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There are no immediate threats to undo the current coalition government led by the CPN (Maoist Center). At least, that’s what Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and his primary coalition partner, Sher Bahadur Deuba, of the Nepali Congress have been trying to convince the people. But if one considers the recent formation of the so-called socialist front of the Maoist party and fringe communist forces, talk about the government change made by some NC leaders, and the second-rung leaders of the NC and the UML exploring the possibility of collaboration, it is hard to buy into Prime Minister Dahal and NC President Deuba’s assurance of a stable government. Some leaders in the NC and the UML say that the two parties must come together for the guarantee of political stability for at least another general election. UML leader Gokul Banskota, who is close to the party chairman, KP Oli, has publicly stated that while there cannot be an electoral alliance between the two parties, the UML and NC can form a government to ensure political and economic stability in the country. The UML has historically been the main political rival of the NC, and there are many leaders in both the parties who believe that they should always remain apart. But there are plenty of reasons that could bring these two parties together. The main one being the arrests of and allegations against several UML and NC leaders in corruption cases, like the fake Bhutanese refugee scandal and the Lalita Niwas land grab case. The leaderships of both the NC and the UML are not pleased with the Home Ministry, led by the Maoist party, opening investigations into corruption cases involving high-profile individuals. NC President Deuba, a key partner in the ruling coalition, has so far remained silent regarding government change, but people close to him say that he is not pleased with the Dahal administration, particularly regarding the way the refugee scandal is being pursued by the Home Ministry. The UML is keen to enter serious negotiations with the NC for the formation of a new government without the Maoist Center. But NC leader Min Bahadur Bishwakarma says that the party is committed to keeping the coalition intact. On Sunday, UML Chairman Oli said that there has not been any substantial discussions regarding the formation of a new coalition because the NC was fearful. But, Deuba’s non-committal and his apparent willingness to play second fiddle to the Maoist party do not mean that he is playing the safe card. Talks about a broad alliance of left parties are also gaining momentum of late, and it could see both Dahal and Oli together again. It is worth noting here that though Dahal may be leading the current ruling coalition, his party came in third in the last year’s general elections, far behind the NC and UML—and that too despite forming an electoral alliance with the NC and other fringe parties. So, it is very much in the interest of Dahal and his party to form some sort of lasting alliance at the earliest in order to stay relevant. The evolving dynamics inside the NC has also prompted Dahal to find an alternative. The factions led by Gagan Kumar Thapa and Gururaj Ghimire in the NC are already saying that the NC should not forge an alliance with the Maoist party in the next general elections. Besides, Thapa has also been saying that the current ruling alliance could change if the government fails to deliver. These developments have made Prime Minister Dahal suspicious. He may be in favor of giving continuity to the current coalition, as he has been saying publicly, but he is also aware that his party cannot survive if it were to contest the next general elections on its own. In the previous two general elections, the Maoist Center had forged poll alliances with the UML and the NC respectively. For Prime Minister Dahal’s party, the only lifeline is making an alliance with other parties. So, it sees everything through the prism of election. Several leaders in the Maoist party are convinced that the NC is not committed to a long-term collaboration and that the party should start looking for an alternative. This means the party will align with the UML, if it has to. Already, four political parties have formed a socialist alliance, led by the Maoists, with a purpose of expanding it to the grassroots level. Dahal is also in talks with the leader of Maoist splinter groups to bring them back into the party. He is said to be in talks with former Maoists ideologue Baburam Bhattarai,  now of the Nepal Samajbadi Party,  to explore ways to unite. It is said that before talking with Oli, Dahal first wants to solidify his position by bringing all fringe communist parties under one umbrella. The meteoric rise of the Rastriya Swatantra Party has also alarmed the Maoists. If the RSP continues to ride the wave of popularity until the next general elections, it is not just the Maoists that could get an electoral thrashing, the NC and the UML could also lose their political base. This was evident in the by-elections held earlier this year. The formation of a left alliance will no doubt be welcomed by China. Over the past few years, China has been consistently advising Nepal’s left parties to come together. Beijing’s leadership will ask Prime Minister Dahal for the same when he visits China in September.  Until now, Prime Minister Dahal has been shrugging off the talks about the breakup in the Maoist-NC coalition, but he has also not ruled out the possibility of leftist alliance. He said on Monday that the NC should not overreact to the talks about the formation of left unity, as it does not mean disunity in the current ruling coalition. But if Oli’s recent statement is to be believed, the Maoists and the UML could once again unite to form a large communist party, like they did in 2018 with the short-lived Nepal Communist Party (NCP). A few days back, Oli said that there must be a serious review as to why the NCP split. UML leader Amrit Kumar Bohara says there is a sizable communist voter numbers in the country, and their combined strength will not be known for as long as leftist parties in Nepal are scattered. Chairman of CPN (Unified Socialist) Madhav Kumar Nepal, also former leader of the UML, also believes that only a powerful communist party could bring social and economic changes in the country. Maoist lawmaker Madhav Sapkota says while there is no immediate chance of left parties uniting, efforts are definitely underway. He adds the parties are continuing the efforts after learning lessons from the past. Bishwakarma, the NC leader, says unification among communist parties is an agenda that has been discussed for a long time, and that his party will have no issue if the parties of similar ideologies come together. It will not upset the NC as long as it does not affect the current coalition, he adds.

