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.

Nepal and Norway Reaffirm Cooperation in Energy, Governance, and Development

Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav met Norway’s Ambassador to Nepal Dagny Mjøs in Kathmandu on Wednesday, where both sides discussed bilateral relations and future cooperation. The vice president highlighted long-standing ties since 1973 and emphasized shared values of democracy, human rights, and social justice. He appreciated Norway’s support in renewable energy, education, and governance, while expressing confidence in deeper cooperation ahead. Ambassador Mjøs reiterated Norway’s commitment to continued partnership in development sectors and expressed readiness to expand collaboration, including in international forums and Nepal’s priority reform areas.

Youth Murdered in Kirtipur Khukuri Attack

A youth named Bipin Ghimire, originally from Gulmi, was killed in a khukuri attack in Podetol, Kirtipur. According to the District Police Range Kathmandu, three individuals were involved in the assault. Ghimire succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment at Kirtipur Hospital. Police have identified the suspects, who were reportedly known to the victim, and are currently conducting a search for them.

Parliamentary Committee to Inspect Squatter Holding Centers

The Law, Justice, and Human Rights Committee of the House of Representatives is scheduled to inspect holding centers for displaced squatters this Thursday. Temporary centers have been established at the Radha Soami Satsang Beas in Kirtipur and the NEA and ADB Training Centers in Bhaktapur following evictions from Kathmandu riverbanks. While the committee initially planned to bring journalists to monitor human rights conditions, the government has reportedly denied permission for media access to the holding centers.

Gagan Thapa criticized Balen over Chief Justice Appointing

Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa criticized the government’s approach to appointing the next Chief Justice, alleging that the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is attempting to bypass established deliberative processes. Following Prime Minister Balen Shah’s call for a Constitutional Council meeting this Thursday, Thapa claimed the government is using an ordinance to gain control over the council. He argued that the current process mirrors controversial tactics used by previous administrations to appoint favored individuals rather than following merit-based selection.

Dr. Jagadish Prasad Agrawal Appointed Honorary Health Advisor to PM

The Council of Ministers on Tuesday appointed Prof. Dr. Jagadish Prasad Agrawal, former Dean of the Institute of Medicine (IOM), as the Honorary Health Advisor to Prime Minister Balen Shah. Dr. Agrawal will provide technical expertise on health policy, public health challenges, and medical education reforms without receiving a salary or financial benefits. His appointment is viewed as a strategic move to prioritize public health initiatives within the Prime Minister’s administration.

Protests Erupt in Jhapa Over Eviction of Landless Squatters

Residents in Jhapa Constituency No. 5 held protests in Damak and Kamal Rural Municipality on Monday and Wednesday against the government’s use of dozers to clear squatter settlements. Protesters, organized by the All Nepal Squatters Association, demanded alternative housing before being evicted from long-standing residences. In Damak alone, approximately 6,400 landless families are affected. While local officials in Kamal have pledged not to use dozers during unfavorable weather, tension remains high following the displacement of similar communities in Kathmandu.

Government Scraps Registration of 12 Trade Unions

The Department of Labor and Occupational Safety on Wednesday canceled the registration of 12 trade unions under the Civil Service Act, 1992, and the Health Service Act. This follows a government ordinance aimed at dissolving partisan civil service and national-level trade unions. Dissolved organizations include the Nepal Civil Service Organization, Nepal Civil Service Union, Nepal Health Workers Union, and the Madhesi Health Workers Forum, among others.

Search Committee Formed for University Vice-Chancellor Appointments

Prime Minister Balen Shah has formed a three-member recommendation committee, chaired by Education Minister Sasmit Pokharel, to appoint Vice-Chancellors across various universities. The committee includes the Education Secretary and a member of the National Planning Commission. For the first time, the government plans to appoint these officials through an open competitive process. Candidates must hold a PhD and have at least 10 years of experience in research or academia. Until permanent appointments are made, acting Vice-Chancellors will be selected from among university deans.

Singha Durbar Canteen Fined for Selling Expired Dairy

The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection fined ‘Hamro Khaja Ghar‘, a canteen located within the Singha Durbar premises, Rs 205,000 on Wednesday. The penalty was imposed after an inspection found the canteen selling expired yogurt produced by Shree Krishna Dairy Firm. The department has ordered the canteen to present its purchase bills within three days and directed the dairy producer to submit its registration documents.

UML Chairman Consults with Sudurpaschim Lawmakers Over Leadership Dispute

CPN (UML) Chairman KP Sharma Oli met with 11 provincial lawmakers from Sudurpaschim at his residence in Gundu on Wednesday. The meeting was called to address internal disputes regarding the leadership of the parliamentary party, currently headed by Rajendra Rawal. Several lawmakers have been seeking a change in leadership, prompting the central chairman to intervene in the provincial party’s internal affairs.

