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Nepal Seeks European Union’s Assistance for Smooth Graduation from LDC Status

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Kathmandu, May 10 – Nepal has reached out to the European Union (EU) for support in ensuring a seamless transition from its least developed country (LDC) status. Minister Ramesh Rijal, responsible for Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, made the request during his address at the closing session of the inaugural EU-Nepal Business Forum held in Kathmandu on Tuesday.

In his speech, Minister Rijal expressed the country’s eagerness to receive assistance from Europe in achieving a smooth and irreversible graduation from the LDC status. He highlighted Nepal’s continuous efforts to reform trade and investment policies, emphasizing the government’s openness to suggestions from stakeholders.

The United Nations has already recommended Nepal’s graduation from the LDC status to that of a developing nation, slated to occur after 2026. Minister Rijal further assured attendees of the government’s commitment to addressing short-term challenges encountered during this transition period.

The EU Delegation in Nepal released a statement confirming Minister Rijal’s commitment to mitigating these challenges and reiterated the importance of European support in Nepal’s journey towards graduation. The closing session of the EU-Nepal Business Forum, focused on economic diplomacy, was graced by the presence of EU member state ambassadors and trade representatives. Notably, both in-country and New Delhi-based representatives attended the session, underscoring the significance of the occasion.

EU Ambassador to Nepal, Nona Deprez, hailed the forum as a unique opportunity to showcase European unity and solidarity in supporting Nepal. The EU’s participation signifies their dedication to assisting Nepal in achieving a successful transition and consolidating its position as a developing nation.

As Nepal embarks on its path to graduation, the collaboration between Nepal and the European Union is expected to play a vital role in addressing economic challenges and promoting sustainable growth. With the support of the international community, Nepal is poised to make significant strides towards achieving its developmental goals and improving the well-being of its citizens.

Jagan Chapagain’s Mandate as IFRC Secretary General Renewed for Second Term

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Geneva, 10 May 2023 – The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has announced the renewal of Jagan Chapagain’s mandate as Secretary General for a second four-year term. The decision was made by the IFRC Governing Board in Geneva.

Francesco Rocca, President of the IFRC, expressed his pride in Jagan Chapagain’s accomplishments over the past years and expressed enthusiasm for future collaboration. Rocca highlighted that Jagan assumed leadership just as the COVID-19 pandemic was declared a global health emergency, yet he demonstrated visionary and capable leadership, achieving remarkable progress in a short period. Under Jagan’s guidance, the organization has maintained its financial stability and continued to fulfill its crucial humanitarian mandate.

Accepting the renewed mandate, Jagan Chapagain expressed both honor and humility at the trust placed in him by the IFRC’s Governing Board and President Francesco Rocca. He acknowledged the immense responsibility that comes with the role and recognized the challenges that lie ahead. However, Jagan emphasized that the organization would approach these challenges with agility, integrity, and a commitment to finding solutions and fostering trust among the communities they serve.

Born in Nepal, Jagan Chapagain brings extensive experience and comprehensive knowledge of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to his position. With a background in engineering, he began his humanitarian journey as a youth volunteer with the Nepal Red Cross, where he advocated on behalf of communities. Over the years, Jagan has provided leadership in major crises worldwide, advocating for actions that enhance community resilience and reduce long-term needs. He has been a champion of the localization agenda, empowering local actors to lead their own development. Additionally, Jagan has excelled in building partnerships for diverse initiatives and leading workforces dedicated to meaningful humanitarian efforts.

Prior to his initial appointment as Secretary General in December 2019, Jagan served as the Under Secretary General for Programmes and Operations, overseeing IFRC’s relief and development efforts globally. He also held the positions of Chief of Staff and Regional Director of the Asia Pacific region for the IFRC.

The IFRC, comprising 192 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, is recognized as the world’s largest humanitarian network. Together, they work to save lives, enhance resilience, and promote dignity across the globe. With Jagan Chapagain’s renewed mandate as Secretary General, the IFRC is poised to continue its vital humanitarian work under his experienced leadership.

Bank of England Raises Interest Rates to Highest Level in 15 Years, Aims to Tackle Inflation

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In a move to address rising inflation, the Bank of England has announced its 12th consecutive interest rate hike, raising rates from 4.25% to 4.5%. This increase marks the highest level in almost 15 years and will have implications for mortgage and loan costs, while also presenting an opportunity for higher returns on savings for some individuals.

