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The Embassy of Israel in Kathmandu observed the International Holocaust Remembrance Day by organizing a memorial program in Kathmandu on Tuesday.

The Day is commemorated annually on January 27 at a call of the United Nations to honour the memory of the victims of the Holocaust.

The event marked the remembrance of the six million Jewish men, women, and children murdered by the Nazi regime during the Second World War, one of the darkest chapters in human history.

The program was held under the global initiative “Zikaron BaSalon – Memory in the Living Room,” aimed at preserving Holocaust memory through education and personal testimonies.

Addressing the gathering, Israeli Ambassador to Nepal, Shmulik Arie Bass described the Holocaust as a black mark on human civilization and stressed the importance of remembering the tragedy to ensure that hatred, racism, and genocide never recur. 

He underlined the responsibility of the international community to combat antisemitism and all forms of discrimination.

Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission of Nepal, Top Bahadur Magar, also spoke at the event, highlighting the lessons of the Holocaust and its role in shaping modern international human rights law. 

He emphasized the need to promote dignity, tolerance, and respect for human rights across societies.

The program was attended by diplomats, government officials, representatives of international organizations, civil society members, and students. Messages and testimonies from Holocaust survivors, including a recorded testimony by survivor Sophia Geller, were presented during the event. 

Cultural performances by Nepali students added a reflective dimension to the ceremony, reinforcing the message of remembrance and hope.

Concluding the program, the Embassy of Israel reaffirmed its commitment to Holocaust education, remembrance, and the promotion of peace, tolerance, and mutual respect, stressing that remembering the past is essential to building a more humane future.

The country is currently witnessing a partial effect of low-pressure system. 

The Weather Forecasting Division predicted a cloudy weather in the hill hills and mountainous region of the country later this afternoon. Even a few places in the hilly and Tarai belts will see the cloud. 

Moderate snowfall and rains are expected in the high hills and mountainous region today. 

The moderate rainfall is likely in some places of Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpaschim Provinces. Light rainfall is expected also in Bagmati, Madhes and the hilly regions of Koshi Province, according to weather service. 

In view of the weather change, the Division has requested all concerned to stay alertness in the daily life, tourism, health and air and road travels as well.

The National Anti-Money Laundering Day is being observed by organizing various programs across the country today.

The Department of the Money Laundering Investigation is marking the Day amidst a function in the presence of Finance Minister Rameshore Khanal.

Director General at the Department, Gajendra Thakur, informed that the Day was being marked in memory of the issuance of the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2064BS.

The meeting of the Council of Ministers had decided on December 31, 2024 to observe the Day every year on Magh 14 as per Nepali calendar. 

The anti-money laundering initiatives aim at curbing financial crimes for fair business and resilient economy.

Earl J. Wilkinson, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the International News Media Association (INMA), visited Annapurna Media Network (AMN) office on Tuesday.

While visiting the AMN headquarters in Tinkune, Wilkinson emphasized the increasing difficulty of ensuring the sustainability and continued advancement of news media amid rapid digital transformation.

INMA is headquartered in Texas, USA, and works globally to strengthen news media organizations.

AMN Chairman Captain Rameshwor Thapa, Director Sachan Thapa, Editor-in-Chief Balkrishna Basnet, Group Chief Executive Officer Pankaj Baskota, and heads of various departments welcomed Wilkinson at the office. 

During the visit, Wilkinson presented a paper examining the current state of the global news media industry, highlighting emerging trends, the importance of balance and credibility in journalism, and evolving revenue models.

He noted that while the industry faces significant challenges, new opportunities are also emerging.

“Opportunities have begun to emerge in the media industry along with challenges with the change in time,” Wilkinson said. “We must not delay in transforming these opportunities into result-oriented solutions while addressing the challenges facing the media sector.”

He added that INMA is actively working to integrate global best practices, innovative revenue models, readership strategies, and market insights to help media organizations navigate ongoing challenges.

INMA currently has more than 24,000 media companies as members from across 103 countries.

On the occasion, AMN Chairman Captain Rameshwor Thapa said that Wilkinson’s visit would further strengthen the relationship between Annapurna Media Network and INMA.

“The innovative initiatives undertaken by INMA to address recent challenges in the media industry can serve as effective solutions for media organizations worldwide,” he said.

Editor-in-Chief Balkrishna Basnet emphasized the need for continued efforts to enhance the credibility of journalism and to make media organizations more digitally adaptable.