By Sara Parker and Kay Standing

The tragic recent deaths of a mother and her two sons in a chhaupadi hut in Nepal has again brought the issue of this exclusionary practice to the forefront of international human rights and media attention.

Despite being illegal, chhaupadi, the practice of exiling menstruating women and girls from their home – often to a cow shed – is still practised in some areas of Western Nepal. Chhaupadi is an extreme example of the stigmas and restrictions around menstruation that exist not only in Nepal, but also globally. The recent protests at the Sabarimala temple in India, which women of menstruating age are not allowed to enter, is another example of menstrual pollution beliefs.

The image of menstruating women and girls being forced to leave their homes and be confined to a cowshed dominates media coverage of the issue in Nepal. But this view oversimplifies what is a much more complex issue. Chhaupadi is not only limited to the physical practice of sleeping in a shed – it goes beyond this to include deeply rooted cultural beliefs about impurity, which see women and girls as inferior, and lead girls to internalise these feelings. Girls are told they are impure form a young age, which can have a damaging effect on their psyche and sense of self-worth.

Many NGOs and activists are destroying the sheds – and the Nepalese government has introduced new penalties and sanctions, such as removing state food support and other services. While this might seem like a welcome move, in some areas, there are reports that this can make it more dangerous for women and girls as instead, they sleep outside in caves or the jungle without shelter or mosquito nets. These practices are deeply ingrained in culture and society, so many women may leave their homes despite sanctions for fear of bringing harm if they don’t.

Tham Maya Thapa, Nepal’s minister for women, children and senior citizens, believes it will take time to end chhaupadi. This is a custom that has been deeply entrenched in Nepalese society for hundreds of years. 
 
What can be done?

Nepal is an exceptionally diverse country of 125 ethnic groups. To tackle chhaupadi, a nuanced understanding of how menstrual practices and beliefs differ among varied religious and ethnic backgrounds is required. Although chhaupadi hits the headlines, there is no one all-encompassing single narrative on menstruation in Nepal.

We have been researching gender, education and gender-based violence in Nepal over the past 25 years and are working on a project on the origins of menstrual beliefs and practices which explores the diverse range of beliefs, practices and historical and cultural roots which underpin menstrual health customs in all seven provinces of Nepal.

We are working with local organisations and activists such as Radha Paudel, to challenge menstrual stigma, as a&nbsp;deeper understanding of the diverse menstrual practices beyond chhaupadi is needed to do so. Our previous research has highlighted a range of stigmas and restrictions, such as not being able to visit the temple and participate in religious ceremonies, as well as being forbidden to look in mirrors, cook, or have any contact with men. Because while chhaupadi is a serious human rights issue, other issues of gender-based violence, such as sexual violence and domestic abuse do not get the same widespread media coverage.

A range of academics and activists are challenging the media representation with photography, film and art which empower women and girls to speak out about their experiences. These can be powerful tools, ensuring that the voices of women and girls are heard and highlighting that women and girls can be active agents of change, rather than simply passive victims of oppression.

Working with local organisations

Collaboration with local communities and partners is key to changing attitudes, and this can be done using participatory and creative methods. For example, a team of experts from the University of Pittsburgh in partnership with Nepal Fertility Care Centre used collaborative filmmaking to include girls in the conversation around menstruation.

The girls who made the film have gone on to be advocates for change and are challenging menstrual stigmas and taboos in their community. Bringing them to Kathmandu increased the confidence of the girls, and engaged policymakers, government ministers and NGOs. The film received an international audience at the Kathmandu film festival as well as media coverage.

Meanwhile, the MenstruAction conference in Kathmandu in December 2018 brought together local expertise working towards challenging stigmas and restrictions and enabling and empowering women to realise their sexual and reproductive rights and their basic right to be free from harm and discrimination. Government ministries need to engage in these events and work together with grassroots activists to promote change.

Complex problems require complex solutions. Menstruation is often framed as a “health and hygiene” issue, but a range of actors are needed to bring about long-term change. The media have a role to play in raising awareness, too – but they must be careful not to sensationalise the issue, and to also listen to – and report – the voices of activists and change-makers in the community.

Only when we put women and girls and their voices at the centre of research, policies and interventions, can we truly understand the nuanced nature of the deeply embedded practice of chhaupadi.

(Sara Parker is Reader in Development Studies, Liverpool John Moores University; Kay Standing is Reader in Gender Studies, Liverpool John Moores University)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/nepals-menstrual-huts-what-can-be-done-about-this-practice-of-confining-women-to-cow-sheds-109904">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

By Sara Parker and Kay Standing The tragic recent deaths of a mother and her two sons in a chhaupadi hut in Nepal has again brought the issue of this exclusionary practice to the forefront of international human rights and media attention.

By Sara Parker and Kay Standing The tragic recent deaths of a mother and her two sons in a chhaupadi hut in Nepal has again brought the issue of this exclusionary practice to the forefront of international human rights and media attention. Despite being illegal, chhaupadi, the practice of exiling menstruating women and girls from their home – often to a cow shed – is still practised in some areas of Western Nepal. Chhaupadi is an extreme example of the stigmas and restrictions around menstruation that exist not only in Nepal, but also globally. The recent protests at the Sabarimala temple in India, which women of menstruating age are not allowed to enter, is another example of menstrual pollution beliefs. The image of menstruating women and girls being forced to leave their homes and be confined to a cowshed dominates media coverage of the issue in Nepal. But this view oversimplifies what is a much more complex issue. Chhaupadi is not only limited to the physical practice of sleeping in a shed – it goes beyond this to include deeply rooted cultural beliefs about impurity, which see women and girls as inferior, and lead girls to internalise these feelings. Girls are told they are impure form a young age, which can have a damaging effect on their psyche and sense of self-worth. Many NGOs and activists are destroying the sheds – and the Nepalese government has introduced new penalties and sanctions, such as removing state food support and other services. While this might seem like a welcome move, in some areas, there are reports that this can make it more dangerous for women and girls as instead, they sleep outside in caves or the jungle without shelter or mosquito nets. These practices are deeply ingrained in culture and society, so many women may leave their homes despite sanctions for fear of bringing harm if they don’t. Tham Maya Thapa, Nepal’s minister for women, children and senior citizens, believes it will take time to end chhaupadi. This is a custom that has been deeply entrenched in Nepalese society for hundreds of years. What can be done? Nepal is an exceptionally diverse country of 125 ethnic groups. To tackle chhaupadi, a nuanced understanding of how menstrual practices and beliefs differ among varied religious and ethnic backgrounds is required. Although chhaupadi hits the headlines, there is no one all-encompassing single narrative on menstruation in Nepal. We have been researching gender, education and gender-based violence in Nepal over the past 25 years and are working on a project on the origins of menstrual beliefs and practices which explores the diverse range of beliefs, practices and historical and cultural roots which underpin menstrual health customs in all seven provinces of Nepal. We are working with local organisations and activists such as Radha Paudel, to challenge menstrual stigma, as a deeper understanding of the diverse menstrual practices beyond chhaupadi is needed to do so. Our previous research has highlighted a range of stigmas and restrictions, such as not being able to visit the temple and participate in religious ceremonies, as well as being forbidden to look in mirrors, cook, or have any contact with men. Because while chhaupadi is a serious human rights issue, other issues of gender-based violence, such as sexual violence and domestic abuse do not get the same widespread media coverage. A range of academics and activists are challenging the media representation with photography, film and art which empower women and girls to speak out about their experiences. These can be powerful tools, ensuring that the voices of women and girls are heard and highlighting that women and girls can be active agents of change, rather than simply passive victims of oppression. Working with local organisations Collaboration with local communities and partners is key to changing attitudes, and this can be done using participatory and creative methods. For example, a team of experts from the University of Pittsburgh in partnership with Nepal Fertility Care Centre used collaborative filmmaking to include girls in the conversation around menstruation. The girls who made the film have gone on to be advocates for change and are challenging menstrual stigmas and taboos in their community. Bringing them to Kathmandu increased the confidence of the girls, and engaged policymakers, government ministers and NGOs. The film received an international audience at the Kathmandu film festival as well as media coverage. Meanwhile, the MenstruAction conference in Kathmandu in December 2018 brought together local expertise working towards challenging stigmas and restrictions and enabling and empowering women to realise their sexual and reproductive rights and their basic right to be free from harm and discrimination. Government ministries need to engage in these events and work together with grassroots activists to promote change. Complex problems require complex solutions. Menstruation is often framed as a “health and hygiene” issue, but a range of actors are needed to bring about long-term change. The media have a role to play in raising awareness, too – but they must be careful not to sensationalise the issue, and to also listen to – and report – the voices of activists and change-makers in the community. Only when we put women and girls and their voices at the centre of research, policies and interventions, can we truly understand the nuanced nature of the deeply embedded practice of chhaupadi. (Sara Parker is Reader in Development Studies, Liverpool John Moores University; Kay Standing is Reader in Gender Studies, Liverpool John Moores University) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Nepal’s menstrual huts: What can be done about this practice of confining women to cowsheds?

A 4.5-magnitude earthquake shook Eastern Nepal's Bhojpur and its adjoining Khotang districts late Tuesday, the country's seismological department said.

The tremor was felt around 10.30 pm and its epicentre was in Bhojpur district, about 500 km east of Kathmandu, the National Seismological Department said on Wednesday.

The tremor was also felt in neighbouring Khotang district, it added.

This was not an aftershock of the great Gorkha earthquake of April 25, 2015, but a fresh one that occurs in the Himalayan region time to time, the department said.

This was the second quake that hit the Himalayan nation in less than 12 hours.

On Tuesday, a mild tremor of 3.3-magnitude was felt in and around Kathmandu metropolitan city at 11.26 am.

Its epicentre was in the national capital's Thapathali area. The department said that it was an aftershock of the Gorkha earthquake.

Nepal was hit by a massive 7.8-magnitude earthquake in 2015 that left nearly, 9,000 people dead, 22,000 injured. Around 6,00,000 structures in&nbsp;

Kathmandu and other nearby towns were either damaged or destroyed.

A 4.5-magnitude earthquake shook Eastern Nepal's Bhojpur and its adjoining Khotang districts late Tuesday, the country's seismological department said. The tremor was felt around 10.

A 4.5-magnitude earthquake shook Eastern Nepal's Bhojpur and its adjoining Khotang districts late Tuesday, the country's seismological department said. The tremor was felt around 10.30 pm and its epicentre was in Bhojpur district, about 500 km east of Kathmandu, the National Seismological Department said on Wednesday. The tremor was also felt in neighbouring Khotang district, it added. This was not an aftershock of the great Gorkha earthquake of April 25, 2015, but a fresh one that occurs in the Himalayan region time to time, the department said. This was the second quake that hit the Himalayan nation in less than 12 hours. On Tuesday, a mild tremor of 3.3-magnitude was felt in and around Kathmandu metropolitan city at 11.26 am. Its epicentre was in the national capital's Thapathali area. The department said that it was an aftershock of the Gorkha earthquake. Nepal was hit by a massive 7.8-magnitude earthquake in 2015 that left nearly, 9,000 people dead, 22,000 injured. Around 6,00,000 structures in Kathmandu and other nearby towns were either damaged or destroyed.

4.5-magnitude earthquake hits eastern Nepal

Nepalis have stashed Rs 35.8 billion in <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/55-businessmen-of-nepal-have-stashed-billions-in-swiss-banks-cij-190961&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwigmNzV7PTfAhWBzLwKHXhoCM8QFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2qGPcqBfNelFBhhHYj642q">Swiss bank</a>s, violating the country's law which bars them from transferring funds abroad, according to an investigation carried out by the Centre for Investigative Journalism.

The report 'Nepal-leaks 2019: Illegal Wealth watch', released Wednesday night, also claimed that 55 Nepalis have invested in offshore companies, taking advantage of the country's secretive tax regimes and breaching the law which bars investment in foreign countries.

The report is based on an analysis of over 3,000 financial and court documents and interviews with 70 individuals.

Questions have been raised about the source of their<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-can-lead-in-5g-deployment-but-investments-in-fibre-infrastructure-key-trai-chief-191007&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjopcn87PTfAhXRSH0KHTL3AvgQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3n-oFjfZNSxp-UDvM31wE_"> investment</a> since they have invested in offshore companies including lesser known the British Virgin Islands, says the report.

Those who invested money in foreign countries include politicians to high-flying businessman-some of whom are non-resident Nepalis-to doctors and hoteliers.

The investors include renowned businessmen and industrialists Upendra Mahato, Chandra Dhakal, Rajendra Bajgai, and Minu Shah Chhibar.

Majority of the investments were made in businesses registered in the British Virgin Islands, one of the most notorious tax havens in the Caribbean.

The report also revealed how a lot of these investors used their offshore companies to funnel money back into the country under the guise of Foreign Direct Investment.

According to the report, Nepalis have parked Rs 35.8 billion in Swiss banks, violating the country's law, which bars Nepalis from transferring funds abroad.

Nepali account-holders have earned interest of around Rs 774.1 million from the funds they deposited in Swiss banks. Interestingly, the Nepalese started depositing money in the Swiss Bank in 1996, when the decade-long Maoist insurgency began.

The total amount of money deposited by Nepalis in Swiss Bank amounts to 460.8 million Swiss Franc equivalent to Rs 52 billion. Even now, Nepalese have Rs 35.8 billion in the Swiss Bank, adds the report.

Between 1996? when the Maoist insurgency started? and 2006? when the peace agreement was signed? the amount of money deposited by Nepalis in Swiss banks more than doubled from Rs 1.2 billion to Rs 2.7 billion.

The report has named Minu Shah as the individual with the highest savings among Nepali account holders. Shah, who was married to an Indian national, made a deposit of $23 million equivalent to Rs 2.62 billion in the Swiss Bank account.&nbsp;

Nepalis have stashed Rs 35.8 billion in Swiss banks, violating the country's law which bars them from transferring funds abroad, according to an investigation carried out by the Centre for Investigative Journalism.

