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.

“The Land is Historically Ours,” Foreign Minister Khanal Reaffirms Claims Over Lipulekh and Kalapani

Reaffirming Nepal’s sovereign stance on its territorial integrity, Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal declared that the Lipulekh and Kalapani regions belong historically to Nepal, stressing that no bilateral agreements can be made over the territory by neighboring powers without Kathmandu’s consent. Speaking to journalists at the Nepali Embassy in New Delhi on the final day of his official visit to India, Khanal revealed that Nepal has consistently dispatched formal diplomatic notes to both New Delhi and Beijing to protect its territorial rights, especially following past agreements made between India and China regarding the area.

Nepal’s India Policy Starts with a “Clean Slate” to Achieve Double-Digit Growth, Says Foreign Minister Khanal

Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has stated that the new Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) government is approaching its relationship with India with a completely “clean slate,” prioritizing economic growth and integration over historical political issues. Speaking in an interview with The Economic Times during his official visit to New Delhi, Khanal emphasized that Kathmandu looks to India as a vital partner for investment, corporate collaboration, and capital depth to help Nepal build a predictable, double-digit growing economy. He noted that the RSP’s strong electoral mandate from the youth empowers the government to stand firm on its core agendas of economic advancement and uncompromising good governance.

Govt Denies Reports of Scrapping Sunday as Public Holiday

The government has clarified that reports claiming it is preparing to cancel Sunday as a public holiday are utterly false. The clarification comes after several media outlets reported that the government is considering revoking the two-day weekend system (Saturday and Sunday) that is currently in place across the country for some months now. Speaking on the matter, Deepa Dahal, Press and Research Adviser to the Prime Minister, stated that the reports are inaccurate. “The government has not made any decision regarding the cancellation of Sunday as a holiday, nor is there any preparation underway on this issue at present,” Dahal clarified.

Foreign Minister Khanal Returns Home

Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal returned home today after completing a three-day official visit to India. He had left for New Delhi on Friday at the friendly invitation of Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar. During the visit, Minister Khanal held delegation-level bilateral talks with his Indian counterpart on Saturday. Matters related to development cooperation, expansion of connectivity, trade and transit, energy and further enhancing people-to-people relations were discussed during the meeting. While in New Delhi, Foreign Minister Khanal had separate meetings with India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Bharatiya Janata Party’s Foreign Department Chief Dr Vijay Chauthaiwale.

RSP Selects New District Leadership Ahead of General Convention

The ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has successfully held district conventions across Nepal, electing new leadership to transition from ad-hoc structures into fully democratic bodies. In the internal elections, Om Nath Bhandari was elected District President of Jhapa, Raja Shakya secured the presidency in Kathmandu, and Sagar Dahal won the leadership in Sunsari. Additionally, Humla unanimously selected Laxman Aidi to lead a new nine-member district executive committee. According to Central Election Commission Chief Bhuwan KC, RSP aims to finalize leadership in 67 of 77 districts before its First General Convention in Chitwan from June 21 to 23, with the remaining 10 districts to follow afterward.

Sudhan Gurung Confident of Clean Chit and Return as Home Minister

Former Home Minister and RSP lawmaker Sudhan Gurung stated on Sunday that he expects a clean chit from the property probe committee and a return to the Home Ministry. Speaking at the RSP Gorkha District Convention, Gurung clarified that he resigned to facilitate the investigation, which has now been submitted to the Prime Minister’s Office. Anticipating his reappointment, Gurung requested that well-wishers refrain from visiting the ministry to congratulate him or take photos for the first two months so he can focus entirely on work.

Gokul Baskota Questions UML Internal Democracy And Work Division

UML leader Gokul Baskota has expressed dissatisfaction over the party’s recent work division and functioning style. Sharing his views on social media, Baskota raised questions about internal democracy, decision-making processes, and the role of party workers. In a Facebook post, he made a satirical remark, stating that he does not possess knowledge of subjects such as astronomy, physics, chemistry, biology, zoology, arithmetic, algebra, geometry, or engineering. Despite this, he suggested that even without such expertise, the UML’s recent work allocation raises concerns about the role of party cadres and lower-level committees within the organisation.

