Nepal's PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal's much-hyped visit to the Pashupatinath - a Hindu temple in Kathmandu has sparked a row. While the opposition called the move politically motivated. Many analysts believe that Nepal's prime minister - a former Maoist rebel-was trying to cosy up to both India and the Hindu community in Nepal. Questions have also been raised about whether he's sending out a message to Beijing. Is Prachanda walking a tight rope between Indian and China?

Prachanda's temple visit sparks debate |  Inside South Asia

The Nepal release of the Indian mythological Epic film Adipurush remains uncertain. The film's release has been stalled amid protests the morning shows of Adipurush have been canceled in Kathmandu. This comes after the city's mayor Balen Shah raised an objection to one dialogue in the film taking to social media. Watch this report to know more.

'Adipurush' sparks new controversy in Nepal

Since the debut of its first teaser, Adipurush has become embroiled in a number of disputes. Netizens criticised the movie's teaser and trailer for having weak visual effects and inaccurate portrayals of the gods. The movie is currently having problems in Nepal after receiving criticism in India. The authors of the dialogue "Bharat ki beti," which is used to refer to the deity Sita, were criticised by the mayor of Nepal. Mayor Balen Shah issued a three-day deadline for the dialogue to be fixed, after which the movie would not be shown in the nation's capital.

Om Raut's film lands in trouble for a dialogue in Nepal

Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai have been slammed with a show-cause notice issued by the country's Supreme Court. The Apex court has issued notice to the leaders on account of minors being inducted into the Nepali Army now according to reports, petitioners in the case have demanded accountability for causing the loss of lives and property reparation with long-term assistance for child soldiers.

Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal gets show-cause notice

<p>Nepal&nbsp;President&nbsp;Ram Chandra Paudel&nbsp;has suffered a "heart attack" and underwent&nbsp;angioplasty&nbsp;on Tuesday after being admitted to Shahid Gangalal National Heart Centre in Kathmandu, sources confirmed to ANI.</p>

<p>The 78-year-old ailing President was taken to the hospital earlier on Tuesday morning after he complained of chest pain. Upon examination, doctors concluded that the president was having "myocardial infarction" colloquially known as "heart attack".</p>

<p>"Doctors stated that the situation is caused by decreased or complete cessation of blood flow to a portion of the myocardium. There was 70 per cent blockage in one of the arteries on the right chamber of his heart," the official at the President's Office told ANI.</p>

<p>The doctors at Shahid Gangalal Hospital, a government-owned cardiovascular hospital have performed "angioplasty", a medical procedure where a balloon is used to stretch open a narrowed or blocked artery.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-communist-pms-visit-to-hindu-temples-triggers-debate-603399">Nepal's 'Communist' PM’s visit to Hindu temples triggers debate</a></p>

<p>President Paudel was rushed to the hospital after he complained of chest pain and shortness of breath. "President has been advised to stay back at the hospital for the next two days in observation to oversee the functioning of the heart after&nbsp;angioplasty," the official added.</p>

<p>The hospital and the President's Office are yet to officially announce his hospitalization and comment on his health. The president is kept in VIP Cabin number six bed number 254 of the hospital.</p>

<p>Prior to Tuesday's admission, the president also had check-ups on Saturday. Paudel was taken to New Delhi on a Shree Airlines flight on April 19 for treatment at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). He returned back on April 30.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;Nepal&nbsp;president received treatment at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH) in Kathmandu over four days before being airlifted to Delhi. Paudel, who was admitted on April 5 of this year, was released after four nights.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Kathmandu's mayor installs new map of Nepal</strong></p>

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<p>The&nbsp;head of state had undergone a follow-up and was admitted to the hospital after falling short of breath and fainting. During the follow-up, doctors found an infection in his lungs and had been using medicines that are said to have failed to make a significant improvement in his health.</p>

<p>On March 13, senior&nbsp;Nepali Congress leader&nbsp;Ram Chandra Paudel&nbsp;was sworn in as the&nbsp;Nepalese president.</p>

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Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel has suffered a "heart attack" and underwent angioplasty on Tuesday after being admitted to Shahid Gangalal National Heart Centre in Kathmandu, sources confirmed to ANI.

Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel has suffered a "heart attack" and underwent angioplasty on Tuesday after being admitted to Shahid Gangalal National Heart Centre in Kathmandu, sources confirmed to ANI. The 78-year-old ailing President was taken to the hospital earlier on Tuesday morning after he complained of chest pain. Upon examination, doctors concluded that the president was having "myocardial infarction" colloquially known as "heart attack". "Doctors stated that the situation is caused by decreased or complete cessation of blood flow to a portion of the myocardium. There was 70 per cent blockage in one of the arteries on the right chamber of his heart," the official at the President's Office told ANI. The doctors at Shahid Gangalal Hospital, a government-owned cardiovascular hospital have performed "angioplasty", a medical procedure where a balloon is used to stretch open a narrowed or blocked artery. ALSO READ | Nepal's 'Communist' PM’s visit to Hindu temples triggers debate President Paudel was rushed to the hospital after he complained of chest pain and shortness of breath. "President has been advised to stay back at the hospital for the next two days in observation to oversee the functioning of the heart after angioplasty," the official added. The hospital and the President's Office are yet to officially announce his hospitalization and comment on his health. The president is kept in VIP Cabin number six bed number 254 of the hospital. Prior to Tuesday's admission, the president also had check-ups on Saturday. Paudel was taken to New Delhi on a Shree Airlines flight on April 19 for treatment at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). He returned back on April 30. The Nepal president received treatment at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH) in Kathmandu over four days before being airlifted to Delhi. Paudel, who was admitted on April 5 of this year, was released after four nights. WATCH | Kathmandu's mayor installs new map of Nepal The head of state had undergone a follow-up and was admitted to the hospital after falling short of breath and fainting. During the follow-up, doctors found an infection in his lungs and had been using medicines that are said to have failed to make a significant improvement in his health. On March 13, senior Nepali Congress leader Ram Chandra Paudel was sworn in as the Nepalese president. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Nepal President Paudel suffers heart attack, undergoes angioplasty

The Nepal Prime Minister's visit to a Hindu temple in the country has triggered a massive controversy. The visit is being called politically motivated. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Was the temple visit politically motivated?

