Articles by "Kathmandu"
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Hello Jammu News at 9:05:00 PM 2


Kathmandu, Apr 10 :  Nepal Prime Minister KP Oli and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on Friday agreed to enhance cooperation to further intensify the fight against the coronavirus and underlined the need of taking care of the citizens left stranded in each other's country due to the lockdown to contain the spread of the pandemic.

Oli and Modi held a telephone conversation to discuss the situation due to coronavirus pandemic.

"We have agreed to enhance cooperation to further intensify the fight against corona virus," Prime Minister Oli tweeted after the conversation.

"We stressed the need on taking care of each other's citizens that are left stranded along the bordering areas due to the lockdown imposed in both the countries," Oli said.

Hundreds of Nepalese, mostly migrant workers, are stranded along Nepal's border with India due to the lockdown over coronavirus.

The workers, mostly from western Nepal, were employed in various sectors across India and were trying to return home. As the government imposed nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of COVID-19, they have been left stranded along the border.

The two leaders also discussed continuing the supplies of goods and making it further smooth.

"I expressed gratitude to the Indian government for providing various helps including medicines," Oli added.

Prime Minister Modi in a tweet said that he discussed the prevailing situation arising due to COVID-19 with Nepali Prime Minister.

"I appreciate the determination of people of Nepal to fight this challenge. We stand in solidarity with Nepal in our common fight against COVID-19," he said.

In a press statement, Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the two prime ministers discussed the present situation in the fight against COVID-19 and agreed to further intensify the ongoing efforts.

In the context of present state of lockdown in both the countries, "the two prime ministers agreed to look after the welfare and medical care of the people of two countries currently living in each other's territory," according to the foreign ministry.

"The two Prime Ministers expressed satisfaction on the smooth supply of essential goods across the border and underlined the need for ensuring its continuity in the present situation," it said.

Prime Minister Oli extended sincere condolences to the government and people of India as well as to the bereaved family members of those who lost lives due to the coronavirus in India, reads the press statement.

"During the conversation, the two prime ministers also touched upon the multi-dimensional friendly relations existing between the two countries and stressed on further consolidating and strengthening the relations for mutual benefit," the statement said.

The death toll in India due to the novel coronavirus rose to 199 and the number of cases climbed to 6,412 in the country on Friday, according to the Union Health Ministry in New Delhi.

Nepal has till now has reported only nine positive cases.
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Hello Jammu News at 6:48:00 PM 0
South Koreans among seven missing in Himalayan avalanche


Kathmandu, Jan 18 :  An avalanche in Nepal's Annapurna region has left at least seven people missing, including four South Koreans and three Nepalis, officials said Saturday.

The incident occurred at an altitude of around 3,230 metres (10,597 feet) close to the base camp for Annapurna, one of the highest peaks in the Himalayas, following heavy snowfall on Friday.

"We are getting reports that four South Koreans and three Nepalis are out of contact after the incident. A rescue team was dispatched last night," Mira Dhakal of Nepal's tourism department told.

Local police chief Dan Bahadur Karki said poor weather was hampering rescue efforts.

"The team is on its way. We also have a helicopter on standby to take off if the weather improves," Karki said.

Annapurna is an avalanche-prone and technically difficult mountain and has a higher death rate than Everest, the world's highest peak.

Education officials in South Korea said the four were part of a team of volunteer teachers working with children in Nepal.

South Korea's foreign ministry said in a statement that an emergency team would be sent to Nepal and that the families of those missing had been informed.

Thousands of trekkers visit the Annapurna region every year for its stunning views of the Himalayas.

In 2014, a snowstorm killed about 40 people on the popular circuit, in one of the biggest trekking tragedies to hit Nepal.
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Hello Jammu News at 5:45:00 PM 0

Kathmandu, Sep 8: A helicopter with seven people on board crashed in a dense forest area in Nepal on Saturday.

The Altitude Air helicopter which had gone missing since this morning crash-landed in the forest area bordering Dhading and Nuwakot districts, according to eyewitnesses.

The wreckage of the ill-fated chopper piloted by senior captain Nishchal K C with six passengers, including a Japanese trekker, has been spotted by locals in a remote location in Nuwakot district, said Nima Nuru Sherpa, Managing Director at Altitude Air Pvt Ltd, the Himalayan Times reported.

