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.

Vice President Yadav Returns Home from Qatar Visit

Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav returned home this afternoon after completing a three-day official visit to Qatar. Vice President Yadav had departed for Qatar on Tuesday to express condolences on behalf of the Government of Nepal over the passing of Qatar’s former Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. He was received at the VVIP lounge of Tribhuvan International Airport by Minister for Foreign Affairs Shishir Khanal. Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai and other high-ranking officials were also present on the occasion. During the visit, Vice President Yadav met with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, on Wednesday and handed over a condolence message sent by President Ram Chandra Paudel. Senior officials of the Government of Nepal also accompanied the Vice President during the visit.

Govt Forms High-Level Team to Negotiate with Loan Shark Victims

The Government of Nepal has established a high-level talks team to negotiate with loan shark victims following seven major decisions made during a cabinet meeting on Thursday. Led by Pushkar Sapkota, Secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, the panel includes joint secretaries from the Ministries of Finance, Home Affairs, Land Management, and Federal Affairs. Additionally, the Cabinet authorized ministries to expedite infrastructure development by clearing additional trees in national forests and approved structural updates for contract-based government employees.

Cabinet Approves $1.81 Million South Korean Grant

The Cabinet has approved accepting a USD 1.81 million grant from South Korea to establish the Nepal Legal Information Pilot System. The project aims to digitize legal information, making laws, regulations, and amendments more accessible to the public through a centralized online platform. The initiative, supported by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), also includes a law editing system, a law administration system, IT infrastructure, cybersecurity measures, and capacity-building programs for government officials, legal professionals, and technical personnel. Community outreach and training activities will also be carried out to support the system’s implementation.

Balen Shah Holds Political Talks with RPP Chairman Rajendra Lingden

Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) held discussions with Rastriya Prajatantra Party Chairman Rajendra Lingden at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers on Thursday. The meeting focused on the latest political developments, the national situation, and issues of mutual interest. Rajendra Lingden was accompanied by Rastriya Prajatantra Party Senior Vice Chairman Buddhiman Tamang and lawmaker Khusbu Oli. Speaking to journalists afterwards, Rajendra Lingden stated that his party is prepared to support the government if it moves to amend the constitution’s core structure, emphasizing that they remain in opposition but are open to cooperation on aligned national interests.

PM Balen Assures Govt. Support for Women Entrepreneurs

Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) on Thursday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs by removing administrative barriers and promoting locally manufactured goods at major tourist destinations. During a meeting with a Federation of Woman Entrepreneurs’ Associations of Nepal delegation led by President Darshana Shrestha, Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) encouraged the organization to advance its “Ma Udhyami” (I am an Entrepreneur) brand. The federation urged the state to expand market access, prioritize women-owned businesses in public procurement, provide alternative collateral, and include them in policy-making processes.

Property Inquiry Commission Suspends All Asset Investigations

The Property Inquiry Commission has indefinitely suspended all operations related to the collection and investigation of asset details following a Supreme Court interim mandate. This move stalls Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s (Balen) anti-graft initiative, which aimed to probe the wealth of political and bureaucratic elites since mid-April. The legal standoff intensified after the commission targeted retired judges and senior military officers, prompting criticism regarding the separation of powers. Although the commission initially attempted to continue investigations into politicians, a contempt of court petition filed on July 14 forced the total freeze of all asset screenings pending a final verdict from the apex court.

Lawmakers to Get Personal Secretaries Back

The Cabinet has decided to restore the provision allowing Members of Parliament (MPs) to appoint personal secretaries, reversing a decision made by the interim government formed after the Gen Z protest. The decision was taken during Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting by amending the schedule of the Remuneration and Facilities of Office-Bearers and Members of the Federal Parliament Act, 2016, Law Minister Sobita Gautam said. Under the restored arrangement, each MP will be able to appoint a personal secretary with benefits equivalent to those of a Section Officer.

Outgoing French Ambassador Pays Farewell Calls on President, Minister and Foreign Secretary

French Ambassador to Nepal Virginie Corteval paid farewell calls on President Ramchandra Paudel, Minister of Foreign Affairs Shisir Khanal, and Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai on Thursday as she prepares to conclude her diplomatic tenure. During the meetings, the three leaders thanked Corteval for her contributions to strengthening Nepal-France relations and advancing bilateral cooperation in areas including tourism, climate action, mountain diplomacy, mountain ecology, and people-to-people exchanges. They also wished her success in her future assignment. Corteval, a career diplomat with the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, previously served in Kathmandu from 2012 to 2015 before returning as ambassador in 2024. She has described Nepal as “a country that is close to my heart.”

