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The government has decided to keep an aircraft on standby to repatriate the bodies of Nepalis who died following the deadly terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel and to rescue the injured.

A meeting of the coordination mechanism held under the headship of Foreign Minister NP Saud on Monday decided to keep an aircraft on standby to repatriate the bodies as soon as possible and to coordinate with the Israeli government.

The meeting has also decided to find a way to safely relocate Nepali citizens living in Israel.

Around 4,500 Nepalis are currently employed as caregivers in Israel. Additionally, there are 265 Nepali students studying there as part of the ‘Learn and Earn’ program of the Israeli government, Foreign Minister Saud had said in the Parliament meeting on Sunday.

Ten Nepali students enrolled in educational institutions in the southern region of Israel have lost their lives in the attack by Hamas on Israel.

According to Nepali Ambassador to Israel Kanta Rijal, the deceased have been identified as Narayan Prasad Neupane and Ashish Chaudhary of Kailali, Ganesh Kumar Nepali of Bajhang, Dipesh Raj Bist and Lokendra Singh Dhami of Darchula, Anand Sah of Dhanusha, Rajesh Kumar Swarnkar of Sunsari, Rajan Phulara of Doti, Padam Thapa and Prabesh Bhandari of Salyan.

Dhan Bahadur Chaudhary from Tikapur, Himanchal Kattel from Gorkha, and Bidhan Sejuwal from Salyan were injured in the attack. They are receiving treatment at a local hospital. Reports suggest that one of the injured is in a critical condition. A person is still missing.

Ananda Saru has held the position of Secretary at the Office of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers (OCMCM) in Karnali province since 2020. He also serves as the program director of the Provincial and Local Governance Support Program that oversees PLGSP initiatives in the province and collaborates with development partners.

Previously, he served as the chief administrative officer (Joint Secretary) of Tulsipur Sub-Metropolitan City in Dang, Lumbini province. With a wealth of experience in federal, provincial, and local governments, Saru has engaged with various stakeholders across different tiers of government, gaining a profound understanding of the complexities of the federalization process. ApEx had the opportunity to discuss various aspects of the three-tier government with him.

What changes have occurred in the performance, service delivery, and institutional governance of provincial and local government institutions in Karnali since the implementation of federalism?

The implementation of federalism has brought about significant transformations and improvements in the performance, service delivery, and institutional governance of provincial and local government bodies in Karnali. The primary goal of federalism is to make government structures more accessible to the public, and Karnali has made remarkable progress in this regard. During the conflict period, local public services were notably inadequate. However, since the advent of federalism, both provincial and local elections have been successfully conducted, leading to the installation of people's representatives in local units. Additionally, workforce adjustments have been made to address personnel shortages, with appointments made by the federal government and recommendations from the provincial public service commission. Nevertheless, there is still a shortage of administrative and technical staff at the provincial and local levels, but ongoing efforts aim to address this issue.

The capacity, service delivery, and governance of provincial and local government institutions are steadily improving. Federalism has brought government structures closer to the people, making governance more accessible and community-oriented. Significant progress has been made in various aspects of government service delivery, including personal incident registration, the distribution of social security benefits, the implementation of agricultural and livestock development programs, healthcare services, and business registration. Citizen participation in decision-making processes and expenditure oversight at both the local and provincial levels has increased. Efforts have also been made to establish a culture of adhering to specified deadlines for budget and program submissions and approvals.

Local units are dedicated to enhancing service delivery through self-evaluation and responsiveness to community needs. Citizen engagement has increased across various processes and programs. Furthermore, authorities at both provincial and local levels are formulating and implementing laws tailored to their specific requirements. Institutional structures are gradually being established and reinforced, with greater access for marginalized communities and groups, particularly at the local level. Cooperation between provincial and local levels is growing, and a shift towards a bottom-up planning process is underway.

What measures have been taken to enhance the participation and access of citizens, especially women and marginalized groups, in the local-level planning process, decision-making, and service delivery?

