KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Spring ascent kicks off with rope-fixing feat on Everest
The 2024 spring climbing season on Mount Everest officially began after a team of seven Sherpas fixed ropes to the summit at 5 p.m. on Friday, opening the route for other climbers. The rope-fixing team, deployed by the 8K Expedition Company, included Ashok Lama, Tshering Pemba Sherpa, Pem Norbu Sherpa, Tashi Sherpa, Karma Gyalzen Sherpa, Tashi Gyalzen Sherpa, and Pastenji Sherpa. Expedition leader Lakpa Sherpa, speaking from base camp, said the team faced significant challenges this year. “Thick snow made rope-fixing extremely difficult. In the Khumbu Icefall, climbing even the ladders became risky due to loose rocks and black stones,” he explained. According to Leeladhar Awasthi, Director at the Department of Tourism, the successful rope-fixing marks the official start of this year’s Everest expedition.
India and Pakistan declare immediate ceasefire amid escalating tensions
India and Pakistan have reached an agreement on a complete and immediate ceasefire after a series of escalating military actions involving drones, missiles, and air raids. The development was unexpectedly announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on Truth Social, where he commended both nations for their rational and intelligent approach. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that all hostilities—by land, sea, and air—would halt starting 5 p.m. local time.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to regional peace while maintaining national sovereignty. Although Trump suggested a mediating role, Indian sources told AFP that the ceasefire was the result of direct bilateral negotiations. The agreement follows a series of retaliatory airstrikes between the two nations over the weekend.
PM Oli urges protection of Saal trees, cautions against premature logging
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has emphasized the importance of conserving Nepal’s Saal forests, warning against the premature harvesting of Saal trees under the guise of scientific forest management. Addressing the National Forest Promotion seminar, he underscored the ecological significance of Saal in supporting rainfall and biodiversity.
Oli advocated for a shift from mere afforestation to productive forest use, including commercial fruit farming and converting shrublands into dense forests. He also recommended integrating animal husbandry to encourage forest regeneration. Addressing criticism of his conservation stance, Oli pointed to Nepal’s tiger conservation success and expanding green cover. He further announced the upcoming ‘Sagarmatha Sambad’ to promote international climate cooperation.
Speaker Ghimire calls for unity to defend democracy and ensure national progress
Speaker Devraj Ghimire has urged political leaders to defend Nepal’s democratic system and focus on stability and development. Speaking at an event organized by the Ex-Parliamentarians’ Forum in Kathmandu, Ghimire stressed the need for thoughtful evaluation of the current political climate, pushing back against misleading narratives.
He argued that while the democratic framework remains intact, leadership must adapt to better meet public expectations. Law Minister Ajay Kumar Chaurasiya supported the call for consensus, emphasizing it as essential for safeguarding past democratic gains and achieving national goals. Former Speaker Taranath Ranabhat also advocated for unity among political forces to resolve ongoing issues and strengthen democratic governance.
Media essential to address climate change impacts: Vice President Yadav
Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav has emphasized that climate change is the defining crisis of the current generation and highlighted the media’s crucial role in mitigating its impact. Speaking at the inaugural session of the Lomanthang International Media Summit organized by the Nepal Press Union in Lalitpur today, Vice President Yadav stated that media plays a vital role in raising public awareness and preventing climate-related disasters. “Media should focus on fact-based reporting on climate change to inform the public, guide policymakers, and promote innovative solutions to address climate challenges,” he said.
Terrorism and anarchy pose threats to democracy, press freedom: Minister Gurung
Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, has said that terrorism, anarchy, and authoritarianism are serious threats to democracy and press freedom. Inaugurating the Lomanthang International Media Summit organized by the Nepal Press Union Lalitpur on Friday, Minister Gurung emphasized the need to improve working styles to safeguard and strengthen democratic values and media freedom. He noted that the summit, which focuses on democracy, press freedom, and the climate crisis, is especially relevant at a time when democracy is facing growing challenges.
Maoist Centre committed to uplifting the poor, says Prachanda
Maoist Centre Chairperson and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said that his party is actively reaching out to the grassroots with the objective of improving the living standards of poor and marginalized communities. Addressing a mass gathering organized by the Maoist Centre’s Panchthar District Coordination Committee in Phidim on Friday, Prachanda said the party’s recent Tarai-Madhes Awakening Campaign had transformed into a people’s movement. He emphasized that such outreach efforts are helping the party better understand public concerns and aspirations.
Postal road conveniences Narainapur people
Narainapur, a remote place located beyond the Rapti River in Banke district, has been convenienced with its access to a postal way. Taj Mohammad Khan from Narainapur rural municipality-4 said the construction of the postal road had made them easier to reach Nepalgunj city- only half an hour bus ride now. “Before construction of the postal way, we were bound to go through India to reach Nepalgunj from Narainapur. But the postal road has become a lifeline to us,” he explained. Four passenger buses run from Nepalgunj to Narainapur every day on the newly built road.
