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 Issues Three More Ordinances

President Ram Chandra Paudel has issued three ordinances on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers, in accordance with Article 114 (1) of the Constitution of Nepal. According to the President’s Office, the ordinances issued today are the Ordinance to Amend Certain Nepal Acts Related to Health Science Institutes, 2026; the Special Provisions Ordinance on the Removal of Public Office Holders, 2026; and the Ordinance to Amend Certain Nepal Acts Related to Universities, 2026.

Minister Pledges Support for Freed Kamaiya Community

The Minister for Agriculture and Forests, Gita Chaudhary, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to solving the housing, education, and employment problems of the Freed Kamaiya community. Speaking at a gathering in Kanchanpur on Saturday, she noted that over 3,000 families are still awaiting proper resettlement two decades after their liberation. Lawmakers highlighted that many families possess land titles for unusable riverbank areas. Additionally, the minister inspected the Daiji-Chhela Industrial Area, a Rs 9 billion project expected to create 22,000 jobs, pledging to resolve administrative and forest-related hurdles stalling its construction.

Government Condoles Rolpa Tragedy, Forms Probe Committee

The Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers has expressed deep sorrow over the jeep accident in Thawang Rural Municipality–1, Salyap of Rolpa, which claimed the lives of 20 people. Issuing a condolence statement three days after the incident, the government formally conveyed its grief over the tragedy. The government has also formed a four-member investigation committee under the leadership of the Ministry of Home Affairs, coordinated by a Superintendent of Police from the Lumbini Province Police Office, to determine the facts surrounding the incident. The committee has been instructed to submit its report within three days. In a statement signed by Joint Secretary Hemraj Aryal, the government expressed condolences to the bereaved families and paid tribute to those who lost their lives. It has also wished for the speedy recovery of the injured.

23 Displaced Squatters Referred for Urgent Medical Care

During free health camps organized by the Ministry of Health and Population for displaced squatters, 23 individuals were referred for advanced treatment. From the camp at Kirtipur, at least 17 people were sent to Bir Hospital and 6 children to Kanti Children’s Hospital. A total of 82 people received services in Kirtipur, while 140 individuals, including 45 senior citizens, were treated on the first day of a three-day camp at Dasharath Stadium. Common ailments identified include high blood pressure, diabetes, and respiratory issues. The ministry is providing free medicines and psychosocial counseling to those currently residing in temporary shelters.

Residents Post Land Certificates to Save Homes from Dozers

As the government begins using bulldozers to clear encroached land along the Dhobi Khola Corridor, local residents have started pasting their land ownership certificates on their outer walls. This unusual move follows news of the demolition drive, as homeowners fear their legal properties might be mistakenly targeted. By displaying their official land titles publicly, residents aim to prove the legality of their structures to monitoring teams and avoid accidental destruction. The tension in the area remains high as the city administration continues its campaign to reclaim public space and clear unauthorized settlements along the riverbanks.

Demolition Drive Reaches Machhapokhari and Tilganga

Authorities on Saturday expanded the ongoing demolition drive against squatter settlements in the capital, with operations reaching Machhapokhari and Tilganga as part of a broader eviction campaign. Bulldozers were deployed under heavy security, while many residents had already begun vacating their homes, carrying belongings ahead of the clearance. The drive follows earlier phases conducted in riverbank areas such as Balkhu, Bansighat, and Shankhamul. Officials say the campaign aims to remove long-standing encroachments on public and riverbank land and reduce urban risks. However, the eviction has displaced numerous families, raising concerns over immediate shelter and long-term rehabilitation. The demolition drive is expected to continue across other settlements in the Kathmandu Valley.

Patient’s Death Sparks Protests at Nobel Medical College

Protests erupted at Nobel Medical College in Biratnagar following the death of a 54-year-old man from Kanepokhari-6, Morang. The patient, Netra Prasad Bhandari, underwent surgery for kidney stones using laparoscopic technology on April 30. Relatives allege that medical negligence led to his death on Friday night, while the hospital administration maintains that the surgery was successful and the patient died during subsequent treatment for post-operative complications. On Saturday, angry relatives gathered at the hospital demanding accountability, while management insisted that all standard medical procedures were followed during the treatment.

Protests Erupt After Arrest of CPN (UML) Leader’s Wife

Women activists affiliated with the CPN (UML) staged a sit-in protest at Maitighar Mandala today. The protest was sparked by the arrest of Ambika Basnet, wife of CPN (UML) Secretary Mahesh Basnet, following a physical altercation with Shobha Pathak on April 27. Protesters carried placards demanding justice and an end to what they described as “character assassination” of the involved women. The long-standing dispute between Pathak and Mahesh Basnet has escalated into a legal and social confrontation, with the demonstrators calling for the immediate release of Ambika and others detained following the incident.

