Submit your Article

The 10^th International Yoga Day is being observed in Nepal by organizing various programs on Friday.

In 2014, the United Nations designated June 21 as the International Day of Yoga on the basis of a draft resolution moved by the Government of India and endorsed by a record 175 member states.

In his message addressed to world leaders including Prime Minister of Nepal Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has underlined that “In the decade gone by, what began as a Resolution by the UN General Assembly, has grown into a global movement promoting health and well-being. Yoga is today embraced by all cultures and all continents of the world,” reads a statement issued by the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu.

To celebrate the 10th edition of the International Day of Yoga, the Embassy of India in Kathmandu and the Consulate General of India in Birgunj organized a series of engaging events across 10 cities and municipalities in Nepal including Kathmandu, Pokhara, Lamjung, Lumbini, Janakpur, Chitwan, Birgunj, Hetauda, Gaur and Pokhariya.

In keeping with this year’s theme of “Yoga for Self and Society”, the Indian Embassy organized two curtain raiser events including a yoga demonstration at the revered Pashupatinath temple and a lecture-cum-demonstration for the girls of Maiti Nepal in Kathmandu on June 7, 2024.

On 19 June 2024, the Embassy of India in Kathmandu organized a yoga and meditation practice for more than 450 participants on the banks of Lake Phewa in Pokhara, underscoring Yoga’s role as a bridge between human consciousness and nature. On the same day, the Embassy also organized a yoga demonstration and free health consultation with Ayurvedic practitioners, focusing on the health benefits of yoga and ayurveda, for the students of Pokhara University. The Vice Chancellor of Pokhara University and several senior professors also participated, according to the statement.

On 20 June 2024, the Embassy of India in Nepal organized yoga demonstrations at three iconic landmarks of Pokhara – the Sarangkot view point that offers panoramic views of the Annapurna mountain range; the Shiva Temple at Pumdikot which brings together a spiritual ambience with majestic views; and the Shanti Stupa situated on the picturesque Anadu Hill. Experienced Yoga instructors led the participants through a series of asanas, pranayama and meditation techniques, highlighting the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of Yoga.

The Embassy of India also organized a large-scale yoga demonstration for more than 900 participants at the Lumbini Development Trust, Lumbini on 20 June 2024. The event was attended by Chief Minister of Lumbini Jokh Bahadur Mahara and other provincial leaders.

Chief Minister Mahara thanked the Embassy of India for organizing the significant Yoga event at the birthplace of Lord Buddha and for strengthening India- Nepal cultural ties. Ambassador Naveen Srivastava emphasized on the universal appeal of Yoga and its importance in fostering a healthy, mindful and sustainable lifestyle.

The center-piece of the Embassy of India’s celebration of the International Day of Yoga in Nepal in 2024 was the mega yoga demonstration event organized at Pokhara’s Rangshala Stadium in association with the Pokhara Metropolitan City on June 21, 2024.

Gandaki Province Chief Minister Surindra Raj Pandey, Mayor of Pokhara Metropolitan City Dhana Raj Acharya and over 5000 yoga enthusiasts from the region participated in this event.

The Gandaki Province Chief Minister thanked the Embassy of India for organizing the largest International Yoga Day event in Pokhara this year, the statement further reads.

He underlined that the Government of Nepal had supported Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposal for designating 21 June as the International Day of Yoga in 2014. He also emphasized that Yoga is an important component of the profound and enduring cultural ties between India and Nepal.

Ambassador Naveen Srivastava highlighted that Yoga serves as a powerful cultural bridge between India and Nepal and that the organization of Yoga events in important tourist locations in Nepal can also serve to boost Yoga tourism in these places.

The Mayor of Pokhara Metropolitan City thanked the Embassy for supporting the initiative to establish Pokhara as the tourism capital of Nepal by organizing such large-scale events in the city. He reaffirmed that the city of Pokhara looks forward to collaborating with the Embassy every year for the celebration of the International Day of Yoga.

