Many schools across the country have made it mandatory for students to learn Mandarin lured by the Chinese government`s offer to cover salaries of teachers who teach the language.

Principals and staff of at least 10 renowned private schools said Mandarin was a compulsory subject in their institutions, The Himalayan Times reported.

Many more private schools in Pokhara, Dhulikhel and other parts of the country have also made Mandarin language compulsory for students, according to Shiv Raj Pant, board of trustee, founder and chairman of LRI (Learning Realm International) School.

"Schools are allowed to teach foreign languages, but they cannot make those subjects mandatory for students," said Ganesh Prasad Bhattarai, information officer at the Curriculum Development Centre, a government body which designs school-level academic curriculum."

If a subject has to be made compulsory, it is us who take the decisions, not the schools," he added.

Schools that spoke to The Himalayan Times said they were aware of this provision, but they have simply overlooked it, as they are getting Mandarin teachers for free.

"We introduced Mandarin as a compulsory subject two years ago after the Chinese Embassy agreed to provide teachers free of cost," Kuldip Neupane, principal at United School, was quoted as saying.

Other schools also confirmed that salaries of Mandarin teachers were being paid by the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu.

"We only need to provide a stipend to Chinese teachers to cover their accommodation and food costs," said Hari Dahal, principal of Apex Life School.

However, Chinese Embassy Spokesperson, Ji Guangli, is yet to comment on the issue.

"We know children should be allowed to make choices. So, if there are volunteers who wish to teach Japanese and German, we will always welcome them," Khyam Nath Timsina, principal of Shuvatara School said.

Many schools across the country have made it mandatory for students to learn Mandarin lured by the Chinese government`s offer to cover salaries of teachers who teach the language.

Many schools across the country have made it mandatory for students to learn Mandarin lured by the Chinese government`s offer to cover salaries of teachers who teach the language. Principals and staff of at least 10 renowned private schools said Mandarin was a compulsory subject in their institutions, The Himalayan Times reported. Many more private schools in Pokhara, Dhulikhel and other parts of the country have also made Mandarin language compulsory for students, according to Shiv Raj Pant, board of trustee, founder and chairman of LRI (Learning Realm International) School. "Schools are allowed to teach foreign languages, but they cannot make those subjects mandatory for students," said Ganesh Prasad Bhattarai, information officer at the Curriculum Development Centre, a government body which designs school-level academic curriculum." If a subject has to be made compulsory, it is us who take the decisions, not the schools," he added. Schools that spoke to The Himalayan Times said they were aware of this provision, but they have simply overlooked it, as they are getting Mandarin teachers for free. "We introduced Mandarin as a compulsory subject two years ago after the Chinese Embassy agreed to provide teachers free of cost," Kuldip Neupane, principal at United School, was quoted as saying. Other schools also confirmed that salaries of Mandarin teachers were being paid by the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. "We only need to provide a stipend to Chinese teachers to cover their accommodation and food costs," said Hari Dahal, principal of Apex Life School. However, Chinese Embassy Spokesperson, Ji Guangli, is yet to comment on the issue. "We know children should be allowed to make choices. So, if there are volunteers who wish to teach Japanese and German, we will always welcome them," Khyam Nath Timsina, principal of Shuvatara School said.

Chinese language made mandatory in many schools in Nepal

The Nepal government has cleared legal hurdles to buy rifles from the US which has been pending for over a year due to differences over payment modality, according to a media report.

The government would acquire 6,000 rifles, including M4, M-16, and A4 to equip its squads deployed as blue helmets in war-torn countries.

The plan to buy the weapons was delayed after the supplier demanded the entire payment in a single sum, the Kathmandu Post reported.

Despite clearance from the Ministry of Defence to procure the arms from the US Army, it had not materialised since the Nepali side couldn't pay the entire amount before the rifles were supplied.&nbsp;

The Nepal Army was allowed to make the payment only in three transactions: an advance once the deal is signed, intermediate as delivery begins, and the final payment once all the consignment is delivered-before the Cabinet cleared the hurdles for the payment.

However, officials on Thursday said the legal hurdles have been cleared by the Cabinet in a decision made last month.

"Now the payment can be made as demanded by the US Army,"&nbsp;Babu Ram Gautam, spokesperson for the Defence Ministry, was quoted as saying in the report.&nbsp;

Nepal has 5,076 blue helmets, ranking sixth amongst 127 countries contributing to UN peacekeeping missions around the world.

Andrea De Arment, the US Embassy spokesperson in Kathmandu, said the US government will proceed with the further steps for the supply once the funding is received.

Although both the Nepal Army and the US Embassy refrained from disclosing the amount, an estimated Rs. 2.19 billion will be required to import the modern rifles, the report said.

The Nepal Army acquired the M16 rifles for the first time in 2003 as part of the US government's support to contain Maoist revolutionaries.&nbsp;

The Nepal government has cleared legal hurdles to buy rifles from the US which has been pending for over a year due to differences over payment modality, according to a media report.

The Nepal government has cleared legal hurdles to buy rifles from the US which has been pending for over a year due to differences over payment modality, according to a media report. The government would acquire 6,000 rifles, including M4, M-16, and A4 to equip its squads deployed as blue helmets in war-torn countries. The plan to buy the weapons was delayed after the supplier demanded the entire payment in a single sum, the Kathmandu Post reported. Despite clearance from the Ministry of Defence to procure the arms from the US Army, it had not materialised since the Nepali side couldn't pay the entire amount before the rifles were supplied. The Nepal Army was allowed to make the payment only in three transactions: an advance once the deal is signed, intermediate as delivery begins, and the final payment once all the consignment is delivered-before the Cabinet cleared the hurdles for the payment. However, officials on Thursday said the legal hurdles have been cleared by the Cabinet in a decision made last month. "Now the payment can be made as demanded by the US Army," Babu Ram Gautam, spokesperson for the Defence Ministry, was quoted as saying in the report. Nepal has 5,076 blue helmets, ranking sixth amongst 127 countries contributing to UN peacekeeping missions around the world. Andrea De Arment, the US Embassy spokesperson in Kathmandu, said the US government will proceed with the further steps for the supply once the funding is received. Although both the Nepal Army and the US Embassy refrained from disclosing the amount, an estimated Rs. 2.19 billion will be required to import the modern rifles, the report said. The Nepal Army acquired the M16 rifles for the first time in 2003 as part of the US government's support to contain Maoist revolutionaries.

Nepal clears legal hurdles to acquire US rifles

The large number of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-faces-mountainous-challenge-identifying-everest-bodies-225598">deaths of climbers on the Mount Everest</a> this season is not solely due to the "traffic jam" on the world's highest peak, the Nepal government claimed Thursday, citing factors like high altitude sickness, other health reasons and adverse weather.

The number of deaths on Mt Everest was put at 11 by the international media, making it the deadliest season since 2015. However, the Nepal tourism ministry maintained the death toll at 9.

Four Indians died on the 8,848-metres high Mt Everest and two each died on Mt. Kangchenjunga and Mt. Makalu, bringing the total death toll of Indian climbers in the Himalayas to 8.

"Our attention has been drawn to the wrong information about deaths on Mt Everest conveyed by national and international media," said Dandu Raj Ghimire, Director General of the Department of Tourism (DoT), adding that "traffic jam" did not cause the deaths.

A 'Traffic jam' occurs when many climbers vie for the summit at the same time and can be especially dangerous above 8,000 metres known as the 'death zone'

The DoT's statement has come at a time when it is facing immense criticism for issuing too many permits to scale the world's tallest peak while disregarding the safety of the climbers, reports The Himalayan Times.

According to Ghimire, the post-mortem reports of the deceased climbers have shown that they died due to high altitude sickness, weakness or adverse weather conditions.

In the statement, the DoT has stated that it had issued 366 expedition permits in 2017 and 346 expedition permits in 2018 - not a huge difference compared to 381 permits issued this year for the highest peak.

"Hence, it untrue that congestion killed climbers on Mt Everest and we urge everyone not to be swayed by false information," the statement added.

Ghimire also expressed his dissatisfaction at the dissemination of such "wrong" information in the international media.

"Such false news tarnishes our image and affects our mountaineering sector. Therefore, everyone should think twice before passing such misleading messages in the international platform," he added.

More than 200 mountaineers have died on the peak since 1922 when the first climbers' deaths on Mt Everest were recorded.

The majority of bodies are believed to have remained buried under glaciers or snow.

Five people died on Mt Everest in 2018.

In 2016 and 2017, the world's tallest peak claimed lives of six and five climbers respectively.

In 2015, quake-triggered avalanches killed 20 climbers.

Hundreds of climbers flock each year to Nepal - home to several of the world's highest mountains, to scale Himalayan peaks during the spring season that begins around March and ends in June.

According to Nepal Department of Tourism, more than 4,400 people have scaled the summit since Edmund Hilary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay first conquered the mountain in 1953.&nbsp;

The large number of deaths of climbers on the Mount Everest this season is not solely due to the "traffic jam" on the world's highest peak, the Nepal government claimed Thursday, citing factors like high altitude sickness, other health reasons and adverse weather.

The large number of deaths of climbers on the Mount Everest this season is not solely due to the "traffic jam" on the world's highest peak, the Nepal government claimed Thursday, citing factors like high altitude sickness, other health reasons and adverse weather. The number of deaths on Mt Everest was put at 11 by the international media, making it the deadliest season since 2015. However, the Nepal tourism ministry maintained the death toll at 9. Four Indians died on the 8,848-metres high Mt Everest and two each died on Mt. Kangchenjunga and Mt. Makalu, bringing the total death toll of Indian climbers in the Himalayas to 8. "Our attention has been drawn to the wrong information about deaths on Mt Everest conveyed by national and international media," said Dandu Raj Ghimire, Director General of the Department of Tourism (DoT), adding that "traffic jam" did not cause the deaths. A 'Traffic jam' occurs when many climbers vie for the summit at the same time and can be especially dangerous above 8,000 metres known as the 'death zone' The DoT's statement has come at a time when it is facing immense criticism for issuing too many permits to scale the world's tallest peak while disregarding the safety of the climbers, reports The Himalayan Times. According to Ghimire, the post-mortem reports of the deceased climbers have shown that they died due to high altitude sickness, weakness or adverse weather conditions. In the statement, the DoT has stated that it had issued 366 expedition permits in 2017 and 346 expedition permits in 2018 - not a huge difference compared to 381 permits issued this year for the highest peak. "Hence, it untrue that congestion killed climbers on Mt Everest and we urge everyone not to be swayed by false information," the statement added. Ghimire also expressed his dissatisfaction at the dissemination of such "wrong" information in the international media. "Such false news tarnishes our image and affects our mountaineering sector. Therefore, everyone should think twice before passing such misleading messages in the international platform," he added. More than 200 mountaineers have died on the peak since 1922 when the first climbers' deaths on Mt Everest were recorded. The majority of bodies are believed to have remained buried under glaciers or snow. Five people died on Mt Everest in 2018. In 2016 and 2017, the world's tallest peak claimed lives of six and five climbers respectively. In 2015, quake-triggered avalanches killed 20 climbers. Hundreds of climbers flock each year to Nepal - home to several of the world's highest mountains, to scale Himalayan peaks during the spring season that begins around March and ends in June. According to Nepal Department of Tourism, more than 4,400 people have scaled the summit since Edmund Hilary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay first conquered the mountain in 1953.

Congestion alone did not kill climbers on Mount Everest: Nepal government

Batting colourful lashes and swinging their silky wigs, drag artists danced to a cheering crowd at a Nepali restaurant in the country's first such show.

The floor of the Pink Tiffany, Nepal's first LGBTI-friendly restaurant, was packed on Tuesday evening to applaud the debut performances, with many in the audience also wearing glittery make-up and vibrant outfits.&nbsp;

Meghna Lama, the restaurant's owner and a transgender woman, said she was excited to host the groundbreaking event.&nbsp;

"We wanted to organise programs to show that LGBTIs also exist here, so for the first time we are trying to do the drag show," Lama told AFP.&nbsp;

The show was headlined by American artists, but Lama hopes it will open doors for Nepali drag enthusiasts to take to the stage.&nbsp;

"This is exciting, I feel very free here. It is so good to see others enjoy (transforming) as I do," said a 20-year-old Nepali participant who goes by the name of Peachy Pie.

Nepal has some of South Asia's most progressive laws on homosexuality and transgender rights.&nbsp;

Landmark reforms in 2007 prohibited discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and recognised gay Nepalis, at a time when homosexuality was still illegal in neighbouring India.&nbsp;

Transgender Nepalis were also granted the right to tick "other" when voting, applying for a passport, or other official documents.

But gay and transgender Nepalis and rights activists say action has not matched the rhetoric. More than a decade on, the community still faces discrimination in the conservative society.

"In Nepal, we didn't have specific spaces for LGBTIs even now. So when you are doing certain things that are aimed to be queer you are also reclaiming space, not just as space but also a space in society," said Rukshana Kapali, a transgender woman who came to watch the show.

More than 900,000 of Nepal's roughly 26 million population identify as a sexual minority, according to LGBTI rights group Blue Diamond Society.

