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Bilateral Pacts Strengthen Nepal-Qatar Relations

The two countries sealed the deals, two agreements and six memorandums of understanding…reports Asian Lite News

The governments of Nepal and Qatar on Wednesday reached agreements on bilateral cooperation in various sectors.

The two countries sealed the deals, two agreements and six memorandums of understanding, after an hour-long meeting between the delegations led by Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Nepali Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, according to Amrit Bahadur Rai, spokesperson for Nepal’s Foreign Ministry.

Media, business, culture and arts, education, scientific research and youth and sports are the areas on which the two countries agreed to focus their cooperation, Xinhua news agency reported.

The emir arrived in Kathmandu on Tuesday for a two-day state visit.

ALSO READ: Nepal Kalinga Literary Festival Strengthens Regional Ties

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Nepal Kalinga Literary Festival Strengthens Regional Ties

Talking about the growing number of literature festivals in the country, he feels it is a positive development, as long as they remain “neutral”…reports Asian Lite News

Ranjana Niraula, Founder, Director & Curator of the Kathmandu Kalinga Literary Festival said that Nepal’s contribution to global civilisation is significant and diverse, reflecting the country’s unique cultural heritage, natural resources, and strategic location.

The Yashaswi Prangya Pratisthan, Nepal Kalinga Literary Festival (KLF) scheduled to be held on September 7 and 8 in Nepal’s capital city will host over 400 writers from Nepal, India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. The central theme of the festival is ‘The Gateways to Asian Art, Culture and Literature’.

KLF will also hold festivals in Sri Lanka and Indonesia this year. Likewise, Cambodia is also on the cards.

Rashmi Ranjan Parida, KLF Founder and Director stressed that the civilisational connection between Kalinga and Kathmandu inspired him to start a festival in Nepal.

“Not to mention, the strong ties between the two countries. Wherever we do a festival, the stress is on writers of that region, precisely why 300 Nepalese writers will participate. There is much diversity of language and culture in Nepal. Our effort is to make the festival inclusive,” he said.

All set to start festivals in Colombo and Bali this year onwards, Parida added: “Cambodia is also on the cards. Both Sri Lanka and Indonesia boast of strong literary traditions, and I am sure the festivals there will be received very well.”

Talking about the growing number of literature festivals in the country, he feels it is a positive development, as long as they remain “neutral”.

“Of course, they bring writers and readers in the same physical space and encourage more people to read. However, it is paramount that contemporary social issues be discussed. There should be an array of diverse voices, views and ideas. The festival must remain neutral,” added Parida.

International Booker Prize-winning author Geetanjali Shree, writers including Jerry Pinto, Sandeep Bamzai, Mrinal Pandey, Paul Sukirta Kumar, Maria Goreti, Usha Uthup, Yatindra Mishra, Gurucharan Das, Uday Prakash, Ystish Kumar, Kanishk Gupta, Rahul Soni, Ila Arun, Arundhathi Subramaniam, , Richard Mohapatra, Ranjit Rae, Haldhar Nag, Devdas Chhotray, Saroj Bala, Kedar Mishra and others from India will join the festival.

While from Nepal, poet and folklore expert Prof. Abhi Subedi, Tulasi Diwasa, Dr Jagman Gurung, Ashesh Malla, S.J.B. Rana, Bishow Parajuli, CK Lal, Rohini Rana, Dhirendra Premrishi, Dr. Usha Thakur, and Prof. Dr. Beena Paudel among others will be among the 300 writers who will join the festival.

ALSO READ-Nepal Imports 300,000 Indian Long-Stem Roses for Valentine’s Day”

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3rd Confidence Vote Victory for Nepal’s PM Prachanda

Kathmandu: Newly-appointed Prime Minister of Nepal Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' during his Swearing-in Ceremony, in Kathmandu, Nepal on Monday, December 26, 2022. (Photo:IANS/Video Grab NTV)

Earlier, PM Prachanda parted ways with the Nepali Congress and formed a new alliance with the Communist Party of Nepal…reports Asian Lite News

Nepali Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal alias Prachanda on Wednesday won third vote of confidence in the last 14 months.

Speaker Devraj Ghimire said that PM Prachanda secured 157 votes while 110 lawmakers voted against him.

Parliament secretariat said that out of 275 members, only 268 were present in the house during the voting process.

PM Prachanda was supported by UML, Rashtriya Swatantra Party, CPN (Unified Socialist) and some independent lawmakers.

Earlier, PM Prachanda parted ways with the Nepali Congress and formed a new alliance with the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) (CPN-UML) and other parties.

