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:

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