This week in Nepal
Nepal's economic landscape was a central theme this week, as the nation formally requested a three-year postponement of its graduation from Least Developed Countries status until November 2029, while the Kathmandu-Tarai Expressway project is likely to miss its revised deadline again. Amidst these development challenges, Nepal celebrated significant achievements in sports, with its cricket team securing dominant victories and setting new ODI records, and culturally, as the Nepali film 'Elephants in the Fog' won a Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival. The week also saw discussions around Everest overcrowding and a court dropping charges against RSP chairman Rabi Lamichhane.
About Nepal
Nepal, a landlocked nation nestled in the Himalayas, is renowned for its breathtaking mountain landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and spiritual sites. Its diverse media landscape, while constitutionally protected, is characterized by numerous small outlets and significant influence from political parties, contributing to a partly-free press environment.
Visiting Nepal
Media landscape
Nepal's media environment is vibrant and diverse, with a high number of radio stations providing extensive local reach. While press freedom is constitutionally guaranteed, political parties exert influence over some media ownership, and digital platforms are rapidly growing in popularity.
Be aware that many weekly newspapers are partisan, and while social media is widely used, traditional media generally holds higher credibility.
Sources we track 2
Colombia quake death toll tops 250 as rescuers race to find survivors
- A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Colombia's coffee-growing heartland, flattening buildings and killing at least 250 people. - Rescue crews are digging through rubble to find survivors, whi…
New attacks on shipping as Iran war talks hit fresh impasse
- The US and Iran-aligned Houthis reported separate attacks on shipping in vital global chokepoints, raising concerns about the ongoing conflict. - Oil prices rose amid renewed pessimism about a quick…
Heirs prepare to strike back
- Similarities are drawn between former Prime Minister Tulsi Giri and current Prime Minister Balendra Shah, both rising to power in their mid-thirties. - Both leaders came from wealthy, respected fami…
Special discounts await buyers at Naima Auto Show
- The Naima Nepal Mobility Expo 2026 features vehicles from 55 brands across 53 stalls, showcasing new two- and four-wheelers. - Special discounts are available on various vehicles, including electric…
No more shelving of study commission reports
- Nepal has a history of forming commissions and committees over three decades, but their recommendations are rarely implemented. - Governments have frequently shelved reports or failed to even receiv…
Numa Sambahamphe on the shows and channels she keeps coming back to
- Numa Sambahamphe shares her favorite comfort shows, including "Q2hanTwo twins Qwon & Qjin," "Try Guys," and "Running Man." - She recommends "Doctor Who" for sci-fi and adventure fans and "The Big Ba…
Rohit Paudel leaves behind an inspiring legacy as ODI captaincy changes hands
- Rohit Kumar Paudel has been replaced as Nepal's ODI captain by Sandeep Lamichhane, four months after being removed as T20I captain. - Paudel's tenure saw Nepal qualify for two T20 World Cups and the…
The ideal self we were taught to dream of
- The author reflects on societal pressures that shape the definition of an "ideal self," often prioritizing material possessions and outward appearances. - A scene from "Little Miss Sunshine" illustr…
Essential vaccines, medicines missing from Nepal's health facilities for months
- Government health facilities across Nepal face prolonged shortages of essential medicines, vaccines, and supplements due to procurement and supply issues. - Critical supplies like iron-folic acid fo…
Nepal Police seeks call interception powers, sparking privacy concerns
- Nepal Police is seeking legal authority to intercept telephone calls and digital communications in real time for criminal investigations. - The proposal aims to equip investigators with modern tools…
Nepal sees foreign medical students arrive as thousands of its own study abroad
- Nepal is attracting foreign medical students while also seeing a significant number of its own students pursue studies abroad. - India is the primary destination for Nepalis studying medicine overse…
Nepal's youth reshaped politics; now must deliver economic opportunity
- Young citizens in Nepal have significantly influenced the country's politics, leading to a governing mandate for change. - The focus now shifts to translating this political renewal into tangible ec…
