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.

Speaker Proceeds with House Session Despite Opposition Obstruction

Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal proceeded with House of Representatives proceedings today despite strong opposition from rival parties. Following a disruption in the day’s first session, Speaker Aryal adjourned the meeting for 15 minutes before choosing to push through the agenda despite the continuing protests. Even as opposition lawmakers stood up from their seats and rushed to the well (rostrum) to protest, the Speaker continued to steer the session forward. Amidst the chaos, on behalf of Prime Minister Balendra Shah, Minister for Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Sobita Gautam presented a proposal to approve the election-related ordinance.

Speaker Meets PM After Opposition Disrupts Parliament

Speaker Dol Prasad (DP) Aryal held talks with Prime Minister Balen Shah on Thursday after opposition parties obstructed Parliament demanding the prime minister’s participation in the question-and-answer session. Following the disruption, Aryal visited the Prime Minister’s Office in Singha Durbar to meet Shah. The two reportedly held discussions for around half an hour on matters related to Parliament. Opposition lawmakers have been questioning the prime minister’s absence in the House. Aryal went to meet the prime minister after adjourning the parliamentary meeting due to the obstruction by opposition parties.

Opposition Disrupts House of Representatives Session

The meeting of the House of Representatives was disrupted on Thursday after opposition lawmakers protested during the presentation of a proposed election-related ordinance. Speaker Dol Prasad (DP) Aryal had allotted time for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sobita Gautam to present the bill on behalf of Prime Minister Balen Shah, who also holds the portfolios of Home Affairs, Defence, and Science, Technology and Innovation. As the minister began presenting the proposal, lawmakers from opposition parties including the Nepali Congress, CPN (UML), Nepali Communist Party, and the Shram Sanskriti Party stood up in protest and obstructed the proceedings.

Iranian Ambassador Presents Credentials to President Paudel

The Non-residential Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Nepal, Mohammad Fathali, presented his Letters of Credence to the President Ramchandra Paudel today.The credentials were submitted during a special ceremony organized at the Office of the President at Sheetal Niwas. Senior officials from the Office of the President and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were present at the event. Following the presentation, Ambassador Fathali and President Paudel held a brief meeting to discuss strengthening bilateral relations, trade, and matters of mutual interest between Nepal and Iran.

Non-Resident Ambassador of Spain Pays Courtesy Call on Foreign Minister Khanal

The Non-Resident Ambassador of Spain to Nepal, Juan Antonio March Pujol, paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shisir Khanal, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today. During the meeting, the two dignitaries discussed a wide range of issues aimed at further deepening the long-standing bilateral relations between Nepal and Spain. A key focus of the conversation was enhancing cooperation in the tourism sector, with both sides exploring avenues to boost traveler exchanges, share expertise in hospitality management, and promote cultural tourism. Senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were also present during the briefing.

Opposition Blasts Speaker’s Neutrality, Demands PM Shah’s Resignation

The House of Representatives witnessed heated exchanges on Thursday as opposition lawmakers questioned Speaker DP Aryal’s impartiality and demanded accountability from Prime Minister Balendra Shah. Nepali Congress whip Nischal Rai accused the Speaker of failing to remain neutral, objecting to his remarks describing Shram Sanskriti Party’s protests as “undignified.” He also referenced past protests in parliament to challenge the Speaker’s consistency. Meanwhile, Shram Sanskriti Party MP Harkaraj Rai (Sampang), continuing his ongoing protest since May 17, displayed placards in the House and later used his speaking time to criticize the government’s silence on key issues. He warned that if Prime Minister Shah cannot fulfill his responsibilities or address national security concerns, he should resign and allow alternative leadership to take over.

Health Minister Mehta Holds Talks with Chinese and Indian Counterparts in Geneva

Health and Food Safety Minister Nisha Mehta held a meeting with China’s National Health Commission Minister Lei Haichao in Geneva on Wednesday, where discussions were held on cooperation in health and traditional medicine, according to the Ministry of Health. During the visit, Minister Mehta also met Indian Health and Family Welfare Minister JP Nadda, with talks focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in the health sector and making it more sustainable and effective. Minister Mehta is leading a three-member delegation to the 79th World Health Assembly of the World Health Organization, which she has been attending in Geneva since May 17.

UML Prepares Proposed List of Department Heads and Organization In-Charges

Ahead of Friday’s Central Secretariat meeting, CPN (UML) Chairman KP Sharma Oli has drafted a proposed list of department heads and organization in-charges. The list, presented during Monday’s secretariat session, outlines key leadership roles across the party’s various wings and provincial divisions. Under the proposed lineup, Vice-Chairmen and top leaders have been assigned major coordinating roles. Ram Bahadur Thapa ‘Badal’ is tapped for good governance, Bishnu Prasad Paudel for party departments, Prithvi Subba Gurung for social development, Gokarna Bista for infrastructure, and Raghuji Panta for human resources. General Secretary Shankar Pokharel will oversee organizational work and head the central office.