Batting colourful lashes and swinging their silky wigs, drag artists danced to a cheering crowd at a Nepali restaurant in the country's first such show. The floor of the Pink Tiffany, Nepal's first LGBTI-friendly restaurant, was packed on Tuesday evening to applaud the debut performances, with many in the audience also wearing glittery make-up and vibrant outfits.

Batting colourful lashes and swinging their silky wigs, drag artists danced to a cheering crowd at a Nepali restaurant in the country's first such show. The floor of the Pink Tiffany, Nepal's first LGBTI-friendly restaurant, was packed on Tuesday evening to applaud the debut performances, with many in the audience also wearing glittery make-up and vibrant outfits. Meghna Lama, the restaurant's owner and a transgender woman, said she was excited to host the groundbreaking event. "We wanted to organise programs to show that LGBTIs also exist here, so for the first time we are trying to do the drag show," Lama told AFP. The show was headlined by American artists, but Lama hopes it will open doors for Nepali drag enthusiasts to take to the stage. "This is exciting, I feel very free here. It is so good to see others enjoy (transforming) as I do," said a 20-year-old Nepali participant who goes by the name of Peachy Pie. Nepal has some of South Asia's most progressive laws on homosexuality and transgender rights. Landmark reforms in 2007 prohibited discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and recognised gay Nepalis, at a time when homosexuality was still illegal in neighbouring India. Transgender Nepalis were also granted the right to tick "other" when voting, applying for a passport, or other official documents. But gay and transgender Nepalis and rights activists say action has not matched the rhetoric. More than a decade on, the community still faces discrimination in the conservative society. "In Nepal, we didn't have specific spaces for LGBTIs even now. So when you are doing certain things that are aimed to be queer you are also reclaiming space, not just as space but also a space in society," said Rukshana Kapali, a transgender woman who came to watch the show. More than 900,000 of Nepal's roughly 26 million population identify as a sexual minority, according to LGBTI rights group Blue Diamond Society.

Artists light up Nepal's first drag show

Nepal's month-long 'Rato Machhindranath' chariot festival came to an end on Sunday (June 09), in south-central Lalitpur city in Nepal.

Nepal celebrates ancient chariot festival to appease rain gods for good harvest

The 'Rato Machhindranath'&nbsp;chariot festival concluded in Nepal's Lalitpur district on Sunday after observing 'Bhoto Jatra'&nbsp;or the 'vest festival'&nbsp;that marks the end of the month-long celebration.

The festival surrounds the old tradition of publicly displaying a jewel-studded vest 'Bhoto'&nbsp;on the last day of the Jatra.

Indra Bajracharya, a resident of Patan in Kathmandu Valley told ANI that a Jyapu (Newar farmer) lost the vest which he had received as a gift from the serpent god Karkotaka Naga for doing him a favour.

One day, the farmer had come to Jawalakhel to watch the chariot pulling festival where he saw someone wearing his missing garment.

A brawl broke out over the vest, and as neither party could prove ownership, the vest since then has been shown to the public annually as a call to potential claimants to step forward.

The jewel-studded vest is packed and kept inside the cloth pouch for a year and opened only in the presence of the Head of State on a particular day fixed by the priests when the 'Rato Machhindranath Jatra'&nbsp;commences.

Besides, there also exists another myth about the commencement of the festival in the mountainous country.

According to Hindu culture, there is a myth that Yogi Gorakhnath, the founder of 'Nath Hindu', came to seek alms in Patan which the people in the region did not provide him.

Hence, he became very furious and captured all the rain and transforming them into serpents. There was no rain in Patan for ages.

To solve problems, astrologers and Pandits advised the King to invite Machhedranath. Machhedranath is believed to be the teacher of yogi Gorakhnath; knowing that his teacher was in town, he went to meet him freeing all the serpents which resulted in plenty of rainfall.

Therefore, this festival is also celebrated as a symbol of rain and fertility.

This festival is celebrated by pulling the wooden wheeled chariot along the various parts of the city.

A 60-feet tall spire fabricated from bamboo poles raised from its all four ends is carried by the chariot. The occasion was graced by the presence of President Bidhya Devi Bhandari along with other dignitaries.&nbsp;

The 'Rato Machhindranath' chariot festival concluded in Nepal's Lalitpur district on Sunday after observing 'Bhoto Jatra' or the 'vest festival' that marks the end of the month-long celebration.

The 'Rato Machhindranath' chariot festival concluded in Nepal's Lalitpur district on Sunday after observing 'Bhoto Jatra' or the 'vest festival' that marks the end of the month-long celebration. The festival surrounds the old tradition of publicly displaying a jewel-studded vest 'Bhoto' on the last day of the Jatra. Indra Bajracharya, a resident of Patan in Kathmandu Valley told ANI that a Jyapu (Newar farmer) lost the vest which he had received as a gift from the serpent god Karkotaka Naga for doing him a favour. One day, the farmer had come to Jawalakhel to watch the chariot pulling festival where he saw someone wearing his missing garment. A brawl broke out over the vest, and as neither party could prove ownership, the vest since then has been shown to the public annually as a call to potential claimants to step forward. The jewel-studded vest is packed and kept inside the cloth pouch for a year and opened only in the presence of the Head of State on a particular day fixed by the priests when the 'Rato Machhindranath Jatra' commences. Besides, there also exists another myth about the commencement of the festival in the mountainous country. According to Hindu culture, there is a myth that Yogi Gorakhnath, the founder of 'Nath Hindu', came to seek alms in Patan which the people in the region did not provide him. Hence, he became very furious and captured all the rain and transforming them into serpents. There was no rain in Patan for ages. To solve problems, astrologers and Pandits advised the King to invite Machhedranath. Machhedranath is believed to be the teacher of yogi Gorakhnath; knowing that his teacher was in town, he went to meet him freeing all the serpents which resulted in plenty of rainfall. Therefore, this festival is also celebrated as a symbol of rain and fertility. This festival is celebrated by pulling the wooden wheeled chariot along the various parts of the city. A 60-feet tall spire fabricated from bamboo poles raised from its all four ends is carried by the chariot. The occasion was graced by the presence of President Bidhya Devi Bhandari along with other dignitaries.

Nepal: Bhoto Jatra marks end of longest Rato Machindranath Chariot Festival

At least two people lost their lives and a hundred were injured after a storm hit Nepal`s Kailali and Kanchanpur districts in the Far-Western Development Region on Thursday evening.

While 77 people were wounded due to the storms in Kailali, 23 people have been injured in Kanchanpur, taking the total count up to a hundred.

"Two people are confirmed dead and over 77 are injured as the storm hit the district on Thursday evening," the Chief District Officer of Kailali district, Yagyaraj Bohara, confirmed to ANI over the phone.

The dead were identified as 47-year-old Lahanu Chaudhary and Birbahadur Chaudhary, whose age is yet to be determined."We have already started an assessment of the damage caused by the storm last evening.&nbsp;

The search and rescue operation is over now.&nbsp;

Out of the 77 injured, four are in a critical condition and currently undergoing treatment at hospitals like the Seti Zonal Hospital," CDO Bohara added.

Several electricity polls were damaged while trees were uprooted due to the strong winds, followed by heavy rainfall. This has led to highways being blocked, along with causing a disruption to the electricity supply.

"A total of 23 people are injured in Kanchanpur district. Out of the injured people, eight have been referred to Seti Zonal Hospital for further treatment. An 11-year-old girl, who was seriously injured, continues to be in a critical condition," Deputy Chief District Officer, Gokarna Prasad Upadhyaya, told ANI via telephone.

Educational institutions in both districts remained closed on Friday due to the devastation caused by the storms.&nbsp;

A large number of schools have borne damage, which has restricted their operations.

Nepal`s capital, Kathmandu, also witnessed strong winds followed by heavy rainfall on Friday morning. No casualties have been reported yet.

At least two people lost their lives and a hundred were injured after a storm hit Nepal`s Kailali and Kanchanpur districts in the Far-Western Development Region on Thursday evening.

At least two people lost their lives and a hundred were injured after a storm hit Nepal`s Kailali and Kanchanpur districts in the Far-Western Development Region on Thursday evening. While 77 people were wounded due to the storms in Kailali, 23 people have been injured in Kanchanpur, taking the total count up to a hundred. "Two people are confirmed dead and over 77 are injured as the storm hit the district on Thursday evening," the Chief District Officer of Kailali district, Yagyaraj Bohara, confirmed to ANI over the phone. The dead were identified as 47-year-old Lahanu Chaudhary and Birbahadur Chaudhary, whose age is yet to be determined."We have already started an assessment of the damage caused by the storm last evening. The search and rescue operation is over now. Out of the 77 injured, four are in a critical condition and currently undergoing treatment at hospitals like the Seti Zonal Hospital," CDO Bohara added. Several electricity polls were damaged while trees were uprooted due to the strong winds, followed by heavy rainfall. This has led to highways being blocked, along with causing a disruption to the electricity supply. "A total of 23 people are injured in Kanchanpur district. Out of the injured people, eight have been referred to Seti Zonal Hospital for further treatment. An 11-year-old girl, who was seriously injured, continues to be in a critical condition," Deputy Chief District Officer, Gokarna Prasad Upadhyaya, told ANI via telephone. Educational institutions in both districts remained closed on Friday due to the devastation caused by the storms. A large number of schools have borne damage, which has restricted their operations. Nepal`s capital, Kathmandu, also witnessed strong winds followed by heavy rainfall on Friday morning. No casualties have been reported yet.

Two dead, 100 injured as storm hits Nepal's western region

Nepal Government has found 4 more dead bodies and 11 tonnes of garbage on the Mount Everest. Watch this video to know more.

11 tonnes of garbage found on Everest

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-take-unprecedented-action-to-ensure-supply-of-rare-earths-critical-to-tech-military-us-224397">Will take unprecedented action to ensure supply of rare earths critical to tech, military: US</a>

The United States will take "unprecedented actions" to ensure the supply of strategic minerals and rare earth critical to the tech sector and the military, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said Tuesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-pm-imran-khan-announces-militarys-voluntary-cut-in-defence-expenditure-amid-financial-crisis-224402">Pak PM Imran Khan announces military's 'voluntary cut' in defence expenditure amid financial crisis</a>

Pakistan PM Imran Khan announced today that the country's military has decided on "unprecedented voluntary initiative of stringent cuts in its defence expenditures" due to the critical financial situation prevailing in the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-2019-virat-kohlis-india-begins-campaign-against-stunned-south-africa-224406">World Cup 2019: Virat Kohli's India begins campaign against 'stunned' South Africa</a>

Virat Kohli-led Team India will start their 2019 World Cup campaign against South Africa today at Southampton. &nbsp;All the participating teams have played at least one match in the ongoing edition and now the 'Men in Blue' will begin their quest to win the World Cup for the third time.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-may-limit-access-to-everest-after-mountaineering-deaths-224409">Nepal may limit access to Everest after mountaineering deaths</a>

Eleven people died during the climbing season that ended this week, as record numbers lined the route to the summit. Although overcrowding was blamed for at least four deaths, many say inexperience is a bigger killer.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/huawei-willing-to-sign-no-spy-agreement-with-us-government-chairman-224403">Huawei willing to sign 'no-spy agreement' with US government: Chairman Liang Hua</a>

In response to years of allegations by the United States and its allies that Huawei`s products could be accessed by Chinese Intelligence Agencies for spying, the company said on Tuesday that it is willing to sign a "no-spy agreement" with the US government if the opportunity opens up.

Will take unprecedented action to ensure supply of rare earths critical to tech, military: US The United States will take "unprecedented actions" to ensure the supply of strategic minerals and rare earth critical to the tech sector and the military, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said Tuesday.

Will take unprecedented action to ensure supply of rare earths critical to tech, military: US The United States will take "unprecedented actions" to ensure the supply of strategic minerals and rare earth critical to the tech sector and the military, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said Tuesday. Pak PM Imran Khan announces military's 'voluntary cut' in defence expenditure amid financial crisis Pakistan PM Imran Khan announced today that the country's military has decided on "unprecedented voluntary initiative of stringent cuts in its defence expenditures" due to the critical financial situation prevailing in the country. World Cup 2019: Virat Kohli's India begins campaign against 'stunned' South Africa Virat Kohli-led Team India will start their 2019 World Cup campaign against South Africa today at Southampton. All the participating teams have played at least one match in the ongoing edition and now the 'Men in Blue' will begin their quest to win the World Cup for the third time. Nepal may limit access to Everest after mountaineering deaths Eleven people died during the climbing season that ended this week, as record numbers lined the route to the summit. Although overcrowding was blamed for at least four deaths, many say inexperience is a bigger killer. Huawei willing to sign 'no-spy agreement' with US government: Chairman Liang Hua In response to years of allegations by the United States and its allies that Huawei`s products could be accessed by Chinese Intelligence Agencies for spying, the company said on Tuesday that it is willing to sign a "no-spy agreement" with the US government if the opportunity opens up.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Several Maoist activists were arrested in Nepal as a general strike called by an outlawed communist group on Monday disrupted normal life in the country, a day after a series of explosions rocked the capital Kathmandu, killing at least four people. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Educational institutions and business establishments remained shut in major cities while traffic was thin due to the strike called by the Netra Bikram Chand (Biplav)-led Communist Party of Nepal to protest against the killing of its cadre during an encounter a couple of months ago.

