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Janakpur-based Muskan Hospital performed gallbladder surgery on a patient, but due to alleged negligence, the patient has remained unconscious for 20 days. In response to this incident, Madhes Province Chief Minister Satish Kumar Singh launched an inspection of private hospitals early Saturday morning. During inspections of 20 private hospitals, authorities found that 19 were operating illegally.

The inspection team, led by Chief Minister Singh, identified several hospitals running without registration. These include Jeevan Jyoti Hospital & Research Center, BN Hospital & Research Center, Janakpur Sita Hospital, Janakpur Grande Hospital Pvt Ltd, Sain Multispeciality Hospital & Trauma Center, Ram Memorial Hospital Pvt Ltd, Samar Hospital, Care Medical Center, Nepal Apollo Hospital, Mithila Care Clinic, Janakpur Modern Hospital & Research Center Pvt Ltd, and Maa Gayatri Memorial Hospital Pvt Ltd.

Additionally, inspections were conducted at Max Hospital & Research Center Pvt Ltd, Switika Healthcare Hospital Pvt Ltd, Life Care & Research Center Pvt Ltd, Om Deerghayu Hospital Pvt Ltd, Arman Hospital, Naina Hospital, and Mihila International Hospital. Among them, only Max Hospital & Research Center Pvt Ltd was found to have all required documents in order, according to Chief Minister Singh.

Singh stated that most of these hospitals were operating without registration, and some had not renewed their licenses for up to four years. Accusing them of failing to meet legal standards and compromising public health, he directed that within 24 hours, all patients be transferred elsewhere, and the hospital keys be handed over to the government.

The chief minister vowed to continue strict inspections of private hospitals and warned of legal action against those endangering public health. The inspection team included Madhes Province Chief Secretary Madan Bhujel, Health and Population Ministry Secretary Dr Rajiv Mishra, and Dr Santosh Thakur.

The patient, identified as Pabita Kumari Ray Yadav from Haripurwa Municipality-5, Sarlahi, underwent gallbladder surgery at Muskan Hospital on Jan 16. Since then, she has been in a critical condition, struggling between life and death. According to the patient’s father, Brahmadev Yadav, the surgery was arranged through a middleman, Sushil Kumar Yadav. Dr Gyan Kumar Sah performed the operation, but Pavita lost consciousness immediately afterward.

“After the surgery, she was placed on a ventilator, but her condition did not improve. The hospital sent us outside for a CT scan, and after seeing the results, they told us to take her elsewhere for neurological treatment. On Jan 19, we transferred her to Janaki Healthcare, where she remains unconscious to this day,” said the father.

Pavita’s relative, Birendra Adhikari, accused the doctor of negligence during surgery, which he believes caused her critical condition. The family has filed complaints against the hospital and the doctor at the District Police Office, Dhanusha, and the Nepal Medical Council. “This was sheer medical negligence,” Adhikari said. “Both the doctor responsible and the middleman who convinced us to use Muskan Hospital should be held accountable. We are pleading for justice and urgent medical support to save Pavita’s life.”

Following the revelations, Chief Minister Singh ordered the immediate closure of Muskan Hospital. On Friday night, he personally visited the hospital and instructed its operator, Syed Ali, to shut it down and hand over the keys to the government. Muskan Hospital has now been sealed, and its patients have been transferred to Janaki Healthcare.

Gold price has set a new record in the domestic market today.

According to the Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of precious yellow metal has increased by Rs 1, 400 per tola and is being traded at Rs 169, 600 per tola. It was traded at Rs 168, 200 per tola on Sunday.

Likewise, the silver is being traded at Rs 1, 975 per tola.

Nepal has officially banned solo expeditions on all mountains above 8,000 meters, including Sagarmatha, by amending its mountaineering regulations, according to the government publication Nepal Gazette. The sixth amendment to the mountaineering regulations prohibits solo expeditions on all 8,000-meter peaks.

Under the new regulations, every two members of a mountaineering team must be accompanied by at least one altitude worker or mountain guide. This rule applies to all mountains above 8,000 meters, including Sagarmatha. “When climbing a mountain peak with an altitude of more than 8,000 meters, every two members of the mountaineering team must be accompanied by at least one altitude worker or mountain guide. For other mountains, the mountaineering team must take at least one mountain guide with them,” states the newly introduced provision.

With these regulations now in effect, solo climbing on Nepal’s peaks has officially ended. The government is determined not to allow anyone, regardless of experience, to climb alone. This restriction applies to both alpine-style and expedition-style climbers.

The new regulations also formalize an increase in the royalty fee for foreign climbers attempting to summit Sagarmatha via the standard south route in spring, raising it to $15,000 per person from the previous $11,000. Climbing royalty fees for other seasons have also been revised. The fee for autumn expeditions, which run from September to November, has been increased from $5,500 to $7,500. For winter expeditions from December to February and monsoon expeditions from June to August, the fee has been raised from $2,750 to $3,750.

