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 Issues Nearly 40 Directives to Accelerate Governance Reforms

The government led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah has issued nearly 40 directives, procedures, and circulars to ministries, commissions, and local governments to strengthen governance, improve service delivery, and enhance public accountability. The measures, aligned with the administration’s 100 point governance reform agenda, introduce a three tier limit on administrative decision making, expand digital operations through the Integrated Office Management System, and enforce austerity measures, including restrictions on new purchases and non essential foreign travel. Agencies have also been instructed to intensify anti corruption efforts, clear pending files, improve public communication, and comply with strict monitoring and implementation deadlines.

Stolen 13th Century Buddha Statue Reinstalled In Kathmandu

A 13th-century stone statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, which had been stolen and smuggled to the United States, was ritually reinstalled at Nhuchhebahal in Kathmandu. The Department of Archaeology retrieved the artifact by coordinating with the Tibet House Collection in America under international cultural heritage laws. The return of the medieval masterpiece, celebrated for its artistic and historical value, was facilitated through the joint efforts of the government, heritage activists, and scholars. According to official procedures, the transport expenses for returning such smuggled heritage artifacts are borne by the host nation.

Landless Squatters Protest Eviction Notice In Kathmandu

Landless squatters and unmanaged settlers staged a protest from Maitighar to Babarmahal in Kathmandu on Saturday. The demonstration erupted after the Empowered Bagmati Civilization Integrated Development Committee issued a notice directing them to vacate holding centers by June 3. Protesters demanded permanent housing solutions and land ownership before any eviction, alleging that government authorities and police pressured them to leave by offering Rs 25,000. Holding placards against demolition, they urged the government to implement past assurances and ensure a dignified, constitutional, and humane resolution to their displacement.

Minister Pun Uses Social Media to Hunt for Qualified Ministry Secretary

In an unconventional move, the Minister for Science, Technology, and Innovation, Mahabir Pun, has taken to social media to search for a highly qualified and capable Secretary to lead the administrative wing of his ministry. Through a social media post, Minister Pun highlighted the need for an industrious, action-oriented Secretary who possesses extensive experience specifically in the fields of science, technology, research, and innovation. According to the Minister, the vacancy arises as the tenure of the ministry’s current Secretary is set to end this coming Wednesday, July 1. Pun shared that the search for a competent leader is actively underway through various channels, and he has openly appealed to the public for recommendations and assistance. “The tenure of the Secretary of the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation is ending, and they will retire this Wednesday, July 1,” Minister Pun wrote. “Therefore, this ministry requires a Secretary who is highly experienced, diligent, performance-driven, and has a proven track record in science, technology, research, and innovation. We are searching for qualified candidates through various channels and welcome your support in this endeavor.”

Road Division Begins Terminating 16 Stalled Karnali Highway Contracts

The Road Division Office, Jumla has initiated the termination of 16 long stalled construction contracts along the Karnali Highway, citing contractors’ failure to complete work despite repeated warnings. The affected projects include 12 contracts in Kalikot, three in Jumla, and one in Mugu, covering works launched between fiscal years 2017/18 and 2025/26. Authorities have issued a 15 day public notice before termination. Contractors face possible blacklisting, forfeiture of security deposits, recovery of advance payments with 10 percent interest, and collection of remaining project costs as government dues under public procurement laws.

Politician Abhishek Giri Arrested in Prison Extortion Investigation

Abhishek Giri, a Nepali Congress leader from Biratnagar, was arrested on Saturday after police raided his residence as part of an investigation into an alleged prison-based extortion racket. According to the Morang District Police Office, Giri is accused of extorting inmates and embezzling their allowances. Police searched his home on suspicion that it contained evidence related to the case, although authorities have not disclosed whether any items were seized. The investigation is ongoing. Giri, who has previously served a prison sentence in a kidnapping case, denied the allegations, claiming the arrest was motivated by political vendetta.

RSP Convention Concludes, Newly Elected Leadership Announced

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) concluded its first general convention in Chitwan by electing seven office bearers and 99 Central Committee members, with Rabi Lamichhane and Swarnim Wagle unanimously re-elected as chairman and vice chairman, respectively. However, the six-day convention, originally scheduled for three days, ended amid growing dissatisfaction after only 30 percent of delegates participated in the office bearer elections. The low turnout exposed internal discontent over the party’s management and processes. Lamichhane must now nominate 12 additional office bearers and work to bridge divisions within the party following the contentious convention.

RPP’s Agenda Established Among People, Lingden Claims

Chairman of Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Rajendra Lingden has claimed that his party’s agendas were established among the people despite the party’s poor organizational strength. Addressing the party’s leading cadres in Kathmandu today, Lingden shared that the party’s presence has increased after his leadership in the party. Likewise, he announced to revitalize the party with new thoughts, working style and planning from the upcoming general convention.

KP Oli Demands ORiginal NHRC Report on Gen Z Protests, Alleging Manipulation

CPN (UML) Chairman KP Sharma Oli has filed a formal application at the National Human Rights Commission demanding the original investigation reports and documents regarding the violent unrest of September 8 and 9, 2025, suspecting the publicly released version has been distorted. Filed by leader Mahesh Bartaula, the application argues that the commission’s recommendations contradict its findings by clearing Oli’s actions as the then-Prime Minister while unconstitutionally suggesting retroactive punishments for innocent individuals and ignoring the actual rioters. Citing a direct threat to his reputation, Oli has demanded certified copies of the decision, the original draft by the Lily Thapa-led committee, details of any content alterations, and all recorded statements.

