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Lawmakers have drawn the government’s attention to the suspicious death of Prakriti Lamsal, a student at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Odisha, India, and the subsequent expulsion of hundreds of Nepali students by the university administration for demanding an investigation into the case. Twenty-year-old Lamsal, a resident of Butwal, was found dead on Sunday in her KIIT hostel room on the night of February 16.

During Tuesday’s session of the House of Representatives and National Assembly, lawmakers urged the government and parliament to take the incident seriously, emphasizing that such incidents reflect disrespect toward Nepal and its citizens.

The issue has also been raised in the Odisha State Assembly, where opposition lawmakers have criticized the government for failing to maintain law and order. They called for a thorough investigation, citing potential international repercussions.

Following Lamsal’s suspicious death and the alleged mistreatment of Nepali students, KIIT Vice-chancellor Saranjit Singh issued an official apology. “We deeply regret the mistreatment of Nepali students and the irresponsible behavior of our staff. We love and respect Nepali students as much as we do students from India and the rest of the world,” the statement read.

He also urged Nepali students to resume their classes, assuring them that the situation would be addressed.

KIIT has already taken disciplinary actions against staff involved in the mistreatment of Nepali students. Two security guards who assaulted Nepali students have been dismissed, while two hostel wardens and an administrative officer have been suspended pending an internal investigation.

Additionally, two senior hostel officials and a senior administrative officer have been suspended until a full inquiry is completed. Some professors who verbally abused students have since issued public apologies via video statements. Meanwhile, a control room has been set up on campus to facilitate the return of Nepali students and ensure their safety.

The institute has also punished staff involved in making disrespectful remarks and attempting to evict 1,400 Nepali students from the hostel.

Two Nepali security officials—Sanjeev Sharma Das (SSP, Nepal Police) and Nabin Adhikari (Deputy Director, National Investigation Department)—visited the KIIT hostel to assess the situation. The delegation was set to meet KIIT officials and local police to gather further information and coordinate necessary actions.

Prior to her death, Lamsal had filed a complaint against fellow student Advik Srivastava, accusing him of repeated harassment. However, the KIIT administration allegedly ignored her complaints and attempted to cover up the incident.

Following her death, students staged protests demanding a serious investigation. However, KIIT’s administration allegedly tried to suppress the demonstrations, leading to further clashes between students and security personnel.

Chief Election Commissioner Dinesh Kumar Thapaliya emphasized the need to expand election education and voter education for greater participation of citizens in the election.

In a press statement on the occasion of the 9th Election Day today, Chief Election Commissioner Thapaliya saw urgency of making arrangements that would allow voters enlisted in the voter list in a designated polling station to cast their votes at any polling stations across the country.

The Election Day has been observed every year on Falgun 7 since 2073 BS, commemorating the General Elections held in Nepal for the first time on the same day in 2015 BS.

Thapaliya, in the press statement, expressed his displeasure over the false narrative being developed by the political parties and their candidates around the cost of the electoral system by inflating their election campaign's expenses. According to him, the election management cost is relatively low.

He also expressed his concern over the questions raised over the integrity of the State mechanism used during the election and viewed that this mechanism should be mobilized by the body managing the election after the election date is announced.

He argued that the success of elections would depend on the awareness level among the citizens about their rights and responsibilities, from electing representatives to exercising their rights.

The Chief Election Commissioner also held the belief that legislation regarding election management and operation would be formulated and enforced at the earliest.

He acknowledged that the management of social media and artificial intelligence had emerged as a new challenge during the election.

Likewise, in the press statement, Secretary at the Commission Bharat Mani Subedi affirmed that the Election Commission of Nepal maintained integrity and impartiality throughout the election process.

He, however, called for a review to assess the need for improvement in the procedures and methods in the election management. The slogan for the 9th Election Day is 'Effectiveness of Election: Participation of General Citizens in the Election Process'.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has extended best wishes on the occasion of the National Democracy Day.

