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A Nepali succumbed to altitude sickness at Ngisyang Rural Municipality-9 in Manang on Wednesday.

The deceased has been identified as Hari Adhikari from Phulkharka of Ganga Jamuna Rural Municipality-5 in Dhading.

He suffered altitude sickness at an altitude of 5,416 meters on Thoranga Pass trekking route at Ngisyang.

Adhikari died on the spot, according to Manang's Chief District Officer, Subas Kumar Lamichhane. 

The body has been transported to Kathmandu via a helicopter.

A code of conduct has been signed between the Advertising Association of Nepal (AAN), National Advertising Association of Nepal (NAN), Nepal Media Society, and the Media Alliance Nepal. On Wednesday, Sudip Thapa, President of AAN, Dharmendra Kaji Shrestha of NAN, Subha Shankar Kandel, Chair of Nepal Media Society, and Bhaskar Raj Rajkarnikar, Chair of Media Alliance Nepal, signed the agreement.

This agreement aims to implement a code of conduct between umbrella organizations of advertising agencies and mainstream media organizations. It is intended to improve advertising business management and monitoring procedures. Currently, a significant portion of government funds allocated for advertising is lost due to improper practices, resulting in the media receiving only a small share of these funds.

Government policies that limit advertising expenditures in sectors such as health, education, and insurance, and ban advertising in certain areas like alcohol, have financially harmed media companies that were established with substantial investments and provide numerous jobs. Creating a supportive environment for media operations is considered a shared responsibility, and there is a growing concern that failure to regulate the advertising business and media may lead to serious issues in the future.

One key objective of this commercial partnership agreement is to ensure that advertising in mainstream media is conducted exclusively through affiliated advertising business organizations (agencies). This measure aims to standardize advertising rates and promote healthy competition, thereby benefiting both advertising businesses and media organizations.

Key points 

• Agencies must be registered and regularly renewed with relevant Nepal Government agencies and the advertisement board, and be members of AAN or NAN.
• Agencies must employ at least five staff and have the necessary physical infrastructure as specified by the AAN or NAN
• Agencies must obtain a ‘No Objection Letter’ annually from the media or related organizations to conduct business with the media
• Mainstream media and media businesses that earn income from advertising must publish and disseminate lists of agencies registered with the advertising board and keep this information on their websites
• Affiliated advertising agencies are required to maintain a bank guarantee or cash bond as per the media’s policy for advertising-related business
• Mainstream media should only conduct business with AAN or NAN-affiliated agencies registered with the Advertising Board. Agencies must similarly work only with media affiliated with the Nepal Media Society and Media Alliance Nepal
• Minimum advertising rates are set at Rs 500 per column per cm in print media and Rs 1,000 per minute on television. Media cannot offer rates below these minimums, and violation will result in a three-month suspension from advertising business
• Agencies must charge at least Rs 600,000 per year for creative concept design and Rs 5,000 for each creative concept
• Advertisers must adhere to a 15 percent commission for agencies and an additional maximum seven percent fee for media marketing agencies. This fee supports agency operations infrastructure, technology, human resources, business development, and returns. Media marketing agencies must operate at the set media rates
• Media affiliated with this agreement must publish and broadcast their advertising rates and maintain transparency on their websites and with the Advertising Board
• Advertisers must pay agencies within 30 days of receiving a bill, and agencies must pay the media within 60 days. Delays will incur a 15 percent annual interest rate from the date of the advertisement publication
• Advertisers leaving an agency must clear all outstanding dues within 30 days. Failure to pay will result in a business ban issued by AAN and NAN, enforceable by all agencies and media.
• To ensure market transparency, advertising rates should be based on the media content’s popularity and quality
• Mainstream media should not engage directly with advertisers, except for event-related dealings

The Birgunj Metropolitan City has decided to close schools for three days, as the excessive heat continues to affect life in the Tarai. The metropolis has made a decision to give summer holiday from today till June 16 to the community and institutional schools within its jurisdiction.

Chief Administrative Officer of Birgunj Metropolitan City, Matrika Bhattarai, said the summer holiday has been extended by three days, keeping in mind the children's health since the heat is increasing in the Tarai region and the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has forecast this trend could increase even for some more days.

Before this, the metropolis had directed the schools to finish classes by 10.30 am. But it had to give summer holiday after the students started falling unconscious even when classes were run in the morning, hence the extension of the summer holiday by three days.

A meeting of the Metropolitan City's Education Committee on May 27 had given the summer holiday from May 29 to 31.

There are 92 communities and 138 private schools within Birgunj metropolis. Among the 92 community schools, 21 are secondary, 15 basic, 55 primary and one pre-primary school.

The maximum temperature in Birgunj on Wednesday was 38.7 degrees Celsius. The Department of Meteorology has urged for precaution, as there is the possibility of excessive heat in the central and western Tarai region.

The gold is being traded at Rs 146, 000 per tola in the domestic market on Thursday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, tejabi gold is being traded at Rs 140, 900 per tola.

Similarly, the silver is being traded at Rs 1,810 per tola today.    

Lawmakers from the main opposition Nepali Congress (NC), and Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) registered a resolution motion in the Parliament demanding early construction of Kalanki-Chabahil road.

NC lawmakers, including Pradeep Poudel (proposer), Gagan Kumar Thapa, Pratima Gautam, Santosh Chalise, Rajendra Kumar KC, Sapana Rajbhandari and Ambika Basnet and RSP lawmakers, Shishir Khanal, Ganesh Parajuli and Sobita Gautam registered the resolution motion of public importance at the Parliament on Wednesday.

The House of Representatives (HoR) members of NC and RSP who represent the people from Kathmandu submitted the resolution motion of public importance to the federal Parliament's General Secretary Padma Prasad Pandey.

It may be noted that an agreement was reached between the Nepal and China governments to construct the Kalanki-Chabahil road section along the Ring Road (Chakrapath).

NC lawmaker Poudel said through the resolution motion they have demanded assurance of ring road widening works, management of wretched road condition, mitigation of environment pollution in and around the road and arrangement of smooth traffic operation along the road section.

The lawmakers called for guaranteeing the people's right to live in a pollution-free, clean environment and address the need of early execution of Chakrapath Kalanki widening drive.

Presently there is an influence of the monsoon system in the eastern part of the country. In the rest of the country, there is a partial influence of local and westerly winds.

The weather will be partly to generally cloudy in the hilly regions, including Koshi, Madhes and Bagmati Provinces while it will remain clear in the rest of the part.

According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, light rain with thunder and lightning is taking place at some places of Koshi Province. Meteorologist at the Department, Govinda Jha said scattered rainfall is likely to occur at some places in the Kathmandu Valley this afternoon due to the influence of the local wind.

However, the temperature will remain high. It will take a few more days for the monsoon to arrive. The maximum temperature is likely to stand between 31 and 33 degrees Celsius.

The weather will be partly to generally cloudy in the hilly regions of Bagmati and Gandaki Provinces and fair in the rest of the country this afternoon. Light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning is likely to occur at some places of the hilly regions of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces.

According to the Meteorological Forecasting Division, the weather will be partly to generally cloudy in the hilly regions of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki Provinces tonight.

Light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning is likely to occur at a few places of the hilly regions of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki Provinces and at one or two places of the rest of the country.

Similarly, there is a possibility of wind storm in some places of Koshi and Madhes Provinces.

In the next 24 hours, light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning is likely to occur at a few places of the hilly regions of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki Provinces and at one or two places of the rest of the country.

The Department has urged the people to remain alert as there is a possibility of storm in some places of the Tarai of Koshi Province and Madhes Province.

Dr Kuldeep Singh is a distinguished plastic surgeon and senior consultant at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital in New Delhi, specializing in aesthetic plastic and reconstructive surgery. With over 25 years of experience, Dr Singh has developed exceptional skills and expertise in the field, establishing a reputation for excellence and professionalism in cosmetic and aesthetic surgical procedures throughout his nearly three-decade-long career.

Can you tell us about your journey into the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery?

