This week in Nepal
Nepal's government is moving to streamline operations by cutting federal ministries and President Paudel authenticated a Constitutional Council ordinance. However, political uncertainty arose in Madhesh province after the Janamat Party withdrew its support, and Nepal formally protested the Lipulekh border dispute with India and China. Domestically, the country is battling widespread dengue infections and a bitumen shortage impacting road construction, while its cricket team celebrated victories against Oman.
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 1
West Asia conflict could reverse Nepal’s human development gains: UNDP
- The ongoing conflict in West Asia could cause Nepal to lose between one week and one month of progress in its Human Development Index, according to a UNDP report. - Nepal faces significant risks of …
Two decades since peace accord, wartime IEDs still haunt villagers
- Decades after Nepal's peace accord, villagers remain at risk from unexploded ordnance (UXO) planted during the 1996-2006 Maoist insurgency. - Recent incidents, including the deaths of two children i…
Upper house parties mull rejecting key ordinances
- Opposition parties in Nepal's National Assembly are strategizing to reject several government-issued ordinances. - The ordinances, including those concerning the Constitutional Council and public of…
Soaring fuel prices drive motorists to adopt EVs in Nepal amid West Asian conflict fallout
- Soaring fuel prices in Nepal, driven by a West Asian conflict, have significantly increased costs for motorists and public transport users. - Electric vehicles now dominate new four-wheeler sales, a…
As displaced families languish in Banepa holding centre, children watch the school year pass them by
- Displaced families in Nepal, including children, are languishing in a temporary holding center in Banepa after being evicted from their homes. - Children are missing the start of the school year, wi…
Vehicles reach Dumling on Darchula-Tinkar road section of Mahakali corridor for first time
- Vehicles have reached Dumling village for the first time via a newly opened 12-kilometer track on the Darchula-Tinkar road section of the Mahakali corridor. - The Nepali Army opened the track, enabl…
Passengers begin evacuating from cruise ship hit by hantavirus
- Passengers and crew are being evacuated from a cruise ship experiencing a hantavirus outbreak. - Health officials are overseeing the process, with quarantines recommended for all passengers. - The v…
Putin says he thinks Russia-Ukraine war is coming to an end
- Russian President Vladimir Putin stated the war in Ukraine is nearing its end, hours after a scaled-back Victory Day parade. - Putin expressed willingness to negotiate new European security arrangem…
Flash floods tear through Salyan villages, damaging roads, water supply projects and farms
- Torrential rain triggered flash floods in western Nepal's Salyan district on Saturday, damaging roads, water supply projects, and farms. - Over two dozen roads, irrigation canals, and water pipeline…
Bridge ends years of deadly river crossings for Chepang villages
- A new bridge is under construction over the Kayar river in Nepal's Chitwan district, aiming to connect remote Chepang villages and improve access to markets and healthcare. - The bridge's constructi…
Hantavirus-Hit Cruise Ship Arrives in Tenerife for Passenger Evacuation
- A cruise ship, the MV Hondius, carrying passengers at high risk of hantavirus exposure, arrived in Tenerife, Spain. - Passengers will be tested and evacuated by small boats to the airport for flight…
Kamalpokhari Buzzes with Weekend Crowds Amidst Blooming Jacarandas
- Kamalpokhari in Nepal attracted large crowds over the weekend. - Visitors enjoyed the pond, walkways, and resting areas, which have been improved. - The blooming jacaranda trees added to the site's …
Pakistani police killed in car bombing and shootout with militants
- A car bombing followed by a shootout killed at least 12 Pakistani police officers at a post in northwestern Pakistan. - Militants used an explosive-filled car and drones in the attack, with an allia…
Vermicompost gains ground as farmers seek alternative to chemical fertilisers
- Farmers in Nepal are increasingly adopting vermicompost as an alternative to chemical fertilizers to improve soil health and crop yields. - Vermicompost, produced from earthworms, provides essential…
Nepal's revenue and debt under pressure as private investment falters
