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.

National Assembly Lawmakers Demand Urgent Government Interventions

During today’s National Assembly session, lawmakers demanded immediate government intervention on pressing national grievances. Geeta Devkota sought compensation for a family after a rogue elephant killed two individuals in Chitwan on July 4. Dharmendra Paswan flagged deteriorating security in Madhesh, while Mahantha Thakur warned that excessive extraction in the Chure region has depleted southern drinking water resources. Additionally, Mina Singh Rakhal called to accelerate search operations for a passenger bus that plunged into the Karnali River six days ago. Other floor speeches included Ram Kumari Jhankri criticizing bureaucratic uncertainty, Rekha Kumari Jha demanding educational upgrades, and Roshani Meche pressing the Nepal Electricity Authority over erratic power supplies.

Cabinet Publishes Comprehensive Integrity Policy Guide on Digital Portals

The Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers published an integrated integrity policy on its digital portal following Cabinet validation on July 2. The centralized policy addresses structural deficits, coordination gaps, and enforcement delays across regulatory oversight bodies to establish an accountable administrative governance model. The institutional guide introduces 34 distinct operating strategies establishing social accountability standards for public functionaries, political groups, civic bodies, and financial enterprises. The governance framework mandates transparency in public decision-making, promotes multi-sector partnerships, and anchors citizen complaint mechanisms to evaluate civil service performance.

PM Shah and ADB President Kanda Discussed Development Partnership Today

Prime Minister Balendra Shah met with Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda today, Tuesday, at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers to discuss strategic development cooperation and economic growth. Arriving in Kathmandu for an official visit, Kanda reaffirmed ADB’s long-term commitment to Nepal’s infrastructure and job creation, noting that the bank currently oversees active projects worth USD 3.9 billion in the country. The meeting followed bilateral talks on Monday between Kanda and Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle at Singha Durbar, where both leaders celebrated their six-decade partnership. Coinciding with the visit, the government and the ADB signed a Rs 25 billion (USD 165 million) concessional loan agreement on Monday, executed by Finance Secretary Ghanashyam Upadhyay and ADB Country Director Arnaud Cauchois. The funding allocated USD 115 million to the Integrated Water Supply and Sewerage Management Project across 13 districts and USD 50 million to the SASEC Trade Facilitation and Logistics Enhancement Program to modernize customs and boost supply chain capacity.

Wheel Locks Enforced in Singha Durbar After Criticism

Following intensive media scrutiny and public criticism, traffic law enforcement authorities have intensified regulatory compliance measures inside the Singha Durbar complex by deploying wheel locks on vehicles parked in violation of established traffic codes. This targeted enforcement initiative addresses growing concerns regarding pervasive illegal parking throughout the primary administrative hub, where non-compliant vehicles have routinely obstructed pedestrian walkways and thoroughfares, impeding foot traffic and escalating public safety hazards.

Madhesh and Lumbini Receive Below-Normal Monsoon Rainfall

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) reported that the southern plains of Madhesh and Lumbini Provinces have received less rainfall than anticipated, despite an active nationwide monsoon. Senior Meteorologist Meen Kumar Aryal explained that precipitation has concentrated primarily over the hilly terrain, as the monsoon trough sits south of its average position over eastern Nepal. Meanwhile, the DHM issued a three-day weather bulletin warning of impending flash floods, landslides, and gusty winds. Residents in Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini, and Sudurpaschim have been urged to remain vigilant against potential infrastructural and crop damage.

UAE Grants Royal Amnesty to 111 Nepali Prisoners

The Government of Nepal has expressed gratitude to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for granting royal amnesty to 111 Nepali prisoners on the occasion of Eid al-Adha 2026. In a press release issued on Tuesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the humanitarian gesture reflects the deep friendship and cordial bilateral relations between Nepal and the UAE. According to the ministry, the amnesty was granted by the UAE government in response to a request submitted by the Embassy of Nepal in Abu Dhabi under the ministry’s instruction. The ministry said the pardoned Nepali citizens will be able to return to Nepal after completing the necessary legal and administrative procedures under UAE law, provided they have no other pending legal cases or travel restrictions.

