Who & what the
headlines are about.

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.

Balendra Shah

Prime Minister of Nepal (since 27 March 2026); former Mayor of Kathmandu (2022–2026). Rapper, structural engineer, independent politician who joined RSP in Jan 2026 and led the party to a majority.

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).

Sudan Gurung

Home Minister of Nepal in Balen Shah's government (2026–); politician from Gandaki Province.

Ram Chandra Paudel

President of Nepal (since 13 March 2023, term through 2028); Nepali Congress politician.

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.

Narayan Kaji Shrestha

Senior leader of CPN (Maoist Centre); former Deputy Prime Minister; known as Prakash.

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.

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.

Rajendra Lingden

Chairperson of Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP); proponent of Hindu state restoration.

Donald Trump

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

Upendra Yadav

Chairman of Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP-Nepal); former Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. Resigned from government in May 2024.

Swarnim Wagle

Finance Minister of Nepal in Balen Shah's government (2026–); former National Planning Commission vice-chair; economist.

Sasmit Pokharel

Minister of Education of Nepal in Balen Shah's government (2026–).

Sunita Dangol

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

Mahabir Pun

Tech activist and Ramon Magsaysay Award laureate; founder of National Innovation Center Nepal; champion of rural connectivity. Served as Education Minister (Sept 2025–early 2026), then won Myagdi-1 in the 2026 election; now MP.

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–).

Bijaya Kumar Gachhadar

Veteran Madhesi rights advocate and former Deputy Prime Minister; leader of Loktantrik Samajwadi Party. Did not contest 2022 elections; faces Lalita Niwas land scam charges; largely retired from active politics.

C P Mainali

General Secretary of CPN (ML); veteran Communist politician.

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).

Kathmandu

Capital and largest city of Nepal.

United States

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

India

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

Gandaki Province

Province 4; includes Pokhara.

Bagmati Province

Province 3; includes Kathmandu Valley.

China

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

Lumbini Province

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

Karnali Province

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

Koshi Province

Province 1; eastern Nepal including Biratnagar.

Pokhara

Second-largest city of Nepal; Gandaki Province.

Chitwan

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

Biratnagar

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

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.

Lalitpur

Metropolitan city in Kathmandu Valley; historically known as Patan.

Butwal

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

Birgunj

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

Bhaktapur

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

Mount Everest

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

United Kingdom

Country; historic Nepal ties via Gurkha regiments and diaspora.

Dhangadhi

Metropolitan city; capital of Sudurpashchim Province.

South Korea

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

United Arab Emirates

Gulf state; major destination for Nepali migrant workers.

Australia

Country; significant Nepali diaspora.

Janakpur

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

Japan

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

Hetauda

Sub-metropolitan city; capital of Bagmati Province.

Sudurpashchim Province

Province 7; far-western Nepal; capital Dhangadhi.

Madhesh Province

Province 2; Terai lowlands, large Madhesi population.

Dharan

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

Gulmi

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

Jhapa

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

Pakistan

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

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.

Myagdi

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

Qatar

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

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.

Asan

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

Canada

Country; significant Nepali diaspora.

Germany

Country; growing destination for Nepali students and skilled workers.

Kanchanpur

District in Sudurpashchim Province; Mahendranagar is the district headquarters.

Surkhet

Capital city of Karnali Province; Birendranagar municipality.

Udayapur

District in Koshi Province; Gaighat is the district headquarters.

Bharatpur

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

Panchthar

District in Koshi Province; hilly eastern district bordering India.

Saudi Arabia

Gulf state; significant destination for Nepali migrant workers.

Tanahun

District in Gandaki Province; Damauli is the district headquarters.

Kailali

District in Sudurpashchim Province; Dhangadhi is the district headquarters.

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.

Baglung

District in Gandaki Province; Baglung municipality is the headquarters.

Banke

District in Lumbini Province; Nepalgunj is the district headquarters.

Taplejung

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

Tehran

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

Jajarkot

District in Karnali Province; epicentre of the 2023 earthquake.

Rautahat

District in Madhesh Province; Terai lowlands.

Siraha

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

Dhankuta

District in Koshi Province; hilly eastern district.

Dhanusha

District in Madhesh Province; Janakpur is the district headquarters.

Makwanpur

District in Bagmati Province; Hetauda is the district headquarters.

