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 Endorses 4 Bills Received from HoR

The National Assembly on Saturday approved four bills received with messages from the House of Representatives, including measures related to public procurement, money laundering, cooperatives, and health science academies. The upper house unanimously endorsed the proposal to consider the Public Procurement (Second Amendment) Bill, 2026, tabled by Law Minister Sobita Gautam on behalf of Prime Minister Balendra Shah. It also approved proposals to consider the Prevention of Money Laundering (Third Amendment) Bill, 2026, presented by Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle; the Cooperatives (First Amendment) Bill, 2026, tabled by Land Management, Cooperatives, Federal Affairs, and General Administration Minister Pratibha Rawal; and the Bill to Amend Some Nepal Acts Related to Health Science Academies, 2026, presented by Health and Food Hygiene Minister Nisha Mehta. The next meeting of the National Assembly has been scheduled for July 6.

Balen Shah-Led Government Releases 100-Day Progress Report

The government led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) has made public the major achievements of its 100-day tenure today. Government spokesperson Sasmit Pokharel made these achievements public today during a press conference held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar. The first point presented by Minister Pokharel includes the reduction in the number of federal ministries. Spokesperson Pokharel stated that, in line with the election manifesto of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), the number of ministries has been reduced and maintained at 18. He added that with the reduction in the number of ministries, an estimated annual savings of approximately Rs 20 billion will be secured for the state treasury. Similarly, he noted that cutting expenses by dissolving and merging other structures will enhance operational efficiency. He further mentioned that reformative actions, such as dissolving political party-affiliated trade unions and student organizations, have sent a positive message.

Govt. Fully Committed to Anti-Money Laundering Reforms: Finance Minister

Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle announced that the government is fully committed to removing Nepal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) ‘grey list’, where the country has been positioned since 2025. Speaking at a National Assembly meeting, Wagle presented the Asset Laundering (Money Laundering) Prevention (Third Amendment) Bill, 2026, which was unanimously approved for consideration. He stressed that full political and public cooperation is crucial to executing a time-bound strategy that addresses the anti-money laundering deficiencies highlighted by international watchdog agencies. Wagle issued a stern warning that failure to swiftly implement the FATF’s regulatory recommendations could escalate Nepal’s status to the ‘black list’, a scenario that would severely damage the nation’s international financial standing. He noted that the current administration has treated the issue as a top priority since taking office.

Infrastructure Minister Lamsal Inspects Beni-Jomsom-Korala Road Project

Infrastructure Development Minister Sunil Lamsal inspected the Beni-Jomsom-Korala Road Project in Mustang, directing officials to fast-track the tender process for five key bridges along the Korala section. Accompanied by Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Minister Khadak Raj Paudel, he reviewed construction progress, tourism potential, and road upgrades. The government has allocated Rs 3.15 billion to blacktop and upgrade the 50-kilometer Chhusang-Ghami stretch, while the environmental assessment for extending improvements to the Korala border has already been completed. During the inspection, local residents urged the ministers to address recurring landslides, flooding, and erosion along the Kaligandaki River, which continue to disrupt the highway.

Nepal Britain Chamber, West London Chamber Sign MoU

The Nepal Britain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NBCCI) and the West London Chamber of Commerce signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Embassy of Nepal in London on Friday to strengthen bilateral commercial engagement between Nepal and the United Kingdom. The agreement was signed by West London Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Officer Alan Rides, Deputy Chair Dr. Renu Raj, and NBCCI President Dr. Roshan Rathi. According to the Embassy of Nepal in London, the MoU aims to enhance institutional cooperation, strengthen business-to-business linkages, and promote trade and investment opportunities between the two countries.

Chinese Ambassador Calls for Fast-Tracking Trans-Himalayan Connectivity

During a special seminar in Kathmandu marking the 105th anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Zhang Maoming, proposed a four-point plan to further enhance bilateral relations between the two nations. His proposal emphasizes exchanging best practices in poverty alleviation, economic development and party building among political parties; accelerating the Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network by aligning the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with Nepal’s development strategy; collaborating on global initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping within forums like the UN and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation; and passing down the Nepal-China friendship to the younger generation through cultural exchanges and visits. Highlighting the CPC’s governance model, Ambassador Maoming noted the party’s focus on centralized leadership, people-centric concepts, and a strict anti-corruption stance, reiterating that China remains committed to working with all Nepali political parties to foster a shared future and promote global peace.

