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.

NC Seeks Government’s Response to NHRC Report on Gen Z Protest

The Nepali Congress has demanded the government’s official response to the report made public by the National Human Rights Commission regarding the Gen Z protests held on September 8 and 9, 2025. Issuing a press release today, NC spokesperson Debraj Chalise raised the party’s concerns over the commission’s report and called for the government’s response. “The government must accept its accountability regarding the recommendations of the National Human Rights Commission and make its official position public,” the statement said.

Swarnim Wagle Briefs President Paudel on Upcoming Fiscal Year Budget

Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle has briefed President Ram Chandra Paudel on the upcoming budget for the next fiscal year. On Thursday afternoon, Minister Wagle visited the President’s official residence, Shital Niwas, to brief President Paudel on the annual estimates of revenue and expenditure (budget) for the fiscal year 2026/27. During the meeting, the Finance Minister also handed over copies of the Economic Survey 2025/26 and the Annual Performance Review of Public Enterprises, both of which have already been tabled in Parliament.

Supreme Court to Hear Only Habeas Corpus Cases During Public Holidays

The Supreme Court has announced that only habeas corpus petitions will be heard during the upcoming public holidays. Issuing a notice, the court said regular hearings will remain closed due to consecutive public holidays, but urgent habeas corpus cases will be heard between 11 AM and 3 PM. Today is a public holiday for Bakrid, followed by Republic Day, Saturday, and Sunday, resulting in four consecutive days of holidays. During this period, only habeas corpus hearings will be conducted.

Nepal’s Contribution Recognized in UN Peacekeeping, Two Soldiers to Be Honored Posthumously

The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers is being marked on Friday to commemorate the start of UN peacekeeping operations in West Asia in 1948. On the occasion, two Nepali peacekeepers will be honored posthumously. According to the UN office in Lalitpur, UN Secretary-General António Guterres will lay a wreath at the UN Headquarters in New York on June 5 in tribute to peacekeepers. A total of 68 military personnel, police officers, and civilians who lost their lives in the line of duty will be awarded the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal posthumously. Among them, Nepali peacekeepers Suraj Lamichhane and Deviram Jaishi will also be honored. Nepal is the largest contributor of security personnel to UN peacekeeping missions, with more than 4,300 personnel, including 364 women, deployed worldwide.

Federal Parliament Completes Preparations for Budget Presentation

The Federal Parliament Secretariat has stated that all preparations have been completed for the joint session where the revenue and expenditure estimates for fiscal year 2026/27 will be presented. The joint meeting of the House of Representatives and National Assembly will be held at 4 PM on Friday in the multipurpose hall of the new and under-construction Parliament building in Singha Durbar. Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle will present the national budget on behalf of the government. Although the original plan was to hold the session in the new House chamber, unfinished construction work has made it necessary to use the multipurpose hall instead.

Government Prioritizes Investment Through International Relations, Says Foreign Minister

Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has said that the government is committed to effectively utilizing Nepal’s international relations for the country’s development, economic prosperity, and the promotion of national interests. Speaking at a program organized today by the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Tokha Municipality-9, he mentioned that Nepal’s international relations are based on diplomatic, economic, cultural, and strategic relations with various countries and international organizations across the world. He said that Nepal has been adopting an independent, non-aligned, and balanced foreign policy, and that the foreign policy is being conducted based on the Constitution of Nepal, the United Nations Charter, the principles of Panchasheel, and the values of the Non-Aligned Movement.

Government Inquiry Report Exposes Deepening Crisis in Nepal’s Cooperative Sector

The recently released report by the “Inquiry Commission on Malpractices in Cooperatives, 2026” reveals that public trust in the cooperative sector has severely eroded due to widespread financial irregularities, embezzlement of depositors’ funds, and weak regulatory oversight. Despite being a vital pillar of Nepal’s three-pillar economy, cooperatives have plunged into crisis because registration and expansions were approved without proper criteria, coupled with direct political interference and a lack of coordination among regulatory bodies. In response, Pratibha Rawal, Minister for Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation, stated that the government is committed to acting on the commission’s recommendations.

