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 Expresses Concern Over Bagmati Political Developments in Meeting with NC

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has expressed concern over the recent political developments in Bagmati Province during a meeting with Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba on Thursday at Baluwatar. According to Nepali Congress Vice President Purna Bahadur Khadka, who attended the meeting, the two leaders held a brief review of the situation in the Bagmati Province government. During the discussion, Deuba reportedly assured Prime Minister Oli that the internal issues within the Congress would be resolved soon, and the current tensions in the Bagmati provincial government would be addressed.

Cabinet Approves Japanese Grant for Sindhuli Road Repair

The government has made public the decisions of the Cabinet meeting held on July 28. At a press conference on Thursday, government spokesperson and Minister for Communication and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung announced the decisions. The Cabinet has decided to accept a grant aid of 2.8 billion Japanese Yen from the Government of Japan for the emergency reconstruction of the Sindhuli road, which was severely damaged by floods. Additionally, the government has formed a task force to recommend uniformity in the salaries and benefits of officials and employees across state-funded institutions, boards, committees, and public bodies.

Foreign Minister Rana Urges Unity, Rejects Factionalism Within Nepali Congress

Nepali Congress central committee member and Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba has said that personal ambitions should not be allowed to create misunderstandings within the party organization. Addressing a party gathering organized by the Nepali Congress Kaski in Pokhara, she emphasized that internal competition is healthy, but it must not lead to division within the party. She remarked, “The party is not a platform to fulfill personal ambitions. It is a space to serve the nation and society.”

Resham Chaudhary Meets NC President Deuba Amid Party Dispute

Resham Lal Chaudhary, patron of the Nagarik Unmukti Party (NUP), met Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba on Thursday at Budhanilkantha, amid escalating internal conflict within his party. Chaudhary shared a photo of the meeting on Facebook, describing it as a “politically significant discussion.” Just a day earlier, Chaudhary had announced the expulsion of party chairperson and his wife, Ranjita Shrestha, from the party, stripping her of even general membership during the party’s first national gathering.

Sudurpaschim Chief Minister Shah Wins Vote of Confidence

Sudurpaschim Province Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah has secured a vote of confidence. He sought the vote after the Nagarik Unmukti Party withdrew its support. Ironically, Shah received the decisive vote from Kailash Chaudhary, a lawmaker of the same Nagarik Unmukti Party that triggered the process by pulling support. Out of the party’s 7 provincial lawmakers, only Chaudhary was present during the vote, and he voted in favor of Shah. The remaining six were absent.

Minister Gurung Hints at Possible Cabinet Reshuffle

Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, has hinted at a possible Cabinet reshuffle, stating it may take place if consensus is reached among the ruling coalition partners. Speaking at a press conference at the Ministry on Thursday, Minister Gurung noted that it has been over 13 months since the last Cabinet reshuffle, unlike other countries where such changes typically occur every 2–3 months. He acknowledged growing public interest in the matter and said discussions are ongoing among ruling parties.

Bamdev Gautam Suspects India’s Role in Tarai Water Crisis

CPN (Unified Socialist) leader Bamdev Gautam stated that water management can be implemented not only in the eastern, central, and western Tarai but also in the hills. He claimed that the Chure region itself lacks water because of geological cracks that have existed for millions of years, allowing water to flow away without accumulating. Gautam also raised concerns that India might be extracting groundwater from the 10 to 20 kilometers inside Nepal’s border in the Tarai, contributing to Nepal’s water shortages. He urged for covert investigation and surveillance to confirm this suspicion.

Ranjita Shrestha Seeks Clarification from NUP Parliamentary Leader Gangaram Chaudhary

Ranjita Shrestha, who was removed from the Nagarik Unmukti Party (NUP) with a decision barring her from even general membership, has sought clarification from the party’s parliamentary leader Gangaram Chaudhary. Just a day after her expulsion, Shrestha on Thursday questioned Chaudhary for allegedly convening and presiding over a central committee meeting in violation of the party statute. In a letter, she has asked Chaudhary to submit his clarification within 24 hours of receiving the notice.

Pashupatinath Sand Mine Corruption Case Reaches Supreme Court for Review

Individuals previously convicted in the notorious sand mining corruption case connected to the Pashupatinath temple’s Gothatar-based Baluwakhani area have approached the Supreme Court once again. They have filed a petition seeking a review of the earlier verdict, arguing that the decision was flawed and legally erroneous. Among those filing the review petition are former Member Secretary of the Pashupati Area Development Trust, Nirmal Kuinkel; former Kathmandu Local Development Officers Gopal Parajuli, Premraj Joshi, and Mahendra Lal Shrestha; and former Planning Officer of the Kathmandu District Development Committee, Bhishma Kumar Malla.

