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 Urges Good Governance

Speaking at the 225th birth anniversary of National Hero Bhimsen Thapa on Friday, President Ram Chandra Paudel urged Nepalis to honor their ancestors by uniting against corruption and building a prosperous nation. Highlighting Thapa’s courage and modernizing reforms during Anglo-Nepal conflicts, Paudel emphasized that learning from history is key to shaping the nation’s future. Border expert Buddhi Narayan Shrestha was also honored during the event.

Govt. Instructs Ambassadors in 6 Countries to Remain at Posts

The government instructed incumbent ambassadors serving in Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brazil, Myanmar, Austria, and Egypt not to return home until further notice, extending their tenures following delays in new ambassadorial appointments. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ghyanshyam Bhandari in Bangladesh, Tirtha Raj Wagle in Bahrain, Nirmal Raj Kafle in Brazil, Harish Chandra Ghimire in Myanmar, Bharat Regmi at the United Nations Permanent Mission in Austria, and Sushil Lamsal in Egypt will remain in their active diplomatic assignments.

Vice President and Swiss Ambassador Discuss Bilateral Ties and Investment

Swiss Ambassador to Nepal, Danielle Meuwly, paid a courtesy call on Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav today at the Vice President’s Office in Lainchaur. Highlighting the longstanding, friendly relations established in 1956, Vice President Yadav expressed gratitude for Switzerland’s continuous support in Nepal’s peace process, post-earthquake reconstruction, suspension bridge construction, job creation, and technical assistance through the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). Emphasizing the need to further consolidate diplomatic ties, Ambassador Meuwly assured that the Swiss government remains keen to invest in key sectors, including Nepal’s manufacturing and industrial domain.

MoFA Ready to Facilitate RSP Chair Lamichhane’s China Visit

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) announced on Friday that it stands ready to facilitate Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairman Rabi Lamichhane’s upcoming visit to China upon formal request, while denying prior knowledge of Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s chief advisor Kumar Ben’s recent trip to India. Addressing a weekly press briefing, Ministry Spokesperson Lok Bahadur Paudel Chhetri stated that MoFA will extend full diplomatic coordination for inter-party visits when requested. Chhetri also revealed that 860 Nepalis lured into illegal online scam operations across Southeast Asia, including 733 from Cambodia, 113 from Myanmar, eight from Laos, and six from Thailand, have been rescued, with 49 remaining jailed in Cambodia. Additionally, MoFA addressed West Asian conflicts, urging diplomatic dialogue, supporting efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and assuring that local Nepalis can access support via the MoFA Mitra app.

Govt. Pledges Support to Address Export Challenges for Industries

The government agreed to address export hurdles and supply-chain bottlenecks for key industrial sectors, including carpet, plywood, pashmina, and dog chew manufacturing. During discussions with industry association representatives on Friday, officials committed to facilitating diplomatic notes for temporary certification waivers, streamlining quarantine certifications for raw wool, and discouraging the export of raw veneer materials to support domestic production.

Govt. Explores Legal Framework and Dedicated Act to Regulate IVF Services

The Ministry of Health and Food Safety held discussions on Friday to establish mandatory service standards, compliance guidelines, and a dedicated legal framework for regulating in-vitro fertilization (IVF) services in Nepal. Reviewing current infrastructure, operating procedures, and ethical standards, officials emphasized the necessity of a specific act to protect client rights, prevent irregularities, and ensure safe reproductive healthcare delivery across certified fertility clinics.

3 Federal Parliament Committees Convene

At least three committees within the federal parliament convened. As per the Federal Parliament Secretariat, the Development, Economic Affairs and Good Governance Committee, the Legislation Management Committee, and the Federalization Enablement and National Concerns Committee all convened. The Development, Economic Affairs and Good Governance Committee took place at 11:00 am, where they dove into discussions about crafting the annual action plan for the fiscal year 2026/27. At the same time, the Legislative Management Committee also met at 11:00 AM to go over an orientation program. Later in the day, at 2:30 PM, the Federalization Enablement and National Concerns Committee gathered to talk about the peace and security issues affecting citizens in the southern border region.

