Delays are leading many cargo ships to bypass the port, causing economic losses for the country and higher costs for importers. Maritime authorities have reported two to three days delays in berthing due to low terminal capacity and obstacles in slow clearance operations.
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.
The people involved worked with the United States in Afghanistan and had already received approval for resettlement. The programme, which grants a Special Immigrant Visa, was established in 2009 and covers the family members of selected people. The day before Trump's inauguration, 200 Afghans made it in time to leave the Philippines, where they had been moved for final paperwork.
At least 76 factories have closed, affecting women most of all. The depreciation of the taka, financial pressure, and a drop in international demand have had a major impact. Manufacturers call for subsidies and a cut in interest rates. Fazlul Haque, the former president of an important business association, says the country’s needs political stability to develop.
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 Chapel of St Therese of the Child Jesus in the village of Chokragaon was set on fire, a few days after the ordination of two local priests. The authorities have opened an investigation. The bishop of Tezpur praises the "intense solidarity" and "unity" among Christians following the incident.
