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.

Opposition Parties Unify House Protest Demanding PM Balen Question Hour

Opposition political coalitions decided today to continue their coordinated disruptions of the House of Representatives to demand the implementation of the mandatory prime minister question hour. Chief whips from the Nepali Congress, CPN (UML), Nepali Communist Party, and Rastriya Prajatantra Party held a joint meeting at the CPN (UML) parliamentary office to cement their legislative protest strategy. Under Rule 56 of the Lower House Regulations, the executive head must dedicate one hour during the first week of every month to answer lawmaker queries. Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal confirmed that Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) previously declined to attend the scheduled session, ahead of the next house meeting on May 26.

Education Ministry Drafts New Regulatory Policies for Foreign Affiliated Colleges

Minister for Education and Sports Sasmit Pokharel announced today that the government is introducing mandatory structural guidelines to regulate domestic colleges operating with foreign university affiliations. The education ministry finalized the official draft and forwarded the regulatory paperwork to the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Law for legal reviews before final cabinet submission. Minister Pokharel stated that the upcoming guidelines will clearly define affiliation criteria, licensing parameters, and academic monitoring frameworks to address rising public complaints. Due to legislative delays regarding the federal education act, the ministry is simultaneously pushing three separate regulations, covering school education, educational consultancies, and foreign college oversight alongside local teacher management.

Government Establishes Committee to Investigate Bajura-Humla Border Dispute

The government established a high-level technical study committee under the coordination of Survey Department Deputy Director-General Sushil Dangol today to investigate and resolve border disputes between Bajura and Humla districts. The executive decision was formalized at Singh Durbar during a meeting chaired by Pratibha Rawal, Minister for Land Management, Cooperatives, Federal Affairs, and General Administration. The interministerial panel includes dedicated representatives from the Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Home Affairs, and Ministry of Law, alongside officials from Karnali and Sudurpashchim provinces. The appointed director of the Survey Department will serve as the committee’s member-secretary to compile the final boundary report.

Oli Faces Leadership Defiance, Only 4 of 19 Offer Support

A three-day CPN (UML) Secretariat meeting at Chairman KP Sharma Oli’s residence in Gundu has exposed a severe internal rift, with only four out of 19 top office-bearers standing in his defense. Heavyweights including Vice-Chairman Gokarna Bista, Deputy General Secretary Yogesh Bhattarai, and Secretaries Sherdhan Rai, Hikmat Karki, and Dr. Rajan Bhattarai demanded that Oli and other first-generation leaders retire. In response, Oli is reportedly planning to oust Koshi Chief Minister Hikmat Karki from his post. Meanwhile, minority defender Mahesh Basnet labeled the transition demands criminal, slammed imperialist forces, and proposed leaving the party’s political report drafting solely to Oli.

RSP Endorses Timeline for Upcoming National Convention

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) formally approved and published its official general convention schedule today. According to the party’s Election Commission Deputy Chief Ram Gurung, the political timeline sets the structural formation of local election committees across 77 districts and seven provinces for May 21 to May 29. Central directives order local commissions to submit official circulars and minute copies by May 24. The party plans to collect local and district convention reports by June 3, leading to final delegate roster submissions by June 8.

Ramesh Lekhak Outlines Crucial Unity Conditions for Nepali Congress

Nepali Congress leader and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak emphasized today that the party must fulfill two structural conditions to achieve long-term internal stability. Speaking at a Sudurpashchim provincial gathering in Dhangadhi, Lekhak stated that current Party President Gagan Thapa must show maximum flexibility to forge organizational consensus, while the party must formally recognize the historical democratic contributions of outgoing leader Sher Bahadur Deuba. The political gathering proceeded without Deuba, who is currently receiving medical treatment abroad. Lekhak noted that historical compromises between Girija Prasad Koirala and Sher Bahadur Deuba during past party splits should serve as a blueprint to guarantee absolute impartiality ahead of the upcoming 15th general convention.

Deuba’s Executive Team Blamed for Excluding Leaders at Reform Assembly

The establishment-oriented faction of the Nepali Congress organized a regional party assembly in Dhangadhi, Kailali, today to push for institutional reform and internal realignment. Managed by former Foreign Minister NP Saud following central correspondence from Sudurpashchim Provincial President Bir Bahadur Balayar, the gathering drew prominent figures including leader Ramesh Lekhak and former central committee members Mohan Basnet and Ishwari Neupane. During his address, Provincial President Balayar demanded fair factional representation across the party’s election and disciplinary committees, noting that multiple leaders previously aligned with Sher Bahadur Deuba’s executive team are currently excluded from primary party layouts.

