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 today:

Cabinet Approves Major Decisions: Abolishes Land Commission, Promotes Police Officers, Declares Ilam Disaster-Hit

The Cabinet, in its Thursday meeting at Singha Durbar, approved several key decisions. The government decided to abolish the Land Problem Resolution Commission, formed under the Land Problem Resolution Commission Formation Order, along with all its district-level committees. The meeting also promoted four Nepal Police Deputy Inspector Generals (DIGs) — Sushil Singh Rathore, Umaprasad Chaturvedi, Himalaya Kumar Shrestha, and Dambar Bahadur BK — to the rank of Additional Inspector General (AIG). Additionally, Ilam district, which suffered the highest human casualties in the recent floods and landslides, was declared a disaster-affected area for three months.

KP Oli Demands Restoration of House of Representatives

CPN (UML) Chairman KP Sharma Oli has stated that the dissolution of the House of Representatives is unconstitutional and that the party will push for its restoration. Addressing a program organized by UML in Gundu, Bhaktapur, Oli emphasized that reinstating the House is essential for the restoration of democracy. “…If timely action is not taken, later we will regret saying it’s too late. Some people say, ‘If elections are not held on March 5, 2026, we will demand the restoration of Parliament then,’” he said. “The dissolution of Parliament is unconstitutional, wrong, illegal, and undemocratic. Do we need to wait for March 5? No, we don’t.”

Home Minister Aryal Holds Meeting with Heads of Security Agencies

Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal held discussions with the chiefs of the country’s security agencies. The meeting took place on Thursday at the ministry in Singha Durbar with all three major security bodies. Participants included Nepal Police Chief Inspector General of Police Chandrakuber Khapung, Armed Police Force Chief Inspector General Raju Aryal, and representatives from the Nepal Army. The discussions reportedly focused on recent political developments and disaster management measures.

Home Ministry to Withdraw Extra Security for Oli, Dahal

The Ministry of Home Affairs has decided to withdraw security personnel deployed in excess of the standard by two former prime ministers. On Thursday, the ministry announced that security personnel deployed by former Prime Ministers Pushpa Kamal Dahal and KP Sharma Oli beyond the prescribed limit will be recalled. According to a Home Ministry official, Dahal was found to have 34 security personnel beyond the standard, while Oli had 27.

Inquiry Commission Returns Complaint Against Oli, Lekhak to Police

The Inquiry Commission formed to investigate atrocities during Gen Z movement has returned a complaint filed against former Prime Minister KP Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak within the Kathmandu District Police Range. According to Commission member Bigyanraj Sharma, the panel decided on Thursday to send the complaint back to the Kathmanduu Police. “Conducting detailed investigations or prosecuting offenders in criminal cases is not within the commission’s jurisdiction,” Sharma said.

Deuba Urges Congress Leaders to Move Forward in Unity

Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba has urged party leaders to move forward in unity. He conveyed this message during Thursday’s meeting of party office bearers and former office bearers held at the fire-damaged party office in Sanepa. The meeting was chaired by Vice President Purna Bahadur Khadka, who read out Deuba’s message to the participants.

Foreign Ambassadors Hold Courtesy Meeting with Home Minister Aryal

On Thursday, ambassadors from the European Union, France, Germany, Finland, and Switzerland paid a courtesy visit to Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal at the Ministry of Home Affairs. The meeting, held at the ministry in Singha Durbar, focused on discussions regarding Nepal’s interests and development. Participants also deliberated on Nepal’s current situation, contemporary issues, and ongoing support from the respective countries.

Nepali Congress General Secretary Thapa Proposes Regular General Convention

At the ongoing meeting of current and former office-bearers of the Nepali Congress, General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa has proposed holding a regular general convention. Former General Secretary Shashank Koirala, who attended the meeting, informed that Thapa made the proposal during the discussion. “He emphasized that the party should go for a regular general convention,” Koirala said.

26 Arrested for Attempting to Protest at Maitighar

Police detained 26 individuals on Thursday at Maitighar for attempting to hold a rally and assembly without permission from the Kathmandu District Administration Office. According to Police Superintendent Pawan Kumar Bhattarai, spokesperson for the Kathmandu District Police, among those detained were Nicholas (Kamal) Bhusal, Manojkumar Bhattarai, Ram Prakash Mahato, Ashok Bista, Dinesh Subedi, and Birgunj Bishwakarma. “Holding rallies or assemblies requires prior approval from the District Administration Office. Since they gathered without permission, police intervened,” Bhattarai said.

Corruption Case Filed Against 13 of Rapti Health Science Institute

A corruption case has been filed against 13 individuals, including the then Vice-Chancellor of Rapti Health Science Institute, Prof. Dr. Sangita Singh Bhandari. The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) filed the case at the Special Court on Thursday.  CIAA spokesperson Rajendra Kumar Paudel stated that Bhandari has been asked to repay Rs 120 million. Other accused include the institute’s former acting registrar Jhanjar Lamichhane, Chief of Financial Administration Kailash Prasad Dev, biomedical engineer Sharad Bhandari, and biomedical engineer of Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital Amit Kumar Chaudhary among others.

