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The Embassy of Pakistan held its Annual Alumni Get-Together Gala at Soaltee, Kathmandu, continuing its tradition of celebrating Nepali Alumni of Pakistani Institutions.

Bringing together graduates from Pakistan’s scholarship schemes and self-financed students, the saw an impressive attendence of about 450 alumni, dignitaries, and friends of Pakistan.

The program provided an opportunity to reconnect, relive memories, and strengthen the bonds so fondly exist between the two people.

On the occasion, Ambassador of Pakistan to Nepal Abrar H. Hashmi highlighted that such gatherings provide a platform for alumni to reinforce mutual understanding between the two countries.

The Ambassador recalled that most alumni had experienced Pakistan’s culture, cuisine, and hospitality, which created lasting memories and mutual respect. He further noted that over 4,000 Nepali graduates of Pakistani institutions were contributing to Nepal’s development and diaspora worldwide.

The Alumni appreciated the expanded gathering of alumni by the Embassy and expressed commitment to strengthening cultural, educational and people to people ties between Pakistan and Nepal.

Participants highlighted the need for education and training in IT, AI, medical innovation, and other priority areas, and pledged their support.

The highlight of the event was the announcement of the launch of Pakistan-Nepal Alumni Network.

Nepal has received $9.4 million (Rs 1.19 billion) from World Bank’s Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) for reducing approximately 1.88 million tons of carbon dioxide under its REDD+ Emission Reductions Program in the Tarai Arc Landscape.

This is the first payment under the FCPF’s Emission Reductions Payment Agreement (ERPA) — a major milestone in Nepal’s efforts to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation and promote inclusive, sustainable forest management, the WB stated in a press release.

The FCPF program in Nepal is characterized by its strong community-based approach to sustainable forestry. Implemented across the Tarai Arc Landscape — home to both rich biodiversity and a dense human population — the program brings together local communities, Indigenous Peoples, and civil society organizations to protect and restore forests while improving rural livelihoods.

“This milestone payment is testament to Nepal’s success in reducing deforestation, strengthening forest governance, enhancing biodiversity conservation, and expanding sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities,” said David Sislen, World Bank Division Director for Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

The payment will be distributed in accordance with Nepal’s Benefit Sharing Plan, developed through a participatory process that included consultations with local communities and key stakeholders. The plan ensures that forest-dependent communities and Indigenous Peoples directly benefit from the results of their efforts. 

Investments will support continued forest restoration, community enterprises, and climate-resilient livelihoods — reinforcing Nepal’s global reputation as a pioneer of community forestry and participatory resource management, according to the WB.

“This results-based payment reflects the efforts and dedication of our forest-dependent communities, Indigenous Peoples, and the government in conserving and managing our forests. Nepal remains committed to advancing climate action through inclusive and community-led forest management,” said Dr. Rajendra Prasad Mishra, Secretary of Ministry of Forests and Environment.

The price of gold has dropped by Rs 6, 900 per tola in the domestic market on Sunday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the yellow metal is being traded at Rs 242, 800 per tola today.  It was traded at Rs 249, 700 per tola on Friday.

Similarly, the silver is being traded at Rs 3, 135 per tola.

Prime Minister Sushila Karki has said that Nepal truly values Australia’s friendship, its continued development assistance and its principled support to the country's democratic and inclusive transformation.

Participating in a special reception hosted by the Embassy of Australia in Nepal to commemorate 65 years of diplomatic relations between Australia and Nepal on Saturday, Prime Minister Karki, who also holds the Foreign Ministry portfolio, said over more than six decades partnership between the two countries has grown to cover key areas like education, trade, development and culture.

On the occasion, she also launched a souvenir book: 65 Years Together published by the Association of Nepalese Alumni from Australia highlighting the timeline, dimensions and depth of people-to-people linkages between the two countries, according to a press statement released by the Embassy.

Since establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries in 1960, Nepali diaspora in Australia has expanded significantly in recent years, strengthening people-to-people links and cultural ties. Today, Nepalis contribute actively to Australia’s multicultural society, while maintaining deep connections with their homeland.

Both nations collaborate closely in bilateral, regional, and multilateral fora, including the United Nations and share common agendas on climate action, sustainable development, gender equality, and peacekeeping, reinforcing their commitment to global stability and prosperity.

