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Nepal is to organize a high-level event on the sidelines of 28th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) taking place in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, from Nov 30 to Dec 12.

On Dec 2, Nepal will organize the event titled “Call of the mountain: Who saves us from the climate crisis?” This event aims to amplify Nepal’s stance on climate change and mountain while advocating for the mountain agenda within the COP negotiation process. According to sources, the event is a panel discussion, to be chaired by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal. The panelists will have representatives from mountainous countries.

Prime Minister Dahal will lead the Nepali delegation and depart for Dubai on Nov 29. He will participate in the high-level segment of the COP28-World Climate Action Summit, scheduled for Dec 1-2. 

In a press release, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) stated that the prime minister will deliver a national statement on Dec 2 at COP28. Additionally, he is expected to attend the 52nd Union Day Celebration of the UAE and the Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony hosted by the UAE.

During the high-level segment, Prime Minister Dahal will also engage in bilateral meetings with heads of state, government leaders and other eminent figures attending the COP, per MoFA.

Prime Minister Dahal’s schedule includes a keynote address at the Nepal-UAE Business Summit, a visit to the Embassy of Nepal in Abu Dhabi and interactions with the Nepali community.

PM Dahal to meet Modi

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal is scheduled to meet his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on the sidelines of COP28. 

According to sources at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two leaders will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations and regional issues. Earlier this year, Dahal visited India from May 30 to June 3. Both sides are working to implement agreements reached during Dahal’s visit.

American President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping are skipping the conference.

Kathmandu District Administration Office (DAO)  has declared the sensitive stretch between Maitighar Mandala and Baneshwor area a prohibited zone for 30 days starting Monday. 

The stretch covers Padmodaya Mod-Singhadurbar (West Gate), Supreme Court-Maitighar Mandala and Maitighar Mandala-New Baneshwor. 

Clause 6 (3A) of the Local Administration Act, 2028 bars the congregation of more than five people at a riot-hit area or if there’s a possibility of riots in an area. 

The reading of the ‘riot act’ comes after the DAO made it clear that it won’t let neither Durga Prasain (a pro-royalist) nor Mahesh Basnet (a CPN-UML leader) organize demonstrations at the nerve center of Maitighar Mandala, given concerns related to peace and security. 

In reference to the rival groups’ plans to ‘show their respective strength’ simultaneously at Maitighar Mandala on Nov 23, Assistant Chief District Officer Rabindra Prasad Acharya told ApEx earlier that they won’t allow either of the protesting party to organize their programs at Maitighar Mandala, given its proximity to major hospitals, ministries, courts and schools. “We won’t allow the opposing sides to organize programs at the same place, time and date,” he added, “We have told them to conduct their programs at separate venues.”

In line with the DAO’s decision, the UML-aligned Yuva Sangh has relocated their demonstration at Tinkune. However, Prasain’s side has not responded to DAO’s ruling yet.

Acharya said the DAO was in constant contact with both sides, and the latter were okay with separate venues for their respective programs. “We will ensure security for both sides,” he said. 

The Yuva Sangh has announced a ‘demonstration of youth and students against the government and anarchists’ on Nov 23, while Prasain plans to launch a ‘nation, nationality, religion, culture, and civil protection campaign’ at the same time and place, giving rise to fear of clashes.

Of late, Basnet and Prasain, a former leftist leader, have come to blows, verbally, pointing at worsening relations between the two political forces. The UML expressed dissatisfaction with Prasain after his statement alleging UML Chair KP Oli’s ‘huge investments’ in Cambodia. Prasain has also charged that Basnet was behind a recent incident where a youth painted black soot on his face. On his part, Basnet has blamed a group for creating obstructions at the behest of Prasain while he was heading to Jhapa for attending a program.

In view of possible clashes between the two sides, the Home Ministry has held discussions with Chief District Officers (CDOs) and police chiefs of all three districts of the Kathmandu valley.

