Honestly, walking through the streets of Kathmandu today feels different. There is this heavy, quiet energy. It’s January 16, 2026, and if you know anything about Nepali history, you know this date isn't just another Friday on the calendar. It is National Earthquake Safety Day.
Twenty-seven years ago, the government decided we needed a day to remember the 1934 disaster—the one that leveled the city—and to remind us that the ground beneath our feet isn't always as solid as we'd like to think. Today, while families were gathering for ceremonies, the news cycle didn't stop. From a sudden legal halt on major medical elections to a surprisingly low turnout for "Myadi Police" (temporary election police) applications, a lot is happening.
Why National Earthquake Safety Day Still Hits Hard
Today marks the 27th National Earthquake Safety Day. It’s held every year on the 2nd of Magh to commemorate the 1934 (1990 BS) earthquake. Even though that was nearly a century ago, nobody here has forgotten 2015.
I remember the 2015 quake like it was yesterday. The way the ground didn't just shake but rolled. Today's events across the country weren't just about speeches; they were about survival. The Ministry of Home Affairs and various NGOs held drills, but the mood is sober. Why? Because experts keep saying we aren't ready for the "Big One" in Western Nepal. We’ve improved building codes, sure, but the implementation in the older gallis (alleys) of Patan or Bhaktapur is still a nightmare.
The High Court Just Froze the Medical Elections
If you’re a doctor or follow the healthcare scene, this is the big one. The Nepal Medical Association (NMA) election was supposed to kick off today outside the Kathmandu Valley.
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It didn't happen.
The Patan High Court issued an interim order that basically put the whole thing on ice. Dr. Pranayaratna Shakya, the Chief Election Officer, had to release a statement saying the schedule is postponed until further notice. This all stems from a writ filed by Dr. Ajay Kumar Mishra. It’s a mess. Professional bodies in Nepal are often deeply political, and this delay is just adding fuel to the fire.
Nobody Wants to be an Election Cop?
This is weird. Usually, when the government announces "Myadi Police" (temporary police) jobs, thousands of young people line up. It's a 40-day gig with a decent paycheck—around Rs 34,000 plus food and uniforms.
But today, the Ministry of Home Affairs had to extend the deadline in 36 districts.
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Places like Taplejung, Solukhumbu, and even Kaski are seeing a massive shortfall. Why?
- The Exodus: So many young people have left for Dubai, Qatar, or Australia that the labor pool is shrinking.
- Voting Rights: If you sign up to be a Myadi, you usually can't vote because you're deployed to a station far from home. In a high-stakes election year, people want their voices heard more than they want the 34k.
FDI is Booming (Wait, Really?)
Here is some rare good news. The Department of Industry just dropped the numbers for the first half of the 2025-26 fiscal year. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) commitments are up. We are looking at about 39.23 billion Nepali Rupees ($270 million) in pledges.
The interesting part? It’s not just hydropower.
- ICT leads in volume: 257 different projects in tech.
- Agriculture leads in value: Only 13 projects, but they are massive, totaling over 21 billion rupees.
It looks like investors are betting on Nepal's soil and its coders. It’s a start.
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The Political Fracture: Nepali Congress and the "Gen Z" Pressure
We can't talk about today without mentioning the civil war inside the Nepali Congress. The party is basically splitting in two. On one side, you have the "old guard" supporting Deuba, and on the other, the firebrand General Secretaries Gagan Thapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma.
They are pushing for a Special General Convention. They actually booked Bhrikutimandap Hall for it. The Election Commission is now in this awkward position of having to decide which faction gets the "Tree" symbol for the upcoming March 5 elections. It's high-stakes drama, and honestly, it’s exhausting for the average voter.
What You Should Actually Do Now
If you’re in Nepal or planning to visit, the news today isn't just "noise." It affects your safety and your plans.
- Check your emergency kit: Since it's Earthquake Safety Day, it’s the perfect time to replace that expired canned food or the batteries in your torch. Don't wait for the ground to move.
- Travelers, take note: With the March 5 elections approaching and the Myadi police recruitment issues, expect more security checks and potential strikes (bandhs) in February.
- Business owners: Keep an eye on the FDI shift. If the government is favoring ICT, there might be new subsidies or digital infrastructure coming to your province soon.
The country is at a crossroads between its history of disasters and its future of digital growth. It’s messy, it’s loud, but it’s Nepal.
Stay safe, and keep an eye on the Patan High Court rulings—they usually signal where the political wind is blowing next.