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The Nepal Geotechnical Society (NGS) organized the Geotechnical Model Competition and NGS Youth Symposium 2026 at the Institute of Engineering, Pulchowk Campus, Kathmandu, on Friday. The event was held as a preparatory program for the international conference GeoMandu 2027, scheduled for 17-19 March 2027, under the theme “Mountain Geotechnics for Infrastructure Development.”

The competition showcased physical and conceptual models addressing infrastructure challenges in Nepal’s geologically complex and mountainous terrain. Topics included landslides, sinkholes, earthquake damage, foundation systems, pavements, geogrid applications, hydropower structures, flood and water management, slope stabilization, and tunnelling. The event saw participation from four universities, eight engineering colleges, and eleven student teams, mostly undergraduate engineering students.

Pulchowk Campus won first prize for its model “Siphon Drainage System for Road Slopes to Reduce Landslides.” Universal Engineering and Science College secured first runner-up for “Smart Geotechnical Instrumentation and Early Warning System for Landslide,” while Himalaya College of Engineering placed second runner-up for “Stability Analysis of Cut Slope at Araniko Highway, Dhulikhel, Kavre.” Consolation prizes were awarded to Paschimanchal Campus for a model on smart water management for flood control and groundwater recharge, and to another team from Pulchowk Campus for “Static and Dynamic Analysis of Geogrid-Reinforced Soil in Foundations.”

Alongside the competition, the NGS Youth Symposium 2026 provided a platform for technical exchange and professional discussion. Chaired by Dhundi Raj Pathak, Convener of GeoMandu 2027, the symposium featured technical lectures and a thematic address focused on linking academic research with field practice. Presentations were delivered by Aadarsha Dhakal on modelling of laterally loaded pile foundations, and by Astha Bhatta on flow dynamics and energy dissipation in hydropower systems.

A thematic lecture by Rajan KC highlighted the role of geotechnical engineering in developing safe and resilient road infrastructure in Nepal. The program also included a panel discussion on strengthening transport infrastructure through geotechnical planning, design, and practice. Moderated by Abhash Acharya, the panel brought together experts from government, academia, and the private sector, who emphasized the need for early geotechnical involvement in infrastructure projects and systematic documentation of geotechnical challenges.

NGS General Secretary Kalpana Adhikari outlined the society’s ongoing work in capacity building, youth engagement, and international collaboration. NGS President Indra Prasad Acharya and Conference Chair Mandip Subedi said the event was part of long-term preparations for GeoMandu 2027, which will also host the 11th Asian Young Geotechnical Engineers Conference and the 1st South Asian Conference on Geotechnics in Nepal.

The event concluded with an award ceremony, where awards were presented by Prof. Sushil Bahadur Bajracharya, Dean of the Institute of Engineering, and Bijaya Jaishi, Director General of the Department of Roads.

The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) has strengthened engagement with key stakeholders from India’s travel, corporate, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions), and wedding tourism sectors by participating in MTM and LLTM 2026 held in New Delhi.

The event took place at Pullman New Delhi Aerocity on Jan 8–9, where the board participated as a focus partner. During the programme, NTB presented Nepal’s potential as a destination for corporate events, incentive travel, conferences, and wedding tourism, with India positioned as a priority source market.

According to the organisers, the Jan 9 program functioned as a decision-focused and targeted networking platform, bringing together selected corporate buyers, established brands, and senior industry leaders. Discussions focused on evolving priorities in tourism and the MICE sector through structured and forward-looking interactions.

A key feature of the event was the “reverse marketplace” format, which facilitated one-on-one meetings between buyers and sellers. NTB stated that this platform enabled direct engagement with Indian corporate and MICE decision-makers, helping to expand business linkages and strengthen confidence in Nepal as a destination.

Through destination presentations, the board promoted Nepal as an attractive option for incentive travel, conferences, experiential travel, and festival- and celebration-focused tourism. Citing India as Nepal’s leading tourist source market, NTB Chief Executive Officer Deepak Raj Joshi said such strategic participation is expected to support long-term tourism growth.

On the second day, the “MTM Star Awards for Wedding Planners” recognised organisations for excellence in India’s wedding and celebration economy. On this occasion, Nepal highlighted its growing presence in wedding and destination celebration tourism and expressed optimism about further expansion in this segment.

According to the Nepal Tourism Board, participation in targeted international platforms such as MTM and LLTM 2026 is expected to further strengthen tourism cooperation with India and contribute to positioning Nepal as an emerging destination for corporate, MICE, and wedding tourism.

Nepal GoodWeave Foundation marked its anniversary by celebrating a collective birthday of children under its care at the transit home Hamro Ghar in Kathmandu on Wednesday. The children cut a cake together and received birthday gifts from GoodWeave and partner organizations.

Vice President of Nepal GoodWeave Foundation and President of the Nepal Carpet Manufacturers and Exporters Association, Balram Gurung, welcomed the participants. The program was chaired by Foundation President Yubaraj Bidrohi and attended by General Secretary Kiran Thapa, Treasurer Kalpana Timilsina, and guests including Working Women Journalists (WWJ) President Ramkala Khadka, Looniva President Rupa Munakarmi, among others.

Speaking as the chief guest, Deputy Mayor of Kageshwori Manohara Municipality Shanta Thapa said she was pleased to attend the event and acknowledged the foundation’s work in addressing child labor in the carpet industry and supporting children’s return to education. Foundation President Bidrohi said GoodWeave has been observing the collective birthday of children every year on January 1, noting that the initiative aims to promote a positive environment, emotional well-being, and social inclusion. He also encouraged the children to focus on positive actions in the New Year 2026.

Consortium Nepal President Pradeep Kumar Lamichhane said such collective celebrations could serve as a model for other child protection homes. The program also featured cultural performances by the children, and prizes were distributed to winners of sports, art, and other competitions organized by GoodWeave.

Students from the Kathmandu University School of Law are implementing the Eco-Justice Initiatives, a project focused on environmental issues, community engagement, and governance along the Roshi River corridor.

According to the organizers, the initiative includes field research, community interaction, environmental assessment, and engagement with local governance bodies to collect data and inform discussions on environmental management and policy.

The project began with a panel discussion titled “Reimagining Tomorrow” at CV Raman Hall, Kathmandu University. The panel included Sagar Dhakal, Tashi Lhazom, Arnab Chaudhary, and Prasuj Mainali, who discussed topics related to environmental justice, governance, and community participation.

As part of field activities, students visited Kalati, Panauti, Banepa, and Bethanchwok. During these visits, they interacted with local residents and conducted environmental assessments, including water quality testing, soil sampling, and air quality monitoring, to document environmental conditions in the area.

The initiative also includes educational sessions at schools, where students discussed environmental awareness, sustainability, and civic engagement with schoolchildren.

In addition, the team has submitted Right to Information (RTI) requests to relevant authorities seeking information on land use, mining permits, and environmental governance. Information obtained through RTI responses is being used for research and discussion with local government bodies.

A Local Governance Dialogue was organized involving representatives from Bethanchwok, Dhulikhel, Banepa, and Panauti municipalities. The dialogue focused on environmental protection, policy implementation, and coordination between local governments, communities, and researchers.

The project also involves the production of a documentary intended to record environmental conditions, community perspectives, and project activities in the Roshi River area.

Organizers said preparations are underway to form a Women’s Climate Champion Group aimed at encouraging women’s participation in environmental and governance-related activities at the local level.

The Eco-Justice Initiatives project is supported by the British Council and the Association of Youth Organizations Nepal (AYON).