Kathmandu
Monday, December 29, 2025

Last week at Nepal News: Seven stories that matter

December 29, 2025
5 MIN READ
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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.

Karki-led government completes 100 days with unremarkable results

Uddab Thapa, special representative of Nepal News, writes that the interim government led by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has completed 100 days without major discredit but has failed to meet expectations on good governance, security, and public service delivery. Formed after the Gen Z protest with a mandate to hold elections on March 5, 2026, the government appears slow, confused, and inconsistent, particularly in ministerial appointments and administrative reform. While election preparations have progressed, trust, security guarantees, and reforms promised by the movement remain largely unfulfilled.

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https://english.nepalnews.com/s/politics/karki-led-government-completes-100-days-with-unremarkable-results/

Lumbini Province: Several airports but no regular flights

CP Khanal, district correspondent of Nepal News, reports that billions of rupees invested in airports across Lumbini Province risk going to waste due to poor planning, low passenger demand, limited aircraft, and political showmanship. Several airports remain closed, underused, or stalled, while regular flights operate only at Nepalgunj and Gautam Buddha airports. Experts argue airport projects were driven by election politics rather than public need, as hill districts still lack basic services like drinking water, health care, sanitation, education, and food security, exposing a deep mismatch between development priorities and citizens’ needs.

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https://english.nepalnews.com/s/business/lumbini-province-several-airports-but-no-regular-flights/

Political parties in election mode

Gopal Dahal, special representative of Nepal News, describes that although uncertainty remains over the House of Representatives elections scheduled for March 5, 2026, political parties have already intensified preparations. New parties born after the Gen Z revolt, including the Rastriya Swatantra Party, Ujyalo Nepal, Shram Sanskriti Party, and Gatisheel Loktantrik Party, appear more active than older forces. The RSP, led by Rabi Lamichhane, has moved swiftly into campaign mode. Traditional parties are also preparing, though more cautiously, amid ongoing political ambiguity.

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https://english.nepalnews.com/s/politics/political-parties-in-election-mode/

Govt and EC confident of holding elections, other stakeholders skeptical

Bhasha Sharma, senior correspondent of Nepal News, finds that despite firm assurances from Prime Minister Sushila Karki and visible preparations by the Election Commission, uncertainty persists over the House of Representatives elections scheduled for March 5, 2026. Legal challenges seeking parliament restoration, skepticism from major parties, unresolved demands of the Gen Z revolt, and lack of provisions for overseas voting and “no vote” have deepened doubts. While the EC claims readiness and legal amendments have been made, former election chiefs and stakeholders warn that political consensus and reforms remain insufficient to guarantee timely polls.

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https://english.nepalnews.com/s/politics/govt-and-ec-confident-of-holding-elections-other-stakeholders-skeptical/

Critics slam PM’s focus on trivial meetings as election deadline looms

Shambhu Regmi, of the desk at Nepal News, writes that Prime Minister Sushila Karki, entrusted by the Gen Z movement to hold House elections on March 5, 2026, faces growing criticism for failing to prioritize election focused political dialogue. With just weeks left, analysts and parties argue she is overly engaged in formal and nonessential meetings, while doubts persist over security, accountability for protest violence, and political consensus. Although the government insists preparations are underway, skepticism remains that the interim administration has aligned its actions with its core electoral mandate.

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https://english.nepalnews.com/s/politics/critics-slam-pms-focus-on-trivial-meetings-as-election-deadline-looms/

Misappropriation of funds from state treasury in the name of deceased leaders

Mani Dahal, special representative of Nepal News, investigates how successive governments diverted public funds to party-linked foundations and memorial projects named after deceased leaders. The report reveals that budgets were routinely allocated without legal frameworks, often benefiting political parties and their sister organizations through buildings, offices, and grants. Following the Gen Z protests, the interim government scrapped many such projects, including the controversial Ganeshman Singh Memorial allocation. Experts warn that unchecked patronage, ethical lapses, and weak oversight have turned memorial institutions into tools of political influence rather than public service.

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https://english.nepalnews.com/s/feature/misappropriation-of-funds-from-state-treasury-in-the-name-of-deceased-leaders/

Foreign coach, familiar foes, and Nepali women’s World Cup dream

Deep Subedi, correspondent of Nepal News, presents that Nepal’s women’s cricket team is on the brink of history as it prepares for the ICC Women’s T-20 World Cup Global Qualifier to be held in Nepal. Inspired by the men’s team’s recent success, CAN has appointed Indian coach Harshal Pathak, the first foreign coach for the women’s side. With improved balance, experience, and mental preparation, Nepal aims to break past barriers and secure its first-ever Women’s World Cup berth.

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https://english.nepalnews.com/s/feature/foreign-coach-familiar-foes-and-nepali-womens-world-cup-dream/