KATHMANDU: Stay informed with the major headlines that shaped Nepal this week. Nepal News brings you the top stories from February 16 to February 21, 2025, covering key developments in Nepal. Get a quick overview of Nepal’s evolving landscape with this concise weekly update-

Sunday, February 16, 2025: 

Nepali Student’s Death Sparks Protests – Protests erupt after Prakriti Lamsal’s suicide in India, with allegations of harassment and neglect prompting diplomatic pressure on KIIT University.

U.S. Aid Suspension Delays Key Projects – Trump’s aid freeze halts Nepal’s $500M MCC grant, stalling power and road projects, raising concerns about increased Chinese influence.

Balloon Explosion Injures Deputy PM Paudel – A hydrogen balloon blast at a Pokhara tourism event injures Deputy PM Bishnu Paudel, sparking concerns over safety measures at public gatherings.

Coalition Pushes Social Media Bill – The ruling coalition advances a bill to regulate social media, drawing criticism for potentially curbing free speech and restricting online platforms.

Taplejung Cable Car Clashes Escalate – Protesters opposing a cable car in a sacred forest clash with police, demanding environmental protection and a halt to the controversial project.

Nepal Advances to Women’s Football Final – Star player Sabitra Bhandari secures Nepal’s spot in the final against Myanmar, raising hopes for a historic championship victory.

Medical Interns Protest Harsh Conditions – A medical intern’s suicide attempt fuels nationwide protests, with demands for better working conditions, fair wages, and mental health support.

Foreign Minister Deuba in Oman for Talks – Arzu Rana Deuba meets Qatari officials to seek aid for a Nepali worker reportedly held captive by Hamas, intensifying diplomatic efforts.

Gold Prices Drop Sharply – Domestic gold prices fall by Rs 2,700 per tola, impacting traders and consumers amid fluctuating global market trends.

Bird Flu Hits Koshi Region – Authorities cull 447 infected birds to contain an avian flu outbreak, raising concerns about its potential spread in rural Nepal.

Monday, February 17, 2025: 

KIIT Founder Summoned in Death Probe – Nepal pushes for accountability as Indian authorities summon KIIT University’s founder over Prakriti Lamsal’s suicide, escalating diplomatic tensions.

Supreme Court Issues Contempt Notice – The Supreme Court demands explanations over delays in the verdict on the Giribandhu Tea Estate land scam, raising judicial accountability concerns.

MCC Pause Raises China Influence Concerns – Experts warn that the U.S. aid suspension could push Nepal closer to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, shifting Nepal’s economic alliances.

Balloon Blast Investigation Launched – A high-level committee investigates the Pokhara hydrogen balloon explosion, with initial findings pointing to negligence in safety protocols.

Oli Defends BRI Transparency – PM Oli rebuffs criticism, asserting that Nepal’s Belt and Road agreements with China remain transparent, despite opposition concerns over debt risks.

Doctors Demand Hospital Reforms – Medical interns escalate protests, demanding policy changes to address excessive work hours, mental health risks, and better working conditions.

Nepal-India Power Line Deal Signed – A new cross-border transmission line agreement aims to strengthen energy cooperation between Nepal and India, boosting electricity trade.

Taplejung Locals Seek Eco-Review – Protesters demand an environmental impact assessment for the planned cable car in Taplejung’s sacred forest before construction proceeds.

Gold Prices Rebound Slightly – After a sharp drop, gold prices recover by Rs 2,300 per tola as traders adjust to global market fluctuations.

Beekeeping Aids Jajarkot Recovery – A post-earthquake livelihood program introduces modern beekeeping, helping Jajarkot farmers generate income and rebuild their communities.

Tuesday, February 18, 2025:

KIIT Reinstates Expelled Nepali Students – Following protests, KIIT revokes expulsions of Nepali students involved in demonstrations over Prakriti Lamsal’s suicide.

Finance Minister Paudel Airlifted – Bishnu Paudel is airlifted to Kathmandu for treatment after sustaining injuries in the Pokhara balloon explosion.

Pathibhara Dispute Fuels Policy Debate – Lawmakers demand stricter regulations on tourism projects in sacred areas following clashes over Taplejung’s cable car construction.

Opposition Slams MCC Halt – The opposition accuses the ruling coalition of mismanaging Nepal’s U.S. aid relationship, putting key infrastructure projects at risk.

Hospital Safety Scrutinized After Blast – A gas explosion in a Kathmandu restaurant raises concerns over weak enforcement of fire safety regulations.

Women’s Football Final Nears – Nepal prepares for a historic final against Myanmar, with high hopes for a major international title.

Cable Car Protests Turn Violent – Police use tear gas to disperse protesters as tensions over the Taplejung cable car project escalate.

Online Labor Permits Start in UAE – Nepal’s embassy in the UAE launches digital labor permit services to streamline migrant worker documentation.

