Summary:
On July 8, 2025, a massive glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) hit Nepal’s Rasuwa district near the Nepal-China border, causing severe damage and loss of life. The flood swept away parts of a key border highway, killed seven people (including six Chinese workers), and caused an estimated $100 million in losses. The event disrupted trade and tourism, with a major border crossing closed and local businesses affected.

What Happened?

• A glacial lake formed in March 2025 about 35 km upstream inside Chinese territory rapidly expanded and then burst on July 7.
• The sudden release of water flooded downstream areas, sweeping away infrastructure, vehicles, and camps.
• Scientists attribute the event to climate change-driven warming, which is accelerating glacier melt and increasing the number and size of glacial lakes.

Why Is This Happening?

• The Himalayas are warming faster than many other regions (0.42°C per decade between 2008–2018).
• Nepal’s glaciers are shrinking; the number of glacial lakes has increased by 154% since 1977.
• Many lakes pose high risk of bursting, threatening millions downstream.

Past Incidents & Future Risks

• Similar GLOFs occurred recently in Nepal: - May 2025 in Humla district displaced 20 families.

• August 2024 in Thame village destroyed homes.

• 2021 flood killed 24 people in Sindhupalchok district.

• Experts warn these events will become more frequent and intense.

• ICIMOD and local scientists emphasize urgent need for monitoring and disaster preparedness.

This “Himalayan tsunami” is a stark warning of the increasing danger posed by climate change in mountain regions, with serious implications for Nepal and neighboring countries.

Archive: https://archive.md/MBW2z

Universities Operate from the Prime Minister’s Residence

Summary:
The article from Nagarik News highlights the ongoing issue where Nepal's universities hold their key meetings and budget approvals at the Prime Minister's residence in Baluwatar, rather than on their own campuses.

Key points:

• The Prime Minister is the formal chancellor of all universities and institutions, but his busy schedule means university officials often have to go to Baluwatar to get their policies, programs, and budgets approved.
• In the recent fiscal year, nine universities and one institution have attended meetings at the Prime Minister's residence to get their budgets and plans passed.
• This practice is criticized by academics as undermining university autonomy and academic dignity. Experts say universities should be self-governing institutions where decisions are made internally.
• For example, Tribhuvan University, Nepal's oldest and most prestigious university, held its 14th meeting at Baluwatar, approving a budget of over NPR 2.8 billion. However, only a limited number of senate members were called, excluding student union leaders, which weakened the legitimacy of the meeting.
• Former university officials argue that the chancellor's role should be symbolic, offering guidance but not running university affairs from the Prime Minister’s office.
• They urge that universities should have autonomous governance with internal leadership managing meetings and decisions without government interference.
• Overall, the article suggests that this trend reflects growing political interference in academic institutions and calls for reform so that universities regain their independent status and hold meetings on campus.

In short: Nepalese universities are increasingly dependent on the Prime Minister’s office for administrative approvals, which experts say damages academic independence and university dignity. They recommend shifting back to autonomous governance within the universities themselves.

Archive: https://archive.md/iRbIB

Sustainable Development Goals Progress Slow

Summary:

The United Nations released the "Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Progress Report 2025," marking the 10th annual assessment since the 2030 Agenda adoption. The report praises improvements in health, education, energy access, and digital connectivity, which have enhanced millions of lives globally. However, progress toward the 2030 targets is slow:

• Only 35% of the SDGs are on track with moderate progress.
• Nearly half of the goals are advancing very slowly.
• 18% of targets have regressed compared to original plans.

Key achievements include a 40% reduction in new HIV infections since 2010, significant malaria prevention efforts saving over 127 million lives since 2000, expanded social protection coverage to over half the global population, increased school enrollment by 110 million children since 2015, declines in child marriage, increased female parliamentary representation, and electricity access for 92% of the world by 2023. Internet use has also grown from 40% in 2015 to 68% in 2024, boosting education, jobs, and civic engagement. Conservation efforts have doubled, aiding biodiversity.

Despite these gains, serious challenges persist:

• Around 800 million people still live in extreme poverty.
• Billions lack access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene.
• 2024 was the hottest year on record due to climate change.
• Conflict caused about 50,000 deaths and displaced 12 million people.
• Over 112 million live in inadequate housing or informal settlements.
• Official development assistance dropped by 7.1% in 2024 and may decline further in 2025.

