loki

Summary:
The Nepalese government plans to hire 36 nurses across federal and provincial health facilities to promote exclusive breastfeeding, addressing a decline in breastfeeding rates. This move fills the gap left by the termination of USAID-funded nursing positions after the aid agency's funding suspension. The Ministry of Health will allocate budget for these nurses to support breastfeeding promotion in 18 hospitals.

Exclusive breastfeeding rates in Nepal have dropped from 70% in 2011 to 56% in 2021, with an increase in bottle-feeding, especially among children born in health facilities. Bottle feeding is discouraged by WHO due to contamination risks. Studies show that educated and wealthier mothers are more likely to bottle-feed.

Health officials aim to set up at least 10 lactation management units in hospitals with UNICEF support, including equipment like refrigerators to store breast milk safely. Breastfeeding for the first two years is strongly recommended for its health benefits to both children and mothers, including reduced risks of certain cancers and diabetes for women.

Nepal is committed to increasing exclusive breastfeeding rates to 90% by 2030.

Archive: https://archive.md/5vSwA

Nepali PUBG Team Hora Esports Secures 9th Place, Wins $127,500 Prize in Esports World Cup

Summary:
Nepali PUBG Mobile team "Hora Esports" secured the 9th position in the Esports PUBG Mobile World Cup held in Saudi Arabia.

• Group stage qualification: $27,500
• Survival stage: $25,000
• Show match: $15,000
• Final 9th place prize: $60,000

Total prize money earned: $127,500.

Archive: https://archive.md/pTK7H

Red Light Flashes at Koshi Barrage as All 27 Gates Open Due to Rising Water Flow

Summary:
Due to continuous rainfall in the eastern hilly and Terai districts, the flow of water in the Saptakoshi River has increased. At 7 PM, the water flow through the Koshi Barrage was measured at 189,390 cubic feet per second (cusec), which rose to 191,210 cusec by 8 PM, according to Armed Police Deputy Superintendent Nirmal Thapa.

As the water flow increased, 27 out of 56 gates of the barrage were opened. Chief District Officer Dharmendra Mishra stated that despite the rise in water flow, there is no current problem. The red light on the Koshi Barrage is turned on as a warning signal when water flow exceeds 150,000 cusec. Accordingly, the red light was turned on in the Koshi Barrage control room.

Archive: https://archive.md/Zn0Yn

Over 750,000 People Enrolled in Health Insurance in Madhesh Province

Summary:
In Madhesh Province, over 750,000 people have enrolled in health insurance, which accounts for about 13% of the population of approximately 6.1 million according to the 2021 national census. The provincial government has facilitated this program to provide easy access to public health services. As of mid-August 2025, a total of 779,265 people across all eight districts are insured.

The government offers free health insurance to families of martyrs, although identifying and including all such families has been challenging due to address verification and migration issues. The program also provides additional coverage of NPR 100,000 for patients suffering from complex diseases like cancer, heart conditions, dialysis needs, head injuries, and spinal injuries.

Started in 2016 and expanded province-wide in 2018, the health insurance program continues to improve its outreach by deploying local registration assistants to enroll citizens door-to-door. The province is also working to include basic hospitals under the insurance service network and offers renewal discounts for continued coverage.

Archive: https://archive.md/geQqc

Madhes Faces Dual Crisis: Drought and Flood Threaten Farmers' Livelihoods

Summary:
The article from Nagarik News discusses the harsh situation in the Madhes region of Nepal, which is suffering from both drought and flood problems simultaneously.

For a long time, farmers faced severe water shortages, causing crops like rice to dry up and fields to crack. The government had declared Madhes a drought-affected area. However, recently heavy rainfall has occurred, especially in districts like Siraha, Dhanusha, Mahottari, and Sarlahi, bringing some relief but also raising fears of flooding.

Meteorologists explain that the monsoon's moisture-laden winds from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal continue to bring rain, which may persist for a few more days. This sudden heavy rainfall after a long dry spell worries farmers, who fear their fields might be washed away by floods just as they were struggling with drought.

Experts link this erratic weather to climate change, noting that traditional rainfall patterns have become unpredictable. Previously, water would trickle slowly and get stored in the Chure hills, but now heavy showers come abruptly, causing flash floods.

Farmers like Bijendra Yadav express mixed feelings—hope from the rain but anxiety about floods damaging their land and homes. Environmentalist Nagadev Yadav stresses the need for long-term strategies such as water storage systems, solar-powered irrigation, climate-resilient crops, and affordable water management to reduce the dual risks of drought and flood.

Overall, the recent rains provide temporary relief but highlight the urgent need for adaptive agricultural practices and government commitment to tackle climate impacts in Madhes.

