Important Contemporary Updates
The following updates highlight significant events, awards, and policy changes from late 2018, both in Nepal and globally, reflecting advancements in culture, governance, sports, and technology.
1. First National Flag Day in Nepal
Date: January 16, 2019 (Poush 1, 2075)
Theme: “My Pride, My Honor, National Flag My Glory” (Nepali: मेरो शान मेरो स्वाभिमान, राष्ट्रिय झण्डा मेरो स्वाभिमान)
Significance: Marked the first celebration of National Flag Day to promote patriotism.
2. "Pick and Drop" Campaign in Kathmandu
Start Date: January 16, 2019 (Poush 1, 2075)
Location: Tundikhel and surrounding areas, Kathmandu
Purpose: Aimed to reduce traffic congestion through efficient pick-up and drop-off zones.
3. Death of Former Prime Minister Dr. Tulsi Giri
Date: January 18, 2019 (Poush 3, 2075)
Details: Dr. Tulsi Giri, a prominent Nepali politician, passed away.
4. National Women Forest Farmers’ Conference 2075
Date: January 20–21, 2019 (Poush 5–6, 2075)
Significance: Focused on empowering women in forest conservation and sustainable agriculture.
5. Book Launch: Chalachitra: Kala ra Prabidhi
Author: Prakash Sayami
Details: The book, translating to “Cinema: Art and Technology,” explores the intersection of art and technology in filmmaking.
6. "Urine to Wealth" Campaign
Location: Mangala Rural Municipality, Myagdi
Start Date: January 23, 2019 (Poush 8, 2075)
Purpose: Promotes converting urine into organic fertilizer to enhance agricultural productivity.
7. Nepali Embassies Worldwide
Data Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs Report (2017/18)
Details: Nepal has diplomatic missions in 30 countries.
8. KIMFF Award 2018
Film: A Thousand Girls Like Me
Details: Honored at the Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival for its impactful storytelling.
9. Book Launch: Changing India
Author: Dr. Manmohan Singh, former Indian Prime Minister
Details: Chronicles India’s transformation under his leadership.
10. Tsunami in Indonesia
Date: December 22, 2018
Cause: Eruption of Krakatoa volcano
Impact: Over 430 deaths reported.
11. Botany Award 2074
Recipient: Dr. Ramprasad Chaudhary
Details: Recognized for contributions to botanical research in Nepal.
12. Press Council National Journalism Award 2075
Recipients: Krishna Jwala Devkota and Arun Baral
Details: Honored for exemplary contributions to journalism.
13. Everest Premier League (EPL) 3rd Edition Winner
Winner: Lalitpur Patriots
Runner-Up: Bhairahawa Gladiators
Details: The cricket tournament concluded in Kathmandu, promoting the sport in Nepal.
14. Mechi Tourism Festival in Ilam
Date: January 20–31, 2019 (Poush 5–16, 2075)
Objective: Attract 50,000 tourists to boost Ilam’s tourism industry.
15. 10th World Bodybuilding Championship
Gold Medalist: Maheshwar Maharjan (75 kg category)
Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand (December 11–17, 2018)
Significance: First Nepali to win gold in the championship. Previous silver medalists: Nanita Maharjan (9th edition) and Rujesh Shahi (7th edition).
16. GAFA Tax Implementation
Country: France
Effective Date: January 1, 2019
Details: Tax imposed on tech giants (Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon) to regulate digital economies.
17. Pakistan’s Former PM Nawaz Sharif Sentenced
Date: December 24, 2018
Details: Sentenced to seven years in prison on corruption charges.
18. India’s Agni-IV Missile Test
Date: December 24, 2018
Details: Successful test of the nuclear-capable missile.
19. CNN Hero 2018
Recipient: Ricardo Pun-Chong, Peru
Details: Recognized for humanitarian contributions.
20. Japan’s Employment Policy for 11 Countries
Date: December 25, 2018 (Poush 10, 2075)
Details: Japan signed a 126-point strategic policy to provide employment opportunities for workers from Nepal and 10 other countries.
21. 15th National Industrial Exhibition
Date: January 28–February 3, 2019 (Poush 13–19, 2075)
Location: Kathmandu
Theme: “Foundation of National Prosperity, Use of Domestic Products” (Nepali: राष्ट्र समृद्धिको आधार, स्वदेशी उत्पादनको प्रयोग)
22. Merriam-Webster Word of the Year 2018
Word: Justice
Details: Reflects global focus on fairness and legal systems.
23. IMDb’s Most Anticipated Film of 2019
Film: Captain Marvel
Details: Highlighted as the most awaited film by the global film and TV website IMDb.
24. Burundi’s New Capital
New Capital: Gitega (replacing Bujumbura)
Date: December 23, 2018
Significance: Marks a significant administrative change in the African nation.
25. 15th Chitwan Elephant Festival
Date: December 27–31, 2018 (Poush 11–15, 2075)
Location: Sauraha, Chitwan
Purpose: Promotes conservation and tourism through elephant-related activities.
26. Gas-2019 Mobile App
Details: A mobile application developed by the Indian Civil Aviation Authority to enhance aviation services.
Relevance: Improves accessibility and efficiency in India’s aviation sector.
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