He became Nepal’s Prime Minister in December 2022 with the support of CPN-UML and within two months, he ditched the political alliance with UML and joined the hands with Nepali Congress.

In March 2023, he secured the second vote of confidence with the support of the Nepali Congress and inducted the minister from the party. But his political bonhomie with the Nepali Congress did not sustain for more than one year.

In the first week of March, Prachanda ditched his partnership with the Nepali Congress and joined hands with the UML and other parties which some describe as a pro-Beijing alliance.

UML Chairman K P Oli has made clear that China had no role in the recent government change in Kathmandu.

“It is we exercised and built the new alliance, not China,” he said while brushing off the speculation that China brought the communist parties of Nepal together like in 2018.

Addressing the meeting of the House of Representatives, Prachanda said that it was necessary for the government to get the confidence vote to improve the economy and for overall political instability.

“I need the support of the parliament to feel proud of nationalism, self-worth and sovereignty. I assure the esteemed parliament that thousands of new startups and entrepreneurship ventures will be started. Systematic efforts would be made towards self-reliance,” the Prime Minister said.

He said that the initiation of good governance has restored the public faith towards democracy. “Confidence of the citizens towards the state would be enhanced through public service delivery and good governance,” he said.

ALSO READ: Prachanda’s Split with Coalition Partner Sparks Political Turmoil in Nepal

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Speculation Surrounds Beijing’s Role in Nepal’s Political Transition

The Prime Minister of Nepal, Mr. Pushpa Kamal Dahal being received by the Union Minister for External Affairs, Smt. Sushma Swaraj, on his arrival, in New Delhi on September 15, 2016.

After Prachanda decided to break the alliance with the Nepali Congress, it is all set to withdraw its support by Tuesday itself….reports Asian Lite News

As speculation is rife that Beijing is behind the new political change in Nepal, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on Tuesday that China is ready to work with the new government in Nepal.

Breaking the year-long political alliance with the Nepali Congress, Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal a.k.a. Prachanda reorganised his Cabinet on Monday by ousting Nepal’s grand old party, and inducting the CPN-UML and Rastriya Swatantra Party.

China is willing to work with the new Nepali government, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said during a regular press conference in Beijing on Tuesday.

“We sincerely hope that all the parties in Nepal will unite and cooperate to smoothly advance the work related to the formation of a new government and achieve political stability, economic development, and improvement of people’s livelihood,” the spokesperson said.

After snapping the alliance with the Nepali Congress, Prachanda on Monday inducted three ministers in the new Cabinet, one from his party CPN (Maoist Centre), one from CPN-UML, and a third from the Rastriya Swatantra Party.

After Prachanda decided to break the alliance with the Nepali Congress, it is all set to withdraw its support by Tuesday itself.

As a friendly neighbour and cooperative partner, China attaches great importance to Nepal-China relations and is willing to work with the new Nepali government to adhere to the five principles of peaceful coexistence, enhance traditional friendship, deepen pragmatic cooperation, and promote Nepal-China strategic cooperation for ever-lasting friendship oriented towards development and prosperity, Ning said.

China is facing several controversies in Kathmandu for failing to expedite the projects under the Belt and Road Initiative ( BRI), not completing the projects undertaken by the Chinese companies and contractors, on the issue of corruption, and the ongoing investigation into one ambitious airport which was built on a loan by China, among others.

China is in a very awkward position in Kathmandu and was hell-bent to reorganise the two major Communist parties – UML and Maoist Centre – so that its image could be improved in Nepal.

The partnership will further develop and create more benefits for the people of the two countries, said spokesperson Ning.

ALSO READ: Prachanda’s Split with Coalition Partner Sparks Political Turmoil in Nepal

ALSO READ: India, Nepal Foreign Secretaries Hold Bilateral Talks

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Prachanda’s Split with Coalition Partner Sparks Political Turmoil in Nepal

The chasm has been reportedly widening between the two biggest parties in the Himalayan Kingdom…reports Asian Lite News

A reshuffle of the cabinet is on the cards in Nepal on Monday with the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre) severing its alliance with its coalition partner Nepali Congress.

The chasm has been reportedly widening between the two biggest parties in the Himalayan Kingdom over the claim for chairmanship of the National Assembly.

“Government to change today and the new Cabinet will be formed. Swearing in of ministers will also take place today,” Surendra Pandey, Vice Chairman of the Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN- UML), said in a social media post on Monday.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ will reportedly induct ministers from the CPN-UML, Rashtriya Swatantra Party, and Janata Samajbadi Party apart from the CPN (Maoist Centre).

