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Nepal Kaski District Hit by 4.7 Magnitude Earthquake, No Damage Reported

May 20, 2025, 4:33 pm

A 4.7 magnitude earthquake hit Nepal’s Kaski district in the afternoon of May 20, 2025. The National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Centre detected the quake at 1:59 PM sharp local time, with its epicenter located near Sinuwa — roughly 250 kilometers west of Kathmandu. Residents in surrounding places such as Tanahu, Parvat, and Baglung also felt the quake. Fortunately, no one was injured and no damage was sustained.

Still, the earthquake is a reminder to everyone that Nepal still has real earthquake threats.

Nepal Keeps Feeling the Tremors

That wasn’t the first recent quake. Six days prior, on May 14, a 4.6 magnitude quake struck Chheskam in the Solukhumbu district. Two earthquakes within a week, and it’s plain that the earthquake activity in the country hasn’t lost steam.

Nepal lies along the active fault where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates collide — a fault line that never stops accumulating underground stress.

Furniture was not easily topple

As soon as the earth trembled, most residents ran outside. Others remained indoors but were awake and kept to standard safety procedures. Emergency responders promptly started tracking the situation and verified that there was no major effect. Their quick updates calmed the public and kept things in check.

One cannot but remember the 2015 Gorkha earthquake. That tragedy leveled villages flat and claimed thousands of lives. It learnt Nepal a few hard lessons — the importance of earthquake-resistant buildings, stricter construction laws, and public education on how to survive when tremors strike.

Stay Prepared, Stay Safe

These recent earthquakes are a warning sign. Nepal cannot be complacent. It has to continue enhancing early warning systems, conduct frequent safety drills, and construct more resilient infrastructure. Meanwhile, citizens have to learn how to move rapidly and calmly when the ground begins to shake.

The Kaski 4.7 magnitude earthquake may not have damaged anything, but it did get one message across loudly: earthquakes can strike at any time. Preparation — not fear — is the key.

Kathmandu Protests Turn Violent Over Hindu Statehood Demand

March 28, 2025, 5:11 pm

On March 28, 2025, protests in Kathmandu demanding Nepal’s restoration as a Hindu state turned violent, leaving several injured. Clashes erupted when demonstrators attempted to breach police barricades and threw stones. In response, police fired tear gas and detained several protesters. The unrest reflects rising tensions over Nepal’s political and religious identity.

Background of the Protests

The protests were led by pro-monarchy and pro-Hindu state supporters advocating for Nepal’s reinstatement as a Hindu kingdom. The movement gained momentum after former King Gyanendra Shah’s February 2025 call for unity and monarchy restoration. Supporters argue that Nepal’s transition to a secular republic in 2008 marginalized Hindu traditions.

In March 2025, pro-monarchist activists formed the Joint People’s Movement Committee, led by 87-year-old Nabaraj Subedi. The committee demanded either the reinstatement of the 1991 constitution or amendments to restore a constitutional monarchy and Nepal’s Hindu identity. Protesters also called for a nationwide referendum on the country’s political system.

Government and Security Response

Anticipating large-scale demonstrations, authorities designated separate protest areas—Bhrikutimandap for the Socialist Front and Koteshwar for royalists. Around 5,000 security personnel were deployed across Kathmandu to prevent violence. Despite these measures, confrontations escalated as demonstrators tried to march towards key government buildings. Authorities detained several protest leaders and imposed temporary roadblocks in major areas. Shops and businesses remained closed in protest-heavy zones. The government urged dialogue but warned against attempts to disrupt public order.

The protests caused major disruptions in Kathmandu, affecting traffic, businesses, and daily life. Authorities enforced diversions to manage crowds and maintain safety. Several commuters were stranded as public transport services were halted in affected areas. Religious groups and political analysts remain divided on the issue. While pro-monarchists see the movement as a fight to protect Nepal’s cultural heritage, secularists warn that reinstating a Hindu state could deepen religious and ethnic divisions.