The decision comes as the Bank’s Governor, Andrew Bailey, expressed confidence in the UK’s economic outlook, stating that a recession is no longer expected. However, Bailey acknowledged the challenges posed by high inflation, particularly driven by soaring energy costs, which have significantly impacted the cost of living for many individuals.

One key aspect of the Bank’s strategy to curb inflation is the gradual increase in interest rates. By raising rates, the Bank aims to slow down spending and borrowing, thereby dampening the demand that contributes to rising prices. While this move may lead to higher borrowing costs for individuals with mortgages and loans, it offers an opportunity for savers to earn more on their deposits.

In addition to the interest rate hike, Governor Bailey provided an update on energy prices. He stated that average energy costs are expected to decrease to £2,100 by the end of the year. This projection offers a glimmer of relief for households burdened by the surging energy prices experienced recently.

The Bank of England’s sustained efforts to combat inflation reflect its commitment to maintaining price stability and economic resilience. However, the rate hikes and other measures implemented are not without their impact on households and businesses. The Bank aims to strike a delicate balance between addressing inflationary pressures and ensuring the overall stability and growth of the economy.

The recent interest rate increase serves as a reminder for individuals and businesses to review their financial plans and adjust accordingly. It is crucial to assess the potential impact on mortgage repayments, loan costs, and savings returns, while also considering the broader implications for personal and business finances.

As the Bank of England continues to monitor economic indicators and inflationary pressures, future decisions regarding interest rates will depend on the evolving circumstances and the need to maintain a stable and sustainable economic environment.

Nepal’s Tourism Sector Witnesses Remarkable Recovery with Surge in Foreign Tourist Arrivals

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KATHMANDU – Nepal’s tourism industry is experiencing a significant revival as the country welcomed 326,527 foreign tourists in the first four months of 2023. This figure represents a remarkable increase of 132.67 percent compared to the same period in 2022 when 140,336 foreign tourists visited Nepal.

The global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic severely affected Nepal’s tourism sector, leading to a decline in foreign tourist arrivals over the past few years. Prior to the pandemic, Nepal received 420,446 foreign tourists in the first four months of 2019. However, in the subsequent years, the numbers dropped drastically to 220,682 in 2020 and further to 55,447 in 2021.

The recent surge in tourist arrivals and the recovery of hotel occupancy indicate a promising revival of the tourism sector in Nepal. Maniraj Lamichhane, Director of the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), stated that tourism is getting back on track, citing factors such as increased inflow of foreign tourists, a rise in mountain climbing permits, and growing mobility of tourists at various destinations. Lamichhane emphasized the importance of rebranding and repositioning destination marketing to make the tourism sector more mobile and attract more visitors.

The current influx of foreign tourists during the first four months of 2023 has nearly matched the numbers recorded in the same period of 2019 before the pandemic, which is a positive sign for the industry’s recovery. The World Tourism Organization has also projected the revival of Nepal’s tourism sector by 80 to 95 percent by January 17, 2023, with global tourism, including Nepal’s, anticipated to recover up to 95 percent. Factors such as the preference for accessible destinations and China’s openness to tourists have contributed to this projection.

The Department of Tourism has reported a significant increase in the number of foreign mountaineers obtaining permits to climb mountains. This spring, a record-breaking 467 climbers from 44 groups, including 98 women and 369 men, obtained permits to climb Mount Everest. The current season has witnessed the highest number of climbers in the 70-year history of Everest expeditions. The issuance of these permits generated revenue of over Rs 660 million.

The recovery of domestic flights is another positive indicator for the tourism sector. Around 300 roundtrip domestic flights have been conducted, with nine airlines and 11 helicopter companies operating within the country. Furthermore, 27 airline companies, including three Nepali airlines, are operating international flights. Out of the 54 airports in Nepal, 36 are currently operational, including three international airports.

Despite the challenges faced by the tourism sector, there is still a setback for hotels, as the current hotel occupancy stands at only 30 percent. Hotel entrepreneurs estimate that a minimum of 38 percent occupancy is required to cover daily operational expenses. The Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) revealed plans to expand the market across India, Bangladesh, and China to attract more tourists. The influx of Chinese tourists has been particularly encouraging, with numbers gradually increasing since the reopening of Nepal-China transits and the operation of additional flights.

Tourism entrepreneurs in Nepal are optimistic about the gradual recovery of the industry. There has been an approximately 80 percent hotel occupancy in the Thamel area, which is a popular tourist destination. Stakeholders in the tourism sector emphasize the need for collaboration between the government and the private sector to further enhance the mobility and marketability of Nepal’s tourism industry.

