Who and what the headlines are about.

Balendra Shah

47th Prime Minister of Nepal (since 27 March 2026, MP for Jhapa-5); former Mayor of Kathmandu (2022–2026). Rapper, structural engineer; joined RSP in Jan 2026 and led the party to victory in the 2026 election. Also holds the Defence portfolio; held Home Affairs on an interim basis from 22 April 2026 until Sudan Gurung was reinstated as Home Minister on 9 June 2026.

Donald Trump

47th President of the United States (2025–); his trade tariff policies and Middle East diplomacy are frequently covered in Nepali media.

Gagan Thapa

President of Nepali Congress (elected January 2026, youngest ever); former Minister of Health. Resigned after NC's poor showing in March 2026 elections, though SC validated his NC leadership on 18 April 2026.

Pushpa Kamal Dahal

Chairperson of CPN (Maoist Centre); former Prime Minister (served 2022–2024); known as Prachanda. Now a backbench MP from Eastern Rukum after his party won only 17 seats in the 2026 election.

Swarnim Wagle

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister of Nepal in Balen Shah's government (since 27 March 2026, MP for Tanahun-1). Economist (PhD from Australian National University); former Vice-Chair of the National Planning Commission (2017–2018); ex–World Bank Senior Economist and UNDP Asia-Pacific Chief Economic Advisor. Vice-Chair of RSP.

Sasmit Pokharel

Minister of Education and Sports in Balen Shah's government (since 14 May 2026, MP for Kathmandu-5) and government spokesperson. Held Education, Science and Technology plus Youth and Sports from 27 March 2026 until the May 2026 restructuring split science, technology and innovation into a separate ministry under Mahabir Pun. Former Sajha Youth Organization (Bibeksheel Sajha) leader; BBM-LL.B from Kathmandu University School of Law; won Kathmandu-5 in 2026 against NC, UML and RPP heavyweights.

Sobita Gautam

Minister of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs of Nepal in Balen Shah's government (since 27 March 2026, MP for Chitwan-3). Lawyer and former TV presenter (Swasthya Sarokar on Nepal Television); founding central committee member of RSP. First elected from Kathmandu-2 in 2022; in 2026 won Chitwan-3 by defeating Renu Dahal by a 38,662-vote margin.

Pratibha Rawal

Minister of Federal Affairs and General Administration and Minister of Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation of Nepal in Balen Shah's government (since 27 March 2026, PR member from Sudurpashchim). Former journalist (South Asia Check, Republica, Galaxy 4K Television — host of 'Lalmohar'); RSP central committee member and co-spokesperson since 2022. Asian College of Journalism (Chennai) alumna.

Rabi Lamichhane

Chairperson of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP); former TV journalist. Re-elected MP in 2026; backed Balen Shah as PM candidate; faces ongoing cooperative fraud case.

Sher Bahadur Deuba

Five-time former Prime Minister; former President of Nepali Congress (until Jan 2026). Did not contest the 2026 election; faces money-laundering arrest warrant (April 2026).

Shishir Khanal

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nepal in Balen Shah's government (since 27 March 2026, MP for Kathmandu-6). Co-founder of Teach For Nepal (2012); briefly Education Minister for 19 days in January 2023. Heads RSP's Foreign Relations Department; MPA from University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Madhav Kumar Nepal

Former Chairperson of CPN (Unified Socialist), which merged into the new Nepali Communist Party (NCP) in November 2025; he serves as NCP joint coordinator. Former Prime Minister (2009–2011).

Nisha Mehta

Minister of Health and Population and Minister of Water Supply of Nepal in Balen Shah's government (since 27 March 2026, PR member — Madhesi cluster, Sunsari). Nurse from Inaruwa, Sunsari; trained at AIIMS New Delhi; master's in Nursing from Gwalior, India. Previously worked at the B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences and Birat Teaching Hospital. RSP general member since founding.

