Kathamndu post RSShttps://kathmandupost.com/The Kathmandu Post : Find the latest breaking news from Nepal, opinion and analysis on Nepali politics, business, culture and arts, sports, movies, food and travel, books, education, auto and more at kathmandupost.comRight budget for the moment. Now Nepal must make it flyhttps://kathmandupost.com/columns/2026/06/17/right-budget-for-the-moment-now-nepal-must-make-it-flyTwelve months from now, the measure of this budget will not be what was announced, but what changed.Why Nepal's economic future is now tethered to the stock markethttps://kathmandupost.com/columns/2026/06/17/why-nepal-s-economic-future-is-now-tethered-to-the-stock-marketDriven by an unprecedented surge to 7.9 million accounts, Nepal’s stock market has transformed from a peripheral playground into a massive economic force now equivalent to 72 percent of the country’s GDP.Saudi Arabia’s skills certification programme for Nepali workers suspended after protestshttps://kathmandupost.com/national/2026/06/17/saudi-arabia-s-skills-certification-programme-for-nepali-workers-suspended-after-protestsForeign employment agencies accuse Saudi authorities of bypassing bilateral labour mechanisms and adding new financial burdens on migrant workers.Arnautovic turns the tide for Austria in tense win over Jordanhttps://kathmandupost.com/world/2026/06/17/arnautovic-turns-the-tide-for-austria-in-tense-win-over-jordanThe victory put Austria second in ​Group J ⁠behind defending champions Argentina, who they face next on June 22.G7 leaders back Ukraine, plan greater pressure on Russiahttps://kathmandupost.com/world/2026/06/17/g7-leaders-back-ukraine-plan-greater-pressure-on-russiaThe G7 leaders also welcomed the preliminary peace deal between the United States and Iran, which Trump signed on the eve of the summit, and said they are ready to contribute to its implementation.Recruiters protest Saudi skills test requirement for Nepali workershttps://kathmandupost.com/national/2026/06/17/recruiters-protest-saudi-skills-test-requirement-for-nepali-workersThey say the rule was introduced unilaterally and will add financial burden on job seekers in Saudi Arabia.Baglung emerges as key stop on Muktinath pilgrimage routehttps://kathmandupost.com/national/2026/06/17/baglung-emerges-as-key-stop-on-muktinath-pilgrimage-routeIndian tourists and pilgrims are spending more time in the district, drawn by religious attractions, heritage sites and the unique Shaligram Museum.Man arrested in Tulsipur after video of assault with khukuri surfaces on social mediahttps://kathmandupost.com/national/2026/06/17/man-arrested-in-tulsipur-after-video-of-assault-with-khukuri-surfaces-on-social-mediaPolice say incident took place around three months ago; another suspect taken into custody for investigation. A cashless shift in Nepal brings new ease and new riskshttps://kathmandupost.com/money/2026/06/17/a-cashless-shift-in-nepal-brings-new-ease-and-new-risks From QR codes to mobile wallets, digital payments are reshaping how Nepalis spend and save, even as rising fraud and cyber threats expose the limits of a rapidly expanding fintech system.Messi hat-trick equals goalscoring record as Argentina beat Algeriahttps://kathmandupost.com/football/2026/06/17/messi-hat-trick-equals-goalscoring-record-as-argentina-beat-algeriaThe defending champions make a strong statement as Messi’s hat-trick silences doubts and keeps their title defence on track.US-Iran ceasefire agreement to be public soon, permanent truce still awaits negotiationhttps://kathmandupost.com/world/2026/06/17/us-iran-ceasefire-agreement-to-be-public-soon-permanent-truce-still-awaits-negotiationInterim deal extends ceasefire by 60 days, eases oil trade restrictions and opens a window for negotiations on a permanent US-Iran settlement.Movie review: Finding love after trauma in ‘The World of Love’https://kathmandupost.com/art-culture/2026/06/17/finding-love-after-trauma-in-the-world-of-loveYoon Ga-eun avoids easy answers, examining how young people carry pain while still searching for connection and joy.Everyday AI: Aneel Neupanehttps://kathmandupost.com/art-culture/2026/06/17/everyday-ai-aneel-neupaneNeupane is the director/co-founder of Jazz Productions (a creative production company) and Qi Studios (a 3D animation and VFX studio). Also a filmmaker, he is best known for his short film, ‘Bob’.Mbappe double fires France to impressive win over