The positive trends in foreign tourist arrivals, mountain climbing permits, and hotel occupancy offer hope for the recovery and growth of Nepal’s tourism sector.

Nepal and Bangladesh to Finalize Investment Modality for Sunkoshi-3 Hydropower Project in Bilateral Energy Talks

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KATHMANDU – Nepal and Bangladesh are set to commence bilateral energy talks on May 15, aiming to finalize the investment modality for the Sunkoshi-3 Hydropower Project. The two-day meeting, taking place in Bangladesh, will focus on accelerating the development of the hydropower project and enhancing cross-border energy trade.

Madhu Prasad Bhetuwal, spokesperson for Nepal’s Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, announced that the joint discussions would begin at the joint-secretary level, followed by high-level deliberations. The primary objective of the talks is to determine the investment approach for the Sunkoshi-3 Hydropower Project.

Bangladesh has expressed its interest in purchasing electricity from Nepal, while Nepal seeks to expand its cross-border energy trade beyond India. In a significant development, Bangladesh has already granted approval to procure 50 MW of electricity generated by Nepali power plants.

Efforts have been underway for the joint development of the Sunkoshi-3 project. Nepal has already submitted the feasibility study report and environmental impact assessment report to Bangladesh. Establishing a joint company for the construction of Sunkoshi-3 will be a key agenda item during the bilateral energy talks.

Moreover, the meeting aims to finalize a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Nepal Electricity Authority and the Bangladesh Power Development Board to facilitate electricity trade. Bhetuwal highlighted that the private sector in Bangladesh is also keen to invest in Nepal’s hydroelectricity sector, and discussions will be held to explore the potential opportunities.

Both Nepal and Bangladesh anticipate positive outcomes from the energy talks, which will further strengthen their energy cooperation. The successful implementation of the Sunkoshi-3 Hydropower Project and the expansion of cross-border energy trade are expected to foster economic development and mutual benefits for both countries.

The bilateral energy talks mark a significant step toward realizing the shared vision of harnessing Nepal’s hydropower potential and meeting Bangladesh’s increasing demand for clean energy.

Excessive Force Used Against Protesters Following Arrest of Former Pakistani Prime Minister – HRW

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(New York) – Pakistan’s police have been accused of firing on and using excessive force against protesters in the wake of the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan on corruption charges, according to a press release by Human Rights Watch. The organization has also condemned the government’s indiscriminate cutting of mobile internet services and restrictions on social media platforms as violations of basic rights.

The arrest of Imran Khan, a prominent political figure in Pakistan, sparked widespread protests across the country. Supporters of Khan have resorted to violence, using rocks, Molotov cocktails, and even assault rifles to attack the police. They have set fire to ambulances, police vehicles, schools, and destroyed public and private property. In response, the police have utilized tear gas, rubber bullets, and baton charges to disperse the protesters. Tragically, the clashes have resulted in the death of at least one individual in Quetta after police opened fire on the crowd.

Human Rights Watch has called on the Pakistani government to exercise restraint and uphold the right to peaceful protest, urging them to respond to violence with the minimum necessary force. The organization emphasized the importance of promptly investigating and appropriately prosecuting any criminal acts committed during the protests.

Referring to the United Nations Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials, Human Rights Watch emphasized that security forces should always use the minimum necessary force and resort to firearms only when less harmful means are not practicable. The use of lethal force should strictly be limited to situations where it is unavoidable to protect life.

The government has argued that the internet shutdown was necessary to maintain public safety and combat the spread of misinformation. While internet and social media platforms remain intermittently functional, this sweeping measure has led to the denial of access to crucial information for ordinary citizens, hindered healthcare services, and restricted the ability of journalists to document potential government overreach and abuse.

Human Rights Watch stressed that international human rights law prohibits broad, indiscriminate, and indefinite restrictions on fundamental freedoms, including the right to free expression and the access to provide and receive information.

Patricia Gossman, associate Asia director at Human Rights Watch, expressed concern over the charged environment in Pakistan, cautioning against the situation spiraling out of control. Gossman urged the authorities to act responsibly to prevent further cycles of violence and counterviolence.

As the situation continues to unfold, there are growing concerns regarding the preservation of civil liberties and the potential for further escalation of violence. The international community will be closely monitoring developments in Pakistan as it calls for a peaceful resolution to the current crisis.

