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President Ram Chandra Paudel has authenticated the bill to amend Nepal Citizenship Act, 2063 today. 

President Paudel authenticated the bill passed by both houses of the Federal Parliament in accordance with the Constitution, reads a press release issued by Spokesperson of the Office of the President, Pradeep Kumar Koirala.

Nepal's President, Ram Chandra Poudel, on September 14 issued a very meaningful statement, describing the formation of an interim government as a rare and valuable opportunity.

The President’s new statement was targeted at major political parties that have opposed the dissolution of Parliament, which was recommended by newly appointed Prime Minister Sushila Karki. The statement issued by the President indicates his struggle to protect the constitution and the current political system.

After KP Sharma Oli resigned as Prime Minister following pressure from protests, both the President and the Army Chief were under pressure to appoint representatives of the protestors as the new Prime Minister. However, there were no constitutional provisions to appoint a non-parliamentarian as Prime Minister. At the same time, there was intense pressure to dissolve Parliament and impose a state of emergency.

Amid this scenario, both the Nepal Army and the President engaged in talks with various groups to seek a way out. According to sources, President Poudel was firm that he would not take any decisions that went against the current constitution. Many say the President has hinted at the same in his statement.

Sources close to the President say that the formation of an interim government and the dissolution of Parliament were the only available constitutional options. Therefore, parties should understand this instead of creating troubles by opposing the President’s move.

In his statement, President Poudel appealed to political parties to appease the people, maintain self-restraint, and focus on making the March 5 election a success. After an extremely abnormal situation, a fearful environment, and tense circumstances, a peaceful way out has been achieved through great effort. “The constitution has been saved, the parliamentary system has been saved, and the federal democratic republic has been saved,” the President said. The Nepali people have now been given an opportunity to move forward toward a more developed democracy by conducting elections within six months.

Major political parties—Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, CPN (Maoist Center), and other fringe parties—are opposing the dissolution of Parliament. There are calls for the parties to bridge their differences and support the government in holding elections as soon as possible.

Nepal has once again plunged into a deep constitutional crisis. What began as peaceful protests by Generation Z, initially demanding the lifting of the social media ban and an end to entrenched corruption, has snowballed into a political upheaval that led to the fall of the powerful Nepali Congress–CPN-UML coalition government, and dissolution of the Parliament, creating a legislative vacuum. Nepal had faced the similar crisis in 2012 when the first Constituent Assembly (CA) was dissolved without drafting the new constitution.

On September 9, when the protests turned violent—targeting state institutions such as the executive, legislature, and judiciary—Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli stepped down in an effort to calm tensions. However, his resignation failed to pacify the growing unrest. In response, the Nepal Army (NA), albeit a bit late, stepped in to restore law and order across the country. NA not only restored relative calm but also strategically engaged with both protestors to keep the street peaceful.  After stabilizing the situation, the NA handed over political responsibility to President Ram Chandra Poudel. Following intensive negotiations with protestors, political parties, and constitutional experts, President Ram Chandra Poudel appointed former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as prime minister—a decision favored by a section of the protestors.

However, this move has raised serious constitutional debates. Karki is not a sitting member of Parliament, and the 2015 constitution lacks any provision for appointing a non-parliamentarian as Prime Minister. The presidential statement justifying her appointment does not cite any specific constitutional clause. Instead, it claims that the President exercised his inherent constitutional authority as the guardian of the constitution in an "abnormal and difficult" situation, and that the appointment was made with the consent of outgoing Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Further controversy erupted when, based on Karki’s recommendation, the President dissolved Parliament and announced general elections for March 5, 2026. While this move has temporarily filled the executive vacuum, it has opened the door to a major constitutional showdown likely to be challenged in the Supreme Court. Political parties mainly Nepali Congress had advised amending the constitution to pave the way for Karki’s appointment as prime minister but those suggestions were ultimately ignored.

Although there were fears that the constitution might be dismantled under pressure from the streets, it has—at least for now—survived, and parties are thankful to the president. Yet, the path forward remains fraught. The Nepal Bar Association has condemned the dissolution of Parliament as unconstitutional, arguing that it violates past Supreme Court rulings and undermines democratic principles. It warned that such moves could erode public trust in the constitution and democratic institutions. Notably, the oath-taking ceremony of the new Prime Minister was marked by the absence of key figures such as the Speakers of both houses and heads of constitutional bodies, signaling a growing institutional disconnect.

