The US Department of Justice has dismissed criminal fraud charges against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani and his top executives. The Adani Group has resolved all three legal cases pending in the United States and is now able to visit the country. Adani Enterprises has agreed to pay a $275 million fine over allegations of violating US sanctions on Iran.
May 19, Kathmandu – This significant legal relief follows Adani’s agreement to resolve a separate civil case. With this settlement, the Adani Group has concluded all its legal challenges in the US. Consequently, Adani can now travel to America without facing legal risks. Alongside the dismissal of the criminal case, Adani Enterprises consented to a $275 million penalty for breaching US sanctions imposed on Iran.
According to the US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, from November 2023 through June 2025, Adani Enterprises purchased gas from Oman and Iraq through merchants based in Dubai, but this gas originated from Iran, a sanctioned country. This involved approximately 32 payments totaling around $192 million in US dollar transactions via US financial institutions, contravening US law.
In 2024, the US Department of Justice filed criminal charges against 63-year-old Gautam Adani, his nephew Sagar Adani, and other officials, accusing them of bribing Indian officials to secure large renewable energy projects and defrauding US investors. The Adani Group has strongly denied these allegations from the outset. The Eastern District Court of New York has now ordered the complete dismissal of the case.
Media reports attribute the case dismissal to a policy during President Donald Trump’s administration that deprioritized prosecuting foreign bribery cases. The legal victory is credited in large part to the newly appointed defense team hired by Adani. Among them was Robert J. Giuffra Jr., Trump’s former personal legal advisor and one of the most influential attorneys globally, who argued the case on Adani’s behalf.
According to The New York Times, following the dismissal, Adani’s lawyers reiterated the group’s commitment to invest $10 billion in the US and create 15,000 jobs—a pledge originally made after Trump’s anticipated 2024 election victory. Just last week, the US Securities and Exchange Commission also withdrew a civil fraud lawsuit against Gautam and Sagar Adani, with the parties agreeing to pay a combined $18 million fine.
The settlement does not constitute an admission or denial of the allegations but includes a prohibition on Adani violating US fraud laws in the future. Forbes lists Adani, with a net worth of $82 billion, among the wealthiest individuals globally. His business interests span key sectors including energy, ports, and airports.
The group divisions for the main competition of PUBG Mobile Global Open 2026 Season 1 have been announced. The tournament will be held in Jakarta, Indonesia, from June 2 to 7, featuring a prize pool of $500,000. From Nepal, Hora Esports will compete in Group ‘A’, while Trend To Kill (TTK) will be in Group ‘B’. May 18, Kathmandu.
The competition features 32 teams divided into two groups and will take place in Jakarta, Indonesia, from June 2 to 7, with a total prize pool of $500,000. Nepal is represented by Hora Esports and Trend To Kill (TTK), who have been placed in Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’, respectively.
From South Asia, Pakistan’s Four Thrives team has also qualified. The group stage will last two days, with the top six teams from each group directly advancing to the Grand Final. Of the remaining 20 teams, the bottom four will be eliminated, while 16 will participate in the Survival Stage. Four teams from the Survival Stage will advance to the final. The champion of the tournament will be decided through a smash rule format.
The ruling party, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (Rastriya Swatantra Party, RSWP), is preparing to hold its first general convention four years after its establishment. As the inaugural convention approaches, there is growing interest among various candidates competing for elected executive positions.
A summary of the news has been prepared following an editorial review. Communist Party of Nepal (CPN) parliamentarian Yearman Pun posed several questions to Chief Justice nominee Dr. Manoj Sharma during the parliamentary hearing, specifically addressing concerns related to nepotism and familial favoritism. Pun referenced Harikrishna Karki’s report on judicial corruption while inquiring about proposed reforms. He also questioned the nominee on transitional justice and the impact of stay orders on development.
On May 19, Kathmandu – CPN parliamentarian Yearman Pun asked multiple questions to the proposed Chief Justice Dr. Manoj Sharma, who has been undergoing parliamentary scrutiny for some time. During the hearing, members of parliament raised various issues. The main questions posed by Pun were as follows:
There have been allegations of nepotism and reports suggesting familial favoritism. There is talk of groupism and favoritism within the courts. How do you intend to address these concerns going forward?
There are numerous questions regarding judicial performance. Criticism has been made about a lack of judicial empathy. Why are people questioning the judiciary, executive, and legislative branches?
Harikrishna Karki’s report mentions corruption within the judiciary. What measures will you propose to address this issue?