Taylor Swift wedding-dress fever puts bridal brands on high alert
- Wedding retailers are preparing for a surge in demand for Taylor Swift-inspired wedding dresses following her recent event. - David's Bridal has already designed dozens of potential looks based on S…
Deadlock over names delaying Nepal's ambassadorial nominations
- Nepal's government has delayed recommending ambassadorial nominees due to internal divisions within the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party. - Over 4,400 applications were received for 13 vacant posts, …
Rajendra Bimal, literary scholar who sought common ground across Nepal’s divides, dies at 80
- Rajendra Bimal, a literary scholar and linguist who championed unity across Nepal's diverse linguistic and cultural divides, has died at age 80. - Bimal advocated for a broader sense of belonging in…
Colombia Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 224 as Search for Survivors Continues
- A devastating 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia, killing at least 224 people and flattening dozens of buildings. - The earthquake, the most powerful in decades, hit Colombia's coffee-…
South Africa mine dump collapse kills 14 illegal miners, police say
- At least 14 suspected illegal miners died and eight were injured in a mine dump collapse near Rustenburg, South Africa. - The collapse occurred at a disused dump where miners were extracting platinu…
Online attacks on minister’s wife reveal deep-seated misogyny in Nepal
- Online platforms in Nepal are using repurposed images of the education minister's wife to mock the government and express public dissatisfaction. - The satirical memes, often featuring Susmita Adhik…
Nepal ratifies two key ILO instruments on forced labour and workplace inspection
- Nepal ratified two International Labour Organisation instruments on August 7 to combat forced labour and improve workplace inspections. - The ratified instruments include the Protocol of 2014 to the…
Cabinet Declares Four Killed in Sunsari, Siraha Violence as Martyrs
- The Nepali government has declared four individuals killed in recent clashes in Sunsari and Siraha districts as martyrs. - The Cabinet approved martyr status for Omprakash Mehta, Jayprakash Mehta, R…
Meta CEO Zuckerberg champions open-source AI, launches new model amid US-China competition
- Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg advocated for reduced U.S. restrictions on open-source AI to enhance competition with China. - The company launched a new, smaller AI model called Muse Glimmer, de…
Nepal police recommend Rs95 billion damages in Smart Telecom asset auction probe
- Nepal's Central Investigation Bureau recommended seeking Rs95 billion in damages and prosecuting 22 individuals over the alleged illegal auction of Smart Telecom Pvt Ltd assets. - The CIB report, su…
Susta residents battle Narayani river, build embankments overnight
- Residents of Susta, Nepal, worked through the night to reinforce the Narayani riverbank, fearing floodwaters could inundate their settlement. - The community has resorted to building makeshift emban…
Nepal's Horaa Esports reaches PUBG Mobile World Cup finals in Paris
- Nepal's Horaa Esports qualified for the PUBG Mobile World Cup 2026 finals in Paris. - The team secured a direct spot by finishing fourth in the highly competitive Group B, outperforming established …
Colombia earthquake: Rescue efforts continue as death toll climbs
- Rescue efforts are underway in western Colombia after a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake. - The quake has killed at least 164 people, with the death toll expected to rise as emergency teams search …
Keeping Nepal’s doctors in Nepal
- Nepal faces a significant brain drain as many newly trained doctors and nurses leave the country for better opportunities abroad. - The primary reasons for emigration are low salaries and underutili…
LPG imports are up, but consumers still queue for cooking gas in Nepal
- Nepal's liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) imports have increased recently, according to officials and industry representatives. - Despite higher imports, consumers face long queues for cooking gas due t…
Trump took secret flight from Turkey due to Iran threat: Washington Post
- President Donald Trump secretly departed Turkey on a military flight due to an Iranian assassination threat, bypassing his newly renovated jet. - The operation involved using an older Air Force One …
Lawmakers Seek National Plan to Combat Rising Crop Losses from Wildlife
- Lawmakers have filed a motion calling for a national action plan to address rising crop losses caused by wildlife, including monkeys and wild boars. - The motion highlights the severe impact on farm…
Nepal opens door for state-backed power trader, while private firms remain shut out
