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.

PM Balen Retains 3 Key Ministries

Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) has decided to keep the responsibility of three major ministries under his personal oversight. According to a recent cabinet arrangement, the Prime Minister will directly lead the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Ministry of Science, Technology. This move indicates a centralized approach to national security and internal administration, as well as a focus on advancing the country’s scientific and technological framework. By holding these portfolios, the Prime Minister aims to streamline decision-making in critical sectors involving domestic stability, territorial defense, and the emerging field of national innovation and digital infrastructure.

HoR Speaker Administers Oath to Secretary Adhikari

The newly-appointed House of Representatives (HoR) Secretary, Prakash Adhikari, took oath of office and secrecy today. Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal administered the oath to the newly-appointed HoR Secretary Adhikari amid a function at the Federal Parliament Secretariat. President Ramchandra Paudel had appointed Adhikari to the post of the HoR Secretary on Wednesday on the recommendation of the HoR Speaker. Secretary Adhikari has assumed office from today itself.

Opposition Warns Protest Will Continue if PM Balen Skips Parliament

Nepali Congress chief whip Nischal Rai said opposition protests will continue if Prime Minister Balendra Shah fails to attend parliamentary discussions on the government’s policies and programs. Speaking in the House of Representatives on Thursday, Rai accused the prime minister of avoiding parliamentary scrutiny and weakening democratic accountability. He criticized Shah for remaining absent despite being in Kathmandu during ongoing debates. Opposition lawmakers have demanded the prime minister’s presence to answer questions on the government’s policy and program for fiscal year 2026/27. Wednesday’s House session was obstructed over Shah’s absence.

Supreme Court Again Defers Verdict in Maoist Child Soldier Case

Nepal’s Supreme Court of Nepal has again postponed its verdict in a writ petition accusing former prime ministers Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Baburam Bhattarai of war crimes linked to the recruitment of child soldiers during the Maoist insurgency. The petition, filed by former Maoist child combatants led by activist Lenin Bista, argues that minors were illegally recruited during the 1996-2006 conflict. The case seeks criminal accountability from former Maoist leaders and calls for an international tribunal if Nepal’s transitional justice system fails to deliver justice.

SEE Supplementary Examination Schedule Announced

The Office of the Controller of Examinations (grade 10) under the National Examination Board has published the schedule for the 2026 Secondary Education Examination (SEE) supplementary exams. According to the board, the examinations will be conducted from June 15 to June 21. All papers are scheduled to take place during the morning shift, specifically from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM. This opportunity allows students who did not achieve the required grades in the regular board exams to improve their results and continue their academic progression without losing an academic year. The board has urged students to prepare accordingly for the week-long assessment.

Government Preparing Rs 15,000 Monthly Rent Support for Squatters

The government is preparing to provide monthly house rent support of Rs 15,000 to verified landless settlers lacking land ownership certificates. Hari Dhakal, chairperson of the House State Affairs and Good Governance Committee, said the support would continue until genuine squatters are identified and provided land ownership certificates. Officials said the plan targets displaced squatters from Kathmandu areas including Thapathali, Gairigaun, and Manohara. Screening work is underway to identify eligible beneficiaries staying at holding centers in the capital. The Ministry of Urban Development said resources for the program have already been secured.

Computer Operator Jailed Over PPMO Website Hacking Case

The Dhanukuta district court has ordered the pre-trial detention of Diwakar Deuja, a computer operator at the Intensive Urban and Building Construction Project, for hacking the Public Procurement Monitoring Office (PPMO) website. Judge Churaman Khadka issued the order after Deuja was accused of illegally altering contract bid rates. His accomplice, Bhaskar Raj Aryal, was granted bail at Rs 1 million. Additionally, several other defendants, including political leader Vikram Pandey and others like Sanjay Bhatta, were released on bail ranging from Rs 400,000 to Rs 1 million. The case highlights serious security vulnerabilities within the government’s centralized procurement system and the legal consequences of digital fraud.

National Assembly Lawmakers Push for Agriculture, Tourism Reforms

Lawmakers in Nepal’s National Assembly urged the government to prioritize agriculture, tourism, youth employment, and investment-friendly policies during discussions on the upcoming fiscal year’s policies and programs. Lawmakers including Mahantha Thakur and Sunil Bahadur Thapa stressed the need to attract non-resident Nepali investment and create jobs to reduce youth migration abroad. Others called for agricultural modernization, tourism infrastructure development, and diplomatic coordination with India and China to improve operations at Pokhara and Bhairahawa international airports.

Lawmakers Seek Agriculture, Tourism, Employment Focus in Policies

Lawmakers in Nepal’s House of Representatives have urged the government to strengthen policies on agriculture, tourism, employment, and economic reform in the upcoming fiscal year. During Thursday’s discussion on amendment proposals, several lawmakers said the government’s policies lacked clear programs for economic transformation, youth employment, and industrial revival. Some lawmakers called for stronger tourism promotion, diplomatic initiatives on Kalapani, Lipulek, and Limpiyadhura, better drinking water access in Karnali and Madhesh, and support for agriculture commercialization. Others demanded programs addressing labor rights, indigenous communities, women’s health, and pollution control.

