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 to meet Xi and Putin during SCO Summit 

At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, preparations have been finalized for Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to lead a Nepali delegation to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China. The summit, regarded as one of the world’s largest regional security and economic groupings, is seen as an important opportunity to strengthen Nepal–China relations and demonstrate Nepal’s active role in multilateral cooperation. During the visit, PM Oli will hold bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, along with leaders of several other participating countries.

Oli Says Bidya Bhandari Would Lose if She Contested UML Chairmanship

Prime Minister and CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has claimed that former President Bidya Devi Bhandari would not succeed if she contested the party chairmanship. Oli made the statement during an informal discussion with delegates representing Kathmandu District at the party’s general convention on Wednesday. “The matter of leadership is not about being a showy figure to impress others; it requires real capability. One must face challenges firmly according to the circumstances,” Oli said.

Finance Minister Paudel Meets Chinese Vice-Minister Lingjun

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel held a courtesy meeting with Wang Lingjun, Vice Minister and CPC Committee Member of China’s General Administration of Customs. According to the Finance Minister’s Secretariat, the discussions focused on the management of Nepal-China customs points and the reconstruction of the Rasuwa border bridge and road damaged by recent floods.

Four Teenagers Found Dead After Drowning in Khutiya River, Kailali

The bodies of four teenagers who went missing while swimming in the Khutiya River in Godawari Municipality–9, Kailali, have been recovered. The deceased are 17-year-old Sakhshham Joshi, 15-year-old Jeb Bhandari, 17-year-old Jadej Bhandari, and 17-year-old Pratik Chaudhary. They had gone swimming around 2 PM in a group of seven, while the remaining three members were rescued safely.

Prachanda Says Efforts to Bar Bidya Bhandari from Politics Are Unnatural

The Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre) Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal, also known as Prachanda, has described attempts to prevent former President Bidya Devi Bhandari from returning to politics as “unnatural.” Speaking to journalists on Thursday at Biratnagar Airport, Prachanda noted that it is an international practice for former presidents and vice presidents to re-enter politics, and therefore their return should not be considered inappropriate.

PM Oli to Address Parliament on Friday

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is scheduled to address Parliament tomorrow (Friday). The announcement came after a meeting of chief whips at Singh Durbar on Thursday, during which Speaker Devraj Ghimire briefed attendees about the Prime Minister’s planned address. Following the meeting, Maoist Centre Chief Whip Hitaraj Pandey of the CPN (Maoist Centre) confirmed that PM Oli will speak in Parliament tomorrow.

Teachers’ Federation Stages Sit-in at UML Party Office

The Teachers’ Federation staged a sit-in at the CPN-UML party headquarters in Chyasal today as part of its first phase of protest programs. The demonstration was held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, during which the Federation also submitted a memorandum. On Wednesday, the Federation had organized a similar sit-in at the Nepali Congress headquarters. According to the Federation, the next protest will take place at the CPN (Maoist Centre) central office in Paris Danda on August 29.

Private Schools Threaten Indefinite Closure Over Education Bill

Private school management bodies have warned they will close schools indefinitely after September 3 if amendments to the School Education Bill are not made. They demand removal of provisions that label schools as ‘non-profit,’ mandate full scholarships, and force schools to provide uniforms, books, transport, and meals. They also want scholarship distribution to remain under school authority and discriminatory clauses repealed. As part of their protest, warning assemblies will be held on August 29, black-flag demonstrations on school buses on September 1, and a large-scale assembly on September 3.

Scrap Dealers Continue Protest Against Kathmandu Metropolitan Mayor

Kathmandu’s scrap dealers continued their protest for the third day on Thursday, voicing opposition against Mayor Balen Shah. Despite intermittent rain, protesters marched from Bhrikuti Mandap to the Kathmandu Metropolitan City office in Kamaladi, with many carrying the national flag. The protestors accused the mayor of harassing scrap dealers, contrary to a Supreme Court directive. They demanded that the city government comply with the court order and allow scrap dealers to carry out their business in a peaceful environment.

Madhesh Provincial Assembly Session Suspended Amid Opposition Protest

The Madhesh Provincial Assembly’s Thursday session was suspended after opposition parties disrupted proceedings, demanding the resignation of the province’s Finance Minister. Opposition lawmakers, including Ram Ashish Yadav of the JSP Nepal, alleged irregularities in the budget and claimed that the Finance Minister, Sunil Yadav, had passed the budget favoring commissions and intermediaries. The assembly was unable to continue after the protest, forcing the session to be adjourned.

