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The Nepal Institute of International Cooperation and Engagement (NIICE) hosted the Nepal-India Think Tank Forum on Regional Resilience: Strengthening Nepal-India Security Cooperation with the senior experts from major think tanks of India and Nepal. 

Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh (Retd.), the Director General of the United Service Institution of India, oldest think tank of the Indian military shared that “Nepalis courage and valour have been at the forefront of Indian military strength and national security."

He also shared that “Agniveer scheme is open to Nepali citizens at par with Indians, and is akin to the earlier pre-1970s non-pensionable colour service. The scheme offers an opportunity to invest in human capital, with disciplined, motivated, empowered youth that strengthens and enriches society," reads a statement issued by NIICE. 

Ambassador Pankaj Saran, former National Security Advisor of India, praised Nepalis youth and urged youth from both countries to shape the future of Nepal–India relations.

Alok Bansal, Executive Vice President of India Foundation shared that India is a major victim of cross-border terrorism and it has a huge impact on Nepal as well.  

Similarly Professor Sangeeta Thapliyal of Jawaharlal Nehru University said that think tanks should strengthen India–Nepal ties and urged both governments to promote research.

Dr Gaurav Saini, co-founder of the Council for Strategic and Defence Research, noted that while India–Nepal ties are strong, human trafficking, narcotics smuggling, and counterfeit currency are the transnational threats affecting both countries. 

Maj. Gen. Binoj Basnyat, Political and Security Analyst, said that elections alone may not ensure Nepal’s stability and called for inclusive dialogue, according to the statement. 

Anurag Acharya, Director PEI discussed three major avenues including Physical connectivity, highlighted tech integration, religious and cultural tourism and sports as emerging opportunities.

Bibek Dhoj Thapa, Program Coordinator at NIICE emphasized that India–Nepal relations should focus on partnership with the rising youth population, seeing India not as a post-colonial power but as a strategic partner. 

Sumitra Karki, the Director of NIICE emphasized the need to engage academically and policy-wise in enhancing bilateral relationships. 

Ten of the 12 people, who died in a bus accident that took place earlier today near Manthali, the district headquarters of Ramechhap, have been identified.

They are Bhim Bahadur Tamang (38), Sanumaya Tamang (35), Ramita Tamang (26) and Tara Tamang (31) of Likhu Tamakoshi Rural Municipality-7 in Ramechhap; Babi Tamang (22) and Dipendra Basnet (26) of Likhu Tamakoshi-4; Dipesh Basnet of Likhu Tamakoshi Rural Municipality-6; Man Kumari Baruwal (45) of Likhu-6; Shiva Shrestha (34) of Golanjor Rural Municipality-6 in Sindhuli; and Man Bahadur Tamang (60) of Bhimeshwor Municipality-8 in Dolakha, according to Manthali Hospital’s Medical Superintendent Dr Keshab Singh Dhami.

The identities of two others are yet to be ascertained.

Ramechhap’s Deputy Superintendent of Police, Bhola Bhatta, said eight people, including the driver, were injured in the accident and are being treated at Khurkot-based Jeevan Hospital, Manthali Hospital, and Tamakoshi Hospital.

Police have taken the bus driver into custody. 

The search for the remaining passengers is underway.

The accident occurred when the bus (Pradesh 03-01-005 Kha 9975) of Araniko Yatayat, heading to Okhaldhunga from Kathmandu, veered off the road and plunged into Tamakoshi River at Masantar of Manthali Municipality-6 this morning.

The Ministry of Forests and Environment (MoFE) and WWF Nepal have signed a Project Implementation Agreement for the Global Environment Facility–8 (GEF-8) funded project “Managing Human–Tiger Interface in Nepal.” 

The agreement marks a major step forward in efforts to reduce human–wildlife conflict and promote coexistence.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Honourable Madhav Prasad Chaulagain, Minister of Forests and Environment, and builds on the Financing Agreement concluded on 25 January 2026 between the Ministry of Finance and WWF Nepal.

The USD 4. 9 million project will be implemented over five years by MoFE with WWF as the GEF Agency and partner.

The project focuses on improving habitat management, promoting livelihood alternatives, and enhancing knowledge-based management through four integrated components.

“This project reflects a shared vision for coexistence between people and tigers. WWF Nepal is proud to partner with the Ministry of Forests and Environment and the Government of Nepal to address the increasing Human Wildlife Conflict.” Said Dr. Ghana Shyam Gurung, Country Representative of WWF Nepal. 

“Through this initiative, we aim to catalyse community-led change and build sustainable models of human-wildlife coexistence that can be scaled and replicated across Asia’s tiger range countries,” he added.

Representing the Government of Nepal, Dr Rajendra KC, Chief, Planning, Monitoring and Coordination Division- MOFE, noted, “The signing of this project agreement underscores the Government of Nepal’s commitment to sustainable development. 

Stakeholders have urged a coordinated and inclusive approach to conserve the Mountain Torrent frog in Nepal, highlighting the importance of collaboration among local communities, local governments and conservation agencies. 

The call was made during a workshop organized by the Environment Protection and Study Center (ENPROSC) at Baneshwor, Kathmandu  to share the findings of the project titled “Promoting Conservation of Mountain Torrent Frogs.”

Project team members, representatives of national and international conservation organizations, researchers, students and journalists from various media houses participated in the program.

Mountain Torrent frog (Amolops mahabharatensis) is a newly described species, first reported in 2020 by herpetologist Janak Khatiwada from the Hattibang area of Ichhakamana Rural Municipality in Chitwan district.

Despite being newly identified, the species is already listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Dr Khatiwada has reported rampant exploitation of the species in its native habitat.

The species faces growing pressure due to collection for consumption, prompting the project’s focus on awareness and behavior change among local communities and youth. 

Prabin Lama, secretary of ENPROSC and a project team member, said the project succeeded in delivering conservation messages to local communities. 

He noted that many residents became aware of frog conservation efforts through school-based programs.

Paudel added that several students expressed willingness to stop consuming amphibians and promote conservation messages within their families.

Participants at the workshop stressed the need to sustain eco-clubs beyond the project period and called for stronger coordination with local governments to integrate conservation concerns into local policies.

The workshop was chaired by ENPROSC president Narayan Niraula, who said the project was an extension of Croaking Monsoon, a citizen science initiative of ENPROSC focused on studying and conserving frogs in Nepal. 

The project was carried out with the financial support of Stiftung-Artenschutz, a German conservation foundation.