The March 28 clashes highlight Nepal’s deepening divide over its political and religious future. As pro-monarchist sentiment grows, the government faces mounting pressure to address demands while upholding the secular republic. The coming months could see further demonstrations, making political stability a key challenge for Nepalese leaders.

Nepal: Kathmandu Hosts Global D-30 Summit Focused On De-Addiction

November 11, 2024, 12:14 am

The Kashiyana Foundation recently organized the ‘Global D-30 Summit’ in Kathmandu, Nepal, focusing on de-addiction and disability. Held on Sunday, the second phase of the D-30 program saw representatives from 30 countries in attendance, including India’s Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava.

The summit addressed the urgent need for a world free of addiction and discussed disabilities stemming from substance abuse. Among the speakers was Bharatiya Janata Party National General Secretary Dushyant Gautam, who shared images from the event on X, stating, “Addressed the Global Summit on de-addiction and disability organised by Kashyana Foundation today in Kathmandu, Nepal.”

आज काठमांडू, नेपाल में काश्याना फाउंडेशन द्वारा नशामुक्ति एवं दिव्यांगता पर अयोजित ग्लोबल सबमिट को संबोधित किया। pic.twitter.com/pmWjGiKc70

— Dushyant Kumar Gautam (@dushyanttgautam) November 10, 2024

According to organizers, the D-30 initiative aims to unite 30 nations most severely impacted by addiction on a common platform. The summit specifically targeted countries identified by the World Health Organization where addiction has become a critical issue. The first phase of D-30 took place in New Delhi in 2023, with representatives from 30 countries. During the event, young people, doctors, and social workers voiced their concerns and presented solutions for addiction rehabilitation across various sessions.

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Nepal Plane Crash: Shocking Video Captures Saurya Airlines Tragedy In Kathmandu

July 24, 2024, 1:46 pm

A shocking video has captured the exact moment a Saurya Airlines plane crashed during takeoff at Nepal’s Kathmandu airport this morning. Nineteen people, including crew members, were on board the Pokhara-bound flight which crashed around 11 am at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport. Local media reports indicate that at least 18 people have died in the crash, with the pilot being the sole survivor.

Saurya Airlines CRJ-200 was captured briefly when it was in a steep right-hand bank just after take-off from runway 02 before crashing near the northern end of the runway. https://t.co/2RI8005oyt pic.twitter.com/lhs9qTYDp6

— JACDEC (@JacdecNew) July 24, 2024

Details of the Crash

The video shows the Saurya Airlines plane crashing in a burst of flames shortly after takeoff. Clouds of grey smoke billowed from the aircraft after the crash, creating a harrowing scene at the airport. “Eighteen bodies have been recovered, including one foreigner,” police spokesman Dan Bahadur Karki told AFP. “We are in the process of taking them for post-mortem.”

Current Update

Rescue teams are on-site, and investigations into the cause of the crash are underway. The pilot, who miraculously survived, is receiving medical attention. Authorities are working to identify the victims and notify their families. Tribhuvan International Airport has temporarily halted other flights as the situation is being handled.

This tragic incident has brought attention to aviation safety in the region, and further updates are expected as the investigation progresses. Stay tuned for more information on this developing story.

India-Funded Schools Opened in Nepal’s Sunsari District

June 6, 2024, 6:36 am

The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu announced the inauguration of two school buildings in the Sunsari district of Nepal, funded under the “Nepal- India Development Cooperation” High Impact Community Development Project. One building, situated at Ramdhuni Municipality, houses Shree Bhadgaun Sinuwari Secondary School, while the other, located at Inaruwa Municipality, accommodates Shree Bhagwati Secondary School.

The inauguration ceremony took place on Wednesday, with officials including Rajan Mehata, Chief of the District Coordination Committee, Shankar Lal Chaudhary, Mayor of Ramdhuni Municipality, and Suman Shekhar, First Secretary at the Embassy of India, Kathmandu, jointly inaugurating the buildings.

