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The sixth BIMSTEC summit held in Bangkok on April 4 has issued a declaration titled Prosperous, Resilient and Open BIMSTEC. The summit has expressed satisfaction on the coming into force of the BIMSTEC Charter on 20 May 2024. The summit has adopted the BIMSTEC Bangkok Vision 2030 for common aspiration toward a forward-looking BIMSTEC region that is prosperous, resilient and open to tackle challenges and seize opportunities for the coming decade. It has agreed to take appropriate measures on priority basis in the areas of mutual benefit to build a robust BIMSTEC to address the contemporary global challenges, expressed in the BIMSTEC Bangkok Vision 2030 (included as Annexure) as part of this declaration.

It has also adopted the rules of procedures for BIMSTEC Mechanism as recommended by the ministerial meeting and reiterated the commitment to timely holdings of the summit and meetings of all BIMSTEC mechanisms. The summit commended the Eminent Persons’ Group on the future direction of BIMSTEC for their report and recommendations, and emphasised on the early implementation of recommendation. The secretary-general has been mandated to monitor and report the progress of implementation of EPG’s recommendations to the summit.

The summit reiterated commitment to swiftly conclude the BIMSTEC Free Trade Area Agreement (FTA) and direct the Trade Negotiating Committee and its working groups to finalize the constituent agreement to BIMSTEC FTA without any further delay.

Acknowledging that several BIMSTEC member-states are poised to graduate from the LDC status, face structural constraints and challenges that hinder their competitiveness in external trade due to the, among others, high trade and transit cost and commit to extend necessary support to the graduating and land-locked member-states in their development efforts, with a view to ensuring equitable benefits during the implementation of BIMSTEC FTA, the declaration says.

The summit urged the member-states to explore the possibility of establishing BIMSTEC mutual recognition arrangements of standards to reap the benefits of trade facilitation measures within the region. It further urged the member-states to finalize the agreement on trade facilitation and agreement on cooperation and mutual assistance in customs matters on a priority basis.  The declaration also called for encouraging relevant officials of member-states to explore the possibility of establishing digital cross-border payment systems and trade settlements in local currencies, noting that some member-states have already adopted the Unified Payments Interface (UPI).

The price of gold has dropped by Rs 700 per tola in the domestic market on Monday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the yellow metal is being traded at Rs 173, 800 per tola today. It was traded at Rs 174, 500 per tola on Sunday.

The price of silver, however, has increased by Rs 30 and is being traded at Rs 1,830 per tola today.

Acne is a skin condition that most of us face in our lifetime. Acne can be caused due to various internal or external causes like hormonal changes, excess oil production in the skin, bacterial growth or infection, dietary factors (oily, spicy, high protein diet, excessive dairy consumption, etc), genetics, environmental factors (humidity, pollution, hygiene and sanitation), stress, comedogenic skin care products or due to certain medications.

 Some people claim that acne comes and goes on its own at a particular age. But does it really go away on its own? Well, in my case, I would say “no.” After hearing a lot of suggestions and comments—from well-known skin specialists to lesser-known practitioners to beauty influencers—I finally decided to go to a dermatologist.  My dermatologist recommended that I take “Isotretinoin,” the so-called ultimate acne healer.

Isotretinoin is also known as Accutane—classified as a retinoid, a derivative of vitamin A—that can only be prescribed by a doctor. It is an effective medication for many acne patients. When the acne doesn't go away on its own or doesn't respond to any medications or treatments, Isotretinoin is the medication that is introduced to patients. It cannot be taken by patients without a clinical prescription.

As everything has its good and bad sides, Isotretinoin has benefits and side effects too. It works by significantly reducing oil production in the skin and addressing multiple factors that contribute to acne. Isotretinoin makes the oil glands present in the skin smaller, reduces oil production, and stops pores from getting clogged. It changes how the skin cells grow in hair follicles and reduces swelling, which helps to minimize pimples and small bumps.

According to multiple studies, Isotretinoin can reduce acne in 80-90 percent of people. The treatment usually lasts five to eight months but may last longer for some patients, depending on the severity of acne, and the doses vary from patient to patient. Patients with mild to moderate acne are usually given lower doses and for patients with severe acne higher doses may be prescribed. The acne might get worse when starting the medication but improves with time. 

I was prescribed 20 mg of Isotretinoin for seven months by my dermatologist. It reduced my acne over time but also triggered multiple side effects on my body. I had dry lips and skin, so the skin would peel due to dryness. I had dry eyes, which were reduced with the use of eye drops, and then there were occasional nosebleeds, joint and muscle pain, hair fall, headaches, menstrual irregularities, gastrointestinal issues, and mood swings. 

Pregnant women are strictly prohibited from taking Isotretinoin, as it can cause birth defects in a child. The severe side effects include severe depression, increased suicidal thoughts, triggered anxiety, and mood swings in patients. It can also cause liver damage or abnormalities, darker urine, and excessive abdominal pain. There is a risk of permanent vision loss, too. Some even experience skin blisters and infections. Some people also experience joint pain, bone problems, and fractures. Some report severe cases that include swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and throat. It may also cause difficulty in breathing and severe gastrointestinal issues.

In our society, there are specific beauty standards set for girls, and we often feel pressured to meet them, sometimes even at the cost of our well-being. People with acne face constant remarks about their appearance and are bombarded with various skin advice. Living with acne is a difficult experience. While makeup can temporarily conceal acne scars, it’s not a long-term solution, as it isn’t something we can rely on forever. 

Isotretinoin should not be taken without a doctor’s prescription or under medical supervision.  As a patient myself, I accepted all the side effects of healing my acne and getting better skin. Isotretinoin may be known as an “acne healer,” but it also carries the label of a “body killer,” as we can’t unsee its results and side effects. 

