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Armed Forces pay tribute to Her Majesty The Queen

Posted on by SAT News Desk

London – The heads of the British Armed Forces have paid tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Balmoral Castle, Scotland.

Britain’s most senior officers have expressed their condolences to His Majesty King Charles III and the Royal Family as they paid their own personal tributes to the Queen on behalf of all members of the Armed Forces and their families.

Leading the tributes, the Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin spoke of the Queen’s deep personal relationship with the Armed Forces, including through her own service during the Second World War, and as the wife, mother and grandmother of service personnel. She understood better than most the burdens and the glory of a life in uniform, he added.

The heads of the Armed Forces spoke as the nation began mourning the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch and head of state for more than 70 years, who passed away “peacefully” on Thursday at the age of 96.

Chief of the General Staff General Sir Patrick Sanders said: “It is with profound sorrow that the Army marks the death of Her Majesty The Queen. “The nation has lost its Sovereign. The Army has lost its Commander-in-Chief. The Royal Family has lost a dedicated mother, grandmother and great grandmother. “Her Majesty epitomised duty, selfless commitment and loyalty. Her service inspired generations of soldiers”. “She will be remembered by all ranks of the British Army with the deepest affection.” Her Majesty epitomised duty, selfless commitment and loyalty,’ he added.

The First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sir Ben Key said: “The very sad news today of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has touched every member of the Royal Navy. “In all our lives, her reign has been a constant, and her dedication and lifetime of service was utterly inspiring. “She exemplified qualities we all aspire to. As the daughter, wife and mother of Royal Naval officers, Her Majesty had a close affinity with the men and women in her Royal Navy and those who support us and she took close personal interest in their wellbeing, as well as that of their families. We owe her a debt we can never repay. “May she rest in peace. God Save the King.”

Similarly, Air Chief Marshal Mike Wigston, Chief of the Air Staff, said: “It is with overwhelming sadness that the Royal Air Force and Royal Auxiliary Air Force mourn the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II”. During her long and glorious reign, she has been the embodiment of a life dedicated to the service of the Nation and the Commonwealth, and for that has been admired by millions around the world”. “Her Majesty, as Head of the Armed Forces, has been a constant source of inspiration and a pillar of strength to all who have been privileged to serve her. Those who had the honour of meeting Her Majesty will never forget their interaction and the deep sense of pride they felt in that moment”. “On behalf of everyone in the Royal Air Force, serving, retired, and their families, I offer our deepest condolences to His Majesty The King and The Royal Family.”

The British government has announced that formal funeral of Her Majesty will take place on Monday, 19th of September 2022.

The funeral of the Queen will take place at 11am on Monday 19 September at Westminster Abbey, it has been announced. Members of the public will be able to pay their respects as the Queen’s coffin is taken to St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh on Monday 12 September and the Palace of Westminster in London on Wednesday 14 September.

Nepalese community and Gurkhas pay tribute to the Queen

Posted on by SAT News Desk

London —- Nepalese Gurkhas have been helping the British in security since 1816 . The security responsibility of Queen Elizabeth II has also been in Nepalese hands.

The Royal Family has a long association with the Gurkhas, dating back to Queen Victoria, who established a group of Gurkha Orderly Officers to attend to the Sovereign in 1876.

In 1954, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II reintroduced this practice by commanding that two Gurkha Officers should be nominated annually as ‘The Queen’s Gurkha Orderly Officers’ (QGOOs). The Queen insisted on having QGOOs by her side at public events and official functions.

The Queen, who died on Thursday at Balmoral Castle in Scotland at age 96, had a soft spot for Nepal, since news of the first ever ascent of Mt Everest got to London on the morning of her coronation on 2 June 1953 that year.

Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay had reached the top of the world’s highest mountain on 29 May, but the news took several days to reach London via the British Embassy in Kathmandu.

Diplomatic relations were established between Britain and Nepal after the Sugauli Treaty was signed in 1816. Britain is the first country to establish diplomatic relations with Nepal.

