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.

HoR Resumes After an Hour Delay Despite 15-Minute Suspension

The House of Representatives meeting on Tuesday was suspended for 15 minutes after opposition lawmakers protested the absence of Prime Minister Balendra Shah and seven ministers, objecting to the session proceeding without them. Opposition MPs insisted the Prime Minister and concerned ministers were required to be present during the discussion, prompting the Speaker to suspend the House. However, despite the 15-minute suspension order, the meeting resumed only after around 1 hour, following continued procedural delays and efforts to normalize proceedings.

Foreign Minister Khanal Meets Wang Yi and Wang Huning in Beijing

Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and CPPCC Chairman Wang Huning in Beijing yesterday, focusing on strengthening Nepal–China relations and expanding cooperation. During talks with Wang Yi, China reaffirmed support for Nepal’s development as a land-linked country under BRI cooperation, with emphasis on infrastructure, energy, aviation, and connectivity projects. China also reiterated respect for Nepal’s sovereignty and praised its adherence to the One-China principle. In the meeting with Wang Huning, both sides discussed trade, investment, tourism, political exchanges, and people-to-people ties, with Nepal appreciating China’s continued support for deepening bilateral friendship and development cooperation.

Nepal, Germany Begin 2-Day G2G Development Talks

Nepal and Germany, on Tuesday, began a two-day government-to-government (G2G) development cooperation negotiation in Kathmandu to set future priorities and funding support aligned with Nepal’s development goals. Held every two years, the talks run from June 16 to 17 and serve as the formal mechanism to review ongoing cooperation and agree on new commitments between the two governments. According to the German Embassy in Kathmandu, discussions focus on health, energy, and economic development, including safer hospitals, maternal and child healthcare, health insurance, clean cooking technologies, solar irrigation, and municipal energy planning. The dialogue also covers improved access to finance, market expansion, and strengthening public service delivery under the long-standing Nepal–Germany development partnership.

Nepal, South Korea Discuss Expanding Cooperation in Health Sector

Discussions have been held between Nepal and the Republic of Korea on expanding cooperation in the health sector, focusing on improving services, infrastructure, and workforce capacity. In a courtesy meeting on Tuesday at the Ministry, Health and Food Safety Minister Nisha Mehta met with South Korean Ambassador Tae-Young Park, where both sides reviewed areas of bilateral cooperation. The discussions focused on strengthening health insurance systems, developing health manpower, expanding health infrastructure, improving service delivery, and promoting health tourism. Cooperation in herbal medicine and pharmaceutical production was also highlighted. Minister Mehta stressed the need to ensure better health security and access to services for Nepali workers in South Korea. Ambassador Park reaffirmed South Korea’s commitment to supporting Nepal’s priority health sector goals and expressed confidence in deeper future cooperation between the two countries.

Khajura Sizzles at 39°C, Extreme Heat Sweeps Nepal’s Terai

Summer temperatures are climbing steadily across Nepal, with Khajura in Banke emerging as the hottest location in the country on Tuesday after the mercury soared to 39 degrees Celsius. Meteorological Forecasting Division indicated that intense heat has tightened its grip on much of the Terai region, particularly in western Nepal, where several locations recorded temperatures well above 37°C. The scorching conditions have increased discomfort for residents and raised concerns over heat-related health risks. While the southern plains continue to bake under near 40°C temperatures, central and eastern Terai districts also reported sweltering conditions, with temperatures largely ranging between 34°C and 36°C. In contrast, the country’s hilly regions experienced comparatively milder weather, with daytime temperatures generally fluctuating between 25°C and 31°C. Higher elevations and northern mountainous districts remained significantly cooler, recording temperatures from around 14°C to 25°C.

Special Court Acquits 8 Defendants in Mammography Machine Case

The Special Court acquitted former Additional Secretary Dr. Sangita Mishra and seven other co-defendants of all corruption charges tied to a procurement contract for medical equipment. A division bench comprising Judges Narayan Prasad Paudel and Umesh Koirala ruled that state prosecutors failed to prove allegations of a Rs 140.6 million financial fraud regarding mammography machine acquisitions for the Department of Health Services. The judicial decree stated that Dr. Mishra approved technical specifications based on valid departmental paperwork. However, the bench sentenced five former administrative officials to four months in jail for generating falsified delivery documents.

Passport Department Chief Detained in Procurement Probe

The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has detained Tirtha Raj Aryal, Director General of the Department of Passports, as part of an investigation into a passport procurement case. Similarly, businessman Siddhartha Thapa and another individual have also been taken into custody for questioning. Further investigation is underway.

