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.
House of Representatives Session Adjourned Until Monday Morning: The House of Representatives meeting has been adjourned until Monday. Speaker Devaraj Ghimire suspended the session until 11 a.m. on Monday. During Sunday’s session, Ramhari Khatiwada, Chairperson of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee, presented the committee report on the Federal Civil Service (Formation, Operation, and Conditions of Service) Bill. Additionally, the Ship (Operation and Management) Bill, 2081, which was passed by the National Assembly and forwarded to the House, was tabled during the session.
PM Oli Urges Technological Upgrade of Public Service Commission: Prime Minister (PM) KP Sharma Oli has said that the Public Service Commission (PSC) continues to enjoy strong public trust for its impartial role in civil service recruitment. Speaking at a program held to mark the Commission’s diamond jubilee, Prime Minister Oli praised its contribution in maintaining competence, integrity, and neutrality while selecting personnel for the civil service, security agencies, and other organized institutions.
Finance Minister Paudel Defends Budget Size, Calls It Realistic: Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel has defended the size of the national budget, saying that although he had the option to present a significantly larger one, he exercised restraint. Tabling a proposal in the ongoing session of the House of Representatives to begin discussions on the budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2082/83 (2025/26), Minister Poudel offered a self-defense against growing criticism.
RPP Walks Out of House Over Breach of Parliamentary Rules: The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) boycotted Sunday’s session of the House of Representatives, citing a breach of parliamentary procedures. RPP Chief Whip Gyanendra Shahi said the party decided to walk out after the session failed to proceed in accordance with the rules. The boycott comes amid ongoing deliberations on the budget for upcoming fiscal year 2025/26.
Three Workers Injured in Panchthar Bailey Bridge Collapse Die: Three workers who were injured in an accident that occurred when an under-construction bailey bridge collapsed died last night. The bridge was being constructed over the Henwa river in Paanchthar along the Mechi Highway. The deceased have been identified as Ruplal Chaudhary, 22, Rajan Chaudhary, 27, and Rakesh Chaudhary, 22, of Simara Sub-metropolitan City-12, Bara, according to Chief of the District Police Office, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Kaushal Kumar Budhathoki.
Report on Federal Civil Service Bill Tabled in House by Committee Chair Ramhari Khatiwada: The report on the Federal Civil Service (Formation, Operation, and Conditions of Service) Bill has been tabled in the House of Representatives. Chair of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee, Ramhari Khatiwada, presented the report during today’s House meeting. Earlier, the bill was scheduled to be tabled on May 28, but it was postponed due to obstruction by opposition parties. The committee had unanimously passed the bill on May 16.
Barshaman Pun Calls for Probe into Visit Visa Scandal, Urges Govt to Honor Agreement: Barshaman Pun, Member of Parliament and Deputy General Secretary of the CPN (Maoist Centre), has stressed the need for a thorough investigation into the recent visit visa scandal. Speaking in Sunday’s session of the House of Representatives, Pun stated that the reopening of the House must proceed in line with the agreement made between three major parties. He highlighted that investigation and deliberation on the visit visa case must be taken forward accordingly.
Embassy Urges Nepalis in Israel to Stay Safe, Launches 24-hour Hotline: The Nepali Embassy in Israel has urged all Nepalis residing in the country to follow official safety directives and remain vigilant amid the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. In a press release, the embassy announced the launch of a 24-hour hotline service to assist Nepalis during this critical period. The embassy highlighted that recent attacks in various parts of Israel have resulted in significant casualties and damage. In light of this, it urged Nepali nationals to strictly follow the regularly updated safety instructions issued by Israel’s Home Front Command.
Above-Average Rainfall Predicted Across Most Parts of Nepal This Monsoon: The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has forecasted above-average rainfall in most parts of the country during this year’s monsoon season. According to the department, the monsoon, which entered Nepal via Koshi Province, has gradually advanced westward and now reached as far as Lumbini Province. Considering potential monsoon-related risks, the National Monsoon Preparedness and Response Plan 2082, led by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), has already entered the implementation phase.
RSP Chief Whip Accuses Maoist Centre of Betrayal Over Two-Point Agreement: Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chief Whip Santosh Pariyar has accused the main opposition party, CPN (Maoist Centre), of betraying opposition parties under the pretext of a two-point agreement. Speaking to the media after a meeting of chief whips called by Speaker Devraj Ghimire, Pariyar remarked that the Maoist Centre’s agreement on the visit visa and immigration issues was merely a tactic to avoid pressure. He also criticized the government for not taking human trafficking cases seriously.