Although the opposition claims the Nepali prime minister's recent visit to a Hindu temple in Kathmandu was politically motivated, many observers think Pushpa Kamal Dahal was attempting to placate India and the Hindu community.

Nepal: First visit to Pashupatinath temple by communist leader slammed by senior politicians

India and its neighbour Nepal are engaged in a conflict over maps. The mayor of Nepal's capital city, Kathmandu, has installed a very intriguing-looking map of what he calls greater Nepal in his office, which claims a number of Indian territories. This symbolic action is in response to India's installation of a mural titled "akanda Bharat," or "unified India," in its new Parliamentary Building in New Delhi.

Kathmandu's mayor installs new map of Nepal

In the 70 years since Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay first conquered Mount Everest, there's been a sea change in the lives of Sherpas living in the foothills of the world's tallest peak. Tourist and mountaineer traffic has risen sharply. So have earnings. Largely agrarian land has taken on commercial overtones - hotels, restaurants, clubs, and more. The new generation of Sherpas is open to looking at non-mountaineering-related career avenues

Sherpas of Everest | 70 years of Hillary-Norgay climb

In Pics | Nepali sherpa saves Malaysian climber in rare Everest 'death zone' rescue

<p>The inauguration of the new Indian Parliament seems to be marred with a fresh controversy, this time a diplomatic one, over a mural inside the building that shows all the key kingdoms and ancient cities portraying ancient India.<br />
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One of the cities shown in the mural which drew severe criticism is Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. The mural, appears to have come from the concept of 'Akhand Bharat', a term that refers to the undivided India whose geographical area included present-day Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Thailand.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/indian-scientists-discover-62-plants-that-can-live-without-water-in-western-ghats-599626">Indian scientists discover 62 plants that can live without water in Western Ghats</a></p>

<p>This concept is espoused by Hindutva nationalists envisaging that the neighboring countries Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka would become part of India.</p>

<h2><strong>Nepalese leaders protest over controversial mural</strong></h2>

<p>With the holy site of Lumbini being one of the crucial cultural centres in Nepal, the leaders of the nation are now protesting for the removal of the mural from the new Parliament building.&nbsp;Nepal's former PM KP Sharma Oli on Tuesday urged PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal also known as “Prachanda” to discuss this with the Indian officials and urge them to get the mural removed from the new Parliament building.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lumbini reflects the shared cultural relationship between India and Nepal. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Nepalese counterpart Sher Bahadur Deuba in May last year participated in the foundation stone laying ceremony for the construction of a Centre of Buddhist Culture and Heritage at this holy site on the occasion of Buddha Jayanti.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mumbai-2611-attack-accused-tahawwur-rana-challenges-extradition-to-india-599609">US: Mumbai 26/11 attack accused Tahawwur Rana challenges order of his extradition to India</a></p>

<p>Nepal's opposition CPN-UML party leader Oli reacted over the mural saying, “That is not fair,” reported The Kathmandu Post.</p>

<p>“If a country like India that sees itself as an ancient and strong country and as a model of democracy puts Nepali territories in its map and hangs the map in Parliament, it cannot be called fair,” he added in a statement at his party’s headquarters.</p>

<h2><strong>Kalapani dispute&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>India and Nepal have been at a diplomatic standstill on the issue of Kalapani. Both countries lay claim to the territory which is located in the easternmost corner of Pithoragarh district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand.</p>

<p>In November 2019, India published a revised political map that showed Kalapani as part of the Pithoragarh district. Agitated by this, the Nepali leaders registered their protest and brought that up with the Indian officials.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Watch | Hollywood star Bruce Willis' daughter Tallulah talks about her father's daily battle with dementia</p>

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<p>Another diplomatic jolt was felt in India-Nepal relations when on 8 May 2020, India inaugurated a strategically crucial link road connecting the Darchula-Lipulekh pass link road that passes through the Kalapani region. At the time, Kathmandu summoned the then-Indian envoy to Nepal, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, to register the protest.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Pakistan reacts over mural controversy</strong></h2>

<p>One of the other cities that the mural shows is the ancient city of Taxila or Takshashila, which is presently in Pakistan but was a part of India. The country's foreign ministry spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch dismissed the map and expressed astonishment over the mural at the ministry's&nbsp;press conference.</p>

<p>"The gratuitous assertion of 'Akhand Bharat' is a manifestation of a revisionist and expansionist mindset," a statement by the ministry said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>India-Nepal bilateral ties&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The protest by the Nepali leaders comes at a time when Prachanda is visiting India are taking place at a time when Kathmandu and New Delhi are looking forward to bolstering diplomatic ties by resolving the remaining border issues.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nepali PM who is in India for a four-day visit held a bilateral meeting with PM Modi where the latter said the nations will continue to work to take the bilateral relations to the height of the Himalaya and will resolve all the issues, be it the boundary issue or any other issue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I am happy to share that the partnership between India and Nepal has been a super hit,” PM Modi said.&nbsp;</p>

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The inauguration of the new Indian Parliament seems to be marred with a fresh controversy, this time a diplomatic one, over a mural inside the building that shows all the key kingdoms and ancient cities portraying ancient India.

