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.

Authorities Suspend Hetauda-Kathmandu Highways Due to Landslide

The District Administration Office, Makwanpur, suspended all vehicular operations across two vital highways connecting Hetauda and Kathmandu on Monday night due to severe weather risks. Heavy monsoon downpours triggered flash floods and landslides along the Kanti Lokpath and the shorter Hetauda-Sisneri-Pharping corridor. Transport authorities closed the Kanti Lokpath route completely from 5:00 PM onwards until further notice, while the Sisneri path faced a strict structural ban from 5:00 PM Monday to 5:00 AM Tuesday. The emergency closures were enacted to safeguard passengers from active rockfalls and overflowing mountain rivers.

PM Shah Directs Establishment of Provincial Burn Care Centers

Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) directed authorities on Monday to immediately advance plans to establish well-equipped burn care centers across all seven provinces of Nepal. Speaking with Vice Chancellors of various health science academies at the Prime Minister’s office, Shah emphasized strengthening burn wards in major government hospitals to ensure timely treatment. He highlighted citizen-friendly health services as a top priority and strictly instructed the enforcement of a policy requiring private hospitals to allocate at least 10 percent of outpatient services for underprivileged, low-income citizens.

Fake Bhutanese Refugee Scam Sentencing Scheduled for Tomorrow

The Kathmandu District Court placed the sentencing hearing for defendants convicted in the fake Bhutanese refugee scam under a continuous hearing status for tomorrow, Tuesday, following an incomplete session on Monday. On July 7, 2026, a bench under Judge Tej Bahadur Khadka found former Deputy Prime Minister Top Bahadur Rayamajhi and former Home Secretary Tek Narayan Pandey guilty of organized crime and state offenses. Former Home Minister Bal Krishna Khand was convicted as an accomplice. The racketeers defrauded hundreds of citizens of Rs 288 million by promising United States resettlement using fabricated paperwork.

Special Court Approves 5th Judicial Detention Extension for Bishnu Paudel

The Special Court authorized a three-day judicial custody extension for Bishnu Paudel, the Vice Chairman of the CPN (UML), to allow anti-corruption units to continue active asset investigations. The double-bench ruling marking the fifth consecutive extension was finalized on Monday. The Department of Money Laundering Investigation took the political leader into custody back on June 22 in Surkhet based on formal tracking notices. Investigators are reviewing financial assets, asset registries, and banking records under active anti-money laundering and state asset concealment statutes.

Police Remove Suspicious Vehicles from Outside Media Houses in Kathmandu

Police have removed several vehicles that were found parked under suspicious circumstances outside media organizations and a Bhatbhateni Supermarket outlet in Kathmandu, taking the vehicles into custody as part of an ongoing investigation. The vehicles had been parked outside the premises of Kantipur, Online Khabar, Himalayan Television, and the Bhatbhateni Supermarket in Anamnagar, prompting heightened security measures. One vehicle outside the Kantipur office was removed using a crane, while others were later seized by police. Authorities have not disclosed who was behind the incident or whether the cases are connected. Police said investigations are continuing to determine the motive and identify those responsible.

Kaski Police Bust Illegal Online Gambling Ring Pokhara

Kaski Police dismantled a massive illegal online gambling and betting ring in Sedi, Pokhara, arresting eight individuals, including seven Indian nationals. The network operated as the 27th branch of an Indian criminal ring, netting INR 300,000 to INR 400,000 daily. Under Superintendent of Police Nabin Karki, investigators revealed the group utilized Telegram and WhatsApp to run betting operations, accumulating over Rs 200 million since May. The arrested suspects include main operator Satyam Singh and Nepali citizen Dinesh Singh Bohora. Police seized seven laptops, four desktops, six monitors, and 31 smartphones.