Local units are actively implementing a 7-step plan formulation process and raising awareness in the community about the importance of involving wards and small settlements in the planning process. Thematic committees have become more active, and legal provisions related to the planning process encourage the engagement of all citizens, including children, women, indigenous groups, Madhesi, Dalits, disabled individuals, and marginalized and backward communities in identifying, selecting, prioritizing, and making decisions in the planning process.

Marginalized groups are gradually gaining representation in institutional structures. Various capacity development programs conducted by both the province and local governments have empowered them to participate in decision-making processes. Efforts to include women and marginalized communities in the planning system continue through the formulation of laws, policies, and regulations. Local and provincial public buildings and structures have been made more user-friendly for women and marginalized communities.

Federalism is becoming more accessible to communities that previously faced barriers in accessing government structures. A shift in mindset is taking place, and capacity development training and orientation programs have been organized for people's representatives and employees to increase the involvement of women and marginalized communities in the planning system. Additionally, activities such as community mobilization at the village level, the Chief Minister's program for addressing complaints, the Chief Minister's employment program, parliamentary support initiatives, publication of reports aimed at uplifting and developing Badi communities, and the establishment and operation of a project information management system at the local levels have been implemented.

Furthermore, interaction programs, regular meetings of the provincial coordination council, and the execution of a joint declaration against gender-based violence have been conducted. Comprehensive workshops and orientation programs have been organized at all local levels and provinces to address common concerns and promote collaboration.

Many development partners, including UNDP and EU, are active in Karnali province. Has the provincial government been able to mobilize this support in a meaningful and sustainable way?

Development partners are actively engaged in Karnali province, and their support has been effectively mobilized to promote meaningful and sustainable outcomes. Notable achievements include the formulation of the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Policy 2020, which emphasizes the commitment to fostering equitable societies. To ensure the effective implementation of policies and initiatives, the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Accounting Procedure 2020 has been established. Comprehensive guidelines for Gender-Responsive Budgeting (GRB) have been developed to promote fair resource allocation.

Karnali province has also established a robust data and information management system to address gender-based violence. A strategy for gender equality and social inclusion mainstreaming has been created to seamlessly integrate these principles into various initiatives across 70 local units. Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Testing has been conducted in all 79 local units, and efforts have been made to empower individuals through training sessions for trainers and GESI focal persons. This has led to increased active participation of women and marginalized communities. Laws, policies, strategies, and procedures related to institutional development are yet to be established, and support is being received from various organizations for these aspects.

Coordination with development partners extends to capacity development of Karnali Province Training Institute. The institute is also receiving technical assistance from the Province and Local Government Support Program. Annual program activities, approved by provincial and national coordination committees, are implemented in alignment with the Government of Nepal’s budget system. The training institute also collaborates with development partners like UNDP PLGSP-EUSIF and International IDEA for sustainability, particularly in the initial stages where additional support for infrastructure and systemic capabilities is vital.

Addressing the needs of women and marginalized communities is prioritized in the annual budget and work budget. The recent passage of the Karnali Province Training Institute Act signals a significant role in strengthening the federal system through capacity development of state and local government institutions, including local people's representatives. However, challenges remain, notably in terms of infrastructure development due to Karnali province's challenging geography. The provincial government's limited budget necessitates continued support from development partners for sustainable institution development.

What are the immediate, mid-term, and long-term priorities of Karnali Province Training Academy?

The Karnali Province Training Academy has a range of immediate and mid-term strategies to effectively fulfill its mission. Immediate priorities include constructing essential physical infrastructure such as training rooms, an assembly hall, hostel facilities, reading rooms, and a library. Transportation for training participants and staff must also be arranged. The institute should mobilize both internal and external human resources and focus on formulating strategic and business plans, sector

Tourists' mobility has visibly increased in Thamel – the main tourism hub – with the advent of autumn season. Tourism entrepreneurs are being elated with the rise in arrival of tourists.