What is your perspective on transitional justice?
Stay orders tend to delay work. How will you ensure the courts become development-friendly by reducing such delays?
Summary: On May 19, a Council of Ministers meeting has begun at the Prime Minister’s Office located in Singha Durbar. The Prime Minister and Council of Ministers Office has reported that the meeting has been in progress for some time. Kathmandu, May 19 – The Council of Ministers meeting is currently underway at the Prime Minister’s Office in Singha Durbar. The Prime Minister and Council of Ministers Office has confirmed that the meeting has been ongoing for a while. The session is being held at Singha Durbar.
The Parliamentary Joint Committee has approved the name of Manoj Kumar Sharma as Chief Justice after his responses to members’ questions.
Following the Constitutional Council’s recommendation of Manoj Kumar Sharma as the next Chief Justice amid intense debate, the Federal Parliament has given its approval.
The Council had recommended Sharma, who ranks fourth in seniority, surpassing three other senior judges.
According to Anand Prasad Dhungana, member of the Parliamentary Joint Committee, the decision was unanimous.
“Members from UML and NCP were present as well, and since no one opposed the endorsement, the decision was unanimous,” said Dhungana, a member of Nepali Congress. “We are now forwarding it to the President’s Office.”
When Will the Appointment and Oath-Taking Occur?
Since the Committee has approved the name, it is anticipated that President Ramchandra Paudel will appoint Sharma as Chief Justice on Tuesday, with the oath-taking likely to happen the same day.
“According to the information we have received, the oath-taking will take place today,” said RASWPA member Madhukumar Chaulagain.
Supreme Court spokesperson Pande added, “The swearing-in and formal assumption of office could happen today as well.”
Despite being appointed alongside other judges, Sharma was recommended as Chief Justice ahead of senior judges Hari Phuyal, Sapana Pradhan Malla, and Kumar Regmi, all appointed before him.
Members’ Questions and Sharma’s Responses
Image Source, RSS
Members of the Parliamentary Hearing Committee questioned Sharma on various issues related to his appointment as Chief Justice.
Among the queries were allegations of having taken NRs 7 million from a service recipient and later returning it, and about not registering a petition filed against his recommendation as Chief Justice, which had been rejected.
Sharma denied the NRs 7 million allegation, characterizing the rejection of the petition as an administrative decision.
The controversy intensified when a former Chief Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla, who was the acting administrative head of the court, issued an order on Monday stating that the registrar had refused to register the petition on Sharma’s instruction.
However, Sharma responded, “The court administration is responsible for this matter; it acts independently and I believe discretion was exercised by the administration. I prefer not to elaborate further on this.”
Hearings in the Supreme Court Amid Lawyers’ Protests
Image Source, RSS
Former acting administrative head Malla had issued an order on Monday to register pending petitions by 1 PM and schedule them for hearing on Tuesday.
Assistant spokesperson Nirajan Pande informed that petitions unregistered by Monday remained unregistered as of Tuesday afternoon. “No registration was done yesterday, and there is no update for today,” he said.
However, the Nepal Bar Association, the umbrella organization of lawyers, has protested citing obstruction of justice. Lawyers, including bar officials, staged a symbolic candlelight demonstration at the Association’s office adjacent to the Supreme Court.
While lawyers protested, members of parliament were occupied with the Chief Justice’s hearing.
Senior judges, who are senior to Sharma, were engaged in case hearings during the parliamentary questioning of the proposed Chief Justice.
Officials reported that despite Monday’s controversy, normal Supreme Court operations continued.
Assistant spokesperson Pande said, “Various parties are filing cases, hearings are ongoing, and routine work is continuing normally.”
Hearing Conducted on a ‘Fast Track’
The Parliamentary Committee had given a 10-day window for complaints against the proposed judge, calling those who submitted complaints to provide explanations on Tuesday morning.
Opposition parliamentarians requested an additional day to review complaints, urging against rushing the process.
However, the Committee Chair and ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RASWPA) members proposed proceeding with initial examination of complaints and discussing additional time if necessary, which led to progress in the decision-making process.
Lawmakers from the UML and Nepali Communist Party had demanded a hearing by Wednesday.
With the hearing completed on Tuesday itself, these parties also extended their support for the appointment.
Who is Manoj Kumar Sharma?
Sixty-six-year-old Sharma was appointed as a judge from being a lawyer at the then Appellate Court.