Gita Chaudhary

Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Development and Minister of Forests and Environment of Nepal in Balen Shah's government (since 27 March 2026, PR member — Tharu cluster, Kanchanpur). Lawyer from Shuklaphanta Municipality-4, Kanchanpur; founder of Youth Advocacy Nepal, providing free legal services to marginalised communities.

Biraj Bhakta Shrestha

Minister of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation of Nepal in Balen Shah's government (since 27 March 2026, MP for Kathmandu-8). Heritage-conservation activist; entered politics through Bibeksheel Sajha alongside Ujwal Thapa; founder of 'Force Nepal' and the 'One Tree – My Responsibility' campaign. Previously member of the inaugural Bagmati Provincial Assembly. Bachelor's in Commerce and Business Administration. Re-elected from Kathmandu-8 in 2026.

K P Sharma Oli

Chairperson of CPN-UML; former Prime Minister of Nepal (multiple terms). Lost his seat in the March 2026 elections and was briefly arrested (March–April 2026) over the Gen Z protest crackdown.

Sunil Lamsal

Minister of Physical Infrastructure and Transport and Minister of Urban Development of Nepal in Balen Shah's government (since 27 March 2026, MP for Rupandehi-1). Structural engineer; previously infrastructure-and-environment expert under Balen Shah's Kathmandu mayoralty. BE (Lumbini Engineering College), ME in structural engineering from India. Worked on Gautam Buddha International Airport, Pokhara International Airport and Singha Durbar restoration.

Khadka Raj Paudel

Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation of Nepal in Balen Shah's government (since 27 March 2026, MP for Kaski-1). Known by his literary name 'Ganesh' Paudel; writer, trekker and former English-literature lecturer (15+ years). MBA (Pokhara University), BA in English Literature (Tribhuvan University). Founder of the Random Readers Society.

Harka Sampang

Former Independent Mayor of Dharan Sub-metropolitan City (2022–2026); known for grassroots governance reforms. Founder and chairman of Shram Sanskriti Party (2025–).

Bikram Timilsina

Minister of Communication and Information Technology of Nepal in Balen Shah's government (since 27 March 2026, MP for Nuwakot-1). Academic and former broadcaster; PhD from Griffith University on the role of external forces in Nepal's peace process. Previously taught Diplomacy and International Law at Tribhuvan University and worked nine years as a producer/presenter at Radio Sagarmatha. Won Nuwakot-1 by defeating former Foreign Minister Prakash Sharan Mahat.

Sudan Gurung

Founder of Hami Nepal (2020) and a key leader of the 2025 Gen Z protests that toppled the previous government (MP for Gorkha-1, RSP). Home Minister in Balen Shah's government 27 March – 22 April 2026, when he resigned amid scrutiny of his share investments and alleged links to a businessman under money-laundering investigation; reinstated as Home Minister on 9 June 2026 after a government inquiry committee reportedly cleared him. Previously a DJ and event manager in Kathmandu.

Sita Badi

Minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizens of Nepal in Balen Shah's government (since 27 March 2026, PR member — Dalit cluster, Surkhet). The first parliamentarian and first cabinet minister from Nepal's marginalised Badi community, and the first woman from the Badi community to earn a master's degree. Long-time activist against caste-based discrimination.

Mahabir Pun

Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation since 9 June 2026 in Balen Shah's government (independent MP, Myagdi-1) — inaugural head of the ministry, split off from the education ministry on 13 May 2026 after Pun lobbied for a dedicated science portfolio. Tech activist and Ramon Magsaysay laureate (2007); founder of the National Innovation Center and the Nepal Wireless Networking Project. Earlier the Education, Science and Technology Minister in Sushila Karki's interim government (2025–26).

Sunita Dangol

Acting Mayor of Kathmandu (2026–); Newar heritage conservationist and language activist. Deputy mayor under Balen Shah from 2022.

Prime Minister of Nepal

Head of government of Nepal.

