KATHMANDU: Stay updated with Nepal News’ evening briefing, bringing you the day’s most important developments from Nepal and across the globe. From politics and economy to sports, entertainment, and culture, we deliver a concise roundup of the top news you need to know.

Vice President Yadav, EU Ambassador Discuss Expanding Nepal-EU Cooperation

Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav met EU Ambassador Veronique Lorenzo in Lainchaur on Monday, discussing bilateral ties and future cooperation. Yadav welcomed Nepal-EU relations since 1974 and emphasized the EU’s support in health, education, energy, and rural development, particularly in Karnali. He highlighted shared values and the need for multilateral efforts on global challenges. The Vice President also outlined Nepal’s 100-point governance plan and identified tourism, hydropower, infrastructure, and IT as key growth sectors, expressing confidence in continued EU partnership.

PM Balen Shah Assures Permanent Housing for Displaced Citizens

Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) stated on Monday that the government will ensure no citizen becomes homeless during the removal of settlements on public land. He emphasized that the government is fully committed to providing safe, dignified, and permanent housing for every landless citizen. To facilitate this, certain sections of the Land Act, 2021, which hindered long-term solutions, have been repealed via ordinance. Prime Minister Balen clarified that the current steps are intended to ensure a sustainable solution rather than just removing residents. The government has already started collecting digital data and verifying the records of genuine landless citizens.

Bagmati CM Baniya Questions Sudden Raid on Residence, Offices

Bagmati Province Chief Minister Indra Bahadur Baniya has objected to a raid conducted at his residence and offices by the Department of Money Laundering Investigation. On Monday, the department searched his home in Hetauda-5 and offices of his construction company, Baniya Nirman Sewa, at multiple locations. Issuing a press statement, Baniya said he has always prioritized good governance, transparency, and financial discipline in government work. He also said the three tiers of government operate on coordination and cooperation. Baniya expressed objection to the sudden raid, saying it has affected his personal and social image, but added that he is ready to cooperate with any lawful investigation. He urged the public not to be misled or concerned by the incident and reiterated his support for any constitutional and legal process.

Opposition Slams Ordinance Use, Says Government Bypassing Parliament

Opposition lawmakers have criticized the government’s reliance on ordinances, calling it a bypass of Parliament despite a near two-thirds majority. Speaking at a House committee meeting in Singha Durbar on Monday, Madan Krishna Shrestha of the Nepali Congress said ordinances remain controversial and weaken democratic practice if rushed without debate. Suhang Nembang of CPN (UML) also called the move a sign of weakness, questioning why the government has not amended outdated laws through Parliament despite its strong majority.

Cabinet Resends Ordinance, Sends Diplomatic Notes on Lipulekh Issue

A Cabinet meeting on Monday decided to resend the Constitutional Council (First Amendment) Ordinance 2026 to President Ramchandra Paudel for issuance, without any changes after it was returned for reconsideration. Government spokesperson Sashmit Pokharel said the ordinance has been recommended again as is. The Cabinet also confirmed Nepal has sent diplomatic notes to India and China regarding the Lipulekh route used for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, reiterating that the territory belongs to Nepal and that its position remains unchanged.

Ordinance Dissolves Telecom Authority Board, Ousts 1,594 Political Appointees

The government has removed 1,594 politically appointed officials through an ordinance published in the Nepal Gazette on May 2, enforcing immediate changes across public bodies. Introduced under Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen), it targets officials appointed before March 26, regardless of tenure. The move also dissolves the 5-member board of the Nepal Telecommunications Authority. Ministries have begun issuing dismissal notices following a 3-day holiday. The ordinance amends multiple laws, including provisions of the 1997 Telecommunications Act related to tenure and removal.

