Kathmandu: Direct flights from Pokhara International Airport to Paro, Bhutan, officially began on Tuesday, marking a key milestone for Nepal’s newest international airport.



Universal Tours and Travels (UTT) had earlier announced four charter flights starting September 28, but the schedule was repeatedly pushed back due to “various reasons,” including the unrest in Nepal in early October.



Pokhara Metropolitan City Mayor Dhanraj Acharya confirmed the formal inauguration of the route on Tuesday. The first Bhutan Airlines aircraft arrived empty from Paro and departed with nine passengers and crew, landing safely in Bhutan.



Acharya said the initial group trip planned for Tuesday could not proceed due to technical issues but expressed confidence that regular flights would start soon. “Bhutan Airlines and UTT are committed to ensuring consistent operations in the coming days,” he said.



Bhutan Airlines has informed that regular commercial flights will resume from April 2026. The carrier operates a 126-seat aircraft, and UTT has prepared a four-night, five-day travel package for travelers.



Pokhara Tourism Council Chair Taranath Pahari said the new route will strengthen tourism ties between Nepal and Bhutan. “Direct flights will significantly benefit tourism in both countries,” he said.



The Nepal government has introduced multiple incentives to promote international flights from Pokhara and Bhairahawa. Since August 12, 2024, parking, landing, and navigation fees for international flights have been fully waived. Airlines also get major discounts on passenger service charges, while only 25 percent of the standard ground-handling fee from Nepal Airlines remains applicable.



Bhutan Airlines currently operates four weekly flights to Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport. Pokhara has seen limited but growing international activity, including a charter flight from Sichuan Airlines in June and regular Pokhara–Chengdu services by Himalayan Airlines. Sichuan Airlines is also exploring a Pokhara–Sichuan–Australia connection, while Himalayan Airlines operates a weekly Pokhara–Lhasa commercial service.



With these additions, aviation officials expect Pokhara International Airport to see increased movement after months of underuse. Opened on January 1, 2023, the airport spans 3,900 ropanis, cost Rs 2.2 billion, and features a 2,500-meter runway capable of handling 800,000 passengers annually.

Pokhara–Bhutan direct flights begin as Bhutan Airlines inaugurates new route

Kathmandu: Today, November 20, marks World Children’s Day. In partnership with the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) and the Australian Embassy, the day was observed at the TU Cricket Ground through a special programme themed “Levelling the Playing Field.” 



The event aimed to advocate for equal opportunities for children across the country, promote the retention of girls in school, ensure their access to necessary facilities, and encourage their equal participation in community activities. More than 300 children took part in the celebration, which also featured a friendly match between participating children and the National Women’s Cricket Team. 



On the occasion, Minister for Youth and Sports Bablu Gupta expressed his gratitude to everyone who joined the celebration. Australian Ambassador to Nepal, Leann Johnston, highlighted that investing in girls’ education, skills development, and confidence-building is an investment in Nepal’s brighter future. 



Empowered children, she noted, contribute to stronger and more prosperous families and communities. CAN President Chatur Bahadur Chand remarked, “We believe that cricket is not just a game, it is a platform for cultivating self-confidence, discipline, and leadership skills, instead.” He added that these qualities help prepare competent and responsible youth. 



UNICEF Nepal Representative Alice Akunga expressed her appreciation to the Government of Nepal, the Cricket Association of Nepal, the Australian Embassy, teachers, communities, and children and youth for their commitment to promoting child rights and building an inclusive and just Nepal. To mark World Children’s Day, UNICEF also launched the U-Report poll, encouraging children and young people to share their views on child rights and participate in shaping solutions that matter to them.

World Children’s Day: Call for improved child rights, gender equality from TU Cricket Ground

Kathmandu: Prime Minister Sushila Karki has said that Nepal truly values Australia’s friendship, its continued development assistance and its principled support to the country's democratic and inclusive transformation. 



