This week in Nepal
Nepal is currently navigating a period marked by significant economic pressures and persistent governance challenges, as reflected in recent media coverage. The cost of living is a prominent concern, with public transport fares in Kathmandu Valley rising following the fourth monthly fuel price hike, pushing petrol costs to South Asian highs. This economic strain is a backdrop to a worrying
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
White Rhododendrons Blanket Jiri Hills in Nepal
- White rhododendrons are currently blooming across the hills of Jiri, a hill town in Nepal's Dolakha district. - The flowers are particularly visible around a rhododendron park, a local attraction. -…
Trump: Lebanese and Israeli Leaders to Speak; Pakistan Links Lebanon Peace to Iran Talks
- US President Donald Trump announced that Lebanese and Israeli leaders would speak for the first time in 34 years. - Pakistan stated that peace in Lebanon is essential for its mediation efforts betwe…
Nepal Stock Exchange Allows Round-the-Clock Order Placement Amidst Trading Rule Revisions
- The Nepal Stock Exchange (Nepse) will now allow investors to place buy and sell orders at any time, following a revision of securities trading regulations. - Under the amended Securities Trading Ope…
Kantipur Daily Appoints Gokarna Raj Awasthi as New Editor-in-Chief
- Gokarna Raj Awasthi has been appointed the new Editor-in-Chief of Kantipur Daily, Nepal's largest-selling daily newspaper. - Awasthi brings over two decades of diverse experience in journalism, econ…
Butwal launches drive to clear encroached footpaths and roadside structures
- Butwal Sub-metropolitan City has launched a campaign to clear encroached footpaths and remove illegal roadside structures. - The operation began after persistent complaints about traders and vehicle…
24-hour licence issuance begins from Wednesday
- Authorities have begun issuing driving licences within 24 hours of applicants clearing trials and paying the required fee, starting Wednesday. - This initiative is part of the government's 100-point…
46 More Nepalis Rescued From Scam Jobs in Cambodia
- The Nepali embassy in Thailand reported the rescue and repatriation of 46 Nepali citizens trafficked to Cambodia for scam operations. - These individuals were forced into illegal online scam and cas…
Petroleum prices increased for fifth time in 31 days
- Nepal Oil Corporation has increased prices for diesel, kerosene, and aviation fuel for the fifth time in 31 days. - Despite the price hikes, the corporation continues to incur losses on diesel sales…
Hopes for Middle East peace grow as Israel discusses Lebanon ceasefire
- Hopes for a Middle East peace deal are rising, with discussions focused on a potential ceasefire in Lebanon and opening the Strait of Hormuz. - Pakistani mediators are engaged in talks in Tehran, ai…
How pollution is ageing your skin faster
- Air pollution significantly accelerates skin aging by damaging skin cells, disrupting the natural protective layer, and promoting the breakdown of collagen. - Pollutants like PM2.5 and nitrogen diox…
A new way of dating: Logging off and showing up
- In Kathmandu, a growing trend sees people opting for in-person dating mixers as an alternative to online apps, seeking genuine connections and conversations. - Events like 'Pitch a friend - Queer Ed…
PM Cup 2026: Records tumble as Sudurpashchim reach historic final
- Sudurpashchim has reached the final of Nepal's premier one-day cricket tournament, the Men's PM Cup, marking a historic first for a provincial team. - The final will feature Sudurpashchim against th…
Nepal ride-hailing law fails to take off despite court orders
- Nepal's long-awaited ride-hailing law remains stalled despite repeated court orders, with the Bagmati Province citing political transitions and the need to align with broader transport act amendment…
Hormuz Strait closure takes its toll on global economic growth
- The IMF has lowered its global growth forecast for 2026 to 3.1 percent, citing the ongoing Middle East conflict as a primary driver of economic slowdown. - The conflict, particularly the closure of …
Nepal's 'buffer state' label sparks debate among foreign policy experts
- Nepal's government has drafted a national commitment framework labeling the country a 'buffer state' aiming to connect India and China. - Foreign policy experts question this terminology, arguing it…
Trump says he asked China's Xi not to give Iran weapons
- Donald Trump stated in an interview that he asked Chinese President Xi Jinping not to supply Iran with weapons, and Xi reportedly responded that China was not doing so. - Trump previously threatened…
Office dispute forces costly administrative trips in Bajhang
- Residents of Bungal Municipality in Bajhang, Nepal, face significant travel costs and time to obtain citizenship certificates. - An Area Administration Office intended to ease this process remains u…
Poor infrastructure and tardy legal processes push children in correction centres into deeper distress
- Juvenile correction homes in Nepal are severely overcrowded and lack basic facilities, falling short of rehabilitation goals. - Facilities are often two to three times over capacity, compromising ch…
Bullion Prices Rebound After Early-Week Dip in Nepal
- Gold and silver prices in Nepal experienced a significant drop early in the week before recovering by April 14. - Fine gold fell from Rs299,000 to a low of Rs294,700 per tola before closing the week…
Nepal eyes title as women’s team heads to Rwanda for T20I Challenge Trophy
- Nepal's women's cricket team is heading to Rwanda to compete in the ICC Women's T20I Challenge Trophy. - The team, under head coach Harshal Jayant Pathak, aims to win the inaugural tournament, which…
Residences of Agrawal, Bhatta raided in money laundering probe
- Nepalese authorities are investigating alleged money laundering involving prominent businessmen Sulav Agrawal and Deepak Bhatta. - The probe centers on suspicions of manipulating public contracts, s…
Trout farming grows in Jumla as farmers chase local livelihoods
- Farmers in Jumla, Nepal are increasingly adopting rainbow trout farming as a path to self-reliance. - Early attempts faced challenges with technical knowledge and fingerling transportation costs, bu…
Nepali media is fighting for survival. Its journalists are fighting for their paychecks.
