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.

PM Balen Bans Plastic Water Bottles at Baluwatar Residence

Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) has directed officials to phase out the use of plastic water bottles at the official residence in Baluwatar and make arrangements for direct consumption of Melamchi drinking water. Relevant agencies have been instructed to conduct water quality testing, inspect pipelines and improve tap management, with a technical team already assessing the premises. The move is being linked to cost savings, environmental protection and health concerns surrounding microplastics in bottled water. Officials say the initiative is also intended to boost public confidence in the Melamchi water supply system and expand efforts already underway to reduce bottled water use at government offices.

Home Ministry Deploys Call Center for Public Grievances

The Ministry of Home Affairs operationalized the “Hello Griha Call Center” under its grievance management division to systematically collect public feedback, complaints, and administrative recommendations. The initiative aims to enhance transparency, speed, and institutional accountability across all subsidiary state organs. According to an official ministry press release, citizens can register complaints utilizing the toll-free hotline 1112, sending emails to [email protected], calling or messaging the mobile and WhatsApp number 9851360603, or scanning dedicated QR codes. Home Ministry Spokesperson Anand Kafle confirmed the center accepts complaints ranging from police investigative negligence to delays at District Administration Offices.

Shisir Khanal Assures Action on Indian Tea Export Restrictions

Nepal has initiated urgent diplomatic dialogue with India to address regulatory barriers affecting tea exports, Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said after meeting a high-level FNCCI delegation led by President Anjan Shrestha. Industry representatives warned that a new Indian testing requirement, enforced from May 1, 2026, has created severe delays, causing quality loss of premium tea. The bottleneck has stranded over one million kg of tea and forced 86 factories in Ilam and Jhapa to shut, halting operations during peak harvest and impacting around 3,000 farmers.

Sasmit Pokharel Addresses 2,193 Graduates at AFU Convocation

The fifth convocation of Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU) concluded in Chitwan with 2,193 graduates across bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs. Education Minister Sasmit Pokharel, speaking as Pro-Chancellor, said agricultural development is central to the country’s future and urged graduates to apply their skills for national progress. Vice-Chancellor Hom Bahadur Basnet encouraged graduates to become job creators, while Professor Saket Kushwaha of the University of Ladakh highlighted shared regional academic ties. According to officials, 1,836 graduates completed bachelor’s degrees, 327 master’s, and 30 PhDs.

Shots Fired by Police in Balkumari to Arrest Drug Traffickers Today

Police fired shots during an operation in Balkumari, Lalitpur, to arrest individuals involved in brown heroin trafficking, resulting in the detention of three suspects, according to the Narcotic Control Bureau (NCB). During the operation near the border of Kathmandu Metropolitan City-32, police fired three rounds, including two warning shots in the air, as the team moved to apprehend the suspects under the Balkumari bridge area. One suspect, a 39-year-old man from the Parsa district, sustained a gunshot wound to his right leg and is undergoing treatment.

Nepali Embassy to Hold Passport Renewal Camp in Phnom Penh on June 24

The Embassy of Nepal in Bangkok will conduct a one-day passport renewal camp for Nepali citizens residing in Cambodia on June 24, offering e-passport services in Phnom Penh. The camp will be held at the NRNA NCC Office from 12 PM to 6 PM Applicants must complete the online form through the Department of Passport portal, select “NE, Bangkok” as the appointment location, and submit required documents for verification by June 23. The embassy said applicants must email a barcode-generated application form along with copies of citizenship and passport documents before attending the camp in person, where original documents will also be required. For minors, additional documents including a minor identity card, parental citizenship, passports, and marriage registration certificate are mandatory. Applicants for replacement passports must also submit a police report. Fees have been set at USD 40 for children under 10 years, USD 80 for applicants above 10, and USD 120 for lost, damaged, or burnt passports.

RSP General Convention to Gather Over 4,200 Delegates

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is preparing for its general convention in Bharatpur from June 21 to 23, expecting more than 4,200 delegates, including overseas representatives from 25 countries. The opening session will be held at the Guest House Ground, with the closing at the Exhibition Centre. The party has allocated representation across provinces and various organizational levels. Prime Minister and senior leader Balendra Shah and party president Rabi Lamichhane are expected to attend. Authorities estimate large attendance, with extensive logistical arrangements in place.

Nepali Congress Decides to Hold Government Accountable in Parliament

The Nepali Congress has decided to intensify parliamentary oversight of the government, citing weak performance and policy failures. General Secretary Pradip Paudel said the parliamentary party working committee reviewed early government performance and concluded it would raise public issues more forcefully in the House of Representatives. The party plans coordinated scrutiny of line ministries and continued pressure on governance issues, arguing that the government has not delivered expected results in its initial 100 days. It also emphasized stronger coordination between party structures and parliamentary mechanisms.

RSP Chair Lamichhane Calls for Clean Competition in General Convention

Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairman Rabi Lamichhane has urged party leaders and members to ensure clean competition during the upcoming general convention, saying it can elevate the party to new heights. Speaking at a Central Committee meeting in Chitwan on Saturday, Lamichhane said all leaders and cadres should act responsibly regardless of election outcomes and remain committed to public accountability. He expressed confidence that the party would move forward in unity, strengthening its mission in the coming days. Lamichhane thanked party members for their trust and said the RSP is already under public scrutiny, adding that past efforts and experiences need no further justification. He said the party’s responsibility has become more significant than before. He added that the RSP will move ahead with a commitment to good governance, prosperity, and social justice as expected by citizens.

