Nepal News Roundup: March 2025

The Nepalese government is introducing a new Vehicle and Transport Management Bill requiring drivers to have at least an 8th-grade education. Previously, being able to read and write was enough. The bill also proposes extending the driver's license validity from 5 years to 10 years to reduce printing costs.

The minimum age for obtaining a two-wheeler license is increasing from 16 to 18, while large vehicle drivers will now need to be 23 years old. Hefty fines for violations range from Rs 100 to Rs 50,000, with drunk driving penalties starting at Rs 10,000.

Nepal has taken a major step in regulating online businesses with the passage of the Electronic Commerce Bill. Entrepreneurs must now register their businesses and establish an electronic platform to legally trade goods and services online. Failure to comply will result in fines ranging from Rs 20,000 to Rs 50,000, with severe offenses leading to imprisonment of up to three years and fines of up to Rs 500,000.

The bill will come into effect 31 days after presidential approval and applies to all businesses operating in Nepal, including foreign entities providing services in the country.

Pokhara International Airport is set to witness its first regular commercial flight! Himalaya Airlines is launching direct flights from Pokhara to Lhasa, China, starting from Chaitra 18. The Kathmandu-Lhasa-Pokhara-Lhasa-Kathmandu route aims to strengthen Nepal-China tourism and trade ties.

China's Sichuan Airlines is also preparing to launch its Pokhara-Chengdu flights from Chaitra 5. Business leaders and tourism professionals in Pokhara are thrilled, calling this a historic moment for Pokhara's tourism industry.

Thousands of devotees from Nepal and India thronged Shiva temples across the country for Mahashivaratri, honoring Lord Shiva. At Pashupatinath Temple, the government deployed 5,000 security personnel to manage the estimated 1 million devotees.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli visited the temple, performed puja and aarti, and directed officials to ensure smooth management. President Ram Chandra Poudel also extended wishes, stating that "Pashupatinath is a matter of pride for all Hindus worldwide."

The sacred Pashupati area has been beautifully decorated with lights and flowers to welcome thousands of devotees for Mahashivaratri. A 201-member main event committee was established under the leadership of Minister Badri Prasad Pandey, with nine specialized sub-committees working on security, health services, volunteer mobilization, and sanitation.