A key challenge for the Karki-led government is whether it can successfully conduct elections within six months, as mandated by the President. Achieving this will require navigating the conflicting interests of political parties and street protestors. Failure to hold timely elections could plunge the country into yet another constitutional crisis, especially since there will be no legislature in place to resolve it. Historically, the international community has played a key role in supporting Nepal’s elections, constitution drafting, and democratic consolidation.

But today, the global geopolitical environment has changed. Even democratic countries appear more concerned with strategic interests than championing democracy and human rights. International actors now prefer to maintain working relationships with whoever holds power, regardless of their democratic credentials. Domestically, public trust in political parties has eroded due to years of perceived corruption, incompetence, and anti-democratic tendencies. Meanwhile, a growing internal movement is openly calling for the dismantling of the 2015 constitution, and with it, the abolition of federalism, secularism, and the broader democratic framework.

In such a volatile scenario, the media has a vital role to play in safeguarding democracy. Unfortunately, over the past year, media freedom has come under systematic attack. During the protests, prominent media houses such as Annapurna Media Network and Kantipur Media Group were targeted, with their offices torched during pro-monarchy demonstrations in May. These attacks inflicted significant material damage and deep psychological trauma on journalists. Yet, the international community has remained largely silent on these violations of press freedom. In addition to physical attacks, journalists face increasing online and offline threats, further shrinking Nepal’s civic space. It remains uncertain whether the new government will initiate investigations into these incidents, or whether national and international stakeholders will take meaningful action.

In conclusion, Nepal’s hard-won constitution—which institutionalized democracy, federalism, secularism, and minority rights—is now under serious threat. The immediate priority for all political parties, civil society, and democratic stakeholders should be to support the current government in conducting free and fair elections within the next six months. However, they must also maintain constant vigilance to ensure the government does not veer toward unconstitutional or autocratic practices.

Recent developments suggest that the Nepal Army, while active in stabilizing the situation, is not interested in staging a coup and appears to be respecting constitutional values. Similarly, President Poudel has, despite making compromises, largely positioned himself as a defender of democracy and constitutional order. The coming months will be decisive. The success of the new government depends on PM Kari’s ability to adopt a broader and more inclusive approach to national issues. As a former chief justice, there are high expectations that Karki will uphold the constitution and remain uncompromising in her commitment to democracy.

President Ram Chandra Paudel has dissolved the House of Representatives, the lower House of the federal parliament, upon the recommendation of Prime Minister Sushila Karki. It is effective from 11 pm Friday. 

According to a press release issued by the Office of the President,  the next election to the HoR will be held on March 5, 2026.

President Ram Chandra Paudel and Speaker Devraj Ghimire held a meeting on Thursday. 

The latest political development and contemporary affairs were discussed in the meeting, informed Speaker’s press expert Shekhar Adhikari. 

On the occasion, the two also discussed the solution of the current political stalemate. 

At the meeting with the Speaker, President Paudel said a political solution will be explored within the ambit of the Constitution. 

The meeting between the President and the Speaker about the political situation evolving following September 8 has been considered an important event. 

President Ram Chandra Paudel has informed the public that he is currently engaged in consultations and making every possible effort to address the country’s ongoing challenges from within the Constitutional boundary. 

In a statement issued today, the Head of State said he is focused on identifying constitutional solutions to the current crisis, with an emphasis on preserving democracy and ensuring law and order in the country.

The President also urged all parties to have confidence in the ongoing efforts to address the demands of the agitating citizens. 

He appealed to all sides to cooperate in maintaining peace and stability across the nation. 

Indra Jatra, the biggest festival of Kathmandu Valley, is being observed by worshiping Indra, the God of rains, on Saturday.

In addition to Kathmandu, the festival is also observed in Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Dhulikhel and Dolakha districts.The annual traditional festival begins on the Bhadra Shukla Chaturdasi of Nepali month, Bhadra. It is an eight-day long festival.

The festival begins with the erection of a sacred wooden pole called Lingo with flags on its top at Hanuman Dhoka, the historic place of Nepal.The erected pole with the flag is called 'Indradhwojotthan'. On the bottom of the pole, Lord Bhairav is worshiped. The festival is taken as the celebration after conquering the enemies.

The wooden pole is brought by performing tantric acts from a jungle of Nala in Kavre district whereas the pole is made holy with various rituals at Bhotahiti, Kathmandu.When the pole is erected, different cultural dances including Bhakkunach, Mahakalinach, Lakhenach, Dasavatarnach and Pulukisinach are performed in the city.

During the festival, chariot processions and typical cultural songs and dances are performed.

Today, the Head of the State, the President, observes the chariot processions of Shree Kumari, Shree Ganesh and Shree Bhairav at historic Hanumandhoka. Kumari is worshiped as the Living Goddess by the President on the occasion, and prasad received.