Lal Bahadur appears for Class 12 exams at the age of 68
Wearing a Dhaka topi, a blue suit, and a school tie from Bhawani Secondary School, 68-year-old Lal Bahadur BK turned heads when he arrived at the Amarjyoti Janata Secondary School examination center in Luintel, Palungtar Municipality-6. Many mistook him for a teacher—but he is, in fact, a Class 12 examinee. Lal Bahadur is currently studying in the Education faculty at Bhawani School and is taking his Class 12 exams from the Amarjyoti Janata HIgh School center. A top-10 performer in his Grade 11 exams, he is confident about passing Class 12.
Cultural diversity boosts tourism: Minister Pande
Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pande, has said that Nepal’s rich cultural diversity and natural beauty are key assets for promoting tourism. Speaking at the inauguration of the ‘Far West Travel Meet’ held in Mahendranagar on Friday, Minister Pande emphasized that these unique features significantly attract foreign visitors. However, he noted that the country still lacks the necessary physical infrastructure to fully harness its tourism potential. “We’re planning to operate flights from Pokhara to all provinces through discussions with various airlines,” he said, expressing optimism that expanded air connectivity would boost the tourism sector.
Tinker villagers return home after six-month winter migration
After spending six months away to escape the harsh winter, residents of Tinker village on the northern border of Darchula have finally returned home. Around 70 families who had left for Khalanga in Mangsir have made their way back to the high-altitude village in the last week of Baisakh. “When we returned after six months, our houses were just as we left them—locked and protected by faith,” said local Jaspal Tinkeri. “We left everything in God’s hands, and nothing was lost.” After a six-day trek, villagers have now settled back in, bringing life back to the area.
Two teens go missing in Karnali River while swimming
Two teenagers, aged 15 and 16, have gone missing in the Karnali River from two different locations after reportedly drowning while swimming. In Kalikot, 16-year-old Biraj Bista from Narharinath Rural Municipality-1, Kotbada, disappeared while swimming near Jarkot in Pachaljharana Rural Municipality, according to the District Police Office. In a separate incident in Dailekh, 15-year-old Bhupendra Sawan of Daunsur, Chamundabindrasaini Municipality-9, was reported missing while swimming at Lamaduwala Ghat on Friday afternoon, said DSP Ganesh Bahadur Baral of the District Police Office, Dailekh.
MoFA maintains ‘regular contact’ with Nepali students in Pakistan
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has announced that it is in regular contact with Nepali students studying in Pakistan. In a statement, the ministry assured that the government is fully informed of the recent developments and is working to ensure the safety of Nepali nationals in Pakistan. The Nepali Embassy in Pakistan has been maintaining ongoing communication with students and other Nepali citizens in the country. The ministry also urged Nepali students and their families to reach out to the Nepali Embassy in Islamabad for any immediate assistance.
Annapurna Circuit: A destination for adventure seekers
The Annapurna Circuit Trek remains a prime destination for travelers who seek breathtaking Himalayan landscapes and a rich blend of social, economic, and cultural diversity.Renowned worldwide, this trek offers a unique experience with traditional villages, rural settings, distinct customs, and stunning views of towering snow-capped peaks. Spanning six districts—Baglung, Kaski, Lamjung, Manang, Mustang, and Myagdi—the trek typically begins from Besisahar in Lamjung and concludes in Pokhara, Kaski, taking about 25 days to complete. Trekkers are treated to panoramic views of prominent peaks such as Annapurna I and IV, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu, Gangapurna, Hiuchuli, Tukuche Peak, Tilicho Peak, Pisang Peak, Thorong Peak, and Paungda Danda—many of which range from 6,000 to 8,000 meters in elevation.
BFIN and India-Nepal Centre Host Symposium on Economic Reforms in Nepal
The Banking, Finance and Insurance Institute of Nepal (BFIN), in collaboration with the India-Nepal Centre of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), organized a high-level symposium titled “An Aspiring Nepal: How to Benefit from Economic Reforms?” in Kathmandu. The event convened a diverse group of policymakers, economists, business leaders, and experts from Nepal and India to deliberate on Nepal’s economic reform agenda and explore avenues for deeper regional cooperation.
CAN unveils squad for ICC WC League-2 series in Scotland
The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has finalized and announced its 15-member squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup League-2 series taking place in Scotland this June. Head coach Stewart Law revealed the team on Saturday, selecting players from a group of 25 who took part in the second phase of the ‘Core Camp.’ Rohit Kumar Paudel will lead the side as captain, with Dipendra Singh Airee serving as vice-captain.
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