Trump Labels Strait of Hormuz as ‘New U.S. Territory,’ Iran Rejects ClaimDonald Trump shared a map labeling the Strait of Hormuz as “New U.S. Territory,” prompting strong rejection from Iran amid rising U.S.-Iran tensions.4 days ago
Gandaki Has Opened the Door to Cannabis Farming. But Is It Really Legal Under Nepal’s Federal Law?Gandaki Province has opened a regulated path for medicinal and industrial cannabis farming under licenses, testing and government monitoring, but recreational use remains illegal and questions remain over how the provincial law will operate alongside Nepal’s federal narcotics law.Aug 13
Three-Day Search Ends in Tragedy: Former Kapilvastu Mayor Kiran Singh Found DeadFormer Kapilvastu Municipality mayor and Nepali Congress leader Kiran Singh, 65, was found dead in the Gorusinge forest area on Sunday after being out of contact since Friday. His motorcycle had earlier been discovered about eight kilometres inside the forest from the East-West Highway, prompting an extensive search involving police, local residents and a trained search dog.Aug 9
Nepal Government Plans to Raise VAT-Free Electricity Consumption Limit to 150 Units, Offering Relief to Millions of HouseholdsNepal Government is preparing to increase the VAT-free electricity consumption limit from 50 to 150 units. The proposal could benefit over 46 lakh households by reducing monthly electricity bills.Aug 4
Lost in Mandala: Nepal's Original Animated Feature Film Sets Its Sights on the Global MarketLost in Mandala, an original animated feature film by Incessant Rain Studios and NIMB Ace Capital, aims to bring Nepal's stories, culture, and Himalayan heritage to audiences worldwide while showcasing the country's growing creative industry.Aug 2
NEA Forms Probe Committee Into Transformer Procurement, Former Chiefs Kulman Ghising And Hitendra Dev Shakya Come Under ReviewThe Nepal Electricity Authority has established a high-level investigation committee to examine complaints surrounding transformer procurement, project implementation and other procurement decisions, with purchases made during the leadership of former Executive Directors Kulman Ghising and Hitendra Dev Shakya set to be reviewed.Jul 31
Teachers’ Federation Demands Immediate Halt To Promotional Song From Film MasterniThe Nepal Teachers’ Federation has demanded the immediate removal of the promotional song “Math Sikne Bhaye...” from the film Masterni, saying it disrespects female teachers and the teaching profession.Jul 17
US Launches Airstrikes Across Iran After Strait Of Hormuz Ship AttacksThe United States has launched a new wave of large scale airstrikes across Iran after three commercial ships were attacked while passing through the Strait of Hormuz, sharply increasing tensions between Washington and Tehran and raising concerns over regional security and global energy supplies. According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the strikes were carried out after three commercial vessels with civilian crews came under attack while transiting the strategic waterway. The United States blamed Iran for the attacks and said the military operation was intended to protect freedom of navigation and hold Tehran accountable. Iranian officials have not confirmed or denied responsibility for the attacks on the ships. CENTCOM said US forces struck more than 80 military targets across Iran using precision weapons. The targets included air defense systems, command and control facilities, coastal radar installations, anti ship missile systems, missile related infrastructure, and more than 60 small boats linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). US officials described the operation as one of the largest military actions since the latest round of fighting began. Iranian state media reported explosions in several strategic locations, including Sirik, Bandar Abbas, Qeshm Island, and Kharg Island. Reports from Iranian media said several people were injured after debris struck parts of the Sirik commercial port. Iran's state broadcaster also claimed that many of the US strikes hit civilian areas, although the United States has not commented on that allegation. Iran strongly condemned the US operation. The Khatam al Anbiya Central Headquarters described the strikes as a blatant act of aggression and warned that Iran's armed forces would deliver what it called a strong response. The military also repeated that it would not accept outside interference in the Strait of Hormuz and said commercial shipping should use routes designated by Iran. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf accused Washington of violating previous understandings between the two countries and said Iran would not yield to pressure. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also said Iran would not enter negotiations while facing military threats, adding that the United States should first respect earlier agreements before any future talks could move forward. The latest escalation has also affected economic relations. The United States announced that temporary relief from restrictions on Iranian oil exports would end on July 17, restoring tighter measures on Iran's oil trade. US officials said the decision was linked to the latest developments in the Strait of Hormuz and formed part of Washington's broader response to the crisis. Global energy markets reacted quickly to the renewed tensions. Crude oil prices rose by about 2.7 percent to around 72.40 dollars per barrel as investors weighed the possibility of further disruption in one of the world's most important energy shipping routes. The Strait of Hormuz carries a significant share of global oil exports, and any military confrontation in the area has the potential to affect fuel prices and international trade. As tensions continued to rise, Bahrain activated air raid sirens and advised residents to remain calm and move to safe locations as a precaution. Reports also indicated increased military activity across parts of the Gulf region, highlighting fears that the conflict could spread beyond the immediate area. The latest exchange comes despite previous diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing hostilities between the United States and Iran. Analysts say the renewed military action has placed those efforts under severe strain and warned that further retaliation by either side could increase the risk of a wider regional conflict. Governments and financial markets around the world are now closely watching for further military developments as well as any renewed diplomatic efforts to prevent another major escalation.Jul 8
IOE Changes Entrance Exam Details Again After Student ProtestsInstitute of Engineering (IOE), Tribhuvan University, has reversed its decision to change the BE/B.Arch entrance examination to a 100-mark pattern, restoring the previous 140-mark format. The decision comes after sustained pressure from students and student unions, who argued that the institute's sudden policy changes had disrupted preparation and created uncertainty just weeks before the admission process.Jul 7
Nepal Loves Football, So Why Is The World Cup Still A Distant Dream?Nepal loves football deeply, but love alone has not taken the country to the FIFA World Cup. Weak leadership, ANFA disputes, and unstable management have kept the dream far awayJul 6
Global Leaders Welcome US Iran Agreement As Step Toward Regional StabilityGovernments across the world have welcomed a newly announced agreement between the United States and Iran, describing it as a significant diplomatic achievement aimed at reducing tensions in West Asia. Leaders from several countries said the deal could help restore regional stability, improve maritime trade through the Strait of Hormuz, and support broader economic recovery.Jun 15
Rabi Lamichhane And NHRC Report Bring Gen Z Protest Fallout Back Into FocusRabi Lamichhane’s Nakkhu Prison issue and the NHRC’s recommendation to investigate several public figures have brought the Gen Z protest violence back into Nepal’s political spotlight.May 27