Nepal

Summary:

Sudan Gurung, coordinator of Hami Nepal, reported an attempted attack on September 17 in Kathmandu. He said individuals on Pulsar motorcycles chased him from Ranibari to Baneshwar, with two cars joining the pursuit. The attackers allegedly searched alleys in Sinamangal and pursued him to Baneshwar; Gurung said he believed they intended to kill him. He did not disclose his current location.

Archive: https://archive.md/PnjYR

Summary:

Nepal appointed its first woman Prime Minister, former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, who was sworn in as interim leader at the presidential residence in Kathmandu. The ceremony—attended by President Ramchandra Paudel, Vice President Ram Sahay Yadav, Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Rawat, and the Indian Ambassador—also announced the next general election date: March 5, 2026. Karki’s selection followed intense public pressure from Generation Z–led protests against corruption and unemployment that forced the previous prime minister to resign; those protests saw heavy police responses and casualties. Other potential leaders considered included Kulman Ghising and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah. Karki, Nepal’s first female chief justice, is viewed as a strong anti‑corruption figure; she previously faced an impeachment motion but retained public support. The news coverage also referenced related developments: 36 protest deaths with injured treated in hospitals, peace rallies, advisories from the Nepali Army against fake news, insurance directives from the Nepal Insurance Authority, and resumption of public bus services.

Archive: https://archive.is/Ez2J9

Additionally:

• प्रतिनिधिसभा विघटन, निर्वाचन फागुन २१ गते बिहीबार
• उपत्यकामा लगाइएको कर्फ्यू हट्यो, जनजीवन सामान्य बन्दै

Summary:

Former Education Minister and Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP/Raswapa) leader Sumana Shrestha has left the party. She informed the central committee that she resigned because the party leadership repeatedly makes mistakes but never admits them, subjects internal critics to media trials, and prioritizes party and leaders above the country. Previously she had resigned as co-general secretary citing lack of time due to her parliamentary duties; she entered parliament via proportional representation and had served as education minister during Prachanda’s premiership. She also denied seeking a ministerial position in the Sushila Karki cabinet and had been involved with Janajati/Gen-Z protest contacts; she attended Prime Minister Karki’s oath-taking. In her statement she said leaving the party would make open criticism easier and urged leaders to stop acting arbitrarily.

Archive: https://archive.md/tf17b

Summary:

Prime Minister Sushila Karki convinced Rameshwar Khanal and Kulman Ghising to accept ministerial posts. Khanal, a former finance secretary who briefly joined (and left) the Nepali Congress and recently submitted an economic review to KP Oli’s government, is expected to become Finance Minister. Ghising, former head of the Nepal Electricity Authority who was removed during KP Oli’s administration and had shown interest in political leadership, is expected to become Energy Minister. Karki reportedly discussed the offers with both by phone before meeting them at Singha Durbar. She is also trying to make Omprakash Aryal (involved in parliamentary dissolution discussions) a minister; Bal Nanda Sharma and Ramesh Kharel are other names under consideration.

Archive: https://archive.md/cLsFU

Coverage: रामेश्वर खनाल, कुलमान घिसिङ र ओमप्रकाश अर्याल मन्त्री बन्ने निश्चित, सोमबार शपथ तय

Summary: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned on September 9, 2025, after nationwide Gen Z-led protests turned deadly. At least 19 protesters were killed and hundreds injured when security forces fired on demonstrations demanding accountability and an end to corruption. The unrest included vandalism of key government buildings, flights and services disrupted, a wide social media ban by authorities, and continuing nationwide protests pushing for systemic reforms.

Key points:

• Oli resigned following mass protests and criticism for authorizing lethal force; he had been serving his fourth term since July 2024.
• At least 19 protesters killed and over 400 youths injured during police crackdowns; protests continue demanding reforms and accountability.
• Demonstrations escalated into vandalism of Parliament and leaders’ residences; some ministers evacuated and at least one minister (Water Supply Minister Yadav) resigned over the deaths.
• Nepal imposed a broad ban on Facebook and other major social platforms after non-compliance; most sites were blocked except a few (Hamro Patro, X responded).
• National disruptions included cancelled flights at Tribhuvan International Airport and ongoing security concerns across Kathmandu and other cities.

