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 Postponed to July 31

National Assembly Chairperson Narayan Prasad Dahal announced that the upper house will next meet on July 31. Before the adjournment, Minister for Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Sobita Gautam presented the 2024/2025 annual report of the Office of the Attorney General on behalf of Prime Minister Balendra Shah. During the session, lawmaker Kamala Pant urged the government to enforce the cabinet-approved integrity policy to curb corruption, implement the ‘Early Warning for All’ strategic plan for disaster management, and control inflation. Other lawmakers demanded budget increases for youth employment, press freedom protection, and immediate chemical fertilizer supplies for farmers.

House Adjourned Until July 30 After Brief Sitting

The House of Representatives was adjourned on Wednesday, today, following an intense and highly contentious legislative session that stretched for over five hours. Originally convening at approximately 1:00 PM, the session was initially expected to be brief but dragged on until late 6:00 PM as lawmakers engaged in heated debates over governance issues, recent media blockades, and economic challenges. Following the conclusion of the prolonged deliberations, Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal announced that the next meeting of the lower house has been scheduled for Thursday, July 30.

Deputy Speaker-Led Delegation Off to China

A five-member delegation led by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rubi Kumari, has left here today for China to participate in the 5th China-Xizang Trans-Himalaya Forum for International Cooperation to be held in the city of Nyingchi, China. According to Ekram Giri, the spokesperson for the Federal Parliament Secretariat, the Deputy Speaker is scheduled to address the program, which will be held until July 17. During the visit, Deputy Speaker Kumari and Mr. Wang Junzheng, the Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Xizang Autonomous Regional Committee, will hold a meeting in Linzhi city, Xizang. The delegation will return home on July 20.

Supreme Court Bars Property Panel from Probing Judges’ Assets

The Supreme Court has issued an interim order preventing the Property Inquiry Commission from seeking or examining the assets of sitting and former judges until a full bench delivers a final ruling. The order was issued by a single bench of Justice Nripa Dhwoj Niroula in response to separate petitions filed by the Former Judges Forum and Advocate Maniram Upadhyay. The dispute arose after the commission interpreted an earlier court order to continue asset verification for most public officials. The latest ruling temporarily suspends the commission’s authority over judges while the court examines broader constitutional questions surrounding its jurisdiction.

Foreign Minister Signs Condolence Book at Qatari Embassy Today

Minister of Foreign Affairs Shisir Khanal on Wednesday signed the condolence book at the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Kathmandu following the demise of Qatar’s Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. In the condolence message, Khanal expressed profound condolences over the passing of the Father Amir and paid tribute to him as a visionary statesman whose leadership made a lasting contribution to Qatar’s remarkable development and to the strengthening of bilateral relations. He also conveyed heartfelt sympathies and solidarity to Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the royal family, the government, and the people of Qatar during the period of mourning.

Israeli Ambassador and Minister Pun Seen Together Today

Israeli Ambassador to Nepal Shmulik Arie Bass and Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Mahabir Pun held talks on Wednesday on expanding bilateral cooperation in science, technology, education, and innovation. According to the Israeli Embassy, the two discussed the pending bilateral agreement on culture, education, science, and sports, as well as the need to allocate funding for research and development (R&D) in the national budget to help create a stronger information technology ecosystem. They also exchanged views on Minister Pun’s vision of establishing innovation centers at selected universities to promote research, technology, and innovation.

Nepal Embassy Warns Against Withholding Nepali Workers’ Passports in Malaysia

The Embassy of Nepal in Kuala Lumpur has urged Nepali nationals living and working in Malaysia to carry their passports with them at all times, reminding them that doing so is required under Malaysian laws and regulations. In a notice issued on Tuesday, the embassy also called on employers of Nepali workers to ensure that employees retain possession of their passports. It requested employers not to withhold passports except where permitted by law and with the employee’s explicit consent. The embassy asked Nepali nationals whose passports are being withheld without their consent to contact it through its designated WhatsApp number or email for assistance. It said the advisory aims to help ensure compliance with Malaysian laws while safeguarding the rights, dignity, and welfare of Nepali workers in the country.

