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Pokhara: Dil Bahadur Gurung (67) of Tangting in Madi Rural Municipality of Kaski, which falls within the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), recounts his experience of increasing water scarcity in areas that once had abundant water even during winter.

Gurung, who operated a sheep farm for 30 years in  Kori, now a popular tourist attraction in the Annapurna Conservation Area, said that areas that previously had water sources in abundance during winter are now becoming dry. Gurung noticed a significant change in water availability when he led a team to study trekking trails to Kori in 2021.

The team, which started the trek from Krapu Hill in Jan 2021, faced water scarcity for both drinking and cooking on their first night at Chamro. Gurung recalled seeing previously abundant spring sources dry up for the first time that year. The team managed to provide water for the 20-member team with difficulty, he added.

Upon reaching the Kori Hill (3,800 meters), Gurung found that all known water sources had dried up. The team had to spend the night without food due to the lack of water. They later found a gallon of water in a locked shed which they used sparingly to quench their thirst. Gurung said he never experienced such water scarcity during his years of moving sheep farms across high alpine regions

The districts of Manang and Mustang, beyond the Himalayas, are known as rain shadow zones. However, these areas within the Annapurna Conservation Area have recently been experiencing heavy rainfall. The cold desert regions of Mustang and Manang are now facing increased incidents of flooding, resulting in loss of life and property.

Conservation expert Dr Hum Bahadur Gurung suggests constructing ponds to manage water resources, as the increasing dryness in high alpine regions during winter affects not only trekkers but also wildlife. Stating that the drying up of water sources could impact the biodiversity of high-altitude areas, he urged concerned authorities to address the issue. Since traditionally rain shadow areas have started receiving rainfall during the monsoon season, he urged authorities for new structures and development approaches to adapt to these changing conditions.

Rivers dry up as water is diverted into hydropower tunnel

Studies show that the rate of snow melting in the Himalayas is increasing. Recent research also indicates a growing problem of water sources drying up in high Himalayan and hilly regions.

Locals of Madi Rural Municipality in Kaski report an additional problem arising from human behavior causing streams to dry up. Bhupal Gurung, a resident of Sabi in Madi-7, said that temperatures have been rising during winter in recent years, and heavy floods during the rainy season sometimes force them to abandon their settlements. “As if it were not enough, hydropower projects divert all the water from rivers into tunnels during winter, causing the rivers to dry up and increasing temperatures in nearby settlements,” he said. “The river used to bring cool air when it was flowing. Now, the power projects have taken all the water into tunnels. The river is dry, and it’s getting hotter,” he said.

The drying up of rivers not only increases temperatures but also destroys biodiversity, according to Gurung. He said floods can force people to flee their settlements during the rainy season, while in winter, the dry streams affect those who rely on fishing for their livelihood. He has also observed fish populations disappearing, and aquatic animals and wildlife dependent on water are no longer seen.

Before the construction of hydropower projects, various species of water birds used to visit the local rivers. These birds are no longer seen these days. There used to be plenty of otters that feed on fish. With the streams no longer flowing, various fish species have disappeared, and the otters and water birds that came to feed on them are no longer seen, locals say.

Rivers and streams naturally have less water in winter. The situation becomes chronic when hydropower projects divert all available water into tunnels to maintain operations during this low-flow period. Devi Jung Gurung, chairperson of Madi Rural Municipality, said that the drying up of rivers affects not only the locals but also the environment, aquatic life and wildlife. He said that the disappearance of streams has led to the extinction of aquatic species and impacted the environment.

Locals say the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) should monitor whether hydropower projects are releasing the mandated 10 percent of water flow into the streams as per their agreements. Dr Rabin Kadariya, chief of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), said that they have been monitoring water release within their jurisdiction and sending letters to non-compliant projects urging them to adhere to the agreement. “We also respond to public complaints by contacting the relevant hydropower projects to ensure compliance,” he added. “So far, we have only been issuing reminders through letters and phone calls to non-compliant hydropower projects. From this  year, we plan to take legal action if the situation persists.”

Dr Kadariya remains hopeful that projects will comply with the water release agreements to avoid facing legal consequences. He also noted that water scarcity issues in streams are most critical during the months of Chaitra and Baisakh (mid-March to mid-May).

Local representatives say hydropower projects are being built within the Annapurna Conservation Area without proper consideration of the local environment and biodiversity.

The chairpersons of Annapurna Rural Municipality in Myagdi and Madi Rural Municipality in Kaski state that hydropower projects are being built in these biodiversity-rich Himalayan areas without any coordination with local governments. Projects receive construction permits directly from the federal government without discussing the status of local wildlife, aquatic life, or the appropriate elevation limits for construction with the rural municipalities, they added.

Bharat Kumar Pun, chairperson of Annapurna Rural Municipality, said that a hydropower project is being constructed up to Hum Khola at an elevation of 2,883 meters on the Northern Annapurna Base Camp trekking route. “Roads built for hydropower projects have shortened the North Annapurna Base Camp trek from 9-10 days to just 3-4 days. This has impacted the local environment and tourism,” Pun added.

Although environmental impact assessments are conducted, Pun said that the numerous hydropower projects along the rivers are affecting biodiversity by drying up streams during winter as they divert water into tunnels. Local representatives claim that while environmental impact assessment reports are prepared before project initiation, they often prove impractical.

Madi Rural Municipality Chairperson Gurung said hydropower projects in Himalayan regions are initiated with direct approval from the federal government, without coordination with local governments regarding potential impacts. This lack of attention to local biodiversity conservation is affecting the environment, he added.

Hydropower project work is ongoing near Kapuche Glacier Lake, Nepal’s lowest glacier lake, up to Hugu Goth, according to Gurung. 

Raju Acharya, director of Friends of Nature, an organization working in the conservation area for three decades, said hydropower projects at the foot of the Annapurna range are affecting the habitats and grazing areas of rare wildlife such as Himalayan black bears and snow leopards. He added that when projects fail to release the agreed amount of water into streams, it directly impacts aquatic life, plants and wildlife.

As many as 23 small and large hydropower projects are currently operational within the Annapurna Conservation Area, generating 312 MW of electricity. Eleven projects under construction will produce an additional 1,018 MW.

ACAP Chief Dr Kadariya said 69 more areas within the conservation area are under study for potential hydropower projects.

Unauthorized hotels, restaurants on the rise

The Annapurna Conservation Area has seen an increase in unauthorized construction of hotels and restaurants on government land. This trend has been growing since 2017, with many structures built during the Covid-19 pandemic. These establishments have been constructed by clearing forests within the conservation area by using locally sourced timber and construction materials.

The lack of coordination between local rural municipalities and the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) during the pandemic period allowed for the proliferation of these unauthorized structures, locals say. Some of these constructions reportedly involve investments from local representatives.

In 2010, the ACAP Liaison Office in Pokhara decided to confiscate houses and sheds built by encroaching on government and forest land within the Annapurna Conservation Area and slapped a fine of Rs 50,000 per person, as per Section 28 of the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1972.

The hotel operators challenged the decision in Kaski District Court. The district court, however, upheld the decision taken by ACAP Liaison Office in 2022. Recently, the Kaski District Court also upheld ACAP’s decision on five additional hotels. Rabin Chaudhary of ACAP Liaison Office in Pokhara, reported that two more cases involving structures on government land within the conservation area are still pending.

