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The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Secretariat and the government of Japan on Monday signed an addendum to the renewed memorandum on the guidelines for the SAARC–Japan Special Fund to implement the JENESYS 2025 Phase II program.

The memorandum was signed by Secretary-General of SAARC, Md Golam Sarwar, and Ambassador of Japan to Nepal, Maeda Toru, at the SAARC Secretariat in Kathmandu.

According to a press release issued by the SAARC Secretariat, Japan has decided to contribute 13 million Japanese yen to support the implementation of the program under the SAARC–Japan Special Fund.

The JENESYS program aims to promote people-to-people exchanges and mutual understanding between Japan and SAARC member states. Under the JENESYS 2025 Phase II programme, around 20 participants from SAARC countries are expected to visit Japan to gain insights into the country’s development experience, culture, society and technological advancement.

The initiative is expected to strengthen cooperation and friendship between Japan and the SAARC region, the statement added.

The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution titled “International Wellness Day” proposed by Nepal, designating April 15 each year as the International Wellness Day.

According to the Permanent Representative of Nepal to the United Nations, Lok Bahadur Thapa, the resolution underscores that health goes beyond the mere absence of illness and embraces physical, mental, social, cultural, emotional and ecological well-being.

He said the resolution also promotes preventive healthcare, healthy lifestyles and inclusive health systems as key elements to build stronger and more resilient societies worldwide.

According to Ambassador Thapa, Nepal expressed sincere appreciation to the co-sponsoring countries and fellow member states for their support and cooperation throughout the process leading to the adoption of the resolution by the United Nations.

The air quality index (AQI) measured the Kathmandu Valley pollution as the second worst in the world on Wednesday. 

The weather has been deteriorating in the valley and many parts of the country for some days. 

Director General at the Department of Environment, Gyan Raj Subedi, has argued that lack of rainfall and strong wind caused the deposit of polluted air in the bowl-shaped valley. He urged all not to go out of residence except essential work and use mask while going out of residence.

"For some days, most of the places including the Kathmandu Valley witnessed gloomy weather. Even the rains are not in sight, nor the sunny weather. With strong wind in short supply, the polluted air is choking the valley," he said, adding, "Once the weather improves, the air pollution subsides." 

Meteorologist at Meteorological Forecasting Division, Sanjiv Adhikari, however, informed that the weather would improve gradually with gradual disappearance of haze.

The AQI measured Kathmandu Valley's air quality at 174, placing it as the second worst polluted city in the world till 4 pm today.

Environmental campaigner Bhushan Tuladhar said preparedness is imperative for air pollution. Massive public awareness against air pollution is needed together. 

The AQI notches from 150 to 200 are categorized 'hazardous to every ones' health', while the reading from 201 to 300 signals 'very unhealthy' and above it 'very harmful'. The measurement from 0 to 50 indicates the air quality as 'good'.

Former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai is heading to India on Wednesday to participate in the ‘NXT 2026’ Global Summit to be held in New Delhi, his secretariat stated. 

The summit will be held on March 12-14. Bhattarai is participating in the summit as the ‘Guest of Honor’.

The event will be participated by policymakers, parliamentarians, technology experts, businessmen and representatives from specialized academic fields from all over the world will participate in the summit.

The event will feature the discussions on contemporary issues such as global governance, technology, economy, education, security, health, environment and international relations, according to the organizers.

Bhattarai is scheduled to speak at the session titled ‘Democracy in the Age of AIM Digital Governance and the Youth’ on March 14, according to his secretariat.

He will return on March 14.