I embarked on my medical career after earning my MBBS in 1982, followed by a master’s degree in surgery in 1986. I completed my plastic surgery training at PGI Chandigarh in December 1989. In January 1990, I began working as an Assistant Professor in Plastic Surgery at KMC Manipal, a position I held until November 1995. Subsequently, I relocated to Delhi and joined Apollo Hospital as a resident consultant. I have since been a full-time consultant at Apollo Hospital, where I continue to practice today.

What inspired you to specialize in this area of medicine?

After completing my master’s in surgery, I hadn't initially considered a career in plastic surgery until my move to Delhi. Upon arriving in Delhi, I secured a position as a registrar at Saptajain Hospital, specifically in the plastic surgery department. The department was exceptionally well-run and efficient, which piqued my interest in the field of plastic surgery. Although I joined as a resident, I soon realized that many people there were preparing for entrance exams for the super specialty course in plastic surgery. Motivated by this environment, I decided to apply for the course as well. This decision led to my admission to PGI Chandigarh, where I completed my advanced training in plastic surgery. Following my time at PGI, I landed my first professional role in Manipal, which marked the beginning of my dedicated career in plastic surgery.

What are some of the latest trends and advancements in cosmetic surgery that you find particularly interesting?

Plastic surgery encompasses two main branches: reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. Reconstructive surgery corrects defects, deformities, and injuries to restore normal function and appearance, while cosmetic surgery focuses on enhancing the features of those who are already normal. In our practice, 30 to 40 percent involves cosmetic procedures, with the rest being reconstructive. Cosmetic surgery primarily deals with rejuvenation or restoration, addressing age-related changes such as skin pigmentation, texture, and sagging. Previously, surgical options were mainly available for those over 50, but now non-surgical methods like Botox, fillers, and lasers are accessible for younger patients, helping to minimize aging changes early on. By intervening early, we can prevent more severe issues later in life. The best cosmetic treatments are subtle, aiming to make you look like a healthier, fresher version of yourself without obvious signs of intervention, maintaining a natural and unique appearance.

How do cultural perceptions and societal attitudes toward cosmetic surgery differ between countries, such as India and Nepal ?

Traditionally, in India and Nepal, people lived in joint families and typically began earning in their late twenties or early thirties, often continuing to reside in the family home. Cosmetic surgery was generally frowned upon, seen as vain, and reserved for life-saving situations. This perspective is now evolving as young people gain professional and financial independence earlier, choosing to live separately and make personal decisions, including opting for cosmetic procedures without seeking family permission. Increased purchasing power and cultural shifts towards personal autonomy have led to more young people spending on travel, health, exercise, and cosmetic procedures. This trend mirrors practices in the West, where children often leave home at 16, becoming financially independent and personally funding their education and surgeries. Consequently, cosmetic procedures became more common there sooner. Over the past five to ten years, similar trends have emerged in India and Nepal, with more young people embracing independence, reflecting a broader cultural shift towards self-sufficiency and personal well-being.

How do technological innovations such as 3D printing and robotics play a role in modern plastic and reconstructive surgery?

Technological advancements have significantly impacted both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. In cosmetic work, three primary types of energy, including radio frequency, are now delivered through advanced systems that enable precise and safe treatments for skin tightening, fat reduction, and texture improvement. These systems have evolved to offer highly selective treatment options, with modern machines incorporating sophisticated software that includes preset settings tailored to specific skin types and issues, making non-surgical procedures more effective and safer. In reconstructive surgery, significant progress includes the development of microsurgery, which allows surgeons to join arteries and veins less than one millimeter in size under a microscope, restoring blood flow to amputated limbs and tissues used in cancer reconstruction. Additionally, super microsurgery has emerged as a groundbreaking technique for repairing lymphatic vessels, which are less than 0.5 millimeters in diameter. This is particularly beneficial for conditions like post-breast cancer treatment, where tissue removal can cause swelling due to blocked lymphatic channels. By repairing these channels, the fluid flow is restored, preventing limb swelling. While robotics has not yet significantly influenced plastic surgery, 3D printing is proving to be highly beneficial, allowing for the creation of customized bone and dental implants, especially useful after injuries or cancer surgeries. These advancements collectively enhance the precision, safety, and outcomes of both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures.