Out of 115 illegally constructed hotels, restaurants, and other structures on the Mardi trekking trail, the district court has now upheld ACAP’s decision on 16 hotels.

Previously, ACAP had the authority to investigate and decide on illegal activities within the conservation area. However, recent legal amendments require such cases to be handled through the district court.

With the increasing popularity of new trekking routes like Mardi Himal, Khumai, Krapu Hill, Kapuche Lake and Kori Hill, there has been a rush to build hotels and restaurants. ACAP data shows that 314 businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and tea shops, are operating on government land within the conservation area.

About 200 hotels and restaurants were registered before 2016. After the election of local representatives in 2017, rural municipalities demanded the authority to register and approve hotels. This has led to a situation where previously registered establishments haven’t renewed their licenses, and newly built structures have no legal basis for taxation. As a result, the government is not receiving any revenue from these 314 hotels built on land in conservation areas.

Conservation activists say that while local communities were once actively involved in forest and wildlife conservation, recent trends show locals building tourist infrastructure on government land without permission, focusing more on exploitation than conservation.

Record tourist numbers boost revenue

The Annapurna Conservation Area has reported unprecedented tourist numbers and revenue for the 2023/24 fiscal year. According to the ACAP, 222,180 tourists visited the Annapurna Region during the review year, generating a record fee of Rs 383.68m.

This year’s figures represent a significant increase from the previous year, which saw 172,510 visitors and Rs 306.6m in revenue. The current numbers also surpass the pre-covid peak of 181,000 tourists recorded in 2018/19. Of the total visitors this year, 117,845 were from SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) countries, while 104,296 came from other nations.

ACAP applies different fee structures based on visitors' origin. SAARC country nationals pay Rs 2,000 per person, while other international visitors are charged Rs 3,000. A nominal fee of Rs 100 is set for domestic tourists, although this is often not collected.

The substantial revenue from tourist entry fees has attracted attention from various stakeholders. However, conservation activists say the three tiers of government have not paid adequate attention to sustainable tourism development and biodiversity conservation in the region.

Revenue and ownership disputes

The management of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) has been a subject of controversy. On 19 Jan 2024, the Council of Ministers decided to hand over the management responsibility of both the Annapurna and Manaslu conservation areas to the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) for four years. The management contract of the Annapurna Conservation Area had not been renewed since 16 Jan 2021.

While this decision resolved the uncertainty about who would manage ACAP for the next four years, the Gandaki Province Government and local bodies have been consistently demanding that the Annapurna Conservation Area, which generates the highest revenue among all conservation areas in the country, should come under provincial jurisdiction.

Surendra Raj Pandey, the Chief Minister of Gandaki Province, has been advocating for both ACAP and MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area Project) to come under provincial control. He has been discussing this issue with local representatives from the rural municipalities within these conservation areas.

Chiranjivi Sharma Poudel, the Chief Attorney of Gandaki Province, stated that the provincial government is clear that conservation areas within Gandaki Province should be under provincial control. He argued that it is not legally sound for the federal government to entrust these areas to an NGO-model organization. Poudel explained that the government’s decision to hand over forest management of the two conservation areas to the NTNC was based on a law from 1972, which is outdated given Nepal’s transition to a federal system.

“Article 304 of the Constitution of Nepal, 2015, invalidates any laws that are inconsistent with federal principles,” he said, arguing that while the constitution gives management authority to the provinces, the federal government’s decision to give this authority to an NGO goes against the spirit of the constitution. He has advised the Chief Minister that this decision could be overturned if challenged in the Supreme Court.

The National Natural Resources and Fiscal Commission is a constitutional body responsible for distributing national revenue. It collects revenue from across the country and distributes it according to constitutional guidelines. There is a legal provision to distribute funds to provinces, the federal government, and local bodies on a proportional basis.

“Provinces should receive their share through the commission. However, no money is being deposited with the Commission as an NGO-model organization has taken over the forest management,” Poudel said. “This raises questions about financial transparency. The Gandaki province government, therefore, must insist that conservation areas within the province should be under provincial control.”

Juddha Bahadur Gurung, a member of the commission, revealed that they had recommended two years ago that royalties from ACAP should be distributed. The commission, according to Gurung, has suggested allocating 25 percent each to rural municipalities and the province, and 50 percent to the federal government. He noted that 16 rural municipalities in Gandaki Province that fall within the Annapurna Conservation Area, along with Ward-19 of Pokhara, would receive a share of 25 percent.

However, this recommendation is reportedly stalled at the Ministry of Finance. It has been suggested that the 50 percent allocated to the federal government would be given to ACAP and NTNC as management expenses. Gurung added that the commission recommended that the royalties received by provinces and rural municipalities should be spent within the designated conservation areas.

Roads shortening trekking trails

The world-renowned Annapurna trekking region is facing challenges due to road expansion, even in uninhabited areas. This development is disappointing tourists who come to enjoy trekking in the Himalayan region.

Sheshkant Sharma, former president of the Nepal Mountaineering Association’s Gandaki chapter, said while overall tourist numbers in the Annapurna trekking area are at an all-time high, there has been a decline in trekkers from Europe, the US and the UK who prefer longer treks.

“Road expansion has occurred in conservation areas without human settlements”, Sharma said. “Provincial and local governments haven't paid attention to the potential negative impacts. For instance, roads have been extended to uninhabited areas like Kruphu and Hugu Gotha near Kaphuche Lake in the Annapurna Conservation Area,” he added.

In Kruphu, the road was built with federal government funds. In Kapuche, despite requests to consider the sensitivity of the Himalayan region and biodiversity, a hydroelectric project has been constructed up to the base of the mountain.

Sharma said roads are being built to Nar-Phu region (4,200 meters), Dharmashala (4,650 meters) above Muktinath Temple on the way from Manang via Thorong Pass, Aalubaari (3,900 meters) on the Dhaulagiri trekking route, and Yak Kharka (3,860 meters) on the trail to Tilicho Lake from Jomsom.

As a result of road constructions, the Annapurna Circuit trek, which used to take 21 days, can now be completed in just one week. This has led to a decrease in tourists who prefer longer treks.

Conservation expert Dr Hum Bahadur Gurung warns that road network development in uninhabited high Himalayan areas could impact wildlife grazing areas and habitats, and increase the risk of landslides, among other problems.

Annapurna Conservation Area, spanning 7,629 square kilometers in five districts of Gandaki Province, was declared in 1992. The area is home to a population of 92,675 and serves as a vital source of clean water for Pokhara city.

The area is rich in biodiversity, home to over 1,800 plant species, 128 mammal species, 518 bird species, and hundreds of reptiles, amphibians and butterflies. It is the only conservation area in Nepal where all six native pheasant species can be found. The region also boasts cultural significance with sites like Muktinath attracting both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims.

This story has been produced with the support of the Internews Earth Journalism Network through the Media for Inclusive Green Growth project

Finance Minister Barshaman Pun on Tuesday unveiled a Rs 1.86trn budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2024/25. The government has allocated Rs1.14tn of the total budget for current expenditure, Rs 352bn for capital spending, and Rs 367bn for financing. 

The government has announced the fiscal year 2024/25 as a year of economic reforms and planned the budget accordingly. 

“The budget aims to address long-standing challenges in the economy, including an imbalance in public finance, the increasing size of public debt, limited capital expenditures, and the lack of revenue collection as per the targets. These initiatives will be undertaken through the implementation of fresh programs for economic reforms,” Minister Pun told the federal parliament during his budget speech.

