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.
SC Rejects Habeas Petition, Rabi Lamichhane to Remain in Custody: A joint bench of Justices Nahakul Subedi and Balkrishna Dhakal of the Supreme Court has rejected a habeas corpus petition filed by Nikita Poudel, the wife of Rastriya Swatantra Party President Rabi Lamichhane. The petition had sought his release from custody in connection with the Supreme Cooperative fraud case. With this ruling, Lamichhane will remain in custody until the Rupandehi District Court delivers a final verdict in the ongoing fraud case.
Monarchy Cannot Return to Nepal, Says PM KP Sharma Oli: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has stated that the monarchy, which the people have firmly rejected, cannot be restored. Speaking at the opening session of the Communist Party of Nepal (UML)-affiliated Youth Federation Nepal’s 10th National Convention held in Pokhara on Friday, Oli declared that the dream of restoring the monarchy will never come true. Criticizing royalist parties and organizations planning protests from May 28, Oli remarked that the monarchy was firmly ended after they “grabbed it, tied it up, and threw it away.”
Foreign Minister Rana Meets JICA President: Nepal’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, held a meeting with Dr. Akihiko Tanaka, President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), on Friday. The meeting took place at JICA headquarters in Tokyo and focused on various aspects of Nepal-Japan bilateral relations and matters of mutual interest. During the meeting, Minister Dr. Rana expressed Nepal’s gratitude for the long-standing support extended by the Government of Japan through JICA in Nepal’s economic and social development sectors.
Writ filed at SC Against Appointment of NRB Governor Poudel: A writ petition has been filed at the Supreme Court challenging the appointment of Dr. Biswo Nath Poudel as the Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank, alleging that his selection was politically motivated and in violation of the Nepal Rastra Bank Act, 2058 (2002). Advocates Anantaraj Luintel, Prativa Upreti, and Bishal Thapa jointly filed the petition, claiming that Paudel’s appointment was made unlawfully to serve political interests, and have demanded its annulment.
Eight TIA Immigration Staff Transferred Amid Visit Visa Probe: Eight staff members from the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) Immigration Office have been transferred in connection with an investigation into a visit visa case. The Ministry of Home Affairs has also reassigned a deputy sub-inspector and a computer operator, citing possible high-level involvement in the case. Among those transferred are Deputy Sub-Inspectors Prem Prasad Paudel and Bir Bhadra Joshi, who have been posted to the District Administration Office in Kathmandu. Another deputy sub-inspector, Nara Bahadur Thapa, has been relocated to the District Administration Office in Banke.
NC Pushes to Ease Land Sale Ban for Developer Companies: The Nepali Congress has decided to amend the provision in the existing law that allows companies authorized for land development to purchase land but not to sell it. This decision was made during a meeting of the parliamentary party held on Friday, as informed by Nepali Congress Chief Whip Shyam Kumar Ghimire. He stated that the meeting also discussed resolving the legal complications observed in the Eighth Amendment to the Land Act and incorporating additional issues into the amendment.
Prachanda Urges Public to Abandon Despair, Emphasizes Self-reliant Growth: Chairman of the CPN (Maoist Centre) and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has called on the people to shed the pessimism that “nothing is happening in Nepal,” asserting that the country is on the path to prosperity. Speaking at a public dialogue event in Baglung Bazaar as part of the party’s Mid-Hill Highway Public Awareness Campaign, Prachanda emphasized the need to focus on local production, domestic industries, and a self-sustaining agricultural system.
Police Submit Investigation Report on Tinkune Incident to Government Attorney: The police have submitted the investigation report regarding the incident at Tinkune. Sources at the District Government Attorney Office in Kathmandu informed that the report has been received. The government attorney’s office is preparing to file the case on Sunday. The police have recommended prosecuting Durga Prasai, who led the demonstration in favor of former King Gyanendra Shah, on charges related to murder. According to an official involved in the investigation, the investigation report submitted to the District Government Attorney’s office advises prosecuting Durga Prasai, a medical professional, along with eight others, on charges related to homicide.
Environment Minister Shahi Meets Chinese Forestry Chief Guohong:During his official visit to China, Nepal’s Minister for Forests and Environment, Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri, held a meeting with Liu Guohong, Director of China’s National Forestry and Grassland Administration. On the occasion, Minister Shahi highlighted the historical ties between Nepal and China, emphasizing that Nepal places high importance on its relationship with China as a close friend, development partner, and good neighbor, according to his secretariat. He stated that regular high-level visits and exchanges between the two countries have further strengthened bilateral relations.
