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‘Pakistan stands ready to help Nepal’

Kathmandu : Pakistan has expressed its readiness to provide assistance to Nepal affected by floods and landslides. 

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of precious lives due to devastating floods and extended sympathy on behalf of the government of Pakistan and the people of his country to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and the people of Nepal. 

According to its Kathmandu-based Embassy, Pakistan, which had suffered a calamitous floods in 2022, stood in full solidarity with Nepal in this hour of grief and expressed readiness to provide necessary assistance to the government of Nepal.  (RSS)

Death Toll Rises to 217 in Landslide and Flooding Disaster in Nepal, 28 Missing

Kathmandu, October 1 — The death toll from the recent landslides and flooding triggered by nonstop rainfall has risen to 217, with 28 people still missing, according to the latest update from the Home Ministry.

Ministry spokesperson Rishiram Tiwari shared that 143 individuals have been injured in the natural disasters. “All security agencies have been mobilized for all-out efforts in search, rescue, and relief distribution,” Tiwari added, emphasizing the government’s prioritization of saving lives and providing aid.

The injured are receiving treatment at various health facilities, while those displaced by the disaster have been provided with immediate relief supplies. Roadway restoration efforts are also underway, as several routes were blocked due to landslides.

The government has declared a national mourning period in response to the devastating loss of life and property caused by the continuous rainfall on September 27 and 28.

Death Toll from Nepal Floods and Landslides Surpasses 200

Kathmandu, Nepal — The death toll from flood and landslides caused by incessant rainfall that began Thursday night has surged past 200, according to the latest reports from Nepal Police Headquarters. As of Monday evening, the disaster has claimed 205 lives, with 24 people still missing across the country.

Heavy rains have triggered widespread destruction, with the highest death toll recorded in Bagmati province. Fifty-six people have died in the Kathmandu Valley, while 125 more lives have been lost in other parts of Bagmati. Koshi province has reported 17 deaths, Madhes province five, and Lumbini province two.

In addition to the fatalities, 130 people have been injured across the nation. Among the injured, 24 are from the Kathmandu Valley, 85 from other areas of Bagmati province, 13 from Koshi province, and eight from Madhes province. Many of the injured are receiving treatment at local hospitals.

Rescue efforts have been ongoing, with authorities successfully rescuing over 4,000 people. In the Kathmandu Valley alone, 2,155 people have been brought to safety, while 745 individuals have been rescued in the rest of Bagmati, 290 in Koshi, and 997 in Gandaki province.

Police officials confirmed that the search for the missing is still underway, with emergency teams continuing their efforts to locate and aid those affected by the disaster.

Eight poets recite poems to the melodies of traditional Nepali instruments

London – A total of eight poets recited their poems to the melodious tunes of the Sarangi and Tungna—both traditional Nepali string instruments—in Aldershot, UK, on Saturday. Together, the eight poets presented 24 poems from the same stage.

The event, titled Kavya-Sandhya (Poetry Evening), was held for the first time and maintained a completely informal style—there were no formal guests or chairpersons. The two-hour event focused solely on poetry recitation and musical performances.

While the poets Khupen Sunuwar, Kangmang Naresh Rai, Jeevan Tiwari, Dr. Sangita Swechcha, Dr. Rupak Shrestha, Nirvik Jung Rayamajhi, Shanti Limbu, and Mukesh Rai recited their poems, musician Roshan Maharjan played the Sarangi and Tungna. The event’s hosting and mentoring of the poets were handled by writer Kedar Sangket.

Organised by Sahitya Sangaalo, UK, the event concluded with a book sale and signing featuring the latest works by Dr. Sangita Swechcha’s Rose’s Odyssey, Shanti Limbu’s Kasturi Yatra, and Kangmang Naresh Rai’s Paani Patiya.

Bangladeshi Indigenous ‘Jumma’ Protest in London: Calling for End to Violence in Chittagong Hill Tracts

By Dinesh Kumar Pariyar/Devi Prasad Gautam

London, September 28 – Members of the UK-based Bangladeshi community gathered outside Downing Street today to protest against ongoing violence and human rights violations faced by the indigenous Jumma people in Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts. Demonstrators held placards and chanted for justice, calling for an end to the atrocities they describe as ethnic cleansing in the region.

The protest, organized by Jumma Solidarity UK, saw passionate activists advocating for the rights of the Jumma people, who have faced decades of state violence and marginalization. Nipun Chakma, one of the campaign coordinators, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “Our voices represent the Jumma people, who have been silenced for far too long. The atrocities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts cannot go unnoticed any longer, and we are here to demand justice and media attention.”

The Jumma people, a collective of 12 indigenous tribes from the Chittagong Hill Tracts, have long struggled for autonomy and the preservation of their cultural and territorial rights. Despite international pressure for peace, the region remains plagued by violence, displacement, and violations of human rights. Fellow protester Jun San highlighted the importance of global awareness, saying, “We appeal to everyone to join us in amplifying the message of the Jumma people. Together, we can break the media silence and push for an end to the violence and injustice.”

Representatives from other organizations also joined the protest, including Vikkhu Anand of the Bangladesh Buddhist Association UK, who urged the international community to take action against the violence faced by religious minorities in Bangladesh.

The Jumma people, including groups like the Chakma, Marma, and Tripura, are the indigenous minority in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Many Jumma people speak Tibeto-Burman languages and practice Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, or Islam, marking their cultural and linguistic differences from the ethnic Bengali majority in Bangladesh.

