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Chinese Premier Li Qiang welcomed Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing today. PM Oli is currently on an official visit to China.

On the occasion, the Chinese Liberation Army accorded a 'guard of honor' to PM Oli.

The welcome ceremony was attended by the Chinese leaders as well.

PM Oli introduced the Nepali delegation members on the occasion, while the Chinese Premier also introduced his leaders.

Later, the bilateral meeting and signing ceremony are scheduled between the two Prime Ministers. PM Oli is holding a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping today itself.

The Nepali delegation led by Prime Minister Oli arrived in China on Monday.

The entourage comprises PM's spouse Radhika Shakya, Foreign Minister Dr Arzu Rana Deuba, PM's chief advisor Bishnu Rimal, PM's economic and development advisor Yubaraj Khatiwada, federal lawmakers, chief secretary, high level government officials, private sector representatives and media persons.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli arrived in Beijing on a four-day official visit to China on Monday.

He was received at the Beijing Capital International Airport by Chinese Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Sun Weidong.

The Prime Minister arrived in Beijing today at the friendly invitation of Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang.

During the visit, Prime Minister Oli is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli left for Beijing, China on Monday.

He left for China at the cordial invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

Tourism Minister Badri Prasad Pandey, Deputy Chief at the Nepal-based Chinese Embassy Wang Sin and chief of security agencies among others bade farewell to the Prime Minister.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, PM Oli will call on Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.

Prime Minister Oli will hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Li Qiang and exchange views on various issues of mutual interest.

Chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress Zhao Leji is also scheduled to call on Prime Minister Oli.

Prime Minister Oli is scheduled to address a program at Peking University during the visit.

He is also scheduled to address the Nepal-China Business Forum to be jointly organized by the Embassy of Nepal in Beijing, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

PM Oli was accompanied by his spouse Radhika Shakya.

The Nepali delegation includes Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba, PM's Chief Advisor Bishnu Prasad Rimal, Economic and Development Advisor Dr Yubaraj Khatiwada, parliamentarians, high-ranking government officials, private sector representatives and media persons.

The PM-led delegation is scheduled to return home on December 5.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is leaving for Beijing this morning on a four-day official visit to China.

At the cordial invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang, PM Oli is embarking on the visit from December 2-5.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, PM Oli will call on Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. 

Prime Minister Oli will hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Li Qiang and exchange views on various issues of mutual interest.

Chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress Zhao Leji is also scheduled to call on Prime Minister Oli.

Prime Minister Oli is scheduled to address a program at Peking University during the visit.

He is also scheduled to address the Nepal-China Business Forum to be jointly organized by the Embassy of Nepal in Beijing, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

PM Oli will be accompanied by his spouse Radhika Shakya.

The Nepali delegation includes Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba, PM's Chief Advisor Bishnu Prasad Rimal, Economic and Development Advisor Dr Yubaraj Khatiwada, parliamentarians, high-ranking government officials, private sector representatives and media persons.

The PM-led delegation is scheduled to return home on December 5.

The Nepali Congress (NC) and the CPN-UML seem to have agreed on a common position on how to approach China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). While the initiative has garnered support domestically, it remains uncertain whether China will accept Nepal's proposed terms, according to multiple sources.

A task force from the two parties has revised the draft of the BRI implementation plan initially proposed by the Chinese side in 2020. The document, now titled Framework for Cooperation instead of BRI Implementation Plan, has been sent to the Chinese side for initial negotiations, though it is yet to be finalized. The NC and UML are of the view that projects under the BRI should be funded through grants rather than loans. This condition may come up in high-level discussions, as BRI traditionally does not include provisions for grants.

During a meeting with her Chinese counterpart, Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba reiterated this same position agreed by the two coalition parties. However, Beijing has yet to formally respond. A senior Nepali official remarked, “The document prepared by the Nepali side is vague, but it is progress. It signals that Nepal is moving forward with the  BRI, which might encourage the Chinese side to sign the document.” According to the official, the Chinese side is desperate to change the narrative that since the signing of the BRI framework in 2017, not a single project has been executed in Nepal.

A UML leader privy to the development said: “The document does not mention about the investment modality which will be settled during the project implementation phase.”

