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.

Russian Ambassador Pays Courtesy Call on Vice President Yadav

Russian Ambassador Aleksei Vladimirovich Surovtsev held a meeting with Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav at the Vice President’s office in Lainchaur to discuss various dimensions of Nepal-Russia bilateral relations. Highlighting that this year marks the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic ties established in 1956, Vice President Yadav praised Russia’s historical contributions to Nepal’s human resource development, tourism, and infrastructure. Ambassador Surovtsev reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to strengthening ties and expressed keen interest in supporting Nepal’s hydropower, agriculture, medicine, and physical infrastructure sectors. Notably, the Ambassador stated that if the government of Nepal formally requests it with a breakdown, the Russian side is ready to help revive and modernize historical industrial plants like the Birgunj Sugar Factory and the Janakpur Cigarette Factory.

Bangladesh Envoy Meets Speaker Aryal

Bangladesh Ambassador Md Shafiqur Rahman paid a courtesy call on Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal on Wednesday, with the two sides discussing ways to strengthen Nepal-Bangladesh relations. During the meeting, Speaker Aryal said ties between the two countries are based on mutual respect, trust, and sovereign equality, expressing confidence that bilateral cooperation would continue to expand. The Bangladeshi envoy highlighted opportunities to deepen collaboration in energy, trade, tourism, education, health, and people-to-people exchanges, while also emphasizing the importance of strengthening regional cooperation in South Asia. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further enhancing bilateral relations and cooperation in areas of shared interest.

Govt. Demands Clarifications from Employees Residing Abroad Illegally

The Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives, and General Administration issued a strict 15-day public notice demanding official clarifications from two computer operators holding foreign residency permits. The two state employees remained abroad and failed to report for national duty even after their authorized study and extraordinary leaves expired. Under the Civil Service Act 1993, active government staff are legally prohibited from applying for or holding temporary or permanent foreign residency statuses. Minister Pratibha Rawal stated that the ministry will permanently disqualify the absent staff from future government service if they fail to present satisfactory justifications.

HoR Meeting Adjourned for 15 Minutes Today

The meeting of the House of Representatives has been adjourned for 15 minutes. Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal suspended the session after lawmakers from the Shram Sanskriti Party continuously surrounded the rostrum in protest. The lawmakers belonging to the party had been constantly protesting, claiming that the minister failed to answer the questions they raised. Speaker Aryal repeatedly requested the lawmakers to take their seats and assist in running the meeting. Discussions are currently underway in the House of Representatives regarding the answers and clarifications on the questions raised during the debate on the Appropriation Bill.

Home Minister Gurung Returns to Office Shadowed by Corruption Questions

Home Minister Sudan Gurung returned to his ministerial post nine days ago, following his initial resignation over shared business links with controversial businessman Deepak Bhatta. Gurung allegedly acquired company shares valued at Rs 5 million inside Bhatta’s insurance firms, prompting a cabinet-led judicial probe headed by a former judge. Though the probe committee submitted its final findings, the government has kept the contents hidden from the public. Upon resuming office, Minister Gurung directed authorities to launch a fresh investigation into the 2001 Narayanhiti royal palace assassinations, shifting public attention away from his unverified asset inquiries.

Foreign Minister Khanal Highlights Connectivity Agenda During China Visit

Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has said strengthening connectivity and economic cooperation remains a key priority in relations with China, emphasizing the importance of advancing cross-border infrastructure projects. During his official visit to Beijing, Khanal said projects under the Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network, including cross-border railways, roads and transmission lines, are expected to enhance trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges. He noted that a feasibility report on the proposed cross-border railway project is expected by the end of June, while survey work for the Chilime-Kerung transmission line is progressing. Khanal also stressed the importance of maintaining balanced relations with both China and India, describing the two neighbours as important partners for Nepal’s development and regional connectivity.