The inauguration of the new Indian Parliament seems to be marred with a fresh controversy, this time a diplomatic one, over a mural inside the building that shows all the key kingdoms and ancient cities portraying ancient India. One of the cities shown in the mural which drew severe criticism is Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. The mural, appears to have come from the concept of 'Akhand Bharat', a term that refers to the undivided India whose geographical area included present-day Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Thailand. Also Read | Indian scientists discover 62 plants that can live without water in Western Ghats This concept is espoused by Hindutva nationalists envisaging that the neighboring countries Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka would become part of India. Nepalese leaders protest over controversial mural With the holy site of Lumbini being one of the crucial cultural centres in Nepal, the leaders of the nation are now protesting for the removal of the mural from the new Parliament building. Nepal's former PM KP Sharma Oli on Tuesday urged PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal also known as “Prachanda” to discuss this with the Indian officials and urge them to get the mural removed from the new Parliament building. Lumbini reflects the shared cultural relationship between India and Nepal. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Nepalese counterpart Sher Bahadur Deuba in May last year participated in the foundation stone laying ceremony for the construction of a Centre of Buddhist Culture and Heritage at this holy site on the occasion of Buddha Jayanti. Also Read | US: Mumbai 26/11 attack accused Tahawwur Rana challenges order of his extradition to India Nepal's opposition CPN-UML party leader Oli reacted over the mural saying, “That is not fair,” reported The Kathmandu Post. “If a country like India that sees itself as an ancient and strong country and as a model of democracy puts Nepali territories in its map and hangs the map in Parliament, it cannot be called fair,” he added in a statement at his party’s headquarters. Kalapani dispute India and Nepal have been at a diplomatic standstill on the issue of Kalapani. Both countries lay claim to the territory which is located in the easternmost corner of Pithoragarh district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. In November 2019, India published a revised political map that showed Kalapani as part of the Pithoragarh district. Agitated by this, the Nepali leaders registered their protest and brought that up with the Indian officials. Watch | Hollywood star Bruce Willis' daughter Tallulah talks about her father's daily battle with dementia × Another diplomatic jolt was felt in India-Nepal relations when on 8 May 2020, India inaugurated a strategically crucial link road connecting the Darchula-Lipulekh pass link road that passes through the Kalapani region. At the time, Kathmandu summoned the then-Indian envoy to Nepal, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, to register the protest. Pakistan reacts over mural controversy One of the other cities that the mural shows is the ancient city of Taxila or Takshashila, which is presently in Pakistan but was a part of India. The country's foreign ministry spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch dismissed the map and expressed astonishment over the mural at the ministry's press conference. "The gratuitous assertion of 'Akhand Bharat' is a manifestation of a revisionist and expansionist mindset," a statement by the ministry said. India-Nepal bilateral ties The protest by the Nepali leaders comes at a time when Prachanda is visiting India are taking place at a time when Kathmandu and New Delhi are looking forward to bolstering diplomatic ties by resolving the remaining border issues. Nepali PM who is in India for a four-day visit held a bilateral meeting with PM Modi where the latter said the nations will continue to work to take the bilateral relations to the height of the Himalaya and will resolve all the issues, be it the boundary issue or any other issue. "I am happy to share that the partnership between India and Nepal has been a super hit,” PM Modi said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

'Akhand Bharat' mural row: Nepali leaders get irked, urge Prachanda to raise issue with Indian officials

Rudrakshas are dried seeds of a tree, which grows in select locations in Asia. Also called tears of Shiva, many legends describe its origin. The word Rudraksha comes from rudra, lord Shiva's name and Aksha, meaning tears. Rudrakshas are believed to be very supportive in maintaining physical and mental balance. The curative properties of rudrakshas have reportedly been utilized worldwide for physical, mental and psychosomatic illnesses. Shri Mahakaleshwar is among the twelve celebrated jyotirlingas in India. The glory of Mahakaleshwar temple has been vividly described in various purans. Starting with Kalidasa, many sanskrit poets have eulogized the temple in emotive terms. Ujjain used to be the central point for the calculation of Indian time, and mahakala was considered the distinctive presiding deity. The presiding deity of time, Shiva, in all his splendour, reigns eternal in Ujjain.

Explained: The importance of Rudraks; Nepal PM makes a visit to Mahakaleshwar temple

Rudrakshas are dried seeds of a tree, which grows in select locations in Asia. Also called tears of Shiva, many legends describe its origin. The word Rudraksha comes from rudra, lord Shiva's name and Aksha, meaning tears. Rudrakshas are believed to be very supportive in maintaining physical and mental balance. The curative properties of rudrakshas have reportedly been utilized worldwide for physical, mental and psychosomatic illnesses. Shri Mahakaleshwar is among the twelve celebrated jyotirlingas in india. The glory of Mahakaleshwar temple has been vividly described in various purans. Starting with Kalidasa, many sanskrit poets have eulogized the temple in emotive terms. Ujjain used to be the central point for the calculation of indian time, and mahakala was considered the distinctive presiding deity. The presiding deity of time, Shiva, in all his splendour, reigns eternal in Ujjain

'Tears of Shiva': Nepal PM's 108-kg Rudrakshas | Shri Mahakaleshwar among 12 celebrated Jyotirlingas

Nepal's prime minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal is in India on a four-day- visit. The Nepalese PM arrived in New Delhi yesterday, with a big delegation. He is expected to strike hydroelectric power and airlines deals while on his first overseas trip since assuming the PM office in december last year. He will be meeting the indian prime minister narendra modi today. The Nepalese Prime Minister will seek a long-term deal to export hydroelectric power and opening up of new air routes with New Delhi.

