KATHMANDU: Stay informed with Nepal News’ daily evening briefing, covering the most significant developments from Nepal and around the world. From politics and economy to sports, entertainment, and culture, we bring you a concise summary of the day’s top stories.

Prime Minister Oli Discusses Kathmandu-Tarai/Madhesh Expressway Dispute: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli held a discussion with local representatives from Khokana and Bungmati in Lalitpur regarding the controversy over the starting point of the Kathmandu-Tarai/Madhesh Expressway project and possible solutions. The meeting took place at the Prime Minister’s residence, Baluwatar. Present were former Chairperson Madan Krishna Dangol of the erstwhile Khokana VDC, UML Lalitpur Metropolitan Committee Chairperson Gyanendra Shakya, Coordinator of the Local Public Concern Committee Nepal Dangol, and Ward No. 21 Committee Chairperson of UML Lalitpur Metropolitan Gyan Bhakta Maharjan. They presented the issues and proposed suggestions for resolving the dispute.

PMO Orders Staff Management Within Quota, Warns of Legal Action: The Prime Minister’s Office has directed the Home Ministry and the Ministry of Federal Affairs to manage excess employees within seven days and not deploy staff beyond approved quotas. The directive follows a CIAA complaint about irregular staffing, notably at the Tribhuvan International Airport immigration office. The PMO demanded detailed staff records and warned that failure to comply will result in action under civil service and anti-corruption laws. Repeat violations will trigger strict legal measures.

Prachanda Alleges Conspiracy to Undermine Gains of People’s War: CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has claimed that efforts are underway to reverse the achievements of Nepal’s People’s War and People’s Movement. Addressing newly elected YCL office bearers, he said reactionary and regressive forces are trying to undermine these gains. However, he did not identify those behind the alleged plot, only stating that such attempts are taking place “somewhere” to undo the hard-fought progress made through past struggles.

Parliamentary Panel Discusses Citizenship Bill with Stakeholders: The State Affairs and Good Governance Committee of the Parliament held deliberations today on the bill to amend the Nepal Citizenship Act, 2063. The committee engaged with stakeholders including the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) and British Gurkha representatives. Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak had tabled the bill in the House of Representatives on 15 Magh 2081. The bill was sent to the committee for clause-wise discussion, which is now preceded by consultations with concerned parties.

Former British Gurkha Soldiers Demand Continuation of Nepali Citizenship by Descent: In today’s meeting of the Parliamentary State Affairs Committee, representatives of former British Gurkha soldiers urged that the citizenship granted to their descendants should continue without interruption. Former British Gurkha soldiers explained that their key concern is whether the recruitment of Nepali youth into the British army will be stopped or if Nepali citizenship by descent will be maintained. Krishna Kumar Rai, a former British Gurkha soldier, stated that Nepal receives about 210 million British pounds annually due to the Gurkhas’ contribution to the British army.

RSP Submits 5-Point Proposal to Form Inquiry Committee in Visit Visa Case: The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has submitted a five-point proposal to form an inquiry committee to reach a consensus on the visit visa controversy. The proposal aims to resolve the parliamentary deadlock that has persisted for several days over the issue. Major opposition parties, including the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre), RSP, Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), and the Unified Socialist Party, have repeatedly disrupted parliamentary proceedings demanding the resignation of Home Minister Ramesh Lal Thakuri and the formation of an inquiry committee. Despite ongoing discussions involving Speaker Devaraj Ghimire and leaders from both the ruling and opposition parties, no agreement has been reached so far.

Former KMC Engineer Ram Babu Koiri Charged with Embezzling Over Rs 45 million: The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed a corruption case at the Special Court against Ram Babu Mahato Koiri, former engineer (deputy director) at the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC), accusing him of illegally amassing property worth over Rs 45.79 million. According to the CIAA, Koiri served at KMC from Baisakh 19, 2046 BS (May 1, 1989) to Falgun 30, 2078 BS (March 14, 2022). During this period, he allegedly acquired assets worth Rs 79.67 million. However, he was only able to justify legal sources for Rs 33.79 million, leaving over Rs 45.79 million unaccounted for.

Maoist Centre MP Urges Home Minister Lekhak to Resign for Fair Probe into Visit Visa Case: The main opposition party, Nepal Communist Party (Maoist Centre), has advised Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak to pave the way for an impartial investigation into the visit visa scandal. During the National Assembly’s urgent session today, Maoist Centre lawmaker Suresh Ale Magar expressed doubts over the ability of agencies under the Home Minister to conduct a fair probe while he remains in office. “We believe the Home Minister is not involved in wrongdoing, but facts and actions don’t fully support that. He should prove his integrity and cooperate with the investigation,” said Ale Magar.

