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
Finding community through photowalks
- A photography tradition in Nepal, started 19 years ago by Om Prakash Yadav, continues to bring enthusiasts together for photowalks. - These walks, initially informal gatherings, evolved into organiz…
EVENTS: July 18 to July 24, 2026
- The Kala Salon presents 'Dialogue & Perception,' a solo exhibition by artist Sagar Manandhar, exploring communication and interpretation. - Various workshops and events are scheduled, including 'Emb…
Institutional failure ruins historic Asian Games ticket for Nepali esports
- Three Nepali esports teams qualified for the 20th Asian Games in PUBG Mobile, Honor of Kings, and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang. - These teams are now set to miss the Games due to a dispute between two …
A ridiculous book to make sense of a horrible world
- Aditi Mali's graphic short story collection, The Complete Shampoo and Daddy, features a rabbit and a pig who engage in destructive and dark behavior. - The book uses everyday language and relatable …
NCP eyes return to power in provinces as NC-UML alliance frays
- The Nepali Communist Party (NCP) is positioning itself for a return to power in provincial governments following a rift between the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML. - The NCP is negotiating with both pa…
Nepal gains direct Kolkata-Biratnagar rail cargo service, slashing transit costs
- Nepal has gained direct rail access to Biratnagar from Kolkata, India, a first that bypasses the need for road transport beyond Birgunj. - This new service, operating under the Nepal-India Transit T…
Nepal task force submits sweeping constitutional amendment proposals amid elusive consensus
- A government task force submitted proposals for amending 245 articles of Nepal's constitution, covering electoral systems, judiciary, and federalism. - The proposals, compiled in a discussion paper,…
NEPSE this week
- The article provides a scale for air quality index (AQI) readings. - It categorizes AQI levels from 'Good' to 'Very Unhealthy'. - The scale includes numerical ranges for each category.
Kathmandu library padlocked, sparking debate on Nepal's value of knowledge
- The Kathmandu Valley Public Library, one of the capital's oldest public libraries, was padlocked by the government on April 13. - The Social Welfare Council cited unpaid rent of approximately 30 mil…
Loan-sharking victims call off protest after nine-point deal with government
- Victims of predatory lending in Nepal have suspended their nine-day protest after reaching a nine-point agreement with the government. - The deal includes criminalizing loan sharking, drafting a spe…
Deuba’s son implicated in money laundering probe over Rs26 million transfer
- Nepal's Department of Money Laundering Investigation filed a charge sheet implicating Jayabir Deuba, son of former prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, in a Rs26 million money laundering case. - The f…
PMO sets up panel to probe passport rollout
- Nepal's Prime Minister’s Office established a panel to investigate technical issues plaguing the new passport system. - The system, launched by German firms Veridos GmbH and Muehlbauer ID Service Gm…
US, Iran each attack infrastructure in risky escalation
- The United States and Iran escalated their conflict by targeting infrastructure, with the U.S. striking bridges and an airport in Iran, and Tehran retaliating by hitting a power and desalination pla…
Lawmakers face backlash over 'high-handed' oversight tactics
- Nepali lawmakers are facing criticism for aggressive and potentially overreaching conduct during parliamentary oversight. - Recent incidents include confronting airport officials and demanding confi…
Taklakot trade resumes, but China tightens control over Manasarovar access
- Trade between Nepal's Bajhang district and China's Taklakot has resumed with the issuance of entry permits for local traders. - China's Purang County now requires organized group entry, impacting tr…
In Lamine Yamal’s old neighbourhood, World Cup final against Messi brings pride
- Locals in Lamine Yamal's Barcelona neighborhood express pride ahead of the World Cup final against Lionel Messi. - A viral photo shows a young Yamal with Messi, highlighting the generational connect…
Poor drainage system blamed for Kathmandu's flooding
- Several areas in Kathmandu, Nepal, including Anamnagar and New Baneshwor, experience severe waterlogging even with light rainfall. - The recurring problem, which affects road traffic and causes long…
Nepal: 3,296 disaster incidents claim 160 lives in three months
- Nepal recorded 3,296 natural disaster incidents in the last three months of its fiscal year, resulting in 160 deaths and two missing persons. - Fire incidents were the most frequent, followed by sna…
Central Zoo Reopens After Bird Flu Scare
- Nepal's Central Zoo in Jawalakhel, Lalitpur, has reopened to the public after being closed since June 19 due to a bird flu outbreak. - The closure followed the confirmation of bird flu in various bi…
Government halts new contract hiring, keeps existing workers on payroll
- The government has decided to retain existing contract employees and halt new recruitments after protests against an outsourcing proposal. - A task force will study a permanent policy for contract s…
