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.

Govt. Implements New Arrangement to Address Public Grievances via Chief Secretary

The government has implemented a new arrangement to address complaints regarding delays in public services provided by local levels, irregularities in contracts and construction work, corruption, and mismanagement. Issuing a public notice, the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers announced that grievances regarding local levels received through the ‘Hello Sarkar’ portal and various grievance redressal mechanisms will now be effectively addressed through the Chief Secretary of the government. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, this system has been introduced to ensure the prompt and effective resolution of complaints related to local authorities.

Finance Minister Declares Executive Accountability Amid Cabinet Tensions

During a high-level review on Tuesday, Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle declared that executive leaders from the Prime Minister down to ministers remain strictly accountable to their political parties, leadership, and the public. Addressing ministry secretaries regarding the fiscal year 2026/27 budget, Wagle emphasized zero tolerance for corruption and performance-aligned incentives. The remarks follow reports of political friction regarding a potential cabinet reshuffle discussed between Prime Minister Balendra Balen Shah and Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairman Rabi Lamichhane, alongside party statute amendments granting authority to recall non-compliant leaders.

Department of Foreign Employment Transitions to Digital Grievance System

Minister Ramjee Yadav has conducted an inspection and monitoring visit to the Department of Foreign Employment. According to the Minister’s secretariat, during the visit, he officially launched the Grievance and Complaint Management System developed by the department. Speaking after inaugurating the portal, Minister Yadav stated, “Now all tasks will be moved online. Complaints will be registered digitally, and grievances will be addressed immediately. Citizens will no longer need to carry physical file folders from office to office.”

Parliamentary Hearing Committee Sets July 28 and 29 for EC Nominees

The Parliamentary Hearing Committee has set July 28 and 29 for the confirmation hearings of the proposed Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners. Committee Chairperson Bodh Narayan Shrestha confirmed that hearings for Election Commissioner nominees Dr. Rajiv Subba (Kathmandu) and Guru Prasad Wagle (Okhaldhunga) will occur on July 28, followed by the hearing for Chief Election Commissioner nominee Man Bahadur Karki (Morang) on July 29. Both sessions will convene at 11:15 AM at Singha Durbar, where members have received the nominees’ action plans and public complaints for review. The nominees were recommended by the Constitutional Council during a meeting on July 3 to fill leadership vacancies at the Election Commission (EC).

Nepal Embassy in Vienna Issues Urgent Notice for Passport Applicants in Greece

The Embassy of Nepal in Vienna, Austria, has issued an urgent notice for passport applicants in Greece whose online applications were canceled despite having paid the required fee for biometric enrollment. The embassy said most affected applicants have completed the online application process and submitted their application PDFs. However, those who have already paid the fee but are still unable to submit their applications online due to technical difficulties have been asked to contact the embassy’s deployed team directly for assistance. The advisory applies to applicants in Greece whose biometric enrollment applications were canceled after the revenue payment made in April.

FAO Director and Minister Gita Chaudhary Discuss Agricultural Cooperation

Hua Yang, Director of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, paid a courtesy call on Minister for Agriculture, Forests, and Environment Gita Chaudhary on Tuesday. Meeting in Kathmandu, Nepal, the officials discussed food security, agricultural transformation, and sustainable agrifood systems. Minister Chaudhary emphasized expanding international cooperation to mobilize financial resources, while discussions also covered cross-border animal disease control, climate-resilient farming, accredited laboratory development, and the promotion of high-value agricultural exports. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to resilient food systems.

US Chargé d’Affaires Urbom Pays Courtesy Call on Education Minister Pokharel

US Chargé d’Affaires Scott Urbom paid a courtesy call on Minister for Education and Sports Sasmit Pokharel at Singha Durbar to discuss strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation in education and sports. The meeting focused on enhancing USAID-supported initiatives, promoting technical and vocational education, and integrating sports into the national curriculum. Minister Pokharel highlighted ongoing reforms, including the revision of the National Curriculum Framework and school infrastructure evaluations for targeted budgeting, while inviting US partnership in digital learning, teacher training, and school health. Reaffirming the long-standing diplomatic relationship between the two nations, Chargé d’Affaires Urbom praised Nepal’s educational reform efforts and assured continued US support for public school improvement and sports development.