Karnali Province Abolishes 9 Major Directorates and Training Centers

The Karnali provincial cabinet, during a meeting in Birendranagar, Surkhet, decided to abolish and restructure six directorates and three training centers. Spokesperson Binod Kumar Shah, the Minister of Land Management, Agriculture, and Cooperatives, announced that functions will now be centralized under the Karnali Province Training Academy. The decision builds on a June 11 restructuring plan targeting infrastructure, water, agriculture, livestock, and forest bodies. Additionally, the government gave preliminary approval for a monitoring bill, assigned Laxmi Kumar BK as executive director of the academy, and passed new seed regulations and road manuals.

Sudurpashchim Chief Minister Sacks 4 CPN (UML) Ministers

Sudurpashchim Province Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah on Wednesday dismissed three CPN (UML) ministers and one minister of state after the coalition partners failed to resolve a dispute over the fiscal year 2026/27 provincial budget. Those removed are Land Management, Agriculture, and Cooperatives Minister Bir Bahadur Thapa, Internal Affairs and Law Minister Hira Sarki, Physical Infrastructure Development Minister Surendra Pal, and Minister of State for Physical Infrastructure Development Nirmala Devi Saud. The decision came after Chief Minister Shah returned from Kathmandu, where he held high-level talks. Despite several rounds of negotiations, the Nepali Congress and CPN (UML) failed to reach a consensus on the budget. The official dismissal letter had not been made public as of Wednesday.

4 Nepali Congress Ministers Resign from Karnali Province

All four Nepali Congress (NC) ministers in the Karnali provincial government resigned collectively on Wednesday, submitting their letters directly to Chief Minister Yam Lal Kandel. The departing cabinet members Economic Affairs and Planning Minister Rajiv Bikram Shah, Social Development Minister Ghanashyam Bhandari, Water Resources and Energy Development Minister Bijaya Budha, and Industry, Tourism, Forest, and Environment Minister Suresh Adhikari boycotted a scheduled cabinet meeting to step down. The sudden exit puts the ruling coalition under intense pressure, challenging a prior power-sharing agreement between the CPN (UML) and the Nepali Congress to run the administration on a rotational basis.

Youth Attempts Self-Immolation, Referred to Burn Hospital, Kirtipur

A 28-year-old Gautam Kumar Sahani of Gaurda municipality-9, Rautahat District, attempted self-immolation here today by pouring petrol on his body. Chairperson of Garuda municipality-9, Rajesh Sahani, said Gautam Kumar, who is suffering from depression, tried to set himself on fire by pouring petrol after taking petrol out from his own motorcycle early this morning. Gautam Kumar has suffered burns to around 35 percent of his body below the neck and he has been referred to Kathmandu for further treatment. As per the preliminary investigation, the youth is found suffering from mental illness and further investigation into the incident is underway. The family members of Gautam Kumar rushed him at Garuda-based Better Nepal Hospital immediately after the incident. The youth was referred to Kirtipur-based Burn Hospital for further treatment after primary treatment there.

Opposition Presses Govt. Over Border Remarks, Deaths in Landless Settlement

Opposition lawmakers on Wednesday intensified their criticism of the government in the House of Representatives (HoR), demanding clarification on Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s remarks regarding the Nepal-India border, questioning the government’s commitment to the rule of law, and raising concerns over deaths linked to the clearance of a landless settlement. Nepali Communist Party lawmaker Mahendra Bahadur Shahi called on the government to publicly clarify the prime minister’s border remarks, warning that the opposition would continue its protest until an official response is provided. He also urged the government to prioritize strengthening state institutions over publicity-driven politics. Shram Sanskriti Party lawmaker Ambika Devi Sangraula accused the government of disregarding legal procedures, arguing that no individual should be placed above the law and warning against weakening state institutions. Meanwhile, Nepali Congress lawmaker Gita Gurung said the death toll following the clearance of a landless settlement had reached nine, blaming the government’s handling of the operation and calling for greater accountability and human sensitivity.

MP Aaren Rai Criticizes Government Policies in Parliament

Shram Sanskriti Party Member of Parliament Aaren Rai criticized the current administration during a House of Representatives meeting on Wednesday, accusing it of adopting authoritarian practices that undermine democratic processes. Rai raised concerns regarding a potential ordinance during the 10-day parliamentary recess that could affect citizens’ rights. He specifically opposed plans to terminate temporary, contract, and daily wage workers on July 17. Additionally, Rai questioned transparency issues in appointing vice-chancellors at six health academies and stated that structural alterations to the provincial federal framework remain unacceptable.

