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The 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly began on Tuesday with the resolution of conflicts as one of its main priorities. Dennis Francis, president of the 78th General Assembly, handed over the gavel to his successor, Philemon Yang. Yang, Cameroon’s candidate, who was elected as president of the 79th General Assembly in June, took the oath and assumed office. 

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba are attending the high-level UN meeting to lay out Nepal’s position on regional and international issues, including the reform of the UN itself. Additionally, according to officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nepal will prominently highlight the climate change issues with special emphasis on glacier melting in the mountains and its effects, to draw international attention. Prime Minister Oli is also expected to call the concerned parties to end the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and Israel-Palestine war.

During his stay in New York, Oli is also likely to hold bilateral meetings with the heads of state and government of neighboring countries, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other world leaders. This will be Oli’s first foreign trip abroad since he became prime minister in July. Officials are working on the possible meeting between Oli and Modi on the margins of the UN assembly. 

Nepal is also preparing to organize a meeting of SAARC foreign ministers as an attempt to revive the stalled SAARC process. As the current chair of SAARC, Nepal shoulders the responsibility of taking efforts to five fresh momentums. However, the chances of the revival of SAARC appear slim due to the current hostilities between India and Pakistan and the Taliban government in Afghanistan, which is being isolated by the international community.

Prime Minister Oli will also highlight the achievement made by Nepal in the transitional justice process. Nepal’s parliament has endorsed the amendment bill on transitional justice which has been welcomed by the international community including the UN. 

Along with addressing the UN Assembly, Prime Minister Oli will attend the Summit of the Future which will be organized in New York on Sept 22-23. The summit aims to address the critical challenges and gaps in the global governance exposed by the recent global shocks. According to the UN, this summit aims to reaffirm comments to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and UN Charter while enhancing cooperation and laying the foundations for a reinvigorated multilateral system.

According to the UN: “The Summit will result in a negotiated pact for the future, an action-oriented document aimed to bolster global cooperation and adapt to current challenges effectively for the benefit of all and for the future generation.”  The summit will issue a pact for future statements at the end of the meeting. The key actions that the UN has are the following points. 

Sustainable development and financing for development

• We will take bold, ambitious, accelerated, just and transformative actions to implement the 2030 Agenda, achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and leave no one behind.
• We will place the eradication of poverty at the center of our efforts to achieve the 2030 Agenda.
• We will end hunger, eliminate food insecurity and all forms of malnutrition.
• We will close the SDG financing gap in developing countries.
• We will ensure that the multilateral trading system continues to be an engine for sustainable development.
• We will invest in people to end poverty and strengthen trust and social cohesion.
• We will strengthen our efforts to build peaceful, just and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels and uphold human rights and fundamental freedoms.
• We will achieve gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls as a crucial contribution to progress across all the Sustainable Development Goals and targets.
• We will strengthen our actions to address climate change.
• We will accelerate our efforts to restore, protect, conserve and sustainably use the environment.
• We will protect and promote culture and sport as integral components of sustainable development.
• We will plan for the future and strengthen our collective efforts to turbocharge the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by 2030 and beyond.

International peace and security

• We will redouble our efforts to build and sustain peaceful, inclusive and just societies and address the root causes of conflicts.
• We will protect all civilians in armed conflict.
• We will ensure people affected by humanitarian emergencies receive the support they need.
• We will promote cooperation and understanding between Member States, defuse tensions, seek the pacific settlement of disputes and resolve conflicts.
• We will fulfill our obligation to comply with the decisions and uphold the mandate of the International Court of Justice in any case to which our State is a party.
• We will accelerate the implementation of our commitments on women, peace and security.
• We will address adverse climate and environmental impacts that could contribute to the onset or escalation of conflict.
• We will adapt peace operations to better respond to existing challenges and new realities.
• We will address the serious impact of threats to maritime security and safety.
• We will pursue a future free from terrorism.
• We will prevent and combat transnational organized crime and related illicit financial flows.
• We will steadfastly advance our efforts to achieve the goal of a world free of nuclear weapons.

The pact also includes the actions in the areas of science, technology and innovation and digital cooperation; youth and future generation and transforming global governance. This document is regarded as a blueprint for the problems that the world is facing today.

Addressing the opening session of UNGA, Yang outlined a vision of unity in diversity and calling for deeper international cooperation to tackle a host of global challenges, including climate change, escalating conflict, and a slowdown in sustainable development. UN Secretary-General António Guterres also addressed the opening of the session, highlighting the urgency of collective action to confront a world “in trouble.”

