"Nepal development"

#13371492

25 February 2026

The Hilton hotel is under reconstruction in Kathmandu, Nepal, on February 25, 2026, months after it is damaged in a fire during the September 2025 Gen Z protest. Scaffolding and construction materials cover parts of the multi-story structure as restoration work continues on the luxury property, which remains closed to the public following extensive structural damage caused during the unrest.

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#13304677

11 February 2026

Archaeologists from the Department of Archaeology, Government of Nepal, Lumbini Development Trust, and Durham University hold a press conference in Kathmandu, Nepal, on February 11, 2026, announcing the uncovering of the first apsidal Buddhist temple in Nepal. A collaborative team of national and international experts from the Department of Archaeology, Government of Nepal, Lumbini Development Trust, and Durham University's UNESCO Chair uncover Nepal's first example of an apsidal Buddhist temple within the ancient city of Tilaurakot-Kapilavastu, one of the best-preserved Early Historic cities and hinterlands in South Asia. A clear category of temple in South Asia, they are called apsidal as they have a curved end wall that defines the religious focus of the monument, with an entrance platform at the other end. The earliest known examples are cut into rock, with later monuments constructed out of stone, timber, or brick. The monument revealed at Tilaurakot-Kapilavastu, the first discovered in Nepal, follows this exact layout but is unusual in its location. It is a rare example of an apsidal temple constructed within a city rather than in a separate religious complex. The newly discovered apsidal structure is built near the center of the city of Tilaurakot-Kapilavastu over the remains of the city's earlier palatial complex. This central walled complex defines an area of 100 by 100 meters through a massive brick wall measuring 1.5 meters wide. After its abandonment, the complex becomes a focus for veneration, with Buddhist monasteries built over its ruined monumental walls. It is within the courtyard of one of these monasteries that the apsidal temple is built, enshrining and respecting an earlier Buddhist stupa within the earlier monastery.

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#13304676

11 February 2026

Professor Robin Coningham, UNESCO Chair on Archaeological Ethics and Practice in Cultural Heritage at Durham University and co-director of the excavations, attends a press conference in Kathmandu, Nepal, on February 11, 2026. A collaborative team of national and international experts from the Department of Archaeology, Government of Nepal, Lumbini Development Trust, and Durham University's UNESCO Chair uncovers Nepal's first example of an apsidal Buddhist temple within the ancient city of Tilaurakot-Kapilavastu, one of the best-preserved Early Historic cities and hinterlands in South Asia. A clear category of temple in South Asia, they are called apsidal as they have a curved end wall that defines the religious focus of the monument, with an entrance platform at the other end. The earliest known examples are cut into rock, with later monuments constructed out of stone, timber, or brick. The monument revealed at Tilaurakot-Kapilavastu, the first discovered in Nepal, follows this exact layout but is unusual in its location. It is a rare example of an apsidal temple constructed within a city rather than in a separate religious complex. The newly discovered apsidal structure is built near the center of the city of Tilaurakot-Kapilavastu over the remains of the city's earlier palatial complex. This central walled complex defines an area of 100 by 100 meters through a massive brick wall measuring 1.5 meters wide. After its abandonment, the complex becomes a focus for veneration, with Buddhist monasteries built over its ruined monumental walls. It is within the courtyard of one of these monasteries that the apsidal temple is built, enshrining and respecting an earlier Buddhist stupa within the earlier monastery.

