Nepal’s news today centers on parliamentary action and governance pressures, alongside investigations, infrastructure disruptions, and new development and policy initiatives.
Politics & Governance
The House of Representatives advanced four ordinances, indicating continued legislative momentum despite broader political tensions. Opposition MPs also urged the government to implement pending demands, including follow-up on reports from the Asset Investigation Commission and unresolved human rights concerns. House of Representatives moving forward with 4 ordinances and Opposition MPs urge government to implement their demands capture the latest push-and-pull in parliamentary proceedings.
The House endorsed the Appropriation Bill for the upcoming fiscal year after ministerial discussions, passing it with a majority. Lawmakers rejected proposed cuts to government expenditure, reflecting disagreement over budget priorities. House endorses budget for upcoming fiscal year and House endorses budget for upcoming fiscal year were cited in reporting on the bill’s passage and voting outcomes.
Courts & Accountability
In Kathmandu, police custody was extended in the child abuse investigation involving the director of ISKCON in Budhanilkantha. The inquiry follows an arrest on June 10 after complaints from the victim’s relatives, with interviews, medical examinations, and psychological counseling arranged as part of the case process. ISKCON director held in child abuse investigation outlines the steps taken by investigators.
Separately, the passport contract investigation has drawn in Arzu Poudel, who has been summoned for questioning. Authorities issued a deadline for her statement as part of the ongoing inquiry into the passport-related procurement allegations. Passport contract case: Arzu also dragged into investigation; deadline extended for statement reports on her investigative summons and timeline.
A related accountability development also emerged from Sarlahi, where three people were arrested after alleged vandalism and stone-pelting at police during a land dispute. The arrests followed a court order permitting Kalika Upreti to access his land, with investigations ongoing into potential additional suspects. Three arrested for vandalizing vehicles and pelting stones at police in Sarlahi details the arrests and the basis for the court-ordered access that preceded the confrontation.
Economy & Business
Development cooperation advanced in agriculture with KOICA’s USD 12 million grant commitment to strengthen climate-resilient rice production. The 2026–2031 project targets improvements across the rice value chain and aims to raise farmers’ income in selected districts of Lumbini and Sudurpashchim provinces. KOICA commits USD 12 million to strengthen climate-resilient rice production in Nepal reports on the agreement’s objectives and implementation window.
Infrastructure and market movement remain affected by weather-driven disruptions to transport routes. Reporting says heavy rainfall and landslides have blocked multiple highways, including a complete closure of the Besishahar–Manang road due to landslides, while other routes operate under restricted conditions. Various highways across the country blocked due to floods and landslides provides a snapshot of road closures and traffic restrictions.
On the domestic policy front, Chief Minister Yadav urged regular yoga practice as part of daily health routines. While framed as public health guidance, the message also reflects continued emphasis on wellness-oriented initiatives at the leadership level. Regular yoga practice necessary for good health, says CM Yadav summarizes the chief minister’s remarks.
Society & Community
Heavy rainfall-related damage is shaping daily life through road closures and safety concerns across several provinces. In addition to blocked sections, some routes are under one-way traffic operations, while others remain suspended due to flooding risks and maintenance schedules. Various highways across the country blocked due to floods and landslides outlines how connectivity is being affected nationwide.
Public safety concerns also surfaced locally in Sarlahi following an incident involving alleged vehicle vandalism and attacks on police. Three suspects were arrested, and the case is being investigated for criminal disturbance linked to a land-access confrontation. Three arrested for vandalizing vehicles and pelting stones at police in Sarlahi details the detentions and ongoing inquiries.
In Kathmandu, police custody continues in the child abuse case tied to allegations against an ISKCON director. Investigators say the inquiry includes medical assessments and psychological support arrangements for the alleged victim. ISKCON director held in child abuse investigation reports on the investigative measures underway.
Date: June 19, 2026 (AD) | B.S.: Asar 05, 2083
Top News
1. Nepal forms committee to end decade-long dispute over migrant worker fees (english.onlinekhabar.com)
A committee has been established to address the long-standing dispute over service fees charged to Nepali migrant workers by manpower companies, led by Pitambar Ghimire from the Ministry of Youth, Labour and Employment. The committee, which includes representatives from various government bodies and experts, has five weeks to propose a fee structure based on international practices and local conditions. The ongoing debate centers around the government's Rs. 10,000 cap on fees, which has faced opposition from businesses claiming it does not cover actual costs, while labor rights activists criticize the enforcement of this cap.