RSP Central Office Witnesses Protest over Kalaiya Convention Dispute

Party cadres from Kalaiya Sub-Metropolitan City of Bara staged a sit-in protest at the central office of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) today, demanding transparency and clarification over a dispute related to the party’s municipal convention results. The agitating cadres said Umashankar Rauniyar had been elected municipal president after securing 124 votes during the Kalaiya convention. However, controversy emerged after the party issued a notice calling for fresh elections, despite the elected committee already taking its oath of office.

Protest Erupts During Minister Sunil Lamsal’s Inspection Of Long-Stalled Kamala Bridge

Locals protested during Infrastructure Development Minister Sunil Lamsal’s inspection of the 15-year-delayed Kamala Bridge on the Postal Highway linking Siraha and Dhanusha. Residents expressed anger over repeated visits by ministers without progress, noting that 18 ministers have already inspected the project over the years while construction remains incomplete. The minister said the project would no longer be allowed to stall under any excuse.

7 Killed, 109 Injured in Road Accidents Across Nepal in 24 Hours

A total of seven people were killed and 109 others injured in traffic accidents reported across Nepal within las 24-hour period, according to Nepal Police. Province-wise data show that Madhesh Province recorded the highest number of fatalities, with four people losing their lives and 21 others sustaining injuries. Bagmati Province, Koshi Province, and Sudurpashchim Province each reported one death. The number of injured in these provinces stood at 22, 39, and 7 respectively.

40 Detained in Single-Day Crackdown on Crime and Traffic Violations in Kaski

In a major crackdown on illegal activities, hooliganism, and public disturbances, the Kaski District Police Office has detained and penalized 40 individuals across various locations on Saturday. The arrests were made under the police department’s ongoing “sweep operation,” which aims to maintain law and order, curb late-night disturbances, check drug abuse, and stop illegal gambling. As part of the intensive security measures, a specialized team accompanied by sniffer dogs from the Canine Branch of the Gandaki Province Police Office was also deployed to inspect vehicles across the region. The single-day operation resulted in widespread action across multiple sectors of the district.

Nepal Capital Spending Remains Weak As Budget Execution Lags Behind Targets

Nepal’s capital expenditure performance continues to remain weak. Over the past five fiscal years, annual capital spending has never reached Rs 250 billion, with figures including Rs 222 billion last year, Rs 191 billion the year before, and between Rs 216–233 billion in earlier years. In all cases, spending has remained below 65% of annual targets. Economists say that to meet the Rs 2.124 trillion budget introduced by Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle, capital spending would need to nearly double from current levels. While revenue targets may be difficult to achieve, experts argue that improving administrative efficiency could make capital expenditure targets more realistic.

Social Security Fund Prioritises Investment in Hydropower and Renewable Energy

The Social Security Fund has identified priority sectors for investment through loans or co-financing, including hydropower projects, electricity transmission lines, solar energy, and industries producing renewable energy. As of June 3, the fund had accumulated contribution deposits worth Rs 111.07 billion. With contributions increasing on a daily basis, the fund has concluded that it needs to expand the scope of its investments. Based on this, the fund has adopted a policy of investing in hydropower and renewable energy projects in partnership with government-owned companies.

Nepal to Receive Additional Rs 6.5 Billion IMF Loan

Nepal is set to receive an additional loan of around Rs 6.5 billion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF). The IMF Executive Board completed the seventh and final review under the ECF programme, making Nepal eligible for the final tranche of the loan. The final instalment will be released after Nepal implemented reform programmes agreed under the facility and in accordance with IMF conditions. Under this arrangement, Nepal will receive SDR 31.32 million, equivalent to approximately USD 42.9 million.

EOI Invited for DPR of 27.5-Km Kathmandu Rail Route

The Rail, Metro Rail and Monorail Development Project has invited an international Expression of Interest (EOI) to prepare the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for a 27.5-kilometre rail route connecting major locations in Kathmandu. It is believed that the completion of this project would bring a major transformation to Kathmandu’s transport sector. Due to rapid urbanisation, narrow roads, and the growing number of vehicles, travel within the Kathmandu Valley has become increasingly difficult. Commuters are often forced to spend hours in traffic jams while travelling from Ratnapark to Narayangopal Chowk or Satdobato. The construction of this 27.5-kilometre rail route is expected to permanently address those problems.

