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.

Bagmati Province Chief Minister Lama Resigns 

Bagmati Province Chief Minister Bahadur Singh Lama has resigned. His resignation comes just days after he lost the Nepali Congress parliamentary party leadership to Indra Bahadur Baniya. Lama, who became Chief Minister on July 24, 2024, led the province for one year and nine days.

PM Oli Calls Gyanendra a Puppet King

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has openly criticized former King Gyanendra Shah, calling him a “puppet king” installed after the 2001 royal massacre, and asserted that the real monarchy ended with the deaths of King Birendra and Crown Prince Dipendra. Speaking at the launch of the book ‘Democracy and People’s Mandate: History of Nepal’s Election’ at Baluwatar on Sunday, Oli alleged that Gyanendra was brought in as a placeholder with no legitimate claim, orchestrated by political interests to curtail people’s rights. Oli also criticized the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority for selective prosecution, including cases against political leaders like Sher Bahadur Deuba.

Prachanda Calls for ‘New Revolution’ to Counter Reactionary Forces

CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairman and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has intensified calls for a new rebellion, stating that the country once again needs a fresh uprising to defeat reactionary forces. Addressing a memorial program for martyrs at the party’s central office in Paris Danda, Prachanda emphasized that conspiracies against transformative politics are deepening, necessitating a renewed phase of revolutionary struggle. Reflecting on his leadership role from the People’s War to the peace process and constitution drafting, Prachanda remarked that it is his historic responsibility to lead another round of struggle.

Cabinet Meeting Concludes at Prime Minister’s Residence Before Oli’s Turkmenistan Visit

The cabinet meeting was held on Sunday afternoon at the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli convened the meeting prior to his scheduled departure that night for Turkmenistan. The meeting focused on necessary decisions regarding daily administrative matters. Prime Minister Oli is set to lead the Nepali delegation to the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, taking place in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, and will depart for the visit later today.

Shekhar Koirala Criticizes Government for Lack of Transparency and Accountability

Nepali Congress leader Dr. Shekhar Koirala stated that due to the government’s lack of transparency, accountability, and responsibility, people have been unable to experience good governance. Speaking at an event held on Sunday in Biratnagar, Koirala said that even the coalition government formed by the two major parties has failed to be transparent, accountable, and responsible toward the people. He commented that democracy itself is at risk because the executive, legislative, and judiciary are not functioning properly.

Grade 12 Examination Results to Be Published This Week

The results of the Grade 12 examinations are set to be published within this week. The National Examination Board (NEB) is preparing to announce the results of the 2024 examinations in the next few days. NEB Chairperson Mahashram Sharma informed that the results will be made public within three to four days. The board is expediting the process to release the results as early as possible. The Grade 12 examinations were conducted from May 4 to 16, with a total of 511,525 students appearing for the exams.

Amendment Allows Correction of Personal Event Records

Nepali citizens struggling due to mismatched personal event details will now receive relief. The government has amended certain Nepal Acts to permit corrections in personal event records. The National Identity Card and Registration Act 2076 (2019) allowed birth registration corrections within one year of a child’s birth, but this applied only to children born after 2076 BS (2019 AD). As a result, children whose birth was registered but whose subsequent documents were not updated faced difficulties. The amendment aims to address these issues.

RPP General Secretary Rana Urges Chairman Lingden to Rectify Recent Mistakes

Dhawal Shamsher Rana, General Secretary of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), has sent a letter to party Chairman Rajendra Lingden requesting correction of recent actions he described as mistaken. In the letter sent on Sunday, Rana criticized Chairman Lingden for arbitrarily advancing ahead by violating party bylaws. He expressed regret over disciplinary actions and expulsions of party leaders that were carried out in a manner contrary to party unity and interests.

Janardan Sharma Says Ready for Any Sacrifice, Urges Prachanda to Take Responsibility

CPN (Maoist Centre) Deputy General Secretary Janardan Sharma ‘Prabhakar’ has said he is ready not just for self-criticism but for any sacrifice for the sake of the country and the people. Speaking at the party’s Standing Committee meeting on Sunday, Sharma emphasized that Party Chairman Prachanda must also be prepared to take responsibility. “I am ready for not just self-criticism but any sacrifice for the country and people,” a source quoted Sharma as saying in the meeting, “Chairman Prachanda himself must take responsibility for the problems arising from his leadership; we are all ready.”

Home Minister Lekhak Directs CIB to Reopen Nirmala Panta Case for Fresh Investigation

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has instructed the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police to conduct a thorough and renewed investigation into the rape and murder case of Nirmala Panta of Bhimdatta Municipality, Kanchanpur. During his inspection visit to the CIB office on Sunday, Minister Lekhak directed the bureau to carry out an in-depth investigation into the Nirmala Panta case and ensure that the culprits are brought to justice. He emphasized leaving no stone unturned in the probe and ordered the CIB to pursue the case with utmost seriousness.