Archive: https://archive.is/IJ6yM

Aftermath:

• प्रधानमन्त्री निवास बालुवाटारमा पनि आगजनी (तस्बिरहरु)
• Maoist Centre Chair Dahal’s residence in Khumaltar vandalized
• कर्णालीका मुख्यमन्त्री कँडेलको सरकारी र निजी निवासमा आगजनी र तोडफोड
• जेनजीले लगाए कर्णाली प्रदेशसभा भवनमा आगो
• कांग्रेसका उपसभापति खड्काको वीरेन्द्रनगरस्थित निवासमा आगजनी
• प्रदर्शनकारीको हमलाबाट कांग्रेस सभापति देउवा र आरजु घाइते भए
• नेपालगन्ज उपमहानगरपालिकाको कार्यालयमा आगजनी
• चितवनका सिडिओ, भरतपुर महानगरपालिका सहित अधिकांश कार्यालयमा आगजनी
• राष्ट्रपति भवन शीतल निवासमा आगजनी
• राज्यका ३ वटै अङ्ग आन्दोलनकारीको नियन्त्रणमा
• इलाका प्रहरी कार्यालय चन्द्रपुरबाट कैदी भगाएर आगजनी
• नक्खु कारागार बाहिर निकालिए रवि, प्रशासनले लगायो परिवारको जिम्मा
• सार्वजनिक सम्पत्ति नष्ट नगर्न कुलमान घिसिङको अपिल, संयमता र दीर्घकालीन सुधारतर्फ उन्मुख हुन आह्वान
• आन्दोलनरत जेन जी युवाहरूको आग्रह: सरकारले घुँडा टेक्यो, शान्त बनुस्
• Gen Z Demonstrators set fire to Supreme, Special, and Kathmandu District Courts
• वार्तामा आउन राष्ट्रपति पौडेलको आह्वान

Summary:

At least 19 people died and hundreds were injured after police opened fire on Gen Z-led protests across Nepal on September 8, 2025. Demonstrations began in New Baneshwar, Kathmandu, over alleged corruption and a recent social media ban, then spread to cities including Pokhara, Butwal, Bhairahawa, Bharatpur, Itahari, Damak and others. Authorities imposed curfews and used water cannons, tear gas and live rounds to disperse crowds. Hospitals across the country treated at least 347 wounded, with dozens in critical condition; Kathmandu hospitals received the bulk of casualties (Trauma Centre, Everest Hospital, Civil Hospital, Kathmandu Medical College, Tribhuvan Teaching Hospital among them). Two protesters in Sunsari (Itahari) died of gunshot wounds; others died at various Kathmandu hospitals, bringing the nationwide toll to 19. Protesters blocked highways and clashed with police; some stoned Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s residence in Damak. The National Human Rights Commission urged restraint, noting the right to peaceful dissent under the constitution and international law and expressing concern over excessive force. Political parties and groups called for the prime minister’s resignation and early elections amid the unrest.

Archive: https://archive.is/Ag4a7

Summary:

Police opened fire on a Gen Z-led protest in New Baneshwar, Kathmandu on the afternoon of Monday, September 8, 2025, killing 14 people and wounding many others. Hospitals reported multiple fatalities and dozens of injured: seven died at the National Trauma Centre (with 10 in critical condition and 20 more treated), three died at Everest Hospital (about 50 treated, four critical), two died at Civil Hospital, and one died at KMC–Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital. Police used live rounds, tear gas and water cannons against demonstrators who were protesting social media restrictions and alleged government corruption. Protests spread across Kathmandu and other major cities, with ongoing rallies and clashes reported. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the deceased.

Archive: https://archive.is/9Iubj

Summary:

A large group of Generation Z protesters gathered at Maitighar Mandala in Kathmandu on Monday to demonstrate against government misconduct, corruption, and a recent social media ban. Youth started assembling from 9 AM, many in college uniforms holding placards; the local administration officially permitted the protest, which began at 11 AM.