Below-Average Rainfall Expected, Flood Risk Still Remains in Monsoon 2026

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has said that most parts of the country are likely to receive below-average rainfall during this year’s monsoon, though the risk of floods and landslides remains. The department warned that prolonged dry spells followed by sudden heavy rainfall could still trigger flood-related disasters. The monsoon is also expected to bring above-average temperatures this year. Likewise, forecasting systems have become more advanced and effective. According to the department, below-average rainfall is likely in southern parts of Karnali, most areas of Lumbini, eastern Madhes, and southern Koshi Province.

Over 270 Climbers Summit Mt. Everest in a Single Day

More than 270 climbers successfully reached the summit of Mt. Everest on Wednesday, marking one of the largest and most historic single-day ascents in the history of Nepali mountaineering. According to the Expedition Operators Association of Nepal, this record wave of summits is part of the ongoing spring climbing season. For this season, a record-breaking 500+ climbers have received permits; when including their support guides, over 1,000 people are expected to attempt the summit.

Nepal and Guatemala Discuss Boosting Bilateral Relations and Mutual Cooperation

The Non-Resident Ambassador of the Republic of Guatemala to Nepal, Omar Lisandro Castaneda Solares, paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shisir Khanal, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Singha Durbar today. During the meeting, the two dignitaries held a comprehensive discussion on a wide range of matters aimed at further strengthening the bilateral relations between Nepal and Guatemala. Both sides expressed mutual commitment to exploring new avenues of cooperation, reinforcing diplomatic ties, and collaborating on shared interests at international forums.

Indian Home Minister Shah Offers 40 Kg of Sandalwood to Pashupatinath

Indian Home Minister Amit Shah has offered 40 kilograms of sandalwood to the Pashupatinath temple for the purpose of worshipping the Shreekrishna/Shreeyantra on the idol of Lord Pashupatinath. Member of the House of Representatives, Sandeep Rana, coordinated the handover of the sandalwood sent by the Indian Home Minister to the chief priest of Pashupatinath, Ganesh Bhatta. Every year, a special type of sandalwood is offered from India to perform the Shreeyantra puja on the head of Lord Pashupatinath. Last year, a minister from Goa had offered 35 kilograms of sandalwood to the temple.

218 Apply for Vice Chancellor of Various Varsities

The Selection and Recommendation Committee has begun studying the applications of a total of 218 candidates for the vacant Vice Chancellor positions of eight different universities. The Selection and Recommendation Committee at the Ministry of Education and Sports had on May 8 called for applications within 10 days for the post of Vice Chancellor. The ministry has stated that 38 applicants each have applied for the Vice Chancellor of Purbanchal University and Pokhara University, 19 for the Far-Western University, 20 for Mid-West University, 11 for Lumbini Buddhist University, 15 for Agriculture and Forestry University, and 27 for Rajarshi Janak University.

Kamal Thapa Raises Concerns Over Stalled RPP–RPP Nepal Unification Process

Senior leader Kamal Thapa has drawn the attention of Rajendra Lingden, saying the unification process between the Rastriya Prajatantra Party and RPP Nepal has remained stalled. In a Facebook post, Thapa said the two parties had united on December 31, 2025, with the goal of building a strong nationalist force in the country, but the integration process has yet to be completed even after nearly five months. “Despite almost five months since the unification, integration has not been completed at the local or central level, while the merger of sister organizations also remains in limbo. Even the formal letter regarding party unification has not yet been submitted to the Election Commission,” he wrote.

NEPSE Drops by 12.36 Points on Thursday; Turnover Rises to Rs 3.89 Billion

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index experienced a double-digit decline on Thursday, the fourth trading day of the week, even as overall transaction volumes registered an increase. The benchmark index shed 12.36 points (0.44%) to close at 2,742.11 points, reversing the gains from Wednesday when the market had bounced back by 30.08 points. This downturn follows previous drops earlier in the week, where the index fell by 6.51 points on Tuesday and 1.03 points on Monday. Along with the main index, the Sensitive Index slipped by 1.57 points (0.33%) to settle at 469.48 points, while the Float Index and Sensitive Float Index fell by 0.46% and 0.35% respectively.

