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.

Foreign Minister Details Diplomatic Engagements with India

Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal briefed the House of Representatives regarding his recent official diplomatic tour to India, which concluded from June 5 to June 7. During bilateral dialogues with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, both nations committed to expanding economic corridors, trans-border energy partnerships, and cross-border digital financial systems using localized peer-to-peer (P2P) remittance payment tools. Minister Khanal finalized a collaborative digital infrastructure agreement linking Kathmandu University with the Digital India Bhashini Division, while separate strategic safety talks with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval addressed shared border management concerns.

Minister Swarnim Wagle Denies Budget Tampering

Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle told the Finance Committee that groups linked to major financial crimes are targeting the government and Prime Minister out of fear of an upcoming court case. He denied allegations of budget tampering, saying no changes were made to the 460-page document. Wagle also defended EV import policies and BYD taxation, arguing that the state benefited from the current arrangements and urging lawmakers not to rely on media rumors or political claims.

Ministry of Innovation Commences Operations under Mahabir Pun

The newly formed Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation officially initiated corporate structural mapping tasks after restructuring the state education portfolios to prioritize emerging technological research. Independent Lawmaker Mahabir Pun took charge as the leading cabinet minister, working alongside newly appointed Ministry Secretary Pramila Bajracharya to organize administrative offices from the former youth ministry building inside Singha Durbar. Minister Pun finalized a mandatory Organization and Management (O&M) survey to coordinate a baseline staff structure of 24 internal civil servants, while digital communication teams finalized the institutional web templates for transmission to the Department of Information Technology.

Home Minister Sudan Gurung Vows Historical Case Reviews

Upon reassuming leadership at the Ministry of Home Affairs on June 9, Home Minister Sudan Gurung announced plans to launch fresh criminal inquiries into prominent historic cold cases, including the 25-year-old Narayanhiti Royal Palace massacre. The sweeping announcement drew mixed reactions from legislative parties, with political organizers like Niraj Acharya calling the move an uncoordinated media stunt, while Rajendra Prasad Pandey questioned whether the state possessed the administrative strength to probe centuries-old security failures. Conversely, Lawmaker Gyanendra Shahi welcomed the re-investigation, demanding that public figures holding executive security offices during the 2001 tragedy be brought in for questioning.

Rabi Holds Talks with Opposition to End Parliamentary Deadlock

Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane is holding discussions with opposition leaders in an effort to resolve the ongoing obstruction in the Federal Parliament. The talks are taking place at the Parliament Building in Singha Durbar and involve Bhishma Raj Angdembe, parliamentary party leader of the main opposition Nepali Congress, Barshaman Pun of the Nepali Communist Party, and Khusbu Oli, chief whip of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party. According to sources, opposition parties have shown some flexibility following the discussions. Opposition lawmakers have been obstructing parliamentary proceedings, demanding that Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) retract and clarify his May 31 statement that Nepal has also encroached on Indian territory, arguing that the remarks contradict Nepal’s established position on border issues.

House of Representatives Resumes After Delay Over PM Balen Remarks

The House of Representatives meeting began one hour late after opposition obstruction over Prime Minister Balen Shah’s border-related remarks was withdrawn. The session, originally set for 2:00 PM, started at 3:15 PM after an understanding that the government would clarify the issue in Parliament. Lawmakers are now engaging in emergency-hour discussions on contemporary national issues before Finance Minister Wagle presents budget proposals for the fiscal year 2026/27.

Harka Sampang Demands PM Balen Respond Personally in Parliament

Chairperson of the Shram Sanskriti Party, Harka Raj Rai (Sampang), has insisted that Prime Minister Balendra Shah must personally appear before Parliament and answer questions regarding the issue that has sparked controversy. Speaking during today’s meeting of the House of Representatives, Rai argued that the government must remain accountable to Parliament. He noted that the House session, originally scheduled to begin at 11:00 AM, started only at 3:15 PM following efforts by ruling and opposition parties to reach an agreement. Opposition parties have been questioning the Prime Minister’s remarks concerning the Nepal–India border issue and have repeatedly demanded that he personally clarify his statement before the House. Rai emphasized that parliamentary accountability requires the Prime Minister himself to address lawmakers’ concerns and provide a clear explanation regarding the controversial remarks.

MPs Raise Concerns Over Trafficking, Violence Against Women and Social Issues

During the House of Representatives’ emergency hour, lawmakers raised concerns over human trafficking, violence against women, foreign employment scams, and religious conversion. MPs highlighted the rescue of 453 Nepali citizens from India and called for strict action against traffickers. Others urged government action on examination cancellations affecting foreign job candidates and increasing social tensions, stressing the need for stronger protection and accountability measures.

