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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nepal’s Prime Minister Prachanda Review Bilateral Cooperation for Developmental Projects

Posted on by SAT News Desk

New Delhi— In a recent telephone conversation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nepal’s Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ discussed various aspects of India-Nepal bilateral cooperation. They reviewed the outcomes of Prachanda’s recent visit to India, aimed at strengthening the deep bonds of friendship and advancing the bilateral partnership.

The leaders expressed their commitment to the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, emphasizing the importance of Nepal as a close and friendly neighbor. The conversation marks another milestone in the tradition of high-level exchanges between the two countries.

In line with their commitment to development, the Indian embassy in Kathmandu and the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration of Nepal signed four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to undertake developmental projects. These projects, to be built under India’s grant assistance, include three in the education sector and one in Water Supply and Sanitation. The total estimated cost of these projects is NRs. 170 million.

The four projects are as follows:

Construction of School Building of Shree Galainath Secondary School, Shailashikhar Municipality.
School Building of Shree Himalaya Secondary School, Byas Rural Municipality in Darchula District.
School Building of Diding Primary School, Chichila Rural Municipality in Sankhuwasabha District.
Construction of Shreepur Water Supply and Sanitation Project, Triyuga Municipality in Udayapur District of Nepal.
The implementation of these projects by local authorities in their respective regions will provide improved education facilities and water supply & sanitation for the local communities, significantly enhancing the quality of life for people in Nepal.

Notably, this collaboration builds on the strong history of India’s support to Nepal’s development. Since 2003, India has undertaken 546 High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs) in Nepal, focusing on crucial areas such as health, education, drinking water, connectivity, and sanitation. Of these, 483 projects have been completed, with the remaining 63 projects currently under implementation. The total cost of all these projects amounts to NPR. 1220 Cr (INR. 762 Cr.). The majority of these projects are implemented through the local authorities of the Nepali Government.

The latest initiatives reaffirm the commitment of both nations to strengthen their partnership and contribute to the progress and prosperity of their people.

Democracy in the Spotlight: String of Elections in South Asian Countries to Test Political Landscape

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Kathmandu — Over the next nine months, four South Asian countries—Maldives, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India—will witness crucial elections, with significant implications for their respective political landscapes and the region as a whole.

Maldives – Presidential Election in September:
The upcoming presidential election in Maldives is a closely watched event with incumbent President Ibu Solih facing off against former President Abdulla Yameen, who has been disqualified from running. The polls are not merely a proxy contest between India and China; Maldives aims to pursue its own interests and foreign policy. A victory for Solih could strengthen governance and democratic institutions, potentially fostering greater engagement with Australia on issues like maritime security and climate change.


Pakistan – General Elections in October:
Pakistan’s general elections in October will be marred by political and economic crises. Incumbent Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, backed by the Pakistan Army, will face several challengers. However, Pakistan’s ongoing balance of payments crisis and foreign debt woes cast uncertainties on its economic stability. The absence of a uniting theme makes the outcome unpredictable.


Bangladesh – Early January Elections:
Bangladesh is set to hold elections in January, with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expected to retain power. Opposition parties may be further marginalized, leading to protests, but Hasina is anticipated to maintain control. Despite flaws, Bangladesh has emerged as an emerging middle power.


India – National Elections in April-May 2024:
India, being the regional giant, is gearing up for national elections in 2024. The current government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has faced criticism for its treatment of minorities, triggering protests and backlashes. While growing discontent exists among some segments of the Indian electorate, the lack of a clear national opposition leader leaves Modi with a possibility of retaining power.


In all four countries, the incumbent leaders are currently favored to win, though challenges lie ahead. The elections will primarily focus on domestic issues, including stability, prosperity, and corruption concerns. Despite flaws, these democracies offer hope for progress and development in the region.

India Grants INR 450 Million to Fund Sri Lanka’s Unique Digital Identity Project

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Colombo, Sri Lanka – India has taken a significant step to support Sri Lanka’s digitalization program by providing an advance payment of INR 450 million for the island nation’s unique digital identity project. The initiative aims to enhance the delivery of government services, reduce poverty, promote welfare programs, and improve financial inclusion through better access to banking and other services.

The funds were handed over to Sri Lanka by Indian High Commissioner, Gopal Bagley, during a meeting at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo on Friday. Key stakeholders, including Presidential Senior Adviser on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff, Sagala Ratnayaka, and State Minister of Technology, Kanaka Herath, participated in extensive discussions on the project’s execution.