The report calls for urgent action across six priority areas: food systems, energy access, digital transformation, education, employment, social protection, climate, and biodiversity. The next five years are critical for achieving the SDGs by 2030. UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the situation as a "global development emergency," emphasizing that no country can tackle these interconnected challenges alone. The SDGs represent a shared commitment and responsibility for all humanity. Though progress is slow, immediate, unified, and determined efforts can still realize the goals. The report stresses that sustainable development is not optional but an essential duty to current and future generations.

Archive: https://archive.md/3OIGU

Summary:

The Madhesh Province in Nepal is facing a severe drinking water shortage due to prolonged drought and depleted groundwater, causing traditional sources like tube wells and hand pumps to dry up. In response, the provincial government has deployed eight fire engines, along with additional tankers from the Nepal Army and Forest Office, to deliver water to the hardest-hit districts, including Bara and Parsa. These fire engines, each with a 5,000-liter capacity, operate 24 hours a day under coordination with the Nepal Army. The government is covering fuel and logistical costs and is also coordinating with the federal government for further support. The crisis stems from inadequate rainfall during the monsoon season, leading to an acute water shortage in the province.

Archive; https://archive.md/YsVPO

Summary:

• Ram Pukar Sah, the mayor of Kalyanpur Municipality in Siraha district, was caught and detained by the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) while accepting a bribe of Rs 100,000 at the municipal office.
• Sah had demanded a 20% commission from a consumer committee responsible for overseeing a drainage project worth Rs 2 million.
• When the committee refused to pay, Sah withheld the project cheque.
• After a week of negotiation, Sah agreed to release the cheque only after receiving Rs 100,000 in advance, with the rest to be paid after clearance of the cheque.
• CIAA Bardibas chief Ram Bahadur Kurumbang confirmed that a detailed investigation is ongoing.

Archive: https://archive.md/5C462

Summary:
The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police has formed a special committee to investigate suspected human trafficking involving people who traveled to Spain under the pretext of attending a United Nations conference. The panel is led by Senior Superintendent Police Hobindra Bogati and includes investigators from the Bureau of Human Trafficking Transportation Control. The investigation was prompted by concerns that an organized network may be using government channels to smuggle people into Europe, with reports indicating that around 82 individuals traveled to Spain claiming to be conference participants, and an additional 55 were stopped at Tribhuvan International Airport.

The investigation follows the recent visit of a 21-member official Nepali delegation led by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville, Spain. The probe aims to determine if any government officials were complicit in facilitating unauthorized travel using forged documents and unofficial channels. Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has directed authorities to scrutinize the allegations, and opposition lawmakers have raised concerns in Parliament. The committee is expected to submit its report soon after completing the inquiry.

Key points:

• CIB formed a special panel to investigate suspected human trafficking linked to a UN conference in Spain.
• Around 82 suspicious travelers claimed to attend the conference; 55 were stopped at the airport.
• Possible use of forged documents and unofficial routes to enter Europe.
• Investigation includes examining potential government complicity.
• The case has drawn public and political attention in Nepal.

Archive: https://archive.md/vKra1

Reflection of three families affected by the maoist revolution and government oppression at the time, left behind with broken promises and broken families.

"उज्यालो समय कैद भएको अँध्यारो कोठाभित्र उदासी मिसिएको अनौठो मौनता छ । क्रान्तिको राजधानीको एउटा कुनामा रक्तिम सपनाहरुको अवसान छ । "

Translation:

"There is a strange silence mixed with sadness inside the dark room where bright times are imprisoned. In a corner of the revolutionary capital, there is the end of crimson dreams."

Summary:
Minister Rajkumar Gupta, Federal Affairs and General Administration Minister of Nepal, resigned on July 15, 2025, following a leaked audio clip alleging his involvement in a bribery scandal. The audio reportedly reveals a deal involving Rs7.8 million for political appointments and transfer of a government official in Kaski district. Gupta denied wrongdoing, calling himself a victim of technology misuse and submitted his resignation to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

Despite calls for dismissal, Gupta attended the Cabinet meeting on July 14, where the issue was not raised, and no immediate action was taken. The Prime Minister summoned Gupta for clarification but did not make an immediate decision. However, the Prime Minister reportedly instructed Gupta to resign within 24 hours.

The scandal has heightened tensions within the ruling coalition, with coalition partners discussing power-sharing arrangements. Gupta’s resignation raises questions about potential cabinet reshuffles and ongoing coalition dynamics.

