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.

Government Unveils Hydropower Royalty Allocation Model

The Electricity Development Department introduced a structured technical model to govern the financial division of national hydropower royalties across Nepal’s three tiers of governance. Legal guidelines establish that federal authorities will retain 50 percent of aggregate royalty revenues for the federal consolidated fund, while allocating 25 percent to the respective province and 25 percent to the impacted local government unit. Under the objective criteria, the specific distribution within local jurisdictions depends on a 50 percent weight for project geographical location, a 25 percent weight for municipal surface area, and a 25 percent weight for the impacted population base. Operational logs note that 191 active generation facilities are supplying a combined national grid capacity of 4,296 megawatts, with 264 additional plants holding active generation licenses to push the national total toward 5,535 megawatts by the conclusion of the upcoming fiscal year.

Law Ministry Pushes Legislative Overhaul with July 16 Deadline

Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sobita Gautam held a multi-ministerial strategy summit with the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forests, and Environment to fast-track foundational bills. Operating under the guidelines of the Legislation Act, Gautam instructed all ministries to compile prioritized legal portfolios and submit completed statutory proposals to the law ministry before July 16 to meet parliamentary deadlines. Tourism Minister Khadga Raj Paudel committed to sending the strategic list promptly to replace outdated codes, while Agriculture Minister Gita Chaudhary confirmed that her team is reviewing a balanced amendment package to the Environment Act to harmonize commercial

China Honors 53 Everest Climbers, Promotes Nepal-China Tourism

A total of 53 Everest climbers from Nepal and China were honored in Beijing on Friday during the Nepal-China Mt. Everest Adventure Festival, organized to mark the 73rd International Everest Day. Certificates of appreciation were presented to 29 Chinese and 24 Nepali climbers, including mountaineer and lawmaker Mingma Gyabu Sherpa. The event aimed to promote mountain tourism and strengthen cooperation between tourism and mountaineering sectors of the two countries. Discussions focused on adventure tourism, Everest-related cooperation, and expanding people-to-people ties. The program also featured tourism presentations, climbers’ experiences, a photo exhibition of tourism destinations, and a business networking session connecting tourism entrepreneurs from both countries.

Young Medics Protest Demanding Fair Pay and Labor Rights

Doctors in Kathmandu staged a protest at Maitighar, chanting, “Gen Z government, give justice to Gen Z doctors.” Interns and young physicians presented a seven-point demand list calling for fair pay, regulated working hours, leave benefits, mental health support, and improved medical training conditions. They said interns are routinely overworked, underpaid, and denied labor rights guaranteed by law, describing widespread exploitation in hospitals and training programs. The group demanded an end to excessive workloads and unsafe conditions, along with full implementation of the government’s promised salary hike raising resident doctors’ pay to the level of an eighth-level government officer from July. They also called for overtime pay for work beyond 48 hours per week, in line with labor law.

Probe Panel Formed to Investigate Kavre Bus Accident

Authorities have formed a six-member committee to investigate the cause of a deadly bus accident in Buchakot, Namobuddha Municipality-2, Kavre. According to Police Headquarters, the panel is led by Senior Superintendent of Police Kamal Thapa from the Provincial Police Office in Kavre and has been tasked with determining the circumstances that led to the crash. The accident occurred Friday afternoon when a passenger bus traveling from Banepa to Roshi Kharpachok lost control and plunged about 300 meters down a hillside. Eight people died at the scene, while 16 injured passengers are receiving treatment at Dhulikhel Hospital. Police say the committee has been given seven days to identify the cause of the crash and any responsible parties and to submit its findings.

