Nepal

Former Prime Minister and CPN (Unified Socialist) chair Madhav Kumar Nepal has been charged with corruption in connection with the Patanjali land scam.

The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) on Thursday filed a corruption case at the Special Court against Nepal and other defendants involved in the land misappropriation case.

The anti-graft body has demanded compensation of Rs185.5 million from Nepal for causing losses to the state coffers.

The CIAA has also charged then law minister Prem Bahadur Singh, then land reform minister Dambar Bahadur Shrestha, then chief secretary Madhav Prasad Ghimire, then Secretary at the Ministry of Land Reform Chhabiraj Pant; Shaligram Singh, head of Patanjali Yogpeeth and Ayurveda Company Nepal, secretaries and other top officials.

The case involves alleged misappropriation of land acquired for Patanjali Yogpeeth Nepal under government exemptions for land ownership ceiling.

Archive: https://archive.md/Eb9QV

Summary:
The Nepal Police, the national law enforcement agency of Nepal, has allegedly become the victim of a significant data breach, with a large cache of sensitive information reportedly being offered for sale online. The Nepal Police, established in 1955, is a crucial institution responsible for maintaining law and order, investigating crimes, managing traffic, and leading disaster response operations under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The compromise of its data could have serious implications for national security and the privacy of individuals connected to the agency.

A threat actor is allegedly selling a 48 GB data dump purportedly originating from the Nepal Police website (www.nepalpolice.gov.np). The actor is demanding $15,000 for the information. The contents of the breach allegedly include a wide array of personally identifiable information and official records. This incident highlights the persistent threats faced by governmental organizations and the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures.

The compromised data allegedly includes:

ID CARD ( FRONT/ BACK )
FACE IMAGE
SIGNATURE
FIRST NAME
LAST NAME
GENDER
AGE
BIRTH YEAR
ROLL NUMBER
ADVERTISEMENT NUMBER
CLASSIFICATION
EXAM TITLE
ADVERTISEMENT DATE
EXAM CENTER
CATEGORIES APPLIED UNDER

Archive: https://archive.md/wR6QP

Open corruption involving Dangol and Oli Government

Summary:
According to city officials, the suspension follows allegations that Pandey obstructed CAO Guragain from entering the KMC office—actions taken at the verbal direction of Mayor Shah in the first week of April.

The controversy surrounding CAO Guragain—who was deputed at the city office by the federal government—began when he was accused of procedural and financial irregularities in approving a revised design for the Kathmandu Tower, increasing its height from 12 to 19 storeys. The changes reportedly bypassed mandatory seismic and structural reviews, leading Mayor Shah to suspend Guragain pending investigation. However, the federal government refused to send a replacement, effectively paralysing key municipal functions, including payroll approvals.

On April 4, while Mayor Shah was outside the city, the federal government reinstated Guragain to the city office. During the controversy, while the mayor wanted to replace Guragain, Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol and most of the ward chairs stood in favour of allowing the CAO to work.

Summary:
The article discusses a secret CIA report from 1983 concerning the Nepalese royal family and political situation. The report predicted potential instability within Nepal's monarchy, specifically noting that King Birendra Shah's health was at risk due to hereditary heart problems and his heavy drinking habits, which could lead to an early death. It foresaw that in case of King Birendra's demise, his younger brother Gyanendra Shah might take control of the palace with the support of the army and conservative royal family members.

The CIA report also highlighted internal palace power struggles and political dynamics, including the role of Queen Aishwarya and the traditionalist faction. It suggested that Gyanendra, who had briefly ruled as a child during the 1950 revolution, saw himself as more deserving of the throne than Birendra, though he did not openly challenge Birendra's legitimacy.

Additionally, the report examined Nepal’s complex political environment in the early 1980s, including the weakening relevance of political parties like the Nepali Congress and communist groups, internal feudal structures, and Nepal’s strategic importance as a buffer state between India and China. It emphasized American concerns about maintaining regional stability and supporting Nepal's gradual political liberalization without provoking India-China tensions.

King Birendra’s Western education was noted as a bridge between tradition and modernization, but he was seen as hesitant and inconsistent in implementing reforms. The report also touched on Nepal’s Panchayat system, decentralization efforts, and the ambivalence within the royal family regarding power sharing and democratization.

Overall, the CIA’s 1983 report foresaw potential turmoil in the Nepalese monarchy and political system, predicted that Gyanendra could dominate palace politics if a succession crisis occurred, and highlighted Nepal's delicate geopolitical position.