Participating in a special reception hosted by the Embassy of Australia in Nepal to commemorate 65 years of diplomatic relations between Australia and Nepal on Saturday, Prime Minister Karki, who also holds the Foreign Ministry portfolio, said over more than six decades partnership between the two countries has grown to cover key areas like education, trade, development and culture. 



On the occasion, she also launched a souvenir book: 65 Years Together published by the Association of Nepalese Alumni from Australia highlighting the timeline, dimensions and depth of people-to-people linkages between the two countries, according to a press statement released by the Embassy. 



Since establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries in 1960, Nepali diaspora in Australia has expanded significantly in recent years, strengthening people-to-people links and cultural ties. Today, Nepalis contribute actively to Australia’s multicultural society, while maintaining deep connections with their homeland. 



Both nations collaborate closely in bilateral, regional, and multilateral fora, including the United Nations and share common agendas on climate action, sustainable development, gender equality, and peacekeeping, reinforcing their commitment to global stability and prosperity. 



Australia-Nepal relationship continues to flourish with ever-increasing people-to-people connections, respect for sovereignty, and promotion of democratic values, adds the statement.

Nepal-Australia celebrate 65 Years of Diplomatic Relations

Kathmandu: Prime Minister Sushila Karki has said that Nepal was moving forward on its democratic path, especially after the recent Gen-Z movement. 



"This movement clearly showed our youth want accountable, responsive, and corruption-free governance. My Government has promised to meet these goals and is now preparing for the next House of Representatives election on March 5, 2026," the PM said addressing an event organized to mark the 65th anniversary of Nepal–Australia relations in Kathmandu on Saturday. 



On the occasion, the PM mentioned that the relationship between Nepal and Australia has only grown stronger and such a partnership has grown to cover key areas like education, trade, development, and culture. 



"This partnership is built on mutual respect, lasting friendship, and shared democratic values," she viewed. Saying that Australia has been a committed partner in Nepal’s development journey, the PM mentioned that Australian support has helped in areas like education, health, governance, rural development, and disaster management has made a big difference to our national progress. 



PM Karki was of the view that Nepal and Australia have been providing support to each other in various international and multilateral forums, showing the shared values and interests globally. Karki also noted that thousands of Nepali students have gained higher education in Australian universities. 



"They are now helping the progress of both Nepal and Australia. We also greatly appreciate the growing trade with and investment from Australia, which opens new doors for tourism, technology, and renewable energy cooperation." PM Karki stated that Nepal is working hard to graduate from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category in 2026 and the ongoing support from the Australian Government to help Nepal reach this ambitious national goal is appreciated.

Youth want accountable, responsive, and corruption-free governance: PM Karki

Kathmandu: The government has launched an investigation after reports emerged that some education consultancies in Nepal have been sending students to fake colleges in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).



According to Education Minister Mahabir Pun, several consultancies have allegedly registered institutes in UAE free zones and are sending Nepali students there under the pretense of higher education. In reality, these institutions are not recognized colleges, and many students are reportedly facing hardships upon arrival.



Minister Pun, in a Facebook post on Wednesday, warned students to be cautious before applying to study in the UAE, noting that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has received multiple complaints about students being deceived.



“The issue is under serious investigation. No one should fall into such traps,” Minister Pun wrote.



Authorities are coordinating with relevant agencies to verify the authenticity of the institutions and to take action against consultancies involved in fraudulent activities.

Nepal govt probes fake colleges sending Nepali students to UAE

Kathmandu: Election Commission (EC) has registered more than 200,000 new voters since the announcement of the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5, 2026.



According to EC data, as of November 11, a total of 209,552 new voters have been added to the electoral roll — including 122,740 men, 86,785 women, and 27 others. The voter registration process, which began on September 25, will continue until November 16.



To manage the increasing flow of applicants, the commission has extended office hours and deployed additional staff in districts with high registration demand. Citizens who will reach 18 years of age by March 4, 2026, are eligible to register.



Prime Minister Sushila Karki has called on young citizens to register, urging them to “exercise their democratic right responsibly.”



Meanwhile, the number of political parties registered with the Election Commission for the upcoming polls has reached 125. Following the election announcement, 21 new parties applied for registration, while several existing ones merged or split.