Just a day ahead of the nationwide strike, a series of bombs exploded at different parts of the capital city, killing four people and injuring seven others.

Police said they suspect that the outlawed group that once split from the ruling Communist Party was responsible for the blasts as its members have been protesting the arrests of their supporters.

The bombings were the deadliest since the government imposed a ban on the activities of Chand-led outfit on March 12 following a blast outside its office in Nakkhu in Southern Nepal that killed one person.

A cadre of Chand-led outfit was killed on the spot and another was injured after a powerful bomb went off at a house in Ghattekulo in Kathmandu on Sunday.

The deceased has been identified as Prajjwal Shahi and is said to be the leader of CPN-aligned student wing. According to the police, he was making a bomb when it accidentally went off.

Police have found pamphlets belonging to the splinter Communist group at the explosion site.

Another pressure cooker bomb went off at a barber's shop in Sukedhara in Kathmandu, killing three persons and injuring four others.

Amid a high alert after Sunday's attacks, Nepal Army diffused pressure cooker bombs at various places including Pokhara Metropolitan City, Morang, Baitadi and Tanhu districts. The security forces also recovered suspected objects from different parts of the country.

Protestors torched a passenger bus in Surkheton Monday. However, no one was injured in the incident.

Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa has instructed the law enforcement agencies to step up the security in view of the violence that has erupted in the wake of the general strike.

The outlawed group split from the Maoist party, which fought government troops from 1996 to 2006, when its members gave up their armed revolt to join a peace process and mainstream politics.&nbsp;

Several Maoist activists were arrested in Nepal as a general strike called by an outlawed communist group on Monday disrupted normal life in the country, a day after a series of explosions rocked the capital Kathmandu, killing at least four people.

Several Maoist activists were arrested in Nepal as a general strike called by an outlawed communist group on Monday disrupted normal life in the country, a day after a series of explosions rocked the capital Kathmandu, killing at least four people. Educational institutions and business establishments remained shut in major cities while traffic was thin due to the strike called by the Netra Bikram Chand (Biplav)-led Communist Party of Nepal to protest against the killing of its cadre during an encounter a couple of months ago. Just a day ahead of the nationwide strike, a series of bombs exploded at different parts of the capital city, killing four people and injuring seven others. Police said they suspect that the outlawed group that once split from the ruling Communist Party was responsible for the blasts as its members have been protesting the arrests of their supporters. The bombings were the deadliest since the government imposed a ban on the activities of Chand-led outfit on March 12 following a blast outside its office in Nakkhu in Southern Nepal that killed one person. A cadre of Chand-led outfit was killed on the spot and another was injured after a powerful bomb went off at a house in Ghattekulo in Kathmandu on Sunday. The deceased has been identified as Prajjwal Shahi and is said to be the leader of CPN-aligned student wing. According to the police, he was making a bomb when it accidentally went off. Police have found pamphlets belonging to the splinter Communist group at the explosion site. Another pressure cooker bomb went off at a barber's shop in Sukedhara in Kathmandu, killing three persons and injuring four others. Amid a high alert after Sunday's attacks, Nepal Army diffused pressure cooker bombs at various places including Pokhara Metropolitan City, Morang, Baitadi and Tanhu districts. The security forces also recovered suspected objects from different parts of the country. Protestors torched a passenger bus in Surkheton Monday. However, no one was injured in the incident. Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa has instructed the law enforcement agencies to step up the security in view of the violence that has erupted in the wake of the general strike. The outlawed group split from the Maoist party, which fought government troops from 1996 to 2006, when its members gave up their armed revolt to join a peace process and mainstream politics.

Maoist activists arrested in Nepal as nationwide strike disrupts life

A day after three consecutive <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-at-least-three-dead-in-two-explosions-in-kathmandu-221803">blasts in Kathmandu </a>claimed the lives of four people, Nepal on Monday morning witnessed incidents of violence in different parts of the country.

A parked truck was set on fire in the Nawalparasi district, while a bus was found burned down in the Surkhet district of Nepal's Karnali province, police said.

Nepalese army diffused three bombs in the Pokhara municipality, and one other in the Annapurna Municipality of the Kaski district.

Police have arrested nine people in connection with Sunday`s blasts that took place in Sukedhara, Ghattekulo and Naagdhunga areas of Kathmandu and claimed lives of 4 people and injured 9 others.

Police believe that a banned communist group suspected of yesterday`s bombing is also behind the incidents reported across the country today.

The Government of Nepal had recently blacklisted this splinter Maoist group for its extortion and violent activities. The group had called for a strike on Monday to protest against the government`s attempt to contain it.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A day after three consecutive blasts in Kathmandu claimed the lives of four people, Nepal on Monday morning witnessed incidents of violence in different parts of the country.

A day after three consecutive blasts in Kathmandu claimed the lives of four people, Nepal on Monday morning witnessed incidents of violence in different parts of the country. A parked truck was set on fire in the Nawalparasi district, while a bus was found burned down in the Surkhet district of Nepal's Karnali province, police said. Nepalese army diffused three bombs in the Pokhara municipality, and one other in the Annapurna Municipality of the Kaski district. Police have arrested nine people in connection with Sunday`s blasts that took place in Sukedhara, Ghattekulo and Naagdhunga areas of Kathmandu and claimed lives of 4 people and injured 9 others. Police believe that a banned communist group suspected of yesterday`s bombing is also behind the incidents reported across the country today. The Government of Nepal had recently blacklisted this splinter Maoist group for its extortion and violent activities. The group had called for a strike on Monday to protest against the government`s attempt to contain it.

Bombs planted at various locations, vehicles torched in Nepal following three blasts

At least three people were killed and five others were injured in two separate gas cylinder explosions in the Nepal capital, Kathmandu on Sunday.

The first incident happened in Sukedhara area of the national capital where a gas cylinder exploded, killing two persons and injuring seven others.

Another person was killed in a separate gas cylinder explosion in city's Anamnagar area, police said.

The injured were shifted to hospital where they are undergoing treatment.&nbsp;

At least three people were killed and five others were injured in two separate gas cylinder explosions in the Nepal capital, Kathmandu on Sunday. The first incident happened in Sukedhara area of the national capital where a gas cylinder exploded, killing two persons and injuring seven others.

At least three people were killed and five others were injured in two separate gas cylinder explosions in the Nepal capital, Kathmandu on Sunday. The first incident happened in Sukedhara area of the national capital where a gas cylinder exploded, killing two persons and injuring seven others. Another person was killed in a separate gas cylinder explosion in city's Anamnagar area, police said. The injured were shifted to hospital where they are undergoing treatment.

Nepal: At least three dead in two explosions in Kathmandu

A British climber too weak to descend from Mount Everest died on Saturday, officials said, the eighth climber to die on the world’s tallest mountain and the 18th in Nepal`s Himalayas during the current climbing season.

Hiking officials attributed most of the deaths to weakness, exhaustion and delays on the crowded route to the 8,850-metre (29,035 feet) summit.

Robin Haynes Fisher, 44, died in the so-called "death zone" known for low levels of oxygen on the descent from the summit, Mira Acharya, a tourism department official, said.

He is the eighth fatality on Everest in the current climbing season that ends this month.

“He died because of weakness after a long ascent and difficult descent,” Murari Sharma of the Everest Parivar Treks company that arranged his logistics told Reuters. “He was descending with his Sherpa guides from the summit when he suddenly fainted."

Fellow guides changed Fisher's oxygen bottle and offered him water, but could not save him, Sharma said.

Garrett Madison of the U.S. based Madison Mountaineering company that sponsors climbers to Mount Everest said many were not "well qualified or prepared climbers" and were without the support necessary to ascend and descend safely.

"If they were with a strong and experienced team they would have likely been fine, but with minimal support, once something goes wrong it`s tough to get back on course," Madison told Reuters.

Mount Everest can also be climbed from Tibet and casualties have been reported from there this season too.

A British climber too weak to descend from Mount Everest died on Saturday, officials said, the eighth climber to die on the world’s tallest mountain and the 18th in Nepal`s Himalayas during the current climbing season.

A British climber too weak to descend from Mount Everest died on Saturday, officials said, the eighth climber to die on the world’s tallest mountain and the 18th in Nepal`s Himalayas during the current climbing season. Hiking officials attributed most of the deaths to weakness, exhaustion and delays on the crowded route to the 8,850-metre (29,035 feet) summit. Robin Haynes Fisher, 44, died in the so-called "death zone" known for low levels of oxygen on the descent from the summit, Mira Acharya, a tourism department official, said. He is the eighth fatality on Everest in the current climbing season that ends this month. “He died because of weakness after a long ascent and difficult descent,” Murari Sharma of the Everest Parivar Treks company that arranged his logistics told Reuters. “He was descending with his Sherpa guides from the summit when he suddenly fainted." Fellow guides changed Fisher's oxygen bottle and offered him water, but could not save him, Sharma said. Garrett Madison of the U.S. based Madison Mountaineering company that sponsors climbers to Mount Everest said many were not "well qualified or prepared climbers" and were without the support necessary to ascend and descend safely. "If they were with a strong and experienced team they would have likely been fine, but with minimal support, once something goes wrong it`s tough to get back on course," Madison told Reuters. Mount Everest can also be climbed from Tibet and casualties have been reported from there this season too.

British climber dies on Everest as death toll of climbers in Nepal reaches 18

The deaths of an Irish and a British climber on Mount Everest took the toll from a deadly week on the world's highest peak to 10, expedition organisers said Saturday.

British climber Robin Fisher, 44, reached the summit Saturday morning but collapsed when he had got just 150 metres back down the slope.&nbsp;

"Our guides tried to help but he died soon after," Murari Sharma of Everest Parivar Expedition told AFP.&nbsp;

On the northern Tibet side of the mountain, a 56-year-old Irish man died Friday morning, his expedition organisers confirmed in a statement on their Facebook page.

The man decided to return without reaching the summit but died in his tent at the North Col pass at 7,000 metres (22,965 feet).&nbsp;

Four climbers from India and one each from the United States, Austria and Nepal have already died on Everest in the past week. Another Irish mountaineer is missing presumed dead after he slipped and fell close to the summit.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/traffic-jam-on-everest-as-two-more-climbers-die-reaching-summit-221113">A traffic jam of climbers in the Everest</a> "death zone" has been blamed for at least four of the deaths, heightening concerns that the drive for profits is trumping safety.&nbsp;

Nepal issued a record 381 permits for mainly foreign climbers, costing $11,000 each, for the spring climbing season.

Each climber with a permit is assisted by at least one Sherpa, adding to the summit logjam.

With the short window of suitable weather due to close soon, bottlenecks of scores of climbers wanting to achieve the ultimate mountaineering accolade have built up each day.

An estimated 600 people had reached the summit via the Nepal side by Friday, a government official said, based on information from expedition organisers.&nbsp;

At least 140 others have been granted permits to scale Everest from the northern flank in Tibet, according to operators. This could take the total past last year's record of 807 people reaching the summit.

Many Himalayan mountains -- including Everest -- are at peak climbing season, with the good weather between late April and the end of May.&nbsp;

Eight other climbers have died on other 8,000-metre-plus Himalayan peaks this season, while two are missing.&nbsp;

The deaths of an Irish and a British climber on Mount Everest took the toll from a deadly week on the world's highest peak to 10, expedition organisers said Saturday.

The deaths of an Irish and a British climber on Mount Everest took the toll from a deadly week on the world's highest peak to 10, expedition organisers said Saturday. British climber Robin Fisher, 44, reached the summit Saturday morning but collapsed when he had got just 150 metres back down the slope. "Our guides tried to help but he died soon after," Murari Sharma of Everest Parivar Expedition told AFP. On the northern Tibet side of the mountain, a 56-year-old Irish man died Friday morning, his expedition organisers confirmed in a statement on their Facebook page. The man decided to return without reaching the summit but died in his tent at the North Col pass at 7,000 metres (22,965 feet). Four climbers from India and one each from the United States, Austria and Nepal have already died on Everest in the past week. Another Irish mountaineer is missing presumed dead after he slipped and fell close to the summit. A traffic jam of climbers in the Everest "death zone" has been blamed for at least four of the deaths, heightening concerns that the drive for profits is trumping safety. Nepal issued a record 381 permits for mainly foreign climbers, costing $11,000 each, for the spring climbing season. Each climber with a permit is assisted by at least one Sherpa, adding to the summit logjam. With the short window of suitable weather due to close soon, bottlenecks of scores of climbers wanting to achieve the ultimate mountaineering accolade have built up each day. An estimated 600 people had reached the summit via the Nepal side by Friday, a government official said, based on information from expedition organisers. At least 140 others have been granted permits to scale Everest from the northern flank in Tibet, according to operators. This could take the total past last year's record of 807 people reaching the summit. Many Himalayan mountains -- including Everest -- are at peak climbing season, with the good weather between late April and the end of May. Eight other climbers have died on other 8,000-metre-plus Himalayan peaks this season, while two are missing.

Deaths of British, Irish climbers add to Everest toll

Three Indians died on Mount Everest due to hours-long "traffic jam", just days after expedition leaders and the Nepal government claimed overcrowding on the world's tallest mountain was not a worry.