Spokesperson at the Kathmandu Valley Police Office, SP Dinesh Raj Mainali, said CDOs, who chair respective District Security Committees, were working in close coordination to ensure security. “We have been closely monitoring the developments and assessing security threats,” he said, adding that their focus will be on keeping the peace. 

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal is scheduled to attend the 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), starting from Nov 30 to Dec 12 in Dubai. The Ministry of Forest and Environment said preparations are underway for Dahal’s visit, planned from Nov 29 to Dec 4. 

On Dec 2, Prime Minister Dahal will address the high-level session scheduled for Dec 1 and 2, which will feature addresses by heads of state/government from around the world.

Nepal has intensified preparations for the conference. To finalize Nepal’s agendas, the ministry has announced a ‘National Climate Conference’ set to take place in Kathmandu on Nov 21.

The conference will delve into discussions regarding the National Adaptation Plan, the implementation plan based on the Nationally Determined Contributions, and the agenda for COP28.

Buddhi Sagar Paudel, Head of the ministry’s Climate Change Management Division, mentioned that senior officials from the ministry, chief ministers, heads and officers of concerned organizations, development partners, media representatives and others will partake in the program.

The ministry has already devised a roadmap for Nepal’s engagement at the conference and has been working accordingly. Joint Secretary Paudel stated, “For the conference preparations, a committee comprising secretaries of relevant ministries and key representatives of other concerned bodies, under the guidance of the minister, has been formed. Efforts have been made to gather suggestions.” 

Additionally, under the department’s leadership, a working group comprising representatives of line ministries has made significant progress in crafting the ‘National Position Paper’ for COP28 through coordination and consultations with stakeholders, he added.

Thematic groups covering topics like climate adaptation, mitigation, finance, loss and damage, global measurement and transparency, mountains, gender equality, young children and tribes have already taken shape.

As part of preparations for Nepal’s agendas at the COP28 conference, the ministry has established an expert group focusing on six core areas: Climate finance, adaptation, transfer of mountain technology and capacity-building, loss and damage, gender, youth, children, climate empowerment, and mitigation of climate change effects.

Nepal has prioritized specific issues for this conference, including climate finance, adaptation strategies, managing funds for climate-related loss and damage, addressing mountain-related concerns, reducing emissions and fostering inclusivity.

The ministry announced Nepal’s plan to set up a pavilion at the conference venue to host its programs. They anticipate more than 34 programs, covering diverse subjects, with a schedule of four programs per day at the pavilion from Dec 3 to 11. This marks the first instance where various national and international organizations will conduct programs at the pavilion, focusing on Nepal’s highlighted issues.

Experts in the field anticipate that the events held at the pavilion will effectively showcase Nepal’s concerns and help raise awareness and support for these critical issues.

On the eve of the conference, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres paid a four-day official visit to Nepal from Oct 29 to Nov 1. Nepali officials believe that Guterres’ priority on climate change, exhibited during the visit, will also make it easier for highlighting problems facing Nepal at the global stage.

During his visit, Guterres highlighted the critical issue of climate change in the Himalayas, emphasizing the alarming rate at which glaciers are melting. He drew parallels to regions like Greenland and Antarctica, pointing at rising sea levels and other visible impacts in the form of floods, landslides and consequential disruptions to communities. Guterres emphasized the urgency of climate action, stating, “We must stop this madness. We must move forward with climate action.”

Highlighting Nepal’s challenges, he noted that the country’s glaciers had melted 65 percent faster in the last decade than in the previous one. 

To better understand the real impact of climate change on local livelihoods, Guterres engaged with residents of Khumbu Pasang Lhamu rural municipality-4 in Solukhumbu district. This interaction allowed him to comprehend firsthand how climate change has multifaceted effects on their daily lives. 

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Dahal has affirmed his commitment to assert Nepal’s stance and views on the impact of climate change directly at COP28. Speaking at an event organized on Saturday by the Nepal Mountaineering Association to hand over the peace torch at the Sagarmatha base camp, Dahal emphasized the need to assert rights rather than relying solely on supplication.

