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

Summary:

• A massive flood on the Lende River on the morning of July 8, 2025, washed away the Nepal-China Friendship Bridge at the Rasuwagadhi border point in Rasuwa district.
• Several newly imported electric vehicles (EVs) parked at the dry port were also swept away by the flood.
• The flood caused heavy damage, and some individuals, including security personnel, were trapped but have been rescued.
• Authorities warned residents downstream to move to safer areas due to the risk of further flooding and possible people trapped inside vehicles.
• Rasuwagadhi is a key trade gateway between Nepal and China, and the damage has severely affected this route.
• The Nepal Army has been mobilized for rescue operations, and a helicopter was called in, but adverse weather delayed its arrival.
• Rescue efforts are ongoing amid bad weather conditions.

This incident has disrupted trade and caused significant damage at a crucial border crossing.

Archive: https://archive.md/PxnOC

New Nepali Curriculum of Tribhuvan University Distracts Students and Disturbs Professors

Summary:
The new Nepali curriculum for the Master's program at Tribhuvan University (TU) has caused confusion among students and frustration among professors. Students are struggling to complete the extensive syllabus within a semester, leading to incomplete lessons and last-minute exam preparations. Professors highlight that the curriculum is overloaded and unscientific, with too many topics crammed into a limited time, making it difficult to cover all material effectively.

In one semester, out of a total of 180 days, only about 60 days are available for study after subtracting holidays. However, there are 101 topics in the linguistics subject alone. This means it’s not even possible to dedicate a full period to each topic.

Key issues include:

• The first semester syllabus is particularly dense, with subjects like linguistics containing over 100 topics.
• Overlapping and repetitive content due to merging of previous separate courses.
• Important literary movements, especially the progressive movement and several key poets, have been excluded.
• Female and marginalized voices are underrepresented; only two female writers are included out of 57 authors.
• Practical exercises have been reduced or eliminated, limiting hands-on learning.
• The curriculum lacks inclusivity in terms of gender, ideology, and regional representation.
• Professors criticize the curriculum for being imposed without broad consultation and accuse the department head Khagendra Luintel of unilaterally pushing his own works into the syllabus excessively.
• There is a conflict of interest as Luintel allegedly included many of his own publications as reference materials.
• The process was not transparent, with many committee members sidelined or not properly involved.

Overall, the curriculum is viewed as poorly designed and politically influenced, failing to meet academic standards and the diverse needs of students and faculty. This has sparked demands for revision and more inclusive, balanced content that aligns with democratic and academic principles.

Archive: https://archive.md/AVe4q

Tribhuvan University (TU) starting 10 types of services online and the effectiveness of these services:

Summary:

• Tribhuvan University (TU), Nepal’s largest university with nearly 496,000 students nationwide, has started offering 10 types of essential services online.
• The move aims to reduce the physical crowd at the exam controller's office, historically receiving up to 2,000 visitors daily.
• Since June 30, 2025, about 500-600 users daily use the online platform, significantly cutting down physical visits.

Online Services Offered:

1. Registration application form
2. Exam application form
3. Transcript application form
4. Provisional certificate
5. Original certificate
6. Application for re-issuance
7. Forms for correction of name, surname, registration number, etc.
8. Various recommendation letters
9. Certification of certificates
10. Copies of transcripts and mark sheets

Platform and Process:

• Services are accessed via student.tuexam.edu.np.
• New users register, confirm via email, select service, provide details, make payment, and receive confirmation by email.
• Data is securely stored in two locations: a government data center in Hetauda and TU’s own center.

Challenges and Criticism:

• Despite launching online services, there is no dedicated technical staff assigned to sustain these services.
• Limited resources and shortage of skilled staff (only 118 employees out of 256 sanctioned posts in the exam controller office).
• Past attempts at digital services failed due to rushed implementation and budget issues.
• Officials acknowledge the need for consistent technical support and propose hiring experts if necessary.

Tracking and Delivery Improvements:

• From July 17, 2025, a tracking system will allow applicants to see the progress of their applications.
• Transcripts will be sent directly to regional campuses from December 2025, eliminating the need for students to visit central offices.

