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.

UML Vice Chair Bishnu Paudel Arrested in Surkhet

CPN (UML) Vice Chair Bishnu Paudel has been arrested. A team from the Department of Money Laundering Investigation arrested him in Surkhet on Monday. According to a police official, Paudel was taken into custody in Surkhet at around 5:30 pm. Preparations are underway to bring him to Kathmandu for further investigation.

RSP General Convention: Closed-door Session Delayed as Leaders Struggle for Consensus

The Rastriya Swatantra Party’s (RSP) inaugural general convention has been delayed, pushing its internal elections to tomorrow.The crucial closed-door session failed to start on time because top leaders are locked in an intense deadlock over power-sharing for key executive roles, specifically the positions of Vice Chairman, General Secretary, and Joint General Secretary. This leadership stalemate has completely disrupted the pre-scheduled timeline, which dictated that candidate registration and election processes should already be underway.

CIAA Files Corruption Case Against 18 Over Passport Procurement

The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed a corruption case in the Special Court against 18 individuals, including Tirtha Raj Aryal, the Director General of the Department of Passports. Alongside Director General Aryal, the anti-graft body has indicted Information Technology Officer Sunil Kumar KC, Accounting Officer Tulsi Prasad Acharya, and local representatives of the German company Mühlbauer, among others. CIAA spokesperson Rajendra Kumar Poudel stated that the commission is seeking a total fine and recovery amount of Rs 10.13 billion from the defendants.

Sri Lankan Ambassador Pays Courtesy Call on Vice President

Sri Lankan Ambassador to Nepal Ruwanthi Delpitiya paid a courtesy call on Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav at the Vice President’s Office in Lainchaur, where both sides discussed long-standing bilateral relations. Vice President Yadav highlighted that Nepal–Sri Lanka ties, established in 1957, are rooted in cultural, religious, and people-to-people links, especially Buddhism and cooperation on Lumbini’s development. He also stressed the importance of improved air connectivity, including possible direct flights between Colombo and Bhairahawa via Gautam Buddha International Airport, to boost tourism. Both sides welcomed reciprocal free tourist visa arrangements, expected to strengthen travel and friendship. The ambassador also proposed expanding cooperation in trade, tourism, and establishing a joint tourism school.

Prime Minister Inspects Elephant Breeding Center

Prime Minister Balendra Shah today inspected the Elephant Breeding and Training Center located at Khorsor in Sauraha. According to Manipuran Chaudhary, the head of the breeding center, Prime Minister Shah reached the training facility accompanied by his family members. The training center in Khorsor currently houses nine adult elephants and seven calves. Prime Minister Shah, who is also a senior leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, is currently in Chitwan to participate in the party’s first national convention.

Former Minister Rajendra Kharel Passes Away at 80

Former minister and veteran Nepali Congress leader Rajendra Kharel has passed away at the age of 80. He died on Sunday night while receiving treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) at a hospital in Kathmandu. Born in 1946 in Kavre, Kharel was known for his simple and modest leadership style. He was elected to the House of Representatives from Kavre in the 1999 general election. During his political career, he served as Minister of State for Education and later as Minister for Women, Children, and Social Welfare. He is survived by his family, including his son Mahesh Kharel.

Human Rights Complaint Filed Against Home Minister Gurung for Death Threats Inside Police Custody

A complaint has been filed at the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) against Home Minister Sudan Gurung, accusing him of entering a police lockup and threatening detainees arrested during a peaceful protest. The victims—Ajay Sodari, Prakash Bam, and Sujan Paudel—say they were detained by Sorakhutte police on June 2, 2026, during a demonstration over border disputes involving Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura. They allege that the Home Minister and his team later entered the custody room without permission, verbally abused them, and issued death threats. The complainants have urged the NHRC to investigate, secure CCTV footage, and recommend legal action.