The project’s objective is to collect biographic and biometric data, such as facial, iris, and fingerprint information, which will be stored in a centralized system to issue identification cards according to the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

By supporting this initiative, the Indian government demonstrates its commitment to the success of the project. The funding provided by India constitutes 15% of the total funds required for the project’s implementation.

The Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity Project (SL-UDI) began with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Sri Lanka and India in March 2022. To monitor the progress and implementation of the project, an Indo-Sri Lanka Joint Project Monitoring Committee (JPMC) was established.

The successful execution of the project is expected to streamline government services, improve welfare programs, and foster financial inclusion by providing better access to banking and other products and services for the citizens of Sri Lanka. The digital identity project marks a crucial step in Sri Lanka’s digital transformation journey, aided by India’s generous grant assistance.

Uttarakhand landslide: Three Nepali victims identified

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Mahendranagar, Aug 5: Among those Nepalis gone missing in the landslide that occurred at Gaurikund of Rudraprayag in Uttarakhand, India last Thursday, the identity of three persons has been established. They are Tek Bahadur Kami, Prakash Kami and Devi Kami from Kalikot district.

Senior Superintendent of Nepal Police deputed at Nepali Embassy in Delhi, Uma Prasad Chaturvedi, informed that the identity of three Nepalis killed in the landslide at Gaurikunda was ascertained with the help of their relatives. The relatives were near the accident site, Chaturvedi shared with the Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS).

Hundreds of Nepalis are working at Gaurikunda as labourers and small hotel owners. Coordination with the Indian side is intact to get further details on the landslide and casualties.

A total of 19 persons, including 13 Nepalis have been missing in the landslide at Gaurikunda of Rudraprayag triggered by the rainfall since Thursday night. Search for the missing ones is underway.

The landslide also buried three hotels run by Nepalis, it is said.

The search for the missing Nepalis is continued through the coordination of the Nepali Embassy in New Delhi, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (RSS)

Fulbright Scholar Aims to Advance Care for Craniofacial Anomalies in Nepal Through Genetic Research

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Kathmandu, Nepal – Dr. Trevor Williams, a renowned researcher in craniofacial/molecular biology from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine, has been awarded a Fulbright Scholar award. With decades of expertise in studying genetic underpinnings of craniofacial anomalies, he now seeks to bring his knowledge to Nepal, a country in south Asia, to advance care for people with cleft lips and palates, helping them overcome physical and psychological challenges.

An estimated 170,000 children in developing countries are born with craniofacial defects annually, according to Smile Train, a nonprofit providing cleft surgery worldwide. While some countries have connected cleft surgeries with tissue sample collection for research purposes, Nepal lacks such efforts. Dr. Williams aims to change this by establishing a system to collect and analyze DNA samples within the landlocked nation, focusing on regions with a high prevalence of craniofacial anomalies.

Williams plans to develop a registry to identify populations at the greatest risk of craniofacial conditions, which are caused by genetic and environmental factors or a combination of both. In particular, he intends to study genetic mutations underlying both syndromic and non-syndromic types of craniofacial defects. The research will be conducted in Janakpur, where it is believed that approximately 50% of cleft lip and palate cases may be genetically based.

Genetic mutations often surface in small, isolated populations with frequent inter-marriage, making them ideal candidates for studying the underlying causes. By identifying rare mutations, it can offer insight into potential customized treatments for affected individuals.

While Nepal has skilled surgeons performing craniofacial surgeries, there is a lack of infrastructure for systematic DNA collections and analysis. Williams emphasizes the importance of a team-science approach, involving doctors, laboratories, basic scientists, and the Nepalese government to improve cleft lip and palate identification, treatment, and prevention.

Although garnering resources from the government may pose challenges, Williams is optimistic that officials will support this multi-year effort. He aims to collaborate with Nepal researchers to secure grants and encourages Smile Train physicians to invest in sample collection during surgeries.

“My hope is to bring people together who are invested in genetic analysis and treatment of craniofacial cleft so that Nepal gets the level of interest and care that other countries in the world have,” Williams said. “I’d like to see a registry for identifying patients, a system for collecting DNA, a system for analyzing that DNA – all occurring mainly within Nepal itself.”

Dr. Williams’ dedication to improving craniofacial care in Nepal not only aims to benefit affected individuals in the region but also hopes to inspire future researchers and scientists to pursue solutions for challenging medical conditions.

