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 Says Landlocked Nations Are Isolated by Compulsion, Not Choice

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has remarked that landlocked countries are isolated not by choice, but by compulsion. He made these comments while addressing a side event of the Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC) conference. Quoting Prime Minister Oli, his chief advisor Bishnu Rimal wrote on Facebook, “Landlocked nations are isolated out of necessity, not by option.” During his address, Oli emphasized that connectivity is a matter of justice. Highlighting that coastal nations hold the key to unlocking access, he stressed that facilitating this connectivity is a duty, not a favor.

Indra Bahadur Baniya Sworn In as Sixth Chief Minister of Bagmati Province

Indra Bahadur Baniya, the newly appointed Chief Minister of Bagmati Province, has taken the oath of office and secrecy. Baniya was sworn in by Province Chief Deepak Prasad Devkota this Tuesday afternoon, immediately after being appointed as the sixth Chief Minister of Bagmati Province. Baniya, who also serves as the President of the Nepali Congress Bagmati Province Committee, submitted a claim on Monday to form a coalition government between the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML. He currently enjoys the support of 64 members in the 110-member provincial assembly, combining lawmakers from both parties.

Probe Committee Submits Report on Cooling-Off Period Tampering

Special investigation committee formed to probe alterations in the Federal Civil Service Bill regarding the “cooling-off period” has submitted its report to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, naming two key individuals responsible for the controversial tampering. The report, presented by committee coordinator and Nepali Congress lawmaker Jeevan Pariyar at a formal event in Shankar Hall on Tuesday, holds Ramhari Khatiwada, Chairperson of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee, and Suraj Kumar Dura, the committee secretary, accountable for the insertion of language that effectively nullified the cooling-off provision in the bill.

RPP and RSP Continue Boycott of House Meeting Over Visit Visa Issue

The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) and the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) have jointly continued their boycott of the House of Representatives meeting amid the ongoing controversy over the visit visa case. After the meeting commenced, Speaker Devraj Ghimire granted RPP MP Deepak Bahadur Singh permission to speak. Singh stated that since the party’s demands on the visit visa issue have not been met, they are compelled to continue the boycott.  Earlier, at the start of the session, RSP MP Birajbhakta Shrestha emphasized that their movement would persist until a just resolution and concrete actions are taken regarding the issue. Following speeches by MPs of both parties, members of RPP and RSP walked out of the parliament hall.

Heavy Rainfall Hits Dang, Banke, and Bardiya

Continuous heavy rainfall has been recorded in Dang, Banke, and Bardiya districts, with significant flood risks in the region. According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, Dang’s Jalkundi station recorded the highest rainfall in the past 12 hours with 227 millimeters, followed by 200 millimeters in Banke’s Sikta and 167 millimeters in Bardiya’s Manpur. The department has classified the rainfall in Dang and Banke as extremely heavy, while Bardiya witnessed very heavy rainfall. In Dang, over 25 millimeters of rain fell within a single hour, indicating intense downpours.

Cabinet Approves National Strategies on Child Marriage and Labor Migration

The government has approved the National Strategy to End Child Marriage and the National Labor and Migration Policy, along with issuing an order prohibiting strikes in essential services. Government Spokesperson and Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, announced these key decisions during a press conference at the ministry on Tuesday. The decisions were made at the Cabinet meeting held on Sunday. The Cabinet approved the “National Strategy and Action Plan to End Child Marriage, 2025” and the “National Labor and Migration Policy, 2025.”

Biplav-led CPN Rejects Claims of Finalized Party Merger with Maoist Centre

Amid ongoing discussions about a possible unification with the CPN (Maoist Centre), the Communist Party of Nepal (CPN) led by Netra Bikram Chand ‘Biplav’ held an informal Standing Committee meeting on Tuesday morning. The meeting concluded that, contrary to recent claims by the Maoist Centre, no agreement has been reached regarding party unification. The meeting emphasized the need to build a new political centre, focusing on production-oriented programs and advancing a national action plan under General Secretary Biplav’s “clean leadership” to address the country’s political deadlock.