Nepal, Cambodia Hold Talks Against Trafficking and Cybercrime

Nepal’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia Dhan Bahadur Oli held talks with Cambodia’s Permanent Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Eat Sophea on Monday, with the two sides agreeing to strengthen cooperation against human trafficking, online scam operations, cybercrime and other forms of transnational organized crime. According to the Embassy of Nepal in Bangkok, Thailand, the meeting also covered expanding cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, education, agriculture and public health. Ambassador Oli thanked the Royal Government of Cambodia for assisting in the rescue of Nepali nationals from online scam compounds. Both sides also discussed promoting Buddhist tourism by strengthening links between Lumbini, Nepal, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, and Angkor Wat, Cambodia, and agreed to convene the Nepal-Cambodia Bilateral Consultation Mechanism at an early date.

Home Ministry Prioritizes Legal Governance

The Ministry of Home Affairs committed to structural administration reforms centered on human rights protections, public security enforcement, and individual liberties during a National Assembly session on Tuesday. Home Minister Sudhan Gurung detailed that internal management plans will transition traditional security infrastructure into active components for regional development, good governance, and economic wealth. The state allocated specific fiscal resources for fiscal year 2026/27 to complete reconstruction files for public buildings and private housing units damaged by major earthquakes across Jajarkot and Rukum Paschim. Localized field monitoring networks will regularly guide subsequent administrative operational shifts.

Foreign Minister Pursues Diplomatic Interventions for Border Disputes

Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal informed the National Assembly on Tuesday that the government is utilizing formal channels to settle border delineations with India. During ministerial budget defense debates, officials reiterated that historical documents, maps, and evidentiary proofs substantiate national sovereignty over the Kalapani, Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Susta sectors. The bilateral Border Working Committee is scheduled to convene next month to advance technical field tasks. Additionally, the minister noted that the Department of Passport will distribute booklets printed by a new contractor starting next Monday, while declining to comment on active sub-judice litigation surrounding the procurement contract.

Karnali Operates 71 Weather Monitoring Centers

The Hydrology and Meteorology Office in Surkhet has established 71 Meteorological Monitoring Centers and 31 hydro measurement centers across Karnali Province. These facilities span 46 of the province’s 89 local levels. Office Chief Indira Kandel noted that two centers lack sufficient workforce and revealed that the Guranse weather radar center serving Karnali, Lumbini, and Sudurpaschim has been shut for three years due to lightning damage and a shortage of domestic technical expertise. Chief Secretary Birendra Kumar Yadav stated the provincial government will prioritize infrastructure expansion and support equipment procurement to improve forecasting and minimize natural disaster damage.

3 Parliamentary Committees Conclude Tuesday Meetings

Three House of Representatives committees convened today, Tuesday, at Singha Durbar to address separate legislative and oversight agendas. The Public Accounts Committee met at 9:00 AM, endorsing its internal operating procedures and discussing a subcommittee to investigate unsettled financial accounts. Simultaneously, the Education, Health, and Information Technology Committee discussed the National Forensic Science Laboratory Bill, 2024, alongside invited ministry secretaries and executive directors. Later at 9:30 AM, the International Relations and Tourism Committee received an official briefing from the Foreign Minister and the Ministry Secretary regarding recent diplomatic visits to India and China.

Minister Gauri Kumari Outlines Strategies to Boost Production

Minister for Industry, Commerce, and Supplies Gauri Kumari Yadav announced during Tuesday’s National Assembly meeting that the government is working to enhance national production, productivity, and job creation. Responding to inquiries on the Appropriation Bill, Minister Yadav stressed the importance of boosting private sector morale through improved inter-ministerial coordination to support business operations. She revealed that an Investment Protection and Promotion Strategy has been drafted for Cabinet approval to protect private property and declare industrial areas as peace zones. Furthermore, the ministry will introduce concessions to revive sick industries damaged during past political unrest, while a dedicated task force prepares a report to resolve long-standing India-bound Nepali tea export hurdles.

Madhesh Assembly Launches Reference Library

The Madhesh Provincial Assembly Secretariat has operationalized a new reference library on its premises to foster evidence-based legislative debate and preserve institutional memory. Formally open since June 18, the facility houses over 500 books spanning constitutional law, federalism, public policy, and sociology. Speaker Ram Ashish Yadav noted the center will transition into a digital library with e-books and online search capabilities to elevate parliamentary discussions. Secretariat Secretary Basu Prasad Koirala confirmed the repository serves lawmakers, legal professionals, and journalists while consolidating assembly minutes, bills, and committee records to enhance provincial institutional capacity.