However, following the 2015 Constitution which ended the provision of temporary judges, Sharma was not appointed to the High Court but later in 2019 was appointed simultaneously as a Supreme Court judge.
Based on his age, Sharma is projected to serve as Chief Justice for six years.
Sharma entered the Supreme Court together with Hari Phuyal, who had served as Attorney General during KP Sharma Oli’s premiership.
Although there was strong opposition against appointing legal professionals who had not yet achieved the status of senior advocate as Supreme Court judges, advocates argued that Phuyal was already an Attorney General.
According to insiders, former Prime Minister Oli insisted on Phuyal’s appointment, and then Chief Justice Cholendra Shamsher Rana proposed Sharma’s name to facilitate that process.
Sharma holds a BL degree from Nepal Law Campus, Kathmandu, and an LLM from Pune University in India, as detailed on the Supreme Court’s website.
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For the first time, a direct flight from Pokhara International Airport to India has been operated, transporting a critically ill Indian citizen via a medical charter. Coordinated by Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the Union Agriculture Minister of Madhya Pradesh, India, and the patient’s family, a Shri Airlines aircraft departed for Bhopal. This marks the first time flight permission was granted from Pokhara to India specifically for patient evacuation and is expected to facilitate further flights in the future. (5 Jestha, Pokhara)
Gopal Shambhu Dayal Srivastava, a patient from Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, was flown to India under a medical charter after developing heart and lung complications during a visit to Muktinath. Upon returning from the pilgrimage last Sunday, he was admitted to Charak Memorial Hospital in Pokhara. According to hospital managing director Kapil Pokhrel, a medical team led by Dr. Raj Basnet and Saroj Aryal accompanied the Shri Airlines plane that departed for Bhopal at 3:09 PM.
The aircraft is scheduled to land at Raja Bhoj Airport in India. The charter flight was arranged through high-level coordination involving Madhya Pradesh’s former Chief Minister and current Union Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and the patient’s family. Director Pokhrel shared that because Srivastava is closely connected to Minister Chouhan, special authorization for this flight was secured.
Chouhan currently serves as India’s Agriculture Minister in the federal cabinet following the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Jagannath Niraula, head of Pokhara International Airport, noted that this is the first direct flight from Pokhara to India. Since its inauguration on 17 Poush 2079, the airport has previously operated charter flights to countries such as China and Bhutan. Although discussions with India on direct flights from Pokhara have taken place since before the airport’s completion, India had not granted permission until now.
Despite plans to prioritize flights from Pokhara during high-level visits by India’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, India had maintained a non-positive stance. The airport administration views this inaugural flight to India—conducted to evacuate a patient—as a meaningful development. Chief Niraula expressed optimism that opening this route, even for medical reasons, could ease future bilateral coordination.
When the decision to construct Pokhara International Airport was made in 2072 BS and the foundation stone laid later, the local community was highly enthusiastic. However, geopolitical tensions and lack of effective diplomatic initiatives have prevented regular international flights for a long period. Some analysts suggest India’s reluctance to approve flights is due to the airport’s construction being financed by Chinese loans. The airport agreement was signed in 2014 between Nepal’s Civil Aviation Authority and China CAMC Engineering, followed by a $216 million loan agreement with China Exim Bank in 2016 for a turnkey project led by CAMC.
Though the airport, estimated to have cost NPR 2.2 billion, is currently mired in corruption allegations and multiple lawsuits, this flight marks a breakthrough. Due to both corruption and geopolitical factors, regular flights have not commenced; however, this first charter flight transporting an Indian patient indicates a possible opening for future operations.
This condition is not typically life-threatening. Many individuals recover without medical treatment. ‘Fried Rice Syndrome’ refers to food poisoning caused by the bacterium Bacillus cereus that grows in cooked rice. The toxins produced by B. cereus can cause illness even after the food is reheated. In Nepalese kitchens, rice is a staple and often cooked daily, sometimes consumed in two meals or at least one meal per day. When leftover cooked rice is stored, it can sometimes ferment. Some households even cook meals for morning and evening all at once. A common practice is to turn leftover rice into ‘fried rice’ after a few hours, which is convenient for busy lifestyles. However, while this saves time, it can pose health risks if proper precautions are not taken.
