For the first time in a decade, the Nepalese government is raising the levy to reach the world's highest peak. Up to ,000 will have to be shelled out in the summer season, a substantial increase from the ,000 required until now. Fall and winter fees are also growing. The hope of mountaineers is that the money will be invested in the environment and safety.
Israel celebrates the release of Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher and Emily Damari as part of the fragile truce. However, the fate of the foreign workers still being held hostage in the Strip remains a mystery. These include six Thai nationals and one Nepalese national about whose fate nothing has transpired even during negotiations in recent days. The families' fears that “everything may fall apart” before their return.
The Nepali and two Chinese climbers completed the seven highest summits in every continent, from Asia to South America, as well as all the eight-thousanders in the Himalayas. He was honoured with flowers and garlands upon landing at the capital's airport. The country is also celebrating a record-breaking year for visitors to the Annapurna region, with close to 245,000 arrivals in 2024.
Lay people and men and women of the cloth from 13 Asian countries and many indigenous communities met in Nepal last month at the initiative of the FABC. On the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, the forum’s final statement was released. “There remains an urgent need for the Church to amplify Indigenous voices”, it reads, for Indigenous wisdom offers sociocultural resources and ways for a relationship with creation that combine “faith, creation, and human responsibility.”
The Himalayan country, which has abandoned fossil fuels thanks to surplus renewable energy in the monsoon season, has started exporting to Dhaka via the Indian power grid. The tripartite agreement provides for supplies from June to November, for five years. This is a turning point for connectivity between South Asian countries.
Intense monsoon rains cause havoc. Local authorities report more than 3,000 homes destroyed and at least 14 bridges damaged in various parts of the country. Several roads remain blocked due to debris. The prime minister held an all-party meeting.
