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.

Speaker Objects to Opposition Protest, Cites Breach of Procedure

Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal has strongly objected to actions by opposition lawmakers during today’s session of the House of Representatives, accusing them of undermining parliamentary rules and the authority of the chair. The dispute arose when Nepali Congress Chief Whip Nishkal Rai unilaterally called for a five-minute moment of silence in honor of national martyrs without prior approval from the Speaker. Lawmakers from the opposition followed the call, while the Speaker immediately intervened, stating that such procedural decisions cannot be made independently by members. Speaker Aryal said allowing members to set timings and conduct proceedings on their own “disrespects the sanctity of Parliament” and weakens institutional discipline. The brief disruption created visible division on the House floor before proceedings were brought back under control.

Ministry Issues Total Ban on Protests Across 25 Places

The government published an urgent executive directive in the National Gazette, using statutory authority under Section 3 of the Essential Services Operation Act 1957 to enforce an absolute ban on worker strikes across 25 essential national service divisions. The comprehensive labor ban covers critical civilian infrastructure networks, making all forms of organized labor walkouts and structural union strikes strictly illegal across public postal delivery networks, telecommunications lines, passenger transport grids, water supply networks, and medical centers. The state notification extends the legal anti-strike framework over banking houses, commercial insurance networks, waste management facilities, petroleum distribution pipelines, and passport issuance offices to protect public stability.

Sudan Gurung and Mahabir Pun Sworn in as Ministers Today

Sudan Gurung has been sworn in as Minister for Home Affairs and Mahabir Pun as Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation at a ceremony held at Shital Niwas, the Office of the President. The oath-taking was conducted on the recommendation of Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen). Both ministers completed the formal signing of documents after taking the oath, officially assuming their responsibilities. The ceremony was attended by the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Chief Justice, Speaker, National Assembly Chairman, cabinet members, and lawmakers.

Cabinet Approves Hydropower Forest Use, Red Cross Panel and Key Reforms

The Cabinet has approved forest land use for four hydropower projects including Lower Arun and Lower Nyadi Khola to speed up development. It also endorsed the 16th amendment of Civil Service Rules and formed a nine-member committee led by Bishal Kumar Bhandari to manage the Nepal Red Cross Society dispute. Officials said feasibility studies for Kathmandu metro and monorail are ongoing, with no cuts planned for Tribhuvan University. The government also defended Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle amid criticism over tax-related issues in the Economic Bill.

Election Commission Proposes Major Electoral Reform Bill

The Election Commission has submitted the Integrated Election Management Bill to the Ministry of Home Affairs with sweeping reforms. It bars defeated candidates from contesting any other public office until their term ends and proposes fixed election dates every four years and 11 months. The draft mandates a 33 percent female quota in first-past-the-post seats, limits proportional representation to two terms, and introduces overseas and on-duty voting for PR. It also shortens the silent period to 24 hours and adds a “None of the Above” option, which could trigger a rerun if it wins over 50 percent of the votes.

Opposition Meets at Singha Durbar Following House Adjournment

A joint meeting of opposition parties, called by the main opposition Nepali Congress, commenced on Tuesday at the Nepali Congress parliamentary party office in Singha Durbar. The emergency meeting was called immediately after Speaker Dol Prasad (DP) Aryal adjourned Tuesday’s House of Representatives meeting until Wednesday, following strong protests and obstructions from the opposition bench. The meeting brings together top opposition lawmakers to discuss contemporary political issues and formulate a unified strategy regarding the ongoing parliamentary deadlock. Participants include Nepali Congress Parliamentary Party Leader Bhishma Raj Angdembe, Chief Whip Basana Thapa, and Whip Nischal Rai. The CPN (UML) is represented by Parliamentary Party Leader Ram Bahadur Thapa “Badal”, Deputy Leader Padma Aryal, and Chief Whip Ain Bahadur Mahar. Additionally, Nepali Communist Party leader Barsaman Pun and RPP leader Khusbu Oli are among the lawmakers attending the discussions.

