Nepali Congress2 min readNC Pledges Strict Action Against Party Cadres Obstructing Hydropower Projects Amid Rising Extortion ConcernsEchoing the collective sentiment of the private sector, IPPAN Secretary Suman Joshi urged political parties to stop viewing energy entrepreneurs through a "political lens." Given the massive capital investment and long-term risks developers undertake, stakeholders emphasized that the state and political actors must genuinely treat them as indispensable partners in the nation's economic development, rather than subjects for political maneuveringDipesh Ghimire·27 Sep, 2026
Smartphones2 min readFewer Handsets, Bigger Bills: Nepalis Shift to Premium Smartphones as Import Value SurgesUltimately, the customs data suggests a maturation of the Nepali smartphone market. While the era of explosive volume growth—driven by first-time buyers—appears to be cooling down, the market is successfully transitioning into a value-driven phase. Existing users are prioritizing quality, durability, and performance, willingly opening their wallets wider to secure premium technological experiences.Dipesh Ghimire·27 Sep, 2026
Strategic Shift in IMF Lending2 min readStrategic Shift in IMF Lending: Fund Abandons 'One-Size-Fits-All' for Capacity-Based Loan ConditionsThe rollout of these sweeping changes will not be immediate. To avoid overwhelming countries that already possess limited administrative capacity, the IMF plans a phased, risk-based implementation. Initial steps will involve developing new operational guidelines and analytical tools before the reforms are gradually integrated into country-level programs. For smaller, developing economies that frequently rely on multilateral financial support, this policy shift signals a welcome transition toward more pragmatic, customized, and country-owned paths to economic recovery.Dipesh Ghimire·27 Sep, 2026
First 'Finance in Common Summi2 min readAsia to Host Its First 'Finance in Common Summit' in 2027: Eyes Mobilization of $23 Trillion for Sustainable DevelopmentInitiated in Paris in 2020, the Finance in Common initiative has rapidly grown into the largest global network of its kind, comprising approximately 540 public development banks. Collectively, these institutions mobilize an estimated $2.5 trillion annually in the global market. Following successful previous editions in Rome, Abidjan, Cartagena, and Cape Town, the summit’s upcoming Asian debut underscores the region's growing centrality in shaping the future of global development finance and climate action.Dipesh Ghimire·27 Sep, 2026
Fly Dubai2 min readBreaking the Dry Spell: Fly Dubai’s Regular Flights to Pokhara See High Occupancy, Igniting Hope for Local TourismTo make the route commercially viable for international airlines, the government has rolled out heavy financial incentives. Foreign carriers flying into Pokhara will enjoy a 100 percent waiver on parking, landing, and navigation fees until mid-September 2028 (Bhadra end, 2085 BS). Additionally, the government has slashed ground handling charges by 50 percent. If Fly Dubai’s promising start can be sustained, aviation experts believe it could send a strong, positive signal to other international airlines to begin operations in Pokhara.Dipesh Ghimire·27 Sep, 2026
Rains2 min readIncessant Rains Paralyze Nepal's Road Networks: Narayangadh-Muglin Closed, Night Travel Banned Across Hilly TerrainsAccording to the latest situational updates released by the Nepal Police, the nation's road infrastructure is currently in a highly fragile state. While security personnel and road division crews are continuously deployed to clear debris and restore connectivity, the unrelenting rainfall continues to thwart their efforts, making travel highly dangerous. Consequently, authorities have strongly urged the general public to postpone all non-essential travel and to verify road conditions with local police units before embarking on any unavoidable journeys.Dipesh Ghimire·27 Sep, 2026
PM Shah at UNGA2 min readPM Shah at UNGA: A Shift in Diplomatic Protocol and a Clarion Call for Climate JusticeHowever, as Prime Minister Shah prepares to return to Kathmandu on Ashoj 10, the true measure of his UNGA outing will lie in its execution. While he successfully captured international media attention and domestic political support, the challenge now shifts from rhetoric to hard diplomacy. With Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal tasked with managing the broader diplomatic engagements and sideline meetings, Kathmandu now faces the crucial task of lobbying the international community to transform Shah's proposed Himalayan resilience mechanism and grant-based funding demands into a tangible reality.Dipesh Ghimire·26 Sep, 2026
Chhujung Khola Project3 min readFinancial Closure Achieved for 63MW Chhujung Khola Project Amid Strong Viability IndicatorsTo evacuate the generated power, Shangrila Urja is pioneering a collaborative infrastructure model. The company will construct a 55-kilometer, 220 kV double-circuit transmission line to the NEA’s Shitalpati substation in partnership with other developers operating in the river corridor. This cost-sharing mechanism will further optimize project expenditures. Building on the momentum of this 63MW venture, Shangrila Urja is already laying the groundwork for broader national energy security, having initiated feasibility studies for a massive 171-megawatt storage-type hydropower project in the Chhimdi Kawadi Khola of Bajura district.Dipesh Ghimire·26 Sep, 2026
PM Balen2 min readPM Balen's Proposal at the UN: Establish a 'Himalayan Climate Mechanism' Involving Nepal, India, and China– Prime Minister strongly criticizes the global order where developed countries can deliver weapons on time but poor farmers cannot get fertilizers. – Bhote Koshi-Trishuli flood termed a 'Himalayan Tsunami'. Presenting himself as possibly the youngest head of government to address the General Assembly this year, Shah made it clear that the younger generation demands a politics of honesty and accountability. He stated that his government is committed to investing in long-term preparedness, robust infrastructure, and innovation rather than patchwork, reactionary responses. Concluding his address, he invoked Lord Pashupatinath and Buddha, emphasizing the need to simultaneously advance post-disaster 'relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction' alongside the 'responsibility, compensation, and resilience' of developed nations.Dipesh Ghimire·25 Sep, 2026
Dividend2 min readCitizens and Kumari Bank Rush Pre-Dashain AGMs, But Dividend Payouts Hit Historic LowsBeyond the much-anticipated dividend endorsements, both AGMs will navigate through routine corporate governance formalities. The assemblies will deliberate on and approve the annual reports presented by the boards of directors, the auditors' reports, and the consolidated financial statements for the past fiscal year—including those of their subsidiary companies like Kumari Capital and KBL Securities. Additionally, shareholders will vote on the appointment and remuneration of external statutory auditors for the ongoing fiscal year 2083/84, officially wrapping up a financially challenging year for the banking industry.Dipesh Ghimire·23 Sep, 2026