UK Welcomes First Baby Born with Three People’s DNA in Groundbreaking Procedure to Prevent Mitochondrial Diseases

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Pioneering technique offers hope to families at risk of devastating genetic conditions

LondIn a groundbreaking development, the United Kingdom has witnessed the birth of a baby using the DNA of three individuals, as confirmed by the country’s fertility regulator. This innovative approach aims to combat mitochondrial diseases, as reported by the BBC. The majority of the baby’s DNA originates from their biological parents, while approximately 0.1% comes from a third donor woman.

Mitochondrial diseases are severe and incurable conditions that can prove fatal within hours or days of a child’s birth. Families affected by these debilitating diseases have often experienced the heart-wrenching loss of multiple children. However, this cutting-edge technique offers them a glimmer of hope by providing a means to have a healthy child of their own.

The procedure addresses mitochondrial diseases by targeting the tiny compartments called mitochondria found in nearly every cell of the human body. Mitochondria play a vital role in converting food into usable energy. When these mitochondria are defective, they fail to provide sufficient energy to the body, resulting in a range of devastating consequences including brain damage, muscle wasting, heart failure, and blindness.

While precise details about the recently born baby and their family have not been disclosed, it is known that up to five babies have been born using this method. The innovative technique represents a significant advancement in reproductive medicine, offering new possibilities for families who face the risk of passing on debilitating genetic conditions.

The successful implementation of this procedure not only provides hope to families affected by mitochondrial diseases but also paves the way for further advancements in the field of reproductive medicine. As the medical community continues to push boundaries, such groundbreaking procedures may become more accessible, offering solutions to individuals grappling with complex genetic challenges.

The birth of the first baby in the UK with three individuals’ DNA marks a milestone in scientific and medical progress. While there are undoubtedly ethical and regulatory considerations surrounding such procedures, the potential to alleviate the suffering caused by mitochondrial diseases brings renewed optimism to affected families across the country and beyond.

High-Profile Figures Arrested in Nepali-Bhutanese Refugee Racket Scandal

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Former lawmaker, immediate home minister, and top officials among those implicated.

KATHMANDU: A major scandal involving the illegal trafficking of Nepali nationals to the United States under the guise of Bhutanese refugees has led to the arrest of several high-profile individuals. The arrests include former lawmaker Indrajit Rai, immediate home minister Bal Krishna Khand, as well as Tek Narayan Pandey, a secretary at the Office of the Vice President. Pratik Thapa, son of former Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa, and former Maoist leader Top Bahadur Rayamajhi and his son Sandeep Rayamajhi, have also been implicated in the racket. Former deputy prime minister and Rayamajhi has been escaped after arrest warning was issued by the police. Despite the search continuing throughout Thursday, the Nepal Police says it is yet to nab CPN-UML secretary Top Bahadur Rayamajhi. Rayamajhi is reported to have gone out of contact since Wednesday evening after the police received a warrant to arrest him and his son Sandeep for their alleged involvement in issuing documents identifying Nepali nationals as refugees to help them go abroad easily. . 

The scandal came to light after the arrest of Sandesh Sharma, Keshav Dulal, Sagar Rai, Sanu Bhandari, and Kumar Gurung on charges of fraudulent activities related to the trafficking operation. The subsequent investigation revealed the involvement of prominent government officials and high-ranking politicians in the elaborate scheme.

According to police sources, the Kathmandu District Court issued an arrest warrant for Pratik Thapa on Wednesday, following a request from the police. Thapa is accused of financial gain through the fraudulent practice of sending Nepalis to the USA as fake Bhutanese refugees. Similarly, arrest warrants were issued against Top Bahadur Rayamajhi and his son Sandeep in the same case. The police uncovered their involvement based on the statements provided by previously arrested individuals during the investigation.

Nepal Police Spokesperson Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Kuber Kadayat confirmed the arrest of Secretary Tek Narayan Pandey on charges of fraud. Pandey, who previously held the position of Home Secretary, is accused of colluding with a gang involved in the documentation process of Nepalis as Bhutanese refugees during his tenure at the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The investigation into the criminal group behind the fraud began on June 14, 2022, following complaints filed by victims who had been scammed over the past five years. The victims alleged that they were promised opportunities to migrate to the USA as Bhutanese refugees in exchange for large sums of money.

To date, the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office has received 17 First Information Reports (FIR) and 123 formal complaints from individuals who claim to have lost millions of rupees to the fraudulent racket. The cases have been forwarded to the Teku-based District Police Range for further investigation, and preparations are underway to arrest approximately six additional suspects involved in the scam.

The preliminary findings of the investigation suggest that victims from various districts, including Kaski, Dang, Morang, Rukum, and others, were deceived by the group. The victims reportedly paid the gang between Rs 1.5 million and Rs 2 million solely for assistance in completing the Bhutanese refugee application forms.

As the investigation progresses, authorities are determined to bring all those involved in the racket to justice and prevent further exploitation of vulnerable individuals seeking opportunities abroad.

‘Covid-19 exposed that hundreds of millions of people were without access to essential medicines’ -Jayasree K. Iyer

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CEO of Access to Medicine Foundation (AMF), Jayasree K. Iyer, sets the Foundation’s strategy for assessing the efforts of healthcare companies to ensure their products reach more people around the world. In her discussions with global industry leaders, she engages them on the practical, effective steps they can take to develop, scale up and supply essential health products to the people living in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) who account for approximately 80% of the global population. An infectious disease scientist by training and holds various postgraduate degrees (Masters and PhD), from the Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health and Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. She is based in the Netherlands, where she lives with her husband and two young sons. She spoke to SOUTH ASIA TIME on issues related to health inequity and challenges to ensure that millions of people around the world have access to medicines.  Follows excerpts of the interview:

How serious is the situation of access to life-saving medicines in the Global South?

Despite recent advances in global health, access to life-saving medicines remains unaffordable to many people living in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). 5.7 million people die annually from treatable infections due to a lack of access to medicines. The Access to Medicine Foundation seeks to motivate and mobilise companies to expand access to their essential healthcare products in LMICs.

Population growth and urbanisation are among the critical issues that impact inequities in access. They have led to increased demand for medicines, supply shortages, and antimicrobial resistance. In 2019 alone, 1.27 million people died of drug-resistant infections, with most of them in LMICs.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has commented on the disparities.

Reports say healthcare inequity has increased in the aftermath of COVID-19. What should be done to address such a situation?

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, innovative medicines, vaccines, and diagnostics were developed, manufactured, and distributed at an unprecedented speed. The pandemic spurred new types of collaboration, never seen at the same scale and magnitude. However, the pandemic also exposed and exacerbated stark inequities that predate the pandemic and that still leave hundreds of millions of people without necessary access to essential medicines.

Addressing inequities in access requires action on multiple fronts, including:

  • Embracing innovations in information-sharing to improve supply chain alignment to reach more people.
  • The identification and resolution of supply chain challenges, building on pilots, and developing new ideas.
  • Ensuring new products quickly reach people in LMICs by involving generic medicine manufacturers early in the development process.
  • Investing in a larger network of partners that can quickly ramp up local manufacturing capacity.

The Access to Medicine Foundation has been championing the cause of affordable generic drugs to people in poorer countries of the world. What has been your track record so far?

The Access to Medicine Foundation has had an important impact in shifting the healthcare ecosystem towards greater health equity, through stimulating essential healthcare companies with significant opportunities to shape access to medicines based on market capitalisation. One example of our impact relating to improved access to generic medicines includes increased access planning in the years since the Access to Medicine Index was launched. These plans may include non-exclusive voluntary licenses with generic manufacturers and other measures to ensure supply can meet global demand.

 You basically work with big pharma companies. But how do you see the role of national governments and UN agencies, especially WHO, to ensure that people have access to life saving drugs as and when they need?

The Access to Medicine Foundation engages healthcare companies to independently analyse and assess their actions in relation to access – we do not receive funding from pharmaceutical companies or any other health industry bodies we evaluate. We also engage with other stakeholders such as multilateral organisations to understand how they view the healthcare companies’ role in improving access to medicine for people living in LMICs.

Governments, multilateral agencies, and policymakers occupy a critical role in achieving global health equity. Their decisions on how to address gaps in access to medicine and allocate resources have far-reaching impacts. Through policy, global health officials can also drive essential healthcare companies to improve access to their products worldwide. For instance, through our Access to Medicine Index and Antimicrobial Resistance Benchmark, we offer a precise vision on what essential healthcare companies are currently doing to improve access to medicine worldwide, as well as opportunities for improvement. However, to catalyse the impact of essential healthcare companies successfully addressing the issues of access, shifts in incentives, and policy environment around the companies can accelerate the progress companies can make.

 In the aftermath of the Russian invasion on Ukraine, the Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) for developing countries is declining. What would you like to say to these governments?

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of access as a key priority and this needs to continue to receive attention long after the pandemic is over. Maintaining global health budgets, particularly for health security, is needed. Despite competing priorities, it is important to feature this to avoid the risk of facing another global pandemic where the global health ecosystem remains unprepared.

