loki

Summary:
A 25-year-old Indian pilgrim, Pankaj Kumar Bhagat from Sitamarhi district, Bihar, was hacked to death during a dispute among pilgrims at Madhuganga Mahadev temple in Sindhuli, Nepal. The police suspect the attackers are also Indian nationals and are searching for them. Another unidentified man, aged 50-55, was found dead near the temple. Weapons were recovered from the scene.

Archive: https://archive.md/cmNVb

Summary:

• Nepal Policy Institute (NPI) Chair Dr. Khagendra Raj Dhakal recommended adopting key elements of Thailand's "30 Baht Scheme" to help Nepal advance Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
• The recommendation was made during a meeting with Nepal’s Minister for Health and Population, Pradip Paudel, in Bangkok on June 26, 2025.
• Thailand's 30 Baht Scheme, started in 2001, initially charged a nominal fee for healthcare but later became fully tax-funded and now covers nearly 75% of Thailand’s population through the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS). Together with other schemes, coverage exceeds 99%.
• The Thai model offers affordable services including outpatient, inpatient care, maternal health, diagnostics, and chronic disease management, mostly through public facilities.
• Dr. Dhakal suggested Nepal unify its UHC framework, digitize National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) enrollment, link health promotion funding to sin taxes (taxes on tobacco, alcohol), and pilot reforms in provinces with good digital infrastructure.
• Minister Paudel welcomed these ideas and expressed interest in working with NPI on health financing, digital integration, and policy innovation.
• The government is committed to expanding health coverage and reforming NHIP to better serve informal sector workers and low-income groups.
• The meeting also included other officials from Nepal’s delegation in Bangkok.

In short, Nepal is considering adapting Thailand’s successful low-cost, tax-funded health coverage model to improve its own national health insurance and universal health coverage system.

Archive: https://archive.md/Ue20M

Summary:
Two women-led courts in Nepal—the Hetauda Bench High Court and Makawanpur District Court—have shown outstanding judicial performance over the past two years, with high case clearance rates and improved service delivery.

Hetauda Bench High Court:

• Jurisdiction over Chitwan and Makawanpur districts
• Led by five female judges out of seven sanctioned posts
• In fiscal year 2024/25, cleared 1,247 out of 1,727 cases (72% clearance)
• No pending cases older than two years

Makawanpur District Court:

• Entirely run by four female judges
• In fiscal year 2024/25, resolved 2,868 out of 4,150 cases (69.11% clearance)
• Only two cases older than two years pending (down from 22 the previous year)

Judges emphasize that gender does not affect their ability to deliver justice impartially. The courts also have a significant number of women in administrative roles, contributing to efficient functioning. Legal experts praise the women judges for their leadership and positive impact, especially in sensitive cases. This success highlights women's capability in judicial leadership and effective justice delivery in Nepal.

Archive: https://archive.md/LXhRq

Summary:
In Pokhara, Nepal, ornithologist Hemanta Dhakal keeps a daily rooftop watch near the new Pokhara International Airport to monitor vultures and prevent bird strikes with airplanes. Pokhara is home to nine vulture species, including critically endangered ones, whose flight paths cross near the airport’s runway. The airport, opened in late 2022, is close to prime vulture habitats and an old landfill site, attracting large birds and increasing collision risks.

A study led by Dhakal found significant risks of bird-aircraft collisions involving several vulture species. One incident in January 2023 involved a plane striking a steppe eagle, killing the bird. Despite initial reluctance from airport authorities, Dhakal trained staff in bird identification and management, helping reduce bird activity near the runway through methods like air gun harassment.

Challenges remain, including waste management issues and thermal currents that attract vultures during colder months. Dhakal advocates for better data collection, improved waste management, and use of drones or trained raptors to scare birds away. He warns unplanned infrastructure threatens decades of vulture conservation progress in Nepal, which saw population recoveries after banning the harmful drug diclofenac.

