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 and UN Resident Coordinator Discuss Youth and Climate

Speaker Dol Prasad (DP) Aryal held a courtesy meeting with UN Resident Coordinator Lila Pieters Yahia today, Wednesday, to discuss bilateral cooperation. The dialogue focused on youth participation, gender equality, and climate justice. Speaker Aryal highlighted the significant presence of youth in the current House of Representatives as a milestone for Nepal’s democracy. He emphasized Nepal’s commitment to UN principles and its leading role in peacekeeping missions. Additionally, he sought international support for mountain ecosystems, noting that Nepal faces severe climate impacts despite minimal carbon emissions.

Deputy Speaker Rubi Kumari Thakur Hospitalized 

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rubi Kumari Thakur, has been admitted to KIST Medical College in Lalitpur after she fainted. She was taken to the hospital in an unconscious state on Wednesday morning and is currently undergoing treatment. Doctors said she fainted after developing a mild fever, and her blood sugar level was found to be extremely low upon arrival at the hospital. According to the hospital, her condition is now stable. Physicians have stated that further tests are being conducted to determine the exact cause of the health issue.

Civil Service Records Department Goes Fully Digital

The Department of National Personnel Records (Civil) under the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration transitioned to a fully online service system on Wednesday. Civil servants can now update personal details and register sit-rolls remotely without visiting the department physically. Minister Pratibha Rawal monitored the facility today, directing officials to ensure the technology remains effective and grievance-free. This digital shift aims to streamline administrative processes for thousands of government employees across the country, marking a significant step toward paperless governance and improving the efficiency of personnel record management.

Supreme Court Seeks Explanation on Assets Investigation Commission

The Supreme Court of Nepal has issued a show-cause order over the formation of the Assets Investigation Commission, questioning its legal basis. A bench led by Justice Bal Krishna Dhakal directed the government to justify the decision and placed the case on fast-track hearing. The petition argues that existing bodies such as the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) already hold the mandate to probe assets of public officials and that creating a parallel body raises constitutional concerns. The commission, formed by a Cabinet decision on April 14, is led by former Justice Rajendra Kumar Bhandari to investigate assets of top officials over the past two decades.

Nepal Bar Association Demands Withdrawal of Five Ordinances

The Nepal Bar Association (NBA) issued a statement on Wednesday demanding the immediate withdrawal of five ordinances recommended by the government. The NBA expressed serious concern that bypassing Parliament to issue laws that include those concerning the Constitutional Council, cooperatives, and universities undermines the spirit of the constitution. The association argued that such “rare practices” should not be used as a regular tool when Parliament is in session or recently adjourned. The NBA called the government’s move an act of authoritarianism and urged respect for the legislative process and the principles of constitutionalism.

Army Deploys Rescue Teams in 28 Locations

The Army has deployed disaster response units to 28 locations across the Kathmandu Valley following heavy rainfall. Brigadier General Rajaram Basnet confirmed that troops are active in Changunarayan, where landslides threaten settlements, and in Budhanilkantha, where fallen trees blocked roads. Teams also cleared obstructions under the Bagmati bridge in Chyasal to prevent flooding. Outside the valley, the Srinath Battalion is conducting rescues in Rasuwa, while units in Saptari, Parsa, Rautahat, and Sarlahi are managing inundation and reinforcing dams along the Lalbakeya River to protect local communities.

Traffic Police Collect Rs 2.7 Million Revenue in 24 Hours

The Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police penalized 2,722 drivers for various violations during a 24-hour crackdown ending on Wednesday morning. Spokesperson Naresh Raj Subedi reported that the operations generated Rs 2.7 million in revenue. Violations included 342 lane crosses, 236 ride-sharing infractions, 181 red light jumps, and 46 cases of driving under the influence. Authorities urged passengers to report suspected intoxicated drivers immediately via the 103 or 100 hotlines.