Given the great power rivalry which has also affected the BRI project, the Chinese officials may accept the document. China is reportedly eager to alter the perception of inaction regarding the BRI in Nepal. Beijing has highlighted the Pokhara International Airport as a BRI project, despite its unclear status within the initiative. During a recent meeting in Chengdu, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the progress in the joint construction of the BRI, including the Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network, which he claimed benefits the Nepali people.

Under the BRI framework, Nepal and China will discuss areas such as connectivity, investment, trade, tourism, agriculture and infrastructure development. If China agrees to Nepal’s proposed document, specific projects may be announced during Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s visit. CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel suggested that the new agreement could pave the way for mobilizing Chinese resources for Nepal's development.

According to officials, Chinese officials have also emphasized implementing agreements reached over the past decade, including those signed during President Xi Jinping’s 2019 visit to Nepal, rather than pursuing entirely new ones. The two countries are also discussing potential cooperation in the energy sector, including the construction of  cross-border transmission lines, a likely agenda item during Oli’s visit.

Additionally, Beijing is expected to seek renewed commitments from Nepal on the One-China policy. During her meeting with Wang, Foreign Minister Deuba reaffirmed Nepal’s adherence to the policy, asserting that Tibet (Xizang) and Taiwan are integral parts of China. She also assured that Nepal would not allow its territory to be used for activities harming China’s interests, nor support foreign interference in China’s internal affairs.

Raunab Singh Khatri, co-founder of the Aranika Project, a research firm that studies Nepal-China relations, recently published an article commenting on the evolving nature of the BRI. He noted: “The area of China’s international engagement has diversified; from hard infrastructure under the BRI, the trend slowly and gradually shifted toward digital and health connectivity, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.”

“Will the BRI projects even take off in Nepal? The consensus among Nepali politicians is that Nepal can only accept grants and not loans—but the dilemma is that BRI is, by and large, a commercial project that is backed by “The Big Four” Chinese policy banks, Silk Road Fund, EXIM Bank, CDB, etc.”

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is paying an official visit to the People’s Republic of China from December 2-5 at the cordial invitation of Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China.

The Prime Minister will be accompanied by his spouse Radha Shakya.

The Prime Minister is Scheduled to meet with Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China in Beijing, reads a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Prime Minister Oli will hold bilateral talks with his Chinese counterpart Li Qiang and exchange views on matters of mutual interest.

The Prime Minister will hold a meeting with Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China.

During the visit, the Prime Minister will deliver a keynote address at Peking University.

The Prime Minister will address the Nepal-China Business Forum, which is being jointly hosted by the Embassy of Nepal in Beijing, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, according to the statement.

The entourage of the Prime Minister will comprise Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister Bishnu Prasad Rimal, Economic and Development Advisor to the Prime Minister Yuba Raj Khatiwada, members of the Parliament, high-ranking government officials, representatives of the private sector and media persons.

The Prime Minister and his delegation will return to Kathmandu on December 5.

Min Bhavan

Nov 28

As I sipped my steaming cup of tea, the conversations among a group of men sitting nearby flowed effortlessly. Their back-and-forth transitioned smoothly from trivial topics to politics and the economy. The lively discussion was briefly interrupted when a man entered the tea shop. He was no stranger to the group or the shop owner; in fact, he was a district-level leader of the ruling CPN-UML. Addressing him as Dai (elder brother), the group warmly welcomed him and eagerly sought his opinion on the current political climate.

The UML leader, however, voiced dissatisfaction with both his party and the government. He began by criticizing the disorganization at the UML’s mass meeting at Durbarmarg on November 22. From there, he turned his attention to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s leadership, accusing a small circle of party leaders—many of whom had lost in the national elections—of monopolizing control over the party and the prime minister’s secretariat. According to him, this group had even restricted access for senior leaders to the party office and Baluwatar.

He also remarked that Oli’s impulsive public statements were tarnishing his reputation. To lighten the mood, he shared a witty observation: “Sher Bahadur Deuba gains by saying very little, Pushpa Kamal Dahal is losing weight from his inconsistent statements, and Oli cheapens himself by talking excessively—even on topics like complex medical issues he doesn’t understand.” The group erupted in laughter.

One participant offered a sobering comment: “The country is being run by ODD—Oli, Deuba, and Dahal—dashing all hopes for stability or progress.”

