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.

Cabinet Extends Constitution Task Force Tenure, Orders Land Reform Action

The cabinet meeting held at Singha Durbar has extended the tenure of the constitution amendment task force until mid-July 2026, allowing continued work on the draft discussion paper. The meeting also directed concerned ministries to implement recommendations of the Rawal Commission report (1995) on government and public land protection, assigning responsibility to the Ministry of Land Management and the Ministry of Federal Affairs. In another decision, Ramesh Kumar Dhital of Sindhupalchowk has been appointed chairman of the Accounting Standards Board, according to cabinet decisions.

Constitution Amendment Draft Progresses After Consultations

The task force preparing a constitution amendment discussion paper has begun drafting proposals after completing consultations with former presidents, political leaders, constitutional experts, and civil society representatives. Formed under Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s political advisor Asim Shah, the team also held discussions with former prime ministers Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Madhav Kumar Nepal, and Jhalanath Khanal, who emphasized constitutional stability and broad consensus. The draft covers reforms in governance structure, electoral system inclusiveness, party threshold regulation, provincial restructuring, local government design, and judicial independence. In a separate cabinet decision, the task force’s tenure has been extended until mid-July 2026, and ministries have been directed to implement the Rawal Commission report (1995) on public land protection. Ramesh Kumar Dhital has also been appointed chairman of the Accounting Standards Board.

Supreme Court Refuses to Stop Trade Union Ban

The Constitutional Bench of the Supreme Court refused to extend its temporary order that was blocking the government from dissolving civil service trade unions. The five-justices panel, which included Chief Justice Manoj Kumar Sharma, Justice Nahakul Subedi, Justice Binod Sharma, Justice Abdul Aziz Musalman, and Justice Mahesh Sharma Paudel, ruled that the case must go to a full hearing before a final decision is made. This ruling cancels the previous May 11 stay order. As a result, the government can now legally move forward with Section 10 of the Some Nepal Acts Amendment Ordinance 2026 to shut down the employee unions.

Ministry Panel Recommends Cancellation of 38 Hydropower Licenses

A high-level investigation panel formed under the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation recommended the immediate cancellation of 38 non-performing hydropower project licenses representing an aggregate capacity of 1,388 megawatts. The performance review targeting speculative developers who hold power purchase agreements without starting site works also advised revoking 11 inactive licenses issued prior to 2019 that account for 169 megawatts. The report labeled 75 separate energy projects totaling 4,121 megawatts as problematic and advised banning original corporate founders from selling equity shares for five years post-survey to halt speculative trading.

Industry Ministry Enforces Sanctions Along Sirsiya River Corridor

The Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies initiated strict environmental enforcement protocols targeting manufacturing plants discharging untreated chemical wastewater along the Sirsiya River Corridor. Official ministerial circulars directed the Department of Industry to inspect regional manufacturing sites, reinforcing statutory compliance codes that mandate functional effluent treatment systems prior to plant expansion approvals. Authorities confirmed that factories operating in violation of federal environmental guidelines will face immediate operational suspensions, citing severe public health risks generated by illegal factory waste dumps into local public waterways.

Foreign Minister Khanal Set for China Visit June 14 to 17

Minister for Foreign Affairs Shisir Khanal will undertake an official visit to the People’s Republic of China from June 14 to 17, at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, today. During the visit, Khanal is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with his Chinese counterpart in Beijing. The discussions will focus on strengthening Nepal-China relations, expanding cooperation, and exploring areas of mutual interest, the ministry said. He will also meet senior Chinese dignitaries during the trip. The foreign minister will participate in an investment promotion conference organized by the Embassy of Nepal in Beijing, aimed at attracting Chinese investment and engaging with the business community on opportunities in Nepal. He will also attend a reception hosted by the Nepali Embassy and interact with members of the Nepali diaspora in China. The ministry stated that Khanal will return to Kathmandu on June 17 after completing the visit.

Minister Pun Urges Allocation of 1% of Capital Expenditure for Innovation

Minister for Science, Technology, and Innovation, Mahabir Pun, has urged provincial and local governments to allocate 1 percent of their capital expenditure toward science and innovation. Taking to social media, Minister Pun called on provincial and local governments to formulate their upcoming budgets with this allocation in mind, noting that earmarking 1 percent of capital expenditure is a prerequisite for receiving science and innovation grants. “Our ministry will take crucial steps that are absolutely necessary to make the country prosperous,” he said. “I will continuously work to instill a culture of development, research, and innovation across federal, provincial, and local governments, as well as among the general Nepali public.”