SC Shuts Door on Promoters Contesting BFI Board Elections via Public Quota

The Supreme Court has ruled that shareholders holding both promoter and public shares in banks and financial institutions (BFIs) cannot contest board elections under the public category. A division bench of Justices Kumar Regmi and Bal Krishna Dhakal dismissed a writ petition filed by Citizens Bank International shareholder Ratneshwar Prasad Sharma, upholding the central bank’s regulatory authority. Sharma had moved the apex court after the bank’s election committee disqualified his candidacy for a public director seat because he also owned promoter shares. The legal dispute had stalled the bank’s scheduled board elections last November following an initial interim stay order.

Federal Government Moves to Reduce Fiscal Equalization Grants

The federal government has moved ahead with instructions to cut fiscal equalization grants to subnational governments. The Ministry of Finance, through the Office of the Financial Comptroller General, has sent fresh directives to Treasury and Accounts offices instructing that only 21.02 percent of the 25 percent allocation for the fourth quarterly installment be transferred to lower tiers of government. This comes despite earlier objections from the National Natural Resources and Fiscal Commission, which had urged the government not to reduce the grants already set in the budget passed by Parliament. For the current fiscal year, the federal government had announced a total of Rs 149.628 billion in fiscal equalization grants to be transferred to subnational governments.

Only 293 New Projects Included in Nepal’s Project Bank for Next Fiscal Year

Only 293 new projects have been included in Nepal’s Project Bank for the upcoming fiscal year, compared to just 126 projects last year. New projects must meet eight mandatory criteria before being entered into the bank. These include an environmental impact assessment, total cost estimate, detailed project report, land acquisition status, procurement plan, implementation plan, results framework, and evaluation plan. Apart from the new projects, the Project Bank also contains 87 ongoing projects and around 5,000 projects listed for study purposes. Last year, about 4,200 projects were included under the study category.

Finance Secretary Says Upcoming Budget Will Focus on Attracting Private Investment

Finance Secretary Ghanshyam Upadhyaya has said the upcoming fiscal budget will be designed to attract private sector investment. Speaking at a meeting of the House of Representatives’ Finance Committee on Thursday, he said productivity growth cannot be achieved through government spending alone and stressed that the budget would act as a “catalyst” for private investment. According to him, every unit of government spending should help “crowd in” private investment and contribute to production growth and job creation.

Nepali Film ‘Elephants in the Fog’ Premieres at Cannes 2026, Earns Wide Praise

Abinash Bikram Shah’s Nepali film “Elephants in the Fog” has premiered at the ongoing Cannes Film Festival 2026 in France. The film received an enthusiastic response during its screening on Wednesday, with the audience applauding it at the end as a mark of appreciation. After watching the premiere, renowned Bollywood filmmaker Anurag Kashyap openly praised the film. Sharing his reaction on social media, he said that Nepali cinema has made a significant leap forward. “Elephants in the Fog” is the first Nepali feature film selected for the prestigious “Un Certain Regard” section of the Cannes Film Festival 2026.

Sixth Edition of Nepal Music and Fashion Awards 2026 to Be Held

The sixth edition of the Nepal Music and Fashion Awards 2026 is set to be organized with the aim of promoting Nepali music and fashion. Organizers Star One Entertainment announced through a press statement that applications for the awards are now open. Songs and music videos released between January 2025 and the end of May 2026 are eligible for participation. The awards will feature multiple music categories, including modern, ghazal, pop, folk pop, folk, folk-dohori, film songs, patriotic songs, festival songs, linguistic/regional songs, and devotional music.

Film Development Board Issues Official Identity Cards to 122 Film Workers

The Film Development Board has distributed official identity cards to professionals from various categories of the Nepali film industry. At a program held on Wednesday at the board premises, Chairperson Dinesh DC handed over the cards. According to the board, a total of 122 film workers received identity cards in the first phase. Recipients include four categories: honorary, special, distinguished, and general film workers. The board stated that the initiative is not merely about issuing cards but aims to formally recognize film professionals, maintain official records, and strengthen their institutional relationship with the state.

Ram Krishna Dhakal’s Film ‘Malati Mangale’ Performs Steadily in Second Week

The film “Malati Mangale,” produced by singer Ram Krishna Dhakal, is currently running in its second week in cinemas and is recording a steady box office performance. Directed by Praku Pandey, the film has been maintaining satisfactory earnings, while its songs are gaining even more popularity among audiences. Among them, the song “Jhyam Param,” sung by Ram Krishna Dhakal and Melina Rai, has gone viral and is widely popular. By Wednesday evening, the song had been viewed more than 1.775 million times.

Lalit Rajbanshi Jumps 16 Places in ICC ODI Bowling Rankings

Nepal national cricket team spinner Lalit Rajbanshi has made a significant leap in the ODI bowling rankings, moving up 16 places in the latest update. The improvement was reflected in the new rankings published on Wednesday by the International Cricket Council (ICC). Rajbanshi delivered a strong performance in Nepal’s six-wicket victory over Scotland in the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2. He took four wickets while conceding 32 runs in 8 overs, helping secure the win. He is now ranked 53rd in the ODI bowling list. In the same match, leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane also improved his ranking, moving up six places after taking three wickets.

