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Unstoppable Warrior: Double Amputee Hari Budha Magar Makes History Scaling Mount Everest

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London — Hari Budha Magar, a 43-year-old Army veteran from Canterbury, has achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first double above-the-knee amputee to reach the summit of Mount Everest. Nepal born ex-gurkha Hari, who lost both his legs in Afghanistan, embarked on this expedition with the intention of making mountaineering history while inspiring others and changing perceptions about disability.

After an arduous journey, Hari and his team successfully reached the summit at approximately 15:00 BST on Friday.

Hari’s life took a drastic turn when he stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED) in Afghanistan back in 2010. Waking up after the incident, he initially felt as if his life had come to an end. However, through activities such as skiing, golfing, cycling, and climbing, he regained his confidence and embarked on this extraordinary journey.

Accompanied by a team of Nepalese climbers, led by Krish Thapa, himself a former Gurkha and SAS mountain troop leader, Hari set off on this ambitious mission eleven days ago. When faced with challenges along the way, Hari drew strength from the support of his “amazing” family and the individuals who had assisted him throughout his journey.

Hari’s motivations for undertaking this formidable climb extended beyond personal achievement. He aimed to challenge society’s perceptions of disability and inspire others to conquer their own mountains, emphasizing that with the right mindset, anything is possible.

Following the successful ascent, Hari and his team will take a well-deserved rest before he returns to the UK later this week, carrying with him a legacy of determination and resilience that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact.

British Mountain Guide Sets New Record with 17th Ascent of Mount Everest

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KATHMANDU, Nepal — Kenton Cool, a British mountain guide, has returned to Kathmandu after successfully scaling Mount Everest for the 17th time. His achievement surpasses his own previous record for the most ascents of the world’s highest mountain by a non-Sherpa guide.

Cool initially conquered Mount Everest in 2004 and has continued to undertake the challenging climb almost every year since then. However, he humbly stated, “I really don’t think records belong on the mountains. Mountains are bigger than records.” Expressing satisfaction with the successful climb and safe return, he added, “I am just happy we had a great climb and that we are back.”

While Cool holds the record for a non-Sherpa guide, Nepali Sherpa guides have achieved even more ascents. Veteran Sherpa guide Kami Rita recently completed his record-breaking 27th ascent of the mountain, while Pasang Dawa has scaled Everest 26 times. Both guides, along with their climbing groups, are still on the mountain, and there is a possibility that they may reach the summit again before the spring climbing season concludes at the end of this month.

Currently, hundreds of climbers and their local guides are present on Everest, and a surge of summit attempts is expected in the coming weeks. This season, Nepalese authorities issued approximately 470 permits to climbers for Everest.

Regrettably, this year has witnessed the loss of nine lives on Everest, including four Sherpa guides.

Cool faced obstacles in previous years that prevented him from ascending Everest. In 2014, the climbing season was canceled due to an avalanche that claimed the lives of 16 Sherpa guides. The following year, an earthquake-triggered avalanche resulted in the tragic deaths of 19 people. Additionally, the 2020 climbing season was canceled due to the global coronavirus pandemic.

Cool’s remarkable accomplishment serves as a testament to his skill, determination, and enduring passion for mountaineering.

India to withdraw 2,000 rupee notes from circulation

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NEW DELHI — India’s central bank on Friday announced it will withdraw rupees 2,000 currency notes from circulation.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), however, added that the 2,000 rupee notes will continue to be legal tender until Sept. 30.

The RBI has advised banks to stop issuing rupees 2,000 denomination banknotes with immediate effect.

The RBI first printed the rupees 2,000 note in November 2016 after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a surprise televised address to the nation announced the withdrawal of currency notes of rupees 500 and 1,000 from the country’s financial system.

The controversial move on Nov. 8, 2016, known as demonetization, took 86 percent of the currency out of circulation overnight from India. The announcement triggered panic among the public, who queued outside banks and ATMs to exchange the banned currency notes and withdraw cash.

The move turned out to be a nightmare for the poor and middle class.

The government had defended scrapping high-value currency notes, saying the measure was meant to root out illegally hoarded cash and to crack down on corruption and terror financing.