Officials said the condition of the passengers is still not known.

The helicopter which took off for Kathmandu airlifting a patient along with other passengers from Samagaun in Gorkha had lost radio contact with Kathmandu tower after flying some 20 miles at around 8:10 am, a source at Tribhuvan International Airport said.

"Rescuers have been struggling hard to reach the accident site," Sherpa said. He added that the crashed chopper had not caught fire.

He said adverse weather conditions and difficult terrain have delayed the rescue effort.

A Nepal Army helicopter and a private chopper along with rescuers have been despatched to the crash site. (PTI)
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Hello Jammu News at 4:42:00 PM 0

Kathmandu, Aug 31: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today had a series of bilateral meetings, including discussions with his Thai counterpart Prayut Chan-o-cha and Myanmar President Win Myint, on the sidelines of the 4th BIMSTEC Summit here.

"Mr Prayut Chan-o-cha and I had a great meeting. Our talks focussed on boosting cooperation between India and Thailand for the mutual benefit of our citizens," Modi tweeted.

The two leaders are here to attend the 4th BIMSTEC summit.

"The Prime Minister of Thailand, Mr. Prayut Chan-o-cha and PM @narendramodi held productive talks in Kathmandu. Their discussions focussed on strengthening bilateral cooperation between India and Thailand," the Prime Minister's Office tweeted.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said that the two leaders exchanged views on further cementing the bilateral relationship.

Prime Minister Modi also met Myanmar President Win Myint and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

"Our discussions were centred around enhancing cooperation in trade, energy and several other sectors," Prime Minister Modi said.

The two leaders had productive discussions on accelerating cooperation between India and Myanmar, the Prime Minister's Office said.

Kumar said the discussion between the two leaders focused on development cooperation, energy and other areas of bilateral cooperation.

Prime Minister Modi also met Dasho Tshering Wangchuk, Chief Advisor of the interim government of Bhutan.

"India cherishes the longstanding and robust friendship with Bhutan. In Kathmandu today, held extensive talks with Dasho Tshering Wangchuk, Chief Advisor of the Interim Government of Bhutan," Modi tweeted.

"Their discussions will add great vigour to India-Bhutan relations," the Prime Minister's Office said.

Earlier, Prime Minister Modi and other leaders from BIMSTEC met informally at the Leaders' Retreat here.

"Wonderful discussions and exchange of ideas on strengthening BIMSTEC during the retreat of leaders in Kathmandu this morning," Modi tweeted.

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a regional grouping comprising India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal. The grouping accounts for 22 per cent of the global population, and has a combined gross domestic product of USD 2.8 trillion.

Prime Minister Modi yesterday held talks with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena. (PTI)
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Hello Jammu News at 3:42:00 PM 0

Kathmandu, Aug 31: The 4th BIMSTEC summit successfully concluded today with Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli handing over the chairmanship of the grouping to Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the top leaders of other BIMSTEC member states attended the two-day summit in Kathmandu.

"With a commitment by PM @narendramodi and other leaders to reinvigorate the BIMSTEC process, the #BIMSTECSummit in Kathmandu came to a successful close," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

Prime Minister Oli, the current chair of the BIMSTEC, presented a draft of the Kathmandu declaration which was unanimously adopted by the member states.

Addressing the closing session, Oli said that collective wisdom, thought and vision on the goal of peaceful, prosperous and sustainable Bay of Bengal region is eloquently captured in the Kathmandu declaration.

A Memorandum of Understanding was also signed on establishment of the BIMSTEC Grid Interconnection to enhance energy cooperation among the member states.

Oli congratulated Sri Lanka for assuming the role as new host for BIMSTEC and extended thanks to the heads of states/governments of member states for their support in materialising the summit with success.

The BIMSTEC is a regional grouping comprising India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal. The grouping accounts for 22 per cent of the global population, and has a combined gross domestic product of USD 2.8 trillion. (PTI)
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Hello Jammu News at 1:34:00 PM 0

Kathmandu, Aug 31: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today held "productive talks" with his Thai counterpart Prayuth Chan-ocha during which the two leaders reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral ties, including ways to strengthen cooperation between India and Thailand.

The two leaders met in the Nepalese capital, Kathmandu, on the sidelines of the 4th Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit.