The violence against the Jumma people intensified between 1978 and 1990 when government-led resettlement programs displaced indigenous communities, sparking conflict between Bengali settlers and the minority tribes. More than 15 major conflicts have erupted since, causing many Jumma to flee to neighboring countries like India and Burma.

Despite a peace accord signed by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 1997, tensions and violence in the Chittagong Hill Tracts continue, with little international intervention. The protest in London aims to draw attention to these ongoing issues and mobilize global support for the Jumma people’s cause.

Photo by Binod Thapa @Create&Share

Heavy Rains Halt Hydropower Production Across Nepal, Impacting 1,300 MW

KATHMANDU: Severe rainfall over the past two days has caused widespread disruptions in Nepal’s hydropower sector, halting electricity production in multiple major projects. According to the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), floods and landslides triggered by the heavy rain have raised river levels, forcing a shutdown in hydropower projects that collectively generate 1,300 megawatts (MW) of electricity.

Among the largest impacted sites is the 456 MW Upper Tamakoshi project, along with several others including the 73 MW Middle Tamor, 60 MW Solu Khola Dudh Koshi, 50 MW Upper Marsyangdi, 54 MW Super Dordi, and 200 MW from the Kabeli Corridor. Additionally, smaller hydropower projects such as Mid Solukhola, Super Madi, and Middle Modi have also suspended electricity production.

The heavy rains have also disrupted key transmission lines. The 132 kV Pathlaiya-Chandranigahapur line has been halted due to fallen trees, while NEA officials are working to address issues with the circuits on the Dana-Khusma line. Problems with the Bhaktapur-Banepa and Chamelia transmission lines are also under review as efforts to restore power continue.

Authorities are working round the clock to repair the damaged infrastructure and restore electricity to the affected areas. However, with weather conditions still unstable, it remains unclear when normal power generation will resume.

Update : 10:10 BST

A total of 39 individuals have died in eight districts, including the Kathmandu Valley, due to the disasters caused by continuous rainfall for the last three days.

Among the deceased, nine are from Kathmandu, 16 from Lalitpur, five from Bhaktapur, three from Kavrepalanchowk, two each from Panchthar and Dhankuta, and one each from Jhapa and Dhading, according to the police.

Floods and Landslides Devastate Nepal: Over 30 Dead, Rescue Efforts Ongoing

KATHMANDU: Intense rainfall over the past two days has unleashed catastrophic floods and landslides across Nepal, resulting in more than 35 deaths and leaving at least 15 individuals missing. The Kathmandu Valley has been hit hardest, with 21 reported deaths, according to the latest updates from the Home Ministry.

Rescue operations are ongoing as security forces, including the Armed Police Force (APF), work to locate the missing and provide relief to those displaced. The APF has mobilized 1,947 personnel for search, rescue, and relief operations across the country, successfully rescuing 764 people from flood-affected areas thus far.

In the eastern district of Dhankuta, landslides triggered by heavy rainfall claimed two lives, with two others still missing. In Jhapa, one person died, but security personnel managed to rescue 325 people from floodwaters. Similarly, in Morang district, 176 people were rescued, although five lives were lost in the Koshi region.

In Dhading, 3  person were killed, and another is missing after being swept away by floodwaters, though two others were rescued.

Security forces have rescued 224 people across the capital, and the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has mobilized 17 teams of city police, with 300 personnel actively working to manage the crisis.

In Makwanpur’s Indrasarowar Municipality, floods have swept away 30 homes, including the local police office. Assistant Sub-Inspector Bhojraj Neupane of Sisneri Police Station reported that the floods have caused significant destruction in Sisneri Bazar. In Kavre 3 lives  are reported dead. 

In Sunsari district, the Saptakosi River’s water level has reached a dangerous point, prompting authorities to open all 56 sluice gates of the Koshi Barrage. 

At 8:00 AM today, the river’s water flow was recorded at 48,481,285 cusecs per second, raising further alarm. Similarly, in Nawalparasi, the Narayani River has flooded settlements in Gaidakot, submerging around 100 homes. Authorities have opened all 36 sluice gates of the Gandak Barrage, where water flow has reached 300,000 cusecs per second—an alarming level for the aging structure.

The Central Security Committee is currently holding an emergency meeting at the Home Ministry to coordinate rescue and relief efforts as the situation remains critical. Rescue teams continue their work, and authorities are focused on locating the missing and providing aid to the thousands affected by the disaster.

With water levels still rising and the threat of further landslides looming, the situation in Nepal remains dire.

World Leaders Call for Greater Investment in Renewable Energy at Global Summit

London— At the Global Renewables Summit on Tuesday, world leaders emphasized the need for increased investment in renewable energy to combat climate change, with developing nations urging financial support to transition to clean energy.

Kenyan President William Ruto highlighted the disparity in global renewable energy funding, pointing out that Africa, despite hosting 60% of the world’s best solar opportunities, receives less than 50% of global investment. He argued that unreliable and expensive energy sources hinder Africa’s development and called for more investment to fulfill the global pledge made at last year’s COP28 summit to triple clean energy capacity by 2030.

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley echoed the need for financial equity, stressing that fossil fuel subsidies outweigh those for renewable energy, making it harder for small states to develop clean energy projects. “Small states face the reality that the cost of renewable energy will probably be higher than fossil fuels,” she said.