Over 1.2 Million Landless Families Apply to Land Problem Settlement Commission

More than 1.2 million landless families have submitted applications to the Land Problem Settlement Commission, according to the commission’s chairperson Hariprasad Rijal. Speaking at the Agriculture, Cooperative, and Natural Resources Committee meeting of the House of Representatives on Thursday, Rizal clarified that the applications came from landless Dalits, landless squatters, and unorganized settlers. Specifically, the commission has received applications from 89,144 landless Dalit families, 168,888 landless squatter families, and 875,164 families categorized as unorganized settlers.

Tractor Accident in Dang’s Tulsipur Kills Two Teenagers

Two people have died in a tractor accident in Tulsipur, Dang. The deceased have been identified as Sabin Bhandari, approximately 15 years old, and Manoj Roka Magar, 17, both from Tulsipur-17. According to police, the tractor (Ra 1 Ta 3478) was carrying fencing wire from Tulsipur to Bijauri when it lost control and overturned at Hattikhowa downhill area in Tulsipur-7, Motipur on Thursday.

Stock Market Drops on Last Trading Day of The Week, NEPSE Falls by 31.50 Points

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index fell by 31.50 points on Thursday, following a decline of nearly 48 points the previous day. With this drop, the NEPSE index closed at 2,922 points. The market remained volatile throughout the day. The highest point of the day was recorded at 2,967 points at 11:24 AM, while the closing figure was the lowest. Trading volume also declined. Compared to Wednesday’s turnover of Rs 16.44 billion, today’s turnover dropped to Rs 15.98 billion. Share prices of 52 companies increased, while 198 saw a decline.

Cabinet Approves Rs 35 Billion in Concessional Loans for Key Projects

The government has approved concessional loans worth Rs 35 billion, along with 18 other decisions made during the Cabinet meeting held on July 28. Among the major decisions, the Cabinet agreed to accept a $137 million (approximately Rs 18.92 billion) concessional loan from the World Bank for the third phase of the Rani Jamara Kulariya Irrigation Project. Additionally, the government has decided to accept another concessional loan of $86.7 million from the World Bank for the Electricity Distribution System Upgrade and Strengthening Project.

Minister Dahal Directs Speed-Up of Thankot-Chitlang Road Upgradation

Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Devendra Dahal, has instructed that the Thankot-Chitlang road upgradation be expedited. After inspecting the road on Thursday, he stated that the Thankot-Chitlang section, a shorter route connecting Kathmandu, would contribute to economic development and prosperity. He expressed confidence that the road would facilitate the transportation of agricultural produce from Makwanpur to Kathmandu and promote tourism, thus boosting the economy.

Kathmandu-Tarai Fast Track Delay Increases State Burden

The Kathmandu-Tarai/Madhes Fast Track project remains stalled increasing the project’s cost burden on the state. Despite an agreement to complete the project in four years, even half the work has not been completed in eight years. The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport formally handed the project over to the Nepal Army on August 11, 2017. The total cost of the project is Rs 211.93 billion. So far, Rs 80.54 billion has been spent.

Labour Ministry Publishes 22-Point Reform Commitment

The Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Social Security has unveiled a 22-point commitment focused on labor administration, employment (domestic and foreign), social security, skills development, and institutional reforms. The commitments were announced during the annual review of the Ministry, Foreign Employment Department, Social Security Fund, Foreign Employment Board, and Labour and Occupational Safety Department for fiscal year 2024/25.

Film ‘Railko Bato’ to Depict Social and Political Realities of Karnali

A new film titled ‘Railko Bato’ is set to be made with the objective of portraying the social, political, and physical realities of the Karnali region on screen. The film will be directed by Laxman Sunar and will be produced in collaboration between Kasturi Production Pvt. Ltd. and Red Umbrella Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. The production unit formally announced the film by releasing a theme poster. The poster features a gate labeled “Rural Municipality Office Inauguration” and a large banner below it reading “Welcome to the Honourable Prime Minister.”

Singer Anil Singh Deletes Suicide-Related Video and Apologizes

Singer Anil Singh has deleted a video in which he mentioned having suicidal thoughts. He removed the video while issuing an apology to his listeners and viewers. Through a social media post, he clarified that the earlier statement about suicide was a momentary expression of mental stress, pain, and despair. He wrote: “During this controversy, I made some highly emotional statements, including mention of suicide. That was a momentary expression of my mental stress, pain, and despair. I sincerely apologize to all my audiences, listeners, and well-wishers for such remarks.”

