Every year, hundreds of mountaineers arrive with the dream of summiting the world’s highest mountain, Everest. A thousand others come to trek to Everest Base Camp, revelling in the breathtaking scenery. To embark on this journey, they must first reach the gateway to Everest—Lukla which is home to one of the most dangerous airports in the world. The nerve-wracking part of their adventure begins with a 17-minute flight from Ramechhap Airport to Lukla.

During peak tourist season between March to May and September to November, Ramechhap Airport operates at its maximum capacity, handling around 120 daily flights (to and fro) and helicopter trips catering to about 2,000 tourists daily.

The airport and the entire town of Manthali, where the airport is located, experience a surge in activity during the peak season, sometimes leading to overcrowding. The waiting room often faces this issue and the airport staff find it challenging to manage the increased traffic effectively. However, post-tourist season, the airport remains deserted, as it has never been active. There is an eerie silence on the runway, reminiscent of the tranquil flow of the adjacent Tama Koshi river, with its calm turquoise waters.

The locals and businesses in Manthali now want the local government to do most as they say the airport holds significant untapped potential but is currently underutilised and overlooked beyond the trekking season.

Gateway to Lukla

Open for operations in 1979, Ramechhap Airport initially connected Manthali to Kathmandu and subsequently to Janakpur. With no road access, the airport became came as a boon to the locals.

After roads were built around the area, the airport became an afterthought. However, in October 2013, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) started to conduct Lukla flights from Manthali to ease the air traffic in Kathmandu. The number went significantly higher after 2019 which marked a turning point for Ramechhap Airport, transforming it into a pivotal transit point for tourists headed to Lukla.

Although travellers bound for Lukla currently face a four-hour car ride to reach Manthali, the flight distance has been nearly halved as it only takes 17 minutes to reach Lukla.

“We only resumed Lukla flights this year after a lull caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. It was very busy, with Tara Air, Sita Air, and Summit Air collectively operating 10 flights a day,” says Gyanendra Bhul, joint spokesperson at CAAN.

On any given day during the trekking season, tourists are a common sight in the Manthali area, including the bus station and airport areas. The place gets so busy, that some even pitch up tennts in and around the airport areas to catch the morning flight to Lukla.

However, once the season ends, and flights to Luklac come to a halt, Ramechhap Airport sees near-zero traffic. The runway stays deserted with aeroplanes a rarity during the off-season. Despite this, the airport remains operational, maintaining a minimal staff for potential emergency landings or diversions that other flights might need to undertake. Additionally, the airport serves as a runway for test or practice flights and drills, according to officials.

Lost opportunities

While Lukla flights from Manthali has made life easy for the Tribhuvan International Airport, the life of the locals of Manthali, however, has not changed as much as they thought it would.

Despite its strategic importance, Ramechhap Airport faces operational challenges and serves as a testament to many lost opportunities, say the local hoteliers and businesspeople.

The influx of tourists using Lukla-bound flights brought about a surge in several hotel businesses in Manthali. In response to the seasonal demand, locals opened guest houses, hotels, and resorts. However, despite the apparent growth in numbers, hoteliers and traders express grave dissatisfaction that the airport remains heavily sidelined and ignored. 

We have requested the authorities and the airlines to expand their flights from Manthali to other destinations so that even in the off-season, the airport and the tourism and hotel business in the area can benefit from it, but it has all gone to deaf ears,” says Pawan Kathayat owner of Manakamana Hotel in Manthali.

He says that their investments are not being valued, pointing out that even during the peak trekking season, individuals often opt to drive to Manthali from Kathmandu early in the morning instead of staying overnight.

Another business operator Shyam Thapa puts this on travel companies who rush their clients from Kathmandu in the early hours with packed breakfast.

“They come in vans and SUVs and fly to Lukla directly. We will not benefit when this happens,” says Thapa. “Only 0.1 per cent of tourists stay overnight in Manthali.”

Thapa even goes on to say how the airport has not created employment either.

“The road has done more to Manthali than this airport has,” he says.

The only time the town sees people is when there is poor weather. This forces people to stay in Manthali waiting for the weather to clear up.

“Ramechhap is taken solely as a transit point. Tourists only spend a night here when they are desperate. Most look for cheap hotels and space here and any failure to cater to them leads to the bad reputation of Manthali and Ramechhap as a whole, which is very disappointing to hear,” says Thapa.

Despite being operational, Ramechhap Airport remains practically inactive for a significant portion of the year, much like the other 18 airports in Nepal.

Correcting the course

Hoteliers and businesspersons advocate for a much-needed shift in tourism practices. They say it was time the government and travel companies considered offering better packages to the tourists encouraging them to spend a night in the town, at the very least.

“The flights to Lukla are all in the morning. This means if the tourists come to Manthali a day earlier, they spend the night here, they get to explore Manthali and some locally famous landmarks here,” says Thapa.

CAAN, however, says all they can do is give the airport flights and the rest is up to the traveller and the agencies they use.

Hoteliers say that connecting the flights will not immediately solve their problems, it requires more affordable and sustainable solutions. They call on the government to study and invest more in tourism and create a market for local produce like dairy.

Also, another untapped potential is the Tama Koshi River which locals believe could be used for rafting and other adventure tourism-related activities.

“We tried for a certain time, but seems like they don’t seem to care,” says Thapa.

Nevertheless, to correct the course, the hoteliers in Ramechhap echo that there is a pressing need for reevaluating the airport’s role beyond being a mere transit point.

The district of Ramechhap grapples with geographical challenges, primarily characterised by the rugged terrain and surrounding hills. This means bigger aeroplanes cannot be diverted here. But, after the renovation, the smaller ones including Twin Otters, donniers and Let 410, can be started, increasing Ramechhap’s two-way connectivity to other districts.

“Initiatives to enhance Ramechhap’s connectivity with Kathmandu and other destinations, throughout the year, could unlock untapped potential. Operating regular flights between Ramechhap and Kathmandu, at the very least, could alleviate the top-down approach we see today and even offer a viable business and travel alternative for the locals in the region,” says Kathayat.

Bhul from CAAN said they tried to operate Kathmandu-Ramechhap flights a few times a week.

“It was not commercially viable. We have to depend on private airlines to run the flights, and they need 70 per cent of the load to cover the cost. Unless they do that, they will never fly there,” says Bhul.

He adds that CAAN is aware of the complaints and assures that if given the viability, they will divert the flights as needed.

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iQOO, the sub-brand of Vivo after the launch of its flagship, the iQOO 12 has launched the 9 generation of its popular premium mid-range smartphones, the iQOO Neo9 and Neo9 Pro in China. The Neo9 series is the successor of the Neo8 series, including the iQOO Neo8 and Neo8 Pro.

The Neo9 Pro has a new design with an upgraded display, chipset, ultra-wide camera, battery and reverse charging capability. The Neo series is popular for its design and performance at a mid-range price competing as a flagship killer. The sub-brand of Vivo has been doing quite well recently with new design and performance features in all price ranges. The Neo series is also getting attention for the same reason.

Let us see what the smartphone offers in terms of specs.

Specifications of iQOO Neo9 Pro

Design and Display

The design of the iQOO Neo9 Pro is different to its predecessor, the iQOO Neo8 Pro. The camera module hump has now been removed and the dual camera setup has a square-shaped lens with rounded edges.

The lens design bears a resemblance to the flagship iQOO 12‘s camera module. However, instead of featuring a single prominent camera bump, the lenses are distinctively separated.

The Neo9 Pro has three colour options, Fighting Black, Nautical Blue and Red and White Soul. The Black and Blue colour option has a frosted glass back and keeps away the fingerprints. The Red and White Soul colour option has a leather back which has a unique white stripe along the camera module side with stitches connecting to the red colour.

On the front, the Neo9 Pro has a centred hole-punch cutout which houses the selfie camera. The bezels are also minimal for a premium look and feel. It has an LTPO AMOLED panel with a 6.78-inch screen size, a 20:9 ratio and an impressive 93.43 per cent screen-to-body ratio. It has a resolution of 2,800 × 1,260 and supports a wide range of 1.07 billion colours. It has support for HDR and also an 8,000,000:1 contrast ratio. With a refresh rate of up to 144Hz, the display ensures smooth and fluid visuals.

Performance and Storage

The iQOO Neo9 Pro is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9300 chipset built on a 4nm architecture for powerful performance. Its octa-core CPU configuration is a mixture of high-speed Cortex-X4 cores clocked at 3.25 GHz, alongside additional Cortex-X4 and Cortex-A720 cores. It is equipped with the Immortalis-G720 GPU for graphics rendering for a smooth gaming and multimedia experience. It runs on OriginOS 4 based on the Android 14 operating system.

The iQOO Neo9 Pro is available in two RAM options: 12GB and 16GB. The 12GB variant is offered with either a base storage of 256GB or an extended 512GB option. Meanwhile, the 16GB version comes with a 512GB storage option or an even larger 1TB variant.

Camera

The iQOO Neo9 Pro has a dual rear camera setup, headlined by a powerful 50MP Sony customized VCS IMX920 sensor which is paired with a 50MP flagship ultra-wide-angle lens. The main rear camera features an aperture of f/1.88 while the wide-angle lens has an f/2.0 aperture. Additionally, the main rear camera supports OIS anti-shake technology for steady and blur-free images, while both rear cameras feature video anti-shake functionality, enabling smooth video recording.

The rear camera has support for up to 20x digital zoom. The shooting modes for the rear camera include night scene, snapshot, portrait, photo, video, micro movie, high pixel, panorama, slow motion, time-lapse photography, super moon, ultra-clear document, time slowdown, Professional and Jovi ScanMP4. The iQOO Neo9 Pro’s rear camera has video recording capabilities of up to 8K, 4K, 1080p videos and 1080p slow-motion videos.

On the front, the iQOO Neo9 Pro has a 16MP selfie camera with an f/2.45 aperture. It also has various shooting modes, including portrait, photo, video and micro-movie. As for video recording, it can record videos of up to 1080p which could be better with support for up to 4k videos.

Battery and Others

The iQOO Neo9 Pro boasts a hefty 5,160mAh battery. For charging it supports fast 120W wired charging and reverse wired charging capacity to charge other devices. Connectivity-wise, it supports Wi-Fi standards up to 802.11ac/6/7 for fast and reliable internet access and Bluetooth 5.4 for wireless connections. It has support for both LTE and 5G networks and dual SIM capability for high-speed data and connectivity options.

The phone also features stereo speakers for immersive audio. It has a wide range of sensors like an accelerometer, ambient light, proximity, gyro, electronic compass, physical gyroscope, infrared remote control, flicker sensor, and an under-display fingerprint sensor.

As for colour options; the iQOO Neo9 Pro is available in Fighting Black, Nautical Blue and Red and White Soul colours.

The iQOO Neo9 Pro when launched can be expected around Rs 65,000 for the 12GB RAM and 256GB storage variant, Rs 70,000 for the 12GB RAM and 512GB storage variant, Rs 77,000 for the 16GB RAM and 512GB storage variant, and Rs 85,000 for the 16GB RAM and 1TB storage variant in Nepal.

The post iQOO Neo9 Pro: Luxurious design and performance at a mid-range price appeared first on OnlineKhabar English News.

There always lies a dark realm in cultural practices in any society. It has been prevalent without any questions brought up against them, and those questions were repressed because of power, whether it be economic or political.

People were uneducated and believed in some divine power, because of this they accepted such discrimination and repression as their fate. Such concepts are still in existence in Nepali society; voiceless people are dominated by people in power, and the voices are not let to sprout.

In response to misconceptions regarding fate and social status, cultural studies have emerged to delve into these practices. They aim to expose how representations have been misconstrued, often favouring those in positions of power.

One can view such malpractices through different lenses, either it be through feminism or Marxism. In the end, it is all about how such malpractices prevalent in Nepali society are represented to exercise the ideology of people in power.

