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International Day in Memory of the Victims of Earthquakes is being observed for the first time today in different countries of the world with various awareness programs. 

Since 1900, there have been at least 12 major earthquakes, each of which killed more than 50,000 people. 

Earthquakes also have substantial economic consequences, accounting for more than a quarter of global disaster losses and causing trillions of dollars in damage in recent decades.

In acknowledgement of grave consequences of these disasters, the United Nations has established the International Day in Memory of the Victims of Earthquakes, observed annually on April 29 and tasked the United Nations Officer for Disaster Risk Reduction with facilitating its observance. 

In April 2025, the United Nations General Assembly designated April 29 as the International Day in Memory of the Victims of Earthquakes, inviting all member States, organizations of the United Nations system and other relevant international organizations to collaborate on the commemoration.

Beyond direct destruction, they can trigger fires, tsunamis and landslides, compounding damages across housing, health, education and livelihoods.

The Day provides a moment to remember those lost and renew commitment to prevention, preparedness, and building back better in line with the properties of Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.  

Shilapatra.com has announced the winners of its annual awards in eight categories, including the “Red Bull Shilapatra Person of the Year 2082.”

The winners were announced amidst a special ceremony held at a hotel in Kathmandu attended by more than 500 guests. 

This year, Prime Minister Balendra Shah 'Balen' was named as the 'Red Bull Shilapatra Person of the Year 2082'

The Shilapatra said that he was honored for leading the debate on the energy of the new generation and political change.

In the literary category, Dr Navaraj KC’s book ‘Swasparsa’ was awarded “Shilapatra Book of the Year 2082”.

Suraj Subedi became “Worldlink Shilapatra  Content Creator of the year 2082” while Rabindra Dhant, who achieved notable success in international MMA, was named  “Shilapatra Player of the Year 2082”.

Similarly, Jhuma Limbu was honored as “Shilapatra Artist of the Year 2082” for her contribution to the preservation and promotion of Nepali folk music.

Paran received the title of “Shilapatra Cinema of the Year 2082”.

Entrepreneur Ashish Sharma was selected as “Shilapatra Entrepreneur of the Year 2082” for establishing a Nepali brand in the international market.

Likewise, Krishna Prasad Neupane was named “The Governor Shilapatra CEO of the Year  2082” for his special contribution in the hospitality sector. 

Acting Chief Justice Sapna Pradhan Malla presented trophies and certificates to the winners. 

In a bid to promote Tharu foods, an indigenous food festival is being organized for the first time in Nepalgunj City. 

The Tharu food festival will be held for three days, beginning from April 30, according to General Manager of Soaltee Western Premier Nepal Raj Bikram Shah. 

The event has aimed at preserving and promoting indigenous cuisines and associated culture. "Experienced cooks prepare food items so that the visitors can relish the delicacies," Shah said, adding that the event is further expected to make known the long preserved food culture of Tharu community to the national and international markets. 

Anyone can visit the event for free of cost but requires a Rs 500 voucher to enjoy varieties of tastes. 

The festival runs from early morning to 11 pm every day. It also features cultural performances from 9 pm to 10pm. 

The living culture, arts and traditions of Tharu people are displayed during the festival, the organizers added. 

The eastern belt of Nepal has witnessed impact of low pressure range along with westerly and local winds. 

It is currently partly cloudy in Koshi, Madhes, Bagmati and Gandaki Provinces.

The Weather Forecasting Division has predicted heavy rainfall along with thunder and lightning in one to two places in hilly regions of Koshi and Gandaki Provinces, while storms in some places of Tarai belt later today.  

The weather service said that it is raining moderately in some places of Gandaki Province and one to two places of Bagmati and Karnali Provinces at present. The rainfall is coupled with lightning and thunder.

Most of the places in the hilly and mountainous regions of Koshi, Madhes, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpaschim Provinces are likely to have cloudy weather. 

One to two places of Lumbini and Sudurpaschim Provinces are expected to have moderate rainfall along with thunder and lightning.