Nepal

Summary:

• Sudip Neupane from Kalikanagar, Butwal (Rupandehi district, Nepal) was among 26 people killed in a terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
• His mother was injured in the attack and is undergoing treatment.
• The family had traveled to the region for a holiday.
• Nepal’s Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba confirmed the incident and expressed condolences, stating Nepal is in close contact with Indian authorities and the embassy to provide necessary support.
• The attack was carried out by a militant group called ‘Kashmir Resistance,’ which claimed responsibility via social media, protesting the settlement of 85,000 outsiders in the region.
• This is considered the worst terrorist attack on civilians in Kashmir in nearly two decades.
• Nepal strongly condemned the attack, offering condolences and support to India during this time.
• Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his Saudi Arabia visit to return to India after the attack.
• This is the deadliest attack targeting civilians in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
• Attacks on tourists in Kashmir are rare; the last major incident was in June 2024 when nine Hindu pilgrims were killed.

Archive: https://archive.md/2h5nA

The real rainfall hasn't even started yet and the infrastructure is already a mess. Construction everywhere just feels like corruption in process.

Summary:

• Pre-monsoon rains have caused daily traffic jams lasting hours on the Narayangadh-Butwal section of the Mahendra Highway, especially around Daunne, where a 14 km stretch can take 4-5 hours to cross. Some travelers have spent almost 24 hours stuck on narrow hilly roads.

• The situation is expected to worsen during the full monsoon season. The Department of Roads plans to discuss urgent measures to keep roads passable during heavy rains, including completing ongoing culvert construction, adding more culverts, avoiding digging drainage ditches that disrupt traffic, and using gravel to maintain road usability.

• The Narayangadh-Butwal road widening project remains incomplete after multiple deadline extensions; the Daunne section is not expected to finish soon due to complex terrain and construction difficulties.

• Alternative routes like the Kaligandaki Corridor exist but are longer and more challenging, especially since roads like the Siddhartha Highway regularly become unstable during rains.

• Experts note a lack of interconnected alternative routes among Nepal’s three main east-west highways (Hulaki, Mahendra, and Madan Bhandari), which could help reduce traffic problems during disruptions.

• Other highways also face issues: the BP Highway near Dhulikhel and Bardibas has damaged sections from last year’s heavy rains; some stretches need complete reconstruction, which may take over two years.

• Earthquake and flood damage from previous monsoons continue to affect roads in various regions, with temporary fixes in place but permanent solutions pending.

• The government is working on emergency measures like installing temporary bridges, clearing landslides quickly, and completing critical infrastructure before monsoon intensifies.

• Despite efforts, many highway sections will remain problematic during the coming rainy season, posing risks and travel delays.

Archive: https://archive.is/LurCe

Summary:

In Nepal, hospitals, particularly the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH) in Kathmandu, faced serious health and environmental issues due to the toxic emissions from its incinerator, which caused respiratory issues among staff and patients.

In Nepal, hospitals have found an innovative solution to manage medical waste, particularly placentas, by using biodigesters to convert it into cooking gas. Traditional methods like incineration posed health risks due to toxic smoke, leading to respiratory issues among staff and patients. The Health Environment Climate Action Foundation (HECAF360) proposed replacing incinerators with underground biodigesters, which effectively manage both food and pathological waste.

The biodigester works by digesting organic waste and producing methane gas, which can be used for cooking. This system not only reduces harmful emissions but also improves waste management practices in hospitals. The Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH) in Kathmandu has successfully implemented this system, significantly reducing CO2 emissions and improving air quality within the hospital.

Despite initial resistance from hospital staff, the project has shown positive results in waste management and environmental sustainability. The biodigester at TUTH is expected to last for 20 years and has the potential to be expanded to other hospitals in Nepal and beyond. However, challenges remain, including funding, awareness, and the need for proper training in waste segregation among hospital staff.

Archive: https://archive.md/2Q757

Summary:

The article discusses how the release of "Monster Hunter Wilds" has significantly boosted sales at a Nepalese restaurant in Tokyo, Japan. The game features enticing food animations, particularly showcasing stretchy cheese naan, which has made players crave it in real life. The restaurant, Salam Namaste, nearly ran out of cheese due to the influx of customers inspired by the game. Their social media account humorously thanked "Monster Hunter" for the increased business.

