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.

Upper House Passes Finance Bill, 2026

The Upper House of the federal parliament, the National Assembly, passed the ‘Finance Bill, 2026.’ With the passage, the bill will be sent back to the House of Representatives (HoR), the lower house. Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle had presented the bill for the clause-wise discussion along with a message from the House of Representatives. His proposal for the deliberation was passed by majority votes. Earlier, Wagle had presented the proposal at the National Assembly meeting, seeking the passage of the bill without additional comments and a return to HoR. Taking part in the discussion, National Assembly members Prem Dangal, Samjhana Devkota, Roshani Meche and Somnath Portel expressed concern over imposing tax on education and health services. In the zero hour, the National Assembly members drew the government’s attention to ensure food and safe housing for landless settlers.

Four Parliamentary Committees Convened in Singha Durbar Today

Four committees under the Federal Parliament held separate meetings today in Singha Durbar. The Parliamentary Hearing Committee commenced proceedings at 9:30 AM for the recommended Election Commission leadership, following the retirement of Chief Commissioner Dinesh Kumar Thapaliya. The Constitutional Council recently nominated Man Bahadur Karki as Chief Election Commissioner, alongside Rajiv Subba and Guru Wagle as commissioners. Concurrently, the Agriculture, Cooperative and Natural Resources Committee reviewed field-monitoring reports regarding the Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC). Additionally, the Law, Justice and Human Rights Committee evaluated juvenile correction home conditions, while the Women and Social Affairs Committee updated operational procedures.

10 Days Remain for Complaints Against Election Commission Nominees

The Parliamentary Hearing Committee has issued a 10-day window for the public to submit complaints or feedback regarding the nominees for the Election Commission’s top posts. During a meeting at Singha Durbar on Thursday, the committee launched the hearing process for Chief Commissioner nominee Man Bahadur Karki and Commissioner nominees Rajib Subba and Guru Prasad Wagle, who were recommended by the Constitutional Council on July 3. Committee Chairperson Bodh Narayan Shrestha announced that all received complaints will be reviewed during the next scheduled meeting on July 20, while assuring opposition lawmakers that the hearings will follow strict, unhurried parliamentary procedures.

National Assembly Approves Debt Bill to Manage Liability

The National Assembly officially approved the National Debt Mobilization Bill, 2026, by a majority vote on Thursday following a structural legislative review. Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle presented the fiscal framework to clear repayment paths for outstanding state liabilities, which currently total approximately Rs 3 trillion following pandemic economic shocks. Parliamentary members urged the Public Debt Management Office to ensure transparent resource allocation pipelines directly benefiting agriculture and energy generation hubs, rather than viewing simple debt generation as an administrative milestone before returning the final file to the lower house.

4 Lawmakers Confront Government in House Session

At least four opposition lawmakers criticized the government from multiple fronts during Thursday’s House of Representatives session, demanding immediate accountability on critical social, economic, and geopolitical issues. CPN (UML) MP Ashuda Kumari Baral condemned the eviction of landless settlers, calling the Rs 25,000 compensation package entirely impractical. Concurrently, Nepali Communist Party lawmaker Bhim Kumari Budha Magar questioned the failure to curb the youth exodus during the administration’s first 100 days. Adding to the pressure, Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) lawmaker Khusbu Oli attacked Prime Minister Balendra Shah for addressing border sovereignty questions at a party convention instead of inside the parliament.

Opposition Parties Disrupt House Session Today Again

Opposition lawmakers disrupted Thursday’s meeting of the House of Representatives, forcing proceedings to stall shortly after the session began. The disruption started as soon as Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal opened the meeting at the Federal Parliament building in Singha Durbar. Lawmakers from the opposition benches stood in protest, preventing the House from conducting its scheduled business. Members of the Nepali Congress, CPN (UML), Nepali Communist Party, Shram Sanskriti Party, and Rastriya Prajatantra Party joined the protest. Amid the obstruction, Speaker Aryal gave the floor to Nepali Congress lawmaker Harina Devi Kami to present her remarks before the House.

PM Shah Discusses Construction Sector Challenges with Contractors

Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) on Thursday held discussions with representatives of the Federation of Contractors’ Association of Nepal (FCAN) on challenges facing the construction sector and measures to promote infrastructure development. During the meeting at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, Shah said the construction sector is vital for economic growth, employment, and infrastructure development, adding that the government is committed to addressing its practical challenges. He stressed the need for greater cooperation to ensure timely project completion and make the sector more transparent, accountable, and results-oriented. Led by FCAN President Nicholas Pandey, raised concerns over payment delays, contract management, deadline extensions, price adjustments, timely project implementation, and banking and investment issues.

