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.

Government, Loan Shark Victims Sign 9-Point Deal, Protests Suspended

The nationwide protest against predatory loan sharking has been suspended after the government and victims’ representatives signed a nine-point agreement following negotiations in Kathmandu. The government pledged to classify loan sharking as a serious financial crime, cancel fraudulent loan documents, and draft legislation within three months to establish a dedicated tribunal for such cases. The agreement also includes stricter verification of financial transactions, criminalization of deceptive lending practices, forensic investigations, and measures to recover victims’ property. District-level committees will resolve pending complaints within six months, while the government has also committed to introducing financial assistance programs aimed at preventing people from falling into predatory debt.

Govt. Bans Pensioners from Contract Jobs, Halts New Hiring

The government has issued a strict seven-point directive to restructure contract employment across all state departments following job cuts from recent Organization and Management (O&M) surveys. Under a Cabinet decision enforced by the Ministry of Public Administration on Friday, retired government pensioners or gratuity recipients working on contract will not receive extensions and will be formally phased out effective July 17, 2026. To manage the remaining workforce, the government has imposed a complete freeze on hiring new external contract staff for vacant or newly created posts. Instead, active non-pensioner contract employees will be placed into a centralized “pool” maintained by the Ministry. All state agencies, including those undergoing mergers or dissolution, must now fulfill their temporary staffing and asset protection needs by pulling exclusively from this existing workforce pool.

PM Balendra Shah Pledges Support to Domestic Footwear Industry

Prime Minister Balendra Shah pledged government support to bolster the domestic footwear industry on Friday, aiming to promote import substitution, expand exports, and create local jobs. During a meeting with the Footwear Manufacturers Association of Nepal (FMAN), the Prime Minister committed to inter-governmental coordination for skill-based manufacturing training and private-sector-led branding. The government will also refine oversight of imported raw materials to prioritize domestic production. FMAN representatives urged the government to curb cross-border smuggling, bring informal imports into the tax and VAT system, and enforce mandatory quality testing for international footwear products.

Parliament Secretariat Asks MPs to Submit Property Details Within 60 Days

The Federal Parliament Secretariat has reminded members of the House of Representatives and the National Assembly to submit their property details in accordance with the law within 60 days of the end of the fiscal year 2025/26. The reminder has been issued in line with Section 50(1) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 2002, and Section 31A(1) of the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority Act, 1991. Parliament Secretariat Under Secretary Adhiraj Rai said lawmakers have been asked to submit updated details of assets held in their own names or those of their family members, along with the source of the assets or proof of receipt, in a sealed envelope to the Lawmaker Benefits Management Branch.

Minister Sunil Lamsal Begins Inspection of Karnali Highway

Infrastructure Development Minister Sunil Lamsal on Friday began an inspection of the Karnali Highway, starting from Surkhet, to assess road conditions and ongoing infrastructure needs across the Karnali region. The minister is scheduled to travel by road through Dailekh, Kalikot, Jumla, and Mugu, with an overnight stop in Manma, Kalikot. He will also inspect the Nagma-Mugu road before continuing by road to Bajura and flying to Humla to review road infrastructure there. The Karnali Highway, which stretches 232 kilometers from Birendranagar to Jumla, has long been criticized for its poor condition and is often referred to as a “death road” due to frequent accidents. Last month, Lamsal told the House of Representatives that potholes on roads across the country would be eliminated within three years, saying regular, scheduled maintenance would replace piecemeal repairs.

Bagmati Province Reduces Ministries from 14 to 8

The Bagmati Provincial government has reduced the number of ministries from 14 to eight as part of an administrative restructuring for the 2026/27 fiscal year. Under the new structure, Chief Minister Indra Bahadur Baniya will oversee the Office of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers, while several ministries have been merged and reassigned to existing ministers. The Cabinet has also appointed six lawmakers as ministers without portfolio.

