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.

President Paudel Authenticates 4 Bills

President Ram Chandra Paudel has authenticated four bills passed by the Federal Parliament and submitted to him for certification. The certified bills include the Public Procurement (Second Amendment) Bill, 2026; the Prevention of Money Laundering (Third Amendment) Bill, 2026; the Cooperative (First Amendment) Bill, 2026; and the Bill to Amend Some Nepal Acts Related to Health Science Academies, 2026. President Paudel authenticated the bills in accordance with Article 113, Clause (2) of the Constitution of Nepal.

NA Members Demand Probe, Compensation for Ganesh Nepali

National Assembly (NA) members demanded rightful compensation and a fair probe into the death of Ganesh Nepali, who died at Bir Hospital following a self-immolation attempt. During the upper house meeting on Friday, lawmakers Padam Bahadur Pariyar and Nar Bahadur Bista highlighted a severe lack of humanitarian sensitivity, accusing traffic and Kathmandu municipal police of failing to properly rescue Nepalis on Thursday. Lawmaker Krishna Bahadur Rokaya urged the government to reveal the facts and provide financial relief to the impoverished family, while Renu Chand warned against terrorizing citizens with excessive taxes. Multiple lawmakers pressed the state to take the tragedy seriously.

Government to Launch New Passport Service System from July 13

The government will introduce a new passport service system from July 13 to make passport services simpler, faster, and more efficient. Speaking at a Ministry of Foreign Affairs press conference on Friday, ministry spokesperson Lok Bahadur Poudel Chhetri said preparations for the upgraded passport system are nearly complete. He said the new system includes measures to improve service delivery and technology integration, including an agreement with the Department of Postal Services to expedite passport delivery. The government has also begun the process of allowing applicants to submit passport applications from any district, regardless of their place of residence.

Supreme Court to Halve Regular Case Hearings for Docket Updates

The Supreme Court announced that regular judicial hearing processes will be temporarily suspended for approximately 11 days starting from July 17. The administrative suspension aligns with an annual fiscal practice of updating case log registries and moving backlogs forward into the new financial year. Regular court dockets are scheduled to resume full functionality on July 27. Court administration clarified that urgent writ petitions specifically including habeas corpus filings will face no delays and will continue to be processed during this brief transitional phase.

Govt. Forms Probe Panel into Ganesh Nepali Self-Immolation Case

The government has formed a five-member committee to investigate the self-immolation of Ganesh Nepali, Home Minister Sudhan Gurung informed the House of Representatives on Friday. Addressing the House, Gurung said the committee will be led by Deputy Inspector General of Police Govinda Thapaliya and will conduct an impartial investigation into the incident. The Home Minister also said three Kathmandu Metropolitan City municipal police personnel have been taken into custody for questioning in connection with the case.

Nepal Reaffirms Strong Commitment to “One-China Policy”

During a press conference on Friday, Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that the country remains firmly committed to the “One-China Policy.” The statement comes after questions were raised in parliament regarding whether the government had violated this policy by allowing the celebration of the Dalai Lama’s birthday in Nepal. Ministry spokesperson Lok Bahadur Paudel Chhetri addressed these concerns, emphasizing that Nepal adheres strictly to its established policy of not allowing its territory to be used for any activities against the interests of its neighboring and friendly nations.

Nepal-UAE Economic Forum Promotes Trade and Investment in Abu Dhabi

The Embassy of Nepal in Abu Dhabi organized the Nepal-UAE Economic Partnership Forum on Thursday to promote Nepal as a premier destination for trade, investment, tourism, and technology collaboration. In a message to the event, Minister of Foreign Affairs Shisir Khanal welcomed greater participation from UAE investors and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to facilitating long-term partnerships. Nepal’s Ambassador to the UAE Tej Bahadur Chhetri highlighted emerging investment potential in clean energy, infrastructure, and commercial agriculture. The event featured thematic presentations, cultural performances, and networking sessions attended by more than 120 participants, including high-level UAE ministry officials and business leaders.