Nepal PM Dahal to meet India's PM Modi, to sign hydropower & airline deals

Nepalese PM on first overseas visit after assuming PM office

Nepal seeks India's support to export electricity to Bangladesh

The world's mountaineering community is celebrating the 70th anniversary of the conquest of Mount Everest several events have been planned in Nepal to mark the occasion. Now there's also a new hero 53-year-old Nepali Sherpa Kami Rita who scaled Mount Everest for a record 28th time last week.

Nepal marks 70th International Everest Day 2023

Amid the fast-changing in Asia-Pacific and the power-changing rivalry in South Asia, today we will look at its impact and political changes in Nepal. To discuss the same Nepal's newly appointed Foreign Minister speaks to WION.

Nepal's FM NP Saud: Will welcome projects in grants from neighbours

Amid the fast-changing in Asia-Pacific and the power-changing rivalry in South Asia, today we will look at its impact and political changes in Nepal. To discuss the same Nepal's newly appointed Foreign Minister Narayan Prasad Saud speaks to WION.

Nepal's FM NP Saud: Will accept grants for big projects, not loans

<p>Nepal on Sunday decided to allow India's Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN) Limited to develop a second hydropower project in the country. At present SJVN is developing a 900-MW Arun -III hydroelectric project, a run-of-river located on the Arun River in Eastern Nepal, scheduled to be completed in 2024.</p>

<p>A meeting of the Investment Board Nepal (IBN) chaired by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda approved the draft project development agreement (PDA) to be signed with India's state-owned SJVN to develop the 669-megawatt (MW) Lower Arun Hydropower project in eastern Nepal, an official statement said.</p>

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<p>The development comes days before Prime Minister Prachanda's visit to India starting Wednesday. The draft needs to be endorsed by the Council of Ministers before it gets implemented.</p>

<p>The previous meeting of the IBN had approved Rs 92.68 billion investment for the development of the project.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-president-lukashenko-rushed-to-hospital-after-meeting-with-putin-opposition-leader-597612">Belarus President Lukashenko rushed to hospital after meeting with Putin: Report</a></p>

<p>The development of this 669-MW transformative project will prove to be a milestone for the socio-economic development of the country, according to the statement by the IBN.</p>

<p>The SJVN has formed a local company, Lower Arun Power Development Company, in Nepal.</p>

<p>The Lower Arun project located in the Sankhuwasabha and Bhojpur districts will not have any reservoir or dam and will be a tailrace development of Arun-III, which will mean water re-enters the river for the Lower Arun project.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Turkey Elections 2023: Erdogan back for another five years</strong></p>

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<p>This is the third project undertaken, all through negotiation windows, on the Arun River after the 900 MW Arun-III and 695 MW Arun-IV hydroelectricity projects.</p>

<p>The three projects will generate nearly 2,300 MW of electricity from the river in Sankhuwasabha district, The Kathmandu Post newspaper reported.</p>

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Nepal on Sunday decided to allow India's Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN) Limited to develop a second hydropower project in the country. At present SJVN is developing a 900-MW Arun -III hydroelectric project, a run-of-river located on the Arun River in Eastern Nepal, scheduled to be completed in 2024.

Nepal on Sunday decided to allow India's Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN) Limited to develop a second hydropower project in the country. At present SJVN is developing a 900-MW Arun -III hydroelectric project, a run-of-river located on the Arun River in Eastern Nepal, scheduled to be completed in 2024. A meeting of the Investment Board Nepal (IBN) chaired by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda approved the draft project development agreement (PDA) to be signed with India's state-owned SJVN to develop the 669-megawatt (MW) Lower Arun Hydropower project in eastern Nepal, an official statement said. Also Read | Russia launches ‘massive drone attack’ on eve of Kyiv founding day, one dead The development comes days before Prime Minister Prachanda's visit to India starting Wednesday. The draft needs to be endorsed by the Council of Ministers before it gets implemented. The previous meeting of the IBN had approved Rs 92.68 billion investment for the development of the project. Also Read | Belarus President Lukashenko rushed to hospital after meeting with Putin: Report The development of this 669-MW transformative project will prove to be a milestone for the socio-economic development of the country, according to the statement by the IBN. The SJVN has formed a local company, Lower Arun Power Development Company, in Nepal. The Lower Arun project located in the Sankhuwasabha and Bhojpur districts will not have any reservoir or dam and will be a tailrace development of Arun-III, which will mean water re-enters the river for the Lower Arun project. Watch | Turkey Elections 2023: Erdogan back for another five years × This is the third project undertaken, all through negotiation windows, on the Arun River after the 900 MW Arun-III and 695 MW Arun-IV hydroelectricity projects. The three projects will generate nearly 2,300 MW of electricity from the river in Sankhuwasabha district, The Kathmandu Post newspaper reported. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

India secures approval for second hydropower project in Nepal, strengthening bilateral energy cooperation

The prime minister of Nepal will be on an official visit to India from the 31st of May to the 3rd of June at the invitation of prime minister Narendra Modi. India and Nepal share unique ties of friendship and cooperation, characterized by an open border and deep-rooted people-to-people contacts of kinship and culture.

Nepal PM to meet Narendra Modi | About 32,000 Gorkha soldiers serve in Indian Army

On one hand, new records are being made, on the other there are fatalities on the top of the world. A 59-year-old Indian climber, aiming to set a new record by becoming Asia's first woman on a pacemaker to scale Mt Everest, died at the base camp of the world's highest peak in Nepal.

Everest route from Nepal side begins, how deadly can it be?