President of Nepal

Ceremonial head of state of Nepal.

Finance Minister of Nepal

Head of the Ministry of Finance.

Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nepal

Presiding officer of the House of Representatives.

Home Minister of Nepal

Head of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Minister of Education and Sports of Nepal

Head of the Ministry of Education and Sports. Until the May 2026 ministry restructuring this office headed the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology; science, technology and innovation were then split off into a separate ministry.

Foreign Minister of Nepal

Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Tribhuvan University

Nepal's largest and oldest university; established 1959.

Nepal Police

National civilian police force of Nepal.

Siddhartha Bank

Private commercial bank; NEPSE ticker SBL.

Armed Police Force Nepal

Paramilitary police force of Nepal; handles border security and counter-terrorism.

United Nations

International organization; Nepal is a member since 1955 and a significant troop contributor to UN peacekeeping.

Federal Parliament of Nepal

Bicameral legislature of Nepal comprising the House of Representatives and National Assembly.

Nepal Rastra Bank

Central bank of Nepal.

Nepal Stock Exchange

Nepal's only stock exchange; commonly referred to as NEPSE.

Nepal Electricity Authority

State-owned electricity utility; manages generation, transmission and distribution.

Supreme Court of Nepal

Nepal's highest court.

Election Commission of Nepal

Constitutional body that conducts elections in Nepal.

Gorkhapatra

Nepal's oldest and largest-circulation Nepali-language daily newspaper; state-owned.

Kathmandu Metropolitan City

Nepal's largest metropolitan city authority, governing Kathmandu city.

World Bank

International financial institution; major development lender to Nepal.

National Planning Commission

Nepal's apex economic planning body; advises on development policy and national budgets.

Asian Development Bank

Regional development bank; significant infrastructure funder in Nepal.

Ministry of Home Affairs

Nepal's ministry responsible for internal security, police and local administration.

Securities Board of Nepal

Nepal's capital-market regulator; approves IPOs/FPOs and oversees NEPSE, brokers and listed companies.

Nepal Army

National army of Nepal.

Ministry of Finance

Nepal's central ministry for fiscal policy and budget.

Global IME Bank

One of Nepal's largest commercial banks by assets; NEPSE ticker GBIME.

Himalayan Bank

Long-established private commercial bank; NEPSE ticker HBL.

Laxmi Sunrise Bank

Commercial bank formed by the Laxmi–Sunrise merger; NEPSE ticker LSL.

South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation

Regional intergovernmental organisation; headquartered in Kathmandu.

Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority

Nepal's constitutional anti-corruption body; investigates abuse of authority by public officials.

Muktinath Bikas Bank

National-level development bank; NEPSE ticker MNBBL.

Standard Chartered Bank Nepal

Nepal arm of the global Standard Chartered group; NEPSE ticker SCB.

Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower

Operator of the 456 MW Upper Tamakoshi project, Nepal's largest; NEPSE ticker UPPER.

Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation

Nepal's ministry for science, technology and innovation policy; created in May 2026 by splitting the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology. First minister Mahabir Pun (from 9 June 2026).

NMB Bank

Private commercial bank; NEPSE ticker NMB.

Agricultural Development Bank

State-promoted commercial bank focused on agricultural lending; NEPSE ticker ADBL.

Citizens Bank International

Private commercial bank; NEPSE ticker CZBIL.

Nepal Bank Limited

Nepal's first commercial bank (est. 1937); government-majority owned; NEPSE ticker NBL.

Nepal Insurance Authority

Regulator of Nepal's insurance industry (formerly the Insurance Board / Beema Samiti).

Kathmandu

Capital and largest city of Nepal.

India

Nepal's southern neighbour; largest trading partner and major source of foreign influence.

Lumbini Province

Province 5; western Terai, birthplace of Buddha at Lumbini.

Chitwan

District in Bagmati Province; home to Chitwan National Park. Bharatpur is the headquarters.