Nepalis have stashed Rs 35.8 billion in Swiss banks, violating the country's law which bars them from transferring funds abroad, according to an investigation carried out by the Centre for Investigative Journalism. The report 'Nepal-leaks 2019: Illegal Wealth watch', released Wednesday night, also claimed that 55 Nepalis have invested in offshore companies, taking advantage of the country's secretive tax regimes and breaching the law which bars investment in foreign countries. The report is based on an analysis of over 3,000 financial and court documents and interviews with 70 individuals. Questions have been raised about the source of their investment since they have invested in offshore companies including lesser known the British Virgin Islands, says the report. Those who invested money in foreign countries include politicians to high-flying businessman-some of whom are non-resident Nepalis-to doctors and hoteliers. The investors include renowned businessmen and industrialists Upendra Mahato, Chandra Dhakal, Rajendra Bajgai, and Minu Shah Chhibar. Majority of the investments were made in businesses registered in the British Virgin Islands, one of the most notorious tax havens in the Caribbean. The report also revealed how a lot of these investors used their offshore companies to funnel money back into the country under the guise of Foreign Direct Investment. According to the report, Nepalis have parked Rs 35.8 billion in Swiss banks, violating the country's law, which bars Nepalis from transferring funds abroad. Nepali account-holders have earned interest of around Rs 774.1 million from the funds they deposited in Swiss banks. Interestingly, the Nepalese started depositing money in the Swiss Bank in 1996, when the decade-long Maoist insurgency began. The total amount of money deposited by Nepalis in Swiss Bank amounts to 460.8 million Swiss Franc equivalent to Rs 52 billion. Even now, Nepalese have Rs 35.8 billion in the Swiss Bank, adds the report. Between 1996? when the Maoist insurgency started? and 2006? when the peace agreement was signed? the amount of money deposited by Nepalis in Swiss banks more than doubled from Rs 1.2 billion to Rs 2.7 billion. The report has named Minu Shah as the individual with the highest savings among Nepali account holders. Shah, who was married to an Indian national, made a deposit of $23 million equivalent to Rs 2.62 billion in the Swiss Bank account.

Nepalis stash Rs 35.8 billion in Swiss banks: Report

As many as 55 businessmen of Nepal have parked Nepali Rs 52,072,774,000 billion in Swiss Banks by defying the law of the land, the Center for Investigative Journalism (CIJ) has claimed."Nepal`s law bars Nepalis from investing abroad.

Our study found that nearly a dozen business groups are involved in channelling their illegal wealth abroad and bringing the money back into the country in the name of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)," the CIJ stated in its editorial after its reports were released Wednesday night.

As per the report's findings, Nepali investors have stashed a whopping Nepali Rs 52,072,774,000 billion in Swiss Banks.

The report states that the trend of sending black money into the Swiss Banks while defying the existing laws had started in 1996, the very same year when the Maoist insurgency-hit the nation.

Prominent among those whose names have appeared in the CIJ report include former lawmaker Birendra Mahato in association with Niraj Govinda Shrestha, Upendra Mahato, Romeo Abdo; former President of NRNA Upendra Mahato, wife Samata Nepal and businessman (partner) Niraj Govinda Shrestha who have made investments in British Virgin Islands, Cyprus, Belarus, England, and so on, and hotelier Rama Malla in partnership with John Morrison Atwater in UK amongst others.

"According to details released in 2017 by Swiss National Bank, Nepalis deposited 11,042,000 Swiss francs (Nepali Rs 1,247,746,000) in Swiss banks in 1996. Over the period of 10 years, the total saving amount of Nepalis rose to a whopping 240,272,000 Swiss francs (Rs 2,715,736,000). Remarkably, after the end of the conflict, the amount deposited by Nepalis for the next two years saw a dramatic decline," the CIJ said in its report.

"In 2006 alone, Nepalis deposited 36,727,000 Swiss francs (Rs 4,150,151,000) in Swiss banks. In 2007, the savings fell to 34,500,010 Swiss francs (Rs 3,899,630,000)," the CIJ stated in its sub-report entitled 'The Nepalis Who Deposited Their Suspicious Wealth in Swiss Banks.'

The investigation has further revealed that two-thirds of the FDI in Nepal have been sourced from the British Virgin Islands.

"The survey report on FDI in Nepal published by the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) in June 2018 said `FDI totalling Rs 173,678,400,000 has been endowed to the industries currently operating in Nepal."

"This indicates that more than 60 per cent of the FDI share amounting to Rs 82,655,700,000 in Nepal comes from 'tax haven'&nbsp;countries. The British Virgin Islands and the nearby countries alone have an investment totalling Rs 62,779,700,000 in Nepal," the report stated.

The investigation, on the other hand, has revealed that the statistics maintained by the Department of Industries (DoI), Government of Nepal are not accurate and the companies boasting of the FDI are functional, have ceased to function or have been simply registered.

The investigation also revealed that the DoI had approved FDI equivalent to (Nepali) Rs 282.91 billion, out of which (Nepali) Rs 66.9 billion has been sourced from tax havens.

A total of 689 companies from the 17 tax havens were registered with the authority seeking FDI."The Government of Nepal has given FDI approval to 17 'tax haven'&nbsp;countries.

The permitted investment amount totals Rs 66,901,843,284. On the contrary, evidence shows there has been a total investment of Rs 82.657 billion from these countries, which exceeds the approved amount by Rs 15,755,156,716. A question arises: What caused this difference?" the report states.&nbsp;

As many as 55 businessmen of Nepal have parked Nepali Rs 52,072,774,000 billion in Swiss Banks by defying the law of the land, the Center for Investigative Journalism (CIJ) has claimed.

As many as 55 businessmen of Nepal have parked Nepali Rs 52,072,774,000 billion in Swiss Banks by defying the law of the land, the Center for Investigative Journalism (CIJ) has claimed."Nepal`s law bars Nepalis from investing abroad. Our study found that nearly a dozen business groups are involved in channelling their illegal wealth abroad and bringing the money back into the country in the name of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)," the CIJ stated in its editorial after its reports were released Wednesday night. As per the report's findings, Nepali investors have stashed a whopping Nepali Rs 52,072,774,000 billion in Swiss Banks. The report states that the trend of sending black money into the Swiss Banks while defying the existing laws had started in 1996, the very same year when the Maoist insurgency-hit the nation. Prominent among those whose names have appeared in the CIJ report include former lawmaker Birendra Mahato in association with Niraj Govinda Shrestha, Upendra Mahato, Romeo Abdo; former President of NRNA Upendra Mahato, wife Samata Nepal and businessman (partner) Niraj Govinda Shrestha who have made investments in British Virgin Islands, Cyprus, Belarus, England, and so on, and hotelier Rama Malla in partnership with John Morrison Atwater in UK amongst others. "According to details released in 2017 by Swiss National Bank, Nepalis deposited 11,042,000 Swiss francs (Nepali Rs 1,247,746,000) in Swiss banks in 1996. Over the period of 10 years, the total saving amount of Nepalis rose to a whopping 240,272,000 Swiss francs (Rs 2,715,736,000). Remarkably, after the end of the conflict, the amount deposited by Nepalis for the next two years saw a dramatic decline," the CIJ said in its report. "In 2006 alone, Nepalis deposited 36,727,000 Swiss francs (Rs 4,150,151,000) in Swiss banks. In 2007, the savings fell to 34,500,010 Swiss francs (Rs 3,899,630,000)," the CIJ stated in its sub-report entitled 'The Nepalis Who Deposited Their Suspicious Wealth in Swiss Banks.' The investigation has further revealed that two-thirds of the FDI in Nepal have been sourced from the British Virgin Islands. "The survey report on FDI in Nepal published by the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) in June 2018 said `FDI totalling Rs 173,678,400,000 has been endowed to the industries currently operating in Nepal." "This indicates that more than 60 per cent of the FDI share amounting to Rs 82,655,700,000 in Nepal comes from 'tax haven' countries. The British Virgin Islands and the nearby countries alone have an investment totalling Rs 62,779,700,000 in Nepal," the report stated. The investigation, on the other hand, has revealed that the statistics maintained by the Department of Industries (DoI), Government of Nepal are not accurate and the companies boasting of the FDI are functional, have ceased to function or have been simply registered. The investigation also revealed that the DoI had approved FDI equivalent to (Nepali) Rs 282.91 billion, out of which (Nepali) Rs 66.9 billion has been sourced from tax havens. A total of 689 companies from the 17 tax havens were registered with the authority seeking FDI."The Government of Nepal has given FDI approval to 17 'tax haven' countries. The permitted investment amount totals Rs 66,901,843,284. On the contrary, evidence shows there has been a total investment of Rs 82.657 billion from these countries, which exceeds the approved amount by Rs 15,755,156,716. A question arises: What caused this difference?" the report states.

55 businessmen of Nepal have stashed billions in Swiss Banks: CIJ

Nepal on Friday strongly pitched for convening of the SAARC summit, saying differences should be resolved through dialogue and the grouping should collectively deal with terrorism and other key challenges facing the region.

Nepalese Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali also cited last year's historic talks between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Singapore, saying dialogue was the only way to address differences.

"If US President Trump and North Korea's Kim can meet, then why not (leaders of) other countries," he asked during an interaction with a group of foreign policy experts and reporters.

It is Pakistan's turn to host the summit. However, India, citing continued support to cross-border terrorism by Pakistan, has been maintaining that it is difficult to proceed with the summit.&nbsp;

The 2016 SAARC (South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation) Summit was to be held in Islamabad. But after a deadly terrorist attack on an Indian Army camp in Jammu and Kashmir that year, India expressed its inability to participate in it.&nbsp;

The summit was called off after Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan also declined to participate in the meet. Maldives and Sri Lanka are the seventh and eighth members of the grouping.&nbsp;

"There is no alternative to sitting together and mitigating differences. The problems we (the region) are facing cannot be resolved alone. We need to put collective efforts to deal with various key challenges like climate change and terrorism," Gyawali said.

The Nepalese foreign minister, who held bilateral talks with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday, said his country has been raising the issue of the SAARC summit with India.

"I am hopeful the summit will be held soon," Gyawali said.&nbsp;

SAARC summits are usually held biennially, hosted by a member state in alphabetical order. The member state hosting the summit assumes the chair of the Association. The last SAARC Summit in 2014 was held in Kathmandu, which was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Nepalese foreign minister also said he has requested the Indian government to replace Rs 7 crore worth of old Indian currency notes with new ones. 
Following the demonetisation exercise in India, people in Nepal deposited the old notes in banks in Nepal. Indian currency is extensively used by Nepalese people and businesses.

The Nepalese government last month asked its citizens to refrain from keeping or carrying Indian bank notes higher than Rs 100 denomination. 
On Nepal's ties with China, Gyawali said Nepal has very close ties with India and it will be unfair to compare his country's relationship with India to that of China.

"We have a wonderful relationship with India. I do not want to compare it with our ties with China. We have a good relationship with China and I do not want to compare it with India," he said.

The minister also said the Eminent Persons' Group (EPG) on Nepal-India relations was finalising its report covering all aspects of the bilateral ties and asserted that there was no difference of opinion between the two sides on the issue.

The EPG was formed in January 2016 with the mandate to review various aspects of the bilateral relations including Nepal-India Friendship Treaty 1950.&nbsp;

Nepal on Friday strongly pitched for convening of the SAARC summit, saying differences should be resolved through dialogue and the grouping should collectively deal with terrorism and other key challenges facing the region.

Nepal on Friday strongly pitched for convening of the SAARC summit, saying differences should be resolved through dialogue and the grouping should collectively deal with terrorism and other key challenges facing the region. Nepalese Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali also cited last year's historic talks between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Singapore, saying dialogue was the only way to address differences. "If US President Trump and North Korea's Kim can meet, then why not (leaders of) other countries," he asked during an interaction with a group of foreign policy experts and reporters. It is Pakistan's turn to host the summit. However, India, citing continued support to cross-border terrorism by Pakistan, has been maintaining that it is difficult to proceed with the summit. The 2016 SAARC (South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation) Summit was to be held in Islamabad. But after a deadly terrorist attack on an Indian Army camp in Jammu and Kashmir that year, India expressed its inability to participate in it. The summit was called off after Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan also declined to participate in the meet. Maldives and Sri Lanka are the seventh and eighth members of the grouping. "There is no alternative to sitting together and mitigating differences. The problems we (the region) are facing cannot be resolved alone. We need to put collective efforts to deal with various key challenges like climate change and terrorism," Gyawali said. The Nepalese foreign minister, who held bilateral talks with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday, said his country has been raising the issue of the SAARC summit with India. "I am hopeful the summit will be held soon," Gyawali said. SAARC summits are usually held biennially, hosted by a member state in alphabetical order. The member state hosting the summit assumes the chair of the Association. The last SAARC Summit in 2014 was held in Kathmandu, which was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Nepalese foreign minister also said he has requested the Indian government to replace Rs 7 crore worth of old Indian currency notes with new ones. Following the demonetisation exercise in India, people in Nepal deposited the old notes in banks in Nepal. Indian currency is extensively used by Nepalese people and businesses. The Nepalese government last month asked its citizens to refrain from keeping or carrying Indian bank notes higher than Rs 100 denomination. On Nepal's ties with China, Gyawali said Nepal has very close ties with India and it will be unfair to compare his country's relationship with India to that of China. "We have a wonderful relationship with India. I do not want to compare it with our ties with China. We have a good relationship with China and I do not want to compare it with India," he said. The minister also said the Eminent Persons' Group (EPG) on Nepal-India relations was finalising its report covering all aspects of the bilateral ties and asserted that there was no difference of opinion between the two sides on the issue. The EPG was formed in January 2016 with the mandate to review various aspects of the bilateral relations including Nepal-India Friendship Treaty 1950.

If Trump and Kim can meet, why not other countries: Nepal on stalled SAARC summit

India's neighbour Nepal recently banned the all Indian currency notes above the denomination of Rs 100. The move is seen as directly impacting the Indian tourists who visit the Himalayan country.

The decision by Nepal's cabinet came in the wake of the Indian government sitting on a request to exchange old currency notes worth Rs 950 crore (which were rendered obsolete after demonetisation) that still remains with Nepal citizens.

Nepal's Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali, who is in India, spoke to WION's Siddhant Sibal on the ban on Indian currency notes and a host of other issues. He also called for reactivation of the Southeast Association of Regional Cooperation or Saarc. The 19th SAARC Summit in Islamabad was called off in 2016, following the boycott by India due to the terrorist attack at the Army base in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir.

Here's the transcript of the interview:

WION: What is the current status of ties between India and Nepal?

Pradeep Gyawali: It is a symbol of importance both leaders give to our bilateral relationship. There have been frequent visits by the heads of state of the two countries. The Indian Prime Minister visited Nepal twice, our PM came also here. Such visits have contributed in further strengthening and widening of our relations and we are satisfied with excellent relationship that we have.