Early Monsoon Triggers Rise in Dengue Infections Across Nepal: With the onset of the monsoon, dengue infections have begun to rise across Nepal. The period between June and August (Asar–Bhadra) is considered the most vulnerable for dengue outbreaks. According to the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD), 1,255 cases of dengue were recorded from January 1 to June 8 this year, with infections confirmed in 72 districts. Kathmandu tops the list with 132 cases, followed by Kaski (90), Sunsari (87), Chitwan (61), Palpa (51), Rupandehi (47), Kanchanpur (37), Dang (32), and Bhaktapur (30). Dr. Gokarna Dahal, head of the Vector-Borne Disease Control Section at EDCD, said that while it may not be possible to eradicate the mosquito species that causes dengue, controlling the disease is achievable.

Chief Justice Raut Conducts Surprise Inspection at Kathmandu District Court: Chief Justice Prakashman Singh Raut carried out a sudden monitoring visit at the Kathmandu District Court on Monday afternoon. Accompanied by several Judicial Council officials, he engaged directly with service recipients to assess the functioning and operations of the court. Earlier, on Chaitra 19, Raut had conducted a similar surprise inspection at the Sarlahi District Court, where he also discussed delays and difficulties faced by the public in court procedures.

Karnali Provincial Assembly Meeting Disrupted by Opposition: The Karnali Provincial Assembly meeting was disrupted today by the main opposition party, the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre). The disruption occurred during the 13th session of the assembly’s second term. As the meeting began, Maoist Centre lawmaker Bindaman Bisht raised concerns about irregularities in the project selection process. He questioned the Karnali provincial government’s procedures regarding the Project Proposal and Selection Guidelines, 2082, related to the upcoming fiscal year’s budget.

Customs Bill Passed Unanimously by National Assembly: The National Assembly has unanimously endorsed the Customs Bill, 2080. In today’s session, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel presented the proposal for consideration of the bill, which was received from the House of Representatives with a message. Responding to concerns raised during the discussion, Minister Paudel said the bill aims to address existing challenges in customs administration and revenue mobilization. “The bill will help curb revenue leakage, enhance transparency and trust in the customs system, and facilitate international trade,” he stated.

NEPSE Gains 23.19 Points, Closes at 2,653 Amid Broad Market Rally: The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index rose by 23.19 points on Monday, ending the day at 2,653 points. More than 17.5 million shares, worth around Rs. 8.69 billion, were traded across 324 companies, with a total of 78,848 transactions recorded. Of the listed companies, 191 posted gains, 56 declined, and one remained unchanged. Out of the 13 sectoral indices, all except Hotel & Tourism, Life Insurance, and Trading sectors registered positive growth, fueling the overall market rise.

Nepal Rastra Bank’s Loan Portfolio Review Process to be Delayed: The ongoing loan portfolio review process initiated by Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) for commercial banks is now set to be delayed following an interim order issued by the Supreme Court. The order was issued on Jestha 23 (June 6) by a single bench of Justice Hari Prasad Phuyal, in response to a writ petition filed a day earlier by Satish Subedi, director of Subedi & Associates, located in Jawagal, Lalitpur. While hearing the petition, the court ordered a short-term interim stay and demanded a written explanation from the opposing party. A full discussion on whether the interim order should continue will take place on Asar 9 (June 23), when both parties are summoned for a hearing. Until then, the NRB’s loan review process will remain suspended.

Policy Confusion Alarms Nepal’s Energy Producers: While the government’s official plans aim to transform Nepal into a regional electricity exporter with a target of generating 28,500 megawatts of electricity over the next decade — including 10,000 MW for India and 5,000 MW for Bangladesh — recent policy decisions appear to contradict this ambition. A new provision requiring Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with run-of-river hydropower projects to follow a “take-and-pay” model instead of the more secure “take-or-pay” system has alarmed investors. Energy producers warn this move undermines investor confidence and could stall Nepal’s hydropower boom.

Power Export to Bangladesh Uncertain as LC Not Opened: Although Nepal is supposed to export 40 MW of electricity to Bangladesh starting Asar 1 (June 15), Bangladesh has not opened a Letter of Credit (LC) by end of Jestha. This raises uncertainty over whether exports can begin in six days. Nepal had exported power to Bangladesh in November 2023, but Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) has not yet paid dues. Nepal Electricity Authority spokesperson Rajan Dhakal confirmed that exports are scheduled to start from June 15 under the agreement.

Actor Mukun Bhusal Joins Intercaste Romance Film ‘Jadau’ Opposite Samragyee RL Shah: Actor Mukun Bhusal has officially joined the cast of the upcoming film Jadau, which centers around an intercaste love story. The production team has cast Bhusal in a lead role, pairing him opposite actress Samragyee RL Shah, who had been announced earlier. The film is conceptualized, written, and produced by Kaji Limbu. However, the director’s name has been kept under wraps as a suspense element. Filming for Jadau is set to begin in the Nepali month of Bhadra. The remaining cast and crew are expected to be finalized and announced soon.

