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.

Vietnamese Vice President Hold Meeting with PM Oli, Vice President Yadav

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and the visiting Vice President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Vo Thi Anh Xuan, had a meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office in Singha Durbar today. The Vietnamese Vice President, Xuan, has come to Nepal at the invitation of Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav on the historic occasion of the completion of 50 years of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Vietnam. Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav and Vice President Vo Thih Anh Xuan also had a meeting earlier today.

JSP to Recall Two Ministers, Send New Faces to Government

The Ashok Rai-led Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP) has decided to recall its two ministers from the government. Party Vice-Chair Parashuram Basnet confirmed that the decision was already communicated to the Prime Minister’s Office. The party meeting also resolved to nominate two new ministers in their place. According to the decision, Pradeep Yadav and Nawalkishor Sah will be recalled, while Dr. Birendra Mahato and Ranju Jha will be sent to the Cabinet.

CIAA Appeals to Supreme Court Against Ex-Chief Secretary Aryal

The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed an appeal at the Supreme Court challenging the Special Court’s verdict acquitting former Chief Secretary Baikuntha Aryal. The appeal petition was registered at the Supreme Court on Sunday. The case relates to the printing of excise duty stickers through the Security Printing Center, in which Aryal, then serving as Secretary at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, along with 11 others, had been charged. The Special Court had acquitted Aryal and the co-defendants.

Vietnam Positive on Expanding Air Links, Tourism with Nepal

Vietnam has expressed willingness to enhance air connectivity and promote tourism with Nepal. The message came during delegation-level talks between Vietnam’s Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan and Nepal’s Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav in Kathmandu on Sunday. The meeting, held at Hotel Yak & Yeti, also discussed cooperation in trade, investment, hydropower, tourism, and culture.

Sugarcane Farmers Resume Protest in Kathmandu

Sugarcane farmers have once again taken to the streets of Kathmandu after the government slashed subsidies and failed to clear pending dues. Under the leadership of the Sugarcane Farmers’ Federation, farmers from various districts began demonstrations at Maitighar Mandala today. The protest was triggered after the government removed the provision of Rs 70 subsidy per quintal in the new budget. In the current fiscal year, the subsidy has been reduced to Rs 35 per quintal, angering farmers.

Prachanda Vows to Keep Middlemen Out of Maoist Center

Chairman of the CPN (Maoist Center), Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda,’ has declared that individuals linked with middlemen will not be given space in the party. He claimed that the Maoist Center is the only party in Nepal carrying the possibility of building socialism. Addressing the first meeting of the party’s Economic Production Department held at the central office in Paris Danda, Prachanda admitted that several Maoist leaders have fallen into the trap of broker capitalism, middlemen, and commission-driven politics.

Hostage Bipin Joshi’s Family Meets President Paudel

The mother and sister of Bipin Joshi, a Nepali citizen held hostage by Hamas, met President Ram Chandra Paudel on Sunday. Padma and Pushpa Joshi, who recently returned from Israel, urged the President to take further initiatives for Bipin’s release. The family had also met Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Saturday and raised the issue internationally by meeting Israeli leaders and foreign diplomats.

RPP General Secretary Rana Urges Leadership Not to Influence Upcoming General Convention

Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) General Secretary Dhawal Shamsher Rana has urged the party leadership not to undertake any activities that could influence the party’s upcoming general convention. Speaking to journalists in Kathmandu on Sunday, Rana said that with the general convention scheduled for December, it is important to ensure the process remains unaffected. He stressed that the convention must be held fairly and on time, and called on all sides to allow delegates to be selected smoothly without obstruction.

Flood Forecasting Division to Launch Voice Call Alerts for Public Warnings

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology is preparing to introduce a “voice call” service to make flood-related early warnings more effective. Until now, the department has been issuing alerts through SMS, but it will soon start delivering early warnings via voice calls as well. According to flood expert Binod Parajuli, in coordination with Nepal Telecom, the department is set to begin testing the voice call alert system starting this week.