MP Rajendra Rai Opposes Dismissal of Contract Employees

CPN (UML) Member of Parliament Rajendra Rai opposed the government’s plan to dismiss long-serving contract and temporary employees during a session of the House of Representatives. Rai directed the Speaker’s attention toward protecting the livelihoods of these workers, noting that many gathered outside the Ministry of Finance to protest. He emphasized that displacing experienced public servants while thousands of citizens migrate daily for foreign employment is unjust. Rai urged the new administration to prioritize job security for domestic workers rather than eliminating existing low-wage positions and adding financial distress to their families.

Prachanda Departs for Sri Lanka to Attend Asian Dialogue

Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, the coordinator of the Nepali Communist Party (NCP), departed today for Colombo, Sri Lanka. He is visiting to participate in the Asian Dialogue, organized by the International Peoples Assembly, which will be held from July 16 to 18. Dahal is accompanied by a delegation of NCP leaders, including Balram Baskota, Baldev Chaudhary, Dama Sharma, Madhav Pant and Ganga Dahal. According to his private secretariat, during his stay in Sri Lanka, Coordinator Dahal is scheduled to pay courtesy calls on the country’s President and Prime Minister. He will also hold meetings with the General Secretary of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna and the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Sri Lanka, among other political dignitaries.

TU Course Development Center Revokes Degree Equivalences

The Tribhuvan University Course Development Center invalidated the degree equivalence certificates of 114 students who graduated from various universities in India. According to a Wednesday notice, the decision follows the expiration of a mandatory 35-day verification period published in the Gorkhapatra Daily. The revocations were enforced under Regulation 21 of the Tribhuvan University Recognition of Degrees and Equivalence Regulations, 2082. The canceled certificates include 98 degrees from Sangai International University, 13 from CMJ University, two from Techno Global University, and one from Pragyan International University after Indian authorities declared the qualifications illegitimate.

11 Districts in Gandaki Achieve Full Immunization Status

All 11 districts in Gandaki province have officially achieved full vaccination coverage and sustainability status. The milestone was secured following the recent declaration of Nawalpur as fully immunized on July 9. Provincial vaccine officer Ek Narayan Lamsal announced that the entire province is now on track to be formally declared fully vaccinated. The status is awarded once children from birth to 23 months old complete all routine vaccines. Backed by an annual “Search and Vaccinate” campaign held around April/May, the initiative has brought nearly 25,000 eligible children under regular health coverage to lower maternal and infant mortality rates.

Five Members Appointed at Tourism Board

Five members have been appointed at the Nepal Tourism Board through open competition. Those getting appointment on Tuesday are Khum Bahadur Subedi, Santosh Pokharel, Shrijana KC, Pemba Sherpa and Dr Shobhita Shrestha Dhakal. The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation informed that they were appointed after conducting evaluation by a selection committee. The selection committee formed as per Tourism Act evaluated the applicants’ expertise, qualification, contribution to tourism and leadership capacity. Total 1,100 persons had applied for the post from across the country. The open competition was adopted in a bid to ensure transparency in appointment and promote tourism destinations, formulation of relevant tourism policy, attraction to investment and strengthening of public-private partnership. It is expected that the expertise and leadership of the newly appointed board members would foster sustainable development of tourism in Nepal.

Vice Chancellor, Registrar Appointed at MDCUHS

The vice chancellor and the registrar have been appointed to the Martyr Dasharath Chand University of Health Science (MDCUHS). The University Senate today appointed Prof. Dr. Sunil Kumar Joshi to the post of Vice Chancellor and Dr. Bhim Bahadur Chand to the post of Registrar. Earlier, the convener of the recommendation committee, Prof. Dr. Jayaraj Awasthi, had, through Pro-Chancellor and Minister for Education and Sports Sasmit Pokharel, presented a report with qualifications to the University Senate for appointment to the posts.

