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Karl Wine is an emerging musical talent who has quickly made a name for himself with his energetic performances and music. Hailing from France, Wine has successfully collaborated with various international artists, expanding his reach and influence in the global music scene. His dedication to his craft and his passion for music are evident in his engaging stage presence and the enthusiastic response he consistently receives from fans. As Wine was in Nepal for Nepal Bike Day, Nesum Limbu from ApEx, talked to him about his Nepal visit and his music career.

How has your experience been so far in Nepal?

This is my first time in Nepal, and I have to say, I’m thoroughly enjoying it. The warm weather is absolutely wonderful, and I’m delighted by the local cuisine, especially dal-bhat, which I could eat every day. I’m also captivated by the country’s supportive and close-knit community, where everyone treats each other like family. The culture is fascinating, and the sense of solidarity among the people is heartwarming. Being a nature enthusiast, I always thought I’d be here for the natural beauty, but I never expected to have the opportunity to collaborate with Nepali artists. Overall, I’m loving everything about my time here, from the scenery and the food to the culture and the people. This journey has been more rewarding than I could have ever imagined.

Can you tell us about your recent projects and any new music you’re working on?

Yes, there’s this song called ‘Paisa’ by the singer Kushal Pokhrel. He reached out to me to collaborate, and when I heard the song, I thought it was amazing. We’re planning to release an international remix of the song in a few weeks, and I’ll be shooting the video here in Nepal, which is really exciting. Another project currently in the works is an album that my friend and I are creating with only Nepali artists. It will feature international music but exclusively with Nepali talent, highlighting their unique styles and voices. Since many people recognize me from the song ‘Oh-Na-Na’, we’ve decided to name the album after my verse from the song ‘Asian Beauty’. Once the album is released, we have plans for extensive promotions not only here in Nepal but also in the United States. 

What are your thoughts on the music scene in Nepal? Have you come across any local artists or music styles that have caught your interest?

A lot, actually. The first time I heard Yabesh Thapa, I was captivated by his style. I love that he’s singing in Nepali but using international beats, rather than sticking to traditional music patterns. This unique approach really fascinated me. Their singing styles intrigue me with a softness and distinct quality unlike what I hear in Europe. Their sounds and word usage are compelling. Even without understanding the lyrics, I feel deeply connected to their music, as their emotion and expression transcend the language barrier. That’s why I believe the music scene in Nepal is truly fantastic. 

You’ve collaborated with some of the Nepali artists. Can you tell us how these collaborations came about?

I’ve always wished to work with Asian artists because I admired the mutual respect they have for each other, which is different from what I often see in Europe. When an artist from the Philippines reached out to me for a collaboration, I immediately agreed, and that’s how ‘Oh-Na-Na’ came to be. Four years later, I started receiving messages saying the song was very popular in Nepal. At first, I was skeptical since I wasn’t familiar with the music scene there. Curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to look up some Nepali artists to see if I liked their work and could create new music with them. That’s when I came across Yabesh Thapa. I messaged him, expressing my interest in working together, and he responded saying he knew my song. This led to the idea of making a remix of ‘Oh-Na-Na’ with him. I also reached out to Sushant KC, proposing that he join us in the remix. We completed the song, and it became an instant hit in Nepal, with people all over the country participating in dance challenges. 

You recently performed at Nepal Bike Day. How was the experience performing at such a unique event, and what was the atmosphere like? Additionally, how did the audience react to your performance?

The event far exceeded my expectations. Initially, I was slated to perform just a few songs, and I was feeling quite nervous since it was a biker’s event. I had serious concerns that my vibe and musical style might not resonate with the biker crowd. However, those worries began to fade when Bizen went on stage before me, and the crowd went absolutely wild with excitement. When my turn finally came, the audience’s energy was even higher, and their enthusiastic response was overwhelming. It turned out to be not only a fantastic performance but also an amazing experience overall. The warm reception and the incredible atmosphere made it an unforgettable night, leaving me eager for more opportunities like this in the future.

Throughout your musical journey, what has been the most challenging aspect you’ve encountered? Moreover, what message do you aim to communicate through your music?

