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.

Gagan Thapa Urges PM Shah to Capitalize on Historic Mandate

Nepali Congress President Gagan Kumar Thapa has stated that Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s government holds a rare, historic opportunity to transform the nation, drawing parallels to BP Koirala’s sweeping mandate in 1959. Speaking at an economic dialogue organized by the party, Thapa noted that the current administration—propelled into power by a massive popular movement that gave the Rastriya Swatantra Party a thumping majority—enjoys immense public backing.

Foreign Minister  Khanal Interacts with Nepali Diaspora in Beijing

Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal, who arrived in the northern neighboring country carrying a message from the new government formed on March 27 under the leadership of Balen Shah, interacted with the Nepali community in Beijing on Sunday. Landing in Beijing on Sunday noon for a four-day official visit to China, Khanal engaged with the diaspora during a welcome reception organized at the Embassy of Nepal. During his stay in Beijing, Foreign Minister Khanal is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, as well as other high-ranking Chinese officials.

Nepali Congress Dissidents Call for Unity, Allege Growing Authoritarianism in Party

Leaders of the dissident faction of the Nepali Congress on Sunday urged party unity and criticized the current leadership, warning that internal divisions have weakened both the party and democracy. Addressing a gathering in Biratnagar, Shekhar Koirala said authoritarian tendencies were emerging within the party, alleging that ward chairpersons were being removed through verbal orders over membership-related disputes. He stressed that consensus, cooperation and unity were essential, arguing that a weakened Nepali Congress would also weaken democracy and national sovereignty. Former General Secretary Shashanka Koirala said the party had reached a weak position and needed unity, claiming that divisions had prevented the party from converting its grassroots support into votes.

Tussle Within UML Over Party Restructuring; Oli, Paudel and Pokharel at Odds

A power struggle has emerged within the CPN (UML) over party restructuring, with Chairman KP Sharma Oli facing growing differences with Vice-Chair Bishnu Prasad Paudel and General Secretary Shankar Pokharel over the future leadership and direction of the party. Paudel and Pokharel have advanced the agenda of party restructuring, including leadership change, while Oli has accused them of attempting to split the party. Paudel and Pokharel—both long-time allies of Oli—have reportedly reached the conclusion that Oli can no longer lead the party in the coming days. During a Secretariat meeting held on May 24, a majority of members had also expressed support for party restructuring.

Dhawal-Durga jointly advance new party formation following Rana’s exit from RPP

Politician Dhawal Shumsher Rana and medical entrepreneur Durga Prasai, coordinator of the Citizen Rescue Campaign, have advanced their plans to form a new political party by announcing 31 organizational departments. At a joint press conference held in Kathmandu on Sunday, the duo officially assigned departmental responsibilities to key figures, including Mukunda Shyam Giri, Sagun Sundar Lawoti, and Raju Acharya. This development follows an initial announcement on June 4, when Rana—the former General Secretary of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP)—publicly resigned from the RPP alongside several party cadres to launch a new political campaign.

Government Plans 10-Year Free Visa for Non-Resident Nepalis Under New Immigration Bill

The government is preparing to provide a 10-year free visa to Non-Resident Nepalis (NRNs) under a proposed Immigration Bill aimed at revising and consolidating existing immigration laws. The Ministry of Home Affairs has drafted the bill, which includes provisions for an NRN visa and outlines 17 types of visas, including diplomatic, tourist, work, study, business, family, and others. Under the proposal, NRNs or persons of Nepali origin holding foreign citizenship or NRN identity cards, along with their families, will be eligible for the 10-year free visa. The definition of family includes close relatives such as parents, children, and in-laws.

Govinda KC Warns of Civil Disobedience Over Delay in Medical Education Commission Appointment

Senior orthopedic surgeon Govinda KC has warned that he will launch a civil disobedience movement if the government fails to immediately proceed with the appointment process for the vacant vice-chairperson post of the Medical Education Commission. In a statement issued on Sunday, KC demanded that the position be filled without delay on the basis of merit, including qualifications, experience, competence, and integrity. He said candidates linked to political or private-interest groups, or those with conflicts of interest, would not be acceptable.

BP Highway’s Flood-Damaged Section to Reopen by June 29

Road Division Bhaktapur and contractors are working round-the-clock to resume traffic along the main under-construction roadside of the BP Highway’s Bhakundebesi–Nepalthok section by June 29 to prevent monsoon river diversion washouts. The 29-km section, completely destroyed by floods on September 28–29, 2024, has been split into three construction packages: Bhakundebesi–Charsayabesi, Charsayabesi–Dalabesi and Dalabesi–Barkhe Khola. Only 70 meters remain of the critical 230-meter Baksiguna section, which will be traffic-ready within five days.