Senegalhttps://kathmandupost.com/football/2026/06/17/mbappe-double-fires-france-to-impressive-win-over-senegalFrance captain becomes the nation’s all-time leading scorer with a brace as Les Bleus overcome a spirited Senegal challenge to open their World Cup campaign with victory.Nepal’s top swimmers accuse association of changing Asian Games selection criteria mid-eventhttps://kathmandupost.com/sports/2026/06/17/nepal-s-top-swimmers-accuse-association-of-changing-asian-games-selection-criteria-mid-eventAthletes say the Nepal Swimming Association altered the qualification process midway through the selection event, while officials insist the process was fair and transparent.Nepal’s economy fails to keep up with political transformation: Expertshttps://kathmandupost.com/money/2026/06/17/nepal-s-economy-fails-to-keep-up-with-political-transformation-expertsBusiness leaders and policymakers call for deeper institutional reforms, policy stability and full implementation of past recommendations to unlock Nepal’s economic potential.Nepal’s LGBTQI+ rights gains remain out of reach for manyhttps://kathmandupost.com/national/2026/06/17/nepal-s-lgbtqi-rights-gains-remain-out-of-reach-for-manyDespite landmark court rulings and constitutional guarantees, members of the community state they still encounter discrimination when seeking documents, education, healthcare, and jobs.Banished after release, jailed Bhutanese can’t return even to their former refugee camphttps://kathmandupost.com/national/2026/06/17/banished-after-release-jailed-bhutanese-can-t-return-even-to-their-former-refugee-campFormer Bhutanese political prisoners Chatur Man Tamang and Hasta Bahadur Rai are unable to enter Nepal after spending more than 18 years in Bhutan jail because they were not given release documents.Government releases 649 impounded EVs amid budget leak suspicionshttps://kathmandupost.com/money/2026/06/17/government-releases-649-impounded-evs-amid-budget-leak-suspicionsOfficials cite no evidence of wrongdoing regarding the Mustang convoy, while over 200 vehicles continue to face administrative scrutiny at the Rasuwagadhi border.Nepal cancer patients fight for survival as chemotherapy drugs are nowhere to be foundhttps://kathmandupost.com/health/2026/06/17/nepal-cancer-patients-fight-for-survival-as-chemotherapy-drugs-are-nowhere-to-be-foundMost of the contact numbers of suppliers, made public by the Department of Drug Administration, go unanswered, relatives complain.Deubas seek safe passage home amid money laundering probehttps://kathmandupost.com/politics/2026/06/17/deubas-seek-safe-passage-home-amid-money-laundering-probeIn letters from Hong Kong, Sher Bahadur Deuba and Arzu say they are undergoing medical treatment and will cooperate with investigators.Reclaim the public land, but without undermining rightshttps://kathmandupost.com/editorial/2026/06/16/reclaim-the-public-land-but-without-undermining-rightsReclaiming stolen land of Kathmandu is an opportunity to restore the lungs of the city.Making sense of the West India Companyhttps://kathmandupost.com/columns/2026/06/16/making-sense-of-the-west-india-companyThe WIC has no flag, no monarch, no charter, no headquarters and no single board of directors. Yet its reach is unmistakable.Lack of women in VC roles signals a need for structural changehttps://kathmandupost.com/columns/2026/06/16/lack-of-women-in-vc-roles-signals-a-need-for-structural-changeOnly four women out of 188 shortlisted for the post of VC at eight universities is a serious issue.When ministers speak the language of intimidation, rule of law comes under pressurehttps://kathmandupost.com/national/2026/06/16/when-ministers-speak-the-language-of-intimidation-rule-of-law-comes-under-pressureCritics fear ministers’ conduct could encourage similar excesses among officials tasked with serving the public.Parliament likely to face ‘business’ crunch after budget talks as bills dry uphttps://kathmandupost.com/national/2026/06/16/parliament-likely-to-face-business-crunch-after-budget-talks-as-bills-dry-upOnly one regular bill has been registered in the federal legislature since the formation of the current government, apart from the budget and ordinance-replacement bills.Saudi Arabia’s new skill test rule adds hurdles for Nepali workershttps://kathmandupost.com/nepali-diaspora/2026/06/16/saudi-arabia-s-new-skill-test-rule-adds-hurdles-for-nepali-workersNew rule taking effect today requires workers travelling to the kingdom on labour visas to pass a mandatory skills