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 Inaugurates Rani Jamara Kulariya Irrigation Project as Fifth National Pride Project

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Tuesday inaugurated the Rani Jamara Kulariya Irrigation Project in Kailali, making it the fifth National Pride Project to be officially completed. With a 120-year history, it is Nepal’s largest farmer-managed irrigation system, initially covering 11,000 hectares. The project includes the Rani, Jamara, and Kuleriya irrigation systems, now modernized under a three-phase upgrade that began in fiscal year 2009/10. The recently completed second phase, supported by the World Bank, expands irrigation to 34,300 hectares, benefiting over 142,000 people in 23,622 households.

No-Confidence Motion Passed in Bagmati NC Parliamentary Party Against CM Lama

The Nepali Congress Parliamentary Party of Bagmati Province has passed a no-confidence motion against its own leader and current Chief Minister Bahadur Singh Lama. In the internal vote held within the party’s provincial parliamentary faction, 22 lawmakers voted against Lama, while 15 supported him. The Nepali Congress has a total of 37 members in the Bagmati Provincial Assembly. With the passage of the motion at the parliamentary party level, the leadership is expected to shift, paving the way for Indra Bahadur Baniya to stake his claim for the Chief Minister’s post.

Socialist Bloc Meets After Months of Inactivity; Unification Talks Falter

The four-party Socialist Front, comprising CPN (Maoist Centre), CPN (Unified Socialist), Communist Party of Nepal, and Nepal Samajwadi Party, held a meeting on Tuesday at the Unified Socialist’s central office in Aloknagar. The meeting focused on reviving the alliance’s activities, reviewing recent political developments, and discussing future strategies. The gathering comes amid mounting internal pressure on Maoist Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ and Unified Socialist Chair Madhav Kumar Nepal. Prachanda has repeatedly proposed party unification with Nepal, but progress remains stalled.

Police Assign Care of Missing Hayu Family Found in Pokhara to Relatives

The family of Urmila Hayu, who went missing from Chetpaa, Golanjor Rural Municipality-6 in Sindhuli, was found in Pokhara and handed over to relatives by the police. They were located Monday night in Gagangaunda, Pokhara Metropolitan City-30. Police have entrusted their care to Dhan Bahadur and Amis Tamang, under the supervision of Ward Chairperson Durga Prasad Subedi. The Hayu family had gone missing after leaving their home at midnight on July 26. Although initially reported as 16 missing, 19 members were found in Pokhara. Police confirmed they are members and relatives of the Hayu family.

PM Oli criticizes RSP’s signature campaign 

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has criticized the ongoing signature campaign launched by the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) against a court order to remand party chief Rabi Lamichhane in custody. Speaking at an inauguration event in Kailali, Oli said it was the court—not the government—that ordered Lamichhane’s detention in the cooperative fraud case. Oli reminded that he was the one who brought Lamichhane into politics and even made him Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister.

Nepal-India Boundary Working Group Meeting Concludes in New Delhi 

The seventh meeting of the Nepal–India Boundary Working Group was held today in New Delhi. The Nepali delegation was led by Prakash Joshi, Director General of Nepal’s Department of Survey, while the Indian delegation was headed by Hitesh Kumar S. Makwana, Director General of India’s Survey Department. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal, the meeting reviewed the implementation of decisions made during the sixth meeting held in Dehradun in August 2019.

Preparations Underway to Finalize Pancheshwar Project During PM’s India Visit

Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation Minister Dipak Khadka has said that preparatory work is ongoing to advance the long-delayed Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project in a way that benefits both Nepal and India. Speaking at a press conference organized by the Press Union in Dhangadhi on Tuesday, Khadka revealed that the ministry is working on groundwork for a significant agreement on the project during Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s upcoming visit to India, scheduled for September 16.

Parliamentary Committee Nears Completion of Investigation Report in Cooling-Off Period Controversy

The parliamentary special investigation committee formed to probe irregularities regarding the cooling-off period is now in the final stages of drafting its report. According to committee chair Jeevan Pariyar, the inquiry phase is almost complete. With the questioning phase nearing its end, the committee has shifted focus to report writing. The committee was established on July 7 following the House of Representatives’ decision to investigate amendments made to the cooling-off period provision in the Civil Service Bill. The committee includes two members each from Nepali Congress and CPN-UML, and one member each from Maoist Centre, Rastriya Swatantra Party, and Rastriya Prajatantra Party.

Approval Delays Stall Plan to Increase Health Workforce, Says Minister Paudel

Health Minister Pradeep Paudel has said that the government’s reluctance to grant approval has stalled plans to add much-needed health workforce across the country. Speaking at an event in Kathmandu on Tuesday, Minister Paudel shared that he had tabled a proposal three times since assuming office to recruit more human resources in the health sector, but the Cabinet has yet to approve any of them. Highlighting the acute shortage of staff, Paudel revealed that there are only 2,600 personnel working in all federal hospitals combined. He further added that hospitals outside the Kathmandu Valley are operating with less than one-third of the required workforce.

