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Nepal

The latest news, analysis and opinion on Nepal. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.

Capital

Kathmandu

Head of State

President Ram Chandra Poudel

Head of Government

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli

Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr speaks to military officials in Manila on Saturday. Photo: AFP

The Philippines

Philippines’ nuclear advocacy faces reality check after statement recall

As Manila’s attempt to act as a middleman in nuclear disarmament falters, analysts question its ability to influence smaller nations.

2 hours agovideocam

Bhutan

Bhutan’s life sentences for political prisoners is illegal, UN says

21 Mar 2025 - 12:44PM

India

Man’s best friend celebrates Holi, the festival of colours

14 Mar 2025 - 8:38PM

SCMP Highlights

Nepal’s China-built airport, North Korea’s hackers using AI: 7 Asia highlights

From an Indian summit devolving into food fight to Nepal’s China-built airport, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

11 Mar 2025 - 2:43PM

North Korean hackers have already demonstrated how effective AI can be in furthering their schemes. Photo: Shutterstock

Religion

Thousands in Nepal want monarchy back, decry government corruption

Protests in 2006 forced the king to give up his authoritarian rule, and two years later the parliament voted to abolish the monarchy.

9 Mar 2025 - 9:02PM

Aviation

Nepal’s China-built airport ‘cautiously optimistic’ for first international flight

While the flight is seen as a step towards boosting connectivity and attracting Chinese tourists, concerns remain about the airport’s sustainability and overall viability.

8 Mar 2025 - 12:30PM

Icons and Influencers

Cross-cultural designer Prabal Gurung loves to celebrate Nepal and its crafts

Gurung cites the Hyatt Regency in Kathmandu as among his favourite hotels – and James Dean, Marlon Brando, David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix and Bob Dylan as his style heroes.

3 Mar 2025 - 4:03PM

New York-based designer Prabal Gurung – who’s dressed Kamala Harris, Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey – grew up in Nepal, and retains an affinity for his country’s culture, crafts and mountains... as well as oud and David Attenborough. Photo: Handout

Medicine

Interns expose dark side of medical training in Nepal

An explosive social media post has ignited a movement to address the grim conditions faced by Nepal’s aspiring healthcare professionals.

20 Feb 2025 - 8:30PM

India

South Asia after USAID: can India rise to the challenge?

The sudden suspension of USAID funds has delivered a gut punch to Nepal and Bangladesh – but it could be an opportunity for India to step up.

16 Feb 2025 - 5:00PM

Ex-Hong Kong resident to ride from UK to Nepal to raise money for charity

Thorsten Bruce hopes his 13,000km trip will prove life-changing not just for him but for a children’s home in the Himalayas.

12 Feb 2025 - 9:40AM

Thorsten Bruce, who lived in Hong Kong from 1996 to 2016, will start his eight-month trek to Nepal on March 1. Photo: Thorsten Bruce

Israel

Nepali family hopes for hostage’s return from Gaza to end ‘excruciating’ wait

Bipin Joshi was among the foreigners and Israelis kidnapped by Hamas amid the Palestinian militant group’s attack on October 7, 2023.

3 Feb 2025 - 8:25PMvideocam

Nepali Bipin Joshi at a college event. Bipin has been held hostage by Palestinian militant group Hamas. Photo: Handout

Hong Kong society

Growing number of Hong Kong’s ethnic minority residents visit Shenzhen, beyond

Multiple-entry permit and easy checkpoint clearance draw more to the mainland to shop, eat and explore.

19 Jan 2025 - 8:41PM

Hong Kong society

Hong Kong expands probe after more Cathay passengers on Nepal flights fall ill

Centre for Health Protection investigating two food poisoning cases involving 36 passengers who arrived from Kathmandu earlier this week.

10 Jan 2025 - 10:47PM

Hong Kong society

Hong Kong’s Cathay apologises after second suspected food poisoning

For two consecutive days, passengers arriving on flight CX640 from Kathmandu have shown symptoms of food poisoning.

10 Jan 2025 - 12:11AM

A Cathay spokeswoman has said it appeared the source of food contamination was outside the airline’s operation. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Mount Everest

Planning a helicopter tour of Everest? Nepal has some bad news for you

Officials say locals angry at the environmental impact of helicopter flights and loss of income from trekkers have threatened landing sites.