<p>China lifted the ban on foreigners entering Tibet this year, and the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra—the annual religious pilgrimage—&nbsp;opened for the first time since COVID-19, but with strict regulations for Indians and Nepalese.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per new regulations, the visa fees for Nepali guides and staff assisting the pilgrims from India and other countries to Tibet and Kailash have increased from $30 to $120. While for permits to acquire a visa, Nepalese will now have to pay $300 while earlier it was $100.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Additionally, another inconvenience for Nepali firms operating tours to Kailash Manasarovar is that they have to deposit $60,000 (8 million Nepali rupees) each to send Indian pilgrims to Tibet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nepal’s central bank does not allow Nepali travel agencies to deposit funds in foreign banks. Top tour operators in Nepal —Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal,&nbsp;Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) and The Association of Kailash Tour Operators Nepal (AKTON)—have written to the Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Foreign Exchange Centre (FEC) under the Tibet Autonomous Region, the body responsible for issuing permits for Indian pilgrims, has banned Nepali tourism businessmen who oversee Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for Indian pilgrims. We would like to inform you that a mandatory deposit of sixty thousand US dollars (about 8 million Nepalese rupees) has been made for a Nepalese company to handle Indian pilgrims to Kailash Yatra. This arrangement is contrary to the rules and laws of Nepal," the letter by the association, which WION has access to, states.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, for Indians, China has increased the cost of the Kailash tour package to 2,50,000 Indian rupees (US $3,000 approx.) from Rs 1,50,000 (US $1,800 approx.) per person, as per the Tibet Tourism Bureau.</p>

<p>The new rules further state that Indian pilgrims should be in a group of at least five people to obtain visas, and at least four of them should be present physically.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Now, tourists going to Kailash and Lhasha have to be present for biometrics for applying for a visa. Tourists and Nepali tourism entrepreneurs are now in a dilemma with this unpractical rule," Nepal tour operators said in the letter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, Chinese authorities used to collect biometric details at the immigration office at the border points.</p>

<p>The tour operators told WION that permit applications for Indians have not yet begun thus putting the Nepali tourism sector under pressure.&nbsp;</p>

<p>From 2014 to 2019, over 100,000 Indian nationals have been to Manasarovar via Nepal. They bring in both money and work for Nepal’s tourism which thrives even in the lean seasons of May-September, as each tourist spends anywhere between $800 to $1,200 for the week-long trip.</p>

<p>Every year, Nepal receives 40,000 Kailash pilgrims, out of which 30,000 are Indian pilgrims, as per tour operators.&nbsp;</p>

<p>About 10,000 Nepalese are directly benefitted every season from the food and support of Indian and Nepali pilgrims going on the Kailash Yatra.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nepali operators, who were hoping that the reopening of the northern border would help their businesses to recover, are having to face innumerable difficulties and financial hurdles.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Thousands of pilgrims used to come to Nepal from India and other countries. The permit applications for Indians have not yet begun. Only foreign passport and Nepali passport holders are allowed. We hope the process begins for Indians too. There are some issues that can only be addressed at the government level. All Indian, China, and Nepal governments will have to solve some border, visa issues. The new restrictions that ask pilgrims to be present physically for biometrics to acquire a visa are I think controlled tourism,"&nbsp;Pradip Pandit, Vice President of Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal told WION.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Due to many restrictions, the flow of tourists will decrease. We have taken this to the Chinese Embassy, Nepal Foreign Ministry, and Prime Minister," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Calling the restrictions impractical, Pandit said, "A single Nepali staff will incur $420 dollars, which is more than their earnings of monthly NPR 25,000 ($190). Even we cannot bear this cost, it is very expensive. We asked our counterparts to change these regulations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Chinese government has allowed Kailash pilgrims to go only through Tibet's capital Lhasa and Nepal's Kerung Pass. The main season for Kailash is from May to September every year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The annual pilgrimage season would be a boom time for the tourism industry, and the government too would see increased revenue from taxes. Religious tourists create good business for hotels and restaurants including travel agents.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, this year Nepal is not even expecting one-fourth of the pilgrims of what it used to receive earlier.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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China lifted the ban on foreigners entering Tibet this year, and the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra—the annual religious pilgrimage— opened for the first time since COVID-19, but with strict regulations for Indians and Nepalese.