Key points:

• Protest organized by the "Youth Against Corruption" targeting government misconduct, corruption, and a social media ban.
• Young participants—many students—began arriving from 9 AM; crowd grew throughout the morning.
• Demonstration was officially authorized by local administration and started at 11 AM.
• Event covered alongside related political and civic developments (civil service bill, party actions, social media restrictions).

Archive: https://archive.is/InoI4

Coverage:

• धनगढीमा पनि जेनजीको प्रदर्शन (तस्वीरहरू) | Online Khabar
• जेनजीको विराटनगरमा पनि प्रदर्शन | Online Khabar
• जनकपुरमा पनि जेनजीको प्रदर्शन | Online Khabar
• बुटवलमा पनि जेनजीको प्रदर्शन | Ratopati
• विराटनगरमा पनि जेनजीको प्रदर्शन, तस्बिरमा हेर्नुहोस् | Ratopati
• Gen Z protesters break restricted area in New Baneshwar, police use teargas, water cannons | KTMPost
• सिंहदरबार प्रवेशमा कडाइ | Onlinekhabar
• Curfew imposed in New Baneshwar area after Gen Z protesters break into restricted area | Kathmandu Post
• जेनजीको जुलुस माइतीघरबाट नयाँबानेश्वरतर्फ अघि बढ्यो | Onlinekhabar
• संसद् भवन अगाडि पुगेपछि प्रदर्शनकारीमाथि प्रहरीद्वारा लाठीचार्ज, अश्रुग्याँस प्रहार | Ratopati
• काठमाडौँमा कर्फ्यु लाग्यो | Ratopati
• जेनजी प्रदर्शनकारी संसद् भवन प्रवेश | Ratopati
• कहाँ–कहाँ लागू भयो कर्फ्यु ? | Ratopati
• संसद् भवनमा प्रदर्शनकारीको ढुंगामुढा, तितिरबितर पार्ने प्रहरीको प्रयास | Ratopati
• जेनजीले तोडे एभरेष्ट होटल अगाडिको प्रहरी घेरा, बानेश्वरमा स्थिति तनावग्रस्त | Ukeraa
• बानेश्वरमा जेनजी प्रदर्शन अनियन्त्रित : संसद भवनको गेटमा आगजनी, घर फर्कन आयोजकको आग्रह | Ukeraa
• जेनजी प्रदर्शनकारी संसद भवन परिसरमा छिरे, प्रहरीद्वारा हवाइफायर | Ukeraa
• जेनजीले तोडे एभरेष्ट होटल अगाडिको प्रहरी घेरा, बानेश्वरमा स्थिति तनावग्रस्त | Ukeraa
• संसद भवनको गार्ड हाउससको छतमा जेनजी प्रदर्शनकारी, प्रहरीद्वारा अश्रुग्याँस र पानीको फोहोरा प्रहार | Ukeraa
• झापाको दमकमा जेनजी आन्दोलनमा प्रहरीको गोली, एक घाइते | Ratopati

Contd.

• ट्रमा सेन्टरमा ५४ जना घाइते उपचाररत (सूचीसहित) Ratopati
• ट्रमा सेन्टरमा ८ जनाको मृत्यु, ६६ जनाको उपचार जारी (सूची) | Ratopati
• 14 killed as police open fire on Gen Z protest in Baneshwar | KTMPost
• Curfew imposed in Butwal, Bhairahawa and Itahari amid Gen Z protests | KTMPost
• Ministry Orders Free Treatment for Injured Protesters
• ‘जेन-जी’ को प्रदर्शन: इटहरीमा दुई जनाको मृत्यु | Nagarik
• रास्वपाले माग्यो प्रधानमन्त्रीको राजीनामा | Nagarik
• रास्वपाले माग्यो प्रधानमन्त्रीकाे राजीनामासँगै ‘अर्ली इलेक्सन’ | Ratopati
• पोखरामा जेन–जी प्रदर्शन: मुख्यमन्त्री कार्यालय तोडफोड, एक जनालाई रबरको गोली लाग्यो | Nagarik
• जेनजी आन्दोलनमा मृत्यु हुनेको संख्या १९ पुग्यो, ३ सय ४७ जना घाइते उपचार हुँदै | Ukeraa
• मानव अधिकार आयोगको निष्कर्ष : प्रहरीले अत्यधिक बल प्रयोग गर्‍यो, तत्काल बन्द गर्न निर्देशन | Ukeraa
• केपी ओली र शेरबहादुर देउवा : अब माफीमात्र स्वीकार्य छैन, भोग्नुपर्छ दमनको कारबाही पनि | Bizmandu
• माओवादीले माग्यो प्रधानमन्त्रीको राजीनामा, ‘संसदमा पनि सरकार विरुद्ध संघर्ष गर्छौं’ | Bizmandu
• 19 dead in Gen Z protests across Nepal | KTMPost
• Protesters hurl stones at PM Oli’s house in Damak | KTMPost

