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The Language Commission has emphasized the need to use Nepali language in the embossed number plate installed in the vehicles.

The Commission asserted that the Article 7 (1) of the Constitution of Nepal stipulates that the Nepali language, written in the Devanagari script, as the official language of Nepal for government functions.

The constitutional body mandated to protect, promote and develop the nation's diverse languages also expressed its dissent over the latest provision of the vehicle number plates being in English only.

Furthermore, the Commission cited the ruling of the Supreme Court that the embossed number plates must be in the Nepali language rather than in any languages and script unrecognized by the constitution thereby pressing for use of Nepali language in the vehicle number plate.

In a decision regarding the use of Nepali script delivered on June 23, 2024, the Supreme Court delivered the ruling that the Article 7(3) stipulates that other matters relating to language, beyond the official Nepali language and state languages, will be decided by the Government of Nepal upon the recommendation of the Language Commission.

Hence, it directed all three tiers of the government to act in line with the constitutional provision.

Commission's Chairperson Dr Gopal Thakur shared that the Commission, acknowledging its constitutional responsibility, has decided to draw the attention of the government once again towards the need of using Devanagari script (Nepali language) in the embossed number plate.

The world's highest summit, Mount Everest (Sagarmatha), has been often used to familiarize Nepal in the global arena. 

Mount Everest, which has the most significant contribution to tourism advancement in Nepal, is special for us from religious, touristic and economic perspectives. But, the challenge has increased when the waste is being piled up in the highest peak lately with the increasing inflow of tourists and climbers. 

In order to protect the Himalayas from the effects of climate change, drone technology has been recently used for waste collection in Mount Everest. 

Cimax Inc., the official distributor of electric vehicles BYD in Nepal, has reported that it is collecting waste using drones in coordination with the Nepali drone company Airlift Technologies. 

The company is working to collect 1,000 kgs of waste from the Everest region. 

The waste collection campaign in Nepal has been initiated under BYD’s global campaign titled 'Cool the Earth by One Degree' against climate change. 

The campaign aims to promote clean energy and limit global temperature rise through zero carbon emissions. 

Cimax Inc.'s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sahil Shrestha shared that they have joined this campaign both economically and technically as part of their social corporate responsibility.

According to Samir Shrestha, the market head of Cimex Inc., 286 kgs of waste has already been collected using drones from camp-1 of Mount Everest last season, and additional waste collection is going on this season. 

“The Airlift Company had previously collected waste from the Everest region,” he said, “This time Cimex Inc. and Airlift Technology have started collecting 1,000 kg of wastes together.” 

Highlighting the significant role of technology in the campaign against climate change, Shrestha shared that the use of drones has made waste collection easier. 

“After successful use of drones in rope fixing, we have also used drones in waste collection,” he mentioned

The lakes within the boundary of Shuklaphanta National Park are drying up and being covered due to climate change, invasive water hyacinth and vegetation. 

Owing to insufficient budget, it has become challenging to continue the conservation efforts. 

According to the Park’s Information Officer Purushottam Wagle, large natural lakes such as Rani lake, Sikhar lake, Baba lake, Kali lake, Tara lake, and Salgaudi lake are being covered and drying up due to water hyacinth and vegetation. 

These lakes are prime sources of water for wildlife. "We only have a capital budget of Rs 3.4 million. The amount has to be spent for building tourism paths and infrastructure within the park,” said  Wagle. 

In addition to natural resources, there are 40 artificial ponds in the park area. 

Shuklaphanta is considered an attractive destination for both domestic and foreign tourists for its rich biodiversity. 

The Park is a home to countless animals and plants. There are also several small and large ponds. 

Information Officer  Wagle emphasized on adequate budgetary allocation for the conservation of this wetland area.

The low-pressure trough of the monsoon is currently located in the south from the average position.

According to the Meteorological Forecasting Division, the weather will generally remain cloudy across the country this afternoon.

There is a possibility of moderate rainfall in some hilly areas including Lumbini Province, and the Tarai region.

Similarly, the hilly regions of the country including Koshi and Madhes Provinces will generally remain cloudy tonight while other areas will have partial cloud cover.

Moderate rainfall is likely in some areas of Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, and Gandaki Provinces, as well as in some hilly parts of other provinces.

There is a chance of heavy rainfall in one or two places in the hilly areas of Koshi, Madhesh, and Bagmati Provinces.

The division has indicated risks of landslides and debris flows due to the rain, and has urged all concerned to adopt safety alert and preparedness.