China lifted the ban on foreigners entering Tibet this year, and the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra—the annual religious pilgrimage— opened for the first time since COVID-19, but with strict regulations for Indians and Nepalese. As per new regulations, the visa fees for Nepali guides and staff assisting the pilgrims from India and other countries to Tibet and Kailash have increased from $30 to $120. While for permits to acquire a visa, Nepalese will now have to pay $300 while earlier it was $100. Additionally, another inconvenience for Nepali firms operating tours to Kailash Manasarovar is that they have to deposit $60,000 (8 million Nepali rupees) each to send Indian pilgrims to Tibet. Nepal’s central bank does not allow Nepali travel agencies to deposit funds in foreign banks. Top tour operators in Nepal —Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal, Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) and The Association of Kailash Tour Operators Nepal (AKTON)—have written to the Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song. "The Foreign Exchange Centre (FEC) under the Tibet Autonomous Region, the body responsible for issuing permits for Indian pilgrims, has banned Nepali tourism businessmen who oversee Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for Indian pilgrims. We would like to inform you that a mandatory deposit of sixty thousand US dollars (about 8 million Nepalese rupees) has been made for a Nepalese company to handle Indian pilgrims to Kailash Yatra. This arrangement is contrary to the rules and laws of Nepal," the letter by the association, which WION has access to, states. Meanwhile, for Indians, China has increased the cost of the Kailash tour package to 2,50,000 Indian rupees (US $3,000 approx.) from Rs 1,50,000 (US $1,800 approx.) per person, as per the Tibet Tourism Bureau. The new rules further state that Indian pilgrims should be in a group of at least five people to obtain visas, and at least four of them should be present physically. "Now, tourists going to Kailash and Lhasha have to be present for biometrics for applying for a visa. Tourists and Nepali tourism entrepreneurs are now in a dilemma with this unpractical rule," Nepal tour operators said in the letter. Earlier, Chinese authorities used to collect biometric details at the immigration office at the border points. The tour operators told WION that permit applications for Indians have not yet begun thus putting the Nepali tourism sector under pressure. From 2014 to 2019, over 100,000 Indian nationals have been to Manasarovar via Nepal. They bring in both money and work for Nepal’s tourism which thrives even in the lean seasons of May-September, as each tourist spends anywhere between $800 to $1,200 for the week-long trip. Every year, Nepal receives 40,000 Kailash pilgrims, out of which 30,000 are Indian pilgrims, as per tour operators. About 10,000 Nepalese are directly benefitted every season from the food and support of Indian and Nepali pilgrims going on the Kailash Yatra. Nepali operators, who were hoping that the reopening of the northern border would help their businesses to recover, are having to face innumerable difficulties and financial hurdles. "Thousands of pilgrims used to come to Nepal from India and other countries. The permit applications for Indians have not yet begun. Only foreign passport and Nepali passport holders are allowed. We hope the process begins for Indians too. There are some issues that can only be addressed at the government level. All Indian, China, and Nepal governments will have to solve some border, visa issues. The new restrictions that ask pilgrims to be present physically for biometrics to acquire a visa are I think controlled tourism," Pradip Pandit, Vice President of Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal told WION. "Due to many restrictions, the flow of tourists will decrease. We have taken this to the Chinese Embassy, Nepal Foreign Ministry, and Prime Minister," he added. Calling the restrictions impractical, Pandit said, "A single Nepali staff will incur $420 dollars, which is more than their earnings of monthly NPR 25,000 ($190). Even we cannot bear this cost, it is very expensive. We asked our counterparts to change these regulations. The Chinese government has allowed Kailash pilgrims to go only through Tibet's capital Lhasa and Nepal's Kerung Pass. The main season for Kailash is from May to September every year. The annual pilgrimage season would be a boom time for the tourism industry, and the government too would see increased revenue from taxes. Religious tourists create good business for hotels and restaurants including travel agents. However, this year Nepal is not even expecting one-fourth of the pilgrims of what it used to receive earlier. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Nepal tour operators request China to remove 'unpractical rules' for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidFEGuR4F0sDO6" /><meta charset="utf-8" />Nearly five months since Beijing inaugurated the Pokhara International Airport (PIA) in Nepal under its Belt and Road initiative, the airport is yet to receive a single international flight. With the airport performing dismally and barely sustaining itself, questions are rising if it could be a debt trap by the Chinese side to corner Nepal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Even before the airport was inaugurated for take off, troubles had started to mount. A day prior to the opening, the Chinese embassy in Kathmandu unilaterally announced that the Pokhara International Airport was a “flagship project of China-Nepal BRI cooperation”.</p>

<p>“This is the flagship project of China-Nepal BRI cooperation. Warmly congratulations to Nepali Gov and Nepali people!” the embassy said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The declaration riled up the Nepalese government with newly-appointed Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ expressing concerns over why and how this issue had surfaced at such a critical time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, former Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi had handed over the airport to the then Nepal prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, during a courtesy call held at Baluwatar last year.</p>

<p>Two weeks after the inauguration, the airport garnered international headlines yet again&nbsp;but for all the wrong reasons. A Yeti Airlines twin-engine ATR 72 plane crashed, attempting a landing at the airport. Reportedly, the plane crashed on the bank of the Seti River between the old airport and the new airport.</p>

<p>There were 72 people onboard the plane, including two infants, four crew members and 10 foreign nationals. According to reports, 68&nbsp;died in the crash.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-plane-crash-pokhara-international-airport-was-inaugurated-two-weeks-ago-built-with-chinese-assistance-552873" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | Nepal plane crash: Pokhara International Airport was inaugurated two weeks ago, built with Chinese assistance</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>China's debt-trap?</strong></h2>

<p>According to The Annapurna Express, in March 2016, China's Exim Bank provided $215.96 million in a loan agreement for the construction of the airport, which is surrounded by the pristine Annapurna Mountain Range</p>

<p>In order to sustain itself, the airport should be conducting at least 100 daily domestic and 500 weekly international flights, according to&nbsp;the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The airport has to pay $3.2 million&nbsp;alone in annual interest for which it needs to have income in excess of $19 million when it operates at full potential. However, experts argue that even then, the airport would struggle to pay the installments on time.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nepal-plane-crash-pokhara-international-airport-temporarily-closed-552980"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Nepal Plane Crash: Pokhara International Airport temporarily closed</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bikram Raj Gautam, chief of PIA is still optimistic about pulling international flights to the airport. However, to avoid criticism, he suggests profit should not be calculated with the money airport makes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The construction of this airport cost around Rs 22bn. We won’t be able to make a profit instantly as it is a long-term investment. The profit of PIA should not only be calculated in terms of the airport’s earnings. But rather we should see how much help the airport provides in terms of services to passengers, small and large-scale tourism businesses and the development of Pokhara city, among other factors,"&nbsp;Gautam was quoted as saying by the publication.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LUVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Nearly five months since Beijing inaugurated the Pokhara International Airport (PIA) in Nepal under its Belt and Road initiative, the airport is yet to receive a single international flight.

