Kathmandu
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
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.
National Assembly Unanimously Passes Amendment to Voter Roll Bill
The National Assembly unanimously approved a legislative motion today to advance the Voter Roll (First Amendment) Bill, 2026, for formal parliamentary consideration. Minister for Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Sobita Gautam tabled the structural amendment bill on behalf of Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen), delivering an official message received from the House of Representatives. Addressing the legislative floor, Gautam clarified that the updated statute permanently integrates a prior emergency ordinance drafted to amend Section 4, Sub-section (2) of the original Voter Roll Act, 2017, optimizing the state’s modern voter registration framework ahead of upcoming regional electoral cycles.
Oli, Lekhak, and Gurung Indicted as Human Rights Violators of Gen Z Protest
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), led by Tapa Bahadur Magar, has released a comprehensive investigation report indicting former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, then-Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, and then-Communications Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung as human rights violators. The commission held these three political leaders directly responsible for the crisis, citing their decision to ban social media during the Gen Z protests on September 8 and 9, 2025, as the primary catalyst for the subsequent violent escalation. Because current laws lack explicit provisions to penalize political leaders for such overreaches, the NHRC submitted a strict seven-point special recommendation urging the government to enact a new legal framework. Under the proposed legislation, these individuals would face up to 6 months in prison, a fine of up to Rs 300,000, or both. Furthermore, they would face a minimum five-year ban from contesting elections or receiving political appointments, alongside a three-year restriction on holding administrative duties and traveling abroad.
Sushila Karki and 49 Others Accused in NHRC Gen Z Protest Findings
The National Human Rights Commission has recommended action against former PM Sushila Karki and 49 individuals in connection with the incidents that occurred on September 8-9, 2025. Making public its report on Wednesday, the Commission said the recommendation covers Gen Z activists, members of Parliament from the Rastriya Swatantra Party, former journalists, YouTubers, and content creators. It has also called for a detailed investigation into several individuals linked to the incidents. Those named include Gauri Bahadur Karki, Rakshya Bam, Om Prakash Aryal, Sudan Gurung, Durga Prasai, Bablu Gupta, Hemraj Thapa, Himani Rajyalakshmi Singh, Ganesh Karki, Sulav Kharel, Krishna Karki, Toshima Karki, Rajiv Khatri, Som Sharma, KP Khanal, Dipak Bohara, Manish Jha, Jwala Sangroula, Bimal Panta, Khemraj Saud, Purushottam Yadav, Ashika Tamang, Aman Pratap Adhikari, Bibek Thapaliya, Sisan Baniya, Asim Man Basnet, Bhagya Neupane, Tanka Dahal, Victor Paudel, Ankit Malla, Umesh Bohara, Shiva Yadav, Binod Deuba, Saru Sunuwar, Bhim Upadhyaya, Rabi Kiran Hamal, Hari Dhakal, Nischal Basnet, Pashupati Khadka, Urja Baral, Jerry Tamrakar, Hem Sagar Bidrohi, Buddha Chhiring, Santosh Rajawadi, Amit Khanal, Dipak Devkota, Gaurav Baral, and Nishan Mainali. The Commission concluded that the right to life was violated during the incidents and has urged the government to initiate legal proceedings against those concerned.
RSP Chair Lamichhane and Lawmakers Under Scrutiny for Prison Break
The National Human Rights Commission has recommended conducting a deep and meticulous investigation into several individuals, including Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairman Rabi Lamichhane, following an unauthorized escape from Nakkhu Prison during the Gen Z protest. Releasing its investigative report on Wednesday, the commission noted that escaping prison violates prevailing laws. Based on findings from a committee coordinated by commission member Lily Thapa regarding the events of September 8 and 9, 2025, the commission concluded that the actions of Lamichhane and the jailer instigated the escape. Consequently, the commission recommended bringing jailer Satya Raj Joshi, Member of Parliament or MP Manish Jha, and MP Hari Dhakal under the scope of suspicion. Lamichhane emerged from the jail on September 9, 2025, where Jha and Dhakal had arrived to receive him.