Reports, including one from the International Energy Agency, suggest that tripling global renewable energy capacity within this decade is achievable but will require strong regulations and significant investment in infrastructure such as transmission lines and battery storage.

Azerbaijan, the host of this year’s COP29 climate summit in November, announced plans to rally global governments to increase electricity storage sixfold.

Meanwhile, a coalition of major companies, finance institutions, and cities, known as Mission 2025, urged governments to adopt policies that could unlock up to $1 trillion in clean energy investments by 2030. These policies include setting new energy capacity targets and offering incentives like tax credits and long-term electricity contracts.

In a keynote address, U.S. President Joe Biden celebrated the success of his $369 billion climate law, the Inflation Reduction Act, passed in 2022. He praised its role in fostering innovation, creating jobs, and driving private companies to announce over $1 trillion in clean energy investments.

Biden declared, “We were told it couldn’t get done, and we did it… We are just getting started.”

Amid growing excitement around artificial intelligence (AI), some leaders voiced concern about the energy-intensive data centers required to support AI technologies. However, Andres Gluski, CEO of AES Corporation, highlighted AI’s potential in solving energy challenges, saying it could lead to better materials for batteries and help manage labor shortages and energy demand.

Children’s Eyesight Worsens Globally, Study Reveals

London — A global analysis has revealed that children’s eyesight is steadily declining, with one in three now suffering from short-sightedness, or myopia, which affects their ability to see things at a distance. The study, published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, highlights that the COVID-19 lockdowns played a significant role in this trend, as children spent more time on screens and less time outdoors.

The research, which examined data from over five million children and teenagers across 50 countries, shows that the rate of short-sightedness has tripled since 1990, now affecting 36% of young people globally. The problem is most severe in East Asia, with 85% of children in Japan and 73% in South Korea diagnosed with myopia. In contrast, countries like Paraguay and Uganda report significantly lower rates, at around 1%.

Experts warn that myopia could affect millions more children by 2050. The increase is driven by a combination of factors, including early schooling in some regions and extended screen time. In Asia, where children begin their education as early as age two, the prevalence of myopia is significantly higher compared to regions like Africa, where schooling starts later.

The study emphasizes the need for preventive measures, particularly encouraging outdoor activities, to help combat the rising rates of myopia.

Shambhala: Nepal’s First Oscar Contender to Premiere at BFI London After Berlin Festival Triumph

Kathmandu — Nepal’s cinematic scene has taken a historic step with the release of Shambhala, the country’s first-ever recommendation for an Oscar nomination. Directed by Min Bahadur Bham, this visually stunning and spiritually profound film has already achieved international acclaim and continues to leave an indelible mark on audiences worldwide.

Premiering on September 13, 2024, in Nepal, Shambhala has garnered strong public interest and is doing remarkably well at the box office. The film’s impact extends beyond Nepal, as it is set to screen at the prestigious London Film Festival starting from October 9 for a limited run. Previously, it became the first Nepali film to be selected for the Berlin Film Festival, marking a significant milestone for the country’s burgeoning film industry. Lead actress Thinley Lhamo also brought international recognition to the project, having won the Boccalino d’Oro Prize for best actress at the Locarno Film Festival.

A Journey of Spirit and Society

At its heart, Shambhala is more than just a film; it is an exploration of inner peace, societal expectations, and spiritual awakening. The movie’s title is inspired by the concept of Shambhala from Tibetan Buddhism—a mythical kingdom believed to be a place of wisdom, compassion, and enlightenment. Though often viewed as a metaphor, Shambhala symbolizes a journey toward inner balance and peace, teaching that real tranquility comes from within through spiritual growth and self-awareness.

The story follows Pema, the protagonist, as she embarks on a perilous journey to find her missing husband, Tashi. Set against the breathtaking yet treacherous landscapes of the Nepali Himalayas, the journey begins as a physical one but soon deepens into a spiritual odyssey. Pema confronts external hardships posed by nature and the harsh realities of societal and cultural norms, reflecting her internal struggles with her identity, societal roles, and spiritual growth.

Themes of Patriarchy and Tradition

Shambhala stands out for its bold critique of patriarchal norms in traditional Nepali culture. Pema is part of a polyandrous marriage—an ancient practice where a woman marries multiple brothers. Despite this cultural norm, the film quickly exposes the double standards Pema faces. While society accepts her multiple husbands, she is judged harshly for any suggestion of infidelity. Through her story, the film powerfully portrays the limitations imposed on women by patriarchal structures, drawing parallels to struggles faced by women in similar societies around the world.

The film also provides a nuanced exploration of rural Nepali life and traditions. One of the most striking scenes features Pema participating in an archery competition to prove her innocence against allegations of adultery. This practice, steeped in local superstition and tradition, serves as a poignant example of how women are forced to navigate a patriarchal system designed to control and judge them.

Buddhist Philosophy and the Quest for Inner Peace

Central to the film’s narrative is Buddhist philosophy, which permeates every aspect of Pema’s journey. The teachings of impermanence, compassion, and self-liberation are woven throughout the film, showing how Pema’s quest transcends the physical world and becomes a spiritual journey. Her evolution from a woman defined by societal expectations to one who seeks and achieves inner peace reflects core Buddhist beliefs about the nature of suffering and personal growth.

