KATHMANDU: In 2081 B.S., Nepal witnessed tragic events and political shifts. A devastating landslide claimed over 60 lives, while a Saurya Airlines crash killed 18. Political drama unfolded with KP Sharma Oli’s fourth term as prime minister, and major controversies involved figures like Kulman Ghising and Rabi Lamichhane.

Severe floods caused widespread destruction, and Nepal faced setbacks with USAID projects and the FATF grey list. Amid these crises, high-profile deaths and legal battles, including the overturned rape conviction of cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane, marked a tumultuous year for the nation. Here are the major stories of 2081 B.S.

Landslide Sweeps Away Two Buses in Narayanghat-Mugling Section, Over 60 Killed

A massive landslide on Asar 28 (July 12, 2024) swept away two buses on the Narayanghat-Mugling highway, leaving over 60 people missing. The incident occurred at Simaltal around 3:30 am amid heavy rainfall. One bus was headed to Kathmandu, and the other to Gaur. Only three people survived, while rescue teams continue to search under challenging conditions.

Saurya Airlines Plane Crashes During Takeoff in Kathmandu, 18 Dead, One Survivor

A Saurya Airlines jet crashed during takeoff from Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport on Shrawan 9 (July 24, 2024)  killing 18 of 19 on board. The plane, carrying technicians to Pokhara for maintenance, veered off the runway and burst into flames. Only the captain survived. The incident adds to Nepal’s troubling aviation safety record.

Dual Demonstrations in Kathmandu Turn Deadly as Pro-Monarchy Protest Turns Violent

On Chaitra 15 (March 28), the pro-monarchy protest at Tinkune turned violent, leaving two dead and several injured. Chaos erupted after Durga Prasai attempted to breach police barricades. A journalist died filming a burning building. The government has condemned the violence and launched a probe.

KP Sharma Oli Appointed Prime Minister for Fourth Time with Congress-UML Backing

KP Sharma Oli was appointed Nepal’s prime minister for the fourth time on Asar 30 ( July 14, 2024) after forming a majority coalition with the Nepali Congress. The new alliance secured 166 lawmakers’ support following outgoing PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s failed confidence vote. Oli’s return to power reshaped political dynamics, as two major parties came together to form a coalition government sans Maoist Center, one of the beneficiaries of hung parliament.

Kulman Ghising Ousted as NEA Chief

Kulman Ghising  was removed from his position on Chaitra 11 (March 24, 2025) as the Managing Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) by the government. His removal came amid ongoing debates over power management and the NEA’s financial situation. Ghising, who was widely praised for improving power supply and reducing load-shedding, had faced criticism from various quarters regarding recent issues. His departure marks a significant shift in Nepal’s energy sector leadership.

 Rabi Lamichhane Arrested in Fraud Case Involving Supreme Savings and Credit Cooperative

Rabi Lamichhane, former Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), faced multiple arrests this year in cooperative fraud case. Lamichhane faces charges of fraud and organized crime in many districts. The government alleges that millions of rupees were misappropriated, affecting numerous depositors. His arrest has sparked protests from supporters, who view the action as politically motivated. They allege that the arrest is an act of vengeance by the government led by the Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML).

 Devastating Floods and Landslides Cause Widespread Destruction

In Ashoj (September 2024) Nepal experienced devastating floods and landslides, particularly affecting the Kathmandu Valley and the Bagmati River region. Record-breaking rainfall led to the Bagmati River overflowing, inundating Kathmandu and surrounding areas. The disaster resulted in over 200 fatalities, with many more injured and missing. The floods caused extensive damage, including the destruction of homes, infrastructure, and agricultural lands.

USAID Terminates 34 Projects in Nepal Worth Rs46.12 billion ($329 Million)

In a major setback to Nepal’s development efforts, 34 USAID projects, valued at Rs46.12 billion ($329,429,516), have been permanently terminated, according to multiple media reports from the United States. This decision has been a significant blow to the ongoing initiatives supported by the agency in Nepal.

Out of the total amount, $174,255,867 has been confirmed as the original bill of lading sent to the USAID headquarters. This substantial sum was part of the financial commitment to various development projects across Nepal, which are now affected by the termination of these programs.

63 Nepalis Deported from the United States Since Trump’s Second Term

A total of 63 Nepalis has been deported from the United States since Donald Trump assumed his second term as president. The US began its deportation drive targeting undocumented immigrants on January 22, the day after Trump’s inauguration.

On the first day of the deportation campaign, one Nepali was sent back to Nepal. Since then, the deportation process has been carried out in phases, with seven women and 56 men being returned to Nepal, according to the immigration office at Tribhuvan International Airport.

Sandeep Lamichhane’s Rape Conviction Overturned on Appeal

Nepalese cricket star Sandeep Lamichhane’s rape conviction has been quashed on appeal after the former national captain challenged an eight-year jail sentence for sexual assault handed down in January.

The Patan High Court overturned the district court’s decision, acquitting Lamichhane of the charges. Bimal Parajuli, a spokesman for the Patan High Court, confirmed the ruling, stating, “Sandeep Lamichhane has been acquitted.”

