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.
Prachanda Calls Baburam Bhattarai a National Joke: Maoist Center Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has launched a sharp verbal assault on Nepal Samajwadi Party (Naya Shakti) leader Dr. Baburam Bhattarai, branding him a “national laughingstock.” Speaking at a press conference in Rukum East, Prachanda ruled out any future alliance with Bhattarai, mocking his ideological shift and diminishing political relevance. “People call him the most unintelligent doctor. Even the reactionary forces he’s sided with don’t trust him anymore,” said Prachanda.
Baburam’s Secretariat Hits Back at Prachanda: Rekhi Gurung, the secretary to former Prime Minister and Nepal Samajwadi Party (Naya Shakti) Chairman Dr. Baburam Bhattarai, has hit back strongly at Maoist Center Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ after he launched a scathing verbal assault on Dr. Bhattarai during a press conference in Rukum East earlier today. Reacting to these remarks, Rekhi Gurung posted a sharp rebuttal on social media, calling Prachanda’s comment and persona “two great political jokes.” “‘To say Baburam lacks intelligence and to regard Prachanda as a true communist’ are, in themselves, two grand political jokes,” Gurung wrote.
Rabi Lamichhane’s Habeas Corpus Petition Deferred Again: The habeas corpus petitions filed by Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Rabi Lamichhane was once again deferred on Thursday. A joint bench of Justices Nahakul Subedi and Bal Krishna Dhakal has been hearing the cases since Tuesday. Wednesday’s hearing was postponed as Justice Subedi was scheduled for a constitutional bench, resulting in a pause in proceedings. During Thursday’s hearing, senior advocate Raman Kumar Shrestha argued on behalf of Lamichhane. Government attorneys, including Govinda Khanal and Lok Raj Parajuli, then presented their arguments. The government’s final arguments will continue Friday, after which lawyers representing the petitioners will respond.
Govt Will Not Remain a Silent Spectator If Constitution is Attacked, Says Minister Gurung: Government spokesperson and Minister for Communication Prithvi Subba Gurung has warned that monarchists are attempting to challenge the federal democratic republican system, and that the government will not remain a mere spectator in response. Speaking at a press conference held Thursday at the Ministry to publicize Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting decisions, Minister Gurung issued a firm warning. He cautioned against mistaking the government’s tolerance for weakness, stating, “It would be wrong to interpret our patience as a flaw. If anti-constitutional and anti-system activities persist, the government will not remain a silent observer; it will respond.”
22 Secretaries Urge Speaker Ghimire to Remove ‘Cooling-Off Period’ from Civil Service Bill: A group of 22 government secretaries has drawn the attention of Speaker Devraj Ghimire, requesting that the controversial “cooling-off period” provision not be included in the Federal Civil Service Bill. The delegation, led by Chief Secretary Ek Narayan Aryal, met the Speaker on Thursday and urged him not to allow the provision—already passed by the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee of Parliament—to move forward in its current form. “The secretaries expressed concern and asked for revisions to the cooling-off period provision,” a source familiar with the meeting said.
Public Accounts Committee Recommends CIAA Probe into Patanjali Land Deal: The Public Accounts Committee of Nepal’s federal parliament has decided to forward its investigation report on the Patanjali land deal case to the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA). During a meeting held on Thursday, the committee resolved to send the report to the anti-graft body for further investigation and necessary legal action. Speaking to the media after the meeting, Committee Chairperson Rishikesh Pokharel stated that a formal complaint regarding the Patanjali land dealings had been lodged with the committee. Following inquiries with various ministries and institutions, the committee prepared an initial report.
Clash Between PAC Chair Pokharel and Member Modi During Meeting: A heated dispute broke out between Public Accounts Committee Chair Rishikesh Pokharel and committee member Amanlal Modi during a meeting held at Singha Durbar on Thursday. The clash began when Modi attempted to speak at the beginning of the meeting, but Chair Pokharel tried to stop him. Pokharel accused Modi of bringing a YouTuber to the meeting to stage a “stunt.” “You’ve brought a YouTuber with you. Are you here to shoot a video or attend the meeting?” Pokharel said angrily. The situation escalated, leading to a verbal altercation between the two lawmakers.
Private Medical Colleges Defy Government Decision Even After Four Months; Still Withhold Monthly Stipend: Despite four months having passed since the government’s decision, private medical colleges continue to defy the order. The 16th meeting of the Medical Education Commission, held on Magh 25, 2081 BS, had decided to provide residential doctors in private medical colleges a monthly stipend equivalent to the government’s eighth-level subsistence allowance (Rs 48,700). However, private medical college operators have blatantly ignored the government’s repeated instructions. This decision was made in a meeting held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar, attended by then Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Despite high-level backing, private colleges have yet to implement the decision, raising questions about government authority and enforcement.
NC Rejects ‘Baseless Allegations’ About Party President’s Views on Monarchy: Nepali Congress (NC) has expressed serious concern over the spread of misinformation alleging that party president Sher Bahadur Deuba made statements or holds views about the monarchy which he never expressed or considered. In a statement issued Thursday, NC Party Office Chief Secretary Krishna Prasad Paudel called such acts “unethical and highly objectionable,” criticizing those who, for momentary self-interest, misuse media by spreading fabricated claims about the party president’s stance on the monarchy.