Archive: https://archive.md/H7J7F

12 Modern Laboratories Now Operating Simultaneously at Provincial Hospital in Parbat

Summary:
The Provincial Hospital in Parbat has launched 12 modern laboratories simultaneously, enabling patients to undergo advanced health tests locally. Previously, due to insufficient testing facilities, patients had to travel to Pokhara or other cities for certain tests. The newly added lab services include tests like Vitamin D, Vitamin B-12, PSA, B-HCG, Anti-TPO, Iron profile, ANA, Anti-DSDNA, Ferritin, CRP quantitative, RA quantitative, and Reticulocyte count. These tests will help identify specific health issues more easily. This facility will provide convenience to residents of Kusma and surrounding districts by offering sophisticated lab services without the hassle of traveling to urban centers. According to Dr. Hemant Bastola, Medical Superintendent of the hospital, these additions will greatly benefit many patients by providing relief through local treatment options.

Archive: https://archive.md/XVUyN

Boundary Pillars to Be Installed in Rivers Along Nepal-India Border

Summary:
The Nepal-India Boundary Working Group (Joint Boundary Working Group) in its 7th meeting decided to install boundary pillars not only on land but also in large rivers such as Koshi, Mechi, Karnali, Rapti, and Mahakali. Previously, boundary pillars were only placed on land. The meeting was held in India from July 26 to 28, 2025, led by Nepal's Survey Department Director General Prakash Joshi and India's Surveyor General Hitesh Kumar Makwana.

Key points from the meeting:

• Boundary pillars will now be placed at points shown on the map both on land and in rivers.
• Currently, there are 5,785 boundary pillars along the 1,880 km Nepal-India border. A total of 8,553 pillars are needed, so 2,768 remain to be installed.
• The meeting also decided on regular inspection, repair, and reconstruction of boundary pillars and prepared reports on encroachments within a ten-yard area.
• Joint inspection teams from both countries will inspect boundaries and report to their respective survey departments.
• The boundary working group had not met for seven years due to COVID-19 but plans to start fieldwork from mid-December 2025.
• The next meeting is scheduled for September 2025 in Nepal.
• Scientific measurement of the boundary began based on the 1816 Sugauli Treaty.
• Missing or damaged pillars will be restored using GPS technology.
• Difficulties exist in installing pillars in remote and geographically challenging areas like Mahakali’s Brahmadev Mandi market and high-altitude areas of Taplejung.

This move aims to strengthen border demarcation between Nepal and India by clearly marking boundaries even in river regions.

Archive: https://archive.md/KF2t8

Construction of Middle Kali Gandaki Hydropower Project Begins in Myagdi

Summary:
The construction of the Middle Kali Gandaki Hydropower Project has started in Annapurna Rural Municipality, Myagdi, Nepal. This is the first hydropower project on the Kali Gandaki River. The project, led by Hydro Support Company, has a capacity of 66.3 MW. Civil contractor Rasuwa-Multi JV began building a 4,319 meters long tunnel using explosives at Annapurna-2, Nagdhang. The dam will be 12 meters high and 35 meters long, constructed at Annapurna-3, Sukebagar. Water will be channeled from 151 meters height to an underground powerhouse at Annapurna-2, Naunibagar.

The project includes underground structures like the powerhouse, switchyard, and control room. Advanced equipment such as boom robotic shotcrete machines are being used for tunnel construction. The generated power will be connected to the central grid via a 220 kV substation located 7 km above Naunibagar. Completion is targeted within three years.

The total estimated cost is NPR 12.93 billion, funded 75% by six commercial banks led by Nabil Bank and 25% by promoters and shareholders. Nepal Electricity Authority has agreed to purchase electricity at rates of NPR 8.40 per unit in winter and NPR 4.80 in the monsoon season. Expected revenue is NPR 1.09 billion in winter from 130 GWh and NPR 1.33 billion in monsoon from 277 GWh.

In the Kali Gandaki basin, three hydropower projects over 300 MW have received construction permits, including the 65 MW Upper Kali Gandaki and the 180 MW Kali Gandaki Garjle projects.

Archive: https://archive.md/5gi6K

Summary:
The Bhagawati Jatra in Palpa, Nepal, is a 206-year-old festival commemorating Nepal's victory over British forces during the Anglo-Nepal War at the Battle of Jitgadhi Fort in 1815. The festival originated from a vow by Colonel Ujir Singh Thapa, who prayed to goddess Ranaujeshwari Bhagawati for victory and promised to build a temple and hold an annual procession if victorious. After defeating the British, Thapa fulfilled this vow by constructing the Bhagawati Temple in Tansen between 1815-1819 and starting the chariot procession tradition in 1820.

The festival is celebrated annually on Bhadra Krishna Navami (around August 17) with a chariot procession of the goddess's palanquin circling Tansen market, accompanied by traditional music and cultural performances. It draws thousands of devotees, including government officials and military personnel. The Lumbini provincial government declares a public holiday in Palpa during the event.

The Jatra symbolizes Nepal’s sovereignty, historical resilience, and cultural pride, recalling how Thapa’s tactical ambush forced British troops to retreat. It remains a significant patriotic tradition honoring Nepal’s defiance against colonial forces.

