KATHMANDU: Stay informed with Nepal News’ daily evening briefing, covering the most significant news 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.

COVID-19 Cases Rising in Sudurpaschim; 13 Infections Detected in Four Days:
COVID-19 cases are steadily increasing in Sudurpaschim Province, with 13 returnees from India testing positive in just four days. Despite the rising cases, testing remains limited due to a shortage of kits. On Saturday, three infections were confirmed at the Gauriphanta border in Kailali and one at the Jhulaghat border in Baitadi, according to the Provincial Health Emergency Operations Center. Only 28 people were tested among over 1,100 returnees from India that day. Infected individuals are being sent into home isolation via local governments. Authorities have increased border surveillance and issued alerts to all municipal health offices.

Madhav Kumar Nepal Claims Corruption Case Against Him Is Driven by Political Vendetta:
Former Prime Minister and CPN (Unified Socialist) Chairman Madhav Kumar Nepal has claimed that the corruption case filed against him is politically motivated and driven by revenge. Speaking at a party event in Aloknagar on Saturday, Nepal said his party’s growing political influence has alarmed some individuals, leading to biased actions. He asserted he has never accepted bribes or misused authority to harm the nation. Stressing that he is ready to take full responsibility if proven guilty, Nepal vowed to face the challenge firmly. He also cautioned against treating ideological differences as grounds for enmity or personal attacks.

PM Oli Denies Using Anti-Graft Body for Political Vendetta Against Madhav Nepal:
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has refuted allegations that the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) was used to target former PM Madhav Kumar Nepal. Speaking at the inauguration of a 200-bed hospital in Haldibari, Morang, Oli responded to claims that the CIAA was weaponized for revenge in the Patanjali land case. He clarified that the anti-corruption body is not under government control but operates independently. His remarks come amid opposition criticism that the corruption case against Nepal was politically motivated and influenced by Oli’s rivalry with the Unified Socialist leader.

Deputy Chiefs’ National Conference Issues 20-Point Biratnagar Declaration Seeking Greater Authority:
The national conference of deputy mayors and vice-chairpersons concluded in Biratnagar with a 20-point declaration demanding clearer legal authority and stronger roles for local representatives. Inaugurated by former President Bidya Devi Bhandari, the conference stressed the need to empower local judicial committees, improve revenue rights, and reform conflicting clauses in the Local Government Operation Act, 2074. Delegates called on federal and provincial governments to ensure full implementation of legal powers granted to local bodies. The declaration also demanded provincial software support, legal officers at all local levels, and control over institutional rental taxes, asserting that federal collection has hurt local revenues.

RPP Chair Lingden Says Major Protest Will Be Launched at Appropriate Time:
Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Chairperson Rajendra Lingden has said that since the monsoon has begun, there will be no major protests immediately, but the party will launch a large-scale movement at an appropriate time. Speaking to the media in Haldibari, Jhapa, on Saturday, Lingden clarified that RPP’s ongoing agitation is not just for the reinstatement of the monarchy and declaration of a Hindu state, but also for good governance and national development. He criticized the fact that the same limited group of leaders has ruled the country for the past three decades and emphasized the need for leadership change.

Pradeep Gyawali Claims Opposition is Organised Against UML, But Party Will Overcome:
CPN-UML Deputy General Secretary Pradeep Gyawali has claimed that various forces—including monarchists, Maoists, and the Rastriya Swatantra Party—are united in an organized effort against UML. Speaking at a Bagmati Province publicity workshop, Gyawali asserted that despite numerous past challenges, UML has consistently survived through dedication to its ideology and structure. He credited party cadres for remaining committed even during violent and difficult times. Recalling party splits and transitional periods, he said UML overcame even when its name and election symbol were uncertain. Compared to past hardships, current challenges are minor, and UML remains the largest party with strong leadership, he added.

Saugat Malla’s Powerful New Look Revealed for Highly Anticipated Nepali Film ‘Balidan’:
The much-awaited Nepali film ‘Balidan’ has unveiled actor Saugat Malla’s striking new look ahead of its release on this year’s Budhadashain’s Phulpati day. Two posters showcase Malla in a strong, mysterious avatar—one featuring a blackened eye, long beard, dark attire, and holding a burning stick amid a fiery backdrop symbolizing conflict. The other shows him armed in a battle scene. Director Santosh Sen said Malla worked hard to transform for this unique role. Produced by Aasusen Films, the film stars Samir Bhatt, Arpan Thapa, Richa Sharma, and others, promising intense patriotism and action. ‘Balidan’ is expected to be a major festive entertainment hit.

Shooting Begins for Nepali Film ‘Parivartan’ with Muhurat at Pathibhara Temple, Jhapa:
The auspicious muhurat for the Nepali film ‘Parivartan’ was held with special prayers at Pathibhara Temple in Jhapa’s Charali, marking the start of shooting. Directed by Vijay Kerung, the film stars Sushil Shrestha and Anjana Baraily in lead roles. Filming will take place over about 40 days across eastern Nepal, including Jhapa, Biratnagar, and Ilam, with plans to release the film within the year. Produced by Divyasi Films under Dipak Sivakoti, who also wrote the story, the film addresses sensitive issues like border security, corruption, and the struggles of the poor. The muhurat was graced by artists, local leaders, and film crew members.

Teaser Released for ‘Yo Man Ta Mero Nepali Ho,’ Celebrating Nepali Identity and Culture:
The teaser for the film ‘Yo Man Ta Mero Nepali Ho’ has been released, highlighting the importance of Nepali language, literature, art, and history. Directed by Mitra Pradhan, the movie focuses on the pride of Nepali identity and is set to premiere on Ashar 27. Produced by Gyan Bahadur Pradhan (Roshan) under Padma Ishwar Entertainment, the film features actors Roshan Shrestha, Vijay Baral, Wilson Bikram Rai, Buddhi Tamang ‘Hat,’ Ayusha Samal, and others. Shot across Nepal, India, and the USA, it includes international artists, with music by Deepak Sharma, Vikas Chaudhary, and Thorampo Hyang Rai.