ANFA to cover injured footballer's treatment despite funding delay
- The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) committed to covering injured footballer Aashish Rai's treatment costs. - ANFA cited its FIFA suspension and frozen finances as reasons for a delay in payme…
Five things to know about Trump’s election fraud allegations
- Donald Trump has renewed claims of election fraud and foreign interference, declassifying intelligence to support his assertions despite contradicting findings. - He is pushing for the SAVE America …
A Sweet Apple reminds us that every perspective matters
- The play "A Sweet Apple" at the Mandala Theatre explores how diverse perspectives arise from everyday observations. - It highlights the conflict between children's intuitive understanding and rigid …
Court grants bail to Deepak Bhatta and Sulav Agrawal in securities and insurance offence cases
- Two businessmen, Deepak Bhatta and Sulav Agrawal, have been granted bail by the Kathmandu District Court in cases involving securities and insurance offenses. - The court ordered Bhatta and Agrawal …
Nepal's esports teams aim for the podium at the global Esports World Cup
- Nepal is represented by two teams, DRS Gaming and Horaa Esports Nepal, at the Esports World Cup in Paris, which features a $75 million prize pool. - DRS Gaming, competing in Free Fire, has become th…
Trump threatens new Iran escalation, risks repeating old mistakes
- President Donald Trump has escalated US air strikes against Iran and threatened further action, but strategy faces doubts. - The crisis has driven up global oil prices and unsettled financial market…
Where history meets contemporary art
- The Music Art Gallery in Nepal is hosting 'Mythical Real: A Visual Journey into Shared Consciousness,' an exhibition featuring 17 artists. - The exhibition, running from July 17 to August 17, explor…
Nepal promises to save nature. It never checks
- Nepal lacks basic data to assess the health of its ecosystems, hindering the effectiveness of its environmental promises. - While the country sets ambitious goals, the absence of patient measurement…
Government, Victims of Predatory Lending Close to Agreement
- The Nepali government and victims of predatory lending are nearing an agreement after positive talks. - The government has agreed to classify usury as a serious economic crime and establish a legal …
Aaditya Subedi on leaving Harvard to build an AI lab
- Aaditya Subedi, a 19-year-old co-founder of AI lab Architect Labs, dropped out of Harvard to accelerate AI chip design. - Architect Labs secured $24 million in seed funding to make chip design more …
Nepal, India to Resume Talks on Air Entry Routes After Decade-Long Lull
- Nepal and India will resume talks on additional air entry routes after a decade-long pause. - The talks are crucial for Nepal's new international airports, as current routes are congested and India …
Ensure legal recourse for state-imposed punishments
- A ride-hailing driver's self-immolation in Kathmandu highlights a systemic lack of legal recourse in Nepal. - The incident was triggered by a small fine but stemmed from a "Kafkaesque legal environm…
India opening power transmission infra sector to Chinese-linked firms gives Nepal a chance to make its case
- India's decision to allow Chinese-linked firms in power transmission bidding presents an opportunity for Nepal. - Nepal seeks to leverage this to remove long-standing barriers affecting its hydropow…
MPs to Get Personal Secretaries Back in Nepal
- Nepal's federal government will reinstate personal secretaries for members of parliament. - The decision aims to support lawmakers in their legislative duties, addressing complaints about lack of ad…
Nepal's development spending short of even half of annual allocation
- Nepal's government spent less than half of its allocated capital budget for the current fiscal year, reaching only 46.79 percent. - This marks the country's weakest development spending performance …
Government turns to tax arrears recovery to meet ambitious revenue target
- The government is offering a limited-time settlement facility for taxpayers to clear outstanding dues, aiming to recover over 100 billion rupees from disputed and unpaid taxes. - This initiative is …
Central Zoo to reopen on Friday as environmental samples test negative for bird flu
- The Central Zoo in Nepal will reopen on Friday after environmental samples tested negative for bird flu. - The zoo had been closed since June 19 due to an outbreak of avian influenza that killed doz…
1,115 Nepali caregivers clear Israel selection process for long-term care jobs
- Israel has finalized the selection of 1,115 Nepali workers for long-term care jobs, with the final list sent to Nepal's Department of Foreign Employment. - The selection process saw fewer than half …
Predatory lending victims set three conditions for agreement
- Victims of predatory lending have set three non-negotiable demands ahead of a fourth round of negotiations with the government. - The Central Committee of the Farmers and Workers' Movement Against L…
Technical glitch disrupts Nepal's online land services
- A technical glitch has disrupted Nepal's Department of Land Management and Archive online services for two days, affecting thousands of users. - The issue stems from a fault in the Public Access Mod…
Cabinet restores personal secretaries for lawmakers
