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 Holds Bilateral Talks with Turkmen President Berdimuhamedow

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli today held bilateral talks with Turkmenistan’s President Serdar Berdimuhamedow during the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), where he is leading the Nepali delegation. Earlier today, PM Oli co-chaired the Roundtable on Trade Facilitation and Regional Cooperation at the conference. In the session, he emphasized the importance of enhanced regional collaboration and trade facilitation measures to overcome the structural challenges faced by LLDCs.

RSP, RPP Lawmakers Walk Out of Parliament

Lawmakers from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) continued their protest in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, pressing for a parliamentary investigation committee on the controversial visit visa scandal and demanding the resignation of State Affairs and Good Governance Committee Chairperson Ramhari Khatiwada. Since May 27, RSP and RPP have been staging protests in Parliament, calling for a thorough probe into alleged irregularities in the issuance of visit visas. In today’s session, RSP spokesperson and lawmaker Manish Jha, and RPP lawmaker Roshan Karki, raised their concerns in the House before walking out in protest.

No Bill Promoting Polygamy Will Be Tabled in Parliament: Law Minister Chaurasiya Assures

Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Ajay Kumar Chaurasiya, has assured that no bill undermining social values and norms, including one promoting polygamy, will be tabled in Parliament. Responding to queries raised during the zero and emergency hour in Wednesday’s House of Representatives session, Minister Chaurasiya made this commitment after seeking time from Speaker Devraj Ghimire. “I want to assure this esteemed House that no bill, including one related to polygamy, which negatively affects society and harms social values and norms, will be presented in this Parliament,” he said.

MCC Was Passed with Interpretative Declaration Due to Serious Risks: Prachanda

Chairman of the CPN (Maoist Centre) and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said that the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) agreement was passed with an interpretative declaration because of the serious risk it would otherwise be endorsed in its original form. He further stated that the party was compelled to pass the agreement while keeping the option of launching a protest movement if necessary. “During the CPN government, I had led the formation of a task force to study the MCC,” Prachanda said. “The task force had submitted a report concluding that the MCC should not be approved.”

Verbal Agreement to Demolish Hanuman Dhoka Police Building

Kathmandu Metropolitan Mayor Balendra Shah and Nepal Police Inspector General Deepak Thapa have reached a verbal agreement to demolish the old police building located in Hanuman Dhoka, Kathmandu. The building, spread over two ropani, was severely damaged by the 2015 earthquake and has been marked unsafe with a red sticker. Previously housing the District Police Office and the Valley Crime Investigation Office, the structure has long faced demands for removal from locals who want to preserve the UNESCO World Heritage Site’s cultural integrity. Some police personnel currently remain there for security purposes.

Bishwprakash Sharma Demands Action Against Fugitive GB Rai in Cooperative Scam

Nepali Congress General Secretary and Member of Parliament Bishwprakash Sharma has demanded that fugitive GB Rai, accused in the cooperative scam case, be brought under legal action. Speaking during the House of Representatives session on Wednesday, Sharma questioned the Home Minister over the failure to arrest Rai, even as legal proceedings have advanced against Rabi Lamichhane and Chhabilal Joshi in the same case. “I want to ask the Honorable Home Minister through the Speaker: While some accused in the cooperative scam have been jailed, why is there delay in bringing many others, including GB Rai, under action?” Sharma questioned.

Narayan Kaji Shrestha and Biplav Hold Talks on Political and Party Unity Issues

Senior Vice Chairman of CPN (Maoist Centre) Narayan Kaji Shrestha and CPN’s General Secretary Netra Bikram Chand (Biplav) held a meeting on Wednesday. Chand visited Shrestha’s residence in Hattiban for the talks. According to sources, the two leaders held discussions for approximately one hour. The meeting reportedly focused on current political affairs, the state of communist and revolutionary movements, and issues related to nationalism. Additionally, they also discussed the possibility of party unification between their respective factions.

Over 2,600 Dengue Cases Confirmed Since January

Since January, more than 2,635 dengue cases have been confirmed across 74 districts in Nepal. No cases have been reported so far from Dolpa, Humla, and Manang districts. The highest number of infections is in Gandaki Province, followed by Bagmati, Koshi, Lumbini, Sudurpaschim, Karnali, and Madhesh provinces. Dengue is spread by Aedes mosquitoes, which breed in clean stagnant water found in any container. Common symptoms include severe body pain, loss of appetite, diarrhea, high fever, joint and muscle pain, headaches, eye pain, red rashes, nausea, and vomiting.

Prachanda’ Holds Meeting with Parties Excluding Nepali Congress and CPN-UML

Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda,’ Chairman of the CPN (Maoist Centre), recently held a meeting with political parties other than Nepali Congress and CPN-UML. The meeting took place at the Maoist Centre’s parliamentary party office in Singha Durbar. According to the Prachanda Secretariat, the discussion focused on the “Political Party Self-Assessment Procedure,2025,” which the Election Commission had sent to political parties, requesting suggestions by August 7.