Attorney General’s Office to Challenge Court Order Granting Bail to Durga Prasai

The Office of the Attorney General has decided to move to the Supreme Court against the High Court’s order to release medical entrepreneur Durga Prasai on bail in two separate cases. Following a directive from the Attorney General’s Office, the Office of the Government Attorney, Patan, has been instructed to study the court’s decision and submit a report with legal opinions. Sources at the Attorney General’s Office stated that the bail order contradicts existing laws and fundamental principles of justice, prompting the decision to seek its annulment from the Supreme Court.

Government Ready to Amend Provisions Related to Polygamy; Subcommittee Formed

The government has expressed readiness to amend the proposed provisions concerning polygamy. On Tuesday, the Council of Ministers’ Bill Committee meeting formed a subcommittee to revise and modify the related provisions, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak informed. Minister Lekhak stated, “Amendment proposals have been submitted in the Bill Committee for five bills, including the Civil Code, Criminal Procedure Code, Civil Procedure Code, Civil Procedure Procedure Code, and the law related to sentencing.” The subcommittee will work on these amendments to address concerns raised regarding the new regulations on polygamy and other related legal codes.

77 Officers Recommended for Promotion in Armed Police Force

The Armed Police Force (APF) Nepal has recommended the promotion of 77 officers to fill vacant positions, according to APF Central Spokesperson Kalidas Dhauwaji. The promotion list includes 6 officers to SSP, 22 to SP, 1 to Technical SP, and 48 to DSP. Dhauwaji informed that promotions were made based on seniority, professional competence, and performance evaluation, which is expected to enhance the career development and morale of the security personnel.

Bodies of Two Missing Children Found in Panchthar

Two children who had been missing since Friday have been found dead in the Biruwa Khola of Yangwarak Rural Municipality-1, Chyangthapu, Panchthar. The District Police Office Panchthar reported that the bodies of a 9-year-old boy and his 6-year-old sister, children of local resident Birkha Rai, were found in the river on Tuesday morning. The children had gone missing on Friday morning. A search operation involving family members, locals, police, ward office, and elected representatives had been underway in nearby forests, riverbanks, and surrounding areas.

Embossed Number Plates to Be Mandatory on Vehicles from September 17

It has been decided that all vehicles in every province must now have embossed number plates installed. The decision was made during a thematic committee meeting chaired by Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Devendra Dahal, with participation from provincial ministers and secretaries. The meeting was held on Tuesday. Starting from September 17, 2025, it will be compulsory to install or have embossed number plates on all vehicles during registration, ownership transfer, and renewal at the Transport Management Offices under each provincial government.

NEPSE Index Drops by 41.35 Points, Closes at 2,834 on Tuesday

Nepal’s stock market witnessed a decline of 41.35 points on Tuesday, pushing the NEPSE Index down to 2,834. The market had surged to 2,905 points within the first 12 minutes of trading but gradually declined, remaining in the red until market close. The daily transaction amount also decreased compared to the previous session. While the turnover stood at Rs 10.82 billion the day before, it dropped to Rs 9.33 billion today. Out of the total traded companies, 46 recorded gains while the prices of 204 companies declined.

Loan-for-Loan Practice Continues Despite NRB’s Working Capital Loan Guidelines

Despite Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) enforcing its Working Capital Loan Guidelines, the practice of using new loans to repay existing debts remains unchecked, as indicated by recent financial data. Statistics from the final week of the last fiscal year have further fueled suspicions that loans are being recycled to meet repayment obligations. In mid-July, banks and financial institutions disbursed an additional Rs 18.62 billion in loans. Typically, during the end of the fiscal year, banks focus on loan recoveries.

