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.

Arnico Panday Taken Into Police Custody

The police have taken Arnico Kumar Panday, a former central committee member of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and ex-member of the National Planning Commission, into custody. The Cyber Bureau of Nepal Police detained him on Wednesday. According to Cyber Bureau spokesperson Deepak Awasthi, Panday was taken into custody following a complaint that he had allegedly harassed a woman online.

Supreme Court Orders Documents in Case on PM’s Confidence Vote

The Supreme Court has ordered the submission of documents in connection with a writ petition demanding that the Prime Minister seek a vote of confidence following the withdrawal of support by the Nagarik Unmukti Party (NUP). On Wednesday, a bench of Justices Mahesh Sharma Paudel and Nripadhwaj Niraula directed the Parliament Secretariat to furnish both the letter submitted by the NUP withdrawing its support to the government and the subsequent letter reinstating that support.

Teachers’ Federation Stages Sit-in at Nepali Congress Office

The Nepal Teachers’ Federation staged a sit-in protest today at the Nepali Congress party office in Sanepa. As part of the first phase of its protest program, the Federation held the demonstration, which will continue until 2 p.m. The group also submitted a memorandum of demands. According to Federation president Laxmi Kishor Subedi, further sit-ins are planned: at the CPN-UML central office in Chyasal on Thursday, and at the Maoist Centre’s central office in Paris Danda on Friday. The Federation has demanded amendments to the bill in line with the agreements previously reached in the House of Representatives and the National Assembly.

Supreme Court’s Constitutional Bench Reconstituted After Two Months

The Supreme Court’s Constitutional Bench has resumed work after nearly two months of inactivity. Chief Justice Prakashman Singh Raut personally selected judges for the bench, breaking with the traditional seniority-based system. The bench had been stalled due to disagreements over its formation. Previously, judges were appointed strictly by seniority, but differences between the Chief Justice and other judges had delayed hearings. Some senior justices, including Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla, had opposed the change. Fifteen cases are scheduled this week.

Protest Against Embossed Number Plates in Kathmandu

The government’s rollout of embossed vehicle number plates from September 17 has faced public opposition. On Wednesday, the civic group ‘Jaaga Nepali’ staged a protest near Everest Hotel in New Baneshwor, opposing the government’s move. The protesters accused the government of attempting to erase Nepal’s identity by imposing the embossed plates. Participants carried placards and raised slogans such as demanding the protection of the Devanagari script, the repeal of embossed number plates, investigation into corruption, safeguarding personal data of Nepali citizens, and ensuring the protection of Nepal’s languages, scripts, and culture.

High Court Orders Supplementary Report in Rabi Lamichhane Case

The Butwal bench of Tulsipur High Court has ordered the retrieval of a supplementary report in the case of Rabi Lamichhane, President of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). On Wednesday, the bench led by Justice Sagar Bista issued the order. Rabi had filed a petition at the High Court seeking release after paying compensation in a cooperative fraud case. Previously, he had submitted the same petition to the Rupandehi District Court, which had ruled that his demand could not be granted.

UML Central Committee Member Ain Mahar Arrested

CPN-UML central committee member Ain Mahar has been arrested following a complaint related to cybercrime. The complaint, initially received via postal service, reached the Cyber Bureau, and Mahar was taken into custody by the police on Wednesday. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ajay KC of the Cyber Bureau confirmed Mahar’s arrest, stating, “He has now been taken to Kathmandu District Court for an extension of the investigation.” He was the UML candidate from Bajhang in the 2022 elections, where he was defeated by Bhanubhakta Joshi of the CPN (Unified Socialist).

Scrap Dealers Continue Protest Against Kathmandu Metropolitan for Third Day

Scrap dealers in Kathmandu continued their protest for the third consecutive day on Wednesday, alleging harassment by the Kathmandu Metropolitan City. The demonstration, which began at Bhukutimandap, reached the city office in Kamaladi, where protesters surrounded the municipal building. Ramkewal Gupta, president of the Scrap Dealers’ Struggle Committee, stated that the protest is peaceful and in response to Mayor Balendra Shah allegedly mistreating scrap dealers, in violation of a Supreme Court order. The protesters demanded that the Supreme Court directive be respected and that they be allowed to conduct business in a safe and peaceful environment.

Prachanda Says System Favoring Numbers Over Wisdom Hinders Struggle

Chairman of the CPN (Maoist Centre) and former Prime Minister Pushpakamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ said that a system prioritizing numerical strength over wisdom has made their political struggle more difficult. Speaking at the launch and discussion of Nabaraj Pudasaini ‘Gurans’’s book “Sangharshma Siranachok” in Kathmandu on Wednesday, Prachanda stated, “If the values established during the People’s War and Maoist movement had been implemented in schools, colleges, villages, and cities, the anarchy and disorder we see today could have been avoided. The system that values numbers over wisdom has made our struggle harder.”