The Consulate General of India also organized International Day of Yoga events in Janakpur, Chitwan, Birgunj, Hetauda, Gaur and Pokhariya.

To wrap up the celebration of the 10th edition of the International Day of Yoga, the Embassy of India will be organizing a yoga demonstration event at the scenic Lamjung district in association with the Madhya Nepal Municipality on June 22, 2024.

The Embassy of India is committed to encouraging people-to-people and cultural exchanges with Nepal based on the shared interest in yoga and holistic health practices.

Greetings from Kathmandu!

Last Friday, we launched this weekly column to provide you with a concise analytical roundup of key events. My goal is to offer fresh perspectives on both national and international affairs. We hope these insights will be useful in your personal and professional life.

Visits from China

This week, high-level officials from the Communist Party of China (CPC) and senior members of China’s judiciary visited Kathmandu. We have already published a story on these visits and are working on another report. Notably, after an 18-year hiatus, the two countries held a Joint Expert Group meeting. Future meetings, including a foreign secretary-level meeting, are also planned.

Border regulation

Lawmakers from CPN-UML have called for regulating the Nepal-India border, with some suggesting a visa system. UML lawmaker Raghuji Panta raised this issue in Parliament, with Saraswoti Subba supporting the introduction of identity cards along the border. Although stricter border controls have been advocated before, detailed plans or reasons have not been provided.

(Un)diplomatic recalls

Last week, the government recalled ambassadors from 11 countries, most of whom were appointed by the previous government under the Nepali Congress (NC) quota. The competition for these positions has begun, but the timing of new appointments remains unclear. While recalling ambassadors mid-term is not unprecedented, it may not send a positive message to the host countries.

Prez calls for release of Nepali captives in Ukraine

President Ram Chandra Poudel has returned from his visit to Switzerland and Germany. During the visit, he sought European leaders' support to secure the release of four Nepalis held captive in Ukraine. The President also requested assistance in lifting the ban on Nepal Airlines entering European airspace.

House debate on budget

This week, Parliament witnessed a heated debate over the budget presented by Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun. Lawmakers from both opposition and ruling parties criticized the budget, particularly the high allocations to the electoral constituencies of top leaders. This practice has been common for a long time.

Meanwhile, former prime minister and UML chairman, KP Sharma Oli, also criticized the fiscal policy, stating his party joined the government to contribute to the country’s development and would not be satisfied if these goals are unmet. His remarks have fueled speculation about potential instability or the collapse of the current coalition. This raises the question: Are the NC and UML coming together? We have been covering this topic extensively and will continue to monitor it closely.

Uncertain coalition dynamics

UML leader Oli sent a clear message to Prime Minister Dahal this week, stating that his party cannot continue supporting the government if it fails to deliver results. Sports Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) also echoed this sentiment, suggesting the need to review their support for the government. Fearful that his government could fall into minority anytime soon, Prime Minister Dahal is trying to save his seat. This week he tried to expand his Cabinet by bringing the Janamat Party led by CK Raut but was unsuccessful.

IGP caught in tussle

This week saw a tussle between Prime Minister Dahal and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane, who is allegedly preparing to remove Nepal Police chief Basanta Bahadur Kunwar. Amid this rumor, Dahal said in Chitwan that he had assured the heads of security agencies they would not be removed. Lamichhane, who is also the chairman of RSP, has faced criticism for allegedly misusing police power to target his political opponents and the media. It is not uncommon in Nepal for politicians to attempt to replace police chiefs when they feel their interests are harmed or unmet.

Mayor Balen vs major parties 

Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah continued to dominate headlines with his distinctive working style. Ever since being elected the mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) as an independent candidate, Shah, a former rap artist, has acquired the reputation of a maverick. While the young mayor seems to enjoy a strong support from the residents of Kathmandu, he seems to have rubbed the major political parties the wrong way. This became apparent when the elected representatives from two major political parties, UML and Nepali Congress, walked out of the municipal council meeting. 

