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.

Supreme Court Issues Interim Order Halting Bulldozing of Landless Settlers

The Supreme Court issued an interim order on Friday, prohibiting the use of bulldozers to demolish squatter settlements across Nepal. A joint bench comprising Justices Kumar Regmi and Nityananda Pandey delivered the order following a petition filed by law student Majid Ansari. The petition sought immediate judicial intervention to stop the nationwide trend of forcibly evicting landless residents through demolition. This ruling provides temporary legal protection to squatter communities, mandating that authorities cease the use of heavy machinery for evictions until a final verdict is reached. The decision comes amid increasing reports of local governments deploying bulldozers to clear informal settlements in various urban centers.

Six Petitions Filed Against Nomination of Manoj Kumar Sharma as Chief Justice

Six separate writ petitions were submitted to the Supreme Court on Friday challenging the Constitutional Council’s decision to recommend Justice Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma for the post of Chief Justice. The petitions, filed by senior advocates including Dinesh Tripathi, argue that recommending the fourth-ranked judge undermines the principle of separation of powers and judicial independence. The petitioners have demanded the appointment of the most senior judge, Acting Chief Justice Sapna Pradhan Malla. Although the petitions have been submitted, the court administration is currently reviewing them before formal registration. The recommendation has faced internal friction, causing a delay in the daily cause list as judges met for discussions earlier this morning.

Nepal Reiterates Diplomatic Solution for Lipulekh Border Issue

The Government of Nepal has said that the dispute over Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani will be resolved through diplomatic means. At a press briefing on Friday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lok Bahadur Paudel Chhetri said Nepal’s position is clear and already communicated to India and China. He said Nepal firmly considers Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani east of the Mahakali River as its territory based on the 1816 Sugauli Treaty. Nepal has already conveyed its stance to both neighbors and remains committed to resolving the issue through dialogue and diplomatic engagement, he added.

India Postpones Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s Nepal Visit

Vikram Misri’s planned two-day visit to Nepal scheduled for May 11 has been postponed, according to government sources. New Delhi cited prior commitments without providing further details. The visit was expected to strengthen engagement with Nepal’s new political leadership and advance bilateral ties. The postponement comes amid renewed diplomatic exchanges over the Lipulekh-Kalapani-Limpiyadhura border dispute. Nepal recently reaffirmed that the disputed territories fall within its borders under the 1816 Sugauli Treaty, while India rejected Nepal’s claims but reiterated that outstanding boundary issues should be resolved through dialogue.

Cabinet Removes 15 Honorary Consuls, Sets Parliament Address Date

The Cabinet led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah has decided to remove 15 honorary consuls and honorary consul generals serving abroad. Government spokesperson and Education Minister Sasmit Pokharel said the decision was based on a proposal from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Cabinet also decided to request President Ram Chandra Paudel to address a joint session of the Federal Parliament on May 11. Pokharel additionally defended the government’s recommendation for the next chief justice, describing it as a merit-based decision aimed at judicial reform.

Government Declares Student Unions Abolished

Education Minister Sasmit Pokharel has said student unions have been abolished in line with the government’s election manifesto. Speaking in Kathmandu, Pokharel argued that the issue had already been endorsed by voters during elections, making further debate unnecessary. He also raised concerns over schools charging excessive admission and annual fees beyond prescribed standards. The minister said local governments hold primary responsibility for regulating schools, though the federal government remains ready to support enforcement efforts if needed.

Nepal, Australia Discuss Higher Education Partnership

Education Minister Sasmit Pokharel held talks with Australian Ambassador Simon Ernst in Kathmandu on Friday, focusing on Nepal-Australia relations and education cooperation. Discussions centered on partnerships in transnational higher education management and academic collaboration. Pokharel said Nepal was positive about introducing quality Australian higher education programs and stressed the need for policy reforms to provide world-class education within the country. Australia also expressed willingness to cooperate on school education reforms and higher education initiatives.

Harka Sampang Opposes Chief Justice Recommendation Process

Harka Raj Rai has objected to the Constitutional Council meeting that recommended Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma for chief justice, accusing the government of bypassing Parliament and violating legal procedures. Rai criticized Deputy Speaker Rubi Kumari Thakur for supporting the decision and alleged the process was politically motivated. He claimed the recommendation ignored judicial seniority norms and warned against weakening constitutional practices for political interests.

