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After the April 2015 earthquake in Nepal, India committed $250m in grant assistance for post-earthquake reconstruction in Nepal, the Embassy of India in Kathmandu said on Monday. “The grant was allocated in four different sectors—Housing ($100m), Education ($50m), Health ($50m) and Cultural Heritage ($50m). A JPMC (Joint Project Monitoring Committee) mechanism was set up in Aug 2017 to monitor the progress of these projects,” the statement added.

India and Nepal held the fifth meeting of the JPMC on post-earthquake reconstruction projects on Monday in Kathmandu. The Indian delegation was led by Munu Mahawar, Additional Secretary (North), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India and the Nepalese delegation was led by Padma Kumar Mainalee, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Urban Development, Government of Nepal.

The meeting was also attended by several other representatives of the Governments of India and Nepal, consultants and other stakeholders engaged in implementation of the projects.

The meeting carried out a comprehensive review of the progress of the Government of India assisted post-earthquake reconstruction projects in housing, education, health and cultural heritage sectors in Nepal. It acknowledged the successful completion of the projects agreed under the housing sector in 2021 and the education sector in 2024.

According to the Embassy of India, Kathmandu, in health and cultural heritage sectors, both sides expressed satisfaction on the progress achieved and agreed to expedite the early completion of projects under these sectors.

Since the last JPMC meeting in Oct 2023, Government of India has handed over 26 projects in the education sector including Tribhuvan University Central Library in Kathmandu, 32 projects in the health sector and three projects in the cultural heritage sector, amounting to Rs 3.35bn.

In addition, 43 projects in the health sector and nine projects in the cultural heritage sector amounting to Rs 1.73bn have been completed during this period, as per the Embassy of India Kathmandu.

Both sides appreciated the positive socio-economic impact of the reconstruction projects, particularly in employment generation and extension of health and education facilities in remote areas.

AS (North) also visited the Gusthal Mahavihar reconstruction project, a cultural heritage site located in Guita Tole, Lalitpur Metropolitan City-8. During the visit, he reviewed the project’s progress and engaged with members of the user community.

Both sides agreed to hold the next meeting of the JPMC on a mutually convenient date.

The Martyrs Day is being celebrated by organizing various programs across the country today.

The Day is observed in memory of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the sake of the country and people.

At different times of history, many people fought for liberty, freedoms and democracy and got martyrdom in Nepal. In commemoration and tribute to them, week-long programs are being organized every year.

In 2012BS, then Kathmandu Municipality began coordinating the programs organized in honor of the martyrs. It has continued till date.

In response to the demand of democracy, civic rights and liberty, Shukra Raj Shastri was executed by then autocratic Rana regime at Pachali, Kathmandu on Magh 10, 1997; Dharma Bhakta Mathema at Siphal, Kathmandu on Magh 13 and Ganga Lal Shrestha and Dasharath Chanda at Shova Bhagawati, Kathmandu on Magh 15 the same year.

Meanwhile, President Ram Chandra Paudel said that true condolences to the martyrs would be to move forward towards meeting the aspiration for sustainable peace, good governance, development and prosperity by means of the federal democratic republican governance system achieved from the sacrifice of the great martyrs.

The President expressed the belief that the Martyrs Day would give further inspiration for sincerely fulfilling the role we all have to play from our side to materialize the aspirations of the martyrs while highly regarding their sacrifices.

"On the occasion of the Martyrs Day, 2081 BS, I extend my heartfelt tribute to all the known and unknown martyrs, including the great martyrs Shukraraj Shastri, Dharma Bhakta Mathema, Dashrath Chand, Gangalal Shrestha, who gave their valuable life for establishing civic freedom and democracy, and for protection of nationality," he said.

President Paudel noted that the Martyrs Day is a day of special remembrance of the great martyrs who sacrificed their life for the country.

