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Licensed hunters have killed 10 Naurs (Himalayan blue sheep) and five Jharals (Himalayan Tahr) in the first season of hunting at Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve this year.

Altogether 12 foreign hunters had obtained permits for hunting 12 Naurs and eight Jharals and 11 wild boars in the country's only Hunting Reserve for this year.

The Reserve spans 1,325 square kilometers and adjoins Rukum, Myagdi and Baglung districts. It boasts of 1,290 Naurs and 744 Jharals as per the census in 2021.

According to the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve Office in Baglung, one licensed hunter from America could not come for hunting and another American hunter could not hunt the Naur. Hunters obtaining permits for wild boars also could not knock down seven wild boars.

Pashupati Adhikari, Information Officer at the Reserve's Office, shared that the hunters from the USA, Spain, Netherlands and Mexico had obtained permission for the hunting for this season.

Permit was open for Nepali hunters for hunting wild boars but the Office did not receive any application from the Nepalis hunters this season, added Chandra Shekhar Chaudhary, Chief Conservation Officer at the Reserve.

The hunting season for this year has been over while the next one starts from March to May.

Hunters along with guides, representatives of the Reserve Office and Nepali Army spend 15 days at maximum in the Reserve that is divided into seven blocks for hunting.

It is said that a foreigner hunter spends around Rs 2 million to Rs 3 million for bidding the price of Naur and Jharal, making necessary arrangements such as license, bloc reserve, helicopters, guide and equipment for hunting etc.

Sudurpaschim Royals trounced Janakpur Bolts in the first match played today under the Nepal Premier League T20 Cricket Tournament. This is Janakpur's first defeat of the tournament.

The spinners of Sudurpaschim gave their best performance in the match held at the TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, clinching a 72-run victory for the team.

Janakpur Bolts, who were chasing a 124-run victory target posted by Sudurpaschim, scored only 51 runs in 12.1 overs at the loss of all wickets.

Janakpur and Sudurpaschim both have equal eight points from five matches so far.

No Janakpur Bolts players except Joshua Tromp could score runs in the double digits. Tromp hit the highest of 13 runs for Janakpur. 

Sudurpaschim's Harmit Singh, Dipendra Singh Airee and Ishan Pandey each took two wickets while Saif Zaib, Scott Kuggeleijn and Naren Saud took one wicket each to limit Janakpur to 52 runs.

Batting first after winning the toss, Sudurpaschim collected 123 runs in the allotted 20 overs at the loss of nine wickets.

Opener Binod Bhandari scored the highest 33 runs with the help of three fours and one six in 37 balls. Saib Zaib made 21 runs, Ishan Pandey 17 runs and Brandon McMullen 11 runs. Other players could not score runs in the double digits.

Kishor Mahato alone claimed four wickets for Janakpur. Similarly, Sher Malla and Araniko Yadav each took two wickets while Harsh Thakur took one wicket.

A beautiful fountain of cascading water. Large white rocks lie scattered in the water, resembling serpents racing. Lush green forests surround the area. The ‘Naagchhaga’ waterfall enchants anyone who lays eyes on it. Located at the boundary between Ram Prasad Rai Rural Municipality-6 and 2, Bhojpur, this waterfall holds great historical and religious significance.

Situated about 12.6 km south of the district headquarters, this waterfall has immense potential for religious tourism. Every year, hundreds of religious pilgrims and domestic tourists from within and outside the district visit to enjoy the waterfall. However, due to a lack of systematic conservation, promotion, and development, the waterfall is slowly fading away.

The lack of proper infrastructure for tourists and pilgrims to eat, stay, and visit the waterfall has contributed to its lack of popularity. Local resident Uttam Rai believes that by enhancing the waterfall’s beauty and constructing proper infrastructure, thousands of tourists could be attracted. He complains that the waterfall’s reputation is being tarnished due to the government’s lack of interest in promoting and protecting the site. He adds that the waterfall’s existence is at risk because of the insufficient resources needed for its development.

A beautiful scene, resembling a serpent slithering on the rocks of the waterfall, can be seen. Local priest Jaiprasad Niraula highlights that the waterfall is not only visually captivating but also holds significant religious and historical importance. Every year, a large number of devotees gather to celebrate festivals and perform pujas, including on Nag Panchami, Maha Shivaratri, Ram Navami, and Balachartudashi. 

Ramprasad Rai Rural Municipality, along with the then District Development Committee of Bhojpur, has constructed a paved road and some physical structures to facilitate internal tourist traffic up to the waterfall. Local Mahesh Gelal believes that with proper protection and enhancement, the waterfall could become a religious pilgrimage site, attracting external tourism and contributing to the economic development of the rural municipality.

The rural municipality has expressed its readiness to prepare a development plan, including a Detailed Project Report (DPR), to enhance the waterfall. Tham Bahadur Rai, the chairperson of the rural municipality, emphasized that since the waterfall is a historical site of significance to the entire district, the rural municipality is determined to protect and promote it. He described the Naagchhaga waterfall as a jewel for all of Bhojpur, connecting religious pilgrimage, external tourism, and economic development. Rai stated, “We have started budgeting for its enhancement as part of the new plan for this financial year.”

