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The Bengal Florican is listed as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and is one of nine protected birds under Nepal’s National Park and Wildlife Conservation Act 2029. With a global population of fewer than 1,000 individuals, its inclusion in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) underscores the urgent need for stronger conservation measures.

Today, the Bengal Florican’s distribution is restricted to a few, mostly protected, grassland areas. Fewer than 50 individuals remain in Nepal, with recent sightings in Shuklaphanta National Park and Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, but none in Chitwan or Bardiya National Parks. Conservation efforts are hindered by limited knowledge of the species’ ecology and distribution.

Shuklaphanta National Park (SNP) is the Bengal Florican’s last stronghold, yet its survival is threatened by encroachment, uncontrolled grass fires, unsustainable harvesting, and invasive species like Mikania micrantha. These pressures are transforming the grasslands into unsuitable habitat, triggering a 53.33 percent population decline since 1982.

Recognizing the need for updated data on the species’ status, I embarked on a research expedition to ShNP’s grasslands. Nestled in the Tarai region along the Indian border, SNP is a hidden treasure of Sudurpaschim Province, teeming with swamp deer, one-horned rhinos, wild elephants, and rare birds. 

During a jeep safari along the park’s fire lines, I marveled at the landscape’s serene power. But my focus remained on the elusive Bengal Florican. Perched atop a watchtower, our team—armed with binoculars and DSLR cameras—waited with patience. The bird’s elusive nature demanded absolute concentration.

After 1 hour and 55 minutes, we finally spotted a soaring Bengal Florican. Its grace left me awestruck. But in my excitement, I fumbled the first photo. Disappointed, I clung to hope as our team crept along the fire line, adjusting camera settings. When the Florican took flight again, I steadied myself and, after several attempts, captured two perfect shots. A wave of euphoria washed over me.

Yet, amid the joy, a sobering truth lingered. Why is this iconic bird vanishing? While satellite tracking has shed light on its seasonal movements, the fate of its eggs during breeding season remains a mystery. Critical gaps in understanding its ecology, breeding biology, and habitat needs persist. Despite being a grassland specialist, modern studies integrating drones, remote sensing, satellite telemetry, and genetic analysis are lacking.

The Bengal Florican’s survival hinges on unraveling these mysteries, and acting before it’s too late.

Is the heat making you want to shut the windows, turn on the AC, and stay inside the house? As it gets unbelievably hot, all we want to do is the bare minimum. But it would be almost blasphemous not to make use of the longer days by indulging in activities that are far more pleasurable in summer. While we definitely recommend staying out of the scorching heat or using an umbrella, if you must go out in the sun, there are a good number of things that you can do when it’s hot outside and you want to do nothing more than plonk yourself in front of the TV.

Water workouts 

Many places these days offer water workouts like aqua zumba and competitive swimming. Sign up for a class so that you can get a workout in while chilling in the pool during hot summer days. If you don’t know how to swim, then there can never be a better time to learn. You can even make this a couple’s thing and get some quality time or enroll in classes with friends.

Evening stroll

Take advantage of the longer daylight hours and head out for an evening stroll after work. Visit local haunts or discover some place new in your area. Patan Durbar Square comes alive in the evenings with vendors, temper-goers, and people just lazing around. Local parks and even malls are good places to hang around in the evening when the sun is milder and there’s a gentle breeze in the air. This could be a good time to get a little workout in as well.

Get creative

There are many classes and workshops that you can enroll in when the days are longer and you seem to have more time. From candle-making and pottery to cooking and photography, there is just so much to choose from. You don’t have to commit to these long term, if you don’t want to. Sign up for a class and see how you feel about it. It’s a good way to learn something new while staying away from the heat but not slouched on your couch or bed.

Plan a party

Too lazy to go out and meet friends over the weekend? Why not invite them over and turn it into a fun summer meet up? You can prepare some light snacks and drinks or order-in. Decide what you want to do beforehand. Do you want to indulge in a round of board games? Or is watching a scary movie more your thing? Depending on what you want to do, you can plan your day around it. It’s always a good idea to spend some time together and bond.

Paint and sip

The concept of painting something while indulging in some wine or cocktails had become quite a trend when House of Palettes, an art center in Jhamsikhel, Lalitpur, came up with it. Slowly, the novelty died down but there are many places that offer the same facility these days. There are also many pop up places that offer the service at reasonable prices during the weekend as well. It’s a particularly enjoyable activity on a hot summer day.

Spa day

The hot weather is the perfect excuse to pamper yourself. Book yourself a manicure, pedicure session and throw in a full body massage as well. This is again another thing you can do with your partner or a friend. We recommend Ayurvedic massages and treatments that are extremely relaxing. An entire day at the spa is such a perfect way to spend a particularly hot summer day when you don’t want to do much else. 

