Nepal

Many Tharu youths in Nepal's Far West are reversing migration trends by choosing local construction jobs over migrating; Growing demand for skilled labour and better earnings at home are helping them build stable livelihoods within their own communities

A dialogue of government officials with Gen Z representatives and political parties will be held today; the meeting aims to create a conducive environment for the upcoming elections and ensure broad participation in the process

Former chief justice Sushila Karki was sworn in as Nepal's interim prime minister, the first woman in the role, following anti-graft protests that forced K.P. Sharma Oli to resign; the oath of office ceremony was broadcast live

Approximately 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and X, have been banned after they failed to register with the government by the 28 August deadline; the move has sparked protest over restrictions on expression and digital freedom

Climbing fees have been waived for nearly 100 Himalayan peaks in the remote northwest for the next two years, aiming to attract mountaineers to these less-developed regions

Nepali Congress reignited debate on restoring the country’s Hindu state status; Some leaders called for amending the secular constitution to reflect cultural identity, sparking internal divisions ahead of upcoming elections

A preliminary 4 km-deep drilling by Nepal–China teams uncovered over 1,12 billion m³ of methane in Dailekh’s Jaljale, Karnali Province and a commercial viability report is due by end 2025; The resource could supply Nepal’s gas demand for around 50 years