Law Minister Chaurasiya Denies Any Move to Legalize Polygamy

Minister for Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, Ajay Kumar Chaurasiya, has assured that no bill, including those related to polygamy, which negatively impacts social values and norms, will be presented in Parliament. Speaking during the zero hour of Wednesday’s House of Representatives meeting, Minister Chaurasiya sought time from Speaker Devraj Ghimire to respond to queries raised by lawmakers. He firmly stated, “I want to express my commitment that no bill which adversely affects society or contradicts social values and norms, such as polygamy, will be tabled in this esteemed House.”

Kathmandu Cracks Down on Unsafe Street Foods Amid Monsoon Health Threats

Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has launched a city-wide inspection drive targeting the sale of street foods like panipuri and chatpate, aiming to curb the risk of waterborne diseases during the monsoon. Citing the heightened possibility of contaminated water use, the city is intensifying regulation to safeguard public health. The campaign will run throughout the rainy season in collaboration with the Department of Water and Sewerage Management. The focus lies on inspecting water quality used in street foods and promoting safe drinking water standards.

All Federal Hospitals to Implement Digital Payment System

All federal hospitals across the country will now facilitate digital payment services. In line with Minister Pradeep Poudel’s plan to digitize hospital services, the Ministry of Health and Population on Wednesday issued a directive to all federal hospitals and institutions, instructing them to arrange for online and QR code-based payment systems for billing. Minister Poudel has been actively working to implement a nine-point reform plan aimed at managing overcrowding in hospitals and enhancing service efficiency through digitization.

NEPSE Index Drops Marginally by 1.94 Points on Wednesday

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) witnessed a slight decline on Wednesday, with the benchmark index falling by 1.94 points compared to the previous trading day. Following this minor drop, NEPSE closed at 2832 points. Interestingly, before the final 15-minute weighted average price calculation, the market had gained 2 points. However, after recalculations, it ended in the red. During trading hours, the NEPSE index reached an intraday high of 2856 points at 1:46 PM, while the day’s lowest point was recorded at 2828 points at 11:37 AM.

NRB Drains Rs 40 Billion to Manage Liquidity

Nepal Rastra Bank has withdrawn Rs 40 billion from the market on Wednesday through a 40-day deposit collection bid. The central bank has taken this action to manage the persistent surplus liquidity in the banking system, which has been an ongoing issue since the start of the current fiscal year. The total deposits have now exceeded NPR 7.1 trillion. Due to the continuous rise in deposits, a bidding system through the online purchase platform is being introduced.

NRB’s Interest Rate Corridor Causes Rs 10 Billion Loss

The Nepal Rastra Bank incurred a loss of approximately Rs 10 billion while implementing its interest rate corridor to manage excess liquidity. The central bank spends money to absorb surplus funds from the market, and this cost was incurred in the last fiscal year to prevent the short-term interest rate from falling below the corridor’s lower limit.

Capital Loan Guidance Fails to Curb Loan Recycling for Repayments

Despite the implementation of the Working Capital Loan Guidelines by Nepal Rastra Bank, the practice of using new loans to repay old ones persists at the end of each quarter. Data from the final week of the last fiscal year further reinforces suspicions that loans are being recycled for repayments. In the last week of last fiscal year alone, banks and financial institutions expanded credit by Rs 18.62 billion.

Government Prioritizing Dust-Free and Mud-Free Roads: Finance Minister Paudel

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Poudel announced that the government has placed high priority on building dust-free and mud-free road infrastructure. Addressing an event in Kathmandu on Wednesday, Poudel said the government is committed not just to imagining such roads but also to implementing practical measures to realize them.

Singer and Composer Krishna BK’s New Song Video Released

The video of the song “Aankha Marne” by singer and composer Krishna BK has been released. The song, composed and written by BK himself, features female vocals by Manisha Sunar. Arranged by NX Mas, the video stars Nazir Hussen and Priyanka Karki in a romantic mood. This video also marks Krishna BK’s directorial debut. Previously successful with songs like “Yanimaya,” “Rato Tiki,” “Radha Piyari,” and “Hajur Musukkai,” Krishna BK has high hopes for this new release.

Nepali Singer Simpal Kharel Makes History with Hit Song

Nepali singer Simpal Kharel has made history with her hit song “Radha Rani Laage,” which has become the most-viewed song by any Nepali artist on YouTube. The song has been watched 228 million times on YouTube. It has gained significant views from Nepal as well as India, being a Hindi devotional bhajan. “Radha Rani Laage” combines traditional folk elements with a modern style. The 25-year-old Simpal from Bhaktapur is known for her melodious devotional singing. Her other bhajans have also received impressive views on YouTube.

Advance Ticket Booking Opens for Two Nepali Films

Advance booking has opened for two Nepali films releasing this Friday. “Cetamol,” starring Saugat Malla and Benisha Hamal, and “Mohar,” featuring Paul Shah, Benisha Hamal, and Niti Shah, will premiere across cinemas nationwide. Multiplex theaters have already set show schedules and begun advance ticket sales. The country’s largest multiplex chain has given both films an equal number of shows on the first day. QFX multiplex in Kathmandu has scheduled 15 shows for “Cetamol” and 14 shows for “Mohar.”