"The Prime Minister of Thailand, Mr. Prayuth Chan-ocha and PM @narendramodi held productive talks in Kathmandu. Their discussions focussed on strengthening bilateral cooperation between India and Thailand," the Prime Minister's Office tweeted.

The two leaders are here to attend the BIMSTEC summit.

Earlier this morning, Prime Minister Modi and other leaders from BIMSTEC met informally at the Leaders' Retreat here.

The BIMSTEC is a regional grouping comprising India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal. The grouping accounts for 22 per cent of the global population, and has a combined gross domestic product of USD 2.8 trillion.

Prime Minister Modi yesterday held talks with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena. (PTI)
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Hello Jammu News at 2:24:00 PM 0

Kathmandu, Aug 30: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived here today to attend the 4th BIMSTEC Summit that will focus on enhancing regional connectivity and boosting trade.

Modi said yesterday that his participation in the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) summit in Kathmandu signals India's highest priority to its neighbourhood and a strong commitment to continue deepening ties with the "extended neighbourhood" in South-East Asia.

In a statement before leaving for Nepal for the two-day summit, Modi said he will interact with the leaders of Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand on the margins of the summit whose theme is 'Towards a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable Bay of Bengal region'.

"I also look forward to meeting Prime Minister of Nepal KP Sharma Oli and reviewing the progress we have made in our bilateral ties since my last visit to Nepal in May 2018," he said.

Modi said he and Oli will inaugurate the Nepal Bharat Maitri Dharmashala at the Pashupatinath temple complex.

The Summit's theme, Modi said,will enable the member-countries to shape a collective response to their common aspirations and challenges.

The BIMSTEC is a regional grouping comprising Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal. The grouping accounts for 22 per cent of the global population. (PTI)
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Hello Jammu News at 6:05:00 PM 0

Kathmandu, Aug 20: The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal has temporarily suspended the flight operations of a private helicopter firm after an Indian Kailash Mansarovar pilgrim died when he was hit by the rear blade of its helicopter at a remote helipad in country's Hilsa region.

Manang Air was licensed to operate commercially by the state aviation regulator after it obtained the Air Operator's Certificate (AOC), the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) said.

The AOC is a formal certification by the state that the operator is fully-qualified to meet the safety objectives in line with the International Civil Aviation Organisation's stipulations at the minimum.

According to the official, a technical team from the CAAN has already returned from Humla after collecting ground evidences.

Manang Air has been licensed to operate two seven-seater airbus helicopters.

The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation has also formed a four-member committee led by Joint-Secretary Buddhi Sagar Lamichhane to probe the accident, according to ministry's spokesperson Ghanashyam Upadhyaya.

The other members of the committee include senior captain Dawa Jangbu Sherpa, senior engineer Bharat Parajuli and engineer Yogesh Aryal.

Kartik Nagendra Kumar Mehta, 42, a resident of Mumbai, died when he rushed to board the helicopter and accidently hit its tail rotor. He was beheaded with the tail rotor of the Manang Air helicopter.

The committee has been given 30 days to submit its report. It will also check whether the operator complied with the Flight Operations Requirements-Helicopters (FOR-H), the technical regulations for helicopter operations, while conducting flights.

The FOR-H clearly states that the issuance and continuation of the AOC is dependent upon the operator demonstrating an adequate organisation, method of control and supervision of flight operations, training programme as well as ground-handling and maintenance arrangements consistent with the nature and extent of the operations specified. (PTI)

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Hello Jammu News at 4:02:00 PM 0

Kathmandu, Jul 31: A major insurance scam by Nepal's trekking and mountaineering agencies has been unearthed after a government probe found that they were involved in fake helicopter rescues and hospital treatment of foreign tourists, according to a media report.

A government fact-finding committee in its 700-page probe report to Tourism Minister Rabindra Adhikari said that unscrupulous operators have been pocketing thousands of dollars from insurance companies by making multiple claims for a single chopper ride or pushing trekkers to agree to airlifts for minor illnesses, the Kathmandu Post reported.

There were widespread complaints that Nepal's trekking and mountaineering agencies had been making claims against their customers' tourist insurance policies for fake helicopter rescues.

They have been accused of presenting fake bills for wide-ranging medical examinations for simple altitude-related headaches.

