NEPAL GOVERNMENT
Nepal seeks better BRI terms as ruling party MPs visit China
Nepal is dispatching a group of MPs to China to negotiate potential advantages from the Belt and Road Initiative. Prime Minister Balen Shah emphasized negotiating with assurance and encouraged the MPs to meticulously examine how Nepal can benefit from Chinese projects. The talks are anticipated to cover concerns regarding financing and implementation, as the government remains vigilant about risks associated with BRI involvement.
Big polluters may muddy the waters again at COP
The report by Kick the Big Polluters Out, a global coalition of more than 450 environmental and civil society organisations, said representatives of major fossil fuel companies, Big Tech, industrial agriculture and food industries have accessed the climate talks through various routes.
Delhi Trade Fair 2026: Tickets, price, dates, metro stations, parking and traffic advisory
Delhi Trade Fair Ticket Online Booking: Delhi Trade Fair 2026 will be held at Bharat Mandapam from November 14 to 27, with public entry starting November 19. Check ticket prices, how to book tickets online, weekday and weekend rates, nearest metro station, parking facilities, entry gates and Delhi Traffic Police advisory.
Chhath Puja 2026 Starts Today: Check Nahay Khay Date, Kharna, Sandhya Arghya, Usha Arghya Timings & 4-Day Ritual Calendar
Chhath Puja 2026 will be observed from November 13 to November 16, with Nahay Khay on Friday, Kharna on Saturday, Sandhya Arghya on November 15 and Usha Arghya on November 16. Is Chhath Puja on November 15 or 16? Check the complete four-day calendar, sunrise and sunset timings, puja rituals, vrat rules, samagri list and festival significance.
"Very salient": UN climate chief backs PM Modi's remarks on clean energy cushioning India against oil price shock
UN climate chief Simon Stiell has endorsed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks that clean energy investments helped India withstand the oil price shock, calling them "very salient". Stiell also welcomed India's Green Energy Corridor, emphasising the role of renewable energy, stronger electricity grids and battery storage in protecting economies.
Are authorities losing control as youth protests leverage technology to bypass shutdowns?
Youth-led protests around the world have increasingly relied on digital tools to organize and communicate. Authorities find it challenging to respond effectively to these protests, as traditional methods such as internet shutdowns are less effective. The recent demonstrations in New Delhi highlighted the use of Bluetooth-based messaging and VPNs for coordination. Governments may need to consider more proportional responses to avoid further radicalization of protest movements.
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Climate crisis is outrunning world, UN chief Antonio Guterres warns leaders at COP31
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addressed world leaders at the COP31 summit in Turkey regarding climate change action. He warned that the slow international response threatens the planet's future and urged countries to implement clean energy solutions. Negotiators from nearly 200 nations are currently seeking agreement on enhancing electricity's role in global energy consumption. The summit occurs amid significant geopolitical challenges and alarming climate data highlighting increasing global temperatures.
UP BJP chief says upcoming election about "defeating those who want to destabilise India"
Pankaj Chaudhary condemned the opposition's recent protests, stating they aim to destabilize the country. He emphasized that the upcoming 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly election is critical for national stability. Chaudhary accused the opposition of seeking to mimic political movements seen in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. He noted the support from the youth and citizens in rejecting the opposition's efforts.
India drawing up list of export snags in South Asia
India is identifying regulatory and market-access barriers in seven South Asian countries to expand exports and reach its $1-trillion target. Merchandise exports to these markets fell 1.3% to $25.7 billion in FY26. The government is examining certification delays, tariffs and product standards while exploring opportunities in chemicals, pharmaceuticals and textiles.
Suvendu Sarkar rolls out Diwali bonanza for Bengal babus, hikes IAS allowances by 50%
The Suvendu Adhikari-led West Bengal government has announced a range of benefits for its IAS officers, including a 50% hike in monthly sumptuary allowances for senior officials, education loans of up to Rs 50 lakh for children's studies in India and abroad, and expanded foreign travel benefits under LTC. The package also includes housing, electricity and post-retirement benefits, along with allowances for official work-related expenses.
COP31 a 'moment of truth': UN chief Guterres urges world leaders to act now on climate change
António Guterres has urged global leaders to take immediate action against climate change ahead of the COP31 summit. He emphasizes that responsibility should not be shifted and that everyone must commit to change now. Guterres highlights the worsening impact of climate disasters and the interplay between climate change and other global challenges. Additionally, he believes that fossil fuel companies should contribute by being taxed on their profits.
Nepal PM seeks $2B package ahead of visit
Nepal is preparing to request a $2 billion economic package from India during Prime Minister Balen Shah's upcoming visit. The package includes $1 billion in credit for infrastructure projects and $1 billion in grants for highway upgrades and post-flood reconstruction. Additionally, Nepal will advocate for new air routes between the two countries during the visit.
Govt eases passport, visa rules for foreign nationals residing in India
The Union home ministry has announced relaxed passport and visa requirements for certain foreign nationals. These amendments apply to individuals including Pakistani citizens and minority refugees. Exemptions also cover members of religious communities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan on humanitarian grounds. Registered Sri Lankan Tamils and Tibetans who entered India under specific permits are included in the amendments.
India ready to help Nepal rebuild flood-hit infra, deepen energy ties
India's foreign secretary Vikram Misri communicated support for Nepal's infrastructure rebuilding after the recent floods. During meetings in Kathmandu, Nepal's PM Balen Shah thanked India for its disaster response assistance. Discussions also focused on expanding energy cooperation, with Nepal seeking new investments in various sectors. Several India-funded projects are set to be inaugurated during Shah's upcoming visit to India. This visit marks Shah's first bilateral overseas engagement as Prime Minister.
