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The US has presented two M28 skytrucks—one air ambulance and one regular skytruck—to the Nepal Army. The skytrucks were handed over as part of US’ Foreign Military Financing (FMF) grant.

US Ambassador to Nepal Dean R Thompson handed over the aircraft valued at $37m to Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) Ashok Raj Sigdel at a handover ceremony held at the Mid Air Base of Nepali Army located inside the Tribhuvan International Airport on Thursday.

The ceremony was attended by Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana, Minister for Defense Manbir Rai, US State Department’s Principal Deputy Director for Security Assistance Merrie A Archer, Defense Secretary Rameshwar Dangal, officials of Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defense, defense attachés of the US Embassy and representatives of airplane manufacturer PZL Mielec, among others.

With these new additions, Nepal presently has a fleet of five skytrucks including two which were donated by the US in 2019 and one which Nepal purchased directly. It now possesses seven aircrafts, 15 helicopters and 40 pilots, according to Army sources.

During the ceremony, none of the speakers mentioned or referred to the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) in their speeches. The event’s official backdrop, however, featured the INDOPACOM logo. This suggests that the aid comes under the regional command structure of the US military. The logo also signifies the official channel through which the aid was received to allow credit without causing headlines and controversy.

The skytrucks will be used for military purposes as well as for medical evacuation, disaster response and emergency rescue operations, the Nepali Army said.

Speaking at the program, Foreign Minister Rana expressed gratitude to the US government for strengthening the Nepali Army’s capacity in disaster response and humanitarian assistance. “This moment is significant not only for enhancing Nepali Army disaster response capabilities but also as a symbol of the enduring friendship and cooperation between Nepal and the United States. The United States has remained a steadfast development partner and a reliable friend of Nepal, supporting us in governance, humanitarian assistance, disaster response, peace keeping and capacity building.” She also commended the Army’s dedication, discipline and service. 

Ambassador Thompson highlighted that the two skytrucks mark an important addition to the longstanding friendship between Nepal and the United States. He also announced that the US would be donating two Bell 412 helicopters to the Nepali Army within the 18 months timeline as part of the continued support. The packages are part of the military aid worth approximately Rs 140m.

“These aircraft are more than machines—they are lifelines. They will help Nepal respond faster and better to emergencies in every corner of the country,” Ambassador Thompson said. “The delivery symbolizes just a small part of our broader security cooperation, which also includes training, exchanges, equipment transfers, and planning. It demonstrates our ongoing commitment to helping Nepal become more resilient, capable, and secure.”

The US ambassador also reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to supporting Nepal’s ability to respond quickly to crises and protect its people, building on 78 years of diplomatic relations between the United States and Nepal since 1947. “The handover underscores America’s enduring commitment to strengthening Nepal’s resilience, security, and disaster response, he said. “These additions will strengthen the Army’s capacity for disaster response, medical evacuations, and humanitarian missions, helping to save lives across the country,” he said.

CoAS Sigdel said that these skytrucks will be instrumental in helping the Army during disaster response and humanitarian assistance. He said that the Army is deeply committed to peace, stability and humanitarian efforts in the country.

Produced by Lockheed Martin’s Polish subsidiary PZL Mielec in 2025, these aircraft are especially suited to Nepal’s beautiful yet challenging terrain. Their short takeoff and landing capability allows them to operate from remote and rugged airstrips.

The first aircraft, with tail number NA-069 is a standard skytruck and has a passenger capacity of three crew members and 18 passengers. It can also be used for para-jump operations, accommodating 16 paratroopers and a jump master. For medical evacuation, it can carry six stretchers and four seating casualties. The aircraft has a payload capacity of 2,000 kilograms plus an additional 300 kilograms in the under-fuselage baggage pod. Its maximum takeoff weight is 7,500 kilograms, cruising speed 150 knots (278 km/h), service ceiling 25,000 feet, and endurance of four hours and 30 minutes.

