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.

RSP, RPP Boycott Parliament Over ‘Visit Visa’ Probe Dispute: The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) boycotted today’s House of Representatives meeting, accusing the government of ignoring their demand for a high-level investigation into the ‘visit visa’ scandal. As the session began, RSP lawmaker Sobita Gautam announced that the boycott would persist until a high-level commission or parliamentary investigation committee is formed to probe the visit visa issue. RPP MP Anisha Nepali accused the government of stalling the investigation by setting up a general committee instead of a high-level one. After statements by MPs Gautam and Nepali, lawmakers from RSP and RPP walked out of the parliament chamber, reaffirming their joint demand for a high-level or parliamentary probe into the visit visa misuse case.

‘I Didn’t Say PM’s Delegates Went Missing’: Sobita Gautam Defends Remarks: Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) lawmaker Sobita Gautam clarified in Wednesday’s House session that she never said the people who accompanied Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to Spain had not returned. Gautam explained that she was referring to individuals who traveled using fake documents to attend the same event in Spain, not the official delegation with the Prime Minister. She said the event the Prime Minister attended was large-scale, attracting many Nepalis who traveled using forged documents under the guise of institutional affiliation. Gautam expressed dissatisfaction over the misinterpretation of her Tuesday remarks in Parliament and objected to criticisms based on those misunderstandings.

Home Minister Lekhak Questions Rabi Lamichhane’s US Visit Visa Status: Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has called on the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) to clarify whether party president Rabi Lamichhane had traveled to the United States on a visit visa. Speaking in Wednesday’s House meeting, Minister Lekhak said he had heard that Lamichhane had gone to the US as a visitor and asked the party to provide clarification on the type of visa he used. Lekhak questioned whether Lamichhane went to the US on a visitor visa, and if not, asked what type of visa he actually used. The Home Minister further asked whether it is possible to settle in a country and acquire its citizenship while holding only a visit visa.

Preliminary Findings Link Rasuwa Flood to Tibetan Glacier Lake Outburst: Based on satellite image analysis, preliminary findings suggest that the recent flood in Rasuwa was caused by the outburst of a glacier lake in the Tibetan region. Several institutions studying climate change and weather patterns have concluded that the flood resulted from the bursting of a ‘supraglacial’ lake in Tibet. The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has confirmed a strong possibility of a glacier lake outburst causing the flood, although investigations are ongoing to identify the exact lake involved. An independent team of experts has also verified these findings.

MPs Press Govt on Fertilizer Crisis and Disaster Preparedness: In Wednesday’s House of Representatives session, lawmakers pressed the government to address the growing fertilizer crisis and improve disaster preparedness. MPs highlighted flood damage in Rasuwa and drought in the Tarai-Madhes, calling for timely access to fertilizer, seeds, irrigation, and early warning systems. Rekha Sharma cited poor flood preparedness; Lal Prasad Sawa Limbu and Mahesh Bartaula urged urgent plans to ensure fertilizer supply. Yogendra Mandal and Renu Kumari Balampaki Magar stressed supporting farmers and disaster mitigation. Rajan Kumar KC criticized the misuse of trained security forces for VIP protection. Rajendra Rai noted the inadequate budget for citizen housing.

Disaster Executive Committee Decides to Request China to Reopen Miteri Bridge in Rasuwa: The Disaster Management Executive Committee has decided to urge China to reopen the Miteri Bridge in Rasuwa. The decision was made during the council meeting held on Tuesday evening. Dinesh Bhatta, Executive Director of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, briefed the media on Wednesday, explaining that the Miteri Bridge is a key crossing point between Nepal and China. He noted that since the road construction on the Chinese side was originally built with China’s assistance, the council has resolved to request China’s cooperation to restore the bridge promptly.

Special Court Awarded International ISO 9001:2015 Certification: The Special Court has received the international ISO 9001:2015 certification, recognizing the quality of its administrative services. The announcement was made during a program held on Wednesday to evaluate the court’s service delivery. Tek Narayan Kunwar, Chairperson of the Special Court, stated that the certification was granted based on the assessment of the court’s administration rather than judicial functions. He called this achievement a significant milestone and pledged to further improve the court’s administrative efficiency. Chairperson Kunwar also highlighted the court’s focus on timely case management and implementation of verdicts.

Rastriya Prajatantra Party Removes Sagun Sundar Lawati as Spokesperson: The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) has dismissed Sagun Sundar Lawati from the position of party spokesperson. Party President Rajendra Lingden, through Chief of Publicity and Spokesperson Mohan Kumar Shrestha, confirmed the decision. According to a party leader, Lawati was removed due to activities against the party’s interests. The leader stated, “After confirmation that he was involved in spreading misleading news about the party and leadership, as well as engaging in efforts to create division between President Lingden and Pashupati Shamsher JBR, Lawati was relieved from his spokesperson duties.”