Norwegian Climber Kristin Harila Retires after Setting New Record for Fastest Ascent of World’s 14 Highest Peaks

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Kathmandu, Nepal – Kristin Harila, a Norwegian climber, received a hero’s welcome at the Kathmandu airport upon her return to Nepal after becoming the fastest climber to scale all 14 of the world’s highest mountains. Alongside her Sherpa guide Tenjin, she completed the challenging climb of Mount K2 in Pakistan, concluding the feat in an astonishing 92 days, surpassing the previous record of 189 days.

Hundreds of mountaineers, government officials, and well-wishers gathered at the airport to welcome Harila and Tenjin back, expressing their joy with cheers and flower garlands.

Upon her return, Harila announced her decision to retire from climbing high peaks. “I don’t think I will try any eight-thousand meters for a while. I have done 28 eight-thousand meters in total, so I think I have done my part,” she said.

The 37-year-old climber began her record-setting mission in April, conquering Mount Shishapangma in China and other peaks in Nepal, including Mount Everest, before concluding in Pakistan with the challenging ascent of K2, the second-highest peak in the world.

This year marked Harila’s second attempt at setting the record. Her initial attempt in 2022 was interrupted by the coronavirus pandemic when Chinese authorities restricted foreign travel, allowing her to climb 12 peaks.

Reflecting on her achievement, Harila mentioned that Mount K2 was the most difficult one to tackle this year due to the harsh weather conditions and very deep snow.

Looking ahead, Harila revealed her plans to engage in mountain running and has already signed up for a race.

Previously, the record for the fastest climb of the 14 peaks was held by Nirmal Purja, a Nepal-born British citizen, who accomplished the feat in 189 days in 2019, surpassing the previous record of over seven years set by a South Korean climber. Purja’s impressive climbs were later featured in the popular Netflix documentary, “14 Peaks: Nothing is Impossible.”

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan Arrested for Illegal Sale of State Gifts

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Lahore, Pakistan – Pakistan’s former prime minister, Imran Khan, was arrested in Lahore after a trial court sentenced him to three years in prison for illegally selling state gifts. The 70-year-old cricketer-turned-politician was accused of misusing his premiership from 2018 to 2022 to buy and sell state possessions received during foreign visits, worth more than 140 million Pakistani rupees ($635,000).

According to Pakistan TV, Judge Humayun Dilawar confirmed Khan’s involvement in corrupt practices, leading to the sentencing. Khan’s lawyer, Intezar Panjotha, stated that they will file a petition against the decision in the high court.

The protocol requires prime ministers to store state gifts in the government’s safe house, but Khan stands accused of selling them for personal gain. As a result, security forces have sealed off the opposition leader’s residence, and security patrols have been deployed in the area.

Khan was not present in court for the hearing, and this arrest adds to the more than 150 cases brought against him since his ousting in April last year. Denying any wrongdoing, he insists that the charges are politically motivated.

Legal experts believe that a conviction in this case could end Khan’s chances of participating in the national elections scheduled before early November. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has proposed dissolving parliament on August 9, paving the way for the upcoming vote.

Despite Khan’s arrest, there have been no immediate reports of protests in major cities. However, his previous detention in May resulted in intense political turmoil and deadly clashes between his supporters and the police.

Yogi Bratajaya bags Professor Surya Subedi Award established by Hull University 

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London – The winner of Global Annual Prize on the Abolition of Modern Slavery or the Protection of Human Dignity named after Professor Surya P. Subedi has been announced by the Wilberforce Institute for the Study of Slavery and Emancipation of the University of Hull, UK. The winner of this year’s prize is Yogi Bratajaya of the University of Oxford. He was awarded the prize for his ground-breaking work on the impact of climate change mitigation measures on indigenous people who have depended on their lands for thousands of years. 

The Prize is designed to promote the advancement of scholarship in the study of modern forms of slavery, emancipation, and the protection of human dignity for the benefit of the public. The Prize is open to any graduate in law, politics, social science, and humanities from around the world regardless of their nationality. 

“The winner of the inaugural Subedi Prize is Yogi Bratajaya of the University of Oxford. Mr Bratajaya wrote a penetrating analysis of the linkage between carbon markets as a useful tool for countries and corporations to meet their climate targets and the lack of comprehensive human rights safeguards, resulting in human rights violations in the implementation of climate mitigation projects. He calls for human rights standards to be integrated into the design and implementation of existing and future carbon market mechanisms,” said a statement issued by the University of Hull.

