From booming IT exports to budget cuts and crypto busts, Nepal is keeping things lively! While airports expand and power deals take shape, corruption rankings and industry struggles remain a headache. At least Nepali athletes and innovators are making their mark worldwide—so there’s always a silver lining!
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Economy & Development 💸
Nepal’s IT sector is booming, with exports of IT goods and services reaching Rs 28.5 billion in just six months of FY 2024/25—nearly double the previous year’s total. According to Nepal Rastra Bank, IT exports have steadily increased, signaling the country's growing role in the global digital economy. This surge reflects Nepal’s expanding tech ecosystem, cross-border fintech collaborations, and rising demand for outsourcing. Experts believe with better infrastructure and policy support, Nepal’s digital economy could become a major export sector. More on Republica.
While Nepal’s digital economy is booming, physical connectivity is also expanding—In aviation, Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) is on track to exceed 5 million international passengers this year, a sharp rise from pre-pandemic levels. Increased tourist arrivals, student travel, and labor migration have fueled growth, though airport congestion remains a challenge. Meanwhile, TIA’s taxiway expansion project is halfway complete, with full operational improvements expected by 2026. While the taxiway project is on schedule, other airport construction works lag behind, prompting concerns about continued flight disruptions. Authorities have extended airport operating hours to ease congestion, with further upgrades planned. More on KTM Post.
The government is seeking private sector proposals to revive struggling industries, with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli emphasizing public-private partnerships as key to economic recovery. Business leaders have called for policy reforms, better infrastructure, and investment incentives to support long-term growth. Meanwhile, Nepal and India have agreed to build new cross-border transmission lines, enabling Nepal to export 16,000 MW of electricity by 2035. This move is part of Nepal’s broader plan to position itself as a regional energy hub, with new agreements strengthening trade ties with both India and Bangladesh. Lastly, Nepal has ranked 69th in the Climate Risk Index, with experts questioning the ranking as severe climate-induced disasters continue to impact the country. More on THT.
The US has withdrawn $39 million in aid for Nepal, cutting funding for fiscal federalism ($20M) and biodiversity conservation ($19M) as part of broader foreign aid reductions. The decision, announced by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), impacts multiple nations and development projects globally. Experts warn this could slow Nepal’s governance and conservation efforts, adding financial strain to already limited resources. More on My Republica.
Social & Cultural ⭐
Nepali kickboxer Abiral Ghimire, known as the "Snow Leopard," has claimed another international title by winning the K1 World Max 2025 championship in Tokyo. Ghimire defeated Japanese fighter Yasuhito Sirasu in the third round, adding to his growing reputation as one of Nepal’s top combat sports athletes. Already an ISCA World Champion, he now holds three major K1 Kickboxing titles. Trained by his father, former international fighter Dev Ghimire, and having undergone specialized training in Thailand, Ghimire’s success has once again put Nepal on the global kickboxing map. More: MyRepublica.
Nepal’s achievements in medicine and mountaineering continue to gain international recognition. Laos is set to adopt the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology’s eye care model, after witnessing its success in delivering high-impact surgeries with limited resources. Led by Dr. Sanduk Ruit, a Tilganga team conducted a free eye camp in Laos, restoring sight to 265 patients, including a blind teacher who regained vision. The Laotian government will send medical teams to Nepal for training, with support from the Fred Hollows Foundation and Cure Blindness project.
In mountaineering, Nepal has officially added six new peaks over 8,000 meters, raising its count to 14 eight-thousanders. The Kanchenjunga and Lhotse ranges house these newly recognized peaks, and while awaiting international approval, their recognition could significantly boost Nepal’s tourism economy. If accepted by global mountaineering bodies, these peaks could attract climbers seeking new challenges beyond Everest, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri, bringing in additional revenue and reinforcing Nepal’s status as the world’s top high-altitude destination. More: KTM Post | More: KTM Post.
Politics & Governance 🪧
Nepal’s government has slashed the national budget by Rs 168 billion to Rs 1.692 trillion, citing slow spending and weak revenue collection. Similar cuts last year raised concerns over overambitious fiscal planning, which experts warn disrupts infrastructure and development. Calls are growing for a more realistic approach to budgeting. More on Republica.
Nepal has dropped to 107th place in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI 2024) with a score of 34/100. While a minor drop, it underscores ongoing corruption issues and growing public frustration. Many are urging stronger accountability measures to improve governance and attract foreign investment. Full report on THT.
Meanwhile, police have busted a Rs 3.13 billion cryptocurrency scam, arresting 23 Indian nationals involved in illegal trading. The lack of clear crypto regulations in Nepal is fueling such crimes, and experts are pushing for urgent government action. Read more on Republica.
On a positive note, Nepal and India are set to restart talks on key infrastructure projects like the Pancheshwar and Saptakoshi dams. These projects could generate 6,480 MW of electricity and boost irrigation, offering long-term benefits for both nations. While political hurdles remain, renewed negotiations signal progress toward long-awaited development. More on KTM Post.
Did you know ❓
The Kali Gandaki Gorge in Nepal is the deepest gorge in the world, plunging over 5,571 meters (18,278 ft) between Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Annapurna (8,091m). Carved by the Kali Gandaki River, which originates in Tibet, this ancient gorge is home to sacred Saligram fossils, revered in Hinduism as forms of Lord Vishnu. It also forms part of the Annapurna Circuit, a world-famous trekking route, and is known for its powerful winds that sweep through the valley. A true geological wonder, it has been eroding the Himalayas for millions of years, revealing some of the oldest rock formations on Earth.
Diaspora & Globalization 🌎
In the US, 20 Nepalis have been deported within weeks of Donald Trump’s return to office, following an executive order targeting undocumented immigrants. US immigration data shows 1,365 Nepalis without legal status, and officials expect deportations to increase as the administration enforces stricter policies. While some countries report harsher treatment of deportees, Nepali authorities confirm that returnees have faced no mistreatment so far, arriving on regular commercial flights. However, concerns over irregular migration and human trafficking are growing, as many Nepalis continue to take risky routes to reach the US. With deportations rising, experts are urging for safer, legal pathways for Nepali workers abroad. More: OnlineKhabar.
Japan is set to recruit 20,000 Nepali caregivers, offering three- to five-year contracts with salaries of up to 200,000 Japanese yen per month. Candidates aged 18 to 45 must pass a Japanese language test and skills assessment before qualifying for interviews. Meanwhile, Israel is preparing to welcome 1,000 Nepali auxiliary workers, the first batch under a government-to-government (G2G) agreement. These workers, selected through a transparent lottery, will be employed in elderly care facilities, with the remaining 1,100 candidates expected to follow soon. Both programs mark significant steps in Nepal’s labor migration sector, creating structured job opportunities with legal protections. With increasing demand for skilled caregivers abroad, such initiatives could shape the future of Nepal’s overseas employment. More: THT | KTM Post.
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