Nepal

Summary:

• The Kathmandu District Attorney’s Office filed a cybercrime case against journalist Dil Bhusan Pathak at Kathmandu District Court on June 30, 2025.
• The case was registered by the Cyber Bureau of Nepal Police, accusing Pathak of spreading hate and hostility through content published on his YouTube channel "Tough Talk."
• The allegations claim that Pathak’s videos violated the Electronic Transactions Act by disseminating material intended to provoke hatred.
• This case followed an interim order from Patan High Court issued 11 days earlier, which prevented authorities from arresting Pathak without legal grounds.
• Despite this, the Attorney’s Office proceeded based on an investigation report submitted by the Cyber Bureau, and an arrest warrant was reissued with notices for Pathak to appear in court.
• Cyber Bureau maintains their role is only to investigate and submit reports; the court decides guilt or innocence.
• Media experts criticize the case as part of a “troubling pattern” of misuse of the Electronic Transactions Act to intimidate journalists and restrict freedom of expression.
• They argue such disputes should be handled by civil courts or the Press Council Nepal, not criminal courts.
• The High Court ruled that there was insufficient evidence to justify Pathak’s immediate detention, emphasizing due legal process.
• The case relates to Pathak’s videos questioning alleged financial activities linked to Jaiveer Singh Deuba, son of former Prime Minister and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba.
• Pathak’s legal team challenged the arrest warrant as lacking legal grounds and violating journalistic freedom.

In short, the case is seen as a serious threat to press freedom in Nepal, with concerns about abuse of legal provisions to silence critical journalism.

Archive: https://archive.md/ZwmSv

Summary:
The editorial from Nagarik News titled "संसद्को यो बेहाल !" criticizes the current state of Nepal's parliament regarding the passage and manipulation of the Civil Service Bill, specifically focusing on the "cooling-off period" provision.

Key points summarized:

• The bill was passed by the House of Representatives, including a clause that sets a two-year waiting period ("cooling-off period") for civil servants after retirement before they can be appointed to constitutional or government positions.
• However, this provision was manipulated by senior civil servants who altered the wording to exclude constitutional and diplomatic appointments from this restriction, effectively allowing immediate reappointment to certain positions.
• This change was made without the knowledge of most parliament members, highlighting a lack of oversight and sensitivity among lawmakers.
• The manipulation shows how bureaucracy in Nepal protects its own interests, undermining efforts to make the civil service more accountable and efficient.
• The editorial calls for correction in the National Assembly and urges parliamentary leaders, including the Speaker, to take action to fix these loopholes.
• It also criticizes the bloated civil service structure with too many secretaries and additional secretaries, which complicates governance.
• The article stresses that the continuation of large federal civil service despite active provincial and local governments shows a lack of trust in federalism.
• It questions the effectiveness and responsiveness of parliament and urges parliamentarians to be more vigilant and responsible in their duties.

In summary, the editorial highlights a serious issue where civil servants have exploited legislative procedures to weaken reforms aimed at improving governance and calls for urgent parliamentary rectification.

Archive: https://archive.md/DDOlI

Summary:
The Nepalese government has made a special provision in the 2025/26 budget to waive interest and penalties amounting to around NPR 1.5 billion for Bottlers Nepal Terai Limited, a company producing Coca-Cola in Nepal. This move is part of the Finance Bill’s Section 30, which allows waiver of interest and fees on outstanding income tax if the tax is paid by mid-July 2025.

Background:

• Bottlers Nepal Terai Limited, under Bottlers Nepal Limited, faced multiple tax assessments due to ownership changes involving Coca-Cola Sabco Asia's shares.
• The company was subjected to double taxation based on two different sections of the Income Tax Act, 2058 (Sections 57 and 95(k)), leading to overlapping tax liabilities on the same transaction.
• This ownership change was not reported initially to the Nepalese government, causing tax evasion allegations and subsequent investigations by the Revenue Investigation Department.
• The department found tax evasion worth NPR 124 million, with additional interest and penalties increasing the amount to nearly NPR 382 million.
• The Large Taxpayer Office further imposed additional corporate taxes of about NPR 542 million.
• Legal disputes ensued, with the company appealing up to the Supreme Court.