School-Level U-14 Boys and Girls Futsal Tournament Announced

A school-level U-14 boys and girls futsal tournament is set to be organized by Footballers Mission Together. The organizers said the competition has received recognition from the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA). According to the organizers, the tournament aims to support the development of Nepali football, increase children’s interest in sports, and identify talented players from both rural and urban areas. The goal is also to strengthen grassroots football and produce new players from the school level. The tournament will begin on June 12 and will include futsal matches in both U-14 boys and U-14 girls categories. The organizers said preparations for the event are in the final stage.

Minister Says Government Still Has Much to Do for Sports Development and Athletes’ Welfare

Education and Sports Minister Sasmit Pokharel has said that the state still has a long way to go in developing the sports sector and ensuring respect for athletes. Speaking at a farewell program on Thursday held at the ministry for the Nepal women’s national football team, he extended best wishes to the squad ahead of their participation in the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Women’s Championship. Minister Pokharel said the government is working to boost the morale of players and praised the recent international performances of the women’s football team, noting that their improved results have brought pride to the country.

Baglung to Host 16th Gandaki Province-Level President Running Shield Competition

The 16th Gandaki Province-Level President Running Shield Competition is set to take place in Baglung on May 29 and 30. The Gandaki Province Sports Council said preparations for the event have been intensified. According to the council, nearly 1,100 athletes from all 11 districts of Gandaki Province will participate in the competition. Around 150 officials are also expected to take part in the event. Preparations, including security arrangements, are underway, while the District Sports Development Committee, Baglung, is handling local management and coordination.

Annapurna Marathon to Mark 76 Years of First Ascent with Sixth Edition Race

The Annapurna Marathon is set to return for its sixth edition, honoring both endurance running and the legacy of Annapurna I, the first 8,000-meter peak climbed before Mount Everest. Organized since 2018 by the Annapurna Century Tourism Committee, the race begins at Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 meters) and runs 42.195 kilometers down to Ghandruk. Trekkers usually take three days to complete the route, while elite runners finish in just over four hours. The mountain was first summited on June 3, 1950, by French climber Maurice Herzog, marking a milestone in Himalayan mountaineering history. This year’s edition will be held on June 3 to mark the 76th anniversary of the ascent, with 40 runners including 13 international participants registered. Argentine runner Pablo Ureta is also confirmed.

US Charges Raúl Castro Over 1996 Plane Shootdown Case

The US has charged former Cuban leader Raúl Castro with conspiracy to kill US nationals and other crimes over the 1996 downing of two planes between Cuba and Florida. The case unveiled on Wednesday accuses Castro and five others of shooting down aircraft belonging to the Cuban-American group Brothers to the Rescue, killing four people, including three Americans. Castro, now 94, was then head of Cuba’s armed forces and faced international condemnation after the incident. As the US increases pressure on Cuba’s communist government, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel called the charges “a political manoeuvre, devoid of any legal foundation”.

US Lifts Sanctions on UN Rapporteur Francesca Albanese After Court Ruling

The United States has removed sanctions against UN special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territory Francesca Albanese. The decision came a week after a federal judge said the measures restricted her freedom of speech. In a brief update posted Wednesday (local time), the US Treasury Department listed her name under “International Criminal Court-related Designation Removal”.

The move follows a temporary injunction issued by US District Judge Richard Leon after a legal challenge filed by Albanese’s husband and daughter in February.

Iran Says Diplomacy Still Possible Amid Rising Regional Tensions

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said “all paths” toward a diplomatic solution “remain open from our side,” but warned that forcing Iran to surrender through coercion is “nothing but an illusion”. At the same time, tensions escalated as Israel’s far-right national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted a video taunting abducted Gaza aid flotilla activists, drawing global condemnation over their treatment in Israeli custody. Separately, Iran’s new Persian Gulf Strait Authority announced a “supervision area” in the Strait of Hormuz, requiring permits for transit and stating that passage without permission will be considered illegal.

Trump Says He May Discuss Arms Sale With Taiwan Leader

US President Donald Trump has said he will speak with Taiwanese leader Lai Ching-te about a possible arms sale, marking a potential shift from long-standing diplomatic practice. US and Taiwanese leaders have not held direct talks since 1979, when Washington severed formal ties with Taiwan to recognize Beijing. China claims Taiwan as its territory and has not ruled out using force, while Lai, who assumed office in 2024, has pushed to strengthen Taiwan’s defense capabilities.