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.

35 Nepali Nationals Rescued from Captivity in Uttarakhand, India:
Thirty-five Nepali nationals held captive in Kashipur, Uttarakhand, India, have been rescued, the Nepali Embassy in New Delhi confirmed on Saturday. The individuals were reportedly lured to India with false promises of lucrative jobs but faced physical and psychological abuse and extortion upon arrival. The rescue operation was conducted in collaboration with Uttarakhand Police and Indian NGO KIN India. The victims had been trafficked through border areas and forcibly confined. Several suspects have been arrested, and investigations are ongoing. The embassy stated that the rescued Nepalis are currently in safe shelter, receiving medical care, legal assistance, and support for repatriation to Nepal. The incident underscores ongoing human trafficking challenges in the region and the need for continued cross-border cooperation to protect vulnerable individuals. Authorities are committed to ensuring justice and preventing such abuses in the future.

India Assists in Evacuation of Nepalis from Conflict-Hit Iran Following Nepal’s Request:
The Indian government has agreed to assist in evacuating 16 Nepali citizens stranded in Iran amid the escalating Israel-Iran conflict. This follows a formal request from Nepal’s Foreign Minister Dr Arzu Rana Deuba through Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava. The Indian Embassy in Iran has issued a notice urging Nepali citizens to contact its officials. Among the 16 Nepalis, five are imprisoned for immigration violations. Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in active coordination with Indian authorities and has instructed its embassy in New Delhi and officials in Tehran to facilitate the rescue. Efforts to release and repatriate the detained Nepalis are ongoing.

Narayangadh-Butwal Road Section Closed 10 Hours Daily Amid Safety Concerns:
Vehicular movement along the Narayangadh-Butwal section of the East-West Highway will be restricted daily from 7:00 pm to 5:00 am starting Saturday, due to safety concerns at the Dumkibas stretch. The decision was made following a meeting led by Chief District Officer of Nawalparasi (Bardaghat-Susta East), Bhabishwor Pandey. According to engineer Chudaraj Dhakal of the Department of Roads Project Directorate, the road will remain closed until a new bridge becomes operational. Additionally, the movement of large goods carriers is now restricted 24/7, and they are advised to use alternative routes until further notice.

Deuba Says Nepali Citizenship Cannot Be Granted to Foreign Passport Holders:
Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba stated on Saturday that individuals who have already acquired foreign citizenship cannot be granted Nepali citizenship. Speaking at a book launch event in Lalitpur on the Sugauli Treaty and Citizenship, Deuba acknowledged the concerns of British Gurkha soldiers seeking continuity of Nepali citizenship but clarified that dual citizenship is not possible under Nepal’s current laws. He supported providing Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) status for certain rights but emphasized that granting full citizenship would be problematic for a small country like Nepal. Discussions among political parties on the issue are ongoing.

Kaligandaki Corridor Remains Closed Due to Continuous Landslides; Alternative Routes Advised:
The Kaligandaki Corridor in Kaligandaki Rural Municipality-1, Harmichaur-Arbeni, remains closed following continuous dry landslides since Friday, disrupting road traffic. District Police Information Officer Ganga Bahadur Saru confirmed ongoing landslides and urged travelers to use alternative routes for safety. Meanwhile, the Ridi-Bamitaksar road section, previously blocked by landslides in Chandrakot Rural Municipality-7, Sisnebhir, is now partially open with one-way traffic after clearing some debris. Authorities continue monitoring the situation, prioritizing traveler safety amid unstable conditions in the affected areas.

Chitwan Highway Crash Claims 7 Lives, Including Pregnant Woman and Family En Route to Hospital:
Seven people were killed in a tragic collision on the East-West Highway at Rapti Municipality-3, Chitwan, on Saturday. The accident occurred when an EV van (03-001 J 299) en route to Narayangadh collided with a passenger bus (Province 1-01-001 Kha 3583) traveling from Dhangadhi to Kakadvitta. Among the deceased were a pregnant woman, Renuka Kandel (27), her husband Saroj Pahadi (35), and mother-in-law Maiya Kumari Pahadi (53), all from Hetauda, who were heading to Bharatpur Hospital for delivery. Four of the victims were from Makwanpur, and six have been identified. The bodies are being kept at Bharatpur Hospital for post-mortem.

