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.

Court Determines Final Prison Sentences and Fines for Individuals Convicted in Fake Bhutanese Refugee Scam

The Kathmandu District Court has officially finalized the prison terms and financial penalties for the individuals convicted in the fake Bhutanese refugee scam, where Nepali citizens were fraudulently promised resettlement in the United States. Following a conviction verdict delivered on July 6 by Judge Tej Bahadur Khadka, the court handed down the specific sentences on Tuesday, July 14. According to the court ruling, former Deputy Prime Minister Top Bahadur Rayamajhi and former Home Secretary Tek Narayan Pandey received identical sentences of 4 years in prison along with a Rs 40,000 fine.

President Paudel Authenticates 3 Bills

President Ram Chandra Paudel has authenticated three key bills passed by the Federal Parliament. According to a statement issued by Ritesh Kumar Shakya, spokesperson for the Office of the President, President Paudel authenticated the bills in accordance with Article 113, Clause (2) of the Constitution of Nepal. The authenticated bills include the Appropriation Bill 2026, the National Debt Mobilization Bill 2026, and the Finance Bill 2026. All three bills were authenticated on July 14. Having been passed by both houses of the Federal Parliament and submitted for authentication, these bills have now entered the implementation phase.

Vice President Yadav Departs for Qatar 

Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav departed for Qatar this afternoon on a three-day official visit. The Vice President left for Qatar to express condolences on behalf of the Government of Nepal over the demise of Qatar’s former Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. Vice President Yadav was seen off at the VVIP lounge of Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) by Minister for Information and Communications Bikram Timilsina. Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai and other high-ranking officials were also present at the airport. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during his visit, Vice President Yadav is scheduled to hand over a condolence message sent by President Ramchandra Paudel to the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, on July 15. A delegation of high-ranking Nepal government officials is accompanying the Vice President. He is scheduled to return home on July 16.

PM Shah Attends House Session for 1ST Time Since Border Remark

Prime Minister Balendra Shah attended today’s House of Representatives meeting. This marks his first appearance in Parliament since participating in the question-and-answer session on May 31. During that session, his remarks suggesting that Nepal had also encroached upon India’s border triggered fierce protests, leading the opposition to obstruct parliamentary proceedings for several days. Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairman Rabi Lamichhane also arrived alongside the Prime Minister at today’s parliament meeting. The two entered the hall together, stayed for 20 minutes, and left together. While Balen and Rabi were attending the session, opposition lawmakers were fiercely criticizing the government.

Speaker Aryal’s Ruling to Government for Making Disaster Risk Reduction Effective

Speaker of the House of Representatives (HoR), Dol Prasad Aryal, has instructed the government to play an effective role in disaster risk reduction. Speaker Aryal issued this ruling to the government on the issues raised by the MPs in today’s meeting of the (HoR), the lower house of the Federal Parliament. The Speaker gave a ruling to the government to ensure effective disaster preparedness, relief and rescue, and smooth and safe transportation to reduce potential human and material losses due to monsoon-related disasters.

President Paudel and Vice President Yadav Hold Meeting

A meeting was held today between President Ram Chandra Paudel and Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav. According to the President’s Secretariat, Vice President Yadav briefed President Paudel on his upcoming official visit to Qatar during their meeting at the presidential palace, Shital Niwas. Vice President Yadav is scheduled to depart for Qatar at 3:30 PM today. The Vice President is traveling to Qatar to express condolences on behalf of Nepal over the passing of Qatar’s former Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. During the visit, Vice President Yadav is scheduled to hand over a formal condolence message from President Paudel to the current Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

Supreme Court Overturns Government Decision on Advertisements

In a significant ruling for press freedom, Supreme Court on Tuesday overturned the government’s controversial decision to deny state-funded advertisements and notices to private media outlets. A joint bench of Justices Sharanga Subedi and Nripadhwaj Niraula invalidated the circular issued by the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in April 2026, which had restricted all federal, provincial and local government bodies to publishing advertisements exclusively in state-owned media like Gorkhapatra, Radio Nepal, and Nepal Television. The apex court’s verdict came in response to a lawsuit filed by the Nepal Media Society through Advocate Ananta Raj Luitel. With this ruling, the path has officially reopened for private media houses to receive government advertisements as before.

PM Orders Recovery of Billions in Encroached University Lands

Prime Minister Balendra (Balen) Shah issued a stern directive during a high-level briefing on July 14 to crack down on unresolved financial arrears, political interference, and reclaim billions of rupees in encroached academic lands. In response, newly appointed Vice-Chancellors representing seven national universities, including Tribhuvan University, pledged to ban party politics entirely. The dialogue also mandated a 100 percent scholarship for at least 10 percent of targeted students. Minister for Education and Sports Sasmit Pokharel ordered them to submit a concrete action plan within seven days to enforce federalized convocations and strict academic calendars.

