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 Prioritizes Creating Employment Opportunities within Nepal for Youth: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli stated that the government’s priority is to create job opportunities domestically to retain youth. During the question-answer session in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, he clarified that the government has declared 2082–2092 BS as the ‘Decade of Promoting Domestic Employment’. He emphasized utilizing returning migrant workers’ capital, skills, and experience in productive sectors.

UML Says Ex-Presidents Can’t Rejoin Party, Leadership Race Open: The ruling CPN-UML has asserted that Nepal’s constitution does not envision individuals who have served as President returning to active party politics. Citing the dignity and neutrality expected of the constitutional Head of State, the party emphasized that even after retirement, re-engaging in partisan activities undermines the constitutional spirit. The statement, released during a press conference at UML’s central office in Chyasal, was aimed at addressing the recent political reactivation of former President Bidya Devi Bhandari.

Bhandari Firm on Political Comeback Despite UML Objection: Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has said she won’t reverse her decision to return to politics. Despite UML stating the Constitution bars retired presidents from political roles, Bhandari told close leaders she is committed to her comeback. Though UML Chair KP Oli is against it, Bhandari is reportedly adopting a “wait and see” strategy before formally announcing her next steps. She had declared her return to politics at a Madan Bhandari Foundation event on June 28.

RPP Chair Lingden Accuses Govt of Institutionalized Corruption, Warns of Street Protests: Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Chairperson Rajendra Lingden has accused the coalition government formed by major parties of being deeply involved in corruption. Speaking at the House of Representatives on Wednesday, Lingden said the government formed by two major parties—Nepali Congress and CPN-UML—was acting as if it had secured a tender to loot the nation. He alleged that ministers were engaged in a race over who could amass more wealth in a shorter time, rather than serving the people.

Cabinet Announces 10 Key Decisions; Ministry to Negotiate $10 Million World Bank Grant: The Cabinet’s 10 decisions from the meeting on Saun 4 were announced by government spokesperson and Minister for Communication and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung on Wednesday. Among the decisions, voluntary retirement submitted by Deputy Attorney General Dr. Tek Bahadur Ghimire effective from July 18 was approved. The Cabinet also decided to form a negotiation team, led by a Finance Ministry joint secretary, to discuss a proposed $10 million grant from the World Bank for public finance effectiveness projects.

No Alliance in Next Election Says NC General Secretary Thapa: General Secretary of the Nepali Congress, Gagan Kumar Thapa, has reminded that the Mahasamiti meeting of the party had passed the decision to not forge alliance in the next election. Addressing a talk program on the 43rd BP Memorial Day here today, General Secretary Thapa said whosoever leads the party through 15th general convention, the party cadres and well-wishers would not be compelled to vote other parties because there would not be electoral alliance anymore. The talk programme was focused on ‘BP’s thoughts and party transformation’.

Social Security Fund Membership Reaches Nearly 2.4 million: The Social Security Fund (SSF) announced its achievements for FY 2024/25 at a press conference on Wednesday. The number of registered workers increased by 882,946, reaching a total of 2,374,486. Of these, 601,825 are in the formal sector. Migrant workers registered number 1,771,537, while 1,124 are self-employed. By 2081/82, a total of 20,951 employers have been registered.

Maoist Centre Chair Prachanda Expresses Deep Concern over Republic: Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, chair of the Nepal Communist Party (Maoist Centre), stated that they hold the deepest concern for the republic. Speaking at the book launch titled ‘Nepal Before and After the Republic’ in Kathmandu on Wednesday, the former Prime Minister expressed serious worry as questions arise over the republic won through long struggle, sacrifice, and dedication.

CIAA Questions Nagarik Unmukti Party Chair Ranjita Shrestha: The Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA)has begun taking statements from Nagarik Unmukti Party Chair Ranjita Shrestha regarding bribery allegations. She appeared at the CIAA office as soon as it opened on Wednesday. The ACC had summoned her after evidence surfaced of her soliciting bribes to stop the transfer of the Kaski Land Revenue Office chief and for another land-related case. The same allegations prompted former Minister for General Administration Raj Kumar Gupta to resign.

Doctors Threaten Protest if Consumer Protection Act Amendments Are Ignored: The Nepal Medical Association (NMA) warned it would launch protests if the government shows no interest in amending the Consumer Protection Act. In a press release, the NMA expressed dissatisfaction that the task force formed to present recommendations on the Act has not progressed. They cautioned that if amendments are not pursued, they will be forced to protest again.

Two Farmers Die from Electric Shock While Irrigating Paddy Fields in Rautahat: Two farmers died from electric shocks while irrigating paddy fields in separate locations of Rautahat district. Mokhtar Dewan (42) of Jamuniya-2, Kathariya Municipality, and Rambabu Mukhiya (40) of Bisunpurwa, Manpur-4, Madhav Narayan Municipality lost their lives. Dewan was electrocuted last night while pumping water using an electric motor.

Trailer Released for Upcoming Film ‘Cetamol’ Set to Premiere on Janai Purnima: The trailer for the film Cetamol, scheduled for release on Sawan 23 (Nepali calendar), has been unveiled. The 3-minute 20-second trailer features light comedy, sharp dialogues, and social satire. It reflects family conflicts, poverty, unemployment, and government negligence prevalent in Nepali society. Lead actors Saugat Malla and Benisha Hamal appear prominently in the trailer.