- Nepal's government faces a challenge in restoring private sector confidence and boosting investment for its long-term economic goals. - Private investment, crucial for the economy, has declined sign…
US, Iran No Closer to Ending War as Qatari Tanker Sails Toward Strait of Hormuz
- The US and Iran remain distant from ending their conflict, with no Iranian response yet to US proposals for peace talks. - A Qatari LNG tanker is en route to Pakistan, with Iran's approval, marking …
Nepal's 42-year football presence threatened by deepening dispute
- Nepal's national women's football team faces an uncertain future in the upcoming SAFF Championship due to a dispute between the National Sports Council and the All Nepal Football Association. - This…
Budget-friendly neighbourhoods for Nepali students in Magdeburg
- Several neighborhoods in Magdeburg, Germany, are highlighted as budget-friendly options for Nepali students. - Areas like Sudenburg offer convenience with numerous supermarkets, while Buckau is note…
Academicians wanted loosening of government control of universities. Yet the prime minister’s grip has only tightened
- Educationists in Nepal are criticizing the prime minister-led government's university reforms, alleging they centralize power rather than reduce political interference. - New ordinances have removed…
To Karnali people, unreliable passenger flights are sickening
- Patients in Nepal's Karnali region face severe hardships due to unreliable passenger flights, leading to missed medical referrals and dangerous journeys. - Scheduled flights are frequently cancelled…
Interpol questioned Nepal’s Deuba case. Authorities have now responded
- Nepal is intensifying efforts to secure an Interpol red notice against former prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife, Arzu Rana Deuba, by submitting additional evidence. - Interpol had previ…
Nepal's two-day weekend: Fuel saver or productivity drain?
- Nepal's government implemented a two-day weekend to conserve fuel amid a supply crunch, but its effectiveness is debated. - Fuel consumption data shows mixed results, with petrol consumption rising …
Nepal-India QR Payment System: A Two-Year Wait for Reciprocity
- India and Nepal launched a cross-border QR payment system in March 2024, allowing Indian tourists to pay in Nepal but not vice versa. - Delays in launching the reciprocal service for Nepalis in Indi…
Ukrainians welcome respite from Russian attacks, Moscow says peace still far off
- Ukrainians welcomed a three-day ceasefire brokered by the US, offering a much-needed respite from Russian attacks. - The Kremlin stated that a long-term peace deal remains complex and a distant pros…
WorldLink denies Meta investment claim amid Nepal's data center rush
- WorldLink Communications has denied reports that Meta is investing approximately Rs 5 billion to build a data center in Nepal. - The company clarified that while foreign technology firms are providi…
Green happy to play second fiddle as Allen brings up maiden IPL ton
- Cameron Green intentionally slowed his scoring to allow teammate Finn Allen to reach his maiden Indian Premier League century. - Allen smashed an unbeaten 100 off 47 balls, helping Kolkata Knight Ri…
Single coffee sapling, gifted 45 years ago, spurs commercial farming in Dolakha village
- A single coffee sapling gifted 45 years ago has led to the development of a coffee pocket area in Nepal's Dolakha village. - Local farmers, supported by a cooperative and the municipality, are now e…
Mobile recharge validity rules hit low-income customers hardest
- Many low-income users in Nepal are unable to use their mobile phones despite having balance due to expired recharge validity periods. - Telecom operators require mandatory recharges, which are a fin…
US, Iran No Closer to Ending War as Gulf Clashes Flare
- The US and Iran remain distant from ending their conflict following recent escalations in the Gulf and Strait of Hormuz. - A US intelligence assessment suggests Iran could endure a naval blockade fo…
Indian Foreign Secretary’s Nepal Visit Postponed Amid Protocol and Border Disputes
- Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri's planned two-day visit to Kathmandu has been postponed. - The visit was intended to engage with Nepal's new government and understand its priorities, but the I…
Nepali artist Shrestha to showcase 'Chhyaki' at Venice Biennale collateral exhibition
- Nepali artist Jyoti Shrestha will exhibit her photography collection 'Chhyaki' at the 61st Venice Biennale International Art Exhibition's collateral event. - The exhibition, 'Personal Structures,' o…