President Paudel Urges Good Governance, Modernized Education

President Ramchandra Paudel emphasized that ending corruption and ensuring good governance and transparent public service should be the foremost duty of all civil servants. Addressing the Diamond Festival program at Madi Secondary School in Sankhuwasabha on Thursday, President Paudel highlighted the need to link education with technology, skills, capacity, and entrepreneurship to make it more practical and life-oriented.

Nepal Defines Youth as 18–35 Under New National Youth Policy

The Government of Nepal has redefined the age group considered “youth” as 18 to 35 years under the newly approved National Youth Policy–2025, replacing the previous 16–40 age range set by the 2015 policy. The policy notes that, considering national and international contexts, the population aged 18–35 will now be categorized as youth. According to the 2021 census, 42.56% of Nepal’s population fell within the previous 16–40 age group. The change also aligns with the Child Rights Act, which defines children as those under 18.

NEPSE Drops Below 2,800 as Turnover Hits Rs 8.09 Billion

The Nepali stock market, which had closed at 2,819 points the previous day, fell on Thursday, dropping 38.10 points to close at 2,781. The market initially showed some fluctuations and stayed above 2,800 points until around 1:30 PM, but declined further in the afternoon. Despite the fall in the index, trading turnover increased. Yesterday’s turnover was NPR 7.68 billion, while today it rose to Rs 8.09 billion. Among listed companies, 24 saw their share prices rise, whereas 227 companies experienced a decline.

Finance Minister Paudel Says Govt to Take Serious Steps to Formalize Informal Economy

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel has said that the government will seriously work to formalize the informal economy. Addressing a program organized in Kathmandu on Thursday, Minister Paudel said that the government will conduct a study for this purpose. “The issue of how we can formalize the informal economy is extremely serious. This question has been troubling us for a long time,” he said.

Nepal Exports Record 1,130 MW of Electricity Amid Rainy Season

Following increased electricity production during the rainy season, Nepal has begun exporting 1,130 megawatts of power daily. The rise in exports is attributed to higher hydropower generation, driven by government incentives for private sector participation. Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation Minister Deepak Khadka stated that over 1,130 MW of electricity is now being exported daily to India and Bangladesh.

Nepali Consumers to Face Price Hike During Dashain and Tihar 

This year, due to monsoon-related disasters, Nepali consumers will have to bear the brunt of price hikes during major festivals such as Dashain and Tihar. Because floods and landslides have almost completely blocked two major trade routes in the north, a large quantity of consumer goods that should have entered Nepal from there could not arrive, leading to higher costs for consumers during the upcoming major festivals.

Pokhara International Airport to Begin Flights to Australia via Sichuan Airlines

Flights to Australia are set to operate from Pokhara International Airport. China’s Sichuan Airlines is preparing to fly to Australia via Chengdu. For this purpose, Sichuan Airlines has sought approval from the regulatory body, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal. According to CAAN spokesperson Gyanendra Bhul, Sichuan Airlines has requested permission for flights to Australia via Chengdu. He said that informal discussions have been held for flight permission and preparations are being made to grant approval.

Film ‘Malati Mangle’ Holds Auspicious Ceremony

Singer Ram Krishna Dhakal’s upcoming film ‘Malati Mangle’ held its auspicious ceremony on Thursday at Koteshwor Mahadevsthan Temple. The film is being produced under the banner of Rani Music International Pvt. Ltd., in collaboration with Yuni Entertainment. Filming is set to begin from Bhadra August 30 featuring actors Bijay Baral, Barsha Raut, Subarna Thapa, Maksam Gaudel, Prakash Ghimire, Sarita Giri, Susma Niraula, Sunil Tamang and Umesh Sunam among others.

Film ‘Stri’ Begins Production

The movie ‘Stri,’ written and directed by Jeevan Shahi, held its camera puja at Ganeshsthan Temple in Kamaladi on the occasion of Rishi Panchami. Filming will take place over 35 days around Kathmandu starting August 30. Produced by Samir Rai and Dr. Sukdev Bista under the Mela Recording Studio banner, the film stars Pramod Agrahari, Salon Basnet, Rista Basnet, and Namrata Shrestha, with child actors Dipson Chilwal and Dipendra Chilwal in supporting roles.