Cabinet Approves Medical Education Commission Grant Procedure

The Medical Education Commission on Thursday approved the Medical Education Commission Grant Operation Procedure, 2026, during its 26th meeting chaired by Prime Minister and Commission Chair Balendra Shah. The meeting, held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar, endorsed the procedure following its presentation by the commission’s newly appointed Vice Chair Dr Devendra Khatri. The meeting was co-chaired by Minister for Health and Food Safety Nisha Mehta and Minister for Education and Sports Sasmit Pokharel.

SUTRA Tracking Systems Schedule Structural Shutdown Tonight

The Financial Comptroller General Office announced that the Sub-national Treasury Regulatory Application (SUTRA) digital platform utilized for tracking local government transaction fields will systematically shut down at midnight today. The Deputy Financial Comptroller General stated that the suspension follows Rule 30(1) of the Economic Procedures and Financial Accountability Rules, 2021, requiring all fiscal accounts to halt final disbursements 7 days prior to the close of the fiscal year. Under Rule 30(7), the platform will briefly reopen through July 16 solely for internal balance adjustments and specific tax settlements.

Lumbini Assembly Passes Bill to Preserve Tharu Customary Traditions

The Lumbini Provincial Assembly has unanimously passed the Bill on the Conservation and Promotion of Customary Traditions of the Tharu Community, 2026, creating a legal framework to protect and promote the Tharu community’s traditional customs, culture, and social practices. The bill was endorsed during the 18th meeting of the Assembly’s eighth session after Minister for Social Development Janmjay Timilsina tabled the proposal. Speaker Tularam Ghartimagar declared the bill passed following a vote. The legislation provides for the identification, documentation, protection, promotion, and intergenerational transfer of traditional Tharu institutions and practices, including Matawa, Barghar, Bhalmansa, clan structures, customs, rituals, and cultural heritage. The provincial government said the law will help preserve the Tharu community’s indigenous cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, and social institutions.

Chiefs of Gandaki and Madhesh Province Hold Meeting

Chief of the Gandaki Province, Dilli Raj Bhatta, and Madhesh Province Chief Surendra Labh Karna, held a meeting on Wednesday. During an inter-province visit, Madhesh Province Chief Karna, who arrived in Gandaki, met with Province Chief Bhatta at latter’s residence in Pokhara. According to the Province Chief’s office, matters related to emphatically deepening relations between the two provinces with elevated level of cooperation and collaboration were discussed on the occasion. The two province chiefs also discussed some best practices taking place in both the provinces. They shared experiences about the ongoing situation and initiatives in their respective provinces. The two also underlined the need to take strides by leveraging implementation of the Constitution to enhance institutional development and integrity of the provinces. Madhesh Province Chief Karna shared his plan to visit all seven provinces as part of the national unity campaign.

Ride-Share Driver in Critical Condition After Self-Immolation Attempt

Ganesh Nepali, a 25-year-old ride-sharing rider originally from Mugu, is in critical condition at Bir Hospital after attempting self-immolation outside Gate 3 of the Department of Passport in Tripureshwar, Kathmandu. The incident occurred around 1:45 PM on Thursday after Kathmandu Metropolitan City police reportedly locked his motorcycle’s wheel following a verbal altercation over parking. In response, Nepali extracted petrol from his motorcycle’s fuel tank, poured it over himself, and set himself on fire. Nearby police personnel acted quickly to douse the flames with water and rushed him to the hospital. According to the hospital, Nepali sustained severe burns covering nearly 60% of his body, heavily impacting his face, head, neck, chest, and arms. Although initially able to speak, his condition deteriorated rapidly at the hospital, and he has been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Doctors note that the first 24 to 72 hours remain highly critical due to extreme risks of infection, respiratory complications and fluid loss.

NHRC Expresses Serious Concern Over Eviction of Landless Settlers

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed serious concern over the government’s decision to evict landless settlers from temporary holding centers without providing alternative housing. The landless settlers had been relocated to the centers after their settlements along Kathmandu’s Bagmati riverbanks were cleared in April 2026. The NHRC criticized the short deadlines to vacate, the lack of adequate food provision, and the government’s failure to offer rehabilitation, warning that these actions breach Nepal’s Right to Housing Act and international human rights treaties. Assistant Spokesperson Shyam Babu Kafle urged the government to immediately halt any measures that put this vulnerable population at risk.

Police Clarify CIAA Officer Transfers as Routine Process

The Nepal Police Headquarters issued a formal clarification strongly refuting media allegations that recent senior officer transfers at the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) were politically motivated. Central Police Spokesperson Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Abi Narayan Kafle stated that the movements, executed on July 2 and 3, were routine administrative processes for human resource management. The headquarters expressed deep concern over speculative reporting, noting it undermines public trust, and urged media outlets to refrain from spreading unverified information regarding standard institutional functions.