Rabi Lamichhane Issues 12-Point Directive to Lawmakers

Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairman Rabi Lamichhane issued a 12-point directive to party lawmakers and ministers during an informal meeting on Wednesday. The guidelines emphasize a transition from “ruling” to “serving,” prioritizing legal drafting over administrative interference. Lamichhane directed members to improve the Hello Sarkar grievance system and address social issues like inter-caste marriage with dignity. He also stated that the government is working on a special commission for landless squatters to ensure relocation without displacement. He further stressed that the recent ordinances are intended for structural reform rather than political maneuvering.

Nepali Congress Nominates Office Bearers to National Assembly & HoR

Nepali Congress Parliamentary Party Leader Vishmaraj Angdembe has nominated Kamala Devi Panta as the leader of the party’s parliamentary party in the National Assembly. The nomination of Lawmaker Panta was made in accordance with the Statute of the Nepali Congress Parliamentary Party (with amendments and revisions, 2026). Furthermore, according to the Nepali Congress, Leader Angdembe has nominated Abhishek Pratap Shah as the deputy leader of the parliamentary party in the House of Representatives. Additionally, Basana Thapa has been appointed as the chief whip and Nishkal Rai as the whip.

Prachanda Vows Protests Against Government Misconduct

Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda), chairman of the Nepali Communist Party and former prime minister, stated on Wednesday that his party will challenge government errors through both parliament and street protests. Speaking in Nepalgunj while en route to Rukum, Dahal expressed dissatisfaction with the current administration’s performance. He announced plans to form a front with seven other political parties to hold the government accountable. Additionally, Dahal emphasized the need for Nepal to play a more active role in the international community regarding global conflicts, specifically mentioning the situation involving Iran, Israel, and the USA.

Shram Sanskriti Party Opposes Forceful Squatter Evictions

Harka Sampang, Chairman of the Shram Sanskriti Party and a Member of Parliament, has demanded an immediate halt to the forceful removal of landless squatter settlements. In a press release on Wednesday, Sampang argued that destroying homes without providing compensation or relocation violates Article 37 of the Constitution of Nepal. He criticized the government’s “autocratic” approach, stating that using force against the poor undermines democratic values. Sampang urged the state to prioritize human rights and management strategies over displacement, noting that many residents have spent their life savings on these dwellings with historical municipal permission.

Gagan Thapa Criticizes Government Over Ordinances

Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa accused the government of bypassing Parliament by recommending five ordinances to the President. Speaking in Simara on Wednesday, Thapa argued that the government lacks confidence in its own majority and is deceiving the public. He specifically criticized the manipulation of the Constitutional Council and other legislative processes. Thapa claimed that the recent prorogation of Parliament was a strategic move to avoid debate on critical issues, labeling the government’s actions as an assault on democratic norms and the spirit of the constitution.

BP Koirala Cancer Hospital to Appoint Chair via Open Competition

The Ministry of Health and Population has announced an open competition to fill the vacant chairman position at BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital. According to the notice issued on Tuesday, eligible senior physicians must apply within seven days. Candidates require a postgraduate degree in medicine with either 15 years of experience in oncology or 20 years in the general health sector. This marks the first time the three-year term appointment is being conducted through an open application process following the completion of Dr. Bijay Raj Neupane’s tenure.

NRB Restricts Private Media from Anniversary Ceremony

Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) celebrated its 71st anniversary on Monday by inviting only state-owned media and excluding private press for the first time. NRB Spokesperson Guru Poudel confirmed the restriction but did not provide a specific reason for the move. The exclusion follows a federal directive to prioritize government advertisements for state media. During the event, members of the NRB Employees’ Union protested with black banners, demanding timely promotions. Governor Biswo Nath Poudel has faced criticism from staff for administrative delays nearly one year into his appointment.

Artists Protest Against Ban on Film ‘Lalibazar’

Artists and film industry organizations held a peaceful protest at Maitighar Mandala in Kathmandu on Wednesday to protect freedom of expression. The demonstration follows a Patan High Court order issued on April 26, which halted the screening of the film Lalibazar until May 5. The court acted on a petition regarding the portrayal of the ‘Badi community.’ Protesters, including members of the Nepal Film Association and Directors Guild, wore black armbands for 15 minutes. They argued that judicial intervention in creative works stifles artistic liberty and expression.