Fourth Disruption Adjourned National Assembly Until June 11

The National Assembly was adjourned once again on Tuesday (June 9), postponing the start of the budget debate for a fourth consecutive meeting as opposition parties continued protesting Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s remarks on the Nepal-India border issue. The House has been rescheduled to convene at 1:15 PM on June 11 (Thursday). The Assembly had been expected to begin a general discussion on the government’s annual estimates of revenue and expenditure for fiscal year 2026/27. Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle was also scheduled to seek approval to commence the debate and present the Alternative Development Finance Mobilization Bill, 2026. However, opposition lawmakers again obstructed proceedings, demanding that the prime minister retract and clarify his statement that Nepal has also encroached on Indian territory, arguing that the remarks contradict Nepal’s established position on border disputes.

HoR Adjourned Again Until Tomorrow

The House of Representatives was adjourned until 11:00 AM Wednesday after opposition parties continued to obstruct proceedings over remarks made by Prime Minister Balendra Shah regarding the Nepal-India border issue. Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal suspended the session after the deadlock persisted in the chamber. Opposition lawmakers have been demanding that the Prime Minister’s statement suggesting that “Nepal has also encroached upon India’s border” be removed from the official parliamentary record. They have maintained their protests, arguing that the remark should not remain part of the House proceedings. The dispute has stalled parliamentary business, with no consensus reached between the ruling and opposition parties to end the impasse.

Opposition Disrupts House Over PM Balen’s Remarks Again

The House of Representatives faced disruption as opposition lawmakers protested against Prime Minister Balen Shah’s alleged May 31 remarks claiming Nepal encroached on Indian territory. MPs demanded a public apology and removal of the statement from records. Separately, lawmakers accused the Finance Ministry of altering the Economic Bill between parliamentary and official versions, calling it serious financial misconduct. Opposition leaders warned that Parliament cannot proceed without addressing both the sovereignty and fiscal integrity issues.

Madhesh Provincial Assembly Session Called for Wednesday

The Madhesh Provincial Assembly has been summoned to meet tomorrow, Wednesday (June 10), at 1:00 PM. According to the Provincial Assembly Secretariat, the session was called after a prolonged disruption led to an indefinite postponement of the assembly meetings since June 2. The impasse began during discussions on the provincial government’s presented policies and programs. Opposition parties disrupted the assembly, alleging that the government had bypassed legal processes and violated established guidelines while appointing members to the provincial Janalokpal Commission (Ombudsman) and the Provincial Public Service Commission. With the session now officially called for Wednesday, the assembly is scheduled to resume discussions on the policies and programs with the aim of endorsement.

Cabinet Pushes DDC Reform Plan to Boost Domestic Dairy Market

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forests, and Environment tabled a strategic domestic marketing agenda during an executive cabinet session to transform the state-owned Dairy Development Corporation (DDC) into a highly competitive public enterprise. Government representatives finalized plans to establish wide-scale distribution pathways for high-quality domestic milk, ghee, yogurt, and paneer to secure fair profit margins for rural cattle farmers. During the policy assembly, ministry leadership distributed specialized DDC product packages directly to cabinet members and the Prime Minister, who pledged active state advocacy to shift consumer behavior toward buying authentic Nepalese dairy goods over imported alternatives.

Teachers Stage Maitighar Protest Over Budget, Threaten Escalation

Federal Teaching and Learning Grant Teachers staged a symbolic protest at Maitighar Mandala, placing whiteboard markers on the road to express dissatisfaction with the 2026/27 budget. The demonstrators said the action highlights long-standing demands for job security, better benefits, and implementation of previous agreements from 2021, 2023, and 2025. They accused the government of ignoring provisions in earlier education draft laws, including the 60/40 evaluation ratio for grant-based teaching positions. Around 11,000 teachers are currently working nationwide in core subjects like English, Mathematics, and Science. The protest, which began yesterday after the budget speech, may escalate to classroom boycotts and possible mass resignation if demands remain unmet. Earlier, teachers also staged a sit-in at the Center for Education and Human Resource Development.

Nepal and Egypt Discuss Expanding Bilateral Cooperation

Egypt’s Ambassador Sherif Mostafa Alsayed Aldiwany paid a courtesy call on Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav. Both sides reviewed long-standing diplomatic relations since 1957 and discussed expanding cooperation in agriculture, military support, and development sectors. The Vice President highlighted Nepal and Egypt’s shared positions in NAM, UN, G-77, and WTO, expressing optimism over upcoming agreements from the bilateral consultation mechanism. The Ambassador reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to strengthening ties and assisting Nepal, including potential fertilizer supply and agricultural expertise support.

