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.

National Assembly Approves Proposal to Consider Appropriation Bill

The National Assembly has majority-approved a proposal to consider the Appropriation Bill, 2026, received from the House of Representatives. Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle tabled the proposal and defended the budget, saying taxes on education, health, and electricity serve the broader public interest. He described the tax on private schools as a progressive measure for wealth redistribution and noted that the income tax threshold was raised to ease the burden on the middle class. The Assembly will reconvene on July 1 at 1:15 pm.

Upper House MPs Call for Policies to Achieve Food Self-Reliance

Members of the National Assembly have urged the government to prioritize agriculture and introduce policies to make Nepal self-reliant in food grains. Speaking during Monday’s session, lawmakers called for programs supporting poor, marginalized, and landless communities while promoting food and seed security. They also raised concerns over transparent university appointments, health insurance, drinking water access, caste discrimination, and the need to strengthen provincial governance. MPs stressed that agriculture should remain a national priority to boost food security and sustainable development.

Speaker Aryal Urges MPs to Be More Accountable to Voters

Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal has urged Members of Parliament to act more responsibly, noting that voters are closely monitoring their work, behavior, and conduct. Inaugurating an orientation program organized by the Federal Parliament Secretariat for House of Representatives members, he stressed the need for lawmakers to learn from past parliamentary practices and become more studious and tech-savvy. He said the program aims to help MPs better understand parliamentary rules and procedures to improve legislative effectiveness. Aryal also reminded lawmakers that once elected, their role becomes public, requiring accountable conduct. The two-day orientation is being held at Singha Durbar.

Opposition Lawmakers Criticize RSP Over Underage Membership and Governance Issues

Opposition lawmakers in the National Assembly have criticized the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and the government over alleged legal violations and governance failures. Nepali Congress lawmakers Chandra Bahadur KC and Jagat Timilsina raised concern after an RSP report showed over 35,000 members under 18, which they said violates the Constitution, Political Parties Act, and Children’s Act. They urged the Election Commission and National Human Rights Commission to intervene. KC accused the party of double standards and also called for support for displaced landless settlers. Other lawmakers alleged corruption in university appointments and urged stronger federal governance and accountability.

Special Court Extends Bishnu Paudel’s Judicial Custody by Three Days

Former Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel will remain in judicial custody for three more days after the Special Court extended his remand in an asset laundering investigation. Arrested during the ongoing probe, Paudel appeared before the court on Monday for a remand hearing. A joint bench of Judges Narayan Prasad Paudel, Hemanta Rawal, and Umesh Koirala approved the extension, allowing investigators more time to continue their inquiry. The court ordered Paudel to remain in judicial custody as authorities gather evidence and advance the investigation before further legal proceedings.

Special Court Orders Bail Release for Five Officials and Agent in Passport Corruption Case

The Special Court has ordered the release of five suspects accused in the passport corruption case on bail. A division bench comprising Judges Narayan Prasad Paudel, Hemanta Rawal, and Umesh Koirala issued the order on Monday, setting bail amounts between Rs 300,000 and Rs 500,000 based on the level of involvement. Director General of the Department of Passports Tirtha Raj Aryal and the contracting firm’s local agent Manindra Raj Malla were each ordered to pay Rs 500,000 in bail. Director Sunil Kumar KC was granted release on Rs 400,000 bail, while government employees Somesh Thapa and Bipin Prasai were ordered to pay Rs 300,000 each.

Finance Minister Wagle Says New Budget Is Nepal’s Most Disciplined in 12 Years

Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle has claimed that the newly introduced budget is the most fiscally disciplined budget Nepal has seen in the past 12 years. Speaking during Monday’s National Assembly meeting on the Appropriation Bill, 2026, Wagle said the budget size accounts for only 28.5% of the country’s projected economy, making it proportionally the smallest and most tightly managed in over a decade. Wagle urged lawmakers not to doubt budget implementation, saying the government has reduced bureaucratic delays by giving line ministries more authority over budget transfers. He also defended new taxes on education, healthcare, and electricity, saying they were introduced in the public interest. The National Assembly later approved the proposal to consider the Appropriation Bill, 2026.

Nepal Marks National Paddy Day with Drones and Farm Machinery

Nepal celebrated the 23rd National Paddy Day and Rice Planting Festival 2083 in Khumaltar, Lalitpur, showcasing drone-assisted fertilizer application and mechanized rice planting. Inaugurating the event, Agriculture Committee Coordinator Ashok Kumar Chaudhary stressed the need for fair support prices, irrigation, technology, and insurance to achieve food self-reliance. Officials and agricultural experts highlighted climate-resilient seeds, mechanization, and structural reforms to boost rice production. The event concluded with awards recognizing outstanding farmers, researchers, organizations, and journalists for their contributions to Nepal’s rice sector.