Pema’s quest is ultimately about more than finding Tashi. It becomes a journey of self-discovery and inner transformation. By accepting life’s impermanence and embracing compassion for herself, she finds the strength to let go of her past and societal judgments. The quiet, powerful scenes of Pema walking through empty Himalayan landscapes highlight the transient nature of human life against the backdrop of unchanging natural beauty.

IMF to start talks with new Lanka government led by President Dissanayake

PTI — The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Tuesday said it will discuss the timing of the next review of Sri Lanka’s loan programme and looks forward to working with the new government headed by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

We look forward to working together with President Dissanayake and his team towards building on the hard-won gains that have helped put Sri Lanka on a path to economic recovery since entering one of its worst economic crises in 2022,” the Washington-based lender said in a statement.

Former president Ranil Wickremesinghe-led government was negotiating with the IMF for the release of the third tranche of the USD 2.9 billion facility when the presidential election was announced in July.

The disbursement of around USD 360 million was anticipated after the third review which the IMF put on hold until the end of the election held last weekend.

We will discuss the timing of the third review of the IMF-supported programme with the new administration as soon as practicable,” the IMF said.

The new government, set up on Monday, said they were looking forward to being in touch with the IMF this week.

Wickremesinghe successfully negotiated the IMF bail-out when Sri Lanka suffered its worst-ever economic crisis leading to the shortage of essential commodities, including fuel and food.

The IMF approved the four-year facility subject to strict reforms.

Sri Lanka was aided by the Indian assistance worth USD 4 billion during the crisis between 2022 and 2023 when the IMF deal came through.

Wickremesinghe implemented most of the IMF conditionalities, making him unpopular with the voters.

He finished third with just 17 per cent of votes behind the 42 per cent by Dissanayake whose left party was the front-runner.

However, the island nation under the new government faces the challenge of reaching a new staff-level agreement on the next phase of the IMF programme and compiling a budget in line with its targets.

Women Foreign Ministers’ call to empower next generation of women leaders

London – The Women Foreign Ministers’ meeting that concluded in Toronto on Friday has called to empower the next generation of women leaders.

A statement issued by co-chairs of the meeting,  Mélanie Joly P.C.,  Foreign Minister of Canada and Kamina Johnson Smith, JP, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica,  in Toronto, has pledged to advance women’s participation in leadership and decision-making and support safe and inclusive spaces for women in politics and public life.

The meeting also pledged to intentionally encourage young women across the world to enter politics and public life. The statement has expressed concerned with the growing hate and misogynistic discourse found online targeting women, particularly in civic spaces and agreed to address online gender-based violence and prevent gendered disinformation and call on online platforms to take action and increase their accountability.

Time for a Woman Secretary-General

The Co-chairs said that the meeting also discussed the question of gender imbalance within the UN system.

“It is time for a woman Secretary-General. We strongly encourage member states considering the nomination of a candidate for the position of the United Nations Secretary-General, to nominate women,” the statement said, adding, “In noting that there have been only four women presidents of the UN General Assembly in the last 79 years, we believe that it is also time to pursue gender parity for this position. It is within our reach to make these meaningful changes.”

“We engaged with diverse civil society representatives. They highlighted the importance of supporting women’s grassroots organizations and human rights defenders in shaping policies. We agreed to foster supportive environments for gender equality and recognized independent members of civil society as key drivers for the success and resilience of democracies.

We are encouraged that women’s political representation globally has doubled in the last 25 years. However, this still only amounts to around 1 in 4 parliamentary seats held by women today. We pledged to advance women’s participation in leadership and decision making and support safe and inclusive spaces for women in politics and public life. We also pledged to intentionally encourage young women across the world to enter politics and public life, the statement said.

Minister Deuba stresses on ‘whole of’ approach

Addressing the Women Foreign Ministers’ meeting, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nepal,  Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, stressed on the need of the ‘whole of’ approach to attain gender equality, to protect and uphold a girl from her womb to her tomb with the support of untiring leadership and fearless efforts.

She emphasized on the importance of digital technology and tools for women leaders to directly reach out to their constituencies, to raise awareness and spread positive message towards women leadership. She also highlighted the flip side of the digital technology widely used to spread hate, targeted harassment, and disinformation to discourage women from rising in public offices and business. She said that the leadership in developed countries could play an important role to secure technological and financial support to developing countries to bridge the divide, as well as to rein-in the negative by-products of digital technologies for the betterment of society.

The Women Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was organised to discuss women’s full, equal and meaningful participation in governance and public life, the organisers said.

Say What You Mean

As climate change crisis reaches the ‘tipping point,’ scientists are finding it hard to communicate what led to this crisis at the first place and how to combat and adapt to it

By Bhagirath Yogi

The year 2023 was the hottest year on record.

According to the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), 2023 was the warmest year on record, with the global average near-surface temperature at 1.45 °Celsius above the pre-industrial level. 

People in South Asia are used to heatwaves but ongoing changes in weather patterns are making the lives of local people unbearable. 

India recorded more than 40,000 suspected heatstroke cases this summer as a prolonged heatwave killed more than 100 people across the country, while parts of its northeast grappled with floods from heavy rain, Reuters news agency reported quoting authorities.

In North India, temperature soared to almost 50 degrees Celsius in one of the longest heatwave spells recorded.

More than half of all South Asians were affected by one or more climate-related disasters in the last two decades.  The changing climate could sharply diminish living conditions for up to 800 million people in a region that already has some of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable populations, The World Bank said.