Additionally, the game's popularity has impacted the Japanese gaming industry, with some developers reporting a drop in sales for their games after "Monster Hunter Wilds" launched. The article highlights the effective marketing and cultural influence of the game, driving both food cravings and affecting industry dynamics.

Archive: https://archive.md/iuXsO

Summary:

The article discusses the alarming issue of human trafficking and cybercrime involving Nepali youth in Thailand. Each year, thousands of Nepalis, seeking better job opportunities, fall victim to scams and trafficking networks that exploit them in Thailand, particularly in areas bordering Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos.

These young individuals are lured with promises of attractive jobs but end up being forced into cybercrime activities, often facing physical and psychological abuse. Traffickers, including Chinese and Thai nationals, use fake job advertisements on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to attract victims. Once they arrive, their passports are confiscated, and they are subjected to harsh living conditions and relentless work hours, often being coerced into various online scams, including investment fraud and romance scams.

The article highlights that many victims report inadequate support from the Nepali embassies in Thailand and Myanmar, with some being rescued while others remain trapped. The situation is dire, with many victims suffering from severe mental health issues due to their traumatic experiences.

Archive: https://archive.md/TwB8m

Interns at Dhulikhel Hospital on Tuesday exposed details of the grim working conditions many resident doctors experience at its psychiatry department, a day after a social media post raised alarms over their well-being. The anonymous post came after what it said was a suicide attempt by a first-year psychiatry resident on Sunday, urging people to pressure the authorities and prioritise the well-being of healthcare professionals.

“The situation is worse than what has been revealed,” the interns wrote in a letter addressing Doctorstory Nepal, a social media account sharing information about the country’s medical field. “Every single resident in the department has either thought about dying or leaving their residency because of how harsh it is. The professors have told them to go and kill themselves in the rounds and presentations in front of us all.”

Archive: https://archive.md/QsMpf

Summary: In Nepal, the construction of cable cars, originally intended for transportation and logistical convenience, has become a contentious issue due to policies that favor commercial interests. The Mukumlung (Pathibhara) cable car project in Taplejung is currently a hot topic. There are divided opinions: some support the project, while others, including local residents, oppose it, citing environmental concerns and cultural significance.

The Pathibhara area is both a historical and cultural site for the indigenous Limbu community and a significant religious site for Hindus. The decision to build a cable car here has sparked protests, leading to clashes and even gunfire, with two people injured. Despite these protests, business interests, supported by local and federal governments, push forward, anticipating increased tourism and economic benefits.

The primary concern is the impact on local employment and businesses. Traditionally, these areas rely on foot traffic for livelihoods, and the introduction of cable cars might bypass these local economies. The article also highlights the broader trend in Nepal of cable cars being constructed in religious sites primarily for profit rather than public transportation needs. There is an ongoing debate about balancing development with preserving cultural heritage and local livelihoods.

Archive: https://archive.md/dbUXy

The last time the Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus), the smallest of the world’s 13 known otter species, was recorded by scientists in Nepal was in 1839.

“After years of speculation about its presence in Nepal, we can finally confirm that the small-clawed otter lives on in the country,” said Mohan Bikram Shrestha, the lead author of a short note published in the latest edition of the bulletin of the Otter Specialist Group at the IUCN, the global wildlife conservation authority.

Although historically three species of otters are believed to occur in Nepal, modern researchers had until now only confirmed the presence of smooth-coated otters (Lutrogale perspicillata) and Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra), with a question mark hanging over the small-clawed otter. During that time, reports have come in, never confirmed until now, of small-clawed otter sightings in Makalu Barun National Park in Nepal’s eastern Himalayas and Kailali and Kapilvastu districts in the western plains.

Summary: A Dalit youth, Satyendra Ram, and Neha Rouniyar, from different castes in Nepal, faced severe challenges after their inter-caste marriage. Despite completing the legal marriage registration, they experienced harassment allegedly under the direction of the Home Minister and senior police officials.