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#nottheonion

Summary:
The second Potato Summit 2025 was held in Kathmandu to develop strategies for boosting Nepal's potato industry. Organized by the Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock Development, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the summit focused on improving the potato seed value chain, market development, processing opportunities, and private sector engagement.

Key points discussed included:

• Adoption of improved seed varieties.
• The importance of cold storage to reduce post-harvest losses.
• Targeted financing to strengthen the potato value chain.
• Promotion of crop insurance as a risk-reduction strategy for farmers.
• The role of financial institutions in providing loans for infrastructure and agribusiness models.
• Strategic investments in processing, storage, and marketing to enhance competitiveness.

Agriculture Minister Ram Nath Adhikari highlighted the government's commitment to supporting the sector through policy reforms and incentives. FAO representative Ken Shimizu emphasized the importance of aligning with market trends and consumer preferences, noting the Hand-in-Hand Initiative's role in promoting highland potatoes as a priority commodity for rural development and food security.

Overall, the summit aimed to optimize potato production, improve farmer livelihoods, and boost the sector's growth in Nepal.

Many workers in Mumbai's sex industry are sold by their families or forced into the industry to pay off debts. Unfortunately, many are mere children.

Girls as young as 9 are trafficked into Indian brothels from Nepal.

Invidious: https://inv.nadeko.net/switchbackend?backend_id=2&referer=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Do9PDr-Pm0FY

Summary:
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of Nepal invited Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli as the chief guest for its silver jubilee anniversary celebration.

The invitation was extended two weeks in advance, but just hours before the event, Oli's secretariat informed the commission that the Prime Minister was busy and could not attend.

The NHRC officials rejected this explanation, noting that previous Prime Ministers usually sent representatives if they couldn’t attend themselves, but this time there was no government representation at all.

The NHRC suspects the boycott is linked to recent political tensions, including a controversial statement by Oli accusing party members of controlling parts of Kathmandu ahead of a pro-monarchy demonstration on May 29.

The commission criticized Oli’s remarks, stating they undermine the rule of law and democratic freedoms.

The NHRC also expressed frustration over the government’s failure to implement its recommendations; since its formation in 2000, only about 15% of recommendations have been fully implemented.

In recent years, implementation has worsened, with no compensation or legal action taken on recommendations in the last four years despite 444 recommendations being made.

The commission accused the government of indifference toward human rights and warned it might blacklist agencies or officials who refuse to comply.

Oli’s media expert claimed the PM was busy and cannot attend every event, dismissing claims that the absence was politically motivated.

Summary:
The Mid-Hill Highway (Pushpalal Highway), constructed to last at least 40 years, is already showing serious damage just four years after completion. The RCC (reinforced cement concrete) structures built in the Jaharkot area of Dailekh district have started to deteriorate. Specifically, the RCC on the uphill section near Chamghat Khola is coming apart, exposing steel rods and disrupting traffic.

The construction company, Motidan, is blamed for using poor-quality materials and workmanship. Despite the highway being designed with durable RCC layers to withstand long-term use, defects appeared early on due to these lapses. The Highway Planning Office in Dailekh has issued a repair contract, but doubts remain about the quality of repair work.

Local leaders and residents express concern about the lack of proper supervision and accountability from both the contractor and planning office. They emphasize that technical staff and contractors from the original construction phase should be held responsible.

Additionally, the asphalt (blacktop) surfaces in Dailekh are also reported to be of poor quality, causing further road degradation.

The Highway Planning Office states they have awarded repair contracts and acknowledge multiple factors could cause road damage, but stress that such roads shouldn’t fail so quickly.

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Summary:
On June 28, 2023, Nepal’s Supreme Court ordered the government to temporarily register same-sex marriages. This was hailed as a historic decision, and the country made headlines registering its first same-sex marriage in November 2023.

However, despite the court order, queer couples still face significant bureaucratic hurdles and discrimination when trying to register their marriages. Many local government offices either reject applications or are unaware of the procedures.

For example, the couple Sushila Ramtel and Pramila Tamang faced harassment, rejection, police intervention, and family opposition when trying to register their marriage in Sindhuli. Their struggle highlights persistent resistance and ignorance among local officials.

The Department of National ID and Civil Registration does not have official data on queer marriages, and provisional registrations are not fully integrated into national databases.

A directive from the Ministry of Home Affairs allows local bodies to register same-sex marriages in separate books with provisional certificates, but many officials remain unaware or refuse to comply.