- Nepal's Cabinet approved reinstating personal secretaries for lawmakers. - The facility, previously scrapped, will allow members of both the House of Representatives and National Assembly to hire st…
How Bangladeshi jobseekers are trafficked into Cambodia’s scam compounds
- Hundreds of Bangladeshis have been rescued from scam compounds in Cambodia after being lured with false job offers. - Traffickers recruit victims with promises of well-paid work, then confiscate the…
Aggressive Elephant 'Dhrube,' Blamed for 25 Deaths, Fitted with Radio Collar in Nepal
- Chitwan National Park in Nepal has fitted a radio collar on a notoriously aggressive elephant named Dhrube. - Dhrube is believed to be responsible for the deaths of 25 people in the park and surroun…
Nepal Distributes Over 48,000 Murrah Buffalo Semen Doses to Boost Dairy Production
- Nepal's Department of Livestock Services distributed over 48,000 doses of Murrah buffalo semen to farmers. - The initiative aims to improve buffalo breeds and boost milk production, leveraging semen…
Blowing the whistle to control corruption
- Whistle-blowing, the act of reporting unethical activities by insiders, is often misunderstood in Nepal and equated with media stunts. - The government has established mechanisms like the Right to I…
Nepal predatory lending talks end without agreement
- Talks between victims of predatory lending and a government negotiation team in Nepal failed to reach an agreement. - Victims rejected the government's conditions, citing past unfulfilled assurances…
Scooter rider found dead four days after being swept away by flood
- A 30-year-old man, Mahesh Karki, was found dead four days after being swept away with his scooter by the swollen Sim river in Makawanpur, Nepal. - Authorities recovered Karki's body buried under san…
Government tightens procurement law with penalties, faster bidding and pricing reforms
- Nepal amended its Public Procurement Act 2007 to include criminal liability for contractors misusing advance payments. - The new law shortens bidding timelines and reforms pricing mechanisms to impr…
Notorious killer elephant tracked again after fatal attacks in Chitwan
- Wildlife authorities in Nepal have fitted a satellite tracking collar on a notorious elephant known as 'Dhurbe' after it killed a woman and her son. - The elephant, responsible for at least 25 human…
US strikes Iran again as Tehran warns of ‘existential war’ with America
- The US struck Iran's coastal defenses and missile sites, reimposing a naval blockade and escalating hostilities after a fragile truce collapsed. - Military operations are targeting Iranian capabilit…
Argentina stages late comeback to sink England and reach World Cup final
- Argentina defeated England 2-1 in the World Cup semi-final with late goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez. - The victory sends Argentina to the final against Spain, dashing England's hopes…
Theatre review: A world beyond the obvious in ‘Guliyo Shyau’
- A children's play titled 'Guliyo Shyau' challenges young audiences to question assumptions about color and ripeness. - The play features a character who paints objects unconventionally, prompting de…
No party is free of blame for weakening federalism
- Nepal's major political parties are accused of weakening federalism, with a proposal to scrap provincial assemblies sparking controversy and leading to boycotts of constitutional amendment discussio…
Why Indo-Pacific needs to be central to India’s foreign policy
- India is strengthening its foreign policy focus on the Indo-Pacific region, enhancing defense and maritime cooperation with key nations like Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand. - Prime Minister M…
Lone woman earning a livelihood offering horse rides to highland visitors
- Asha BK is the sole woman among over 50 registered horse ride operators in Dhorpatan, Nepal, offering rides to tourists visiting high-altitude meadows. - She continues her family's traditional occup…
Breaking the myths around PMOS and fitness
- Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) presents challenges for women, particularly regarding fitness and weight loss due to hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance. - Fitness instructor …
They came, they saw, they left: The coaches Nepal couldn’t keep
- Guglielmo Arena, the national football team's coach, left Nepal abruptly after FIFA suspended the All Nepal Football Association, freezing his ambitious plans to implement a high-tempo, possession-b…
Banks sit on Rs1.56 trillion in excess liquidity as weak credit demand persists
- Banks in Nepal hold Rs1.56 trillion in excess liquidity as of July 10, a persistent surplus driven by strong remittance inflows and weak loan demand. - Factors contributing to sluggish credit expans…
Government’s big moves hit judicial wall
- The Balendra Shah-led government in Nepal has faced repeated judicial checks on its key decisions within its first 100 days in office. - The Supreme Court has suspended or overturned executive actio…
Europe emerges as major destination for Nepali workers as Gulf uncertainties grow
- Europe is rapidly becoming a preferred destination for Nepali workers, with 53,951 receiving labor approvals in the first 11 months of the fiscal year 2025-26. - This shift diversifies Nepal's labor…
Nepal to export 550MW more electricity to India under new agreement