Detention of Durga Prasai and 56 Others Extended by Two Days: Kathmandu District Court has extended the detention of Durga Prasai and 56 others for an additional two days for investigation purposes. The extension was granted by a bench of Judge Diwakar Bhatta following a request from the police. Durga Prasai was designated as the lead commander of the royalist protest held at Tinkune on Chaitra 15 (March 28). The demonstration turned violent, resulting in the deaths of two individuals. Protesters vandalized, set fire to, and looted both private and public properties in the area.
Nepali National Arrested in Delhi on Charges of Being ISI Agent: In a covert operation carried out between January and March 2025, Delhi Police claim to have dismantled a network of ISI sleeper cells, arresting two Islamic State agents, including a person of Nepali origin, according to Asian News International. Coordinated with central agencies, the operation reportedly led to the seizure of classified military documents from Ansarul Miya Ansari, the Nepali-origin suspect. Both detainees were charged in May and are currently held in Tihar Jail. Delhi Police claim that Ansari was apprehended while attempting to travel to Pakistan.
NHRC Urges Government to Ensure Conflict Victims’ Trust in Transitional Justice Process: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged the Government of Nepal to ensure the participation, trust, and acceptance of conflict victims in the transitional justice process. In a press statement issued Thursday, NHRC Spokesperson and Joint Secretary Dr. Tikaram Pokharel emphasized that transitional justice can only be concluded effectively if it is rooted in the trust and cooperation of the victims themselves. “The Commission is seriously concerned about the dissatisfaction expressed by conflict victims regarding the appointment process of the two transitional justice commissions,” the statement reads.
Ambulance Carrying Dead Body to Kathmandu Crashes in Ramechhap, Three Injured: An ambulance transporting a dead body to Kathmandu met with an accident at Goganpani in Khandadevi Rural Municipality-3, Ramechhap. According to DSP Bhola Bhatta of the Ramechhap District Police Office, the Pr-3-01-002 Jha 5803 ambulance veered off the road and plunged approximately 100 meters down. Among the four people aboard the ambulance, three were injured. The injured have been identified as 24-year-old Suresh Magar (driver), 41-year-old Narayan Bahadur Nepali, and 53-year-old Dil Bahadur Damai, all from Ramechhap.
Stock Market Index Rises by 19.14 Points on Thursday, Trading Nears Rs 10 billion: On the last trading day of the week, Thursday, the stock market index rose by 19.14 points, reaching 2,688.91 points. The total trading volume for the day stood at Rs 9.82 billion. On the previous day, the market had recorded a trading volume of Rs 10.45 billion. Today, the share prices of 104 companies increased, while those of 142 companies declined, and 1 remained unchanged. Compared to the overall market, the Sensitive Index—which tracks major companies—saw a more significant rise. Among sectoral indices, the banking group led the gains, climbing by 3.94 percent.
Bankers Seek Tax Relief as Income Pressure Mounts: Faced with shrinking income and rising loan defaults, bankers are seeking relief through income tax adjustments. They argue that declining revenue sources and high default rates require tax reductions to offset losses. Lately, banks and financial institutions have struggled to recover loans. Efforts to auction collateral have been hampered by a slump in the real estate market, preventing the sale of mortgaged properties.
Newly Appointed NRB Governor Poudel Promises Policy Stability: Dr. Biswo Nath Poudel, newly appointed Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank, has stated that monetary and other central bank policies will be formulated based on policy stability and consultations with stakeholders. In a meeting with a delegation from the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) at Nepal Rastra Bank, Governor Paudel assured that the central bank’s decisions will be predictable. “The private sector is the backbone of the economy. Stability is necessary for a vibrant economy. Decisions must be predictable, “he said.
Nepal Telecom’s Profit Plunges Nearly 49%: State-owned Nepal Telecom (NT) has reported a steep 48.67% decline in its net profit for the third quarter of the current fiscal year. According to its recently released financial report, the company posted a net profit of Rs 2.84 billion, down from Rs 5.54 billion in the same period last year—a loss exceeding Rs 2.69 billion. The company attributes the decline primarily to the growing popularity of Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms like Messenger, Viber, WhatsApp, and email services, which have drastically reduced revenue from traditional voice calls and SMS.
Nepal Insurance Company Gets Approval for Rights Share Issuance: Nepal Insurance Company has received approval to issue rights shares. The Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) has authorized the company to issue rights shares equivalent to 40% of its paid-up capital. The company has been permitted to issue 6,576,937 rights shares at a face value of NPR 100 each. Earlier, Nepal Insurance had already appointed NIMB S Capital as the issue manager and sales agent for this rights share issuance.
