KATHMANDU: Stay informed with Nepal News’ daily evening briefing, covering the most significant developments from Nepal and around the world. From politics and economy to sports, entertainment, and culture, we bring you a concise summary of the day’s top stories.
HoR session: RSP MPs Chants Slogans During Home Minister’s Address: Rastriya Swatantra Party lawmakers staged a protest in Parliament on Friday, surrounding the well and chanting slogans as Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak was addressing the House. Despite a two-point agreement between the three major parties which allowed the stalled House session to resume, RSP and Rastriya Prajatantra Party continued to obstruct proceedings, expressing dissatisfaction. RSP and RPP criticized the agreement, arguing it failed to provide a concrete resolution to the ongoing controversy surrounding the alleged abuse of visit visas to traffic Nepali citizens abroad.
Home Minister Denies Involvement In Visit Visa Scandal: Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak on Friday denied any personal involvement in the ongoing visit visa scandal and said the investigation will move forward independently, without interference from him. Speaking in the House of Representatives, Lekhak claimed he is being unfairly targeted due to the alleged involvement of immigration officials at Tribhuvan International Airport.
Prime Minister KP Oli to Attend FFD4 in Seville, Spain: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is scheduled to visit Spain from Asar 16 to 19 (June 30 to July 3), Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba informed during the House of Representatives’ International Relations and Tourism Committee meeting. Oli will attend the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), taking place in Seville. The Foreign Minister also mentioned that Nepal has made extensive preparations for the event, and Prime Minister Oli recently addressed a virtual meeting related to the conference.
Judicial Council Recommends Four Chief Judges for High Courts: The Judicial Council has recommended four judges for promotion to chief judge positions at different High Courts. The decisions were made during a meeting held on Friday morning under the leadership of Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut. As per the council’s recommendation, Judge Rajan Prasad Bhattarai has been proposed for appointment as Chief Judge of the High Court Biratnagar. Judge Lal Bahadur Kunwar has been recommended for High Court Patan. Judge Hari Prasad Bhandari has been proposed for High Court Surkhet. Likewise, Judge Rajeshwar Tiwari has been recommended for appointment as Chief Judge of Tulsipur.
House Obstruction Deal Reached, But RSP Stays Out: A deal has been reached among the three major parties—Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, and CPN (Maoist Centre)—to resolve the obstruction in the House of Representatives, but it remains uncertain whether the parliamentary deadlock will end, as the Rastriya Swatantra Party has not joined the agreement. The deal aims to address the ongoing controversy surrounding the misuse of visit visas and immigration loopholes. However, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which has been actively raising the issue and demanding accountability, has opted out of the agreement. The RSP did not sign the document, signaling its dissatisfaction with the terms of the consensus.
Finnish Ambassador Riina Rikka Heikka Bids Farewell to President Paudel: On Friday, Finnish Ambassador to Nepal, Riina Rikka Heikka, paid a farewell courtesy call to President Ram Chandra Paudel at the President’s Office. According to a statement from the President’s Office, during the meeting, both sides discussed the longstanding bilateral relations between Nepal and Finland, as well as matters of mutual interest and concern. President Paudel expressed his gratitude to Ambassador Heikka for successfully completing her tenure in Nepal, the statement added.
Tensions Flare in Parliament Committee Over Visit Visa Scandal: A meeting of the Industry, Commerce, Labour, and Consumer Interest Committee turned heated on Friday as lawmakers clashed over the ongoing visit visa scandal. Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) MP Ganesh Parajuli accused state bodies of collusion in trafficking Nepalis abroad under visit visas and demanded a parliamentary probe. He criticized fellow lawmakers for staying silent due to party pressure and called for the presence of the Home and Labour Ministers. Ruling party lawmakers strongly objected. Nepali Congress MP Raju Thapa argued the issue is already under CIAA investigation and not within the committee’s scope.
Foreign Minister Rana Says Nepal Intensifying Global Engagements: Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba told lawmakers Friday that Nepal has intensified its diplomatic engagements under her leadership and expressed confidence that these efforts will yield meaningful outcomes in foreign relations. Briefing the International Relations and Tourism Committee of the Federal Parliament, Minister Rana said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has ramped up diplomacy with Nepal’s friendly nations and the global community since she took office. “Diplomacy is a process—not something that delivers immediate results,” she said.