Additionally, the updated provisions include revised fees for other 8,000-meter peaks. The spring expedition fee has nearly doubled, rising from $1,800 to $3,000. The autumn fee has increased from $900 to $1,500, while the winter and monsoon fees have been raised from $450 to $750.

For Nepali climbers, the royalty fee for normal routes in the spring season has doubled from Rs 75,000 to Rs 150,000. In 2015, Nepal switched from a group-based royalty system to a uniform fee of $11,000 per climber for Everest’s spring season via the normal route.

As part of the new regulatory measures, family members of climbers, guides, and high-altitude base camp workers are now banned from staying at base camps. However, with prior approval from the tourism department, family members may stay at base camp for up to two days.

Another key change is the requirement for high-altitude guides to ‘self-declare’ their clients’ successful summits. To verify a summit, expedition organizers and liaison officers must submit original photos clearly showing the climber’s face. These photos must include mountain ranges in the background, a new eligibility criterion for receiving an Everest summit certificate.

Beyond climbers, the revised provisions also increase wages for liaison officers, high-altitude guides, and base camp workers. The daily allowance for liaison officers has increased from Rs 500 to Rs 1,600 per day. Sirdars (lead Sherpas) will now receive Rs 1,500 per day, up from Rs 500. High-altitude guides’ wages have jumped from Rs 350 to Rs 1,200 per day, while base camp workers’ daily wages have increased from Rs 300 to Rs 1,000.

In an effort to curb pollution in the high mountains, climbers are now required to bring all their waste, including human waste, back to base camp for proper disposal. Biodegradable bags must be used for waste collection in the upper reaches.

Since 1953, nearly 8,900 people have summited the world’s highest peak from Nepal’s side. The new provisions will take effect on Sept 1, marking the start of the spring expedition season.

Nepal Samajbadi Party (Naya Shakti) Chair Baburam Bhattarai has alleged that three big political forces—Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, and CPN (Maoist Center)—are taking turns to exploit the country. Speaking at the opening session of the party’s general convention on Sunday, Bhattarai remarked, “We keep saying that old forces have failed, Congress didn’t deliver, and others didn’t either. There are three heads, and they are taking turns to exploit the country.”

He criticized the tendency of political leaders to claim credit for achievements while in power and then complaining about shortcomings once they are out of office. “They create chaos while in power and, once outside, lament that nothing has been done. These three heads have repeatedly troubled the country,” said Bhattarai referring to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli of UML, Sher Bahadur Deuba of Congress, and Pushpa Kamal Dagal of Maoist Center.

Bhattarai emphasized the need to identify and address the root causes of Nepal’s problems. “We must have real discussions on solutions. Nepal faces many challenges—underdevelopment, unemployment, dependency, and economic struggles—all caused by political failures,” he said.

Bhattarai also shared insights into the political document that he was to present at the closed session of the convention later in the day.

The document titled “New Era, New Responsibilities: The Rationale and Foundation of Alternative Politics,” according to Bhattarai, was developed with input from both party members and external contributors. “Each new era demands new ideas, and before anything else, ideological restructuring is necessary,” he said. 

For the convention’s inaugural session, the party had exclusively invited leaders from emerging and alternative political forces. Attendees included Janamat Party Chair CK Raut, Nagarik Unmukti Party patron Resham Chaudhary, Acting Chair of Rastriya Swatantra Party Dol Prasad Aryal, and Bibeksheel Sajha leader Samikshya Banskota.

A hero to a villain is the one to be feared

A story of hate, a story of rage, a story needed to be heard

A hero broken by the world sets out for revenge

The false justice chased by the hero is soon to come out

Once the threat is gone a sharp knife is felt in the spine

The knife not as much pain as the face that lay behind

The starry night he sees that now seem so bleak 

He lays there in a bloodied floor thinking what did he achieve?

Sadness turns to anger, love turns to hate

A pawn in the game has now become aware

A hero once praised by all is now feared 

A villain is never born he is made by another

The darkness that crept within can’t be controlled no longer

In this tale old as time the story has been revealed

The villain now so much despised in this story, was a hero in another

Now that he sits on the throne with all the peasants at his feet

The smile the smirk makes his face anew

He sees a knight, a pawn with might is to be revered

He sees himself, a hero before was broken

Soon to realize the vicious cycle that has been awoken

Arnav Shrestha

A Level

LA College

NAMI International School successfully hosted its first Annual Day Celebration for the Primary Wing, marking a significant milestone in its academic journey. The event, held on Saturday, brought together students, parents, and distinguished guests for a morning filled with cultural performances, exhibitions, and celebrations. The program was attended by Capt Rameshwar Thapa, Chairperson of the NAMI Group of Companies, along with Directors Yograj Kandel Sharma, Uma Rajya Laxmi Shah, Soni Joshi, and CEO Pranil Pandey.

Students showcased their talents through a series of performances, including songs, dances, dramas, and speeches, emphasizing the school’s commitment to holistic education. An exhibition featured creative student projects, including models, artwork, and digital innovations. A major highlight was the 3Di Digital Learning Program, where students presented projects on drones, claymation, animation, and 3D printing.