Key points:

• Leaked audio alleges Rs7.8 million bribery for political postings.
• Gupta denies charges, calls for investigation.
• Resignation submitted but not directly handed to PM; submitted via secretariat.
• PM Oli asked for resignation within 24 hours.
• Coalition tensions increased amid the scandal.
• Discussions about cabinet reshuffle and power-sharing underway.

Archive: https://archive.is/gOMnj

Summary:

• Finland’s government provides every pregnant woman with a “Finnish Baby Box” containing essential items for infants and new mothers.
• Rewati Gurung, a 37-year-old social researcher from Nepal, learned about this scheme in 2016.
• Inspired by the idea, she wanted to introduce a similar concept in Nepal to support Nepali mothers.
• Gurung researched the best materials to include, such as maternity garments, to create a baby box tailored for Nepal.
• The article highlights her journey and efforts in starting an infant clothing brand, Kokroma, aimed at providing quality baby products in Nepal.

Archive: https://archive.md/o7VH5

Summary:

• Nepal's Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has ordered an urgent investigation into allegations that some Nepalis who traveled to Spain purportedly to participate in an international event alongside Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli did not return to Nepal.
• The probe aims to identify those individuals beyond the official delegation, understand the process of their travel, and uncover how their visas were arranged.
• Opposition parties have pressured the government, suspecting that officials may be involved in trafficking people under the guise of attending the event.
• The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and Anti-Human Trafficking Bureau have been tasked with leading the investigation.
• Prime Minister Oli visited Spain from June 28 to attend the Fourth International Conference on Financing Development (FFD4) from June 30 to July 3, leading a 21-member official delegation.
• Some individuals who traveled with the delegation reportedly remain unaccounted for and are suspected to have fled to European countries, possibly using forged documents through non-governmental channels.
• Immigration officials confirmed many people received visas to attend the program but are uncertain if all returned.
• Opposition lawmakers raised this issue in Parliament, demanding clarity and accountability.
• PM Oli dismissed the accusations as propaganda aimed at criticizing him.

Archive: https://archive.md/6PXgM

Summary:
In Nepal, pressure groups like doctors, teachers, police, and transport operators are increasingly influencing the lawmaking process, often bending laws to serve their interests. A recent example involves the Nepal Medical Association protesting against penalties imposed by the Consumer Court on doctors and hospitals for negligence. Their agitation forced the government to agree to amend the Consumer Protection Act in their favor.

This is not an isolated case. Similar pressure from doctors led to amendments in the criminal code in 2018. Public transport operators recently pressured authorities to halt a ride-hailing policy despite court approval. Police unions have stalled the Nepal Police Act amendment to protect their interests, and the Teachers’ Federation has influenced the delay of the School Education Bill.

Experts highlight this trend as an intrusion on parliamentary authority. Senior advocate Radheshyam Adhikari says that the political leadership lacks the moral strength to resist these pressures, weakening legislative sovereignty. Former law professor Ganesh Datta Bhatta points out that while lobbying is natural, laws should not be constantly revised under pressure. He also notes poor consultation during lawmaking leaves stakeholders feeling excluded, prompting them to exert pressure afterward.

Overall, the article warns that such interference undermines democracy, weakens parliament's role, and leads to laws that are poorly implemented or manipulated by interest groups.

Archive: https://archive.md/8xjX9

Summary:

Tilaurakot, the ancient capital of the Shakya kingdom and childhood home of Siddhartha Gautam (Buddha), failed to get inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris.

• Despite years of detailed archaeological research and documentation, the proposal was deferred following the recommendation of ICOMOS (UNESCO’s advisory body on cultural heritage).
• No member country supported Nepal’s nomination or proposed amendments during the committee discussions, highlighting Nepal’s weak diplomatic efforts.
• India’s reservations played a significant role, as it promotes Piprahwa Ganwaria (near Siddharthnagar, Uttar Pradesh) as the Shakya capital instead of Tilaurakot.
• Experts suggest a joint trans-boundary nomination involving India could improve chances, similar to other successful UNESCO sites shared by countries.
• Archaeological evidence at Tilaurakot includes a walled settlement dating back to the 8th century BCE, artifacts, ancient coins, and structural remains matching descriptions by Chinese pilgrims Faxian and Xuanzang.
• Nepal had placed Tilaurakot on the tentative list since 1996; previous attempts also failed.
• The failure is seen as a diplomatic setback rather than a reflection on the site's historical and archaeological value.
• Experts and officials emphasize persistence and improved international coordination for future nominations.

