KATHMANDU: Stay informed with Nepal News’ daily evening briefing, covering the most significant developments from Nepal and around the world. From politics and economy to sports, entertainment, and culture, we bring you a concise summary of the day’s top stories.

NA session: Lawmakers Urge Timely Completion of National Pride Projects

In Friday’s meeting of the National Assembly, lawmakers called on the government to ensure the timely completion of national pride projects, especially those critical for irrigation. They expressed concern that delays in major infrastructure projects have left people in drought-affected regions struggling. During the special session, lawmaker Yubaraj Sharma stressed the need to expedite the implementation of national pride projects within their scheduled timelines. He also emphasized halting the export of stones and gravel from the Chure region, highlighting the growing drought crisis in the Madhesh area.

40 Nepali Women Rescued in Delhi Before Being Trafficked to Gulf

Forty Nepali women, about to be sent as domestic workers to Gulf countries via Delhi, were rescued by the Nepali Embassy and Indian police from hotels in Mahipalpur. They were sent back to Nepal by land on Thursday. Despite Nepal’s ban on sending women to the Gulf for domestic work due to exploitation risks, traffickers lure them with promises of high pay and use Indian airports to bypass restrictions. Of 63 women rescued from Mahipalpur hotels, 23 with valid documents for Europe were released. The remaining 40 were headed to Kuwait, Oman, Dubai, and Saudi Arabia.They came from 24 districts across Nepal.

NC President Deuba Holds Talks with Top Leaders

Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba held a discussion with Vice President Purna Bahadur Khadka and General Secretaries Gagan Thapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma at his residence in Budhanilkantha today. The meeting approved a mandate to conduct the conventions of party-affiliated sister organizations. The mandate, prepared by General Secretary Sharma, received consensus among the senior leaders. According to the decision, the directive committee formed by the party will now organize the conventions of these sister organizations.

Nine Missing from Dhading in Uttarakhand Found Safe; All in Army Camp

All nine individuals from Dhading who had gone out of contact in India’s Uttarakhand have now been located and confirmed safe. This includes four from Jwalamukhi Rural Municipality and five from Rubi Valley Rural Municipality. Earlier, four individuals from Jwalamukhi–2, Kafalpani — Lal Bahadur Tamang, Chholama Tamang, Phelama Tamang, and Singh Bahadur Tamang — had reestablished contact after several days of mobile network disruption. According to Jwalamukhi Rural Municipality Chairperson Yamnath Danai, five more individuals from Rubi Valley Rural Municipality have also been located.

Madhav Nepal Slams Jhala Nath Khanal Over Comments on Party Rebellion

CPN (Unified Socialist) Chairperson Madhav Kumar Nepal has made a sharp remark targeting the party’s senior leader Jhala Nath Khanal. Speaking at a program in Kathmandu on Friday, Nepal criticized those questioning the rationale behind the split from CPN-UML and speaking against the party. He said that if one believes the rebellion against UML had no justification, then it would have been better to simply stay and serve under UML Chairperson KP Sharma Oli. Nepal stated, “Going to the media to speak against the party and claiming the rebellion was unjustified—why did you come then? If the rebellion didn’t feel right, you could have just stayed and served KP Oli.”

Nepali Embassy Confirms No Nepali Casualties in Uttarakhand Landslide

The Nepali Embassy in India has stated that no Nepali citizens have been confirmed dead so far in the recent landslides and floods in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. In a press release, the Nepali Embassy stated that, according to information from Uttarakhand Police, 372 individuals have been safely rescued since the landslide on August 5. Two bodies have been recovered from the site, but none of the rescued or deceased are Nepali nationals. The Embassy also reported that in a separate incident in Bagode, Pauri Garhwal district on August 6, five Nepali citizens remain missing.

Nepal Bar Association Expresses Serious Dissent Over High Court Judge Appointments

The Nepal Bar Association has expressed serious dissatisfaction with the Judicial Council’s recent recommendation to appoint 27 judges to the High Court. In a press release issued by Bar General Secretary and senior advocate Kedar Prasad Koirala, the association accused the council of disregarding the constitutional principle of proportional and inclusive representation. “The judiciary, being a vital organ of the state, must ensure meaningful representation of women, various geographic regions, classes, and communities,” the statement reads.

Bagmati CM Baniya to Seek Vote of Confidence on August 12

Bagmati Province Chief Minister Indra Bahadur Baniya is preparing to seek a vote of confidence from the Provincial Assembly on August 12. Baniya, who assumed office on August 5 with the support of the UML–Congress alliance, is set to seek the vote as per the constitutional provision within the required timeframe. According to Article 168(4) of the Constitution and Rule 143(1) of the Provincial Assembly Regulations, 2017, a chief minister appointed under this provision must obtain a vote of confidence within 30 days.

Parliamentary Committee Directs Government to Deploy Customs Security Force

The government has been directed to arrange for a dedicated customs security force. This directive was issued by the Industry, Commerce, Labour, and Consumer Welfare Committee under the House of Representatives after conducting field visits to various industrial zones and customs points across the country. Led by committee chairperson Abdul Khan, lawmakers conducted on-site inspections in Rupandehi, Dang, Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta East), and Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta West) in May. Following the inspection, the committee prepared a report, which was submitted and approved on Friday.