Over 300 people were killed due to Wayanad landslides in Kerala, India early this year (Photo: PTI)

Tipping Point

According to the British Met Office, in the context of climate science, a tipping point refers to a critical threshold in the earth’s system or related processes which, if passed, can cause sudden, dramatic or even irreversible changes to some of the earth’s largest systems, such as the Antarctic ice sheet or the Amazon rainforest. The resulting socio-economic impacts could be very large, and crossing of one tipping point may then make others more likely to be crossed.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) AR6 Synthesis Report, published in March 2023, highlights that the likelihood and impacts of abrupt and/or irreversible changes in the climate system increase with further global warming. As warming levels increase, so do the risks of species’ extinction or irreversible loss of biodiversity in ecosystems.

So, how do you communicate the crisis to political leaders, lawmakers as well as to the people at the receiving end across the globe?

Scientists have found it difficult to explain in plain terms – complex processes that lead to global warming and climate change. While politicians like former US President (and Republican Party candidate) Donald Trump deny or undermine the impact of climate change, their supporters also tend to believe that it’s a political issue rather than a serious stuff. In the wake of challenges like misinformation and disinformation, conveying the latest available scientific knowledge to audiences in a way it prompts them to think, change their behaviour and hold their political leaders to account has never been so urgent as it is today.

In August and September 2023, the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication (YPCCC) conducted an international survey in collaboration with Data for Good at Meta and Rare’s Center for Behavior and the Environment to examine public climate change knowledge, attitudes, policy preferences, and behavior among Facebook users in nearly 200 countries and territories worldwide.

After reading a short description explaining what climate change is, a large majority of men (85%) and women (86%) in low per-capita income/emission countries and territories saidclimate change was happening. 

While belief that climate change is happening is generally high, fewer respondents globally understand that it is human-caused. “In low per-capita income/emission countries and territories, 40% of men and 32% of women think that climate change is caused mostly by human activities. By contrast, in high per-capita income/emission countries and territories, higher percentages of both men (45%) and women (46%) think so. Notably, larger proportions of respondents from low income/emission countries and territories incorrectly attribute climate change primarily to natural changes,” the Yale studysaid.

What are the barriers

In a study published in Ghana Journal of Geography last year, researchers including Godfred Osei Boakye et al found that conflicting values and social dilemmas, psychological denial, and the absence of emotional engagement are major barriers affecting the smooth dissemination of climate change-related messages. 

After reviewing 100 environmental communication and climate change scientific papers (1990–2022), the study found that mismatch of values between climate message and its audience leads to conflicting values and social dilemmas. Additionally, lack of goal specifications, fear, blaming, and negative criticism also cause psychological denial and the rejection of climate change messages. The study recommended that there is the need for action-directed messages that will identify and resolve specific causes, effects, and outcomes of behaviours causing climate change. 

Now the challenge for journalists, press officers and all those who want to convey their message across to masses is how to say exactly what they mean. The guidelines produced by the United Nations Department of Global Communications, in consultation with the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), says that reframing the issue to focus on the prospects of a better future can galvanise action.“Addressing climate change will bring about an abundance of opportunities – green jobs, cleaner air, renewable energy, food security, liveable coastal cities, and better health.”

The guidelines further advise communicators to engage theyouth making it clear that the humanity is facing the crisis right now and hence action is also needed now. Similarly, making the message relevant would be equally important.  “Limiting global warming to 1.5°C, for example, can be hard for people to relate to. Frame the issue in a way that will resonate with your local audience, by linking it to shared values   like family, nature, community, and religion for instance. Safety and stability – protecting what we have – were also found to be highly effective frames for creating a sense of urgency,” the guidelines said. 

Suspected glacial collapse damages half of the settlement of Thame in the Everest region (Photo: Nepali Times)

Addressing an event organised by The Royal Society for Arts,Manufacturers and Commerce (RSA) in London in 2019, Amitav Ghosh, an acclaimed Indian writer of nearly 20 books including ‘The Great Derangement: Climate Change and the Unthinkable,’ said that stories we tell can help us understand our place in a drastically changing world. “What we need is to be able to think the unthinkable; if the climate catastrophe we’re facing is a collective failure of imagination as well as one of ethics and action, we need to think beyond the limits of realism to confront the state in which we find ourselves,” said Ghosh adding, “Fiction can be a powerful force for good in helping us to recognise the realities of our condition, and navigate the constant change that defines the modern world.”

From devastating floods hitting Bangladesh to wildfires in Canada, from the Arctic to the Himalayas, there is no place on earth that is immune from the impacts of climate change. People around the world have been telling stories, singing folklores and sharing their experiences in their own language and dialects from generations. What is needed is to listen to their day-to-day concerns, learn from them and tell stories in a way that they can comprehend. Think globally, act locally should be the mantra. But as things stand now time is running out to tell stories of – say the hottest year on record.

(The author is editor-in-chief of www.southasiatime.com and a former BBC World Service journalist based in London.)

‘Vital Force’ exhibition being showcased at the October Gallery

London – Art works of a number of artists including Govinda Sah ‘Azad’ are being displayed at the October Gallery (www.octobergallery.co.uk).  

Entitled Vital Force, the exhibition includes works by 

El Anatsui, Kenji Yoshida, LR Vandy, Romuald Hazoumè, Golnaz Fathi, Jukhee Kwon, William S. Burroughs, Brion Gysin and Govinda Sah ‘Azad, amongst others. 

