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Nepal is home to nine species of vultures. Among them four are classified as critically endangered and one is endangered. These statuses reflect the urgency and importance of conservation efforts to protect these vulture species especially those classified as critically endangered and endangered. Out of these vultures, the white-rumped vulture (Gyps bengalensis) is currently listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. This medium-sized vulture, identifiable by its white neck ruff, whitish back, rump, and underwing coverts contrasting with otherwise dark plumage, weighs between 3.5-7.5 kg and has a wingspan of 1.92-2.6 meters. The species is known for its broad wings and short tail feathers, with juveniles being mostly dark and taking about four to five years to develop adult plumage. It is primarily found in South and Southeast Asia.In Nepal, their habitat distribution includes lowland areas, particularly in the Terai region, which offers suitable feeding and nesting sites specially large, tall trees of Sal, Peepal, Simal and Neem. It is reported up to 3,100 meters although it is common up to about 1,000 meters. Key nesting sites include protected areas like Chitwan National Park, Bardiya National Park, and Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve and also unprotected Rampur Valley still strongholds for this species.

White-rumped vultures are essential scavengers, preventing the spread of diseases by consuming animal carcasses.They are often seen soaring in thermals and descending quickly upon spotting food. Their decline has led to an increase in feral dog populations and associated diseases like rabies, highlighting their importance in maintaining ecological balance.

Nepal’s conservation strategy includes establishing Vulture Safe Zones (VSZs), areas where the use of toxic NSAIDs is controlled and safe food and habitat are provided. These zones have been effective, with surveys showing increasing vulture populations in some regions. However, other NSAIDs like nimesulide, ketoprofen, and flunixin, still present threats to vultures. Vulture restaurants located in Pithauli and Ghachowk, provide poison-free carcasses to support the conservation of the critically endangered white-rumped vulture. Captive breeding programs and ongoing research help to support and track their population and provide valuable data to guide conservation strategies. Monitoring programs and satellite tracking have shown that released vultures in Nepal have high survival rates and are breeding successfully. These positive trends suggest that the environment in designated VSZs is relatively safe for vultures.Based on these efforts, the white-rumped vulture is experiencing a partial recovery. The species faced a catastrophic decline in the mid-1990s due to poisoning from the veterinary drug diclofenac, which caused kidney failure when vultures consumed the carcasses of treated livestock. In response, Nepal banned diclofenac in 2006 and promoted the use of the vulture-safe drug meloxicam. The ongoing Vulture Conservation Action Plan (VCAP) aims to maintain these gains and address emerging threats, including habitat degradation and electrocution. 

Despite all these efforts, the white-rumped vulture faces significant threats to its survival, including diclofenac poisoning, habitat loss, secondary poisoning from other harmful substances, and disturbances from human activities. It also includes breeding issues due to declining populations and genetic diversity. Climate change exacerbates these problems by altering habitats and weather patterns. Loss of nesting trees due to deforestation and land-use changes further impacts their breeding success. Additionally, food security is a major concern, as the decline in traditional food sources like livestock carcasses, Conservation efforts, including the establishment of vulture restaurants, aim to mitigate these threats.

It is crucial to expand and strengthen conservation efforts to further support the recovery of the white-rumped vulture. The increase in the number of Vulture Safe Zones and ensuring the strict enforcement of the ban on harmful NSAIDs will provide safer environments for these birds. Additionally, raising public awareness about the importance of vultures in the ecosystem can garner more community support for conservation initiatives. Enhancing habitat protection through reforestation and safeguarding nesting sites will also contribute to their survival. Collaborative efforts between governments, NGOs, and local communities are essential to secure a future for the white-rumped vulture in Nepal and beyond.

Pride Month was first observed in June to commemorate the Stonewall Uprising, but it wasn’t until 1999 that the then President Bill Clinton declared June as Pride Month in the United States. Since then, it has evolved into a global celebration of LGBTIQA+ rights, diversity, acceptance, and equality. Aaradhana Shrestha from ApEx spoke to three people to find out how Pride Month can be used as a platform to educate people about LGBTIQA+ history and issues.

Akanksha Budha, 22

I believe Pride Month is often the only time when the larger public acknowledges the existence and struggles of the LGBTIQA+ community. Pride Month began as a movement of resistance and rebellion. Using this time to remind and educate people about the true origins and purpose of it is crucial. Hosting queer events and workshops focused on history and current issues is a great way to leverage Pride Month for education. However, to truly highlight the struggles and issues faced by the queer community, efforts must extend beyond Pride Month, integrating this awareness into everyday conversations and actions throughout the year.