Dhakal continues his vigil, sharing findings with conservation networks and officials to push for actions that protect both vultures and aviation safety.

Archive: https://archive.md/zJ4Ns

Summary:
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a show cause notice to KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, following the suicides of two Nepalese students on campus between February 16 and May 1, 2025. The notice highlights serious concerns regarding the university's mental health support system, safety protocols, and administrative response. The UGC's Fact-Finding Committee report pointed out critical lapses that contributed to these tragic events. KIIT has been asked to respond within a week. Failure to comply may result in public warnings, restrictions on new courses, programs, or campus expansions for up to three years, and a recommended inquiry committee formation.

Archive: https://archive.md/ZxEtx

Summary:
The Max Foundation has partnered with B P Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital in Nepal to expand breast cancer care access. Since the program's launch in 2021, patients have received timely treatment, improving outcomes and hope. The collaboration, supported by dedicated physicians like Dr. Guru Sharan Sah, aims to transform lives by providing better breast cancer treatment in Nepal.

Archive: https://archive.md/qGCeF

Summary:
On July 21, 2025, Cambodian authorities in Siem Reap cracked down on an online scam operation, arresting 13 Nepali nationals (including 4 women) at a rented villa in Khnar village. The raid led to the confiscation of computers, laptops, phones, and other evidence. The suspects and evidence were taken to the Siem Reap Provincial Police for legal action. This action is part of Cambodia's ongoing efforts to combat cybercrime and online scams.

Key Points:

• 13 Nepali nationals arrested in Siem Reap for suspected online scam activities.
• The operation took place on July 21, 2025, at a rented villa in Khnar village.
• Police seized 16 desktop computers, 2 laptops, multiple mobile phones, and other evidence.
• Suspects and evidence transferred to Siem Reap Provincial Police for legal proceedings.
• Authorities emphasize strict legal measures against cybercrime networks.

Archive: https://archive.md/Sq18v

Questions to the Health Minister about Irregularities in Medical Equipment Procurement: Is the Tender News Published a Coincidence or Collusion?

Summary:

• According to Nepali law, tender proposals remain confidential until the official opening date, making it suspicious if specific suppliers always win tenders.
• Since mid-2081 BS (around 2024 AD), multiple investigations by the media outlet "UkeRa" exposed irregularities and collusion in the procurement of medical equipment and supplies across various health institutions.
• Despite initial cancellations of some tenders after media reports, most tenders ended up being awarded to the same suppliers alleged to be involved in collusion.
• At a press conference, journalists questioned Health Minister Pradeep Paudel about these irregularities, implying either foresight (like astrology) or deliberate rigging.
• The minister appeared uncomfortable and avoided direct answers, citing legal constraints but failing to specify which laws prevent investigation or action.
• He claimed that 35% of the health budget remained unspent due to procurement delays and suggested changing procurement laws to address issues, but gave no concrete plans or timelines.
• Multiple examples were cited where tenders were either rigged with technical specifications favoring certain companies or cancelled only after media exposure.
• Hospitals like Narayani and Gajendra Narayan Singh showed clear patterns of awarding contracts to pre-determined suppliers, despite public allegations.
• The minister denied personal responsibility and blamed legal frameworks, while media reports consistently confirmed procurement collusion.
• The article criticizes the lack of accountability and calls for transparent investigations and reforms in procurement processes to prevent misuse of state resources.

In short, the article exposes widespread collusion in health equipment procurement in Nepal, questions the minister’s handling of the issue, and highlights the need for stronger oversight and legal reforms.

Archive: https://archive.md/tajhy

Hospitals that were closed for illegal and substandard facilities in Madesh have started reopening ‘In Settings’ as in corruption with the officials

Summary:
Several private hospitals in Nepal’s Madhes province that were closed during a government campaign to shut down health facilities operating without proper standards or licenses have started reopening. The Madhes provincial government had launched a strict inspection and closure drive called the “Operation Hospital” campaign to crack down on illegal and substandard hospitals. Over 130 such hospitals were found operating without proper registration or failing to meet health regulations and were ordered closed.