- Journalists in Nepal are facing severe financial hardship, with many going months without pay, sometimes even after death. - The crisis is an acute version of a global media downturn, but harsher in…
How a wrong number led to a deadly street clash in Lalitpur
- A wrong number phone call escalated into a fatal street clash in Lalitpur, Nepal, resulting in two deaths. - The altercation began with insults exchanged over a misdialed number and led to a planned…
Japan Opens Door to Major Arms Exports Amid Global Uncertainty
- Japan is set to ease its strict arms export rules, potentially opening up a significant global market for its defense industry. - The move is driven by concerns over US security commitments under Pr…
Ex-minister Khadka faces corruption, tax evasion probes
- Former Nepali Congress minister Deepak Khadka is under investigation for corruption and tax evasion. - The Department of Money Laundering Investigation has referred the case to the Commission for In…
Tribhuvan University Vows to Reclaim Encroached Land Amidst Implementation Hurdles
- Tribhuvan University decided to reclaim approximately 129 hectares of encroached land. - The university has initiated a recovery process and plans to take action against those involved in misuse and…
Nepal alerts 15 areas to dengue risk as infections climb
- Nepal's Epidemiology and Disease Control Division has alerted 15 local levels, including Kathmandu, to a high risk of dengue surge. - Officials are urging local governments to initiate dengue preven…
US, Iran may resume talks this week despite port blockade
- US President Donald Trump indicated that talks to end the Iran war could resume in Pakistan within two days, following a US blockade on Iranian ports. - Negotiating teams from the US and Iran may re…
China Presses Nepal to Distance Itself from Tibetan and Taiwanese Activities
- China's ambassador to Nepal urged the Home Minister to prevent Tibetan and Taiwanese activities deemed hostile to Beijing. - Concerns were raised about Tibetan refugee registration and alleged separ…
Nepal Govt Drafts 18-Point National Commitment Based on Party Manifestos
- The Nepali government has drafted an 18-point
US Begins Iran Port Blockade, Oil Prices Ease on Hopes for Dialogue
- The US military has initiated a blockade of Iran's ports, escalating tensions and impacting global oil prices. - Despite the blockade, hopes for dialogue to end the ongoing war between the US and Ir…
FIFA, AFC press Nepal to lift ANFA suspension, resume election process
- FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation urged Nepal's National Sports Council to lift its suspension of the All Nepal Football Association and reinstate the original election schedule. - FIFA warn…
New trial over soccer legend Maradona’s death begins in Argentina
- A new trial has commenced in Argentina concerning the death of soccer legend Diego Maradona, with seven medical team members charged with negligent homicide. - The previous trial was declared a mist…
4G Surges in Nepal Amidst Persistent Speed and Coverage Issues
- 4G internet usage in Nepal continues to grow, with an average of 122,186 new users monthly, reaching 26.58 million users by March 2026. - Mobile broadband penetration, including 3G, now covers 93.84…
Police fire tear gas as workers’ protest in India’s Noida turns violent
- A factory workers' protest in Noida, India, turned violent on its fourth day, prompting police to use tear gas. - Vehicles were torched and stones were pelted as protesters clashed with security for…
Nepal's vulnerability to measles outbreaks raises alarm
- Nepal faces a significant risk of measles outbreaks, mirroring a recent deadly epidemic in Bangladesh that caused 130 deaths. - The country has reported over 9,500 suspected and 1,398 confirmed meas…
US Blockades Iranian Ports; Tehran Threatens Retaliation
- The US military has initiated a blockade of Iran's ports following the breakdown of ceasefire talks aimed at ending the conflict. - Tehran has threatened retaliation against the ports of its Gulf ne…
Government Silently Ditches Proposed Apology to Dalits, Exposing Hypocrisy
- The Nepali government, led by the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), has reportedly abandoned its promise to issue a formal apology to Dalits for historical caste discrimination. - This move is seen as…
Nepal's New Government Embraces Soft Power Through Tourism, Culture, and Diaspora
- Nepal's newly formed government has outlined a commitment to soft power, focusing on tourism, culture, and investment as key pillars for national development. - The strategy also aims to leverage th…