Effectiveness on Exam Results Publication:

• TU has had longstanding criticism over delayed exam results; some results previously took between 204 to 400 days.
• After reforms, delays have reduced; currently, the longest recent delay was 102 days for a B.Ed second-year exam result.
• TU plans to publish results within 100 days moving forward and adhere strictly to the academic calendar.

Expert Opinions:

• Former exam controller emphasizes the need for dedicated technical personnel for sustainability.
• Registrar believes current staff can handle online services but acknowledges ongoing training and recruitment efforts.

Overall Impact:

• The online services have reduced physical crowds at TU’s offices.
• Payment processes have become smoother with less queue at bank counters.
• However, concerns remain about sustainability without proper technical infrastructure and manpower.

Archive: https://archive.md/nMm0E

Summary:
Nepal has launched its first-ever species-specific action plan to conserve the endangered dhole (Cuon alpinus), also known as the Asiatic wild dog. The five-year plan, with a budget of 262.9 million rupees ($1.9 million), aims to address major threats like habitat loss, prey depletion, disease, and competition with larger predators such as tigers and snow leopards.

Key points of the plan include:

• A dual focus on scientific research and public awareness.
• Around 25% of the budget is dedicated to understanding dhole distribution and abundance.
• About 26.4% of funding supports conservation education and awareness programs.
• Innovative financial model: 36% of funding is drawn from existing conservation plans for tigers and snow leopards, recognizing habitat overlap and ecological links.
• Emphasis on local community engagement and education to reduce human-wildlife conflict.
• Use of advanced technologies like camera traps, AI, and field surveys to monitor populations.
• Strategies to improve prey populations through density assessments.
• Plans to map critical habitats and maintain ecological connectivity by identifying wildlife corridors.
• Collaboration at local, national, and international levels, including cross-border cooperation with neighboring countries.

The plan builds on recent research indicating potential dhole population recovery in Nepal’s hills and other areas, despite ongoing challenges. It also calls for integrating indigenous knowledge in conservation efforts to strengthen outcomes.

Overall, the initiative seeks to create a strong and adaptable framework for dhole conservation in Nepal that could be applied across its range in Asia.

Archive: https://archive.md/Bs2VN

The United States is No Longer the Main Destination for Nepalese Students

Summary:
Main Points:

• Decline in Nepalese students going to the U.S.: The U.S. has traditionally been a top destination for Nepalese students seeking higher education. However, due to recent visa restrictions imposed by the Trump administration, many Nepalese students are reconsidering their options and turning to other countries.

• Visa restrictions and their impact: The U.S. State Department has issued directives halting visa issuance for new applicants until further notice, including a stricter review of social media activities. Existing applicants with scheduled interviews are still being processed, but many students already in the U.S. face increased scrutiny and travel restrictions.

• Shift to alternative countries: Popular alternatives include India, Australia, Canada, South Korea, the UK, and Japan. For instance, Nepalese student enrollment in UK universities increased by 63% in 2024, while Japan hosts over 64,000 Nepalese students.

• Challenges for Nepalese students: Many come from middle-class families investing significant resources into education abroad, often relying on scholarships, loans, or family assets. The visa restrictions create uncertainty and risks for these students.

• Institutional responses: Some U.S. universities are experiencing significant declines in international student enrollment, threatening their financial stability and diversity. Some Chinese and Indian students have faced visa cancellations over minor infractions or social media posts.

• Nepal’s educational perspective: Local institutions see this as an opportunity to develop quality higher education within Nepal to reduce dependence on foreign education. Experts suggest strengthening domestic educational opportunities while also attracting international students.

• Legal challenges and future outlook: Some U.S. universities have legally challenged visa restrictions; a federal court partially lifted bans related to Harvard University. Despite hopes that restrictions might ease, uncertainty remains, driving students worldwide to plan alternative educational paths.