Nepal Expresses Condolences Over Deadly 7.8-Magnitude Earthquake in Philippines

The Government of Nepal has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life caused by the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck the southern Philippines. In a statement, Nepal extended condolences to the bereaved families and conveyed its sympathies to the government and people of the Philippines. It also expressed hope for the swift rescue of those still missing and the speedy recovery of the injured. Reaffirming solidarity during the crisis, Nepal stated that its government and people stand with the Philippines as it responds to the aftermath of the powerful earthquake.

Court Drops Organized Crime Charges Against Rabi Lamichhane

The Parsa District Court issued a definitive legal order revising the criminal indictment filed against the National Chairman of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, Rabi Lamichhane, by formally removing organized crime allegations from the case files. The judicial bench, presided over by District Judge Mohan Subedi, approved the formal charge sheet amendment request submitted by public state attorneys following an institutional directive issued by the Office of the Attorney General. The updated legal alignment reduces initial charges stemming from the Rs 57.4 million Sano Paila Cooperative financial case involving 29 co-defendants, creating a path for legal out-of-court settlements and mutual mediation pathways between affected depositors and cooperative executives.

KP Oli Orders Party Cadre Mobilization and Reorganization Drive

CPN (UML) Chair KP Sharma Oli has directed party cadres to strengthen unity and expand public engagement. Speaking at an Election Review and Reorganization Task Force meeting, he stressed rebuilding the party’s grassroots structure. The task force has set a nationwide consultation schedule starting June 13 in Bagmati and concluding June 30 in Capital Province. The reorganization campaign will wrap up in early July after consultations with local leaders, sister organizations, and departmental committees.

RSP Halts Madhesh Province Convention Until Further Notice

The Central Election Commission of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) on Tuesday suspended all activities related to its Madhesh Province Convention until further notice. Exercising authority under the party’s statute, the commission halted representative selection, nominations, campaigning, and meetings to ensure the convention was conducted in a fair, transparent, and lawful manner. The party has instructed all leaders and members to pause convention activities immediately, adding that a revised schedule will be announced later.

UML Leader Pokharel Criticizes Government Over Governance

CPN (UML) General Secretary Shankar Pokharel has sharply criticized the government, saying its actions have disillusioned the public about good governance. He said citizens are increasingly frustrated with what he called empty rhetoric from leaders who came to power promising reform. Pokharel warned that if current performance is taken as a benchmark, people may reject this model of governance entirely. His remarks come amid growing political debate over accountability, policy delivery, and administrative efficiency under the current administration led by Prime Minister Balen Shah.

Unko Sweater Grabs Top Recognition at Annual Film Critics Society Selection Event

The Film Critics Society Nepal (FICSON) hosted its annual Critics Film Award distribution event, crowning the domestic cinematic production Unko Sweater as the leading feature film with four distinct category wins. Society leadership evaluated movies released during the recent cinematic cycle, naming Nabin Chauhan as the top director alongside securing joint screenplay honors with co-writer Suraj Katuwal, while musician Kobid Bazra collected the outstanding background score recognition. Concurrently, the regional production Bhutan secured three distinct performance trophies, naming Hari Bansha Acharya as the year’s top male lead, while actress Anna Sharma clinched best female lead honors for her performance in Rammita Ko Pirati.

Music Royalty Society Distributes Royalties to 2,000 Creators

The Music Royalty Collection Society Nepal has distributed Rs 5.5 million in royalties to around 2,000 lyricists and composers, with payments generated from sources including TikTok, transportation services, radio broadcasts, hotels, and other platforms. The royalty distribution took place during a program marking the society’s 19th anniversary at Nepal Pragya Bhavan, Kamaladi, on Monday. Royalty payments were handed over by society chairman and senior composer Suresh Adhikari, senior creator Shree Purush Dhakal, and other representatives. Speaking at the event, Adhikari announced that future royalty payments would be deposited directly into recipients’ bank accounts to streamline the process. The program was attended by several prominent figures from Nepal’s music industry, including senior singers Chandrakala Shah and Mira Rana, lyricist Krishna Hari Baral, Lyricists Association of Nepal Chairman Basanta Bityasi Thapa, and singers Radhika Hamal and Devi Gharti Magar.

