Submit your Article

The Nepali Embassy, in coordination with relevant Thai authorities, deported 47 Nepalis involved in online dating scams, casino and gaming fraud, cryptocurrency crimes, and other online scams in Myanmar. They were flown back to Nepal on Wednesday via Nepal Airlines flight RA402.

The deported individuals come from 26 different districts, comprising 45 men and two women.

One person each came from Chitwan, Dailekh, Kaski, Kathmandu, Kavre, Palpa, Ramechhap, Rautahat, Salyan, Sarlahi, Sindhuli, Taplejung, and Tehrathum districts, two each from Dang, Mahottari, Morang, Nawalparasi, Nuwakot, Syangja and Tanahun districts, and three each from Dhading, Gorkha, Rupandehi, Sindhupalchowk and Udayapur districts and five from Jhapa.

According to them, they reached Myanmar through various people, including friends and online friends, friends who play online games such as PUBG, and advertisements on social media.

Their age group includes one 17-year-old, 26 people between the ages of 20 and 25, 10 people between the ages of 26 and 30, eight people between the ages of 31 and 35, one 40-year-old, and one 41-year-old.

Most of them have completed their 10+2 education and have studied information technology. They have been involved with scamming centers for periods ranging from two to 18 months.

A two-day Regional Workshop on “Assessing Impact of Transboundary Animal Diseases in South Asia,” followed by the SAARC CVOs Forum Meeting, was held in Colombo, Sri Lanka on Wednesday.

The event jointly organized by the SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC), Dhaka and the Department of Animal Production and Health (DAPH), Sri Lanka, aimed to strengthen regional coordination and assess the growing threat of transboundary animal diseases (TADs), which continue to affect livestock productivity, food security and rural livelihoods in South Asia.

The event brought together leading policymakers, scientists, veterinary experts and development partners from the SAARC Member States (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka), WOAH Asia and Pacific, FAO RAP, ACAPSI and Regional and International Organizations.

Speaking as the Chief Guest, D.P. Wickremasinghe, Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land & Irrigation called for stronger investment in technology, laboratory capacity and early-warning systems. He emphasized that safeguarding animal health is key to ensuring food safety, supporting rural economies and enhancing regional trade.

Guest of Honour Dr. Palika Fernando, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land & Irrigation, highlighted Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts to strengthen veterinary services and disease surveillance. She noted that regional workshops such as this provide vital opportunities for countries to learn from each other’s experiences and align their strategies.

Representing the SAARC Secretariat, Mr. Tanvir Ahmad Torophder, Director (ARD & SDF), SAARC Secretariat, Nepal, underscored the importance of integrating regional frameworks with national disease-control programs. He noted that the SAARC Secretariat will continue to support cross-border collaboration, capacity-building and harmonized reporting systems.

Md. Harunur Rashid, Director, SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC), in his special remarks, reiterated SAC’s commitment to promoting evidence-based policymaking and fostering collaboration among SAARC Member States.

He stressed that South Asia, with one of the world’s largest livestock populations, must adopt a unified strategy to mitigate disease risks. “No single country can tackle TADs alone. Only through shared knowledge and joint action can we build resilient livestock systems,” he said.

The session concluded with remarks by the Chairperson, Dr. K.K. Sarath, Chief Veterinary Officer and Director General of DAPH, who stressed the need for sustained regional commitment.

The program began with an overview presentation by Dr. Md. Younus Ali, Senior Program Specialist (Livestock), SAC, who highlighted the economic and social consequences emphasized that regional disease surveillance, joint research and rapid response mechanisms are essential to safeguard livestock-dependent communities.

UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) have praised Nepal’s Ministry of Health and Population for launching the National Mental Health Campaign 2025, an initiative addressing the country’s pressing child and adolescent mental health challenges.

National data show that 5.2 percent of adolescents between the ages of 13 to 19 years have diagnosable mental health conditions, while 18.3 percent of children (6–18 years) report emotional or behavioral difficulties. Suicide remains the third leading cause of death among young people aged 15–29 years.

