Katmandu Journal

A record-breaking 274 climbers reached the summit of Mount Everest from the Nepali side in a single day, the highest number ever recorded. This historic ascent occurred during a spring climbing season that has also seen multiple fatalities, raising concerns about safety and overcrowding on the world's highest peak.

Nepal has sent protest letters to India and China regarding the Lipulekh Pass, asserting that the territory belongs to Nepal and neither country has the right to use it without agreement. The dispute was reignited when India announced plans to resume a pilgrimage route through the pass, a move Nepal claims was made without consultation. India maintains that pilgrims have used the route since 1954 and disputes Nepal's claim.

Nepal's economic growth forecasts for the fiscal year 2025/26 are showing significant divergence, with the World Bank predicting 2.3%, the Asian Development Bank 2.7%, and the National Statistics Office 3.85%. Meanwhile, the Chinese app TikTok is in a tax dispute with Nepalese authorities over unpaid Value Added Tax (VAT) for the current fiscal year, despite having paid VAT in previous years. Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) have collectively invested $1.09 billion in Nepal's private sector between 2014 and 2023, with a significant portion directed towards hydropower and commercial banks like NMB Bank.

Nepal has initiated a new $90 million digital transformation project, co-financed by the World Bank and Asian Development Bank, aiming to streamline public services for 7 million citizens within five years. This initiative follows the cancellation of a similar $140 million World Bank project in 2024 due to zero disbursement, highlighting a history of underperformance in the country's digital development sector.

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), a relatively new political force, is experiencing internal stress and discipline challenges just two months after entering the government. Party president Rabi Lamichhane has convened meetings and held consultations with lawmakers to warn against factionalism and address rumors of rifts within the party.

Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched the 'MOFA Mitra' mobile application to provide online consular services to citizens abroad and their families. Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal stated the app aims to make public services more convenient and citizen-friendly by allowing online registration of concerns and tracking of requests. The application is available on both Android and iOS platforms.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) in Nepal has reduced the operating hours of its Emergency Control Room (ECR) from 24/7 to 12 hours daily, citing a normalization of conditions for Nepalis in West Asia. Spokesperson Lok Bahadur Chhetri stated the ECR will now operate from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, as recent contacts and registrations via the room have significantly decreased. The government continues to monitor developments in West Asia, supporting diplomatic efforts for peace and the resolution of blockages in the Strait of Hormuz.

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.