Climate change is said to be exacerbating health challenges worldwide but people in the poorer countries are suffering a lot. What would you say to the Big Pharma and national governments to deal with the emerging threat?

The impact of climate change on health and health systems is undeniable, and the pharmaceutical industry’s actions have contributed to the climate crisis. Although the industry may not receive as much attention as other sectors, it is accountable for 4.4% of worldwide emissions, and its carbon dioxide footprint is projected to triple by 2050 if unaddressed. In 2019, for every $1m it generated, the pharmaceutical industry emitted 48.55 tonnes of CO2 equivalent, which is 55% more than the automotive industry’s 31.4 tonnes per $1m generated in the same year.

There are six important ways pharmaceutical companies can address climate effects on health:

  1. Invest in research and development to fight emerging infectious diseases that spread quicker and further in a warming world.
  2. Invest in research and development to ensure improved use of medicines, including heat-stable products for hot countries and innovations that simplify packaging and transportation.
  3. Expand access to healthcare products globally, so people most impacted by health and climate receive equitable access.
  4. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from manufacturing, operations, and facilities.
  5. Ensure suppliers, distributors, and contract manufacturers meet high sustainability standards, including in reducing emissions and waste.
  6. Innovate on renewable energy in worldwide operations and transportation, using electric sources wherever possible.

What do you think needs to be done to create a health ecosystem so that nobody will have to die due to lack of access to medicines?

There isn’t one single solution for solving inequities in access to medicine globally. Action is required from different stakeholders, including the companies whose actions we analyse and assess in terms of providing access to LMICs. Our research outputs such as the biennially published Access to Medicine Index and recently published Analytical Framework from the Generic & Biosimilar Medicines Programme assist in identifying opportunities for impact from pharmaceutical companies and generic and biosimilar medicine manufacturers. A more equitable global health ecosystem does not need to represent wishful thinking: it is within our hands to make it a reality.

Former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, arrested in Islamabad

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Islamabad — Former Pakistani Prime Minister, Imran Khan, was arrested on Tuesday as he arrived in Islamabad to face charges of multiple graft cases, resulting in violent demonstrations by his supporters in various parts of the country.

Khan was ousted in a no-confidence vote in April 2022 but remains the leading opposition figure. He was removed from the Islamabad High Court by security agents from the National Accountability Bureau, which has investigated former officials, including prime ministers, politicians, and retired military officers.

Khan was taken to the garrison city of Rawalpindi for questioning, and he was scheduled to appear at an anti-graft tribunal on Wednesday. Khan’s supporters staged a sit-in at the official residence of the top regional commander in Lahore, burned police vehicles, and blocked roads. Social media, including Twitter, was blocked in Pakistan, and internet service was suspended in Islamabad and other cities.

At least one person was killed in clashes between protesters and the military in Quetta, while about 15 injuries were reported amid similar violence in Karachi, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, and Lahore. Khan’s arrest sparked a strong reaction from his supporters, who denounced the arrest as a politically motivated plot by his successor, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif.

Nepali FM Saud returns after attending the Kings coronation

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London — Foreign Minister of Nepal Narayan Prakash (NP) Saud attended the coronation ceremony of British King Charles III and Queen Camilla last Saturday, and had important meetings with British King, Prime Minister and other senior officials in various programs. At a reception organized by the Nepali Embassy in London on Monday evening, Foreign Minister Saud congratulated and wished the British King on behalf of the government and people of Nepal.

Minister Saud emphasized the centuries-old relationship between Britain and Nepal and praised Britain for supporting Nepal as a friendly international power. “It has been more than 200 years since the Treaty of Sugauli and one hundred years since the Treaty of Friendship. Apart from that, Nepal has many relations with the British government,” he said. “I believe that this goodwill and respect will remain between the two countries in the days to come. The Nepali community in the UK will play a decisive and important role in this work.”

He also urged Nepalese living in the UK to do business and invest in Nepal, as it has an investment-friendly environment. “The constitution has arrived, the conflict has ended and two universally accepted elections have been held. Non-resident Nepalis have the first right to receive returns from the investment-friendly environment. Come to Nepal for entrepreneurship, I want to welcome you on behalf of the Nepalese government,” he said.

Minister Saud assured that the Government of Nepal is determined to ensure citizenship and the rights of non-resident Nepalis through the legal process. “Even though the ambassador is a representative of the state, the citizens are the real cultural ambassadors of the country,” he said. “Nepalese living in the UK have a decisive and important contribution to the development, expansion and honor of the relationship between the two countries.”