Court Clears ‘Lalibazar’ for Release

The Patan High Court has cleared the way for the screening of Lalibazar, refusing to extend its earlier interim order that had halted the film’s release. A joint bench of judges Khadananda Tiwari and Netra Prasad Acharya on Wednesday decided not to continue the short-term stay, effectively allowing the film to be exhibited in theaters. The case was filed by Roshani Nepali, who objected to certain scenes and dialogues, arguing that the use of the term ‘Badi’ portrayed the community negatively and could hurt sentiments. The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology was named as a respondent. Directed by Yam Thapa, the film had been scheduled for release from May 1 but was halted following the court’s earlier interim order.

Sequel to Hit Film ‘12 Gaun’ Goes on Floors

Filming of 12 Gaun Part 2, the sequel to the hit action film 12 Gaun, has begun in Kathmandu following an inaugural ceremony on Wednesday. Directed by Biraj Bhatta, the film features a large ensemble cast including Samir Bhatta, Anup Bikram Shahi, Kafiya Shahi, Barsha Itani, and others. The production team said shooting will begin with a song sequence, with filming planned across Kathmandu, Sindhupalchowk, and Chitwan. The film is scheduled for release on Phulpati during the Dashain festival. Cinematography is handled by Mahesh Paudel, with the story and screenplay by Santosh Sarka. Action direction is led by Stunt Silva and Shankar Maharjan, while music features multiple composers and vocalists. Distribution will be managed by Kafiya Films within the Valley and Kuber Films outside.

Dipendra Singh Airee Climbs ICC ODI All-Rounder Rankings

Nepal all-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee has moved up 12 places to 31st in the latest ICC ODI all-rounder rankings while maintaining fourth position in T20 all-rounders. His rise follows strong performances in the ICC World Cup League 2 tri-series in Nepal, where he scored 268 runs, including a century, and took four wickets. Nepal spinner Sandeep Lamichhane also improved, climbing to 43rd in ODI bowling rankings after taking eight wickets in the series. Nepal remains 17th in the ICC ODI team rankings, with India, New Zealand, and Australia occupying the top three positions.

CAN Announces Women’s Cricket Squad for Upcoming Tournaments

The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) on Wednesday announced the national women’s squad for the Asian Games Qualifiers and the ACC Women’s Premier Cup. The team, captained by Indu Barma, includes Puja Mahato (vice-captain), Sita Rana Magar, and Rubina Chhetri. Sony Pakhrin makes a comeback to the squad. The Asian Games Qualifiers are set for May 23-31 in Malaysia, followed by the ACC Women’s Premier Cup from June 1-13.

India Clears $414M Chip Projects to Boost Electronics Ambitions

India has approved two semiconductor projects worth USD 414 million, expanding its push to become a global electronics hub. The new facilities, an LED display unit and a semiconductor packaging plant, raise the total number of such projects to 12, with combined investments reaching about USD 17.2 billion. Launched in 2021, the initiative aims to reduce import dependence and strengthen supply chains. The new units will support sectors including automotive and electronics. India’s chip market has grown rapidly and is projected to reach up to USD 110 billion by 2030, with multiple facilities already entering production.

Climate-Driven Alaska Landslide Triggers Record-High Mega Tsunami in Tracy Arm Fjord

A massive landslide in Tracy Arm Fjord in southeastern Alaska’s Tongass National Forest triggered one of the highest recorded tsunamis on August 10, 2025, with waves reaching up to 1,578 feet. The event occurred early in the morning, causing no casualties as the fjord was empty of vessels. Researchers link the collapse to climate change, noting glacier retreat weakened surrounding rock. Around 64 million cubic meters of rock fell into the narrow fjord, amplifying wave height. Scientists reconstructed the event using satellite data and field evidence, highlighting warning signs such as minor earthquakes days before the collapse.

Hantavirus Outbreak on MV Hondius Cruise Leaves Three Dead, Passengers Stranded

Three passengers have died and several others have fallen ill on the MV Hondius cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean after a suspected hantavirus outbreak, with possible limited human-to-human transmission under investigation. Around 150 passengers from 23 countries remain stranded near Cape Verde under strict medical monitoring. Health authorities, including the World Health Organization, confirmed confirmed and suspected cases and evacuated some patients to the Netherlands and South Africa. The ship, which departed Argentina, has been under quarantine-like conditions as officials work on testing, treatment, and disembarkation plans amid ongoing uncertainty.

Oil Prices Fall, Global Markets Rise on US-Iran Ceasefire Talks

Global oil prices fell and stock markets rallied after reports that the United States and Iran are close to an agreement to end the conflict and restart negotiations on nuclear issues and the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude briefly dropped below USD 97 a barrel before recovering, while major stock indices across Europe and Asia posted strong gains. The proposed framework reportedly includes a temporary truce, phased talks, and potential easing of sanctions. The Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route, has been heavily disrupted since the US–Israel war with Iran, keeping oil prices above pre-conflict levels.