Taking to the social networking site Facebook today, he extended best wishes to all democracy-loving Nepalis on this glorious and historic day.

"Falgun 7, today is the most epochal day in the lives of Nepalis, the day when we have elevated ourselves to the status of the citizen through sacrificial struggle," PM Oli.

Prime Minister Oli posted the national flag of Nepal along with the map of Nepal and wrote, "Emotional tributes and respect to the immortal martyrs including Shukraraj Shastri, Dharmabhakta Mathema, Dasharath Chand and Gangalal Shrestha who laid down their lives against the despotic rule".

BR Gems, RB Diamonds, and Classic Diamond—three synonymous names in Nepal’s diamond industry—are all the brainchild of Babu Raja Maharjan, who currently serves as the chairperson of Classic Diamond. His younger brothers, Amir and Samir, have also been in the business for around 25 years. Classic Diamond, focused on establishing itself as a leading brand, regularly organizes the Timeless Paragon Jewelry Fashion Show (TPJFS). The fifth season of TPJFS is set for Feb 24, followed by an exhibition, Elite Collection 2025, from Feb 25 to March 3. ApEx spoke with Amir Maharjan, Managing Director of Classic Diamond. Excerpts:

What inspired Classic Diamond to organize TPJFS?

The jewelry industry is centuries old. Many were engaged in the business, but no one was truly working to build a brand in Nepal. That’s why, through Classic Diamond, we set out to change this in 2006. We introduced new initiatives, such as establishing high-end manufacturing facilities in Nepal, launching customer retention schemes, and adopting modern marketing strategies like publishing flyers. This gave us exposure, but we wanted a more refined way to showcase our products. That’s when we conceptualized the TPJFS. Seeing models wear and display real jewelry allows clients to visualize how the pieces look when worn.

The first season of TPJFS took place in 2010, featuring Indian actress Minissha Lamba. In 2012, we held the second season with Zeenat Aman, followed by the third in 2014 with Sushmita Sen. The success of these shows motivated us, as they significantly boosted our business and brand recognition. The fourth edition in 2017 featured Manisha Koirala. Now, we are all set for the fifth season, with Lara Dutta and other renowned figures from the fashion industry. This show remains the best platform to showcase our jewelry. These shows also help people become more conscious of the value and visibility of the brand.

This year, the show features Lara Dutta and other renowned figures from the fashion industry. How do such high-profile collaborations help the brand’s presence?

It’s human nature that when we see others wearing something, we get inspired and want to wear the same. This is especially true when celebrities or high-profile individuals set trends. Bringing a former Miss Universe like Lara Dutta gives our products significant exposure. Dutta is not only an actress but also an inspiring and intelligent woman—a true example of women’s empowerment. Her endorsement of our jewelry is immensely valuable for our brand. And, we believe that the personality she carries truly matches our brand objectives and thus we have chosen her to walk on the ramp wearing our crown.

What makes Elite Collection 2025 special and how does it stand apart from previous collections?

In this year’s collection, we have focused extensively on design because there is currently a trend of low-quality designs in the market. With this collection, we aim to show our customers what true quality in design and product looks like. Jewelry should be state-of-the-art, prominent, long-lasting, and built with solid craftsmanship. This collection features a blend of wedding, casual, and office-wear jewelry. Additionally, we are offering a 25 percent discount off the factory price. The market is highly competitive, and while the discount helps, it is the quality that truly matters. This time, we have kept the profit margin to a minimum, with the sole vision of showing our clients what actual hand-made jewelry looks like.

Many people aren’t aware that high-quality products are available in Nepal. There is a significant amount of cross-border business in this industry. However, with this collection and scheme, we aim to show our customers that we offer the best products in Nepal.

How has your brand evolved over time and how do you see the future of this industry?