Probe Committee Interrogates Former Home Minister Sudan Gurung
An independent judicial investigation committee led by former Judge Achyut Prasad Bhandari initiated formal interrogation proceedings today against former Home Minister Sudhan Gurung. The high-level inquiry focuses on Gurung’s acquisition of corporate equity shares valued at Rs 5 million inside commercial entities linked to businessman Deepak Bhatt, specifically Liberty Micro Insurance and Star Micro Insurance. The probe tracking panel, which includes Auditor General Shobhakanta Poudel, confirmed that preliminary depositions regarding the financial sourcing of the equity blocks have commenced, with the committee aiming to finalize its official report during the upcoming four-day legislative recess.
Mahabir Pun Demands 1% Capital Budget for Innovation Ministry
Member of Parliament Mahabir Pun issued an official legislative brief at the Federal Parliament House today, demanding the state allocate at least 1 percent of the national capital budget toward science and technology. Pun asserted that securing a minimum Rs 3 billion block in the upcoming fiscal framework is crucial to make the newly established Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology operationally viable. The legislative push argues that commercializing domestic scientific inventions will effectively drive import substitution, accelerate job creation, and expand treasury tax revenues, provided the executive branch installs domain-expert scientists to lead the ministry’s core administrative secretariats.
Human Rights Commission Blames Army for Gen Z Protest Security Flaws
The National Human Rights Commission published a critical investigative report today, Wednesday, citing operational oversight by the Army during recent Gen Z protests on September 8 and 9, 2025. The regulatory probe determined that military security forces failed to safeguard national infrastructure during arson and vandalism attacks targeting Singha Durbar, the Supreme Court, and the President’s Office. The commission issued structural compliance directives to Chief of Army Staff Ashok Raj Sigdel to prioritize public human rights and property protection, calling on the government to formally penalize and reprimand the active military battalion commanders stationed at the central secretariat and Sheetal Niwas.
Harka Sampang walks out of Parliament Again Today
Shram Sanskriti Party leader Harka Raj Rai (Harka Sampang) boycotted Wednesday’s House of Representatives meeting after Speaker Dol Prasad (DP) Aryal failed to summon Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) to the house. Protesting with a placard at the start of the session, Rai challenged the Speaker to either enforce Rule 15 (2) to bring the Prime Minister to parliament or invoke Rule 31 (1) to expel him instead. When the Speaker refused to issue a ruling, Rai picked up his bag and walked out of the hall. Other lawmakers from his party, however, did not join the boycott.
Koirala Proposes 5-Point Plan for Nepali Congress Unity
Nepali Congress leader Shekhar Koirala made public a five-point proposal this past Monday (May 25) to halt party membership disputes and ensure unity ahead of the 15th National Convention. The plan includes merging the Central Working Committees of the 14th National Convention and the Special National Convention. Koirala initially handed the proposal to President Gagan Thapa on May 5 but made it public after Thapa remained unreachable for three weeks. Thapa is reluctant to discuss the proposal, arguing that merging the committees goes beyond the party statute by creating an unlawful body of nearly 400 members. Meanwhile, both Koirala and the Deuba faction expressed dissatisfaction over Thapa’s May 11 Central Committee nominations, claiming they were done without consultation.
Former CM Rai Attempts to Vandalize Microphone in Koshi Assembly
Former Chief Minister Rajendra Rai attempted to violently pull and throw a microphone from the rostrum during a heated session of the Koshi Province Assembly. The incident occurred on Wednesday after Speaker Ambar Bahadur Bista proceeded with proceedings despite strong opposition protests. Infuriated, Rai charged from the opposition seats to vandalize the equipment, but security personnel immediately intervened, restraining and removing him. Tension had been brewing since Tuesday, when opposition parties launched protests after the government’s policies and programs were rushed through without allowing time for amendments. Following the physical altercation at the rostrum, Speaker Bista urged lawmakers to maintain decorum and officially adjourned the meeting for half an hour.
Economic Survey 2025/26 Presented in Both Houses Today
The Economic Survey of the current fiscal year 2025/26 has been unveiled today. Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle presented the Economic Survey in separate meetings of both houses of the Federal Parliament. There was a practice of presenting the economic survey before presenting the budget for the coming fiscal year. The survey incorporated the progress achieved in the current fiscal year as well as details of the government’s performance. Similarly, details of public entities were also released on Wednesday.