The concept

Our understanding works regarding different signs that exist in society, which further are shaped by our cultural, economic and political ideologies. Regarding the effect of such signs in our lives, Roland Barthes, a French Philosopher, brought up the concept of myth formation, how it shapes society and understanding of people, and how it is a major source for the exercise of power.

For Barthes, myth is similar to Marx’s concept of ideology, yet ideology is subject to scrutiny through its cultural manifestations. These manifestations are natural and transparent through mythologies, which means the ideologies are exercised through myths, and the understanding of ideologies is different according to culture.

Myth is a semiological system, it is a form of signification yet it differs from ordinary speech and language. Myth works in two levels —surface level and deeper level. At the surface level, it is the first order of signification, which is denotative and does not produce arbitrary meaning, thus leading to the naturalisation of myth. But in the second order of signification, the sign is thus further processed which is associated with the ideological meaning of the myth and produces connotative meaning.

Here, myth appears as something different and holds another truth, thus working on a deeper level. Hence, everything can be a myth if it is defused through a particular discourse. To understand it better, let’s take an example of a beauty products advertisement.

When Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan comes up with a fairness cream ‘Fair and handsome’, the denotative meaning is just an actor talking about the use of fairness cream.

When we go into the connotative level, which is also desired by the companies of those products, the same actor becomes a source of inspiration, an idol of beauty, an alpha male, and the product he talks about becomes the source to reach that level.

Thus, myths are produced and disposed among the working class to accept it to be a natural phenomenon that they must carry to reach a higher position.

Nepali society

There are many myths prevalent in Nepali society defused through Hindu scriptures (discourse). One such practice is the caste system, where people are marginalised based on their caste, regarding low-status birth.

According to Purush Sukta of Rigved, verse 10.90.12, it is believed different categories of people are born from different body parts of the Brahma (Purush), the Brahmans are born from the mouth, the Kshatriyas from the arms, the Vaishyas from the thighs and the Shudras from the feet.

The first order of signification of the verse portrays denotative meaning about the qualities a human possesses, the ‘Purush’ in the Ved is the cosmic intelligence, which works with the matter (Prakriti) to create the duality essential for existence, it’s basically ‘material’ and ‘supernatural’ qualities human possess.

From this cosmic intelligence, we derive the four most desirable traits of human nature: wisdom, nobility, industry and facility; Brahman – wisdom, Kshatriya – nobility, courage, Vaishya – industriousness, Shudra – talent, and facility.

But the formation of myth interpreted it differently, the ideology of superiority and inferiority was defused in the name of ‘Dharma’. In India, during British colonisation, the verses were translated by Christian Missionaries in a different way to defuse their ideology of regarding Indian people as uncivilised and barbaric.

This was how myths about the hierarchy of people were implanted in the minds of Hindus, at the top were the Brahmans who were mainly teachers and intellectuals and are believed to have come from Brahma’s head, the Kshatriyas, or the warriors and rulers, supposedly from his arms.

The third slot went to the Vaishyas, or the traders, who were created from his thighs. At the bottom of the heap were the Shudras, who came from Brahma’s feet and did all the menial jobs.

This influenced Britishers to divide and rule, and people were forced to adopt types of work according to their caste, which is still prevalent today.

According to Dor Bahadur Bista, ancient Nepal never seemed to have adopted a caste system, people believed in Shamanism, until the influence of Khas Brahmanism, which developed in the Sinja Valley of Karnali.

People in power wanted to be superior to those being ruled, and the Brahmans wanted to increase their influence, hence the common interests of the two parties started to impose different practices of hierarchy in the Nepali society.

Those wearing sacred thread (janai) were considered pure and of higher caste, whereas those drinking alcohol were considered lesser. Due to this influence, people converted into Brahmans and Kshatriyas, wearing the sacred thread, hence believed to be superior to others. Yet those hierarchies were only seen in religious practices, until the 14th century, when King Jayasthiti Malla introduced caste principles and conduct according to the Manusmriti code of the Hindus (Bista, 39).

He prescribed professional activities, lifestyles, and practices according to caste levels, and made it punishable for anyone who violated the rules. In the 19th century, Junga Bahadur Rana, desperate to raise his status to the highest possible level introduced the caste system to a much greater degree than the Malla kings.

The society became more complex and stratified, and people started following untouchability. It was a sin for lower caste people to enter the temple, or go against the cultural practices, for Shudras, since they were believed to have been born from Brahma’s feet, were forced to remain under the feet of the people in power.

Women in Nepal were already suffering a lot because of patriarchy and patriarchal ideology, hence were double marginalised. Before the Rana prime minister Chandra Shumsher, women were burned alive along with their dead husbands, who regarded women as the possession of males.

This shows how the power of patriarchy treated women as objects which had to go along with their dead husbands. It is believed in Hindu culture that a wife should always be there with her husband throughout their life, but the myth of being together to death was proposed by those in power (males) through the discourse of ‘Dharma’.

The denotative meaning of being together with the husband through myth imposed the ideology of patriarchy, regarding women as possession of males, and should die along with them. Though such practice was abolished long ago, the caste system never went off affecting females, who were already marginalised by patriarchy.

So-called Dalit women were beaten, forced to consume faeces, and given the tag of witch. Even now, we hear such news, which is because of the exercise of power by males. Women are either possessions or witches in the eye of patriarchy.

Though some Dalit women are progressing, it is not the same for all, it clearly shows how power affects people. The life of a Dalit woman in some remote village is not as same as that of living in towns. Even though their economic status affects them, an economically strong Dalit woman is enjoying her life freely, without any obstacles, rather than participation, but an economically weak woman is still struggling to find her place in society.

Over time, representations change, and the caste system strongly prevalent in Nepali society is slowly changing. The connotative meaning born superior and inferior has been overtaken by one being superior and inferior because of their deeds, which is also another myth. Since there is no measurement to determine what is wrong and what is right. Hence, people in power keep on producing such myths to exercise their power and establish their superiority.

The post The exercise of power and caste system in Nepali society appeared first on OnlineKhabar English News.

Nepal, situated at the vortex of expanding interest of her neighbours in South Asia and southwest China, holds a unique geopolitical position in the region and the world. Nepal’s geographic location has always made it necessary for her to pursue a balanced foreign policy to gain goodwill from her immediate neighbours and other powers beyond the region. However, present-day Nepal has failed to attain these objectives.

As a result, the country has become a venue for rivalry between the two regional powers and the powers beyond. Nepal should turn the pages of history and learn lessons from the past; she should adopt those policies from the past, which had enabled her to keep all foreign powers at arm’s length, ensure internal stability and thrive economically at the same time.

Regional geopolitical history

A brief survey of the regional geopolitical history illustrates that Nepal, shielded by the Himalayan rampart in the north and the thick malaria-infested forests in the southern Terai and further made inaccessible by the Chure and the Mahabharata ranges, had always remained a sovereign state.

However, its immediate neighbours, Tibet and India, were not so fortunate. In the north, due to their domestic conflict, the Chinese intervened in Tibet’s internal affairs in the 1720s. Towards the south, the Mughal power in India started to collapse in the 1750s, and the English East India Company, who had entered India as traders, started reaping the rewards of their successful campaigns.

Even in such a situation, the tiny principalities of this Himalayan region managed to remain isolated from regional politics, protected by these two formidable barriers.

When King Prithivi Narayan Shah initiated his military campaign to unify Nepal in the north, the Chinese had already deputed their Amban (Chinese Military Governors) to monitor and control local events in Tibet in 1728.

In the south, the English East India Company had established itself as a military power and vigorously expanded its control over the Indian subcontinent. However, the Gorkhas thwarted their ambitions and annihilated them at Shinduli on November 6, 1767.

Based on his deep understanding of Nepal’s delicate geo-strategic location, the great strategist Prithvi Narayan Shah compared Nepal to a “Yam between two boulders” and stressed that Nepal must maintain a policy of equilibrium between its immediate neighbours.

After the Anglo-Nepal War(1814-18160), the British curtailed Nepal’s expansion and rose as an undisputable power in the Indian subcontinent. Towards the north, by 1818, more than 10 countries, including Nepal, were sending tribute missions to China, and the Chinese considered these countries to be under their suzerainty.

However, after 1840, the Northern Imperial power started to decline. Furthermore, the influence of France and Russia around the Indian subcontinent also started to decrease. Fluctuations in power are inevitable in geopolitics; thus, given the harsh international reality of the 19th century, the Ranas of Nepal adopted a realistic approach and sought a friendly relationship with the British in India.

Yet, the Northern neighbour’s attempts to assert her claim over Nepal had not ended. In 1913, they had invited Nepal to join her in a union of the “Five Affiliated races, namely Han Chinese, Manchus, Mongolians, Tibetans, and Muslims.”

They categorised Nepal amongst the so-called lost Chinese territories they hoped to reclaim. Thus, China sent numerous missions to Nepal to reaffirm its claim. Scholars mention that even in 1939, Mao Tse-tung had stated, “Nepal, Bhutan, and Burma were independent states that the Chinese had lost to the British Empire.”  

The changed scenario in World War II

World War II completely changed the existing world order. The collapse of imperial powers and the flowering of nationalism in colonised countries was followed by India gaining independence in 1947 and the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949.

After independence, India adopted a policy of integrating her smaller neighbours into her security perimeter to promote India’s interests. Amidst these regional changes, the Ranas, desperate to save their regime, signed the controversial Peace and Friendship and Trade and Commerce treaty with the Indians on July 31, 1950.

According to scholars, the 1950 treaty attempted to abolish the sovereign status of Nepal recognised by the British through the 1923 treaty. However, because the UK, US and France had entered into diplomatic relations with Nepal before India gained independence, India refrained from taking direct action against Nepal, as it had done against the Indian princely states and Sikkim. Otherwise, Nepal’s fate would have been sealed if that had not been the case.

Across the northern border, after what China terms “liberating Tibet” in 1950, Mao had stated, “Tibet as the palm and Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan, Ladakh and the north-eastern frontiers areas of India as the fingers.”

This statement illustrates China’s regional policy and its initial views of Nepal during that period. Only from 1955 onwards, after the Bandung Conference, did China and Nepal establish preliminary contacts that paved the way for establishing diplomatic relations. Since then, the relationship has gained steady momentum in the ensuing years.

At the beginning of the Cold War, the India – China relationship had been symbolised by  the slogan “Hindi Chini Bhai Bhai.”However, the honeymoon period ended after the brothers fought a war in 1962.

Nepal’s unique geostrategic location between the two antagonistic powers of Asia, India and China, and the bitter relation between the United States and the Soviet Union ensured that almost all the powerful international actors became involved in Nepal.

Thus, hoping to prevent the rise of communist movements in Nepal and to keep it safe from China’s and the former Soviet Union’s influence, the United States started to assist Nepal in the 1950s. During that period, Nepal took full advantage of the situation by exploiting the differences of interest between the neighbours and the global powers.

Nepal’s diplomatic relationships

Nepal’s interaction history with our two immediate neighbours demonstrates that China has always remained the critical balancer in Nepal’s external politics. Using the Chinese factor, Bhimsen Thapa managed to keep the British at arm’s length while he advanced towards the areas west of River Mahakali. China has always supported independent decisions made by Nepal, from Nepal’s Zone of Peace proposal during the Cold War to the more dynamic, balanced diplomacy of the present era.

On the other hand, after independence, India’s policy towards Nepal clearly illustrates that it desires to infringe on Nepal’s independent status and ultimately bring Nepal under her fold. India’s insolence has led to many political upheavals between the two countries.

Determined to maintain their special status, time and again, the Indians have imposed blockades on Nepal and signed multiple agreements with various groups in Nepal, which has been detrimental to Nepal’s domestic and foreign policy.

She has not only encroached on Nepali territory but even established military posts inside Nepal’s territory and laid claim to them. These incidents have exposed India’s true intentions, thus leading many intellectuals to conclude that India has engineered political changes in Nepal to assert control over Nepal.