Karnali Province

Province 6; mountainous mid-west region; least populous province.

United States

Country; significant Nepali diaspora; Trump administration trade tariffs frequently covered.

Pokhara

Second-largest city of Nepal; Gandaki Province.

Biratnagar

Metropolitan city in Koshi Province; second-most populous city in Nepal.

Pakistan

South Asian country; Nepal's neighbour through India; frequently covered due to regional geopolitics.

Janakpur

Sub-metropolitan city; capital of Madhesh Province. Religious and cultural centre associated with Sita.

Koshi Province

Province 1; eastern Nepal including Biratnagar.

China

Nepal's northern neighbour; major infrastructure and investment partner via BRI.

Gandaki Province

Province 4; includes Pokhara.

Myagdi

District in Gandaki Province; Beni is the district headquarters; Mahabir Pun won Myagdi-1 in 2026.

Saudi Arabia

Gulf state; significant destination for Nepali migrant workers.

Bagmati Province

Province 3; includes Kathmandu Valley.

Tanahun

District in Gandaki Province; Damauli is the district headquarters.

Lalitpur

Metropolitan city in Kathmandu Valley; historically known as Patan.

Bhaktapur

Historic city in Kathmandu Valley; UNESCO World Heritage Site for its medieval Newari architecture.

Jhapa

District in Koshi Province; southeastern Terai, major tea-growing region.

Udayapur

District in Koshi Province; Gaighat is the district headquarters.

Banke

District in Lumbini Province; Nepalgunj is the district headquarters.

Sudurpashchim Province

Province 7; far-western Nepal; capital Dhangadhi.

Iran

Middle Eastern country; frequently covered due to nuclear standoff, US sanctions, and Strait of Hormuz tensions affecting global oil and Nepal's fuel costs.

Israel

Middle Eastern country; Israel–Gaza and Israel–Lebanon conflicts are extensively covered in Nepali media.

Dhanusha

District in Madhesh Province; Janakpur is the district headquarters.

Surkhet

Capital city of Karnali Province; Birendranagar municipality.

Singha Durbar

Nepal's central government secretariat complex in Kathmandu; seat of the executive and most ministries. Colloquially used as a metonym for the government itself.

Australia

Country; significant Nepali diaspora.

Makwanpur

District in Bagmati Province; Hetauda is the district headquarters.

Gulmi

District in Lumbini Province; hilly terrain, known for agriculture and labour migration.

Japan

Country; rising destination for Nepali students and workers under visa programs.

Bharatpur

Metropolitan city; capital of Bagmati Province; headquarters of Chitwan District.

Madhesh Province

Province 2; Terai lowlands, large Madhesi population.

United Arab Emirates

Gulf state; major destination for Nepali migrant workers.

Butwal

Sub-metropolitan city in Lumbini Province; major commercial hub.

Dharan

Sub-metropolitan city in Koshi Province; known for Harka Sampang's governance model.

Canada

Country; significant Nepali diaspora.

United Kingdom

Country; historic Nepal ties via Gurkha regiments and diaspora.

Dhangadhi

Metropolitan city; capital of Sudurpashchim Province.

Siraha

District in Madhesh Province; Terai lowlands, known for agriculture.

Himalayas

Mountain range spanning Nepal's northern border; home to eight of the world's fourteen 8000m peaks including Mount Everest.

Nepalgunj

Sub-metropolitan city in Banke District, Lumbini Province; major southwestern commercial hub.

Palestine

Territory in the Middle East; the Israel–Palestine conflict and Gaza situation are frequently covered in Nepali media.

Birgunj

Metropolitan city in Parsa District, Madhesh Province; main Nepal–India border crossing.

Kanchanpur

District in Sudurpashchim Province; Mahendranagar is the district headquarters.

Dhankuta

District in Koshi Province; hilly eastern district.

Hetauda

Sub-metropolitan city; capital of Bagmati Province.