Government to Re-recommend Constitutional Council Ordinance

The Council of Ministers has decided to re-recommend the Constitutional Council (First Amendment) Ordinance, 2083, to the President for issuance. This follows President Ram Chandra Paudel’s decision on Sunday to return the ordinance to the cabinet for reconsideration. Additionally, the cabinet approved USD 52 million in concessional loans and a USD 5 million grant from the World Bank to help industries replace traditional boilers with electronic ones and improve air quality monitoring. The government also authorized Krishi Samagri Company to purchase 60,000 tons of Urea and 20,000 tons of DAP fertilizer from India via government-to-government procurement. Finally, the meeting approved a revised master plan for the Singha Durbar premises.

Supreme Court Orders Release of Businessman Shekhar Golchha on Bail

The Supreme Court has ordered that businessman Shekhar Golchha be released on bail or guarantee, quashing the previous detention order. A joint bench of justices Mahesh Sharma Paudel and Shrikant Paudel ruled that he should only be kept in custody if he is unable to provide the required bail. Golchha had been arrested on April 24 by the Central Investigation Bureau for further investigation based on a report from the Securities Board of Nepal. The court noted that the investigative authorities had authorized detention even though bail was a viable option.

Supreme Court Invalidates Asset Return Rule for Remarrying Widows

The Constitutional Bench of the Supreme Court has struck down a provision in the Civil Code, 2017, that required widows to return property inherited from a first marriage if they chose to remarry. The bench, led by Acting Chief Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla, ruled that Section 214 (2) was discriminatory and violated constitutional rights to equality, property, and life with dignity. The court noted that since no such requirement exists for widowers, the law was clearly biased. The ruling follows a legal challenge filed in 2020 by Mira Dhungana and others from the Forum for Women, Law and Development.

Supreme Court Orders Businessman Deepak Bhatt to Appear Within 24 Hours

The Supreme Court has ordered that businessman Deepak Bhatt be presented before the court within 24 hours. A single bench led by Judge Abdul Aziz Musalmani issued the order on Monday, alongside a request for all investigative case files. The move follows a habeas corpus petition filed on May 1 by Bhatt’s wife, Ayushma Nepal, who alleges her husband is being held in illegal detention. Bhatt was originally taken into custody on April 2 on charges related to money laundering. The Kathmandu District Court had previously granted permission to keep him in custody for investigation.

Ministry Conducts First Integrated Agricultural Census Across Seven Provinces

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has launched Nepal’s first-ever integrated agricultural census involving all three levels of government using internal human resources. The government aims to make the census cost-effective by utilizing its own tools and personnel, with enumerators collecting official data directly from farmers’ doorsteps. The program has utilized mobile phones and tablets for data collection, which Senior Statistics Officer Ram Krishna Regmi noted will help in formulating national policies. The first phase focuses on gathering data on fertilizer and seed use, irrigation, technology, and livestock status. The second phase will involve analyzing the collected data to produce official agricultural statistics for the nation.

SEE Results Expected by Mid-May Following Ministry Directive

The National Examination Board is preparing to publish the Class 10 (SEE) results by mid-May. Examination Controller Tukraj Adhikari confirmed that the verification of answer sheets is currently underway at examination centers to meet this deadline. This accelerated timeline follows a directive from Education Minister Sasmit Pokhrel on April 1, aimed at reducing student stress by releasing results within a month of the exams. Approximately 509,000 students participated in the regular and grade-increment exams held between April 2 and April 12. Previously, results typically took three months to be released as papers were sent to different provinces for marking.

Protests Erupt in Pokhara Over 35-Day Eviction Notice

Protests have broken out in Pokhara after the metropolitan city issued a 35-day ultimatum to clear encroached public land. Squatter residents demonstrated outside the city office on Monday, opposing a notice issued on April 17 ordering removal of illegal structures. A struggle committee from Ward No. 9 has demanded the directive be withdrawn. Protesters also submitted a memorandum to CDO Rudradevi Sharma. Mayor Dhanraj Acharya defended the move, saying efforts are underway to address squatters’ issues and warning against “unnecessary agitation.” The unrest comes amid a nationwide drive to reclaim public land.

