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Justice Department Preparing Antitrust Probe Into Google

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The Justice Department is preparing an antitrust probe into tech giant Google, The Wall Street Journal reported Friday.

 

The probe, which the department’s antitrust division has reportedly been preparing for weeks, is expected to examine Google’s practices “related to search and other businesses,” according to the Journal.

Google was previously under scrutiny by the Federal Trade Commission but that antitrust investigation was closed in 2013, though the commission is said to have told the Justice Department it could take jurisdiction over the latest probe, From the Dailybeast.

Five people murdered in Bangladesh each day in May : BHRC

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The International Human Rights Commission assisted in preparing the report

At least five people were murdered each day in May, with a death toll of 168 in the just concluded month in Bangladesh, says a local rights body.

Of them, 43 people were murdered in social violence, and 35 were killed mysteriously, said a Bangladesh Human Rights Commission (BHRC) report released yesterday.

According to the commission, the report was prepared based on data gathered from its field offices in different districts, sub-districts, and municipalities, and from national dailies.

The International Human Rights Commission assisted in preparing the report, said a media statement.

Some 29 people were killed by law enforcement agencies, 20 died in family related violence, nine in secret killings, eight people died due to medical negligence, seven each from BSF firing, and murder after rape, five people were killed following abduction, four were killed in political violence, and two were killed for dowry, according to the report.

In violence committed during the month, 69 were raped, nine fell victim to sexual harassment, two faced violence for dowry, while two journalists were harassed, and one fell victim to an acid attack.

In addition to the deaths enumerated above, another 221 people were killed in various transport accidents, while 15 committed suicide.

Expressing deep concern over the increasing trend in killing, the BHRC urged law enforcement agencies and responsible government officers to play their roles responsibly.

“Only the rule of law can help reduce such killings,” the commission said. From the Dhaka Tribune.

Boris Johnson would make an “excellent” prime minister : Trump

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AFP, LONDON: US President Donald Trump has said British former foreign minister Boris Johnson would make an “excellent” prime minister to replace Theresa May.
Trump was speaking ahead of the start of a state visit to Britain on Monday, during which he will meet May.
She is set to resign on June 7 over her failure to deliver a deal to bring Britain out of the European Union.
Asked by the British tabloid newspaper The Sun for his opinion on the 12 candidates to replace her, Trump said, “I think Boris would do a very good job. I think he would be excellent.
“I have always liked him. I don’t know that he is going to be chosen, but I think he is a very good guy, a very talented person.”
He added that several candidates in the Conservative leadership race had asked for his support, without revealing who.
A key Leave campaigner in the Brexit referendum, Johnson has said he is prepared to take Britain out of the European Union, “deal or no deal.”
In the interview, Trump also repeated his criticism of how May has handled Brexit negotiations, saying Britain had allowed the EU to “have all the cards.”
“It is very hard to play well when one side has all the advantage,” he said. “I had mentioned to Theresa that you have got to build up your ammunition.”
May concluded a divorce agreement with the EU in November but her deal was rejected three times by the British parliament, forcing her to seek a delay in leaving the bloc, now scheduled for October 31.
Commenting on Britain’s domestic politics and opining on ruling-party leadership choices at a sensitive time would normally be an unusual move for a US president — but not for Trump, a former reality-TV star who often speaks his mind.
It could however add to tensions during Trump’s three-day visit to Britain.
Trump is to be received in Buckingham Palace on Monday by Queen Elizabeth II.
He will then have a discussion with Prince Charles, the heir to the British throne who is known for speaking out against global warming — an issue Trump is dismissive of. The president has decided to pull the US out of the Paris climate change agreement that seeks to curb carbon emissions.
A meeting with Meghan, the former US actress who married Charles’s second son Prince Harry, is not on the agenda for Trump, whom she criticized during his 2016 campaign to be America’s leader.
“What can I say? I didn’t know that she was nasty,” Trump said of Meghan, though he also said he was “sure she will do excellently” as a princess.
As for protests that are expected to dog Trump’s state visit, the president insisted “I think I am really — I hope — I am really loved in the UK.”

