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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

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