Stakeholders urge swift passage of Human Trafficking Act in Nepal
Lawmakers and human rights advocates have called for the urgent passage of the first amendment to the Human Trafficking and Smuggling (Control) Act, 2064, 2081, which has been pending in Parliament for years. The call came during programs marking the 19th National Day against Human Trafficking, organized by Shakti Samuha and the Alliance against Trafficking in Women and Children Nepal (ATWIN).
Participants, including members of the National Assembly and House of Representatives, stressed the need for Parliament to act promptly, given the grave nature of human trafficking. They highlighted the importance of legal reforms, effective rescue procedures, border security, and civil society involvement to prevent trafficking and protect victims.
ATWIN and Shakti Samuha officials presented proposals for amendments, while victims emphasized the need for timely compensation, confidentiality, and follow-up support after rescue. Media representatives urged responsible reporting to raise awareness while safeguarding victims’ privacy.
Despite existing laws, participants noted that trafficking persists in new forms, including exploitation under the guise of visit visas, underscoring the urgency of strengthening legal mechanisms and ensuring their effective implementation.
Apollo Hospitals share advances in gastro, neuro care
Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, organized a press conference at Hilton Hotel, Naxal, Kathmandu, where two of its senior consultants discussed recent advancements in gastroenterology and neurology.
Dr Sanjay Sikka, Senior Consultant in Gastroenterology and Hepatology, spoke on developments in the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal, liver, and pancreatic diseases. He highlighted the hospital’s use of advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, including endoscopic and liver care procedures.
Dr PN Renjen, Senior Consultant in Neurology, addressed modern approaches to managing neurological conditions such as stroke, epilepsy, movement disorders, and multiple sclerosis. He emphasized the role of advanced imaging, electrophysiological studies, and minimally invasive neurosurgical interventions in improving treatment outcomes.
The event brought together members of the medical community and media in Kathmandu to exchange knowledge on emerging medical technologies and patient care strategies available at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals.
Established in 1996, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals is a joint venture between the Government of Delhi and Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited. The hospital provides multi-specialty tertiary care and has been recognized for its programs in organ transplantation, advanced diagnostic services, and specialized treatment facilities.
Recently, the hospital introduced the ZAP-X Gyroscopic Radiosurgery Platform, a non-invasive technology for brain tumor treatment, and the RADIXACT-X9 system for targeted cancer care.
Deerwalk Learning Center launches app offering free online classes
Deerwalk Learning Center has launched the DLC App, providing free access to over 3,500 online lessons for students from grades 4 to 11. The app, introduced during a program at the Sagarmatha Hall of the Deerwalk Complex in Sifal on Tuesday, features lessons in Nepali, English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. The content, developed according to the Curriculum Development Centre’s guidelines, was previously available on the center’s website.
According to Deerwalk Group Limited Chairperson Hitesh Karki, more than 5m students and teachers have already used the video lessons, and work is underway to expand the resource for grade 12 and undergraduate levels. Ashok Dalli, CEO of Edutech Nepal, said over 200,000 students and teachers from more than 300 community schools equipped with computer labs by Edutech Nepal are using the lessons.
Former Khaireni Secondary School principal Keshav Raj Ghimire highlighted the role of flipped classes during the Covid-19 pandemic, noting they helped reach millions of students.
Bahrain, UN Women seek women’s award nominations
Bahrain, in collaboration with UN Women, has opened nominations for the third cycle of the HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa Global Award for Women’s Empowerment. The award is open to governments, private enterprises, civil society organisations, and individuals worldwide. It recognises national and international efforts that advance women’s empowerment and promote their role in sustainable development and societal progress.
Presented every three years, the award has four categories: Public Sector, Private Sector, Civil Society Organisations, and Individuals. Winners in each category will receive a $100,000 prize. The deadline for nominations is 20 March 2026.