Nepal and India Evaluate Cross-Border Broad-Gauge Rail Interconnections

The 10th Project Steering Committee and the 8th Joint Working Group concluded a two-day bilateral diplomatic summit in Kathmandu to accelerate cross-border railway infrastructure networks between Nepal and India. Technical delegations from both nations reviewed engineering progress charts for the ongoing Jayanagar-Bijalpura-Bardibas and Jogbani-Biratnagar broad-gauge rail corridors funded through direct Government of India grant resources. The joint transport panel finalized initial operational workflows for a new passenger rail system on the Janakpur-Ayodhya line while evaluating the final location survey reports for the planned Raxaul-Kathmandu broad-gauge link to expand future technical logistics.

New Directives Set Minimum Support Prices Before Planting Cycles

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forest, and Environment issued the Minimum Support Price and Minimum Purchase Price Determination Directives 2026 to legalize the implementation of mandatory price floors before seasonal crop planting cycles begin. Approved via a ministerial decision on April 29, 2025, and officially logged at the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, the structural reform package locked the 2026/27 summer paddy support levels at Rs 3,660 per quintal for coarse rice and Rs 3,860 per quintal for medium variants. The ministry is also advancing a cabinet proposal due before March 14, 2027, to implement a historic first floor price for spring maize.

Harka Sampang Demands Official Stance on PM’s Border Remarks

Shram Sanskriti Party Chairman Harka Sampang issued a formal open letter to Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairman Rabi Lamichhane demanding an official party clarification regarding border sovereignty statements made by Prime Minister Balen Shah. The dispute stemmed from official House of Representatives minutes on May 31, where Shah asserted that Nepal had encroached upon India’s borders across multiple geographic locations, triggering immediate opposition walkouts and parliamentary gridlock. The legislative blockade ended on Wednesday, after Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal delivered an explanatory address, but Sampang’s open inquiry insists the RSP must formally document its stance on the leader’s remarks.

Opposition Organizes Street Demonstrations Over Susta Border Infringement

The CPN (Maoist) organized an open political protest at Maitighar Mandala on Saturday demanding direct executive intervention over foreign territorial encroachments along the Nepal-India border. The political rally followed a Friday border confrontation where indigenous citizens in Tharu Settlement, located within Ward 5 of the Susta Rural Municipality in Nawalparasi Paschim, intercepted and expelled an armed patrol unit of the Indian Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). Protesters carrying nationalistic placards demanded that the federal government officially honor the border community’s defensive actions and called for a formal prime ministerial apology regarding recent parliamentary statements on territorial alignment.

Nepali Congress Mourns Death of Veteran Yam Bhandari

Nepali Congress President Gagan Kumar Thapa has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Yam Bhandari, a veteran figure in Nepal’s democratic movement, who passed away at the age of 81. In a condolence message issued through the party, Thapa described Bhandari as a steadfast fighter for democracy who was active in student politics during the early days of the Nepal Student Union in Jhapa. Bhandari also took part in the anti-Panchayat movement and was repeatedly jailed and tortured during that period, according to the party. Thapa extended condolences to Bhandari’s family, calling his passing a major loss for the party and the democratic struggle in Nepal.

UML Demands Probe into Susta Border Incident, Criticizes PM’s Remarks

CPN (UML) has demanded government action over reported incursions by India’s Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) in Susta, Nawalparasi, and called on Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) to retract remarks suggesting both Nepal and India had encroached on each other’s territory. At a meeting of its Bagmati Province Committee, the CPN (UML) said the Prime Minister’s comments undermined Nepal’s sovereignty and urged him to correct the statement. The party also called for an investigation into the Susta incident and measures to prevent future border violations. In addition, CPN (UML) criticized the government’s dissolution of trade unions and condemned the arrest of party chairman KP Sharma Oli, describing it as politically motivated and inhumane.

Peru Marks National Day, Celebrates 50 Years of Diplomatic Ties with Nepal

The Embassy of Peru and the Consulate of Peru in Kathmandu hosted a reception in Kathmandu on Friday to celebrate Peru’s National Day and the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The event brought together government officials, diplomats, business leaders, and media representatives. Speakers highlighted five decades of friendship and cooperation since diplomatic relations were established in 1976. Officials identified high-altitude agriculture, water resource management, disaster risk reduction, mountain tourism, renewable energy, and sustainable development as potential areas for future collaboration. The two sides expressed commitment to expanding political, economic, cultural, academic, and people-to-people exchanges as they mark the golden jubilee of bilateral relations.

