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The high mountain regions of Dolakha, including Kalinchowk, Shailung, Cherdung, and Kharidhunga, where snowfall typically begins in early October, are turning black. Snow has not fallen in these mountains for the past four years, and there is no forecast of snowfall in the upper regions or winter rain in the lower regions, even as February approaches.

Farmers in Dolakha’s highlands, who rely on snowmelt for irrigation after planting potatoes, are growing increasingly anxious. The lack of winter rain threatens to reduce potato yields. Dolakha, a district that encompasses both mountains and hills, is home to Gaurishankar Mountain, which rises from an altitude of 762 meters to 7,134 meters above sea level. Once covered in white, it is now darkening. The district has 40 mountains, both large and small.

Climate change has not only affected the Himalayas but also human life and wildlife. Farmers, particularly those engaged in large-scale potato cultivation across 3,200 hectares in Dolakha’s nine local levels, are struggling due to the absence of snow. Shailung Rural Municipality is the district’s largest producer of potatoes.

“January has ended, but there is still no rain. What can we do? We planted fewer potatoes, and now they are on the verge of drying up due to a lack of moisture,” lamented Bishal Shrestha, a farmer from Shailung. “Fertile lands can sustain some growth, but without rain, even those will suffer, and potato production will decline.” Most farmers in Shailung rely on potato farming as their primary livelihood.  

The absence of snowfall by the end of Magh has heightened concerns among Dolakha’s farmers. Locals are disheartened by the decreasing rainfall. In the past, the upper hills of Dolakha were blanketed in snow during winter, but now even the Himalayas remain barren, with their once-white peaks turning black.

The highlands of Dolakha, which were once cold at this time of year, are experiencing unusual warmth. In Charikot, the district headquarters, temperatures have already risen. Glaciers are melting at an alarming rate, and locals have been experiencing the direct effects of climate change for years. “When it snows, farming becomes easier, and production increases. Crops like potatoes, wheat, and millet thrive with snow, eliminating the need for separate irrigation,” said Shrestha.

Snowfall, which was once visible from November to February, has dwindled in recent years, with locals witnessing firsthand the consequences of climate change. The timing of snowfall has become unpredictable, and concerns are mounting over its impact on tourism.

Hotel entrepreneur Hari Oli noted that snowfall once brought a surge of tourists to Dolakha. “Three to four years ago, a significant number of visitors came to play in the snow in December. Hotels in Charikot and Kalinchowk used to be fully booked. Now, with no snow, tourism has plummeted,” he said.

Climate change is affecting not just the Himalayas but also farmers, businesses, wildlife, flowers, red-bellied trees, human life, and birds. Rain and snow no longer follow seasonal patterns, and even forest flowers are blooming out of season. The once-vibrant slopes are now dry, and the region’s natural beauty is fading.

The gradual decline of snowfall poses a long-term threat to native crops, flora, fauna, and birds, while also negatively impacting the tourism sector. Climate change—driven by human activities such as excessive resource exploitation, high energy consumption, and industrialization, as well as natural disasters like fires, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions—has disrupted every aspect of life. However, if human-induced environmental damage is curbed, the effects of climate change may still be mitigated.

World Cancer Day was observed on Feb 4 and ApEx interviewed three esteemed doctors specializing in cancer treatment to gain a deeper understanding of the fight against this disease. They shared their insights on cancer prevention, treatment advancements, and the misconception in Nepal. Their expertise sheds light on the evolving landscape of cancer care and the critical steps we can take to reduce cancer risk and improve outcomes.

Dr Anu Bajracharya, Sr consultant gynaecologist

Many people have the misconception that cancer will spread after biopsy and that cancer cannot be cured in Nepal. A few women have denied treatment once they find out that they have cancer. Recent advancements in research and innovation have significantly enhanced the detection and treatment of gynecological cancer. About 99.7 percent of cervical cancer cases are caused by persistent genital high risk oncogenic Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of cancer. Our government has recently started providing free HPV vaccination to girls upto 15 years old which is the milestone for preventing cervical cancer. They need to subsidize cancer treatment, reduce the cost of chemotherapy and increase funding and insurance schemes. Treatment centers need to be established not only in urban areas but also in rural areas. Mental health support is also crucial for cancer patients as the emotional and psychological toll of cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming and treatment often brings physical, mental and financial stress. 

Dr Bijesh Raj Ghimire, Sr consultant medical oncologist

One of the most common misconceptions people have about cancer is the belief that there is no cure and that recovery is impossible. In Nepal, a lot of people aren’t even aware that cancer can be treated in the country. There are trust issues and a lack of knowledge that contribute to this misunderstanding. The good news, however, is that ongoing research is leading to new discoveries and interventions for treating cancer. Advances in surgery and medical treatments are offering hope, chemotherapy, too, has evolved, and various therapy options are now available. 

