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.

SC Defers Verdict on 52 Constitutional Appointments to July 2: The Supreme Court has postponed its highly anticipated verdict on the controversial appointment of 52 officials to various constitutional bodies, including the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA). The court administration has announced that the verdict will now be delivered on Asar 18 (July 2). The verdict was originally scheduled for today (Wednesday), following the completion of final hearings on May 15. The case had been under review by the Supreme Court’s Constitutional Bench, which began continuous hearings on February 12. The bench comprises Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut and Justices Sapana Pradhan Malla, Manoj Kumar Sharma, Kumar Chudal, and Nahakul Subedi.

HoR Adjourned Until 3 PM Tomorrow Amid Ongoing Opposition Protest: The House of Representatives failed to proceed with its scheduled agenda on Wednesday as sustained protests by opposition parties forced the session to be adjourned until 3 PM tomorrow (Thursday). Originally set for 2 PM and later delayed to 3:15 PM, the meeting was disrupted over demands for a high-level investigation into Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak’s alleged involvement in the visit visa scandal. Lawmakers from the Maoist Centre, Rastriya Swatantra Party, and Rastriya Prajatantra Party have been disrupting House proceedings since May 27, demanding a high-level committee to investigate Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak’s alleged involvement in the visit visa scandal.

Contempt Case Against PM Oli Set for Hearing on June 22: The Supreme Court has scheduled a priority hearing for Asar 8 (June 22) on a contempt of court petition filed by Senior Advocate Dinesh Tripathi against Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and four ministers. The petition demands their dismissal and disqualification from holding public office over a budget provision allowing private sector export of construction minerals, which Tripathi argues violates a prior court ruling. The fiscal year 2082/83 (2025/26) budget’s clause no. 87 mirrors a similar provision from the fiscal year 2078/79 (2021/22) budget—which had been blocked by a Supreme Court order.

Ex-KMC Chief Administrative Officer Pariyar Charged with Corruption: The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed a corruption case at the Special Court against Pradip Pariyar, former Chief Administrative Officer of Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC), along with six other officials. The case concerns alleged irregularities in the contract process for sewer construction under the Samakhusi Corridor project. The CIAA has demanded the recovery of over NPR 43.1 million from Pariyar, who currently serves as Director General of the Department of Information and Broadcasting.

Home Ministry Cancels Deputation of 37 Employees: The Ministry of Home Affairs has withdrawn the deputation of 37 employees, mostly those officially posted outside the Kathmandu Valley but working within it. The decision was made on Monday. According to the ministry, the list includes 6 under-secretaries, 15 section officers, 12 non-gazetted first-class officers, one computer operator, and one assistant operator. Five of the under-secretaries had been stationed at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority in Singha Durbar.

Government Publishes Decisions of Cabinet Meeting: The government has made public the decisions of the latest Cabinet meeting. On Wednesday, government spokesperson and Minister for Communication and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung held a press conference to announce the decisions made during the Cabinet meeting held on Jestha 26 (June 9, 2025). One of the key decisions was the approval of the agenda for the upcoming 13th meeting of the Nepal-China Tibet (Xizang) Trade Facilitation Committee, scheduled to take place in Lhasa, Tibet, from Asar 2 to 6, 2082 (June 16–20, 2025).

Nepal Deserves Climate Compensation, Says Prachanda: Chairman of CPN (Maoist Centre) and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said that Nepal is suffering the consequences of climate change despite not being responsible for causing it. Speaking at a party event during his visit to Mustang on Wednesday, Prachanda noted that the effects of climate change have started to seriously impact Nepal. He said that during his tenure as prime minister, he consistently advocated on international platforms for compensation through a loss and damage fund.

CPN Maoist Centre Opens Door to Add More Central Committee Members: The main opposition party, CPN Maoist Centre, has opened the way to add as many members as it wants to the central committee. The party’s leadership meeting held on Jestha 12 (May 26) decided to temporarily suspend the provision in the party statute that limits nominations to only 10 percent of the total central committee members. Previously, the party statute allowed adding up to 10 percent of the total members of the concerned committee during party unification or adjustments. However, the circular issued after the leadership meeting states that this provision will be immediately suspended for now.

FNJ Urges Review of Court Order to Remove News Articles: The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) has expressed serious concern over a short-term interim order issued by the Kathmandu District Court directing two online news portals to remove published content. The FNJ has called on the court to reconsider its decision, warning that failure to do so may compel the federation to pursue legal or other forms of action. On Tuesday, Judge Pitambar Sharma of the Kathmandu District Court issued the interim order in response to a petition filed by Santosh Narayan Shrestha, Chairperson of the Securities Board of Nepal. The order targets news articles published by Nepalkhabar.com and Bizmandu.com.

Remand Hearing in Tinkune Royalist Protest Case Drags into Eighth Day: The remand hearing for defendants arrested in connection with the Tinkune royalist protest has stretched into its eighth day without a conclusion. The hearing began on May 2 after statements from the accused were recorded. As of Wednesday, the defense arguments have reached their final stage. Once the defense concludes, government prosecutors will present rebuttals. Only after both sides complete their arguments will the court issue a decision regarding the custody status of the accused. Currently, 39 individuals remain in custody in connection with the case.

Three Bodies Found in Separate Locations in Jhapa: Three bodies were discovered in different parts of Jhapa district on Wednesday morning, the District Police Office confirmed. According to police spokesperson Khagendra Bahadur Khadka, the bodies were recovered from three locations: Madanpur Jaladhar Road in Arjundhara-4, Fulbari Tole in Birtamod-2, and Nayabasti in Arjundhara-11. The deceased have been identified as 36-year-old Ram Tudu of Fulbari Tole and 60-year-old Mitralal Kami of Nayabasti. The identity of the third person, whose body was found in Arjundhara-4, has yet to be established.

Four Persons Met with Accident in Paragliding Rescued Safely: Four persons including two paragliding pilots, who had fallen into the Phewa Lake at Pokhara metropolitan city-18 while landing after a paraglide today, were rescued safely. A disaster management team deputed at Phewa Rescue Tower from Armed Police Force No 24 Battalion in Kaski, rescued them. Paragliding pilots Milan Shah and Bishwas Adhikari as well as paragliders—Akalesh Yadav and Chandan Kumar Patel of Banaras of India were rescued safely, said Superintendent of Police at the Battalion, Surya Prasad Timilsena. Shah is pilot with Agni Paragliding while Adhikari works for Happy Fly Paragliding.

Stock Market Declines After Two Consecutive Days of Gains: The stock market, which had been rising steadily for the past two days, declined on Wednesday. Compared to the previous day, the NEPSE index dropped by 13.69 points. Following this decline, the NEPSE settled at 2664 points. The trading volume slightly decreased. While the previous day’s turnover was NPR 1.016 billion, today it fell to NPR 990 million. Prices of 77 companies increased, 170 decreased, and one remained unchanged. All sector indices except hydropower fell today. The hydropower sector rose by 1.13 percent. Finance, which had surged the most by 5 percent the previous day, dropped by 1.31 percent today.

NRB to Withdraw Rs 40 billion from Banking System in a Single Day: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) is set to withdraw Rs 40 billion from the banking system on Wednesday. In recent times, with excess liquidity in the market, NRB has been continuously absorbing deposits from the banking system. The central bank has called for a 20-day auction, in which banks and financial institutions can participate. The minimum bid amount per institution is Rs 100 million, and the bid amount must be in multiples of Rs 50 million, up to the total amount called for in the auction. According to NRB, both the principal and interest payments are due on Ashad 18 (July 2), and the interest rate will also be determined via the auction process.

Uncertainty Grows Over Budhigandaki Hydropower Project: The Budhigandaki Hydropower Project, listed as a national pride project, faces increased uncertainty. The government has shifted from its earlier decision to build the 1,200 MW reservoir-type project with internal funding and now plans to implement it under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. As per the fiscal year 2082/83 (2025/26) budget, the government has announced that the project will now be constructed under PPP. Budget clause 224 states, “Budhigandaki Project will be constructed under a public-private partnership. The government’s investment in the project will be converted into shares.”

SEBON Publishes Report on New Stock Exchange Feasibility: The Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) has released a report from the committee formed to study the need and justification for a new stock exchange. The report was published following a recent decision by SEBON’s board of directors. Led by NRB Director Chintamani Shiwakoti, the report states that the establishment of a competitive new stock exchange in Nepal could boost all market indicators by 30% to 50%. However, the report also recommends restructuring the existing Nepal Stock Exchange before licensing a new one.

Singer Rachana Rimal Under Treatment at HAMS Hospital, Condition Improving: Singer Rachana Rimal has been admitted to HAMS Hospital in Kathmandu after falling ill during a program visit to Rukum West. She was first flown to Nepalgunj via an army helicopter, and then brought to Kathmandu for further treatment. Doctors say she is being treated in a hospital cabin for an intestinal infection that caused inflammation in her small intestine and abdominal issues. Her condition is reportedly improving gradually.

Usha Rajak Joins ‘Maharajdhiraj’: Actress Usha Rajak has been confirmed to play a key role in the upcoming film Maharajdhiraj. With her inclusion, the film’s main cast lineup is now finalized, according to the production team. Directed by Parichhed Sen, the film features a blend of senior and emerging actors including Aryan Sigdel, Ramesh Upreti, Paul Shah, Pushpa Khadka, Barsha Raut, Barsha Siwakoti, Gajit Bisht, and Asha Paudel. Presenter Biraj Bisht said the film aims to offer audiences a fresh flavor by mixing generations of actors.

