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.

PM Oli Lays Foundation Stone for 64 Roads in Madhes Province: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Sunday laid the foundation stone for 64 road projects under the Madhes Province government’s flagship program “One Constituency, One Road” through a virtual ceremony. The event, organized by the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure Development of Madhes Province, took place at the Mahendranarayan Nidhi Auditorium in Janakpur, Dhanusha.

Public Transport Operators Announce Strike from Monday: Public transport operators have announced they will halt services starting Monday by parking their vehicles in garages, protesting the Gandaki Province government’s new ride-sharing regulation. The decision comes after the province formally authorized private vehicles to transport passengers under the guise of ride-sharing. In a joint statement issued on Sunday, key transport associations—including the Federation of Public Transport, National Federation of Transport Entrepreneurs, Nepal Transport Entrepreneurs’ Federation, Nepal Transport Workers’ Union, All Nepal Transport Workers’ Union, Unified Socialist Transport Workers’ Union, and Nepal Independent Transport Workers’ Organization—declared that they will stop all public transport services from tomorrow.

Royalist Protest Turns Chaotic in Kathmandu; Kamal Thapa Arrested: Tensions escalated in Narayan Chaur on Sunday as royalist demonstrations entered their third consecutive week since May 29. A rally led by the Joint Movement Committee of royalists set out from Narayan Chaur with plans to march toward the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar. However, police intervened, halting the procession and arresting several participants, including Rastriya Prajatantra Party Nepal Chairman and former Home Minister Kamal Thapa. Eyewitnesses reported that Thapa was forcefully dragged away during the police crackdown.

Lingden Threatens Kathmandu Shutdown After Kamal Thapa’s Arrest: Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Chairman Rajendra Lingden has warned of a sweeping escalation in royalist protests following the arrest of RPP-Nepal Chairman Kamal Thapa during Sunday’s pro-monarchy rally in Kathmandu. Speaking at Narayanchaur, Lingden declared that a “decisive phase” of the anti-republic movement would begin Monday, vowing to mobilize supporters across the country if Thapa was not released immediately. “Bring Kamal Thapa here,” Lingden demanded, addressing the government, the Home Minister, and Nepal Police. “If not, we will rise from fifty places, not just one.”

Transport Operators Protest in Kathmandu: Public transport operators across the country have intensified their agitation against the government’s newly introduced regulations by staging a rally and halting services. Today, they marched from Maiti Ghar Mandala to Bijulibazar, voicing their seven-point demands aimed at protecting the public transport sector. Opposing the recently implemented rules, the operators have parked their vehicles and taken to the streets in protest. They have announced a complete strike starting Monday, which will bring public transportation to a halt nationwide.

Stranded Passengers Escorted Out of Pokhara Amid Public Transport Strike: Stranded passengers in Pokhara were escorted to their destinations after public transportation in Gandaki Province was halted. Following the transport strike enforced by the Public Transport Protection Struggle Committee from Jestha 16 (May 30), 25 tourist buses were mobilized on Jestha 18 (June 1) from 10 AM to assist the stranded travelers. A joint team of the Armed Police Force (No. 24 Kalika Battalion, Kaski) and Nepal Police provided an escort from Pokhara to the district border at Kotre. From there, another team from Armed Police Force No. 23 Manakamana Battalion in Tanahun, along with local police, escorted the buses to Muglin.

Prachanda Rejects Sole Credit for Republic, Calls It a Collective Achievement: Chairperson of the main opposition party CPN (Maoist Centre), Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, has dismissed the narrative that Nepal’s republican system is solely the achievement of the Maoists or himself, calling it a misleading attempt to confuse the public. Speaking at the inauguration of the third national conference of the Young Communist League (YCL) Nepal in Kathmandu on Sunday, Prachanda said, “You must have heard the false propaganda by so-called royalists claiming that the republic was brought solely by the Maoists or through Prachanda’s efforts. They say Congress and UML calling themselves republicans is a delusion. This is being spread to mislead the people.”

Nepali Congress Ready to Lead Common Political Agenda on Climate: Deuba: Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba has said his party is ready to take the lead in forming a common political stance among all parties on environmental and climate change concerns. Speaking at a program organized by the Nepali Congress Department of Environment and Climate Change Concerns on Sunday at the party’s headquarters in Sanepa to mark World Environment Day, Deuba expressed his commitment to bringing all political parties together on a common platform to promote dialogue, consensus, coordination, and collaboration.

Federal Civil Service Bill Likely to Be Tabled in Parliament on Tuesday: The Federal Parliament Secretariat is preparing to table the “Bill on the Formation, Operation, and Conditions of Service of the Federal Civil Service” at the House of Representatives meeting on Tuesday. Earlier, the bill was scheduled to be presented at the House meeting on Jestha 14, but it was postponed after opposition parties obstructed the session. Following the disruption, the Secretariat altered the legislative agenda. According to Ramhari Khatiwada, Chairperson of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee, which unanimously endorsed the bill on Jestha 2, the bill has now been included in the tentative agenda for Tuesday’s meeting.