Sid, 19

I believe people should start acknowledging Pride Month beyond its ‘celebrations’ and recognize it as a movement of liberation and justice. Its essence is often overshadowed by flashy marches, parades, and celebrations.

When the world is painted in rainbow colors throughout June, it’s also a crucial time to reflect on queer issues and answer why we still need a ‘month’ for ourselves. Whether queer or an ally, it’s crucial to acknowledge your privileges and support queer friends confronting heightened discrimination, such as hatred and cyberbullying, during this month.

It’s crucial to openly discuss our challenges as queer individuals online, leveraging our amplified voices. Let’s honor our brave ancestors and activists worldwide who fought for liberation, echoing Marsha P Johnson’s words: “No pride for some of us without the liberation of all of us.” Together, let’s support our queer friends on their journey to freedom and continue advocating for change beyond June.

Devika Rai, 20

I believe there shouldn’t be a specific month designated solely for educating people about LGBTIQA+ history and issues. In fact, these efforts can and should be ongoing regardless of the time of year. However, Pride Month provides a focused and well-known period to amplify these initiatives. We can organize educational events, sessions, pre-Pride hangouts, and share impactful stories through media campaigns like podcasts and insightful videos to reach a wider audience. Collaborating with organizations, schools, and businesses can create a powerful platform for learning and advocacy that extends beyond June, fostering a year-round commitment to understanding and supporting LGBTQIA+ rights and history.

There are many things we can do to educate people but what we truly need are individuals who are eager to learn. Only when we cultivate this eagerness can our efforts make a lasting impact. So, if you aren’t able to actively contribute or participate, the least you can do is educate yourself.

The ICC T20 World Cup is currently being held in the United States and the West Indies. Although Nepal was eliminated in the group stage, their games drew immense support from thousands of enthusiastic Nepali fans at the stadium. Logan Van Beek from the Netherlands praised the Nepali fans for their overwhelming presence and fervor, stating, “I am not sure whether we are in Nepal or Dallas. These fans for Nepal were amazing. It was so loud. I am struggling to think half the time.” The strong support from Nepali fans has garnered praise from various cricket pages, experts, and enthusiasts, emphasizing the substantial influence of the Nepali diaspora. This article explores the significance of the Nepali diaspora and its potential as Nepal’s soft power.

What is diaspora and why is it important?

Diaspora refers to individuals who have left their home country to live abroad for an extended period. Kevin Kenny, in his book ‘Diaspora: A Very Short Introduction,’ describes diaspora as a concept that illuminates a world influenced by migration, especially relevant to groups that have migrated involuntarily, maintain connections to their homeland, and are dispersed globally.

The Ministry of External Affairs of India reports that the global Indian diaspora is the largest, comprising 13.6 million Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), 18.6 million Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), and nearly 32.3 million overseas citizens of India. Additionally, 2.5 million Indians move abroad every year. Similarly, Nepal has a sizable diaspora, with over 4.5 million Nepalis living outside the country. Since passports were first issued on November 26, 2010, over 10 million have been issued.

Every day, around 1,500 to 3,000 Nepali people leave Nepal for work, study, or travel. In 2023, more than 1.6 million people went abroad for various purposes including employment, tourism, training, sports, residence, and study. According to the Department of Immigration, 70,915 people left to settle permanently and 808,415 left for employment in 2023, excluding those working in India.

The economic survey data shows that 102,504 students left to study abroad in 2078-079, 110,217 in 2079-80, and 90,179 NOCs were issued until Falgun 2080-81. Most students aim to settle in economically secure countries such as Japan, Canada, Australia, the UK, the USA, South Korea, India, the UAE, France, and Denmark. As more Nepali students move to these countries, the Nepali diaspora will grow.

Currently, Nepali citizens can enter 111 countries with an institutional permit and 178 countries with an individual work permit. In the financial year 2079-80, 771,327 young people went abroad, primarily to Malaysia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman.

The importance of the diaspora is increasing. The contributions made by the diaspora play a fundamental role in the relationship between countries and contribute significantly to their home country's international presence, economy, and people-to-people relations.

Foreign policy and the Nepali diaspora

Nepal’s diplomatic outreach extends to 182 countries, reflecting its global relations, with the Nepali expatriate community playing a significant role. Known for their friendly and hospitable nature, as well as pride in their culture, traditions, religion, and language, Nepalis bolster the country’s reputation worldwide. Nepal’s ‘Foreign Policy 2077’ aims to harness the knowledge, expertise, financial resources, and networking capabilities of the Nepali diaspora to further national development.

This foreign policy vision strives to position Nepal as a robust, progressive, peaceful, and esteemed nation. It acknowledges the pivotal role of the Nepali diaspora in economic diplomacy and emphasizes mobilizing Nepali expatriates to safeguard and propagate Nepalese art, culture, language, and heritage.

