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 Raises Objection with Xi Over Lipulekh Agreement
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has conveyed Nepal’s objection to Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding the China-India agreement allowing trade through Lipulekh, a territory claimed by Nepal. During a meeting in Tianjin on Saturday, Foreign Ministry Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai said Oli stressed that, under the 1816 Sugauli Treaty, all land east of the Mahakali River belongs to Nepal. Oli expressed confidence that China would respect Nepal’s position. Both leaders also reviewed bilateral relations, agreeing to expand cooperation in multiple sectors and activate existing mechanisms to further strengthen Nepal-China ties.

PM Oli, Xi Jinping Vow to Strengthen Nepal–China Ties
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli met Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday to discuss bilateral cooperation and regional issues. Oli thanked China for its support in Nepal’s development, reaffirming ties based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. He sought Beijing’s backing for Nepal’s membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and urged timely implementation of agreed projects, including fertilizer supply, petroleum exploration, and climate resilience. Oli also objected to the India–China trade agreement via Lipulekh, calling it Nepali territory. Xi pledged support for Nepal’s prosperity, BRI projects, and cooperation at multilateral forums.

National Assembly Panel Backs Two-Year Cooling-Off Period
Lawmakers at the Legislative Management Committee of the National Assembly on Saturday agreed to include a two-year cooling-off period in the Federal Civil Service Bill. The provision, initially endorsed by the House State Affairs Committee but later altered without lawmakers’ knowledge, bars retired civil servants from immediately taking government or constitutional posts. Committee Chair Tulsa Kumari Dahal said the final language will be refined by the Law Ministry in consultation with the Parliament Secretariat. Minister Bhagwati Neupane confirmed government support, stressing it should apply to senior officials as well. The bill must reach the House of Representatives by September 2.

Rainfall Disrupts Nine Major Highways Across Nepal
Continuous monsoon rainfall has triggered landslides and floods, disrupting at least nine major highways nationwide, Nepal Police reported. The Koshi Highway in Sankhuwasabha, Pasang Lhamu Highway and China-Nepal bridge in Rasuwa, and Arniko Highway in Sindhupalchowk remain completely blocked. Other closures include the Kaligandaki Corridor in Baglung, Beni-Darbang road in Myagdi, Jajarkot road in Rukum Paschim, Bheri Corridor in Dolpa, and Gokuleshwor-Darchula road in Darchula. Authorities said several roads have resumed one-way traffic, including sections of the Mid-Hill Highway, Prithivi Highway, Rapti Highway, and Kaligandaki Corridor in Nawalparasi East.

Luna Luitel Crowned Miss Nepal World 2025
Twenty-six-year-old Luna Luitel has won the Miss Nepal World 2025 title at the 31st edition of the pageant, held Saturday in Godavari, Lalitpur. Crowned by outgoing Miss Nepal World Ashma Kumari KC, Luitel triumphed over 25 contestants. A certified scuba diver, she moved to Australia at 17, studied nursing, and is now completing a master’s in Public Health at the University of Sydney. Dipshikha Nepal was first runner-up and Miss Nepal Cosmo, Urusha Bhandari secured Miss Nepal International, and Sony Ghale won Miss Nepal Earth 2025. The event also featured multiple sub-titles and a high-profile judging panel.

UML Rules Out Renewal of Former President Bhandari’s Party Membership
CPN-UML Deputy General Secretary Pradeep Gyawali on Saturday clarified that former President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s party membership will not be renewed. Speaking at an interaction on the party’s upcoming constitution convention, Gyawali said the party has institutionalized procedures that bar former heads of state from retaining political affiliations. He cited Article 62(6) of the Constitution, which automatically deactivates such memberships once one assumes the presidency or vice presidency. Stressing the need for strong leadership, Gyawali endorsed KP Sharma Oli as the figure to steer the party. The three-day convention begins October 6 with 2,350 participants.

Director Dinesh Raut Announces New Film ‘Kumari’
Renowned filmmaker Dinesh Raut has announced his latest movie, ‘Kumari’, unveiling its first poster at a grand event in Tundikhel, Kathmandu. The event introduced Abhishek Khadka and Aakriti Rajbhandari as the lead actors for the upcoming film. Adding to the celebration, singer Kehar Singh Limbu and his band ‘Kehar and the Lunga’ performed live, creating a lively atmosphere. Limbu also announced his playback singing debut with the film and presented the movie’s first song, ‘Kahan Chhau’. The film is expected to showcase fresh talent and mark a significant addition to Nepal’s cinematic landscape.