Sudurpaschim Transport Operators Halt Long-Distance Services: Transport entrepreneurs in Sudurpaschim Province have launched a protest movement. Opposing a recently introduced law by the Gandaki Province government, the transport operators have halted long-distance vehicles from Sunday onward. Furthermore, the entrepreneurs have announced a complete halt to public transport services starting Monday, i.e., 19th of Jestha (June 2). The protest erupted after the Gandaki Province passed a law allowing private two-wheeler and four-wheeler vehicles with red number plates to carry passengers — a move that has sparked outrage among transport operators nationwide.

National Public Health Lab to Test All Diseases Soon: Health and Population Minister Pradeep Paudel stated that efforts are underway to enhance the capacity of the National Public Health Laboratory to test for all diseases. Speaking at a large health camp organized on Sunday in Kathmandu to mark the 34th anniversary of Nepal Press Union, Minister Paudel said that before his tenure, only 20 percent of tests were conducted at the laboratory. Since he took office, testing capacity has increased to cover 50 percent of diseases. He added that private hospitals are also being encouraged to use the National Public Health Laboratory for their testing needs.

One Dead, Eight Injured in Doti Jeep Accident: One person died and eight others were injured in a jeep accident in Kedargaun, Ward No. 5 of K.I. Singh Rural Municipality, Doti district. According to Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Dipendra Kumar Pal, the spokesperson of the District Police Office, the accident occurred this morning when a jeep (registration number: SuPra 01001 Ja 1464) en route to Dipayal from Gaguda in Bogatan Phudsil met with an accident. The deceased has been identified as 42-year-old Min Bam of Gaguda, Ward No. 6 of Bogatan Phudsil Rural Municipality.

Former CEO of Karnali Development Bank Arrested for Embezzling Over NPR 2.5 billion: Rajendra Bir Raya, the founding chairman and former CEO of Karnali Development Bank, has been arrested. The 65-year-old resident of Salyan was apprehended by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police on Saturday from Belahiya in Rupandehi. He is accused of embezzling over NPR 2.5 billion while serving as chairman and CEO of the bank and fleeing. The case is being investigated in coordination with the Nepal Rastra Bank under the Banking Offense and Punishment Act, 2064.

Budget Provision to Purchase Electricity From Run-of-River Projects on ‘Take and Pay’ Basis Alarms Private Sector: The budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2082/83 has introduced a provision to sign Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) with run-of-the-river hydropower projects on a “Take and Pay” basis, making things difficult for private power producers. Energy entrepreneurs say this provision blocks the way for constructing projects with a combined capacity of around 17,000 megawatts. Ganesh Karki, president of the Independent Power Producers’ Association of Nepal (IPPAN), said that despite financial institutions being clear that they would not finance PPAs on a “Take and Pay” basis, the budget has introduced such a provision in a way that could destroy the energy sector.

Auditor General Flags Nearly NPR 4 billion Tax Evasion in Electric Vehicle Imports: The Office of the Auditor General has raised serious concerns over a tax evasion of nearly NPR 3.75 billion during the import of electric vehicles in the fiscal year 080/81. According to the audit, importers artificially reduced engine capacities, resulting in lower tax rates and significant revenue loss. The audit found that this manipulation led to a tax exemption exceeding NPR 3.77 billion in a single year. The Auditor General has directed the concerned authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly and recover the lost revenue. Electric vehicle taxes are determined based on motor capacity, and declaring lower capacities results in reduced tax liabilities, which has been exploited in this case.

Government to Establish AMC to Manage Rising Bad Loans: To tackle rapidly growing non-performing loans (NPLs), the government plans to establish an Asset Management Company (AMC). In the budget presented on Thursday, Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel announced that the second financial sector reform strategy will be implemented along with the establishment of the AMC to manage bad loans in banks and financial institutions.

Public Enterprises Losing Profit Despite Increased Government Investment: Despite the government increasing investment in public enterprises annually, profits have been decreasing. According to the Ministry of Finance’s “Annual Review of Public Enterprises 2082,” billions of rupees invested without proper planning are being wasted. The government’s total investment in public enterprises has reached NPR 703.93 billion—a 5.86% increase from FY 2079/80 (2022/23). However, dividends have declined.