Land Ownership Certificate Distribution to Squatters from July: Minister Rawal

Minister for Land Management, Cooperatives, Federal Affairs, and General Administration Pratibha Rawal has said the government will begin distributing land ownership certificates to landless settlers from the first week of July under a new mechanism aimed at resolving long-standing landlessness issues. Speaking in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, Rawal said only about 9,000 land ownership certificates had been issued despite 1.2 million applications being submitted over the past 30 years. She said district-level committees led by chief district officers would now oversee the process. The minister also said Rs 5.9 million had been returned to small depositors of eight troubled cooperatives over the past three months, while Rs 35.4 million in loans had been recovered.

Minister Bikram Timilsina Vows to Protect Press Freedom

Information and Communications Minister Bikram Timilsina on Wednesday said the government remains fully committed to protecting freedom of expression, press freedom, and the right to information while making the media sector more credible and responsible. Responding to lawmakers during the budget discussion, he said Rs 5.93 billion has been allocated to the ministry, with priority given to mass communication, telecommunications, postal services, film, and printing. Timilsina said the government will strengthen digital safety, fact-checking, and disaster warning systems, expand broadband and telecom services in remote areas, modernize postal services, and continue investments in film infrastructure and security printing.

Minister Pokharel Calls for Job-Oriented, Modern University Education

Education and Sports Minister Sasmit Pokharel has said the government is prioritizing reforms to make university education more relevant, technology-friendly, and aligned with labor market needs. Speaking at the convocation of Mid-Western University, he said curricula will be updated to connect higher education with employment, entrepreneurship and innovation, along with adequate budget, infrastructure and skilled manpower support. He stressed that universities should move beyond producing certificates and instead contribute to social transformation through research and practical knowledge. Pokharel highlighted the need for focused study on Karnali’s natural and cultural resources, including water, forests, herbs and tourism, to support local development. He urged graduates to use their skills for nation-building and addressing challenges such as unemployment, poverty and climate change through innovation and research.

Norwegian Embassy Reaffirms Support, Highlights Minister Badi’s Participation

The Royal Norwegian Embassy in Kathmandu has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting human rights, equality, and inclusion after participating in Pride Month events held in Kathmandu this week. In a statement, the embassy said it joined Pride celebrations, including a parade and a national dialogue organized by the Blue Diamond Society, alongside government officials, development partners, and rights advocates. The embassy highlighted the participation of Sita Badi, Minister for Women, Children, Gender and Sexual Minorities, and Social Security. Badi is the first woman from the Badi community to serve as a federal minister in Nepal. Describing diversity as a strength, the embassy said it remains committed to supporting efforts that advance equality, inclusion, and human rights for all. The Pride events brought together stakeholders to discuss issues related to social inclusion and the rights of sexual and gender minorities in Nepal.

Nepal, Germany Conclude G2G Talks with EUR 37.6 Million Pledge

The Nepal–Germany Government-to-Government (G2G) development cooperation negotiations concluded in Kathmandu on June 17, with Germany pledging EUR 37.6 million for projects over the next two years. Held from June 16 to 17, the talks reviewed ongoing cooperation and set new priorities in energy, health, economic development, and civil society sectors. The agreement focuses on strengthening the national power grid, expanding clean energy systems, improving healthcare access, and supporting health insurance and digital health services, including support for Paropakar Maternity and Women’s Hospital. It also targets job creation for farmers, youth, and entrepreneurs, while supporting civil society work on human rights, social cohesion, and local development.

Lawmakers Renew Demand for PM’s Clarification

Lawmakers in the House of Representatives on Wednesday again demanded that Prime Minister Balendra Shah clarify his recent remarks on Nepal–India border issues. Opposition MPs also raised concerns over conditions faced by landless settlers living in holding centers in Kathmandu and called for humane management and accountability. Members from multiple parties highlighted disputes involving Lipulekh, Kalapani, Limpiyadhura, and Susta, while questioning the government’s handling of border-related issues and public communication.

