Kathmandu
Monday, August 25, 2025

Nepal News Evening Briefing | Monday, August 25, 2025 

August 25, 2025
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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.

Nepal, Vietnam Pledge to Enhance Cooperation as VP Xuan Meets President Paudel 

The Vice President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Vo Thi Anh Xuan, held a formal courtesy meeting with Nepali President Ram Chandra Paudel today at the President’s Office, Sheetal Niwas. The high-level engagement marks a significant step in strengthening relations between the two nations on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties. During the meeting, President Paudel emphasized the considerable potential for deepening bilateral economic relations through enhanced collaboration in trade, tourism, investment, and technology transfer.

Scrap Dealers Protest in Kathmandu

Scrap dealers staged a protest in Kathmandu today. ‘The Scrap Dealers Struggle Committee’ demonstrated against Kathmandu Metropolitan City. They marched from Bhirkutimandap to Kathmandu Plaza in Kamaladi. The protest was against the municipal ban on scrap collection and storage. The dealers and collectors have recently been agitated, claiming the ban by the municipality on collection and storage within its area affects their livelihoods. Scrap collectors and businesspeople expressed anger at Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah.

Writ Filed Against Detention of Rabi Lamichhane

A writ petition has been filed at the High Court against the Rupandehi District Court’s order to keep RSP President Rabi Lamichhane in custody. The Rupandehi District Court bench led by Judge Narayan Prasad Sapkota had ordered Lamichhane to be kept in custody while the investigation continues. On Monday, the writ petition was registered at the Butwal bench of the High Court, Tulsipur. Lamichhane has been in jail since April 7 in connection with the Supreme Cooperative fraud case.

UML Intensifies Preparations for Second Statute Convention

Preparations for the CPN-UML’s second statute convention in Godavari, Lalitpur, have been accelerated. The convention hall in Godavari has already been inspected twice. Hall management and stage arrangements are being coordinated under dedicated leadership, with ongoing work to organize the venue. Tasks such as secretariat placement, stage setup, volunteer deployment, and assignment of health workers are being carried out rapidly.

Gagan Thapa Urges Party to Overcome Fear and Uncertainty

Ruling Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa said the party must free itself from fear, greed, and uncertainty to fulfill its responsibility toward the country. Speaking at an event in Kathmandu on Monday, he emphasized that the party must move forward, leaving behind concerns about its position in 2027. “What the Nepali Congress must free itself from now is worrying about my position in 2027,” Thapa said. “After that, it must also free itself from concerns over what Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli says about being criticized or praised. He reminds us, doesn’t he?”

SC Publishes Full Verdict on Removal of Deepak Manange

The full text of the Supreme Court decision on the removal of Gandaki Province Assembly member Deepak Manange (Rajiv Gurung) has been published. The constitutional bench, comprising Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut and judges Sapana Pradhan Malla, Kumar Regmi, Hariprasad Phuyal, and Kumar Chudal, had decided on June 18 that he would be removed from office. The constitutional bench noted that Manange was already convicted of a criminal offense by the Supreme Court joint bench, resulting in his disqualification.

Madhav Nepal Urges Real Scientific Socialism

CPN (Unified Socialist) Chairman Madhav Kumar Nepal said that scientific socialism cannot be practiced merely in words. Speaking at the party’s fourth anniversary on Monday, he said it is important to understand how to advance the party and movement toward its goals in the current situation. “Scientific socialism cannot be realized only by words,” Nepal said. “We have heard many proclamations in name only.” He emphasized the importance of studying the proletarian character and the subjects proposed in the party’s first political proposal.

Prachanda Meets Biplav for Party Unity Discussion

CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ met NCP General Secretary Netra Bikram Chand ‘Biplav’ in a meaningful discussion. On Monday morning, Prachanda went to Biplav’s residence in Harisiddhi and discussed contemporary politics, party unity, and strengthening the Socialist Front for about 45 minutes. Previously, Biplav would visit Prachanda in Khumaltar, but this time Prachanda himself went to meet Biplav.

