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 Cooperative First Amendment Ordinance

President Ram Chandra Paudel issued the Cooperative (First Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, on Thursday. According to Ritesh Kumar Shakya, spokesperson for the president’s office, the ordinance was issued in accordance with Article 114, Clause 1 of the Constitution of Nepal, following a recommendation from the Council of Ministers. This legislative move is expected to introduce urgent regulatory changes to the cooperative sector, which has recently faced significant structural and financial challenges. The issuance of the ordinance reflects the government’s priority in stabilizing and reforming the cooperative industry to protect the savings and interests of the general public.

17 Dead After Jeep Plunges 800 Meters in Rolpa

At least 17 people have been killed after a Bolero jeep veered off a road and fell about 800 meters down a cliff in Jaljala, Thawang Rural Municipality 1, in Rolpa District on Thursday afternoon, police said. The vehicle was traveling from Rukum Purba toward Jaljala when the accident occurred. Authorities confirmed the death toll at 17, with rescue operations still underway at the site. According to police, the jeep was carrying passengers heading to attend a local fair being held in Jaljala on the occasion of Baisakh Purnima. Officials said further details, including the cause of the accident and identification of victims, are yet to be confirmed as search and recovery efforts continue.

Army Soldier Sentenced to Life for Wife’s Murder

The Surkhet District Court has sentenced Darshan Khatri, a 28-year-old soldier in the Army, to life imprisonment for the murder of his wife, Prema Oli Khatri. Judge Basanta Raj Joshi ordered a 25-year prison term and mandated Rs 300,000 in compensation to the victim’s family. On May 5, 2025, Khatri, who was stationed in Panchthar, lured his wife to a forest in Bheriganga under the pretext of delivering a package. During a dispute, he struck her with a stone and strangled her with a shawl. He later confessed to the crime after being detained by the police.

Home Ministry Orders Identification of Encroached Public Land

The Ministry of Home Affairs has instructed all 77 District Administration Offices to identify and clear encroached government and public land. A circular issued by Section Officer Krishna Devkota on Wednesday directs local authorities to coordinate with relevant agencies and submit a formal plan for removing encroachments. Once the ministry approves these plans, the district offices are required to arrange necessary security and facilitation for the eviction process. This directive, based on a secretarial-level decision made yesterday, aims to recover state property across the country through a systematic and well-coordinated administrative effort.

Local Units Apply to Handle Land Revenue and Survey Services

A total of 207 local units in Nepal have expressed interest in providing land revenue and land survey services directly to citizens. Following an invitation from the Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives, and Poverty Alleviation, major cities like Bharatpur, Pokhara, Dharan, and Dhangadhi submitted applications. Minister Pratibha Rawal’s secretariat stated that the ministry will prioritize local units based on service demand and management capacity. Field monitoring of the interested local levels has already begun. The ministry plans to transfer these services within a week after providing necessary technical training and infrastructure to the selected local governments.

Tribhuvan University Top Officials Resign Following New Ordinance

The Vice-Chancellor, Rector, and Registrar of Tribhuvan University (TU) have resigned following the government’s recommendation of an ordinance to remove political appointees. Vice-Chancellor Deepak Aryal, Rector Khadga KC, and Registrar Kedar Prasad Rijal stated they stepped down to pave the way for the government’s new administrative plans. Aryal was appointed during KP Sharma Oli’s premiership, while KC and Rijal were appointed during Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s tenure. Their mass resignation marks a significant shift in the leadership of the country’s oldest and largest university amid changing political dynamics and governance reforms.

Tribhuvan University Directs 17 Organizations to Vacate Encroached Land

Tribhuvan University (TU) has issued a 35-day notice to 17 organizations to vacate university land they have reportedly encroached upon. The General Administration Division issued individual letters to these organizations following a public notice released on April 17. According to a report by the Land and Immovable Property Investigation Committee, over 101.746 hectares of TU land are currently being used by various private, social, and religious groups. In Kirtipur alone, approximately 76.309 hectares have been taken over by various institutions. The university has now initiated the formal legal process to reclaim its property based on the committee’s findings.

Nepal and Finland Discuss Cooperation in Education Sector

Minister for Education, Science, and Technology Sasmit Pokhrel met with the Finnish Ambassador to Nepal, Petri Puhakka, to discuss enhancing educational cooperation. Minister Pokhrel proposed collaborating with Finland, a global leader in education quality, specifically regarding teacher training and the establishment of autism-focused schools. Ambassador Puhakka committed to continuing Finland’s support for the next five years, focusing on the School Education Sector Program and Teachers’ Education projects. The meeting also covered digital transformation agendas, where Finland expressed interest in sharing its technical expertise to help modernize Nepal’s educational infrastructure and inclusive learning systems.