After that, Nepalis started to join the British Gurkhas. In 1947, when the British left independent India and returned, there was a tripartite agreement between the three countries to recruit Nepalis in British Gurkha. On the basis of the same treaty, Nepalis are still being enrolled in British Army and Indian Army.

Gurkhas have fought for Britain even before the end of Nepal’s war with the East India Company in 1816. More than 200,000 soldiers from Nepal fought in the British Army in the two world wars, at a time when Nepal’s total population was barely 4 million.

Elizabeth II and the Prince Philip were popular in Nepal.  Elizabeth II and the Prince visited Nepal twice in 1961 and 1986. They were welcomed at Tribhuvan Airport in Kathmandu by the then King Mahendra and Queen Ratna during their first trip to Nepal.

Last May, Nepali and British Gurkha communities in Britain celebrated Queen’s  Diamond Jublee Festival with various programs, while Nepali Ambassador Gyan Chandra Acharya participated in the military parade, ‘Thanksgiving’ and reception ceremony.
On her demise Prime Minister of Nepal, Nepalese community ,  Gurkhas and Nepalese British organisations and leaders have expressed their sorrow and sent their condolences.

Queen Elizabeth II of UK passes away

Posted on by SAT News Desk

LONDON: Queen Elizabeth II, the UK’s longest-serving monarch, has died at Balmoral aged 96, after reigning for 70 years, BBC reported.

Her family gathered at her Scottish estate after concerns grew about her health earlier on Thursday.

The Queen came to the throne in 1952 and witnessed enormous social change.

With her death, her eldest son Charles, the former Prince of Wales, will lead the country in mourning as the new King and head of state for 14 Commonwealth realms, the report said.

In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.

“The King and the Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”

All the Queen’s children travelled to Balmoral, near Aberdeen, after doctors placed the Queen under medical supervision.

Her grandson, Prince William, is also there,.

Queen Elizabeth II’s tenure as head of state spanned post-war austerity, the transition from empire to Commonwealth, the end of the Cold War and the UK’s entry into – and withdrawal from – the European Union.

Her reign spanned 15 prime ministers starting with Winston Churchill, born in 1874, and including Liz Truss, born 101 years later in 1975, and appointed by the Queen earlier this week.

She held weekly audiences with her prime minister throughout her reign.

At Buckingham Palace in London, crowds awaiting updates on the Queen’s condition began crying as they heard of her death.

The Queen was born Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor, in Mayfair, London, on 21 April 1926.

(Inputs from BBC)

India plans to mandate rear seat belt alarms in cars

Posted on by SAT News Desk

NEW DELHI —  India is planning to make it mandatory for car makers to install an alarm system for rear seat belts to enforce their use, in an effort to reduce road accident fatalities, the transport minister said late on Tuesday.

The move comes after Cyrus Mistry, the former chairman of Indian conglomerate Tata Sons (TATAS.UL), died in a car crash on Sunday. He was sitting in the rear seat and did not have his seat belt on, local media reported citing police officials.

In India, one person dies every four minutes in road accidents, the World Bank said last year.

While it is already mandatory for all occupants in a car in India, the world’s fourth-biggest auto market, to wear a seat belt failing which they can be fined, passengers at the back seldom do and enforcement is also lax. ( Agencies)

Pakistan floods still affect over 33 mln people: UN

Posted on by SAT News Desk

GENEVA — The aftermath of Pakistan’s devastating floods is continuing to impact over 33 million people, including Afghan refugees, a United Nations (UN) official said on Tuesday.

Indrika Ratwatte, director of the Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific at the United Nations (UN) Refugee Agency (UNHCR), told a press briefing here that Pakistan had been hosting millions of Afghan refugees for decades and the international community ought to ramp up its support for Pakistan without delay.

He said that the UNHCR had already completed four airlifts to Pakistan, with at least six more scheduled in the coming days.

Official figures released on Tuesday show that the death toll in Pakistan from this season’s monsoon rains and floods that started in mid-June has risen to 1,325 with 12,703 injuries.