Monsoon disaster preparedness

With the arrival of monsoon, eastern Nepal, particularly Taplejung district, has already suffered a deadly landslide. Monsoon-related disasters are likely to increase in the days to come. While the federal government has assured that it is prepared for adverse weather events and disasters, the same cannot be said about the provincial and local governments. With the onset of the rainy season, dengue cases are also on the rise. Government data indicate that most cases are concentrated in Kathmandu. 

Sidhakura case in the dock

The Supreme Court has decided to forward the Sidhakura online case to a full bench, which may set a new precedent in freedom of speech and expression. The online news portal is accused of publishing a fake audio recording with the intent of defaming, among others, the publishers of two major media houses, including this one, and Supreme Court justice Ananda Mohan Bhattarai, who has retired following widespread media coverage questioning his integrity. 

That was the week that was. 

Have a great weekend!

Kamal Dev Bhattarai, 

Editor 

The price of gold has increased by Rs 1, 900 per tola in the domestic market on Friday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the precious yellow metal is being traded at Rs 144, 700 per tola today. It was traded at Rs 142, 800 per tola on Thursday.

Similarly, tejabi gold is being traded at Rs 144, 000 per tola.

Meanwhile, the price of silver has increased by Rs 25 and is being traded at Rs 1,865 per tola today.

The monsoon system has its influence in most of the parts of Koshi, Madhes, Bagmati and Gandaki Provinces and in the eastern parts of Lumbini Province while the local and westerly winds have partial influence in the rest of the provinces at present.

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology stated that there is a possibility of torrential rain in some places of Gandaki Province tonight and urged the general public of these places to take precaution against the possible risk of flood and landslide.

The weather will remain partly to generally cloudy in Koshi Province and partly to mainly fair in the rest of the provinces. Light rain along with thunder and lightning is taking place at some places of Gandaki Province and at one or two places of Koshi, Madhes and Bagmati Provinces.

It will be partly cloudy in the Madhes Province and in the hilly region of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini Provinces, and partly to generally fair in the rest of the provinces in the afternoon, according to the Department.

There is a possibility of light to moderate precipitation accompanied by thunder and lightning at some places of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki Provinces, at one or two places of Madhes and Lumbini Provinces and at some places in the rest of the country.

Similarly, the weather will be generally to completely cloudy in Koshi, Madhes, Bagmati and Gandaki Provinces, partly to generally cloudy in Lumbini Province and partly cloudy to mainly fair in the rest of the areas tonight. There is a possibility of light to moderate rain accompanied by thunder and lightning at some places of Gandaki Province and at one or two places in some parts of Koshi, Madhes, Bagmati and Lumbini Provinces. There is a possibility of heavy rainfall at one or two places in Gandaki Province.

Likewise, there is a possibility of light to moderate rainfall along with thunder and lightning at some places of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki and Madhes Provinces and at one or two places of the remaining parts in the next 24 hours. The Department said that there is a possibility of heavy rain at one or two places of Gandaki Province and therefore of chances of daily life, agriculture, tourism, mountaineering, and road and air travel being partly affected at these places with chances of heavy rain, and thus urged for precaution.

The Maldhunga-Beni road section will be closed for vehicular movement for 13 days to facilitate the blacktopping works.

This road section is a part of the Kaligandaki corridor highway, a national pride project that links the north border with the south border.

At present, only the five kilometers Maldhunga-Pharse road section is being blacktopped, out of the 13-kilometer Maldhunga-Beni road, according to the Kaligandaki Corridor Maldhunga-Beni-Jomsom-Korala Road Project Office.

Seven kilometers of the road section will remain to be asphalted once Maldhunga-Pharse section is blacktopped in the first phase.

An all-party meeting held at the District Administration Office decided to close the road for traffic, except the essential service vehicles including ambulances, for 13 days, starting from tomorrow, June 22. Drivers have been urged to use the alternative roads.

The Office said the blacktopping work would be concluded in 13 days.

The Rasuwa Customs Office has raised Rs 585.5 million in fines from traders who tried to evade customs duty by reporting less quantity of goods imported from China.

