loki

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

Summary:
Sunmaya Budha, a 26-year-old ultra-marathon runner from Nepal’s Jumla district, has quickly become a leading figure in women’s trail running. Despite visa delays that had her travel nearly 3,000 km to reach Hong Kong for the January 100km Sai Kung Peninsula race, she not only competed but won, breaking the previous women’s record with a time of 11:11:47. She followed this with a win in the 60km Chengdu Trail Race in Italy shortly after.

Budha’s journey is marked by overcoming social challenges, including rebelling against a teen marriage tradition common in her remote Nepal village, pursuing her passion for running instead. She ranks as Nepal’s fastest female ultra-marathoner and is among the top female trail runners globally in her age group.

In 2023 alone, she raced six or seven times in Hong Kong, winning multiple events like the North Face 100 Ultra Trail Challenge, Lantau 50, and TransLantau 50k races. Experts have long predicted her rise to the top of the sport, with some calling her a “silent killer” on the trails due to her calm yet fierce racing style.

Her successes have attracted sponsorships from major brands such as North Face Adventure Team and Kailas, providing essential support for her training and career growth. Her agent describes these deals as life-changing opportunities, highlighting her growing influence in ultra-marathon running.

Archive: https://archive.md/tOe4O

Summary:
The European Commission updated its list of high-risk third countries with significant deficiencies in their anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CFT) systems. This update aims to strengthen the EU’s financial system protection by requiring EU entities to apply enhanced vigilance when dealing with transactions involving these countries.

Key points:

• Newly added high-risk countries: Algeria, Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Laos, Lebanon, Monaco, Namibia, Nepal, Venezuela.
• Countries removed (delisted) from the list: Barbados, Gibraltar, Jamaica, Panama, Philippines, Senegal, Uganda, United Arab Emirates.
• The update aligns with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) list of “Jurisdictions Under Increased Monitoring” as the EU is a founding FATF member.
• The Commission conducted a thorough technical assessment based on well-defined criteria, including FATF data, bilateral talks, and on-site visits.
• The update is mandated by Article 9 of the 4th Anti-Money Laundering Directive and takes legal form through a delegated regulation subject to approval by the European Parliament and Council.

This measure reflects the EU’s ongoing commitment to enforcing global AML/CFT standards and cooperating internationally to combat financial crime.

Archive: https://archive.md/sV9OR

Summary:
A complaint has been filed with the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) against Balen Sah, the mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, by Yubaraj Safal. The complaint alleges irregularities and corruption in the installation of a lift in the municipal office. According to the complaint, the lift worth around one crore Nepalese rupees was installed without following public procurement laws—specifically, without competition, tender, or quotation, violating the Public Procurement Act 2063 and its regulations.

Yubaraj Safal is requesting the CIAA to investigate the matter thoroughly by reviewing all tender documents, construction company details, approval files, payment vouchers, and other related paperwork to identify any irregularities or corruption and take appropriate action.

In summary:

• Complaint filed against Mayor Balen Sah for corruption in lift installation.
• Lift installation allegedly done without tender or competitive bidding.
• Violation of public procurement laws cited.
• Demands for a detailed investigation and necessary action by CIAA.

Archive: https://archive.md/HrgIC

Summary:
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced a historic three-match T20 International (T20I) series against Nepal, marking the first-ever bilateral series between the two teams. The series is being hosted by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) and matches will take place in Sharjah, UAE, on September 27, 28, and 30, 2025. This series is a significant milestone in CWI’s efforts to support the development and globalization of cricket by engaging with emerging cricket nations.

The series provides Nepal with valuable exposure ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier later in the year. For the West Indies, it reflects their commitment to fostering partnerships and supporting cricket growth beyond their region.

CWI CEO Chris Dehring highlighted the importance of this occasion as a celebration of cricket’s expanding global reach and a chance to support Nepal’s cricket journey at both grassroots and international levels. The West Indies team, known for its dynamic style, is expected to field a competitive squad to help Nepal prepare for the World Cup qualifiers.

The series will also offer fans the chance to experience international cricket in a vibrant neutral venue. Cricket West Indies thanked the Cricket Association Nepal and Emirates Cricket Board for their collaboration in organizing the series.

Match Dates:

• 1st T20I: September 27, 2025
• 2nd T20I: September 28, 2025
• 3rd T20I: September 30, 2025

This initiative is part of CWI’s broader goal to promote cricket globally and support emerging cricketing nations.

Archive: https://archive.md/h71Pd

Summary:
Madhesh province in Nepal is witnessing a sharp rise in revenge killings fueled by family feuds, petty disputes, financial issues, and personal vendettas. Police records show an increase in murder cases from 93 in 2020-21 to 128 in 2023-24, with districts like Dhanusha and Siraha hardest hit.