Thousands Reduce Their Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes With Free Evidence-based NHS Lifestyle Change Programme

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London — Around 90% of people with diabetes in England have type 2 diabetes. With current trends suggesting 1 in 10 people might have the condition by 2030, preventing type 2 diabetes is more important now than ever before.

“South Asians develop type 2 diabetes at younger ages and with lower excess weight than typically seen in white ethnicities.”says Dr Chirag Bakhai, a GP and Primary Care Advisor to the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme.

Dr Bakhai continues, “type 2 diabetes can lead to blindness, nerve damage and heart attacks. Avoiding complications is best done by preventing the condition. A healthy lifestyle with exercise and weight management can make a big difference.”

Although some risk factors such as family history, age and ethnicity cannot be changed, the most important factors such as diet, physical activity and body weight can be addressed to help prevent type 2 diabetes.

The NHS offers the free, 9-month Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme for those at high risk of type 2 diabetes and GP practices have referred over 1.3m people. 

Harry Matharu joined the programme after his GP diagnosed him with non-diabetic hyperglycaemia (pre-diabetes). “Because of the programme, I am active, energetic and happily wear a size 28 waist.”

“Being Indian, I knew the risk was high for developing type 2 diabetes, but never thought it would happen to me”, says Kishor Chauhan from Greenford, who joined the Programme after blood tests showed high blood sugar levels.   

Kishor continues, “Although I was active with a good diet, I overindulged in sweets. Lifestyle changes helped me reduce my blood sugar, and I lost 7kg in weight. 

Type 2 diabetes risk factors:

• Age – You are more at risk if you are older; however, for Black or South Asian ethnicities, the risk increases from age 25.

• Family history – You are two to six times more at risk if you have a parent, sibling, or child with the condition.

• Ethnicity – Chinese, South Asian, Black Caribbean, or Black African ethnicities have a higher risk of type 2 diabetes.

• Weight – You are more at risk if you live with obesityor overweight.

• Blood pressure – You are more at risk if you’ve had a high blood pressure diagnosis.

The Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme can help you take control of your health and manage your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Dedicated coaches and experts, through face-to-face groups, apps or websites, support you in making sustainable lifestyle changes that could reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.   

The latest evaluation of the Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme showed a 20% reduction in type 2 diabetes amongst referred individuals. Previous analyses have shown that people completing the programme have a 37% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

To find out your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, search “diabetes know your risk” online and answer a few simple questions on the Diabetes UK website. If the tool indicates you are at increased risk, contact your GP practice for a simple blood test to check your sugar levels and assess for diabetes. If you are found to have non-diabetic hyperglycaemia (pre-diabetes), you might be eligible for a referral to the Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention system

Another major source of melting that could be accelerating sea level rise – Study

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Washingtong — A major glacier in northwest Greenland is causing alarm amongst scientists due to previously unaccounted-for melting, which could lead to faster sea level rise, according to a new study by glaciologists from the University of California, Irvine and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

The study, which was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found that the Petermann Glacier’s grounding line – the area where the ice sheet begins to extend out on top of the ocean – can shift significantly as tides come in and out each day, resulting in further melting. The study found that the glacier’s grounding line can migrate between 2 and 6 kilometres as tides come in and out, which is a phenomenon that was not previously accounted for. Between 2016 and 2022, warmer tidal cycles melted a 670-foot-tall hole in the underside of the glacier along the grounding line, which is large enough for two Statues of Liberty to be stacked on top of one another inside it.

The phenomenon could worsen in the coming years and decades as ocean temperatures rise, leading to further melting. Greenland’s melting ice is the largest contributor to sea level rise, according to NASA. The study’s co-author, Eric Rignot, said, “if we were to include them, it would increase projections of sea level rise by up to 200 per cent – not just for Petermann but for all glaciers ending in the ocean, which is most of northern Greenland and all of Antarctica.”