The government later introduced new rupees 500 and 2,000 denomination notes.

Critics said the widely known move of demonetization badly hurt India’s cash-dependent economy. Small businesses and manufacturers suffered losses because of the move, thus bringing on an economic slump and financial chaos for tens of millions of ordinary cash-dependent Indians for months together.

Nine months after demonetization, RBI data revealed that 99 percent of demonetized currency was back with the banks.

In January this year, the country’s top court upheld the legality of the decision. (Xinhua)

Bhutan: Rural community ‘Tsirang’ aims for prosperous future under Mawong Yuetshen project

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Thimphu : Tsirang, a rural community aiming for a prosperous future, is experiencing a wave of positive transformation through the revolutionary ‘Mawong Yuetshen’ project in Bhutan.
This innovative rural development and community involvement effort has promoted collaboration among public workers, local leaders, and villagers, empowering them to alter their own gewogs. During its trial phase, the programme, structured as an idea competition, drew over 70 participants and comprised approximately 30 unique activities, according to Bhutan Live.
The Batasay farmers of Tsirang submitted an interesting participation in the competition. Their successful endeavour involved connecting the sacred place of Dophu Ney, which is located above their village, and a safe drinking water source.
Moreover, they also built essential amenities such as a kitchen and a toilet, which in return enhanced the facilities at the site.
According to Bhutan Live, the Batasay farmers’ outstanding efforts earned them the title of winners among the seven competing groups, as well as a financial award of Nu 120,000. With this financial boost, the group hopes to improve the site’s appeal and attract both domestic and foreign tourists.

Similarly, the Aesthetic Rangthangling group, led by Rangthangling Gewog local leaders, created a lovely rock garden, giving a tranquil location for relaxation and pleasure.
Their project came in second place in the competition, winning them a hefty prize of Nu 70,000, according to Bhutan Live.
Basically, the “Mawong Yuethsen” initiative was launched in September of last year and organized by the Project for Rural Development (PRuDent) in collaboration with RENEW Microfinance.
This campaign, inspired by the successful “Our Village Has a Future” concept that originated in Germany in 1961, strives to illustrate that when villages band together, they can accomplish extraordinary feats for their communities even without significant financial resources, Bhutan Live reported.
Participants in this programme are needed to register their ideas and are given a six-month timetable to bring their plans to life. Following that, the entries are evaluated and assessed. (ANI)

Study Finds Over Half of World’s Large Lakes and Reservoirs Have Shrunk Due to Climate Change

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London – A recent study conducted by an international team of researchers has revealed that more than 50% of the world’s large lakes and reservoirs have experienced significant shrinkage since the early 1990s, primarily due to climate change. The findings have raised concerns about the availability of water for agriculture, hydropower, and human consumption.

The study, led by Fangfang Yao, a surface hydrologist at the University of Virginia, analyzed nearly 2,000 large lakes using satellite measurements and climate and hydrological models. The research highlighted the alarming rate at which some of the most critical freshwater sources, such as the Caspian Sea and Lake Titicaca, have been losing water. The cumulative rate of water loss across these lakes amounted to approximately 22 gigatonnes per year over a span of nearly three decades, equivalent to about 17 times the volume of Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the United States.

Yao emphasized that 56% of the decline in natural lakes could be attributed to climate warming and human consumption, with warming playing a larger role. This contradicts the common assumption that arid areas will become drier and wet areas wetter under climate change. Even humid regions experienced significant water loss, indicating the gravity of the situation.

The causes behind the shrinking lakes are multifaceted. Unsustainable human use, changes in rainfall and run-off patterns, sedimentation, and rising temperatures have collectively contributed to the decline in lake levels globally. From 1992 to 2020, 53% of the assessed lakes showed a decrease in size, impacting nearly 2 billion people living in drying lake basins. Many regions have already been facing water shortages in recent years.

The study’s findings underscore the urgency of limiting global warming to prevent the most catastrophic consequences of climate change. Climate scientists and campaigners have long advocated for keeping the temperature rise below 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit). However, the current rate of global warming stands at approximately 1.1 degrees Celsius (1.9 degrees Fahrenheit).

