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 Highlights Need for Sustainable Infrastructure and Seamless Connectivity

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli addressed a high-level thematic roundtable session on “Sustainable Infrastructure, Strengthening Connectivity Networks, and Unobstructed Transport Systems for Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs)” held on Thursday in the city of Awaza under the Third United Nations Conference on LLDCs. In his speech, Prime Minister Oli emphasized that for LLDCs, sustainable infrastructure, efficient connectivity, and barrier-free transport systems are not mere options but vital lifelines.

AIIB President Holds Courtesy Meeting with PM KP Sharma Oli in Turkmenistan

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli held a courtesy meeting today with Jin Liqun, President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), on the sidelines of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs). The meeting took place amid a series of high-level diplomatic engagements during the ongoing international summit.  According to officials, discussions focused on potential cooperation in infrastructure financing for landlocked nations like Nepal, which face significant connectivity and development challenges.

Indian Foreign Secretary to Visit Kathmandu to Invite Prime Minister for Official Visit

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is set to visit Kathmandu on August 17, according to sources from Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This visit is a key step in preparing for Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s expected trip to India, scheduled for September 16-17. During his stay, Misri will meet with Prime Minister Oli, Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, and other senior officials. He is expected to formally hand over the invitation letter for the India visit on behalf of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Rabi Lamichhane Files Bail Plea Claiming Political Motive in Cooperative Fraud Case

Rabi Lamichhane, leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, currently jailed in Rupandehi on charges including cooperative fraud, organized crime, and money laundering, has filed a petition seeking release on bank guarantee under Sections 68 and 71 of the Criminal (Code) Act, 2017. He denies involvement in the case and requests bail by depositing an amount equivalent to his share of the fine. The petition was submitted on August 4 but remained confidential for several days. Lamichhane has been in Rupandehi jail since April 7.

Bhattarai Visits Rabi Lamichhane in Jail, Urges Bail and Criticizes Prison Conditions

Former Prime Minister and Nepal Samajwadi Party (Naya Shakti) Chairperson Dr. Baburam Bhattarai met Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President and former Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane at the Rupandehi District Prison in Bhairahawa on Thursday morning. Following the meeting, Bhattarai spoke briefly to journalists, stating that Lamichhane should be allowed to remain outside custody and fight his case while on bail.  In a sharp criticism of the detention conditions, Bhattarai remarked that Lamichhane’s current situation is even worse than that of prisoners during the Panchayat era.

Immigration Dept Detains Seven Foreign Nationals Suspected of Suspicious Activities

The Department of Immigration has taken seven foreign nationals into custody for investigation on suspicion of engaging in suspicious activities while residing in Nepal. On Thursday, the department detained a French woman from Lainchaur, Kathmandu, bringing the total number of foreigners in custody to seven. The group includes two Moroccans, three Chinese, one Bangladeshi, and the recently detained French national, according to spokesperson Tikaram Dhakal.

Prachanda Blames Congress and UML for Delay in Passing School Education Bill

Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda,’ chairperson of the CPN (Maoist Centre), has accused the Congress and UML parties of causing delays in the passage of the School Education Bill. Speaking at a dialogue program in Kathmandu on Thursday, Prachanda said the bill’s introduction in the house was postponed because UML leaders and Prime Minister KP Oli opposed it. He stated, “The School Education Bill was registered during my tenure as Prime Minister, aiming to incorporate agreements made with teachers. However, the current government’s leadership opposed it, causing the delay. Let no one be misled about this.”

Government Proposes New Guidelines to Manage Climate Finance Effectively

The government has proposed new guidelines aimed at addressing problems caused by climate change and ensuring effective use of international financial assistance. The Ministry of Finance has drafted the “Climate Finance Utilization Procedure, 2025” and circulated it to relevant agencies for feedback. Once finalized and implemented, the new procedure is expected to become a milestone in tackling climate change challenges in Nepal. Prepared by the Foreign Aid Coordination Division, the draft has been sent to concerned stakeholders for feedback.

Bidya Bhandari to Set Up Contact Office Amid Political Rift

The main organizing committee for the Madan Bhandari Diamond Jubilee, with former President Bidya Devi Bhandari as its patron, is setting up a separate office. A committee leader revealed that a house in Thapa Gaun has been rented for this purpose. Established to commemorate Madan Bhandari’s 75th birth anniversary, the 75-member committee is headed by former Bagmati Province Chief Minister Dormani Poudel. The committee has scheduled year-round programs focused on people’s multi-party democracy and Madan Bhandari’s legacy.