Gokul Baskota Criticizes Renewed Push for Communist Unity

UML leader Gokul Baskota has criticized the renewed call for communist unity, calling it a superficial move driven by political desperation. His remarks came a day after four former prime ministers—Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, KP Sharma Oli, Madhav Kumar Nepal, and Jhala Nath Khanal—shared a platform at an event marking Madan Bhandari’s birth anniversary, where they emphasized left unity. Baskota compared the unity talk to a repeatedly broken clay pot, saying it reflects attempts to hide political failures. He argued that real reform requires accountability, acceptance of past mistakes, and leadership transition rather than power-driven mergers.

Govt Unable to Invest Immediately in Aviation Sector: Tourism Minister

Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Minister Khadak Raj Paudel said the government is currently unable to make immediate financial investments in Nepal’s aviation sector. Speaking at an interaction on aviation stability and safety on Monday, he stressed that while aviation is vital for economic growth and tourism, the government’s priority is fostering collaboration rather than direct funding. Paudel also said efforts are underway to strengthen policy, legal, and safety standards to help remove the European Union’s airspace ban on Nepali airlines.

German Ambassador Visits EcoHimal Center Promoting Sustainable Agriculture

German Ambassador Udo Volz, accompanied by the German Development Cooperation (GDC), visited EcoHimal Nepal’s Agroforestry Resource Center in Patlekhet, Kavre, to observe efforts promoting sustainable agriculture and climate resilience. The delegation learned about the center’s Gurukul-inspired approach, which combines indigenous knowledge with sustainable farming practices to strengthen farmers’ resilience. EcoHimal Nepal, active in the country’s hilly and mountainous regions since 2009, supports community-based development through practical, sustainable solutions with backing from several German development partners.

Australian Ambassador, Wife Join Nepal’s Paddy Planting Festival

Australian Ambassador to Nepal Simon Ernst and his wife, Simone Murphy, participated in the annual Paddy Planting Festival, celebrating the start of the monsoon paddy cultivation season. The couple joined traditional rice planting activities and enjoyed Newari cuisine during the event. Ambassador Ernst also extended his best wishes to farmers across Nepal, hoping for a successful and bountiful planting season. Their participation highlighted cultural exchange and appreciation for Nepal’s agricultural traditions.

7 Killed, 105 Injured in Road Accidents Across Nepal in 24 Hours

At least seven people were killed and 105 others injured in separate road traffic accidents across Nepal within 24 hours, according to Nepal Police data released on June 28, 2026. Madhesh Province recorded the highest fatalities with four deaths and 35 injuries. Koshi Province reported one death and 31 injuries. Bagmati and Gandaki provinces each recorded one death, with Bagmati reporting no injuries. In Kathmandu Valley, 18 people were injured but no deaths were reported. Karnali, Lumbini, and Sudurpaschim provinces also reported multiple injuries. Authorities are compiling further details on vehicles and accident locations.

Koshi Province Cabinet Appoints Anil Thapa to Planning Commission

The Koshi Province Council of Ministers has appointed Anil Thapa of Barahachhetra Municipality-2, Sunsari, as a member of the Koshi Province Planning Commission. The decision was made during a cabinet meeting held on Monday. Following the appointment, Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki administered Thapa’s oath of office and secrecy. The provincial government said Thapa’s appointment will help strengthen the commission’s planning process and improve the effective implementation of development programs.

Wild Elephant Herd Damages Houses in Udayapur Village

A herd of wild elephants entered the Kumang Lamachaur area of Chaudandigadhi Municipality-7 in Udayapur, creating panic among residents and damaging six houses. According to the District Police Office, the elephants arrived late at night and targeted wooden houses with thatched roofs belonging to several local residents, forcing people to flee for safety. The affected homes belong to residents including Buddhiman Rai, Radha BK, Roshan BK, Bam Bahadur BK, and others. Authorities believe the elephants migrated from the Koshi Tappu area and are roaming nearby forest regions. Police have been deployed, and the municipality has arranged temporary shelter for displaced families.

Man Rescued from Floodwaters of Tinau River in Butwal

A 31-year-old man, Gorakh Bahadur BK, was successfully rescued from the flooded Tinau River in Butwal on Sunday. The rescue operation was carried out by local police and security forces after BK was reported missing. He had gone to collect firewood from the riverbank when a sudden rise in water levels, triggered by rainfall in Palpa and Butwal areas, left him trapped in the floodwaters. BK, originally from Malika Rural Municipality in Gulmi and currently residing in Butwal, was safely brought to shore. Authorities have urged the public to avoid rivers during the monsoon season due to sudden water surges.

Kalikot Declared Fully Vaccinated, Vaccination-Sustainable District

Kalikot has been declared a fully vaccinated, vaccination-sustainable district after all nine local governments achieved full immunization coverage. The announcement was made Sunday after all eligible children from birth to under five years old, as well as pregnant women and adolescent girls, received the required vaccines under the national immunization program. A total of 3,636 children were fully immunized, while those who had missed doses were identified and vaccinated through follow-up campaigns. Kalikot is the third district in Karnali Province, after Dailekh and Surkhet, to achieve full vaccination status, thanks to the efforts of health workers, female community health volunteers, and local governments.

