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.
Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak Vows to Quit Politics If Corruption Allegations Proven: Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has publicly pledged to resign from both his ministerial post and politics entirely if any corruption allegations against him are substantiated. His declaration comes in response to growing media coverage and a formal accusation by the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which linked him and his secretariat to a visit visa scam at Tribhuvan International Airport’s immigration office. Speaking on Saturday, Lekhak strongly denied any wrongdoing, calling the allegations “baseless,” and stated that he welcomes a fair investigation into all aspects of his public life. “If even a single instance of financial misconduct is proven, I will leave politics,” he asserted. The RSP has demanded Lekhak’s immediate resignation to ensure an impartial investigation. In a parallel statement, the Ministry of Home Affairs also denied any involvement of its leadership in the alleged human trafficking case. The controversy continues to draw significant political and public attention.
NC’s Dr. Shekhar Koirala Urges Home Minister Lekhak to Resign Amid Corruption Allegations: Nepali Congress leader Dr. Shekhar Koirala has called on Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak to resign to uphold moral responsibility amid visa-on-arrival corruption allegations. Speaking at Biratnagar Airport, Koirala urged Lekhak to step down and support a thorough investigation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining moral integrity by proclaiming innocence openly. The allegations initially implicated employees within the Ministry of Home Affairs and Lekhak’s secretariat but have since implicated the minister himself. Koirala stressed that the government must form an investigation committee to conduct a fair inquiry, demonstrating accountability and transparency.
RSP Demands Home Minister Lekhak’s Resignation Over Visit Visa Scam, Warns of Parliamentary Obstruction: The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has demanded the resignation of Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, alleging his involvement in human trafficking through the misuse of visit visas. In an emergency virtual meeting on Saturday, the party’s central committee urged Lekhak to step down immediately to allow for an impartial investigation. RSP Spokesperson Manish Jha recalled Lekhak’s past remarks in Parliament advocating resignation when under scrutiny. The RSP warned that if Lekhak does not resign, it will obstruct Parliament proceedings. The party also cautioned that political disillusionment could grow if accountability is not upheld in this serious matter.
RSP Accepts Supreme Court Verdict on Rabi Lamichhane Legally, Raises Concerns Over Basis of Ruling: The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has stated it will legally accept the Supreme Court’s verdict upholding the Tulshipur High Court’s ruling concerning party president Rabi Lamichhane in the cooperative fund misuse case. However, the party expressed concern that the issue—governed under the Company Act—was forcibly linked to cooperative fraud using baseless arguments. A virtual meeting of the RSP Secretariat on Saturday noted potential bias and called the ruling questionable. The party also warned against weakening public trust in the judiciary, emphasizing that political vendettas and state-inflicted distress should not erode faith in justice.
Prachanda Calls for Directly Elected Executive President, Launches Public Campaign: CPN (Maoist Centre) Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has renewed his call for a directly elected executive presidential system in Nepal. Speaking in Pokhara during the party’s “People’s Awakening Campaign for the Mid-Hill Highway,” he argued the current mixed system hinders stability and prosperity. Dahal said he had initially pushed for this model during constitution drafting but compromised to ensure promulgation. The campaign, aimed at public education and mobilization, seeks to lay the groundwork for socialist transformation. Senior leaders Narayan Kaji Shrestha and Dev Gurung also advocated for social justice and expedited completion of the Maoist-initiated Mid-Hill Highway.
RPP Launches Campaign to Reinstate Hindu Nation and Constitutional Monarchy: The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), in coordination with the United People’s Movement Committee, has launched a nationwide religious and awareness campaign advocating for the restoration of a constitutional monarchy and Nepal’s identity as a Sanatan Hindu nation. The campaign began with a rally in Kathmandu, attended by leaders including RPP President Rajendra Lingden and Kamal Thapa. Organizers say the initiative aims to build public momentum for a broader movement supporting a multi-party democracy under monarchy. RPP spokesperson Mohan Shrestha announced a door-to-door drive leading up to a mass campaign starting on Jestha 15 (May 29).