US removes India from special trade status

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AFP , WASHINGTON: The United States will end preferential trade treatment for India from Wednesday, US President Donald Trump has announced, in a fresh economic headwind for New Delhi alongside slowing growth and record unemployment.
India has been the single biggest beneficiary of the decades-old US Generalized System of Preferences program, allowing the country to export $5.7 billion worth of duty-free goods in 2017, according to figures from US Congress.
Trump said in a statement issued late Friday that he wanted greater access for US goods to the giant South Asian nation.
“I have determined that India has not assured the United States that India will provide equitable and reasonable access to its markets,” Trump said.
“Accordingly, it is appropriate to terminate India’s designation as a beneficiary developing country.”
Trump announced in March that he would be ending the preferential trade accord with India, but did not give a date.
Washington has sought to make India a closer diplomatic ally, but has long complained about limited access to the huge market of 1.3 billion people.
The US had a $26.7 billion trade deficit with India in 2017-2018.
The announcement is the latest headwind to threaten the Hindu nationalist government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was re-elected to his second term in a landslide just weeks ago after campaigning partly on his record as an economic reformer.
Official figures released Friday showed that India’s growth slowed for the third straight quarter to 5.8% in January-March, while unemployment hit a 45-year high in 2018.
The Indian government made no immediate comment on Washington’s move, but media reports said New Delhi was considering higher import duties on more than 20 US goods including agricultural produce and chemicals.
Indian commerce secretary Anup Wadahan played down the move to end the country’s GSP status in March, saying that preferential trade accounted for a fraction of its nearly $80 million in annual exports to the US.

National Planning Commission to Sign MOU with Nepal Policy Institute

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Bangkok : Diaspora professionals, experts, academics, entrepreneurs and NRN leaders had an interaction with National Planning Commission (NPC) team to identify the role of diaspora in transforming development planning and policies of Nepal . The programs was organized by Nepal Policy Institute (NPI) in coordination with NRNA Thailand on Wednesday 29th Mayat Royal City Hotel Bangkok.

The program was organized as a follow up event of previous meeting between NPI and NPC held on 29th March in Bangkok in the process of developing approach paper of 15thPeriodic Plan and 25 year long-term vision of Nepal. Another objective of the event was to identify the role of diaspora in the policy and planning for the sustainable socioeconomic development of Nepal.

 

NPI is an autonomous global think-tank promoted by NRNA Global. The concept of NPI was conceived through ‘NRNA Vision 2020 and Beyond’ which was endorsed by NRNA International General Assembly on October 2017. NPI came into operation in public sphere since October 2018 unveiling its founding strategic plan at 1st NRN Global Knowledge Conference held in Kathmandu.

Addressing the program NPC member Min Bahadur Shahi proposed for a comprehensive MOU between NPC and NPI to bring the collaboration to next height. Shahi informed that NPI’s several recommendations on 15th periodic plan and long-term vision are incorporated in the approach paper published by NPC.

 

The published book detailing the finalized approach paper was handed by NPC team to NPI Chair during the program. Shahi appreciated the critical perspectives in NPI’s recommendations to transform the planning and policies in the changed political environment in Nepal. Shahi said NPC is firm in critical engagement of multiple stakeholders to develop good policies for which NPI has proven to be one important stakeholder already.

 

During the program, NPI Chair, Khagendra Dhakal presented the recommendations in important areas including foreign direct investment, poverty eradication, environmentprotection, human capital development and economic diplomacy.

 

Without adequate FDI the Nepal cannot achieve its targets said Chair Dhakal.  He explained that Nepal should forthwith get rid of all restrictive investment measures making Nepal the most attractive destination of investment in the world. This is unlikely without abolishing restrictions on foreign direct investments, and advocacy in investments opportunities at international business arena, particularly establishing on supply chain, innovation and technology Dhakal elaborated. There is no alternative to welcoming FDI to SMEs in a condition they bring new technologies and create employment opportunities to Nepali individuals to create more vibrant economic activities and competitiveness. Dhakal shared the experience of Thailand that there is no minimum threshold for foreigners for investment giving a clear path to invest in SMEs. They just require 4 Thais employment for providing 1work permit for foreigner Dhakal explained.