Tarik Jasarevic, spokesperson for the World Health Organization (WHO), told journalists on Tuesday that over 1,460 health facilities in Pakistan had been affected by the floods, of which 432 were fully damaged and 1,028 partially damaged.

The stocks of emergency medicines, supplies and minor surgical items for dealing with trauma patients were limited, he said, adding that there was an urgent need to scale up disease surveillance, restore the damaged health facilities, ensure sufficient medicine and health product supplies, and provide mental health and psychosocial support to the affected communities.

  • Xinhua

India, Bangladesh to begin trade talks to further strengthen ties

Posted on by SAT News Desk

New Delhi —- Narendra Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday held an extensive discussion on a range of bilateral issues as they decided to start negotiations on a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) to sustain momentum in the bilateral ties.

India and Bangladesh today signed seven Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) in the presence of PM Modi and visiting prime minister Sheikh Hasina. These agreements were signed after delegation-level talks were held at the Hyderabad House.
Speaking at a special briefing here, Indian foreign secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra, said both leaders agreed to build resilient supply chains in both countries and across the region.
“India is the largest market for Bangladeshi products in Asia. “And despite the pandemic, the bilateral trade between the two countries reached an all-time high of USD 18 billion in the last financial years,” he added.
“To sustain this momentum, both leaders have directed the concerned ministries to commence negotiations on a bilateral comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) this year in 2022 and complete it in time for Bangladesh’s final graduation from the LDC status,” he added.
Both leaders also exchanged views and perspectives on regional and global issues. The foreign secretary informed that there was a strong agreement between the two leaders on the significance of further strengthening bilateral, and subregional cooperation to sustain prosperity in these challenging times.
“Both prime ministers held extensive and productive discussions on the entire range of bilateral issues including political and security cooperation, energy partnership, water corporation, trade and economic ties, development partnership and strengthening people-to-people ties. They also exchanged views and perspectives on regional and global issues,” Kwatra said.
Both leaders unveiled and inaugurated important development projects including Unit I of the joint Maitree power plant and Rupsha bridge and witnessed the exchange of seven MoUs in the areas of water resources, capacity building, railway, science and technologies.
Highlighting the key issues that came under discussion, the Indian foreign secretary said both leaders emphasised the importance of security cooperation, counter-terrorism, and cross-border crimes.
“Both leaders underscored the importance of continuing our close security cooperation in the fields of counter-terrorism, border management, and cross-border crimes. They agreed to further enhance our development partnership including upgradation of railway infra projects in Bangladesh,” he said.
“Bangladesh is one of India’s important development partners both in terms of value and concessionality of terms and the range of cooperation in the entire spectrum of the development partnership,” he added. (ANI)

Juhi Chawla marks digital debut in Prime Video thriller series “Hush Hush” out 22 Sept

Posted on by SAT News Desk

MUMBAI, India — Championing female-forward stories, Prime Video today announced the launch date of its ambitious series, Hush Hush, that features a cast and crew led by women. Produced by Vikram Malhotra-led Abundantia Entertainment, the series marks the digital debut ofJuhi Chawla and Ayesha Jhulka, and also stars Soha Ali Khan Pataudi, Kritika Kamra, Shahana Goswami, and Karishma Tanna in the lead. Hush Hush revolves around a set of women whose picture-perfect lives begin to come undone when an unexpected event brings to the fore secrets from their past and threatens everything that’s dear to them. Knitted in a web of lies, deceit and fighting patriarchy, the story explores the storm that brews behind the seemingly quiet façade of the privileged lives of these women. Hush Hush is co-created by Abundantia Entertainment and critically acclaimed director Tanuja Chandra (Qarib Qarib Single, Sangharsh, Dushman). Prime members in India and more than 240 countries and territories can stream the series from September 22.