Vital Force gives space for the innate energies of each unique artwork to manifest before bringing them together in a powerful drama of luminous interactive forms. While each work contributes its own distinctive notes to the ensemble, the orchestral effect of the totality builds to a higher climax resulting in a Gesamtkunstwerk, according to Elisabeth Lalouschek, Artistic Director of October Gallery. ‘When combining dramatically dissimilar art from diverse origins,  unpredictably spectacular effects can occur, and one must be alert to catch those special moments of resonance that draw the works together,’ she added.

Highlights include Govinda Sah’s latest canvas comprising subtly interwoven layers of acrylic marks and traces. Effortlessly balancing traditional eastern metaphysical insights about the nature of reality with visual realisations that are in accord with the contemporary formulations of western science, Sah is fascinated by the universes within and beyond our earth-bound vision.

Kenji Yoshida’s magnificent large-scale work,La Vie (Life),1993, which employs an elliptical language of coloured forms rendered in gold and silver leaf. This extraordinary piece marries modernist abstraction with the delicate gilding techniques of Japanese tradition. Having narrowly survived the Second World War, Yoshida worked from his studio in Montparnasse, Paris, to create his instantly recognisable canvases, founded upon themes of ‘Life and Peace.’ One of the most distinguished artists of his generation, in 1993, Yoshida became the first living artist ever given a solo exhibition at the Japanese Galleries of the British Museum, London.

This large-scale panelled piece is being juxtaposed with a shimmering wall-hanging by El Anatsui. El Anatsui is best known for his mesmerising metallic installations, composed of thousands of individual pieces fastened together with copper wire. Anatsui was elected for the Hyundai Commission at Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall, 2023 – 2024, where he presented the highly acclaimed, monumental installation, Behind the Red Moon

Romuald Hazoumè is being represented by one of his signature masks. These provocative works, assembled from found and repurposed objects, operate as impromptu portraits of 

individuals, highlighting the artist’s astute social commentary and witty sense of humour. Rossy reveals the intense poise and dramatic flair of an 80s actress about to take centre stage crowned in a brilliantly plumed headdress. 

Taken from her Hulls series, LR Vandy’sResistance is an impressive large-scale wooden work that incorporates manilla rope tied into knots set delicately into its frame. These knots evoke the clenched fist, a symbolic nod to the Black power salute, the feminist movement of the 80s and the braided African hairstyle of Bantu Knots. 

Iranian artist Golnaz Fathi’s bold gestural work, When the rain comes, we can be thankful, 2021, and Jukhee Kwon’s  intricate sculptures out of unused and abandoned books are also on display.

Nierica – Caressed By Fire, a vibrant work by Elisabeth Lalouschek painted in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, is also on display. Lost to sight for thirty years, the painting will be shown for the first time since 1990. Finally, ink and spray paint works by artist and author, William S. Burroughsare exhibited in conversation with longtime collaborator and fellow artist Brion Gysin’s work De la Cité des Arts.

The exhibition will continue until 28th of September, the Gallery said.

Art works of a Nepali artist being showcased in London

London – Art works of a number of artists including Govinda Sah ‘Azad’ are being displayed at the October Gallery (www.octobergallery.co.uk).  

Entitled Vital Force, the exhibition includes works by 

El Anatsui, Kenji Yoshida, LR Vandy, Romuald Hazoumè, Golnaz Fathi, Jukhee Kwon, William S. Burroughs, Brion Gysin and Govinda Sah ‘Azad, amongst others. 

Vital Force gives space for the innate energies of each unique artwork to manifest before bringing them together in a powerful drama of luminous interactive forms. While each work contributes its own distinctive notes to the ensemble, the orchestral effect of the totality builds to a higher climax resulting in a Gesamtkunstwerk, according to Elisabeth Lalouschek, Artistic Director of October Gallery. ‘When combining dramatically dissimilar art from diverse origins,  unpredictably spectacular effects can occur, and one must be alert to catch those special moments of resonance that draw the works together,’ she added.

Highlights include Govinda Sah’s latest canvas comprising subtly interwoven layers of acrylic marks and traces. Effortlessly balancing traditional eastern metaphysical insights about the nature of reality with visual realisations that are in accord with the contemporary formulations of western science, Sah is fascinated by the universes within and beyond our earth-bound vision.

Kenji Yoshida’s magnificent large-scale work,La Vie (Life),1993, which employs an elliptical language of coloured forms rendered in gold and silver leaf. This extraordinary piece marries modernist abstraction with the delicate gilding techniques of Japanese tradition. Having narrowly survived the Second World War, Yoshida worked from his studio in Montparnasse, Paris, to create his instantly recognisable canvases, founded upon themes of ‘Life and Peace.’ One of the most distinguished artists of his generation, in 1993, Yoshida became the first living artist ever given a solo exhibition at the Japanese Galleries of the British Museum, London.

This large-scale panelled piece is being juxtaposed with a shimmering wall-hanging by El Anatsui. El Anatsui is best known for his mesmerising metallic installations, composed of thousands of individual pieces fastened together with copper wire. Anatsui was elected for the Hyundai Commission at Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall, 2023 – 2024, where he presented the highly acclaimed, monumental installation, Behind the Red Moon

Romuald Hazoumè is being represented by one of his signature masks. These provocative works, assembled from found and repurposed objects, operate as impromptu portraits of 

individuals, highlighting the artist’s astute social commentary and witty sense of humour. Rossy reveals the intense poise and dramatic flair of an 80s actress about to take centre stage crowned in a brilliantly plumed headdress. 