As many helicopter operators do not conduct rescue operations directly, "middlemen" or trekking and mountaineering agencies arrange helicopter rescues and make fake private clinic bills on which they get a hefty commission, the daily quoted a member of the fact-finding panel as saying.

Making false travel insurance sickness claims when you are not ill is fraud, and there are many agencies involved in the illegal business in Nepal, the unnamed official was quoted as saying.

Trekking companies get hefty kickbacks when hikers are evacuated from the mountains.

The committee said in its report that there have been widespread complaints of dishonest companies serving adulterated food to make tourists sick so that they can be evacuated by helicopter, and they can receive commissions from helicopter companies and hospitals and clinics.

The probe committee recommended that from the next tourist season in September-November all rescue activities be entrusted to the Nepal Police to stop the insurance scam that has damaged the country's reputation.

"We are concerned by the bogus helicopter rescues and false medical insurance claims. In order to stop such offences, we have decided to entrust all tourist rescue-related tasks to the Nepal Police, said Tourism Secretary Krishna Prasad Devkota.

We will prepare a working guideline related to the rescue operation and implement it from the autumn season, he said.

The fact-finding committee said that it had formed its recommendations after studying rescue operations in France, Switzerland, Scotland and Canada.

The committee has suggested making it mandatory for tourists to go with a guide if they are trekking at elevations above 3,000 metres.

The committee report has urged the government to investigate the transactions of eight travel, trekking and rescue agencies, four hospitals and three helicopter companies for quoting exorbitant rates and making claims against tourist insurance policies.

The committee has suspected that they may be involved in tax evasion.

The panel probed 10 helicopter companies, six hospitals and 36 travel, trekking and rescue agencies following complaints filed by tourism entrepreneurs. (PTI)
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Hello Jammu News at 3:56:00 PM 0

Kathmandu, Jul 13: A huge landslide and flood triggered by torrential rains in Nepal today killed at least eight persons, including three of a family while more than 3,000 people were displaced, prompting deployment of the army for rescue and relief operations.

The landslide hit the Bhaktapur district last night and swept away the home of the family while they were asleep.

The bodies of the victims were identified as that of a 70-year-old man, his 62-year-old wife and their granddaughter. The bodies have been pulled out of the debris, police said.

Two persons were killed in Rupandehi, one each in Kapilvastu, Baglung and jhapa districts, according to the official.

Parts of Bhaktapur Municipally have been submerged due to the flood on the Hanumante river following continuous downpour for the past three days.

Dozens of houses were inundated due to the flood displacing hundreds of people.

Inspector Himal Shrestha, spokesperson for the Bhaktapur Police, said 111 people were rescued from floods in the Radhe Radhe area and the nearby Khasangkhusung river.

"Most of the people we rescued are earthquake victims staying in temporary shelters and vegetable farmers. Their place is unlivable," said Shrestha, adding that they may be displaced for two more days.

Over 700 security personnel, more than five dozen Armed Police personnel and Nepal Army soldiers--and Red Cross members were deployed for the rescue operation. They used rafts and cranes to rescue the people, the Kathmandu Post reported.

Schools, hospitals, shops, and industries in the Radhe Radhe and Madhyapur Thimi areas remained closed throughout the day as water level rose up to four feet above ground.

This is not the first time that the area has been inundated. In 2015, Hanumante River displaced 850 people from their temporary shelters at the Maheshwori playground. These victims had become homeless in the earthquake earlier that year.

Chief District Officer Narayan Prasad Bhatta said the inundation was caused by the swollen river. Geologists blamed encroachment of riverbanks and haphazard sand mining for the mayhem.

In June, at least three persons of a family, including a girl, were killed in a huge landslide triggered by torrential rains. (PTI)
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Hello Jammu News at 1:48:00 PM 0

Kathmandu, Jul 7 :  All the 1,430 stranded Indian pilgrims who were stranded while returning from the Kailash Mansarovar in Tibet have been airlifted to safety with the evacuation of the last batch of 160 people from Nepal's mountainous regions today, the Indian embassy here said.

Those rescued from Hilsa and Simikot districts have been moved to Nepalgunj and Surkhet, the two towns with better health care and infrastructure facilities close to the Indian border.

