Saurya Airlines plane crashes at TIA (With video)
An aircraft belonging to Saurya Airlines crashed at Tribhuvan International Airport on Wednesday.
According to a source, the plane skidded off the runway while flying to Pokhara from Kathmandu this morning.
The aircraft caught fire after the incident.
Firefighters and security personnel are trying to extinguish the fire.
Further details are yet to come.
Gold price increases by Rs 1, 100 per tola on Wednesday
The price of gold has increased by Rs 1, 100 per tola in the domestic market on Wednesday.
According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the precious yellow metal is being traded at Rs 147, 400 per tola today. It was traded at Rs 146, 300 per tola on Tuesday.
Similarly, tejabi gold is being traded at Rs 146, 700 per tola.
Meanwhile, the price of silver has increased by Rs 15 and is being traded at Rs 1,805 per tola today.
Khusbu Oli: Nepal is facing severe problems of knowledge crisis
Khusbu Oli, a young politician from the Rastriya Prajatantra Party, which holds 14 seats in Parliament, is making significant strides in national politics. As a young woman, she is actively engaged in party and national affairs, particularly through social media, where she debates and discusses with top politicians. Currently, she serves as a Central Committee member and deputy head of the party’s training department. ApEx spoke with her about her experiences and vision for Nepal. Excerpts.
It has been two years since you joined active politics. What has your experience been so far?
Before entering politics, I was involved in agricultural projects, leading national-level initiatives and witnessing firsthand the struggles of farmers, especially women. These experiences inspired me to represent them. My political journey has been a mix of challenges and achievements. As the first female candidate from my constituency. There has been a significant shift, with women's representation in decision-making rising from five percent to over 30 percent. Despite challenges, my acceptance in both party and national politics is growing, and I am hopeful for continued progress. I advocate for servant leadership concepts and believe in the importance of youth involvement in politics.
You travel extensively and interact with people in the grassroots. What are their expectations from a young politician like you?
People have a high level of mistrust and disappointment with the state and political leadership. Society is deeply divided along political lines, and national priorities often take a backseat to partisan interests. However, there is a desire for politicians who prioritize national interests and unity.
Your party advocates for the restoration of monarchy and a Hindu state. Do you believe this is achievable?
There are misconceptions about our stance. We do not support an active monarchy but believe in a constitutional monarchy within the current democratic framework. We think that a monarchy can enhance national unity and reduce foreign intervention. Our party believes that the Nepali people should decide their country’s future without external influence.
As a youth politician, what is your blueprint for economic growth and development?
The main problem of this country is excessive political influence in bureaucracy, media and intellectual groups. The views, perspectives and policy they offer therefore are dominated by partisan interests. This is hindering Nepal’s overall development. If I could address this issue, it could correct the course of this country. We can do a lot for the country but our politicians are serving their own interests. In order to sprout hope and optimism among the public, our politicians should develop a noble thinking and mend their ways.
There is an alarming trend of brain-drain, labor migration, and capital flight. Everyone in both the skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled population is either going or planning to go abroad for employment. Over the past one year, around 700,000 people have left the country. Businesses in bordering towns are shutting down and moving to India. To turn around Nepal’s economy, there should be significant policy reform, but we do not have the educated human resource to formulate a sound policy.
As far as the specific areas are concerned, the key areas of focus should be industry, agriculture, tourism, and Information Technology (IT). The IT sector has immense potential, but it lacks government support. In agriculture, we need fertilizer industries, subsidies, better irrigation, and digitization. Tourism, particularly religious tourism, also has untapped potential. Additionally, there is a need to overhaul the education system to ensure quality education, health, and justice for all citizens. But there is a knowledge crisis to make any substantial headway in those areas.
What are your future plans?
I believe politics is in my blood. I am preparing to run in the national elections in 2027, aiming to inspire and represent grassroots people. My goal is not personal gain but national development. Before that, I plan to contest for an office bearer position in my party’s upcoming general convention, focusing on the areas I have highlighted.
Landslides obstruct Devighat-Galchhi road
Vehicular movement along the Devighat-Galchi road has been obstructed due to landslides triggered by incessant rainfall.
Chief of the District Police Office, Shanti Raj Koirala informed that the landslides disrupted the movement at four different places.
Landslides occurred in two places while vehicular movement has been disrupted in two places due to road collapse.
It may take some time to resume traffic on the road, he said.
Egypt to support Nepal in attaining its goal of upgrading to developing country
Ambassador of Egypt to Nepal, Noha Elgebaly said Egypt would extend all possible support to Nepal in attaining its goal of upgrading to a developing country in November 2026.
Addressing a reception hosted on Tuesday evening with Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav as the chief guest on the occasion of the National Day of Egypt, the Ambassador said that Egypt would help Nepal smoothly transition to the status of a developing country.
Saying that Egypt wants Nepal's socio-economic progress and political stability, she said Egypt and Nepal have been collaborating on the issues of shared concerns in multilateral forums, including the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), G-77 and the United Nations.
Noting Egypt and Nepal share partnership on issues of mutual interest, including climate change, Ambassador Elgebaly said NAM's founding member Nepal is a close friend of Egypt.