The move comes after PM Dahal met CPN-UML’s K.P. Sharma Oli, the former prime minister, on Sunday to discuss a new political alliance following a breakdown in their partnerships in 2020 as well as 2023.

The Kathmandu Post reported that PM Dahal will be sending over a letter to President Ramchandra Paudel on the reshuffle, and the new ministers will likely be administered an oath of office and secrecy on Monday evening.

Emerging from an officer bearers’ meeting on Monday, Maoist Centre leader, Devendra Paudel, said the step to join hands with the UML “was taken with a plan to forge a left unity for the long term”.

Paudel was quoted as saying in the daily that a new power equation was developed as the Nepali Congress was creating hindrances for the prime minister to perform.

Becoming the Prime Minister of the South Asian nation in December 2022 with the support of CPN-UML, Dahal cut cords with the party and shook hands with the Nepali Congress within months.

Dahal’s Maoist Centre party is the third biggest group in the 275-member parliament, in which a ruling alliance or party must have 138 votes of support.

ALSO READ: India, Nepal Foreign Secretaries Hold Bilateral Talks

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India, Nepal Foreign Secretaries Hold Bilateral Talks

In her first visit to India since assuming charge, Nepal’s Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal met her Indian counterpart Vinay Kwatra…reports Asian Lite News

In a further fillip to India-Nepal relations, foreign secretaries from both countries met in the capital on Wednesday and held discussions on the entire range of multifaceted cooperation between the South Asian neighbours.

In her first visit to India since assuming charge, Nepal’s Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal met her Indian counterpart Vinay Kwatra and the two also followed up on the 7th India-Nepal Joint Commission Meeting.

This meeting was co-chaired by the External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and the Foreign Minister of Nepal N. P. Saud in Kathmandu last month.

Sewa Lamsal arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday to participate in the 8th Asia Economic Dialogue 2024, which is being jointly convened by the Ministry of External Affairs and Pune International Centre on February 29 in Pune.

The 2024 Dialogue is focused on the theme ‘Geo-economic Challenges in an Era of Flux’ and will witness a large number of speakers from different countries.

On her arrival, she met S. Jaishankar on Tuesday who was “pleased” to hear about the the progress in bilateral relations between the two countries.

“Happy to receive Foreign Secretary @sewa_lamsal of Nepal today in Delhi. Pleased to hear from her about progress in various aspects of our bilateral relations,” EAM Jaishankar wrote in a post on X.

The Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement on Wednesday that Lamsal’s visit is in “keeping with the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between the two countries and the priority India attaches to its relations with Nepal under its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy”.

The visit, it said, also provides an opportunity to further advance bilateral ties.

Lamsal, who assumed the charge in December 2023, will return to Kathmandu on March 1.

‘Preparations on to receive Eminent Persons Group report’

Nepal’s Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka ‘Prachanda’ on Wednesday confirmed that preparations are in progress to receive the report from the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) on Nepal-India relations.

Responding to queries raised by members of the National Concern and Coordination Committee under the National Assembly, the Prime Minister stated that internal preparations have been initiated to coordinate the simultaneous reception of reports from both countries.

“EPG was formed in coordination between the two countries and has been prepared accordingly. Both the governments will receive it and announce it as it shows the continued coordination, the preparations are progressing with both sides doing their homework,” Nepali Prime Minister Dahal said.

The EPG was established by the governments of both countries to review and assess past agreements between Nepal and India.

In 2011-2013, then Maoist leader Baburam Bhattarai also the Prime Minister back then floated the idea of forming a group of noted personalities from both the countries to review the bilateral ties and make recommendations in the form of a joint report. Bhattarai had floated the proposal to then Prime Minister and Indian Congress leader Manmohan Singh.

Nilamber Acharya, former ambassador to India; Rajan Bhattarai, former foreign relations adviser to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli; and Surya Nath Upadhyay, former chief commissioner of the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority, were appointed members from the Nepali side in the EPG group. The Indian side was led by Bhagat Singh Koshiyari, a BJP leader, with Jayant Prasad, former Indian ambassador to Nepal, Mahendra P Lama, a university professor, and BC Upreti, a scholar, as member.

The EPG finalised its report in the first week of July 2018 and sought time from the prime ministers of Nepal and India to submit it. The bilateral mechanism was mandated to review Nepal-India ties in totality and make recommendations, but it was made clear in the terms of reference that its suggestions would not be binding.