Rainy Season Triggers Spike in Snakebite Cases in Mahottari; Experts Urge Public Caution:
With the onset of monsoon and rainfall since Asar Sankranti, snakebite incidents have surged in Mahottari district. According to the Snakebite Treatment Center in Bardibas, 25 cases were reported in the first week of Asar alone. Center technician Bhola Chaudhary explained that snakes emerge from their holes during heat and rain, increasing the risk of bites. The center, operated in coordination with the Nepal Army since 2071 BS, has treated over 31,000 patients so far, including 160 this year. While venomous bites accounted for 65 cases, experts urge precaution from Baisakh onward. Snake sightings are reportedly declining in densely settled Bardibas areas.

House Continues Budget Debate for 10 Ministries; Lawmakers Raise Concerns on Allocation, Implementation, and Regional Bias:
The House of Representatives held a continued discussion on Saturday over budget allocations for 10 ministries under the Appropriation Bill 2082. Lawmakers from various parties expressed views on the effectiveness, priorities, and fairness of the allocations. Nepali Congress leader Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat emphasized effective implementation over the amount allocated. UML’s Yogesh Bhattarai criticized the lack of participatory budgeting and proposed provincial development councils. Maoist leader Shakti Basnet called the budget for earthquake rehabilitation insufficient. Lawmakers from CPN (Unified Socialist), Janamat Party, and LSP Nepal raised concerns over biased allocations and regional neglect, especially in Madhes. Debate continues across party lines.

CPN (Maoist Centre) Condemns Forced Continuation of Parliament Amid RSP and RPP Obstruction:
The main opposition party, CPN (Maoist Centre), strongly objected to the continuation of parliamentary proceedings despite disruptions by Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) lawmakers during Saturday’s House of Representatives session. Maoist lawmaker Madhav Sapkota criticized what he termed an “authoritarian approach” by Speaker Devraj Ghimire, who persisted with the session by allotting speaking times despite protests. Sapkota argued that forcibly running the parliament undermines democracy and tarnishes the institution’s dignity. The disruptions stemmed from demands by RSP and RPP for a parliamentary probe into the visit visa scam. Sapkota expressed deep regret over the manner in which the parliamentary session was conducted, calling for respect toward democratic processes and the parliament’s stature. The incident highlights growing tensions among parties regarding transparency and accountability issues within Nepal’s political landscape.

Rastriya Swatantra Party Marks Third Anniversary Amid Chairman Lamichhane’s Imprisonment and New Leadership Appointments:
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Nepal’s second-largest opposition party, marked its third establishment day on Saturday by appointing lawmaker Manish Jha as spokesperson and Kabindra Burlakoti as General Secretary. Despite the celebrations, the party’s public image is under strain as Chairman Rabi Lamichhane remains in judicial custody in Rupandehi over a cooperative fraud case, with the Supreme Court upholding his detention. From prison, Lamichhane released a 19-page public appeal identifying himself as “Detainee No. 9725.” He accused political rivals of conspiring against him using state machinery and claimed his imprisonment was a sacrifice to serve others’ ambitions. Lamichhane reflected on the country’s decades-long political suffering, asserting his hardships pale in comparison. He concluded his message by emphasizing his faith only in the people’s court for justice. The party now navigates leadership changes amid ongoing legal challenges faced by its founder.

RSP President Rabi Lamichhane Calls for Complete Rewrite of Nepal’s Constitution from Prison:
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Rabi Lamichhane, currently in judicial custody over a cooperative fraud case, has issued a powerful 20-page political appeal from Bhairahawa prison on the party’s third anniversary. Lamichhane demanded a complete rewriting of Nepal’s constitution, condemning the current version for enabling corruption and political criminality. He called for replacing the parliamentary system with a directly elected executive and abolishing the federal structure, which he criticized as ineffective and costly. Lamichhane also urged transforming the National Assembly into a chamber of experts and restructuring all constitutional bodies. His appeal included investigating assets of senior officials and dismantling political parties’ sister organizations, which he blamed for politicization and corruption. He emphasized the need for a second phase of economic reforms to boost employment and entrepreneurship. Despite incarceration, Lamichhane’s call for a “peaceful revolution” aims to invigorate public debate on governance and systemic change in Nepal.

