News Digest: Nepal, January 9-16, 2025

This week in Nepal saw a blend of significant economic, political, and social developments. From the arrest of a former aide on fraud charges to the impact of weather conditions on various regions, here’s a succinct overview of the top stories.

We aim to balance informative content with a conversational tone, ensuring the digest is engaging and culturally sensitive.

Top Stories

  • 🚔 Former Aide to Public Accounts Committee Chair Arrested on Fraud Charges
    • January 15, 2025 : Anil Kumar Pokharel, a former aide to the chair of the Public Accounts Committee, was arrested on charges of promising MBBS admissions in exchange for Rs3.88 million. This incident highlights ongoing issues with corruption and fraud in Nepal’s education sector[1].
  • 🏛️ Constitutional Amendment Plan Deferred
    • January 14, 2025 : Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli announced that the plan to amend the constitution has been deferred until 2087 BS (2030-31). This decision follows criticism from coalition partners who argue that such moves cannot be made without consulting the largest party[1].
  • 🏨 Mercure Hotel Opens in Kathmandu
    • January 16, 2025 : Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli inaugurated the Mercure Hotel in Sukedhara, Kathmandu. This marks the debut of the global Accor chain in Nepal and is expected to boost the country’s tourism sector[1].
  • 🛠️ Construction Entrepreneurs Announce Phased Protest
    • January 16, 2025 : The Federation of Contractors’ Associations of Nepal announced a phased protest due to the government’s failure to address their demands. The federation plans to submit a memorandum to key government officials and has outlined various protest measures if their demands remain unmet[1].

Economic and Business Insights

  • 📉 Foreign Investment Commitments Decline
    • January 16, 2025 : Foreign investment commitments in Nepal have decreased by Rs 1.55 billion in the first six months of the current fiscal year compared to the same period last year. Despite this decline, the number of industries registering commitments has increased[2].
  • 🔄 NRB Proposes New Standards for Cooperatives
    • January 14, 2025 : Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has introduced a draft of new standards to regulate cooperatives engaged in savings and loan transactions. This move aims to ensure transparency and financial discipline in the cooperative sector, addressing recent challenges and irregularities[3] – My Republica.
  • 📈 5G Service Delays
    • January 14, 2025 : Nepal is lagging behind in the rollout of 5G internet services. Stakeholders attribute the delay to a lack of government initiative and reluctance from service providers to invest in 5G infrastructure[3] – My Republica.

Sports Stories

  • 🏐 Nepal Cricket Team Prepares for ICC Qualifiers
    • January 14, 2025 : The Nepal national cricket team is gearing up for the upcoming ICC Qualifiers. Despite recent setbacks, the team remains optimistic about their chances, focusing on intensive training sessions and strategic planning – The Himalayan Times.

Lifestyle Stories

  • 🍲 Yam Production Drops in Barahakshetra
    • January 14, 2025 : Yam production in Barahakshetra Municipality has dropped by 50% this year. Excessive rainfall and the presence of borers have been identified as the main reasons for this decline. Farmers in the region rely heavily on yam cultivation due to the lack of proper irrigation facilities for other crops[3] – My Republica.

Diaspora and Global

  • 🌍 Earthquake in Southern Xizang Affects Nepal
    • January 7, 2025 : An earthquake of 7.1 magnitude occurred in southern Xizang, Tibet Autonomous Region, China, affecting several northern districts in Nepal, including Kathmandu. While no casualties or damage were reported in Nepal, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) was on high alert[3].

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