NRB Supervision Report Exposes Banks Exploiting Loopholes to Understate True Risk Profiles

Nepal Rastra Bank’s annual supervision report has exposed serious regulatory gaps and deficiencies in the banking sector, revealing that financial institutions are systematically understating their actual risk profiles. According to the central bank’s report, banks have been maintaining artificially low risk weights on loans under the ‘Regulatory Retail Portfolio’ by exploiting a loophole—applying only a single-threshold criterion rather than comprehensive risk metrics. Furthermore, severe lapses were uncovered in the banks’ Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process (ICAAP); many institutions failed to conduct mandatory annual capital reviews mandated by their own internal policies and routinely missed submission deadlines set by the central bank.

Finance Minister Wagle Announces Tax Concessions and Waivers for Young Entrepreneurs

Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle has stated that the government will gradually eliminate the situation where youth are forced to go abroad to fulfill their dreams, noting that this initiative has already begun with the newly introduced budget. Speaking at the National Youth Entrepreneurship Conference 2026 held in Kathmandu on Sunday, Dr. Wagle mentioned that the foundational work has started through the upcoming year’s budget, with a plan to bring these efforts to a meaningful conclusion within the next five years.

Banks Cut Deposit Rates for Mid-June to Mid-July Amid Over Rs 1 Trillion Excess Liquidity

Commercial banks have further reduced their deposit interest rates for the upcoming month (mid-June to mid-July) as credit demand fails to keep pace with surging deposits. To minimize their cost of funds, 7 out of 20 commercial banks slashed their rates, while 13 kept them unchanged. No bank increased its rates. Because Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) bars banks from lowering regular savings rates below its 2.75 percent floor, institutions have aggressively cut fixed deposit rates instead. The average maximum interest rate on individual fixed deposits fell from 4.34 percent in the previous month to 4.27 percent for the mid-June to mid-July period.

Government Urges Stakeholders to Follow Hydropower Royalty Distribution Framework

The government has informed concerned stakeholders about the basis and framework for the distribution of royalties from hydropower projects and urged them to implement it accordingly. The Department of Electricity Development has requested that the determination of royalty-sharing proportions be based primarily on the geographical location of projects, the area of affected local governments, and the population of affected areas. According to the department, geographical location will carry a weight of 50 percent, while the area of the affected region and the population of the affected region will each carry a weight of 25 percent.

Tea Industries Announce Shutdown as India’s Testing Delays Disrupt Exports

Tea industrialists in Nepal have announced the closure of their industries after exports were obstructed for one and a half months due to difficulties created by India in the name of quality testing of Nepali tea. The disruption has left produced tea without a market, creating a situation where products risk spoiling. All 56 tea industries in Ilam will shut down from Monday, while 30 tea industries in Jhapa will close from Wednesday Around 100,000 workers and 30,000 farming households are linked to these industries.

Popular Singer Bishnu Majhi Lends Voice to Outside Project After a Long Time

Renowned singer Bishnu Majhi has lent her voice to a song outside her own company after a long hiatus. She can be heard in an outside project through the song titled ‘Jhorle Hajur’, which was released on Saturday. For the past few years, Bishnu Majhi had only been releasing Teej and Dashain special songs through her own company, Sapana Music Industries. Listeners usually had to wait for the Teej festival to hear her new music, but this time, her song has arrived ahead of Teej. Singer Babu Krishna Pariyar joins Bishnu Majhi in ‘Jhorle Hajur’. The lyrics of the song were penned by Ramesh BG, while Babu Krishna himself composed the music.

Kathmandu Metropolis Plans International-Level Film Festival

Kathmandu Metropolitan City has announced plans to organize an international-level Kathmandu Film Festival while also intensifying efforts to preserve and promote the capital’s rich historical and cultural heritage under its vision of developing Kathmandu as a cultural and creative city. The announcement was made in the policy and programme for the fiscal year 2026/27. The metropolis has stated that it aims to transform Kathmandu into an open and living museum as well as a creative urban space. As part of this plan, it will carry out study, digital documentation, restoration of original names, mapping, maintenance, renovation, reconstruction, and conservation of heritage structures and sites of historical, religious, archaeological, cultural, and social significance.

Singer Preeti Ale’s New Song ‘Thakuriko Chhori’ Released

Singer Preeti Ale’s new song, “Thakuriko Chhori,” has been officially released. The romantic, dancing-number track features co-vocals from singers Thuman Sharma, Yubaraj Chhantyal, and Pratibha Sharma Chapai. The song features lyrics written by Pratibha Sharma Chapai and music composed by Priya Kumar. On the visual side, the music video stars Gobinda Bibas, Sarita Dhankuti, Sabita Karki, Kanchan Saru Magar, and Renuka Baral. Directed by Arjun Thapa, the video was filmed and edited by Sushil Dangi. It has been made available to the public via the official Thuman Sharma YouTube channel.

Nepali Photography Exhibition Commences in Italy

A photography exhibition titled ‘Nepal Today: In the Forest, In the Village’ is being held in Lonato del Garda, Italy. Curated by Italian curator Filippo Mazza, the exhibition showcases the works of three Nepali photographers: Kishor Sharma, Uma Bista, and Sagar Chhetri. The exhibition will run until August 30. Among the featured works, Kishor Sharma’s photo series ‘Living in the Mist’ presents a seven-year photographic documentation of the nomadic Raute community and their lifestyle.

