Submit your Article

The Korea Visa Application Center (KVAC) was officially inaugurated in Kathmandu on Friday.

Korean Ambassador to Nepal Park Tae-young, Song Mi-sun, CEO of HanaTour, officials from Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and representatives of local business communities were present in the inauguration ceremony held at the OneSky Building in Lalitpur.

The Center was opened to significantly enhance the convenience and accessibility of the Republic of Korea visa application process for residents of Nepal.

In response to the rapid surge in visa applications driven by increased bilateral exchange between Korea and Nepal, the KVAC, operated by HanaTour, has been entrusted with the crucial task of facilitating visa applications.

Song emphasized: “HanaTour brings 30 years of global experience in operating travel and visa services, along with proven expertise from managing visa centers in nations such as China, Vietnam, and the Philippines. We are committed to deploying stable and highly sophisticated services in Nepal to offer optimal convenience for all applicants planning their visit to Korea.”

Strategically located in Lalitpur, the Center has enhanced accessibility by extending visa application hours—previously limited to mornings—until 4 pm on weekdays, while telephone consultation services will be available until 9 pm.

In addition, diverse payment options and region-specific customized services are expected to greatly simplify the application process. Designed with a spacious layout, the Center also provides applicant computer workstations and a VIP room, offering improved convenience for all visitors.

A KVAC representative highlighted the center’s commitment to standardized yet localized service delivery: “Building upon a foundation of standardized services, we will operate the Korea Visa Application Center tailored to the characteristics of each region.

Through the implementation of a pre-reservation system and the operation of a centralized call center, visa applicants will now have easier and more convenient access to accurate information regarding Republic of Korea visas and the real-time status of their applications.”

The representative further added: “We anticipate that the provision of courteous and highly reliable services will positively contribute to the vitalization of both economic exchange and private-sector diplomacy between Nepal and the Republic of Korea.”

The center currently offers value-added services such as SMS tracking and courier services, with plans to progressively expand customer convenience services in line with future demand. This inauguration marks a critical milestone, establishing a stable infrastructure to effectively manage the growing demand for Korean visas in Nepal.

The representative further added: "We anticipate that the provision of courteous and highly reliable services will positively contribute to the vitalization of both economic exchange and private-sector diplomacy between Nepal and the Republic of Korea."

The Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce & Industry (NICCI) and the University of Nepal (UoN) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Friday to establish a strategic partnership aimed at developing skilled manpower by bridging the gap between academia and industry.

NICCI Director General Keshab Man Singh and University of Nepal Registrar Dr Suresh Acharya on behalf of their respective institutions signed the MoU.

Both organizations will collaborate to link academic knowledge with industry needs, build capacity, and work together in areas including training, workshops, conferences, and summits under this agreement.

Prof. Dr Bindu Lohani, Chancellor of the University of Nepal, said that the university is developing a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) model for financial (non-academic) operations and embraces an Industry–Government–Academia (IGA) approach.

He further said that the university is moving toward an interdisciplinary curriculum model, where the first-year curriculum emphasizes breadth of knowledge, followed by subject-specific depth. “Our courses are designed to equip students with the skills that the country urgently needs today,” he added.

The MoU aims to create a dynamic interface between academic knowledge and industry practices, enabling students to gain practical skills, foster innovation, and promote entrepreneurship through collaborative efforts.

Three persons died and eight others were injured in a jeep accident at Churibas in Nisdi Rural Municipality-4, Palpa on Friday.

The incident occurred when the jeep (Lu 1 Ja 3908) heading towards Palpa from East Arunkhola, Nawalparasi fell some two meters down the road at around 10 am today, DSP Home Prakash Chaudhary, Information Officer at the District Police Office, Palpa said.

The identities of the deceased are yet to be established, he added.

According to him, the injured are undergoing treatment at the Madhyabindu Province Hospital.

