India is unlikely to take part in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/nepal-india-joint-secretaries-to-discuss-trade-transit-132606">South Asian Association for Regional </a>Cooperation(SAARC) summit in Pakistan this year, newswire ANI reported today.

Last week China's Xinhua news agency had said Nepal has been negotiating with Pakistan and India to restart the SAARC summit. The Himalayan kingdom is the current chair of the regional grouping which comprises India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Maldives, Bhutan and Afganistan.

Nepal PM K.P. Sharma Oli has reportedly requested PM Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Shahid Khaqan Abbasi to "remove misunderstanding".

The 19th SAARC summit held in Islamabad in 2016 was cancelled after India, Afghanistan and Bangladesh blamed Pakistan for not cooperating on stopping cross-border terrorism, a charge the Abbasi-led government denied.

Sources told ANI that "talks and terrorism can't go hand in hand".

India's relations with Pakistan has frayed over the years with increasing incidents of cross-border terror along the Line of Control(LoC) even as Pak authorities have insisted it has no hand in it.

The Trump administration has repeatedly said Pakistan is a "safe haven" for terrorists and the Taliban who have been using the porous Afghanistan-Pakistan border to carry out terrorist attack on Afghan soil. Pakistan has said it has crackdowned on the Taliban operating inside its territory including the Haqqani Network which the US believes operates inside Pakistan.

Sources told ANI that "talks and terrorism can't go hand in hand".

India is unlikely to take part in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation(SAARC) summit in Pakistan this year, newswire ANI reported today. Last week China's Xinhua news agency had said Nepal has been negotiating with Pakistan and India to restart the SAARC summit. The Himalayan kingdom is the current chair of the regional grouping which comprises India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Maldives, Bhutan and Afganistan. Nepal PM K.P. Sharma Oli has reportedly requested PM Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Shahid Khaqan Abbasi to "remove misunderstanding". The 19th SAARC summit held in Islamabad in 2016 was cancelled after India, Afghanistan and Bangladesh blamed Pakistan for not cooperating on stopping cross-border terrorism, a charge the Abbasi-led government denied. Sources told ANI that "talks and terrorism can't go hand in hand". India's relations with Pakistan has frayed over the years with increasing incidents of cross-border terror along the Line of Control(LoC) even as Pak authorities have insisted it has no hand in it. The Trump administration has repeatedly said Pakistan is a "safe haven" for terrorists and the Taliban who have been using the porous Afghanistan-Pakistan border to carry out terrorist attack on Afghan soil. Pakistan has said it has crackdowned on the Taliban operating inside its territory including the Haqqani Network which the US believes operates inside Pakistan.

India not to take part in SAARC summit in Pakistan this year: Report

The Nepal-India inter-governmental sub-committee meeting of their joint secretaries kicked off here today to discuss issues relating to trade, commerce and transit between the two countries. The entire gamut of trade and transit will be discussed during the two-day meeting, according to sources in Nepal’s ministry of commerce and supplies.

The meeting will also discuss enhancing cooperation between the two countries to control unauthorised border trade, said an official participating in the meeting. Nepal will also ask India, among other things, to provide access to Indian seas through waterways, said an official.

The Nepalese delegation is led by Joint Secretary, Commerce and Industries, Ravi Sainju while the Indian side is led by Joint Secretary B S Bhalla.

The objective of the meeting is to further strengthen trade and transit relations between the two countries, the Indian Embassy here said. Nepal and India need to form a joint study team to conduct a feasibility study for operating water transport for Nepal via Indian seas, said Madhav Belbase, Joint Secretary at Water and Energy Commission of Nepal.

During Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli’s state visit to India on April 6-8, the two sides had issued a joint statement on connectivity through inland waterways, opening the door for Nepal to access the ocean through India. The meeting will be followed by the inter-governmental committee (IGC) meeting between commerce secretaries of the two countries.

It will set the agenda for the two-day meeting of commerce secretaries scheduled for April 26-27 in Kathmandu.

The meeting will also discuss enhancing cooperation between the two countries to control unauthorised border trade, said an official participating in the meeting.

The Nepal-India inter-governmental sub-committee meeting of their joint secretaries kicked off here today to discuss issues relating to trade, commerce and transit between the two countries. The entire gamut of trade and transit will be discussed during the two-day meeting, according to sources in Nepal’s ministry of commerce and supplies. The meeting will also discuss enhancing cooperation between the two countries to control unauthorised border trade, said an official participating in the meeting. Nepal will also ask India, among other things, to provide access to Indian seas through waterways, said an official. The Nepalese delegation is led by Joint Secretary, Commerce and Industries, Ravi Sainju while the Indian side is led by Joint Secretary B S Bhalla. The objective of the meeting is to further strengthen trade and transit relations between the two countries, the Indian Embassy here said. Nepal and India need to form a joint study team to conduct a feasibility study for operating water transport for Nepal via Indian seas, said Madhav Belbase, Joint Secretary at Water and Energy Commission of Nepal. During Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli’s state visit to India on April 6-8, the two sides had issued a joint statement on connectivity through inland waterways, opening the door for Nepal to access the ocean through India. The meeting will be followed by the inter-governmental committee (IGC) meeting between commerce secretaries of the two countries. It will set the agenda for the two-day meeting of commerce secretaries scheduled for April 26-27 in Kathmandu.

Nepal, India joint secretaries to discuss trade, transit

By: Siddhant Sibbal

In what seems to be blessings by his holiness Dalai Lama, the Tibetian spiritual leader has said that Modi-Xi talks are a welcome step. In an exclusive conversation with WION, Dalai Lama said "use of force is outdated. Must meet people and talk. Realistically speaking neither India&nbsp;nor China can destroy each other. You have to live side by side."&nbsp;He was speaking at IIT Delhi.

The Indian Prime minister will be meeting President of China Xi Jinping in Wuhan for an informal summit on 26th and 27th.&nbsp;The informal summit will see no joint statement or communique being issued and both the leaders will have "strategic conversation" on larger and broader issues.

Dalai Lama's comments matter more since in recent months advisory has been issued by MEA for restricting officials to interact with him. New Delhi has been trying to assuage some of China's concerns about Dalai Lama. Events marking his exile had been shifted to Dharamshala from New Delhi.

Speaking at the same event Dalai Lama lauded India's religious harmony and said India is an example of how all&nbsp;religions&nbsp;can stay in peace. He also added that Tibet has the right to preserve its own language and culture while staying in China.

Dalai Lama has been a thorny issue for China and Bejing has been vocal about it and even taking strict action against countries hosting him.&nbsp;But his presence in India is an irritant to Bejing and a reminder that its control over Tibet will always be questioned.

The Indian Prime minister will be meeting President of China Xi Jinping in Wuhan for an informal summit on 26th and 27th

By: Siddhant Sibbal In what seems to be blessings by his holiness Dalai Lama, the Tibetian spiritual leader has said that Modi-Xi talks are a welcome step. In an exclusive conversation with WION, Dalai Lama said "use of force is outdated. Must meet people and talk. Realistically speaking neither India nor China can destroy each other. You have to live side by side." He was speaking at IIT Delhi. The Indian Prime minister will be meeting President of China Xi Jinping in Wuhan for an informal summit on 26th and 27th. The informal summit will see no joint statement or communique being issued and both the leaders will have "strategic conversation" on larger and broader issues. Dalai Lama's comments matter more since in recent months advisory has been issued by MEA for restricting officials to interact with him. New Delhi has been trying to assuage some of China's concerns about Dalai Lama. Events marking his exile had been shifted to Dharamshala from New Delhi. Speaking at the same event Dalai Lama lauded India's religious harmony and said India is an example of how all religions can stay in peace. He also added that Tibet has the right to preserve its own language and culture while staying in China. Dalai Lama has been a thorny issue for China and Bejing has been vocal about it and even taking strict action against countries hosting him. But his presence in India is an irritant to Bejing and a reminder that its control over Tibet will always be questioned.

Dalai Lama gives his blessing to 'Modi-Xi' meet

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a two-day state visit to Nepal from May 11. Modi's Nepali counterpart KP Sharma Oli visited India recently to mend ties that had taken a hit due to the economic blockade along the Nepal-India border in 2015-16.

PM Modi's visit to the Himalayan country was decided during Oli's visit to India.

The Prime Minister is likely to visit Janakpur which he couldn't during his visit in 2014. PM Modi may also pay the holy Hindu pilgrimage site Muktinath a visit.&nbsp;

According to reports, PM Modi will Modi be received with a civic reception.

Meanwhile, on Sunday Indian Ambassador to Nepal Manjeev Sigh Puri met Lal Babu Raut, the Chief Minister of Province no 2 in Janakpur. The officials discussed Modi's Nepal visit.&nbsp;

PM Modi's visit to the Himalayan country was decided during Oli's visit to India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a two-day state visit to Nepal from May 11. Modi's Nepali counterpart KP Sharma Oli visited India recently to mend ties that had taken a hit due to the economic blockade along the Nepal-India border in 2015-16. PM Modi's visit to the Himalayan country was decided during Oli's visit to India. The Prime Minister is likely to visit Janakpur which he couldn't during his visit in 2014. PM Modi may also pay the holy Hindu pilgrimage site Muktinath a visit. According to reports, PM Modi will Modi be received with a civic reception. Meanwhile, on Sunday Indian Ambassador to Nepal Manjeev Sigh Puri met Lal Babu Raut, the Chief Minister of Province no 2 in Janakpur. The officials discussed Modi's Nepal visit.

PM Modi's 2-day-visit to Nepal will begin on May 11

Congress-led opposition parties today met Vice President and Rajya Sabha chairman M Venkaiah Naidu seeing impeachment of Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra.

Nearly 71 lawmakers have signed the petition that alleges the Chief Justice of misconduct and misbehaviour. The motion will be examined by the Vice President.&nbsp;

The request for Misra's impeachment has sparked a political outcry in the country with the BJP lashing out at the Congress for trying to "demean, degrade and denigrate" the judiciary.&nbsp;

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Friday accused the Congress party of trivialising the power of impeachment and using it as a political tool.

The impeachment notice comes a day after the Supreme Court rejected a bunch of petitions seeking an independent probe into the death of Judge B H Loya, who was hearing the Sohrabuddin Sheikh encounter case.

An impeachment motion in the Rajya Sabha has to be supported by at least 50 MPs of the Upper House, while the number of MPs supporting such a motion in the Lok Sabha is 100.

Once the notice of impeachment is submitted to the Rajya Sabha chairman, he&nbsp;will ascertain whether there is merit or ground for moving such a motion.

In case he finds merit a committee can be formed to look into the matter, else the motion can be simply rejected.

While the final word on CJI Misra's impeachment is yet to be pronounced, here is a quick look at the incidents of impeaching Chief Justices in some of the neighbouring South Asian countries.

Bangladesh

The Supreme Court, in a landmark verdict last year, declared void a 2014 constitutional amendment that empowered its parliament to impeach apex court judges.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka

The ruling coalition in the year 2012 moved a resolution to impeach the country’s chief justice, Shirani Bandaranayake.&nbsp;

Early in the year 2013, the Sri Lankan parliament debated the impeachment motion against Bandaranayake removing her from office on 13 January 2013.&nbsp;

She was reinstated into her office by President Maithripala Sirisena.&nbsp;

Nepal

On 30 April, two ruling parties of Nepal -- the Nepali Congress and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre) -- moved an impeachment motion alleging that the Chief Justice had encroached on the prerogatives of the executive branch.&nbsp;

UN rights chief called the impeachment motion "an assault on human rights". “I urge the Nepal authorities to respect the independence of the judiciary, to withdraw what appears to be a politically motivated impeachment motion and to commit to the processes of transitional justice and accountability,” said the top UN human rights official.&nbsp;

If the impeachment motion against Misra is moved it will be the first time ever in the country's history.&nbsp;

While the final word on CJI Misra's impeachment is yet to be pronounced, here is a quick look at the incidents and the protocol of impeaching Chief Justices in some of the neighbouring South Asian countries

Congress-led opposition parties today met Vice President and Rajya Sabha chairman M Venkaiah Naidu seeing impeachment of Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra. Nearly 71 lawmakers have signed the petition that alleges the Chief Justice of misconduct and misbehaviour. The motion will be examined by the Vice President. The request for Misra's impeachment has sparked a political outcry in the country with the BJP lashing out at the Congress for trying to "demean, degrade and denigrate" the judiciary. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Friday accused the Congress party of trivialising the power of impeachment and using it as a political tool. The impeachment notice comes a day after the Supreme Court rejected a bunch of petitions seeking an independent probe into the death of Judge B H Loya, who was hearing the Sohrabuddin Sheikh encounter case. An impeachment motion in the Rajya Sabha has to be supported by at least 50 MPs of the Upper House, while the number of MPs supporting such a motion in the Lok Sabha is 100. Once the notice of impeachment is submitted to the Rajya Sabha chairman, he will ascertain whether there is merit or ground for moving such a motion. In case he finds merit a committee can be formed to look into the matter, else the motion can be simply rejected. While the final word on CJI Misra's impeachment is yet to be pronounced, here is a quick look at the incidents of impeaching Chief Justices in some of the neighbouring South Asian countries. Bangladesh The Supreme Court, in a landmark verdict last year, declared void a 2014 constitutional amendment that empowered its parliament to impeach apex court judges. Sri Lanka The ruling coalition in the year 2012 moved a resolution to impeach the country’s chief justice, Shirani Bandaranayake. Early in the year 2013, the Sri Lankan parliament debated the impeachment motion against Bandaranayake removing her from office on 13 January 2013. She was reinstated into her office by President Maithripala Sirisena. Nepal On 30 April, two ruling parties of Nepal -- the Nepali Congress and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre) -- moved an impeachment motion alleging that the Chief Justice had encroached on the prerogatives of the executive branch. UN rights chief called the impeachment motion "an assault on human rights". “I urge the Nepal authorities to respect the independence of the judiciary, to withdraw what appears to be a politically motivated impeachment motion and to commit to the processes of transitional justice and accountability,” said the top UN human rights official. If the impeachment motion against Misra is moved it will be the first time ever in the country's history.