As for the US-Nepal relations, after the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the Soviet Union, the ideological war ended, and the US interest in Nepal also faded. The American aid decreased substantially.

However, with the recent rise of China, the US has sought to maintain closer links with India, and given Nepal’s geostrategic importance, their interest in Nepal has also increased. The Americans have thus sought to reengage more intensely with Nepal.

Scholars have noted that the Trump administration had listed Nepal as a critical partner and sought to expand its defence relationship with Nepal. The present Biden administration aims to influence Nepal to shape the strategic environment in which China operates.

They proposed a grant agreement under the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) in September 2017 to develop the country’s electrical transmission lines and road network. However, many critics interpret MCC as a part of the US Indo-Pacific Strategy directed against China. However, Delhi firmly believes the US Indo-Pacific Strategy is a concept that is not directed against a third country.

The Chinese consider the US’s growing strategic interests in Nepal a threat and want to counter it. Thus, they have prioritised their relationship with Nepal, and as a sign of their goodwill, Beijing signed a transit transport agreement for third-country trade with Kathmandu in 2016.

This agreement ended Nepal’s exclusive reliance on India for transit trade. Then, in May 2017, Nepal became a signatory to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) project. During President Xi Jinping’s visit to Nepal in 2019, Nepal and China upgraded their comprehensive partnership to a strategic cooperation. The northern neighbour has established close military and security relations with Nepal and has overtaken India and the US in terms of military aid in recent years.

Both of Nepal’s strong neighbours have adopted different policies towards Nepal. Furthermore, with the US’s determination to place Nepal at the vanguard of their China strategy, Prithvi Narayan Shah’s Yam is caught between these three boulders and has become the focal point of their competition.

Lessons to learn from King Prithvi Narayan Shah

In such a scenario, Nepal must heed the past, take lessons from King Prithvi Narayan Shah and adopt his policies. He had managed to keep all the foreign powers at arm’s length while at the same time ensuring internal stability and a thriving economy.

He was an astute politician who understood that external affairs are an extension of internal affairs. An analytic study of his Divya Upadesh (final instructions) clearly illustrates that he strove for internal stability by looking after the welfare of the citizens.

He strengthened the military capability of the country and then cautioned that Nepal’s external affairs should aim to maintain a treaty of friendship with the emperor of China and also keep a treaty of friendship with the emperor of the southern sea.

The great king’s quote not only reflects the essence of unified Nepal’s external and security policy but also contributes to determining her worldview. His instructions have served as a guideline for the Nepali rulers throughout history. Whenever the rulers of Nepal have failed to act according to these warnings and tried to divert internal political conflicts to the external sphere, they have invited trouble.

India believes that Nepal has always remained under its sphere of influence and, thus, does not want China and the US to threaten its leverage, which they term a Big Brother role. Nepal should not discard India’s Big Brother role.

Yet, it needs to adopt a strategy to keep them from interfering in Nepal’s internal affairs, solve the border issues and focus mainly on better managing economic ties. China does not want an increased US presence in Nepal and desires to see Nepal prosper in her manner and not in the American way.

Regarding China, Nepal should ensure that no anti-Chinese activities are conducted on Nepali soil and cautiously prioritise those projects that enhance Nepal’s national interests. The United States thinks Chinese influence over Nepal is malign for their interest.

Nepal should become prudent and ensure that its partnership with the US focuses entirely on economic development and ensures its engagement with the United States does not threaten its immediate neighbour’s national interest and security.

Therefore, present-day Nepal should abide by the great king’s instructions and use its geostrategic location to its advantage as the past rulers had done while dealing with the neighbouring emperors across the sea.

Nepal should strive for internal stability and enhance national unity to present a united front. It must maintain diplomatic relations with its neighbours and the powers beyond in a sensitive manner to widen its room for manoeuvring, protecting and promoting its national interests.

At the same time, it should maintain a strategic balance and respect the fundamental strategic concerns of these global powers, which are unwilling to lose Nepal to the other side and prevent Nepal from emerging as the centre of the geopolitical rivalry of the global powers.

The post Prithvi Narayan Shah, in the light of current geostrategic challenges appeared first on OnlineKhabar English News.

Baniyani (Jhapa), December 29

A wild elephant killed a man in Shivasatakshi Municipality on Thursday night.

The District Police Office in Jhapa reported that 45-year-old Megh Raj Rai of Dhudhe in the municipality died on the spot in an elephant attack. He was attempting to chase away the tusker, which was demolishing houses in the area.

Four people have been killed by elephants in the past five months in Jhapa district. According to Khagendra Rijal, the spokesperson for the District Police Office Jhapa, property worth Rs 150,000 was destroyed in the elephant’s rampage.

The post Wild elephant kills 1 in Jhapa appeared first on OnlineKhabar English News.

Bajura, December 29

One person died and another was injured after an SUV fell some 200 metres off the road in Gaumul Rural Municipality in Bajura on Thursday night.

The deceased has been identified as Devendra Nath, 38, of Khaptad Chhededaha Rural Municipality-6 in the district.

Police Inspector Kishor Singh Airee said that the SUV (Se 1 Ja 989) heading to Siyadhunga from Ghatmuna fell off the road after the driver lost control of the vehicle.

Airee reported that Madan Rokaya, an employee at the ticket counter of Jaya Malika Bus Service in the district, has suffered injuries.

The post 1 killed 1 injured in a road accident in Bajura appeared first on OnlineKhabar English News.

Kathmandu, December 22

The Supreme Court is set to examine the verdict given by the International Center for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) concerning the Ncell tax dispute determined by the Large Taxpayer Office.

In response to a writ petition filed by Ncell, the Supreme Court has directed the submission of the ICSID decision, with the bench of Justices Anand Mohan Bhattarai and Nahkul Subedi recognising the necessity to scrutinise the arbitration decision before concluding the ongoing tax dispute involving Ncell.

The tax dispute, originating on December 21, 2015, following the acquisition of Reynolds Holdings—holding an 80 per cent stake in Ncell—by the Malaysian telecom company Axiata, remains unresolved in court.

In response to a writ petition filed by former secretary Dwarikanath Dhungel and others, the Supreme Court has mandated that Ncell settle tax obligations for the transaction under Section 57 of the Income Tax Act. Consequently, Ncell has complied, paying a sum of Rs 47 billion in taxes.

Following the Supreme Court’s ruling, the Large Taxpayer Office concluded in 2021 that Ncell is obligated to pay an additional Rs 57 billion in taxes. Contesting the legality of this tax assessment, Ncell has submitted a writ to the Supreme Court. In the course of the writ’s hearing, the Supreme Court has declared its intention to examine the decision of the ICSID.

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Kathmandu, December 22.

The Council of Ministers, in its meeting on Thursday, approved the ‘Guidelines for the use of social media by government offices, 2023,’ mandating government entities to use social media platforms for disseminating information regarding their activities and upcoming initiatives.

As per the guidelines, user accounts created for this purpose must include details such as name, address, contact number, and email in both Nepali and English languages, ensuring accessibility to the general public.

For user accounts associated with the Prime Minister, Minister, or the head of relevant agencies, the inclusion of an official photograph is permitted. The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology will play a role in verifying the authenticity of these accounts.

The guidelines state the government office’s social media accounts must maintain regular updates, incorporating progress reports. Furthermore, it also specifies that in response to received complaints, messages, or information, informed and timely replies should be provided following a thorough study and analysis.

In instances where users convey abusive language, rude or obscene content, or negative messages that disrupt social harmony, the guidelines allow for the inclusion of such individuals in a block list. This measure aims to ensure a conducive and respectful online environment within the user accounts managed by government offices.

The guidelines also specify the government offices authorised to create accounts on various social networks, including TikTok. Despite the government’s earlier decision to ban TikTok due to concerns about disrupting social harmony, the guidelines still mandate government offices to open accounts on TikTok.

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Butwal, December 11

Farmers in Lumbini Province struggle to sustain themselves through subsistence farming. According to the National Agricultural Census 2022, 51 per cent of farming families do not have sufficient food throughout the year.

According to the data from the National Agricultural Census 2022, 62 per cent of households in Nepal and 67 per cent of households in Lumbini have agriculture as their primary occupation.

During the announcement of the census data in Butwal, Badri Kumar Karki, the director of the Central Bureau of Statistics, revealed that 55 per cent of farming families in Nepal rely on agriculture, yet their income is insufficient for sustenance.

Out of the 1.141 million households in the province, 665,092 families are engaged in agriculture, cultivating produce across 426,614 hectares of land.

“As the agricultural profession is still unable to rise from the traditional and subsistence-oriented approach, there is a situation where the farmers themselves are not able to feed themselves throughout the year,” says Karki.

The overall irrigated area in Nepal is 54.5 per cent, and in Lumbini province, specifically, it is slightly higher at 56.7 per cent.

The agricultural census shows a continuous decrease in the area of rice cultivation in Lumbini. In 2012, it was 1.456 million hectares, and by 2022, it had fallen to 1.216 million hectares.

Similarly, maize is cultivated across an area of 673,700 hectares, wheat spans 749,400 hectares, and vegetables cover 84,400 hectares.

In the 2008 Agricultural Census, maize cultivation covered 559,900 hectares, wheat occupied 749,400 hectares, and vegetables were cultivated over 107,000 hectares.

Director Karki pointed out that the ongoing migration from the hills and the escalating construction of houses in the plains have led to barren lands and a continuous decrease in productive land.

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Lalitpur, December 11

Activist Iih has announced he will stand in front of Lalitpur Metropolitan City for 108 hours in protest of the city banning street vendors on the Mangalbajar-Lagankhel road.

Iih stood outside the Kathmandu Metropolitan City office for 199 hours demanding accountability from the city for its inhumane treatment of street vendors in the city.

He said he will start his stand-in-protest from 3 pm on Wednesday.

He has also asked the metropolis to reconsider the decision to ban street vendors on the road section during mornings and evenings.

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Resha Oli’s life revolves around fashion. Growing up in eastern Nepal, Oli developed a passion for style from a young age. Her determination to stand out and embrace chic attire propelled her towards a course in fashion design in Siliguri, India.

After completing two years of study in Siliguri, Oli then left for Kolkata for an additional year. During her time there, she immersed herself in the fashion world working at a boutique for one and a half years. However, the start of the Covid pandemic presented significant challenges for her life in India. It was then that she decided to return to Nepal and embark on her own entrepreneurial venture.

“I did not know what to do and where to start and how to generate capital, but gradually things paved the way,” says Oli.

Due to the lockdown imposed to curb the coronavirus, Oli was cautious about making substantial investments. Nevertheless, her determination to do something drove her forward. Given her keen interest in fashion and her adeptness at designing clothes, she decided to embark on a venture in clothing manufacturing from the comfort of her home.

In the initial stages, she invested Rs 3000 in raw materials and created three clothes. These creations were showcased on her Instagram for sale. To her delight, they were promptly purchased by her own relatives, who also provided her with encouraging feedback.

The positive feedback served as a powerful motivator. Fueled by the desire to establish something uniquely her own, Resha was born.

For the commoners

Resha provides an extensive selection of appealing clothing options catering to children, men, women, and elderly citizens alike. The products at Resha include items such as one-pieces, kurtas, t-shirts, shirts, pants, and more.

“We also give people the chance to customise their clothes according to their interests,” says Oli.

The price is what sets Resha apart. This is why it has become the go-to brand of so many people with orders coming in from all over Nepal.

“We have also had orders from Nepalis in Australia and the USA,” says Oli who is overwhelmed by the love Resha has received from the people.

Early struggles

In the beginning, launching the business posed challenges. Raw materials, which were comparatively scarcer and pricier in Nepal compared to India, presented an obstacle. Additionally, a dearth of promotion made it difficult to sell her products. However, Oli did not lose heart; she persevered and pressed on with her business.

