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.

Chief Justice Sharma Leaves for India

Chief Justice Manoj Kumar Sharma has left here for India today. Chief Justice Sharma is visiting India at the friendly invitation of his Indian counterpart Surya Kant, according to Supreme Court Spokesperson Arjun Prasad Koirala. During the visit, Chief Justice Sharma is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with his Indian counterpart Kant and observe the Supreme Court of India. He is scheduled to return home on July 27. Chief Justice Sharma’s spouse Uma Sharma and Co-Registrar Amit Upreti are together in the visit.

Nepal Embassy in Oman Asks Applicants to Collect Ready E-Passports

The Embassy of Nepal in Muscat, Oman, has informed passport applicants who applied for new passports before July 12, 2026, that 120 electronic passports (e-passports) are ready for collection. In a notice issued on Thursday, the embassy asked applicants whose names appear on the published list to collect their passports by presenting their old passport and the fee payment receipt. The embassy said applicants who are unable to visit in person may authorize another person to collect the passport on their behalf by providing a power of attorney or authorization letter along with the required documents. Applicants who submitted their passport applications before July 12 but whose e-passports have not yet arrived have been requested to contact the embassy with their application form and fee payment receipt.

Education Minister Pledges to Eliminate University Politicization

Minister for Education Sasmit Pokharel stated that political power-sharing in universities will be completely eliminated within the next 4 years, speaking at the 67th anniversary ceremony of Tribhuvan University in Kathmandu on Thursday. The minister emphasized that open competition for vice-chancellor appointments has brought new energy, while discussions are underway to bring foreign professors to Nepal. Vice-Chancellor Bhola Thapa reaffirmed commitments to restructuring academic programs, enhancing research funds, and fostering international partnerships.

Finance Minister Stresses Efforts to Remove Nepal from Grey List

Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle stated that the government is continuously working to remove Nepal from the ‘grey list’ by making tax administration transparent, effective, and reliable. Addressing tax officers nationwide, he stressed the need for strict tax-side scrutiny of money laundering offenses, while reassuring officers that their career development and state contributions would be prioritized. Emphasizing voluntary tax compliance over intimidation, Wagle urged administrators to report any resource or IT deficits needed to streamline operations, promising rewards for high performers. He added that the current budget sets the trajectory for the country’s economic vision over the next four fiscal years, instructing departmental leadership to fully implement tax incentives, promote tax awareness, and push for digital transactions.

Chinese Delegation Meets Nepal Tourism Board Officials

A five-member Chinese delegation led by Sichuan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism Director General Chen Guanghao met officials of the Nepal Tourism Board on Thursday, today, to discuss strengthening tourism cooperation and promoting cultural, adventure, and Buddhist tourism. Acting Nepal Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer Hikmat Singh Ayer noted Nepal’s close proximity to Sichuan Province and proposed organizing familiarization tours for Chinese celebrities, media personnel, and bloggers to attract more visitors.

Dr. Govinda KC Begins Hunger Strike in Dhangadhi

Dr. Govinda KC on Thursday began a hunger strike in Dhangadhi, accusing the government of failing to address his demands within the deadline he had set. Dr. KC started the protest at the Krishna Temple dharmashala after announcing the move during a press conference on Thursday afternoon. He had arrived in Dhangadhi on Wednesday evening in preparation for the protest. He had presented the government with a five-point demand and set a deadline of July 21 for its implementation. Dr. KC said he launched the hunger strike after the government failed to respond to the demands.

Continuous Rainfall Triggers Highway Closures Across 5 Provinces

Continuous rainfall triggered severe landslides and flash floods, crippling traffic and completely blocking key highway corridors across Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Karnali, and Sudurpashchim provinces, according to the Nepal Police and the Department of Roads. Authorities imposed nighttime travel bans on the BP Highway and Kanti Lokpath in Bagmati, while routes including the Araniko Highway in Sindhupalchok, Mechi Highway, and Kaligandaki Corridor remain completely blocked. Officials strongly advised citizens to avoid non-essential travel as heavy rains are forecast to persist.

NDRRMA Reports 47 Incidents, 2 Deaths from Seasonal Disasters

Heavy seasonal hazards triggered 47 disaster incidents across the country on Wednesday, leaving two people dead, five injured, and causing damages estimated at Rs 19 million, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority. The recorded events included 16 landslides, 14 road blockages, and multiple other incidents. Since mid-April, 2,361 disaster events have resulted in 173 deaths, two missing individuals, and 1,208 injuries nationwide, highlighting the growing impact of severe weather.