Incidents of impeachment: A quick look at some South Asian nations

Nepal's major Madhesi party Rastriya Janta Party-Nepal (RJPN) today split on its first anniversary after a disgruntled group formed a new party.

The disgruntled group of 32 party workers led by RJPN vice chairman Ashok Kumar Yadav quit the party and formed a new party named Rastriya Janata Party (Loktantrik).&nbsp

During a press meet to announce the newly-formed party, Yadav said that the unified RJPN could not play any role for the amendment of the Constitution and accused it of exercising role to be a part of the government deviating from its agenda to amend the Constitution.&nbsp

He criticised all top leaders of the party for ignoring the agenda of the Constitutional amendment and tried to betray the right of Madhes and representation of the Madhesi people.&nbsp

"Innocent people lost their lives in the Madhes agitation. But only six members of the Rastriya Janata Party Nepal Presidium and their family members reap benefit from the same,"&nbsphe said.&nbsp

"We were compelled to split from the RJP as the party leaders were in a hurry to join the government instead of piling pressure on the government to amend the constitution," he said.&nbsp&nbsp &nbsp

Six Madhes-based parties, which claim to represent the interests of inhabitants of the southern Terai region who are mostly of Indian origin, last year on this day had merged to form the RJPN for the greater cause of the Madhesi people.

The disgruntled group of 32 party workers led by RJPN vice chairman Ashok Kumar Yadav quit the party and formed a new party named Rastriya Janata Party (Loktantrik)

Nepal's major Madhesi party Rastriya Janta Party-Nepal (RJPN) today split on its first anniversary after a disgruntled group formed a new party. The disgruntled group of 32 party workers led by RJPN vice chairman Ashok Kumar Yadav quit the party and formed a new party named Rastriya Janata Party (Loktantrik). During a press meet to announce the newly-formed party, Yadav said that the unified RJPN could not play any role for the amendment of the Constitution and accused it of exercising role to be a part of the government deviating from its agenda to amend the Constitution. He criticised all top leaders of the party for ignoring the agenda of the Constitutional amendment and tried to betray the right of Madhes and representation of the Madhesi people. "Innocent people lost their lives in the Madhes agitation. But only six members of the Rastriya Janata Party Nepal Presidium and their family members reap benefit from the same,"&nbsphe said. "We were compelled to split from the RJP as the party leaders were in a hurry to join the government instead of piling pressure on the government to amend the constitution," he said. Six Madhes-based parties, which claim to represent the interests of inhabitants of the southern Terai region who are mostly of Indian origin, last year on this day had merged to form the RJPN for the greater cause of the Madhesi people.

Nepal: Key Madhesi party splits on its first anniversary

The Kathmandu airport had to shut down its operations for more than 12 hours after a Malindo, Malaysian airline's flight skidded into mud from the runway on late Thursday.

Malindo Air also confirmed in its official statement that aircraft bound for Kuala Lumpur had overrun the runway at Tribhuvan International Airport. &nbsp&nbsp

The jet was moved on Friday and was carrying 139 passengers. No injury has been caused to any passenger or any crew member from the incident.

However, following the incident, hundreds of flights were cancelled and all incoming flights were diverted.

The statement further informs that assistance has been provided to affected people including meals and accommodation as well as an arrangement to the next available flight.

The airline further apologised for the incident.

Malindo air also said that it has initiated the appropriate investigation and has also taken measures to rectify the situation.

According to reports while the jet was speeding down at the runway pilots detected a problem and aborted takeoff which resulted into jet skidding into the grass and coming to a halt in the mud about 100 feet from the runway.

Aircraft accident are quite common in the Himalayan nation as the country has world's most tricky runways due to the surrounding of snow-capped peaks.

Nepal-based airlines are also banned from flying over the European Union airspace. 
&nbsp

Malindo Air also confirmed in its official statement that aircraft bound for Kuala Lumpur had overrun the runway at Tribhuvan International Airport

The Kathmandu airport had to shut down its operations for more than 12 hours after a Malindo, Malaysian airline's flight skidded into mud from the runway on late Thursday. Malindo Air also confirmed in its official statement that aircraft bound for Kuala Lumpur had overrun the runway at Tribhuvan International Airport. The jet was moved on Friday and was carrying 139 passengers. No injury has been caused to any passenger or any crew member from the incident. However, following the incident, hundreds of flights were cancelled and all incoming flights were diverted. The statement further informs that assistance has been provided to affected people including meals and accommodation as well as an arrangement to the next available flight. The airline further apologised for the incident. Malindo air also said that it has initiated the appropriate investigation and has also taken measures to rectify the situation. According to reports while the jet was speeding down at the runway pilots detected a problem and aborted takeoff which resulted into jet skidding into the grass and coming to a halt in the mud about 100 feet from the runway. Aircraft accident are quite common in the Himalayan nation as the country has world's most tricky runways due to the surrounding of snow-capped peaks. Nepal-based airlines are also banned from flying over the European Union airspace.

Kathmandu: Malaysian airline skids into mud halting operations for more than 12 hours

China today proposed an India-Nepal-China economic corridor with multi-dimensional connectivity through the Himalayas as it seeks to expand its influence over the new Nepalese government headed by Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, widely regarded as pro-Beijing.&nbsp

China's proposal came after visiting Nepalese Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali held talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.&nbsp

"Let me say China and Nepal have agreed on long-term vision of a multi-dimensional cross Himalaya connectivity network," Wang told a joint press briefing along with Gyawali after their talks.&nbsp

Gyawali is on his maiden visit to Beijing after the Oli-led government came to power in recent elections.

Wang said China and Nepal have already signed an MOU on China's multi-billion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in which connectivity cooperation is a part.

It included a long-term vision such as connectivity network and covering the links between the two countries through ports, railways, highways, aviation, power and communications.

"We believe that such a well-developed connectivity network can also create conditions for an economic corridor connecting China, Nepal and India," Wang said.&nbsp

"We hope that such cooperation will contribute development and prosperity for all the three countries," he said.&nbsp

Reacting to a question whether Gyawali's visit to China was aimed at counterbalancing the recent visit by Oli to India, his first visit abroad after taking over as Prime Minister, Wang sought to make out a case for trilateral cooperation between India, China and Nepal.&nbsp

He said Beijing and New Delhi should facilitate it.&nbsp

"China, Nepal and India are natural friends and partners. We are neighbours connected by rivers and mountains. This is a fact that cannot be changed by whatever changes taking place in the world and inside the three countries," Wang said.&nbsp

"Support for Nepal's development should be a common understanding between China and India. As two major emerging economies, China and India shall deliver the benefits to their neighbours Nepal included in their own development," he said.

"Nepal on its part should leverage its geographical advantage and connect China and India for greater development. Nepal stands as a natural beneficiary from cooperation from China and India. I think this is a logical desire that should be supported by China and India," he said.

The pro-active initiatives by China came as Oli, who is widely regarded as pro-China, during his last tenure as Prime Minister signed a transit treaty with Beijing in 2016 ending the decades-long dependence on India for commodity and energy supplies for his landlocked country.&nbsp

He also sought railway connectivity between the two countries through Tibet which China is currently building.&nbsp

Wang said Gyawali had given the firm commitment for the 'one China' policy accepting Taiwan and Tibet as part of China.

In an apparent reference to curtailment of Tibetan refugees crossing to Dharamsala through Nepal to meet the Dalai Lama, Wang said Nepal has agreed to not allow its territory to be used for anti-China activities.&nbsp

Nepal values its "trouble less and trouble-free relationship", with China, Gyawali said.&nbsp

In his talks with Wang, Gyawali said both sides comprehensively reviewed transit transport agreement, joint feasibility study of the China-Nepal free trade agreement signed during the previous visit Oli, he said

"We extended our views on the draft protocol of the transit trade agreement and agreed to intensify negotiations in the coming days for its early finalisation," he said.

"We also shared views on the implementation of the MOU on the cooperation under the BRI. Nepal has an expectation on the initiatives to contribute to the development of infrastructure, enhanced cross-border connectivity trough railways and roads, promotion of trade, tourism and investment and people to people contacts," he said.&nbsp

China's proposal came after visiting Nepalese Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali held talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi

China today proposed an India-Nepal-China economic corridor with multi-dimensional connectivity through the Himalayas as it seeks to expand its influence over the new Nepalese government headed by Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, widely regarded as pro-Beijing. China's proposal came after visiting Nepalese Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali held talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. "Let me say China and Nepal have agreed on long-term vision of a multi-dimensional cross Himalaya connectivity network," Wang told a joint press briefing along with Gyawali after their talks. Gyawali is on his maiden visit to Beijing after the Oli-led government came to power in recent elections. Wang said China and Nepal have already signed an MOU on China's multi-billion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in which connectivity cooperation is a part. It included a long-term vision such as connectivity network and covering the links between the two countries through ports, railways, highways, aviation, power and communications. "We believe that such a well-developed connectivity network can also create conditions for an economic corridor connecting China, Nepal and India," Wang said. "We hope that such cooperation will contribute development and prosperity for all the three countries," he said. Reacting to a question whether Gyawali's visit to China was aimed at counterbalancing the recent visit by Oli to India, his first visit abroad after taking over as Prime Minister, Wang sought to make out a case for trilateral cooperation between India, China and Nepal. He said Beijing and New Delhi should facilitate it. "China, Nepal and India are natural friends and partners. We are neighbours connected by rivers and mountains. This is a fact that cannot be changed by whatever changes taking place in the world and inside the three countries," Wang said. "Support for Nepal's development should be a common understanding between China and India. As two major emerging economies, China and India shall deliver the benefits to their neighbours Nepal included in their own development," he said. "Nepal on its part should leverage its geographical advantage and connect China and India for greater development. Nepal stands as a natural beneficiary from cooperation from China and India. I think this is a logical desire that should be supported by China and India," he said. The pro-active initiatives by China came as Oli, who is widely regarded as pro-China, during his last tenure as Prime Minister signed a transit treaty with Beijing in 2016 ending the decades-long dependence on India for commodity and energy supplies for his landlocked country. He also sought railway connectivity between the two countries through Tibet which China is currently building. Wang said Gyawali had given the firm commitment for the 'one China' policy accepting Taiwan and Tibet as part of China. In an apparent reference to curtailment of Tibetan refugees crossing to Dharamsala through Nepal to meet the Dalai Lama, Wang said Nepal has agreed to not allow its territory to be used for anti-China activities. Nepal values its "trouble less and trouble-free relationship", with China, Gyawali said. In his talks with Wang, Gyawali said both sides comprehensively reviewed transit transport agreement, joint feasibility study of the China-Nepal free trade agreement signed during the previous visit Oli, he said "We extended our views on the draft protocol of the transit trade agreement and agreed to intensify negotiations in the coming days for its early finalisation," he said. "We also shared views on the implementation of the MOU on the cooperation under the BRI. Nepal has an expectation on the initiatives to contribute to the development of infrastructure, enhanced cross-border connectivity trough railways and roads, promotion of trade, tourism and investment and people to people contacts," he said.

China moots India-Nepal-China economic corridor through Himalayas 

A 60-year-old Canadian national running an NGO in Nepal has been arrested for allegedly sexually abusing children on the pretext of providing them humanitarian assistance, police said today.

Peter John Dalglish, who had served as the country representative of the UN-Habitat Afghanistan, was arrested in Kavre District, about 60 km North-East from Kathmandu, on Saturday by a team of Nepal Police Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) on paedophilia charges.

Two children, aged 12 and 14, who were allegedly abused by Dalglish were also rescued from his room in Mandan Deupur Municipality.

The CIB suspects that there could be other victims. Dalglish had been running an NGO called Himalayan Community Foundation in Nepal since 2015.

"Under the guise of a community worker, claiming to educate poor kids and provide necessary support, he had been sexually exploiting these children,"&nbspsaid CIB chief and Deputy Inspector General of Police Pushkar Karki.

Police had started further investigation against the Canadian national after taking him into police custody.

An organisation outside the country had tipped the CIB about Dalglish, according to local media reports.

"We had been following Dalglish's activities for the last two weeks after we were tipped about his activities,"&nbspthe CIB chief said.

Authorities have arrested seven persons on paedophilia charges since 2016.