Swiss Ambassador Seen at St. Xavier’s Media Talk

Swiss Ambassador to Nepal Danielle Meuwly participated in the 41st Media Talk Series at St. Xavier’s College, Maitighar, where she joined discussions on the changing roles of journalists and content creators in shaping public narratives. Held under the theme “Content Creators vs Journalists: Complementing or Competing in Shaping Public Narratives,” the event explored the evolving digital media landscape and the growing influence of information on society. The discussion also highlighted the importance of responsible storytelling and the need for ethical communication. The Swiss Embassy said the strong engagement of students reflected their commitment to critical thinking, integrity and informed participation, describing these as essential to strengthening democratic values and shaping the future.

Singer Shiva Pariyar Releases Romantic Single ‘Yo Man Allare’

Singer Shiva Pariyar launched his new romantic dancing track titled Yo Man Allare. He composed the music for the song, which features lyrics by Raju Thapa and musical arrangement by Rikesh Gurung. The accompanying music video, directed by Bibek Magar and choreographed by Arun Rai, explores themes of romantic attraction across changing age dynamics. The video features performances by Manoj Maharjan, Pratisha Thapa, and the singer himself. This launch follows the recent release of another song and a ghazal by the same artist during the preceding week.

Film Lalibazar Grosses Over Rs 90 Million on 51st Day

The Nepali film Lalibazar marked its 51st day of continuous screening on Saturday following its commercial release on May 8. Produced under the Shatkon Arts banner and directed by Yam Thapa, the movie has collected over Rs 90 million gross at the domestic box office and is approaching the Rs 100 million mark. To celebrate this commercial success, the production crew conducted theater visits across various cinema halls. The film, starring Swastima Khadka and Rabindra Singh Baniya, has also commenced its international screening across Europe, with upcoming releases planned in Japan, Australia, and the United States.

Indian Embassy Hosts Second Ambassador’s Cricket Tournament in Kathmandu

The second edition of the Indian Ambassador’s Cricket Tournament commenced in Kathmandu on June 26 and will run until June 28. Featuring eight teams competing in a T20 format, the matches are being hosted at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground and the Mulpani Cricket Stadium. The tournament was jointly inaugurated by the Indian Ambassador to Nepal and a Joint Secretary from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Organized with technical assistance from the Cricket Association of Nepal, the event features teams from diplomatic missions, government offices, media houses, former cricketers, and corporate bodies to strengthen bilateral ties.

Egypt Reach FIFA World Cup Knockout Stage for First Time

Egypt qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage for the first time after holding Iran to a 1-1 draw in their final Group G match. The Pharaohs finished unbeaten and advanced as group runners up, setting up a Round of 32 clash with Australia, while Iran remains in contention as one of the best third placed teams. Mahmoud Sabre gave Egypt an early lead before Ramin Rezaeian, later named Player of the Match, equalized. Goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir starred with a penalty save and several crucial stops, including a late save after Iran had a stoppage time winner ruled out for offside following a VAR review.

World Bank Approves USD 1.1 Billion for Bangladesh Food and Emergency

The World Bank has approved USD 1.1 billion for two projects to help Bangladesh address rising food, fertilizer, and fuel prices, strengthen food security, and improve emergency response capacity. A USD 300 million project will finance imports of 600,000 metric tons of fertilizer for the Aman and Boro rice seasons, supporting smallholder farmers. A separate USD 713 million emergency response project will fund cash transfers, livelihood support, and essential fuel and energy supplies to protect vulnerable households, businesses, and critical services. The projects are intended to cushion the economy against external shocks and preserve jobs.

Burkina Faso Severs Diplomatic Ties with France

Burkina Faso has severed diplomatic relations with France, citing alleged foreign interference and accusing its former colonial ruler of supporting subversive networks and terrorist groups. France rejected the allegations, describing the move as hostile and unfounded, and said it was considering reciprocal measures. Paris also urged its citizens in Burkina Faso to exercise heightened caution. Relations between the two countries have steadily deteriorated in recent years amid disputes over security cooperation, sovereignty, and France’s role in the Sahel, where Burkina Faso continues to battle a deadly Islamist insurgency.

US Strikes Iranian Targets After Attack in Strait of Hormuz

The United States launched strikes on Iranian missile, drone, and coastal radar facilities after accusing Tehran of violating a ceasefire following a drone attack on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz. The attack disrupted plans to evacuate sailors stranded in the region. Iran maintained the vessel was using an unauthorized transit route and responded by targeting sites linked to US forces, while also launching drone attacks that Bahrain said violated its sovereignty. Separately, a commercial tanker was hit by an unidentified projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, damaging its bridge. All crew members were reported safe, with no environmental damage.

Venezuela Earthquake Tests Interim President’s Leadership

Venezuela’s strongest earthquake in more than a century has emerged as the first major test of interim President Delcy Rodríguez’s leadership, with early estimates indicating the death toll could exceed 10,000. The twin 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes caused widespread destruction, leaving authorities facing a massive rescue and reconstruction effort. Analysts say the government’s response could shape Rodríguez’s political future, either strengthening her position or exposing weaknesses in a country already strained by years of economic crisis. The United States has pledged significant assistance, a move expected to deepen Washington’s influence as Venezuela begins what is likely to be a prolonged recovery.