JSP Nepal Forms Negotiation Committee for Unity Talks With Other Parties

Janata Samajwadi Party Nepal (JSP-N) has formed a committee to hold talks for unity and cooperation with various political parties. Party central committee members Rakam Chemjong, Renu Yadav, and Dr. Surendra Kumar Jha have been assigned to the negotiation team. Meanwhile, JSP Nepal has already completed a merger with the Loktantrik Samajwadi Party, and the integration process between the two parties is underway. The party has also formed working groups for the integration process and announced plans to conduct interaction programmes.

Nepal Medical Association Demands 10% of National Budget for Health Sector

The Nepal Medical Association has demanded that at least 10 percent of the total national budget be allocated to the health sector. Issuing a press statement on Thursday, the association made the demand, saying increased investment is necessary to strengthen healthcare services and ensure that doctors are encouraged to remain in the country. The association said higher budget allocation would help guarantee citizens’ constitutional right to quality healthcare while improving working conditions for medical professionals. It also called for amendments to existing budget allocation rules and has put forward a six-point proposal in this regard.

Nine Killed in Nationwide Road Accidents in 24 Hours

A total of nine people lost their lives and 90 others sustained injuries in various road accidents across Nepal in the past 24-hour period, according to the data released by Nepal police today. The latest infographic reveals a sharp rise in fatalities compared to the previous day, with Koshi Province emerging as the hardest-hit region in terms of loss of life. Koshi Province recorded the highest number of fatalities, where three individuals lost their lives and 21 others were injured. Madhesh Province also reported severe casualties, with two deaths and a staggering 22 injuries, the highest number of injuries recorded in any single province within the 24-hour window.

RSP MP Mingma David Sherpa Summits Everest with Parliament Logo

Mingma David Sherpa (Mingma Gyabu Sherpa), a sitting Member of Parliament from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), successfully summited Mount Everest at 5:40 AM on Wednesday. Climbing under the slogan “From the House to the Peak,” he carried the logo of the federal parliament to the summit, completing the ascent on the ninth day of his expedition before returning to Base Camp that evening. Sherpa entered parliament after being elected through the Janajati proportional representation constituency in March 5 general election.

Bakrid Celebrated Across Nepal Today

Muslims across the country celebrated their great festival, Bakrid (Eid-ul-Adha), today with joy and enthusiasm at various mosques and Eidgahs. On the occasion of the festival, the government has declared a public holiday today. It is a long-standing tradition among Islamic followers to celebrate Bakrid around 70 days after the conclusion of the Ramadan festival (Eid-ul-Fitr). According to the Islamic calendar, this festival is celebrated on the 10th day of the 12th month, Dhu al-Hijjah. On this day, people from the Muslim community bathe early in the morning and reach nearby mosques and Eidgahs to offer collective Namaz prayers. After the Namaz, there is a custom of hugging one another and exchanging good wishes.

Two Ward Chairmen Elected from Nepali Congress Lose Their Posts

Two ward chairmen elected from the Nepali Congress party have been stripped of their positions. Rabindra KC and Padma Bahadur Bista, who were elected as ward chairman candidates representing the Nepali Congress in the 2022 local level elections, have lost their posts. KC was the ward chairman of Musikot Municipality-2, while Bista served as the ward chairman of Dhurkot Rural Municipality-3, both located in the Lumbini Province. After the Nepali Congress informed the Election Commission of their defection to other parties, backed by a decision from the party’s Central Working Performance Committee, the Commission issued a notice declaring both ward chairman positions vacant.

Usury Victims to Besiege Dhanusha District Court

Victims of money-lending at exorbitant interest rates (usury) have announced plans to surround the Dhanusha District Court on June 2. The announcement was made during a press conference in Janakpur on Thursday by the “Anti-Usury Farmers and Workers Movement, Nepal Mithila Command.” The peaceful protest will be led by the Mithila and Bhojpura commands, accusing the state of ignoring their demands despite 12 days of continuous agitation.

