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.

Justice Sapna Pradhan Malla Skips Supreme Court Full Court Assembly

Senior-most Justice Sapna Pradhan Malla absented herself from the official Full Court assembly summoned on Wednesday afternoon by Chief Justice Manoj Kumar Sharma. The strategic judicial session was organized to finalize long-term digital frameworks under the national Information Technology Policy. While court registers showed Malla conducted regular bench duties earlier that day, internal sources revealed she skipped the meeting due to personal disagreements over Sharma’s appointment by Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen). After Sharma took charge, Malla immediately took a 20-day leave, returning to active duty on May 20.

UAE Ambassador Al Shamsi Calls on Speaker DP Aryal

Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Nepal Abdulla Saeed Mubarak Jarwan Al Shamsi paid a courtesy call on Speaker Dol Prasad (DP) Aryal on Thursday, with discussions focusing on expanding bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors. During the meeting at Singha Durbar, both sides discussed parliamentary cooperation, trade, investment, tourism, labor, air services, technology and artificial intelligence. Speaker Aryal described the UAE as an important partner for Nepal in terms of employment, investment, and trade and urged easing the requirement for police reports in the UAE visa process. He also called for stronger cooperation in investment, infrastructure, energy, and technology in line with the UAE Vision 2031. Aryal expressed optimism over the launch of daily Pokhara–Dubai flights from September 23 and suggested resumption of Dubai–Bhairahawa air services. Ambassador Al Shamsi said the UAE values its friendly and multi-dimensional ties with Nepal and remains positive toward expanding cooperation in key development sectors.

Foreign Minister Khanal Says Foreign Policy Focused on Prosperity

Minister for Foreign Affairs Shisir Khanal said the government remains committed to established principles of international relations while advancing good governance and economic prosperity. Responding to lawmakers during discussion on the Appropriation Bill in the House of Representatives on Thursday, Khanal said Nepal’s foreign policy and development cooperation would be aligned with national priorities and constitutional provisions. He said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working to strengthen diplomatic engagement, improve efficiency, and maximize budget utilization. Khanal also informed Parliament that the government plans to establish a Nepali Diaspora Global Network and organize the second edition of the Sagarmatha Dialogue in the next fiscal year.

Home Minister Gurung Says Monsoon Response Preparations Complete

Home Minister Sudan Gurung said on Thursday that all preparations for monsoon response and disaster management have been completed, with security agencies deployed in high-risk areas and helicopters on standby for emergency rescue operations. Speaking after a meeting of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority at Singha Durbar, Gurung said agencies have been directed to strengthen preparedness, ensure rapid response, and immediately reopen roads blocked by floods or landslides. He also announced that helicopters would be used only for rescue and security operations, ruling out unnecessary aerial inspections by ministers. The authority estimates that 51,868 households and 226,661 people could be affected by monsoon-related disasters this year. Officials said preparedness plans have been adjusted for forecasts of below-average rainfall but intense localized downpours.

Minister Pun Vows New Science and Innovation Laws

Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation Mahabir Pun has said the government will introduce new laws and institutional reforms to strengthen the science and innovation sector. Replying to lawmakers during the Appropriation Bill discussion in the House of Representatives on Thursday, Pun said the government plans to bring the Nuclear Energy Act, Biosafety and Biotechnology Act, and Science, Technology and Innovation Act. He stressed the need for coordination among federal, provincial, and local governments to promote innovation. Pun also said Rs 35 million of the ministry’s budget remains unallocated due to a lack of concrete programs and pledged to prioritize research institutions capable of producing practical results.

Education Minister Pokharel Says Over 10% Budget Allocated to Education

Minister for Education and Sports Sasmit Pokharel said more than 10 percent of the national budget has been allocated to education and sports for fiscal year 2026/27. Responding to lawmakers in the House of Representatives on Thursday, Pokharel said the sector received Rs 218.3 billion, or 10.28 percent of the total national budget. He said major programs include skill training, school infrastructure expansion, smartboards in community schools, continuation of the midday meal program, and support for inclusive education. The minister also said the government is reviewing the national curriculum framework and considering the restructuring of low-enrollment schools while protecting students’ right to education.

Huawei Delegation Meets Minister Timilsina

A delegation led by Terry He, President of Huawei’s Asia Pacific Region, met with Minister for Information and Communications Bikram Timilsina on Thursday to discuss digital transformation and telecom cooperation. During the meeting, Huawei expressed readiness to support Nepal’s digital initiatives through telecommunications infrastructure, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, clean energy technology, and data centers. Minister Timilsina said telecom reform remains a government priority and urged Huawei to ensure transparency, accountability, and quality service delivery. He also called for closer coordination with Nepal Telecom to resolve technical issues and improve customer service while promoting clean and transparent business practices.