Khanal Criticizes MCC, Calls It Against Nepal’s Sovereignty

Former Prime Minister and CPN (Unified Socialist) leader Jhala Nath Khanal has criticized the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) agreement, calling it contrary to Nepal’s sovereignty, constitutional spirit, and geopolitical balance. Speaking at an interaction in Kathmandu on Sunday, Khanal argued that the MCC serves as a tool to advance U.S. security strategy in South Asia.

Central Security Committee Plans Deployment Against Protests and Cholera Outbreak

The Central Security Committee meeting held at the Ministry of Home Affairs on Sunday reviewed the overall peace and security situation across the country. According to ministry spokesperson Ananda Kafle, discussions were focused on ensuring effective security arrangements in light of ongoing protests, demonstrations, and other disruptive activities. The meeting also decided to prepare for the immediate deployment of medical teams in response to the cholera outbreak in Birgunj, Parsa.

NEPSE Falls by 18 Points on Sunday

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index fell by 18 points (0.65%) on Sunday, closing at 2,739.95 points. Despite the decline, trading volume remained high, with 14,090,708 shares worth Rs 6.54 billion changing hands. By market close, share prices of 41 companies had increased, while 208 companies saw their prices decline. No company’s share price remained unchanged. Throughout the day, 323 companies were traded, with a total of 58,105 individual transactions recorded.

Remittance Inflow Reaches Rs 1.72 Trillion in FY 2024/25

Nepal received remittances worth Rs 1.72 trillion in fiscal year (FY) 2024/25, according to Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB). This marks a 19.2% increase compared to FY 2023/24. The growth in remittance inflows contributed to a sharp rise in Nepal’s foreign currency reserves. As of the end of FY 2024/25, reserves rose by 31.2% compared to the previous year, reaching Rs 2.67 trillion, NRB data shows. Of the total reserves, Nepal Rastra Bank held Rs 2.41 trillion by the end of FY 2024/25, up 30.6% from Rs 1.84 trillion in FY 2023/24.

Nepal Records Trade Deficit with 86 Countries in First Month of FY 2025/26

In the first month of the current fiscal year 2025/26, Nepal faced a trade deficit with 86 countries. Data released by the Department of Customs shows that out of a total of 111 countries with which Nepal conducted trade, only 25 countries showed a trade surplus. In the same period last year, Nepal traded with 103 countries, of which 90 countries were in trade deficit. Only 13 countries had trade surplus.

NRB Withdraws Rs 50 Billion Amid Excess Liquidity

Due to excessive liquidity in the financial system, Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has withdrawn Rs 50 billion today. The withdrawal was carried out through an auction using the deposit collection instrument. Currently, total deposits have exceeded Rs 7.2 trillion. Only banks and financial institutions classified as ‘A’, ‘B’, and ‘C’ and authorized by the central bank will be allowed to participate in the auction.

Foreign Investment Companies in Nepal Show Profit Growth

Foreign-invested companies operating in Nepal are showing signs of improved earnings. According to the latest data from the Department of Industry, more than Rs 2.9 billion in dividends was remitted in the first month alone in the current fiscal year 2025/26. In the same period last year, only Rs 64 million was remitted as dividends.

Trailer of Nepali Film ‘Chitthi’ Released

The trailer of the Nepali film Chitthi has been released under the banner of Era Production. The trailer blends elements of comedy, horror, and suspense. Directed and written by Madhav Raj Kharel, the film is set to release nationwide on September 5. The film stars a large ensemble cast including Khadga Bahadur Pun ‘Khabpu’, Sanjit Bhandari, Gopal Dhakal ‘Chhande’, Navaraj Thapa, Praban Bhusal, Muskan Lama, Kanchan Chalise, Mohan Niraula, Shantipriya, Shridev Bhattarai, Namrata Kharel, Rajan Thapa, Rashmi Bhatt, Muna Niraula, among others.