Deputy Speaker Rubi Kumari Thakur Discharged from Hospital

The Deputy Speaker, Rubi Kumari Thakur, has returned home following an improvement in her health after being treated at KIST Hospital. According to her personal secretary, Tara Rai, Thakur was admitted to the hospital last Wednesday after experiencing complications related to diabetes. After receiving medical attention and showing significant recovery, she was discharged on Thursday. Doctors have advised the Deputy Speaker to continue her recovery with rest at her residence. Her health update comes as a relief to her supporters and colleagues in the federal parliament.

Hearing Postponed in Money Laundering Case Involving Rabi Lamichhane

The Supreme Court has postponed the hearing on a petition challenging the Attorney General’s decision to amend money laundering and organized crime charges against Rabi Lamichhane and other defendants. The petition was scheduled for a full bench comprising Judges Abdulaziz Musalman, Shrikant Paudel, and Shanti Singh Thapa on Thursday but was deferred at the request of the defense. Previously, on January 16, the then-Attorney General Sabita Bhandari moved to amend the charges, sparking three separate writ petitions. The court has identified eight complex legal questions that require a detailed interpretation by a full bench in this high-profile case.

Harka Sampang Demands Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s Resignation

Harka Sampang, chairman of the Shram Sanskriti Party and a member of Parliament, has demanded the immediate resignation of Prime Minister Balendra Shah on moral grounds. Expressing his views via social media, Sampang questioned the government’s legitimacy, accusing it of unleashing “state terror” by making poor citizens homeless. He stated that the government’s relevance ended when it began displacing the underprivileged without proper alternatives. Sampang claimed that if the Prime Minister had followed his previous advice, the current situation could have been avoided, and he urged Shah to pave the way for others.

Shekhar Koirala Group Opposes Membership Update Process

Nepali Congress leader Shekhar Koirala organized a Bagmati Province level discussion in Baluwatar on Thursday to strategize for the party’s future. Attendees, including former office bearers and district presidents, firmly opposed the plan to re-update active memberships that have already been renewed for the 15th General Convention. They argued that such a move is impractical and could further disrupt party unity. The group emphasized that the party president holds the ultimate responsibility for maintaining harmony and moving the party forward collectively. Prominent leaders like Shashank Koirala, Dhanraj Gurung, and Badri Pandey participated in the meeting, highlighting the deep internal divisions regarding administrative processes.

Purna Bahadur Khadka Faction Emphasizes Party Unity for 15th Convention

The faction led by Nepali Congress leader Purna Bahadur Khadka held a gathering in Dhumbarahi, concluding with a 15-point list of demands for party unity. They stressed that the 15th General Convention must be inclusive and conducted under a spirit of broad unity as per the amended party statute. The faction expressed concerns that a “special general convention” might fail to ensure fair participation and impartial elections. They called for a consensus-based structure to accommodate all party members at the central, provincial, and district levels. The group warned that leadership chosen through one-sided processes would struggle to maintain the party’s long-term strength.

Baburam Bhattarai Inspects Demolished Squatter Settlement in Thapathali

Former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai conducted a field visit to the Thapathali area to inspect the condition of landless squatters whose settlements were recently demolished. The government had cleared the riverside settlements as part of its urban management and river corridor beautification drive. During his visit, Bhattarai met with the displaced families who were busy salvaging their belongings from the debris. He took the opportunity to understand their immediate grievances and the challenges they are facing after losing their shelters. The visit highlights the ongoing political sensitivity surrounding the displacement of the urban poor.

Opposition Parties Submit Nine-Point Demand to the Government

Three opposition parties, including the Nepali Congress, CPN (UML), and Nepali Communist Party (NCP), have put forward a nine-point demand to the government. During a meeting held at Singha Durbar on Thursday, leaders reached a consensus on addressing issues such as safe housing for landless squatters, inflation relief, and the bird flu crisis. The joint statement, signed by CPN (UML)’s Prem Dangal, Congress Chief Whip Basana Thapa, and NCP’s Yuvraj Dulal, urges the government to incorporate these concerns into the upcoming annual policies and programs. The opposition emphasized the need for immediate government action to protect citizen interests.

Nepali Congress Grants One-Week Deadline for Membership Entry

The Membership Management Central Committee of the Nepali Congress, chaired by General Secretary Pradip Paudel, has provided a one-week extension for districts and constituencies to enter active membership details into the central digital system. This decision, effective from Wednesday, aims to finalize the “entry” of both new and renewed memberships as part of the preparations for the 15th General Convention. The committee also decided to separate the records of districts that have already submitted their digital entries along with the required fees. Furthermore, the central office will facilitate the renewal of memberships that were missed due to technical reasons for one week starting yesterday.