What makes Hush Hush even more unique is that it features a cast and crew primarily comprising women, right from the Production Designer, the Costume Designer, the Associate Producer, the Co-producer, to teams in the Art, Costume, Production and even the Security functions. Acclaimed writer Juhi Chaturvedi (Gulabo Sitabo, Piku, Sardar Uddham Singh) has written the dialogues, Kopal Naithani has directed two episodes in this season and Tanuja Chandra  double-hats as director and executive producer. Additionally, story has been written by Shikhaa Sharma (Jalsa, Shakuntala Devi, Sherni) who is also one of the Executive Producers on the series.

“Women are 50% of the population, yet stories told by them and from their perspective are far and few in between,” said Aparna Purohit, Head of India Originals, Prime Video. “At Prime Video, we are committed to giving a global platform to diverse, authentic and relatable female stories, and with Hush Hush, we are taking our commitment to female-forward narratives a step further. Hush Hush is an emotional and intriguing story with nuanced, flawed and complex women who light up the screen.We are thrilled to join hands with Abundantia Entertainment once again to create a story that amplifies female voices in both, reel and real life!”

 

“Abundantia Entertainment is all about engaging, impactful, meaningful and entertaining story-telling. In pursuing our philosophy of bringing disruptive content to our audience, we also proudly champion female-first narratives – stories of and around powerful women, told by equally powerful voices,”added Vikram Malhotra, Founder & CEO of Abundantia Entertainment. “Films like Shakuntala Devi, Sherni, Chhorii and the recent Jalsa are examples of such work that has resonated in a big way with fans all over the world. And I am delighted that in Prime Video we have found a partner that supports and believes in these stories. After these films, and the much-loved Breathe, our partnership now reaches the next level with Hush Hush. This gripping tale is brilliantly put together by a never-before leading cast and crew almost entirely made up of talented women and I am confident that Hush Hush will set a new benchmark in amplifying female voices, especially in the portrayal of strong characters set in a world around us”.

SAFF Women’s Championship: Host Nepal starts off with a win

Posted on by SAT News Desk

Kathmandu — Nepal has made a winning start to the 6th edition of South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Women’s Championship that kicked off in the capital today.

Host Nepal defeated Bhutan by 4-0, with one goal scored in the first half and three in the second half of the match held at Dasharath Stadium in Tripureshwar.

Ace Nepali striker Sabitra Bhandari scored the opening goal for Nepal in the 12th minute of the match utilizing an assist from Amisha Karki.

Bhandari doubled the score to make it 2-0 in the 68th minute while Anita Basnet scored a brace in the 73rd and 84th minutes of the match. The match today was also affected for some time due to heavy rainfall that lashed the capital this evening.

Along with host Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Maldives, and Bhutan are participating in the SAFF Championship. The seven participating countries are divided into two groups. India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Maldives are in Group ‘A’ while Sri Lanka and Bhutan along with Nepal are in Group ‘B’

The top two from each group will qualify for the semi-finals of the tournament held in a league cum knockout method.

Nepal is hosting the regional tournament for the second time in a row after hosting the 5th edition in Biratnagar. Nepal will now play against Sri Lanka in the second match of the group stage to be held on September 12.

In the five participations so far, Nepal has been limited to runner-up four times. Once it was limited to the semi-finals. Apart from India, no other country has won the championship title so far. Nepal was defeated by India four times in the final, including the last one held in Biratnagar. (RSS)

Mayor launches emergency energy advice service to support Londoners

Posted on by SAT News Desk

London — The Mayor of London has today announced a new advice service, Energy Advice London, to support Londoners struggling to pay soaring energy bills due to the cost of living crisis.

This comes as Londoners face the possibility of not being able to heat their homes or put food on the table with energy bills already at high levels even before most Londoners need to turn on their heating. Energy Advice London – the first such service available to all Londoners in a decade – will help Londoners navigate the spiralling cost of living crisis and will launch this Autumn. Funded by the Mayor, the new service will be run by the Energy Saving Trust with a website and dedicated phone line to expertly guide Londoners through managing their bills and help them make their homes more energy efficient.  