- Nepal and India agreed to increase electricity trade capacity through existing transmission lines. - The decision, made at a joint steering committee meeting, will raise export capacity to 1,650 MW …
Government’s two-day weekend cuts off telemedicine for migrant workers
- Nepal's telemedicine service for migrant workers is unavailable on weekends due to the government's new two-day weekend policy. - Hundreds of Nepali migrant workers in the UAE are affected, struggli…
Majid Ansari discharged from hospital after five days, questions legal basis of police detention
- A Gen Z activist in Nepal is questioning the legal basis of his detention by police after being injured during an altercation while visiting squatters. - The activist claims police pressured him to …
Congress weighs ending power-sharing with UML in all provinces
- The Nepali Congress is preparing to end its power-sharing alliance with the CPN-UML in all seven provinces, citing unsustainability. - Key issues prompting the decision include differing approaches …
Sudurpaschim Chief Minister Shah sacks four UML ministers
- Sudurpaschim Province Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah dismissed four ministers from the CPN-UML party. - The dismissals stem from a deepening dispute over the provincial budget, which the UML reje…
Babai river erosion puts five Gulariya villages at risk
- Five villages in Nepal's Bardiya district face high risk from fresh erosion along the Babai river. - Residents fear inundation and farmland destruction due to halted embankment construction near the…
Air India crash probe enters final stages after cockpit recorder, psychology reviews
- India's aircraft accident investigation body is in the final stages of its probe into the deadly Air India crash from last year. - Investigators have reviewed cockpit voice recordings, conducted psy…
Farmers dump tomatoes in protest at Maitighar, citing government neglect
- Vegetable farmers protested in Kathmandu, dumping tomatoes to highlight government neglect of domestic agriculture. - They cited inadequate subsidies and import-focused policies as reasons for their…
Nepal contract workers protest government outsourcing plan
- Contract workers in Nepal have protested a government proposal to replace their fixed-term employment with a public company or outsourced services. - Workers fear job losses as their contracts, typi…
Nepal faces LPG supply challenges due to limited storage capacity
- Nepal faces challenges in ensuring a stable supply of cooking gas due to insufficient storage capacity. - The Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) lacks dedicated LPG storage, and private industries have lim…
Congress Ministers Resign from Karnali Provincial Government
- Ministers from the Nepali Congress party have resigned from their positions in the Karnali Provincial Government. - The resignations were submitted collectively by the four Congress ministers servin…
Four Congress ministers resign from Karnali government
- Four ministers from the Nepali Congress have resigned from the Karnali provincial government. - The resignations were submitted to Chief Minister Yam Lal Kandel to 'clear the way' for cabinet change…
Fake refugee verdict explained how “unified offence” sentencing works
- Kathmandu's District Court sentenced nine individuals to four years in prison each for their involvement in a fake refugee case. - The guilty parties were convicted of forgery, fraud, organized crim…
Nepal PM Orders Universities to Implement 10% Scholarship Rule
- Prime Minister Balendra Shah has ordered universities to enforce a mandatory 10% scholarship rule for students. - The directive also includes removing party-affiliated student organizations from cam…
Death toll in Thai pub fire rises to 32, officials say, with dozens still in hospital
- The death toll from a fire at a Bangkok live music pub has risen to 32, with dozens still hospitalized. - The blaze, which witnesses described as an explosion followed by flames engulfing the venue,…
Organic farmers show way beyond Nepal’s fertiliser crisis
- Farmers in Nepal are facing a shortage of chemical fertilizers, impacting the crucial paddy transplanting season. - A group of farmers in Chitwan and Palpa have successfully adopted organic farming …
Messi, Kane to Headline Blockbuster World Cup Semifinal
- Football giants Argentina and England will clash in a highly anticipated FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal. - The match features star players Lionel Messi and Harry Kane, both vying for individual and t…
Trump resumes Iran port blockade, threatens energy targets
- U.S. President Donald Trump reimposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports and threatened further strikes on energy infrastructure if Iran does not resume negotiations. - The U.S. military conducted ne…
Spain's anaconda grip crushes French World Cup dream
- Spain defeated France 2-0 to reach their first World Cup final since 2010. - Spain dominated possession and denied France's attack, with goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro. - Spain now aims …
Carrier of diseases
- Government tests reveal hazardous faecal coliform and E. coli in nearly all drinking water samples from Kathmandu, indicating widespread sewage contamination. - Despite claims of 95% access to basic…
Nepal targets exports worth 20 percent of GDP in two years, but experts call goal unrealistic