Prof. Dr. Deepak Aryal Appointed Vice-Chancellor of Tribhuvan University: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who serves as Chancellor of Tribhuvan University, has appointed Prof. Dr. Deepak Aryal to the vacant Vice-Chancellor position. On Asar 23 (July 9), a recommendation committee led by Education, Science, and Technology Minister Raghuji Panta submitted three names to Prime Minister Oli for the Vice-Chancellor post. The nominees were, in alphabetical order, the current acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Khadga KC, former Dean of the Science Faculty Prof. Dr. Binil Aryal, and former head of the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology Dr. Deepak Aryal.

Nepali Congress Expels Lumbini Province General Secretary Bikram Khanal for One Year: Nepali Congress has expelled its Lumbini Province General Secretary, Bikram Khanal, from the party for one year, stripping him of even general membership. The disciplinary action was confirmed by Anand Dhungana, coordinator of the party’s Central Disciplinary Committee. Khanal has been accused of working against the party’s official candidate during the last election. The complaint was filed by Nepali Congress lawmaker and industrialist Binod Chaudhary, who alleged that Khanal undermined party interests during the campaign. Coordinator Dhungana stated that Khanal reserves the right to appeal the decision.

Former Major General Prem Shahi withdraws SC petition against dismissal: Former Major General Prem Shahi has withdrawn his petition filed at the Supreme Court challenging the military court’s decision to dismiss him during the tenure of then-Chief of Army Staff Prabhu Ram Sharma. Shahi, considered close to former Army Chief Purna Chandra Thapa, had earlier alleged that the action taken against him during Sharma’s leadership was motivated by ill intent. However, after Sharma’s retirement and the appointment of Ashok Sigdel as the new Army Chief, Shahi decided to retract his legal challenge. A few weeks ago, Shahi submitted a formal request to withdraw the writ petition.

Patan High Court Issues Interim Order Allowing Kathmandu Tower Construction to Continue: The Patan High Court has issued an interim order directing the Kathmandu Metropolitan City not to halt the construction of the Kathmandu Tower at the Old Bus Park site. The decision comes in response to a petition filed by Swachhanda Bikoi Builders after the metropolis ordered a stop to construction through a letter dated 9 Magh, 2081. A single bench of Judge Prakash Kharel issued the interim order, clearing the way for the contractor to continue building the tower despite the earlier municipal directive.

NEPSE Crosses 2,700 on Wednesday as Banking Sector Leads Market Rally: The stock market surged again on Wednesday, with the NEPSE index surpassing 2,700 points. Compared to the previous trading day, the index rose by 22.04 points to reach 2,705. Share prices of 199 companies increased, while 49 declined. Trading volume also saw a rise—from Rs 6.57 billion on the previous day to Rs 7.45 billion today. The banking sector, considered the most influential, led the rally with a gain of 1.68 percent. Other sectors also posted gains: development banks rose by 0.34%, hotels and tourism by 0.28%, hydropower by 0.54%, investment by 1.37%, life insurance by 0.24%, manufacturing and processing by 0.95%, microfinance by 0.85%, non-life insurance by 0.24%, others by 0.30%, and trading by 0.34%.

Government Must Settle Most Payments by Wednesday, Says Comptroller’s Office: Today (Wednesday) marks the final day for government bodies to make payments for expenditures under the current fiscal year 2081/82 (2024/25). The Office of the Comptroller General has prohibited public institutions from issuing checks after Asar 25 (July 9), except for essential payments. This means that all expenditures—other than absolutely necessary ones—must be settled by Wednesday. As of Tuesday, the government had only utilized 78.84 percent of its allocated budget.

Finance Ministry Directs NEPSE Restructuring Amid Repeated Study Recommendations: About two months ago, the Ministry of Finance sent a letter to the Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) to proceed with the restructuring of NEPSE. Multiple reports have consistently recommended such reform. The Economic Reform Commission, led by Rameshwor Khanal and formed by the government on Ashoj 20, 2081 BS, also advised restructuring to improve the national economy. Despite repeated recommendations, the Finance Ministry’s response so far has been limited to formal directives.

Rs 3 billion Rasuwagadhi Border Point in Crisis After Flood Destroys Infrastructure: The Rasuwagadhi border point, built with nearly Rs 3 billion investment to boost trade with northern neighbor China, now faces an existential crisis. A flash flood on Tuesday morning swept away the Nepal-China Friendship Bridge and caused major damage to customs infrastructure. Customs officer Rabindra Pyakurel said the site has regressed “by 10 years” in terms of physical facilities. A detailed damage assessment is still underway.

Supreme Court Orders CSR Funds Be Spent Only on Poor and Marginalized Groups: The Supreme Court has ruled that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds from banks, financial institutions, and businesses must not be used for infrastructure but instead solely for upliftment of the poor and marginalized. Justices Hari Prasad Phuyal and Nripadhwaj Niraula stated that CSR funds earmarked for social responsibility must be directed toward targeted social welfare.