Addressing the audience, Capt Thapa lauded the school’s achievements and its vision for inclusive and innovative learning. The event concluded on a high note, with attendees expressing excitement for future milestones.

Meanwhile, NAMI International School has expanded its Primary Wing, now offering education from Grade 1 to Grade 6. Admissions for the upcoming academic year are open.

Author Indra Chaudhary has been honored with the ‘Nebashasa Children’s Book Writing Award.’ The award was presented on Sunday during the Second Children’s Book Exhibition and Valley-wide Children’s Story Writing Competition held at the Nepal Academy in Kamaladi. The award was jointly conferred by Chancellor Bhupal Rai, Member Secretary Dhan Prasad Subedi, and Nepal Children's Literature Society President Pramod Pradhan.

Chaudhary received the award for his illustrated children’s book ‘Naya Banpale’, which was published by Room to Read in 2022 and was recognized as the best book for children under eight years of age.

With a background of five years in children’s literature translation and writing, Chaudhary has published four illustrated children’s storybooks and translated dozens of children’s stories from English to Nepali, as well as into Tharu and Rana Tharu languages. Expressing his joy at receiving the award in such a short span, Chaudhary said, “I had not expected this achievement so soon. This recognition has inspired me to contribute even more to children’s literature.”

A former journalist who later ventured into theater, Chaudhary is now a teacher. He credited senior children’s writer and editor Ananta Wagle and illustrator Anushree Lama for their significant contributions to making his book exceptional. “Editor Ananta Wagle and illustrator Anushree Lama played a crucial role in refining my book. I sincerely thank them,” he said, also extending gratitude to the award selection committee for recognizing his work.

Alongside Chaudhary, Srijana Rai won the award in the 8+ age category for 2022, while poet Mitralal Pangeni and Hari Khanal received awards for 2021 in the under-8 and 8+ categories, respectively. In the illustration category, Kalagraj B (2021) and Krisha Tamrakar (2022) were honored. Additionally, publishing houses were also recognized during the event.

If we analyze the current curriculum up to the secondary level, we observe a wide range of subjects, including literature, physics, chemistry, biology, social education, moral education, grammar, and health. However, there is a noticeable absence of any focus on the fundamental laws of the country. As a result, students graduating from secondary education often lack fundamental knowledge about legal provisions that directly impact their lives.

This gap becomes particularly evident when individuals enter the workforce. In the context of Nepal, after completing secondary education (+2), many students either enter the workforce or continue their studies while simultaneously working. At this stage, alongside technical knowledge in their chosen field, understanding essential legal provisions becomes vital. Many young individuals, while pursuing further education or engaging in part-time employment, are unaware of crucial legal aspects such as labor laws, taxation, civic code, consumer rights and others. This lack of awareness can make them vulnerable to exploitation.

For instance, knowledge of labor laws is crucial for employees to ensure they are not exploited. Without an understanding of the minimum wage rate, overtime pay, or occupational safety provisions, employees may face underpayment or unsafe working conditions.

Similarly, awareness of basic taxation rules is important. A lack of understanding of taxation, especially provisions like Tax Deducted at Source (TDS), may lead to unjustified deductions from their salaries in the name of tax.

Further, for aspiring entrepreneurs, understanding laws related to business operations is equally important. Basic knowledge about company registration, VAT requirements, applicable tax rates, and available concessions can significantly impact the success of their ventures. Additionally, individuals should be aware of consumer rights and civic responsibilities to ensure that they can effectively exercise their rights and fulfill their duties as responsible citizens.

The question arises: How and when should basic legal education be imparted to the general public? A practical and effective solution would be to modify the existing curriculum to include foundational legal education. Teaching students about fundamental laws, such as labor rights, taxation, consumer protection, and civic duties, at an early stage would equip them with life skills essential for navigating adulthood.

I feel that, the curriculum can be modified as follows, 

Introduction of basic legal studies

Introduce a dedicated subject or module on ‘Civic and Legal Education’ from middle school onwards, covering topics such as fundamental rights and duties, labor laws, taxation, consumer rights, and cyber safety.

Interactive teaching methods

Beyond theoretical knowledge, case studies, role-plays, and real-life scenarios to make legal education engaging and relatable can be incorporated. This could simulate real-world scenarios where students could learn about employment contracts, tax calculations, and workplace rights, providing them with hands-on experience.

Integration with existing subjects and technology driven learning

Embed legal concepts within existing subjects like social studies and economics to ensure a holistic understanding and developing digital platforms or apps to provide accessible and interactive legal education for students and the general public could also aid. 

By implementing these modifications, students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to protect their rights and fulfill their responsibilities as informed citizens.  Law should not be treated solely as a subject for professional legal degrees but as a fundamental area of knowledge for every individual. A basic understanding of the country’s laws can empower citizens, foster responsibility, and create a more informed and participative society. Such an initiative would not only reduce instances of exploitation but also foster a culture of legal awareness, accountability, and social justice, contributing to the nation’s overall progress.

Sudiksha Timalsina

CAP III, The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nepal