Nepal

Summary:
In Nepal, pressure groups like doctors, teachers, police, and transport operators are increasingly influencing the lawmaking process, often bending laws to serve their interests. A recent example involves the Nepal Medical Association protesting against penalties imposed by the Consumer Court on doctors and hospitals for negligence. Their agitation forced the government to agree to amend the Consumer Protection Act in their favor.

This is not an isolated case. Similar pressure from doctors led to amendments in the criminal code in 2018. Public transport operators recently pressured authorities to halt a ride-hailing policy despite court approval. Police unions have stalled the Nepal Police Act amendment to protect their interests, and the Teachers’ Federation has influenced the delay of the School Education Bill.

Experts highlight this trend as an intrusion on parliamentary authority. Senior advocate Radheshyam Adhikari says that the political leadership lacks the moral strength to resist these pressures, weakening legislative sovereignty. Former law professor Ganesh Datta Bhatta points out that while lobbying is natural, laws should not be constantly revised under pressure. He also notes poor consultation during lawmaking leaves stakeholders feeling excluded, prompting them to exert pressure afterward.

Overall, the article warns that such interference undermines democracy, weakens parliament's role, and leads to laws that are poorly implemented or manipulated by interest groups.

Archive: https://archive.md/8xjX9

Summary:

Tilaurakot, the ancient capital of the Shakya kingdom and childhood home of Siddhartha Gautam (Buddha), failed to get inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris.

• Despite years of detailed archaeological research and documentation, the proposal was deferred following the recommendation of ICOMOS (UNESCO’s advisory body on cultural heritage).
• No member country supported Nepal’s nomination or proposed amendments during the committee discussions, highlighting Nepal’s weak diplomatic efforts.
• India’s reservations played a significant role, as it promotes Piprahwa Ganwaria (near Siddharthnagar, Uttar Pradesh) as the Shakya capital instead of Tilaurakot.
• Experts suggest a joint trans-boundary nomination involving India could improve chances, similar to other successful UNESCO sites shared by countries.
• Archaeological evidence at Tilaurakot includes a walled settlement dating back to the 8th century BCE, artifacts, ancient coins, and structural remains matching descriptions by Chinese pilgrims Faxian and Xuanzang.
• Nepal had placed Tilaurakot on the tentative list since 1996; previous attempts also failed.
• The failure is seen as a diplomatic setback rather than a reflection on the site's historical and archaeological value.
• Experts and officials emphasize persistence and improved international coordination for future nominations.

Archive: https://archive.is/MgNrm

Summary:
A 28-year-old woman named Kamala Aauji Damai from Krishnapur Municipality, Kanchanpur district, died after being bitten by a snake while staying in a menstrual shed (chhaugoth). She was bitten Friday night and taken to Seti Provincial Hospital in Dhangadhi but died the following evening.

The incident highlights the ongoing practice of chhaupadi in far-western Nepal’s Sudurpaschim Province, where menstruating women are forced to live separately in sheds or huts due to social stigma and superstition, despite it being illegal since 2017. The law criminalizes this practice with penalties, but enforcement is weak.

Local authorities have tried to dismantle these huts, demolishing about 60 last year, but people continue to rebuild them. Awareness campaigns alone have not been enough to stop this harmful tradition. In this case, despite living in a concrete house, the woman built a separate shed for menstruation and went there alone when the snakebite occurred.

Archive: https://archive.md/gLiwU

Summary:

• The government of Nepal has drafted a new law to address conflicts of interest among public officials amid widespread criticism of officials engaging in activities that conflict with their duties.
• The draft bill mandates that public officials must recuse themselves from decision-making processes where there is a conflict of interest.
• Officials must submit written declarations upon appointment, nomination, or election, stating they have no conflicting interests related to their workplace.
• The law covers a wide range of public positions, including the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Chief Justice, Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House, judges, lawmakers, ministers, constitutional body office bearers, local elected officials, and government employees.
• Though some laws exist separately on conflicts of interest and public procurement, Nepal currently lacks an integrated law on this issue. The Supreme Court has also directed the government to create such legislation.
• The bill prohibits appointments, transfers, or postings involving officials with conflicts of interest and requires awareness among officials about potential conflicts.
• If a conflict arises in decision-making within a ministry, another official may be assigned to decide. Similarly, for constitutional bodies, decisions can be delegated to another official.
• The bill also limits unauthorized meetings and correspondence between public officials and foreign individuals or entities. Unauthorized acceptance of benefits from foreigners or foreign governments is banned.
• Receiving foreign aid or support without authorization is prohibited and such actions would be invalidated.
• The law imposes strict penalties for accepting support or gifts beyond a specified limit, including confiscation and barring officials from office for a period.
• Gifts received in an official capacity must be registered with the relevant public body.
• Violations may lead to fines, confiscation of benefits, and other legal consequences.
• The bill is in the final stages of Cabinet approval before being presented to Parliament for endorsement.