Nepal Elected to WHO Executive Board: Nepal has been unanimously elected as an Executive Member of the World Health Organization (WHO) from the Southeast Asia region during the 78th World Health Assembly held in Geneva. With this election, Nepal will serve a three-year term on the WHO Executive Board, representing the Southeast Asia region. Following the announcement, Minister for Health and Population, Pradeep Poudel, called the appointment a significant opportunity for Nepal to showcase its healthcare reform achievements and learn from global best practices.
Baitadi Earthquake Followed by 11 Aftershocks, No Damage Reported: An earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale struck the Khalanga area of Baitadi district headquarters at 1:48 AM on Friday night, followed by one aftershock of magnitude 3.7 and ten smaller tremors, according to the Earthquake Measurement Center in Surkhet. The initial tremor was felt not only in Baitadi but also in other districts of the Sudurpaschim Province. No human or material damage has been reported. According to Chintan Timilsina, chief of the Earthquake Measurement Center in Surkhet, the magnitude 3.7 aftershock occurred 20 minutes after the initial 5.1 quake, followed by ten minor aftershocks.
Nine Injured in Taplejung Jeep Accident: Nine people, including the driver, were injured in a Bolero jeep accident in Taplejung. According to police, the jeep was traveling from Nalbu in Meringden Rural Municipality–6 toward the district headquarters, Phungling, when it met with the accident. Taplejung’s Chief of Police, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Bed Prasad Gautam, stated that the jeep (registration number Me 1 Cha 1317) lost control due to brake failure and crashed at Sakphara in Santhakra, Ward 2 of the same rural municipality. The accident occurred at around 11:15 AM on Friday. The driver, 25-year-old Sangay Sherpa of Nalbu, was injured in the accident. He sustained a head injury.
Share Loan Surges by Over 37%, but Stock Market Stagnates: In the first nine months of the current fiscal year, banks and financial institutions in Nepal have disbursed an additional Rs 34.02 billion in share loans—an increase of 37.8% compared to the same period last fiscal year. Despite the notable rise in share-based lending, the stock market has failed to mirror this upward trend. According to data from Nepal Rastra Bank, share lending has been increasing steadily since the beginning of the fiscal year. From mid-July (Shrawan) to mid-April (Chaitra), loans ranging from Rs 2.5 million to Rs 5 million rose by 15.14%, while loans below Rs 2.5 million increased by 8.6%.
Finance Ministry Begins Drafting Budget Statement for FY 2082/83: The Ministry of Finance has officially begun drafting the budget statement for the upcoming fiscal year 2082/83. This follows rounds of consultations with stakeholders and the submission of key policy suggestions. According to ministry officials, the Revenue Advisory Committee has already submitted its report to the Finance Minister, offering recommendations on revenue policy and related measures. These inputs are being incorporated into the budget framework currently under development.
Responsibilities Divided Between Deputy Governors at Nepal Rastra Bank: Responsibilities have been divided between the Deputy Governors of Nepal Rastra Bank. Governor Maha Prasad Adhikari has assigned roles to Deputy Governors Nilam Dhungana and Bam Bahadur Mishra. According to the division, Dhungana has been entrusted with the departments of Bank and Financial Institution Regulation, Non-Banking Financial Institution Supervision, Microfinance Supervision, Foreign Exchange Management, Currency Management, Institutional Planning and Risk Management, Asset and Service Management, Information Technology, and the Provincial Offices. Meanwhile, Mishra has been given charge of the departments of Bank Supervision, Financial Institution Supervision, Economic Research, Monetary Management, Payment Systems, Banking, Human Resource Management, and Financial Management.
IMF Mission Team Visiting Nepal for ECF Sixth Review: A mission from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is set to visit Nepal for the sixth review of the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) agreement. The IMF, which provided the fifth installment on Chaitra 2 (March 15), is sending the team to assess progress made on commitments. The ECF mission will stay in Nepal for two weeks starting from Jestha 11 (May 25). The team will meet with the finance minister, central bank governor, and chief of the Department of Money Laundering Investigation.
Ayush Dulal Departs for Philippines to Compete in Man of the World 2025: Ayush Dulal, the winner of Man of the World Nepal 2024, has left for the Philippines to participate in the international beauty pageant Man of the World 2025, which will be held from May 23 to 31. Dulal departed on Thursday night and was given a ceremonial send-off at Tribhuvan International Airport by Mr. Nepal 2023 winner Samarpan Karki, Nimesh Kapali, Mr. World 2024 Santosh Loksam, Mr. Global 2024 Yogesh Shrestha, Mr. Nepal Regional Director Sandeep KC, National Director Ravi Dhamala, and Yetana Pandey, Managing Director of Next Models Nepal.