Prachanda Urges Maoist Presence in Social Institutions to Strengthen Party’s Role

Chairperson of the CPN (Maoist Centre), Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, has emphasized the need to establish the party through active engagement in social organizations and institutions. Speaking at a discussion program titled “Social Justice, Inclusion, and the Role of Social Institutions”, organized today by the Maoist Centre’s Social Welfare Department, Dahal highlighted the importance of positive intervention by the party in such institutions.

Special Court Orders Release of Former Secretary Panta on Bail in Patanjali Land Case

The Special Court has ordered the release of former Land Reform Secretary Chhabi Raj Panta on a bail of Rs 500,000 in connection with the Patanjali Yogpeeth land boundary exemption and land exchange proposal case. The bench of Judges Tej Narayan Singh Raya and Murari Babu Shrestha issued the bail order, according to co-spokesperson Yagya Raj Regmi. The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) had filed a corruption case against Panta, seeking bail of Rs 185.85 million.

Nepali Peacekeeping Troop Returns Home as UN Iraq Mission Winds Down

A team of Nepalese peacekeepers deployed in Iraq for United Nations peacekeeping operations has returned home. Following the UN’s plan to conclude its Iraq mission by mid-November, the final group of 27 personnel arrived back today. According to the Nepal Army’s Public Relations and Information Directorate, three previous Nepalese contingents had already returned from the Iraq mission.

Concerns Raised Over Proposed Provisions in Media Council Bill

Government stakeholders have expressed objections to several provisions in the proposed Media Council Bill. During a meeting of the Education, Health, and Information Technology Committee of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, participants raised serious concerns during discussions on the bill. They argued that the bill lacks clarity, independence, and accountability, and called for it to be redrafted.

NEPSE Crosses Psychological 3,000-Point Mark with 30-Point Surge

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index has surpassed the psychological resistance level of 3,000 points. On Tuesday, the third trading day of the week, NEPSE rose by 30.49 points to close at 3001.80 points. On the previous trading day, Monday, the index had increased by 7.10 points, while it had dropped by 18.44 points on Wednesday. Before that, NEPSE had recorded continuous gains for eight consecutive trading days. On Tuesday, shares worth a total of Rs 18.52 billion were traded on NEPSE.

NRB to Invest Rs 2.92 Billion in Fixed Deposits

Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) is preparing to invest Rs 2.92 billion in fixed deposits across various banks and financial institutions. The Bank’s Financial Management Department has opened proposals for investment. Commercial banks, national-level development banks, and finance companies can compete for the specified amounts.

Public Debt Surges by Over Rs 200 Billion in Last Fiscal Year

During the fiscal year 2024/25, Nepal’s public debt rose by more than Rs 200 billion. At the start of the last fiscal year, public debt was Rs 2.438 trillion, which increased to Rs 2.669 trillion by the end. According to the Public Debt Management Office, public debt grew by Rs 231.08 billion in one year, reaching 43.71% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Internal debt stood at Rs 1.263 trillion, which is 22.14% of GDP, while external debt was Rs 1.401 trillion, or 24.56% of GDP.

Government Borrowed Rs 455 Billion in FY 2024/25

To sustain government spending, the KP Oli-led administration borrowed Rs 455.39 billion in fiscal year 2024/25, over Rs 100 billion more than the previous year. According to the Public Debt Management Office, the government borrowed Rs 358.02 billion in 2023/24. The target for 2023/24 was Rs 547 billion.

Governor Summons Bank CEOs and Chairpersons for Discussions on BAFIA Amendment

Nepal Rastra Bank Governor Dr. Biswo Nath Poudel has called separate meetings with the chairpersons and chief executive officers (CEOs) of commercial banks to discuss the proposed provisions of the BAFIA (Bank and Financial Institution Act) amendment bill and the second financial sector development strategy. On Tuesday, Governor Paudel held discussions with the CEOs of all commercial banks. On Wednesday, he will meet with the chairpersons of the banks’ board of directors.

Filming of ‘Shivansh: Chapter 1’ Completed in Pokhara

The shooting of the film ‘Shivansh: Chapter 1’, starring actor Tej Giri and actress Bimala Limbu, has concluded. On the 36th day of production, filming wrapped up with the song “Ukus Mukus” in Pame, Pokhara. The song was choreographed by Bikram Chauhan. The movie is being produced under the banner of Anjan Cinema Production House, with Anjan KC as both the producer and story writer. Shobha KC and Anisha KC Bogati are co-producers.

TikToker Ayush Singh Thakuri to Debut in ‘Ram Naam Satya’

TikTok star Ayush Singh Thakuri is set to make his acting debut with the film ‘Ram Naam Satya’, directed by Michael Chand. Director Chand and producer Upendra Shahi have signed a formal agreement with Ayush. Speaking to the media after signing, Ayush said, “I received many offers, but after hearing the story of Ram Naam Satya, I decided this would be my debut. The story and my role are both powerful, so I chose this film.”

