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The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Kathmandu organized a program to launch a book on Tuesday.

Shiva Prasad Pokharel’s book ‘You can be the Boss’ (Tapai Pani Malik Banna Saknuhuncha) was launched amidst a program this afternoon.  

The book highlighted the success stories after the Employment Permit System (EPS).

The book features stories of Nepali returnees from South Korea, focusing on various sectors like manufacturing, agricultures, service, education and business sector, according to a statement issued by the Korean Embassy.

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance minister Bishnu Prasad Poudel, Korean Ambassador to Nepal Park Tae-Young, other officials from both countries and media persons were present on the occasion.

The book aims to inspire and encourage more Nepali youth is multifaceted, encompassing both economic opportunities and cultural impact.

On the occasion, the Korean ambassador said that this book is not merely a compilation of individual experience; it is a living record of the transformative power of bilateral employment cooperation between Korea and Nepal under the Employment Permit System (EPS).

Each individual featured in this book began their journey with courage—leaving home to work in Korea, where they gained not only income but skills, discipline, and a vision for their future, he said.

Upon returning to Nepal, they invested what they had earned—both financially and experientially—into creating businesses, generating local jobs, and contributing to their communities. They are now part of a virtuous cycle of migration, reintegration, and national development, he added.

Fifty Nepali entrepreneurs who came to Nepal from South Korea with skills exemplify what is possible when opportunity is met with ambition. They are more than success stories—they are role models, and their journeys are proof that temporary labor migration, when well-managed and mutually respectful, can bring sustainable benefits to both countries, the ambassador said.

Police have arrested three persons with 2,100 kg marijuana from the Dharan-Tarahara road in Itahari sub-metropolis, Sunsari on Tuesday.

Police nabbed them while they were heading towards Itahari from Dharan in a truck (Na 5 Kha 6116).

Police said that they confiscated 70 bags of marijuana hidden among the sacks loaded with vegetables: cabbage and potatoes, according to Superintendent of Police Suman Kumar Timalsina.

Police identified the arrestees as Rajendra Rai (32) of Shahidbhumi Rural Municipality-6, Dhankuta, Sunil Rai (33) and Suman Rai (34) of Barahakshetra Municipality-9, Sunsari.

The Itahari Police Office has launched an investigation into the case under the Narcotics Act, SP Timalsina confirmed.

Air pollution is the number one risk factor for death and disability in Nepal, according to a new report by the World Bank (WB).

Single-sector solutions are not sufficient to meet any clean air target. Public policy and investment need to optimize air quality actions across sectors, prioritizing those with the most cost-effective solutions, says the WB in a new report.

The report, 'Towards Clean Air in Nepal: Benefits, Pollution Sources, and Solutions', serves as a foundational assessment of air pollution in the country and the airshed of the Indo-Gangetic Plain and Himalayan Foothills (IGP-HF).

The report states that Kathmandu Valley and Tarai are Nepal’s air pollution hotspots, with no significant improvement over the past decade. Air pollution reduces life expectancy by 3.4 years for the average Nepali and causes approximately 26,000 premature deaths annually. In addition to health, air pollution impacts labor productivity, tourism, and the aviation sector. The economic cost of poor air quality is equivalent to more than 6 percent of Nepal's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) each year.

“Clean air and economic growth are not in conflict. In fact, the cost of inaction on pollution is far greater than the cost of taking bold steps today," said Minister for Forests and Environment, Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri. “From setting stricter industrial emission standards to promoting electric transport, the government is committed to cleaning Nepal’s air."

As pointed out in the Report, the multi-sectoral and multi-regional nature of air pollution requires action on many fronts. They include vehicle emissions, industrial emissions, household cooking, forest fires, and trans-boundary solutions.

The Report suggested actions to reduce vehicular emissions, like continuing to electrify vehicle fleets, including cars, motorcycles, buses, and trucks is critical to address air pollution. This needs to be complemented by strengthening the vehicle inspection and maintenance system and reducing road dust.

Similarly, support for cleaner technology and fuel adoption in industries—   including electric and pellet boilers and furnaces in small and medium enterprises—will help promote cleaner industries. Industrial facilities such as brick and cement factories also need to be supported to burn cleaner and more efficient fuels.

Supporting households to adopt cleaner and, preferably, electric cookstoves is key to cutting household sources of air pollution. Biomass-fueled stoves create both indoor and ambient air pollution.

Forest fire prevention by reducing the fuel load and developing effective awareness programs is critical for reducing the likelihood of forest fires. Effective response systems to put out fires are also needed, the Report said.

The Report also suggests partnering effectively with neighboring countries is critical. Transboundary airflows carry pollutants across borders. The Indo-Gangetic Plain and Himalayan Foothills Region share an airshed, meaning that pollutants can travel across borders, affecting air quality in multiple countries.  Nepal's unique geographical location, particularly the bowl-shaped Kathmandu Valley surrounded by mountains, exacerbates the problem.

Vehicular movement along the Kaligandaki corridor has been obstructed following a rockslide at Baralla in Kaligandaki Rural Municipality-6, Gulmi.

Rural Municipality Chairman Bed Bahadur Thapa informed that efforts are being made to remove the rock.

A police team led by Assistant Inspector of Police, Dev Bahadur Bhujel, has been mobilized from Bhurtung towards the incident site, according to Inspector of Police, Narayan Prasad Adhikari.

People have been urged to adopt alternative routes following the road disruption.

The passengers travelling via the corridor to reach Parbat, Baglung and Pokhara have been badly affected with the road blockade.