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.

PM Balen Shah Exits Parliament Hall During President’s Addressing

In an unexpected move, Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) walked out of the joint session of the Federal Parliament on Monday while President Ram Chandra Paudel was presenting the government’s policies and programs for the upcoming fiscal year. The sudden departure at the Singha Durbar parliament building caused a brief moment of confusion and whispering among present lawmakers and distinguished guests. While the Prime Minister’s Secretariat has yet to issue an official explanation, the timing of the exit amidst a major constitutional process and ahead of the national budget has drawn significant political attention. The incident occurred as the president was outlining the strategic roadmap for a new political equation.

House of Representatives Meeting Adjourned Until Tomorrow

The meeting of the House of Representatives was adjourned on Monday after passing a vote of thanks to President Ram Chandra Paudel for presenting the government’s policies and programs. Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal announced that the next session is scheduled to convene at 1:00 PM on Tuesday. The brief session focused on acknowledging the constitutional address made by the president during the joint sitting of the Federal Parliament, which outlines the executive’s priorities for the fiscal year 2026/27.

Supreme Court Halts Government Move to Dissolve Student Organizations

The Supreme Court of Nepal has issued an interim order preventing authorities from dissolving student organizations, following a writ petition challenging the government’s decision. A single bench of Justice Shrikanta Paudel also ordered both sides to appear for further hearings. Student groups including the All Nepal National Free Students Union and ANNFSU (Revolutionary) argued that the move violates constitutional rights to organization and expression. The dispute arose after the government’s March 28 plan to dismantle party-affiliated student bodies in schools and universities within 60 days, citing concerns over political interference in education and declining academic standards.

Eight Ordinances Tabled in House of Representatives

Eight ordinances were presented during Monday’s meeting of Nepal’s House of Representatives of Nepal, covering governance, finance, education, health, and cooperatives. On behalf of Prime Minister Balendra Shah, Law Minister Sobita Gautam tabled ordinances related to public procurement, removal of public officials, the Constitutional Council, and amendments to various Nepal Acts. Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle presented the anti-money laundering amendment ordinance, while ministers Nisha Mehta, Sasmit Pokharel, and Pratibha Rawal tabled ordinances concerning health institutions, universities, and cooperatives, respectively.

Government Unveils Investment Visa, Tax Reform and Anti-Corruption Plans

Nepal’s government has announced major economic and governance reforms in its policy and program for the upcoming fiscal year, presented by President Ram Chandra Paudel during a joint session of Parliament. The policy introduces a “Nepal investment visa” for large-scale investors and promises a review of the tax structure to ease burdens on businesses and middle-class families. It also pledges to automate all tax systems, strengthen controls against customs under-invoicing, and digitize economic transactions to curb revenue leakage. The government further committed to zero tolerance against corruption, improved public service delivery, and dialogue with political parties to identify issues for possible constitutional amendments through a shared ownership approach.

Third Batch of 91 Peacekeepers Departs for Lebanon Mission

A third group of 91 Nepali peacekeepers from the Vishnudhara Battalion 67th Batch departed for Lebanon on Monday to replace the outgoing 66th batch. According to a press note from the Directorate of Military Public Relations and Information, this rotation is part of the ongoing United Nations peacekeeping mission. The deployment follows the return of another 91 soldiers who completed their tenure and arrived in Nepal on May 8. Currently, the Army has a total of 554 peacekeepers stationed in Lebanon, contributing to global peace efforts under the UN mandate.

Opposition Parties Slam Ordinances, Demolition Drive in Heated House Session

Opposition lawmakers strongly criticized the government during Monday’s House of Representatives of Nepal session, accusing it of bypassing Parliament through ordinances and undermining democratic norms. Nischal Rai objected to provisions in the draft House rules, warning they could place lawmakers above anti-corruption and money laundering laws. Padma Aryal accused the government of pushing the country toward “controlled dictatorship” and condemned bulldozer actions against landless settlers. Yubaraj Dulal described the demolition drive as “state terror,” alleging forced removals without proper notice. Opposition members also opposed proposed Constitutional Council changes, saying they could strengthen executive dominance and weaken institutional balance.