Two People Found Dead in Budhanilkantha: Two individuals and a dog have been found dead in Pasikot, Ward No. 4 of Budhanilkantha Municipality. The deceased have been identified as 54-year-old Param Narayan Gill of Chandigarh, India, and 28-year-old Anjana Tamang, originally from Galchi Rural Municipality–6 in Dhading, according to Kathmandu District Police Office spokesperson SP Apil Raj Bohora. SP Bohora informed that the bodies were discovered inside a two-and-a-half-storey house located within the compound of the Three-Star Kidzone School in Pasikot. Along with the two individuals, a dog was also found dead at the scene.
NHRC Urges Government to Stop Threats and Harassment Against Journalists: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on the government not to allow any actions that restrict press and freedom of expression. On Sunday, the commission issued a statement drawing the government’s attention to stop threats and harassment against journalists and media houses and to prevent such incidents from recurring. In the statement released by NHRC spokesperson Dr. Tikaram Pokharel, it said, “…while safeguarding the rights to information and communication as provided by national and international laws, the commission urges the Nepal government to stop threats and harassment against journalists and media houses.”
NEPSE Edges Up Slightly, Hydropower Stocks Continue to Dominate: The stock market saw a slight increase of 0.47 points on Sunday, with the NEPSE index settling at 2,655 points. Although the transaction volume declined compared to the previous trading day, the market still showed promising signs. Sunday’s turnover stood at NPR 11.44 billion, down from NPR 12.51 billion the previous day. Prices of 90 companies rose, while 157 declined. Investor enthusiasm remained strong in the hydropower sector. After leading last week’s gains with a 5.53% increase, the sector climbed another 0.96% on Sunday. Hydropower companies dominated the list of top gainers for the day.
Budget Debate Begins in Parliament After 17 Days Amid Opposition Disruption: Seventeen days after the government presented the national budget for the fiscal year 2025/26, the House of Representatives has finally commenced a theoretical discussion on it today. Although the budget was presented on May 29, discussions could not move forward due to obstructions by the main opposition party. In today’s House session, Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel initiated the debate by proposing a general discussion on the annual estimates of revenue and expenditure.
NRB to Withdraw Rs 40 billion from Market to Manage Excess Liquidity: With liquidity surplus in banks and financial institutions, Nepal Rastra Bank plans to withdraw Rs 40 billion from the market today (Sunday). To manage excess liquidity, the central bank is using deposit collection instruments with a 42-day maturity. Despite persistent liquidity, the central bank has been withdrawing funds at least twice a week, and today’s move continues that trend.
Government Revenue and Expenditure Rise, But Fall Short of Targets: While government income and expenditure have improved slightly in the current fiscal year, a significant gap remains between the set targets and actual performance. According to the Office of the Auditor General, government revenue has increased by 11%, and expenditure has risen by 9% this year.
Governor Poudel Commits to Continuity in Monetary Policies: Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank, Dr. Biswo Poudel, has expressed commitment to maintaining the stability of Nepal’s banking sector and economy. Speaking at a farewell program for outgoing Governor Maha Prasad Adhikari organized by Nepal Bankers’ Association, Dr. Poudel said the existing effective policies and systems of the central bank will largely be continued without major changes.
Anmol KC to Star in Upcoming Film ‘Batulo Jun’, Directed by Bhuwan KC: Anmol KC is confirmed to star in the upcoming film Batulo Jun. The Film Development Board recently granted production approval for the project. According to the details submitted to the board, the movie will be produced by Jiya KC and directed by Bhuwan KC. Unlike previous projects under his home production company Super Kajal Films, this movie will be produced under the banner of Sunrise Pictures Pvt. Ltd. Anmol will portray a rural character for the first time in his career. To fit the role, he has grown a mustache. He was seen in the same look during his recent trip to Qatar last week.