INSEC Records Over 300 Human Rights Violations in Koshi

The Informal Sector Service Centre (INSEC) released its semi-annual human rights review, detailing that 331 individuals fell victim to human rights violations in Koshi Province during the first six months of 2026. A statistical breakdown of the documented abuses includes 61 cases concerning women’s rights, 111 incidents impacting children’s rights, and 159 violations categorized under general civil liberties. This marks an adjustment from 2025, where 1,489 total casualties were logged. Provincial authorities reiterated that protecting civic protections remains a high administrative priority.

Govt. Appoints Ghimire as SEBON Chair and Shrestha to Press Council

Under a cabinet directive finalized on July 8, the government officially appointed Arjun Ghimire as the new Chairman of the Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) and Umesh Shrestha as the Chairman of Press Council Nepal. Both executives formally received their appointment letters from Information and Communications Minister Bikram Timilsina on Monday. Following the competitive selection process, Arjun Ghimire took his official oath of office on the same day. The administration noted that the selections were made through an independent evaluation committee based on merit and performance criteria.

Embassy in Kuwait to Suspend Consular Services on July 16

The Embassy of Nepal in the State of Kuwait has announced that its consular services and revenue collection activities will remain closed on Thursday (July 16), the final day of fiscal year 2025/26. In a notice, the embassy said the one-day closure is due to the fiscal year-end. It requested all service seekers to plan their visits accordingly, as no consular or revenue-related services will be available that day. Regular consular services are expected to resume after the fiscal year-end closure.

RSP Condemns Vehicle Blockades Outside Media Houses

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) strongly condemned the suspicious abandonment of unidentified vehicles outside major media houses in Kathmandu. In an official statement issued on Monday by General Secretary Bipin Kumar Acharya, the party rejected allegations that its leaders and cadres orchestrated the blockades. The party labeled the incidents as a blatant attempt to exert psychological pressure on journalists and obstruct mass media. Pushing back against the accusations, the RSP formally urged the government and the Ministry of Home Affairs to launch an immediate, impartial investigation to guarantee media security.

Bhishma Raj Angdembe Assures Constructive Opposition Role in House

Nepali Congress Parliamentary Party Leader Bhishma Raj Angdembe stated on Monday that the party will play a constructive, active role as the main opposition in the House of Representatives. Speaking with journalists, Angdembe emphasized that the party aims to keep the nation at the center and hold the ruling coalition accountable to the public. He added that the Nepali Congress will coordinate with all opposition factions to prevent parliamentary committees from stalling. Chief Whip Basana Thapa also stressed the necessity of regular interactions to enhance the parliament’s overall effectiveness.

Gagan Thapa’s Residence Blocked by Purposely Parked Vehicle

A vehicle was strategically parked to block the Ratopul residence of Nepali Congress President Gagan Kumar Thapa on Monday morning, coinciding with similar blockades outside several media houses across Kathmandu. At around 7:00 AM, the vehicle was abandoned directly in front of Thapa’s house, completely restricting the movement of residents. A local eyewitness reported that the driver left the vehicle and departed the scene in a Nepal Police van, leaving neighbors hesitant to move it. Police have not yet commented on the vehicle at Thapa’s house. Similar blockades occurred outside Kantipur Media House in Tinkune, Himalayan Television in Mid-Baneshwor, and Onlinekhabar Media House in New Baneshwor, where roads were obstructed by suspiciously parked vehicles. Authorities later deployed cranes to tow those vehicles away from the media offices.

Government Drafts Interest-Free Vehicle Loan Policy for Public Servants

The Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers drafted the Public Servants Vehicle Management Directive, 2026, to provide interest-free transport credit to government staff. Under the financing model, chief secretaries and secretaries can access maximum four-wheeler procurement loans of up to Rs 6 million with a 100 percent interest subsidy, while joint secretaries qualify for Rs 5 million and under secretaries receive Rs 4 million. Section officers can access Rs 400,000 for two-wheelers. The loans feature a 20-year maturity window, with employees managing all maintenance expenses independently.