Supreme Court Issues Mandamus to Expedite Transitional Justice Cases

The Supreme Court’s constitutional issue, led by Acting Chief Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla, has issued a mandamus order to the government to quickly conclude investigations into transitional justice complaints. The court directed the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons to effectively move forward with registered cases. Additionally, the court upheld the constitutionality of the third amendment to the TRC Act 2024, stating it aligns with international standards and previous court rulings. This decision addresses writ petitions filed by Kul Bahadur Gurung and Dr. Gyan Bahadur Basnet regarding the effectiveness of justice for conflict-era victims.

Air Quality Improves in Kathmandu Following Recent Rainfall

The air quality in the Kathmandu Valley has significantly improved following recent rainfall and wind, which helped disperse accumulated pollutants. The Air Quality Index (AQI), which had surged to a “very unhealthy” level of 247 last week, dropped to 79 on Thursday, categorizing it as moderate. Gyan Raj Subedi, Director General of the Department of Environment, noted that prolonged drought and forest fires had previously trapped dust and smoke in the atmosphere. While Kathmandu was ranked as the most polluted city in the world last week, it has now improved to the 26th position globally.

Youth Protests Squatter Displacement in Kathmandu

The Gen Z Movement Alliance staged a protest in Kathmandu on Thursday against the government’s removal of squatter settlements in the valley. Protesters initially gathered in front of the Supreme Court but were relocated to Maitighar by police due to prohibited zone restrictions. The youth activists displayed placards criticizing the government’s actions as inhumane and lacking proper resettlement plans. The protest coincided with an upcoming Supreme Court hearing on May 5 regarding a writ petition filed against the displacement. The movement demanded that the government halt further demolitions until a sustainable housing solution is guaranteed for all landless families.

Over 2,400 Drivers Penalized for Traffic Violations in 24 Hours

In the past 24 hours, traffic police penalized 2,489 drivers for various traffic rule violations, collecting Rs 2.2 million in revenue. According to the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, actions included 49 cases of drunk driving, 258 instances of unauthorized ride-sharing, and 170 traffic signal violations. Additionally, 112 drivers were fined for speeding, while 325 were penalized for lane discipline violations. Other offenses recorded included honking in prohibited zones, illegal parking on sidewalks, and picking up or dropping off passengers at unauthorized locations, totaling over a thousand other miscellaneous traffic violations.

Full-Scale Emergency Drill Conducted at Tribhuvan International Airport

The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) conducted a full-scale emergency exercise at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) to enhance disaster preparedness. This drill followed ICAO standards and the seventh edition of the Airport Emergency Plan 2024. The exercise simulated various emergency scenarios to test the coordination and response efficiency of airport staff, security agencies, and medical teams. Such drills are mandatory every two years to ensure the highest safety levels for international and domestic flight operations. The successful completion of the exercise confirms TIA’s readiness to handle potential aviation accidents or large-scale emergencies.

Filming Begins for Saugat Malla Starrer ‘Juba’ with 75-Day Schedule

Production for the film Juba, presented by Astra Films, has commenced in Sarlahi with an ambitious 75-day shooting schedule. The movie, directed by Prakash Karna, will be filmed in Sarlahi, Kathmandu, and Rajasthan, India. Starring Saugat Malla in the lead role, the film marks the acting debut of Sophi Dharel, with Sudhan Pokhrel appearing as the main antagonist. Initial character posters suggest the story is set roughly two decades ago, featuring elements like landline phones and period-appropriate attire. The production team, including screenwriter Barsha Paudel, aims for a large-scale cinematic experience, though further plot details remain under wraps for now.

Film ‘Paral Ko Aago’ Surpasses Rs 20 Million in Box Office Collections

The Nepali film Paral Ko Aago, starring Saugat Malla, Suhana Thapa, and Prakash Saput, has crossed the Rs 21.1 million mark in domestic collections as of Wednesday. Producer Sushil Pokhrel shared the revenue details on social media, expressing optimism for further growth. Directed by Laxman Sunar, the movie is based on the famous literary work of the same name by Guru Prasad Mainali. Following the commercial success, the film’s cast and crew have been visiting cinema halls across Nepal, including Nepalgunj, to interact with audiences and gather feedback, reporting positive responses from viewers in both the capital and outlying districts.

3 Nepali Footballers to Play in Indian Women’s Football League

Three prominent Nepali female footballers are set to participate in the upcoming season of the Indian Women’s Football League. Goalkeeper Anjila Tumbapo Subba had already joined Sethu AFC, while midfielders Saru Limbu and Renuka Nagarkote left for India on Tuesday to represent Kickstart FC. The second phase of the league begins on Thursday, with Kickstart facing Nita and Sethu AFC competing against East Bengal. All matches from the eighth round onwards will be held in Kolkata. Currently, East Bengal leads the table with 21 points, while Sethu AFC holds 16 points, and Kickstart FC sits in seventh place with 6 points.

