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.

Chinese Delegation Meets PM Oli, Discusses Bilateral Cooperation: A delegation led by Chen Xiaodong, Chairperson of China’s International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Tuesday. During the meeting held at the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar, discussions were held on bilateral relations, the four memoranda of understanding signed at the Ministry of Finance on Monday, and the implementation of past development cooperation agreements reached during high-level visits between Nepal and China.

Former President Bhandari Says No Reason to Step Back, Urges Calm Over Her Political Role: Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has said there is no reason for her to step back from the public sphere, asserting, “I have already moved forward; there’s no turning back.” Speaking with political reporters at her residence, Bhandari dismissed any speculation about her withdrawing from active engagement. She urged people not to be alarmed about her possible return to active politics, adding, “Instead, efforts are being made to intimidate those who speak in my favor — this must stop.” Bhandari also detailed the long series of decisions that led to her re-engagement with UML politics.

Cooling-Off Period Sparks Sharp Debate in National Assembly: A heated debate unfolded in the National Assembly on Tuesday over the controversial “cooling-off period” provision for government officials, with major parties clashing on its duration and necessity, while a Maoist Centre lawmaker accused the Prime Minister of shielding corrupt ministers. Nepali Congress lawmaker Narayan Dutta Bhatta proposed extending the cooling-off period to four years, arguing it would strengthen accountability. “Instead of two, it should be four years,” Bhatta said, criticizing the ruling CPN-UML’s amendment proposal to scrap the provision entirely.

Deuba Says He Has Not Promised Party Presidency to Anyone for 15th General Convention: Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba has stated that he has not promised the party presidency to anyone for the upcoming 15th General Convention. Deuba made this remark during a meeting at his Budhanilkantha residence on Tuesday morning with Bimalendra Nidhi, Gopal Man Shrestha, Bijay Kumar Gachhadar, Prakash Man Singh, Krishna Prasad Sitaula, and Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat. During the meeting, the leaders questioned Deuba regarding rumors circulating that certain individuals had received his “green signal” for the presidential candidacy. In response, Deuba clarified that he had not committed to supporting anyone for the position.

 Parliamentary Investigation Committee Questions Parliament Secretary General Pandey: The Parliamentary Special Investigation Committee formed to investigate irregularities in the Federal Civil Service Bill has questioned Padmaprasad Pandey, Secretary General of the Federal Parliament Secretariat. The questioning took place in the committee hall at Singha Durbar. The State Affairs and Good Governance Committee under the House of Representatives had reached a consensus that government employees who have retired or resigned would be ineligible for constitutional, diplomatic, or other appointments for two years. This provision was altered in the Civil Service Bill.

Federal Civil Service Bill Sent to Committee for Clause-wise Discussion: The Federal Civil Service Bill has been forwarded to the Legislative Management Committee under the National Assembly for clause-wise discussion. In Tuesday’s meeting, Minister of Federal Affairs and General Administration Bhagawati Neupane tabled a proposal to send the bill—received with a message from the House of Representatives—to the committee. The National Assembly approved the proposal.

NC Spokesperson Mahat Warns Against UML’s Unilateral Move on Land Bill: Nepali Congress spokesperson Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat has warned that his party will not accept any unilateral move by the CPN-UML regarding the Bill to Amend Some Nepal Acts Related to Land, 2082. Speaking at an event organized by the BP Foundation on Tuesday to mark the 43rd Memorial Day of founding leader BP Koirala, Dr. Mahat emphasized that the land-related bill must be discussed comprehensively before reaching any conclusion. “The land bill must go through thorough deliberation before arriving at any decision,” Mahat said. “Unilateral imposition cannot be accepted.”

Kidney Patients to Receive Up to Rs 850,000 in Government Health Support: The government has announced that kidney patients will now receive up to Rs 850,000 in health service subsidies. Previously, under the impoverished citizens program, the government provided Rs 100,000 in support. Now, an additional Rs 100,000 will be offered through the health insurance scheme to patients with severe illnesses facing financial hardship. This additional subsidy will also apply to patients suffering from cancer, heart disease, kidney failure, head injury, spinal injury, sickle cell anemia, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Two Chinese Nationals Arrested in Thamel with 2 Kg Gold and Rs 2.4 million Cash: A team from the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office has arrested two Chinese nationals from Thamel with 2 kilograms of gold and Rs 2.4 million in cash. According to police spokesperson and Superintendent of Police Kaji Kumar Acharya, those arrested are 34-year-old Sumei Zhou and 46-year-old Chunlin Than, both from Sichuan, China. “They were apprehended from a hotel in Thamel, and the gold and cash were seized from their possession. Further investigation is ongoing,” Acharya stated.