Government Plans to Borrow Nearly Rs 250 Billion in Foreign Loans

The government plans to borrow nearly Rs 250 billion in foreign loans in the fiscal year 2083/84. In the budget presented on May 29, Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle stated that the portion of the Rs 2.124 trillion budget that cannot be covered through revenue sources will be financed through borrowing. Of this amount, Rs 247 billion is expected to come from foreign loans. The largest share of these foreign loans will be borrowed from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The government plans to borrow Rs 116 billion from the ADB. Such financing also includes grant assistance.

National ID Card Mandatory When Opening and Renewing Demat Accounts from July 17

National Identity Card numbers have been made mandatory when opening new Demat accounts and renewing existing ones starting from July 17. Issuing a notice, CDS and Clearing Limited announced that the identity card is now compulsory for both old account renewals and new account openings. The notice states: “As per the decision of this Ltd. dated May 27, 2026, it is informed that the National Identity Number has been made mandatory to be included in the beneficiary’s details while opening new beneficiary (Demat) accounts and updating the details of currently maintained beneficiary accounts, effective from July 17, 2026. It is requested to act and cause to act accordingly as per instructions.”

Dhurmus Returns to Nepal ‘Hopeful of Receiving Justice’

Artist Sita Ram Kattel (Dhurmus) has said he has returned to his homeland with the hope of receiving justice. Kattel, who had been living in the United States, wrote on social media: “I have returned to the courtyard of my own motherland carrying complete hope and unwavering faith that justice will surely prevail.” He further wrote: “I hope I will have the opportunity to experience justice and heal the wounds of life by sharing both happiness and sorrow in the embrace of my own soil.”

New Song ‘Rangin Sapana’ Released from Film ‘Roll No. 1’

A new song titled Rangin Sapana from the film Roll No. 1 has been released. The production team unveiled the new song while the film is currently running in its second week in theatres. The song is sung by Ujjwal Sagar, with lyrics by Roshan Adhikari and music composed by Sagar himself. The song revolves around dreams. It highlights aspirations for a brighter future, the dreams people nurture to achieve it, and the hard work required along the way. It also portrays the story of parents who rejoice in their children’s happiness and share their pain in times of hardship.The music video features the film’s lead cast.

Five Books Honoured with Yashaswi Book Award at Kathmandu Kalinga Literature Festival

Five literary works have been awarded the “Yashaswi Book Award” at the Kathmandu Kalinga Literature Festival. On the first day of the festival on Saturday, former Prime Minister Sushila Karki presented certificates of honour to the award-winning authors. The awarded works include Banda Kothako Jhyal by Hemant Shishir in poetry, Dhimahi by Jayaram Timsina in fiction, Pranam Sagarmatha by Bhawani Khatiwada in non-fiction, Gumnam Ek Itihas Bise Nagarchi by Dipendra Raj Timsina in research, and Pyramids of Lexical Ripples by Sabita Gautam Dahal in translation and English category.

Asian Games Qualifiers: Nepal Advances to Final with Stunning Win over Oman

The Nepali men’s team has reached the final of the Asian Games qualifiers after securing a magnificent victory over Oman. Nepal chased down the modest target of 95 runs set by Oman in 9.2 overs, losing just 2 wickets. After winning the toss and batting first at the Singapore National Cricket Ground, Oman was bowled out for 94 runs in 19.4 overs. For Nepal, Lokesh Bam top-scored with 44 runs. Opener Kushal Bhurtel was dismissed for 21. Former captain Rohit Kumar Paudel, who came to the crease as the third batter, scored 21 runs off 20 balls. Earlier, after winning the toss and batting first, Oman was bowled out for 94 runs in 19.4 overs. For Oman, captain Sufyan Mehmood top-scored with 38 runs. Zubaer Ali Akbar scored 22 runs. For Nepal, Karan KC took 3 wickets. Sompal Kami and Sandeep Lamichhane took 2 wickets each.