Self-Immolation Death Sparks Massive Protests Against PM Shah

Heavy security forces were deployed at Bir Hospital following the death of 25-year-old Ganesh Nepali on Friday morning after his self-immolation attempt. Nepali, a resident of Soru Rural Municipality-1 in Mugu, set himself on fire on Thursday afternoon outside the Department of Passports in Tripureshwar. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to severe burn injuries. His death triggered widespread public outrage and protests at Maitighar Mandala, directly targeting Prime Minister Balen Shah’s federal administration over its policies. Demonstrators and relatives are demanding immediate state accountability and justice for Nepali.

Youths Protest in Surkhet After Self-Immolation Death of Ganesh

Following the tragic death of Ganesh Nepali, a resident of Mugu who attempted self-immolation in Kathmandu, local youths in Surkhet have launched a protest demanding justice. Nepali had doused himself in petrol and set himself on fire in Tripureshwor on Thursday following a heated dispute with the Kathmandu Metropolitan Police. He succumbed to his injuries on Friday while undergoing medical treatment, sparking immediate outrage among the youth. The protestors are demanding strict legal action against those involved in the incident and proper financial relief for the victim’s grieving family. Furthermore, they have fiercely criticized the government, stating that an administration that drives its citizens to such desperate measures instead of providing employment opportunities has no right to govern.

Tension Erupts in Biratnagar During Recovery of Deceased Teenager’s Corpse

Tension flared in Biratnagar-18 on Friday after relatives and local residents obstructed police from recovering the body of a 14-year-old boy who was found dead in a pond, prompting police to use batons to disperse the crowd. The deceased, Manjit Kumar Yadav of Budhanagar, Jahada Rural Municipality-1, Morang, was found floating in the pond at around 10:30 AM. The body was later taken to Koshi Hospital for a post-mortem after the situation was brought under control. Relatives and locals demanded action against the police team they alleged had chased the teenager and sought compensation for the family. They blocked the road and refused to allow the body to be taken until their demands were addressed. Police used a baton charge after protesters continued to obstruct the recovery process. The crowd later dispersed and the situation returned to normal.

Opposition Demands PM Shah’s Resignation After Self-Immolation Death

Furious protests erupted at Bir Hospital on Friday as demonstrators and opposition lawmakers demanded the immediate resignation of Prime Minister Balen Shah. The outrage follows the death of 25-year-old Ganesh Nepali of Mugu, who succumbed to severe burn injuries after attempting self-immolation on Thursday following a dispute with municipal police. In the National Assembly, Nepali Communist Party lawmaker Bishnu Bahadur Bishwakarma slammed the government’s cruel handling of the incident. In the House of Representatives, Nepali Congress Chief Whip Basana Thapa criticized the prime minister’s silence, demanding immediate accountability for the tragedy.

836 Citizens Rescued from Southeast Asian Online Scams

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced during a press briefing on Friday that diplomatic networks successfully rescued 836 citizens trapped in illicit online scamming operations across Southeast Asia. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lok Bahadur Poudel reported that field operations secured the extraction of 709 individuals from Cambodia, 113 from Myanmar, eight from Laos, and six from Thailand. To assist undocumented workers, Cambodia waived overstay visa fines for 602 citizens. Simultaneously, the state published draft amendments to the Passport Act, 2019, to enable passport applications from any regional district administration office.

Minister Chaudhary Pledges to Expand Youth Employment

Minister for Agriculture, Forests and Environment Gita Chaudhary instructed all subordinate departments to work in a result-oriented manner by expanding youth-targeted employment, paid training, and volunteer opportunities. During a meeting on Friday with chiefs of the Nepal Agricultural Research Council, Dairy Development Corporation, and other bodies, Minister Chaudhary directed them to submit detailed action plans and proposals to the ministry within the month. While departmental chiefs noted that some volunteer and training programs are currently active, they highlighted that legal barriers have hindered student internship collaborations with universities. Minister Chaudhary emphasized her readiness to amend policy frameworks to transform the sector into an attractive employment hub.

Minister Gautam Pledges to Implement Constitutional Reports

Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Sobita Gautam stated the government is committed to implementing recommendations from constitutional body reports. Speaking on behalf of Prime Minister Balendra Shah during a National Assembly discussion on the National Inclusion Commission report for the fiscal year 2024/25 on Friday, Minister Gautam pledged to enforce the legislative suggestions. She reminded lawmakers that constitutional bodies operate independently of the government and remain responsible directly to parliament. This session marks the first time a constitutional commission report has been openly discussed in the full parliament.