The conversation then shifted to the struggles of Pokhara and Bhairahawa International Airports, which are facing debt stress due to insufficient international flights. A participant familiar with the aviation sector suggested that Pokhara Airport’s main issue isn’t its debt but its operations. “If the government convinces China to schedule at least two weekly flights and boosts domestic traffic, the airport could start generating revenue and tackling its debt problems,” he said. Another agreed, cautioning that operational inefficiencies would keep the airport unsustainable even if China waived the loans.

The group’s attention turned to Oli’s upcoming visit to China and whether Nepal should focus on loans or grants under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). “China’s inconsistent stance on the BRI doesn’t help clarify the matter,” one participant observed. The group didn’t dwell on the topic, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding the initiative.

Next, the discussion pivoted to the Kathmandu Metropolitan City’s decision to fine the UML Rs. 100,000 for littering during its mass meeting at Durbarmarg. A taxi driver parked nearby joined in and voiced his opinion. “Even if Balen (the mayor) is wrong, the UML should have accepted the fine. It would set an example for everyone else,” he argued. He went on to share how his neighbor had been fined Rs. 5,000 for throwing waste on the street. Pointing to the Tinkune-Baneshwar area, he added, “Look how clean this stretch has become under Balen’s leadership. We should support him.”

A participant interjected with praise for Balen, suggesting that if Nepal had a directly elected prime minister or president, Balen would win easily. Another participant noted how Rabi Lamichhane had once enjoyed similar popularity but had since seen his reputation decline due to allegations of involvement in a cooperatives scam. By now, about ten people had gathered in the tea shop, many taking turns criticizing Rabi. One person exclaimed, “If Balen gets elected, he’ll turn Nepal into Switzerland in just a few years!”

As the group gradually dispersed, only three of us remained in the tea shop. One of the men began sharing his personal struggles, prompting his friend to offer comforting words: “Happiness isn’t something others give you. Find joy in what you earn. We can live contentedly within our means.” Reflecting on their hardships, he added, “Our generation has endured a lot, but at least our children are spared from the same difficulties.”

The conversation shifted to the growing trend of youth migration for work and education. “It’s not just international migration; internal migration is significant too. People are moving to cities,” one participant observed. “Kathmandu doesn’t feel as crowded as it did four or five years ago.”

At that moment, a few more people entered the tea shop. One of them, a local from near the Pashupatinath Temple, brought up corruption in the temple’s management. “Anti-graft bodies are ignoring it,” he lamented. This led to a discussion about the role of the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA).

“The CIAA has become toothless,” remarked one participant. “Political parties now rely on the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), which they manipulate for their own interests.”

As the tea shop returned to its usual hum, the conversations left me with a lasting impression of a country grappling with immense challenges yet full of voices ready to speak out.

A meeting of the Council of Ministers held this evening approved Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's visit to the People's Republic of China.

Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey said that the Cabinet meeting held at the Office of the Prime Minister approved PM Oli's visit to China taking place from December 2-5.

"Agendas are being discussed about the PM's China visit. The agendas have not been finalized. Members of the PM's delegation and the PM's (China) visit have been approved," Minister Pandey said.

The private sector's presence will be significant during the visit but the government will not have any financial burden, Minister Pandey stated.  

He shared that the next meeting of the Council of Ministers will finalize the agenda of the China visit.

The National Information Commission (NIC) submitted an annual report of the fiscal year 2080/81 to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Thursday.

Chief Information Commissioner, Mahendra Man Gurung, submitted the report to the PM at the latter's residence in Baluwatar. The document will be presented at the federal Parliament through the PM later.

On the occasion, PM Oli released the 'collection of important orders' that were issued during the five-year term of the current office bearers at NIC.

PM Oli observed that there should be cooperation between the government and NIC in providing necessary information to the concerned parties. He emphasized that anarchy should not run while working for democracy.

Chief Commissioner Gurung informed that a total of 5,182 appeals were received during his five-year term and of which, 95% were resolved.

Gurung and Information Commissioners Kamala Oli Thapa and Ratna Prasad Mainali's tenure is ending on December 8.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has directed the Cabinet members and secretaries to ensure effective delivery.