Monsoon Disruptions Block Traffic on Several Highways Nationwide

Vehicular movement has been disrupted on several highways following monsoon-triggered landslides, flooding, and debris, Nepal Police said on Friday. The BP Highway, Mechi Highway, Saljhandi-Dhorpatan road, and sections of the Araniko Highway have been affected, with some routes completely blocked due to landslides, mud, and erosion. Police said the BP Highway was temporarily closed as a precaution against possible flooding, while traffic on the Kanti Highway resumed after authorities cleared debris in Makawanpur. Authorities continue to monitor road conditions as heavy rainfall persists.

Disasters Claim 160 Lives in 3,296 Incidents Over 3 Months

A total of 3,296 disaster incidents were reported across the country between April 14 and July 16, killing 160 people, leaving two missing, and injuring 945, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA). The disasters affected 4,375 families during the period. Fire accounted for the highest number of incidents with 897 cases, followed by 514 snakebite incidents, 477 windstorms, 433 landslides, 223 lightning strikes, 181 wild animal attacks, 161 floods, and 153 heavy rainfall incidents. The authority also recorded 191 forest fires, 55 altitude sickness cases, two avalanche incidents, and one rockfall incident during the three-month period.

Koshi Crosses High-Alert Level, Sunsari Intensifies Disaster Preparedness

The Sunsari District Administration Office has intensified disaster preparedness after the water flow in the Saptakoshi River rose to 151,195 cusecs per second, prompting authorities to open 20 gates of the Koshi Barrage. Chief District Officer Basudev Ghimire, accompanied by chiefs of security agencies, conducted an inspection of the barrage on Friday. The administration said the district’s disaster response plan has been activated, with agencies placed on standby for rescue, relief, evacuation, and rehabilitation if required. According to the administration, repairs to the Koshi Barrage bridge and vulnerable embankments have been completed, while security agencies and concerned authorities remain prepared to respond immediately in the event of flooding, inundation, or erosion.

Special Court Releases Bishnu Prasad Paudel on Recognizance

The Special Court in Nepal ordered the release of CPN (UML) Senior Vice-Chair Bishnu Prasad Paudel on recognizance on Friday, pending further investigation. A judicial bench comprising judges Narayan Prasad Paudel, Dilli Ratna Shrestha, and Bidur Koirala presided over the hearing, concluding that current evidence failed to establish any direct involvement or financial gain linked to the defendant. The court’s order, issued under Section 7 (c) of the Special Court Act, 2002, allows the legal proceedings to continue while the defendant remains on recognizance for a follow-up appearance scheduled for August 13 this year.

UML Chair Oli Accuses Government of Pushing the Country Toward Fascism

CPN (UML) Chairman KP Sharma Oli has accused the government of driving the country toward fascism and authoritarianism. Speaking at a party event in Chyasal on Friday to launch the updated UML website and mobile app, Oli criticized recent state actions as tyrannical, pointing to instances where government-backed forces obstructed media houses and suppressed public protests. He alleged that the government is utilizing state-funded volunteer groups for political motives and deploying plainclothes personnel to attack peaceful protestors. Warning that the executive branch has stifled parliament and seized control of state organs, Oli stressed that political parties must regain their long-term vision to break this authoritarian grip and protect the country from further division and lawlessness.

Prachanda Calls for Socialism, Non-Alignment at Sri Lanka Conference

Former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” addressed the “Hands off Asia” international conference in Sri Lanka, calling for socialism and non-alignment as essential for developing nations amid shifting global power dynamics. He highlighted the challenges facing communist movements in Asia and held meetings with left-wing leaders from several countries. The conference also featured discussions on development, global debt, militarization, and imperialism.

836 Nepalis Selected for Caregiving Jobs in Israel

A total of 836 Nepali candidates have been selected through a lottery for caregiving jobs in Israel, with departures expected to begin in September 2026 after medical and background checks. The lottery, conducted by Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority, selected candidates from 1,115 applicants. Israeli officials said more than 2,100 additional caregiving jobs are expected to become available as both countries finalize new labor agreements.