Minister Khanal Bats for Prompt Service Delivery

Minister for Foreign Affairs Shisir Khanal has asked the officials of the Ministry for effective work execution adding that cooperation of all was imperative to address the issues. The Foreign Affairs Minister said so during the Ministerial Development Action Committee (MDAC) meeting held at the Ministry on Wednesday. During the meeting, the Ministry’s performance so far for the fiscal year 2025/26 was reviewed and assessed. The meeting further focused on overcoming operational hurdles and challenges, the Ministry stated. On the occasion, Minister Khanal directed the officials to get ready for prompt service delivery and readiness to resolve issues, if any, adding that he would cooperate with the officials in their efforts. Vice Chairman of the National Planning Commission, Gunakar Bhatta, and senior officials of the Ministry, along with relevant officials from different bodies, were present.

MP Sampsang Likens PM’s Absence to a Groomless Marriage

During the parliamentary discussion on the government’s policies and programs, MP Harka Sampsang criticized the Prime Minister’s absence, comparing it to a marriage where a groom sends someone else to the altar. He emphasized that governance requires cooperation, likening the ruling party to a vehicle’s accelerator and the opposition to its brakes, warning that without both, the “vehicle” of the state will crash. Sampsang urged a shift from “AI and mobile phones” back to the soil, stressing that 30 million Nepalis must use their 60 million hands in manual labor to ensure economic self-reliance. He warned that his party, the Shram Sanskriti Party, would boycott proceedings if the Prime Minister failed to show up personally to answer questions.

Baburam Bhattarai Says Public Has High Hopes from Balen Government

Former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai has urged Nepal’s leadership to adopt a long-term and visionary approach, recalling a famous remark by scientist Isaac Newton. Quoting Newton’s statement, “I can see further because I stand on the shoulders of giants,” Bhattarai said the message should be continuously remembered by the country’s top leadership as it guides governance and policymaking. He said the public holds high expectations from Nepal’s new government, which he described as emerging from a historic generational shift in politics. Through a Facebook post, Bhattarai noted that even people in remote areas appear hopeful and confident about the new leadership. He further urged all stakeholders in the new administration to understand public expectations clearly and act in line with them.

UML Secretariat Meeting Scheduled for Saturday

The Secretariat meeting of CPN (UML) has been scheduled for Saturday. Party Chair KP Sharma Oli has called the meeting for 12:30 PM on Saturday. Party leaders said the venue for the meeting is yet to be finalized. The meeting has been convened to discuss recent political developments and other contemporary issues.

Gagan Thapa Warns Against Government ‘Crackdown’ on Private Sector

Gagan Kumar Thapa has criticized the government’s actions against the private sector, warning that arbitrary crackdowns on businesses could seriously harm the country’s economy. Addressing a Nepali Congress provincial gathering in Pokhara on Thursday, Thapa said individuals proven guilty under the law should face punishment, but cautioned against targeting businesses based on “whims and impulses.” He urged the government to act with “wisdom, compassion, and legality” instead of making arbitrary arrests. Thapa also said the Nepali Congress has a responsibility to caution the government when necessary. The party’s Central Policy and Training Department has been organizing provincial-level gatherings across Nepal.

Health Ministry Orders Hospitals to Remove Land Encroachments

Nepal’s Ministry of Health and Population has directed hospitals and health institutions nationwide to remove encroachments from hospital-owned land. In a circular issued Wednesday, the ministry instructed institutions to verify land boundaries, report unauthorized structures, and set deadlines for individuals or groups occupying hospital property to vacate the land. Hospitals have also been directed to construct compound walls and strengthen security measures to prevent future encroachment. The ministry said the move aims to protect hospital-owned land and physical infrastructure across the country.

Applications Open for Vice Chair of Medical Education Commission

The process to appoint a new vice chairperson of the Medical Education Commission has formally begun, with the recommendation committee inviting applications from eligible Nepali citizens. The committee issued a public notice calling on qualified candidates to apply in line with the “Procedure for Selection of Candidates to Recommend Names for Appointment to the Position of Vice Chairperson of the Medical Education Commission, 2026.” According to the committee, the appointment process is being carried out under Section 5, Sub-section (1), Clause (d) of the National Medical Education Act, 2019. The position became vacant after the government issued the Special Provision Ordinance on the Removal of Public Officials, 2026, on May 2, leading to the dismissal of several office bearers, including the commission’s vice chairperson.

GPS and Standardization Mandatory for Kaski Ambulances

The District Administration Office, Kaski, has mandated that all ambulances operating in the district must install Global Positioning System (GPS) devices to ensure transparent and systematic service. A meeting of the District Ambulance Management Committee chaired by Chief District Officer Rudra Devi Sharma decided that both private and government ambulances must provide real-time location data. Ambulances unable to upgrade to Category ‘B’ must now register as Category ‘C’ transport vehicles. Additionally, the administration has enforced the mandatory display of fare rates inside vehicles and required drivers to wear official uniforms. All ambulance data will be integrated into the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority’s ‘Disaster Portal’ for better emergency coordination.