In just a year and a half since its inception, Resha has made remarkable progress. Initially, it would hardly receive any orders. However, now it receives four to five clothing orders daily. What began with an initial investment of Rs 3,000 has now grown to facilitate transactions worth Rs 200,000 per month.

With clothes ranging from Rs 600 to Rs 3,000, Resha has been catering to the needs of people of all ages and walks of life.

“People like our clothes because they are attractive and affordable,” says Oli. “Our clothes also have excellent quality.”

With thousands of Nepalis leaving Nepal for a better future abroad, Oli feels there are opportunities in Nepal if people are willing to work hard.

While Resha only sells clothes online, Oli is soon planning to set up a physical store.

“The future is exciting as we are also coming up with products like tote bags and shoes,” says Oli.

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Rishav Shrestha has always been a passionate music enthusiast. He remembers his high school days when outdoor concerts were a common occurrence in Kathmandu. However, in recent years, he has noticed a decline in these events. With a shift in pop culture in the city and the dominance of club culture, outdoor events are a rarity.

Being a music enthusiast and having prior experience in organising various outdoor shows, Shrestha contemplated the idea of revitalising outdoor events. Additionally, his attendance at numerous outdoor festivals in India, which have seen significant growth over the past decade, further motivated him to bring back the outdoor culture.

Fueled by this motivation, he and his friend Vinayak Tamang took the initiative to launch the Grasslands Festival, placing a strong emphasis on electronic music. The first edition took play in Chitwan in 2021 and around 200 people attended it.

“We received a really good response from the audience which encouraged us to continue the festival on a larger scale,” says Shrestha.

They learnt a lot from the first edition and the second edition held in 2022, the festival underwent significant changes. This time around, the focus shifted towards exploring a diverse range of music genres. Moreover, the event featured a fashion show, stand-up comedy performances, games, live art displays, traditional shows, and various other engaging activities.

“Since it was a festival, we did not want to stick only with music, so we added other events as well.  We wanted people to discover various things in a single event”, says Shrestha.   

Currently, Shrestha and his team are in the midst of preparations for the second edition of Grasslands Carnival, scheduled to take place on October 14 at Hotel Himalaya. The Grasslands Carnival is a sister event of the Grasslands Festival which is only one day long. The Grasslands Carnival shares similarities with the Grasslands Festival, featuring a wide array of activities and events taking place throughout the day, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.

With the aspiration of establishing it as one of the premier festivals in Asia, the team remains dedicated to introducing fresh and innovative elements, providing both Nepali residents and expatriates in the city with a glimpse of the festivities celebrated around the globe.

“We want it to be a carnival. We even had an MMA event last year,” says Shrestha.

International lineup of artists

What makes both Grasslands Festival and Grasslands Carnival stand out is its lineup of artists. The festival boasts a lineup of both Nepali and foreign artists, guaranteeing the audience a unique experience with every performance.

The majority of artists, however, are either emerging talents or relatively new to the music scene.

“We can’t afford to book big-name artists, so we focus on emerging talents. As for foreign artists, we aim to introduce sounds that are fresh to Nepal,” says Shrestha. “Bringing in well-known international artists is challenging both financially and technically.”

Additionally, Grasslands also seek out artists who are looking to make a comeback.

This time, the carnival will showcase 17 artists, including four international performers. One notable act is Spryk from India, known for his audio-visual shows, a unique experience for Nepali audiences. Additionally, featured artists include Paradise Tender (India), Sushant Ghimire (Nepal), DJ Honest (Nepal), Dixu (Nepal), Surusinghe (Australia), Tasnneem (India), The Elements (Nepal), and more.

“I know people are going to enjoy Spryk a lot,” says Shrestha.

This is why Grasslands is growing every year. The Grasslands Festival in 2022 saw nearly 2,500 show up across two days. It saw the same number in 2023.

Their concept of incorporating diverse events and music in a single event has contributed to a substantial increase in attendance. But they know they have to continue to evolve and get better to make it a much bigger festival in the future.

Changing ticket culture 

The pricing is quite reasonable as well. In an era where it can cost up to Rs 1,000 to see a single artist perform, attendees at Grasslands can enjoy an entire day’s festival. Although ticket prices increase in phases, reaching Rs 2,000 on the event day, this remains significantly more affordable compared to other events.

“These are international artists and watching them for this price is a bargain,” says Shrestha.

People realising this are jumping in and Shrestha himself has seen a change in people’s mindset.

Shrestha says there has been a noticeable increase in ticket purchases. Previously, a majority of attendees asked for passes, but this trend is shifting. In the past, only 25 to 30 per cent of people used to buy tickets, whereas now, 60 per cent of attendees are buying tickets.

“If this goes to 80 per cent, we will be able to improve the line-ups for the event, ” says Shrestha. 

The organisers of Grasslands Carvinal are anticipating around 2,000 attendees. In the previous year, the carnival saw a turnout of 1,800 people.

Shrestha emphasises that the carnival will be a family-friendly event and that people can come with their kids and enjoy the show.

“There will be music and other games and events. It will be a fun day out,” says Shrestha.

One distinctive feature of the carnival will be the presence of three stages: the main stage, an alternative disco tent with a capacity of around 80 people, and an after-party stage.

As for future plans, Shrestha has not delved too deeply into them yet.

“For now, we’re focused on organising two events a year. Our aim is to give a platform to emerging artists,” he says. “We anticipate drawing in 4,000 attendees over the next two years.”

Grasslands Carnival is taking place at Hotel Himalaya on October 14 from 12 pm.

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During a period when the media was abuzz with discourse, all eyes and ears were fixed on Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, the chair of the Maoist Centre. The focal point was how he would address the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) issue while managing the persistent pressure exerted by self-proclaimed elite communities, who consistently voiced their opinions through Twitter. In a surprising turn of events, Dahal cleverly outmanoeuvred them, taking a bold step that ultimately led to his victory.

This also happened against the background of several petitions filed by familiar foes, mostly on issues falling under the jurisdiction of the TRC, as well as on some political statements made by Dahal during political rallies. These petitions, driven by the sole intention of sowing confusion and potentially derailing an already overwhelmed justice system, will likely yield nothing more than show-cause orders from the judiciary.

In regards to those petitions, it appears that these familiar adversaries intend to generate confusion among the general public and inadvertently further burden the already congested justice system. It is conceivable that these opponents were counting on Dahal not seizing the opportunity to address these pressing issues on a global platform, such as the UN General Assembly in New York while dealing with matters at home.

Unsurprisingly, Dahal known for his penchant and tendency for unexpected political maneuvers, went ahead and not only attended the 78th UNGA at the United Nations Headquarters in New York but engaged in bilateral with several world leaders and high-level UN delegates.

The message was clear: Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who is the only signatory alive of the Comprehensive Peace Accord signed between the Nepal Government and the then Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) on November 22, 2006, remains committed to ensuring the peace process comes to a lawful and peaceful conclusion.

He expressed and reassured the international community of his commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948, and international humanitarian laws and fundamental principles and values related to human rights.

Dahal’s powerful message

As the Chair of the Group of Least Developed Countries, Dahal used the platform not only to discuss pressing matters concerning Least Developed Countries, including climate change, Sustainable Development Goals, and development cooperation but also deftly used his 19 minutes on the UNGA podium to address the crucial issues surrounding Nepal’s peace process and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).

His statements, as summarised briefly by the UN webpage, clearly show how tactfully he started his speech. The opening statement of his speech conveyed a potent message to the global community.

Furthermore, Pushpa Kamal Dahal has demonstrated his humility and sought help from the international community, which reiterates his commitment to the international community and his readiness to work together with all stakeholders. He also met with United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

His message was clear again: “I am dedicated to ensuring that Nepal’s peace process adheres to the terms of the peace accord.”

Do not be astonished if the UN Secretary-General pays a visit to Nepal shortly.

He also took the opportunity to hold a meeting with Rabab Fatima, the UN High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States.

Following his visit to the US, he promptly headed to China, where he engaged in one-on-one meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Additionally, he engaged in discussions with Premier Li Qiang and had an audience with the Chairperson of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, Zhao Leji.

These meetings played a pivotal role in fortifying mutual trust and laid the foundation for numerous Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) across diverse sectors. The establishment of these relationships, anchored in the shared social and economic progress of the peoples of both nations, held particular significance in light of the delayed or postponed engagements due to the Covid pandemic.

The outcome of his visits

Let us shift our attention from the finer details of his visit, which have already been extensively covered by numerous media outlets, and instead, concentrate on the results of the visit.

While labelled by some as an unsuccessful visit, certain politicians, self-proclaimed elites, and several media sources dismissed it as a mere tourist and leisure trip, considering Dahal’s journey a success. Our tendency has often been fixated on the notion that success equates to immediate gains. However, in this instance, it did not yield such outcomes, nor did it meet general expectations.

However, the utmost respect and political importance given to Dahal’s visit by the Chinese side is something to value. We should not take it for granted. Not long ago, we were busy criticising how India laid a low-level welcome to Dahal.

Our core objective should be to build on this relationship and yield the results gradually. In diplomacy, the most important tool is a relationship, and clearly, Dahal has outdone all his predecessors. His body language throughout the trip is evident and he came out as a reliable leader and a trusted neighbour.

Pushpa Kamal Dahal has proven himself a skilled diplomat, in my observation spanning since 2006 when I first joined the UN. I hold a strong belief that he is the leader in Nepal capable of aligning diverse interests and producing tangible outcomes. His recent visit is a clear testament to his ability to achieve the intended results.

One could make the argument, and I do not fault anyone for this perspective, as we tend to gauge the success or failure of an official visit based on what agreements were reached and what was gained for us during these engagements.

We are not very keen on developing our friendship, understanding cultures, and building bridges. For instance, I was talking to one of my comrades, a martyr’s son, who asked me what my thoughts were on Dahal’s visit to China.

Before I responded, he further added that he viewed Dahal’s visit as a family vacation, which made him recall his childhood when his mama (maternal uncle) took him to Pokhara on a family trip.

He, like most of us, expected some landmark signing or a chunk of donation. Mind you, this comrade is one of the brightest minds among youths who is enrolled in law school, running an online news portal, and supporting several social movements. If his reasoning for success or failure is material-based, what about most of us?

Too quick to judge?

It is no surprise that most of us termed his visit a failure.

Therefore, general expectations would be that he should have at least touched on issues on border and security issues like his predecessors, or the newly found patriotic issue – Nepal’s newly published map.

Dahal took rather cautious steps on those issues; however, one cannot deny that a significant start has been made: the joint statement summarised the MoU on cooperation in the field of agriculture, livestock and fisheries and also the readiness to explore the joint development of an agriculture industrial demonstration part to further promote cooperation on agriculture.

This is a good step in the long run if abided by. The joint statement further read that the two sides also agreed to undertake a joint inspection of the China-Nepal border and agreed to bring into force the agreement between the government of the People’s Republic of China and the government of Nepal on the Boundary Management System as soon as possible. They also agreed to expedite the ratification of the China-Nepal treaty on mutual legal assistance in Criminal Matters.

Are these steps not important for us?

In summary, despite garnering mixed reactions, Dahal’s two-week visit can be deemed an accidental success. I label it as accidental because it surpassed even Dahal’s expectations, and he has every reason to take pride in it.

Notably, Dahal, often characterised as emotional by many leaders due to his heartfelt decision-making approach, approached both crucial issues—the conclusion of Nepal’s peace process in UNGA, and security matters with China—with careful consideration.

The Times of India headlined on September 27: Nepal PM ‘Prachanda’ apparently declines to endorse President Xi’s security doctrine during China visit. This is phenomenal and a very important diplomatic step. Is this not a smart move? Who can snatch a victory from the jaws of defeat like Dahal?

Upon his return to Nepal, within hours, not only was Dahal able to resume the parliament, which was strongly opposed by the UML on the gold smuggling probe row, but the mighty main opposition leader was his cheerleader while he briefed about his visit –– this is Dahal and his ability to resolve the differences.