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Nepal Imports 300,000 Indian Long-Stem Roses for Valentine’s Day”

Delhi, Bangalore, and Kolkata are the largest suppliers of red roses to Nepal…reports Asian Lite News

 As demand for red roses surge ahead of the Vakentine’s day, Nepal is importing over 3 lakh stems of long-stem roses from India.

Nepal Floriculture Association President Bahadur Tamag said: “The demands for red roses stand at 3,00,500. Only ten per cent of the total demands are met by local productions and we are forced to procure over 90 per cent roses from India to meet the demand during Valentine’s Day.”

Delhi, Bangalore, and Kolkata are the largest suppliers of red roses to Nepal, he added.

Only 23,000 rose stems will be fulfilled by the domestic market. A long stem rose costs Rs 80 to Rs 100. Out of the total demand, as much as 60 per cent will be consumed in Kathmandu and the rest will go outside Kathmandu.

With the pandemic almost over, there is excitement among the youths to celebrate Valentine’s Day just like before the Covid time.

“We failed to produce the roses to meet the domestic demands, said Tamang, adding that it is expected that rose trading around Valentine’s Day will surpass Rs 30.50 million.

India has been the regular market for Nepal for importing different kinds of floriculture products. Last year, only 100,800 stems of roses were sold out during Valentine’s Day but the number will grow significantly this year because of the no fear of any pandemic like Covid, said Tamang.

On average, Nepali traders sell out eight to 10,000 red roses during a normal day.

ALSO READ: Nepal Embassy in Oman organizes free Health Checkup camp

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Nepal Embassy in Oman organizes free Health Checkup camp

Speaking on the occasion the Ambassador, emphasized the community members to go for regular checkup as this will lead to a  healthy lifestyle…reports Vinod Raghavan

MUSCAT : As part of regular community services, Nepal Embassy in the Sultanate of Oman organized free Helath Check-up Camp alongwith Oman Cancer Association (OCA) and Badr Al Sama Hospital at the Embassy presmises here on a Friday weekly holiday.

Around 200 persons from the Nepal community members alongwith other expats attended the free Health Checkup camp and got thoroughly checkup of their blood sugar test, BMI measurement and also Mammography test.

Inspite of the weekly off, the medical and para medical staff of OCA and Badr Al Sama attended the people about their issues and also counselled them with related to their ailment.

Earlier, the programme was inaugurated by lighting the traditional Panas lamp by the Nepal Ambassador Dornath Aryal.

Speaking on the occasion the Ambassador, emphasized the community members to go for regular checkup as this will lead to a  healthy lifestyle.

He also thanked the medical and paramedical staff of OCA and Badr Al Sama hospital for their support and provide free health checkup services. He also thanked the sponsors E6 Holidays Travel Agency and Hamdan Exchange.

The participants also had fun and refreshments provided by Hamdan Exchange and some of them won lucky draw of free one-way Air ticket from Muscat to Kathmandu and some got Dolphin View ticket and gift hampers.

Members of Nepali Social Club and Nepal based Nepali organization participated and volunteered at the camp.

 With the opening up of the economy in the Sultanate of Oman, Westline Group of companies are spreading their wings in the Automobile spare parts market by opening their sixth showroom in the industrial township of Ghala in the Muscat governorate.

 After the inaugural ceremony, speaking to media personnel, Manikandan Kothot, Director, revealed that their sister concern – Empire Parts World, has been operating for the last 15 years dealing in spare parts of vehicles and are dealing in genuine and original spare parts of any vehicle either cars or trucks made in Japan or Korea.

He said, they are the dealers for Toyota, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Hyundai, Hino, Kia and also Indian companies Tata and Ashok Leyland.

He, further said that the company has big plans for the coming next two years, as they are planning to open 4 more showrooms in Salalah and Nizwa by 2025. With these showrooms coming up, they will be providing around 150 direct jobs to expats and nationals.

He was full of praise for the Oman authorities for the last one year, Oman has open up for entrepreneurs with simplifying rules and regulations in favour of investors.

ALSO READ-Nepal Deports Chinese NGO Head

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Nepal Deports Chinese NGO Head

Zhiqiang, from a Chinese NGO, arrived in Jajarkot for relief distribution, but local Maoist leaders, including KC, rejected the materials, citing them as substandard and unauthorized…reports Asian Lite News

The government of Nepal recently deported a Chinese lady who was running an NGO inside Nepal and staying illegally in the country.

Zou Zhiqiang, who was heading an NGO named ‘China Foundation for Rural Development’, triggered a controversy after a Maoist leader, Gorakh Bahadur KC, allegedly beat her up during relief distribution at Jajarkot in Western Nepal.