Ride-Sharing Services to Receive Legal Recognition

The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport has drafted a new bill to grant legal status to ride-sharing services like Pathao and InDrive. The Vehicle and Transport Law (Amendment and Integration) Bill, 2026, defines these platforms as “aggregators.” Under the proposed law, two-wheelers and other vehicles providing digital transport services must register and maintain mandatory insurance for both passengers and drivers. To ensure safety, “offline” trips where drivers pick up passengers without using the app will be strictly prohibited. Violators face immediate fines of up to Rs 2,000 by traffic police to prevent overcharging and ensure passenger security.

US Envoy Sergio Gor Meets Rabi Lamichhane, Signals Stronger Economic Ties

US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor met Rabi Lamichhane, chair of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), in Kathmandu on Saturday, holding talks focused on strengthening Nepal-US relations. According to Gor, discussions centered on issues of mutual interest, with particular emphasis on expanding bilateral economic cooperation. In a post on X, Gor said Nepal’s new government has a strong public mandate for change and described its reform agenda as promising. “Nepal’s new government has an incredible mandate for change, and their announced reforms have been very promising. We are looking forward to working closely ahead,” he wrote. Gor, who arrived in Kathmandu on Thursday, also held meetings with Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle and Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal during his visit.

RSP Secretariat Meeting Called for Sunday

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has summoned a secretariat meeting for tomorrow (Sunday). Following instructions from the party chairman, the meeting is scheduled for 12:30 PM at the central office in Banasthali. Discussions will focus on the current political landscape, internal organizational strengthening, and future action plans. All secretariat members have been directed to ensure their mandatory presence. The meeting aims to define the party’s stance on contemporary political issues and accelerate organizational activities as the political environment in the country continues to evolve rapidly.

Nepali Communist Party Sets Unity Convention for November in Kathmandu

The Nepali Communist Party has announced it will hold its unity national general convention from November 27 to December 1, 2026, in Kathmandu as part of its ongoing unification process. The decision was taken during a meeting chaired by coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal, which also approved an organizational roadmap beginning with a membership drive set to conclude by August 16. This will be followed by local and provincial conventions leading up to the national gathering. Party spokesperson Prakash Jwala said all party structures and affiliated wings must be fully integrated by June 14. The party has also introduced a policy ensuring 50 percent youth representation across committees. A statute recommendation task force, including Dev Prasad Gurung and Rekha Sharma, has been formed to align party documents with its unified framework. Leaders aim to complete internal unification ahead of the November convention.

Opposition Leader Meets President Over Ordinance Dispute

The Leader of the Main Opposition, Bhishma Raj Angdembe, held a one-hour meeting with President Ram Chandra Paudel on Saturday. The discussion centered on contemporary political issues and the government’s recent recommendation of multiple ordinances. Angdembe conveyed the opposition’s concerns, urging the president to reconsider the authentication of these measures. While three ordinances have already been issued, the opposition remains critical, demanding their withdrawal. The meeting highlights the growing friction between the ruling coalition and opposition parties regarding the use of executive orders to implement significant policy and administrative changes.

Wave of Resignations Hits Universities Following Ordinance

A series of resignations from university leadership has followed the government’s recommendation of an ordinance to dismiss political appointees. Following the recent resignations of the Tribhuvan University vice-chancellor, rector, and registrar, Prof. Dr. Dhaneshwar Nepal, vice-chancellor of Nepal Sanskrit University, has stepped down effective May 5. Heads of bodies like the University Grants Commission have also resigned. While some leaders remain in their posts, the number of resignations is increasing as the government prepares to clear political appointments across various sectors through the new legal provision.

TU Conducts Back-to-Back Exams to Fix Academic Calendar

Tribhuvan University (TU) is conducting three to four types of exams monthly to regularize its academic calendar. The Office of the Controller of Examinations aims to complete all irregular sessions, including chance exams dating back to 1996, by July. Currently, exams for BA LLB, Bachelor’s second year, and B.Tech are underway, involving 115,000 students. The university plans to launch the regular 2026-27 academic calendar starting in August. To ensure efficiency, the office has committed to publishing results within 100 days of exam completion, addressing delays previously caused by the pandemic and recent social movements.

Stolen Buddha Statue Reinstalled in Its Original Bihar

A prehistoric stone Buddha statue, stolen from the Nhuche Baha (Bajradhatu Bihar monastery) in Om Bahal, has been returned to its original pedestal. The artifact, which reached the Tibet House Collection in New York, was returned to Nepal on March 2, 2022, and kept at the National Museum. On the occasion of Buddha Jayanti, it was ceremoniously reinstalled at the Bihar with traditional music and a cultural procession. This marks the third significant heritage item returned to its original location, following the recovery of a toran from Kumari Ghar and a statue from the Gagauthi Suryamukhi Mahadev temple.

86 Explosives Found During Police Building Construction

A large cache of explosives was discovered in Salyan during the construction of a new classroom building at the District Police Office. While digging the foundation on April 29, workers initially found 10 socket bombs, leading to a specialized disposal operation involving the Nepal Army. A total of 82 socket bombs, 3 rope bombs, and various explosive materials, including 2 kilograms of bomb-making components and 10 meters of firing cable, were recovered. Authorities believe these items date back to the armed conflict period. All explosives were safely transported to a nearby forest and disposed of by the army’s bomb disposal squad.