These construction projects, valued at NRs.26.30 million and NRs.30.50 million respectively, were financed by the Government of India as part of the Nepal-India Development Cooperation initiative. Implemented through the District Coordination Committee, Sunsari, these projects are categorized as High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs) under an agreement between the governments of India and Nepal. The aim is to enhance educational facilities in Sunsari, fostering an improved learning environment for students.

In addition to these initiatives, the Indian government has undertaken numerous other HICDPs across Nepal since 2003, completing a total of 490 projects, with 85 in the Koshi Province and 12 in Sunsari. Furthermore, India has generously gifted ambulances and school buses to hospitals, health posts, and educational institutions throughout Nepal, including in Sunsari District, demonstrating the extensive and multi-sectoral cooperation between the two neighboring countries. This ongoing support underscores India’s commitment to bolstering Nepal’s development efforts, particularly in critical sectors like education.

Our Position Is Very Clear: EAM Jaishankar On Nepal’s Currency Move

May 5, 2024, 1:00 pm

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday remarked that Nepal’s decision to incorporate Indian territories in its currency note would not alter the current situation or the actual circumstances on the ground.

Kathmandu made an announcement on Friday regarding the printing of a new 100 rupees currency note featuring a map that includes Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani as part of Nepalese territory. This decision was reached by the council of ministers chaired by Prime Minister Pushpakamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’.

“The cabinet approved to re-design the banknote of 100 rupees and replace the old map printed in the background of the bank note during the cabinet meetings held on April 25 and May 2,” government spokesperson Rekha Sharma told media persons while briefing about the cabinet decision.

Speaking to media persons in Bhubaneswar, Jaishankar said, “Our position is very clear. With Nepal, we are having discussions about our boundary matters through an established platform. In the middle of that, they unilaterally took some measures on their side,” as reported by The Indian Express.

On June 18, 2020, Nepal revised its political map, integrating three strategically significant areas—Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura—into its territory through an amendment to its Constitution. India denounced this move as a “unilateral act,” labeling it as “artificial enlargement” and “untenable.”

This development occurred just over six months after India released new maps delineating the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, which depicted Kalapani as part of Uttarakhand state. India maintains that Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura belong to its territory.

The border between Nepal and India spans more than 1,850 km, traversing five Indian states: Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Nepal asserts ownership of all territories east of the Kali river, including Limpiyadhura, Kalapani, and Lipulekh, based on the Treaty of Sugauli signed with the erstwhile British administration in 1816.

Qatari Amir to Embark on Two-Day State Visit to Nepal

April 21, 2024, 5:21 pm

Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani will undertake a two-day state visit to Nepal starting Tuesday, following an invitation extended by Nepali President Ramchandra Paudel, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) announced on Sunday.

In a press release, the MoFA stated, “At the cordial invitation of Ramchandra Paudel, President of Nepal, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, is paying a State Visit to Nepal on 23-24 April 2024.”

According to the ministry, the Amir of Qatar will hold a meeting with the Nepali President at Shital Niwas, followed by a state banquet in the Amir’s honor.

On the subsequent day, Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani is scheduled to engage in bilateral discussions with Nepali Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ on April 24, 2024.

“Following the talks, both leaders will witness the signing ceremony of bilateral agreements and Memorandums of understanding,” the release stated.

The Qatari Amir is set to depart from Kathmandu on April 24, 2024.

Kathmandu’s air ranked as the worst in the world

April 10, 2024, 1:43 pm

Kathmandu is currently enveloped in a thin layer of polluted haze, significantly affecting its air quality and earning the city the unfortunate title of having the worst Air Quality Index (AQI) globally. Over the past days, Kathmandu has consistently held the position of the most polluted city in the world. According to IQ Air, a Swiss organization monitoring real-time air quality data worldwide, the particulate matter pollution (PM2.5) levels in Kathmandu were measured at 241 micrograms per cubic meter at 8 am local time, rising to 258 by 10 am as office hours began in the capital. The bowl-shaped valley’s air pollution has worsened due to an increase in forest fires across the country, with over 150 incidents recorded on Monday alone.

