Submit your Article

At least 18 people died when a Saurya Airline plane crashed during takeoff at the Tribhuvan International Airport on Wednesday.

Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) spokesperson Hansaraj Pandey said that the bodies of 18 people have been recovered from the incident site and pilot Manish Shakya has been taken to the Sinamangal-based KMC Hospital for treatment.

Information Officer Gyanendra Bhul informed the plane was carrying 19 persons including crew members.

Along with pilot Shakya, there were S Dhakal (co-pilot), Amitman Maharjan, Sagar Acharya, Dilip Verma, Manuraj Sharma, Ashwin Niroula, Sudip Lal Joshi, Sarbesh Marasain, Shyam Bindukar, Nawaraj Ale, Raja Ram Acharya, Priza Khatiwada, Adhiraj Sharma, Uddhab Puri, Yagya Prasad Poudyal, Santosh Mahato, Punya Ratna Saahi and Aref Reda on board the ill-fated aircraft with call sign 9 N AME.

Preparations are underway to take the bodies to the Maharajgunj-based Tribhuvan Universtity Teaching Hospital (TUTH), SSP Dambar BK informed.

The aircraft was flying to Pokhara with staffers and technicans for the maintenance when the tragedy occured.

For years, I had dreamed of tasting ‘ghungi’, a traditional Tharu delicacy made from freshwater snails. Growing up in Pokhara, in western Nepal, my culinary experiences were rooted in my family’s business in Malekhu, famous for its fish dishes like fried fish and ‘jhol machha’. Despite studying in Kathmandu and experiencing diverse cuisines, I had never encountered the unique flavors of the Tharu kitchen.

My culinary dream finally came true in a Tharu village in Chitwan. As a seasoned chef, I was excited to immerse myself in this authentic experience. I sought out a Tharu cook known for her traditional recipes and asked her to prepare the most authentic ghungi possible. She graciously agreed, and I watched every step of the preparation, eager to learn and absorb the process.

The meticulous cleaning of the ghungi was the first step, ensuring no mud or debris remained. She then heated mustard oil in a pan, adding ginger-garlic paste until it turned golden brown, creating an aromatic base. Chopped onions and green chilies followed, cooking until the onions became translucent. Tomatoes, turmeric, red chili powder, cumin, and coriander powders were added next, forming a rich and flavorful mixture. The cleaned ghungi was then added to the pan, stirred well, and simmered with water until tender.

I observed closely, noting each step and technique. The only deviation from tradition was the addition of store-bought garam masala, which she believed enhanced the flavor. While I appreciated her efforts, I made a mental note to modify this in my own version. If I were to recreate this dish, I would avoid the garam masala, opting instead for a blend of cumin, clove, and pipla (long pepper) to maintain an authentic Tharu flavor profile.

When I finally tasted the dish, the flavors exceeded my expectations. The ghungi had a fantastic, clean taste that was both memorable and satisfying. It was a culinary revelation, far surpassing any preconceived notions I had. The dish’s simplicity and depth of flavor left a lasting impression on me.

Before leaving, I expressed my gratitude to the cook by offering her a small tip and heartfelt thanks. Her willingness to share her culinary heritage was a gift, and her skill in preparing ghungi was evident in every bite. This experience solidified my desire to feature ghungi on the menu if I ever opened a restaurant in Nepal. It would not only showcase a unique aspect of Tharu cuisine but also honor the authenticity and tradition behind this exceptional dish.

This encounter with ghungi was a dream come true and a highlight of my culinary journey. It reminded me of the rich diversity of Nepal’s food culture and the importance of preserving and celebrating traditional recipes. As a chef, this experience inspired me to continue exploring and promoting the incredible flavors of our heritage.

Ghungi, a traditional delicacy in Tharu cuisine, holds significant cultural and nutritional value. This dish, made from freshwater snails, is deeply rooted in the culinary practices of the Tharu people of Nepal. The preparation of ghungi involves meticulous cleaning and cooking with a blend of spices like turmeric, red chili powder, and garam masala, often in mustard oil. Popular recipes include ghungi curry and spicy fried ghungi, both celebrated for their robust flavors and traditional methods of preparation. Spicy fried ghungi is a popular snack or appetizer in Tharu cuisine, often enjoyed with a side of tangy dipping sauce.

The cultural importance of ghungi in Tharu society cannot be overstated. It’s a staple during festivals, ceremonies, and family gatherings, symbolizing unity and tradition. The process of collecting and preparing ghungi is a communal activity, reinforcing social bonds and preserving cultural heritage. Consuming ghungi is seen as a way to honor ancestors and stay connected to cultural roots.

Nutritionally, ghungi is a powerhouse. It’s rich in protein, essential amino acids, and minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium. Low in fat and high in omega-3 fatty acids, ghungi offers significant health benefits, contributing to a balanced diet. The traditional preparation methods help retain these nutritional benefits, making it a valued component of the Tharu diet.

Ghungi is not just a dish but a cultural emblem for the Tharu people, embodying their traditions, values, and culinary heritage. Its preparation and consumption are deeply ingrained in the social and cultural fabric of the community, making it an important aspect of Tharu food culture.

