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.

Communications Ministry Says Meta Has Not Initiated Official Registration Process

The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has stated that Meta, the operator of Facebook, has not come forward for the official registration process in Nepal. Ministry’s Joint Secretary and spokesperson Gajendra Kumar Thakur informed that, so far, Meta has not formally contacted the government regarding registration. He added, “If they had formally reached out through the government email or responded to our requests, that would have been one thing. The documents they need are already listed on our website.”

India’s Chief Justice Bhushan Gavai Arrives In Kathmandu

Chief Justice of India, Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, has arrived in Nepal for an official visit. He landed at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu on Thursday afternoon at 4 PM via an Air India flight. He was welcomed by Justice Sapana Malla Pradhan of the Supreme Court.

Indian Media Claims PM Oli’s India Visit Unlikely

An Indian media outlet has claimed that Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli is unlikely to visit India. The Print reported, citing sources, that Oli’s visit may not take place. The report suggests that the previously announced 15 September visit is unlikely to happen. Earlier this week, Modi and Oli had a brief meeting in Tianjin, China, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. The report notes that New Delhi has reacted strongly as protests in Nepal continue over the India–China agreement regarding the use of Lipulekh. Previously, PM Oli raised the issue with Chinese President Xi Jinping last Saturday.

Government Decides to Shut Down Unregistered Social Media

The government has decided to block social media platforms that are not registered in Nepal, including Facebook. The decision was made in a meeting of the Ministry of Information and Communications today, led by Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung. Ministry spokesperson Gajendra Thakur said a letter is being prepared to enforce the shutdown. “All social media platforms that have not completed registration will be deactivated. This decision comes into effect immediately,” he added. Platforms like Facebook and X have not yet registered in Nepal.

RSP, RPP Lawmakers Continue Boycott Over Visa Controversy

Lawmakers from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) continued boycotting the House of Representatives on Thursday, demanding a high-level investigation into the visit visa controversy. As the session began, they protested that their demands had not been addressed. RSP lawmaker Ashok Chaudhary said the movement would continue until the government responded, while RPP lawmaker Dhawal Shumsher Rana urged PM KP Sharma Oli to clarify reports of Nepal joining China’s Global Security Initiative (GSI). Both parties have been consistently obstructing parliamentary proceedings over the issue.

FNJ Opposes Government’s Decision to Shut Down Social Media

The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) has expressed disagreement with the government’s decision to block social media platforms that are not registered in Nepal. In a statement issued on Thursday, FNJ General Secretary Ram Prasad Dahal said the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology’s move would curtail press freedom and freedom of expression. The statement reads, “By shutting down social media without providing alternatives, the government has overlooked the potential impact on citizens’ right to information. The federation expresses serious concern over this.”

RPP Seeks PM Oli’s Clarification on China GSI Reports

The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) has demanded that Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli clarify reports suggesting Nepal has agreed to join China’s Global Security Initiative (GSI). During Thursday’s zero hour in the House of Representatives, RPP General Secretary Dr. Dhawal Shumsher Rana asked the Prime Minister for an explanation. Rana said, “When our Prime Minister visited China, Chinese media reported that Nepal had agreed to the GSI. This contradicts our non-aligned foreign policy and, if true, could have serious consequences for Nepal.”

Constitutional Council Amendment Bill Not Tabled in House Today

The proposal to reconsider the Constitutional Council (First Amendment) Bill, returned by President Ram Chandra Paudel with a message, was not tabled in the House of Representatives on Thursday. Although Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli had included the bill in the agenda for presentation, Speaker Dev Raj Ghimire removed it at the last minute. The bill had earlier been passed by both houses of the Federal Parliament and certified by the Speaker before being sent to the President for promulgation. On July 24, the President returned the bill to the President’s Office, requesting reconsideration.

UML’s Karna Thapa Registers Dissenting Opinion Ahead of Second Statute Convention

CPN-UML Standing Committee member Karna Bahadur Thapa has formally registered a dissenting opinion at the party’s central office. Thapa submitted his dissent on Thursday, ahead of the party’s second Statute Convention, scheduled to begin on Friday. Thapa had previously expressed that the provisions in the document on “democratization of party life,” proposed by current party chairman KP Sharma Oli, should maintain the two-term limit for executive positions and the age cap of 70.

Khapung Conferred Rank Insignia as New IGP of Nepal Police

Chandra Kuber Khapung, the newly appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP), was formally conferred with the rank insignia today. At a ceremony held at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Home Secretary Gokarnamani Duwadi honored Khapung with a garland and presented the insignia marking his assumption of office. The Cabinet meeting at Baluwatar on Friday had decided to appoint Khapung as the 32nd Inspector General of Nepal Police. He took charge of the highest position in the Nepal Police following the retirement of IGP Thapa on September 3.