"The evacuation process completed after 160 stranded pilgrims were evacuated today from Simikot and Hilsa. Embassy's team continues to be stationed to monitor the situation," the Indian mission tweeted.

"As of today, 1,430 stranded pilgrims were airlifted from Simikot/Hilsa to Nepalgunj/Surkhet and have achieved a zero in both these places," it said.

The pilgrims were stuck for the past five-six days as continued downpour in western Nepal had blocked the transportation.

The Indian embassy took initiatives to evacuate them and provide necessary medicine and other essential items as soon as they got information, an official said. Commercial flights and Nepal Army helicopters were also deployed for the task over the past few days.

"All of them have been airlifted from Hilsa and Simikot to Surkhet and Nepalgunj, border towns of Nepal. Two embassy staff were also deployed at the site for facilitating evacuation and establishing communication with the family members of the victims," embassy spokesperson Roshan Lepcha said.

"They were evacuated from Hilsa and brought to Simikot from where they were airlifted to Nepalgunj and Surkhet, border towns," he said.

He said the embassy had coordinated with local tour operators and security people to carry out the rescue works.

In view of the situation, the Indian embassy had on Thursday issued a revised advisory for prospective pilgrims, suggesting medical examination before taking up the yatra.

The pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar in Tibetan region of China is considered holy by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. Every year, hundreds of Indians undertake the 'yatra' which involves trekking under inhospitable conditions.PTI

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Hello Jammu News at 2:34:00 PM 0

Kathmandu, Jul 5: The ordeal of the stranded Indian pilgrims returning from Kailash Mansarovar in Tibet is still not over as nearly 1,000 of them continue to await their evacuation at Nepal's mountainous regions amidst inclement weather, according to Indian embassy in Nepal.

Over 250 Indian pilgrims were evacuated from Hilsa yesterday, as authorities stepped up efforts to rescue those stranded there due to heavy rain while returning from the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage.

"As on 5 July morning 10 commercial flights operated taking 143 pilgrims from Simikot to Nepalgunj," the Indian embassy in Nepal said in a tweet.

"According to the Embassy of India's official headcount, there are 643 people stranded in Simikot and 350 stranded in Hilsa. No casualty reported. It may be mentioned that the number of stranded pilgrims in resource lean Hilsa has been drastically brought down," the embassy tweeted.

According to the District Police Office, hundreds of people are still at Simikot awaiting their flights.

Inclement weather had disrupted the flights to and from the district until Monday, 'The Kathmandu Post' reported.

Altitude sickness has become a major concern for those still waiting for their flights. Eight pilgrims have already died of altitude-related illness this year, the report said.

Indian embassy in Nepal today issued a revised advisory for the prospective pilgrims.

"Simikot and Hilsa in Nepal are extremely infrastructure lean places lacking basic medical, comfortable boarding and lodging facilities. Prospective pilgrims should get themselves medically examined before starting the Yatra as well as carry sufficient medicine for up to one month," it said.

"Simikot and Hilsa are connected to rest of the world only by air. There is no other way of travelling in and out of these two places. These small aircrafts/helicopters can only operate subject to suitable weather conditions in these places and their adjoining areas, as the terrain and route is extremely dangerous," it added.

The embassy has set up a hotline for pilgrims and their family members, which also comprises other language speaking staff for Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam speakers.

The pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar in Tibetan region of China is considered holy by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. Every year, hundreds of Indians undertake the 'yatra' which involves trekking under inhospitable conditions. (PTI)

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Hello Jammu News at 3:27:00 PM 0

Kathmandu, Jul 4: Nearly 100 Indian pilgrims were today evacuated, as authorities stepped up efforts to rescue those stranded in Nepal's mountainous region due to heavy rain while returning from the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage in Tibet.

Five commercial flights and one Nepal Army chopper operated today, transporting 96 Indian stranded pilgrims from Simikot to Surkhet as the weather condition in Nepalgunj is bad. On the Hilsa-Simikot route, three Nepal Army choppers operated, the Indian Embassy said.

Around 250 of the over 1,500 Indian pilgrims stranded were evacuated safely from Hilsa till yesterday, the embassy had said yesterday.

While Hilsa is extremely infrastructure lean, Simikot has decent boarding, communication and medical facilities, it had

A total of 158 people were evacuated yesterday from Simikot to Nepalganj, which is a fairly big city with all modern facilities and three hours road connectivity to Lucknow, the mission had said.

