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Nepal Powering Bangladesh via India

This historic occasion marks the first trilateral power transaction which has been carried out through the Indian grid….reports Asian Lite News

Union Minister for Power, Manohar Lal on Friday jointly inaugurated the flow of power from Nepal to Bangladesh through the Indian grid along with Md. Fouzul Kabir Khan, Advisor, Ministry of Power, Bangladesh and Dipak Khadka, Nepal’s Minister of Energy, in a virtual event hosted by Nepal’s Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation.

This historic occasion marks the first trilateral power transaction which has been carried out through the Indian grid. The start of this power flow from Nepal to Bangladesh through India is expected to boost sub-regional connectivity in the power sector, according to an official statement.

“Nepal’s power will now reach Bangladesh via the Indian grid, marking the first trilateral power transaction,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) posted on X.

“This landmark development strengthens sub-regional connectivity and sets a new benchmark in the South Asian power sector,” it added.

The Government of India had announced its decision to facilitate the first trilateral power transaction from Nepal to Bangladesh, through Indian grid with an export of up to 40 MW of power during the visit of the former Prime Minister of Nepal, Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ to India from May 31 to June 3, last year.

During the visit, both sides had expressed their commitment towards greater sub-regional cooperation, including in the energy sector, which would lead to increased inter-linkages between the economies for mutual benefit of all stakeholders.

Subsequently, a tripartite power sales agreement between NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam, Nepal Electricity Authority and Bangladesh Power Development Board was signed in Kathmandu, last month.

As per the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) officials, the rate per unit of electricity has been fixed at 6.4 cent. Nepal is expected to make an annual income of around $9.2 million from the export of electricity to Bangladesh via the Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur 400 kV transmission line, with the metering point in Muzaffarpur.

In December last year, Bangladesh’s Cabinet Economic Affairs Committee had approved the import of 40 megawatts of electricity from Nepal. The pact was earlier scheduled to be signed in July but was postponed due to political turmoil and a change of government in Bangladesh.

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Growing concerns over rising pollution level in Nepal

As of 1 pm (Nepal time) the Nepali national capital’s air quality index (AQI) stood at 151, making the air unhealthy to breathe…reports Asian Lite News

Pollution level in Nepal has gone high with the onset of winter with the nation’s capital Kathmandu being shrouded with thick polluted haze.

“Kathmandu is now shrouded with a thick polluted haze. About three days back, Kathmandu had bore a cleaner look but I have been encountering slight problems due to the increased pollution levels in the air making my daily operation affected,” Ram Gurung, a resident of Kathmandu told ANI as he wore a surgical mask to protect himself from the pollution.

“I have prolonged illness with the pollution level rising, I have been experiencing shortness of breath and feel my eyes burning,” he added.

As of 1 pm (Nepal time) the Nepali national capital’s air quality index (AQI) stood at 151, making the air unhealthy to breathe, as per the recording from the pollution measuring station of US Embassy in Kathmandu.

Another pollution reading station by US Embassy in Phora Durbar, Lalitpur read the AQI at 169, further decreasing the quality of the air and making it unhealthy to breathe without a mask.

In recent years, air pollution in Nepal has become a serious environmental and public health risk, with pollution levels 4.9 times higher than recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Deteriorating air quality in Kathmandu is putting hundreds of thousands of Nepalese at risk of several health problems. The WHO has consistently found air pollution to be the leading risk factor for death and disability in Nepal.

The air quality of the city has been a major public health problem causing air pollution related morbidity and mortality, also placing an economic burden on the country due to loss of productivity and over-utilization of health system resources.

There has also been a lack of health impact assessment data to estimate the health and economic burden of air pollution as well as of the sectoral measures needed to tackle this environmental challenge.

Since last week, Kathmandu has been witnessing drop in the temperature which usually plummets the pollution level to record high. As per the Meteorological Forecasting Division the sudden drop in temperatures to the north-westerly wind which saw thick fog enveloping most parts of the country.