Summary:

Prime Minister and UML chair K.P. Sharma Oli said the incident in Harisiddhi—where a minister’s car hit an 11-year-old girl—was a minor collision and warned against politicizing it. He said the girl was taken to hospital, the party will cover all medical expenses, and apologized for the delay in the party convention program caused by the incident. The girl, identified as Usha Magar Sunuwar, was struck by a government vehicle carrying Province 1 Minister Ram Bahadur Magar near Harisiddhi Secondary School; CCTV shows the car hit her just before a zebra crossing and continued without stopping. The injured child is being treated at B&B Hospital. Police have confirmed the minister was in the vehicle and have taken the car under control; the minister went to the hospital to check on her condition.

Video of the incident: https://eu.safereddit.com/r/NepalSocial/comments/1n9qw8h/ram_bahadur_magar_koshi_province_minister_chadeko/

Archive: https://archive.is/tA9pg

Summary:

A social media trend called “Nepo Kid” has surged in Nepal, with youths on platforms like TikTok and Reddit labeling children of politicians and influential figures as beneficiaries of nepotism and corruption. Users post images and videos of luxury lifestyles—foreign education, expensive cars, lavish holidays—arguing these are funded by taxpayers and ill-gotten power, and contrasting them with ordinary citizens who struggle and must work abroad. Hashtags such as #PoliticiansNepoBabyNepal fueled online outrage and sparked calls for street protests in places like Baneshwar, with organisers planning demonstrations despite recent temporary government social-media restrictions. Critics of the campaign warn it risks cyberbullying and unfairly targeting children for their parents’ actions. Activists say the movement reflects broader anger over entrenched corruption and inequality and may move from online exposure to physical protests.

Archive: https://archive.is/MN2y9

Summary:

The article reports that while Nepal’s government ordered several social media platforms blocked (with ISPs and providers like Ncell enforcing the Supreme Court/government directive), the Prime Minister’s Secretariat continued openly posting on Facebook. During the UML party’s second statute convention inauguration, the Secretariat posted 15 photos with a caption about the event, prompting public criticism and questions on Facebook—users accused the Secretariat of double standards and asked whether it used VPNs. The contradiction raised concerns that the Secretariat itself undermines the government’s social media restrictions. The piece also notes broader context: many Facebook users in Nepal were unable to access the platform at that time, and media/company contacts regarding blocked social platforms were ongoing.

Archive: https://archive.is/SsbcV

Summary:

The Nepal government ordered major social media platforms to be blocked after they failed to register with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology by a deadline tied to the Directives Managing Use of Social Networks, 2023. The ministry instructed the Nepal Telecommunications Authority to block access to platforms that did not apply within seven days from August 28; the deadline expired September 3.

Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, Reddit, Threads, YouTube, Snapchat, Pinterest, Signal, Clubhouse and Rumble face restrictions.

Major global companies — Meta products (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp), YouTube, X, Reddit and LinkedIn — did not submit applications and were deactivated from inside Nepal. A few platforms (TikTok, Viber, Witk, Nimbuzz, Popo Live) have already registered; Telegram and Global Diary have applied and are pending approval. The ministry said any platform that completes registration will be reopened the same day.