The entrepreneurs have come across financial trouble with a sharp fall in the inflow of tourists in the wake of the devastating Gorkha earthquake, trade embargo and coronavirus pandemic.

A new hope is simmering among the entrepreneurs with the gradual rise in the arrivals of tourists at the onset of tourism season.

Influx of foreign tourists has increased in Thamel of late, said Thamel-based restaurant operator Bhagawan Thapa, who has been offering Thakali cuisine varieties.

"In earlier months, hardly 10-15 domestic and foreign guests used to visit my restaurant daily for eateries. But the number has increased to 45-50 this month and most of them are foreigners", he shared.

Kiran Dev Ghimire, who has been operating a stationery shop in Thamel for the past one-and-a-half decade, said inflow of foreign tourists has increased in Thamel lately.

However, tourists have been facing trouble in lack of proper maintenance of dilapidated roads in Thamel which has established its international fame, he mentioned.

Fancy cloth operator Sitaram Regmi commented that business volume has not increased in Thamel despite a rise in tourism activities. "Fancy business transactions have dropped in Thamel this year compared to last year".

Hotel business has a different story in Thamel. The occupancies in Thamel-based hotels have increased with a rising flow of tourists.

Mahesh Phuyal, operator of Thamel-based four-star hotel Ramada Encore, said hotel rooms have been booked for the autumn season since a month before.

Sahadev Dhamala, proprietor of a hotel in Thamel, however said tourism business in Thamel has not been as anticipated due to short-term stay of tourists of late.

Dhamala, also the vice-chairperson of Thamel Tourism Development Council, said the Council has been holding discussions with different agencies on the measures to prolong the stay of foreign tourists in Thamel.

According to Nepal Tourism Board, a total of 692,372 tourists have entered Nepal via air routes in the first nine months of the year 2023. Among them, 91,012 tourists arrived in Nepal in the month of September alone.

Nepali Congress has urged the government for the prompt treatment and rescue of Nepalis injured in Israel.

Speaking at the Parliament meeting on Sunday, Congress Chief Whip Ramesh Lekhak said that the government should act wisely to rescue and treat the Nepali injured in Israel.

“Nepali citizens living in Israel are in trouble. I on behalf of the party urged the government to act wisely to rescue and treat the Nepalis injured in Israel,” he said.

Saying that the conflict between Israel and Hamas could be prolonged, he urged the government to pay attention to the safety of all the Nepalis in Israel.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said that three Nepali were injured in the attack between Israel and Hamas and 12 have gone out of contact.

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) plunged by 35. 67 points to close at 1,921.24 points on Sunday.

Similarly, the sensitive index dropped by 5. 79 points to close at 367. 57 points.

A total of 5,815,189-unit shares of 289 companies were traded for Rs 1. 80 billion.

Meanwhile, Barahi Hydropower Public Limited was the top gainer today with its price surging by 9. 59 percent. Likewise, Himalayan Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited and Garima Debenture, 2085 were the top losers as their price fell by 10. 00 percent.

At the end of the day, the total market capitalization stood at Rs 2. 93 trillion

Foreign Minister NP Saud has said that the government is fully committed to help, coordinate and facilitate the Nepalis living in Israel.

While informing the Parliament about the situation of Nepalis in Israel on Sunday, he said that the government is committed to provide necessary support and rescue to the Nepalis in Israel saying that Israel's security environment will remain complex for some time.

He said that the Embassy of Nepal in Israel is coordinating with the government of Israel for the safety, rescue and support of Nepalis.

According to the Nepali Embassy in Israel, 4, 500 Nepalis are working as caregivers in Israel, Foreign Minister Saud said.

He said that 265 Nepali students had gone to Israel through the Learn and Earn Program of the Israeli government.

According to Minister Saud, 119 students from Agricultural University, 97 from Tribhuvan University and 49 from Far-Western University went to Israel through the program.

Among them, 17 students, who had gone to Israel from Far-Western University, were studying in Kibbutz Alumim, Israel.

