Nepal

Nearly 17 years after the abolition of the monarchy, Nepal is witnessing a resurgence of support for the return of former king Gyanendra Shah. Approximately 10,000 supporters recently gathered to welcome Gyanendra, advocating for the restoration of the monarchy. The former king abdicated in 2008 following widespread protests and a parliamentary vote to establish a republic. Current public discontent centers around issues of corruption and the perceived failure of politicians to drive development, leading some citizens to favor the monarchy's return as a symbol of stability and national identity. However, skepticism remains regarding the depth of support for the monarchy,…

Nepal is making significant strides in renewable energy development as part of its commitment to combat climate change. The government has launched several hydropower and solar energy projects aimed at reducing reliance on fossil fuels and achieving energy self-sufficiency. These initiatives not only aim to provide clean and affordable energy to rural and urban areas but also to create job opportunities and promote sustainable economic growth. By harnessing its abundant natural resources, Nepal aspires to become a regional leader in renewable energy and contribute to global environmental conservation efforts.

Nepal has announced plans to permit climbers to summit Mount Everest during the winter season for the first time in history. Traditionally, Everest expeditions take place in spring and autumn, but with advanced weather forecasting and improved climbing gear, authorities believe winter ascents can be safe. This initiative aims to boost tourism and provide local Sherpas with more employment opportunities. However, climbers will face extreme cold and stronger winds, making the challenge even more dangerous. The government is implementing strict guidelines to ensure climbers are adequately prepared for winter conditions.

The Nepalese government has introduced an AI-based smart traffic system in Kathmandu to tackle the city’s growing congestion issues. The system includes real-time monitoring, automated traffic lights, and AI-driven traffic flow management. Authorities hope this new initiative will reduce traffic jams and improve road safety. The government has also launched an app that allows users to check live traffic updates. If successful, this system could be expanded to other major cities in Nepal, modernizing urban transportation and easing daily commutes.

Nepal recently hosted a regional energy summit in Kathmandu, bringing together leaders from Bhutan, Bangladesh, and India to discuss renewable energy development. The summit emphasized cross-border energy sharing, particularly in hydropower, as a solution to South Asia’s rising power demands.  Nepal proposed exporting excess hydropower to neighboring countries through joint energy grids. Bhutan also highlighted its renewable energy projects, and Bangladesh shared its solar energy expansion plans. The summit concluded with a pledge for regional cooperation, aimed at improving energy security and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.