Tea Entrepreneurs Visit Singha Durbar Seeking State Action on Export Crisis

Tea entrepreneurs and farmers have urged the government to urgently intervene as exports face disruption at the Indian border due to strict new testing and certification rules. A delegation led by the Suryodaya Orthodox Tea Producers Association submitted a memorandum to concerned ministries, calling for diplomatic talks to ease trade barriers. Industry representatives said mandatory lab testing, online registration, and delayed report issuance have stalled shipments for weeks, creating a backlog of around 300,000 kg at the border and about 1 million kg in domestic warehouses. They warned of rising costs, quality risks, and loss of competitiveness. The delegation demanded a bilateral trade mechanism, mutual recognition of lab tests, and policy support to protect farmers and exporters.

Victims Stage Protest at RBB Demanding Compensation for Gold Looted During Gen Z Protest

Aggrieved borrowers who had pledged gold at the New Baneshwor branch of Rastriya Banijya Bank (RBB) staged a protest outside the bank’s central office at Singha Durbar Plaza, demanding full compensation for lost assets. The dispute stems from the theft of around 18 kg of gold and Rs 52.5 million in cash during last year’s unrest at the Baneshwor branch. Protesters accused the bank of offering compensation based on outdated gold prices instead of returning the actual gold or its current value. They said they have already repaid loans but are still being denied justice. Police were deployed after protesters attempted to enter the office premises.

RSP Amends Party Statute, Incorporating Spirit of Inclusion

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has amended its statute to make its leadership structure more inclusive, according to statute amendment committee member Ganesh Parajuli. The revised provisions ensure the election of three vice-presidents, including at least one woman, along with two general secretaries and five joint general secretaries, also with mandatory female representation. The central committee will now have 151 members, including 99 elected and 51 nominated by the president through an inclusive process. Provincial representation and quotas for women, Indigenous groups, Dalits, Tharus, and Madhesi Dalits have also been introduced. The party said the changes strengthen internal democracy and inclusion.

RSP National Convention Attendance Surges, Delegate Count Expected to Hit 4,500

The number of participating delegates at the ongoing national convention of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has significantly exceeded initial organizational estimates. Providing an update on the convention’s progress in Bharatpur, RSP lawmaker and central leader Manish Jha shared that while the party had initially projected an attendance of around 3,000 delegates, over 4,300 representatives have already registered and are actively participating. “Looking at the current momentum, we expect the total turnout to comfortably touch the 4,500 mark,” Jha stated. He further noted that the surge in numbers is largely driven by international chapters, with delegate participation from the diaspora communities turning out to be four times higher than originally anticipated.

NC President Thapa Expresses Deep Sorrow Over Demise of Leader Kharel

Nepali Congress President Gagan Kumar Thapa has expressed deep sorrow over the death of senior party leader and former minister Rajendra Kharel, who passed away at 80 while undergoing treatment in Kathmandu. Thapa paid tribute, extending condolences to the bereaved family. Kharel, a lifelong NC leader, was known for his dedication to democratic movements, spending nearly nine years in prison during his political struggle. Elected to Parliament in 1999, he served as Minister of State for Education and later as Minister for Women, Children, and Social Welfare. The party hailed his long contribution to democracy and organizational development.

Place Customers at the Center of Service Delivery: Minister Timilsina

Minister for Information and Communications Dr. Bikram Timilsina has directed government employees to prioritize service seekers and ensure efficient, citizen-friendly public service delivery. He issued the instruction during an on-site inspection of the Nepal Telecom office in Bharatpur, Chitwan. The Minister urged staff to work proactively and reduce delays, noting that public expectations for fast services have increased significantly compared to the past. Timilsina stressed that government offices, funded by taxpayers, must remain accountable to citizens. During the visit, staff also briefed him on operational challenges, institutional restructuring needs, career development concerns, and requirements for modern technological upgrades.

Ten Arrested for Harassing Passengers at Koteshwor and Jadibuti

Traffic police have arrested ten individuals in Kathmandu for allegedly harassing and creating disorder among passengers leaving the Valley. A special team from the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office conducted the operation in Koteshwor and Jadibuti areas, targeting bus counters, drivers, and conductors. The arrested individuals are accused of forcibly pulling passengers toward specific vehicles, shouting aggressively, and even snatching luggage to push ticket bookings. Authorities said the suspects have been handed over to the District Police Range, Kathmandu, for investigation under public nuisance charges. Traffic police have warned transport operators to stop such predatory practices and maintain proper conduct with commuters.