MP Harka Sampang Questions Government on Budget and Border Security

During Monday’s session of the House of Representatives, Member of Parliament Harka Sampang raised a series of sharp questions regarding the Rastriya Swatantra Party-led (RSP) government’s performance and the upcoming budget. Sampang criticized the government for its silence on India’s activities at Lipulekh and questioned why the military is being used in squatter settlements rather than for border defense. He further challenged the Prime Minister’s absence from displaced settlements and questioned the constitutional validity of the current majority in the Constitutional Council. Additionally, he asked whether the upcoming budget would be a national one or a party-centric “RSP budget,” while expressing concern over the government’s record-breaking foreign debt.

NA Chair Dahal Urges Lawmakers to Rise Above Political Differences

Chairperson of the National Assembly Narayan Prasad Dahal has called on lawmakers to move beyond political misunderstandings and focus on public welfare, prosperity, and good governance. Addressing the opening of the NA’s 21st session, he stressed the need for nation-centric parliamentary deliberations, especially during the budget session. Dahal said lawmakers must prioritize key legislation, including the Federal Civil Service Bill, School Education Bill, and Nepal Police Bill. He also emphasized timely House operations to improve parliamentary effectiveness. The session additionally introduced sign language interpretation in live parliamentary broadcasts.

RPP Calls Central Executive Committee Meeting on May 15

The Central Executive Committee meeting of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) has been convened for May 15. According to party spokesperson Mohan Kumar Shrestha, the meeting will focus on determining the party’s strategy in the changed post-election context and discussing suggestions received from review meetings held across all seven provinces. The meeting will also discuss fixing the date for the Central Working Committee meeting. In addition, preparations have been made to deliberate on issues related to the party’s internal affairs and various contemporary political matters. Shrestha said the meeting will be held at the party’s central office in Dhumbarahi at 11:00 am on Friday, May 15.

Nepali Congress Boycotts State Affairs Committee Meeting Over PM Absence

The main opposition party Nepali Congress boycotted Monday’s meeting of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee under the federal parliament after Prime Minister Balendra Shah failed to attend two consecutive committee meetings, including the one scheduled for 11 am. Following the resignation of Sudhan Gurung on April 22, lawmakers had planned to question Shah, who also holds the Home Ministry portfolio, on issues related to security administration and governance. Although the party had informed the committee chair about its position in advance, the prime minister’s continued absence led the Nepali Congress to walk out in protest. The party was represented by parliamentary party leader Vishma Raj Angdembe and whip Nischal Rai, while MPs Arjun Narsingh KC and Rekha Kumari Yadav did not attend the meeting.

Government Launches Nationwide ‘Cleanliness Week 2026’

Nepal’s Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers has launched ‘Cleanliness Week 2026’ nationwide under the slogan “A New Commitment to Clean Governance.” The campaign, beginning Monday, covers federal, provincial, and local government offices as well as public educational institutions. The official inauguration will be held at Bir Hospital in the presence of Health Minister Nisha Mehta. Under new government guidelines, offices must improve sanitation, waste management, drainage, parking, and public service systems while banning open waste burning. Each office is also required to appoint a cleanliness focal person, maintain weekly cleaning schedules, and conduct monthly self-evaluations to ensure long-term implementation.

Police Detain Gen Z Campaigners Demanding NHRC Transparency

The National Gen Z Citizen Campaign staged a protest on Monday in front of the office of the National Human Rights Commission Nepal in Lalitpur, demanding the immediate release of its report on the Gen Z movement. During the peaceful sit-in held at Harihar Bhawan, participants carried banners and placards expressing their demands. Police detained some protesters during the demonstration. The campaign is calling for transparency and timely publication of the commission’s findings related to the Gen Z protest.

