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 Announces Completion of National Pride Projects by Fiscal Year 2082/83: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has announced that the government will review all National Pride Projects and ensure the completion of ongoing projects within the fiscal year 2082/83. Speaking in response to questions raised by lawmakers in the House of Representatives, Oli emphasized a new strategy that categorizes projects to be completed within the term of the House. He stated that projects would be prioritized based on feasibility and resource availability, while unfeasible projects would be suspended, and faulty ones would be scrapped. He further highlighted that the new policy aims to end the perpetual “work in progress” culture and ensure timely completion of development projects.

PM Oli Denies Links with Middlemen: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has firmly rejected any association with crony capitalism or interest groups. Speaking during a clarification session after the government’s response to discussions on policies and programs in today’s meeting of the House of Representatives, Prime Minister Oli stated, “It is not capitalism; we are bringing humanism and socialism. The current government does not promote capitalism. For us, people are more important than money.” This statement follows allegations made by Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Thapa, who claimed on April 15 that middlemen and brokers have access to the Prime Minister’s private affairs.

Govt’s Annual Policy and Program Passed by Majority: The government’s annual policy and program have been passed by a majority in the House of Representatives. After Prime Minister answered the questions raised on the policy and program, the amendment proposal presented for decision was rejected. Speaker Devraj Ghimire announced that the policy and program were passed by a majority based on a voice vote. President Ram Chandra Poudel had presented the government’s annual policy and program for the fiscal year 2082/83 at the joint session of both houses of the Federal Parliament on Baisakh 19 (May 2). Discussions on the policy and program began in the House of Representatives from Baisakh 22 (May 5).

SC Defers Hearing on Rabi Lamichhane’s Habeas Corpus Petition: The Supreme Court has decided not to hear the habeas corpus petition filed by Rabi Lamichhane, President of the Rastriya Swatantra Party. The petition was presented before a bench of Justices Sunil Kumar Pokharel and Balkrishna Dhakal on Sunday. In addition, a cooperative fraud case involving Rabi Lamichhane and Chhabilal Joshi, filed based on the complaint of Narayan Paharai, was also presented before the same bench. Both cases were listed under the “not to be heard” category. The reason for the cases being placed on this list is that these judges had previously been involved in the hearing of issues related to Rabi Lamichhane.

HoR Zero Hour: MPs Raise Concerns Over Landless Squatters, Disaster Management: During the zero hour of the House of Representatives session on Sunday, lawmakers raised issues such as landless squatters, disaster management, agriculture, and road infrastructure, drawing the government’s attention through the Speaker. Participating in the zero hour, lawmakers suggested that the budget for the upcoming fiscal year should address the ongoing problems effectively. MP Achyut Prasad Mainali highlighted that there are still millions of landless squatters in the country and urged the government to address their issues through the Speaker. MP Anjani Shrestha demanded the government make medical education affordable and well-organized.

Ongoing Hearings Scheduled in Writ Against 52 Constitutional Appointees: The writ challenging the appointments of 52 constitutional appointees has been decided for ongoing hearings until a verdict is delivered. Today’s hearing, which was held by a constitutional bench led by Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut and Justices Sapna Pradhan Malla, Manoj Kumar Sharma, Kumar Chudal, and Nahakul Subedi, did not conclude the case. The writ, filed by Advocate Om Prakash Aryal and 15 others, contests the appointments made on December 15, 2020, by the KP Sharma Oli-led government through an ordinance.  The ordinance appointed 52 individuals to various constitutional bodies, and the writ seeks their annulment. The case has been under regular hearings since mid-January, and while the hearings typically take place on Wednesdays and Fridays, the bench decided to continue hearings today, Sunday.

Prachanda Urges Dharan Mayor Sampang to Support Maoists Instead of Making Controversial Remarks: Former Prime Minister and Chairman of the CPN (Maoist Centre), Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda), has urged Dharan Mayor Harka Sampang to stop making controversial remarks and support the Maoists. Speaking at the inauguration of the joint national conference of the Kirati and Limbuwan National Liberation Front, Nepal on Sunday, Prachanda called for Sampang’s cooperation to establish the agenda of identity politics. “I have called Dharan Mayor Harka Sampang a beautiful flower that blossomed in democracy. But he often makes controversial and negative remarks. There is no need to be negative towards the Maoists. To achieve rights, support us in amending the constitution. Let’s fight together from the streets and the parliament to end corruption, ensure good governance, and secure our rights,” he said.

