Nepal

The Dalai Lama’s condolences: “I pray for the victims of this tragedy, which stems from deep-rooted causes.” Tibetans in exile point the finger at Chinese dams and infrastructure projects. Meanwhile, Beijing continues to maintain that the glacier collapse occurred in Nepal.

The mountain pass swept away by the flood of water and debris was a symbol of China’s ambitions for the ‘Nepalese corridor’. But it was also the hub of a region where Beijing is providing aid to local mountain communities to strengthen its control over Tibet.

The Church and Caritas are coming to the aid of victims and those missing. The latest death toll stands at over 330. For Fr Bogati, this is ‘the worst’ flood ever recorded. The government has declared a state of natural disaster for the next three months. The Pope’s telegram of condolence and prayer for the dead and their families.

Hundreds of worshippers were undertaking their sacred pilgrimage in the affected area. The peak (and lake) are regarded as sacred by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Bon practitioners as a place of purification. This millennia-old tradition was resumed in 2025 following interruptions caused by wars and the Covid pandemic.

The most severe natural catastrophe in recent years has hit the border area. Foreign tourists and pilgrims headed to Kailash Mansarovar, a pilgrimage destination for Hindus, Buddhists and Jains, are also among those affected. Even official Beijing media speak of "severe loss of human life". An earthquake is thought to have triggered the landslide.

The violence that broke out in late July has spread to Madhesh. In the lowland bordering India, symbols and the language of Indian nationalism are increasingly visible, while the secularism enshrined in the 2015 Constitution is being challenged by movements calling for the return to a Hindu state.

The conviction of two former Nepali ministers involved in refugee status fraud puts the spotlight back on Lhotshampa expelled from Bhutan in the 1990s. Thousands still live in refugee camps, and with expulsions from the United States, some have become stateless.  

The government granted an additional week following protests, but confirmed assistance is still limited to three months. Families forced to leave “illegal” settlements in April complain that the resettlement plan is unbalanced. Human rights groups are also critical of the government.

Under pressure from Darjeeling producers, India’s Ministry of Commerce is blocking imports from Nepal, ostensibly for “quality control”, seriously damaging the Himalayan country's economy. Yet, India itself actually needs to supplement its production to meet the volumes demanded by the global market and sells Nepali tea marketing it as its own.

A recent shooting at a casino has put the spotlight on reports of incivility, looting, and clashes with locals over trivial motives. The problem is linked to cross-border tourism in towns and cities bordering India, which draw thousands of people to visit casinos, hotels, and liquor stores, often returning home before they can be prosecuted.

The temporary halt by the Patan High Court has reignited the debate over the portrayal of the Badi community, historically marginalised and associated with the sex trade. While some activists slam it for its offensive and discriminatory stereotypes, others argue that the film depicts a reality still present amid poverty, social exclusion, and caste discrimination.

The language was ‘sanctioned’ during the Vedic ceremony marking the election of 36-year-old Balendra Shah as prime minister. Enrolment at Nepal Sanskrit University is rising significantly. A process underway across South Asia, driven by economic necessity, spiritual aspirations and political change. Free education, meals and accommodation for students from low-income backgrounds.