Enhance TU's Research Credentials

A TV news item telecast, the other day, took note of the technical weaknesses on the proposals for the study submitted to the University Grants Commission (UGC) by the Tribhuvan University (TU) research centres like the Research Centre for Applied Science and Technology (RECAST) and Centre for China and Asian Studies (CNAS). The weaknesses were singled out by an independent panel formed by the varsity itself reportedly at the behest of the UGC. Needless to say, these two centres had been once the...

Consolidation Of Nepal-China Ties

The relations between Nepal and the People’s Republic of China are age-old. The deep-rooted relationship between the two neighbours have evolved since the days of those who crossed the Himalayan border such as monk and scholar Buddhabhadra, Princess Bhrikuti, Araniko as well as Chinese monks such as Fa Xian and Xuan Zang. Since the formalisation of diplomatic relationships in 1955, the affairs between the two have been marked by friendliness, cooperation, and respect for each other’s sensitivities....

Chinese In Africa

Over 600 Chinese companies operate in Zambia, mostly in the Copperbelt region and mainly to serve Chinese mining companies, according to Global Risk Insights, a political risk analysis firm. As of December 2020, Zambia owed the Chinese government more than US$ 23 billion in loans, used for projects and infrastructure building, it adds, noting that this debt creates a risk of economic dependence. On the other hand, Zambia benefits mightily from the growing Chinese presence – not only in terms of...

Historical cannon returns to Dailekh after five decades

The Sundari Top, which literally translates into the beautiful cannon, has returned home to Dailekh after half a century. The cannon was brought to the district amid a huge celebration from the Nepali Army’s Mid-Western Division’s headquarters in Surkhet, where it had been for the past 50 years, and placed on the premises of its Indradal Company in Kadachaur on Wednesday. The cannon used to reside in the historic Kotgadhi fort in the district headquarters of Dailekh under the care of the Jwala...

COVID case counts may be losing importance amid omicron

The explosive increase in U.S. coronavirus case counts is raising alarm, but some experts believe the focus should instead be on COVID-19 hospital admissions. And those aren’t climbing as fast.

Transport operators seek end to highway obstruction for protest

Transport operators have demanded an alternative to the protest of obstructing the highways and vandalising the vehicles. Since December 30, the protests by the CK Raut-led Janamat Party have been affecting vehicular movement along the major highways and inner roads across the Terai districts. The party has stated the protest would continue for indefinite time as it was to support the farmers. They have put forth an 11-point demand like providing fertilisers and seeds in time, proper facilities...

Bhotkhola locals migrate to avoid cold

Locals residing in the Himalayan region of Sankhuwasabha have started migrating towards the Terai region after heavy snowfall started blanketing the villages since the last week. When minimum temperature started plummeting further in the district, locals of Kimathanka, Chepupa, Hatiya, among other places, have started migrating to the Terai-based districts. The process of migrating to avoid chilling cold is called ‘Kabela’ in the Himalayan region. During this season, Himalayan locals carry...

Sirseni locals preparing for homestay

The locals of remote Airawati Rural Municipality -1, in Sirseni, Pyuthan, are preparing for homestay in the village. Members of Sirseni Swabalamban Samuha have outlined a plan to generate income from the hospitality business. Rita Saru Magar, proprietor of the homestay, said that they had a plan to start the business from nine houses in the village.

BIMSTEC Secretary General in Nepal on a 4-day visit

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Narayan Khadka has said that there is a need to ensure the fifth summit of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) this year to realise the regional aspirations. In a meeting with Secretary-General of BIMSTEC Tenzin Lekphell at his office on Tuesday afternoon, he expressed his hopes that the upcoming summit would provide platforms for important breakthroughs for greater regional cooperation.

Govt cancels plan to provide additional doses of vaccines to immunosuppressed

The government has cancelled its plan to administer an additional dose of vaccine to immunosuppressed and people above 60 years of age. It is important to administer complete dose of vaccine to all the citizens of the country, the administration of additional dose of vaccine has been cancelled for now, said Dr. Sangita Kaushal Mishra, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP).