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.

President Paudel Urges Jordanian King to Secure Release of Bipin Joshi

President Ramchandra Paudel has requested King Abdullah II of Jordan to take necessary steps for the release of Nepali hostage Bipin Joshi from Mahendranagar, who was captured by Hamas. In a letter sent on Tuesday, President Paudel urged the king to identify Joshi’s condition and ensure his safe release and return to Nepal. The letter emphasized that all humanitarian and diplomatic efforts by Jordanian counterparts for this purpose would be highly appreciated by Nepal and the Nepali people.

Old Statement of PM Oli on Former President Bhandari’s Political Role Goes Viral

A nearly two-year-old remark by CPN-UML Chairperson and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on former President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s possible political engagement has gone viral on social media. In an interview with journalist Rishi Dhamala broadcast on Prime TV and uploaded to the channel’s YouTube on September 23, 2023, Oli had dismissed the notion that former presidents should stay out of politics. In the interview, Oli stated that whether a former president joins politics or not is entirely their personal choice.

Embossed Number Plates Not Mandatory Immediately, Says Department of Transport

The Department of Transport has clarified that vehicles without embossed number plates will not face any fines or penalties starting from September 17. In a press release on Tuesday, the department urged vehicle owners to voluntarily install embossed number plates at a time convenient to them. Amid opposition to the new plates, the department requested the public’s cooperation in the government’s digitalization initiative.

Supreme Court Upholds Tradition of Naga Sadhus at Pashupatinath

The Supreme Court has ruled that the practice of Naga sadhus (ascetics) sitting unclothed during the Maha Shivaratri festival at Pashupatinath Temple cannot be considered obscene. A bench comprising Justices Dr. Kumar Chudal and Dr. Nahakul Subedi noted that this practice is part of age-old religious faith and tradition, dismissing the writ petition seeking to stop it. The petition, filed by lawyer Yagyamani Neupane, argued that the unclothed presence of Naga sadhus in public spaces, and activities like applying ash to women and children, constituted obscenity and caused sexual and psychological harm.

Nepal Bar Association Forms Committee to Study Controversial Judicial Verdict

The Nepal Bar Association has formed a committee to study a controversial judicial decision. Led by senior advocate and former Judicial Council member Upendra Keshari Neupane, the committee was established according to the Nepal Bar Association’s bylaws, following a central executive committee meeting. According to General Secretary Kedar Prasad Koirala, the committee will submit a report, including its findings and recommendations, to the annual general meeting and central executive committee meeting. The report will also be published for public information.

Bidya Bhandari Meets RSP Leader Jha, Focuses on Political Comeback

On Tuesday, Bidya Bhandari met with RSP MP and spokesperson Manish Jha at her residence in Bhangal, discussing various topics with a primary focus on her political comeback. Jha stated that Bhandari emphasized she will not return to the past but is determined to continue contributing to her party, the UML, where she has invested 45 years of work. “I oppose being politically restricted. I have moved forward; it’s only a matter of which path I take. I will continue to work for UML; I am not going back,” Bhandari said.

UML Central Committee Meeting Postponed

The central committee meeting of CPN-UML has been postponed. The meeting, originally scheduled for August 29 to discuss proposals for the upcoming statute convention, has been delayed until further notice. The meeting was postponed because suggestions received on the draft statute amendments still need to be reconciled. The UML’s second statute convention is scheduled for September 5–7. The August 29 meeting was planned to finalize documents for printing ahead of the convention.

More Patients Recovering from Cholera in Birgunj

In Birgunj, which has been hit hard by cholera and diarrhea, the number of patients discharged after recovery is rising. According to data made public by the Parsa District Public Health Office at 11 AM on Tuesday, 171 patients have recovered and been discharged from hospitals. Since Friday, a total of 391 patients suffering from diarrhea and cholera had been admitted to more than a dozen hospitals in Birgunj. Currently, 220 patients are still undergoing treatment in different hospitals.

Ishwari Neupane Unanimously Elected Chair of State Affairs Committee

Ishwari Devi Neupane has been unanimously selected as the chair of the House of Representatives’ State Affairs and Good Governance Committee. The position became vacant after former chair Ramhari Khatiwada resigned. The nomination period was set from 1 PM to 4 PM today. Only Neupane filed her candidacy, making her election unanimous. The committee meeting tomorrow at 3 PM will officially announce her as chair. Neupane previously chaired the Parliamentary Hearing Committee.