No Intention to Promote Polygamy Through Law: Minister Chaurasiya

Minister for Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Ajay Kumar Chaurasiya has clarified that the government is not bringing any law aimed at promoting polygamy. Receiving a memorandum from the Nepal Women’s Association at his ministry on Sunday, Minister Chaurasiya said recent media reports about a legal proposal to legitimize polygamy under certain conditions were misleading. Responding to concerns raised over the reported amendment to the Civil Code Act, 2017, which allegedly seeks to provide legal validity to polygamy in specific circumstances, Minister Chaurasiya firmly denied any such intention.

Tharu Commission Member Locks Acting Chairperson Inside Office

Shanti Devi Modi, a member of the Tharu Commission, locked Acting Chairperson Subodh Singh Tharu inside his office following a dispute. The clash reportedly arose after the acting chairperson objected when Modi attempted to mark a month’s worth of attendance in a single day. In response, Modi locked him inside the office and posted a photo of the locked door on her own Facebook account. Police later arrived at the scene and unlocked the office door after a brief period.

Bus from Gorkha to Narayangadh Falls off Cliff at Aina Paharo, Seven Injured

A bus traveling from Gorkha to Narayangadh in Chitwan fell off a cliff at Aina Paharo in Tanahun district on Sunday afternoon. The accident left seven passengers injured. The bus bearing registration number Ga 2 Kha 1077 slipped off the road near the Marshyangdi River at Aina Paharo cliff. The bus, which was carrying passengers returning from a trip, had stopped for a break. When the driver tried to restart the vehicle, the brakes failed, causing the bus to fall approximately 50 meters down the cliff.

NEPSE Falls by 63.73 Points, Market Closes at 2,858 on Sunday

On the first trading day of the week, Sunday, Nepal’s stock market witnessed a sharp decline as the NEPSE index dropped by 63.73 points, closing at 2,858. During the final 15 minutes, due to the absence of weighted average price calculation, the index even touched a low of 2,857 points — the day’s lowest. The transaction volume also decreased compared to the previous session. While the market had recorded a turnover of Rs 15.98 billion on the last trading day, Sunday’s turnover shrank to Rs 13.07 billion.

Nepal Rastra Bank to Absorb Rs 50 Billion Amid Excess Liquidity

Due to excess liquidity in banks, Nepal Rastra Bank is set to absorb Rs 50 billion through deposit collection this Sunday. The central bank will absorb deposits via auction under its deposit collection instruments. The total deposits have surpassed Rs 7.2 trillion. The central bank aims to manage excess liquidity and interest rates through deposit collection instruments and standing deposit facilities.

Finance Ministry Begins Inter-Ministerial Discussions on Budget Implementation

The Ministry of Finance has initiated inter-ministerial discussions regarding the implementation of the fiscal year 2025/26 budget. Today, it held discussions with the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies. The meeting also discussed advancing the Bhagat Sarvajit Entrepreneurship Development Program, which aims to protect the Dalit community’s traditional skills, arts, and occupations by transferring modern technology, providing training, and connecting products to the market to create employment and income opportunities.

Nepal Records Rs 1.527 Trillion Trade Deficit in FY 2024/25

Nepal imported goods worth Rs 1.804 trillion while exporting goods worth only Rs 277.03 billion in fiscal year 2024/25, resulting in a trade deficit of Rs 1.527 trillion, according to the Customs Department. Nepal traded with 163 countries, of which only 37 countries had a trade surplus with Nepal. Trade deficit with the remaining countries continues to rise as Nepal imports more than it exports, the department’s data shows.

IPPAN Calls for Removal of Dual ISIN Numbers in Dematerialized Shares

The Independent Power Producers’ Association, Nepal (IPPAN) has drawn the attention of four regulatory bodies to remove the provision of assigning separate International Securities Identification Numbers (ISIN) for promoters and general public while dematerializing company shares. After CDS and Clearing Limited (CDSC) proposed to Nepal Securities Board (SEBON) to assign separate ISIN numbers for promoters and general shareholders during company listing, IPPAN has appealed to the Finance Minister, Parliament’s Finance Committee, SEBON, and CDSC to revoke this provision.

First Look Poster of Film ‘Buki’ Released

The first look poster of the film ‘Buki’ has been unveiled. The poster features the ‘Buki’ flower, which is blooming suddenly. Mist is seen approaching to cover the meadow of the mountainous terrain. On the meadow, seven women along with one man are playing volleyball. Directed by Mohan KC, ‘Buki’ is named after the flower that blooms during the rainy season in the mountain meadows called ‘Buki’ by local residents. Cast members include Suraksha Panta, Devendra Bablu, Roshni Karki, Prakash Ghimire, Laxminath Timsina, and Ganu Joshi, among others.

Two Films to Release on Constitution Day, September 19

Two films, ‘Soltini’ and ‘Jari 2’, are scheduled to release on Constitution Day, September 19. Both films, based on the same community’s story, will compete at the box office. ‘Jari 2’ announced its release date as September 19 last Friday, confirming the clash with ‘Soltini’, which had declared the same release date about six months ago. Directed by poet Upendra Subba, ‘Jari 2’ stars Dayahang Rai and Miruna Magar in the lead roles, portraying a husband and wife.