Film ‘Aa Bata Ama’ Holds Muhurat Ceremony, Shooting Begins in Chitwan
Arya Entertainment’s upcoming film ‘Aa Bata Ama’ officially commenced with a shubh muhurat at the renowned Galeshwor Temple in Tanahun. Around 200 participants performed Vedic rituals and havan to mark the film’s auspicious beginning. Filming has begun in Chitwan, with a schedule spanning about a month, including shoots in Kathmandu and Hyderabad, India, director Chandra Pant said. Actor Pal Shah stars in the lead role, alongside South Indian artist Pradeep Rawat, Bipana Thapa, Simran Pant, and Usha Upreti. The film explores the profound emotional bond between a mother and her child.

Nepali Film Shivansh: Chapter–1 Set to Release on Kartik 27
The release date for the Nepali film “Shivansh: Chapter–1” has been announced. The production team unveiled a striking poster showing Lord Shiva with his matted hair climbing a mountain, with a trident symbol on the forehead of his bull, his traditional vehicle. Filmed around Pokhara, the movie is in its final post-production phase under Anjan Cinema Production House. Directed by debutant Santosh Kumar Atreya and produced by Anjan KC, it stars Praveen Khatiwada, Tej Giri, and Rusha Nyaupane, supported by a talented ensemble cast. Cinematography is by Sarad Mahto, with music by Rajanraj Shivakoti and Nhyu Bajracharya.

Rohit Paudel’s Century Guides Nepal to 2-Wicket Win Over South Australia
Captain Rohit Paudel scored an unbeaten 101 to lead Nepal to a thrilling 2-wicket victory over South Australia in a one-day practice match. Chasing 243, Nepal reached the target in 44.1 overs, losing 8 wickets along the way. Rohit shared a crucial 85-run unbroken ninth-wicket partnership with Sandeep K.C., who remained 49 not out. Earlier, South Australia posted 242 all out in 45 overs, with Harry Manenti top-scoring at 63. Nepal’s bowlers were led by Nandan Yadav and Sompal Kami, who took 3 wickets each. The win showcased Nepal’s batting depth and resilience.

Nepal Triumphs Over South Australia with Rohit Paudel’s Unbeaten Century
Nepal defeated South Australia by two wickets in a practice match on Saturday, chasing a target of 243 runs with five balls to spare. Captain Rohit Paudel scored an unbeaten 101, sharing a 50-run partnership with Sompal Kami, who remained not out on 38. Gulshan Kumar added 36 runs. Earlier, South Australia posted 242 runs in 45 overs, led by Harry Manenti’s 63, Duvit Huganbozm 53, Ryan King 35, and Mackenzie Harvey 24. Nepal’s Nandan Yadav and Sompal Kami took three wickets each, while Sandeep Lamichhane, Shahbaz Alam, and Rupesh Singh claimed one wicket apiece.

Himalayan FC Retains Title at Second Himalayan Futsal Gold Cup 2082
Himalayan FC successfully defended their title at the Second Himalayan Futsal Gold Cup 2082, defeating Thamel Ekata Club 1-0 in a tightly contested final on Friday at Bhatbhateni Health Club, Chabahil. The winning goal was scored by Shrikrishna Shrestha, earning Himalayan FC NPR 3 lakh and the trophy, while Thamel received NPR 1 lakh. Dipesh Shrestha was named Best Goalkeeper, and Lakpa Tamang Best Player, both receiving NPR 10,000. Thokre FC won the Fair Play award. The two-day tournament featured 38 teams, showcasing young talent and fostering competitive futsal in Nepal.

EU Insists Russian Frozen Assets Won’t Return Without Ukraine Reparations
EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas warned that frozen Russian assets will not be returned unless Moscow pays reparations to Ukraine. Speaking at an informal Foreign Affairs Council meeting, Kallas emphasized the bloc must be prepared for a potential ceasefire or peace deal. The EU froze €210 billion in Russian state assets following the Ukraine invasion, with €183 billion held in Belgium. While Poland and the Baltics favor full confiscation, Belgium, Germany, and France have legal reservations. Hungary recently sued the EU over the use of these assets for Ukraine aid, citing legal breaches.

US Revokes Visas for Palestinian Officials Ahead of UN Assembly
The US State Department announced that Secretary of State Marco Rubio is revoking visas for Palestinian officials, including Abbas and roughly 80 others, ahead of the UN General Assembly. The move targets members of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the Palestinian Authority (PA), citing national security concerns and alleged noncompliance with commitments. The decision aligns the Trump administration with Israel’s right-wing government, which opposes Palestinian statehood. Several US allies, including Canada and France, plan to recognize Palestine at the upcoming UN session. France urged that access to the assembly should remain unrestricted for all delegations.