Leftover food not only saves time but also makes life easier amid busy schedules. Whether it is a hectic night at the office or food ordered from the previous day, reheating a bowl of rice from the refrigerator seems like the easiest and safest option. But what seems convenient could unknowingly pose significant health hazards. Rice, in particular, requires caution. If left at room temperature for an extended period, reheating it may still cause stomach issues. The term ‘Fried Rice Syndrome’ might sound amusing, but it is actually a form of food poisoning caused by the bacterium Bacillus cereus which can grow in cooked rice. This does not mean leftover rice needs to be discarded outright; with proper storage and handling, it can be safely consumed.
What is Fried Rice Syndrome? It is the food poisoning caused by the bacterium Bacillus cereus, which is commonly found in soil. This bacterium can proliferate not only in fried rice but also in cooked rice, pasta, and other starch-rich foods. It requires an environment conducive to growth. Compared to common bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, it has different and sometimes more severe effects. The toxins produced by B. cereus can cause illness even when the food is reheated. The bacterium produces spores that can survive high temperatures, meaning microwaving or boiling might not completely eliminate it. While reheating may kill the bacteria, the toxins they have released remain and can still cause sickness.
Baldev Dhami, the principal who died, on May 18 in Dhangadhi. Police have arrested eight individuals on charges of inciting suicide in connection with the death of a school principal in Darchula. Baldev Singh Dhami, principal of Sampal Secondary School located in Byas Rural Municipality–4, Sunshera, reportedly hanged himself at the school. Authorities confirmed the arrest of eight suspects in relation to the incident.
The arrested include 32-year-old Bikram Singh Kunwar from Mahakali Municipality–1, 52-year-old Dalidatt Bhatt from Mahakali Municipality–2, 42-year-old Khimanand Bhatt from Mahakali Municipality–5, 57-year-old Parmanand Bhatt, 39-year-old Padmaraj Bhatt, 43-year-old Narendradatt Bhatt from Byas Rural Municipality–4, 59-year-old Haridatt Bhatt, and 40-year-old Pushkarraj Bhatt from Baitadi Patan Municipality–4. According to Om Bahadur Rana, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police and head of the Sudurpaschim region, the arrests were made during the investigation into the case of incitement to suicide.
According to DIG Rana, the detained individuals include teachers from the same school, local political leaders, and construction contractors. On Monday, Principal Dhami posted a suicide note on Facebook before hanging himself at the school. The police arrested those named in the suicide note, who were identified as having compelled Dhami to take his own life.
May 19, Kathmandu – Iran has asserted that it has strengthened and enhanced the capabilities of its military forces beyond their previous levels. Major General Ali Abdollahi, Chief of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters of the Iranian military, stated that Iran’s armed forces are fully prepared to powerfully and comprehensively repel any enemy aggression. “The Iranian military is always ready and capable of delivering a strong and extensive response to any hostile attack,” he affirmed, as reported by Iranian state news agencies.
Earlier on Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump disclosed that while the United States had prepared plans to strike Iran, countries in the Gulf region had successfully prevented such an action. Trump also warned that Iran remains unwilling to engage in negotiations and that a major attack remains a possibility.
General assembly members have filed a no-confidence motion against Herakaji Maharjan, the president, and Dharambahadur Lama, the general secretary of the Nepal Chess Federation. The members accused the federation of financial opacity, mismanagement, neglecting players’ demands, and violating its constitution.
The members have demanded the publication of the investigation committee’s report and that the general assembly be held in Kathmandu. They claim that due to the arbitrary actions of the president and general secretary, chess in Nepal has been confined to a limited sphere, there has been favoritism in selecting players for international competitions, and the federation has also failed administratively.
Additional allegations include the federation lacking its own office space, absence of regular audits, the annual policy and program not being approved by the general assembly, and decisions of the executive committee not being implemented. A four-player complaint to the National Sports Council (Rakhép) led to the formation of the investigation committee, whose report members are now demanding be released publicly.
Furthermore, the members have requested that the general assembly scheduled for Hetauda be held in Kathmandu instead.
The Nepali Congress held a two-day Bagmati province-level assembly in Dhulikhel, Kavrepalanchok, culminating in a 33-point “Bagmati Resolution.”
The assembly prioritized constitutional civil liberties and pledged to work towards a responsible and accountable government.
Congress has announced plans to hold similar province-level assemblies in Madhesh, Koshi, and Lumbini provinces in the coming days.
May 19, Kathmandu – The Nepali Congress successfully concluded its Bagmati province-level assembly by adopting the ‘Bagmati Resolution.’ This two-day event, focused on provincial and local governance, commenced on Monday in Dhulikhel, Kavrepalanchok, and concluded on Tuesday with a 33-point resolution.
