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.

RSP Deploys 80 EVMs for Tonight’s Central Committee Election

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is finalizing preparations to elect its new Central Committee later tonight during its first general convention in Chitwan, with 384 candidates contesting the seats. Following a final schedule revision, a brief silent period is currently underway ahead of the voting, which is scheduled to start at 8:30 PM using 80 Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Delegates have already completed mock trials to familiarize themselves with the electronic system, with individual voting expected to take 10 to 15 minutes.

PM Shah Returns to Kathmandu After RSP General Convention in Chitwan

Prime Minister and senior leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Balendra Shah, has returned to Kathmandu after attending the party’s general convention in Chitwan. According to Chief District Officer Ganesh Aryal, he flew back at 11:31 am. Shah had addressed the opening session on Sunday and took part in the closed session on Tuesday, where he was elected as senior leader. During his visit, he also toured the Elephant Breeding Center in Sauraha and Chitwan National Park. The convention concluded with key internal organizational decisions and leadership updates.

Over 181,000 New Voters Added as Election Commission Prepares for Local Polls

The Election Commission has added 181,367 new voters to the voter list over the past three months as it steps up preparations for upcoming local elections. According to spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai, 18,622 applications for voter list updates have also been received since the last House of Representatives election, which had 18.9 million eligible voters. The Commission is currently reviewing voter rolls, polling stations, and voting centers. Officials also held discussions with a parliamentary committee on election readiness, recommending early announcement of poll dates, timely budget allocation, system upgrades, and measures to prevent misinformation in the electoral process.

House of Representatives Meeting Postponed to Friday

The House of Representatives meeting scheduled for Thursday morning has been postponed to Friday at 1:00 PM. According to a notice issued by Parliament General Secretary Padma Prasad Pandey, Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal rescheduled the session under Rule 6, Sub-rule 3 of the House of Representatives Regulations 2026, citing special circumstances. The postponement comes in light of the extension of the ongoing Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) general convention in Chitwan. Parliamentary proceedings will now resume on the revised date and time following the completion of related party activities.

Heatwave Warning Issued as Temperatures Rise in Terai Region

The Terai region has been experiencing continuously rising temperatures over the past few days, with hotter conditions persisting across the southern plains. The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has urged people to take precautions against possible heatwave conditions. Spokesperson Bibhuti Pokharel said heatwaves may occur in Sudurpaschim and Lumbini provinces for the next three days, while temperatures may also rise in Bagmati and Gandaki provinces. Maximum temperatures are expected to reach 40°C in Dhangadhi and 41°C in Nepalgunj and Bhairahawa. Authorities have advised people to stay indoors during afternoons and drink plenty of water to stay safe.

NC Extends Active Membership Update Deadline to July 4

The Nepali Congress has revised its schedule for active membership management, extending the deadline for renewals, new memberships, transfers, and updates of previously suspended memberships to July 4. The party has appointed Bhuwan Ojha to coordinate the process. Membership updates for overseas Nepali Public Relations Committees were set to be completed by June 24. The move comes amid disagreements within factions led by Sher Bahadur Deuba and Shekhar Koirala. NC General Secretary Gagan Thapa warned that members who fail to update their active membership will not be recognized by the party.

Losing Candidates Spend Nearly Three Times More Than Winners in HoR Elections: Report

The Election Observation Committee (EOC) Nepal has released a study on campaign spending in the House of Representatives elections held on March 4, revealing that losing candidates spent far more than winners. The study, based on 144 candidates across 10 constituencies, found that winners spent an average of Rs 8.8 million, while runners-up spent Rs 28.3 million—almost three times higher. The report also shows average spending exceeded the legal limit of Rs 2.5–3.3 million by 118 percent. About 67 percent of total expenditure was incurred by defeated candidates. It highlights rising use of digital and informal campaign channels and recommends stronger monitoring, disclosure rules, and banking reforms.