Taken from her Hulls series, LR Vandy’sResistance is an impressive large-scale wooden work that incorporates manilla rope tied into knots set delicately into its frame. These knots evoke the clenched fist, a symbolic nod to the Black power salute, the feminist movement of the 80s and the braided African hairstyle of Bantu Knots. 

Iranian artist Golnaz Fathi’s bold gestural work, When the rain comes, we can be thankful, 2021, and Jukhee Kwon’s  intricate sculptures out of unused and abandoned books are also on display.

Nierica – Caressed By Fire, a vibrant work by Elisabeth Lalouschek painted in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, is also on display. Lost to sight for thirty years, the painting will be shown for the first time since 1990. Finally, ink and spray paint works by artist and author, William S. Burroughsare exhibited in conversation with longtime collaborator and fellow artist Brion Gysin’s work De la Cité des Arts.

The exhibition will continue until 28th of September, the Gallery said.

Anmol KC and Keki Adhikari Shine at Yeti International Nepali Film Awards 2024 in London

London — Anmol KC and Keki Adhikari have been crowned Best Actor and Best Actress at the Yeti International Nepali Film Awards (INFA UK 2024), which took place at the Town Hall in Greenford, London, on Saturday, 14th September. The prestigious event, organized by Yeti Nepali Association UK, celebrated the best of Nepali cinema and brought together top actors and filmmakers from Nepal.

Anmol KC won the Best Actor award for his performance in the film Furky Farky, while Keki Adhikari was named Best Actress for her role in Prasad 2. The event was filled with excitement and glamour, as both stars accepted their awards in front of a cheering audience.

Top Honors for Nepali Cinema

The award for Best Film went to Jari, a production that has gained widespread acclaim in Nepali cinema. The film’s director, Upendra Subba, also took home the Best Director award, marking a significant achievement for the team behind Jari.

Other top awards included Pradeep Khadka winning Best Actor (Jury) for his role in Pujar Sarki. The Public Choice Female Award went to Jasita Gurung for Farki Farki, while Paul Shah won the Public Choice Male Award for his performance in Pujar Sarki.

Additionally, Supla Sapkota received the Best Actress (Jury) award, while Dayahang Rai was named Popular Actor of the Year for his work in Jari. The event highlighted the range of talent within the Nepali film industry, recognizing not only established stars but also emerging artists.

Honoring Lifetime Achievement

A particularly emotional moment occurred when veteran actor Bhuvan KC was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. This marked a special milestone in his career, and the audience was touched when his son, Anmol KC, bowed down to him on stage in a heartfelt gesture of respect. Bhuvan KC expressed his gratitude, stating that the award had given him renewed encouragement in his lifelong dedication to Nepali cinema.

Technical Excellence and Special Recognitions

The awards also acknowledged technical excellence in filmmaking. Akash Baral won the Best Story-Screenplay Award for Dimag Kharav, and Rajesh Shrestha took home the Best Cinematography award for his work on Prasad 2. In the music category, Kaliprasad Baskota was awarded Best Playback Singer for the song “Chari Basyo” (continued), and Prakash Saput won Best Music Director for Boksika Ghar.

Other notable winners included Arpan Thapa, who received the Best Negative Character award for his role in Prasad 2, and Shishir Khatri, who was named Best Dance Director for his choreography in Pujar Sarki. Actress Garima Sharma was presented with the Encouragement Award for her role in London to Paris.

The jury for the event included esteemed Nepali actors Sunil Thapa, Gauri Malla, and director Ujjwal Ghimire, who spent 26 days evaluating a total of 56 Nepali films produced in 2023. In total, 22 awards were given out in various categories.

A Star-Studded Evening

The award ceremony was attended by a host of prominent Nepali celebrities, including actors Gauri Malla, Jasita Gurung, Zia KC, Sushant Khatri, Miruna Magar, Garima Sharma, Shilpa Maske, and singer Amrita Limbu. The attendees enjoyed performances by Garima Sharma, Shilpa Maske, and Sushant Khatri, who wowed the crowd with their lively dance routines.

Promoting Nepali Cinema Abroad

Yeti Nepali Association UK, founded in 1960 and the oldest Nepali social organization in Europe, organized the event in a bid to promote Nepali films abroad. Although the association has hosted film screenings before, this marks the first time it has organized an event of this scale to celebrate Nepali cinema.

Speaking at the event, Yeti President Pipla Dewan noted that the awards were a major milestone in promoting the Nepali film industry in the UK. He emphasized that this was just the beginning, with hopes of organizing similar events in the future to support and honor Nepali artists.

Challenges and Success

Umeshraj Moktan, the chief coordinator of the event, acknowledged the challenges of organizing the awards but expressed his satisfaction with its success. He committed to improving the event in future years, ensuring that it continues to grow and represent the best of Nepali cinema.

The event was technically managed by KK Films and Media, with sound engineering by Hem Bist, while Sangiksha Films Entertainment from Nepal coordinated the overall program. Senior singer Deep Shrestha and Lakhe Naach promoter Vinod Chipalu were also honored during the event for their contributions to Nepali culture.