 

Talking about poverty eradication, Chair Dhakal questioned what specific efforts and plans are contemplated to raise extreme poverty level from US$ 1.90 day to reach Lower Middle-Income level of US$ 3.20 day (World Bank) in the upcoming planning cycle while Nepal is planning to graduate from LDC soon. Dhakal was of the opinion that the mere focus on annualized growth will not ensure sustainable Lower Middle-Income level of all citizens.  He insisted on  bridgingthe income disparity gaps through raising income level of citizens who are at the lower margin of economic strata;otherwise, development will be trapped within the confines of a small middle class that dominates Nepal’s economic environment and social disparity will widen further.  Dhakalurged NPC that Nepal has to learn the lessons from the experience of Brazil, the Philippines and India where economy is getting trapped within the limits of middle-incomegroup creating unexpected social exclusion.

 

Next point Dhakal raised was on the environment issues. He drew attention of the government of Nepal towardsdeteriorating situation of environment in Kathmandu valley including air pollution, soil erosion, depleting underground water and prone to high intensive earthquakes. He recommended to conduct research to see whether we can relocate the capital. He shared an idea of planning for seperatecultural capital, administrative capital and business capital in different cities of Nepal to tackle the crowded Kathamandu. Dhakal had presented the cases of relocating capitals inMyanmar, Indonesia, Brazil and others.

 

 

Another point Dhakal made in his presentation was about to human capital development.. Dhakal, Also the Specialist of King Mongkut’s University of Technology in Bangkok, said without developing human resources needed for the country, Nepal cannot achieve its ambitious plan of building  prosperous Nepal and Happy Nepali. He suggested to opencommunity colleges in cooperation with local governments to tackle the unique and local needs of each parts of the country. With a provision of earning certificate, diploma and a route to upgrade to degree programs should be created so that local and national needs can be attained Dhakal said. Re-structuring of higher education institutions with autonomy in governance and enforcement of independent quality assurance framework can do well to achive this target Dhakal suggested. In his opinion, the government of Nepal can also make an complementary scheme to engage diaspora Nepali expertstowards developing human resources.

 

The last issue Dhakal raised in his presentation was about the need of redefining of Nepal’s economic diplomacy where embassies should be innovative and tapped all possibilities mobilizing the diasporas to tap tourism and trade potentials.Cultural, adventurous, religious and luxury tourism have potentials in Nepal. Trade deficit in Nepal is very alarming and NPI would like to know what Nepal is planning towards the ongoing trade tensions between the USA and China and other superpowers of technology questioned Dhakal. Nepal cannot think of itself  in this globalized era but needs to move forward establishing international Supply Chain, innovation and technology to survive such changes.

Another step to take in tackling trade deficit creating food security policy and plans and creating incentives to farmersrather than punishing them for leaving unused land.

 

While highlighting these 5 points, Dhakal iterated that government may reflect BPMM (Build, Produce and Manage, and Monitoring) theme, which NPI had recommended earlier, in its annual planning  and budget, periodic plans and long term vision. NPI is keenly waiting ifthis theme would be reflected in such important development planning of the nation said Dhakal. He also assured that NPI would offer innovative perspectives which are beyond the ones NPC can get from regular consultancies and the peer reviewed journals/ proceedings of academic conferences. Its recommendations might sound little critical but that’s the nature of innovative perspectives. Until there are early adopters emerge, innovative ideas get ignored and overlooked by the policy reformers said Dhakal.  Challenging the orthodoxy will be a characteristic of a think tank which is what NPI is trying and aiming to have added Dhakal.

 

Speaking at the same program NPC Joint Secretary Toya Nath Gyawali presented social security, FDI, economic diplomacy, and risk mitigation scheme after Nepal graduates from LDC will be the major areas to engagement between NPC with NPI.  Government can even save huge cost engaging NPI instead of consulting with foreign forms. He also said that since NPI experts understand the context of Nepal better NPI’s policy recommendations more realistic than from other international forms.