The study highlighted specific examples of lake shrinkage caused by unsustainable human use, such as the Aral Sea in Central Asia and the Dead Sea in the Middle East. Rising temperatures have also impacted lakes in Afghanistan, Egypt, and Mongolia, leading to increased water loss to the atmosphere. However, it’s worth noting that water levels rose in 25% of the lakes analyzed, primarily due to dam construction in remote areas like the Inner Tibetan Plateau.

The research serves as a wake-up call for policymakers and governments worldwide to address the urgent need for sustainable water management practices and prioritize climate change mitigation efforts. Failure to do so could exacerbate water scarcity issues, impacting agriculture, energy generation, and human livelihoods in the future.

HRW condemns Bangladesh, Myanmar on plan to repatriate Rohingya

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The Human Rights Watch (HRW) has criticised the plan to return Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh to Myanmar, stating it poses “grave risks” to their lives and liberty.

Currently, Bangladesh is home to about a million Rohingya, most of whom fled a 2017 military crackdown in Myanmar that is now subject to a United Nations genocide investigation, reports Al Jazeera.

According to recent reports, even though the UN has said repeatedly the conditions are not right, both countries are planning to return 1,100 people in a pilot project in the coming weeks.

“Bangladesh authorities shouldn’t forget the reasons why Rohingya became refugees in the first place, and recognise that none of those factors have changed,” HRW said.

“Bangladesh is frustrated with its burden as host, but sending refugees back to the control of a ruthless Myanmar junta will just be setting the stage for the next devastating exodus,” the group said in a statement.

However, Bangladesh’s refugee commissioner Mizanur Rahman has rejected any claims of coercing the Rohingya to return or not consulting them.

“The repatriation is voluntary,” Rahman told AFP news agency. “The HRW claim is untrue.”

Currently, approximately 600,000 Rohingya in Myanmar’s Rakhine state are confined to squalid camps and villages that leave them vulnerable to extreme weather events such as the recent Cyclone Mocha, it added.

The cyclone has killed at least 81 people, according to statements given by local leaders and officials, as well as state media tallies.

This month, 20 Rohingya visited two resettlement camps in Rakhine where the military government plans to house them, says Al Jazeera.

“We are not ready to take a single step towards Myanmar. The arrangement they made for us isn’t enough for our safety. We also have not got any justice for the persecution done to us before,” said 38-year-old Hafiz Solaiman.

“We don’t trust the Myanmar government 1%.”

A second man, Ullah, who did not want to give his full name, said Myanmar’s army had made no attempt to save his relatives from Mocha.

“What they have built for us there has now been hit by the cyclone,” he added.

Peace Initiative Bhutan Condemns Nepali Politicians’ Organized Crime Against Bhutanese Refugees

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Columbus, Ohio – Peace Initiative Bhutan (PIB) has strongly denounced the organized crime orchestrated by high-ranking Nepali politicians and bureaucrats, which has caused significant harm to legitimate Bhutanese refugees and undermined the integrity of the refugee resettlement process. PIB is demanding swift action to bring the perpetrators to justice and supports a fair and impartial investigation.

PIB is calling upon the Ministry of Home Affairs, Narayan Kaji Shrestha, Prime Minister Puspa Kamal Dahal, and Nepal Police to stand firmly in upholding the rule of law and restore international confidence in Nepal’s justice system.

The remaining Bhutanese refugees in eastern Nepal are facing immense suffering, lacking adequate education, healthcare, employment opportunities, and a fair and just solution to their situation. PIB considers it a complete dereliction of duty that culprits have exploited the vulnerability of Bhutanese refugees for monetary gain.

PIB stands in solidarity with the affected refugees and emphasizes the importance of holding those responsible accountable. The Nepali government must take immediate and decisive action to ensure justice and put an end to this criminal activity. Upholding the rule of law is crucial for restoring trust in the refugee resettlement process and securing justice for the victims.

PIB is urging collaboration among the Nepali government, core group countries that have successfully resettled Bhutanese refugees (including Bhutan), and international stakeholders. Immediate consultations are required to find solutions for the remaining Bhutanese refugees and address the root causes of the crisis. Together, they can work towards sustainable solutions that uphold human rights and support those affected by forced displacement.

