May 21, 2024

Two major scandals surfaced in December; the first involved Axiata’s sale of its 80 percent  equity stake in Ncell to a British company at a suspiciously low price, and the second was  Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP) chief Rabi Lamichhane’s alleged involvement in irregularities  in Sudarshan and Sahara cooperatives. While the former attracted speculations of high-level  political involvement, the latter incriminated a top political leader directly. The end of the  month saw a rather unfortunate death of two protestors after the police shot at a demonstration  by Korean language test candidates in Balkumari, which had escalated after a minister’s vehicle  was torched. Politically, the major parties appear to be converging towards an agreement—to  share the 19 seats up for grabs— as the National Assembly (NA) election comes closer. 
 

May 20, 2024

A key feature of October was the political discourse and debates around the perceived political and economic crisis. As questions about government stability swirled, internal party rifts within the ruling coalition affected broader political arrangements, for example, government formation in Koshi Province. The struggle to form a new government in Koshi and provide stability showed differences among and within political parties.

Mar 22, 2024

In the past month, three major trends in politics were UML’s opposition politics, a political movement to restore the monarchy, and efforts to sustain the current coalition regime. The three largest political parties are unified in their opposition to what they call “regressive” attempts to restore the monarchy.
 

May 21, 2024

The growing resentment among Chief Ministers of provinces ended with the release of a nine point joint paper for the implementation of federalism. Political parties are divided over the  practice of federalism in Nepal. After the UML provincial convention in September 2023, the  Nepali Congress held its provincial conference in Lumbini, Gandaki, and Madesh provinces in  December. 
 

May 20, 2024

On October 14th, Kedar Karki became the Chief Minister of Koshi Province, the fifth in nine months. Provincial governments still lack the necessary bills for smooth functioning, and unwanted political pressure has paralyzed provincial activities. The Federal Education Bill became a topic of concern in Parliament, with parliamentarians dissatisfied with the provisions in the bill. The UML Provincial Convention also reflected intraparty struggle within the UML.

Mar 22, 2024

Koshi Province is once again in turmoil after the Chief Minister decided to appoint ministers from parties outside the ruling coalition. Provinces are not happy at the pace in which devolution of power is taking place. The federal government has stalled on critical legislations required to hand over more power to the provinces.
 

May 21, 2024

The economic struggle driving Nepali citizens to foreign military engagement, particularly in  the Russia-Ukraine conflict, has raised concerns, with seven reported deaths and over 200  individuals still serving in Russian forces. Despite government efforts, the involvement persists  through unconventional paths. On a positive note, Nepal and Sri Lanka strengthen ties through  the Joint Commission, fostering collaboration across various sectors. The tourism industry's  positive rebound, marked by nearly one million visitors and a diverse global presence,  highlights its potential as a diplomatic tool, emphasizing the need for infrastructure  enhancement. However, as experts suggest, the preference for roads over railways brings  attention to strategic shifts in infrastructure development. 

May 20, 2024

In October, concerns over pre-existing mini-projects within Nepal's Belt and Road Forum document highlighted the need for BRI transparency. Nepal's UN vote for a West Asia humanitarian truce prioritized global peace and citizen safety, while UN Secretary-General Guterres' visit showcased Nepal's strategic importance in climate leadership and diplomacy. Bilateral visits between Nepal and the US strengthened ties, emphasizing the significance of the MCC partnership.

Mar 22, 2024

Nepali citizens are being recruited as soldiers abroad, notably in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The death of six soldiers recently raised concerns about national security and highlighted the diplomatic complexities of repatriation of the bodies. Another critical issues that demanded attention was the capture and detention of Mr. Bipin Joshi was held hostage by Hamas. On a positive note, there was some progress in resolving border disputes and enhancing security cooperation with India.
 

May 21, 2024

The recent increase in the gold smuggling incidents through Tribhuvan International Airport  (TIA) has hinted Nepal to be the transit hub for the illegal trades. The Earthquake affected in  Jajarkot are still in fiasco as there has been delay in the distribution of relief grants. COVID 19 pandemic hit Sudurpaschim Province, brought by Nepali workers from India where  pandemic has resurged.  
 

May 20, 2024

Mar 22, 2024

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda spoke about the climate crisis in the Conference of Parties on Climate Change (COP28) held in Dubai. The Nepali Embassy in Moscow confirmed the death of several Nepali Youths who were serving in the Russia-Ukraine war. Similarly, several earthquake victims have died from cold in Karnali Province.
 

May 21, 2024

Nepal appoints its very first female foreign Secretary, Sewa Lamsal paving a route for  involvement of women in Nepal’s diplomacy at a higher level. The court gives a sentence of  life imprisonment for 24 guilty individuals related to the murder case of Nabraj bk and his friends setting a great example of caste based inclusion. Nepal will be hosting an international  tourism conference for gender and caste based minorities from all over the world. The  Kathmandu District court convicts Sandeep Lamichhane of rape after constant postponing of  the hearings.
 

May 20, 2024

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres visited Nepal in October 2023 and urged the country to adopt a transitional justice system that meets international standards and to expedite the peace process. The government took a proactive step by deploying heavy security in Sarlahi during the Durga Visarjan festival, following a riot in September that sparked religious disharmony in Terai-Madhes. It is hoped that the government's measures will be sufficient to prevent further violence, as the politicization of communal issues has the potential to escalate the situation. The presidential pardon to Yog Raj Dhakal was overturned by the Supreme Court setting precedence for other similar cases.

Mar 22, 2024

Nepal made history as the first South Asian country to register same sex marriage. Ruksana Kapali, a trans Nepali woman was felicitated among the BBC 100 influential women. Nepal decided to ban TikTok in order to safeguard social harmony and prevent violence. A ward chairperson in Kaski was found guilty of caste-based discrimination and was sentenced to jail. A 16-day campaign was launched to raise awareness against gender-based violence.
 

May 21, 2024

In the fiscal year 2023/24 first quarter monetary policy review, the NRB lowered bank and  policy rates to stimulate borrowing, aiming to expand the economy. Real estate loan  adjustments aim to revitalise the sector, while eased regulations aid earthquake-affected  families in house reconstruction. Axiata's exit from Nepal by selling Ncell's shares to Spectrlite  UK Limited has stirred controversy amid suspicions of tax evasion. India's ban on onion  exports led Nepal to import from China, highlighting Nepal's reliance on Indian onions.
 

May 20, 2024

In October, remittance inflows surged by 22.1% reaching NPR 228.37 billion. New regulations requires hydropower companies to guarantee their capital and investment loans when obtaining licenses for hydropower projects. Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) allows IPO issuing through book building. 

Mar 22, 2024

The government formed a high-level dialogue council involving the private sector to find options to revive the sluggish economy. The House of Representatives Finance Committee's recent decision to proceed with the licensing process of a new stock exchange has revived the debate over the need for a new exchange and possible kickbacks influencing policy decisions. The abrupt departure of Axiata Group from Ncell, attributing it to a decline in revenue, has triggered further controversy.
 

Jul 23, 2024

Jul 23, 2024

Jul 23, 2024