Education Ministry Warns Institutions Running Foreign Programs Without Approval

The Ministry of Education and Sports warned that academic institutions running courses like A-Level, CBSE, and IBDP without prior government approval will face legal actions. The cabinet approved the Foreign Educational Programs (Operation and Regulation) Regulations, 2026, on Wednesday, aiming to enhance educational quality, credibility, and international competitiveness. Under Secretary Krishna Chandra Pokhrel stated the warning was reissued because multiple colleges continue to operate foreign curricula illegally. The ministry has implemented strict operational standards and urged stakeholders to provide written information regarding non-compliant institutions.

Opposition MPs Grill Government Over Ganesh Nepali’s Death and Border Lapses

Opposition lawmakers disrupted the House of Representatives on Friday, standing in protest to demand government accountability as soon as Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal commenced the session. Nepali Communist Party lawmaker Parbati BK held the state responsible for the death of 25-year-old Ganesh Nepali, stating that an unconsidered, steep Rs 10,000 traffic fine for motorcycle parking caused the youth severe mental distress. Simultaneously, CPN (UML) lawmaker Bhumika Limbu Subba slammed the administration’s silence over national sovereignty, questioning why diplomatic notes have not been sent to India following recent unauthorized border incursions in Susta and unpermitted military helicopter flights in Darchula.

6 Newly Appointed Health Academy Vice-Chancellors Sworn In

The newly appointed vice-chancellors of six of Nepal’s health science academies were sworn into office Friday during a ceremony led by Minister for Health and Food Hygiene Nisha Mehta. The appointments include Dr Bivek Acharya at the National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS), Dr Nabis Man Singh Pradhan at the Patan Academy of Health Sciences (PAHS), Dr Smriti Karki at the BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS), Dr Narayan Singh Gurung at the Pokhara Academy of Health Sciences, Dr Suryaman Menyangbo at the Karnali Academy of Health Sciences (KAHS), and Dr Ajay Kumar Mishra at the Rapti Academy of Health Sciences (RAHS). The Government of Nepal appointed the six officials following recommendations from a selection committee constituted under the Integrated Procedure on the Selection and Recommendation of Vice-Chancellors of Health Science Academies, 2026.

Indigenous Commission Submits 25 Suggestions for Constitutional Amendment

The Indigenous Nationalities Commission released 25 suggestions to amend the Constitution of Nepal, aiming to ensure an inclusive, fair, and effective governance system. At a press conference in Pulchowk on Thursday, Commission Chairperson Ram Bahadur Thapamagar stated the recommendations were submitted to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers. The commission proposed recognizing all indigenous-script languages as official languages, allowing the national anthem to be sung in provincial languages, and constitutionally recognizing autonomous regions as a government level. It also urged alternating top state positions among Khas Arya, indigenous nationalities, Madhesis, Dalits, and Muslim communities.

Loan Sharking Victims Reaching Dhalkebar on “Justice March” to Kathmandu

Victims of predatory lending reached Dhalkebar in Dhanusha district on Friday during a foot march to Kathmandu. Organized by the ‘Kisan-Majdoor Andolan, Nepal,’ the ‘Justice March’ departed from Tirahutiagachhi in Janakpurdham around 5:00 PM on Thursday. The protestors advanced from Mahendranagar in Dhanusha toward Bardibas in Mahottari and expect to reach the federal capital in about one week. Marchers stated they were forced to protest because the government failed to implement past agreements despite signing them four separate times.

5 Dead, 94 Injured in Accidents Nationwide in Past 24 Hours

At least five people lost their lives and 94 others were injured in various road accidents across the country in a 24-hour period, according to the daily traffic bulletin released by the Nepal Police. According to the official data, Koshi Province recorded the highest number of fatalities, with two people dead and 26 others injured. One fatality each was reported in Madhesh Province, Lumbini Province, and Sudurpashchim Province. While no deaths were reported in Kathmandu Valley and Bagmati Province, they saw high numbers of injuries. Kathmandu Valley recorded 25 injuries, while Bagmati Province reported 11.