Nearly five months since Beijing inaugurated the Pokhara International Airport (PIA) in Nepal under its Belt and Road initiative, the airport is yet to receive a single international flight. With the airport performing dismally and barely sustaining itself, questions are rising if it could be a debt trap by the Chinese side to corner Nepal. Even before the airport was inaugurated for take off, troubles had started to mount. A day prior to the opening, the Chinese embassy in Kathmandu unilaterally announced that the Pokhara International Airport was a “flagship project of China-Nepal BRI cooperation”. “This is the flagship project of China-Nepal BRI cooperation. Warmly congratulations to Nepali Gov and Nepali people!” the embassy said. The declaration riled up the Nepalese government with newly-appointed Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ expressing concerns over why and how this issue had surfaced at such a critical time. Notably, former Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi had handed over the airport to the then Nepal prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, during a courtesy call held at Baluwatar last year. Two weeks after the inauguration, the airport garnered international headlines yet again but for all the wrong reasons. A Yeti Airlines twin-engine ATR 72 plane crashed, attempting a landing at the airport. Reportedly, the plane crashed on the bank of the Seti River between the old airport and the new airport. There were 72 people onboard the plane, including two infants, four crew members and 10 foreign nationals. According to reports, 68 died in the crash. ALSO READ | Nepal plane crash: Pokhara International Airport was inaugurated two weeks ago, built with Chinese assistance China's debt-trap? According to The Annapurna Express, in March 2016, China's Exim Bank provided $215.96 million in a loan agreement for the construction of the airport, which is surrounded by the pristine Annapurna Mountain Range In order to sustain itself, the airport should be conducting at least 100 daily domestic and 500 weekly international flights, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN). The airport has to pay $3.2 million alone in annual interest for which it needs to have income in excess of $19 million when it operates at full potential. However, experts argue that even then, the airport would struggle to pay the installments on time. WATCH | Nepal Plane Crash: Pokhara International Airport temporarily closed × Bikram Raj Gautam, chief of PIA is still optimistic about pulling international flights to the airport. However, to avoid criticism, he suggests profit should not be calculated with the money airport makes. "The construction of this airport cost around Rs 22bn. We won’t be able to make a profit instantly as it is a long-term investment. The profit of PIA should not only be calculated in terms of the airport’s earnings. But rather we should see how much help the airport provides in terms of services to passengers, small and large-scale tourism businesses and the development of Pokhara city, among other factors," Gautam was quoted as saying by the publication. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LUVE HERE:

Chinese-built Pokhara Airport yet to receive any international flights: Report

<p>The onset of summer heralds the arrival of the ‘king of fruits’ aka mango. People across the world are united in their love for mangoes. One such case of cross-border mango love can be seen between India and Nepal. Nepalis are flocking to Maharastra's Ratnagiri region to work on mango farms.</p>

<p>The Konkan region of Maharashtra is famous for its alphonso mangoes.</p>

<p>“I am from Nepal. For the first time, I came to Ratnagiri district by a bus. It took me three days. I came alone to work on the farms during the first two years, but later moved my family to Ratnagiri too,” says Teju, a migrant worker on a mango farm in Ratnagiri.</p>

<p>While Teju works&nbsp;on the farm, his wife acts as a keeper of the farm. She safeguards the mangoes from monkeys or any other damage.</p>

<p>But&nbsp;Teju is not alone in migrating to India to work on these farms. The Konkan region sees an influx of labourers from Nepal every year. The number of Nepalis who have travelled from Nepal to Maharashtra has grown significantly over the past few years. Official data shows that&nbsp;over 50,000 Nepalis travelled from Nepal to Maharastra in 2018 to&nbsp;work on mango farms.</p>

<p>The number has risen to over 150,000 in 2023.</p>

<p>Nepalis come in during the month of October and start their work by pruning branches and spraying fertiliser before the harvest season.</p>

<p>They stay till the end of May or early June. They also help to pick, sort and pack the mangoes for export or sale.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Nepalis bringing Ratnagiri mangoes to Maharashtra's tables</strong></p>

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<p>In fact, this&nbsp;year, mango farmers have said that they have seen a rise in first-time Nepali visitors on the farms.</p>

<p>The total cost of maintaining&nbsp;two farm keepers who usually work in pairs is about Rs 50,000 ($609)&nbsp;- 1 lakh ($1217)&nbsp;for a period of six months.</p>

<p>Pradeep Sawant owns 15 mango farms in Ratnagiri and employees&nbsp;over 30 keepers and 30 labourers on his farms.</p>

<p>He says that they work and live on the farm and are trustworthy.</p>

<p>Mango farmers say that the working pattern in the field is changing. Increasing number of Nepalis have started showing interest in working in Maharastra.&nbsp;At the end of the season the Nepali farm workers&nbsp;prepare the soil and do the grunt work for the next season. They leave for Nepal with a cumulative sum of around one&nbsp;Lakh ($1217), which is sufficient for them to survive for the next four months.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

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The onset of summer heralds the arrival of the ‘king of fruits’ aka mango. People across the world are united in their love for mangoes. One such case of cross-border mango love can be seen between India and Nepal.

The onset of summer heralds the arrival of the ‘king of fruits’ aka mango. People across the world are united in their love for mangoes. One such case of cross-border mango love can be seen between India and Nepal. Nepalis are flocking to Maharastra's Ratnagiri region to work on mango farms. The Konkan region of Maharashtra is famous for its alphonso mangoes. “I am from Nepal. For the first time, I came to Ratnagiri district by a bus. It took me three days. I came alone to work on the farms during the first two years, but later moved my family to Ratnagiri too,” says Teju, a migrant worker on a mango farm in Ratnagiri. While Teju works on the farm, his wife acts as a keeper of the farm. She safeguards the mangoes from monkeys or any other damage. But Teju is not alone in migrating to India to work on these farms. The Konkan region sees an influx of labourers from Nepal every year. The number of Nepalis who have travelled from Nepal to Maharashtra has grown significantly over the past few years. Official data shows that over 50,000 Nepalis travelled from Nepal to Maharastra in 2018 to work on mango farms. The number has risen to over 150,000 in 2023. Nepalis come in during the month of October and start their work by pruning branches and spraying fertiliser before the harvest season. They stay till the end of May or early June. They also help to pick, sort and pack the mangoes for export or sale. WATCH | Nepalis bringing Ratnagiri mangoes to Maharashtra's tables In fact, this year, mango farmers have said that they have seen a rise in first-time Nepali visitors on the farms. The total cost of maintaining two farm keepers who usually work in pairs is about Rs 50,000 ($609) - 1 lakh ($1217) for a period of six months. Pradeep Sawant owns 15 mango farms in Ratnagiri and employees over 30 keepers and 30 labourers on his farms. He says that they work and live on the farm and are trustworthy. Mango farmers say that the working pattern in the field is changing. Increasing number of Nepalis have started showing interest in working in Maharastra. At the end of the season the Nepali farm workers prepare the soil and do the grunt work for the next season. They leave for Nepal with a cumulative sum of around one Lakh ($1217), which is sufficient for them to survive for the next four months. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Love for mangoes crosses borders: Nepalis flock to Maharashtra to work on mango farms