Archive: https://archive.is/MgNrm

Summary:
A 28-year-old woman named Kamala Aauji Damai from Krishnapur Municipality, Kanchanpur district, died after being bitten by a snake while staying in a menstrual shed (chhaugoth). She was bitten Friday night and taken to Seti Provincial Hospital in Dhangadhi but died the following evening.

The incident highlights the ongoing practice of chhaupadi in far-western Nepal’s Sudurpaschim Province, where menstruating women are forced to live separately in sheds or huts due to social stigma and superstition, despite it being illegal since 2017. The law criminalizes this practice with penalties, but enforcement is weak.

Local authorities have tried to dismantle these huts, demolishing about 60 last year, but people continue to rebuild them. Awareness campaigns alone have not been enough to stop this harmful tradition. In this case, despite living in a concrete house, the woman built a separate shed for menstruation and went there alone when the snakebite occurred.

Archive: https://archive.md/gLiwU

Summary:

• The government of Nepal has drafted a new law to address conflicts of interest among public officials amid widespread criticism of officials engaging in activities that conflict with their duties.
• The draft bill mandates that public officials must recuse themselves from decision-making processes where there is a conflict of interest.
• Officials must submit written declarations upon appointment, nomination, or election, stating they have no conflicting interests related to their workplace.
• The law covers a wide range of public positions, including the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Chief Justice, Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House, judges, lawmakers, ministers, constitutional body office bearers, local elected officials, and government employees.
• Though some laws exist separately on conflicts of interest and public procurement, Nepal currently lacks an integrated law on this issue. The Supreme Court has also directed the government to create such legislation.
• The bill prohibits appointments, transfers, or postings involving officials with conflicts of interest and requires awareness among officials about potential conflicts.
• If a conflict arises in decision-making within a ministry, another official may be assigned to decide. Similarly, for constitutional bodies, decisions can be delegated to another official.
• The bill also limits unauthorized meetings and correspondence between public officials and foreign individuals or entities. Unauthorized acceptance of benefits from foreigners or foreign governments is banned.
• Receiving foreign aid or support without authorization is prohibited and such actions would be invalidated.
• The law imposes strict penalties for accepting support or gifts beyond a specified limit, including confiscation and barring officials from office for a period.
• Gifts received in an official capacity must be registered with the relevant public body.
• Violations may lead to fines, confiscation of benefits, and other legal consequences.
• The bill is in the final stages of Cabinet approval before being presented to Parliament for endorsement.

This new legislation aims to bring transparency and integrity to public service by systematically addressing conflicts of interest and restricting undue influence.

Archive: https://archive.is/OCoEh

Summary:
Nepali students from Team Gautam Buddha achieved second place at the AI Good – Robotics Good Youth Challenge 2025 held in Geneva, Switzerland. This global competition, part of the AI Good Global Summit, involved 500 teams and 7,000 participants from 25 countries. The team's robotics solution addressed real-world problems aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), finishing just five points behind the winning team from Venezuela.

Team Gautam Buddha was formed after a national competition organized by Robotics Association Nepal (RAN) in May 2025, where four students from United School, KMC School, and Samriddhi School were selected. The team also secured third place in a parallel category, marking a dual achievement for Nepal.

The success was supported by mentors Santosh Thapa Magar, Rishav Raj, and Kiran Khatri, as well as backing from 50 individuals and 10 educational institutions including United Academy Group, Trinity College, Kathmandu Engineering College, and others. The Nepal Ministry of Communication and Information Technology and the Embassy of Switzerland in Nepal also played key roles.

Additionally, Nepal’s senior team, Team Sagarmatha, reached the finals in the senior category, highlighting the growing capabilities of Nepali youth in science and technology. The Robotics Good Youth Challenge is a UN-endorsed initiative encouraging young innovators to develop AI and robotics solutions to solve critical global issues.