Also, the radiant cooling system that is activated has brought about dip in temperatures in areas like Kathmandu Valley. According to the Meteorological Forecasting Division (MFD) bulletin of Wednesday morning, temperatures have dropped in many places across the country. (ANI)

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870 climbers allowed to scale 37 peaks in Nepal

Of the climbers, 73 are from the United States, with 72 and 69 from China and France, respectively…reports Asian Lite News

Nepal had issued 870 permits for climbers to scale 37 mountains in the country during the fall climbing season.

The Department of Tourism on Wednesday allowed 668 males and 202 females from 70 countries and regions to climb the peaks, including Mount Dhaulagiri (8,167 metres) and Mount Manaslu (8,163 metres), the world’s seventh and eighth highest.

Of the climbers, 73 are from the United States, with 72 and 69 from China and France, respectively, according to Xinhua news agency.

“We still have more than a month for this season. We’re expecting to cross last year’s number,” said Rakesh Gurung, director of the tourism department.

About 1,300 permits were issued by the agency during the fall climbing season in 2023.

The fall climbing season in Nepal starts in September and runs until November.

Indian climber rescued

The Russian Emergencies Ministry earlier this week said that it has successfully rescued a climber from India, who fell ill while attempting a solo ascent of Mount Elbrus.

The climber, a 32-year-old man, encountered difficulties at a challenging altitude of 5200 metres and had not registered his route before the climb, the ministry revealed.

The rescue operation, coordinated by the Elbrus High-Mountain Search and Rescue Team of the Russian Emergencies Ministry, involved five skilled personnel who were swiftly dispatched to the site after receiving a distress call.

The team worked under difficult conditions, carefully evacuating the climber to safety. He was transported to a mountaineering camp, where he is now receiving medical attention and recovering.

The Ministry has reiterated the importance of proper route registration and climbing in groups, especially in such high-altitude environments.

Mount Elbrus, the highest peak in Europe, is a popular destination for climbers worldwide, but its severe weather conditions and challenging terrain demand careful planning and professional support.

The incident, said the Russian ministry, underscores the crucial role it plays in safeguarding lives, particularly in remote and hazardous regions like the Caucasus Mountains.

“The swift and efficient response of the Russian Emergencies Ministry highlights their expertise and commitment to protecting both locals and international visitors in the country’s most extreme environments,” the ministry said in a statement.

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Foreign visitors flock to Nepal in record numbers

In September alone, foreign arrivals stood at 96,305, marking an increase of 5.82 per cent over the same month of last year…reports Asian Lite News

More than 800,000 foreign tourists visited Nepal in the first nine months of this year, up 21 per cent from the same period of last year, the latest figures showed.

Nepal received 835,629 foreign visitors by September this year, as against 692,372 in the previous year, according to figures unveiled by the Nepal Tourism Board.

In September alone, foreign arrivals stood at 96,305, marking an increase of 5.82 per cent over the same month of last year, Xinhua news agency reported.

“This is the highest number of tourists for September,” said Mani Raj Lamichhane, director of the board.

He told Xinhua that Indians accounted for the majority of the foreign visitors, followed by Americans and Chinese.

Nepal received 1,197,191 foreigners in 2019 and it hoped to break the record this year.

Meanwhile, the World Bank on Wednesday projected a growth of 5.1 per cent for Nepal in the current 2024-25 fiscal year starting in mid-July, below the Nepali government’s 6 per cent target.

Growing tourist arrivals, more hydropower generation and expected growth in paddy production shall contribute more to Nepal’s gross domestic product, the bank said in its Nepal Development Update report.

The South Asian country achieved a growth of 3.9 per cent in 2023-24, noted the international financial institution.

The bank is expecting Nepal’s private sector to contribute more to its growth by taking advantage of the central bank’s loosening of monetary policies and easing of regulatory requirements, Xinhua news agency reported.

It has projected Nepal’s economy to grow by 5.5 per cent in the next fiscal year.

In its report released last week, the Asian Development Bank forecast a 4.9-percent growth for Nepal in 2024-25.

