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.
Prime Minister Oli Returns Home After Spain Visit for UN Conference: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has returned to Nepal after completing his official visit to Spain. Oli had departed on Asar 14 (June 28) leading a delegation to attend the ‘Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development’ organized by the United Nations. The high-level conference was held in the city of Seville, Spain. In addition to participating in the event, Prime Minister Oli also held several bilateral meetings during his stay. The Prime Minister landed at Tribhuvan International Airport earlier today.
National Assembly Members Demand Investigation into ‘Cooling-Off Period’ Controversy: Members of the National Assembly have called for a serious investigation and action against those responsible for the alleged manipulation of the ‘cooling-off period’ provision in the Federal Civil Service Bill. During Friday’s zero hour in the National Assembly meeting, several members raised concerns about the differences in the bill passed by the House of Representatives and the one tabled in the National Assembly. Lawmaker Ganga Kumari Belbase demanded a thorough probe into the incident and punishment for those involved. Likewise, Gopi Bahadur Sarki Achhami accused officials of dishonesty in altering the cooling-off provision and urged immediate accountability.
Madhav Nepal Says Deep Crisis Looming in UML, Government’s Fall Inevitable: CPN (Unified Socialist) Chair Madhav Kumar Nepal has said that the ruling CPN-UML is facing a deepening internal crisis, making its future uncertain. Speaking at a student district convention in Kathmandu, Nepal noted growing contradictions within UML and criticized its leadership for fostering unethical and regressive tendencies. He also slammed the current government for failing to steer the country effectively and said his party would not support it. “The fall of this government is inevitable—we are just waiting,” he said. Nepal added that his party is conducting conventions nationwide, with only a few provinces left.
DPM Paudel Requests Malaysian Entrepreneurs to Invest in Nepal: Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel has urged Malaysian investors to invest more in Nepal’s physical infrastructure and tourism sectors. During the meeting with delegation of Malaysia-Nepal Business Council, which arrived here for an official visit on Wednesday, DPM Paudel shared that there are immense potentials in Nepal’s infrastructure development and tourism sector and requested for the same. “There is appropriate environment for private sector to invest in Nepal. Nepal’s policies are investment-friendly “, mentioned the Finance Minister.
NUP Exits Sudurpaschim Province Government: The Nagarik Unmukti Party (NUP) has officially withdrawn its support from the Sudurpaschim Province government after the dismissal of its minister from the provincial cabinet. The party’s Sudurpaschim provincial parliamentary committee decided on Friday to pull its support from the ruling coalition. This decision follows Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah’s removal of Rameshwar Chaudhary, the Minister for Industry, Tourism, Forests, and Environment, who represented NUP in the cabinet.
Ramhari Khatiwada Signals Willingness to Resign Amid Committee Controversy: Nepali Congress central committee member and chair of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee, Ramhari Khatiwada, has said he is ready to resign from his post if directed by the party. Khatiwada landed in controversy after the committee passed a provision related to the “cooling-off period” in the Federal Civil Service Bill, which differed from what had originally been endorsed. Opposition parties have since demanded his resignation. Speaking at a party meeting, Khatiwada acknowledged, “As the committee chair, I too have made mistakes. If the party asks me to step aside, I am ready.”
UML Directs Subordinate Committees to Submit Suggestions for Statute Convention: The CPN-UML has instructed its subordinate committees to submit reports containing necessary suggestions related to the organizational report to be presented at the party’s upcoming Statute Convention. UML’s Head of the Publicity Department, Rajendra Gautam, informed that provincial and district committees have been directed to send written suggestions concerning the organizational report that will be presented at the Statute Convention. “We have instructed the provincial and district committees to send written reports with necessary suggestions related to the organizational report by the end of Asar (mid-July),” he said.
Contribution-Based Social Security System to Replace Pension for New Employees from FY 2025/26: Starting from the upcoming fiscal year 2082/83 (2025–26), newly appointed government employees will be enrolled in a contribution-based social security system instead of receiving traditional pension and gratuity benefits. The Ministry of Finance issued a circular today to all ministries, regulatory bodies, public institutions, boards, committees, and establishments, instructing them to make necessary arrangements for implementing the contribution-based system. The ministry has also clarified that the Government of Nepal will not bear any financial liability arising from failure to implement the contribution-based social security system.
Six Injured as APF Personnel Clash with Smugglers in Dhanusha: A clash broke out between the Armed Police Force (APF) and a group of smugglers in Duhabi, Ward No. 2 of Bideha Municipality, located in the border area of Dhanusha district. The confrontation occurred while the APF attempted to seize smuggled goods. According to the APF, the incident took place on Thursday evening and resulted in injuries to six security personnel, including Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Dinesh Sharma. The injured officers are currently receiving treatment at a local health facility.