 

NPI Focal Point NPC Dr. Narayan Poudel had presented about the details of the collaboration between NPI and NPC for almost a year now. Dr. Poudel applauded the contribution of NPI for FDI policy and 15th Periodic Plan were greatly appreciated by many sections of Government of Nepal and many recommendations are already incorporated. Some of them will be considered in the future policy reform as well said Poudel. Since last November NPC has assigned Poudel as the focal person for NPI in the coordination of Foreign Ministry of Nepal.

 

After the key speeches, NPI Research Coordinator, Prof Bishwa Nath Tiwari adviced government to start preparing to handle the post LDC graduation situation as Nepal will loosea lot of privileges it is getting now as LDC. Prof Tiwari had conducted the moderated interaction on the theme ‘Diaspora’s role in transforming the development planning and policies of Nepal’. 22 participants from diverge areas of expertise had shared their comments and recommendations. The interactions raised the concerns about corruption, governance, FDI, tourism, trade, diaspora engagement, quality assurance and autonymy to the governance of universities. All the concerns and the suggestions were noted and NPC Member Shahi had responded during his address while wrapping of the interaction.

 

Acting Ambassador to Thailand Janga Bahadur Gurung and NRNA Thailand President Assajita Awale had given welcome remarks to the event. Ambassador Gurung thanked NPI for creating a forum through which diaspora expertise resources can be utilized for the development of Nepal. Similarly, NRNA Thailand President Awale said due to the nature of Nepali community in Thailand their focus will be mostly on Knowledge skill and innovation transfer to Nepal and assist in promoting Nepal’s economic diplomacy. Awale requested the NPC to implement the outcome of the interaction in the planning and policy making process.

 

 

During the interaction, Binod Chapagain, Dipendra KC, Ravi Maharjan, Bhabendra Basnet, Kanchha Gurung (Gabo), David Khanal, Bharti Limbuni, Hemanta Ban, Mahendra Shrestha, Shaurabh Adhikari, Karma Gurung and other participants had added comments and recommendations.

 

At the same program, a group of Nepali scholars from King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok also presented the youth perspectives in planning and policy reform in Nepal. They draw the attention of NPC that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is taking toll in many areas of workand questioned that how Nepal is responding to such changing landscape of future workforce. They also advised NPC not only to plan but to implement as well. They also asked whether NPC has thought of creating opportunities for Nepal graduates abroad.

Gurkhas escalate their protests, Demand an end to Gurkha recruitment

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Jagan Karki, London– In what seems to be escalating their protest against the British government, ex- British Gurkhas have demanded an end to the over 200-year-old tradition of Gurkha recruitment in the British Army.

The British Gurkha Satyagraha Unified Protest committee UK-Nepal organised a protest rally in Pokhara, Nepal, last week demanding an end to the recruitment of Gurkhas.  Krishna Bahadur Rai, Coordinator of the movement, said, “Until the demand of ex-Gurkhas is addressed, we will stop the recruitment of the Gurkhas.  We will also close the door of dialogue if the demands of the Gurkhas are not listened to by all concerned authorities by the 1st of July.”

 

The British government announced a hike in pension to ex-Gurkhas ranging from 10 to 34 percent in March this year, but Gurkha organisations have said the decision fails to address their key demands including equal pension and allowing their over 18-year-old son or daughter to join them in the UK, among others.

On 1st of May, 2019, the Gurkha Satyagraha Samiti organised a protest march at Trafalgar Square in London.  A huge number of ex-Gurkhas marched peacefully carrying placards and flyers demanding equal pension and other rights.

Nepali officials, however, have asked Gurkhas to give up their strategy of street protests and give some more time for diplomatic talks between the two governments.

Addressing a programme organised by the 24newspress.com at Aldershot on 25th of May, Ambassador of Nepal to the UK, Dr. Durga Bahadur Subedi, urged Gurkhas to sit down on the table of dialogue and give up the language of protests. “I firmly believe that your concerns can be addressed fully through dialogue and diplomatic channels,” he added.

