KATHMANDU — Although Nepal’s total public debt saw a marginal decline in the first month of the current fiscal year, fiscal pressure on the government remains high as debt servicing obligations continue to surge. According to data released by the Public Debt Management Office (PDMO), the country’s total public debt decreased by Rs 5.03 billion during the month of Shrawan, settling at Rs 2,976.33 billion (Rs 29.76 trillion). The total outstanding debt stood at Rs 2,981.68 billion at the beginning of the fiscal year. Officials attributed this slight drop primarily to favorable foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations alongside principal repayments....

From the world’s highest peaks in the Everest region to the dramatic valleys of the Annapurna Circuit and the remote beauty of Manaslu, Nepal is the premier trekking destination on Earth. However, the Himalayas dictate their own rules: the success, safety, and enjoyment of your journey depend largely on timing. Nepal’s trekking calendar is shaped by the South Asian monsoon and extreme altitude variations. This comprehensive guide breaks down the seasons, month-by-month conditions, and regional microclimates to help you choose the ideal time for your Himalayan adventure. Quick Overview: Nepal Trekking Seasons The Peak Seasons Autumn (Late September to November)...

While small teams of passionate Nepali engineers and students have demonstrated technological ingenuity by building and launching low-Earth-orbit nanosatellites, Nepal’s national space strategy remains trapped in bureaucratic inertia. Despite holding internationally recognized geostationary orbital slots for more than four decades, Nepal possesses no operational sovereign satellite fleet. Instead, the nation relies entirely on foreign satellite constellations for broadcasting, disaster forecasting, civil aviation, and rural connectivity—a structural vulnerability that drains billions of rupees annually in foreign exchange. The Tale of Two Space Programs: Grassroots Triumphs vs. Strategic Paralysis Nepal’s engagement with space technology presents a sharp contrast between bottom-up grassroots innovation...

KIEV/MOSCOW — The Russia–Ukraine war is entering another dangerous phase as both sides intensify long-range drone and missile attacks while diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire remain stalled. The latest escalation has seen Ukraine launch one of its largest aerial offensives against targets inside Russia, while Russian forces continue heavy strikes on Ukrainian cities and critical industrial infrastructure. Ukraine’s latest drone campaign targeted areas around Moscow and other Russian regions, with Russian authorities reporting deaths and significant damage. Ukrainian officials have increasingly emphasized the development of longer-range domestic weapons as Kyiv seeks to place greater pressure on Russian military and logistical...