TIA Blocks ANFA Officials from Leaving Over NSC Watch List

Immigration officials at Tribhuvan International Airport on Tuesday morning stopped All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) President Pankaj Bikram Nembang and General Secretary Kiran Rai from traveling abroad. The two were set to fly to Mexico via the United States to attend the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony. They were denied departure clearance after being placed on an active watch list. The restriction is linked to an ongoing National Sports Council investigation into ANFA’s financial and administrative activities. Despite an appeal from ANFA, the travel ban remains in place. The restriction covers 24 individuals, including office bearers, central committee members, and staff, with only one central committee member currently exempt.

Bhaichung Bhutia Joins Himalayan Sports for FIFA World Cup

The domestic broadcasting corporation Himalayan Sports confirmed that iconic South Asian football personalities will arrive in Nepal to headline its multi-channel media coverage operations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026. Legendary regional football athlete Bhaichung Bhutia will join prominent Nepalese sports figures to anchor the newly formatted Red Bull Football 26 in Association with Proton Emas pre-match and post-match analytical programs. The broadcast panel will deliver tactical game breakdowns, statistical match predictions, and expert video analysis, which will be distributed nationwide via Himalayan Sports HD and through dedicated digital distribution networks on the Digo streaming platform.

Goalpara Bans Non-Vegetarian Food in Schools

The Goalpara District Administration Government of Assam, India, enacted an emergency district-wide school regulation imposing a total prohibition on non-vegetarian meals across all operating public educational compounds. The administrative intervention followed a localized dispute regarding a grade nine student who allegedly brought restricted beef inside a regional classroom lunchbox container. Regional executive teams instructed field inspectors to strictly enforce a vegetarian-only school menu during all academic operations, while maintaining specific operational allowances for student egg consumptions. Local law enforcement units expanded structural restrictions during school hours, preventing students from leaving school premises during lunch intervals to secure stable communal harmony.

Ebola Outbreak in Eastern Congo Kills Over 100

At least 101 people have died from Ebola in eastern Congo, less than a month after authorities declared an outbreak, according to officials. The outbreak has recorded 550 confirmed cases so far, with 19 recoveries, though the actual number is believed to be higher due to delayed detection and reporting. Health response efforts are being hindered by attacks on medical workers, community resistance, and ongoing armed conflict in affected areas. The outbreak is caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the virus, which currently has no approved vaccine or treatment, unlike the more common Zaire strain responsible for most past outbreaks in the country.

Xi and Kim Declare ‘Unbreakable’ China-North Korea Ties

Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have pledged to deepen bilateral ties during a rare summit in Pyongyang, declaring their relationship “unbreakable” and agreeing on broad strategic cooperation. Both sides described their talks as reaching “important consensus” on strengthening political, economic, military and cultural cooperation, while reaffirming support for each other’s sovereignty and security interests. The visit, Xi’s first to North Korea in seven years, featured high-profile ceremonies and symbolic displays of unity. The summit focused heavily on bilateral alignment and historical solidarity, including references to resisting external pressure and expanding cooperation in trade and infrastructure. However, neither side publicly addressed North Korea’s nuclear weapons program, a notable omission given past international concerns. Analysts say the meeting highlights deepening strategic alignment amid global tensions while maintaining Pyongyang’s independent positioning narrative.

SpaceX IPO Set to Test Investor Confidence in AI and Musk’s Vision

SpaceX is preparing for a historic stock market debut that could value the company at around USD 1.75 trillion, making it one of the world’s most valuable firms. While known for its rockets and Starlink satellite network, investors are increasingly viewing SpaceX as a major artificial intelligence play through its integration with xAI and plans for space-based computing infrastructure. The offering would give public investors their first chance to own shares in Elon Musk’s space company, though Musk is expected to retain overwhelming control through special voting rights. Analysts say the IPO will serve as a major test of investor appetite for AI-focused companies amid soaring valuations and growing market scrutiny.

OpenAI Files for IPO as AI Giants Race to Public Markets

OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, has filed confidential paperwork with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to pursue an initial public offering, joining a growing wave of major AI firms preparing to enter public markets. The move comes a week after rival Anthropic announced similar plans. OpenAI said no timeline has been set, noting some goals may be easier to achieve as a private company. The listing race highlights the AI sector’s enormous capital demands as companies invest heavily in computing infrastructure and model development. OpenAI and Anthropic, both valued near USD 1 trillion, are competing for users, customers, and investors in the rapidly expanding generative AI industry.