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.

PM Oli addresses SCO Plus Summit in Tianjin

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli addressed the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus Summit today, discussing issues concerning Nepal’s national interests as well as bilateral and international matters. The summit, held at the Tianjin Meijiang Convention and Exhibition Center, began on Sunday and featured speeches from heads of state and government, including Prime Minister Oli. Invited by Chinese President Xi Jinping, Prime Minister Oli is on a five-day official visit to China starting September 1, during which he has been engaging in bilateral meetings with leaders from various countries.

PM Oli Holds Bilateral Talks with Cambodian and Maldives Leaders at SCO Plus Summit

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli held high-level bilateral meetings with Cambodian Prime Minister Dr. Hun Manet, Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, and Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith on the sidelines of the SCO Plus Summit in Tianjin, China. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations, expanding trade, and exploring investment opportunities with Cambodia, the Maldives, and Laos. During the meetings, the leaders also explored mechanisms for high-level visits and strategic cooperation to further deepen diplomatic and economic ties.

Private School Operators Protest on Kathmandu Ring Road with School Bus Rally

On Monday, private school operators held a rally of school buses on Kathmandu’s Ring Road. The rally was organized jointly by PABSON, National PABSON and HISAN. A long line of private school buses was visible along one lane of the Ring Road. The operators are protesting the School Education Bill, demanding the removal of terms such as “full scholarship” and “gradually make non-profit.” They are pressuring the government to amend the bill, which was passed by the Education Committee.

PM’s Adviser Khatiwada Denies Nepal’s Support for China’s Global Security Initiative

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s economic and development adviser, Dr. Yubaraj Khatiwada, has denied that Nepal agreed to support China’s Global Security Initiative (GSI) during Oli’s recent meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Speaking to Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS), the former finance minister said Nepal remains committed to its constitution and non-aligned foreign policy and will not become part of any country’s security strategy. Oli and Xi met on August 30 in Tianjin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus summit. Following the meeting, a Chinese press release claimed that Nepal had expressed support for the GSI. Khatiwada, however, disputed this, saying: “Prime Minister Oli’s visit was primarily for the SCO Plus summit.

Teachers’ Federation Stages Sit-In at JSP Nepal Office

The Teachers’ Federation, which has been voicing dissatisfaction over the School Education Bill, staged a sit-in today at the central office of the Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP) Nepal in Balkumari, Kathmandu. The protest lasted from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., during which the teachers drew the party’s attention to their concerns. Earlier, the federation had staged similar sit-ins at the offices of the ruling CPN-UML, the Nepali Congress, and opposition parties CPN (Maoist Centre) and CPN (Unified Socialist).

Dhawal Shamsher Rana Appointed as Acting Coordinator of Pro-Monarchy Committee

Nabaraj Subedi, coordinator of the ‘Joint People’s Movement Committee’ formed to advocate for the restoration of the monarchy, has appointed Dhawal Shamsher Rana as the acting coordinator. Subedi assigned the acting responsibility to Dr. Rana, General Secretary of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), stating that he will be abroad for some time. The Joint People’s Movement Committee, led by Subedi, was formed by royalists in March. Dr. Rana has also been a member of this committee.

Constitution Does Not Bar Former President Bhandari from Party Membership: Surendra Pandey

CPN-UML Vice-Chair Surendra Pandey has stated that since the Constitution of Nepal does not prohibit anyone from joining a political party, no party has the authority to block membership. Speaking at an inter-dialogue program on “Internal Democracy in UML” held on Monday in Kathmandu, Pandey emphasized that even former President Bidya Devi Bhandari cannot be barred from party membership by any party. “The Constitution does not say that the President cannot be a party member,” Pandey said. “It only mentions three specific conditions.”

Cabinet Announces 24 Decisions, Appoints Judges and Officials

The Cabinet’s 24 decisions from its meeting on September August 30 were made public on Monday, announced by Minister for Information and Communications Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, during a press conference. According to the announcements, Justice Sudarshan Bhatta of the Janakpur High Court has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Special Court. The Cabinet also approved temporary posts for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappearances, and appointed advocate Kumari Kharel as a member of the Labor Court, among other decisions.