Zhiqiang, on behalf of the Chinese NGO, had reached Jajarkot for relief distribution but the local Maoist leaders, including KC, refused to accept the relief materials calling them substandard items which did not come through proper government channels.

Later, she filed a complaint with the local police station and the CPN (Maoist Centre), the ruling party in Nepal, alleging that KC and his team had beaten her up while she was on the way for relief distribution in Jajarkot.

Over 150 people were killed in the November 3 earthquake in Jajarkot.

One of the assistants of local Maoist leader KC had beaten her up on the spot while she was on the way to distribute relief materials. KC and other Maoist leaders accused her of distributing sub-standard relief materials and that the Chinese relief materials were part of corruption.

Dev Gurung, General Secretary of CPN (Maoist Centre), coordinated the relief distribution. Later, the Maoist Center’s central committee sought clarification from KC saying why had he beaten up the Chinese national.

KC, in his clarification, stated that she accused him of some baseless allegations and that the party General Secretary Gurung was involved in corruption in relief distribution. Gurung is known for being pro-Chinese leader of the Maoist party who in person took the Chinese lady to Jajarkot to facilitate the relief distribution work.

KC accused Gurung of promoting the Chinese NGO for his personal gains and benefits.

Later, the Maoist party launched an investigation against her and it was found she was living in Nepal illegally.

According to the document obtained by IANS, Home Secretary of Nepal, Dinesh Bhattarai, on December 18 decided to deport her and imposed a fine of Rs 15,000 on her for overstaying.

As per the immigration rules of Nepal, the government has barred her from entering Nepal for one year, according to the decision taken by Bhattarai.

ALSO READ: BOULT expands global footprint, Enter Nepal

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Indian Pilgrims Welcomed to Take Mountain Flights Over Kailash Mansarova

kailash mansarovar.

Nepal’s Shree Airlines on Monday operated Mount Kailash and Manasarovar aerial tour with 38 Indian tourists on board….reports Asian Lite News

With Nepal’s Shree Airlines commencing operation from Nepalgunj Airport to Kailash Mansarovar, now Indians devotees can fly across Mount Kailash and the Mansarovar lake enjoying a magnificent close view of the holy places.

Nepal’s Shree Airlines on Monday operated Mount Kailash and Manasarovar aerial tour with 38 Indian tourists on board.

The Indian tourists were from New Delhi, Mumbai, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh.

With the resumption of chartered flights, now it is expected that Indian devotees can undertake the mountain flights from Nepal and take a tour across Manasarovar.

China had banned visiting Indian pilgrims after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 9N-AMB registration Bombardier CRJ-700 flew from Nepalgunj airport with 44 passengers, including foreigners and five crew members.

According to Shree Airlines, the flight was arranged in coordination with Temple Trip Group, India, Siddhartha Hospitality Group, Nepalgunj and Pathil Holidays, Kathmandu.

Thousands of Hindus visit Manasarovar via Nepalgunj – Humla, Nepal which is considered as shortest and cheapest route. Tourism entrepreneur Keshav Neupane said the mountain flight would help recover declining business and help identify tourism destinations for Indian tourists.

“At least one flight for Indian tourists in the season will contribute to boosting tourism activities,” he believed, adding that the view of the Kailash Mansarovar is an alluring site indeed. The flight time from Nepalgunj to Kailash Manasarover is 75 minutes, according to the organisers.

The flight commanded by Captain Prafull Vaidya and Captain Rajesh Shrestha flew at a height of 27,000 ft to provide a view of Manasarovar, a holy lake, and Kailash, the mountain revered as Lord Shiva’s abode.

“We are hopeful that the aerial flight of Mount Kailash and Mansarovar in Tibet will promote Nepal’s religious tourism,” the airline said in a statement.

The airline is planning to launch a package of Kailash-Manasarovar yatra from Nepalgunj and Pashupati in Kathmandu shortly.

Indian tourists who reached Kailash Mansarovar on a mountain flight from Nepalgung felt happiness. A hotelier in Nepalgunj, Punam Bhusal, said, “It certainly helps augment the tourism industry.”

The Kailash Mansarovar, located in Tibet, is a common holy site of Hindu and Buddhist people. It is visited largely by the Hindus from Nepal and India.

Mount Kailash is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site and most of the devotes either use the route of Uttarakhand, India, or via Nepalgunj.

ALSO READ: Nepal PM Extends Republic Day Wishes to India