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.

PM Oli Questions Legitimacy and Ethics on Former President Bhandari’s Return to UML: Prime Minister and CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has stated that there has been no official discussion within the party regarding the return of former President Bidya Devi Bhandari to active UML politics. In an interview with journalist Vijay Kumar Pandey, Oli expressed dissatisfaction with Bhandari’s recent political moves, saying she neither consulted him nor informed the party formally about her intentions. Despite Bhandari announcing her return to UML during a Madan Bhandari Foundation program on June 28, where she reportedly renewed her party membership, Oli said he was unaware of any verbal or written communication from her.

Minister Adhikari Denies Bribery Allegations: Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation Minister Balaram Adhikari has denied any connection to a recently leaked audio clip accusing him of accepting a Rs 3.2 million bribe. Speaking at a press conference organized to mark his ministry’s one-year achievements, Adhikari stated, “The language and voices in the audio are not related to us. Whether it contains my voice or not can be clearly judged.” He further said, “This is a clear attempt at character assassination. Some individuals who were trying to get their personal interests fulfilled came to pressure me to transfer a land revenue officer. I said no — and then this audio was released.”

Prachanda Accuses Current Government of Leading Country Towards Failure: Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda,’ chairman of the CPN-Maoist Centre, has accused the current government of plunging into corruption and steering the country toward failure.  Speaking at the launch of the ‘YCL Campaign for Labor Production’ in Lalitpur on Thursday, Prachanda strongly criticized the government’s actions. He stated, “Wherever this government goes, there is nothing but corruption.”

Bhandari’s Return To Politics Discussed In UML Secretariat Meeting: The issue of former President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s potential return to active politics was raised during the CPN-UML Secretariat meeting held on Thursday in Chyasal, Lalitpur. Leaders participating in the meeting suggested that the party leadership should be open to offering her a suitable role, especially since Bhandari has relinquished all state-provided facilities and announced her intention to reenter politics. Chairman KP Sharma Oli reportedly initiated the discussion himself, asking fellow leaders what should be done regarding Bhandari’s political comeback.

Shekhar Koirala, Prachanda Hold Two-Hour Talks In Khumaltar: Senior Nepali Congress leader Shekhar Koirala and CPN (Maoist Centre) chairman and former prime minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ held talks on Thursday. Koirala visited Prachanda’s residence in Khumaltar, where the two leaders talked for two hours. The meeting focused on recent political developments and the bribery allegations against ministers, among other issues.

Upendra Yadav Slams PM Oli for Protecting Corrupt Ministers, Alleges Caste-Based Favoritism: Chairman of Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP) Nepal, Upendra Yadav, has strongly criticized Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, expressing intense outrage over recent political developments. Yadav accused Prime Minister Oli of protecting Minister for Land Management, Poverty Alleviation and Cooperatives, Balram Adhikari, amid rising calls for Adhikari’s resignation. He wrote, “Rest assured, Minister Balram Adhikari won’t have to resign. As long as ‘Ba’ (a reference to PM Oli) rules from Baluwatar and Chyasal, his caste-clan partners can get away with anything.”

Home Minister Lekhak Vows Policy Action Against Chhaupadi Practice: Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has announced that the government will take policy-level action against the harmful practice of chhaupadi—the tradition of isolating menstruating women in huts. He stated that a circular will be sent to all local governments across the country, directing them to reconsider the benefits and facilities provided to individuals involved in constructing chhau huts or forcing menstruating women to stay in them. In a meeting held Thursday with members of the Inter-Party Women’s Network, Minister Lekhak said the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration will be asked to prepare such a directive.

Department of Money Laundering Investigation Achieves Historic Leap in Fiscal Year 2024–25: The Department of Money Laundering Investigation has made a historic leap in its performance during the current fiscal year 2081–82 (2024/25). According to the progress report released by the department, over the 15 years since its establishment—from fiscal year 2010–11 to 2024–25—a total of 101 cases were filed, claiming approximately NPR 1.4 billion in disputed amounts. However, in just the current fiscal year alone, 20 cases have been filed in various district courts, involving 80 individuals and 21 institutions, with disputed claims exceeding NPR 7.813 billion—more than five times the total amount claimed in the previous 15 years combined.

Nepal–UK Parliamentary Friendship Group Discusses Policy Exchange and Investment Promotion: The Nepal–United Kingdom Parliamentary Friendship Group held a meeting on Thursday to discuss policy-making experience exchange and promotion of bilateral investment. During the meeting, the group engaged in discussions with officials from the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) and the Nepal–Britain Chamber of Commerce. The participants concluded that parliamentary diplomacy could be effectively used to share legislative experiences and enhance investment in various sectors of both countries.

Night Traffic Ban on BP Highway’s Kavre Section Starts Today: A month-long night traffic ban begins today along the Kavrepalanchok stretch of the BP Highway due to high monsoon disaster risks. Vehicles will be stopped daily from 5 PM to 5 AM between Kavrebhanjyang and Nepalthok, according to the District Administration Office, Dhulikhel. Chief District Officer Umesh Kumar Dhakal said the move aims to prevent accidents from landslides and floods. Vehicles from Kathmandu will halt at Kavrebhanjyang, and those from the east at Nepalthok.