Finance Minister Poudel Vows Aggressive Tax Recovery Drive to Meet Revenue Target

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Poudel has announced that the government will launch a special campaign to recover outstanding taxes as part of an aggressive effort to meet the revenue collection target for the current fiscal year. Responding to lawmakers’ queries in the House of Representatives, Minister Poudel said that comprehensive policies and programs have been introduced to expedite revenue mobilization and strengthen measures against money laundering.

U.S. Dollar’s Exchange Rate Against Nepali Rupee Reaches Record High

The U.S. dollar has established a new record-high exchange rate against the Nepali rupee. The Nepal Rastra Bank’s official rates for Tuesday set the buying price at Rs 139.96 and the selling price at Rs 140.56 per U.S. dollar. The unprecedented valuation reflects a strengthening dollar and has implications for imports and foreign transactions.

Budhi Gandaki Hydropower Project Secures Major Financing

The 341-megawatt Budhi Gandaki Hydropower Project has reached financial closure, securing Rs 52.50 billion from a consortium of ten domestic banks and financial institutions. This financing accounts for 75% of the project’s total cost, with the remaining 25% to be covered by equity. This milestone marks a significant step forward for the nation’s largest private-sector hydropower initiative.

‘Mali’ Song from ‘Abhimanyu: Chapter-1’ Released; Video Contest Announced

The song ‘Mali’ from the upcoming Nepali film ‘Abhimanyu: Chapter-1’ has been officially released. Penned, composed, and sung by Prashant Shiwakoti, the song is arranged by Bisham Acharya and portrays the pure bond and responsibilities shared between a brother and sister. Along with the song release, the production team announced a video contest for Raksha Bandhan. Participants are invited to send videos of siblings tying Rakhi and submit them to the production unit. The film is set to release in Nepal on September 12, while its Hindi version will hit theaters on September 22.

Ashant Sharma’s Film ‘Taaraharu’ to Release on August 22

Director Ashant Sharma’s new film ‘Taaraaharu’ is slated for public screening from August 22. The movie, which tells the story of artists’ struggles, has passed the censor board and received a Universal Certificate. “The censor board praised both the storyline and the making of the film,” Sharma said, adding that the approval has encouraged them for the release. Alongside Sharma in the lead role, the film features Menuka Pradhan, Kundun Shakya, Meera Khadka, Prabhakar Nyaopane, Abhash Adhikari, Raj Pangeni Sharma, Pramod Babu, and Bikash Khanal.

Filming of ‘Kabaddi 5’ to Begin After Dashain

The fifth installment of the popular Nepali film franchise ‘Kabaddi’ is set to begin shooting immediately after the Dashain festival, director Ram Babu Gurung confirmed. Key actors Dayahang Rai and Miruna Magar will reprise their roles, though some new faces may join the cast. “Top actors will remain, but some supporting roles might be changed,” Gurung said. Actor Bijay Baral shared that the team is preparing to head towards Mustang right after Dashain Tika, with filming expected to continue until after Tihar.

Eleena Chauhan, Pratap Das to Perform in the US

Popular Nepali singers Eleena Chauhan, Pratap Das, Badri Pangeni, and Kala Lamsal are set to perform in the United States as part of the ‘Ab Gauchha America’ musical tour. Elina confirmed through social media that the US Embassy has granted them visas and invited fans to be ready to sing and dance with them. She had earlier expressed her dream of performing in the US, which is now being realized.

NRT and Church Boys United Secure Victories in ANFA U-16 Youth League

New Road Team (NRT) and Church Boys United Club registered wins in their respective matches in the ANFA U-16 Youth League held at the ANFA Complex, Satdobato on Tuesday. NRT edged past Satdobato Youth Club with a narrow 1-0 victory, courtesy of Sugam Rana’s decisive goal in the 44th minute. The win helped NRT accumulate 12 points from 11 matches, while Satdobato remains at the bottom of the table without any points from the same number of games. In another match, Church Boys United stunned Himalayan Sherpa Club with a 2-0 win. Sushan Thapa Magar opened the scoring in the 49th minute, followed by a goal from Sunil Dangal in the 80th minute