The EC will issue a formal notice on November 14, giving both existing and new parties 10 days to complete their registration. Only parties officially registered will be allowed to participate under the proportional representation system.



Among the newly registered political parties are those led by Kabir Sop and Harka Sampang, while the Bamdev Gautam-led Nepal Communist Party Unification National Campaign has been annulled.



The EC expects a rise in youth participation in the upcoming election, with a significant number of first-time voters enrolling across the country.

EC registers over 200,000 new voters ahead of March 2026 elections

Kathmandu: Nepal Institute for International Co-operation and Engagement (NIICE) on Wednesday organized a discussion titled “From Streets to Ballots: The Gen Z Movement and Nepal’s Next Election” at its seminar hall in Hattiban, Lalitpur. The event brought together activists, researchers, and policy experts to analyze the recent Gen Z protests and their potential impact on Nepal’s political landscape.



Opening the session, NIICE Program Coordinator and Research Associate Bibek Dhoj Thapa said the Gen Z movement had opened new political debates in the country. He highlighted their growing expectations from the government and the upcoming elections, while pointing out challenges such as age restrictions on participation and the lack of a unified front among young activists.



Gen Z activist Tanuja Pandey described the movement as a response to long-standing systemic failures, saying young Nepalis are demanding “an advanced democracy where justice is accessible and inequality is not normalized.” She noted that Gen Z’s activism predates the September 8 protest, often expressed through creative and peaceful demonstrations such as hugging trees and reading books in public spaces.



Another Gen Z activist, Arnab Chaudhary, challenged the perception that young protesters are privileged or disconnected from struggle. He said they grew up amid political turmoil, including the civil war, and remain deeply aware of regional disparities in opportunities. “Gen Z has lost faith in the system’s flaws, not in democracy or federalism,” he stated, condemning corruption and state-sponsored violence.



Anurag Acharya, Director of Policy Entrepreneurs Inc. (PEI), drew comparisons between the 2006 people’s movement and the current youth-led protests. He said while the earlier movement was backed by political parties and civil society, today’s demonstrations are being led solely by young citizens. “Gen Z is unwilling to wait for change as earlier generations did,” he said, urging them to hold inactive civil rights groups accountable.



During the interactive session, Chaudhary dismissed claims of division among Gen Z activists, clarifying that they are “networked rather than divided.” Responding to a question about online disinformation campaigns targeting her, Pandey said her focus remained on “keeping the spirit of the movement alive rather than engaging in distraction.”



In his closing remarks, Acharya referred to Bangladesh’s youth-led “July Charter,” which calls for limiting executive power, and encouraged Nepali youths to consider their stance on similar governance issues.



The discussion concluded with calls for sustained engagement, intergenerational dialogue, and a stronger political voice for Nepal’s emerging generation of voters.

NIICE holds discussion on Gen Z movement and Nepal’s next election

Kathmandu: Nepali students aiming to study abroad can now secure education loans without providing collateral or a guarantor, following the entry of US-based MPower Financing into the Nepali market. The organization is offering loans of up to USD 100,000 (approximately Rs 13 million) for postgraduate students.



The initiative is designed to address the financial barriers that many Nepali students face, as traditional banks often require land, property, or a co-signer based in the US.



Unlike conventional lending models that assess family wealth or property, MPower Financing evaluates a student’s university admission, field of study, and future earning potential. The company has previously provided loans to more than 20,000 students from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and various African countries.



Eligible students can apply for loans ranging from USD 2,001 to USD 100,000, covering tuition, living expenses, and other educational costs. The fully digital application process offers fixed interest rates and transparent repayment plans.



In addition to financing, MPower provides scholarship opportunities, visa support, and career guidance, including help with proof of funds for visa applications and post-graduation job searches. The program is especially targeted at students pursuing STEM, business, and professional degrees with strong global career prospects.



According to MPower Financing, the initiative aims to empower Nepali students by expanding access to higher education abroad and making the process more inclusive and achievable.