WION: Nepal recently banned higher denomination note. What do you have to say about that?

Pradeep Gyawali: There was no ban. We are seeking a type of assurance from the Indian government and the Indian central bank that the new notes worth Rs 200, Rs 500 and Rs 2000 are equally valid to bring to exchange or be used in our country. I think the issues will be settled soon between both the sides.

WION: Any update on the demonetised Indian currency that you have? Has Indian government agreed to take it?

Pradeep Gyawali: We asked about this during the visit of our PM in April last year. We have requested the Indian government to consider the problem we are facing. We are optimistic that the Indian side will take positive steps in this regard.

WION: Coming to reactivation of Saarc. Have you seen any progress made on that front?

Pradeep Gyawali: Saarc is a common platform of 1.8 billion people of South Asia. If we can reactive this process, it can serve as a tool, as a means, to eradicte the poverty, to futher integrate the region economical, infrastructurally and by other means. It's very important to reactive Saarc, we have request all member nation to contribute to the process.

India's neighbour Nepal recently banned the all Indian currency notes above the denomination of Rs 100. The move is seen as directly impacting the Indian tourists who visit the Himalayan country.

India's neighbour Nepal recently banned the all Indian currency notes above the denomination of Rs 100. The move is seen as directly impacting the Indian tourists who visit the Himalayan country. The decision by Nepal's cabinet came in the wake of the Indian government sitting on a request to exchange old currency notes worth Rs 950 crore (which were rendered obsolete after demonetisation) that still remains with Nepal citizens. Nepal's Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali, who is in India, spoke to WION's Siddhant Sibal on the ban on Indian currency notes and a host of other issues. He also called for reactivation of the Southeast Association of Regional Cooperation or Saarc. The 19th SAARC Summit in Islamabad was called off in 2016, following the boycott by India due to the terrorist attack at the Army base in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir. Here's the transcript of the interview: WION: What is the current status of ties between India and Nepal? Pradeep Gyawali: It is a symbol of importance both leaders give to our bilateral relationship. There have been frequent visits by the heads of state of the two countries. The Indian Prime Minister visited Nepal twice, our PM came also here. Such visits have contributed in further strengthening and widening of our relations and we are satisfied with excellent relationship that we have. WION: Nepal recently banned higher denomination note. What do you have to say about that? Pradeep Gyawali: There was no ban. We are seeking a type of assurance from the Indian government and the Indian central bank that the new notes worth Rs 200, Rs 500 and Rs 2000 are equally valid to bring to exchange or be used in our country. I think the issues will be settled soon between both the sides. WION: Any update on the demonetised Indian currency that you have? Has Indian government agreed to take it? Pradeep Gyawali: We asked about this during the visit of our PM in April last year. We have requested the Indian government to consider the problem we are facing. We are optimistic that the Indian side will take positive steps in this regard. WION: Coming to reactivation of Saarc. Have you seen any progress made on that front? Pradeep Gyawali: Saarc is a common platform of 1.8 billion people of South Asia. If we can reactive this process, it can serve as a tool, as a means, to eradicte the poverty, to futher integrate the region economical, infrastructurally and by other means. It's very important to reactive Saarc, we have request all member nation to contribute to the process.

Seek assurance from India on currency notes of higher denomination: Nepal foreign minister to WION

Foreign ministers of six countries will be in Delhi this week. Australian, Japanese, Nepalese, Mongolian, Spanish and Iranian foreign ministers will be in the national capital on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue.&nbsp;

Japanese foreign minister Taro Kono was the first one to arrive in Delhi on Monday. Kono took part in the 10th round of Strategic Dialogue and called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The focus during the Strategic Dialogue was on Indo Pacific. The Ministry of External Affairs, in its release, said "India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership has acquired a broader significance in the current global context" and "has become a factor of prosperity and stability in the Indo-Pacific region."

Australian foreign minister Marise Payne also arrived on Monday. Payne will address the Raisina Dialogue on how Australia and India can work together along with regional partners to deliver a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific. This will be Payne’s first visit to India as country's foreign minister and follows President Ram Nath Kovind's visit to the country in November 2018.&nbsp;

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Deep rooted ties blossoming into a special strategic and global partnership. 
 
Japanese Foreign Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/konotaromp?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@konotaromp</a> is warmly welcomed by EAM <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SushmaSwaraj</a> ahead of the 10th <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaJapan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaJapan</a> Strategic Dialogue. EAM had visited Japan in March 2018 for the last edition. <a href="https://t.co/tIJ30uWDEA">pic.twitter.com/tIJ30uWDEA</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1082277986202779649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Australia’s High Commissioner to India Harinder Sidhu said, "Minister Payne is visiting at a time when our relationship has grown to become a significant partnership. Our shared interests range widely across political, security, cultural and economic fields."

Iran's foreign minister Javad Zarif is also in the city and held talks with Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari. This comes in the background of India taking over the operations of part of Shahid Beheshti Port, Chabahar in Iran during the Chabahar Trilateral Agreement meeting held on December 24, 2018. The Iranian foreign minister will hold talks with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Giving details of the visit, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi said, "He will meet with Indian officials and participate in a joint trade conference of the two countries. Among other programs of the Iranian foreign minister during this important visit is to attend the annual international conference of the Raisina Dialogue."

Mongolian foreign minister Damdin Tsogtbaatar and Nepalese counterpart Pradeep Kumar Gyawali will also be in Delhi. India has been increasing its engagement with land-lock Mongolia in recent years. India has had close ties with Nepal with PM Modi visiting the country twice last year.

Foreign affairs ministers from as many as 10 countries visited India between November 24 to December 24, 2018.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Foreign ministers of six countries will be in Delhi this week. Australian, Japanese, Nepalese, Mongolian, Spanish and Iranian foreign ministers will be in the national capital on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue.

Foreign ministers of six countries will be in Delhi this week. Australian, Japanese, Nepalese, Mongolian, Spanish and Iranian foreign ministers will be in the national capital on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue. Japanese foreign minister Taro Kono was the first one to arrive in Delhi on Monday. Kono took part in the 10th round of Strategic Dialogue and called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The focus during the Strategic Dialogue was on Indo Pacific. The Ministry of External Affairs, in its release, said "India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership has acquired a broader significance in the current global context" and "has become a factor of prosperity and stability in the Indo-Pacific region." Australian foreign minister Marise Payne also arrived on Monday. Payne will address the Raisina Dialogue on how Australia and India can work together along with regional partners to deliver a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific. This will be Payne’s first visit to India as country's foreign minister and follows President Ram Nath Kovind's visit to the country in November 2018. Deep rooted ties blossoming into a special strategic and global partnership. Japanese Foreign Minister @konotaromp is warmly welcomed by EAM @SushmaSwaraj ahead of the 10th #IndiaJapan Strategic Dialogue. EAM had visited Japan in March 2018 for the last edition. pic.twitter.com/tIJ30uWDEA — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) January 7, 2019 × Australia’s High Commissioner to India Harinder Sidhu said, "Minister Payne is visiting at a time when our relationship has grown to become a significant partnership. Our shared interests range widely across political, security, cultural and economic fields." Iran's foreign minister Javad Zarif is also in the city and held talks with Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari. This comes in the background of India taking over the operations of part of Shahid Beheshti Port, Chabahar in Iran during the Chabahar Trilateral Agreement meeting held on December 24, 2018. The Iranian foreign minister will hold talks with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday. Giving details of the visit, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi said, "He will meet with Indian officials and participate in a joint trade conference of the two countries. Among other programs of the Iranian foreign minister during this important visit is to attend the annual international conference of the Raisina Dialogue." Mongolian foreign minister Damdin Tsogtbaatar and Nepalese counterpart Pradeep Kumar Gyawali will also be in Delhi. India has been increasing its engagement with land-lock Mongolia in recent years. India has had close ties with Nepal with PM Modi visiting the country twice last year. Foreign affairs ministers from as many as 10 countries visited India between November 24 to December 24, 2018.

Foreign ministers of 6 countries in Delhi this week

Nepal's USD 209.6-million Airbus deal, the largest ever in the country's aviation history, is turning out to be one of the biggest corruption scandals in the country as a parliamentary committee indicted a top minister and some senior bureaucrats of graft in the deal.

Nepal's Civil Aviation Minister Rabindra Adhikari and top-level bureaucrats have been accused by the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament of misappropriating at least Rs 435 crore while procuring the two Airbus A-330 jets for national flag carrier Nepal Airlines Corporation.

The sub-committee led by Nepali Congress lawmaker Rajan KC submitted a 58-page probe report to Public Accounts Committee on Wednesday, implicating officials at the highest levels who were in charge at the Civil Aviation Ministry during the procurement process.

The report, prepared after a three-week long investigation, has charged Civil Aviation Minister Adhikari and former ministers -- Jivan Bahadur Shahi and Jitendra Dev -- with shying away with their responsibilities to stop the deal.

The report has categorically termed NAC Managing Director Sugat Ratna Kansakar as the main accused of the scandal and recommended for his immediate suspension along with two sitting secretaries, Prem Kumar Rai and Krishna Prasad Devkota and former secretary Shankar Prasad Adhikari who had acted as NAC chairman during their tenure as tourism secretary.

Shahi has been accused of sending the commitment fee to purchase the jet through a ministerial-level decision.

In his statement to the investigation panel, he had denied having direct involvement in the NAC jet procurement process.

Former minister Dev has been accused of making the first payment to HiFly X Ireland, the supplier of the jets, during his tenure.

Minister Adhikari has been charged with negligence as he was found to have sent the final instalment of a payment to Portuguese leasing company HiFly.

Contrary to his earlier promise of a detailed investigation into the case, he had carried out only a minor in-house investigation.

"The NAC has not given us the bill of sale of the two jets. We suspect that the 'irregularities' amount could go further up if the bill of sale is calculated," Rajan told the lawmakers.

"It needs a further investigation on the amount released to HiFly X by NAC and the amount paid by HiFly to the aircraft manufacturer Airbus.

"There were no details on the discount received by the NAC during the purchase of the jets, he said, adding, 'We have asked PAC to get the payment details from the Airbus through the Foreign Ministry.

"The sub-committee has questioned the motive of the NAC and HiFly Portugal for forming a special purpose vehicle--Hi Fly X Ireland--to specifically look into the procurement process.

The committee has termed Hi Fly X as a 'fictitious' company and has suspected 'massive financial irregularities' in the deal.

While advance payment was released to the Portugal-based HiFly Transporte Aeroes, rest of the payment was released to Ireland based company, the report said.

It has also pointed out the mismatch in manufacturer's serial numbers assigned to NAC jets.

Initially, the numbers '1840' and '1842' were issued to NAC.

Airbus later assigned '1845' and '1854' after receiving the commitment fee.

However, at the Airbus' manufacturing plant in Toulouse, France, the aircraft serial numbers were '1872' and '1878'.

The '1845' and '1854' that NAC had claimed to be its own actually belong to Tibet Airlines and Spain's Iberia Airline respectively, the report explained.

As per Clause 236(1) of NAC financial bylaw, the national carrier is required to invite proposals only from the aircraft manufacturers to purchase brand new aircraft.

However, it went with Clause 236 (2) of the bylaw which allows the NAC to procure an old plane from a leasing agency, banker or airline operator besides manufacturers.

The sub-committee report states that NAC had signed a USD 209.6-million contract for two A330-200 jets with the United States-based AAR Corp in April 2017, ignoring the rate suggested by its sub-committee.

The report said that the sub-committee had suggested that each jet would cost USD 93,047,434 (after adjusting 2.76 per cent of price escalation rate) based on the 2016 sales price list.

This ignorance has incurred USD 23.6 million losses in the deal involving two jets, it said.

Specifications like maximum takeoff weight was revised downward to 230 tonnes from proposed 242 tonnes as specified in the bid documents, the report pointed out.

Nepal's USD 209.6-million Airbus deal, the largest ever in the country's aviation history, is turning out to be one of the biggest corruption scandals in the country as a parliamentary committee indicted a top minister and some senior bureaucrats of graft in the deal.

Nepal's USD 209.6-million Airbus deal, the largest ever in the country's aviation history, is turning out to be one of the biggest corruption scandals in the country as a parliamentary committee indicted a top minister and some senior bureaucrats of graft in the deal. Nepal's Civil Aviation Minister Rabindra Adhikari and top-level bureaucrats have been accused by the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament of misappropriating at least Rs 435 crore while procuring the two Airbus A-330 jets for national flag carrier Nepal Airlines Corporation. The sub-committee led by Nepali Congress lawmaker Rajan KC submitted a 58-page probe report to Public Accounts Committee on Wednesday, implicating officials at the highest levels who were in charge at the Civil Aviation Ministry during the procurement process. The report, prepared after a three-week long investigation, has charged Civil Aviation Minister Adhikari and former ministers -- Jivan Bahadur Shahi and Jitendra Dev -- with shying away with their responsibilities to stop the deal. The report has categorically termed NAC Managing Director Sugat Ratna Kansakar as the main accused of the scandal and recommended for his immediate suspension along with two sitting secretaries, Prem Kumar Rai and Krishna Prasad Devkota and former secretary Shankar Prasad Adhikari who had acted as NAC chairman during their tenure as tourism secretary. Shahi has been accused of sending the commitment fee to purchase the jet through a ministerial-level decision. In his statement to the investigation panel, he had denied having direct involvement in the NAC jet procurement process. Former minister Dev has been accused of making the first payment to HiFly X Ireland, the supplier of the jets, during his tenure. Minister Adhikari has been charged with negligence as he was found to have sent the final instalment of a payment to Portuguese leasing company HiFly. Contrary to his earlier promise of a detailed investigation into the case, he had carried out only a minor in-house investigation. "The NAC has not given us the bill of sale of the two jets. We suspect that the 'irregularities' amount could go further up if the bill of sale is calculated," Rajan told the lawmakers. "It needs a further investigation on the amount released to HiFly X by NAC and the amount paid by HiFly to the aircraft manufacturer Airbus. "There were no details on the discount received by the NAC during the purchase of the jets, he said, adding, 'We have asked PAC to get the payment details from the Airbus through the Foreign Ministry. "The sub-committee has questioned the motive of the NAC and HiFly Portugal for forming a special purpose vehicle--Hi Fly X Ireland--to specifically look into the procurement process. The committee has termed Hi Fly X as a 'fictitious' company and has suspected 'massive financial irregularities' in the deal. While advance payment was released to the Portugal-based HiFly Transporte Aeroes, rest of the payment was released to Ireland based company, the report said. It has also pointed out the mismatch in manufacturer's serial numbers assigned to NAC jets. Initially, the numbers '1840' and '1842' were issued to NAC. Airbus later assigned '1845' and '1854' after receiving the commitment fee. However, at the Airbus' manufacturing plant in Toulouse, France, the aircraft serial numbers were '1872' and '1878'. The '1845' and '1854' that NAC had claimed to be its own actually belong to Tibet Airlines and Spain's Iberia Airline respectively, the report explained. As per Clause 236(1) of NAC financial bylaw, the national carrier is required to invite proposals only from the aircraft manufacturers to purchase brand new aircraft. However, it went with Clause 236 (2) of the bylaw which allows the NAC to procure an old plane from a leasing agency, banker or airline operator besides manufacturers. The sub-committee report states that NAC had signed a USD 209.6-million contract for two A330-200 jets with the United States-based AAR Corp in April 2017, ignoring the rate suggested by its sub-committee. The report said that the sub-committee had suggested that each jet would cost USD 93,047,434 (after adjusting 2.76 per cent of price escalation rate) based on the 2016 sales price list. This ignorance has incurred USD 23.6 million losses in the deal involving two jets, it said. Specifications like maximum takeoff weight was revised downward to 230 tonnes from proposed 242 tonnes as specified in the bid documents, the report pointed out.