He highlighted Nepal’s stance, stressing that those responsible for carbon emissions must take greater accountability and contribute to the climate fund. Nepal, in the global climate discourse, aims to claim its rights rather than seek mere assistance.

Moreover, the Prime Minister recalled the recent visit of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to the Khumbu region, citing it as a reminder to the world about pressing issues. He noted Guterres’ visit, during which he inspected the impacts of climate change and engaged with local residents and representatives. Dahal highlighted the significant contribution of Guterres’ visit in highlighting the climate change challenges facing the region on a global scale.

During the second Voice of Global South Summit also, Prime Minister Dahal reiterated that climate change poses a significant threat to humanity. He affirmed Nepal’s unwavering dedication to implementing the Paris Agreement, emphasizing the country’s measures aimed at safeguarding and sustainably managing natural resources. “Nepal is actively engaged in effective adaptation and mitigation strategies and has expressed commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2045 through the promotion of green initiatives,” he added.

Agendas for COP28

• Climate finance: Strategies and mechanisms to secure funding for climate-related initiatives, focusing on sustainable development and resilience against climate change impacts
• Adaptation: Developing and implementing strategies to adapt to changing climatic conditions, emphasizing resilience-building measures
• Transfer of mountain technology and capacity-building: Facilitating the transfer of relevant technologies suitable for mountainous regions and enhancing the capacity of local communities to manage and adapt to climate change
• Loss and damage: Addressing the impacts of climate change-induced loss and damage, including measures to mitigate and manage these effects
• Gender, youth, children, climate empowerment: Promoting inclusivity and empowerment of marginalized groups such as women, youth, and children in climate action and decision-making processes
• Mitigation of the effects of climate change: Implementing strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change through various measures and initiatives

Several countries are grappling to find their missing and killed citizens in the latest Israel-Palestine war that has since Saturday claimed at least 1,600 lives, and is only expected to escalate. 

Ten Nepali students have been killed while 55 from Israeli bunkers and 72 from Lebanon have been shifted to safe places since the war broke out four days ago, Nepali Ambassador to Israel Kanta Rizal told ApEx over the phone. 

The ambassador also said that despite reports in some Nepali media regarding potential hostage-taking of Nepali citizens by the Hamas militants, there have been no official reports supporting these claims.  “We followed the reports of Nepalis being held hostage and relayed this information to Israeli officials, but there is no truth to these rumors,” said Rizal.

According to the diplomat, only one Nepali citizen is reported missing, and both the Nepali Embassy in Israel and Israeli authorities are actively searching for him.  The Nepali Ambassador informed that the southern region of Israel is where most of the clashes have been taking place, and there are no Nepalis in the zone and its immediate vicinities needing emergency rescue.

Around 4,500 Nepalis are currently employed as caregivers in Israel while 265 Nepali students are studying there as part of the Israeli government’s ‘Learn and Earn’ program. Among the students, 119 are from the Agriculture and Forestry University, 97 from Tribhuvan University, and 49 from Far-Western University (FWU). Seventeen students from FWU were employed at an agricultural farm in Alumim, located near the war-torn Gaza Strip.

Ten Nepali students enrolled in educational institutions in southern Israel lost their lives in a shock attack launched by the Hamas militants on Saturday. Fifty-five students were rescued from bunkers during the attack. The embassy has opened an online registration for those wishing to return to Nepal. Around 200 Nepalis have already filled out the form. 

Ambassador Rizal said that the embassy was facilitating the return of Nepali citizens. 

“We are in close coordination with both Nepali and Israeli authorities, and will expedite their return, along with the bodies of the deceased students,” she added.

Despite ministerial- and secretary-level discussions between both governments, there have been complaints that the rescue of Nepali citizens has been delayed.  But Rizal said that Israeli authorities themselves were facing challenges in rescuing their citizens from the war-zone region.

Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces have reported the elimination of a “number of armed suspects” who had “infiltrated” into Israel from Lebanon. This has raised concerns that Lebanon might be involved in the ongoing conflict.  However, Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati has stated that his country does not want to be drawn into the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. 