Tattoo Artistry in Nepal Sheds Stigma, Embraces Cultural Fusion
- Tattoo artistry is increasingly celebrated in Nepal, evolving from a stigmatized practice to a respected art form and profession. - The '13th International Nepal Tattoo Convention' showcased the gro…
Bringing ‘Seto Dharti’ to life
- A stage adaptation of the novel 'Seto Dharti' is being presented at the Kantipur Theatre in Kathmandu. - The play explores themes of child marriage and women's silence, bridging generational voices.…
Aasif Sheikh’s double century steals the spotlight at Men’s PM Cup
- Aasif Sheikh shattered records in the Men's PM Cup by scoring the first-ever double century, reaching 208 runs. - Sheikh's innings included a record 17 sixes, contributing to APF's record-high team …
Nepali airlines in a scramble as fuel costs spike, passengers vanish
- Nepali domestic airlines are experiencing a significant drop in passengers following a sharp increase in airfares due to soaring aviation fuel costs. - Airlines like Buddha Air have reduced flights …
Nepal readies plan to reclaim land held by party-affiliated trade unions
- Nepal's new government, led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah, has announced a '100-point governance reform agenda' aimed at improving public administration. - A key objective is to dissolve party-aff…
Buddha Air relaunches Royal Club as fully digital loyalty programme
- Buddha Air has relaunched its Royal Club frequent flyer program in a fully digital format, enhancing customer benefits. - Passengers can now accumulate mileage points on all tickets, not just higher…
Phewa Lake demolitions, now halted, expose buffer dispute, selective enforcement
- Authorities in Nepal have begun demolishing structures along the shores of Phewa Lake in Pokhara, following directives from the Prime Minister. - The demolitions, which have caused panic among resid…
Shrinking civil society raises concerns over accountability amid weak opposition
- Nepal's civil society, once a key driver of democratic reforms, has significantly shrunk, raising concerns about government accountability. - Analysts warn that a weak civil society, coupled with an…
UNICEF supplies vitamin A for next week’s nationwide campaign after government misses procurement deadline
- Nepal's Ministry of Health and Population has again relied on UNICEF for vitamin A supplements for a nationwide campaign due to missed procurement deadlines. - This marks a recurring issue where hea…
Remembering 2082 BS in photos
- The year 2082 BS in Nepal was marked by significant political shifts, including the rise of the Gen Z movement and the Rastriya Swatantra Party. - Key events documented include political inauguratio…
Oli undergoes successful gallstone surgery
- CPN-UML chair KP Sharma Oli has undergone successful gallstone surgery at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital. - A 22 mm stone was removed during the procedure, and Oli is currently in the intens…
Police fire tear gas as workers’ protest in India’s Noida turns violent
- Police deployed tear gas and used minimum force to quell a violent factory workers' protest in Noida, India, on its fourth day. - Protesters torched vehicles and pelted stones, demanding fixed duty …
Monkey sterilisation pilot begins in Diktel
- An expert team has arrived in Diktel, Nepal, to commence a pilot program for sterilizing monkeys. - The initiative aims to address long-standing local demands for managing the monkey population, whi…
Aasif Sheikh becomes first player to hit double hundred in domestic cricket
- Aasif Sheikh has made history in Nepal's domestic cricket by becoming the first player to score a double century. - He achieved this milestone by smashing 208 runs off 142 balls for the Armed Police…
Australia appoints woman to lead its army for the first time
- Australia has appointed Lieutenant General Susan Coyle as the first woman to lead its army, effective July. - Coyle, currently chief of joint capabilities, will replace Lieutenant General Simon Stua…
Ministers’ asset details spark controversy, calls grow for transparency
The disclosure of asset details by Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah and his cabinet has sparked public controversy, with many questioning the sources of their wealth. While asset declarations are …
Nepal Education Ministry Orders Action Against Schools Denying Scholarships
Nepal's Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has directed local governments to take legal action against schools failing to provide legally mandated scholarships. Private and public schools a…