Twelve Injured in Rolpa Bus Accident

Twelve passengers were injured after a bus overturned on the Ghorahi–Thabang Shahid Marga at Kholwang in Madi Rural Municipality-2, Rolpa. The bus (Ra 1 Kha 3101) was traveling from Thabang to Ghorahi when it suffered brake failure while climbing a steep section of road and flipped onto the highway. There were 29 people on board, including the driver. The injured were rescued and taken to Smriti Hospital in Ghartigaon for treatment. Police identified the driver as 32-year-old Santosh Kami of Thabang Rural Municipality-3. The overturned bus briefly blocked the road, and an investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Monsoon Spreads to Four More Provinces

Nepal’s monsoon has arrived six days later than usual and is now spreading across eastern and central regions, according to the Meteorological Forecasting Division. The system, which entered through Koshi Province, has expanded to cover Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, parts of Gandaki, and eastern Lumbini. Meteorologists say the monsoon remains weak and will take a few more days to reach the rest of the country. Rainfall has already begun in several areas of the east and center. The department also predicts below-average rainfall this season, with higher temperatures expected in many regions, including parts of Lumbini, Karnali, Madhesh, and Koshi.

Bedkot Municipality Closes Schools for Four Days Due to Extreme Heat

Bedkot Municipality in Kanchanpur has announced a four-day closure of all schools from Tuesday to Friday due to rising temperatures and extreme heat, prioritizing student health. Similarly, Bhimdatta Municipality has decided to extend holidays in both community and institutional schools for 12 days, combining summer and monsoon breaks from June 22 to July 3. Officials said the decision was taken as temperatures continue to rise sharply in the Sudurpaschim Terai region. The Meteorological Forecasting Division has warned of possible heatwave conditions in Tarai districts for the next few days and urged people to take necessary precautions.

Lumbini Province Assembly Meeting Adjourned as Lawmakers Request Time to Study Budget

The Lumbini Province Assembly meeting scheduled for Monday has been postponed by one day. According to Assembly Secretary Durlabh Kumar Pun Magar, the 10th meeting of the ongoing eighth session was adjourned at the request of the provincial government. Lawmakers said they needed more time to review the budget details and the expenditure “Red Book” for the upcoming fiscal year. Following the Speaker’s directive, the meeting has been rescheduled for Tuesday, June 23, at 3 pm. The decision aims to allow proper study of the budget documents before further discussion and approval in the provincial assembly.

Literacy Rate Reaches 82.1 Percent in Bagamati, Poverty Rates Fall Below National Figures

Bagmati Province has recorded stronger socio-economic indicators than the national average, according to provincial officials. Its literacy rate has reached 82.1%, surpassing the national rate of 76.2%. The province is also projected to achieve 5.40% economic growth, higher than the national target of 3.85% for the current fiscal year. Officials estimate Bagmati will contribute 36.7% of Nepal’s total GDP, valued at around Rs 2,423 billion out of Rs 6,600 billion. Per capita income in the province is expected to reach USD 2,644, the highest among all provinces. Poverty levels are also lower than the national average, with reduced absolute and multidimensional poverty rates.

Government Steps Up Efforts to Revive Hetauda Textile Industry

The government has stepped up efforts to revive the long-closed Hetauda Textile Industry following a new policy directive. Established in 1975 and shut down in 2000 due to financial and administrative issues, the state-owned factory is now undergoing inspections and structural assessments for restart. Officials say most machinery remains usable and can be reactivated with minor repairs. The Office of the Prime Minister is leading the revival plan in coordination with the Industry Ministry and local authorities. The project also aims to restore related supply chains, including cotton production in Banke and yarn processing in Butwal, with plans to resume operations within this fiscal year.