Additionally, PIB is calling upon the international community to support peacebuilding and reconciliation efforts in Bhutan. The organization advocates for reuniting families, releasing political prisoners, healing, acknowledging past wrongdoings, and holding the perpetrators accountable through a holistic peacebuilding and reconciliation process. It emphasizes the importance of all stakeholders joining hands in promoting peace, justice, and respect for the rights of refugees to find a fair and amicable solution.

Background: The government of Bhutan forcibly exiled over 100,000 Bhutanese citizens in the late 1980s and early 1990s due to their dissent against the forced national integration policy and retroactive implementation of the Citizenship Act of 1985. While approximately 115,000 individuals have accepted the third-country resettlement program, around 7,000 Bhutanese refugees remain in two camps in Nepal.

About PIB: Peace Initiative Bhutan (PIB) is a non-profit organization established in 2020 by diasporic Bhutanese families whose members are divided between Bhutan and the countries they settled in. PIB became publicly known in April 2022, operating under the auspices of Global Citizens Circle, a US-based organization with a history of involvement in peace and reconciliation processes in Northern Ireland, South Africa, and the Middle East.

Over 1000 youths, students participate in anti-corruption rally in Nepal

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Over a thousand youths and students participated in a anti-corruption rally here on Monday, demanding action against those involved in the fake Bhutanese Refugee scam.

The rally was held as former deputy prime minister Top Bahadur Rayamajhi and former home minister Bal Krishna Khand among several others were arrested last week in connection the scam, under which Nepali nationals were sent to the United States by forging fake documents of them being Bhutanese refugees.

On Monday, the student organisations and youth bodies belonging to the ruling Nepali Congress, CPN Maoist Centre, CPN-Unified Socialist and CPN-Maoist Centre took out rallies at Bhrikutimandap area in Kathmandu.

Holding placards with slogans “We know nothing but action against corrupt”, “Investigate property of those in public post”, “Zero tolerance to corruption”, “Control price rise”, “Our future is corruption free Nepal”, the participants demanded fair probe in the Bhutanese Refugee scam.

“A group of around 1,500 youths chanted anti-corruption slogans and took rallies around Bhrikutimandap area in Kathmandu against the fake Bhutanese Refugee scam,” a participant said.

So far, governments of USA, Canada and some European countries have received more than 100,000 Bhutanese refugees sheltering in Nepal under UNHCR facilitated resettlement programme over the past one decade.
There are around 5,000 Bhutanese refugees residing in different camps across Nepal are still awaiting for third country resettlement.(PTI)

Chinese company to make high-end shoe accessories in Bangladeshi economic zone

Posted on by SAT News Desk

DHAKA — The Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) on Monday signed an agreement with a Chinese company to set up a high-end shoe accessories factory in the country.

Jibin Technology (BD) Company Limited will set up the factory in the BEPZA Economic Zone with an investment of 6 million U.S. dollars, said a press release.

The Chinese company will produce 6 million pairs of shoe accessories annually and employ hundreds of Bangladeshi nationals, it said.

The BEPZA said it has signed agreements with 18 companies from home and abroad, which will invest 400 million dollars to produce diversified products in Bangladesh. 

(Xinhua)

Bangladesh Faces High Ratio of Non-Performing Loans, According to World Bank Report

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Dhaka — According to a recent report released by the World Bank, Bangladesh has the second-highest ratio of non-performing loans (NPLs) among South Asian countries, with only Sri Lanka surpassing it. The report, titled “Expanding Opportunities: Toward Inclusive Growth,” also revealed that the country’s non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs) have the highest NPL ratio in the region.

While most South Asian countries have managed to keep their NPL ratios below the 2021 levels and the threshold of 10% that indicates systemic stress, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have experienced a significant increase in NPLs. In September 2022, Bangladesh’s NPL ratio stood at 9.4%, while Sri Lanka recorded 10.9%.

Data from the Bangladesh Bank shows that as of December 2022, default loans in the country’s banks increased by 16.8% year-on-year, amounting to Tk120,656 crore. The ratio of default loans to outstanding loans rose to 8.16%, up from 7.93% in the previous year.