"Sacrificing one's precious life for the welfare of the people and the nation is martyrdom. May this Day inspire and encourage all the political parties, the general public and all concerned to dedicate their heart, words and deeds to realize the aspirations of the martyrs who have attained martyrdom for the independence of the Nation and the Nepali people," the President said in his message.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has extended hearty best wishes to President Xi Jinping and the people of the People's Republic of China on the occasion of the Chinese New Year 2025.

"May the Year of the Snake—symbolizing wisdom, resilience and renewal—deepen Nepal and China’s enduring friendship, inspiring greater cooperation for shared progress, prosperity and harmony," PM Oli posted on the social network site X today.

In light of the recent political situation in the United States, the United Nepali Political Action Committee (UNPAC) has appealed to the Nepalis in the US to immediately reach out for assistance or legal consultations if they face any issues. Operating as a non-profit organization with approval from the US government, UNPAC has been providing support to the Nepali American community in various challenging circumstances. 

“The problems faced by the Nepali American community are our problems as well,” said UNPAC Chairperson Adrian Pokhrel. “We are committed to working together to find solutions and resolve these issues.” Many prominent Nepali Americans from various sectors are part of UNPAC.

As we age, our brain function declines. This is one of the reasons why old people aren’t as sharp as young ones. But it’s not something that is inevitable. With the right approach, you can train your brain to function at its best throughout your life. Your brain has the capacity to learn and grow even as you age, but you have to take care of it. Studies have shown that those who keep learning new skills or taking up challenging tasks have better cognition and don’t suffer from memory lapses as they age. But the earlier you start, the better. Here are some things you can consider if you want to boost memory, focus, and concentration.

Build your vocabulary

A good vocabulary is always a plus point. You will appear smarter and be more confident. But it also has another benefit that you don’t want to miss out on. Learning new words can be a stimulating brain game. Research shows that main areas of the brain are involved in tasks that involve vocabulary, particularly those that are important for visual and auditory processing. To start with, learn a new word or two every day and try to use those words in your conversations for the next few days. You can also make a list of words as you learn them—maintain a separate document or notebook for it—and come back to it to quiz yourself as your vocabulary expands.

Solve the Rubik’s cube 

Most of us have this fun thing at home but not all of us can actually solve it. Learning to solve the Rubik’s cube can be highly stimulating and it’s a skill that will make you feel smarter while working your brain muscles. There are many YouTube tutorials that can teach you how to try and solve the cube but each is different and you will really have to work your brain muscles. It will take time for you to learn this skill and you will also need to practice it to master it. The good thing is you can carry a Rubilk’s cube with you and practice whenever you have some time. Once you know how to solve it, you can challenge yourself to finish it within five minutes or less.

Do a jigsaw puzzle

Jigsaw puzzles are fun. It’s also a great way to exercise your brain muscles. These days, you not only get a 100 piece puzzle like you used to earlier but there are many 500 or a 1000 piece puzzles in the market as well so there is really no limit to just how intensive and immersive doing a jigsaw can be. Looking at different pieces and trying to figure out where they fit in the larger picture recruits multiple cognitive abilities. It can also be a meditative practice, calming and nurturing your brain. This is also a fun activity to do with family or friends. We suggest you start with a simple one consisting of 100 or less pieces and then try more complex ones. You can also create your own puzzles by printing a photo or picture you really like and cutting that into little pieces.

Learn a new language

Multiple studies have shown the overwhelming benefits of being able to speak in two or more languages. It’s believed to delay the onset of age related mental decline while also improving memory, creativity, and visual-spatial skills. Learning and using multiple languages in your day to day life is shown to be good for your cognitive reserve, which is your brain’s ability to compensate for damage caused by injury or diseases. It also strengthens neural connections, thus facilitating learning and information retention. If you don’t want to join a physical class, there are many online courses available as well. Alternatively, language learning apps or YouTube tutorials can be great tools if you are undecided about which language to learn.

