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.

Court Orders Audio-Video Submission In Foreign Minister Rana’s Defamation Case Against MP Singh: The Kathmandu District Court has ordered the submission of audio and video recordings in connection with a defamation case filed by Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana against Member of Parliament Dr. Amresh Kumar Singh. A single bench of District Judge Bal Krishna Wagle issued the order on Monday in relation to the case filed by Minister Rana on February 27, accusing MP Singh of verbally abusing and defaming her. Earlier, the court had asked MP Singh to listen to the alleged recordings and submit a clarification.

Court Orders Release Of RPP Leader Rana On RS 300,000 Bail: The Kathmandu District Court has ordered the release of Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) General Secretary and Member of Parliament Dr. Dhawal Shamsher Rana on a bail amount of Rs 300,000. The decision followed his appearance before Judge Shiva Prasad Khanal on Monday. Rana appeared in court for a statement recording in connection with a criminal case stemming from a pro-monarchy rally held on Chaitra 15, 2081 B.S. (March 28, 2025).

PM Oli Urges Linking Yoga as a Lifestyle with Nepal’s Healthy Nepal Campaign: A representative team including relevant ministries and yoga gurus held a discussion today with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli regarding preparations to celebrate the 11th International Yoga Day in a grand manner. At the meeting held at the Prime Minister’s residence, Baluwatar, the main organizing committee formed from all three levels of government to celebrate the Yoga Day briefed Prime Minister Oli about the ongoing preparations. Prime Minister Oli urged that since Nepal is the land of yoga and knowledge, yoga should be developed as a lifestyle and linked with the “Healthy Nepal Campaign” for program implementation.

HoR Session: RSP-RPP Unite in Protest, Call for Home Minister’s Resignation: The House of Representatives session, scheduled for 11 AM on Monday, began after a short delay but was immediately obstructed by lawmakers from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP). The protest was sparked by allegations linking Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak to a visit visa scandal. As soon as the meeting commenced, RSP and RPP lawmakers stood up from their seats and began chanting slogans, demanding Lekhak’s resignation and government action against human trafficking.

Foreign Minister Seeks Update on Nepalis in Israel from Israeli Envoy: Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba held discussions with Israeli Ambassador to Nepal Shmulik Arie Bass regarding the recent conflict between Israel and Iran and its impact on Nepali citizens residing in the region. During a meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bass briefed Minister Rana on the evolving situation following the hostilities between Israel and Iran. In response, Minister Rana inquired about the condition of Nepali nationals currently in Israel and urged the Israeli government—through the ambassador—to ensure their safety and provide necessary support if required.

RPP Not to Take Allowance for One Day of Parliamentary Meeting: The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) has said its lawmakers will reject the June 15 Parliament meeting allowance. RPP Chief Whip Gyan Bahadur Shahi said that the RPP boycotted the parliament’s meeting on June 15 and has also informed the Federal Parliament Secretariat that they will not take the meeting allowances. The RPP protested in the meeting on Sunday demanding an investigation against the Home Minister in the ‘visit visa’ scam.

Senior NC Leader Dhundi Raj Shastri Passes Away at 90: Senior Nepali Congress leader and former minister Dhundi Raj Shastri passed away at the age of 90 on Monday morning during treatment at Kathmandu Medical College, Sinamangal. According to his nephew Durga Prasad Paudel, Shastri breathed his last at 5 AM while undergoing treatment. Shastri had served as the Minister for Industry in the government led by Girija Prasad Koirala in 2048 B.S. (1991). He was elected as a Member of Parliament from Arghakhanchi in the same year.

Protest in Kathmandu in Solidarity with Free Palestine: A protest in support of Free Palestine was held in Kathmandu on Monday under the banner “Solidarity Against the Israeli Massacre.” Participants displayed placards with messages such as “Don’t Let War Criminals Enter Nepal” and “From the River to the Sea, Palestine will be Free.” The demonstration condemned ongoing Israeli actions in Gaza and called for justice and international accountability.

Suspended Bagmati Mayor Bharat Thapa Released on Bail: Suspended Mayor of Bagmati Municipality in Sarlahi, Bharat Bahadur Thapa, has been released on bail. He was accused of illegally excavating stones, gravel, and sand, causing damage to forest resources and violating the Forest Act. The Sarlahi District Court had registered a case against him. After a detention hearing on Sunday, the bench of Judge Jiban Kumar Bhandari ordered his release on a bail amount of Rs 5 million. Thapa was present in court the same day.

RSP Slogans in Parliament Trigger Rule Violation Concern from Congress: In a session of the House of Representatives, slogans raised by Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) lawmakers sparked rule violation objections. The slogans accused people traveling abroad on visit visas of engaging in human trafficking due to opaque financial dealings. RSP lawmakers chanted “Punish Human Trafficking” in the parliament. However, Nepali Congress Whip Sushila Thing raised concerns, demanding clarification on whom the slogans were targeting.