Police have intensified their surveillance to nab paedophiles after Canadian national Ernest Fenwick MacIntosh was arrested from Lalitpur district near Kathmandu in 2014.&nbsp

Authorities have arrested seven persons on paedophilia charges since 2016

A 60-year-old Canadian national running an NGO in Nepal has been arrested for allegedly sexually abusing children on the pretext of providing them humanitarian assistance, police said today. Peter John Dalglish, who had served as the country representative of the UN-Habitat Afghanistan, was arrested in Kavre District, about 60 km North-East from Kathmandu, on Saturday by a team of Nepal Police Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) on paedophilia charges. Two children, aged 12 and 14, who were allegedly abused by Dalglish were also rescued from his room in Mandan Deupur Municipality. The CIB suspects that there could be other victims. Dalglish had been running an NGO called Himalayan Community Foundation in Nepal since 2015. "Under the guise of a community worker, claiming to educate poor kids and provide necessary support, he had been sexually exploiting these children,"&nbspsaid CIB chief and Deputy Inspector General of Police Pushkar Karki. Police had started further investigation against the Canadian national after taking him into police custody. An organisation outside the country had tipped the CIB about Dalglish, according to local media reports. "We had been following Dalglish's activities for the last two weeks after we were tipped about his activities,"&nbspthe CIB chief said. Authorities have arrested seven persons on paedophilia charges since 2016. Police have intensified their surveillance to nab paedophiles after Canadian national Ernest Fenwick MacIntosh was arrested from Lalitpur district near Kathmandu in 2014.

Nepal: Canadian humanitarian worker arrested over paedophilia charges

The State Bank of India (SBI) will be investing a total of Rs 80 billion in the Arun III hydropower project of Nepal, which has 900 megawatts (MW) electricity production capacities.

The SJVN, which has been awarded with the construction of the mega power project of Nepal, has made an informal agreement with the SBI to acquire the investment as loan and soon will make the formal agreement, sources informed ANI.

"The Director Committee Meeting of the bank is due to make the recommendation. They soon will decide over. As of now they have decided over the loan extend and the interest rate over it has been finalized," the source informed with anonymity.

"The 1.4 trillion rupees over the project will be expended for the construction of the structures and additional 11 billion rupees for the transmission lines," the source briefed.

With the completion of the project, Nepal will get 21.9 percent of the total electricity produced in a year i.e., 197 MW electricity with 86 crore unit for free in a year.

Along with this, the Punjab National Bank will lend the loan for the construction of the 268 km long 400 KV transmission line via the Everest Bank which is the joint venture bank of the PNB.

"The Everest Bank Limited also will invest 3.60 Billion Rupees (2.25 Billion INR) in the Arun III," the source added. Along with the Everest Bank will be made with investment from the EBL and the investment of the PNB in the project also will stand at eight billion rupees (5 Billion INR).

The source also informed that the 4.06 billion rupees for the project will be lent from the Nepali banks as Bridge loan without further details over the banks.

With the finalisation of the investment and preliminary frame work prepared the Investment Board of Nepal will soon issue the license for the project.

"The Nepal Investment Board will soon issue the license for the construction of the project. It will not take more than a month meaning the license will be granted by mid-June as of now," another source in the Nepal Investment Board told ANI.

The Indian Government on the other hand has made the approval of 92 billion rupees that is to be invested by SJVN. With this the SJVN will invest 25 billion of its own for the mega-project and will take the charge for 25 years excluding the time for the construction of infra.

The further division of the project has been made with the granting of two separate packages to two Indian companies. Under the Package One, the Jay Prakash Associates (JP) Limited of India has been awarded with the construction of the Dam and diversion with an estimated cost of about 18 billion rupees.

The Second Package of constructing the power station is awarded to Patel Engineering Company Ltd. with the contract amounting 18 billion rupees which includes the 8 km long tunnel in addition.

The mega project is targeted to be completed by 2022's September.&nbsp

The SJVN, which has been awarded with the construction of the mega power project of Nepal, has made an informal agreement with the SBI to acquire the investment as loan and soon will make the formal agreement

The State Bank of India (SBI) will be investing a total of Rs 80 billion in the Arun III hydropower project of Nepal, which has 900 megawatts (MW) electricity production capacities. The SJVN, which has been awarded with the construction of the mega power project of Nepal, has made an informal agreement with the SBI to acquire the investment as loan and soon will make the formal agreement, sources informed ANI. "The Director Committee Meeting of the bank is due to make the recommendation. They soon will decide over. As of now they have decided over the loan extend and the interest rate over it has been finalized," the source informed with anonymity. "The 1.4 trillion rupees over the project will be expended for the construction of the structures and additional 11 billion rupees for the transmission lines," the source briefed. With the completion of the project, Nepal will get 21.9 percent of the total electricity produced in a year i.e., 197 MW electricity with 86 crore unit for free in a year. Along with this, the Punjab National Bank will lend the loan for the construction of the 268 km long 400 KV transmission line via the Everest Bank which is the joint venture bank of the PNB. "The Everest Bank Limited also will invest 3.60 Billion Rupees (2.25 Billion INR) in the Arun III," the source added. Along with the Everest Bank will be made with investment from the EBL and the investment of the PNB in the project also will stand at eight billion rupees (5 Billion INR). The source also informed that the 4.06 billion rupees for the project will be lent from the Nepali banks as Bridge loan without further details over the banks. With the finalisation of the investment and preliminary frame work prepared the Investment Board of Nepal will soon issue the license for the project. "The Nepal Investment Board will soon issue the license for the construction of the project. It will not take more than a month meaning the license will be granted by mid-June as of now," another source in the Nepal Investment Board told ANI. The Indian Government on the other hand has made the approval of 92 billion rupees that is to be invested by SJVN. With this the SJVN will invest 25 billion of its own for the mega-project and will take the charge for 25 years excluding the time for the construction of infra. The further division of the project has been made with the granting of two separate packages to two Indian companies. Under the Package One, the Jay Prakash Associates (JP) Limited of India has been awarded with the construction of the Dam and diversion with an estimated cost of about 18 billion rupees. The Second Package of constructing the power station is awarded to Patel Engineering Company Ltd. with the contract amounting 18 billion rupees which includes the 8 km long tunnel in addition. The mega project is targeted to be completed by 2022's September.

SBI to invest Rs 8000 crore in hydropower project of Nepal

The hills of Uttarakhand are hit frequently by mild earthquakes -- as many as 51 since January 1, 2015 -- which are often dismissed as "usual occurrences". But are these tremors indicative of a big earthquake in future? 
"Yes," says the head of state's Disaster Mitigation and Management Centre (DMMC).

"Frequent mild earthquakes in the hills of Uttarakhand should not be dismissed as common occurrences but treated as pointers to a major earthquake which is long overdue in the central seismic gap of the Himalayan front spanning Himachal Pradesh, Nepal and Uttarakhand," said DMMC Executive Director Piyush Rautela.

The DMMC is an autonomous body working under the Uttarakhand government for protection of people and environment against any kind of disaster. Its tasks among other include running training programme for people and communities for disaster mitigation.

Rautela said the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand was hit by a catastrophic earthquake way back in 1803, and 200 years on there is a lot of "un-released energy in the Himalayan region".

"This pent-up energy accumulated over more than 200 years has led to an apprehension among scientists that it could find an outlet in the form of a big earthquake in the Himalayan region, of which Uttarakhand is a part, in the near future," he said.

Another factor which has led to the apprehension is that the 700-km long seismic gap on the Himalayan front, which spans Uttarakhand, neighbouring Himachal Pradesh and Nepal, has not been ruptured in any major earthquake in the last 200-500 years, he said.

"Hence, it is only a matter of time before this pent-up, cumulative energy releases in the form of a major shake-up," Rautela said.

Asked as to what scientists mean by a major earthquake, he said the earthquakes measuring more than eight on the Richter Scale are categorised as such.

According to data available on the Uttarakhand MeT department's website, there have been as many as 51 mild earthquakes in different parts of the state, especially the hill districts of Chamoli, Uttarkashi, Pithoragarh, Almora, and Rudraprayag, since January 1, 2015.

On an average mild intensity, earthquakes occur in the hills twice a month with the latest hitting Pithoragarh on April 1 this year. The magnitude of the quake was 3.5 and it was not felt by many.

The Pithoragarh earthquake was preceded by another of 2.9 magnitudes in Uttarkashi on February 28, which had already been hit by another with a magnitude of 3.2 on February 12.

Chamoli and Rudraprayag districts were hit by an earthquake measuring 4.7 on the Richter Scale on December 28 last year, followed by a 2.9-magnitude earthquake in Chamoli just two days later.

"The mild earthquakes which hit the hills of Uttarakhand almost every month and are often dismissed as usual occurrences should better be treated as warning bells so that we could equip ourselves better to deal with a bigger disaster," the DMMC ED said.

"These earthquakes often measuring about 2.5-4.5 on the Richter Scale are reminder from the nature that we live in an area vulnerable to earthquakes and cannot afford to lower our guard."&nbsp

When asked what would be the extent of damage if an earthquake of 8+ magnitude hits the state, Rautela said it was difficult to quantify. "But definitely the damage will be more in the thickly populated urban areas where there has been rapid and unplanned growth of population and infrastructure."

The devastating earthquake of April-May 2015 in Nepal, which left nearly 9,000 dead, amply highlighted the seismic threat in the region as also the vulnerability of the building stock there, he said.

"Hence, it is important to assess the vulnerability of built environment before undertaking any seismic-risk reduction exercise."

Rautela emphasised the importance of effective planning, preparedness and mitigation, underlining the "constraints in earthquake prediction".

He said the assessment of seismic vulnerability is a necessary precondition for realistic planning and effective mitigation. Citing a DMMC study conducted some time back to assess the seismic vulnerability of

Nainital and Mussoorie, he said out of a total of 6,206 buildings surveyed in popular tourist cities, 14 per cent in Nainital and 18 per cent in Mussoorie show high probability of Category-5 damage (very significant damage) in the event of a seismic activity reaching intensity VII (earthquake measuring 7 on Ritcher Scale).

Most of these buildings were reportedly constructed before 1951, he said.

On infrastructure, the DMMC ED said, hospitals constitute the most critical facility required in the aftermath of any disaster and therefore it is important to assess the seismic performance of the buildings housing these facilities.

Disruption of hospital services has the potential of magnifying the trauma and misery of the affected population manifold, he added. Safety of school buildings is also critical, he said. "The collapse of school buildings would disrupt relief work as they are often used as shelters, makeshift dispensaries and stores for relief supplies in the aftermath of any disaster."

Tourism being the main economic activity in several cities of Uttarakhand, safety of hotel buildings must also be ensured. Seismic vulnerability assessment of such buildings is therefore highly recommended, according to the officer.

In November last year, scientists had gathered for a two-day national workshop here. They were unanimous in their view about the high possibility of a devastating earthquake in Uttarakhand and asked the state government to work towards building tremor-resilient infrastructure.

Professor ML Sharma from IIT-Roorkee recommended expansion of the earthquake early warning system network which has already been deployed in Uttarakhand.

Scientists also spoke about the extra care that needs to be taken in designing the structures on hill slopes and the implications of wrong design or construction practices.&nbsp

The hills of Uttarakhand are hit frequently by mild earthquakes -- as many as 51 since January 1, 2015 -- which are often dismissed as 'usual occurrences'