Department Directs Field Inspections on Land Exceeding Legal Ceilings

The Department of Land Management and Archive directed land administration offices across 40 districts on Wednesday to conduct field inspections and submit status reports regarding companies, industries, and institutions holding land exceeding legal ceilings. Prompted by missing reports despite previous reminders, the department stressed that local monitoring committees must verify whether entities are utilizing land strictly according to approved institutional objectives pursuant to the Land Act. Officials must complete physical site verifications and submit detailed utilization findings without further delay.

Tax Officer Yuvraj Pal Transferred to Bardibas Following Anti-Graft Arrest

Yuvraj Pal, a tax officer at the Inland Revenue Office, Lahan, arrested red-handed accepting a bribe of Rs 500,000 on Thursday, was transferred to the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) office in Bardibas for further investigation. Detained during office hours while allegedly demanding money to settle tax audit liabilities for Sirha Super Market, the official was moved after completion of preliminary documentation and recovery proceedings. CIAA is conducting comprehensive inquiries into the case to determine broader departmental complicity.

Police Detain 5 Protesters Outside Tribhuvan University Anniversary

Police detained five individuals following a demonstration by youth protesters outside the venue of Tribhuvan University’s 67th Annual Day ceremony targeting Education Minister Sasmit Pokharel on Thursday. The protesters chanted slogans such as “down with nepo babies” and displayed placards demanding meritocracy, the abolition of executive positions reserved for political figures like the prime minister and education minister, and an end to political interference in academic institutions.

Karnali Assembly to Discuss No-Confidence Motion on Saturday

The Karnali Provincial Assembly will discuss the no-confidence motion registered against Chief Minister Yamlal Kandel on Saturday (July 25), following a postponement from Thursday announced by Speaker Nanda Gurung. The motion was jointly registered by the Nepali Congress and the Nepali Communist Party on July 17 after four Nepali Congress ministers resigned on July 16. In the 40-member assembly requiring 21 seats for a majority, both parties have decided to support the motion, backed by their respective 14 lawmakers each.

NCP to Support No-Confidence Motion Against CM Kandel

The Nepali Communist Party (NCP) decided to vote in favor of the no-confidence motion against Karnali Chief Minister Yamlal Kandel during a parliamentary party meeting held on Thursday. Chief Whip Krishna Bahadur GC confirmed the decision, following the resignation of four Nepali Congress ministers on July 16 and a joint registration of the motion on July 17. With 14 lawmakers each, the Nepali Congress and Nepali Communist Party hold a majority in the 40-member provincial assembly, urging the appointment of Jeevan Bahadur Shahi as the new Chief Minister.

Bishnu Paudel Seen in CPN (UML) Event Today Following Court Release

CPN (UML) Vice-Chairman Bishnu Prasad Paudel made his first official public appearance on Thursday at a lecture program commemorating the 48th Pushpa Lal Memorial Day at Karki Banquet in Babarmahal, just a week after his release from custody. Paudel had been arrested in Surkhet on June 22 amid an ongoing money laundering investigation. Following nearly 25 days in police detention, the Special Court granted him release on recognizance on July 16, enabling his swift return to political engagements.

KP Oli Rejects Criticisms Against Established Parties

CPN (UML) Chairman KP Sharma Oli dismissed narratives accusing traditional parties of exploiting the country during a Pushpa Lal Memorial Day program in Kathmandu on Thursday, emphasizing decades of sacrifice through historical revolutions. Oli rejected the artificial divide between old and new political entities, comparing established organizations to global systems like the United States Democratic and Republican parties. Additionally, he criticized the current administration, alleging that state repression during protests against political arrests has surpassed the crackdowns of the autocratic Panchayat era.

Prachanda Emphasizes Unity Among Progressive Forces

Nepali Communist Party Coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ stated that the country has achieved significant progress since transitioning into a federal democratic republic during an event in Kirtipur on Thursday to mark the 48th memorial day of Pushpalal Shrestha. Prachanda stressed the need for progressive forces to unite and defend the rights of oppressed classes, while co-coordinator Madhav Kumar Nepal highlighted the importance of honoring historical figures of the left-democratic movement such as Pushpalal Shrestha, BP Koirala, and Ganesh Man Singh.