 Arjun Ghimire to Direct Feature Film ‘Jharipachhiko Indreni’

Well-known television actor and director Arjun Ghimire, popularly known as ‘Pande’, is preparing to direct a feature film. Titled ‘Jharipachhiko Indreni’, the shooting is scheduled to begin on July 31. The name is being used as a working title for now. While the production team has not formally announced the cast, sources say the casting is expected to be interesting with several actors already attached.

Pujan Kafle Releases Teej Song ‘Chhadke Tilhari’

Singer Pujan Kafle has released her new Teej song ‘Chhadke Tilhari’ on YouTube. Pujan has written the lyrics, composed the music, and sung the song herself. The music arrangement was done by Aadesh Grumachhan. The song celebrates the joy of receiving jewelry, especially focusing on how ornaments enhance a woman’s beauty. It also embraces the traditional culture of dancing and singing together during Teej.

No Tri-Series with Bangladesh and Netherlands Confirmed Yet, Says CAN

Rumors of Nepal playing a cricket tri-series with Bangladesh and the Netherlands have been widely circulating on social media, fueled by posts citing a Bangladeshi news channel. However, the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has denied any immediate plans for such a series. CAN spokesperson Chhumbi Lama stated that no official discussions or proposals have taken place regarding a tri-nation series with Bangladesh. He clarified that the news appears to be based on a media clip of the Bangladesh Cricket Board president speaking in a different context.

Nepali Para Taekwondo Team to Compete in Asian Championship in Malaysia

The Nepali para taekwondo team is set to participate in the 10th Asian Junior, Cadet, and Para Taekwondo Championship (G4) to be held in Malaysia. Scheduled to take place from July 24 to October 1, the championship will feature athletes from across Asia competing in various categories.

Nepal is fielding five para-athletes in the prestigious event. All five will compete under the K-44 category in different weight groups. The para taekwondo matches under the Kyurogi discipline are slated for August 1. According to the organizers, the championship will see participation from 45 nations, with around 150 para-athletes expected to compete.

Pokhara Stadium’s Floorplate Seating Declared Unusable, Replacement Underway

Three years ago, floorplate seating was installed at the football ground of Pokhara Stadium to allow spectators to watch matches in an organized manner. However, the seating has now deteriorated to an unusable state. On October 14, 2022, MM Construction Jawalakhel, Lalitpur (JV), in collaboration with Indian company Great Sports, had installed the floorplate seats. Since the seats installed by the two companies were found unsuitable for spectators to sit on, the process of replacing them has begun.

Israel Kills 92 in Gaza in One Day as Death Toll Nears 60,000

Israeli forces killed at least 92 Palestinians across Gaza on Monday, including 41 aid seekers, despite “pauses” in fighting to deliver essential humanitarian aid. An Israeli settler has shot dead Palestinian activist and teacher Odeh Muhammad Hadalin in Masafer Yatta in the occupied West Bank. Israeli human rights groups B’Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights release reports saying Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. Israel’s war on Gaza has killed at least 59,921 people and wounded 145,233.

At Least 18 Pilgrims Killed in India Bus-Truck Collision

At least 18 Hindu pilgrims were killed on Tuesday when the bus they were traveling in collided with a truck carrying cooking gas cylinders in eastern India, officials said. The crash occurred in Jharkhand state, and visuals from the scene showed the bus wreckage with its rear section almost entirely burnt. Local Member of Parliament Nishikant Dubey stated that the pilgrims were on their way to a Hindu shrine to observe the sacred month of Shrawan, which coincides with the onset of the monsoon across the subcontinent.

30 Dead in Beijing as Parts of China Reel from Heavy Rains and Flooding

At least 30 people have died in Beijing as northern China experiences days of heavy rains and flooding. Authorities in China’s capital have relocated 80,000 people as more rain is forecast for Tuesday. President Xi Jinping has ordered “all-out” search and rescue efforts to prevent more casualties. Some 130 villages have lost electricity, and dozens of roads have been cut off. Beijing is no stranger to extreme wet weather, especially at this time of the year.

Russia Strikes Prison in Ukraine, Killing 17 and Wounding Dozens

A Russian airstrike on a prison in a frontline region in southeastern Ukraine has killed 17 people and wounded 42 others, according to Ukrainian officials. The overnight attack in Zaporizhzhia also damaged surrounding homes, regional leader Ivan Fedorov said. Russian forces launched eight strikes using high-explosive aerial glide bombs, he added. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned Russia’s “deliberate strike” on the grounds of a correctional facility, accusing Moscow of killing Ukrainians when a ceasefire “could have long been in place”.

Police Officer Among Four Dead in Shooting at New York City Office Building

A gunman wielding an assault-style rifle has stormed a skyscraper in the heart of New York, killing four people before shooting himself dead. The attacker, 27-year-old Shane Tamura of Las Vegas, walked into an office block on Manhattan’s Park Avenue on Monday evening and opened fire in the lobby before taking a lift to the 33rd floor to continue his spree. Four people were killed including New York City police officer Didarul Islam, 36, who was working security at the time. The three other victims have yet to be identified.