China to Upgrade Civil Service Hospital into State-of-the-Art Facility

The Chinese government is set to upgrade the Civil Service Hospital. A Chinese delegation stayed at the hospital for two weeks to conduct a feasibility study and plans to elevate it into a “state-of-the-art building.” Executive Director of the hospital, Dr. Mohan Chandra Regmi, stated that China will add 200 more beds for the “third phase” of the hospital’s expansion, developing it as a state-of-the-art facility. Previously, China had constructed 132 beds in the “first phase” and 300 beds in the “second phase” of the hospital. According to Dr. Regmi, a Chinese team overseeing construction projects in Nepal recently returned after conducting the feasibility study.

Minister Neupane Steps Out of Committee Amid Civil Service Bill Discussion

Federal Minister for Federal Affairs and General Administration, Bhagwati Neupane, left a committee meeting after requesting more time while discussions on the Civil Service Bill were ongoing. The issue of mandatory retirement has become contentious, with both ruling and opposition parties taking opposing stances. During Monday’s discussion, Minister Neupane asked for additional time, according to committee chair Tulsi Kumari Dahal. “The minister requested more time, and I could not say no,” Chair Dahal said. “It is unclear whether the ministry will have to drop its stance or whether the lawmakers must accept the government’s proposal.”

Heavy Rain Swells Mahakali River, Four-Wheel Traffic Halted at Sharada Barrage

Continuous rainfall since last night has raised the water level in the Mahakali River, prompting authorities to halt four-wheel vehicle traffic at the Sharada Barrage (Banbasa Bridge) along the Nepal–India border. On Monday morning, the river’s flow exceeded 151,000 cubic meters per second, leading the District Police Office, Kanchanpur, to restrict four-wheel traffic. Currently, only two-wheel vehicles are allowed to cross the barrage. The restriction is typically imposed whenever the river’s flow exceeds 100,000 cubic meters per second, ensuring safety on the road connecting Kanchanpur to India’s Banbasa area.

Dharan Mayor Harka Sampang Receives Warm Welcome from Supporters in Kathmandu

Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City Mayor Harka Sampang arrived in Kathmandu on Monday morning via Tribhuvan International Airport, where a crowd of supporters gathered to welcome him. Supporters greeted Sampang with a rally right from the airport gate. He has often been accompanied by large numbers of supporters during his previous visits to Kathmandu. Sampang is known for his unique style of protest—sometimes carrying a water pot to demand water for Dharan at Maitighar, other times standing alone in demonstration. His activities consistently draw significant attention in Kathmandu.

Nepali Film ‘Balidan’ to Release in the U.S. During Dashain

The film ‘Balidan,’ scheduled to release during Dashain’s Phulpati festival, will also be released in the United States. It is set to screen in over 200 theaters across the country. The film is directed by Santosh Sen. Santosh Sen confirmed that the AMC cinema chain in the U.S. will screen the film, with over a thousand shows planned. He also claimed that other cinema chains such as Cinemark, Marcus, and Regal will showcase the movie. The film features actors Sameer Bhatta, Saugat Malla, Arpan Thapa, Richa Sharma, Kavita Rai, Hemant Budhathoki, Prem Puri, and Santosh Sen himself.

Film ‘Pura Bhayo Sapana Mero’ to Be Directed by Milan Ale Magar

Milan Ale Magar will direct the upcoming social-romance film ‘Pura Bhayo Sapana Mero.’ Filming is expected to start right after Dashain. Rosika Films will present the movie. Director Magar said details about the cast and crew will be announced in a few days. The film is produced and written by producer Ekraj Thapa. Milan Ale Magar has previously directed films such as ‘Lakshya’ and ‘Hidda Hiddai.’

First Look of Ekta Paudel’s Debut Film ‘Harsha’ Released

The first look of debut director Ekta Paudel’s film ‘Harsha’ has been unveiled, with two posters released on Monday. The film is set to release from November 28. The posters feature the film’s main actors. Following in the footsteps of her uncle Shiva Regmi, niece Ekta Paudel is starting her career with this film. Paudel completed her bachelor’s in Film Studies and Mass Communication at the New York Film Academy. The cast includes Khagendra Lamichhane, Barsha Raut, Neer Shah, Santosh Panta, Sharmila Malla, Maotse Gurung, Bishal Pahadi, Nima Pandey and Luniva Tuladhar among others.