Winter Parliamentary Session to Be Held in New Parliament Building: The Ministry of Urban Development has announced that preparations are underway to conduct the upcoming winter session of Parliament in the new Parliament building. At a press conference held today at the Ministry, spokesperson Narayan Mainali briefed the media on major accomplishments during fiscal year 2024/25. Machakaji Maharjan, Director General of the Department of Urban Development and Building Construction, stated, “We have received instructions to ensure the winter session is held in the new Parliament building. Accordingly, we asked the contractor to revise the schedule and extend the deadline. Work is progressing as planned under close monitoring.”

Madan Puraskar Guthi Announces Shortlist of Seven Books for Prestigious Award: The Madan Puraskar Guthi has announced the shortlist of seven books for the prestigious Madan Puraskar. The announcement was made through a press release issued on Tuesday by the Guthi’s chairman, Kunda Dixit. From a total of 299 books submitted for consideration, the committee selected seven remarkable works. The shortlisted titles include Uramaal by Chhuden Kabimo, Chhalbato; Kailash Dekhi Ganga Samma by Ramesh Bhusal, Darjyu Sanlap by Kumari Lama, Panchatatwako Paalaam by Man Prasasd Subba, Bahurupi by Shreyaj Suvedi, Bhikshu, Byapar ra Bidroha by Sudhir Sharma, along with Hiun Ko Geet by Tirtha Gurung.

NEPSE Index Rises 81 Points, Hits Highest Level Since August Last Year: On Tuesday, the NEPSE index jumped 80.97 points to close at 2,973.70, its highest level since August last year. Market turnover rose sharply to Rs 20.08 billion from Rs 16.32 billion the previous day. Among 250 companies, 236 saw price increases, with production, life insurance, and microfinance sectors leading gains above 4%. Trade Tower, Sanvi Energy, and Shivam Cement each gained 10%, pushing Trade Tower’s share price to Rs 535.80. Market capitalization reached a record Rs 4.962 trillion, with further growth expected as the market momentum continues.

Nepal’s Foreign Trade Increased by 19.24 Percent in FY 2024/25: In the last fiscal year 2024/25, Nepal’s trade with other countries increased by 19.24 percent. During this period, Nepal imported goods worth a total of RS 1.804 trillion. According to data published by the Customs Department, this import figure is 13.25 percent higher than the previous year. In the previous fiscal year, Nepal had imported goods worth RS 1.592 trillion.

 NEPSE Index Rises by 10.88 Percent in Six Months: In the past six months, Nepal’s stock market index NEPSE increased by 10.88 percent. On January 19, NEPSE stood at 2,608 points. By July 22 (just before market opened), it had reached 2,894 points. While NEPSE rose by just 10.88 percent overall, the stock prices of four companies doubled in that period. The four companies whose share prices doubled are: Butwal Power, NRN Infrastructure, Radhi Hydropower, and Nepal Reinsurance Company.

Nepal Faced Trade Deficit with 127 Countries in FY 2024/25: Nepal experienced a trade deficit with 127 countries during the fiscal year 2024/25. This figure is based on goods imported from various countries between July, 2024 and June, 2025. Nepal traded with 164 countries during this period. Among them, trade surplus was recorded with only 37 countries, according to the Customs Department. During the review period, Nepal imported goods worth a total of RS 1.804 trillion.

Banks Increasingly Auctioning Collateral After Loan Recovery Fails: Banks that have struggled to recover loans over the past two years are increasingly putting collateral up for auction. About 80 percent of the loans disbursed by banks are secured by real estate. However, real estate transactions have remained stagnant in recent years. Since the auctioned properties are not being sold, banks have started acquiring them themselves. The economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic led to poor business performance, making it difficult for banks to recover loans.

Rekha Thapa Returns to Music Video After 25 Years in Acting: Actress Rekha Thapa, who has appeared in only one music video in her 25-year-long-acting career—the video for singer Ananda Karki’s popular song “Lagchha Man Herirahu”—is now set to return to the screen in a new music video. She will be featured in the video for the song “Nai Bhanesi Nai”, composed and directed by Prakash Saput. Widely recognized as Nepal’s first female superstar, Thapa has already completed shooting for her role in the “Nai Bhanesi Nai” music video.

Simran Panta Cast Opposite Paul Shah in Film ‘Aa Bata Aama’: Actress Simran Panta has been signed in a lead role for the film ‘Aa Bata Aama’, which will be directed by Chandra Panta. The production team has confirmed that she will be paired opposite actor Paul Shah in the movie. Simran had previously acted in the film ‘Hostel 3’. ‘Aa Bata Aama’ marks her second film. The film had already signed actress Bipana Thapa and renowned South Indian actor Pradeep Rawat, known for his roles in Telugu, Hindi, and Tamil films.

 Singer Kabita Aryal’s Teej Song ‘Shrimanjyu’ Released: Singer Kabita Aryal’s Teej song ‘Shrimanjyu’(Dear Husband) has been officially released. The song was launched during a program organized by the National Folk Communicators Nepal. The event was attended by singer, composer, and film director Narayan Rayamajhi; former president of the National Folk and Duet Song Academy Nepal Badri Pangeni; senior vice president of the Academy Pashupati Sharma; director Shankar BC; Govinda Giri; Hariballav Nepal, and others.