Archive: https://archive.md/yA85W

Summary:
Key Information:

Prabesh Thapa Chettri

• Former University of Louisiana Monroe student from Nepal
• Detained by ICE since February 18, 2025 (over five months)
• Arrested after an argument with his wife; visa expired September 2024 due to inability to pay tuition
• In the process of applying for a green card via an I-130 petition filed by his wife, AbiGayle Grace Russell (a U.S. citizen) in April 2025
• Has no criminal record and feels out of place being detained with criminals
• Reports harsh conditions in detention, including a pepper spray incident that affected many detainees severely

AbiGayle Grace Russell

• U.S. citizen, wife of Thapa Chettri
• Has spent $3,000 on phone calls to stay in touch
• Using social media to connect Thapa Chettri with his family in Nepal
• Running a GoFundMe for legal fees
• In contact with Senator Bill Cassidy regarding Thapa Chettri’s case
• Husband’s merits hearing scheduled for July 18, 2025

Conditions at Central Louisiana ICE Processing Center:

• One of the largest immigration detention centers in the U.S.; Louisiana is the second-largest state for immigration detention after Texas
• Operated by GEO Group, a private prison company contracted by ICE
• Multiple reports of inhumane conditions, abuse, neglect, and deaths between 2016-2023
• GEO Group denies allegations of mistreatment
• Thapa Chettri described an incident where guards pepper sprayed the entire dormitory, causing severe suffering, fainting, and foaming at the mouth for some detainees

Broader Context:

• President Donald Trump’s administration launched aggressive immigration crackdowns, detaining immigrants with expired visas and even some with valid documentation
• This has led to widespread fear and uncertainty among immigrants, including green card holders and applicants
• Cases like Mahmoud Khalil’s also highlight challenges faced at this detention center

Next Steps:

• Thapa Chettri’s merits hearing on July 18, 2025
• Ongoing legal efforts supported by his wife and advocacy groups

Archive: https://archive.md/3KE0d

State’s 44 Crore Investment Goes to Waste on Daroudi Water Project in Prachanda’s Constituency

Summary:

• The Daroudi Lifting Drinking Water Project in Gorkha Municipality, which cost around NPR 44 crore, was designed to provide clean and sufficient drinking water to thousands of residents across more than six wards (3,4,5,6,7,8). The project aimed to pump water from the Daroudi River to elevated tanks and distribute it 24/7.

• Despite being completed in Chaitra 2078 (March-April 2022), the project has been non-functional for over three years and has failed to deliver even a drop of water. Structures and equipment have become dilapidated, with tanks covered in debris and mud, motors rusting or broken, and electrical panels damaged.

• Initial operation lasted only about three months before stopping due to unpaid electricity bills. Political disputes, mismanagement, and lack of accountability have contributed to the project's failure.

• The project lies within Gorkha-2, the electoral area of Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, a former prime minister and current opposition leader. Locals express frustration over leadership’s neglect despite his high political stature.

• The water management committee formed after construction faced allegations of fund misappropriation and lack of transparency. Conflicts between local consumer groups and municipal authorities further stalled operations.

• In Magh 2081 (January-February 2025), responsibility was transferred to the Gorkha Municipality Water Supply and Sanitation Management Board, chaired by the municipal mayor Krishna Bahadur Rana Magar. The board plans to restart operations, with some budget allocated for electricity payments and maintenance.

• Local consumer groups have expressed willingness to buy water at scientific prices if the system operates properly.

• Despite renewed efforts by the municipality, locals remain skeptical due to past disappointments. Without coordinated action free from political interests, the huge investment risks remaining unused, leaving residents thirsty for years to come.

Archive: https://archive.md/sFm7a

The factor behind Bhotekoshi flood: Glacier lake outburst

Summarry:
On July 8, 2025, a flood occurred in the Bhotekoshi River flowing through Rasuwa Gadhi, Nepal, caused by the bursting of a supraglacial lake (a lake formed on the surface of a glacier) on the Purepu glacier approximately 36 km north of the Nepal-China border near Rasuwa Gadhi.

Preliminary reports from Nepal's Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, based on Sentinel-2 satellite images from the Copernicus data ecosystem, along with studies by international scientists including Nepali experts at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and Chinese Academy of Sciences, confirmed the lake's expansion and sudden outburst.

Key findings:

• The supraglacial lake expanded rapidly from March 25 to early July 2025, merging into a large lake on July 7.
• On July 8, the day of the outburst, the lake’s area suddenly decreased as water was released, triggering the flood downstream.
• Climate change and rising temperatures over recent decades have contributed to the formation and expansion of such glacier lakes.
• The affected area has experienced similar glacier lake outbursts before, and there is a risk of recurrence within this year due to remaining water in the lake basin.
• Currently, no early warning system is established for this area.

