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In light of the gradual disappearance of Nepal’s ancient, sustainable, and environmentally friendly indigenous knowledge systems, Avni Ventures, with the sponsorship of NMB Bank, successfully concluded the screening and award ceremony of the National Video Competition titled ‘Raithaane Gyaan: Aba ko Samadhaan” - Reviving Indigenous Knowledge for a Sustainable Future.

The program organized at Mandala Theatre, Thapagaun, Kathmandu witnessed remarkable participation from youth, government officials, elected representatives, banking professionals, indigenous knowledge activists, and experts.

The competition received over 66 video submissions from young people across Nepal, covering diverse themes such as agriculture, traditional water management systems, herbal medicine, architecture, food heritage, bamboo crafts, eco-friendly products, climate solutions, seed conservation, and traditional healing practices, reads a statement issued by Avni Ventures. 

Director of Avni Ventures, Shilshila Acharya, who was listed as BBC’s 100 inspiring women in 2024, as a Climate Pioneer, shared: “We believe that these indigenous practices and traditions hold the knowledge and the sustainable solutions that the world is looking for, to combat climate change and live in harmony with Nature.  Sadly, this knowledge is disappearing fast as we fail to recognize and preserve them. This movement aims to engage youth in documenting and transferring this knowledge to the next generations.”

She further emphasized that this initiative envisions Nepali youth becoming global experts and ambassadors of sustainable knowledge and solutions, just as Nepali Architect Arniko spread Nepal’s architectural expertise in China in the 13th-century, according to the statement.

The first prize (NPR 55,000) was awarded to the video titled “Patka Thaal, Hamro Pahichan” (Leaf Plates, Our Identity) by Anish Khanal, a 24-year-old veterinary student from Tribhuvan University. The second prize (NPR 35,000) was awarded to the video “Takha and Sanyakhuna: The Timeless Sustainable Recipe of the Newa People”, highlighting culinary practice of the Newa community, where the recipe utilizes discarded meat parts promoting zero food waste. The third and fourth prizes (NPR 25,000 each) were awarded to videos on eco-friendly bamboo and earthen architecture, and traditional Hiti water management, respectively.

The Social Media Award was given to a video on the traditional mustard oil-making process in Khokana and its cultural and health significance.

A person died in police firing during a clash with liquor smugglers at Kamalpur in Rajgadh Rural Municipality-2, Saptari on Tuesday night.

The deceased has been identified as Lalu Yadav (36) of Kamalpur of Rajgad Rural Municipality-2.

Police had conducted a search operation based on a tip-off relating to illegal import and hoarding of alcohol.

The search operation, however, resulted in the clash between police and liquor smugglers.  

Deputy Superintendent of Police, Jitendra Kumar Basnet, informed that they had to open firing for self-defense after the smugglers pelted stones at them.

Yadav, who had received an injury in legs, breathed his last on the way to Gajendra Narayan Singh Hospital, Rajbiraj.

In the search operation, the police recovered 80 cartons of bottles of alcohol with varieties of brands from Nepal-India border.

Meanwhile, four days back, police had arrested two persons in possession of heroin from Chhinnamasta Rural Municipality-1.

The Jayprithvi Highway has been obstructed due to a landslide triggered by the incessant rainfall.

The debris deposited on the road disrupted vehicular movement since early this morning.

Spokesperson at the District Police Office, Balram Pandeya, informed that the Highway was blocked due to the landslide at Ramilapur of Sigas Rural Municipality-9.

The passengers have been stranded following the traffic disruption.

However, efforts are on to remove the debris for reopening the busy highway in Sudurpaschim Province, the police added.

The monsoon wind is active across the country at present. 

The Weather Forecasting Division said Koshi and Sudurpaschim Provinces are likely to have heavy rainfall today.

The weather service has appealed to all concerned to be aware in daily life, and in the sectors of health, transport and aviation in the wake of adverse weather.

Currently, the low pressure belt of monsoon is towards Tarai region of Nepal- on the northern side of its average range. It results in cloudy weather in most of the hilly regions across the country. 

Few places in Madhes Province are receiving moderate rainfall now. 

The moderate rainfall is predicted also in some places of hilly regions in Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpaschim Provinces  today.

It will be generally cloudy in the country tonight.