Few Gurkha leaders are, however, not happy with Nepali envoy’s approach. Talking to South Asia Time, Coordinator of the Gurkha Satyagraha Committee, Gyan Raj Rai, said,  “Ambassador (Dr Subedi) told us to be loyal to the British in return for the salary and pensions they are providing us. But we have already given them blood and sweat what else can we sacrifice now?”

“There have been historic injustice towards the Gurkhas which British courts have also recognised. We will continue to raise our voice against such injustices and for justice and inequality,” Rai added.

In response to a high-profile campaign launched by British actress Joanna Lumley, the Labour government in May 2009 agreed to give ex-Gurkhas, who had served for at least four years in the British Army, right to settle in the UK. Since then thousands of Gurkhas and their families have arrived in the UK and are living in towns like Aldershot, Farnborough, and Reading.

Gurkha organisations, however, are insisting that pension and benefits of those Gurkhas who retired before 1997 is just one-third of their British comrades.

Photo : Krishna Ruchhenbung Rai

A British Nepali, Pratistha Raut, enters into the final round of Miss England 2019

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Jagan Karki , London– Pratistha Raut, a British-Nepali girl, has made it to the final round of Miss England 2019.

Pratishtha Raut (Trish),  A Hong Kong-born model from Nepali community, is contesting in  Miss England 2019.  Miss Raut has been able to secure her place among few finalist  among many contestants.

 

She has been able to make it to the final round on Friday through a rigorous selection among many participants.

 

She is the first British Nepali girl to reach to the final round of Miss England.

 

The winner of the pageant will grab £25k cash and a holiday package as well as the opportunity to participate in the Miss World contest.

Photo : Miss England , Official page

“It is a matter of great pride that a Nepali girl born in Hong Kong has made it to the grand finale of Miss England,” said Ganesh Khadka, a researcher and media commentator. “I hope she will be an inspiration for other Nepali girls now studying and working in the UK that they can achieve anything in their life if they are really committed.”

 

Pratishtha is a daughter of Prakash Raut who is an ex Gurkha soldier.  Trish has been pursuing her modelling career for the last few years.

 

A 25-year-old independent and smart British girl from Nepali community and a  resident of Aldershot, Trish is a floor-plan Architect by profession.

 

Nepal Authentic dining has sponsored her in this contest.

 

 

 

Bhutan’s dragon prince is growing

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In the past few months, royal watchers have been blessed with adorable new pictures of Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte, Prince George, and Archie Mountbatten-Windsor. Now, there’s a new royal name to add to that list: Prince Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan.

The portrait is from royal publication Yellow Bhutan’s annual calendar, where the three-year-old posed for the month of June. “The enthusiasm with which our monthly calendars are received is always heartening,” Yellow Bhutan wrote in an Instagram caption. “We know that seeing His Royal Highness grow up so quickly brings you special happiness, so we hope our June calendar brightens up your month.”

It shows Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel, also called the Dragon Prince, sitting upon a wall in Punakha. He wears a red checkered robe, black knee socks, and loafers. Colorful flora and the mountainous scenery of the Himalayan town can be seen in the background. From : the Vogue.

Lesson to South Asian countries : Sri Lanka starts Colour coding for sugar reduction in packaged foods

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Colombo (News 1st): The system of colour coding for the amount of sugar, salt, and fat contained in solid and semi-solid food items will be regulated from today (June 1). 

The Ministry of Health said that the relevant gazettes were issued on the 17th of last month.

This colour coding method is used to prevent children and adults from being affected with non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol.

If the sugar content is 22 grams per 100 grams in a specific food, the colour code will be red and if this quantity is between eight grams and 22 grams per 100 grams, the colour code will be amber. The sugar content in 100 grams of the specific food is less than eight grams it will be in green colour.

Pakistan launches its first ever moon-sighting App Ahead of Eid

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Islamabad : Pakistan’s Ministry of Science and Technology has launched a mobile app to share real-time information about the moon few days after the launch of Pakistan’s first official moon-sighting website, the Gulf news has reported.