Congress says 83 Ilam Tea Factories Shut Down

Nepali Congress whip Nischal Rai said in Parliament that more than 83 tea factories in Ilam have shut down after a new Tea Board of India SOP disrupted exports. According to Rai, prolonged testing requirements have delayed sales, caused green tea leaves to spoil, and left workers unemployed while entrepreneurs struggle to repay bank loans. He urged the government to launch immediate government-to-government diplomatic talks with India, establish a domestic tea-testing laboratory, and support expansion into alternative export markets.

Jhala Nath Khanal Seeks Resignation of Prachanda, Madhav Nepal

Former Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal has demanded the resignation of Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ and Madhav Kumar Nepal, accusing the current leadership of ideological deviation and organizational failure. In a 36-point letter submitted to the party leadership, Khanal criticized the party for failing to complete integration after the merger and blamed mismanagement for electoral setbacks. He called for a special meeting to elect a new leadership and also referred to what he described as past “suicidal mistakes,” including decisions related to the registration of the previous unified communist party.

Deuba Couple Pledge to Return by August 13

Former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and former Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana have informed the Department of Money Laundering Investigation that they will return to Nepal by August 13 and cooperate with the ongoing investigation. In a letter sent on June 11, the couple said they are abroad for medical treatment and have no intention of evading the legal process. They requested authorities not to treat them as absconding or issue measures that could obstruct their return, while maintaining that they are prepared to prove their innocence through a fair and evidence-based investigation.

Khadka Re-Elected Chairperson of RSP Karnali Province

Madan Khadka has been re-elected as the Chairperson of the Karnali Province of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). Khadka secured victory in the party’s first Karnali Provincial Convention held on Tuesday, defeating his nearest rivals Nandakishor Basnet and Sneha Upadhyay. According to the Election Committee, Khadka obtained 288 votes out of the 400 votes cast. Similarly, Upadhyaya bagged 63 votes, while Basnet garnered 35 votes. Khadka, who has now been re-elected to the position, is widely recognized for his significant role in expanding and strengthening the party’s organizational structure since its establishment. Basnet joined the RSP from CPN (UML) in February this year. He had previously contested the House of Representatives election from Dailekh constituency no. 1.

2 More Arrested in E-Passport Procurement Irregularities Case

The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has arrested two more individuals in connection with irregularities related to e-passport printing. According to CIAA sources, Manindra Raj Malla, the Nepali representative of the German company Mühlbauer, and Tulsi Prasad Acharya, the then-accounting officer of the Department of Passport, have been arrested. The court has granted a three-day remand extension to keep them in custody for further investigation. Previously, the then-Director General of the Department of Passport, Tirtha Raj Aryal, and Director Sunil Kumar KC were arrested. A four-day remand extension had been granted for their investigation. The CIAA is currently probing the alleged irregularities in the passport printing and procurement process.

Probe Committee Formed Over Nepal Television Procurement Processes

The Ministry of Information and Communications has formed a four-member probe committee to review equipment and technology procurement carried out by Nepal Television at different times. Formed under coordinator Dr. Sudip Bhattarai through a ministerial decision on June 15, the committee has been tasked with examining complaints and concerns related to procurement of graphics systems, digital platforms, audio-video equipment, transmitters and a playout automation system for the Itahari channel. It has been given 21 days to submit its findings and recommendations to the ministry. The investigation follows repeated questions over transparency and legal compliance in NTV’s modernization-related purchases.

TU Directs Teachers on Study Leave to Return Within 15 Days

Tribhuvan University (TU) has issued a 15-day ultimatum for professors and staff who took study leave but failed to return to service. According to a notice issued by TU’s Study Leave Management Implementation Committee, legal action will be taken against those who do not comply within the deadline, in accordance with university regulations and signed agreements. The initiative, backed by the Ministry of Education, has already recovered over Rs 118.4 million from 50 professors who breached their contracts. TU emphasized that while study leave is a privilege meant to enhance academic capacity, its misuse has caused economic and academic losses to the university. The recovery process for the remaining dues will continue.

