Submit your Article

NATO allies are moving toward agreeing on US President Donald Trump’s call for members to spend 5 percent of GDP on defense, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Thursday.

The proposed target includes 3.5 percent for core military spending and 1.5 percent for overall security infrastructure. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte endorsed the initiative, calling it a big step,

Hegseth anticipates a formal agreement at the NATO meeting in The Hague on June 24 and 25. European diplomats believe more investment is critical to keeping US backing and giving Trump a decisive victory at the meeting.

World Environment Day is celebrated on June 5 every year. In Nepal, different activities are carried out to promote eco-friendly habits and for environmental awareness. But experts argue that green initiatives must be run all year round to negate the impact of climate change. ApEx spoke to three people to find out what they think and how we can make our planet a cleaner, greener place to live. 

Sanjog Limbu

I feel that nowadays smoke from vehicles like old buses and trucks is the main reason for pollution. Urbanization is another factor that contributes to pollution in the long run. I also see a lot of people using plastics with little to no awareness about its harmful impacts. I think we must minimize the use of plastic if we want to preserve our planet. Another thing that needs attention is proper waste disposal. Many people are still dumping waste in rivers and streams. This makes the whole area smell foul. I believe small everyday actions can make a huge impact in preserving the environment in the long run. 

Riya Shrestha

Deforestation is a serious issue in Nepal due to increasing urbanization and agricultural needs. It leads to habitat loss, soil erosion, and affects the water cycle and biodiversity. Forests are vital for Nepal’s ecological balance and climate regulation so this issue deserves more awareness and action. Additionally, plastic is widely used because it is easily available, inexpensive, and very convenient for everyday tasks like packaging, carrying goods, and storing items. It’s also difficult to avoid since it’s so ubiquitous. This shows a conflict between convenience and environmental concern. If I could make one law it would be the use of biodegradable or reusable alternatives instead of single-use plastics. This would reduce plastic pollution and promote sustainable habits. 

Amit Lama

The main cause of pollution in urban areas in Nepal is the smoke that old vehicles emit coupled with stubble burning. Unmanaged road construction adds to our woes. I think we need stricter environmental policies to combat pollution and our worsening environmental conditions. Banning plastic, removing old vehicles from the road, and making people aware about the importance of recycling and reusing things can help make a difference. I think these initiatives must be put in place through good policy and effective monitoring of its implementation. I think the onus lies first on the government to come up with a plan to reduce pollution and then on the people to make sure they follow the rules and regulations. 

India has issued a warning to Turkish Airlines after surprise inspections revealed serious safety violations, including the unauthorized transport of explosives.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India’s aviation regulator, conducted checks at airports in Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru. It found that explosives were carried without mandatory approval or proper declaration. In Bengaluru, unqualified staff handled ground operations, and aircraft maintenance was done without a certified engineer, Firstpost reported.

The inspections were carried out under Article 16 of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Convention, which mandates global aviation safety standards.

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone following Ukraine’s recent drone attacks on Russian airbases, which destroyed several nuclear-capable bombers. The call, lasting over an hour, was the third between the leaders since Trump’s return to office, Firstpost reported.

Trump described the conversation as “good” but not one that would lead to “immediate peace,” noting that Putin strongly indicated Russia would respond to the attacks.

The Ukrainian strikes, among the boldest in recent years, have prompted heightened tensions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged allies to remain firm, warning that any sign of weakness could embolden further Russian aggression, according to Firstpost.

The government has made it mandatory for both buyers and sellers to provide bank statements and complete Know Your Customer (KYC) forms before property deeds can be registered. According to the Directive on the Prevention of Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorist Activities, 2025, issued by the Department of Land Management and Records (DoLMR) under the  Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives, and Poverty Alleviation, all real estate transactions must include bank statements verifying that funds have been transferred from the buyer’s account to the seller’s account. 

The move is aimed at strengthening anti-money laundering measures and removing Nepal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) gray list. The FATF Plenary held in February placed Nepal on its ‘gray list’ due to concerns about the country’s anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CFT) measures, particularly in high-risk sectors like real estate and cooperatives. The finance ministry is implementing plans to remove Nepal from the gray list.

Likewise, all land and property transactions exceeding Rs 30m in a single day must now be reported to the Financial Information Unit (FIU) of the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB). Land revenue offices will also have to report suspicious transactions to the FIU. The directive was issued as per Section 7 (2) of the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2008. As per the Act, the DoLMA is the regulating agency for the real estate sector. 

The DoLMA has issued a circular to all land revenue and land reform offices to enforce these measures immediately. As per the directive, any land and housing transactions between Rs 1m to Rs 5m  must be conducted through banking or digital payment systems, while those exceeding Rs 5m must use electronic payments or ‘good for payment’ checks issued directly in the seller’s name.

Additionally, for offices equipped to collect revenue through banks, registration fees and charges for transactions above Rs 1m must be paid from the buyer’s account, while capital gains tax must be deposited from the seller’s account into designated government revenue accounts. The ministry believes these measures will curb money laundering, ensure accurate transaction records, prevent tax evasion, reduce corruption in land revenue offices and promote transparency in Nepal’s economic system. 

In the first nine months of fiscal year 2024/25, Nepal saw a total of 380,175 land and housing transactions. The government mobilized Rs 33.2bn in revenue from these transactions.

The United States vetoed a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and unrestricted humanitarian aid access. The draft, backed by 14 of 15 members, also demanded the unconditional release of hostages held by Hamas, according to Xinhua.

