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Two Spanish tourists have gone missing during the Ghorepani trekking. Ghorepani is a famous tourist destination.

Two Spanish- a male, Erik Kasanovas, and a female, Molass Missy- were heading to Ghorepani from Tikhedhunga of Annapurna Rural Municipality-9 of Kaski via Ulleri on Sunday, but they lost contact, according to Bharat Man Gurung, spokesperson at the rural municipality.

Two tourist bags were found unattended near the Bhurungdi River Bridge on Sunday evening. It is suspected that they were swept away by the river as they followed the old route.

"They had registered their names at ACAP check post of Birethanti, mentioning that they were going to Ghorepani on Sunday morning," Gurung said, adding that search for the missing ones is continued, as they are suspected of getting swept away by the river after falling from the stream.

They might have fallen into the flooded river while taking photographs at the stream, he added.

There is a beautiful stream at the place where their bags were found. While searching, a joint team of police persons, locals and people's representatives also found two walking sticks.

The concerned embassy was informed about the missing tourists.

Among the patients who came for treatment in various hospitals of the district, 588 people have been diagnosed with dengue infection.

Out of the 2,394 patients who came to the hospital, 588 were found to be infected with dengue. Of the infected, 417 are from Chitwan, while 171 are from outside the district, informed Ram KC, vector controller of Public Health Office, Chitwan.

He said, “Mosquitoes bite two hours before sunrise and two hours before sunset. Those who come in contact with mosquitoes more during that time are at risk of infection." Since July, 236 people have been infected with dengue in Ichchhakamana Rural Municipality.

Similarly, 107 people have been infected in Bharatpur Metropolitan City-11 in Khairhani, 49 in Ratnanagar, three in Madi, three in Rapti and eight in Kalika Municipality, KC informed.

According to him, there are 225 women and 192 men among the infected people found in the district.

KC said that dengue is seen especially in August and October because it creates a favorable environment for mosquitoes when there will be rain and sun shine simultaneously. He said, "Now the infection has started to be seen since the beginning of July."

Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi arrived in Kathmandu on a two-day official visit to Nepal on Monday.

The Foreign Minister of Oman arrived at the invitation of his Nepali counterpart Arzu Rana Deuba.

Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal received the Omani Foreign Minister at the Tribhuvan International Airport.

During the visit, the two Foreign Ministers are scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting and discuss various matters on further bolstering Nepal-Oman ties, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Ministry said that the visiting Omani Foreign Minister will pay courtesy calls on President Ram Chandra Paudel and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

He is scheduled to leave Kathmandu on August 27.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that it was common to have some issues between neighboring countries and they could be resolved by holding open dialogue.

Releasing a book written by former Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Kamal Thapa in the federal capital today, the Prime Minister said there would be no problems between the neighboring countries if solutions were sought on the basis of evidence abiding with international obligations along with judicious national interests.  

Releasing the book titled Kutniti Ra Bhurajniti (Diplomacy and Geopolitics), Prime Minister Oli said Nepal maintains balanced relations with both neighboring countries based on honesty and impartiality. "We will not use any card of a neighbor against another. We will not wish for anyone's misfortune. We will not let our land be used against any of the neighbors. We support neutrality and peaceful resolution," the PM said.     

We abide by the UN principles, PM Oli said, adding that we should dare say it is inappropriate if it was violated.  He was of the view that evidence should be furnished rather than arguments.

We are sensitive to the issues of world peace and security of Nepali citizens. No country should infringe on another country's pride for serving one's interest, PM Oli reasoned.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Oli urged the Indian side to receive the report of the Eminent Persons' Group (EPG), which was formed after the consensus of the top leaders of Nepal and India for the review of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship 1950 and others.  It would be easier to hold further dialogue on the issues of border disputes, among others.  

Likewise, Prime Minister Oli said that the treaty of trade and transit with China, signed when he was the Prime Minister in 2015 and during India's blockade over Nepal, was an epoch-making event.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has instructed the Nepal Police that takes the major responsibility for maintaining peace and security in the country to always be alert to the prevention of untoward incidents.

The Prime Minister wanted the Nepal Police to make a prognosis of offenses, investigate them and take maximum measures for the prevention.

While inaugurating a newly constructed building of the District Police Range Kathmandu at Bhadrakali of Kathmandu metropolis-11 today, the Prime Minister directed the police personnel to remain highly alert to potential forces unleashing instability and anarchy, and to deliver with the dedication to the interest of citizens.

"The incumbent government will not tell the Nepal Police not to arrest any criminals, any accused and ask for framing the innocents," he said, adding that the incumbent government was formed with the sentiments for delivering something for the cause of the nation and people.

He said that the Nepal Police is expected to serve the citizens at its best level and abide by the Constitution and law.

The Prime Minister of the coalition government said the government wishes to promote stability in the country. He also assured that no employee in the police institution has to seek undue favor from anyone else for promotion and transfer. "This government does not entertain undue approach and influence," he said, urging police personnel to deliver confidently.

The building was constructed at a cost of Rs 1.26 billion and the Nepal Police purchased 15 ropanis (one ropani is equivalent to 5476 sq feet) of land owned by the then Nepal Food Corporation at a cost of Rs 1.10 billion to build the advanced building for the Range that first started its service in 2012 BS from Hanumandhoka.

Scrub typhus patients have increased in Makwanpur district of late.

With the beginning of August, the patients of scrub typhus, which appears intermittently in Makawanpur, have started to appear in large numbers recently.

Krishna Bahadur Mijar, Head of the District Public Health Office, informed that the number of scrub typhus patients in Makawanpur has reached 70 since this last July.