- Nepal's state-backed power trader, NPTCL, is set to begin electricity trading after its parent company approved the sale of up to 100 megawatts. - NPTCL will trade electricity from projects with exi…
Heavy rain likely in several parts of Nepal, authorities urge caution
- Nepal is experiencing monsoon rains affecting the entire country, with the monsoon low-pressure line positioned closer to the nation. - Light to moderate rain is occurring in several provinces, and …
Dry Landslide Damages Gharkhola Hydropower Project; One Missing
- A dry landslide in Myagdi, Nepal, has damaged the Gharkhola Hydropower Project's powerhouse. - One worker is missing, and another sustained injuries following the landslide. - The incident occurred …
Trump demands Iranian reparations, dimming hopes for Hormuz deal
- US President Donald Trump demanded Iran pay reparations for past damages as a condition for a peace deal, complicating efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. - Trump's demand for compensation, whic…
Colombia earthquake kills over 100, new president faces first crisis
- A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia, killing over 100 people and causing widespread damage. - The quake, the strongest in the country this century, has thrust the new adminis…
What it means to be a neighbour
- Communal polarization erodes societal foundations by gradually replacing interpersonal knowledge with religious or group identity, altering how people perceive each other. - This shift diminishes ne…
Gas shortages require swift government response
- Nepal faces a recurring Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) shortage despite steady imports from India, with consumers experiencing scarcity shortly after the return to full-sized cylinders. - The crisis …
India, China invite PM Shah to visit as he opens up diplomatic engagement
- The Prime Ministers of India and China separately invited Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah to visit their respective countries, signaling a shift in his diplomatic engagement policy. - These inv…
How emerging economies can lead with intelligent banking
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) is poised to fundamentally transform the banking sector, shifting its core purpose from efficient capital movement to intelligent financial decision-making. - Emerging e…
What Nepali cinema has changed—and what it hasn’t
- An exhibition in Nepal showcases ten digitized classic Nepali films, offering a glimpse into the country's cinematic past and societal changes. - The event aims to reconnect younger generations with…
Nepal's government forms commissions but ignores their findings
- Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah's government has formed at least 10 high-level commissions and investigative committees since taking office. - Despite promises of transparency, reports on const…
NAIMA Mobility Expo opens today. 18 new two-wheeler, 29 four-wheeler brands on offer
- The NAIMA Nepal Mobility Expo 2026 has opened in Kathmandu, featuring 53 stalls with 18 new two-wheeler and 29 four-wheeler brands. - Electric vehicles are a major focus, with models ranging from ap…
Painting the rhythm of Kathmandu’s festivals
- Gallery 108 in Kathmandu is exhibiting 'UTSAV: In the Rhythm of the Jatra,' a solo show by artist Pradip Kumar Bajracharya, until August 23. - The exhibition features paintings inspired by the festi…
Nepal is growing more rice but losing indigenous varieties
- Nepal is producing more rice overall but is losing many of its indigenous varieties, which are adapted to local conditions. - Farmers are increasingly replacing traditional varieties with imported h…
Nepal's para table tennis players train on borrowed gear but dream of Asian Games medals
- Para table tennis players in Nepal train with borrowed and second-hand equipment as they prepare for the Asian Para Games. - Athletes face financial hardship, relying on donated gear from Japan and …
Fresh royal massacre probe hits roadblock before it begins
- Nepal's government is stalled in its decision to reopen the investigation into the 25-year-old royal massacre. - Authorities are undecided on whether Nepal Police or a separate commission should con…
Bajhang traders resume Taklakot trade after seven years
- 43 residents of Bajhang, Nepal, have resumed traditional trade with Tibet after a seven-year hiatus. - The traders crossed the Urai Pass carrying local goods like baskets, handicrafts, and spices, s…
Lamichhane appointed Nepal's ODI captain as CAN reshuffles leadership
- Sandeep Lamichhane has been appointed the new ODI captain of Nepal's men's cricket team, replacing Rohit Paudel. - Lamichhane's captaincy begins with the ACC Premier Cup in Malaysia, with a 14-membe…
