Gold price increases by Rs 600 per tola on Sunday

The price of gold has increased by Rs 600 per tola in the domestic market on Sunday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the precious yellow metal is being traded at Rs 116, 900 per tola today.

Meanwhile, tejabi gold is being traded at Rs 116, 350 per tola.

Similarly, the silver is being traded at Rs 1,485 per tola today.

Israel-Hamas war: 17 hostages and 39 prisoners released

Hamas militants on Saturday released 17 hostages, including 13 Israelis, from captivity in the Gaza Strip, while Israel freed 39 Palestinian prisoners in the latest stage of a four-day cease-fire, Associated Press reported.

The late-night exchange was held up for several hours after Hamas accused Israel of violating the agreement. The delay underscored the fragility of the cease-fire, which has halted a war that has shocked and shaken Israel, caused widespread destruction across the Gaza Strip, and threatened to unleash wider fighting across the region.

The war erupted on Oct. 7, when Hamas militants in Gaza burst across the border into southern Israel, killing at least 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting some 240 others, including, women, children and older people. Israel immediately declared war, carrying out weeks of airstrikes and a ground offensive that have left over 13,300 Palestinians dead, according to health authorities in the Hamas-controlled territory. Roughly two-thirds of those killed in Gaza have been women and minors.

The cease-fire, brokered by Qatar and the United States, is the first extended break in fighting since the war began. Overall, Hamas is to release at least 50 Israeli hostages, and Israel 150 Palestinian prisoners. All are women and minors.

Israel has said the truce can be extended by an extra day for every additional 10 hostages freed, but has vowed to quickly resume its offensive and complete its goals of returning all hostages and destroying Hamas’ military and governing capabilities.

The plight of the hostages has gripped the Israeli public’s attention. Thousands of people gathered in central Tel Aviv on Saturday in solidarity with the hostages andtheir families. Many accuse Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of not doing enough to bring the hostages home. The releases have triggered mixed emotions: happiness, coupled with angst over the scores of hostages who remain in captivity, according to Associated Press.

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced early Sunday that it had received a new list of hostages slated to be released later in the day in the third of four scheduled swaps.

In the West Bank, hundreds of people burst into wild celebrations for a second night as a busload of Palestinian prisoners arrived early Sunday. Teenage boys released in the deal were carried on the shoulders of well-wishers in the main square of the town of Al Bireh. But the mood of celebration was dampened by scenes of destruction and suffering in Gaza.

The start of the pause brought quiet for 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza, who are reeling from relentless Israeli bombardment that has killed thousands, driven three-quarters of the population from their homes and leveled residential areas. Rocket fire from Gaza militants into Israel also went silent.

War-weary Palestinians in northern Gaza, where the offensive has been focused, returned to the streets, crunching over rubble between shattered buildings and at times digging through it with bare hands.

PM Dahal to prioritize compensation at COP28

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal emphasized Nepal’s commitment to prioritizing compensation for communities most vulnerable to climate change. He announced the government’s intention to advocate for this cause at the upcoming UN climate event, COP28.

Acknowledging the severe impacts of climate change on indigenous communities, women, and children in Nepal, PM Dahal highlighted that international assistance and grants would be directed specifically to support these vulnerable groups.

PM Dahal conveyed these intentions during a meeting with a delegation from the Sathsathai Foundation earlier today. Chairperson Prajita Karki presented a memorandum to the PM, urging him to ensure compensation for the worst-affected communities.

The Foundation informed that it would host two events at Nepal’s pavilion during the COP28 sideline. Additionally, Foreign Minister NP Saud expressed Nepal’s pleasure in hosting the Princess of Qatar as a guest in an upcoming program at the country’s pavilion. He mentioned that Nepali Embassies in Doha, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, would collaborate accordingly.

The memorandum submitted to PM Dahal highlighted the increased snowmelt in mountains and the potential risks of glacial lake outbursts due to climate change. It urged Nepal to advocate strongly for climate justice in international forums, stressing that the livelihoods, health, education, and employment of local communities have been severely impacted by climate change-induced disasters.