Consumer Court Set for March Debut – Nepal prepares to launch a dedicated court to handle consumer rights violations and disputes.

Stock Market Dips Amid Uncertainty – The NEPSE index drops by 11.49 points as investors react to global economic concerns.

Wednesday, February 19, 2025:

Nepali Worker’s Release from Gaza Stalled – Diplomatic negotiations intensify as Nepal seeks the release of a Nepali worker reportedly held by Hamas.

Protesters Block KIIT Campus Gate – Nepali students in Odisha block the university gate, demanding justice for Prakriti Lamsal.

Judiciary Faces Scrutiny Over Delayed Cases – Legal experts criticize the Supreme Court for slow verdicts in high-profile corruption cases.

Football Final to be Televised Nationwide – Nepal’s historic women’s football final against Myanmar will be broadcast on major networks.

Arrests Made in Taplejung Cable Car Protests – Police detain protest leaders as tensions mount over the controversial project.

Paudel’s Condition Improves – Deputy PM Bishnu Paudel shows signs of recovery after treatment in Kathmandu.

US Urges Nepal to Reconsider MCC Stand – Washington warns of geopolitical risks if Nepal fails to implement MCC projects.

Nepal Wins Women’s Football Championship – Nepal’s national team secures a historic victory against Myanmar, claiming their first major international title.

Gold Prices Stabilize – Market adjustments keep gold prices steady after fluctuations earlier in the week.

Labor Rights Bill Moves to Parliament – A new bill aims to strengthen protections for Nepali migrant workers abroad.

Thursday, February 20, 2025:

KIIT Protests Escalate as Talks Fail – Nepali students in India continue protests over Prakriti Lamsal’s suicide, rejecting the university’s internal probe and demanding an independent investigation.

Nepal-China Border Dispute Resurfaces – Tensions rise as locals report increased Chinese security presence near Humla, prompting Nepal’s Foreign Ministry to seek clarifications from Beijing.

Medical Interns Threaten Strike – Protesting interns warn of a nationwide strike if their demands for fair wages and better working conditions are not addressed by the government.

Finance Minister Paudel Resumes Duties – After recovering from injuries sustained in the Pokhara balloon explosion, Bishnu Paudel resumes work, addressing economic concerns.

Stock Market Sees Modest Recovery – The NEPSE index gains 8.75 points, driven by renewed investor confidence following government assurances on economic stability.

MCC Implementation Faces New Hurdles – Legal experts warn that stalled MCC projects may lead to international legal complications, pressuring Nepal to clarify its stance.

Cable Car Protests Spread to Kathmandu – Solidarity protests against the Taplejung cable car project reach the capital, with activists demanding environmental protection.

Nepal Prepares for Women’s Victory Parade – The national women’s football team’s historic championship win will be celebrated with a grand victory parade in Kathmandu.

Police Crack Down on Gold Smuggling – Authorities seize 5 kg of illegally smuggled gold at Tribhuvan International Airport, intensifying operations against the black market trade.

Winter Tourism Boosts Everest Region – Increased foreign arrivals push up tourism revenue, with record winter trekking numbers in Everest and Annapurna regions.

Friday, February 21, 2025:

KIIT University Under Legal Scrutiny – The Odisha High Court orders KIIT to submit detailed reports on Prakriti Lamsal’s case, intensifying pressure on the institution.

Humla Border Tensions: Nepal Seeks Talks – Nepal formally requests diplomatic talks with China to address local reports of Chinese encroachment in the Humla region.

Medical Intern Strike Begins – Protesting interns halt services in major hospitals, demanding urgent government intervention in improving working conditions.

Government Revises Tourism Tax Policy – New tax exemptions for tourism businesses aim to boost Nepal’s post-pandemic economic recovery and attract more foreign investment.

Women’s Football Team Honored by PM – Prime Minister Oli felicitates Nepal’s victorious women’s football team, announcing cash rewards for the players.

Stock Market Ends Week on a Positive Note – NEPSE closes higher, reflecting improved investor sentiment amid economic policy clarifications.

Police Arrests Top Smuggler in Gold Scam – A notorious gold smuggler linked to international syndicates is arrested in Kathmandu, following a months-long investigation.

Cable Car Protesters Call for Referendum – Activists demand a public vote on the controversial Taplejung cable car project, citing cultural and environmental concerns.

UAE Job Scam Exposed – Authorities uncover a fraudulent recruitment scheme exploiting Nepali workers, leading to multiple arrests.

Cold Wave Affects Terai Farmers – A severe cold wave damages crops in southern Nepal, raising concerns over food security and economic losses.

Nepal on FATF Grey List Again:

Nepal is back on FATF’s grey list over money laundering and financial crimes. With only 21 of 40 requirements met, the country faces two years of scrutiny.