Prevention is crucial, and there are two main factors that we can control: tobacco use and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, regular screenings and health checks can help catch potential issues early on, increasing the chances of successful treatment. A world free of tobacco would significantly reduce cancer rates—if tobacco use were eliminated, many cancers could be prevented altogether. I think the government must look into expanding insurance options for patients to help alleviate the financial burden of cancer treatment. The government should also work to expand cancer care in Nepal by building new hospitals and medical centers, and ensuring that doctors specializing in cancer care are available in medical colleges. 

Dr Sudip Shrestha, Sr consultant medical oncologist

In Nepal, there’s a lack of awareness about early cancer detection and treatment. Many people believe they must seek care abroad. Social media influencers often promote herbal remedies as cures, misleading people and potentially causing harm. This dangerous trend is growing, diverting attention from effective, proven treatments. Many people also think a biopsy is something that worsens or spreads cancer and is dangerous. Many studies are being conducted worldwide on cancer treatment, and whenever new methods or breakthroughs emerge, Nepal adopts them and achieves success in implementing them. 

Changing our lifestyle can reduce cancer risk by upto 50 percent. This includes cutting back on processed foods, red meats, and trendy cooking methods like roasting or barbecuing. Regular exercise, healthy eating, good environment and getting vaccinated on time also play a key role. The government’s initiative to provide financial support for cancer patients, with a focus on insurance, is good. However, if they could extend awareness campaigns and treatment options to every district and village in Nepal, it would be a significant step in reducing the number of cancer cases and improving early detection and care.

Nabil Bank organized an awareness program on safe and secure digital banking for Nepali migrant workers in Qatar.

Over a hundred Nepali workers participated in the event, titled ‘Ghar Ta Nepal,’ held in Qatar.

The program was conducted in coordination with Nabil Investment Banking Limited and Nabil Stock Dealer Limited.

Representatives from various departments of Nabil Bank engaged in interactive discussions on remittances, deposits, digital banking, loans, investments, financial literacy, savings, and financial service utilization.

A special segment introduced the ‘Nabil Skilled Migrant Entrepreneurship Loan,’ aimed at supporting returning migrant workers in establishing their businesses in Nepal.

Nepali Ambassador to Qatar, Ramesh Chandra Paudel, emphasized the importance of sending money through formal banking channels, stating, “Sending remittances through formal channels will not only safeguard hard-earned money but also benefit the entire Nepalese economy.”

He urged Nepali workers in Qatar to prioritize official banking channels for remittances.

Gyanendra Prasad Dhungana, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nabil Bank, highlighted the crucial role of Nepali migrant workers in the economic development of both Nepal and Qatar.

Dhungana stated that the program aimed to raise awareness about digital banking services, enabling Nepali workers to open bank accounts online using their Qatari mobile numbers, apply for loans, and invest in SIPs, mutual funds, and the stock market through the bank’s associated companies.

The price of gold has increased by Rs 2, 200 per tola in the domestic market on Wednesday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the precious yellow metal is being traded at Rs 166, 900 per tola today. It was traded at Rs 164, 700 per tola on Tuesday.

Similarly, the price of silver has increased by Rs 45 and is being traded at Rs 1, 975 per tola today.

The Meteorological Forecasting Division has said that there will be no rainfall in Kathmandu Valley for the next three days.

The country is currently under the influence of a westerly low-pressure system and hence the weather will remain partly to generally cloudy in Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini and Karnali Provinces today. The weather will remain clear in the rest of the country.

In addition, there is fog in some places in the Tarai of the country.

According to the division, the weather will be partly to generally cloudy in the hilly parts of the country this afternoon while the rest of the country will remain clear.

There is a possibility of light snowfall in some places in the high hilly and mountainous parts of Karnali and Sudurpaschim Provinces and in one or two places in the high hilly and mountainous parts of Bagmati and Gandaki Provinces.

Tonight, the weather will be partly cloudy in the hilly parts and clear in the rest of the country. There is a possibility of light snowfall in one or two places in the high hilly and mountainous parts of Koshi, Gandaki, Karnali and Sudurpaschim Provinces.

Meanwhile, according to the department's meteorologist Binu Maharjan, there is no possibility of rain in the Kathmandu Valley for the next three days, but the weather will be partly cloudy.

The minimum temperature in Kathmandu this morning was 8.6 degrees Celsius and the maximum temperature will remain between 21 and 23 degrees Celsius.