Nepali Congress Calls Central Working Committee Meeting for June 29: The Nepali Congress has announced that its Central Working Committee will meet on Asar 15 (June 29). Chief Secretary Krishna Prasad Paudel stated that the meeting is scheduled for 1 PM at the party’s central office in Sanepa. The committee last convened from Shrawan 23 to Bhadra 16, 2081 B.S. (August 7 to September 1, 2024). During that session, the party endorsed all proposals from its Mahasamiti convention—held in Godavari, Lalitpur from Falgun 7 to 10, 2080 B.S. (February 19–22, 2024)—with necessary amendments.
Seven Including Durga Prasai Sent to Dillibazar Prison: Seven individuals, including controversial medical entrepreneur Durga Prasai, have been sent to Dillibazar prison. The Kathmandu District Court had earlier issued a remand order to keep Prasai and the others in judicial custody pending trial. They were arrested in connection with the violent pro-monarchy protest that took place in Tinkune on Chaitra 15 (March 28).
Nepali Embassy in Israel Urges Nepali Nationals to Stay Cautious: Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, the Embassy of Nepal in Israel has issued a public advisory urging Nepali nationals residing in Israel to prioritize their safety and remain vigilant. The embassy’s social media announcement highlighted the importance of staying updated with safety protocols issued by the Israeli Home Front Command. Nepalis have been advised to follow the latest guidelines available through the Israeli National Emergency Portal and to stay close to shelters or safe refuge areas.
Seven Arrested for Demanding Release of Those Who Attacked Judges Over Aftab Alam Verdict: Police have detained seven individuals for staging a protest demanding the release of those who smeared black soot on judges who acquitted former Nepali Congress lawmaker Aftab Alam. The protest, organized by CPN-Majority cadres, took place on Friday afternoon at Maitighar. According to SP Apilraj Bohora of the Kathmandu District PoliceRange, all seven protesters were taken into custody. Those arrested include CPN-Majority members Sarjan Pandey, Hari Bista, Ushakiran Kami, Saksham BK, Jhalak BK, and Sarjan Kami. They are affiliated with the party’s student wing, ANNFSU (R).
Stock Market Sees Highest Turnover in Over 100 Days: Nepal’s stock market witnessed the largest turnover in over three months. On the last trading day of this week, transactions totaled NPR 12.51 billion, close to the NPR 12.94 billion recorded 101 days earlier on March 4, 2025. According to NEPSE, transactions of listed companies alone amounted to NPR 12.06 billion, with 25.77 million shares traded.
Finance Ministry Bends on Controversial ‘Take and Pay’ Power Purchase Policy: The Finance Ministry has agreed to resolve the controversial ‘take and pay’ clause in hydropower purchase agreements. Initially adamant, the ministry showed flexibility after requests from energy promoters and the Ministry of Energy. Budget point 227 states that electricity purchase agreements will be made to balance power production and consumption. It specifically mentions that “take and pay” agreements will be applied to run-of-the-river projects.
Government to Focus on Tunnel Roads and Overpasses in FY 2025/26: The government has announced a policy to prioritize the construction of modern infrastructure such as tunnels, expressways, and overpasses in the upcoming fiscal year2025/26. However, the allocated budget for tunnel construction is not adequate. Compared to the current fiscal year, the budget has been slashed by 17%. The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport has allocated NPR 695.3 million for tunnel development programs for the upcoming year.
Parliament Relaxes Penalty on ‘Free Visa’ Fraud by Manpower Agencies: Both the House of Representatives and National Assembly have adopted a lenient approach regarding penalties for manpower agencies charging money for ‘free visa’ jobs. The subject committees of both houses have proposed reducing fines below those initially suggested in the amendment bill. Amendments have been proposed to several clauses of the Foreign Employment Act, 2064, through a new bill to revise various Nepal Acts.
Government Tables New Cybersecurity Bill to Scrap Controversial Electronic Transactions Act: The government has registered a new Information Technology and Cyber Security Bill in Parliament that will replace the controversial Electronic Transactions Act. The old law, which had provisions widely criticized for being misused — particularly Section 47 — drew public concern over freedom of expression on social media. The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology has now introduced this new bill, which would nullify the older act upon its passage.
‘Mahabhoj’ Hit Nepali Theatres from Friday: Nepali social drama Mahabhoj was released across Nepal starting Friday. Mahabhoj opened with over 110 shows nationwide. The film stars Dayahang Rai, Aryan Sigdel, Khagendra Lamichhane, Anjana Baraili, Malika Mahat, and Gaumaya Gurung in lead roles. Following its Kathmandu premiere, the Mahabhoj team also held special shows in Pokhara, Butwal, Biratnagar, and Dharan.