Whether enjoyed as a hearty curry or a spicy fried snack, Ghungi continues to be a beloved and significant delicacy in Tharu cuisine. The recipes and cultural practices surrounding Ghungi offer a glimpse into the rich and diverse heritage of the Tharu people, highlighting the importance of food in preserving and celebrating cultural identity.

The author is UK-based research and development chef

Khusbu Oli, a young politician from the Rastriya Prajatantra Party, which holds 14 seats in Parliament, is making significant strides in national politics. As a young woman, she is actively engaged in party and national affairs, particularly through social media, where she debates and discusses with top politicians. Currently, she serves as a Central Committee member and deputy head of the party’s training department. ApEx spoke with her about her experiences and vision for Nepal. Excerpts.

It has been two years since you joined active politics. What has your experience been so far?

Before entering politics, I was involved in agricultural projects, leading national-level initiatives and witnessing firsthand the struggles of farmers, especially women. These experiences inspired me to represent them. My political journey has been a mix of challenges and achievements. As the first female candidate from my constituency.  There has been a significant shift, with women's representation in decision-making rising from five percent to over 30 percent. Despite challenges, my acceptance in both party and national politics is growing, and I am hopeful for continued progress. I advocate for servant leadership concepts and believe in the importance of youth involvement in politics.

You travel extensively and interact with people in the grassroots. What are their expectations from a young politician like you?

People have a high level of mistrust and disappointment with the state and political leadership. Society is deeply divided along political lines, and national priorities often take a backseat to partisan interests. However, there is a desire for politicians who prioritize national interests and unity.

Your party advocates for the restoration of monarchy and a Hindu state. Do you believe this is achievable?

There are misconceptions about our stance. We do not support an active monarchy but believe in a constitutional monarchy within the current democratic framework. We think that a monarchy can enhance national unity and reduce foreign intervention. Our party believes that the Nepali people should decide their country’s future without external influence.

As a youth politician, what is your blueprint for economic growth and development?

The main problem of this country is excessive political influence in bureaucracy, media and intellectual groups. The views, perspectives and policy they offer therefore are dominated by partisan interests. This is hindering Nepal’s overall development. If I could address this issue, it could correct the course of this country. We can do a lot for the country but our politicians are serving their own interests. In order to sprout hope and optimism among the public, our politicians should develop a noble thinking and mend their ways.

There is an alarming trend of brain-drain, labor migration, and capital flight. Everyone in both the skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled population is either going or planning to go abroad for employment. Over the past one year, around 700,000 people have left the country. Businesses in bordering towns are shutting down and moving to India. To turn around Nepal’s economy, there should be significant policy reform, but we do not have the educated human resource to formulate a sound policy.

As far as the specific areas are concerned, the key areas of focus should be industry, agriculture, tourism, and Information Technology (IT). The IT sector has immense potential, but it lacks government support. In agriculture, we need fertilizer industries, subsidies, better irrigation, and digitization. Tourism, particularly religious tourism, also has untapped potential. Additionally, there is a need to overhaul the education system to ensure quality education, health, and justice for all citizens. But there is a knowledge crisis to make any substantial headway in those areas. 

What are your future plans?

I believe politics is in my blood. I am preparing to run in the national elections in 2027, aiming to inspire and represent grassroots people. My goal is not personal gain but national development. Before that, I plan to contest for an office bearer position in my party’s upcoming general convention, focusing on the areas I have highlighted.

The Indian government’s budget for the Ministry of External Affairs for the fiscal year 2024/25 has increased allocations for Nepal and Sri Lanka while reducing support for other neighboring countries. Nepal stands out as a major beneficiary, poised to receive InRs 7bn, a substantial increase of InRs 1.5bn from the previous year’s revised budget of InRs 6.5bn. 

Sri Lanka’s allocation has also risen significantly to InRs 2.45bn, an increase of InRs 0.95bn from the previous year’s InRs 1.5bn. This boost is crucial for Sri Lanka’s ongoing economic recovery, supported by India’s previous $4bn aid. 

Afghanistan and the Maldives maintain their allocations at InRs 2bn and InRs 4bn, respectively. Afghanistan’s allocation remains stable despite last year’s revised budget of InRs 2.2bn. 

The Maldives saw a notable increase in its revised budget to InRs 7.7bn, indicating ongoing support for infrastructure projects. 

Meanwhile, Bhutan and Myanmar have seen reductions in their aid. Bhutan’s allocation decreased by InRs 3.3bn—yet it still receives the largest share at InRs 20.68bn. Myanmar’s allocation dropped by InRs 1.5bn to InRs 2.5bn, compared to last year’s InRs 4bn, with InRs 3.7bn utilized. Bangladesh’s allocation decreased by InRs 0.8bn to InRs 1.2bn, with only InRs 1.3bn of the previous year’s InRs 2bn utilized. 

Similarly, Iran’s Chabahar port project continues to receive a steady allocation of InRs 1bn, unchanged for the past three years, highlighting its strategic importance for India as a gateway to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan.

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the first full-fledged budget of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led coalition government on Tuesday. From India Inc to the middle class and job seekers, everyone has high hopes for this budget. Additionally, some policy interventions could significantly boost the country’s economic growth and tackle the growing unemployment issue.

Ahead of the budget, Prime Minister Modi asserted that this budget will lay the foundation of ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India). He also said that this is an important budget for ‘Amrit Kaal’, which means ‘great leap’, and could propel India forward on all fronts.