Three Indian climbers died due to traffic jam on Mt. Everest

Only last week Nepali mountain guide Kami Rita Sherpa set a new record by climbing Everest a 24th time. On Tuesday for good measure he did it again, expedition organisers said.

"This is historic. He made his record climb this morning, guiding a team of Indian police," Mingma Sherpa of Seven Summit Treks told AFP.

A guide for more than two decades, Sherpa first summited the 8,848-metre (29,029-foot) peak, the world's highest, in 1994 while working for a commercial expedition.

In the 25 years since, the 49-year-old has made 35 summits on five 8,000-metre peaks, including the world's second-highest mountain, K2 in Pakistan.

Last year he ascended Everest for the 22nd time, breaking the previous record of 21 summits he shared with two other Sherpa climbers, both of whom have retired.&nbsp;

Returning last week to a colourful welcome at base camp after his 23rd climb, Sherpa had already said that he wanted to go up for a second time this season.

"I am very happy and proud, I think I might go up the mountain again this season," he had said over a crackly phone line after his descent.&nbsp;

The accomplished climber has often said he did not intend to make records, but accumulated his summits in course of his work as a guide.

"I did not climb for world records, I was just working. I did not even know you could set records earlier," he said last month before setting off for Everest base camp.

With their unique ability to work in a low-oxygen, high-altitude atmosphere, ethnic Sherpa guides are the backbone of Nepal's climbing industry, helping clients and hauling equipment up Himalayan peaks.

Mountaineering has become a lucrative business since Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay made the first ascent of Everest in 1953.&nbsp;

Nepal has issued a record 381 permits costing $11,000 each for this year's spring climbing season, sparking fears of bottlenecks en route to the summit if poor weather cuts down the number of climbing days.&nbsp;

Most Everest hopefuls are escorted by a Nepali guide, meaning over 750 climbers will tread the same path to the top in the coming weeks.&nbsp;

And at least 140 others are preparing to scale Everest from the northern flank in Tibet, according to expedition operators. This could take the total past last year's record of 807 people reaching the summit.&nbsp;

Many Himalayan mountains -- including Everest -- are at peak climbing season, with the window of good weather between late April and the end of May.

The death toll is already mounting, however.

An Indian climber died on Everest last week while a search continues for an Irish mountaineer who slipped and fell close to the summit.&nbsp;

Six other foreign climbers have died on other 8,000-metre Himalayan peaks while two are missing.&nbsp;

Only last week Nepali mountain guide Kami Rita Sherpa set a new record by climbing Everest a 24th time. On Tuesday for good measure he did it again, expedition organisers said.

Only last week Nepali mountain guide Kami Rita Sherpa set a new record by climbing Everest a 24th time. On Tuesday for good measure he did it again, expedition organisers said. "This is historic. He made his record climb this morning, guiding a team of Indian police," Mingma Sherpa of Seven Summit Treks told AFP. A guide for more than two decades, Sherpa first summited the 8,848-metre (29,029-foot) peak, the world's highest, in 1994 while working for a commercial expedition. In the 25 years since, the 49-year-old has made 35 summits on five 8,000-metre peaks, including the world's second-highest mountain, K2 in Pakistan. Last year he ascended Everest for the 22nd time, breaking the previous record of 21 summits he shared with two other Sherpa climbers, both of whom have retired. Returning last week to a colourful welcome at base camp after his 23rd climb, Sherpa had already said that he wanted to go up for a second time this season. "I am very happy and proud, I think I might go up the mountain again this season," he had said over a crackly phone line after his descent. The accomplished climber has often said he did not intend to make records, but accumulated his summits in course of his work as a guide. "I did not climb for world records, I was just working. I did not even know you could set records earlier," he said last month before setting off for Everest base camp. With their unique ability to work in a low-oxygen, high-altitude atmosphere, ethnic Sherpa guides are the backbone of Nepal's climbing industry, helping clients and hauling equipment up Himalayan peaks. Mountaineering has become a lucrative business since Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay made the first ascent of Everest in 1953. Nepal has issued a record 381 permits costing $11,000 each for this year's spring climbing season, sparking fears of bottlenecks en route to the summit if poor weather cuts down the number of climbing days. Most Everest hopefuls are escorted by a Nepali guide, meaning over 750 climbers will tread the same path to the top in the coming weeks. And at least 140 others are preparing to scale Everest from the northern flank in Tibet, according to expedition operators. This could take the total past last year's record of 807 people reaching the summit. Many Himalayan mountains -- including Everest -- are at peak climbing season, with the window of good weather between late April and the end of May. The death toll is already mounting, however. An Indian climber died on Everest last week while a search continues for an Irish mountaineer who slipped and fell close to the summit. Six other foreign climbers have died on other 8,000-metre Himalayan peaks while two are missing.

Nepal's Kami Rita Sherpa climbs Mount Everest for 24th time, creates record

An Indian mountaineer was among 14 climbers who successfully scaled the world's highest peak <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/two-more-indian-mountaineers-die-another-missing-in-nepal-219404">Mount Everest</a> on Monday, officials said.&nbsp;

Seven foreign mountaineers from China, Greece and India, and seven Nepalese Sherpas reached atop the 8848-metre peak on Monday morning, according to the Mountain Division of Ministry of Tourism.

Nepal opened the climbing route to the world's highest peak on May 14, when a team of eight Sherpas successfully scaled the Mount Everest, becoming the first team to reach the summit.

Among the seven climbers who scaled the summit, four are from China, two from Greece and one from India.

The Indian mountaineer was identified as Pranay Bandbuch by the ministry.&nbsp;

Around 378 climbers, part of 41 different teams, have obtained climbing permits for Mount Everest from the department of tourism this spring season.

More than 200 climbers have already headed to the high camps to make their final summit pushes starting Tuesday.&nbsp;

"The summit window may last for the next four days," said Gyanendra Shrestha, a liaison officer from Ministry of Tourism.&nbsp;

Last week, two Indian mountaineers, including an Indian Army soldier, died while another went missing after one of them successfully scaled the world's highest peak.

An Indian mountaineer was among 14 climbers who successfully scaled the world's highest peak Mount Everest on Monday, officials said. Seven foreign mountaineers from China, Greece and India, and seven Nepalese Sherpas reached atop the 8848-metre peak on Monday morning, according to the Mountain Division of Ministry of Tourism.

An Indian mountaineer was among 14 climbers who successfully scaled the world's highest peak Mount Everest on Monday, officials said. Seven foreign mountaineers from China, Greece and India, and seven Nepalese Sherpas reached atop the 8848-metre peak on Monday morning, according to the Mountain Division of Ministry of Tourism. Nepal opened the climbing route to the world's highest peak on May 14, when a team of eight Sherpas successfully scaled the Mount Everest, becoming the first team to reach the summit. Among the seven climbers who scaled the summit, four are from China, two from Greece and one from India. The Indian mountaineer was identified as Pranay Bandbuch by the ministry. Around 378 climbers, part of 41 different teams, have obtained climbing permits for Mount Everest from the department of tourism this spring season. More than 200 climbers have already headed to the high camps to make their final summit pushes starting Tuesday. "The summit window may last for the next four days," said Gyanendra Shrestha, a liaison officer from Ministry of Tourism. Last week, two Indian mountaineers, including an Indian Army soldier, died while another went missing after one of them successfully scaled the world's highest peak.

Indian climber Pranay Bandbuch among 14 who scaled Mount Everest

Three journalists from Nepal's state news agency, Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS), are under probe for reporting news about Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama.

Journalists Mohani Risal, Somnath Lamichhane and Jivan Bhandari who work for the foreign desk of RSS are being investigated over news on Dalai Lama - much to China's anger.

The desk had dispatched news about the health condition of Tibetan spiritual leader - from that of his admission to his discharge from a hospital.

"They are under probe for dispatching such content which is very sensational for us," Hari Adhikari "Syamal", chairman of the RSS informed.

The probe was started after the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology ordered an investigation of the issue.

"They are being probed for the issue of a Dalai Lama related story following instructions by Ministry (Communications and Information Technology).&nbsp; 
The journalists have given their answer about coverage, they have mentioned that it was based on humanitarian ground and had a strong news sense and value as it was an issue of concern for all," a member from the committee formed to investigate the probe informed ANI seeking anonymity.

"This is not the first time that a journalist from RSS has been probed. Previously, the Chinese Embassy has had us pressured to censor news content as well as highlight those of their interest. Working space has been crippled due to this," a senior reporter working with the state agency of the Himalayan nation confirmed.

"We only wrote the news that we received from a subscribed foreign wire service. We transcribed the English contents mainly about the admission of Dalai Lama in hospital, improvement in health condition and his discharge.&nbsp;

This caught the attention of the North because it bore a New Delhi dateline," one of the reporters being probed claimed, referring to China as "North".

The development comes at a time when the communist government is bringing on strong legislative measures, like the "Media Council Bill", to curb the freedom of journalists.

The Government of Nepal under the Prime Ministership of KP Sharma Oli last week have had registered the particular new bill in Parliament Secretariat proposing to fine journalists, media outlets, editors, publishers if they are found to be violating media code of ethics.

"The council can also get the aggrieved persons or institutions compensated if they suffer any loss due to the publication or broadcast of the material violating the code of conduct issued by the council," the section 18 (1) of the new bill states.

The compensation amount can range in between Nepal Rupees 25,000 to one million.

The adjoining sub-section (2) of the same section also has granted authority to the council to order the erring parties to pay compensation if the content in media outlets damages the image of the affected party.

The current Media Council Act, still in practice does not have such provisions of paying compensation to the aggrieved party, rather it requires publication of the affected party's version. Along with this, it makes recommendations to the government to partially or completely stop the subsidiaries and governmental facilities for a certain period of time.

Reciprocating current practice, the bill further explains that the council should forward the case to the concerned authority for legal actions if any case concerning media ethics also constitutes an offence under any existing law.

Along with the provision in the bill states that the media, publishers, editors or journalists can challenge the decision of the media council at the high court within 35 days of a verdict.

Also, proposed media bill, if adopted, would dismiss current watchdog body, the Press Council Nepal. A new body, Media Council, will be formed which drafts and implements a media code of ethics making it mandatory for the media houses to adopt an internal code of ethics in line with the council's code.

The Freedom Forum, a civil liberty group of Nepal in its April release had reported 104 incidents of press freedom violations in Nepal in the last 12&nbsp; 
months, double that of 2017.

"Last year (2018) was challenging and disappointing for press freedom in Nepal because of the significant rise in the number of violations against the press, formulation of laws and policies unfavourable to the free press, and increased digital surveillance of journalists," the report stated.

The International Federation of Journalists also has called for the revision over the provisions of new media bill urging all the concerned authorities to maintain press freedom in the Himalayan nation.

"The harsh provisions proposed in this bill will have wide-reaching implications for press freedom in Nepal. The media cannot operate in an environment of fear and intimidation, which would be created by many of these proposed changes. We call on the Nepali government to conduct consultations with media stakeholders and revise the provisions immediately," IFJ said in the statement.

Three journalists from Nepal's state news agency, Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS), are under probe for reporting news about Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama. Journalists Mohani Risal, Somnath Lamichhane and Jivan Bhandari who work for the foreign desk of RSS are being investigated over news on Dalai Lama - much to China's anger.

Three journalists from Nepal's state news agency, Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS), are under probe for reporting news about Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama. Journalists Mohani Risal, Somnath Lamichhane and Jivan Bhandari who work for the foreign desk of RSS are being investigated over news on Dalai Lama - much to China's anger. The desk had dispatched news about the health condition of Tibetan spiritual leader - from that of his admission to his discharge from a hospital. "They are under probe for dispatching such content which is very sensational for us," Hari Adhikari "Syamal", chairman of the RSS informed. The probe was started after the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology ordered an investigation of the issue. "They are being probed for the issue of a Dalai Lama related story following instructions by Ministry (Communications and Information Technology). The journalists have given their answer about coverage, they have mentioned that it was based on humanitarian ground and had a strong news sense and value as it was an issue of concern for all," a member from the committee formed to investigate the probe informed ANI seeking anonymity. "This is not the first time that a journalist from RSS has been probed. Previously, the Chinese Embassy has had us pressured to censor news content as well as highlight those of their interest. Working space has been crippled due to this," a senior reporter working with the state agency of the Himalayan nation confirmed. "We only wrote the news that we received from a subscribed foreign wire service. We transcribed the English contents mainly about the admission of Dalai Lama in hospital, improvement in health condition and his discharge. This caught the attention of the North because it bore a New Delhi dateline," one of the reporters being probed claimed, referring to China as "North". The development comes at a time when the communist government is bringing on strong legislative measures, like the "Media Council Bill", to curb the freedom of journalists. The Government of Nepal under the Prime Ministership of KP Sharma Oli last week have had registered the particular new bill in Parliament Secretariat proposing to fine journalists, media outlets, editors, publishers if they are found to be violating media code of ethics. "The council can also get the aggrieved persons or institutions compensated if they suffer any loss due to the publication or broadcast of the material violating the code of conduct issued by the council," the section 18 (1) of the new bill states. The compensation amount can range in between Nepal Rupees 25,000 to one million. The adjoining sub-section (2) of the same section also has granted authority to the council to order the erring parties to pay compensation if the content in media outlets damages the image of the affected party. The current Media Council Act, still in practice does not have such provisions of paying compensation to the aggrieved party, rather it requires publication of the affected party's version. Along with this, it makes recommendations to the government to partially or completely stop the subsidiaries and governmental facilities for a certain period of time. Reciprocating current practice, the bill further explains that the council should forward the case to the concerned authority for legal actions if any case concerning media ethics also constitutes an offence under any existing law. Along with the provision in the bill states that the media, publishers, editors or journalists can challenge the decision of the media council at the high court within 35 days of a verdict. Also, proposed media bill, if adopted, would dismiss current watchdog body, the Press Council Nepal. A new body, Media Council, will be formed which drafts and implements a media code of ethics making it mandatory for the media houses to adopt an internal code of ethics in line with the council's code. The Freedom Forum, a civil liberty group of Nepal in its April release had reported 104 incidents of press freedom violations in Nepal in the last 12 months, double that of 2017. "Last year (2018) was challenging and disappointing for press freedom in Nepal because of the significant rise in the number of violations against the press, formulation of laws and policies unfavourable to the free press, and increased digital surveillance of journalists," the report stated. The International Federation of Journalists also has called for the revision over the provisions of new media bill urging all the concerned authorities to maintain press freedom in the Himalayan nation. "The harsh provisions proposed in this bill will have wide-reaching implications for press freedom in Nepal. The media cannot operate in an environment of fear and intimidation, which would be created by many of these proposed changes. We call on the Nepali government to conduct consultations with media stakeholders and revise the provisions immediately," IFJ said in the statement.