Over 2,000 Disaster Incidents in Three Months; 93 Dead and 22 Missing: From mid-April to mid-July (Baisakh to Ashadh), a total of 2,065 disaster-related incidents occurred across Nepal, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA). Spokesperson and Undersecretary of the Authority, Suresh Sunar, stated that these incidents have resulted in 93 deaths and 22 people reported missing. He further reported that 445 individuals have been injured, and 4,136 families have been affected by these disasters over the past three months.

Nepalis Stranded in Kerung Being Repatriated: The Nepali citizens who were rendered helpless in Kerung after the flood-fed Lhende Rivulet swept away the Nepal-China Friendship Bridge on last July 8 are to be repatriated soon. According to Chief District Officer Arjun Paudel, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has requested the Chinese government to arrange for the return of 1,200 people who were stranded. The Chinese side has made arrangements for food and accommodation for the helpless Nepalis in Kerung.

Dengue Infection Risk Heightens in Kathmandu: The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has urged its residents to take preventive measures against dengue amidst its increased risk due to continuous rains. There has been almost uninterrupted rainfall for the past one month, heightening the risk of dengue transmission caused by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, according to Rhishi Bhusal, Resource Person for the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention at the KMC Office. He said that arrangements are in place for the distribution of cetamol, and jeevan jal (oral rehydration salts), which are the generic medicine and supplement used for dengue infection.

Kathmandu Metropolitan City Shortlists 16,137 Students Eligible for July 19 Entrance Exam: Kathmandu Metropolitan City has shortlisted 16,137 students as eligible to sit for the entrance examination scheduled for July 19, for admission under the scholarship quota in institutional schools for grades 11 and 12 for the academic year 2025/26. These students were chosen from a total of 17,229 applications received from all 77 districts across the country.

NEPSE Soars 75.84 Points on First Day of New Fiscal Year; Index Hits 2,870: On Thursday, the first day of the fiscal year 2082/83, Nepal’s stock market surged by 75.84 points (2.71%), pushing the NEPSE index to 2,870. Share prices of 239 companies rose, while only 9 declined. Trading volume also increased significantly, reaching Rs 16.59 billion—up from Rs 14.03 billion the previous day. All sector indices posted gains. The “Others” group led with a 5.09% rise, followed by Hydropower (3.04%), Investment (3.17%), Life Insurance (3.14%), Manufacturing & Processing (2.94%), and Finance (2.80%).

Implementation of 2025/26 Budget Begins Today: With the start of the new fiscal year 2025/26 today, the government has begun implementing the new policies and programs announced in the annual budget. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel presented the budget on May 29, 2025, in accordance with constitutional provisions, and it has been passed by both houses of Parliament.

New Monetary Policy Comes into Effect: The monetary policy introduced by Governor Dr. Biswo Nath Poudel for the fiscal year 2025/26 has come into effect today. Nepal Rastra Bank has circulated the new policy to all banks. The policy has revised key rates, lowering the bank rate to 6 percent from the previous 6.5 percent.

Government Collects NPR 1.178 trillion in Revenue in 2024/25: The government collected NPR 1.178 trillion in revenue during the fiscal year 2024/25—NPR 120 billion more than the previous year. This represents an 11.33% growth from NPR 1.058 trillion collected in 2023/24. The initial target for the year was NPR 1.419 trillion, later revised to NPR 1.286 trillion in the mid-year review.

Deadline Extended for Bank Quarterly Reports: The deadline for banks to publish their quarterly financial reports has been extended. Banks now have 15 days after the end of each quarter to publish their financials. For the fourth quarter, the deadline is now set for July 30. Previously, banks had to publish within 7 days (regular quarters) and 21 days (final quarter).

New Film to Be Made Under the Famous Title ‘Kaha Bhetiela’: A new film is being produced under the famous title ‘Kaha Bhetiela,’ originally associated with the late actor Shreekrishna Shrestha. Shakti Namobuddha Films Pvt. Ltd. is behind the new production and has already received permission from the Film Development Board. The film is directed and produced by Milan Tamang and features actors including Kedar Prasad Ghimire (Magne Budha), Dhiraj Magar, Buddhi Tamang, and Syama Shri Sherpa.

Filming of ‘Maijharo’ Begins; Shot in Ilam and Panchthar: The filming of the movie ‘Maijharo’ has started today (Thursday) in the eastern hilly districts of Ilam and Panchthar, Nepal. The film marks the directorial debut of Wilson Bikram Rai, also known as ‘Takmebudha,’ who is both director and actor in the project. The story and screenplay, written by Rai himself, focus on the lifestyle, culture, and social realities of the eastern hills. The cast includes Dhiraj Magar, Miruna Magar, Diya Pun, Sunil Thapa, Kabita Ale, Pushkar Gurung, Abhyaraj Baral, and others.

