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.
New Omicron Sub-Variant Detected In Five COVID-19 Patients In Nepal: A new sub-variant of the Omicron strain of COVID-19 has been confirmed in five individuals in Nepal, according to the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD). Chief of the EDCD, Dr. Chandra Bal Jha, informed that the new sub-variant was identified through gene sequencing tests conducted at the National Public Health Laboratory. The tests were performed on samples collected from 14 individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 between June 5 and June 12.
Amala Roka Re-Arrested After Bail In Gold Smuggling Case: Amala Roka, a suspect in the high-profile 61 kg gold smuggling case, was re-arrested immediately after her release on bail by the Kathmandu District Court. The court had ordered her release upon posting a bail amount of Rs 200,000. However, the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police confirmed that Roka was taken back into custody after receiving a letter from the Department of Money Laundering Investigation (DMLI).
Cooperative Federation Appeals to PM Oli Against Restrictive Regulations on Cooperatives: The National Cooperative Federation today drew the attention of Prime Minister and UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli regarding the need to avoid restrictive measures while regulating the cooperative sector. During a meeting held at the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar, a delegation led by Federation Chairperson Om Devi Malla raised concerns over the directives and standards issued by Nepal Rastra Bank and the Cooperative Authority.
16 Nepalis in Iran, Including 5 in jail: Foreign Minister Rana: Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba has confirmed that 16 Nepali nationals are currently in Iran, which is involved in a conflict with Israel. Addressing the House of Representatives on Monday, she stated that 11 Nepalis are staying in a location called Masad, while the other 5 are in prison for entering Iran illegally. She said 11 of them are expected to arrive in India on Tuesday via an Indian flight, and Nepal had agreed to their evacuation after India offered to rescue Nepalis along with its own citizens.
RSP, RPP Boycott House, Speaker Continues Proceedings: The House of Representatives session began today with obstruction by the opposition Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which has been consistently demanding the formation of a high-level investigation committee and the resignation of Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak over alleged involvement in the visit visa scam. As soon as the meeting commenced, RSP lawmakers stood from their seats and started chanting slogans near the rostrum. Despite the disruption, Speaker Devraj Ghimire proceeded with the scheduled business of the House. The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) also joined RSP in boycotting today’s House meeting, echoing the same demands.
RSP Lawmakers Dhakal, Gautam Meet Former Indian Vice President Naidu in Bengaluru: Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) lawmakers Hari Dhakal and Sobita Gautam held an informal meeting with former Vice President of India, Muppavarapu Venkaiah Naidu, during their visit to Bangalore, Karnataka, where they were attending a program organized by the Non-Resident Nepali Contact Forum. In the brief exchange, they discussed the condition and concerns of Nepali migrants living in India, the broader dimensions of Nepal–India relations, and the importance of long-term, structured coordination between the two countries.
No Irregularities in Jagdulla Hydropower Contract, Claims Energy Minister Kahdka: Energy Minister Dipak Khadka has claimed there were no irregularities in the awarding of the Jagdulla Hydropower contract. Responding to lawmakers’ concerns in the House of Representatives on Monday, he said the ministry was not involved in the process, and the Jagdulla Hydropower Company handled the contract independently. Khadka clarified that the company followed due process and awarded the contract to the lowest bidder among the shortlisted firms.
Gandaki Province Maoist Centre Lawmaker Juggali Tears Budget Booklet: Gandaki Province lawmaker Resham Bahadur Jugjali of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre) tore a budget booklet on the rostrum during Monday’s discussion on the annual development program of the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure Development. A former minister of the same ministry, Jugjali protested by tearing the booklet, alleging the budget was biased. He sarcastically remarked that the current budget might have pleased the gods and goddesses the most.
Defense Minister Rai Reports 41% Progress on Kathmandu-Tarai-Madhesh Fast Track : Defense Minister Manvir Rai informed the House of Representatives on Monday that the Kathmandu–Tarai Madhesh Fast Track, being implemented by the Nepal Army, has reached 41 percent completion. Speaking during the budget appropriation bill discussion, Minister Rai said the land acquisition process for the fast track in Tarai districts, excluding the Kathmandu Valley, has been completed. He expressed confidence that significant progress would be made in the coming months.
