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The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has finalized its candidates for various parliamentary committee chairmanships following a parliamentary party meeting held at Singha Durbar on Thursday. In a significant move to organize its legislative presence, the party appointed Kabindra Burlakoti as the Chief Whip, with Prakash Chandra Pariyar and Kranti Shikha Dhital designated as Whips.

Additionally, Ganesh Parajuli has been appointed as the Deputy Leader of the parliamentary party. The meeting, endorsed by Party Chair Rabi Lamichhane and Parliamentary Party Leader Balen Shah, also established monthly levies for its officials: Rs 16,500 for lawmakers, Rs 18,000 for ministers, and Rs 2,000 for ministers’ personal secretaries.

Under this new lineup, Samiksha Baskota has been nominated for the Law, Justice, and Human Rights Committee, while Ashok Chaudhary will oversee Agriculture, Cooperatives, and Natural Resources. The party has selected Aashish Gajurel for Infrastructure Development, Aakriti Awasthi for Women and Social Affairs, and Hari Dhakal for State Affairs and Good Governance. Dr Ojaswi Sherchan is nominated for the Education, Health, and Information Technology Committee, while Krishnahari Budhathoki has been assigned to the Finance Committee. 

The party has named Sumnima Udas for International Affairs and Tourism and Rahabar Ansari for the Industry, Commerce, Labour, and Consumer Interest Committee. For the joint committees, Bodhnarayan Shrestha has been nominated for Parliamentary Hearing, and Ganesh Karki will lead the committee for Monitoring and Evaluation of the Implementation of State Directive Principles, Policies, and Obligations. Notably, the party maintains its stance of supporting the main opposition party for the chairmanship of the Public Accounts Committee.

Regarding the Public Accounts Committee, the RSP has decided to support the main opposition party, aligning with a broader political consensus. Bharat Bahadur Khadka of the Nepali Congress has officially filed his candidacy for the PAC chairmanship, proposed by Mohan Acharya and seconded by Janak Raj Giri.  With the RSP, CPN-UML, and Nepali Communist Party all signaling their support for the opposition in this specific role, Khadka’s election as chairperson is virtually certain. 

Popular moto-vlogger Suraksha KC and rider Ashutosh Dhanju have secured championship titles at the Extreme Moto Enduro Cross held in Bamdi, Pokhara. Organized by Adventure Sports Hub Nepal in coordination with Panchase Adarsha and Neel Gagan Youth Clubs, the two-day event concluded this Saturday on a grueling 4.8-kilometer technical track. 

Suraksha KC claimed the women’s title by completing five laps in 42 minutes and 55.1 seconds, earning a cash prize of Rs 100,000. She was followed by Sushmita Adhikari in second place and Umadevi Tamang in third, who received Rs 50,000 and Rs 25,000, respectively.

In the men’s division, Ashutosh Dhanju emerged victorious after completing seven laps with a time of 47 minutes and 3.1 seconds, taking home the top prize of Rs 150,000. The competition for the remaining podium spots was narrow, with Bibid Jung Thapa (MRB) finishing second in 49 minutes and 14.5 seconds to win Rs 100,000, and Rajesh Magar taking third place just seconds later at 49 minutes and 19.3 seconds to earn Rs 50,000. 

The event featured a total of 60 participants, including 53 men and seven women, highlighting the growing interest in endurance motorsports in the region.

Recent projections by the World Bank (WB) and second-quarter estimates from the National Statistics Office (NSO) suggest that Nepal’s economy is expanding at a moderate pace and under increasingly complex external and domestic conditions.

The World Bank has projected a slowdown in Nepal’s economic growth in fiscal year 2025/26 to 2.3 percent compared to the 4.6 percent expansion recorded in the previous fiscal year. This anticipated deceleration is due to a combination of external shocks and lingering internal disruptions. According to the World Bank, the ongoing conflict in West Asia has introduced volatility in global energy markets and disrupted travel flows, both of which are critical for Nepal’s tourism-dependent services sector. At the same time, the aftereffects of the Sept 2025 unrest continue to dampen investor sentiment and delay economic normalization.

However, the NSO’s second-quarter data tells a more nuanced story. The economy expanded by 4.05 percent year-on-year based on seasonally unadjusted data at basic prices, indicating that growth has not stalled. However, the quarter-on-quarter growth is projected to remain at just 2.04 percent based on seasonally adjusted prices. Projections by the World Bank and the NSO suggest that although Nepal’s growth is holding up statistically, momentum is weakening. 

Encouragingly, all 18 economic sectors recorded positive year-on-year growth in the second quarter, according to the NSO. This broad-based expansion suggests that the recovery is not narrowly concentrated but spread across the economy. 

Some sectors have performed exceptionally well. Electricity and gas activities recorded the highest growth at 22.74 percent, followed by financial and insurance activities (12.51 percent), transport and storage (9.65 percent), accommodation and food services (5.18 percent), and wholesale and retail trade (4.11 percent). Agriculture, the largest contributor to the economy, grew by an estimated 2.21 percent year-on-year despite a decline in paddy output. Increases in cash crops, vegetables, fruits, and forestry products supported overall agricultural value addition, according to NSO.