Death Toll Climbs to 8 in Kavre Bus Crash, 16 Injured

The number of fatalities in a passenger bus accident along the BP Highway in Kavre has risen to eight, local authorities confirmed on Friday. The bus (Ba 3 Kha 8398), en route from Banepa to Bhakundebesi, crashed in Namobuddha Municipality-2 after losing control near Buchakot. According to District Police Office, Kavre, eight people died at the scene while at least 16 injured passengers were rescued from the wreckage and taken to Dhulikhel Hospital for treatment. Search and rescue efforts are ongoing, and authorities are working to identify the victims.

Opposition Slams Home Minister Reappointment

The main opposition Nepali Congress on Friday criticized the government’s reappointment of Home Minister Sudan Gurung, raising concerns over governance and accountability during a House of Representatives session. A lawmaker alleged the appointment was made despite unresolved allegations, including money laundering claims and findings related to the National Human Rights Commission on the Gen Z protest incident. He questioned why an investigation committee report had not been published before the reappointment and accused the government of protecting individuals facing serious allegations. The opposition also urged parliament to remove what it called an “irresponsible statement” by Prime Minister Balendra Shah, arguing that recent actions undermine democratic norms and rule of law.

Harka Sampang Questions Government Silence Over Susta Border Dispute

During Friday’s parliament session, Shram Sanskriti Party Chairman Harka Raj Rai (Sampang) strongly criticized Prime Minister Balen Shah’s 11-day absence from the House amid rising border tensions in Susta, Nawalparasi, where armed Indian SSB personnel reportedly threatened local Nepalis. Demanding Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal summon the Defense Minister or Prime Minister to answer questions, Sampang fiercely questioned why the Nepali Army has not been deployed, demanding transparency on any secret agreements preventing border mobilization. Additionally, referencing Home Minister Sudhan Gurung’s stance on reopening the Royal Palace Massacre case, he demanded strict, impartial investigations into all high-stakes national issues.

Congress Extends Membership Deadline,500K Receive Digital ID Cards

The Nepali Congress (NC) has extended its deadline for distributing and updating active memberships until further notice. Previously, the deadline had been set for midnight on June 11. According to a statement released by the party, out of 782,209 eligible individuals, 538,622 members have already received their digital identity cards through their respective ward presidents. Additionally, 149,309 members have submitted self-update forms and their details are currently being processed for verification by ward presidents.

UML General Secretary Pokharel Criticizes Speaker Aryal

CPN (UML) General Secretary Shankar Pokharel has publicly criticized Dol Prasad Aryal, Speaker of the House of Representatives, for failing to maintain neutrality. In a Facebook post, Pokharel expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Speaker’s increasing tendency to directly debate opposition lawmakers and defend the government against parliamentary scrutiny. Reminding the Speaker of his expected role, Pokharel emphasized that the Speaker should act strictly as a referee rather than stepping onto the field as a player, noting that debating and questioning are exclusively the duties of the elected Members of Parliament.

Barshaman Pun Demands Parliamentary Probe into Finance Minister

The Nepali Communist Party has demanded the immediate formation of a parliamentary probe committee to investigate Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle over alleged budget leaks and controversial remarks regarding the upcoming fiscal year 2026/27 budget. Speaking at the House of Representatives and the Public Accounts Committee, former Finance Minister and NCP lawmaker Barshaman Pun argued that altering budget documents already tabled in parliament is a grave offense that requires a microscopic investigation. Pun strongly condemned Wagle’s defense where the minister claimed he only made seven alterations compared to sixty-seven by previous administrations stating that past mistakes do not justify current ones. Furthermore, Pun fired back at Wagle’s alleged threats to reopen old corruption cases against critical lawmakers, challenging the Finance Minister to start opening past files immediately, beginning right from his own tenure.

Dhawal Rana and Durga Prasai form Political Alliance to Restore Monarchy

Dhawal Shumsher Rana and medical entrepreneur Durga Prasai finalized a political merger to launch a new democratic nationalist party dedicated to restoring a constitutional monarchy and Hindu state frameworks. Rana, who left his general secretary post at the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) on May 31, brought 185 local party leaders into the new front, while Prasai dissolved his civic protest movement following their June 5 alliance pact. The co-founders, who previously managed street protests together in 2025, postponed their official launch until June 15 to bypass the unpropitious Malmas astrological window.

Supreme Court Cancels Corrupt Appointments at Nepal Airlines

The Supreme Court canceled the Government of Nepal’s executive appointments to the board of directors of Nepal Airlines Corporation. The division bench of Justice Tek Prasad Dhungana and Justice Shanti Singh Thapa issued a writ of certiorari alongside a mandamus order after reviewing a lawsuit filed by Upendra Bahadur Karki, a resident of Kathmandu Metropolitan City Ward 31. Court files confirmed that Karki secured the highest score of 36.625 points during competitive evaluations run by a selection committee under Ministry Secretary Mukunda Prasad Niraula on May 14. Judges ruled that the ministry violated Sections 16 and 17 of the Good Governance (Management and Operation) Act 2007 by ignoring the top-ranked candidate to pick lower-ranked applicants from positions 2, 3, 4, and 6.