Former PM’s Son Summoned in Money Laundering Probe

The Department of Money Laundering Investigation issued a formal summons to Jayabir Singh Deuba, son of former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and former Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, over an ongoing money laundering probe. The agency posted the notice at his Budhanilkantha residence on Monday and published it in the Gorkhapatra daily on Tuesday. Deuba must appear within seven days for questioning regarding the alleged offenses. Separately, the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority previously ordered Arzu Rana Deuba to appear within three days regarding a passport procurement case.

11 Security Personnel Under Probe for Border Smuggling in Jhapa

A high-level investigation has targeted 11 security personnel, including Nepal Police DSP Nishesh Chapagain and Armed Police Force DSP Bikash Thapa, following smuggling allegations at the Kakarbhitta checkpoint in Jhapa. During a border inspection on Sunday, local trader Bandana Meche informed Home Minister Sudhan Gurung of nocturnal smuggling networks operating through Turrkeni, Durga Mandir, Church, and Gairi Gaun in collusion with law enforcement. Authorities seized mobile phones from five Nepal Police and six Armed Police Force personnel for forensic testing. Additionally, six undercover personnel, including SI Ganesh Khadka, were recalled to headquarters for allegedly running an extortion network.

2 Arrested in Dhading with 78,400 Tramadol Capsules

Police arrested two people in Dhading after recovering 78,400 capsules of Tramadol Hydrochloride (50 mg) from a passenger bus on the Prithvi Highway. Acting on a tip-off, police stopped the bus at Jogimara in Benighat Rorang Rural Municipality-9 and found the banned drug hidden in a suitcase and two bags belonging to the passengers. The arrested individuals, identified as Mohan Prasad Kurmi, 41, and Pratima Devi, 35, from Birgunj, were carrying 7,840 strips of Tramadol. Police also seized two mobile phones. The Area Police Office in Gajuri has filed a case under the Narcotic Drugs (Control) Act, 1976, and further investigation is underway.

4 Killed, 79 Injured in Road Accidents Nationwide Within 24 Hours

At least four people lost their lives and 79 others suffered injuries in various road accidents across the country over a 24-hour period. According to data released by Nepal Police, Madhesh Province recorded the highest number of fatalities, with two deaths and 20 injuries. One fatality each was reported in Bagmati Province and Lumbini Province. Koshi Province recorded the highest number of injuries, where 34 people were hurt, though no fatalities occurred. In Kathmandu valley, 11 people were injured in traffic accidents during the same period. Meanwhile, eight people were injured in Lumbini Province, and three individuals each suffered injuries in Sudurpashchim Province and Karnali Province. No casualties or injuries were reported in Gandaki Province over the 24-hour window.

Kathmandu Court Authorizes 3-Day Detention for Abhishek Giri

The Kathmandu District Court authorized the Central Investigation Bureau on Tuesday to detain Abhishek Giri for three days to advance a criminal inquiry. Law enforcement units arrested the suspect in Birnagar on Monday night immediately following an Illam High Court release order regarding parallel cases. Bureau Spokesperson Anupam Shamsher Jabara confirmed that the agency initiated distinct probes into fraud, criminal profit-making extortion schemes, and asset laundering operations. The active complaints allege that the suspect extorted funds and tortured inmates while serving a prior sentence inside the Morang Prison facility.

Makwanpur Suspends Passport Operations for 4 Days

The Makwanpur District Administration Office issued a public notice on Monday night announcing a temporary four-day suspension of passport application processing from July 8 through July 12. According to Administrative Officer Saroj Prasad Poudel, the pause facilitates technological transitions ahead of a new passport system rollout scheduled by the Department of Passports on July 13. Citizens with rejected documents needing re-application or those awaiting delivery of finalized prints were urged to visit the office during regular business hours on Tuesday.

KMC Proposes Financial Partnership Scheme for Waste Site

Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) Acting Mayor Sunita Dangol announced a financial co-investment strategy targeting neighboring municipalities to prolong the operational lifespan of the Bancharedanda Landfill Site. The metropolitan executive spends approximately Rs 1 billion annually on structural maintenance and social development programs around the disposal site. Under the new waste-burden distribution framework, Kathmandu will bear 50 percent of the joint funding responsibilities. Environmental management officials and Department of Urban Development and Building Construction Director General Rabindra Bohara reviewed localized source-segregation and recycling technologies to handle waste coming from Nuwakot, Dhading, and Kavrepalanchowk.

