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.

UN Resident Coordinator Pays Courtesy Call on President Paudel

The United Nations Resident Coordinator to Nepal, Lila Pieters Yahia, paid a courtesy call on President Ram Chandra Paudel at his office on Friday. During the meeting, discussions focused on Nepal’s development priorities and areas of cooperation between Nepal and the United Nations, according to the President’s Office. The interaction highlighted ongoing collaboration between Nepal and the UN in supporting development initiatives and strengthening institutional partnerships.

Speaker Aryal, Japanese Ambassador Toru Discuss Bilateral Relations

Speaker Dol Prasad (DP) Aryal held a courtesy meeting with Japan’s Ambassador to Nepal, MAEDA Toru. The meeting took place at the Speaker’s office in Singha Durbar, where both sides discussed Nepal–Japan long-standing friendly relations, mutual cooperation, and various issues of bilateral interest. According to the Speaker’s secretariat, the talks were positive. During the meeting, Speaker Aryal expressed confidence that relations between Nepal and Japan would become stronger and more result-oriented during his tenure. He appreciated Japan’s continued support in Nepal’s economic and social development, infrastructure, education, and technology sectors, and expressed hope for expanded cooperation in the future. Ambassador Toru said Japan attaches high importance to its relationship with Nepal and reaffirmed continued Japanese support for Nepal’s development efforts.

Current Session of Bagmati PA ends from Today Midnight

Bagmati Province Chief Dipak Prasad Devkota has prorogued the current session of the Bagmati Province Assembly to be effective from today midnight. Province Chief Devkota ended the current session at the recommendation of Bagmati Province government. The Bagmati Province Assembly meetings were conducted on April 7, 8, 9 and 10 under its winter session.

Gen Z leaders Boycott Discussion on Constitutional Amendment

Gen Z protest leaders have boycotted a government-led discussion on constitutional amendment, citing non-implementation of past agreements and lack of clarity on the reform agenda. The government had invited 25 Gen Z representatives to a consultation on constitutional reform, but they issued a joint statement refusing to participate. They said earlier commitments, including a 10-point agreement signed on December 10, 2025, remain unimplemented, while injured protesters and victims’ families are still awaiting justice. The group warned it will not join future discussions unless there is a clear agenda and implementation of past agreements.

Nepal, Thailand Discuss Expanding Trade, Tourism Cooperation

Nepal and Thailand have discussed expanding bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, agriculture, education, and security during talks in Bangkok. Nepal’s Ambassador to Thailand Dhan Bahadur Oli met Urasa Mongkolnavin, Director-General at Thailand’s Foreign Ministry, on Thursday. The two sides reviewed implementation of eight bilateral MoUs signed last year and stressed their effective execution. They also discussed easing visa procedures, improving tourism services, and strengthening cooperation against human trafficking, money laundering, and cybercrime. Talks further covered proposed agreements on agricultural cooperation and mutual legal assistance in criminal matters. Both countries also agreed to strengthen regional and multilateral cooperation.

Nepal Intelligence Agency Moved Back Under Prime Minister’s Office

Nepal’s National Investigation Department has been brought back under the Prime Minister’s Office following changes to the government’s functional allocation regulations. The decision reverses an earlier arrangement under which the agency operated under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The intelligence body had previously been shifted to the Prime Minister’s Office during the tenure of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli before later returning to the Home Ministry. Following the formation of the new government led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah after the March 5 House election, the agency has again been placed under direct supervision of the Prime Minister’s Office.

Energy Minister Says Power Waste Due to Transmission Gaps Must End

Biraj Bhakta Shrestha has said Nepal must end the practice of wasting surplus electricity due to inadequate transmission infrastructure. During an inspection of the National Transmission Grid Company Limited on Friday, the Energy Minister said expanding transmission lines remains the government’s top priority for the country’s energy development. Shrestha instructed the company to work with a clear vision and complete projects on time, assuring there would be no shortage of budget or skilled manpower. He also pledged full government support to transmission expansion efforts. Company CEO Sagar Shrestha said the institution is working to strengthen Nepal’s hydropower sector and ensure long-term energy security.

Chief Justice Nominee Sharma Refrains from Judicial Benches

Following his recommendation for the post of Chief Justice, Supreme Court Judge Manoj Sharma has stopped participating in judicial benches despite visiting the court daily. Court Spokesperson Arjun Koirala confirmed on Friday that Sharma has opted out of the automated “lottery” system for case assignments, citing other administrative commitments. Sharma was recommended by the Constitutional Council, led by Prime Minister Balen Shah, amid “notes of dissent” from two council members regarding the breach of traditional seniority practices. While proponents claim he has settled the most cases, judicial records up to mid-April 2026 show otherwise. His nomination remains controversial due to past eligibility challenges and political appointment allegations.

Harka Sampang Demands PM Balen Shah’s Resignation

Harka Raj Rai has demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Balendra Shah, accusing him of disrespecting Parliament and undermining parliamentary practice. In a statement issued Friday, the Shram Sanskriti Party chair alleged that Shah walked out of Parliament while President Ram Chandra Paudel presented the government’s policies and programs on May 11 and remained absent during discussions on May 13 despite reportedly monitoring proceedings from a nearby office. Rai described the actions as “a black stain in the history of parliamentary practice” and questioned the moral basis for Shah remaining in office. He also accused the government of attempting to bypass Parliament through ordinances.