The flood damaged more than 10 hydropower projects in Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts.

Further ground-based reports from China and additional satellite data will help confirm and update findings. Continuous monitoring and timely information dissemination are planned by Nepal's Department of Hydrology and Meteorology.

Archive: https://archive.md/b5QOs

Summary:
The government of Nepal withdrew a controversial land bill titled “Bill amend Nepal acts related land, 2025” from the House of Representatives agenda on July 9, 2025, after strong opposition from major political parties, including the ruling Nepali Congress. The bill faced criticism for potential misuse and lack of adequate consultation.

Key points:

• The bill was initially set for clause-wise discussion in the House but was removed due to objections from senior Congress leaders who demanded amendments and consensus-building before presentation.
• Congress General Secretary Bishwa Prakash Sharma opposed the bill being tabled directly in the House plenary without proper groundwork.
• Congress leaders had already submitted amendment proposals, but the government proceeded to include the bill in the tentative agenda based on assurances that further consultations would happen.
• After realizing broader discussions were still necessary, the government withdrew the bill.
• Congress lawmakers pointed out ambiguities and potential loopholes in the bill that could be exploited by land mafias and misused for real estate development.
• The bill aimed to simplify land ownership transfers, especially for landless groups, squatters, and unmanaged settlers, but lacked clear legal provisions to prevent abuse.
• Other parties like Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal and Rastriya Swatantra Party also submitted amendments.
• Around 55 members of Parliament from both ruling and opposition parties have proposed amendments concerning the bill.
• The government had introduced similar provisions earlier via ordinances that failed to gain support in the National Assembly.

In summary, due to widespread concerns and the need for more consensus and clarity, the government pulled back the controversial land bill from the parliamentary agenda.

Archive: https://archive.md/3B4Vh

Summary:
India’s growing influence in South Asia is marked by a troubling trend of coercive diplomacy rather than cooperative regionalism. New Delhi is manipulating historical treaties, reviving dormant disputes, and politicizing border and water conflicts to assert dominance in the region.

• Katchatheevu Dispute: India has revived the settled dispute over Katchatheevu Island with Sri Lanka, driven largely by domestic electoral politics, especially from Tamil Nadu's political parties. The 1974 maritime agreement that settled the issue is being challenged, fueled by nationalist rhetoric. Indian fishermen frequently violate maritime boundaries, escalating tensions.

• Nepal: India unilaterally constructed a road in the disputed Lipulekh region, sparking a diplomatic crisis as Nepal claimed sovereignty and released a new political map. India refused bilateral talks and instead used military and cartographic means to assert its claim.

• Bangladesh: The long-pending Teesta River water-sharing agreement remains stalled by India, despite Bangladesh’s repeated calls for fair distribution. Border tensions continue with accusations against India’s Border Security Force for using lethal force on Bangladeshi civilians. India uses water as a geopolitical weapon by delaying treaties and violating agreements.

• China Border (LAC): India’s militarization and aggressive posturing along the Line of Actual Control with China contributed to clashes like the deadly Galwan Valley incident in 2020. India’s opacity about dam projects on the Brahmaputra River adds to regional mistrust.

• Pakistan: India’s hydropower projects on rivers governed by the Indus Waters Treaty violate the treaty. India blocks neutral arbitration mechanisms, undermining legally binding agreements and turning water into a geopolitical tool.

• Bhutan and Maldives: India’s influence takes different forms—massive hydropower investments in Bhutan create dependency concerns, while in Maldives, Indian military presence is seen by locals as an occupation rather than cooperation.

Overall, India’s actions suggest a desire to lead and dominate South Asia through coercion—reviving disputes, militarizing borders, delaying water agreements, and entrenching military presence in smaller states. This approach undermines regional peace, violates neighbors' sovereignty, stokes nationalism, and erodes prospects for collective development. The article argues that if India truly seeks regional stability and leadership, it must abandon provocations and engage neighbors in good faith.

Archive: https://archive.md/vYivG

Summary:

• Sri Lanka’s Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development, Sunil Handunneththi, held talks with Nepal’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Dr. Purna Bahadur.
• The meeting aimed to strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries.
• Discussions covered current political, economic, and social developments in both Sri Lanka and Nepal.
• Ambassador Bahadur emphasized the importance of establishing a Sri Lanka–Nepal Business Council to boost and expand bilateral trade relations.
• Minister Handunneththi briefed the ambassador on Sri Lanka’s trade engagements both regionally and beyond, including with China.
• They discussed the potential for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Sri Lanka and Nepal, focusing on goods such as gems and jewellery, mineral sands, phosphate, rice, sugar, and garments.
• An invitation was extended to Nepalese buyers to participate in the upcoming “Ratnapura International Gem Exhibition” scheduled for August.

