Nepal’s Mid-Year Shakeup: Power, Press, and the Digital Revolution!

By mid-2025, Nepal is witnessing a wave of significant changes—from political chaos and growing pressure on the press to a digital revolution reshaping its society, economy, and culture.

🏛️ Political Turbulence at Its Peak

• Visa Scam Sparks Parliamentary Exit:
  Lawmakers from Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) walked out of the House demanding Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak’s resignation over the visit visa scam. They called for an investigation similar to the one faced by Rabi Lamichhane earlier this year.

• Legal Storms Brewing:
  RSP General Secretary Mukul Dhakal’s bid to be reinstated was rejected by the Supreme Court, while former PM Madhav Nepal was granted bail of Rs. 35 million in a separate case.

• Party Conflicts Escalate:
  UML’s Shankar Pokharel labeled monarchists and Maoists as his party’s top four enemies, even as Maoist Centre welcomed a new investigative committee.

• Major Announcements:
  The government announced a dedicated anti-narcotics department, while Foreign Minister Arzu Deuba prepared to attend international summits in Rome and Berlin. PM KP Oli is also scheduled to visit Spain.

📉 Economy: A Mixed Bag

• Stock Market Dips:
  The NEPSE index dropped slightly, with turnover nearing Rs. 8 billion.

• Powering Through:
  Monsoon season boosted electricity exports, giving a positive signal to the energy sector.

• Agro-Promotion:
  Kathmandu is set to host a 3-day Nepal Mango Fest 2025, celebrating the fruit’s flavor and cultural legacy.

• Widening Trade Deficit:
  Nepal’s trade deficit has ballooned to a staggering Rs. 1.4 trillion over the past 11 months.

🌍 Societal and Cultural Shifts

• Safe Drinking Water Pledge:
  The National Assembly passed a motion to ensure universal access to safe drinking water.

• Rescue Ops:
  Three more Nepalis were rescued from Iran, joining 272 Indians in Delhi. Separately, 57 Nepali trafficking victims were rescued from captivity in India.

• Digital Leap:
  The government launched two mobile apps—“We” for citizen outreach and “Shram Sansar” for Nepali migrants, in partnership with South Korea.

• Cultural Recognition:
  President Paudel declared Sanskrit a global heritage language. Nepal also finalized its Elephant Conservation Action Plan.

• Buzz in Agriculture:
  Commercial cliff honey farming has taken off in Myagdi, and the living goddess Kumari tradition continues to awe the world.

📰 Media Under Fire, Yet Going Digital

• Freedom of Press at Risk:
  Despite being marked a “light-colored island” in Asia by Reporters Without Borders, Nepal’s press freedom is rapidly eroding.

• Cybercrime & Censorship:
  Journalist Dilbhushan Pathak faces cybercrime charges over a video on alleged foreign investments by Jaiveer Singh Deuba. Courts ordered Nepal Khabar and Bizmandu to take down reports on SEBON.

• Legal Loopholes Against Media:
  Section 19 of the Constitution promises media freedom, yet online portals are heavily targeted using the Electronic Transactions Act, often allowing pretrial detentions of journalists.

• Arrests in Rautahat:
  Multiple journalists were arrested for allegedly producing fake documents tied to public tenders.

• Digital Surge:
  A record 14.3 million Nepalis (72.8% of adults) now use social media. Between 2024 and 2025, 750,000 new users joined—a 5.6% jump.

• Confidence & Concerns:
  Only 41% trust journalism, while 56% of publishers remain confident about the future. But AI, SEO traffic loss, and burnout remain top concerns.

• AI is Reshaping Newsrooms:
  87% of newsrooms are now powered by generative AI—used for content creation, personalization, and automation. Publishers are exploring YouTube, TikTok, and ChatGPT partnerships to stay ahead.

• Revenue Strategies:
  Subscriptions remain the top source (77%), while new product strategies include gaming, youth-targeted content, and AI-driven tools.

• Viral Moment:
  A satirical AI character named “Yeti” has taken over social media, mocking politicians in roles like a clown or chef.

• Gorkhapatra Turns 125:
  Nepal’s oldest daily marked its 125th anniversary with multilingual editions. PM Oli praised its stand against misinformation.

🌐 Global Affairs in Focus

• Border Tensions:
  Leaders from Thailand and Cambodia reignited a border dispute after controversial visits.

• Iran’s Crackdown:
  Post a 12-day ceasefire with Israel, Iran has turned its focus inward with increasing crackdowns.

• Aviation Anxiety:
  A deadly Air India crash has stirred fresh fears about flight safety in the region.

📣 Nepal at a Crossroads

As 2025 progresses, Nepal finds itself navigating a complex landscape of political upheaval, economic uncertainty, media suppression, and unprecedented digital transformation. The coming months will likely determine how the country balances these shifting powers—on the ground and online.