Similarly, wholesale and retail trade, the second-largest sector, expanded by 4.11 percent due to higher domestic production and imports of tradable goods. In contrast, sectors such as water supply, sewerage and waste management (0.55 percent), public administration and defense (1.11 percent), and education (1.16 percent) posted relatively weak growth.

Several sectors have shown signs of stagnation. Water supply and waste management, public administration, and education all recorded growth rates barely above one percent. This reflects structural inefficiencies in public service delivery and human capital development which are crucial for sustaining long-term growth.

The World Bank has warned that the services sector, particularly tourism, could face headwinds if the West Asia conflict persists. A prolonged crisis could reduce tourist arrivals, weaken remittance inflows from Nepali workers in the region, and ultimately dampen domestic consumption. Higher transport costs and supply chain disruptions could further erode competitiveness and raise inflationary pressures, it added.

However, there are also reasons for cautious optimism. The political landscape appears more stable following the March elections when Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) emerged as the largest political force in the country with nearly two-thirds majority. This alone can improve policy continuity and investor confidence. Since the country’s macroeconomic fundamentals are relatively sound, with adequate foreign exchange reserves and manageable inflation, these buffers can help the economy navigate external shocks if managed effectively.

More importantly, the medium-term outlook remains positive. The World Bank expects growth to pick up to an average of 4.4 percent over the next two fiscal years, driven by reconstruction activities, continued hydropower expansion, and consumption linked to the 2027 subnational elections. 

The World Bank has recommended improving the business environment, investing in foundational infrastructure, mobilizing private finance, and supporting high-potential sectors such as tourism, information technology, and agribusiness. Without these structural reforms, it says Nepal risks remaining trapped in a low-growth equilibrium.

Among its South Asian peers, Nepal’s projected growth outpaces only that of the Maldives. India is expected to grow at 7.6 percent in the current fiscal year, while growth in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and the Maldives is projected at 7.1 percent, 3.9 percent, 3.6 percent, 3.0 percent, and 0.7 percent, respectively.

The AG 10 Football Academy has officially commenced its 11-day football camp at the Chyasal Stadium in Lalitpur, starting last Monday. Organized by former national team captain and academy head Anil Gurung, the program features 35 participants between the ages of 6 and 16. 

The camp, which is scheduled to run until May 16, holds daily training sessions from 8:00 am to 10:00 am. According to the organizers, the initiative is designed to enhance technical skills, physical fitness, and tactical understanding while fostering discipline and teamwork in an engaging environment. 

To ensure high-quality instruction, the academy has enlisted a veteran coaching staff including former national women’s team coach Rajendra Tamang, national team goalkeeper coach Binod Dangol, and Anil Gurung, alongside coaches Samir Bista and Subit Karki.

The new travel memoir ‘Jaganmukti’, authored by veteran journalist Dharmendra Jha, was officially released during the Baglung Media Mela-2082. The book was inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Gandaki Province, Surendra Raj Pandey, at a special ceremony organized by the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) Baglung Chapter. Known in the literary world as ‘Dharmendra Bihwal,’ Jha chronicles his spiritual and cultural journey from the sacred heights of Muktinath in Mustang to the coastal Jagannath temple, aiming to bridge the cultural and religious ties between Nepal and India.

According to the author, this 102-page travelogue marks the first book written in the Maithili language regarding Muktinath. Jha expressed confidence that the work will serve as a vital guide for Maithili speakers, noting that the Shaligram stones worshipped in Mithila households originate from the Muktinath region. The book is structured into three sections: the first focusing on Muktinath across the Himalayas, the second on Jagannath by the sea, and the third detailing his experiences at the Mahakumbh and the Kali river.

Dharmendra Jha brings a wealth of experience to this publication, having served as the former Central President of the Federation of Nepali Journalists and the immediate past Executive Chair of the National News Agency (RSS). A prolific writer with numerous titles in poetry, drama, and journalism history, Jha has also held leadership roles in the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the Nepal Press Union. This latest work adds to his extensive literary portfolio, which includes titles such as Mithila Mithak and The History of Nepalese Maithili Print Journalism.

Official development assistance (ODA) disbursements expanded by 15.5 percent to reach $1.6bn in the fiscal year 2024/25, according to the Development Cooperation Report 2024/25 unveiled by the Ministry of Finance earlier this week. Such disbursements stood at $1.39bn in the previous fiscal year.

According to the report, disbursement in 2024/25 is also significantly higher than the ten-year average, indicating a normalization of development finance flows following recent fluctuations. During the review period, the government signed 33 ODA agreements with 12 development partners, amounting to a total commitment of $1.98bn. Of this, debt financing accounted for $1.57bn, or 79.1 percent, while grants made up the remaining 20.9 percent equivalent to $413.1m.

Loans continued to be the primary mode of assistance in 2024/25, comprising 66.9 percent of total disbursements at $1.07bn. Grant disbursements stood at $344.4m, representing 21.4 percent, while technical assistance contributed $187.2m, or 11.6 percent of the total.