The bilateral relations have been further strengthened since the establishment of diplomatic relations with Nepal in 1957, she said, adding the Pyramids of Egypt and the Mount Everest (Sagarmatha) of Nepal have become the attractions for tourists from all over the world.
Egypt, the first country to establish diplomatic relations with Nepal, has offered opportunities to 300 Nepali students for higher studies, she said she was committed to increasing the scholarship quota in the future.
The Ambassador also informed that the consultative mechanism between the two countries would soon take a decision in this regard.
She further said the two countries still have a lot to do in the areas of economic partnership, investment and trade. The 1962 Revolution had turned to be the driver of Egypt's development, Ambassador Elgebaly said the National Day had inspired the people of her country to move forward on the path of continuous development while maintaining the glorious history.
Heads and officials of diplomatic missions, high-ranking officials of the government, entrepreneurs and senior media persons were present on the occasion.
Heavy rainfall likely at some places of Karnali Province tonight
The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has predicted generally cloudy weather throughout the country due to the influence of monsoon wind at present and the low-pressure line of monsoon.
Light to moderate rainfall is taking place at a few places of Bagmati and Gandaki Provinces and at one or two places in the rest of the provinces.
According to the Department, the weather will be partly to generally cloudy throughout the country this afternoon. Light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning is likely to occur at a few places of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Karnali and Sudurpaschim Provinces. It will be partly to generally cloudy throughout the country tonight.
Light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning is likely to occur at a few places of Bagmati, Gandaki, Karnali and Sudurpaschim Provinces. Heavy rainfall is likely to occur at one or two places in Karnali Province.
Light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning is likely to occur at a few places of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpaschim Provinces in the next 24 hours.
In view of the possibility of heavy rainfall at a few places of Karnali Province, the Department has cautioned the general public to adopt safety measures to avoid the risks of monsoon-induced disasters such as floods and landslides.
Indian budget sees increased allocation for Nepal
The Indian government’s budget for the Ministry of External Affairs for the fiscal year 2024/25 has increased allocations for Nepal and Sri Lanka while reducing support for other neighboring countries. Nepal stands out as a major beneficiary, poised to receive InRs 7bn, a substantial increase of InRs 1.5bn from the previous year’s revised budget of InRs 6.5bn.
Sri Lanka’s allocation has also risen significantly to InRs 2.45bn, an increase of InRs 0.95bn from the previous year’s InRs 1.5bn. This boost is crucial for Sri Lanka’s ongoing economic recovery, supported by India’s previous $4bn aid.
Afghanistan and the Maldives maintain their allocations at InRs 2bn and InRs 4bn, respectively. Afghanistan’s allocation remains stable despite last year’s revised budget of InRs 2.2bn.
The Maldives saw a notable increase in its revised budget to InRs 7.7bn, indicating ongoing support for infrastructure projects.
Meanwhile, Bhutan and Myanmar have seen reductions in their aid. Bhutan’s allocation decreased by InRs 3.3bn—yet it still receives the largest share at InRs 20.68bn. Myanmar’s allocation dropped by InRs 1.5bn to InRs 2.5bn, compared to last year’s InRs 4bn, with InRs 3.7bn utilized. Bangladesh’s allocation decreased by InRs 0.8bn to InRs 1.2bn, with only InRs 1.3bn of the previous year’s InRs 2bn utilized.
Similarly, Iran’s Chabahar port project continues to receive a steady allocation of InRs 1bn, unchanged for the past three years, highlighting its strategic importance for India as a gateway to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan.
Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the first full-fledged budget of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led coalition government on Tuesday. From India Inc to the middle class and job seekers, everyone has high hopes for this budget. Additionally, some policy interventions could significantly boost the country’s economic growth and tackle the growing unemployment issue.
Ahead of the budget, Prime Minister Modi asserted that this budget will lay the foundation of ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India). He also said that this is an important budget for ‘Amrit Kaal’, which means ‘great leap’, and could propel India forward on all fronts.
113 people killed in monsoon-induced disasters
As many as 133 people have lost their lives due to floods and landslides since last June 10.
According to the Nepal Police headquarters, 145 people have been injured during the period while seven are still missing, besides the people caught in the Simaltal incident.
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Dan Bahadur Karki shared two people died in Kathmandu Valley, 22 in Koshi Province, six in Madhes Province, 25 in Bagmati Province, 38 in Gandaki Province, 23 in Lumbini Province, seven in Karnali Province and 10 in Sudurpaschim Province.
According to him, 145 people have been injured including nine in Kathmandu Valley, 34 in Koshi Province, nine in Madhes Province, seven in Bagmati Province, 29 in Gandaki Province, nine in Lumbini Province, 34 in Karnali Province and 14 in Sudurpaschim Province.
A total of 67 people have been rescued including one in Kathmandu Valley, 49 in Koshi Province, 12 in Gandaki Province and five in Sudurpaschim Province. Seven people are reported missing in the floods and landslides.
A total of 4,018 families have been displaced due to the monsoon-induced disasters.