NEPSE posts modest gain despite weak market activity
- The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index saw a modest gain of 0.25% during the trading week of May 4-8, closing at 2,745.65 points. - Despite the index rise and an increase in investor wealth to Rs4.6…
Phosphenes aims for global stage with new album 'Sleep on the Grass'
- Nepali band Phosphenes is releasing a new 14-song album titled 'Sleep on the Grass' next week, marking their 10th anniversary. - The album features multilingual songs, drawing inspiration from exist…
Where ordinary life becomes art
- Kala Salon is exhibiting 'Colours of Nepal,' a debut solo show by artist Deepak Auji. - The exhibition features watercolors depicting the serene landscapes and mundane moments of Nepali life. - Auji…
When belonging feels just out of reach
- Manjushree Thapa's "Tilled Earth" is a collection of stories exploring the universal search for belonging. - One story, 'Soar,' depicts a woman grappling with complex global issues and personal disi…
Kathmandu Events: May 9-15, 2026
- Club XO is hosting 'Influencer Night' with live performances and DJ sets. - Salt Restaurant is organizing 'Intentional Dating' for individuals aged 29 and above. - Several art exhibitions and a heri…
Nepal Women's Football Camp Begins Amidst Political Uncertainty and Media Blackout
- Nepal's women's football team camp for the SAFF Championship has begun, but players are barred from interviews due to an ongoing dispute between the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) and the Nat…
Nepal Proposes Strict Ice Cream Standards, Penalties for Adulteration
- Nepal's food quality watchdog has proposed new standards for ice cream and frozen desserts, including penalties for adulteration. - The draft standards, which apply to both domestic and imported pro…
Nepal Dismisses 15 Honorary Consuls Abroad, Seeks Release of Citizen Held in Iran
- The Nepali government has dismissed 15 honorary consuls and consul generals serving in various foreign cities. - This decision, made during a cabinet meeting, cited necessity and appropriateness of …
Nepal Court Breaks Seniority Norm in Chief Justice Pick
- Nepal's Constitutional Council has recommended Manoj Kumar Sharma for Chief Justice, bypassing three more senior justices. - This decision breaks a long-standing informal convention of appointing th…
Customs eases import process at Bhairahawa border over MRP rule
- Nepal's Department of Customs has eased import procedures at the Bhairahawa border by allowing temporary clearance of goods without pre-affixed Maximum Retail Price (MRP) labels. - Importers can now…
Indecent behaviour, indecent justice: How police misuse the law to arbitrarily detain citizens
- Police in Nepal are accused of misusing the
Nepal's Everest Season Sees Record Permits Amid Crowd Control Worries
- Nepal issued a record 492 permits for Everest climbers this spring, generating historic royalty revenue. - Concerns about crowd management and potential congestion are rising due to delayed route pr…
Nepal Supreme Court Orders Due Process for Squatter Evictions
- The Supreme Court issued an interim order preventing the government from evicting squatters without due legal process. - The order emphasizes the need to protect constitutional rights, including hou…
Nepal on alert after cruise ship hantavirus outbreak
- An outbreak of hantavirus on a luxury cruise ship has resulted in three deaths and five infections among 147 passengers and crew. - The ship was denied disembarkation in Cape Verde due to virus conc…
Monkey attacks drive Udayapur farmers out of villages
- Farmers in Udayapur, Nepal, are abandoning their ancestral lands and migrating due to severe crop destruction by monkeys. - Despite efforts with deterrents and even allocated funds for guns, monkeys…
First-ever snow leopard census begins in Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve
- Nepal has initiated its first-ever census of snow leopards in the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve to estimate the elusive species' population. - A technical team has deployed 56 camera traps across six bl…
Trump Visit Adds Sparkle to July 4 Fireworks Orders from China
- US President Trump's visit to China is expected to boost orders for Chinese fireworks exports to the US. - Manufacturers faced significant tariff hikes last year, but their reversal has led to a 15-…
Climate change poses growing threats to migratory birds in Nepal
- Migratory birds in Nepal face increasing threats from climate change, habitat loss, and pollution. - Experts warn that these pressures disrupt feeding patterns, breeding cycles, and survival rates, …