‘Jante Bakhro’ Receives Enthusiastic Response with Multiple Shows Across Nepal:
The Nepali film ‘Jante Bakhro’ has premiered nationwide, earning praise as a “complete entertaining and family film.” Exhibitors have scheduled numerous shows across major multiplexes and regional cinemas, including multiple screenings in Kathmandu’s top theaters and key cities like Pokhara, Biratnagar, Nepalgunj, and Butwal. Directed by Simos Sunuwar and written by Pradeep Bhardwaj, the film stars Saugat Malla, Ashif Shah, Garima Sharma, and others. Producer Santosh Gautam expressed optimism that positive audience reactions will boost show numbers further in the coming days. The film is noted for its strong cast and wide appeal.

Times Basketball Club Defeats Hounds to Reach HJBL Final Against Goldengate:
Times Basketball Club secured a decisive 92-67 victory over Hounds on Saturday, advancing to the final of the Himalayan Java Basketball League (HJBL). Times will face Goldengate, who had already qualified for the final. Both Times and Hounds finished the league with 17 points each, but Times progressed due to a superior head-to-head record after splitting wins. Despite leading much of the league, Hounds faltered in the last two games, missing the final. Manish KC scored a game-high 27 points for Times, with Mabindra Bhandari named MVP. Simon Gurung led Hounds with 17 points.

Salhes Youth Club to Face Jhapa’s Chatyasa in Third Shaheed Hemnarayan Gold Cup Final:
Salhes Youth Club and Jhapa’s Chatyasa Damak will clash in the final of the Third Shaheed Hemnarayan Gold Cup. Salhes secured their spot by defeating Chitlang Football Club 1-0 in Saturday’s semifinal. The winning goal came in the 18th minute from Salhes’ Dipesh Chalming Rai, who played a decisive role. Penetration Danuwar of Salhes was named Man of the Match for his outstanding performance. The final promises an exciting contest between two strong teams competing for the prestigious title.

Arhant Kesar Singh and Bipana Blon Crowned Champions at Bagmati President Squash Cup 2082:
At the Bagmati President Squash Cup 2082 held at Nepal Squash Academy, Arhant Kesar Singh won the men’s title by defeating fifth seed Pasang Blon 11-8, 11-9, 11-9 in the final. Rakesh Pariyar and Prajwal Pradhan secured third and fourth places, respectively. In the women’s category, top seed Bipana Blon defeated second seed Swasthani Shrestha 11-5, 11-7, 11-9 to claim the championship. Asmita Nagarkoti and Sakshi Sunuwar finished third and fourth. Winners received cash prizes ranging from NPR 15,000 to 4,000. Junior and novice category winners were also honored, with awards presented by former Bagmati minister Ramkrishna Chitrakar.

Pavilion Chess Academy Players Dominate Annapurna National School Chess Championship:
At the Annapurna Second National School Chess Championship, Pavilion Chess Academy’s Agrim Saiju remained unbeaten to win the Boys Under-11 category. Alchemist Academy’s Vachan Silwal secured second place, while Pushpa Sadan’s Hardik Pant tied for third. In the Girls Under-11, Nihana Shrestha from Marvelous English Boarding School emerged victorious. In the Boys Under-9 category, Pavilion’s Sunabh Ojha scored a perfect 6 points to win. Awards were presented by Dharma Bahadur Lama, Secretary-General of the Nepal Chess Federation. The tournament’s Under-13 categories for boys and girls will begin tomorrow.

Israel Recovers Body of Thai Hostage Amid Ongoing Gaza Offensive:
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced the recovery of the body of Thai hostage Nattapong Pinta, kidnapped during the October 7 Hamas attack. Pinta was abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz and killed in captivity near the war’s start. The body was retrieved in a special military operation in the Rafah area. In recent days, Israel also recovered bodies of two Israeli-American hostages. The IDF reported 95 deaths in Gaza over the past 24 hours, with 55 hostages still held, over half presumed dead. Four Israeli soldiers were killed in a booby trap in southern Gaza.

NATO to Limit Ukraine Discussion at June Summit to Avoid Provoking Trump:
NATO plans to keep talks about Ukraine brief at its annual summit in The Hague on June 24-25, aiming to avoid upsetting US President Donald Trump, Reuters reports. Ukraine’s President Zelensky has yet to receive an official invitation, and no formal NATO-Ukraine Council meeting is scheduled. Instead, Zelensky may attend a pre-summit dinner hosted by the Dutch king. European NATO members seek to prevent conflict within the alliance amid Trump’s opposition to Ukraine joining NATO. The summit’s final statement may omit direct support for Ukraine or naming Russia as a threat, reflecting ongoing tensions over the war.

Kiev Postpones Prisoner Swap with Moscow Amid Dispute Over Repatriation of Fallen Soldiers:
Ukraine has postponed a previously agreed prisoner swap with Russia, which also involves the repatriation of over 6,000 bodies of deceased Ukrainian soldiers, according to Russian Lt. Gen. Alexander Zorin. Russia has already begun returning remains, with one convoy delivering 1,212 bodies and others prepared for transfer. Moscow urges Kiev to adhere to the Istanbul agreements for prisoner exchange and body repatriation. Ukraine denies Russia’s claims, accusing Moscow of manipulation and asserting ongoing cooperation in the humanitarian process. The disagreement highlights continuing tensions amid peace talks between the two nations.