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.

Heatwave Alert Issued Across Terai, Temperatures Exceed 38°C

The Meteorological Forecasting Division has issued a heatwave warning for the Terai region, forecasting maximum temperatures of 38°C or higher over the next three days. The alert covers parts of Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini, and Sudurpashchim provinces, with moderate heatwave conditions expected in several areas, particularly in Madhesh and Lumbini. An Orange Alert has been issued for districts including Parsa, Bara, Rautahat, Sarlahi, Mahottari, Dhanusha, Siraha, Saptari, Bardiya, Banke, Dang, Kapilvastu, Rupandehi, and Nawalparasi, while a Yellow Alert remains in effect for several other Terai districts. Authorities have urged residents to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, and limit outdoor activities during peak daytime hours.

Nepal Rotates Peacekeeping Troops Under UN Mission in Libya

The Nepali Army initiated its scheduled rotational deployment for international peace support operations in Libya under the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL). Military officials confirmed a first cohort consisting of 42 personnel from the Gurubux Battalion (Peacekeeping Force) eighth contingent departed for the mission zone on Thursday. Concurrently, 61 troops belonging to the outgoing Naya Bhairavidal Battalion Seventh Contingent returned to Kathmandu after completing their operational assignments. Defense records show that Nepal currently maintains a deployment of 213 active peacekeepers inside Libya to fulfill security mandates, with remaining personnel shifts scheduled to execute incrementally.

Lumbini CM Reshuffles Cabinet, Appoints 5 New Ministers

Lumbini Province Chief Minister Chet Narayan Acharya reshuffled his cabinet on Wednesday, appointing five new ministers a day after four CPN (UML) ministers resigned. The reconstituted cabinet includes four ministers from the CPN (UML) and one from the Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP). Tulsi Prasad Chaudhary was appointed Minister for Agriculture, Land Management and Cooperatives, Ramji Prasad Ghimire as Health Minister, Ratna Bahadur Khatri as Minister for Physical Infrastructure Development, and Dilli Raj Bhusal as Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation. From the JSP, Bhandari Lal Ahir was appointed Minister for Internal Affairs and Law, replacing Aadesh Kumar Agrawal.

Probe Committee Formed to Investigate Fire at APF Headquarters

The Armed Police Force (APF) has formed an inquiry committee to investigate the fire that broke out at the vehicle section of its Motor Transport (MT) branch inside the APF headquarters on Wednesday night. The committee, led by Deputy Inspector General Sandip Thapa, has already begun its investigation. Authorities have directed the panel to complete its work and submit a report at the earliest, although no specific deadline has been set. The fire erupted at around 8:00 PM in the vehicle section within the APF headquarters compound. Several vehicles reportedly sustained damage before the blaze was brought under control by a team deployed from the Bangalamukhi Battalion. The incident is the latest in a series of fire outbreaks involving APF facilities. Previous fires have also been reported at the APF headquarters and at an APF storage facility in Satungal.

Missing Everest Worker Found Alive, Flown to Kathmandu

Dawa Sherpa (Hillary), a tourism worker who had been missing for a week in the Everest Base Camp area, has been found alive and successfully evacuated to Kathmandu by helicopter. Sherpa was rescued from the treacherous Khumbu Icefall region and was immediately flown to HAMS Hospital in the capital for advanced medical treatment, following initial preliminary care on-site. According to rescuers, he was found suffering from severe frostbite on his hands and feet after enduring a week in the extreme high-altitude elements. Mountaineering professionals and community members have widely described his survival and subsequent rescue as an absolute miracle.

Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal to Fly for India Tomorrow

Minister for Foreign Affairs Shisir Khanal is scheduled to pay an official three-day visit to India starting tomorrow. According to a press release issued today by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Khanal is undertaking the visit at the cordial invitation of India’s Minister of External Affairs, S. Jaishankar. During his stay in New Delhi, Minister Khanal will hold a formal bilateral meeting with his Indian counterpart, Dr. Jaishankar. The two leaders are expected to discuss a wide range of matters of mutual interest, aimed at boosting cooperation in key sectors including trade, investment, connectivity, energy, and strengthening people-to-people ties. “As part of the regular exchange of high-level visits, this visit will further consolidate the enduring and multifaceted bilateral relations between Nepal and India,” the Ministry stated in its press release. Foreign Minister Khanal is scheduled to conclude his official visit and return to Kathmandu on June 7.

At Least 182 Leaders Resign from RPP

In a major setback for the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), General Secretary Dhawal Shumsher Rana and 182 other leaders have collectively resigned from the party, signaling the start of a possible split. The resigning group includes Vice President Mukunda Shyam Giri, central committee members, and leaders from various party wings. Other prominent leaders who stepped down include Dilnath Giri, Keshavraj Shrestha, Narayan Prasad Koirala, Sagun Sundar Lawati, Dhansur Shahi, Meena Shahi, Dil Bikash Rajbhandari, and Nanimaiya Acharya. The resignations come amid long-running internal disputes within the party. Sources say many of the departing leaders had faced disciplinary action from RPP Chairperson Rajendra Lingden. Rana is reportedly preparing to launch a new political party, a move that could further weaken the RPP’s organizational base.