Nationwide Membership Drive Targets Youth Under 35 in Nepali Congress Campaign

In preparation for its 15th General Convention, the Nepali Congress (NC) has deployed central representatives to all 77 districts to oversee the distribution of new active party memberships. The party has set a target to increase participation of youth under 35 in the membership drive. The initiative follows a decision by the Central Membership Management Committee to ensure an organized and effective process. Acting Chief Secretary Krishna Prasad Dulal said the representatives will remain in their assigned districts from June 21 to July 4 to coordinate the campaign. The party aims to strengthen youth representation in its active membership base.

Writ Filed in Supreme Court Claiming Illegal Detention of Bishnu Paudel

A habeas corpus petition has been filed at the Supreme Court claiming that former Deputy Prime Minister and CPN (UML) Vice-Chairperson Bishnu Paudel has been kept in illegal detention. The petition, filed by his wife Domaya Paudel, argues that he was arrested without sufficient evidence and seeks his immediate release. Paudel is currently in police custody for investigation into alleged money laundering. The Special Court had earlier extended his remand by seven days to allow further investigation. The Supreme Court has scheduled the hearing of the writ for Thursday to review the legality of his detention.

Nepal’s Protected Areas Emerge as Top Tourist Destinations, Drawing Majority of Visitors

Government data shows that around 60 percent of foreign tourists visiting Nepal travel to protected areas, with national parks, wildlife reserves, and conservation areas serving as major attractions. According to the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, 1,097,836 domestic and international visitors explored these areas in fiscal year 2024/25. Of them, 511,762 were foreign tourists and 586,074 were Nepali citizens. Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park recorded the highest visits, followed by Annapurna Conservation Area and Chitwan National Park, while Api Nampa Conservation Area had the lowest footfall. Protected zones cover 23.39 percent of Nepal’s land area and remain key destinations for nature-based tourism.

Investigation Underway After 737 Liters of Petrol Stolen from NOC Tanker

An investigation has been launched into an incident where petroleum products were stolen from a tanker dispatched from the Koshi Provincial Office of the Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) in Biratnagar. According to Pushkar Karki, head of NOC’s Koshi Provincial Office, tanker number Na.1Kha 9410 had left for the Biratnagar-Siliguri depot on June 19 carrying 20,000 liters of petrol. At around 8:00 PM that same evening, the tanker was parked in a staff parking area near Durga Chowk, close to Biratnagar. However, on June 22 at 9:00 AM, the transporter submitted a written notice stating that the tanker had gone missing from the parking lot.

Malaysia Tops Destination for Nepali Migrant Workers Again

Malaysia has once again become the leading destination for Nepali migrant workers, according to the Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE). Recent data shows it topped labor permit approvals over the past four months, with 12,601 workers in February/March, 18,649 in March/April, 17,252 in April/May, and 14,192 in May/June. Officials say geopolitical tensions in West Asia and Malaysia’s revised labor policies have contributed to the shift, boosting demand in manufacturing and construction sectors. Experts also cite better wages, overtime benefits, insurance, and working conditions. In May/June alone, 61,072 Nepalis received foreign employment permits, with Malaysia, the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia as top destinations.

US Returns Two Cultural Antiquities to Nepal

Nepal has received two cultural antiquities repatriated from the United States after being recovered by American authorities. At a handover ceremony at the Consulate General of Nepal in New York, ownership of a 13th-century bronze statue of Padma Pani and a 16th-century wooden statue of Nrityadevi was formally transferred to Nepal. The artifacts were returned through coordinated efforts involving US authorities and partner agencies. Padma Pani is believed to have been smuggled from Tham-Bahil in Kathmandu between 1971 and 1987, while Nrityadevi was taken from I-Baha Bahi in Lalitpur between 1969 and 1983. The antiquities will arrive in Nepal on June 25 for conservation and restoration.