Shilajit, a Sanskrit word, if translated, refers to the conqueror of the mountains and the destroyer of weakness. It is a sticky, tar-like, rocky exudate, a natural byproduct of humus and decomposed plant remains found at high altitudes in the Himalayas, reaching up to 10,000 feet. Some experts also refer to it as a plant fossil—an intriguing aspect of bio-science. 

Shilajit, a dietary supplement with a rich historical background dating back to the Bronze Age, has been a trusted part of traditional medicine for centuries. This natural, rocky exudate, known as Shilajit, is also referred to as Mimi or Mummiyo. It is called asphaltum, black bitumen, or mineral pitch in the West. The unique mountain resin is a safe and potent source of 84 minerals, including copper, silver, zinc, iron, and lead. Its active compound, fulvic acid, has been associated with numerous health benefits, carrying forward the legacy of our ancestors. 

Shilajit has played a significant role in myriad medications, including stress and anxiety, piles, anemia, kidney stones, urinary disorders, epilepsy, skin diseases, and thyroid glands. According to the Ayurvedic scripture, shilajit is a ‘Rasayana’, a term that refers to a rejuvenating substance that fights diseases and promotes overall wellness and longevity. 

Shilajit, a natural multi-mineral originating in India, is also used in Siddha, Ayurveda, and Tibetan medicine regimen. It is extracted from high mountain rocks, primarily found in the Himalayas, as well as in Russia, Tibet, Norway, Bhutan, Nepal, Afghanistan, China, and Pakistan. When purchasing Shilajit, it’s essential to ensure it comes from a reputable source to guarantee its authenticity and quality. 

Shilajit supplements are widely available from various sources, including online shops, Ayurveda pharmacies, drugstores, and health food stores. They may come in different forms, such as powder, extract, resin, or capsules, offering you a variety of options to suit your preferences and needs. 

Each form has its own benefits and usage instructions. It’s essential to note that the quality and safety of Shilajit can vary depending on its source. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose products from reputable sources that adhere to strict quality control measures to ensure the purity and safety of their products. 

Some of the top picks include Pure Shilajit Organic Himalayan Resin, Essencraft Pure Himalayan Shilajit Supplement, Sennasi Organic Pure Himalayan Shilajit Supplement, Rasaynam, and Hima Pure Himalayan Shilajit Resin.  

Widely used today worldwide, Shilajit offers a range of potent health benefits worth exploring.

May enhance testosterone

A sex hormone, testosterone, takes a high seat in men's health.  Testosterone deficiency, besides low sex drive (libido), may lead to other symptoms like loss of muscle mass, hair loss, body fat gain, and fatigue. According to Healthline’s website, a clinical study on male volunteers found that Shilajit was effective. In a clinical study of male volunteers aged 45-55, half received a placebo and the other half a 250 milligram (mg) dose of purified shilajit twice daily. The study conducted over three months deduced that participants taking purified shilajit had a remarkably higher testosterone level in contrast to those under placebo.

There is more. Rich in minerals, regular intake of the recommended dose of shilajit may also enhance vigor, agility, and endurance and work as a potent aphrodisiac.

May slow down Alzheimer’s disease

Some researchers suggest that owing to shilajit’s molecular composition it may help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s or even avert it—a type of age-related mental disorder or dementia that affects memory, thinking, behavior, and social abilities. Shilajit, rich in a potent antioxidant called fulvic acid, is purported to enhance cognitive health, potentially offering a ray of hope in the fight against Alzheimer’s.

In further studies, experts found the abnormal tau protein buildup as the main culprit behind brain cell damage, ultimately leading to Alzheimer’s. Shilajit, rich in fulvic acid, may help prevent the buildup of tau protein, reduce inflammation, and act as a retardant in the progression of brain cell damage.  

However, experts note that further research and clinical trials are necessary to assess the role of fulvic acid fully. 

Contains anti-inflammatory antioxidant properties

Researchers suggest that shilajit functions as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent, strengthening the immune system through its fulvic acid content. It may help curb or allay chronic inflammatory disorders such as allergies, asthma, eczema, and even diabetes, as high sugar levels trigger the body’s inflammatory response. Due to its high mineral content, it also helps lower oxidative stress.

May strengthen bone and stamina

Collagen is the most abundant body protein, accounting for 30 percent of the body’s protein. It provides support, framework, and power to muscles, bones, tendons, and connective tissues and repairs and restores them. Regular intake of shilajit may promote collagen production, potentially benefiting athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Shilajit showed positive results in boosting physical performance and alleviating fatigue, as it helps produce enhanced adenosine triphosphate.

Good for the heart and diabetes

Rich in antioxidant properties and chock-full of minerals, including fulvic and humic acids, as well as adaptogenic compounds, shilajit enhances the health of body cells and reduces cholesterol levels; experts believe it may lower the risk of heart disease and maintain a healthy lipid profile. Furthermore, science-backed studies have shown that regular intake of the recommended dose of Shilajit helps boost insulin sensitivity and maintain glucose metabolism, the two primary factors that regulate and stabilize blood sugar levels. Owing to its high mineral content, Shilajit helps the body use insulin more effectively and regulate blood sugar levels. 