Nepali Congress Calls Parliamentary Party Meeting Tomorrow
The Nepali Congress has called a meeting of its parliamentary party. The meeting is scheduled to take place on Thursday, May 28, at 11:30 AM. It will be held at the Nepali Congress parliamentary party office located in Singha Durbar. According to the party, the parliamentary party meeting has been convened to discuss contemporary political issues.
RSP Chief Rabi Lamichhane Receives Next Court Date for Cooperative Case
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairman Rabi Lamichhane reported to the Kathmandu District Court today, Wednesday, to accept his next statutory trial date. Court Information Officer Shiva Khatiwada verified that Lamichhane officially acknowledged his scheduled appearance regarding ongoing litigation over the alleged misappropriation of Swarnalaxmi Cooperative savings. Following preliminary judicial proceedings, the district registry formally designated June 25 as his upcoming trial milestone. Corporate regulatory records indicate that the political leader was previously granted conditional pre-trial release in connection with the financial cooperative probe after depositing a Rs 6 million bail bond.
CIB Raids DDC Headquarters, Seizes Milk Procurement Records
The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police officially launched an anti-corruption investigation into the state-owned Dairy Development Corporation (DDC) today, Wednesday. Specialized tactical units executed a targeted raid on the enterprise’s central headquarters in Lainchaur, taking immediate control of all primary corporate accounting ledgers. Central Bureau Spokesperson and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shiba Kumar Shrestha confirmed that investigators systematically confiscated physical and digital documentation tracing national dairy procurement and supply-chain sales. Investigators noted that the snap operational sweep serves as a preliminary evidentiary tracking phase to examine broader institutional irregularities inside the state dairy apparatus.
Nepal and Switzerland Convene 5th Bilateral Consultation Meeting
The fifth meeting of the Nepal-Switzerland Bilateral Consultation Mechanism convened in Kathmandu on Wednesday, marking 70 years of diplomatic relations. Co-chaired by Joint Secretary Ganesh Prasad Dhakal and Head of Switzerland’s Asia and Pacific Division Markus Leitner, the delegations reviewed bilateral relations and agreed to expand strategic cooperation. The Nepali side briefed counterparts on its focus on good governance and economic targets in hydropower, tourism, and information technology. Nepal also thanked the Swiss government for its developmental support through the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation framework, requesting enhanced cooperation for federalism and infrastructure. Additionally, the Swiss delegation paid a courtesy call on Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai.
Progress Made in Easing Tea Exports to India: Industry Minister
Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Gauri Kumari stated on Wednesday that progress has been made toward addressing problems faced in tea exports to India. Responding to lawmakers in the House of Representatives, she noted that discussions have been held with concerned Indian ministries through the Nepali Embassy in New Delhi to facilitate exports. Nepal produces 26.1 million kilograms of tea annually, with 80 to 90 percent exported to India. Additionally, the minister shared that the Department of Customs is now assigned to maintain the maximum retail price of consumer goods. She also confirmed that work is moving forward to relocate industries within 15 kilometers of Lumbini, following a Supreme Court order to protect the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Applications Open for Top Posts at Nepal Sanskrit University
The government has formally initiated the appointment process for vacant senior positions at Nepal Sanskrit University, inviting applications for the posts of vice chancellor, rector, and registrar. A Selection and Recommendation Committee formed under Section 16A of the Nepal Sanskrit University Act, 1986, published a public notice on Wednesday seeking applications from qualified candidates through open competition. The committee stated that the recruitment process will be conducted in accordance with the “Procedure for Selection and Recommendation of Vice-Chancellor, Rector, and Registrar of Nepal Sanskrit University, 2026,” approved on May 25. Eligible applicants have been asked to submit their applications within 10 days of the notice publication through the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology’s website, MoEST Nepal. According to the committee, the procedure was formulated to ensure the selection and recommendation of the most qualified and experienced candidates in the field of higher education through a transparent and merit-based process.