Archive: https://archive.md/XJIPG

Summary:

• Incident: 52 people, including six Chinese nationals, were arrested by Nepal Police’s Central Investigation Bureau (CIB).
• Charges: They are accused of running an illegal online scam involving a dating app and unauthorized cryptocurrency trading.
• Modus Operandi: The group operated under the guise of a registered tech company called Social Software Development Company Pvt Ltd. They ran fake call centers and a dating app named METOO Dating App.
• Target: Young Nepali women were lured through fake online dating profiles, then manipulated into unregulated cryptocurrency schemes promising high returns.
• Location: Operations were based in rented houses at Damkal Chowk, Lalitpur Metropolitan City (Ward 4) and Chagal, Kathmandu Metropolitan City (Ward 13).
• Chinese Nationals Identified: Zhang Lun (29), Chen Jiahao (27), Lin De (41), Xu Zheng (32), Liu Zexuan (30), Xu Linghua (33). They are believed to be key operators.
• Evidence Seized: Rs 13,999,950 cash, 54 mobile phones, and 7 laptops.
• Current Status: The six Chinese nationals have been formally charged under Nepali digital currency laws; investigations on the other 46 Nepali suspects are ongoing.
• Police Warning: Public is urged to be cautious and avoid involvement with unregulated or suspicious online platforms, especially those linked to online dating and cryptocurrencies.

Archive: https://archive.md/5BY6v

Summary:\

• Nutritional Rehabilitation Homes (NRHs) in several districts, including Butwal (Lumbini Province), Rajbiraj (Saptari), and remote areas like Bajura (Sudurpaschim Province), are facing severe shortages of crucial therapeutic food supplies such as F-75, F-100 milk formulas, and Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF).
• These therapeutic foods are essential for treating severe acute malnutrition in children under five. Without them, healthcare workers have been improvising with substitutes like buffalo milk, porridge, and lentil soup, which lack the scientifically balanced nutrients needed for rapid recovery.
• The shortage has lasted for months—since early 2025 in many places—and is due to procurement delays caused by disputes over pricing and tendering processes at the federal level.
• As a result, about 40,000 severely malnourished children nationwide are at risk. Some children’s recovery is slow or compromised; in extreme cases like Bajura, lack of therapeutic foods contributed to child deaths.
• The problem affects multiple NRHs with limited bed capacity and catchment areas covering neighboring districts.
• Local health officials have repeatedly requested supplies from the central health authorities but have not received adequate support.
• Despite budget availability, the Department of Health Services has failed to procure these essential nutritional supplements on time due to administrative issues such as tender delays, price manipulation concerns, staff transfers, and coordination gaps.
• The shortage also extends to other essential medicines and supplements like Vitamin A, iron tablets, anti-rabies vaccines, and contraceptive implants.
• The World Health Organization classifies F-75, F-100, and RUTF as life-saving treatments for severe acute malnutrition.
• The article highlights a disconnect between provincial health supply centers claiming no shortage and the actual crisis on the ground.

Archive: https://archive.md/PPz8t

Summary:
The Supreme Court of Nepal has upheld the constitutional appointments made by former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli four years ago. A five-member Constitutional Bench passed the verdict late Wednesday night. The bench was divided, with three justices supporting the appointments and two dissenting.

The appointments in question involved 52 individuals recommended by the Constitutional Council on December 15, 2020, and May 9, 2021, during Oli's tenure. These appointments were made without parliamentary hearings, which was controversial since constitutional provisions mandate such hearings.

Despite challenges and petitions against these appointments and an amendment to the Constitutional Council Act during Oli's government, the court ruled to quash the petitions and uphold the appointments. The decision confirms the legality of appointments made by President Bidya Devi Bhandari based on the council's recommendations during that period.

In summary:

• The Supreme Court upheld 52 constitutional appointments from 2020-2021.
• The decision was split 3-2 among justices.
• The appointments were made without parliamentary hearings due to legal controversies.
• The ruling ends ongoing petitions challenging those appointments.

Archive: https://archive.md/q8cph

Summary:
An ancient Himalayan village called Samjung, located in Nepal’s Upper Mustang region at 13,000 feet altitude, has been forced to relocate due to severe water shortages caused by climate change. For centuries, the Buddhist community thrived by herding yaks and sheep and farming barley. However, the water sources—fed by glaciers and snowmelt—have dried up as glaciers retreat and snowfall has nearly vanished for almost three years.