BP Highway’s Partial Restoration by Friday

The Department of Roads has reported that repair work on the BP Highway, damaged at 16 locations due to flooding in the Roshi River, is underway and is expected to be fully operational by Friday. Of the damaged stretches, repairs covering approximately 1,845 meters at nine locations have already been completed. At the remaining seven sites, the department is carrying out repair work, including the construction of diversions over roughly 1,997 meters.

1,400 Prisoners Still Remain at Large

About 1,400 prisoners who were in custody across various police stations in the country remain at large. During the Gen Z movement, police had released detainees after incidents of arson and vandalism at several police offices. While some of these prisoners have been re-arrested and others have surrendered, around 1,400 remain missing.

Four Foreign Tourists Stranded by Landslide in Dolakha Rescued

Four foreign tourists who were stranded on their way back from a meditation and pilgrimage trip to Lapchi Monastery in Bigu Rural Municipality–1 of Dolakha district have been rescued. According to Assistant Spokesperson of the Armed Police Force (APF) Shailendra Thapa, the tourists were rescued on Thursday morning by a joint team of the APF personnel from the Border Outpost at Lamabagar and the Nepal Police. They have since been airlifted to Kathmandu.

Nine Major Highways in Three Provinces Blocked by Floods and Landslides

Continuous rainfall has caused floods and landslides, blocking nine major highways across Koshi, Bagmati, and Karnali provinces, according to Nepal Police Headquarters. In Koshi, sections of the Koshi Highway at Barunkhola (Bhotkhola–4) and Ekua (Makalu–3), the Mechi Highway at Rajduwali (Ilam–9), and the Tamor Corridor at Nawakhola (Tumbewa–2) are blocked. In Bagmati, the Pasang Lhamu Highway (Gosainkunda–2), BP Highway (Mamtikhola, Roshi–11), and Nepal Thok (Sunkoshi–1) are obstructed. In Karnali, the Karnali Corridor is fully blocked at Kurilla (Kharpunath–5) and Jugenikhola (Pachaaljharana–8).

NEPSE Gains Narrow to 22 Points After Early Rally

The stock market, which surged in early trading, ended up shrinking by the close. Within just three minutes of opening, the NEPSE index rose by 102 points, or 4 percent, compared to the previous day, reaching 2,675 points at that time. Afterward, a circuit breaker was triggered, halting trading for 20 minutes. When the market reopened, it gradually started to decline.  By the time the market closed, the NEPSE had increased by only 22.59 points, settling at 2,582 points. A total of Rs 5.27 billion worth of transactions took place throughout the day.

Government Unveils Third Public Financial Management Reform Strategy

The government has unveiled the “Third National Strategy for Public Financial Management Reform (2025-2030)” with the goal of achieving significant improvement in public financial management within the next five years. This strategy has been drafted and published for a five-year period with the aim of making the government’s income, expenditure, and overall financial system more transparent, accountable, and effective, as well as strengthening financial management in line with public expectations.

Government Preparing to Make All Tax Spending Details Fully Viewable Online

The government is preparing to make it possible to view all details of where and how taxpayers’ money is being spent through a fully online system. According to the five-year “Third National Public Financial Management Reform Strategy” brought by the Ministry of Finance, all stages—from budget formulation to expenditure, loans, and reporting—will now be integrated into a single digital system.

NRB Removes Limit on Share-Backed Loans

The Nepal Rastra Bank has lifted the cap on share mortgage (margin-type) loans. Currently, the maximum single-client credit limit for margin-type loans against shares from one or multiple banks and financial institutions is Rs 2.5 billion. The directive was issued by the central bank implementing the recommendations of the Capital Market Reform Task Force formed earlier by former Finance Minister Rameshore Khanal.

Monsoon Causes Further Damage to Roads Across the Country

Before the reconstruction of roads destroyed by floods last year could be completed, this year’s monsoon has caused additional damage to road infrastructure nationwide. Continuous rainfall in the first week of this month and subsequent floods and landslides have caused extensive damage to major highways including BP and Mechi Highways. Among them, the most damage has occurred on the Mechi Highway, considered the lifeline of the far eastern region. 

Rastriya Banijya Bank Warns Customers Against Fraudulent Calls and Messages

Rastriya Banijya Bank (RBB) has issued a warning after receiving reports that some unauthorized individuals have been contacting customers in the bank’s name to engage in fraudulent activities. The bank stated that these unauthorized persons have been attempting to collect personal information, offering fake schemes, and luring customers with promises of financial gain. The statement, issued by the bank’s Deputy Executive Officer Pawan Regmi, urged customers not to trust such unauthorized calls, emails, or social media messages.

