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The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Nepal on Tuesday organized the Launching Ceremony of Commemorative Logo and Book on Success Stories at Hotel Yak and Yeti after the EPS program.

The commemorative logo to mark the 50^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Korea and Nepal was unveiled by the high-level officials of the Government of Nepal and the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Nepal Park Taeyoung.

The logo shall be jointly used by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea and the Government of Nepal for the programs related to Korea.

The logo incorporates “50 Years” to mark the 50^th anniversary with the colors and elements of the flags of both countries - Korea and Nepal. The slogan “Everesting Friendship – Korea-Nepal 50^th Anniversary” is composed of a combination of “Mt. Everest,” representing Nepal, and the word “Everlasting” to promote the eternal friendship and partnership between the two countries, reads a statement issued by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea.

Furthermore, the Book includes the success stories of 26 Nepali returnees who have successfully established their businesses in Nepal with the help of the skills learned from the Republic of Korea through various programs such as Employment Permit System (EPS). The book is a collection of success stories of seven Nepali returnees in the manufacturing sector, six in agriculture sector, eight in service sector and five in the education sector. The Embassy firmly believes that this will further inspire and encourage more Nepali Returnees from the Republic of Korea.

The Republic of Korea and Nepal have established cordial relations with steady growth in exchanges of mutual cooperation in multiple areas including economy, infrastructure, development and employment since the establishment of diplomatic ties.

Ambassador Park Taeyoung announced that the Embassy will be organizing various programs in cultural, economic and development areas to commemorate the 50^th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year in 2024. He also expressed that through the mutual cooperation programs, the close ties will be further deepened and the bilateral relation between the two countries will reach a new height, according to the statement.

During the event, Chief Guest, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Narayan Prakash Saud appreciated that the two countries have been closely cooperating in various fields, including the economy, employment, education, and people-to-people exchanges since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1974 and there shall be further cooperation between the two countries in the future.

Patan High Court Judge Matrika Marasini died of heart attack on Tuesday. He was 56.

Maraisni was rushed to a hospital after he complained of health problems while he was staying at home this morning.

Doctors, however, pronounced him dead on arrival.

Patan High Court spokesperson Tirtha Bhattarai said that Marasini suffered a heart attack while he was in the home.

He was taken to the National Hospital after the heart attack but doctors pronounced him dead on arrival, Bhattarai said.

According to a source, his last rites will be performed today itself.

A person filed a complaint at the District Police Office, Kailali against Social Development Minister Jhapat Saud of Sudurpaschim saying that the minister threatened to take his life when he asked for the money he lent to him.

Dhan Bahadur Bohara of Bungal Municipality-1 of Bajhang filed a complaint against Minister Saud.

“Minister Saud had taken money from me as loan on different dates saying that he is in grave trouble and when I asked to return that money, he threatened to kill me,” he said.

Bohara filed a complaint on Monday at the District Police Office, Kailali demanding security.

District Police Office, Kailali spokesperson Kuldeep Chand accepted that a complaint has been filed against Minister Saud.

Minister Saud, however, said that he has not done any financial transaction with Bohara.

The price of gold has increased by Rs 300 per tola in the domestic market on Tuesday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the precious yellow metal is being traded at Rs 118, 600 per tola today. It was traded at Rs 118, 300 per tola on Monday.

Meanwhile, tejabi gold is being traded at Rs 118, 050 per tola. It was traded at Rs 117, 750 per tola.

Similarly, the price of silver has increased by Rs 15 and is being traded at Rs 1,420 per tola today.

A mountain flight has begun from Nepalgunj to Kailash Mansarovar at the initiative of tourism entrepreneurs' associations.

Although the flight was scheduled to begin last Saturday, thick fog weakened visibility, resulting in a two day delay.

Tourism entrepreneur Keshav Neupane said the mountain flight would help recover declining business and help identify tourism destinations for Indian tourists. "At least one flight for Indian tourists in the season will contribute to boost tourism activities," he believed, adding that the view of the Kailash Mansarovar is an alluring site indeed.

Another tourism entrepreneur Dr Om Mishra, expressing happiness over the successful conduct of mountain flight after a long struggle on Monday. Even Nepalgunj city is being established as a tourist destination, he claimed.