International Watchdogs Accuse Nepal Government of Coercing Supreme Court Justices

International watchdog organizations have leveled severe accusations against Nepal’s government, alleging that ruling authorities are wielding coercive impeachment threats and forced resignation pressure to undermine the independence of the nation’s top bench. In a joint statement released Thursday, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the International Commission of Jurists alleged that senior Supreme Court justices face politically motivated intimidation designed to alter the court’s composition ahead of major constitutional rulings. Pointing to controversial ordinance changes and bypassed seniority norms in judicial appointments, the groups claimed the state is actively orchestrating a campaign of political interference to muzzle judicial oversight.

Petition Filed Against Provision of Personal Secretary to Parliamentarian

A writ petition has been filed at the Supreme Court against the decision to provide personal secretaries to federal parliamentarians. Advocates duo Prem Raj Silwal and Maniram Upadhyay filed the writ petition at SC, arguing that it was against law to provide personal secretaries to the lawmakers. The move was unconstitutional, they added in the petition. The government had published a notice in the gazette on July 20, informing about the amendment to an act relating to remuneration and incentives to federal lawmakers and officials at parliament. As per the amendment, the lawmakers were allowed to appoint personal secretaries.

Supreme Court Petitions Against Lawmakers’ Paid PAs

Advocate Prem Raj Silwal filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court challenging the Government of Nepal decision allowing lawmakers to hire paid personal secretaries. The petition challenges a government gazette notice issued on July 20, 2026, amending parliamentary regulations. It argues that assigning personal assistants to 884 federal and provincial lawmakers lacks defined qualifications, duties, or objective justification. The petitioner asserts the measure will burden state coffers by over Rs 3.18 billion over five years, diverting public funds. The Supreme Court scheduled the first session for July 27.

Sapana Pradhan Malla Appointed Acting Chief Justice Again

Chief Justice Manoj Kumar Sharma assigned senior-most Supreme Court Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla as Acting Chief Justice during his five-day official visit to India. Malla took over the role ahead of Sharma’s departure for New Delhi on Thursday. The handover follows previous friction after the Constitutional Council recommended Sharma who was fourth in seniority over Malla, prompting her to take leave. However, she presented him with a ceremonial scarf during his farewell. Sharma is visiting India at the invitation of Indian Chief Justice Surya Kant and returns on Monday, accompanied by his wife, Uma Sharma, and Joint Registrar Amit Upreti.

Home Ministry Prioritizes Drone Monitoring to Curb Cross-Border Crime

The Ministry of Home Affairs prioritized infrastructure development at border outposts (BOPs) to improve security conditions for personnel deployed along international borders. Addressing a committee meeting on Friday, officials announced that newly allocated budgets will fund upgraded facilities alongside technological interventions, including drone surveillance and facial recognition closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems, to curb cross-border illicit activities.

US Hands Over USD 1 Million Healthcare Package and Van

The United States handed over a USD 1 million package of maternal, newborn, and child health equipment, alongside a refrigerated freezer van, to support Nepal’s healthcare system and national immunization program on Friday. US Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Scott Urbom joined government officials at the Department of Health Services in Teku for the handover. The refrigerated van will transport vaccines at minus 20 degrees Celsius from the Central Vaccine Store to all seven provinces, while the medical equipment will go to provincial, district, and tertiary hospitals to support frontline health workers.

DMLI Claims Rs 118 Billion Damages in 7 Money Laundering Cases

The Department of Money Laundering Investigation (DMLI) has prosecuted seven cases in the fiscal year 2025/26, naming 121 individuals as defendants. According to details released on Thursday, the department has claimed approximately Rs 118.50 billion in damages against them. The department investigates money laundering offenses related to revenue leakage, customs, excise duty, and trade-related financial crimes through its four investigation branches and other specialized units. In recent days, the DMLI has accelerated its investigation processes regarding money laundering and terrorist financing, intensifying its inquiry and probe activities following preliminary screenings.

Kathmandu Court Registers Fraud Case Against 8 Former Bal Mandir Officials

The Kathmandu District Court has registered a fraud case against eight former officials of Nepal Children’s Organization (Bal Mandir) following a Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) investigation. Those charged include Om Krishna Karmacharya, Yuri Kumari Rai, Bhagwan Shakya, Rajendra Kumar Shrestha, Asha Shrestha, Deepak Das Shrestha, Prayag Raj Shrestha, and Ram Krishna Chitrakar. Police arrested Asha Shrestha, Rajendra Kumar Shrestha, and Om Krishna Karmacharya, while the remaining five are absconding. Stemming from the 2019 Hari Babu Bhattarai Commission report, the case involves decades of systemic abuse, including 948 children sent abroad with adoption fees vanishing.

