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Namaste! It has been a week of sharp contrasts for our global family. While we burst with pride seeing the Lumbini Lions clinch the NPL title and our wildlife conservation efforts making headlines, we are simultaneously rocked by anxiety over sudden shifts in US immigration policy. From the political corridors of Kathmandu where familiar faces solidify power, to the dense forests of Chitwan where tigers are being counted, this week has been anything but quiet.
Here are the stories defining our nation and community this week.
Diaspora & Globalisation 🌍
US Suspends DV Lottery & Deportations Surge In a shock announcement that has sent ripples of anxiety through the diaspora, the US government has officially suspended the Diversity Visa (DV) lottery program. The Trump administration cited security concerns following recent incidents, leaving thousands of applicants in limbo. Compounding the fear, reports indicate a sudden surge in enforcement, with 75 Nepali nationals deported in a single day amidst a broader immigration crackdown. Legal experts are advising calm but urging applicants to halt travel plans until further clarity emerges (The Guardian).
NRNA Unity Convention Set for February After months of internal friction and factionalism, the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) appears ready to turn a new page. The organization has announced its 12th “Unity” General Convention, scheduled for February 23-25 in Kathmandu. The event aims to bring opposing factions together and solidify a reconciliation deal that has been in the works for weeks. For many in the diaspora, this convention represents a critical hope for a stronger, more united voice on the global stage (Fiscal Nepal).
In Brief:
Oman Labor Demands: The NRN Social Club Oman has submitted a strong memorandum to the ILO and the Nepali Embassy, demanding immediate action against recruitment fee exploitation and better protection for female workers (The Himalayan Times).
Elephants as Envoys: In a unique diplomatic gesture, Nepal has gifted two elephant calves, Rudrakali and Khagendra Prasad, to the State of Qatar to strengthen bilateral relations (Himalaya Diary).
New Consul General: Tourism entrepreneur Hari Dharel has been promoted to the Honorary Consul General of Denmark to Nepal, a move expected to boost Nordic tourism (MyRepublica).
Politics & Governance 🏛️
Oli Secures Third Term as UML Chair KP Sharma Oli has cemented his grip on party leadership, securing a third consecutive term as Chairman of the CPN-UML. At the party’s 11th National Congress, Oli won a decisive victory with 1,663 votes, defeating his rival Ishwar Pokharel who garnered 564 votes. The re-election signals Oli’s continued dominance in national politics, even as he faces challenges from the rising Gen Z movement and coalition pressures (The Hindu).
Interim Govt Focuses on March Polls Prime Minister Sushila Karki has reiterated that her interim government has a singular mandate: to hold free and fair House of Representatives elections on March 5, 2026. Dismissing criticisms of “anarchic” post-movement activities, Karki emphasized that stability is the priority. Her administration is moving quickly to classify injuries from the recent “Gen Z” protests to fast-track compensation, aiming to heal public wounds before the polls (Kathmandu Post).
In Brief:
RSP Chair Released: The High Court Tulasipur has ordered the release of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane on bail regarding the cooperative fund misappropriation case (Setopati).
Madhesh Confidence Vote: Chief Minister Krishna Prasad Yadav has secured a crucial vote of confidence in the Madhesh Provincial Assembly, stabilizing his position for now (Setopati).
Gen Z Compensation: The government has accelerated the classification of injuries sustained during the “Gen Z” protests to facilitate immediate compensation and support packages (WION).
Economy & Development 💸
ADB Injects $100M for Fiscal Federalism The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed a concessionary loan agreement worth $100 million to strengthen Nepal’s public financial management. The funds are earmarked for “fiscal federalism,” aiming to improve how local governments deliver services and manage budgets. This injection comes at a critical time as provincial governments struggle with resource allocation and execution (The Himalayan Times).
Remittances Surge by 31% Despite global economic headwinds, the resilience of Nepali migrant workers continues to sustain the national economy. The Nepal Rastra Bank reported that remittance inflows jumped by an impressive 31.4% to Rs 687.13 billion in the first four months of the fiscal year. This surge provides a vital lifeline, stabilizing foreign exchange reserves amidst declining export revenues (The Rising Nepal).
In Brief:
Indian Currency Ban Lifted: In a boon for border trade, the Cabinet has approved the use of Indian currency notes of Rs 200 and Rs 500 denominations in Nepal, up to INR 25,000 per person (Economic Times).
Gold Market Correction: After hitting historic highs, gold prices dropped sharply by Rs 2,000 per tola this week, signaling a market correction that has buyers cautiously returning to jewelry shops (The Himalayan Times).
Highway Delays: Local anger is mounting in Jajarkot as construction on the Mid-Hill Highway remains incomplete 11 years after its inception (Nepal News).
Social & Cultural ⭐
Lumbini Lions Crowned NPL Champions
In a fairytale finish to the Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2025, the Lumbini Lions defeated the Sudurpaschim Royals by 6 wickets to lift their maiden title. Captain Rohit Paudel was the hero of the final at TU Ground, taking a sensational hat-trick that dismantled the Royals for just 85 runs. Opener Dinesh Adhikari then blasted 42 runs off 13 balls to chase down the target in just 9 overs, sending the packed stadium into a frenzy (The Rising Nepal).
Nationwide Tiger Census Begins Nepal has launched its comprehensive Tiger Census 2025, deploying over 1,100 high-tech camera traps across the country’s national parks. The census, which involves hundreds of conservationists and security personnel, aims to track population growth following the historic success of doubling the tiger numbers in 2022. The results will help shape future strategies to manage the delicate balance between conservation and human-wildlife conflict (WWF).
In Brief:
Bhuwa Festival: The Sudurpaschim Province celebrated the traditional Bhuwa festival this week with public holidays, sword dances, and feasts (The Annapurna Express).
Kinder Olympics: President Ramchandra Paudel has unveiled the official mascot for the 13th Kinder Olympic Programme, set to kick off later this month to promote youth sports (The Diplomat Nepal).
Rare Gharials Sighted: Conservationists have recorded nine rare male gharials in the Rapti and Narayani rivers, a promising sign for the breeding population of this critically endangered species (Ujyaalo Nepal).
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The Nepali Diaspora Digest connects the global Nepali community with curated news, insights, and stories that matter most. Join us as we celebrate and explore the diverse voices and achievements of Nepalis worldwide.
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