Government Rationale:

Officials said the special waiver is due to the hardship caused by double taxation on a multinational company, considering it an unfair burden. The waiver only applies to interest and penalties, not the principal tax amount. Officials also cited that such relief is not uncommon in finance bills but this case is notable because it targets a specific company.

Criticism:

Tax experts criticize the double taxation as legally correct but unjust. They argue that taxing the same transaction twice is unfair and that the government’s narrow interpretation of the law resulted in this problem. The tax waiver via the budget is seen by some as an attempt to rectify this injustice after the fact.

Archive: https://archive.md/7prSj

Title: "‘Fake Nepali’ Shailendra Mohan receives Upendra Yadav’s blessing: The story of an Indian citizen running Nepali politics"

Summary:
The article exposes Shailendra Mohan Jha, an Indian citizen who has managed to deeply influence Nepali politics and administration for decades, particularly in the Madhesh region. Born in India and educated there, Mohan even failed to secure Nepali citizenship for his own wife but still played a major role in Nepal’s political landscape.

His influence is not limited to business, health, and contracts but extends into politics as a key financial backer and trusted ally of Upendra Yadav, leader of the powerful Madhesi party, Janata Samajwadi Party Nepal (JSPN). Mohan supported the party with significant funding and logistics in the 2022 federal elections and was nearly nominated as a proportional representation member of parliament before internal party disputes blocked his candidacy.

Mohan holds a central membership in JSPN and maintains close ties with top leaders. Publicly pro-India, he has represented the Nepal-India Friendship Association since 2007 and currently serves as its chairman. During the Madhesh movement, he had direct contacts with the Indian embassy and reportedly coordinated efforts that worsened the Nepal-India border blockade, causing severe hardships for Nepali citizens.

Political analysts criticize leaders like Upendra Yadav for protecting figures like Mohan, allowing an Indian citizen to wield power in Nepali politics, which they say undermines democracy. The party has yet to issue an official statement or response to these accusations.

Archive: https://archive.md/VDKqw

Summary:

• Nepal reported its first Covid-19 death in two years on June 25, 2025.
• The victim was a 39-year-old woman from Suryodaya Municipality, Ilam district.
• She was admitted to Biratnagar-based Nobel Medical College Teaching Hospital in critical condition and died shortly after arrival.
• She had symptoms like fever and respiratory problems and tested positive for coronavirus.
• This death signals the spread of new Omicron subvariants in the community.
• Whole-genome sequencing of recent Covid cases showed multiple Omicron subvariants, mainly XFG, XFG.3, and JN.1.
• Since January, 180 people from 25 districts tested positive, with 25 cases confirmed in the past week alone.
• Covid is now considered endemic in Nepal, with testing primarily focused on symptomatic individuals.
• Health officials are urging infected people entering Nepal via border points to isolate for five days.
• The Ministry of Health is working to procure rapid diagnostic test kits amid limited supply.
• Neighboring India is seeing a decline in active cases, but porous borders make variant transmission common.
• Experts warn that while the latest variants aren’t highly deadly, they still pose risks to elderly and immunocompromised people.

Archive: https://archive.md/6E0Da

Summary:
A biodiversity study in Gaumukhi Rural Municipality, Pyuthan district, Lumbini Province, Nepal, recorded 217 bird species, highlighting its importance as a bird habitat in western Nepal. Conducted in two phases (Sept-Oct 2024 and Apr-May 2025) by ornithologists from the Himalayan Research Centre and Gaumukhi municipality, the survey documented 4,538 birds, including 99 conservation-priority species.

Key findings:

• Rare species include the globally endangered steppe eagle, migratory Gomayu Chil (from Mongolia), and demoiselle crane.
• The area hosts two of Nepal’s nine nationally protected birds: the Himalayan monal (national bird) and the elusive Cheer Pheasant.
• Critically endangered vultures such as slender-billed, red-headed, white-rumped, Himalayan griffon, and bearded vultures were also found.
• Presence of 17 nationally endangered species, 4 species with restricted geographical ranges, and 69 habitat-specific species.
• 31 bird species are listed on the CITES protected list.

The study also recorded other wildlife: 8 butterfly species, 5 freshwater fish, 4 amphibians, 8 reptiles, and 18 mammals, emphasizing Gaumukhi’s biological diversity.