PM2.5 refers to solid and liquid particles in the air smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter. When PM2.5 levels exceed 300 mg/m3, the air quality is considered hazardous, prompting emergency alerts. Levels between 201 and 300 mg/m3 are categorized as very unhealthy. Residents, such as Bibek Magar, have reported throat irritation and other health issues due to the pollution. The decreased visibility caused operational disruptions at Kathmandu’s airport, with visibility dropping to 2000 meters. The lack of precipitation in the densely populated valley has allowed pollutants to linger in the atmosphere, further deteriorating air quality.

Doctors have warned of short- and long-term health effects, including respiratory issues, cardiovascular problems, and even cancer. Nepal typically experiences high pollution levels during the dry months, particularly from March to May, when forest fires are prevalent. The World Health Organization defines air pollution as the contamination of indoor or outdoor environments by various agents, including household combustion, motor vehicles, industries, and forest fires.

Indian Embassy in Kathmandu celebrates 59th ITEC Day

March 23, 2024, 4:10 pm

The Embassy of India in Kathmandu celebrated the 59th Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Day, with approximately 300 attendees, including Members of Parliament, senior Government officials, ITEC alumni, and notable Nepalese alumni of Indian academic institutions. The ITEC program, initiated in 1964, leverages India’s extensive expertise in governance and development, providing short and long-term capacity-building programs in over 160 partner countries, including Nepal. Over 200,000 government officials, professionals, and industry representatives worldwide have benefited from ITEC.

Ambassador of India to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, emphasized India’s commitment to partnership through principles like ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, and Sabka Prayas.’ He highlighted the growing India-Nepal capacity-building partnership and announced more tailored courses for administrators, railway officials, agriculturists, and parliamentary officials based on Nepal’s interests.

The celebration featured an Odissi dance performance by a troupe from India and insights from Shekhar Koirala, an alumnus of AIIMS, on enhancing India-Nepal cooperation in development and education. In 2023-24, 444 professionals from Nepal received training in various courses in India, with 30 engineers enrolled in a 2-year MTech course at IIT Roorkee. Additionally, 21 customized courses were conducted for various professionals, including doctors, government attorneys, and police personnel.

“Young think tanks/researchers from Nepal attended the Neighbourhood- First Fellowship Programme at St Stephen’s College, Delhi under ITEC. 21 customized courses (specially designed tailor-made courses) were organized for Doctors (50); Government Attorneys (30); Department of Money Laundering Investigation (DMLI) (25); members of the National Judicial Academy of Nepal (15), Nepal Police (180) and Armed Police Force (25) in 6 prominent institutes of India in 2023-2024,” the Embassy stated in the release.

Nepal has been an active partner in the ITEC initiative, with over 2,000 officials trained in the past 15 years. These programs not only support Nepal’s human resource development but also contribute to the region’s socio-economic growth.

S Jaishankar: India-Nepal relationship saw real transformation in recent years

January 5, 2024, 1:27 pm

The External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, stated on Friday that there has been a notable shift in the bilateral relationship between India and Nepal in recent times, with notable advancements being made in a number of areas. Speaking at the joint opening of the Tribhuvan University Central Library and other post-quake reconstruction initiatives in Kathmandu, Jaishankar stated, “We have seen the real transformation of the India-Nepal relationship in recent years.” With noteworthy advancements in a range of fields, this partnership has grown significantly. Connectivity—whether it be digital, physical, or energy-related—has emerged as a pillar of this growing partnership, further solidifying the interpersonal ties between our two nations, Jaishankar stated today.