‘One School, One Nurse’ Program Expands to 1,546 Community Schools Nationwide

The government has expanded its “One School, One Nurse” program to 1,546 community schools across the country to improve access to basic healthcare for students. According to the Department of Health Services, nurses have been deployed to monitor students’ health and nutrition, conduct screenings, and provide basic treatment and counseling. Of the total, 327 nurses are funded by the federal government, while the rest are supported through coordination with provincial and local levels. The nurses also track attendance, check for conditions like anemia, provide iron supplements when needed, and engage with parents and students to promote health and hygiene awareness.

Paddy Plantation Reaches 10% Nationwide as Monsoon Delays Slow Progress

Paddy plantation has been completed across about 1.37 billion square meters (137,000 hectares) of land in Nepal, covering roughly 10 percent of total cultivation for the season, according to the Department of Agriculture. This reflects a slight 0.4 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Normally, rice transplantation covers about 13.81 billion square meters (1,381,000 hectares) nationwide. Karnali Province leads with 22.8 percent progress, while Bagmati has the lowest at 2.3 percent. Madhesh Province has reached around 5 percent. Officials said delayed monsoon rains, irregular weather, and fertilizer shortages have slowed plantation, while advisory services are being provided to support farmers.

CNI Submits Suggestions for Monetary Policy, Urges Steps to Revive Economy

The Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) has submitted its recommendations for the monetary policy of fiscal year 2026/27 to Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB). CNI President Virendra Raj Pandey handed over the proposals to Governor Prof. Dr. Bishwambher Nath Poudel, calling for policies to revive sluggish domestic economic activity despite stable external indicators. CNI has suggested reforms including reducing directed lending limits, sector-based working capital rules, modernized interest rate mechanisms, extended loan classification deadlines, startup credit facilities, and a strengthened monetary policy committee. Governor Poudel said the upcoming policy will prioritize interest rate stability, financial stability, and stronger coordination with the private sector.

Lalitpur Metropolitan City Presents Rs 7.48 Billion Budget for FY 2026/27

Lalitpur Metropolitan City has unveiled a budget of Rs 7.48 billion for the fiscal year 2026/27 during its 9th Municipal Assembly. Mayor Chiri Babu Maharjan presented the budget, which slightly increases from Rs 7.47 billion allocated in the current fiscal year. The new budget allocates Rs 3.25 billion for recurrent expenditure, reflecting a 9 percent rise, while Rs 4.23 billion has been set aside for capital development, marking a 6 percent decrease compared to the previous year. Officials say the spending plan balances operational costs with infrastructure and development priorities for the metropolis.

Bhojpur Rural Municipality Plans Monkey Sterilization to Curb Crop Damage

Pauwadhungma Rural Municipality in Bhojpur is planning a monkey sterilization programme to control rising crop damage caused by monkeys. The initiative, coordinated with the federal government, has been included in the upcoming fiscal year 2083/84 budget following the 19th village assembly session. Chairman Kiran Rai said the program aims to provide a long-term solution by reducing the monkey population through sterilization, as farmers face severe losses in maize, millet, and potato crops. The municipality will conduct studies, mobilize technical teams, and arrange equipment for implementation. A budget of Rs. 500,000 has been allocated for the initial research phase.

Karki Saila’ Starring Jitu Nepal Sets September 18 Release Date

Actor Jitu Nepal’s upcoming film “Karki Saila” has officially announced its theatrical release date of September 18. The announcement was accompanied by a new poster featuring Nepal alongside co-star Priyana Acharya in a romantic pose. The film tells the story of a porter named Karki Saila, focusing on his life struggles and journey. It was shot across scenic locations in eastern Nepal, including Dhankuta, Barahachhetra, and Chatara in Sunsari. Directed by Rajendra Basnet, the movie features an ensemble cast and is produced under Karna Bahadur Films Pvt. Ltd., with Bal Kumar Rai as producer and Ananta Rai as executive producer.