Parliamentary hearing process begins for Chief Justice nominee Manoj Sharma
- A parliamentary hearing process for Chief Justice nominee Manoj Sharma is set to begin. - Sharma was recommended by the Constitutional Council but faced criticism for being ranked fourth among candi…
Hundreds of Nepalis Seek Repatriation from Cambodia; 27 Detained
- 211 Nepalis in Cambodia have contacted the Nepali Embassy in Bangkok seeking assistance to return home. - These individuals are staying illegally in Cambodia and arrived between May 2022 and May 202…
Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s Kathmandu visit postponed
- India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri's planned two-day visit to Kathmandu has been postponed. - The visit aimed to engage with Nepal's new government and discuss bilateral ties, but the Indian sid…
Kathmandu's Streets Drenched in Purple as Jacaranda Trees Bloom
- Jacaranda trees are in full bloom across Kathmandu Valley, painting streets and public spaces in vibrant purple. - The seasonal spectacle has drawn crowds who are photographing and filming the flowe…
Countries track passengers of virus-hit cruise ship
- Countries are tracking passengers from a virus-hit cruise ship to prevent the further spread of hantavirus, following three deaths and five confirmed cases. - The outbreak occurred on the MV Hondius…
Achham palace, rebuilt after Maoist attack, remains unused 14 months after inauguration
- A reconstructed palace in Achham, Nepal, remains largely unused 14 months after its inauguration, despite a 16-year rebuilding process and a cost of approximately Rs25 million. - The palace was dest…
Hetauda completes new cricket ground, eyes national tournaments
- Hetauda Sub-metropolitan City in Nepal has completed construction of a new cricket ground in Gauritar. - The Rs117.4 million project, funded by the Bagmati Province government, includes a 450-seat p…
Nepal school marks milestone as deaf students take crucial exam
- A 57-year-old community school in Chitwan, Nepal, has achieved a milestone by enabling eight deaf and mute students to sit for the Secondary Education Examination (SEE). - The school, founded in 196…
US, Iran exchange fire but Trump says ceasefire holds
- The US and Iran exchanged fire in the Strait of Hormuz, marking a significant escalation in their month-long ceasefire. - Iran accused the US of targeting ships and territory, while the US stated it…
Nepali chef Rosdip Rai advances to MasterChef quarterfinals with innovative fusion dishes
- Rosdip Rai, a Nepali chef based in the UK, has reached the quarterfinals of MasterChef. Rai is known for his innovative fusion dishes that blend traditional Nepali flavors with international cuisine…
In Kathmandu’s squatter eviction drive, animals are collateral damage
- Kathmandu Metropolitan City is carrying out a large-scale eviction drive, demolishing "unmanaged settlements" along riverbanks, displacing hundreds of families. - While authorities provided some arr…
Why Chure’s preservation is a matter of emergency
- The Chure range in Nepal, crucial for groundwater recharge, is severely degraded due to haphazard extraction of riverbed materials and unplanned urbanization, leading to water scarcity in the southe…
EU-Nepal partnership in a changing world
- The European Union commemorates Europe Day on May 9, celebrating the peace, stability, and prosperity achieved through its foundational Schuman Declaration, which merged French and German coal and s…
Why BJP’s sweep in West Bengal is causing deep discomfort in Bangladesh
- The Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) victory in West Bengal has caused unease in Bangladesh, as it consolidates India's central and state governments, potentially reducing negotiation room on bilatera…
Nepal bypasses acting CJ, fourth-in-line picked to lead the judiciary
- Nepal's Constitutional Council recommended Justice Manoj Kumar Sharma as the new chief justice, bypassing the seniority rule in practice for seven decades. - The decision ignored the senior-most jus…
Tired of waiting, locals take matters into their own hands
- Villagers in Dhankuta, Nepal, took matters into their own hands to build a 22-meter concrete culvert over the Nibuwa stream, replacing a dangerous wooden footbridge. - The community, comprising resi…
As machines listen, human conversations fade
- A growing trend shows people speaking fewer words daily and engaging in less small talk, coinciding with the rise of digital communication platforms. - Studies in the US, Europe, and Australia indic…