Bureaucratic inertia and moral policing by local officials cause delays, harassment, and extra costs for queer couples. Unlike heterosexual couples who can register marriages quickly without legal help, queer couples often need advocates and spend significant time and money.

Provisional certificates lack full legal recognition, especially for binational couples seeking marriage visas or other rights. Inconsistent forms also force queer couples to pick gender roles that erase their identities.

The government has started training local officials on same-sex marriage registration, but efforts remain limited.

Archive: N/A (site isn't accessible for some reason, if you can post the archive link in the comments)

Summary:
Kami Rita Sherpa, a Nepali mountaineer, has reached the summit of Mount Everest for the 31st time, extending his own world record for the most ascents of the world’s highest peak. The 55-year-old climber reached the 8,848.86-meter summit around 4 am on Tuesday under stable weather conditions.

Kami Rita was serving as the lead climbing guide for the Indian Army Adventure Wing Everest Expedition. Mingma Sherpa, chairman of Seven Summit Treks and the expedition organizer, praised Kami Rita’s unmatched skills and professionalism.

Born in the Solukhumbu region, Kami Rita first climbed Everest in 1994 as support staff and has since become one of the most accomplished high-altitude climbers globally. He is followed by Pasang Dawa Sherpa, who has summited Everest 29 times, including two ascents during the spring season.

This achievement further cements Kami Rita Sherpa’s status as the record holder for the highest number of successful Everest ascents, a record unmatched by anyone else.

Archive: https://archive.md/TMuNT

Summary:
"Rainfall patterns have changed, they are shorter, have higher intensity & are localised. Mudslides are now a big problem,” says Upadhyay.

We need specific intervention for specific places, taking into account geological & other factors to increase preparedness.

Archive: https://archive.md/jTDDh

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJhj6luWgHk

Summary:
The uncontrolled movement of trucks and tippers (heavy vehicles) is causing more than just air pollution; it is also affecting people's health. In the nights, especially after 9 PM, there is a continuous stream of trucks and tippers passing through areas like the Nakkhu Khola corridor in Lalitpur. The noise and dust from these vehicles make it difficult for residents to sleep and live peacefully.

Locals, including residents like Nanumaiya from Lalitpur Metropolitan-12, suffer from respiratory issues such as asthma because of the constant dust and fumes. The behavior of truck and tipper drivers is reckless, showing little regard for pedestrians or other vehicles such as cars, motorcycles, and bicycles.

The dust and pollution cause eye and skin problems, as well as coughs and colds among the general public. The heavy vehicles also cause vibrations that disturb homes and lead to physical and mental health issues, especially among the elderly in residential areas.

Drivers often use short cuts through residential areas without proper control or regulation, exacerbating the problem. Excessive honking also leads to hearing issues. Despite the existence of better alternative routes, drivers continue to use congested roads like the one from Pharsidol to Bungmati market in Godavari Municipality, causing distress among locals.

Local officials note that a lack of coordination between local government, road departments, and other authorities has prevented a permanent solution to this problem.

Archive: https://archive.md/WD47Q

Summary:

The article from Nepali Times highlights how corruption in Nepal's private sector has become a major growth industry, deeply intertwined with political cronyism and collusion. While politicians and bureaucrats are often blamed for corruption, the private sector is also heavily involved in practices like insider trading, cartels, price-fixing, and conflicts of interest. Business tycoons often become politicians and vice versa, creating a system that stifles free market competition, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

Examples include cement cartels sabotaging foreign investment, industrialists lobbying against foreign investments in agriculture, and various cases of businesses blocking multinational companies from entering the market. The business environment lacks ethical practices, with many influential business leaders involved in controversies such as insurance fraud, illegal land acquisition, tax evasion, environmental exploitation, and political lobbying to influence regulatory bodies.

Despite Nepal's Communist parties supporting neoliberal economic policies in theory, cronyism is widespread across political lines. The business community often prioritizes profit over social welfare, workers, and consumers, undermining free market principles. There are also reports of businesspeople using political connections to manipulate the judiciary.

The article calls attention to a need for greater integrity and ethical conduct in Nepal's private sector to ensure a healthier business environment that respects governance, consumer protection, environmental care, and overall social responsibility.