Opposition Wants Expunging PM’s Remarks from HoR Record Again Today

Opposition lawmakers on Tuesday’s House of Representatives session demanded that controversial border remarks made by Prime Minister Balendra Shah be expunged from the parliamentary record. Leading the protest, Nepali Communist Party MP Pramesh Hamal and CPN (UML) MP Tuka Hamal urged Speaker DP Aryal to direct the Prime Minister to clarify his statement, raising concerns over its diplomatic implications. Lawmakers also questioned whether the Lipulekh issue was addressed during the Foreign Minister’s visit to China, and called for action over reported Indian military helicopter flights over Darchula and issues affecting the tea sector. MP Harka Raj Rai also demanded investigations into border and land disputes, including river blockage concerns in Rautahat, long-standing land ownership cases, and alleged land fraud incidents, along with grievances raised at Maitighar Mandala.

MEC Approves Scholarship Grant Procedure 2026

The Medical Education Commission (MEC) has approved the Scholarship Grant Procedure, 2026, enabling grants to medical institutions offering free scholarships at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, including DM and MCh programs. The decision was made at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers on Monday, following approval from the Ministry of Education and Sports and the Ministry of Finance within 24 hours. The new framework resolves a legal gap after earlier guidelines became invalid under the Legislation Act, 2025, supported by amendments to the National Medical Education Act, 2019. The meeting was co-chaired by Health and Food Safety Minister Nisha Mehta and attended by commission officials, including Vice-Chair Prof. Dr. Anjani Kumar Jha.

Authority Orders Eviction of Employee Trade Unions

The District Administration Office in Kathmandu issued a mandatory public notification directing all public sector employee trade unions to vacate state-owned buildings within seven days. Released on Monday, the executive directive targets non-governmental professional networks, associations, and technical organizations holding offices inside official properties. The operational order demands the complete removal of organizational signboards, flags, and structural setups from all central, provincial, and district contact units. Under the directive, these associations must completely clear occupied floor space and relocate all union administrative offices to private facilities before the deadline.

Khushbu Oli Criticizes Fragmented Budget Management Framework

During a federal parliament session on Tuesday, Rastriya Prajatantra Party Chief Whip Khushbu Oli raised structural concerns regarding the government’s fiscal allocations under the Appropriation Bill, 2083 BS. Taking part in the ministerial budget debates, she critiqued the brief two-day window provided to review development booklets across 18 ministries, calling the process superficial. Chief Whip Oli highlighted sluggish progress on strategic infrastructure like the Madan Bhandari and Hulaki highways, demanding completion over new project declarations. She also condemned the minimal 0.18 percent allocation for science and technology, urging immediate national artificial intelligence policies.

Nishkal Rai Expresses Concern Impending Eastern Tea Industry Crisis

Nepali Congress Whip Nishkal Rai raised urgent concerns outside the parliament building regarding a severe economic crisis threatening the tea sector in Ilam. He stated that export blockades and inadequate market structures are forcing local tea factories toward closure. According to Rai, Indian border authorities at the Panitanki checkpoint routinely stall Nepali tea cargo containers for up to 15 days under the pretext of quality testing, inflicting heavy financial losses on local traders. He urged the state to initiate government-to-government diplomatic talks to resolve the trade dispute and requested the establishment of an international-standard tea testing center inside Nepal.

RSP Completes Conventions in 64 Districts

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has successfully held conventions across 4,363 wards, 609 municipalities, and 64 districts. According to General Secretary Kabindra Burlakoti, provincial conventions are already complete in Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini, while ongoing in Karnali and Sudurpashchim. Conventions are either pending or postponed in select districts, including parts of Madhesh Province where the provincial convention is currently on hold. Burlakoti added that intense preparations are now underway for RSP’s first general convention, scheduled to take place in Chitwan on June 21-23.

Shristi Bhatrai Releases Public Statement Regarding Viral Video

Rastriya Swatantra Party proportional lawmaker Shristi Bhatrai published an official clarification on Facebook on Tuesday, addressing a viral video that showed her leaning out of a moving car window. Lawmaker Bhatrai specified that the widely shared footage was captured during private personal travels long before her election to public office or any official government appointment. While acknowledging the public’s right to hold elected officials accountable, she emphasized that the action occurred as a passenger during her private time. She affirmed her support for road safety guidelines, promising to uphold strict traffic regulations moving forward.

