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Nepal Embraces Drones for Climate and Disaster Response, Paving the Way for South Asia

Posted on by SAT News Desk

Kathmandu — In the aftermath of a devastating flood in June 2021 that wreaked havoc on parts of the Melamchi River Valley in central Nepal, authorities have turned to drone technology to respond to climate-induced disasters and assess future geohazard risks. With mountain roads blocked and helicopters unable to fly due to cloudy skies, drones have emerged as a valuable tool in providing real-time information to inform rapid response efforts.

As climate change intensifies in South Asia, the Himalayan region has been profoundly affected, with glacial melt reaching record-breaking levels. This has resulted in severe consequences for millions of people in the region, including floods and landslides. Nepal, located in the heart of the Himalayas, has become a focal point for climate change impacts, and its government is increasingly recognizing the importance of adopting disruptive technologies like drones, satellite technology, and geospatial analytics to enhance climate resilience.

Following the 2015 earthquake in Nepal, which saw the deployment of international drones for recovery efforts, the country has fostered a local drone ecosystem. Now, Nepal’s pioneering use of drones in disaster response and risk assessment can serve as a model for neighboring countries grappling with the devastating impacts of climate change. The country’s efforts are aimed at enhancing local capacity and creating a vibrant ecosystem of public and private stakeholders comfortable with using drones for various purposes, including creating flood and landslide risk maps and managing emergency response logistics.

In the wake of the June 2021 flood in the Melamchi River Valley, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) of Nepal utilized drones to identify damaged houses, map inundation areas, and record topographical changes caused by the erosion and deposition of sediment. The quick and focused data collection proved invaluable in a challenging and inaccessible region, allowing for efficient resource allocation and identification of residual flood and landslide risks.

Despite the increasing use of drones in Nepal, some obstacles hinder their widespread application. Permits and logistical constraints can delay drone deployments, and strict import rules make it challenging to transfer drone technology and spare parts into the country. Additionally, the data collected from drone flights is not always available for reuse, posing challenges for further analytics and research. Nevertheless, the government of Nepal is eager to improve drone policies and regulations, eliminate barriers to entry, and ensure safe and secure drone operations.

To bolster the local drone ecosystem and build sustainable capacity for drone pilots, analysts, engineers, and entrepreneurs, the World Bank, with funding from the Korean World Bank Partnership Facility (KWPF), is engaging with the Nepalese government, private sector, academia, and local drone experts. The goal is to explore how the World Bank can support Nepal’s growing drone ecosystem and build sustainable capacity for climate and disaster response, as well as other sectors, through partnerships for Green Resilient and Inclusive Development.

As Nepal moves forward with drones as a critical tool for climate and disaster risk mapping, it’s evident that combining drone technology with other geospatial support systems, such as satellite imagery, is essential for comprehensive climate resilience. With advances in technology, the use of drones in climate and disaster response is expected to play a pivotal role in Nepal’s journey to combat climate change and its impacts effectively.

UK-Based Nepalese Brand, Nepal Foods, Wins Prestigious Great Taste Award for Nepali Masala Chai

Posted on by SAT News Desk

London — Nepal Foods, a UK-based Nepalese brand, has achieved global recognition by being named among the top food and drink producers this year. The company was honored with a highly prized (2-star) Great Taste award for its signature product, the Nepali Masala Chai.

Out of an impressive 14,195 products that underwent a rigorous blind judging process, Nepal Foods’ Nepali Masala Chai stood out and was hailed as a “Hug in a Mug” at the esteemed Great Taste awards, the most coveted accolades in the food and drink industry. Among the participants, 4,088 products were awarded a Great Taste 1-star for delivering fantastic flavor, 1,568 received a Great Taste 2-star for being exceptionally delicious, and 248 earned a remarkable Great Taste 3-star for their extraordinary taste.

Described as “Authentic and delicate with subtlety of soft baking spices, this Chai is a true delight,” Nepal Foods’ Nepali Masala Chai impressed the judges with its unique blend of Nepalese spices, including cardamom, ginger, black pepper, and cinnamon, grown in the Eastern part of Nepal.