The external affairs minister who arrived in Nepal a day ago today e jointly inaugurated with his Nepalese counterpart N P Saud the Tribhuvan University Central Library and other reconstruction projects undertaken in Kathmandu after the 2015 earthquake in Nepal.
Highlighting the India’s efforts in Nepal after the devastating earthquake of 2005, Jaishankar said, “I stand before you today with a sense of satisfaction, even pride as we gather here to celebrate the inauguration of this newly constructed Central Library of the prestigious Tribhuvan University as well as 25 schools, 32 health projects and a Cultural Heritage Sector project which were undertaken as part of a collaborative effort to support the people of Nepal in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake of 2015.”

He said that as part of its reconstruction drive, the Nepali government gave housing, education, health, and cultural heritage top priority following the initial rescue operations. Jaishankar said that India is happy to support Nepal’s reconstruction efforts and mentioned that the project to build 50,000 houses was funded by the Indian government and was finished in November 2021.

EAM Jaishankar offers prayers at Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu

January 5, 2024, 12:01 pm

At the Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal on Friday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar led prayers. He said he prayed for the relationship between India and Nepal as well as the welfare of their respective populations. Jaishankar said, “Happy to visit the Pashupatinath Temple this morning,” taking to X. prayed for our two peoples’ well-being and the relationship between India and Nepal.” The 7th India-Nepal Joint Commission meeting was “comprehensive and productive,” with EAM Jaishankar and his Nepali counterpart NP Saud co-chairing. Topics of discussion included general bilateral ties, defense cooperation, energy, power, and water resources, as well as projects involving land, rail, and air connectivity.

During the visit, Nepal and India signed a long-term agreement on electricity trade, as part of which Nepal will export 10,000 megawatts of electricity to India over the next ten years.
Agreements were signed on the implementation of High Impact Community Development Projects, long Term Power Trade, Cooperation in Renewable Energy Development, Munal Satellite and the Handover of 5th tranche of the post-Jajarkot earthquake relief supply.
Three cross-border transmission lines were jointly inaugurated during Jaishankar’s visit.
“Co-chaired with my counterpart FM @NPSaudnc a comprehensive and productive meeting of the 7th India-Nepal Joint Commission. Discussions focused on our overall bilateral ties, trade & economic relations, land, rail & air connectivity projects, cooperation in defense & security, agriculture, energy, power, water resources, disaster management, tourism, civil aviation, people-to-people & cultural exchanges and development partnership,” Jaishankar said in a post on X.

EAM S Jaishankar to visit Kathmandu, co-chair meeting of India-Nepal Joint Commission

January 3, 2024, 4:32 pm

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is set to embark on a two-day visit to Kathmandu starting January 4, where he will co-chair the 7th meeting of the India-Nepal Joint Commission alongside his counterpart NP Saud. The visit includes meetings with Nepal’s leadership and key political figures, aligning with the tradition of robust exchanges between the two neighboring countries.

The India-Nepal Joint Commission, established in 1987, serves as a platform for comprehensive reviews of the bilateral partnership. Nepal holds priority status in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, reflecting the deep-rooted people-to-people connections, open border, and a friendship characterized by kinship and shared culture. The foundational India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship, dating back to 1950, underpins their unique ties.

Nepal’s Ambassador to India, Shankar Prasad Sharma, recently announced collaborative efforts to establish a sister city relationship between Janakpur and Ayodhya. The Indian Embassy in Nepal, along with local entities, organized the inaugural India-Nepal Cultural Festival in Lumbini on December 8, emphasizing cultural heritage and traditions, especially in the context of Buddhism.

India’s commitment to strengthening ties with Nepal is evident through high-level engagements, cultural initiatives, and collaborative projects. Minister Jaishankar’s visit underscores the enduring friendship and cooperation between the two nations.

Air Quality in Kathmandu Drops to “Very Unhealthy” as Lowest Temperature of the Year Recorded

December 21, 2023, 5:20 pm

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Kathmandu has reached the “very unhealthy” category as the mercury drops, setting a record for the lowest temperature of the year. The minimum temperature in the valley dropped to 4.8 degrees Celsius, the lowest recorded temperature in the current year.