The policy also stresses fostering positive attitudes toward Nepal, garnering support for its progress, and enhancing Nepal’s global reputation by tapping into the potential of the Nepali diaspora. It calls for unity, cooperation, and collaboration among Nepali expatriates, urging them to participate actively in the political and economic arenas of their host countries.

Additionally, the policy commits to providing legal aid to Nepalis in need and promoting efficient consular services for Nepalis living abroad. It advocates for establishing and operating Nepali language schools and training centers in countries with significant Nepali populations to preserve the Nepali language, culture, and traditions.

Despite these ambitious goals, practical implementation is often hampered by the limited budget allocated to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This budget primarily covers embassy rent and staff salaries, constraining the scope of operational activities. Bharat Raj Poudel, former Foreign Secretary and Nepal’s current Ambassador to Canada, highlights these resource constraints, noting that embassies operate with very limited budgets and small staff, focusing mainly on urgent issues such as rescuing Nepalis in need, leaving little capacity for economic and public diplomacy.

What can be done?

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his ministers prioritize interacting with the Indian diaspora during their foreign visits, encouraging Indians abroad to visit India with friends who are not Indian. This approach has strengthened India’s ties with other countries. Similarly, Nepal’s Prime Minister and other ministers should prioritize building and nurturing relationships with Nepalis residing overseas.

It is crucial to hold diplomats accountable and bolster the capabilities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). Restructuring MOFA and expanding Nepal’s diplomatic presence is necessary to enhance the country’s global image. Frequent diplomatic recalls driven by political motivations negatively affect Nepal’s reputation.

Creating adaptable legislation and policies to incentivize investments from the growing Nepali diaspora is important. Non-resident Nepalis (NRNs) can unite Nepalis in their respective countries. The government can support returning Nepali immigrants’ contributions to the Brain Gain Center (BGC) to aid in national progress. All political factions in Nepal should work towards unifying the Nepali people and promoting their contributions to national development.

The participation of Nepalis in Nepal Day Parades worldwide, including in the USA, Canada, the UK, Europe, Japan, Australia, and other regions, is crucial for celebrating Nepal’s diversity and culture. The government and political parties need to acknowledge and harness the potential of the Nepali diaspora for the country's advancement.

Dragonflies are recognized by their long, slender abdomen; large globular eyes, often making up a large portion of the head; short antennae; and long wings. The extant dragonflies are placed in the Odonata order, which is divided into two suborders: the Zygoptera, or damselflies, and the Anisoptera, or true dragonflies. There are about 6400 species of dragonflies and damsels. Dragonflies are generally larger, more robust, and have a stronger flight than damselflies. Damselflies are smaller and have slender and taper wings toward their bases, whereas dragonflies are larger and have hind wings broadening at their bases.

Dragonfly eggs are laid underwater among plants or in silt, which is nicely hidden away from predators. Once hatched, a nymph will spend most of their life—months to years—in this stage before crawling out of the water to turn into a dragonfly. Damselfly larvae can be separated from dragonfly larvae by their caudal lamellae, which are fin-like structures at the end of their abdomen that act as external gills. The adult stage will occur when they have molted, leaving behind an exuvia. Almost all Odonata species need a vertical substrate to emerge from their nymphal life stage into their adult life stage. Adults live for a few weeks to a few months.

Dragonfly as a bioindicator of wetlands

Dragonflies are used as a bioindicator as they are highly sensitive to changes in aquatic habitat. They require clean bodies of water for breeding and feeding, so any alterations in water quality can directly impact their population. Factors like water temperature, acidity, turbidity, or pollution can dramatically upset the survival of the young insect larvae. If dragonflies and damselflies are present in a lake or stream, it indicates good water quality. By studying the presence or absence of different dragonfly species, we can assess the overall health of wetland ecosystems. Further, because their diet consists entirely of insects, dragonfly density is directly proportional to the population of prey. Dragonflies and damselflies are also crucial, as they feed on disease-causing mosquitoes and flies and serve as prey for birds and fish.

Threats and conservation

Nearly 16 percent of the world’s dragonflies and damselflies are at risk of extinction. Primarily due to the destruction and pollution of wetlands. To protect these beautiful, useful insects, protection of the wetland ecosystem (especially in urban areas) is foremost. Avoiding the use of pesticides, which in one way kills its prey, and rainwater carries all the pollutants to wetland, degrading the water quality where nymphs live. Additionally, planting aquatic plants in wetland will help, as it acts as a substrate where female dragonflies can lay eggs and also during the molting period.