Bikash Nepal, the representative from Nepal Foods, expressed their excitement over the achievement, stating, “We are thrilled to have won a Great Taste award for our Nepali Masala Chai. We have dreamt of this moment and are so proud to be adding the prestigious black and gold Great Taste badge of honor to our Nepali Masala Chai. For us, this is the 3rd product which has won this award.”

Great Taste, organised by the Guild of Fine Food, is recognized as a stamp of excellence and highly sought after by food enthusiasts and retailers alike. The judging process involves blind tasting, where all products are stripped of their packaging before being subjected to a rigorous evaluation.

This year, the judging took place over 89 days in Dorset and London, with an esteemed panel of more than 500 judges meticulously testing the products. The competition saw submissions from a remarkable 109 different countries worldwide.

The award-winning Nepali Masala Chai by Nepal Foods is now available for purchase at the retail price of £ (For 200g 10 Cups Sachet). For more information about Nepal Foods and their product range, visit their official website at www.nepalfoods.co.uk.

The complete list of this year’s winners and their availability for purchase can be found at www.greattasteawards.co.uk. Many of the award-winning products are available for purchase in delis, farm shops, and independent retailers across the UK, offering food lovers the chance to savor these exceptional flavors.

China’s Internet Watchdog Implements New Regulations to Curb Children’s Smartphone Usage

Posted on by SAT News Desk

In a bid to combat internet addiction among its youth, China’s Cyberspace Administration has introduced new draft guidelines to restrict the amount of time children spend on smartphones. The regulations will have significant implications for firms like Tencent and ByteDance, responsible for social media platforms and online games.

Under the new guidelines, minors will be prohibited from using most internet services on mobile devices between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Additionally, children between 16 and 18 years old will be allowed a maximum of two hours of internet usage per day. For children aged 8 to 15, the allowance is limited to one hour, while those under 8 will have only 40 minutes of internet access each day.

Certain services, such as apps and platforms deemed suitable for the physical and mental development of minors, will be exempted from these restrictions. However, the specific internet services eligible for exemptions have not been specified by the Cyberspace Administration.

These measures represent Beijing’s ongoing efforts to address the widespread issue of internet addiction among young people. Previously, in 2019 and 2021, Beijing had imposed limitations on daily online game time, gradually reducing children’s access to online games.

To further safeguard minors online, the Cyberspace Administration has been advocating for the implementation of a youth mode on internet platforms. This mode is designed to filter content and provide age-appropriate material, contributing to the reduction of internet addiction and exposure to undesirable information.

As of now, the draft guidelines are open to public feedback until September 2. The implementation date for the new rules has not been specified by the CAC.

Bank of England Raises Interest Rates to 15-Year High Amidst Persistent Inflation

Posted on by SAT News Desk

London — The Bank of England has taken the decision to increase interest rates for the 14th consecutive time, pushing them to a fresh 15-year high. The move comes as the central bank attempts to control the persistently high inflation gripping the UK economy.

Economists widely expect the Bank of England to raise its benchmark rate by a quarter of a percentage point, bringing it to 5.25 per cent. There were concerns among households and businesses that the bank might repeat the half-point increase it made in June. However, recent figures revealing a greater-than-expected drop in inflation to 7.9 per cent last month have eased the pressure for more aggressive measures.

Despite the decrease in inflation, which is still four times the targeted 2 per cent, the Bank of England finds itself with little choice but to continue raising interest rates. This move is seen as necessary to tackle the ongoing inflationary pressures in the economy. Kallum Pickering, senior economist at Berenberg Bank, highlighted the inevitability of further rate increases in upcoming meetings.

In contrast to the Bank of England’s stance, the US Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank have recently raised rates but are believed to be closer to considering a pause. This difference in approach is attributed to the sharper decline in inflation rates in the United States and the 20 eurozone countries, where price spikes have eased to 3 per cent and 5.3 per cent, respectively.