Nabin Tripathi Elected RSP Gandaki President with Majority Vote

Nabin Tripathi has been elected president of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Gandaki Province Committee, securing victory in the first provincial convention held in Pokhara. Tripathi, a resident of Kaski and the party’s former provincial general secretary, won 234 votes, defeating former provincial president and House of Representatives member Rajan Gautam, who received 182 votes. Candidates Madhab Kandel and Hari Karki secured 11 and two votes, respectively. According to Election Committee Coordinator Ram Gurung, Tripathi secured more than 50 percent of the votes cast, eliminating the need for a second round. A total of 437 delegates voted out of 780 eligible delegates. The convention was inaugurated by RSP General Secretary Kabindra Burlakoti.

Celebrity Chef Santhosh Shah Arrested in Mahottari

The Valley Crime Investigation Office in Teku arrested celebrity chef Santhosh Shah in Mahottari District following a formal judicial warrant issued by the Kathmandu District Court regarding corporate banking irregularities. Law enforcement logs confirm that investigators placed Shah into custody following criminal complaints detailing the deliberate issuance of a non-sufficient funds check during a commercial transaction. Police intelligence sources revealed that the dishonored check was initially utilized as a financial payment instrument to finalize the corporate purchase of a commercial restaurant property located in Gairidhara, Kathmandu.

Actor Dayahang Rai Unveils Self-Help Literature at Kathmandu Book Launch

Author Shova Adhikari officially launched her latest self-help publication, 27 Golden Formulae for Success, during a literature event in Kathmandu on Saturday. Celebrated actor Dayahang Rai addressed the intellectual gathering, arguing that genuine life fulfillment extends beyond material achievements and physical landmarks like scaling Mount Everest. Adhikari described her new motivational book as a psychological remedy designed to alleviate emotional anxiety, navigate modern marital challenges, and build communal confidence through persistent individual discipline.

Shakira’s and Burna Boy’s Hit Collaboration Tops Billboard World Cup Rankings

Music authority Billboard Magazine named the collaborative track Dai Dai by global pop icons Shakira and Burna Boy as the greatest official World Cup anthem of all time. The single, released in May 2026 for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, won a reader poll with 31.28 percent of the total vote by blending Afrobeats, dance-pop, and reggaeton rhythms while celebrating historical sports legends. Shakira’s 2010 anthem Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) secured the 2nd spot with 26.64 percent of the vote, while Ricky Martin’s 1998 hit The Cup of Life (La Copa de la Vida) finished 3rd with approximately 25 percent after historically peaking at number 60 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

District Taekwondo Championship Begins in Banke with 400 Athletes

Kohalpur Municipality Mayor Purna Prasad Acharya inaugurated the Banke District-Wide Open Taekwondo Championship on Saturday at the Bageshwori Academy campus in Chatar, Kohalpur-10. The 2-day martial arts festival brought together more than 450 active athletes representing 59 regional training centers (dojangs) across the province to compete on 3 separate fields. Organized and funded by the academy under the leadership of school management chairman Kishan Gurung, the opening ceremony was attended by Banke Chief District Officer Dil Kumar Tamang alongside regional sports delegates.

Brazil, Morocco Renew Rivalry as 2026 World Cup Clash Looms

Brazil and Morocco are set for a high-profile Group C showdown at the FIFA World Cup 2026, with both teams entering the match on far more equal footing than in their last World Cup meeting in 1998. Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi dismissed the underdog label, calling the matchup “50-50” and saying the result will come down to small details. Coach Mohamed Ouahbi echoed the confidence, saying his side believes in its system and recent progress, including its breakthrough run at Qatar 2022 and success at the youth level. Brazil, led by Vinícius Júnior, acknowledged Morocco’s rise, noting their organization and competitiveness. The two sides last met at a World Cup in 1998, when Brazil won 3-0 in France. Morocco also defeated Brazil 2-1 in a 2023 friendly, signaling a shift in balance ahead of their latest encounter on football’s biggest stage.