For being mineral-rich, containing over 80 essential minerals, and loaded with fulvic acid, humic acid, and other organic compounds, these components give shilajit abundant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and adaptogenic properties, making it a promising ingredient for managing diabetes and maintaining a stable glycemic level.

Dosage

Clinically, a dose of 300-500 mg once daily is considered safe and effective for healthy individuals. However, it’s essential to note that the appropriate dosage may vary depending on factors such as age, health condition, and the form of Shilajit used. Rest assured, following the instructions on the product bottle and purchasing Shilajit from a reputable source will ensure you get the most for your money and health.

While Shilajit is a natural dietary supplement with potential health benefits, it's essential to remember that it remains a supplement. To ensure your safety and the best possible health benefits of Shilajit, you should consult your healthcare provider or an Ayurved healthcare expert before starting it. Their guidance can help you navigate potential drug interactions and side effects, ensuring your journey with Shilajit is safe and beneficial.

Is Shilajit safe?

Today, Shilajit is making waves in the US due to its numerous purported health benefits. Research into the efficacy of these health claims is ongoing, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has yet to approve Shilajit due to a lack of adequate research and studies.

Regarding safety, shilajit is usually considered safe for most people when taken in recommended doses. Some science-backed evidence suggests that shilajit is safe and well-sustained, and most people have benefitted from its intake, even when taken long-term, with hardly any adverse reactions.  

Suppose you plan to take shilajit as a supplement. In that case, it is wise to consult an Ayurveda healthcare professional or your healthcare provider who can advise you about potential drug interactions to get the best results. Don't take shilajit to treat a health condition or to replace a prescription drug without consulting a healthcare provider.

Caveat: Intake of shilajit is usually considered safe for most people when taken in recommended doses. However, some people may experience potential side effects, such as bloating, upset stomach, diarrhea, and allergic skin reactions, including rashes, hives, and itching. Further, pregnant or breastfeeding mothers are advised not to take shilajit.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the above text are solely research-based and intended for informative and educational purposes only: the author solicits reader discretion and cross-references or consulting a healthcare practitioner before incorporating it as a supplement.

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Refugees are forced to flee their home countries due to conflict, persecution, or threats to their lives and freedom. Unlike voluntary migrants, refugees leave not out of choice but out of sheer necessity, seeking safety and dignity elsewhere. As global displacement rises due to wars, political crises, and climate change, conversations around the rights, treatment, and responsibilities toward refugees have become increasingly urgent. ApEx spoke to three people to find out how they think Nepal and the world should handle the crisis. 

Nima Dorje Tamang, 22

I haven’t heard much about refugees in Nepal through news channels or any other form of media. So I’m assuming that not much has been done for them and that there is little to no awareness regarding refugees. I think that we can support refugees through small contributions, either monetary or by providing necessary supplies to the appropriate authorities who can make sure that our contributions are used effectively and responsibly. 

Whether countries should open their borders to refugees depends on determining whether a person’s life is actually being threatened or they are just trying to illegally immigrate to a certain country. Refugees just like any other human being must have the basic human rights where they are provided with access to clean water, food, shelter, and healthcare. I believe they must be protected from being returned to the country where they face serious threats. They should also be provided an opportunity to work legally, to support themselves financially, and contribute in the community.

Shakar Acharya, 38

Refugees often have no choice but to migrate in search of safety, stability, and a chance to live a dignified life. When their own country fails to protect them, it becomes the moral responsibility of other nations to step in and provide the security and support they need. Every country, including Nepal, has a humanitarian duty to ensure that refugees are treated with care and respect. Nepal, in particular, has previously offered refuge to people from Bhutan and Tibet. They have been given some level of recognition and respect. But more needs to be done. The government should actively work towards creating opportunities for refugees to rebuild their lives, whether through education, employment, or integration programs. 

On a societal level, citizens must adopt a compassionate attitude toward refugees. Instead of seeing them as outsiders, we should be kind and help them in any way we can. I believe borders shouldn’t be closed off to people in distress. In times of crisis, the international community must unite to ensure that those fleeing danger aren’t turned away. Every border in the world should remain open for refugees who genuinely need help, and every country should contribute to the global responsibility of giving them a safe place to call home.

Ratna Kumari Khyaju, 82

The situation of refugees all over the world bothers me. I believe being away from home is never a good thing and that these people suffer a lot on a daily basis. But I also think many people are exploiting the situation and trying to migrate to other countries illegally. This is wrong and should be curbed however possible. In the case of Nepal, I think the government isn’t prepared to handle the refugee crisis. It can’t meet the needs of its own citizens, how will it look after those from other countries? 

In an ideal world, everybody should be treated equally. Refugees would be given the same status and respect as any citizen of the country they have fled to. But the world is far from ideal and that is not what happens. For a developing country like Nepal, it would be best to first ensure the right and dignity of its own citizens before looking into those of others.