Clash Between Yarsagumba Collectors in Dolpa Over Territorial Dispute: A violent clash erupted on Saturday in Thala Lek, Dolpa, between Yarsagumba collectors from Maikot (Eastern Rukum) and those from Kaike and Thuli Bheri (Dolpa), over disputed collection territories. According to Armed Police Deputy Superintendent Shailendra Thapa, an estimated 600–700 people were involved in the confrontation. To control the situation, the Armed Police Force fired two warning shots from SLR rifles. The conflict was sparked by longstanding territorial disagreements during the high-value Yarsagumba harvesting season. Authorities have since brought the situation under control, but tensions highlight recurring issues during the herb collection period in remote Himalayan regions.
Nepal Faces Over 3,900 Protests in 10 Months; Damage Tops Rs500 Million: Nepal has recorded 3,963 protest-related events over the past 10 months, with damages exceeding Rs500 million, according to Nepal Police data. Deputy Inspector General Ramesh Thapa shared during a press briefing that the unrest included 12 general strikes, 12 transport blockades, 816 lockouts, 782 sit-ins, 134 hunger strikes, 118 road obstructions, and 2,089 protest rallies nationwide. Protest actions resulted in the arson of 76 vehicles and vandalism of 31 others. Damage to public infrastructure was estimated at Rs407.5 million, while vehicle losses amounted to Rs95.1 million.
Police detained 666 individuals linked to these events, with 530 later released and 136 facing legal proceedings. Charges ranged from organised crime (65) to offences against the state (27), disorderly conduct (24), unlawful assembly and rioting (18), and other criminal activities (2).
The surge in protest activity signals increasing public unrest and highlights growing concerns over law and order and the rising economic cost of civil disruptions.
14 Years On, Dalits Still Face Deadly Discrimination Despite Legal Protections: Despite 14 years of the Ethnic Discrimination and Untouchability Act, Dalits continue to face fatal discrimination. Seventeen Dalits have been killed over inter-caste marriages and untouchability since 2068 BS, says Samata Foundation. Chairman Dr. Madan Pariyar blamed police inaction and focus on reconciliation over justice. CPN (Maoist Centre) leader Parshuram Ramtel urged strict enforcement of the law, stressing that Dalits—14% of the population—still suffer systemic injustice in the federal democratic republic. Many inter-caste couples remain displaced.
Nagdhunga–Naubise Road to Close Daily for 15 Days for Blacktopping Work: The Piplamod section of the Nagdhunga–Naubise road will be closed daily from 10:30 am to 3:00 pm for 15 days starting Saturday to allow blacktopping of a 1.8 km stretch. According to project chief Keshav Prasad Ojha, uninterrupted daytime hours are required to complete resurfacing work that began earlier with night-time asphalt removal. Vehicles will be stopped at Khanikhola during the closure. Alternative routes have been recommended for small and medium vehicles, while emergency services will be allowed through. The work is expected to be completed on time if weather conditions remain favorable.
Nepali Army Builds Helipad in Remote Pulu to Boost Emergency Response: The Nepali Army has constructed and handed over a helipad in Pulu, the administrative center of Mugum Karmarong Rural Municipality, to improve emergency response in the isolated region. At a ceremony on Friday, Major General Anup Jung Thapa handed the facility to Chairperson Tshering Kyapne Lama. Lama emphasized its life-saving potential, especially during yarsagumba collection season when many suffer from altitude-related illnesses. The helipad, built at a cost of Rs 844,173, aims to ensure faster medical evacuation and disaster response.
IMF Mission to Visit Nepal for Sixth Review of Extended Credit Facility: An IMF mission team will visit Nepal from Jestha 11 for two weeks to conduct the sixth review of the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) program. The visit follows the disbursement of the fifth tranche and aims to assess progress on reforms pledged by Nepal. The mission will meet key officials including the Finance Minister and NRB Governor. Nepal secured the $398.8 million ECF in 2022 to support economic stability, with five tranches already disbursed. The IMF acknowledged past progress despite political instability and natural disasters but highlighted ongoing risks and urged improvements in fiscal discipline, governance, and financial sector regulation.