History will dictate right or wrong, success or failure, but for now, we all should cherish the accidental success that has been delivered in his visit.

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Education is key to development. It is widely acknowledged that for progress to occur, the state must heavily invest in education. Unfortunately, in recent times, the education sector in Nepal seems to have veered off course. Rampant commercialisation in the education sector has led to corruption within the system, casting a shadow over the futures of thousands of young individuals. Concerned students are gathered to stage a protest in Kathmandu against the malpractices plaguing the education system.

It is the day before the protest. All the students are filled with anticipation for tomorrow. Through this protest, the students aim to send a clear message to the state: put an end to the commercialisation of education and regulate educational fees. These concerns are vividly portrayed in Kalo Akshyar Rato Akshyar, an educational play composed by RK Romas and directed by Dilip Khadka.

The play starts with Pink Floyd’s Another Brick in the Wall.  The actors are loudly singing its first verse –

“We don’t need no education
We don’t need no thought control
No dark sarcasm in the classroom
Teacher, leave them kids alone.” 

Their impassioned performance of the song reflects their deep-seated desire for change within the country’s education sector. They are advocating for free education, increased employment opportunities, and equal access to education for all.

Super subject matter

It is quite uncommon to come across plays that delve into such critical issues. While education constitutes a vital pillar of society, productions that scrutinise the multifaceted aspects of the education sector are relatively scarce. In this light, the creators of Kalo Akshyar Rato Akshyar deserve commendation for their insightful approach.

Conceptualised by Samik Badal, the play challenges the state’s commitment to educational development. It raises crucial questions about why the state appears indifferent to the prevalent issues within the education sector. Additionally, it serves as a cautionary message to the state, emphasising that neglecting the education sector could have far-reaching consequences for the entire nation. 

Student leaders and individuals with experience in public colleges will particularly relate to the play, as it vividly portrays the protests and dialogues commonly witnessed in such settings.

One of the best elements of Kalo Akshyar Rato Akshyar is its dialogues. The dialogues are crafted so skillfully that they have the potential to inspire you to contemplate initiating change in the education sector. Additionally, the play highlights the influence wielded by students. It recognises the pivotal role students play in every political movement within the country.

Technically poor

While the play’s strength lies in its subject matter, it falls short in terms of technical execution. In addition to a compelling script, appropriate setting and lighting are crucial for enhancing the overall quality of a play. Unfortunately, the creators of Kalo Akshyar Rato Akshyar seem to have overlooked this aspect. The play’s setting lacks intrigue, lacking elements that capture the audience’s attention.

The setting fails to provide a clear sense of location, leaving the audience uncertain about where the events are unfolding. Moreover, the lighting design lacks charm. The haphazard use of purple light, even in emotional scenes, appears out of place. These elements tend to distract the audience’s focus and diminish the overall engagement with the play. It is hoped that the production team will take these aspects into consideration for future performances.

All the actors have delivered commendable performances, but it is Anup Neupane who truly stands out with his natural and powerful dialogue delivery skills, stealing the spotlight. Despite the play dealing with serious issues, it also features a comedic side, providing ample opportunities for laughter.

Additionally, the play’s live music, including vocals, guitar, ukulele, and percussion, adds an extra layer of captivation. Each song is executed with precision, and the choir, performed by the actors themselves, hits just the right notes.

To sum up, Kalo Akshyar Rato Akshyar can be considered an average play. That said, it might capture the interest of individuals who are relatively new to the theatre scene and have limited exposure to theatrical productions.

Given that the play sheds light on various aspects of the contemporary education sector in the country, it is highly recommended that leaders, students, teachers, policymakers, and other concerned authorities watch it.

The play will run through October 14 every day at 5:15 p.m. except Tuesday, at Shilpee Theatre, Kathmandu. There will be an additional show on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. 

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Kathmandu, October 9

Three road sections within Kathmandu metropolitan city will be converted into one-way streets.

The spokesperson for Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police, SSP Rajendra Prasad Bhatta, has declared that the stretch from Nepal Academy to Ghanta Ghar, as well as the route from Mahendra Statue at Darbarmarg to Kathmandu Plaza, will be designated as one-way streets.

Likewise, spokesperson Bhatta informed that the road from Tripureshwar to Gusingal via Setopul (new bridge) connecting Kathmandu-Lalitpur is going to be made one-way.

While the decision to convert the road into a one-way route has been finalised, the traffic police is yet to set up signs and inform the public about the change.

The traffic police have stressed that the new system will be enforced, and any infractions will be met with appropriate fines.

If the decision is put into effect, it will allow travel from Tripureshwar to Sanepa via the Setopul (new bridge) connecting Kathmandu and Lalitpur. However, returning to Tripureshwar using the same route will no longer be an option. Those journeying from Lalitpur will need to take the road leading to Teku.

People are no longer allowed to turn left from Ghanta Ghar towards Kamaladi. The left turn from Kathmandu Plaza to Darbarmarg has also been prohibited.

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Kathmandu, May 16

Ang Tawa Sherpa, a former Nepali Congress lawmaker, has surrendered himself to the police after facing an arrest warrant over the fake Bhutanese refugee scam.

Earlier, an arrest warrant was issued against him after an arrestee named Sherpa as one of the people involved in the high-profile scam.

Following that, Sherpa went to the Kathmandu District Police Range on Monday, according to an official.

In connection with the same case, influential Nepali Congress leader Bal Krishna Khand is in custody whereas CPN-UML secretary Top Bahadur Rayamajhi has also been arrested.

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Kathmandu, May 16

Internet service providers (ISPs) have been instructed not to charge more than the prescribed internet fees set by the Nepal Telecommunications Authority.

This comes after some service providers increased their fees on their own.

Some ISPs increased fees stating they were given the green light by the authority. However, the authority has said it has made no decision allowing ISPs to increase internet fees.

According to the Telecommunications Act, ISPs can only increase the tariff after the approval notice is published by the authority.

The authority says that no service provider has been given permission to increase the tariff recently.

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Kathmandu, May 15

Nepal Medical Association and Association of Private Health Institutions Nepal have increased the consultation fees of doctors from Monday.

Dr Sanjeev Tiwari, the association’s general secretary, informs the doctors’ consultation fees have been increased by 14 per cent from the previous fees, effective from Monday.

The association has increased the fees after two years.

Tiwari says the fees have been increased based on the Nepal Rastra Bank’s inflation data and the recommendation of the Fee Advisory Committee.

General Secretary Tiwari says the new consultation fees have been fixed from Rs 420 to Rs 940.

According to the new fees, MBBS and BDS doctors with five years of experience can charge Rs 420 while those with more than five years of experience can charge Rs 515.

Similarly, diploma-level doctors with five years of experience can charge Rs 590 as a consultation fee while those with more than five years experience can charge Rs 670.

Doctors who have completed MD, MS or MDS with five years of experience can charge Rs 750 while those with more than five years of experience can charge Rs 800.

Similarly, a fee of Rs 880 has been fixed for DM/MCH level doctors with five years of experience and Rs 940 for those with more than five years of experience.

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Nawalpur, May 15

A husband and wife drowned in the Narayani river in Bardaghat in Nawalpur on Sunday.

The deceased have been identified as Som Bahadur Bote and his wife Bagari Bote from Madhyabindu municipality, informed DSP Santosh Pathak of Nepal Police.

They were swept away by the river while crossing it. They were crossing the river to go to the Chitwan National Park to pick fiddlehead.

The two had gone missing on Sunday afternoon and were found dead later in the night.

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As someone who cares for the environment, I have always been conscious of my daily habits and how they contribute to the bigger picture. When it came to my menstrual cycle, I knew that the traditional method of using pads was not sustainable in the long run.

Each pad I used would sit in a landfill for years, and I could not help but feel guilty about my contribution to the environmental crisis. That is when my friends told me about menstrual cups. At first, I was sceptical and a little intimidated by the idea of using a menstrual cup instead of a pad. But after doing some research and hearing about the benefits from my friends, I decided to take the plunge and try it out for myself. 

First attempt: Overcoming my initial fears and concerns

During the 2020 lockdown, I purchased a menstrual cup. However, my first attempt at using it on a non-period day resulted in discomfort and the fear of being unable to remove it. These negative experiences left me hesitant, and I stored the cup away for about three years.

Recently, a friend encouraged me to use the cup again during my period. This time, I was determined to succeed and regain control of the situation. Surprisingly, I felt no fear or nervousness. Although the first attempt caused some discomfort, it subsided after 15–20 minutes, and I was able to use it with ease. I barely felt the cup inside me, except for the typical menstrual cramps. The best part was feeling liberated from using pads.

Period freedom: The amazing benefits of menstrual cups

Switching to a menstrual cup has numerous benefits, with one of the main advantages being that they only need to be changed every 8–12 hours, depending on the heaviness of your flow. I was amazed to see that the cup was only filled with 10 ml of blood for the entire day of my period. In contrast, if I had used pads, I would have needed to change them at least four times a day, making me feel like my flow was much heavier than it was.

However, the main challenge with using a menstrual cup was to ensure that it did not leak. I decided to test it out by wearing white pants to a training session, and to my delight, it did not leak at all. The only time I experienced leakage was during the night when my flow was particularly heavy.

Overall, I feel like switching to a menstrual cup was one of the best decisions I have made as it has many benefits:

• Pad-free, rash-free period: Menstrual cups eliminate the need for bulky pads, preventing any potential rashes or discomfort caused by the adhesive on pads.

• Feels like non-period days, even during heavy period days: Using the cup offers a more natural feeling compared to pads, allowing for greater freedom of movement and a more comfortable experience.

• No foul smell: The cup is made of medical-grade silicone or latex, preventing any unwanted odours that can come from using pads.

• Easy to do any sort of exercise or walk, dance freely: The flexibility of the cup allows for unrestricted movement, giving you the freedom to engage in any activities without worrying about discomfort.

• No pad waste – giving back to the environment: Switching to the cup is a more sustainable choice, reducing your contribution to the waste generated by disposable pads.

Who does not love saving money?

With a menstrual cup, you can save your hard-earned money and invest it in something more worthwhile than buying pads every month. It is a one-time investment that will last you for years to come, and it is a lot cheaper in the long run compared to pads.

Say goodbye to spending your precious money on overpriced pads and embrace the economical and eco-friendly menstrual cup, which starts from only Rs 500. 

Imagine, only a Rs 500 investment for 10 years of happy and hassle-free periods, whereas each packet of pads costs around Rs 100, and we require at least two packets per month. That is a whopping Rs 24,000 for pads over 10 years. So, do not fall for the pink tax and switch to a menstrual cup today.

Meanwhile, here is a list of must-know rules for happy cupping:

• The right size matters: Choosing the right size ensures a comfortable fit and maximum protection against leaks, so take the time to find the perfect fit for you.
• Double protection, double comfort: For extra peace of mind during the first few uses, pair your cup with period panties or cotton pads until you feel confident in its protection.
• Keeping it clean and sanitised: To keep your cup clean and hygienic, make sure to boil it for 2–3 minutes in advance after each period. Wash it regularly during use.
• Safe and sound: Proper storage in a clean pouch or container is essential for keeping your cup in good condition and free from dust and other particles.
• It’s just a matter of practice: It’s completely normal to feel nervous during the first few insertions and removals, but with practice, you will quickly find a technique that works for you and forget you are even wearing a menstrual cup.

Go green with your flow: Discover sustainable period options

While menstrual cups may not be the perfect choice for everyone, there are various sustainable period products available to select from, such as reusable cloth pads, period underwear and organic tampons. These alternatives can offer a more eco-friendly and cosy period experience.

Moreover, menstrual cups can be a great choice for individuals with sensitivity or allergies to the chemicals and materials usually found in disposable pads and tampons.

Using a menstrual cup allows individuals to control their period experience and make choices that resonate with their values and lifestyle, contributing to personal health and the planet’s well-being.