Composer and Singer Ashish Abiral Assaulted in Baltimore, USA

Renowned composer and singer Ashish Abiral has been assaulted in Baltimore, USA. He was attacked by a local young man and a young woman following a dispute that arose in connection with his work. As a result of the beating, Abiral suffered fractures to his nose and the bone beneath his eye. Abiral also sustained serious injuries to his eye. Friends who arrived at the scene a short while later rushed him to the hospital. He was admitted to a trauma center in Baltimore. The attending doctors have stated that he will need to undergo surgery on his nose.

Third International Invitational Pathari Shanishchare Gold Cup Set for October 3-12

The third International Invitational Pathari Shanishchare Gold Cup 2083 will be held from October 3 to 12, organizers have announced. The announcement was made on Sunday during a press conference organized by Pathari–11 Football Club in Pathari, Morang. The prize money has been increased compared to last year. The winners of the tournament will receive Rs 600,000, while the runners-up will get Rs 300,000. The competition will be held at the Pathari Stadium in Pathari Shanishchare. This year, 10 teams, including two foreign teams and ‘A’ division clubs, will compete in the tournament.

Vinicius Jr. Rescues Brazil in World Cup Opener Against Morocco

A spectacular solo goal from Vinicius Jr., on his 50th international appearance, saved Brazil from a historic opening-match defeat as the five-time champions drew 1–1 with Morocco at MetLife Stadium. Morocco initially took the lead in the 21st minute when Ismael Saibari capitalised on a defensive miscommunication to lob goalkeeper Alisson Becker, marking the first time the African champions have ever scored against South American opposition at a World Cup. Despite Morocco dominating the first half with 12 shots in the opening 30 minutes, they failed to extend their lead.

Irankunda Makes History as Youthful Socceroos Upset Turkey

Nestory Irankunda became Australia’s youngest World Cup goalscorer at 20 years and 125 days, breaking Brett Holman’s 2010 record, as a youthful Socceroos side defeated Turkey in their Group D opener in Vancouver. The Watford forward, formerly of Bayern Munich, was one of ten World Cup debutants fielded by Tony Popovic in the tournament’s youngest lineup since 2018. Irankunda opened the scoring with a superb, low strike after a brilliant touch inside from a Paul Okon-Engstler pass. Turkey dominated large parts of the match in their first World Cup appearance since 2002 but could not beat debutant goalkeeper Patrick Beach.

McGinn Breaks Scotland’s 28-Year-Old World Cup Goal Drought in Haiti Triumph

Scotland marked their long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Haiti in their Group C opener at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts on Saturday, thanks to a decisive first-half strike from captain John McGinn. Playing in their first World Cup match of the 21st century, Steve Clarke’s side climbed to the top of Group C after securing their first World Cup win since 1990. Scotland started brightly and nearly opened the scoring within three minutes when Ben Doak forced Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide into a smart low save after an incisive run. Haiti responded with a spell of pressure, but Scotland’s defence remained composed as Angus Gunn was rarely troubled.

Trump Announces US-Iran Peace Deal Signing for Sunday Despite Iran’s Skepticism

US President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that a deal to end fighting between the US and Iran is scheduled to be signed on Sunday, stating that the key Strait of Hormuz shipping route will immediately become “open to all” upon agreement. While mediator Pakistan supported this timeline, stating a finalized deal was expected within 24 hours via electronic signing, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei expressed caution, doubting the signing would happen on Sunday. Trump further claimed that the US would eventually retrieve and destroy Iran’s nuclear stockpiles—referred to as “Nuclear Dust”—once conditions calm down, despite Iran’s long-standing defense that its nuclear activities are purely peaceful.

Royal Marines Seize Russian Shadow-Fleet Oil Tanker in English Channel

British forces have successfully seized a Russian shadow-fleet oil tanker, the Smyrtos, as it attempted to transit the English Channel. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the seizure on Sunday via a post on X, stating, “This successful operation delivers yet another blow to Russia and reminds those fuelling [Russian President Vladimir] Putin’s war in Ukraine that we will not let them hide.” The United Kingdom Ministry of Defence confirmed that the Cameroon-flagged vessel was boarded early Sunday morning. The high-stakes operation was executed by Royal Marine Commandos and National Crime Agency officials, who received extensive tactical support from a navy frigate, a minehunter, Chinook helicopters, and various other aircraft.

Over 10,000 Illegal Residents Arrested in Saudi Arabia During Nationwide Crackdown

Saudi authorities have arrested 10,725 illegal residents during a series of nationwide inspection campaigns conducted between June 4 and June 10, according to the Ministry of Interior. The arrests were executed through joint operations led by security forces in close coordination with relevant government agencies across the Kingdom. Among those detained, the vast majority were 5,899 individuals cited for violating residency regulations. Additionally, the joint security forces apprehended 3,084 individuals accused of breaching border security laws, while another 1,742 people were found in violation of national labour regulations.