Strategies and priorities for economic reforms

Pun announced that the provinces will be developed as economic hubs in the upcoming financial year. He also revealed plans for the creation of a specialized financial center in coordination with the private sector. 

According to him, Koshi Province will be developed as an economic hub for industry, Madhes for agriculture, Bagmati for information technology, Gandaki for tourism, Lumbini for small and medium enterprises, Karnali for herbs, and Sudurpaschim for religious tourism.

Minister Pun also announced that legal arrangements will be made for commercial production of marijuana for medicinal purposes. Although a similar announcement was made in the current budget and the Ministry of Home Affairs conducted discussions to formulate criteria for allowing the cultivation of marijuana, these efforts were unsuccessful.

The budget estimates for the upcoming fiscal year aim at achieving five objectives: increasing production, productivity, and employment; securing investment and growth; accelerating economic activities by boosting private sector morale; achieving human resource development; and alleviating economic disparities and poverty through balanced resource mobilization and effective public service delivery.

It also identifies economic reforms and private sector encouragement, construction of industrial infrastructure (such as in agriculture, energy, and information technology), development of social sectors like education and health, promotion of inclusion and social security, and enhancement of public service systems as priority areas.

Pun announced five government strategies for economic reforms including structural reforms, improvement in the business environment, reforms in the public finance system, financial sector reforms, and reforms in public administration. He said a high-level task force will be established to provide recommendations to the government for structural reforms of the economy.

The financial plan for the upcoming fiscal year also pledges introduction of favorable policies, complete country rating, and elimination of dual taxation to create a business-friendly environment in the country.

Rs 567bn for subnational governments

The federal government is set to allocate Rs 567bn to the provincial and local governments in the upcoming financial year 2024/25. According to Pun, based on the recommendation of the National Natural Resources and Fiscal Commission (NNRFC), the federal government has earmarked Rs 60bn for the provinces and Rs 88bn for the local level toward fiscal equalization grants.

A conditional grant worth Rs 25.84bn has been allocated for the provinces and Rs 28.88bn for the local level. Additionally, Rs 6.2bn has been allocated to the provinces and Rs 7bn to the local level as supplementary grants. Similarly, Rs 4.4bn has been allocated for the provinces and Rs 8.5bn for the local level as special grants.

Finance Minister Pun emphasized that arrangements will be made to transfer conditional, supplementary, and special grants based on performance. The government estimates that Rs 159bn will be transferred to the provincial and local levels as part of revenue sharing.

Tourism promotion

The government has allocated a budget of Rs 11.91bn to the tourism sector, with Pun emphasizing that the tourism sector will be given priority in the upcoming fiscal year.

The government aims to attract 1.6m tourists in the next financial year. Pun mentioned that tourism services will be provided through a one-door system. He said that there will be targeted programs to promote tourism in neighboring countries such as China and India.

He also announced the government plans to build ‘eco-hill stations’ at major tourist destinations from Chure to the Himalayas. Infrastructure projects, including the Great Himalayan Trail, Mundum Trail, and Guerrilla Trail, will also be developed.

The government will allocate a separate budget to reduce risks in the tourism sector. Additionally, May 29 will be celebrated as Sagarmatha Day, honoring local and foreign citizens involved in promoting Nepal’s tourism sector.

Triangle project​​​​​​​

The government has unveiled plans to implement the Gandaki Economic Triangle Project, connecting Bharatpur, Pokhara, and Butwal. Pun emphasized that this project would serve as a model development initiative, adhering to the principles of integrated development. Industrial revitalization and the creation of quality employment opportunities will be fostered through the establishment of an industrial ecosystem in collaboration with the private sector.

According to the budget, the expansion of the Narayangadh-Butwal and Muglin-Pokhara road sections, currently under construction, will be completed within the upcoming fiscal year. Finance Minister Pun stated that the Butwal-Pokhara road will be widened into a dedicated two-lane route, and a comprehensive transportation network will be developed to support industrial growth along the three corridors of the triangle.

Under this project, the Narayangadh-Butwal road section will be developed as a hub for construction materials and heavy industries, the Muglin-Pokhara section as a center for agriculture and food processing industries, and the Pokhara-Butwal section as a hub for electronic equipment, footwear, clothing, carpets, and domestic goods and services ​​​​​​​industries.

A budget of Rs 2m has been allocated for the implementation of this project, which aims to establish it as a model initiative through public-private partnership. Additionally, the budget outlines plans to develop the areas surrounding the east-west highway from Nijgadh to Dhalkebar as the Nepali carpet corridor, with provisions for public agencies to procure such carpets.

Hydropower expansion​​​​​​​

The government has set a target to enhance the capacity of the national grid to 4,500 megawatts by the upcoming fiscal year. It anticipates increasing the per capita consumption of electricity from 380 kilowatts to 450 kilowatts. 

Additionally, the government aims to begin exporting Nepal’s electricity to Bangladesh, expanding beyond the current export to India.

The promotion of reservoir-based projects has been prioritized to meet power demands during winter, with plans to implement the construction of the 1200 megawatts Budhigandaki Hydroelectricity Project. The government also plans to develop the 625 megawatts Dudhkoshi, 417 megawatts Nalgadh, and the 280 megawatts Naumure projects are also on the cards.

Further, the government plans to launch the development of the 77.5 megawatts Ghunsha Khola and 70.3 megawatts Simbua Khola hydroelectricity projects, securing investments from Nepalis in foreign employment.

Under the People’s Hydroelectricity Program, construction is slated to commence for the 106 megawatts Jagadulla, 99.9 megawatts Tamakoshi V, and 210 megawatts Chainpur Seti Hydroelectricity Project. Moreover, plans include determining the investment framework for the Sunkoshi III Hydropower Project and conducting a feasibility study for the 10,800 megawatts Karnali Chisapani Hydropower Project. 

The government has set a goal of promoting clean and renewable energy to replace traditional energy sources, aiming for zero carbon emissions by 2045. It plans to encourage the production, storage, and use of green hydrogen, while also concluding the construction of the Dhalkebar-Inaruwa and Barhabise-Khimti-Lapsifedi transmission lines within the next fiscal year.

Initiatives are also in place to initiate the construction of the Seti Corridor, Bheri Corridor, and Budhigandaki Corridor Transmission Lines, as well as concluding the construction of the New Butwal-Gorakhpur Transnational Line. 

Additionally, budgets are allocated for the construction of the Inaruwa-Poornia and Dododhara-Bareli Transmission Lines. Finance Minister Pun informed the house that the government has allocated a budget of Rs 50.7bn to the energy sector in the upcoming fiscal year.

Agriculture investment decade​​​​​​​

The government has announced a ‘decade of investment in agriculture’ for the development of the agricultural sector from 2024 to 2034. Finance Minister Pun said that special areas will be designated based on geography, market potential, and agricultural produce. 

“The government will promote contract farming in collaboration with farmers and businesspeople,” he said, adding that those who process and export agricultural produce will receive loan interest subsidies, grants, and fertilizer seeds based on their production.

The budget also states that those engaged in commercial farming and animal husbandry will receive tax exemptions on the purchase of machinery and spare parts, as well as interest subsidies on loans.

Employment bank​​​​​​​

The government has announced its intention to establish an employment bank. It has been mentioned that this bank will compile integrated records of employment-related information. The budget also highlights the integration of employment and labor market demands into an automated system. Additionally, the budget outlines plans for conducting employment programs.