Cholera Case Confirmed in Bara, 55-Year-Old Man Under Treatment

A case of cholera has been confirmed in Bara district. According to Ram Naresh Yadav, Chief of the District Health Office, Bara, the infection was detected in a diarrheal patient undergoing treatment at Kalaiya Hospital on Wednesday. The patient is a 55-year-old man from Kalaiya Sub-Metropolitan City. He developed sudden symptoms of diarrhea on Sunday and was admitted to Kalaiya Hospital, where laboratory tests later confirmed cholera infection. Following the confirmation, health workers have been mobilized to the patient’s village to monitor whether other residents are showing symptoms of diarrhea.

Rhino Census to Resume This Year After Donor Setback

The planned rhino census, which was halted last fiscal year due to insufficient donor support, is set to resume this year. The Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation has allocated a budget for the program. Tiger censuses are conducted every four years, and following the same pattern, tigers will be counted this fiscal year. The census is scheduled to begin in November and will take about three months, while the one-horned rhino count is planned for Chaitra and will take around one month.

12 Injured, Three Critical in Jeep Accident in Baitadi

Twelve people were injured, three of them critically, when a Bolero jeep met with an accident near the road leading to Ishwarigangadhām, close to the Baitadi district headquarters, on Wednesday afternoon. The SE 1 JA 245-numbered Bolero jeep belonging to Ugratara Yatayat, which had left Gothalapani for Khodpe in Patan Municipality–8, skidded about 30 meters off the road at around 2:15 p.m. According to District Police Office Baitadi spokesperson Inspector Baldev Badu, the injured were rescued and taken to the District Hospital. He added that the list of the injured is being compiled.

NEPSE Jumps 53 Points on Wednesday

On Wednesday, the share market rose sharply. Compared to the previous day, the NEPSE index increased by 53.01 points, reaching 2,819 points. At the start of trading, the market initially fell to 2,768 points by 11:15 a.m., but gains continued steadily until the close of the session. Alongside the rise in the market, trading volume also increased. While the total turnover was Rs 418 million the previous day, it rose to Rs 768 million today. Out of the listed companies, 232 saw their share prices increase, while 19 experienced a decline. All sectoral indices registered growth. Development banks led the gains with a 3.40% increase.

NRB Withdraws Rs 45 Billion in Deposits

Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) withdrew Rs 45 billion in deposits today due to excess liquidity in the financial system. The central bank used an auction mechanism to absorb liquidity. Total deposits have now exceeded Rs 7.2 trillion. Only banks and financial institutions categorized as “A,” “B,” and “C” with NRB approval were allowed to participate in this auction. NRB has been using deposit collection tools and standing deposit facilities to manage liquidity and interest rates.

Government Pays Rs 30.5 Billion Debt in First Month of FY 2025/26

In the first month of fiscal year 2025/26, the government paid Rs 30.5 billion in debt. According to the Public Debt Management Office, Rs 27.1 billion was for domestic debt and Rs 3.45 billion for foreign debt. The government plans to pay Rs 3.02 trillion in debt for the current fiscal year. Additionally, the government borrowed Rs 4.457 billion in the first month of current fiscal year, including Rs 4 billion domestic and Rs 457 million foreign debt.

Commercial Banks Reduce Deposits Amid Lower Interest Rates

Following a drop in deposit rates, commercial banks have reduced their deposits with the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB). Despite the excess liquidity, NRB has already conducted four deposit collection operations between mid-July and late August. Banks are now keeping reduced amounts in 31-day, 25-day, and 21-day deposit instruments. At the start of the new fiscal year, NRB’s revised system lowered deposit rates by up to 0.25%.

CDSC Issues New Guidelines to Streamline Capital Market

CDS and Clearing Limited (CDSC) has introduced a new directive titled “Securities Dematerialization Operation Guidelines–2025” to regulate the capital market. The directive was unanimously passed at a CDSC board meeting on July 27 and sent to the Securities Board of Nepal for approval. However, the directive has not yet been approved even after a month. Sources indicate that the guideline, though unanimously approved by the CDSC board, is still under study at the Securities Board.

Nepali Film ‘Mahadasha’ Announced in Kathmandu

The Nepali film ‘Mahadasha’ was officially announced on Wednesday at Raja Lounge, Bishwajyoti Mall, Jamal, Kathmandu, where a pre-teaser was also released. The film will be directed by debutant Kiran Nepali and produced by Lekali Entertainment. Cast members include Pramod Agrahari, Prema Lamgadh, and Hakim Gurung, with further casting details to be revealed later.

Singer Komal Oli Performs as AAMA Hosts Teej in London

This year, the Asian Women’s Association (AAMA) organized a Teej program at the Empire Hall in London, attended by over 500 women. The event featured a special performance by singer Komal Oli and mesmerizing dances by artists including Arushi Magar and Sangita Gaire, entertaining the audience. This marked the first Teej special program at the Nepali Embassy in London in nearly three years.

