Today marked a historic turning point for Nepal’s energy future with the revelation of a massive methane gas reserve in Dailekh. Simultaneously, the political arena is abuzz with budget amendments, delayed legislation, judicial controversies, and party rifts, while globally, tensions between Israel and Iran are spiraling, triggering Nepal’s first travel advisory of the year. Here’s a deep dive into today’s top headlines:
🔥 1. ENERGY SHOCKER: Massive Methane Reserve Discovered in Dailekh
Nepal is staring at an energy revolution. A preliminary report from a Chinese geological survey has confirmed the existence of 112 billion cubic meters of methane gas in Dailekh’s Jaljale region from a single well. Three more prospective wells could bring the total estimate to over 448 billion cubic meters, potentially fulfilling Nepal’s gas demand for 50 years.
Department of Mines and Geology’s Deputy Director General Dinesh Kumar Napit called it Nepal’s first-ever verified hydrocarbon reserve. If confirmed, this could save over NPR 100 billion annually in LPG imports. A pilot production is expected by December 2025, with an estimated investment of NPR 650 million to NPR 2 billion.
🏛️ 2. Political Storm: Budget Tweaks, Delayed Bills & Judicial Heat
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Civil Service Bill Delay: Lawmakers slammed the government for stalling the Federal Civil Service Bill, citing pressure from senior bureaucrats opposed to post-retirement restrictions.
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Budget Amendments Coming: Top leaders from UML and Nepali Congress have agreed to revise the “take and pay” clause for hydropower procurement after intense backlash from independent power producers.
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Judicial Controversy: Two High Court judges who acquitted ex-minister Aftab Alam in a 2008 bomb blast case now face investigation by the Judicial Council. Lawmakers are demanding mobile call trace of Justice Minister Chaurasiya amid claims of undue influence.
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RSP’s Anniversary Amid Turmoil: Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) will mark its third anniversary with a nationwide campaign while its leader, Rabi Lamichhane, remains imprisoned over citizenship and cooperative fraud cases.
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Gold Traders Pause Protest: Gold and silver federations have postponed protests till month-end, demanding removal of luxury and VAT taxes on gold and gems.
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IT Sector Gets Boost: Nepal Rastra Bank has now allowed IT companies to invest up to USD 1 million abroad if they have foreign exchange income from exports in the last three years.
🌍 3. Global Flashpoints: War Warnings & US Visa Shifts
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Israel-Iran Escalation: Israel launched strikes on Iran’s Arak and Natanz nuclear facilities. A hospital in Israel was hit in retaliatory missile attacks. Nepal issued a travel advisory urging citizens to remain alert or return. The Nepali embassy in Israel is collecting evacuee data.
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U.S. Tightens Visa Rules: International students must now share social media history to apply for U.S. student visas, citing national security.
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Trump Phone Controversy: Trump’s “T-One” smartphone, promoted as “Made in USA,” is under scrutiny after analysts revealed it’s largely manufactured in China.
💻 4. Tech Buzz & EV Boom
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New Blockchain Social Network ‘Own’: A TikTok alternative built on blockchain has entered beta, letting creators earn instantly without follower limits via tips and sponsorships.
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EV Market Surges: Electric vehicles now make up 65% of total auto imports, but lack of infrastructure, high costs, and unstable policy hinder growth.
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TVS iQube Hits Sales Record: The Indian EV scooter crossed 600,000+ units sold, gaining traction in Nepal’s premium EV segment.
🏞️ 5. Culture & Infrastructure
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Edible Tea Cup Trend Goes Viral: A Pokhara-based startup run by four entrepreneurship students has created a buzz with tea served in edible biscuit cups under the brand “Chiya Chappau”.
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Flood Disruptions & Road Blockages: Over 22 highways remain blocked across Nepal due to landslides. Key routes like Narayangadh-Butwal and Araniko Highway are affected.
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Pashupati Sharma’s New Satirical Song: Folk artist Sharma’s new release “Jhule ta Tai, Jhule ta Mai” criticizes corrupt politics, resonating widely online.
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Tourism Boost with Bangladesh: The Nepal-Bangladesh Tourism Conference concluded in Chattogram, aiming to enhance bilateral tourism cooperation.
🏏 6. Sports Roundup
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Nepal Beats Netherlands: In the ongoing T20 Tri-series in Scotland, Nepal secured a stunning 6-wicket win powered by Kushal Bhurtel’s half-century.
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U-16 Cricket Squad Announced: Bipin Sharma will lead Nepal’s 14-member team at the ACC U-16 East Zone Cup in Malaysia, aiming to defend their title.
📉 7. Markets & Finance
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NEPSE Slips, Turnover Jumps: The NEPSE index dropped 24.76 points to 2,628.91. However, turnover surged past NPR 11.23 billion.
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Second Stock Exchange Demanded: Experts are calling for a second stock exchange to modernize capital markets, increase foreign participation, and reduce NEPSE’s operational strain.
🔚 Conclusion:
From unlocking domestic energy treasure to navigating turbulent politics and volatile international relations, Asar 6, 2082, was a rollercoaster day for Nepal. As gas reserves ignite economic hopes and global crises demand caution, the country stands at a crucial crossroads of transformation.
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