RSP Criticizes Government’s Weakness on Lipulekh Issue

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has accused the government of showing reluctance on matters of national importance. In a press statement, party’s head of international relations Shishir Khanal said the government’s behavior has raised suspicion within RSP. The statement also urged the Prime Minister to firmly raise the issues of Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani during his upcoming visits to India and China.

NEPSE Gains 4.83 Points Despite Lower Turnover

After a 21-point gain yesterday, the NEPSE Index rose 4.83 points on Tuesday to 2,766. Early trading saw a peak of 2,775 points. Turnover fell to Rs 4.18 billion from Rs 5.75 billion, with 101 companies gaining, 149 losing, and one unchanged. Most sector indices rose modestly, led by the ‘Others’ group (+1.42%). Banking (+0.14%), Development Banks (+0.96%), Hotels & Tourism (+0.17%), and Hydropower (+0.07%) also grew, while Manufacturing (-0.68%) and Microfinance (-0.48%) fell.

NRB Invites Bids for Printing 430 Million Rs 1,000 Notes

Nepal Rastra Bank has called for tenders to print 430 million banknotes of Rs 1,000 denomination. Only six companies that qualified in the pre-qualification process published in February 2081 will be eligible to participate in the competition, the notice stated. The tender covers design, printing, supply, and distribution of the notes.

Credit to Private Sector Increased by 8.4% Last Fiscal Year

In FY 2024/25, loans disbursed to the private sector by banks and financial institutions increased by only 8.4%, which is 67.2% of the 12.5% target set by the monetary policy. Compared to the previous year, lending increased by only 2.6 percentage points. In FY 2080/81, private sector lending had increased by 5.8%.

Lock-in Period of Six Companies’ Shares Ending Soon

Within the next month, the lock-in period for shares of six companies will expire. The shares are currently held by mutual funds, local investors, and promoters. NEPSE has informed through a public notice that after the lock-in period ends, these shares will be traded in the market at the same value as regular shares. This will increase the number of shares in circulation, posing a risk of price decline.

NRB Warns Against Old Indian Notes

Nepal Rastra Bank has warned against using Indian banknotes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denominations that were in circulation before India’s demonetization. Issuing a notice on Tuesday, the central bank clarified that holding, transacting, or transporting such notes is prohibited. On November 9, 2016, India had banned old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. Similarly, it has been clarified that Nepalis are not allowed to carry Indian notes while traveling to or from countries other than India.

Devotional Song ‘Jai Jai Shankar’ Released by Sugam Pokharel

A devotional song titled “Jai Jai Shankar”, sung by Sugam Pokharel, has been released. Produced by Futures Soft Digi Sense Nepal Pvt. Ltd., the song features music by the late Natikaji, with new arrangements and recompositions by Mohit Munal. Additional lyrics were contributed by Vijay Adhikari. The music video was filmed at Lapcha in the Limy Valley of Humla district, situated at an altitude of 5,100 meters. The production team claims this is the first music video ever shot in such a remote location.

Film ‘Pokhareli Masino’ to Be Produced

A new film titled “Pokhareli Masino” is set to be produced under the direction of skilled cinematographer Shailendra Dhwaj Karki. The film’s inauguration took place at Banglamukhi Temple in Lalitpur during the Teej festival. Based on a social story about the struggles of a father-daughter relationship, the film will be co-directed by Karki and his actress wife Shanti Giri, who will also contribute to the scriptwriting. The title “Pokhareli Masino” is inspired by a popular variety of rice. The screenplay will be jointly written by Shailendra and Shanti Giri.

Nepathya Wins Hearts in Denmark after Wembley Performance

Nepathya, which performed in front of 10,000 spectators at London’s Wembley Arena just two weeks ago, has also received an equally warm reception in Denmark. Tickets for the concert at the famous PULEN Hall were sold out well in advance. The audience included the Nepali ambassador and ambassadors from other countries residing in Denmark. Fans from Copenhagen as well as nearby European countries such as Finland, Germany, Norway, Sweden, and Belgium gathered enthusiastically to enjoy Nepathya’s folk-rock performance.

Indian Singer Palak Muchhal to Perform Live in Kathmandu

Indian singer Palak Muchhal will give her first live performance in Kathmandu on September 20 at Bhrikuti Mandap, according to event manager Manish Karki. “Building on learnings from previous events, we aim to make this one grand and well-organized. Ms. Muchhal was eager to perform in Nepal, which is why we are hosting her here,” Karki said. Singer Palak Muchhal, in a video message, expressed her excitement about performing in Nepal.