Good reads

JUMLA: A Nurse’s Story

Radha Paudel
Memoir 

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The book is an account of the Maoist war in Khalanga, West Nepal. It’s basically a nurse’s diary. It is the English translation of Madan Puraskar winning book ‘Khalangama Hamala’. Radha Paudel, a trained nurse,  was in Khalanga, the Jumla district headquarters when the Maoists launched a massive attack in November 2002. Here, she recollects the stories of trauma that she came face to face with. She won the prestigious literary award Madan Puraskar for Khalangama Hamala, the original Nepali version of the book, in 2014.

I Wish You All The Best

Mason Deaver
Young Adult

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When Ben De Backer comes out to their parents as nonbinary, they’re thrown out of their house and forced to move in with their estranged older sister, Hannah, and her husband, Thomas, whom Ben has never even met. Struggling with an anxiety disorder compounded by their parents’ rejection, they come out only to Hannah, Thomas, and their therapist and try to keep a low profile in a new school. But Ben’s attempts to survive the last half of senior year unnoticed are thwarted when Nathan Allan, a funny and charismatic student, decides to take Ben under his wing. As Ben and Nathan's friendship grows, their feelings for each other begin to change, and what started as a disastrous turn of events looks like it might just be a chance to start a happier new life.

Agony to Ecstasy

Sagar Parajuli
Spirituality

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Agony to Ecstasy breaks down the esoteric yogic knowledge discovered in the lap of the Himalayas into eight simple practical steps that can be applied by anyone for self-discovery—to unleash one’s inner potential. By blending his own experience with the ancient secrets of health and wellness, the author shows how to find balance in a fast-paced modern world—the cause of many physical and mental health disorders. The author also clarifies various misconceptions about spirituality and brings clear, scientific insight into the not-so-discussed topics of life, death, and consciousness.

 ​​​​All these titles and more are available at Bookverse, Civil Mall, 4th floor, Sundhara, Kathmandu.

You will get 15% off when you buy five or more books and 15% off on Nepali books.

 

Know your artists

Leonardo Da Vinci (1452 – 1519)

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Leonardo da Vinci is probably the most important Renaissance artist. He painted the iconic Mona Lisa which now hangs permanently in the Louvre Museum in Paris. It’s protected behind a bulletproof glass. It’s an oil painting with a cottonwood panel as the surface. It’s believed this choice of medium is the reason why the Mona Lisa has survived for more than six centuries without ever having been restored. Apart from the sitter’s mysterious smile, the fact that there are no visible brush marks on the painting makes it even more intriguing. 

His other famous masterpieces are The Last Supper and The Lady with an Ermine. The Last Supper is the most reproduced religious painting of all time. da Vinci was also a scientist and inventor and he made many drawings of the human body. He had an insatiable curiosity about the natural world. He made many scientific observations and sketches that were far ahead of his time. He is even credited with designing a rudimentary form of aircraft.

Michelangelo (1465 – 1564)

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Michelangelo is one of the most well-known artists of all time. He was a painter, a sculptor, and an architect who also happened to write poetry occasionally. He grew up in Florence, a city that was a center of art and culture during the Renaissance period. His most famous artwork is the fresco painting of the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican. It took him four years to make it. Twenty years after painting the ceiling of the chapel, he returned to create one of the greatest frescoes of the Renaissance, The Last Judgment.

Michelangelo’s other creations, the sculpture David and Pietà, the St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, and the famous carving of Moses on the tomb of Pope Julian II serve as inspirations for young artists of the 21st century.

Johannes Vermeer (1632 – 1675)

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Johannes Vermeer was a Dutch Baroque Period painter who mostly painted domestic interior scenes of middle-class life. His work depicts scenes of everyday life in 17th-century Holland. The popular phrase ‘Vermeer’s women’ comes from the fact that many of his works feature women engaged in household tasks. They are pouring milk, reading a letter, or playing musical instruments. Among his most famous works are the Girl With a Pearl Earring, The Milkmaid, and View of Delft.

