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Vietnam’s two largest cities, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, are witnessing a sharp rise in dengue fever cases. Ho Chi Minh City recorded more than 2,500 new infections between August 11 and 17, a 38 percent jump compared to the previous month’s average, according to local media. The city has reported over 26,000 cases so far this year—an increase of 220 percent from the same period in 2024—with 15 related deaths, Xinhua reported.

In Hanoi, 145 new cases were confirmed last week, with 59 wards affected and six outbreak clusters active. Health authorities have launched mosquito control campaigns, urged residents to eliminate breeding grounds, and are closely monitoring the potential spread of chikungunya, though no cases have been detected.

The festive season is a reason to shop for new clothes and accessories. Not that most of us needed a reason to go on a shopping spree but it’s nice to have one, isn’t it? Also, there will be new collections at stores and sales happening so you will have more choices and your budget will go a long way too. But shopping in this heat can be a bit harrowing. While browsing through street markets and stores is fun, it’s not always possible when it’s scorching hot or raining. It’s even worse if you need specific things and can’t find them even after spending hours in the local market. So, we have compiled a list of places where you can get some good stuff without having to hunt for something that will do.

Humanfit

This leather clothing and accessories store is just the perfect place to buy leather jackets, belts, bags, wallets, and other small goods like pouches and keychains. The quality is great, the prices are reasonable, there is a good variety of products, and you can even get discounts during festive times like Father’s Day, Teej, or Dashain. They have a few outlets in Kathmandu and Lalitpur so you can choose the one closest to you. Another good thing about this store or brand is that most of their items come with a one year warranty so if the zipper breaks or the stitches come off, you can just get it fixed at no extra charge.

Salt

One of our readers says that this clothing store reminds her of the international brand, Zara. We hadn’t thought of it that way but when she mentioned it, it occurred to us that the pieces available here definitely had the sleek, minimal design and quality finish like many Zara tops and dresses. They have accessories like jewelry and bags too. It’s basically a one stop solution for most of your fashion needs. From casual wear to work fits, Salt has everything you need.

Jeanswest

If you want good quality jeans, shirts, jackets, and tops, look no further than Jeanswest. Though they have many outlets across the valley, the one at Labim Mall has recently been renovated and is spacious and neat. They have a really good collection of jeans and in as many designs as possible. There are clothes available for both men and women and this Australian brand isn’t even as pricey as many others but is as good and comfortable as many top brands like Levis and Lee among others.

Ginger

Located in Pulchowk, Ginger has decent clothes and home accessories like cushions, vases, etc. It’s a fun, cute place to browse through when you have some time to kill or are looking for dresses and tops that you can’t find elsewhere and thus won’t be too common. You will have to hunt through the racks to find a style that suits you but you will definitely see something that catches your fancy. Their spacious changing rooms make trying out new clothes a fun experience (as most stores tend to have small, cramped enclosures in the name of trail rooms). Their pieces can be slightly expensive so look out for end of season or festive sales.

Lavanyaz

We had to feature at least one ethnic clothes store in this list as that is what most of you must be looking for during these festive times. While there is no dearth of places selling sarees, kurtis, and skirts, Lavanyaz, located in Kumaripati, Lalitpur, is perhaps one of the best places you can go to to buy these items at affordable prices. It’s located on the ground floor of the building that houses the Muktinath Bikas Bank and you are sure to find what you are looking for here—whether it be daily wear kurtis or fancy party sarees. They have frequent sales and offers going on as well. You can also check out their page on Instagram to see their extensive collection.

Seed Nepal

Located in Mangalbazaar, Lalitpur, you will find a lot of youngsters thronging Seed Nepal’s outlet as they have simple and stylish clothes in good quality. The minimal prices will shock you. You get t-shirts, tops, formal wear, skirts, gym wear, and pants among other things here. They have good quality tote bags, with inner pockets and hooks to hang your keys and IDs, at affordable prices and great designs. You will want to buy one even if you have a couple at home as they are functional and nice to look at. The clothes are comfortable and the materials used feel really good on the skin. We guarantee this will be one of your favorite places to shop. 