When we started, the jewelry market in Nepal was dominated by imports from India. Back then, after receiving training in India and Hong Kong, we noticed that there were no proper manufacturing facilities and expertise in Nepal. However, we saw a huge opportunity and potential, which led us to start our own brand. At the time, the industry followed a traditional model, with two or three workers in a jewelry shop. We, however, established a manufacturing factory with the goal of ensuring clients wouldn’t have to go outside of Nepal to buy jewelry. This would not only benefit the market but also keep money within the country, generate employment, and ensure quality. 

It has been solely driven by family unity and values that helped us grow so far. Our major family members have also gained expertise in precious gemstones and innovative design and aesthetics. 

Initially, since people were accustomed to going to India for their jewelry, it was challenging for us. But over time, we managed to establish our presence. We also educated people that buying jewelry in Nepal would make after-sales service much easier. Slowly, we were able to break that trend. 

As for the future of the industry, it’s very bright. If the government provides more support, there’s immense potential. Currently, there is a shortage of raw materials and difficulties with importing and exporting. While we have a large market abroad, export challenges prevent us from reaching our full potential. Classic Diamond alone can export jewelry worth $6-7m annually, which would not only help generate foreign currency but also contribute to employment and improve the nation’s financial situation. However, the government’s support is crucial. In many countries, exporters receive benefits when importing raw materials, based on the amount they export, but there is no such provision in Nepal.

How do you balance tradition with modern aesthetics in your jewelry designs?

Today’s clients are largely inspired by designs from abroad. However, we put significant effort into our designs and do not directly copy others. Designs are the core competencies of Classic Diamond. Even when clients request replicated designs, we incorporate our own modifications. Additionally, we create original designs. Over the past three years, we have developed 3,000 new designs and many of them will also be showcased at the Elite Collection 2025.

What measures does Classic Diamond take to enhance customer satisfaction and build lasting relationships?

We have sustained our business primarily through exceptional customer service. We don’t view customers solely from a business perspective but strive to make them part of our family. In jewelry, both financial and emotional aspects are intertwined, making this connection essential. We ensure customers receive the best products. In some cases, we have remade items even when customers were satisfied but we felt they didn’t meet our standards. Every product undergoes quality control before reaching the customer. Additionally, we offer a 10 percent return policy, free exchanges, free cleaning, and free maintenance.

With showrooms in New Road, Pulchowk and in the US, do you have plans for further expansion within Nepal or internationally?

In the near future, we are expanding with two more stores in the US, bringing the total to five. In Nepal, we will soon be opening a store in Pokhara. We would like to reach out to as many jewelry enthusiasts as possible and also to take our sophisticated craftsmanship to the bigger marketplace.

National Assembly Chairperson Narayan Prasad Dahal has demanded an investigation into the death of a student, Prakriti Lamsal of Butwal, studying at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University.

Speaking in today's NA meeting, Chair Dahal said NA's serious attention was drawn due to the mysterious death of Lamsal and drew the government's attention to start diplomatic initiative immediately to investigate the case and provide appropriate justice.

He also urged the government to take initiative to create a favorable environment for study to other Nepali students of KIIT. 

Speaking in the emergency hour of the meeting, lawmakers asked for a serious investigation into Lamsal's case.

Radhe Shyam Paswan said, "Lamsal was compelled to commit suicide after the college administration turned its deaf ear towards her frequent complaints with evidence of mental torture," demanding investigation into the case.

He further said the government of Nepal should take diplomatic initiative and rescue the stranded Nepali students.

Similarly, Krishna Bahadur Rokaya objected saying other Nepali students are being oppressed while raising voice on the issue of the death case of the Nepali student Lamsal.

He asked the government to investigate the case through diplomatic initiative and create a safe environment for study to other Nepali students there.

Stating that it was injustice not allowing Lamsal's relatives to see the dead body, Madan Kumari Shah objected to the misbehavior meted out against Nepali students by KIIT college administration.

Lawmaker Mohammad Khalid called on the government to take initiative for the safety and protection of the Nepali students studying at KIIT.

Tula Prasad Bishwakarma also called attention of the government over the death of Lamsal at KIIT.

"Nepali student Prakriti Lamsal was found dead in the hostel; it is sad that instead of investigating the truth behind Lamsal's death, the KIIT authorities used coercion and suppression against Nepali students demanding a fair investigation into the incident," he said and called on the government to take initiatives so that a fair investigation is carried out and the guilty are brought to justice.

Similarly, lawmaker Tulasa Kumari Dahal demanded further investigation into the death of Nepali student at KIIT hostel.

Mistreatment on civil servant flayed

Meanwhile, the upper house lawmakers have expressed their objection to what they called the increasing cases of physical assault on and mistreatment of civil servants by the local level people's representatives.

Speaking during the Zero Hour of the National Assembly session today, they said it was a matter of serious concern that the public employees were 'insecure' from the people's representatives themselves.

MP Padam Bahadur Pariyar objected to the recent attack on the staff by the people's representative of Bandipur Municipality-6 in Tanahun district and demanded an investigation.

Another MP Manarupa Sharma also denounced the incident and demanded action against the culprits.

MP Renu Chand drew the attention of the government to end all kinds of discrimination and take action against those who discriminate.

Bishnudevi Pudasaini stressed the need for inter-agency coordination in the construction of infrastructure, including sewage, drinking water, and electricity in Kathmandu.

Lawmakers Rukmini Koirala, Bishnu Kumari Sapkota, Bishnu Bahadur Bishwakarma, Krishna Prasad Adhikari, and Sabitri Malla stressed the need for the government to take immediate steps to investigate the death of Prakriti Lamsal from Butwal, a student at KIIT University in Odisha, India.

One thousand two hundred and thirty-three people have died in road accidents over the last six months of the current fiscal year.

The number of accident casualties has increased compared to the same period last year due to careless driving and not paying attention to the full observance of traffic rules, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The Ministry stated that a total of 1,149 people were killed in 12,856 road accidents across the country until January 14, 2024. One thousand two hundred and thirty-three people have died in 11,338 road accidents until January 13, 2025.

Although the number of road accidents has decreased in the six months of this year compared to the six months of last year, the number of deaths has increased, said the Home Ministry Spokesperson Ram Chandra Tiwari.

According to the details provided by the Ministry, the number of deaths due to road accidents has increased despite the decrease in the number of accidents in Gandaki, Kathmandu Valley and Karnali.

With the exception of Madhes Province and Bagmati (Kathmandu Valley), the number of deaths has decreased despite the increase in the number of accidents.

3,134 suicide cases reported in last six months

According to the Ministry, 3,134 people committed suicide in six months of the current fiscal year 2024/25. It was 3,457 during the corresponding period of last fiscal year.

The highest number of people (628) committed suicide from October 17-November 15, 471 from November 16-December 15 and 425 from December 16-Janauary 13, 2025 of the current fiscal year.

10,776 complaints related to cyber crime 

Likewise, 10,776 complaints related to cybercrime have been registered in the six months of the current fiscal year. Telegram has been found most used by those involved in criminal activities misusing social networking sites.

A total of 1,187 complaints about crime using telegrams have been registered. According to the Ministry, 1,098 complaints about crime using Facebook, 731 complaints about crime using Instagram and 153 complaints related to TikTok have been in the six months of the fiscal year 2024/25.

Total 19,730 complaints related to cybercrime were registered in the fiscal year 2023/24 and 9,013 in fiscal year 2022/23.

The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has initiated preparations to raise more than Rs 60bn from the market by launching an Initial Public Offering (IPO). 

The utility plans to restructure its authorized capital at Rs 300bn and issue 20 percent of its shares at a premium price of Rs 300 per share (face value Rs 100). It plans to use the funds to make equity investments in major hydropower projects, including Dudhkoshi, Upper Arun, Arun-4, Budhi Gandaki and Chainpur Seti, among others, with a combined capacity of approximately 3,000 MW. Additionally, the funds will be allocated to develop critical transmission infrastructure, such as 400 kV double-circuit transmission lines and substations across the country. The planned 400 kV transmission lines and substations are crucial for the NEA to reduce technical losses, improve grid stability and support the integration of new hydropower projects into the national grid. 

