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President Ram Chandra Paudel has said that countries like Nepal have no role in climate change, stressing that the issue of climate justice should be raised in every international forum. 

The Head of State said this while inaugurating the 11 Nepal Geological Congress organized by the Nepal Geological Society here today. He said the topic of climate change should be taken to the international community.

According to the President, it is necessary to raise the issue of climate justice vociferously in the context of developing and least developed countries like Nepal that have no role at all in bringing about climate change also being affected due to the rampant industrialization, exploitation of fossil fuels and carbon emission by the developed world. 

Stating that the importance of the Congress has been enhanced by burning issues like the urgent need of minimizing the impact of climate change and natural disasters and their minimization, President Paudel stressed on cooperation and collaboration for addressing these types of issues directly concerned with the life of people.

Stating that there has been an unusual increase in global warming, he expressed concern over rapid melting of snow turning most of the mountains bare and the huge loss of life and property from excessive rainfall, landslide and soil erosion every year since the last three decades.

The President further said earthquakes occurring in mountain areas time and again has become a problem in development construction of Nepal, expressing that though some natural disaster could be predicted, the problem has surfaced due to inability to invent a mechanism that could predict earthquakes.

He expressed the belief that there would be discussion about the status of Nepal's mines and mineral products, the state of exploration, climate change and its impact and use of geology in physical infrastructure development. 

President Paudel shared that the Congress would be useful to attract investors for exploration, utilization and market management of natural resources.  "The congress organized on the eve of one decade of the Gorkha earthquake, has special importance. I wish for the success of this congress," he mentioned.

The price of gold has increased by Rs 100 per tola in the domestic market on Monday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the precious yellow metal is being traded at Rs 170, 400 per tola today. It was traded at Rs 170, 300 per tola on Sunday.

Similarly, the silver is being traded at Rs 1, 985 per tola today.

Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) is on track to enhance its operational capacity with the ongoing expansion and upgradation work achieving 60 percent progress.

With this, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has decided to reduce the daily closure hours to six hours (midnight to 6 am) from April 1. Currently, the airport is closed for eight hours (11 pm to 7 am) to facilitate the project works. 

The expansion project began on Nov 8 with a completion target of March 31. The reduction in flight numbers during the peak tourist season sent ticket prices soaring. Although CAAN had requested airline companies to operate some flights to the international airports in Bhairahawa and Pokhara, airlines showed reluctance citing a lack of business. 

Before that, the TIA was in operation for 21 hours a day from 6 am till 3 am. 

CAAN is implementing Rs 15bn expansion works with loan assistance from the Asian Development Bank. Under the expansion plan, a  taxiway is being built parallel to the runway. According to CAAN, 45 percent of the work on the parallel taxiway has been completed so far. Once operational, the parallel runway is expected to boost TIA’s capacity as it would reduce runway occupancy time by approximately 22.5 percent.

The first section of the taxiway (1,140 meter long) is being built on the runway’s southern end which will connect the existing international apron to the end of Runway 02 towards Koteshwar. Similarly, another 450-metre parallel taxiway is being built at the northern end to connect the international apron to the end of Runway 20. 

Likewise, the work on building an international apron (north) to ease aircraft congestion has achieved 65 percent progress. This new facility will have parking space for 18 aircraft. Similarly, hangar apron (east), which will provide expanded facilities for aircraft maintenance, has achieved 35 percent physical progress.

TIA, which is designed to handle 2-3m passengers annually, saw over 4.5m passengers in 2024, highlighting the urgent need for expansion. The existing 1,900-meter parallel taxiway for the 3,374-meter runway has struggled to accommodate growing traffic. CAAN officials say the new parallel taxiway, positioned 172.5 meters from the runway, along with 18 additional parking aprons, will reduce the need to keep aircraft on a holding pattern.

Beijing's tariffs on certain US agricultural goods in retaliation for President Donald Trump's latest hike on Chinese imports came into force Monday, as trade tensions mount between the world's two leading economies, AFP reported.

Since retaking office in January, Trump has unleashed a barrage of tariffs on major US trading partners, including China, Canada and Mexico, citing their failure to stop illegal immigration and flows of deadly fentanyl.

After imposing a blanket 10 percent tariff on all Chinese goods in early February, Trump hiked the rate to 20 percent last week.

Beijing reacted quickly, its finance ministry accusing Washington of "undermining" the multilateral trading system and announcing fresh measures of its own.

Those tariffs come into effect Monday and see levies of 10 and 15 percent imposed on several US farm products.

Chicken, wheat, corn and cotton from the United States will now be subject to the higher charge.

Soybeans, sorghum, pork, beef, aquatic products, fruit, vegetables and dairy will face the slightly lower rate.

The tariffs will not apply to goods that left before March 10, however, as long as they arrive in China by April 12, according to AFP.

Analysts say Beijing's retaliatory tariffs are designed to hurt Trump's voter base while remaining restrained enough to allow room to hash out a trade deal.

The increasing trade headwinds add to difficulties faced by Chinese leaders currently seeking to stabilise the country's wavering economy.