Nepali Congress Suspends Bara District Party President Yadav

The Nepali Congress Central Disciplinary Committee officially suspended Bara District Party President Rajesh Ray Yadav on Thursday following internal non-compliance reviews. Executive investigators initiated disciplinary actions under Article 34 (8) (e) of the party statute after receiving formal complaints that Yadav actively worked to defeat the party’s official candidates during elections held on March 5. The executive secretariat moved forward with the suspension after Yadav failed to submit formal explanations regarding the internal charges despite receiving consecutive five-day clarification notices issued on May 13 and May 26.

Mahabir Pun Restricts Provincial Forensic Laboratory Expansion Plans

Mahabir Pun, Member of Parliament and founder of the National Innovation Center, stated that Nepal lacks the fiscal capability to construct high-tech forensic laboratories across every province. Speaking at a parliamentary committee review on Thursday, the former education minister explained that purchasing modern diagnostic machinery to satisfy rigid International Organization for Standardization (ISO) compliance parameters is prohibitively expensive. Pun advised that the state should focus resources on upgrading one centralized national facility while outsourcing complex criminal verifications abroad. He cited Nepal’s previous practice of shipping sample evaluations to Hong Kong during early pandemic management as a sustainable economic model for technical analysis.

Dhawal Shumsher Announces Formation of New Party

Dhawal Shumsher Rana, the former General Secretary of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), has announced the formation of a new political party. He made the announcement regarding the establishment of the new party during a press conference held in Kathmandu today. Earlier this week, Rana had issued a statement announcing his resignation from the RPP. Following his departure from the party, he has become active in a new political campaign. Along with Rana, some leaders and cadres of the RPP have also reportedly left the party to join his new campaign. However, detailed information regarding the name, structure, and future course of action of the new party has not yet been made public.

UML Chief Whip Accuses Government of ‘Authoritarian’ Conduct

CPN (UML) Chief Whip Ain Mahar has accused the government of displaying authoritarian tendencies, alleging that it is acting as though it is above the constitution and existing laws. Speaking to journalists at the UML parliamentary party office in Singha Durbar on Thursday, Mahar also questioned the role of the Speaker, claiming parliament was being reduced to a “shadow of the government.” He said the opposition’s protests in the House were aimed at ensuring accountability rather than obstructing parliamentary proceedings. Mahar further alleged that recent amendments made by the Finance Minister to the Economic Bill after its registration in Parliament had raised suspicions and warranted closer scrutiny.

Nepal Climbs Four Places to 97th in 2026 Henley Passport Index

Nepal has climbed four places in the 2026 Henley Passport Index, improving its global passport ranking from 101st last year to 97th this year. The latest report by the index, which measures the strength of passports and international travel access worldwide, shows that Nepali passport holders can currently travel to 35 destinations with either visa-free access or a visa on arrival. Despite the improved ranking, Nepal’s travel access has narrowed slightly. In 2025, Nepali citizens had access to 36 destinations under visa-free or visa-on-arrival arrangements. The Henley Passport Index ranks 199 passports against 227 destinations annually, assessing the level of global mobility available to passport holders. The latest rankings indicate progress in Nepal’s standing, although challenges remain in expanding international travel access for Nepali citizens.

Biratnagar Achieves Full Immunization Coverage for Children

Biratnagar Metropolitan City has achieved full immunization coverage after ensuring complete vaccination for 11,630 children aged under five through its vaccination assurance and sustainability program. According to metropolitan health officials, the campaign reached children across all wards, helping strengthen protection against vaccine-preventable diseases. Authorities said the achievement will contribute to reducing child mortality and improving public health outcomes. Health officials noted that routine immunization protects children from diseases including measles, rubella, polio, tuberculosis, diphtheria, whooping cough, and tetanus. The metropolitan city described the milestone as a major success in local-level healthcare delivery and child health promotion.

TikToker Tulsi Adhikari Sent to Judicial Custody

Popular TikToker Tulsi Adhikari has been sent to jail for judicial custody after a decision by the Lalitpur District Court. The order was issued by District Judge Tek Nath Gautam, directing that she remain in custody while the case proceeds. Authorities confirmed she will be held at Nakkhu Jail. Adhikari was arrested in Thailand on the basis of an Interpol Red Notice. She is accused of being involved in an alleged organized extortion scheme, where investigators claim a businessman was pressured into paying approximately Rs 65.2 million under the threat of a false rape allegation linked to a past consensual encounter in 2018.