Nepali Intellectuals Condemn U.S. Airstrikes on Iran, Demand Immediate Halt: A group of prominent Nepali intellectuals has issued a joint statement strongly condemning the recent U.S. airstrikes on Iran, calling the attacks a violation of Iran’s sovereignty and a continuation of American imperialist intervention. The statement, released on Asar 9 (June 23), refers to the heavy bombing carried out by U.S. warplanes on three Iranian locations on the night of June 21. It states that the strikes targeted Iran’s peaceful nuclear program, which is under direct supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
NC Central Committee Meeting Rescheduled for June 30: The Nepali Congress has rescheduled its upcoming Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting, originally slated for Asar 15 (June 29), Sunday. Citing special reasons, the party announced that the meeting will now take place on Asar 16 (June 30), Monday at 1:00 PM at the party’s central office, BP Smriti Bhawan, BP Nagar, Lalitpur. Party’s Chief Secretary Krishna Prasad Paudel issued a notice requesting the presence of all CWC office-bearers, members, and invited participants as per the party’s directive.
UML Issues Whip to Vote in Favor of Appropriation Bill: The ruling CPN-UML has issued a whip directing all its MPs to be present and vote in favor of the Appropriation Bill, 2025/26. Chief Whip Mahesh Kumar Bartaula issued the directive, making it mandatory for all party lawmakers to attend Tuesday’s meeting of the House of Representatives and support the bill. The Appropriation Bill, presented by the government on May 29, is scheduled for decision in the lower house on Tuesday.
Corruption Cases Filed Against Province Hospital, Surkhet Officials: Corruption cases have been filed against three officials, including Shankar Prasad Subedi, Accounting Officer (Level 6), at Province Hospital, Surkhet. According to Rajendra Kumar Paudel, spokesperson for the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA), Tripti Shahi and Goma Sinjali Magar, former head of the extension counter at Kumari Bank Surkhet, were deployed at Province Hospital through a contract. The investigation revealed that of the total revenue amounting to NPR 3,403,856 collected, only NPR 836,330 was deposited in the hospital’s account, while NPR 2,567,526 was embezzled.
Two Women Die in Tractor Accident in Kapilvastu: Two women lost their lives and two others were injured in a tractor accident while transporting paddy seeds in Kapilvastu. The incident occurred on Monday morning in Dohani, Kapilvastu Municipality-9, when a tractor bearing registration number Na. 5 Ta 3140 slipped into a pond. According to Traffic Police Office Kapilvastu Chief Inspector Pankaj Chundali, the deceased are 40-year-old Durgavati Kori from West Belhawa, and 22-year-old Durgawati Kori.
NEPSE Index Rises by 4 Points on Monday: The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index saw an improvement of 4 points on Monday. After a continuous decline since last Tuesday, NEPSE experienced a rise on Monday. Although the NEPSE index improved, the trading volume decreased. The index started the day at 2595.97 points and closed 4.78 points higher at 2600.76. Along with the NEPSE index, the Sensitive Index also showed an upward trend on Monday.
Energy Minister Announces Revision of ‘Take and Pay’ Provision: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Deepak Khadka informed the House of Representatives that the controversial ‘Take and Pay’ provision in the budget will be revised. Responding to lawmakers’ questions during Monday’s session, he said a letter requesting revision had already been sent to the Ministry of Finance on Jestha 27 (June 10).
Three Decades Later, New Guidelines to Open Power Trade for Private Sector: The government is finally moving forward with the development of electricity trade guidelines nearly three decades after enacting the Electricity Act. Once approved, the guidelines will allow not just the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), but also private energy promoters, power trading companies, and large electricity consumers to use transmission lines for buying and selling electricity.
Banks Seek Relaxation in Provisioning Rules Amid Profit Decline: Excessive and untimely provisioning requirements have led to declining profits for banks in Nepal. Investors and bankers are now calling for more flexible legal arrangements, similar to those in India and Bangladesh, to manage potential losses effectively without hurting profitability.
Energy Entrepreneurs Protest ‘Take and Pay’ Clause in Budget: Energy entrepreneurs have taken to social media demanding the removal of the ‘Take and Pay’ provision included in the new budget for electricity procurement. They have publicly appealed to the Prime Minister, Finance Minister, Energy Minister, and NEA Managing Director to withdraw the clause from the Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).