The Bank of England’s decision to raise interest rates is in line with other central banks worldwide, which have been raising borrowing costs to combat inflation caused by higher energy prices following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and supply chain disruptions in the aftermath of the global economy’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the UK economy grapples with persistent inflation, the Bank of England’s actions are closely watched by businesses and households alike, as they may have significant implications for borrowing costs and overall economic stability.

Concerned Nepali Citizens Urge Indian Government Accountability Amidst Ongoing Manipur Violence

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KATHMANDU, August 2, 2023: A group of prominent Nepali rights activists and civil society leaders have expressed deep concern over the continuous violence in Manipur, a constituent state of India. The group, including individuals such as Meena Acharya, Renu Adhikari, Kundan Aryal, Raju Chapagain, Purnashova Chitrakar, Kanak Mani Dixit, Chandrakishore Jha, Sushil Pyakurel, and Dinesh Tripathi, has called for urgent democratic intervention to address the escalating situation.

The violence in Manipur has persisted for three months, resulting in over 180 fatalities, numerous injuries, and significant damage to property and infrastructure. The conflict involves clashes between the majority Meitei and minority Kuki communities.

In their statement, the concerned citizens pointed out the apparent lack of accountability on the part of the Indian government, both at the state and central levels, in protecting human rights, maintaining law and order, and facilitating mediation efforts to resolve the conflict.

The group also acknowledged the diverse and multi-ethnic nature of South Asian countries, emphasizing the importance of protecting minority rights as a fundamental pillar of democracy. They condemned the manipulation of communal divisions and the use of armed forces for political interests, which they believe further exacerbates tensions.

Moreover, the group recognized the challenges faced by frontier areas like Manipur, which have experienced an influx of refugees following the coup in Myanmar. They advocated for authentic federalism across South Asian countries as a means to ensure better representation and accountability.

The Nepali citizens also expressed distress over the weakening of the Indian polity due to populist governance that exploits ethno-religious sentiments for votes, potentially endangering the country’s social fabric. They urged India’s state mechanisms and civil society to take proactive measures to address the situation in Manipur and hold those responsible for the violence accountable.

Additionally, the group highlighted the concerning role of media and social media in polarizing societies across South Asia and inciting violence. They called upon all citizens to be vigilant and responsible in sharing information, particularly on social media platforms, to prevent the spread of false news and inflammatory content.

The statement, signed by the group’s members, aims to bring attention to the critical situation in Manipur and emphasizes the importance of collective efforts in ensuring peace, stability, and accountability in the region.

Nepal to host Asia Rugby U20 Sevens

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Karhmandu — Nepal is hosting the Asia Rugby U20 Men’s and Women’s Sevens from August 19-20. 

Asia Rugby is organizing the tournament and Nepal Rugby Association (NRA) is managing the tournament. Organising a press meet in Kathmandu on Wednesday, NRA informed that the event will be hosted at Dasharath Stadium.  Seven countries are participating in men’s category, and three countries are vying in women’s section, The Rising Nepal reports.

Nepal, India, Thailand, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong and Uzbekistan will take part in men’s category while Nepal, Thailand and Malaysia will compete in women’s category, said the NRA General Secretary Govinda Ghimire.

This is the second time Nepal is hosting international rugby tournament. Nepal hosted Asia Rugby U-18 Sevens last year. 

Winning team will bag the Asia rugby trophy. The budget for the event is estimated around Rs 7.2 million. The winner of the tournament will lift the Asia Rugby Trophy. 

Nepali national men’s and women’s U20 teams are training in closed camp in Pokhara since June 30.  

NRA said that Sri Lankan Coach Bijelath Sen is coaching the team. “The training is very effective and the team will get good results,” said Ghimire.  

Nepal Issues Warning on Nepalis Joining Russian Security Group Wagner

Posted on by SAT News Desk

KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal has responded to recent reports of Nepalese individuals enlisting in Wagner, a Russian security group known for recruiting mercenaries. Videos of these enlistments have emerged on various social media platforms, sparking concerns among authorities.