Maoist Centre to Prepare Street Protests Against Government

The CPN-Maoist Centre has decided to prepare for street protests against the government after the monsoon and upcoming festivals. After a meeting of party leaders at the central office in Paris Danda on Thursday, spokesperson Agni Prasad Sapkota said, “The government has not addressed the demands of the people. Governance is weak, and corruption is increasing. Considering the current situation, along with the monsoon and upcoming festivals, we must prepare for street protests.”

Private School Operators Threaten Protests

Private school operators have launched protests against two provisions of the School Education Bill, warning they will not vote for lawmakers opposing private schools in the 2027 elections. At a program organized by Education Journalists’ Network Nepal (EJON) on Thursday, associations representing private schools issued the warning. Former PABSON president D.K. Dhungana said, “We will stand against any party that opposes private schools. Instead of blindly following parties, we will firmly support those working for the nation’s development.”

Police Bars Late-Night, Early-Morning Cooker Whistles in Kathmandu Valley

Nepal Police has issued a directive to residents of the Kathmandu Valley, instructing them not to cook food using pressure cookers with whistles late at night or early in the morning. The Kathmandu Valley Police Office, Ranipokhari, released a public notice urging people to avoid disturbing noises as part of a campaign for noise, smoke, and waste-free neighborhoods. The notice further advises against unnecessary coughing or spitting phlegm during morning exercises.

NEPSE Drops 6.55 Points, Closes at 2,719 Amid Late Recovery

On Thursday, the share market fell by 6.55 points from the previous day, with the NEPSE index closing at 2,719. The market showed some recovery in the final 40 minutes but could not turn positive. Before the weighted average calculation, the market was down by less than 1 point, but after the calculation, it fell 6 points. At 2:20 PM, the index dipped to 2,703 points before gradually recovering. Trading volume increased to Rs 514 million compared to Rs 472 million the previous day.

Full Audit of 10 Banks Moves Ahead

The process of conducting a full audit of 10 large commercial banks has moved forward under the condition that the audit report will not be made public. The work proceeded after Nepal Rastra Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) agreed with the bankers’ proposal not to disclose the audit report. Bankers had long been quietly opposing the idea of having a full audit carried out by an international independent auditor, fearing their weaknesses would be exposed.

Insurance Companies Require Approval Only for Subsidiary Investments

Insurance companies will now only need the approval of the regulatory body, the Nepal Insurance Authority, when investing in subsidiaries or other insurance companies. In other sectors, companies can directly invest as long as they remain within the prescribed limit. The Authority issued the “Insurance Investment Directive, 2025” on Wednesday, further systematizing the provision for investments in subsidiaries.

Draft of Payments and Settlement Act Prepared

The government has prepared the draft of the Payments and Settlement (First Amendment) Act, 2025. The Ministry of Finance stated that ambiguities, incomplete provisions, and technical shortcomings in the existing act had created challenges in the overall payments system, hence the need for new policy measures. The draft includes provisions to make digital payment systems such as e-wallets more transparent and secure.

India’s GST Cut Raises Concerns for Nepal’s Economy

Nepali industrialists and businesspeople have expressed concern that India’s recent reduction of the five-tier Goods and Services Tax (GST) to just two tiers will negatively impact Nepal’s economy. They worry that India’s latest tax policy will increase smuggling of daily consumables into Nepal and disrupt trade at customs checkpoints. Since India reduced GST on daily consumables from 18% and 12% to only 5%, the prices of these items in the Indian market will drop sharply.

Singer Mukesh Pradhan Releases New Song ‘Bhakkanieko Mutu’

Singer Mukesh Pradhan has released his new song ‘Bhakkanieko Mutu’. Written and composed by Mukesh himself, the song is a romantic track that highlights the current issues of foreign employment and its deep impact on Nepali society through its music video. The video features actors Bishal Pahari, Binda Khatriwada, Jeevan Basnet, and Kiran Shahi. Cinematography by Bhavin Gurung, editing by Ranjit Shrestha, and direction by ROB make the video emotionally engaging.

Film ‘Rimai’ Premieres with Gurung Cultural Performances

The film ‘Rimai’ held its premiere Wednesday evening at Ranjana Cineplex in New Road. Director Gyanendra Deuja, actors Deepak Acharya (Kaku), Anil Yonjan, Wilson Bikram Rai, Rohit Rumba, and other film professionals and journalists attended the event. Prior to the screening, the Gurung community performed a traditional Sorathi dance. Lead actors Dayahang Rai and Rishma Gurung appeared in traditional Gurung attire. Actress Rishma Gurung expressed excitement over her comeback after nearly eight years. Audiences at the premiere praised the film.