The village’s springs and canals have dried, and increasingly intense monsoon rains cause destructive flash floods, damaging homes and farmland. This has made the traditional mud homes and terraces uninhabitable, forcing families to abandon their ancestral homes.

The Hindu Kush Himalayan region, which stretches across Afghanistan to Myanmar, is warming faster than lowlands. Its glaciers feed major rivers supporting 240 million mountain residents and 1.65 billion people downstream. With an estimated 80% of glacier volume in the region possibly disappearing this century without drastic emission cuts, water scarcity is becoming chronic.

Samjung villagers have relocated about 15 kilometers away near the Kali Gandaki river, where they now have access to water, markets, and tourism opportunities near Lo Manthang, a medieval city. Though grateful for easier water access, many villagers miss their old homes and the way of life there.

Climate change is quietly reshaping how people live and work in high mountain regions, disrupting farming, water availability, and weather patterns. The village relocation highlights the difficult choices communities face as environmental changes threaten their survival.

Archive: https://archive.md/CZscT

Summary:
Yak and chauri farmers in Nepal’s Himalayan regions, especially in Taplejung, are facing severe challenges due to ongoing border restrictions with China. Despite the formal reopening of border points in May 2024, the livestock trade remains banned, cutting off farmers from their main market in Tibet and Sikkim. This has left thousands of yaks and chauris unsold and overcrowding the highland pastures, increasing costs for grazing and feeding.

Farmers like Nupu Sherpa, who has inherited yak and chauri herding from his ancestors, have not earned income from sales in four years. Many animals die from disease, age, or wild animal attacks, while calves continue to be born, adding to the overstock problem. The outbreak of lumpy skin disease worsened the situation in 2023.

The total value of unsold livestock in Taplejung alone is estimated at around Rs 400 million. Similar struggles are seen in other districts such as Panchthar, Sankhuwasabha, Solukhumbu, Terhathum, and Ilam. Farmers are calling for government intervention to negotiate with Chinese authorities to reopen livestock trade under quarantine conditions.

Meanwhile, in Jumla’s Chotra village, there is a more positive outlook. With government support and local efforts, yak and chauri farming remains viable there, with some farmers successfully selling animals and producing dairy products like ghee and chhurpi for additional income.

The region’s future depends on resolving trade restrictions and managing overstocked pastures. Officials suggest developing yak-breeding centers to ease pressure on grazing lands. Until the border trade resumes officially, farmers continue to struggle with unsold livestock and financial uncertainty.

Archive: https://archive.md/K5MKQ

Summary:

• The Kathmandu District Attorney’s Office filed a cybercrime case against journalist Dil Bhusan Pathak at Kathmandu District Court on June 30, 2025.
• The case was registered by the Cyber Bureau of Nepal Police, accusing Pathak of spreading hate and hostility through content published on his YouTube channel "Tough Talk."
• The allegations claim that Pathak’s videos violated the Electronic Transactions Act by disseminating material intended to provoke hatred.
• This case followed an interim order from Patan High Court issued 11 days earlier, which prevented authorities from arresting Pathak without legal grounds.
• Despite this, the Attorney’s Office proceeded based on an investigation report submitted by the Cyber Bureau, and an arrest warrant was reissued with notices for Pathak to appear in court.
• Cyber Bureau maintains their role is only to investigate and submit reports; the court decides guilt or innocence.
• Media experts criticize the case as part of a “troubling pattern” of misuse of the Electronic Transactions Act to intimidate journalists and restrict freedom of expression.
• They argue such disputes should be handled by civil courts or the Press Council Nepal, not criminal courts.
• The High Court ruled that there was insufficient evidence to justify Pathak’s immediate detention, emphasizing due legal process.
• The case relates to Pathak’s videos questioning alleged financial activities linked to Jaiveer Singh Deuba, son of former Prime Minister and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba.
• Pathak’s legal team challenged the arrest warrant as lacking legal grounds and violating journalistic freedom.