The move follows a Supreme Court instruction to list and monitor domestic and foreign social platforms. Officials defended the ban as necessary to curb harmful content and hold companies accountable. Opposition and civil groups criticized the decision, warning it could disrupt communication, commerce and freedom of expression and called the government unprepared to implement workable registration arrangements.

Archive: https://archive.md/EiFfX

Summary:

Two-week cholera outbreak in Parsa District has sickened nearly 200 people confirmed and led to 965 people treated for diarrhoeal or cholera-like symptoms across Birgunj and Pokhariya. As of Wednesday evening, Birgunj reported 182 confirmed cases (10 patients still under treatment) and Pokhariya 13 confirmed cases, totalling 195 confirmed; 55 patients remain hospitalized and 51 new diarrhoea cases were reported in the past 24 hours. Eight patients are in ICU, one in a high-dependency unit and 46 in general wards. Schools in Birgunj were closed for a week; some resumed partial classes for grade 8 and above. Health officials say the proportion of diarrhoea patients testing positive for cholera fell from about 50% in the first four days to roughly 10% more recently. Despite containment efforts by local, provincial and federal authorities, the outbreak source has not been identified and the spread is not yet fully controlled; officials urge public vigilance.

Archive: https://archive.is/WzFdk

Summary:

Indigenous women in Chitwan—traditionally from farming families—are increasingly becoming nature guides at jungle lodges around Chitwan National Park, changing local attitudes toward wildlife and conservation. The article follows several women (Sudiksha Kumal, Prabha Kumal, Elina Chaudhary, Sakina Chaudhary, Swastika Mahato) who moved from farming, hospitality or related backgrounds into trained guide roles after encouragement from family or seeing role models. Though women remain a small minority (e.g., 5 of 114 members in one association; around 16–17 women among 464 trained guides in Sauraha), their success challenges gender stereotypes about physical strength and authority, brings economic benefits, raises village recognition, and helps shift community views from seeing wildlife as a threat to valuing conservation. Associations and awards (such as “Naturalist of the Year-2024”) highlight their growing presence and impact.

Archive: https://archive.is/tm8TU

Summary:

A natural gas discovery at Jaljale in Dailekh’s Bhairabi Rural Municipality has raised hopes for local jobs and Nepal’s energy security. Preliminary studies—conducted since 2019 with Chinese technical and financial support and involving CNPC Xibu Drilling Engineering—found methane (not crude oil) after drilling 4,013 metres. Early estimates suggest about 112 billion cubic metres at the site, with three additional reservoirs identified; a final Chinese lab report and government assessments are expected by end-2025.

Key points:

• Location: Jaljale, Ward 1, Bhairabi Rural Municipality, Dailekh (Karnali Province), near the Mid-Hill Highway.
• Findings: Methane gas confirmed in preliminary exploration; estimated 112 billion cubic metres at the main site.
• Timeline: Exploration began in 2019; samples sent to China in December; final report expected end of 2025. Production-phase testing has been requested from China.
• Institutional players: Department of Mines and Geology, Petroleum Exploration Project Office, CNPC Xibu Drilling, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Nepal Oil Corporation.
• Next steps: Detailed technical assessments to determine storage, gas properties, production feasibility, and optimal production/distribution model (pipelines, high-pressure cylinders, processing). A four-member committee and a study team have carried out on-site assessments.
• Potential uses and benefits: Priorities include domestic cooking gas (to reduce LPG imports worth roughly Rs28 billion annually), transport fuel, industrial use, and feedstock for a proposed chemical fertiliser plant—potentially large economic savings and local employment.
• Local impact: Area is cordoned by security; residents want quick development and jobs. Land for exploration has been compensated; more land acquisitions will follow if production proceeds.
• Financing: Chinese government invested about Rs2.5 billion in the project to date.

Caveats:

• Findings remain preliminary; commercial production will require further testing, cost-benefit studies, infrastructure decisions, and formal agreements on production-phase support.