Kathmandu Traffic Police Honors Newly Promoted Officers

The Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office on Tuesday formally recognized two officers who recently earned promotions within the Nepal Police. Senior Superintendent of Police Suresh Prasad Kafle presented new rank insignia to Navin Chaudhary, who was elevated from Sub-Inspector to Senior Sub-Inspector, and Navaraj Adhikari, who advanced from Assistant Sub-Inspector to Sub-Inspector. The promotions were approved by the Human Resource Development Department at Nepal Police Headquarters. During the ceremony, SSP Kafle congratulated the officers and urged police personnel to uphold professionalism, discipline, and commitment while carrying out their responsibilities. The event was attended by traffic police officials and other personnel serving in the Kathmandu Valley.

Mid-West University to Hold 4th Convocation Tomorrow

The Mid-West University is organizing its fourth convocation and 16th anniversary tomorrow, Wednesday. Even the 18th senate is scheduled for same day. Coordinator of the convocation publicity subcommittee, Dr Bishnu Kumar Khadka, informed that 1,928 graduates would be ordained in the ceremony. There are seven graduate schools, under which 1,222 have completed Bachelors’ level, while 694 did Masters and 12 received Master’s of Philosophy degree. Currently, there are 6,370 students in the university. Minister for Education and Co-Chancellor of the university, Sashmit Pokharel, is scheduled to attend the event as the chair, while former Vice Chancellor of the Tribhuvan University, Kedarbhakta Mathema, as the chief guest.

Film Lakhey Premieres on YouTube Today

The action crime-thriller film Lakhey, featuring prominent actor Saugat Malla in the lead role, officially premiered on the OSR Movies YouTube channel on Tuesday. Directed by Samrat Basnet, the feature film originally had its theatrical release inside cinema halls in 2022. The ensemble cast also features performances by Arpan Thapa, Aryan Adhikari, Anup Bikram Shahi, Barsha Raut, Sushil Sitaula, Prashant Tamrakar, and Rohit Rumba. Produced by Sijan Aryal, GM Thakuri, and DP Bhandari, the revenge-centric thriller is aiming for high digital viewership following lower-than-expected commercial theatrical box office returns.

Self-Defense Training Provided to 190 Schoolgirls in Bhairahawa

A total of 190 teenage girls from four community schools in Bhairahawa, Rupandehi, received self-defense training aimed at improving personal safety skills. The program was organized by the Social Development Division of Lumbini Province and conducted through the Bhairahawa Taekwondo Club. Students from Bhairahawa Model Secondary School, Leelaram Neupane Secondary School, Paklihawa Secondary School, and Suryadev Secondary School participated in the two-week training, which concluded on June 13. Officials said the initiative focused on building confidence and self-protection skills among adolescent girls, with local representatives highlighting the growing importance of self-defense education.

Biratnagar Kings Retain 6 Key Players for 3rd NPL

The Biratnagar Kings retained six foundational players, including team captain Sandeep Lamichhane, ahead of the third season of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) cricket tournament. The cricket franchise secured opening batter Lokesh Bam alongside seasoned all-rounders Bashir Ahmad and Narayan Joshi to fortify their playing squad. Additionally, fast bowler Pratish GC and specialist spinner Subash Bhandari were retained by the management. Conversely, the team released Surya Tamang, Sahil Patel, Shravan Kisku, and Shankar Rana, who were previously acquired during last season’s player auction, alongside Naren Bhatta, while retaining Joshi from the prior auction pool.

UN General Assembly Welcomes Announcement of US-Iran Deal

UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock on Monday welcomed the announcement of a deal between the United States and Iran. “The president of the General Assembly reiterates the secretary-general’s statement welcoming the announcement that the United States and Iran have agreed to a memorandum of understanding to cease hostilities and open the Strait of Hormuz after months of fighting that has led to thousands of civilian deaths and injuries, the destruction of civilian infrastructure, destabilization in the region and global economic upheaval,” said Baerbock in a statement. She thanked the mediators and called on all parties to fully comply with the immediate and permanent ceasefire, including in Lebanon, and to utilize this opportunity to find diplomatic solutions to all disputes in line with the UN Charter and international law.

Norwegian Crown Princess’s Son Sentenced for Rape and Abuse Offenses

Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has been sentenced to four years in prison after an Oslo court found him guilty of two counts of rape and several other offenses, including domestic abuse and causing bodily harm. The 29-year-old was acquitted on two additional rape charges but convicted on multiple charges linked to violence, threats, and abuse involving several women. Prosecutors had sought a prison term of more than seven years, while the defense argued for a significantly shorter sentence. The court ruled that two victims were unable to resist during the assaults, leading to convictions for rape. Høiby was also ordered to pay compensation to four women affected by the offenses. Høiby joined the verdict hearing by video link, and his legal team is expected to appeal the ruling. The high-profile case has drawn significant public attention in Norway and intensified scrutiny of the royal family, which has declined to comment on the court’s decision.