NA-068 is a skytruck with air ambulance configuration. One intensive care platform along with four seat casualty accommodation are installed in it. With the same payload as the regular skytruck, i.e. 2,000 kilograms with an additional 300 kilograms in the under-fuselage baggage pod, its max takeoff weight is 7,500 kilograms with cruise 150 knots (278 km/h), service ceiling 25,000 feet, and four hours 30 minutes endurance.

Apart from delivering the aircraft to Kathmandu, the PZL Mielec is also responsible for flight training, supply of spares, medical supplies, technical help and ferry services.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s recent visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit and the Victory Day Parade has drawn significant attention in political and strategic circles.

Following Oli’s meeting with President Xi Jinping, China issued a news release claiming that Nepal supported the Global Security Initiative (GSI), a claim quickly dismissed by Nepali officials. Foreign Secretary Amrit Rai clarified to the media that no such agreement had been reached. 

Criticism also emerged over Oli’s participation in the Victory Day Parade, with some arguing it could upset Japan, Nepal’s long-standing development partner. However, Oli’s decision to raise the Lipulekh issue with Chinese President Xi has been well received at home. UML leaders are already seeking to capitalize on this move, framing it as a matter of “nationalism” ahead of upcoming elections.

At the SCO, Nepal expressed its willingness to become a full member, providing Oli with the opportunity to engage directly with leaders from China, Russia, India, and beyond. During the summit, Oli stated that Nepal supports the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), a new proposal by Xi. On broader security strategies such as the GSI, Nepal has reiterated its consistent position: it will not join any military or strategic alliance.

Attention is now turning to Prime Minister Oli’s upcoming visit to India, likely at the end of this month, though the trip may be delayed. As in Beijing, Oli is expected to raise the Lipulekh issue with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The timing is significant as the India-China agreement on Lipulekh pass has created a favorable environment for Oli to raise the matter with both neighbors. His handling of this issue in New Delhi will be closely watched at home.

To prevent possible misunderstandings with coalition partner Nepali Congress (NC), Oli included senior NC leader Purna Bahadur Khadka in his China delegation. As a result, NC leaders have remained largely silent on controversies surrounding the GSI and other issues. Over recent months, NC’s criticism of China has softened, reflecting a gradual rapprochement after a period of strained ties between 2015 and 2020.

Meanwhile, CPN (Maoist Center) Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal reiterated that the border dispute with India should be resolved through diplomatic talks. 

Within Oli’s CPN-UML, preparations are underway for the party’s statute convention starting Friday. Speculation is growing over whether the party will reconsider former President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s membership. While Oli and the leadership appear unwilling to reinstate her, senior leaders like Surendra Pandey and Yubaraj Gyawali have expressed support for her return. 

In Parliament, the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) and Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) have continued their boycott for over 100 days, demanding a high-level panel to probe into visit visa corruption. Although the Maoist Center initially joined their protest, it later compromised with ruling parties, leaving RSP and RPP with limited leverage due to their smaller numbers.

Within the CPN (Maoist Center), senior leader Janardhan Sharma is under pressure after questioning party chairperson Dahal’s leadership. He has also been targeted by a deepfake video alleging he is working at Oli’s behest, a claim he blames on Dahal’s inner circle. Deepfakes are increasingly troubling Nepali politics: RSP Vice-chair Swarnim Wagle has also filed a case at the cyber bureau, saying he too has been victimized.

Party disputes remain unresolved within the RPP, where tensions between president Rajendra Lingden and senior leader Dhawal Shumsher Rana have delayed the party’s central committee meeting. The conflict intensified after Lingden expelled several leaders aligned with Rana.

In legislative developments, the National Assembly has finally endorsed the long-debated Federal Civil Service Bill after years of disagreements between government and opposition. Separately, Nepal’s Immigration Department has announced a new digital tracking system for foreign tourists, beginning Sept 17. Visitors staying in star hotels will be required to register their personal details via a mobile app.

Tourism numbers continue to rebound. In August 2025, Nepal welcomed 88,680 tourists—a 22 percent increase compared to last year. India topped the list with 35,505 visitors, followed by China (7,533), the US (6,068), Sri Lanka (5,956), and Bangladesh (4,262). From January to August 2025, total arrivals reached 736,562.

Another significant government move this week came in the digital sphere. The Cabinet has decided to ban social media platforms that have not registered in Nepal. According to the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, platforms like Facebook face restrictions for failing to comply with registration requirements. 

The decision follows a Supreme Court writ of mandamus directing the regulation of such platforms. Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung’s secretariat confirmed that the ministry will now enforce the ban. Experts warn the decision could disrupt content creators and businesses, while also undermining Nepal’s broader digital aspirations.

In the financial sector, Nepal’s 10 largest commercial banks have agreed to undergo international audits, with findings to be made public—a long-standing demand of the International Monetary Fund to address bad loan practices. The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) will ensure an in-depth inspection of these banks.

The NRB has also introduced stricter rules on the use of CSR funds, requiring banks and financial institutions to channel them exclusively toward poverty alleviation and priority sectors.

In law enforcement, police have busted a human trafficking ring that used to smuggle Nepalis to India to sell their kidneys. The ringleader, Shyam Krishna Bhandari, and his associate have been arrested. Victims were reportedly lured from districts including Sindhupalchok, Kavre, Sindhuli, Nuwakot, and Dhading.

Finally, Nepal has achieved a new milestone in energy exports. According to Energy Minister Deepak Khadka, the country is now exporting over 1,130 MW daily to India and Bangladesh. If this trend continues, annual earnings could exceed Rs 86.38bn.

The government has decided to shut down 26 social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter (X), and YouTube.

The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology made the decision on Thursday to implement the decision of the Cabinet and the order of the Supreme Court.

The government has written to the Nepal Telecommunications Authority to shut down the social media platforms from today.

According to a source, a meeting held at the Ministry of Communications on Thursday decided to close 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, to implement the order of the Supreme Court and the previous decision of the Council of Ministers.

The source said that a decision has also been made to gradually open these social media platforms if they proceed with the registration process in Nepal.

A division bench of Justices Tek Prasad Dhungana and Shanti Singh Thapa on Wednesday issued an order in the name of the government stating that the foreign broadcasting agencies must obtain a license to broadcast in Nepal and that the government should  formulate the necessary laws.

The government plans to track foreign nationals visiting Nepal on tourist visas. The Immigration Department issued a notice on Tuesday, stating that digital tracking will begin on Sept 17. Under the new system, foreign nationals staying in star hotels will be required to submit their personal details through a mobile app. Tikaram Dhakal, Director of the Immigration Department, said the first phase of the foreign national registration and monitoring system will be implemented in star hotels in coordination with the Hotel Association Nepal.

A manual has been prepared to guide this process. The system aims to enhance security for foreign visitors, improve information management and facilitation, support crime prevention, and promote tourism. Visitors must submit their details before arriving at their hotel, and the system will gradually expand nationwide. It will initially be introduced in star hotels in Kathmandu before being extended to other areas.

The department believes the system will simplify record-keeping of foreigners’ activities and residences and ensure timely search, rescue, and safety measures during emergencies. Department Chief Ramchandra Tiwari added that hotel staff can also scan the details via the app. The information will remain secure within the hotel system, while the Immigration Department will monitor it centrally.

Foreign nationals must submit their details before reaching their booked hotel. If a visitor fails to do so, hotel staff are required to update the information online. The system will eventually cover star hotels, airlines, tour and travel companies, and money exchange services across the country. The department plans to expand it to all types of hotels, guest houses, and public and private institutions.

The Immigration Department has made it mandatory for all foreign visitors to use its mobile app. Upon downloading, each visitor receives a QR code, which the department will use to track them digitally.