Three journalists under probe for reporting news about Dalai Lama in Nepal

Two Indian climbers, including an Indian Army soldier, have died and another has gone missing in Nepal after one of them successfully scaled the world's highest peak, Mount Everest, the expedition organiser said Friday, days after two mountaineers from the country perished in the Himalayan nation.

Army soldier Ravi Thakar, 28, was found dead inside his tent at Camp IV on Mount Everest early Friday while Narayan Singh died at Camp IV on Thursday night when he was climbing down from the 8,485-meter Mount Makalu summit, world's fifth highest mountain.

Dipankar Ghos, 52, from Kolkata went missing from above Camp IV while returning from the Mount Makalu summit, said Mingma Sherpa, Chairman at Seven Summit Treks. 
A search team, which reached the area from where the climber is suspected to have gone missing, however, failed to trace him, Sherpa said.

Ghos climbed Mount Everest in 2011 and has also scaled Mount Kanchenjunga, Mount Lhotse, Mount Manaslu and Mount Dhaulagiri among other peaks. 
Thakar died after he suffered from high altitude sickness.

"Fellow climbers found him dead inside the tent," Sherpa was quoted as saying by a Nepalese newspaper.

Ravi was part of an eight-member expedition led by renowned Irish climber Noel Richard Hanna.

He along with other members made it to the summit of Mount Everest on Thursday morning.

Another member of the same expedition, Seamus Sean Lawless from Ireland, slipped from the balcony area while descending from the summit point.

"Fate of the missing Irish climber is still unknown," Sherpa said.

"Indian climber Narayan Singh died in Mt Makalu. He died at camp 4 while descending the summit," Nepal Tourism Ministry official Mira Acharya told PTI.

Two Indian climbers from West Bengal - Biplab Baidya (48) and Kuntal Karar (46) - died in Nepal on Wednesday due to high altitude sickness near the summit of Mount Kanchenjunga, the world's third tallest peak.

Another climber from Chile is missing from above Camp IV of Mount Kanchenjunga since Wednesday evening.

Makalu is the fifth highest mountain in the world. It is located in the Mahalangur Himalayas 19-kilometer southeast of the 8,848-meter Mount Everest, on the border between Nepal and Tibet Autonomous Region, China.

Hundreds of climbers flock each year to Nepal - home to several of the world's highest mountains, to scale Himalayan peaks during the spring season that begins around March and ends in June.&nbsp;

Two Indian climbers, including an Indian Army soldier, have died and another has gone missing in Nepal after one of them successfully scaled the world's highest peak, Mount Everest, the expedition organiser said Friday, days after two mountaineers from the country perished in the Himalayan nation.

Two Indian climbers, including an Indian Army soldier, have died and another has gone missing in Nepal after one of them successfully scaled the world's highest peak, Mount Everest, the expedition organiser said Friday, days after two mountaineers from the country perished in the Himalayan nation. Army soldier Ravi Thakar, 28, was found dead inside his tent at Camp IV on Mount Everest early Friday while Narayan Singh died at Camp IV on Thursday night when he was climbing down from the 8,485-meter Mount Makalu summit, world's fifth highest mountain. Dipankar Ghos, 52, from Kolkata went missing from above Camp IV while returning from the Mount Makalu summit, said Mingma Sherpa, Chairman at Seven Summit Treks. A search team, which reached the area from where the climber is suspected to have gone missing, however, failed to trace him, Sherpa said. Ghos climbed Mount Everest in 2011 and has also scaled Mount Kanchenjunga, Mount Lhotse, Mount Manaslu and Mount Dhaulagiri among other peaks. Thakar died after he suffered from high altitude sickness. "Fellow climbers found him dead inside the tent," Sherpa was quoted as saying by a Nepalese newspaper. Ravi was part of an eight-member expedition led by renowned Irish climber Noel Richard Hanna. He along with other members made it to the summit of Mount Everest on Thursday morning. Another member of the same expedition, Seamus Sean Lawless from Ireland, slipped from the balcony area while descending from the summit point. "Fate of the missing Irish climber is still unknown," Sherpa said. "Indian climber Narayan Singh died in Mt Makalu. He died at camp 4 while descending the summit," Nepal Tourism Ministry official Mira Acharya told PTI. Two Indian climbers from West Bengal - Biplab Baidya (48) and Kuntal Karar (46) - died in Nepal on Wednesday due to high altitude sickness near the summit of Mount Kanchenjunga, the world's third tallest peak. Another climber from Chile is missing from above Camp IV of Mount Kanchenjunga since Wednesday evening. Makalu is the fifth highest mountain in the world. It is located in the Mahalangur Himalayas 19-kilometer southeast of the 8,848-meter Mount Everest, on the border between Nepal and Tibet Autonomous Region, China. Hundreds of climbers flock each year to Nepal - home to several of the world's highest mountains, to scale Himalayan peaks during the spring season that begins around March and ends in June.

Two more Indian mountaineers die, another missing in Nepal

By

Binod Prasad Adhikari&nbsp;

On May 6th, 2019, Nepali politics witnessed the dissolution of two parties and the birth of a new party -&nbsp;“Samajbadi Party, Nepal”.

The Federal Socialist Forum-Nepal of Upendra Yadav, incumbent minister and Naya Shakti of&nbsp;former PM Baburam Bhattarai fused together to give birth to a new party with a socialist ideology. But the question arises&nbsp;-&nbsp;will they survive till the upcoming elections?

Safe landing for Dr. Baburam Bhattarai

Unification of FSF-N and Naya Shakti, with no surprise, is safe-landing for Dr. Baburam Bhattarai because of the contingency he faced during the 2017 elections.

Once a prime minister and finance minister from the then largest party in Nepal, Dr. Bhattarai formed the Naya Shakti, Nepal in 2016 and fought the election. All he got from the election was the title of “Independent Party” because of the newly introduced provision.

As Bhattarai is the only leader representing Naya Shakti Party in the lower house and sat idle, he thought of going onboard the merger process. With FSF-N recognised as a national party of Nepal with 16 seats in total, it would have been an opportunity for him to go onboard the government again and also would increase the representation in the parliament.

Questions loom&nbsp;over the agenda of constitution amendment

Upendra Yadav, once led the Federal Alliance and went onto the streets denouncing the constitution and Dr. Baburam Bhattarai who showed his reservation on the constitution now have&nbsp;vowed to fight together.

But there is speculation over the agenda of constitution amendment, a political issue which is sure to have&nbsp;a long run with no endpoint.

“After the amendment of the constitution the Madhesh-based parties would not have any political agendas then what will they do after it? Because of it they don’t think that it is needed right away or instantly. The government on the other hand also is not in a&nbsp;condition to accept it because the spirit is lacking to fulfill any demand,” Prakash Timalsina, senior journalist in Nepal as well as Madhesh analyst has&nbsp;claimed in an interview with ANI.&nbsp;&nbsp;

But the leader on May 6th tried his best to convince the public over the continuation of previously made demands.

“I want to make it clear; now, issues whether concerned with Madhesh, indigenous- tribal groups, so-called-Dalits, sexually discriminated groups, minority groups or any marginalized groups, those who are discriminated and facing inequality forcefully and intentionally, to ensure their rights and authorities, their issue of identity, representation, the more powerful and stronger party than before, the Samajbadi Party, Nepal has been&nbsp;formed,” Upendra Yadav had said while addressing the function.

Increased challenge for two-third majority government?

The incumbent government with 174 seats out of 275 in the lower house of the Himalayan nation has the support of the Federal Socialist Party-Nepal which has&nbsp;16 votes. With the merger of the Naya Shakti, Nepal, the number of seats reached 17 equaling with another Madhesh-based party the Rashtriya Janata Party-Nepal with the same demand of constitution amendment.

With rising criticism of the government, the new force can be an alternative power against the monopoly of the incumbent government.&nbsp;

In the case of&nbsp;RJP-N and the Socialist Party, the parties demanding the amendment in the constitution is sure to grow stronger and challenge the government.

It is also sure that the opposition Nepali Congress which&nbsp;has always been fighting with the government also join the new force in protest against the current government which also can be the supportive part for the alternative power.

Eyes on the Election lying years ahead

It’s only been about a year and a half since the new government, the very first of Federal Republic Nepal was formed under Prime Minister KP Oli. But the parties already have started preparation for elections which lies about three years away&nbsp;and has a high chance of change in the leadership of the government.

While announcing the party merger, the two communist leaders of Nepal - KP Sharma Oli and Pushpa Kamal Dahal&nbsp;- have had an agreement to go on with bi-chairman system until the general convention and both will take the turns to lead the government. (https://thehimalayantimes.com/kathmandu/uml-maoist-centre-unify-party-named-communist-party-nepal/)

As the former Communist Party of Nepal- Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) and Maoist Center went into the merger process only after coming good in the local elections, parties demanding amendment in the constitution are also attempting for same.

The leaders who have now felt the essence of political unity, shared the issue on Monday (May 6th, 2019). In case of the merger between RJP-N and Socialist Party, the power of the warring party would increase but the question is&nbsp;whether the Socialist Party, Nepal would remain onboard the government or simply quit, despite its continuous threat to walk out. 
&nbsp;

Chance for Dr. Bhattarai to get onboard the cabinet?

As Dr. Baburam Bhattarai already has experience as a finance minister at the time when he was applauded for making a functional budget in 2008, he again is seen as a probable candidate for the post.

Incumbent finance minister Yubaraj Khatiwada, once the Governor of Nepal’s central bank is being criticised&nbsp;for his inability to perform. Khatiwada is&nbsp;also the member of the upper house had got only two years tenure out of which one and half years have already passed.&nbsp;He is expected to step down in the mid-year in the coming fiscal year.

Though the successor of Khatiwada is yet to be identified or announced, Bhattarai is the likely candidate for finance minister bypassing Surendra Pandey who also is in the fray.

What to expect?

It’s better to take the merger wave in Nepal witnessed now as the continuation of the power-building and lust for power of politicians.&nbsp;

Though leaders have claimed to fight for the right of the people from all sects and backgrounds, one shouldn’t forget that the Federal Alliance formed in 2015 had collapsed because of the mistrust and misunderstanding between the madhesh-based leaders who had the same issue of amendment in the constitution.

Now, with the merger of the party, the commitments thus made has expanded, demanding&nbsp;the expansion of the space and capacity to hold others. Otherwise, like the case of Federal Alliance, the Socialist Party which is being watched with keen interest also would end like that of the past.

But with the increase&nbsp;in concentration and respect for each other, the party eventually can lead&nbsp;to a&nbsp;higher position, ultimately shrinking the number of political parties as well as turning the dream of people to see an alternative force into reality.

(Disclaimer:&nbsp;Binod Prasad Adhikari is a Nepali Journalist. Views of the writer do not represent the views of WION&nbsp;or Zee group.)

By Binod Prasad Adhikari On May 6th, 2019, Nepali politics witnessed the dissolution of two parties and the birth of a new party - “Samajbadi Party, Nepal”. The Federal Socialist Forum-Nepal of Upendra Yadav, incumbent minister and Naya Shakti of former PM Baburam Bhattarai fused together to give birth to a new party with a socialist ideology.