Nepal Teachers’ Federation Relaunches Protest

The Nepal Teachers’ Federation has relaunched its protest today. According to the announced program, memoranda were submitted to the Prime Minister, Education Minister, and chief coordinators of political parties. Union President Laxmi Kishor Subedi criticized the bill, saying it weakens teachers’ service, benefits, job security, and rights. The one-month-long protest in May was suspended after a nine-point agreement.

23 Injured in Pokhara Microbus Accident

A microbus accident occurred this morning at Pokhara-13, injuring 23 people. The bus, number GA1KA 4027, traveling from Manidip, Arwa to Kahunkhola, crashed into the right-side wall on a downhill slope at Madkelna, injuring 23 people including the driver. According to local resident Rabi Baral, the bus was carrying passengers toward Kahunkhola when the accident occurred. All the injured were taken to the Western Regional Hospital under the Pokhara Health Science Academy for treatment.

Nepal Police IGP and Three AIGs to Retire Next Week

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deepak Thapa and three Additional IGPs (AIGs) are set to retire next week. IGP Thapa and two AIGs from his batch are retiring after completing 30 years of service. AIG Krishna Hari Sharma Pokharel, appointed about 2.5 months later than them, will retire three days earlier due to the age limit. He is currently serving as Head of the Administration Department.

NEPSE Gains After Three Trading Days, Most Sectors See Growth

After three consecutive trading days of stagnation, the share market rose on Monday. The NEPSE index increased by 21.30 points, closing at 2,761. During trading, the index reached a maximum of 2,764 points at 2:30 PM. Despite the index rise, the total transaction volume decreased. While the previous day’s turnover was Rs 6.54 billion, Monday’s transactions totaled Rs 5.75 billion. On this day, the stock prices of 179 companies rose, while 71 companies saw a decline. Most sectoral indices increased.

Stock Market Capitalization Reaches NPR 4.656 Trillion

The stock market capitalization stood at NPR 4.65699 trillion at the end of last fiscal year, according to data released by Nepal Rastra Bank. At the end of the fiscal year 2023/24, the market capitalization was Rs 3.5368 trillion. The market capitalization as a percentage of GDP was 62.25% in 2024, which increased to 76.25% in 2025.

Only 2.5 Million Vehicles to Get Embossed Number Plates

Currently, about 6.5 million vehicles are in operation in Nepal. However, the target is to install embossed number plates on only 2.5 million vehicles. So far, 80,000 vehicles have already been fitted. After installing on 1.2 million vehicles, the process for the remaining 1.3 million will begin along with tender procedures for other vehicles.

Rs 139 Billion Sent Abroad for Higher Education in Last FY

Although there are several universities and educational institutions for higher education within the country, a significant amount of money continues to be sent abroad. According to Nepal Rastra Bank data for fiscal year 2023/24, Rs 138.48 billion was sent abroad for education alone. The previous year, Rs 125.13 billion was sent. The central bank stated that under the service account, travel expenses increased by 18.1%, reaching Rs 223.72 billion. Last year, travel expenses were Rs 189.43 billion.

Balance of Payments Shows Surplus of NPR 59.454 Billion

The post-adjustment balance stands at a surplus of Rs 59.454 billion. Last year, it was Rs 50.249 billion. The current account surplus increased from Rs 221.71 billion last year to Rs 409.20 billion this year. In USD, the surplus went from USD 167 million last year to USD 301 million this year.

Film ‘Zero Degree’ Announced

The film ‘Zero Degree’ is set to be produced. Directed by Sajan Kafle and Aakash Baral—who last year made ‘Behuli from Meghauli’—the movie was officially announced on Monday with the release of a minimal poster on the occasion of Teej. Actor Bijay Baral will play the lead role. According to director Kafle, the story revolves around a village without road access where, after the death of the parents, the children living abroad cannot return immediately. As a result, the villagers bring a deep freezer from the city to preserve the bodies, giving rise to unusual circumstances that shape the film’s narrative.

‘Pramod Kharel and Parampara’ Band Launches Australia Tour

Following a grand performance in Sydney, ‘Pramod Kharel and Parampara’ band has officially kicked off its Australia tour. At an outdoor concert held in Minto, Sydney on Friday, the band entertained the audience for two hours with their popular hit songs. When Pramod performed the band’s upcoming release ‘Kali Topile,’ the crowd danced with enthusiasm. The tour will continue with shows scheduled in Melbourne on September 1, Newcastle on September 12, Canberra on September 13, and Brisbane on September 15.