Several specific cases highlight this trend:

• Rautahat: 14-year-old Krishna Prasad Yadav was murdered due to a longstanding family feud. The killing was planned by neighbors connected to a previous kidnapping case involving Krishna’s father.
• Siraha: A 3-year-old girl, Riya Kumari Yadav, was killed following a dispute with neighbors.
• Mirchaiya (Siraha): Shiva Kumar Yadav was murdered by his cousin and an accomplice after a family dispute.
• Mahottari: Basant Paswan killed a neighbor over a petty dispute involving a fake gold necklace.
• Sarlahi: Renudevi Paswan killed her brother-in-law following a domestic quarrel.
• Dhanusha: Anjali Devi Yadav was found murdered by her husband after a domestic dispute.
• Parsa: Ishal Prasad Kurmi was killed over gambling debts.

Authorities report that even minor disagreements are escalating into deadly violence due to revenge motives, love affairs, financial pressures, unemployment, and personal grudges. Police and local officials stress the need for social reform and better education on conflict resolution to prevent such killings.

Chief District Officer Binod Kumar Khadka suggested including lessons on crime consequences in school curricula to raise awareness among the youth. Civil society leaders also call for urgent social reform to control rising violence.

Archive: https://archive.md/1kACt

Summary:
The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed corruption charges against Pradeep Pariyar, the former Chief Administrative Officer of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, along with six other officials. They are accused of irregularities in awarding a sewer construction contract for the Samakhusi Corridor and Basundhara Mhepi projects.

The contract, worth Rs224 million, was given to Kalpavriksha Kohinoor JV, despite a lower bid of Rs180.9 million submitted by Samanantar Sewa Pvt Ltd. This allegedly caused a loss of Rs43.17 million to the state.

Along with Pariyar, who served as CAO from January to October 2024 before transferring to the Department of Information and Broadcasting as Director General, the other accused include Ravindra Man Shrestha, Yubaraj Adhikari, Basanta Acharya, Namaraj Dhakal, Uttam Dahal, and engineer Janardan Giri.

The CIAA has filed the case in the Special Court and is demanding fines equivalent to the losses and custodial sentences for those involved. The assistant spokesperson of CIAA stated that the accused deliberately disqualified the lowest bidder to favor another contractor, causing financial damage to the public institution.

Archive: https://archive.is/rmgjv

Summary:
The article reviews Tshering Tobgay’s memoir, Enlightened Leadership: Inside Bhutan’s Inspiring Transition from Monarchy to Democracy. Tobgay, Bhutan’s prime minister (currently since January 2024 and previously from 2013 to 2018), presents Bhutan as a model of successful transition from monarchy to democracy and highlights the country’s unique Gross National Happiness index as an alternative measure of progress.

However, the article criticizes Tobgay’s memoir for glossing over or misrepresenting some of Bhutan’s more difficult political and historical realities. Notably, it sidesteps the controversial expulsion of the Lhotshampa ethnic minority in the 1990s, which many consider an act of ethnic cleansing. The book also avoids addressing ongoing challenges such as economic stagnation, rising emigration, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on tourism.

While Tobgay’s leadership and vision are framed as inspiring and compassionate—offering lessons for leaders worldwide—the article suggests that his narrative is overly sanitized and fails to confront the complex issues behind Bhutan’s carefully maintained image as the “Kingdom of Happiness.”

Archive: https://archive.md/NjapK

Summary:
The Kathmandu District Court has ordered two online news sites, Nepal Khabar and Bizmandu, to immediately remove articles about Santosh Narayan Shrestha, chair of the Securities Board of Nepal, following defamation claims. Judge Pitambar Sharma issued the interim order after Shrestha filed petitions alleging reputational harm from unverified content. A hearing is scheduled for June 18 to review the case.

The order has drawn strong criticism from the media community. Leaders of the Federation of Nepali Journalists argue the move threatens press freedom guaranteed by the constitution and conflicts with journalistic ethics. They also believe such court orders undermine regulatory bodies like the Press Council Nepal and restrict public access to information. The Federation has yet to issue an official response.

This might be the news (Archive) in question (not confirmed). I couldn't find related nes on Nepal Khabar.

Response (Archive) from Bizmandu

Archive: https://archive.is/sTMLE

Summary:
A total of 112 billion Nepalese rupees worth of foreign currency was taken out of Nepal by students going abroad for education. This reflects a growing trend of Nepali students pursuing higher studies overseas, resulting in significant foreign currency outflow, which impacts the country’s economy. The increasing number of students studying abroad is seen as one of the major contributors to the country's financial deficit.

Archive: https://archive.md/ideDb