The Embassy of Nepal in Muscat, Oman has officially started to issue labor permits to Nepali workers who are legally working in Oman and have not got such permits from Nepal.

It was the first live enrollment for legalization of labor permits in foreign countries which started on January 31, 2025 in Salalah, Oman.

The provision of legalization of labor permits from the Embassy itself is expected to greatly facilitate Nepali workers to receive several benefits as per the policy of the Government of Nepal, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Embassy.

Ambassador of Nepal to the Sultanate of Oman Dornath Aryal expressed confidence that the legalization of labor permit service would greatly help Nepali workers of this kind to take several benefits. 

The Ambassador also highlighted the importance of the social security fund, remittance flow through legal channels and requested to strictly follow the rules, regulations, tradition, culture of the host country.

On the occasion, Director General of the Department of Foreign Employment, Surya Bahadur Khatri congratulated everyone on the first-ever legalization of labor permits provided by the Embassy abroad and shed light on its significance.

The Nepali Workers present at the event expressed their happiness as the Embassy regularly provides services such as passport renewal, legalization of labor permit, and various other services in Salalah itself, located about 1100 kilometers from Muscat.

Representatives from the Nepali Social Club, volunteers, and Nepali associations actively participated and supported the program.

Nepali workers, who are currently working in companies in Oman without obtaining labor permits from Nepal, can now obtain labor permits at the Embassy of Nepal in Muscat.

For the legalization of labor permits, workers need to create their profile through the FEIMS system, upload documents, submit an online application and thereafter, they must appear in person at the Embassy for biometrics.

Ambassador of Nepal to the Commonwealth of Australia, Chitralekha Yadav, presented her Letters of Credence to Governor-General of Australia Sam Mostyn AC amid a special ceremony organized at the Government House in Canberra on Wednesday.

Following the ceremony, Ambassador Yadav paid a courtesy call on the Governor General of Australia and conveyed warm greetings and best wishes of President of Nepal Ram Chandra Paudel.

Ambassador Yadav also reiterated the invitation of the President of Nepal to the Governor General of Australia to visit Nepal.

During the meeting, they shared views on various aspects of bilateral relations between Nepal and Australia, which is based on mutual understanding, trust and cooperation and fostered by growing people-to-people relations.

High-ranking officials from the Australian Government and staff of the Embassy of Nepal were also present at the program.

The Communist Party of China (CPC) has conveyed that Beijing is prepared to provide support if critical areas in Nepal are affected by US President Donald Trump’s executive order, which has halted all humanitarian assistance for the next 90 days.

At least two leaders from Nepal’s major communist parties stated that CPC representatives have informally assured them that China is ready to step in, particularly in countries of the Global South. A senior leader of CPN(Maoist Center) requesting anonymity said: “A CPC representative told me that China is willing to provide assistance if Nepal faces challenges in key sectors such as humanitarian aid, health, and education.”

However, the Chinese side has emphasized that any formal action would require an official request from the Nepal government. While CPC leaders have conveyed their position informally, there has been no direct government-to-government communication on the matter. The Chinese side also highlighted that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) framework agreement, signed during Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s visit to China last year, has laid the foundation for expanded cooperation across multiple sectors.

According to Nepal’s communist party leaders, China is closely monitoring the potential impact of Trump’s policy on Nepal. China has already expanded its assistance in key areas such as infrastructure, agriculture, health, disaster relief, and poverty alleviation. In the health sector, China provides support to several major hospitals in Nepal, including BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital, Civil Hospital, and Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital. Last year, Nepal and China renewed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on traditional medicine cooperation, agreeing to establish the China-Nepal Traditional Medicine Cooperation Commission. Additionally, Chinese medical teams have been visiting Nepal regularly to provide healthcare services in rural areas, conduct personnel training, and strengthen medical services.

The China Foundation for Rural Development (CFRD), a government-supported non-governmental organization, has been active in Nepal since 2015, expanding its support in health, education, agriculture, and other socio-economic sectors. Through CFRD, China has been assisting Nepali farmers, healthcare workers, local schools, and municipal officials. In agriculture, China has significantly increased its involvement.

Additionally, China has proposed establishing a fertilizer plant in Nepal, but Beijing believes Nepal’s bureaucratic hurdles are delaying progress. Chinese universities have also been deepening their engagement with Nepali institutions. Overall, China has significantly increased its support in areas where the US previously played a major role.

On the global stage, China has expressed its readiness to support international organizations where the Trump administration has withdrawn funding. At a press conference, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting the World Health Organization (WHO), enhancing international cooperation in public health, and advancing global health governance. Geopolitical analysts suggest that China, as the US’s political rival, is strategically positioning itself to fill the void left by Washington, particularly in the Global South.