KATHMANDU: Last week in Nepal was marked by major legal decisions, significant anti-corruption actions, and key educational milestones that captured national attention.

The Supreme Court’s dismissal of former Chief Minister Kedar Karki’s petition against the Koshi Provincial Government set the tone for a week dominated by legal proceedings.

The decision solidified Chief Minister Hikmat Bahadur Karki’s tenure, highlighting the judiciary’s role in shaping provincial governance dynamics.

Concurrently, the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) filed a high-profile corruption case implicating top officials, including Chief Secretary Baikuntha Aryal, in alleged irregularities related to excise duty stickers.

Educationally, the release of the Secondary Education Examination (SEE) results by the National Examination Board (NEB) revealed a mixed landscape. While 47.86% of students passed the rigorous exams, the introduction of a new grading policy classified over half of the candidates as non-graded (NG).

Despite challenges, 186 students achieved the top GPA of 4, signaling individual triumphs amidst broader educational reforms.

Last week’s events in Nepal spanned significant legal, political, educational, environmental, diplomatic, and cultural dimensions. These developments underscore the diverse challenges and opportunities shaping the nation’s landscape, from legal battles and corruption allegations to educational achievements and cultural celebrations.

Beyond these pivotal developments, political shifts, environmental concerns, diplomatic engagements, and cultural observations further enriched the week’s narrative, reflecting Nepal’s diverse and dynamic socio-political fabric.

The Supreme Court of Nepal delivered a crucial verdict regarding the leadership of Koshi Province. Former Chief Minister Kedar Karki’s petition against the current government was dismissed, solidifying Chief Minister Hikmat Bahadur Karki’s position.

This decision followed a comprehensive hearing by a bench comprising Justices Kumar Regmi, Abdul Aziz Musalman, and Nahakul Subedi.

In another development, the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) filed a corruption case against Chief Secretary Baikuntha Aryal and several others.

The case, lodged at the Special Court, alleges irregularities related to the printing of excise duty stickers during Aryal’s tenure.

Among those implicated are high-ranking officials including Joint Secretaries Ritesh Shakya and Tanka Paudel, Undersecretary Ganesh Bikram Shah, Section Officer Rabindra Paudel, and former Security Printing Center employee Bikal Paudel.

Last week, the National Examination Board (NEB) released the results of this year’s Secondary Education Examination (SEE). Out of nearly 445,000 students who sat for the exams, only 47.86% passed.

The results also highlighted that 52.14% of students were classified as non-graded (NG), a consequence of a new grading policy. Additionally, 186 students achieved the top GPA of 4, marking both successes and challenges in Nepal’s education sector.

Similarly, the Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP) Nepal made waves by withdrawing its support from the provincial government in Lumbini. Despite this move, Chief Minister Jokh Bahadur Mahara of the CPN (Maoist Center) retains majority support in the provincial assembly, underscoring ongoing political dynamics in the region.

Meanwhile, the Melamchi Water Supply to Kathmandu Valley was temporarily halted due to heightened risks associated with the monsoon season.

The Melamchi Water Supply Board cited increased turbidity in the Melamchi River, caused by heavy rainfall, as the reason for the suspension. Efforts are underway to resume supply once weather conditions improve.

Last week, Chinese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Sun Weidong visited Kathmandu for the Sixteenth Meeting of the Nepal-China Diplomatic Consultation Mechanism.

This visit highlighted discussions on bilateral relations between Nepal and China, with Vice Minister Weidong also engaging with Nepali leaders including President Ramchandra Paudel and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’.

In another development, Pratik Thapa, son of CPN-UML Vice Chairman Ram Bahadur Thapa ‘Badal,’ was apprehended in Kathmandu on charges related to a fake Bhutanese refugee case.

The arrest, following a warrant issued by the District Police Range, underscores ongoing legal actions against alleged fraudulent activities.

In another development, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City unveiled a substantial budget of Rs 25.63 billion for the upcoming fiscal year 2081/82. Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol presented the budget, outlining allocations of Rs 3.80 billion towards 11 metropolitan pride projects.

The budget forecasts revenue from consolidated funds and land consolidation projects, reflecting the city’s priorities for development and infrastructure enhancement.

Last week, Nepal celebrated National Paddy Day (Asar 15), marking the traditional commencement of the paddy plantation season. This day holds cultural significance, symbolizing the agricultural roots and practices that are integral to Nepal’s economy and cultural heritage.

Last week’s events in Nepal spanned significant legal, political, educational, environmental, diplomatic, and cultural dimensions. These developments underscore the diverse challenges and opportunities shaping the nation’s landscape, from legal battles and corruption allegations to educational achievements and cultural celebrations.