This new legislation aims to bring transparency and integrity to public service by systematically addressing conflicts of interest and restricting undue influence.

Archive: https://archive.is/OCoEh

Summary:
Nepali students from Team Gautam Buddha achieved second place at the AI Good – Robotics Good Youth Challenge 2025 held in Geneva, Switzerland. This global competition, part of the AI Good Global Summit, involved 500 teams and 7,000 participants from 25 countries. The team's robotics solution addressed real-world problems aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), finishing just five points behind the winning team from Venezuela.

Team Gautam Buddha was formed after a national competition organized by Robotics Association Nepal (RAN) in May 2025, where four students from United School, KMC School, and Samriddhi School were selected. The team also secured third place in a parallel category, marking a dual achievement for Nepal.

The success was supported by mentors Santosh Thapa Magar, Rishav Raj, and Kiran Khatri, as well as backing from 50 individuals and 10 educational institutions including United Academy Group, Trinity College, Kathmandu Engineering College, and others. The Nepal Ministry of Communication and Information Technology and the Embassy of Switzerland in Nepal also played key roles.

Additionally, Nepal’s senior team, Team Sagarmatha, reached the finals in the senior category, highlighting the growing capabilities of Nepali youth in science and technology. The Robotics Good Youth Challenge is a UN-endorsed initiative encouraging young innovators to develop AI and robotics solutions to solve critical global issues.

Archive: https://archive.md/yA85W

Summary:
Key Information:

Prabesh Thapa Chettri

• Former University of Louisiana Monroe student from Nepal
• Detained by ICE since February 18, 2025 (over five months)
• Arrested after an argument with his wife; visa expired September 2024 due to inability to pay tuition
• In the process of applying for a green card via an I-130 petition filed by his wife, AbiGayle Grace Russell (a U.S. citizen) in April 2025
• Has no criminal record and feels out of place being detained with criminals
• Reports harsh conditions in detention, including a pepper spray incident that affected many detainees severely

AbiGayle Grace Russell

• U.S. citizen, wife of Thapa Chettri
• Has spent $3,000 on phone calls to stay in touch
• Using social media to connect Thapa Chettri with his family in Nepal
• Running a GoFundMe for legal fees
• In contact with Senator Bill Cassidy regarding Thapa Chettri’s case
• Husband’s merits hearing scheduled for July 18, 2025

Conditions at Central Louisiana ICE Processing Center:

• One of the largest immigration detention centers in the U.S.; Louisiana is the second-largest state for immigration detention after Texas
• Operated by GEO Group, a private prison company contracted by ICE
• Multiple reports of inhumane conditions, abuse, neglect, and deaths between 2016-2023
• GEO Group denies allegations of mistreatment
• Thapa Chettri described an incident where guards pepper sprayed the entire dormitory, causing severe suffering, fainting, and foaming at the mouth for some detainees

Broader Context:

• President Donald Trump’s administration launched aggressive immigration crackdowns, detaining immigrants with expired visas and even some with valid documentation
• This has led to widespread fear and uncertainty among immigrants, including green card holders and applicants
• Cases like Mahmoud Khalil’s also highlight challenges faced at this detention center

Next Steps:

• Thapa Chettri’s merits hearing on July 18, 2025
• Ongoing legal efforts supported by his wife and advocacy groups

Archive: https://archive.md/3KE0d

State’s 44 Crore Investment Goes to Waste on Daroudi Water Project in Prachanda’s Constituency

Summary:

• The Daroudi Lifting Drinking Water Project in Gorkha Municipality, which cost around NPR 44 crore, was designed to provide clean and sufficient drinking water to thousands of residents across more than six wards (3,4,5,6,7,8). The project aimed to pump water from the Daroudi River to elevated tanks and distribute it 24/7.