The embassy has already set up a hotline for pilgrims and their family members, which also comprises other language speaking staff for Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam speakers.

Two pilgrims -- Leela Narayanan Mandredath, 56, of Kerala and Satya Laxmi of Andhra Pradesh -- died on Monday due to high altitude sickness in Simikot and heart attack in Tibet respectively, the Indian Embassy had said.

Their bodies were brought by special helicopters to Kathmandu and Nepalganj respectively, it said in a statement.

Tenzin Norbu Lama, the managing director of Sunny Travels and Treks, one of the major tour operators handling the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, said Indian pilgrims were stranded as the air transport links were cut off due to bad weather but there were no problems in food and accommodation.

"However, mountain areas lack proper medical facilities in the event of pilgrims suffering from altitude sickness due to their prolonged stay in the region," Lama was quotes as saying by the local media.

The pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar in Tibetan region of China is considered holy by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. Every year, hundreds of Indians undertake the 'yatra' which involves trekking under inhospitable conditions. (PTI)
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Hello Jammu News at 2:37:00 PM 0
Kathmandu, Jun 19 : Land-locked Nepal is keen to enhance cross-border rail-road connectivity, infrastructure development, trade and tourism cooperation with China under its ambitious Belt and Road Initiative, Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli has said.
Ahead of his first official visit to Beijing since his re-election, Prime Minister Oli said that his government is fully committed to implementing the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation under the framework of the BRI signed with China two years ago.

Chinese President Xi Jinping had unveiled the BRI in 2013 with an aim to link Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Gulf region, Africa and Europe with a network of land and sea routes.

India has not endorsed the BRI, a pet project of Xi, as the USD 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which is part of the BRI, passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

India says it cannot accept a project that ignores its core concern on sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Nepal attaches great value to its relationship with China which has always respected its sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence, Prime Minister Oli told China's state-run Xinhua news agency here.

China has signed pacts with nearly 80 countries and international organisations for the BRI.

In Beijing, Oli will hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang, and is expected to sign major infrastructure projects to further deepen bilateral ties.

Nepal wants to discuss with China cooperation modality in implementing projects under the BRI framework during his visit to China, the prime minister said.

"Our two countries have common views on the concept of Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Transport Network. Based on this broad framework, we want to seek cooperation with China on cross-border connectivity of railway, road, transmission lines and other related areas for mutual benefit," Oli said.

Nepal viewes the BRI as an important development initiative, he said.

"China is our immediate neighbour. Our two countries share a long history of friendly relations which are multifaceted and deep rooted.

"Our relations are based on the solid foundation of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence," he said, reiterating Nepal's long-standing one-China policy.

He vowed not to allow the use of Nepali territory in engagement of any activities against China, in an apparent reference to Tibetan refugees in Nepal whom China considers to be dangerous separatists intended to destabilising the Tibet Autonomous Region.

"China has always respected Nepal's sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence. It has been providing valuable assistance for Nepal's development efforts.

"Harmonious co-existence founded on the principle of good neighbourliness characterises our relationship. It has always been our sincere desire to maintain friendly relations with our neighbours," the prime minister said.

Oli said that he is looking forward to having substantive discussions with the Chinese leaders on ways and means to further widen and deepen bilateral relationship and areas of cooperation.

He believed that China can help a lot in his country's socio-economic transformation as Nepal is marching ahead to achieve economic prosperity at present.PTI
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Hello Jammu News at 3:47:00 PM 0