During the first quarterly meeting on the implementation of the current fiscal year's policy, programs and budget on Wednesday, PM Oli stressed for changes in the present working style so that expected results can be achieved.

He, however, said it was not that easy to forward works as the previous government had brought the budget. The working style needs radical change, PM Oli stressed.

According to him, 11,000 fake projects were foisted under the government framework, which had to be corrected and anomalies wiped out. The multi-year budget planning must warrant proper homework not a random scattering of budget, he argued.

"Time has come to mull how we can bring sweeping change in production, agriculture, energy, information, and technology. Preaching does not work for national development and mobilization of the economy. Policy must be adopted in a way that creates jobs. Let's act boldly," he said, wondering why we could not think of giving responsibility to the able ones (private sectors) if the government fails to run the industries well.

The PM further reminded the top government officials that we had no time to delay work for economic strides. Government employees need to work with zeal.

The PM, minister and secretary can intervene for a positive result. The employees shirking responsibility not only deserves transfer but action, PM Oli directed.

Oli reiterated that the government's achievements must be reflected in practices.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that the government is committed to the broader concept of social security.

Issuing a message of best wishes on the occasion of the 7th Social Security Day today, PM Oli informed that the government was working actively to run the social security scheme in a systematic way. "Now, there is no condition in the country that citizens feel the absence of protection and of guardians. For the citizen's welfare, there are states and governments," PM Oli reminded.

The PM argued that social justice and dignity were prioritized by the government in its journey to prosperity. The government has reflected its devotion to its people so no one would be left in helplessness.

According to him, social security has been provisioned as a fundamental right of the citizen in the Constitution. "As per the broader concept of social security, the government is preparing an action plan, programs and budget and enforcing these accordingly," PM Oli made it clear.

Moreover, he recalled that it was the government led by CPN-UML to launch social security in 2051BS that provided monthly allowance to the senior citizens, single women, and helpless people. The society security concept has now materialized the welfare state where there is social justice and equality.

"In our journey to present state, we have understood social security as an integral part of social life, state and social engineering," PM Oli viewed, adding that contribution-based social security scheme was launched lately by realizing individual's role in social security.

In recent weeks, social media platforms are abuzz with suggestions for Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli regarding his official trip to Beijing from Dec 2–6. Although the visit has not been officially announced, preparations are underway, and debates surrounding the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Nepal-China relations have intensified, often factoring in India’s role in the equation.

On Nov 25, former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai shared his perspective on social media, stating that he could not attend Oli’s consultation meeting but wanted to offer advice. “Nepal is the oldest independent and sovereign country in South Asia, and one of the oldest in the world. It has every right and responsibility to assert and maintain its sovereignty, come what may,” he wrote. Highlighting Nepal’s unique geopolitical position between rising powers China and India, Bhattarai stressed the need to maintain friendly relations with all parties for national interests. He advocated leveraging opportunities presented by the BRI, just as Nepal has done with India and the US, to boost its economy. While he supports the BRI, his stance on whether Nepal should opt for loans or grants remains unclear.

Political polarization on the BRI continues, with Chinese Ambassador Cheng Song actively lobbying key political leaders to create a favorable environment for its adoption. As the visit approaches, Indian media and think tanks have weighed in. On Nov 22, Rishi Gupta from the Asia Society published an article in The Print titled “India does not need to sweat over Oli’s China drift—Nepal knows the limits.” The piece sparked reactions in Nepal. Aneka Rebecca Rajbhandari, co-founder of The Arnika Project, criticized Indian analysts for their narrow security-focused lens on Nepal-China relations. Similarly, Akhilesh Upadhyay, former editor of The Kathmandu Post and columnist at Hindustan Times, remarked that Indian analysts suffer from an “imperial gaze” toward smaller neighbors but noted that Chinese attitudes are not significantly different.

Despite the ongoing discourse on the topic, Prime Minister Oli has yet to secure full support for the BRI. While he asserts that loans should not fund BRI projects, key coalition partner Nepali Congress (NC) remains hesitant. On Nov 22, Pankaj Das, who identifies himself as a cadre of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) cadre and observer of Nepal’s geopolitical affairs, noted a shift in NC’s stance. In his post, he said: “When in government, NC opposed the BRI. In opposition, it rejected both loans and grants. Now, as part of the government, it might consider BRI projects if grants are provided.” Das also suggested that NC and the UML have already agreed in principle to pursue BRI agreements.