Vlogger Sisan Baniya Releases New Rap Song ‘Choktira’

Vlogger-turned-artist Sisan Baniya has released a new rap song titled ‘Choktira’ in collaboration with Asin Dangal. Currently, the song is available exclusively on Spotify. At 4 minutes and 3 seconds, the track features Baniya rapping in one verse, with lyrics and composition by Dangal. This is Baniya’s solo release. Baniya and Dangal have been working together for several years. Clips of Baniya performing the song appeared in his vlogs prior to the official release. Baniya also mentioned the collaboration on his Instagram broadcast channel, stating that this will be his final musical offering.

Nepal Returns Home After Securing Third Place in SAFF U-17 Women’s Championship

The Nepali team has returned home after securing third place in the SAFF U-17 Women’s Championship. In the final match held on Sunday at Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan, Nepal played to a 1–1 draw against the host team. With one win and one draw, Nepal finished third in the tournament. Both of Nepal’s positive results came against the weakest team in the competition, Bhutan. Nepal managed only one win in six matches, which also came against Bhutan in the first leg. In that match, Sahara Limbu’s two brilliant goals helped Nepal secure a 2–1 comeback victory, a result that ultimately secured their third-place finish.

International-Level Football Stadium to Be Built in Bhaktapur

The government has decided to construct an international-standard football stadium in Suryabinayak, Bhaktapur. Recently, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli held discussions with concerned agencies regarding the construction of a new stadium in Suryabinayak with a capacity of 50,000 spectators. The meeting included Youth and Sports Minister Tej Lal Chaudhary, Suryabinayak Municipality Mayor Basudev Thapa, Secretary of the National Sports Council (NSC) Tanka Lal Ghising, and ANFA President Pankaj Bikram Nembang, among other officials.

Bangladesh Team to Play Friendly Matches Against Nepal in Kathmandu

The Bangladesh team is set to arrive in Kathmandu on Wednesday to play friendly matches against Nepal. The two teams will face each other in two friendlies on September 6 and September 9 at the Dasharath Stadium in Tripureshwor. Nepal has already announced its 23-member squad for the matches, while Bangladesh has yet to finalize and announce its team.

More Than 600 Killed in Afghanistan Quake

More than 600 people are feared dead after a magnitude 6.0 earthquake hits eastern Afghanistan, the Taliban interior ministry reports. The quake, at a shallow depth of 8km (6 miles), shook buildings from Kabul to Pakistan’s capital Islamabad. The remote area where it struck makes providing accurate estimates hard, as officials warn of high casualty figures. The quake occurred at night, when people were indoors and asleep. Masses are feared trapped under the rubble. Afghanistan is no stranger to earthquakes as it sits on a number of fault lines.

At Least Seven Killed, 71 Wounded as Sudan’s RSF Paramilitaries Shell Besieged City

Shelling by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces killed at least seven people and wounded 71 others in El-Fasher, a medical source said Sunday, as the paramilitary group launched its fiercest offensive yet on the besieged city.  El-Fasher, the last major city in the vast western Darfur region still under army control, has become the most violent front line in the war between the Sudanese army and the RSF, which erupted in April 2023. In recent weeks, paramilitary forces have escalated their long-running siege.

Houthi Rebels Detain At Least 11 UN Personnel

The United Nations said Yemen’s Houthis detained at least 11 workers on Sunday in raids on UN premises, which came after rebel authorities had made numerous arrests following Israel’s killing of their prime minister. There has been no comment from Houthi authorities on the reported raids, but the group has previously arrested international aid workers. The United Nations envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, said in a statement: “I strongly condemn the new wave of arbitrary detentions of UN personnel today in Sanaa and Hodeida… as well as the forced entry into UN premises and seizure of UN property.”

Clashes in Australia’s Melbourne as Thousands Rally Against Immigration

Police in the Australian city of Melbourne have deployed pepper spray and baton rounds following “violent clashes” between protesters rallying against immigration and counter-demonstrators, according to local media. The violence on Sunday took place as thousands of people rallied across major cities in Australia, including Sydney, Perth, Canberra and Brisbane, to demand an end to what they called “mass immigration”. The Australian government has condemned the rallies, which took place under the banner of “March for Australia”, as racist, while Minister of Multicultural Affairs Anne Aly said the gatherings were “organised by Nazis”.