Summary:

Sujit Acharya, a 23-year-old Acadia University student from Nepal, struggled financially during his studies, even relying on food bank pickups. Despite not liking cooking initially, he started making and selling momos (Nepalese dumplings) at local festivals in Nova Scotia to earn money, which quickly gained popularity. His business, MomoNepal, now sells vegetarian dumplings and chutney at several stores and farmers' markets.

Acharya balanced his business with full-time studies and mental health challenges, while facing work restrictions as an international student. He recently won the prestigious Frank H. Sobey scholarship worth $50,000, which he plans to invest in expanding his business by purchasing a commercial kitchen in Halifax.

His entrepreneurial journey was supported by learning from YouTube and community connections, and he is committed to giving back through his business. Acharya's professor described the scholarship as life-changing and highlighted the challenges international students face in accessing funding. Despite setbacks like a failed kitchen deal, Acharya remains determined to grow MomoNepal and continue supporting fellow students.

Archive: https://archive.is/2k6i8

Summary:

Since becoming Nepal’s prime minister, Balendra Shah has received extensive coverage in Indian media due to several factors: his youth and Gen Z appeal; Madheshi roots and campaigning in culturally significant Janakpur; public religiosity and Vedic-style swearing-in on Ram Navami; past nationalist statements (including displays of the “Greater Nepal” map and criticism of Bollywood) that raised questions about his stance toward India; and his image as a disruptive, anti-establishment leader breaking the traditional hill-elite dominance. Indian commentators frame him as a potential reset for Nepal–India ties and a symbol of generational political change, while also expressing cautious interest about whether he will align with India or pursue a more nationalist course. Coverage mixes curiosity, admiration for a fresh political face, strategic concern from New Delhi’s perspective, and occasional speculation about outside influences.

Archive: https://archive.is/kYVab

Summary:

Biska (Bisket) Jatra, a nine-day, eight-night festival in Bhaktapur with roots believed to date to the Licchavi period, began on April 10. It culminates on Baisakh 5 and includes chariot processions, ritual tug-of-war between the town’s lower (Kwone) and upper (Thane) residents, animal sacrifices, tantric rites, and ceremonial raising and lowering of the Yosin Dyo (lingo/pole).

Key events:

• Day 1: Chariot-pulling tug-of-war (Bhailakh) between Kwone and Thane; if Thane wins the chariot is pulled to Dattatreya, then returned to Ga:hiti.
• Day 2: Rest (“zero”) day.
• Day 3: Buffalo sacrifice at Bhairavnath Ga:hiti; meat distributed as prasad (“Syakwatyakwah”).
• Day 4: Erection of the ceremonial pole (Yosin Dyo) — a major ritual symbolising the old year’s farewell and the new year’s arrival; tantric rites performed in the evening; two flags (Bir Dhwaja, Bishwo Dhwaja) hung on the pole.
• Day 5 (Baisakh 1, Nepali New Year): Large gatherings at Lyasingkhel and Chupinghat; worship of Bhairav, Bhadrakali, Betal and Yosin Dyo; cock sacrifice to Betal; chariots collide in the “Sangam Jatra” (Dyo Lwakigu Jatra); Taleju (Dumaju) chariot festival observed.
• Days 6–7: Processions for Mahakali, Mahalaxmi, Brahmayani, Maheshwari and other deities; Sindoor Jatra and other local jathras.
• Day 8: Deities are placed in shrines and courtyards for “Dyo Swaga Puja” (Sagun Jatra).
• Day 9: Morning ceremonial lowering of the Yosin Dyo at Kumale Tole Talako; evening Chhuma Ganesh procession; festival ends with another tug-of-war between Thane and Kwone.

Strict security measures are enforced throughout. The festival is rich in traditional rituals, music, and community participation and is also referred to locally as an “enemy-destroying festival.”

Archive: https://archive.is/H4F2B

Summary:

The CIAA filed a corruption case at the Special Court against 28 people, including ex-House Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara, for allegedly smuggling gold hidden in vapes through Tribhuvan International Customs. The accused include senior customs officials, various Nepali individuals, two Chinese nationals, a Belgian, and an Indian; the CIAA seeks Rs 77.86 million in recovery from each accused.