The Prime Minister Employment Program will continue, with provisions for engaging the unemployed listed at the local level in public maintenance work. Approximately 200,000 individuals will be provided employment for a minimum of 100 days through this program.

Pun announced that orientation training provided to individuals before foreign employment will be made free of charge. 

Finance Minister Pun said that labor contracts will be signed with three additional destination countries starting from the fiscal year 2024/25. He added that emphasis will be placed on sending skilled workers.

Pun also mentioned that the scope of benefits from the welfare fund for dependent families of workers engaged in foreign employment will be expanded.

Budget for roads​​​​​​​

The government has expressed its commitment to expedite the construction of highways in the next fiscal year, although the budget allocation for this purpose is comparatively lower. 

A sum of Rs 29.88bn has been allocated for the expansion of the East-West highway, while Rs 22.54bn has been earmarked for the Kathmandu-Tarai Fast Track project. Regarding the latter, it has been stated that the construction of Mahadebtar, Dhedre, and Lendanda tunnels will be completed in 2024/25, along with an accelerated pace for the construction of 57 bridges.

Furthermore, Rs 3.64bn has been allocated for the Madhya Pahadi Lokmarga, which will facilitate the construction of 75 kilometers of blacktoppings and 10 bridges under this allocation. Additionally, Rs 4.4bn has been set aside for the development of the Koshi, Kaligandaki, and Karnali corridors.

Stadiums in national pride project​​​​​​​

The government has allocated a budget of Rs 3.5bn for the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Pun announced that Rs 1.3bn has been earmarked solely for the development of infrastructure in the sports sector. He also revealed plans to organize 80 national-level sports events in the next financial year.

“The standard of TU cricket ground will be improved, and Gautam Buddha Stadium will be constructed in cooperation with the provincial and local levels,” Pun said. 

Additionally, projects to enhance Mulpani Stadium in Kathmandu and Girija Prasad Stadium in Biratnagar will be promoted as national pride initiatives. 

Pun disclosed that Rs 600m has been allocated to organize the Tenth National Games in Surkhet. Furthermore, he emphasized that teachers will receive sports training and sports promotion activities will be conducted in schools. 

Training for media workers​​​​​​​

Minister Pun has said that complete freedom of the press will be guaranteed while ensuring the right of citizens to be well informed. By making the mass media sector fair, competitive, and inclusive, he said arrangements will be made for the timely communication of news of public importance. 

Training programs to increase the capacity of media workers have also been introduced in the budget. The government also plans to regulate advertising through digital platforms. 

A budget of Rs 7bn has been allocated to the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology to implement these plans.

Key takeaways from budget​​​​​​​

• Six percent economic growth, 5.5 percent inflation forecast
• Rs 1.5bn for the program of Nepali Army bunkers and barracks
• Rs 5.63bn for the construction of tunnels, intersections and flyovers
• Abolition of additional tax on potatoes, onions and apples
• Rs 2.46bn to build ‘signature bridge’ on Narayani and Tinau river
• Compulsory issue of shares will be made to companies with more than certain capital
• A sovereign wealth fund will be established from remittances
• Rs 1.16trn for social security allowances
• College in the memory of late Sita Dahal, wife of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal
• Rs 170m budget to establish knowledge park

The Nepal Super League’s (NSL) second season has already commenced. The inaugural season of the NSL received acclaim from Nepali football fans, setting a new standard in Nepali sports in terms of investment and entertainment. The aim of the second season is to further elevate standards, focusing on increased fan engagement within stadiums.

Meanwhile, the Indian Super League (ISL) in our neighboring nation has initiated its 10th season. The ISL has propelled Indian football onto the global stage. Despite challenges, the journey of the ISL offers valuable lessons for Nepali football and the NSL. Given the proximity between Nepal and India, there's much to learn from the progress of the Indian ISL.

Indian and Nepali football situation

Comparing the football scenarios in India and Nepal reveals stark differences. India holds the 102nd position in FIFA rankings, while Nepal is placed at 175th. Currently, all South Asian countries rank below the 100th position. This indicates the pressing need for significant development in football across South Asia. In a recent AFC Cup playoff match, Indian club Mohun Bagan secured victory over Nepali side Machhindra, underscoring the considerable improvement required in Nepali football on both global and South Asian platforms.

The Indian football journey has been marked by challenges en route to their present standing. They are yet to reach their team’s zenith. Nepal stands to gain valuable insights from our Indian counterparts. The strategic progression of Indian football should serve as a significant lesson for Nepali football.

History of leagues

Looking at the history of leagues, the ISL started in 2015 under the aegis of the Reliance Group. Presently, the ISL stands as the driving force reshaping Indian football. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) granted Reliance the right to host the franchise-based ISL in 2014. Initially, the ISL functioned as an unofficial tournament within Indian football for five years. The AIFF struggled to establish a unified national league structure between the I-League and ISL. Eventually, the ISL assumed the premier position in Indian football only in the 2019-20 season. Additionally, provisions were made by the AIFF for promotion and relegation between I-League and ISL clubs in Indian football.

Nepal faces a similar situation with two major football leagues. The long-standing A Division league has lacked investment and failed to capture the enthusiasm of Nepali audiences. The NSL has articulated its ambitions clearly, focusing on significant investment in the game. It aims to engage fans and stakeholders alike with riveting football. The NSL is in an unspoken competition to claim the mantle of Nepal’s leading league.

In 2022, NSL encountered a critical juncture when teams from the A Division league challenged the legality of NSL operations. This led to All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) canceling the NSL season for 2022 and subsequently terminating the contract with NSL. This political entanglement raised questions about the NSL’s continuity. Swift action by NSL resulted in a new long-term contract with ANFA, allowing NSL to coexist with the A Division league in Nepal. With a negotiated calendar of just 54 days, the second season of NSL 2023-24 is shaping the football landscape in Nepal.

It’s evident that business leaders in both nations are driving football promotion. NSL needs to assert its ambitions to become Nepal’s premier football league and rally ANFA’s support on this journey.

How league economy works

The ISL and NSL have been strategically designed to capitalize on the burgeoning prospects of football. Significant investments have been poured into these leagues and teams, dedicated to their promotion and development.

Within the ISL framework, each club receives a share from the central league revenue pool, generated through sponsorship and broadcasting deals. The 9th edition of the league raked in approximately 400 crores in revenue. However, this substantial figure is often overshadowed by the expenses incurred by the league and clubs to maintain high footballing standards. Presently, most ISL teams report losses of around InRs 300m per season, culminating in a staggering cumulative loss of over InRs 2bn by the upcoming 23-24 season. The financial situation poses a significant challenge for ISL clubs, many of whom heavily rely on owners for financial sustenance as the league itself is not self-sustaining.

Despite these financial struggles, the ISL has ascended to become the world’s fourth-largest football league. Yet, this achievement is underlined by the extensive investments made by both leagues and clubs to tap into the vast Indian football market. As the league progresses, it holds the potential to elevate the Indian football scene to an international standard in the years to come.

In contrast, NSL teams operate independently in managing and running the tournament. The short two-month window poses a formidable challenge for both teams and leagues. As the second season approaches, clarity on the calendar system and revenue distribution remains uncertain. Teams receive approximately Rs 10m as prize money, while they claim to incur expenses of around Rs 20m for the 23-24 season. This translates to a collective expenditure of nearly Rs 200m for two months of footballing entertainment, illustrating a significant investment from private partners in the football landscape. The league must assure these private partners of potential returns on their investment. Such a substantial financial commitment necessitates the need for assurance to enable long-term decisions in the league. NSL requires adept negotiations with authorities, stakeholders, and the audience to navigate these challenges successfully.