Machhindra FC Rises to Third with 10-0 Victory in ANFA U-19 Youth League

Govind BK and Suman Bam Thakuri scored hat-tricks as Machhindra Football Club climbed to third place in the ANFA U-19 Youth League. In a match held on Tuesday at the ANFA Complex in Satdobato, Machhindra defeated Planning Boys United 10-0. With this victory, Machhindra has accumulated 30 points from 15 matches. The defeated Planning Boys United, meanwhile, remain in 12th place with 10 points from the same number of games. Apart from Govind and Suman, Bikash Thapa scored two goals, while Karan Dhami and Sais Dangol contributed one goal each to secure the emphatic win for Machhindra.

Nepal Defeats Australia’s ACT by 41 Runs

Nepal registered a 41-run victory over Australian Capital Territory (ACT) on Tuesday morning. Winning the toss, ACT chose to field first, giving Nepal the chance to bat. Batting first, Nepal posted 177 runs for the loss of eight wickets. Opener Aasif Sheikh shone with a quick half-century, scoring 69 runs off 39 balls. Skipper Rohit Paudel contributed 26 runs from 28 balls, while Arif Sheikh added 24 runs from 18 balls. Other batsmen, however, could not make significant scores. Chasing a target of 178, ACT was bowled out for 136 runs in 17.2 overs.

Six Nepali Drivers to Compete in Asia-Pacific Motorsports Championship in Sri Lanka

Six Nepali athletes are set to participate in the Asia-Pacific Motorsports Championship, which will be held in Sri Lanka. The Asia-Pacific Motorsports Championship is the region’s largest motorsports event, conducted in an Olympic-style format. The inaugural edition began in 2023 at Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit. The second edition will take place from September 26–28, 2025, at the Sri Lanka Karting Circuit in Colombo. The competition aims to provide young talent and emerging motorsports nations with international exposure and opportunities.

Nepal ‘A’ to Play T20 Series Against Assam from Thursday

The T20 series between Nepal ‘A’ and Assam Cricket Association is set to begin on Thursday, the Nepal Cricket Association (CAN) announced on Monday. According to CAN, the Nepal team will depart for the series on Tuesday. The second match of the series, to be held in Guwahati, is scheduled for August 29. Nepal will continue playing consecutive matches, concluding the series on September 1. The matches will be played as day/night games, with Nepal led by captain Anil Kumar Sah.

Aid to Famine-Struck Gaza Still ‘Drop in The Ocean’: WFP

The United Nations declared a famine in Gaza on Friday, blaming the “systematic obstruction” of aid by Israel during its nearly two-year war with the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Carl Skau, WFP’s chief operating officer, said that over the past two weeks, there has been a “slight uptick” in aid entering, averaging around 100 trucks per day. “That’s still a drop in the ocean when we’re talking about assisting some 2.1 million people,” Skau told AFP during a visit to New Delhi.

Australia Accuses Iran of Directing Anti-Semitic Attacks, Expels Envoy

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has accused Iran of directing at least two anti-Jewish attacks in his country and announced plans to expel Iran’s ambassador in Canberra. Speaking to reporters in the Australian capital on Tuesday, Albanese described the attacks, which took place in Sydney and Melbourne last year, as “extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression orchestrated by a foreign nation” to undermine social cohesion in Australia. “It is totally unacceptable, and the Australian government is taking strong and decisive action,” he said.

Botswana Declares Public Health Emergency Over Medicine Shortage

Botswana has declared a public health emergency, with President Duma Boko saying the national medical supply chain collapsed due to depleted government coffers and steep cuts in aid from the United States. The announcement came on Monday after the Ministry of Health and Wellness warned earlier this month that the system was “severely strained” with $75m owed to private health facilities and suppliers. It cited shortages of medicines for a range of illnesses, including hypertension, cancer, diabetes, tuberculosis, asthma, mental and sexual health, and stated that elective surgeries were postponed.

Hostage Families Hold Protests as Israel Says Gaza Hospital Strike Deaths ‘Tragic Mishap’

Protests are taking place across Israel as the main group advocating for hostages in Gaza holds a day of demonstrations demanding those held captive are brought home. Images show major roads blocked by protesters from the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, ahead of rallies taking place in Israeli cities later. About 1,200 people were killed and 251 others taken to Gaza as hostages in Hamas’s 7 October 2023 attack – 20 hostages held by Hamas are still believed to be alive