Archive: https://archive.md/e7ex4

Summary:
A 15-year-old Dalit girl was abducted and gang-raped in Jhalhi ward 11, Rajbiraj Municipality, Saptari district. The perpetrators held her captive overnight. One suspect, 19-year-old Raju Yadav, was caught by the community and handed to police; another, 18-year-old Vivek Yadav, remains at large. Instead of pursuing legal action, local officials, including ward chair Uttam Narayan Yadav, pressured the victim’s family to accept a Rs100,000 cash settlement to drop the complaint. The family refused and continues to face harassment. Police have not yet registered a formal FIR even five days after the incident, citing they are waiting for a complaint registration. Women’s rights groups condemned the case, highlighting systemic failure and alleged collusion by local authorities to bury the case. The ward chair claims he only observed discussions and denies forcing any settlement.

Archive: https://archive.md/12jvP

Summary:
A recent study led by Reshu Bashyal from the NGO Greenhood Nepal reveals that Nepal's illegal exotic pet trade is moving from physical markets to digital platforms due to widespread smartphone use, social media, and online payment systems. Traditionally a source and transit country for wildlife trafficking, Nepal might now be becoming a destination as well, driven by economic growth and better connectivity in South Asia.

Key points:

• The research, ongoing since October 2022, surveyed news, social media, enforcement agencies, and conducted market surveys and interviews.
• Nearly three-quarters of Nepali adults use smartphones; half are on Facebook, with popular messaging apps like WhatsApp and Viber widely used. Mobile banking users rose to 24.65 million in fiscal year 2023-2024.
• Birds (both native and exotic) and reptiles are among the most traded species. Native birds include near-threatened Alexandrine parakeet and critically endangered yellow-breasted bunting; exotic birds include Gouldian finches, cockatiels, scarlet macaws, and Java sparrows.
• Reptiles include Indian star tortoise, red-eared slider, Indian roofed turtle, spotted pond turtle, tokay gecko, ball python, and iguanas.
• Large mammals like chital deer, sambar deer, Indian crested porcupines, red pandas, pangolins, sloth bears, wild boars, and even Asian elephants are also trafficked.
• Enforcement is challenged by the digital shift; while illegal trade has moved online, this shift also reflects increased public awareness making open physical trade harder.
• Nepal’s laws impose penalties for unauthorized wildlife handling but lack clear standards for permissible pet trade under CITES regulations.
• Online markets and informal mobile vendors operate across Nepal; hundreds of animals can be traded in single transactions.
• Key trade hubs in Nepal include Kathmandu, Biratnagar, Birgunj, Pokhara, and Chitwan; Patna in India is a major supply hub due to open borders.
• Wildlife is sourced from countries like Indonesia, Australia, Japan, Pakistan, Vietnam, and Bangladesh; exports go to China, Pakistan, Vietnam, and India.
• Transport includes air freight and trading of eggs hatched in captivity.
• Experts say the shift online poses new challenges but also shows law enforcement successes since open trade is harder.

Archive: https://archive.md/bEvj8

Summary:

• Date & Location: July 24, 2024, Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, Nepal.
• Aircraft: Bombardier CRJ-200 (registration 9N-AME).
• Flight Type: Illegal ferry flight to relocate aircraft for maintenance in Pokhara; carried 17 unauthorized passengers plus two pilots.
• Casualties: 18 dead, including airline senior management; captain sole survivor.

Key Issues Leading to Crash

1. Regulatory Violations & Negligence:

• Ferry flight carried unauthorized passengers.
• Cargo loaded improperly including flammable liquids in passenger cabin.
• No flight attendant or safety briefing.
• Skipped essential control checks and maintenance delays.
• Airline had poor safety culture and no quality assurance programs.
• Civil Aviation Authority Nepal (CAAN) lacked oversight, staff, and enforcement.

2. Pilot Factors:

• Captain and first officer unaware of incorrect V-speed charts (incorrect rotation speeds).
• Captain rotated aircraft too early and too sharply at takeoff.
• Resulted in stall warning triggered shortly after liftoff.
• Pilots failed to recover from stall; plane entered deep stall and crashed.

3. Operational Failures:

• Airline repeatedly financially unstable, poor training and simulator use.
• No internal audits or safety management system effectively implemented.
• Inadequate emergency response at airport; fire services limited access and resources.

4. Investigation & Context:

• Nepal has a poor aviation safety record due to terrain but mostly due to poor regulation and oversight.
• No independent accident investigation agency; investigations lack depth and objectivity.
• Post-crash, Saurya Airlines suspended operations and lost operating certificate but tried to restart in 2025 without clear safety improvements.

Underlying Themes

• Culture of disregard for rules and safety within airline management.
• Lack of proper regulatory enforcement by CAAN.
• Need for independent accident investigations and improved safety culture.
• Nepal’s limited resources and competing priorities complicate aviation safety improvements.

The crash was primarily caused by pilot error aggravated by poor airline practices and regulatory failures, leading to a fatal stall shortly after takeoff. The tragedy highlights systemic problems in Nepal’s aviation industry beyond just terrain challenges.

Archive: https://archive.md/Y7Ebw