In short, the case is seen as a serious threat to press freedom in Nepal, with concerns about abuse of legal provisions to silence critical journalism.

Archive: https://archive.md/ZwmSv

Summary:
The editorial from Nagarik News titled "संसद्को यो बेहाल !" criticizes the current state of Nepal's parliament regarding the passage and manipulation of the Civil Service Bill, specifically focusing on the "cooling-off period" provision.

Key points summarized:

• The bill was passed by the House of Representatives, including a clause that sets a two-year waiting period ("cooling-off period") for civil servants after retirement before they can be appointed to constitutional or government positions.
• However, this provision was manipulated by senior civil servants who altered the wording to exclude constitutional and diplomatic appointments from this restriction, effectively allowing immediate reappointment to certain positions.
• This change was made without the knowledge of most parliament members, highlighting a lack of oversight and sensitivity among lawmakers.
• The manipulation shows how bureaucracy in Nepal protects its own interests, undermining efforts to make the civil service more accountable and efficient.
• The editorial calls for correction in the National Assembly and urges parliamentary leaders, including the Speaker, to take action to fix these loopholes.
• It also criticizes the bloated civil service structure with too many secretaries and additional secretaries, which complicates governance.
• The article stresses that the continuation of large federal civil service despite active provincial and local governments shows a lack of trust in federalism.
• It questions the effectiveness and responsiveness of parliament and urges parliamentarians to be more vigilant and responsible in their duties.

In summary, the editorial highlights a serious issue where civil servants have exploited legislative procedures to weaken reforms aimed at improving governance and calls for urgent parliamentary rectification.

Archive: https://archive.md/DDOlI

Summary:
The Nepalese government has made a special provision in the 2025/26 budget to waive interest and penalties amounting to around NPR 1.5 billion for Bottlers Nepal Terai Limited, a company producing Coca-Cola in Nepal. This move is part of the Finance Bill’s Section 30, which allows waiver of interest and fees on outstanding income tax if the tax is paid by mid-July 2025.

Background:

• Bottlers Nepal Terai Limited, under Bottlers Nepal Limited, faced multiple tax assessments due to ownership changes involving Coca-Cola Sabco Asia's shares.
• The company was subjected to double taxation based on two different sections of the Income Tax Act, 2058 (Sections 57 and 95(k)), leading to overlapping tax liabilities on the same transaction.
• This ownership change was not reported initially to the Nepalese government, causing tax evasion allegations and subsequent investigations by the Revenue Investigation Department.
• The department found tax evasion worth NPR 124 million, with additional interest and penalties increasing the amount to nearly NPR 382 million.
• The Large Taxpayer Office further imposed additional corporate taxes of about NPR 542 million.
• Legal disputes ensued, with the company appealing up to the Supreme Court.

Government Rationale:

Officials said the special waiver is due to the hardship caused by double taxation on a multinational company, considering it an unfair burden. The waiver only applies to interest and penalties, not the principal tax amount. Officials also cited that such relief is not uncommon in finance bills but this case is notable because it targets a specific company.

Criticism:

Tax experts criticize the double taxation as legally correct but unjust. They argue that taxing the same transaction twice is unfair and that the government’s narrow interpretation of the law resulted in this problem. The tax waiver via the budget is seen by some as an attempt to rectify this injustice after the fact.

Archive: https://archive.md/7prSj

Title: "‘Fake Nepali’ Shailendra Mohan receives Upendra Yadav’s blessing: The story of an Indian citizen running Nepali politics"

Summary:
The article exposes Shailendra Mohan Jha, an Indian citizen who has managed to deeply influence Nepali politics and administration for decades, particularly in the Madhesh region. Born in India and educated there, Mohan even failed to secure Nepali citizenship for his own wife but still played a major role in Nepal’s political landscape.

His influence is not limited to business, health, and contracts but extends into politics as a key financial backer and trusted ally of Upendra Yadav, leader of the powerful Madhesi party, Janata Samajwadi Party Nepal (JSPN). Mohan supported the party with significant funding and logistics in the 2022 federal elections and was nearly nominated as a proportional representation member of parliament before internal party disputes blocked his candidacy.