The couple was reportedly pursued and detained by police, with claims of misuse of state power to break their relationship. They were even arrested in Mumbai by a police team sent from Nepal and charged with child marriage, despite already being of legal age. The couple petitioned the National Human Rights Commission and the Supreme Court of Nepal, which ultimately ruled in their favor, allowing Neha to stay with Satyendra.

Neha's father, Surendra Rouniyar, a businessman with political connections, allegedly used his influence to manipulate law enforcement against them. The case highlights issues of caste discrimination, misuse of authority, and legal lapses in Nepal, sparking public outrage and raising questions about human rights and justice for marginalized communities.

Archive: https://archive.md/3ocK4

The Nepal government has updated its peak profile, officially recognising 14 mountains surpassing 8,000 metres.

Experts emphasise, however, that the International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation (UIAA), the body recognised by the International Olympic Committee, must approve the new list for global recognition. The Department of Tourism recently published the revised peak profile on its website, adding six new eight-thousanders to Nepal’s official count.

Four of the newly recognised mountains—Yalung Khang (8,505 metres), Yalung Khang West (8,077 metres), Kanchenjunga Central (8,473 metres), and Kanchanjunga South (8,476 metres)—fall on the Kanchenjunga range.

Two peaks from the Lhotse range—Lhotse Middle (8,410 metres) and Lhotse Shar (8,400 metres)—have been added as well.

14 just in Nepal, that is; 20 worldwide.

Archive: https://archive.md/39dKM

For a group of young Nepali entrepreneurs, the vast accumulation of this low-value plastic waste presented an opportunity.

"A plastic road can use even low-value plastics," said Bimal Bastola, founder of Green Road Waste Management, the organization leading the initiative in Nepal.

Summary:

India and China have reached an agreement to use Lipulekh as a center for pilgrimage without consulting Nepal. This decision aims to resume the Kailash-Mansarovar pilgrimage routes, which were halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The agreement was made during a meeting in Beijing between India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi, as reported by India's Ministry of External Affairs.

Nepal has previously expressed formal disagreements regarding the use of Lipulekh by India and China. Experts in foreign affairs suggest that this agreement adds salt to old wounds, as both countries have ignored Nepal's stance on the matter. According to former diplomats and leaders, the use of Lipulekh should not involve third-party agreements without Nepal's consent, affirming that the territory up to Limpiyadhura is Nepalese.

Critics argue that such unilateral decisions by neighboring countries undermine Nepal's sovereignty and highlight the need for Nepal to assert its rights over its territory, especially given historical treaties and agreements that support its claims.

Archive: https://archive.md/dJUP8

Summary:

Bardiya National Park (BNP) conservationists are concerned about the possible migration of one-horned rhinos to India due to a lack of water sources in their habitat. It is estimated that around 20 rhinos have crossed into the Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary in India. Bijaya Raj Subedi, chief of the Division Forest Office in Bardiya, noted that the rhinos moved towards India primarily because of water shortages in the Geruwa area, which is their main habitat.

The Geruwa River's declining water flow has forced wildlife, including rhinos, to seek drinking water elsewhere during the dry season. According to the 2021 national rhino census, Nepal is home to 752 one-horned rhinos, with 38 residing in Bardiya National Park. Conservationists emphasize the need for immediate action to manage the habitat of these rhinos, warning that without intervention, the species may face extinction in Bardiya.

Monitoring efforts have begun to track the rhinos that may have migrated, but officials stated they cannot comment on the situation as no radio collars are used for tracking. Local conservationists are urging national park authorities to improve conditions in Bardiya to retain the rhinos and mitigate displacement caused by factors like noise pollution from nearby highways.

Archive: https://archive.is/htOw1

Summary:

नेपाल एयरलाइन्सका दुई वाइड बडी विमान खरिदमा भएको घुस लेनदेनमा नेपालीमूलका बेलायती नागरिक दीपक शर्मालाई दोषी ठहर गर्दै अमेरिकी अदालतले यूएईका बैंक खाताबाट नेपाली अधिकारीहरूलाई घुस दिएको तथ्य खोलेको छ।

Archive: https://archive.is/DeL8N

So, how's everyone doing?