Parbat

District in Gandaki Province; Kushma is the district headquarters.

Rara Lake

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

Salyan

District in Karnali Province; hilly mid-western district.

Baitadi

District in Sudurpashchim Province; far-western hilly district.

Israel

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

Lebanon

Middle Eastern country; Israel–Lebanon conflict extensively covered in Nepali media.

Lumbini

Birthplace of Gautama Buddha; UNESCO World Heritage Site in Rupandehi District.

Palestine

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

Rupandehi

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

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.

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 (UML)

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

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.

CPN (Maoist Centre)

Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre).

CPN (Unified Socialist)

Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Socialist); led by Madhav Kumar Nepal; split from CPN-UML in 2021.

Janajati Samajwadi Party

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

Janmat Party

Political party founded by C K Raut; primarily representing Madhesh region interests including self-determination.

Loktantrik Samajwadi Party

Madhesi-based party led by Bijaya Kumar Gachhadar.

Prime Minister of Nepal

Head of government of Nepal.

President of Nepal

Ceremonial head of state of Nepal.

Home Minister of Nepal

Head of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nepal

Presiding officer of the House of Representatives.

Foreign Minister of Nepal

Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Finance Minister of Nepal

Head of the Ministry of Finance.

Mayor of Kathmandu

Executive head of Kathmandu Metropolitan City.

Minister of Education of Nepal

Head of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.

Chief Justice of Nepal

Head of the Supreme Court and judiciary of Nepal.

Deputy Prime Minister of Nepal

Deputy head of government of Nepal.

Federal Parliament of Nepal

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

Supreme Court of Nepal

Nepal's highest court.

Nepal Police

National civilian police force of Nepal.

Nepal Rastra Bank

Central bank of Nepal.

Tribhuvan University

Nepal's largest and oldest university; established 1959.

Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority

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

Nepal Army

National army of Nepal.

Election Commission of Nepal

Constitutional body that conducts elections in Nepal.

United Nations

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

Gorkhapatra

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

Armed Police Force Nepal

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

Ministry of Finance

Nepal's central ministry for fiscal policy and budget.

Nepal Stock Exchange

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

Kathmandu University

Autonomous technical university in Dhulikhel.

International Monetary Fund

International financial institution providing economic policy advice and financial assistance.

Kathmandu Metropolitan City

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

South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation

Regional intergovernmental organisation; headquartered in Kathmandu.

Asian Development Bank

Regional development bank; significant infrastructure funder in Nepal.

Kalimati Fruits and Vegetables Market

Kathmandu's main wholesale fruit and vegetable market; price index frequently cited in food inflation reporting.

Ministry of Home Affairs

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

World Bank

International financial institution; major development lender to Nepal.

National Innovation Center

Government-affiliated innovation and technology centre co-founded by Mahabir Pun.

National Planning Commission

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

Nepal Electricity Authority

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

BIMSTEC

Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation; Nepal is a member.

Ncell

Private telecommunications company operating in Nepal; one of the two major mobile networks.

Tribhuvan Army Club

Football and sports club associated with the Nepal Army; one of Nepal's most prominent football clubs.

Healthcare

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

Roads and Infrastructure

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

Education

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

Tourism

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

Agriculture

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

Climate and Environment

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

Corruption

Corruption, anti-corruption investigations, abuse of authority and governance accountability in Nepal.

Federalism

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

Constitution

Nepal's 2015 Constitution; constitutional amendments and debates.

Hydropower

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

Foreign Employment

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

Air Travel

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

Earthquake

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

Gurkha

Nepali soldiers serving in British and Indian armies; a major source of remittances and diplomatic engagement.

MCC Nepal Compact

Millennium Challenge Corporation compact; US$500m US infrastructure grant to Nepal; ratified 2022 after prolonged political debate.

Remittances

Foreign remittances from Nepali migrant workers; constitutes over 25% of GDP.

Belt and Road Initiative

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

Cryptocurrency

Digital currencies and blockchain technology; illegal in Nepal but frequently discussed in policy and enforcement contexts.

Load Shedding

Scheduled electricity outages; a recurring issue in Nepal managed by NEA.

Cricket

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

Football

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

Mountaineering

High-altitude climbing; Nepal hosts eight of the world's fourteen 8000m peaks; major tourism industry.