NEA has said it needs to make an investment of Rs 534bn (approx) by 2030 to improve its existing transmission infrastructure.

It submitted the IPO proposal to the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation two months ago. However, NEA officials say the ministry has not forwarded the proposal to the Finance Ministry for approval. Without the finance ministry’s nod, the proposal cannot be presented to the cabinet for a decision.

Earlier, the NEA’s proposal to issue shares to the general public reached the Cabinet of former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal without obtaining the consent of the finance ministry. Although the cabinet decided to allow the NEA to issue shares by revising related laws, the government changed before the legal reforms could be implemented. After the new government was formed under KP Sharma Oli, the finance ministry pointed out that the Cabinet had made a decision regarding the amendment of laws for share issuance provisions without its consent. Consequently, the finance ministry requested that the proposal be restarted from the beginning.

NEA officials say that the planned IPO complies with the Securities Registration and Issue Regulation, 2016, which permits public share issuance at a premium rate if the entity has been profitable for three consecutive years, has a net worth higher than its paid-up capital and the share price determination method is endorsed by outside experts in their evaluation report. The NEA meets all these criteria and hsa received AA+ rating for three consecutive years.

The utility has AA+ credit rating for three consecutive years. The rating reflects NEA’s strong financial position with annual revenues exceeding Rs 116bn and assets valued at over Rs 700bn. The rating indicates a low risk of default and high confidence in the NEA’s ability to meet its financial obligations.

While the NEA had a net loss of Rs 8.89bn in 2015-16, it surprised many by earning a net profit of Rs 1.5bn in 2016-17. It posted a profit of Rs 14.46bn in 2023-24. The utility, which had an accumulated loss of Rs 34.61bn in 2015-16, now has an accumulated profit of Rs 47.41bn.

Effective enforcement of existing law and policy has been underlined for ending child marriage in Nepal.

During a discussion organized by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on 'Marriage age: Legal provision and implementation status' in the federal capital on Monday, the speakers said in addition to strict implementation of laws and policies, public awareness campaigns should be continued.

Rather than revising laws to lower the marriage age from the current 20 years to 18 years, it needs to be continued as it is. Programs on physical and mental health of adolescent girls and quality enhancement of their education are equally important to ensure their decision making capacity, and self-dependency in future. Present legal provision of at least 20 years for marriage helps reduce child and maternal mortality rate, the speakers argued.

Speaker Indira Rana Magar said the children need to be catered to education on social aspects to reduce child marriages. Gender inequality is one of the reasons behind early child marriage, she said, adding that collective efforts from all sides is required to work for ending this social ill.

NHRC secretary Murari Kharel presented a working paper on present status of child marriage and measures to reduce this social ill.

He informed that the highest number of child marriages were reported in Dhanusha district while the least in Manang district.

During the group discussion organized as part of the program, lawmaker Ranju Jha, however, reminded that the interaction the lawmakers' team including experts held witnessed the demand that current minimum age for marriage, 20, needs to be lowered to 18 years in Sudurpaschim, Madhes and Lumbini provinces.

The parliamentary committee on justice and human rights had held discussions with civil society, people's representatives and legal experts, according to her.

It was shared in the program that the factors behind child marriage were least awareness on punitive measures, weak enforcement of existing law, poverty, low social awareness, prevailing traditional thoughts and customs, gender inequality, etc.

The speakers suggested mobilization of traditional healers and priests against early marriage which have taken a toll, especially on girls. It is also a social blight.

A right advocate, Mina Sharma, informed that 36 percent of Nepali women in the age group of 20 to 24 years are married before 18 years, while it is 11 percent in case of male for the same category.

The program chaired by NHRC Member Lily Thapa was attended by Speaker Rana, chiefs of constitutional commissions, members of the parliament committees, political representatives, legal practitioners, right defenders, social activists and media persons.