RSP Confirms Kabindra Burlakoti as General Secretary and Manish Jha as Spokesperson:
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has officially appointed Kabindra Burlakoti as its General Secretary and Manish Jha as its Spokesperson, formalizing their previous acting roles. The appointments were decided in a party meeting held earlier today. Both leaders had been serving in interim capacities following the departure of former General Secretary Mukul Dhakal. This move aims to strengthen the party’s leadership structure amid ongoing political challenges and to ensure continuity in communication and organizational functions. The RSP continues to consolidate its leadership as it navigates Nepal’s complex political landscape.

RSP Lawmakers Walk Out of Parliament in Protest During Budget Discussions:
Lawmakers from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) staged a walkout during Saturday’s House of Representatives session amid ministry-wise budget allocation discussions. The walkout occurred as Speaker Devraj Ghimire began allocating speaking time according to party representation, granting 18 minutes to Nepali Congress lawmaker Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat. As Dr. Mahat took the podium, RSP members exited the chamber from the parliamentary well in protest. Earlier in the session, RSP lawmakers had silently stood near the Speaker’s podium to express their dissatisfaction. On the previous day, Friday, they had stood throughout the session while reading books to highlight their demand for a parliamentary probe into the visit visa scam, which the government has yet to address to their satisfaction. The RSP’s protest underscores rising tensions in parliament over accountability and governance issues in Nepal.

Clash Over Road Expansion in Sarlahi Injures 10, Police Fire to Control Crowd:
A violent clash erupted between groups supporting and opposing road expansion in Khairaba, Barahathawa Municipality-4, Sarlahi, on Saturday, injuring ten people including police personnel. Supporters of the widening clashed with opponents who pelted stones, prompting police to baton-charge and open fire to restore order. Police Inspector Divakar Ganesh and Constable Parmeshwor Ray Yadav sustained injuries and are under treatment. Among civilians injured, Tika Bahadur Karki and Kul Bahadur Karki were critically hurt and referred to a hospital in Kathmandu. Seven individuals involved in the clash have been taken into custody as investigations continue.

PM Oli Calls for Integrating Yoga into Daily Life, Highlights Link to Peace and Health:
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli urged citizens to embrace yoga as part of daily life, emphasizing its link to health, peace, and humanity during the 11th International Yoga Day celebration in Patan. Speaking on the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” Oli highlighted yoga’s role in discipline, disease prevention, and mental focus. He also stressed the need for pesticide-free food, non-violence, and pure thoughts. Ministers Rajhuji Panta and Badri Prasad Pandey underscored yoga’s cultural value and Nepal’s significance as its origin. Yoga experts, including Dr Dipak Regmi, emphasized its scientific relevance in promoting health and happiness.

NEA Managing Director Outlines Three-Pronged Reform Strategy Focusing on Quality, Security, and Financial Stability:
Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) Managing Director Hitendra Dev Shakya detailed a strategic plan to reform Nepal’s power sector, emphasizing electricity quality, energy security, and financial sustainability. Speaking in Kathmandu, Shakya highlighted the need to boost electricity production and storage to meet demand and minimize wastage, with projects like Upper Arun prioritized despite funding challenges. Nepal’s electricity exports rose to 1,800 GWh this year, while imports from India decreased. To improve power quality, NEA is investing in dual-feeder systems to reduce frequent outages, especially in Kathmandu and Lalitpur. Financially, the NEA faces reduced government grants and shrinking bank loans, turning to bonds and debentures to raise funds. Although NEA shows operating profits, outstanding dues affect liquidity. Shakya called for patience and continued support, asserting that meaningful reforms require time but will secure a reliable, modernized power system for Nepal’s future growth.