Dipak Raj Giri Extends Best Wishes to Rajesh Hamal on His Comeback: Renowned actor and filmmaker Dipak Raj Giri has extended his best wishes to actor Rajesh Hamal, who is making a comeback to the silver screen after nearly eight years through the film Narsimha: Avatar. Posting a heartfelt message on social media, Giri expressed his deep respect for Hamal and wished for the film’s success. “I’ve offered best wishes to many films before, but today’s wishes feel a bit different,” he wrote, adding that while he could have silently posted a photo, his heart compelled him to pen a few sincere words.
Hollywood Film ‘Tasi’ Filming Across Nepal with Apple as Global DistributorThe Hollywood movie Tasi, backed by American tech giant Apple under a global distribution deal, is currently being filmed in various regions of Nepal. The film crew, in Nepal for over a month, began shooting in Patan, Lalitpur, before moving on to Solukhumbu and Sindhupalchok. For the past week, production has been underway at Lupra Pass, a scenic spot on the world-famous Annapurna Circuit in Mustang. At 3,772 meters above sea level, Lupra Pass has become the set for dramatic scenes featuring background actors in vintage attire. Photos show cinematographers capturing sweeping mountain vistas alongside traditionally dressed extras.
Yugraj Budha Wins 5th Rara Trail Run Title: Yugraj Budha from Kanakasundari Rural Municipality-3 of Jumla has won the title of the 5th Rara Trail Run. Budha completed the 15-kilometer race around Rara Lake in 1 hour and 12 minutes, securing the first prize which includes a cash reward of Rs 50,000. According to Khim Bahadur Adhikari, chief of the Hanumandhwoj Battalion based in Rara, Som Bahadur Rawat of Kanakasundari-1 came second, while Chandra Rawat of ward number 2 secured third place. In the women’s category, Sunmaya Budha of Patarasi Rural Municipality-2 in Jumla secured first position. Kalpana Budha of Kanakasundari-2 came second, and Rajya Laxmi Rawal of Jumla came in third.
First Kanchenjunga Cricket Tournament to Begin Saturday in Morang: The First Kanchenjunga Cricket Tournament is set to kick off this Saturday at the Jirikhimti Ground in Pathari Shanishchare–10, Morang. The T20-format competition will run until the 18th of the month. Organized by the Kanchenjunga Disaster Management Group, the tournament will feature 16 teams from the districts of Jhapa, Morang, and Sunsari. Two matches will be held daily throughout the event. The winning team will be awarded a cash prize of NPR 55,555 along with a trophy. The runner-up will receive NPR 33,333. Awards and cash prizes will also be given to the best batsman, bowler, fielder, emerging player, and overall best player.
High Court Patan Grants Legal Recognition to Shrestha-Led Badminton Association: The High Court Patan has granted legal recognition to the Nepal Badminton Association led by Ramji Bahadur Shrestha. The joint bench of Justices Munendra Prasad Awasthi and Tikaram Acharya issued a short-term interim order recognizing the elected association chaired by Shrestha. Previously, the National Sports Council (NSC) had formed an ad-hoc committee led by Subash Shrestha in Baisakh. The NSC had directed Subash to conduct elections within three months and submit a report within 15 days thereafter. In response, Ramji Bahadur Shrestha filed a writ petition against the NSC’s decision on 25 Baisakh, challenging the dissolution of the elected body and the formation of the ad-hoc committee
Netanyahu Accuses Starmer, Macron and Carney of Siding with Hamas: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has launched a blistering attack on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and the leaders of France and Canada – saying that they had “effectively said they want Hamas to remain in power”. He also accused Starmer, Emmanuel Macron and Mark Carney of siding with “mass murderers, rapists, baby killers and kidnappers”. Addressing Thursday’s attack on Israeli embassy staff in Washington, Netanyahu said the leaders of some of Israel’s closest allies wanted Israel to “stand down and accept that Hamas’s army of mass murderers will survive”. Downing Street has so far not responded directly, but pointed to Sir Keir’s earlier condemnation of the Washington attack.
5 Killed in Russia Apartment Fire: A fire in a residential building in Anadyr, the capital of Russia’s Chukotka Autonomous Area, killed five people and injured four others, a local investigative committee said on Friday. Preliminary investigations indicate that the fire was caused by faulty electric home appliances. The fire broke out at 3:10 a.m. local time (1710 GMT Thursday) in the kitchen of an apartment. Dense smoke and carbon monoxide then rapidly spread throughout the space. The flames caused the deaths of three men and a woman at the scene, while a fifth man died while being transported to the hospital.
Trump Administration Revokes Harvard University’s Ability to Enrol International Students: The Trump administration on Thursday barred Harvard University from enrolling international students, CNN reported. The decision comes after Harvard University refused to agree to the administration’s policy demands. In a statement, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated, “Harvard can no longer enroll foreign students and existing foreign students must transfer or lose their legal status.” US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem directed her department to end Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification, over the university’s refusal to turn over the conduct records of foreign students requested by the DHS in April.