7 Jan 2025 - 9:36AMvideocam

A helicopter flies around the Everest region in Nepal last year. Photo: EPA-EFE

nepalese

Video | Nepal's Buddhist ‘Kung Fu Nuns’ fighting the patriarchy

The 1,000-year-old Drupka order of Buddhist nuns are given equal status as monks

3 Jan 2025 - 5:00PM

Diplomacy

Opinion | Dialogue can help China, India sidestep disputes over mega dam

To alleviate concerns and reduce tensions, greater transparency, consistent data sharing and diplomacy are essential.

2 Jan 2025 - 5:41AMvideocam

Martial arts

Nepal’s Kung fu nuns show off skills at monastery reopening after Covid closure

These nuns, trained in self-defence, are part of the Drukpa lineage, which promotes gender equality and empowers women through physical and spiritual development.

3 Jan 2025 - 5:30PMvideocam

The nuns of the hilltop Druk Amitabha Monastery, put on the show of strength to mark the institution’s reopening, five years after the Covid-19 pandemic forced it to close its doors to the public. Photo: Facebook/Drukpa

Year in Review

Travel stories you read most in 2024, about a horror gang rape and more

We look back at some of the top stories in travel for 2024, from a shocking gang rape in India to the revamp of Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown.

30 Dec 2024 - 4:18PM

International Monetary Fund (IMF)

My Take | South Asia needs to get its political house in order to turn around its economy

Political violence and social unrest have dented support for South Asian countries from investors and multilateral institutions.

27 Dec 2024 - 10:30AM

Tibet

Panchen Lama to make rare visit to Nepal after Tibet trip, reports say

The trip, which has not been confirmed by Beijing or Kathmandu, comes months before the Dalai Lama is expected to unveil a succession plan.

12 Dec 2024 - 4:01PMvideocam

The current Panchen Lama, Gyaincain Norbu, was chosen by Chinese authorities and sits on the country’s top political advisory body. Photo: AFP

English Premier League

Manchester United turn attention to South Asia in bid to discover new talent

Premier League club eyeing young players from India, Nepal, Thailand and United Arab Emirates.

12 Dec 2024 - 2:33AM

Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee (left) and Harry Maguire in action during a session at Carrington Training Centre. Photo: DPA

Protests around the world

Nepal’s ‘barbaric’ animal sacrifice ritual persists despite outcry

Activists estimate as many as 500,000 animals will be sacrificed at Nepal’s Gadhimai Temple this week to honour the Hindu goddess of power.

8 Dec 2024 - 3:00PM

Diplomacy

Nepal’s PM Oli strengthens ties with China, bypassing India

While Oli secured a framework agreement and cash help, his coalition government grapples with debt fears and balancing ties with both China and India.

5 Dec 2024 - 8:18PMvideocam

Central Asia

China seeks to boost energy ties with Turkmenistan

Foreign Minister Wang Yi also said he would seek to boost investment in the country at a meeting with his Central Asian counterparts.

1 Dec 2024 - 7:58PM

Turkmenistan has significant gas reserves. Photo: AFP

Bhutan

Bhutan’s ‘mindfulness city’ angers displaced ethnic Nepalis

Bhutan’s plan for southern farmlands has sparked outrage among forced-out ethnic Nepalis, who say the megaproject would be on stolen land.

2 Dec 2024 - 8:02AM

Bhutan, a Himalayan nation of fewer than 800,000 people, is pitching its Gelephu Mindfulness City project as “a sanctuary for global businesses and professionals”. Photo: Getty Images

France

France smashes South Asian migrant trafficking ring, 26 arrested

Traffickers are suspected of having smuggled several thousand people from India, Sri Lanka and Nepal into France.

29 Nov 2024 - 12:40PM

Asia travel

Finding Nepal’s ‘heart and soul’ away from tourist hotspots

Nepal isn’t just about Himalayan treks and Kathmandu. Travellers who leave the tourist trail are being enriched by cultural experiences and a sense of “connection” with residents.

25 Nov 2024 - 7:58AM

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