He praised Yang for his vision and leadership, pledging his full support to unite the diverse member states around common goals. “From day one, the United Nations has been the place for multilateral solutions—grounded in collaboration, dialogue, diplomacy, and the UN Charter,” he said. 

The opening of the 79th session also marks the first time the State of Palestine was seated among Member States at the General Assembly, following the adoption of resolution ES-10/23 at the tenth emergency special session earlier this year. 

That resolution also set forth additional rights for the State of Palestine’s participation in Assembly meetings, but not the right to vote or put forward its candidature to UN Main Organs such as the Security Council or the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). The additional rights and privileges do not confer membership to the State of Palestine, which requires a specific recommendation from the Security Council.

Key highlights 

• Opening of the 79th session: Sept 10
• General Debate: Sept 24-28 
• Summit of the Future: Sept 22-23
• High-level plenary session on sea level rise: Sept 25
• High-level plenary meeting to commemorate and promote International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear weapons: Sept 26
• High-level meeting on antimicrobial resistance: Sept 26

While browsing an electronic version of the book Home Chefs of the World—Rice and Rice-based Recipes, published by the International Rice Institute (IRRI) and the International Women’s Organization, I found myself captivated by this 33-year-old collection. As a lifelong lover of rice, I was thoroughly enjoying it when I came across a small write-up by Sushila Pradhan on a dish called Dhakani. I suddenly realized that I had missed out on this dish during ‘darr’, the special feast held before the fasting day of Teej which was celebrated recently.

Traditionally, Haritalika Teej celebrates the divine union of Shiva and Parvati. During this festival, Hindu women from the hills (except for Hindu Newar) fast for 24 hours without food or water, seeking special blessings from Lord Shiva for a good husband and for the longevity and prosperity of their spouse. Nowadays, however, Teej has evolved into a celebration of womanhood, observed by women across Nepal, from the Madhesh to the hills and mountains, transcending ethnic boundaries. The darr feast, which was once a single-day affair, has become a month-long gathering for women.

Dhakani was traditionally eaten at midnight before Teej because its heaviness sustained fasting women for 24 hours. During the Teej festival, women don vibrant red saris, gather to sing and dance, and fast while praying for their husband’s well-being. Before the fasting day, they indulge in a feast known as darr, where dhakani is a staple. Rich in calories and nutrients, dhakani provides the energy needed for the day-long fast.

 Dhakani, sometimes called dhakane, can be described as a sweet pulao. It’s said to have originated in eastern Nepal and is known by different names in various regions. Despite its sweetness, it’s not served as a dessert due to its heaviness. Instead, it’s usually served as dinner or lunch during festivals or special occasions.

Growing up, Teej was a distant festival for me, something I observed from afar. My father, a Gurkha lahure, was often away due to his job, but he made sure we were always well provided for. My mother, who had lived in Kashmir, understood the value of rich foods and had a unique talent for selecting the finest ingredients. My maternal family, with roots in Burma, also celebrated festivals with grandeur, and my thulo mama (uncle) was a self-taught chef who delighted in creating culinary masterpieces. Despite these rich experiences, I rarely participated directly in Teej celebrations.

 That changed during my college years in Kathmandu, Nepal. One rainy monsoon day, still dressed in our college uniforms, my cousin invited me to her home for Teej. As we walked through the rain-soaked streets, I saw women in vibrant red saris singing and dancing, their joy contagious.

 At my thulo mama’s home, I was immediately greeted by the rich aroma of something warm and sweet. It was dhakani, simmering on the stove, prepared by my uncle with his usual enthusiasm. I still remember the delight of tasting that dish for the first time—the sweetness of sugarcane molasses, the soft, creamy rice, the crunch of cashews and raisins, the fragrant hint of cardamom, and the subtle kick from black pepper. It was simple yet luxurious and, for me, a revelation.

Ingredients:

1 cup rice (Anadai ko chamal)

2 tablespoons butter (ghee)

1 cup khudo (sugarcane molasses)

4 cups milk

2 tablespoons dry coconut, grated and sliced

2 tablespoons cashews

2 tablespoons raisins

1 teaspoon black pepper

4 green cardamom pods

Steps:

• Begin by soaking the rice in water overnight. This softens the rice, allowing it to absorb flavors better during cooking. After soaking, drain the rice and set it aside.
• In a medium-sized pan, heat the butter (ghee) over medium heat. Add the drained rice and sauté for about a minute until the rice is lightly coated with butter.
• Once the rice begins to dry slightly, add the sugarcane molasses, grated and sliced dry coconut, black pepper, and crushed cardamom pods. Stir continuously for another two to three minutes to ensure the molasses dissolves and all ingredients blend well.
• Add the milk to the pan and bring it to a gentle boil. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
• Once the milk comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer. Cook until the milk is mostly absorbed and the rice becomes tender and creamy. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
• Once the rice is fully cooked, remove the pan from heat. Add cashews and raisins for a delightful contrast of textures. Transfer the dhakani to a serving platter. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature.
• With proper research and promotion, Dhakani could be preserved and popularized as a Nepali food gift (koseli), similar to how peda from Barmajhiya or pustakari has gained recognition. This dish could surely become popular among national, local, and international tourists as a ready-to-eat delicacy from Nepal.

 The author is a London-based research and development chef

It is not solely about being sick if you have raised blood pressure. Your doctor or healthcare provider may discover that your blood pressure is elevated and request a series of blood tests, electrocardiography or echocardiography. If your blood pressure remains consistently high, you may be prescribed medication to lower it to a normal level.

Often, we associate taking medicine with being sick. Yes, medicine is typically taken to treat a disease. However, when it comes to certain conditions that currently do not cause any trouble or symptoms, we often question why we should take medicine. Yes, that is a valid question—why should I take medicine?

Blood pressure—normally we measure it as systolic and diastolic. The normal range for systolic blood pressure is 90 mmHg to 120 mmHg. It can vary within this range, meaning it could be any number between 90 and 120, such as 96, 104, 110 or 120. All of these measurements are considered normal. Diastolic blood pressure should fall between 60 mmHg and 80 mmHg, and can also vary within this range.

This blood pressure refers to the pressure exerted by the blood ejected from the heart into the arteries. It is influenced by factors such as the pumping force of the left heart, the characteristics of the vessel wall and the pathway between the left heart and the arteries, including valves and any muscular narrowing.

If the blood pressure measurement is higher than 120 mmHg systolic or 80 mmHg diastolic, we consider it to be above normal. If it exceeds 140 mmHg systolic and 90 mmHg diastolic, we classify it as hypertension.

If blood pressure consistently remains on the higher side, it can have numerous negative effects on our vital organs. It may damage the kidneys, heart, brain, eyes and peripheral vessels. Although persistently high blood pressure may not be felt as discomfort by the body, its slow and continuous effects are detrimental to vital organs. The continuous adverse effect on the brain can lead to a stroke, on the heart can lead to a heart attack, on the kidneys can lead to kidney damage, and on the eyes and peripheral vessels can cause damage and narrowing. Statistics show that stroke, heart attack and kidney damage are more frequently observed among individuals with hypertension.

So, medical science, along with simple logic, suggests that keeping blood pressure within the normal range is important in order to decrease the risk of stroke, heart attack and kidney damage. When there are no symptoms, it is understandable that we may question the need for medication and be hesitant to take any. However, there are also alternative options available.

Making certain changes to our lifestyle can help reduce blood pressure. Brisk walking for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week, may lead to a reduction of 4-5 mmHg. Including green leafy vegetables and fruits in our diet can further contribute to lowering blood pressure. Following a low-salt diet is also effective in reducing blood pressure. Reducing weight, if overweight, can also help reduce blood pressure. Quitting smoking is known to reduce blood pressure. Meditation or deep breath exercises, along with relaxation techniques, can lead to a decrease in blood pressure. Additionally, avoiding stress reduces blood pressure. Good sleep and management of snoring can also help reduce blood pressure.

So, there are many lifestyle management techniques that can help reduce blood pressure. However, if following a healthy lifestyle does not result in a reduction in blood pressure or if one is unable to maintain a healthy lifestyle, it is important to prevent damage to vital organs caused by consistently elevated blood pressure.

Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle, even if you do not have hypertension. If your blood pressure falls between systolic 120-139 mmHg or diastolic 80-90 mmHg, continue to prioritize a healthy lifestyle. However, if your blood pressure does not appear to be under control or remains high after a few months, do not hesitate to start taking medication.

Medicine is simply a pill that helps maintain normal blood pressure. We frequently discuss side effects, and this is indeed true. Many medications have no side effects, while others may have a few or even serious ones. Your physician will discuss this matter with you.

But when considering rare side effects, hypertension can increase the risk of fatal adverse effects and even death.

Therefore, it is important to control our blood pressure, either through a healthy lifestyle or with medication.