2. पासपोर्ट ठेक्का प्रकरण : आरजु पनि तानिइन् अनुसन्धानमा, बयानका लागि म्याद तामेल (www.onlinekhabar.com)
Arzu Poudel has been summoned for questioning in the passport contract investigation. Authorities have issued a deadline for her statement as part of the ongoing inquiry into the case.
3. KOICA commits USD 12 million to strengthen climate-resilient rice production in Nepal (theannapurnaexpress.com)
KOICA has committed USD 12 million in grant assistance to enhance climate-resilient rice production in Nepal's Tarai region, with the project set to run from 2026 to 2031. The agreement was signed by KOICA Country Director Mooheon Kong and MoAFE Joint Secretary Dr. Hari Bahadur K.C., aiming to improve the rice value chain and farmers' income in selected districts of Lumbini and Sudurpashchim Provinces. The initiative is expected to bolster food security and promote sustainable development in the target areas.
4. Regular yoga practice necessary for good health, says CM Yadav (risingnepaldaily.com)
Chief Minister Yadav emphasized the importance of regular yoga practice for maintaining good health. He advocated for incorporating yoga into daily routines to enhance physical and mental well-being.
5. बाढी र पहिरोका कारण देशका विभिन्न राजमार्ग अवरुद्ध (www.ratopati.com)
Heavy rainfall has caused landslides and flooding, obstructing major highways across Nepal. In Koshi Province, roads are blocked, but one-way traffic is operational in some areas, while the Besishahar-Manang road in Gandaki Province is completely closed due to landslides. The BP Highway has suspended vehicle movement since May 22 due to potential flooding risks, and the Kathmandu connecting road via Kulekhani is closed for a month due to maintenance work.
6. सर्लाहीमा गाडी तोडफोड र प्रहरीमाथि ढुंगामुढा गर्ने तीन जना पक्राउ (www.ratopati.com)
Three individuals have been arrested in Ishwarpur Municipality, Sarlahi, for vandalizing a vehicle and attacking a police station amid a land dispute. The arrests followed a court order allowing Kalika Upreti to access his land, which led to a confrontation when his vehicle was damaged while he sought police assistance. The suspects, Vinod Kaderia, Jay Prasad Gautam, and his son Ujjwal Gautam, are being investigated for criminal disturbance, with further inquiries into additional involved parties ongoing.
7. Opposition MPs urge government to implement their demands (theannapurnaexpress.com)
Opposition MPs in the House of Representatives protested the government's failure to implement their demands, including the reports from the Asset Investigation Commission and human rights issues. Nepali Congress MP Narendra Kumar Kerung and UML MP Laxmi Prasad Pokharel highlighted concerns over unaddressed parliamentary questions and the Prime Minister's remarks on the Nepal-India border. Additionally, RPP MP Tahir Ali Bhat called for a reduction in petroleum prices to alleviate consumer burdens.
8. House endorses budget for upcoming fiscal year (theannapurnaexpress.com)
The House of Representatives endorsed the Appropriation Bill for the upcoming fiscal year, passing it with a majority after ministerial discussions. Proposed cuts to government expenditure were rejected by most lawmakers.
9. ISKCON director held in child abuse investigation (english.onlinekhabar.com)
Suraj Krishna Shrestha, director of ISKCON in Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu, is in police custody following his arrest on June 10 for alleged child abuse. The investigation, initiated after a complaint from the child's relatives, focuses on accusations of physical and psychological harm, including assault and mistreatment. Police have conducted interviews, medical examinations, and arranged psychological counseling for the victim as part of the ongoing inquiry.
10. ४ अध्यादेश अघि बढाउँदै प्रतिनिधिसभा (www.onlinekhabar.com)
The House of Representatives has moved forward with four ordinances. This decision reflects the ongoing legislative activities within the parliament.
Forex
| Currency Pair | Rate (NPR) |
|---|---|
| USD → NPR | 151.24 |
| CAD → NPR | 107.05 |
| AUD → NPR | 105.96 |
| GBP → NPR | 199.95 |
| JPY → NPR | 9.4 |
Metal Prices (International)
| Metal | Price (USD/oz) | Price (NPR/tola) |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | $4130.44 | NPR 234,257.65 |
| Silver | $63.47 | NPR 3,599.70 |
Metal Prices (Nepal)
| Metal | Price (NPR/tola) |
|---|---|
| Fine Gold (9999) | NPR 286,700.00 |
| Silver | NPR 4,640.00 |
Disclaimer
- Forex rates are sourced from the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB).
- International gold and silver prices are sourced from swissquote.
- Nepal gold and silver prices are sourced from Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers' Association.
Prices are provided for informational purposes only and may be delayed, or inaccurate.
