Three types of dengue viruses active in Nepal

The Epidemiology and Infectious Diseases Control Division has confirmed that three types of dengue viruses -- serotype-1, serotype-2 and serotype-3 -- are active in Nepal. 

Chief of the Division's Vector Borne Disease Control Section Dr Gokarna Prasad Dahal confirmed that DV-1, -2, and -3 were reported in the country.

"In the past, serotype-1, serotype-2, serotype-3 and serotype-4 were active. Based on the study of genes of the virus, three types of them were found to be active now," Dr Dahal said.

He shared that the risk of dengue fever continues till the month of Kartik (mid-November) as the mosquitoes remain active up to that period.

After that, the dengue-transmitting mosquitoes will vanish gradually as the temperature dips.

So far, all districts except Humla have reported dengue and the cases exceeded 27,000 with 11 deaths this year.

Kaski district has the highest number of dengue cases with 7,080 and the number of dengue patients is 5,748 in the Kathmandu Valley.

The government has launched a campaign of "Larva Search and Destroy" every Friday to prevent the spread of dengue.

The mosquito-borne disease is transmitted by Aedes-aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. The mosquitoes of the species are active in the morning and evening time and breed in the pooled water. It is said that the white blood cell count goes down in the critical cases of dengue.

The mosque-transmitted disease which was mostly found in Terai-Madhes in the past has now spread across the country including even in the mountainous areas.

 

Annapurna Media Network’s office opened in America

Annapurna Media Network in collaboration with the American company Bi-Streams LLC opened its office in the United States.  

The office was opened in Gainesville, Virginia, USA.

Adrian Pokharel, Chairman of Bi-Streams LLC, inaugurated the office amidst a special function.

A DBA partnership agreement was signed between Annapurna Media Network and American company Bi-Streams LLC to launch the 'Annapurna Media Network-USA' in America.

The agreement was signed by Manoj Basnet, General Manager of Annapurna Media Network and Adrian Pokharel, Chairman of Bi-Streams LLC America and Director Sabina Khanal.

According to the agreement, the Annapurna Media Network’s bureau office will also remain in the same office.

Bi-Streams LLC is a company registered in Virginia, USA

The Commonwealth of Virginia State Corporation Commission had granted permission on September 25, 2024 had granted permission to Bi-Streams to operate the 'Annapurna Media Network USA' under the DBA.

“We have taken important steps to successfully launch the 'AMN USA' in America in collaboration with Bi-Streams LLC. This is an important opportunity to take our media network to new heights,” Bi-Streams LLC Chairman Adrian Pokharel said. “Our mission has always been clear. We always wanted to take Nepali media to the international platform, bring together the diaspora Nepalis community and take the materials produced in Nepal to the world,” he said.

“We want to connect the Nepali diaspora living in the US with Nepal under the 'AMN USA' and give easy access to news, radio, television, and other media content. After the operation of the office in America, Annapurna Media Network will soon be registered in the international media house,” Pokharel further said.

“Our future vision is to make Nepali media competitive at the international level,” he said, adding, “This will create opportunities for all of us.”

Annapurna Media Network General Manager Basnet said that the DBA collaborated with Bystream in the US as part of a campaign to make AMN an international brand.

The Annapurna Media Network has been operating media platforms such as Annapurna Post Daily, The Annapurna Express Daily, Radio Annapurna Nepal 94 MHz, Online News Portal Annapurna Post.com and AP1 Television among others.

 

 

 

 

 

Nepse surges by 46. 69 points on Tuesday

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) gained 46.69 points to close at 2,692.05 points on Tuesday.

Similarly, the sensitive index surged by 8.33 points to close at 481. 28 points.

A total of 13,373,481-unit shares of 319 companies were traded for Rs 6. 12 billion.

Meanwhile, Saptakoshi Development Bank Ltd (SAPDBL), Sanima GIC Insurance Limited (SGIC) and Kutheli Bukhari Small Hydropower Limited (KBSH) were the top gainers today, with its price surging by 10. 00 percent.

Likewise, NIFRA Uraj Rinpatra7%-2085/86 (NIFRAUR85/86) was the top loser as its price fell by 1.95 percent.

At the end of the day, total market capitalization stood at Rs 4. 28 trillion.

Immigration office established at Korala check point

An immigration office has been established at Korala check point in Lomanthang of Upper Mustang.

According to the District Administration Office, Mustang, the office would be officially inaugurated within a few days.

Assistant Chief District Officer, Ram Prasad Subedi, said all preparations for the office inauguration have been completed. Import and export would be easier as well as one can travel across the Chinese border once the office comes into operation, he mentioned.

"Now, only residents of Mustang have got permits to go to China via the Korala check point. With the operation of the Immigration Office, all Nepali citizens can cross the border as well as Chinese tourists can visit Mustang via this border after getting a visa", Subedi explained.

A 10-room Immigration and Security Post building has been constructed. Preparation has been made to provide integrated service from Korala check point after constructing necessary infrastructures.