Fourth Edition of ‘Kathmandu-Kalinga Literature Festival’ Set for September 13–14

The fourth edition of the ‘Kathmandu Kalinga Literature Festival’ is scheduled to take place on September 13 and 14 in Kathmandu. The two-day festival will be held at Hotel Himalaya in Lalitpur, featuring the participation of prominent literary figures from Nepal and abroad.This year’s main highlight will be renowned singer and musician Anupam Mukherjee. On the festival’s opening day, the famous Bengali artist will perform, with his concert starting at 7 PM on September 13.

SAFF U-17 Championship: Squad Reduced to 35 Players in Sri Lanka

The number of players in training for the SAFF U-17 Championship in Sri Lanka has been reduced to 35. Under head coach Sanjeet Singh, the team is currently in training. Singh is continuing the selection process while preparing for the final phase of the competition, scheduled from September 15 to 27 in Sri Lanka.

RS Resort Women’s Football Team Thrashes Sindhupalchok FC in ANFA League Qualifiers

Pokhara-based RS Resort & Beach women’s football team scored a goal fest against Sindhupalchok FC in the ANFA Women’s League qualifiers. In Monday’s match at Chyasal Ground, RS Resort defeated Sindhupalchok FC 8–3. Sarita scored four goals for RS Resort, while Isha Chaudhary added two, and Salina Saru and Tulsi Shahi scored one each. For Sindhupalchok, Anu Bhusal scored two goals. With this second win, RS Resort has accumulated six points, while Sindhupalchok suffered their third consecutive loss.

Kumar Rai Appointed Head Coach of Nepal U-19 Women’s Volleyball Team

Kumar Rai has been appointed as the head coach of Nepal’s U-19 women’s volleyball team. Nepal will participate in the upcoming CAVBA U-19 Women’s Championship in Sri Lanka this Kartik. The Nepal Volleyball Association has entrusted Rai with the coaching responsibility for this competition. Having also worked with the senior national team, Rai has been tasked with leading the age-group international tournament.

Tilottama Cricket League Scheduled for October

The Tilottama Cricket League is set to take place in October, organized by the Tilottama Cricket Development Committee. The franchise-based T20 cricket league will feature high school students from Tilottama Municipality. Each participating school will form a franchise, consisting of 14 players, including a captain, marquee player, and four pre-selected players. All matches will be played in T20 format at the Extratech Oval Stadium.

Journalists Among 20 Killed in Israeli Attack in Gaza

At least four Palestinian journalists, including one from Al Jazeera, among 20 people killed in Israeli attack on southern Gaza hospital. Hossam al-Masri (Reuters news agency), Mohammed Salama (Al Jazeera), Mariam Abu Daqa (freelance) and Moaz Abu Taha (NBC) killed in the attack together with rescue workers. Doctors say there’s little they can do to stop children dying of starvation from the Israeli-engineered famine in Gaza.

Powerful Typhoon Drenches Vietnam’s Coastal Areas After Mass Evacuations Ordered

A powerful typhoon is battering Vietnam’s coastal areas with strong winds and heavy rain. Typhoon Kajiki has delivered gusts up to 118-133 km/h (73-82 mph) and could trigger flash floods and landslides, the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting says. More than 586,000 people have been ordered to leave their homes – thousands of soldiers are on standby to assist with evacuations

India to Buy Oil from Where it Gets ‘The Best Deal’ 

India will continue to buy oil from wherever it “gets the best deal” in order to protect the interests of its 1.4 billion people, the country’s ambassador to Russia has said. Vinay Kumar’s statement comes days before US President Donald Trump’s 50% tariffs on India, including a 25% penalty for buying Russian oil and weapons, are set to kick in. On Sunday, US Vice-President JD Vance said that Trump had announced secondary tariffs on India to apply “aggressive economic leverage” on Russia and force it to stop the war in Ukraine.