“The second award of the Subedi Prize will be awarded in March 2024. The closing date for submissions is 31 December 2023 for an original essay of around 3 to 5000 words on the themes noted above. The Wilberforce Institute welcomes applications from any graduate in law, social sciences, or humanities from anywhere in the world,” the statement added.

Professor Subedi is Professor of International Law at the University of Leeds and a former staff member at the University of Hull. He was recently awarded the title of Honorary Fellow of Exeter College, Oxford in recognition of a distinguished career in his field and contribution to society. He is also a visiting faculty member on the international human rights law programme at Oxford.  A native of Nepal and a long-term resident of Britain, Professor Subedi has had a very distinguished career in human rights law, including several major commissions from the United Nations in places such as Cambodia.

India’s Supreme Court Suspends Rahul Gandhi’s Conviction in Defamation Case, Clears Path for his Return to Parliament

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New Delhi — In a significant development, India’s Supreme Court has suspended the conviction of opposition leader Rahul Gandhi in a criminal defamation case. The case stemmed from his 2019 comments about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s surname during an election rally, for which he was sentenced to two years in jail in March. As a result of his sentencing, Mr. Gandhi was disqualified as a Member of Parliament.

Friday’s ruling by the Supreme Court now opens the door for Rahul Gandhi to return to parliament and contest the upcoming general elections next year. The office of the lower house of parliament will need to revoke his disqualification, and former secretary general PDT Achary asserted that this should be done promptly to enable Mr. Gandhi’s return as an MP. He can also begin attending the ongoing parliament session from Monday.

Notably, the Supreme Court questioned the trial judge’s reasons for imposing the maximum punishment of two years, finding them lacking sufficient justification. However, the court did caution Rahul Gandhi to exercise more caution in making alleged remarks in the future.

The defamation case was filed against Mr. Gandhi by BJP lawmaker Purnesh Modi following his comments in Karnataka state during the 2019 election rally. The comments, mentioning the surnames of Nirav Modi and Lalit Modi, had led to allegations of defaming the entire Modi community. In response, Rahul Gandhi defended his comments, stating that they were aimed at highlighting corruption and were not intended to target any specific community.

While Mr. Gandhi was previously granted bail to appeal against his conviction, the Gujarat high court dismissed his appeal seeking a stay on the conviction in July. With the Supreme Court’s suspension of the conviction, Rahul Gandhi now has the opportunity to re-enter the political arena and participate in the democratic process once again.

Flash Study Reveals Over 2 Billion People Experience Climate Change-Boosted Heat Daily in July

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London — A recent flash study conducted by Climate Central, a science nonprofit, has revealed that human-caused global warming has made July hotter for four out of five people on Earth. More than 2 billion people, accounting for 81% of the world’s population, experienced climate change-boosted warmth daily during the month.

Researchers analyzed data from 4,711 cities and identified climate change fingerprints in 4,019 of them for July, which scientists consider the hottest month on record. The study calculated that the burning of coal, oil, and natural gas made it three times more likely for temperatures to be hotter on at least one day in those cities.

In the United States, the impact of climate change was most significant in Florida, where over 244 million people felt the effects of greater heat during July. Additionally, for 2 billion people, primarily in tropical regions across the globe, climate change made it three times more likely to experience hotter temperatures every single day of the month.

The study identified July 10 as the day with the most widespread climate change effect, impacting 3.5 billion people with extreme heat linked to global warming. It’s important to note that this is different from the hottest day globally, which occurred on July 7.

Climate Central’s measurement tool, the Climate Shift Index, allowed scientists to calculate the real-time effect of climate change on temperatures worldwide using forecasts, observations, and computer simulations. The findings were compared to a simulated world with no warming from climate change to determine the likelihood that the heat was natural.

While the study is not yet peer-reviewed, external climate scientists have found it credible. Princeton University climate scientist Gabriel Vecchi commented on the study’s significance, stating that it provides a clear understanding of global warming’s impact on extreme heat.

In the United States, 22 cities experienced at least 20 days with tripled likelihood of extra heat due to climate change, including Miami, Houston, Phoenix, Tampa, Las Vegas, and Austin. Cape Coral, Florida, was the most affected U.S. city, with temperatures made hotter by fossil fuels 4.6 times more likely for the month.

The study also highlights that regions such as the Caribbean and the Middle East are experiencing significant climate change signals that deserve greater attention. The research brings to light the urgent need for action to mitigate and adapt to the consequences of global warming to protect vulnerable populations around the world.