The Nepali Embassy, in coordination with relevant Thai authorities, deported 47 Nepalis involved in online dating scams, casino and gaming fraud, cryptocurrency crimes, and other online scams in Myanmar. They were flown back to Nepal on Wednesday via Nepal Airlines flight RA402.

The deported individuals come from 26 different districts, comprising 45 men and two women.

One person each came from Chitwan, Dailekh, Kaski, Kathmandu, Kavre, Palpa, Ramechhap, Rautahat, Salyan, Sarlahi, Sindhuli, Taplejung, and Tehrathum districts, two each from Dang, Mahottari, Morang, Nawalparasi, Nuwakot, Syangja and Tanahun districts, and three each from Dhading, Gorkha, Rupandehi, Sindhupalchowk and Udayapur districts and five from Jhapa.

According to them, they reached Myanmar through various people, including friends and online friends, friends who play online games such as PUBG, and advertisements on social media.

Their age group includes one 17-year-old, 26 people between the ages of 20 and 25, 10 people between the ages of 26 and 30, eight people between the ages of 31 and 35, one 40-year-old, and one 41-year-old.

Most of them have completed their 10+2 education and have studied information technology. They have been involved with scamming centers for periods ranging from two to 18 months.

A two-day Regional Workshop on “Assessing Impact of Transboundary Animal Diseases in South Asia,” followed by the SAARC CVOs Forum Meeting, was held in Colombo, Sri Lanka on Wednesday.

The event jointly organized by the SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC), Dhaka and the Department of Animal Production and Health (DAPH), Sri Lanka, aimed to strengthen regional coordination and assess the growing threat of transboundary animal diseases (TADs), which continue to affect livestock productivity, food security and rural livelihoods in South Asia.

The event brought together leading policymakers, scientists, veterinary experts and development partners from the SAARC Member States (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka), WOAH Asia and Pacific, FAO RAP, ACAPSI and Regional and International Organizations.

Speaking as the Chief Guest, D.P. Wickremasinghe, Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land & Irrigation called for stronger investment in technology, laboratory capacity and early-warning systems. He emphasized that safeguarding animal health is key to ensuring food safety, supporting rural economies and enhancing regional trade.

Guest of Honour Dr. Palika Fernando, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land & Irrigation, highlighted Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts to strengthen veterinary services and disease surveillance. She noted that regional workshops such as this provide vital opportunities for countries to learn from each other’s experiences and align their strategies.

Representing the SAARC Secretariat, Mr. Tanvir Ahmad Torophder, Director (ARD & SDF), SAARC Secretariat, Nepal, underscored the importance of integrating regional frameworks with national disease-control programs. He noted that the SAARC Secretariat will continue to support cross-border collaboration, capacity-building and harmonized reporting systems.

Md. Harunur Rashid, Director, SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC), in his special remarks, reiterated SAC’s commitment to promoting evidence-based policymaking and fostering collaboration among SAARC Member States.

He stressed that South Asia, with one of the world’s largest livestock populations, must adopt a unified strategy to mitigate disease risks. “No single country can tackle TADs alone. Only through shared knowledge and joint action can we build resilient livestock systems,” he said.

The session concluded with remarks by the Chairperson, Dr. K.K. Sarath, Chief Veterinary Officer and Director General of DAPH, who stressed the need for sustained regional commitment.

The program began with an overview presentation by Dr. Md. Younus Ali, Senior Program Specialist (Livestock), SAC, who highlighted the economic and social consequences emphasized that regional disease surveillance, joint research and rapid response mechanisms are essential to safeguard livestock-dependent communities.

UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) have praised Nepal’s Ministry of Health and Population for launching the National Mental Health Campaign 2025, an initiative addressing the country’s pressing child and adolescent mental health challenges.

National data show that 5.2 percent of adolescents between the ages of 13 to 19 years have diagnosable mental health conditions, while 18.3 percent of children (6–18 years) report emotional or behavioral difficulties. Suicide remains the third leading cause of death among young people aged 15–29 years.