By Binod Prasad Adhikari On May 6th, 2019, Nepali politics witnessed the dissolution of two parties and the birth of a new party - “Samajbadi Party, Nepal”. The Federal Socialist Forum-Nepal of Upendra Yadav, incumbent minister and Naya Shakti of former PM Baburam Bhattarai fused together to give birth to a new party with a socialist ideology. But the question arises - will they survive till the upcoming elections? Safe landing for Dr. Baburam Bhattarai Unification of FSF-N and Naya Shakti, with no surprise, is safe-landing for Dr. Baburam Bhattarai because of the contingency he faced during the 2017 elections. Once a prime minister and finance minister from the then largest party in Nepal, Dr. Bhattarai formed the Naya Shakti, Nepal in 2016 and fought the election. All he got from the election was the title of “Independent Party” because of the newly introduced provision. As Bhattarai is the only leader representing Naya Shakti Party in the lower house and sat idle, he thought of going onboard the merger process. With FSF-N recognised as a national party of Nepal with 16 seats in total, it would have been an opportunity for him to go onboard the government again and also would increase the representation in the parliament. Questions loom over the agenda of constitution amendment Upendra Yadav, once led the Federal Alliance and went onto the streets denouncing the constitution and Dr. Baburam Bhattarai who showed his reservation on the constitution now have vowed to fight together. But there is speculation over the agenda of constitution amendment, a political issue which is sure to have a long run with no endpoint. “After the amendment of the constitution the Madhesh-based parties would not have any political agendas then what will they do after it? Because of it they don’t think that it is needed right away or instantly. The government on the other hand also is not in a condition to accept it because the spirit is lacking to fulfill any demand,” Prakash Timalsina, senior journalist in Nepal as well as Madhesh analyst has claimed in an interview with ANI. But the leader on May 6th tried his best to convince the public over the continuation of previously made demands. “I want to make it clear; now, issues whether concerned with Madhesh, indigenous- tribal groups, so-called-Dalits, sexually discriminated groups, minority groups or any marginalized groups, those who are discriminated and facing inequality forcefully and intentionally, to ensure their rights and authorities, their issue of identity, representation, the more powerful and stronger party than before, the Samajbadi Party, Nepal has been formed,” Upendra Yadav had said while addressing the function. Increased challenge for two-third majority government? The incumbent government with 174 seats out of 275 in the lower house of the Himalayan nation has the support of the Federal Socialist Party-Nepal which has 16 votes. With the merger of the Naya Shakti, Nepal, the number of seats reached 17 equaling with another Madhesh-based party the Rashtriya Janata Party-Nepal with the same demand of constitution amendment. With rising criticism of the government, the new force can be an alternative power against the monopoly of the incumbent government. In the case of RJP-N and the Socialist Party, the parties demanding the amendment in the constitution is sure to grow stronger and challenge the government. It is also sure that the opposition Nepali Congress which has always been fighting with the government also join the new force in protest against the current government which also can be the supportive part for the alternative power. Eyes on the Election lying years ahead It’s only been about a year and a half since the new government, the very first of Federal Republic Nepal was formed under Prime Minister KP Oli. But the parties already have started preparation for elections which lies about three years away and has a high chance of change in the leadership of the government. While announcing the party merger, the two communist leaders of Nepal - KP Sharma Oli and Pushpa Kamal Dahal - have had an agreement to go on with bi-chairman system until the general convention and both will take the turns to lead the government. (https://thehimalayantimes.com/kathmandu/uml-maoist-centre-unify-party-named-communist-party-nepal/) As the former Communist Party of Nepal- Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) and Maoist Center went into the merger process only after coming good in the local elections, parties demanding amendment in the constitution are also attempting for same. The leaders who have now felt the essence of political unity, shared the issue on Monday (May 6th, 2019). In case of the merger between RJP-N and Socialist Party, the power of the warring party would increase but the question is whether the Socialist Party, Nepal would remain onboard the government or simply quit, despite its continuous threat to walk out. Chance for Dr. Bhattarai to get onboard the cabinet? As Dr. Baburam Bhattarai already has experience as a finance minister at the time when he was applauded for making a functional budget in 2008, he again is seen as a probable candidate for the post. Incumbent finance minister Yubaraj Khatiwada, once the Governor of Nepal’s central bank is being criticised for his inability to perform. Khatiwada is also the member of the upper house had got only two years tenure out of which one and half years have already passed. He is expected to step down in the mid-year in the coming fiscal year. Though the successor of Khatiwada is yet to be identified or announced, Bhattarai is the likely candidate for finance minister bypassing Surendra Pandey who also is in the fray. What to expect? It’s better to take the merger wave in Nepal witnessed now as the continuation of the power-building and lust for power of politicians. Though leaders have claimed to fight for the right of the people from all sects and backgrounds, one shouldn’t forget that the Federal Alliance formed in 2015 had collapsed because of the mistrust and misunderstanding between the madhesh-based leaders who had the same issue of amendment in the constitution. Now, with the merger of the party, the commitments thus made has expanded, demanding the expansion of the space and capacity to hold others. Otherwise, like the case of Federal Alliance, the Socialist Party which is being watched with keen interest also would end like that of the past. But with the increase in concentration and respect for each other, the party eventually can lead to a higher position, ultimately shrinking the number of political parties as well as turning the dream of people to see an alternative force into reality. (Disclaimer: Binod Prasad Adhikari is a Nepali Journalist. Views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or Zee group.)

Merger wave in Nepal: Where is it heading?

An eight-member team of Nepali mountain guides on Tuesday successfully scaled the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/five-tons-of-garbage-collected-from-mount-everest-217208">Mount Everest</a>, becoming the season's first team to open the climbing route to the world's highest peak.

The climbers successfully fixed the climbing ropes from the South Col to the summit point and scaled the 8,848-metre peak on Tuesday for the other climbers to follow, according to Ummid Bhandari, manager at Himalayan Guides Nepal, that organised the expedition.

The expedition was led by Siddhi Bahadur Tamang.&nbsp;

The Expedition Operators Association of Nepal has assigned Himalayan Guides to fix the route above Camp II this season, while a team of icefall doctors assigned by the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee opened the climbing route from the base camp to Camp II.

Around 378 climbers, part of 41 different teams, have obtained climbing permits for Mount Everest from the department of tourism this spring season, officials said.

An eight-member team of Nepali mountain guides on Tuesday successfully scaled the Mount Everest, becoming the season's first team to open the climbing route to the world's highest peak.

An eight-member team of Nepali mountain guides on Tuesday successfully scaled the Mount Everest, becoming the season's first team to open the climbing route to the world's highest peak. The climbers successfully fixed the climbing ropes from the South Col to the summit point and scaled the 8,848-metre peak on Tuesday for the other climbers to follow, according to Ummid Bhandari, manager at Himalayan Guides Nepal, that organised the expedition. The expedition was led by Siddhi Bahadur Tamang. The Expedition Operators Association of Nepal has assigned Himalayan Guides to fix the route above Camp II this season, while a team of icefall doctors assigned by the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee opened the climbing route from the base camp to Camp II. Around 378 climbers, part of 41 different teams, have obtained climbing permits for Mount Everest from the department of tourism this spring season, officials said.

Eight climbing guides reach Everest top, open climbing route for this season

A moderate intensity earthquake of 5.1 magnitude hit western Nepal in the wee hours of Sunday, but there was no immediate report of damage to the property or any casualty, officials said.

The epicentre of the quake, which was recorded at around 0036 hours on Sunday, was in Dailekh district, about 600 km west of Kathmandu, according to the National Seismological Centre.

The tremor was also felt in Kathmandu, it said, adding there was no immediate report of any casualty or damage to the property.

A moderate intensity earthquake of 5.1 magnitude hit western Nepal in the wee hours of Sunday, but there was no immediate report of damage to the property or any casualty, officials said.

A moderate intensity earthquake of 5.1 magnitude hit western Nepal in the wee hours of Sunday, but there was no immediate report of damage to the property or any casualty, officials said. The epicentre of the quake, which was recorded at around 0036 hours on Sunday, was in Dailekh district, about 600 km west of Kathmandu, according to the National Seismological Centre. The tremor was also felt in Kathmandu, it said, adding there was no immediate report of any casualty or damage to the property.

Magnitude 5.1 earthquake hits western Nepal

Cyclone Fani will alter the weather conditions in Nepal and bring heavy rainfall and snowfall in the Himalayas, meteorologists warned on Friday.&nbsp;

The powerful cyclone, strongest to hit India in 20 years, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-three-killed-heavy-rainfall-predicted-in-odisha-ap-bengal-northeast-215661">made landfall at around 8 am in India's eastern state</a> of Odisha.&nbsp;

Large areas in the seaside pilgrim town of Puri and other places were submerged as heavy rains battered the entire coastal belt of the state affecting about 11 lakh people.

Although the cyclone is not likely to make its way to Nepal, light to moderate rainfall coupled with lightning and windstorm will occur in some parts of eastern and central regions on Friday and Saturday. The weather will get a bit extreme, the Meteorological Forecasting Division warned.&nbsp;

They said the cyclone will affect the regular pattern of weather conditions in some parts of the country.

"The cyclone is not likely to make its way to Nepal. However, lightning and showers will occur in some parts of eastern and central regions," a statement issued by the MFD said.&nbsp;

Experts have warned that it is likely that the Himalayas will see heavy rainfall and snowfall.

National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) has urged tour operators not to fly any helicopters on Friday, citing bad weather due to the cyclone.

High wind flow was noticed above 6,000 metre altitude in Mt. Everest where some 20 tents were damaged by the strong wind.

The NEOC has also urged tourists around the Himalayan region not to venture outside.

Cyclone Fani will alter the weather conditions in Nepal and bring heavy rainfall and snowfall in the Himalayas, meteorologists warned on Friday. The powerful cyclone, strongest to hit India in 20 years, made landfall at around 8 am in India's eastern state of Odisha.

Cyclone Fani will alter the weather conditions in Nepal and bring heavy rainfall and snowfall in the Himalayas, meteorologists warned on Friday. The powerful cyclone, strongest to hit India in 20 years, made landfall at around 8 am in India's eastern state of Odisha. Large areas in the seaside pilgrim town of Puri and other places were submerged as heavy rains battered the entire coastal belt of the state affecting about 11 lakh people. Although the cyclone is not likely to make its way to Nepal, light to moderate rainfall coupled with lightning and windstorm will occur in some parts of eastern and central regions on Friday and Saturday. The weather will get a bit extreme, the Meteorological Forecasting Division warned. They said the cyclone will affect the regular pattern of weather conditions in some parts of the country. "The cyclone is not likely to make its way to Nepal. However, lightning and showers will occur in some parts of eastern and central regions," a statement issued by the MFD said. Experts have warned that it is likely that the Himalayas will see heavy rainfall and snowfall. National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) has urged tour operators not to fly any helicopters on Friday, citing bad weather due to the cyclone. High wind flow was noticed above 6,000 metre altitude in Mt. Everest where some 20 tents were damaged by the strong wind. The NEOC has also urged tourists around the Himalayan region not to venture outside.

Cyclone Fani to change Nepal's weather condition

The Indian Army will send pictures and videos of large "mysterious footprints" captured by its personnel in the higher Himalayas to domain experts, sources said on Tuesday, a day after its claim suggesting the presence of the mythical <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/yeti-footprints-indian-army-tweets-pictures-as-proof-214745">Yeti close to the Makalu Base Camp</a> in Nepal earlier this month.

On Monday, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trolled-over-yeti-picture-army-sources-say-will-release-video-proof-today-214658">Army claimed its mountaineering expedition</a> team in Nepal found mysterious large footprints in the snow that they believe belong to the Yeti or the abominable snowman.

In Nepali folklore, Yeti is a mythical ape-like creature taller than an average human that is said to inhabit the Himalayas, Siberia, Central and East Asia. 
"For the first time, an #IndianArmy Mountaineering Expedition Team has sited (sic) Mysterious Footprints of mythical beast 'Yeti' measuring 32x15 inches close to Makalu Base Camp on 09 April 2019. This elusive snowman has only been sighted at Makalu-Barun National Park in the past," the Army tweeted on Monday night.

The Army also released photos showing large footprints in the snow which they claim to belong to the creature.

An Army team of 18 personnel led by Major Manoj Joshi embarked on an expedition to Mount Makalu in Nepal on April 2. On April 9, the team spotted "mysterious footprints" measuring 32 X 15 inches to close to the Makalu base camp, the sources said.

They said the pictures were sent by the team using satellite communication.

"We will share the photos and videos with domain experts to understand more about this," the sources said.

They did not elaborate on which domain experts they will approach. 
The team is expected to be back in India next month.

Makalu is the fifth highest mountain in the world at 8,485 metres. It is located in the Mahalangur Himalayas, some 19 kilometres southeast of Mount Everest, on the border between Nepal and Tibet, China.