Training and resources

The ISL has been lauded by established players for the improvements in infrastructure and exposure it has provided, facilitating advancements in their football careers. Since its inception in 2014, each ISL season has attracted high-quality foreign players to competing teams. However, beyond star players, the emphasis on cultivating skilled coaches is paramount for sustainable talent development. The focus on talent development programs remains crucial for long-term football progress. Notably, the ISL has consistently contributed to nurturing Indian talents, a pivotal step in transforming the national talent pool. Exposure to foreign coaches and players is instrumental in raising football standards.

Similarly, the NSL has featured international players in its lineups, notably African and European talents in its inaugural season. The NSL successfully scouted talents such as Manish Dangi, Ayush Ghalan, Bishal Sunar, among others. While Nepal possesses numerous local talents in football, platforms like the NSL are crucial for their empowerment. NSL clubs frequently engage Indian and some European coaches as well. Integrating Nepalese talents with foreign play styles is expected to refine gameplay significantly. It is imperative to introduce prominent Asian football talents into the tournament.

Nepal’s development of training facilities and stadiums is also a pressing need. The absence of international-standard training facilities dedicated to sports training is a notable gap. The fact that NSL will exclusively utilize the Kathmandu-based Dashrath Stadium for the entire tournament highlights the inadequacies in stadiums and training facilities across the nation. Substantial resources need to be allocated to establish international-standard gameplay facilities. NSL has the potential to elevate game standards and the tournament in the forthcoming years by implementing enhanced training plans and facilities for players.

Engaging local fanbase and football culture

The aspirations of Nepali sports fans are immense and deeply rooted. They celebrate sporting events like the World Cup as grand festivals, yet their appetite for football primarily leans towards European leagues. However, this doesn’t diminish the fervent support of Nepali football fans for their national scene. Presently, there’s a considerable void in Nepali football, and the Nepal Super League holds immense promise to fill this void. While matching the level of European leagues may not be feasible, there’s substantial potential for growth as the league matures and talents evolve, offering a significant scope for Nepali football.

In the expansive market of India, the ISL has swiftly risen to become the world’s fourth-largest football league within just a decade. With a relatively short history, Indian football is poised for substantial expansion. As the industry matures, Indian football will likely make notable strides on the international stage. The 2022-23 season recorded an average attendance of 12,000 per match, although certain stadiums witnessed meager attendance, with less than 20 percent capacity filled. There remains considerable untapped potential for the growth of Indian football. ISL has invigorated Indian football fans, enabling regular match attendance and fostering a vibrant matchday atmosphere beneficial for both spectators and players.

NSL has begun the journey of promoting teams across Nepal. The official A Division has struggled to engage regional football from various parts of the country. However, NSL lacks in local fan engagement. In the inaugural NSL season, teams failed to establish a close connection with the city names they represented. Limited activation events and engagement activities were observed, failing to attract local support. The integration of a home-and-away format in the second season remains unfulfilled, despite the potential for every city to host matches in football stadiums. Significant investments, around Rs 2m, are required to prepare these grounds for games. 

Perhaps NSL is not ready to commit to such investments, or it might not be commercially viable at this stage. Each city team needs to demonstrate their commitment to playing in their home city, a considerable investment in terms of operations and management. City authorities and local audiences must display interest in hosting these games, which could enhance fan morale and boost local businesses. This presents a substantial opportunity to engage football fans across Nepal’s regions. Engaging with fans and communities at the grassroots level is pivotal in cultivating a robust fan culture.

Sponsorship and media engagement

Securing sponsorships is crucial for the long-term sustainability of these tournaments. Such events necessitate substantial financial investments to ensure the viability of football entertainment. Football commands a massive audience both in stadiums and on TV screens, yet the tournaments must demonstrate financial viability to sustain themselves.

However, in comparison to the more popular cricketing scene, sponsors exhibit reluctance in the football domain. The ISL, after a decade-long partnership with Hero, faces its tenth year without a title sponsor. Teams primarily rely on financial support from parent business groups, major business conglomerates, and celebrities from the world of sports and Bollywood. Betting platforms have also entered ISL through surrogate sponsorships. Cricket holds a strong foothold in India, with sponsors heavily favoring events like the IPL. Yet, as football garners more excitement and attention, it is expected to attract the sponsorship it deserves in due course.

Viacom18, a Reliance subsidiary, secured the media rights for ISL from the 23-24 season in a deal worth over InRs 5.5bn for two years. Although significantly smaller than the massive InRs 40bn annual IPL rights, this deal provides Reliance with control over broadcasting and promotion, allowing them to expand the football empire according to their terms. Viacom’s JioCinemas already possesses experience in live streaming major events like the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ and the TATA IPL. This presents an opportunity for Indian football fans to experience world-class streaming for ISL matches.

In Nepal, leading corporate entities have heavily invested in teams and the league, aiming to showcase their brands to the vast football fan base across the country. However, the withdrawal of title sponsor Khukuri for this NSL season has created a significant void in attracting sponsor interest. The sponsors’ focus has shifted to the success of Nepali cricket. NSL seeks long-term partners committed to developing the foundational aspects of football in Nepal, transcending the culture of celebrating only success to securing partners supporting the core development of Nepalese football.

Sponsorship opportunities heavily rely on extensive media reach. However, Nepal has limited options for media rights. Himalaya TV will serve as the official broadcaster for the current NSL season, following AP1 HD television’s role in the inaugural edition. Established media houses in Nepal typically pay limited attention to the sports industry. 

MDAC Sports secured broadcasting rights for the Martyr’s Memorial Leagues, aired on Space 4K Television and its online platforms. Kantipur HD and Action Sports are other prominent names in Nepali sports broadcasting. However, our broadcasting is still striving to meet international standards, an aspect that will likely evolve with the emergence of tournaments like NSL, catering to market demands.

Live broadcasting in Nepal presents its fair share of challenges, demanding real-time action-packed telecasting and sophisticated production. As tournaments like NSL gain traction, the production and broadcasting scene is expected to evolve to meet market demands, despite the current disparities from international standards.

Football boasts a passionate fan base in Nepal, making it an attractive sport for sponsors. As NSL gains traction and local-level activation events draw audiences and sponsors, participation from local fans will further pique sponsor interest. NSL is anticipated to solidify into a compelling football franchise in Nepal, attracting increased private and foreign investments into Nepali football and other sports. For NSL, teams, and partners, a serious initial commitment to invest and develop the Nepali football scene during the initial challenging years will be imperative.

Extend global partnerships

The ISL has forged a strategic partnership with the Premier League, receiving crucial support for the development of the Indian League and its clubs. European clubs have also made a notable impact in Indian football, exemplified by the City Football Group’s investment in Mumbai City FC—a significant milestone in Indian football. This substantial global interest signifies Indian football’s potential to garner worldwide attention and potentially evolve into a profitable enterprise at the scale of the IPL as it continues to mature.

The influence of international support has been instrumental in propelling ISL and Indian football to attain this level of global competitiveness. For Nepal’s football development journey, exploring international partnerships is crucial. Collaborations with Indian clubs, players, and leagues present a starting point. The ongoing NSL season features multiple Indian and foreign players and coaches engaged with clubs. Similar to the ISL and Premier League partnerships, establishing long-term strategic collaborations will be pivotal for the NSL’s and Nepali football community’s development.