3 More Corpses Recovered from Karnali Bus Crash

At least three bodies have been recovered and identified following a devastating road accident last Thursday, where a passenger vehicle plunged 400 meters into the Karnali River at Sangetara, Dailekh. The deceased have been identified by their families as Jekhe Tiruwa and Mekhe Tiruwa from Pachal Jharna-9, Kalikot, alongside 18-year-old Sujana Khadka from Raskot-2, Kalikot. Meanwhile, the driver, Tularam Subedi, his brother (the helper), Ramu Subedi, and several other passengers remain missing. A joint rescue operation, deployed alongside a specialized Armed Police Force diving squad, is actively searching the river and surrounding areas for the remaining victims.

Floods and Landslides Block Major Roadways Across Multiple Provinces

Widespread floods and landslides triggered by continuous torrential rainfall have disrupted major highways and road networks across Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Karnali provinces. Key routes, including the Mechi Highway in Ilam, the Kanti Lokpath in Makwanpur and Lalitpur, the Kaligandaki Corridor in Baglung, and the Bheri Corridor in Rukum Paschim, remain completely blocked by debris and rising waters. Additionally, travel along the BP Highway’s Khurkot–Nepalthok section has been suspended due to high flood risks, while parts of the Mid-Hill Highway in Bhojpur are limited to one-way traffic. Teams from the Department of Roads and security forces are deployed with heavy machinery to clear the obstructions and restore traffic safely as weather conditions allow.

BP Highway Prepares to Clear Monsoon Disruptions Within 30 Minutes

The Bhaktapur Road Division Office has positioned heavy equipment and personnel along the vulnerable Kavrepalanchowk-Sindhuli section of the BP Highway to clear any monsoon-related landslide or flood blockage within 30 minutes. Following severe damage from the October 2024 floods, vehicles are now being transitioned from temporary diversions back to the original tracks. Long-term reconstruction of the damaged 29.5 km stretch into a two-lane road is currently underway in four packages, which includes a 3.2 km section funded by a Rs 2.63 billion grant from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

River Channelization Begins to Protect Syang Bridge from siltation

Gharapjhong Rural Municipality and local environment protection committees on Thursday began river channelization and dredging work to reduce heavy siltation threatening the Syang River Bridge. According to local authorities, debris accumulation has raised the riverbed by about 15 meters in recent years. The rural municipality has allocated Rs 2 million to construct a 100-piece gabion wall along an 800-meter stretch of the riverbank. Community environment committees have also earmarked Rs 100,000 for fuel to operate heavy machinery to protect 500 meters of farmland along the Beni-Jomsom-Korala Road Corridor.

Baburam Bhattarai Blames Structural Crisis for Ganesh Nepali’s Death

Former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai has expressed deep sorrow over the death of 25-year-old Ganesh Nepali from Mugu, who died following a self-immolation attempt outside the Department of Passports in Kathmandu. In a social media post, Bhattarai stated that the tragedy reflects a broader structural failure rather than an isolated incident. He remarked that the untimely demise of a promising youth exposes a severe political-economic crisis that has left millions of young Nepalis unemployed, criticizing the state’s approach as trying to “cover a volcano with foliage” instead of finding sustainable solutions. Offering his condolences to the bereaved family, the former Prime Minister urged all stakeholders to take the country’s underlying structural issues seriously.

Barshaman Pun Weaponizes PM’s Words Over Ride-Share Driver’s Death

Nepali Communist Party leader Barshaman Pun used Prime Minister Balen Shah’s past rhetoric to demand accountability for the self-immolation death of 25-year-old ride-share driver Ganesh Nepali. Speaking in parliament on Friday, Pun recalled the 2023 self-immolation of Prem Acharya, reading aloud Shah’s old social media post that labeled such tragedies an “extreme failure” of the state. Nepali, a rider from Mugu, died on Friday after setting himself on fire on Thursday when municipal police locked his motorcycle wheel. Opposition lawmakers backed Pun, demanding investigations into heavy-handed city enforcement.