Stories of the Yeti first emerged as a facet of Western popular culture in the 19th century.&nbsp;

Given the lack of evidence of its existence, the scientific community has generally regarded the Yeti as a legend.&nbsp;

In one genetic study, researchers matched DNA from hair samples found in the Himalaya with a prehistoric bear from the Pleistocene epoch.&nbsp;

Though the hunt for the mythical beast stretches back centuries, tales of a wild hairy beast roaming the Himalayas captured the imagination of climbers in Nepal in the 1920s, prompting many, including Sir Edmund Hillary, to go looking for the creature.&nbsp;

Sightings have been reported for centuries. Footprints have been spotted and stories have been passed down from generation to generation.&nbsp;

A 2017 DNA study of purported Yeti samples from museums and private collections provided insight into the origins of this Himalayan legend.&nbsp;

The research, published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B, analysed nine Yeti specimens, including bone, tooth, skin, hair and faecal samples collected in the Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau.&nbsp;

Of those, one turned out to be from a dog. The other eight were from Asian bears -- one from an Asian black bear, one from a Himalayan brown bear, and the other six from Tibetan brown bears.&nbsp;

Our findings strongly suggest that the biological underpinnings of the Yeti legend can be found in local bears, and our study demonstrates that genetics should be able to unravel other, similar mysteries, said lead scientist of that study, Charlotte Lindqvist, an associate professor at the University at Buffalo College of Arts and Sciences.&nbsp;

Lindqvist's team was not the first to research the Yeti DNA, but past projects ran simpler genetic analyses, which left important questions unresolved.&nbsp;

This study represents the most rigorous analysis to date of samples suspected to derive from anomalous or mythical hominid'-like creatures, Lindqvist and her co-authors wrote in their paper.&nbsp;

The Indian Army will send pictures and videos of large "mysterious footprints" captured by its personnel in the higher Himalayas to domain experts, sources said on Tuesday, a day after its claim suggesting the presence of the mythical Yeti close to the Makalu Base Camp in Nepal earlier this month.

The Indian Army will send pictures and videos of large "mysterious footprints" captured by its personnel in the higher Himalayas to domain experts, sources said on Tuesday, a day after its claim suggesting the presence of the mythical Yeti close to the Makalu Base Camp in Nepal earlier this month. On Monday, the Army claimed its mountaineering expedition team in Nepal found mysterious large footprints in the snow that they believe belong to the Yeti or the abominable snowman. In Nepali folklore, Yeti is a mythical ape-like creature taller than an average human that is said to inhabit the Himalayas, Siberia, Central and East Asia. "For the first time, an #IndianArmy Mountaineering Expedition Team has sited (sic) Mysterious Footprints of mythical beast 'Yeti' measuring 32x15 inches close to Makalu Base Camp on 09 April 2019. This elusive snowman has only been sighted at Makalu-Barun National Park in the past," the Army tweeted on Monday night. The Army also released photos showing large footprints in the snow which they claim to belong to the creature. An Army team of 18 personnel led by Major Manoj Joshi embarked on an expedition to Mount Makalu in Nepal on April 2. On April 9, the team spotted "mysterious footprints" measuring 32 X 15 inches to close to the Makalu base camp, the sources said. They said the pictures were sent by the team using satellite communication. "We will share the photos and videos with domain experts to understand more about this," the sources said. They did not elaborate on which domain experts they will approach. The team is expected to be back in India next month. Makalu is the fifth highest mountain in the world at 8,485 metres. It is located in the Mahalangur Himalayas, some 19 kilometres southeast of Mount Everest, on the border between Nepal and Tibet, China. Stories of the Yeti first emerged as a facet of Western popular culture in the 19th century. Given the lack of evidence of its existence, the scientific community has generally regarded the Yeti as a legend. In one genetic study, researchers matched DNA from hair samples found in the Himalaya with a prehistoric bear from the Pleistocene epoch. Though the hunt for the mythical beast stretches back centuries, tales of a wild hairy beast roaming the Himalayas captured the imagination of climbers in Nepal in the 1920s, prompting many, including Sir Edmund Hillary, to go looking for the creature. Sightings have been reported for centuries. Footprints have been spotted and stories have been passed down from generation to generation. A 2017 DNA study of purported Yeti samples from museums and private collections provided insight into the origins of this Himalayan legend. The research, published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B, analysed nine Yeti specimens, including bone, tooth, skin, hair and faecal samples collected in the Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau. Of those, one turned out to be from a dog. The other eight were from Asian bears -- one from an Asian black bear, one from a Himalayan brown bear, and the other six from Tibetan brown bears. Our findings strongly suggest that the biological underpinnings of the Yeti legend can be found in local bears, and our study demonstrates that genetics should be able to unravel other, similar mysteries, said lead scientist of that study, Charlotte Lindqvist, an associate professor at the University at Buffalo College of Arts and Sciences. Lindqvist's team was not the first to research the Yeti DNA, but past projects ran simpler genetic analyses, which left important questions unresolved. This study represents the most rigorous analysis to date of samples suspected to derive from anomalous or mythical hominid'-like creatures, Lindqvist and her co-authors wrote in their paper.

Army to send pics of 'Yeti' footprints to domain experts

Nepal on Thursday marked the fourth anniversary of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/destroyed-in-2015-earthquake-nepal-to-rebuild-historic-dharahara-tower-186873">massive earthquake</a> that killed almost 9,000 people and left millions homeless, some of whom are still living in temporary shelters.

Nepal's prime minister KP Sharma Oli joined locals and civil servants at a memorial in the Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO world heritage site being rebuilt after it was badly damaged in the April 2015 quake.

"I would like to offer my condolences to those all who lost their lives," Oli said.

"We are here remembering the pain of that day... And it is also important to examine how much work we have been able to do in the last four years to restore and rebuild what we lost."&nbsp;

A minute's silence was observed around 11:56 am -- the time the 7.8-magnitude quake hit, triggering avalanches and landslides across the Himalayan nation and destroying schools and hospitals.

The disaster also reduced more than a hundred monuments to rubble, including centuries-old temples and royal palaces in the Kathmandu valley that attracted visitors from around the world.

The National Reconstruction Authority, the government body overseeing rebuilding, says that half of the families left homeless in the quake have already completed reconstruction and started living in their new homes.

Another 30 per cent are currently building new homes.

Families were given about $3000 in government grants over three instalments to rebuild.

"We still have a lot to do and we will complete it in the next 20 months," said Sushil Gyawali, chief of the authority, whose five-year mandate ends at the end of 2020.

But a US $9 billion reconstruction effort has been plagued by political infighting, bureaucracy and confusion among quake victims over how to obtain the grants. The government also faces an estimated US $4 billion shortfall in reconstruction funds.

Experts also fear that a rush to rebuild has put pressure on quake survivors to take out expensive loans and build homes that may be too small to be functional for families.

"We are now sharing a three-roomed flat. Even this was built with a loan. Quake victims need more support from the government," said Sri Ram Shrestha, 48, who lost his two-storey house in the quake.

Nepal rests on a major fault line between two tectonic plates.

On the eve of the anniversary, the country was hit with three tremors, the strongest of which was 5.2 magnitude.&nbsp;

Nepal on Thursday marked the fourth anniversary of a massive earthquake that killed almost 9,000 people and left millions homeless, some of whom are still living in temporary shelters.

Nepal on Thursday marked the fourth anniversary of a massive earthquake that killed almost 9,000 people and left millions homeless, some of whom are still living in temporary shelters. Nepal's prime minister KP Sharma Oli joined locals and civil servants at a memorial in the Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO world heritage site being rebuilt after it was badly damaged in the April 2015 quake. "I would like to offer my condolences to those all who lost their lives," Oli said. "We are here remembering the pain of that day... And it is also important to examine how much work we have been able to do in the last four years to restore and rebuild what we lost." A minute's silence was observed around 11:56 am -- the time the 7.8-magnitude quake hit, triggering avalanches and landslides across the Himalayan nation and destroying schools and hospitals. The disaster also reduced more than a hundred monuments to rubble, including centuries-old temples and royal palaces in the Kathmandu valley that attracted visitors from around the world. The National Reconstruction Authority, the government body overseeing rebuilding, says that half of the families left homeless in the quake have already completed reconstruction and started living in their new homes. Another 30 per cent are currently building new homes. Families were given about $3000 in government grants over three instalments to rebuild. "We still have a lot to do and we will complete it in the next 20 months," said Sushil Gyawali, chief of the authority, whose five-year mandate ends at the end of 2020. But a US $9 billion reconstruction effort has been plagued by political infighting, bureaucracy and confusion among quake victims over how to obtain the grants. The government also faces an estimated US $4 billion shortfall in reconstruction funds. Experts also fear that a rush to rebuild has put pressure on quake survivors to take out expensive loans and build homes that may be too small to be functional for families. "We are now sharing a three-roomed flat. Even this was built with a loan. Quake victims need more support from the government," said Sri Ram Shrestha, 48, who lost his two-storey house in the quake. Nepal rests on a major fault line between two tectonic plates. On the eve of the anniversary, the country was hit with three tremors, the strongest of which was 5.2 magnitude.

Nepal marks quake anniversary as rebuilding continues

An earthquake with a magnitude of 4.8 on the Richter Scale jolted Kathmandu in Nepal at early morning hours on Wednesday.

According to European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), the earthquake measuring 4.8 on the Richter scale, struck Kathmandu at 6:14 am today.

The National Emergency Operation Centre, Nepal has also reported that earthquakes with magnitudes of 5.2 and 4.3 hit Naubise in Dhading district at 6:29 am and 6:40 am respectively, today.&nbsp;

An earthquake with a magnitude of 4.8 on the Richter Scale jolted Kathmandu in Nepal at early morning hours on Wednesday. According to European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), the earthquake measuring 4.

An earthquake with a magnitude of 4.8 on the Richter Scale jolted Kathmandu in Nepal at early morning hours on Wednesday. According to European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), the earthquake measuring 4.8 on the Richter scale, struck Kathmandu at 6:14 am today. The National Emergency Operation Centre, Nepal has also reported that earthquakes with magnitudes of 5.2 and 4.3 hit Naubise in Dhading district at 6:29 am and 6:40 am respectively, today.

Earthquake of magnitude 4.8 hits Nepal

The Chhyoiphel Kundeling Monastery, re-constructed with Indian grant, was inaugurated on Friday in Nepal's Sindhupalchok district, an official statement said.

The Monastery was established in 1946 near the Nepal-China border and needed massive renovations.&nbsp;

Buddhist scholar Shyalpa Tenzing Rinpoche inaugurated the Monastery in the Lisankhu village at a function, which was attended by Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy, Ajay Kumar.

The Indian government provided assistance of 18.90 million Nepali Rupees for the reconstruction project.

"In addition to rebuilding the Monastery, the project also included additional infrastructure such as residences, kitchen and sanitation facilities," according to a press release issued by Indian Embassy here.

The project was implemented by District Coordination Committee, Chautara which prepared an architectural design, drawings and undertook supervision of the construction work.

Situated near the Nepal-China border, the Chhyoiphel Kundeling Monastery was established in 1946 with the initiative and contribution of locals of Lisankhu village, situated in North-East of Kathmandu.&nbsp;

The monastery has been involved in various socio-cultural activities such as teaching Buddhism, Thangka painting, wood carving and sculptor making etc.&nbsp;

The Chhyoiphel Kundeling Monastery, re-constructed with Indian grant, was inaugurated on Friday in Nepal's Sindhupalchok district, an official statement said. The Monastery was established in 1946 near the Nepal-China border and needed massive renovations.

The Chhyoiphel Kundeling Monastery, re-constructed with Indian grant, was inaugurated on Friday in Nepal's Sindhupalchok district, an official statement said. The Monastery was established in 1946 near the Nepal-China border and needed massive renovations. Buddhist scholar Shyalpa Tenzing Rinpoche inaugurated the Monastery in the Lisankhu village at a function, which was attended by Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy, Ajay Kumar. The Indian government provided assistance of 18.90 million Nepali Rupees for the reconstruction project. "In addition to rebuilding the Monastery, the project also included additional infrastructure such as residences, kitchen and sanitation facilities," according to a press release issued by Indian Embassy here. The project was implemented by District Coordination Committee, Chautara which prepared an architectural design, drawings and undertook supervision of the construction work. Situated near the Nepal-China border, the Chhyoiphel Kundeling Monastery was established in 1946 with the initiative and contribution of locals of Lisankhu village, situated in North-East of Kathmandu. The monastery has been involved in various socio-cultural activities such as teaching Buddhism, Thangka painting, wood carving and sculptor making etc.

India helps rebuild Monastery in Nepal's Sindhupalchok district

Nepal Thursday successfully launched its first satellite NepaliSat-1 into space from America, evoking unbridled excitement among the people and scientists.

The satellite developed by the Nepalese scientists was launched at 2:31 am (Nepal time) from Virginia in United States, according to Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST).

Two Nepali scientists, Aabhas Maskey and Hariram Shrestha who are currently studying at Japanese Kyushu Institute of Technology, developed the satellite under the BIRDS project of their institute.

Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli congratulated all the scientists and institutions involved in the development of the satellite. He said it was a matter of prestige for the country to have its own satellite.

Spokesperson for NAST Suresh Kumar Dhungel said they invested in the satellite in a bid to open new paths for space engineering in the country.

He said with the help of NepaliSat-1, ground station located at NAST office will communicate and gather images of the geographical area of the country.

NepaliSat-1 is a low orbit satellite which will be in the 400-km distance from the Earth's surface. It will be stationed at the International Space Station for a month and then it will be sent to orbit the earth, according to NAST.

The satellite will take photographs on a regular basis to gather geographical information of the country.

The satellite has a Nepali flag and the NAST logo. It also has the name of the scientists involved in the making of the satellite.

Nepal Academy of Science and Technology has invested nearly Rs 20 million for the satellite that weighs 1.3 kilograms, a small satellite with limited capability.