Vermeer was a moderately successful artist but he produced few paintings. He worked slowly and with great care, and frequently used expensive pigments. But he never made much money from them, leaving his wife and children in debt upon his death. He is known for his expert treatment and use of light in his work. He was also an avid art collector and dealer. Though he was modestly popular during his time, he was forgotten after his death. He was only rediscovered in the 19th century and went on to be acknowledged as one of the greatest painters of the Dutch Golden Age.

Vincent Van Gogh (1853 – 1890)

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Vincent Willem van Gogh was a Dutch post-impressionist painter. He is one of the most famous and influential figures in the history of Western art. In his lifetime, he made 2,100 artworks, including 860 paintings. These include landscapes, still life, portraits, and self-portraits. Most of his works have bold colors and dramatic and expressive brushwork. His paintings include Starry Night, Cafe Terrace at Night, Sunflowers, and Self Portrait among others. 

Starry Night is perhaps one of the most recognized pieces of art in the world. You can see it everywhere, from coffee mugs and magnets to cushion covers and t-shirts. Its bright yellow and blue tones are unmissable. But despite the paintings’ fame, Van Gogh was pretty much unknown when he died by suicide at the age of 37. He was battling depression and poverty. He is today widely known for being the artist who cut off part of his ear. He inspired upcoming artists through his technique of painting with thick brushstrokes made up of bright colors squeezed straight from the tube.

Pablo Picasso (1881 – 1973)

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Pablo Picasso was a Spanish painter, sculptor, printmaker, ceramicist, and theater designer. His father was an academic painter and thus he began to draw at an early age. He was in his twenties he experimented with different ideas and techniques.

The total number of artworks he produced has been estimated at 50,000, comprising 1,885 paintings, 1,228 sculptures, 2,880 ceramics, roughly 12,000 drawings, many thousands of prints, and numerous tapestries and rugs. But painting was where he stood out. His career spanned nearly eight decades. His work reflects his evolving artistic vision as well as the changing landscape of the 20th century. Some of his most famous works include Guernica (a dramatic portrayal of the bombing of Guernica by German and Italian air forces during the Spanish Civil War), Bird of Peace, and Woman with Fan.

Picasso changed the very definition of classic art by introducing concepts such as collaging and Cubism. His distinctive take on the creation of art in every medium makes him one of the most impactful artists ever.

Mind Matters | Emotionally fragile

I cry over the littlest of things especially when I’m criticized by my family. I don’t mean to but I get hurt easily. I know this isn’t the right response and I want to work on it. I know this will also affect my relationship with my family members and I don’t want that. What can I do?

Answered by Rishav Koirala, researcher and physiatrist

It’s not uncommon for individuals to experience strong emotional reactions, such as crying, when faced with criticism, particularly from family members. These emotional responses can be influenced by a combination of personal sensitivities and the deep emotional connections inherent in familial relationships. The impact of persistent emotional distress, especially when rooted in familial criticism, can extend beyond the immediate moment, potentially contributing to the development or exacerbation of mental health issues like anxiety or depression.

To effectively address these emotional challenges, it’s crucial to engage in a multifaceted approach. Firstly, acknowledging and accepting these emotions without self-blame is essential. Emotions are complex, and allowing oneself to feel without judgment is the starting point for understanding and managing them.

Taking time to reflect on the specific triggers within the criticism can provide valuable insights. Understanding what aspects of the criticism evoke such strong emotional responses can help uncover underlying concerns or insecurities. This self-awareness can then serve as a foundation for developing strategies to cope with and navigate these triggers.

Building effective communication skills is another key aspect of managing emotional responses within the family dynamic. Expressing one’s feelings and needs openly and honestly can foster a deeper understanding among family members, potentially reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings and conflicts.

Exploring and adopting coping strategies tailored to individual preferences is crucial. This might involve activities such as mindfulness, journaling, or engaging in hobbies that provide a sense of joy and relaxation. Building a personalized toolbox of coping mechanisms enhances one’s ability to manage emotions effectively.