NEPSE Index Drops by 26.47 Points Amid Fiscal Year-End Caution; Market Capitalization Falls by Rs 44 Billion:
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) declined by 26.47 points last week as investors became cautious ahead of the fiscal year-end. The market opened at 2,655.38 points and closed at 2,628.91 points on Thursday, with fluctuations between 2,679.74 and 2,628.27 points. Early in the week, NEPSE saw minor gains but declined sharply in the last three trading days. Hotels and tourism (+0.82%) and manufacturing (+0.64%) were the only sectors to post gains, while the investment group led losses, dropping 2.09%. People’s Power Limited was the biggest loser (-18%), whereas Pure Energy Limited surged 31.75%. Sanima Mai Hydropower recorded the highest turnover at over Rs 3.73 billion. Overall turnover rose 4.35% to Rs 52.60 billion, with an average daily turnover of Rs 10.52 billion. Market capitalization fell from Rs 4.423 trillion to Rs 4.379 trillion, causing a Rs 44 billion loss for investors during the week.

Filming of Nepali Movie ‘Maharajdhiraj’ Uncertain After Lead Actor Pal Shah Quits Amid Dispute with Producer:
The shooting of the Nepali film ‘Maharajdhiraj’ has become uncertain after lead actor Pal Shah exited the project. Despite earlier promotional posters, Shah recently claimed on a TV show that scheduling conflicts, mainly due to his commitments to other films like ‘Yanimaya’ and ‘Mohar,’ delayed filming. Producer Biraj Bist refuted these claims, stating the delays were not caused by their team and that Shah was contractually bound to the film. Bist confirmed they mutually agreed to let Shah focus on ‘Yanimaya’ without any animosity. The producer appealed to respect the project, describing it as a long-cherished dream.

First Look Poster Released for Rishi Lamichhane’s Upcoming Film ‘Magne Raja’; Release Date Set for Bhadra 6:
The first look poster of the Nepali film ‘Magne Raja,’ directed by Rishi Lamichhane, was unveiled at a special event at Pragya Dabali, with the release date announced as Bhadra 6 (around late August). One poster features comedian Kedar Ghimire (Magne Budha) seated regally atop a pile of money, while the other highlights lead actors Kedar Ghimire, Varsha Sivakoti, and Wilson Bikram Rai. The film portrays a story about youth who see themselves as kings. Produced by Munal Ghimire, it stars Kedar Ghimire, Varsha Sivakoti, Pushkar Gurung, and others, with Aryan Sigdel in a special role. Cinematography is by Narendra Mainali.

Nepali Film ‘Anjila’ Celebrates 100 Days of Continuous Screening, Earns Over Rs. 12 Crore:
The Nepali film ‘Anjila,’ released on Falgun 29 last year, has successfully completed 100 days of continuous screening. On its 100th day, the movie was still showing at several cinemas, including City Square Mall in Kathmandu, Kirtipur Cineplex, Elite Cinema Hall in Itahari, Pathibhara Cineplaza in Birtamod, Mango Janajyoti Cinema in Chitwan, and Central Multiplex in Biratnagar. Directed by Milan Chams, the film has become one of the top five commercial successes of 2081 BS, grossing over Rs. 12 crore. Based on the biography of national women’s football team captain Anjila Tumbapo Subba, the film stars Anjila herself alongside Dayahang Rai and others.

First Song ‘Break Dance’ Released from Seema Gurung’s Horror Thriller ‘Rang Destination 2’:
The first song, ‘Break Dance,’ from director Seema Gurung’s upcoming horror-thriller film ‘Rang Destination 2’ has been released. Sung and composed by Sawmiksha Adhikari and Om Sunar, with lyrics by Muna Shah, the romantic track features a dance-heavy video starring Ayesha Tamang and Kiran Shrestha. The video’s choreography by Roshani Thapa Magar incorporates cultural costumes and chorus dancers, adding visual appeal. Produced by Phulmun Motion Pictures, the film includes actors Kiran Shrestha, Ayesha Tamang, Kalu Rana, and others. Shot in scenic Mustang, the film’s release date is yet to be announced, with plans for screenings at international film festivals before its domestic debut.