Nepal cannot locate original Sugauli Treaty amid border dispute
- Nepal's foreign minister stated that the government lacks clear information on whether it possesses the original 1816 Sugauli Treaty with British India. - The treaty established Nepal's boundary wit…
Prime Minister Shah meets Chinese envoy as he drops group-only diplomatic approach
- Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah met with Chinese Ambassador Zhang Maoming, continuing his new approach of one-on-one meetings with foreign diplomats. - This follows his separate meeting with th…
Five bodies found at Yalung-Ri base camp identified
- Five bodies recovered from the base camp of Yalung-Ri Mountain in Nepal have been identified. - The deceased include two Nepali mountain guides, Padam Tamang and Mer Karki, and three foreign climber…
Europe's economy hit hard by climate change this summer
- Europe experienced severe economic impacts from heatwaves and droughts this summer, costing hundreds of billions of euros. - Key sectors like power production, shipping, and agriculture suffered sig…
LPG Imports Steady Amid Renewed Shortages in Nepal
- Nepal is experiencing renewed LPG shortages despite the government restoring full-cylinder sales less than two weeks ago. - The Nepal Oil Corporation states that LPG imports have remained steady, at…
Mandala Theatre stages The Age of Darkness (Photo Feature)
- The Mandala Theatre in Thapagaun is staging "The Age of Darkness," a play based on Dharamvir Bharati's "Andha Yug." - Directed by Sudip Khatiwada, the production explores themes of violence, revenge…
Five bodies recovered from Mt Yalung Ri nine months after avalanche
- Five bodies were recovered from Mt Yalung Ri in Nepal's Rolwaling range, nine months after an avalanche. - The recovered climbers have been identified as two Nepali guides and three foreign climbers…
Kathmandu’s parking nightmare continues: Unplanned bans, unaffordable parking fees
- Kathmandu Valley faces a persistent parking crisis characterized by unplanned bans and unaffordable fees. - Despite regulatory efforts, residents experience significant daily frustration navigating …
Indian Ambassador pays courtesy call on PM Shah
- India's Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, met with Prime Minister Balendra Shah in Kathmandu. - They discussed Nepal-India relations, bilateral friendship, and cooperation in areas of mutual i…
Nepal PM Shah meets Indian envoy, ends solo meeting boycott
- Prime Minister Balendra Shah of Nepal met with the Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, in his first one-on-one meeting with a foreign ambassador since taking office. - The meeting address…
Typhoon Dolphin hits China’s east coast, over 1 million evacuated
- Typhoon Dolphin made landfall in China's eastern Zhejiang province with sustained winds of 151 km/h, bringing torrential rain and strong winds. - Over 1 million people were evacuated from their home…
Home deliveries persist in Doti despite access to health facilities
- Home deliveries remain common in Doti, Nepal, with 43 women delivering at home in the last fiscal year despite government efforts to promote facility births. - Antenatal and postnatal care coverage …
Teaser of the documentary Road to Everest released
- A teaser for the documentary "Road to Everest" has been released, chronicling a journey from sea level to the summit. - The film explores the courage, mystery, and climate change impacts on Everest,…
International Tibetan studies conference moved online after Nepal government cancellation
- The 17th Seminar of the International Association for Tibetan Studies, initially canceled by the Nepal government, will now proceed online. - Government officials cited sensitivity and security conc…
Nepali families paid millions to send their sons to US. They ended up in jail
- Nepali families are paying millions of rupees to agents to send their sons to the US for work. - Many young Nepalis undertake dangerous, multi-country journeys, often ending up in jail upon arrival.…
Iran ties Hormuz reopening to US concessions on several demands
- Iran and Oman are nearing a deal to define new shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz, but Iran insists the US must meet its demands before the waterway reopens. - Iran's conditions include com…
Nepal introduces academic credit transfer system
- Nepal's University Grants Commission has introduced a new system for transferring academic credits between universities. - The Academic Credit Bank Establishment and Operation Directive 2026 aims to…
Nepal needs to rethink its antimicrobial resistance strategy
- Nepal faces a dual challenge with antimicrobial resistance: excessive use in urban areas and difficult access in remote regions. - This disparity creates vulnerability, highlighting the need for com…
