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Incidents of violence and murder against women in Nepal are on the rise, revealing the persistent and systemic nature of gender-based violence (GBV) deeply rooted in patriarchal structures. According to a recent report published by the WOREC Nepal, a total of 308 cases of gender-based violence were recorded between April and June 2025 across the country.

Of these, 41 cases were documented through media monitoring, while 267 cases were directly collected from WOREC’s working areas through its primary sources. The data shows that 21 were cases of murder, and three of attempted murders.

Globally, the trend mirrors a grim picture. Reports by UN Women and UNODC show that in 2022, around 48,800 women and girls were killed by their partners or family members worldwide. The number rose to 51,100 in 2023, meaning an average of 140 women and girls were murdered every day by someone within their own family. Alarmingly, 60 percent of these killings were linked to domestic violence, deaths that occurred because the victims were women.

The WOREC report shows that most of the victims of murder were young women in their most productive years. Among the 21 murder cases recorded between April and June 2025, 29 percent (six women) were between 18 and 25 years old, while 24 percent (six women) were aged 26 to 35. Another 19 percent (four victims) were girls under 18.

These statistics underscore that women aged 18–35, who are often socially and economically active, are at the highest risk of violence. According to WOREC, this reflects a control-oriented mindset born of patriarchy, which seeks to restrict women’s autonomy over their bodies, decisions, and freedoms. 

When women assert their rights or make independent choices, patriarchal structures often respond with resistance—sometimes culminating in brutal crimes like murder.

In most cases, the perpetrators are not strangers but husbands or family members. The report reveals that 43 percent (nine women) were murdered by their husbands, and 24 percent (five women) were killed by other family members. Additionally, 10 percent were murdered by neighbors, five percent by trusted friends, and 14 percent by former husbands.

This pattern aligns with global findings that intimate partner violence remains one of the deadliest forms of gender-based violence.

Among the victims, 82 percent (17 women) were married, while 10 percent (two women) were unmarried. The marital status of nine percent of victims remains unverified. These figures highlight how domestic and intimate settings, which should provide safety and support, often turn into spaces of danger and violence for women.

On June 20, in Kailashpur, Gauriganga Municipality-7 of Kailali, a 16-year-old girl, identified as Rita (name changed), was murdered by her 20-year-old brother-in-law. Rita, who had given birth just 16 days earlier, was living with her family while her husband worked in India due to financial hardship.

According to police and family accounts, Rita returned from a health post after vaccinating her newborn and found no food prepared for her. An argument followed, and her brother-in-law, angered by her complaint, strangled her to death in the middle of the night. He later dumped her body near a drain close to the house. The next morning, neighbors discovered the body. The accused has confessed to the murder, and legal proceedings are underway.

On July 7, in Belka Municipality, Udayapur, a 27-year-old man attacked his wife, Supriya (name changed), with a knife in a public area after a domestic dispute. The couple had gone to a nearby hotel for reconciliation talks, accompanied by relatives. During the discussion, the husband suddenly stabbed his wife in the chest and fled. Supriya survived and the police are pursuing the suspect.

Similarly, on 8 Oct 2024, in Belka Municipality-8, Manju (name changed), was burned to death by her 48-year-old husband, who poured petrol on her during a domestic quarrel. Despite efforts by neighbors to save her, she succumbed to her injuries. The accused was arrested and faces murder charges.

These are not isolated incidents but symptoms of a deeply entrenched patriarchal system that values control over compassion and silence over justice. The report stresses that domestic violence is often normalized within Nepali society—seen as a “private matter” that should be settled within the home. This culture of silence and reconciliation not only emboldens perpetrators but also weakens legal enforcement, leaving survivors unprotected.

Institutional tendencies to encourage reconciliation rather than legal action further exacerbate the problem. Many survivors are pressured into withdrawing complaints or “settling” cases, allowing offenders to repeat their crimes. This fosters impunity and reinforces structural inequalities that sustain gender-based violence.