Moreover, Banke chapter Chairman of Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA), Shreeram Sigdel, shared that the new initiative is also linked to Nepalgunj's future in terms of financial upliftment. He also stressed making effective Nepalgunj-Pokhara air connectivity to boost tourism.

Indian tourists who reached Kailash Mansarovar in a mountain flight from Nepalgung felt happy.

A hotelier in Nepalgunj, Punam Bhusal, said, "It certainly helps augment the tourism industry."

The Kailash Mansarovar, located in Tibet, is a common holy site of Hindu and Buddhist people. It is visited largely by the Hindus from Nepal and India.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said that the martyrs who fought for nationality, people's rights and livelihood are torchbearers and sources of inspiration.

Giving a message of best wishes on the occasion of the Martyr Day being celebrated across the country today, PM Dahal viewed that time has come to resolve the remaining tasks of revolution the martyrs had waged for the country and people's liberation and change. The Martyr Day is observed as the day to pay tribute to them and enliven their contribution.

"Government has paid utmost attention in honoring and protecting the families of those getting martyrdom at different times of history," he said.

PM Dahal also reminded that the present constitution was made in the background of leadership from various classes, cultures, communities and regions for their identity and rights. Protecting the achievements made so far and devoting to betterment is a true tribute to the martyrs, PM Dahal observed.

He wished the Day inspired all for protection and strengthening of the federal democratic republic. Dahal paid tribute to all those known and unknown martyrs and wished for speedy recovery of those injured in movements.

The Martyr Day is being celebrated by organizing various programs across the country today. The Day is observed in memory of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the sake of the country and people.

At different times of history, many people fought for liberty, freedoms and democracy and got martyrdom in Nepal. In commemoration and tribute to them, week-long programs are organized from Magh 10 to 16 every year.

In 2012BS, then Kathmandu Municipality began coordinating the programs organized in honor of the martyrs. It has continued till date.

In response to the demand of democracy, civic rights and liberty, Shukra Raj Shastri was executed by then autocratic Rana regime at Pachali, Kathmandu on Magh 10, 1997; Dharma Bhakta Mathema at Siphal, Kathmandu on Magh 13 and Ganga Lal Shrestha and Dasharath Chanda at Shova Bhagawati, Kathmandu on Magh 15 the same year.

A morning rally is being organized from Shanti Batika, Ratnapark to Lainchaur. Kathmandu Metropolis has informed that the event would be attended by the Prime Minister, ministers, high level officials of Nepal government, along with march-past from security bodies. The known and unknown martyrs would be paid tribute at the martyrs' monument, Lainchaur.

However, there is public concern that the dream of martyrs is not fulfilled.  

The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) is the highest academic institution for natural sciences in China. It is also a comprehensive research and development center for natural sciences and high technology. It aims to be a hub for innovative talent, a high-level national science and technology think tank, and an internationally renowned research institution.

Under CAS, there are different wings, including the Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, and Xinjiang Tourism Research Academy. Recently, delegates from these different institutes visited Nepal for a two-week long trip.

Dr Zhaoping Yang led the team, who is a professor at the Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research under CAS. She is also a Director of Xinjiang Tourism Research Academy and an expert of the World Heritage Expert Committee of National Forestry and Grassland Administration. Shristi Kafle sat with Dr Yang to talk about her tourism impressions. Excerpts:

We learned that this is the first visit of your team to Nepal, what is your impression of this country?

I have been to over 60 countries, but it took me a long time to visit neighboring Nepal. I had heard a lot about Nepal and the Himalayas, and it’s really very beautiful. I am deeply impressed by the heritage sites in the Kathmandu Valley and the artistic detailing of the monuments and ancient structures. We visited the famous Durbar Squares and were amazed by the spectacular traditional architecture. The history, art and designs are quite unique. Each piece of art is exclusive, which cannot be found elsewhere. Besides Kathmandu, we visited Chitwan National Park, Pokhara and the Buddha’s birthplace Lumbini. All these places have their own beauty and charm. We loved the food and warm hospitality too.

What is the major purpose of this visit? What are the key findings?