New Feature Film ‘Kina Lagchha Maya’ to Begin Shooting in Asar First Week: A new feature film titled Kina Lagchha Maya is set to be produced under the banner of S&S Production. The movie will be produced by Monu Khadka and directed by Kuber Tamang, with filming scheduled to begin in the first week of Asar (mid-June). The cast includes Sanjeet Bhandari, Richa Thapa, Janvi Basnet, Dhiren Shakya, Pavitra Saki (known as Miss Pabi), Rajendra Khadgi, Hiunwala Gautam, Sabin Bastola, Ravi Dangol, Gopal Dhakal, Niroj Khulal, Samrant Thapa, Bheg Pahari, and Binod Dhakal.
AIG Dan Bahadur Karki’s Patriotic Song ‘Gunyu Choli Patuki’ Released: A new song titled Gunyu Choli Patuki, penned by AIG Dan Bahadur Karki, has been officially released. Set to music by Basanta Sapkota, the song is sung by child vocalist Anuja Kadariya and features child actress Anbhi Oli in the video. AIG Karki stated that the song aims to instill patriotism in the younger generation and encourage pride in Nepali culture and traditional attire. “Gunyu, cholo, and patuki are integral elements of Nepali culture and dress,” said Karki. “This song was written out of concern that our upcoming generation may forget these cultural values.”
10 Players Dropped from SAFF Women’s U-20 Squad; Coach Limits Team to 30: Ten players have been excluded from the SAFF Women’s U-20 Championship training camp squad. The head coach of the Nepal U-20 women’s national football team, Yam Prasad Gurung, has reduced the squad size to 30 players. The players dropped include Amita Bhul, Avani Rajeshwari, Gayatri Malla, Marina Lama, Pratima Sharma, Rojita Bista, Savita Mandal, Sangita Adhikar, Sunita BK, and Sunita Sunar. Initially, Gurung had called 40 players for the training camp. Now, the selected 30 players will participate in the closed training camp to prepare for the SAFF Women’s U-20 Championship.
Bijay Ranamagar Wins 2nd Backyard Ultra Nepal; Earns Spot in 2027 US Backyard Ultra Race: Bijay Ranamagar from Dhading has won the title of the second edition of Backyard Ultra Nepal. Ranamagar received a cash prize of NPR 30,000 and will represent Nepal in the Backyard Ultra race scheduled to be held in the United States in 2027. The winner completed 25 loops, covering 167.55 kilometers in 25 hours. The race started at 8 AM on Saturday and continued until 9 AM Sunday morning. Organized by Fit Nepal, the event took place at Bhalam, Pokhara, with participation from 52 runners representing various countries, according to coordinator Subas Chandra Basnet.
NSC Welcomes Medal-Winning Team from 15th South Asian Bodybuilding Championship: The National Sports Council (NSC) warmly welcomed the team and medal winners from the 15th South Asian Bodybuilding Championship. Tankanlal Ghising, Member-Secretary of NSC, Kamal Bahadur Bhattarai, member of the executive committee, bijaylal Kayastha, first vice president of the Nepal Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation, along with other federation officials, greeted the team at NSC’s office in Tripureshwor and congratulated them on their success. The competition, held in Thimphu, Bhutan, from June 13 to 14, saw Nepal win 1 gold and 3 silver medals.
At Least 10 Killed in Iranian Missile Attacks on Israel: In an escalation of tensions, Iran has fired missiles targeting central and northern Israel after the Israeli military confirmed it conducted multiple airstrikes against Iranian nuclear infrastructure. Israeli emergency services report that at least 10 people have died and over 100 others have been injured as a result of the Iranian missile attacks. Meanwhile, Iranian state media have not reported any casualties from the recent Israeli strikes.
Trump Says Putin Wished Him Happy Birthday, Both Agree to End Israel-Iran War: US President Donald Trump on Saturday (local time) revealed that he received a call from Russian President Vladimir Putin on his 79th birthday and talked about the war between Israel and Iran, which both leaders agreed “should end.” The conversation occurred before Trump is set to mark his 79th birthday in the evening by attending a military parade on the streets of Washington DC to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the US Army.
Air India Plane Crash Death Toll Rises to 270: Doctors in India say 270 bodies have been recovered from the site of Thursday’s plane crash in Ahmedabad. The London-bound aircraft crashed into a residential area shortly after take-off killing all but one of the 242 passengers and crew members, a 40-year-old British man. Officials have also been trying to establish how many people were killed on the ground and have been continuing the slow process of matching DNA samples to confirm the victims’ identities.