In light of this development, the Foreign Ministry issued a warning, highlighting the potential dangers and difficulties that individuals may face if they engage in such activities. The ministry urges all citizens to exercise caution and be mindful of the risks associated with involvement in foreign military activities. Additionally, it emphasized the challenges that may arise during any potential rescue operations in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the ministry clarified the government’s stance on the matter. While the Nepalese government has traditionally allowed citizens to join the national armies of certain friendly countries under established agreements, there is no policy permitting Nepali citizens to enlist in other foreign armies.

“The government of Nepal explicitly states that it does not have a policy in place to authorize Nepali citizens to join foreign armies, except for instances where Nepali citizens are recruited into the national armies of some friendly countries based on established agreements,” stated the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It further emphasized that citizens are strongly discouraged from seeking employment in security-related roles in conflict-ridden nations.

The surfacing of videos on platforms such as Telegram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook has raised concerns about the implications and safety of Nepalese citizens engaging in such activities. The ministry’s warning aims to alert the public to potential risks and to discourage participation in foreign military endeavors.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also highlighted the importance of abiding by national laws and regulations, especially when it comes to activities that may have serious consequences for individuals involved. As the situation unfolds, the Nepalese government remains vigilant in addressing and clarifying its position on this matter to safeguard its citizens’ well-being and security.

Asia’s Entrepreneurial Surge: Driving Economic Growth Amidst Challenges and Opportunities

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Asia is standing at a defining moment, with its economic prospects looking brighter than ever. The region is poised to become the world’s most economically dynamic area in 2023, with countries capitalizing on their competitive edge to foster entrepreneurship and drive national growth.

According to the Shopify Entrepreneurship Index, which measures the contributions of entrepreneurs to job creation, exports, and GDP in 40 countries, Australia, Japan, China, and Hong Kong have emerged as key players, ranking among the top 10 in terms of business activity impact from entrepreneurs.

The International Monetary Fund predicts that Asia will contribute over 70% of global growth this year, surpassing the U.S. and Europe in e-commerce sales, with total sales projected to top $2 trillion. However, this growth story is not without its challenges.

Underinvestment in export strategies and digital infrastructure, along with negative cultural attitudes toward entrepreneurship, are holding back some Asian countries from fully realizing their entrepreneurial potential. Initiatives like India’s “Make In India” are showing promise, fostering exports and helping Indian entrepreneurs take their brands overseas.

To drive entrepreneurship further, Asia needs to focus on reviving exports and invest in digital infrastructure, particularly in rural areas. Digital connectivity is crucial for economic transformation, and it can also improve access to education, healthcare, and e-commerce for dispersed populations.

Culture plays a pivotal role in promoting entrepreneurship, influencing core values around innovation and risk-taking. Progress has been made through government investment in entrepreneurial training initiatives, but this task requires a collective effort from governments, companies, and communities to change perceptions and encourage new generations to embrace entrepreneurship.

The landscape for entrepreneurship is evolving, with countries like Japan, Australia, and Singapore emerging as power players. Japan’s pro-business policies and focus on cross-border opportunities have resulted in remarkable growth for its entrepreneurs. In Australia, the government’s proposed tax incentives for small businesses and ongoing investment in startup grants and entrepreneurship programs are strengthening the nation’s economy.

Singapore’s entrepreneur-friendly approach, exemplified by its efficient online business registration system, has made it one of the best places to launch a business. By focusing on education, connectivity, and pro-business initiatives, Southeast Asian nations are nurturing a new generation of entrepreneurs.

Collaboration among governments, businesses, and communities is vital to achieving these goals. Simplifying and streamlining regulations and paperwork can ease the burden for entrepreneurs, allowing them to focus on innovation and growth.

Asia’s future as an economic powerhouse lies in its ability to foster entrepreneurship and address challenges. By embracing innovation, investing in digital infrastructure, and promoting a culture of entrepreneurship, Asia can solidify its position on the global stage and continue to drive economic growth for years to come.

Climate Change Impacts Traditional Farming in Nepal: Drought and Pests Ravage Maize Crops

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Kathmandu — Climate change is taking a toll on Nepal’s traditional farming system, with devastating consequences for farmers heavily dependent on rainwater due to the lack of irrigation systems. In a recent incident, around 170 hectares of maize crops in Arun Rural Municipality, located in Bhojpur district, have been severely damaged by drought.

