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Police on Tuesday afternoon opened fire to take an alleged drug peddler under control at Thadodhunga in Jhamsikhel of Lalitpur.

SP Rabindra Regmi who is also the spokesperson of the Valley Crime Investigation Office said that Abhinas Rai (45) was shot and taken under control after he tried to attack the police personnel at around 1 pm today.

Rai, who sustained injuries on his right leg, is undergoing treatment at the Trauma Center, he said.

Police said that they have recovered a pistol, two rounds of its bullets and drugs from his possession.

Further investigation into the incident is underway, said police.

In the heart of the Himalayas, where the mountains touch the sky, 99’s Section Nepal of the Ninety-Nines organization stands testament to the resilience of women in aviation. The recent ‘Wings of Friendship’ event from 5-8 Dec 2023, was more than a celebration of flight; it was a profound commitment to empowerment beyond the cockpit. Emerging as a vibrant chapter, 99’s Section Nepal catalyzes change, tirelessly advancing women’s presence in aviation and championing initiatives in education, safety, cultural exploration, and gender diversity across Nepali communities.

Actively engaging in impactful initiatives, 99’s Section Nepal provides scholarships in Karnali province, conducts teacher training programs in the western region, enhances safety through Euroguard installation at Surkhet Airport, organizes diverse fundraising events, facilitates interaction programs with Air Traffic Control and pilots, and offers Meteorological and performance classes. Each initiative reflects the chapter's holistic commitment to empowering women in aviation and fostering a supportive and knowledgeable community. 

In the event’s final days, participants immersed in a blend of aviation excitement and cultural discovery, with a Dec 5 hike and a bus trip to Panauti showcasing 99’s Section Nepal’s holistic empowerment approach. Cultural immersion continued in Bhaktapur on Dec 7, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of empowerment. The pivotal December 8th meeting, graced by Deputy Mayor Sunita Dongol, shared poignant stories of challenges faced by women pilots, nodding to resilience and determination.

Beyond accolades, 99’s Section Nepal believes everyone, regardless of gender or appearance, has the right to serve and soar. The sentiment shared during the general meeting echoes: It doesn’t matter if it’s the cockpit or the kitchen; judgment based on gender or appearance has no place. Every individual has the right to fly, serve, and be recognized for their abilities, not stereotypes.

In the spirit of celebration, 99’s Section Nepal empowers women at every stage, creating an atmosphere where every achievement is recognized, and every individual is uplifted. As we share these moments of camaraderie, celebration, and empowerment, 99’s Section Nepal invites readers to join the journey. Breaking barriers within our communities, the organization fosters a world where every woman can navigate her own destiny. The recent events from 5-8 Dec 2023, epitomize this commitment, showcasing that empowerment knows no boundaries, and the skies are just the beginning.

“Sky is not the limit; it’s just the view from your cockpit. So, spread your wings and soar beyond, for in the vast expanse of the sky, every dream finds its flight.”

The temperature in the mountainous Manang district is on the decline to the point of minus 16 degrees Celsius in the second week of December, affecting life.

Average temperature in the morning went from minus eight to 10 degrees Celsius, and around minus 18 degrees Celsius at night, said Chief District Officer Subas Kumar Lamichhane. Chame and surrounding areas recorded from minus 16 to 18 degree Celsius, he said.

"Tap and river water have frozen due to the cold. The road is covered with snow, limiting traffic. There is difficulty in managing drinking water," he said.

As a result, people have been affected in many ways ranging from the closure of infrastructure development.

Issuing a notice, Chame Rural Municipality has urged the concerned authorities to halt the supply of construction materials like cement among others. Cold has prompted the rural municipality to disrupt the supply of construction materials, said the rural municipality acting chief administrative officer Nama Narayan Malla. "There is increasing cold prompting the halt of the transport of construction materials," said Jaya Bista, chief of the infrastructure office, Manang.

Notwithstanding, the local people have started leaving the villages to escape the chilling cold. Closure of schools and educational institutions has facilitated their temporary migration. Lamjung, Kathmandu and Pokhara are preferable places for them to live during the winter.

Following the temporary migration of the local people, two police beats at Narpabhumi Rural Municipality have been relocated to Chame, the district headquarters, from where they are offering services, said CDO Lamichhane.

The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) has decided to hold its Central Committee meeting on December 17-19 in Kathmandu.

Party senior leader Rajaram Shrestha said the meeting has been summoned to endorse the party's new regulations after discussing its draft. The meeting is likely to reshuffle roles and responsibilities of some party leaders.