Bangladeshi Firm Selected to Audit Loan Portfolios of Nepal’s Top 10 Commercial Banks: Bangladesh-based Howladar Yunus & Co. has been technically selected to audit the loan portfolios of Nepal’s 10 largest commercial banks. Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has invited the firm to submit its financial proposal by Jestha 25. The final contract will be awarded only if the company also qualifies financially. Earlier, Indian firm KPMG was selected but later disqualified due to financial proposal issues, delaying the review process. The audit, a requirement under Nepal’s Extended Credit Facility agreement with the IMF, was initially scheduled for October last year. The IMF is set to review the program’s sixth installment soon.
Govt Tightens Hydropower IPO Rules: Public Shares Only After Power Generation Begins: To curb financial misconduct by hydropower promoters, the government has enforced a new policy allowing public share issuance only after project completion and electricity generation. This move follows recommendations from the High-Level Economic Reform Commission led by former Finance Secretary Rameshore Prasad Khanal. The “Economic Reform Implementation Action Plan 2082” tasks the Finance and Energy Ministries with execution, while the PM’s Office will oversee coordination. The policy aims to stop cost inflation and misuse of bank loans during project construction, and to end the trend of promoters profiting from IPOs before actual operations begin, ensuring greater transparency and accountability in the sector.
Beni-Kaligandaki Hydropower Project Moves Forward Amid Local Opposition and Investment Push: The 50.5 MW Beni Kaligandaki Hydropower Project in Jaljala of Myagdi and Parbat has advanced, with the Department of Electricity Development inviting investment under the BOOT model. A 30-day public notice for Expressions of Interest was issued on May 10. Locals in Jaljala welcome the project, seeing it as a source of jobs and economic growth. However, Beni residents and political leaders strongly oppose it, citing threats to the religious and cultural importance of the Kaligandaki River. Critics warn that diverting water could disrupt rituals and local life, urging the government to halt construction plans.
Nepal Insurance Authority Launches Monthly Report ‘Beema Pratibimba’ with Detailed Sector Data: Marking its 57th anniversary, the Nepal Insurance Authority has launched a monthly publication, Beema Pratibimba, featuring comprehensive insurance sector statistics. Inspired by Nepal Rastra Bank’s widely-referenced “Vartamane” economic report, this new initiative aims to regularly deliver integrated and refined data on the insurance industry. The first edition, based on data from Chaitra, includes detailed insights and macro-level analysis to support evidence-based policymaking. According to Authority spokesperson Sushildev Subedi, this publication improves upon past fragmented data releases. Though the inaugural issue faced delays, future editions will follow a regular schedule and aid the government in shaping insurance policies during the budgeting process.
Rajesh Hamal Returns After 8 Years with Narsingha: Avatar, Released Nationwide: Actor Rajesh Hamal’s comeback film Narsingha: Avatar hit theaters nationwide on Friday, marking his return to the big screen after eight years. Featuring him in a powerful action role, the film is screening in around 140 shows across Nepal. Hamal plays ‘Narsingha,’ a justice-seeking hero, with signature dialogues reviving his classic style. Directed by Diwakar Bhattarai, the film also stars Niti Shah and debutant Raj Katuwal. Meanwhile, Woolen Sweater continues strong into its third week, while Ke Ghar Ke Dera struggles with limited shows.
Two New Nepali Films, ‘Dukhi Atma’ and ‘Rangi,’ Hit Cinemas on Valentine’s Day: Two new Nepali films—Dukhi Atma and Rangi—were released nationwide on Valentine’s Day. Directed by Dipendra Lama, Dukhi Atma stars Dayahang Rai and Aanchal Sharma and explores a man’s emotional struggles linked to sexual health. Rangi, a father-daughter drama directed by Suresh Nyaupane, features Salon Basnet and Namrata Shrestha. Both films held premiere shows in Kathmandu prior to release and received mixed reactions. Despite expectations, Dukhi Atma saw a slow start. Both films are screening across major theatres in Nepal.