The drought affected crops in Jarayotar of Ward No. 6 and Sikretar of Ward No. 7 of the rural municipality, which is a major source of livelihood for many villagers. The dry spell occurred during the monsoon season (June-July), causing the maize plants to wither in the fields due to a severe shortage of water.

Local farmers, like Narayan Thapa, expressed their devastation as they visited their fields only to find dried-up maize plants. “I produced around 20 to 30 muris (80 kilograms each) of maize in my fields annually. However, this season, the plants have dried up,” Thapa lamented.

The drought not only affects farmers’ food production but also poses a threat to their cattle as well. To address the situation, authorities from Arun Rural Municipality’s agriculture section have initiated discussions with provincial and federal authorities to provide compensation to the affected farmers.

In addition to the drought, farmers in Yaku village, Ward No. 5 of Arun, are facing further distress due to pest infestations. Approximately 75% of farmers in Yaku have reported pest damage, primarily caused by pests such as blast and gamarra. In response, the Bhojpur-based Agriculture Knowledge Centre plans to provide pesticides to affected farmers as a preventive measure.

The ward chairpersons of the affected areas have emphasized the need for support from higher authorities to prevent similar damages in the future and offer compensation to the farmers. Binita Dhakal, deputy chairperson of Arun Rural Municipality, asserted that effective preventive measures could be of great help in addressing the issues at hand.

Amidst the challenges, the rural municipality is actively inspecting the damage to prepare a comprehensive report seeking necessary compensation. The region has faced several environmental challenges in the past, including landslides, floods, and outbreaks of diseases like lumpy skin disease, further exacerbating the situation for farmers.

To mitigate such damages in the future, stakeholders are advocating for the construction of lift water projects, canals, and ponds to ensure proper irrigation facilities throughout the local level. These initiatives can help strengthen the resilience of the agricultural sector against the impacts of climate change and create a sustainable farming system in the face of evolving environmental challenges.

EU Enacts Landmark Law on Mandatory Due Diligence and Traceable Supply Chains to Address Human Rights and Environmental Concerns

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London — The European Union (EU) has recently passed a groundbreaking law that mandates companies operating within its jurisdiction to take responsibility for their impact on human rights and the environment. The new law requires businesses to “end or mitigate the negative impact of their activities on human rights and the environment such as on child labor, slavery, labor exploitation, pollution, environmental degradation, and biodiversity loss.”

This legislation is set to become a landmark for mandatory due diligence and traceable supply chains globally, prompting companies worldwide to reevaluate their sourcing practices to ensure they are free of social and environmental risks. Companies found to be non-compliant could face significant consequences.

The European Parliament’s approval of the law has been hailed as a turning point in corporate responsibility by Lara Wolters, a member of Parliament. She stated, “The future lies with companies that treat people and the environment in a healthy way — not with companies that have made a revenue model out of environmental damage and exploitation.”

One exemplar of a company adhering to sustainability principles from its inception is Tengri, a luxury textile and apparel brand founded by impact entrepreneur Nancy Johnston. Tengri imports fibers from yaks, camels, and sheep from Mongolia’s Khangai region to the United Kingdom, and its products have been embraced by well-known brands.

Johnston’s approach to sustainability goes beyond creating a product; she built a regeneratively designed business that supports indigenous communities and the environment. By forging direct relationships with impoverished rural farming communities, Tengri created a new supply chain that not only benefits the local communities but also guarantees the quality and ethical sourcing of its products.

The company maintains a level of supply chain visibility that is rare in the apparel sector, allowing it to trace fibers back to individual families and even specific animals. This enables Tengri to ensure fair prices for fibers while maintaining high-quality standards year after year, despite the natural variation in fibers.

Tengri is not alone in its pursuit of transparent and ethical supply chains. Other brands, such as Fair Trade Cashmere, Rebbl, and Dignity Coconuts, also embrace sustainability and traceability. These examples illustrate how businesses can create genuine, equal partnerships with raw material producers, ultimately benefiting both the brand and the communities involved.