The World Bank attributed the rise in Bangladesh’s NPL ratio to higher import costs, poor payment discipline among borrowers, and weak regulatory enforcement. The bank also mentioned that the relaxed loan rescheduling and asset classification policies implemented in mid-2022 have delayed the full recognition of distressed assets.

The NPL ratio among NBFIs in Bangladesh is even higher than in the banking sector, reaching over 23% in June 2022. Sri Lanka follows closely with a ratio of 17% in September 2022.

Among other South Asian countries, Bhutan has the third-highest NPL ratio, followed by Pakistan, the Maldives, and India. Nepal has the lowest NPL ratio in the region.

In Pakistan, the microfinance sector has been severely impacted by inflationary shocks and losses caused by floods, particularly affecting an estimated 1.8 million borrowers from flood-affected areas in 2022. As a result, the NPL ratio in Pakistan’s microfinance sector rose in the third quarter of 2022 compared to the previous year.

The report also shed light on private sector credit and deposit growth. Private credit growth has accelerated in Bangladesh, Bhutan, and India, with the services sector in India experiencing the highest growth. In Bangladesh, private credit growth remained strong in the fourth quarter of 2022, as borrowers took advantage of lending rate caps and concessionary financing offered by the central bank.

However, deposit growth has declined in most countries, including Bangladesh and Bhutan. The report attributes this decline to high inflation, which reduces savings and real deposit rates. Additionally, a slowdown in remittance growth, an important source of deposits for Bangladesh, has contributed to the sluggish deposit growth in the country.

The findings of the World Bank report highlight the challenges faced by Bangladesh in managing non-performing loans and promoting financial stability. Efforts to address the underlying causes and strengthen regulatory enforcement will be crucial to mitigating the impact of NPLs on the country’s financial sector and overall economy.

Category-Five Cyclone Mocha Ravages Bangladesh and Myanmar Coasts

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A powerful cyclone, Cyclone Mocha, has struck coastlines of Bangladesh and Myanmar, intensifying into a category-five storm and leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The storm has brought heavy rain, strong winds, and the threat of landslides and floods, sparking fear among residents in low-lying coastal areas.

The world’s largest refugee camp, located in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, has been severely impacted, with over 500 bamboo shelters destroyed by the cyclone. Additionally, the region has experienced landslides and floods, exacerbating the dire situation.

In preparation for the storm, police patrolled the coastline in Cox’s Bazar, using loudspeakers to urge people to stay indoors. As Cyclone Mocha intensified, the streets emptied, the skies darkened, and the rains became torrential. To seek shelter from the powerful storm, hundreds of people sought refuge in a converted school, cramming into available space, including classrooms where they slept on desks or sought shelter beneath them.

Authorities report that over 500,000 people were evacuated from their homes in the southeastern stretch of Bangladesh. Evacuees arrived at shelters, carrying their livestock and mats for sleeping, having made difficult choices to leave their fishing and coastal villages.

In the midst of this crisis, close to a million Rohingya refugees in the camps of Bangladesh faced the impact of Cyclone Mocha. Restricted by the government from leaving the camps or constructing permanent structures, they hunkered down in flimsy bamboo shelters with tarpaulin roofs. Some refugees were relocated to community shelters within the camps, which offered little additional protection.

Preliminary reports indicate that approximately 500 shelters in the Rohingya camps were damaged by the powerful winds, and there were instances of fallen trees and two landslides causing further harm. Fortunately, there have been no reported casualties among the refugees as a result of the cyclone.

Forecasters had warned that Cyclone Mocha could be the most powerful storm to hit Bangladesh in nearly two decades. The cyclone also wreaked havoc on neighboring Myanmar, with reports of increasing disruption near the city of Sittwe. Electricity and wi-fi connections were severed, and videos captured rising tides carrying debris down flooded streets. The cyclone also toppled a telecom tower, damaged buildings, and caused roofs to be blown off houses in various parts of Myanmar.

In Rakhine State, Myanmar, a 14-year-old boy tragically lost his life when a tree fell due to the cyclone. The region witnessed damaged and collapsed buildings, further adding to the devastation caused by Cyclone Mocha.