Indian Ambassador Meets Pahalgam Attack Victim Neupane’s Family:  Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, visited the family of Sudip Neupane, a young Nepali who tragically lost his life in the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, on April 22, 2025. Neupane was among the 26 victims of the brutal attack that shocked both nations. During the visit, the Ambassador expressed his heartfelt condolences to the grieving family and assured them of the Government of India’s unwavering commitment to combat terrorism. He also emphasized that India remains resolute in its determination to bring the perpetrators of the Pahalgam terrorist attack to justice.

Recommendation Committee Proposes Names for Transitional Justice Commissions: The Recommendation Committee formed by the government has proposed names for officials to lead the two transitional justice commissions. According to sources linked to the commissions, former High Court Judge Mahesh Thapa has been recommended for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, while former Chief Secretary Liladevi Gadtaula has been suggested for the Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons. Om Prakash Mishra, former Chief Justice and coordinator of the Recommendation Committee, confirmed the proposal, stating, “The committee has recommended the names, but they remain confidential for now. The final decision rests with the government.”

Shiva Sena Nepal Chair Basnet Arrested: Police have arrested Anil Baba Basnet, the Chairman of Shiv Sena Nepal, in connection with the Tinkune incident. Basnet was detained from the meeting venue of the United People’s Movement Struggle Committee of pro-monarchists. According to pro-monarchist activist Rama Singh, Basnet was arrested from Navadurga Party Palace in Sukedhara after police arrived with a court-issued arrest warrant. He was taken into custody as part of the ongoing investigation into the violent monarchist protest held on Chaitra 15 (March 28), during which police had detained nearly a hundred individuals for questioning, detention, and legal action.

MoU Submitted to RPP Chair Lingden Demanding Full Capacity Operation at GBIA: The Rupandehi Chamber of Commerce submitted a memorandum to the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) demanding the full capacity and regular operation of international flights from Gautam Buddha International Airport. The memorandum was handed over to RPP Chair Rajendra Lingden, who was in Bhairahawa for a party program. The memorandum highlights the need for appropriate policy, infrastructure, and resource management to ensure the full and regular operation of the airport. It urges the government to take effective steps for the regularization of both international and domestic flights, and to encourage private and international airlines to operate from the airport through incentives like tax exemptions and service fee reductions.

Ministry of Labour Alerts Against Fake Press Release with Forged Signatures: The Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Social Security has urged the public to be cautious of a misleading press release with forged signatures. A press release was circulated on social media claiming that an agreement had been signed between the Government of Nepal and the Government of South Korea to send seasonal workers to South Korea. The release also urged local governments with sister agreements to contact the ministry. In response, the Ministry issued a press note on Friday, clarifying that the press release was fake and urged everyone to stay alert and cautious. Additionally, the Ministry stated that no such decision had been made regarding the matter and called for action against individuals or groups spreading misinformation.

NEPSE Falls by Double Digits on First Trading Day of the Week: The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) witnessed a double-digit decline on Sunday, the first trading day of the week. The market fell by 12.53 points, closing at 2,649.11 points, marking a 0.47% drop. On Sunday, a total of 300 securities were traded across 88,955 transactions, with 24,011,014 shares changing hands. The total turnover for the day amounted to Rs. 10.20 billion. Although the Hotel and Tourism sub-index saw a surge of 6.50%, other sub-indices could not register gains. Alongside hotels and tourism, the Development Bank, Life Insurance, Non-Life Insurance, and Trading sub-indices recorded some growth, while all other sub-indices experienced declines. The top gainers of the day were Nepal Micro Insurance Company and Crest Micro Life Insurance, both of which saw their stock prices surge by 10%. Their prices reached Rs. 2,457.60 and Rs. 2,031.70 respectively.