In recent years, there have been several small-scale rocket attacks from Lebanon into Israel, leading to retaliatory strikes from Israel. These attacks were believed to be orchestrated by Palestinian factions in Lebanon.

Ambassador Rizal also reported that 72 Nepali students from Lebanon were successfully rescued and placed in a safe location. 

“I have received a message from Nepali students in Lebanon informing me that 72 of them have been relocated to a secure place,” she said, adding that the embassy in Israel was keeping a close eye on the situation of Nepali citizens both in Israel and Lebanon.“We are looking if there are other Nepalis stuck in Lebanon.”

Minister for Foreign Affairs NP Saud has advised against individual or political visits to Israel, except in cases where official decisions have been made at the political level. 

“The situation is sensitive, so people are urged not to visit Israel on a personal or political basis, unless there are official political decisions,” he told the Foreign Relations and Tourism Committee of the House of Representatives.

The government has decided to provide Rs 1m in relief to the families of Nepali students who lost their lives in Israel.

Government Spokesperson Rekha Sharma informed that an emergency meeting of the Council of Ministers on Monday decided to allocate the amount to the families of 10 Nepalis who were killed in Saturday’s Hamas attack on Israel. The meeting also resolved to find ways to relocate trapped Nepali citizens to safe areas.

Similarly, the government has declared a national mourning day on Tuesday. National flags will be hoisted at half-mast in all government offices and diplomatic missions of Nepal to mourn the victims. 

A rapid action team has been formed under the leadership of Foreign Minister NP Saud to rescue the Nepalis trapped in Israel. The team has decided to have an airplane on standby and establish coordination with the Israeli side to repatriate the bodies of Nepali students. 

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal spoke with a Nepali student hiding in a bunker following the attack. Dahal held a video call with Bipin Subedi, and assured that the government was doing its best to rescue all Nepali citizens from Israel at the earliest. 

Dahal’s personal secretary Ramesh Malla said that the prime minister told Subedi that the government has been making efforts to rescue Nepalis based in Israel for the past three days. 

“Conversations are happening at the foreign ministerial level, and regular talks are taking place with the Embassy of Israel,” Prime Minister Dahal told Subedi.

Prime Minister Dahal has instructed authorities concerned to understand the situation in Israel and to identify the deceased and bring their bodies to Nepal at the earliest. 

Malla said that there was a delay in evacuating the students hiding in bunkers, because the Israeli side considered it a security risk.

Social media posts and videos suggest that around 32 students from the war zone were taken to a safe place on Monday. The Israeli army has initiated the movement of students in Israel’s Sedot Negev to safe locations.

Meanwhile, the Sudurpaschim provincial government has also announced to provide Rs 200,000 each to the families of those students killed in Israel. In a statement issued on Monday, Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah announced that the provincial government would provide support to the families of the deceased. He also requested the federal governments of both countries to conduct search and rescue efforts and assist in bringing back the bodies of Nepali students.

The opposition parties, CPN-UML and Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), have asked Speaker Devraj Ghimire to pass a special resolution from Parliament to rescue Nepalis stuck in Israel. In a meeting held at Singha Durbar, the two parties emphasized that they would raise the Israel issue intensively in the Parliament through adjournment motions, motions of public importance, or resolution motions.

UML Chief Whip Padam Giri urged the government to take a serious interest in the situation of the 10 Nepalis who were killed in the Hamas attack, emphasizing that the condition of other Nepalis there is critical.

Nepali Congress MP Arjun Narsingha KC also strongly demanded that the government immediately bring home the bodies of the students who died in Israel. 

Addressing the Parliament session on Monday, KC urged the government to promptly repatriate the bodies of the 10 Nepali students. He also asked the government to ascertain the number of Nepalis in Israel and inform Parliament. 

“We have received news that about 123,000 people have been displaced in Israel. The details of how many Nepalis are among them should be presented to the Parliament,” he said.