Menstrual cup magic

After trying out a menstrual cup, I am now a believer in its magical powers. Not only am I helping the planet, but I am also enjoying a more comfortable and stress-free period. Although there might be a small learning curve, the incredible benefits are worth it.

I urge anyone who wants to make a positive impact on their health and the environment to give menstrual cups a chance.

Let every girl experience the freedom of a pad-free and hassle-free period because they deserve nothing but the best. Do not let your period hold you back.

The post Why did I decide to give the menstrual cup a try?  appeared first on OnlineKhabar English News.

Kathmandu, May 9

Famed Bhutanese Buddhist guru and filmmaker Khyentse Norbu, also known as Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche, is coming to Kathmandu later this month to release a new film, Dakini.

The film with the English title, Looking for a Lady with Fangs and a Moustache, is being released in Kathmandu on May 19.

Reportedly, the film made by Shatkon Arts is based on Buddhist myths about various goddesses. The film was shot in Patan and Panauti, two ancient cities in and near the Kathmandu valley.

On the occasion of the premier show, Khyentse Norbu will give a masterclass, titled Beauty is a Trap.

This is Norbu’s fifth film.

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Kathmandu, May 7

A new session of the federal parliament began on Sunday, with House of Representatives members raising concerns over the fake Bhutanese refugee documentation case.

The last House session ended on April 28, but the government summoned the next session early as the session has to discuss the government’s annual policy and programme as well as the annual budget plan for the next fiscal year.

But as soon as the meeting began today, lawmakers of various parties raised concerns over the recently surfaced forgery case and accused involvement of politicians affiliated with various political parties in it.

Speaker Dev Raj Ghimire had to struggle hard to control the lawmakers who used the scam as an opportunity to attack each other.

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Self-care has become a popular term across the world in recent years, but do you know what exactly it means or why it is important? Maybe not, because self-care is a relatively new concept in Nepal, and self-care tips are hardly heard in the public discourse here.

At its core, self-care involves taking intentional actions that benefit your mental and physical health and help you cope with life better. Whether through exercise, meditation, or setting boundaries, self-care is about you and how you can prioritise your well-being.

And no, you do not need to spend a lot of money, regardless of what you have been told or heard as there are many free or low-cost activities that can be just as effective. You just need time and your commitment to making small changes for your overall well-being.

So here are some easy self-care tips that you can apply.

1. It is not being selfish

Self-care is crucial for well-being so before you start other routines and searching for self-care tips, you need to understand that self-care is not about being selfish; rather, only by taking care of yourself can you be your best self for others. 

So, make time for yourself and the things that are significant and useful to you. It can be anything that makes you happy or content as physical activity or spending time alone or with loved ones can be examples of you prioritising yourself and practising self-care. 

Setting limits or creating boundaries and communicating your requirements clearly and assertively are essential in self-care. Once you achieve something, which might seem trivial to others, celebrating your accomplishments and exploring various activities to find new things you love will help you. Self-care tips are not about one-size-fits-all, so take your time and invest in yourself for a happier, healthier existence.

2. Set boundaries

Setting boundaries is one important among the many self-care tips that will allow you to prioritise your well-being and avoid burnout. Individuals may communicate their limits clearly and assertively by saying “no” to commitments that do not correspond with their beliefs or needs. And, it is okay to do so. 

To minimise work-related burnout, you can set healthy boundaries by including a self-care regimen that prioritises rest and establishing reasonable deadlines. Setting limits is ultimately crucial for managing time and energy, developing meaningful relationships, and living a better and healthier life. But boundaries must be communicated with loved ones, employers, or coworkers in order to strengthen relationships and safeguard an individual’s mental and emotional health.

3. Prioritise sleep

This is the first thing you should work on. And it cannot be stated enough how critical it is to prioritise your sleep. As advised, it should be seven to eight hours of sleep per night; “every night” is the key phrase here. To take care of both physical and mental health for total well-being, you need to sleep and have a relaxing bedtime routine. 

A balanced diet can also help by preventing physical sickness and promoting cognitive as well as emotional well-being. Regular exercise, on the other hand, reduces stress and betters your mood. By doing so, you are making long-term decisions for your well-being and they are very essential self-care tips that you need to follow. Finally, as mentioned above, this is something you can do for free.

4. Regular exercise

The importance of regular exercise has been emphasised a lot already, connecting it to sound mental and physical health. But among all self-care tips, this one has been commercialised more. Exercise on a regular basis can not only enhance physical health but also lower stress and increase happiness. Apart from exercise, meditation, and spending time in nature can improve your mental health. 

Many studies have already proved that physical activity can alleviate melancholy and anxiety symptoms, increase mood, and boost self-esteem. Other studies say you can minimise your risk of chronic diseases too with exercise. Additionally, eating a nutritious diet, and getting adequate sleep will also be good. But you do not have to join the gyms per se; a light walk and a few stretching routines can also be enough sometimes.

5. Eat a balanced and nutritious diet

Stressing again, it is critical to recognise that your physical and mental health are inextricably linked to taking care of your physical health. A diet, high in whole and unprocessed food, can also help reduce inflammation in the body, which has been related to a variety of physical and mental health issues. 

Incorporating fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains into meals can enhance both physical and mental health. It is one of the easiest self-care tips as you take care of yourself just by eating. Certain nutrients–such as Omega-3, fatty acids and B vitamins–have been demonstrated to boost mood and alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms.

6. Practise mindfulness

When talking about self-care tips, practising mindfulness is an essential one. For general well-being and burnout, it can be proven very helpful, it might be difficult to make time for activities that are very long amid your hectic schedules and commitments. But mindfulness can be practised via meditation or deep breathing exercises, and one can prioritise self-care just by immersing oneself fully in the present moment. 

You can invest in your well-being and happiness just by making self-care a constant part of your routine. Take some five minutes to take long breaths, calm your mind, play one round of your favourite mobile games or other slightly simple but longer activities like stretching or reading can also help model your good behaviours. You can also be influential on others, and the community or improve all your relationships. This, like other self-care tips, can help lower your stress and encourage the management of your emotions for peace and relaxation.

7. Consistency is essential

Self-care on a regular basis can lead you to improved pleasure, fulfilment, and a stronger sense of purpose. It does not have to be fancy or expensive; it may be as easy as stretching or reading a book for a few minutes. Prioritising self-care may improve both physical and mental health by increasing resilience and coping abilities to better deal with life’s obstacles.

As additional self-care tips, you also find activities that work for you and commit to them on a continuous basis to provide the groundwork for a happier, healthier, and more satisfying life.

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In the second ball of the 18th over in the final of the ACC Men’s Premier Cup, Gulshan Jha hit one of the biggest six of the tournament. Before Karthik Meiyappan’s over ended, Jha hit two more boundaries as the Nepal cricket team scored 16 runs off it, which tilted the game in Nepal’s favour.

Jha’s obliteration of Meiyappan gave fans a belief that Nepal belonged on the big stage. The fans went wild as everyone at the TU Cricket Ground and millions watching at home started to dream of Nepal cricketers facing India and Pakistan at the Asia Cup in September.

This is quite rare as the current ICC’s structure rarely allows associate teams like Nepal to compete with the big boys. But here Nepal were on the verge of creating history and booking their place in the Asia Cup for the first time.

It has been 27 years since Nepal became an associate nation. But in all these years, they have not played a single game against India and Pakistan. Now, with this victory over the UAE in the final of the ACC Men’s Premier Cup, that wait is over. Fans are already excited about what happens to Nepal cricket after that.

The dramatic rise

Nepal beat the UAE by seven wickets in a rain-affected final that had to be played over two days. Bowling first after winning the toss, the team displayed one of their best performances with the ball as they reduced the UAE to 106 runs for the loss of nine wickets in 27.3 overs before the heavens opened up and ended play on May 1.

This was already a psychological boost as many felt Nepal had laid one hand on the trophy. The next day, Nepal bowled the UAE out for 117 runs and had the entire day to chase it down.

Nepal cricketers love drama. When the UAE picked up three quick wickets including that of captain Rohit Paudel, there was tension on the ground. But Monty Desai’s decision to send Gulsan Jha, who was brought to the team in place of Dipendra Singh Airee, to bat at number three for the first time proved to be a masterstroke. Thanks to his unbeaten 67 and a 96-run partnership with Bhim Sharki, Nepal won the match with 117 balls to spare.

His power-hitting was a joy to watch for the Nepal cricket fans as the left-hander dominated the UAE’s spin bowlers hitting six sixes and four fours.

Jha was drawn towards cricket thanks to Nepal’s playing in the 2014 T20 World Cup. Born in Sarlahi, Jha went to Ranchi in India at his own expense to train to become a better cricketer. 

The players who he trained with there are struggling to get into the state team. Many have left India for life abroad while others quit cricket.

But Jha along with others in the team now has a chance to compete with world-class players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Siraj and Jaspreet Bumrah among others.

Jha, who won player of the match in the final, was quite subdued in the post-match press conference.

“I was ready for any responsibility. I was able to play as instructed by the coach. I did not think about the past or the future. I wanted to think about the present and help the team win,” he said.

The dream deferred

This is not the first time Nepal cricketers have qualified for the Asia Cup. After reaching the final in ACC Trophy in 2002, Nepal and the UAE qualified for the Asia Cup. But due to political tensions between India and Pakistan due to the Kargil War, the tournament was cancelled.

Raju Khadka, the Nepal cricket captain then, still feels the pain as all their hard work had gone in vain as the team could not take on the best teams in the world due to no fault of their own.

“We were so excited to play against test nations. But we could not go and that remains a dark day for us. Our dream was shattered,” recalls Khadka.

Now, Nepal, after 22 years, have the opportunity to play the Asia Cup again. In 2002, Nepal had been an associate country for only six years. Fast-forward to now, Nepal have retained it thanks to the team’s incredible performance in the ICC Cricket League 2.

Khadka says playing against teams like India and Pakistan is exactly what Nepal cricketers need to reach greater heights.

“The dream we saw in the 2000s is turning into a reality now. Playing against big teams will not only change our players’ mindset but it will also change the way world cricket looks at us,” says Khadka.

Inherent opportunities

He is correct. Nepal cricket’s performance in the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh in 2014 exposed players like Sandeep Lamichhane and Rohit Paudel to cricket. It lit a fire in their belly as it gave them a belief that they too could represent Nepal on the biggest stage.

“I was inspired by Paras (Khadka) dai and Gyanendra (Malla) dai during the T20 World Cup. I hope we can do the same when we play the Asia Cup,” says Paudel.

Lamichhane, who became the player of the tournament, also believes this is a great chance for them to become immortals in Nepali cricket and inspire a new generation of cricketers in the country.

Coach Monty Desai, who has been an integral part of the Nepal cricket team’s success in recent times, says that if they have a chance to demand bilateral series against full-member countries of the ICC, they can compete well against the likes of India and Pakistan. 

“I cannot wait to see the team play against teams like India and Pakistan. I’m going to enjoy it and see how they play their one-ball battles against the best in the world. It will be great to see if they showcase their best in a bilateral series against these great teams,” he said in the press conference after the final.

Former cricketer Shakti Gauchan is ecstatic for the youngsters who are getting a chance to play against two great teams. He believes positive performance in the Asia Cup can result in great things for Nepal cricket.

“We should play fearless cricket against these teams. We have to show them that we are not inferior to them. If we do that, opportunities will come our way even if don’t win. Our boys will also get to play in franchise leagues across the world,” says Gauchan.

Need for additional support

It is historic in itself for Nepal to play with India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup as an associate nation but it is not improbable. However, to get such an opportunity repeatedly, the hard work of the players and coaches is not enough. It is now up to the government to invest in cricket and cricket infrastructure.

The Nepal cricket team have had this opportunity before but failed to do so after the T20 World Cup in 2014. Nepal’s cricket infrastructure is poor. The country does not have a well-equipped international cricket stadium and it also lacks a proper structure or development plan when it comes to cricket.