Education Minister Pokharel Announces Upcoming School Education Bill

Government Spokesperson and Minister for Education Sasmit Pokharel announced on Thursday that a new School Education Bill will be introduced to resolve long-term sector issues and prepare for the next 50 years. Speaking at Bharatpur Airport, Chitwan, the Minister highlighted that the legislation will integrate modern technology and the use of artificial intelligence (AI). He confirmed that a task force has begun restructuring the national school curriculum, while new teacher training programs and needs-based budget allocation strategies have been advanced to improve educational quality.

No-Confidence Motion Filed Against Karnali Chief Minister Yamlal Kandel

Karnali Province Chief Minister Yamlal Kandel faces a severe political crisis after lawmakers from the Nepali Communist Party and the Nepali Congress jointly registered a no-confidence motion against him on Thursday. Filed under Article 188 of the Constitution of Nepal, the motion proposes Nepali Congress leader Jeevan Bahadur Shahi as the next Chief Minister. The political realignment follows the resignation of four Nepali Congress cabinet ministers from the CPN (UML)-led government. While the party initially held back from withdrawing formal support, a faction of five Nepali Congress lawmakers broke ranks to join 11 opposition Nepali Communist Party lawmakers including Raj Kumar Sharma to sign the motion. The 16 total signatures comfortably met the mandatory 25 percent legislative threshold required to challenge the Chief Minister.

Bagmati Province Chief Authenticates Two Bills

Chief of Bagmati Province Dipak Prasad Devkota has authenticated two economic bills that were recently passed from Province Assembly meeting. Province Chief Devkota authenticated the Appropriation Bill, 2026 and the Bill Designed to Implement Economic Proposal of the Province Government, 2026. The bills were passed from Province Assembly meeting on July 4.

Three-Party Coalition to Continue in Madhesh Province

The parliamentary leaders of the Nepali Congress, CPN (UML), and Nepali Communist Party have decided to continue their three-party coalition government in Madhesh Province. During a joint meeting, leaders agreed to sustain the current administration led by Chief Minister Krishna Prasad Yadav of the Nepali Congress, alongside CPN (UML) parliamentary leader Saroj Kumar Yadav and Nepali Communist Party leader and Finance Minister Yubaraj Bhattarai. Minister Yubaraj Bhattarai explained that despite the collapse of Nepali Congress-CPN (UML) cooperation in other provinces, this alliance will remain intact to prevent political instability and avoid relying on Madhesh-centric parties. CPN (UML) leader Saroj Kumar Yadav emphasized that the province’s unique political situation and their recent success in passing the provincial budget together will keep them united to focus on the development of Madhesh Province.

Lumbini and Bagmati Governments Face Collapse, NC-UML Alliance Ends

The provincial governments of Lumbini and Bagmati are facing major political reshuffles on Thursday following the collapse of the central alliance between the Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN (UML). In Lumbini, five Nepali Congress ministers, including Economic Affairs Minister Dhanendra Karki and Urban Development Minister Saroj Thapa, are resigning to push the CPN (UML)-led government into a minority. Meanwhile, in Bagmati, the situation is reversed. Under Chief Minister Indra Bahadur Baniya of the Nepali Congress, six CPN (UML) ministers are submitting collective resignations after a 4:00 PM cabinet meeting to facilitate a new government.

Former Bagmati CM Shakya Undergoes Emergency Surgery

Former Chief Minister of Bagmati Province, Asta Laxmi Shakya, has undergone emergency angioplasty surgery due to heart-related complications. Shakya, who is also a former Vice-Chairperson of the CPN (UML), underwent the procedure this morning at the Patan Academy of Health Sciences. Currently, she is receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). According to Dr. Ashok Adhikari, Head of the Cardiology Department at the hospital, leader Shakya was brought to the hospital this morning after experiencing chest pain. Following medical evaluations, an angioplasty was performed as she was diagnosed with a heart attack (Acute Myocardial Infarction). The surgical team involved in the procedure included Dr. Adhikari, Dr. Prabindra Maharjan, and Dr. Aananda GC.

Bagmati Govt. to Provide Concession to Journalists

The Bagmati Province Government has decided to provide the journalists based in the province with discounted health treatment services at the provincial hospital. Province Health Minister Kiran Thapamagar informed a programme held today at the Bagmati Province Health Ministry that according to the ministerial decision, journalists will be given a 50 percent discount on health services based on the recommendation of the Federation of Nepali Journalists, Bagmati Province. He said that the provincial hospitals have arranged to give a 50 percent discount on ICU, laboratory, X-ray, CT scan, MRI, and video X-ray services. Krishna Saru Magar, president of the Federation of Nepali Journalists, Bagmati Province, said that journalists would benefit from the ministry’s decision.

