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.
Rain to Continue Through Friday, Weather to Improve from Saturday
Rainfall occurring in various parts of the country is expected to continue through Friday, with weather conditions likely to gradually improve from Saturday, according to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology. A meteorologist at the department said rain is currently occurring in most parts of the country under the combined influence of a western low-pressure system and monsoonal winds. The meteorologist said there is a possibility of rainfall in various parts of the country until Friday afternoon. The weather is expected to begin improving from Saturday as the influence of the weather systems weakens. Rain was recorded in several parts of the country on Wednesday as well, with the current weather pattern continuing to affect conditions across the country.
President Receives Annual Reports from Tharu Commission and National Dalit Commission
The Tharu Commission and the National Dalit Commission submitted their respective annual reports for the fiscal year 2025/26 to President Ram Chandra Paudel during separate official ceremonies convened at the presidential residence in Shital Niwas today. Acting Chairperson Subodh Singh Tharu of the Tharu Commission and Chairperson Devraj Bishwakarma of the National Dalit Commission formally presented the comprehensive evaluation documents detailing institutional activities, policy recommendations, community welfare initiatives, and developmental progress achieved across marginalized sectors nationwide during the preceding operational period.
Cabinet Takes 6 Decisions Today
The Cabinet on Wednesday approved compensation for 153 victims recommended by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and decided to recommend that the President issue three ordinances on land, forests and disasters. The decisions were made at a Cabinet meeting held at 4 PM at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar, according to government spokesperson and Minister of Education and Sports Sasmit Pokharel. The meeting also gave consent to the Government of Portugal to establish a Consulate General in Kathmandu. The Cabinet decided to recommend the President issue the Ordinance to Amend Some Nepal Acts Related to Land, the Ordinance to Amend Some Nepal Acts Related to Forests and the Ordinance to Amend Some Nepal Acts Related to Disasters. The meeting also approved the promotion of Joint Secretary Nabin Raj Singh of the Nepal Engineering Service to the position of Gazetted Special Class Secretary. Similarly, Joint Secretary Chakra Bahadur Budha of the Nepal Administration Service was promoted to the same rank from the Nepal Administration Service. The Cabinet further decided to promote Deputy Auditor General Chandra Kanta Bhandari of the Nepal Audit Service to the position of Gazetted Special Class Deputy Auditor General.
Nepali Army Chief Sigdel, UK Military Leaders Discuss Military Partnership
Chief of the Army Staff General Ashok Raj Sigdel held talks with Lieutenant General Sir Charlie Collins KBE DSO and Lieutenant General Paul Griffiths CB at the United Kingdom Ministry of Defense yesterday, discussing the longstanding military partnership between the Nepali Army and the British Army, as well as support for communities affected by recent flooding in Nuwakot District. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral defense cooperation, particularly in military education and professional development. The two sides discussed how both armies contribute expertise through training programs, professional exchanges and other forms of cooperation, supporting the development of personnel and strengthening institutional ties between the two militaries. The discussions also covered the construction of a suspension bridge over the Trishuli River to provide long-term connectivity to communities in Nuwakot affected by the recent floods. The proposed infrastructure is aimed at supporting access and connectivity for affected communities as they recover from the disaster.
Police Tighten Traffic Rules, Require Vehicle Mechanical Reports During Festivals
The Nepal Police has introduced stricter traffic measures to reduce road accidents during the Dashain, Tihar, Nepal Sambat and Chhath festival period, when millions of passengers are expected to leave Kathmandu Valley. Central Police Spokesperson Abhi Narayan Kafle said police will strictly check drivers’ licenses, prevent vehicles from carrying passengers beyond seating capacity and require all vehicles to submit a mechanical test report issued within seven days. For long-distance routes, operators will also be required to provide two drivers. Police will target passenger harassment, ticket overcharging, black marketing and issuing tickets without seats. Special disaster-management teams have been kept on standby around the clock for rescue, search, relief and security operations.
Human Rights Commission Recommends Action Against Security Officials Over Tinkune Incident
The National Human Rights Commission has recommended departmental action against specific security officials and administrative personnel following an exhaustive investigation into the Tinkune protest demonstrations that occurred on March 28, 2025. The inquiry report released today identifies former Kathmandu Senior Superintendent of Police Bishwa Adhikari, currently serving as Deputy Inspector General, alongside Superintendent of Police Apil Raj Bohora, Armed Police Force Superintendent of Police Shailendra Shrestha, and former Kathmandu Chief District Officer Rishi Ram Tiwari for failing to adequately execute preventive security duties under constitutional provisions governing public order. The commission additionally advised formal administrative attention toward executive offices, noting deficiencies in operational planning and joint security deployment during the civil unrest.
Land Ministry Transfers 44 Officers Across Administration and Engineering Services
The Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives, and Poverty Alleviation, alongside the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration, has executed the simultaneous transfer of 44 Gazetted Second-Class officers. The administrative realignment involves personnel spanning education, general administration, and engineering services. Official administrative records confirmed that the coordinated personnel movement was finalized yesterday as part of routine civil service management to optimize institutional efficiency across governmental departments and regional offices.