Home Minister to Release 3 Loan Shark Inquiry Reports

Home Minister Sudhan Gurung agreed on Tuesday to make public the findings of three inquiry commissions investigating the loan shark crisis. The decision followed direct negotiations in Nijgadh with the Loan Shark Victims Struggle Committee, who commenced a march from Janakpur to Kathmandu on July 9. The commissions led by Gauri Bahadur Karki, Tej Bahadur Karki, and Baburam Regmi had submitted their reports, but the state kept them undisclosed. A third round of negotiations is planned once the federal government reviews the victims’ six-point demands.

Foreign Minister Khanal Meets German Envoy and New UNFPA Representative

Minister of Foreign Affairs Shisir Khanal held separate meetings with German Ambassador to Nepal Udo Eugen Volz and the newly appointed United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Representative to Nepal, Sriram Haridass, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday. During his meeting with Ambassador Volz, Khanal discussed various matters related to Nepal-Germany bilateral relations, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Earlier in the day, Haridass presented his Letter of Credence to the foreign minister before paying a courtesy call on him. During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the longstanding partnership between Nepal and UNFPA. They also exchanged views on ongoing cooperation and future priorities, with particular emphasis on Nepal’s population dynamics, demographic dividend, youth, and the aging population. Khanal appreciated UNFPA’s continued support to Nepal and wished Haridass a successful tenure in Nepal.

Contract Employees Stage Protest at Ministry of Finance

Contract employees from all 18 ministries staged a sit-in protest in front of the main entrance of the Ministry of Finance at Singha Durbar on Tuesday. The protest was organized against the government’s preparation to terminate current contract employees and replace them by hiring staff through outsourcing. The protesting employees demanded that the government retract its decision, stating that this move would threaten the job security of thousands of workers who have been serving on a contract basis for a long time. They urged the government to ensure their job security and halt the implementation of the outsourcing system.

Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Meets FWEAN president 

Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Zhang Maoming and Federation of Women Entrepreneurs’ Associations of Nepal (FWEAN) President Darshana Shrestha held a meeting on Tuesday, discussing women’s empowerment and opportunities to strengthen economic and trade cooperation between China and Nepal. According to the Chinese Embassy, the meeting focused on promoting women’s entrepreneurship and exploring avenues for deeper bilateral economic and trade collaboration. Both sides exchanged views on enhancing cooperation in areas that support women entrepreneurs and contribute to stronger economic ties between the two countries.

Lawmakers Clash in Parliament Over Media Blockades, Inflation, and Decorum

The House of Representatives witnessed heated clashes on Tuesday as opposition lawmakers cornered the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) over deteriorating governance and rising inflation. Opposition MPs Ganesh Thagunna and Ramesh Kumar Malla condemned recent incidents where vehicles barricaded media houses, accusing the RSP leadership of protecting these elements. RSP Chief Whip Prakash Chandra Pariyar strongly pushed back, condemning the blockades as press freedom assaults while urging responsible journalism. Additionally, CPN (UML) MP Ain Mahar raised a point of order accusing Prime Minister Balendra Shah and RSP Chairman Rabi Lamichhane of violating parliamentary decorum during a speech by Khushbu Oli.

MPs Rai, Shahi Lash Out at Government

Opposition lawmakers launched a fierce attack on the government during Tuesday’s parliamentary session, accusing the ruling party of autocratic behavior and suppressing public dissent. Nepali Congress Whip Nischal Rai condemned the administration for fostering an atmosphere of terror, pointing to recent media blockades and the intimidation of citizens at a landless holding center. He fiercely criticized the state’s defensive reaction to public queries surrounding the tragic death of Ganesh Nepali. Concurrently, Rastriya Prajatantra Party leader Gyanendra Shahi targeted Home Minister Sudhan Gurung. Shahi rejected the minister’s claims that the opposition was politicizing the Karnali tragedy, firing back that the Home Minister had used Gen Z protests as a literal “stepping stone” to capture state power.

Opposition Lawmakers Demand PM to Address Border Remarks

Opposition parties continued protests in the House of Representatives on Tuesday demanding Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) address the house and expunge his May 31 remarks claiming Nepal encroached upon Indian territory. CPN (UML) lawmaker Ganesh Singh Thaguna termed the statement anti-national, demanding its archive removal. Rastriya Swatantra Party MP Amresh Kumar Singh and Shram Sanskriti Party MP Aren Rai joined the criticism. Additionally, lawmakers condemned a Monday incident where vehicles blocked major media houses and political residences, comparing it to Panchayat-era state terror and slamming the nominal Rs 500 fine levied on offenders.

