polo

Summary:

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

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

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

Archive: https://archive.md/dJUP8

Summary:

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

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

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

Archive: https://archive.is/htOw1

Summary:

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

Archive: https://archive.is/DeL8N

So, how's everyone doing?

How's your week been?

Any plans for today?

What are you working on?

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

Summary:

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

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

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

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

Archive: https://archive.is/Xk8mc

Summary:

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

Archive: https://archive.is/WUItn

Summary:

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

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

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

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

Summary:

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

Archive: https://archive.md/ZQRSy

Summary:

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

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

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

Archive: https://archive.md/d2GDn

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Summary:

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

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

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

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

Summary:

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

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