Nepal's biggest corruption scandal: Minister, bureaucrats indicted in Rs 435 crore Airbus deal

Twenty-one rhinos have died in Nepal's Chitwan National Park in the past six months.

The deaths due to accidents and natural causes happened despite a record of no rhino poaching in the Chitwan National Park over the past two years.

According to chief conservation officer Bed Kumar Dhakal, the average age of a rhino is 60 years. He, however, added that more deaths from natural and external causes like fighting and accidents are likely when the population rises.

The latest rhino census puts their number at 605 and a fresh census will take place next year.&nbsp;

The deaths due to accidents and natural causes happened despite a record of no rhino poaching in the Chitwan National Park over the past two years.

Twenty-one rhinos have died in Nepal's Chitwan National Park in the past six months. The deaths due to accidents and natural causes happened despite a record of no rhino poaching in the Chitwan National Park over the past two years. According to chief conservation officer Bed Kumar Dhakal, the average age of a rhino is 60 years. He, however, added that more deaths from natural and external causes like fighting and accidents are likely when the population rises. The latest rhino census puts their number at 605 and a fresh census will take place next year.

21 rhinos die in Nepal's Chitwan National Park in six months

Forty-nine women, including a Russian national and her two children, were rescued in a raid on a rehabilitation centre here while its owner and three employees arrested for allegedly torturing the inmates, the police said on Sunday.

Following a complaint by a section of inmates, police raided the Kripa Ghar Rehab Centre in Bishnumati area of the Budhanilkantha Municipality on Saturday, said Homindra Bogti, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) at Teku-based Metropolitan Police Range.

It is alleged that the owner of the rehabilitation centre 'Kripa Ghar Rehab Centre' and her three employees had been meting out inhuman treatment to women, aged between 12 and 60 years, who needed proper medical care and psycho-social service.

The police raided the premises along with officials from the District Administration Office and a non-governmental organization 'Maiti Nepal' and rescued the victims.

Bogti said the 30-year-old owner, Shruti Gurung and three employees have been arrested and sent to five-day judicial custody by a Kathmandu court.

A Russian national and her two children were among the rescued women, the official said, adding that she had taken shelter there after her tourist visa expired.

A total of 25 women have been reunited with their families, while 24 others are in the custody of Maiti Nepal, the DSP said.&nbsp;

It is alleged that the owner of the rehabilitation centre 'Kripa Ghar Rehab Centre' and her three employees had been meting out inhuman treatment to women, aged between 12 and 60 years.

Forty-nine women, including a Russian national and her two children, were rescued in a raid on a rehabilitation centre here while its owner and three employees arrested for allegedly torturing the inmates, the police said on Sunday. Following a complaint by a section of inmates, police raided the Kripa Ghar Rehab Centre in Bishnumati area of the Budhanilkantha Municipality on Saturday, said Homindra Bogti, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) at Teku-based Metropolitan Police Range. It is alleged that the owner of the rehabilitation centre 'Kripa Ghar Rehab Centre' and her three employees had been meting out inhuman treatment to women, aged between 12 and 60 years, who needed proper medical care and psycho-social service. The police raided the premises along with officials from the District Administration Office and a non-governmental organization 'Maiti Nepal' and rescued the victims. Bogti said the 30-year-old owner, Shruti Gurung and three employees have been arrested and sent to five-day judicial custody by a Kathmandu court. A Russian national and her two children were among the rescued women, the official said, adding that she had taken shelter there after her tourist visa expired. A total of 25 women have been reunited with their families, while 24 others are in the custody of Maiti Nepal, the DSP said.

Nepal: 49 women rescued from rehab centre; owner arrested for allegedly torturing

Huawei gets Nepal contract sans tender

Nearly 50 houses in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least13-nepalese-women-rescued-from-india-186366">a village were gutted </a>by a massive fire that broke out in western <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-student-bus-plunges-inro-gorge-23-dead-185781">Nepal's</a> Kalikot district, displacing as many as 285 people, including 111 children, police said.

The fire broke out from a house at around 1:30 am on Monday and spread to other houses in the clustered settlement.&nbsp;

"Clothes, food grains and other valuables belonging to 87 families living in 39 houses were destroyed in the incident that started at midnight and seven persons who were trying to douse the fire got injured, said Police Inspector Devendra Malla.

The fire that broke out at Khada settlement of Palata Rural Municipality-1 in Kalikot on Monday morning destroyed 39 houses and displaced as many as 285 people including 111 children.

As the houses in the settlement had thatched roofs, the village was engulfed in fire in no time. Properties worth millions of rupees were destroyed in the fire, police said.

Police said two buffaloes and 21 cattle were charred to death while 48 other houses were partially damaged.

"We had called the police immediately after the fire started but the police personnel deployed from Thirpu and Jarkot posts reached the site after four hours," said locals.

The security personnel of the Nepal Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force, as well as the locals, jointly took the fire under control.

"Now that the fire is under control, we have to manage shelter and food for 87 families. We are preparing to keep the displaced families at a local school building," they said.

Meanwhile, the provincial government of Karnali provided relief materials to the victims. The province executive also provided Rs 20,000 to each displaced family as immediate relief while various local units in the district also vowed to help the fire.

Nearly 50 houses in a village were gutted by a massive fire that broke out in western Nepal's Kalikot district, displacing as many as 285 people, including 111 children, police said.

Nearly 50 houses in a village were gutted by a massive fire that broke out in western Nepal's Kalikot district, displacing as many as 285 people, including 111 children, police said. The fire broke out from a house at around 1:30 am on Monday and spread to other houses in the clustered settlement. "Clothes, food grains and other valuables belonging to 87 families living in 39 houses were destroyed in the incident that started at midnight and seven persons who were trying to douse the fire got injured, said Police Inspector Devendra Malla. The fire that broke out at Khada settlement of Palata Rural Municipality-1 in Kalikot on Monday morning destroyed 39 houses and displaced as many as 285 people including 111 children. As the houses in the settlement had thatched roofs, the village was engulfed in fire in no time. Properties worth millions of rupees were destroyed in the fire, police said. Police said two buffaloes and 21 cattle were charred to death while 48 other houses were partially damaged. "We had called the police immediately after the fire started but the police personnel deployed from Thirpu and Jarkot posts reached the site after four hours," said locals. The security personnel of the Nepal Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force, as well as the locals, jointly took the fire under control. "Now that the fire is under control, we have to manage shelter and food for 87 families. We are preparing to keep the displaced families at a local school building," they said. Meanwhile, the provincial government of Karnali provided relief materials to the victims. The province executive also provided Rs 20,000 to each displaced family as immediate relief while various local units in the district also vowed to help the fire.

Nepal: Around 50 houses destroyed in fire, 285 displaced

Twenty-three people died in western Nepal when a bus carrying school students and teachers back from a botanical field trip plunged into a gorge, police said.

The students were aged mostly between 16 and 20. Two teachers and the driver also died in the accident early evening on Friday in a remote area.

The vehicle was carrying 37 people, with 22 killed at the scene and another in a nearby hospital. Fourteen people were treated for injuries.

"Our preliminary investigation shows the cause of the incident was speed," police officer Bel Bahadur Pandey told AFP.

Road accidents are relatively common in Nepal because of poor roads, badly maintained vehicles and reckless driving.&nbsp;

The latest comes a week after a truck accident in central Nepal killed 20 mourners returning from a funeral ritual.

Twenty-three people died in western Nepal when a bus carrying school students and teachers back from a botanical field trip plunged into a gorge, police said. The students were aged mostly between 16 and 20.

Twenty-three people died in western Nepal when a bus carrying school students and teachers back from a botanical field trip plunged into a gorge, police said. The students were aged mostly between 16 and 20. Two teachers and the driver also died in the accident early evening on Friday in a remote area. The vehicle was carrying 37 people, with 22 killed at the scene and another in a nearby hospital. Fourteen people were treated for injuries. "Our preliminary investigation shows the cause of the incident was speed," police officer Bel Bahadur Pandey told AFP. Road accidents are relatively common in Nepal because of poor roads, badly maintained vehicles and reckless driving. The latest comes a week after a truck accident in central Nepal killed 20 mourners returning from a funeral ritual.

Nepal student bus plunges into gorge, 23 dead

In a first of its kind, the Kaski District Court here on Wednesday sentenced a rape convict with life imprisonment. The&nbsp;court pronounced the sentence to 27-year-old rape convict Kusum Poudel on charges of raping and murdering a 10-year-old girl in Pokhara.

A&nbsp;single bench of Justice Yogendra Prasad Shah made the historic verdict that was filed by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-18-dead-16-injured-after-mini-truck-plunges-into-river-184173">Nepal</a> Police on October 8 in accordance with the Criminal Act 2017. Under Clause 41, the act clearly states that Poudel would now remain in prison for the rest of his life.

The&nbsp;girl`s body was found&nbsp;a few&nbsp;metres away from her maternal home on September 23 with injuries on her neck, head, and stomach. On&nbsp;the very next day, the police arrested Poudel, who later confessed to his crime. He admitted that he had dragged the minor to a bush, raped her and strangled her to the death.

Poudel&nbsp;claimed that he was not in his senses as he was under the influence of alcohol and drugs.&nbsp;

In a first of its kind, the Kaski District Court here on Wednesday sentenced a rape convict with life imprisonment. The court pronounced the sentence to 27-year-old rape convict Kusum Poudel on charges of raping and murdering a 10-year-old girl in Pokhara.

In a first of its kind, the Kaski District Court here on Wednesday sentenced a rape convict with life imprisonment. The court pronounced the sentence to 27-year-old rape convict Kusum Poudel on charges of raping and murdering a 10-year-old girl in Pokhara. A single bench of Justice Yogendra Prasad Shah made the historic verdict that was filed by Nepal Police on October 8 in accordance with the Criminal Act 2017. Under Clause 41, the act clearly states that Poudel would now remain in prison for the rest of his life. The girl`s body was found a few metres away from her maternal home on September 23 with injuries on her neck, head, and stomach. On the very next day, the police arrested Poudel, who later confessed to his crime. He admitted that he had dragged the minor to a bush, raped her and strangled her to the death. Poudel claimed that he was not in his senses as he was under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

In a first, Nepal court delivers life imprisonment verdict to rape accused

Tulsi Giri, Nepal's two-time prime minister and a senior politician, passed away on Tuesday, according to family sources. He was 93.

He died, after a prolonged battle with liver cancer, at his home in Budhanilkanta, on the outskirts of the Himalayan nation's capital, they said. He was recently discharged from the hospital, they added.

Born in 1926 in Siraha district, Giri started his political career from Nepali Congress party. He reached to the post of the general secretary.&nbsp;

A die-hard supporter ofthePanchyat system after the then King Mahendra Shah imposed it, Giri was appointed as the vice-chairman of the Council of Ministers in 1962, soon after the King took charge of the power and introduced the party-less polity by putting a ban on political parties during a coup.

He then served as the country's Prime Minister twice during the tenure of slain King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah in 1975 and 1977. Birendra, the eldest son of King Mahendra, was the King of Nepal from 1972 until his death in the 2001 Nepalese royal massacre.

After the country eliminated the Panchayat system and absolute monarchy through the 1990 People's Movement during the rule of King Birendra, Giri left the country and was living in Sri Lanka.

He returned to Nepal in 2005 when then King Gyanendra Shah, who took over the reins following the royal massacre, appointed him the vice-chairman of the Cabinet (equivalent to the Prime Minister's post). 
Giri is survived by his wife, two sons and two daughters.

Meanwhile, Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, former Prime Minister and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and other senior political leaders, have condoled Giri's demise.&nbsp;

"I am very sad to learn the passing of the former Prime Minister Tulsi Giri. I convey my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and relatives," PM Oli wrote in his tweet.

Tulsi Giri, Nepal's two-time prime minister and a senior politician, passed away on Tuesday, according to family sources. He was 93. He died, after a prolonged battle with liver cancer, at his home in Budhanilkanta, on the outskirts of the Himalayan nation's capital, they said.

Tulsi Giri, Nepal's two-time prime minister and a senior politician, passed away on Tuesday, according to family sources. He was 93. He died, after a prolonged battle with liver cancer, at his home in Budhanilkanta, on the outskirts of the Himalayan nation's capital, they said. He was recently discharged from the hospital, they added. Born in 1926 in Siraha district, Giri started his political career from Nepali Congress party. He reached to the post of the general secretary. A die-hard supporter ofthePanchyat system after the then King Mahendra Shah imposed it, Giri was appointed as the vice-chairman of the Council of Ministers in 1962, soon after the King took charge of the power and introduced the party-less polity by putting a ban on political parties during a coup. He then served as the country's Prime Minister twice during the tenure of slain King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah in 1975 and 1977. Birendra, the eldest son of King Mahendra, was the King of Nepal from 1972 until his death in the 2001 Nepalese royal massacre. After the country eliminated the Panchayat system and absolute monarchy through the 1990 People's Movement during the rule of King Birendra, Giri left the country and was living in Sri Lanka. He returned to Nepal in 2005 when then King Gyanendra Shah, who took over the reins following the royal massacre, appointed him the vice-chairman of the Cabinet (equivalent to the Prime Minister's post). Giri is survived by his wife, two sons and two daughters. Meanwhile, Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, former Prime Minister and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and other senior political leaders, have condoled Giri's demise. "I am very sad to learn the passing of the former Prime Minister Tulsi Giri. I convey my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and relatives," PM Oli wrote in his tweet.