How's your week been?

Any plans for today?

What are you working on?

Or if you just want to share something or just rant it out.

Summary:

On November 21, 2024, Nepal officially declared its first community-based red panda conservation area, called the Puwamajhuwa Community Red Panda Conservation Area. This important initiative, led by the Red Panda Network (RPN) in collaboration with local stakeholders, aims to protect red pandas and their habitat in a critical ecological corridor located in the biodiverse Himalayas.

Red pandas face threats from habitat loss due to deforestation and overgrazing, with an estimated population of only 2,500 to 10,000 remaining in the wild. The new conservation area spans 116.21 hectares of temperate broadleaf forest and aims to maintain a safe habitat for red pandas while promoting coexistence with local communities.

The conservation area's establishment is part of RPN's long-term goals to create a continuous protected stretch of land connecting various conservation areas across Nepal and India. The initiative emphasizes a community-led approach, involving local residents in the management of the conservation area and aiming to foster sustainable development opportunities that benefit both wildlife and local livelihoods.

The Puwamajhuwa Community Red Panda Conservation Area is seen as a significant milestone for red panda conservation in Nepal, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts in protecting endangered species and their habitats. The local government and various organizations are committed to supporting the ongoing management and sustainability of this new conservation area.

Archive: https://archive.is/Xk8mc

Summary:

Smog has enveloped Kathmandu, significantly reducing visibility and obscuring views of the surrounding hills and mountains. On Thursday morning, the air quality deteriorated to hazardous levels, with PM2.5 concentrations reaching 155 micrograms per cubic meter, ranking Kathmandu as the eighth most polluted city in the world. Experts warn that this pollution poses serious health risks, especially for individuals with respiratory issues, attributing the poor air quality to construction dust, vehicle emissions, and stubble burning. The situation raises significant public health concerns as the city grapples with ongoing pollution challenges.

Archive: https://archive.is/WUItn

Summary:

The reconstruction of the Sano Gaucharan Stadium has officially begun, with the Kathmandu Metropolitan City initiating the project. The estimated cost for the renovation is NPR 229,593,999, and the contract has been awarded to Shub Construction for NPR 188,674,827. The Deputy Mayor, Sunita Dangol, inaugurated the project, emphasizing the need for balanced development that includes physical infrastructure alongside economic and social growth.

The stadium will feature a playing field measuring 96 by 62 meters, equipped with an artificial grass surface and a rainwater drainage system. It will include a boundary wall, parking for 28 four-wheeled and 178 two-wheeled vehicles, and adequate restroom facilities for both men and women on different floors. Additional amenities like a physiotherapy room, changing rooms, a first aid room, and team lockers will also be part of the stadium.

The project was publicly announced on April 16, 2024, and received proposals from 16 applicants. The selected contractor was given the order on November 11, 2024, with a completion deadline set for March 2025. The stadium will cover an area of approximately 18 ropanis and will have a spectator capacity of 1,500.

Archive: https://archive.md/1auuv

Summary:

मारवाडी सेवा समितिले न्युरोडस्थित एक जुत्ता पसलबाट साढे आठलाख रुपैयाँ भाडा असुल्ने गरेको भेटिएको भन्दै काठमाडौँ महानगरपालिकाले छापा मारेको छ।

Archive: https://archive.md/ZQRSy

Summary:

Finnfund has made a €10 million equity investment in WorldLink Communications Ltd, Nepal's largest internet service provider. This investment aims to expand WorldLink's existing fiber network and establish its first Tier 3 data center. In Nepal, nearly half of the population lacks broadband internet access, particularly in rural areas. The new data center is expected to enhance connectivity and promote economic growth by providing faster and more reliable internet services.

Kuutti Kilpeläinen, Senior Investment Manager at Finnfund, highlighted the importance of this investment in bridging the digital divide and improving access to affordable internet in remote areas. The collaboration with Nokia will also enhance the quality of internet services for WorldLink's customers.

WorldLink currently serves approximately 900,000 households and employs around 5,000 people, holding a 35% market share in Nepal's broadband sector. The investment represents a significant step toward connecting every corner of Nepal with affordable internet access.