Economy Will Revive Only by Attracting Investors, Says Finance Minister Paudel: Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel emphasized that the economy can only revive if investors are attracted. Speaking at a pre-budget discussion for the fiscal year 2082–83 organized by the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) in Kathmandu, Paudel highlighted the need to boost the confidence of the private sector and create employment opportunities. He noted that the current government is committed to listening to the concerns of the private sector and has already established an Economic Reform Advisory Commission to address economic challenges. He also mentioned efforts to address economic problems through ordinance-led legislation.

Nepali Congress Proposes Bishwo Paudel for Central Bank Governor: The Nepali Congress has proposed Bishwo Paudel, a member of the committee formed to recommend the name of the Governor and former Vice-Chairman of the National Planning Commission, for the position of Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank. The proposal was made by Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba during a meeting with the ruling coalition and CPN-UML leaders at the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar. Sources revealed that an earlier agreement between Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Deuba had nominated Gunakar Bhatta as Governor, but after Bhatta’s resignation was not accepted by Acting Governor Neelam Dhungana, Paudel’s name emerged as the new candidate.

NRB to Withdraw Rs 30 billion Liquidity: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) is set to withdraw liquidity worth Rs 30 billion through a 21-day deposit collection auction. The central bank announced that online bidding for deposit collection would be conducted through its bidding software until 3 PM today. The collected deposit will be issued today itself, according to NRB. Interested banks and financial institutions can apply for a minimum of Rs 100 million and a maximum of Rs 500 million, ensuring the amounts are divisible accordingly. The principal and interest of the deposit collection will mature on Jestha 18, 2082 BS. The collected amount can also be used as collateral in other banks and financial institutions, excluding NRB.

Miss World 72nd Edition Begins in Hyderabad, Srichchha Pradhan Represents Nepal: The 72nd edition of Miss World has officially started on Saturday in Hyderabad, Telangana, despite the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. The month-long competition began with an exciting opening ceremony, where contestants from 110 countries presented themselves in their traditional cultural attire. Miss Nepal, Srichchha Pradhan, introduced herself while carrying the national flag of Nepal, featuring the Chandrasurya design. She also showcased a cultural dress representing Nepal’s heritage. The grand opening ceremony was held at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad, with the Chief Minister of Telangana, K. Chandrashekar Rao, gracing the event.

Singer Sugam Pokharel Releases New Song “Yeti Chhito”: Singer Sugam Pokharel has released a new song titled “Yeti Chhito”. The lyrics of the song are written by Bhushan Kharel, and the music is composed by James Pradhan. This song, recorded nearly two decades ago, has been released on the occasion of Bhushan Kharel’s birthday. Bhushan Kharel is well-known for popular songs such as “Ma Roye Pani Timī Haasidinu,” “Kati Baschou Oḍhī Lājko Ghumṭo,” and “Bihani Pahilo Kiran Sāthai.” Even though music preferences have changed over time, Sugam Pokharel hopes the song will bring back memories of the music from a few years ago. The music video features Sabina Raut alongside Sugam, and the video was shot, edited, and directed by Dinesh Thapa.

Actress Swastima Khadka, Miruna Magar, Keki Adhikari, and Others Nominated for Best Actress at 16th D-Cine Awards:  Actresses Swastima Khadka, Miruna Magar, Keki Adhikari, Surkashhya Panta, and Suhana Thapa have been nominated for the Best Actress category at the 16th D Cine Awards. In the Best Actor category, Dayahang Rai, Saugat Mall, Bipin Karki, and Khagendra Lamichhane have made it to the top 5. Bipin Karki has been nominated for his performances in two films, while the other actors are nominated for their respective films.The Chhaya Chhavi Creations organizes the awards, and this year, the competition is for films released in 2080.

Airee returns as Vice-captain for Nepal’s 15-Member Squad for England Tour: Under the captaincy of Rohit Paudel, Nepal has announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming England tour. Nepal will compete in the World Cup League 2 series against Scotland and the Netherlands in June. The tour will also include a triangular T20 series between the three teams. Prior to that, Nepal will play 4 practice matches against local teams in England and 2 practice matches against Scotland ‘A’. The League 2 matches will be held in Dundee, Scotland, while the T20 series will take place in Glasgow. In the squad, Dipendra Singh Airee has been appointed as the vice-captain. This marks his return to the position after he was removed from both the captaincy and vice-captaincy in late 2021 due to media comments regarding the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN).

