KATHMANDU: Nepal News is transforming the way stories are told in Nepal. No longer content with simply reporting events, our journalists dig deeper, asking not only what is happening, but why it matters. Each story is carefully planned, with clear assignments, structured outlines, thorough research, verified data, and insightful quotes. Every piece is thoughtfully edited and crafted to provide clarity amid the noise.

Every week, we present a curated selection of stories that capture the heartbeat of Nepal — from groundbreaking investigative reports to human-interest features, policy analyses, and cultural insights. These are more than just news stories; they are windows into the forces shaping our society, economy, and daily lives.

Here’s a look at the seven standout features from this week, each reflecting our commitment to quality journalism, storytelling depth, and editorial integrity. Explore these stories to understand not just the headlines, but the narratives behind them.

Billions wasted: 19 ineffective Nepali missions abroad

Nepal News editor Baburam Bishwakarma spent months researching Nepali missions abroad—collecting financial and administrative documents, analyzing data, conducting interviews, and observing operations. His study reveals billions of rupees wasted across 19 ineffective missions. This piece serves as a complete resource for policy research and insights into strategic failures.

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Exploitation of state treasury by powerful leaders

Senior correspondent Uddab Thapa dives deep into Nepal’s budgetary landscape, examining allocations over the past three years and scrutinizing three key ministries. His investigation uncovers how over Rs 158 billion has been funneled into the home districts of powerful leaders, revealing the influence and forces shaping Nepal’s national budget.
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Smuggling without borders: Inside the Paudel brothers’ illegal empire

Special representative Khila Nath Dhakal investigated smuggling networks and cross-border crimes orchestrated by the Paudel brothers, spanning Nepal, India, China, and Singapore. Despite government efforts to curb money laundering and organized crime, these operations continue. Dhakal’s reporting uncovers the reach, methods, and impact of one of Nepal’s most notorious criminal networks.
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$2.5 million invested in UAE may have funded bribes in Nepal

Chief Editor Prashant Aryal traveled to London to interview Deepak Sharma and uncover the realities behind the Widebody Corruption Scandal, a highly debated case concerning the procurement of two wide-body aircraft. The investigation examines selective procurements, administrative lapses, and broader implications. Sharma revealed that bribe money collected in Dubai—still held as $2.5 million invested in the UAE—may have been used to fund illicit payments in Nepal.
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Decades of delay: Fertilizer factories still a distant hope for Nepali farmers

Senior Correspondent Kalendra Sejuwal investigated Nepal’s long-standing fertilizer crisis, examining government records, budget allocations, import data, and farmer testimonies. Despite decades of promises, domestic fertilizer production remains elusive. Nepal imports chemical fertilizers worth around Rs 40 billion annually, and Rs 28.82 billion—nearly half of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development’s Rs 57.48 billion budget—is being spent on subsidies. This story highlights the gap between policy promises and reality, and its impact on farmers.
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Nepali Congress in decline: Seven key deviations cost public trust

Senior Political Correspondent Roman Acharya argues that the Nepali Congress’s decline stems from leadership prioritizing short-term power gains over public mandates. The article portrays the party as “a crutch for others to reach power,” highlighting strategic missteps, political instability, and loss of public trust. Although it is the largest party in Parliament, the Nepali Congress has conceded leadership of the government to either the Maoist Centre or the CPN-UML.
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When Soviet leader Khrushchev got angry with Nepali diplomat Rishikesh Shah

Editor of Nepal News Saturday edition (Chhutima), Nabin Aryal, presents a captivating historical account of Cold War diplomacy through the recollections of Narayan Prasad Arjel. This story offers a unique perspective on dramatic interactions between global leaders and Nepal’s navigation of international politics, preserving its neutral identity amid superpower tensions.
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