Bipana Thapa to Play Lead Role in Film ‘Aa Bata Aama’: Actress Bipana Thapa has been cast in the lead role of the upcoming Nepali film ‘Aa Bata Aama’, directed by Chandra Pant. This marks Thapa’s second collaboration with Pant, following her comeback to the Nepali silver screen after 16 years through the film ‘Hrashwa Deergha’. Director Panta confirmed that Thapa has officially signed on for the new project. Citing the emotionally compelling storyline of the film, Pant said Thapa was a natural choice for the lead role.
Nepali Film ‘Shape of Momo’ Wins ‘HAF Goes to Cannes’ Award at Cannes Market: Five films, including one from Nepal, have won the prestigious ‘HAF Goes to Cannes’ award under this year’s Cannes Film Festival Market (Cannes Marché du Film). The Nepali film ‘Shape of Momo’, directed by Triveni Rai, has been selected for the program. The film features Gaumaya Gurung in the lead role, with performances by Pashupati Rai, Rahul Mukhiya, and Shyamashree Sherpa. The Cannes Market officially announced the selection on its website.
‘Phool’ Female Version from ‘Unko Sweater’ Released, Features Abhigya Ghimire’s Melodious Voice: A female version of the popular song ‘Phool’ from the ongoing theatrical release ‘Unko Sweater’ has been released. The track, presented by Kendra Motion Pictures, is sung by Abhigya Ghimire, whose soulful rendition has garnered praise. Penned by Harka Saud and composed by Sujan Chapagain, the video of the newly released version features lead actors Bipin Karki and Miruna Magar, who appear in a romantic mood. Previously, the title track sung by Sujan Chapagain had become widely popular among audiences.
RCT Thrash Shree Kumari 4–1 to Retain B Division Status: Rani Pokhari Corner Team (RCT) ended their Shahid Smarak ‘B’ Division League campaign on a high note with a dominant 4–1 victory over Shree Kumari Club on Thursday. In the match held at the ANFA Complex in Satdobato, Bibek Rai and Ajit Gurung both netted a brace to secure RCT’s emphatic win. Rajkumar Syangtang scored the lone consolation goal for Shree Kumari. With the final win, RCT finished the season with 18 points from 13 matches, successfully retaining their B Division status. Despite the defeat, Shree Kumari also managed to avoid relegation, finishing with 16 points.
Nepali Judo Team Departs for Bangladesh to Compete in BKSP Championship: A 14-member Nepali team, including 12 athletes, departed for Dhaka, Bangladesh on Thursday to participate in the BKSP Judo Championship. The tournament will be held from May 25 to 26, featuring seven male and five female judo players representing Nepal. In the men’s category, Reebaj Lama Tamang (under 45 kg), Sabhar Poudel (under 50 kg), Buddha Gurung (under 55 kg), Sabin Kumar Diali (under 60 kg), Bishesh BK (under 66 kg), Prayas Tamang (under 73 kg), and Bigyan Khatri (above 73 kg) will compete. On the women’s side, Samita Nepali (under 44 kg), Nisha Shrestha (under 48 kg), Binita Nepali (under 52 kg), Pema Yangji Sherpa (under 57 kg), and Rekha Shrestha (under 63 kg) will represent Nepal.
Coach Katuwal Confident of Nepal’s Chances in ICC Women’s T20 Global Qualifier: Nepal women’s national cricket team coach Manoj Katuwal has expressed confidence that the team can succeed in the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier. Nepal secured a spot in the Global Qualifier after finishing in the top two at the Asia Qualifier held in Thailand. This marks a historic moment for Nepal’s women’s cricket, as it is the first time the team has advanced to the global stage of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup qualifiers.
Israeli Assaults Continue Across Gaza, At Least 38 Killed Today: Medical sources confirm that at least 38 people have been killed in Israeli attacks across the Gaza Strip since dawn today. International condemnation is mounting after Israeli forces fired “warning” shots towards foreign diplomats visiting the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank. The United Nations’s chief spokesperson said the limited humanitarian aid “finally” entering Gaza is “nowhere near enough to meet the needs” of the war-torn enclave’s famished population. Israel’s war on Gaza has killed at least 53,655 Palestinians and wounded 121,950, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
Heavy Rain Disrupts Life in Several Indian Cities: Four people have reportedly died, with more than a dozen injured in the capital Delhi and nearby areas according to local media, after a severe hailstorm hit the city on Wednesday. The powerful storm uprooted trees, triggered power outages and led to massive traffic snarls due to waterlogging on the streets. Similar scenes were reported from India’s financial capital Mumbai where pre-monsoon showers led to flooding in parts of the city. India’s weather agency has warned that “heavy to very heavy rainfall” is likely over India’s western coast during next 6-7 days with rains and thunderstorms expected in almost a dozen states over the coming days, particularly in the southern part of the country.
Two Shot Dead Outside Jewish Museum in Washington: Two Israeli Embassy staff members were shot and killed on Wednesday night outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC, officials said, according to local media. “Two Israeli Embassy staff were senselessly killed tonight near the Jewish Museum in Washington DC,” US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem posted on X social media platform. Law enforcement sources told CNN that two people were shot as they exited an event at the museum. The shooting occurred at around 9:15 p.m. local time near an FBI office building on F Street, according to the news outlet.