Prominent voices on social media have added to the debate. Ajaya Bhadra Khanal, a media personality, suggested that Nepal should carefully examine and remove any suspicious provisions in the BRI implementation plan. In a X (formerly Twitter) post directed at NC General Secretary Gagan Thapa, he emphasized the risks of adopting China’s economic model, which may lead to long-term challenges. Similarly, Pramod Raj Sedhain, a self-taught geopolitical analyst, posted on X that public debate and scrutiny, akin to the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) discussions, are essential for BRI projects. He advocated for transparency and parliamentary debates to ensure accountability.

The lack of transparency surrounding Nepal’s BRI framework agreement, signed in 2017, has fueled further suspicion. Although a four-page document is publicly available, its official status remains unconfirmed. Vijay Kant Karna, a researcher in international relations, stated in a X post on Nov 21 that secret agreements on strategic projects like the BRI are unacceptable without broad stakeholder consultations. He called for comprehensive discussions, similar to those held for the MCC, to ensure public trust.

“China’s BRI strategic plan needs comprehensive discussions in all stakeholders like MCC. Secret accord without proper discussions in parliament and political parties will not be acceptable,” he stated.

Comparisons to past foreign aid initiatives have also surfaced. Journalist Prakash Timalsina highlighted how King Mahendra successfully leveraged Cold War-era assistance from Russia, India, and China for projects like the Mahendra Highway and Araniko Highway. In response, journalist Birat Anupam remarked that he supports both the MCC and the BRI, a stance he described as rare in Nepal’s polarized discourse. Meanwhile, former Foreign Minister Kamal Thapa criticized political parties for undermining national decision-making by relying on foreign support for their political and economic agendas.

“Political parties who are taking not just political support but also economic support from foreign powers for their interests are gradually losing the decision-making power for the national interest,” Thapa argued.

Jainendra Jeevan, a political analyst, warned the NC against adopting an overly rigid stance on the BRI. He argued that antagonizing China, a global power, could strain relations with the ruling UML and alienate other pro-China groups. Jeevan added that without hidden political or military agendas, foreign initiatives like the MCC and BRI could benefit Nepal. However, he stressed the importance of balanced engagement to safeguard national interests.

As Oli’s visit approaches, he has intensified consultations with coalition partners and stakeholders. While dozens of bilateral issues could be addressed, the BRI dominates public discourse. Oli’s previous visits to China were marked by major agreements: the 2016 Transit and Transport Agreement and discussions on railway projects in 2018. The 2024 visit is poised to center on the BRI. Although Oli has not explicitly outlined his agenda, he has emphasized the need for tangible outcomes from the trip.

Interestingly, social media trends reveal a gradual consensus even among NC-leaning experts, who now acknowledge the importance of engaging with the BRI while opposing loans. Left-leaning intellectuals, on the other hand, have long advocated for concessional loans under the BRI framework. This evolving sentiment underscores the complexity of Nepal's position. While the BRI offers economic opportunities, its dominance in public discourse has overshadowed other pressing bilateral issues with China.

In the backdrop of these debates, public demand for transparency and accountability grows louder. Citizens, analysts, and politicians alike agree that robust discussions, both in Parliament and the public sphere, are essential for any agreements under the BRI. Lessons from past controversies, like the MCC, highlight the importance of open dialogue and clear communication to prevent misunderstandings and foster trust.

The stakes of Prime Minister Oli’s upcoming visit are high. Balancing the BRI’s potential benefits with its financial and geopolitical implications will require careful diplomacy. At the same time, ensuring that domestic consensus aligns with national interests remains challenging.