Rupesh and Kritisara Maintain Leads in National Chess Tournament

Fide Master Rupesh Jaiswal and female player Kritisara Adhikari maintained their leading positions after seven rounds of play on the fourth day of the 46th Chess Olympiad Selection. In the open category, Jaiswal held the top spot with 6.5 points after securing six wins and one draw, followed by Rison Thapa in second place with 5.5 points. In the women’s division, Adhikari led the pack with 5.5 points, while Binita Kapali secured the second spot with 5 points. Jointly organized by the Koshi Province Sports Development Board and the Jhapa District Chess Association, the eleven-round national tournament will run for six days.

Paritoshika Panta Set to Make Film Debut Alongside Pashupati Sharma

Paritoshika Panta, daughter of popular singer Anju Panta, signed a contract to make her acting debut in an upcoming feature film. The movie will also mark the official acting debut of folk singer Pashupati Sharma, who agreed to join the project after reviewing the final script with the production crew. Produced under the Raghu G Films banner, the cinematic venture is directed and written by Amardeep Sapkota, with Raghunath Sapkota serving as the primary producer. Having previously completed professional acting courses, Panta performed in multiple music videos and theater dramas before entering the mainstream film industry.

Production Team Wraps Up Filming for ‘Akshara’

Director Binay Raj Poudel successfully completed the shooting of his upcoming feature film Akshara within its predefined 37-day production schedule. Produced under the Kshitiz Babu Production House banner, the cinematic project features lead performances by Sushil Sitaula, Nancy Khadka, Sushil Pokhrel, and Puskar Raut. The movie’s script was penned by Ugrasain Dhungana, while Abhimanyu Nirabi collaborated with the director to finalize the screenplays and dialogue. Featuring cinematography by Dipen Basnyat and fight choreography by Shankar Maharjan, the domestic drama is slated to hit cinema halls across Nepal on September 11 this year.

British TV Presenter Jeremy Clarkson Reveals Cancer Diagnosis

British television presenter and former Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson has revealed that he has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer, saying the disease was detected at an early stage and that he is undergoing treatment. The announcement was made in the latest season of the TV series Clarkson’s Farm, where Clarkson told co-stars Kaleb Cooper and Charlie Ireland that a biopsy confirmed the diagnosis. The 66-year-old said part of his prostate had been removed as part of his treatment and added that doctors identified the cancer in its early stages. Clarkson said he expects to recover and reassured viewers that he would be “fine,” though he may be away from work for a period. Health concerns have featured prominently in the show’s latest season. In 2024, Clarkson disclosed that he had undergone a heart procedure after doctors discovered significant blockages in arteries supplying blood to his heart, leading to the insertion of a stent.

G7 Backs Ukraine, Pledges Tougher Sanctions on Russia

 Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) nations reaffirmed their support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and agreed to increase sanctions on Russia during their summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, underscoring continued backing for Kyiv amid efforts to advance peace talks. The statement followed meetings involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, US President Donald Trump, and other G7 leaders. The group also welcomed a preliminary agreement between the United States and Iran and pledged support for its implementation. Attention at the summit then shifted to critical minerals, trade imbalances, and artificial intelligence. G7 members discussed measures to reduce dependence on China for rare earths and strategic minerals, strengthen supply chains, and address concerns over Chinese industrial dominance and trade practices. Leaders are also expected to discuss AI governance, misinformation risks, and the growing influence of advanced AI systems.

Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit Undergoes Lung Transplant

Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway has undergone a successful lung transplant in Oslo, according to the Norwegian royal household, marking a major development in her long battle with a chronic lung disease. The 52-year-old, wife of Crown Prince Haakon, was diagnosed in 2018 with pulmonary fibrosis, a progressive condition that has recently worsened and required increased medical support. Palace officials said she will remain in hospital for several weeks for close observation following the transplant, which doctors described as progressing well. Medical staff at the Oslo hospital said the procedure was complex but successful, though recovery will require long-term immunosuppressive treatment and careful monitoring, as is standard for transplant patients. The royal household said Crown Prince Haakon will adjust his official duties to support her recovery. The transplant follows a difficult period for the Norwegian royal family, including legal and public scrutiny surrounding her son, Marius Borg Høiby.