Archive: https://archive.is/DFhdd

Summary:

Nasib Baitha, a 30-year-old Dalit mixer-operator from Bahadurpur in Rautahat, died on August 27 in Birgunj’s Sports Hospital after suffering chest pains and five days in intensive care. He was allegedly beaten by several locals on August 3 over an accusation that he had stolen a mobile phone worth about Rs 30,000. Police had earlier questioned Nasib after a complaint on July 16 but found no evidence linking him to the theft. Despite that, his co-worker publicly slapped him on August 2, and the next day he was reportedly tied and beaten with chains and rods in an orchard; locals say police rescued him but made no arrests at the time. Nasib’s health worsened; his father’s recent death delayed treatment and the family spent about Rs 400,000 on care. His mother, Sunaina, says the attackers killed her son; she has filed a murder case against five people. Police have arrested some suspects and say investigations continue while two accused remain at large. The case highlights ongoing caste-based violence, poverty and impunity in Nepal.

Archive: https://archive.is/olQAg

Summary:

• Nepal’s Department of Immigration (DOI) is making it mandatory for foreign nationals to register and have their movements tracked in a new digital system called NepaliPort Traveller / Foreign National Tracking Module.
• Phase 1 starts on September 17, 2025, requiring five-star hotels in Kathmandu to register guests; Phase 2 begins November 17 and extends to more star-rated hotels, airlines, tour/travel companies, money exchangers and will gradually include other service providers and guesthouses.
• The system (web portal and DOI mobile app) allows foreign visitors and service providers to upload visa/status/location details, generate and scan QR codes for businesses/rooms/services, and receive six-digit tokens and passwords after DOI verification.
• Features include real-time tracking, SMS/app reminders for visa expiry (7 days and 2 days), heat maps, exportable movement reports, filters by date/nationality/visa type, and mechanisms for service providers to report check-ins, feedback and visa noncompliance/overstays.
• DOI says the system aims to strengthen immigration monitoring, national security, tourism data analytics and inter-agency information sharing while facilitating visa services (arrival, extension, conversion) and emergency response.
• It covers all foreign nationals with passports or valid ID; Indian nationals entering by land—who often lack passports—will also be required to register.
• District Monitoring Committees in all 77 districts and District Administration Offices will oversee implementation. The DOI published a user manual and the registration link: https://nepaliport-new.immigration.gov.np/.

Archive: https://archive.md/ftYFX

Mustang welcomes 116,787 foreign tourists in Jan–Aug 2025

Summary:

• In the first eight months of 2025 (January–August), Mustang district received 116,787 foreign tourists, according to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) — Jomsom area office.

• Of these, 101,161 (86.62%) were from SAARC countries and 15,626 (13.37%) from other countries.

• Monthly breakdown (SAARC + other = total):- Jan: 3,830 + 516 = 4,346

• Feb: 4,510 + 793 = 5,303

• Mar: 16,507 + 2,588 = 19,095

• Apr: 18,304 + 4,848 = 23,152

• May: 21,946 + 3,781 = 25,727

• Jun: 19,649 + 1,209 = 20,858

• Jul: 9,794 + 825 = 10,619

• Aug: 6,621 + 1,066 = 7,687

• This is a 21.98% increase (25,678 more visitors) compared with the same period in 2024. SAARC visitors rose by 22.14% (22,401 more) and non‑SAARC visitors by 20.97% (3,277 more).

• In 2024 overall, Mustang had 125,719 foreign tourists. Among recent arrivals, about 80% were Indian visitors, many visiting the Muktinath temple.

• Improved road access (Beni–Jomsom) and international media attention highlighting Mustang’s unique geography, cultural sites (gumbas, mani stones, chortens, caves), Lomanthang palace, and other attractions have driven the tourist increase.