Top leaders’ take

“During my visit, there will be no agreements related to loans. However, the claim that Nepal is at risk of falling into a debt trap is untrue. If we ever need loans, we are free to seek them from any source.” - Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli

“Nepal should not take loans from China under the BRI, as the country lacks the capacity to handle such financial commitments. However, we are open to accepting grants.” - Sher Bahadur Deuba, NC President

“Nepal should proceed with the BRI projects, as they align with our national interests. Having already joined the BRI framework, we must move forward to realize its potential benefits.” - Madhav Kumar Nepal, CPN (Unified Socialist) Chairperson

“Consultations between the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML regarding Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s visit to China are ongoing. There are no significant differences between the two parties, and I am traveling to China to assist with preparations for the visit.” - Arzu Rana Deuba, Minister for Foreign Affairs

“Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is facing pressure during this trip because the ruling coalition partner, the Nepali Congress, opposes certain aspects of the BRI. Specifically, the NC is firmly against taking any loans. It will be interesting to see how China views this dynamic during the visit.” - Jhala Nath Khanal, CPN (Unified Socialist) senior leader

“The agreements signed with China in the past must be implemented during PM Oli’s visit. The BRI projects should be executed in both letter and spirit, and the implementation plan must be finalized during this trip.” - Pushpa Kamal Dahal, CPN (Maoist Center) Chairperson

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that the Nepal Premier League will directly contribute to promoting tourism and presenting the youth talent in the international arena.

Unveiling the NPL Trophy from the historic Dharahara premises today, he gave assurances of the government's cooperation and encouragement to NPL as far as possible. The PM said the government is always with the players for the development of the sports sector.

He believed that the NPL will add a new dimension to Nepali cricket.

"Cricket is the dream and also a topic of glory for our present generation. Let us be able to add a new dimension in the Nepali cricket through this League. The government is with you. My interest and ownership will always be there whether, personally, I am in the government or not," Prime Minister Oli said and extended best wishes to all the participating teams for their victory.

He also wished that may the youth talent be exposed and the thinking that Nepalis can do if given the opportunity be established through the NPL.

Prime Minister and CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has urged industrialists to invest as an investment friendly environment is created within the country.

Addressing the awareness assembly organized by CPN-UML Kathmandu Valley's three district committees today at Durbar Marg, Prime Minister Oli urged the investors to invest with confidence as the government is on a mission to create a 'Prosperous Nepal and Happy Nepali' by maintaining peace and security in Nepal.

"Nepal's economy was in a bad state. The economy is improving due to the policies and plans adopted by the current UML-Congress led government," said Prime Minister Oli.

Prime Minister Oli urged Nepal's industrialists and multinational companies to invest in the country. "You should invest, the government will arrange security and good governance," he said.

On another note, Prime Minister Oli said even though there are many rumors against them there was no logic to follow such baseless rumors.

"There have been things surfaced like deceiving the cooperative and blaming others, using shameful remarks, and swearing. Any kind of fraud is not acceptable. The Nepali people will continue to fulfill the vision of 'Prosperous Nepal and Happy Nepali' by maintaining the history and pride of their culture," Prime Minister Oli said.  He challenged those who point fingers at him to come in face-to- face discussions.  

Mentioning that those who do not have to pay the bank loans will destroy the country's economy, he claimed that the NEA should collect the arrears from the defaulting industries as per the bill but it should not stop power supply to them.

8:00 am, Nov 14

New Baneshwor

The tea shop was buzzing with energy, but I managed to find an open seat amid the crowd. A lively group of around ten people had already gathered, deeply engrossed in conversation on various societal issues, including the latest political developments. They were discussing the recent passing of Bimala Gauchan, a Gandaki Province Assembly member who had succumbed to dengue. Some shared personal stories, recounting how family members and friends had also fallen victim to this spreading disease.

One man remarked, “Dengue has even reached the hill districts now. Back in 1992, I spent a year in Mustang, and there wasn’t a mosquito in sight because of the cold.” Another chimed in, “With more roads connecting remote areas, dengue is spreading even to the mountains.” Predictably, the group began criticizing the government’s inability to control the outbreak in Kathmandu Valley and beyond. The mention of Manang and Mustang brought the discussion to another familiar topic. “People in Manang are incredibly wealthy. If the rest of Nepal were as prosperous, we’d be the richest country in South Asia,” someone declared.

The group briefly touched on the recent arrest of Deepak Manange, a member of the Gandaki Province Assembly, though no one seemed eager to dive into his controversies. Meanwhile, a man near the entrance, buried in a newspaper, interrupted loudly, “Every page is filled with stories of corruption, crimes, and road accidents!” This drew the group’s attention. They began talking about a recent tragic accident in Kageshwori Manohara, where one person had died in a collision involving a car driven by Prakash Bhujel, a self-styled shaman with a social media following, and a motorcycle.