UML General Secretary Criticizes Constitutional Council Decision

Shankar Pokharel has criticized the Constitutional Council’s recommendation of a fourth-ranked judge for chief justice, accusing the government of undermining judicial independence. Pokharel argued that bypassing three senior judges was inappropriate and reflected attempts to bring the judiciary under political influence. He warned that increasing political interference weakens democratic checks and balances and raises concerns about authoritarian tendencies. His remarks followed a Constitutional Council meeting held after the parliamentary session was suspended through an ordinance.

Sudan Kirati Joins Shram Sanskriti Party

Former CPN (Maoist Center) leader Sudan Kirati has formally joined the Shram Sanskriti Party. He joined the party during a program held on Friday at Hardik Hotel in Baghbazaar, Kathmandu. He was welcomed into the party by its chairperson Harka Sampang during the event. Kirati had earlier left the Pragatisheel Loktantrik Party.

Gagan Thapa Warns Against ‘Bulldozer Politics’ on Landless Issue

Gagan Kumar Thapa has warned provincial and local governments against forceful evictions of informal settlements, saying “bulldozer politics” cannot replace lawful solutions. Speaking at the Nepali Congress “Green Table” policy dialogue in Sanepa, Thapa stressed that the decades-old landless settlers’ issue should be addressed through proper identification, rehabilitation, and long-term planning. He urged authorities to avoid arbitrary demolitions and work within legal frameworks. The party has also formed a dedicated team to monitor the issue and prepare policy recommendations for local governments.

CPN(UML) Appoints Roshani Meche as Chief Whip in National Assembly

The CPN (UML) has appointed lawmaker Roshani Meche as its chief whip in the National Assembly. The appointment was made by UML Parliamentary Party leader Ram Bahadur Thapa on behalf of the party’s National Assembly parliamentary team. Meche was elected to the National Assembly from Koshi Province in January 2026.

Drier, Hotter 2026 Monsoon Forecast Across Nepal

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has forecast below-average rainfall and above-normal temperatures across most of Nepal during the June-September 2026 monsoon season. Many areas of Karnali, Lumbini, Madhesh, Koshi, and Sudurpaschim provinces face a 45 to 65 percent chance of lower-than-normal rainfall, while temperatures are expected to remain higher than average nationwide. The outlook is based on regional and global climate models, with officials noting that evolving El Niño and Indian Ocean conditions could still affect monsoon patterns.

211 Nepalis in Cambodia Contact Embassy, 27 in Prison

The Nepali Embassy in Bangkok says it has established contact with 211 Nepali nationals currently in Cambodia after launching an online information form. According to the embassy, many expressed interest in returning to Nepal, while 27 Nepalis are currently imprisoned in Cambodia awaiting legal proceedings. Officials warned that language barriers may complicate court cases and highlighted the need for legal assistance. The embassy also revealed that some Nepalis reportedly paid between Rs 200,000 and Rs 800,000 to intermediaries before traveling to Cambodia. Twenty-five individuals are currently preparing to return home.

High Court Surkhet Reaffirms Detention of Four Minors in Rape-Murder Case

The High Court, Surkhet, has upheld the district court’s order to keep four minors in a juvenile correction home for the rape and murder of 16-year-old Inisa BK. A joint bench of Justices Hari Prasad Joshi and Khemraj Bhatt ruled yesterday that the prior decision was legally sound. Inisha BK was found dead on March 7 in the Janjagaran Community Forest in Birendranagar. While a police report suggested the involvement of only one individual, the Government Attorney’s Office filed charges of gang rape leading to excessive bleeding and death based on the postmortem report. The four accused, all classmates of the victim, will remain at the Khajura Juvenile Correction Home in Banke until the final verdict is delivered.

