, customs office, and washed away dozens of containers and vehicles on both sides.

Nepal–Japan Skilled Worker Agreement to Be Renewed for 5 More Years: The agreement between Nepal and Japan, signed on March 20, 2019, to send specified skilled workers, will be renewed for an additional five years. A Cabinet meeting held on Monday approved the renewal, authorizing the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security to extend the agreement. The renewed term will take effect from March 19, 2024, for the next five years.

Nepal-India Border Points in Baitadi and Darchula to Close Amid Uttarakhand Panchayat Elections: Due to the upcoming panchayat elections in India’s Uttarakhand state, the Nepal-India border crossings in Baitadi and Darchula districts will be temporarily closed. The elections are scheduled for July 24 and 28.  Chief District Officer Punya Bikram Paudel informed that the border points connecting these districts with India will be shut during this period as a precaution. According to him, the Pulghat border in Darchula will be closed from the evening of July 21 until the morning of July 24. Meanwhile, the Jhulaghat border in Baitadi will be closed from July 25 to 28.

Nepal Stock Market Closes Fiscal Year 2024/25 with Strong Gains: On the final day of fiscal year 2024/25, the Nepal stock market ended on a positive note with encouraging growth. The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index rose by 34.61 points, closing at 2794.78. Market capitalization reached NPR 4.6569 trillion. Alongside the index increase, trading volume also saw a significant rise, exceeding NPR 1.4 billion. The boost in the market index was driven by the end of the year-end hangover, a positive monetary policy, and falling interest rates in banks and financial institutions.

Interest Rates Drop for Shrawan After NRB Policy Shift: Commercial banks have reduced interest rates for Shrawan after Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) eased its monetary policy and excess liquidity persisted in the system. NRB recently cut the policy rate from 5% to 4.5%, and other key rates, prompting banks to lower deposit rates. As a result, 14 banks have slashed their maximum fixed deposit rates, 4 kept them unchanged, and 2 slightly increased them. The average maximum interest rate for individual fixed deposits has dropped from 5.902% in Ashar to 5.687% for Shrawan.

Government Secures Nearly Rs 274 billion in Foreign Aid Commitments in Current Fiscal Year: The government has secured foreign aid commitments amounting to nearly Rs 274 billion for the current fiscal year 2024/25. To implement various projects, the government signed commitment letters with bilateral and multilateral foreign donors for this assistance. According to the Ministry of Finance, the total commitment received so far stands at Rs 273.4 billion. By the end of the last month (Asar), commitments included grants worth Rs 5.75 billion and loans amounting to Rs 215.54 billion.

Loan Recovery Improves, But Banks Worry Over Local Obstruction: Encouraged by NRB incentives and improved loan recovery by the end of current fiscal year, bankers reported positive signs from auctions and sales of non-banking assets. However, a lack of cooperation from local governments in verifying land access during auctions remains a concern. “In Terai-Madhesh, locals did not issue road recommendations, and the same problem is now emerging in hilly regions, Pokhara, and even Kathmandu Valley,” a banker shared.

Rs 233 billion Spent in Just 30 Days at Fiscal Year-End: Government agencies continued the trend of last-minute overspending and fund transfers at the end of the fiscal year. On the last 30 days of Asar alone, Rs 233 billion was spent—15.37% of the year’s total expenditure. Over the last two months (Jestha and Asar), nearly 23% of the year’s total spending—Rs 358 billion—occurred. By fiscal year-end, total government expenditure reached Rs 1.515 trillion, according to the Office of the Auditor General.

Manisha Koirala Receives Honorary Doctorate from University of Bradford: Veteran actress Manisha Koirala has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Bradford in the United Kingdom. Sharing a heartfelt video and message on her official Facebook page, the celebrated Nepali-Bollywood star reflected on her unconventional journey and the significance of the recognition. “Today, I received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Bradford. I stand here not as someone who came through the traditional path of education, but as someone who learned through life — through hard work, failure, resilience, and service,” Koirala wrote.

Surya Bohora’s ‘Chameliko Poi’ to Release on March 27: The upcoming Nepali film Chameliko Poi (Chameli’s Husband), directed by Everest Surya Bohora, is set to hit theatres on Chaitra 13 (March 27, 2026). The production team announced the release date on Wednesday by unveiling three first-look posters. The posters feature actors Mukun Bhushal and Srishti Panta as a married couple, with Bhushal portrayed as being oppressed by his wife. The film is a joint presentation of Everest Surya Bohora Films and Dhanalaxmi Cine Makers. It is produced by Sunita Sapkota and Ram Narayan Upadhyay.