Childbirth pain relief study reveals inequalities for BAME mothers

Posted on by SAT News Desk

London — A new study published in the journal Anaesthesia by experts including Dr James Bamber, an anaesthesia consultant with Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, has found that there are differences in obstetric anaesthetic care between ethnic groups in the UK. The study analysed data from more than 2.7 million births in the UK between 2011 and 2021 and focused on ethnicity, adjusting for health and age, location, and previous deliveries. The study found that Bangladeshi-British, Pakistani-British, and black Caribbean-British women were less likely to receive an epidural than white women, with black women approximately 40% less likely to have an assisted vaginal birth compared to white women. Additionally, black Caribbean-British women were 58% more likely to be given general anaesthesia for elective caesarean births and 10% more likely than white women to be given general anaesthesia for emergency Caesarean births. The study authors say that reasons for the differences are unknown, but there is a need for further research to reduce any inequalities in pain relief and anaesthesia received. The authors also suggest that barriers to information and knowledge, as well as empathy biases from healthcare professionals, may contribute to differences in maternity care given to women from different ethnic groups. They urge health professionals to ensure that any differences in anaesthesia rates are not due to inequities in the access, delivery, or quality of care before they are attributed to personal or cultural preferences.

Pakistan needs fundamental change in approach to economic development: SAARC

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Islamabad — SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry President, Iftikhar Ali Malik, has called for a paradigm shift in Pakistan’s approach to governance and economic development. Speaking to a delegation of traders in Lahore, Malik noted that Pakistan faces several challenges, including political instability, corruption, poverty, and terrorism, which have contributed to the dilapidated state of the country’s economy.

To address these issues, Malik suggested that Pakistan needs to move away from its traditional mindset and adopt a more progressive and pragmatic approach. This could include strengthening democracy, promoting merit-based appointments, investing in education and healthcare, promoting economic growth and job creation, and improving relations with neighbouring countries such as China, India, Afghanistan, and Iran.

Malik also noted that globalisation is turning into regional blocks, as 18 countries, including China, Russia, Turkiya, Malaysia, and India, have jointly planned future trade in local currency by neglecting the US dollar monopoly. He emphasised the need for Pakistan to strengthen its relations with neighbouring countries and engage with regional organisations like SAARC and the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) to stabilise its economy sustainably and offset the hovering threat of default.

Malik expressed concern over Pakistan’s economic condition and urged the country to revisit its priorities to steer it out of the current economic crunch. He highlighted the projected economic growth of Pakistan’s border-sharing rival country, whose overall exports crossed an all-time high mark of $750 billion since gaining independence in 1947, and is now eyeing a $2 trillion goal in the near future.

Malik drew on his rich and diversified life experience and pointed out that two factors may be considered the prime contributors to overall national growth and stability. He cited the rival country’s foreign policy as an example, which has been redesigned to have a parallel influence on both superpowers, America and China. In contrast, Pakistan faces many difficult and challenging economic, political, constitutional, and terror-related issues.

In conclusion, Malik emphasised that the scenario has changed altogether, with the emergence of new fronts to excel in the digital and space technology, artificial intelligence, economic aspects, and foreign policy domains. Pakistan must take these into account and embark on a paradigm shift to address the country’s challenges and secure its economic future.

South Asia Open Archives on JSTOR now offers more than one million pages

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South Asia Open Archives (SAOA), a digital archive launched by the Center for Research Libraries (CRL) in 2019, now contains over one million pages of digitized open-access primary source material. The archive comprises multidisciplinary materials covering topics ranging from political history to fine arts and sciences, in twenty-seven different languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Kannada, Telegu, Gujurati, and Nepali.

Over two dozen institutions have contributed to the SAOA archive, including newspapers from the Bangla-language Yugāntara and the English-Bangla Amrita Bazar Patrika, which have nearly 19,000 pages of digitized content available for viewing and downloading. The archive also includes digitized colonial reports on “native” newspapers published in different provinces across South Asia, including Bengal, Madras Presidency, and Punjab, among others. Medical journals, archaeological reports, and census records can also be found in the archive.

The SAOA archive can be accessed free-of-charge via JSTOR, and individuals can visit the SAOA website to learn more about the project. Some of the noteworthy items available in the archive include The Indian Ladies’ Magazine, an issue from 1916 that features a dramatization of an attempt to kill the Mughal emperor, Akbar; A New Gujarati Grammar, written by Haragovinda Dvarakadasa Kantavala and Lalshankar Umiashankar Travadi in 1891; Gāna, a book on song notation by Pramathanātha Rāẏa Caudhurī, published in Kolkata in 1902; and a Malayalam translation of Samuel Johnson’s The History of Rasselas, Prince of Abissinia, translated by Pilo Paul and published in Quilon in 1913.

The Amrita Bazar Patrika, which began publishing in 1867 as a Bengali language newspaper and later became a fully-fledged English language newspaper, is one of the weekly editions of the newspaper preserved in the SAOA archive. The English version continued to be printed until 1993. The archive is constantly growing, and individuals can expect to find more unique and diverse materials as new items are added to the collection.