Patan Museum Schedules Eastern Himalayan Contemporary Fine Arts Exhibition

The international fine arts exhibition ‘Rivo: Identity and Continuity’ will open in August 2026 at the Patan Museum in Nepal to bring together contemporary regional creators. Organized by the Rio Collective of Sikkim, the cultural program completed its premiere run in Gangtok, Sikkim before moving to the Kathmandu Valley itinerary. The exhibition features diverse paintings, visual arts installations, and modern designs highlighting shared histories and ancestral customs from across Bhutan, Sikkim, and Nepal. Local painters Manoj Rai and Sandesh Gurung will represent Nepal during the event, which is designed to foster cross-border cultural collaboration and community dialogue across the Eastern Himalayan belt.

Hollywood Actor Jet Li Evaluates Spiritual Sites in Kathmandu Monastery Opening

Martial arts icon and Hollywood actor Jet Li arrived in Kathmandu to perform spiritual pilgrimages and attend local Buddhist monastery ceremonies. The retired wushu champion attended the inaugural celebration of the Tergar Osel Ling Monastery in Nagarjun, appearing alongside actress Manisha Koirala and senior monastic practitioners. Family coordinators verified that Li’s daughter has been working inside Nepalese Buddhist institutions for several years, prompting his regular spiritual travels to iconic regional heritage zones like Boudha and Lumbini. Li, who debuted in the 1982 film Shaolin Temple before starring in global projects like Romeo Must Die in 2000, frequently coordinates with Koirala on shared spiritual interests during capital visits.

CAN Apologizes Over Timed-Out Dismissal of Bhutan Batter

The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has apologized for the timed-out dismissal of a Bhutanese batter during a women’s international match, stating that the incident did not reflect the values and spirit of cricket it seeks to uphold. In a press release issued on Thursday, CAN acknowledged that while the dismissal was carried out in accordance with the Laws of Cricket, the spirit of the game extends beyond written regulations and should remain central to players’ conduct. The governing body expressed regret over the incident and apologized to Bhutan Cricket, the player involved, and other stakeholders, saying the action fell short of the standards of sportsmanship, mutual respect, and fair play that Nepal aims to promote. CAN reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and the spirit of cricket both on and off the field.

Nepal Crushes Malaysia by 167 Runs in Asian Games Men’s Qualifier

Nepal delivered a dominant all-round performance to defeat the Malaysia national cricket team by 167 runs in the Asian Games Men’s Qualifier at the Singapore National Cricket Ground. Batting first, Nepal posted a strong total of 275 in the loss of 7 wickets in 20 overs, driven by a superb century from Kushal Bhurtel and a solid half-century from Aasif Sheikh. Their aggressive batting set a daunting target for Malaysia. In response, Malaysia were restricted to 108 in nine wickets in their 20 overs. Syed Aziz top-scored with 54 runs, while Sharvin Muniandy and Muhammad Haziq Aiman added 18 and 13 runs, respectively, but the rest of the batting order failed to reach double figures. Nepal’s bowling unit shared the wickets effectively, with Sher Malla taking three wickets, and Karan KC, Sompal Kami, Sandeep Lamichhane, Dipendra Singh Airee, and Kushal Malla each claiming one wicket to secure a comprehensive victory.

Nepal beat Bhutan by 51 runs in the ACC Women’s Premier Cup

Nepal registered a 51-run victory over Bhutan in the ACC Women’s T20I Premier Cup in Malaysia on Thursday, maintaining their unbeaten run in Group D. After being bowled out for 113 runs, with Sita Rana Magar scoring 37, Nepal restricted Bhutan to 62/8 in 20 overs. Bhutan opener Dechen Wangmo remained unbeaten on 39 but received little support from the rest of the batting lineup. For Nepal, Rubina Chhetry claimed three wickets and Riya Sharma took two. The win leaves Nepal atop Group D with four points, while Bhutan remains winless after two matches.

281 Killed in Bangladesh Road Crashes During Eid Travel Period

A total of 281 people were killed and 837 injured in 292 road accidents across Bangladesh during the 13-day Eid-ul-Azha travel period (21 May–2 June), according to the Road Safety Foundation. The report said an average of 22 deaths per day was recorded during the festive movement, with women and children among the victims. Motorcycle crashes were the deadliest, accounting for 124 deaths in 141 incidents, or nearly half of all fatalities. Pedestrians accounted for 37 deaths, while drivers and assistants made up 33 deaths. The RSF also recorded 13 waterway accidents (eight dead, 15 injured) and 22 rail incidents (17 dead, nine injured) during the same period.

Israel, Lebanon Agree to New Ceasefire Framework

Israel and Lebanon have agreed to renew their fragile ceasefire under a US-brokered framework that includes the creation of pilot security zones in southern Lebanon where Hezbollah fighters would be barred. The deal requires a complete halt to Hezbollah attacks and the withdrawal of the group’s operatives from areas between the Israeli border and the Litani River. The agreement follows a fourth round of talks in Washington and comes despite continued cross-border violence, including Israeli airstrikes and Hezbollah rocket fire. The two sides are set to resume negotiations on June 22 in pursuit of a broader settlement, while US officials hope the arrangement will help prevent further escalation along the border.