NEB Publishes SEE Supplementary Results with 64.68 Pass Rate

The National Examination Board (NEB) on Monday published the results of the Secondary Education Examination (SEE) 2026 supplementary, or grade increment, examination, with 64.68 percent of candidates passing. According to Examination Controller Tukraj Adhikari, at least 83,523 of the 129,114 students who sat for the examination passed. Although 146,507 students had registered for the exams held from June 15 to June 23, only 129,114 appeared. The NEB said results are available through its website, the Examination Control Office Grade 10 website, and via SMS, USSD, and IVR services. Students can also download their grade sheets using their symbol number and date of birth. The board said students dissatisfied with their results may apply online for retotaling, answer book viewing, or re-examination between July 9 and July 15.

Oscar College Honors Cannes-Winning Film Team

Oscar College honored the production team of the Nepali film Elephants in the Fog during a special program at its Sadhana Ghar on Friday. The recognition follows the film’s success at the 79th Cannes Film Festival, where it secured the Best Sound Creation Award and the Best Jury Prize in the Un Certain Regard section. Chief guest and senior director Nabin Subba, along with over 100 attendees, delivered a two-minute standing ovation to Director Avinash Bikram Shah and Producer Anup Poudel. Subba noted that the milestone enhances the global visibility of Nepali cinema and underscored the importance of supporting emerging creators via the pending parliamentary Film Bill.

Supreme Court Set Verdict Date for Media Advertising Litigation

A division bench of the Supreme Court comprising Justice Saranga Subedi and Justice Nripa Dhwoj Niroula scheduled Tuesday, July 14, to deliver its final verdict regarding state advertising restrictions. The Nepal Media Society initiated the constitutional challenge after a Cabinet directive on April 1 restricted public sector advertisements exclusively to state-owned media channels. Legal representatives for private publishing groups argued during closing arguments that the restrictive fiscal policy deliberately undermines the commercial viability of independent media enterprises by cutting off vital public communication revenue streams.

Romantic Drama Movie ‘Behuli’ for September Release

Producers from The Divine Music and Samman Entertainment finalized the commercial theatrical launch date for their collaborative feature film ‘Behuli’ during a press event on Tuesday. The cinema banner unveiled its primary publicity poster ahead of its scheduled domestic release on September 11. Directed by Sashan Kandel and produced by composer Arjun Pokhrel, the narrative feature stars content creators Cool Boyy and Divya Rayamajhi in leading roles, alongside an ensemble cast featuring Sushant KC. The debut promotional imagery highlights a dramatic family conflict theme, showcasing the main actors in complete character apparel.

CAN Completes 3rd NPL Player Auction

The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) concluded its player draft for the third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) late Monday, with eight franchise teams selecting 52 players from a pool of 155 candidates. Opening batsman Aasif Sheikh secured the highest individual bid in tournament history, joining the Lumbini Lions via a lucky draw for a maximum contract cap of Rs 2 million. Total franchise expenditure records show Lumbini spent the highest amount at Rs 4.4 million, while Kathmandu registered the lowest budget at Rs 1.7 million. Category ‘A’ players commanded bids up to Rs 1.5 million during the draft.

Zelensky Seeks More Patriot Missiles at NATO Summit

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will use this week’s NATO summit in Turkey to urge allies to provide additional Patriot air defense systems, saying Ukraine urgently needs more interceptor missiles to counter escalating Russian ballistic attacks. The appeal follows two major strikes on Kyiv in less than a week that killed more than 50 civilians. Zelensky is also expected to meet US President Donald Trump, arguing that Ukraine’s long-range drone strikes on Russian military and energy targets have shifted momentum and increased pressure on Moscow. He called for stronger military support to protect civilians and push Russia toward meaningful peace negotiations.

French Court Orders Le Pen to Wear Electronic Tag, Shortens Election Ban

A French appeals court upheld Marine Le Pen’s conviction for misusing European Parliament funds but shortened her ban from holding elected office, potentially reopening a path for the far-right leader to contest the 2027 presidential election. The court sentenced Le Pen to three years in prison, with two years suspended and one year to be served under electronic monitoring, requiring her to wear an electronic ankle tag. While the reduced ban improves her election prospects, the conviction and monitoring order remain in force.

BlackRock Launches Nasdaq-100 ETF to Capitalize on AI Market

BlackRock will launch a new exchange-traded fund tracking the Nasdaq-100 on Thursday, aiming to meet strong investor demand for technology and AI-focused stocks. The iShares Nasdaq 100 ETF will compete with similar products from Invesco and State Street and debut with a net asset value of USD 24 per share. The move follows the Nasdaq’s revised listing rules and comes after the index posted its strongest quarterly performance since 2020, fueled by continued gains in large-cap technology companies.