Despite this burden, most affected children, adolescents and young people receive little or no support.

The launch of the campaign coincides with the conclusion of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, with this year’s global focus on digital violence is especially relevant as adolescents face rising cyberbullying and online harassment, which directly impact their safety and mental wellbeing.

The campaign aims to raise awareness, strengthen prevention and expand access to care for those who need it.

UNICEF and WHO, long-standing partners in advancing child and adolescent mental health, applaud the Government’s progress in implementing the National Mental Health Strategy and Action Plan 2020–2025. Both agencies reaffirm their commitment to continue working with the government in ensuring mental health as a fundamental right for all.

Through the Helping Adolescents Thrive (HAT) Initiative—reaching more than 100,000 children with socio-emotional learning—both agencies have contributed to advancing mental health services nationwide.

WHO’s Special Initiative for Mental Health has strengthened integration of mental health into general health care, operationalized the National Suicide Prevention Helpline 1166, developed district hospital service models, and supported municipal mental health toolkits.

“It is encouraging to see the Government of Nepal prioritize mental health as demonstrated through advances in service integration and the launch of this important campaign. While access to quality mental health services remains limited for many, these steps show meaningful progress and strong national commitment. WHO is proud to have supported key mental health initiatives in the past and remains committed to assisting the government in strengthening mental health policies and systems to help ensure services are accessible for all,” said Dr Rajesh Pandav, Acting WHO Representative to Nepal, reads a statement issued by WHO.

UNICEF continues to strengthen early identification, referral and care pathways; train health workers; expand telemental health services at Kanti Children’s Hospital and provincial hospitals; enhance digital platforms such as U-Report and the Machhuni chatbot; and support policy and strategy development at national and local levels.

“UNICEF is honored to support Nepal in strengthening its mental health systems. From expanding services to those who need them and building workforce capacity to generating high-quality national data, Nepal is laying the foundation for a resilient, equitable mental health system. This campaign is an important step in ensuring children and adolescents receive the care and dignity they deserve,” said Alice Akunga, UNICEF Representative to Nepal, according to WHO.

Despite progress, gaps persist. Adolescents face heightened vulnerability due to violence, bullying, poverty, parental mental illness and other adversities. Risk-taking behaviors, including substance use, often worsen during this period.

Without support, young people risk stigma, exclusion, educational setbacks and rights violations — particularly adolescent parents, adolescents in early or forced marriage, orphans and minority groups.

UNICEF and WHO call for a comprehensive, multisectoral response with strong leadership, sustained financing, a skilled workforce and robust information systems. Action across sectors is needed to reduce adversity, strengthen nurturing care, expand opportunities and reduce risks such as substance use. Effective mental health services—from prevention to recovery—require coordinated support across digital platforms, schools, health and social care settings and communities every child and young person can thrive.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on December 9 welcomed the sixty-seven new Foreign Service officers. Official appointment letters were presented to them following an oath-taking ceremony.

Addressing the event, Foreign Secretary Amrit Kumar Rai congratulated all the new officers and instructed them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity while discharging their duties, guided by the motto of people first.

 He further emphasized the importance of competence, dedication and determination of Foreign Service officials to protect and promote Nepal’s national interest in the competitive world.

Sri Lankan Ambassador to Nepal Ruwanthi Delpitiya has held a meeting with a delegation from the Nepal Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NSCCI), led by the President Vijay Shrestha.

The meeting focused on enhancing trade relations, exploring avenues to promote two-way tourism and new trade opportunities and fostering mutual growth between Sri Lanka and Nepal, according to the Embassy.

Commercial Officer Bibek Wosti delivered a presentation on Sri Lanka Expo 2026 outlining the event prospects.

The discussions emphasized ways to further develop bilateral trade, enhancing tourism collaboration and highlighted the potential for collaboration in upcoming trade initiatives, including participation in Sri Lanka Expo 2026.