Ex-finance minister Karki, 13 others charged in Pokhara airport tax waiver scam
- Nepal's anti-graft agency filed a corruption case against 14 individuals, including a former finance minister, over alleged irregularities in tax exemptions for the Pokhara International Airport. - …
Justice Manoj Sharma Recommended for Chief Justice
- The Constitutional Council has recommended Supreme Court Justice Manoj Kumar Sharma as Nepal's next chief justice. - Sharma is the fourth in seniority, marking a historic first if endorsed through p…
Nepal panel proposes long-term strategy for handling West Asia-like crises
- Nepal's government is developing a long-term strategy to handle crises involving its citizens abroad, particularly in West Asia. - A new inter-ministerial task force has submitted a report recommend…
Fake rumors, real killings: Inside Congo’s deadly health misinformation crisis
- Deadly violence has erupted in the Democratic Republic of Congo due to health misinformation, with mobs killing at least 17 people over rumors of genital atrophy. - The misinformation, amplified by …
CIAA Files Fourth Corruption Case in Pokhara Airport Project, 14 Charged
- Nepal's anti-graft body filed a corruption case against 14 individuals, including former ministers and finance secretaries, over alleged irregularities in the construction of Pokhara International A…
Displaced Children in Kathmandu Struggle to Return to School
- Dozens of children displaced by recent government evictions in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur are struggling to return to school due to a lack of essential supplies like uniforms, books, and notebooks. - F…
Leopard Rescues in Nepal's Far West Signal Worsening Human-Wildlife Conflict
- Conservation teams in Nepal's Sudurpaschim Province have rescued 28 leopards trapped in snares over the past decade, indicating a rise in human-wildlife conflict. - Researchers note leopards are inc…
Nepal Customs Clearance Resumes After MRP Rule Easing
- Customs clearance has resumed at major border points in Nepal after a temporary resolution to a dispute over mandatory maximum retail price (MRP) rules. - Importers and the Department of Customs rea…
Nepal Intensifies Eviction Drive on Public Land Amidst Urbanization Concerns
- Nepal is intensifying a nationwide eviction drive to reclaim public land encroached upon by settlements and structures. - Local authorities are issuing notices and demolishing illegal constructions …
Trump predicts swift end to war as Iran reviews US peace proposal
- The US and Iran are in peace talks to end a war that began on February 28. - Iran is considering a US peace proposal that would end the conflict but leaves key demands unresolved. - Hopes for a deal…
Nepali photographer Jyoti Shrestha to exhibit at Venice Biennale 2026
- Nepali visual artist and photographer Jyoti Shrestha will exhibit her project 'Chhyake' at the 61st Venice Biennale in 2026. - Her work will be featured in the 'Personal Structures' exhibition, an o…
Slapstick Comedy Done Right in 'Grand Rehearsal'
- 'Grand Rehearsal,' a Nepali adaptation of 'The Play that Goes Wrong,' uses slapstick comedy to portray a chaotic stage production. - The play follows an amateur theater group attempting to stage a m…
After Balkhu’s demolition, families have nowhere to go
- Federal authorities in Nepal have intensified eviction drives, demolishing informal settlements on riverbanks and public land in the Kathmandu valley. - Families displaced by the demolitions, like o…
IPO approval delays stall hydropower projects and disrupt capital mobilisation in Nepal
- Delays in approving initial public offerings (IPOs) in Nepal are disrupting capital mobilization and hindering project execution, particularly in the hydropower sector. - Developers rely on IPO proc…
Karnali Students Receive New Textbooks at Start of School Year
- Students in Nepal's remote Karnali province received a complete set of new textbooks at the start of the academic session for the first time. - Previously, students often shared old, damaged books o…
Nepal's Ordinances Hinge on Opposition Control of Upper House
- The Nepali government's eight ordinances face a critical test in the National Assembly, where the ruling alliance lacks representation. - Ordinances must be endorsed by both houses within 60 days of…
Nepal's new government removes transitional justice leaders, seeking fresh start
- Nepal's new government has removed the leadership of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons. - This move, made via ordinance, aim…