Kathmandu-Dhanusha Squatter Protests Erupt Over Evictions, Bulldozer Campaign

Landless settlers staged protests in both Kathmandu and Dhanusha on Friday against government-led eviction drives targeting informal settlements without rehabilitation plans. In Kathmandu, protesters gathered at Maitighar Mandala carrying metal plates and spoons, accusing authorities of displacing vulnerable families through bulldozer operations without alternative housing arrangements. In Dhanusha, more than 150 landless residents blocked the Mahendranagar section of the Dhalkebar road near Aurahi Bridge by burning tires after Chhireshwarnath Municipality issued notices ordering settlers to vacate occupied land. Police later reopened traffic, while protest representatives headed to the municipal office for talks on relocation and land rights.

Khotang to Host Honey-Hunting Festival on May 22

Kepilasgadhi Rural Municipality will host a honey hunting festival on May 22 to promote tourism and conserve endangered giant cliff honeybees. Organized with support from the Koshi Province Ministry of Forest and Environment, the event will take place in Fedi along the Mundum Trail. Local officials say the festival aims to preserve the traditional Kirant practice of cliff-honey hunting while boosting ecotourism. The event will feature indigenous food, cultural activities, and biodiversity-related participation. Locals harvest honey twice a year, with honey from a single cliff reportedly worth up to Rs 700,000 per season.

Snow Leopard Census Begins in Dhorpatan With 56 Camera Traps

For the first time, a snow leopard census has commenced in the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, the only hunting reserve in Nepal. Three technical teams spent 15 days installing 56 sensor-based cameras across high-altitude regions ranging from 3,200 to 5,500 meters. The cameras were placed in six hunting blocks: Seng, Sundaha, Dogadi, Ghustung, Barse, and Phagune. These devices started recording on April 24 and will collect photos for 45 days to identify individual leopards based on their unique spot patterns. Technicians will return every 15 days to replace batteries and memory cards. The study also involves collecting scat samples for laboratory testing and surveying pugmarks to determine the exact population within the 1,325 square kilometer reserve.

Singer Ram Krishna Dhakal Files Cyber Complaint Over Online Abuse

Nepali singer Ram Krishna Dhakal has filed a complaint at the Central Cyber Bureau in Bhotahiti, alleging online abuse through electronic platforms. According to police, the complaint was lodged over insulting and abusive remarks directed at him on social media. Central Cyber Bureau spokesperson and SP Dilip Kumar Giri confirmed that the bureau had received the complaint. Police said no individual has been specifically named in the complaint. However, links to the social media accounts and posts allegedly involved in the abuse have been submitted as evidence.

President Paudel Honors 21 Artists with Natikaji Music Awards

President Ram Chandra Paudel presented the Natikaji National Music Awards to 21 artists during a ceremony at Shital Niwas on Friday. The Natikaji National Distinguished Music Honor was conferred upon lyricists Narayan Kumar Acharya, Sabu Gadal Karki, and Birendra Pathak. Other recipients of the distinguished honor included Shashi Gurung, Ganesh Parajuli, Jujukaji Ranjit, Aashta Lama, Dr. Bhimarjun Acharya, and Nirwan Singh Gurung. Additionally, the Natikaji National Music Award was given to six artists, including Manoj Khadka and Tara Prakash Limbu, while Bipana Tamang, Sahima Shrestha, and Suresh Lama received the New Talent Award. Pramod Upadhyay won the National Classical Music Award, and journalists Ananta Wagle and Gita Adhikari were recognized with the National Arts Journalism Award.

Actress Shilpa Maskey Marries Flower KC in Mustang Ceremony

Actress Shilpa Maskey has married her partner, Flower KC, in an intimate ceremony held in the scenic landscapes of Mustang. The actress shared the news on social media on Friday, expressing that she had always envisioned a wedding surrounded by nature. Maskey described the event as one of the most beautiful memories of their lives, fulfilling her dream of a nature-based celebration. The couple traveled to the high-altitude region for the nuptials, opting for a quiet ceremony away from the traditional urban buzz.

U.S. Embassy Nepal Concludes Smartphone Filmmaking Workshop

The U.S. Embassy Nepal concluded its American Film Showcase workshop on “Smartphone Cinematography & Digital Distribution” with a final showcase featuring short documentary films produced by participants. Under the mentorship of award-winning filmmaker Izzy Chan, participants developed skills in smartphone video production, interviewing, and editing while creating commercially focused documentaries centered on American and local brands. At the closing event, Chargé d’Affaires Scott Urbom said the program promoted creative engagement, storytelling, and innovation while helping participants gain practical experience for Nepal’s growing digital media and creative industries.