The hills of Uttarakhand are hit frequently by mild earthquakes -- as many as 51 since January 1, 2015 -- which are often dismissed as "usual occurrences". But are these tremors indicative of a big earthquake in future? "Yes," says the head of state's Disaster Mitigation and Management Centre (DMMC). "Frequent mild earthquakes in the hills of Uttarakhand should not be dismissed as common occurrences but treated as pointers to a major earthquake which is long overdue in the central seismic gap of the Himalayan front spanning Himachal Pradesh, Nepal and Uttarakhand," said DMMC Executive Director Piyush Rautela. The DMMC is an autonomous body working under the Uttarakhand government for protection of people and environment against any kind of disaster. Its tasks among other include running training programme for people and communities for disaster mitigation. Rautela said the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand was hit by a catastrophic earthquake way back in 1803, and 200 years on there is a lot of "un-released energy in the Himalayan region". "This pent-up energy accumulated over more than 200 years has led to an apprehension among scientists that it could find an outlet in the form of a big earthquake in the Himalayan region, of which Uttarakhand is a part, in the near future," he said. Another factor which has led to the apprehension is that the 700-km long seismic gap on the Himalayan front, which spans Uttarakhand, neighbouring Himachal Pradesh and Nepal, has not been ruptured in any major earthquake in the last 200-500 years, he said. "Hence, it is only a matter of time before this pent-up, cumulative energy releases in the form of a major shake-up," Rautela said. Asked as to what scientists mean by a major earthquake, he said the earthquakes measuring more than eight on the Richter Scale are categorised as such. According to data available on the Uttarakhand MeT department's website, there have been as many as 51 mild earthquakes in different parts of the state, especially the hill districts of Chamoli, Uttarkashi, Pithoragarh, Almora, and Rudraprayag, since January 1, 2015. On an average mild intensity, earthquakes occur in the hills twice a month with the latest hitting Pithoragarh on April 1 this year. The magnitude of the quake was 3.5 and it was not felt by many. The Pithoragarh earthquake was preceded by another of 2.9 magnitudes in Uttarkashi on February 28, which had already been hit by another with a magnitude of 3.2 on February 12. Chamoli and Rudraprayag districts were hit by an earthquake measuring 4.7 on the Richter Scale on December 28 last year, followed by a 2.9-magnitude earthquake in Chamoli just two days later. "The mild earthquakes which hit the hills of Uttarakhand almost every month and are often dismissed as usual occurrences should better be treated as warning bells so that we could equip ourselves better to deal with a bigger disaster," the DMMC ED said. "These earthquakes often measuring about 2.5-4.5 on the Richter Scale are reminder from the nature that we live in an area vulnerable to earthquakes and cannot afford to lower our guard." When asked what would be the extent of damage if an earthquake of 8+ magnitude hits the state, Rautela said it was difficult to quantify. "But definitely the damage will be more in the thickly populated urban areas where there has been rapid and unplanned growth of population and infrastructure." The devastating earthquake of April-May 2015 in Nepal, which left nearly 9,000 dead, amply highlighted the seismic threat in the region as also the vulnerability of the building stock there, he said. "Hence, it is important to assess the vulnerability of built environment before undertaking any seismic-risk reduction exercise." Rautela emphasised the importance of effective planning, preparedness and mitigation, underlining the "constraints in earthquake prediction". He said the assessment of seismic vulnerability is a necessary precondition for realistic planning and effective mitigation. Citing a DMMC study conducted some time back to assess the seismic vulnerability of Nainital and Mussoorie, he said out of a total of 6,206 buildings surveyed in popular tourist cities, 14 per cent in Nainital and 18 per cent in Mussoorie show high probability of Category-5 damage (very significant damage) in the event of a seismic activity reaching intensity VII (earthquake measuring 7 on Ritcher Scale). Most of these buildings were reportedly constructed before 1951, he said. On infrastructure, the DMMC ED said, hospitals constitute the most critical facility required in the aftermath of any disaster and therefore it is important to assess the seismic performance of the buildings housing these facilities. Disruption of hospital services has the potential of magnifying the trauma and misery of the affected population manifold, he added. Safety of school buildings is also critical, he said. "The collapse of school buildings would disrupt relief work as they are often used as shelters, makeshift dispensaries and stores for relief supplies in the aftermath of any disaster." Tourism being the main economic activity in several cities of Uttarakhand, safety of hotel buildings must also be ensured. Seismic vulnerability assessment of such buildings is therefore highly recommended, according to the officer. In November last year, scientists had gathered for a two-day national workshop here. They were unanimous in their view about the high possibility of a devastating earthquake in Uttarakhand and asked the state government to work towards building tremor-resilient infrastructure. Professor ML Sharma from IIT-Roorkee recommended expansion of the earthquake early warning system network which has already been deployed in Uttarakhand. Scientists also spoke about the extra care that needs to be taken in designing the structures on hill slopes and the implications of wrong design or construction practices.

Uttarakhand: Is a big earthquake coming? 'Yes', says top disaster official

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli received a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan on Saturday as began the second day of his three-day state visit in India.

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Nepal Prime Minister KP Oli receives ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a>. <a href="https://t.co/ETOVfqOiSK">pic.twitter.com/ETOVfqOiSK</a>
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President Ram Nath Kovind and KP Oli will also hold a meeting to discuss the range of bilateral issues of India and Nepal during the day.

After the reception, KP Oli spoke to media and said "friendship is most important & there is no comparison with friendship. Any treaty any agreement, everything starts from friendship. With our neighbours, particularly with India, we first expect friendship".

KP Oli will also make a visit to Rajghat to lay a wreath at Mahatma Gandhi's samadhi.

After holding a meeting with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to discuss foreign policy, Oli will also hold a discussion with delegation-level officers of India and Hyderabad House.

Some development projects are also expected to be inaugurated today at the house.

Following the meet and inauguration, Oli is also expected to meet Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu and Union Home Minister Rajanth Singh in the evening.

&nbsp;Nepal Prime Minister arrived in Inda. He was received by Rajnath Singh and MoS Finance SP Shukla.

Oli also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and held a delegation level talks on Friday evening.

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli received a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan on Saturday as began the second day of his three-day state visit in India

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli received a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan on Saturday as began the second day of his three-day state visit in India. Nepal Prime Minister KP Oli receives ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in #Delhi. pic.twitter.com/ETOVfqOiSK — ANI (@ANI) April 7, 2018 × President Ram Nath Kovind and KP Oli will also hold a meeting to discuss the range of bilateral issues of India and Nepal during the day. After the reception, KP Oli spoke to media and said "friendship is most important & there is no comparison with friendship. Any treaty any agreement, everything starts from friendship. With our neighbours, particularly with India, we first expect friendship". KP Oli will also make a visit to Rajghat to lay a wreath at Mahatma Gandhi's samadhi. After holding a meeting with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to discuss foreign policy, Oli will also hold a discussion with delegation-level officers of India and Hyderabad House. Some development projects are also expected to be inaugurated today at the house. Following the meet and inauguration, Oli is also expected to meet Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu and Union Home Minister Rajanth Singh in the evening. Nepal Prime Minister arrived in Inda. He was received by Rajnath Singh and MoS Finance SP Shukla. Oli also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and held a delegation level talks on Friday evening.

Nepal PM Oli meets President Kovind, will discuss India-Nepal issues

Addressing India Foundation Reception in Delhi, Nepal prime minister KP Sharma Oli assured India that they would never allow their land to be used against India.

He said "We will never let our land to be used against sovereign India. We are firm in our resolve and we need the same kind of assurance from India".

Highlighting Indi's importance in Nepal's economy he said, "&nbspOur economy cannot sustain an alarmingly high trade imbalance with India. We are not a competitor to India, we need breathing space".

He further praised India for its progress and prosperity, adding that the economic powerhouse in India was inspiring for people around the world.

Stressing on the country's cooperation with India, he said, "Our dream is for a prosperous Nepal. This cannot be done alone. We will continue to look for support across the world, particularly at our neighbours". "During this visit, I had comprehensive and frank conversations with PM Modi. I firmly believe and hope you all will agree that a peaceful and prosperous Nepal is in the larger interest of India as well as other neighbours".

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We are a country between two big neighbors. We want to play friendly neighborly relations, neighborly policy & most important for us is friendship: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KPSharmaOli?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KPSharmaOli</a>, Prime Minister of Nepal <a href="https://t.co/XB7HG1XmLO">pic.twitter.com/XB7HG1XmLO</a>
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&nbsp

&nbsp

&nbsp

He said 'We will never let our land to be used against sovereign India. We are firm in our resolve and we need the same kind of assurance from India'

Addressing India Foundation Reception in Delhi, Nepal prime minister KP Sharma Oli assured India that they would never allow their land to be used against India. He said "We will never let our land to be used against sovereign India. We are firm in our resolve and we need the same kind of assurance from India". Highlighting Indi's importance in Nepal's economy he said, "&nbspOur economy cannot sustain an alarmingly high trade imbalance with India. We are not a competitor to India, we need breathing space". He further praised India for its progress and prosperity, adding that the economic powerhouse in India was inspiring for people around the world. Stressing on the country's cooperation with India, he said, "Our dream is for a prosperous Nepal. This cannot be done alone. We will continue to look for support across the world, particularly at our neighbours". "During this visit, I had comprehensive and frank conversations with PM Modi. I firmly believe and hope you all will agree that a peaceful and prosperous Nepal is in the larger interest of India as well as other neighbours". We are a country between two big neighbors. We want to play friendly neighborly relations, neighborly policy & most important for us is friendship: #KPSharmaOli, Prime Minister of Nepal pic.twitter.com/XB7HG1XmLO — ANI (@ANI) April 7, 2018 ×

Will never let our land to be used against India: Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli

Nepal's Prime Minister K.P Sharma Oli has maintained neutrality on China's One Belt One Road Initiative (OBOR).

While clarifying India's apprehensions regarding Nepal's participation in OBOR, Prime Minister Oli said, "I think we are neutral. Geographically, we are in [the] center between two countries."

"We have two friendly neighbours and have a very friendly relationship with both of them. They are more developed and more advanced than us. Also, they are bigger in size and population as well. So, we want to take the opportunity to walk together with both of our neighbours. A feeling of understanding, cooperation and mutual trust is necessary."

On being asked as to why he chose India over China for his maiden foreign visit after assuming the post in February, Prime Minister Oli said, "India invited me and so I visited India."

Further, he said that friendship was more important than signing agreements. These comments came ahead of the delegation-level talks with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on Saturday.

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who is on a three-day visit to India, met President Ram Nath Kovind in New Delhi on Saturday.

The visiting dignitary was given a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan.

The Nepalese Prime Minister underscored the significance of friendship at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, saying, "Friendship is most important and there is no comparison with friendship. Any treaty any agreement, everything starts with friendship. With our neighbours, particularly with India, we first expect friendship."

Nepal's Prime Minister Oli also met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and also laid a wreath at Mahatma Gandhi's samadhi Raj Ghat.

Further, External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj will have a detailed discussion with Prime Minister Oli at Rashtrapati Bhawan regarding the foreign policy and related issues.

He is also scheduled to hold discussions with the delegation-level officers of India at the Hyderabad House. Some of the important development projects will be inaugurated at the House followed by an interaction with the press.

Later in the day, Prime Minister Oli will meet Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu at his house at 6, Maulana Azad Road.

Finally, in the evening, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh will hold a talk with Nepal's Prime Minister at Rashtrapati Bhawan.

Prime Minister Oli is accompanied by his wife Radhika Shakya and an entourage of ministers, Members of Parliament (MPs), secretaries and other high-ranking officials of the Nepal Government on his maiden visit to India.

While clarifying India's apprehensions regarding Nepal's participation in OBOR, Prime Minister Oli said, 'I think we are neutral. Geographically, we are in [the] center between two countries'

Nepal's Prime Minister K.P Sharma Oli has maintained neutrality on China's One Belt One Road Initiative (OBOR). While clarifying India's apprehensions regarding Nepal's participation in OBOR, Prime Minister Oli said, "I think we are neutral. Geographically, we are in [the] center between two countries." "We have two friendly neighbours and have a very friendly relationship with both of them. They are more developed and more advanced than us. Also, they are bigger in size and population as well. So, we want to take the opportunity to walk together with both of our neighbours. A feeling of understanding, cooperation and mutual trust is necessary." On being asked as to why he chose India over China for his maiden foreign visit after assuming the post in February, Prime Minister Oli said, "India invited me and so I visited India." Further, he said that friendship was more important than signing agreements. These comments came ahead of the delegation-level talks with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on Saturday. Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who is on a three-day visit to India, met President Ram Nath Kovind in New Delhi on Saturday. The visiting dignitary was given a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan. The Nepalese Prime Minister underscored the significance of friendship at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, saying, "Friendship is most important and there is no comparison with friendship. Any treaty any agreement, everything starts with friendship. With our neighbours, particularly with India, we first expect friendship." Nepal's Prime Minister Oli also met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and also laid a wreath at Mahatma Gandhi's samadhi Raj Ghat. Further, External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj will have a detailed discussion with Prime Minister Oli at Rashtrapati Bhawan regarding the foreign policy and related issues. He is also scheduled to hold discussions with the delegation-level officers of India at the Hyderabad House. Some of the important development projects will be inaugurated at the House followed by an interaction with the press. Later in the day, Prime Minister Oli will meet Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu at his house at 6, Maulana Azad Road. Finally, in the evening, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh will hold a talk with Nepal's Prime Minister at Rashtrapati Bhawan. Prime Minister Oli is accompanied by his wife Radhika Shakya and an entourage of ministers, Members of Parliament (MPs), secretaries and other high-ranking officials of the Nepal Government on his maiden visit to India.

Nepal takes neutral stance over China's OBOR

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli arrived in India on a three-day state visit. Oli was received by Home Minister Rajnath Singh and MoS Finance SP Shukla.

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Oli will&nbsp;hold a delegation level talks with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on Saturday where the two leaders will jointly lay the foundation of the Arun III Hydroelectric Project developed by India.&nbsp;

The $1.5 billion 900 mw energy project by the Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam is expected to be completed within five years.

During the visit, Oli will call on President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice President M&nbsp;Venkaiah Naidu.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and other ministers will also call on Nepalese Prime Minister.

Various issues including agriculture, energy, connectivity, trade and investment and reconstruction are likely to be discussed during the visit.

He will also interact with Indian businessmen, industrialists, intellectuals and meet people from Nepali community.

Issues like cooperation in power and energy sector, cross-border connectivity, construction of transmission line, compensation to the Nepali citizens damaged caused by Kosi and Ganadak River inundation and flood control and energy banking will also be discussed.&nbsp;

In a statement on Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Oli will be accompanied by his wife, Radhika Shakya and a delegation of over three dozen members including Minister for Foreign Affairs Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Matrika Prasad Yadav, Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Raghubir Mahaseth and Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister Bishnu Rimal.

He will be staying at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi 
&nbsp;

Oli is slated to hold delegation level talks with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on Saturday where the two leaders will jointly lay the foundation of the Arun III Hydroelectric Project developed by India.

