China Southern launches A320 Neo flights from Guangzhou to Kathmandu

On Tuesday, China Southern Airlines launched a new direct flight between Guangzhou and Kathmandu, using its A320 Neo aircraft. 

The A320 Neo offers greater seat capacity and a more spacious cabin compared to previous models, providing passengers with a comfortable and convenient travel experience. China Southern Airlines plans to further promote tourism, trade, and cultural interactions between the two countries through this upgraded service.

TikTok officially registered in Nepal

The social media platform TikTok has been officially registered in Nepal for the first time. TikTok received its registration certificate on Wednesday.

According to the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, TikTok has obtained VAT and PAN numbers.

The government had previously decided to ban TikTok in Nepal on November 13 last year, citing its lack of registration in the country.

‘Naya Banpale’ wins best children's work

The Nepal Children's Literary Society has announced ‘Naya Banpale’ (picture story) as the best work for children under eight in 2022. Following the recommendations of the Best Works Evaluation Committee, the working committee meeting, held on Nov 5 under the chairmanship of society president Pramod Pradhan, declared Indra Chaudhary's ‘Naya Banpale’ as the best work.

‘Naya Banpale’ is published by Room to Read. Other children's stories by writer Chaudhary include ‘Dhola Pharkiyo Ta?’ and ‘Kapas ko Ghoda’. Folktales and myths popular among the Ranatharu caste, known as Ranatharu Folklore, have also been published.

The society has declared ‘Sanken ko Khulduli’ (picture story) by Shrijana Rai as the best work for children aged eight and above. The 2021 Nebasas Award for Best Children's Book Writing was awarded to poet Mitralal Pangyani's ‘Nani ra Chari’ (Children's Poetry) for children under eight, and novelist Hari Khanal's ‘Aama’ (Children's Novel) for children aged eight and above.

Similarly, the Nebasas Best Children's Book Illustration Award for 2021 will be given to artist Kalagraj for ‘Baagsanga Jamka Bhet’ (picture book), and for 2022, to Krisha Tamrakar for ‘Yamari’ (picture book).

Bote community trained in plastic management

In an effort to combat rising pollution in Nepal's rivers, CREASION Nepal organized a “Capacity Building Training for Vulnerable Communities” on October 26, 2024, for the Bote community of Chitwan and informal waste workers (IWW). The training gathered 20 participants, including 10 Bote members, to enhance skills in plastic waste management and recycling, focusing on economic opportunities in the circular economy.

Sujata Koirala, CREASION Nepal General Secretary and CAP Project focal person, emphasized the Bote’s traditional role as river stewards, whose livelihoods are increasingly impacted by plastic waste. The program covered hands-on training in waste collection, sorting, and sales, along with financial strategies to promote sustainable practices.

“By empowering the Bote to manage waste effectively, we aim to reduce pollution and protect their rivers and community,” Koirala said, adding that these skills are crucial for fostering a cleaner, safer environment.