According to the Nepal Police’s 2024–25 annual report, 38 women were murdered due to domestic violence, four following rape, and two due to dowry-related disputes. These numbers underline that femicide in Nepal is not merely a result of personal disputes but a grave violation of human rights arising from persistent gender inequality.

WOREC emphasizes that zero tolerance must be maintained for all forms of gender-based violence. It calls for an environment where women can report abuse without fear or stigma, and where law enforcement ensures swift investigation and prosecution.

The 32nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit wrapped up in Gyeongju, highlighting South Korea’s notable achievements in diplomacy, economic leadership, technological innovation, and cultural influence.

After hosting APEC for the first time in two decades, South Korea promoted the theme “Connect, Innovate, prosper” by introducing a fresh cooperative framework that blends inclusive economic growth, technological advancement, and cultural engagement.

Approval to build nuclear-powered submarines

One of the most symbolic achievements was US President Donald Trump’s announcement granting South Korea approval to build nuclear-powered submarines.

The decision marks a turning point in strengthening the country’s maritime defense capability and consolidating its strategic autonomy in defense technology. With this approval, South Korea is now able to advance nuclear propulsion research and fuel supply negotiations—paving the way for a stronger role in the Indo-Pacific maritime security network.

Major NVIDIA AI chip supply agreement

NVIDIA signed a deal with the Korean government and leading firms like Samsung, SK Group, and Hyundai Motor to provide more than 260,000 next-generation Blackwell AI chips.

The deal is considered a key milestone in meeting demand for the government-led National AI Computing Center and the private-sector “AI Factory” initiative.

Experts described it as the largest GPU supply project ever concluded in Asia, expecting it to accelerate Korea’s rise as a global AI powerhouse.

The government stated that the deal secures stable access to high-performance computing resources across public and private sectors, establishing a solid foundation for South Korea’s goal of becoming one of the world’s top three AI leaders.

Diplomatic achievements

During the summit, South Korea recorded notable progress in diplomacy with three key partners—China, the United States, and Japan.

In the Korea–China summit, both sides agreed to resume working-level and exchange channels, officially signaling the restoration of bilateral cooperation in trade, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.

The Korea–U.S. summit reaffirmed mutual commitment to strengthen cooperation in supply-chain stability, advanced technologies, and economic security. Both leaders agreed to expand the alliance beyond military domains to include economic and digital security dimensions.

Relations with Japan also entered a phase of recovery and forward-looking cooperation.

Seoul and Tokyo agreed to normalize practical cooperation in security, economy, and human exchanges, while reopening working-level talks to strengthen future-oriented relations.

These developments restored a balance in Northeast Asian diplomacy and reaffirmed Korea’s role as a stabilizing mediator in the region.

Structural reform and supply-chain resilience

In the economic sphere, APEC members adopted structural reform and supply-chain resilience as key pillars for regional growth.

South Korea played an active role in shaping these discussions, proposing digital transformation support for small and medium enterprises and trade resilience measures—many of which were reflected in the joint ministerial statement. The agreement is seen as a concrete step to prevent future global crises, such as pandemics or geopolitical disruptions, from paralyzing regional trade networks.

Expanding cultural diplomacy and K-Culture influence

South Korea also made notable strides in cultural diplomacy, showcasing the power of K-Culture through K-POP, film, drama, and beauty industries.

BTS member RM delivered a keynote speech at the APEC CEO Summit, emphasizing “the value of borderless cultural exchange and creativity,” which drew enthusiastic attention from delegates. The “K-Culture Showcase” event held during the summit received strong interest from visiting leaders and delegations, underscoring culture’s potential as a catalyst for innovation and mutual understanding across the Asia-Pacific region.

Vision for inclusive and sustainable cooperation

The APEC 2025 Gyeongju Declaration outlines a vision centered on digital innovation, clean energy, and demographic adaptation, aiming for inclusive and sustainable growth. Through this summit, South Korea presented an integrated cooperation model combining diplomacy, technology, and culture—reinforcing its strategic presence in the Indo-Pacific region.