Lawmakers Dispute Prime Minister’s Boundary Proclamations

Main opposition leaders inside the House of Representatives criticized Prime Minister Balendra Shah over controversial border statements delivered during a legislative session on May 31. CPN (UML) Parliamentary Leader Ram Bahadur Thapa ‘Badal’ argued that the Prime Minister’s assertions regarding border encroachments contradicted historical treaties, demanding a formal correction on the House floor. Concurrently, Nepali Congress leader Bhishmaraj Angdembe labeled the border statements irresponsible and damaging to regional diplomacy while criticizing ruling alliance members for remaining silent during complex geopolitical updates.

Nepali Congress Enforces Midnight Update Target for Public Officials

The Active Membership Management Committee of the Nepali Congress issued a strict directive requiring all elected public officials to update their organizational membership logs by midnight on June 10. Committee Coordinator Pradip Paudel confirmed that the mandatory registration rule binds federal members of parliament, provincial ministers, chief ministers, and local municipality heads ahead of the upcoming 15th National Convention scheduled for next September/October. Party administrators stated that failure to satisfy the midnight documentation deadline would disqualify delinquent politicians from participating as voting delegates during national leadership selections.

Gyanendra Shahi Criticizes Ministerial Corrections of Geopolitical Statements

Rastriya Prajatantra Party Parliamentary Leader Gyanendra Shahi questioned the constitutional practice of cabinet ministers attempts to walk back international boundary comments made by the head of government. Speaking before the House of Representatives, Lawmaker Shahi noted that while mature administrations typically rely on the Prime Minister to clarify foreign policy mishaps, the current cabinet forced Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal to issue corrections for the Prime Minister’s speeches. The opposition representative stressed that territorial boundary lines remain highly sensitive diplomatic matters that should never be handled through contradictory statements by different cabinet departments.

Shram Sanskriti Party Stages Protest inside Parliament Well Again

Lawmakers representing the Shram Sanskriti Party disrupted legislative proceedings by surrounding the well of the House of Representatives after being denied a spot on the official speaking schedule. Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal moved forward with the general agenda following border policy speeches from major party figures Bhishmaraj Angdembe, Ram Bahadur Thapa ‘Badal’, Pramesh Hamal, and Gyanendra Shahi, citing a lack of pre-registered entries from smaller fringe parties. Shram Sanskriti representatives blocked the speaker’s podium and chanted slogans demanding equal speech allocations, forcing parliamentary security details to deploy around the well while general budget debates continued over the disruption.

RSP Postpones Bagmati Province Convention Amid Technical Issues

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has postponed its Bagmati Province Convention, citing technical errors in the election process. The party’s Central Election Commission said the delay was necessary to correct ballot issues and verify the voters’ list. The committee also redeployed staff to ensure smoother proceedings but has not announced a new date. The convention had featured a four-way contest for provincial leadership before the postponement.

Israel Caregiver English Proficiency Tests Set to Resume

Testing coordinators at CINA International announced the resumption of the mandatory basic English language proficiency evaluations for prospective domestic workers following temporary structural delays at testing centers. The sudden postponement of exams scheduled on June 9 and June 10 this year triggered minor student protests outside the Triureshwor examination complex before the Department of Foreign Employment intervened. Testing administrators confirmed that rescheduled session details will be delivered directly via text messages, enforcing the language baseline required to deploy certified Nepalese medical caregivers to long-term elderly nursing facilities operating in Israel.

Court Extends Custody for Kumar Thapa Magar

The Kathmandu District Court approved a formal request from law enforcement units to extend the pre-trial detention of homicide suspect Kumar Thapa Magar, popularly recognized as ‘Nepali Bro.’ District Judge Pitambar Sharma authorized an additional 5-day investigative custody window, allowing Balaju police station detectives to continue gathering forensic evidence surrounding the violent death of his spouse, ‘Army Subedar’ Ishwari Bhujel. Investigators stated that escalating domestic disputes inside the household culminated in a fatal physical assault involving an iron rod and a knife, keeping the suspect detained under strict legal custody ahead of formal grand jury indictment filings.

Home Minister Intervenes Following Lawmaker Threat Reports

Home Minister Sudhan Gurung met with Rastriya Prajatantra Party Chief Whip Khushbu Oli on the opposition benches inside the House of Representatives following reports of anonymous physical intimidation targeting female legislators. Lawmaker Oli reported receiving explicit death and sexual assault threats via international digital messaging apps after delivering a parliamentary speech opposing forced religious conversions across rural provinces. Minister Gurung ordered federal cyber crime units to initiate immediate digital tracing procedures to identify the sources of the harassment, promising rigorous prosecution against those threatening elected officials.