Pokhara Metropolis Deploys Bulldozers to Clear Encroached Structures at Prithvi Chowk

Pokhara Metropolitan City today launched a major demolition campaign at Prithvi Chowk, one of the city’s busiest intersections, to remove illegally constructed structures obstructing planned road expansion works. The clearance operation began in the morning along the section stretching from Prithvi Chowk toward Nayabazar, particularly targeting buildings situated in front of Hong Kong Bazar. Authorities deployed two bulldozers to tear down structures identified as being built on encroached public land. According to the metropolitan office, several organizations had occupied land owned by government agencies for years.

Shape of Momo Set for Simultaneous Release in Nepal and India

Sikkim-based young filmmaker Tribeny Rai’s debut feature film Shape of Momo will be released simultaneously in Nepal and India on May 29. Rana Daggubati’s Spirit Media is supporting the film’s distribution, while Indian filmmakers Zoya Akhtar, Reema Kagti, and Payal Kapadia are serving as executive producers. Produced by Dalle Khorsani Production and co-produced by Kathakala Films, the film is set in a Himalayan village in Sikkim and tells the story of three generations of women in a single family, focusing on their relationships, silence, emotional inheritance, and identity.

KIMFF 2026 Opens in Kathmandu with Film Premieres and Global Line-Up

The International Mountain Film Festival (KIMFF) began in Kathmandu on Wednesday with the premiere of Tribeny Rai’s feature film Shape of Momo. Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Khadga Raj Paudel inaugurated the festival by ringing a traditional bell. The five-day festival features more than 50 films from 29 countries, including fiction, documentary, short films, and adventure films. Alongside international screenings, the Nepal Panorama section highlights local voices and showcases the work of emerging and established Nepali filmmakers.

Pratap Das Releases New Song Nau Danda Katera

Popular singer Pratap Das has released a new song titled Nau Danda Katera. Written by Pratap Shahi and composed by Subash Pun Magar, the song highlights themes of love, family status, and class differences. The music video features actors Aashirbad Kshetri and Ashwini Shahi, along with Rajaram Paudel, Bishal Pahadi, Sangi Adhikari Pokharel, Sristi Ghimire, and Chetana Kafle. Directed and edited by Hari Humagai, the video was shot by Uttam Humagai.

Nischal Basnet Responds to NHRC Report, Challenges Investigation to Begin With Him

Director Nischal Basnet has reacted to his name being mentioned in the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) report on the Gen Z movement, saying investigations should begin with him. Posting on social media, Basnet wrote that his name appeared among several others in the report and urged authorities to investigate him first to distinguish truth from falsehood. The NHRC report recommends investigation into individuals, including Basnet, for allegedly making statements that incited the protest movement, and calls for action if they are found guilty.

Bheri Karnali Song Released

A new song titled Bheri Karnali, sung by Trupti Khadka Gurung and KP Kalauni, has been released. The song features arrangement, mixing, and mastering by Naresh Pandey and was recorded at Saregama Studio. The video stars Ritu Chaudhary and Masoom Bista. Cinematography was done by Satish Sinha and GK Rawal, with editing by Sinha. The video was jointly directed by Masoom Bista and Sinha and released via KP Kalauni’s YouTube channel.

Captain Indu Barma Anchors Nepal to Thrilling 4-Wicket Win over Indonesia

Skipper Indu Barma played a crucial captain’s knock to guide Nepal Women to a tense four-wicket victory over Indonesia Women with just three balls to spare at the Bayuemas Oval on Thursday. With this victory, Nepal Women have secured their spot in the semifinals of the Asian Games Women’s Qualifiers. Chasing a target of 114, Nepal’s top order faltered early, collapsing to 20 for 3 within the first five overs. Openers Samjhana Khadka (1) and Puja Mahato (9), along with keeper Rubi Poddar (0), were dismissed cheaply by a disciplined Indonesian attack led by Ni Made Putri Suwandewi. However, a stabilising 45-run partnership between Sony Pakhrin (29 off 36 balls) and Indu Barma breathed life back into the chase. Barma remained unbeaten on a resilient 42 off 43 balls (including 5 boundaries) to steer Nepal across the finish line in the final over. Earlier in the day, after winning the toss and electing to bat, Indonesia posted a competitive 113 for 4 in their 20 overs.