Displaced Squatters Seek Permanent Housing Despite Rs 25K Monthly Aid

Hundreds of landless families displaced by the government’s riverbank clearance campaign say temporary shelters and Rs 25,000 monthly housing support have failed to address their long-term needs. At a holding center in Bode, Bhaktapur, 54 people from 24 families remain in temporary accommodation, while others have left due to poor conditions. Residents say the financial assistance is insufficient and many landlords refuse to rent to them after learning they are former squatters. They are demanding a permanent resettlement plan instead of temporary relief measures.

Government Falls Short of 100-Day Legislative Agenda

The government completed only three of the 12 laws it pledged to enact during its first 100 days, relying instead on multiple ordinances while several key bills remained pending. Although it advanced reforms in areas including infrastructure financing, cooperative refunds, energy, and public service delivery, the administration faced criticism over repeated use of ordinances, limited parliamentary engagement, and delayed legislative reforms. Controversies surrounding the Prime Minister’s absence from key parliamentary proceedings, remarks on border issues, treatment of landless settlers, and strained relations with the media also drew scrutiny. While the government recorded progress in selected sectors, questions remain over its commitment to parliamentary accountability and institutional governance.

UML Under Coordinated Attack by Rivals, Claims Chair KP Oli

Addressing the launch of the CPN (UML) Bagmati Province Awareness Campaign in Kathmandu, Party Chairman KP Sharma Oli acknowledged that the party is currently facing an incredibly difficult situation following a massive, coordinated attack by the government. Defending the party against what he calls ‘negative propaganda,’ Oli likened their journey to a river that must navigate obstacles and crash against walls to move forward, stating that setbacks are a natural part of a living, dynamic organization. Invoking a quote from Mao Zedong about the courage required to unseat a ruler, Oli emphasized that this challenging period serves as a test for party cadres, confidently asserting that despite being knocked down, the party remains alive, resilient and ready to rise up and fight back.

Prachanda Labels Balen Government’s First 100 Days a Complete Failure

The Nepali Communist Party (NCP) Coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has termed the first 100 days of the Balendra Shah-led government a total failure. Speaking to journalists in Butwal during a party event on Saturday, Prachanda stated that the government has failed to deliver on its promises and meet public expectations. He added that rather than left-wing unity, the country currently needs stronger cooperation between the opposition parties including CPN (UML) and Nepali Congress.

Postal Service Delivers Over 207,000 Passports, 808,000 Driving Licenses

The government’s postal modernization drive has delivered 207,834 passports to district administration offices and 808,044 driving licenses through the national postal network since the current administration took office. The Department of Postal Services has also delivered 6,293 passports directly to homes and plans to expand the service to Humla and Bhojpur. The department said it now transports academic certificates, medical supplies and government documents, while 50 post offices are being upgraded into IT-based smart service centers as part of broader governance reforms.

KU Confers Degrees to 1,527 Graduates at 31st Convocation

A total of 1,527 students graduated during the second phase of Kathmandu University’s 31st convocation, including 21 PhDs, 372 master’s-level graduates, and 1,132 bachelor’s degree holders. The School of Medical Sciences produced the largest cohort with 504 graduates, while 179 international students from seven countries also received degrees. Education Minister Sasmit Pokharel urged graduates to use their knowledge for national development, while Vice-Chancellor Rishikesh Wagle called for easier student visa policies to help position Nepal as an international education hub. The university has now produced 51,567 graduates.

Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce Wed at Madison Square Garden

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were married on Friday in a high-profile ceremony at Madison Square Garden in New York City, with comedian Adam Sandler officiating and celebrity guests from music, film and sports in attendance. The wedding followed a smaller pre-event the previous day and drew large crowds of fans outside the venue as nearby streets were closed. According to Swift’s publicist Tree Paine, the couple wore Christian Dior designs, with Jonathan Anderson creating the wedding attire. Officials arranged extensive security and traffic measures around the arena, while fans gathered throughout the celebrations. The two-day event attracted global attention, with observers describing it as one of the most prominent celebrity weddings in recent years.

Colombia Edge Ghana to Reach World Cup Last 16

An early goal from Jhon Arias secured a 1-0 victory for Colombia over Ghana in the FIFA World Cup round of 32 in Kansas City, sending the South Americans into the last 16. Colombia dominated possession and created far more chances, while Ghana failed to register a single shot on target. Luis Diaz had a second goal ruled out for offside in the second half. Colombia will face Switzerland on July 8, while Ghana exited the tournament in the round of 32.

5.5-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Off Central Chile Coast

An earthquake measuring 5.5 on the Richter scale struck off the coast of central Chile on Friday, according to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ). The quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), the agency said. No immediate reports of casualties or damage were available.