Despite making promises during elections, neither the cricket body nor the state has been able to develop cricket at the grassroots level as it is limited to age-group tournaments every now and when.

Like before, the government has decided to give each member of the team that won the ACC Premier Cup Rs 600,000. While is great for the current players, experts emphasise the need for systematic planning and investment in sports infrastructure and human resources if the country wants to do well internationally.

Women’s cricket has been neglected. There is no pathway to the national team as it is dependent on a few academies. The Cricket Association of Nepal is yet to build an A team.

Monty Desai says that in the last three months, Nepal cricketers have gained experience in playing under pressure, and now the country has to invest in physical infrastructure and exposure.”

“I want there to be a development camp and Nepal A team. Now, not only for the men’s team, we have to think about the whole of Nepal cricket”, he says. “If we work hard, Nepal can be a full member soon and if everything goes as planned, we can host a test match here at TU Cricket Ground.”

This story was translated from the original Nepali version and edited for clarity and length.

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Reducing tourism’s carbon footprint not only benefits the environment but can also enhance the long-term viability of Nepal’s tourism industry. The government must encourage responsible and sustainable tourism if it wants to protect the tourist attractions in Nepal.

By promoting sustainable tourism, Nepal can improve the standard of its tourist services, provide visitors with more memorable experiences and ultimately increase Nepal’s tourism industry’s competitiveness in the global market. Government officials, business communities and locals must collaborate to develop sustainable travel and tourism practices in the country.

The government can play a significant role in fostering an ecologically sound travel culture by enacting laws and regulations that support environmentally responsible behaviour, funding conservation efforts, and promoting sustainable and responsible tourism.

Initiatives for sustainable tourism, like community-based tourism, can help local communities financially while upholding their unique culture and environment. Together, we can make sure that Nepal’s tourism industry is morally and sustainably run in a way that benefits the local population and the environment.

Reducing emissions and exploring alternative transportation

The tourism sector in Nepal has played an important role in promoting eco-friendly transportation methods that help cut down on emissions and lessen the impact of travel on the environment. It is crucial to adopt alternative modes of transportation. This not only benefits the environment but also improves the tourist experience in a country that is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world.

Nepal can give tourists a more immersive and genuine experience of Nepal’s natural beauty while also assisting in minimising the negative environmental effects of tourism. The country can do it by promoting sustainable transportation options, such as public transportation, electric or hybrid rental cars, and even walking or biking tours.

It is time for Nepal’s tourism sector to adopt environmentally friendly transportation methods and set an example for other countries.

Globally, attention is rising to eco-friendly transportation methods and sustainable tourism. There are places in the world that show how such actions cannot only improve the environment but also improve the tourist experience by presenting interesting and environmentally friendly travel options.

For example, Amsterdam has created a bike-friendly infrastructure and put in place bike-sharing programmes to promote cycling as a different mode of transportation for tourists.

Likewise, with the establishment of a thorough public transportation system in Costa Rica, which includes hybrid buses and trains, it is now simpler and less polluting for visitors to travel throughout the nation. Norway has invested in electric ferries, bike rentals, and a green car leasing programme.

By adapting and implementing comparable eco-friendly transportation and sustainable tourism strategies that are appropriate for the nation’s context, Nepal can take inspiration from these examples. In order to reduce emissions and the negative effects of travel on the environment, the tourism industry in Nepal must actively promote environmentally friendly transportation options.

Sustainable accommodation and eco-friendly facilities

To encourage sustainable tourism, Nepal’s hotel industry should embrace a variety of best practices from other nations. One of the most important activities is the utilisation of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind or hydroelectricity.

In addition to minimising the carbon footprint of the lodging industry, this enables Nepal’s often recurring power outages to have a reduced detrimental impact. LED lighting, energy-efficient appliances, and smart thermostats are just a few examples of energy-saving strategies that hotels and motels might implement to promote sustainable tourism.

The Nepali hospitality industry can additionally employ sustainable building principles to lower the environmental effect of construction and furnishing. This includes employing locally available, sustainable materials for building, such as bamboo or repurposed wood, and organic cotton or bamboo linens for beds.

Furthermore, water-saving measures such as low-flow showerheads, dual-flush toilets, and rainwater harvesting systems may greatly reduce water use and waste. Then, fostering sustainable tourism through local community and business support, such as purchasing local goods and materials and conducting cultural tours that emphasise Nepal’s distinct culture and customs, can assist to lessen tourism’s carbon impact.

Nepal’s hotel business can encourage sustainable tourism and contribute to the country’s broader environmental sustainability goals by following these best practices.

Supporting local communities and their conservation efforts

As a popular travel destination for tourists from all over the world, it is essential for us to embrace responsible and sustainable tourism practices that prioritise engaging with local communities in a sustainable and respectful manner. It is vital to protect the customs and traditions of diverse ethnic populations and not allow them to be overshadowed by mass tourism. Nepal’s tourism industry should focus on assisting small businesses in local neighbourhoods, raising cultural awareness and preserving the environment.

One way to achieve this is by supporting community-based tourism programmes like the Tharu Community Homestay in Chitwan and the Ghalegaun Homestay project in Lamjung. These initiatives offer visitors a genuine Nepali experience while also contributing to the local economy.

Conservation of natural resources is another critical aspect of responsible tourism practices that Nepal should prioritise. its unique flora and fauna are an integral part of its heritage that must be preserved for future generations.

Conservation initiatives such as the Chitwan National Park and the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) serve not only to safeguard Nepal’s natural resources but also to educate visitors about the country’s biodiversity. By embracing responsible tourism practices, Nepal can ensure that its natural resources and cultural heritage remain intact for many years to come while also maintaining its attractiveness as a tourist destination.

In conclusion, encouraging environmentally friendly travel is essential to lowering tourism’s carbon footprint and boosting Nepal’s tourism sector’s long-term viability.

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This is the 21^st century and many people consider the advent of science and technology has solved a lot of problems in the field of modern medicine and healthcare. However, there are many people who are sceptic about the solution of Western modern medicine and healthcare. In fact, the number of people rejecting modern medicine and promoting alternative medicine is rising in many parts of the world including Nepal.

They blame modern medicine treats the disease, not the patients. When you are focusing only on the disease, there is a danger of losing focus on a total patient, creating risks of side effects on the body. Perhaps, this may be the reason nowadays more and more people are taking an interest in alternative medicine.

So why is alternative medicine so popular even today?

Alternative medicine in the modern age

Alternative medicine refers to a wide range of medical practices and therapies that are not considered a part of conventional medicine or Western modern medicine. People also can call it natural and holistic medicine.

Such medical practice has been in existence for over 5,000 years. These practices and therapies include traditional medicine, complementary medicine, and natural therapies, among others.

One of the key principles of alternative medicine is that it focuses on treating the whole person rather than just the symptoms of a particular condition, which is called the holistic approach.

Alternative medicine practitioners believe that the body has the ability to heal itself and that the role of the practitioner is to support this natural healing process. They mainly address underlying emotional, spiritual, and lifestyle factors that contribute to individual health.

The mainstream of medical practice today is allopathic medicine (modern Western medicine) but perhaps because of many side effects that ensued in conventional medicine, alternative medicine has gained increasing popularity in recent years.

More people seek alternative approaches to healthcare while some still remain sceptical of its benefits for not being scientifically proven and for not getting accurate results. This is what the present situation is all about. Neither modern medicine nor alternative medicine is not free from scepticism.

Ayurveda

Ayurveda, one of the most popular forms of alternative medicine, is a form of medicine in Eastern culture with a history that ages back to many ancient periods. It is a form of medicine where the patient is treated with the help of herbs or a combination of herbs found locally in the eastern Himalayas and other parts of the Eastern world. The existence of Ayurveda can be found in ancient India and Nepal. Many of the spices used in Indian and Nepali cuisine actually have medicinal value and are parts of Ayurveda.

For example, turmeric acts as an antibiotic, neem acts as an antiseptic and ginger produces heat and can be used to cure cough and cold, and tulasi (holy basil) acts as an antioxidant. In comparison to modern allopathic medicine, Ayurvedic medicine has fewer or no side effects since it is based on organic herbs rather than chemicals produced in laboratories.

However, it takes a long period to see the effect of the Ayurveda medicine. There are many advantages of Ayurvedic medicine such as it can be taken for longer periods and can have lasting impacts with less or no side effects.

It can also be used to treat various chronic illnesses, even depression. Brahmi and Ashwagandha have the property to enhance their mental health capacity and can be used to cure depression.

Chinese medicinal therapy

Chinese medicinal therapy consisting of acupuncture and acupressure is another form of alternative medicine. Acupuncture is the use of needles to puncture various appropriate points of the human body to relieve various pains such as backaches or other nervous system-related pain. In acupressure, instead of the needles, only pressure is applied.

These are also very ancient Chinese methods and techniques of treating body-related ailments and still exist as successful methods of treatment. Many people have said being benefitted. 

Yoga and meditation

Yoga, pranayama and meditation can also be taken as alternative forms of medicine. Yoga is the movement of various parts of the body to form various postures which would treat various body-related illnesses in the long run.

Pranayama, on the other hand, is a breathing technique or exercise which helps treat various mental and nasal-related illnesses. Also, breathing exercises are very useful to keep healthy the abdominal parts of the body. Under pranayama, there are basically seven techniques such as vastrika, kapalvati, bhaiya, anulom bilom, bharmari, uthgij, ujwol.

Similarly, meditation is the practice of mental concentration which enhances mental capacity in the long run.

All of the above if practised for a longer period and regularly with dedication can provide fruitful results and help to maintain a healthy life.

Competition or co-existence?

In today’s time, alternative medicine cannot replace allopathy as conventional medicine. Modern medicines are effective, accurate and proven by scientific research, rigorous scientific studies and evidence on which somebody can believe on. No doubt, modern medicine has been able to save millions of lives and contributed to society to maintain healthcare.

Alternative medicine is not as effective and accurate as modern medicine, yet many people continue to turn to alternative medicine as a complement to conventional healthcare.

For some people, alternative medicine offers a more natural and holistic approach to healing, one that focuses on treating the root causes of a condition rather than just the symptoms. They also believe that alternative medicine offers a sense of control and empowerment over their own health and well-being.

However, it is important to keep an open mind before making any choices as we cannot take risks to our health. We can consider looking at a wider range of medicine, but we cannot let conventional medicine go unseen, as from centuries to date allopathic medicine remains to be dominant health system in the world.

Ultimately, the decision to pursue alternative medicine is a personal one, and each individual must weigh the potential benefits and risks for themselves. As with any form of healthcare, it is important to do your research, seek out qualified practitioners, and make informed decisions about your own health and well-being. A balanced approach may be the best one.

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Kathmandu, May 5

Meteorologists have forecast less than average monsoon rainfall across Nepal this year.

The period expected to begin in the first week of June and end in the last week of September will see less than the average annual monsoon rain in most parts except those in eastern and central Nepal, informs the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology.

Senior meteorologist Indira Kandel says the department has measured the lower rainfall probability in other places at 35 to 55 per cent.

The department had forecast more than average rainfall during the past two monsoons, but the monsoon in 2022 saw just average precipitation.

The department every year issues monsoon rainfall forecasts by organising an event named the National Monsoon Forum before the beginning of the monsoon.

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Biratnagar, May 5

An 11-year-old boy, reportedly abducted two days ago from Duhabi of Sunsari, has been rescued safely from India.

The son of Bindeshwar Yadav, a local cow farmer residing in Bugdari, Duhabi municipality-11, was abducted on Sunday evening, informs DSP Raj Kumar Rai of the Sunsari District Police Office.

SP Prabhu Dhakal, the DPO chief, says the child was rescued from Samastipur of Bihar on Tuesday morning.

As reported to the police, a person frequenting the cow farm took the child to his vehicle with the Indian registration number BR-09-R 0796 saying he would give the child some snacks.

The next day, the father received a call on WhatsApp, during which the alleged kidnappers demanded Indian Rs 2.5 million as ransom, threatening they would kill the child if otherwise.