Summary:

A Nepali female student from Birgunj, Parsa, named Prisha Sah, studying at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Odisha, India, was found dead by hanging in her hostel room on Thursday evening around 8 PM. The Nepalese Embassy in New Delhi confirmed the incident. Consular officer SSP Sanjeev Sharma Das reported that the embassy began investigating after forced entry was required to open her door during a routine check. Prisha lived on the fourth floor of the Queens Castle-4 hostel with senior students, but no one was present in the room at the time. Most students had gone home due to summer vacation, though first-year students were still taking exams; Prisha was a first-year B.Tech student.

This incident follows the earlier death of another Nepali student, Prakriti Lamsal, also at KIIT. Prakriti was found dead in the hostel in mid-February and had reportedly suffered mental harassment and blackmail.

The investigation into Prisha's death is ongoing.

Archive: Archive.is/md/ph domains aren't working for me, someone archive and post a link

In Nepal, cannabis isn’t just a plant—it’s sacred. Every year during Shiva Ratri, over a million devotees gather to honor Shiva, the god of creation, by lighting up at Kathmandu’s holiest temple. But outside of this one day a year, cannabis remains illegal—a law rooted in the US-led War on Drugs, which pressured Nepal to abandon its ancient traditions in the 1970s.

Summary:

• Sudip Neupane from Kalikanagar, Butwal (Rupandehi district, Nepal) was among 26 people killed in a terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
• His mother was injured in the attack and is undergoing treatment.
• The family had traveled to the region for a holiday.
• Nepal’s Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba confirmed the incident and expressed condolences, stating Nepal is in close contact with Indian authorities and the embassy to provide necessary support.
• The attack was carried out by a militant group called ‘Kashmir Resistance,’ which claimed responsibility via social media, protesting the settlement of 85,000 outsiders in the region.
• This is considered the worst terrorist attack on civilians in Kashmir in nearly two decades.
• Nepal strongly condemned the attack, offering condolences and support to India during this time.
• Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his Saudi Arabia visit to return to India after the attack.
• This is the deadliest attack targeting civilians in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
• Attacks on tourists in Kashmir are rare; the last major incident was in June 2024 when nine Hindu pilgrims were killed.

Archive: https://archive.md/2h5nA

The real rainfall hasn't even started yet and the infrastructure is already a mess. Construction everywhere just feels like corruption in process.

Summary:

• Pre-monsoon rains have caused daily traffic jams lasting hours on the Narayangadh-Butwal section of the Mahendra Highway, especially around Daunne, where a 14 km stretch can take 4-5 hours to cross. Some travelers have spent almost 24 hours stuck on narrow hilly roads.

• The situation is expected to worsen during the full monsoon season. The Department of Roads plans to discuss urgent measures to keep roads passable during heavy rains, including completing ongoing culvert construction, adding more culverts, avoiding digging drainage ditches that disrupt traffic, and using gravel to maintain road usability.

• The Narayangadh-Butwal road widening project remains incomplete after multiple deadline extensions; the Daunne section is not expected to finish soon due to complex terrain and construction difficulties.

• Alternative routes like the Kaligandaki Corridor exist but are longer and more challenging, especially since roads like the Siddhartha Highway regularly become unstable during rains.

• Experts note a lack of interconnected alternative routes among Nepal’s three main east-west highways (Hulaki, Mahendra, and Madan Bhandari), which could help reduce traffic problems during disruptions.

• Other highways also face issues: the BP Highway near Dhulikhel and Bardibas has damaged sections from last year’s heavy rains; some stretches need complete reconstruction, which may take over two years.

• Earthquake and flood damage from previous monsoons continue to affect roads in various regions, with temporary fixes in place but permanent solutions pending.

• The government is working on emergency measures like installing temporary bridges, clearing landslides quickly, and completing critical infrastructure before monsoon intensifies.

• Despite efforts, many highway sections will remain problematic during the coming rainy season, posing risks and travel delays.

Archive: https://archive.is/LurCe

Summary:

In Nepal, hospitals, particularly the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH) in Kathmandu, faced serious health and environmental issues due to the toxic emissions from its incinerator, which caused respiratory issues among staff and patients.

In Nepal, hospitals have found an innovative solution to manage medical waste, particularly placentas, by using biodigesters to convert it into cooking gas. Traditional methods like incineration posed health risks due to toxic smoke, leading to respiratory issues among staff and patients. The Health Environment Climate Action Foundation (HECAF360) proposed replacing incinerators with underground biodigesters, which effectively manage both food and pathological waste.

The biodigester works by digesting organic waste and producing methane gas, which can be used for cooking. This system not only reduces harmful emissions but also improves waste management practices in hospitals. The Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH) in Kathmandu has successfully implemented this system, significantly reducing CO2 emissions and improving air quality within the hospital.