Sluggish consumer spending, a prolonged debt crisis in the vast property sector and high youth unemployment are among the issues now facing policymakers.

Analysts say China's exports -- which last year reached record highs -- might not provide the same economic lifeline for Beijing as its trade war with Washington intensifies.

For decades, the notion of ‘innocent until proven guilty’ has formed the foundation of justice systems all around the world, including Nepal. It ensures that every accused has the right to fair trial and is not convicted without sufficient evidence. However, in recent years, the legal tenet of ‘presumption of innocence until proven guilty’ has been under intense attack, particularly in light of Nepal’s changing media scene. Traditionally, this notion has served as a foundation of justice, ensuring that individuals are not unfairly punished without due process. However, the development of media trials, social media conjecture, and sensationalist journalism has resulted in a troubling trend: the presumption of guilt unless proven innocent.

Media trials have become a common occurrence in Nepal, where high-profile cases are frequently subjected to severe scrutiny by news organizations. These trials often take on a life of their own, overshadowing the real judicial proceedings. Before the court could rule, media outlets bombarded the airwaves with sensationalized tales of the purported crime, leading to a widespread sense of guilt. The hurry to disseminate details frequently resulted in misrepresentations and mistakes, essentially damaging the assumption of innocence, which should accompany any criminal charge.

For instance, the case of Nirmala Pant, a teenager whose rape and murder in 2018 shook the nation, saw extensive media coverage. While the public’s demand for justice was justified, the media’s relentless focus on certain suspects without conclusive evidence led to a trial by the media. Innocent individuals were harassed and their reputations tarnished irreparably.

Social media platforms have added to the complexity of Nepal’s justice system. The speed and scope of these platforms allow rumors and speculation to spread unchecked. For example; the infamous case of an alleged sexual assault on a senior player in Nepali cricket soon sparked a social media frenzy, with hashtags rising in support of victims and cries for punishment. However, in the middle of the outcry, the accused was publicly vilified, despite the fact that the court procedure was still ongoing. 

The immediacy of social media often fosters a mob mentality, in which people cast judgement without fully understanding the situation. This phenomenon not only influences public opinion but it can also put pressure on law enforcement and judicial organizations to take actions that jeopardize the integrity of investigations. The instance of comedian Apurva Singh is an appropriate example. In 2022, Singh was accused of making indecent remarks during a stand-up performance. The outcry on social media was fast and intense, with many people demanding his arrest and punishment without a formal investigation. The court of popular opinion had already found him guilty, demonstrating the power of social media in shaping views of guilt. 

Such journalism not only misleads the public but it also fosters a climate of fear and mistrust with individuals being condemned based on insufficient or biased data. This raises crucial considerations regarding the media’s role in protecting justice and fairness. One significant case in our country was the 2015 earthquake relief scandal. Several people and organizations were accused of misappropriating donations intended for earthquake victims. The media's sensationalist coverage sparked widespread outrage and condemnation, despite the fact that many of the accused were eventually proven innocent. The damage to their reputations and livelihoods, however, had already occurred.

The ramifications of this transformation are substantial. The presumption of innocence is more than just a legal nicety; it is a basic human right. Individuals who are considered guilty face serious consequences, including social isolation, loss of work and even threats to their safety. This was clear in the case of a young Nepalese student who was accused of theft. Despite the absence of evidence, his name and face were widely circulated on multiple media platforms, creating a hostile environment that drove him to flee his hometown.

Socially, the weakening of the presumption of innocence produces a culture of dread and suspicion. Individuals may become reluctant to speak out or engage in public discourse, fearing that any accusation, regardless of its veracity, could lead to their social and professional ostracization. This culture of fear can stifle free speech and hinder the healthy functioning of a democratic society.

Furthermore, the legal system itself may suffer long-term consequences as a result of this erosion of rights. Judges may be under pressure to render decisions that reflect popular opinion rather than an unbiased evaluation of the facts when public opinion is strongly against the accused. The impartiality necessary for a fair trial is put in danger by these phenomena. 

For decades, the notion of ‘innocent until proven guilty’ has formed the foundation of justice systems all around the world, including Nepal. It ensures that every accused has the right to fair trial and is not convicted without sufficient evidence. However, in recent years, the legal tenet of ‘presumption of innocence until proven guilty’ has been under intense attack, particularly in light of Nepal’s changing media scene. Traditionally, this notion has served as a foundation of justice, ensuring that individuals are not unfairly punished without due process. However, the development of media trials, social media conjecture, and sensationalist journalism has resulted in a troubling trend: the presumption of guilt unless proven innocent.

Media trials have become a common occurrence in Nepal, where high-profile cases are frequently subjected to severe scrutiny by news organizations. These trials often take on a life of their own, overshadowing the real judicial proceedings. Before the court could rule, media outlets bombarded the airwaves with sensationalized tales of the purported crime, leading to a widespread sense of guilt. The hurry to disseminate details frequently resulted in misrepresentations and mistakes, essentially damaging the assumption of innocence, which should accompany any criminal charge.