A Celebration of Nepali Talent

Chief guest Ambassador Roshan Khanal praised the organizers, stating that such programs would help raise the profile of Nepali films internationally, while providing much-needed encouragement to the artists. The event, co-hosted by Yeti General Secretary Tank Bhattarai and Miss World Nepal 2011 Malina Joshi, concluded with a sense of pride in Nepali cinema’s achievements and optimism for its future.

With an enthusiastic audience and talented winners, the Yeti International Nepali Film Awards 2024 successfully shone a spotlight on the growing influence of Nepali films on the global stage.

Climate Activists in Nepal call for a fossil-fuel free future 

Kathmandu – Climate Activists from various organisations and constituencies in Nepal demonstrated at Maitighar Mandala, demanding a fossil-fuel free future, on Friday – the first day of the Global Day of Action for Climate Finance and a Fossil-Fuel Free Future. This, mostly a solidarity action, is part of a bigger picture globally and in Asia, where more than ten thousand people joined demonstrations across Asia to demand the rapid phase out of coal, kicking off a week of climate marches happening around the world explicitly calling for an end to fossil fuels worldwide and the delivery of climate finance obligations by developed countries ahead of the United Nations Summit of the Future in New York and the COP29 Summit in November. Hundreds of climate marches and actions are planned between September 13-20 around the world.

Over 100 coordinated mass actions took place in 72 cities and provinces in the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and India.

In Nepal, a small but dedicated mass representing various organisations and constituencies demonstrated at Maitighar Mandala, demanding a fossil-free future, also at the same time expressing solidarity for the wider Asian region and their fight against the continued investment in and use of coal, a deadly emitter of greenhouse gases that is fueling the climate crisis. 

“We are alarmed that new coal is on the rise and that retirement of existing plans is happening too slowly. We call on governments and corporations to immediately stop the expansion of new coal and to rapidly phase out existing coal in Asia. Coal-fired power plants have devastated the climate, poisoned the land, water and air in our communities, and worsened inequalities in the Global South,” said Lidy Nacpil, coordinator of Asian Peoples’ Movement on Debt and Development (APMDD). 

Nacpil said rich countries bankroll coal expansion despite pledges to speed up the transition away from fossil fuels. “The toxic coal industry has been on the decline in the Global North as a result of pressure to transition away from fossil fuels, but they continue to build new coal infrastructure and to prop up existing ones in Asia with funds from countries like the US, Canada and the UK – countries that boast of no new coal domestically,” Nacpil said.

The UN Summit of the Future brings world leaders together on September 22-23 during the UN General Assembly to agree on a Pact for the Future, a vision for global cooperation in the coming decades. The latest version of the pact reinstates a commitment of governments to transition away from fossil fuels, which disappeared from the second draft of the pact. The COP28 Climate Summit in Dubai called on nations to transition away from fossil fuels as part of a decision by nearly 200 Parties on the world’s first ‘global stocktake’ to ratchet up climate action before the end of the decade.

The latest evidence shows that the world’s largest banks based in developed countries continue to provide finance for coal projects, from fossil fuel subsidies to public financing and private investments.  Between January 2021 and December 2023, commercial banks provided US$ 470 billion in loans and underwriting to the coal industry. 

More than 200 organisations in Asia sent a letter to Asian governmentsdemanding decisive steps to end the expansion of coal in their countries, specifically a permanent ban on new coal plants and an immediate stop to direct and indirect public and private financing of new coal.

They also call for a rapid and just phase-out of existing coal to be completed by 2035, which should include the immediate retirement of highly polluting old coal plants, the permanent shutdown of mothballed plants, which does not contribute to current demand, and the early closure commitments for all existing coal plants. Currently, some 75% (1,626 GW) of global operating capacity is not covered by a coal closure commitment and the majority are in Asia.

“The phase out of coal in Asia must happen fast, fair and it must be funded globally. It must include providing alternative decent jobs, livelihoods, and homes for workers and communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis,” said Dr Suresh Tamang, from Rural Reconstruction Nepal, RRN who is supporting the cause for a fossil-free future.

Global coal use and production rising

A few years ago, the world made major strides in eradicating coal use and production in response to the climate crisis. From 2015, when the Paris Agreement was adopted, to 2021, the global pipeline of proposed coal power plants showed a 76% collapse. Today, global coal use and capacity has rebounded, growing to an all-time high in 2023, driven by strong demand in countries in Asia. Total global capacity in pre-construction has also increased, with countries in Asia collectively accounting for the majority of these projects. Meanwhile, coal power plant retirements were at the lowest level since 2011. According to analysis,phasing out operating coal power by 2040 would require an average of 126 GW of retirements per year for the next 17 years or about two coal plants per week, excluding coal plants under construction and in pre-construction. 

“Coal is not the answer to rising demand in Asia. Renewables have become the cheapest sources of electricity everywhere. We call for the phasing out of fossil fuel subsidies and shifting finance to the clean energy transition. This will make clean renewable energy more accessible in the Global South,” said Avishek Shrestha, from Digo Bikas Institute, who is one of those actively participating in the protest in Nepal. 

Research shows that coal developers risk billions worth of stranded assets as renewables outcompete coal worldwide. In 2023, according to a report of the International Energy Agency (IEA), an estimated 96% of newly installed, utility-scale solar PV and onshore wind capacity had lower generation costs than new coal and gas plants. Three-quarters of new wind and solar PV plants likewise offered cheaper power than existing fossil fuel facilities.