Singer and Composer Ganesh Rasik Passes Away at 78: Veteran singer, composer, and literary figure Ganesh Rasik passed away on Sunday at the age of 78 while undergoing treatment for prostate cancer at Nepal Cancer Hospital in Hattiban. He had been battling the illness for the past five years. His final rites will be performed after his only daughter returns from the UK. Until then, his body is kept at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital. Rasik began his musical journey nearly five decades ago with the group “Lekali” and went on to become a prominent figure in Nepali music, known for his lyrics and songs that captured the struggles and dreams of the Nepali people.

Actor Saroj Khanal Returns to Theatre After 8 Years: Veteran actor Saroj Khanal has made a return to the stage after nearly eight years through the play Manjira. His comeback production began regular performances at Mandala Theatre from Saturday. Khanal, known for his work in films, said he returned to theatre to reconnect with deeper character immersion, something he felt was lacking in film acting due to frequent retakes and preset dialogue delivery. “During shooting, I just did whatever I was told. I spoke exactly the dialogues given to me. If it didn’t work, I did 10 or 15 retakes,” Saroj said. “That made it difficult to fully immerse myself and stay in character.”

Applications Open for Miss Vibhaa–Miss Grand Nepal 2025: Organizers have announced that applications for Miss Vibhaa–Miss Grand Nepal 2025 are now open. Interested participants can apply until Jestha 32. The finale of the beauty pageant is scheduled for Shrawan 18 at The Plaza, Pulchowk. The winner will earn the opportunity to represent Nepal at the international Miss Grand International competition. The crowned winner will receive a diamond tiara worth Rs 2.5 million. Organized by Umanga Creation since 2020, the pageant claims to have redefined the concept of beauty contests in Nepal.

Arika Gurung to Fight for Bronze in Karate One Premier League: Arika Gurung will compete for the bronze medal at the ongoing Karate One Premier League in Rabat, Morocco. Gurung reached the semifinals after defeating opponents from Turkey and Italy. However, in the semifinal bout against Spain’s Maria Torres Garcia, the match ended in a 5-5 tie. Gurung lost based on senshu (first point advantage). She will now face Clemence Pion of France in the bronze medal match on Sunday.

Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground Undergoes Major Upgrade: The Tribhuvan University (TU) Cricket Ground in Kirtipur is undergoing rapid transformation. The first cabinet meeting under Prime Minister KP Oli had pledged to upgrade the stadium into a modern facility within 300 days. However, after failing to meet the initial deadline of Baisakh 24 (May 6), authorities granted a two-month extension. Since then, construction work—especially on the parapet and floodlight installation—has gained momentum. Currently, the ground is being equipped with a 15,000-seat parapet and six floodlights.

First National Open Bodybuilding Championship to Be Held on Jestha 24: The Pragya Smriti Foundation is organizing the “Pragya Smriti First National Open Bodybuilding Championship for Men and Women” on Jestha 24 (June 6). The competition will take place at Nepal Police Club, Bhrikutimandap. According to the Foundation’s Director, Ganga Dahal, who briefed the press at a conference today, the men’s competition will be divided into five weight categories, while the women’s event will be an open competition without weight divisions. The men’s competition will feature athletes in the 60 kg, 65 kg, 70 kg, 75 kg, and above 75 kg categories.

At Least 31 Palestinians Killed at Gaza Aid Site: At least 21 people were killed on Sunday as they went to receive aid from an Israeli-backed foundation in the Gaza Strip, according to a nearby hospital run by the Red Cross that received the bodies. Officials at the hospital said another 175 people were wounded, without saying who opened fire on them. An Associated Press reporter saw dozens of people being treated at the hospital. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’s distribution of aid has been marred by chaos, and multiple witnesses have said Israeli troops fired on crowds near the delivery sites. Before Sunday, at least six people had been killed and more than 50 wounded according to local health officials.

7 Dead After Bridge Collapses Over Passenger Train in Russia: Investigators are inspecting the site of the collapse of a road bridge and the subsequent derailment of a passenger train in the Bryansk region, Russian state media reported on Sunday. At least seven people were killed when the road bridge collapsed on the Vygonichi-Pilshino section in the Bryansk region of western Russia late Saturday, and the debris fell on a passenger train passing underneath. Railway authorities are blaming “illegal interference,” TASS news outlet said. The incident took place on May 31, around 10.50 pm (local time), close to the Ukrainian border when the train was travelling from the town of Klimov to the capital, Moscow.

Torrential Rains and Landslides Kill 28 in Northeast India: At least 28 people have died and several remain missing in the northeastern states of India over the past 24 hours due to relentless rains, landslides, and floods. The devastation has been triggered by a depression over northern Bangladesh and parts of Meghalaya, bringing intense rainfall across Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh, Indian media reports said. In Arunachal Pradesh, nine people were killed in two separate landslides, while Meghalaya reported five deaths in three rain-related incidents. Assam saw five people die in a landslide, while another nine lost their lives in landslides and floods in Mizoram. Tripura reported one fatality on Saturday.