Property Inquiry Commission Proceeds with Political Investigations Despite Court Order

The Property Inquiry Commission, 2026, clarified that its mandate to investigate political leaders and public officials remains active, despite a recent Supreme Court interim order. Established on April 15 this year to collect property declarations, the commission faces a July 10 stay order halting investigations strictly for individuals with separate constitutional oversight such as judges, constitutional body officials, and Army personnel. The court order, responding to a writ by Advocate Prem Raj Silwal, maintains the status quo for those exempted categories. However, the commission emphasized that investigations into politicians face no legal halt and will proceed as scheduled.

Amnesty International Demands Immediate Release of Gen Z Activist Majid Ansari

Amnesty International called for the immediate, unconditional release of Gen Z activist Majid Ansari, labeling his detention by Nepali authorities as arbitrary. Ansari was arrested on Saturday in Kirtipur alongside activists Sarishma Thapa and Nelson Ghatani while visiting a flooded government holding center to support evicted victims. While the others were released, Ansari remains in custody with visible injuries from police force. Amnesty International Nepal Director Nirajan Thapaliya condemned the crackdown, noting the irony given that the government assumed office four months ago following youth-led protests on September 8 and 9, 2025.

Niharika Rajput and Binu Yadav Stage Protest Outside Singha Durbar

Niharika Rajput and Binu Yadav staged a sit-in protest outside the southern gate of Singha Durbar on Monday, alleging that the Home Minister refused to meet them as they sought justice. Rajput, who had previously filed a rape case against Shivraj Shrestha, reached a court-mediated settlement with him on January 31, 2023. The agreement was reached before Dhanusha District Court Judge Brajesh Pyakurel under Section 193(4) of the National Civil Procedure Code, 2017. As the protest took place in a prohibited area, police removed the demonstrators from directly in front of the Singha Durbar gate and relocated them to a nearby location.

DoTM Abandons Plan to Repaint Green Sajha Yatayat Buses Blue

The Department of Transport Management (DoTM) abandoned a contentious municipal plan to repaint the iconic green fleet of Sajha Yatayat buses into a blue color scheme under the “Blue Bus” initiative. The program was originally designed as part of Prime Minister Balen Shah’s initial 100-day administrative goals to launch free, dedicated transit lanes for female commuters. However, the proposed color alteration drew intense public and political criticism, with critics pointing out it mirrored opposition party symbols. Authorities confirmed the fleet will preserve its green exterior, while operational details regarding ticket subsidies remain under review.

E-Rickshaw Operators Protest in Butwal

E-rickshaw operators in Butwal have launched a protest demanding that only legally registered rickshaws be allowed to operate within the sub-metropolitan city. The operators expressed anger over the high volume of unregistered rickshaws on the roads and the local government’s failure to collect taxes even from legally registered businesses. The protesters marched in a rally from Yogikuti to the Butwal Sub-Metropolitan City office in Hatbazar, where they subsequently staged a sit-in. Currently, there are 1,440 registered rickshaws in Butwal. The protesting operators have demanded immediate control over illegal vehicles, a transparent tax system, and priority for registered transport. They warned of launching stricter protest programs if their demands are not addressed promptly.

Ministry Directs Film Board to Restrict Films Threatening National Security

The Ministry of Information and Communications issued a formal directive to the Film Development Board instructing the Central Film Censorship Committee to deny public screening permits for any motion picture that threatens national security, public order, or diplomatic relations with friendly nations. The mandate reinforces Section 8(3) of the Motion Picture (Production, Exhibition, and Distribution) Act, 1969. The policy shift follows recent regulatory disputes involving foreign spy genre features containing geopolitical narratives, prompting a permanent regulatory stance over domestic theatrical releases to block potentially offensive content.