Nepali students can now access collateral-free education loans for overseas studies

Kathmandu: Government has appointed Additional Inspector General (AIG) Dan Bahadur Karki as the new Inspector General of Police (IGP), the highest position in the Nepal Police.



Karki, currently serving at the Kathmandu Valley Police Office in Ranipokhari, will take over ahead of the mandatory retirement of the incumbent IGP, Chandra Kuber Khapung, who is set to retire at midnight on November 12 after completing 30 years of service under the Police Regulations.



The Council of Ministers approved Karki’s appointment during a meeting on Monday. He will now head the 75,000-strong police force.



Karki’s role during the Gen Z protests in September drew mixed reactions. On the second day of the protests, he was criticised for allegedly allowing police to lower their guard, while others praised his restraint and use of minimal force. During the first day of the protests, the Ranipokhari office was reportedly vacant.



Earlier, as Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Karki commanded the Lumbini Province Police. He also served as Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) for Kathmandu District, handling sensitive cases including the Bhutanese refugee issue.



Born in July 1972, Karki joined the Nepal Police in March 1998. He is an alumnus of multiple international police training programs and has previously served as the central spokesperson for the force, gaining extensive experience in both operational and strategic policing.

Dan Bahadur Karki appointed Nepal’s new police chief

Kathmandu: Ahead of Nepal’s upcoming elections, the Election Commission (EC) has received applications from a diverse set of political aspirants, ranging from former lawmakers and business leaders to diplomats and members of the Gen Z movement that has recently influenced the country’s political landscape.



Among the new entrants is the Gatisheel Loktantrik Party, led by Professor Dinesh Prasain, with Buddha Air Managing Director Birendra Bahadur Basnet listed as one of its key promoters.



In a surprising development, the Netra Bikram Chand-led Nepal Communist Party (NCP), previously banned in 2019 for violent activities and known for boycotting past elections, has also submitted its registration application.



Former Nepali ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Nawaraj Subedi, has applied to register the Janayug Party. Subedi was formerly associated with the CPN (Maoist Centre) and later the Janata Samajbadi Party.



Energy Minister Kul Man Ghising is in the final stages of registering a new party, Ujyalo Nepal (Bright Nepal), named to reflect his popular legacy in ending nationwide load-shedding during his tenure at the Nepal Electricity Authority. Party insiders said other names, including Rastriya Janasewa Party, were previously considered.



Meanwhile, retired teacher Gyanendra Bahadur Tamang, with longstanding ties to the Maoist movement, has filed to register a separate party named Ujyaalo Nepal Party. The EC said it will finalize party names after verifying documents and ensuring no duplication.



The EC has also reported a steady increase in voter registration ahead of the November 16 deadline, with thousands of new voters enrolling daily. The full election schedule is expected to be announced once the registration process concludes.

New political parties emerge as Nepal prepares for upcoming elections

Kathmandu: Leaders and cadres of the CPN (Unified Socialist) including Ram Kumari Jhankri and Kisan Shrestha have returned to the CPN (UML) today. 



At an event held at City Hall today, CPN (UML) Chair KP Sharma Oli welcomed leader Jhankri and Kisan Shrestha to the UML. UML Chair Oli had called on those who had left the UML in the past to return. 



It is said that more than 150 leaders and cadres joined the UML today as part of the Return Home National Campaign.

Leaders Jhankri and Shrestha re-join UML

Kathmandu: Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Mahabir Pun, has urged teachers and employees of educational institutions to maintain a non-political nature. 



In a press statement issued Sunday, the Minister said while teachers have the right to form trade unions for collective representation and bargaining, such organizations should not be affiliated with any political party, thereby remaining non-political. 



He reminded that he would not recognize any teachers’ trade unions associated with specific political parties. The Minister further said he had received complaints from various sources alleging that teachers, including those from universities, were engaging in political activities in violation of the code of conduct, which he argued, would negatively affect the quality of education. 



He also warned that teachers’ involvement in political activities contrary to the code of conduct is punishable under the law.

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