However, after the campaign ended, many of these hospitals resumed operations. Some reopened with local government permissions, while others allegedly reopened through unofficial arrangements or bribes. Hospital operators claim they paid intermediaries to get reopening approvals despite still lacking proper standards, raising concerns about corruption and negligence.

The provincial health minister confirmed that only a few hospitals that completed legal paperwork were officially allowed to reopen, but many more are operating without proper oversight. Officials monitoring the situation accuse local governments of forcing hospitals to reopen, undermining the provincial government's efforts. This situation highlights ongoing challenges in regulating private health facilities and ensuring public health safety in the region.

Archive: https://archive.md/0ihvA

Summary:
At least six major highways in Nepal are fully blocked due to floods and landslides caused by heavy rain. The blocked highways include:

• Koshi Highway (Sankhuwasabha)
• Mechi Highway (Tamor Corridor, Panchthar)
• Kaligandaki Corridor (Nawalparasi East)
• Sahid Highway (Rolpa)
• Jajarkot-Dolpa section of Bheri Corridor (Rukum West)

Some roads allow one-way traffic, including Tokha-Nuwakot road, parts of the Kaligandaki Corridor, Mid-Hill Highway (Galkot), and Sahid Highway (Rolpa).

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has advised people to avoid long-distance travel unless necessary due to ongoing monsoon risks. The Meteorological Forecasting Division predicts light to heavy rainfall in various provinces, with some hilly and mountainous areas expecting rain and snowfall.

Rescue efforts are underway amid continued disruptions.

Archive: https://archive.md/QLQBI

Summary:

• In the fiscal year 2024-25, Nepal recorded 18,926 cybercrime cases, averaging 52 cases daily. This is slightly lower than the previous year's 19,730 cases.
• The decrease does not necessarily mean improvement; it may reflect underreporting and decentralization of case management to district police offices.
• Cyber fraud is the most common crime, with 7,723 cases (40.82% of total), an 87.82% increase from the previous year.
• Other cybercrimes include hacking (3,503 cases), fake impersonation accounts (3,067), bullying/harassment (1,801), criminal defamation (1,026), hate speech (495), sexting (437), sextortion (84), sexual assault (8), threats, image morphing, and cases involving minors.
• Facebook Messenger led in cybercrime platforms with 9,829 incidents, followed by TikTok, WhatsApp, Telegram, and Instagram.
• Telegram-related cases mostly involved online fraud but posed investigation challenges due to limited data access.
• Men are the majority of victims overall, mainly targeted in financial scams, while women face more harassment, bullying, sextortion, and threats.
• Cyber-dependent crimes such as unauthorized server access and malware attacks increased and are harder to investigate due to technical and international cooperation challenges.
• Nepal's current cybercrime law (Electronic Transaction Act 2008) is outdated and lacks clear definitions covering modern cybercrimes.
• The Cyber Bureau highlights the need for updated laws, better resources, technical expertise, infrastructure, and international cooperation to effectively combat cybercrime in Nepal.

Archive: https://archive.md/OfjIl

Caste-based discrimination in Nepal creates inequality from knowledge production to justice

Summary:
In Nepal, there is discrimination in knowledge production and justice delivery that favors dominant groups. Although the constitution guarantees the rights of marginalized communities like Dalits, implementation is weak. Laws protecting Dalit rights exist, but judicial punishments are minimal, and discretion often benefits the dominant classes. Victims are required to gather evidence themselves, which increases their vulnerability. Discrimination based on caste and gender is also present in education and knowledge production. Although bonded labor has been abolished legally, there is no proper rehabilitation or support system for those freed, causing ongoing problems. Human rights are seen as rights against the state, which must be held accountable, but this accountability is lacking.

In short, social and caste-based discrimination in Nepal creates inequality from knowledge production to justice, and there is a pressing need for better enforcement and reforms.

Archive: https://archive.md/TqemD