In the world of music, there are numerous obstacles, especially if you lack the necessary knowledge about the industry and the intricate process of creating music. These challenges can be quite daunting and overwhelming. My goal with my music is to bring joy and enjoyment to people from all walks of life. I want my audience to feel the urge to dance, to let loose, and to have fun. Through my songs, I aspire to help them temporarily forget their problems and immerse themselves in a world of sound that provides happiness and relief. When people listen to my music, I want them to experience a sense of freedom and exhilaration. I hope my melodies and rhythms can offer a respite from their daily stresses, giving them moments of pure, unadulterated joy. By creating an atmosphere of positivity and excitement, I aim to foster a connection with my listeners that transcends the ordinary, leaving them with lasting memories of happiness and enjoyment.

The gold is being traded at Rs 141, 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 140, 300 per tola.

Similarly, the silver is being traded at Rs 1,815 per tola today.  

President Ram Chandra Paudel is leaving for Switzerland today to attend the inaugural Forum of the Global Coalition for Social Justice that will take place during the High-level Segment of the 112th Session of the International Labor Conference.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has shared in a press statement that President Paudel will address the inaugural Forum of the Global Coalition for Social Justice on June 13.

Paudel is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with his Swiss counterpart Viola Amherd on June 12.

Similarly, President Paudel will leave Geneva for Berlin on June 15 for an official visit to Germany at the invitation of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

Paudel is scheduled to hold official talks with his German counterpart on June 17, the Ministry added.

The President's spouse Sabita Paudel will accompany the President during the visit. P

resident's Foreign Affairs Expert Dr Suresh Chandra Chalise, Secretary at the Office of the President, Foreign Affairs Secretary and Nepal's Ambassadors to Switzerland and Germany are the other members of the delegation.

The President is scheduled to return home on June 19.

Nepal received nearly Rs 1200 billion in remittance in the last 10 months of the current fiscal year.

The remittance inflow increased by 19.02 percent as compared to the same period of the last fiscal year. The data released by Nepal Rastra Bank on Monday showed that the country got Rs 1198 billion in remittance till mid-May.

It increased by 23.4 percent in the same period of the last fiscal year.

The review period witnessed the number of labor permits (institutional and individual) for foreign employment at 374, 000, while 237, 000 people sought the labor permit for the second time.

Professor K. K. Aggarwal is the President of South Asian University, New Delhi, India. Before joining SAU, he was chairman of the National Board of Accreditation and founder vice-chancellor of Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi. South Asian University started in 2010 and is the flagship project of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). Prof Aggarwal was on a day trip to Nepal on 26 May, and Kamal Dev Bhattarai of ApEx interviewed him regarding SAU, his future plans, challenges, and opportunities associated with the university.

What was the basic concept behind the establishment of South Asian University?

I think the basic concept was that in the South Asian region, where all the countries are developing countries with limited resources, we should develop a platform for a niche area of academic and research, so that all the bright students of SAARC countries can train and use their knowledge for the development of their respective countries. The concept was also to create a platform to bring together distinguished professors from SAARC countries, regardless of where they are based. That was the reason why the university was prepared to pay anything to get distinguished professors. The concept was great, but somehow, the implementation was lacking and the idea was also diluted.

What are the reasons for the dilution of this great concept? 

I think the primary reason was that setting up the campus took time. The university shifted to a permanent building only last year; before that, the university was running from Akbar Bhawan, Chanakyapuri. The governing board's practice of meeting once a year is another challenge. The last board meeting happened after a six-year hiatus. When running a university, many things have to be decided quickly. I believe the given structure should have been changed for quick decisions. We need a dynamic structure of decision-making for rapidly changing scenarios.

Lately, there have been reports that South Asian University is facing a financial crisis. Is it so?

Yes, the university is indeed facing a financial crisis. There are two parts of expenditure on the university. As far as the building part is concerned, India will take care of it by agreement. As for the operational expenditure part, there is an agreement which stipulates every country pays its decided portion. Now, for whatever reason or financial difficulties, many countries have not been able to pay their decided portion for some time. Some countries have not contributed in years. This means there are irregularities in the payment of each country's respective share of the university's operational expenses. This is why the university is currently facing a financial crunch.