The app unveiled ahead of Eid Al Fitr is called “The Ruet”. It combines Islamic Hijri calendar with modern technology, facilitating Pakistanis to learn about the beginning of new Islamic month with a single tap. It displays various moon phases, current age of moon and other time information according to the Islamic calendar. The users can also find the position of the moon, sun and all major planets on the interactive sky simulation.

“The Ruet is a utility and information application related to moon and sighting of the moon in Pakistan by the Ministry of Science and Technology” according to the app’s description. It is only available on the Google Play Store currently.

The app was announced by Federal Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry who earlier this week launched Pakistan’s first ever moon-sighting website, according to which Eid Al Fitr 2019 will be celebrated in Pakistan on June 5. This is the first time that Eid day has been announced in Pakistan days ahead of the religious festival, putting an end to the practice of looking for the moon physically through telescopes by the Islamic clerics.

The Ministry of Science and Technology has formed a committee of astronomers and meteorologists to utilise scientific approach to predict the beginning of Islamic months for next five years rather than rely on traditional moon-sighting by the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee — a method that consumed nearly Rs3.06 million (Dh76,034) for moon sighting for Muharram, Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha last year.

Main features of moon-sighting App:
• New moon details by Islamic months
• Real-time information about current age, phases of the moon
• Islamic Hijri calendar
• Positions of the moon, sun and all major planets on the interactive sky simulation

Asia’s glaciers provide buffer against drought

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Eurekalert : A new study to assess the contribution that Asia’s high mountain glaciers make to relieving water stress in the region is published this week (29 May 2019) in the journal Nature. The study has important economic and social implications for a region that is vulnerable to drought. Climate change is causing most of the region’s glaciers to shrink.

British Antarctic Survey (BAS) glaciologist Dr Hamish Pritchard found that during droughts, glaciers become the largest supplier of water to some of Asia’s major river basins. This melt-water is important for the people living downstream when the rains fail and water shortages are at their worst.

Each summer, glaciers release 36 cubic kilometres of water – equivalent to 14 million Olympic swimming pools – to these rivers. This is enough water to fulfil the basic needs of 221 million people, or most of the annual municipal and industrial needs of Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.

This supply is unsustainable, though, because climate change is causing the region’s glaciers to lose 1.6 times more water than they gain each year from new snowfall.

The high-mountain region of Asia, known as the Third Pole, encompasses the Himalayas, Karakoram, Pamir, Hindu Kush, Tien Shan, Kunlun Shan and Alai mountains and has 95,000 glaciers in total. About 800 million people are partly dependent on their meltwater.

Dr Pritchard analysed estimates of the glacier contribution with the amount of precipitation in average years and in drought years. He used climate datasets and hydrological modelling to calculate the volume of glacier water entering and leaving the region’s major river basins.

Dr Pritchard says:

“”This study is about answering the question – why do glaciers matter? Even in high-mountain Asia, they are remote and cover quite a small part of the region. It turns out that they are particularly valuable to society as a natural store of water that keeps the rivers flowing through summer, even through long droughts.

“Against a background of increasing drought-related water and food shortages and malnutrition, which have been predicted with high confidence for the coming decades, Asia’s glaciers will play an increasingly important part in protecting downstream populations from drought-induced spikes in water stress–spikes that, without mitigating changes in the way water is stored and used, are the potential trigger for a sudden jump in the price of water that could be profoundly destabilising for this region.”

###

Additional Information

The research paper: Asia’s shrinking glaciers protect large populations from drought stress by Hamish D. Pritchard is this week in Nature. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-019-1240-1

This research paper was published originally in 2017 but was retracted when a reader pointed out an error. Consequently, Dr Pritchard re-worked his modelling afresh.

An editorial appears in the same issue of Nature – Retracting a manuscript can be an opportunity to revisit the topic afresh.

Photos of the Asian mountains are available on request from the Press Office as above.