Umesh Shrestha Appointed Treasurer of Nepali Congress

Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa appointed Umesh Shrestha as the party’s Treasurer on Friday. Among the 14 office-bearer positions within the party, the Treasurer is the only role filled through nomination rather than direct election, specifically chosen from among the Central Committee members. Shrestha, who previously served in the same capacity under the leadership of former president Sher Bahadur Deuba, has been reinstated to manage the party’s financial affairs. This appointment completes a key functional role in the party’s organizational structure, as the Treasurer is responsible for overseeing the party’s assets, funding, and expenditure records. The move is seen as an effort to maintain continuity in the party’s financial management.

Supreme Court Orders Release of Investment Mega Bank CEO

The Supreme Court ordered the release of Jyoti Pandey, the CEO of Nepal Investment Mega Bank, on Friday, following a habeas corpus hearing. A bench of Judges Sharanga Subedi and Shanti Singh Thapa ruled that Pandey must seek court permission before traveling abroad. He was arrested last Wednesday on charges of fraud and criminal breach of trust related to the illegal auction of Smart Cell’s assets. The bank is accused of collecting Rs 400 million from bidders for unpaid rent and electricity dues of Smart Cell but failing to distribute those funds to the rightful property owners. The court’s decision allows the investigation to proceed while ending his physical detention.

Auditor General Reports Expired Medicines Worth Rs 90.7 Million

The 63rd Annual Report of the Auditor General has revealed that expired medicines and kits worth Rs 90.7 million are sitting idle in various government hospitals. The report identifies significant losses at the Department of Health Services, which holds expired stock worth Rs 40 million, and Bir Hospital, with 601 types of unusable medicines valued at Rs 14.3 million. Other affected institutions include the National Tuberculosis Centre, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, and Sukraraj Tropical Hospital. The Auditor General has strongly recommended that the health authorities coordinate with suppliers to replace these expired medical supplies to prevent further financial waste and ensure the availability of usable drugs for the public.

Construction Entrepreneurs Launch Nationwide Protest Over Rising Costs

The Federation of Contractors’ Associations of Nepal (FCAN) initiated a nationwide protest on Friday by submitting memorandums to various ministries. Led by President Nicholas Pandey, the federation informed government secretaries that construction activities have naturally halted due to unprecedented price hikes in fuel, materials, and labor caused by the Middle East conflict. The contractors are demanding budget management, compensation for losses, and extensions for all projects, citing that current bank guarantees and insurance terms are unsustainable. Simultaneously, provincial associations submitted memorandums to Chief Ministers, and district branches approached local infrastructure offices to highlight the industry’s paralysis and demand immediate policy interventions to prevent a total sectoral collapse.

Supreme Court Refuses Interim Order Against Film ‘Lalibazar’

On Friday, a Supreme Court division bench of Judges Mahesh Sharma Paudel and Sunil Kumar Pokharel declined to issue an interim order to stop the screening of the film ‘Lalibazar’. The court noted that since the film has been screening since May 8, any decision regarding a stay order would require a judicial viewing of the content first. The case reached the apex court after the Patan High Court previously denied a similar request from petitioner Roshni Nepali. The Supreme Court has directed the high court to conduct a fresh hearing within seven days if a new application is filed, emphasizing the need for a fact-based evaluation of the disputed cinema.

Actress Nita Dhungana Unveils First Look of Directorial Debut ‘Parbati’

Actress Nita Dhungana officially released the first-look posters of her directorial debut film, ‘Parbati’, during a program in Kathmandu on Friday. The posters feature Dhungana in a challenging role as a schoolgirl, alongside child artist Ashok Darji, who appears in a protective role. Produced by Harihar Adhikari under Nita Dhungana Films, the project is described as her “dream project,” involving her as the writer, director, and lead actress. The film, which highlights emotional sibling bonds and social struggles, is scheduled for a nationwide release on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan on August 28. The production team includes Sudip Baral as the cinematographer and Sahil Khan as the editor.

NSC Lifts Three-Month Suspension on ANFA

The National Sports Council (NSC) has lifted the three-month suspension imposed on the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA). The decision was taken in a meeting on Friday attended by Education and Sports Minister Sasmit Pokharel and other officials. ANFA officials said the suspension has been removed without any conditions. NSC had suspended ANFA on March 25, 2026, for allegedly ignoring directives, attempting to proceed with elections without approval, and failing to provide satisfactory clarifications. With the latest decision, all restrictions on ANFA’s activities have been lifted.

16th Lumbini Provincial President Running Cup Starts in Dang

The 16th Lumbini Provincial President Running Cup competition commenced in Dang on Friday. Organized by the Provincial Sports Council, the three-day event was inaugurated at the Beljhundi Stadium in Tulsipur. Over 1,300 athletes from 12 districts of Lumbini Province are participating in various disciplines, including volleyball, kabaddi, wushu, karate, and athletics. Competitions are being held across multiple venues in Ghorahi and Tulsipur, with technical officials and coaches mobilized to oversee the events. The tournament, which concludes on May 17, aims to identify promising young talent at the provincial level for national-level sports representation, fostering sportsmanship and regional athletic development among the youth participants.