Gagan Thapa Urges Systemic Introspection Over Ganesh Nepali’s Death

Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa expressed profound grief over the self-immolation death of Ganesh Nepali, calling it a painful wake-up call for the nation. Extending condolences to the bereaved family on Friday, Thapa urged the public and political spheres to refrain from turning the tragedy into a political blame game. He emphasized that the incident transcends politics, focusing instead on human sensibility and providing relief to the dependent family. Thapa raised hard-hitting questions regarding why state mechanisms leave citizens in absolute despair, calling for honest, systemic introspection to ensure such tragedies are never repeated.

Thapa and Pokharel Entrusted to Finalize UML Reorganization Report

The CPN (UML) task force on party purification, consolidation, transformation, and reorganization has assigned its coordinator, Ram Bahadur Thapa ‘Badal’, and General Secretary, Shankar Pokharel, with the responsibility of finalizing its comprehensive report. The decision was made during a meeting at the party’s central office in Chyasal on Thursday, which was attended by party Chairman KP Sharma Oli. The task force reviewed the outcomes of feedback collection campaigns recently conducted across 13 locations nationwide. The gathered feedback highlights recommendations on internal purification, leadership development, operational reforms, and strengthening ties with the public. Formed to drive post-election structural evaluation and revitalize the party, the task force aims to submit this finalized report to the central leadership soon to serve as a blueprint for the party’s upcoming organizational restructuring and mobilization strategies.

‘Bhagdaud’ Released in Theaters Today, Missing from QFX Lineup

The Nepali social drama ‘Bhagdaud,’ written and directed by Himal Upreti, was released in theaters on Friday, but with limited screenings across the country. Produced by Bishwaram Bista, the film features Anisha Shrestha, Ghanshyam Joshi, Sharda Rai, Bishal Pokharel, Shekhar Chapagain, Deshbhakta Khanal, Laxmi Giri, Shankar Maharjan, and Subhash Timilsina. According to the production team, the film portrays various aspects of society. Bhagdaud has not been screened by QFX Cinemas, the country’s largest multiplex chain, and has received only limited shows at INI Cinemas and other theaters. The film opened alongside several foreign releases, including the Indian comedy Dhamaal 4, the Hollywood horror film Evil Dead Burn, and the animated feature Moana.

CAN Confirms 3-Match T20 Series with India ‘A’ in Kirtipur

The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) on Friday announced that India ‘A’ will tour for a three-match T20 series to be held at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur in December 2026. The matches are scheduled for December 9, 11, and 13, 2026. According to CAN, the series was finalized during the International Cricket Council (ICC) conference in Scotland, where CAN President Chatur Bahadur Chand, Secretary Paras Khadka, and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Devajit Saikia held a meeting. CAN described the series as a landmark fixture, with India ‘A’ set to play its first T20 series in the country.

12 Killed in Southern Spain Wildfire

At least 12 people have died in a wildfire in southern Spain today. The bodies were found near the village of Bedar, outside Los Gallardos in Almería, while 23 people remain missing and hundreds of residents have been evacuated. Hundreds of emergency responders are continuing efforts to contain the blaze, which officials described as one of the area’s worst wildfires. Authorities said the fire is largely under control but warned that stronger winds could worsen the situation. The wildfire comes amid a prolonged heatwave, with temperatures reaching around 40 degrees Celsius, fueling fires across southern Europe.

KYEC Plans up to $1.4 Billion Investment for US Chip-Testing Facility

Taiwan-based semiconductor testing and packaging company King Yuan Electronics (KYEC) plans to invest up to USD 1.4 billion to establish a chip-testing facility in the United States, the company announced on Friday. The proposed investment is aimed at expanding operations and reinforcing KYEC’s role in the global semiconductor supply chain. The company did not disclose the location of the planned facility, its expected construction timeline, or the customers it will serve. The announcement comes as Taiwanese semiconductor and electronics manufacturers continue expanding their US presence amid growing demand for advanced chips and artificial intelligence infrastructure. Several major firms have increased investments in US manufacturing in recent years, including Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, which is building large-scale chip production facilities in Arizona, while Foxconn and Wistron are developing AI server manufacturing capacity in Texas.