Nepal Dalit Association Chairman Lok Bahadur Bishwakarma Resigns

Lok Bahadur Bishwakarma, the Central Chairman of the Nepal Dalit Association Central Ad-hoc Working Committee, resigned from his post on Monday. In his resignation letter, Bishwakarma cited personal health issues and family constraints as the primary reasons for his departure. He expressed gratitude to the Nepali Congress leadership for his appointment, which began on 2023. He stated in his letter that his current physical and familial situation makes it impossible to fulfill his responsibilities.

Harka Raj Sampang Protests Removal of Thapathali Settlements

Harka Raj Sampang, Chairman of the Shram Sanskriti Party, visited the Thapathali area on Monday to oppose the government’s removal of landless squatters settlements. Sampang argued that the policy of forcing poor and landless citizens onto the streets is unacceptable and that the state must prioritize their rights to food and shelter. He stated that landless people are also citizens of the country and the country belongs to the poor as well. He demanded that the state make proper arrangements for the residents’ living situations before moving them.

RSP to Implement “Cooling Period” for Local Election Candidates

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has drafted a new framework for candidate selection that introduces a mandatory “cooling period” for the local level elections. According to the draft submitted to the secretariat, first-time political members must hold party membership for at least 45 days before applying to the “Candidate Club”. However, individuals transferring from other political parties must complete a 90-day membership period to be eligible to apply. This framework aims to standardize the criteria for those seeking to represent the party in the upcoming elections.

Narayan Dutta Poudel Receives Insignia as Armed Police Force Chief

Narayan Dutta Poudel has been formally adorned with the insignia of Inspector General of the Armed Police Force Nepal. At a ceremony held at the Ministry of Home Affairs on Monday, Home Secretary Raj Kumar Shrestha conferred the insignia on him. A Cabinet meeting held on April 27 had decided to promote Additional Inspector General Poudel to the post of Inspector General. Former Inspector General Raju Aryal had retired from service starting April 28.

CAN Slashes Ticket Prices to Rs 200 to Boost Match Attendance

The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has reduced ticket prices for the match against Oman to Rs 200. The decision comes after vice-captain Dipendra Singh Airee expressed concern over low spectator turnout during the ICC World Cup League-2 tri-series at Kirtipur. Previously, tickets were priced at Rs 400, with night matches costing as much as Rs 750. CAN confirmed the Rs 200 price point will also apply to the upcoming tri-series featuring the USA and Scotland. This move aims to bring back the high attendance levels seen during the recent Nepal Premier League.

Football Captain Sabitra Bhandari Reaches Qatar for ACL Rehabilitation

National women’s football captain Sabitra Bhandari (Samba) has arrived in Qatar for rehabilitation at the Aspetar Hospital following knee surgery. Bhandari underwent an ACL procedure in Auckland, New Zealand, in late March after sustaining an injury while playing for the club Wellington Phoenix. While expressing optimism about her recovery, she voiced frustration over the current suspension of the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) by the National Sports Council. Bhandari had previously appealed for financial help for her treatment, eventually raising over Rs 15 million from supporters after claiming a lack of support from official bodies.

Nepal Secures Four Gold Medals at Hainan International Taekwondo

Nepali athletes earned four gold medals at the Hainan Open International Taekwondo Championship in Sanya, China. Vision Tamang won two golds in the individual Poomsae (U-19) category and the 49-kg weight group. Ayush Bohra secured a gold medal in the breaking event and a bronze in individual Poomsae. Additionally, Sandeep Basnet won a gold medal in the breaking event during the competition, which took place from May 2 to 4. The team was led by coach Indra Raj Khadka.