Chemotherapy Drug Shortage Hits BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital
Nepal’s largest cancer treatment facility, BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital in Chitwan, is facing a severe shortage of key chemotherapy drugs, carboplatin and cisplatin, due to a global supply disruption. Oncology chief Dr. Guru Sharan Sah stated this affects treatment plans for the 200 patients treated daily, as a shortage of active pharmaceutical ingredients has depleted stocks. Officiating Executive Director Dr. Umesh Nepal confirmed the hospital has sought assistance from the Ministry of Health and Population and the World Health Organization, with limited imports expected from Bangladesh in coming months. Meanwhile, doctors cautioned patients against obtaining unregistered drugs through unofficial channels due to serious health risks.
Israel to Recruit 2,300 New Caregivers from Nepal in 2026
The Embassy of Israel has announced that 2,300 new caregivers will be recruited in 2026 under the government-to-government labor agreement between Nepal and Israel. In a notice issued on Wednesday, the embassy said 2,112 qualified candidates were selected during the 2024 second-phase recruitment process for employment in Israel’s caregiving sector. The selection was conducted through a lottery system in line with provisions of the bilateral labor agreement and its implementation protocol for long-term care facilities. The embassy encouraged applicants who were not selected in the previous phase to apply again in the upcoming third-batch recruitment process, assuring equal and fair competition for all eligible candidates. Applicants were also urged to rely only on official information and remain cautious of unauthorized agents or brokers making false employment claims.
Sri Lanka Introduces Free Tourist Visas for Nepali Citizens
The Government of Sri Lanka has officially introduced a free tourist visa (Electronic Travel Authorization–ETA) facility for nationals of 40 countries, including Nepal. According to an announcement by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Kathmandu, Nepali nationals traveling to Sri Lanka for tourism purposes are now eligible to obtain a 30-day double-entry Tourist Visa (ETA) free of charge. This facility has come into effect from May 25, 2026. Travelers are kindly advised to obtain their ETA prior to their arrival in Sri Lanka. It can be processed through the official website at www.eta.gov.lk or by directly contacting the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Kathmandu.
Communications Minister Presents Proposal on New Film Bill in HoR
Minister for Information and Communications Bikram Timilsina proposed that the Film Bill-2025 be considered in the House of Representatives on Wednesday. The lower house then began discussing its principles. The new bill replaces the old Film Act effective since 1969 to match modern technology, inclusivity, and the federal structure. It aims to establish cinema as a formal creative arts industry, promote Nepal as an international filming destination, and ensure mandatory screening of domestic and foreign films before release. It also empowers the Film Development Board as an autonomous body, improves the box office system, and protects film workers’ labor rights.
High Court Orders Audio Censorship of Movie ‘Lalibazar’
The Paten High Court issued a specialized judicial directive today, Wednesday, ordering the immediate audio muting of derogatory terms inside the theatrical feature Lalibazar. The joint bench, presided over by Justices Tanka Prasad Gurung and Achyut Kuinkel, ordered the Central Film Censor Board to systematically mute specific phrases deemed damaging to the social dignity of the marginalized Badi community. Lead defense attorney Tara Kumar Shrestha confirmed that because the high court denied an immediate interim stay order petitioned by community advocate Roshani Badi, the film cleared its path for nationwide screening subject to strict regulatory compliance monitoring.
KIMFF Festival Opens: 50 Films from 29 Countries to Screen
The Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival (KIMFF) officially inaugurated its 23rd edition in Kathmandu today, Wednesday, launching a five-day cinematic exhibition showcasing 50 specialized features, documentaries, and short films representing 29 distinct countries. Organized by the KIMFF Foundation at the QFX Chhaya Center in Thamel, the cultural summit opened with the national premiere of Shape of Momo, directed by Triveni Rai. The international jury panel featuring regional experts Deepti D’Cunha and Chalida Uabumrungjit will adjudicate top cinematic entries, with international category winners vying for cash prizes valued up to USD 1,500 alongside a Rs 100,000 audience choice award.