Night-Time Cricket Tournament in Nepalgunj to Aid Blind Students

Sunar Event is organizing Nepalgunj’s first national-level night-time open cricket tournament starting May 8. The event, held near the Nepalgunj Bus Park, aims to raise funds for the educational improvement of blind students. At least 40 teams from across the country are expected to participate, with matches scheduled between 7:30 PM and midnight to avoid the daytime heat. The winning team will receive Rs 100,000, while the runner-up will get Rs 50,000. Additional prizes include a motorcycle for the ‘Man of the Series’ and Rs 11,000 for the ‘Man of the Match’ provided by local sponsors.

Oil Price Hits Highest Since 2022

Global oil prices surged to their highest level since 2022, driven by escalating tensions in the Iran conflict and reports of potential military action by the United States. Brent crude briefly rose above USD 126 per barrel before easing to around USD 116 amid stalled negotiations and continued disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for about one-fifth of global energy supplies. The sharp rise in oil has pushed up fuel costs and is expected to drive higher prices for energy, transport, and food worldwide. Ongoing threats to shipping and a prolonged blockade have significantly reduced maritime traffic, raising concerns over supply shortages and broader inflationary pressures. Market volatility persisted, with mixed performance across global stock markets as uncertainty over the conflict and energy supplies continued.

Bangladesh Prepares $3.7 Billion Boeing Deal to Modernize Airline

Bangladesh is set to sign a massive USD 3.7 billion deal with Boeing to purchase 14 new aircraft over the next decade. The state-run BSS news agency reported that the agreement includes eight 787-10 Dreamliners, two 787-9 Dreamliners, and four 737-8 Max aircraft. This expansion is part of a broader trade agreement with the United States to balance trade and avoid high tariffs on Bangladeshi garment exports. Currently, Bangladesh Airlines operates 19 aircraft, most of which are Boeing models. The deal is expected to significantly enhance the airline’s international competitiveness and efficiency while securing favorable trade terms for the country’s textile industry.

China Imposes Strict Drone Ban and Permit Rules in Beijing

China will enforce sweeping restrictions on drones in Beijing from Friday, banning their sale, rental, and entry into the capital while requiring police registration for all devices. Authorities have also mandated prior approval for outdoor flights, along with compulsory training and testing for users. The measures are part of a broader effort to tighten control over low-altitude airspace amid growing safety concerns. While drones remain central to sectors such as delivery and agriculture, the new rules significantly limit their use in the capital. Exceptions will apply for approved purposes such as disaster response and security operations. The regulations are expected to disrupt China’s large drone market, which includes more than 3 million registered devices.

Singapore Court Fines Activists Over Pro-Palestinian March

A court in Singapore has fined three activists after overturning their earlier acquittal over a pro-Palestinian march, reinforcing the city-state’s strict limits on public demonstrations. The Singapore High Court imposed fines of USD 2,300 each on Mossammad Sobikun Nahar, Siti Amirah Mohamed Asrori, and Kokila Annamalai for organizing an unauthorized procession in 2024. The trio had led around 70 participants toward the presidential compound to deliver letters urging the government to cut ties with Israel amid the Gaza conflict. The court ruled the activists should have ensured their route complied with legal restrictions, reversing a lower court decision that had cleared them. Public protests in Singapore remain tightly controlled, with authorities citing public order concerns, while critics argue such rules constrain civil expression and activism.

Alphabet’s Cloud Surge Reshapes Big Tech as AI Spending Soars

Strong earnings from Alphabet have reset expectations across Big Tech, highlighting a widening gap in how effectively companies convert heavy artificial intelligence spending into revenue growth. Alphabet’s shares rose sharply after its cloud division posted a standout 63 percent revenue jump, outperforming rivals Amazon and Microsoft, whose cloud growth, though solid, lagged behind. The surge underscores growing investor preference for firms delivering clear returns from AI investments. Across the sector, Meta, Amazon, Microsoft, and Alphabet signaled that AI spending will accelerate, with total outlays expected to exceed $700 billion this year. However, market reactions diverged as rising costs and uncertain payoffs weighed on some firms. Alphabet’s gains were driven by enterprise adoption of AI tools and its expanding cloud ecosystem, positioning it as an early leader in monetizing AI infrastructure. Meanwhile, concerns over escalating capital expenditure and capacity constraints continue to shape investor sentiment across the industry.