Shooting of Sci-Fi Film ‘Eklo’ Underway in Kavrepalanchok: Director Pradeep Shahi’s film ‘Eklo’ is currently being shot in Panauti Municipality, Kavrepalanchok. The film, based on science fiction, is being filmed with an elaborate set. Actors Bijay Lama and Diya Pun are filming a crucial scene involving a car and bicycle accident. Due to repeated takes caused by technical issues, the two-minute scene took nearly six hours to complete, with the actors working diligently throughout the day.

Anup Bikram Shahi Cast as Lead in Milan Chams’ Upcoming Romance Film ‘Sumnima’: Director Milan Chams’ next film ‘Sumnima’, a romantic story, features Anup Bikram Shahi in the lead role. Previously, actress Upasana Singh Thakuri and actor Kunsang Bamjan were selected as the main cast, but it remains unclear which actor will be paired with Anup. This will be Anup’s fourth collaboration with director Chams.

Ghazal Singer Raj Sigdel Mesmerizes Audience at Solo Classical Music Night in Manchester: Ghazal singer Raj Sigdel enthralled audiences during a solo classical music evening held in Manchester, UK, last Sunday. Organized by 8848 Vibes, Raj performed popular songs including ‘U Jeetera Gai,’ captivating listeners for three hours. Manoj Bajgain, director of 8848 Vibes, said the event was attended by a significant number of Nepalis residing in Manchester, Liverpool, Bolton, and Preston. The concert was organized to support the upcoming spiritual music ashram in Chitwan.

CAN Secretary Paras Khadka Teases Exciting Surprises in 2nd Nepal Premier League: Paras Khadka, Secretary of the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), said that the second edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) will include many exciting new elements. Speaking on a podcast started by one of the franchise teams, Sudurpashchim Royals, he urged fans to wait patiently as several surprises are planned for the upcoming season. Responding to a fan’s question about increased bowling speed and six-hitting distances in this NPL, Paras said some details remain surprises and can’t be disclosed yet, but promised exciting elements to look forward to.

Manang Marsyangdi Defeats Tribhuvan Army 2-0 in ANFA U-16 Youth League: Manang Marsyangdi Club defeated departmental team Tribhuvan Army Football Club 2-0 in the ANFA U-16 Youth League match held on Wednesday at ANFA, Satdobato. Prakash Singh scored both goals in the second half to secure the victory for Manang. With this result, Manang has earned 14 points from seven matches, rising to fourth place, while Army remains in 13th place with three points from the same number of matches.

CAN and Kuwait Cricket Board Reach Agreement to Host Bilateral Men’s and Women’s Series from 2026: The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) and the Kuwait Cricket Board have reached a tentative agreement to organize bilateral cricket series for both men’s and women’s teams starting from 2026, CAN announced. According to the agreement, at least three Twenty20 matches and additional 50-over games will be played annually on a home-and-away basis. Nepal and Kuwait are in the same group for the Asia and Asia-Pacific qualifiers of the T20 World Cup scheduled in Oman this October. Both boards consider this an ideal time to strengthen their partnership.

ANFA Calls 35 Players for SAFF U-17 Women’s Championship Closed Training: The All-Nepal Football Association (ANFA) has called 35 players for the closed training camp ahead of the SAFF U-17 Women’s Championship to be held in Bhutan. The squad, announced on Tuesday, includes 5 goalkeepers, 9 defenders, 7 midfielders, 7 wingers, and 7 forwards. The tournament is scheduled from August 20 to 31 in Bhutan and will feature Bhutan, Nepal, India, and Bangladesh competing in a double round-robin format. Nepal will begin the competition against India on August 20. The team finishing top of the points table will be declared the champion.

More Than 100 Aid Groups Warn ‘Mass Starvation’ Spreading Across Gaza: More than 100 aid organisations warned on Wednesday that “mass starvation” was spreading across the Gaza Strip and that their own colleagues were suffering acutely from the shortages. Israel is facing mounting international pressure over the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territory, where more than two million people have endured 21 months of devastating conflict. Even after Israel began easing a more than two-month aid blockade in late May, Gaza’s population is still suffering extreme scarcities of food and other essentials.

Iran Ready for War with Israel, Will Not Halt Nuclear Program Says Pezeshkian: Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has said his country is prepared for any war Israel might wage against it, adding he was not optimistic about the ceasefire between the countries, while confirming Tehran is committed to continuing its nuclear program for peaceful purposes. Pezeshkian made the comments in an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera aired on Wednesday, one of his first since the end of the 12-day conflict with Israel last month, in which the United States intervened on Israel’s behalf, launching strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

Trump Announces ‘Massive’ Trade Deal with Japan: President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the United States had agreed to a “massive” trade deal with Japan that would include a 15 percent tariff on its exports. The two countries have been locked in negotiations for months since Trump launched his global trade offensive, with levies targeting steel and automobiles — both important Japanese exports — seen as particular sticking points. Trump had previously threatened Japan, a major US trading partner, with a tariff of 25 percent beginning August 1 if a deal was not reached.