Despite this burden, most affected children, adolescents and young people receive little or no support.

The launch of the campaign coincides with the conclusion of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, with this year’s global focus on digital violence is especially relevant as adolescents face rising cyberbullying and online harassment, which directly impact their safety and mental wellbeing.

The campaign aims to raise awareness, strengthen prevention and expand access to care for those who need it.

UNICEF and WHO, long-standing partners in advancing child and adolescent mental health, applaud the Government’s progress in implementing the National Mental Health Strategy and Action Plan 2020–2025. Both agencies reaffirm their commitment to continue working with the government in ensuring mental health as a fundamental right for all.

Through the Helping Adolescents Thrive (HAT) Initiative—reaching more than 100,000 children with socio-emotional learning—both agencies have contributed to advancing mental health services nationwide.

WHO’s Special Initiative for Mental Health has strengthened integration of mental health into general health care, operationalized the National Suicide Prevention Helpline 1166, developed district hospital service models, and supported municipal mental health toolkits.

“It is encouraging to see the Government of Nepal prioritize mental health as demonstrated through advances in service integration and the launch of this important campaign. While access to quality mental health services remains limited for many, these steps show meaningful progress and strong national commitment. WHO is proud to have supported key mental health initiatives in the past and remains committed to assisting the government in strengthening mental health policies and systems to help ensure services are accessible for all,” said Dr Rajesh Pandav, Acting WHO Representative to Nepal, reads a statement issued by WHO.

UNICEF continues to strengthen early identification, referral and care pathways; train health workers; expand telemental health services at Kanti Children’s Hospital and provincial hospitals; enhance digital platforms such as U-Report and the Machhuni chatbot; and support policy and strategy development at national and local levels.

“UNICEF is honored to support Nepal in strengthening its mental health systems. From expanding services to those who need them and building workforce capacity to generating high-quality national data, Nepal is laying the foundation for a resilient, equitable mental health system. This campaign is an important step in ensuring children and adolescents receive the care and dignity they deserve,” said Alice Akunga, UNICEF Representative to Nepal, according to WHO.

Despite progress, gaps persist. Adolescents face heightened vulnerability due to violence, bullying, poverty, parental mental illness and other adversities. Risk-taking behaviors, including substance use, often worsen during this period.

Without support, young people risk stigma, exclusion, educational setbacks and rights violations — particularly adolescent parents, adolescents in early or forced marriage, orphans and minority groups.

UNICEF and WHO call for a comprehensive, multisectoral response with strong leadership, sustained financing, a skilled workforce and robust information systems. Action across sectors is needed to reduce adversity, strengthen nurturing care, expand opportunities and reduce risks such as substance use. Effective mental health services—from prevention to recovery—require coordinated support across digital platforms, schools, health and social care settings and communities every child and young person can thrive.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on December 9 welcomed the sixty-seven new Foreign Service officers. Official appointment letters were presented to them following an oath-taking ceremony.

Addressing the event, Foreign Secretary Amrit Kumar Rai congratulated all the new officers and instructed them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity while discharging their duties, guided by the motto of people first.

 He further emphasized the importance of competence, dedication and determination of Foreign Service officials to protect and promote Nepal’s national interest in the competitive world.

Sri Lankan Ambassador to Nepal Ruwanthi Delpitiya has held a meeting with a delegation from the Nepal Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NSCCI), led by the President Vijay Shrestha.

The meeting focused on enhancing trade relations, exploring avenues to promote two-way tourism and new trade opportunities and fostering mutual growth between Sri Lanka and Nepal, according to the Embassy.

Commercial Officer Bibek Wosti delivered a presentation on Sri Lanka Expo 2026 outlining the event prospects.

The discussions emphasized ways to further develop bilateral trade, enhancing tourism collaboration and highlighted the potential for collaboration in upcoming trade initiatives, including participation in Sri Lanka Expo 2026.

Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba is preparing to contest the upcoming March 5 elections from his home district, Dadeldhura.

In a recent meeting with leaders of the Nepali Congress Dadeldhura district committee, Deuba indicated that he would be running for office for the last time.

Deuba has already secured victory from Dadeldhura in the federal parliamentary elections seven times—in 1991, 1994, 1999, 2008, 2013, 2017, and 2022. If he contests again, this will mark his eighth bid for the seat.

Germany and Nepal on December 5 marked 50 years of technical cooperation, bringing together government partners, development stakeholders, and longstanding collaborators at the GIZ premises in Khumaltar. Under the theme “Woven Through Time, Shaping Tomorrow Together”, the event highlighted the milestones of a partnership that began with Bhaktapur’s heritage preservation in the early 1970s, expanded through GIZ’s work in infrastructure and urban development, industrial and entrepreneurial development, agriculture and forest management, peace building and conflict transformation, and post-earthquake reconstruction, and has now grown into one of Nepal’s longest-standing international collaborations in energy, health and sustainable economic development.

Over the years, German Development Cooperation has evolved into several organizations – GIZ, which is celebrating its 50 years of technical cooperation in Nepal today, KfW Development Bank, which is a German Financial Cooperation, and PTB, supporting quality assurance across sectors. Each organization brings its own expertise, but all share one approach: a partnership built on mutual respect, collaboration, and shared progress in Nepal.

Today, Germany-Nepal technical cooperation is closely aligned with Nepal’s national priorities and supports its regional and global commitments. The 50-year milestone underscores a partnership that is both long-standing and forward-looking.

The chief guest, Minister of Finance and Federal Affairs and General Administration Mr. Rameshwor Prasad Khanal, highlighted the significance of the 50-year partnership between Nepal and GIZ, describing it as a story of trust, cooperation, and shared aspirations. He stated, “It is a great privilege for me, on behalf of the Government of Nepal, to join in celebrating 50 years of GIZ’s dedicated service to our country. This milestone is evidence of what long-term cooperation, mutual respect, and a shared vision can achieve.”

Reflecting on GIZ’s contributions over the decades, the Minister noted, “GIZ has been more than a development agency; it has been a committed partner in Nepal’s pursuit of sustainable growth, social inclusion, and the well-being of our people.” The Minister called for deeper future collaboration in renewable energy, public health, decentralization, sustainable infrastructure, inclusive economic growth, and improved revenue systems.

The Minister concluded with a message of appreciation and commitment on behalf of the Government of Nepal, " I express our deepest gratitude to GIZ and our German partners. Let this golden jubilee be a renewed beginning, a call to collaboration, shared purpose, and continued progress toward a greener, healthier, and more equitable Nepal.”

In his address, His Excellency Udo Volz, the German Ambassador, reflected on the origins of the partnership with the restoration of Bhaktapur, saying, “A commitment that meant: your heritage matters, and we will help you preserve it.” He underlined where the past 50 years have taken this cooperation since then: “What started with restoring temples now provides digital solutions. What began with preserving the past now includes preparing for the future.”

Ms. Paulina Campos Monteros, Country Representative, GIZ Nepal, said: “We see ourselves as facilitators and long-term partners, bringing technical expertise and practical solutions, developed hand-in-hand with government, civil society, the private sector, and communities. Our role is to connect actors, support innovation, and help turn ideas into systems that last.”

Prime Minister Sushila Karki has stated that the government is prepared to take the toughest possible measures against corruption. 

Speaking at a program organized by the National Human Rights Commission in Lalitpur on Wednesday to mark the 77th International Human Rights Day, Prime Minister Karki said that corruption is the greatest challenge to human rights, and the government will not hesitate to take stringent action against it.

She remarked that corruption is not only an economic irregularity, but a serious human rights violation that deprives poor, vulnerable, and marginalized citizens of their fundamental rights. 

Prime Minister Karki emphasized that human rights cannot be safeguarded without transparency and accountability, asserting that the government is moving forward firmly in this direction.