CAN Bids Farewell to National Cricket Squad for Asian Games Qualifier

The Nepali national men’s cricket team was officially bid farewell today as it prepares to depart for Singapore to compete in the Asian Games Cricket Qualifier beginning May 31. The farewell program was organized in Kathmandu by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), with players, coaching staff, and officials expressing confidence ahead of the crucial tournament. Nepal has been placed in Group ‘A’ alongside Malaysia and China, while Group ‘B’ includes Oman, Hong Kong, Bahrain, and host nation Singapore. Qatar, initially included in Group ‘A’, has withdrawn from the competition. Speaking during the event, captain Dipendra Singh Airee said the team atmosphere is highly positive and expressed optimism about delivering strong performances in the qualifier.

Nepal Placed in Development Stage, Out of AFC U-20 Asian Cup Qualification Path

Nepal will not play in the AFC U-20 Asian Cup despite being part of the qualification process. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has placed Nepal in the development stage after announcing the group draw for the qualifiers of the 2027 tournament in China. In the qualification stage, 32 teams are divided into eight groups, with group winners and seven best runners-up advancing to the final tournament, while bottom teams drop to the development stage. Nepal is placed in Group I of the development stage alongside Mongolia, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands. The tournament will be held from March 24 to April 10, 2027. Nepal has previously qualified in 1971, 1972, 1974, and 2004, but was eliminated in the first round each time.

US Launches Fresh Strikes on Iran Amid Ceasefire Tensions

The US military has carried out new strikes on Iran, targeting a military site in Bandar Abbas, the country’s strategic port city. According to US Central Command (Centcom), American forces also shot down four Iranian one-way attack drones that “posed a threat around the Strait of Hormuz”. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it had retaliated by targeting a US air base, though it did not disclose the location. Meanwhile, Kuwait’s military said its air defence systems intercepted “hostile missile and drone threats”, but did not specify their origin.

Fire at Kenyan Boarding School Kills 16 Students

At least 16 students were killed in a fire at a boarding school in Gilgil, around 120 kilometers west of the Kenyan capital, Nairobi. According to police and the Kenya Red Cross, the fire broke out at Utumishi Girls School in the early hours of Thursday while students were asleep. Authorities said search and rescue operations were ongoing, with investigators yet to determine the cause of the fire. Emergency responders from the Kenya Red Cross were deployed to support rescue efforts.

Oil Prices Surge After US Strikes on Iran Escalate Tensions

Oil prices jumped sharply after the US carried out new attacks on Iran, targeting a military site in the strategic port city of Bandar Abbas. The US Central Command (Centcom) said its forces also shot down four Iranian drones that “posed a threat around the Strait of Hormuz”. Following the escalation, global oil benchmark Brent rose by 3.75% to $97.83 (£73.15) per barrel, while US-traded crude climbed 4% to $92.22. The strikes come despite a ceasefire between Tehran and Washington, as the two countries continue talks aimed at ending a three-month-long conflict that has effectively disrupted the key Strait of Hormuz waterway, driving up global energy costs.

Israel Conducts New Airstrikes on Southern Lebanon

Israel’s military says it has launched fresh strikes on southern Lebanon, targeting what it described as Hezbollah infrastructure. Videos circulating on social media from the city of Tyre showed crowds gathering around collapsed buildings covered in dust and debris. On Wednesday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) urged residents to move north of the Zahrani River, located around 40 kilometers from the border. The military warned it would act “with extreme force”, accusing Hezbollah of repeatedly violating the ceasefire agreement. Hezbollah, which has also accused Israel of violating the ceasefire, said its fighters clashed with Israeli troops on Wednesday.

Bolivia President Warns Nation ‘At Breaking Point’ Amid Deadly Protests

Bolivia’s President Rodrigo Paz has warned that the country is “at breaking point” after a month of anti-government protests that have left seven people dead and hundreds arrested. Demonstrators led by unions and indigenous groups have erected roadblocks across Bolivia, causing shortages of essential goods and paralysing large parts of the country. The protesters are demanding the reinstatement of fuel subsidies, a reversal of austerity measures, and the resignation of President Paz. The protests initially erupted in late April following the government’s proposed land reform policy and have since intensified amid growing anger over the president’s centre-right agenda.