Millions in Tax Evasion through Foreign Server:  A group of shareholders and directors of a Kathmandu-based company were found evading millions in taxes by using a server based in Australia, according to the Department of Revenue Investigation. The investigation revealed that Sudip Acharya, Jeevan Gyawali, Ganga Bahadur Thapa, Manish Prasad Acharya, Mithu Poudel, and Deputy Executive Director Sangam Poudel of ‘Nepal Can Move Pvt Ltd’ in Tinkune, Ward 32 of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, were involved in coordinated tax fraud. A case has been filed against them, confirmed department spokesperson and Deputy Director General Krishna Kumari Shrestha.

Petition Filed at Supreme Court Against State Intimidation of Media: A writ petition has been filed at the Supreme Court urging an end to intimidation and harassment of journalists by government agencies. Advocate Anantaraj Luintel submitted the petition, citing recent incidents where editors and reporters were arrested or harassed merely for publishing or broadcasting news. He argued that such actions violate the right to freedom of expression. The petition requests the court to issue an interim order preventing authorities from obstructing the free and fair exercise of press freedom.

Patan High Court Issues Temporary Stay Order Against arrest of Journalist Pathak: The Patan High Court has issued a temporary stay order directing authorities not to arrest journalist Dil Bhushan Pathak amid an ongoing electronic transaction (cybercrime) case. The Nepal Police Cyber Bureau had obtained permission from the Kathmandu District Court to arrest and investigate him, but the High Court instructed that Pathak should not be immediately taken into custody pending further proceedings. The High Court has summoned both parties to deliberate on whether an interim order should be issued.

Missing Doctor Keshav Shrestha Found Safe in Kathmandu Resort: Dr. Keshav Shrestha, who had gone missing after posting a “farewell” message on Facebook, has been found safe at a resort in Balaju. A police team from Kathmandu District Police rescued him from Shreenath Boutique Resort in Tarakeshwor Municipality-3. Earlier, Dr. Shrestha had been transferred from Ramechhap District Hospital and was supposed to report in Hetauda but posted a long status on Facebook expressing grievance over not being officially posted. SSP Bishwo Adhikari of Kathmandu confirmed he was rescued unharmed.

Monday Sees Highest Stock Market Turnover in Over Three Months: Nepal’s stock market witnessed its highest turnover in nearly three and a half months on Monday, with total transactions reaching Rs 13.18 billion. This marks the highest daily trading volume since Falgun 19, 2081 B.S. (March 3, 2025). In comparison, the previous trading day saw a total turnover of Rs 11.44 billion. Despite the significant surge in transaction volume, the NEPSE index showed only marginal movement, climbing by 2.80 points to settle at 2,658 points. Notably, the number of companies with price gains and losses was evenly matched, with 124 stocks increasing and 124 declining.

Seven Provinces Announce Rs 287 billion Budget for FY 2025/26: The seven provinces of Nepal have unveiled a combined budget of Rs 287.30 billion for the upcoming fiscal year2025/26. This marks a slight increase from the previous fiscal year’s total of Rs 278.70 billion. According to estimates presented by the respective provincial ministers for Economic Affairs and Planning in their provincial assemblies, this year’s capital expenditure allocation stands at Rs 171.17 billion—marginally higher than last year’s Rs 161.41 billion. Meanwhile, recurrent expenditure has risen to Rs 104.09 billion from last year’s Rs 99.62 billion.

Banks’ Excess Deposits at Nepal Rastra Bank Cross Rs 400 billion: As the fiscal year nears its end, credit disbursement has not matched deposit growth, leading banks to park over Rs 414 billion in excess liquidity at Nepal Rastra Bank. This reflects limited lending opportunities despite ample liquidity in the banking system.

New Rs 10 Banknotes Signed by Former Governor Adhikari Enter Circulation: A total of 630 million new Rs 10 banknotes signed by former Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) Governor Maha Prasad Adhikari have come into circulation starting Monday. Executive Director of NRB’s Currency Management Department, Ramu Paudel, confirmed that notes worth Rs 6.3 billion have been distributed. These notes bear the serial number from “32 0000001” to “94 999999” and feature Mount Everest on the left and a watermark of the rhododendron on the right.

Government Collects Rs 1.03 trillion Revenue in 11 Months of FY 2024/25: In the first 11 months of the current fiscal year2024/25, the Government of Nepal collected revenue totaling Rs 1.03 trillion (Rs 1,027.66 billion). During the same period last fiscal year, revenue collection stood at Rs 939.48 billion. With a month still left in the fiscal year, the government’s earnings have increased compared to the previous year. The revenue target until the mid-June was set at Rs 1.234 trillion.