IGP Karki Welcomes Global Cooperation at UN Police Summit

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dan Bahadur Karki emphasized the indispensability of international police cooperation to strengthen global peace, security, and the rule of law. Addressing the Fifth United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit 2026 in the United States on July 7 and 8, Karki highlighted that emerging challenges like cybercrime, human trafficking, transnational organized crime, terrorism, and financial crimes cannot be resolved by any single nation alone.  He stressed the importance of information exchange, capacity building, joint training, and advanced digital technology utilization. Highlighting Nepal’s decades of professional contributions to UN peace missions, Karki reaffirmed the nation’s unwavering commitment to global security. He also detailed internal institutional reforms focused on increasing the recruitment of women police officers, community-police partnerships, and human rights protections.

French Ambassador Pays Courtesy Call on Vice President Yadav

French Ambassador to Nepal Virginie Corteval paid a courtesy call on Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav on Thursday, discussing deep-rooted bilateral relations established in 1949. Vice President Yadav remarked that the French Revolution’s ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity have continually inspired Nepal’s democratic struggles. He expressed gratitude for France’s assistance channeled through the European Union and conveyed best wishes to French President Emmanuel Macron ahead of France’s National Day. Ambassador Corteval emphasized her dedication to strengthening ties during her tenure, describing Nepal as a country close to her heart.

Indian Envoy Meets Speaker Aryal, Invites Lawmakers

Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava held a courtesy meeting with House of Representatives Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal in Kathmandu on Thursday. Ambassador Srivastava invited Speaker Aryal and Nepali lawmakers to visit India to observe parliamentary practices and stated that Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is keen to visit Nepal. Speaker Aryal confirmed extending a prior invitation to Birla and thanked India for logistical support during Nepal’s recent elections, emphasizing that expanding air, rail, and bus connectivity would strengthen bilateral ties. Aryal highlighted the formation of a 10-member Nepal-India Parliamentary Friendship Group led by lawmaker Bipin Acharya and expressed interest in studying India’s National e-Vidhan Application for paperless legislative operations.

Israeli Ambassador, Labor Minister Discuss Pending Bilateral Agreements

Israeli Ambassador to Nepal Shmulik Arie Bass held talks with Minister of Youth, Labor and Employment Ramjee Yadav on Wednesday, with discussions centering on two pending bilateral work agreements. According to the Embassy of Israel in Nepal, the ambassador and the minister held in-depth discussions on the agreements, although no further details were disclosed. The meeting reflects ongoing engagement between Nepal and Israel on labor cooperation, with Israel remaining a key destination for Nepali workers, particularly in the caregiving and agriculture sectors.

Swiss Ambassador Meets Nepal-Switzerland Parliamentary Group

Swiss Ambassador to Nepal Danielle Meuwly held an introductory meeting with members of the Nepal-Switzerland Parliamentary Friendship Group on Wednesday, discussing ways to further strengthen bilateral relations through parliamentary diplomacy. According to the Embassy of Switzerland in Nepal, the meeting reflected on the longstanding ties between Nepal and Switzerland, with both sides exchanging views on enhancing mutual cooperation through closer engagement between their legislatures. Ambassador Meuwly also welcomed the establishment of the Nepal-Switzerland Parliamentary Friendship Group by Nepal’s Federal Parliament, expressing hope that the platform would promote cross-learning and further deepen bilateral relations as the two countries commemorate 70 years of diplomatic relations.

Nepali Congress MPs Challenge HoR Rules in Supreme Court

At least four officials from the Nepali Congress parliamentary party in the National Assembly and House of Representatives have filed a petition at the Supreme Court, challenging provisions of the House of Representatives Rules, 2026, as unconstitutional. The petition was filed by Kamala Devi Panta, Padam Bahadur Pariyar, Abhishek Pratap Shah, and Basana Thapa through advocate Amrit Kumar KC. The respondents include the Federal Parliament Secretariat, the House of Representatives, Speaker DP Aryal, the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, and the House Rules Drafting Committee coordinator Ganesh Parajuli. The petition argues that the preamble, Rule 140(11), and Rule 259 violate the Constitution by undermining the bicameral parliamentary system and conflicting with Articles 104(1) and 274.