As more laws like the EU’s are being considered worldwide, the future of supply chains appears to be heading toward a more conscious and inclusive approach. Companies that prioritize sustainable practices and ethical sourcing will not only comply with regulatory requirements but also contribute to positive environmental and social impacts, transforming the business landscape for the better.

Microsoft Appoints Puneet Chandok as Corporate Vice President for India and South Asia

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New Delhi — Microsoft Corporation has announced the appointment of Puneet Chandok as the corporate vice president of its India and South Asia division, effective September 1. Chandok, previously leading Amazon.com Inc’s cloud division AWS for India and South Asia, will now spearhead Microsoft’s business integration efforts across the region.

In a statement, Chandok expressed his belief in the relevance of Microsoft’s mission as India expands its digital public infrastructure. This appointment comes as Microsoft aims to strengthen its position in the cloud technology market and increase its investments in India, which has emerged as a prominent global innovation hub.

As the corporate vice president for India and South Asia, Chandok will be responsible for overseeing Microsoft’s operations in various countries, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. His experience in leading AWS’s business in the region is expected to bring valuable insights to Microsoft’s growth strategy.

The technology company’s move highlights its commitment to tapping into the immense potential of the South Asian market and leveraging the region’s digital transformation. With Puneet Chandok at the helm, Microsoft looks forward to further solidifying its presence and driving innovation in India and its neighboring countries.

World Breastfeeding Week 2023 Commences in Nepal with a Focus on Balancing Work and Breastfeeding

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The World Breastfeeding Week (BFW) 2023 has kicked off in Nepal today, in sync with the global commemoration of the 1990 Innocenti Declaration. This year’s theme is “Let’s make breastfeeding and work, work!” With a major focus on supporting working mothers, the Ministry of Health and Population emphasizes the collective responsibility of creating a breastfeeding-friendly work environment.

Breastfeeding plays a crucial role in providing essential nutrients to newborns, and infants are recommended to be breastfed within one hour of birth. However, the Demographic and Health Survey 2022 reveals that only 55 percent of children in Nepal receive their mother’s milk within the first hour of birth, showing room for improvement.

Six out of ten infants are exclusively breastfed during the first two days of life, indicating a decline in regular breastfeeding practices among new mothers. Dr. Shree Prasad Adhikari, the director of Paropakar Maternity and Women’s Hospital, attributes this decline to a lack of breastfeeding facilities at workplaces, making it challenging for working women to continue breastfeeding.

Another factor contributing to the decrease in breastfeeding practices is the increasing use of formula milk. To combat this trend, Dr. Kalpana Upadhyay Subedi, a hospital child specialist, stresses the importance of increasing public awareness and ensuring breastfeeding rooms in all working stations.

Breast milk contains colostrum, a highly nutritious substance that protects newborns from diseases, making breastfeeding essential for both the mother’s and the child’s health. Medically, it is recommended to introduce complementary feeding only after six months of age, and extended breastfeeding is advised until the child reaches two years of age.

As the World Breastfeeding Week unfolds, it serves as a timely reminder to society and employers to promote and support breastfeeding among working mothers, recognizing its significant benefits for maternal and child health.

New Research Reveals Stark Ethnic Wealth Disparities in Britain

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A new research study based on data from Understanding Society: The UK Household Longitudinal Study and supported by the LSE International Inequalities Institute has shed light on the significant wealth disparities among ethnic groups in Britain.

The study found that individuals from Bangladeshi, black Caribbean, or black African backgrounds have no significant level of household net worth when compared to their white British counterparts, who boast a typical household net worth of £140,000.

Interestingly, British Indians stand out as an exception, with a typical household net worth of £160,000. However, overall, ethnic minority groups in Britain, across all levels of wealth, are substantially less well-off than white Britons, according to the report.

Delving deeper into the numbers, the wealthiest five percent of white Britons have a staggering £893,000 or more in household wealth, nearly three times higher than the wealthiest five percent of people from black African backgrounds, whose household wealth averages £304,000.