Actor Haribansha Acharya to Attend Nepal America Film Festival 2025 as Special Guest: Actor Haribansha Acharya will participate as a special guest at the Nepal America Film Festival 2025, scheduled to be held in Maryland, USA. According to a festival press release, the event will take place from June 26 to 29 this year. The festival will officially begin with the screening of “Shambala,” directed by Min Bahadur Bham, while the closing film will be “Rajagunj,” directed by Deepak Rauniyar.

Teaser Released for ‘Riyal Ringett,’ a Film Depicting the Reality of Foreign Employment: The teaser for the film Riyal Ringett, which portrays the harsh realities of foreign employment, has been released. The film is scheduled for release starting from August 1. The teaser was unveiled on YouTube by the production company Rebel Films and is expected to leave a strong emotional impact on the audience. Directed by Bhibhor Pokharel, the movie stars Pramod Chaulagain, Neeta Dhungana, Chhulthim Gurung, Ravindra Khadka, Dhruva Koirala, Prem Subba, Ramchandra Adhikari and Bimala Giri.

Singer Duo Bardewa and Sharma Release New Song ‘Khai Ta Mayale Kura Bujheko’: The singing duo of singer Sharmila Bardewa and singer Pramod Sharma has released their new song ‘Khai Ta Mayale Kura Bujheko’ on the Music Nepal YouTube channel. Based in London, the duo has earned acclaim by performing in various cities across Europe. Pramod Sharma is the son of the late renowned musician Hutraj Sharma, while Sharmila Bardewa holds a diploma in classical music and has been active in the singing field for over three decades.

16 Clubs to Participate in ANFA Women’s Football League Qualifiers: The All-Nepal Football Association (ANFA) has announced that 16 clubs, including A-Division League champions Church Boys United, will participate in the upcoming Women’s Football League qualifier. Originally scheduled to take place from 15 to 30 June as per ANFA’s annual calendar released on 9 April, the tournament has now been postponed to start from 12 August after clubs began their preparations. Unlike the previous edition where teams from all seven provinces took part, this year’s qualifiers will not feature provincial teams.

Subin Shrestha and Rihanna Sherchan Win U-19 Gold at 1st National Badminton Tournament: Subin Shrestha and Rihanna Sherchan secured gold medals in the U-19 category at the inaugural National Badminton Tournament jointly organized by Tokha Municipality and DB Academy. In the U-19 boys’ singles final, Subin of Tribhuvan Army Club defeated Andrij Limbu from Sunsari Badminton Academy in straight sets 21–19, 21–17 to claim the gold. Ima Tamang and Sudesh Rajkoti finished third in this category.

Arhant Keshar Singh and Bipana Blon Win 13th NSRA National Squash Championship Titles: Squash’s top-ranked player Arhant Keshar Singh and Bipana Blon clinched the trophies at the 13th NSRA National Squash Championship held at Satdobato Squash Court. In the men’s singles final, Arhant from Bagmati Province defeated Deepak Thapa of Madhesh Province in straight sets 11–6, 11–7, 11–5 to claim the title. In the women’s singles final, Bipana, also from Bagmati, defeated second seed Swasthani Shrestha of Bagmati Province 12–10, 11–7, 11–7 in straight sets.

Iran’s Health Ministry Says 224 Killed Since Israel’s Attack Began Friday: Iran’s health ministry says 224 people have been killed since Israel’s attack began Friday. Spokesman Hossein Kermanpour said on social media that 1,277 other people were hospitalized, and asserted that over 90% of the casualties were civilians. Israel has said 14 people have been killed there since Friday and 390 others wounded. The American Consulate in Tel Aviv suffered minor damage from the concussion of an Iranian missile landing nearby, U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee said on Monday.

Israel Kills 59 Palestinians in Gaza, Many While Trying to Get Aid: Israeli forces have killed 59 Palestinians across Gaza, at least 17 of whom were trying to get food at aid sites operated by the controversial United States and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), according to the Ministry of Health, the latest deaths in areas that critics have slammed as “human slaughterhouses”. Medics at al-Awda Hospital in central Gaza on Sunday told Al Jazeera that at least three people were killed and dozens wounded by Israeli fire as they tried to approach a GHF site near the so-called Netzarim Corridor, desperately seeking meagre food parcels for their hungry families.

Trump Orders Increase in Migrant Deportations: US President Donald Trump has ordered an expansion of the detention and deportation of migrants across the country as protests against his policies continue. In a post on Truth Social, Trump called on federal agencies to “do all in their power” to deliver “the single largest mass deportation programme in history”, naming Los Angeles, Chicago and New York as specific targets. These cities are among the many where large-scale protests have broken out against raids on undocumented migrants since 6 June.