By the end of the Pleistocene Epoch—starting some 2.6m years ago and lasting till 11,700 years ago—pastoralism, or expansive grazing system for livestock production, had already taken shape as settled agriculture started. This system thus evolved as a source of sustenance in the interface period of a new climate and a new phase in the life of Homo sapiens. This least understood or documented ancient way of life still continues. Across the world, over 100-200m people still practice it as an economic activity. One-fourth of the planet’s territorial surface still is being devoted to the pastoral production system. When the system started, the planet was on the cusp of a change from an ice age to a gradual warming (not the human-induced one that tentatively started around the industrial revolution) and modern humans were found all over the planet. The pastoral systems are usually found in the harsh climatic zones and invariably, these are the most resource-scarce geographies. This system thus is a super climate-resilient and adaptive one. The system revolves around unrestricted mobility of people and livestock in cyclical mode to access grazing grounds. Pastoralists cross national boundaries, intra-country boundaries and also operate on both private and public lands. Pastoralism also thrives around the cropping system as they benefit each other: Crop residue on farms become the fodder for grazing livestock, while the latter give the manure to the farmers. But, here comes the challenge. Modern systems have outrightly rejected this system as a redundant one. Rather, environment departments across the world have termed grazing as a threat to the environment. Agricultural policies have, over time, prioritized settled agriculture and livestock farming as the way to boost productivity. As a result, pastoralism has been pushed into oblivion without any recognition. Thus, when the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) released the “Making way: developing national legal and policy frameworks for pastoral mobility”—a definitive set of arguments and recommendations on how to protect the pastoral community and their mobility—hope for a dosage of support to this system arose. Pastoralists are considered backwards looking and unproductive, and have historically been undermined by adverse legislation and a lack of supportive legislation. Pastoralists are vulnerable to resource appropriation, sedentarization and restrictions on mobility. As they are squeezed out of productive areas, they are led to concentrate in and compete over limited available grazing resources. In the absence of legislation that protects and regulates mobility, pastoralists enter into conflict with other resource users and the state. Pastoralism is always blamed for harming the environment; and the allegation is used to argue that it should be disbanded. But, as recent support for its revival and recognition picks up in many countries, including in Europe, Africa and Asia, the system has many environmental and economic services. Pastoralists are generators and distributors of natural manures. According to estimates, such manures are estimated to be worth $45bn a year. Various studies show that pastoral systems have more protein output per unit of feed in comparison to intensive systems being practiced currently. In India, pastoralism accounts for more than 70 percent of the total meat output and 50 percent of the total milk output. But in the case of Nepal, it has not been documented. “The livestock sector comprises 3.5 percent of Nepal’s GDP, with two-thirds coming from such pastoralist production,” estimated the Meat Atlas 2021. More to it, as a practice, it is the economy of the poorest communities in the harshest of the geographies. In times of a new climate, this system has evolved to fight changing climatic conditions more effectively. So, it remains as a viable source of sustenance for the poorest. Policy support to this system will be a step toward making the economy of the poorest climate-resilient. The author is senior veterinary health management consultant at Devine Veterinary Clinic