‘Magne Raja’ Sees Strong Box Office

Three Nepali films — ‘Janai Haraeko Manche: Sambandhaka Dhagaharu’, ‘Magne Raja’, and ‘Tara Haru’ — were released last Friday. Among them, ‘Magne Raja’, starring Kedhar Ghimire, has been performing well at the box office. While the film had an average opening on Friday, it picked up momentum on Saturday. ‘Janai Haraeko Manche’, directed by Himal Neupane and starring Bijay Baral, received excellent responses at its premiere. On the other hand, Tara Haru has failed to attract audiences.

Pratham and Rista Win Mero Voice Universe and Mero Dance Universe Season 2

The grand finale of Mero Voice Universe and Mero Dance Universe Season 2, organized by Intra Foundation, concluded at Sunrise Conference Center, Godawari, Lalitpur. In the finale, Pratham Gurung was crowned the winner of Mero Voice Universe, while Rista Gurung won the title of Mero Dance Universe. The winners received a cash prize of Rs 10 million, life insurance worth Rs 2.5 million, air tickets, and other prizes.

Himalaya Roadies Season 7 to Air from September 1

The popular adventure reality show Himalaya Roadies is set to begin broadcasting its seventh season from September 1. The much-awaited show will once again test the courage and adventurous spirit of its contestants. This season, which will run for 18 episodes, introduces a new gang leader—dancer and mountaineer Kabita Nepali. Continuing as gang leaders are Anup Bikram Shahi, Priyanka Karki, and Ashish Rana (Laure).

APF Beats Machhindra 2-1 in U-16 Youth League

APF Football Club secured an exciting 2-1 victory over Machhindra FC in the ANFA U-16 Youth League on Sunday at ANFA Complex, Satdobato. With the win, APF climbed to sixth place with 26 points from 14 matches, while Machhindra dropped to fourth with 27 points. Sujan Tamang and Pujan Dhakal scored for APF, while Machhindra’s only goal came through an own goal.

Nepal ‘A’ Team to Play Five-Match T20 Series in India

Nepal’s ‘A’ cricket team is set to play a five-match T20 series in India from August 26 to September 3, according to the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN). The series will be held in Guwahati against Assam state. CAN has announced a 16-member squad for the India tour, led by captain Anil Kumar Shah. Nepal’s main team is currently in Australia for the Top-End T20 series, where it has already been eliminated from the group stage.

Lalitpur Queens Sign Thailand’s Darin Pinsuwan 

Lalitpur Queens have signed Thailand national team’s outside hitter Darin Pinsuwan as their third foreign recruit for the upcoming second edition of the Everest Women’s Volleyball League (EWVL). The 30-year-old, with experience in Thailand, South Korea, and Chinese Taipei, was part of the Thai team that won bronze at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon.

Chhahari Youth Club and Rapti FC Play Goalless Draw 

Chhahari Youth Club and Rapti FC shared points after a goalless draw in the ANFA Women’s League Qualifiers on Sunday at the ANFA Complex, Satdobato. A total of 14 teams are competing, divided into two groups. The top two teams from each group will qualify directly for the ANFA Women’s League, while the two third-placed teams will face off in a playoff for the fifth and final spot.

Russia Blames Nuclear Site Attack on Ukraine 

A fire has been put out at a nuclear power plant in Russia’s western Kursk region and air defenses have shot down a Ukrainian drone, Russian officials have said. The drone detonated when it fell and damaged a transformer, but radiation levels were normal and there were no casualties, a post from the plant’s account on messaging app Telegram said.

Bridge Collapse Kills 12 Workers in China

The collapse of an under-construction railway bridge over a major river in China has killed at least 12 workers and left four others missing, state media reports said. Aerial photos from the official Xinhua News Agency show a large section missing from the bridge’s curved aquamarine arch. A bent section of the bridge deck hangs downward into the Yellow River below.

India’s Modi Dangles Tax Cuts as US Tariffs Loom

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s push to slash consumption taxes on everyday goods could deliver billions of dollars in annual relief and boost demand in an economy bracing for painful US tariffs, experts say. US President Donald Trump has threatened to double import duties on India from 25 to 50 percent to punish New Delhi for buying oil from Russia, saying the purchases help Moscow fund its invasion of Ukraine.