Landslide Disrupts Traffic on Karnali Highway in Kalikot, Heavy Vehicles Banned: Large vehicles have been prohibited from operating along the Karnali Highway after a road section collapsed at Gothibhir in Tilagufa Municipality–6, Kalikot. According to the District Police Office, Kalikot, the road was damaged on Friday morning, leading to a ban on the movement of heavy vehicles. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Tek Bahadur Rawal stated, “Due to continuous rainfall, travel along the highway has become extremely risky. We urge everyone to exercise caution.”
Foreign Minister Rana Extends Greetings on U.S. Independence Day: Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba extended warm greetings to the government and people of the United States on the occasion of their 248th Independence Day. In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Minister Deuba conveyed Nepal’s best wishes, stating that Nepal highly values its longstanding friendship and cooperation with the United States. She expressed hope that bilateral ties between the two nations would continue to deepen in the years ahead. Her message comes as the United States marks 248 years since its independence from British colonial rule. The U.S. declared independence on July 4, 1776, through the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, a foundational document in American history.
Patan High Court Summons NMA General Secretary Tiwari Over Contempt Allegations: The Patan High Court has directed Dr. Sanjeev Tiwari, General Secretary of the Nepal Medical Association (NMA), to appear in person within seven days in connection with a contempt of court case. A joint bench comprising Justices Shyakumar Bhattarai and Hemanta Rawal issued a show cause order during a preliminary hearing on a petition filed by the Consumer Welfare Protection Forum. The court has demanded that Dr. Tiwari provide a written explanation and evidence justifying why he should not be held in contempt. The contempt case stems from Dr. Tiwari’s public comments and an official press release issued on NMA letterhead following a recent verdict by the Consumer Court.
Two Sisters Killed After Being Hit by Falling Rock in Jajarkot: In Tarpena of Kushe Rural Municipality-3, Jajarkot, two sisters from the same family died after being struck by a falling rock. According to Ward Chairperson Bir Bahadur Budha, the incident occurred around 9:00 PM on Thursday while 18-year-old Sharmila Budha and 14-year-old Chameli Budha were sleeping in a temporary shelter. He said continuous rainfall in the area had caused problems. The two daughters of Nar Bahadur Budha were sleeping in a temporary shelter built for earthquake victims while they were tending goats. A rock fell from above, hitting them, and both died on the spot, said Chairperson Budha.
35 People Infected with COVID-19 in A Week: A total of 35 people has been found infected with COVID-19 in a week. Furthermore, in the last 24 hours, three people have been confirmed to be carrying the corona virus. According to the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, COVID-19 infection has been confirmed in 31 districts of Nepal since last December to the beginning of July. So far, 249 people have been confirmed COVID-19 positive. One person has died of the virus. Meanwhile, considering the increased risk of COVID-19 infection, the Ministry of Health and Population has made COVID-19 surveillance more effective, by setting up health screening desks at 17 border checkpoints across the country.
Film ‘Kumbha’ Set to Release on November 28: The film ‘Kumbha’ is scheduled for release on Mangsir 12 (November 28). The production team finalized the date after discussions with the distributor. The film is written and directed by Randhir Shrestha. ‘Kumbha’ will be released in both Nepali and Hindi languages. The film also features South Indian actor Surendra Thakur. An action genre film, ‘Kumbha’ stars Ashok Aryan, Sunil Thapa, Sushil Pokharel, Afsana Thapa, Rohit Rumba, and Srishti Khadka in lead roles. Director Shrestha himself handled the cinematography, while the action sequences were directed by Samrat Basnet.
New Song ‘Maya Basyo’ Released Featuring Sugam Pokharel and Samiksha Adhikari: The song ‘Maya Basyo,’ sung by Sugam Pokharel and Samiksha Adhikari, has been released. The lyrics are by Sargam Ghatan, with music composition and arrangement by Yogesh Kaji Shah. The music video features performances by Keki Adhikari and Raghav Dahal, portraying a romantic love story. Choreography is by Roshan Bishwakarma. The video is directed by model and actor Neerajan Pradhan, with cinematography by Arjun Tiwari and editing by Praveen Shrestha.