Song “Paisa Falne Buto” by Naresh Khati and Rachana Rimal Released

The song “Paisa Falne Buto,” sung by Naresh Khati and Rachana Rimal, was released on YouTube on Tuesday. The song discusses the pain caused by scarcity and stress. Naresh Khati wrote and composed the song, while Sunil Pariyar arranged the music. The music video features Naresh Khati acting alongside Ujjwal Giri, Sanjana Gurung, and Rachana Neupane, as well as child actors Arushi Karki, Yunisha Ghimire, and Sujal Rasaili. The video portrays the concept of “paisa falne buto” (money-growing plant) in a fun and engaging way.

150 Players Shortlisted for Nepal Premier League (NPL) Mini Auction

A total of 150 players will participate in the mini auction of the Nepal Premier League (NPL). According to the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), 150 players have been shortlisted from 458 registered players for the final auction. CAN informed that there are 8 players in Category A, including two wicketkeepers. The players in this category are Arjun Saud, Dilip Nath, Dev Khanal, Pawan Sarraf, Sharad Vesawkar, Mohammad Aadil Ansari, Surya Tamang, and Suman Gautam. In Category B, 35 players including Akash Tripathi have been listed, while the remaining players have been placed in Category C.

Bimala BK and Samikshya Ghimire Join APF Club for AFC Women’s Champions League Campaign

Nepal national women’s football team members Bimala BK and Samikshya Ghimire are set to play for Nepal APF Football Club. The departmental team APF, preparing for the preliminary round of the AFC Women’s Champions League, has signed the two defenders — Bimala BK from Tribhuvan Army Club and Samikshya Ghimire from Nepal Police Club. Additionally, APF has appointed Chetan Ghimire as the head coach for their Champions League campaign. APF has been placed in Group ‘B’ alongside College of Asian Scholars (Thailand), hosts PFC Nasaf (Uzbekistan), and Al Nassr (Saudi Arabia).

Planning Boys Climb to 12th Spot in ANFA U-16 Youth League Standings

Planning Boys United have moved up to the 12th position in the ANFA U-16 Youth League points table. In the match held on Wednesday at the ANFA Complex, Satdobato, Planning Boys played out a goalless draw against Shree Bhagawati Club. Following the draw, Shree Bhagawati, who are currently in 11th place, have collected 11 points from 12 matches. Planning Boys, after climbing to 12th spot, now have 7 points from the same number of games.

President Paudel Urges Government to Prioritize Securing Athletes’ Futures in Sports Sector

President Ramchandra Paudel has emphasized the need for the government to pay special attention to securing the future of athletes within the sports sector. Speaking at a reception held at the President’s official residence, Sheetal Niwas, in honor of Rabindra Dhant, the Matrix Fighter Night title winner in India, President Paudel stated that the government should focus on developing the sports sector to promote the country globally and ensure due respect for athletes.

Israel Hits UN Clinic, Kills 23 Palestinians Across Gaza Since Dawn

Israeli forces have killed at least 23 Palestinians across Gaza since dawn, with one of the attacks targeting a United Nations clinic sheltering displaced people in Gaza City, according to our team on the ground. UN Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenca told the UN Security Council that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s reported push to occupy Gaza fully is “deeply alarming”. European Commission Vice President Teresa Ribera also described the plan as an “unacceptable provocation”. United States President Donald Trump said it is “pretty much up to Israel” to decide if it proceeds.

Scores Still Missing in India After Deadly Himalayan Flash Flood

The Indian army scoured a Himalayan village on Wednesday in an effort to find scores of missing people a day after flash floods killed at least four people and left many other trapped beneath debris. Around 100 are unaccounted for – including 11 soldiers – after a wall of muddy water and debris tore down a narrow mountain valley, smashing into the town of Dharali in Uttarakhand state. The Indian army brought in sniffer dogs, drones and heavy earth-moving equipment Wednesday to search for scores missing a day after a deadly Himalayan flash flood.

Japan’s Hiroshima Marks 80 Years Since US Atomic Bombing

Thousands of people have gathered in Hiroshima to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the world’s first wartime use of a nuclear bomb – as survivors, officials and representatives from 120 countries and territories marked the milestone with renewed calls for disarmament. The western Japanese city was flattened on August 6, 1945, when the United States dropped a uranium bomb, codenamed Little Boy. Roughly 78,000 people were killed instantly. Tens of thousands more would die by the end of the year due to burns and radiation exposure.

US Envoy Meets Putin as Ukraine Ceasefire Deadline Nears

A crucial meeting between US envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin is underway at the Kremlin, Russian media reported on Wednesday. Witkoff’s visit comes as Donald Trump’s deadline for Russia to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine approaches. President Trump has warned Moscow of severe economic sanctions, including secondary sanctions targeting countries that continue trading with Russia, if it does not take steps to halt the “horrible war” in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed support for stricter sanctions, stating Russia will only consider peace when its financial resources are depleted.