Foreign Tourists Fill Hotels in Lo Manthang During Tiji Festival

Hotels in Lo Manthang have reached full capacity as hundreds of foreign tourists arrived to observe the ongoing Tiji festival. According to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project, 307 foreign tourists entered Lo Manthang on Wednesday, while around 350 visitors attended the centuries-old Tibetan Buddhist festival. Nearly three dozen hotels in the walled city have been fully occupied since the celebrations began. The three-day festival features Buddhist rituals, prayers for peace and prosperity, and traditional cultural dances performed by local residents. Authorities said domestic tourist arrivals have also remained high during the festival period.

Elephants in the Fog Trailer Released After Cannes Selection

The trailer for Elephants in the Fog has been released following the film’s selection in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival. Written and directed by Abinash Bikram Shah, the film portrays a marginalized community living under the threat of wild elephant attacks and follows a mother searching for her missing child. The trailer highlights themes of fear, displacement, and survival. The cast includes Pushpa Thing, Dipika Yadav, Joel Gurung, and Gauri Malla among others. Shah is also known for writing Kalo Pothi and Shambhala.

Singer Indira Joshi Shares News of Pregnancy with Twins

Popular singer Indira Joshi announced on Thursday via social media that she is expecting twins. Sharing photos from a recent pregnancy photoshoot, she reflected on the physical and mental challenges of the journey, stating that the experience of carrying two children has made her feel more capable of overcoming any obstacle. Joshi, who married fashion designer Sharad Kedia in 2022, emphasized the importance of women speaking openly about the difficulties of pregnancy rather than remaining silent as previous generations did. Currently in her third trimester, she shared that she is enjoying quality time with family and friends while preparing for the arrival of the newborns. Her announcement was met with widespread congratulations from fans and the entertainment industry.

NSC Orders Sports Associations to Renew Registration by June 29

The National Sports Council has directed all national sports associations to renew their registration by June 29, warning that failure to comply could lead to cancellation. The council said many associations have ignored repeated renewal notices despite legal requirements under the National Sports Development Act 2020 and related regulations. Around half of Nepal’s 75 registered sports associations have yet to renew, including the Cricket Association of Nepal. Associations must submit annual reports, audited accounts, statutes, future plans, and proof of at least one national-level competition for renewal.

Scotland Edges USA by 2 Runs in Thrilling Match at TU Ground

In a rain-affected ICC World Cup League-2 match at the TU Cricket Ground on Thursday, Scotland defeated the USA by a narrow margin of 2 runs. Initially, Scotland posted a formidable total of 321/6 in 47 overs, led by 77 runs from Finlay McCreath. Following a rain delay, the USA was set a revised target of 249 in 32 overs. Despite a brilliant century by Saeiteja Mukkamalla (100 off 75 balls) and 72 from Smit Patel, the USA finished at 246/8. With this win, Scotland moved to the top of the table with 38 points from 30 matches, while the USA sits second with 36 points. Nepal remains in seventh place with 18 points.

Storms Kill 89 in India’s Uttar Pradesh

At least 89 people were killed after powerful storms, heavy rain, hail, and lightning hit India’s most populous state, Uttar Pradesh, on Thursday. State authorities said 53 people were injured, 87 houses damaged, and more than 100 livestock killed as strong winds uprooted trees and billboards across several districts. Many victims died after trees and walls collapsed during the storm. The chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, directed local authorities to provide immediate relief and compensation to affected families. Northern India regularly experiences severe storms before the arrival of the annual monsoon season.

5 Pakistani Soldiers, 7 Others Killed in Balochistan Operation

Five Pakistani soldiers, including a major in the Pakistan Army, and seven militants were killed during a counterterrorism operation in Pakistan’s Balochistan province on Wednesday. According to Pakistan military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations, the Pakistan Army and Balochistan Frontier Corps launched a joint operation in Barkhan district after receiving intelligence on militant activity. Security forces recovered weapons and explosives from the site. The operation is part of Pakistan’s intensified campaign against insurgent groups in Balochistan, where separatist attacks frequently target security forces and state infrastructure. Pakistan has blamed the Baloch Liberation Army and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan for attacks in the region.

Xi Warns Trump, Taiwan Issue Could Trigger Conflict

Chinese President Xi Jinping warned US President Donald Trump that disputes over Taiwan could push US-China relations toward conflict during talks in Beijing. According to China’s foreign ministry, Xi said Taiwan remains the most sensitive issue between the two countries and warned against mishandling it. The two leaders also discussed trade, investment, Ukraine, the Middle East, and the Korean Peninsula during the summit. Despite tensions, both sides reported progress in trade negotiations and efforts to maintain a fragile trade truce reached last year. Trump’s visit marks his first trip to China in nearly a decade amid wider geopolitical disputes over tariffs, semiconductors, and Taiwan.