Listen to or play music

Studies have shown that music has powerful effects on the brain. From stress reduction to sleep quality improvement, music has far reaching impacts. Music can improve memory and concentration by stimulating brain areas involved in learning and information recall. Music is structural and mathematical with one note connecting to the next. You might not be aware of it but your brain actually does a lot of work to make sense of it. Experts suggest listening to different kinds of music to reap its myriad benefits. Often, we listen to the same kind of music as we did when we were in our teens but unfamiliar music forces our brain to restructure itself.

Do things differently

We are creatures of habit and our days follow more or less the same pattern. While routine and discipline are essential for a good life, doing the same thing over and over again can limit mental growth. Try tweaking things up by changing your morning routine, taking a different route to work, or changing the kind of content you watch on the internet. If you are used to doing a certain thing in a particular way, see if you can do it some other way. The idea is not to be stuck in a rut. Your brain will benefit from simple changes and experts say that you will be surprised by how change can promote critical and creative thinking as well. 

President Ram Chandra Paudel has said that all castes and communities in Nepal have unique traditions, customs, and cultures that should be protected and promoted. He highlighted Nepal’s identity as a multi-caste, multi-language, multi-cultural, and multi-religious nation, with each community contributing its distinct cultural heritage.

In his address today during the inauguration of the Sonam Lhosar festival at the Office of the President, Shital Niwas, the Head of State expressed his belief that festivals like Sonam Lhosar play a significant role in strengthening national unity. He hoped the festival would promote mutual goodwill, tolerance, and unity among Nepali citizens.

The Tamang community, with its rich cultural features, remains as a significant group and the Lhosar has its specific and important place and value in the socio-cultural and religious life of the Tamang people, according to the President.

The President inaugurated the festival by lighting a lamp followed by a special puja performed by the Lama priests who chanted mantras. Cultural presentations were also made during the ceremony.

The President shared his understanding that the Sonam Lhosar festival reflects the origin, civilization, cultural existence and identity of the Tamang community. He wished good health, prosperity, and progress for all, as well as the welfare of the entire humanity on this auspicious occasion.

As per the Manjushree calendar, the Sonam Lhosar is celebrated on the Magh Shukla Pratipada (the first day of the bright lunar fortnight in the month of Magh). This year the festival falls on January 30, Thursday.

Will we ever find peace in this chaos? It’s a question that lingers inside the mind of everyone stuck in Kathmandu’s endless traffic jams. Once a beautiful valley known for its quiet charm, Kathmandu today is trapped under a cacophonous din of honking horns and revving engines. 

The traffic of Kathmandu has become a nightmare for pedestrians and motorists alike. This mess isn’t just due to high numbers of vehicles on the streets; it’s the result of years of poor planning and neglect. Narrow roads built decades ago now struggle to handle the sheer number of vehicles. They are clogged with an endless stream of traffic. Morning and evening rush hours feel like an eternity.

It’s not just the roads that are overwhelmed but also the people’s mind and their hearts. The city itself seems to be staining under the weight of its own growth. While Kathmandu’s ancient temples and narrow alleyways tell stories of centuries past, its roads tell a different tale—one of crowd and chaos. 

Kathmandu is a city trapped in its own rhythm—one that feels unrelenting, exhausting ,and at times suffocating. The energy of the city is undeniable. What was once a place of peaceful spirituality now is locked in a constant rush. Once a steady beat of history , culture and community has become a noise, frustration and uncertainty. The city’s charm is still there, in its temple and its traditions but now it’s harder to hear over the blare of horns. Once the sounds of temple bells and sweet melodies filled the air, and the silence was loud enough to hear our own thoughts and understand each other’s emotions. But now, lost in the same cycle of frustration and rage the city’s noise drowns out everything—and in the midst of the chaos people can barely hear anything let alone their own thoughts. People are constantly swept away  by a surge of nostalgia—longing for a peace they once grew up with as they walk through chaotic streets.