Kathmandu, May 12: Visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said his third visit to Nepal as India’s prime minister made it clear how deep was his and his government’s commitment to Nepal and Nepal-India relations.
Thanking his Nepali counterpart KP Sharma Oli and the government and the people of Nepal for extending such a grand welcome, Modi said Nepal-India relations stood on the foundation of deep familial, friendly and people-to-people ties, The Himalayan Times reported on Friday.
He said the successful holding of the local, provincial and parliamentary elections in Nepal was historic.
“Nepali people have expressed faith in PM Oli’s leadership and vision for economic and social progress. I heartily welcome Nepali people’s decision for development and nation building within the federal democratic framework. India completely supports all Nepali people’s aspirations for a unified, prosperous and robust Nepal,” he said, addressing a joint press briefing following the bilateral delegation-level talks.
He said his government’s slogan of ‘Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas’ and Oli’s slogan of ‘Sambriddha Nepal Sukhi Nepali’ complemented each other.
Modi also expressed commitment to do his best to ensure that Nepal was no more land-locked but land-linked and water-linked.
Oli, on the other hand, said Modi’s Nepal visit gave ‘fresh impetus’ to bilateral cooperation and partnership.
Reiterating the firm commitment to take bilateral relations forward on the basis of equality, mutual trust, respect and benefits, Oli said neighbourhood constituted top priority in Nepal’s foreign policy.
The Indian PM arrived in Nepal on a two-day state visit today. After visiting Janakpur in the morning, Modi landed in Kathmandu this afternoon. Bilateral delegation-level talks took place this evening following a ceremonial reception at Tundikhel and meetings with President Bidhya Devi Bhandari and Vice-president Nanda Bahadur Pun.
Before the joint press briefing, the two PMs also remotely laid the foundation stone of 900MW Arun-III hydropower project.
During the bilateral delegation-level talks, the two sides agreed to take effective measures for the implementation of all agreements and understandings reached in the past, and take concrete measures to realise benefits of new partnership for agriculture and connectivity by rail links and inland waterways.
During Oli’s visit to New Delhi last month, the two sides had announced agreements on Kathmandu-Raxaul railway, inland waterways and partnership on farm modernisation.
On the agriculture front, the two sides agreed that agriculture ministers of the two countries would meet soon to finalise priority areas and develop a work plan for implementation.
Nepal and India also reached an understanding on early finalisation of the DPR of Pancheshwor multi-purpose project.
On the chronic problem of inundation in the Tarai region, the two sides agreed to immediately send a joint team to inundation-prone areas to take appropriate measures to address the problem.
As far as trade and transit and Nepal’s huge trade deficit with India is concerned, the two PMs ‘took note’ of the commerce secretary level meeting held last month to jointly initiate a comprehensive review of all the existing trade, transit and rail services, treaties and agreements.
The Nepali side also requested India to facilitate exchange of demonetised Indian currency notes held in the Nepali banking system by general public at the earliest.
The two governments will carry out preparatory survey work at the earliest and finalise the implementation and funding modalities for the India-funded electrified railway. The Nepali side also demanded four additional air entry routes to ease air traffic from India. UNI
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Hello Jammu News at 3:40:00 PM 0

Kathmandu, May 12: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in Nepal on a two-day visit, on Saturday offered prayers to Lord Pashupatinath ath at the Pashupatinath Temple.
Modi will leave for Hyatt Hotel after performing Pooja at the temple. Indian ambassador to Nepal, Manjeev Singh Puri is hosting a lunch reception in honour of Modi at Hyatt at around 1:30 pm, according to a report in The Himalayan Times.
Earlier, in the morning, Modi flew to Mustang district to offer prayers at the Muktinath Temple, the second stop in this visit being largely helmed as a religious one.
Modi landed in Janakpur yesterday and was immediately escorted to the Janaki temple where he performed Pooja following the Shodashopachar ritual.
The visiting Prime Minister will be accorded a civic reception by the Kathmandu Metropolitan City office before returning to India on Saturday. UNI
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Hello Jammu News at 1:29:00 PM 0

Kathmandu, May 12: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday offered prayers at Muktinath Temple in Nepal.
The temple is considered sacred for both Hindus and Muslims.
'An auspicious start to Day 2 in Nepal! PM @narendramodi visited the highly venerated Muktinath temple, located at 12,172 ft, to reinforce the strong cultural connect between India and Nepal. PM offered prayers at the human-size golden statue of Lord Vishnu as Shri Mukti Narayan,' External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a tweet. 
On Friday, Mr Modi arrived in Nepal and offered prayer at Janki Temple in Janakpur, addressed a civic reception and also met the country’s President Bidhya Devi Bhandari and Vice-President Nanda Kishor Pun.
Mr Modi and his Nepalese counterpart KP Sharma Oli jointly inaugurated a bus service from Janakpur to Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh on Friday. The bus has also reached in Ayodhya on Saturday. 
This is the third visit of the Prime Minister to the neighbouring county and the first high-level visit from India since the formation of the new government in Nepal this year. UNI
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Hello Jammu News at 8:20:00 PM 0

Kathmandu, May 3: A rally was organised Thursday morning in Kathmandu to mark the World Press Freedom Day 2018.