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli arrived in India on a three-day state visit. Oli was received by Home Minister Rajnath Singh and MoS Finance SP Shukla. Delhi: Prime Minister of Nepal KP Sharma Oli arrives in India on a three day state visit, received by Home Minister Rajnath Singh and MoS Finance SP Shukla pic.twitter.com/o22c32P2RJ — ANI (@ANI) April 6, 2018 × Oli will hold a delegation level talks with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on Saturday where the two leaders will jointly lay the foundation of the Arun III Hydroelectric Project developed by India. The $1.5 billion 900 mw energy project by the Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam is expected to be completed within five years. During the visit, Oli will call on President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and other ministers will also call on Nepalese Prime Minister. Various issues including agriculture, energy, connectivity, trade and investment and reconstruction are likely to be discussed during the visit. He will also interact with Indian businessmen, industrialists, intellectuals and meet people from Nepali community. Issues like cooperation in power and energy sector, cross-border connectivity, construction of transmission line, compensation to the Nepali citizens damaged caused by Kosi and Ganadak River inundation and flood control and energy banking will also be discussed. In a statement on Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Oli will be accompanied by his wife, Radhika Shakya and a delegation of over three dozen members including Minister for Foreign Affairs Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Matrika Prasad Yadav, Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Raghubir Mahaseth and Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister Bishnu Rimal. He will be staying at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi

Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli arrives in India on three-day state visit

Prime Minister of Nepal KP Sharma Oli is arriving New Delhi on Friday on a 3-day visit to India. He will be accompanied by a high-level delegation.

Khagda Prasad Sharma Oli, who became the Prime Minister of Nepal for the second time in February this year after the Left Alliance swept the elections in November-December 2017, will make his first visit to India.

During the visit, Oli will call on President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu and hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and other ministers will also call on Nepalese Prime Minister.

Various issues including agriculture, energy, connectivity, trade and investment and reconstruction are likely to be discussed during the visit.

He will also interact with Indian businessmen, industrialists, intellectuals and meet people from Nepali community.

The 66-year-old leader is not known to be India-friendly now and experts on South Asian politics believe that New Delhi has a test on its hand now to tackle Nepal, an age-old friend which has shown a strong tendency to lean in favour of China of late.

The visit comes after three years of deep acrimony between India and Oli and about six months of an intense effort by the two to patch up.

Prime Minister of Nepal KP Sharma Oli is arriving New Delhi on Friday on a 3-day visit to India. He will be accompanied by a high-level delegation. Khagda Prasad Sharma Oli, who became the Prime Minister of Nepal for the second time in February this year after the Left Alliance swept the elections in November-December 2017, will make his first visit to India. During the visit, Oli will call on President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu and hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and other ministers will also call on Nepalese Prime Minister. Various issues including agriculture, energy, connectivity, trade and investment and reconstruction are likely to be discussed during the visit. He will also interact with Indian businessmen, industrialists, intellectuals and meet people from Nepali community. The 66-year-old leader is not known to be India-friendly now and experts on South Asian politics believe that New Delhi has a test on its hand now to tackle Nepal, an age-old friend which has shown a strong tendency to lean in favour of China of late.

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to visit India today

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Friday said he has positive expectations from his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, ahead of his meeting with the Prime Minister.

Speaking to the media, Oli said, "My expectations from Prime Minister Modi are positive. And that is why I came here (to India). We want to have good relations with India."

On being asked about Nepal's growing relations with China, the Nepali Prime Minister said that the country has two neighbours and would work together with India and China for ensuring good relations.

Earlier on Friday, Oli arrived in India on a three-day state visit. The visiting dignitary was received by Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of State (MoS) Finance S.P. Shukla.

The Nepal Prime Minister is accompanied by his wife Radhika Shakya and an entourage of ministers, Members of Parliament (MPs), secretaries and other high-ranking officials of the Nepal Government.

Oli will be holding a meeting with the Nepali business community of both the countries on Friday, followed by a diplomatic reception by the Embassy of India.

On Saturday, Oli will attend a ceremonial reception and inspect a guard of honour at the Rashtrapati Bhawan will meet President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu. He will pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.

He will then hold official talks with Prime Minister Modi and exchange views on matters of mutual interests.

The Nepal Prime Minister will also visit Pantnagar in Uttarakhand and attend a programme organised at Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology.&nbsp

Speaking to the media, Oli said, 'My expectations from Prime Minister Modi are positive. And that is why I came here (to India). We want to have good relations with India'

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Friday said he has positive expectations from his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, ahead of his meeting with the Prime Minister. Speaking to the media, Oli said, "My expectations from Prime Minister Modi are positive. And that is why I came here (to India). We want to have good relations with India." On being asked about Nepal's growing relations with China, the Nepali Prime Minister said that the country has two neighbours and would work together with India and China for ensuring good relations. Earlier on Friday, Oli arrived in India on a three-day state visit. The visiting dignitary was received by Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of State (MoS) Finance S.P. Shukla. The Nepal Prime Minister is accompanied by his wife Radhika Shakya and an entourage of ministers, Members of Parliament (MPs), secretaries and other high-ranking officials of the Nepal Government. Oli will be holding a meeting with the Nepali business community of both the countries on Friday, followed by a diplomatic reception by the Embassy of India. On Saturday, Oli will attend a ceremonial reception and inspect a guard of honour at the Rashtrapati Bhawan will meet President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu. He will pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. He will then hold official talks with Prime Minister Modi and exchange views on matters of mutual interests. The Nepal Prime Minister will also visit Pantnagar in Uttarakhand and attend a programme organised at Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology.

Positive expectations from PM Modi, says Oli on India visit

Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli will press India to exchange millions of dollars held in Nepal in banned high-value Indian bank notes during a visit this week to improve ties with its large southern neighbour.

Nepal and India have yet to agree on how to exchange old Indian bank notes estimated to be worth $146 million held by individuals and informal sectors after India’s shock announcement in 2016 to ban 500 and 1,000 rupee bills.

India said the move was aimed at flushing out unaccounted wealth and hit the finances of militants suspected of using fake currency to fund operations. But it also caught countries such as Nepal and Bhutan, where the Indian currency is widely used, off-guard.

“The Indian demonetisation has hurt Nepali nationals. I will raise this in my meetings with Indian leaders and request them to resolve the issue,” Oli told Nepali parliament late on Tuesday.

India is Nepal's largest trade partner and the supplier of the bulk of consumer goods. Indian currency is widely used by businesses and individuals who keep their savings at homes in Indian bank notes.

Oli will meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind and other officials during the visit starting on Friday.

Central Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) officials say the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) verbally agreed to allow every Nepali national to exchange up to 4,500 rupees worth of scrapped Indian bank notes in a meeting in March last year.

"But nothing has been communicated to us formally so far," NRB Deputy Governor Chinta Mani Shivakoti told Reuters.

A senior Indian government official, with direct knowledge of the RBI's views, said the central bank was unable to exchange the old currency notes in Nepal or any other country because there was no such provision made in the rules that the government issued at the time of demonetisation.

"Only the federal government can take a decision in this regard now," the official said.

Indian citizens were given nearly two months to exchange their old notes for new ones.

Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli will be visiting India this week

Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli will press India to exchange millions of dollars held in Nepal in banned high-value Indian bank notes during a visit this week to improve ties with its large southern neighbour. Nepal and India have yet to agree on how to exchange old Indian bank notes estimated to be worth $146 million held by individuals and informal sectors after India’s shock announcement in 2016 to ban 500 and 1,000 rupee bills. India said the move was aimed at flushing out unaccounted wealth and hit the finances of militants suspected of using fake currency to fund operations. But it also caught countries such as Nepal and Bhutan, where the Indian currency is widely used, off-guard. “The Indian demonetisation has hurt Nepali nationals. I will raise this in my meetings with Indian leaders and request them to resolve the issue,” Oli told Nepali parliament late on Tuesday. India is Nepal's largest trade partner and the supplier of the bulk of consumer goods. Indian currency is widely used by businesses and individuals who keep their savings at homes in Indian bank notes. Oli will meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind and other officials during the visit starting on Friday. Central Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) officials say the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) verbally agreed to allow every Nepali national to exchange up to 4,500 rupees worth of scrapped Indian bank notes in a meeting in March last year. "But nothing has been communicated to us formally so far," NRB Deputy Governor Chinta Mani Shivakoti told Reuters. A senior Indian government official, with direct knowledge of the RBI's views, said the central bank was unable to exchange the old currency notes in Nepal or any other country because there was no such provision made in the rules that the government issued at the time of demonetisation. "Only the federal government can take a decision in this regard now," the official said. Indian citizens were given nearly two months to exchange their old notes for new ones.

Nepal has $146 million in demonetised notes, wants India to change them

India will play a supportive role in Nepal's development, Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli today said, ahead of his maiden visit to India since assuming office to strengthen bilateral relations, according to a media report.

Oli will be on a three-day visit to India from April 6 during which he would hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and call on President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu.

"I am visiting India to strengthen bilateral relations. India will play a supportive role in Nepal's development," Oli was quoted as saying by the Himalayan Times.

The Nepalese premiere's entourage will include ministers, members of Parliament, secretaries and other high-ranking government officials, the report said.

Oli also said that China was ready to support Nepal's development 
"The government is committed to achieving the goals of good governance and prosperity," he said, adding, "We will give impetus to development because if we do not do that we cannot achieve the goals of sustainable development."

Oli stressed the need for modernisation through science and technology. He also said that his government would adopt a policy of "zero tolerance towards corruption".

Ambassador of India to Nepal Manjeev Singh Puri said India wanted to see a "prosperous Nepal and happy Nepalis", according to the report.

Oli's visit is in line with the tradition of a Nepalese premier visiting India on his first overseas trip.

Congratulating Oli over phone upon his appointment to the top executive post in February, Prime Minister Modi had extended an invitation to him for a visit to India.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had visited Nepal before Oli took office to congratulate him for the historic victory of the Left Alliance in Nepal's Parliamentary and Provincial elections.

Oli, widely regarded as pro-China, had last month said he wants to "update" relations with India "in keeping with the times" and favours a review of all special provisions of the Indo-Nepal relations, including the long-established practice of Nepalese soldiers serving India's armed forces.

Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli today said, ahead of his maiden visit to India since assuming office to strengthen bilateral relations

India will play a supportive role in Nepal's development, Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli today said, ahead of his maiden visit to India since assuming office to strengthen bilateral relations, according to a media report. Oli will be on a three-day visit to India from April 6 during which he would hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and call on President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu. "I am visiting India to strengthen bilateral relations. India will play a supportive role in Nepal's development," Oli was quoted as saying by the Himalayan Times. The Nepalese premiere's entourage will include ministers, members of Parliament, secretaries and other high-ranking government officials, the report said. Oli also said that China was ready to support Nepal's development "The government is committed to achieving the goals of good governance and prosperity," he said, adding, "We will give impetus to development because if we do not do that we cannot achieve the goals of sustainable development." Oli stressed the need for modernisation through science and technology. He also said that his government would adopt a policy of "zero tolerance towards corruption". Ambassador of India to Nepal Manjeev Singh Puri said India wanted to see a "prosperous Nepal and happy Nepalis", according to the report. Oli's visit is in line with the tradition of a Nepalese premier visiting India on his first overseas trip. Congratulating Oli over phone upon his appointment to the top executive post in February, Prime Minister Modi had extended an invitation to him for a visit to India. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had visited Nepal before Oli took office to congratulate him for the historic victory of the Left Alliance in Nepal's Parliamentary and Provincial elections. Oli, widely regarded as pro-China, had last month said he wants to "update" relations with India "in keeping with the times" and favours a review of all special provisions of the Indo-Nepal relations, including the long-established practice of Nepalese soldiers serving India's armed forces.

India will play supportive role in Nepal's development: Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli

A Nepali Sherpa is hoping to summit Mount Everest for a record-breaking 22nd time next month, during the busy climbing season that each year sees hundreds of climbers reach the top of the world.

But to Kami Rita Sherpa, who has worked as a guide on Everest for over two decades, climbing to 8,848 metres (29,029 feet) is a job not a record-shattering feat.

"I did not start climbing to set a world record. But in the course of my work in the guiding industry this is going to be my 22nd ascent. It wasn`t for any competition,"

Kami Rita told AFP in Kathmandu before setting out for the mountain.

When 48-year-old Kami Rita first summited Everest in 1994, he was one of just 49 climbers to reach the peak.&nbsp;

Last year, 634 people made it to the top.

Over the last two decades the booming number of climbers on Everest has created a lucrative mountaineering industry in both China and Nepal, which share the peak.

In Nepal -- home to eight of the world`s highest peaks -- the climbers provide vital income: last year the impoverished country netted over $4 million in permit fees on Everest alone.

Each year hundreds of climbers begin gathering at the foot of the world`s highest peak from early April, turning the base camp into a bustling nylon tent city.

They spend nearly two months on the mountain to acclimatise to the harsh high altitude environment before attempting to reach the summit in May.

Spring is the busiest time of year on the mountain as the winds and temperatures are more forgiving than at other times of the year. But nonetheless each spring

Everest claims a few lives: last year seven climbers died on the mountain.