Key points:

• 28 individuals charged, notable name: former Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara.
• Method: gold concealed inside electronic cigarettes (vapes) smuggled via Tribhuvan International Customs Office.
• Accused include top customs officers (former Chief Customs Administrator Arun Pokharel; Chief Customs Officers Mukti Prasad Shrestha and Ambika Prasad Khanal) and several other Nepali nationals plus foreign nationals (2 Chinese, 1 Belgian, 1 Indian).
• CIAA requests recovery of Rs 77.86 million from every accused.

Archive: https://archive.is/ao79U

Summary:

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal reported the arrest of 11 Nepalis in West Asia for spreading fake news related to the ongoing conflict in the region. Over 86,000 Nepali nationals have registered for rescue through the ministry's online system. The ministry is actively coordinating with Nepali missions abroad, managing flight and labor permit concerns, and working to repatriate the bodies of deceased Nepali citizens. Additionally, a Nepali citizen named Amrit Jha is detained in Iran, with the ministry monitoring his case.

Key Points:

• 11 Nepalis arrested in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman for spreading false information on social media.
• 86,420 Nepalis registered for rescue via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' online system.
• The ministry has set up a hotline and formed a Rapid Response Team across nine missions.
• Main concerns from Nepalis abroad include flight conditions, return timelines, and labor permit inquiries.
• Bodies of 38 deceased Nepalis are yet to be repatriated due to flight delays; efforts ongoing.
• Amrit Jha, a Nepali detained in Iran, is safe; the ministry is liaising with legal representatives and authorities.

Archive: https://archive.is/Y23v3

Summary:

• On March 27, 2026, Nepal's newly appointed Prime Minister Balen Shah formed a cabinet with 33% women representation, a historic first for the country.

• The 15-member cabinet includes five female ministers, representing Khas Arya, Dalit, Madhesi, Tharu, and Janajati communities.

Female ministers and their portfolios:

• Sobita Gautam: Law, Justice, Parliamentary Affairs
• Sita Badi: Women, Children, Senior Citizens
• Pratibha Rawal: Federal Affairs and General Administration (also Land Management, Cooperatives, Poverty Alleviation)
• Geeta Chaudhary: Agriculture, Livestock Development, Forest Environment
• Nisha Mehta: Health Population

This achievement aligns with Nepal's inclusive policy requiring 33% women representatives in the Federal Parliament, though previous cabinets had not met this quota.

The previous highest female representation was 26% in 2022 and 24% in Baburam Bhattarai's cabinet (2011).

The cabinet formation reflects progress toward gender equality and inclusion of marginalized communities.

Key women ministers have diverse backgrounds in law, healthcare, journalism, and activism.

This marks a significant step for Nepal in ensuring gender balance in political leadership.

Archive: https://archive.is/4sR8z

Summary:

A 25-year-old Nepali man escaped forced labor in Greek strawberry fields in Manolada and reported exploitation to police in January 2024. Despite arrests of some network members, Greek employers and supervisors identified by the victim were never investigated or called to testify. The police investigation was criticized as deficient and incomplete, with authorities failing to pursue leads or examine the role of Greek business owners who benefit from exploitative labor. The case highlights a broader pattern of labor trafficking involving South Asian workers in Greece, facilitated by digital recruitment and informal transport systems, with many victims detained or deported without protection.

Key points:

• Nepali worker escaped forced labor in Manolada strawberry fields, reported exploitation.
• Police arrested recruiters and some network members but did not investigate Greek employers/supervisors named by victim.
• Court described police investigation as deficient; Greek employers seen as ultimate beneficiaries of exploitative labor.
• Increasing trafficking of South Asian workers into Greece via legal and illegal routes; exploitation common after visa expiration.
• Migrant workers live/work in harsh conditions, often detained or deported without protection, hindering trafficking prosecutions.

Archive: https://archive.fo/HR6mM

Summary:

In the past six months, 333 foreign nationals have been arrested in Nepal for engaging in illegal activities while on tourist or business visas. The Immigration Department reported that many violated visa terms by running illegal marriage bureaus, conducting proselytisation, and other prohibited activities. Of those arrested between mid-July 2025 to mid-January 2026, some were detained for visa overstays and criminal offenses, while others were deported with entry bans. Notable cases include a Korean-origin US national accused of fraud involving Nepali political party names and multiple Chinese nationals operating illegal marriage agencies. The department imposed fines and deportations along with bans from re-entry for specified periods.