Every monsoon season, Nepal grapples with the life-giving rains turning into a potential threat, unleashing devastating floods and landslides. Overflowing rivers and streams inundate surrounding areas, causing loss of life, livestock, homes and infrastructure. Heavy rain disrupts agriculture and destroys precious topsoil, shattering lives. In the past one decade alone, over 1800 people have lost their lives due to monsoon disasters in Nepal. During that period, about 400 people have gone missing and more than 1500 people have suffered injuries. 

The recent monsoon has been particularly brutal, with reports of casualties, missing individuals and widespread damage. This year’s monsoon can affect as many as 1.8m people and four lakh households. As of 10 Aug 2024, the monsoon has claimed 170 lives since June 10 when it began. Initial reports show it has displaced over 4,279 families, inundated 384 houses, destroyed 270 homes, 102 sheds, 43 bridges, two schools and two government offices, inundating 182 houses and damaging hundreds more.

Many times, human factors have added to the losses. Look at the recent example of the Simaltal landslide mishap of July 12 night. The landslide swept two buses, and it is believed there were 65 people in the buses, of which three passengers swam to safety. While 25 bodies have been found, others remain missing. In the first place, the landslide seems to be a result of improper slope management while constructing the Mugling-Narayanghat Highway, and opening Simaltal-Bangesal-Dumre rural road on the slopes above the highway. Secondly, driving the vehicles on a rainy night under the compromised visibility added to the risks.

Settlements in the river banks adjoining roads are another major reason for heavy losses. The high losses due to the Melamchi flood of 15 June 2021 resulted not only from the climate change and associated heavy rains, but also from the fact that human settlements had extended to lower alluvial deposits. In many places, improper construction of roads over small streams and flawed sewage management systems result in inundation whenever heavy rains occur. Such was the case of the 2021 Kapan Flood, right in northern Kathmandu.

The impact goes beyond immediate losses. Displaced communities face a desperate struggle to secure food, shelter and medical care. Livelihoods are disrupted, and the psychological trauma can be long-lasting. The economic toll is significant, with destroyed infrastructure and hampered agricultural production impacting the entire nation.

Post-disaster management

In the face of such devastation, the need for a swift and coordinated response to deliver life-saving aid is paramount. One approach gaining traction is the ‘one-door policy’, where all relief efforts are channeled through a single government entity. This centralized system promises streamlined resource allocation and standardized distribution. 

Following the 2015 Gorkha earthquake, Nepal received massive humanitarian support from home and abroad. Rescue workers worked day and night to rescue the people buried under rubble of collapsed structures. Nepalis are grateful for this. We also witnessed, in the flood of donor agencies, some taking advantage of the distressed situation and engaging in improper activities. Besides, many would go to some easily accessible poor countryside, distribute aid materials, take selfies and post them on social media. This way, some areas received more than what they needed and others received too little. This prompted the government to adopt a one-door policy.

By directing all aid through a central channel, the government can ensure resources are strategically deployed toward the most critical needs. This eliminates duplication of efforts and fosters fairness in distribution. Additionally, a single point of contact enhances accountability and fosters trust with donors. However, bureaucratic hurdles can create bottlenecks, delaying aid delivery when swift action is crucial. Local NGOs, with established relationships and a deeper understanding of local nuances, can tailor aid distribution more effectively.

The one-door policy has been a source of debate in Nepal. The policy introduced in 2015 has been implemented to prevent uneven aid distribution and ensure remote areas received support. However, this centralized approach faced criticism for being slow and inefficient. Many NGOs and private entities felt hamstrung by the need for government approval, leading to delays. In the aftermath of the 2017 floods and landslides, the government again enforced the one-door policy. While the intention was to streamline efforts, critics argue it led to logistical challenges and inefficiencies. There were reports of aid being stuck in red tape while victims remained underserved.

The way forward

One-door-policy does not discourage local governments from actively coordinating rescue works and distribution of reliefs to the needy. To facilitate prompt response, domestic NGOs may be allowed to cooperate with local governments. As to the foreign governments and INGOs willing to support, we should make sure that they comply with our one-door-policy, that they do not take advantage of our calamity to create one or another form of social disharmony, that they do no harm to the self-respect of our suffering people, that they do not try to impose or promote their interests, and that they confine their support to the extent we need.

A mountainous country located in a quake-prone region, Nepal faces multiple threats of heavy rains, floods, landslides, GLOFs, droughts, famines, fires, epidemics, earthquakes and other disasters. Keeping this in view, the government has formed a high-level National Council for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management under the Prime Minister. Through a collaborative approach that marries centralized control with local expertise, Nepal can build resilience and ensure life-saving aid reaches those who need it the most.