‘Gumraah’, available on Netflix, is a captivating whodunit in which the identity of the killer is unveiled right at the start. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes evident that there is more to it than meets the eye. Two individuals, both identical, vehemently deny their involvement in the murder, leaving the audience perplexed. The Hindi-language thriller ‘Gumraah’ is an official remake of the Tamil sleeper hit movie ‘Thadam,’ starring Arun Vijay, which was also remade into Telugu as ‘Red,’ featuring Ram Pothineni. Drawing inspiration from true stories of similar crimes, the movie retains its mind-boggling suspense until the end. As I had watched both the South Indian versions, I approached Gumraah with a sense of skepticism. Bollywood has, on one too many occasions, failed to do justice to remakes, diluting the essence of the original movies. But I’m delighted to share that the makers of ‘Gumraah’ have not only succeeded in adapting the movie effectively but have also managed to preserve its intrigue, thrill, and suspense. The outstanding performance of Aditya Roy Kapoor, who is seen in the lead role, deserves a special mention. Kapoor, an underrated talent of Bollywood, has yet to find his rightful place in Hindi cinema. In ‘Gumraah’, he seizes the opportunity to showcase his acting prowess, convincingly playing the tricky doppelganger suspects, Arjun Saigal and Ronnie. He effortlessly navigates the complexities of these two contrasting characters, infusing them with distinct emotions that leave a lasting impact on the audience. Director Vardhan Ketkar’s sharp vision and meticulous execution, combined with the screenplay by Aseem Arora and Magizh Thirumeni, successfully recreate the drama and suspense of the original Tamil movie. ‘Gumraah’ effectively uses flashbacks to build its narrative, keeping the viewers on the edge of their seats. While there may be a few instances where certain scenes feel a little sluggish, the overall impact is overshadowed by the commendable performances and skillful filmmaking. Furthermore, Vineet Malhotra’s cinematography adds another layer of depth to the storytelling. His adept use of lighting, shadows, and framing enhances the mood of the movie, creating an atmosphere of tension and uncertainty. The juxtaposition of vibrant colors with somber tones further intensifies the visual experience, perfectly complementing the narrative’s dark and mysterious nature. Malhotra'’ contribution significantly elevates the overall quality of ‘Gumraah’, making it a visually captivating thriller. The movie’s focus on two suspects who bear an uncanny resemblance poses a unique challenge for the writers and director in maintaining the delicate balance of guilt and innocence. However, they skillfully navigate this challenge, masterfully crafting a narrative that keeps the audience guessing until the climactic revelation. For viewers who have not watched the earlier versions, ‘Gumraah’ offers a special treat as the unexpected outcome makes an unnerving impact. In addition to Kapoor’s standout performance, the supporting cast delivers commendable portrayals. Mrunal Thakur shines as Sub Inspector Shivani Mathur, a headstrong and determined cop assigned to investigate the case. Thakur embodies the role with conviction, portraying a character who refuses to back down in the face of adversity. Ronit Roy impresses as ACP Dhiren Yadava, a conniving officer with a personal vendetta against Arjun, willing to compromise his morals and ethics to ensure his incarceration. Who should watch it? ‘Gumraah’ is a gripping thriller that appeals to both those unfamiliar with the earlier versions and those who have seen the Tamil or Telugu adaptations. With Aditya Roy Kapoor’s stellar portrayal of the doppelgangers, coupled with the movie’s engaging storyline and skillful direction, it offers a riveting cinematic experience. The added dimension brought by Vineet Malhotra’s cinematography further enhances the movie’s visual appeal. If you’re in search of an enthralling whodunit with a captivating climax, ‘Gumraah’ should be at the top of your watchlist. Gumraah Rating: 3.5 stars Genre: Crime thriller Director: Vardhan Ketkar Actors: Aditya Roy Kapoor, Mrunal Thakur, Ronit Roy Rune time: 2hrs 7mins  