Traders complain of policy uncertainty, poor infrastructure in EV market
- Traders cite policy uncertainty, poor infrastructure, and a growing grey market as major challenges for Nepal's electric vehicle (EV) market. - Frequent tax changes and inadequate road conditions, e…
Insurance scheme to benefit small businesses
- Nepal has launched a new insurance scheme to protect small retail and service businesses from operational and income disruptions. - The policy aims to cover risks like hospitalization or injury of b…
Q&A: You can distract the public with talk of intentions for a while, but it isn’t sustainable
- Social activist Rakshya Bam criticizes the government's delayed response to communal clashes in Madhesh, emphasizing the need for immediate citizen protection. - She questions the government's five-…
Strengthen public service platforms amid rising public frustration
- Nepal's government aims for seamless digital governance with reforms and initiatives like the Nagarik App, but faces persistent technical issues. - Frequent server crashes and outages hinder public …
Nepal Judicial Council to prioritize judges for Supreme Court, ending direct lawyer appointments
- Nepal's Judicial Council is moving to prioritize career judges for Supreme Court appointments, potentially ending the direct appointment of private lawyers. - This change follows a 2021 report highl…
Sudurpaschim assembly spends Rs140 million but passes no bills and budget
- The Sudurpashchim Provincial Assembly in Nepal spent Rs140.2 million in the fiscal year 2025-26 but failed to pass any full bills or the annual budget. - Only two amendment bills were approved, whil…
Bardiya’s rhinos cross into India for water and greener pastures amid habitat concerns
- Rhinos in Nepal's Bardiya National Park are crossing into India due to dwindling water sources, shrinking grasslands, and increased human pressure. - Conservation officials estimate around 20 rhinos…
Nepal celebrates Indigenous Peoples' Day with calls for rights and inclusion
- Nepal celebrated International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples on August 9 with events highlighting identity, culture, and rights. - A large rally and official program in Kathmandu brought tog…
Japanese encephalitis claims nine lives in Nepal within a month
- Nine people have died and 37 have been infected with Japanese encephalitis (JE) in less than a month, with health officials warning the toll could rise. - A recent death in Nawalparasi East involved…
Yemen's Houthis attack Saudi refinery after kingdom signs defense pact
- Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis claimed responsibility for attacking Saudi Aramco's Jazan refinery with a drone. - The attack occurred two days after Saudi Arabia signed a defense pact with Turkey and …
Salyan exports agricultural and livestock products worth Rs2.24 billion
- Salyan district in Nepal exported agricultural and livestock products worth approximately $16.8 million in the last fiscal year. - The exports, including vegetables, fruits, and livestock, directly …
Laisel Rai releases debut Nepali music video “Dhukdhuki”
- Singer Laisel Rai has released her debut Nepali music video, titled “Dhukdhuki”. - The video features actors Roshni Karki, Mahesh Tripathi, and Avon Raj Upreti, and was directed by Bhishma Joshi and…
US Embassy selects 55 youth for USYC 2026
- The U.S. Embassy in Nepal has selected 55 young individuals for its Youth Council Nepal (USYC Nepal) 2026 cohort. - Chosen from over 1,600 applicants, these participants will engage in a year-long p…
Former Kapilvastu mayor found dead in forest after three-day search
- A former mayor of Kapilvastu Municipality, Kiran Singh, was found dead in a forest three days after he went missing. - Singh, 65, had gone missing from the Dhekhari forest while preparing to establi…
Doctor accused in minor’s egg retrieval case released after questioning
- A doctor accused of retrieving eggs from a minor for money has been questioned by police and released without arrest in Nepal. - The doctor claims she was unaware the girl was a minor and that age v…
Mental wellbeing gathering to be held in Sydney
- Project Beyond and NRNA NSW will organize a mental wellbeing event called Sat-Chit-Ananda in Sydney on August 14. - The free event will feature music, meditation, and spiritual connection, aiming to…
Typhoon Dolphin nears China's east coast, triggering flood warnings
- Typhoon Dolphin is forecast to make landfall on China's east coast Sunday night, bringing heavy rain and strong winds. - Authorities are preparing for potential flooding and landslides, evacuating w…
What the 72-hour emergency contraceptive pill does to a woman’s body