Landless Settlers Appeal to NHRC for Human Rights Protection

A delegation of landless settlers, including Dal Mardan Kami, Parmila Rai, Jhabarlal Urao, Kalpana Thapa, Nir Kumar Magar, Ram Kumari Rai, Kamala Urao, and Gopal Majhi, submitted an appeal to National Human Rights Commission Chairperson Top Bahadur Magar on Tuesday. The delegation highlighted severe human rights violations in holding centers, alleging discrimination in relief distribution and a lack of dignified housing. Chairperson Magar pledged to study the petition before issuing recommendations to relevant authorities. The settlers urged the commission to conduct immediate field inspections and facilitate secure, permanent land ownership rehabilitation.

Nagarik App Adds Real-Time Nationwide Blood Availability Service

The Nagarik App has introduced a new feature that allows users to check the availability of blood at blood transfusion centers across the country in real time. The Blood Information portal enables users to view the availability of different blood groups and the number of units in stock at various blood transfusion centers through a single platform, according to the Ministry of Health and Population. The integrated service allows users to quickly locate the required blood group and the blood transfusion center where it is available. The ministry said the feature has been added to improve access to healthcare services through digital technology. It is expected to help patients and their families obtain blood more quickly during emergencies, improve blood management, and strengthen coordination among blood transfusion centers.

Actress Kajal Karna Files Misconduct Complaint at Film Artists Association

Actress Kajal Karna filed a formal complaint with the Film Artists Association of Nepal on Tuesday, alleging executive misconduct and harassment on the shooting set of the upcoming movie Chiranjivi Bhabha. Association President Uttam KC confirmed the administrative receipt of the grievance, which was submitted via electronic mail. In her official filing, Karna demanded an independent and impartial investigation into the incident, targeting the involved individuals and the production crew. Furthermore, she urged the association to enforce binding commitments from the film’s management to prevent future violations of artist dignity.

U-19 Women into Tournament Quarterfinals

Nepal’s comprehensive triumph over Hong Kong secured the top spot in Group D with three consecutive victories, confirming an undefeated entry into the quarterfinals of the ACC Women’s U-19 Premier Cup 2026 AD. Captain Sony Pakhrin smashed an explosive 90 runs off 60 balls, featuring 13 boundaries and one six. Pakhrin shared a vital 136-run partnership with opener Sabitri Dhami, who contributed 52 runs. Defending the total, Pakhrin claimed four wickets for four runs, supported by Manisha Upadhyay’s two wickets. Nepal previously defeated Singapore by 151 runs and Qatar by 105 runs in early fixtures.

16 Nepali Swimmers Mobilize for Asian Age Group Championship Challenges

Sixteen swimmers from Nepal will present their athletic challenges at the upcoming 12th Asian Age Group Swimming Championship in Thailand. The competition will be staged in Bangkok from July 18-28 featuring six female and ten male athletes. The 19-member Nepali delegation will depart for the venue on Wednesday. A farewell ceremony was organized at the Ministry of Education and Sports inside Singha Durbar, where Minister Sasmit Pokharel, National Sports Council Member Secretary Ram Charitra Meheta, and Nepal Swimming Association President Jagat Man Shrestha offered corporate wishes.

Atlanta Police Tighten Security Ahead of England Vs Argentina

Local authorities in Atlanta, USA, have deployed extensive security measures ahead of the highly anticipated semifinal match between England and Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026 AD. Given the long-standing football rivalry and historical tensions between the two nations, the Atlanta Police Department has mobilized additional law enforcement personnel, tactical units, and surveillance resources. The increased security presence targets the stadium, surrounding entertainment zones, and transit hubs. Executive planners stated these precautionary steps are designed to ensure public safety, deter potential disorder, and guarantee a secure environment for international spectators visiting the host city.

Former Meta employees sue over AI-assisted layoff process

Twenty-six former employees have filed a lawsuit against Meta, alleging the company used AI-assisted evaluation tools during recent layoffs in a way that unfairly affected workers with disabilities, those on medical leave, and pregnant employees. Filed in a federal court in California, the lawsuit claims the selection process relied on performance-related metrics that placed certain employees at a disadvantage. The plaintiffs, who filed anonymously, accuse the company of violating federal and state workplace discrimination laws. Meta rejected the allegations, stating that decisions on workforce reductions were made by people rather than artificial intelligence and said the claims are without merit.