Monsoon rains provide a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and viruses. Therefore, with the onset of the monsoon there is always a risk for a rise of infectious diseases. If the public is unaware, the risk for the outbreak of the infectious diseases will take a toll on the lives of people. There are chances of vector- and water-borne diseases appearing during the monsoon season, but they can be prevented through protective measures and community mobilization, health experts say. Diarrheal diseases With the rainfall water sources get polluted and as a result a large number of people could suffer from diarrheal diseases. There is a risk of diarrhea, dysentery, cholera, and salmonellosis breaking out during the rainy season. Such outbreaks are usually caused by  polluted water resources. Flooding sweeps decayed particles, dead animal carcasses, sewage and several other pollutants with them polluting clean water. “Consumption of such water and food washed and prepared using such polluted water causes diarrheal diseases,” says Dr Sher Bahadur Pun, chief of the Clinical Research Unit at Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital. Last year as of 5 Sept, a total of 76 cases of cholera were reported in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Nuwakot and Dhading districts. Case investigation revealed that the cause of the cholera outbreak was use of tap water for drinking purposes and use of commercial drinking water. Four samples of stored tap, jar and ground water from the index case household and workplace were found to be contaminated with coliform, according to the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division. Besides diarrheal diseases, health experts warn people are also likely to suffer from Hepatitis A and E during the monsoons, as the viruses can transmit to humans through contaminated water. Vector-borne diseases According to the World Health Organization, vector-borne diseases account for more than 17 percent of all infectious diseases, causing more than 700,000 deaths annually. They can be caused by either parasites, bacteria or viruses. Every year hundreds of people are infected by diseases such as malaria, dengue, chagas disease, Japanese encephalitis, the WHO says. Mosquitoes are common during summer. As stagnant water is necessary for mosquitoes to breed, monsoon creates a favorable environment for mosquitoes to breed. “Rainwater gets collected in flowerpots, pots, tires of vehicles and puddles, where mosquitoes lay their eggs. This is why there are high chances of dengue during the monsoon season,” says Dr Gokarna Dahal, chief of vector borne disease control section, EDCD. Transmitted from the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, the symptoms of dengue range from mild fever to high grade fever, headache and pain behind the eyes. It also includes muscle and joint pain, and skin rashes. In Nepal, dengue is a rapidly emerging disease. Endemic across most provinces, dengue incidence has increased in recent years, largely due to expansion of the vector Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, as well as the movement of people and the introduction of imported cases, the EDCD says. The disease is quite common in Tarai region in the country. A total of 54,784 dengue cases were identified from across the country last year; 88 dengue-related deaths were reported. According to the WHO, there is no specific treatment for dengue/severe dengue, but early detection and access to proper medical care lowers fatality rates below one percent. In Nepal, monsoon season occurs during June—August. The dengue season closely follows this period with cases occurring between September and November. Given the presence of a largely susceptible human population, human movement, the presence of both Aedes vectors and all four dengue serotypes, this trend is unlikely to reverse over the coming decades. Indeed, the burden may continue to increase, likely resulting in an increasing number of severe dengue cases, particularly in and around Kathmandu, as per the EDCD. The highest numbers of cases were reported from Kathmandu (14375), Lalitpur (9614), Bhaktapur (6145), Makawanpur (5837), Chitwan (3213), Dang (2428), Dhading (1683) and Rupandehi (1215). The mosquitoes that spread dengue are active during the day. Change in the season also increases the risk of viral influenza. Health experts advise seeking medical attention in case of persistent and severe flu-like symptoms. Scrub typhus is another disease that the public need to be aware of during the monsoon season. Also known as bush typhus, Scrub typhus is an acute, febrile, infectious disease caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi. It is spread to people through bites of infected chiggers (larval mites). The most common symptoms of scrub typhus include fever, headache, body aches, and sometimes rash. Most cases of scrub typhus occur in rural areas. This is an infectious bacterial disease caused by Leptospira—bacteria found in rodents. “Whenever there is flooding, these bacteria get mixed with water and enter the human body through cuts in feet. Those working in fields are prone to the disease as they work bare feet. So, people working in fields and villages need to be aware about the disease,” says Dr Pun. Besides vector-borne diseases, snakebite cases also go up during the summer/monsoon period. In the fiscal year 2021/22, some 8,000 people came for treatment of snakebites at government health facilities around the country, according to the Ministry of Health and Population. Seven in eight of these cases involved non-venomous bites, its data showed. Only about 1,000 patients actually needed anti-venom treatment, according to the data. Of them, 100 snakebite patients lost their lives—either because they reached hospital too late or because they could not get the right treatment. To prevent snake bites

•         Never play with snakes, or irritate them. Do not provoke them
•         Use a torch light if you have to walk in the dark
•         Keep the household clean: cut grasses and bushes, fill holes, and close doors and windows properly
•         Use a stick and hit on the earth surface when walking in the dark. Snake will move away because of its vibration
•         Control rodents to prevent snake bites
•         Avoid sleeping on the floor. If it is unavoidable, use a mosquito net and tuck it well
•         Check shoes and clothes before wearing if you are in areas where snakes are abundant
•         Wear shoes

To prevent mosquito bites

•         Clothes that cover as much of your body as possible
•         Mosquito nets if sleeping during the day
•         Window screens
•         Mosquito repellents
•         Coils and vaporizers

To prevent the dengue and malaria

•         Search and destroy mosquitoes and their breeding areas
•         Keep environment clean
•         Use nets and apply mosquito repellents
•         Wear long sleeves and pants to cover arms and legs
•         Remove water from flower/plant pots and plates
•         Change water in vases/bowls
•         Remove water from tyres
•         Take medicines only on doctor’s advice