 

PM Oli vows to resist unlawful activities

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has reaffirmed the government's commitment to discouraging anarchy. He stated that there are ongoing attempts to promote disorder and communal disharmony, adding that such activities will be thwarted.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony for Armed Police Force (APF) inspectors at the National APF Training Academy, Matatritha today, the Prime Minister expressed the government's commitment to resisting unlawful activities.

He congratulated the graduates and promised to amend existing laws to improve facilities for APF personnel and enhance their performance.

The Prime Minister commended the APF's role in strengthening border security and emphasized the need to expand the organization's capacity.

Among those present at the ceremony were Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister Bishnu Prasad Rimal, Chair of the Public Service Commission Madhav Prasad Regmi, Chief Secretary Eaknarayan Aryal, Chief of Army Staff Ashok Raj Sigdel, Home Secretary Gokarnamani Duwadi, Inspector General of Nepal Police Basanta Bahadur Kunwar, and APF Inspector General Raju Aryal.

A total of 45 individuals graduated as APF inspectors during the event. 

Tihar Flora Expo boosts local flower industry

With Tihar season approaching, Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu offers a chance to shop for flowers at the Tihar Flora Expo, which runs until Tuesday. The expo, which started on Sept 25 under the theme “Festival of Tihar, Festival of Flowers,” features 65 stalls from flower and nursery businesses and includes consultation booths.

At the expo’s inauguration on Friday, Bagmati Province Minister for Forests and Environment, Krishna Prasad Silwal, highlighted the recent damage to nursery businesses due to October’s continuous rainfall and assured that relief assistance would be provided. He also committed to including provisions in future policies to allocate barren community forest land for nurseries, with budgetary support to promote the flower industry.

Minister Silwal emphasized the importance of producing indigenous varieties like rhododendron and wild orchids for the global market, which he believes could create employment for youth in Nepal. He advocated for a ban on plastic flowers in favor of natural ones.

Director General of the Department of Botany, Sanjeev Kumar Rai, pointed out that imported plastic flowers have disrupted the domestic market. He stressed the need to promote local flowers, including marigolds, velvet flowers, and Godavari blooms. Last year’s marigold imports inspired the department’s Natural Research Laboratory to produce food supplements and beauty products, which led to the registration of three new industries.

Mohan Katwal, Vice-president of the Federation of Nepal Cottage and Small Industries (FNCSI), expressed concerns over the lack of government support for small and cottage industries, which make up more than 80 percent of Nepal’s industries. Naresh Lal Shrestha, FNCCI executive committee member and Chair of the Export Promotion Committee, added that arranging concessional loans in agriculture, energy, and tourism could support domestic employment.

Ramji Prasad Timilsina, President of the Nursery Association of Nepal, described the fair as a platform to discourage foreign flower imports and promote domestic flowers, nurseries, and herbs.

On the expo’s first day, coordinator and Nursery Association Vice-president, Laxmi Maharjan, shared their expectation for transactions to exceed Rs 7m over the five-day event. Entry fees are Rs 100 for the public and Rs 50 for students and seniors. The opening day drew crowds of flower enthusiasts and visitors.

To foster competition and improve skills among entrepreneurs, the fair honored the best in seven categories with certificates, cash prizes, and shields.

Gold shines to hit record high of Rs 168, 500 per tola

Gold price has set a new record in the domestic market today.

According to the Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the precious yellow metal is being traded at Rs 168, 500 per tola. It was traded at Rs 167, 000 per tola on Monday.

Likewise, the silver is being traded at Rs 2, 105 per tola.

 

Lumbini launches ‘Ghumna Jau Bardiya’ campaign

The Lumbini province government is set to launch the ‘Ghumna Jau Bardiya’ campaign on Nov 14, aiming to promote Bardiya as a prime tourism destination. The main attraction in Bardiya is its tiger population, drawing increasing numbers of tourists eager to see these majestic animals. Bardiya National Park, the district’s top tourist destination, offers jungle safaris where visitors can spot a variety of wildlife, including tigers. Daulatpur Ghat, known for its rare dolphin sightings, has also become popular among international visitors, and the district’s Krishnasar (blackbuck) population is protected within a dedicated conservation area. Additionally, Bardiya’s homestays add appeal by offering authentic local experiences.

This campaign is part of the province’s policy initiatives to boost tourism and economic growth in the region. Minister of Industry, Tourism, and Transport Prachanda Bikram Neupane stated that the Ghumna Jau Bardiya campaign aims to increase tourism and contribute to economic prosperity in Bardiya. The campaign will launch on Nov 14 in Thakurdwara, further establishing Bardiya as a premier tourism destination within Nepal.

“Bardiya is the main tourist destination in Lumbini province,” Minister Neupane remarked. “This year, we aim for the economic prosperity of the entire province by attracting more visitors to Bardiya. Promotional programs will be held to increase tourist awareness.”

Minister Neupane explained that promotional efforts will focus on attracting foreign tourists through collaboration with relevant stakeholders to enhance visitor experiences. “We will organize promotional programs to inform tourists about Bardiya’s attractions and ensure smooth coordination with all parties for their convenience,” he added.

Tourists visiting Bardiya can sample local cuisine at homestays and observe innovative agricultural practices. The district offers unique opportunities for agricultural study, making it an appealing destination for both ecotourism and cultural exploration.