The rally led by Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) was held under the banner ‘Observation of Power: Media, Justice and Rule of Law’. The rally started from Babarmahal and converged into a corner meeting at New Baneshwar, according to a report in The Himalayan Times.
the corner meeting, FNJ President Govinda Acharya said, press freedom was embedded into the constitution’s preamble, but it was not being implemented in practice.
cautioned over government’s effort to formulate new laws that could curtail press freedom. The FNJ President was of the view that media organisations must themselves hold regular monitoring to make the press disciplined and responsible.
FNJ President Mahendra Bista stated that the scenario of press freedom was improving, however, he stressed on the continuing incidents of physical attacks on journalists.
World Press Freedom Day, Kathmandu, rally
FNJ President Govinda Acharya, along with former presidents of the Federation, making public an annual report on journalists’ security after the rally organised from Babarmahal to New Baneshwar on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, in Kathmandu, on Thursday, May 3, 2018. Photo: RSS
Likewise, former FNJ President Taranath Dahal noted the growing impunity in the backdrop of failure to bring into justice those who attack journalists.
The World Press Freedom Day is being marked across the globe today. UNI

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Hello Jammu News at 3:14:00 PM 0



Kathmandu, Apr 21: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Kathmandu on May 11, according to the sources here.
The media reports said that Modi was also expected to travel to Janakpur, an important religious centre in the Tarai plains and close to the border with Bihar.
An official in the Nepal government said: “We have been asked to make preparations for his (Modi’s) Janakpur visit. It has been long due.” 
Modi was supposed to have visited Janakpur in November 2014, when he went to Nepal to attend the SAARC summit.
This will be Modi’s third trip to Nepal in his tenure, but the first after the promulgation of the new Nepali constitution in 2015. UNI
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Hello Jammu News at 12:03:00 PM 0

Kathmandu, Apr 18: The unification of the two left parties has hit a major hurdle after CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal questioned the modality of the convention and sought clarity on the further processes.
Dahal raised issues of clarity on the processes of finalising leadership and the unified party’s policies during the meeting of Party Unity Coordination Committee (PUCC) that included senior leaders of both parties on Tuesday.
Leaders claimed Dahal questioned the working methods of Prime Minister and CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli. 
The PM’s unilateral decision of reshuffling secretaries and centralizing power at the Prime Minister’s Office has irked many.
UML leaders said the vexing issue was the settlement of Chairman Dahal after the unification though the Maoist leaders have talked about equal share and respecting the ‘People’s War’. Some UML leaders opined Dahal wanted his share in leading the government and he wants the agreement formally endorsed. PM Oli is reluctant to do this.
After the PUCC failed to sort out pending issues, the members decided to entrust this responsibility to Oli and Dahal, including clearing trust deficit.
Senior Maoist Centre leader Narayankaji Shrestha said, “The chairmen of both the parties (Oli and Dahal) have been given the responsibility to amend the two reports presented by the task force and resolve the contentious issues.”
Dahal told the meeting his doubts over the roles of the two chairpersons of the unified party. He fears one would act as the executive chairman and the other play only a ceremonial role.
Other leaders claim the ongoing unification has hit a snag at the last stage after Dahal smelt rat following PM Oli’s reported assurance of support to senior UML leader Madhav Nepal to elevate him to the party chair through polls. Earlier PM Oli had assured Dahal to ensure his chairmanship through consensus from the unity national convention. Maoist Centre leaders were irked after Oli gave similar assurance to Nepal during the President’s election.
Dahal raised issues of convention including the modality of electing the leadership. He also questioned how the new party would draft its policy and ideology if the unification is not based on equal share. He asked, Will that be unification, or a party merged into the other?
Oli had briefed the standing committee meeting on Monday that Dahal wanted clarity on his position in the unified party and the processes ahead. Dahal had questioned Oli how could he be accommodated in the new party without adopting Maoist Centre ideals?
These contentious issues put in the unification bid and the probability of announcing the merger on April 22 in jeopardy. UNI 
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