22 Rhinoceroses Die in Year

The Chitwan National Park (CNP) and adjoining national forest have reported the deaths of 22 one-horned rhinoceroses in a year. Of the total deaths, 20 occurred within the CNP, while the remaining two were recorded in the national forest during the last fiscal year that ended on Thursday, July 16. According to CNP information officer Abinash Thapa Magar, two rhinos died from electrocution. The cases of electrocution occurred near Madi of Chitwan and Lokaha River in Susta East of Nawalparasi. The other pachyderms died after being trapped in quagmires, as a result of fighting, tiger attack and old age. During fiscal year 2024-25, 30 rhinos had died. CNP is a home to 694 adult rhinos.

Educational Consultancies Protest New Regulations

Educational consultancy operators staged a protest in Kathmandu demanding the withdrawal of provisions in the Educational Counseling, Language Teaching, and Preparation Classes Regulations, 2026, arguing they impose excessive administrative burdens. Protesters opposed requirements for annual license renewal, ministry approval for educational fairs and seminars, and permission to hold programs within office premises, saying the rules threaten the sustainability of the sector.

New Members Appointed to Nepal Telecommunications Authority

Minister for Information and Communications Bikram Timilsina appointed four new members to the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) on Thursday. The appointees are Chhetra Gopal Pradhan (Accounts and Auditing), Ananta Mallik (Technical and Administration), Nilam Kumar Ojha (Legal), and Sujita Shrestha (Market Management). Minister Timilsina directed the group to prioritize public interest, transparency, and accountability, warning that unsatisfactory performance will lead to replacements. He emphasized the urgent need to strengthen the NTA’s regulatory role, expand national telecommunications networks, and develop digital infrastructure. The new members pledged to discharge their duties with honesty, focusing on institutional integrity through collective decision-making.

Kathmandu Struggles with Recurring Waterlogging Despite Minor Rainfall

Multiple areas in the federal capital city of Kathmandu, including Anamnagar, New Baneshwor, Jamal, Raniban, and Singha Durbar, experienced severe waterlogging following rain on Thursday. Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani spokesperson Prakash Kumar Rai stated that outdated, narrow drainage systems and high water levels in the Tukucha rivulet exacerbate the flooding. Despite annual recurrence and discussions regarding integrated sewerage improvements, no comprehensive solution has been implemented. Rapid urbanization and insufficient infrastructure continue to cause significant traffic disruptions throughout the valley.

893 Scrub Typhus Infections Recorded in Chitwan

In the fiscal year 2025/26, at least 893 individuals were diagnosed with scrub typhus after 11,419 patients visited hospitals across the district. Ram KC, a vector control officer at the Chitwan Public Health Office, reported that 621 of these cases originated within Chitwan. Infections include 246 in Ratnanagar Municipality, 117 in Khairahani Municipality, 90 in Bharatpur Metropolitan City, 82 in Rapti Municipality, 69 in Kalika Municipality, 7 in Madi Municipality, and 10 in Ichchhakamana Rural Municipality. During the previous fiscal year, 2024/25, there were 1,055 infections from 7,095 tests, and one death has been reported this current year.

Central Zoo Reopens After Month-Long Closure

The Central Zoo in Jawalakhel, Lalitpur, which had been closed for about a month due to a bird flu outbreak, has reopened to the public starting Friday. The zoo, which was shut down on June 19, was reopened for visitors after the infection was brought under control. The closure was initiated after crows were found dead and subsequently tested positive for the virus. A total of 41 birds and animals died in the zoo due to the bird flu outbreak. Meanwhile, the zoo administration has urged visitors to follow safety guidelines, including not feeding the animals, maintaining physical distance, avoiding prolonged stays near animal enclosures, and wearing masks.

Nepal Telecom Expands 4G Service to Remote Villages in Mugu, Bajura

Nepal Telecom has expanded 4G mobile services to remote communities in Mugu and Bajura, extending coverage to Sorukot in Soru Rural Municipality and several villages in Bichchhya and Kuwadi. The state-owned telecom operator said the new network will provide high-speed internet, voice, and SMS services, improving access to education, healthcare, government services, and information. Local officials welcomed the expansion, calling it a major step toward improving connectivity and supporting economic and social development in some of the country’s most remote mountain communities.

