Kathmandu
Monday, December 1, 2025
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 last 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.
Madhesh’s homeowning MPs drain public funds every month
Reporting for Nepal News, district correspondent Birendra Raman finds that Madhesh Provincial Assembly Member Anjana Pandit of the Nepali Congress, along with several other lawmakers, continues to collect monthly housing allowances despite owning residences in Janakpurdham. Pandit lives in her own home while another of her properties hosts the Nepali Congress provincial office. Similar patterns involve former ministers and committee chairs, raising concerns among experts who argue that exploiting this legal loophole erodes public trust and misuses taxpayer funds.
https://english.nepalnews.com/s/politics/madheshs-homeowning-mp-drain-public-funds-every-month/
From transport to land offices, brokers hijack services nationwide
Khila Nath Dhakal, special representative at Nepal News, this report uncovers how middlemen thrive around Nepal’s major public offices despite official warnings declaring “Middlemen Restricted Zone.” At Ekantakuna’s Transport Office, brokers openly charge inflated fees for tasks service seekers can complete for free, while office heads deny their presence. Similar exploitation is seen at Land Revenue Offices in Lagankhel and Dillibazaar and at the Passport Department, where arrests exposed widespread fraud. Weak digital systems, loopholes, and poor enforcement continue to empower intermediaries over citizens.
83 years young, still cycling 85km to visit friends
Reporting from Nepalgunj, District Correspondent Krishna Adhikari highlights the remarkable stamina of Chandra Singh Bhattarai, an 83 year old former State Minister for Energy who completed an 85 kilometer bicycle journey from Tikapur to Khajura on November 19 in about seven hours. Active in Nepali Congress politics for six decades, Bhattarai still rides daily, credits yoga and cycling for flawless health, and refuses to abandon long routes despite family concerns. His lifelong bond with the bicycle continues to define his discipline, identity, and public service spirit.
https://english.nepalnews.com/s/feature/83-years-young-still-cycling-85km-to-visit-friends/
How an 11-year ban turned manpower licensing into a shadow market
Uddab Thapa, Special Representative of Nepal News, explains how a 2011 government freeze on new manpower company registrations under Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai was hollowed out by court-ordered mandates and departmental actions, allowing the sector to balloon. Between 2011 and 2022 licensed firms rose from 1,033 to 1,574, with 541 new companies registered during the moratorium. Judicial filings and interim orders enabled entrepreneurs and a handful of lawyers to register and trade firms, pushing prices from about Rs 12.5 million to roughly Rs 3 million and spawning profiteering that subverted the policy’s reform goals.
10th National Games gridlocked by CPN (UML) and Nepali Congress feud
By District Correspondent Deepak Jung Shahi, Karnali Province’s flagship International Stadium in Birendranagar, budgeted at Rs 1.594 billion and set for completion by April 23, 2024, remains unfinished over three years later. The handover is stalled due to a vacant Member Secretary position at the Provincial Sports Development Council since December 21, 2024. Despite Rs 2.855 billion allocated for sports and infrastructure over nine fiscal years, including an extra Rs 630 million for the Tenth National Games, political disputes have halted utilization, reflecting inefficiency and idle public investment.
MBF’s footprint expands through Nepal’s ruling hierarchy
Reporting for Nepal News, special representative Mani Dahal finds that the Madan Bhandari Foundation has evolved into a dominant pipeline for political and governmental appointments inside the CPN (UML). Figures linked to the Foundation have risen to offices including President, Prime Minister, Speaker, Chief Ministers, university leaders, ambassadors, and senior party roles. Analysts note that leaders such as KP Sharma Oli and Bidhya Devi Bhandari gained extensive influence through the Foundation, which now functions less as a volunteer body and more as a power consolidation network.
https://english.nepalnews.com/s/politics/mbfs-footprint-expands-through-nepals-ruling-hierarchy/
‘G.G.’ gang dominance puts RSP in crisis
By Special Representative Gopal Dahal, Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is witnessing a wave of resignations due to weak internal democracy and ideological ambiguity. Former Minister Sumana Shrestha left on September 14, followed by influential leader Santosh Pariyar on November 14, both citing party failure to uphold rule of law and internal debate. Critics highlight the dominance of Rabi Lamichhane’s G.G. group, suppression of dissent, and prioritization of individuals over policy. Former General Secretary Mukul Dhakal and other central members have also quit, reflecting growing fissures ahead of the March 5, 2026, elections.
https://english.nepalnews.com/s/politics/g-g-gang-dominance-puts-rsp-in-crisis/