SAFF U-20 Women’s Team Loses Friendly Match to Tribhuvan Army Club Ahead of Championship:
Nepal’s U-20 women’s national football team, preparing for the upcoming SAFF U-20 Women’s Championship, suffered a 2–1 defeat in a friendly match against departmental side Tribhuvan Army Club. The practice match was held at the Army’s home ground in Bhadrakali. Despite the loss, the match served as preparation ahead of the regional tournament scheduled to take place in Bangladesh from July 11 to 21. Nepal will face Bhutan in their opening match on July 11. The friendly provided valuable insights as the team looks to fine-tune its performance before the international competition begins.

Sudurpaschim Royals Retain Captain Dipendra Singh Airee and Five Players for Upcoming NPL Season:
Sudurpaschim Royals have retained national vice-captain Dipendra Singh Airee as their marquee player and captain for the upcoming season of the Nepal Premier League (NPL). Airee led the team to the final in the inaugural season, where they were defeated by Janakpur Bolts. Alongside Airee, the Royals have also retained five key players: Binod Bhandari, Arif Sheikh, Avinash Bohara, Ishan Pandey, and Naren Saud. The move aims to maintain team consistency and build on last season’s strong performance as the Royals gear up for another title challenge in Nepal’s top franchise cricket league.

Nepal Set to Begin ACC U-16 East Zone Cup Campaign in Malaysia Against Singapore:
The ACC Men’s U-16 East Zone Cup is kicking off in Malaysia, with Nepal facing Singapore in their opening match at UKM Oval at 7:45 AM Nepali time. The 14-member Nepali squad, led by captain Bipin Sharma and vice-captain Suryashum Koirala, was selected based on performances in the recent TB Shah Memorial U-16 National Tournament in Surkhet. Ten teams are participating, divided into two groups. Nepal is grouped with Singapore, Indonesia, Bhutan, and Japan. A three-time champion, Nepal will next play Japan, Indonesia, and Bhutan. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals, with the final scheduled for July 5.

Rame Magar’s Team Wins Pro-Am Title at Surya Nepal Premier Golf; Neeraj Tamang Becomes Season’s No.1 Pro Golfer:
Rame Magar’s team clinched the Pro-Am title at the Surya Nepal Premier Golf Championship, the final event of the Surya Nepal Golf Tour 2024–25, held at Gokarna Golf Course. The team scored a total of 159 points. In the women’s category, Tara Karki Chitrakar won the title with 32 points. Neeraj Tamang from Dharan was declared the top professional golfer of the season, earning Rs 867,500 in prize money and securing three titles. Amateur Rahul Bishwakarma won the overall Premier title with a 21-under-par score. A total of 38 professional golfers won prizes from the season’s Rs 6.71 million prize pool.

IAEA Confirms Strike on Iran’s Isfahan Centrifuge Workshop, No Radiological Risk:
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that a centrifuge manufacturing workshop at Iran’s Isfahan nuclear site was struck during Israel’s recent bombing campaign. According to IAEA chief Rafael Grossi, this is the third such facility targeted in Israel’s attacks on Iran’s nuclear-related sites over the past week. The Vienna-based agency emphasized that no nuclear material was present at the Isfahan workshop, ensuring there will be no radiological consequences from the strike. The incident highlights ongoing tensions and targeted operations amid escalating regional conflicts involving Iran and Israel.

Israel Prepares for ‘Prolonged Campaign’ Against Iran’s Nuclear and Missile Sites:
Israel is gearing up for a prolonged military campaign targeting Iran’s nuclear sites, enrichment facilities, and missile infrastructure, according to the Israeli military’s chief spokesman, Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin. He stated that Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir has instructed the army to be ready for sustained operations. Israel has been conducting intensified nightly strikes with significant results and plans to continue until the perceived threat is eliminated. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed that the military operation would last “for as long as it takes” to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program and ballistic missile arsenal, signaling a long-term strategic effort.