Historical Events tagged with "kathmandu"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Politics & Government

King Gyanendra's Coup for Power in Nepal

February 1st, 2005 20 years ago

King Gyanendra of Nepal executed a coup d'état, dissolving the parliament and assuming full control of the government. This move was marked by the arrest of numerous political leaders, effectively suspending the democratic processes established in the country. Gyanendra justified the coup by citing the need to combat rising insurgency and political instability, claiming that party politics had failed. The coup was met with widespread disapproval from both political factions and international communities.

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Crime & Law

Crown Prince Dipendra of Nepal Commits Mass Shooting

June 1st, 2001 23 years ago

A tragic incident unfolded when Crown Prince Dipendra of Nepal opened fire during a family gathering at the Narayanhiti Royal Palace in Kathmandu, leading to the untimely deaths of several royal family members, including King Birendra and Queen Aishwarya. The motive behind the Crown Prince's actions remains unclear. The massacre took place at a party intended to celebrate his younger brother's birthday, transforming the occasion into an unimaginable tragedy.

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Crime & Law

End of Indian Airlines Flight 814 Hijacking

December 31st, 1999 25 years ago

Indian Airlines Flight 814 was hijacked on December 24, 1999, while flying from Kathmandu to New Delhi. The aircraft was forced to land in several locations before the hijackers demanded the release of prisoners in India. After a tense standoff, the ordeal concluded with a negotiated release of the passengers in Kandahar, Afghanistan, on December 31. All 190 hostages were freed unharmed after Indian authorities made significant concessions to the hijackers.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Pakistan International Airlines Flight Tragedy

September 28th, 1992 32 years ago

On September 28, 1992, a Pakistan International Airlines flight, PK-268, crashed into a hill near Kathmandu, Nepal, killing all 167 passengers and crew on board. The flight was en route from Frankfurt to Kathmandu, carrying mostly Pakistani citizens along with a number of foreign nationals. The incident occurred during an approach to the airport, notorious for its challenging terrain and weather conditions.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Thai Airways Flight 311 Collides with Mountain

July 31st, 1992 32 years ago

Thai Airways International Flight 311 crashed while approaching Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, killing all 113 people on board. The aircraft, a Boeing 767, encountered severe weather conditions and attempted to land in challenging terrain. The crash occurred just four miles from the airport, attributed to poor visibility and pilot error during the crucial final approach phase.

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Politics & Government

King Mahendra Imposes Direct Rule in Nepal

December 15th, 1960 64 years ago

King Mahendra of Nepal suspended the constitution, dissolved parliament, and dismissed the cabinet, declaring a state of direct rule. This decisive action took place in Kathmandu, marking a significant shift in the governance of Nepal. Economic and political tensions were escalating, prompting the King to reassert control. The move had lasting implications for democracy in the country, sidelining political parties and reshaping the power dynamics in Nepal.

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Natural Disasters

Devastating 8.0 Mw Nepal-Bihar Earthquake

January 15th, 1934 91 years ago

A massive earthquake with a magnitude of 8.0 Mw struck the regions of Nepal and Bihar, registering a maximum Mercalli intensity of XI (Extreme). The catastrophe led to the loss of an estimated 6,000 to 10,700 lives, along with extensive destruction of infrastructure and homes. The quake was one of the deadliest in the region's history, heavily impacting both agricultural and urban areas. It prompted immediate humanitarian responses and long-term recovery efforts in the affected regions.

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Politics & Government

Nepal-Britain Treaty Marks New Friendship

December 21st, 1923 101 years ago

The United Kingdom and Nepal formalized a new friendship with the signing of the Nepal–Britain Treaty of 1923 in Kathmandu. This treaty replaced the earlier Treaty of Sugauli, which had defined relations between the two countries since 1816. The agreement was significant in recognizing Nepal's sovereignty and establishing a framework for future cooperation. Key figures, including the British envoy Sir William Hurd Hastings and Nepalese representatives, were instrumental in negotiating this treaty. The signing represented a rejuvenation of diplomatic ties and fostered a mutual understanding of respect and partnership.

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Arts & Culture

Launch of Gorkhapatra, Nepal's Oldest Newspaper

May 6th, 1901 123 years ago

Gorkhapatra, the oldest state-owned newspaper in Nepal, began publication in 1901. Established by King Prithvi Bir Bikram Shah Dev, it aimed to disseminate government information and promote national consciousness. Initially published weekly in Nepali, the newspaper later expanded its reach by including English and other languages, covering various topics such as politics, culture, and education. Gorkhapatra has played a crucial role in the evolution of media in Nepal, serving as a platform for public discussion and information dissemination.

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