During the party's unification convention, it was agreed to draft the party's new regulations. The meeting will discuss the party's candidacy in the upcoming National Assembly election announced for January 25 and the party's probable alliance with other political parties.

Similarly, the by-election of the House of Representatives to be held in Ilam is also the agenda of the meeting where party Chair Rajendra Lingden is scheduled to present a political report and general secretary Dhawal Shamsher Rana will float the party's organizational report.

Likewise, the meeting is expected to review the country's latest political, social and economic scenario and the party's presence in the Parliament. The meeting aims to prepare strategies for further strengthening of the party organization.

The price of gold has dropped by Rs 700 per tola in the domestic market on Tuesday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the yellow metal is being traded at Rs 116, 300 per tola today. It was traded at Rs 117, 000 per tola on Monday.

Meanwhile, tejabi gold is being traded at Rs 115, 750 per tola. It was traded at Rs 116, 450 per tola.

Similarly, the silver is being traded at Rs 1,410 per tola today.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged the Karnali Province government to ensure essential arrangements for the quake-hit people who are now suffering from severe cold.

NHRC member Mihir Thakur, who visited the earthquake-affected Jajarkot and Rukum Paschim districts, met Province Minister for Internal Affairs and Law, Krishna Bahadur GC, here and made him aware about the biting cold that has been affecting people.

So far, 43 people living under the tents have lost their lives to cold, so urgent help was needed for the protection of lives.

Thakur met Minister GC on Monday and reminded that the number of fatalities would increase if timely assistance was not ensured. "People living with critical disease, pregnant and lactating women, children and senior ones who are living under the tents were hit hard by the cold. The province government needs proper attention to this regard," he underscored.

According to him, the Jajarkot District Hospital had shortage of workforce and medicines, while the quake survivors had not received even the first tranche of monetary support as announced by the government to construct temporary houses.

"Relief distribution was not transparent. Handful of bigwigs influenced the distribution," Thakur added 

According to him, the province government could establish reconstruction authority and forward activities accordingly.

However, Minister GC accused the federal government of not allowing rights to province government for reconstruction of the quake-hit areas. Despite this, the province government had allocated Rs 1 billion for the construction of temporary houses for the quake survivors, he shared.

The conservationists and climate activists have expressed worry over the mountains turning bare across the country.

Reasoning that snow melt at fast pace has denuded mountains, thereby affecting the entire ecosystem, they urged all sides concerned to continue efforts to minimize the impacts of climate change.

"Owing to global heating, mountains are losing snow cover. It will turn mountain climbing to mere rock climbing," warned Dr Ghanashyam Gurung, Chief of World Wildlife Fund in Nepal and conservationist, stressing that there is no option but to adopt and scale up measures for climate change mitigation and adaptation.

He was expressing such views during a session focused on fading snow cover and impacts on livelihood in the ongoing International Mountain Festival in Pokhara on Monday. Gurung said Nepal was witnessing fast melting of snow, thereby leaving the mountain bare.

He further viewed local initiatives are imperative to minimize the climate change impacts to which Nepal has negligible role. "Only culprit behind climate change are rich and industrialized countries. However, Nepal must not stay idle, but build moral ground to voice concern to the international community," Gurung opined.

Another speaker Dr Amina Maharjan, who is an expert on livelihood and migration, argued that mountains turning bare are the growing concerns not only of Nepal but of the entire Hindu Kush region. "Ecology, agriculture, tourism, and health are receiving negative impacts of climate change," she said, stressing the need for proper adaptation to minimize the worsening situation.

The flash flood occurred in Seti River in 2012 and the floods in Kagbeni some months back were caused by climate change, according to her.

She expressed worry about inadequate discussions and research on climate change impacts on health. Spread of disease and health related problems are rising of late, she made aware. Nepal should make its voice heard in the global arena to receive compensation under the Loss and Damage Fund, she recommended.

Noted journalist Kunda Dixit viewed time has come to term climate change a 'climate crisis'. Even the economic and political angles of the climate crisis should be discussed and understood well, he suggested.

He further informed that problems of water are caused by climate change. As the rivers and water sources are drying up, it must be regarded as urgent by the government.

Dixit furnished suggestions to promote the use of renewable energy.

Out of total imports, 25 percent is petroleum products in Nepal.

Researcher on climate change and food security, Dr Jagannath Adhikari, viewed the mountain as having ties to Nepali culture. "Once a mountain loses snow, we lose culture," he argued, warning that Pokhara could no longer enjoy the majestic sight of snow-capped mountains.

Snow melt has direct relations to agricultural products. Both national and international initiatives must be continued to cope up with climate change impacts, he recommended.