Local authorities plan to designate about 180.382 sq km of Gaumukhi forest as a protected conservation area, a proposal first made in 2016. The area serves as an ecological corridor connecting nearby forests, crucial for migratory birds and other wildlife.

Officials hope this study will boost ecological tourism, academic research, and sustainable livelihoods through conservation efforts. Gaumukhi is emerging as a hotspot for birdwatchers, eco-tourists, and nature researchers. Nepal now hosts around 900 bird species; recently, a migratory seabird—short-tailed shearwater—was recorded for the first time.

This study underlines the urgent need to protect Gaumukhi’s natural heritage while promoting responsible tourism and community involvement.

Archive: https://archive.md/rurD7

Summary:
With the monsoon season approaching in Nepal, communities are preparing to face associated risks like floods and landslides, which mostly affect vulnerable populations in flood-prone plains and areas with poor infrastructure. The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology forecasts above-normal rainfall for the 2025 monsoon, especially in Lumbini, Karnali, and Gandaki provinces, with a higher chance of extreme rainfall events.

Key Points:

• Monsoon Preparedness Response Plan (MPRP) 2025: The Nepal government has prepared the MPRP to focus on early action to minimize disaster impacts. Around 40% of disasters occur during the monsoon, which accounts for 80% of Nepal’s annual rainfall.
• Community-Based Early Warning Systems (EWS): Civil society organizations (CSOs) have been developing flood resilience through tools like SMS alerts, IVR calls, sirens, door-to-door campaigns, and simulation drills to train local disaster committees.
• Importance of Local Volunteers: Training and maintaining records of trained volunteers is critical for effective rescue and management during disasters.
• Inclusive Planning: Preparedness plans emphasize including marginalized groups such as women and the elderly, who face higher risks in disasters.
• Local Disaster Climate Resilience Framework (LDCRF): Several organizations are supporting local governments to map risks, prepare evacuation plans, and assign clear roles for disaster response.
• Call for Coordination and Investment: Strengthening monsoon preparedness requires coordinated efforts from local governments, CSOs, private sectors, and sustained investment for community-led risk-informed strategies.

The article stresses that being prepared at the household, community, and government levels can reduce risks to life, property, and livelihoods. It urges shifting from a reactive response approach to proactive preparedness with early warning and local involvement to transform monsoon from a season of terror into one of safety and resilience.

Archive: https://archive.md/9rF0X

Summary:

• The SEE exam results for 2081 (2024) were published by the National Examination Board.

• Out of 514,071 students who appeared, about 61.81% passed and qualified to enter Grade 11.

• The pass rate has improved from last year’s 48%, where the non-graded (fail) students were more than 52%.

• The new grading system, introduced in 2078 BS, is stricter and no longer allows all students to automatically receive a certificate.

• Subject-wise failure rates:

  • Mathematics had the highest failure count with 128,215 students failing.
  • English followed with 80,672 failures.
  • Science and Technology had 79,271 failures.
  • Nepali theory exam failures were 54,735.
  • Social Studies failures were 53,186.

• To pass the SEE, students must score at least 35% in theoretical exams and 40% in practical exams.

• The results publication was delayed by one week due to a teachers' strike.

• The exam saw participation from diverse groups including inmates, minority communities, and students from different provinces.

• Supplementary exams for failed subjects will be held starting from 29th Shrawan (mid-August).

• Results can be checked online on official websites or via SMS services.

Archive: https://archive.is/odSw6

Summary:

• Background: Fifty-seven Nepali nationals from 18 districts were recently rescued from captivity in India, specifically from Rudrapur and Kashipur in Uttarakhand, where they were trafficked with false promises of lucrative jobs.

• Deception and Abuse: The victims were lured by promises of well-paid jobs (around 23,000 Indian rupees/month) and good living conditions. Upon arrival, they faced poor housing, starvation, forced confinement, and abuse including beatings and threats. Their phones were seized to prevent communication. They were also pressured to recruit others.

• Personal Stories: For example, Man Bahadur BK, a 13-year-old boy from Kailali, was promised a job but ended up confined and his phone taken. Another victim, Bishal Budhathoki, was locked up after initially being treated well. One victim reportedly died in captivity about a month prior.