It is believed that the Indrajatra festival began during the reign of King Pratap Malla.     

Indra, the God of rains and good harvest is worshipped today.

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.

President Ram Chandra Paudel has said that the Gaura festival has played an important role in strengthening geographical, religious and cultural faith and mutual harmony.

In a message of best wishes on the occasion of Gaura festival today, President Paudel has wished that the festival further contributes to the preservation and promotion of Nepal's unique culture and inspire all Nepalis to enhance mutual understanding, harmony, sustainable peace and fraternity.

He has also expressed his best wishes for happiness, peace and prosperity to all Nepali sisters and brothers living at home and abroad on the occasion of the festival mainly in the western region of Nepal. 

Stating that such folk traditions and cultural festivals in our society enhance unity in diversity, social and cultural solidarity and tolerance, President Paudel has said, “I believe that such festivals have been strengthening national unity by connecting families and society, preserving culture, and contributing to spiritual faith and the happiness and peace of human life.”

In a similar message, Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav has said that the Gaura festival is an opportunity for social reunion.

Expressing his belief that Gaura festival will strengthen the relationship between family, relatives and community, he said that Gauri-Maheshwor  worshipped during this festival a unique symbol of religious faith, cultural heritage and social unity. 

 “This festival celebrated with the wishes of good fortune, purity, happiness, peace and prosperity is not only a cultural ritual but also an expression of fraternity, coexistence and deep love for the motherland, he said, "especially those living abroad returning to their places of origin to observe this festival is a strong proof of their loyalty and emotional connection to the soil.”

It also reminds us of the need to preserve our original cultural heritage and pass it on to future generations,” Vice President Yadav has said in his message.

President Ram Chandra Paudel has urged King Abdullah II of Jordan to take necessary initiative for the release of Bipin Joshi, a resident of Mahendranagar, Kanchanpur, who has allegedly been taken hostage by Hamas, a Palestinian armed group.

In an official message dispatched to the Jordanian monarch on Tuesday, President Paudel requested immediate efforts to ascertain Joshi’s present status, ensure his safe release, and facilitate his return to Nepal. 

The President said that Nepal would deeply appreciate any humanitarian and diplomatic initiatives undertaken by King Abdullah II in this regard.

Earlier on Sunday, Bipin's mother and sister called on President Paudel and appealed for his support in securing his release. 

In response, the President assured them that he would make all possible efforts to that end. 

President Ram Chandra Paudel has stated that the Teej festival should be protected and promoted since this symbolizes emotional attachment, love, affection and creativity. 

In a message today on the occasion of the Teej festival 2082 BS, the President wished for happiness, peace and prosperity as well as religious, cultural and social goodwill to all Nepali sisters at home and abroad. 

The President has stated that this festival has played a crucial role in fostering brotherhood, harmony, mutual unity, patience and dedication.

Likewise, President Paudel mentioned that the Teej festival would infuse new vigour to all for the creation of a civilized and equitable society by ending all sorts of injustices including discrimination and violence that could happen against women. 

Visiting Vice President of Vietnam, Vo Thi Anh Xuan, paid a courtesy call on President Ram Chandra Paudel on Monday.

During the meeting held at Sheetal Niwas, President Paudel said there is huge potential to strengthen economic relations through trade, tourism, investment and technology transfer between Nepal and Vietnam.

"The government of Nepal is willing to expedite bilateral collaboration for the same", said President Paudel's press advisor Kiran Pokharel, quoting the President.

President Paudel reminded that Nepal is focused on socio-economic transformation in agriculture, tourism, production and hydropower sectors through investment.

Stating that Buddhism in particular is a bridge to deepen relations between the people of the two countries, he mentioned that listing Lumbini as a place to visit once in their lives by many Vietnamese people is the matter of happiness.

On the occasion, Vice President Xuan opined that Nepal has to prepare a framework of broader relations between the two countries before 2030 in the context that Nepal has aspired to become a middle-income country by 2030 while Vietnam has set a goal to become a high-income country by 2045.

She stressed on the need for the collaboration between the two countries in the sector of culture, sports and tourism.

Xuan argued that she was impressed by the untiring efforts of Nepal in maintaining peace as well as commitments made in reducing climate change impacts.

The mother and sister of Bipin Joshi met with President Ram Chandra Paudel on Sunday.

It may be recalled here that Joshi from Mahendranagar was taken hostage by the Palestinian group Hamas in the course of its attack in Israel on October 7, 2023.