Archive: https://archive.md/3sgm1

Summary:
Two young elephants born at Chitwan National Park’s breeding centre — Rudrakali (7, female) and Khagendra Prasad (6, male) — will be sent to a zoo in Qatar next month after a request made through diplomatic channels two years ago. They will travel by truck from Sauraha to Gautam Buddha International Airport and then by chartered plane to Doha, accompanied by two mahouts who will train local caretakers for at least a month. Special measures for Qatar’s extreme heat include air-conditioned housing and initial supplies of hay flown from India, with Nepal later providing ongoing provisions. The Qatari embassy is covering construction of enclosures and transport costs. The move is framed as strengthening bilateral ties and showcasing Nepal’s biodiversity; the Chitwan centre (established 1985) has produced 68 elephants and this is the first time animals born there are being sent abroad.

Archive: https://archive.is/iQSrY

Summary:
Nepal’s Supreme Court has ordered a halt to industrial development within a 15-kilometer (9-mile) radius of Lumbini, the UNESCO-listed birthplace of the Buddha. The court directed existing heavy industries in that zone to shut or relocate within two years and restricted heavy truck traffic, enforcing a decade-old guideline meant to protect Lumbini’s cultural heritage and biodiversity.

Key points

• The order followed a public interest petition arguing industrial air and water pollution (from cement plants, brick kilns, steel mills, etc.) threatens archaeological sites (like the Ashoka pillar), local farmers’ health and livelihoods, and wildlife — notably sarus cranes.
• Scientific studies and local testimony describe severe winter smog and polluted waterways harming crops and wetlands; farmers report abandoning fields or migrating for work.
• Lumbini Province holds one of Nepal’s largest sarus crane populations; wetland loss and urban/industrial expansion have driven declines.
• Implementation concerns: roughly two dozen factories would need relocating; businesses warn of lost jobs, loan defaults and economic losses (investments ~30 billion rupees / ~$213 million). Stakeholders call for careful, consultative relocation planning and possible compensation.
• Lumbini Development Trust and conservationists welcomed the ruling; the site had been placed on UNESCO’s List of World Heritage in Danger in 2024 (and was removed after government assurances).
• Government officials acknowledge the need for stakeholder consultations and a detailed relocation roadmap to balance environmental protection with social and economic impacts.

Bottom line: The court order is a major step to protect Lumbini’s cultural and ecological values, but successful implementation will require clear planning, funding, and inclusive stakeholder engagement to mitigate job losses and economic disruption.

Archive: https://archive.md/sCWVj

Summary:
The article argues that rising election costs in Nepal are undermining inclusive democracy by making it harder for women to run, stay, and advance in politics. Although constitutional quotas have boosted women’s numeric representation, financial barriers, weak campaign finance enforcement, and party practices limit women’s real political power and re-election chances. The author calls for stronger party commitment to gender quotas, reform and enforcement of campaign finance rules, and cultural shifts so money doesn’t determine electoral success.

Key points

• Nepal’s elections are getting more expensive (rallies, media, digital outreach), straining candidates and parties and disadvantaging women and marginalized groups.
• Quotas have increased women’s seats (around 33–41% across levels) but don’t ensure influence; many women enter via quotas and then struggle to finance re-election or contest directly elected positions.
• Structural disadvantages — less asset ownership (74.6% of women lack fixed assets), weaker fundraising networks, dependence on party powerbrokers — make women more likely to enter debt or drop out.
• Weak enforcement of spending caps (ECN limits exist but are routinely exceeded) and opaque funding push politics toward monetization and vested-interest influence.
• Remedies proposed: parties must treat gender quotas seriously (not box-ticking); tighten and enforce campaign finance regulation; and reduce money-driven politics (including promoting affordable digital access) to make future elections, like 2027, more inclusive.

Archive: https://archive.is/J6ZA5

Summary:
Police arrested 38-year-old Shyam Krishna Bhandari from Sindhupalchok, accused of running a kidney‑trafficking racket that sent Nepalis to India for illegal organ removal. A close associate, 29‑year‑old Sujan Bharati, was also detained at Birgunj while trying to re‑enter Nepal. Though the gang confessed to trafficking 25 people, investigators believe the number of victims exceeds 100, drawn from districts including Sindhupalchok, Kavre, Sindhuli, Nuwakot and Dhading.