But Yadav informed the police of the case, which coordinated with the Indian police for the rescue mission.

Dhakal says the police are looking for the suspects and further investigation is underway.

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London, May 5

Foreign Minister NP Saud arrived in London on Thursday to attend the coronation of British King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla.

The Embassy of Nepal in London states that Minister Saud was received at Heathrow Airport in London by the special representative of the secretary of the British Ministry of Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Nepal’s Ambassador to the UK Gyan Chandra Acharya and other officials.

During his stay in London, the minister will attend the reception at Buckingham Palace today and the coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey tomorrow, the embassy spokesperson Roshan Khanal says.

He will have other official engagements as well.

The foreign minister will return home on May 9.

Read also: Should Nepal care about King Charles III’s coronation?

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Nepal, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, is celebrating Buddha Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Gautam Buddha, with a public holiday across the nation. But it is not only Nepal that celebrates Buddha Jayanti in reverence for Buddha’s teachings as Buddhists across the world are following his path.

The Tripiṭaka is the term used in Buddhism to refer to three collections of scriptures of Buddha’s teachings: Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka, and Abhidhamma Pitaka. Vinaya Pitaka contains rules and stories about the Buddha and his disciples, Sutta Pitaka contains discourses on various topics, and Abhidhamma Pitaka contains detailed analyses of Buddhist teachings. It is considered the most important and authoritative collection of Buddhist scriptures, studied by scholars and monks worldwide. It is a primary source of Buddha’s teachings, guiding practitioners seeking wisdom, compassion and inner peace.

Here is a list of key lessons taught by Buddha that you should know about.

Four noble truths

The four noble truths are a fundamental part of Buddha’s teachings and are intended to be a guide for how to live a fulfilling life. The four truths include:

• Truth of suffering
• Truth of the origin of suffering
• Truth of cessation, and 
• Truth of the path

The first truth accepts that pain will always be a part of life. The second truth is that to be free of suffering, we must learn to let go of our attachments and wants. The third fact reassures us that we may end suffering, and the fourth truth offers a path to do so by following the eightfold path. By following these teachings, it is believed that one can achieve enlightenment and ultimately reach nirvana.

The eightfold path 

Buddhists pursue the eightfold path of Buddha’s teachings to develop moral behaviour, knowledge and mental discipline. It consists of proper understanding, purpose, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness and concentration. Buddhists seek to escape the circle of suffering and achieve inner tranquillity and enlightenment through the eightfold path. The journey is difficult and calls for commitment, control and introspection, but the benefits are priceless.

The Theravada tradition emphasises the eightfold path that includes:

• Right view
• Right resolve
• Right speech
• Right action
• Right livelihood
• Right effort
• Right mindfulness, and 
• Right concentration

The eightfold path helps individuals understand the four noble truths of Buddha’s teachings and the three categories that encompass these principles (ethics, meditation, and wisdom), which can be applied in daily decision-making processes to move towards enlightenment and away from suffering. The path emphasises the importance of ethical conduct, mental discipline and wisdom in achieving liberation from suffering and attaining enlightenment.

The middle way

The middle way is a fundamental concept among Buddha’s teachings that advocates for a balanced approach to life, encouraging practitioners to find a middle ground between self-indulgence and self-mortification. It teaches people to avoid becoming attached to worldly pleasures while minimising suffering. 

This path involves cultivating mindfulness and awareness, finding a balance between positive and negative emotions, and developing equanimity and inner peace. The noble eightfold path, which consists of eight interconnected guidelines, is one way to follow the middle way. By practising this path, one can cultivate a more peaceful and fulfilling life, both for themselves and for those around them.

Impermanence

The concept of impermanence is a fundamental aspect of Buddhism, which teaches that everything in the world, including our bodies, relationships and material possessions, is susceptible to perish or at the very least change continually. One can discover freedom and inner peace by accepting the natural cycle of life and letting go of their attachments by realising impermanence. 

Buddha placed a strong emphasis on non-attachment, which means that one should develop a feeling of detachment from their wants and possessions to acknowledge that they are not the source of genuine pleasure. Over the years, these ideas from Buddha’s teachings have struck a chord with people, and many have discovered that by accepting impermanence and letting go of attachments, they may find more happiness and fulfilment in life.

Compassion

Compassion is an essential lesson among Buddha’s teachings that encourages practitioners to seek to alleviate the suffering of others, cultivating empathy and kindness towards all beings, not just those closest to them. This can have a profound impact on their well-being as it allows them to connect with others in a deep and meaningful way. The concept of karma is often linked to the practice of compassion, suggesting that people’s compassionate actions can create positive karmic energy that benefits both themselves and others. 

Practising compassion can help people deal with difficult emotions and contribute to a more compassionate and caring world where suffering is reduced and happiness is increased. Engaging in acts of kindness and compassion not only benefits others but also brings joy and fulfilment to their own lives, leading to personal growth and development.

Meditation 

Meditation is an important practice among Buddha’s teachings for cultivating empathy and compassion towards all beings, including practitioners themselves. Taking action to alleviate the suffering of others is also a key to deepening people’s connection with the world around us and giving us a greater sense of purpose and meaning. Regular meditation can help people become more mindful, peaceful and kind, enabling them to respond to challenging situations with equanimity and wisdom. 

Interconnectedness

Finally, Buddha taught the concept of interconnectedness or interdependence, which states that all things in the universe are connected and interdependent but are part of a larger picture. This understanding can cultivate a sense of responsibility towards others and the environment, leading to greater harmony and balance in the world, leading to more conscious choices that align with their values and contribute to the greater good. 

When one understands interconnectedness, one becomes more mindful of their actions and how they affect those around them, leading to a greater sense of empathy, compassion and kindness towards others. This understanding of Buddha’s teachings can also lead to a greater sense of harmony and balance in the world, where individuals and communities work together for the greater good.

The post Key lessons taught by Buddha that you should know about on Buddha Jayanti appeared first on OnlineKhabar English News.

Most Nepalis, whether born to a medical or non-medical background, are familiar with uric acid.

In my experience as an orthopaedic surgeon, there are several occasions or situations in which people get the wrong idea that they are suffering from it. Hence, they avoid certain food to eat without proper diagnosis and it has become a social taboo to avoid food if one suffers from any joint pain. I mean to say uric acid is not itself a social taboo, but the ways people think of this problem is a social taboo. This, however, is an unnecessary precaution.

More than 90 per cent people of in Nepal think that patients who have uric acid should not eat tomatoes, curd, and brinjal among others. But, in reality, they should eat them and these things do have added benefits. Many people think that these patients can eat chicken, but chicken also raises uric acid levels. Many people think that sweet food items can be eaten, but they also raise the level of uric acid in human bodies. All these are just parts of myths regarding eating behaviours prevailing in Nepali society.

So before taking measures of precaution without a diagnosis, it is better to understand how uric acid works in the human body and get rid of myths about it for one’s health.

What is uric acid?

Uric acid is a normal byproduct of purine (a type of protein) metabolism and it is normally present in the human body. Normal levels of uric acid are 2.4 -6.0 mg/dl in females and 3.4 -7.0 mg/dl in males.

When the uric acid level is more than the normal range and patients are having clinical symptoms, we assume that patients have been suffering from a uric acid disease, which is called gouty arthritis.

It is not advisable to treat this disease without a proper check-up on the level of uric acid in the blood. Despite the fluctuating state, the patients might not have any clinical symptoms, such as complaints of pain or swelling in the joints, which is known as hyperuricemia. This should be managed cautiously with a specialist doctor.

Hence, the case is highly recommended to be assessed by a specialist doctor before the patients assuming themselves that they are having the problem and start treatment in the wrong way.

Understanding gouty arthritis

There are widespread misconceptions that every joint pain in the body is caused by high uric acid levels in the bloodstream. This is causing a problem in the diagnosis.

Gouty arthritis is more common in males and patients are usually presented with acute onset of pain, swelling and tenderness of the joint, which is usually the base of great toes in 80 to 90 per cent of cases and otherwise ankle, knee, elbow joints, and sometimes thumbs.

Two things that should be noted here. That pain is very severe and usually without having the trauma and in the meantime it affects a single joint at a time even though patients may feel migrating type of pain from one joint to another later.

While assessing the patient in OPD, doctors come across several situations where the patients assume they have high uric acid levels just because they have severe back pain, pain radiating in the leg, even chest pain and severe headache. This shows how Nepali society is wrongly captivated by misconceptions.

Food items to have and avoid

Since uric acid is a normal metabolic byproduct of purine protein, basically found in red meat of goat, lamb, pork, buffalo, beef and even more in organ meat, such food should be avoided. Organ meat means internal organs like the liver, kidney, intestine and brain.

However, it is unfair to say that poultry (chicken) meat does not contain uric acid, even though it does not reproduce the high uric acid as red meat does, it too has it. However, eggs, which have been considered one of the good sources of protein, contain minimum purine protein and have been advised to take by gouty arthritis patients.

Some types of seafood like shellfish, oily fish, and canned fish; sugary beverages like fruit juices and sugary sodas; sugary snacks like cakes, cookies, and candy are rich sources of uric acid. Hence, they should be avoided by patients with gouty arthritis.

Alcoholic products like whisky and beer are rich sources of uric acid even though wine contains negligible amounts. Similarly, lintels like grams and kidney beans also contain this element. Many people may not be aware that some vegetables like cauliflower, asparagus, spinach and mushrooms contain moderate amounts.

Hence, it is recommended to avoid these food items, especially during the inflammatory phase of gout. However, it does not require at all to avoid dairy products (milk, curd), tomatoes, sour fruits (oranges, lemon), chilli and eggplants, which many patients avoid for a long time.

Low-fat-containing curd is safe for gouty arthritis patients. Moreover, citrus fruits like lemons and oranges do not increase uric acid levels but rather decrease them with citric acid.

Some more patient-friendly food items are green leafy vegetables, fruits (strawberries, blueberries, apples, Indian gooseberries, guavas, kiwis), nuts, coffee and green tea. Drinking plenty of water is universally accepted to flush the uric acid from the kidney through urine.

Many patients have remained far away from the pickles. However, it is suggested not to do so because probiotic bacteria present in pickles help dissolve the uric acid.

At last, the hereditary nature of gouty arthritis should not be forgotten and necessary precautions should be taken by family members.

The post Myths about uric acid/gouty arthritis in Nepal busted appeared first on OnlineKhabar English News.

Kathmandu, May 4

The South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) has finalised the participation of Kuwait in the 14th SAFF Championship to be the first outside-SAARC team in the regional tournament.

The event will take place in Bengaluru of India from June 21 to July 3.

Kuwait will be the seventh team besides six teams from South Asia, namely, Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Bhutan and the Maldives.

SAFF has recently adopted an approach to including outside teams also to upgrade the level of football in South Asia.

Nepal are the current runners-up in SAFF Championship whereas India are the defending champions.

The post Kuwait to play SAFF Championship to be the 1st outside-SAARC team in the tournament appeared first on OnlineKhabar English News.

Kathmandu, May 4

Former deputy prime minister Top Bahadur Rayamajhi is yet to be get arrested, according to Kathmandu police.

Amid conflicting reports about his whereabouts, Kathmandu Police Range chief SSP Dan Bahadur Karki says the police have launched a manhunt but he is yet to find him.

On Wednesday, the police received arrest warrants against the CPN-UML secretary Rayamajhi and his son Sandeep Rayamajhi over their alleged involvement in issuing documents identifying Nepali nationals as refugees to help them go abroad easily.

Sandeep was arrested in Butwal last night and taken to the Kathmandu District Court to receive remand this afternoon.

The former deputy prime minister was in his home district of Arghakhanchi on Wednesday afternoon. Then, he came to Butwal in the evening.

The post Fake refugee papers: Top Bahadur Rayamajhi not arrested yet, his son taken to court appeared first on OnlineKhabar English News.