Palesha Govardhan and Bijaya Sinjali Win “Hamro Khelkud Player of the Year” Award

Para-taekwondo player Palesha Govardhan and Wushu athlete Bijaya Sinjali have been honored with the “Player of the Year” award by Hamro Khelkud. On the occasion of its 10th anniversary, Hamro Khelkud presented the prestigious awards to Palesha and Bijaya in recognition of their outstanding performances in their respective sports. Along with the award, both athletes received a cash prize of Rs 25,000 each. Para-taekwondo coach Kabiraj Negi Lama was also given a special honor during the event. Marking its establishment day, Hamro Khelkud also organized a “Sports Conclave” alongside the annual Player of the Year award ceremony.

Nepal Announces 16-Member Squad for Top End T20 Series in Australia

The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming Top End T20 Series in Australia. The squad will be led by Rohit Paudel as captain, with Dipendra Singh Airee named as vice-captain. Kiran Thagunna, who was part of the squad during the recent Tri-Nation Series in Scotland, has not been included this time. Meanwhile, Kushal Malla has made a comeback, while Sompal Kami and Gulshan Jha, who missed the Scotland tour due to injuries, have also earned spots in the team. The series will feature participation from 11 teams. Nepal will begin their campaign against Strike on August 15.

458 Players Registered for NPL Mini Auction to Fill 37 Vacant Slots

The auction for player selection in the second edition of the Siddhartha Bank Nepal Premier League (NPL) is scheduled to take place this Saturday. This auction has been termed a “mini auction.” According to the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), a total of 458 players have registered their names to participate in the mini auction. Although eight teams will take part in the league, the final list of players eligible for the auction—based on team preferences and technical committee criteria—has yet to be announced. Despite the large number of registered players, only more than 37 players will actually be up for bidding in this auction.

302 Dead, 727 Injured as Pakistan Battered by Monsoon Rains

The relentless monsoon rains in Pakistan have claimed at least 302 lives and injured 727 people across the country, according to the latest figures released by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Geo News reported. The death toll includes 104 men, 57 women, and 141 children, while the injured comprise 278 men, 207 women, and 242 children. The rains have also wreaked havoc on homes and livestock, with 1,678 houses damaged and 428 livestock lost.

At Least Four Killed, Several Feared Washed Away in Uttarkashi Cloud Burst in India

A cloudburst in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district on Tuesday (August 5, 2025) killed at least four people and several others are feared missing. Many houses were swept away by the raging waters, videos shared on social media showed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that they have spoken to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and assured Centre’s support in rescue operations. He said that teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Indo Tibetan Border Patrol (ITBP) have been deployed for rescue operations. A team of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) is also at the site.

Brazil’s Supreme Court Orders House Arrest of Ex-President Jair Bolsonaro Over Coup Plot

Brazil’s Supreme Court has ordered former President Jair Bolsonaro to be placed under house arrest as he faces trial for allegedly plotting a coup to overturn the 2022 presidential election. The house arrest order was issued on Monday by Justice Alexandre de Moraes, a day after pro-Bolsonaro demonstrations were held across the country. Bolsonaro is accused of leading an armed criminal organization, attempting a coup, and inciting violent acts against Brazil’s democratic institutions following his defeat by current President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Police enforced the order on Monday evening, placing Bolsonaro under house arrest at his residence in Brasilia and seizing his mobile phone.

Trump Threatens to “Substantially” Hike Tariffs on Indian Goods

U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday threatened to “substantially” raise tariffs on goods imported from India with the excuse that India bought and resold Russian oil. “India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian Oil, they are then, for much of the Oil purchased, selling it on the Open Market for big profits,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social. Indian goods imported into the United States will be subject to a 25 percent tariff starting Aug. 7, according to an executive order signed by Trump on July 31. Besides the 25 percent tariff, Trump had earlier said he would impose a penalty for India’s purchase of Russian oil, without elaborating on details.