On the other end of the spectrum, 31 percent, 38 percent, and 44 percent of people from black Caribbean, Bangladeshi, and black African backgrounds respectively find themselves in net debt. Comparatively, 15 percent of the white British population and 11 percent of people with Indian heritage are in net debt.

The study identifies factors contributing to the wealth gap between ethnic groups at different wealth levels. For those at the richest and poorest ends of the scale, differences in net financial wealth play a significant role. However, for individuals in the middle, differences in net housing wealth account for the largest share of the ethnic wealth gap.

Eleni Karagiannaki, an Assistant Professorial Research Fellow at the Centre for Analysis of Social Exclusion (CASE) at LSE, highlighted that background characteristics such as income, age, and class explain the ethnic wealth gap for the least wealthy individuals, rather than factors related to saving habits or debt management.

Interestingly, while background characteristics explain a large portion of ethnic gaps in net financial wealth for middle and low-end wealth groups, they fail to explain ethnic disparities in housing wealth at any level of the housing wealth scale. This indicates that ethnic minority groups may face unseen disadvantages, resulting in substantially lower housing wealth compared to white Britons. Possible contributing factors include differential access to mortgage financing, restrictions and discrimination in the social housing and private renting sectors, as well as ethnic differences in the likelihood of receiving inheritances or financial support from family for house purchase.

The study represents a crucial step in understanding the scale and causes of ethnic disparities in wealth across various levels of net worth in Britain, shedding light on areas that require targeted attention to address these inequalities.

India and Britain Close to Signing Free Trade Agreement, Aims to Boost Economic Growth and Jobs

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London — India and Britain are on the verge of finalizing a free trade agreement (FTA) as both nations have reached a consensus on the broad framework of the proposed deal. The agreement is aimed at enhancing economic growth and creating job opportunities in the two countries, according to a senior official from India’s trade ministry.

Sunil Barthwal, India’s commerce secretary, stated on Friday that negotiations on almost all contentious issues have been completed, and the deal could be signed “much before” the end of the year. This development comes after the conclusion of the 11th round of talks between the two nations in London during a visit by Barthwal and India’s commerce and industry minister, Piyush Goyal.

The FTA holds significant importance for both India and Britain. For India, this would mark its first FTA with a developed country, building on its interim trade pact with Australia last year. India sees the FTA with Britain as a crucial step towards expanding its exports and solidifying its business-friendly image ahead of national elections next year.

On the other hand, for the United Kingdom, this agreement is part of its efforts to establish diversified global trade relationships after its exit from the European Union in 2020. The FTA would grant the UK wider access to markets for its premium cars, legal services, and renowned whisky.

Out of the 26 chapters in the FTA, discussions on 19 have been successfully concluded, including issues related to the sensitive automobile sector, as mentioned by Barthwal. However, some differences remain to be resolved concerning intellectual property rights, rules of origin, and an investment treaty.

While both countries have agreed in principle on the issue of investment rules, the specifics are still being worked out by the customs authorities of India and Britain. Barthwal emphasized that nothing is final until everything is agreed upon, and the next round of negotiations will be held shortly.

One of the crucial points of discussion revolves around India’s push for a “zero tariff” policy for its textile, leather, and other labor-intensive manufacturing sectors. Conversely, Britain has sought tariff concessions in other areas.

Bilateral trade between India and the United Kingdom has seen a significant rise, increasing by 16.6 per cent year-on-year to reach $20.42 billion (£15.85 billion) in the fiscal year 2022/23, which ended in March.

The potential FTA signifies a landmark step in the economic cooperation between India and Britain, providing opportunities for growth and mutual benefits for both nations. As the negotiations enter the final stages, the agreement is expected to pave the way for stronger trade ties and enhanced economic collaboration in the years to come.

Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and melting glaciers threaten socio-economic stability and agriculture in Asia

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New York — Asia is experiencing a surge in climate change impacts, surpassing the global average, as reported by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in its latest State of the Climate report. Published on Thursday, the report highlights the region’s vulnerability to rising temperatures, melting ice and glaciers, and an alarming increase in extreme weather events.