India, Nepal reaffirm commitment to all-round enhancement of partnership as FS Misri meets PM Shah
India and Nepal have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties as Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Prime Minister Balendra Shah in Kathmandu ahead of his expected visit to Delhi later this month. Discussions covered trade, energy, connectivity, sports and new areas of cooperation, including AI and digital connectivity.
Centre relaxes passport, visa rules for select foreign nationals; revises Nepal, Bhutan travel norms
The Centre has announced amendments to immigration rules for several categories of foreign nationals residing in India. Pakistani citizens who entered India before December 31, 2009, may be exempt from renewing their passports. Additionally, certain refugees from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan fleeing persecution are included in these exemptions. Registered Sri Lankan Tamil nationals and Tibetans with specific entry permits also benefit from relaxed requirements.
SJVN holds talks with Nepal government to expedite 1,569-MW hydropower projects
SJVN Ltd chairman Bhupender Gupta met various Nepal government officials to expedite hydropower projects. The discussions focused on the Arun-3 project and the challenges it faces, including land issues. Necessary approvals were also discussed for the pre-construction activities of the Lower Arun project. SJVN aims to strengthen energy security and promote sustainable power generation in Nepal.
NHAI will dig up rivers to build highways: 1,078 lakh cubic metres of silt identified to tackle Bihar floods & speed up roadwork
The Centre and Bihar government have launched the 'Nadi Sanjivani' initiative to tackle recurring floods through river desilting while supporting highway construction. Under the agreement, NHAI will use 1,078 lakh cubic metres of excavated silt and sand in ongoing and upcoming national highway projects. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said the initiative could serve as a model for other states.
Road ministry signs MoU with Bihar to use river silt for national highways construction
The ministry of road transport and highways signed an MoU with the Bihar government for river desilting. This initiative aims to use excavated silt in ongoing and future National Highway construction projects. A total of 1,078 lakh cubic metres of silt is planned for utilization in 43 highway projects in Bihar.
INDIA bloc trying to destabilise country: UP BJP president
Pankaj Chaudhary, the Uttar Pradesh BJP president, accuses the INDIA alliance of trying to destabilise India. He claims their actions are inciting the public and undermining democracy. Chaudhary emphasises the importance of the BJP's march aimed at raising public awareness about these issues. BJP leader Priyanka Rawat asserts that the opposition lacks substantive issues and misleading the public.
Foreign funding must be probed, but it cannot brush aside local concerns over the Siang dam
CBI is examining alleged foreign funding concerning protests against the Siang Upper Multipurpose hydropower project. Local communities have opposed the project for nearly two decades due to various concerns. These concerns encompass displacement, loss of ancestral land, and cultural identity. Recent natural disasters highlight the risks associated with large hydropower projects in fragile environments. Addressing these concerns requires transparency and public scrutiny rather than mere speculation about foreign influence.
Assam signs Rs 600 crore deal for India's first state-run proton therapy centre
The Government of Assam has signed an agreement with IBA Particle Therapy India Pvt. Ltd. to establish a Proton Beam Therapy Centre. This facility will be the first of its kind in India, aiming to provide advanced cancer treatment. The project involves an investment of approximately Rs. 600 crore, with support from the World Bank. Specialised training will be provided to medical personnel for operating this advanced technology.
India's FTAs to open new export opportunities as country eyes $1 trillion milestone: IIFT VC
India's trade deficit is likely to persist as long as the country remains dependent on oil imports, although rising exports of value-added petroleum products are helping narrow the gap, K. Rangarajan, Vice-Chancellor of the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), said on Friday.
Foreign secretary Vikram Misri to prepare ground for Nepal PM's India trip
Foreign secretary Vikram Misri is scheduled to visit Kathmandu to prepare for Balendra Shah's visit to India. Shah's visit will mark his first trip abroad as Prime Minister of Nepal, occurring in late November. Several India-funded projects are expected to be inaugurated, and new projects will be launched during this visit. Nepal is likely to request additional Indian investments in various sectors, including hydropower and hospitality.
PIL in Madras HC seeks probe into Cockroach Janata Party leader Saurav Das's background
A businessman has approached the Madras High Court seeking an investigation into Yogesh Sharma's background. He claims Sharma, known as Saurav Das, has Nepali roots that need to be probed. The petitioner alleges that Sharma has abused the judiciary and must therefore face consequences for his actions. Additionally, he requests the blocking of Sharma's social media accounts for derogatory statements against judges.
Japan, Bangladesh widen BIG-B ambitions, bring India into focus
Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi focused on the BIG-B initiative. The initiative aims to enhance economic cooperation and connectivity in the Bay of Bengal region. Japan is particularly interested in developing the Matarbari deep-sea port with Bangladesh's support. Both countries plan to expand supply chain networks linking India, Nepal, and Bhutan.
A little Nashik goes a long way in Italy
This month saw a Nashik company make waves by exporting wine equipment to Italy, a clear demonstration of India's burgeoning potential in the wine sector. The success of this small consignment is emblematic of an industry on the rise. Analysts predict domestic market expansion, particularly with relaxed state regulations, could see India's wine market soar to $2.6 billion by 2033, alongside a trend in non-grape wineries shaping the future.
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