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#13304678

11 February 2026

Professor Robin Coningham, UNESCO Chair on Archaeological Ethics and Practice in Cultural Heritage at Durham University and co-director of the excavations, attends a press conference in Kathmandu, Nepal, on February 11, 2026. A collaborative team of national and international experts from the Department of Archaeology, Government of Nepal, Lumbini Development Trust, and Durham University's UNESCO Chair uncovers Nepal's first example of an apsidal Buddhist temple within the ancient city of Tilaurakot-Kapilavastu, one of the best-preserved Early Historic cities and hinterlands in South Asia. A clear category of temple in South Asia, they are called apsidal as they have a curved end wall that defines the religious focus of the monument, with an entrance platform at the other end. The earliest known examples are cut into rock, with later monuments constructed out of stone, timber, or brick. The monument revealed at Tilaurakot-Kapilavastu, the first discovered in Nepal, follows this exact layout but is unusual in its location. It is a rare example of an apsidal temple constructed within a city rather than in a separate religious complex. The newly discovered apsidal structure is built near the center of the city of Tilaurakot-Kapilavastu over the remains of the city's earlier palatial complex. This central walled complex defines an area of 100 by 100 meters through a massive brick wall measuring 1.5 meters wide. After its abandonment, the complex becomes a focus for veneration, with Buddhist monasteries built over its ruined monumental walls. It is within the courtyard of one of these monasteries that the apsidal temple is built, enshrining and respecting an earlier Buddhist stupa within the earlier monastery.

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#13304679

11 February 2026

Professor Robin Coningham, UNESCO Chair on Archaeological Ethics and Practice in Cultural Heritage at Durham University and co-director of the excavations, briefs about the findings during a press conference in Kathmandu, Nepal, on February 11, 2026. A collaborative team of national and international experts from the Department of Archaeology, Government of Nepal, Lumbini Development Trust, and Durham University's UNESCO Chair uncovers Nepal's first example of an apsidal Buddhist temple within the ancient city of Tilaurakot-Kapilavastu, one of the best-preserved Early Historic cities and hinterlands in South Asia. A clear category of temple in South Asia, they are called apsidal as they have a curved end wall that defines the religious focus of the monument, with an entrance platform at the other end. The earliest known examples are cut into rock, with later monuments constructed out of stone, timber, or brick. The monument revealed at Tilaurakot-Kapilavastu, the first discovered in Nepal, follows this exact layout but is unusual in its location. It is a rare example of an apsidal temple constructed within a city rather than in a separate religious complex. The newly discovered apsidal structure is built near the center of the city of Tilaurakot-Kapilavastu over the remains of the city's earlier palatial complex. This central walled complex defines an area of 100 by 100 meters through a massive brick wall measuring 1.5 meters wide. After its abandonment, the complex becomes a focus for veneration, with Buddhist monasteries built over its ruined monumental walls. It is within the courtyard of one of these monasteries that the apsidal temple is built, enshrining and respecting an earlier Buddhist stupa within the earlier monastery.

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#13304680

11 February 2026

Professor Robin Coningham, UNESCO Chair on Archaeological Ethics and Practice in Cultural Heritage at Durham University and co-director of the excavations, briefs about the findings during a press conference in Kathmandu, Nepal, on February 11, 2026. A collaborative team of national and international experts from the Department of Archaeology, Government of Nepal, Lumbini Development Trust, and Durham University's UNESCO Chair uncovers Nepal's first example of an apsidal Buddhist temple within the ancient city of Tilaurakot-Kapilavastu, one of the best-preserved Early Historic cities and hinterlands in South Asia. A clear category of temple in South Asia, they are called apsidal as they have a curved end wall that defines the religious focus of the monument, with an entrance platform at the other end. The earliest known examples are cut into rock, with later monuments constructed out of stone, timber, or brick. The monument revealed at Tilaurakot-Kapilavastu, the first discovered in Nepal, follows this exact layout but is unusual in its location. It is a rare example of an apsidal temple constructed within a city rather than in a separate religious complex. The newly discovered apsidal structure is built near the center of the city of Tilaurakot-Kapilavastu over the remains of the city's earlier palatial complex. This central walled complex defines an area of 100 by 100 meters through a massive brick wall measuring 1.5 meters wide. After its abandonment, the complex becomes a focus for veneration, with Buddhist monasteries built over its ruined monumental walls. It is within the courtyard of one of these monasteries that the apsidal temple is built, enshrining and respecting an earlier Buddhist stupa within the earlier monastery.