The conversation shifted to shamanism. Some argued that such beliefs were outdated and harmful, while an older gentleman, likely in his seventies, shared how a shaman had treated his paralysis 30 years ago. Another participant admitted he didn’t believe in shamanism but respected those who did. They noted that Bhujel had promised to cooperate with authorities—something, one remarked, that many politicians might not be so quick to do.

After a short lull, talk shifted to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s upcoming trip to China. “The Western countries will be watching his every move,” someone stated bluntly. They mentioned China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the projects it entails but didn’t delve deeply into it. A participant speculated that Oli would likely avoid any major agreements with China, though few seemed interested in exploring the topic further.

Out of nowhere, someone brought up the rising trend of love marriages in Nepal. An older man expressed disapproval, claiming that such marriages often lead to divorce. “Eighty percent of love marriages end in separation,” he said, “inviting new societal problems.” This sparked a debate about the “right” age to marry. “Decades ago, people married at 18 or 20; now, they’re waiting until their 30s,” someone observed. Soon, the discussion broadened to cover the declining population trend in Nepal and beyond, linked to delayed marriages. Another man spoke about the growing empowerment of women in Nepali society, noting that women now play key roles in household decisions, with men ceding some of their traditional authority.

By 8:30, the group began to disperse, each heading off to start their day. As the tea shop slowly emptied, I lingered over my black tea, debating whether to order another cup or leave. Just then, two young men entered, looking like they were in their twenties. One ordered tea with milk, while the other opted for black. Curious, the one with milk asked why his friend preferred it plain. “I have gastritis,” he replied. They soon fell into a conversation about their hectic college and work schedules, complaining that they barely had time to eat properly.

In lowered voices, they shared their financial struggles. “I earn just Rs 8,000 a month, working from 11 am to 7 pm, but it barely covers rent and food,” one said, as they lamented the rising prices of tea and snacks. “I spent all my savings during Dashain and Tihar; I have nothing left now,” he added. Their conversation turned to their future plans—whether to stay in Nepal or try their luck abroad. They looked visibly worried, the uncertainty of their future weighing on them. Just then, four students entered, asking the shopkeeper for cigarettes, who politely pointed them to the designated smoking area.

Last week, I began a weekly column titled Teashop Gossip, where I’ll be capturing and sharing these vibrant exchanges that unfold in Nepal’s local tea shops. For years, these spots have been more than just places for tea—they’re forums where people from all walks of life come together to discuss the pressing issues of our time. In this column, I aim to present these conversations as they happen, preserving the raw voices, views, and insights of the people

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said the government would forward the process to include Nepal Bhasa in school-level curriculum.

After garlanding the statue of the founder of Nepal Sambat and national luminary Shankhadhar Sakhwa at Sankhadhar Sakhwa chowk, Madhyapur Thimi, today, Prime Minister Oli underlined that he personally and from the position of Prime Minister was ready to protect language, culture and civilization.

At a programme organized by Shankhadhar Sakhwa Foundation, he mentioned that some genuine demands of the Foundation would be fulfilled gradually as per the capacity of the state. 

"The Foundation has demanded to include Nepal Bhasa as the secondary level optional subject in curriculum. It can be included in the curriculum as optional subjects like Maithili, Bhojpuri but it cannot be announced here today without making any decision", added PM Oli.

The Prime Minister shared that different initiatives are underway from government-level to protect Nepal Bhasa, stating that Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS), Nepal Television and Radio Nepal have started disseminating and broadcasting news in Nepal Bhasa in this connection.

Saying Bhaktapur is considered as the living museum, he said the government was committed to preserving the historical arts and culture here. 

Similarly, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, mentioned that Shankhadhar Sakhwa had given identity of patriotism and nationalism even at that time. 

Likewise, Mayor of Madhyapur Thimi Surendra Shrestha shared that the municipality is organizing Madhyapur festival in the Nepali month of Poush in order to spread historical arts, culture and tradition of the district in the world.

On the occasion, PM Oli honored 63-year-old organization, Nhyajya Khala Thimi and leader of Nepal Sambat and member of Language Commission, Suresh Kiram Manandhar, with Shankhadhar Samman.