Several other parliamentarians, including Gokul Prasad Baskota, Ishwar Bahadur Rijal, Chitra Bahadur KC, Anjani Shrestha, Anisha Nepali, Abdul Khan, Amanlal Modi, Amar Bahadur Raymajhi, Amrit Lal Rajbanshi, Ishwari Gharti, Urmila Majhi, Kiran Kumar Shah and Geeta Basnet, also demanded for a prompt rescue of the Nepali citizens from Israel. 

Late on Monday, Prime Minister Dahal called an all-party meeting where he requested parties stand united on the Israel incident. One of the leaders in the meeting said all  parties share a unified stance on the issue of Israel. “The cross-party leaders suggested that the government provide  accurate and timely information about the state of Nepali there,” he told ApEx.

Janakpur youth killed after leaving for Israel just 26 days ago

Family members of Anand Sah have been devastated after he was killed along with nine other Nepalis in Saturday’s Hamas attack on Israel. 

The 25-year-old from Laxminiya Rural Municipality, Dhanusha, had left for Israel just 26 days ago. Eldest among four siblings, Anand was his family’s only support.  

His parents Soman and Shuvakala, and sisters, Sunita, Saraswati and Aarati are inconsolable. Neighbors and relatives have gathered at their house to comfort them, but to no avail.

Soman and Shuvakala have been drifting in and out of consciousness. When they come to their senses, they cry out for their deceased son. “Where did you go? Why don’t you come back? Who is going to look after us?” 

Neighbor Mithilesh Sah says Anand’s death has dealt an immeasurable blow to his family.

“Anand was the eldest of the four children and the only son to his parents. So his father and mother had high hopes for him,” says Mithilesh, recalling how Soman had worked in the Persian Gulf for 10 years so that Anand could go to school. 

Despite a poor family background, Anand was able to attend a boarding school and study science at Mithila College. Neighbors and friends remember Anand as a diligent student

“His parents had sacrificed a lot to educate him,” says Mithilesh. “One can only imagine what they must be going through after their son’s tragic death.” 

Anand had last talked with his sisters over the phone on Friday. He could not speak with his parents that day. Soman and Shuvakala tried contacting Anand on Saturday, but they could not get hold of him. There was a ringing tone, but no answer. 

Ten Nepali students enrolled in educational institutions in the southern region of Israel have been killed following the deadly terrorist attack by Hamas, the Palestinian group. Nepali Ambassador to Israel Kanta Rizal confirmed the deaths. 

Issuing a press note on Sunday, Nepali Embassy in Israel said that four Nepalis were injured and are receiving treatment at a local hospital while one is still missing.

The deceased have been identified as Narayan Prasad Neupane and Ashish Chaudhary of Kailali, Ganesh Kumar Nepali of Bajhang, Dipesh Raj Bist and Lokendra Singh Dhami of Darchula, Anand Sah of Dhanusha, Rajesh Kumar Swarnkar of Sunsari, Rajan Phulara of Doti, Padam Thapa and Prabesh Bhandari of Salyan.

“The embassy is doing necessary coordination with the Israeli government to send the deceased bodies to Nepal,” the embassy statement reads. The embassy further says that the online registration will be opened soon for those who want to return back to Nepal.

Earlier on Sunday, Foreign Minister NP Saud had informed the Parliament that there may have been some casualties. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Sewa Lamsal had also indicated about the possible casualties.

Among the injured Nepalis are Dhan Bahadur Chaudhary from Tikapur, Himanchal Kattel from Gorkha, and Bidhan Sejuwal from Salyan. They are receiving treatment at a local hospital. Reports suggest that one of the injured is in a critical condition. 

Minister Saud briefed Parliament that the security situation in Israel remains complex for the foreseeable future, and the government is fully committed to providing necessary support and facilitating rescue of Nepali citizens there. 

“Coordination and facilitation efforts are underway with the Israeli government to ensure the safety, rescue and support of Nepalis residing in Israel,” said Saud.  