Nepal Constitutional Council Recommends Senior Most Justice Bishowambhar Prasad Shrestha for Chief Justice

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Kathmandu — In a recent decision, the Constitutional Council has recommended the appointment of the senior most Justice of the Supreme Court, Bishowambhar Prasad Shrestha, as the new Chief Justice. This tradition of selecting the most senior justice for the position continues with this nomination.

Furthermore, the Constitutional Council has directed the concerned agencies to place a 15-day notice for vacant posts of commissioner(s) at the Election Commission, the post of Auditor General, members of National Natural Resources and Fiscal Commission, and the Muslim Commission.

The Parliamentary Hearing Committee will now conduct the confirmation hearing for Justice Shrestha and other nominees suggested by the Council. As incumbent Chief Justice Hari Krishna Karki retires from service on the grounds of age, Justice Shrestha will take on the role of Acting Chief Justice on August 5.

Justice Shrestha, hailing from Doti district and a permanent resident of Dhangadi, Kailali, holds MA and DL degrees. He has been serving as a justice of the apex court since August 1, 2016, and was previously appointed as the chief judge of Court of Appeal, Hetauda, before becoming a justice of the Supreme Court.

Despite the constitutional requirement to nominate the next Chief Justice one month before the incumbent CJ’s tenure ends, the Constitutional Council faced delays in this case, raising concerns about timely appointments to crucial positions in the judiciary.

Recently, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued a press release urging the government to promptly fill the vacancies of judges in various courts, including the Chief Justice’s post. The NHRC emphasized that the absence of timely appointments adversely impacts people’s access to justice and the timely delivery of justice. Currently, there are six vacancies for the post of judge in the Supreme Court, 47 in high courts, and 37 in district courts, exacerbating the situation.

If confirmed, Justice Shrestha will serve as the Chief Justice for 14 months before retiring from service due to age constraints. The Constitutional Council’s decision is seen as a significant step towards strengthening the judiciary and addressing the issue of delayed appointments in constitutional bodies.

Applications Open for “Pratibha Nakshatra 2023” Talent Show to Nurture Nepali Children’s Talents in the UK

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London – Nepali children living in the United Kingdom have an exciting opportunity to showcase their talents as applications open for the renowned talent show “Pratibha Nakshatra 2023.” The program, aimed at fostering Nepali language, art, and culture, will take place on August 26 at the Asian Community Center in London Plumstead.

Organized by Pratibha Nakshatra, the prestigious event provides a platform for young Nepali talents in the UK to display their skills in various genres, including Nepali songs, music, dance, art, literature, and painting. The competition will feature two separate groups: children aged 6 to 11 and youth aged 11 to 19.

Simmi Pun, President of Pratibha Nakshatra, emphasized the significance of the program in preserving Nepali heritage and nurturing the talents of the young Nepali diaspora. “Pratibha Nakshatra aims to not only promote our rich language, art, and culture but also to provide a stage for the talented children and youth of our community to shine,” she said.

Rajendra Khas, the brain behind Pratibha Nakshatra, revealed that this year’s event would see an expansion of activities to acquaint Nepali children and youth with their cultural heritage. Alongside the talent show, the program will include exhibitions of Nepali dishes, kite flying, and the sale of literary materials, offering attendees a taste of authentic Nepali experiences.

In a bid to encourage participation, cash prizes will be awarded to the top performers in both groups. The first, second, and third-place winners in the Youth Nakshatra category will receive £600, £500, and £400, respectively. Similarly, in the Child Nakshatra category, the first, second, and third-place winners will be rewarded with £400, £300, and £200, respectively.

This year’s “Pratibha Nakshatra” promises to be more diverse and inclusive than ever, as the organizers have introduced new elements to celebrate the rich cultural tapestry of Nepal. Notably, a segment dedicated to showcasing Tharu culture through “Tharughar” will be featured for the first time, along with various stalls highlighting the authenticity of Nepali traditions.

With the call for applications now open, young Nepali talents in the UK are urged to seize the opportunity and register online to be a part of “Pratibha Nakshatra 2023.” The program serves as a bridge between generations, fostering a deep sense of pride in Nepali heritage and a platform for young talents to shine on an international stage.

For more information and registration, visit the official Pratibha Nakshatra website.

Contact: Organizing Organization: Pratibha Nakshatra

Website: www.pratibhanakshatra.org Email: info@pratibhanakshatra.org.uk

Ph. No: – 07578951756

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

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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

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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

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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

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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.