The rapid growth in the climbing industry has also led to fears of deadly overcrowding on Everest, with the mountain opening up to more people as competition between expedition organisers has seen the costs plummet.

The cheapest operators charge clients around $20,000 to take them to the top of the world, a quarter of the amount demanded by the most expensive.

That discrepancy has caused tension on the mountain, with the mostly foreign-run companies accusing the largely Nepali-run cheaper ones of skimping on basic safety to keep costs low while also accepting clients who lack high-altitude climbing experience.Kami Rita, who has worked for US-based Alpine Ascents for much of his career, said the key differences between the operators is how well they train -- and pay -- their Sherpa guides.

"Some foreigners (climbers) seek only cheap options which means they will get low quality, cheap Sherpa. If they pay high price they will get a high price (quality) Sherpa," he said.

Most paying climbers try to reach the summit with the help of a dedicated Sherpa guide, but the number of experienced Sherpa has not been able to keep pace with demand, warned Kami Rita.

"Earlier, we had to knock on the companies` doors for jobs. Now the tables have turned, the companies have to please the Sherpas to work with them. Why? Because there is shortage," he said.

Last year a record number of rescues were made from the mountain, which observers point as a sign of the growing cost of inexperience -- amongst both paying climbers and Sherpa guides -- on the mountain.

The Nepali and Chinese authorities, who monitor all climbs on the southern and northern faces of the mountain respectively, are yet to release the number of climbing permits issued for this year.

But the season -- which marks the 65th anniversary of the first summit of Everest by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay -- is expected to be as busy as last.

Meanwhile, for Kami Rita it is just another year of work.

"I am not extremely happy, excited or very sad no matter how many times I climb. There are many Sherpas who have held world records, I am just starting."

"My life is just normal," he added as he headed off for the top of the world.

When 48-year-old Kami Rita first summited Everest in 1994, he was one of just 49 climbers to reach the peak

A Nepali Sherpa is hoping to summit Mount Everest for a record-breaking 22nd time next month, during the busy climbing season that each year sees hundreds of climbers reach the top of the world. But to Kami Rita Sherpa, who has worked as a guide on Everest for over two decades, climbing to 8,848 metres (29,029 feet) is a job not a record-shattering feat. "I did not start climbing to set a world record. But in the course of my work in the guiding industry this is going to be my 22nd ascent. It wasn`t for any competition," Kami Rita told AFP in Kathmandu before setting out for the mountain. When 48-year-old Kami Rita first summited Everest in 1994, he was one of just 49 climbers to reach the peak. Last year, 634 people made it to the top. Over the last two decades the booming number of climbers on Everest has created a lucrative mountaineering industry in both China and Nepal, which share the peak. In Nepal -- home to eight of the world`s highest peaks -- the climbers provide vital income: last year the impoverished country netted over $4 million in permit fees on Everest alone. Each year hundreds of climbers begin gathering at the foot of the world`s highest peak from early April, turning the base camp into a bustling nylon tent city. They spend nearly two months on the mountain to acclimatise to the harsh high altitude environment before attempting to reach the summit in May. Spring is the busiest time of year on the mountain as the winds and temperatures are more forgiving than at other times of the year. But nonetheless each spring Everest claims a few lives: last year seven climbers died on the mountain. The rapid growth in the climbing industry has also led to fears of deadly overcrowding on Everest, with the mountain opening up to more people as competition between expedition organisers has seen the costs plummet. The cheapest operators charge clients around $20,000 to take them to the top of the world, a quarter of the amount demanded by the most expensive. That discrepancy has caused tension on the mountain, with the mostly foreign-run companies accusing the largely Nepali-run cheaper ones of skimping on basic safety to keep costs low while also accepting clients who lack high-altitude climbing experience.Kami Rita, who has worked for US-based Alpine Ascents for much of his career, said the key differences between the operators is how well they train -- and pay -- their Sherpa guides. "Some foreigners (climbers) seek only cheap options which means they will get low quality, cheap Sherpa. If they pay high price they will get a high price (quality) Sherpa," he said. Most paying climbers try to reach the summit with the help of a dedicated Sherpa guide, but the number of experienced Sherpa has not been able to keep pace with demand, warned Kami Rita. "Earlier, we had to knock on the companies` doors for jobs. Now the tables have turned, the companies have to please the Sherpas to work with them. Why? Because there is shortage," he said. Last year a record number of rescues were made from the mountain, which observers point as a sign of the growing cost of inexperience -- amongst both paying climbers and Sherpa guides -- on the mountain. The Nepali and Chinese authorities, who monitor all climbs on the southern and northern faces of the mountain respectively, are yet to release the number of climbing permits issued for this year. But the season -- which marks the 65th anniversary of the first summit of Everest by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay -- is expected to be as busy as last. Meanwhile, for Kami Rita it is just another year of work. "I am not extremely happy, excited or very sad no matter how many times I climb. There are many Sherpas who have held world records, I am just starting." "My life is just normal," he added as he headed off for the top of the world.

'I am just starting': Nepali sherpa who aims to climb Everest for 22nd time

Nepal has been reeling under an economic crunch, the country's finance minister of the newly formed federal government, Dr. Yubaraj Khatiwada has revealed.

While addressing the Nepal Parliament on Friday with the release of the white paper, Khatiwada said that the state coffer was virtually empty.

"Due to the indiscipline at the time of making expenses the coffer of the state is almost empty. The levied tax has been deducted against the established terms and the regulations.&nbspThe agreements have been given over the use of resources without adequate plans and strategies," he said.

Khatiwada, who is also the former governor of the Central Bank of Nepal also claimed the investment environment in the country was not attractive and favourable, while he highlighted the inadequate flow of pledges made over the times.

"The investment environment of Nepal in comparison amongst the international arena is not much favourable. Nepal's attempt against the property improvisation and investment over the criminal activities to gain good image and stable economic system, expansion of international trade and the investment are influenced. So, we need to work with much conscience over these issues," he added.

Nepal is set to bring its fiscal budget after three months, as the economic crunch has hit the incumbent Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) (CPN-UML) government hard.

With the adaptation of the federal system, the expenses and the budget size for the upcoming years needs to be increased, but insufficient funds have made it a major problem for the economy to run full-fledged.

Furthermore, Khatiwada stated that the current crunch upon the government is the result of its investment in public enterprises that is yet to pay them for the management of the employees'&nbspsalaries and operation of the retirement fund.

Nepal underwent a decade-long Maoist insurgency in the 2000s and the 2015 earthquake has massively hit the economy of the Himalayan nation.

&nbsp

'Due to the indiscipline at the time of making expenses, the coffer of the state is almost empty'

Nepal has been reeling under an economic crunch, the country's finance minister of the newly formed federal government, Dr. Yubaraj Khatiwada has revealed. While addressing the Nepal Parliament on Friday with the release of the white paper, Khatiwada said that the state coffer was virtually empty. "Due to the indiscipline at the time of making expenses the coffer of the state is almost empty. The levied tax has been deducted against the established terms and the regulations.&nbspThe agreements have been given over the use of resources without adequate plans and strategies," he said. Khatiwada, who is also the former governor of the Central Bank of Nepal also claimed the investment environment in the country was not attractive and favourable, while he highlighted the inadequate flow of pledges made over the times. "The investment environment of Nepal in comparison amongst the international arena is not much favourable. Nepal's attempt against the property improvisation and investment over the criminal activities to gain good image and stable economic system, expansion of international trade and the investment are influenced. So, we need to work with much conscience over these issues," he added. Nepal is set to bring its fiscal budget after three months, as the economic crunch has hit the incumbent Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) (CPN-UML) government hard. With the adaptation of the federal system, the expenses and the budget size for the upcoming years needs to be increased, but insufficient funds have made it a major problem for the economy to run full-fledged. Furthermore, Khatiwada stated that the current crunch upon the government is the result of its investment in public enterprises that is yet to pay them for the management of the employees'&nbspsalaries and operation of the retirement fund. Nepal underwent a decade-long Maoist insurgency in the 2000s and the 2015 earthquake has massively hit the economy of the Himalayan nation.

Nepal reeling under tough economic stress: Finance Minister

Nepal has stepped into a new era of political stability and economic development following the successful holding of the local, provincial and federal elections, President Bidya Devi Bhandari said today.

Nepal concluded the three phase of provincial, local and parliamentary elections as part of its efforts to implement the new Constitution that was promulgated in September 2015.

The new government led by Left parties under Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli convened its first Parliament session on March 5 after the Himalayan nation successfully held landmark provincial and federal elections.

While making her first address to a joint meeting of Parliament -- House of Representatives and National Assembly -- Bhandari said the significant phase of the Constitution implementation has been over following the successful holding of parliamentary and provincial elections.

This was Bhandari's first address in the Parliament after being re-elected as the head of state for the second time on March 14. 
The CPN-UML has 121 members, the NC has 63, and the CPN-MC has 53 while the Federal Socialist Forum Nepal has 17 and the Rashtriya Janata Party Nepal has 16 members.

The successful conclusion of elections has brought an end to the protracted political transition and uncertainty and induced rays of hope for prosperity, she said.

Bhandari underlined the need for cooperation with the neighbouring countries for the prosperity and development of the country.

She expressed hope that Nepal will be free from corruption and called on all to join hands to put an end to corruption prevalent in the country. She also called for a violence-free society, stating that the country should not involve in any kind of violence under any pretext.

Stating that Nepal was listed in the least-developed countries due to the weak governance and administrations, she said that from now onwards, the country should head towards the path of economic development at a faster pace.

As a large number of youths are going abroad in search of employment, it is high time for the government to address their expectations for the development of the country, the president added.

This was Bhandari's first address in the Parliament after being re-elected as the head of state for the second time on March 14.

Nepal has stepped into a new era of political stability and economic development following the successful holding of the local, provincial and federal elections, President Bidya Devi Bhandari said today. Nepal concluded the three phase of provincial, local and parliamentary elections as part of its efforts to implement the new Constitution that was promulgated in September 2015. The new government led by Left parties under Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli convened its first Parliament session on March 5 after the Himalayan nation successfully held landmark provincial and federal elections. While making her first address to a joint meeting of Parliament -- House of Representatives and National Assembly -- Bhandari said the significant phase of the Constitution implementation has been over following the successful holding of parliamentary and provincial elections. This was Bhandari's first address in the Parliament after being re-elected as the head of state for the second time on March 14. The CPN-UML has 121 members, the NC has 63, and the CPN-MC has 53 while the Federal Socialist Forum Nepal has 17 and the Rashtriya Janata Party Nepal has 16 members. The successful conclusion of elections has brought an end to the protracted political transition and uncertainty and induced rays of hope for prosperity, she said. Bhandari underlined the need for cooperation with the neighbouring countries for the prosperity and development of the country. She expressed hope that Nepal will be free from corruption and called on all to join hands to put an end to corruption prevalent in the country. She also called for a violence-free society, stating that the country should not involve in any kind of violence under any pretext. Stating that Nepal was listed in the least-developed countries due to the weak governance and administrations, she said that from now onwards, the country should head towards the path of economic development at a faster pace. As a large number of youths are going abroad in search of employment, it is high time for the government to address their expectations for the development of the country, the president added.

Nepal govt needs to focus on development, says President Bidya Devi Bhandari

China today commended Nepal's new Left Alliance government for adopting an independent and balanced policy towards its neighbours.

"China, Nepal and India are important neighbours to each other. We hope the three sides can work together, have some sound interactions and achieve common development," Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lu Kang told a media briefing here.

The Left Alliance of the CPN-UML, led by K P Sharma Oli and CPN-Maoist Centre, led by Prachanda, had in December secured 174 seats in the 275-member Parliament in the historic provincial and parliamentary polls.

Known for his pro-China stance, 65-year-old Oli was elected as the prime minister. He had earlier served as Nepal's prime minister from 2015 to 2016 during which Kathmandu's ties with New Delhi had strained.

To a question about Oli's assertion to follow independent and balanced foreign policy, Lu said China "commend the Nepali government's commitment towards independent foreign policy."

China also "support Nepal developing friendly and positive relations with its neighbours," Lu added.

Oli, who had publicly criticised New Delhi for interfering in Nepal's internal matters and accused it of toppling his government, after his sweeping poll victory said his party would forge a partnership with India to move forward the country towards the path of economic prosperity.&nbsp;

China today commended Nepal's new Left Alliance government for adopting an independent and balanced policy towards its neighbours

China today commended Nepal's new Left Alliance government for adopting an independent and balanced policy towards its neighbours. "China, Nepal and India are important neighbours to each other. We hope the three sides can work together, have some sound interactions and achieve common development," Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lu Kang told a media briefing here. The Left Alliance of the CPN-UML, led by K P Sharma Oli and CPN-Maoist Centre, led by Prachanda, had in December secured 174 seats in the 275-member Parliament in the historic provincial and parliamentary polls. Known for his pro-China stance, 65-year-old Oli was elected as the prime minister. He had earlier served as Nepal's prime minister from 2015 to 2016 during which Kathmandu's ties with New Delhi had strained. To a question about Oli's assertion to follow independent and balanced foreign policy, Lu said China "commend the Nepali government's commitment towards independent foreign policy." China also "support Nepal developing friendly and positive relations with its neighbours," Lu added. Oli, who had publicly criticised New Delhi for interfering in Nepal's internal matters and accused it of toppling his government, after his sweeping poll victory said his party would forge a partnership with India to move forward the country towards the path of economic prosperity.