Actress Sanisha Bhattarai Makes Successful Leap from Film to Theater: Sanisha Bhattarai, who entered the arts scene a few years ago through music videos, has made her film debut with last year’s “12 Gaun.” Her second film, Narsimha Avatar, was recently screened and received good reviews, establishing her as a promising actress in a short time. Sanisha is currently preparing for the lead role of ‘Sakambari’ in the play adaptation of Parijat’s famous novel “Shirishko Phool,” produced by Kantipur Theater. The rehearsal workshop is underway, with Sanisha actively involved as she transitions from screen to stage.

Actors Dhiraj Magar and Miruna Magar Paired in Upcoming Film ‘Maijharo’ : Comedian Wilson Bikram Rai, popularly known as ‘Takmebudha,’ is directing the film Maijharo, which will star actor Dhiraj Magar and actress Miruna Magar as the lead pair. The production team has confirmed Miruna as the lead actress, joining Dhiraj Magar who was already signed on for the film. The production unit has promised to reveal other cast members shortly. The film is written by Takmebudha himself and produced under the Takme Production banner. The soundtrack will feature music by Anmol Gurung and Torempa Hang Rai, with cinematography by Saurabh Lama. Maijharo is set to begin shooting from the first week of the Nepali month Saun.

Film Development Board’s Real-Time Box Office System Faces Challenges: The Film Development Board launched the real-time box office management system on 16 Asar (June 30), but it remains ineffective as many cinemas across the country have not submitted their data. Chairman Dinesh Darii has issued a directive to all 166 cinema halls nationwide, mandating the submission of box office data. The Board warned that cinemas failing to provide the required data will be considered in violation of law and will face penalties under the film regulation and related acts. The umbrella organization of exhibitors, the Film Association, has also been formally notified to enforce compliance among its members.

Prime Minister Oli Honors Medal-Winning Athletes, Coaches, and Officials: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli presented honors and cash awards on Wednesday to athletes, coaches, and managers who won medals at various international competitions. At a program organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports at the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar, Vijay Sinjali, who won a bronze medal at the Third Taulo World Cup held in Japan in October 2024 under the Japan Wushu Taiji Federation, was awarded Rs 6.5 million in cash and a certificate. Similarly, players including Manmati Bista, who won bronze at the Sixth Asian Kabaddi Championship (Women) held in Iran received Rs 150,000 each as a prize.

36 Players Dropped from Nepal’s Preliminary U-23 Squad for AFC Qualifiers: The Nepal U-23 national football team, preparing for the AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers, has dropped 36 players, including forward Sameer Tamang, from the preliminary squad. Head coach Nabin Neupane has invited 53 players for the second phase of the selection. Among them are 8 goalkeepers including Jiyarath Sheikh, 21 defenders, 16 midfielders, and 8 forwards. Nepal has been drawn in Group ‘K’ alongside Tajikistan, Syria, and the Philippines for the qualification matches. According to the AFC, Group ‘K’ matches will take place in Tajikistan. The qualifying matches will be held from September 1 to 9.

Player Registration Opens for Second Season of Nepal Kabaddi League (NKL): Player registration has opened for the second season of the Nepal Kabaddi League (NKL), according to the organizer Astronix. Players can register through the Nepal Kabaddi League’s official website. The registration process will remain open until Shrawan 21, the organizers stated. The NKL is organized in a franchise format, and preparations for the second season are now in progress. Astronix has signed a 10-year agreement with the All-Nepal Kabaddi Association to organize the league. Janakpur Knights emerged as the unbeaten champions of the first season of the Nepal Kabaddi League.

Days After Texas Floods, at Least 161 People Are Still Missing in One County: At least 161 people are still missing in a single Texas county four days after deadly and devastating flash floods hit parts of the state last week, Governor Greg Abbott said, as hope fades for survivors to be found alive. The missing in the hard-hit Kerr County include five campers and one counsellor from Camp Mystic, a Christian all-girls summer camp located on the banks of Guadalupe river. At least 109 people have died in the disaster, including 94 in the Kerrville area alone, Abbott said in a news conference on Tuesday.

Israel Bombs Gaza Refugee Camp; Trump, Netanyahu Meet for Second Time: United States President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have met for the second time in 24 hours about a ceasefire in Gaza, but there appears to be no breakthrough. Israeli forces continue to pound Gaza, hitting a refugee camp after a day of attacks that killed at least 95 Palestinians. The UN has warned that the fuel crisis in Gaza due to the Israeli blockade has reached a “critical point” and will cause further deaths and suffering in the besieged Palestinian territory.

Russia Launches Largest Missile and Drone Attack of Ukraine War, Kyiv Says: Kyiv said on Wednesday that Russia had launched the largest missile and drone attack of Moscow’s more than three-year invasion of Ukraine, mainly targeting the west of the country. The Ukrainian air force said that Russia had attacked with 728 drones and 13 missiles, adding that its air defense systems intercepted 711 drones and that at least seven missiles were destroyed. “This is a telling attack – and it comes precisely at a time when so many efforts have been made to achieve peace, to establish a ceasefire, and yet only Russia continues to rebuff them all,” Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on social media.