Former Nepal Prime Minister Tulsi Giri dies at 93

Young Nepalis created a map of the Dead Sea with used plastic bags Wednesday in a bid to set a new international record and raise awareness about the vast volumes polluting the world's oceans.

Volunteers tied 100,000 colourful used plastic bags on a metal grid 20 metres (65 feet) long and five metres (16 feet) tall, shaped like the Dead Sea, on open ground in Kathmandu's city centre.

The record attempt was organised with a slogan "One Dead Sea is enough for us".

"We decided to tie plastic bags and make a sculpture of the Dead Sea to spread awareness over the world to minimise waste of plastic," Surgeon BC of Stem Foundation Nepal, the group that organised the event, told AFP.

Global plastic production has grown rapidly and is currently more than 400 million tonnes per year.&nbsp;

It is estimated that two to five per cent of plastics wind up in the oceans, where much of it breaks down into tiny particles that harm marine life.

"We hope this effort will help to keep seas clean and not let them become another dead sea," he said.

Over 150 volunteers worked for months to collect and sort used plastic bags from schools and public areas.

Among the participants was 20-year-old environment student Prakriti Pandey.

"I had heard the news that plastic was found inside a dead whale, so I felt I should join this initiative to spread awareness around the world and in my country," she said.&nbsp;

The current record for the world's largest sculpture of plastic bags was set in April 2012 when over 200 Singaporean volunteers shaped 68,000 plastic bags in the shape of an octopus, according to Guinness World Records.

The Nepalese group said it will now submit its claim with video evidence for a new record to Guinness.&nbsp;

Young Nepalis created a map of the Dead Sea with used plastic bags Wednesday in a bid to set a new international record and raise awareness about the vast volumes polluting the world's oceans.

Young Nepalis created a map of the Dead Sea with used plastic bags Wednesday in a bid to set a new international record and raise awareness about the vast volumes polluting the world's oceans. Volunteers tied 100,000 colourful used plastic bags on a metal grid 20 metres (65 feet) long and five metres (16 feet) tall, shaped like the Dead Sea, on open ground in Kathmandu's city centre. The record attempt was organised with a slogan "One Dead Sea is enough for us". "We decided to tie plastic bags and make a sculpture of the Dead Sea to spread awareness over the world to minimise waste of plastic," Surgeon BC of Stem Foundation Nepal, the group that organised the event, told AFP. Global plastic production has grown rapidly and is currently more than 400 million tonnes per year. It is estimated that two to five per cent of plastics wind up in the oceans, where much of it breaks down into tiny particles that harm marine life. "We hope this effort will help to keep seas clean and not let them become another dead sea," he said. Over 150 volunteers worked for months to collect and sort used plastic bags from schools and public areas. Among the participants was 20-year-old environment student Prakriti Pandey. "I had heard the news that plastic was found inside a dead whale, so I felt I should join this initiative to spread awareness around the world and in my country," she said. The current record for the world's largest sculpture of plastic bags was set in April 2012 when over 200 Singaporean volunteers shaped 68,000 plastic bags in the shape of an octopus, according to Guinness World Records. The Nepalese group said it will now submit its claim with video evidence for a new record to Guinness.

Nepal attempts record with a Dead Sea of plastic bags

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli made a commitment to former Pakistan prime minister Yousaf Raza Gillani that Nepal would facilitate the 19th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit in Pakistan.

As per state news agency Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS) report, Prime Minister Oli made his commitment during a meeting with Gillani, who at present is in Nepal to attend the Asia Pacific Summit.

"During a meeting with the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Yusuf Raza Gillani, who is currently in Nepal in course of his participation in the ongoing Asia Pacific Summit in Kathmandu, Prime Minister Oli said Nepal, as the current Chair of SAARC, would play a role to hold the coming SAARC Summit in Pakistan and was desperate to hand over the chairmanship," RSS reported.

The 19th SAARC summit will be hosted by Pakistan. Last month, Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj had repeated that India would not participate in the summit until Pakistan stops its terrorist attacks over India.

A majority of SAARC nations have also denounced to participate in the summit after a terrorist attack on an Indian army base by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists.

In March this year, Pakistan's former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on his previous visit to Nepal, which is the current chair of SAARC had pressed Prime Minister Oli to take steps to create an environment for the commencement of the summit.

RSS quoted Prime Minister Oli's Advisor on Foreign Affairs Rajan Bhattarai as saying that Gillani informed him that the Pakistani people and political parties were committed to SAARC and ready to host the summit.

Prime Minister Oli also reiterated that Nepal was for making effective the regional organisation, the agency reported.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli made a commitment to former Pakistan prime minister Yousaf Raza Gillani that Nepal would facilitate the 19th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit in Pakistan.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli made a commitment to former Pakistan prime minister Yousaf Raza Gillani that Nepal would facilitate the 19th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit in Pakistan. As per state news agency Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS) report, Prime Minister Oli made his commitment during a meeting with Gillani, who at present is in Nepal to attend the Asia Pacific Summit. "During a meeting with the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Yusuf Raza Gillani, who is currently in Nepal in course of his participation in the ongoing Asia Pacific Summit in Kathmandu, Prime Minister Oli said Nepal, as the current Chair of SAARC, would play a role to hold the coming SAARC Summit in Pakistan and was desperate to hand over the chairmanship," RSS reported. The 19th SAARC summit will be hosted by Pakistan. Last month, Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj had repeated that India would not participate in the summit until Pakistan stops its terrorist attacks over India. A majority of SAARC nations have also denounced to participate in the summit after a terrorist attack on an Indian army base by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists. In March this year, Pakistan's former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on his previous visit to Nepal, which is the current chair of SAARC had pressed Prime Minister Oli to take steps to create an environment for the commencement of the summit. RSS quoted Prime Minister Oli's Advisor on Foreign Affairs Rajan Bhattarai as saying that Gillani informed him that the Pakistani people and political parties were committed to SAARC and ready to host the summit. Prime Minister Oli also reiterated that Nepal was for making effective the regional organisation, the agency reported.

Nepal to facilitate 19th SAARC Summit in Pakistan

Nepal wants to develop friendly ties with neighbouring countries on the basis of 'equality and justice', Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli said Saturday while inaugurating a summit attended by countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including India.

The Asia-Pacific Summit 2018 organised by the South Korea-based Universal Peace Federation and supported by the Government of Nepal will be attended by the leaders from the Asia-Pacific region, including India, Cambodia, Myanmar, Malaysia, Pakistan and Philippines.

Climate change has emerged as a major threat to humanity and we need to forge cooperation and collaboration to fight it back, Oli said while inaugurating the four-day summit on the theme 'Addressing Critical Challenges of Our Time: Independence, Mutual Prosperity and Universal Values.'

'Nepal wants to develop friendly relations with neighbouring countries on the basis of equality and justice,'&nbsp;said Oli and sought support and cooperation from friendly countries for establishing peace and stability and attaining prosperity.

The biggest challenge of our time is essentially the threat of terrorism and climate challenge, former prime minister H D Deve Gowda said and pointed out that these two are 'posing threat to humanity irrespective of the national border, religion and gender.'

He called upon developed countries to extend financial assistance as well as technical support to mitigate the effect of climate change. 
'All people in the world should live like a family as we all are the children of the omnipotent and omniscient God, so as to maintain sustainable peace and harmony in the world," said HJ Han Moon, founder of Universal Peace Foundation.

A host of other prominent speakers, including state counsellor of Myanmar Aung San Suu Kyi, Prime Minister of Camdoia ST Hunsen and Vice president of Philippines Maria G Robredo and BJP leader Vijaya Jolly spoke on the issues of world peace, social justice, human values, universal brotherhood and climate change.&nbsp; 
The summit will conclude on December 3 by adopting a Kathmandu Declaration.&nbsp;

Nepal wants to develop friendly ties with neighbouring countries on the basis of 'equality and justice', Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli said Saturday while inaugurating a summit attended by countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including India.

Nepal wants to develop friendly ties with neighbouring countries on the basis of 'equality and justice', Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli said Saturday while inaugurating a summit attended by countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including India. The Asia-Pacific Summit 2018 organised by the South Korea-based Universal Peace Federation and supported by the Government of Nepal will be attended by the leaders from the Asia-Pacific region, including India, Cambodia, Myanmar, Malaysia, Pakistan and Philippines. Climate change has emerged as a major threat to humanity and we need to forge cooperation and collaboration to fight it back, Oli said while inaugurating the four-day summit on the theme 'Addressing Critical Challenges of Our Time: Independence, Mutual Prosperity and Universal Values.' 'Nepal wants to develop friendly relations with neighbouring countries on the basis of equality and justice,' said Oli and sought support and cooperation from friendly countries for establishing peace and stability and attaining prosperity. The biggest challenge of our time is essentially the threat of terrorism and climate challenge, former prime minister H D Deve Gowda said and pointed out that these two are 'posing threat to humanity irrespective of the national border, religion and gender.' He called upon developed countries to extend financial assistance as well as technical support to mitigate the effect of climate change. 'All people in the world should live like a family as we all are the children of the omnipotent and omniscient God, so as to maintain sustainable peace and harmony in the world," said HJ Han Moon, founder of Universal Peace Foundation. A host of other prominent speakers, including state counsellor of Myanmar Aung San Suu Kyi, Prime Minister of Camdoia ST Hunsen and Vice president of Philippines Maria G Robredo and BJP leader Vijaya Jolly spoke on the issues of world peace, social justice, human values, universal brotherhood and climate change. The summit will conclude on December 3 by adopting a Kathmandu Declaration.

Nepal wants to develop friendly ties with neighbours on basis of equality, justice: Oli

Nepal was hailed as a leader in LGBT rights when it became the first country in conservative South Asia to recognise a third gender and assure equality for its sexual minorities.

But more than a decade later, that trailblazing reputation has lost its lustre, with gay and transgender Nepalis still confronting obstacles to jobs and schools, and marriage equality a distant prospect.

More than 900,000 of Nepal's roughly 26 million population identify as a sexual minority, according to LGBT rights group Blue Diamond Society.

On paper, they enjoy some of the most progressive protections and rights guaranteed by law in the immediate region.

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 identifying as neither male nor female was also granted the right to tick "other" when voting or applying for a passport or other official documents.

But gay and transgender Nepalis and rights activists say action has not matched the rhetoric, and more than a decade on, the community still faces discrimination.

"The government recognised our identity but has not been able to put forward a concrete policy or plan to give us rights that all citizens enjoy," said Blue Diamond Society president Pinky Gurung.

"It is heartbreaking that to enjoy one right (citizenship), we have to be deprived of other opportunities."

Rukshana Kapali, a transgender woman, has been allowed to study at university but not formally register as a student because her high school transcript identifies her as male under a former name.

The bureaucratic glitch means she may not be able to graduate.

"I feel like I am in limbo," the 19-year-old told AFP.

"I want to be a linguist, but right now I am worried I won't be able to study here at all."

Tribhuvan University, Nepal's oldest, says it hopes to find a solution but until then, Kapali is off the books.

"We are optimistic, but it is not possible to register her under the current regulations," said Pushpa Raj Joshi, the university's exam controller.

Hopes dashed

Every year, Nepal's LGBT community take to the dusty streets of the capital Kathmandu for a vibrant gay pride parade to demand an end to all forms of discrimination.

Despite much-celebrated gains, there is still plenty to shout about.

Nepal in August adopted a new civil code defining marriage as between a man and a woman, dashing hopes for same-sex unions to be legally recognised any time soon.

Other laws in the new statute have also been criticised for narrowly defining core rights in terms of male and female -- leaving no room for people of the "other" gender.

"We were hoping for change so we could marry and maybe even start a family. But we've been disappointed so far," said Armand Rana, 23, a gay man who lives with his partner of six years.

Rana's family has accepted his partner but many in conservative and patriarchal Nepal still hide their sexuality and gender identity.

"The amount of progress Nepal has experienced... is enormous, and yet implementation of the various pledges from government entities over the years continues to lag," said Kyle Knight of Human Rights Watch.

The government says it is working to make laws more inclusive.

"If any law discriminates, people can point it out so we can seek ways to improve," said Bharat Raj Sharma, who oversees LGBT issues at the Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens.

But for transgender citizens like Kapali, the wheels of Nepal's bureaucracy are turning too slowly.

"Being recognised as a third gender is important and I am proud of my identity," she said.

"But I don't want it to limit what I can do in my life."

Nepal was hailed as a leader in LGBT rights when it became the first country in conservative South Asia to recognise a third gender and assure equality for its sexual minorities.

Nepal was hailed as a leader in LGBT rights when it became the first country in conservative South Asia to recognise a third gender and assure equality for its sexual minorities. But more than a decade later, that trailblazing reputation has lost its lustre, with gay and transgender Nepalis still confronting obstacles to jobs and schools, and marriage equality a distant prospect. More than 900,000 of Nepal's roughly 26 million population identify as a sexual minority, according to LGBT rights group Blue Diamond Society. On paper, they enjoy some of the most progressive protections and rights guaranteed by law in the immediate region. 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 identifying as neither male nor female was also granted the right to tick "other" when voting or applying for a passport or other official documents. But gay and transgender Nepalis and rights activists say action has not matched the rhetoric, and more than a decade on, the community still faces discrimination. "The government recognised our identity but has not been able to put forward a concrete policy or plan to give us rights that all citizens enjoy," said Blue Diamond Society president Pinky Gurung. "It is heartbreaking that to enjoy one right (citizenship), we have to be deprived of other opportunities." Rukshana Kapali, a transgender woman, has been allowed to study at university but not formally register as a student because her high school transcript identifies her as male under a former name. The bureaucratic glitch means she may not be able to graduate. "I feel like I am in limbo," the 19-year-old told AFP. "I want to be a linguist, but right now I am worried I won't be able to study here at all." Tribhuvan University, Nepal's oldest, says it hopes to find a solution but until then, Kapali is off the books. "We are optimistic, but it is not possible to register her under the current regulations," said Pushpa Raj Joshi, the university's exam controller. Hopes dashed Every year, Nepal's LGBT community take to the dusty streets of the capital Kathmandu for a vibrant gay pride parade to demand an end to all forms of discrimination. Despite much-celebrated gains, there is still plenty to shout about. Nepal in August adopted a new civil code defining marriage as between a man and a woman, dashing hopes for same-sex unions to be legally recognised any time soon. Other laws in the new statute have also been criticised for narrowly defining core rights in terms of male and female -- leaving no room for people of the "other" gender. "We were hoping for change so we could marry and maybe even start a family. But we've been disappointed so far," said Armand Rana, 23, a gay man who lives with his partner of six years. Rana's family has accepted his partner but many in conservative and patriarchal Nepal still hide their sexuality and gender identity. "The amount of progress Nepal has experienced... is enormous, and yet implementation of the various pledges from government entities over the years continues to lag," said Kyle Knight of Human Rights Watch. The government says it is working to make laws more inclusive. "If any law discriminates, people can point it out so we can seek ways to improve," said Bharat Raj Sharma, who oversees LGBT issues at the Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens. But for transgender citizens like Kapali, the wheels of Nepal's bureaucracy are turning too slowly. "Being recognised as a third gender is important and I am proud of my identity," she said. "But I don't want it to limit what I can do in my life."

