Kathmandu
Monday, February 9, 2026
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.
Behind makeup and music, women tell their untold stories through art
Prabhakar Gautam, a senior correspondent of Nepal News, reports on the “Our Voices, Our Rights” exhibition at the Nepal Art Council, which features the “PhotoVoice” project. The display showcases approximately 50 photographs by 15 women working in Nepal’s adult entertainment sector, including dance bars and massage centers. These images and captions document personal struggles with economic necessity, labor exploitation, and sexual violence. Participants, aged 18 to 30, use photography to express suppressed emotions and the desire for dignified lives away from social exclusion. Organized by the University of the Fraser Valley and the Indigenous Women Upliftment Center-Sindhupalchowk, the exhibition serves as a medium for marginalized women to regain their identities and advocate for human rights through February 8.
Dailekh methane reserve smaller than initial estimate, final study shows
Mani Dahal, a special representative of Nepal News, reports that a detailed study has finalized the methane gas reserve in Jaljale, Dailekh, at 80.7 billion cubic meters, which is lower than the initial 112 billion cubic estimate. The final report, submitted by the China Geological Survey on November 7, 2025, classifies the site as a medium-sized, non-conventional reserve requiring advanced extraction technology. Petroleum Exploration Project chief Dharma Raj Khadka stated that the next phase involves well testing to determine technical extractability. While test production could occur within a year, commercial production may take five to eight years. The project, funded largely by China, aims to reduce Nepal’s heavy financial reliance on imported liquefied petroleum gas.
Nepal excels in eye care
Gopal Dahal, a special representative of Nepal News, reports that Nepal has become a premier destination for eye care in South Asia, with Biratnagar Eye Hospital alone treating 700,000 patients in 2025. Established in 2006, the hospital serves a significant international population, with 46 percent of patients hailing from India, Bangladesh, and Bhutan. The Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh (NNJS) manages a vast network where 80 percent of investment comes from non-governmental and community sources. Success is driven by high-quality, affordable surgeries and the local production of over 450,000 lenses annually by Tilganga Eye Hospital. This community-led model, initiated by Dr. Ram Prasad Pokharel in 1978, has created a self-reliant system that significantly bolsters the national economy through medical tourism.
https://english.nepalnews.com/s/feature/nepal-excels-in-eye-care/
Health insurance in crisis due to government itself
Uddab Thapa, a special representative of Nepal News, reports that Nepal’s health insurance program is in a severe crisis, with outstanding hospital claims reaching Rs 12 billion. Although the program covers 10.2 million people and spends Rs 80 million daily, a lack of government funding has led major hospitals like TU Teaching Hospital to suspend services. Internal conflicts led to the resignation of Executive Director Raghu Kafle in January 2026. Experts suggest that integrating parallel subsidy programs and enrolling civil servants could generate Rs 44 billion annually to ensure sustainability. To mitigate the deficit, the Board has decided to cap outpatient coverage at Rs 25,000 and enforce stricter referral and pharmacy pricing rules to prevent the program’s total collapse.
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https://english.nepalnews.com/s/health/health-insurance-in-crisis-due-to-government-itself/
58 Gen Z candidates in Madhesh, zero from Nepali Congress
Birendra Raman, a district correspondent of Nepal News, reports that 58 Gen Z candidates, among them 56 men and two women, are contesting the March 5 House of Representatives election in Madhesh Province. Data from the Election Commission reveals that 41 are running as independents, while 12 represent parties such as Ujyalo Nepal, Janamat, and RSP. This surge in youth participation, largely attributed to the Gen Z protests of September 2025, marks a shift away from traditional candidates. Notably, the Nepali Congress has fielded zero Gen Z candidates in the province. Young contenders, including former minister Bablu Gupta, are campaigning on platforms of good governance and development, aiming to transform their street-level activism into legislative influence to challenge decades of perceived misrule.
https://english.nepalnews.com/s/politics/58-gen-z-candidates-in-madhesh-zero-from-nepali-congress/
Why everyone wants to be a politician in today’s Nepal
Nabin Aryal, editor of Nepal News Saturday Special (Chhuttima), explores the unprecedented surge of professionals entering politics ahead of the March 5 election. Contrasting today’s landscape with 1970, when BP Koirala urged students to prioritize education over brawls, Aryal notes a shift where doctors, artists, and bankers now view politics as the ultimate tool for change. The article highlights that while Gen Z activists like Rakshya Bam remain unaffiliated, former ministers Kulman Ghising, Bablu Gupta, and Mahabir Pun have transitioned from technocratic roles to active candidates. Experts suggest this “political hunger” stems from systemic corruption, the failure of established leaders to build functional systems, and the lure of social recognition, despite the risks of entering a visionless, “glamour-driven” arena.
https://english.nepalnews.com/s/politics/why-everyone-wants-to-be-a-politician-in-todays-nepal/
Jhapa is bigger than Balen and Oli
Anil Shrestha, a district correspondent of Nepal News, reports that 90 candidates have filed nominations for the March 5 election across Jhapa’s five constituencies, including 17 independents. The most watched battle is in Jhapa-5, where UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli faces RSP senior leader Balen Shah in a high-stakes “battle of prestige.” In Jhapa-2, a heavyweight showdown features former Speaker Devraj Ghimire against former Deputy Speaker Indira Rana Magar. Other key contests include a three-way race in Jhapa-1 involving Nisha Dangi and a challenge to Rajendra Lingden’s stronghold in Jhapa-3. With 713,537 total voters and 50,226 new additions, the district reflects a fierce struggle between traditional forces and rising new parties.
https://english.nepalnews.com/s/politics/jhapa-is-bigger-than-balen-and-oli/