The US veto drew sharp criticism from other members. China accused Washington of undermining peace efforts. The UK slammed Israel's aid limitations and demanded impartial inquiries into civilian deaths. Algeria and Pakistan viewed the veto as a failure of international duty and a setback to global consensus.

The vote highlights growing frustration over the US’s repeated vetoes on Gaza-related resolutions. Xinhua reported.

With its growing natural beauty, Magar settlements have been adding vibrancy to the region’s culture, historical sites, and adventure travel destinations. Rukum Purba is now emerging on the new tourism map by incorporating all these features.

Its Himalayan and hilly geography, religious and cultural diversity, history of the People’s War, adventure sports, and community-based hospitality have attracted both domestic and international tourists to Rukum Purba in recent years.

Sisne and Putha mountains have become appealing new destinations for trekking enthusiasts—especially those seeking natural scenery, Himalayan lifestyles, and an immersive experience of Magar culture.

Maitya Gharti, a tourism entrepreneur and senior journalist from Putha Uttarganga Rural Municipality, said, “While trekking around Sisne, Putha, Uttarganga, and Bhume rural municipalities, one can experience the mountain scenery, rural lifestyle, and traditional culture all at once. This shows great potential for tourism development here.”

Magar settlements such as Taksera, Kankri, Lukum, Dading, and Mahat in Rukum Purba hold immense potential for cultural tourism. Traditional dances like Bhume, Dhange, and Jhankri, as well as local fairs and the daily life of the Magar community, offer tourists a unique and enriching experience.

Renu Yadav, a tourist from Kathmandu who recently visited Rukum Purba, said, “The language, customs, culture, and hospitality of the people here touched me in a way I had never imagined.”

Tourist activity is increasing in various locations, including the living museum in Putha Uttarganga Rural Municipality; Kol Basti, Pupal, and Maukot Basti; Kamaldaha in Rukumkot of Sisne Rural Municipality; Shivalaya Temple; Bhatte Chaur; Thanthi Danda; Maring; Chauri Lake in Bhume Rural Municipality; the Organic Cooperative Market in Khabang Bagar; the war memorial in Mahat; and Bheri Danda of Chunwang, known for its connection to the People’s War.

Adventure tourism is expanding as well, with potential for exciting rafting trips on the Sani Bheri River. The combination of boating, trekking, and village lifestyle has positioned Rukum Purba as a multi-dimensional travel destination.

Local governments—Sisne, Bhume, and Putha Uttarganga rural municipalities—have initiated plans to expand tourism infrastructure, provide guide training, manage homestays, and promote the region based on their unique strengths.

The chairpersons of these municipalities—Krishna Regmi, Hom Prakash Shrestha, and Puniraj Ghartimagar—say they have recognized the region's tourism potential and are working to enhance infrastructure, promote the area, and build partnerships with the private sector and local communities in a planned and strategic manner.

About 100 bighas of land in the Mardhar wetland area of Chandrapur Municipality-8, Rautahat, have been registered under an individual’s name. The municipality has filed a case at the Birgunj High Court seeking to cancel the registration and is requesting investigations by the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) and the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB).

Chandrapur Municipality has halted land tax collection from this wetland area, claiming the public land was illegally transferred through collusion between political figures and land revenue officials. Mayor Sanjay Kafle said that after the Land Revenue Office in Chandranigahapur failed to revoke the land deeds, the municipality was compelled to take legal action.

The land issue dates back to the Panchayat era, during the tenure of then-Forest Minister Hem Bahadur Malla, when displaced settlers from Dhiyal in Makawanpur were relocated to this wetland. According to the Land Revenue Office, the then High-Level Commission for Forest Area Strengthening had allocated around 80 bighas to the settlers. The municipality argues that this decision led to the encroachment of the remaining wetland, which was later registered in individual names under the pretext of resettlement.

A letter from the commission cites a Cabinet decision from 27 May 1989, that allowed the division of wetland land among displaced individuals, with many receiving 10 katta each. Safala Neupane of Dhiyal, Makawanpur, received a title deed for 7 katta in plot number 170.

Documents at the Land Revenue Office show that 19 other individuals also received land titles, each averaging 10 katta. Many of the original settlers were supposed to be relocated to Gujara Municipality (then Rangpur VDC), but Chandrapur suspects that some may have colluded with land mafias to register the Mardhar land in their names.

Out of the total 100 bighas, 10 bighas—including the lake—have reportedly been registered to private individuals. Among the listed names are Yadav Adhikari, Ramadevi Parajuli, Subodh Kumar Nepal, and Basant Prasad Dahal of Dhiyal, who hold ownership documents for the wetland area.

Mayor Kafle stated that the municipality is open to reconciling with relevant bodies but remains committed to reclaiming the public wetland.

In the last fiscal year, the Madhesh Province Ministry of Tourism spent Rs 3.5m on infrastructure for wetland conservation, including rest houses, toilets, and fencing. The provincial government had allocated Rs 15m for Mardhar’s development, but the funds were returned after the land’s private registration came to light.

On Dec 5, the municipality formally requested the Land Revenue Office Chandranigahapur to begin the cancellation process. However, the office cited an earlier commission letter saying that cancellation was no longer possible, as the land had already been transferred to private ownership.

Legal advisor Advocate Dilip Koirala said that the title deeds had already been collected in the presence of ward representatives six months ago. According to him, the land should only have been granted to landless individuals and only if they had no alternative property. Since the titleholders have not contacted the municipality so far, Koirala said preparations are underway to file a writ in the Supreme Court seeking cancellation of the land titles.