• Rescue Operation: The rescues were conducted through coordination between Indian police, the NGO Kin India, and Nepali authorities after weeks of surveillance. Police raids freed 35 hostages in Kashipur and later 22 more who had been moved to a forested area.

• Traffickers Arrested: Two key traffickers, Birendra Shahi and Manish Tiwari, were arrested. The operation uncovered that this trafficking ring had been operating since 2018, collecting money upfront from job seekers and forcing victims to recruit others.

• After Rescue: The rescued Nepalis were brought back to Nepal via the Gaddachauki border and received by local officials. They were provided shelter, food, and transportation home.

• Concerns: Authorities believe similar trafficking rings continue to operate in the area, with many victims quietly sent back without formal rescue.

This case highlights ongoing human trafficking challenges affecting Nepali citizens seeking work abroad, exposing them to exploitation and abuse.

Archive: https://archive.md/FxFga

Summary:

• Despite having an anti-torture law in place for years, Nepal has failed to effectively enforce it.
• Reports of torture and ill-treatment by security forces continue, especially during arrests and interrogations.
• Victims often lack proper access to justice, and perpetrators rarely face consequences.
• The government has been criticized by human rights groups for weak implementation and insufficient accountability mechanisms.
• There is a call for stronger political will, improved training of law enforcement, and better monitoring to prevent torture.
• The article highlights the need for Nepal to meet its international obligations to protect human rights and eliminate torture.

Archive: https://archive.is/RNztv

Summary:

• A new aviation fuel depot with a capacity of 3.6 million liters has been constructed near Pokhara International Airport.
• The project was completed by Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) with an investment of around NPR 68 crore.
• The depot includes three tanks, each with a capacity of 1.2 million liters, built with modern infrastructure and safety features.
• Construction started in the first week of Ashad 2080 (mid-June 2023) and is expected to be operational from the second week of Shrawan 2082 (late July 2025).
• This depot is the first fully domestically-built aviation fuel depot, developed in collaboration with an Indian company.
• Previously, the old Pokhara airport had only 64,000 liters storage capacity, and fuel had to be transported by tankers from the old site to the new airport.
• The new depot includes safety features like two water tanks of 1,200 kiloliters each for fire prevention.
• The facility is fully automated and meets international standards.
• Daily fuel consumption in Pokhara during peak season ranges between 18,000 to 22,000 liters.
• NOC has several other fuel depots across Nepal but many smaller airports still lack aviation fuel depots.
• With this new depot, NOC can manage increasing demand for aviation fuel due to growing domestic and international flights at Pokhara Airport more efficiently.

This development is significant for improving aviation fuel supply and service quality at Pokhara International Airport.

Archive: https://archive.md/yvQ5s

Summary:

• The Sunkoshi-Marin Diversion Multipurpose Project, a Rs 49 billion initiative aimed at transforming agriculture by providing year-round irrigation to five Tarai districts (Bara, Rautahat, Sarlahi, Mahottari, Dhanusha) and generating 31.07 MW electricity, is progressing very slowly.
• Even though half of the contract period has passed, only about 7% of the dam construction is complete.
• The project involves diverting water from the Sunkoshi river in Sindhuli district to the Marin river in Kamalamai Municipality through a 13.3 km tunnel.
• The tunnel portion, constructed by China Overseas Engineering (COVEC), was completed ahead of schedule in May 2024.
• However, dam construction contracted to Patel-Raman JV is lagging behind with only 7% physical progress despite 29 months since work began (expected 30% progress by now).
• Seasonal challenges like monsoon floods have damaged structures and delayed work. The dam foundation needs to be laid 12 meters deep in the riverbed, with the structure rising 18 meters above river level.
• Discrepancies exist in reported progress figures: project chief states 7%, contractor claims 14%.
• Madhesh Province Chief Minister Satish Kumar Singh criticized the slow progress and warned of contract termination if improvements aren't made.
• The project will inundate 312 hectares affecting 3,026 households.
• Officials say delays are criminal and warn they will cancel contracts if work doesn't speed up. The Department of Water Resources has issued warnings and threatened termination.
• So far Rs 16 billion has been spent, with an estimated 35% overall physical progress including tunnel and other works.
• The deadline for completion is March 2028, but meeting it is uncertain unless construction accelerates significantly.