Former PM Deuba Returning Home After Medical Treatment

Former Prime Minister and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba has announced that he is returning to the country after undergoing medical treatment abroad. In a public message issued before his return, Deuba urged political forces to prioritize national unity, dialogue, and cooperation over revenge and division. He said the country needs broader collaboration, mutual trust, and a shared commitment to nation-building, emphasizing the importance of combining experience with the energy and innovation of younger generations. Deuba had traveled to Singapore for treatment before continuing to Hong Kong, where he remained for further medical care.

RSP Issues 5-Point Directive for MP Constituency Visits

The ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has issued a five-point directive to its Members of Parliament regarding constituency visits, aiming to enhance strategic coordination, public dialogue, and organizational strengthening. Released through a circular by Party General Secretary Bipin Kumar Acharya, the guidelines instruct lawmakers to maintain institutional coordination with local committees, prioritize local issues, foster organizational ownership, practice strict austerity, and establish feedback mechanisms for Parliament. Acharya emphasized that combining effective parliamentary roles with organizational efficiency is vital for boosting the party’s institutional maturity and public accountability.

Protest against Harka Sampang at Janaki Temple

Protests erupted in Janakpur against Harka Sampang, Chairman of the Shram Sanskriti Party. The demonstration was staged by Hindu activist groups following reports that Sampang, who was visiting Janakpur to attend an event, scheduled a prayer visit to the Janaki Temple. Demonstrators stated they would prevent Sampang from entering the temple complex under any circumstances. Protesters alleged that Sampang has previously made various statements critical of Hindu sentiments. Following the onset of the protests, security measures around the Janaki Temple premises were significantly stepped up, with personnel from the Armed Police Force (APF) and Nepal Police deployed to maintain order.

Gagan Thapa Welcomes Withdrawal of Tax on Education and Health

Nepali Congress President Gagan Kumar Thapa has welcomed the government’s decision to abolish the 3 percent parity tax on education and health services from the current fiscal year, describing the move as appropriate. In a social media post on Tuesday, Thapa said his party had opposed the tax from the outset, arguing that education and healthcare are essential services rather than luxury goods. He said many people rely on private schools and hospitals out of necessity, not choice, and that imposing additional taxes on service providers would not address the sector’s challenges. Thapa also emphasized that the private sector is an important partner in the country’s education and health systems and urged the government to complete the necessary legal and administrative procedures to implement its decision.

Barsha Man Pun Highlights Nepal-Russia 70th Anniversary

Marking the seventieth anniversary of diplomatic ties, Nepali Communist Party (NCP) leader and former Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun inaugurated a photo exhibition at the Russian Culture Centre on Monday. Highlighting decades of cooperation in education, science, healthcare, and infrastructure, Pun noted that Russian support during Nepal’s early industrialization phase was vital. He emphasized that thousands of Nepali professionals trained in Russia have greatly contributed to national development while pointing to strong future potential for expanding trade, energy, and technological collaboration.

Journalist Jagdishor Panday Appointed Press Advisor to Foreign Minister

Journalist Jagdishor Panday has been appointed as the press advisor to Minister for Foreign Affairs Shisir Khanal. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, following the decision of the Cabinet meeting on April 14, 2026, Minister Khanal appointed Panday, a resident of Tadi Rural Municipality-4, Nuwakot, to the position of Press Advisor with a rank equivalent to Special Class (Secretary) of the Government of Nepal. As per the notice issued by the ministry, Panday’s appointment came into effect from July 17, 2026. Panday has experience working in various national media outlets.

9 Killed, 106 Injured in Nationwide Road Accidents Over 24 Hours

At least nine people were killed and 106 others sustained injuries in traffic accidents across the country over a twenty-four-hour period ending July 20, according to data released by Police. Madhesh Province recorded the highest casualties with three deaths and 46 injuries, followed by Koshi Province with two fatalities and 21 injuries, and Sudurpashchim Province with two deaths and 16 injuries. Lumbini Province and Bagmati Province each reported one fatality, while the Kathmandu Valley recorded seven injuries and Gandaki Province remained entirely accident-free.

2 Poachers Arrested from Chitwan National Park

Police have arrested two alleged poachers from Chitwan National Park today. They are Khadga Narayan Chaudhary, 68, of Madhyabindu Municipality-1 in Nawalparasi (Bardaghat-Susta East) and Tek Bahadur Magar, 52, of Ichchhakamana rural municipality-5 in Chitwan district. Both of them were arrested from Bramhasthanghat of Madhyabindu municipality-3 on the charge of entering the CNP to poach one-horned rhino. A loaded gun was confiscated from them. Meanwhile, during a raid carried out following the arrest, a gun with its ammunition, seven animal trophies and 136 notes of INR 500 denomination were also impounded from the house of Chaudhary. According to the park, a case has been filed at Nawalpur District Court against Chaudhary and Thapa Magar, seeking punishment in accordance with National Park and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1972.