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#13304681

11 February 2026

Professor Robin Coningham, UNESCO Chair on Archaeological Ethics and Practice in Cultural Heritage at Durham University and co-director of the excavations, briefs about the findings during a press conference in Kathmandu, Nepal, on February 11, 2026. A collaborative team of national and international experts from the Department of Archaeology, Government of Nepal, Lumbini Development Trust, and Durham University's UNESCO Chair uncovers Nepal's first example of an apsidal Buddhist temple within the ancient city of Tilaurakot-Kapilavastu, one of the best-preserved Early Historic cities and hinterlands in South Asia. A clear category of temple in South Asia, they are called apsidal as they have a curved end wall that defines the religious focus of the monument, with an entrance platform at the other end. The earliest known examples are cut into rock, with later monuments constructed out of stone, timber, or brick. The monument revealed at Tilaurakot-Kapilavastu, the first discovered in Nepal, follows this exact layout but is unusual in its location. It is a rare example of an apsidal temple constructed within a city rather than in a separate religious complex. The newly discovered apsidal structure is built near the center of the city of Tilaurakot-Kapilavastu over the remains of the city's earlier palatial complex. This central walled complex defines an area of 100 by 100 meters through a massive brick wall measuring 1.5 meters wide. After its abandonment, the complex becomes a focus for veneration, with Buddhist monasteries built over its ruined monumental walls. It is within the courtyard of one of these monasteries that the apsidal temple is built, enshrining and respecting an earlier Buddhist stupa within the earlier monastery.

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#13290169

8 February 2026

The body of Nepali veteran actor Sunil Thapa, who plays the role of a coach in the Bollywood movie ''Mary Kom,'' is kept at the Film Development Board for a final tribute before his funeral on February 8, 2026, in Kathmandu, Nepal. Thapa is actively involved in Nepali and Indian cinema for decades, and his untimely demise leaves the entire Nepali arts and film fraternity in shock. He is widely respected for giving depth, recognition, and dignity to antagonistic roles in Nepali films, earning acclaim comparable to that of lead actors. He is especially popular among audiences for his iconic role as 'Rate Kaila,' which becomes one of the most memorable villains in Nepali cinema. Through his strong screen presence and distinctive acting style, Thapa earns a unique place for himself in the film industry. Born on May 19, 1957, Thapa contributes to acting, modeling, sports, and various aspects of the film industry. He begins his professional life as a model, working in Mumbai in the 1970s for prominent brands including Binny and Mafatlals. In those early years, he also plays competitive football, representing ICL Club Bombay and Orkay Sports Club. While modeling, he works as a photojournalist for Junior Statesman magazine. He covers Bhutan's 1974 coronation ceremony. He makes his Bollywood debut in 1981 with the Hindi film ''Ek Duuje Ke Liye,'' a major commercial success that introduces him to Indian audiences. He later returns to Nepal and rises to prominence following the release of Chino, a landmark Nepali film that secures his place in the country's cinematic history. It is Chino that transforms him into a household name. His portrayal of the antagonist ''Ratey Kaila'' is both unsettling and magnetic, earning acclaim from critics and audiences alike. The character becomes so iconic that Thapa is widely recognized by the role's name rather than his own.

