According to reports , a total of 32 people have been charged, and 11 arrests have been made so far.

Police investigations indicate that the scale of the alleged scam is significant, affecting 4,782 international climbers between 2022 and 2025. Authorities said more than 300 cases of suspected fake rescues have been identified, with bills totalling nearly $20m charged to climbers and insurance providers.

According to police, these rescue companies secured nearly $20m in payouts from international insurers for evacuations that were unnecessary or, in some cases, entirely fabricated.

The Nepal Police’s Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) said the offences had caused harm to “Nepal’s national pride, prestige and dignity internationally”.

Investigators said guides used different methods to force helicopter evacuations. These included faking medical emergencies and adding large amounts of baking powder to food to cause gastric distress associated with altitude sickness. In other cases, climbers were given medications with excessive amounts of water to trigger similar symptoms.

“The strength of unity is my national power,” he raps in the song, urging a fractured nation to come together. “Undivided Nepali, this time, history is being made.”

The track, titled Jai Mahakali, blends campaign footage with nationalist imagery, echoing themes that propelled his rise from Kathmandu mayor to national leader. Originally recorded more than a decade ago and remastered for release, the song leans heavily on calls for unity and renewal at a time of political upheaval.

“My heart is full of courage, my red blood is boiling; my brothers stand with me, this time we will rise,” Shah declares in another verse. “May my breath not run out, I will run like a leopard.”

The release marks Shah’s first public statement since his Rastriya Swatantra Party secured a sweeping victory in the March 5 election, the first since a deadly youth-led uprising in September 2025 toppled the previous government. At least 77 people were killed in protests initially triggered by a brief social media ban but fuelled by deeper anger over corruption and economic hardship.

At 35, Shah has emerged as a symbol of youth-driven political change in the Himalayan republic, maintaining the persona that first built his following: a sharply dressed rapper in dark sunglasses whose appeal cuts across a generation disillusioned with traditional politics .

The timing of the release appears deliberate. Endorsed as parliamentary party leader only hours earlier, Shah used the track to signal that his political identity will remain intertwined with his artistic roots — and that music will continue to be part of how he communicates with the public.

Sources close to him say two more songs are expected in the coming weeks, suggesting that even as he assumes the country’s highest office, he intends to keep speaking through rhythm as much as policy.

Outgoing interim prime minister Sushila Karki welcomed the transition, saying Nepal’s future lay with a younger generation that could “end corruption… [and] create jobs… [and deliver] economic development and social justice.”

For Shah, the message is already set — not from a podium, but from a verse.

His rise marks a striking generational shift in a nation where political leadership has long been dominated by veteran figures from the same established parties.

He was a rapper

Long before entering politics, Balen Shah was known in Nepal’s music scene.

His rap songs often focused on corruption, inequality and frustrations with the country’s political system. The music helped him build a large following, particularly among younger audiences.

During last year’s protests, one of his songs — Nepal Haseko, Nepal Smiling — gained more than 10 million views on YouTube and became associated with the wider movement demanding political change.

Supporters later turned his image and lyrics into campaign symbols, with crowds chanting his name at rallies and singing campaign songs generated for social media.

He was an engineer

Before music and politics, Shah trained as a civil engineer.

After studying engineering in Kathmandu, he pursued a master’s degree in structural engineering at Visvesvaraya Technological University in Karnataka, India.

His professional background helped shape his political messaging. Throughout the campaign, he emphasised practical solutions to economic stagnation, highlighting issues such as job creation, education and healthcare for poorer Nepalis.

Nepal remains one of the poorer countries in the world, with limited job opportunities at home. Many young people leave the country each year to seek work abroad, often in difficult conditions.

He was Kathmandu’s mayor

Shah’s political breakthrough came in 2022, when he ran as an independent candidate for mayor of Kathmandu.

His victory shocked Nepal’s political establishment, defeating candidates from the country’s traditional parties.

As mayor, he became known for visible urban reforms in the capital. His administration launched clean-up drives, removed illegal structures and pushed programmes aimed at developing skills among young people.

However, his approach also drew criticism from rights groups, particularly over the use of police against street vendors as the city sought to clear roads and regulate informal businesses.

He became the face of a generational revolt

Shah’s rise to national prominence followed a wave of youth-led protests in September that toppled the government of veteran leader KP Sharma Oli.

The demonstrations began after the government imposed a ban on social media platforms but quickly expanded into wider protests against corruption and economic stagnation. At least 77 people were killed during the unrest.