Song from Film ‘Magne Raja’ Released Ahead of Its August 22 Release: The song “Ma Ta Sutera Utheko Paisama” (“I Just Woke Up on Money”) from the upcoming film ‘Magne Raja’ has been released. The film is scheduled to be released on August 22, 2025. The music video features the film’s lead actors Kedar Ghimire (Magne Budha), Wilson Bikram Rai (Takme Budha), and child artist Ronish Khadka. In one scene, Kedar Ghimire—popularly known as Magne—is shown sleeping covered with money. The song is sung by Babul Giri and choreographed by Gambhir Bista.

APF Club Crushes Jawalakhel 5–0 in ANFA U-16 Youth League: APF Club secured a dominant 5–0 victory over Jawalakhel Youth Club in the ANFA U-16 Youth League match held Tuesday at the ANFA ground in Satdobato. Organized by the All-Nepal Football Association (ANFA), the youth league features participation from 14 ‘A’ Division clubs. The winning team will receive a cash prize of Rs 100,000, while the runner-up will be awarded Rs 50,000. In addition, ANFA has announced that the best individual performers and the most disciplined team will each receive Rs 15,000.

Nepal U-20 Women’s Team Returns Home as SAFF Championship Runners-Up: Nepal’s U-20 women’s football team has returned home after finishing as runners-up in the SAFF U-20 Women’s Championship. The team was welcomed at the airport by ANFA central member and Women’s Committee coordinator Sarila Shrestha Maleku and spokesperson Suresh Shah. Nepal had to settle for second place after a 4-0 defeat against hosts Bangladesh in the final match held on Monday.

Lumbini Football Academy U-16 Team in Denmark for Dana Cup: The U-16 team of Lumbini Football Academy, based in Ghorahi, Dang, has arrived in Denmark to participate in the prestigious Dana Cup. According to Academy head Samir Oli, the team will compete in matches starting Tuesday under the Dana Cup, a tournament recognized by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA). Before departing for Denmark, the team was given a formal send-off with blessings by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli at the CPN-UML party office in Chyasal.

Inter-School Cricket Tournament to Kick Off in First Week of Mangsir: The first Inter-School Cricket Tournament is set to begin in the first week of Mangsir at the Dhumbarahi cricket ground. Organized by Quality Kathmandu Schools (QKS), the tournament will feature participation from 25 schools, with 16 teams competing in total. These teams will be divided into four groups, with the top two from each group advancing to the knockout stage. According to the organizers, the tournament aims to promote interest in cricket among students, encourage healthy competition, and identify emerging talent at the school level.

UK and 27 Other Nations Call for Immediate End to ‘Inhumane Killing’ of Gaza Civilians: The United Kingdom and 27 other countries have issued a strong joint statement calling for an immediate end to the war in Gaza, warning that civilian suffering has “reached new depths.”  The declaration sharply criticizes Israel’s current aid distribution model, describing it as dangerous, destabilizing, and responsible for depriving Gazans of basic human dignity. The signatories condemned what they termed the “drip feeding of aid” and the “inhumane killing of civilians,” including children, who were simply trying to access food and water.

Ukraine and Russia Set for Fresh Peace Talks, Zelensky Says: Russia and Ukraine will hold a new round of peace talks in Istanbul on Wednesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said. “Today, I discussed with (Ukrainian Security Council chief) Rustem Umerov the preparations for a prisoner exchange and another meeting in Turkey with the Russian side,” Zelensky said in his daily address on Monday. “Umerov reported that the meeting is scheduled for Wednesday.” Zelensky proposed fresh talks at the weekend, days after US President Donald Trump threatened Russia with “severe” sanctions if there was no ceasefire between Moscow and Kyiv within 50 days.

Iran’s FM Says Nuclear Enrichment Will Continue: Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs Abbas Araghchi has said that Tehran cannot give up on its uranium enrichment program, which was severely damaged by waves of US and Israeli air strikes last month. “It is now stopped because, yes, damages are serious and severe, but obviously, we cannot give up our enrichment because it is an achievement of our own scientists, and now, more than that, it is a question of national pride,” Araghchi told the US broadcaster Fox News in an interview aired on Monday. Araghchi said at the beginning of the interview that Iran is “open to talks” with the United States, but that they would not be direct talks “for the time being”.

 Death Toll Rises to 27 in Bangladesh Air Force Jet Crash : The death toll has risen to 27 after a Bangladesh Air Force jet crashed into Milestone School and College in Dhaka on Monday, in the country’s deadliest air disaster in recent memory. Most of the victims were schoolchildren attending afternoon classes when the jet struck the two-story campus in the Diabari neighborhood around 1:18 p.m. local time. According to the Bangladesh Armed Forces, 171 others were injured in the crash, with 78 people—primarily students—currently receiving treatment in hospitals across the capital.