• Despite being completed in Chaitra 2078 (March-April 2022), the project has been non-functional for over three years and has failed to deliver even a drop of water. Structures and equipment have become dilapidated, with tanks covered in debris and mud, motors rusting or broken, and electrical panels damaged.

• Initial operation lasted only about three months before stopping due to unpaid electricity bills. Political disputes, mismanagement, and lack of accountability have contributed to the project's failure.

• The project lies within Gorkha-2, the electoral area of Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, a former prime minister and current opposition leader. Locals express frustration over leadership’s neglect despite his high political stature.

• The water management committee formed after construction faced allegations of fund misappropriation and lack of transparency. Conflicts between local consumer groups and municipal authorities further stalled operations.

• In Magh 2081 (January-February 2025), responsibility was transferred to the Gorkha Municipality Water Supply and Sanitation Management Board, chaired by the municipal mayor Krishna Bahadur Rana Magar. The board plans to restart operations, with some budget allocated for electricity payments and maintenance.

• Local consumer groups have expressed willingness to buy water at scientific prices if the system operates properly.

• Despite renewed efforts by the municipality, locals remain skeptical due to past disappointments. Without coordinated action free from political interests, the huge investment risks remaining unused, leaving residents thirsty for years to come.

Archive: https://archive.md/sFm7a

The factor behind Bhotekoshi flood: Glacier lake outburst

Summarry:
On July 8, 2025, a flood occurred in the Bhotekoshi River flowing through Rasuwa Gadhi, Nepal, caused by the bursting of a supraglacial lake (a lake formed on the surface of a glacier) on the Purepu glacier approximately 36 km north of the Nepal-China border near Rasuwa Gadhi.

Preliminary reports from Nepal's Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, based on Sentinel-2 satellite images from the Copernicus data ecosystem, along with studies by international scientists including Nepali experts at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and Chinese Academy of Sciences, confirmed the lake's expansion and sudden outburst.

Key findings:

• The supraglacial lake expanded rapidly from March 25 to early July 2025, merging into a large lake on July 7.
• On July 8, the day of the outburst, the lake’s area suddenly decreased as water was released, triggering the flood downstream.
• Climate change and rising temperatures over recent decades have contributed to the formation and expansion of such glacier lakes.
• The affected area has experienced similar glacier lake outbursts before, and there is a risk of recurrence within this year due to remaining water in the lake basin.
• Currently, no early warning system is established for this area.

The flood damaged more than 10 hydropower projects in Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts.

Further ground-based reports from China and additional satellite data will help confirm and update findings. Continuous monitoring and timely information dissemination are planned by Nepal's Department of Hydrology and Meteorology.

Archive: https://archive.md/b5QOs

Summary:
The government of Nepal withdrew a controversial land bill titled “Bill amend Nepal acts related land, 2025” from the House of Representatives agenda on July 9, 2025, after strong opposition from major political parties, including the ruling Nepali Congress. The bill faced criticism for potential misuse and lack of adequate consultation.

Key points:

• The bill was initially set for clause-wise discussion in the House but was removed due to objections from senior Congress leaders who demanded amendments and consensus-building before presentation.
• Congress General Secretary Bishwa Prakash Sharma opposed the bill being tabled directly in the House plenary without proper groundwork.
• Congress leaders had already submitted amendment proposals, but the government proceeded to include the bill in the tentative agenda based on assurances that further consultations would happen.
• After realizing broader discussions were still necessary, the government withdrew the bill.
• Congress lawmakers pointed out ambiguities and potential loopholes in the bill that could be exploited by land mafias and misused for real estate development.
• The bill aimed to simplify land ownership transfers, especially for landless groups, squatters, and unmanaged settlers, but lacked clear legal provisions to prevent abuse.
• Other parties like Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal and Rastriya Swatantra Party also submitted amendments.
• Around 55 members of Parliament from both ruling and opposition parties have proposed amendments concerning the bill.
• The government had introduced similar provisions earlier via ordinances that failed to gain support in the National Assembly.

In summary, due to widespread concerns and the need for more consensus and clarity, the government pulled back the controversial land bill from the parliamentary agenda.

Archive: https://archive.md/3B4Vh

Summary:
India’s growing influence in South Asia is marked by a troubling trend of coercive diplomacy rather than cooperative regionalism. New Delhi is manipulating historical treaties, reviving dormant disputes, and politicizing border and water conflicts to assert dominance in the region.

