Nepal

The Nepali government has set an ambitious target to generate 30,000 megawatts of electricity within the next 10 years, revising a previous goal of 28,500 MW. To support this, the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation is prioritizing the construction of transmission lines to prevent generated electricity from going to waste and to secure public investment. Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha is actively working to expedite stalled transmission line projects and has released an 'Energy Consumption Growth and Export Strategy, 2083'.

The Department of Foreign Employment in Nepal has opened applications for 2,300 Nepali workers to fill caregiver positions in long-term care centers in Israel. This initiative is part of a bilateral labor agreement between the two governments, with selected individuals set to assist the elderly and disabled. The recruitment drive aims to fill roles with a monthly salary of approximately 6,443.85 Israeli New Shekels.

Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) President Anjan Shrestha has urged the government to prioritize a production-led economic model and tax stability in the upcoming fiscal year 2083/84 budget. Shrestha emphasized that the budget is a critical roadmap for Nepal's development, especially as the nation prepares for LDC graduation and faces declining private sector confidence and productivity.

The Nepali women's national cricket team commenced its campaign for the Asian Games 2026 qualifiers by playing against China in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The team aims to secure one of the three available spots for the tournament in Japan. Nepal, currently ranked 22nd in the ICC Women's T-20 rankings, has been in strong form, winning its last five T-20 international matches.

The Government of Sri Lanka has introduced a free 30-day double-entry tourist visa facility for Nepali nationals, effective May 25, 2026. This initiative, announced by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Kathmandu, includes Nepal among 40 countries eligible for the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) scheme to boost tourism.

Italy's 80th Republic Day was celebrated in Kathmandu, aiming to bolster relations between Nepal and Italy. The event, organized by the Honorary Consulate of Italy and the Nepal-Italy Chamber of Commerce, saw discussions on increasing cooperation in hydropower, tourism, and infrastructure, with Italy expressing a desire to elevate diplomatic and economic ties.

Conservationists are expressing happiness after a flock of approximately 12 endangered red-headed vultures were regularly sighted in Nepal's Krishnasar Conservation Area over the past week. This marks a significant return for the species, which had largely disappeared from the region and was believed to have vanished after nests were last found about 15 years ago. Officials hope the birds may eventually settle and nest permanently in the protected area.

Nepal has formally requested the United Nations to postpone its graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status to November 2029, citing significant economic challenges. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has cited five key reasons for the deferral, including the impact of regional conflicts, risks to preferential market access, and slow transition preparations.

Nepal and Norway held their second Bilateral Consultation Mechanism meeting in Kathmandu, reaffirming their commitment to strengthen bilateral ties and expand cooperation. Discussions focused on development, renewable energy, climate resilience, and exploring new avenues in the green economy, including clean energy transition and electric mobility.

Mohd Firdaus Azman, Malaysia's Chargé d’Affaires to Nepal, paid a courtesy call on Ramjee Yadav, Nepal's Minister for Youth, Labour, and Employment. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral relations, with discussions centering on cooperation in youth engagement, labor agreements, and employment opportunities between Malaysia and Nepal.