Schools Closed in Dhangadhi Due to Severe Heatwave

Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City has ordered all community and private schools to close for four days due to an intense heatwave and soaring temperatures nearing 40°C. According to the Education Section, schools will remain shut from June 23 to 26 after reports of heat-related health problems among students. Authorities said the lost academic days will be adjusted during upcoming summer and winter vacations. The local government has also urged residents to take necessary precautions and avoid prolonged exposure to extreme heat as the heatwave continues to affect Dhangadhi and nearby areas.

Over 2,000 Drivers Penalized for Traffic Violations in Kathmandu Valley

The Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office penalized 2,076 drivers for violating traffic rules within 24 hours, collecting Rs 1.05 million in revenue. According to police spokesperson SP Naresh Raj Subedi, 228 drivers were fined for speeding, 117 for running red lights, 93 for unauthorized ride-sharing, and 88 for driving under the influence. Authorities also booked 129 drivers for lane violations, 90 for parking on pavements, 88 for driving the wrong way on one-way roads, and 57 for unnecessary honking in restricted areas. Another 1,186 drivers faced action for various other traffic offenses.

Feasibility Study Begins for Monorail Project at Guptabaraha Temple

A preliminary feasibility study has begun for a proposed monorail system at the Guptabaraha Temple area in Barahachhetra-1, Sunsari, after the Koshi Province Government allocated funds in the upcoming fiscal year budget. A South Korean expert team has arrived to assess the terrain and technical viability. The monorail is planned to improve access to the temple, which lies about 400 meters below the main road and is difficult for pilgrims to reach. Officials are also exploring additional tourism infrastructure, including a skywalk and glass bridge. Authorities say the project, if implemented, could become Nepal’s first monorail and boost religious tourism and the local economy.

Badigad Set to Become Country’s First Nutrition-Friendly Local Level

Baglung’s Badigad Rural Municipality has declared all its wards nutrition-friendly, moving closer to becoming Nepal’s first nutrition-friendly local government. According to officials, only Badigad and Kaligandaki Rural Municipality in Syangja have reached this final stage, meeting all 34 national indicators required under the framework. The achievement follows a three-year campaign supported by the federal government, focusing on nutrition awareness, kitchen gardens, improved sanitation, and promotion of local foods. Schools have also banned junk food and introduced nutritious alternatives, while health facilities provide eggs during child growth monitoring. The final national recognition will go to the first municipality to complete the process.

‘Lali Bazaar’ Leads 2026 Domestic Box Office Race with Rs 92.8 Million Collection

The Film Development Board (FDB) has released official box office figures for Nepali films currently in theaters, with Lali Bazaar emerging as the highest-grossing film of 2026 so far. According to the Cinepa 2 Box Office system up to June 21, the social drama has earned Rs 92.81 million domestically, selling over 315,000 tickets since its release on May 8. The film stars Swastima Khadka in the lead role and features an ensemble cast. Other releases show mixed performance. Roll Number 1 collected Rs 15.54 million, while Kumbha performed poorly with only Rs 425,885 in earnings. The FDB has begun publishing weekly audited box office data for transparency.

Biopic on Veteran Artist Madan Krishna Shrestha in the Pipeline

A biopic based on the life of veteran actor, comedian, and cultural icon Madan Krishna Shrestha is officially under development in the Nepali film industry. The film will be directed by Milan Chams, known for his successful biographical projects. Actor Mahesh Tripathi has been cast in the lead role to portray Shrestha, a decision being widely discussed within the industry due to the complexity of the character. The film aims to capture Shrestha’s artistic journey, struggles, and long-standing contribution to Nepali entertainment. Produced under Vintage Motion Pictures, the project follows Chams’ earlier biopics like Blind Rocks and Anjila.