Nepal ‘A’ Cricket Team Defeats USA by Three Wickets

Nepal’s ‘A’ national cricket team secured its second consecutive victory in the tri-nation one-day series by defeating the USA by 3 wickets at the Upper Mulpani Ground on Friday (today). Chasing a target of 263 runs, Nepal reached 263/7 with five balls to spare. Mayan Yadav led the chase with 72 runs off 80 balls, supported by Kushal Malla’s 33 and Pawan Sarraf’s unbeaten 24. Earlier, the USA scored 262/8 in their 50 overs, anchored by Smit Patel’s 116 runs. Nepal utilized 10 different bowlers during the practice match, with Pawan Sarraf taking 2 wickets. This win follows Nepal A’s victory over Scotland on Thursday (yesterday).

International Paragliding Premier League Commences in Dharan

The International Paragliding Premier League was officially inaugurated in Dharan on Friday by Koshi Province Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki. Organized by the Nepal Paragliding and Hang Gliding Association, the competition will run until May 11, featuring athletes from India, China, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and several European countries. The event includes five categories: International Open, Men’s, Women’s, National Men’s, and National Women’s. The winner of the Open category will receive Rs 150,000, while the runner-up and third-place finishers will get Rs 100,000 and Rs 75,000, respectively. National-level winners in both gender categories will be awarded Rs 30,000 each.

Former SriLankan Airlines CEO Found Dead Under Suspicious Circumstances

Former Kapila Chandrasena was found dead at his residence in Colombo’s Kollupitiya area on Friday under suspicious circumstances. Police said his body was discovered hanging inside the house, and an investigation is underway. The incident came a day after a Colombo court issued an arrest warrant against him over alleged bail violations in an ongoing corruption case tied to SriLankan Airlines’ multibillion-dollar aircraft procurement deal signed in 2013. Anti-corruption authorities had accused Chandrasena of submitting unsuitable sureties while seeking revocation of his bail.

Three killed, 10 missing after Indonesian volcano eruption

An eruption of Mount Dukono on Indonesia’s Halmahera Island killed three hikers and left 10 others missing on Friday (May 8) after the volcano sent ash and smoke nearly 10 kilometers into the air. Rescue teams, backed by police, were deployed to search for stranded trekkers in the remote volcanic region of North Maluku province. Authorities said the hikers had entered the restricted area despite warnings and an ongoing closure imposed since April due to rising volcanic activity. Mount Dukono, one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, has remained in near-continuous eruption since 1933. Officials warned that thick ash and sulfur emissions could threaten public health and disrupt transportation, though no flight cancellations had been reported by Friday evening.

Thailand AI-Linked Firm Suspected in Billion-Dollar Nvidia Chip Diversion to China

A Thailand-based company connected to the country’s national artificial intelligence initiative is under investigation for allegedly helping divert billions of dollars’ worth of advanced Nvidia chip servers to China in possible violation of United States export controls. Investigators suspect Bangkok-based OBON Corp. acted as an intermediary in shipments of Super Micro Computer servers containing restricted artificial intelligence semiconductors, with Chinese firms including Alibaba Group reportedly among end users. The allegations emerged from a United States criminal case involving associates of Super Micro Computer’s co-founder accused of using Southeast Asian brokers to bypass chip export restrictions. Authorities say the operation involved major server purchases in 2024 and 2025, raising concerns over oversight of artificial intelligence hardware exports and increasing pressure for tighter semiconductor controls in Southeast Asia.

Italy-US Tensions Surface as Meloni Meets Marco Rubio

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday amid growing tensions between Rome and Washington over the Iran war and recent attacks by President Donald Trump against Pope Leo. Talks focused on the Gulf conflict, Ukraine war, trade tariffs, and broader transatlantic relations. Italy has resisted supporting the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran and recently denied use of a Sicilian air base for related combat operations. Meloni, once considered one of Trump’s closest European allies, has faced increasing domestic pressure over ties with Washington as public opposition to the Iran war grows in Italy.