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The wet season, like the winter, comes with very many challenges and dengue is one of them.

Caused by the dengue mosquito (Aedes aegypti), this vectorborne disease has emerged as a major seasonal public health threat, especially in urban areas of Nepal.

A number of factors like rising temperatures resulting from climate change, the lack of proper drainage systems, rapid urbanization, potholes resulting from shoddy road construction works, lack of public awareness about the disease and inefficiency on the part of ‘responsible’ government authorities are behind this scourge.

Some reports point out that while the first case of dengue was reported in Nepal as a travel case in 2004, indigenous cases of the disease have become quite common since then.

Province-wise, as of 10 Sept 2022, the Bagmati had the highest number of dengue cases (6205), followed by Lumbini province (1284), Koshi province (282), Sudurpaschim (206), Gandaki (150), Madhes (144) and Karnali (56).

In 2022 and 2023, dengue emerged as a major threat, with 54,784 and 51,243 cases reported.

Are these data not enough to indicate to our responsible authorities that dengue is a clear and present danger?

If they are, what are these authorities doing to bring down dengue cases this time around?

Have they begun de-watering the pits and puddles, and started patching the holes that have become integral parts of our roads? Will they even bother to make sure that stagnated pools of water do not become breeding grounds for these mosquitoes?

While all three tiers of the government have a vital role to play in dengue control and management, blaming the government will not make us safe and secure. The onus is also on us to make sure that our homesteads and localities do not become breeding grounds for the dreaded vector like the mosquito, posing a threat to our health and well-being.

Interestingly, according to a study, mosquitos account for 725,000 deaths every year, followed by people (4.75 lakh), snakes (50,000), dogs (25,000), freshwater snails (10,000), hippos (500), elephants (100) and sharks (10).

According to the World Health Organization, the highest number of dengue cases was recorded in 2023, affecting over 80 countries in all regions of WHO. Since the beginning of 2023 ongoing transmission, combined with an unexpected spike in dengue cases, resulted in a historic high of over 6.5m cases and more than 7300 dengue-related deaths reported.

Water holding containers such as bird baths, pet water dishes, plant saucers, children's pools, boats and junks such as old tires, and discarded appliances are ideal breeding spots for this vector. As the vector lays eggs on water, getting rid of stagnated water is a wise step along with the use of mosquito nets and repellents.

As prevention is better than cure, let’s channelize our energies on keeping this dreaded vector away. Together, we can—and we should. 

Israel has launched a second wave of airstrikes on Iran as part of Operation Rising Lion, targeting key nuclear and military sites. Iranian state media reported a new explosion at the Natanz uranium enrichment facility in Isfahan province, with black smoke seen rising from the area, according to Reuters.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the operation intends to dismantle Iran's nuclear infrastructure, missile production sites, and military capabilities, calling it essential for Israel’s survival.

The United States has distanced itself from the strikes. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that Israel acted independently and reiterated that the US is not involved, with its main priority being the safety of American forces in the region, Reuters reported.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nations' nuclear watchdog, has formally declared Iran in breach of its nuclear non-proliferation guidelines for the first time in 20 years.

In a resolution supported by 19 of the IAEA's 35 board members, including the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Germany, the agency criticized Iran's refusal to explain undeclared nuclear material and its stockpile of uranium enriched near weapons-grade levels, UN News reported.

Iran rejected the resolution as politically driven, announcing plans to construct a new enrichment facility. It argues that its nuclear program is harmless.

The move follows a 2018 decision by US President Donald Trump to withdraw from the 2015 nuclear deal, after which Iran began scaling back its compliance, according to UN News.

India has initiated an official investigation into the crash of Air India Flight AI171 in Ahmedabad, which claimed 241 lives. The UK-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday, striking a building before catching fire. One person survived.

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu confirmed that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) will lead the probe, adhering to international protocols set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Firstpost reported.

Additionally, the government has formed a high-level committee of experts to assess the incident and recommend measures to enhance aviation safety.

The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution demanding an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, along with full, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access. The resolution passed with 149 votes in favor, 12 against, and 19 abstentions.

It condemns the use of starvation as a weapon of war and the denial of aid, stressing Israel’s legal obligation as the occupying power to ensure relief reaches all civilians. It demands Israel end the blockade, open all crossings, and cease settlement activity, land confiscation, and forced displacement in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, according to UN News.

The resolution reaffirms commitment to a two-state solution, rejects any demographic or territorial changes, and calls for for the Palestinian Authority to integrate Gaza and the West Bank. The resolution asks all parties to uphold international law and protect humanitarian and UN personnel.

The session was called after the United States vetoed a Security Council resolution requesting a cease-fire. Along with Israel and the United States, ten other countries voted against the resolution, including Argentina, Hungary, and Fiji, UN News reported.

Israel has launched a wave of airstrikes targeting Iranian military and nuclear facilities, marking a major escalation in regional tensions. Isareli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the operation would continue “as long as necessary”, according to Al Jazeera.

Iranian authorities have suspended all flights at Tehran's international airport, citing reports of damage to residential areas in the capital.

The US Secretary of State reaffirmed that the US was not involved in the strikes and cautioned Iran not to retaliate by targeting American bases. The incident occurred shortly after US President Donald Trump reaffirmed Washington's commitment to diplomacy with Iran, Al Jazeera reported.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced Thursday that a team has been sent to India following the crash of Air India flight AI171. In a statement on social media, he described the incident as “absolutely devastating” and confirmed that Foreign Secretary David Lammy is leading the UK’s response.

Starmer stated that the UK is working closely with Indian authorities to investigate the cause and would provide timely updates. He is scheduled to chair a COBR emergency meeting later in the day, which is held by the Cabinet Office to coordinate government response during major crises, according to Xinhua.

Only one out of the 242 individuals on board survived.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday communicated profound distress over the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, depicting it as “one of the most noticeably awful in flying history.” He offered condolences to the casualties and their families, calling the occurrence a awful misfortune.

Trump guaranteed that the Joined together States is prepared to help India in any way conceivable. “We’ll be over there quickly on the off chance that needed,” he said, emphasizing America’s readiness to back alleviation and recuperation endeavors, according to Firstpost.

Commenting on the scale of the catastrophe, Trump stated, “It looks like most are gone.” In spite of the gravity of the circumstance, he communicated certainty in India’s capacity to handle the emergency, alluding to it as a “strong country.”