Rautahat

District in Madhesh Province; Terai lowlands.

Taplejung

Easternmost district of Nepal, Koshi Province; gateway to Kangchenjunga trek.

Rupandehi

District in Lumbini Province; Butwal is the district headquarters; contains Lumbini, birthplace of Buddha.

Parbat

District in Gandaki Province; Kushma is the district headquarters.

Baitadi

District in Sudurpashchim Province; far-western hilly district.

Tehran

Capital of Iran; frequently referenced in coverage of Iran's nuclear programme and regional diplomacy.

Germany

Country; growing destination for Nepali students and skilled workers.

Asan

Historic commercial and cultural crossroads in old Kathmandu; major wholesale market area.

South Korea

Country; popular destination for Nepali workers under the EPS (Employment Permit System) program.

Baglung

District in Gandaki Province; Baglung municipality is the headquarters.

Kailali

District in Sudurpashchim Province; Dhangadhi is the district headquarters.

Mount Everest

World's highest mountain (8,849 m); located on Nepal–Tibet border; known in Nepali as Sagarmatha.

Strait of Hormuz

Strategic waterway between Iran and Oman; roughly 20% of global oil passes through it. Frequently referenced in Nepal's fuel price and geopolitics coverage.

Salyan

District in Karnali Province; hilly mid-western district.

Qatar

Gulf state; one of the largest destinations for Nepali migrant workers.

Panchthar

District in Koshi Province; hilly eastern district bordering India.

Rara Lake

Nepal's largest lake located in Mugu District, Karnali Province; popular eco-tourism destination.

Nepali Congress

Centre-left political party; historically one of Nepal's two largest. Won 38 seats in the 2026 election; leadership contested after Gagan Thapa resigned as president, though SC validated his faction on 18 April 2026.

CPN (UML)

Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist). Chairperson remains KP Sharma Oli.

Rastriya Swatantra Party

Centrist political party founded 2022 by Rabi Lamichhane. Won a parliamentary majority in the 2026 election; Balen Shah, who joined RSP in Jan 2026, became PM.

CPN (Maoist Centre)

Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre).

Rastriya Prajatantra Party

Right-wing royalist party; advocates restoration of Hindu state and constitutional monarchy. Reunified with RPP-Nepal on 31 December 2025; current chair is Rajendra Lingden.

Shram Sanskriti Party

Nepali political party focused on labour rights and cultural identity; founded by Harka Sampang.

Janajati Samajwadi Party

Party representing indigenous nationalities (Janajati); formerly Sanghiya Samajwadi Forum.

Cricket

Bat-and-ball sport; Nepal is an ICC Associate Member.

Football

Association football (soccer); Nepal's national team is governed by ANFA.

Healthcare

Health system, hospitals, public health policy and medical services in Nepal.

Roads and Infrastructure

Road construction, highways, bridges and infrastructure development in Nepal.

Federalism

Nepal's federal system established by the 2015 Constitution; provincial and local governance issues.

Agriculture

Farming, food security, agricultural policy and rural livelihoods in Nepal.

Air Travel

Civil aviation, airlines, airports and air transport policy in Nepal.

Tourism

Nepal's tourism industry including trekking, mountaineering and heritage tourism.

Education

Education policy, schools, universities and literacy initiatives in Nepal.

Climate and Environment

Climate change impacts on Nepal including glacial melt, flooding, and environmental policy.

Earthquake

Seismic events in Nepal; country sits in a high-risk zone including 2015 Gorkha and 2023 Jajarkot earthquakes.

Foreign Employment

Nepali labour migration to Gulf countries, Malaysia, South Korea and beyond; policy and welfare issues.

Belt and Road Initiative

China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI); Nepal signed the framework agreement in 2017; infrastructure projects and debt-diplomacy debates.

Hydropower

Hydroelectric power generation; Nepal has among the world's highest per-capita potential; key export earner.