Despite initial resistance from hospital staff, the project has shown positive results in waste management and environmental sustainability. The biodigester at TUTH is expected to last for 20 years and has the potential to be expanded to other hospitals in Nepal and beyond. However, challenges remain, including funding, awareness, and the need for proper training in waste segregation among hospital staff.

Archive: https://archive.md/2Q757

Summary:

The article discusses how the release of "Monster Hunter Wilds" has significantly boosted sales at a Nepalese restaurant in Tokyo, Japan. The game features enticing food animations, particularly showcasing stretchy cheese naan, which has made players crave it in real life. The restaurant, Salam Namaste, nearly ran out of cheese due to the influx of customers inspired by the game. Their social media account humorously thanked "Monster Hunter" for the increased business.

Additionally, the game's popularity has impacted the Japanese gaming industry, with some developers reporting a drop in sales for their games after "Monster Hunter Wilds" launched. The article highlights the effective marketing and cultural influence of the game, driving both food cravings and affecting industry dynamics.

Archive: https://archive.md/iuXsO

Summary:

The article discusses the alarming issue of human trafficking and cybercrime involving Nepali youth in Thailand. Each year, thousands of Nepalis, seeking better job opportunities, fall victim to scams and trafficking networks that exploit them in Thailand, particularly in areas bordering Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos.

These young individuals are lured with promises of attractive jobs but end up being forced into cybercrime activities, often facing physical and psychological abuse. Traffickers, including Chinese and Thai nationals, use fake job advertisements on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to attract victims. Once they arrive, their passports are confiscated, and they are subjected to harsh living conditions and relentless work hours, often being coerced into various online scams, including investment fraud and romance scams.

The article highlights that many victims report inadequate support from the Nepali embassies in Thailand and Myanmar, with some being rescued while others remain trapped. The situation is dire, with many victims suffering from severe mental health issues due to their traumatic experiences.

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Interns at Dhulikhel Hospital on Tuesday exposed details of the grim working conditions many resident doctors experience at its psychiatry department, a day after a social media post raised alarms over their well-being. The anonymous post came after what it said was a suicide attempt by a first-year psychiatry resident on Sunday, urging people to pressure the authorities and prioritise the well-being of healthcare professionals.

“The situation is worse than what has been revealed,” the interns wrote in a letter addressing Doctorstory Nepal, a social media account sharing information about the country’s medical field. “Every single resident in the department has either thought about dying or leaving their residency because of how harsh it is. The professors have told them to go and kill themselves in the rounds and presentations in front of us all.”

Archive: https://archive.md/QsMpf

Summary: In Nepal, the construction of cable cars, originally intended for transportation and logistical convenience, has become a contentious issue due to policies that favor commercial interests. The Mukumlung (Pathibhara) cable car project in Taplejung is currently a hot topic. There are divided opinions: some support the project, while others, including local residents, oppose it, citing environmental concerns and cultural significance.

The Pathibhara area is both a historical and cultural site for the indigenous Limbu community and a significant religious site for Hindus. The decision to build a cable car here has sparked protests, leading to clashes and even gunfire, with two people injured. Despite these protests, business interests, supported by local and federal governments, push forward, anticipating increased tourism and economic benefits.

The primary concern is the impact on local employment and businesses. Traditionally, these areas rely on foot traffic for livelihoods, and the introduction of cable cars might bypass these local economies. The article also highlights the broader trend in Nepal of cable cars being constructed in religious sites primarily for profit rather than public transportation needs. There is an ongoing debate about balancing development with preserving cultural heritage and local livelihoods.

Archive: https://archive.md/dbUXy

The last time the Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus), the smallest of the world’s 13 known otter species, was recorded by scientists in Nepal was in 1839.

“After years of speculation about its presence in Nepal, we can finally confirm that the small-clawed otter lives on in the country,” said Mohan Bikram Shrestha, the lead author of a short note published in the latest edition of the bulletin of the Otter Specialist Group at the IUCN, the global wildlife conservation authority.

Although historically three species of otters are believed to occur in Nepal, modern researchers had until now only confirmed the presence of smooth-coated otters (Lutrogale perspicillata) and Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra), with a question mark hanging over the small-clawed otter. During that time, reports have come in, never confirmed until now, of small-clawed otter sightings in Makalu Barun National Park in Nepal’s eastern Himalayas and Kailali and Kapilvastu districts in the western plains.