Lawmakers’ Empty Chairs Overshadow Budget Discussion in HoR

Discussions on the budget allocation for various ministries for the upcoming fiscal year are underway in parliament. However, despite the ongoing deliberations, most seats in the meeting hall remain visibly empty as a large number of lawmakers have stepped out. While the House of Representatives continues its ministry-wise budget debate, attendance remains notably low. Only a limited number of lawmakers are participating and voicing views on budget priorities, implementation concerns, and sectoral balance. The largely vacant chamber, marked by rows of empty chairs, has raised questions about the effectiveness of the session. As discussions on key national financial matters proceed, the weak presence of elected representatives has drawn attention, with the meeting hall appearing sparsely occupied throughout the proceedings.

Opposition Questions PMO, Demands Border Remark Removal

Opposition lawmakers on Thursday accused the government of executive overreach, lack of transparency, and breach of parliamentary decorum during a House of Representatives session. Nepali Congress lawmaker Narendra Kumar Kerung demanded a parliamentary investigation into allegations that officials of the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority were pressured inside the Prime Minister’s Office. Opposition lawmakers also renewed demands for Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s controversial border-related remarks to be removed from parliamentary records and called for greater transparency regarding investigations involving Home Minister Sudhan Gurung. Separately, CPN (UML) Chief Whip Ain Mahar objected to ministers violating parliamentary conduct rules during the session.

RSP Chair Lamichhane Attends Kathmandu District Court

Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairman Rabi Lamichhane attended the Kathmandu District Court today to fulfill his mandated legal date obligations. According to official administrative statements released by his private secretariat, the political leader arrived at the judicial tribunal in the afternoon. Lamichhane’s legal attendance was arranged in compliance with direct judicial permissions issued by the Rupandehi District Court. The opposition politician currently faces multiple formal state charges and investigations concerning his alleged involvement in the misappropriation, illegal diversion, and unauthorized financial management of cooperative savings funds

Ruins of Deuba Residence Stand with CIAA Notice

The residence of former Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba in Budhanilkantha remains in a damaged and partially demolished state following the September 9, 2025, Gen Z protest arson incident, where the structure was severely burned. Amid ongoing demolition work at the site, the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has pasted a notice directing Arzu Rana Deuba to appear within three days in connection with a passport procurement contract case. Once a political residence, the structure now shows visible signs of destruction as debris removal continues, with the official notice standing out against the ruins. The scene captures a moment where legal proceedings and physical aftermath of past unrest converge at the same location.

Mahara Resigns from Active Political Role

Nepali Communist Party (NCP) leader and former Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara has resigned from active party responsibilities, citing long-term health complications. In a statement issued on social media on Thursday, Mahara said an atrophy-related illness has affected him for several years and that treatment has not produced the expected improvement, making it difficult to continue carrying out active duties. He said he would remain a general member of the party and clarified that his decision was based solely on health reasons, not political or ideological differences. Mahara reflected on his decades-long involvement in Nepal’s communist movement and expressed confidence in the younger generation to lead the country forward, while thanking party leaders, cadres, and supporters for their support throughout his political journey.

RSP Speeds up Convention Preparations in Chitwan

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has accelerated preparations for its first general convention, scheduled in Chitwan from June 21 to 23. Construction is underway at Bharatpur’s Guest House Ground, where a 3,000-square-meter weatherproof dome equipped with LED screens, cooling systems, and seating facilities is being built for the opening ceremony. The party’s closed-door session, expected to attract around 3,000 delegates, will take place at the Chitwan Association of Industries’ exhibition center. According to central committee member Rajan Gautam, parking arrangements have been made and invitations have been extended to senior political leaders and foreign representatives from neighboring countries.

Finnish Embassy in Kathmandu to Remain Closed Tomorrow

The Embassy of Finland in Kathmandu has announced that it will remain closed on Friday (June 19), in observance of Midsummer Eve, a traditional Finnish holiday. In a public notice, the embassy advised Finnish citizens in Nepal requiring emergency consular assistance during the closure to contact the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland’s 24-hour emergency service. The embassy is expected to resume regular operations after the holiday. Midsummer Eve, celebrated in Finland in late June, is one of the country’s most important traditional holidays, marking the arrival of the summer season with family gatherings, bonfires, and outdoor festivities.

Man Arrested with Walkie-Talkie for Impersonating Police Officer

Police have arrested 47-year-old Sailesh Dangol, a resident of Kathmandu Metropolitan City-3, on charges of impersonating a police officer and issuing threats using a communication walkie-talkie set. According to the District Police Range, Kathmandu, a team from the Kandaghari Police Division arrested Dangol on Wednesday night while he was travelling in a vehicle. Police said Dangol used a police-style walkie-talkie at the Kathmandu-32 football ground and threatened people by claiming that he was a police officer, according to District Police Range spokesperson and Superintendent of Police Pawan Kumar Bhattarai. During the arrest, police also recovered an identity card issued by Prabhab Daily under the Department of Information and Broadcasting, which had already expired. Following permission from the Kathmandu District Court, police have taken Dangol into five-day custody for further investigation.