Kabita Nepali Signed for Action Film ‘Ekka Tin’

Model and actress Kabita Nepali has been signed for the Nepali action film ‘Ekka Tin’, finalized on her birthday by director Rupesh Tamang. Joining previously cast leads Pooja Sharma and Pushpa Khadka, Kabita Nepali will feature in intense action sequences alongside Pooja Sharma, completing the film’s primary trio lineup ahead of scheduled filming in August/September this year. Produced under the banners of Juna Films and Adhira Films, the feature is written by Suman Gajmer, marking her return to the action genre following her performance in ‘Eklo’.

Music Production for Nir Shah’s New Film ‘Prince’ Advances

Music production for the new Nepali film ‘Prince’, directed by senior artist and director Nir Shah, is progressing rapidly with the recording of its second song completed. Written by Nir Shah, composed by Shambhujit Baskota, and featuring vocals by Shanti Shree Pariyar and Prashant Sivakoti, the track follows the previous recording of the first song by Shiv Pariyar. Produced under the banner of Red Chilli Fin Tech, the film features a story co-written by Nir Shah and Shivam Officer, with cinematography by Saurav Lama and line production by Pushkar Lama (Prem Bhomjan). Selection processes for remaining cast members and technical teams are currently in their final stages.

Dipendra Singh Airee to Play for Vancouver Anchors in Canada Super-60

Nepali national cricket team all-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee is set to play for the Vancouver Anchors in the upcoming Canada Super-60 cricket league. Welcoming him as a world-class all-rounder, the club highlighted his aggressive batting and effective off-spin bowling as key assets. The 10-over franchise tournament, led by former Indian star all-rounder Yuvraj Singh, is designed to bring international star players and emerging talents together on a single platform, with the franchise officially listed as Vancouver Kings on the league’s website.

Nepal to Face Kazakhstan in CAVA Men’s Volleyball Opener

Nepal will open its CAVA Men’s Volleyball Championship campaign against Kazakhstan this Wednesday in Pakistan, according to the schedule released by the Central Asian Volleyball Association. Running through July 29, the round-robin tournament features six nations Nepal, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka with the top four teams advancing to the semifinals. Nepal has announced a 12-member squad captained by Hari Hajur Thapa, under the guidance of head coach Jagadish Bhatta, assistant coach Rupesh Kumar Bista, and team manager Som Bahadur Shrestha.

9 Dead, 15 Trapped in Sikkim Hydropower Tunnel Collapse

At least nine workers have died and around 15 remain trapped following a tunnel collapse at an under-construction state-run hydropower project on the Teesta River in Sikkim, India. The incident, triggered by a deep underground blast likely linked to heavy monsoon rains, occurred on Monday while 25 to 27 workers were inside. Specialized mining disaster teams have been flown in to lead aggressive rescue operations, but efforts are severely hindered by high concentrations of toxic methane gas leaking from rock formations, requiring responders to rely on specialized oxygen gear.

Trump Imposes 50% Tariff on Canadian Goods

US President Donald Trump has announced a 50 percent tariff on a broad range of imports from Canada, citing what his administration described as unfair Canadian trade practices affecting American automobiles, dairy products, and alcohol. The new duties, set to take effect in 30 days, will apply to many consumer and industrial goods, while products such as energy, potash, critical minerals, and fish remain exempt. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said his government would intensify trade negotiations with Washington. The move marks a sharp escalation in trade tensions between the neighboring countries, with both sides already maintaining tariffs on selected imports.

China, US to Hold First AI Talks

China and the United States are preparing to hold official talks on artificial intelligence (AI) in September, marking the first AI dialogue between the two countries under President Donald Trump’s administration. The discussions are expected to focus on managing risks posed by advanced AI systems, including military applications, cyber threats, and frontier AI models, amid intensifying technological competition. The talks, expected to take place before Chinese President Xi Jinping’s planned US visit later that month, remain in the early planning stage, with participants, venue, and agenda yet to be finalized. Both countries are also weighing new measures to regulate advanced AI technologies.