According to the Embassy, among the students, who had gone to Israel from Far-Western University, three were injured in the attack and two are safe, Minister Saud said.

The injured are undergoing treatment at a local hospital. Remaining 12 persons have not come into contact, he said.

At least 232 people have been killed and 1,600 wounded in the attack by Hamas forces into Israel.

Foreign Minister NP Saud has informed the Parliament about the attack in Israel.

Speaking at the meeting of the House of Representatives on Sunday, the foreign minister informed the House about the situation of Nepalis in Israel.

According to the Nepali Embassy in Israel, 4, 500 Nepalis are working as caregivers in Israel, Foreign Minister Saud said.

He said that 265 Nepali students had gone to Israel through the Learn and Earn Program of the Israeli government.

According to Minister Saud, 119 students from Agricultural University, 97 from Tribhuvan University and 49 from Far-Western University went to Israel through the program.

Among them, 17 students, who had gone to Israel from Far-Western University, were studying in Kibbutz Alumim, Israel.

According to the Embassy, among the students, who had gone to Israel from Far-Western University, three were injured in the attack and two are safe, Minister Saud said.

The injured are undergoing treatment at a local hospital.

Remaining 12 persons have not come into contact, he said.

At least 232 people have been killed and 1,600 wounded in the attack by Hamas forces into Israel.

I’m a 20-year-old female currently pursuing my Bachelor’s degree. While everything seems fine with my studies and life in general, I can’t shake the feeling of unhappiness. I would say I’m only 10 percent happy, and within that 10 percent, my parents and my boyfriend bring me joy. I’m struggling to pinpoint the exact cause of my unhappi. Please help me.

Answered by Rishav Koirala, psychiatrist and researcher

As a 20-year-old female pursuing your Bachelor’s degree, your persistent unhappiness is a matter of concern, and it’s important to recognize that multiple factors can contribute to this state. First,we need to find out whether it is natural or pathological (related to illness). If there are major negative ongoing events in one’s life, feeling of sadness is common. But we tend to overcome such sadness with time. If these symptoms are present without any major reason, then mood disorders such as dysthymia, and depression and adjustment disorders can be potential contributors to your unhappiness. Dysthymia, often referred to as persistent depressive disorder feeling, is characterized by chronic feelings of sadness and hopelessness that persist for at least two years or longer. While it may be less severe than major depression, dysthymia can still significantly impact your daily life and overall happiness. On the other hand, depression is a mood disorder marked by intense feelings of sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Depression can be episodic or chronic and can significantly affect one’s ability to function in daily life.

Academic stress is another factor worth exploring in your situation. Pursuing a Bachelor’s degree can be demanding, with the pressures of coursework, exams, and future career expectations. It’s advisable to discuss your academic concerns with an academic advisor or counselor who can offer guidance and strategies for managing your workload more effectively.

Moreover, it’s crucial to evaluate your overall lifestyle. Are you getting enough sleep, maintaining a balanced diet, and engaging in regular physical activity? Neglecting these basic self-care practices can have a considerable impact on your mood and contribute to feelings of unhappiness. Sleep problems, in particular, can manifest in various ways, including difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep for long hours, waking up too early, or experiencing poor sleep quality. These disturbances can disrupt your sleep cycle, leading to fatigue, irritability, and mood changes during the day. Sometimes, sleep disturbances may even serve as a symptom of underlying mental health conditions or stressors.

Regarding the duration of your condition, it’s important to note that it can vary widely depending on the specific issues involved. Mental health concerns like unhappiness, depression, or anxiety can have varying durations and trajectories. While some individuals may experience relatively short episodes, others may deal with these issues for more extended periods. To gain a deeper understanding of your specific situation, it’s essential to consider the possibility of underlying emotional or psychological factors. A licensed mental health professional can be instrumental in helping you explore these factors further and identify any underlying issues or traumas that might be contributing to your unhappiness. Consulting with such a professional can be a crucial step toward improving your overall well-being and finding effective strategies for addressing the root causes of your discontent.