Since its outbreak on Friday, 93 people have tested positive to cholera in Birgunj city as of Monday evening.

Cholera has now spread to the community level in Birgunj. The source of the outbreak is yet to be identified, officials said.

According to Jayamod Thakur, the Public Health Officer at the Health Office Parsa, altogether 93 people tested positive to cholera in Birgunj as of last night.

Currently, the infected ones are being treated at various hospitals but the primary source of the infection remains unknown.      

Bacterial tests were conducted at various hospitals. Narayani Hospital and Tarai Hospital reported 32 cases each, 12 in National Medical College, three each in Bhawani Hospital, Birgunj Health Care and Mangalam Pathology and two others in Ali Artho Hospital.

A total of 344 cholera patients and patients of other illnesses developing similar symptoms have visited the hospitals in Birgunj so far. Of the total patients, 27 are being treated in the ICU beds, six others are being treated with support from the HDCU, and remaining 122 patients are in general beds.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has extended greetings to all Nepali sisters on the occasion of Haritalika (Teej) festival.

Taking to the social site today, the PM has extended greetings to all on the occasion of Haritalika (Teej), the great festival of Nepali Hindu women. The PM has termed Teej as a festival of reverence, courtesy and kindness.

Likewise, PM Oli has wished for intimacy in a family, joyous among couples and harmony in the society, adding that this festival embodies the fragrance of the joint family culture.

Stating that the Teej festival is generally considered a festival of songs and dance, PM Oli viewed that its root was closely attached to devotion, restraint and self-discipline.

"In ancient times, it was found that both husband and wife had the tradition of fasting by worshipping the Sapta Rishi. With the change in time, the tradition of fasting only by women was established. In the present society, new opinions too have emerged," the PM stated in his post. PM Oli has argued that even science has stated that fasting also benefits our body.

US President Donald Trump said Monday that China must supply more magnets or face tariffs of up to 200 percent, highlighting the strategic importance of rare earth elements. China controls about 90 percent of the global magnet market, essential for products like semiconductor chips used in smartphones, according to Al Jazeera.

The remarks follow China’s April restrictions on rare earth exports in retaliation for US tariff hikes, even as exports surged in July. Trump recently extended a 90-day deadline on tariffs, allowing more time for negotiations, and the US also announced a 10 percent stake in Intel, a major chipmaker dependent on these materials.

Venezuela is deploying 15,000 troops to its border with Colombia to combat drug trafficking, using aircraft, drones, and river patrols, Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said. The move follows US naval deployments in the southern Caribbean aimed at Latin American cartels, according to Al Jazeera.

The troop buildup comes amid US accusations linking President Nicolas Maduro and Cabello to the Cartel de los Soles, with rewards of $50m and $25m offered for their capture. Maduro condemned the US, calling it an “imperialist threat,” and launched a nationwide militia drive.

US will send additional naval vessels and 4,500 personnel to the region, reinforcing anti-cartel operations, Al Jazeera reported.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese accused Iran of directing anti-Jewish attacks in Sydney and Melbourne last year and announced the expulsion of Iran’s ambassador to Canberra. The attacks caused property damage but no casualties, Al Jazeera reported.

Australia has also suspended operations at its Tehran embassy, relocated diplomats, and plans to list Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization. Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed the ambassador and three staff members have seven days to leave, marking the first expulsion since World War II.

According to Al Jazeera, there has been no immediate response from Iran.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced on Monday that Ukrainian and US officials will meet this week to explore the possibility of peace talks with Russia.

Speaking alongside Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, Zelenskiy said he will consult with US Special Envoy Keith Kellogg on the discussions. He added that while a basic plan for security guarantees is shaping up, further work is needed before confirming whether Russia is willing to participate, Xinhua reported.

Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump said he had begun arranging a potential meeting between Zelenskiy and Russian President Vladimir Putin.