Cinematic Team Launches Musical Trailer for ‘Gauthali’

Bhola Rijal Productions and Suman Giri Productions hosted a themed media launch in Kathmandu on Thursday to unveil the emotional soundtrack Aakha Bhari Aansu from their upcoming film Gauthali. Lead actors Arun Chhetri and Simran Khadka attended the promotional event dressed in traditional wedding attire accompanied by live Panche Baja musical ensembles to mirror the family separation themes directed by Dr. Kapil Rijal. The musical film, featuring a story written by Bhola Rijal and songs performed by Thaneshwor Gautam and Shanthi Shree Pariyar, is scheduled for theatrical release on July 17 via Apple Entertainment networks.

Box Office Hit ‘Lalibazar’ Expands to European Theaters

The Shatkon Arts cinematic feature Lalibazar, starring actress Swastika Khadka, entered its 6th week of theater screenings on Friday, solidifying its rank as the highest-grossing domestic film release this year. The social drama secured over Rs 90 million in gross collections across the domestic box office, with production crews predicting total returns will surpass Rs 100 million due to high weekend theater show counts. Producer Max Dipesh Khatri and executive Rabindra Singh Baniya confirmed the project is shifting to international commercial distribution, scheduling its diaspora premiere in Copenhagen, Denmark, from June 19 to 21.

Kathmandu District Enforces Permit Codes for World Cup Screenings

The District Administration Office, Kathmandu enforced a mandatory licensing protocol for all local organizations and commercial entities planning public screenings of the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches. Assistant Chief District Officer issued a public security directive on Thursday warning that unauthorized midnight gatherings using large public display screens will face immediate police shutdown to preserve public order. Authorities instructed venues to download standardized safety applications from their official portal, clarifying that field security teams will analyze location vulnerabilities and neighborhood noise restrictions before granting administrative permits for late-night viewing events.

New Zealand’s Kane Williamson Retires from International Cricket

New Zealand batting great and former captain Kane Williamson has announced his immediate retirement from international cricket, bringing an end to a celebrated career spanning more than a decade. Williamson said the decision followed careful reflection and that he felt it was the right time to step away, adding he had always aimed to give his full commitment to the Black Caps. One of New Zealand’s most successful players, Williamson was a key figure in their rise on the world stage, including leading the team to the 2019 ICC World Cup final and captaining them to victory in the inaugural ICC World Test Championship in 2021. He expressed confidence in the team’s future, saying New Zealand cricket has strong talent and remains in a positive direction. Tributes have poured in from across the cricketing world, honoring him as one of the game’s most respected batters and leaders.

37 Bangladeshi Scam Victims Return After Cambodia Rescue

Thirty-seven Bangladeshi nationals rescued from cyber scam operations in Cambodia have returned home following a crackdown by local authorities, officials said. The group arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport early Friday and received assistance from BRAC’s Migration Program. Victims said they were recruited through fake overseas job offers and later forced into online fraud schemes. Officials warned that trafficking-linked scam networks continue to operate across parts of Southeast Asia.

SpaceX raises $75 Billion Ahead of Record $1.8 Trillion Public Listing

SpaceX has raised USD 75 billion in a share sale ahead of its planned public debut, valuing the company at about USD 1.8 trillion, according to filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. The company priced shares at USD 135 each, with trading expected to begin on Friday on the Nasdaq exchange. If demand holds, SpaceX would become one of the most valuable public companies in history. Chief executive Elon Musk, already the world’s richest individual, is expected to significantly expand his wealth, though analysts say investor sentiment will determine the final valuation. The listing is being closely watched as a test case for other major artificial intelligence and tech firms preparing to go public.

Thailand Princess Bajrakitiyabha Dies After More Than 3 Years in Coma

Thailand’s Princess Bajrakitiyabha has died at the age of 47, the Thai royal household said on Friday, ending more than three years in a coma following a collapse in December 2022. She was hospitalized after suffering a severe heart rhythm failure linked to a bacterial infection, according to doctors. The eldest daughter of King Vajiralongkorn had been receiving intensive care at Chulalongkorn Hospital in Bangkok. A trained lawyer with degrees from Cornell University, she served in Thailand’s diplomatic service and worked on criminal justice reform and women’s prison issues. Her death removes a key figure in speculation over Thailand’s royal succession, which remains officially unresolved.