Lyricist Narayan Khatri’s New Song ‘Dukha Sunaayera Ke Kaam?’ Released: A new Nepali song titled “Dukha Sunaayera Ke Kaam?” penned by lyricist Narayan Khatri has been officially released. The song features music composed by Deepak Sharma and vocals by renowned singer Sworoopraj Acharya. Through its lyrics, the song explores themes of human sensitivity, emotional vulnerability, and social reality. It poignantly portrays how, during life’s most difficult moments, sharing sorrow and despair often fails to bring true companionship—highlighting the emotional isolation many experiences.

Character Posters of Sunil Thapa and Avon Raj Upreti Revealed from Sci-Fi Film ‘Eklo’: The makers of the upcoming science fiction film Eklo have unveiled the character looks of actors Sunil Thapa and Avon Raj Upreti. Their appearances were revealed through two separate character posters released by the production unit. Previously, the film had already introduced the character posters of other cast members, including Pradeep Khadka, Bijay Lama, Diya Pun, Benisha Hamal, Kabita Nepali, Suraj Singh Thakuri, and Jamie Bacon. Eklo is being directed by Pradeep Shahi, marking his third directorial venture.

Dang Wins Lumbini Provincial-Level President’s Running Shield: Dang district has claimed the title of the Lumbini Province-level President’s Running Shield for the year 2081 BS. The competition took place at Beljhundi Rangashala, Ward No. 17, Tulsipur Sub-Metropolitan City, and Araniko Ground from Jestha 23 to 25 (June 6 to 8). A total of 11 districts from the province participated in the event. Dang district topped the medal tally by winning 16 gold, 18 silver, and 16 bronze medals — totaling 50 medals. The event concluded late Sunday, with Rupandehi district securing second place. The previous champion, Banke district, finished third this time.

Koshi Province Wins Provincial Men’s Hockey Championship: Koshi Province clinched the title at the provincial-level men’s hockey tournament by defeating Gandaki Province 5–3 in the final held at Royal Nepal Futsal, Dibyashwori, Madhyapur Thimi. Manoj Chaudhary scored twice for Koshi, while Pradeep Rajbanshi, Dilli Chaudhary, and Roshan Chaudhary each netted a goal. Gandaki’s Ashim Bahik scored two goals and Pawan Pariyar added one. Manoj Chaudhary was named Player of the Match in the final. With the win, Koshi Province bagged a cash prize of Rs 30,000, while runners-up Gandaki received Rs 20,000.

Lumbini Province Crowned U-14 National School Athletics Champion: Lumbini Province has emerged as the champion of the U-14 National School Athletics Championship, securing the highest number of gold medals in the competition. The event was organized by the National Sports Council (NSC) and concluded on Monday at the Dasharath Stadium in Tripureshwar. Lumbini topped the medal tally by winning a total of four gold medals, the most by any province in the athletics category of the school sports event. Their consistent performance across events led them to the championship title.

Malaysia Bus Crash Kills At Least 15, Mostly Students: A bus carrying university students back to their campus smashed into a minivan in northern Malaysia on Monday, killing at least 15 people, police and rescue services said. Thirteen victims died at the scene near the town of Gerik, on the busy East-West Highway near the Thai border, while two died in hospital. The accident is the deadliest in more than a decade on Malaysia’s hazardous roads. “It looked like the bus had lost control and hit the (minivan) from behind,” Perak State Police Chief Hisam Nordin said.

Protests Over Immigration Raids Rock Los Angeles for Third Day: Protests against recent immigration raids in Los Angeles have entered their third consecutive day, with tensions escalating in the downtown area. Police have declared the district an “unlawful assembly” zone as demonstrations grew increasingly volatile. Several vehicles were set ablaze overnight, and multiple reports of looting have emerged, prompting a heavy law enforcement presence. Authorities have struggled to maintain order as crowds remain defiant. President Donald Trump weighed in on the situation via social media, stating, “Things look really bad in LA,” and urging federal intervention, adding, “Bring in the troops!”

Israeli Commandos Seize Humanitarian Vessel Madleen Near Gaza: The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Israeli commandos have seized the ship Madleen in international waters and are taking its crew to Israel. The vessel, operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, was intercepted approximately 100 miles (160 km) from the Gaza Strip. The Madleen was carrying humanitarian aid intended for Palestinians suffering under Israel’s ongoing siege. The blockade, which Israel reinstated in full on March 2, has been partially eased only after intense international pressure. Gaza has remained under a land, sea, and air blockade since 2007. The current conflict has seen devastating casualties, with more than 54,000 people reportedly killed in Gaza.

Trump’s New Travel Ban Takes Effect, Blocking Entry from 12 Countries: At midnight Eastern Time on Monday, President Donald Trump’s sweeping new travel ban officially went into effect, barring citizens from 12 countries from entering the United States. The executive order, signed last week, immediately restricts nationals of Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. In addition, nationals from seven other countries — Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela — will face partial travel restrictions under the new policy. The order has already sparked widespread debate and legal challenges, with critics warning of humanitarian and diplomatic fallout.