Domestic Tourism Rises at Chitwan National Park

Domestic visitor numbers at Chitwan National Park have increased significantly following the introduction of a two-day weekend system. According to park officials, 48,598 domestic tourists visited the park by mid-June this fiscal year, up from 31,577 during the same period last year. Visitors enter through eight designated gates, with 72 licensed jeeps operating safari services. Officials attribute the increase to longer weekends, with jeep safaris and jungle walks remaining the most popular activities. The park is known for wildlife including one-horned rhinoceroses, Bengal tigers, leopards, bears, gharials, and numerous bird species.

Movie ‘Roll No 1’ Announces 50% Ticket Discount

The production team of the movie ‘Roll No 1’ announced a 50 percent discount on all theater tickets across Nepal. Produced under the Seven Seas Cinema banner and directed by John Yonzon, the structural discount scheme was implemented following specific requests from students, parents, and academic institutions. The feature film highlights underlying flaws within the educational framework, academic anxiety, and parental struggles. Featuring an ensemble cast including Mukun Bhusal, Nirbhik Regmi, and Sushanka Mainali, the social drama accumulated over Rs 13.5 millionh in gross box office sales from its launch on May 29 until June 14 this year.

Filming Wraps Up for Movies ‘Captain Saab’ and ‘Akshara’

Principal photography officially concluded for upcoming feature films Captain Saab and Akshara. Directed by Dipendra Khanal, Captain Saab completed its two-phase shooting schedule on Wednesday across Kavre, Kathmandu, and Birgunj. The movie serves as a biographical drama based on the life of Captain Rameshwar Thapa, starring Khagendra Lamichhane and Suraksha Panta. Simultaneously, director Binay Raj Poudel wrapped up his directorial debut project Akshara within its designated 37-day schedule. Produced under the Kshitiz Babu Production House banner, Akshara features lead performances by Sushil Sitaula and Nancy Khadka, and is scheduled to hit cinema screens nationwide on September 11.

IPL may Start Earlier from 2027 Due to Heat Concerns

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering advancing the Indian Premier League (IPL) schedule from the 2027 season, with the tournament potentially running from around March 10 to May 15 instead of its current late-March to late-May or early-June window. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia said the proposal is being discussed amid growing concerns over extreme summer temperatures and pre-monsoon weather conditions affecting players and fans. The board has also ruled out any immediate expansion of the IPL from 74 to 94 matches, citing an already crowded domestic and international cricket calendar. Any schedule change would require India’s domestic season to conclude earlier.

UAE Airlines Launch New Travel Coverage

Major airlines in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have introduced new travel insurance and health protection programs to boost passenger confidence amid regional tensions. Emirates announced expanded travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip disruptions, lost baggage, and evacuation services, while Etihad Airways unveiled a health protection plan offering complimentary medical services to foreign visitors from July to December. Airlines say the measures aim to reassure travelers following disruptions caused by instability in West Asia and concerns over conflict-related travel risks.

ADB Approves $700 Million Loan for Pakistan

The Asian Development Bank has approved a USD 700 million policy-based loan to support insurance sector reforms in Pakistan. The program aims to expand insurance coverage, improve disaster risk financing, and strengthen financial protection for households, businesses, and farmers. ADB noted that Pakistan’s insurance penetration remains low at 0.7 percent of GDP, leaving many vulnerable to economic and climate-related shocks. The reforms will also promote digital insurance services and develop products tailored to women, farmers, and other vulnerable groups.

DeepSeek raises $7.4 Billion

Chinese AI startup ‘DeepSeek’ has raised more than USD 7.4 billion in its first external funding round, valuing the company at over USD 50 billion. Founded in 2023, DeepSeek has emerged as a major player in China’s AI sector, attracting investors with its low-cost, high-performance AI models. The funding round includes support from state-backed funds and major Chinese firms, with founder Liang Wenfeng retaining significant control of the company. The investment will be used to expand AI model development, infrastructure, and talent recruitment, strengthening China’s position in the global AI industry.

Apple Warns of Possible Price Hikes

Apple has indicated that rising memory chip costs could lead to higher prices for some of its devices. Outgoing CEO Tim Cook told the Wall Street Journal that surging demand for memory chips driven by artificial intelligence has pushed component costs to levels the company can no longer fully absorb. While Apple has not specified which products could be affected, analysts expect future devices, including upcoming iPhone models, to become more expensive. Other technology companies have also warned of rising semiconductor-related costs amid supply chain pressures.