Benisha’s Debut Play Seto Dharti to Be Re-staged from Friday

The theatrical adaptation of the Madan Puraskar-winning novel Seto Dharti is set to return to stage from Friday, Kantipur Theater has announced. The rerun will continue until June 30, following strong audience demand. According to theater head Prakash Puri, the play’s revival comes after its successful initial run, which attracted over 6,000 viewers. Based on Amar Neupane’s novel, the production marks actress Benisha Hamal’s theatrical debut in the lead role and is directed by Sundar Dhital. The play will be staged after recent productions like Mahabharat and Summer Love, with the theater next preparing for Teen Ghumti.

Keir Starmer Announces Resignation as UK Prime Minister, Triggers Labor Leadership Contest

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced he will step down as Labour Party leader, triggering a leadership contest, while continuing as PM until a successor is chosen. His resignation follows rising internal pressure within the party, intensified after Andy Burnham’s strong return to Parliament. Starmer’s exit comes less than two years after Labour’s landslide election victory on a promise of stability, and would lead to Britain’s seventh prime minister in a decade. Under the UK system, the leader of the majority party in the House of Commons becomes prime minister. The transition is expected to conclude before Parliament’s autumn session.

Three Dead in Philippines High School Shooting Over Bullying ‘Grudge’

Three students were killed and several others injured after two teenage students opened fire at San Jose National High School in Tacloban city, central Philippines, authorities said. The suspects, aged 14 and 15, allegedly carried out the attack over a grudge linked to school bullying. One suspect was arrested at the scene, while the other later surrendered. They reportedly used a .38 revolver and a 9mm pistol, the latter traced to a police officer relative of one suspect, who has also been detained. Officials said the attackers entered a classroom and opened fire without warning. The incident is under investigation, with authorities noting missed behavioral warning signs.

Moscow Airports Briefly Closed After Nearly 60 Drones Destroyed: Authorities

Russia temporarily suspended operations at all four of Moscow’s airports on Monday after air defense systems intercepted dozens of drones approaching the capital. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said 59 drones were destroyed before reaching the city. While officials did not identify the source of the drones, Ukraine has previously launched drone attacks inside Russia in response to Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities. The airport closures were brief, with authorities announcing the reopening of all facilities at 5:39 a.m. local time. No immediate reports of damage or casualties were released.

Jumla’s Rajan Rokaya Secures Kankrebihar Half Marathon Title

Rajan Rokaya of Jumla won the Kankrebihar National Half Marathon held in Surkhet, completing the 21-km race in 1 hour 9 minutes 31 seconds. Binod Rokaya of Kalikot finished second, while APF runner Gopi Chandra Parki came third. In the women’s 10 km race, Olympian Santoshi Shrestha of Dhading secured first place with a time of 36 minutes 40.60 seconds, followed by Purna Laxmi Neupane of Jumla and Sirjana Pandey of Bajura. In the student 5 km events, Krishna Rana and Anil Shahi won the girls’ and boys’ categories respectively. Winners across categories received cash prizes and certificates. The event aimed to promote regional athletics and sports tourism in Karnali.

Uruguay and Cape Verde Share Points in Thrilling 2-2 Draw at FIFA World Cup 2026

Debutants Cape Verde earned a historic 2-2 draw against two-time champions Uruguay in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H clash at Miami Stadium. Kevin Pina gave Cape Verde the lead in the 21st minute with the nation’s first-ever World Cup goal. Uruguay responded through Maximiliano Araújo and Agustín Canobbio to take a 2-1 halftime advantage. Cape Verde fought back in the second half, with Hélio Varela scoring the equalizer in the 61st minute. Despite chances for both teams, the score remained level. Uruguay and Cape Verde now have two points each in Group H.

Kohli, Bumrah, and Axar Return for England ODIs; Yashasvi Jaiswal Omitted

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a 15-member squad for the three-match ODI series against England starting July 14, with Shubman Gill as captain and Shreyas Iyer as vice-captain. Senior players Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah return to the squad, with Kohli’s selection subject to fitness clearance. Bumrah makes a comeback after workload management. All-rounder Axar Patel has also been recalled. Young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has been left out despite a recent century, as Rohit Sharma and Gill are set to open. Hardik Pandya remains unavailable due to injury. The series begins at Edgbaston.