Nepal central bank confirms one-rupee coin with disputed map
UPSC / SSC current affairs note
Why in news
The Nepal Rastra Bank announced it will mint a new one-rupee coin featuring a map that includes the disputed territories of Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani. This follows a government U-turn after initially approving a design without the map. The move reignites tensions with India over the border dispute.
Background
In May 2020, Nepal's then-PM K P Sharma Oli included these territories in Nepal's official map. India maintains they are part of Uttarakhand and advocates bilateral dialogue. The new coin design was initially changed to show a monastery but reverted to the political map after public and opposition pressure.
Key facts
Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) will mint a new one-rupee coin featuring a map showing Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani.
These territories are disputed between Nepal and India; India considers them part of Uttarakhand.
On July 20, 2026, the Nepal government approved replacing the map with an image of Lo Ghyakar Monastery.
The government later reversed its decision, reportedly due to pressure from opposition and public.
NRB spokesperson Guru Prasad Paudel confirmed the coin will be smaller and lighter than the previous one.
The disputed map was first included in Nepal's official map in May 2020 under PM K P Sharma Oli.
India has consistently said the issue should be resolved through bilateral dialogue.
Prelims pointers
- Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) - central bank of Nepal
- Disputed territories: Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, Kalapani
- Lo Ghyakar Monastery in Mustang district, Nepal
- PM Balendra Shah - rapper-turned-politician
- K P Sharma Oli - former PM of Nepal
- Uttarakhand - Indian state claiming the territories
Mains angles
- Discuss the India-Nepal border dispute and its impact on bilateral relations.
- Critically examine the role of domestic politics in Nepal's foreign policy decisions.
- Analyze the significance of cartographic disputes in international relations.