The article highlights ongoing efforts to deepen economic cooperation between Sri Lanka and Nepal through trade agreements and business collaboration.

Archive: https://archive.md/p2OYY

Summary:
The US Embassy in Kathmandu has introduced a new requirement for applicants of F, M, and J category non-immigrant visas (which cover international students, vocational trainees, and exchange program participants). Effective immediately, applicants must disclose their social media usernames and handles used over the past five years when filling out the DS-160 visa application form.

Previously, on June 26, the embassy asked these applicants to make their personal social media accounts public to assist the vetting process. Now, providing accurate and truthful social media information is mandatory. Failure to include this information may lead to visa denial or affect eligibility for future visas.

The embassy emphasized that every visa decision is tied to national security, highlighting the importance of this new step in the vetting process.

Archive: https://archive.md/WZfEj

Patients with 8 Types of Health Problems to Receive NPR 200,000 from Shrawan 1

Summary:
Starting from Shrawan 1 (mid-July), patients suffering from eight specific severe health conditions in Nepal will be eligible to receive financial support of up to NPR 200,000 for medical treatment. This decision was announced by the Health and Population Minister Pradeep Paudel. The eight health problems covered under this program include:

1. Cancer
2. Heart disease
3. Kidney disease
4. Head injury
5. Spinal injury
6. Sickle cell anemia
7. Parkinson’s disease
8. Alzheimer’s disease

This initiative aims to help those who face difficulties covering treatment costs due to severe illnesses. The support is provided through the government’s health insurance program, which is being further improved to increase accessibility for the general public.

The program is set to start from Shrawan 1, 2082 (around mid-July 2025).

Archive: https://archive.md/DtkX0

Asare Bikas: Haphazard Development Work During Rainy Season (Photos)

Summary:
As the fiscal year is about to end and the monsoon has started, various road excavation and drainage construction works are progressing rapidly in different areas of Kathmandu. The Urban Development and Building Office is currently carrying out drainage construction work in Gaurighat, closing the road completely. This work is expected to take more than 15 days. Additionally, the replacement of footpath tiles is underway, which is creating difficulties for pedestrians due to the onset of rains.

Meanwhile, Nepal Electricity Authority has started underground cable work in various locations with the start of the rainy season. On Jamal's main road, this underground cable work is causing traffic disruptions. Since the excavated trenches are only partially refilled with soil, potholes remain, making it difficult for vehicles to pass. When it rains, the roads become slippery due to soil erosion.

Many roads being build or repaired are already falling apart. There is a systematic problem with the bureaucracy using the monsoon season of the year to accelerate development work. But for the public, It rather seems they're pouring money without proper longevity planning to rack up their own pockets every year, where rain ruins everything they've built in weeks or months. The same cycle happen the following year.

In summary, ongoing infrastructure works in Kathmandu during the early monsoon are causing traffic and pedestrian inconveniences due to excavation, incomplete road restoration, and underground cable installation.

Archive: https://archive.md/RZPnc

Summary:
The Bheri River, vital for thousands of people living along its banks in Karnali Province, Nepal, is facing severe environmental degradation that threatens local livelihoods. The Badi community, a marginalized group that has depended on the river for generations through fishing, sand collection, and timber, is particularly affected. Traditional fish stocks have drastically declined due to illegal electric fishing and intensive sand mining with bulldozers, which also disrupts the river’s flow and ecology.

The river's health is further stressed by infrastructure projects like the Mid-Hill Highway and Dolpa road, accelerating economic development but also environmental damage. Local markets around Rimna rely heavily on fish from the Bheri, but with fish populations dwindling, prices have soared, and many fishermen struggle to sustain their families.

Floods in 2014 displaced hundreds of families along the river, with many still living in temporary shelters due to inadequate government support. Environmentalists warn that unregulated development and neglect of river conservation have led to ecological imbalance and increased disaster risks downstream.

The crisis highlights the urgent need for better environmental management to protect the river system that supports both the economy and culture of communities living along the Bheri River.

Archive: https://archive.md/Z6tJb