Dancer Ashma Bishwakarma’s Michael Jackson Tribute Goes Viral

Renowned dancer Ashma Bishwakarma has garnered massive social media attention with her cover dance tribute to the “King of Pop,” Michael Jackson. Performing the iconic hit ‘Billie Jean,’ the video has amassed 1.2 million views on Instagram, 1.1 million on Facebook, and 50,000 on YouTube Shorts within six days. The tribute coincides with the global success of the biopic ‘Michael,’ starring the legend’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson. Ashma, a member of the Cartoonz Crew. Her presentation features signature moves and iconic styling, further cementing her status as a leading digital creator in Nepal.

New Film ‘Timi Mero Ma Timro’ Officially Announced

Director Ghanshyam Lamichhane has announced his latest project, ‘Timi Mero Ma Timro,’ under the banner of Santosh Adhikari Films. Revealed during a press conference, the movie is a romantic drama aiming to fill a gap in the current market for love stories. The cast features prominent names including Bhuwan KC, Arjun Jung Shahi, Jitu Nepal, and Santosh Adhikari. With investment from ASP Entertainment Australia, the film will feature music by Yug Bhusal and a screenplay by Manish Gautam. Cinematographer Narendra Mainali is set to begin filming soon, with Santosh Adhikari serving as the executive producer and Tej Bikram KC as the line producer.

Rukum Paschim and Nepal Police Win PM Cup NVA Titles

Rukum Paschim Volleyball Club and Nepal Police Club emerged as champions of the 10th PM Cup NVA Volleyball League on Saturday. In the men’s final at the Tripureshwor Covered Hall, Rukum Paschim defeated Help Nepal Sports Club in straight sets (29-27, 25-21, 32-30), securing their first-ever league title. In the women’s category, Nepal Police successfully defended their title by defeating New Diamond Sports Academy 3-1. Both winning teams received a cash prize of Rs 1 million, while the runners-up were awarded Rs 500,000. The league, organized by the Nepal Volleyball Association, featured 14 teams across both categories.

Ganesh Bahadur Khadka Wins Gold at Malaysia Open Taekwondo

Ganesh Bahadur Khadka has won a gold medal for Nepal at the 9th Malaysia Open International Taekwondo Championship. Team leader Diwakar KC confirmed the victory, which took place on Saturday. This achievement follows Khadka’s previous gold medal success at the Japan WATA Open Taekwondo Championship. In addition to the gold, Nepal secured three bronze medals at the event. Sandip Neupane, Mohammad Umar Khan, and Saroj Bhujel each won bronze in their respective categories, further adding to the national tally at the international competition.

Meta Threatens to Exit New Mexico Over Child Safety Laws

The American tech giant Meta has warned it may shut down Facebook and Instagram services in the state of New Mexico. This threat follows a legal battle where a jury fined the company USD 375 million for harming children’s mental health and hiding information on child exploitation. State prosecutors are demanding drastic changes, including a requirement to verify the age of 99 percent of users under 13 with absolute accuracy. Meta argues these demands are technically impossible and has claimed it is being unfairly targeted among thousands of apps. The case is a significant part of a larger national debate in the USA regarding social media regulation and corporate responsibility for minor safety.

Taiwan President Reaches Eswatini After Blocked Airspace Delays Trip Amid China Pressure

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te arrived in Eswatini on Saturday after a previously postponed diplomatic visit, following reported airspace restrictions by Indian Ocean states that Taiwan attributes to pressure from China. The trip marks engagement with one of Taiwan’s few remaining diplomatic allies, as Beijing continues to assert sovereignty claims over the island. Lai’s earlier planned visit had been delayed after several countries denied overflight permission, marking an unusual disruption to a Taiwanese presidential trip. His office has not detailed travel logistics, though he shared images appearing to show arrival on an Eswatini government aircraft. China’s foreign ministry criticized the visit while reiterating its stance on Taiwan. Lai, however, reaffirmed Taiwan’s commitment to maintaining international ties despite external pressure.

Trump Declares Iran Hostilities Ended, Sidesteps Congressional War Powers Deadline

US President Donald Trump has informed Congress that hostilities with Iran have ended under a ceasefire, arguing that the pause removes the need for legislative approval under the 1973 War Powers Resolution. The law requires presidents to seek congressional authorization within 60 days of military action or end operations. Trump said no exchange of fire has occurred since early April and described the conflict as terminated, though US-Iran negotiations on a longer-term settlement remain unresolved. Iranian media reported a new proposal sent via Pakistan, but details and US confirmation remain unclear. Lawmakers and legal experts dispute the administration’s interpretation, saying a ceasefire does not stop the statutory timeline. Meanwhile, tensions persist over sanctions, the Strait of Hormuz, and ongoing diplomatic uncertainty surrounding the conflict.