Nepal stalls on LGBT rights despite early strides

Nepal's Locally made Robots wait at Tables

"Please enjoy your meal," says Nepal's first robot waiter, Ginger, as she delivers a plate of steaming dumplings to a table of hungry customers.&nbsp;

The poor Himalayan nation is better known for its soaring mountain peaks than technological prowess, but a group of self-taught young innovators are seeking to change that.&nbsp;

Local start-up Paaila Technology built Ginger, a 1.5 metre (five-foot) tall robot, from scratch and programmed her to understand both English and Nepali.

The bilingual humanoid robot -- named Ginger after a common ingredient in Nepali cuisine -- can even crack jokes like Apple's Siri or Amazon's Alexa.&nbsp;

Three 'Gingers' work at Naulo restaurant in the dusty capital Kathmandu, where pot-holed roads and crumbling buildings still bear the scars of a powerful earthquake that hit more than three years ago.

"This is our testing ground. We are fine tuning it with responses from our customers," Binay Raut, CEO of the company, told AFP.&nbsp;

The team of 25 young engineers -- Raut is the oldest at 27 -- worked for months to build the robot, welding and moulding the prototype by hand in their tiny three-roomed office.&nbsp;

What Nepal lacks in tech infrastructure the engineers made up for in ingenuity -- Ginger's sleek-looking plastic body was painted in a neighbourhood car workshop.

Naulo opened its doors four months ago and their robot waiters have been a big draw, attracting curious customers of all ages.

Ginger, who is able to sense movement and obstacles, deftly navigates the crowded restaurant carrying trays laden with food.

Customers order via a touchscreen menu fitted into the tables, and Ginger is called to the kitchen when dishes are ready.

"It was a completely new experience," said 73-year-old Shalikram Sharma, who was born before televisions were available in Nepal. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Ginger has become quite a selfie-star and is often distracted from her work by children keen to get a photo with the sleek robot.

"They look so good. I could not believe they were made in Nepal," said Neelam Kumar Bimali, a diner enjoying an evening meal with his family.

With its eyes on the global market, Paila Technology is in the process of patenting its design to sell at home and abroad. &nbsp;

The World Economic Forum recently predicted that by 2025 more than half of all jobs will be performed by robots -- almost twice as many as today.

That is a trend Ginger's creators are banking on.

At present, a few human waiters help Ginger but an upgrade is in the works that should make Naulo entirely robot-run.

"Please enjoy your meal," says Nepal's first robot waiter, Ginger, as she delivers a plate of steaming dumplings to a table of hungry customers. The poor Himalayan nation is better known for its soaring mountain peaks than technological prowess, but a group of self-taught young innovators are seeking to change that.

"Please enjoy your meal," says Nepal's first robot waiter, Ginger, as she delivers a plate of steaming dumplings to a table of hungry customers. The poor Himalayan nation is better known for its soaring mountain peaks than technological prowess, but a group of self-taught young innovators are seeking to change that. Local start-up Paaila Technology built Ginger, a 1.5 metre (five-foot) tall robot, from scratch and programmed her to understand both English and Nepali. The bilingual humanoid robot -- named Ginger after a common ingredient in Nepali cuisine -- can even crack jokes like Apple's Siri or Amazon's Alexa. Three 'Gingers' work at Naulo restaurant in the dusty capital Kathmandu, where pot-holed roads and crumbling buildings still bear the scars of a powerful earthquake that hit more than three years ago. "This is our testing ground. We are fine tuning it with responses from our customers," Binay Raut, CEO of the company, told AFP. The team of 25 young engineers -- Raut is the oldest at 27 -- worked for months to build the robot, welding and moulding the prototype by hand in their tiny three-roomed office. What Nepal lacks in tech infrastructure the engineers made up for in ingenuity -- Ginger's sleek-looking plastic body was painted in a neighbourhood car workshop. Naulo opened its doors four months ago and their robot waiters have been a big draw, attracting curious customers of all ages. Ginger, who is able to sense movement and obstacles, deftly navigates the crowded restaurant carrying trays laden with food. Customers order via a touchscreen menu fitted into the tables, and Ginger is called to the kitchen when dishes are ready. "It was a completely new experience," said 73-year-old Shalikram Sharma, who was born before televisions were available in Nepal. Ginger has become quite a selfie-star and is often distracted from her work by children keen to get a photo with the sleek robot. "They look so good. I could not believe they were made in Nepal," said Neelam Kumar Bimali, a diner enjoying an evening meal with his family. With its eyes on the global market, Paila Technology is in the process of patenting its design to sell at home and abroad. The World Economic Forum recently predicted that by 2025 more than half of all jobs will be performed by robots -- almost twice as many as today. That is a trend Ginger's creators are banking on. At present, a few human waiters help Ginger but an upgrade is in the works that should make Naulo entirely robot-run.

Please enjoy your meal: Nepal's first robot waiter

An earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter Scale was felt in Darchula in far-west Nepal, and the surrounding districts on Sunday afternoon, creating panic among the residents.&nbsp;

The epicentre of the earthquake was Khela in the Indian state of Uttarakhand that occurred at 12.52 pm, the Seismological Department of Nepal said.

Khela is some 16 kilometres South from Khalanga, the headquarters of Darchula district.

The locals were scared and ran out of their houses to open grounds as the quake struck, according to officials.&nbsp;

However, there have been no reports of any loss of lives or properties due to the quake.

An earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter Scale was felt in Darchula in far-west Nepal, and the surrounding districts on Sunday afternoon, creating panic among the residents.

An earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter Scale was felt in Darchula in far-west Nepal, and the surrounding districts on Sunday afternoon, creating panic among the residents. The epicentre of the earthquake was Khela in the Indian state of Uttarakhand that occurred at 12.52 pm, the Seismological Department of Nepal said. Khela is some 16 kilometres South from Khalanga, the headquarters of Darchula district. The locals were scared and ran out of their houses to open grounds as the quake struck, according to officials. However, there have been no reports of any loss of lives or properties due to the quake.

Nepal hit by moderate 5.1 earthquake creating panic among residents

Nepal Saturday observed the 104th birth anniversary Ganesh Man Singh, the veteran democratic leader who steered the 1990 people's movement that restored multiparty democracy in the country.

The commemoration of the late leader's birth anniversary was held at Shova Bhagawati shrine in Kathmandu.

Speaking at the function organised by the Ganesh Man Singh (GMS) Foundation, former deputy Prime Minister and senior leader of main opposition Nepali Congress Prakash Man Singh highlighted the role played by his late father in overthrowing authoritarian Rana regime in 1950 and reinstatement of multiparty democracy in 1990.

There is a need for fulfilling the dream of late Singh by building an inclusive democratic society and attaining economic prosperity for the country through economic revolution if we are to pay true tribute to him, Prakash said.

He also underlined the need for strengthening inner-party democracy within the Nepali Congress by abiding by the party's statute.

He also slammed the present Communist government for failing to deliver on their promises despite enjoying the two-thirds majority in Parliament.

Nepali Congress had played a key role in promulgating the new Constitution three years ago under the premiership of party president late Sushil Koirla and now the party is ready to play any role in institutionalising the achievements of the democratic movement of 2006 when federal democratic republic system was established by abolishing monarchy, he said.

Singh was the leader of the democratic movement of 1990 in Nepal. He is revered as the Father of Democracy and the Iron-man of Nepali Politics. He joined Praja Parishad to protest against the autocratic rule of the Ranas.

Nepal Saturday observed the 104th birth anniversary Ganesh Man Singh, the veteran democratic leader who steered the 1990 people's movement that restored multiparty democracy in the country.

Nepal Saturday observed the 104th birth anniversary Ganesh Man Singh, the veteran democratic leader who steered the 1990 people's movement that restored multiparty democracy in the country. The commemoration of the late leader's birth anniversary was held at Shova Bhagawati shrine in Kathmandu. Speaking at the function organised by the Ganesh Man Singh (GMS) Foundation, former deputy Prime Minister and senior leader of main opposition Nepali Congress Prakash Man Singh highlighted the role played by his late father in overthrowing authoritarian Rana regime in 1950 and reinstatement of multiparty democracy in 1990. There is a need for fulfilling the dream of late Singh by building an inclusive democratic society and attaining economic prosperity for the country through economic revolution if we are to pay true tribute to him, Prakash said. He also underlined the need for strengthening inner-party democracy within the Nepali Congress by abiding by the party's statute. He also slammed the present Communist government for failing to deliver on their promises despite enjoying the two-thirds majority in Parliament. Nepali Congress had played a key role in promulgating the new Constitution three years ago under the premiership of party president late Sushil Koirla and now the party is ready to play any role in institutionalising the achievements of the democratic movement of 2006 when federal democratic republic system was established by abolishing monarchy, he said. Singh was the leader of the democratic movement of 1990 in Nepal. He is revered as the Father of Democracy and the Iron-man of Nepali Politics. He joined Praja Parishad to protest against the autocratic rule of the Ranas.

Nepal marks 104th anniversary of democratic leader Ganesh Man Singh 

Chayan Kumar Chaudhary flicked through photographs captured on a hidden camera in the jungle, hoping his favourite big cat -- dubbed "selfie tiger" for its love of the limelight -- had made another appearance.

Thousands of camera traps have helped conservationists track Nepal's wild tiger population, which has nearly doubled in recent years as the big cats claw their way back from the verge of extinction.

After a nine-year push to protect tigers, an exhaustive census across 2,700 kilometres (1,700 miles) of Nepal's lowlands completed earlier this year revealed the population has grown from 121 in 2009 to an estimated 235 adult cats today.

On the frontline of the painstaking survey were trained locals like Chaudhary in western Nepal's Bardia National Park where tiger numbers have grown nearly fivefold.

The 25-year-old helped track and record wild tiger movements through the park by scanning images taken by cameras hidden in the jungle's undergrowth.&nbsp;

"It was very exciting when we checked the (memory) cards and found photos of tigers," Chaudhary told AFP.

"It felt like we are part of something big."

Nepal's southern lowlands, home to five national parks, were mapped into grids, each fitted with a pair of camera traps to record any tiger activity.&nbsp;

More than 3,200 of these special camera traps were installed, some by field workers on elephants to navigate the dense jungle.

"It was not an easy process and risky as well," said Man Bahadur Khadka, head of Nepal's department of wildlife and national parks.&nbsp;

These cameras were equipped with sensors that triggered a click whenever any movement or a change in temperature was detected.

Soon the photos started to trickle in: lone tigers walking past, mothers with their playful cubs and the occasional tiger feasting on a fresh kill. And Chaudhary's favourite: a big cat that seemed to enjoy preening in front of the lens.

The census began in November 2017 and by the following March, more than 4,000 images of tigers had been collected.

"We then began analysing the photos," Khadka said. "Just like our fingerprints, tigers have unique stripes. No two tigers are alike."

'Our wealth'&nbsp;

Conservationists say that behind Nepal's success was a strategy to turn tiger-fearing villagers -- who could earn thousands of dollars for poaching a big cat -- into the animal's protectors.

A century ago, Nepal's lush jungles were a playground for the country's rulers and visiting British dignitaries who came to hunt the Royal Bengal tiger.

In 1900, more than 100,000 tigers were estimated to roam the planet. But that fell to a record low of 3,200 globally in 2010.&nbsp;

Nepal's tiger numbers hit rock bottom following the decade-long civil war, which ended in 2006, when poachers ran amok across the southern plains.&nbsp;

In 2009, the government changed tack, enlisting community groups to protect the animals. Hundreds of young volunteers were recruited to guard Nepal's national parks, patrolling against poachers, raising awareness and protecting the natural habitat. &nbsp;

"Tigers are our wealth, we have to protect them," said Sanju Pariyar, 22, who was just a teen when she joined an anti-poaching group.

"People understand that if our tiger and rhino numbers grow, tourists will come and bring opportunities. It is good for us."

Armed with a stick, Pariyar regularly goes out on patrol to search for traps laid by poachers.

The locals have also become informants, alerting park officials if they see anything, or anyone, suspicious.

Nepal has tough punishments for poachers -- up to 15 years in jail and a heavy fine -- and it has recently started a genetic database of its tigers to aid investigations.

In March, police arrested a poacher who had been on the run for five years after being caught with five tiger pelts and 114 kilos (251 pounds) of bones.

The contraband was believed to have been destined for China, a top market for wildlife smugglers, where rare animal parts are used in traditional medicine.

In 2010, Nepal and 12 other countries with tiger populations signed an agreement to double their big cat numbers by 2022. The Himalayan nation is set to be the first to achieve this target.

"If a country like Nepal -- small, least developed, with lots of challenges -- can do it, the others can do it," said Nepal's WWF representative, Ghana Gurung.

But conservationists are aware that rising tiger numbers are also good news for poachers and the lucrative black market they supply with endangered animal parts.

Tiger poaching is difficult to track because unlike with rhinos, nothing of the cat is left behind after it is killed.

"It is now more important than ever to stay vigilant," said national park warden Ashok Bhandari.

Chayan Kumar Chaudhary flicked through photographs captured on a hidden camera in the jungle, hoping his favourite big cat -- dubbed "selfie tiger" for its love of the limelight -- had made another appearance.