‘Gauthali’ to Release in US Week After Domestic Premiere

The upcoming film ‘Gauthali‘ will be released in the United States a week after its theatrical debut in Nepal, with Seven Seas International Films acquiring its US distribution rights. The agreement was signed by director Kapil Rijal, actor Arun Chhetri, producer Suman Giri, and Roshan Subedi representing Seven Seas International Films. The film is scheduled to be released in Nepal on July 17 and will begin screening in major US cities from July 24. Director Rijal announced that his interest from overseas distributors increased following the trailer’s release. Presented by Bhola Rijal Production and Suman Giri Production, ‘Gauthali‘ stars Arun Chhetri, Simran Khadka, Madan Krishna Shrestha, Prakash Ghimire, Luniva Tuladhar, Rabindra Jha, and others. The story is written by Bhola Rijal, while the screenplay and dialogues were developed by Kapil Rijal, Nischal Kunwar, Niraj Nepal, and Giriraj Ghimire. Cinematography is by Hari Humagain and editing by Milan Shrestha.

National Judo Contingent Departs for Asian Youth Championship

The Nepal Judo Association dispatched its national youth athletic delegation to Amman, Jordan, on Monday to participate in the upcoming Asian Cadet and Junior Judo Championships. The international martial arts tournament is scheduled to take place from July 16 to July 19. National athletes Bisesh BK will compete within the under-66 kg category, while Sabin Kumar Diyali is bracketed to compete in the under-60 kg tier. Association executives and coaching staff accompanied the athletic team following an official farewell ceremony organized by members of the National Sports Council.

National Cricket Team Faces Jersey in Crucial ODI World Cup

The Nepal National Cricket Team is scheduled to face Jersey on Monday afternoon at the Granville Cricket Ground for an international One Day International (ODI) match. The fixture serves as a key preparatory match ahead of the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 tri-series tournament. The national squad last played Jersey in an ODI format back during the 2010 Division Five tournament and later in a T20 World Cup Qualifier in 2015. Following a second friendly match on Wednesday, the team will travel directly to the Netherlands to play League 2 matches against Namibia.

Jurassic Park, Peaky Blinders Star Sam Neill Dies at 78

Veteran actor Sam Neill, best known for his roles in ‘Jurassic Park’ and ‘Peaky Blinders,’ has died at the age of 78, his family announced. They said he died in Sydney surrounded by family after what they described as a sudden and peaceful passing. Born in Northern Ireland and raised in New Zealand, Neill enjoyed a career spanning more than five decades. Alongside the Jurassic Park franchise and Peaky Blinders, he appeared in acclaimed productions including The Piano, The Hunt for Red October, and Event Horizon. Neill revealed in 2023 that he had been diagnosed with cancer and said earlier this year that he was cancer-free. He is widely regarded as one of New Zealand’s most accomplished actors.

Bangkok Bar Fire Kills 28, Leaves Dozens Injured

At least 28 people were killed and 71 others injured after a fire swept through a bar in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district late Sunday, authorities said. Of the injured, 25 remain in critical condition. Firefighters brought the blaze under control shortly after midnight, but many victims were found inside the building, including several who had sought refuge in restrooms. Preliminary findings indicate the fire may have been triggered by an electrical fault in an air-conditioning unit, though the exact cause remains under investigation. Officials are also examining whether flammable interior materials and possible obstructions near emergency exits contributed to the high death toll. Authorities have pledged a full investigation and ordered the venue closed while forensic examinations continue.

Intel to invest €5 billion in Ireland to expand AI chip production

Intel announced on Monday that it will invest EUR 5 billion (about USD 5.7 billion) to upgrade its semiconductor manufacturing campus in Leixlip, Ireland, as global demand for artificial intelligence and high-performance computing chips continues to grow. The investment will expand production capacity, strengthen research and development, connect manufacturing facilities across the campus, and support workforce training. The company said most of the investment will be completed by the end of 2027 and will create several hundred new jobs. The upgraded facility manufactures Intel 3 silicon wafers, one of the company’s most advanced semiconductor production technologies in Europe, and will support the production of current and next-generation Intel Xeon processors.