The people who called Kathmandu home are no longer just navigating the streets , they are navigating the frustration and their weariness. Despite numerous attempts at reform from widening roads to introducing more efficient transportation systems, it seems to go into vain. The city’s leaders have long promised a solution, but it never seems to be enough. To see Kathmandu free from all these constant noises and traffic feels like a distant dream. As the city continues to grow, one can only wonder if Kathmandu will ever find a way to break free and return to the rhythm it once knew of. 

As the question still remains, how much longer can people stay trapped in a rhythm that can no longer serve them?

Shraddha Acharya

BSc, IInd Year 

Padma Kanya Campus

The Embassy of Israel together with the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany marked the International Holocaust Day with a solemn “Memorial Event and Exhibition titled Auschwitz- A Place on Earth” on Monday in Kathmandu.

On the occasion, six candles were lit, honoring the six million Jewish people, who were brutally and systematically murdered during the Holocaust. A moving testimony from a Holocaust survivor was also screened, providing a powerful first-hand account of unimaginable suffering and survival.

Underlining the lessons of history, Dr Surya Prasad Sharma Dhungel, Member of the National Human Rights Commission, stated, “The Holocaust was not merely a tragedy of the Jewish people or Europe- it was a failure of humanity itself. It serves as a reminder of what can happen when hatred is normalized, when prejudice goes unchecked, and when justice is denied,” reads a statement issued by the Embassy of Israel.

Expressing solidarity, US Ambassador to Nepal Dean R. Thompson highlighted the shared responsibility to stand against anti-Semitism, racism, and all forms of hatred and intolerance. He conveyed greetings from the Secretary of State of Marco Rubio, who reaffirmed his unwavering support for the Holocaust survivors and their heirs, according to the statement. He stated, “I am confident that we will continue to be a partner in remembering and honoring the period of such devastation.”

Speaking at the event, Benjamin Siedel, Deputy Chief of Mission, on behalf of Dr Thomas Heinrich Prinz, German Ambassador to Nepal stated, “While today is primarily a day of remembrance, it is also a call to action. The Holocaust did not begin with gas chambers; it began with words- words of hate, division, and dehumanization. The sobering reality underscores our shared responsibility as democratic citizens to stand resolutely against anti-Semitism, racism, xenophobia, and all forms of discrimination.”

Shmulik Arie Bass, Ambassador of Israel stated, “Humanity must commemorate this day in memory of the victims to educate younger generations, emphasizing that a tragedy of such magnitude is never repeated." He further remarked, "On January 27, 2005, the United Nations General Assembly held its first special session to commemorate the Holocaust, marking the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. For the first time, a Yad Vashem Museum exhibition was displayed at the UN building in New York, and the anthem of hope, “Hatikvah,” was sung. That year marked a pivotal effort to promote Holocaust remembrance within the UN, supported by then-Secretary-General Kofi Annan and Member States. The process culminated in the adoption of General Assembly Resolution 60/7, which established a UN Holocaust remembrance department and designated January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day,” the statement further reads.

The event continued with a choir performance by students of Himali Boarding School and a musical piece performed by students of Kathmandu Pragya Kunja School, both of which added to the reflective atmosphere of the gathering.

The event also featured the exhibition, “Auschwitz- A Place on Earth” aiming at educating about the human-made brutality and delivering the message that such cruelty should never be repeated. The exhibition will remain open to the public at the following locations:

•      Himali Boarding School            : 28- 2 Jan 2025

•      Kathmandu Pragya Kunja School       : 3- 9 Feb 2025

Following these dates, the exhibition will also be open at other sites as well.

The memorial gathering served as a reminder of the importance of remembrance, solidarity and the global commitment to “never forget, never again.”

The Holocaust started with the vision to exterminate the entire Jewish population. It was the systematic, bureaucratic, state-sponsored persecution and murder of six million Jews (1.5 million of these were children) by the Nazi regime and its collaborators between 1930s and 40s in Europe.