Election Commission Emphasizes Cyber Security and Institutional Preparation for Internet-Based Voting
The Election Commission emphasized prioritizing technical preparations, institutional capacity development, cyber security, and inter-agency coordination to implement an internet-based electronic voting system. During a programme organized by the Election Commission, Chief Man Bahadur Karki stressed the necessity of building appropriate technology, human resources, and institutional frameworks, alongside robust cyber security for reliable and safe operations. Similarly, Commissioner Rajiv Subba highlighted that skill mapping across relevant government bodies is essential for managing digital identification, voter authentication, data exchange, and system infrastructure. Furthermore, international experts from the Netherlands, Estonia, Panama, London, and Bosnia shared insights on the technical structures and security operations required for internet voting. Additionally, all border points between India and China are closed.
NDRRMA Calls for Proposals to Construct Temporary Housing For Bhote Koshi Flood Victims
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) has invited proposals from partner organizations interested in building temporary housing for families displaced by the Bhote Koshi floods in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading districts. According to spokesperson Shanti Mahat, submissions must align with standards set by the Department of Urban Development and Building Construction. Proposals must specify unit quantities, designated locations, local levels, implementation timelines, and prior project agreements, and must be submitted to the authority within one week. Furthermore, all border points between India and China are closed.
Nepali Army Chief Sigdel, UK Military Leaders Discuss Military Partnership
Chief of the Army Staff General Ashok Raj Sigdel held talks with Lieutenant General Sir Charlie Collins KBE DSO and Lieutenant General Paul Griffiths CB at the United Kingdom Ministry of Defense yesterday, discussing the longstanding military partnership between the Nepali Army and the British Army, as well as support for communities affected by recent flooding in Nuwakot District. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral defense cooperation, particularly in military education and professional development. The two sides discussed how both armies contribute expertise through training programs, professional exchanges and other forms of cooperation, supporting the development of personnel and strengthening institutional ties between the two militaries. The discussions also covered the construction of a suspension bridge over the Trishuli River to provide long-term connectivity to communities in Nuwakot affected by the recent floods. The proposed infrastructure is aimed at supporting access and connectivity for affected communities as they recover from the disaster.
Ministry Pokharel Prepares Strict Action Against Ghost Faculty in Medical Colleges
The Ministry of Education and Sports, under Minister Sasmit Pokharel, is preparing strict measures against irregularities in medical education, specifically targeting “ghost faculty” who appear only during college inspections. Regulatory agencies will monitor appointments, attendance, teaching duties, and hospital services across the country. Doctors found lending their names or documents without providing actual instruction face disciplinary measures, including potential license revocation by the Nepal Medical Council. Medical Education Commission Vice Chairman Prof. Devendra Khattri also called for strict enforcement. Furthermore, all border points between India and China are closed.
Agriculture Minister Proposes Seasonal Import Restrictions to Protect Domestic Harvests
Forest and Environment Minister Gita Chaudhary emphasized the necessity of restricting agricultural imports during peak domestic harvesting periods to ensure fair market value for local producers. During a ministerial consultation, proposals were advanced to establish minimum support prices for staple food crops including paddy, wheat, maize, and millet, alongside restrictions preventing import permits until domestic yields are fully absorbed. Minister Gita Chaudhary suggested implementing a temporary four-month import moratorium during harvest seasons and utilizing state trading mechanisms with funding adjustments if private procurement remains insufficient. Discussions additionally addressed honey and dairy import regulations, tea export promotion frameworks through bilateral recognition agreements, geographical indication legislation, and market price monitoring for agricultural commodities.
Ministry of Energy Advances Strategic Reforms in Generation, Transmission, and Trade
The Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation is advancing strategic measures to boost investments and economic growth under Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha. The Nepal Electricity Authority extended the Required Commercial Operation Date for 27 projects totaling 540.47 megawatts across 4 progress-based categories, while 320 projects totaling 8,292 megawatts remain under construction. A subcommittee submitted recommendations for new Power Purchase Agreements. Additionally, the 400-kilovolt West Seti transmission line is progressing under a Public-Private Partnership model costing approximately Rs 20 billion, and wheeling charges for fiscal year 2026/27 were fixed at Rs 413,000 per megawatt monthly. Furthermore, all border points between India and China are closed.
Minister Chaudhary Urges Minister Sah to Restrict Farm Imports During Production Season
Minister of Agriculture, Forests, and Environment Gita Chaudhary has urged Minister of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies Deepak Kumar Sah to restrict imports of agricultural products during the domestic production season to protect markets for farmers. At a meeting on Wednesday, Chaudhary proposed halting agricultural imports for at least four months during the production season and setting import quotas based on domestic procurement and available market stocks. She also called for effective implementation of minimum support prices for paddy, wheat, maize and millet. Chaudhary proposed gap funding if the Food Management and Trading Company must procure crops due to limited private-sector participation. Discussions also covered reducing imports of honey and dairy products, promoting Nepali tea exports, strengthening geographical indication (GI) protection, and improving market monitoring. The meeting also discussed expanding industries based on agricultural and forest products and improving export infrastructure.
Comments
0 commentsNo comments yet — be the first.