Film ‘Gunyu Cholo: The Dress’ Set for Release

The film ‘Gunyu Cholo: The Dress’ is scheduled for release tomorrow (Friday), with advance ticket booking already showing satisfactory response. Although the release coincides with other films such as ‘Janai Harayeko Manche,’ ‘Magne Raja,’ and ‘Koshe Dhunga,’ QFX multiplex in Kathmandu has allocated 14 shows for Friday. Additional shows may be added based on audience response.

Oscar Award Nepal Committee Calls for Applications

The Nepal Committee for the Oscars, led by Bimal Paudel, has invited applications by September 5 for participation in the ‘International Feature’ category. Eligible films must have been publicly screened or scheduled for release in Nepal between October 1, 2024 and September 30, 2025. This year’s Oscars ceremony will be held on March 15, 2026, in Los Angeles, USA.

Nepal Suffers Second Consecutive Defeat to South Australia

The Nepal national cricket team faced a second straight loss to South Australia on Thursday. In the second practice match, Nepal was defeated by just 3 runs. Chasing a target of 161 set by South Australia, Nepal was bowled out for 157 in 20 overs. Rupesh Kumar Singh top-scored for Nepal with 37 runs, followed by Lokesh Bam with 32, Bhim Sarki 29, Kushal Bhurtel 11, and Arif Sheikh 10. Earlier in the day, Nepal had lost the first match to South Australia by 3 wickets.

Nepal to Compete in World Youth Scrabble Championship

Nepal will send an 18-member team, including 14 players, to the World Youth Scrabble Championship in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The U-16 team includes Arnav Pandey, Prasiddha Timalsina, Nirajan Paudel, Priyan Dahal, Nityananda Chaulagain, Trisangi Shrestha, Samyam KC, Jesika Shrestha, Khusi Shrestha, Yub Shrestha, Tusan Khatiwada, Ayam Sapkota, Adityajung Malla, and Samyam Sharma. The competition will feature 24 rounds for the U-16 age group.

Nepal Wrestling Association Denies Ties with NOC Spokesperson

The Nepal Wrestling Association has clarified that it has no connection with Samim Miya Ansari, spokesperson of the Nepal Olympic Committee’s (NOC) ad hoc committee. Ansari appeared last week at an NOC press conference as the association’s vice president, but the Wrestling Association has strongly objected, stating that he is not affiliated with them. The association also noted that it has received reports of Raj Mohammad Miya Ansari (former president) and Samim Miya Ansari (former senior vice president) participating in events claiming to represent the Wrestling Association, and has issued a caution regarding such activities.

Pakistan Flood Crisis: 802 Dead, Over 250,000 Displaced 

Pakistan’s Pakistan’s Punjab province is confronting a severe flood emergency that has claimed the lives of at least 802 people nationwide. Authorities have evacuated over 32,500 people from areas along the Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers. Heavy monsoon rains and the release of water from Indian dams have caused “exceptionally high” flood levels in multiple river systems. The crisis has deepened as the Ravi River at Shahdara has now reached an exceptionally high flood level, with outflows recorded at over 185,000 cusecs.

Kim Jong Un to Join Putin and Xi at Beijing Military Parade 

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will attend a military parade in central Beijing on September 3 alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, creating a high-profile photo opportunity and a key diplomatic moment for China. The event underscores Xi’s push to position Beijing not only as the world’s second-largest economy but also as a major diplomatic player. While the US struggles to negotiate a deal with Putin to end the war in Ukraine, Xi is emphasizing China’s role as a stable trading partner and diplomatic heavyweight.

Russia Mocking Peace Efforts, EU Says, As Strikes on Kyiv Kill At Least 15

Russia’s overnight attack on Kyiv “shows a deliberate choice to escalate and mock the peace efforts”, says European Commission VP Kaja Kallas. Strikes on the Ukrainian capital killed at least 15, including four children – one was aged two. Dozens more are injured, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky, who accuses Moscow of choosing “ballistics instead of the negotiating table.” Meanwhile, Ukraine’s armed forces report hitting an oil refinery in Russia’s southern Krasnodar region – Moscow says it intercepted 102 Ukrainian drones overnight.