Mohan holds a central membership in JSPN and maintains close ties with top leaders. Publicly pro-India, he has represented the Nepal-India Friendship Association since 2007 and currently serves as its chairman. During the Madhesh movement, he had direct contacts with the Indian embassy and reportedly coordinated efforts that worsened the Nepal-India border blockade, causing severe hardships for Nepali citizens.

Political analysts criticize leaders like Upendra Yadav for protecting figures like Mohan, allowing an Indian citizen to wield power in Nepali politics, which they say undermines democracy. The party has yet to issue an official statement or response to these accusations.

Archive: https://archive.md/VDKqw

Summary:

• Nepal reported its first Covid-19 death in two years on June 25, 2025.
• The victim was a 39-year-old woman from Suryodaya Municipality, Ilam district.
• She was admitted to Biratnagar-based Nobel Medical College Teaching Hospital in critical condition and died shortly after arrival.
• She had symptoms like fever and respiratory problems and tested positive for coronavirus.
• This death signals the spread of new Omicron subvariants in the community.
• Whole-genome sequencing of recent Covid cases showed multiple Omicron subvariants, mainly XFG, XFG.3, and JN.1.
• Since January, 180 people from 25 districts tested positive, with 25 cases confirmed in the past week alone.
• Covid is now considered endemic in Nepal, with testing primarily focused on symptomatic individuals.
• Health officials are urging infected people entering Nepal via border points to isolate for five days.
• The Ministry of Health is working to procure rapid diagnostic test kits amid limited supply.
• Neighboring India is seeing a decline in active cases, but porous borders make variant transmission common.
• Experts warn that while the latest variants aren’t highly deadly, they still pose risks to elderly and immunocompromised people.

Archive: https://archive.md/6E0Da

Summary:
A biodiversity study in Gaumukhi Rural Municipality, Pyuthan district, Lumbini Province, Nepal, recorded 217 bird species, highlighting its importance as a bird habitat in western Nepal. Conducted in two phases (Sept-Oct 2024 and Apr-May 2025) by ornithologists from the Himalayan Research Centre and Gaumukhi municipality, the survey documented 4,538 birds, including 99 conservation-priority species.

Key findings:

• Rare species include the globally endangered steppe eagle, migratory Gomayu Chil (from Mongolia), and demoiselle crane.
• The area hosts two of Nepal’s nine nationally protected birds: the Himalayan monal (national bird) and the elusive Cheer Pheasant.
• Critically endangered vultures such as slender-billed, red-headed, white-rumped, Himalayan griffon, and bearded vultures were also found.
• Presence of 17 nationally endangered species, 4 species with restricted geographical ranges, and 69 habitat-specific species.
• 31 bird species are listed on the CITES protected list.

The study also recorded other wildlife: 8 butterfly species, 5 freshwater fish, 4 amphibians, 8 reptiles, and 18 mammals, emphasizing Gaumukhi’s biological diversity.

Local authorities plan to designate about 180.382 sq km of Gaumukhi forest as a protected conservation area, a proposal first made in 2016. The area serves as an ecological corridor connecting nearby forests, crucial for migratory birds and other wildlife.

Officials hope this study will boost ecological tourism, academic research, and sustainable livelihoods through conservation efforts. Gaumukhi is emerging as a hotspot for birdwatchers, eco-tourists, and nature researchers. Nepal now hosts around 900 bird species; recently, a migratory seabird—short-tailed shearwater—was recorded for the first time.

This study underlines the urgent need to protect Gaumukhi’s natural heritage while promoting responsible tourism and community involvement.

Archive: https://archive.md/rurD7

Summary:
With the monsoon season approaching in Nepal, communities are preparing to face associated risks like floods and landslides, which mostly affect vulnerable populations in flood-prone plains and areas with poor infrastructure. The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology forecasts above-normal rainfall for the 2025 monsoon, especially in Lumbini, Karnali, and Gandaki provinces, with a higher chance of extreme rainfall events.

