Indian capital extends lockdown once again until May 10

India’s union territory of Delhi has extended its lockdown a second time for another week due to an ongoing surge in Covid-19 cases and shortages of beds and oxygen at hospitals.

India's COVID-19 cases rise by 392,488 - Health ministry

India's new coronavirus cases rose by 392,488, while deaths from COVID-19 jumped by 3,689 over the past 24 hours, according to health ministry data released on Sunday.

Indian scientists flag virus mutations that could ‘evade immune response’

A forum of scientific advisers set up by the Indian government has told authorities about minor mutations in some samples of the coronavirus that could “possibly evade immune response” and require more study, a leader of the forum has told Reuters.

Locals fear flood, landslide, say their outcries went unheard

 Fear has started to grip the locals across different parts of Sindhupalchowk since the monsoon season is commencing and they are yet again vulnerable to the damage by floods and landslides. Geologists have also been warning that over 11,000 houses of 242 settlements across Sindhupalchowk are at high risk of flood and landslide. They had suggested the concerned authorities to relocate the settlements to safer places. Nevertheless, the three levels of the government – local, provincial and central...

35 tonnes of Dhupi leaf collected in Taplejung

Local businessmen have collected 35 tonnes of Dhupi leaves (Juniperus communis) in Taplejung this fiscal year. According to the Division Forest Office (DFO), businesses collect the herb, which is only found in mountainous regions of the district, and sell them in markets inside and outside the district. Forester Sita Yogi informed that individuals were required to pay Rs. 2 for each kilogram of the Dhupi they collected as permit fees. “Many people have applied for the permits and we have already...

Mutthi daan campaign to ensure no one goes hungry

Since the coronavirus pandemic-induced prohibitory order has been imposed in Tanahu district, daily wage workers as well informal sector workers are the ones bearing its maximum brunt. They are more concerned about starving to death than the virus itself. But thanks to Mutthi Daan, an initiative of Manakamana Ashram of Byas M

Bandipur becomes deserted again, entrepreneurs demand relief package

Bandipur, one of the most popular sites both for domestic and international tourists, once again wears a deserted look, after the second wave of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) hit the country. The second wave of the virus has already affected all business and service related sectors. The tourism of Bandipur had gradually revived after the country lifted the restrictions imposed on the hospitality sector during the first wave of pandemic. If it were normal times, Bandipur would be abuzz with visitors...

Securing Prosperity And Social Justice

An egalitarian nation envisages equal economic opportunities, prosperity and social justice to all its members. The people belonging to all classes should have the power to exercise equal rights and access to opportunities ensuring their betterment. Empowering people with economic prosperity and ensuring them the rights of social and cultural dimensions enables them to live happily within their communities. This is a hallmark of an equal and just society. While allowing access to equal rights to...

Nepal’s Ties With Neighbours Red Line Must Not Be Crossed

In one of his thought-provoking essays, Sardaar Yadu Nath Khanal (1913 – 2004), doyen of Nepal’s diplomacy under King Mahendra, has said, “A system of governance does have a red line (Laxman Rekha)”. This system of governance was characterised by autonomous sobriety, maturity and self-discipline based on the five principles peaceful coexistence. A red line will have two primary sets of players - first is inside the line and, second, outside the line. The insiders of the line shall be defensive,...

Combating Second Wave Of COVID-19

The euphoria at defeating the coronavirus disease had been building since late last year when daily COVID-19 cases declined to two digits in Nepal. The second wave was stimulated by different factors such as people becoming careless about the preventive measures, started attending weddings and social gatherings, political rallies, and religious gatherings. Fewer people were taking the vaccines which slowed down the vaccination drive. Lesson