In cases where emotional responses persist and significantly impact well-being, seeking professional support is highly advisable. Therapy or counseling provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals to delve deeper into their emotions, understand underlying issues, and develop practical strategies for improved mental health. Prioritizing emotional well-being is a fundamental aspect of self-care, and with the right support, individuals can work towards building resilience and navigating family dynamics more effectively.

Stop making hateful remarks, using unnecessary force: NHRC

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has said that its attention has been drawn towards the hateful remarks made public in various social media platforms after the demonstrations held by Yuwa Sangh, the youth wing of CPN-UML, and businessman Durga Prasain under the “Rastra, Rastriyata, Dharma-Sanskriti and Nagarik Bachau Andalon.”

The commission said that it on Friday monitored Tinkune area, the venue Prasain had announced to stage a demonstration today, and the area of Bhaktapur-based Durga Prasain’s residence.

During the monitoring, the rights watchdog found the security personnel arresting the people gathered at Tinkune for the demonstration.

The Commission urged the security agencies not to use unnecessary force on protesters. 

While addressing the programs on Thursday, both sides made hateful remarks targeting each other against the Constitution, law and human rights, leading to a clash in Balkhu which left some people injured, the Commission said in a statement.

The Commission said that it has found posters and audio-visual materials along with hateful remarks against high-ranking state officials made public in various social media sites.

The constitutional rights watchdog concluded that these kinds of hateful activities are against Nepal's Constitution, national and international laws and against the spirit of human rights.

 

CESIF organizes round table discussion on Nepal-India bilateral relations

Centre for Social Inclusion and Federalism (CESIF) organized a round table discussion on Nepal-India bilateral relations, focusing on the Prime Minister’s visit to India from May 30 to June 3, 2023. The discourse brought together distinguished parliamentarians, experts, journalists, former bureaucrats and diplomats.

Raj Kishor Yadav, chairperson of the International Relations and Tourism Committee at the House of Representative, was the chief guest speaker of the discussion.

Similarly, former Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation and lawmakers Barsha Man Pun, Udaya Shumsher Rana and Sunita Baral were the prominent speakers of the event.

The Prime Minister’s official visit to India last May/June further strengthened Nepal-India close ties in many fronts, including power trade, cross-border infrastructures, among others.

The visit was noted by many as a fruitful development to the existing relations; however, the burden now falls upon the implementation of the deals and agreements signed. The discussion was aimed at critically analyzing the visit and reviewing the implementations of the deals and agreements reached, reads a statement issued by Centre for Social Inclusion & Federalism.

The dialogue was moderated by the Executive Chair of CESIF, Ambassador Vijay Kant Karna.

In his opening remarks, he reflected that the visit showed an increased political trust as evidenced by PM Modi’s pledge on border issues to be resolved through dialogues. “Nonetheless, controversial issues like border disputes demand considerable preparation and consensus from both sides,” Ambassador Karna analyzed.

The dialogue brought together diverse views from the parliamentarians and participants, according to the statement.

Lawmaker Baral expressed satisfaction regarding economic perks that were achieved during the PM’s visit to India.

Likewise, lawmaker Pun agreed on the fact that slowly and gradually, an environment of trust is being witnessed which has obvious economic perks.

Similarly, lawmaker Rana emphasized on compartmentalizing structural and economic issues while dealing with India. “Issues like border disputes require a long-term solution, and the present concentration should be on economic aspects,” he reflected.

Chief Guest Yadav concluded that it is important for Nepal to also learn of India’s concerns in order to effectively navigate diplomatic hurdles. “Nepal and India’s issues are interconnected, and thus we need to carefully tread the path,” he shared.

During the program, all the participants expressed that there is a trust deficit between Nepal and India, and that there has to be diversification and decentralization of diplomacy, the statement further reads.

Regarding the PM’s visit to India, while some remarked it to be successful, some also expressed dissatisfaction.

The crux lies in the implementation of the deals and agreements signed, which is yet to be seen.

However, it would be unfair to anticipate a radical breakthrough, in this visit, on longstanding contentious issues that have plagued Nepal-India relations for decades. This isn’t to claim that there was no room for further negotiations and deals but owing to the limitations, only so much could have been achieved.