In the election that followed, Shah’s Rastriya Swatantra Party rode a wave of anger towards the traditional political class.

Early results showed the party winning a majority of direct parliamentary seats, while Shah himself defeated the 74-year-old Oli in his own constituency.

Switzerland

Switzerland’s flag is one of the most recognisable in the world: a white cross set against a red background. Unlike most national flags, however, its proportions are 1:1, making it perfectly square.

Historical records show the white cross was used by Swiss confederate troops as early as the 14th century during battles against Habsburg forces . Over time, it evolved into a unifying emblem for the Swiss Confederation.

The modern square format was formally defined in federal law in the 19th century. According to the Swiss Federal Chancellery, the cross represents faith, honour and freedom, while the red background reflects historic military banners.

Although Switzerland’s civil and merchant ensigns are rectangular for practical use at sea, the official national flag remains square.

The design is also closely associated with the International Committee of the Red Cross, which was founded in Geneva in 1863. The Red Cross emblem is effectively the inverse of the Swiss flag, adopted in tribute to its country of origin.

Vatican

The only other country with a square flag is Vatican City, the world’s smallest independent state.

Adopted on 7 June 1929, following the Lateran Treaty between the Holy See and Italy, the Vatican flag is divided vertically into two equal bands of yellow and white. Centred in the white half are the crossed keys of Saint Peter beneath the Papal Tiara.

According to the Holy See’s official documentation, the gold and silver keys symbolise spiritual and worldly authority, referencing the biblical passage in which Saint Peter is given the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven. The tiara represents the papacy.

Like Switzerland’s, the Vatican’s national flag is officially square in proportion.

The overwhelming majority of national flags are rectangular, typically using proportions such as 2:3 or 1:2. Standardised shapes allow for consistency in diplomatic settings, international institutions and global events.

Square flags are uncommon largely for practical reasons. Rectangular designs are easier to manufacture and more suited to maritime and military use, where flags must be visible in the wind .

While other flags, such as Nepal’s (which is triangular), break conventional shape rules, Switzerland and Vatican City remain the only recognised sovereign states whose official national flags are square.

Build Up Nepal has won the 2026 Zayed Sustainability Prize in the Climate Action category, earning international recognition for its low-carbon, earthquake-resilient eco-bricks. The organisation has helped build thousands of affordable homes, cut construction emissions significantly, and create green jobs through locally run enterprises. The award highlights Nepal’s growing role in delivering practical, community-led climate solutions at a time of increasing global focus on resilience and sustainable development.

Nepali Congress grapples with internal conflict ahead of a special convention

The Nepali Congress is facing intensified internal conflict as preparations move forward for a special convention. Disagreements within the party have exposed deep divisions over leadership direction, organisational control and the future of the party, raising questions about cohesion at a critical political moment.

Expulsion of general secretaries deepens divisions and risks party fragmentation

The expulsion of key general secretaries has significantly deepened rifts within the Nepali Congress, accelerating fears of a formal split. The move has heightened tensions between rival factions and sharpened debate over disciplinary authority and internal democracy within one of Nepal’s most influential political parties.

Leadership reform proposals and election strategy fuel internal debate

Proposals aimed at reforming party leadership structures and redefining election strategy have become central to internal discussions. Supporters argue the changes are necessary to restore public trust and electoral competitiveness, while critics warn they could further destabilise the party if not carefully managed.

Negotiations continue in an effort to preserve party unity

Negotiations are ongoing among senior party figures to prevent a full-scale split and preserve unity within the Nepali Congress. Talks are focused on reconciliation mechanisms, power-sharing arrangements and compromise solutions that could allow the party to move forward ahead of future electoral contests.

This advisory followed data showing that the gap between male and female births has widened year after year.

From 2024 to 2025, Nepal recorded 206,374 male births and 176,831 female births, resulting in a difference of nearly 30,000, which experts said falls well below the natural birth ratio of approximately 105 boys for every 100 girls.

The imbalance is sharper in some provinces. Sudurpaschim and Madhesh recorded male-to-female birth gaps of more than 24%, the highest in the country, suggesting that sex selection before birth is widespread.

“We are headed towards disaster,” said Dr. Uddhab Puri, associate professor at the Tribhuvan University, who has carried out multiple research studies on the birth rate in Nepal. “If we fail to check sex-selective abortions, this trend could lead to long-term social and demographic consequences.”