Filming Begins for Nepali Movie ‘Acharya’ in India

The shooting of the Nepali film ‘Acharya’ has started from Tuesday in Durgapur, West Bengal, India. Actor-director Nikhil Upreti leads the project. According to actress Sanchita Luitel, scenes featuring Nikhil Upreti, Indian actress Purnika Sijapati, and others have been shot, with additional filming scheduled in Kathmandu and Syangja. The film stars Pramod Agrahari, Kameshwar Chaurasiya, Bishal Pahari, and others. Sanchita Luitel will make her debut as a dance director, choreographing one of the songs.

Film ‘Kanyadaan’ Announced; Focus on Socially Sensitive Issues

‘Planet Three Films’ announced the production of the Nepali movie ‘Kanyadaan’ on the occasion of Teej. Directed by Arjun Subedi, whose previous film ‘Soltini’ awaits release, the film addresses socially sensitive topics, focusing on the challenges faced by widowed women. The movie emphasizes the theme: “Every widow deserves a second chance.” The script is co-written by Kumar Bhattarai and Arjun Subedi. ‘Planet Three Films’ will serve as the main production house.

Nepal Crashes Out of SAFF U-17 Women’s Championship After 4–1 Defeat to Bangladesh

Nepal has been eliminated from the ongoing SAFF U-17 Women’s Championship in Bhutan after suffering a 4–1 loss to Bangladesh in Thimphu’s Changlimithang Stadium on Wednesday. The defeat marked Nepal’s second straight loss against Bangladesh and left the team out of contention for the title. Bangladesh’s Sorovi Akhand Priti was the star of the match, scoring a hat-trick with goals in the 38th, 45th, and 87th minutes, while Thuinue Marma added another in the 73rd minute. Nepal’s Bhumika Budhathoki scored a consolation goal during injury time of the first half, bringing the score to 2–1 before Bangladesh pulled away in the second half.

High Court Orders ANFA Not to Bar Former President Thapa from Football

The Patan High Court has directed the All-Nepal Football Association (ANFA) not to prevent former ANFA president Ganesh Thapa from participating in football activities. Thapa had filed a case in the Patan High Court, claiming that ANFA continued to bar him from football despite the expiration of a 10-year ban previously imposed by FIFA. The court noted, “Since FIFA’s 10-year sanction against the petitioner has already ended, and ANFA has attempted to impose further penalties on the same matter, it amounts to double jeopardy. Repeated punishment for the same issue is not permissible under legal principles.”

ANFA to Discuss Resuming ‘A’ Division League After Player Pressure

Following pressure from players and football supporters, the All-Nepal Football Association (ANFA) has indicated plans to hold the Martyrs’ Memorial ‘A’ Division League this year. On Wednesday, ANFA sent letters to the 14 clubs in the ‘A’ Division, summoning them for a meeting to discuss the league. The discussion is scheduled for August 31, where the association will consult clubs on the league’s organization. Currently, the ‘A’ Division features 14 clubs.

Decades-Old Sports Federations Struggle with Minimal Achievements

Nepal’s national sports federations have a long history, with some established even before the National Sports Council. However, despite decades of existence, their contributions to Nepali sports remain minimal. Several well-known federations have celebrated their 78th anniversaries, yet their impact on player development, international achievements, and physical infrastructure has been disappointing. The situation is so dire that some federations with more than half a century of history still do not even have a proper office building.

Israel Starves 10 More Palestinians to Death in Gaza

Gaza’s Health Ministry has recorded 10 deaths “due to famine and malnutrition” over the past 24 hours, including two children, bringing the total number of hunger-related deaths to 313, 119 of whom were children. Israel is using overwhelming force in its push to occupy Gaza City, with tanks and warplanes levelling entire blocks, according to Al Jazeera’s team on the ground. At least 23 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks across Gaza since dawn, including four aid seekers, medical sources said.

Over 32,500 Evacuated as India’s Water Release Triggers Floods in Pakistan 

Authorities in Pakistan’s Punjab province have so far evacuated over 32,500 people as rivers face “exceptionally high” floods due to heavy monsoon rains and water released by India. The army has been called in to assist in eight districts. Officials warn that flood levels in the Indus River are expected to reach a “very high” level in Sindh on September 4 and 5, as the water moves downstream.

Trump’s Double Tariffs on Indian Imports Come Into Effect

The Trump administration has doubled tariffs on many Indian imports to as much as 50%, effective Wednesday, to punish New Delhi for its continued purchase of Russian oil. The tariffs, among the highest faced by any US trading partner, are expected to deliver a serious blow to bilateral ties. Indian exporters of textiles, seafood, and jewelry are already reporting canceled orders, raising fears of job cuts as a result of the move.

Russian Strikes Kill Three, Cut Power to Over 100,000 in Ukraine 

On Wednesday, Russian strikes across Ukraine killed three people and left over 100,000 households without power. The Ukrainian energy ministry reported that energy and gas infrastructure in six regions were attacked, which Kyiv described as a “deliberate policy of destroying civilian infrastructure” ahead of the heating season. One person was killed in the regional capital of Kherson, and two farm employees died in a separate attack in the same region.