• Katchatheevu Dispute: India has revived the settled dispute over Katchatheevu Island with Sri Lanka, driven largely by domestic electoral politics, especially from Tamil Nadu's political parties. The 1974 maritime agreement that settled the issue is being challenged, fueled by nationalist rhetoric. Indian fishermen frequently violate maritime boundaries, escalating tensions.

• Nepal: India unilaterally constructed a road in the disputed Lipulekh region, sparking a diplomatic crisis as Nepal claimed sovereignty and released a new political map. India refused bilateral talks and instead used military and cartographic means to assert its claim.

• Bangladesh: The long-pending Teesta River water-sharing agreement remains stalled by India, despite Bangladesh’s repeated calls for fair distribution. Border tensions continue with accusations against India’s Border Security Force for using lethal force on Bangladeshi civilians. India uses water as a geopolitical weapon by delaying treaties and violating agreements.

• China Border (LAC): India’s militarization and aggressive posturing along the Line of Actual Control with China contributed to clashes like the deadly Galwan Valley incident in 2020. India’s opacity about dam projects on the Brahmaputra River adds to regional mistrust.

• Pakistan: India’s hydropower projects on rivers governed by the Indus Waters Treaty violate the treaty. India blocks neutral arbitration mechanisms, undermining legally binding agreements and turning water into a geopolitical tool.

• Bhutan and Maldives: India’s influence takes different forms—massive hydropower investments in Bhutan create dependency concerns, while in Maldives, Indian military presence is seen by locals as an occupation rather than cooperation.

Overall, India’s actions suggest a desire to lead and dominate South Asia through coercion—reviving disputes, militarizing borders, delaying water agreements, and entrenching military presence in smaller states. This approach undermines regional peace, violates neighbors' sovereignty, stokes nationalism, and erodes prospects for collective development. The article argues that if India truly seeks regional stability and leadership, it must abandon provocations and engage neighbors in good faith.

Archive: https://archive.md/vYivG

Summary:

• Sri Lanka’s Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development, Sunil Handunneththi, held talks with Nepal’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Dr. Purna Bahadur.
• The meeting aimed to strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries.
• Discussions covered current political, economic, and social developments in both Sri Lanka and Nepal.
• Ambassador Bahadur emphasized the importance of establishing a Sri Lanka–Nepal Business Council to boost and expand bilateral trade relations.
• Minister Handunneththi briefed the ambassador on Sri Lanka’s trade engagements both regionally and beyond, including with China.
• They discussed the potential for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Sri Lanka and Nepal, focusing on goods such as gems and jewellery, mineral sands, phosphate, rice, sugar, and garments.
• An invitation was extended to Nepalese buyers to participate in the upcoming “Ratnapura International Gem Exhibition” scheduled for August.

The article highlights ongoing efforts to deepen economic cooperation between Sri Lanka and Nepal through trade agreements and business collaboration.

Archive: https://archive.md/p2OYY

Summary:
The US Embassy in Kathmandu has introduced a new requirement for applicants of F, M, and J category non-immigrant visas (which cover international students, vocational trainees, and exchange program participants). Effective immediately, applicants must disclose their social media usernames and handles used over the past five years when filling out the DS-160 visa application form.

Previously, on June 26, the embassy asked these applicants to make their personal social media accounts public to assist the vetting process. Now, providing accurate and truthful social media information is mandatory. Failure to include this information may lead to visa denial or affect eligibility for future visas.

The embassy emphasized that every visa decision is tied to national security, highlighting the importance of this new step in the vetting process.

Archive: https://archive.md/WZfEj

Patients with 8 Types of Health Problems to Receive NPR 200,000 from Shrawan 1

Summary:
Starting from Shrawan 1 (mid-July), patients suffering from eight specific severe health conditions in Nepal will be eligible to receive financial support of up to NPR 200,000 for medical treatment. This decision was announced by the Health and Population Minister Pradeep Paudel. The eight health problems covered under this program include:

1. Cancer
2. Heart disease
3. Kidney disease
4. Head injury
5. Spinal injury
6. Sickle cell anemia
7. Parkinson’s disease
8. Alzheimer’s disease

This initiative aims to help those who face difficulties covering treatment costs due to severe illnesses. The support is provided through the government’s health insurance program, which is being further improved to increase accessibility for the general public.