Lamichhane had been convicted of raping an 18-year-old woman in a Kathmandu hotel in 2022. However, the recent appellate court ruling has led to his acquittal, paving the way for his potential return to cricket.

Nepal Falls Back into FATF Grey List

Nepal has officially been placed back on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list for the second time, as confirmed during the FATF plenary meeting held in Paris from February 17-21, 2025.

The FATF, an international watchdog focused on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing, included Nepal on the list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring. The decision highlights ongoing concerns regarding Nepal’s financial regulatory framework, which remains insufficient in addressing money laundering and terrorist financing risks.

Nepal was previously on the FATF grey list from 2008 to 2014. The recent inclusion underscores continued deficiencies, including inadequate enforcement, investigation, and prosecution of financial crimes. Sectors such as cooperatives and real estate remain inadequately regulated, making them vulnerable to illicit financial activities.

Deepak Bohara Passes Away

Deepak Bohara, a prominent politician and former member of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), passed away on Chaitra 19 (April 1, 2025), at the age of 74. He died while receiving treatment at Om Hospital in Kathmandu. Bohara had a long and distinguished political career, having been elected to the National Panchayat in 1979, where he began his political journey.

His influence in Nepalese politics continued as he was re-elected to the National Panchayat in 1985 and later became a member of the Constituent Assembly in 2013, representing Rupandehi Constituency No. 2. In the 2022 parliamentary elections, Bohara secured a seat in the House of Representatives, defeating then-Home Minister Bal Krishna Khand in Rupandehi Constituency No. 3.

Other notable figures who passed away in 2081 BS include veteran diplomat Kamal Koirala, Litterateur Lil Bahadur Chhetri and noted journalist Bhairab Risal.

The other major events of the year 2081 are listed as follows:

Political Developments:

• Baisakh 17 – CPN (UML)’s Daman Bahadur Bhandari wins the by-election in Bajhang Provincial Assembly Constituency 1.
• Baisakh 18 – CPN (UML)’s Suhang Nembang wins the by-election in Ilam Constituency No. 2.
• Baisakh 27 – CPN (UML) parliamentary leader Hikmat Kumar Karki appointed Chief Minister of Koshi Province for the third time.
• Jestha 4 – Coalition partners and main opposition agree to form a parliamentary committee to investigate financial irregularities in cooperatives.
• Jestha 7 – Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” secures vote of confidence from the House of Representatives for the fourth time.
• Jestha 14 – Supreme Court issues an order declaring Gandaki Chief Minister Khagaraj Adhikari’s vote of confidence unconstitutional, appoints Surendra Raj Pandey of Nepali Congress as CM.
• Jestha 23 – Madhesh Chief Minister Saroj Yadav fails to secure vote of confidence.
• Jestha 25 – Satish Kumar Singh appointed Chief Minister of Madhesh Province.
• Asar 19 – CPN (UML), the largest party in the ruling coalition, withdraws support from Prachanda-led government.
• Asar 20 – Madhav Kumar Nepal unanimously re-elected Chair of CPN (Unified Socialist).
• Asar 22 – Madhesh Chief Minister Satish Kumar Singh secures vote of confidence.
• Asar 28 – PM Prachanda relieved from office after failing to obtain vote of confidence.
• Asar 30 – CPN (UML) Chair KP Sharma Oli appointed Prime Minister.
• Shrawan 6 – Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli secures vote of confidence in the House of Representatives.
• Shrawan 8 – Bahadur Singh Lama (Tamang) of Nepali Congress appointed Chief Minister of Bagmati Province.
• Shrawan 20 – Kamal Bahadur Shah of Nepali Congress appointed Chief Minister of Sudurpaschim Province for the second time.
• Bhadra 31 – Parliamentary Special Committee recommends action against Gorkha Media proprietors.
• Poush 8 – Rastriya Swatantra Party MP Rabi Lamichhane’s parliamentary status suspended.
• Chaitra 5 – Free Student Union (FSU) elections held.
• Chaitra 15 – Protest in support of former king Gyanendra Shah at Kathmandu’s Tinkune results in death of two, including journalist Suresh Rajak, injuries, arson, vandalism; curfew ordered by Kathmandu District Administration Office.
• Chaitra 20 – Nepal Teachers’ Federation launches Kathmandu-centered protest movement.

Diplomacy:

• Baisakh 11 – Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani pays a state visit to Nepal.
• Jestha 27 – PM Prachanda attends Indian PM Narendra Modi’s oath-taking ceremony.
• Jestha 29 – President Ram Chandra Paudel departs for Geneva on an official foreign trip.
• Asar 1 – President Paudel visits Germany.
• Bhadra 10 – Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi visits Nepal.
• Ashoj 4 – PM KP Sharma Oli departs for New York to attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly.
• Kartik 25 – President Paudel departs for Azerbaijan to attend COP29 and represent Nepal on climate change.
• Mangsir 16 – PM Oli departs for a state visit to China.
• Chaitra 19 – PM Oli visits Thailand for an official visit and to attend the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, meets Indian PM Narendra Modi.