Singer Sajjan Raj Vaidya Collaborates with Actress Divya Rayamajhi in New Song: Singer Sajjan Raj Vaidya has collaborated with actress Divya Rayamajhi for his new song. The song titled ‘Behuli’ is set to be released soon for listeners and viewers. Sajjan Raj released the song’s trailer on YouTube on Thursday evening. He informed that the full music video will be released on Saturday. The video features both Sajjan Raj and Divya together on screen. Clips from the song’s shoot have also been trending on social media for the past few days.
Nepal to Face Singapore in ACC U-16 East Zone Final on Saturday: Defending champions Nepal will take on Singapore in the final of the ACC U-16 East Zone Cup Cricket Tournament on Saturday. Nepal secured their place in the final for the second consecutive time after a commanding nine-wicket victory over hosts Malaysia in the semi-final held on Thursday. Singapore booked their maiden spot in the final by defeating Hong Kong by four wickets. This will be the second encounter between Nepal and Singapore in the tournament. In the group stage, Nepal had defeated Singapore by five wickets.
ANFA Calls 89 Players for Preliminary U-23 National Football Team Selection: The All-Nepal Football Association (ANFA) has invited 89 players for the preliminary selection phase of the national U-23 football team. ANFA has instructed all selected players to report with their playing kits. They have been asked to arrive at ANFA headquarters in Satdobato at 6 AM on Monday. The U-23 national team is currently under the leadership of head coach Nabin Neupane.
Nepal to Host First National Women’s Five-A-Side Indoor Hockey Tournament Starting July 5: For the first time, the Nepal Hockey Association will organize a national women’s Five-A-Side indoor hockey competition beginning July 5. The tournament will take place at the futsal court of Mid Valley College in Thimi, Bhaktapur. Five teams representing Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, Sudurpaschim provinces, and the Nepal Army Club will compete, according to Suwarna Shrestha, General Secretary of the Nepal Hockey Association. The winning team will receive NPR 50,000, while the runners-up will get NPR 25,000.
Jumla’s Sports Development Committee Struggles Without Players or Coaches: The District Sports Development Committee in Jumla has been functioning without players or coaches for an extended period, leading to a significant slowdown in the district’s sports activities. Apart from sporadic events, Jumla hosts very few sports programs annually. In recent years, football is the only sport organized once a year, with other disciplines largely inactive. Currently, the committee has only one coach—Khadak Malla, who trains in karate. However, he does not have any students or players under his training, highlighting the deep-rooted challenges facing the local sports sector.
Israel Intensifies Gaza Attacks; Hamas Seeks Ceasefire Guarantees: The number of Palestinian aid seekers killed by Israeli forces in the besieged Gaza Strip keeps on rising, as reports say US contractors ostensibly guarding controversial aid distribution sites have been using live ammunition and stun grenades. Hamas says consultations have begun on a latest proposal for a temporary 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, will submit its response to mediators. The Palestinian group is seeking guarantees that the ceasefire proposal would lead to the war’s end, according to a source close to Hamas. Israel’s war on Gaza has killed at least 57,130 people and wounded 134,592, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
Kyiv Hit by Barrage of Drone Strikes as Putin Spurns Trump’s Truce Bid: A pall of acrid smoke hung over Kyiv on Friday morning following a night of intensive Russian strikes that hit almost every district of the capital, according to Ukrainian authorities. The hours of darkness were once again punctuated by the staccato of air defence guns, buzz of drones and large explosions. Ukraine said Russia had fired a record 550 drones and 11 missiles during a long night of bombardment. The strikes came hours after a phone call between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, after which the US president said he was “disappointed” that Putin was not ready to end Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Russia Becomes First Country to Officially Recognize Taliban Government: Russia has formally recognized Taliban rule, becoming the first country to do so. Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi called it a “courageous” move after meeting Russia’s ambassador Dmitry Zhirnov in Kabul. Russia sees potential for cooperation in energy, transport, agriculture, and infrastructure, and pledged continued support against terrorism and drug trafficking. Russia had kept its embassy open after the Taliban’s 2021 return to power and signed an economic deal in 2022 to supply oil, gas, and wheat. In April 2025, Russia removed the Taliban from its terrorist list to enable a “full-fledged partnership.”
Former Gaza Aid Site Guard Alleges Unprovoked Shootings of Hungry Gaza Civilians: A former security contractor for Gaza’s new aid distribution centers—backed by Israel and the U.S.—has alleged that guards repeatedly opened fire on Palestinian civilians who posed no threat, including women, children, and the elderly. He claimed to have witnessed multiple incidents where colleagues used machine guns on unarmed civilians. In one case, a guard allegedly fired from a watchtower because a group of vulnerable people was moving too slowly away from the site. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which oversees these centers, has strongly denied the accusations.