Renowned Art Director Pasang T. Sherpa Passes Away

Veteran art director and comedian Pasang T. Sherpa passed away at age 59 on Tuesday, while undergoing treatment for liver complications. Over a four-decade career, Sherpa worked on more than 300 films, including classics like Dharma Sankat and recent hits like Jhinge Dau. He began his journey in television and video films before debuting on the big screen in the movie Prithvi. His funeral is scheduled for Thursday noon at Teku Ghat, following a final tribute at the Sherpa Monastery in Boudha. He is survived by two daughters and four sons.

Oman Defeats Nepal by 102 Runs in World Cup League-2

Oman secured a dominant 102-run victory over Nepal via the DLS method in the ICC World Cup Cricket League-2 on Wednesday. Batting first at the TU Ground in Kirtipur, Oman posted a massive total of 305/8, powered by captain Jatinder Singh’s 130 runs off 96 balls. In response, Nepal was struggling at 155/7 in 36.5 overs when rain stopped play permanently. Dipendra Singh Airee top-scored for Nepal with 60 runs, while Sompal Kami took 4 wickets in the first innings.

Nepal Police Club Reaches PM Cup Volleyball Final

The Nepal Police Club advanced to the final of the PM Cup NVA Volleyball League after defeating APF Club 3–1 on Wednesday. In a departmental derby at the NSC-covered hall, Police secured the win with set scores of 21–25, 25–19, 29–27, and 25–21. They are now set to face New Diamond Sports Club in the championship match. In another women’s league fixture today, Everest Volleyball Club defeated Tribhuvan Army Club 3–1. The tournament remains one of the premier domestic volleyball competitions, determining the top departmental and private clubs in the country.

Bronze-Winning Women’s Kabaddi Team Returns Home

The Nepalese women’s kabaddi team returned home on Wednesday after winning a bronze medal at the 6th Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China. The team, captained by Manmati Bista, remained undefeated in the group stage, beating Chinese Taipei, Thailand, and Bangladesh before losing to Sri Lanka in the semifinals. Minister for Youth and Sports Sasmit Pokharel welcomed the athletes at Tribhuvan International Airport. This success follows the team’s previous bronze medal at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, further establishing Nepal as a competitive force in international women’s kabaddi.

Kim Jong Un Praises North Korean Troops for Self-Destruction in Ukraine War

North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un has praised soldiers who killed themselves in combat while fighting for Russia against Ukraine, reinforcing reports of a battlefield directive to avoid capture. Speaking in Pyongyang, he described such actions as acts of loyalty and sacrifice while unveiling a memorial for fallen troops. South Korea estimates that about 15,000 North Korean troops have been deployed, with over 6,000 killed, though neither Moscow nor Pyongyang has confirmed the figures. Intelligence reports have indicated that soldiers were instructed to take their own lives rather than be captured. The remarks come as military cooperation between North Korea and Russia deepens amid the ongoing conflict.

King Charles Visits New York to Honor 9/11 Victims Amid US-UK Tensions

The United Kingdom’s King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrived in New York on Wednesday to honor victims of the September 11, 2001, attacks at a memorial ceremony in lower Manhattan, as part of their four-day state visit to the United States. The visit follows a high-level day in Washington, DC, where King Charles addressed Congress and held talks with US President Donald Trump amid tensions with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer over the Iran conflict. In New York, the King is also scheduled to meet city leaders and visit community initiatives, while Queen Camilla will attend a literary engagement, as the visit blends diplomacy, commemoration, and cultural outreach.

China Pushes Economic Case for Taiwan Unification as Tensions Persist

China has renewed efforts to promote “peaceful reunification” with Taiwan, arguing the island would gain major economic benefits from access to the mainland’s vast market. Speaking in Beijing, spokesperson Chen Binhua said integration would boost investment and growth, presenting it as a key opportunity for Taiwan’s economy. The proposal has been rejected by Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te, who maintains that only Taiwan’s people can decide their future and has called for stronger defense capabilities. Taiwan’s government also criticized Beijing, pointing to internal economic challenges in mainland China. The exchange comes amid rising tensions, with China increasing military activity around the Taiwan Strait and continuing pressure on the self-governed island.