Pakistan-UAE relations fray as Abu Dhabi demands loan repayment, deports workers
- The UAE has deported Pakistani Shiite workers and terminated jobs of Pakistani employees, signaling a growing rift in Pakistan-UAE relations. - The UAE's demand for repayment of a $3.5 billion loan,…
Built in 68 days, broken in 26: Nepal's rapid political rise and fall
- New political actors, particularly non-career politicians, are leveraging social media to gain traction by tapping into public fear and frustration. - This new information flow bypasses traditional …
Everest permits steady but revenue climbs to record
- Nepal has issued 464 permits for Mount Everest this spring, the third-highest number on record, while government revenue from climbing fees has reached an all-time high of Rs1.01 billion. - Revenue …
Yarsagumba season empties schools in Jumla villages
- Many students in Jumla villages are leaving school for up to two months to collect the valuable caterpillar fungus, yarsagumba, for income. - The earnings from yarsagumba are crucial for families, c…
Hantavirus Outbreak Kills Three on Luxury Cruise Ship
- Hantavirus, a rodent-borne virus, has caused three deaths and five suspected cases on a luxury cruise ship. - The Andes strain, capable of human-to-human transmission, is responsible for the outbrea…
Madhesh province government crisis averted for now
- A coalition government in Nepal's Madhesh province was on the brink of collapse but was temporarily saved by last-minute talks between senior leaders. - The Janamat Party withdrew its support, but i…
US and Iran Closing in on War-Ending Memo, Sources Say
- The United States and Iran are reportedly close to an agreement on a memorandum to end the war in the Gulf, according to sources from Pakistan and those briefed on the mediation. - The proposed memo…
Shrestha Elected FNCCI President, Succeeds to Top Post
- Anjan Shrestha has been elected president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), automatically succeeding to the post. - Shrestha will lead the private sector umbre…
Nepali voters have spoken. Is the media listening?
- Nepali voters have elected the Rastriya Swatantra Party with a significant majority, signaling a desire for change and accountability beyond traditional politics. - The election results indicate a p…
Nepali Voters Have Spoken. Is the Media Listening?
- Nepali voters have expressed dissatisfaction with traditional politics by electing the Rastriya Swatantra Party, signaling a desire for accountability and disruption. - The election outcome presents…
Prime Minister Shah calls constitutional council meeting for Thursday
- Prime Minister Balendra Shah has convened a constitutional council meeting for Thursday at 5:00 pm, marking his first such meeting since taking office. - The meeting is expected to address the appoi…
Around 300 huts along Gandak Canal face eviction within 15 days
- Around 300 huts along the Gandak Canal in Nepal's Nawalparasi East district face eviction within 15 days following an official notice. - The Nepal Gandak West Canal Irrigation Management Office issu…
Iran foreign minister meets Chinese counterpart a week before Trump’s Beijing trip
- Iran's Foreign Minister met his Chinese counterpart in Beijing, emphasizing close ties amid global oil supply shocks caused by the US-Iran war. - Iran stated its readiness for diplomacy while defend…
Court extends remand of Bhatta, Agrawal by 12 days in money laundering probe
- Two businessmen, Deepak Bhatta and Shulav Agrawal, had their remand extended by 12 days each for a money laundering investigation. - They are accused of manipulating public contracts, influencing li…
Dolpa to open yarsagumba collection for one month from May 24
- Authorities in Dolpa have decided to open high-altitude pastures for yarsagumba collection for one month, starting May 24. - A 12-point plan has been endorsed to regulate collection and improve mana…
Interpol denies red notice for Deuba couple amid money laundering probe
- Interpol has informed Nepali authorities it cannot issue a red notice against former PM Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife Arzu Rana Deuba, who are under investigation for money laundering. - Interpol …
Simara SEZ Attracts Investment Surge After Land Rent Cut
- Nepal's Simara Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is experiencing a surge in industrial activity following a significant reduction in land rent. - The government cut land rent from Rs20 to Rs5 per square m…