Around 4,500 Nepalis are currently employed as caregivers in Israel. Additionally, there are 265 Nepali students studying there as part of the ‘Learn and Earn’ program of the Israeli government.

Among these students, 119 are from the Agriculture and Forestry University, 97 from Tribhuvan University, and 49 from the Far-Western University (FWU). Seventeen students from FWU were employed at an agricultural farm in Alumim, situated near the war-torn Gaza Strip.

Kalpana Joshi, a Nepali student, told ApEx that 18 Nepalis were hiding in a small bunker at Shorashim Farm in Mivtachim of Israel.

“There are 18 Nepalis here, three from the Far Western University and 15 from the Agriculture and Forestry University. Twelve of us are female students,” she said.

CPN-UML Chief Whip Padam Giri has demanded that Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal take steps to rescue Nepalis in Israel.

Giri said that it is not only sufficient to issue a press statement. “Instead, the Prime Minister himself should hold a telephone conversation with his counterpart and take initiatives to protect the lives of Nepalis,” he said. Giri urged the Nepali representatives attending the United Nations General Assembly to draw the UN’s serious attention for the rescue of the Nepali citizens trapped in Israel. 

Sushil Neupane, the head of the School of Agriculture at the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences of FWU, said they have halted internal examinations and teaching activities, and are trying to work a way out. “Efforts are underway to communicate with the affected students,” he says.

Among the 17 individuals working at Alumim, Birendra Chaudhary from Tikapur has been communicating via social media, providing information about being surrounded by the military. “Nine students have been successfully contacted through social media, and all students are currently staying at their respective shelters,” says Neupane.

Ramesh Bahadur Karki from Bajura, Binod Prasad Sah from Rautahat, Abhash Bhattarai from Kailali, Naresh Singh Bhandari from Kanchanpur, Lokendra Bista from Dadeldhura, Rohit Nayak from Kailali, Niranjan Kumar Kusahwa from Rautahat, Arvinda Kumar Chaudhary from Kailali, and Upendra GC from Banke are among those who have come into contact.

Of the 49 students in the final semester of their Bachelor’s degree program in Agricultural Science, 15 departed for Israel on Sept 12, while the remaining 35 students left on Sept 13. The students’ program in Israel comprises one day of study, five days of work and one day of vacation, all part of the ‘Learn and Earn’ initiative. This marks the first time that students from the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences have been sent to Israel as part of this program.

The militant Hamas rulers of the Gaza Strip have launched an unprecedented, multifront attack on Israel, firing thousands of rockets. Dozens of Hamas fighters infiltrated the heavily fortified border at several locations, catching the country off-guard during a major holiday. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel was ‘at war’ and called for a mass mobilization of army reserves. At least 600 people have reportedly been killed in Israel—a staggering toll on a scale the country has not experienced in decades—and more than 300 have been killed in Gaza.

The government of Nepal has also strongly condemned the ‘terrorist attack’ in Israel that left nine Nepalis injured. “At this critical hour, we express our solidarity with the Government of Israel,” stated the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The government extended heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to the people and Government of Israel, as well as to the victims and their families. “We wish for a speedy recovery of the injured,” added the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Contact

Nepal Embassy in Israel: +972(0)35168085

Ambassador Kanta Rizal: +972545864423

First Secretary Arjun Ghimire: +972528289300

Email: [email protected]

The militant Hamas rulers of the Gaza Strip have launched an unprecedented, multifront attack on Israel, firing thousands of rockets. Dozens of Hamas fighters infiltrated the heavily fortified border at several locations, catching the country off-guard during a major holiday. Israel has reported at least 40 casualties while other international media say the death toll has reached 100.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel was ‘at war’ and called for a mass mobilization of army reserves.

The Nepali government has strongly condemned the ‘terrorist attack’ in Israel that left nine Nepalis injured. “At this critical hour, we express our solidarity with the Government of Israel,” stated the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Nepali government extended heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to the people and Government of Israel, as well as to the victims of this cruel attack and their families. “We wish for a speedy recovery of the injured,” added the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Nepali government received information that a farm where 14 Nepalis were working came under attack. Nine Nepalis have been reported injured, with two of them in serious condition.