Chayan Kumar Chaudhary flicked through photographs captured on a hidden camera in the jungle, hoping his favourite big cat -- dubbed "selfie tiger" for its love of the limelight -- had made another appearance. Thousands of camera traps have helped conservationists track Nepal's wild tiger population, which has nearly doubled in recent years as the big cats claw their way back from the verge of extinction. After a nine-year push to protect tigers, an exhaustive census across 2,700 kilometres (1,700 miles) of Nepal's lowlands completed earlier this year revealed the population has grown from 121 in 2009 to an estimated 235 adult cats today. On the frontline of the painstaking survey were trained locals like Chaudhary in western Nepal's Bardia National Park where tiger numbers have grown nearly fivefold. The 25-year-old helped track and record wild tiger movements through the park by scanning images taken by cameras hidden in the jungle's undergrowth. "It was very exciting when we checked the (memory) cards and found photos of tigers," Chaudhary told AFP. "It felt like we are part of something big." Nepal's southern lowlands, home to five national parks, were mapped into grids, each fitted with a pair of camera traps to record any tiger activity. More than 3,200 of these special camera traps were installed, some by field workers on elephants to navigate the dense jungle. "It was not an easy process and risky as well," said Man Bahadur Khadka, head of Nepal's department of wildlife and national parks. These cameras were equipped with sensors that triggered a click whenever any movement or a change in temperature was detected. Soon the photos started to trickle in: lone tigers walking past, mothers with their playful cubs and the occasional tiger feasting on a fresh kill. And Chaudhary's favourite: a big cat that seemed to enjoy preening in front of the lens. The census began in November 2017 and by the following March, more than 4,000 images of tigers had been collected. "We then began analysing the photos," Khadka said. "Just like our fingerprints, tigers have unique stripes. No two tigers are alike." 'Our wealth' Conservationists say that behind Nepal's success was a strategy to turn tiger-fearing villagers -- who could earn thousands of dollars for poaching a big cat -- into the animal's protectors. A century ago, Nepal's lush jungles were a playground for the country's rulers and visiting British dignitaries who came to hunt the Royal Bengal tiger. In 1900, more than 100,000 tigers were estimated to roam the planet. But that fell to a record low of 3,200 globally in 2010. Nepal's tiger numbers hit rock bottom following the decade-long civil war, which ended in 2006, when poachers ran amok across the southern plains. In 2009, the government changed tack, enlisting community groups to protect the animals. Hundreds of young volunteers were recruited to guard Nepal's national parks, patrolling against poachers, raising awareness and protecting the natural habitat. "Tigers are our wealth, we have to protect them," said Sanju Pariyar, 22, who was just a teen when she joined an anti-poaching group. "People understand that if our tiger and rhino numbers grow, tourists will come and bring opportunities. It is good for us." Armed with a stick, Pariyar regularly goes out on patrol to search for traps laid by poachers. The locals have also become informants, alerting park officials if they see anything, or anyone, suspicious. Nepal has tough punishments for poachers -- up to 15 years in jail and a heavy fine -- and it has recently started a genetic database of its tigers to aid investigations. In March, police arrested a poacher who had been on the run for five years after being caught with five tiger pelts and 114 kilos (251 pounds) of bones. The contraband was believed to have been destined for China, a top market for wildlife smugglers, where rare animal parts are used in traditional medicine. In 2010, Nepal and 12 other countries with tiger populations signed an agreement to double their big cat numbers by 2022. The Himalayan nation is set to be the first to achieve this target. "If a country like Nepal -- small, least developed, with lots of challenges -- can do it, the others can do it," said Nepal's WWF representative, Ghana Gurung. But conservationists are aware that rising tiger numbers are also good news for poachers and the lucrative black market they supply with endangered animal parts. Tiger poaching is difficult to track because unlike with rhinos, nothing of the cat is left behind after it is killed. "It is now more important than ever to stay vigilant," said national park warden Ashok Bhandari.

Crouching tigers, hidden cameras: Nepal counts its big cats

The bodies of five South Korean climbers killed in one of the deadliest mountaineering accidents to hit Nepal in recent years were due to be flown home Tuesday, an official said.

The South Koreans, led by record-holding climber Kim Chang-ho, were on remote Mount Gurja when their camp was hit by a sudden, powerful gust most likely caused by a powerful downblast from an avalanche.

The massive impact left the bodies of the climbers -- and those of four Nepali guides with the expedition -- scattered over 500 metres (1,640 feet).&nbsp;

All nine bodies were retrieved from the remote location in the Dhaulagiri mountain range on Sunday, more than 24 hours after the only surviving team member -- who was in a village a day's walk away -- raised the alarm.

The remains of the five foreign climbers will be flown home from Nepal on Tuesday evening, said Shiva Pokharel, an official with South Korea's embassy in Kathmandu.&nbsp;

"The postmortem has been completed... but the results will take about a week," he added.

It was Nepal's worst mountaineering accident since 2015, when a powerful earthquake triggered an avalanche that killed 18 people at Mount Everest's base camp.

Mount Gurja, a rarely-climbed peak last summited in 1996, lacks the level of infrastructure on Mount Everest, which sees hundreds of climbers reach the top each year.&nbsp;

The isolated location of the 7,193-metre peak complicated the retrieval mission.

But it was also likely a draw for Kim. The veteran mountaineer had turned his sights to climbing lesser-known peaks after summiting all 14 of the world's highest mountains -- the first South Korean to achieve the feat.

It is unclear if investigators will be able to piece together why the freak accident was so deadly, claiming the lives of everyone at the base camp.

Dan Richards of US-based Global Rescue, which helped to retrieve the bodies, said it was unlike anything he had seen in 14 years assisting with mountain rescue operations.

"We are still scratching our heads trying to figure out what happened to these experienced mountain climbers," he said.

Thousands of climbers flock to Nepal each year -- home to eight of the world's 14 highest peaks -- creating a lucrative mountain tourism industry that is a vital source of cash for the impoverished country.

The bodies of five South Korean climbers killed in one of the deadliest mountaineering accidents to hit Nepal in recent years were due to be flown home Tuesday, an official said.

The bodies of five South Korean climbers killed in one of the deadliest mountaineering accidents to hit Nepal in recent years were due to be flown home Tuesday, an official said. The South Koreans, led by record-holding climber Kim Chang-ho, were on remote Mount Gurja when their camp was hit by a sudden, powerful gust most likely caused by a powerful downblast from an avalanche. The massive impact left the bodies of the climbers -- and those of four Nepali guides with the expedition -- scattered over 500 metres (1,640 feet). All nine bodies were retrieved from the remote location in the Dhaulagiri mountain range on Sunday, more than 24 hours after the only surviving team member -- who was in a village a day's walk away -- raised the alarm. The remains of the five foreign climbers will be flown home from Nepal on Tuesday evening, said Shiva Pokharel, an official with South Korea's embassy in Kathmandu. "The postmortem has been completed... but the results will take about a week," he added. It was Nepal's worst mountaineering accident since 2015, when a powerful earthquake triggered an avalanche that killed 18 people at Mount Everest's base camp. Mount Gurja, a rarely-climbed peak last summited in 1996, lacks the level of infrastructure on Mount Everest, which sees hundreds of climbers reach the top each year. The isolated location of the 7,193-metre peak complicated the retrieval mission. But it was also likely a draw for Kim. The veteran mountaineer had turned his sights to climbing lesser-known peaks after summiting all 14 of the world's highest mountains -- the first South Korean to achieve the feat. It is unclear if investigators will be able to piece together why the freak accident was so deadly, claiming the lives of everyone at the base camp. Dan Richards of US-based Global Rescue, which helped to retrieve the bodies, said it was unlike anything he had seen in 14 years assisting with mountain rescue operations. "We are still scratching our heads trying to figure out what happened to these experienced mountain climbers," he said. Thousands of climbers flock to Nepal each year -- home to eight of the world's 14 highest peaks -- creating a lucrative mountain tourism industry that is a vital source of cash for the impoverished country.

Nepal to repatriate South Koreans killed on remote peak

All nine members of a South Korean climbing expedition were confirmed dead Saturday after a violent snowstorm devastated their camp on Nepal's Mount Gurja, one of the deadliest mountaineering accidents to hit the Himalayan nation in recent years.

The bodies of eight climbers -- four South Koreans and four Nepali guides -- were spotted among the wreckage of their camp by a rescue team early Saturday morning, but strong winds and icy conditions were hampering the search effort.

A fifth South Korean climber was initially reported missing, but officials have now confirmed that he was at the camp when the deadly storm hit and is believed to have also perished. &nbsp; &nbsp;

"A mountain expedition of five South Korean nationals and four foreigners were swept off by strong winds at the base camp during their climb to Mount Gurja. (They) fell off a cliff and died," the South Korean foreign ministry said in a statement.

Helicopter pilot Siddartha Gurung was among the first people to reach the site after the deadly storm and described a scene of total destruction with the tents flattened and the climber's bodies scattered across the area.

"Everything is gone, all the tents are blown apart," Gurung told AFP.

Gurung landed a helicopter just above the expedition team's camp, but icy and unstable conditions meant they were unable to retrieve any of the bodies.

Nepal's tourism department said a second helicopter was being sent to the site Saturday afternoon.

"A helicopter has been sent for second rescue attempt but we are not sure whether it can get close to the incident site," said spokeswoman Mira Acharya.

Deadliest incident

The storm is the deadliest incident to hit Nepal's mountaineering industry since 18 people were killed at the Mount Everest base camp in 2015 in an avalanche triggered by a powerful earthquake.

The previous year, 16 Sherpas were killed on Everest when an avalanche swept through the Khumbu Icefall.

Wangchu Sherpa, managing director of Trekking Camp Nepal, who organised the expedition, said they raised the alarm after they had not heard from the South Korean team for nearly 24 hours.

"After they (the climbers) were out of contact since yesterday we sent people from the village and a helicopter to search for them," he said.

The group of South Korean climbers and their Nepali guides had been camped at the foot of the 7,193-metre (23,599-foot) Mount Gurja since early October, waiting for a window of good weather so they could attempt to reach the summit.

Feted South Korean climber Kim Chang-ho, who in 2013 became the fastest person to summit the world's 14 highest mountains without using supplemental oxygen, was leading the expedition, according to a government-issued climbing permit seen by AFP.

The permit listed four South Korean climbers, but a fifth member had joined the team later, according to Suresh Dakal of Trekking Camp Nepal.

Rarely-climbed Gurja lies in Nepal's Annapurna region, next to avalanche-prone Dhaulagiri -- the world's seventh-highest mountain.

Gurja was first summited in 1969 by a Japanese team but no one has stood on its summit for 22 years, according to the Himalayan Database.

The South Korean team were planning to scale the mountain via a never-climbed route, according to the Korean Alpine Federation.

Four climbers have perished on Gurja's flanks and a total of 30 have successfully reached its peak -- a fraction of the more than 8,000 people who have summited Everest, the world's highest mountain.

Thousands of climbers flock to Nepal each year -- home to eight of the world's 14 highest peaks -- creating a lucrative mountain tourism industry that is a vital source of cash for the impoverished country.

All nine members of a South Korean climbing expedition were confirmed dead Saturday after a violent snowstorm devastated their camp on Nepal's Mount Gurja, one of the deadliest mountaineering accidents to hit the Himalayan nation in recent years.

All nine members of a South Korean climbing expedition were confirmed dead Saturday after a violent snowstorm devastated their camp on Nepal's Mount Gurja, one of the deadliest mountaineering accidents to hit the Himalayan nation in recent years. The bodies of eight climbers -- four South Koreans and four Nepali guides -- were spotted among the wreckage of their camp by a rescue team early Saturday morning, but strong winds and icy conditions were hampering the search effort. A fifth South Korean climber was initially reported missing, but officials have now confirmed that he was at the camp when the deadly storm hit and is believed to have also perished. "A mountain expedition of five South Korean nationals and four foreigners were swept off by strong winds at the base camp during their climb to Mount Gurja. (They) fell off a cliff and died," the South Korean foreign ministry said in a statement. Helicopter pilot Siddartha Gurung was among the first people to reach the site after the deadly storm and described a scene of total destruction with the tents flattened and the climber's bodies scattered across the area. "Everything is gone, all the tents are blown apart," Gurung told AFP. Gurung landed a helicopter just above the expedition team's camp, but icy and unstable conditions meant they were unable to retrieve any of the bodies. Nepal's tourism department said a second helicopter was being sent to the site Saturday afternoon. "A helicopter has been sent for second rescue attempt but we are not sure whether it can get close to the incident site," said spokeswoman Mira Acharya. Deadliest incident The storm is the deadliest incident to hit Nepal's mountaineering industry since 18 people were killed at the Mount Everest base camp in 2015 in an avalanche triggered by a powerful earthquake. The previous year, 16 Sherpas were killed on Everest when an avalanche swept through the Khumbu Icefall. Wangchu Sherpa, managing director of Trekking Camp Nepal, who organised the expedition, said they raised the alarm after they had not heard from the South Korean team for nearly 24 hours. "After they (the climbers) were out of contact since yesterday we sent people from the village and a helicopter to search for them," he said. The group of South Korean climbers and their Nepali guides had been camped at the foot of the 7,193-metre (23,599-foot) Mount Gurja since early October, waiting for a window of good weather so they could attempt to reach the summit. Feted South Korean climber Kim Chang-ho, who in 2013 became the fastest person to summit the world's 14 highest mountains without using supplemental oxygen, was leading the expedition, according to a government-issued climbing permit seen by AFP. The permit listed four South Korean climbers, but a fifth member had joined the team later, according to Suresh Dakal of Trekking Camp Nepal. Rarely-climbed Gurja lies in Nepal's Annapurna region, next to avalanche-prone Dhaulagiri -- the world's seventh-highest mountain. Gurja was first summited in 1969 by a Japanese team but no one has stood on its summit for 22 years, according to the Himalayan Database. The South Korean team were planning to scale the mountain via a never-climbed route, according to the Korean Alpine Federation. Four climbers have perished on Gurja's flanks and a total of 30 have successfully reached its peak -- a fraction of the more than 8,000 people who have summited Everest, the world's highest mountain. Thousands of climbers flock to Nepal each year -- home to eight of the world's 14 highest peaks -- creating a lucrative mountain tourism industry that is a vital source of cash for the impoverished country.

At least nine climbers killed on Nepal peak: Officials

Chinese cricket team suffered a record defeat at the hands of Nepal after being bundled out for mere 26 runs in 14.5 overs in the ICC regional qualifier clash for the upcoming World T20 in 2020.