Every year, thousands of Nepalis flood the Konkan region of Maharashtra, home to the world-famous Alphonso mango, to earn a living keeping monkeys, birds and thieves away.

India: Nepalis bringing Ratnagiri mangoes to Maharashtra's tables

Some top Nepalese officials have been arrested in a 'Bhutanese Refugee scam'. What is the scam all about? Mohammed Saleh reports.

Gravitas | Reports: Nepalese officials masking citizens as Bhutanese refugees

<p>A Nepalese lawmaker took off his shirt in the House amid a heated discussion on the fake Bhutanese refugee scam. Nepal-based media outlets reported that Amaresh Singh, who is an independent member of the House of Representatives, removed his shirt when the Speaker did not allow a slot for him to speak when the meeting started.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Concerns have been raised about the scam in Nepal after the police recently arrested former parliamentarian Indrajit Rai — a case linked to sending Nepalis to the United States in the guise of Bhutanese refugees. Rai was an advisor to former home minister Ram Bahadur Thapa.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He has been charged with issuing fake documents to Nepali citizens, identifying them as refugees. The process helped them go abroad easily.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The matter came into the limelight after Kantipur published multiple reports highlighting his involvement in the document forgery. After the reports, an arrest warrant was issued.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch this report:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>Local reports suggest that Nepal Police are investigating the scam, which involves top former government officials, high-profile leaders and bureaucrats and according to experts, the entire case has the potential of tarnishing the country's image globally.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by Khathmndu Post, Ramesh Nath Pandey, a former foreign minister, said, "This fake refugee scam has serious external dimensions too. The Home Ministry is taken as a sensitive ministry. Imagine what will happen if India and China come to believe that Nepal can no longer address their legitimate concerns?”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dinesh Bhattarai, a former ambassador and adviser to two former prime ministers, "This incident is unfortunate and if what the media are reporting is true, the dignity of our leadership has hit rock bottom. Definitely, the credibility of Nepali politicians has come under question."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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A Nepalese lawmaker took off his shirt in the House amid a heated discussion on the fake Bhutanese refugee scam. Nepal-based media outlets reported that Amaresh Singh, who is an independent member of the House of Representatives, removed his shirt when the Speaker did not allow a slot for him to speak when the meeting started.

A Nepalese lawmaker took off his shirt in the House amid a heated discussion on the fake Bhutanese refugee scam. Nepal-based media outlets reported that Amaresh Singh, who is an independent member of the House of Representatives, removed his shirt when the Speaker did not allow a slot for him to speak when the meeting started. Concerns have been raised about the scam in Nepal after the police recently arrested former parliamentarian Indrajit Rai — a case linked to sending Nepalis to the United States in the guise of Bhutanese refugees. Rai was an advisor to former home minister Ram Bahadur Thapa. He has been charged with issuing fake documents to Nepali citizens, identifying them as refugees. The process helped them go abroad easily. The matter came into the limelight after Kantipur published multiple reports highlighting his involvement in the document forgery. After the reports, an arrest warrant was issued. Watch this report: × Local reports suggest that Nepal Police are investigating the scam, which involves top former government officials, high-profile leaders and bureaucrats and according to experts, the entire case has the potential of tarnishing the country's image globally. As quoted by Khathmndu Post, Ramesh Nath Pandey, a former foreign minister, said, "This fake refugee scam has serious external dimensions too. The Home Ministry is taken as a sensitive ministry. Imagine what will happen if India and China come to believe that Nepal can no longer address their legitimate concerns?” Dinesh Bhattarai, a former ambassador and adviser to two former prime ministers, "This incident is unfortunate and if what the media are reporting is true, the dignity of our leadership has hit rock bottom. Definitely, the credibility of Nepali politicians has come under question." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Nepal: Lawmaker takes shirt off in House amid discussion on 'Bhutanese refugee scam'

The Bhutanese Refugee Scam is denting the image of Nepal. The Nepalese Police is investigating a scam that reportedly involves multiple former high-ranking officials from Nepal's Home Ministry. As several arrests have been made in this case, the latest being of the former Home Minister, Bal Krishna Khand. For details, watch the video.

Ex-Home Minister of Nepal Bal Krishna Khand arrested

Former Nepalese home ministry officials allegedly involved in the fake Bhutanese refugee camp scam. Multiple officials were arrested and protests erupts in the Parliament where lawmaker strips for not being allowed to speak.

Nepal's former member of the Parliament arrested as fake Bhutanese refugee camp scam rocks | WION

Nepal's former Home Minister and Nepali Congress leader Balkrishna Khand was on May 10 arrested from his residence in connection to the alleged trafficking of Nepal nationals as Bhutanese refugees abroad.

Nepal’s former Home Minister arrested in ‘Bhutanese refugee scam’

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