Archive: https://archive.is/LPXb1

Summary:

• Former Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal was granted bail by the Special Court in Kathmandu on June 25, 2025, in connection with the Patanjali land scam case.
• The court set bail at Rs 3.5 million after a nearly three-hour detention hearing.
• The case involves allegations that Nepal, during his tenure as prime minister (May 25, 2009 – February 6, 2011), facilitated the illegal sale of government-exempt land to Patanjali Yogpeeth Ayurveda Company Nepal.
• The Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) accused Nepal and sought a prison sentence of 10 to 14 years along with recovery of Rs 185.85 million in damages and fines.
• Senior Advocate Sushil Pant represented CIAA and argued that the Cabinet decision enabling the land transaction was corrupt and not exempting Nepal from accountability.
• The defense, led by Senior Advocate Shambhu Thapa, challenged the CIAA’s legal standing, calling the charges politically motivated and legally baseless.
• The court considered Nepal's role and position before granting bail.
• The bench comprised judges Tej Narayan Singh Rai, Ram Bahadur Thapa, and Bidur Koirala.
• Nepal appeared in court, gave his statement, and was released on bail as ordered by the court.

This case has been one of the high-profile corruption-related investigations involving a former prime minister in Nepal.

Archive: https://archive.is/X28wa

Summary:
The Supreme Court of Nepal has issued an interim order allowing Gandaki Province to continue implementing its "Ride-Hailing (Regulation Management) Rules 2025," despite protests and legal disputes. The court rejected calls to suspend the regulation amid nationwide transport unrest caused by opposition from transport entrepreneurs.

Key points:

• The regulation was introduced by Gandaki Province on May 15, 2025, to bring app-based ride services under legal oversight, ensure safety standards, and allow private vehicles to operate commercially under specific conditions.
• Transport entrepreneurs opposed the regulation, arguing it contradicts the federal Motor Vehicle Transport Management Act, especially Section 8(2), which restricts commercial use of private vehicles.
• In protest, public transport operators staged strikes across major cities, causing severe disruption.
• The Supreme Court ruled the regulation serves public interest and should not be suspended.
• The court directed federal authorities not to interfere in provincial matters and urged stakeholders not to obstruct essential services.
• The decision followed a writ petition claiming unlawful federal interference and disruption of services.
• The ruling supports provincial jurisdiction over transport regulation and aims to modernize Nepal’s transport sector, challenging the entrenched transport syndicate system.

Overall, the court's order reinforces Gandaki Province's authority to regulate ride-hailing services and discourages federal interference during the ongoing disputes.

Archive: https://archive.md/XwCa3

Summary:

• Nepal Rastra Bank (the central bank) has amended the Foreign Investment Foreign Loan Management Bylaw, 2021, to allow Nepali IT companies to access foreign currency for making foreign investments in IT-related sectors abroad.
• This change supports the government’s move to globalize domestic enterprises, as announced in the fiscal year 2025-26 budget.
• Nepali IT firms that have earned foreign currency by exporting IT services in the past three fiscal years can now reinvest up to 50% of their average annual export earnings (with a cap of US$1 million) in foreign countries.
• Companies can establish sales branches or processing units overseas for semi-processed goods.
• 25% of annual income generated through exports can be reinvested abroad, but 50% of profits earned from these foreign ventures must be repatriated to Nepal.
• The amendment also introduces legal provisions recognizing “sweat equity” for Nepali professionals contributing technology, knowledge, or unique services to foreign companies.
• IT companies must submit relevant documents (registration, tax certificates, financial reports, board decisions) when applying for foreign currency and await approval within 15 working days.
• Companies investing abroad have to submit audited financial reports annually; if auditing is not mandatory in the investment country, unaudited reports suffice.
• The bylaw requires repatriation of earnings via banking channels and mandates strict legal action if foreign currency is misused.
• The definition of “technology transfer” is broadened to include agreements involving patents, trademarks, know-how, technical services, outsourcing, digital data processing, and more.
• This move is seen as crucial for expanding Nepal’s IT sector internationally and capitalizing on its growing IT service exports.

In short, the central bank is facilitating Nepali IT firms to invest overseas by easing access to foreign currency while ensuring transparency and repatriation of profits.

