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A person died and 13 others were injured when a taxi they were traveling in met with an accident near Krishna Mandir in Phidim-2 of Panchthar on Tuesday.

The identity of the deceased is yet to be established.

The injured are undergoing treatment at the Panchthar Hospital.

The taxi (Me 1 Ja 1941) was heading towards Phidim from Jhapa when the incident occurred.

Police said that they are looking into the case.

Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort Dhulikhel, Nepal, the first luxury branded resort in Dhulikhel, has opened its doors, near the renowned Buddhist pilgrimage site Namo Buddha. 

Managed by Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, the resort combines Dusit’s unique brand of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality with local culture and traditions. Translated from Thai, Dusit Thani means “Town in Heaven”. 

The resort is just over an hour’s drive from Tribhuvan International Airport and 25 km from Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

As part of its initial opening, the resort will offer 28 exquisitely designed rooms inclusive of four junior suites, including 18 luxurious residences managed by Dusit. Showcasing a harmonious blend of comfort, elegance, and modern amenities, these meticulously appointed and elegant spaces range from 47 sq meters to 57 sq meters. “Guests can enjoy sweeping views of the valley and the awe-inspiring 180-degree Himalayan vista from their private balconies, guaranteeing a serene retreat that provides a taste of the luxurious offerings to come,” says the company. 

The second phase of the resort, slated to open at the end of the year, will feature an additional 44 keys, bringing the total number of keys to 72. 

The resort provides ample space for memorable meetings and events, catering to intimate gatherings and large-scale celebrations. Designed with versatility in mind, the grand ballroom expands to 226 sq meters and has the remarkable capacity to comfortably host up to 350 guests, creating an ideal setting for grand weddings and other noteworthy occasions. 

The opening of Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort Dhulikhel, Nepal marks the beginning of an exciting chapter in Dhulikhel’s hospitality landscape, said Kris Panya, General Manager, Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort Dhulikhel, Nepal. 

Marvendra Mor, Principal Partner of Omstone Asia Capital Nepal Pvt Ltd, the owning company of Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort Dhulikhel, Nepal said “From the inception of this project, I have envisioned a sanctuary nestled amidst the awe-inspiring beauty of the Himalayas, where guests could immerse themselves in a world of bespoke luxury and authentic local experiences. So, when your Passion and dreams come true, it’s a completely different feeling. And today, I am overwhelmed with joy and pride as we open our doors to the world.”

Babita Hamal, Managing Director of Omstone Asia Capital Nepal Pvt Ltd, said “We are delighted to invite the world to experience the unparalleled grandeur of our luxury resort and we look forward to promoting Dhulikhel as a premier tourist destination in Nepal.” 

To celebrate its opening, the resort is offering a special New Himalayan Hideaway room package, including daily breakfast at Thaan, complimentary afternoon tea at Bela Bar, a complimentary 30-minute neck and shoulder massage at Devarana Wellness for two, 15 percent discount on F&B and spa treatments, a complimentary guided visit to Namo Buddha, and more exclusive benefits.

At least 30 people have been injured when a bus and a truck collided with each other at Chaudhakilo along the Narayangarh-Muglin road section in Chitwan on Tuesday.

The mishap took place on a bridge at Chaudhakilo in Bharatpur Metropolitan City-29.

The bus (Ra 18 Kha 2236) heading towards Muglin from Narayangarh collided with the truck (Na 6 Kha 4942) this morning, the District Police Office, Chitwan said.

Among the injured, the driver and a passenger are said to be in serious condition while others have received minor injuries, police said.

Eighteen of the injured including the drivers are undergoing treatment at the Old Medical College while others are being treated at the Chitwan Medical College.

A high-level team of Communist Party of China (CPC) and main opposition CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli held a meeting on Tuesday.

A team led by Yuan Jiajun, who is also a politburo member and party secretary of Chongqing city held a meeting with Oli at the UML’s party office in Chyasal.

During the meeting, they discussed bilateral interests of the two countries, communist party of the two countries and Chinese projects, according to a source.

They also discussed the reasons for the slow progress of BRI projects.

The team that arrived in Kathmandu on Sunday held separate meetings with President Ram Chandra Paudel, acting Prime Minister Purna Bahadur Khadka, Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and CPN (Maoist Center) leaders among others.

As Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal was in Italy to take part in a program of the United Nations, the Chinese leaders held a virtual meeting with him.

The gold is being traded at Rs 112, 000 per tola in the domestic market on Tuesday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, tejabi gold is being traded at Rs 111, 450 per tola.

Similarly, the silver is being traded at Rs 1,455 per tola today.

