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President Ram Chandra Paudel has said that the government should prioritize the preservation and development of Nepal's ancient and historical art, culture, heritage and resources to promote the country to the world.

Inaugurating the art exhibition under the Nepal Art and Culture Festival 2082 organized by the Nepal Art Council, he emphasized that everyone should be active in the development, expansion, and preservation of our languages, arts, and culture by taking advantage of the opportunities provided by the democratic system.

"All sectors, classes, and professions can get the equal opportunity for progress and development in a democratic governance system. This is the beautiful aspect of democracy. Therefore, everyone must actively engage in the development, expansion, and preservation of our languages, arts, and cultures by utilising the opportunities provided," the Head of State said on the occasion.

He said that every year millions of tourists come to Nepal to study, conduct research, and observe the ancient and historical heritage, art, cultural assets, and activities in various regions of the country, and that heritage lovers must always be vigilant for its preservation.

President Paudel expressed the view that if extensive promotion is carried out both domestically and abroad to attract the attention of local and foreign tourists and businesses to the unique resources of Nepali art, culture, and heritage, it would contribute to the country's prosperity through the arrival of tourists.

Stating that Nepal's artworks and cultural heritage is famous worldwide, he said it is a matter of pride that the arts and culture, which serve as indicators of Nepali civilization, have succeeded in holding a distinctive position in the world.

The President stated that the Nepali language, art, culture, and heritage are our pride, identity, and dignity.

He said, "It is the responsibility of all of us, including the government and private institutions to preserve and promote the centuries-old arts, culture and heritage. In this context, I am pleased to inaugurate this festival organised with the participation of private, government and public sectors under the initiative of the Nepal Art Council."

President Paudel expressed his belief that with everyone's cooperation, a solid foundation for sustainable development of the country's tourism sector will be established.

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 Madhes Province government has decided to grant a public holiday tomorrow. 

A notice issued today by Bimal Prasad Baral, Secretary at the Ministry of Home, Communications and Law of the provincial government, stated that a public holiday has been declared across the Province on Friday to mark the Mohammad Jayanti.

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba has emphasized the strong and sustainable ties between Nepal and the United States, describing the relationship as one built on trust, respect and shared values. 

At a ceremony held today to hand over two Skytrucks provided by the United States to the Nepal Army, she described the assistance as a symbol of lasting friendship and cooperation between the two countries. 

The Foreign Affairs Minister noted that Nepal's friendship with the US is guided by the objectives of peace, stability and human service. 

"The United States is a development partner and reliable friend of Nepal in strengthening democratic governance, humanitarian assistance, disaster management, peacekeeping and capacity building," she said, expressing gratitude to the US government and people for their continued support.

Minister Rana also praised the Nepal Army for its dedication, discipline and unwavering commitment to nationhood, world peace and security. 

At the ceremony, US Ambassador Dean R Thompson handed over two Skytrucks to Minister Rana, Defence Minister Manbir Rai, and Army Chief Ashok Raj Sigdel. The Skytrucks will be used for disaster relief and rescue operations and air ambulance services.