Archive: https://archive.md/9uIeB

Summary:
The Kathmandu District Court has overturned a previous order that had directed two online news portals, Nepalkhabar and Bizmandu, to remove articles about Santosh Narayan Shrestha, chairperson of the Securities Board Nepal (Sebon). The court dismissed Shrestha's petition seeking an injunction to prevent further reporting and to remove existing content. This ruling nullifies the earlier June 11 order that had required the websites to take down the news articles immediately and stop publishing related reports.

The initial order faced strong criticism from civil society and media groups, who saw it as a violation of press freedom guaranteed by the constitution. The Federation of Nepali Journalists also condemned the ruling for undermining free expression and journalism's role in holding public officials accountable.

Shrestha’s complaint claimed the articles contained unverified information causing reputational harm. However, with the recent decision, the news portals no longer have a legal obligation to remove the contested content, at least until further legal developments occur.

Archive: https://archive.md/YnFnH

Summary:
The Patan High Court has upheld an interim order preventing the arrest of senior journalist Dil Bhusan Pathak in connection with a video published on the YouTube channel "Tough Talk." The court ruled that there are no sufficient grounds to justify his immediate arrest based on the complaint filed by Jaiveer Singh Deuba, son of Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba. The complaint concerns a video titled “Jaiveer Deuba’s Money Hilton!” in which Pathak questioned Jaiveer’s alleged involvement in share transactions linked to Hilton Kathmandu.

Earlier, a single bench judge had issued an interim order instructing police not to detain Pathak. Despite this, the Cyber Bureau of Nepal Police requested Pathak to present himself at the nearest police office, alleging that his video violated the Electronic Transactions Act. Pathak and his legal counsel argued that the arrest warrant was issued without sufficient legal basis, leading the High Court to maintain its order against his arrest until a final verdict is reached.

Archive: https://archive.md/YQDIM

Summary:
A preliminary geological survey has found an estimated 1.12 billion cubic metres of natural gas in Dailekh district, western Nepal. The survey was conducted by the China Geological Survey and CNPC Xibu Drilling Engineering Company through exploratory drilling at the Jaljale site. The initial findings suggest a large presence of methane gas that could potentially meet Nepal's gas demand for the next 50 years.

Drilling reached a depth of 4,013 metres, with core samples sent for laboratory testing. Chinese experts have taken rock samples back to China for further analysis to confirm the volume and quality of the gas. The final, detailed report is expected by December 2025.

Officials said this discovery opens the possibility for commercial testing and development, and further steps require intergovernmental agreements between Nepal and China. This could be a significant step towards Nepal securing domestic energy sources.

Archive: https://archive.md/VrOII

Match Summary:

• Teams: Scotland vs Nepal

• Venue: Glasgow (Clydesdale)

• Result: Nepal won by 2 wickets

• Scores:- Scotland: 97 all out (19.4 overs)- Top scorers: Michael Leask 46, Matthew Cross 15

• Best bowling: Sandeep Lamichhane 4/11

• Nepal: 98/8 (19.5 overs)- Top scorers: Kushal Bhurtel 30, Dipendra Singh Airee 14

• Best bowling: Safyaan Sharif 2/13

Key Moments:

• Scotland batted first but struggled early, losing Mark Watt in the fifth ball and five wickets by the end of the powerplay.
• Michael Leask and Matthew Cross tried to hold the innings together but couldn’t lift the total beyond 97.
• Sandeep Lamichhane was outstanding with the ball, taking 4 wickets for just 11 runs.
• Nepal’s chase was tense; despite early wickets, they kept close to the target.
• Safyaan Sharif took two important wickets near the end, including Kiran Thagunna in the final over.
• Nepal needed just one run from the last two balls and got it on the penultimate delivery, scored by Lamichhane himself.

Player Highlights:

• Michael Leask (Scotland): Anchored a low-scoring innings with 46 runs.
• Sandeep Lamichhane (Nepal): The star bowler with 4 wickets; also scored the winning run.
• Kushal Bhurtel (Nepal): Solid start with 30 runs.
• Safyaan Sharif (Scotland): Key bowler taking 2 wickets and keeping pressure on Nepal in the final overs.

