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The main opposition Nepali Congress lawmaker Rajendra Bajagain has sought information from the government about the condition of two youths of Gorkha who were arrested in Tibet, autonomous region of China.

Speaking at a Parliament meeting on Tuesday, lawmaker Bajagain said that he had got information that the Tibet police called Rapke Lama and Karma Cheden Lama of Lama Gaun, Chumanubri Rural Municipality-7, Gorkha to Tibet and took them under control one-and-a-half month ago.

Annapurna Post, the sister publication of The Annapurna Express, on June 9 had published the news about the arrest of two youths of Gorkha in Tibet.

After the news was published, lawmaker Bajagain of Gorkha urged the government to find out the whereabouts of the duo.

The Chinese government had closed Muladhyajan, the border point between Gorkha and Tibet, for the past five years.

It has been learnt that the two youths were arrested by calling them in the border even though the border crossing is closed.

Saying that the reason behind the arrest has not been known yet, Bajagain through the Speaker urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to take initiatives to find out their whereabouts and release them.

“Rapke Lama and Karma Cheden Lama of Chumanubri Rural Municipality-7, Gorkha got a call from Tibet, autonomous region of China, one-and-a-half month ago. The Chinese administration had asked to call them. They were urged to come to the Tibet border. They went to Tibet. And they were apprehended there,” he said, adding, “The Nepal government has no knowledge about it. What is their status? Whether they were alive or not. I would like to draw the attention of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs towards the incident and urge the government to take initiatives to search for them.”

Nepal Rastra Bank has reported that inflation was around 4.5 percent in the last Nepali month of Baishakh. According to the central bank's report, which includes data from the first 10 months of the fiscal year 2080-81, the annual point-to-point consumer inflation in Baishakh was 4.40 percent, down from 7.41 percent in the same month last year.

In Baishakh, the inflation rate in the food and beverage category was 6.27 percent, while in the non-food and services category, it was 2.96 percent. The annual point-to-point price index for the vegetable subgroup under the food and beverage category increased by 23.11 percent, pulses and legumes by 10.85 percent, spices by 8.98 percent, food and food-related items by 7.42 percent, and sugar and sugar-related items by 7.25 percent. However, the price index for the ghee and oil subgroup decreased by 7.13 percent.

The annual point-to-point price index for various goods and services under the non-food and services category increased by 12.26 percent, education by 5.64 percent, and clothing and footwear by 3.46 percent, while the communication subgroup's price index decreased by 0.48 percent.

In Baishakh, the annual point-to-point consumer inflation was 4.30 percent in Kathmandu Valley, 4.32 percent in the Tarai, 4.7 percent in the Hills, and 4.22 percent in the Mountains. In the same month last year, inflation rates in these regions were 7.68 percent, 7.15 percent, 7.57 percent, and 7.12 percent, respectively.

Forex reserves at Rs 1.94trn

The central bank's report also highlighted foreign exchange reserves, which increased by 26.2 percent from Rs 1.53trn at the end of Asar 2080 to Rs 1.94trn in Baishakh 2081. In terms of US dollars, foreign exchange reserves rose by 24.2 percent from $11.71bn at the end of Asar 2080 to $14.54bn at the end of Baishakh 2081.

Of the total foreign exchange reserves, those held by the central bank were Rs 1.34bn at the end of Asar 2080, which increased by 28 percent to reach Rs 1.72bn at the end of Baishakh 2081. Reserves held by banks and financial institutions (excluding Nepal Rastra Bank) were Rs 193.59bn at the end of Asar 2080, which increased by 13.8 percent to Rs 220.38bn at the end of Baishakh 2081.

According to the central bank, based on import data from the first 10 months of the fiscal year 2080-81, the banking sector's foreign exchange reserves are sufficient to cover 15.1 months of goods imports and 12.6 months of goods and services imports.

Remittances reach Rs 1.19trn

According to Nepal Rastra Bank, remittances increased by 19.2 percent to Rs 1.19trn in the first 10 months of the current fiscal year 2080-81. 

Although the number of people going abroad for employment was high in the past two years and has decreased slightly this year, the total number, including new labor permits and renewals, is still more than 500,000. Due to the high number of Nepalis going for foreign employment in the past two years, remittances have seen a significant increase.

In the first 10 months of the current fiscal year, 374,887 Nepalis received final labor approval for foreign employment, and 237,893 received renewed labor approval. In the same period last fiscal year, 421,279 Nepalis received final labor approval for foreign employment, and 238,976 received renewed labor approval.

During this period, net transfers increased by 17.2 percent to Rs 1.30trn.

Pranav Khanal defeated Tenzin Singye Dorji of Bhutan with a score of 6-4, 6-3 in the finals of the inaugural Thimpu Invitational Tennis Tournament. The competition, which took place in Bhutan’s capital, featured participants from three countries: four from India, four from Nepal, and eight from Bhutan.

Khanal’s victory is the latest milestone in his impressive 15-year tennis career. At the tender age of 11, he made his international debut in Vietnam as a junior national player from Nepal. Since then, he has competed in nearly three dozen tournaments, gaining significant experience and accolades. His talent was further recognized when he joined the senior national team and represented Nepal at the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia.

The UAE Embassy in collaboration with the International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) organized a workshop in Kathmandu on June 6, focusing on sustainable development in Nepal

The workshop, which was organized in the presence of Minister of Agriculture Jwala Kumari Sha and UAE Ambassador Abdula Al Shamsi, aimed to harness the transformative potential of clean renewable energy initiatives, particularly in conjunction with agricultural practices.

The convergence of these sectors holds the promise of not only mitigating environmental degradation but also catalyzing economic growth and societal transformation, reads a statement issued by UAE Embassy.

The workshop was not merely a platform for discussion; it was a call to action, emphasizing the imperative to bridge the gap between research and implementation.

Recognizing that innovative solutions often falter at the implementation stage, participants delved into practical steps to advance clean energy solutions and sustainable agricultural practices in Nepal, according to the statement.

The workshop discussed was the notion that economic growth must be intricately linked with environmental stewardship. By promoting environmentally friendly business projects, stakeholders acknowledged the dual benefit of safeguarding our planet while unlocking new avenues for economic prosperity.

Throughout the day, the participants engaged in dialogue and knowledge exchange, exploring investment opportunities and sharing insights on how to enhance agricultural productivity while minimizing environmental impact.

Nahid Muniza as researcher, on behalf of the UAE Embassy, highlighted investment opportunities in both countries, underscoring a shared commitment to sustainability and prosperity.

Of particular significance was the recognition of agriculture's pivotal role in Nepal's economy and livelihoods. Participants deliberated on strategies to integrate clean energy solutions into agricultural processes, with a keen focus on increasing productivity and resilience in the face of climate change.

The workshop at ICIMOD was not merely an event; it was a catalyst for change. As Nepal navigates the complex landscape of sustainable development, these kinds of initiatives will pave the way for a greener, more equitable future, the statement further reads.

With continued collaboration and collective action, Nepal is well-positioned to emerge as a beacon of sustainability in the global community.

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.