According to the WMO report, Asia’s mean temperature for 2022 was the second or third warmest on record, soaring approximately 0.72 degrees Celsius above the 1991-2020 average. This increase itself was about 1.68°C higher than the WMO’s 1961-1990 reference period for climate change, indicating the region’s rapid warming.

One of the most critical concerns is the potential socio-economic disruption caused by melting ice and rising sea levels. The High Mountain Asia region, in particular, witnessed a drastic loss of glaciers due to exceptionally warm and dry conditions in 2022. This situation has significant implications for future food and water security and ecosystem stability.

Asia is labeled as the world’s most disaster-prone region, according to the WMO’s new report. In 2022, the continent witnessed over 80 disasters, mainly floods and storms, resulting in more than 5,000 fatalities and affecting around 50 million people. The overall economic damage surpassed a staggering $36 billion.

WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas highlighted the prevalence of drier-than-normal conditions and drought across several areas in Asia. In China, prolonged droughts severely impacted water availability and the power supply, leading to estimated economic losses of over $7.6 billion.

Pakistan faced devastating losses in 2022 due to severe flooding during the monsoon season. Within just three weeks, the country experienced 60 percent of its normal monsoon rain, affecting over 33 million people (approximately 14 percent of the population). The disaster resulted in more than $15 billion in losses, with over 1,730 reported deaths and nearly eight million people displaced.

The report also brought attention to the overall surface ocean warming trend in Asia since 1982. In the northwestern Arabian Sea, the Philippine Sea, and the seas east of Japan, warming rates have exceeded 0.5°C per decade, three times faster than the global average.

The report was released during a meeting of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific’s (ESCAP) Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction. It emphasizes the urgent need to focus on agriculture and food security as the expected increase in extreme events across Asia will significantly impact this sector, necessitating robust climate adaptation planning.

The WMO report serves as a stark warning, urging Asian nations to prioritize climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. The region’s increasing vulnerability to climate impacts demands collective action and international cooperation to safeguard lives, livelihoods, and the environment.

Gold smuggling case Nepal : Viral Photo with Political Figures Raises Concerns

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Kathmandu : A significant development unfolded in Nepal as the Nepal Police conducted a raid at a hotel in Thamel, a bustling business area in the capital, leading to the arrest of Dawa Chhiring, a man who holds both Nepali and Belgian passports. He was apprehended in connection with the recent seizure of 100 kg of gold on July 19.

The situation took an intriguing turn when a police file photo of Chhiring and his Nepali wife, Amala Roka, alongside prominent leaders of the ruling Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre), Barshaman Pun and his wife Onsari Gharti, surfaced on social media and swiftly went viral. This came at a time when Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, popularly known as ‘Prachanda’, was actively seeking public support in the government’s fight against corruption.

The photo raised eyebrows, prompting PM Prachanda to warn his party leaders to be cautious when taking photos with individuals, highlighting the sensitivity of such associations.

Authorities have revealed their intention to question several politicians and businessmen in the upcoming days, seeking to establish any potential links to the gold seizure case.

Chhiring’s past records unveil his involvement in various fraudulent activities, including duping people through ‘loan apps’ in both India and Nepal, and operating online gambling platforms.

Sources suggest that the 100 kg gold was purportedly imported under the name of Ready Trade, a company allegedly controlled by Chhiring. However, police have discovered that the company is registered under an unrelated worker’s name, who claims to have no knowledge of its operations.

Investigations have raised concerns about Nepal being used as a “safe route” for smuggling gold from China to India, drawing attention to the need for vigilant measures against such illicit activities.

In the midst of these developments, Kathmandu-based businessman Deepal Malhotra has denied any involvement in the matter. However, Rakesh Kumar Adukia, another trader under the scrutiny of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), remains missing since the police conducted a raid at his residence in Kamal Pokhari.

The ongoing investigation has captured public interest and raised questions about the connections between prominent political figures and individuals allegedly engaged in illegal activities, emphasizing the significance of eradicating corruption and criminal networks within the country. Furthermore, the opposition party CPN UML’s obstruction in forming a probe committee for gold smuggling raises suspicions, particularly as numerous corruption cases involving UML leaders are currently under investigation