Mahabhoj to Release on May 30, Blending Social Reality with Cinematic Power: Director Dinesh Raut’s new film Mahabhoj, releasing on May 30 (Jestha 15), is drawing attention for its timely resonance with current social issues. Producer Himal Kadariya calls it an “intentional coincidence,” as the film tackles themes of economic exploitation, political betrayal, and public disillusionment. Featuring Dayahang Rai, Aryan Sigdel, and Khagendra Lamichhane, Mahabhoj invites audiences to reflect rather than just watch. The film aims to question silence, inspire awareness, and offer not just a story—but a powerful societal experience.
Football Duties Force Nepal Captain Anjila Tumbapo Subba to Cancel UK Trip for Film Screening: Nepal women’s football captain Anjila Tumbapo Subba canceled her UK visit for the Anjila film screening in Aldershot due to international football duties. In a video message, she apologized to fans, stating football is her top priority. Organizers clarified she was recalled early for upcoming international matches, leadership roles, and official responsibilities. As the national team’s main goalkeeper, her presence was deemed essential. Based on her real-life struggles and achievements, Anjila is directed by Milan Chams and produced by Prem Kumar Shrestha.
Football Commitment Halts UK Visit of Anjila Star and National Captain Anjila Tumbapo Subba: Nepal women’s football team captain Anjila Tumbapo Subba has cancelled her UK visit for the screening of her biopic Anjila in Aldershot due to international football duties. Organizers, New Horizon Creation Ltd UK, cited her need to rejoin the national team for upcoming matches, training, and official commitments. Anjila issued a video message apologizing to fans, stating football remains her top priority. Directed by Milan Chams, the film, based on her life, has received strong audience appreciation in Nepal.
Nepal to Host First SAFF Women’s Club Championship in November 2025: Nepal will host the inaugural SAFF Women’s Club Championship in November 2025. The decision was made during the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) board meeting held in Kathmandu on Saturday. This marks a significant step for women’s football in South Asia, with club-level teams from across the region set to compete in the first-ever edition of the tournament. The event aims to boost women’s participation in football and strengthen regional cooperation in the sport.
Russia and Ukraine Swap 307 More POWs in Largest Exchange Since War Began: Russia and Ukraine exchanged 307 prisoners of war on Saturday, marking the second day of the largest swap since the war began. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy confirmed the return of soldiers from the army, border service, and national guard. On Friday, both sides released 390 POWs each, as part of a “1000-for-1000” deal brokered in Istanbul. Russia said future exchanges are expected. The swap came hours after a Russian drone and missile attack on Kyiv injured at least 15 civilians.
Kyiv Hit by Major Russian Drone, Missile Attack; At Least 15 Injured: Kyiv endured a large-scale Russian drone and missile attack overnight Saturday, injuring at least 15 people, Ukrainian officials said. Explosions and gunfire echoed across the city as residents sheltered in subway stations. Firefighters battled blazes in damaged homes, including one where Yurii Bondarchuk described shattered windows and a destroyed balcony. Mayor Vitalii Klitschko had warned of over 20 incoming Russian drones. The attack coincided with a major Russia-Ukraine prisoner swap, part of a deal brokered in Istanbul last week.
BSF Shoots Dead Pakistani Intruder at India-Pakistan Border in Gujarat: India’s Border Security Force (BSF) said it shot dead a Pakistani man who illegally crossed into Banaskantha district, Gujarat, from Pakistan on Friday evening. According to a BSF statement, troops challenged the intruder but opened fire when he continued advancing, killing him on the spot. The incident occurred near the India-Pakistan border adjacent to Pakistan’s Sindh province. The BSF, which operates under India’s Interior Ministry, did not disclose the intruder’s identity or possible motive.
