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.

Government Shifts Republic Day Address from Prime Minister to President

The government enacted a structural protocol shift today via its latest cabinet assembly, directing the President to deliver the official Republic Day address moving forward. The executive role was historically managed by the Prime Minister since Nepal was declared a republic on May 29, with subsequent addresses delivered by successive Prime Ministers across annual celebrations at Tundikhel. Cabinet directives and an official written invitation from Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) were hand-delivered to Shital Niwas on May 24 by Chief Secretary Suman Raj Aryal. Presidential office sources clarified that because the President serves as the absolute constitutional symbol of the republic, the state head will now permanently lead the official platform during the high-level state functions.

Vice President Yadav, Speaker Aryal Discuss Parliament, Federal Republic

Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav and Speaker of the House of Representatives Dol Prasad Aryal held a courtesy meeting on Monday at the Vice President’s residence in Lainchaur. According to the Speaker’s Secretariat, discussions focused on strengthening the federal democratic republic and ensuring the effective functioning of Parliament.

PM Balen to Discuss with EU Envoys Tomorrow

Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) will hold a joint meeting tomorrow with non-resident ambassadors and heads of missions of countries of the European Union (EU). Prime Minister Shah is scheduled to have a group meeting and discussion with them at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers at 11:30 am, it is stated. According to Deepa Dahal, the prime minister’s press and research advisor, the collective meeting will focus on providing information about Nepal’s current priorities, further strengthening bilateral relations, and discussing various areas of cooperation. Earlier, on April 8, Prime Minister Shah had a collective meeting and dialogue with ambassadors of various countries and heads of diplomatic missions in Nepal.

Cabinet Approves 4 Major Decisions

On Monday, the Council of Ministers approved four key decisions covering civil aviation leadership, cross-border infrastructure, agricultural pricing, and financial accountability. The Cabinet appointed Joint Secretary Mukesh Dangol as Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, while also approving the implementation of the Chilime-Kerung cross-border electricity transmission line project with China. The government fixed minimum support prices for the 2026/27 monsoon paddy harvest at Rs 3,660 per quintal for coarse paddy and Rs 3,860 for medium grade. It also decided to publicly release the report of the Commission of Inquiry on Cooperative Malpractices, 2026, according to government spokesperson and Education Minister Sasmit Pokharel.

Cabinet Approves Cross-Border Power Project Response Letter for China

The government formally approved an official executive response letter today to be transmitted directly to Beijing to accelerate the execution of the Chilime-Kerung 400 kV Cross-Border Transmission Line Project. The cross-border energy document was legally authorized during a cabinet assembly held at Singh Durbar. Minister for Education and Sports and Government Spokesperson Sasmit Pokharel confirmed that the formal authorization clears major bureaucratic gridlock to expand power transmission networks and streamline long-term bilateral electricity trade agreements between Nepal and China.

EU Envoys and Foreign Minister Discuss Air Safety Delisting and Investment

A high-level European Union delegation of ambassadors and deputy heads of mission held discussions with Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal in Kathmandu, focusing on Nepal’s removal from the EU Air Safety List and expanding bilateral cooperation. Khanal formally requested EU support for delisting, citing ongoing aviation reforms and institutional strengthening. He also outlined the government’s economic priorities, emphasizing anti-corruption measures, efficient service delivery, and reforms to attract investment. The minister invited European capital into hydropower, infrastructure, tourism, and information technology sectors. The EU delegation expressed support for deeper engagement, particularly in governance reform, digitalization, trade, and climate cooperation, while reaffirming its long-standing partnership with Nepal.

Regulations Ready for Transitional Justice Commissions: Minister Gautam

Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sobita Gautam stated that the government is fully committed to bringing Nepal’s transitional justice process to a logical conclusion. Speaking at a meeting of the Law, Justice, and Human Rights Committee, Minister Gautam emphasized that the government will forge consensus and collaborate with all parliamentary political parties to complete this historic task. She announced that regulations for both the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappeared Persons are ready, a reparation fund for victims is operational, and human resource management surveys are finalized. To establish a clear future roadmap, the government is actively consulting with stakeholders and drafting a comprehensive position paper based on precise data collection and political dialogue.

Prime Minister to Avoid Foreign Visits During First 100 Days: Minister Sasmit

Minister for Education and Sports and Government Spokesperson Sasmit Pokharel announced today that Prime Minister Balen Shah has frozen all potential international travel to focus exclusively on domestic state execution plans. The ministerial briefing clarified that the executive head will not join any foreign state visits, including rumored diplomatic trips to India, during the initial 100-day performance window of the newly formed cabinet. Addressing secondary municipal reforms, Spokesperson Pokharel noted that the Ministry of Finance has accelerated structural budget drafts and implemented strict new entry protocols at Singh Durbar to systematize security access lines for both state employees and general civilians.

Rabi Lamichhane Schedules New Delhi Visit Amid Canceled Border Talks

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) confirmed today that Party President Rabi Lamichhane will lead a three-member diplomatic delegation to India on June 1 for a targeted bilateral visit. The political mission includes RSP Joint General Secretary Bipin Acharya and Secretariat Member Deepak Bohara, with the team scheduled to return to Kathmandu on June 3. The sudden visit materializes amid rising diplomatic gridlock following the cancellation of Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s scheduled Nepal visit on May 11. The delegation is currently scheduling high-level sideline meetings with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar to realign neighborhood ties.