UN Experts Urge Nepal to Halt Forced Riverside Evictions

United Nations experts have raised serious concerns over Nepal’s forced eviction of thousands from informal riverside settlements in Kathmandu, warning the campaign may violate international human rights law and constitutional protections. Special Rapporteurs Paula Gaviria Betancur, Koldo Casla, and Elena Carolina Díaz Galán said the 24-hour notice given before demolitions failed to meet legal standards for consultation and preparation. They also cited two suspected suicides linked to the displacement crisis. The experts said the drive appears to breach Nepal’s 2024 Supreme Court ruling requiring rehabilitation before eviction and urged an immediate halt, independent investigation, and adequate protection, compensation, and resettlement support for affected families.

Tribhuvan International Airport Reopens After 90 Minutes

The Tribhuvan International Airport, which was closed after a fire broke out in the wheel of a Turkish Airlines aircraft, has reopened after one and a half hours. The tires of the aircraft (with flight no. TKI 726) from Istanbul, Turkey, had caught fire while landing at the TIA this morning. The passengers and crew members were safely evacuated. According to the acting general manager of the TIA, Teknath Sitaula, the airport, which was closed since 6:45 this morning, reopened after about one and a half hours. Air India and Fly Dubai aircraft landed at 8:30 am and 8:35 am, respectively, while some aircraft have taken off from the airport. Airport Security Office Superintendent of Police Rajkumar Silwal said the fire that broke out in the wheel of the aircraft was extinguished with the help of fire engines. The aircraft was stopped on the runway, and passengers were rescued through the emergency exit. The plane was carrying 273 passengers and 11 crew members from Istanbul to Kathmandu.

Private Screening of ‘Ek Mutthi Badal’ Held in Kathmandu

A private screening of the film ‘Ek Mutthi Badal’ was held in Kathmandu on Sunday ahead of its public release scheduled for this Friday, May 15. The event saw the attendance of former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, political leaders, and journalists. Karki described the film as an “art film” that poignantly depicts the struggles of a middle-class family, generational thinking gaps, and the conflict between tradition and modernity. Directed by Sahara Sharma and featuring actors like Aanchal Sharma and Nisha Sharma, the film explores themes of economic inequality and the pressure of family dreams. Director Aman Pratap Adhikari praised it as one of the best Nepali films to date.

Government to Recognize Digital Content Production as an Industry

President Ram Chandra Paudel, while presenting the government’s policies and programs for the fiscal year 2026/27 in Parliament, announced a new policy to develop the creative sector. Under the new plan, the production of films, documentaries, photography, and digital content will be formally recognized and developed as a legitimate industry. This strategic move aims to professionalize the creative arts, encourage digital innovation, and provide a structured framework for creators to contribute to the national economy through standardized industrial support and incentives.

Nepal ‘A’ Secures 7-Run Victory Over USA to Sweep Series

Nepal ‘A’ achieved a thrilling 7-run victory against the United States in a one-day practice match held at the Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground on Monday. Defending a target of 264 runs, Nepal A bowled out the USA for 257 in 49.1 overs, with Sher Malla taking 4 wickets for 30 runs. Earlier, Sandeep Jora powered the Nepali innings with a century, scoring 111 runs off 115 balls. This win marks a clean sweep for Nepal A, who previously defeated both Scotland and the USA in the series. Jora, who also performed well in previous matches, expressed satisfaction with his form and contribution to the team’s undefeated streak.

Sixth Edition of British Gurkha Cricket League Commences in UK

The sixth edition of the British Gurkha Cricket League (BGCL), a popular sports event among the Nepali community in the United Kingdom, has officially started. The league, which serves as a professional platform for players of Nepali origin, features various clubs from across the UK competing in a 40-over format. Supported by the Hampshire Cricket Board and the National Asian Cricket Council, the tournament’s first-week matches included face-offs between clubs such as Khukuri CC, Ramailo CC, Nepalese Royals CC, and Everest Rhinos CC. Main-sponsored by Bridge International Consultancy, the competition is scheduled to run from May 10 through August 2026.