Film ‘Kusti’ Starring Dhiraj and Miruna Magar Set for September Release

The film Kusti, starring Dhiraj Magar and Miruna Magar, is scheduled for theatrical release on September 25. Directed by Anil Yonjan, the movie is described as a romantic comedy-drama exploring the emotional journey of a couple struggling with their different personalities. The film marks the debut of Dikila Sherpa, who was recently named ‘Miss Multimedia’ at Miss India 2026. Director Yonjan stated that the release date was finalized after consultation with distributors and exhibitors, and technical work is currently being completed.

Production Begins for Sequel ‘Aa Bata Aama 2’

Filming for Aa Bata Aama 2, starring Paul Shah, officially launched on Monday with a ceremony at the Banglamukhi Temple in Patan. The original film was a major success, earning over Rs 131.5 million at the domestic box office. Director Chandra Pant confirmed that original cast members Bipana Thapa, Paul Shah, and Pradeep Rawat will return, with Aakash Shrestha and Naren Khadka joining the cast. The film is targeting a release during the upcoming Dashain festival, with the final cast selection expected to be completed within days.

BJP Wins Breakthrough Victory in India’s West Bengal State Election

India’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has achieved a major political breakthrough in the eastern state of West Bengal, India, long dominated by regional parties and led most recently by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. With over 100 million voters, West Bengal is larger than many countries, including Germany, making its election highly significant in Indian national politics. The BJP’s rise followed years of gradual vote share gains against the TMC. The outcome reflects voter fatigue, welfare competition, and political polarization. Corruption allegations against the TMC and disputes over electoral roll revisions also influenced the contest, though analysts say they were not decisive alone. The result marks a major shift in India’s political landscape, strengthening the BJP’s national dominance under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Ukrainian Drone Strike Hits Moscow High-Rise Ahead of Victory Day Parade

A drone launched by Ukraine struck an upscale residential high-rise in Moscow, Russia, early Monday, damaging the building but causing no casualties. It was the third consecutive night of drone attacks on the Russian capital ahead of Russia’s 9 May Victory Day celebrations marking World War II victory. Russian officials said 117 drones were intercepted across multiple regions, including St. Petersburg, where 60 were reportedly targeted. Moscow airports Vnukovo and Domodedovo briefly suspended operations. The strike hit a luxury district near the Kremlin, highlighting ongoing Ukrainian drone operations deep inside Russian territory since the 2022 invasion. Ukraine has increasingly used long-range drones to target Russian energy sites and infrastructure, while Kyiv also reported Russian missile strikes killing 4 people and injuring 18 near Kharkiv, Ukraine.

Hantavirus Outbreak on Atlantic Cruise Ship Leaves 3 Dead

Three people have died following a suspected hantavirus outbreak aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius in the Atlantic Ocean, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The vessel, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, was traveling from Ushuaia, Argentina to Cape Verde when cases emerged. Officials reported 1 confirmed and 5 suspected infections among about 150 passengers of multiple nationalities, including tourists and crew. A 69-year-old UK national is in intensive care in Johannesburg, South Africa. The deceased include a Dutch couple aged 70 and 69 and another Dutch passenger. Symptoms included fever, headache, and gastrointestinal distress. One death occurred on St Helena, a British territory. Authorities are coordinating evacuations and medical response as investigations continue into the outbreak.

Blackstone Targets $1.7 Billion IPO for Data Center Expansion in US

A new investment vehicle backed by Blackstone Group Inc., the world’s largest alternative asset manager based in the United States, plans to raise just over USD 1.7 billion through an initial public offering focused on the booming data center sector. The entity, Blackstone Digital Infrastructure Trust, will acquire newly built data centers and is offering 87.5 million shares at USD 20 each on the New York Stock Exchange, under the ticker “BXDC”. The IPO reflects rising investor demand driven by artificial intelligence growth, which has boosted interest in data center infrastructure. Blackstone has already invested over USD 150 billion in such assets since 2018. The trust targets deals worth up to USD 25 billion across major US hubs including Virginia, Ohio, and Texas, with major global banks acting as underwriters.