According to police, recruiters targeted poor, often illiterate people with promises of INR 600,000 for a kidney; victims reportedly received as little as INR 5,000. Recruited victims were taken to India, kept in hotels, given blood compatibility tests, then moved to private clinics or hospitals where kidneys were surgically removed—victims were sedated, blindfolded, kept for three to four days, and then returned to Nepal. Recruiters were paid about NPR 40,000 per person.

The arrests were part of “Operation Life Field.” Earlier, on August 4, three others (Rakesh Nepali, Sameer Nepali and Raj Kumar Nepali) were arrested in connection with the same network. Police have registered four formal cases so far; suspects face charges under the Human Trafficking and Transportation (Control) Act (sale of human organs abroad) carrying up to 10 years’ imprisonment and fines, and additional organized‑crime charges that could increase penalties to as much as 15 years and higher fines. Investigations are ongoing and more arrests are likely.

Archive: https://archive.is/GcSL6

Summary:

• The US will hand over two M28 “Skytruck” aircraft to the Nepali Army in the first week of September; one is configured as an air ambulance. These are part of a five-aircraft package: four are grants from the US and one is to be procured by Nepal (the fifth’s exact status is unclear).

• Two Skytrucks previously delivered in 2019; the US also handed over two Skytrucks and one Bell helicopter earlier this year under a military assistance package valued at about Rs 13.38 billion. The US has hinted at providing additional Bell helicopters.

• The new M28s (short take-off/landing, STOL) were ordered from Poland’s PZL Mielec under a roughly $30.3 million contract that covers the aircraft, training, spare parts, medical equipment and ferrying support. Deliveries were delayed from April 30 to late August.

• M28 features (high-wing, rugged gear, STOL) suit Nepal’s mountainous terrain and will boost the Army’s cargo transport, medevac, personnel movement and humanitarian/rescue missions. Each carries 12–18 passengers depending on configuration.

• Nepali Army currently operates seven small/medium fixed-wing aircraft and 15 helicopters. The US has also indicated intent to provide up to $100 million in Foreign Military Financing to strengthen Nepal’s rotary-wing capabilities, pending Congressional approval.

• Official handover requires customs and airfield clearances; a ceremony is expected with US embassy participation. The Nepali Army has not yet received formal internal notification of the handover, a spokesperson said.

Archive: https://archive.md/keAiZ

Summary:
Nepal’s public debt rose by Rs 14.02 billion in Saun (mid-July to mid-August) of the new fiscal year 2082/83 (2024–25), the Public Debt Management Office reported. Total public debt stood at Rs 2,683.6 billion (Rs 2 trillion 683 billion 600 million) as of end-Saun, equal to 43.94% of GDP. Foreign debt comprises 52.26% (about Rs 1,042.47 billion) and domestic debt 47.74%.

The government’s borrowing target for the fiscal year is Rs 595 billion. By Aug 16, Rs 44.57 billion (7.48% of the annual target) had been mobilized: Rs 40 billion (11.05% of the Rs 362 billion internal loan target) from domestic sources and Rs 4.5748 billion (1.96% of the Rs 233.6631 billion external loan target) from abroad. Interest payments on public debt were budgeted at Rs 411 billion for the year; Rs 36.68 billion (about 8.93% of that allocation) had been paid by end-Saun.

Archive: https://archive.md/aVVB2

Those Who Don’t Renew Health Insurance Face Hefty Late Fees—One-Time Waiver If Renewed by End of Ashoj

Summary:
Nepal’s Health Insurance Board will waive late fees once for previously insured families who failed to renew if they renew by the end of Ashoj (mid-October). Renewals must be done through the online system or registration assistants by Kartik 31, 2082 (Nepali calendar). No extra charge applies for on-time renewal up to that date.

If renewal is delayed, the Board has set graduated late penalties based on the delay:

• Within 3 months after expiry: 10% extra of the contribution amount
• Within 6 months: 30% extra
• Within 6 months to 1 year: 50% extra
• More than 1 year: 100% extra
• More than 2 years: 3 times the contribution
• More than 3 years: 4 times the contribution

The notice urges beneficiaries to renew promptly to avoid steep late fees.

Archive: https://archive.md/nMmhO