Kathmandu Hosts ‘Toltolma Film’ Festival Across Multiple Localities

A unique “Toltolma Film” festival has begun across various localities in Kathmandu and will run until July 10. Initiated on June 19, the event is part of the Kathmandu Film Festival (KFF) under Kathmandu Metropolitan City. Screenings are being held at Khulamanch, Asan, Sundhara, Baghbazar, Maitidevi Temple, open grounds, Balaju Bypass, Lagantol, and Kirtipur Mahavihar. The festival is organized in collaboration with the Film Development Board, the British Council, the Nepal Film Academy, and UNESCO. Organizer Ayusha Shrestha said the initiative aims to unite people through art and culture and is drawing strong public interest.

Trump Orders DOJ Probe into Oil Firms Over High Gasoline Prices

US President Donald Trump has directed the Department of Justice to investigate major energy companies, accusing them of keeping gasoline prices artificially high despite falling global crude oil costs. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said oil firms were not passing on lower crude prices to consumers and warned that retail fuel prices should fall faster. The move comes as global oil prices have dropped significantly following easing tensions in the Middle East. Brent crude recently fell below USD 76 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate traded under USD 72 per barrel, down around 23 percent from earlier peaks after geopolitical disruptions eased and supply routes reopened.

Measles Death Toll in Bangladesh Rises to 689 as New Cases Continue

Three more children have died with symptoms consistent with measles in the 24 hours leading to Tuesday morning, bringing Bangladesh’s total confirmed and suspected measles-related deaths to 689. According to the Directorate General of Health Services, the latest fatalities are classified as suspected cases. Suspected deaths now stand at 596, while laboratory-confirmed deaths remain at 93. During the same period, 996 new suspected cases were reported, taking total suspected infections to 95,760. Confirmed cases increased by 93 to reach 11,390. Health authorities said over 79,000 patients have been hospitalized since April 10, with most now recovered.

India Advises Citizens to Avoid Non-Essential Travel to Iran Amid Security Situation

The Indian Embassy in Tehran has advised Indian nationals to avoid non-essential travel to Iran, citing ongoing security concerns despite recent improvements. In its advisory, the Embassy said it is closely monitoring the situation and urged citizens in Iran or those travelling for unavoidable reasons to remain highly vigilant and follow local authority instructions. It also asked Indians to register their details with the Embassy and regularly check official updates. Emergency contact numbers and an email have been shared for assistance. The advisory comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts in West Asia, though key disagreements between parties reportedly remain unresolved.

Ghana’s Defensive Masterclass Holds England to Goalless World Cup Draw

England were held to a 0-0 draw by Ghana in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match in Boston. Despite dominating possession and controlling the tempo, England struggled to break down Ghana’s disciplined defensive setup. Ghana’s structured backline and compact midfield limited space and forced England into low-quality long-range attempts. Harry Kane was largely isolated, while England failed to register a shot on target in the first half. Second-half substitutions, including Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford, increased attacking pressure, but Ghana remained resilient. England hit the crossbar late and had a goal-line clearance denied, settling for a draw.

England Held by Ghana in Goalless World Cup Draw

England were frustrated by a resilient Ghana side as the teams played out a 0-0 draw in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L clash. Despite dominating possession, England struggled to break down Ghana’s disciplined defense and failed to create clear chances. The match became the first of the tournament without a shot on target in the first half. England came closest late on when Nico O’Reilly hit the crossbar, while Harry Kane missed the rebound. The result leaves both teams on four points, with England remaining top of Group L on goal difference.

Budimir Strike Gives Croatia 1-0 Win Over Panama in World Cup Clash

Croatia secured a 1-0 victory over Panama in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match in Toronto. After a tight first half, where Panama created the better chances and tested Dominik Livakovic, Croatia improved following tactical changes. Ante Budimir, introduced in the second half, scored the decisive goal in the 54th minute from a close-range finish after a low cross from Josip Stanisic. Panama pushed for an equaliser, but Livakovic produced several key saves to preserve Croatia’s lead. Despite late pressure, Croatia held firm to claim three important points in the group standings.