Supreme Court Bars Arrest of Former PM Deuba and His Spouse

The Supreme Court of Nepal issued an urgent interim order today legally prohibiting state security organs from arresting former Prime Minister and outgoing Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and his spouse Arzu Rana Deuba. The division bench of Justices Mahesh Sharma Paudel and Nityanand Pandey ruled that a prior detention warrant issued by the Kathmandu District Court on April 7 was automatically rendered inactive. The apex court noted that following a new legislative money-laundering ordinance enacted on May 1, the absolute judicial jurisdiction over money laundering assets belongs exclusively to the Special Court, rendering alternative lower court warrants procedurally invalid and structurally arbitrary.

Case Filed Against Durga Prasai in Parsa Court

A case has been filed against medical entrepreneur Durga Prasai at the Parsa District Court on charges of cybercrime and offenses against the state, according to the Parsa Police. As the recording of Prasai’s statement could not be completed today, the court has remanded him back to custody, with orders to present him again tomorrow, Tuesday. The police had arrested Prasai from Hotel Diyalo in Birgunj on May 18. According to the police, he was apprehended for making public statements that undermine public morality and decency, incite hatred or malice against others, and disturb the harmonious relations between various castes and communities.

Mukesh Dangol Appointed Director General of Civil Aviation Authority

The government has appointed Joint Secretary Mukesh Dangol as the new Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal following a Cabinet decision on Monday. Government spokesperson and Education Minister Sasmit Pokharel announced the appointment after the Cabinet meeting. Dangol, currently serving at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, began his career as an air traffic control officer before shifting to the administrative sector after his promotion to joint secretary last year. He had been leading the Civil Aviation Division after former chief Buddhisagar Lamichhane was suspended following his conviction in the Widebody aircraft procurement corruption case.

Fuel Price Shocks Slash April Domestic Aviation Passenger Volume by 5%

Soaring international fuel prices forced domestic aviation passenger volumes across Nepal to slide by 5 percent in April, dipping to 317,954 travelers compared to the 335,683 passengers logged in March. Airport tracking records published by the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) Office show Buddha Air retained the dominant market share by flying 172,876 passengers, followed by Yeti Airlines at 71,027 and Shree Airlines at 53,521, while state-owned Nepal Airlines Corporation managed only 1,148 travelers. Conversely, international passenger traffic expanded sharply during the spring mountaineering season, jumping from 375,674 in March to 450,582 travelers in April across 1,461 flights.

Pokhara’s Riverside Demolition Drive Enters Another Day

The metropolitan city continued its demolition operation on Monday against structures built over Firkhe Khola. According to the metropolitan office, bulldozers are being used to remove a total of 160 structures, including 35 permanent and 97 temporary private structures, as well as 18 permanent and 10 temporary institutional structures. The demolition campaign began on Sunday following a public notice issued by the metropolitan authority. Based on the Firkhe Khola Survey Report 2023, the structures identified within the river boundary are now being cleared. The effort to determine the boundary of Firkhe Khola and remove encroachments, an issue that has remained controversial and widely discussed for a long time, is expected to have a significant impact on urban management and environmental improvement in Pokhara.

Landless Settlers Committee Announces Nationwide Protest Programs

The Nepal Landless and Unmanaged Settlers Protection Committee has announced nationwide protest programs, warning of agitation if its 15-point demands are not addressed. At a press conference in Kathmandu on Monday, the committee demanded that demolition drives using bulldozers be halted unless alternative resettlement is ensured, along with land allocation for families in high-risk settlements and protection of constitutional and human rights. Coordinator Khagendra Paudel said the movement was launched in response to ongoing evictions of landless settlers without proper rehabilitation or management. The committee also urged the government to provide land ownership at current settlement sites, calling forced removals without alternatives a violation of basic rights.

22 EU Envoys Arrive in Nepal for High-Level Talks with RSP-Led Government

A 22-member delegation of European Union ambassadors and deputy heads of mission arrived in Nepal on Sunday for a two-day diplomatic mission focused on strengthening ties with Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s newly formed government. Led by Véronique Lorenzo, the delegation includes representatives from 22 EU member states and will hold meetings with Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal, Tourism Minister Khadak Raj Paudel, and Education Minister Sasmit Pokharel. The visit will conclude with talks with Prime Minister Shah and discussions with civil society, business leaders, and youth representatives on trade, investment, climate cooperation, and development partnerships.

Elephant in the Fog Team Warmly Welcomed in Kathmandu After Cannes Triumph

The team behind Nepali film Elephant in the Fog received a warm welcome in Kathmandu following its international recognition at the Cannes Film Festival in France. Directed by Avinash Vikram Shah, the film won the Jury Award in the Un Certain Regard section, marking a milestone for Nepali cinema on the global stage. Director Shah, producer Anup Poudel, and actress Pushpa Thing Lama were received at Tribhuvan International Airport by government ministers and cultural officials. Authorities praised the film for showcasing Nepal’s cultural identity and cinematic potential. The director expressed gratitude for the national support and announced plans for a new film project soon.