Put into bat, seven of the Chinese batsmen fell for ducks as Nepal's latest sensation, 18-year-old legspinner, Sandeep Lamichhane, recorded a stunning figure of three for four in four overs to take his tournament tally to 20 wickets.

His spin partner, Basant Regmi also finished with stunning figures, picking up three wickets for just five runs in his four overs.

Only one Chinese batsman, Hong Jiang Yan, reached double figures - making 11 from 27 balls, having made scores of 1, 0, 1 and 1 in his first four outings of the tournament.

Nepal openers didn't have to burn a sweat as they accomplished their winning target in just 11-balls with opener Binod Bhandari hammering 24 off eight deliveries with the help of three fours and a six.&nbsp;

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The victory puts Nepal on top of Asia Region Qualifier Group B, having secured five wins out of five games, and this hammering puts them ahead of Singapore on net run-rate. Both sides have qualified for next year’s WT20 Asian Finals.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, China find themselves at the bottom having lost all their qualifier games, with their last game of the regional qualifiers against Malaysia on Friday.

Chinese cricket team suffered a record defeat at the hands of Nepal after being bundled out for mere 26 runs in 14.5 overs in the ICC regional qualifier clash for the upcoming World T20 in 2020.

Chinese cricket team suffered a record defeat at the hands of Nepal after being bundled out for mere 26 runs in 14.5 overs in the ICC regional qualifier clash for the upcoming World T20 in 2020. Put into bat, seven of the Chinese batsmen fell for ducks as Nepal's latest sensation, 18-year-old legspinner, Sandeep Lamichhane, recorded a stunning figure of three for four in four overs to take his tournament tally to 20 wickets. His spin partner, Basant Regmi also finished with stunning figures, picking up three wickets for just five runs in his four overs. Only one Chinese batsman, Hong Jiang Yan, reached double figures - making 11 from 27 balls, having made scores of 1, 0, 1 and 1 in his first four outings of the tournament. Nepal openers didn't have to burn a sweat as they accomplished their winning target in just 11-balls with opener Binod Bhandari hammering 24 off eight deliveries with the help of three fours and a six. Nepal beat China facing just 11 balls! #Cricket pic.twitter.com/cnqRyIHFNA — CricFit (@CricFit) October 10, 2018 × The victory puts Nepal on top of Asia Region Qualifier Group B, having secured five wins out of five games, and this hammering puts them ahead of Singapore on net run-rate. Both sides have qualified for next year’s WT20 Asian Finals. Meanwhile, China find themselves at the bottom having lost all their qualifier games, with their last game of the regional qualifiers against Malaysia on Friday.

WT20 Qualifier: Nepal bowl out China for 26, chase it down in 11 balls

The state-run Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) has resumed its services to the Lukla airport, two years after suspending the flight operation to the gateway to Mount Everest, according to a media report Sunday.

A large number of foreign trekkers and mountaineers, who want to climb the world's highest mountain, travel to this airport also known as Tenzing-Hillary airport, to reach the base camp.

The airline operated three flights on Saturday -- two with China-made Y12e plane while one with Twin Otter aircraft, an official spokesperson said.

"We have two charter flights and a scheduled flight for Sunday," NAC spokesperson Ashok Sigdel was quoted as saying in a report in the Himalayan Times.

Situated at a height of 2,845 metres from the mean sea level, the Lukla airport is the most lucrative airfield for domestic airlines. The cost of the 25-minute flight from Kathmandu for foreigners is probably the world's most expensive as they have to shell more than three times higher airfare than the fare charged on Nepali travellers, it said.

The flight to Lukla airport by the 15-seater Y12e plane, which is the improved version of China-made Harbin Yunshuji Y-12-II, was also its maiden passenger flights. The plane was inducted into the NAC fleet after a successful test flight to Lukla airport last month, the report said.&nbsp;

The state-run Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) has resumed its services to the Lukla airport, two years after suspending the flight operation to the gateway to Mount Everest, according to a media report Sunday.

The state-run Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) has resumed its services to the Lukla airport, two years after suspending the flight operation to the gateway to Mount Everest, according to a media report Sunday. A large number of foreign trekkers and mountaineers, who want to climb the world's highest mountain, travel to this airport also known as Tenzing-Hillary airport, to reach the base camp. The airline operated three flights on Saturday -- two with China-made Y12e plane while one with Twin Otter aircraft, an official spokesperson said. "We have two charter flights and a scheduled flight for Sunday," NAC spokesperson Ashok Sigdel was quoted as saying in a report in the Himalayan Times. Situated at a height of 2,845 metres from the mean sea level, the Lukla airport is the most lucrative airfield for domestic airlines. The cost of the 25-minute flight from Kathmandu for foreigners is probably the world's most expensive as they have to shell more than three times higher airfare than the fare charged on Nepali travellers, it said. The flight to Lukla airport by the 15-seater Y12e plane, which is the improved version of China-made Harbin Yunshuji Y-12-II, was also its maiden passenger flights. The plane was inducted into the NAC fleet after a successful test flight to Lukla airport last month, the report said.

Nepal's flag carrier resumes flight services to Lukla airport

Nepal won tourism awards at the 14th Hospitality India and Explore the World Annual International Travel Awards 2018 which was held in the Indian capital New Delhi.

The award ceremony was organised to honour the best-in-class in the field of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Sector in India and Nepal.

The awards evening encompassed various cultural programs and fashion ramp walks by experienced models.

Present at the occasion as guest of honour, KJ&nbsp;Alphons, Union Minister of State for Tourism acknowledged Nepal as a fast emerging tourist destination for Indian tourists. He said, "Nepal is a very close friend of India and we need to have lot of Indians touring to Nepal and also vice-versa. So, I strongly encourage tourism from Nepal and to Nepal"

Cutting a niche in the Tourism Industry Sector, Nepal has given a great impetus to its tourism industry during the last few years.

Leader in hospitality and tourism sector, Nepal's Chandragiri Hills Limited was conferred as Nepal's best tourism destination during the award ceremony.

Ramdas Athawale, Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, presented the awards to the captains of the Tourism and Hospitality Industry from India and Nepal.

Elated on Nepal's emerging hospitality Industry, Deepak Raj Joshi, the CEO of Nepal Tourism Board said, "Nepal has always remained a very special and preferred destination for Indian travellers. But during last few years there was a little downfall and now it is picking up quite well.

In last month only we received 30 per cent growth from India only."

Nepal has been providing great impetus to its Tourism Industry attracting more and more Indian tourist footfall in the region. 
&nbsp;

Nepal won tourism awards at the 14th Hospitality India and Explore the World Annual International Travel Awards 2018 which was held in the Indian capital New Delhi.

Nepal won tourism awards at the 14th Hospitality India and Explore the World Annual International Travel Awards 2018 which was held in the Indian capital New Delhi. The award ceremony was organised to honour the best-in-class in the field of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Sector in India and Nepal. The awards evening encompassed various cultural programs and fashion ramp walks by experienced models. Present at the occasion as guest of honour, KJ Alphons, Union Minister of State for Tourism acknowledged Nepal as a fast emerging tourist destination for Indian tourists. He said, "Nepal is a very close friend of India and we need to have lot of Indians touring to Nepal and also vice-versa. So, I strongly encourage tourism from Nepal and to Nepal" Cutting a niche in the Tourism Industry Sector, Nepal has given a great impetus to its tourism industry during the last few years. Leader in hospitality and tourism sector, Nepal's Chandragiri Hills Limited was conferred as Nepal's best tourism destination during the award ceremony. Ramdas Athawale, Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, presented the awards to the captains of the Tourism and Hospitality Industry from India and Nepal. Elated on Nepal's emerging hospitality Industry, Deepak Raj Joshi, the CEO of Nepal Tourism Board said, "Nepal has always remained a very special and preferred destination for Indian travellers. But during last few years there was a little downfall and now it is picking up quite well. In last month only we received 30 per cent growth from India only." Nepal has been providing great impetus to its Tourism Industry attracting more and more Indian tourist footfall in the region.

Nepal bags tourism awards at Annual Travel Awards ceremony

A passenger bus collided with a truck in Western Nepal Saturday, killing at least six persons and injuring 17 others.

The accident took place when the microbus, en route to Nepalgunj from Tulsipur, collided with the truck near Muguwa river in Nepalgunj, police said.

Four passengers died on the spot while two others succumbed to their injuries at Kohalpur Teaching Hospital, police said.

The other injured passengers are undergoing treatment at the same hospital, they added.

Road accidents are quite common in Nepal as the Himalayan nation has many mountainous and narrow roads.

Most accidents take place due to poorly maintained vehicles and roads.&nbsp;

A passenger bus collided with a truck in Western Nepal Saturday, killing at least six persons and injuring 17 others. The accident took place when the microbus, en route to Nepalgunj from Tulsipur, collided with the truck near Muguwa river in Nepalgunj, police said.

A passenger bus collided with a truck in Western Nepal Saturday, killing at least six persons and injuring 17 others. The accident took place when the microbus, en route to Nepalgunj from Tulsipur, collided with the truck near Muguwa river in Nepalgunj, police said. Four passengers died on the spot while two others succumbed to their injuries at Kohalpur Teaching Hospital, police said. The other injured passengers are undergoing treatment at the same hospital, they added. Road accidents are quite common in Nepal as the Himalayan nation has many mountainous and narrow roads. Most accidents take place due to poorly maintained vehicles and roads.

Six people dead, 17 injured in road accident in Nepal

Several Indian companies and some Indians have been barred by the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/not-educating-girls-costs-15-30-trillion-world-bank-150969">World Bank</a> from its various projects across the globe, the multilateral lending agency said in its first report on its efforts to fight corruption and safeguard donor resources.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/world-bank-endorses-plan-india-transition-higher-middle-income-country-166894">Also read: World Bank endorses </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/world-bank-endorses-plan-india-transition-higher-middle-income-country-166894">plan</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/world-bank-endorses-plan-india-transition-higher-middle-income-country-166894"> for India to transition to higher middle-income country</a>

The World bank Group Sanctions System Annual Report for the year 2018 said Olive Health Care and Jay Modi from India have been debarred from for their fraudulent and corrupt practices. They were working on a World Bank project in Bangladesh.&nbsp;

While Olive Health has been debarred for 10 years and six months, Modi has been debarred for seven years and six months, the report said.

In all 78 companies and individuals have been debarred by the World Bank.&nbsp;

The inaugural report, the bank said, is the result of efforts by the Integrity Vice Presidency (INT), the Office of Suspension and Debarment (OSD) and the Sanctions Board to prepare a joint overview of the Bank Group Sanctions System and its activities over the past year.

India-based Angelique International Limited has been debarred by the World Bank for four years and six months for their fraudulent and corrupt practices. The company had a World Bank project in Ethiopia and Nepal.

Family Care from India too has been debarred by the World Bank for four years on similar grounds. They had projects in Argentina and Bangladesh.

For fraudulent practices, Madhucon Projects Ltd from India has been debarred by the World Bank for two years. It had World Bank projects in India. R KD Construction Pvt Ltd has been debarred for one year and six months for the same reason. It has projects in India.

Among other Indian companies debarred by the World Bank for less than a year are Tatve Global Environment Pvt Ltd, SMEC (India) Pvt Ltd, and Macleods Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

In addition to the 78 debarments, five firms were sanctioned with conditional non-debarment, which means they remain eligible to participate in World Bank-financed projects but will be debarred if they do not meet certain agreed-upon conditions.

Each of the sanctions related to a finding that the firm or individual engaged in one of the institution's five sanctionable practices - fraud, corruption, collusion, coercion or obstruction - while participating in a Bank Group-funded project, the bank said.

The institution also recognised 73 cross-debarments from other multilateral development banks.

In addition to evaluating allegations of fraud and corruption, INT works to prevent corruption in ongoing Bank Group projects. INT staff identified and worked to mitigate integrity risks in 390 projects, steps that made progress in safeguarding the equivalent of USD 2.2 billion in project commitments, it said.&nbsp;

Several Indian companies and some Indians have been barred by the World Bank from its various projects across the globe, the multilateral lending agency said in its first report on its efforts to fight corruption and safeguard donor resources.

Several Indian companies and some Indians have been barred by the World Bank from its various projects across the globe, the multilateral lending agency said in its first report on its efforts to fight corruption and safeguard donor resources. Also read: World Bank endorses plan for India to transition to higher middle-income country The World bank Group Sanctions System Annual Report for the year 2018 said Olive Health Care and Jay Modi from India have been debarred from for their fraudulent and corrupt practices. They were working on a World Bank project in Bangladesh. While Olive Health has been debarred for 10 years and six months, Modi has been debarred for seven years and six months, the report said. In all 78 companies and individuals have been debarred by the World Bank. The inaugural report, the bank said, is the result of efforts by the Integrity Vice Presidency (INT), the Office of Suspension and Debarment (OSD) and the Sanctions Board to prepare a joint overview of the Bank Group Sanctions System and its activities over the past year. India-based Angelique International Limited has been debarred by the World Bank for four years and six months for their fraudulent and corrupt practices. The company had a World Bank project in Ethiopia and Nepal. Family Care from India too has been debarred by the World Bank for four years on similar grounds. They had projects in Argentina and Bangladesh. For fraudulent practices, Madhucon Projects Ltd from India has been debarred by the World Bank for two years. It had World Bank projects in India. R KD Construction Pvt Ltd has been debarred for one year and six months for the same reason. It has projects in India. Among other Indian companies debarred by the World Bank for less than a year are Tatve Global Environment Pvt Ltd, SMEC (India) Pvt Ltd, and Macleods Pharmaceuticals Ltd. In addition to the 78 debarments, five firms were sanctioned with conditional non-debarment, which means they remain eligible to participate in World Bank-financed projects but will be debarred if they do not meet certain agreed-upon conditions. Each of the sanctions related to a finding that the firm or individual engaged in one of the institution's five sanctionable practices - fraud, corruption, collusion, coercion or obstruction - while participating in a Bank Group-funded project, the bank said. The institution also recognised 73 cross-debarments from other multilateral development banks. In addition to evaluating allegations of fraud and corruption, INT works to prevent corruption in ongoing Bank Group projects. INT staff identified and worked to mitigate integrity risks in 390 projects, steps that made progress in safeguarding the equivalent of USD 2.2 billion in project commitments, it said.

Several Indian companies barred by World Bank in 2018

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