For instance, the case of Nirmala Pant, a teenager whose rape and murder in 2018 shook the nation, saw extensive media coverage. While the public’s demand for justice was justified, the media’s relentless focus on certain suspects without conclusive evidence led to a trial by the media. Innocent individuals were harassed and their reputations tarnished irreparably.

Social media platforms have added to the complexity of Nepal’s justice system. The speed and scope of these platforms allow rumors and speculation to spread unchecked. For example; the infamous case of an alleged sexual assault on a senior player in Nepali cricket soon sparked a social media frenzy, with hashtags rising in support of victims and cries for punishment. However, in the middle of the outcry, the accused was publicly vilified, despite the fact that the court procedure was still ongoing. 

The immediacy of social media often fosters a mob mentality, in which people cast judgement without fully understanding the situation. This phenomenon not only influences public opinion but it can also put pressure on law enforcement and judicial organizations to take actions that jeopardize the integrity of investigations. The instance of comedian Apurva Singh is an appropriate example. In 2022, Singh was accused of making indecent remarks during a stand-up performance. The outcry on social media was fast and intense, with many people demanding his arrest and punishment without a formal investigation. The court of popular opinion had already found him guilty, demonstrating the power of social media in shaping views of guilt. 

Such journalism not only misleads the public but it also fosters a climate of fear and mistrust with individuals being condemned based on insufficient or biased data. This raises crucial considerations regarding the media’s role in protecting justice and fairness. One significant case in our country was the 2015 earthquake relief scandal. Several people and organizations were accused of misappropriating donations intended for earthquake victims. The media's sensationalist coverage sparked widespread outrage and condemnation, despite the fact that many of the accused were eventually proven innocent. The damage to their reputations and livelihoods, however, had already occurred.

The ramifications of this transformation are substantial. The presumption of innocence is more than just a legal nicety; it is a basic human right. Individuals who are considered guilty face serious consequences, including social isolation, loss of work and even threats to their safety. This was clear in the case of a young Nepalese student who was accused of theft. Despite the absence of evidence, his name and face were widely circulated on multiple media platforms, creating a hostile environment that drove him to flee his hometown.

Socially, the weakening of the presumption of innocence produces a culture of dread and suspicion. Individuals may become reluctant to speak out or engage in public discourse, fearing that any accusation, regardless of its veracity, could lead to their social and professional ostracization. This culture of fear can stifle free speech and hinder the healthy functioning of a democratic society.

Furthermore, the legal system itself may suffer long-term consequences as a result of this erosion of rights. Judges may be under pressure to render decisions that reflect popular opinion rather than an unbiased evaluation of the facts when public opinion is strongly against the accused. The impartiality necessary for a fair trial is put in danger by these phenomena. 

Raj Pandey

Final year, BA LLB

Kathmandu School of Law

Life as sweet as honey 

was the greatest lie ever told

The wave of time came bearing sorrows 

with the reality it behold

The fire of my heart craving anger 

never ceasing to grow 

The emptiness in my soul kept asking to be filled 

with the love of gold

My first love was to the anger 

with her eyes as livid as ember

I craved the burns to my skin 

only to be drowned by the guilt that followed

I try again but once more that I try 

the more she seems to devour 

Then at the faint of night she whispered to me

Anger was never truly her name it was grief she told

Arnav Shrestha

A Level

LA College

Until the filing of this report, the Air Quality Index (AQI) of the Kathmandu Valley was 163, putting it as the fifth most polluted city in the world.

As per the AQI chart, Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam was the most polluted with 210 AQI while Beijing of China in the second position with 184 followed by Dhaka of Bangladesh in the third with 175 and New Delhi of India in the fourth with 170.

Amidst this, the Department of Environment has suggested the increased risk of air pollution till the month of Jeth (May-June). Smokes from industries, factories, motorcycles, construction sites, households, from the burning of waste in the open and dust from the construction works are among the identified major sources for air pollution.

Children, aged people, people with respiratory illness including asthma and heart diseases and expectant women are considered more vulnerable to the impact of air pollution.

Disaster Management Expert Dr Dharmaraj Upreti said an AQI 0-50 is good for human health and indicated by green signal and it is suggested by yellow when it is measured 51-100 to urge us to remain alert to the situation.

An AQI of 101 to 150 is indicated by orange and is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. It is capable of further impacting people with breathing issues and heart diseases.

Similarly, an AQI of 151 to 200 is considered unhealthy and is suggested by red and when it is in between 201 to 300 it is considered very unhealthy and it is hazardous when it exceeds 300. In this emergency condition, everyone is more likely to be affected.

Air Quality Management Action Plan-2076 BS for the Kathmandu Valley has also stated that a situation where the AQI value is higher than 300, it will be treated as a disaster.

The sky of Kathmandu Valley is cloudy and air pollution has also increased due to lack of adequate rainfall.

Meteorologist Binu Maharjan said that the rainfall could not take place due to the influence of the local wind and that of the western low-pressure system.

"There has been snowfall and light rain in some parts of the country, but adequate rainfall has not occurred to remove the air pollution. The weather will likely remain like this for three days more," she said.