176 Climbers Honored at Everest Summiteers Summit
At least 176 climbers from 26 countries who successfully summated Mount Everest were honored during the second edition of the ‘Everest Summiteers Summit-2026′ in Kathmandu on Wednesday. Organized by the Everest Alliance Nepal and the Tourism Ministry, the event presented medals and certificates to the climbers, including Kami Rita Sherpa, who set a world record by summiting 32 times. Tourism Minister Khadga Raj Paudel praised the climbers’ courage while urging global cooperation to address climate change impacts like melting glaciers. He emphasized improving safety, emergency rescues, and economic empowerment for Himalayan communities. Earlier, President Ram Chandra Paudel met with the mountaineers during a ‘Breakfast With Everest Summiteers’ event.
CAN Invites Bids for U-19 Women’s Cricket Tournament Rights
The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has invited sealed bids for the commercial, production, and broadcasting rights of the U-19 Women’s National Cricket Tournament 2026. According to a notice published on Tuesday, the bidding process will be conducted through a national competitive bidding procedure under a single-stage, single-envelope system. Interested and eligible bidders can purchase bid documents from CAN’s office in Mulpani until June 2 upon payment of a non-refundable fee of Rs 10,000. Bids must be submitted by noon on June 3, while bid opening has been scheduled for 1 pm the same day. CAN stated that bids must remain valid for 90 days and be accompanied by a minimum bid security of Rs 50,000.
Nepal defeats China by 19 runs: Asian Games Women’s Qualifiers 2026
Nepal has defeated China by 19 runs in the match held under the Asian Games Women’s Qualifiers 2026 today. Chasing a target of 126 runs set by Nepal in the match played at the Bayuemas Oval Cricket Ground in Malaysia today, China was all out for 106 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in the stipulated 20 overs. Mingyu Zhu top-scored for China with 30 runs. For Nepal, Riya Sharma took 2 wickets. Similarly, Manisha Upadhyay, Kabita Kunwar and Pooja Mahato took 1 wicket each. Earlier, batting first after winning the toss, Nepal scored 125 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in 20 overs. Pooja Mahato scored 63 runs, while Ruby Poddar remained unbeaten on 22 runs. For the bowling side, Ma Ruike took 2 wickets, while Wang Huiying and Jiaping Li took 1 wicket each. Nepal will face Indonesia in the match to be held tomorrow at the same venue.
Kyrgyzstan Defeats Sri Lanka 3-1 to Finish Fifth in CAVA
Kyrgyzstan secured fifth place in the CAVA Women’s Volleyball Championship today after defeating Sri Lanka 3-1 in a classification placement match in Kathmandu. Playing at the National Sports Council’s Covered Hall in Tripureshwar, the Sri Lankan squad captured the opening set 25-15 before the Kyrgyz lineup staged a dominant comeback, sweeping three consecutive sets 25-23, 25-23, and 25-15 to wrap up their regional tournament run. The final placement table confirmed Kyrgyzstan concluded the championship in fifth position while Sri Lanka took sixth place overall, following earlier pool victories over Bangladesh.
Five Villagers Rescued Alive From Flooded Cave in Laos, Two Still Missing
Rescue teams in central Laos found five villagers alive inside a flooded cave after they were trapped for a week by heavy rain and landslides, while the search continued for two others still missing. The group had entered the cave in Xaysomboun Province last Wednesday in search of gold deposits and wildlife before floodwaters blocked the exit. International cave divers navigated narrow, muddy underground passages and dangerous flood conditions to reach the survivors, believed to have been trapped about 300 meters from the entrance. Authorities said the cave system, located about 120 kilometers north of Vientiane, contains extremely tight chambers and collapse hazards, making the rescue operation highly difficult.
Houston-based petroleum trader Ikon Midstream is under investigation by Mexican authorities over alleged fuel smuggling operations linked to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The probe focuses on petroleum shipments imported from the United States and Canada that were allegedly mislabeled as lubricants to evade Mexican fuel taxes. Investigators are examining diesel cargo transported aboard the tanker Torm Agnes and the company’s ties with Mexican transport firms suspected of cartel connections. U.S. authorities previously raided Ikon Midstream’s Houston offices as part of a parallel criminal investigation. Mexican officials believe fuel smuggling and stolen crude oil have become one of the cartel network’s largest revenue sources after narcotics trafficking.