Supreme Court Releases Former MP Laxmi Mahato Koiri

A Supreme Court bench of Justices Kumar Regmi and Shrikanta Paudel has issued a writ of habeas corpus declaring the detention of former CPN (UML) lawmaker Laxmi Mahato Koiri illegal and directing his immediate release. Following a petition filed by Koiri’s son, the court instructed Jaleshwar Prison to release him today, provided he is not required to be detained for other charges. Koiri had been arrested on July 1, 2026, to serve a five-year prison sentence handed down by the Janakpur High Court for his involvement in the 2015 murder of Armed Police Force ASI Thaman BK during the Madhesh movement.

Court Issues Arrest Warrant Against MP Abhishek Pratap Shah

The Kapilvastu District Court authorized the Kapilvastu Police on Thursday to arrest Nepali Congress Member of Parliament Abhishek Pratap Shah over physical assault charges. The legal warrant follows an official complaint accusing the federal lawmaker of leading a violent mob of 15 to 20 individuals. The group unlawfully entered a private residence to attack the Krishnanagar Chamber of Commerce and Industry President. Law enforcement officials confirmed that the Kapilvastu District Police Office initiated formal criminal investigations against the lawmaker and the Mayor of Krishnanagar Municipality following initial procedural delays reported by the victim.

British Embassy Congratulates 2 Nepal Police Officers

The British Embassy in Kathmandu on Thursday congratulated Nepal Police Deputy Superintendents Kiran Jung Kunwar and Sundar Tiwari on successfully completing the Executive Leaders Program at the UK College of Policing. The program, held from February to July 2026, brought together senior police officers from the United Kingdom and partner countries to strengthen skills in inclusive, ethical, and accountable leadership, organizational development, and operational policing. The embassy said the UK government is proud to support initiatives that contribute to inclusive and accountable leadership within Nepal Police through professional development and international cooperation.

Indian Foreign Official Meets Foreign Minister to Discuss Bilateral Ties

Additional Secretary of India’s Ministry of External Affairs Munu Mahawar paid a courtesy call on Minister of Foreign Affairs Shisir Khanal on Thursday, with the two discussing ways to further strengthen bilateral relations. During the meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, they exchanged views on enhancing the close and longstanding ties between Nepal and India across areas of mutual interest, according to the ministry.

Landless Settlers’ Belongings Left Stranded at Dasarath Stadium

The government used bulldozers to clear informal settlements along the riverbanks of the Kathmandu Valley in April. The landless settlers and their belongings were subsequently moved and kept at the Dasharath Stadium in Tripureshwar. Following that, the government relocated the informal settlers to holding centers as a short-term management measure. During the relocation process, some of their belongings were left behind at the stadium. These items have now been sitting at the stadium for about two and a half months. Stadium employees reported that most of the belongings have rotted and are emitting a foul odor due to rainwater damage. Staff from the National Sports Council (NSC) expressed frustration, stating that their requests to the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Kathmandu Metropolitan City to move the items have been completely ignored.

Dhobighat Sewage Treatment Plant Begins Operations in Lalitpur

The Project Implementation Directorate commenced the trial operations of its newly constructed wastewater treatment facility situated in Dhobighat, Lalitpur, on July 14. Constructed by the joint venture CGCOC-Atal JV, the plant possesses an operational capacity to process 37.2 million liters of sewage daily to clean the Bagmati River. Meanwhile, the High Powered Committee for Integrated Development of the Bagmati Civilization completed laying the primary sewer lines. The Project Implementation Directorate is constructing another facility of identical capacity in Dhobighat, alongside smaller treatment plants in Kodku, Sallaghari, Hanumanghat, and Gokarna.

Chitwan National Park Collars Violent Elephant ‘Dhrube’

Chitwan National Park officials successfully radio-collared the violent elephant Dhrube last night after a 10-day search, using a dart gun to bring the animal under control despite unfavorable weather and dense shrubs. Dhrube, believed responsible for 25 deaths, also had his tusks trimmed before being released back into the park. Information Officer Abinash Thapa Magar confirmed that the collar, installed by a team from the Nepali Army, the park, and the National Trust for Nature Conservation, will allow for GPS monitoring of the elephant’s movements. The operation followed the tragic deaths of 25-year-old Ashika Bote and her 4-year-old son, Bharat Bote, in Bharatpur Metropolitan City-23.