Anushma Dhungel 

St Xavier’s College, Maitighar

Heavy rains have lashed parts of earthquake-hit Myanmar, complicating relief efforts and raising the risk of disease as the death toll from the powerful quakes that struck the country on March 28 rose to at least 3,471, Al Jazeera reported.

Rains and winds soaked survivors and their belongings in tent camps in Mandalay, near the epicentre of the earthquake, according to aid workers. More rain was expected later in the day, as temperatures rose to 37 degrees Celsius (98 degrees Fahrenheit).

Aid groups have warned that the combination of unseasonably heavy rainfall and high heat could lead to disease epidemics, including cholera, among earthquake survivors who are camping out in the open.

The magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck a large portion of Myanmar, home to 50 million people, causing considerable damage in six provinces and states, including the capital, Naypyidaw, according to Al Jazeera.

State media in the military-led country now say the earthquake has caused 3,471 deaths and injured 4,671 people, while 214 remain missing.

Iran has rejected the prospect of direct negotiations with the United States, calling the notion “meaningless” in light of persistent military threats and mixed signals from Washington.

Abbas Araghchi, the Iranian foreign minister, stated on Sunday, April 6, that Tehran was still open to diplomacy but would only entertain indirect discussions. He made these comments after US President Donald Trump reiterated his demand for in-person talks on Iran's nuclear program, threatening to strike Iran if the talks fall through, Firstpost reported.

Araghchi stated in a statement released by Iran's foreign ministry that "direct negotiations would be meaningless with a party that persistently threatens to resort to force in violation of the UN Charter and that expresses contradictory positions from its various officials."

Nepal Forum of Environmental Journalists is organizing a ‘Hakakahi Bahas’ at Bhanimandal in Chakrapath, Lalitpur on Monday to implement immediate measures to improve air quality in both the short and long term, highlighting the deteriorating air quality in Kathmandu.

Issuing a statement on Sunday, Acting General Secretary of NEFEJ Shristi Kafle said that the worsening air quality has been seriously affecting the health of millions of Nepalis, stressing on the need to discuss the issue.

There is a growing fear of the spread of viral influenza, pneumonia, cough, viral fever and other diseases.

According to the Air Quality Index (IQAir), Kathmandu recorded the worst air quality in the world on Tuesday.

Dr Prakash Budhathoki, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Health and Population, Bhupendra Das, Environmental Specialist, Bibhuti Pokharel, Spokesperson of the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology and Khushboo Sharma, Air Pollution Analyst, ICIMOD will be the speakers of the program.

Teachers took out a 'whistle rally' along the Babarmahal-Baneshwor area, Kathmandu on Sunday, demanding students and teachers-friendly School Education Act.

It has been the fifth day that the teachers, who have arrived here from different parts of the country, gathered along the Babarmahal-Baneshwor area for the demonstration.

The Confederation of Nepal Teachers (CNT) Chair Laxmi Kishore Subedi said the agitation will continue until their voices are heard.

Issuing a statement today, the Confederation has urged teachers not to engage in copy-checking, results publishing, in any educational tours, training or seminar during the period of protest. 

It may be noted that Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Saturday upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) from an official visit to Thailand said that the teachers' peaceful protest showed their 'trust' in the government.

Talking to the media at the TIA VVIP lounge, the Prime Minister said, "The teachers' demands will be addressed. We will sit for talks with them. They are neither the protesters of the government nor we are their opposition," he said, referring to the agitating protesters.

He was of the view of addressing the issues through dialogue.

The government has started issuing mountaineering permits to expeditions to climb Mt Everest, the world's highest peak, in the spring season this year. According to the Department of Tourism, so far 17 women and 60 men from seven groups of climbers have taken permission to climb Mt Everest (Sagarmatha).

Department's Director Liladhar Awasthi said permission has been granted to the mountaineering teams to climb Mt Everest and 29 other smaller mountains till date.

He said that the climbers who have got permission are heading towards the destination. A total of 198 climbers from different countries, including Nepal, have so far obtained permission to climb Mt Everest, according to the department's data.

A total of 66 climbers from six groups have taken permission for Annapurna-1 and eight from one mountaineering group for Annapurna-5.

A total of 15 climbers from one mountaineering group and 15 from one mountaineering group in Lhotse have got permission to climb Makalu.

The route to the second camp of Mt Everest is currently being opened and fixed. It has been difficult to prepare the route due to strong winds in the Sagarmatha region for the past two days.

According to the Department, the icefall doctors are waiting for favorable weather as the wind is blowing at a speed of 35 kilometers per hour till last evening and pieces of ice continue to fall.

Likewise, work is currently underway to fix a ladder in the Khumbu Icefall area and hooks in Hanging Air. "Four ladders and 12 hooks and nails have already been fixed in the icefall area," said Director Awasthi. So far, 1,100 meters of route has been constructed. The Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC) has deputed an icefall doctor to open the mountaineering route from the Base Camp to the second camp of Mt Everest.

A 10-member team has been deployed for this season, the SPCC said. Both teams will make a safe passage for Everest climbers. The climbers who open the route to Khumbu icefall are called the 'icefall doctors'. The Mountaineering Expeditions Operators' Association will carry out rope-fixing work from the second camp to the summit only after the route to the second camp of Mt. Everest is ready. An eight-member team led by Ashok Lama has already been deputed for the purpose.

The association has given the management responsibility of fixing ropes and making way for climbing Mt Everest this season to 8K Expedition Company. Spring season is considered to be the best season for climbing mountains including Mt Everest. A significant number of foreigners come to climb Mt Everest this season.