Gagan Thapa Announces Nationwide Initiative

Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa announced the nationwide initiative titled “Nepali Congress for National Cause” during the 44th BP Koirala Memorial Day event in Kathmandu, set to launch on September 9 to modernize the party by combining veteran legacy with youth energy. During his address, Thapa criticized the government for attempting to turn the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority into an extension of the prime minister’s secretariat, challenging authorities to address media reports regarding official intimidation.

Sabin Neupane Represents Nepal at Moscow Theater Event

Shailee Theatre Executive Producer Sabin Neupane represented Nepal at the Days of International Theatre Cooperation held in Moscow, Russia, from July 13 to 17, alongside young professionals from 12 countries. Supported by the Embassy of Russia in Nepal and Rossotrudnichestvo, Neupane participated in strategic discussions, workshops, and cultural visits organized for the 150th anniversary celebrations of the Union of Theatre Workers of Russia, exploring future international collaboration.

Kabita Nepali Joins Pooja Sharma, Puspa Khadka in ‘Ekka Tin’

Actress Kabita Nepali has been cast in a lead role in the upcoming film Ekka Tin, joining Pooja Sharma and Puspa Khadka in the principal cast. Director Rupesh Tamang finalized Nepali for the action film, which is scheduled to begin production around August/September. With her addition, the film’s lead trio has been completed. Produced under the banners of Juna Films and Adhira Films, Ekka Tin revolves around the stories of three central characters and is written by Suman Gajmer. According to the filmmakers, the action drama will feature a major on-screen confrontation between Pooja Sharma and Kabita Nepali. Nepali previously appeared in the film Eklo, where her action performance received positive audience response.

Nepal Suffers Second Consecutive Defeat to Sri Lanka in CAVA

Nepal suffered a 3–2 defeat to Sri Lanka in its second match of the CAVA Men’s Volleyball Championship held in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Thursday. After dropping the first set 18–25, Nepal rebounded by winning the second 25–21 and the third 25–19, but narrowly lost the fourth set 21–25 and the decisive fifth set 8–15. Having previously lost to Kazakhstan also in the fifth set, Nepal holds 2 points from two matches, while Sri Lanka secured its first win to reach 3 points.

Nepal Pitted Against Japan and Indonesia in Asian Games Women’s Volleyball

Nepal has been drawn into Group A alongside hosts Japan and Indonesia for the women’s volleyball tournament at the Asian Games 2026, following the official draw held on Thursday. Securing its berth by ranking among Asia’s top 16 teams as the world 68th-ranked side, the national squad will face formidable opponents in sixth-ranked Japan and sixtieth-ranked Indonesia. The team is currently undergoing specialized training under Mission 2026 to deliver a competitive performance and elevate its international standing on the regional stage.

Indian PM Announces Fast-Track Courts Amid NEET Paper Leak Protests

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Thursday that fast-track courts will be established to ensure swift punishment for those involved in paper leaks, following widespread protests in New Delhi and other cities over the NEET examination controversy. Protesters, led by spokesperson Sourav Das, demanded the non-negotiable resignation of Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, 1 crore rupees in compensation for victims’ families, and the withdrawal of all protest-related FIRs. Meanwhile, Indian Health Minister JP Nadda urged that the issue not be politicized, as clashes left 118 police personnel and 60 protesters injured.

Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Reaches 5,398

The death toll from the double earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in Venezuela last month has reached 5,398, according to an official tally released on Wednesday, following the June 24 disaster that severely impacted the coastal state of La Guaira.  Legislative chief Jorge Rodriguez reported that 16,740 people were injured, while interim president Delcy Rodriguez pledged to deliver 4,000 homes by the end of the year for the displaced. Reconstruction efforts are partially funded by 346 million dollars released from reserves by the International Monetary Fund.

NVIDIA Launches Spectrum-6 Ethernet Platform

NVIDIA has launched Spectrum-6, a high-speed Ethernet networking platform designed to power large-scale artificial intelligence data centers, delivering 102.4 terabits per second of bandwidth as part of the Vera Rubin computing platform.  Early adopters include CoreWeave, Microsoft, Nebius, SpaceX AI, and Tesla, utilizing the technology to improve communication across hundreds of thousands of processors, accelerate model training, and lower infrastructure costs.