Under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, we are here mainly to study natural and cultural heritage protection and management and tourism planning and development. We did a preliminary study on trans-boundary natural heritages and tourism and plan to submit a report to the concerned authorities. I realized that the natural heritages of Nepal are of international standard, and they have huge potential of attracting more tourists. The richness of dense forests and variety of wildlife make the natural heritages stunning. We are amazed by the splendor of the Chitwan National Park. Similarly, the cultural heritage sites have unique features, which we realized aren't promoted enough. Nepal usually brands itself as a destination for mountaineering and trekking, but we felt that Nepal is much more than that. It shouldn’t limit itself as a destination for only outdoor adventures, which is seasonal. But it should brand other tourism areas too. For example, there could be heritage focused activities like heritage walks or culture tours and so on. Nepal can promote itself as an all-weather destination, as there are endless possibilities and choices.

Did the Chinese Academy of Sciences explore any areas of cooperation with the Nepali agencies?

We held meetings with different institutions focused on tourism, education and natural heritages in Nepal. The meetings dwelt on possible areas of cooperation through research and exchanges. There are many things that both countries can learn from each other.

For example, the academy inked an agreement with Himalayan White House College in Kathmandu to boost education cooperation between the two countries. We discussed various possible measures to incorporate students of BHM and Biotech faculty in the Chinese universities. We also agreed on conducting student exchange programs in the future. Besides, we can jointly conduct research on various areas covering tourism, archaeology and the education sector.

We also interacted with the national park officials and local government representatives to discuss ways on how to promote tourism. This trip is just a beginning, we plan to explore the ways and measures to work further on this front.

Since your team was more focused on tourism, what major gaps do you think need to be bridged to boost Nepal’s tourism industry?

The most important thing to boost the tourism sector is good planning and adopting the right strategies. It should be planned for the long-term instead of short ones, considering all the components and economic impacts to locals. I was directly engaged in tourism planning for the Xinjiang region of China a long time ago, and today the place has emerged as a popular tourism destination for domestic tourists. Though it snows for months, we have developed winter focused outdoor activities, and that is loved by the travelers. Nepal can also consider promoting itself in a similar way.

Though the destinations here are unique, the infrastructures are not intact. We mostly traveled via road, and the road condition is not that good in many places. The properties are gigantic in the hospitality sector, so Nepal can also promote itself as a destination for high-end tourists. The hospitality is warm but there are language barriers, which can be bridged. Nepal can attract more Chinese tourists through communication and promotion in different platforms in Chinese language. There is a need for aggressive marketing activities to cater to all kinds of tourists.

Despite the richness of Kathmandu valley, we found that there are some issues related to urban planning. For example, the jumbled black wires on the poles in the streets have made the city look ugly. It is not a big issue to deal with as it can be resolved with underground wiring with proper planning. The city would look more beautiful. Next is the haphazard construction of buildings in the heritage sites. These messy buildings have blocked the views in many places. The tall buildings have also blocked the beautiful mountain view. I believe these are minor issues and have solutions with proper planning. Kathmandu can be developed as a heritage city.

For natural heritages, the government authorities should work together with the private sector. The public-private model can be adopted for the smooth management of the national parks. Similarly, there is a huge scope for promotion of Buddhism. The holy land can be promoted among the Buddhist followers of all over the world, including that of China.

What are your suggestions to attract more Chinese tourists in Nepal?

As mentioned above, the first thing is Nepal can be developed as an all-season destination. The Chinese travelers are fond of rich culture and diverse food; thus the priority should be given to promotion of cultural heritage sites. New cultural and heritage tours can be developed. Since there is a language barrier, the Nepali guides should have proficiency in Chinese language which would make the stay in Nepal easy and smoother. Next is improving connectivity. More flights can be added between the Nepali and Chinese cities, and at affordable rates. Internally, the roads should be in good and safer condition to encourage road travels. There should be standard hotels and resorts too. Many Chinese people love luxury travel so the infrastructure should be built in a standard manner. Nepal can explore to attract high-end Chinese tourists, who can spend more and help the local livelihood. Lastly, the most important thing is well tailored marketing strategies and digital promotion in Chinese platforms.