The program is set to start from Shrawan 1, 2082 (around mid-July 2025).

Archive: https://archive.md/DtkX0

Asare Bikas: Haphazard Development Work During Rainy Season (Photos)

Summary:
As the fiscal year is about to end and the monsoon has started, various road excavation and drainage construction works are progressing rapidly in different areas of Kathmandu. The Urban Development and Building Office is currently carrying out drainage construction work in Gaurighat, closing the road completely. This work is expected to take more than 15 days. Additionally, the replacement of footpath tiles is underway, which is creating difficulties for pedestrians due to the onset of rains.

Meanwhile, Nepal Electricity Authority has started underground cable work in various locations with the start of the rainy season. On Jamal's main road, this underground cable work is causing traffic disruptions. Since the excavated trenches are only partially refilled with soil, potholes remain, making it difficult for vehicles to pass. When it rains, the roads become slippery due to soil erosion.

Many roads being build or repaired are already falling apart. There is a systematic problem with the bureaucracy using the monsoon season of the year to accelerate development work. But for the public, It rather seems they're pouring money without proper longevity planning to rack up their own pockets every year, where rain ruins everything they've built in weeks or months. The same cycle happen the following year.

In summary, ongoing infrastructure works in Kathmandu during the early monsoon are causing traffic and pedestrian inconveniences due to excavation, incomplete road restoration, and underground cable installation.

Archive: https://archive.md/RZPnc

Summary:
The Bheri River, vital for thousands of people living along its banks in Karnali Province, Nepal, is facing severe environmental degradation that threatens local livelihoods. The Badi community, a marginalized group that has depended on the river for generations through fishing, sand collection, and timber, is particularly affected. Traditional fish stocks have drastically declined due to illegal electric fishing and intensive sand mining with bulldozers, which also disrupts the river’s flow and ecology.

The river's health is further stressed by infrastructure projects like the Mid-Hill Highway and Dolpa road, accelerating economic development but also environmental damage. Local markets around Rimna rely heavily on fish from the Bheri, but with fish populations dwindling, prices have soared, and many fishermen struggle to sustain their families.

Floods in 2014 displaced hundreds of families along the river, with many still living in temporary shelters due to inadequate government support. Environmentalists warn that unregulated development and neglect of river conservation have led to ecological imbalance and increased disaster risks downstream.

The crisis highlights the urgent need for better environmental management to protect the river system that supports both the economy and culture of communities living along the Bheri River.

Archive: https://archive.md/Z6tJb

Summary:

• A massive flood on the Lende River on the morning of July 8, 2025, washed away the Nepal-China Friendship Bridge at the Rasuwagadhi border point in Rasuwa district.
• Several newly imported electric vehicles (EVs) parked at the dry port were also swept away by the flood.
• The flood caused heavy damage, and some individuals, including security personnel, were trapped but have been rescued.
• Authorities warned residents downstream to move to safer areas due to the risk of further flooding and possible people trapped inside vehicles.
• Rasuwagadhi is a key trade gateway between Nepal and China, and the damage has severely affected this route.
• The Nepal Army has been mobilized for rescue operations, and a helicopter was called in, but adverse weather delayed its arrival.
• Rescue efforts are ongoing amid bad weather conditions.

This incident has disrupted trade and caused significant damage at a crucial border crossing.

Archive: https://archive.md/PxnOC

New Nepali Curriculum of Tribhuvan University Distracts Students and Disturbs Professors

Summary:
The new Nepali curriculum for the Master's program at Tribhuvan University (TU) has caused confusion among students and frustration among professors. Students are struggling to complete the extensive syllabus within a semester, leading to incomplete lessons and last-minute exam preparations. Professors highlight that the curriculum is overloaded and unscientific, with too many topics crammed into a limited time, making it difficult to cover all material effectively.

In one semester, out of a total of 180 days, only about 60 days are available for study after subtracting holidays. However, there are 101 topics in the linguistics subject alone. This means it’s not even possible to dedicate a full period to each topic.