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#13290170

8 February 2026

A Nepal Police officer stands guard next to the body of veteran Nepali actor Sunil Thapa as it is kept for final tribute at the premises of the Film Development Board in Kathmandu, Nepal, on February 8, 2026. Thapa is actively involved in Nepali and Indian cinema for decades, and his untimely demise leaves the entire Nepali arts and film fraternity in shock. He is widely respected for giving depth, recognition, and dignity to antagonistic roles in Nepali films, earning acclaim comparable to that of lead actors. He is especially popular among audiences for his iconic role as 'Rate Kaila', which becomes one of the most memorable villains in Nepali cinema. Through his strong screen presence and distinctive acting style, Thapa earns a unique place for himself in the film industry. Born on May 19, 1957, Thapa contributes to acting, modeling, sports, and various aspects of the film industry. He begins his professional life as a model, working in Mumbai in the 1970s for prominent brands including Binny and Mafatlals. In those early years, he also plays competitive football, representing ICL Club Bombay and Orkay Sports Club. While modeling, he works as a photojournalist for Junior Statesman magazine. He covers Bhutan's 1974 coronation ceremony. He makes his Bollywood debut in 1981 with the Hindi film ''Ek Duuje Ke Liye,'' a major commercial success that introduces him to Indian audiences. He later returns to Nepal and rises to prominence following the release of Chino, a landmark Nepali film that secures his place in the country's cinematic history. It is Chino that transforms him into a household name. His portrayal of the antagonist ''Ratey Kaila'' is both unsettling and magnetic, earning acclaim from critics and audiences alike. The character becomes so iconic that Thapa is widely recognized by the role's name rather than his own.

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#13290179

8 February 2026

The body of Nepali veteran actor Sunil Thapa, who plays the role of a coach in the Bollywood movie ''Mary Kom,'' is kept at the Film Development Board for a final tribute before his funeral on February 8, 2026, in Kathmandu, Nepal. Thapa is actively involved in Nepali and Indian cinema for decades, and his untimely demise leaves the entire Nepali arts and film fraternity in shock. He is widely respected for giving depth, recognition, and dignity to antagonistic roles in Nepali films, earning acclaim comparable to that of lead actors. He is especially popular among audiences for his iconic role as 'Rate Kaila,' which becomes one of the most memorable villains in Nepali cinema. Through his strong screen presence and distinctive acting style, Thapa earns a unique place for himself in the film industry. Born on May 19, 1957, Thapa contributes to acting, modeling, sports, and various aspects of the film industry. He begins his professional life as a model, working in Mumbai in the 1970s for prominent brands including Binny and Mafatlals. In those early years, he also plays competitive football, representing ICL Club Bombay and Orkay Sports Club. While modeling, he works as a photojournalist for Junior Statesman magazine. He covers Bhutan's 1974 coronation ceremony. He makes his Bollywood debut in 1981 with the Hindi film ''Ek Duuje Ke Liye,'' a major commercial success that introduces him to Indian audiences. He later returns to Nepal and rises to prominence following the release of Chino, a landmark Nepali film that secures his place in the country's cinematic history. It is Chino that transforms him into a household name. His portrayal of the antagonist ''Ratey Kaila'' is both unsettling and magnetic, earning acclaim from critics and audiences alike. The character becomes so iconic that Thapa is widely recognized by the role's name rather than his own.

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#13290040

8 February 2026

Singha Durbar is under construction in Nepal after it burns down during the Gen-Z protest in September. In the foreground, there is the Hong-Kong market.

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#13290085

8 February 2026

A 'No Entry' sign is on a street in Kathmandu, Nepal, on New Road.

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#13283865

7 February 2026

The reopened Bhatbhateni Supermarket in Koteshwor, Kathmandu, Nepal, is seen on February 7, 2026, months after being destroyed during the Gen-Z protest on September 23-24, 2025.

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#13283866

7 February 2026

Chair Min Bahadur Gurung, wearing a yellow sweater, rides an elevator inside the reopened Bhatbhateni Supermarket in Koteshwor, Kathmandu, Nepal, on February 7, 2026. The reopening follows months of reconstruction after the store is destroyed during the Gen-Z protests in September 2025.

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#13283874

7 February 2026

Chair Min Bahadur Gurung prays during the inauguration ceremony of the reopened Bhatbhateni Supermarket in Koteshwor, Kathmandu, Nepal, on February 7, 2026. The store is reconstructed following damage during the Gen-Z protests in September 2025.

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#13270076

3 February 2026

In Kavrepalanchowk, Nepal, on January 2, 2026, potato fields are located in the Kavrepalanchowk District, east of Kathmandu. Potatoes are a staple winter crop in the region, supporting local livelihoods as farmers prepare the harvest amid seasonal cold weather.

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