KMC Police Return to Duty After Security Concerns

Kathmandu Metropolitan City’s (KMC) municipal police have resumed field operations after temporarily suspending street duties over security concerns. The withdrawal of municipal police had resulted in an increase in illegal parking and renewed sidewalk encroachment in New Road and other parts of the city. In response, the metropolitan office has fully redeployed its personnel to enforce traffic and public space regulations and restore order.

Nepali Dance Teams Reach Thailand for Global Tournament

At least three dance teams arrived in Thailand to compete in the Global Dance League Thailand 2026 international dance competition. Representing the nation are Team NT, The Innate Soul, and NDA Junior, who were selected from the recently concluded World of Dance Nepal 2026 competition. The opening ceremony for the competition is scheduled for Wednesday evening. The league events will take place in Bangkok from July 15 to July 19, featuring eight competitive episodes. The global event showcases international dancers, choreographers, and distinguished judges from multiple nations.

Nepal Crushes Japan at ACC U-19 Women’s Premier Cup

Nepal cruised into the semifinals of the ACC U-19 Women’s Premier Cup 2026 with a dominant nine-wicket victory over Japan. Electing to bat first, Japan was bundled out for a modest 86 runs in their allotted 20 overs, stifled by a disciplined Nepali bowling attack led by Krishma Gurung (2-6) and Riya Sharma (2-23). Japan’s captain Bianca Schino top-scored with 38 runs, while only two other batters managed double digits. Nepal comfortably chased down the 87-run target in just 11.2 overs, finishing at 90/1. Opener Sabitri Dhami anchored the chase with a brilliant, unbeaten 41 off 32 balls, sealing the emphatic victory alongside solid contributions from Sana Prabin (18) and Soni Pakhrin (18).

ICC Approves Format Changes for Men’s T20 and ODI World Cups

The International Cricket Council (ICC) approved strategic changes to the formats of its major men’s tournaments during its board meeting in Edinburgh, Scotland. Starting from 2028, the second round of the men’s T20 World Cup will expand from eight to 10 teams, replacing the ‘Super Eight’ stage with a ‘Super 10’ phase. The initial round will split 20 teams into four groups of five, with the top two advancing. In the subsequent ‘Super 10’ phase, 10 teams will be divided into two groups of five, where group winners secure direct semifinal berths while second and third-place finishers enter crossover eliminators.

Iran Threatens Wider Trade Route Disruptions After US Strikes

Iran has warned it could expand disruptions to regional oil and gas export routes after the United States launched a new wave of strikes on Iranian military targets. The latest attacks targeted coastal defense positions and missile facilities, with Washington saying the operation was intended to reduce threats to commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. In response, Iran said the strategic waterway would remain closed until US military operations cease and warned additional routes could also be affected. The escalating confrontation has heightened concerns over global energy supplies, while reports of fresh military exchanges involving US facilities in the Gulf have further increased regional tensions.

Pakistan Seeks Islamic Guidance on Cryptocurrency Regulations

Pakistan’s virtual assets regulator has asked the country’s leading Islamic seminary to clarify the religious distinction between speculative cryptocurrencies and digital tokens backed by tangible assets. The request follows a recent religious ruling that questioned the permissibility of using cryptocurrencies as a means of payment under Islamic law, raising concerns about the country’s expanding digital asset strategy. Pakistan has been moving to regulate the sector through exchange licensing, stablecoin initiatives, and tokenized assets. Regulators say different types of digital assets should be assessed individually, particularly those backed by real-world assets, as the country works to develop a regulatory framework aligned with Islamic financial principles.

Google Asks EU Court to Reject Fine of €1.49 Billion

Google has asked the Court of Justice of the European Union to dismiss an appeal by the European Commission seeking to reinstate a EUR 1.49 billion (USD 1.7 billion) antitrust fine that was overturned by a lower court in 2024. The penalty, originally imposed in 2019, accused Google of using restrictive clauses in its AdSense advertising contracts between 2006 and 2016 to limit competition in online search advertising. Google argued the Commission’s appeal lacks legal merit and said rivals had opportunities to compete. The Commission maintains the lower court applied an incorrect legal standard. A legal adviser is expected to issue a non-binding opinion in November, with a final ruling to follow.