In 2025, a total of 501 foreign nationals were deported. Over the years, deportations have varied: 407 in 2024, 459 in 2023, 570 in 2022, and so on. To address the increasing cases, Nepal introduced the Foreign Nationals Management Information System on January 1, 2026, initially mandatory in Kathmandu Valley and expanding nationwide by March 1. This system tracks foreign nationals' movements and links data with hotels, airlines, trekking agencies, banks, telecom providers, and related institutions to enhance national security related to tourism.

Archive: https://archive.fo/RWHQo

Summary:

In the past six months, 333 foreign nationals have been arrested in Nepal for engaging in illegal activities while on tourist or business visas. The Immigration Department reported that many violated visa terms by running illegal marriage bureaus, conducting proselytisation, and other prohibited activities. Of those arrested between mid-July 2025 to mid-January 2026, some were detained for visa overstays and criminal offenses, while others were deported with entry bans. Notable cases include a Korean-origin US national accused of fraud involving Nepali political party names and multiple Chinese nationals operating illegal marriage agencies. The department imposed fines and deportations along with bans from re-entry for specified periods.

In 2025, a total of 501 foreign nationals were deported. Over the years, deportations have varied: 407 in 2024, 459 in 2023, 570 in 2022, and so on. To address the increasing cases, Nepal introduced the Foreign Nationals Management Information System on January 1, 2026, initially mandatory in Kathmandu Valley and expanding nationwide by March 1. This system tracks foreign nationals' movements and links data with hotels, airlines, trekking agencies, banks, telecom providers, and related institutions to enhance national security related to tourism.

Archive: https://archive.fo/RWHQo

Summary:

Nepal is holding parliamentary elections on March 5, 2026, just five months after Generation Z-led protests sparked a political crisis and created opportunities for new political forces to challenge the traditional leaders. The youth-driven movement has reshaped the political landscape, with fresh faces like Balendra Shah (known as "Balen"), former mayor of Kathmandu, gaining prominence. If the Rastriya Swatantra Party wins, Shah is set to become prime minister through an internal agreement. The elections will test the strength of these emerging youth-led movements against the established political old guard.

Archive: https://archive.fo/8NQIo

Summary:

Nepal faced a sudden political upheaval in September 2025 triggered by student-led Gen-Z protests against the government, which resulted in 76 deaths and widespread unrest. The protests exposed weaknesses in party governance and accountability. The then-prime minister KP Sharma Oli resigned, and an interim government led by former chief justice Sushila Karki was formed with tasks including investigating the violence, reviewing corruption, and overseeing new elections.

Nepal's political system suffers from concentrated power in party leadership, with older leaders dominating and limited representation for the youth (43% of the population aged 16-40). Despite the turmoil, Nepal’s macroeconomic fundamentals remain strong: foreign exchange reserves are high (about 50% of GDP), balance of payments is in surplus, inflation is low, tourism is recovering, energy exports continue, and remittances surged by over 31%.

The interim government initiated reforms to attract foreign investment by easing business processes and relaxing foreign exchange laws. Nepal maintains good international relationships, with continued foreign aid and support despite global reductions.

The March 2026 elections are a critical opportunity for new leaders, including younger and reform-minded figures like Gagan Thapa (Nepali Congress) and Balen Shah (Rastriya Swatantra Party), to bring meaningful governance reforms addressing issues such as good governance, anti-corruption, and job creation. The political change could align with Nepal’s economic transformation if new leaders can deliver on reform promises.

Archive: https://archive.fo/iOoSd

Summary:

Tourist arrivals in Mustang, Nepal, surged significantly during the winter season of January 2026 compared to January 2025. According to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), 10,822 foreign tourists visited Mustang in January 2026, up from 4,346 the previous year, an increase of 6,476 visitors. Most tourists (10,045) came from SAARC countries, with 777 from other nations. Indian pilgrims visiting Muktinath Temple made up a large part of this increase. Mustang welcomed 161,142 foreign tourists in 2025, and ACAP estimates the number will rise to about 200,000 in 2026, highlighting Mustang's growing popularity as a year-round tourist destination.

Archive: https://archive.fo/WFG5i

Summary:

The article highlights the significant but often unrecognized contributions of Nepali women to the country's care economy through unpaid household and caregiving work. Women like Milan Gurung, Shobha Nepali, and Pramila Ram spend long hours cooking, cleaning, raising children, and managing household chores without any salary or formal recognition. Despite the physical toll and exhaustion, their labor supports families and the broader economy. According to data, women perform about 85% of unpaid care work in Nepal, contributing nearly 32% to the economy, yet this work is not counted in GDP or formally acknowledged. Activists and economists stress that care work is crucial for sustaining the labor force and economy but remains invisible due to social norms framing it as women's responsibility rather than economic labor.