 

Like the Cost of Living Hub, Energy Advice London will be available to all Londoners but with an energy focus. It will complement the support that the Mayor already offers to vulnerable and low income Londoners through theWarmer Homes Advice Service and the Warmer Homes scheme.

However, the Mayor has stated that this alone isn’t enough and that Government must immediately address the crisis facing Londoners and the nation. Sadiq is calling for a ‘Lifeline Tariff’ which will allow a minimum floor of domestic energy use before charges begin for the most vulnerable people in London.

 

He has also said the Government should freeze bills but not make Londoners pay for this through a lost era of debt or through their taxes but instead use a windfall tax on those fossil fuel companies that have benefits from this crisis. In addition, he has said it is time to overturn a decade of inaction on making homes energy efficient to ensure Londoners are insulated from such a price surge in the future.

 

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “With eye-watering energy bills awaiting anyone that turns on their heating for the first time this Autumn, too many Londoners will be faced with being unable to heat their homes or feed their families.  

 

“Energy Advice London will help Londoners manage their bills while keeping their homes warm, but this crisis can’t be averted without Government putting the right plan in place. I’m pleased to see that Government are planning to freeze bills but if they are to be repaid by the public then people will be trapped into high bills or taxes for years to come, while the fossil fuel businesses enjoy their unearned profits. We can’t afford to saddle Londoners with years of debt. The Government must introduce a ‘Lifeline Tariff’ to ensure support for those who need it most through this covid- level crisis.” 

 

Mike Thornton, Chief Executive, Energy Saving Trust said: “We’re proud to be part of the positive action being taken in London to provide advice on reducing energy bills. As an expert in delivering advice services across the UK for decades, we know the difference that access to tailored information for individuals on energy efficiency, reducing their energy bills and eligibility for financial support can make. We look forward to helping households and working with the Mayor’s office and London borough councils to offer support this winter.” 

China combats drought with artificial rain technology

Posted on by SAT News Desk

BEIJING  — China has used artificial rain technology since August to help various regions fight drought, the China Meteorological Administration (CMA) said Tuesday.

From Aug. 1 to 31, aircraft made 75 flights, which lasted 211 hours in total, to induce artificial rainfall in drought-hit areas, including Hubei, Chongqing, Henan, and Shaanxi, said CMA official Zhao Zhiqiang at a press conference.

Zhao said these rainmaking operations are estimated to have covered 1.45 million sq km, playing a vital role in mitigating drought and high temperatures, increasing water reserves, and stabilizing agricultural production.

These operations are also powered by cutting-edge technologies such as meteorological satellites, weather radar, and unmanned aerial vehicles, according to the official.

Zhao added that artificial rain had also helped tame wildfires caused by hot weather in Chongqing and Sichuan.

China had gone through its hottest summer since 1961 when it started to keep complete meteorological records.

The country’s average temperature from June 1 to Aug. 31 was 22.3 degrees Celsius, 1.1 degrees Celsius higher than that in the same period of regular years and the highest since 1961, according to the National Climate Center.

  • Xinhua

Liz Truss set to take over as new British prime minister

Posted on by SAT News Desk

LONDON — Liz Truss won the ruling Conservative Party’s leadership contest in the United Kingdom on Monday.   Foreign Secretary Truss will replace Boris Johnson as the country’s new prime minister.

In the runoff, Truss, 47, beat former Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak by winning approximately 57.4 percent of the Conservative Party members’ vote, Graham Brady, chair of the party’s backbench 1922 Committee, announced Monday.

The voting took place a month after Johnson was forced to step down following an avalanche of ministerial resignations over his scandal-plagued leadership.

The formal handover is scheduled for Tuesday after Truss and Johnson meet Queen Elizabeth II, who is staying at her Balmoral estate in Scotland.

Truss will be Britain’s third female prime minister after Margaret Thatcher and Theresa May. She faces the immediate tasks of tackling the worsening cost-of-living crisis and handling a Brexit arrangement about Northern Ireland to avoid antagonizing the EU.