First Look of Maotse Gurung’s Film ‘Pension Patta’ Unveiled

The first look of Nepali filmmaker Maotse Gurung’s upcoming movie ‘Pension Patta’ has been released, featuring three artistic posters on the occasion of Asar 15. Written and directed by Gurung, the film explores the life of a former British/Indian Army soldier (Lahure), highlighting themes of family, struggle, hope, and human resilience. The movie features actors including Dayahang Rai, Gaumaya Gurung, Buddhi Tamang, Wilson Bikram Rai, Pushkar Gurung, Pashupati Rai, and the late Sunil Thapa. Produced under Maotse Gurung Films, the film is scheduled to hit theaters nationwide September 11, 2026, coinciding with the Haritalika Teej festival. It will also be released internationally in countries including Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

Indira Joshi’s Dance Track ‘Sensation’ Released

A high-energy dance number titled Sensation, featuring vocals by Indira Joshi and Ram Krishna Dhakal, has been released, adding a fresh flavor to Nepali music. The song premiered on the official YouTube channel of Triple A Production House. Written by Manoj Khadka, the track is composed by Kalyan Singh with arrangements by Gopal Rasaily and recorded at Soundmill Studio. Mixing and mastering were handled by Maheshwar Rajbhandari. The music video features dancers Asma Bishwokarma and Roshan Bishwokarma, who also directed the video, with choreography by Sunita Pokharel. The production team includes cinematographer Utsav Dahal and editor Dinson Shah.

15 Books Shortlisted for Padmashree Literary Award First Round

The Khemlal Harikala Lamichhane Social Welfare Foundation has announced a longlist of 15 books for the first phase of the Padmashree Literary Award 2082 BS. According to the foundation, 192 books published in 2082 BS were received for consideration. From these, the selection committee prepared a list of 15 outstanding literary works in the initial round. The foundation stated that the list will be further narrowed to five books next month for the final shortlist. The selected works include titles by Govinda Giri Prerna, Dr. Navaraj Lamsal, Narayan Dhakal, Chandra Prakash Baniya, and other noted Nepali authors.

Canada Reach Historic FIFA World Cup Round of 16 with 1–0 Win Over South Africa

Canada reached the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 for the first time in their history after defeating South Africa 1–0 in the opening knockout match at Los Angeles Stadium, USA, on Monday. Stephen Eustáquio scored the winning goal in second-half stoppage time to send Canada into the last 16. The victory marks a historic achievement in Canada’s third World Cup appearance, having failed to advance beyond the group stage in their previous campaigns. Canada qualified for the knockout stage as Group B runners-up, while South Africa progressed as the Group A runners-up.

Ronaldo Praises Messi, Compares Mbappé to His Prime at FIFA World Cup 2026

Brazilian football legend Ronaldo has praised Lionel Messi, calling him one of the greatest players in football history for his consistency and long-standing impact at the highest level. Speaking during the FIFA World Cup 2026, Ronaldo also spoke highly of Kylian Mbappé, noting that the French forward’s pace, strength, and finishing ability resemble his own playing style during his prime years. He described Mbappé as a complete modern attacker with immense potential and influence on the game. Ronaldo’s remarks have added to ongoing debates about the legacy and comparison of football’s greatest generations.

Neymar Reportedly Donates $250,000 for Earthquake Relief in Venezuela

Brazilian football star Neymar has reportedly donated $250,000 to support emergency rescue and humanitarian relief efforts in earthquake-hit Venezuela. The assistance will be used to provide food, drinking water, medical supplies, and temporary shelters for affected people. The donation comes as Venezuela continues large-scale rescue operations following devastating twin earthquakes that have killed over a thousand people, injured thousands more, and displaced many families. Rescue teams are still searching for survivors as aftershocks and limited resources hinder ongoing relief work. Neymar also expressed solidarity with the affected people, hoping the contribution will help ease their suffering.

At Least 1,450 Dead as Venezuela Earthquake Rescue Efforts Continue

At least 1,450 people have died since last week’s devastating earthquakes in Venezuela, according to a senior lawmaker. Rescue operations are continuing as emergency teams race against time to find survivors trapped under rubble. The US Southern Command said its personnel, along with international responders, are assisting search and rescue efforts in the hardest-hit areas, working day and night across earthquake-damaged communities. Venezuela’s acting leadership has formed a commission to assess damage to housing and infrastructure and extended school closures by another week. Authorities also confirmed the rescue of an 11-year-old boy, calling it a rare moment of hope amid widespread destruction.

Afghan Government Says Pakistani Airstrikes Kill 36 Civilians, Injure 163

The Taliban-led Afghan government said Pakistani airstrikes in three eastern provinces killed 36 civilians and injured 163 others overnight, accusing Islamabad of targeting civilian areas. Pakistan, however, said its military operation targeted militant hideouts linked to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) following a deadly attack on security forces in Karachi. Afghan officials condemned the strikes as a violation of the country’s sovereignty, while Pakistan maintained the operation was aimed at terrorist infrastructure. The latest exchange marks another escalation in cross-border tensions despite a ceasefire reached earlier this year.