Chief Customs Officer Ram Prasad Pathak said this amount was collected in fines in the last 11 months of the current fiscal year.

According to him, goods worth Rs 59.78 billion have been imported from China and goods worth Rs 1.84 billion exported to China through Rasuwa customs from July 17, 2023 to June 14, 2024 in the current Fiscal Year 2023/24.

Customs Officer Pathak said the revenue collection has increased by 165 percent as against the annual target.

He said that Rs 19.17 billion has been collected as revenue during that period.

The10th International Yoga Day is being marked today with the theme “Yoga for Self and Society.”

The government has formed the Yoga Day Main Celebration Committee chaired by Minister for Education, Science and Technology Sumana Shrestha.

The Committee is organizing a special program at the SOS Children's Village at Sanothimi in Bhaktapur to mark the occasion.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal will attend the program as the Chief Guest, according to the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.

Government high officials, representatives of diplomatic missions and yoga practitioners will participate in the program.

Prior to the main program, a morning procession will be organized and it will go through Pepsicola, Gaththaghar, Lokanthali and Madhyapur Thimi Chowk and converge at the Children's Village, said Keshav Dahal, the spokesperson for the Ministry.

A meeting of the Main Committee on June 12 selected the theme 'Yoga for Women Empowerment' for Nepal. The same meeting had decided to dispatch letters to the province and local levels for celebrating the Yoga Day and through all the Education Development and Coordination Units request the schools for the same.

The United Nations General Assembly on December 11, 2014 passed a resolution to celebrate the International Day of Yoga on June 21 every year.

International Day of Yoga started to be marked since June 21, 2015.

The Government of India had presented a proposal on this in the UN General Assembly.

The International Day of Yoga aims to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practicing yoga.

Yoga, a transformative practice, represents the harmony of mind and body, the balance between thought and action, and the unity of restraint and fulfillment. It integrates the body, mind, spirit, and soul, offering a holistic approach to health and well-being that brings peace to our hectic lives. Its power to transform is what we celebrate on this special day.

The number of dengue infections is rising across Nepal. According to the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD) report published on June 18, a total of 1,241 people have contracted the mosquito-borne disease since January this year. Dengue has been detected in 72 districts, with Mustang, Dolpa, Mugu, Humla, and Jumla being the only districts free of reported cases. Despite this, the threat of the disease spreading further looms large.

Health experts have warned that the current situation is a pre-outbreak phase, posing a high risk of a nationwide dengue outbreak. The EDCD data highlights the prevalence of cases across various districts: 141 in Kathmandu, 112 in Jhapa, 75 in Chitwan, 59 in Makwanpur, 47 in Doti, 46 in Tanahu, 44 in Sindhupalchok, 41 in Okhaldhunga, 28 in Rupandehi, 27 in Bhaktapur, and 18 in Lalitpur. Bagmati province has reported the highest number of cases, with 428 infections so far this year.

Historically, August, September, and October see the highest number of dengue cases in Nepal. With infections already on the rise, we can expect a significant increase in the coming months. This underscores the urgent need for the government to implement a comprehensive action plan to combat the dengue epidemic.

The government must immediately launch a "search and destroy" campaign along with other preventive measures to control the spread of dengue. Effective coordination among the three tiers of government is crucial to curb the infection. Since there is no specific medicine to cure dengue, prevention remains the best strategy. Wearing long-sleeved clothes and maintaining cleanliness are essential preventive measures.

Local governments, responsible for controlling communicable diseases and raising awareness in their communities, must act swiftly to eliminate conditions conducive to the rapid growth of mosquitoes and larvae. The only recommended treatment for dengue-related high fever and headaches is paracetamol. Given Nepal's past issues with paracetamol shortages, the government must ensure an adequate supply of this essential medication.

An uncontrolled dengue outbreak could overwhelm Nepal's already fragile health infrastructure and potentially claim hundreds of lives. Immediate and decisive action is needed to prevent this looming public health crisis. The time to act is now.