“I will deliver a bold plan to cut taxes and grow our economy. I will deliver on the energy crisis, dealing with people’s energy bills, but also dealing with the long-term issues we have on energy supply,” she said in her victory speech after the result was announced.

Sri Lanka appoints committee to review progress of government projects

Posted on by SAT News Desk

Colombo (Xinhua) — Sri Lanka’s President Ranil Wickremesinghe has appointed a committee to review the Project Offices (POs) and Project Management Units (PMUs) established to implement or facilitate various projects and programs of the government, the President’s Media Division (PMD) announced on Tuesday.

The PMD said that the committee will comprise three senior government officials.

The appointment of this committee was proposed at the interim budget proposal for 2022 on August 30.

The committee will examine whether the work done through the POs/PMUs can be accomplished under the respective ministry, department or institution by itself, the PMD said.

It will also look at whether respective tasks assigned to POs and PMUs have been accomplished and whether they can carry out the tasks entrusted to them.

“The report containing recommendations of the committee is to be submitted before the 15th of November 2022,” the PMD said.

Sri Lanka prepares for floods, landslides

Posted on by SAT News Desk

Colombo  — Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Center (DMC) on Wednesday warned that there is a risk of floods and landslides in several parts of the country, following heavy rainfall of more than 150 mm in the last 24 hours.

The DMC urged those living in the hills and near river basins to be vigilant as showers or thundershowers are expected in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-western and Northern provinces as well as in Galle, Matara and Anuradhapura districts in the next 24 hours.

The DMC also asked the people to take precautionary measures against strong winds and lightning.

“There is a low-level atmospheric disturbance in the vicinity of Sri Lanka. Therefore, cloudy skies will prevail over the island,” the DMC said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the Department of Meteorology said that rains above 150 mm can be expected at some places in Western, Southern, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces on Thursday as well.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Navy said 35 navy relief teams are on standby to assist people who may be affected by floods and landslides.

The Sri Lanka Air Force too is on standby to deploy aircraft and first responders to undertake search and rescue operations in case of emergencies.

  • Xinhua

Dengue fever outbreak nationwide through August In Nepal

Posted on by SAT News Desk

Kathmandu — Nepalese health authorities report an outbreak of dengue fever nationwide with 1,408 dengue fever cases reported between July 3-Aug. 28. This caseload compares to roughly 98 cases reported over a similar period in 2021. Between Aug. 22-28, disease activity was highest in Lalitpur (151 cases), Kathmandu (112 cases), and Rupandehi (100 cases). This case count represents the most complete data available as of Aug. 30.

Dengue fever is considered a year-round threat in Nepal, with the highest risk occurring from June through September. Authorities identified roughly 424 cases of dengue fever in 2021, 17,992 cases in 2019, and 811 cases in 2018.

A dengue fever vaccine is available in some countries. It is only recommended for individuals with a history of dengue infection and in countries with a high dengue fever risk of contraction. Dengue fever is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms of dengue fever include a sudden onset of fever and at least one of the following: severe headache, severe pain behind the eyes, muscle and/or joint pain, rash, easy bruising, and/or nose or gum bleeding. Symptoms typically appear 5-7 days after being bitten but can develop up to 10 days after exposure. Dengue fever can progress to a more severe form known as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). DHF can be fatal if it is not recognized and treated in a timely manner.

– Crisis24

Nepal braces for a fourth wave

Posted on by SAT News Desk

Having vaccinated over 80% of its population, Nepal is prioritising children five and above, and the unvaccinated, to head off a possible fourth wave of COVID-19.

According to COVID-19 Situation Reports published by the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP), the number of active cases of COVID-19 in Nepal reached 5,433 on 3 August. The figure had previously surged to 2,276 on 20 July from only 120 on 20 June, although there were only two recorded deaths between in that period. However, 14 deaths were recorded in the time between 20 July and 3 August.

The message is clear in the mindset of the Nepali health sector: vaccinate the unvaccinated, including children.