Four-Wheelers Banned on Sharada Barrage After Mahakali River Flow Surges

Movement of four-wheeled vehicles has been halted on the Sharada Barrage after a significant rise in the water level of the Mahakali River. The flow of the river has reached 103,000 cusecs, prompting authorities to enforce the ban on vehicle movement across the barrage. The restriction is applied whenever the water flow in the Mahakali River exceeds 100,000 cusecs. The water level continues to rise, and authorities are monitoring the situation closely.

11 Out of 28 Water Samples from Lalitpur Test Positive for Fecal Coliform

Out of 28 water samples collected from various locations in Lalitpur for testing, 11 were found to contain fecal coliform. According to the Lalitpur Public Health Office, the samples were collected from drinking water sources in Godawari Municipality and Mahankal Rural Municipality. As per the health department’s data, 6 out of 10 water jars brought from Godawari Municipality on July 24 tested positive for coliform contamination.

NEPSE Falls by 151 Points in Eight Days After Hitting 4-Year High

The NEPSE index, which had surged to a four-year high of 3002.07 points on July 29, has since declined sharply, falling to 2850.37 points by the end of this trading week. During this period, the stock market declined on five out of eight trading days, with gains recorded on only two days. In total, the index dropped by 151.7 points. Meanwhile, trading volume has also declined significantly. On July 29, the total daily turnover had reached Rs 25.96 billion, but by Thursday, it had shrunk to Rs 8.33 billion, according to data from the Nepal Stock Exchange.

NRB Raises Payment Limit for Service Imports from Third Countries

Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has increased the payment threshold for service imports from third countries (excluding India). Now, payments up to USD 8,000 can be made without prior approval from the central bank, provided the required documents are submitted. Previously, the limit was set at USD 5,000. However, if the foreign exchange obligation exceeds USD 8,000—either through an agreement with a foreign service provider or for payment of services rendered—approval or recommendation from the concerned regulatory body will be required.

NRB Bans LC for Four-Wheelers Not Meeting Euro 6 Emission Standard

Banks in Nepal will no longer be allowed to open letters of credit (LC) for the import of four-wheeled vehicles that do not meet the Euro 6 emission standard. Nepal Rastra Bank has amended the Unified Directive, 2024 to enforce this provision. Earlier, the government had issued the Vehicle Emission Standard 2025, which specifies that two-, three-, and four-wheeled small vehicles must meet the Euro 5 standard, while four-wheeled vehicles must comply with the Euro 6 emission standard. Based on this directive, the central bank revised its LC policy accordingly.

Machinery Imports Reach Rs 124 Billion in FY 2024/25, Up 7% from Previous Year

In fiscal year 2024/25, Nepal imported machinery goods and spare parts worth Rs 124 billion. This represents a 7 percent increase compared to Rs 109 billion imported in fiscal year 2023/24. In the same fiscal year, imports of electrical equipment reached Rs 7.387 billion, marking a 4 percent rise compared to the previous year. In fiscal year 2023/24, imports of electrical equipment amounted to Rs 69.90 billion. In the fiscal year 2024/25, telecommunications and related equipment imports reached Rs 43.08 billion.

Seventeen Mutual Fund Schemes Declare Dividends Up to 20% in FY 2024/25

As fiscal year 2024/25 concludes, mutual funds in Nepal are announcing dividends. So far, 17 schemes have declared dividends, with rates reaching up to 20 percent. The face value of mutual fund units is Rs 10 per unit, and dividends are paid based on this value. For example, a scheme declaring a 20 percent dividend will distribute Rs 2 per unit. Schemes that announced dividends of 19 to 20 percent currently have market prices around Rs 11.50 per unit.

Poster of ‘Haribahadurko Jutta’ Unveiled

The official poster of the upcoming Nepali film ‘Haribahadurko Jutta’ has been released, featuring the film’s three lead actors—Haribansha Acharya, Prakash Saput, and Swastima Khadka. The poster attempts to visually portray the characters played by the trio. Haribansha Acharya is seen in his iconic Haribahadur character, while Prakash Saput appears in an angry mood, and Swastima Khadka is shown with a subtle smile. These visual cues suggest the film leans toward a family-friendly, lighthearted genre. The poster was designed by Shan Thapa and Bijay Basyal.

Two New Nepali Films ‘Cetamol’ and ‘Mohar’ Hit Theaters Today

Two new Nepali films, ‘Cetamol ‘and ‘Mohar’, have been released in cinemas across the country this Friday. ‘Cetamol’, directed by Raj Bahadur Sane, tells the story of a wounded fighter from Nepal’s Maoist insurgency. The film stars Saugat Malla, Benisha Hamal, Shree Krishna Niroula, Januka Bishwakarma, Lokendra Lekhak, Bhugol Karki, and child actors Karan Nepali and Aradhya Rajyalakshmi DC. ‘Mohar’, on the other hand, is based on the story of Deuki tradition. The cast includes Paul Shah, Niti Shah, Benisha Hamal, Arjun Jung Shahi, Laxmi Giri, Sara Sharma, and Rabindra Jha, with Chumman Shahi as the producer.