Crime:

• Baisakh 13 – Rautahat District Court sentences former minister Aftab Alam and three others to life imprisonment.
• Baisakh 27 – CIB issues arrest warrants against 20 people for irregularities and land misuse at Nepal Children’s Organization (Bal Mandir) in Naxal, Kathmandu.
• Jestha 2 – Patan High Court acquits former national cricket captain Sandeep Lamichhane in rape case.
• Kartik 2 – RSP Chair and former Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane arrested.
• Kartik 20 – Gandaki Provincial Assembly member Deepak Manange (Rajiv Gurung) sentenced to five years by Supreme Court for attempted murder.
• Chaitra 5 – About Rs. 250 million worth of foreign currency seized from Tokha, Kathmandu.
• Chaitra 29 – Controversial medical entrepreneur Durga Prasai arrested in Jhapa following a violent protest in Tinkune.

Infrastructure Development:

• Baisakh 3 – Tunnel breakthrough completed under Nagdhunga–Sisne Khola tunnel project.
• Magh 13 – Tunnel breakthrough completed in just seven months at national pride project Siddhababa tunnel.

Economic Activity:

• Baisakh 15 – Third Investment Summit held in Kathmandu with investors from 52 countries.
• Jestha 15 – Government presents budget of Rs. 1.8603 trillion for FY 2081/82, declares it as a year of economic reform.
• Magh 14 – USAID suspends grants to Nepal for 90 days.
• Chaitra 9 – U.S. government reaffirms commitment to implement MCC project.

Sports and Mountaineering:

• Jestha 9 – Legendary mountaineer Kami Rita Sherpa summits Everest for the 30th time.
• Jestha 19 to Asar 15 – Nepal participates in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup held in USA and West Indies; impressive performance despite exit in group stage.
• Poush 6 – Janakpur Bolts win the Nepal Premier League (NPL) title.

Miscellaneous:

• Asar 9 – CIAA files corruption case at Special Court against Chief Secretary Dr. Baikuntha Aryal; Senior Secretary Liladevi Gadtaula appointed acting Chief Secretary.
• Shrawan 30 – Enforced Disappearances, Truth and Reconciliation Commission Act amendment bill passed by House of Representatives.
• Bhadra 13 – Eknarayan Aryal appointed as Chief Secretary.
• Kartik 14 – Former Chief Secretary Dr. Baikuntha Aryal acquitted by Special Court.
• Mangsir 2 – Former Speaker Daman Nath Dhungana passes away.
• Mangsir 6 – President Paudel confers honorary General of Nepal Army title to Indian Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi.
• Mangsir 20 – Special Court convicts four individuals, including former Nepal Airlines MD Sugat Ratna Kansakar, in procurement irregularity case.
• Falgun 3 – Nepali UN peacekeepers attacked in Lebanon amid conflict.
• Falgun 3 – Balloon explosion at Pokhara Visit Year 2025 opening injures DPM/Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel and Mayor Dhanraj Acharya.
• Falgun 4 – Nepali student Prakriti Lamsal found dead under suspicious circumstances in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
• Falgun 29 – Renowned writer Lil Bahadur Chhetri passes away.
• Chaitra 1 – Establishment of Consumer Court.
• Chaitra 4 – Deepak Thapa appointed Inspector General of Nepal Police.
• Chaitra 9 – Former Rastriya Samachar Samiti Chair and veteran journalist Madhav Singh Basnet passes away.
• Chaitra 11 – NEA Executive Director Kulman Ghising removed from post.
• Chaitra 17 – Writer, diplomat, and senior journalist Kamal Prasad Koirala passes away.
• Chaitra 24 – Veteran journalist Bhairav Risal passes away.

Accidents and Disasters:

• Asar 17 – Jeep accident in Rolpa kills seven people.
• Asar 28 – Two buses with 62 passengers fall into Trishuli River after landslide at Simaltal along Narayangadh–Muglin road.
• Shrawan 9 – Saurya Airlines plane from Kathmandu to Pokhara crashes within Tribhuvan International Airport perimeter, killing 18 people.
• Shrawan 23 – Air Dynasty helicopter crashes shortly after takeoff from Kathmandu, killing five.
• Bhadra 3 – Landslides in Bajhang, Jajarkot, and Syangja kill eight.
• Bhadra 7 – Bus carrying Indian tourists crashes at Abukhaireni on Prithvi Highway, killing 27, injuring 16.
• Bhadra 9 – Landslide sweeps settlement in Doramba Sailung-3, Ramechhap, killing six.
• Ashoj 12 – Floods and landslides due to continuous rain kill 90, injure 72.
• Ashoj 13 – Landslide buries two microbuses and one bus at Jhyaple Khola en route to Kathmandu, killing 35.
• Ashoj 17 – Landslide in Temal-2, Kavre kills six members of a single family.
• Ashoj 30 – Night bus from Mahendranagar to Purchaudi, Baitadi crashes, killing five, injuring 12.
• Mangsir 14 – Vehicle accident in Gokulganga-6, Ramechhap kills five.
• Magh 26 – Fire breaks out in Ministry of Water Supply at Singha Durbar.