NSC Forms Committee to Probe Sisneri Landslide That Killed Six Athletes

The National Sports Council (NSC) has formed a five-member committee to investigate the Sisneri landslide in Makwanpur that killed six young athletes in September 2024. The panel, coordinated by Madhu Sudhan Basnet of the Sports Medicine and Research Centre, includes officials from the administration, legal, planning, and education ministry. It has been given 21 days to complete the probe and submit its report to the NSC starting from Monday. Families of the victims had demanded an investigation, alleging negligence by ANFA, prompting the ministry to order the probe.

Dhambhoji Club Wins Inaugural U-20 Nine-A-Side Football Tournament

Host team Dhambhoji Club has won the title of the First U-20 Nine-A-Side Football Tournament held in memory of martyrs Engineer Sulabh Raj Shrestha and Ayush Thapa Magar. Dhambhoji defeated Brothers FC of Khajura 3-2 in a penalty shootout to clinch the championship. With the victory, Dhambhoji received a cash prize of Rs 51,000, while runners-up Brothers FC earned Rs 31,000. The final, played at the ANFA Grassroots Training Centre in Bishal Chowk, ended in a 1-1 draw in regulation time. Anipal Shahi scored the equaliser for Dhambhoji with about three minutes remaining to bring his team back into the match before the eventual shootout victory.

Everest School Wins Team Title at National U-16 Gymnastics Championship

Everest School has secured the team title in the National U-16 Gymnastics Championship. In the competition organized by the Nepal Gymnastics Association at the semi-covered hall of the National Sports Council in Tripureshwar on Saturday, Everest School topped the team standings by scoring a total of 35.9 points in the girls’ and boys’ categories combined. The Everest girls’ team scored 29.75 points, while the boys’ team added 6.15 points to their total. In the competition, Bijeshwari School finished second and SOS School from Sanothimi came third. Bijeshwari scored 22.2 points in the girls’ category and 7.95 points in the boys’ category, while SOS School earned 18.4 points in girls’ and 10.1 points in boys’ events.

US Says It Downed Iranian Drones as Regional Tensions Escalate

The United States military says it shot down two Iranian drones that it claimed were threatening international maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. The development came as Israeli forces killed three high-ranking Lebanese soldiers in attacks in Lebanon and at least eight Palestinians in an encampment in Gaza City. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi delivered what he described as an “important message” from mediator Islamabad to Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and called for an end to the US-Israel war involving Iran.

Israeli Strike Kills Senior Lebanese Army Officers Despite Ceasefire Agreement

At least 12 people, including senior Lebanese army officers, were killed in Israeli attacks across southern Lebanon, days after the two countries agreed to a conditional ceasefire during United States-mediated talks. Lebanon’s army said a brigadier general, a captain and a soldier were killed when an Israeli strike hit a military vehicle on the Khardali-Nabatieh road. The Israeli military said Saturday’s strike occurred in an “active combat zone” and stated that “movement in a combat zone requires coordination” with Israeli forces. It added that the incident remains under investigation.

Russia Says Ukraine Launches Massive Drone Attack Near St Petersburg

Russia says Ukraine launched an “unprecedented attack” on and around St Petersburg as the city hosted the final day of an economic forum. Leningrad region Governor Aleksandr Drozdenko said more than 140 drones were shot down over the surrounding region, while St Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov urged residents to remain indoors for the first time since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukrainian forces had struck Russian arsenals and a naval base, describing the operation as a justified response to Russian attacks.

North Korea Says Nuclear Weapons Programme Is ‘Absolutely Non-Negotiable’

North Korea’s nuclear weapons programme is “absolutely non-negotiable,” the influential sister of leader Kim Jong Un said in a statement carried by state media on Sunday, ahead of a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping. Pyongyang has long maintained its right to possess nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes despite United Nations Security Council sanctions prohibiting them. The country formally enshrined its nuclear status in its constitution in 2023. “Our status as a nuclear power is absolutely non-negotiable,” Kim Jong Un’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, said in a statement published by the official Rodong Sinmun newspaper.