Experts have labelled the surge in infections and deaths, fuelled by sub-variants of the Omicron variant of the virus, the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. By 3 August, 15 out of every 100 people tested positive for COVID-19.

“The fourth wave of the pandemic started on 20 June and is moving towards its peak,” says Dr Santosh Dulal, a Senior Microbiologist and Research Scientist at Anandaban Hospital, in the city of Lalitpur. “Our experience with the virus has taught us that the wave may last for about two to three months.”

Dr Santosh Dulal, Senior Microbiologist and Research Scientist at Anandaban Hospital, Lalitpur, Nepal. Credit: Chhatra Karki
Dr Santosh Dulal, Senior Microbiologist and Research Scientist at Anandaban Hospital, Lalitpur, Nepal.
Credit: Chhatra Karki

Dr Dulal warns that the situation could get worse if the highly infectious BA.4 and BA.5 sub-variants of Omnicron are not given proper attention.

“Cases of the BA.5 sub-variant have already been identified in Nepal. The death rate will increase if the infection rate keeps on rising,” Dr Dulal adds. “BA.5 is more fatal in comparison to other sub-variants of the Omicron variant. Since the virus has continuously been mutating, it may develop certain protections against vaccines. So, the use of masks and sanitiser and avoidance of large gatherings need to be equally promoted.”

He highlights the vaccination of children below 12 years as a crucial step in dealing with the upcoming wave of the pandemic.

Eighty-eight percent of the population above 12 years has already received a full dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. According to MoHP reports, Nepal has received 57,883,970 doses of vaccine from various sources, out of which 49,425,113 doses have already been administered. The government’s strategy of dealing with the fourth wave also focuses on using the vaccine stock to provide booster doses, and 7,276,922 booster doses have already been administered.

– Gavi.org

Thousands of expat Nepalese join the Nepali Mela in the UK

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London — Thousands of Nepalese including Gurkha families living in the UK attended the Nepali Mela (Nepal Fair) on Sunday. The 13th episode of the annual fair was organised at Kempton Park Race Course on Sunday. Around three dozens Nepali ethnic and social organizations based in the UK showcased their art culture, costumes, lifestyle and traditions. The slogan of the fair was ‘Our Culture, Our Identity, Our Pride’.

Chief guest, Ambassador of Nepal to the UK, Gyan Chandra Acharya, mentioned that  ‘whole Nepal’ was reflected in Britain. Thanking the organisers for holding a big festival reflecting the diversity of Nepal, Ambassador Acharya said that despite being far away from Nepal, Nepali Mela has been playing an important role in bringing alive Nepalese art, culture, tradition, costumes and language. The embassy also supported the fair.

President of Tamudhee UK, Hitkaji Gurung, said that since 2009 Nepali Mela has become one of the most prominent events of the Nepali community in the UK. He said that the fair was successful with everyone’s cooperation amid financial challenges. Tamudhee UK is the organiser of the event.

General Secretary of Tamudhee UK, Parashuram Gurung, Mela Coordinator and Tamudhee UK Vice President, Hari Gurung, thanked all for their support and encouragement. They hoped that the Fair would help the new generation growing up in the UK aware of their culture and heritage.

Ghandruk Samaj UK won this year’s Ambassador Cup for being the best among the cultural tableaus and dances presented at the fair. Last year’s winners Sikles Parche Society UK came second and Tamu Society UK became third.

Ghandruk Samaj UK, the winner of the ‘Ambassador Cup’ sponsored by the Nepali Embassy in London, received the cup along with 1,100 pounds in cash. Second place winner Sikles Parche Society UK received a cash prize of £700 and third place winner Tamu Society UK received a cash prize of £500.

Among the tableaus presented in the fair, Sikles Parche Samaj UK managed to get the first place. Similarly, Ghandruk Samaj UK and Kirant Rai Yaokkha managed to grab the second and third place respectively.

In the cultural dance competition, Tamu Samaj UK came first while Ghandruk Samaj UK became second.

Nearly 5,000 Nepalis, including diplomats from neighboring countries India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, attended the fair.