The assembly resolved to protect constitutionally guaranteed civil liberties, rights, and freedoms, committing to more effective governance that is citizen-centric, accountable, and responsive through appropriate policies.
Upholding sound governance, rule of law, and accountability as complementary pillars, the assembly reaffirmed its commitment to decision-making strictly based on legal frameworks. Concerns were expressed regarding recent undemocratic and inappropriate actions by the federal government.
“The second resolution calls on the federal government to uphold the spirit and essence of the constitution, follow legal procedures, and respect citizens’ dignity and humanity,” the assembly declared.
The assembly also identified and cataloged innovative initiatives and good governance practices implemented by the Bagmati provincial and local governments under Congress leadership. It aims to disseminate these successful practices among citizens and encourage their adoption across other local units.
The 32nd point of the resolution appeals to the federal government to progress in line with the principles of coordination, cooperation, and coexistence inherent to federalism and the constitution. The assembly pledges its dedication to this path.
To strengthen the party organization and document member contributions digitally, the assembly urged active participation in the ongoing ‘Jara Campaign,’ which focuses on updating active membership and directly engaging party members in campaigns. It emphasized facilitating timely campaign completion.
The assembly was attended by Bagmati Provincial Assembly members, local government leaders including mayors, deputy mayors, chairpersons, vice-chairpersons, and party officials from central, provincial, district, sectoral, and local levels.
The Nepali Congress has scheduled upcoming province-level assemblies in Bardibas, Mahottari for Madhesh province on May 20-21; Lauki, Sunsari for Koshi province on May 22-23; and Tilottama, Rupandehi for Lumbini province on May 28-29.
The Congress’s series of province and local level-centered assemblies began in Dhangadhi, Sudurpashchim province, following earlier events in Gandaki and Karnali provinces.
During the House of Representatives session, lawmakers emphasized that the budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2083/84 should be based on reality and prioritize projects of national pride. They called for budget allocations that benefit small farmers, improve health infrastructure, address drinking water issues, and cater to local needs. They also highlighted the necessity of increasing employee salaries, promoting social justice, boosting capital expenditure, and implementing strategic economic reforms.
Kathmandu, 5 Jestha – In the House of Representatives meeting, members stressed the importance of grounding the upcoming fiscal year’s budget in practical realities. During the discussion on the principles and priorities of the 2083/84 budget appropriations bill (excluding tax proposals), they underscored the need to prioritize national pride projects, expand the economy, and focus on the welfare of small farmers.
Lawmaker Ganesh Bahadur Bishwakarma emphasized that the budget for the upcoming fiscal year should primarily serve the interests of low-income citizens. Member of Parliament Dhruvraj Rai advocated for budget allocations favoring small farmers, suggesting that the Mundhum footpath be recognized and funded as a national pride project. MP Bharat Giri stressed that the budget should not remain only a statement in words but should be translated into actionable measures.
Lawmaker Bipin Kumar Acharya cited Ghorahi Sub-Metropolitan City in Dang as an example village, urging that next year’s budget aim to end the hardships faced by people nationwide regarding access to drinking water. He called on the government to invest in health infrastructure across the country and to equip the Rapti Academy of Health Sciences with adequate facilities. Additionally, MP Acharya suggested prioritizing the expansion of the Teri Gaun Airport in Dang within the budget.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared that the relationship between Russia and China has reached an unprecedented level in history. He informed that the upcoming talks in Beijing will focus primarily on advancing the overall development and deepening the ties between the two nations. According to Putin, bilateral trade has exceeded 200 billion US dollars, with payments now being made in national currencies. Kathmandu, May 19.
Preparing for his visit to China, Putin conveyed via a video message that both countries are fully ready to provide unconditional support on matters of sovereignty and national integrity. He expressed pleasure at the invitation from Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit Beijing. He noted that annual high-level meetings and dialogues help further strengthen bilateral relations and reveal their limitless potential.
Recalling the “Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation” signed between Russia and China 25 years ago, Putin emphasized that today’s relationship has reached an unprecedented height. He stated, “The relationship is built on mutual understanding, trust, and shared benefits.” Additionally, praising President Xi’s long-term commitment, Putin expressed a desire for the peoples of both countries to grow even closer.
During the special session of the House of Representatives today, members of parliament emphasized the construction of energy infrastructure and the implementation of the President’s women empowerment program. The MPs highlighted the need for decisive measures to develop the energy sector and promote the empowerment of women. Additionally, the meeting addressed several other important topics.