New Song ‘Ma Fasecchu Kasto Maya Jaalmaa’ Released

Lyricist Jungabahadur Rai has released his new song, ‘Ma Fasecchu Kasto Maya Jaalmaa’ (I’m Trapped in Love’s Web), which explores the emotions and ups and downs of a person in love. The song specifically portrays the psychology of couples bound by love. The vocals are provided by popular singer Melina Rai, while the musical arrangement is composed by Shantiram Rai. Previously, Jungabahadur Rai had released the folk-pop song ‘Suselee Halyou Banai Ma Aaja Koili Le Bhaker’, which gained recognition among audiences.

Actor Dayahang Rai Explains Film ‘Baristha Balaram’

Actor Dayahang Rai has described the upcoming film ‘Baristha Balaram’ as a story about the struggle between established and emerging personalities. Speaking at an event in Kathmandu on Wednesday, he said the film depicts the conflict between an established individual trying to protect their honor and reputation, and an emerging figure attempting to make their mark. In the film, Dayahang portrays the established character, while Bijay Baral plays the rising challenger.

Bidur Raj Giri Releases Song Dedicated to Nepal Army

Lyricist Bidur Raj Giri has released a song titled ‘Raastrasewak Sipahi’, dedicated to the Nepal Army. The song conveys the message of the army’s selfless service and dedication. It emphasizes that, regardless of circumstances, the Nepal Army always keeps their love for home and family in mind while remaining devoted day and night to serving the nation and its people. Vocals are provided by Rajkumar Alemgar and Pramila Baniya, with arrangement and composition by Bishesh Paudel and mixing by Kumar Thapa.

Nepal Eyes Redemption Against Vietnam in AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier

Nepal faces Vietnam in a crucial AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier, ending a 22-year wait to beat their regional rival after losing both encounters in 2003. Despite being ranked 175th to Vietnam’s 92nd, Nepal’s new generation of players under coach Matt Ross aims to restore confidence and identity, viewing the match as a chance to showcase their abilities on a global stage. Captain Kiran Limbu emphasized competing for results, not just participation. Vietnam, under South Korean coach Kim Sang-sik, has also introduced seven young players, balancing experience and energy. Nepal’s advancement from Group F, where they are still pointless after losses to Malaysia and Laos, depends on winning their upcoming matches.

Nepal Beats Kuwait by 58 Runs in ICC T20 World Cup Asia & East-Asia Pacific Qualifier

Nepal started their ICC T20 World Cup Asia & East-Asia Pacific Qualifier campaign with a convincing win. In the first match of Group B, Nepal defeated Kuwait by 58 runs, virtually securing a spot in the Super Six stage. Chasing Nepal’s target of 142 runs, Kuwait was bowled out for 83 runs in 18.1 overs. For Kuwait, opener Clinto Anto scored the highest with 26 runs, while Yasin Patel contributed 19 runs and Meet Bhavsar added 11 runs.

Karnali Yaks Retain Raju Basnyat as Consultant Coach for NPL

Karnali Yaks, a franchise in the Nepal Premier League (NPL), has retained Raju Basnyat as their consultant coach. Today, the team’s chairman Janak Datta Khanal formally handed Basnyat the appointment letter for the NPL’s second edition. A former member of the Nepal national cricket team, Basnyat has also previously served as the coach of the Nepal women’s national cricket team. For the second NPL season, Karnali Yaks have also continued former Nepal captain Gyanendra Malla as the head coach.

Starmer Meets Modi on His First Visit to India

Sir Keir Starmer has met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his first visit to the country. The two leaders met in India’s financial capital Mumbai, where the prime minister is on a two-day trade mission with the largest ever delegation of more than 100 CEOs, entrepreneurs, university vice-chancellors and cultural leaders. Modi has called the visit “historic”, with the two sides meeting to discuss ways to expand business and trade ties after India and the UK signed landmark trade deal in July.

Palestinians in War-Ravaged Gaza Celebrate Ceasefire News

Relentlessly bombarded Palestinians in Gaza have reacted with relief and jubilation to the announcement of a ceasefire deal aimed at ending Israel’s war in Gaza. As word of the agreement spread through the besieged enclave, residents of southern Gaza’s Khan Younis took to the streets to celebrate what many hoped would mark the first real reprieve from Israeli attacks since a fragile truce was shattered by Israel more than six months ago. “Thank God for this ceasefire, the end of bloodshed and killing … all of Gaza is happy,” Gaza resident Abdul Majeed Abd Rabbo said.

China Tightens Export Rules for Crucial Rare Earths

China has tightened its rules on the export of rare earths – the elements that are crucial to the manufacture of many high-tech products. New regulations announced by the country’s Ministry of Commerce “to safeguard national security” formalize existing rules on processing technology and unauthorized overseas cooperation. China is also likely to block exports to foreign arms manufacturers and some semiconductor firms. Rare earth exports are a key sticking point in the months-long negotiations between Beijing and Washington over trade and tariffs.