China 'hails' Nepal's foreign policy

Nepal Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli, next month will address the nation from the Himalayan District of Nepal, Mugu which borders China.

Prime Minister Oli, who will be visiting Mugu to inaugurate the Karnali Province's Tourism Year 2018-19 starting on April 14.

This is the first time that a Nepali Prime Minister will be addressing the nation out of the Parliament, Official Residence and Office.

"Prime Minister Oli will be addressing the nation on the very first day of New Year from Rara Lake," The secretariat of the Prime Minister stated in a release late on Wednesday.

Rara, which is the biggest lake in Nepal, lies on the Mugu District falling on the Karnali Province, the least developed province amongst the seven provinces of the new federal system adopted by the country.

The strategically important district of Nepal bordering China has the nearest Chinese market, Hyazimang and the nearest crossing point for Tibet to China, situated at an elevation of 6,495 metres.

"The decision of the Prime Minister to address the nation from the least developed district of the nation will have a very positive impact on the people of the district as it is one of the most backward regions of the country," Karuna Devkota, a postgraduate student in capital Kathmandu said.

Nepal, who have agreed to establish the seven-border crossing along the border with China in 2015, came at a time when the protests by Madhesis in the southern plains, regarding the demand to be recognised in the newly-formed Nepali constitution, led to the blocking of basic supplies from India.

This is the first time that a Nepali Prime Minister will be addressing the nation out of the Parliament, Official Residence and Office.

Nepal Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli, next month will address the nation from the Himalayan District of Nepal, Mugu which borders China. Prime Minister Oli, who will be visiting Mugu to inaugurate the Karnali Province's Tourism Year 2018-19 starting on April 14. This is the first time that a Nepali Prime Minister will be addressing the nation out of the Parliament, Official Residence and Office. "Prime Minister Oli will be addressing the nation on the very first day of New Year from Rara Lake," The secretariat of the Prime Minister stated in a release late on Wednesday. Rara, which is the biggest lake in Nepal, lies on the Mugu District falling on the Karnali Province, the least developed province amongst the seven provinces of the new federal system adopted by the country. The strategically important district of Nepal bordering China has the nearest Chinese market, Hyazimang and the nearest crossing point for Tibet to China, situated at an elevation of 6,495 metres. "The decision of the Prime Minister to address the nation from the least developed district of the nation will have a very positive impact on the people of the district as it is one of the most backward regions of the country," Karuna Devkota, a postgraduate student in capital Kathmandu said. Nepal, who have agreed to establish the seven-border crossing along the border with China in 2015, came at a time when the protests by Madhesis in the southern plains, regarding the demand to be recognised in the newly-formed Nepali constitution, led to the blocking of basic supplies from India.

Nepal PM Oli to address nation from district bordering China

The bodies of 23 Bangladeshi nationals, from the devastating US-Bangla plane crash that killed 49 people last week in Nepal, will be brought back to Bangladesh, said an official on Monday.

&quot;A cargo plane of Bangladesh Air Force, carrying the bodies, is scheduled to land at Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at around 4 pm&quot;, said Kamrul Islam, general manager (marketing support and public relations) of US-Bangla Airlines.

Prior to this, a &#39;namaz-e-janaza&#39; was held for the 23 nationals at the Bangladesh Embassy in Kathmandu on Monday morning, according to US-Bangla Airlines Chief Executive Officer Imran Asif, The Dhaka Tribune reported.

Bangladeshi and Nepali authorities announced on Sunday that the identification process of the deceased nationals was completed.

Last Monday, 49 people were killed after the plane evaded the runway at Kathmandu&#39;s Tribhuvan International Airport and crashed into a fence on the ground and burst into flames.

The plane, which was en route to Kathmandu from Dhaka, had 33 Nepali, 32 Bangladeshi and one passenger each from China and the Maldives.

Other 21 passengers out of total 71 (Including crew member) in the US-Bangla plane are undergoing treatment in various hospitals in Kathmandu.

The reason behind the crash of the ill-fated aircraft is yet to be established, but the rescuers and other aviation staffs have recovered the black box of the flight.&nbsp;

"A cargo plane of Bangladesh Air Force, carrying the bodies, is scheduled to land at Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at around 4 pm", said Kamrul Islam

The bodies of 23 Bangladeshi nationals, from the devastating US-Bangla plane crash that killed 49 people last week in Nepal, will be brought back to Bangladesh, said an official on Monday. "A cargo plane of Bangladesh Air Force, carrying the bodies, is scheduled to land at Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at around 4 pm", said Kamrul Islam, general manager (marketing support and public relations) of US-Bangla Airlines. Prior to this, a 'namaz-e-janaza' was held for the 23 nationals at the Bangladesh Embassy in Kathmandu on Monday morning, according to US-Bangla Airlines Chief Executive Officer Imran Asif, The Dhaka Tribune reported. Bangladeshi and Nepali authorities announced on Sunday that the identification process of the deceased nationals was completed. Last Monday, 49 people were killed after the plane evaded the runway at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport and crashed into a fence on the ground and burst into flames. The plane, which was en route to Kathmandu from Dhaka, had 33 Nepali, 32 Bangladeshi and one passenger each from China and the Maldives. Other 21 passengers out of total 71 (Including crew member) in the US-Bangla plane are undergoing treatment in various hospitals in Kathmandu. The reason behind the crash of the ill-fated aircraft is yet to be established, but the rescuers and other aviation staffs have recovered the black box of the flight.

US-Bangladesh plane crash: 23 bodies to be brought back to Bangladesh today

Nepal on Thursday scripted history after they climbed the one-day international (ODI) mountain for the first time in their history.

The team defeated Papua New Guinea by six wickets in the Cricket World Cup Qualifier play-off at Old Hararians Sports Club.&nbsp;

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Nepal have achieved ODI status for the first time in their history and a lot of people were very happy about it. 
 
Find out what <a href="https://twitter.com/MClarke23?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MClarke23</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/InziTheLegend?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@InziTheLegend</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Mushy_online?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Mushy_online</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/KevinOBrien113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KevinOBrien113</a> made of the news 
 
READ ➡️ 
<a href="https://t.co/TLf3SjrM8K">https://t.co/TLf3SjrM8K</a> <a href="https://t.co/H4Pt4ziaLO">pic.twitter.com/H4Pt4ziaLO</a>
&mdash; ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/974497736568471552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Nepal, Hong Kong, and PNG were locked in a three-way battle for the last remaining ODI status and it was the Nepalese side which emerged triumphant.

Nepal&#39;s bowlers, Sandeep Lamichhane and Dipendra Airee took four wickets apiece to lay the platform for the comprehensive win and dismissed their opponents for 114 in just 27.2 overs.&nbsp;

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Nepal fans! 
 
Re-live the game that brought your side ODI status for the first time, and hear just how much it means to captain Paras Khadka 
 
WATCH <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PNGvNEP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PNGvNEP</a> HIGHLIGHTS ➡️ <a href="https://t.co/SD814wEXOc">https://t.co/SD814wEXOc</a> <a href="https://t.co/Osiaq5yizu">pic.twitter.com/Osiaq5yizu</a>
&mdash; ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/974480876418433024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, it was another disappointing batting display from PNG, who have now been bowled out for 200 or fewer in four of their five matches in the competition.&nbsp;

The defeat confirms they will lose their ODI status.&nbsp;

After the victory, a delighted Nepal skipper Paras Khadka took to his Twitter to thank fans and countrymen for their support.&nbsp;

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Thank you everyone for the support..Just been years and years of toil,persisitance,sacrifices,commitment and hardwork..Finally WE BECOME An ODI nation.. 
Congratulations to everyone who has been part of Nepal cricket&#39;s incredible journey .. 
God Bless..!!!
&mdash; Paras Khadka (@paras77) <a href="https://twitter.com/paras77/status/974288188062797824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Nepal have had to overcome amazing odds both on and off the field to achieve this remarkable feat.

The team defeated Papua New Guinea by six wickets

Nepal on Thursday scripted history after they climbed the one-day international (ODI) mountain for the first time in their history. The team defeated Papua New Guinea by six wickets in the Cricket World Cup Qualifier play-off at Old Hararians Sports Club. Nepal have achieved ODI status for the first time in their history and a lot of people were very happy about it. Find out what @MClarke23 @InziTheLegend @Mushy_online and @KevinOBrien113 made of the news READ ➡️ https://t.co/TLf3SjrM8K pic.twitter.com/H4Pt4ziaLO — ICC (@ICC) March 16, 2018 × Nepal, Hong Kong, and PNG were locked in a three-way battle for the last remaining ODI status and it was the Nepalese side which emerged triumphant. Nepal's bowlers, Sandeep Lamichhane and Dipendra Airee took four wickets apiece to lay the platform for the comprehensive win and dismissed their opponents for 114 in just 27.2 overs. Nepal fans! Re-live the game that brought your side ODI status for the first time, and hear just how much it means to captain Paras Khadka WATCH #PNGvNEP HIGHLIGHTS ➡️ https://t.co/SD814wEXOc pic.twitter.com/Osiaq5yizu — ICC (@ICC) March 16, 2018 × Meanwhile, it was another disappointing batting display from PNG, who have now been bowled out for 200 or fewer in four of their five matches in the competition. The defeat confirms they will lose their ODI status. After the victory, a delighted Nepal skipper Paras Khadka took to his Twitter to thank fans and countrymen for their support. Thank you everyone for the support..Just been years and years of toil,persisitance,sacrifices,commitment and hardwork..Finally WE BECOME An ODI nation.. Congratulations to everyone who has been part of Nepal cricket's incredible journey .. God Bless..!!! — Paras Khadka (@paras77) March 15, 2018 × Nepal have had to overcome amazing odds both on and off the field to achieve this remarkable feat.

Nepal becomes ODI nation for first time in history

The Indian Embassy in Nepal on Wednesday announced that the International Entrepreneurship Conclave- Connect-IN will be held in the capital city, Kathmandu, on March 24.

The Indian Embassy in a press meet at the Shangri-La Hotel here said that the event will serve as an ideal platform for connecting the young entrepreneurial minds of the two countries.

&quot;India and Nepal are the two youngest economies in the region, which are mainly dominated by youth and entrepreneurship. They both are also two of the closely associated societies in the region,&quot; coordinator of the Connect-IN Kapildhwaja Singh said.

&quot;Two countries are very similar in the structural economy, with dependency in the service sector. That is the reason why most of the start-ups are coming to Nepal and India,&quot; Singh added.

A number of entrepreneurs, CEOs (Chief Executive Officer) and investors from Nepal and India will be participating in the conclave.

The registration is open for the conclave and till date over 300 applications have been received.

International Entrepreneurship Conclave- Connect-IN will be held in Kathmandu on March 24

The Indian Embassy in Nepal on Wednesday announced that the International Entrepreneurship Conclave- Connect-IN will be held in the capital city, Kathmandu, on March 24. The Indian Embassy in a press meet at the Shangri-La Hotel here said that the event will serve as an ideal platform for connecting the young entrepreneurial minds of the two countries. "India and Nepal are the two youngest economies in the region, which are mainly dominated by youth and entrepreneurship. They both are also two of the closely associated societies in the region," coordinator of the Connect-IN Kapildhwaja Singh said. "Two countries are very similar in the structural economy, with dependency in the service sector. That is the reason why most of the start-ups are coming to Nepal and India," Singh added. A number of entrepreneurs, CEOs (Chief Executive Officer) and investors from Nepal and India will be participating in the conclave. The registration is open for the conclave and till date over 300 applications have been received.

Nepalese, Indian entrepreneurs connect through conclave

Nepal&#39;s re-elected President Bidhya Devi Bhandari will take an oath today at 4 pm. Bidhya, the first woman president of Nepal, was re-elected for the second term yesterday.&nbsp;

President Bhandari defeated Nepali Congress leader Kumari Laxmi Rai with an overwhelming majority of 27,545 votes.

She received 39,275 votes over 11,730 votes received by Nepali Congress&#39; Rai.&nbsp;

Each voter from the House of Representatives and National Assembly holds the power equivalent to 79 votes; the same for each Provincial Assembly member is equivalent to 48 votes.

As many as 862 votes were cast in the presidential election at the Federal Parliament Building IN New Baneshwor, Kathmandu.

President Bhandari defeated Nepali Congress leader Kumari Laxmi Rai with an overwhelming majority of 27,545 votes

Nepal's re-elected President Bidhya Devi Bhandari will take an oath today at 4 pm. Bidhya, the first woman president of Nepal, was re-elected for the second term yesterday. President Bhandari defeated Nepali Congress leader Kumari Laxmi Rai with an overwhelming majority of 27,545 votes. She received 39,275 votes over 11,730 votes received by Nepali Congress' Rai. Each voter from the House of Representatives and National Assembly holds the power equivalent to 79 votes; the same for each Provincial Assembly member is equivalent to 48 votes. As many as 862 votes were cast in the presidential election at the Federal Parliament Building IN New Baneshwor, Kathmandu.