With the coordination of the Nepali embassy in Israel, Bipin's mother Padma and sister Pushpa Joshi had gone to Israel and recently returned after a meeting with the President and Prime Minister there.

Bipin's mother and sister mentioned that while in Israel they had met the president, prime minister, and ambassadors from various countries, stating that this issue (Bipin's being held hostage by Hamas) has reached an international level.

They urged everyone to make further efforts for Bipin's release.

Padma urged that her son Bipin, being an innocent student, should be released on humanitarian grounds.

On the occasion, President Paudel stated that he would make further efforts for Bipin's release.

President Ram Chandra Paudel has said that all sides must fulfill the commitments made in the Paris Agreement relating to climate change and the measures to contain global temperature rise.

Inaugurating the conference of parliamentarians from Hindu Kush region today, President Paudel urged all countries- developed and developing, poor and industrial- to adhere to the Paris Agreement to contain temperature rise to 1.5 Degree Celsius since pre-industrial age.

He expressed worry over the rise of temperature above average range in the Hindu Kush Himalaya in recent years, which is further exacerbated by the fast snow melt, causing floods and erosion downstream. 

"Climate change, loss of biodiversity and air pollution are not limited to scientific reports, but become harsh realities of our lives," President Paudel lamented, adding that the conference is a historic opportunity to shape a roadmap for a common and sustainable future. 

The Head of the State further reminded, "It is also the moment to make a firm commitment towards the future of geography, mountain, forest, rivers and environment of the Hindu Kush Himalaya." 

More than two billion people are sustained by the water emanated from mountains of this region, but growing adversity downstream is a severe challenge, he said.

Paudel further shared that this region is rich in biodiversity. 

The protection of biodiversity helps enrich the eco system, otherwise causing serious impacts on food, culture and economy, he argued. 

The President also expressed gratitude to the member countries of Hindu Kush region for their continued efforts to face climate change, control air pollution and protect biodiversity. 

Nepal has also made significant initiatives like early warning relating to disaster caused by climate change, collaboration on hydropower development and use, promotion of solar power, and participatory community forest conservation, he explained in his address. 

Also featured in his statement were expansion of reserve area, monitoring of wildlife, improvement in public transport, promotion of electric vehicles and curb on industrial emission.

However, adequate efforts for climate adaptation and resilience were yet to be in place with effective policy.

The President expected that such an event would institutionalize parliamentary dialogue and foster sustainable cooperation to tackle common challenges.

Visiting Foreign Secretary of India Vikram Misri paid a courtesy call on President Ram Chandra Paudel today at the Office of the President, Shital Niwas.

On the occasion, President Paudel stated that Nepal has benefited from the progress of its close neighbor, India, and expressed hope to benefit even more in the future.

"We are pleased with the progress achieved by India, an emerging global power, in the socio-economic and technological sectors. As a good friend and close neighbor of India, Nepal has gained from India's progress and hopes to benefit even more in the future," said Kiran Pokhrel, the President's Press Advisor, quoting the President.

Highlighting the longstanding social, cultural, religious, spiritual, economic, and people-to-people relations between Nepal and India, the President said that these ties are founded on sovereign equality, friendly cooperation, mutual respect, and trust.

President Paudel reiterated that Nepal always accords top priority to its relations with India and applauded India’s ‘Neighborhood First’ policy, which underscores the importance it has placed on relations with neighboring countries.

In response, Indian Foreign Secretary Misri affirmed that Nepal remains among India’s top priorities under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He added that during his two-day official visit to Nepal, he looks forward to engaging with relevant officials to discuss extending connectivity and enhancing development cooperation between the two countries, in line with the needs of the modern era and mutual interests.

Foreign Secretary Misri arrived in Kathmandu this morning at the cordial invitation of Nepal’s Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai.

President Ramchandra Paudel visited the historic Shree Krishna Temple in Patan today to pay homage on the occasion of Krishna Janmashtami.

Following the completion of worship rituals, the Head of State of state received flowers and prasad from the temple priest.

The President also observed the nearby Manga Hiti, an area featuring an ancient stone water spout.

Several dignitaries were present to welcome the President, including federal parliament members from Lalitpur, Bagmati Province Minister for Agriculture Madhu Sudan Paudel, Bagmati Province Assembly members, Lalitpur Metropolitan City Mayor Chiri Babu Maharjan, Chief District Officer Ramesh Prasad Dhakal, Deputy Mayor Manjali Shakya, Assistant CDO Gita Ghimire, and Chief Administrative Officer of the metropolis Rekhadas Shrestha. (RSS)