Meta Adds AI-Powered Fan Tools for 2026 FIFA World Cup

Social media conglomerate Meta introduced a suite of fan-engagement tools across Threads, Instagram, Facebook, Messenger, and WhatsApp to celebrate the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The digital upgrade introduces real-time game feeds on Threads and an automated Instagram Search Hub connecting fans to official broadcast reels, alongside an AI-driven audio effect in messaging files. On Facebook, users can activate a dedicated Football Mode by double-tapping the main interface logo to play mini-games and utilize the Wear It AI engine, which allows profiles to virtually superimpose their preferred national team jersey onto personal photos. Concurrently, WhatsApp restructured its soccer emoji to replicate the design of Trionda, the tournament’s official match ball.

UAE Prepares $10 Billion Fund Release to Ease Iranian Sanctions

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) advanced diplomatic strategies to de-escalate Middle Eastern military tensions by initiating a phased release of up to USD 20 billion in frozen Iranian capital from Dubai commercial banks. Senior diplomatic sources confirmed that USD 3 billion has already been cleared under a wider USD 10 billion initial layout, following an emergency defense pact specifying that Iran will halt drone and missile strikes against Emirati commercial real estate. The financial breakthrough occurred during high-level intelligence talks hosted by UAE National Security Advisor Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, coinciding with parallel mediation efforts by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Qatar to finalize a permanent peace treaty between the United States and Iran.

50 Bangladeshi Pilgrims Die During Hajj in Saudi Arabia

At least 50 Bangladeshi pilgrims have died during this year’s Hajj in Saudi Arabia, according to official data. Of the deceased, 33 were men and 17 were women. Most deaths occurred in Makkah, followed by Madinah and Jeddah. Meanwhile, more than 54,000 Bangladeshi pilgrims have returned home so far on 127 flights after completing the pilgrimage. Return operations are being carried out by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Saudia, Flynas, and other carriers. Health officials said thousands of medical consultations were provided during the pilgrimage, while a small number of pilgrims remain hospitalized in Saudi Arabia. The final return flights are scheduled to continue until June 30.

5 Indian Air Force Personnel Killed in An-32 Landing Crash

An Indian Air Force (IAF) An-32 cargo aircraft belonging to the 43 Squadron crashed on Saturday, June 13, while attempting to land at the Rowriah airbase in Assam’s Jorhat district. The IAF has confirmed that five personnel—Sqn Ldr Prashant Singh, Flt Lt Shubham Kumar, Sgt Jitendra Sharma, Agniveervayu Khemaram Kumawat, and Agniveervayu Danish Alam—tragically lost their lives in the line of duty. Following the accident, senior officials rushed to the scene, and the entire air force station was sealed off. Expressing deep regrets and extending heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the IAF announced via a post on X that a formal court of Inquiry has been ordered to investigate the exact cause of the crash.

Swiss Voters to Decide on 10 Million Population Cap

Swiss voters will decide in a national referendum whether to cap the country’s population at 10 million, a proposal that has intensified debate over immigration, housing, and economic growth. Backed by the right-wing Swiss People’s Party, the initiative aims to limit population growth and would require restrictions on immigration if the population approaches 9.5 million. It could also force Switzerland to reconsider agreements including the free movement of people with the European Union. Supporters argue rapid population growth is straining housing, transport, and public services, while opponents warn the measure could worsen labor shortages, damage ties with the EU, and undermine economic stability. Opinion polls suggest a closely contested vote, with many voters still undecided.