The rural municipality has announced plans to investigate further aspects of the waterfall’s development. Birendra Rai, the Vice-cahir of the rural municipality, said that as a place of religious faith for the locals, the goal is to develop Naagchhaga into a religious tourist destination. He added that the rural municipality is working on constructing the necessary infrastructure, and development will proceed according to the DPR.

Chairperson Rai also noted that the municipality is focusing on the development of other tourist sites, including the Behereshwar Temple, Papmakham Bhanjyang, Chulachuli Cave, and others. He emphasized that the municipality is working in a planned manner to develop and expand local resources. “Naagchhaga is a gift from nature,” said Chairperson Rai. “This waterfall is the property of our village, and we are committed to its protection. It has not been adequately publicized, but we plan to highlight its significance, establish it as a religious tourism destination, and connect the rural municipality to the economic sector.”

The United Nations has declared Dec 21 as the World Meditation Day, aiming to raise awareness about the benefits of meditation for mental and physical health. Rooted in ancient traditions, meditation has evolved into a universal tool for enhancing personal well-being, offering individuals a way to achieve emotional calmness, mental clarity, and physical relaxation.

Meditation, which involves focusing attention through techniques such as mindfulness and concentrated thought, has been shown to reduce stress, improve focus, alleviate anxiety and depression, and improve sleep quality. It also contributes to better physical health, including lowering blood pressure and managing pain.

As meditation becomes more accessible through digital platforms and apps, its practice is now embraced worldwide. People of all ages and backgrounds are turning to meditation to foster well-being and emotional balance.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the mental health benefits of meditation, particularly mindfulness, as an essential tool for stress management and overall well-being. WHO stresses that even short daily meditation sessions can help improve focus and reduce anxiety, contributing to healthier lives.

Meditation also plays a significant role in promoting global peace. The United Nations has recognized the importance of meditation in fostering harmony, with the Meditation Room at the UN headquarters in New York symbolizing the power of silence and introspection in achieving global unity.

World Meditation Day underscores meditation’s alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3, “Good Health and Well-Being.” By encouraging meditation, the UN aims to promote healthier lives and mental well-being worldwide, creating a more resilient and inclusive society for all.

Newly appointed Chief Information Commissioner Suresh Prasad Acharya took the oath of office and secrecy on Wednesday.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli administered the oath of office and secrecy to Acharya at a ceremony held at the Prime Minister's residence this morning.

Likewise, Chief Commissioner Acharya administered the oath of office and secrecy to newly appointed Commissioners Gagan Bista and Durga Bhandari in the presence of the Prime Minister.

In his brief remarks on the occasion, Prime Minister Oli stressed the need for the effective role of the Commission for the implementation and utilization of the Right to Information as a fundamental right enshrined in the Constitution.

The tendency of asking information from unrelated persons in a way to confuse the government's work should not be encouraged, PM Oli said, underscoring that anarchy should not be encouraged by using the right to information.

Minister for Communications and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung and Secretary at the Ministry Radhika Aryal were also present in the program.

A meeting of the Council of Ministers held on November 21 had appointed Acharya as the Chief Commissioner and Bista and Bhandari as Commissioners of the NIC.

The price of gold has increased by Rs 2, 000 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 154, 200 per tola today. It was traded at Rs 152, 200 per tola on Tuesday.

Similarly, the silver is being traded at Rs 1,925 per tola today.

The Kathmandu Valley has witnessed continuous fall of temperature. Meteorologists said the trend will continue in the coming days. However, the weather here is fair.

Meteorologist Rogen Lamichhane said the minimum temperature was recorded at four degree Celsius this morning and now it is five degree Celsius.

The maximum temperature will hover between 17 and 19 degrees Celsius today. According to the regular weather bulletin of the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, the weather is partly cloudy in the hilly areas of Koshi Province and fair in the rest of the country.

Similarly, fog has occurred in many places of Tarai and Valley and in some other places of the country.

According to the Meteorological Forecasting Division, the weather will be partly cloudy in the Koshi Province and fair in the rest of the country while it will be partly cloudy in Koshi, Madhesh and Bagmati Provinces tonight.

The Department has urged all concerned to remain cautious of foggy weather in the Tarai and Valley and in some other places this morning.

Karnali Yaks defeated Pokhara Avengers by seven wickets in today's second match under Nepal Premier League (NPL) T20 cricket tournament.

Batting first after winning the toss in the match held at TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Pokhara scored 103 runs losing all the wickets in 16.3 overs.

Dinesh Kharel scored the highest 26 runs for Pokhara while Andries Gauss scored 25, Ramon Reffer 20, captain Kushal Bhurtel and Bipin Khatri scored 10 each.

For the bowling side, William Bosisto took six wickets for Karnali. Similarly, captain Sompal Kami, Bipin Sharma and Yunish Thakuri took one wicket each.

In reply, Karnali surpassed the Pokhara total in 15 overs, at the loss of three wickets.

Gulsan Jha scored an unbeaten 49 for Karnali. Similarly, Chadwick Walton (42) was another notable contributor to Karnali's win.

For Pokhara, Bipin Khatri, Sagar Dhakal and Kushal Bhurtel took one wicket each.

This is Karnali's third win in five matches so far while Pokhara have suffered their third loss in four matches.