Under Secretary Arrested at with Rs 665K in Unaccounted Cash

A high-ranking government official, Under Secretary Mikmar Tamang Chief of the Program Implementation Unit in Morang under the President Chure-Terai Madhesh Conservation Development Committee was arrested at Biratnagar Airport carrying Rs 665,000 in unaccounted cash on July 19. Security personnel detected the funds during routine screening as Tamang prepared to board a Buddha Air flight to Kathmandu. Failing to explain the origin of the money, he was transferred to the Financial Crime Branch of the District Police Office in Morang. Local police kept the arrest hidden for nearly a week amid suspicions of political pressure.

Crime Cases in Kathmandu Decrease to 11,078 in FY 2025/26

Crime cases registered in Kathmandu have decreased to 11,078 in the fiscal year 2025/26, compared to 12,872 cases in the previous fiscal year 2024/25, according to data released by Nepal Police. The statistics were shared during an annual press conference highlighting major events, crime investigations, peace and security updates, and key achievements. Additionally, 1,166 crime cases were registered in Kathmandu district from mid-March to mid-April, with the highest number of incidents (5,750) occurring between 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM.

RSP Directs MPs Not to Appoint Relatives as Personal Secretaries

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has issued directives prohibiting nepotism in appointing personal secretaries for its federal members of parliament. MPs are banned from hiring immediate family members, requiring them to recruit qualified candidates from outside their families. Candidates must meet Federal Parliament Secretariat criteria, with priority given to those holding bachelor’s degrees, relevant expertise, tech skills, and research capabilities. Additionally, lawmakers must prioritize qualified women, marginalized communities, and backward classes.

Prachanda Acknowledges Past Mistakes, Calls for Deep Political Review

In a rare and striking display of self-criticism, Nepali Communist Party Coordinator and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ admitted that leftist leadership shares direct responsibility for pushing Nepal into its most severe political crisis since the historic 1816 Sugauli Treaty. Addressing a symposium hosted by the Pushpalal Friendship Centre in the capital on Friday, Prachanda abandoned traditional talking points, acknowledging that blaming external powers alone is a cop-out for systemic domestic failures. Urging a radical departure from dogmatic thinking, Prachanda insisted that only an honest, scientific review of their own major missteps can pull the nation back from the brink.

RSP Lawmaker Ganesh Paudel Smeared with Black Ink in Rautahat

Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) lawmaker Ganesh Paudel of Rautahat-4 was allegedly mistreated and smeared with black ink at around 8:15 pm on Thursday while returning to Chandrapur from a public outreach program in Gadhimai-7 focused on local issues and fertilizer shortages. Two to three masked individuals approached from behind, pretended to embrace him, poured a black ink-like substance on his back, and fled into a nearby sugarcane field under cover of darkness after local supporters chased them. Carrying red flags and pamphlets, the attackers identified themselves as “Madheshi Mukti Abhiyan” activists and chanted “Mechi to Mahakali belongs to Madhesh.” Rautahat District Police were notified immediately and have intensified their search operations. Preliminary investigations have identified a key suspect, known by the alias “Phagu,” but no arrests have been made so far.

RSP Lawmaker Bablu Gupta Fined After Motorcycle Stunt

Traffic Police have fined Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) lawmaker and former minister Bablu Gupta Rs 500 after a video showing him standing on the back of a moving motorcycle drew widespread criticism on social media. Gupta, the House of Representatives member from Siraha-1, was seen performing the risky stunt while riding through his hometown. The incident prompted criticism from the public, with many accusing the lawmaker of setting a poor example by disregarding road safety rules. Following the backlash, Gupta apologized on social media, acknowledging that he had violated traffic rules.