Judicial Council Recommends 27 Judges for High Court Appointment

The Judicial Council has recommended the appointment of 27 judges to the High Courts. The decision was made during a council meeting held on Thursday under the chairmanship of Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut. Following the recommendation, the Chief Justice will proceed with the formal appointment and deployment of the judges. With this development, the Council now has one remaining position to fill in the Supreme Court and two Chief Judge posts in the High Court. On Wednesday, Judicial Council had proposed the appointment of former Deputy Attorney General Tek Bahadur Ghimire as Chairperson of the Administrative Court.

UML Expresses Disagreement Over EC’s Proposed ‘Self-Assessment Procedure’

The ruling CPN-UML has expressed its disagreement with the Election Commission’s proposed ‘Self-Assessment Procedure’ for political parties. UML’s Election Department Chief Niraj Acharya stated that ‘self-assessment’ is an internal matter of political parties and highlighted UML’s opposition to the draft. Today is the final day to submit suggestions on the ‘Political Party Self-Assessment Procedure 2025,’ which the Election Commission published on July 23.

All Indices Rise on Thursday as NEPSE Surges Over 18 Points

On the last trading day of the week, all indices in the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) recorded gains. The NEPSE index increased by 18.30 points compared to the previous day, closing at 2,850. Throughout the trading session, the market remained in the green. At one point, around 2:04 PM, the NEPSE index peaked at 2,861 points. However, a slight selling pressure toward the end of the session had a minor impact on the overall index level. A total of 187 companies saw their share prices rise on Thursday, while 62 declined. Thursday’s turnover reached Rs 8.53 billion, up from Rs 7.63 billion the day before.

Nepal’s Public Debt Expected to Reach Rs 2.94 Trillion by Fiscal Year-End

Nepal’s total public debt is projected to reach Rs 2.942 trillion by the end of the current fiscal year. According to the Public Debt Management Office, by the end of mid-July of FY 2025/26, domestic debt will constitute 46.85% of the total public debt, while foreign debt will account for 53.15%. Among domestic debt instruments, treasury bills will make up 12.2%, development bonds 33.98%, citizen saving certificates 0.49%, foreign employment saving certificates 0.04%, and IMF bonds 0.13% of the total debt portfolio.

Risk of Large Shareholders Escaping Debt Obligations Under Current NRB Loan Rule

According to the Nepal Rastra Bank’s (NRB) provisions, the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio for loans against share pledges is currently 70 percent. Based on the average market trading price over 180 days, banks can offer up to 70 percent of that value as a loan against the pledged shares. If a company’s ordinary shares have a current market value of Rs 1,000 and an individual founder who bought 100,000 shares for Rs 10 million now holds shares worth Rs 100 million, they can borrow up to Rs 70 million from a bank under this rule.

Government Spends Rs 362.59 Billion Annually on Loan Repayments

Amid growing public debt, the government spent approximately Rs 362.59 billion last fiscal year (2024/25) on repaying principal and interest on internal and external loans. With rising debt obligations, financial pressure has intensified after Nepal’s key development partner—the World Bank—doubled its interest rates on loans.

Insurance Authority Discusses Hydropower Insurance Issues with IPPAN and Reinsurers

The Nepal Insurance Authority on Thursday held a discussion with the Independent Power Producers’ Association Nepal (IPPAN), Nepal Insurers’ Association, and reinsurance companies on current issues related to insurance in the hydropower sector. The meeting focused on identifying and addressing the challenges and problems seen in hydropower insurance. Topics raised by IPPAN, along with the perspectives of the insurers’ association and reinsurers, were deliberated in detail with the aim of finding practical solutions.

‘Cetamol’ to Hit Theaters Nationwide on Friday

Nepali film ‘Cetamol’ is set for a nationwide release this Friday, with advance ticket sales now open at major multiplexes. QFX, Nepal’s largest cinema chain, has scheduled 31 shows—15 in the Kathmandu Valley and 16 in other regions. Directed by emerging talents and featuring fresh faces, the film is a youth-centric comedy-drama. Strong pre-release buzz and packed bookings suggest it could become a sleeper hit among festival audiences.

Bipana Thapa Reunites with Nita Dhungana for ‘Sukha Dukha’

Veteran actress Bipana Thapa will star in ‘Sukha Dukha’, directed by actress-turned-filmmaker Nita Dhungana. This marks their second collaboration following ‘Hrashwadirgha’, which marked Thapa’s return to Nepali cinema after a long hiatus. ‘Sukha Dukha’ explores intergenerational emotional struggles within families. Pre-production is underway, with filming expected to begin later this year. The reunion of two female powerhouses has piqued interest across Nepal’s entertainment circuit.