Archive: https://archive.fo/lxFC4

Nepal will showcase its rich culinary heritage in Washington DC as part of the US–Nepal Gastronomy Exchange's return leg, following the first event held in November. Chef Rajeev Shrestha and Deependra Singh from Aloft Kathmandu Thamel will represent Nepal, presenting authentic Nepali cuisine that highlights indigenous ingredients and traditional flavors. The event aims to strengthen cultural ties between Nepal and the U.S. and promote Nepali cuisine globally through cultural and culinary diplomacy.

Archive: https://archive.fo/lxFC4

Summary:

Prime Minister Sushila Karki indicated that the upcoming elections scheduled for March 5, 2026, might be conducted in two phases. This is due to extreme cold weather conditions in mountainous districts that could make commuting and voting difficult. The government is prepared to hold the elections in a second phase if necessary, especially in remote areas where voters may need to be relocated to accessible locations.

Despite the possibility of two phases, the Prime Minister dismissed rumors about postponing the elections and confirmed that the polls will be held on the scheduled date. She also highlighted that even skeptical groups are participating, which shows government commitment to peaceful and enthusiastic electoral participation nationwide. The total election expenditure is estimated to be around Rs 30-32 billion.

Archive: https://archive.fo/BJRxQ

Summary:

Security agencies in Nepal have finalized preparations for the House of Representatives elections scheduled on March 5, 2026. The Nepali Army, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force are coordinating nationwide security plans, deploying nearly 240,000 personnel across three security rings in constituencies. About 89,000 soldiers from the Army and around 150,000 police personnel, including election police, will be mobilized. The Army will also conduct aerial and area patrols in key regions such as the eastern region, Kathmandu, central region, and Sudurpaschim. Security measures focus on protecting ballot boxes, candidates, voters, and polling officials. Training programs for election police have started, and security agencies urge voters to participate without fear.

Archive: https://archive.fo/4eQZ5

Summary:

An investigation by Nepal's Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) revealed a large-scale fraud involving fake helicopter rescues used to claim millions in insurance money. The scam involved trekking agencies, helicopter rescue companies, hospitals, and tourist guides colluding to falsely label regular or chartered flights as emergency medical evacuations. Tourists were pressured into unnecessary helicopter evacuations under false medical pretenses, and multiple insurance claims were made, sometimes billing several times for a single flight.

Six suspects linked to three companies—Mountain Rescue Service Pvt. Ltd., Nepal Charter Service, and Everest Experience Assistance Pvt. Ltd.—were arrested. These companies reportedly carried out at least 317 fake rescues between 2022 and 2025, generating nearly $19.7 million in fraudulent insurance claims. The fraud has led several insurance companies to suspend or reject payments, citing mounting losses.

The case involves charges of organized crime, fraud, forgery, and possible money laundering under Nepal’s criminal code. Authorities warn that such fraudulent practices damage Nepal’s reputation as a tourist destination and could jeopardize genuine rescue operations.

Older cases dating back to 2018 are harder to prove due to lack of documentation, but the issue has been ongoing for years. The government had previously recommended better monitoring, but enforcement challenges remain.

Archive: https://archive.fo/nm9qE

Summary:

Japan handed over the rehabilitated Chandra Nahar Irrigation System in Bhagni Maleth, Saptari district, Nepal, following a grant aid project worth JPY 2.256 billion (around NPR 2.05 billion). The handover took place on January 28, 2026, with officials from Nepal’s Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation (MoEWRI), the Japanese Embassy, and JICA present.

Originally built in 1927, the Chandra Nahar was Nepal's first modern irrigation system but had deteriorated significantly over nearly 95 years, reducing water flow by about 80% and risking structural failure. The rehabilitation involved repairing 32 critical structures along the main canal, including underpasses, drainage works, and bridges.

The upgraded system now reliably supplies water to approximately 11,000 hectares of farmland, benefiting around 35,000 farming households in eastern Terai. Officials highlighted the project’s historic significance linked to early 20th-century Nepal-Japan educational exchanges and stressed its contribution to improving agricultural productivity, water security, and sustainable community development in the region. JICA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nepal’s agriculture and water resource sectors for socio-economic growth.