Former PM Madhav Kumar Nepal Departs for Russian Communist Conference

Nepali Communist Party Co-coordinator and former Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal departed for Russia on Saturday to participate in an international communist assembly. The diplomatic visit follows an official invitation from the Russian Communist Party, where Nepal is scheduled to address the central convention on May 25. Party official Taj Mohammad Miya confirmed the leader’s itinerary includes high-level bilateral talks with Russian General Secretary Gennady Zyuganov to discuss economic development and mutual state relations. Party Spokesperson Prakash Jwala accompanied Nepal on the trip, with the delegation scheduled to fly back to Kathmandu on May 27.

Sudurpashchim Pledges Medical Coverage for Injured Border Clash Victims

Sudurpashchim Province Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah announced today that the provincial government will fully cover the medical treatment costs of citizens injured during the recent Bajura-Humla border conflict. The violent clashes erupted on May 16 at Chyachaur in Himali Rural Municipality-3 when Humla residents obstructed the construction of a temporary police post, leaving six local Bajura residents injured. Addressing a Nepali Congress party convention in Kailali, Chief Minister Shah assured that the state will provide financial compensation once official damage assessments are finalized. He added that police administration has escalated actions against the perpetrators and urged locals to clear the blocked Karnali Corridor highway.

British Climber Kenton Secures 20th Mount Everest Ascent

Celebrated British mountaineer Kenton Cool established a historic international climbing record by completing his 20th successful ascent of Mount Everest. The 53-year-old climber from Gloucestershire, South-West England, reached the summit early last Friday morning alongside experienced Sherpa guide Dorje Gyalzen Sherpa, who secured his own 24th successful Everest ascent. Cool first climbed Mount Everest in 2004 and historically became the first British climber to scale Mount Nuptse, Everest, and Mount Lhotse in a single season in 2013. He expanded his climbing record in 2021 by successfully summiting Lhotse within 29 hours of reaching the peak of Mount Everest.

Pokhara City Mobilizes Bulldozers to Clear Encroached Structures

Pokhara Metropolitan City deployed heavy bulldozers today to demolish unauthorized structures built within the official boundary lines of the Phirke Khola stream. The infrastructure operation was led by Pokhara Mayor Dhanraj Acharya across three designated coordinates simultaneously to clear the way for a new municipal green corridor. The enforcement follows a 2023 technical survey report that identified 160 illegal structures, including private houses, community buildings, and a provincial police office, sitting inside the waterway limits. The metropolitan office issued a final public notice on May 17 giving owners until May 23 to self-demolish the encroachments.

Unko Sweater Wins Maximum Trophies at 3rd Karnali Film Festival

The cinematic film ‘Unko Sweater’ emerged as the highest-winning production at the Third Karnali International Film Festival 2083 award ceremony, held on Saturday. Organized at the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu, the film’s creator Navin Chauhan won best director while Bipin Karki secured the best actor award. Actress Jassita Gurung won best actress for ‘Jerry On Top,’ and Paul Shah received the special Social Icon Actor Award. The best short film trophy went to ‘Happiness,’ produced by Flying Feather Films in Mugu. The cultural festival, directed by Chakra Bahadur Chand to promote regional tourism, originally commenced its promotional screenings in Surkhet on April 25.

CGPG Announces Special Honor for Legendary Singer Madan Krishna Shrestha

The Chhinnalata Geet Puraskar Guthi (CGPG) decided during its general assembly today to confer a special lifetime honor upon veteran singer and actor Madan Krishna Shrestha. The institutional assembly, chaired by Professor Dr. Basudev Tripathi, also announced the annual winners for outstanding musical contributions. According to Guthi Secretary Dinesh Adhikari, Dr. Navaraj Lamsal won the lyricist award, Kiran Kandel secured the music composition award, and Vimala Rai received the playback singing award. Additionally, singer Sarika Ghimire won the popular youth talent prize for her musical track Gun Bhulyou, Pittalko Sun Payou Hola. The awards will be officially distributed on July 25, marking the birth anniversary of founder Ramola Devi Shah ‘Chhinnalata.’