Archive: https://archive.md/d2GDn

Summary: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant issue in Nepal, especially among intensive care patients, according to recent reports. Experts warn that the misuse and irrational use of antibiotics in healthcare and agriculture are contributing to this growing problem, which they describe as a "silent pandemic."

Dr. Raju Pangeni, a pulmonary critical care physician, noted that many patients arrive at hospitals already using high-grade antibiotics purchased over-the-counter without proper medical guidance. This practice leads to a crisis as antibiotics that once saved millions could soon become ineffective due to rising resistance rates.

The World Health Organization explains that AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve and no longer respond to medications, complicating treatment and increasing the risk of disease spread and severe illness. In Nepal, antibiotics can be easily obtained without prescriptions, and many individuals do not complete their courses, which can contribute to resistance.

A study by the Nepal Health Research Council found that only 32% of doctors have access to antibiotic susceptibility testing, and just 49% recommend such tests before prescribing antibiotics. Alarmingly, 22% of outpatients do not complete their prescribed antibiotic course, while others misuse antibiotics for prophylaxis or save leftover medication for future use.

Additionally, the agricultural sector's use of antibiotics in livestock and poultry contributes significantly to the presence of resistant bacteria in food products and the environment. The NHRC study revealed that around 70% of farmers use higher doses of antibiotics for faster recovery of sick animals.

Overall, there is a pressing need for increased awareness and training regarding the responsible use of antibiotics among healthcare providers and the public to combat AMR effectively.

Archive: https://archive.md/8hKlS

Summary:

From September 26 to 28, 2024, Kavre, Nepal, experienced an intense rainfall event that triggered thousands of landslides, resulting in the deaths of 200 people. The storm was well-forecasted and caused estimated damages of around $340 million, which is approximately 0.7% of Nepal's GDP. The disaster impacted infrastructure significantly, damaging 41 roads, 26 hydroelectric facilities, and 54 bridges, while nearly 6,000 houses were destroyed and about 11,000 families were displaced.

Satellite imagery from Planet Labs indicates that quarrying in the area contributed to the initiation of debris flows, exacerbating the situation. Reports from locals highlighted the devastating effects of the rain on their homes, with one resident stating that the rains swept away everything they owned.

The analysis of satellite images shows a high density of landslides in populated areas, suggesting a correlation between human activity and increased landslide occurrences. The presence of low-cost roads and agricultural activities in the region likely played a role in the landslides. Overall, the extreme rainfall event has raised concerns about future risks in Nepal due to climate change and human impacts on the landscape.

Archive: https://archive.md/1jWSK

Summary:

Nepal has announced the allocation of 960 MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity through a tender, which originally aimed for 800 MW. The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) selected 64 projects, with sizes ranging from 5 MW to 50 MW. The lowest bid was 4.99 NPR ($0.037) per kWh, while the highest was 5.55 NPR. The successful bidders will supply power to the NEA for 25 years under a power purchase agreement. As of the end of 2023, Nepal had installed 115 MW of solar capacity according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

Archive: https://archive.md/7DrS6

The article from The New York Times discusses China's encroachment into Nepali territory, particularly in the Humla District along the border with Tibet. Residents of the area report increasing Chinese military presence and the construction of barriers, including a barbed wire fence that separates Nepal from Tibet. This "new Great Wall" is part of China's broader strategy to fortify its borders and assert control over disputed territories.

Local Nepalis complain that Chinese security forces pressure them not to display images of the Dalai Lama and restrict their activities, creating a sense of intimidation. Despite these incursions, Nepal's government has largely downplayed the issue due to its economic ties with China and the fear of jeopardizing these relations.

A previously conducted fact-finding report revealed several border infringements by China, but the findings were kept secret from the public and even some government officials. The report highlighted issues such as Chinese construction near the border and restrictions on ethnic Tibetan Nepalis in the area.

China's border fortifications are seen as part of a larger trend under President Xi Jinping's administration to redefine territorial limits, which has led to tensions with neighboring countries like India. The article emphasizes that smaller nations like Nepal face immense pressure from China's growing influence and military assertiveness, making it difficult for them to address border disputes openly.