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Third Trans-Himalayan Forum on Communication and Social Development kicked off in Kathmandu.

The event was jointly organized by the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC), Kangba TV (China), Tribhuvan University, and Himalaya Television (Nepal).

Held under the theme “Peripheral Digital Communication and Regional Public Governance, the forum aims to address shared challenges through digital innovation and cross-border collaboration.

Amid complex and shifting global dynamics, strengthening trust and cooperation among Trans-Himalayan nations has become more critical.

Countries linked by shared geography and culture face common challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, water security, and sustainable development. The forum aims to leverage digital tools and academic dialogue to promote practical solutions and strengthen regional stability.

The event brought together over 150 scholars and practitioners from nine countries, including China, Nepal, the US, India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Japan, with more than 60 academic papers submitted.

The event’s timing, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of China–Nepal and the 75th anniversary of China–India diplomatic relations, stressed on its broader historical and regional relevance.

During the program, Professor Manukonda Rabindranath of Jawaharlal Nehru University (India) discussed AI-driven fact-checking tools, while Bhutan’s Dawa Penjor introduced the “Gelephu Mindfulness City” model. Professor Chen Changfeng of Tsinghua University examined how algorithms are reshaping societal cognition.

Women’s empowerment emerged as a key theme, with India’s Deepika Pant highlighting the resilience of Pahari women amid social and environmental transformations. Kangba TV host Qimi Wengmu emphasized the media’s vital role in amplifying women’s voices and promoting intercultural understanding.

Meanwhile, experts emphasized the need for deeper integration.

Professor Taibur Rahman (University of Dhaka) illustrated synergies among Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, and Nepal through case studies. Japanese photojournalist Hiroyuki Torii demonstrated visual storytelling’s power in bridging cultures, while Pakistan’s Professor Abida Ashraf advocated for enhanced media industry cooperation .

The Vice-Chancellor of Tribhuvan University emphasized the importance of evidence-based academic exchanges in the context of ongoing geopolitical shifts.

Professor Ding Huang, Dean of UESTC’s School of Public Administration, noted, “This forum serves as a digital bridge to share knowledge and tackle common challenges”.

Professor Han Hong, Director of the Center for Trans-Himalayan Communication Research, proposed a “Seven-Point Initiative” to consolidate consensus during the sessions.

The Mustang-Dolpa road has been closed for the last 10 days due to accumulation of snow on the road following heavy snowfall. 

The Road Division Office in Mustang has expanded the Mustang–Dolpa road from Pakling in Mustang through Sangta village to Chhuksam in Dolpa. 

To assist Upper Dolpa residents in transporting goods to Jomsom in Mustang and traveling to Pokhara–Kathmandu, the Baglung Road Division Office has upgraded the Mustang–Dolpa road and created a new track as the shortest direct route from the Dolpa headquarters. 

Additionally, the Mustang–Dolpa road was widened to facilitate the transport of goods from Mustang to Upper Dolpa and to enable the movement of sheep and yaks from Dolpa to Mustang. 

Surendra Gurung, the ward chairperson of Baragung Muktichhetra–5, reported that the Mustang–Dolpa road, situated at an elevation of 4,000 meters above sea level, has been blocked due to heavy snowfall. 

The blockage has hindered the transport of goods and vehicles from Jomsom to Chhuksam. 

Ward Chairperson Gurung mentioned that a request has been made to the Baglung Road Division Office to remove the snow.

The Supreme Court is coming into full operation from November 17. 

It has been delivering its service partially after the SC building was torched and damaged during the Gen Z protest on September 9.  

A meeting of the Supreme Court's full bench held on Thursday decided to operate all services regularly. 

The  hearing date for which was already scheduled would be conducted regularly from November 17 as case files have been saved from destruction. 

The meeting also took the decision to register all types of cases, applications and conduct hearings.

In a move prompted by unmet demands, groups of vendors and committees representing Melamchi flood victims have halted the diversion of water from the Melamchi stream to Kathmandu. 

Jagarnath Das, the Executive Director of the Melamchi Water Supply Development Board, said that local residents obstructed the water diversion at the source of the Melamchi Water Supply Project on Thursday. 

He remarked, "The locals have blocked the source today, demanding the fulfillment of the agreement made last year with former Water Supply Minister Pradeep Yadav." Since the main supply was cut off, the diversion of Melamchi water to Kathmandu has been entirely halted since Thursday afternoon. 

The locals have ceased the water supply, asserting that the demands of the flood and landslide victims from 2078 BS, along with other affected individuals, remain unaddressed. The Melamchi water supply, which had been interrupted in Mid-June due to the onset of rains, resumed on October 12. 

Executive Director Das stated that discussions would be initiated with the protesting groups to seek a resolution for the water supply to Kathmandu. Additionally, four concerned committees from Sindhupalchok and Kavre had previously blocked the Melamchi Water Supply Office in Pani Pokhari, Kathmandu, a week ago.