CAN Approves Nepal Premier League Financial Reports

The annual general meeting of the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has approved the financial reports of both editions of the Nepal Premier League (NPL). The meeting, held in Biratnagar, also decided to organize CAN’s annual awards starting this year and approved the association’s annual program, plans, and budget. CAN further decided to provide Rs 200,000 annually to all 45 district cricket associations across the country using income generated from the NPL. The annual awards will be held every December, featuring categories including best male player, best female player, youth player, lifetime achievement, and moment of the year.

ECB Considers Possible England Tour of Nepal, Reports ESPNcricinfo

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is exploring the possibility of England’s men touring Nepal for the first time during the 2027-31 FTP cycle, potentially for a short T20I series, according to ESPNcricinfo, reported by Matt Roller. Nepal, an emerging cricket nation, has never hosted a full tour by a major Test side but has seen rapid growth in recent years, including a tight T20 World Cup match against England in February 2026. Following that game, Nepal Cricket Association officials reportedly held talks with the ECB, while Nepal captain Rohit Paudel has urged top teams to tour the country to boost exposure and development. A brief two- or three-match series is being considered, though scheduling will depend on the ECB’s packed international calendar and final FTP structure.

Trump Rejects Iran’s Peace Response as War Tensions Escalate

Efforts to end the conflict between the United States and Iran suffered a setback after Tehran rejected Washington’s latest peace proposal and issued counter-demands through Pakistani mediators. U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed Iran’s response as “totally unacceptable.” Iran reportedly demanded war reparations, removal of sanctions, release of frozen assets, and full control over the Strait of Hormuz, while rejecting what it described as a surrender proposal. Washington’s plan had included ending hostilities, reopening the strategic waterway, and scaling back Iran’s nuclear program. The conflict has intensified regional instability, disrupted Gulf shipping routes, and driven global energy prices higher.

Gulf States Condemn Drone Attacks Amid Rising Regional Tensions

Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates strongly condemned reported drone attacks targeting the territories and waters of Gulf nations, including Kuwait, amid escalating regional tensions linked to Iran. Saudi Arabia described the incidents as “treacherous attacks” and reaffirmed support for Gulf states’ security measures. Qatar and the UAE also denounced the incursions as violations of sovereignty and international law. Kuwait’s defense ministry confirmed hostile drones entered its airspace on Sunday, marking the first such breach since the April 8 US-Iran ceasefire. The developments coincided with heightened maritime tensions after a vessel off Qatar’s coast was struck by an unidentified projectile, following recent US action against Iranian oil tankers.

Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship Leaves Three Dead, Seven Confirmed Cases

A hantavirus outbreak linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius has left three passengers dead and infected at least seven people, according to the World Health Organization. Additional suspected cases are under investigation. Authorities said infected passengers from the United States, France, and the United Kingdom are receiving treatment or isolating after returning home. The virus is believed to involve the Andes strain, which can spread between humans. More than 90 passengers are being repatriated from the ship, currently docked in Spain’s Canary Islands, while health officials say the risk of a wider outbreak remains low.

Oil Prices Surge After Trump Rejects Iran Peace Response

Global oil prices jumped after U.S. President Donald Trump rejected Iran’s latest response to American proposals aimed at ending the war. Brent crude briefly rose more than 4 percent above $105 a barrel amid fears of prolonged conflict and supply disruption. Iran reportedly demanded an immediate end to hostilities and guarantees against future U.S.-Israeli attacks, while Washington sought restoration of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and limits on Iran’s nuclear program. The strategic waterway, which handles about one-fifth of global oil and gas shipments, has remained largely closed since the conflict began in February. Rising energy prices have also boosted profits for major oil companies, including Saudi Aramco, BP, and Shell.