Bharatpur Decorated with Blue Flags Ahead of RSP General Convention

Alongside intense preparations for the General Convention of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Bharatpur has been completely adorned with blue flags and banners. Flags featuring the party’s election symbol—a bell—have been put up in long rows across the Guesthouse Ground in Bharatpur Metropolitan City-10, which serves as the main venue for the convention, as well as its surrounding areas. The construction of a massive, state-of-the-art dome tent using advanced German technology has reached its final stages. The resulting hustle and bustle across local streets and major intersections indicates that convention fever has fully gripped Bharatpur.

RPP Finalizes Convention Schedule, Raises Governance Concerns

The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) has decided to hold its general convention in Kathmandu from December 12 to 14, according to Chairman Rajendra Lingden. The party formed an organizing committee under his leadership and set timelines for district and provincial conventions. The meeting also criticized the government, accusing it of weakening governance and accountability, and objected to recent parliamentary remarks by the Prime Minister on border-related issues. The party further demanded tax relief on essential services and stronger market regulation, while warning against internal fragmentation.

Govt. Seeks Applications for Civil Service Hospital Executive Director

The government has opened applications for the position of Executive Director of the Civil Service Hospital, calling on qualified Nepali citizens to apply within 15 days of the notice’s publication. In a notice issued by the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration, applicants have been asked to submit a professional business plan along with the required documents to the ministry’s Employee Welfare Section. Candidates must also deposit a Rs 5,000 application fee and attach the original payment voucher. The ministry said the appointment will be made in accordance with the Civil Service Hospital Development Committee Formation Order, 2008 and the Civil Service Hospital (Appointment, Duties, Responsibilities, Authority and Service Facilities of the Executive Director) Regulations, 2020. Detailed eligibility criteria and application requirements are available on the websites of the ministry and the Civil Service Hospital, the notice states.

RSP Introduces E-Voting System for General Convention

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) will use an electronic voting system in its general convention, allowing delegates to vote by selecting candidate names and photos on digital devices, according to election commission chief Bhuwan KC. The first phase will elect a chairperson and 99 members, followed by selection of office bearers in a second phase from among elected members. Voting is expected to take around six hours, with the nomination process beginning on June 22. Overseas representatives from 170 delegates will also vote through a dedicated mobile application.

PM Balendra Shah shares Makalu Base Camp Trekking Itinerary

Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) has shared a detailed itinerary of the Makalu Base Camp trek on social media, highlighting the remote Himalayan route in eastern regions. The trek reaches an altitude of 4,870 meters over 17 to 18 days, starting from Kathmandu via Tumlingtar and passing through villages including Seduwa, Tashigaon, and Yangle Kharka inside Makalu Barun National Park. The route includes acclimatization stops and a visit to Shiva Dhara waterfall before reaching Makalu Base Camp, with the return following the same trail.

Conservation Center Protects 10 Turtle Species in Jhapa

The Turtle Rescue and Conservation Center operating in Arjundhara Municipality-9 successfully sheltered 10 distinct native turtle species to mitigate severe habitat loss threatening localized wildlife populations. Established in 2012 through an environmental partnership between the Sukhani Sahid Smriti Pratisthan and ARCO-Nepal, the facility protects approximately 50 individual turtles, representing over half of Nepal’s documented turtle biodiversity. Conservation officials noted that nearly 80 percent of the country’s turtle species face imminent extinction risks. Since 2020, the specialized sanctuary has managed successful captive breeding programs for the critically endangered elongated tortoise alongside reintroduction initiatives.

KMC Inaugurates Localized Neighborhood Film Festival

The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) officially launched its comprehensive “Tole Tole ma Film Mahotsav” neighborhood film festival at the Khula Manch open air pavilion today. Organized in collaboration with the Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival, the event commenced with screenings of three short films: Nanda directed by Aman Shahi, Sawari Sahitya by Tarang, and Penguin Revolution by Ishan Bhusal. The cultural celebrations will run every Friday and Saturday throughout the month of Asar across public parks and squares. Concurrently, the metropolis awarded Rs 1 million to the movie Elephant in the Fog for winning the Jury Prize at the 79th Cannes Film Festival.

World Cup Knockout Race Heats up as Key Fixtures Approach

Competition for a place in the final 32 of the Football World Cup has intensified, with crucial Group stage matches set for Saturday. Germany face Ivory Coast, while Sweden meet the Netherlands, both fixtures likely to shape qualification outcomes. Germany could secure early advancement after a dominant opening win, while Sweden aim to continue strong form under coach Graham Potter. Elsewhere, Japan will play Tunisia in the tournament’s 1,000th match, marking a historic milestone. Earlier results saw the United States, Brazil, and Morocco strengthen their positions.

Israeli Strikes Kill 5, Including 2 Children in South Lebanon

At least five people, including a Lebanese Army soldier and two children, were killed in Israeli airstrikes across southern Lebanon on Saturday, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency. Four members of the same family, including two children, were killed in Barish, while a strike near Kfarremane killed a Lebanese soldier. Additional raids were reported in Sohmur, Qatrani, Nabatieh and nearby areas, with several people injured. Rescue teams continued search operations for people trapped under debris. The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the strikes. The attacks came despite a recent US-Iran agreement calling for a halt to military operations in the region. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also sparked criticism after publicly calling for intensified action against Lebanon.

Poland Revokes Top State Honor Awarded to Volodymyr Zelensky

Polish President Karol Nawrocki has revoked the country’s highest state honor, the Order of the White Eagle, previously awarded to Volodymyr Zelensky, after Ukraine named a military unit after the wartime Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). Poland accuses the UPA of massacring about 100,000 ethnic Poles during World War II, while many Ukrainians regard the group as a symbol of resistance and independence. Nawrocki called Kyiv’s decision “outrageous” and warned that confronting historical issues is essential for Ukraine’s European aspirations. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha condemned the move as a “strategic mistake” benefiting Russia and announced he would return a Polish award he received in 2022.