Nepal: President Bidya Devi Bhandari to take oath today at 4pm

Nepal&#39;s first woman president Bidya Devi Bhandari was today re-elected for a second term in office.&nbsp;

Incumbent President Bhandari defeated Nepali Congress leader Kumari Laxmi Rai with an overwhelming majority in the presidential election.&nbsp;

Bhandari, 56, won since her nomination was backed by the ruling Left alliance of the CPN-UML and CPN (Maoist Centre), the Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum-Nepal and other fringe parties.&nbsp;

She became Nepal&#39;s first woman president in 2015.&nbsp;

Main opposition party Nepali Congress had fielded former lawmaker Kumari Laxmi Rai against incumbent President Bhandari in the run for the top post.&nbsp;

Bhandari had been endorsed by the left-alliance. Federal Socialist Forum Nepal, Rastriya Janata Party Nepal, and other fringe parties had also backed Bhandari.

President Bhandari received 39,275 votes, while NC lawmaker Rai received 11,730 votes. President Bhandari has won by 27,545 votes. Vote-weightage of each voter of the House of Representatives and National Assembly was 79, while that of each Provincial Assembly member was equivalent to 48.

The voting had begun from 10:00 am and went on till 3:00 pm today. Meanwhile, the counting of votes started at 4:00 pm following the conclusion of ballot casting. An electoral college comprising Members of Federal Parliament and Province Assemblies had cast their votes to elect the President.

As many as 862 votes were cast in the presidential election today at the Federal Parliament Building in New Baneshwor, Kathmandu.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Incumbent President Bhandari defeated Nepali Congress leader Kumari Laxmi Rai with an overwhelming majority in the presidential election

Nepal's first woman president Bidya Devi Bhandari was today re-elected for a second term in office. Incumbent President Bhandari defeated Nepali Congress leader Kumari Laxmi Rai with an overwhelming majority in the presidential election. Bhandari, 56, won since her nomination was backed by the ruling Left alliance of the CPN-UML and CPN (Maoist Centre), the Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum-Nepal and other fringe parties. She became Nepal's first woman president in 2015. Main opposition party Nepali Congress had fielded former lawmaker Kumari Laxmi Rai against incumbent President Bhandari in the run for the top post. Bhandari had been endorsed by the left-alliance. Federal Socialist Forum Nepal, Rastriya Janata Party Nepal, and other fringe parties had also backed Bhandari. President Bhandari received 39,275 votes, while NC lawmaker Rai received 11,730 votes. President Bhandari has won by 27,545 votes. Vote-weightage of each voter of the House of Representatives and National Assembly was 79, while that of each Provincial Assembly member was equivalent to 48. The voting had begun from 10:00 am and went on till 3:00 pm today. Meanwhile, the counting of votes started at 4:00 pm following the conclusion of ballot casting. An electoral college comprising Members of Federal Parliament and Province Assemblies had cast their votes to elect the President. As many as 862 votes were cast in the presidential election today at the Federal Parliament Building in New Baneshwor, Kathmandu. (With inputs from Agencies)

Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari re-elected to second term in office

A high-level delegation from Bangladesh today arrived here to discuss with Nepalese officials the issues related to a crash involving a US-Bangla Airlines aircraft that killed 49 people.

The Bangla delegation includes Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism A K M Shahjahan Kamal, Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali and senior aviation officials, My Republica reported.

The team will meet the survivors of the crash and also discuss the possible reasons for the accident with Nepali authorities, amid reports of confusion between the air traffic control and the pilot of the ill-fated plane.

The Dhaka to Kathmandu US-Bangla Airlines flight, with 67 passengers and four crew members on board, caught fire after it careened off the runway and ploughed into a football ground near the Tribhuvan International Airport yesterday, killing 49 people.

Meanwhile, six officers stationed at the Air Traffic Control Tower who witnessed the air crash have been shifted to another department to &quot;minimise the shock of the accident,&quot; the paper said.

&quot;This is a standard procedure to release stress after a fateful incident. They witnessed a huge disaster and they are shocked. Hence, we have transferred them to other departments to reduce their stress post-crash,&quot; said Rajan Pokharel, deputy director general at the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal.

Pokharel also clarified that the transfer was not due to the leaks of audio conversations between ATC and the pilot before the accident.

The airline and airport authorities have blamed each other for the tragedy, the worst in the country in 25 years after it emerged that there was confusion over landing instructions.

There were 33 Nepalese nationals on board flight UBG 211, a Bombardier Dash 8 Q400. Others include 32 Bangladeshis, one Chinese and one Maldivian.

A six-member committee led by former director general at the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal Yagya Prasad Gautam has been formed by Nepal to probe the accident.

The panel has been assigned to initiate an investigation as early as possible.

A high-level delegation from Bangladesh today arrived here to discuss with Nepalese officials the issues related to a crash involving a US-Bangla Airlines aircraft that killed 49 people

A high-level delegation from Bangladesh today arrived here to discuss with Nepalese officials the issues related to a crash involving a US-Bangla Airlines aircraft that killed 49 people. The Bangla delegation includes Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism A K M Shahjahan Kamal, Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali and senior aviation officials, My Republica reported. The team will meet the survivors of the crash and also discuss the possible reasons for the accident with Nepali authorities, amid reports of confusion between the air traffic control and the pilot of the ill-fated plane. The Dhaka to Kathmandu US-Bangla Airlines flight, with 67 passengers and four crew members on board, caught fire after it careened off the runway and ploughed into a football ground near the Tribhuvan International Airport yesterday, killing 49 people. Meanwhile, six officers stationed at the Air Traffic Control Tower who witnessed the air crash have been shifted to another department to "minimise the shock of the accident," the paper said. "This is a standard procedure to release stress after a fateful incident. They witnessed a huge disaster and they are shocked. Hence, we have transferred them to other departments to reduce their stress post-crash," said Rajan Pokharel, deputy director general at the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal. Pokharel also clarified that the transfer was not due to the leaks of audio conversations between ATC and the pilot before the accident. The airline and airport authorities have blamed each other for the tragedy, the worst in the country in 25 years after it emerged that there was confusion over landing instructions. There were 33 Nepalese nationals on board flight UBG 211, a Bombardier Dash 8 Q400. Others include 32 Bangladeshis, one Chinese and one Maldivian. A six-member committee led by former director general at the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal Yagya Prasad Gautam has been formed by Nepal to probe the accident. The panel has been assigned to initiate an investigation as early as possible.

Nepal plane crash: Bangladesh team arrives in Kathmandu

Nepalese investigators have retrieved the black box from the wreckage a Bangladeshi plane that crashed here, killing 49 people, authorities said today as the conversation between the air traffic controllers and the pilot before the tragedy indicated a possible confusion over the runway.

The Dhaka to Kathmandu US-Bangla Airlines flight, with 67 passengers and four crew members on board, caught fire after it careened off the runway and ploughed into a football ground near the Tribhuvan International Airport yesterday.

&quot;The flight data recorder has been recovered we have kept it safely,&quot; said Raj Kumar Chettri, the airport&#39;s general manager, adding that an investigation into the cause of the crash had begun.

The airline and airport authorities have blamed each other for the tragedy, the worst in the country in 25 years, after it emerged that there was confusion over landing instructions.

There were 33 Nepalese nationals on board flight UBG 211, a Bombardier Dash 8 Q400. Others include 32 Bangladeshis, one Chinese and one Maldivian.

Bombardier is a twin-engine, medium-range and turboprop aircraft.

Canadian plane maker Bombardier said it was sending an air safety investigator to the site, as well as a field service representative.

The Nepal government formed a six-member committee to probe the crash-landing.

A high-level team led by Bangladesh&#39;s Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism M K M Sahajahan Kamal is scheduled to arrive in Kathmandu today.

The last four minutes of the conversation between the pilot and Air Traffic Control at the airport indicates a possible confusion in the mind of the pilot about Runway 02 (the southern end) and Runway 20 (the northern end), a Nepalese newspaper reported.

The Nepali pilots of other aircraft are heard warning the ATC that the US-Bangla pilot seems disoriented, according to the Nepali Times.

At the very outset of the tape, the control tower was heard warning the pilot, &quot;I say again, do not proceed towards Runway 20.&quot; And later, he is warned to remain on hold and not to land because there is another aircraft on approach.

After the plane apparently takes a right orbit, the ATC asks the pilot whether he wants to land on Runway 02 or 20.

The latter responds and says &quot;We would like to land on 20&quot;; he is cleared to land on that end of the runway, the report said.

The pilot was then asked if he has the runway in sight, to which he replies, &#39;Negative&#39;, it said.

He was asked to turn right, but immediately after that, the Flight 211 pilot says &quot;Affirmative&quot;, that the runway is in sight.

The pilot then says, &quot;Cleared to land Runaway 02&quot;, even though he had sought permission for 20. However, ATC too now clears him to land on Runway 02.

Meanwhile, speaking to the Army 53 aircraft which is on hold about 10 kilometres away, the ATC says the Bangladesh aircraft is &quot;on final for 20&quot;.

The last recorded words of the pilot are: &quot;[Unintelligible] said sir, are we cleared to land?&quot; After some silence, the clearly alarmed ATC controller shouts, &quot;I say again, turn&hellip;!&quot;.

There is silence for a while, then a &#39;Fire One&#39; calls the tower, indicating that a crash has occurred and the airport fire tender has been activated.

The Dhaka-based US-Bangla Airlines is a private carrier that launched in July 2014 with the motto &quot;Fly Fast Fly Safe&quot;. The airlines is a unit of the US-Bangla Group, a US Bangladeshi joint venture company.

Nepal has witnessed a number of accidents involving aircraft in recent years.

Yesterday&#39;s accident is deadliest since September 1992 when all 167 people aboard a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) plane were killed when it crashed near the Kathmandu airport.

In February, 2016, Tara Air&#39;s Twin Otter 400 crashed in Rupse of Myagdi, killing 23 people.

The airline and airport authorities have blamed each other for the tragedy, the worst in the country in 25 years, after it emerged that there was confusion over landing instructions

Nepalese investigators have retrieved the black box from the wreckage a Bangladeshi plane that crashed here, killing 49 people, authorities said today as the conversation between the air traffic controllers and the pilot before the tragedy indicated a possible confusion over the runway. The Dhaka to Kathmandu US-Bangla Airlines flight, with 67 passengers and four crew members on board, caught fire after it careened off the runway and ploughed into a football ground near the Tribhuvan International Airport yesterday. "The flight data recorder has been recovered we have kept it safely," said Raj Kumar Chettri, the airport's general manager, adding that an investigation into the cause of the crash had begun. The airline and airport authorities have blamed each other for the tragedy, the worst in the country in 25 years, after it emerged that there was confusion over landing instructions. There were 33 Nepalese nationals on board flight UBG 211, a Bombardier Dash 8 Q400. Others include 32 Bangladeshis, one Chinese and one Maldivian. Bombardier is a twin-engine, medium-range and turboprop aircraft. Canadian plane maker Bombardier said it was sending an air safety investigator to the site, as well as a field service representative. The Nepal government formed a six-member committee to probe the crash-landing. A high-level team led by Bangladesh's Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism M K M Sahajahan Kamal is scheduled to arrive in Kathmandu today. The last four minutes of the conversation between the pilot and Air Traffic Control at the airport indicates a possible confusion in the mind of the pilot about Runway 02 (the southern end) and Runway 20 (the northern end), a Nepalese newspaper reported. The Nepali pilots of other aircraft are heard warning the ATC that the US-Bangla pilot seems disoriented, according to the Nepali Times. At the very outset of the tape, the control tower was heard warning the pilot, "I say again, do not proceed towards Runway 20." And later, he is warned to remain on hold and not to land because there is another aircraft on approach. After the plane apparently takes a right orbit, the ATC asks the pilot whether he wants to land on Runway 02 or 20. The latter responds and says "We would like to land on 20"; he is cleared to land on that end of the runway, the report said. The pilot was then asked if he has the runway in sight, to which he replies, 'Negative', it said. He was asked to turn right, but immediately after that, the Flight 211 pilot says "Affirmative", that the runway is in sight. The pilot then says, "Cleared to land Runaway 02", even though he had sought permission for 20. However, ATC too now clears him to land on Runway 02. Meanwhile, speaking to the Army 53 aircraft which is on hold about 10 kilometres away, the ATC says the Bangladesh aircraft is "on final for 20". The last recorded words of the pilot are: "[Unintelligible] said sir, are we cleared to land?" After some silence, the clearly alarmed ATC controller shouts, "I say again, turn…!". There is silence for a while, then a 'Fire One' calls the tower, indicating that a crash has occurred and the airport fire tender has been activated. The Dhaka-based US-Bangla Airlines is a private carrier that launched in July 2014 with the motto "Fly Fast Fly Safe". The airlines is a unit of the US-Bangla Group, a US Bangladeshi joint venture company. Nepal has witnessed a number of accidents involving aircraft in recent years. Yesterday's accident is deadliest since September 1992 when all 167 people aboard a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) plane were killed when it crashed near the Kathmandu airport. In February, 2016, Tara Air's Twin Otter 400 crashed in Rupse of Myagdi, killing 23 people.

Nepal plane crash due to possible confusion over runway

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