As the situation unfolds, authorities are working tirelessly to provide aid and assess the extent of the damage caused by Cyclone Mocha. The affected areas face significant challenges in rebuilding and recovering from this catastrophic event.

Nepali Sherpa Guide Scales Mount Everest for 26th Time, Sets Record

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KATHMANDU – In a remarkable feat of mountaineering, Pasang Dawa Sherpa, a Nepali Sherpa guide, successfully climbed Mount Everest for the 26th time on Sunday, tying the world record for the most summits of the iconic peak. Pasang Dawa Sherpa, 46, reached the 8,849-meter (29,032-foot) summit, sharing the record with Kami Rita Sherpa, another accomplished climber.

According to Bigyan Koirala, a government tourism official, Kami Rita Sherpa is currently making his way up Everest and could set another record if he reaches the top. The achievement of these Sherpa climbers underscores their remarkable skill and resilience in the face of extreme mountain conditions.

Pasang Dawa Sherpa accomplished the historic climb alongside a Hungarian client, as confirmed by Dawa Futi Sherpa, an official from Imagine Nepal Treks, the company employing Pasang Dawa. “They are descending from the top now and are in good shape,” said Dawa Futi Sherpa, indicating a successful summit and descent.

Sherpas, renowned for their climbing expertise, primarily earn their livelihood by guiding foreign climbers on Himalayan expeditions. In this climbing season, which runs from March to May, a Pakistani woman named Naila Kiani also made history by becoming the first foreign climber to reach the summit of Everest, as reported by Dawa Futi. However, due to the influx of climbers heading towards the peak after the installation of ropes to the top, this information could not be independently verified.

Naila Kiani, a 37-year-old banker based in Dubai, had previously conquered four of the world’s 14 highest mountains before her successful ascent of Everest. Her remarkable achievement adds to the growing list of adventurers who have conquered the legendary peak.

This year, Nepal issued a record 467 permits to foreign climbers aiming to reach the summit of Everest. Typically, each climber is accompanied by at least one Sherpa guide, raising concerns about overcrowding in the narrow section below the summit known as the Hillary Step.

Since Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay first scaled Mount Everest in 1953, the peak has been climbed over 11,000 times. However, this impressive number is accompanied by the sobering statistic that approximately 320 individuals have lost their lives in the pursuit of conquering Everest, according to the Himalayan database and Nepali officials.

As Pasang Dawa Sherpa and his Hungarian client descend from their successful climb, their remarkable achievement will be celebrated among the mountaineering community, further solidifying the Sherpas’ reputation as extraordinary climbers and guides on the world’s highest peak

Britain Nepal Chamber of Commerce organises Gala Dinner to promote Bilateral Ties

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London — The Britain Nepal Chamber of Commerce (BNCC) organised a gala dinner at the Double Tree Hilton hotel at Hanger Lane on Friday. The event brought together business leaders, government officials, and representatives from both Nepal and the United Kingdom, to celebrate and strengthen the bilateral ties between the two nations.

Addressing the ceremony, Ambassador of Nepal to the United Kingdom, Gyan Chandra Acharya, emphasized on the significant progress Nepal has made in terms of ease of doing business compared to other South Asian countries. He said some 60,000 British tourists were traveling to Nepal pre-Covid and that number has now reached 50,000 a year. Saying that Nepal-UK relations are multidimensional and multifaceted, Acharya encouraged entrepreneurs from both the countries to support Nepal’s tourism industry and economy, while fostering stronger people-to-people ties.

Quoting figures published by the International Trade Department of the UK, chief executive of BNCC, Richard Pelly , said that Nepal-UK trade stood at £147 million in 2022. He urged the Nepal government to address what he called red tape. He urged both the governments to sign the double taxation avoidance agreement. Mr Pelly called for resolving existing problems to facilitate smoother trade between the two nations.

Former cabinet minister and Member of British Parliament, Dean Russell, commended the efforts of the BNCC in promoting trade and investment between the two countries and supporting the Nepali economy. He also expressed his admiration for the contributions of Nepali entrepreneurs to the UK economy, emphasizing their valuable role in fostering bilateral economic relations.