Like dengue infection, most scrub typhus patients have been found in Hetauda Sub-Metropolitan City. Mijar said that 39 scrub typhus patients were found in Hetauda Sub-Metropolitan City.

Similarly, nine scrub typhus cases were found in Makawanpurgadhi, six in Manhari Rural Municipality, seven in Bakaiya Rural Municipality, four in Bhimphedi Rural Municipality, one each in Bagmati Rural Municipality, Kailash Rural Municipality and Raksirang Rural Municipality.

Chief Mijar urged people to take precaution as scrub typhus can be caused by the bite of a mouse mite.

Likewise, the number of dengue infected people is increasing in Makawanpur in the last one month.

Since Mid-July, 143 dengue infected people have been found in Makawanpur district.

Babita Hamal is the Managing Director of Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort in Dhulikhel, owned by Om Stone Asia Capital Pvt Ltd. The resort, which opened in July 2023, is just over an hour’s drive from Tribhuvan International Airport and 25 km from Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. ApEx spoke with Hamal about the resort’s business and the broader hospitality sector.

What inspired you and your team to join the hospitality industry, and what has been  your journey so far with Dusit International? 

My husband had the privilege of leading several remarkable hospitality projects across  Southeast Asia, Africa and the Caribbean islands. After nearly 19 years abroad, we made the decision in 2016 to return to Nepal, driven by a desire to contribute meaningfully to our homeland. We have always believed that tourism holds the potential to transform Nepal, given the country’s abundant natural resources, rich biodiversity and vibrant culture. Particularly in rural areas, tourism projects serve a broader purpose by boosting the local economy and providing  employment opportunities to local communities. 

Dusit International’s commitment to excellence and their supportive team have been instrumental in our journey. The visionary leadership of the Group CEO, Suphajee Suthumpun, has been a  source of great inspiration, guiding us as we navigate this new industry. Their emphasis on  maintaining high standards and delivering exceptional service has resonated with our own values,  making Dusit the perfect partner for this flagship endeavor in Nepal. 

From the initial stages of planning to the grand opening and beyond, the entire Dusit team has  been with us every step of the way. This partnership has not only introduced a new standard of  hospitality in Nepal but has also allowed us to learn and grow, ensuring that our guests receive  an experience that is both unique and unforgettable. 

Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort is located in a unique setting in Dhulikhel. What was the vision behind choosing this location? 

Our goal was to create a sanctuary where guests can escape the hustle and bustle of  city life, yet remain connected with the cultural richness of Nepal. The location allows for easy  access to both the vibrant city life of Kathmandu and the tranquility of nature, making it an ideal  choice for our resort. Moreover, being the first international chain in this vicinity, we saw an  opportunity to bring Dusit International’s renowned hospitality and wellness expertise to a location that has historically been cherished for its tranquility and cultural heritage. 

Since the resort has been operational for about a year, what have been some of the  key challenges and successes you’ve experienced so far? 

Reflecting on the past year since the resort’s opening, we’ve encountered both challenges and significant successes that have shaped our journey.  

Tourism investments, particularly in a high-capital sector like ours, demand a long-term approach to investment recovery. One of the most significant challenges facing us, common among tourism investors in Nepal, is the country’s limited infrastructure. For instance, while our  resort is relatively close to Kathmandu, the road conditions make travel uncomfortable for our  guests. This highlights a critical area where government intervention is necessary, as inadequate  infrastructure impacts the entire tourism industry across Nepal.

Another key challenge has been managing human resources, particularly in the context of  finding skilled professionals, who align with our brand's ethos and high standards. On the success  front, our ability to blend Nepali and Thai hospitality traditions has resonated deeply with our  guests, resulting in high satisfaction rates and repeat visitors. The overwhelmingly positive response from both local and international guests, as well as recognition from esteemed platforms like TripAdvisor, has been incredibly rewarding. 

Sustainability is a major focus in the hospitality industry today. What initiatives has Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort implemented to promote sustainability and environmental responsibility? 

We’ve implemented a strict no-plastic policy and have an efficient waste management system to minimize our environmental footprint. By collaborating with local farmers, we source fresh, organic vegetables, supporting the community and reducing food miles. These efforts align with Dusit’s Four Gracious Pillars, ensuring that our commitment to sustainability is woven into every aspect of the guest experience. 

How does the resort engage with the local community, and what steps are being  taken to support local businesses and culture? 

We offer immersive experiences, such as village tours and visits to local farms, allowing  our guests to connect with and appreciate the rich culture and traditions of the area. Additionally, we're proud that more than 50 percent of our employees are hired locally, ensuring that our operations directly benefit the community and support local businesses. 

What are your future plans for Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort? Are there any new  projects or expansions on the horizon? 

We are excited to announce that we will be expanding our resort with additional 26 keys, set to open by Q4 2024. This will complete our project of 72 keys (86 rooms), allowing us to offer even more guests the opportunity to experience the unique beauty and serenity of our Himalayan retreat. 

Do you have any advice for aspiring hospitality professionals who wish to follow in  your footsteps? 

My advice would be to always put guest experiences at the forefront of your efforts. Empower your team to take ownership and innovate. Cultivate a culture of care and collaboration, and never stop learning and adapting to new trends and challenges in the industry.

The price of gold has dropped by Rs 100 per tola in the domestic market on Monday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the yellow metal is being traded at Rs 152, 200 per tola today. It was traded at Rs 152, 300 per tola on Sunday.

Similarly, the price of silver has dropped by Rs 10 and is being traded at Rs 1,840 per tola today.