Film ‘Riyal Ringgit’ Premieres, Highlights Migrant Workers’ Struggles

The film ‘Riyal Ringgit,’ scheduled for theatrical release on Friday, held its premiere on Wednesday evening. The event, organized in Kathmandu, was attended by the film unit, actors, journalists, and notable individuals from various sectors. Based on the story of Nepalis seeking jobs abroad, the film also portrays their pain and struggles on screen. Directed by Bhibhor Pokharel, the film’s emotional storyline moved many viewers during the premiere. Some attendees mentioned that the film also evoked memories of the tragic incident where 12 Nepalis were kidnapped and killed in Iraq.

Arjun Ghimire Makes Directorial Debut with Feature Film ‘Jharipachhiko Indreni’

Actor Arjun Ghimire, known for producing and directing the popular TV series ‘Bhadragol,’ has made his directorial debut in a feature film. The filming of his feature film ‘Jharipachhiko Indreni’ began on Thursday in the Bagbazar area. The shoot will continue for 45 days across Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Lalitpur. On Thursday, the film’s inauguration worship (muhurat puja) was performed at the Dhanteri Barahi Temple in Lalitpur. Photos and videos of the entire film team participating in the auspicious ceremony have been received.

Nepal U-20 Women’s Football Team Leaves for Bhutan

With a clear goal of qualifying for the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup, the Nepali national team has departed for Bhutan. The tournament will be held in Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, from August 5 to 11. Nepal is placed in Group ‘B’ alongside defending champions North Korea, Saudi Arabia, and host nation Bhutan. Team captain Birsana Chaudhary stated that Nepal’s aim is to hold North Korea to a draw and secure qualification to the Asian Cup.

Nepal to Open SAFF U-17 Championship Against Hosts Sri Lanka

Nepal will kick off its SAFF U-17 Championship campaign facing host nation Sri Lanka in the opening match. According to the fixture released by the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) on Thursday, Nepal and Sri Lanka will play the tournament’s first match on September 15. Both teams are in Group ‘A’ alongside last edition’s runners-up, Bangladesh. Nepal will play its second group match against Bangladesh on September 18. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals. Group ‘B’ includes defending champions India, along with Bhutan, Maldives, and Pakistan.

PM Oli Launches FIFA for Schools Campaign

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli inaugurated the FIFA for Schools campaign today. At an event organized by the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) at Dashrath Stadium, the Prime Minister officially launched the distribution of free footballs to nearly one thousand schools with FIFA’s support. Highlighting the government’s priority on sports development, PM Oli also announced plans to build a new, larger stadium in Suryavinayak, Bhaktapur.

Nepal to Host ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier in 2025

Nepal is set to host the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier, scheduled from January 12 to February 2, 2025. This marks the first time Nepal will host a global women’s cricket tournament. The qualifier will feature 10 teams, with the top four securing their place in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be held in England and Wales from June 12 to July 5. Bangladesh and Ireland have automatically qualified for the qualifier based on their participation in the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup. From Asia, Thailand and Nepal have earned their spots, while the USA has qualified from the Americas region.

Gaza Death Toll Rises to 101

At least 101 Palestinians, including 81 aid seekers, have been killed and 625 injured in Israeli attacks across Gaza in the past 24 hours, according to the enclave’s Health Ministry. Israel’s war on Gaza has killed a total of 60,239 Palestinians and injured 146,894 others since October 7, 2023, the ministry said on Telegram. The total number of aid seekers killed since May 27 when Israel introduced a new aid distribution mechanism has reached 1,320, with more than 8,818 injured, the statement said.

Trump’s Tariffs Could Deal a Blow to India’s Growth and Exports

US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose 25% tariffs on goods imported from India could hit the country’s growth prospects, experts say. It is unclear how big the hit could be, given that Trump has announced an unspecified penalty in addition to the 25% tariff rate. In a post on his Truth Social platform on Wednesday, Trump said the penalty would be imposed on India starting 1 August for buying Russian oil and weapons “at a time when everyone wants Russia to STOP THE KILLING IN UKRAINE”.

Millions of Evacuees Return Home as Tsunami Warnings Lifted Across Pacific

Tsunami warnings were lifted across the Pacific rim Wednesday, allowing millions of temporary evacuees to return home. After one of the strongest earthquakes ever recorded rattled Russia’s sparsely populated Far East, more than a dozen nations — from Japan to the United States to Ecuador — warned citizens to stay away from coastal regions. Storm surges of up to four metres (12 feet) were predicted for some parts of the Pacific, after the 8.8 quake struck off Russia’s Kamchatka peninsula.