- Repeated use of the 72-hour emergency contraceptive pill can lead to significant health complications, including irregular menstrual cycles and hormonal imbalances. - The emergency pill, containing …
Healthcare should no longer be confined to hospitals
- Traditional hospital-centric healthcare models are being challenged by the need for care to reach patients wherever they are. - Distance remains a significant barrier to healthcare access in Nepal, …
Tourist arrivals surge by 13,000 in Nepal's Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve
- Dhorpatan, Nepal's sole hunting reserve, saw a significant increase in tourist arrivals in the last fiscal year. - Over 37,000 tourists visited the reserve, with domestic visitors forming the vast m…
Nepal's migrant labour system runs through manpower agencies. So do many of its abuses
- Private recruitment agencies facilitate about two-thirds of overseas jobs for Nepalis but are frequently criticized for abuses. - The Department of Foreign Employment has taken action against 771 ag…
Himalaya Roadies returns with Season 8, ‘Attitude vs Altitude’
- Himalaya Roadies, Nepal's longest-running youth reality show, is returning for its eighth season with the theme 'Attitude vs Altitude.' - The new season will feature adventure, competition, and chal…
Rain causes road blockages, affects traffic on various highways
- Heavy rainfall has caused significant road blockages across Nepal, impacting traffic on major highways. - Landslides and erosion have rendered several key roads impassable, prompting vehicle bans in…
International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples observed today
- August 9 marks the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. - Indigenous Peoples, representing less than 6% of the global population, are disproportionately among the world's poorest and…
Nepal enters global battle over basmati rice with new GI law
- Nepal is developing its first legal framework for geographical indications, including a new Industrial Property Bill. - This initiative aims to protect Nepali products like basmati rice, Ilam tea, a…
Iran says deal on Strait of Hormuz is close but not enough to open the waterway
- Iran and Oman are nearing a deal on controlling the Strait of Hormuz, but Iran states it won't be enough to reopen the vital waterway. - Iran has additional demands for reopening the strait, includi…
AI renders analysis cheap, relationships expensive
- In an era of AI, personal relationships and human judgment are becoming more valuable for advisory firms, as machines handle routine analysis. - Firms must shift revenue focus from junior-level task…
After Gen Z crackdown failure, Nepal Police to get new riot control gear
- Nepal's police will acquire new non-lethal crowd control equipment following criticism over recent fatal security firings. - The government plans to amend security legislation and introduce advanced…
Decolonising economics means questioning where its ideas came from—and imagining new ones
- The discipline of economics, while shaping daily life, is rooted in a narrow historical context and needs decolonization. - Decolonizing economics involves questioning Eurocentric assumptions and ex…
The case for Indigenous political thought
- Indigenous political thought, rooted in reciprocity with nature and the cosmos, offers vital insights for Nepal's development and democracy. - These living intellectual traditions challenge modern i…
Sixty years of ‘Revolver’, the album which helped The Beatles push their limits
- The Beatles' 1966 album 'Revolver' marked a significant creative leap, showcasing musical innovation that outpaced their live capabilities. - The album's experimental nature contributed to the band'…
As Nepali women’s choices expand, marriage becomes an option
- In Nepal, a growing number of women are questioning the necessity of marriage due to increased education, employment, and financial independence. - While the percentage of unmarried women over 35 re…
Budget-friendly places for Nepali students in Hamilton
- Hillcrest is Hamilton's main student hub, offering proximity to campus but facing high housing demand and noise. - Silverdale provides a quieter, more affordable option with reasonable rents but lim…
Widespread server crashes point to Nepal’s digital state failure
- Nepal's digital transformation efforts are hampered by widespread server crashes and system failures. - Critical government platforms for identity verification, land registration, and tax management…
Nepal Home Minister discusses national security, religious tensions, and criticism
- Nepal's Home Minister Sudan Gurung discussed national security, religious tensions, and police reforms in an interview. - He addressed criticism regarding his delayed response to recent unrest in th…