Captain's Comments (Matthew Cross):

• Acknowledged a poor batting performance.
• Proud of the team’s fight-back effort despite the early collapse.
• Mentioned the challenging pitch and conditions but expected better from the team.

What's next:

• Scotland face the Netherlands on Wednesday.
• Final match of the series is Scotland vs Nepal on Friday.
• Both teams are preparing for next month's T20 World Cup qualifiers.

Archive: https://archive.md/9wAg8

Summary:
Context:

• The conflict between Israel and Iran is escalating, raising safety concerns for Nepali migrant workers in the Middle East.
• There are approximately 5,500 Nepali workers in Israel and at least a dozen in Iran.

Government Actions:

• The Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security held an emergency meeting chaired by Labour Secretary Krishna Hari Pushkar.
• Officials from multiple ministries (foreign affairs, home, tourism, law) and parliamentary committees assessed risks and outlined response strategies.

Key Measures:

1. Safety and Evacuation Plan:

• The government is ready to ensure safety and evacuate Nepali workers if needed.
• Diplomatic communications have been initiated with third countries like Egypt and border nations of Israel and Iran to facilitate transit and visa arrangements.
• Nepal will formally request India and China to include Nepali nationals in their evacuation efforts.

2. Travel Advisory:

• Non-essential travel to the Middle East is discouraged.
• Recruitment agencies are urged to hold off deploying new workers to high-risk areas.
• Airlines are requested to waive ticket rescheduling fees for affected workers.

3. Mental Health Support:

• The Foreign Employment Board and Social Security Fund will provide counseling services to affected workers.

4. Monitoring and Communication:

• Nepali embassies in Tel Aviv, Doha (which also covers Iran), and other diplomatic channels are actively monitoring the situation.
• The Foreign Minister is in constant contact with Nepali envoys.

Current Situation:

• No large-scale evacuation has been initiated yet.
• Most Nepali workers in Israel work in caregiving and agriculture, living in accommodations with or without bunkers.
• Many rely on public shelters when missile alerts occur.
• Nepali Ambassador in Israel confirmed that workers are following emergency protocols.

Nepal is prepared with a multi-agency approach to protect its citizens abroad and will act swiftly if the situation worsens.

Archive: https://archive.md/H1EzF

Summary:

• Context: Hitendra Dev Shakya was appointed Executive Director of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) on March 24, 2025, replacing Kulman Ghising. Despite receiving clear orders from the Energy Minister and the Electricity Regulatory Commission to recover billions of rupees in unpaid electricity dues from industrialists using dedicated trunk lines, Shakya has yet to take any significant action nearly three months later.

• Background: Kulman Ghising had pushed for recovery of dues and sought permission from the Electricity Regulatory Commission to disconnect power supply to factories that defaulted on payments. The commission formally instructed NEA on April 10 to start legal action against defaulters. However, by mid-June, no action had been taken according to NEA officials.

• Government Involvement: Minister Deepak Khadka directed Shakya to recover the outstanding dues immediately after his appointment. Despite this, progress remains minimal.

• Regulatory Changes: On April 11, NEA amended regulations allowing industrialists to apply for re-evaluation of their dues by depositing only 5% of outstanding dues as security (reduced from the statutory 25%). A Review Commission was formed to evaluate these applications; 46 industrialists applied, but the commission has yet to meet or make decisions.

• Disputes and Investigations: Earlier efforts to resolve tariff disputes involved forming committees and commissions, but some were annulled by the Supreme Court or delayed. The commission under Girish Chandra Lal recommended calculating tariffs based on electricity supply standards and timing.

• Financial Impact: Industrialists owe roughly Rs 8.25 billion (Rs 6.65 billion principal plus penalties), down from an initial estimate of Rs 22 billion due to adjustments based on recommendations.

• Current Status: Despite informal reports of partial payments by industrialists, no official written confirmation has been made by NEA or the Electricity Regulatory Commission.