As per the pollution station set up by the US Embassy in Phora Durbar, the AQI stood at 226 at 11 am local time. Subsequently, it had slightly improved to 168 at 2:45 pm (NST), but the air quality remained unhealthy to breathe.

Meteorologist Sanjeev Adhikari from the Weather Forecasting Division noted that the minimum temperature in Kathmandu Valley plummeted to 4.8 degrees Celsius, marking the lowest recorded temperature this year. He emphasized that this minimum temperature is the most chilling experienced in Kathmandu Valley in the current year.

The fluctuation in temperatures underscores the intensity of the ongoing cold spell in the region. The maximum temperature in Kathmandu Valley for the day is expected to range between 17 and 19 degrees Celsius. The persistent cold conditions contribute to the deterioration of air quality in the area.

Nepal: 4.1 magnitude earthquake jolts Kathmandu

August 29, 2023, 1:53 pm

On Tuesday, an earthquake with a magnitude of 4.1 on the Richter scale struck an area around 250 kilometers from Kathmandu, according to the National Center for Seismology.

The earthquakes happened at 10:13 a.m. on Tuesday. The earthquake was reported at a depth of 10 kilometers, according to NCS. “Earthquake of Magnitude:4.1, Occurred on 29-08-2023, 10:13:33 IST, Lat: 28.95 & Long: 83.26, Depth: 10 Km, Location: 244km NW of Kathmandu, Nepal”, NCS posted on X.

An earthquake measuring 4.1 on the Richter scale struck the Andaman Sea earlier today. The earthquakes occurred at 3:50 a.m. on Tuesday, according to NCS. “Earthquake of Magnitude:4.3, Occurred on 29-08-2023, 03:50:10 IST, Lat: 11.46 & Long: 93.34, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Andaman Sea,” the NCS posted on X.

The National Center for Seismology (NCS) is the Government of India’s official organization for monitoring earthquake activity in the country. NCS operates a National Seismological Network of 155 stations, each with cutting-edge equipment, to monitor earthquake activity around the country.

Makers Of Adipurush Apologize To Kathmandu Mayor

June 20, 2023, 10:03 am

Om Raut’s Adipurush was released on June 16, and since then it has been receiving flak on social media platforms. It is being criticized for its poor VFX and dialogues. For the unversed, recently, Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah banned the release of Adipurush and other Indian films there. Well, the makers of the film have issued an apology to him now.

A part of the apology letter read, “At the outset, we would like to apologize if we have hurt the sentiments of the people of Nepal in any way… It was never intentional or deliberate to cause disharmony for anyone.” Also, they wrote about Prabhas’ dialogue in reference to Sita and explained the intention behind it. Further, it read, “As Indians, the respect of women all over the world is of the utmost importance to us. We request you to view the film in its artistic form and support the intention of reaching out to a larger audience to create interest in our history.”

Have a look

माफी माग्दै ‘आदिपुरुष’ निर्माताको मेयर बालेन @ShahBalen लाई पत्र !?? pic.twitter.com/Ad45SX3P2m

— सुमन !! (@SGnepal) June 18, 2023

Directed by Om Raut, ‘Adipurush’, which is a dramatic retelling of Ramayana, has been constantly under the scanner ever since the makers released the film. From critics to reviewers, several people from across the country have expressed disappointment over the film’s certain dialogues. In the wake of such flak, the makers of ‘Adipurush’ have decided to revamp the dialogues.

China stops Nepal’s trucks at border point

May 3, 2023, 2:31 pm

Officials cited by the Kathmandu Post have reported that Beijing has introduced a new regulation that prohibits trucks from Nepal from crossing the border with China at Tatopani.

Instead, their cargo must be transferred to Chinese trucks for transportation to destinations in Tibet. Nepal’s exports through the Tatopani border point, which resumed on Monday after an eight-year hiatus, have been affected by this new rule. According to Nepali officials, three containers filled with goods arrived at the border.