The practice is not limited to rural or less educated areas. Studies show high disparities in cities and districts near the Indian border, where access to ultrasound services and foetal sex identification is easier.

Doctors said many families now want only one child because of rising living costs and later marriages. If the first child is a daughter, some parents try to determine the sex of the next pregnancy and abort it if it is female.

Both fetal sex identification and sex-selective abortion are banned under Nepal’s criminal law , with penalties of up to five years in prison and fines. Yet, no one has been convicted, indicating weak enforcement.

Abortion was legalised in Nepal in 2002, in a move regarded as a major step in protecting women’s health and rights. But experts warn that unless son preference and enforcement gaps are addressed, the country risks a long-term gender imbalance with serious social costs.

Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) on Friday issued a letter of intent to CBPMC to design, print and deliver 430 million pieces of the Rs 1,000 note.

The contract is valued at US$16.985 million. NRB said CBPMC was selected as the substantially responsive, lowest evaluated bidder.

CBPMC has now won seven consecutive bids over the past three years. During this period, it will earn about US$63 million for printing roughly 2.38 billion banknotes.

China entered Nepal’s currency-printing market only in 2016. Until then, India had been the traditional source, including printing Nepal’s currency between 1945 and 1955.

India last secured a major contract in January 2023, when NRB chose its Security Printing and Minting Corporation to print 300 million pieces of the NPR 50 note for US$5.048 million.

Cost is not the only factor driving Nepal’s shift. Its new banknotes feature disputed regions with India — Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani — making it politically sensitive for New Delhi to print them.

Nepal also says China offers modern security features and competitive pricing. Other South Asian countries, including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Thailand and Afghanistan, also print their currency in China.

In a dramatic political turn, Sher Bahadur Deuba has stepped down as president of the Nepali Congress, following mounting pressure from a series of Gen Z-led protests demanding generational leadership change. The protests, fueled by frustrations over corruption, unemployment, and political stagnation, have transformed into a national conversation about accountability and renewal. Deuba’s resignation marks a pivotal moment for Nepal’s oldest political party, which now faces the task of rejuvenating its leadership structure. Analysts believe this shift could signal a broader realignment in Nepalese politics as younger voices push for reform and inclusivity in governance.

Ten petitions challenge Sushila Karki’s premiership and House dissolution

The Supreme Court of Nepal is currently reviewing ten separate petitions challenging both Prime Minister Sushila Karki’s authority and the recent dissolution of the House of Representatives. Petitioners argue that the move violates the constitutional separation of powers and undermines democratic principles. The controversy has reignited debates over Nepal’s fragile parliamentary structure and the balance between executive and judicial authority. Legal experts warn that the case’s outcome could set a lasting precedent for the interpretation of constitutional powers. The hearings have attracted widespread public attention, with civic groups calling for transparency and adherence to democratic norms.

Madhesh Chief Minister Singh resigns amid political turmoil

Madhesh Province Chief Minister Saroj Kumar Singh has officially resigned , citing internal party divisions and mounting political instability within the provincial government. His departure comes amid broader unrest across provincial administrations grappling with incomplete devolution and unresolved constitutional ambiguities. Political observers say Singh’s resignation underscores the ongoing challenges of implementing federalism in Nepal, particularly in regions where ethnic and political identities intersect. The resignation has triggered uncertainty about the next provincial leadership, raising questions about governance continuity and accountability in Madhesh.

Unfinished federalism continues to strain Madhesh Province

The political developments in Madhesh have once again spotlighted Nepal’s unfinished federal experiment, which remains fraught with administrative and constitutional complications. Local leaders complain that the federal structure, while promising greater autonomy, has yet to deliver tangible benefits due to unclear division of powers and financial constraints. Many citizens express frustration over inadequate local services and bureaucratic inefficiency. Scholars argue that until fiscal federalism and administrative autonomy are properly enforced, provinces like Madhesh will continue to experience governance paralysis and civic disillusionment.

Khadka appointed acting president of Nepali Congress after leadership shake-up

Following Sher Bahadur Deuba’s resignation, Purna Bahadur Khadka has been appointed acting president of the Nepali Congress. The decision, endorsed by the party’s central committee, is seen as an interim measure aimed at stabilising internal dynamics. Khadka has pledged to rebuild trust among members and restore public confidence in the party’s reform agenda. His leadership will be tested as the Congress navigates multiple crises, including legal battles over the dissolved parliament and growing competition from newer political movements energised by youth activism and anti-establishment sentiment.