The Embassy of Nepal in Israel is in close communication with the Nepalis living in the affected areas. The Embassy is also in contact and coordination with Israeli authorities to ensure the safety, security, and rescue of the Nepalis, as well as providing medical treatment for the injured, officials say.

Given the situation, Nepali nationals in Israel are urged to remain cautious and follow the safety measures advised by the authorities, the Ministry stated.

American President Joe Biden has strongly condemned the “appalling assault against Israel by Hamas terrorists from Gaza” and mentioned that he has spoken with Israel Prime Minister Netanyahu.

In a statement released by the White House, Biden conveyed to the Israeli leader that “we stand ready to offer all appropriate means of support to the Israeli government and the Israeli people”. Biden also emphasized that the Jewish state “has a right to defend itself and its people”. He warned against any other party hostile to Israel seeking advantage in this situation.

The president underscored that his administration’s support for Israel’s security is “rock solid and unwavering”.

Various other Western leaders also condemned the Hamas attack and expressed their support for Israel.

Contact

Nepal Embassy in Israel: +972(0)35168085

Amb Kanta Rizal: +972545864423

1st Secy Arjun Ghimire: +972528289300

Email: [email protected]

Nepal achieved a historic milestone in T20 international cricket during their match against Mongolia at the Asian Games on Wednesday, becoming the first men’s team to surpass 300 runs. They made this record-breaking score by accumulating 314-3 in their allotted 20 overs in Hangzhou.

This performance surpassed the previous highest score of 278-3 set by Afghanistan against Ireland in 2019.

The attack was led by teenager Kushal Malla, who batted at number three and smashed the quickest T20 international century, achieving it in just 34 balls. This remarkable feat surpassed the previous record jointly held by South Africa’s David Miller, India’s Rohit Sharma, and the Czech Republic’s Sudesh Wickramasekara, all achieved in 35 balls. 

Malla, a left-hander, made his Nepal debut at the age of 15 and concluded the innings with an unbeaten 137 off only 50 balls, marking his first T20 international century. He hit an impressive 12 sixes and eight fours. 

Nepal’s batsmen displayed their dominance on a sunny morning at the Zhejiang University for Technology Pingfeng Cricket Field. Captain Rohit Paudel contributed 61 runs off 27 balls, with six sixes. 

But it was Dipendra Singh Airee who concluded the innings in an extraordinary manner against the Mongolian bowlers, smashing an unbelievable eight sixes and an unbeaten 52 off 10 balls. The 23-year-old powerhouse achieved 50 runs in just nine balls, setting yet another T20 world record. His astonishing performance broke the previous record of 12 balls set by India’s Yuvraj Singh against England in 2007, where the all-rounder hit six sixes off the final over bowled by Stuart Broad.

Nepal’s innings of 26 sixes set a new record, surpassing Afghanistan’s 22 against Ireland. Mongolia, on the other hand, were dismissed for 41 in 13.1 overs.
Nepal’s winning margin of 273 runs was the largest ever in a men’s T20 international in terms of runs, surpassing the Czech Republic’s 257-run margin against Turkey in 2019.

Mongolia’s cricket team faced a tough initiation in their first Asian Games. They will need to regroup quickly to face the Maldives as the men’s preliminary rounds continue on Thursday. Nepal, on the other hand, will go up against the Maldives on Saturday.

In the upcoming quarter-final stage of the Asian Games, the preliminary group winners will be joined by cricket giant India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.

Records

• Highest score: 314/3 (20 overs)
• Highest run rate: 15.7
• Most sixes: 26
• Fastest century: 100 of 34 balls (Kushal Malla)
• Fastest half century: 50 of 9 balls (Dipendra Singh Airee)
• Highest strike rate: 520 (Dipendra Singh Airee)
• Wide margin victory: Defeated by 273 runs