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The Kanchenjunga Conservation Area is presently home to an estimated 13 mature snow leopards.

It has been stated in a survey report about the census of snow leopards unveiled today, marking the 11th International Snow Leopard Day today.

The document highlights the presence of 13 mature snow leopards on average in the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area.

The survey, conducted between April 4 and June 2, reported a minimum of nine and a maximum of 24 snow leopards in the area, which spans approximately 2,035 square kilometers in the Taplejung district, recognized as an ideal habitat for this animal.

The program was jointly organized by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation and the Department of Forest and Soil Conservation under the Ministry of Forests and Environment. 

It is said a camera-tapping method for 60 days was applied for the national census of animals. The area spanning around 2, 035 square kilometers in Taplejung district is considered a suitable habitat for snow leopards. 

On the occasion, Minister for Forest and Environment, Ain Bahadur Shahi, underlined the need for collaborative efforts among the government, local communities, and stakeholders concerned with the conservation of snow leopards and to increase their numbers.

He also added that the government is ready to revise and amend laws to combat animal poaching.  "The snow leopard is integral to Nepal's identity and its conservation is the priority of the government," he said.

Forest Secretary Deepak Kumar Kharal commended the cooperation from the local levels, security agencies, and supporting organizations in dealing with challenges in the conservation of snow leopards. 

Prior to this, the census report of this animal in the Dolpa region was unveiled and it puts its number at 90.

The census covered the east (forest area) of the Dolpa National Park.  A photo of a wild yak captured inside the Dolpa National Park was also released on the occasion.

Snow leopards inhabit only 12 countries in the world including Nepal and it is considered the symbol of a clean mountain ecosystem. Besides Nepal, its presence has been recorded in Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, India, Mongolia, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

The Day has been celebrated with the theme of 'Safeguarding Snow Leopard Habitats for Future Generations'.

Nepal has been estimated to have around 300-500 snow leopards while the world is considered to be home for around 4,000 to 6,500.

According to the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, the survey of snow leopards has been already conducted in the Dolpa region (Shey Phoksundo National Park and outside the forest area), forest areas in Humla district, Manaslu Conservation Area, Gauri Shankar Area and it plans to compile the findings to the presence that national census data of the animal.

The leaders of the ruling parties held a meeting today and reviewed the achievements of the current government in its first 100 days and discussed contemporary political issues as well as making a common viewpoint on issues of national interests.

During the meeting held at the Prime Minister's official residence in Baluwatar, it was informed that the government was working firmly in the areas of democratic system, rule of law and public service delivery.

On the occasion, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak said that Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President and former Deputy Prime Minister Rabi Lamichhane was arrested after taking court's consent for the implementation of the report prepared unopposed by the parliamentary probe committee on funds embezzlement of the cooperative organizations. 

Likewise, Home Minister Lekhak said that the ongoing agitations to exert pressure on court and government were not appropriate as investigation progress was taking place under the criminal offense.

He said that the ruling parties have agreed to urge the concerned sides to freely advance the judicial investigations and democratic processes over such issues of criminal offense. 

At the meeting, CPN-UML General Secretary Shanker Pokhrel shared that the next meeting of the ruling parties would be held on Friday to discuss the government's performance and upcoming plans.

Pokhrel said today's meeting has decided to make the ruling parties' common viewpoint public.

On the occasion, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli stressed that the ruling parties should appear united.

The PM said that he was committed to democratic system, norms and values and would not compromise to safeguard national goodwill and national interests.

PM Oli said, "We fought for democracy. We only accept democracy. Anarchy and unruly activities are not acceptable. We have devoted our entire life to make people sovereign. This commitment and determination will not diminish. We are clear on this."

Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, Home Minister Lekhak, UML senior leader Ishwar Pokharel, UML General Secretary Shanker Pokhrel, Co-Chair of Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP) Renu Kumari Yadav, Vice-Chair of Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP) Nepal Raj Kishor Yadav, Chairman of Loktantrik Samajbadi Party (LSP) Mahantha Thakur, Chair of Nagarik Unmukti Party Ranjita Shrestha, Chairman of Janamat Party CK Raut and other leaders of the ruling parties were present at the meeting.

Likewise, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is scheduled to address the nation from Singhadurbar at 3 pm today to share the achievements of the government on completion of 100 days of the Oli-led government.

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) plunged by 20. 41 points to close at 2,645.39 points on Wednesday.

Similarly, the sensitive index dropped by 3. 45 points to close at 477. 26 points.

A total of 15,742,514-unit shares of 324 companies were traded for Rs 6. 27 billion.

Meanwhile, ICFC Finance Limited (ICFC) was the top gainer today with its price surging by 10. 00 percent.

Likewise, Mahuli Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (MSLB) was the top loser with its price dropped by 4. 28 percent.

At the end of the day, the total market capitalization stood at Rs 4. 20 trillion.

The price of gold has increased by Rs 800 per tola in the domestic market on Wednesday to set a new record.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers' Association, the gold is being traded at Rs 166,700 per tola (11.66 grams) against Rs 165,900 on Tuesday.