Nepal Secures Women’s CAVA Semifinal Berth with Maldives Defeat

The national women’s volleyball team of Nepal advanced to the semifinals of the CAVA Women’s Volleyball Championship today after defeating the Maldives in straight sets. Nepal dominated the final Group ‘A’ match held at the Dasharath Rangasala covered hall in Tripureshwor, wrapping up the game with consecutive set scores of 25-12, 25-9, and 25-20. The victory pushed Nepal to the top of the group leaderboard with seven points from three matches, followed by India with five points from two games. Player Alisha Manandhar made her tournament debut during the second set as a substitute. Concurrently, Kazakhstan and Iran secured their semifinal spots from Group ‘B’ after beating Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Cricket Association of Nepal Details National Team Roster for All India Gold Cup

The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) officially announced its national ‘A’ squad today for the upcoming 42nd All India Gold Cup Cricket Tournament in Uttarakhand, India. The selected roster will be led by team captain Anil Kumar Sah and features players Mayan Yadav, Trit Raj Das, Dev Khanal, Rashid Khan, Bashir Ahmad, Narayan Joshi, Aakash Chand, Hemanta Dhami, Pawan Sarraf, Deepak Dumre, Yuvraj Khatri, Bipin Khatri, Lalit Rajbanshi, and Arjun Kumal. According to the verified tournament schedule, Nepal will play its opening match against Kerala on June 30, 2026, followed by matches against Goa on June 31 and Odisha on July 2.

Council Demands Official 5-Day Probe Clarification from CAN President

The National Sports Council directed the President of the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), Chatur Bahadur Chand, to submit official certified documentation within five days to answer severe financial irregularity and corruption allegations. The investigation follows a formal complaint filed with the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA), which prompted a ministry directive on May 12. Member-Secretary Ram Charitra Mehta signed the audit request on May 21. The corruption charges accuse Chand of misappropriating corporate funds for personal vehicle leasing, charging private restaurant bills to CAN, nepotism in staff hiring, and hiding income from T20 World Cup jersey and ticket sales.

24 Killed in Train-Targeting Blast in Pakistan

At least 24 people were killed and more than 82 injured after a powerful explosion struck a shuttle train heading toward the cantonment area in Quetta on Sunday, officials said. The blast overturned two passenger coaches and set them on fire, while heavy gunfire was also reported after the incident. Several injured passengers remain in critical condition at Civil Hospital Quetta, where authorities declared an emergency. The explosion caused major damage in the heavily secured area, destroying nearby vehicles and structures. Security forces and rescue teams rushed to the site as forensic experts launched an investigation. No group has claimed responsibility, though suspicion has fallen on separatist militant groups active in Balochistan, including the Baloch Liberation Army.

US Gunman Killed in Shootout Near White House Checkpoint

A gunman was killed after opening fire near a White House security checkpoint in Washington on Saturday evening, prompting a major security lockdown around the presidential complex in the United States. The suspect, identified as Nasire Best, reportedly opened fire near the Eisenhower Executive Office Building before being shot by agents of the United States Secret Service. One bystander was injured, while no security personnel were hurt. US President Donald Trump was inside the White House during the incident, though officials said presidential security operations were not affected. Authorities said the suspect had prior interactions with US law enforcement and a documented history of mental health issues. Investigations into the shooting are ongoing.

Russia Launches Massive Missile, Drone Assault Across Ukraine

Russia launched a large-scale overnight missile and drone assault on Ukraine, killing at least four people and injuring around 100, with the capital Kyiv emerging as the main target. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said residential buildings, a school, an opera house, and a museum were damaged in the attacks, while strikes were also reported in Cherkasy, Kharkiv, Odesa, Sumy, Poltava, and Zhytomyr regions. Russia’s Defense Ministry said the attacks included the use of the Oreshnik hypersonic missile and were carried out in response to alleged Ukrainian attacks on civilian infrastructure. European leaders condemned the strikes and expressed concern over Russia’s reported use of the hypersonic weapon, which is capable of carrying conventional or nuclear warheads.

DeepSeek Makes 75% Permanent Price Cut on Flagship AI Model

Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) startup DeepSeek has permanently reduced prices for its flagship V4-Pro AI model by 75 percent, slashing API costs to between CNY 0.025 and CNY 6 per million tokens from the previous range of CNY 0.1 to CNY 24, as competition intensifies in China’s AI industry. The company did not clarify whether an increased supply of Huawei Ascend 950 chips contributed to the decision. DeepSeek had earlier cited shortages in high-end computing capacity for the higher pricing of its Pro model. The latest reduction comes as U.S. export restrictions on advanced semiconductors continue accelerating China’s push for domestically developed AI chips and infrastructure.