Film ‘Cetamol’ Second Song ‘Mutubhitra Khil Cha Hajur’ Released: The second song, ‘Mutubhitra Khil Cha Hajur,’ from the upcoming film Cetamol, set to release on Shrawan 23, has been released. The heartfelt music video features lead actors Saugat Malla, Benisha Hamal, Shreekrishna Niraula, Januka Bishwakarma, and music composer Babul Giri. The song is composed and sung by Babul Giri, with lyrics by Govind Bhatt.

19 Films Granted Production Permits by Film Development Board in Ashad: In Ashad, the Film Development Board approved production permits for 19 films. Notable projects include Milan Tamang’s Kaha Bhetiela starring Kedar Prasad Ghimire, Anil BDR’s Kahar, Dipendra K Khanal’s Captain Saab featuring Khagendra Lamichhane, and Jibi Agri’s Masubhat with Niruta Singh. Other approved films are Ghostel, Kheladi, Indreko Bau Chandre, Bahuriya, Kirat Raja Yalambar, Sisne Kaha Cha, Puzzle, Jahaaijma, Hostel Again, Manis Harayeko Suchana, Tika: Stateless Soul, Munamadanko Breakup, Ekka Teen, and Lahar.

Nepal Crushes Sri Lanka 7-0 in Second SAFF U-20 Women’s Championship Match: Nepal secured a dominant 7-0 victory over Sri Lanka in their second match of the SAFF U-20 Women’s Championship held on Thursday afternoon. The match took place at the Bashundhara Sports Ground in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Nepal scored four goals in the first half and added three more in the second. Samikshya Magar led the scoring with two goals, while Purnima Rai, Kusum Khatriwada, Sarita Nath, and Birsana Chaudhary contributed one goal each. Additionally, Nepal benefited from an own goal by a Sri Lankan player.

PM Oli Says Kirtipur Cricket Stadium Construction in Final Phase: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that the construction of the Kirtipur Cricket Stadium has reached its final stage. In a post on social media today, he stated that the contractor company failed to complete the stadium within the stipulated timeframe and is now continuing the work while paying penalties. “Despite working in three shifts, delays may have occurred due to rain and other technical reasons. However, the government has now implemented a system of penalties and rewards to ensure timely results and discipline in construction projects, which is a positive initiative,” Oli wrote.

Samba Signs with New Zealand’s Phoenix Wellington: Nepali national women’s football team captain Savitra Bhandari ‘Samba’ has signed with Wellington Phoenix Football Club in New Zealand. Phoenix have signed Samba for the new season of Australia’s A-League. Samba, who previously played for French club En Avant Guingamp, announced her departure from Guingamp on social media. Samba has experience playing in leagues from Israel to India and the Maldives.

Nepal-Bangladesh Friendlies in Doubt as Vietnam Shows Interest: ANFA had announced two friendlies against Bangladesh on July 7 at Dasharath Stadium. However, Bangladesh is now considering playing Vietnam, ranked 113th in FIFA rankings, over Nepal (176th). BFF President Tabith Awal recently visited Nepal and met ANFA officials, though ANFA did not disclose it. BFF is also in talks with Cambodia to ensure Nepal gets to play. While the friendlies aren’t canceled outright, the fixture remains uncertain. Nepal aims to host its first international match at Dasharath Stadium since 2023.

Israeli Strikes Kill 93 in Gaza, Hit Syria’s Capital; Damascus Blames Tel Aviv for Chaos: At least 93 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza in the past 24 hours, according to medical sources, including 30 people who were waiting for food aid. The death toll continues to rise amid relentless Israeli attacks. Meanwhile, Syria’s President has accused Israel of fueling division and seeking to “ignite tension and chaos” after Israeli airstrikes targeted central Damascus. The strikes, which Israel claims were in support of the Druze minority, hit the Defence Ministry and areas near the presidential palace.

At Least 61 Killed in Iraq Mall Blaze: A massive fire in a hypermarket in al-Kut city in eastern Iraq has left at least 61 people dead and 11 others missing, the city’s health authorities and two police sources told Reuters on Thursday. Videos circulating on social media showed flames engulfing a five-storey building in al-Kut overnight as firefighters tried to contain the blaze. “We have compiled a list of 60 victims whose identities have been confirmed, but one body was so badly burned that it has been extremely difficult to identify,” a city health official said.

Pakistan Monsoon Rains Kill 63 in 24 Hours: Torrential rains in Pakistan’s Punjab province have killed at least 63 people and injured 290 in the 24 hours since downpours started on Wednesday morning. Most of the victims were crushed by collapsing buildings, while the rest either drowned or were electrocuted, according to the National Disaster Management Authority. Authorities in the city of Rawalpindi, next to the capital Islamabad, declared Thursday a public holiday to keep people at home, while those living near a swelling river which runs through the city have been asked to evacuate.

4 Killed in Bangladesh as NCP Rally Triggers Violent Clashes with Awami League Supporters: At least four people were killed and dozens injured in violent clashes between law enforcement personnel and Awami League (AL) supporters in Gopalganj on Wednesday, following tensions over a rally by the National Citizen Party (NCP), The Daily Star reported. The violence broke out in the wake of a pre-scheduled NCP rally at Poura Park in Gopalganj town, which was opposed by AL supporters despite a recent government ban on all political activities of the Awami League.