“Maintaining growth momentum is key to Nepal’s development,” said David Sislen, the World Bank’s Country Director for the Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

“This requires continued reform in critical areas such as infrastructure, governance, human capital development and developing an environment which encourages and supports the private sector,” Sislen was quoted as saying in a statement.

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Heavy rainfall predicted across various locations in Nepal

The authority also has alerted people to be cautious before travelling. It also has requested all to take shelter in safer places along the highway in case of heavy rain….reports Asian Lite News

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority has issued warnings of possible heavy rainfall across various locations in Bagmati and Koshi urging people to exercise caution while travelling.

Issuing a notice, the authority warned that heavy rainfall is expected till Friday. “After the heavy rainfall since last week of September, land mass in various locations have weakened and light rainfall also can contribute to further destruction resulting in landslide and flash floods,” the authority stated in the notice.

The authority also has alerted people to be cautious before travelling. It also has requested all to take shelter in safer places along the highway in case of heavy rain. The warning comes after the Weather Forecasting Division said that monsoon winds are currently affecting the country.

According to the Division, the weather is presently partly cloudy to mostly clear in the hilly areas of Bagmati and Gandaki provinces, including the Koshi Province, where light rain and lightning have been reported in a few locations.

The Division has reassured the public that there is no need to panic, as continuous rain is not expected on Wednesday and Thursday across various parts of the country.

Meteorologist Govinda Jha said that there is a likelihood of light to moderate rain in some areas of Koshi Province and the hilly regions of Bagmati and Gandaki provinces. He noted that while there is a possibility of heavy rain in certain areas of Koshi, Bagmati, and Gandaki provinces, it will not be continuous like last week.

Although there is some panic in many areas, there is no need for alarm, according to him.

This afternoon, the weather is expected to remain partly cloudy to mostly clear in Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, and Gandaki provinces. Light to moderate rain with lightning is possible in some areas of Koshi province, as well as a few locations in Bagmati and Gandaki provinces, and one or two places in the remaining provinces.

Tonight, light to moderate rain with thundershowers is anticipated in some parts of Koshi province, a few areas of Bagmati and Gandaki provinces, and one or two locations in the remaining provinces. Heavy rain is also possible in one or two areas of the Koshi region.

According to the Division’s forecast for the next 24 hours, the weather will remain partly cloudy to mostly clear in Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, and Gandaki provinces. During this time, light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning may occur in some areas of Koshi Province, a few locations in Bagmati and Gandaki provinces, and one or two places in the remaining provinces. (ANI)

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Nepal celebrates National, Constitution Day in Oman with vibrant energy

H.E. Ambassador with H.E. Minister of Economy of the Sultanate of Oman (Guest of Honour)

Ambassador Dornath Aryal outlined that Oman and Nepal have been enjoying excellent state of relations based on friendship, mutual trust and understanding ever since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1977, reports VINOD RAGHAVAN

MUSCAT : IT was a camaraderieship in the air with the spirit and joy flowing, as the  Nepali community members attired in their  traditional dress celebrated their  National Day and Constitution Day on September 17 in Oman’s capital Muscat.

The Embassy of Nepal hosted the reception which was attended by His Excellency Dr. Said bin Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Saqri, Minister of Economy, who was the Guest of Honour.

H.E. lighting the Panas

The government delegation from the Sultanate of Oman comprised of two members each from State Council and A’Shura Council, Head of Asia and Pacific Department and Head of Arab Department of the Foreign Ministry. Other participants in the reception were Heads of Diplomatic Missions, diplomats, media persons, tourism and business entrepreneurs, bloggers, representatives of Nepali community, Embassy staff etc. More than 230 guests took part in the program.

The formal occasion of the reception commenced after Dornath Aryal, Ambassador of Nepal to the Sultanate of Oman lighted the traditional ‘Panas Lamp’. Ambassador Aryal welcomed the guests and highlighted the salient features of the Constitution of Nepal. He elaborated how the constitution of Nepal has paved the way for peace, stability, economic and social progress. He explained that the constitution has institutionalized the values and norms of inclusive democracy and it has guaranteed 33 percent participation of women in every organ of the state.