certification test.US Air Force B-52 bomber crashes in flames in California, killing all 8 crew aboardhttps://kathmandupost.com/world/2026/06/16/us-air-force-b-52-bomber-crashes-in-flames-in-california-killing-all-8-crew-aboardThe eight-engine, jet-powered aircraft, built to carry a wide array of nuclear and conventional bombs, was on a routine test mission when it crashed on the runway at Edwards.Case against chef Santosh Shah linked to restaurant deal, loan and cheque disputehttps://kathmandupost.com/national/2026/06/16/case-against-chef-santosh-shah-linked-to-restaurant-deal-loan-and-cheque-disputeShah’s case stems from a Gairidhara restaurant deal between Aarjab Holdings and Mithila Thali, involving alleged unpaid loans, cheque dishonour and contractual default.Patients at cancer hospital in Chitwan struggle as chemotherapy drugs run shorthttps://kathmandupost.com/national/2026/06/16/cancer-patients-at-cancer-hospital-in-chitwan-struggle-as-chemotherapy-drugs-run-shortShortages of carboplatin and cisplatin are forcing patients to spend days searching for medicines, disrupting treatment at B.P. Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital in Bharatpur.Foreign Minister Khanal meets senior CPC leader Wang in Beijinghttps://kathmandupost.com/politics/2026/06/16/khanal-meets-senior-cpc-leader-wang-in-beijingWang calls Nepal important in China’s neighbourhood diplomacy, Khanal seeks deeper economic engagement.Santosh Shah released on bail in banking offence casehttps://kathmandupost.com/national/2026/06/16/santosh-shah-released-on-bail-in-banking-offence-caseThe celebrity chef deposited bail equivalent to the claimed amount after being arrested in Janakpur.Passport department chief detained in CIAA procurement probehttps://kathmandupost.com/national/2026/06/16/passport-department-chief-detained-in-ciaa-procurement-probeTirtha Raj Aryal, director general of the Department of Passports, was taken into custody at Kathmandu airport as investigators examine alleged irregularities in a passport-related procurement contract.Bangladesh protests India ‘questioning’ PM’s adviser at Delhi airporthttps://kathmandupost.com/world/2026/06/16/bangladesh-protests-india-questioning-pm-s-adviser-at-delhi-airportDhaka summons Indian diplomat after adviser questioned at New Delhi airport, escalating bilateral tensions. APF releases 774 seized EVs after budget-linked import probehttps://kathmandupost.com/national/2026/06/16/apf-releases-774-seized-evs-after-budget-linked-import-probeThe vehicles were impounded during inspections over suspected irregularities in imports through northern border points ahead of budget.Municipals move to build digital profiles of returnee migrant workershttps://kathmandupost.com/national/2026/06/16/municipals-move-to-build-digital-profiles-of-returnee-migrant-workersLocal governments prepare draft directive to document skills, investment plans and earnings of returning labour migrants amid lack of national records.Nearly 1,000 SEE students stuck in limbo as answer sheets go missinghttps://kathmandupost.com/national/2026/06/16/nearly-1-000-see-students-stuck-in-limbo-as-answer-sheets-go-missingNational Examination Board says result publication affected, forcing some to sit supplementary exams without knowing revised scores as officials search for misplaced scripts across districts.Iran draw 2-2 with New Zealand in politically charged World Cup clash in LAhttps://kathmandupost.com/football/2026/06/16/iran-draw-2-2-with-new-zealand-in-politically-charged-world-cup-clash-in-laIran came from behind twice to draw with New Zealand in Los Angeles, a match marked by on-field action and protests outside the stadium. The result leaves Group G wide open after the opening round of fixtures.Provinces prioritise development spending in budgets for next fiscal yearhttps://kathmandupost.com/money/2026/06/16/provinces-prioritise-development-spending-in-budgets-for-next-fiscal-yearAll seven provincial governments unveil budgets for 2026-27, allocating the bulk of expenditure to infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture and other capital projects while keeping recurrent spending in check.Uruguay held to 1-1 draw by Saudi Arabia in World Cup openerhttps://kathmandupost.com/football/2026/06/16/uruguay-held-to-1-1-draw-by-saudi-arabia-in-world-cup-openerGoalkeeping mistakes at both ends produce a share of the spoils as Saudi Arabia and Uruguay open their World Cup campaign with a draw.