Travellers are still not allowed to cross the border into China, the publication reported. The Tatopani-Khasa trade route across the northern border was shut after the earthquake of April 2015 destroyed the infrastructure.The Tatopani Customs Office used to collect more than Rs15 million in revenue daily before the border closed following the earthquake.Before the border was closed in 2015, Nepali trucks were allowed to enter China across Miteri Bridge.

The Tatopani border point, some 115 km from Kathmandu, has historically been the main land route for trade with China. In the past, columns of porters and mule caravans carried merchandise over the Himalayan passes to various points in Tibet, The Kathmandu Post reported.

Hordes of Nepalis, mostly from Kathmandu Valley, used to throng Khasa, which was once a major shopping destination. Hotels and restaurants flourished along the highway.But the earthquake ended all that, and traders started abandoning the Tatopani market. Locals say the market town now wears a deserted look. The border re-opened briefly on May 29, 2019.

According to officials, around 13 goods-carrying containers used to cross the border to Khasa from Nepal, while 100-150 Chinese containers used to arrive daily in Nepal in the town’s heyday.The imported goods consisted of apples, equipment for different projects, readymade garments and footwear.

Officials say that there is insufficient infrastructure at Khasa and China has been prioritising the Kerung border point.After the hassles at the northern border check posts during Covid-19, traders started rerouting their shipments through southern border points to Kolkata port in India.The Tatopani border was briefly reopened on April 8, 2020, to allow medicines and health equipment from China to pass.

Kathmandu tops list of polluted cities in world

April 16, 2023, 4:48 pm

As forest fires continue to rage across the country, reducing visibility, Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, has maintained its top 10 ranking on the list of the world’s most polluted cities.

Kathmandu ranked first on Sunday at noon, with the Air Quality Index surpassing the threshold of 190, according to IQ Air, an organisation that measures the pollution in real-time of 101 cities across the world. According to the US Embassy’s Phora Durbar air quality monitoring station, Kathmandu’s air quality index (AQI) exceeded the 200-point threshold, making it dangerous to breathe. The visibility of the bowl-shaped capital has deteriorated as the AQI continues to decline.

“Earlier days when I came here, I could see the Dharahara tower more clearly but now I have to search for it as the haze shrouds the capital. I have realized the extent of pollution that is in existence in Kathmandu Valley,” Ramesh Devkota, a resident of Kathmandu who came to the hillside temple of Aakash Bhairab told the media.

The smoke igniting from the burns flows in and dumps in the bowl-shaped valley since a week has shrouded the valley. Experts and doctors have suggested wearing a mask can minimize the effects in some ways.
The Ministry of Health and Population earlier week also advised the public to put on a face mask to mitigate the possible impact of air pollution. Due to this level of air pollution, especially children, the elderly, respiratory patients and heart patients are more affected, the Department of Environment has appealed to people of other age groups to take special precautions when going out.
Due to air pollution, the number of patients with respiratory diseases, lung cancer, heart disease, hypertension and stroke has increased in Nepal in recent years. Studies have shown that 42,000 people died in Nepal in 2019 due to indoor and outdoor air pollution, 19 per cent of the total deaths due to air pollution were children under 5 years of age and 27 per cent were of the age group above 70 years.

According to speculation, the country’s pollution levels have significantly risen as a result of recent fires in several regions and the burning of agricultural waste.
In general, Sunday domestic flights have been impacted by the rising levels of air pollution. Poor visibility prevented flights from reaching, among other places, Pokhara, Bharatpur, and Tumlingtar, according to the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) Office.

Although flights could not be conducted to three destinations until now, they were operated to some destinations with the clearing up of the weather. The TIA Office said 115 flights have been scheduled in the domestic sector today.