Archive: https://archive.md/Do4Pn

Summary:

• Shrinarayan Singh Rajput, 84, father of a victim injured in a blast in Rautahat in 2008, is demanding justice for his son.
• On the eve of Nepal’s first Constituent Assembly elections in April 2008, a blast injured several individuals in Rajpur Municipality (formerly Rajpur Phardawa VDC).
• Nepali Congress leader and former minister Mohammad Aftab Alam and 10 others were accused in 2019 of masterminding the attack, which included attempts to kill the injured by burning them alive in a brick kiln.
• Despite complaints and a Supreme Court directive to arrest and investigate Alam and his associates, successive governments failed to act promptly.
• In 2019, Alam was arrested and later sentenced to life imprisonment by Rautahat District Court in April 2024.
• However, the Janakpur High Court overturned the verdict in May 2025, acquitting Alam due to lack of evidence and even denying that the blast occurred.
• Rajput is shocked by the High Court’s ruling and has filed a complaint with the Judicial Council demanding action against the judges who passed the verdict.
• Supporters believe the Attorney General’s Office will appeal the High Court decision to the Supreme Court.
• Rajput remains determined to fight till his last breath to get justice for his son.

Archive: https://archive.md/WYrUo

Summary:

• Around 5,500 Nepali nationals live and work in Israel, and about a dozen in Iran. Despite the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, all Nepalis in these countries are reported safe.
• Nepal’s ambassador to Israel, Dhan Prasad Pandit, confirmed that Nepalis in Israel are taking precautions such as rushing to bunkers within 90 seconds of missile sirens. Fighting mainly happens at night, and Nepalis have adapted to living under these conditions.
• No Nepali has requested evacuation so far, so the embassy has not initiated rescue efforts but is ready to assist if needed.
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal is closely monitoring the situation and has instructed ambassadors to stay in regular contact with Nepali communities, providing updated security information.
• In Iran, 11 Nepalis are safe outside jail, while five Nepalis are currently imprisoned for traveling through another country. Rescue efforts for those jailed are on hold due to the war.
• The Nepalese government is actively coordinating and prioritizing the safety of its citizens abroad amid the Israel-Iran conflict.

Archive: https://archive.md/zv59y

Summary:
India briefly closes Nepal-India border bridge in Darchula without prior notice

• On Monday, Indian authorities unilaterally closed the footbridge at the Nepal-India border in Darchula for about two hours starting at 11:06 AM, cutting off a key cross-border access point.
• The closure was done without any prior official communication or written notice to Nepali authorities.
• The Chief District Officer of Darchula, Anil Paudel, stated that informal talks had assured the bridge would remain open, but Indian security forces closed it under pressure from local Indian populations.
• The closure is linked to a recent murder incident. On June 7, Kamlesh Lanu was stabbed to death in Dharchula Bazar on the Indian side opposite Nepal’s Khalanga.
• Indian locals across the bridge demanded the arrest of the murder suspects and declared a shutdown of the market until the suspects are arrested.
• Several organizations submitted a memorandum to Indian authorities demanding the arrest of those involved. The victim’s family has filed an FIR against three suspects believed to have crossed into Nepal.
• The incident exposed vulnerabilities in Nepal’s border administration as the closure stranded Nepali citizens in India and prevented Indian nationals from returning to Nepal.
• Border bridges are intended to facilitate smooth cross-border movement through cooperation, but recent events have caused disruptions.

Archive: https://archive.md/d5bf4

Summary:
Another day and another attempt at censorship from the politicians in Nepal.

TikTok User Arrested for Criticizing Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Investigation Extended

A 31-year-old TikTok user named Rama Basnet, originally from Halesi Tuwachung municipality-6, Khotang, currently residing in Bhaktapur, was arrested by the Cyber Bureau on Sunday for allegedly criticizing Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and the government on social media.

According to police spokesperson SP Dipak Raj Awasthi, Rama Basnet claimed to be a computer engineer. The Cyber Bureau stated that she was regularly and deliberately posting content on TikTok that disturbed ethnic and communal harmony, spreading misleading information targeting respected individuals and institutions, resulting in defamation and negative public perception.

She is being investigated under the Electronic Transactions Act, 2063 (Nepalese calendar), and the Kathmandu District Court has extended her detention by three days for ongoing investigation.

The bureau found that she had been creating fake IDs and producing videos that insult mainstream political parties and leaders, while also supporting figures like Balen Sah and Ravi Lamichhane. After one month of investigation, her identity was confirmed.

Archive: https://archive.md/N4w8L