Three Crowned at ‘Miss Plus Two International’ Pageant

Three winners were crowned at the ‘Miss Plus Two International 2025’ pageant held Wednesday at Kathmandu’s National Dance Theater. Karma Lama won ‘Miss Plus Two Nepal World’, while Aakriti Pokharel was crowned ‘Miss Plus Two Nepal Global’, and another contestant took home ‘Miss Plus Two Nepal Heritage’. The pageant aimed to foster confidence, leadership, and educational empowerment among high school graduates. The event drew notable guests from the fashion and media industry.

Character Looks Unveiled for Dashain-Release Film ‘Balidan’

The film ‘Balidan’, releasing this Dashain from Phulpati, has revealed the character looks of its four lead actors—Arpan Thapa, Richa Sharma, Hemanta Budhathoki, and Santosh Sen. The visuals offer early insights into the film’s patriotic narrative, revolving around duty, sacrifice, and national integrity. Directed by Santosh Sen, the film is positioned as a major festival release and is expected to resonate with audiences seeking emotional and action-packed storytelling.

Nepal Women’s Football Team Jumps 13 Spots to Achieve All-Time High FIFA Ranking

The Nepal national women’s football team has made a significant leap in the latest FIFA rankings, improving by 13 positions to reach an all-time high of 87th. According to the rankings published by FIFA on Thursday, Nepal moved up from its previous rank of 100th. This marks the highest-ever position achieved by the Nepali women’s team, surpassing its earlier record of 91st. The ranking boost follows Nepal’s dominant performance in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers held in Uzbekistan this July.

Samir Kumar’s Brace Powers Nepal Police Club to 3–0 Victory in ANFA U-16 Youth League

Nepal Police Club strengthened its position on the points table of the ANFA U-16 Youth League with a commanding 3–0 win over Himalayan Sherpa Club on Thursday. In the match held at the ANFA Complex in Satdobato, Samir Kumar scored twice while Deepson Pandey added another goal to seal the victory for Police. Deepson opened the scoring in the 31st minute, giving Police an early lead. Just seven minutes later, Samir doubled the advantage. He then netted his second goal in the 67th minute to ensure a comfortable win.

Nepal Drawn in Group G with Two-Time Champions Oman for AFC U-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers

Nepal has been placed in Group G of the AFC U-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers alongside two-time champions Oman, as per the draw released by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) on Thursday. The matches in this group will be hosted in Myanmar. In addition to Nepal and Oman, Group G also includes Syria, Afghanistan, and host nation Myanmar. Nepal has previously qualified for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup three times, most recently in 2014. However, the team has never progressed beyond the group stage. Oman, a strong contender in the region, clinched the U-17 Asian Cup title in 1996 and 2000.

Trump and Putin to Meet in Coming Days, Kremlin Aide Says

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have agreed to meet in the “coming days”, a Kremlin aide has said. It follows Trump saying there was a “good chance” he could meet his Russian and Ukrainian counterparts together in person “very soon” to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. Trump’s deadline for Russia to agree a ceasefire in Ukraine or face more sweeping sanctions is due to expire on Friday. A possible meeting between Trump and Putin would follow US envoy Steve Witkoff holding talks with the Russian president on Wednesday.

Ghana Helicopter Crash Kills Two Ministers, Six Others

A military helicopter crash in Ghana’s Ashanti region on Wednesday claimed the lives of eight people, including Defense Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed. The Z9 military helicopter had taken off from the capital, Accra, en route to Obuasi in the gold-mining interior when it lost contact and later crashed in the forested Adansi area. All onboard were confirmed dead. Among the deceased were three Ghana Air Force crew members and three other officials, including Samuel Sarpong, vice chair of the ruling National Democratic Congress party.

Myanmar’s Acting President Myint Swe Dies After a Long Illness

Myint Swe, who became Myanmar’s acting president under controversial circumstances after the military seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi more than four years ago, died on Thursday, the military said. He was 74. He died at a military hospital in the capital, Naypyitaw, on Thursday morning, according to a statement from Myanmar’s military information office. Myint Swe’s death came more than a year after he stopped actively carrying out his presidential duties after he was publicly reported to be ailing.

Trump Raises India Tariffs to 50% Over Russian Oil Purchases

The White House announced Wednesday that it is imposing an additional 25% tariff on India, bringing the total levies against the major United States trading partner to 50%. “I find that the Government of India is currently directly or indirectly importing Russian Federation oil,” President Donald Trump said in an executive order. “Accordingly, and as consistent with applicable law, articles of India imported into the customs territory of the United States shall be subject to an additional ad valorem rate of duty of 25 percent,” the executive order reads.