Key issues include:

• The first semester syllabus is particularly dense, with subjects like linguistics containing over 100 topics.
• Overlapping and repetitive content due to merging of previous separate courses.
• Important literary movements, especially the progressive movement and several key poets, have been excluded.
• Female and marginalized voices are underrepresented; only two female writers are included out of 57 authors.
• Practical exercises have been reduced or eliminated, limiting hands-on learning.
• The curriculum lacks inclusivity in terms of gender, ideology, and regional representation.
• Professors criticize the curriculum for being imposed without broad consultation and accuse the department head Khagendra Luintel of unilaterally pushing his own works into the syllabus excessively.
• There is a conflict of interest as Luintel allegedly included many of his own publications as reference materials.
• The process was not transparent, with many committee members sidelined or not properly involved.

Overall, the curriculum is viewed as poorly designed and politically influenced, failing to meet academic standards and the diverse needs of students and faculty. This has sparked demands for revision and more inclusive, balanced content that aligns with democratic and academic principles.

Archive: https://archive.md/AVe4q

Tribhuvan University (TU) starting 10 types of services online and the effectiveness of these services:

Summary:

• Tribhuvan University (TU), Nepal’s largest university with nearly 496,000 students nationwide, has started offering 10 types of essential services online.
• The move aims to reduce the physical crowd at the exam controller's office, historically receiving up to 2,000 visitors daily.
• Since June 30, 2025, about 500-600 users daily use the online platform, significantly cutting down physical visits.

Online Services Offered:

1. Registration application form
2. Exam application form
3. Transcript application form
4. Provisional certificate
5. Original certificate
6. Application for re-issuance
7. Forms for correction of name, surname, registration number, etc.
8. Various recommendation letters
9. Certification of certificates
10. Copies of transcripts and mark sheets

Platform and Process:

• Services are accessed via student.tuexam.edu.np.
• New users register, confirm via email, select service, provide details, make payment, and receive confirmation by email.
• Data is securely stored in two locations: a government data center in Hetauda and TU’s own center.

Challenges and Criticism:

• Despite launching online services, there is no dedicated technical staff assigned to sustain these services.
• Limited resources and shortage of skilled staff (only 118 employees out of 256 sanctioned posts in the exam controller office).
• Past attempts at digital services failed due to rushed implementation and budget issues.
• Officials acknowledge the need for consistent technical support and propose hiring experts if necessary.

Tracking and Delivery Improvements:

• From July 17, 2025, a tracking system will allow applicants to see the progress of their applications.
• Transcripts will be sent directly to regional campuses from December 2025, eliminating the need for students to visit central offices.

Effectiveness on Exam Results Publication:

• TU has had longstanding criticism over delayed exam results; some results previously took between 204 to 400 days.
• After reforms, delays have reduced; currently, the longest recent delay was 102 days for a B.Ed second-year exam result.
• TU plans to publish results within 100 days moving forward and adhere strictly to the academic calendar.

Expert Opinions:

• Former exam controller emphasizes the need for dedicated technical personnel for sustainability.
• Registrar believes current staff can handle online services but acknowledges ongoing training and recruitment efforts.

Overall Impact:

• The online services have reduced physical crowds at TU’s offices.
• Payment processes have become smoother with less queue at bank counters.
• However, concerns remain about sustainability without proper technical infrastructure and manpower.

Archive: https://archive.md/nMm0E

Summary:
Nepal has launched its first-ever species-specific action plan to conserve the endangered dhole (Cuon alpinus), also known as the Asiatic wild dog. The five-year plan, with a budget of 262.9 million rupees ($1.9 million), aims to address major threats like habitat loss, prey depletion, disease, and competition with larger predators such as tigers and snow leopards.

Key points of the plan include:

• A dual focus on scientific research and public awareness.
• Around 25% of the budget is dedicated to understanding dhole distribution and abundance.
• About 26.4% of funding supports conservation education and awareness programs.
• Innovative financial model: 36% of funding is drawn from existing conservation plans for tigers and snow leopards, recognizing habitat overlap and ecological links.
• Emphasis on local community engagement and education to reduce human-wildlife conflict.
• Use of advanced technologies like camera traps, AI, and field surveys to monitor populations.
• Strategies to improve prey populations through density assessments.
• Plans to map critical habitats and maintain ecological connectivity by identifying wildlife corridors.
• Collaboration at local, national, and international levels, including cross-border cooperation with neighboring countries.

The plan builds on recent research indicating potential dhole population recovery in Nepal’s hills and other areas, despite ongoing challenges. It also calls for integrating indigenous knowledge in conservation efforts to strengthen outcomes.

Overall, the initiative seeks to create a strong and adaptable framework for dhole conservation in Nepal that could be applied across its range in Asia.

Archive: https://archive.md/Bs2VN

The United States is No Longer the Main Destination for Nepalese Students

Summary:
Main Points:

• Decline in Nepalese students going to the U.S.: The U.S. has traditionally been a top destination for Nepalese students seeking higher education. However, due to recent visa restrictions imposed by the Trump administration, many Nepalese students are reconsidering their options and turning to other countries.

• Visa restrictions and their impact: The U.S. State Department has issued directives halting visa issuance for new applicants until further notice, including a stricter review of social media activities. Existing applicants with scheduled interviews are still being processed, but many students already in the U.S. face increased scrutiny and travel restrictions.

• Shift to alternative countries: Popular alternatives include India, Australia, Canada, South Korea, the UK, and Japan. For instance, Nepalese student enrollment in UK universities increased by 63% in 2024, while Japan hosts over 64,000 Nepalese students.

• Challenges for Nepalese students: Many come from middle-class families investing significant resources into education abroad, often relying on scholarships, loans, or family assets. The visa restrictions create uncertainty and risks for these students.

• Institutional responses: Some U.S. universities are experiencing significant declines in international student enrollment, threatening their financial stability and diversity. Some Chinese and Indian students have faced visa cancellations over minor infractions or social media posts.

• Nepal’s educational perspective: Local institutions see this as an opportunity to develop quality higher education within Nepal to reduce dependence on foreign education. Experts suggest strengthening domestic educational opportunities while also attracting international students.

• Legal challenges and future outlook: Some U.S. universities have legally challenged visa restrictions; a federal court partially lifted bans related to Harvard University. Despite hopes that restrictions might ease, uncertainty remains, driving students worldwide to plan alternative educational paths.

Archive: https://archive.md/XJIPG

Summary:

• Incident: 52 people, including six Chinese nationals, were arrested by Nepal Police’s Central Investigation Bureau (CIB).
• Charges: They are accused of running an illegal online scam involving a dating app and unauthorized cryptocurrency trading.
• Modus Operandi: The group operated under the guise of a registered tech company called Social Software Development Company Pvt Ltd. They ran fake call centers and a dating app named METOO Dating App.
• Target: Young Nepali women were lured through fake online dating profiles, then manipulated into unregulated cryptocurrency schemes promising high returns.
• Location: Operations were based in rented houses at Damkal Chowk, Lalitpur Metropolitan City (Ward 4) and Chagal, Kathmandu Metropolitan City (Ward 13).
• Chinese Nationals Identified: Zhang Lun (29), Chen Jiahao (27), Lin De (41), Xu Zheng (32), Liu Zexuan (30), Xu Linghua (33). They are believed to be key operators.
• Evidence Seized: Rs 13,999,950 cash, 54 mobile phones, and 7 laptops.
• Current Status: The six Chinese nationals have been formally charged under Nepali digital currency laws; investigations on the other 46 Nepali suspects are ongoing.
• Police Warning: Public is urged to be cautious and avoid involvement with unregulated or suspicious online platforms, especially those linked to online dating and cryptocurrencies.

Archive: https://archive.md/5BY6v

Summary:\

• Nutritional Rehabilitation Homes (NRHs) in several districts, including Butwal (Lumbini Province), Rajbiraj (Saptari), and remote areas like Bajura (Sudurpaschim Province), are facing severe shortages of crucial therapeutic food supplies such as F-75, F-100 milk formulas, and Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF).
• These therapeutic foods are essential for treating severe acute malnutrition in children under five. Without them, healthcare workers have been improvising with substitutes like buffalo milk, porridge, and lentil soup, which lack the scientifically balanced nutrients needed for rapid recovery.
• The shortage has lasted for months—since early 2025 in many places—and is due to procurement delays caused by disputes over pricing and tendering processes at the federal level.
• As a result, about 40,000 severely malnourished children nationwide are at risk. Some children’s recovery is slow or compromised; in extreme cases like Bajura, lack of therapeutic foods contributed to child deaths.
• The problem affects multiple NRHs with limited bed capacity and catchment areas covering neighboring districts.
• Local health officials have repeatedly requested supplies from the central health authorities but have not received adequate support.
• Despite budget availability, the Department of Health Services has failed to procure these essential nutritional supplements on time due to administrative issues such as tender delays, price manipulation concerns, staff transfers, and coordination gaps.
• The shortage also extends to other essential medicines and supplements like Vitamin A, iron tablets, anti-rabies vaccines, and contraceptive implants.
• The World Health Organization classifies F-75, F-100, and RUTF as life-saving treatments for severe acute malnutrition.
• The article highlights a disconnect between provincial health supply centers claiming no shortage and the actual crisis on the ground.