‘Putali’ Sung by Ashish Aviral and Elina Chauhan Released: A new Nepali song titled ‘Putali’ has been released, featuring lyrics by renowned writer Bhishmaraj Phulara, music by Rajendra Bajgai, and vocals by popular singers of the younger generation, Ashish Aviral and Elina Chauhan. Arranged by famed Bollywood music coordinator Nishad Chandra, the music video stars models Pradeep Lama and Juna Sundas. Directed by Sunil BK, the video also features performances by Anisha Chhetri, Lakpa Lama, Tanuja Budhamagar, and Sumit Rajbanshi. The choreography is by Shion Shrestha, cinematography by Anil K. Manandhar, and editing by Praveen Bhatta.

Nandan Yadav Shines on ODI Debut Against Netherlands: Nandan Yadav was included in Nepal’s squad for the ODI series in Scotland under ICC World Cup League 2 and got his debut opportunity after lead pacer Sompal Kami was injured during training. Though earlier part of the national setup, he had only played in a T20I series in Hong Kong and was still awaiting an ODI chance. Coach Stuart Law chose Nandan over Rijan Dhakal for the Netherlands match, and the young pacer delivered with an excellent spell. He bowled 9 overs, including a maiden, conceding 39 runs and taking 3 crucial wickets—marking one of Nepal’s best ODI debut performances.

Koshi Province-Level Open Basketball Tournament Begins in Dharan from June 19: The Koshi Province-level open basketball tournament is set to take place in Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City from Asar 5 to 8 (June 19 to 22). The competition will be held at the basketball court of Depot Adarsha Multiple Campus in Dharan-18, with participation limited to teams from within Koshi Province. Organizing a press conference on Tuesday, Dharan Basketball Association coordinator Bikash Chamling said the event aims to promote basketball in the province and move toward its professional development. Narayan Subedi, President of Sunsari Basketball Association, confirmed that teams from Sunsari, Jhapa, Morang, Dhankuta, Ilam, Okhaldhunga, Udayapur, and Bhojpur will participate. The winner will receive Rs 200,000, while the runner-up will take home Rs 100,000.

5th Bir Ganeshman Singh 10km Road Race to Be Held in Kathmandu on June 28: The 5th edition of the Bir Ganeshman Singh 10km road race is scheduled to take place in Kathmandu on Asar 14 (June 28). The event is organized by the Ganeshman Singh Sports Committee under the Ganeshman Singh Foundation. Held in memory of Ganeshman Singh, the Supreme Commander of the 1990 People’s Movement, the race has been conducted annually since 2014. The organizing committee provided details about the event at a press conference held Tuesday at Durbar Marg.

Israel Kills Dozens of Palestinian Aid Seekers in Central Gaza: Israeli forces have shot and killed at least 25 aid seekers at a food distribution site near the so-called Netzarim Corridor, south of Gaza City, according to medical sources. In southern Gaza, at least four Palestinians have been killed in an Israeli drone attack on a tent for displaced people in the al-Mawasi area near al-Qarara town, north of Khan Younis city, according to a Nasser Hospital source. Israel has deported four out of 12 activists on board the intercepted Gaza-bound aid boat, the Madleen, including Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg. The remaining eight were taken into custody after they refused to leave Israel voluntarily.

Mass Arrests in LA as Police Enforce Night-Time Curfew: Los Angeles police say they’re conducting “mass arrests” after mayor Karen Bass declared a curfew for parts of downtown LA. Bass imposed the curfew at 20:00 local time (04:00 BST) in response to looting and violence during protests against immigration raids. Meanwhile, in Texas, the governor has deployed the National Guard ahead of planned protests. Demonstrations have spread to other cities in the US, with multiple arrests in New York. Earlier, California Governor Gavin Newsom said President Donald Trump had “inflamed a combustible situation” by deploying the National Guard.

India ‘Hopeful’ of Reaching Deal with US Before Trump’s Tariff Deadline: Delhi is “hopeful” of reaching a trade agreement with the US before the 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs ends on 9 July, India’s foreign minister has said. In an interview with French daily Le Figaro on Tuesday, S Jaishankar, who is on a four-day visit to Belgium and France, said India and US had already begun trade negotiations before Trump unveiled his 2 April ‘Liberation day’ tariffs on global partners, including up to 27% on India. “Prime Minister [Narendra] Modi met with Donald Trump in February and they decided to further open access to our respective markets,” Jaishankar told the paper.