H.E Ambassador’s Speech

The Ambassador outlined that Oman and Nepal have been enjoying excellent state of relations based on friendship, mutual trust and understanding ever since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1977. He highlighted the recent 2-day visit of His Excellency Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman, to Nepal last month. The 4-day visit of the Foreign Secretary Ms. Sewa Lamsal to Oman from 5 to 9 August to participate in the first meeting of Bilateral Consultations and the visit of a seven-member delegation under the leadership of  H.E. Ambassador Sulaiman Saud Ali Aziz Al Jabri, Head of Legal Department of the Foreign Ministry to Nepal from 01 to 05 August 2024 to discuss on various draft MoUs between Nepal and Oman.

H.E. lighting the Panas

His Excellency the Ambassador explained about the successful completion of the third investment Summit held in April 2024 emphasizing the Government’s priorities to facilitate the foreign Investment in Nepal. He underscored abundant water resources, enormous hydropower potentiality and tourism attractions of Nepal.

He also applauded the strategy of Oman Vision 2040 and extended gratitude to the Government of Oman for providing job opportunity to more than 22,000 Nepalis in various sectors.

Group Photo with the Delegation

A celebration cake was jointly cut by the Guest of Honour and the Ambassador. The Embassy had set up a “Nepali food Corner” serving Nepali dishes including MoMo, and displayed Nepali products, handicrafts and beautiful paintings. A tourism promotional video was displayed during the event.

Bishesh Kumar Sah, Second Secretary/DCM conducted the event and with his depth of knowledge he explained in detail about the Himalayan countries beautiful features for all types of people ranging from picnickers, trekkers, business scope amongst others.

Guests at the Event
Guests of the Event
Nepali Crafts and Paintings
Nepali FOOD CORNER
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Nepal Foreign Secretary Holds Bilateral Consultations With Oman

Sewa Lamsal stresses to explore the untapped potential in economic, cultural and educational areas between Nepal and Oman in the coming years, reports Vinod Raghavan

MUSCAT : A top level first meeting of the Bilateral Consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Nepal and the Sultanate of Oman was held in Muscat, Oman and reviewed the whole gamut of bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction on the excellent state of relations existing between Nepal and Oman since 1977.

Nepal’s Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal, who came all the way from the Himalayan nation, led the Nepali delegation and His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa bin Ali bin Issa Alharthy, Undersecretary for Political Affairs led the Omani delegation, discussed the  bilateral relations and agreed to promote cooperation encompassing all sectors, especially the exchange of high-level visits, trade, investment, economic cooperation, agriculture, energy, tourism, labour and foreign employment, culture, education and direct air connectivity, a top Nepal Embassy official said.

They expressed firm commitment to further enhance partnership in mutually agreed areas and to work together toward realizing economic opportunities for mutual benefits apart from creating more opportunity to promote people-to-people engagement, the official said.

Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal thanked the Government of Oman for providing employment to more than 21,000 Nepalis and emphasized on providing additional opportunities in view of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq’s Oman Vision 2040 strategy. She stressed the exploration of the untapped potential in economic, cultural and educational areas and proposed to establish meaningful collaborative partnership including in the private sector.

The Nepali Foreign Secretary, urged the Omani side to explore investment opportunities in Nepal including in hydropower, tourism sector and collaboration in green hydrogen sector. She requested the delegation to consider establishing Embassy of Oman in Kathmandu to further consolidate the long-standing relations.

Undersecretary Sheikh Khalifa bin Ali bin Issa Alharthy expressed willingness to promote the cooperation between Nepal and Oman in all the mutually agreed sectors and hoped to conclude the pending MOUs. He underscored the potential of the bilateral relationship and emphasized upon working together to realizing the actual benefits and also mentioned about the positive and hardworking nature of Nepali workers.

Both sides shared views on maintaining the tradition of regular exchange of high-level visits. They also expressed commitment to cooperate with each other at various multilateral forums including the United Nations. They deliberated to enhance the existing state of excellent relations through diversification of engagements in multiple sectors.