Normal life has been affected due to heavy rain taking place in various districts of Lumbini Province, including Rupandehi, since last night.

Heavy precipitation has been recorded in Rupandehi, Palpa, Nawalparasi, Pyuthan and surrounding places.

The risk of flooding has increased in settlements close to the bank of Tinau river which has become swollen following the heavy rainfall.

The Tinau Flood Measurement Centre Butwal said that the water level in the Tinau river has crossed the danger mark and it continues to rise.

People living in settlements near the river bank and at low-lying places have been notified to evacuate to safe places by noon today considering the risk of flooding in the areas.

The Meteorological Forecasting Division has issued an alert to residents of low-lying areas and settlements close to the river banks, and those preparing for travel to take precaution.

Main roads obstructed due to heavy rainfall

Meanwhile, roads have been blocked by landslides triggered by incessant rain at various places in Palpa, Arghakhanchi, Pyuthan, among the districts of the province.

The Highway Security and Traffic Management Office Butwal said the Butwal-Palpa, Gorusinge-Sandhikharka and Bhaluwang-Pyuthan roads have been obstructed by landslides at different places.

Japan has provided mammography equipment to Nepal Cancer Care Foundation, a specialized medical organization focused largely on women’s cancer screening.

A handover ceremony was held at the foundation’s office in Satdobato, Lalitpur, on Monday. On the occasion Ambassador of Japan Kikuta Yutaka praised the foundation for its works in the field of cancer treatment. 

“The Embassy of Japan hopes that this initiative will further contribute to strengthening medical services and foster deeper friendship and cooperation between the people of Japan and Nepal,” he said.

The mammography equipment was provided under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GPP). Since the start of GGP in 1991, it has successfully completed over 200 projects in Nepal. 

Ambassador Yutaka expressed optimism that the sophisticated mammography technology would result in early detection, thereby enhancing the health and quality of life for people, families, and communities throughout Nepal.

“Nepal Cancer Care Foundation has already conducted breast cancer screening for more than 500 women using the equipment provided by GGP, showcasing the immediate impact of the project on enhancing medical services,” said Yutaka.

The foundation was established in 2011 with the goal of  reducing the cancer burden through screening and counseling services, particularly for breast and cervical cancers. Its services are provided at their diagnostic center in Lalitpur, as well as through screening health camps in rural areas across the country.

“We are sincerely thankful to everyone who has contributed to the success and growth of this foundation. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Japanese Embassy for their generous donation of a mammography machine, a significant contribution that will undoubtedly improve the lives of thousands of Nepali women, enabling them to lead healthier and better lives,”  general secretary of the foundation Dr Sarita Ghimire.

The recent Bill on loan-sharking does not seem to have impressed loan-shark victims much as their continued protests continue. Evana Manandhar of ApEx spoke with Nirga Nabin, spokesperson for Meter Bjay Tatha Thagi Birudda Kisan-Majdoor Sangharsa Samiti, to know the reasons behind their continued protest and the way out.

Why are loan-shark victims protesting even after the parliamentary nod for the Bill on loan-sharking?

The Bill has materialized as a result of our protest, but we are not fully satisfied with it as it has not done justice to some of our pressing concerns. The Bill states that charging exorbitant interest rates can land the offender in jail for up to seven years with a fine of Rs 70,000. The lenders’ concern is that corrupt practices, loopholes and a lack of means and resources may weaken the effectiveness of the Bill. 

Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha met and assured loan shark victims of justice, didn’t he?

It is not enough to meet us and give assurances, we must check what he has done for us thus far. Even if a new minister replaces him tomorrow, we want the impactful steps he has taken in our interest to continue. For those lenders, who are close to power holders, rules have been lax. Such people don’t have to pay the fine for delayed payments, while we have no idea what percentage of interest we will have to pay. Interest rates payable to loan sharks are not uniform, either. The victims have to pay a 20 percent interest rate in Surkhet; in some places it is 24 percent and 10 percent in some other places. The interest rate has to be uniform throughout the country.  

Are the protesters and the government holding talks regularly to resolve this problem? 

We had meetings where we discussed how government organizations can use their authority to alleviate our plight. We also asked why banks do not provide small loans at relatively low interest rates. The government can manage all this quite efficiently. We are staging this protest for the sake of our rights like access to bank loans with low interest. 

What’s your take on suppression of your protest?

We are staging a peaceful protest, yet the police are being quite brutal against us. I don’t think I need to say anything on this as we all can see what’s going on.

What’s your bottomline? 

We want this problem resolved at the earliest because it has been affecting many people. There’s a need to deliver justice at the people’s doorsteps as we’ve seen a lot of victims suffering from mental health issues.