Archive: https://archive.md/PPz8t

Summary:
The Supreme Court of Nepal has upheld the constitutional appointments made by former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli four years ago. A five-member Constitutional Bench passed the verdict late Wednesday night. The bench was divided, with three justices supporting the appointments and two dissenting.

The appointments in question involved 52 individuals recommended by the Constitutional Council on December 15, 2020, and May 9, 2021, during Oli's tenure. These appointments were made without parliamentary hearings, which was controversial since constitutional provisions mandate such hearings.

Despite challenges and petitions against these appointments and an amendment to the Constitutional Council Act during Oli's government, the court ruled to quash the petitions and uphold the appointments. The decision confirms the legality of appointments made by President Bidya Devi Bhandari based on the council's recommendations during that period.

In summary:

• The Supreme Court upheld 52 constitutional appointments from 2020-2021.
• The decision was split 3-2 among justices.
• The appointments were made without parliamentary hearings due to legal controversies.
• The ruling ends ongoing petitions challenging those appointments.

Archive: https://archive.md/q8cph

Summary:
An ancient Himalayan village called Samjung, located in Nepal’s Upper Mustang region at 13,000 feet altitude, has been forced to relocate due to severe water shortages caused by climate change. For centuries, the Buddhist community thrived by herding yaks and sheep and farming barley. However, the water sources—fed by glaciers and snowmelt—have dried up as glaciers retreat and snowfall has nearly vanished for almost three years.

The village’s springs and canals have dried, and increasingly intense monsoon rains cause destructive flash floods, damaging homes and farmland. This has made the traditional mud homes and terraces uninhabitable, forcing families to abandon their ancestral homes.

The Hindu Kush Himalayan region, which stretches across Afghanistan to Myanmar, is warming faster than lowlands. Its glaciers feed major rivers supporting 240 million mountain residents and 1.65 billion people downstream. With an estimated 80% of glacier volume in the region possibly disappearing this century without drastic emission cuts, water scarcity is becoming chronic.

Samjung villagers have relocated about 15 kilometers away near the Kali Gandaki river, where they now have access to water, markets, and tourism opportunities near Lo Manthang, a medieval city. Though grateful for easier water access, many villagers miss their old homes and the way of life there.

Climate change is quietly reshaping how people live and work in high mountain regions, disrupting farming, water availability, and weather patterns. The village relocation highlights the difficult choices communities face as environmental changes threaten their survival.

Archive: https://archive.md/CZscT

Summary:
Yak and chauri farmers in Nepal’s Himalayan regions, especially in Taplejung, are facing severe challenges due to ongoing border restrictions with China. Despite the formal reopening of border points in May 2024, the livestock trade remains banned, cutting off farmers from their main market in Tibet and Sikkim. This has left thousands of yaks and chauris unsold and overcrowding the highland pastures, increasing costs for grazing and feeding.

Farmers like Nupu Sherpa, who has inherited yak and chauri herding from his ancestors, have not earned income from sales in four years. Many animals die from disease, age, or wild animal attacks, while calves continue to be born, adding to the overstock problem. The outbreak of lumpy skin disease worsened the situation in 2023.

The total value of unsold livestock in Taplejung alone is estimated at around Rs 400 million. Similar struggles are seen in other districts such as Panchthar, Sankhuwasabha, Solukhumbu, Terhathum, and Ilam. Farmers are calling for government intervention to negotiate with Chinese authorities to reopen livestock trade under quarantine conditions.

Meanwhile, in Jumla’s Chotra village, there is a more positive outlook. With government support and local efforts, yak and chauri farming remains viable there, with some farmers successfully selling animals and producing dairy products like ghee and chhurpi for additional income.

The region’s future depends on resolving trade restrictions and managing overstocked pastures. Officials suggest developing yak-breeding centers to ease pressure on grazing lands. Until the border trade resumes officially, farmers continue to struggle with unsold livestock and financial uncertainty.

Archive: https://archive.md/K5MKQ