Dr. Kapil Rijal, Chairman of the BNCC, highlighted the organization’s key activities and extended gratitude to everyone for their continuous support. Dr. Rijal emphasized that, in addition to promoting investments and supporting entrepreneurs and startups, the BNCC is committed to facilitating knowledge exchange and skill transfer in Nepal, ultimately contributing to the country’s overall development.

The program was hosted by Biraj Bhatta, CEO of Travel Consol and Vice Chair of the BNCC. A noted Nepali singer, Sapan Rai, also performed during the event.

The gala dinner provided a platform for networking and fostering stronger ties between the business communities of both nations. The event was a testament to the growing economic cooperation and mutual support between the United Kingdom and Nepal, promising a bright future for their bilateral relationship, the organiser said.

EU Parliament Committee Votes on Proposed Artificial Intelligence Rules

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May 11, London – Authorities worldwide are racing to establish regulations for artificial intelligence (AI), with the European Union (EU) taking a pivotal step forward on Thursday as a European Parliament committee prepares to vote on proposed AI rules. The legislation aims to set up guidelines and safeguards for AI systems, reflecting the growing urgency to address both the benefits and risks associated with this emerging technology, AP reports.

The EU’s proposed legislation, known as the Artificial Intelligence Act, was first introduced in 2021 and covers any product or service that utilizes AI. Under the act, AI systems will be classified into four levels of risk, ranging from minimal to unacceptable. Higher-risk applications will face more stringent requirements, such as increased transparency and the use of accurate data. In essence, the act acts as a risk management system for AI, as explained by Johann Laux, an expert at the Oxford Internet Institute.

One of the primary objectives of the EU’s AI Act is to safeguard against AI threats to health, safety, and fundamental rights and values. Consequently, certain AI applications are considered unacceptable, including “social scoring” systems that evaluate individuals based on their behavior and interactive toys that promote dangerous activities. Predictive policing tools, which analyze data to predict crime occurrences and perpetrators, are also expected to be prohibited, along with remote facial recognition technology, except in limited cases involving specific terrorist threats. The extent of the facial recognition ban will be determined by the outcome of the committee vote.

Brando Benifei, an Italian lawmaker leading the European Parliament’s AI efforts, emphasized the intention to prevent a society controlled by AI, citing concerns about the potential misuse of these technologies. High-risk AI systems used in employment and education, which significantly impact individuals’ lives, will face rigorous requirements, including transparency, risk assessment, and mitigation measures.

While the initial proposal of the AI Act made minimal mention of chatbots, negotiators have subsequently included provisions to cover general-purpose AI like ChatGPT. Such systems will be subjected to some of the same requirements as high-risk applications. Notably, a key addition to the legislation is the requirement to document copyrighted material used in training AI systems to generate text, images, videos, or music resembling human work. This provision aims to inform content creators if their work has been used without permission and allows them to seek appropriate action.

Although the EU is not a major player in cutting-edge AI development compared to the United States and China, Brussels often sets trends with regulations that become de facto global standards. The EU’s sizeable single market, consisting of 450 million consumers, encourages companies and organizations to comply with EU regulations to avoid the need for different product variations for various regions. The AI Act also seeks to instill confidence in users and stimulate the development of the AI market by establishing common rules, fostering trust, and unlocking the economic and social potential of AI.

Violations of the AI Act could result in fines of up to €30 million ($33 million) or 6% of a company’s annual global revenue, potentially amounting to billions for technology giants such as Google and Microsoft.

While the rules are yet to come into full effect, it is anticipated that the legislative proposal will be jointly approved by the European Parliament committee. Subsequently, the draft legislation will enter into three-way negotiations involving the EU’s 27 member states, the Parliament, and the executive Commission. Further deliberations will be conducted to finalize the details, with the expectation of receiving final approval by the end of the year or early 2024 at the latest. Following approval, companies and organizations will be granted a grace period of approximately two years to adapt to the new regulations.