Security Printing Center Clears 2.7 Million Smart License Backlog

The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology confirmed the completion of printing 2.7 million smart driving licenses, effectively eliminating the long-standing backlog. Following agreements between the Ministry, the Security Printing Center, and the Department of Transport Management, the center now prints and delivers licenses within 24 hours of receiving applicant data. The process was completed in two phases, with the first 1.2 million licenses printed by October 29, 2025, and the final 1.5 million completed by July 16. The center now processes between 3,000 and 5,000 licenses daily.

CNT Protests ‘Masterni’ Song Lyrics

The Confederation of Nepalese Teachers (CNT) has formally protested lyrics in a promotional song for the upcoming film ‘Masterni’, set to release on August 21. CNT President Laxmi Kishor Subedi and General Secretary Tula Bahadur Thapa issued a press release condemning the song for using defamatory and insulting language directed at female teachers. The federation claims these expressions undermine the dignity of the teaching profession and has urged producers to remove the song from the film immediately. The CNT demands an urgent correction to the lyrics to address the concerns regarding the respect and integrity of educators.

‘Gauthali’ and ‘The Odyssey’ Hit the Theaters Today

Nepali film Gauthali and Hollywood epic The Odyssey was released in theaters across the country on Friday. Directed by Kapil Rijal, Gauthali is a 140-minute social drama starring Simran Khadka and Arun Chhetri. The film follows the story of a teenage girl married at a young age who struggles to pursue her education. Directed by Christopher Nolan, The Odyssey also opened on Friday after receiving an adult certificate in the country. The 172-minute action-adventure film stars Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, and Robert Pattinson and is based on the Greek mythological journey of Odysseus following the Trojan War.

Nepal Loses to UAE in ACC Women’s U-19 Premier Cup

Nepal suffered a defeat against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a dramatic super-over semifinal match at the ACC Women’s U-19 Premier Cup held at the Bayuemas Oval in Malaysia on Friday. After both teams were tied at 100 runs in the standard 20-over innings, Nepal scored only 6 runs in the super-over, which the United Arab Emirates (UAE) chased down in just 3 balls. Despite the loss, Nepal officially qualified for the upcoming Women’s U-19 Asia Cup by reaching the tournament semifinals. Nepal is now scheduled to compete against Indonesia for third place on Saturday.

Himal Sunari Appointed Marquee Player for Annapurna Spiker Kings

The Annapurna Spiker Kings, representing the Gandaki region in the upcoming Nepal Volleyball League (NVL), officially appointed Himal Sunari as their marquee player. Sunari, who is currently training with the Nepal National Men’s Volleyball Team for the upcoming CAVA Men’s Volleyball Championship in Pakistan starting July 22, is recognized as one of the most influential athletes in the country. The Annapurna Spiker Kings management team previously appointed Ramesh KC as head coach and Narendra Giri as assistant coach, alongside appointing national athlete Usha Bhandari as their brand ambassador to boost the visibility of the national sport.

Indian PM Modi Inaugurates India’s First Hydrogen Train In Jind

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s first hydrogen-powered train at Jind Railway Station in Haryana on Friday. The train will operate on the Jind to Sonipat route, covering a distance of 90 kilometers with a design speed of 110 kilometers per hour. Equipped with 3,200 horsepower and powered by indigenous hydrogen fuel cell technology, the train produces zero carbon emissions and can accommodate 2,600 passengers. Additionally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation for national highway projects worth over Rs 124.7 billion and inaugurated the 157-kilometer Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway, which will reduce travel time from 14 hours to 6 hours.

Nvidia, Japan Partner to Build National AI Infrastructure

Nvidia has partnered with Japan’s Noetra Corp. to develop the world’s first national artificial intelligence infrastructure dedicated to physical AI. The facility, powered by 13,750 NVIDIA Vera CPUs and 27,500 NVIDIA Rubin GPUs, will support Japan’s FRONTia Project, a government-backed initiative to advance AI for robotics and industrial applications. The project aims to strengthen Japan’s AI ecosystem and support its goal of capturing more than 30 percent of the global AI robotics market by 2040, estimated at USD 133 billion.