Shooting of ‘Captain Saab’ Underway in Kathmandu’s Thapathali

The film ‘Captain Saab’, directed by Dipendra K Khanal, is currently being shot in Thapathali, Kathmandu. The production has constructed an elaborate set to depict Kathmandu in the 1970s and 1980s Bikram Samvat. Houses styled according to the architectural designs of the 1970s and 1980s Kathmandu have been built on the set. Director Khanal said, “In the busy city of Kathmandu, we can’t build dozens of permanent new houses, so we’ve painted the houses to resemble the style of the 30s and 40s decades [of Bikram Samvat].”

Film Artists Association Honors Actor Rajesh Hamal with Honorary Membership

The Film Artists Association has awarded honorary membership to actor Rajesh Hamal. The association’s president Mohan Niraula handed over the membership certificate to Hamal. Though previously a regular member, Hamal was given this honorary status in recognition of his significant contributions to the Nepali film industry. Outgoing president Rabindra Khadka, senior vice president Shivahari Nepal Bairagi, general secretary Sabin Shrestha, and secretary of the directors’ society Devendra Pandey were also present during the ceremony.

Prashant Rai Wins Bronze at Asian Kurash Championship 2025

Prashant Rai of Nepal has secured a bronze medal at the Asian Kurash Championship 2025. According to the Nepal Kurash Association, Prashant clinched the bronze in the junior men’s under-42 kg weight category on Saturday at the ongoing tournament in Cheongju city, South Korea. He was limited to bronze after losing to an Uzbekistani opponent in the semifinals. The championship, organized by the Asian Kurash Federation, is being held from July 30 to August 5, with participants from India, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, Chinese Taipei, and Kuwait competing in Prashant’s category.

Sankata FC Signs Four More U-20 Women’s National Team Players

Sankata Football Club has signed four additional players from Nepal’s U-20 Women’s National Team ahead of the ANFA Women’s League Qualifiers. The club has added forward Anisha Rai, forward Senu Pariyar, midfielder Sukriya Miya, and defender Samiksha Magar to its roster. Forward Samiksha Magar had scored three goals in Nepal’s runner-up finish at the SAFF U-20 Women’s Championship, while Senu Pariyar contributed two goals. Sukriya Miya had played a key role in the midfield, with Anisha Rai strengthening the defense.

Nepal Announces 13-Member Squad for Asia Rugby U-20 Sevens Championship 2025

The Nepal Rugby Association has announced a 13-member women’s team for the Asia Rugby Emirates U-20 Sevens Championship 2025. The squad was unveiled on Sunday. The team is currently undergoing closed training at Radha Krishna Sports Ground in Sarlahi under the coaching of Sabitri Purja Magar, as informed by the association. The championship is scheduled to take place from August 12-14 at Rajgir Stadium in Bihar, India.

At Least 175 Die of Starvation as Gaza Hunger Crisis Deepens

Gaza’s hunger crisis is accelerating, with at least 175 people, including 93 children, confirmed dead from starvation, according to the Health Ministry in the besieged territory. The situation has worsened since Israel blocked all aid to Gaza on March 2, halting trucks from entering the enclave with much-needed supplies. The rollout of the controversial US- and Israeli-backed GHF group in late May has come under heavy criticism. Since then, Israeli forces have routinely fired on Palestinians trying to get food at GHF-run distribution sites in Gaza, with some 1,400 Palestinians killed while attempting to access aid at its four distribution sites.

Russian and Chinese Navies Begin Joint Drills in Sea of Japan

The Russian and Chinese navies are carrying out artillery and anti-submarine drills in the Sea of Japan as part of scheduled joint exercises, the Russian Pacific Fleet was quoted as saying on Sunday. The drills are taking place two days after US President Donald Trump said he had ordered two nuclear submarines to be positioned in “the appropriate regions” in response to remarks by former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev. However, they were scheduled well before Trump’s action.

Hamas Rejects Disarmament Without Sovereign Palestinian State

Hamas has reiterated that it will not lay down arms unless an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital is established, countering Israel’s demand for the group’s disarmament in ceasefire negotiations. The statement came after Hamas rejected claims attributed to U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, suggesting the group had shown willingness to disarm. Hamas called the assertion inaccurate, emphasizing its commitment to “resistance and weapons” until statehood is achieved.

Russian Volcano Erupts for First Time in More Than 500 Years

A volcano in far eastern Russia has erupted for the first time in more than 500 years, which experts say may be linked to last week’s massive earthquake. The Krasheninnikov Volcano in Kamchatka threw up an ash plume up to six kilometres (3.7 miles) high overnight. There are no threats to populated areas, Russia’s emergency ministry said. Hours later, another large earthquake in Russia led to tsunami warnings in three areas of the peninsula. Both events may be connected to a massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake which hit a similar area last week.