Analysts praised the summit as a milestone that demonstrated Korea’s ability to exercise “smart power,” combining technological capacity, cultural influence, and diplomatic engagement. With the adoption of the Gyeongju Declaration, South Korea has positioned itself as a key driver in addressing the region’s challenges of digital transformation, demographic shifts, and climate adaptation.

The summit reaffirmed Korea’s readiness to translate its vision of “connection and innovation for shared prosperity” into concrete global leadership. (This article draws upon publicly available statements, official Korean government materials, and verified reports from Reuters, APEC, AP, Yonhap, and Asia News Network.)

Two Italian nationals, who went missing at Mt. Pangbari  in Chumanubri-1, Gorkha, have been found dead after five days.

Stefano Farinato (67) and Alessandro Gaputo (37) were found dead at the first camp of Pangbari Himal on Tuesday, according to the District Police Office, Gorkha.

DSP Rajkumar Shrestha, Information Officer at the District Police Office, Gorkha, said that they were found buried under the snow.

Shrestha said that the bodies have been brought to Samagaun by a helicopter.

They were stranded after the snow blocked the way while returning after failing to climb the mountain.

Velter Perlino (65), who was trapped at the base camp of Pangbari Mountain, at an altitude of 5,000 meters, was rescued by a helicopter at 10 am on Sunday.

Along with Perlino, Pemba Renji Sherpa, Dawa Chiri Sherpa, and Pasang Tamang, were also rescued and sent to Kathmandu for treatment.

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Landslides and floods following incessant rainfall occurred on October 4 and 5 damaged property worth Rs 11.81 billion in Ilam district. 

Chief District Officer Sunita Nepal shared that the flood and landslide had damaged different roads, bridges, buildings, drinking water projects, irrigation projects, agriculture and livestock sectors in the district.

As per the preliminary details of losses gathered by 11 respective offices including Road Division, Infrastructure Development Office, Nepal Electricity Authority and Water Resources and Irrigation Division, such amount of property was damaged, added Nepal. 

Eleven different projects under road division suffered damages, causing a loss of Rs 6.96 billion. Similarly, property worth Rs 2.34 billion was damaged towards roads, Rs 850 million towards bridges and Rs 40 million towards building under infrastructure development office. 

According to the District Administration Office, projects under Nepal Electricity Authority suffered a loss of Rs 24.7 million while landslide and flood damaged property amounted to more than Rs 328 million  under Water Resources and Irrigation Division. 

Likewise, more than Rs 40 million  was damaged in the incident of natural disaster under Veterinary Hospital and Livestock Expert Centre.

According to Chief District Officer (CDO) Nepal, under the Dhankuta Field Unit Office, Water Supply and Sewerage Management Department, damages to 29 drinking water projects amounted to Rs 287.5 million, while under the Water Supply and Sanitation Division Office, Bhadrapur, Jhapa, 223 projects incurred losses of Rs 280.1 million.

Likewise, food and cash crops cultivated on 892.32 hectares of land by 3,409 farmers were damaged by the disasters, causing losses of Rs 274.9 million. Such losses have been recorded under the Agricultural Knowledge Centre. Similarly, under the National Tea and Coffee Development Board’s Tea Expansion Programme, 25 tea estates suffered losses of about Rs 47.55 million.

Nepal Telecom incurred losses amounting to Rs 508,000 from damages to 10 optical fiber and cable lines, while under the Irrigation and Water Resource Management Project, Gainde, Jhapa, 31 projects were affected by landslides, resulting in losses of Rs 329 million.

CDO Nepal said that damage details have already been presented to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the respective ministries.

“The preliminary damage assessment was gathered from the respective sectoral offices within the district, in coordination and facilitation with the concerned local governments,” he added.

It may be noted that in Ilam, 39 people died, 26 were injured, and one person remains missing in the disasters that displaced 711 households. Of the displaced, 700 are staying with relatives, while 11 are taking shelter in community buildings, according to the District Administration Office.

Floods and landslides completely destroyed 365 houses and partially damaged 940 houses across 10 local levels in the district of Koshi Province.