This research is part of an initiative to use polar expertise to understand environmental issues in other parts of the world. It is partially funded by NERC’s Polar Expertise – Supporting Development: Water resources of the Upper Indus’ (NE/R000107/1) the programme aims to measure how much water much is stored as glacier ice in High Mountain Asia. In warm weather, water from melting glaciers sustains the flow of rivers through dry seasons or droughts, providing fresh water after the rains have stopped and seasonal snow has disappeared.

British Antarctic Survey (BAS), an institute of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), delivers and enables world-leading interdisciplinary research in the Polar Regions. Its skilled science and support staff based in Cambridge, Antarctica and the Arctic, work together to deliver research that uses the Polar Regions to advance our understanding of Earth as a sustainable planet. Through its extensive logistic capability and know-how BAS facilitates access for the British and international science community to the UK polar research operation. Numerous national and international collaborations, combined with an excellent infrastructure help sustain a world leading position for the UK in Antarctic affairs. For more information visit http://www.bas.ac.uk

Nepal’s Republic Day ceremony organised in Manchester

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Jagan Karki, London– Embassy of Nepal to the UK organised the Republic Day function in Manchester on Thursday.

The chief guest of the program Lord Mayor of the Manchester City Abid Latif Chohan recalled the harmonious friendship between UK and Nepal for over 200 years and urged the British people to support Nepal and its economy by visiting Nepal.

“The relation between citizens of both countries  can benefit especially in the areas of investment, tourism and in various other sectors,”  he added.

Videos showcasing Nepal’s rich natural and cultural heritage and cultural performances were the main attraction of the event. Nearly 300 guests including representatives from various organisations, diplomats, tourism entrepreneurs and Nepali community leaders attended the event.

Addressing the ceremony,  Ambassador of Nepal to the UK, Dr. Durga Bahadur Subedi, said with the promulgation of an inclusive and federal, democratic constitution, Nepal now has a stable and popularly-elected government. He said “Prosperous Nepal and Happy Nepali” is the vision of the present government. He also urged all to support “Visit Nepal 2020” campaign of the government of Nepal by visiting or sending and recommending friends and family members from the UK to visit Nepal.

 

Professor Dr Mark Manual  from Durham University presented a paper on sustainable development of Lumbini, the birth place  of Lord Buddha, in Nepal. He urged all to visit Lumbini to study the philosophy of Buddha.

During the ceremony, veteran Nepali singer Prem Dhoj Pradhan performed his ever-green popular songs and urged the Nepalese living in the UK to love and promote Nepali art, culture and music.

 

“The Republic Day celebration also aimed to promote Nepali culture and Visit Nepal 2020 campaign,” said Sharad Raj Aran, Deputy Chief of Mission and Spokesperson of the Nepali Embassy in London.

China encroaching into Nepal’s land through an ongoing road expansion project in Tibet

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ANI : China is encroaching into Nepal’s land through an ongoing road expansion project in Tibet, said Ministry of Agriculture on Friday.

As per the data from the ministry, 36 hectors of land in four different districts touching Chinese border now fall into the Chinese side.

“Nepal would lose a hundred acres of land to the Tibetian side,” Ministry stated in its report.

The Ministry’s Survey department have had conducted a month-long survey in the year of 2015 about the flow of the river in Nepal-Sino border.

 

As per the data from survey six hectors of land in Humla’s Bhagdare River and four hectors of land in Karnali, river area has been encroached, now falling in Furang area of Tibet.

 

Likewise, in Rasuwa district’s Sanjen River, Bhurjung River and Jambukhola area a total of six hectors of land has fallen into Tibet’s Kerung area. In Sindhupalchowk, the Kharane Khola and Bhotekoshi area’s 11 hectors land has encroached and now falls in Tibet’s Nyalam area.

In Sankhuwasabha 9 hector of land has been encroached due to the road expansion in China’s autonomous state of Tibet where areas around Kamukhola, Arun River and Sumjung River now has fallen into Tingisyan County area.