Ministry Orders Report on Film ‘Kosedhunga’ Violating Censor Board Rules

The currently screening film ‘Kosedhunga’ has reportedly failed to comply with the Central Film Censor Board’s directives. Following this, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology sent a letter to the Film Development Board to monitor the film and submit a report. On September 2, Bishal Bhandari from the Ministry’s Audio-Visual and Broadcasting Division instructed the board to ensure compliance with the censor board’s decision and report back.

Director Krisha Chaulagain Announces New Film ‘Paras’

The title ‘Paras’ has a unique history in Nepali cinema. Initially, producer Madhav Wagle (of Loot fame) planned a film under this title, followed by Bhuvan KC. Recently, director Krisha Chaulagain registered the title and formally announced the film during a birthday gathering on Wednesday. Earlier, she had planned a film ‘Jahajaima’ in Japan, but production has not yet started. With uncertainty surrounding the previous project, Chaulagain confirmed she will now proceed with ‘Paras’.

RS Resort and Beach Football Secures Spot in ANFA Women’s League

RS Resort and Beach Football has qualified for the ANFA Women’s League. In the final qualifying match held Thursday at Chyasal Stadium, they defeated Students’ Football Club 4–1 to secure their place. Sarita BK scored twice for RS Resort, while Bipana Pariyar and Salina Saru each contributed a goal. Basanti Khulal scored the lone goal for Students FC. Bipana gave RS Resort an early lead in the first minute, and just eight minutes later, Sarita doubled the advantage, setting the tone for the rest of the match.

Vatsalya Everest Women’s Volleyball League 2nd Edition to Kick Off in Pokhara

The second edition of Nepal’s first women’s franchise volleyball league, the Vatsalya Everest Women’s Volleyball League (WVHL), will begin on September 5 in the tourist city of Pokhara. All six participating franchise teams have arrived in Pokhara, along with international players from countries including Thailand, the Netherlands, Russia, and Brazil. Organized by Infinity Dreams, the league’s first edition was held in Kathmandu last year. The second edition will run from September 5-13 at Pokhara’s Multi-Purpose Covered Hall, featuring competition among the six franchise teams.

ANFA Increases Ticket Allocation for Nepal vs Bangladesh Match by 2,000

The All-Nepal Football Association (ANFA) has increased the number of tickets for the Nepal vs Bangladesh match by 2,000. Earlier on Tuesday, ANFA had announced that only about 8,000 tickets would be sold, with around 1,000 to 1,200 allocated for premium seating and 7,000 for general parapet areas. However, just two days later, ANFA decided to expand the ticket allocation. According to ANFA Competition Director Sanjeev Mishra, the increase was made after reviewing the overall seating blocks.

17 Dead in Lisbon Funicular Derailment

Seventeen people lost their lives in the derailment of the 140-year-old Gloria funicular, a major tourist attraction in Lisbon. Another 18 people were taken to hospital, five of them in a serious condition, according to emergency services. Foreign nationals were among the dead, though their nationalities have not yet been confirmed. The crash occurred around 18:05. Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas visited victims in hospital on Wednesday night, calling it a “tragic moment for the city.” The government has declared a day of national mourning, while the mayor will attend a cabinet meeting on Thursday.

Families Being ‘Wiped Out’ as Israel Intensifies Attacks on Gaza City

Entire families are being “wiped out” as Israel intensifies the bombardment of residential areas in Gaza City and makeshift encampments across the Strip, with at least 28 Palestinians killed in attacks since dawn on Thursday. Hamas says it is ready for the formation of an independent national administration to run Gaza and for a comprehensive truce deal, which will see all Israeli captives released. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s office rejects Hamas’s statement, saying “the war can end immediately” on conditions set by his cabinet.

Allies Ready to Support Ukraine Before and After Peace Deal, Says UK

The UK and its allies stand ready to support Ukraine before negotiations to end the war as well as to secure an eventual peace deal, the UK defence secretary says. Ahead of a top-level meeting in Paris on Thursday, John Healey told the BBC in Kyiv that Ukraine’s allies would “help make the skies safe, to make the seas safe, and to secure the land”, once a peace deal had been struck. About 30 leaders will take part in the Paris summit, in person or online, and French diplomats say “technical work” on providing security guarantees is now complete in the event of a ceasefire.

North Korea’s Kim Vows Full Support for Russia, Discusses Partnership with Putin

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said his country would “fully support” Russia’s army as a “fraternal duty”, and Russian President Vladimir Putin called the two countries’ ties “special”, state media KCNA reported on Thursday. Kim and Putin held a meeting on Wednesday on the sidelines of China’s celebrations to mark the formal surrender of Japan in World War Two in Beijing. The pair flanked Chinese President Xi Jinping at a massive military parade for the first such gathering of the three countries’ leaders since the early days of the Cold War.