Among multilateral development partners, the World Bank emerged as the largest contributor, disbursing $541m during the fiscal year. The Asian Development Bank was next with $443.2m. Other key multilateral contributors included the International Monetary Fund, which disbursed $41.8m, the European Union with $37.7m, and the Green Climate Fund contributing $15.8m. The United Nations system collectively mobilized $64.5m during the period.

Among bilateral partners, India topped the list with disbursements totaling $107.8m. The United Kingdom was next with disbursements of $84.2m, followed by the USAID at $67.1m, Japan with $58.3m, Switzerland at $30.1m, and Norway contributing $26.6m. Overall, multilateral partners accounted for the bulk of ODA disbursements, contributing $1.09bn, or 68.1 percent. Bilateral partners made up 27.9 percent percent with $448.4m, while the UN system contributed the remaining four percent.

According to the report, on-budget disbursements rose sharply by 23.5 percent to $1.36bn. This indicates improved alignment with national priorities and systems. Similarly, on-treasury disbursements surged by 63.3 percent to $847.5m. In contrast, off-budget support declined by 15.1 percent to $242m, suggesting a gradual move toward greater transparency and government ownership of development spending.

Despite the increase in absolute disbursement, ODA’s share in the national budget declined to 14.5 percent in 2024/25, down from 15 percent in the previous fiscal year. It marked the lowest level in a decade, according to the report. Sector-wise, the transport sector received the largest share of ODA, with disbursements totaling $252.8m, or 15.7 percent of the total. Next were economic affairs at $204.5m (12.7 percent), agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting at $188.5m (11.7 percent), education at $184m (11.5 percent), and public order and safety at $170.3m (10.6 percent).

The contribution from international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) also also increased during the review year. Although the number of reporting INGOs declined to 49, total disbursements increased to $90m, up from $63.1m in the previous fiscal year. The report underscores broader shifts in Nepal’s development finance landscape. While public development finance, including government revenue and foreign aid, has nearly doubled over the past decade—from $4.8bn in 2015 to around $9.1bn in 2024—private financial flows have grown even more rapidly.

CPN-UML Vice Chairperson Bishnu Prasad Paudel has officially disavowed recent statements made by lawmaker Ram Bahadur Thapa in the House of Representatives, labeling them as a departure from the party’s core principles. 

In a stern response, Paudel clarified that the views expressed by Thapa, who currently serves as the party's parliamentary leader, are "contrary to the established policies and norms" of the CPN-UML.

Addressing the controversy, Paudel announced that the party's Central Secretariat would convene tomorrow to conduct a "serious discussion" regarding the breach of party discipline. The Vice Chairperson expressed his expectation that the leadership would reach a definitive and appropriate decision during the meeting to address the friction. 

This internal rift comes at a sensitive time for the party, as it navigates its role in the opposition following the 2026 general elections.

A new civic technology initiative, Janamat, has launched in Nepal, aiming to integrate blockchain technology into the country’s democratic processes. Developed by Superteam Nepal, a regional collective within the global Solana ecosystem, the platform is positioned as a ‘digital public square’ designed to facilitate transparent interaction between citizens and their elected officials.

The launch follows the March 2026 general elections, which saw a significant shift in the national political landscape and a heightened public demand for government accountability.

Janamat utilizes the ‘Solana blockchain’ to provide an immutable record of public sentiment. Unlike traditional social media platforms, the application’s core features are designed to prevent the alteration or deletion of data by central authorities.

The platform’s core functionality centers on four primary pillars designed to digitize civic participation. It features a verified petition system that enables citizens to elevate grassroots issues through a blockchain-backed trail of support, alongside dedicated policy debate forums where users can review, rate, and propose specific amendments to active legislative bills. 

To enhance oversight, the app integrates politician accountability profiles that maintain comprehensive track records of Members of Parliament, including a ‘Transparency Score’ derived from public feedback and their responsiveness to constituent needs. Furthermore, Janamat provides a formal channel for diaspora engagement, allowing the millions of Nepalis residing abroad to contribute to policy discussions and monitor the progress of community projects in real-time.

The introduction of Janamat comes at a critical juncture for Nepal's digital policy, as the newly formed government initiates a 100-day action plan to digitize public services like passports and driving licenses through the Nagarik App. 

However, this push for modernization faces a complex regulatory environment, with blockchain and cryptocurrency still subject to restrictive policies enforced by Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB). Proponents of the Janamat platform argue that utilizing blockchain technology can effectively reduce corruption in public works by ensuring fund allocations and project milestones remain transparently visible to all citizens. This argument gained significant traction during the 2026 election cycle, when the app’s pilot polling features correctly anticipated several high-profile outcomes, including the landslide victory observed in the Jhapa-5 constituency.

Superteam Nepal has indicated that the platform's primary objective is to foster a ‘continuous civic reflex’, moving public engagement beyond periodic election cycles. By recording votes and opinions on-chain, the platform seeks to provide a data-driven metric for public trust that is observable by both the government and the electorate.