What is your immediate plan to address the current financial crisis of SAU??

My immediate plan is to request every country. Everyone I met promised to ensure regular payment. I hope they keep their word, and soon enough, we will get their respective share, and difficulties will be resolved. I am also requesting the secretary general of SAARC if they can find an effective mechanism. Because they are the common body for all SAARC countries, I believe they can facilitate the process more smoothly. Also, if the government of India could somehow find a mechanism to temporarily or provisionally take over financial responsibilities from those countries who cannot pay timely and outline how it can be done, it would be beneficial. As the president of the university, my duty is to not let the university suffer for lack of funds. 

What is your plan in terms of the overall development of South Asian University, including introducing new courses that meet the challenges of the rapidly changing scenarios of the region?

My plan for the university is to stretch my imagination and find out what the common needs of the South Asian region are, and work on that. If even you cannot find the common needs for all the countries, the common need for three or four countries should be prioritized. There are several areas of common interest, such as Hill studies, coastline studies, disaster management, and emerging technology like Artificial Intelligence. These are things that we will explore in the coming days.

Wrapping up his official visit to India, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has returned home this evening.

Upon arrival at the VVIP lounge of Tribhuvan International Airport, the Prime Minister was welcomed by Speaker Devraj Ghimire, National Assembly Chair Narayan Dahal, Deputy Prime Ministers, Ministers, MPs, Heads of Security Agencies and high-ranking officials of the Government of Nepal.

A contingent of the Nepal Army also offered a guard of honor to Prime Minister Dahal.

The Prime Minister had left for New Delhi on Sunday afternoon leading the Nepali delegation to attend the swearing-in ceremony of his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi.

After the swearing-in ceremony, Prime Minister Dahal also held a brief meeting with his counterpart Modi and paid a courtesy call on the President of India Droupadi Murmu today.

During the meetings, various aspects of Nepal-India relations were discussed, according to the Prime Minister's Secretariat.

Prime Minister Dahal was accompanied by his daughter Ganga Dahal, Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Padam Giri, Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal and other high-ranking government officials.

Norwegian Ambassador to Nepal Torun Dramdal paid a courtesy call on Speaker Devraj Ghimire.

During the meeting held at the office of Speaker in Singha Durbar on Monday, they discussed various issues including relations between the two countries and development cooperation.

On the occasion, Speaker Ghimire shared that high-level political leadership and diplomatic-level visits have been exchanged while there is remarkable collaboration at the people-level relations, investment, trade and tourism sectors since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1973.

"Nepal has given high-priority to the relation with Norway as its development partner", he mentioned, adding the activities carried out by Norwegian government in the sector of renewable energy, education and good governance are useful for Nepal.

The Speaker explained that the campaign of sustainable development, peace and stability has now been launched in Nepal after a long political transitional period.

Similarly, Norwegian Ambassador Dramdal said though diplomatic relations were established between the two countries in 1973, there were friendly relations between Nepal and Norway since 1950.

She underlined that Norway had provided around 35 million US dollar worth of support in different sectors of Nepal.

Recalling that high-level visits are being held from time to time between the two countries, the Ambassador mentioned that a parliamentary committee related to Foreign Affairs and Defence of Norway is scheduled to visit Nepal in coming September. 

Speaker Ghimire shared that Nepal-Norway Parliamentary Friendship Group has been formed in Parliament of Nepal and expressed the belief that Nepal's visit of parliamentary committee related to Foreign Affairs and Defence of Norway would take parliamentary exchange to a new height.

The Supreme Court has ordered for submission of case files and documents after a hearing on the writ petition filed against Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane.

A division bench of Justices Dr Manoj Kumar Sharma and Til Prasad Shrestha today ordered the concerned sides to submit the documents related to cooperatives' fraud case filed at the Rupandehi District Court after hearing the writ petition filed demanding the DPM's suspension, according to Joint Spokesperson of Supreme Court, Govinda Ghimire.

Giving priority to that case, the next hearing has been fixed for June 18.

Advocate Anupam Bhattarai had filed the writ petition demanding the removal of Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Lamichhane, claiming that he was involved in the misappropriation of the cooperative's funds.