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Arnaud Cauchois, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Country Director for Nepal, paid a courtesy call on Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak on Thursday.

During the meeting, held at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Singha Durbar, Minister Lekhak acknowledged ADB's contributions to Nepal's infrastructure development.

In the occasion, Home Minister Lekhak requested ADB's continued support for several key projects in Nepal, including the upgrading of the Gaddachauki-Kohalpur section along the East-West Highway, the construction of the Mahakali Corridor, the upgrading of the Godavari-Dadeldhura road, and the development of additional infrastructure around the proposed Dodhara Chandani Dry Port project.

Moreover, the minister and the ADB’s country director exchanged views on the acceleration of smart city development projects supported by the ADB in Sudurpaschim Province, with ADB’s potential support for the building of religious tourism infrastructure in the province.

The minister also underlined the need for implementing a survey report developed by ADB last year, outlining strategies for promoting the tourism industry in the province.

In response, Cauchois said he would consult with higher-level officials at ADB before providing his further opinion on the matter.

Twenty species of birds were found during a survey of water birds conducted in Banke a few days ago.

Such species of birds were found along the Sikta area from Kusum of Rapti river and different lakes and rivers in the district.

Ruddy Shelduck, Siberian birds and birds migrating from Russia were recorded during the census, said Ornithologist Ram Shahi.

He added that garbage piled at ponds and lakes has shrunk the habitat of the aquatic birds. "The habitats of birds are also at risk due to noise pollution at picnic sites located near ponds and lakes," Shahi added.

Aquatic birds including Gadwall, Lesser Whistling Duck were also found in the course of the survey. A total of 276 birds were recorded in the survey conducted by Banke National Park and Buffer Zone community.

Information Officer at the Banke National Park, Mandeep Pangeni, shared that a team comprising Ornithologist Joshi had conducted the two-day survey and different species of birds were found at surrounding areas of Rapti river, local forest, Kanti and Sutaiya ponds and their habitats were found safe.

He expressed the belief that surveys conducted every year would help for the management of habitats of the birds.

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) plunged by 11. 10 points to close at 2,654. 35 points on Thursday.

Similarly, the sensitive index dropped by 1. 99 points to close at 446. 81 points.

A total of 15,104,033-unit shares of 318 companies were traded for Rs 7. 85 billion.

Meanwhile, Samudayik Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (SLBSL), Corporate Development Bank Limited (CORBL) and Sikles Hydropower Limited (SIKLES) were the top gainer today with their price surging by 10. 00 percent.

Likewise, Super Madi Hydropower Limited (SMHL) and Mandakini Hydropower Limited (MHL) were the top losers as their price fell by 10. 00 percent.

At the end of the day, the total market capitalization stood at Rs 4. 40 trillion.

"In Search of Shambhala" an art exhibition by celebrated Russian artist Natalia Zaitseva-Borisova is underway at Russian House in Kathmandu.

The event was inaugurated by Alina Novikova, spouse of the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Nepal, who lit the traditional panas to commence the exhibition.

Natalia Zaitseva-Borisova is an internationally acclaimed artist renowned for her works in the orientalist style, drawing inspiration from legendary Russian painters Vasily Vereshchagin and Nicholas Roerich.

With over 35 personal exhibitions worldwide, her work is praised for its ability to capture the essence of cultural heritage and natural beauty.

The exhibition features 24 captivating paintings created over several years, reflecting Natalia's extensive travels and her profound connection with Nepal and India since 2006.

Through her art, she brings to life the majestic landscapes of the Himalayas, intricate architecture, and the vibrant culture of the region.
This exhibition is dedicated to the memory of Alexander Mikhailovich Kadakin, a distinguished Russian diplomat and former Ambassador to Nepal, India, and Sweden.

A great admirer of Natalia’s work, Kadakin played a pivotal role in supporting her artistic endeavors in South Asia.

Organized in collaboration with the Russian House, the event attracted prominent dignitaries, cultural figures, and art enthusiasts.

It stands as a celebration of the enduring cultural ties between Russia and Nepal and showcases the artist’s remarkable artistic journey.

The exhibition "In Search of Shambhala" will remain open for public viewing at the Russian House, Kathmandu.

The price of gold has dropped by Rs 400 per tola in the domestic market on Friday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the yellow metal is being traded at Rs 159, 600. per tola today. It was traded at Rs 160, 000 per tola on Wednesday.

Similarly, the price of silver has dropped by Rs 20 and is being traded at Rs 1, 875 per tola today.

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) gained 52. 36 points to close at 2, 665. 45 points on Wednesday.

Similarly, the sensitive index surged by 8. 65 points to close at 448. 80 points.

A total of 17,692,819-unit shares of 322 companies were traded for Rs 9. 20 billion.

Meanwhile, Corporate Development Bank Limited (CORBL) and Dolti Power Company Limited (DOLTI) werethe top gaines today, with theit price surging by 10. 00 percent.

Likewise, Barahi Hydropower Public Limited (BHPL) was the top loser as its price fell by 8. 21 percent.

At the end of the day, total market capitalization stood at Rs 4. 42 trillion.

The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation has made notable strides in conservation and reconstruction of cultural heritages damaged by earthquake in 2015 and 2023.

The Ministry had set a target to carry out reconstruction of 25 such cultural heritages within the current fiscal year 2024/25.

By the middle of the fiscal year (mid-January), 27 such heritages have been successfully rebuilt and preserved, surpassing its target.

Progress relating to reconstruction of cultural heritages was, however, slower in the last fiscal year with 13 out of 24 planned stupas were completed across Dhading, Rasuwa, Sindhupalchowk and Dolakha districts.

This year, the Ministry attained an impressive progress in cultural heritages preservation efforts.

Joint-Secretary Ramkrishna Lamichhane informed that 20 heritage conservation works were scheduled for fiscal year 2023/24, a total of 40 have been completed so far.

Joint-Secretary Lamichhane further said that the Ministry has developed a concept paper for building eco-hill stations and establishing tourism spots in hilltops and thus has taken forward location selection process.

The Ministry has monitored three airlines companies to ensure compliance of safety standards.

Similarly, out of 50,000 pages that were to be collected, cataloged and preserved using chemicals, 10,000 pages have been collected and cataloged and preserved.

In a continuation of conservation work of heritage sites at Simraunagadh area in Bara district, the Ministry said that a notice of bidding has been published and evaluated and mandate has been given.

Also, the expansion of road network till eastern side of Bihar area in Bihar State of India under the Lumbini Master Plan recorded 68 per cent progress in the current fiscal year while electrification, road construction works at the cultural centre under the Lumbini Masterplan have been completed by 84 per cent till date, the Ministry added.

A three-day holiday has been declared in community and institutional schools in Nepalgunj due to the increasing cold.

The schools will be closed from today till January 24, said Gorkha Bahadur Thapa, Head of the Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City's Education, Youth and Sports Division.

He said this holiday has been given due to the excessive cold condition and it would be adjusted from the monsoon holidays.

It is difficult to run classes in schools due to the cold wave.

According to him, parents had also been informally requesting the schools and the local government for giving holiday in view of the excessive cold weather.