Actor Anmol KC and Film ‘Farki Farki’ Producers Sued for Defamation: A defamation case has been filed in Kathmandu District Court against actor Anmol KC and the producers of the film ‘Farki Farki.’ Narendra Bahadur Shrestha from Jhapa filed the lawsuit on Monday through lawyer Yogyata Bhandari, claiming that he has suffered mental distress due to a mobile number used in a scene of the film. In the petition, actor Anmol KC has claimed ownership of the mobile number shown to the heroine in the movie.
Singer Durgesh Thapa Thanks PM Oli for Congratulating His Song’s 100 million Views: Singer Durgesh Thapa expressed gratitude to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli after the PM congratulated him on social media for his song ‘Dusman Hereko Heryai’ reaching 100 million views. On Sunday, PM Oli wrote on social media, “Today’s new generation has shown a distinct taste in songs/music, as evident from the viewers of ‘Dusman Hereko Heryai’. Congratulations to the creator Durgesh Thapa!” In response, Thapa said on social media that the PM’s interest, sensitivity, and respect for the creativity, expression, and hard work of the new generation deeply moved him.
Release Date Set for Film ‘Harsha’ Starring Khagendra Lamichhane and Barsha Raut: The release date for the film Harsha, featuring Khagendra Lamichhane and Barsha Raut in lead roles, has been announced. The producers released the title video on Monday and confirmed that the film will hit theaters from Mangsir 12. The film is directed by Ekta Paudel, who mentioned at the start of the title video that the film is dedicated to the late director Shiva Regmi.
Nepal Announces Final Squad for SAFF U-20 Women’s Championship: Head coach Yam Prasad Gurung has announced the final 23-member Nepal team for the SAFF U-20 Women’s Championship on Monday. The tournament is scheduled to be held in Bangladesh from July 11 to 22. According to the match schedule released last Thursday by the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF), Nepal’s first opponent will be Bhutan, with the opening match between Nepal and Bhutan set for July 11.
Youth and Sports Minister Teju Lal Chaudhary Inspects Kirtipur Cricket Ground: Youth and Sports Minister Tej Lal Chaudhary visited the Kirtipur Cricket Ground on Monday to inspect ongoing works. Currently, construction of the parapet and installation of floodlights are underway at the venue. Minister Chaudhary went to Kirtipur to review the progress of the work and instructed officials to complete the tasks within the scheduled time.
28 College Teams to Participate in First Saim Inter-College Seven-a-Side Futsal Tournament: The first Saim Inter-College Seven-a-Side Futsal Tournament, organized by Saim College, will see the participation of 28 student teams. The competition is set to begin on Wednesday. At a press conference held on Monday, Saim Principal Ashok Raj Pandey announced the confirmed participation of 28 teams in the inaugural edition. Principal Pandey stated that the college has been providing full support to all student activities to enhance their skills and capabilities.
Khamenei Vows Retaliation After U.S. Joins Israeli Strikes; Death Toll Mounts: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Monday vowed to punish “the Zionist enemy” in his first public remarks since the United States joined Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets. The escalating conflict has drawn international concern, with Iran reporting more than 400 deaths and over 3,000 injuries since Israel launched its offensive on June 13. In response, Iranian missile and drone attacks have killed at least 24 people in Israel. U.S. President Donald Trump added to the tensions with a statement suggesting possible regime change in Tehran.
Pakistan Condemns Trump for Bombing Iran a Day After Recommending Him for a Nobel Peace Prize: Pakistan condemned U.S. President Donald Trump for bombing Iran, less than 24 hours after saying he deserved a Nobel Peace Prize for defusing a recent crisis with India. Relations between the two South Asian countries plummeted after a massacre of tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir in April. The nuclear-armed rivals stepped closer to war in the weeks that followed, attacking each other until intense diplomatic efforts, led by the U.S., resulted in a truce for which Trump took credit.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Asks Putin to Do More After US Strikes: Iran’s supreme leader sent his foreign minister to Moscow on Monday to ask President Vladimir Putin for more help from Russia after the biggest U.S. military action against the Islamic Republic since the 1979 revolution over the weekend. U.S. President Donald Trump and Israel have publicly speculated about killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and about regime change, a step Russia fears could sink the Middle East into the abyss.