KP Oli Slams Government’s First 100 Days

CPN (UML) Chairman KP Sharma Oli criticized the government’s first 100 days in office, stating it has done absolutely nothing to make the public happy. Speaking at a party entry event in Chyasal on Thursday, Oli compared the administration to boiling milk over a pot, calling it completely detached from reality and lacking any sense of duty. He also warned that criticizing leadership now risks imprisonment. During the event, Oli welcomed six central committee members from Nepali Communist Party into CPN (UML), including D.B. Karki, while dismissing rumors of the party’s decline.

Narayan Kaji Criticizes PM Administration Over Policy Deviation

Senior leader of the Nepali Communist Party and former Deputy Prime Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha issued a public statement strongly criticizing Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s administration. Shrestha warned that the government is steering Nepal’s independent, non-aligned foreign policy toward a dangerous deviation. He highlighted serious sovereignty concerns following official congratulations from the Dalai Lama, rumors of a successor announcement inside Nepal, and a recent government-permitted Dalai Lama birthday celebration attended by Western diplomats. Shrestha cautioned that fulfilling external strategic interests would invite catastrophic consequences, demanding an immediate halt to activities compromising national independence.

Bamdev Gautam Faction Leaders Return to CPN (UML)

Several leaders affiliated with the Bamdev Gautam-led faction of the Nepali Communist Party (CPN) have returned to the CPN (UML). On Thursday, CPN Politburo member DB Karki and six central committee members reached the CPN (UML) headquarters in Chyasal, where they were formally welcomed back by party Chairman KP Sharma Oli. Karki had previously served as a member of the first Constituent Assembly from the CPN (UML) and had remained close to Gautam’s faction for several years. Other CPN central committee members who rejoined the CPN (UML) include Radheshyam Gupta of Rupandehi, Vidya Prasad Sharma of Dailekh, Bamdev Gautam of Dang, Bhola Baral of Morang, Deepak Itani of Dhading, and Rabindra Bam of Baitadi, among others.

Priority for Constitutional Amendments Must Be Set: Gagan Thapa

Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa stressed that constitutional amendments must proceed under clearly defined priorities, criticizing the government’s current unstructured approach. He suggested forming a preparatory committee led by a Supreme Court justice or parliamentarians to guide a phased process, focusing first on reviewing commissions and then on enhancing public service delivery. Thapa warned that opening all aspects of the constitution at once could trigger chaos, and firmly stated that the Nepali Congress will never compromise on foundational pillars like democracy, republicanism, federalism, and inclusiveness.

Jhalanath Khanal Slams Government Over Dalai Lama

Former Prime Minister and senior leader of the Nepali Communist Party Jhalanath Khanal criticized the Balendra Shah-led government for permitting a public celebration of the Dalai Lama’s birthday in Kathmandu. Khanal called the move an anti-national violation of Nepal’s long-standing One-China policy, stating it undermines diplomatic ties with Beijing. He described the attendance of the United States, France, Australia, and European Union ambassadors at Swayambhu’s Namgyal Lower Secondary School as objectionable, warning against letting Western interests turn Nepal into an anti-China base. Additionally, Khanal slammed the administration’s reliance on World Bank and Asian Development Bank loans, urging closer cooperation with China to protect national interests.

Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Penalized 2,066 Motorists in 24 Hours

The Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office registered enforcement actions against 2,066 motorists for distinct highway safety violations during a 24-hour tracking window ending on Thursday. The administrative fines added more than Rs 1.8 million directly into the national treasury. Official safety logs show citations issued to 142 lane-discipline violators, 122 illegal ride-sharing operators, 120 traffic light line-crossers, 114 speeding vehicles, 103 sidewalk parking units, and 65 driving-under-the-influence violations. An additional 1,237 general moving offenses were processed across the regional transit grid to enforce driving laws.

Rajesh Hamal Expresses Policy Dissatisfaction of PM Administration

Film actor Rajesh Hamal voiced structural concerns regarding the executive governance path of Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s administration on Thursday. Through his official media channels, the artist noted that citizens require visible employment generation, civil accountability, and institutional rule of law rather than simple administrative rhetoric during the state’s initial 100 days in office. The performer who is the son of a former diplomat also referenced recent civic violence linked to youth movements, arguing that vandalism contradicts democratic expression. He urged leadership to safeguard national sovereignty from geopolitical pressures while prioritizing impartial legal measures against criminal offenses.

Prabhat Lama to Make Lead Acting Debut in ‘Tin Tighre Kya Bigre’

Popular comedian Prabhat Lama has been signed for the lead role in the upcoming comedy film ‘Tin Tighre Kya Bigre,’ marking his debut as a lead actor. Produced under the Raghuji Films banner, the movie is written and directed by Amardip Sapkota, with filming set to begin this week. Raghunath Sapkota is producing the film. The cast also includes singer Pashupati Sharma, Paritoshika Panta, daughter of singer Anju Panta, and actor Samiya Karki, all of whom had previously been signed for lead roles. Cinematography will be handled by Sankal Bhujel. Director Sapkota said the film is being made as a full-fledged comedy and aims to offer audiences laughter, entertainment, and a fresh cinematic experience.