Song ‘Ma Phool Hun Ki Kaanda’ from Film ‘Gunyo Cholo: The Dress’ Released: The song Ma Phool Hu Ki Kaanda from the upcoming film Gunyo Cholo: The Dress has been officially released at a program held in Kathmandu. The lyrics and music are by Lekhu Sahayatri, with vocals by Manisha Pokhrel. The song expresses the desire to be loved sincerely, revealing a tender heart within. It urges listeners to offer genuine love after falling for someone at first sight. The music video features actor Nazir Hussain in the lead role.

Church Boys United Thrash Satdobato 9-2 in U-16 League: With hat-tricks from Swapnil Darnal and Sushan Thapa Magar, defending champions Church Boys United secured a spectacular victory in the ANFA U-16 Youth League. In the match played on Wednesday at the ANFA Complex in Satdobato, Church Boys United defeated Satdobato Youth Club 9-2. With this win, Church Boys United earned 6 points from five matches, climbing to eighth place in the standings, while Satdobato remains without any points. In Church Boys United’s victory, Swapnil Darnal and Sushan Thapa Magar each scored a hat-trick. Additionally, Sujan Tamang scored two goals, and Paras Adhikari contributed one goal.

Himalayan Sherpa and Friends Club Share Points in ANFA U-16 Youth League: Himalayan Sherpa and Friends Club played out a goalless draw in the ANFA U-16 Youth League match held Wednesday at the ANFA Complex in Satdobato. With this result, Friends Club has accumulated 10 points from 5 matches, while Himalayan Sherpa stands at 8 points from the same number of games.

Kirtipur’s TU Cricket Ground Contractor Penalized for Delay in Parapet and Floodlight Work: The contractor responsible for upgrading the Tribhuvan University cricket ground in Kirtipur, including constructing the parapet and installing floodlights, has been fined for failing to complete the work on time. Since the project was not finished by the deadline, the contractor has been penalized according to the original agreement. The contract stipulates a daily penalty of 0.05% of the total project cost, which amounts to over NPR 200,000 per day, the Ministry of Urban Development said. The parapet construction was assigned to the joint venture company BKOI KCEDC BG JV, while floodlight installation was contracted to Vision Ishwori JV.

20 People Killed at Israeli-Backed Aid Site as Starvation Grips Gaza: The controversial United States- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation says at least 20 Palestinians have been killed at its food distribution point in Khan Younis, the latest people to lose their lives at the sites described by the United Nations as “death traps”. The UN agency for Palestinians says one in 10 children screened in its clinics in Gaza are malnourished as Israel’s siege of the enclave triggers a man-made starvation crisis. Israeli forces pound Gaza after killing at least 61 Palestinians on Tuesday, including 23 people in the Shati refugee camp and two others near the notorious US-backed GHF site in Rafah.

Trump Says He’s ‘Disappointed but Not Done’ with Putin: U.S. President Donald Trump has voiced deep frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating in an exclusive interview with the BBC that he is “disappointed but not done” with the Russian leader. Asked whether he still trusts Putin, Trump said bluntly, “I trust almost nobody,” signaling strained ties between the two leaders as the war in Ukraine grinds on. Trump’s remarks came shortly after he announced a plan to supply weapons to Ukraine and warned of harsh economic tariffs against Russia if a ceasefire isn’t reached within 50 days. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump added that military and economic pressure on Russia would continue until progress toward peace is made.

US Asks Israel to Probe ‘Terrorist’ Killing of American Citizen by Settlers: The administration of United States President Donald Trump has called on Israel to probe the killing of 20-year-old American citizen Sayfollah Musallet, who was beaten to death by settlers in the occupied West Bank, calling the incident a “terrorist act”. Mike Huckabee, the US ambassador to Israel, said on Tuesday that he asked Israel to “aggressively investigate” the killing of the Florida-born Musallet, who was visiting family when he was attacked in the Palestinian town of Sinjil. “There must be accountability for this criminal and terrorist act,” Huckabee wrote in a social media post. “Saif was just 20 yrs old.”