Nepal parliamentarian’s mother succumbs to burns in LPG cylinder blast; MP to be airlifted to Mumbai for treatment

February 16, 2023, 1:08 pm

Nepal Member of Parliament, Chandra Bhandari and his mother Harikala Bhandari sustained critical burns in an LPG gas leakage induced blast. Although, Bhandari’s mother, Harikala succumbed to her injuries on Thursday, 16 February 2023 at the Kirtipur Burns Hospital, Nepal, where the MP and her mother were undergoing treatment.

According to a statement released by the Kirtipur Hospital, the MP is presently hospitalized in a critical condition and will soon be airlifted to Mumbai for further treatment.

Bhandari had sustained 25 percent burns and his mother received 80 percent of burns, the hospital’s statement reads. The two got into an accident on Wednesday after a cooking gas cylinder exploded at their home in Buddhanagar, Kathmandu at around 10:30 pm (local time).

Meanwhile, the secretary of Bhandari, Bhuwan Bhusal, said that the LPG gas cylinder exploded when the family was sleeping.

Earlier in a statement, the hospital said that the two needs to be taken to a hospital which is specialized in burns outside the nation as treatment in Nepal is not possible.

Nepal: People celebrate Bala Chaturdashi festival at Pashupatinath Temple

November 22, 2022, 12:09 pm

On Bala Chaturdashi, people in Nepal lit lamps and cast them into the Bagmati River, which flows by the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu.

In Nepal, Bala Chaturdashi is observed in honour of departed family members. On the river, people float oil lamps in an effort to illuminate the afterlife for departed souls. On the bank of the Bagmati River, facing the Pashupatinath Temple, pilgrims spend the entire night awake.

Ram Mani Chalise said, “It’s been three years since I lost my mother. I have been offering the lamps in her memory, which are believed to give her salvation in her afterlife.”
Chalise added, “We stayed awake the whole night, and now we are performing rituals. Flowers are offered on the river for the salvation of deceased souls and make them cross the rivers on their way to heaven.”

Beginning on Marga Krishna Trayodashi, the thirteenth day of the waning moon in the month of Mangsir, rituals for the Bala Chaturdashi celebration are performed (8th month according to the Nepali calendar).

People who follow this custom fast and only eat one meal a day. On that day, people avoid eating foods like fish, eggs, garlic, onions, and other similar foods.

People go to the Lord Shiva shrines or the Pashupatinath Temple in the evening, where they recite prayers and hymns all night long.

The “Akhanda Jyoti” is lit in honour of the deceased family members. The following morning, after taking a bath, they set out to circumnavigate the grounds of the Pashupatinath temple while scattering seven different types of grains. The grains include rice, barley, sesame, wheat, chickpeas, maize, and foxtail millet.

Goma Neupane said, “As we disperse the mixture of seven grains here, it is believed that departed souls will receive it in their after-life. Grains are dispersed according to their name, and we remain awake all night.”
The people walk along Kailash-Suryaghat-Gaurighat-Aryaghat-Guhyeshwari-Mrigasthali-Bishworup-Kirateshwar-108.

Massive landslide occurs in Achham district of Nepal; 22 killed, 10 injured

September 18, 2022, 11:29 am

Due to a landslide in Nepal’s Achham district, about 450 km (281 miles) west of the capital city of Kathmandu, many homes were destroyed and many people have fallen victim to it as some of them are injured and some have lost their lives. Officials said on Sunday that the rescuers in Nepal battled against the torrential rains and pulled bodies from the wreckage of homes buried because of the landslide, and it has been reported that 22 people have lost their lives while 10 have been injured so far.

According to the official data, at least 70 people have been killed and 13 have gone missing across the country in flash floods and landslides this year alone.

The police, military and volunteers are still looking for the missing people in Achham district. Authorities have recovered the body of a fisherman who was swept away due to the landlide and reached the Kailali district due to the overflowing Geta river.

Yagya Raj Joshi, an official in Kailali, said about 1,500 people displaced because of the floods were sheltered in public buildings.

Local media broadcasted images of swathes of farms inundated by flood waters, a destroyed suspension bridge and villagers wading through chest-deep water.