Renowned neurosurgeon Dr Upendra Devkota breathed his last on 18 June 2018 while undergoing treatment for bile duct cancer. He setup Nepal’s first neurological trauma center and later established the National Institute of Neurological and Allied Science. Devkota, who performed many major surgeries in his lifetime won accolades for saving the conjoined twins Ganga and Jamuna in 2002. Devkota is survived by daughters Medha, Vasuda and Manjari and wife Dr Madhu Dixit Devkota.

POST PHOTO: ANISH REGMI

Over the years, Indian prime minister Narendra Modi and Nepal’s prime minister KP Oli have worked to smoothen ties and shape their relationship which had suffered some tension following India’s blockade of Nepal in 2015. Ties have been close and complex as the two countries pitch economic opportunities to each other.

POST PHOTO: PRAKASH CHANDRA TIMILSENA

The rape and murder of 13-year-old Nirmala Pant in Kanchanpur in July caught the nation’s attention and brought thousands of Nepalis to streets demanding justice for the teenager. Despite intense public scrutiny and extensive media coverage, the case still remains unsolved.

POST PHOTO: SANJOG MANANDHAR

Various groups led by the Valley Road Expansion Victim Struggle Committee staged a demonstration against the road expansion drive, Kathmandu-Terai expressway, outer Ring Road and satellite cities and other projects . Dozens of protestors were arrested and injured after the police resorted to strong measures to quell the protest.

POST PHOTO HEMANTA SHRESTHA

As per the official investigation led by the Nepal government, the US-bangla pilot Captain Abid Sultan was going through tremendous personal mental stress and anxiety, and a series of erroneous decisions on his part led to the crash of the Flight BS211 at Nepal’s only international airport in Kathmandu. The crash claimed 51 lives.

POST PHOTO: PRAKASH CHANDRA TIMILSENA

Kami Rita Sherpa, 48 set a mountaineering feat this year after he climbed Mount Everest for a record 22 times.

POST PHOTO: ANGAD DHAKAL

Five -year-old Trishna Shakya, Nepal’s living goddess made her first public appearance this year after being anointed in September 2017. In 2008, the Supreme Court had ruled Kumaris should be educated, but they are only allowed to leave their palace 13 times a year.  

POST PHOTO: SANJOG MANANDHAR

Nepal Airlines Corporation got its first long-range Airbus A330-200 aircraft this year, lifting hopes of raking in business and tyding its image but the Corporation has landed in yet another scandal after it decided to procure two wide-body Airbus A330 jets from the US-based AAR Corp for $209.6 million, the biggest deal in Nepal’s aviation history. Questions have been raised over the difference of Rs 2 billion between the loan amount that the Corporation received for the purchase and the actual cost of the jets.

POST PHOTO: PRAKASH CHANDRA TIMILSENA

What began as the murder probe of Sanam Shakya spiralled into the largest gold haul case ever recorded in the country’s history. And at the centre of it was Chudamani Upreti aka Gore, who had tortured and killed Shakya after a consignment of 33kg gold went missing. 

POST PHOTO: SANJOG MANANDHAR

Thousands of youth vie for job opportunities in South Korea, which has set the maximum intakes of 7000 workers in 2019. On average, a worker earns Rs 100,000 to 150,000 per month making South Korea one of the most preferred labour destinations. More than 50,000 Nepalis have left for South Korea under the government’s Employment Permit System since 2008.

POST PHOTO: KESHAV THAPA

Overnight, many areas in Bhaktapur including Madhyapur Thimi, Changu Narayan and Jagate were waterlogged following heavy rainfall that led the Hanumante River to flood its banks. An inadequate drainage system and river-side encroachment by haphazard settlements accentuated the situation and destroyed property worth Rs 119.35 million. POST PHOTO: PRAKASH CHANDRA TIMILSENA

Air pollution has become a public health emergency. A recent report published by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago warns that life expectancy of Nepalis could decrease by three to five years and the country could be burdened by non-communicable diseases if the current particulate matter pollution levels, which are one of the worst in the world, were not reduced to World Health Organisation air guidelines.

POST PHOTO: ANISH REGMI

Dr Govinda KC, the torch bearer of medical sector reforms in Nepal has warned of a 16th hunger strike as the government delays its commitments to pass the National Medical Education Bill. Earlier this year, he was charged with contempt of court after he announced a hunger strike demanding the resignation of Chief Justice Gopal Parajuli.

POST PHOTO: KESHAV THAPA

Shrinkhala Khatiwada became a household name after she was crowned Miss Nepal World 2018. The 23-year-old architect made it to the Top 12 in the Miss World pageant finale and bagged the Multimedia and Beauty with a Purpose awards. She continues to pursue her social work and commands wide followers on social media.

POST PHOTO: ANISH REGMI