Government’s Free Health Portal Surpasses 2,200 Users

The number of people receiving treatment through the government’s free health portal for the underprivileged has exceeded 2,200. Ministry of Health and Food Safety spokesperson, Dr. Sameer Kumar Adhikari, reported that the number of registered hospitals has increased from 13 to 238. The portal allows users to check the availability of free beds mandated at 10 percent of total capacity under the Health Institutions Operation Standards, 2020 and blood supplies. To date, over 1,760 patients have utilized the free bed facilities. The Ministry recently approved the Free Treatment Portal Operation and Management Procedure, 2026, to further organize services and improve accessibility for the targeted groups.

KMC’s Acting Mayor Discusses International Film Festival with Australian Ambassador

Acting Mayor Sunita Dangol and Australian Ambassador Simon Ernst on Thursday discussed plans for Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) to organize an International Film Festival in the fiscal year 2026/27, along with broader cooperation in the creative industry and tourism. Dangol said the festival aims to strengthen the creative industry through cinema and expressed interest in involving Australian filmmakers, artists, directors, and technicians. She also proposed collaboration in film education, professional training, research, and skills development. Ambassador Ernst welcomed the initiative and expressed Australia’s willingness to cooperate, citing growing people-to-people ties between the two countries. The meeting also covered potential sister-city partnerships, diaspora engagement, and collaboration in urban development and city management.

Promotional Song ‘Masterni’ Sparks Moral Controversy Online

The Nepal Film Industry faced public criticism following the release of a controversial promotional song titled Masterni on Tuesday. Directed and composed as a special marketing tool for an upcoming feature film, the musical track triggered backlash across YouTube and social media platforms for utilizing suggestive double entendre lyrics. Prominent cultural commentators and the general public condemned the creative production, arguing that the vulgar terminology tarnished the dignity of the teaching profession. Despite receiving over 2,600 critical comments online, the creative coordinators defended the production, claiming that the linguistic interpretation depended entirely on the audience.

Nepal Faces UAE In ACC Women’s Under-19 Premier Cup Semifinal

The Asian Cricket Council scheduled the highly anticipated second semifinal of the ACC Women’s U-19 Premier Cup between Nepal and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Friday. The match will commence at 1:45 PM local time at the Bayuemas Oval in Malaysia. Both national squads advanced to the knockout stage after maintaining undefeated streaks throughout the tournament group phases, with the Nepalese team securing its semifinal spot after registering a dominant 9-wicket victory over Japan. Concurrently, the Cricket Association of Nepal counterparts Thailand and Indonesia will compete in the first semifinal match.

FIFA to Review Argentina Players’ Falklands Banner at FIFA Semifinal

FIFA could take disciplinary action against Argentina after its players displayed a banner supporting the country’s claim to the Falkland Islands following their 2-1 World Cup semifinal victory over England. The banner, which declared the islands to be Argentine, was displayed during post-match celebrations despite FIFA’s rules prohibiting political messages at football events. The incident has drawn criticism from United Kingdom officials, who called for an investigation. The Falkland Islands, a British Overseas Territory, remain the subject of a long-running sovereignty dispute between the United Kingdom and Argentina, which fought a war over the islands in 1982.

Study Links Air Pollution to 88K Deaths Annually in Bangladesh

A new study by Jahangirnagar University loacted in Savar, Dhaka, estimates that fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) causes about 88,240 premature deaths each year across Bangladesh’s six largest cities, averaging 242 deaths a day. The research also estimates annual economic losses of USD 23 billion, equivalent to about 5 percent of the country’s gross domestic product. Based on data from 2013 to 2021, the study found Dhaka recorded the highest number of pollution-related deaths, while heart disease accounted for the largest share of fatalities. Researchers urged authorities to strengthen air quality policies, reduce emissions, and align national standards with World Health Organization air quality guidelines to lessen the health and economic impact.

EU Court Fine Against Google Over YouTube Gambling Ads

Europe’s highest court has ruled in favor of Italy’s communications authority in a case involving Google, upholding a EUR 750,000 (USD 854,250) fine imposed in 2021 over gambling advertisements on YouTube. The Court of Justice of the European Union (EU) found that Google can be held responsible for content published by creators on its platform when a commercial partnership exists between the company and the content creator. The ruling reinforces the accountability of digital platforms for certain promotional content shared through business relationships.