Nepal Agriculture Cooperative Federation Receives Top Honors at FAO Awards for Sustainable Development Efforts

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Nepal Agriculture Cooperative Central Federation (NACCFL) has been recognized for its outstanding contributions to sustainable development and agricultural practices at the inaugural Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Awards Programme. The awards ceremony took place on April 24, 2023, at FAO’s headquarters in Rome, Italy.

In an effort to acknowledge progress made towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the FAO awards highlighted NACCFL’s exceptional work in enhancing the living standards of local communities, promoting sustainable agri-food systems, protecting biodiversity, and addressing the impacts of the climate crisis. These achievements have positioned NACCFL as the deserving winner of the first-place award.

FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu commended the collaborative efforts of individuals and institutions, emphasizing the importance of partnerships in achieving a sustainable, food-secure future for all. He noted that such partnerships bring together diverse capacities, foster innovation, and secure resources to uplift those who have been left behind.

NACCFL, in collaboration with FAO, has been diligently working for over a decade to strengthen agricultural systems management in Nepal. The federation comprises 1,139 agricultural co-operative members, providing them with vital access to markets, financial services, and training opportunities aimed at increasing agricultural production.

Through its policy dialogues and active participation in various forums, NACCFL effectively communicates the complex agricultural and economic challenges faced by smallholder farmers to policymakers. By promoting sustainable solutions to address hunger and malnutrition in the country, the federation has garnered recognition for its exceptional ability to bridge the gap between farmers and policymakers.

As a testament to their achievements, NACCFL was awarded €5,000 as the first-place winner. An equal amount was granted to the second-prize winner, the Al-Shouf Cedar Society (ACS) from Lebanon.

The FAO Awards Programme serves as a platform to celebrate organizations and individuals who demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainable development and the pursuit of the SDGs. Through their outstanding efforts, NACCFL and ACS have become beacons of progress, inspiring others in their respective regions and around the world.

The recognition bestowed upon NACCFL reaffirms Nepal’s dedication to fostering sustainable agriculture and improving the lives of its local communities. It also highlights the importance of collaborative efforts and innovative solutions in addressing global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and food insecurity.

Imran Khan Released from Custody after Supreme Court Deems Arrest Illegal

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Corruption Charges Remain as Tensions Escalate with Military

In a dramatic turn of events, Pakistan’s former Prime Minister, Imran Khan, has been granted protected bail and released from custody, a day after the Supreme Court declared his arrest on corruption charges as illegal. The decision by the judges ensures that Khan cannot be re-arrested on these charges until May 17.

However, despite his release, the corruption charges against Khan still stand. The 70-year-old, who was apprehended on Tuesday upon his arrival at a courthouse in Islamabad, pleaded not guilty to the charges when formally indicted by a judge for the first time among the numerous cases he faces. The allegations revolve around the unlawful sale of state gifts during his premiership, as brought forth by Pakistan’s Election Commission.

Concerns loomed over Khan’s immediate re-arrest upon his release. In an interview with the BBC, Khan expressed his fear of being detained again soon after regaining freedom. He remained at the court seeking preventive bail against other charges, including terrorism, sedition, and blasphemy, which he claims have been leveled against him.

A conviction in any of the pending cases would result in Khan’s disqualification from standing for office, potentially for life. With elections scheduled for later this year, such an outcome could have significant implications for the former international cricket star and Pakistan’s prime minister from 2018 to 2022.

During Friday’s hearing, Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial asserted that Khan’s arrest was unlawful due to its occurrence on court premises. He ordered a backtrack of the entire arrest process. This ruling has further escalated tensions between Khan and Pakistan’s powerful military, with whom he had a falling out after initially being supported by them during his election victory in 2018. Analysts suggest that the military’s popularity has waned as Khan became one of their most vocal critics following his ousting and loss of parliamentary majority.

Khan’s party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), maintains that the charges against him, which stem from gifts received from foreign leaders during his tenure as prime minister, are politically motivated. The PTI alleges that Khan’s legal troubles are a result of his criticism of the military and the growing divide between the two entities.

As Imran Khan rejoins the political landscape as a free man, the corruption charges against him continue to cast a shadow on his future prospects. The unfolding saga not only impacts Khan’s personal and political fate but also deepens the rift between the former allies, Khan and the military, in a country bracing itself for forthcoming elections.