Nepal's first entry into space has brought huge excitement among people and scientists.

NAST initiated the launch of the country's own satellite under the BIRDS project of the Japanese Kyushu Institute of Technology.

The BIRDS project has been designed in association with the United Nations and aims at helping countries launch their first satellite.

Nepal Thursday successfully launched its first satellite NepaliSat-1 into space from America, evoking unbridled excitement among the people and scientists. The satellite developed by the Nepalese scientists was launched at 2:31 am (Nepal time) from Virginia in United States, according to Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST).

Nepal Thursday successfully launched its first satellite NepaliSat-1 into space from America, evoking unbridled excitement among the people and scientists. The satellite developed by the Nepalese scientists was launched at 2:31 am (Nepal time) from Virginia in United States, according to Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST). Two Nepali scientists, Aabhas Maskey and Hariram Shrestha who are currently studying at Japanese Kyushu Institute of Technology, developed the satellite under the BIRDS project of their institute. Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli congratulated all the scientists and institutions involved in the development of the satellite. He said it was a matter of prestige for the country to have its own satellite. Spokesperson for NAST Suresh Kumar Dhungel said they invested in the satellite in a bid to open new paths for space engineering in the country. He said with the help of NepaliSat-1, ground station located at NAST office will communicate and gather images of the geographical area of the country. NepaliSat-1 is a low orbit satellite which will be in the 400-km distance from the Earth's surface. It will be stationed at the International Space Station for a month and then it will be sent to orbit the earth, according to NAST. The satellite will take photographs on a regular basis to gather geographical information of the country. The satellite has a Nepali flag and the NAST logo. It also has the name of the scientists involved in the making of the satellite. Nepal Academy of Science and Technology has invested nearly Rs 20 million for the satellite that weighs 1.3 kilograms, a small satellite with limited capability. Nepal's first entry into space has brought huge excitement among people and scientists. NAST initiated the launch of the country's own satellite under the BIRDS project of the Japanese Kyushu Institute of Technology. The BIRDS project has been designed in association with the United Nations and aims at helping countries launch their first satellite.

Nepal launches its first satellite from US

A 69-year-old French national has been arrested here for allegedly sexually abusing two teenage boys by luring them in the pretext of offering money, police said.

Acting on a tip-off, the police arrested Georges Igor Himansky with his victims, aged 14 and 15, from <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/opinions/nepals-menstrual-huts-what-can-be-done-about-this-practice-of-confining-women-to-cow-sheds-192496&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwid5MnH09HhAhUB148KHezPC4kQFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3SkAX3jWEynE_pen-HrMJo">Kathmandu</a>'s Thamel area on Friday.

"The police has filed a case on unnatural sex and child sex abuse against the French man at Kathmandu District Court," a statement issued by the Nepal police said.&nbsp;

Himansky had been feeding his perverse fantasies involving young boys for years by presenting himself as a benevolent foreigner who helped children from the street and from a poor economic background, an investigator was quoted as saying by the Kathmandu Post.&nbsp;

The investigation has also revealed that Himansky had been arrested in his own country in 2000 for a paedophilia-related crime.

Himansky is the third French paedophile arrested in Nepal this year. Police had arrested two French men for sexually abusing children from Kathmandu in July, the paper reported.

A 69-year-old French national has been arrested here for allegedly sexually abusing two teenage boys by luring them in the pretext of offering money, police said.

A 69-year-old French national has been arrested here for allegedly sexually abusing two teenage boys by luring them in the pretext of offering money, police said. Acting on a tip-off, the police arrested Georges Igor Himansky with his victims, aged 14 and 15, from Kathmandu's Thamel area on Friday. "The police has filed a case on unnatural sex and child sex abuse against the French man at Kathmandu District Court," a statement issued by the Nepal police said. Himansky had been feeding his perverse fantasies involving young boys for years by presenting himself as a benevolent foreigner who helped children from the street and from a poor economic background, an investigator was quoted as saying by the Kathmandu Post. The investigation has also revealed that Himansky had been arrested in his own country in 2000 for a paedophilia-related crime. Himansky is the third French paedophile arrested in Nepal this year. Police had arrested two French men for sexually abusing children from Kathmandu in July, the paper reported.

French national arrested in Nepal for sexually abusing children

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-plans-to-join-chinas-belt-and-road-initiative-report-201456&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiCu-DAqs_hAhUOaI8KHf7PDj8QFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3hK1yo7qwTBKE-4nlPyjuz">China</a>`s ambitious <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/belt-and-road-forum-to-enable-china-to-establish-its-direction-policy-framework-imf-chief-210055&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiCu-DAqs_hAhUOaI8KHf7PDj8QFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2EC-hlTxNSKCzzjxES6_P0">Belt and Road initiative </a>(BRI) is not likely to work with Nepal due to a number of economic, infrastructural and environmental concerns, according to Amsterdam-based European Foundation for South Asian Studies (EFSAS), which has closely studied the ground situation.

In May 2017, Beijing signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Belt and Road Initiative with Kathmandu for the purposes of opening new connectivity routes through building roads, railways, ports and aviation, alongside further investments in communication technologies, hydropower and energy projects, finance and tourism.

At the heart of the deal lies the infrastructural endeavour of building a railway line through the rugged Himalayan Mountains, which will eventually link the Chinese-controlled region of Tibet with Kathmandu.

"On one side, the question arises whether the envisioned transit project is technically feasible considering the complex geological terrain and arduous engineering work " said a statement by the Nepalese Department of Railways, according to which around 98.5% of the railway line will be bridges and tunnels, and on the other - whether the project, which could cost up to $7-8 billion, is financially attainable in light of Beijing`s legacy of building up debt in countries which go for the BRI ", said a research by the Amsterdam-based European Foundation for South Asian Studies (EFSAS).&nbsp;

EFSAS research analyst, Yoana Barakova said: "Since financial arrangements have not been yet officially made it still remains to be seen whether Nepal will contemplate on the faith of its South Asian neighbours like Pakistan and Sri Lanka, which have fallen prey to Chinese irredeemable debts, or will it decide to follow the same doomed path".

Options available on the Shigatse-Kathmandu railway are only through the ecologically fragile terrain. Given the distances and terrain involved, substantial funding running into billions of dollars would be required for BRI connectivity plans.

Nepal`s government has acknowledged that huge resources would be needed for construction of railways and highways to establish Nepal-India-China trade connectivity.

Billions of dollars would be required for China-Nepal connectivity plans specifically for the Shigatse-Kathmandu Rail Link and Nepal Government does not have these funds.

The senior European expert added: "China does not give financial grants for the BRI venture but loans at high-interest rates which Nepal cannot afford. So, in that sense, the plan is a non-starter".

Even assuming that there is a connectivity corridor in place, there is no guarantee of access to the Indian market for Chinese products through Nepal.

A contrast between free border movement between India and Nepal with the restricted movement between Nepal and Tibet shows that Nepal can never hope for the same degree of openness that it enjoys with India and that in sense the BRI remains non-viable for Kathmandu, said the European think tank.

Furthermore, China committed several development projects in Nepal including upgradation of Gautam Buddha Airport Project at Bahiragawa; Tribhuvan International Airport; Construction of Dhalkebar Substation and Chameliya Hydropower Project in Darchula, but due to delay in implementation, there are concerns that China is not living up to its commitments.

China`s ambitious Belt and Road initiative (BRI) is not likely to work with Nepal due to a number of economic, infrastructural and environmental concerns, according to Amsterdam-based European Foundation for South Asian Studies (EFSAS), which has closely studied the ground situation.

China`s ambitious Belt and Road initiative (BRI) is not likely to work with Nepal due to a number of economic, infrastructural and environmental concerns, according to Amsterdam-based European Foundation for South Asian Studies (EFSAS), which has closely studied the ground situation. In May 2017, Beijing signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Belt and Road Initiative with Kathmandu for the purposes of opening new connectivity routes through building roads, railways, ports and aviation, alongside further investments in communication technologies, hydropower and energy projects, finance and tourism. At the heart of the deal lies the infrastructural endeavour of building a railway line through the rugged Himalayan Mountains, which will eventually link the Chinese-controlled region of Tibet with Kathmandu. "On one side, the question arises whether the envisioned transit project is technically feasible considering the complex geological terrain and arduous engineering work " said a statement by the Nepalese Department of Railways, according to which around 98.5% of the railway line will be bridges and tunnels, and on the other - whether the project, which could cost up to $7-8 billion, is financially attainable in light of Beijing`s legacy of building up debt in countries which go for the BRI ", said a research by the Amsterdam-based European Foundation for South Asian Studies (EFSAS). EFSAS research analyst, Yoana Barakova said: "Since financial arrangements have not been yet officially made it still remains to be seen whether Nepal will contemplate on the faith of its South Asian neighbours like Pakistan and Sri Lanka, which have fallen prey to Chinese irredeemable debts, or will it decide to follow the same doomed path". Options available on the Shigatse-Kathmandu railway are only through the ecologically fragile terrain. Given the distances and terrain involved, substantial funding running into billions of dollars would be required for BRI connectivity plans. Nepal`s government has acknowledged that huge resources would be needed for construction of railways and highways to establish Nepal-India-China trade connectivity. Billions of dollars would be required for China-Nepal connectivity plans specifically for the Shigatse-Kathmandu Rail Link and Nepal Government does not have these funds. The senior European expert added: "China does not give financial grants for the BRI venture but loans at high-interest rates which Nepal cannot afford. So, in that sense, the plan is a non-starter". Even assuming that there is a connectivity corridor in place, there is no guarantee of access to the Indian market for Chinese products through Nepal. A contrast between free border movement between India and Nepal with the restricted movement between Nepal and Tibet shows that Nepal can never hope for the same degree of openness that it enjoys with India and that in sense the BRI remains non-viable for Kathmandu, said the European think tank. Furthermore, China committed several development projects in Nepal including upgradation of Gautam Buddha Airport Project at Bahiragawa; Tribhuvan International Airport; Construction of Dhalkebar Substation and Chameliya Hydropower Project in Darchula, but due to delay in implementation, there are concerns that China is not living up to its commitments.

China's Belt and Road outreach to Nepal won't work, says leading European think tank

A small passenger plane veered off the runway while taking off and hit two parked helicopters at Lukla airport in Nepal's Everest region on Sunday, killing a co-pilot and two policemen, officials said.

The incident occurred as the plane - a Twin Otter belonging to<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopian-airlines-crash-boeing-anti-stall-software-repeatedly-forced-planes-nose-down-say-sources-207734&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiL1dSXqM_hAhUs8HMBHRy6CEUQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1CNSm7rAW8IeJ8ru7tfNQH"> Summit Air</a> - with registration 9N-AMH skidded off the runway while preparing to take off and hit helicopters parked 30-50 metres from the runway, the Kathmandu Post reported.

S Dhungana, co-pilot of the plane, and Assistant Sub-Inspector Ram Bahadur Khadka, who was stationed at the helipad, were killed in the incident, Tribhuvan International Airport spokesperson Pratap Babu Tiwari was quoted as saying by the paper.

Assistant Sub-Inspector Rudra Bahadur Shrestha, who was injured in the crash and airlifted to Kathmandu, died while undergoing treatment at Grande Hospital, the paper said, citing hospital sources.

Captain RB Rokaya who was flying the aircraft and Captain Chet Gurung of Manang Air, who was in the helicopter, were injured in the incident.&nbsp;

They are receiving treatment at Grande Hospital and are said to be out of danger, it said.

The aircraft had hit the helicopters of Manang Air and Shree Air.

Lukla airport, also known as Tenzing-Hillary airport, is often referred to as one of the most difficult and dangerous airports in the world because of a short runway (527 metres) and challenging terrain.&nbsp;

A small passenger plane veered off the runway while taking off and hit two parked helicopters at Lukla airport in Nepal's Everest region on Sunday, killing a co-pilot and two policemen, officials said.

A small passenger plane veered off the runway while taking off and hit two parked helicopters at Lukla airport in Nepal's Everest region on Sunday, killing a co-pilot and two policemen, officials said. The incident occurred as the plane - a Twin Otter belonging to Summit Air - with registration 9N-AMH skidded off the runway while preparing to take off and hit helicopters parked 30-50 metres from the runway, the Kathmandu Post reported. S Dhungana, co-pilot of the plane, and Assistant Sub-Inspector Ram Bahadur Khadka, who was stationed at the helipad, were killed in the incident, Tribhuvan International Airport spokesperson Pratap Babu Tiwari was quoted as saying by the paper. Assistant Sub-Inspector Rudra Bahadur Shrestha, who was injured in the crash and airlifted to Kathmandu, died while undergoing treatment at Grande Hospital, the paper said, citing hospital sources. Captain RB Rokaya who was flying the aircraft and Captain Chet Gurung of Manang Air, who was in the helicopter, were injured in the incident. They are receiving treatment at Grande Hospital and are said to be out of danger, it said. The aircraft had hit the helicopters of Manang Air and Shree Air. Lukla airport, also known as Tenzing-Hillary airport, is often referred to as one of the most difficult and dangerous airports in the world because of a short runway (527 metres) and challenging terrain.

Co-pilot, two policemen killed in plane crash in Nepal

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