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As the winter chill settles in, Nepal warmed up this week with the vibrant celebrations of Yomari Punhi and Udhauli. While the Newar community feasted on steamed dumplings to mark the rice harvest and the Kirat community gathered to worship nature, the political and social spheres saw their own kind of “harvest.” From a long-awaited handshake unifying the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) to a record-breaking corruption case regarding the Pokhara Airport, it’s been a week of resolving old conflicts and uncovering deep-seated issues. Let’s dive in.
Diaspora & Globalisation 🌍
Finally, One NRNA
In a move that will likely come as a relief to the global diaspora, the fractious split within the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) appears to be over. After months of parallel committees and legal wrangling, the factions led by Badri KC and Mahesh Shrestha signed a unity agreement in the presence of Prime Minister Sushila Karki. The deal includes a commitment to hold the 12th General Convention within four months and form a unified committee to manage affairs until then. This reconciliation is expected to restore the organization’s credibility and ability to lobby effectively for diaspora interests. (Rising Nepal, Onlinekhabar)
India Eases Currency Restrictions
Traveling to India just got significantly easier for Nepalis. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has lifted the long-standing ban on carrying Indian currency notes of denominations above ₹100. Under the new rules, individuals traveling between Nepal and India can now carry high-denomination notes (₹200 and ₹500) up to a limit of ₹25,000. This policy shift is expected to greatly benefit Nepali workers, students, and tourists who previously faced hassles exchanging money or carrying bulky bundles of small notes. (MyRepublica, Annapurna Express)
In Brief:
Diplomatic Visit: Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri arrived in Kathmandu for high-level meetings, underscoring the continued engagement between the two neighbors. (MyRepublica)
UN Command: In a proud moment for Nepal’s peacekeeping legacy, Nepali Army Lt. Gen. Ganesh Kumar Shrestha has been appointed as the Force Commander for the UN mission in Abyei. (MyRepublica)
Japan Uncertainty: Over 100 manpower agencies sending workers to Japan are in limbo as the government has stalled their license renewals, citing regulatory confusion. (Onlinekhabar)
Politics & Governance 🏛️
Massive Corruption Case Filed Over Pokhara Airport
In a landmark anti-corruption move, the CIAA has filed cases against 55 individuals—including five former ministers and top bureaucrats—alleging irregularities in the construction of the Pokhara Regional International Airport. The probe points to an estimated loss of over Rs 8.36 billion, implicating high-profile figures like former ministers Dr. Ram Sharan Mahat and Bhim Acharya, as well as the Chinese contractor CAMC Engineering. This unprecedented crackdown highlights the intense scrutiny on large infrastructure projects. (Khabarhub, Rising Nepal)
Government Change in Madhesh
Madhesh Province witnessed a rapid political shake-up this week. Chief Minister Saroj Kumar Yadav (UML) resigned after the Supreme Court ordered him to secure a vote of confidence within 24 hours—a numbers game he knew he couldn’t win. Following his resignation, Nepali Congress leader Krishna Prasad Yadav was swiftly appointed as the new Chief Minister with the backing of a seven-party coalition. This marks another turn in the province’s volatile political landscape. (THT, MyRepublica)
In Brief:
Alternative Unity: Building on the momentum of the Gen Z movement, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and Bibeksheel Sajha Party have formally merged to consolidate alternative political forces ahead of the elections. (MyRepublica)
Gen Z Recognition: The cabinet has decided to provide ID cards to families of martyrs from the Gen Z protests and declared Bhadra 23 as “Gen Z Day.” (Nepal News)
Convention Season: The Nepali Congress has scheduled its 15th General Convention for Jan 10-12, while the UML plans to use electronic voting machines for its upcoming convention. (THT, Rising Nepal)
Economy & Development 💸
A Flyover for Koteshwor & Hetauda Road Cleared
Infrastructure took center stage this week. In Kathmandu, the government signed a Rs 31.76 billion loan agreement with Japan to construct an underpass and flyover at the Koteshwor-Jadibuti intersection, aiming to solve the capital’s worst traffic bottleneck. Meanwhile, in Hetauda, a decades-long deadlock over road expansion was resolved as authorities began clearing encroached structures to widen the highway, signaling a firm stance on development delays. (Rising Nepal, Kathmandu Post)
Green Light for Carbon Trading
In a significant policy shift, the cabinet has approved the Carbon Trading Regulation, 2082, paving the way for Nepal to commercially trade carbon credits. This new framework allows private sector entities to participate in carbon-reduction projects and generate revenue by selling credits in international markets. Previously, such initiatives were bogged down by red tape; this move is expected to unlock a new stream of “green” income for the country. (MyRepublica)
In Brief:
Economic Outlook: The IMF and World Bank have noted Nepal’s economic resilience but flagged risks related to rising public debt and the need for structural reforms. (Onlinekhabar, MyRepublica)
Budhigandaki Push: Former lawmakers are urging the government to develop the stalled Budhigandaki Hydropower Project as a multi-purpose corridor under a new authority model. (THT)
Road Progress: The Narayanghat-Butwal road expansion has finally reached 76% physical progress, offering hope for smoother travel on the East-West Highway. (THT)
Social & Cultural ⭐
Festive Spirits: Yomari & Udhauli
Nepal celebrated its rich cultural diversity this week with Yomari Punhi and Udhauli. In the Kathmandu Valley, the Newar community prepared yomari—steamed dumplings shaped like figs—to honor the rice harvest. Simultaneously, the Kirat community celebrated Udhauli with the Sakela dance, marking the seasonal migration of animals and thanking nature for its bounty. These festivals remain a vibrant reminder of the deep connection between Nepali culture and the agricultural cycle. (THT, Onlinekhabar)
Cricket Fever Grips the Nation
The second edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) has captivated sports fans, with thousands flocking to the TU Cricket Ground. The Sudurpaschim Royals have been the team to beat, maintaining an unbeaten streak to secure a playoff spot. While foreign stars like Chris Lynn are drawing crowds with big hits, Nepali bowlers are dominating the wicket-taking charts, proving that local talent is ready for the big stage. (THT, Onlinekhabar)
In Brief:
Gender-Based Violence: The Nepal Police released a report marking the 16 Days of Activism, revealing that women are most vulnerable to violence from relatives. (Annapurna Express)
Inclusion Call: Rallies were held nationwide for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, demanding accessible infrastructure and an end to discrimination. (Rising Nepal)
Women’s Cricket: The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has announced a 26-member preliminary squad for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup qualifiers. (Rising Nepal)
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