loki

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