What advice would you give to young medical professionals who are considering a career in plastic surgery?

For young medical professionals contemplating a career in plastic surgery, my advice would be to embrace the captivating nature of our specialty. Unlike other fields, plastic surgery knows no geographical bounds, encompassing the entire human body. It offers a constant source of stimulation and creativity, demanding innovative thinking and adaptability on a daily basis. Those with an artistic inclination will find plastic surgery particularly rewarding. Before each procedure, envisioning the desired outcome and working towards it requires a blend of surgical skill and creative vision. If you’re drawn to the artistic side of medicine, plastic surgery is a field worth exploring and committing to.

There are 56 airports in the country. Of these, three are international, 10 are regional, and 43 are in the hilly districts. Likewise, Nijgadh International Airport in Bara, and the airports in Arghakhanchi, Achham and Kalikot, are at different stages of construction.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), air service has reached 46 out of 77 districts in the country so far. This data shows that the government is actively engaged in constructing airports. However, the state-owned aviation regulator and airport operator seems indifferent towards operating the constructed airports. Airfields in 12 districts have turned into grazing grounds due to a lack of flights. Small aircraft operate flights to some remote STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) airfields in the country. However, even this service is not reliable at present.

Nepal Airlines is providing services to some remote hilly districts. However, the state-owned carrier has only two Twin Otter aircraft for domestic flights. Currently, both planes are grounded due to technical issues.

Hansa Raj Pandey, the spokesperson and deputy director general of CAAN, said that air service was not being effective due to the lack of an integrated transport policy. “Air service falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation. It should now be linked with transportation because foreign tourists are not the only ones who travel by air,” he added.

No flights after 14 years of operation

NAC operated flights to an airfield in Badachaur of Lungri-5, Rolpa regularly for 14 years. However,it stopped flights to the remote airfield in the 1990s. The Badachaur airfield has not seen any flight since that time. Despite this, the political leadership has shown little interest in resuming flights to the airfield.

“We have requested the federal government to resume flights to the airfield. They have been paying lip service only,” Bharat Kumar Thapa, chairperson of Lungri Rural Municipality, said. “We learned from the budget for the fiscal year 2024/25 that the Badachaur airfield will be upgraded. We are yet to receive further details.”

Thapa said that the number of tourists to Swargadwari in Pyuthan, Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve in Baglung, and the Jaljala region of Rolpa could increase once flights to Badachaur become regular.

Irregular flights

Sher Bahadur Thapa from Tamghas, Gulmi, booked a flight to Resunga airfield from Kathmandu earlier this week. He was excited as the air service reduces travel time from an entire day to just 40 minutes. However, Thapa could not fly. Although the Twin Otter aircraft of Nepal Airlines took off from Kathmandu airport, it returned after 15 minutes citing a technical problem.

“We were told by the pilot that the flight was being turned back due to low visibility. Only after landing were we told that there was a technical problem,” Thapa said.

NAC has been operating scheduled flights to Resunga airfield since April last year. The airline initially operated two flights a week but soon increased the frequency to four flights a week.

However, the flight has now become uncertain as both Twin Otter aircraft of NAC remain grounded.

NAC Spokesperson Ramesh Poudel said both aircraft are likely to be airborne after repairs this week. “We lose Rs 600,000 per day if these aircraft serving 20 remote airfields are grounded,” Poudel added.

Private airlines also interested

Former Spokesperson of the Airline Operators Association of Nepal (AOAN), Yograj Kandel, said private carriers have also been requesting the government to operate flights to remote airfields. “Tara Air is interested in operating flights to Resunga airfield in Gulmi. The airfare could be about Rs 300 higher compared to NAC,” he said. “Tara Air is positive about operating daily flights.”

NAC currently charges Rs 7,500 for Resunga flights.

Former Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Sudan Kirati said many airfields are turning into grazing grounds for cattle due to a lack of flights. “Public service delivery has been affected due to frequent changes in government and political instability,” Kirati said. “People in remote areas have been deprived of air service due to a lack of aircraft in NAC’s fleet.”

Pandey from CAAN said there is not much demand for flights to some remote airfields due to the construction of roads.