In a historic moment marking the 132-year history of the Durand Cup, the oldest existing football tournament in Asia, the competition included three foreign South Asian teams invited from Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan. Tribhuvan Army proudly represented the national flag in this prestigious tournament. Additionally, the recently concluded Birat Gold Cup saw participation from international teams from India, Bangladesh, and Bhutan. Gold Cup events across Nepal and India regularly invite teams, fostering interactions and sports collaborations crucial for the growth of the footballing community.

Expanding partnerships to both professional and grassroots levels is essential to provide local talents with the necessary grooming to shine on the global stage. Such collaborations can enable the nurturing of homegrown talent and enhance the footballing landscape in Nepal, promoting its visibility and competitiveness on an international scale.

Engaging grassroots junior leagues and youth development

Grassroots development serves as the cornerstone for sports evolution, nurturing local talents from an early age. Tournaments like NSL and ISL significantly influence how young talents perceive sports, providing them with platforms to showcase their skills.

ISL deserves credit for fostering a profound love for the game and offering emerging talents a globally competitive stage. The league’s academy system plays a pivotal role in grassroots development. Each ISL club boasts youth academies and developmental programs. Clubs nationwide are fiercely competing to secure young talents. Bengaluru FC, backed by JSW Sports, is renowned for its professional approach, housing the state-of-the-art AIFF and AFC-accredited JSW Sporting Complex and Academy. Similarly, Tata-backed Jamshedpur FC operates the AIFF 4-star accredited Tata Football Academy (TFA) and forged a partnership with La Liga giants Atletico Madrid in 2018, focusing on youth and grassroots development, highlighting clubs' vested interests in nurturing talent at the grassroots level.

Reliance Foundation, the owners of ISL, through their engagement in Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL), host India's largest and most inclusive U21 youth football tournament, signifying their commitment to fostering the entire football ecosystem in India. These initiatives provide exposure to young Indian talents. The Next Gen Cup, a collaboration between the Premier League, Indian Super League, and South Africa’s Premier Soccer League, serves as a gateway for young Indian footballers to compete against overseas academy teams, offering invaluable experiences that challenge their skills against top-notch opposition. This international collaboration facilitates talent development and fortifies the future of Indian football.

From an economic standpoint, investing in academies to develop players is more sustainable than purchasing ready-made players. National leagues eventually rely on homegrown talent to bolster sports growth.

Nepal witnessed the ninth edition of the Coca-Cola Cup Inter School National Football Tournament in 2017, a significant national-level grassroots footballing event engaging the school-level football scene. However, there’s a scarcity of similar national-level grassroots activities to engage football talents.

While the first season of NSL provided a platform for young talents like Ghalan and Dangi to shine nationally, NSL is yet to materialize its intentions regarding grassroots development. Despite its proclaimed grassroots motives, neither the clubs nor the league have taken tangible actions. The league and clubs’ credibility remains in question, especially with the breaching of the previous agreement with ANFA, which cited the lack of grassroots initiatives by NSL. Active grassroots involvement by NSL and clubs is pivotal in garnering mass audience support.

The absence of significant grassroots efforts remains a noticeable gap. NSL and clubs must actively engage in grassroots development to establish themselves as a credible entity in the Nepali football scene. Thus far, NSL and clubs have primarily functioned as entertainment platforms without a significant focus on uplifting Nepal’s footballing landscape. Without robust grassroots development, both NSL and Nepal’s footballing growth remain stagnant.

Journey ahead

Renowned Indian footballer Jhingan highlighted the gradual pathway for Indian football to reach the World Cup stage, emphasizing that there are no shortcuts, only a challenging yet achievable journey. The AIFF has outlined a detailed action plan, ‘Indian Football 2040’, which sets ambitious goals to propel Indian football onto the global stage. With the government’s concerted efforts through initiatives like the Fit India movement and Khelo India program, India has laid a solid foundation to elevate its position in the world of sports.

Drawing parallels to the widespread support garnered by the IPL across India, Nepal, and globally, there exists ample potential for football promotion. Nepal stands to learn significant lessons from India’s sporting landscape, with aspirations to emerge as a formidable force on the global stage someday. However, realistic advancement won’t materialize without substantial changes.

The NSL has firmly established itself within Nepal’s sports discourse. NSL, alongside its teams and partners, possesses robust financial capabilities and holds the potential to create an unprecedented sporting experience for Nepali audiences, potentially dominating the country’s sporting scene. The league and its teams stand at a vantage point to capitalize on the enthusiastic Nepali sporting audience, provided they continue to invest and harness this fervor.

In the days since Hamas militants stormed into Israel early Oct 7, a flood of videos and photos purporting to show the conflict have filled social media, making it difficult for onlookers from around the world to sort fact from fiction.

While plenty of real imagery and accounts of the ensuing carnage have emerged, they have been intermingled with users pushing false claims and misrepresenting videos from other events.

Among the fabrications, users have shared false claims that a top Israeli commander had been kidnapped, circulated a false video imitating a BBC News report, and pushed old and unrelated clips of Russian President Vladimir Putin with inaccurate English captions.

Here is a closer look at the misinformation spreading online—and the facts.

CLAIM: A video shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un saying in a speech that he blames President Joe Biden for the latest Israel-Hamas war.

THE FACTS: The video is from 2020 and the version currently circulating online features incorrect English captions. The footage actually shows Kim celebrating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Korean Workers’ Party; he doesn’t reference the conflict in the Middle East or Biden at any point.

In the misleading video circulating online, the English captions claim Kim says: “Under the Biden administration, conflicts erupt yearly. This year a war begins between Israel and Palestine.”

“I’m afraid that if the Biden admin does not cease to exist in the next election, World War 3 may begin,” the captions continue. “Who knows what next year’s war will be. I support Donald Trump for President in 2024. Good Luck to Mr. Trump.”

The video was shared on Instagram and TikTok, where one post garnered more than 223,000 likes.

However, the video is old and the captions are completely inaccurate.

Clips and images from the same speech can be seen in news reports from October 2020 about an event celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Korean Workers Party.

A transcript of the full speech translated to English by The National Committee on North Korea, a US-based organization, does not mention anything about the Israel-Hamas war nor the 2024 US presidential race.

Multiple Korean speakers and an expert who reviewed the portion of the speech circulating online also confirmed Kim says nothing of the sort in the footage.

Instead, Kim thanks his people and his military, saying: “The patriotic and heroic commitment shown by our People’s Army soldiers on the unexpected frontlines of epidemic prevention and natural disaster recovery this year is something that evokes tears of gratitude from everyone.”

Ji-Young Lee, a professor of Korean Studies at American University who confirmed the captions are inaccurate, noted that the surprise attack on Israel by Hamas militants did create concerns in South Korea about a similar assault from the North.

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CLAIM: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has threatened to intervene in the latest Israel-Hamas war.

THE FACTS: The conservative Muslim president has said no such thing. A social media post he wrote recently about the ongoing conflict has been misquoted.

Social media users are sharing a quote they say is from Erdogan, in which the long serving leader warns his country will take decisive steps to end the conflict if the destruction of Hamas-controlled Gaza continues.

“Turkish President Erdogan has THREATENED to intervene in the Israeli war on Gaza: ‘I call on all humanity to take action to stop this unprecedented brutality in the Gaza Strip. If not, we will do it’,” wrote one user on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, in a post that has been liked or shared more than 105,000 times.