Cultural Institute Announces National Duet Song Tournament

The Cultural Institute completed preliminary media briefings confirming that the National Dohori Song Tournament 2026 will be hosted in Kathmandu to celebrate the organization’s 54th establishment anniversary. General Manager Kiran Babu Pun announced that the three-day traditional musical event will run from June 17 to June 19 at the Mega Hall complex located in Jamal. The anniversary competition will feature 25 registered regional musical troupes competing for top honors, concluding with an official award presentation ceremony on the final evening to honor distinguished contributions to Nepali folk music preservation.

Music Royalty Collection Society Distributes Artist Earnings

The Music Royalty Collection Society Nepal (MRCSN) disbursed accumulated creative royalty revenues to registered lyricists and composers during its 19th anniversary assembly hosted at the Nepal Academy hall. Led by Chief Executive Sagar Pandey, the organization distributed funds collected across commercial transport routes, hotel networks, radio broadcasts, and international TikTok views to verified music publishers and content creators. Society President Suresh Adhikari launched the organization’s new digital data portal during the event, enabling registered members to track stream distributions, view accrued song balances, and request direct bank transfers using secure mobile login applications.

Footballer Bimala BK Discharged from Goa Hospital After Nose Surgery

National women’s football team player Bimala BK was officially discharged from Manipal Hospital in Goa, India, following successful surgical treatment for a severe facial injury sustained during a match against Bangladesh. Medical bulletins confirm that the athlete underwent successful nasal reconstructive surgery and has entered a stable recovery phase under close monitoring. The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) confirmed via a press release that BK will remain in Goa for an additional seven days to complete mandatory post-operative follow-up examinations before receiving final medical clearance from physicians to travel back to Nepal.

Nepal Crashes Out of ACC Women’s T20 After 56-Run Loss to Thailand

Nepal’s campaign in the ACC Women’s T20I Premier Cup ended with a 56-run defeat to Thailand in the quarter-finals. Chasing 131, Nepal were bowled out for 74, struggling against disciplined Thai bowling led by Thipatcha Putthawong. Early wickets and a middle-order collapse left Nepal out of contention despite a late effort from Rubina Chhetry and Sita Rana Magar. Thailand advanced to the semifinals after defending their total comfortably.

FIFA and AFC Threaten Instant International Ban Against ANFA

Global football governing bodies FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) issued an ultimatum to the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) warning of an immediate international football ban over continued state administrative interference. Signed by Member Association Officer Elkhan Mammadov and Deputy General Secretary Vahid Kardany, the joint directive granted the National Sports Council (NSC) until June 11 to completely retract its March 25 regulatory decisions that froze regional football association elections. Football executives stated that if the state sports council fails to provide a written guarantee of ANFA’s operational autonomy, the suspension decree will be advanced directly to the FIFA Council for final execution.

Pakistan Carries Out Airstrikes Along Afghan Border Killing 26

Pakistan has carried out airstrikes along its border with Afghanistan, killing at least 26 militants, according to Pakistani officials, in a fresh escalation of cross-border tensions. Islamabad said the strikes targeted militant hideouts, a training site, and ammunition depots in response to recent attacks inside Pakistan. Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities said 13 civilians, including children, were killed in the strikes across several provinces. Both sides have accused each other of harboring or supporting militants, despite a ceasefire agreement reached last October. The latest strikes mark the most serious flare-up since February, raising concerns over renewed instability along the border.

Hong Kong Charges 9 Over Wang Fuk Housing Fire that Killed 168

Hong Kong authorities have charged two companies and seven individuals over the Wang Fuk housing estate fire that killed 168 people last November, one of the city’s deadliest disasters in decades. The accused face 25 charges, including manslaughter, fraud conspiracy, perverting the course of justice, and tax evasion. Officials say failures in fire safety systems, including disabled alarms and flammable materials, contributed to the scale of the blaze. Investigations earlier identified major safety breaches and construction negligence. Authorities have arrested dozens of people since the fire, though not all details of charges have been made public.

‘LinkedIn’ Launches BrandWorks Ad Push Targeting $100m Revenue Rate

LinkedIn, owned by Microsoft, has launched a new marketing unit called BrandWorks aimed at strengthening its position in business advertising. The team, which includes hires from Meta, TikTok, and X, is expected to generate an annualized run rate of about USD 100 million next fiscal year. BrandWorks focuses on higher-performing ad campaigns and creator partnerships, including programs linking advertisers with industry voices. LinkedIn said its video-driven BrandLink initiative is also expanding quickly, with revenue expected to nearly triple this fiscal year. The company is positioning itself as a key hub for B2B advertising as competition intensifies across major social platforms.