IGP Karki Praises Metro Traffic FM at 14th Anniversary Event

Inspector General of Police Dan Bahadur Karki commended Metro Traffic FM for its role in traffic management, awareness, and reducing road accidents during its 14th anniversary celebration. Speaking at the event organized by the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, IGP Karki highlighted the station’s impact on spreading safety information and instructed it to broadcast innovative, citizen-centered road safety programs. Additional figures, including Lalitpur Metropolitan City Deputy Mayor Manjali Shakya Bajracharya, senior comedian Madan Krishna Shrestha, film star Rajesh Hamal, and Saroj Sitoula, emphasized cooperation, resources, infrastructure investment, and public responsibility for effective traffic management.

Kathmandu Records 2,528 Protests in FY 2025/26

A total of 2,528 protest incidents were recorded across the Kathmandu Valley during the fiscal year 2025/26, according to the District Police Range, Kathmandu. Police said at least 39,854 personnel were deployed to maintain law and order during demonstrations and other public events throughout the year. The police also managed major events, including the Nepal Premier League (NPL). It added that the Gen Z protests were among the major demonstrations during the fiscal year and resulted in significant losses to the police force.

Gaunthali Enters 2nd Week, Opens in US

Film Gaunthali has entered its second week in domestic theaters with increasing audience turnout and has also begun its theatrical release in the United States. The film, which was released in Nepal on July 17, has seen additional shows added in several theaters following positive audience response. The production team said occupancy has improved steadily, although it has not disclosed box office figures, citing the Film Development Board’s official reporting system. Distributed in the United States by Seven Seas International Films, Gaunthali began screening in major US cities on July 24, a week after its domestic release. Centered on family, relationships, and belonging, the film is based on a story by Bhola Rijal.

Trailer Released for Upcoming Nepali Feature Film ‘Hali’

The filmmakers released the emotional trailer for the upcoming feature film Hali, which explores social stigmas surrounding menstruation taboos and the Chhaupadi custom in western Nepal. Scheduled for theatrical release on August 7 this year, the movie features an ensemble cast including Pramod Deep, Sujata Thapa, and Saroj Khanal, delivering a thematic message on grassroots social transformation.

Nepal to Face Pakistan in 3rd Match Of CAVA Men’s Volleyball

Nepal will face hosts Pakistan in its third match of the CAVA Men’s Volleyball Championship at the Garrison Jinnah Sports Complex in Islamabad, Pakistan, at 5:45 PM local time on Friday. Rescheduled from 4:15 PM due to Friday prayers, winless Nepal seeks its first victory following consecutive five-set losses to Kazakhstan and Sri Lanka, while top-ranked Pakistan enters the fixture undefeated with 6 points.

Lumbini Lions Sign Namibian All-Rounder Ruben for NPL Season 3

Lumbini Lions signed Namibian fast bowler Ruben Trumpelmann as their first overseas player for the third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL). Playing a pivotal role in their previous championship victory, where he claimed 15 wickets and earned the player-of-the-match award in the final, the left-arm pacer returns to bolster the squad as the franchise begins its title-defense campaign.

US Announces Strict 4-Year Limit on Student Visas Effective September 17

The United States government will implement new regulations effective September 17, 2026, limiting student stays on F and J visas to a maximum of four years based on program duration, alongside stricter controls on college transfers and a reduced grace period of 30 days post-graduation. The revised guidelines eliminate indefinite study extensions and require explicit Department of Homeland Security approval for academic program modifications.

Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin Resigns

Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin resigned on Friday, citing serious health complications, two years ahead of his term completion.   In his resignation letter submitted to Parliament Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, the 76-year-old leader stated he is physically and mentally incapable of discharging constitutional duties due to conditions including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and autonomic neuropathy. Speaker Ahmed accepted the resignation and will serve as acting president until a new head of state is elected within 90 days. Shahabuddin, a former ally of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, took office in April 2023.

Intel Raises Outlook on AI Demand Despite NVIDIA’s Market Lead

Intel has strengthened its turnaround prospects after forecasting third quarter revenue above Wall Street expectations and increasing its 2026 capital expenditure plan to USD 20 billion from USD 18 billion, reflecting growing demand for artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure. The upbeat outlook pushed the company’s shares up about 6 percent in premarket trading. Intel said demand for its data center processors is rising as businesses invest in AI computing, while the company also expects continued growth in its chip manufacturing business backed by increasing domestic semiconductor production. Despite the improved outlook, NVIDIA remains the dominant player in the AI accelerator chip market, though Intel is seeking to expand its share of the rapidly growing AI infrastructure market under its ongoing turnaround strategy.