The Nepali delegation also comprised of Dornath Aryal, Ambassador of Nepal to the Sultanate of Oman, Joint Secretary Sharad Raj Aran, Head of the Central Asia, West Asia and Africa Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other officials from the Ministry and the Embassy.

While, the Omani delegation consisted of the Ambassador Dr. Mohammed Bin Ali Al Balushi, Acting Chief of Asia Pacific Department and other officials from the Foreign Ministry.

Following the meeting, the head of the Omani delegation hosted a luncheon in honour of the visiting Nepali delegation.

Earlier this morning, Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal paid a courtesy call on H.E. Dr Mahad bin Said bin Ali Baowain, Minister of Labour, Sultanate of Oman. Matters related to the mutual cooperation including MoU in the field of Labour and Manpower Exchange, employment opportunity, among others were also discussed, the official said and added, that the Nepal-Oman Bilateral Consultations Mechanism was established in 2017, and the next meeting will be held in Kathmandu on mutually convenient dates.

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Kathmandu Plane Crash: 18 Dead, 1 Survivor

Of the 19 on board the plane, 18 bodies have been recovered…reports Asian Lite News

Eighteen people were killed after a plane crashed during take-off at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu on Wednesday, local media reported.

The incident occurred around 11 a.m. when the Pokhara-bound plane of Saurya Airlines crashed shortly after taking off from the runway, TIA spokesperson Premnath Thakur said, The Kathmandu Post reported.

Of the 19 on board the plane, 18 bodies have been recovered, Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) said.

Plane’s Captain Manish Shakya was rescued and rushed to hospital, according to the police, The Himalayan Times reported.

Eyewitnesses said shortly after take-off, the plane plunged to the ground and exploded in a ball of fire.

Firefighters, Nepal Police, and Nepali Army are conducting the rescue operation.

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Plane Crash in Nepal Claims 4 Lives

Firefighters and security personnel, including Nepal Police and the Nepali Army, are carrying out the rescue operation…reports Asian Lite News

Four people were killed after a plane with 19 people on board crashed at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu on Wednesday, local media reported.

Four bodies have been recovered.

The incident occurred around 11 a.m. when the Pokhara-bound plane of Saurya Airlines crashed shortly after taking off from the runway, TIA spokesperson Premnath Thakur said, The Kathmandu Post reported.

Firefighters and security personnel, including Nepal Police and the Nepali Army, are carrying out the rescue operation.

Plane’s Captain Manish Shakya was rescued from the wreckage and taken to KMC Hospital, Sinamangal for treatment, according to the police, The Himalayan Times reported.

Further details are awaited.

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NDRF joins Nepali search teams to locate two missing buses

Three of the passengers somehow managed to get outside the bus and swim to the bank….reports Asian Lite News

Twelve-member teams, including four divers from India’s National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), have joined the Nepali search teams to locate two buses that have gone missing in the Trishuli River for a week since the July 12 landslide that wreaked havoc in the Himalayan nation.

Two buses carrying 65 passengers along the Narayanghat-Muglin road section were hit by a landslide in the wee hours of July 12 and swept away by the Trishuli River.

Three of the passengers somehow managed to get outside the bus and swim to the bank.

The Indian team which arrived in Chitwan yesterday started the search operation on Sunday morning, Chief District Officer of the district confirmed ANI over the phone.

“A 12-member team of India’s National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been carrying out the search operation since this morning,” Chief District Officer Indra Dev Yadav confirmed.

Rescue and search teams from Nepal Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force (APF) have been searching the bus and the passengers since the incident, but they haven’t been able to trace the buses so far.

The buses were washed away by a landslide at Simaltal on the Narayanghat-Mugling road.

More than 200 security personnel have been deployed to search for passengers. So far 25 bodies have been found in different locations and 17 people have been identified.

The whereabouts of the two buses and 37 passengers on them are still unknown. The rescue team from India arrived in Nepal at the request of the government due to a lack of manpower and proper equipment in the country. (ANI)

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