But the posts are misquoting a comment Erdogan posted Oct. 17 on his personal account on X about the deadly conflict.

In the message, which was written in Turkish, the president did “invite all humanity” to help stop the “unprecedented brutality in Gaza,” as the posts claim.

But he doesn’t write “If not, we will do it” or other threatening phrases suggesting a direct military intervention by Turkey, according to native Turkish speakers and other experts who reviewed Erdogan’s social media posts for The Associated Press.

“President Erdogan did not threaten to intervene in the conflict,” Steven Cook, a Middle East expert at the Council on Foreign Relations, a Washington think tank, wrote in an email. “He was speaking generally about getting the world to put pressure on Israel to stop its military campaign.”

Elizabeth Shakman Hurd, a political science professor at Northwestern University who specializes in the Middle East, added that she hasn’t seen any indication that Erdogan has made such a threat elsewhere.

Turkish government spokespersons didn’t immediately respond to emails seeking comment, but Erdogan posted a lengthier statement on his personal account on X, also written in Turkish, in which he denounced Israel’s attacks on Gaza, criticized Western nations and media outlets and called for the international community to push for a ceasefire.

The official, English-language account for the Turkish president’s office echoed that sentiment in a post about a call between Erdogan and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi.

“Underscoring that forcing the Palestinians in Gaza to migrate from their homeland is unacceptable, President Erdoğan stressed that Türkiye will continue to make every effort in order for peace to be ensured and for humanitarian aid as well as healthcare services to be immediately delivered to Gaza,” the office wrote.

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CLAIM: The Israeli military confirmed it bombed a hospital in Gaza in a social media post written in Arabic.

THE FACTS: A screenshot circulating online shows a Facebook post from an account posing as the Israeli military. No such post exists on the military's actual social media pages and its top Arabic-speaking spokesperson confirmed his office has issued no such statement.

In the wake of the Oct 17 deadly blast at al-Ahli hospital in Gaza, social media users shared the screenshot, claiming it is from a member of the Israeli military's Arabic-speaking media relations team.

The user’s profile image bears the blue-and-white emblem of the spokesperson’s office, which features radio waves atop the Israeli military’s traditional symbol of an olive branch-wrapped sword.

The post, written in Arabic, suggests the Jewish nation said it bombed the hospital because the Gaza City medical facility lacked supplies and staff.

“Israeli official facebook post: ‘Due to the lack of medical equipment and the lack of medical staff, it was decided to bomb the Baptist Hospital in Gaza and give them euthanasia’,” wrote one user on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, in a post translating the screenshot. Similar posts were also widely shared on TikTok and other social media platforms.

But the purported statement wasn’t penned by the Israeli military’s press office, its top Arabic-speaking spokesperson confirmed this week.

“Just to clarify: I did not issue any statement or comment regarding the Baptist Hospital in Gaza,” wrote Avichay Adraee, head of the Arab media branch of the Israeli military's Spokesperson’s Unit, in a post on X from Oct 17, when the blast occurred. “All the news circulating in my name comes from the Hamas media outlets and is completely false.”

The office on Oct. 19 confirmed the post did not come from the military’s official Arabic page, saying in an emailed statement: “The IDF has made it very clear that there was no IDF strike on the hospital."

What’s more, the Israeli military’s press office doesn’t use its own logo on its actual social media accounts, unlike the fake account.

The unit’s separate Facebook pages in English and Hebrew, as well as its X account written in Farsi, for example, all use the military’s main symbol. That gold-colored emblem features the olive branch-wrapped sword with the Star of David in the background.

Meanwhile Adraee’s social media accounts, which are the main channel for the Israeli military’s messages in Arabic, feature his profile picture and a maroonlogo consisting of five swords with flames in the background as its cover photo.

The original fake account and post on Facebook also appear to have been deleted as of Oct 19. Spokespersons for Meta, the parent company of Facebook, didn’t reply to an email seeking comment.

There have been conflicting claims of who was responsible for the hospital blast. Officials in Gaza quickly blamed an Israeli airstrike.

Israel denied it was involved and released a flurry of video, audio and other information that it said showed the blast was instead due to a missile misfire by Islamic Jihad, another militant group operating in Gaza that has dismissed that claim.

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CLAIM: A video shows Qatar’s emir threatening to cut off the world’s natural gas supply if Israel doesn’t stop bombing Gaza.

THE FACTS: Qatar’s ruling emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, says no such thing in the widely circulating clip, which is more than 6 years old. A spokesperson for the Qatari government also confirmed that neither the emir nor any other government official has threatened to cut off exports in response to the conflict.

Many online are sharing the video of the Persian Gulf nation’s ruler, falsely claiming it shows him saying in Arabic that he’s willing to halt the distribution of its gas reserves to achieve his desired end to the latest Israel-Hamas war.

“BREAKING: Qatar is threatening to create a global gas shortage in support of Palestine,” wrote one user who posted the video on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. “If the bombing of Gaza doesn’t stop, we will stop gas supply of the world.”

But Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani says nothing of the sort in the video. The 7-second clip is actually a tiny snippet from his opening speech at the Doha Forum in 2017.

Marc Owen Jones, a professor of Middle East studies at Hamad bin Khalifa University in Doha, the capital of Qatar, confirmed that the emir touches briefly on Palestinians in the widely shared clip, but doesn’t make any threats related to the current conflict.

Instead the emir, in his remarks, urged the international community to take more steps to address the region’s refugee crisis, news outlets reported at the time.

“The exact translation is: ‘The issue of Palestine, I’ll begin by saying it’s a case of a people uprooted from their lands, and displaced from their nation’,” Jones wrote in an email.

Qatar’s government on Oct 16 confirmed the clip dates to 2017 and is being misrepresented.

“This is yet another case of an online disinformation against Qatar – such a statement has never been made and never would be,” wrote the country’s International Media Office in an email. “Qatar does not politicize its LNG supplies or any economic investment.”

Qatar is one of the world’s top natural gas producers. It controlled the third-largest natural gas reserves and was the second largest exporter of liquified natural gas, or LNG, in 2021, according to the US Energy Information Administration.

What’s more, the country has been working in recent years to use its sizable resources to build ties with other nations, not antagonize them, according to experts.

Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, a Boston-based company that tracks gas prices nationwide, pointed to a deal Qatar’s state energy company just announced to supply French energy company TotalEnergies with 3.5 million tons of natural gas annually for the next 27 years.

“Qatar has been securing investment since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine pushed Europe to find new sources of natural gas and quickly,” he wrote in an email. “They’re making deals left and right.”

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CLAIM: A video shows a BBC News report confirming Ukraine provided weapons to Hamas.

THE FACTS: The widely shared video clip is fabricated, officials with the BBC and Bellingcat, an investigative news website that is cited in the video as the source, confirm.

The clip, which includes the BBC’s distinctive block-text logo, purports to show a story from the outlet about a recent report from Bellingcat on Ukraine providing arms to Hamas.

“Bellingcat: Ukrainian military offensive failure and HAMAS attack linked,” reads the text over the video, which has more than 2,500 comments and 110,000 views on the messaging service Telegram. “The Palestinians purchased firearms, ammunition, drones and other weapons.”

But neither the BBC nor Bellingcat has reported any evidence to support the notion that Ukraine funneled arms to Hamas.