Kunwar and Budha Win Sixth Jumla-Rara Ultra Marathon Titles: Dalbahadur Kunwar and Kalpana Budha have won the titles of the sixth Jumla-Rara Ultra Marathon. Dalbahadur Kunwar completed the 51-kilometer marathon distance in 5 hours, 53 minutes, and 17 seconds, securing the title. Homlal Shrestha from Tribhuvan Army Club finished second with a time of 6 hours, 7 minutes, and 55 seconds, while Som Bahadur Rawat took third place with a time of 6 hours, 10 minutes, and 4 seconds. Kalpana Budha emerged as the winner in the women’s category with a time of 7 hours, 51 minutes, and 32 seconds. Rajlakshmi Rawal, who finished second, completed the race in 8 hours, 48 minutes, and 41 seconds. Sandiva Budha, who placed third, completed the 51-kilometer distance in 8 hours, 46 minutes, and 2 seconds.

Army Chief Sigdel Presents Cash Prizes to Winners of 2082 COAS Tennis Competition: Chief of Army Staff Ashok Raj Sigdel has awarded cash prizes to the winning clubs and players of the Chief of Army National Tennis Competition 2082. The competition, which was held at Jangiyadda Complex starting 21st Baishakh, saw Tribhuvan Army Club securing first place, Kathmandu Lawn Tennis Association coming second, and Nepal Tennis Association finishing third. In the women’s individual category, Sibhali Gurung, Swastika Bista, Sunira Thapa, and Prakriti Shrestha took the first, second, third, and fourth positions respectively. In the men’s category, Pradeep Khadka finished first, Aarabh Samrat Hada second, and Nishan Shrestha and Pranav Manandhar took third place.

21 Killed in Sri Lanka Bus Accident: At least 21 people were killed and over 30 others injured after a passenger bus skidded off a cliff in Sri Lanka on Sunday, police said. The accident occurred in Kotmale in the Central Province when the bus driver tried to take a left turn on the hilly terrain. The state transport body-owned bus was taking 75 passengers from the southern pilgrim site of Kataragama to the northwest town of Kurunegala when it went down 100 meters off the cliff, police said.

At Least 21 Killed in Israeli Attacks on Gaza: At least 21 people, including several children, were killed on Saturday in Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip amid a months-long Israeli blockade that has deepened the humanitarian crisis in the war-torn coastal enclave, as per Al Jazeera. Four Palestinians were killed and others were wounded on Saturday evening after an Israeli airstrike targeted a tent sheltering displaced families in Deir al-Balah, in the central Gaza Strip. Earlier, Palestinian news agency Wafa said Israeli warplanes bombed a tent in the Sabra neighborhood of Gaza City on Saturday morning, killing five members of the Tlaib family.

India-Pakistan Ceasefire Appears to Hold After Accusations of Violations: A ceasefire between India and Pakistan appears to have held overnight into Sunday, after the two nations accused each other of “violations” just hours after a deal was reached. Days of cross-border military strikes had preceded the US-brokered deal, marking the worst military confrontation between the two rivals in decades. US President Donald Trump praised India and Pakistan’s leaders for agreeing the ceasefire in fresh comments on Sunday morning, saying millions of people could have died without it. This comes after explosions were heard in Indian-administered Kashmir hours after the deal was announced, with both sides accusing each other of violations.

Putin Proposes Direct Russia-Ukraine Talks Next Week: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday proposed holding direct talks with Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15, hours after Kyiv and European leaders called for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire to start Monday. The leaders of Ukraine, Britain, France, Germany and Poland had in Kyiv on Saturday threatened Moscow with fresh sanctions and military support for Ukraine if Russia did not agree with the proposal. Putin did not explicitly address that call in his statement — delivered after 1:00 am (2200 GMT Saturday) in the Kremlin — instead outlining the counter-proposal for fresh Russia-Ukraine negotiations. “We propose to the Kyiv authorities to resume the talks that they broke off in 2022, and, I emphasize, without any preconditions,” Putin said.