Archive: https://archive.fo/1fqvw

Summary:

The Small, Cottage and Micro Industries Promotion Center (SCMIC) in Tripureshwor, Kathmandu, has announced entrepreneurship development training programs across all seven provinces of Nepal. The training courses include Montessori (early childhood education), barbering (hairdressing), basic beautician skills, and junior plumbing. Each training lasts for 390 hours and will be conducted in 20 batches per province. Interested Nepalese citizens from all 77 districts who meet the eligibility criteria can apply online within 15 days from the announcement date through the official portal (apply.mcsipc.gov.np). Detailed information about training locations and available seats per district is available on the website. The center has also provided contact details for assistance in case of any issues during the application process.

Archives:

https://archive.fo/bguyp

https://web.archive.org/web/20260126041510/https://www.ratopati.com/story/539965/want-to-take-training-from-montessori-to-plumbing-the-government-has-opened-applications-in-all-seven-provinces

Summary:

Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TU Teaching Hospital) in Kathmandu has halted services under the government health insurance scheme starting January 15, 2026, due to a funding dispute. The hospital claims it has not received about Rs400 million in dues from the Health Insurance Board and only around 50% of claims are approved, causing monthly losses of Rs20 million. Patients covered by the insurance scheme have been denied services despite some hospital officials stating that services would continue until January 14.

The Health Insurance Board said it has already paid Rs14 billion to health facilities, including Rs11 billion from the Health Ministry and Rs3 billion collected from the public, but still owes Rs10.5 billion to 500 facilities due to a funding shortfall. Approximately 10 million people are covered by the insurance, with about 50,000 daily using services.

Common reasons for claim rejections include missing doctor registration numbers and improper prescriptions or diagnostics. The insurance scheme covers families of five for Rs3,500 annually, granting up to Rs100,000 coverage per year; additional members require extra premiums. The government pays premiums for vulnerable groups and covers about 55% of enrollees.

Negotiations between TU Teaching Hospital and the Health Insurance Board are ongoing to resolve the issue.

Archives:

https://archive.fo/fUst7

https://web.archive.org/web/20260126035150/https://kathmandupost.com/health/2026/01/12/after-funding-dispute-tu-teaching-hospital-halts-services-under-government-health-insurance

Summary:

The National Assembly elections in Nepal concluded peacefully on January 25, 2026, with a high voter turnout of 95.68% nationwide, according to the Election Commission (EC). Voting took place from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm across all seven provinces to fill 17 of the 18 seats in the Upper House of the federal parliament, with one seat already filled unopposed. A total of 1,924 out of 2,011 eligible voters cast their ballots. Turnout by province included Koshi (345/360), Madhesh (341/364), Bagmati (318/338), Lumbini (286/299), Gandaki (223/228), Karnali (191/198), and Sudurpaschim (220/224). The EC thanked political parties, candidates, and stakeholders for their cooperation. Vote counting will occur at Election Commission offices. Sunil Bahadur Thapa of the Nepali Congress was elected unopposed for the Khas Arya category seat in Koshi Province.

Archive: https://archive.fo/stcI6

Summary:

Nepal has signed a landmark agreement with the LEAF Coalition to receive up to $55 million in climate finance, making it the first Asian country to access LEAF funding. The deal recognizes Nepal’s success in reducing deforestation and expanding forest cover, which now accounts for 46% of the country's land area. The LEAF Coalition is a global public-private initiative supported by major companies and governments including Norway, the UK, the US, and South Korea.

Under this agreement, Nepal will offer high-integrity forest carbon credits to private sector buyers, which can be used for compliance with schemes like Singapore’s Carbon Tax and CORSIA. The deal supports Nepal’s jurisdictional REDD+ program, which focuses on community-based forest management and sustainable resource use.

The agreement provides a purchase guarantee for an initial one million emissions reductions/removals credits, with potential for more depending on credit issuance. The funding will reward local communities, Indigenous Peoples, and forest user groups who have contributed to forest conservation efforts. Officials from Nepal, the LEAF Coalition, and partner countries praised the deal as a major step forward in combating deforestation and promoting sustainable forest management.

Archives:

https://archive.fo/7cgn6

https://web.archive.org/web/20260124140552/https://kathmandupost.com/national/2026/01/24/nepal-signs-leaf-coalition-deal-that-could-bring-up-to-55-million-in-climate-finance