Key Points:

• Monsoon Preparedness Response Plan (MPRP) 2025: The Nepal government has prepared the MPRP to focus on early action to minimize disaster impacts. Around 40% of disasters occur during the monsoon, which accounts for 80% of Nepal’s annual rainfall.
• Community-Based Early Warning Systems (EWS): Civil society organizations (CSOs) have been developing flood resilience through tools like SMS alerts, IVR calls, sirens, door-to-door campaigns, and simulation drills to train local disaster committees.
• Importance of Local Volunteers: Training and maintaining records of trained volunteers is critical for effective rescue and management during disasters.
• Inclusive Planning: Preparedness plans emphasize including marginalized groups such as women and the elderly, who face higher risks in disasters.
• Local Disaster Climate Resilience Framework (LDCRF): Several organizations are supporting local governments to map risks, prepare evacuation plans, and assign clear roles for disaster response.
• Call for Coordination and Investment: Strengthening monsoon preparedness requires coordinated efforts from local governments, CSOs, private sectors, and sustained investment for community-led risk-informed strategies.

The article stresses that being prepared at the household, community, and government levels can reduce risks to life, property, and livelihoods. It urges shifting from a reactive response approach to proactive preparedness with early warning and local involvement to transform monsoon from a season of terror into one of safety and resilience.

Archive: https://archive.md/9rF0X

Summary:

• The SEE exam results for 2081 (2024) were published by the National Examination Board.

• Out of 514,071 students who appeared, about 61.81% passed and qualified to enter Grade 11.

• The pass rate has improved from last year’s 48%, where the non-graded (fail) students were more than 52%.

• The new grading system, introduced in 2078 BS, is stricter and no longer allows all students to automatically receive a certificate.

• Subject-wise failure rates:

  • Mathematics had the highest failure count with 128,215 students failing.
  • English followed with 80,672 failures.
  • Science and Technology had 79,271 failures.
  • Nepali theory exam failures were 54,735.
  • Social Studies failures were 53,186.

• To pass the SEE, students must score at least 35% in theoretical exams and 40% in practical exams.

• The results publication was delayed by one week due to a teachers' strike.

• The exam saw participation from diverse groups including inmates, minority communities, and students from different provinces.

• Supplementary exams for failed subjects will be held starting from 29th Shrawan (mid-August).

• Results can be checked online on official websites or via SMS services.

Archive: https://archive.is/odSw6

Summary:

• Background: Fifty-seven Nepali nationals from 18 districts were recently rescued from captivity in India, specifically from Rudrapur and Kashipur in Uttarakhand, where they were trafficked with false promises of lucrative jobs.

• Deception and Abuse: The victims were lured by promises of well-paid jobs (around 23,000 Indian rupees/month) and good living conditions. Upon arrival, they faced poor housing, starvation, forced confinement, and abuse including beatings and threats. Their phones were seized to prevent communication. They were also pressured to recruit others.

• Personal Stories: For example, Man Bahadur BK, a 13-year-old boy from Kailali, was promised a job but ended up confined and his phone taken. Another victim, Bishal Budhathoki, was locked up after initially being treated well. One victim reportedly died in captivity about a month prior.

• Rescue Operation: The rescues were conducted through coordination between Indian police, the NGO Kin India, and Nepali authorities after weeks of surveillance. Police raids freed 35 hostages in Kashipur and later 22 more who had been moved to a forested area.

• Traffickers Arrested: Two key traffickers, Birendra Shahi and Manish Tiwari, were arrested. The operation uncovered that this trafficking ring had been operating since 2018, collecting money upfront from job seekers and forcing victims to recruit others.

• After Rescue: The rescued Nepalis were brought back to Nepal via the Gaddachauki border and received by local officials. They were provided shelter, food, and transportation home.

• Concerns: Authorities believe similar trafficking rings continue to operate in the area, with many victims quietly sent back without formal rescue.

This case highlights ongoing human trafficking challenges affecting Nepali citizens seeking work abroad, exposing them to exploitation and abuse.

Archive: https://archive.md/FxFga