Production Crew Wraps Filming of ‘Paanch Pandav’

The production management team of the upcoming cinematic movie Paanch Pandav announced the official wrap of its comprehensive shooting timeline today following 66 days of continuous principal photography. Directed by filmmaker Basanta Nieroula under the commercial banner of Kali Rani Films, the social drama originally commenced its cameras on March 16 and was shot entirely across scenic locations in Jhapa. Written by screenwriter Sushil Paudel and filmed by cinematographer Shyam Tamang, the modern narrative utilizes classic epic archetypes to portray contemporary Nepalese societal themes, featuring an ensemble cast including Hari Bansha Acharya, Jitu Nepal, Aryan Sigdel, Mahesh Tripathi, and Sushil Sitaula.

Palesha Goverdhan Secures Bronze Medal at Asian Para Taekwondo

Nepalese para-athlete Palesha Goverdhan won a bronze medal today at the 11th Asian Para Taekwondo Championships held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Competing in the women’s under-57 kg K-44 category, Goverdhan obtained a first-round bye to enter the semifinals directly, where she secured the bronze placement after a competitive loss to Iran’s Zahra Rahimi. National team coach Kaviraj Negi Lama confirmed that fellow competitors Amir Blon and Renu Tamang exited in their opening matches against Iranian opponents. While Blon and Tamang remain in Mongolia to fight through the upcoming Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games qualifiers, Goverdhan bypassed the tournament as she has already locked in her direct qualification via global world rankings.

India Sweeps Kyrgyzstan to Secure Semifinal Spot in CAVA Volleyball

India entered the semifinals of the CAVA Women’s Volleyball Championship today, Monday, after topping Group A with a straight-sets win over Kyrgyzstan. During the final group match at the National Sports Council’s Covered Hall in Tripureshwar, the Indian team secured a 3-0 sweep with set scores of 25-14, 26-24, and 25-13, eliminating Kyrgyzstan from the competition. Host nation Nepal also secured its knockout qualification from the same pool. Earlier in the opening match, Sri Lanka logged a consolation win by defeating Bangladesh 3-0 (25-19, 25-9, and 25-13). Following classification seeding rounds among the four advanced teams, including Group B qualifiers Kazakhstan and Iran, the Nepal Volleyball Association confirmed that the semifinal fixtures will take place on the coming Thursday, followed by the final match on the coming Friday.

Japan Bans India’s Premium Mangos over Food Safety

The Plant Quarantine Authority under the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries of Japan officially banned all mango imports from India today for the current fiscal cycle. Japanese quarantine inspectors documented critical regulatory non-compliance in fumigation and chemical pest control disciplines across agricultural production clusters and storage terminals during a recent technical evaluation. Commercial trade datasets indicate that India, the world’s leading exporter, shipped 32,000 metric tons of mangoes globally last year to primary buyers including the UAE, Qatar, the UK, Kuwait, Bangladesh, and Japan. The trade restriction has triggered immediate order cancellations for the premium Kesar mango variety harvested across Gujarat, disrupting market access despite ongoing resolution talks initiated by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).

Pope Leo Calls for Global AI Regulation and Warns Against Autonomous Warfare

Pope Leo XIV urged governments worldwide to slow and strictly regulate artificial intelligence development, warning that unchecked AI systems could fuel misinformation, conflict, and endless warfare. In his first major encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, the pope called for stronger legal oversight, protection of workers and children, and limits on private control of AI data. He also warned against allowing autonomous weapons to make lethal decisions and criticized growing global militarization and weakening multilateral institutions. The document further rejected the traditional “just war” doctrine and condemned the exploitation of workers tied to AI supply chains. The Vatican event launching the text was attended by leaders from the AI industry, including representatives from Anthropic.

Hong Kong Astronaut Makes Historic First Space Mission Aboard China’s Shenzhou-23

China launched the Shenzhou-23 mission carrying the first astronaut from Hong Kong to space, marking a milestone in the country’s expanding space program. Payload scientist Li Jiaying, a 43-year-old police officer and mother of three, joined astronauts Zhu Yangzhu and Zhang Zhiyuan on the mission to the Tiangong Space Station. The crew will conduct experiments on the effects of microgravity, with one astronaut expected to remain in orbit for a full year. The mission comes as China accelerates plans for a crewed moon landing by 2030 amid growing competition with the United States in space exploration.

Nvidia Sees China in Long-Term AI Chip Growth Despite US Restrictions

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said the company still sees strong long-term demand from China as part of a projected USD 200 billion market for central processing units tied to the rise of agentic artificial intelligence systems. Speaking during a visit to Taipei ahead of Computex, Huang signaled optimism about future sales despite ongoing US export restrictions on advanced AI chips. Nvidia has received US licenses to sell H200 chips to China, though deliveries remain pending. Huang also highlighted expanding production of Nvidia’s Vera Rubin AI platform and deeper collaboration with Taiwanese chip suppliers, including TSMC, as global AI demand continues to surge.