Similarly, the price of silver has increased by Rs 35 and is being traded at Rs 2, 135 per tola.

Tea cultivation has been initiated in the tourism area of Aamchok Rural Municipality to boost local income and promote tourism in Bhojpur. The project involves greening 14 plantations with significant tourism potential, contributing to the rural municipality's overall economic growth. The initiative, started in 2017/18, aims to utilize vacant land to expand tea cultivation and attract tourism. 

According to Ashok Rai, Chairperson of the rural municipality, “The municipality has invested Rs 45m so far.” Tea farming has been expanded in Wards No. 1, 2, 3, and 6, where the climate is suitable for cultivation. Rai emphasized the long-term plan to develop tea plantations, utilizing vacant land with strong tourism potential. 

“The municipality has systematically expanded tea cultivation over the past six years,” said Rai. “We aim to boost income and tourism by making good use of the vacant land. So far, about 1,400 ropani have been cultivated.” He believes the higher areas of the municipality have great potential due to favorable climate and geography. Programs are being conducted to encourage locals to plant tea on their private land.

Rajinkumar Rai, a local farmer from Balankha, noted that the higher areas are ideal for tea cultivation. “The municipality has encouraged us to expand tea farming, both for income and tourism.” The Aamchok Tea and Coffee Cooperative has been formed to manage the project systematically, with shares distributed to local residents, especially those with weak financial means. Of 10,000 shares, 9,000 were distributed by the village council, and 1,000 were allocated to poor and underprivileged families in the ‘D’ category.

According to municipal data, shares have been distributed to 1,163 extremely poor families in the affected areas. The rural municipality plans to establish a tea development organization once the necessary laws are in place.

Chief Administrative Officer Dhankumar Rai stated that a tea factory is being established in Ward No 2 to process the tea. The factory, funded by Rs 4.5m from the municipality and Rs 10m from the Koshi state government, is nearing completion.

“The work of expanding tea cultivation is ongoing, and the tea processing factory is in its final stages,” Officer Rai said. The municipality is also developing its own tea nursery, producing around 500,000 plants for the upcoming season. Along with tea, efforts are being made to expand coffee cultivation, with a coffee nursery also under development.

The 11th International Snow Leopard Day is being observed today to increase public awareness for safeguarding snow leopards.

The snow leopard which is only found in 12 countries of the globe is considered an indicator of fair mountainous ecology.

The theme of the day for the year 2024 is 'Safeguarding Snow Leopard Habitats for Future Generations'. This theme emphasizes the critical importance of protecting the natural habitats of snow leopards to ensure their survival and the health of mountain ecosystems.

The Ministry of Forest and Environment is marking the day by organizing several programs today. The Ministry's Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation is releasing the snow leopard survey results of Kanchenjunga Conservation areas.

Director General of the Department, Ram Chandra Kandel informed that the snow leopard study report of Dolpa National Park will be made public and the photo frame of the wild yak taken inside Dolpa National Park will be unveiled.

He said climate change has affected the high mountainous regions more and its impact has reduced the habitat of snow leopards. He further said the habitat loss has led to a decrease in its food species.

"Nearly 60 percent of the snow leopard habitat is outside the park and such habitats are being fragmented", he shared, adding, "Additionally, there are other challenges such as entrapping snow leopard, adding poison to the diet, geographical difficulties, lack of proper technology, human resource and budget crunch for effective monitoring".

Pointing out the need for cooperation and coordination among the three levels of government for the conservation of snow leopard, DG Kandel said that the Department has been conducting surveys to spread awareness among the local community, monitor it and know about its condition, challenges and solutions.

"As a result, there has been a slight decrease in smuggling," he said. The Department has been helping to build a safe shed to protect the sheep, goats and sparrows of the locals from snow leopards.

Snow leopards are usually found at an altitude of 540 to 5,000 meters above sea level. Snow leopards have been listed by the IUCN as a global risk on the Red List.

Snow leopards are estimated to be between 300 and 500 snow leopards, an important part of the health ecosystem in the high mountainous region.

It is estimated that there are about 300 to 500 snow leopards in Nepal and about 4,000 to 6,500 in the world.

An amount nearly Rs 1.82 billion has been deposited to the Prime Minister Natural Disaster Relief Fund.

According to the details made public by the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, the amount was deposited to the fund for disaster survivors as of October 20. The fund has received contributions from different individuals, institutions, companies and agencies.

The government has been spending this amount for the relief and rehabilitation of the people affected by the floods and landslides following the incessant rains on September 27-28.

It may be noted that the government has also declared the most affected and affected areas to categorically provide relief to the disaster-affected people in a smooth manner.

Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav has been admitted to the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH).

He was admitted to the government hospital on Tuesday evening for hernia surgery.

According to Vice President's personal physician Dr Shivaji Bikram Silwal, he will undergo surgery today.

Vice President Yadav has been suffering from hernia related complications for a long time.

Professor Dr Ramesh Singh Bhandari and Associate Professor Dr Sumita Pradhan will perform the surgery.