CAN Bids Farewell to National Under-19 Women’s Lineup

The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) organized an official farewell ceremony on Thursday to send off the national under-19 women’s lineup for the upcoming ACC U-19 Women’s Premier Cup. CAN Vice President Roshan Singh and Treasurer Padam Khadka presented best wishes to the sports contingent, encouraging them to secure paths toward global cup qualifiers. Head coach Mahesh Prasad Rijal verified that team technical preparations remain solid to handle competitive fixtures. The international tournament commences on July 11 in Malaysia, where the national roster will face group stage challengers Qatar, Singapore, and Hong Kong.

Esports Association Confirms Roster for 20th Asian Games in Japan

The Nepal Esports Association published the official national athlete roster on Thursday to participate in the upcoming 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Selection trails finished across diverse international hubs, including Kuala Lumpur for Honor of Kings, Ho Chi Minh City for PUBG Mobile, and Singapore for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang. Competitors Mabin Dahal and Yunish Koju will lead the electronic football category, alongside 6 Honor of Kings players and five PUBG Mobile roster spots. The National Sports Council confirmed that the country will compete across 23 total sports subdivisions during the multi-sport tournament.

Pierluigi Collina Rejects Biased Match Officiating Charges in FIFA

FIFA Refereeing Director Pierluigi Collina clarified during an official interview on Thursday that refereeing determinations in the 2026 FIFA World Cup match between Argentina and Egypt were completely non-biased. The supervising official explained that Video Assistant Referee systems rightfully intervened when Egypt’s Marwan Attia committed a visible foul against defender Lisandro Martinez before an offensive play phase. He added that subsequent interactions between Mohamed Salah and Julian Alvarez represented regular physical contact. The director cautioned fans against issuing unverified integrity allegations, verifying that the refereeing panel operates with full institutional autonomy under FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

Australia, India Sign Uranium Supply Agreement

Australia and India have signed a uranium supply agreement during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Australia, paving the way for long-term uranium exports for peaceful purposes. Following talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Modi said the agreement would strengthen nuclear energy cooperation, enable uranium supplies from Australia to India, and support clean energy goals. A joint statement said uranium exports will be subject to safeguards set by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Australia, which holds an estimated 28 percent of the world’s uranium resources, had previously faced legal and political hurdles in exporting uranium to India. Albanese said the agreement would expand Australia’s uranium exports while supporting India’s non-fossil fuel energy capacity. Albanese also praised Modi’s leadership in strengthening bilateral ties.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei Buried in Mashhad

Iran buried its late Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, on Thursday at the Shrine of Imam Reza in Mashhad, concluding a week of state-led mourning ceremonies. Large crowds gathered for the funeral procession, waving flags, carrying portraits, and chanting pro-government slogans. His son and successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, did not attend the public ceremony and has remained out of public view since the strike that killed his father. The burial comes amid renewed military tensions with the United States and marks the start of a new chapter for Iran’s leadership as it faces mounting economic challenges, political divisions, and regional security concerns.

US Launches Fresh Strikes on Iran

The United States launched a fresh wave of overnight military strikes on Iran, saying the attacks were aimed at keeping the Strait of Hormuz open to commercial shipping. The strikes marked the second such operation this week and came after the US President Donald Trump declared that an interim agreement intended to end the conflict was “over.” Trump said the latest military action was carried out in retaliation for Iran’s attack on three cargo ships transiting the strategic waterway on Tuesday. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s busiest maritime chokepoints for global energy shipments. Hours after the US operation, Iran announced it had launched attacks on US military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait, describing the strikes as a response to the latest American assault on its infrastructure. Meanwhile, Iranian authorities said the country’s slain Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, will be laid to rest on Thursday at the holy shrine in Mashhad, one of Iran’s most sacred cities.

UN Agency Launches Initiative to Improve Trust in AI Agents

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations agency for digital technologies, has launched a new initiative to strengthen trust and accountability in artificial intelligence (AI) agents as these systems become more autonomous. Announced at the AI for Good Summit in Geneva, the initiative will establish a Focus Group to develop international frameworks ensuring AI agents remain identifiable, trustworthy, and subject to meaningful human oversight, especially in areas such as financial services and critical infrastructure. The group, comprising technical, legal, and policy experts, will hold its first meeting in Paris in November before convening again in Geneva in January.