Bollywood Actor Deepraj Rana Returns to Nepali Cinema with ‘Sukha Dukha’

Bollywood actor Deepraj Rana is set to appear in the Nepali film ‘Sukha Dukha’, marking his return to Nepali cinema after 11 years. He has signed a contract with the film’s producer Neeta Dhungana. Rana has acted in several Bollywood hits such as ‘Singham Returns’, ‘Prem Ratan Dhan Payo’, ‘Dabangg 3’, and the recently released ‘Metro In Dino’. He has also appeared in notable films like Taare Zameen Par and Billi Ustad. His previous appearance in a Nepali film was ‘Kohinoor’, starring the late Shree Krishna Shrestha.

New Poster Released for Upcoming Film ‘Maitighar’

A new poster for the upcoming Nepali film ‘Maitighar’ has been released. Producer Rohit Adhikari unveiled the poster on Thursday, featuring lead actors Kedar Ghimire, Upasana Singh Thakuri, Dhiraj Magar, and Prakash Saput. Designed in a colorful sketch style, the poster shows Kedar and Dhiraj riding a motorcycle, with Dhiraj depicted in an angry expression. The film is directed by Milan Tamang and was shot in various locations of Takam and Darbang in Myagdi district. The film is produced by Rohit Adhikari, Rabin Sherchan, and Dhiraj Tamang.

Nepal Edge Saudi Arabia 1–0 in AFC Women’s U-20 Qualifiers

Nepal secured a narrow 1–0 win against Saudi Arabia in the AFC Women’s U-20 Asian Cup qualifiers, thanks to a decisive goal from Sukriya Miya. The match, played on Friday at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan, was the second Group ‘A’ fixture for Nepal.  Despite Saudi Arabia being considered one of the weaker teams in the group, Nepal faced stiff resistance and had to work hard for the victory. Sukriya’s second-half goal proved enough to seal the win. Earlier, in their opening match, Nepal had played out a 1–1 draw against host nation Bhutan.

Machhindra Football Club Rises to Second Place in ANFA U-16 Youth League

Machhindra Football Club has climbed to second place in the ANFA U-16 Youth League. In the match held on Friday at the ANFA Complex in Satdobato, Machhindra defeated the New Road Team (NRT) 2-0. With this win, Machhindra has secured 26 points from 12 matches, with 8 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws. NRT, on the other hand, stands 10th with 12 points from the same number of games. Rahul Kumar Yonjan and Sudip Thakuri scored the goals for Machhindra, both coming in the second half. Machhindra took the lead in the 61st minute with Rahul’s goal, and Sudip sealed the victory by scoring in the 6th minute of injury time, securing a 2-0 win for Machhindra.

Athlete Associations Concerned Over Govt-NOC Dispute Threatening Participation in 20th Asian Games

National and international athlete associations have expressed concern that the ongoing dispute between the Government of Nepal and the Nepal Olympic Committee (NOC), which began last year, is casting doubt on Nepali athletes’ participation in the 20th Asian Games (Asiad) scheduled to be held next year in Japan. In a statement released Friday, athlete association president Deepak Shrestha highlighted that the conflict has created uncertainty among athletes. He urged all concerned parties to pay attention to the issue. “If the current stalemate between the government and NOC continues, Nepal’s participation in the Asian Games will undoubtedly be questioned,” the statement said.

Israel Approves Plan to Occupy Gaza City, Displacement and Siege Expected

Israel’s security cabinet has approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan for a military takeover of Gaza City, located in the north of the Palestinian territory. According to a statement from Netanyahu’s office released early Friday, “The [Israeli military] will prepare to take control of Gaza City while providing humanitarian aid to the civilian population outside the combat zones.” However, two Israeli government sources said the plan still requires approval by the full government cabinet, which may not meet until Sunday. Occupying Gaza City marks a major escalation by Israel in its war on the Palestinian territory and will likely result in the forced displacement of tens of thousands of exhausted and starving residents.

US Offers $50m Reward for Arrest of Venezuelan Leader Nicolás Maduro

The US has doubled a reward for information leading to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to $50m (£37.2m), accusing him of being “one of the largest narco-traffickers in the world”. US President Donald Trump is a long-time critic of Maduro, who returned to office in January following an election marred by vote-rigging allegations. The results were widely rejected by the international community. Attorney General Pam Bondi said the US would double its already announced reward of $25m (£18.6m), and said Maduro was directly linked to drug smuggling operations.

China Warns Philippines over Taiwan Remarks Amid Rising Tensions

China has sharply criticised Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr after he suggested his country would be drawn into a potential conflict between China and the United States over Taiwan. During a state visit to India this week, Marcos said the Philippines’ geographic proximity and the large Filipino community in Taiwan meant the country would be forced to get involved in the event of war. “If there is an all-out war, then we will be drawn into it,” Marcos told Indian broadcaster Firstpost. “There are many, many Filipino nationals in Taiwan and that would be immediately a humanitarian problem.”