“We’ve reached no such conclusions or made any such claims,” Bellingcat wrote Oct 10 in a post on X that included screengrabs of the fake report. “We’d like to stress that this is a fabrication and should be treated accordingly.”

Eliot Higgins, the Amsterdam-based organization’s founder, noted in a separate post on X that the claims have been amplified by Russian social media users.

Nassim Nicholas Taleb, a New York University professor briefly shown near the end of the video, also disputed the clip’s suggestion that he’s said the US might leave NATO if the arms claims prove true.

“Entirely fake. Never said that,” the distinguished professor of risk engineering wrote in an email.

Spokespersons for the BBC didn’t respond to emails seeking comment, but Shayan Sardarizadeh, a reporter with the organization’s fact checking unit, confirmed in a post on X that the video is not real.

Ukrainian officials have similarly dismissed the notion that its country’s arms have somehow found their way to Hamas. The country’s military intelligence agency, in an Oct. 9 post on its official Facebook page, accused Russia of plotting a disinformation campaign around these claims.

Experts say there is also no evidence of Hamas making any claims about receiving arms from Ukraine, nor would it make sense for Kyiv to provide them.

“I see no reason Ukraine would do this,” said Michael O’Hanlon, director of foreign policy research at the Brookings Institution, a Washington think tank. “Starting with the fact that Kiev is in the business of obtaining weapons and not giving them away.”

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CLAIM: Video of a young actor being filmed lying in a pool of fake blood shows propaganda being created for use in the Israel-Hamas war.

THE FACTS: The video is behind-the-scenes footage from the making of “Empty Place,” a short film focused on the story of Ahmad Manasra, a Palestinian who was arrested at age 13 in 2015 in relation to the stabbing of two Israelis.

Social media users on both sides of the latest Israel-Hamas war are sharing the video, each falsely alleging that it’s proof the other group is creating propaganda about their own.

In the clip, a young actor lies on a sidewalk covered in fake blood, his right leg bent backward, as a film crew works around him. Other actors mill about dressed as soldiers and in garb worn by many Orthodox Jewish men.

“See how Israelis are making fake videos saying that Palestine Freedom Fighters killed children,” reads one tweet that had received more than 5,600 likes and more than 4,400 shares as of Oct 11.

An Instagram post claimed the opposite, stating: “These terrorists are dressing up as JEWISH soldiers to create fake videos about Israeli soldiers! Faking Propaganda!”

But neither allegation is correct. The video shows footage from the making of the 2022 short film directed by Awni Eshtaiwe, a filmmaker based in the West Bank. The scene being shot begins about 1 minute and 10 seconds into the approximately 2 minute film.

Mohamad Awawdeh, a cinematographer listed in the film’s credits as a camera assistant, posted the behind-the-scenes footage to TikTok in April 2022, around the time the film was released. A caption on the post, written in Arabic, explains that the scene being filmed in the video shows Manasra being attacked. Awawdeh posted the same footage to Instagram on June 30.

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CLAIM: Nimrod Aloni, a top general in the Israeli army, was captured by Hamas militants during a deadly incursion Oct 7 into southern Israeli towns near the Gaza Strip.

THE FACTS: There's no truth to this claim, a spokesperson for the Israeli military confirmed. Aloni was seen Oct. 8 at a meeting of top Israeli military officials.

The erroneous claim that Aloni was one of the hostages taken by Hamas spread widely online after the militant group attacked Israel.

“Palestinian resistance fighters capture Israeli commander Nimrod Aloni along with dozens of other Israeli soldiers as the resistance fighters attacked neighbouring occupied towns and Israeli check posts near Gaza,” stated one Instagram post that received more than 43,000 likes.

But Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the Israeli military's chief military spokesman, told reporters Oct 7 that claims Aloni was captured are “not true.”

Aloni clearly appears 10 seconds into a video posted to the Israeli military’s official YouTube channel of top officials discussing the war on Oct 8. The date can be seen on a slide in the background. The military also published online four images from the meeting. The one on the lower right shows Aloni on the far right.

The Israeli army confirmed that Aloni is the man in the video and image.

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CLAIM: A video shows Hamas fighters parachuting onto a sports field before attacking Israeli citizens during the group’s surprise Oct 7 attack on Israel.

THE FACTS: While Hamas did employ paragliders to get some fighters across the border between Gaza and southern Israel, the footage of the sports field shows parachute jumpers in Cairo and has been online since at least September.

The clip shows people strapped to multi-colored parachutes descending onto a crowded sports field complex filled with children and families, many in red sports jerseys.

“Hamas paraglided amongst Israeli citizens and proceeded to massacre them,” text on the video clip reads. One post of the misleading footage on TikTok was viewed more than 38,000 times.

But this footage has been online since at least Sept 27, when it was posted to TikTok with the location tag “Egypt.”

Details of the video also point to Egypt as the location—a person is wearing a blue shirt that reads “El Nasr SC” on the back, the name of a sporting club in northeastern Cairo.

Images of the club on Google Maps match the scene of the video—as well as several other clips of the event from the same TikTok user—with both showing a bright blue fence around a sporting ground next to a paved area with green and blue plastic seats.

The parachuters land on a larger soccer pitch surrounded by tall field lights. The field matches photos posted to the club’s Facebook page and footage of its soccer team’s matches, including a distinctive red building with a blue fence on top at one end that can be seen in the TikTok clip at around 19 seconds.

Other TikTok users shared footage of a parachuting similar scene around the same time, with “El Nasr” in the caption in Arabic.

The crowd of onlookers in the clip circulating online also doesn’t seem distressed by the arrival of the parachuters, as one might expect if they were an invading force. In fact, many women and children are seen running towards them, phones in hand taking videos and photos of the aerial display.

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CLAIM: Two videos show Russian President Vladimir Putin warning the US to “stay away” from the latest Israel-Hamas war.

THE FACTS: Bothvideos circulating online are months-old clips of Putin speaking about the Russia-Ukraine war, not the conflict in the Middle East, which have been miscaptioned in English.

Both videos show Putin speaking in Russian, with false English captions saying he was warning the US to refrain from helping the Jewish state.

“America wants to Destroy israel as we destroy ukraine In past,” the captions on one video state. “I am warning America. Russia will help palestine and america can do nothing.” One TikTok post that shared the clip had received approximately 11,600 views as of Oct 9.

A caption on another video of Putin, filmed in a different location, similarly reads: “I am warning america to stay Away from palestine israel war.”

But the two clips long predate the latest Israel-Hamas war and make no mention of Israel at all.

The first shows Putin at a meeting of Russia’s Human Rights Council in December 2022, where, amid discussions about the war in Ukraine, he responded to a question about the country’s potential use of nuclear weapons, as the AP reported at the time. The footage was featured by multiple other newsoutlets with similar translations.

In the second, Putin is speaking at a February 2023 event marking the 80th anniversary of the World War II Soviet victory over Nazi German forces in the battle of Stalingrad. In his remarks, he compared this threat to Germany’s then-recent decision to supply Ukraine with tanks, the AP reported at the time. Several media outlets also featured the footage in similar reports.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Oct 9 that Russia is “extremely concerned” by the “spiral of violence” in Israel. Mikhail Bogdanov, Russia’s deputy foreign minister and former ambassador to Israel and Egypt, told the state Tass agency Oct 7 that Moscow has been in touch with “all parties (of the conflict), including Arab countries” and was urging for “an immediate cease-fire and peace.”

AP