Actor Paul Shah Dropped from ‘Maharajadhiraj’ Without Any Role: Actor Paul Shah has been officially removed from the upcoming Nepali film Maharajadhiraj, with no role assigned to him. The production company, Chhatreshwar Management Pvt. Ltd., issued a public notice on Thursday stating that it has terminated its agreement with Shah. Shah had signed a partnership agreement for the film on October 31, but the company has now declared that there will be no further communication between the two parties. It also said both sides will refrain from responding to any third-party inquiries on the matter.
‘Unko Sweater’ Becomes First Superhit of the Year, Songs Enter Million Club: ‘Unko Sweater’, written and directed by Nabin Chauhan and starring Bipin Karki and Miruna Magar, has emerged as the first superhit Nepali film of the year. The musical film, produced by Artmandu, has received widespread love from audiences and has performed strongly at the box office. Adding to its success, all four songs featured in the movie have now entered the coveted million-views club, cementing the film’s popularity on both screen and streaming platforms.
Nepal wins 1 gold and 3 silver medals at the 15th South Asian Bodybuilding Championship: The 15th South Asian Bodybuilding Championship held in Thimphu, Bhutan, Nepal delivered an outstanding performance by winning 1 gold and 3 silver medals. In the Women’s Athletic Physique category, Urmila Shrestha of Nepal secured the gold medal. In the same category, Nepal’s Sheela Thakuri won the silver medal, finishing in second place. In the Men’s 55 kg weight category, Sharad Suwal earned a silver medal, while Avatar Shrestha also won silver in the Men’s Sports Physique under 175 cm category.
Rahul Tharu Breaks 27-Year-Old Javelin Record at Dashrath Stadium: Rahul Tharu from Lumbini Province shattered a 27-year-old record in javelin throw on Thursday at Dashrath Stadium. He set a new record by throwing 57.40 meters during the 15th Central Presidential Running Sports event. Rahul surpassed the previous record of 55.50 meters set by Dhirendra Jung Shah in 1998. Delighted with breaking the junior record, Rahul now aims to break the senior national record.
Kaligandaki Rural Municipality Wins Second Musikot Mayor Running Cup: Kaligandaki Rural Municipality of Syangja won the title of the Second Musikot Mayor Running Cup Open Inter-Local Level Men’s Volleyball tournament. Nisikhola Rural Municipality became the runner-up in volleyball. In the veteran badminton category, the team from Resunga, led by Rajan Kaucha and Krishna Rana, secured first place. Similarly, the group of Rajesh Rayamajhi and Tank Thapa from Musikot became the runners-up, informed Sandeep Kshetri, Chairman of the Musikot Municipal Sports Development Committee.
Stadium to Be Built in Hima Rural Municipality, Jumla: A stadium will be constructed in Hima Rural Municipality, Jumla, after the Nepal government allocated NPR 30 million in the upcoming fiscal year’s budget. Member of Parliament Chiring Lhamu Lama Tamang informed that the budget allocation was made following the rural municipality’s request. She credited continuous efforts for the government’s approval of the program’s funding. After long-term efforts, the allocated budget has confirmed the construction of the stadium in the rural municipality.
Israel Strikes Iranian Nuclear Sites; Iran Retaliates: Israel launched airstrikes on Iran’s capital Friday, targeting nuclear and missile facilities, as well as key military leaders. Iran responded within hours, firing missiles at Israeli military sites in the Golan Heights and southern Israel. Israel said it acted on intelligence that Iran was nearing the “point of no return” in developing a nuclear weapon. The UN nuclear watchdog confirmed strikes on an Iranian uranium enrichment site and said it is “closely monitoring the situation.” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that the U.S. was not involved and urged restraint from both sides.
North Korea Claims Warship Launch Successful on Second Try: North Korea says it has successfully relaunched its new 5,000-ton naval destroyer, less than a month after it capsized during the first attempted launch, state media reports. The country’s leader, Kim Jong Un, had reacted furiously to the warship’s failed launch in May, and demanded it be quickly repaired. At least four officials – three shipyard officials and one senior official – have since been arrested over the incident. State media says the ship has now been fully restored. But given how quickly it has been relaunched, experts are questioning whether the repairs are really complete.
Tens of Thousands Evacuated in China’s Hainan as Typhoon Wutip Approaches: Tens of thousands of people have been evacuated to safety in south China’s Hainan Province as Typhoon Wutip, the first typhoon of the year, is approaching. As of 8 p.m. Thursday, the province had evacuated a total of 16,561 people from construction sites, low-lying flood-prone areas, and regions at risk of flash floods. All the province’s 30,721 fishing vessels had either returned to ports or taken shelter elsewhere, with over 40,000 people working on the vessels having been evacuated ashore.