- Nepal aims to boost exports to 20% of GDP within two years, a significant increase from the current 8.7%. - Economists and exporters deem the target unrealistic, citing structural challenges and the…
‘Bhagdaud’ runs in circles
- The film 'Bhagdaud' is criticized for its confusing narrative and underdeveloped plotlines, failing to convincingly explore themes of financial hardship, fraud, trafficking, corruption, and caste pr…
What I Watch Online: Sworniem Vaidya
- Sworniem Vaidya shares recent online content obsessions, including the Russian indigenous music group OTYKEN and the piano tutorial creator Your Piano Bestie. - Vaidya also finds comfort in slime-ma…
The new Great Game played with stones
- A meeting between Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) leaders Rabi Lamichhane and Prime Minister Balendra Shah sparked political speculation, though their agenda likely focused on the fragility of their …
What a US-China reset means for Nepal
- A potential US-China strategic reset, influenced by global tensions and trade wars, raises questions about its impact on multilateralism and China-India relations, consequently affecting Nepal. - Ne…
Victims of usurious lending demand action, not assurances
- Victims of usurious lending in Nepal are marching from Janakpur to Kathmandu, demanding action against exploitative moneylenders. - Many participants, like Shyam Kumari Thakur, have lost land, faced…
Rayamajhi gets four years in prison, Khand two in fake Bhutanese refugee scam
- Former Nepali deputy prime minister Top Bahadur Rayamajhi and former home minister Bal Krishna Khand have been sentenced to prison for their involvement in a fake Bhutanese refugee scam. - Rayamajhi…
RSP lawmakers turn critical after Balendra Shah government completes 100 days
- Lawmakers from Nepal's Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) are openly criticizing the government led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah after its first 100 days in office. - Concerns focus on ministerial co…
Minister Khanal urges UK to address Gurkha veterans’ longstanding grievances
- Nepal's Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal urged Britain to resolve longstanding grievances of Gurkha veterans over unequal pay and pensions. - The call came as former Gurkha soldiers threatened a
Rs26.39 million returned to 1,754 cooperative victims in two months
- Over 1,700 depositors of troubled cooperatives have received approximately Rs26.39 million in refunds over two months, managed by the Problematic Cooperative Management Committee. - The committee is…
Government decides to implement all commission reports on loan sharking
- The Nepali government has decided to implement all previously formed commission reports on loan sharking. - This decision was made during a Cabinet meeting following protests by loan shark victims m…
Lawmakers accuse government of intimidation after vehicles block media houses
- Lawmakers accused the government of orchestrating vehicle blockades at media houses and opposition leaders' residences to intimidate the press and silence criticism. - The incidents, which occurred …
Supreme Court scraps government ban on private media receiving official ads
- The Supreme Court has overturned a government ban that restricted official advertisements to state-owned media outlets. - The court ruled that private media organizations have a right to receive gov…
Twenty-one Pulchowk graduates join Airbus this year
- Twenty-one students from Tribhuvan University's Institute of Engineering at Pulchowk Campus have been hired by Airbus. - The graduates will begin their international careers at Airbus's Bangalore ce…
Specialist shortage forces Salyan district hospital to halt surgeries
- Surgical services at Salyan district hospital have stopped due to a shortage of specialist doctors. - Two temporary specialists completed their two-month postings in mid-July, leaving the hospital w…
Nepal moves to set ethanol standards ahead of petrol blending rollout
- Nepal's Bureau of Standards & Metrology has drafted a standard for ethanol to be blended with gasoline, setting quality control and storage requirements. - The proposed standard categorizes ethanol …
World Cup semifinals spotlight four star goalkeepers
- Four goalkeepers from Argentina, France, Spain, and England are highlighted for their performances in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals. - Unai Simón (Spain) has conceded only one goal, while Mike …
Three die after self-immolation attempts in Nepal within a week
- Three individuals have died in Nepal within a week following separate incidents of self-immolation. - The latest victim, Bivek Mandal, died Tuesday after being airlifted to Kathmandu for severe burn…
Nepal VP Yadav to visit Qatar to offer condolences for former Emir's death
- Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav of Nepal will visit Qatar for three days starting Tuesday. - Yadav will convey Nepal's condolences to the Qatari leadership over the death of former Emir Sheikh …
France ready to fight Spain for midfield control in World Cup semi-final
- France aims to control possession against Spain in the World Cup semi-final, with coach Didier Deschamps emphasizing the need for the ball. - Midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni is available again after …