Australia-Nepal relationship continues to flourish with ever-increasing people-to-people connections, respect for sovereignty, and promotion of democratic values, adds the statement.

The government has urged all rural municipalities and municipalities in the country to report about damage caused by the Gen-Z protests and demonstrations that took place across the country on September 8 and 9.

The Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration (MoFAGA) has communicated to all 753 local levels across the country, requesting them to provide details of damage.

Information has also been sought about the details of reconstruction works being carried out by the respective municipality.

The government had formed a five-member committee on September 21 to assess the damage to public property, physical structures and private establishments caused during the agitation and prepare a reconstruction plan.

For uniformity as well as to facilitate data collection, the committee has been asked to prepare an online portal and the concerned local levels have been asked to provide details using it.

The weather will remain partly cloudy in the hilly areas of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki Provinces and mainly fair in the rest of the country.

According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, there is no significant effect of the weather system across the country at the moment.

Experts have underscored the need for a stronger development in Nepal, advocating for science that is accessible, inclusive and actionable for public benefit.

They said so during a Round Table Discussion on ‘Harnessing Science for Connectivity, Climate Action, & Clean Energy’ organized by The Asian Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs (AIDIA) in Kathmandu today, reads a statement issued by The Asian Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs (AIDIA).

The event, held to celebrate World Science Day 2025, brought together leading experts, policymakers, and academics to address the theme, "Trust, transformation, and tomorrow: The science we need for 2050."

The event opened with the insightful remarks from Ganesh Shah, Former Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Government of Nepal.

Shah emphasized the critical need to integrate scientific advancements into national policy to tackle the compounding challenges of climate change and sustainable development, setting a powerful tone for the event.

The discussion called on a distinguished panel of experts who delivered insightful and compelling presentations on three core thematic areas, according to the statement.

The first presentation on Connectivity by Laxman Bahadur Basnet, Distinguished Fellow at AIDIA, explored the role of science and technology in enhancing national and regional connectivity, from digital infrastructure to transportation networks.

Likewise, the second presentation on ‘Climate Loss and Damage’ by Ujjwal Upadhyay, a noted Climate Adaptation and DRR Expert, provided a critical analysis of the escalating impacts of climate change in Nepal and outlined the scientific and policy frameworks required to address loss and damage.

The third presentation on Energy Transition by Kuber Chalise, Research Director at AIDIA, delivered a presentation on the Nepal's clean energy transition, highlighting both opportunities and challenges in moving away from fossil fuels, the surge in electric vehicle and increasing production of hydropower.

Following the presentations, a dynamic open discussion was held, allowing participants to engage directly with the experts. The conversation underscored the necessity of a multi-stakeholder approach, bridging the gap between scientific research, policy-making, and public implementation, the statement further reads.

Giving his remarks, Anup Upadhyay, chair of the new political party Nepal Ujjwalo Party and chair of Nepalese Association of PPP Professionals and Practitioners (NAPPP) called highlighted the government’s policy and gaps that have not allowed to transform the policy into practice.

The event concluded with a shared commitment to fostering continued dialogue on these critical issues. As a gesture of gratitude for their invaluable contributions, Sajina Rai, Program Director of AIDIA, presented a token of love to the esteemed presenters.

Singer and composer Arjun Sapkota’s new song “Jhaliko” has been released through his official YouTube channel. The song features vocals by Sapkota along with popular singers Melina Rai and Samikshya Adhikari.

The lyrics were penned by Santosh Sapkota, with contributions from Krishna Reule and Pradeep Rodan in the hook line and ghazal sections, respectively.

The music video, based on a story by Dipa Simkhada and Bishal Ghimire, portrays the pain and struggles of Nepalis who go abroad for employment. It highlights the harsh reality of migrant workers leaving home with dreams of a better future, only to return in coffins.

Directed by Bishal Ghimire, the video stars Arjun Kusum Bhandari and Shibu Pandey in lead roles. It also features performances by Rajendra Aryal, Santosh Sapkota, Sabin Dotel, and Shreedhar Adhikari. The cinematography is by Buddha Thapa, and the video has been edited by Dinson Shah.