 

With this, the Nepal Government is set to start a land survey in others districts adjoining Chinese territory namely Taplejung, Solukhmbu, Dolakha, Gorkha, Manang, Mustang, Dolpa, Mugu, Humla and Darchula suspecting similar encroachment there.

March Against Global Climate Change

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Everest Gautam, London–  On the occasion of World Environment Day 2019, Idea Ghar in collaboration with ‘We’ for Change is organizing a campaign “March against Global Climate Change” where 40 young enthusiasts will trek from Pokhara to Mardi Himal Base Camp.

It is cleanliness & awareness raising campaign where the group will collect plastic & other non-degradable waste materials from the trail. The team is scheduled to reach at the Base Camp on 5th of June, where they plan to develop a sarcastic monument from the collected waste materials. 

The monument shall spread the message on adverse effects our mountains are facing from global warming and pollution generated from trekkers’ waste.

They intend to document the entire journey into photographs, videos, and journals which would be shared in the national and international networks via social media, press, online news portals, knowledge sharing sessions and
other mediums for information dissemination.

Many national and international agencies have supported this initiation to encourage these young
people of Nepal.

The team will depart from the premises of National Youth Council (NYC) in the morning
of 2nd June. The Vice – President of NYC, Mr. Madhav Dhungel agreed to farewell the crew while they will
be received by NTB – Pokhara at Hotel Peace Plaza.

Photo : Sailesh Shahi

British Ambassador to Nepal completes Everest Marathon for good cause

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Jagan Karki (London) : The British envoy to Nepal, Richard Morris, has successfully completed the world’s highest Tenzing Hillary Everest marathon.

One of the attractive and adventurous marathons in Nepal is commenced on the occasion of the Everest day in Nepal.

Evesrest day is observed on 29th of May in commemoration of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgey Sherpa’s ascension of the world’s highest peak the same day in 1953.

The  Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon is an international high altitude adventure sports event held from Mt. Everest Base Camp, crisscrossing the high Sherpa trails of Khumbu valley.

“Delighted to complete 42 km Everest Marathon (world’s highest) in 7 hours 51 minutes having trekked 10 days to the start line at Base Camp,” Ambassador Morris tweeted after completing the marathon.

He ran this fascinating marathon to raise the funds for  Changing Faces – which helps people with visible difference in the UK; and Burns Violence Survivors Nepal – which helps victims who have suffered acid attacks, but also children and others who have been inadvertently burned.

Those who want to support these worthy causes can do so by visiting this link:

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/richard-morris43?utm_campaign=eua-email-sponsorshiprequest&utm_content=shorturl&utm_medium=emails-from-eua&utm_source=email

(Pic courtesy: Mr Richard Morris’ tweeter page)

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with his Nepalese counterpart KP Sharma Oli

Posted on by SAT News Desk

ANI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with his Nepalese counterpart KP Sharma Oli at the Hyderabad House here on Friday.

This comes after the newly sworn-in leader took part in separate bilateral meetings with his Mauritian counterpart, Pravind Jugnauth, and Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, at the same venue earlier in the day.

Modi, who took oath as Prime Minister for a second consecutive term, has at least five bilaterals scheduled for today.

Apart from the President of Kyrgyzstan, Sooronbay Jeenbekov, and the Mauritian Prime Minister, leaders and representatives from all BIMSTEC member-states — including Nepal — attended Modi’s swearing-in ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan here on Thursday.

Prime Minister Modi held his first foreign affairs engagement with the President of the Kyrgyz Republic on May 30 soon after the oath-taking ceremony.

After a massive mandate in the elections, Modi took oath as the Prime Minister for a second consecutive term, inducting confidant and BJP President Amit Shah into his Cabinet along with the surprise inclusion of former Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar. While he retained most of his earlier Cabinet ministers, seniors like Suresh Prabhu, Maneka Gandhi and Radha Mohan Singh were dropped.

Riding high on the plank of muscular nationalism, BJP, which had won 282 seats in 2014, improved its tally by notching up 303 seats. Along with its NDA allies, the number swelled to 353 in the 543-member Lower House of the Parliament.