1,000 caregivers leaving for Israel
The first group of 1,000 Nepali auxiliary workers in the caregiver sector in Israel is set to depart for Israel. The visa process for the first 100 workers has already been completed, with the remaining candidates progressing accordingly.
A total of 2,112 candidates (1,156 females and 956 males), were selected through a transparent live lottery process conducted in Aug 2024 at the Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA) office in Jerusalem, Israel. The remaining 1,112 will proceed around the time the first batch has completed their process, said the Israel Embassy in a press statement.
These workers will be employed in long-term care facilities such as geriatric homes and elderly care centers in Israel, in accordance with the government-to-government (G2G) agreement between Nepal and Israel, signed in 2020. We believe that the care, effort and friendship that they will extend to care-receivers in Israel along with Israel’s affinity and cooperation, will add layers to the foundation of already existing Nepal-Israel friendship, the Embassy of Israel in Nepal said.
It extended its appreciation to the Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Security and Department of Foreign Employment of Nepal for their continued cooperation.
The government of Nepal and the government of Israel signed a Framework Agreement on “Temporary Employment of Nepali Workers in Specific Labor Market Sectors in the State of Israel—Auxiliary Workers in Long-Term Care Facilities” on 30 Sept 2020, and an implementation protocol on 21 Jan 2021. The first phase of 1345 Nepali auxiliary workers are already actively working in Israel.
Food aid to be provided to 3,000 jobless Nepali students in Texas, US
Food aid is to be given to jobless Nepali students studying at various universities in the state of Texas, USA.
Nepali social activists based in the Dallas Fort Worth area of Texas are collecting food aid for about 3,000 Nepali students by launching a campaign called Community Program for Students.
General Secretary of the Nepali Society Texas, Bijay Bhusal, shared that the students would be provided with food items including rice, lentils, oil, salt and gram enough for at least a month.
According to General Secretary Bhusal, more than 700 Nepali students have already received food support so far.
Students who have vehicles can get food items from the local Nepali Cultural and Spiritual Center and arrangements have been made to deliver the food grain to the students who do not have vehicles to their respective addresses.
President Donald Trump's plan to expel illegal immigrants has had a direct impact on Nepali students as well.
Police are raiding thousands of business firms every day in search of illegal immigrants. At the same time, the police have been warning, arresting and expelling some of those who are found working in a commercial firm except those who are legally residing and have a work permit.
Nepali students have been affected by this measure. If they are found working illegally, the police can arrest them.
According to the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) USA, there are currently around 50,000 Nepali students studying in various universities in the US.
World Radio Day being observed today
The World Radio Day is being observed by organizing several awareness-creating programs across the globe, today.
At the call of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO, the day is being marked today by broadcasting radio programs to spread awareness about the problems arising from climate change and adaptation measures.
Proclaimed in 2011 by UNESCO Member States and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 as International Day of the United Nations, February 13 became World Radio Day.
According to UNESCO, radio is beginning its second century of service as one of the most dependable and widely utilized forms of media in the world.
Radio contributes to the achievement of its international objectives by supporting populations through climate disasters such as tropical storms and floods. It helps with the dissemination of fact-based information, listeners’ voices, and dedicated radio shows.
Radio is considered a powerful medium for democratic debate and mass communication. Radio is the most widely reached and the most listened globally.
At one time the role of radio in maintaining social diversity and unity, representing, listening and telling the stories of the voiceless was incomparable.
Radio, which has always been a friend of the commoners during disasters and in the rural areas, has also played a spectacular role in social change by providing information, entertainment and education.
The danger of speed: Need for road safety in Nepal
Every day, we witness vehicles speeding recklessly on highways and even narrow roads. The roar of engines revving isn’t just noise; it’s a reminder of the ever-present danger. Overspeeding disrupts traffic, creates fear, and heightens the risk of road accidents that impact everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike.
The number of road accidents caused by overspeeding in Nepal is alarming. Reckless driving puts countless lives at risk daily, with many paying the ultimate price. Overspeeding is not just a traffic violation—it’s a grave threat. Without serious action, Nepal’s roads will continue to be a battlefield where speed takes precedence over safety.
Inspector Jitesh Dahal notes: “Many drivers claim ignorance of speed limits, while others justify it by saying they were in a hurry or made a mistake. Some, particularly younger individuals, speed for the thrill, even engaging in dangerous stunts they consider ‘cool.’”
Overspeeding is most common during off-hours when roads are clear. Two-wheelers are more prone to speeding than four-wheelers, as they can maneuver through narrow spaces with ease. Dahal observes that while official records don’t categorize by age, individuals aged 20-25 tend to speed more, whereas older drivers are generally more disciplined.
Certain areas are hotspots for overspeeding, posing increased risks. Highways, with long stretches and limited monitoring, tempt drivers to ignore speed limits. Residential neighborhoods and school zones, where safety should be paramount, also see reckless speeding, endangering children and pedestrians. These hotspots highlight the urgency for stricter enforcement and awareness campaigns.
Ram Laxmi Shrestha, a roadside resident, says: “I’ve seen many bikes and buses speeding dangerously, leading to potential accidents. Buses from Panauti and Dhulikhel seem to compete with each other. Some motorbikes, especially loud ones like ‘Crossfire,’ appear designed for high speeds. Authorities need to impose strict penalties.”
The reasons for overspeeding vary. For some, it’s the thrill of speed; for others, it’s the pressure of time constraints. When speed limits are loosely monitored and penalties are minimal, drivers feel emboldened to break the rules.
Psychologically, overspeeding is influenced by cognitive biases and emotional states. Optimism bias makes people believe they are less likely to be in an accident. Thrill-seeking behavior and peer pressure also play significant roles, particularly among younger drivers. Social influences encourage reckless driving, as individuals try to impress friends or prove themselves.
Multi-tasking while driving also increases the risk of unintentional speeding. In such situations, drivers lose focus on their surroundings. Counseling psychologist Kapil Sharma says: “Emotions like anger, depression, and anxiety can turn drivers into aggressive riders, leading to impulsive behavior on the road.”
Sharma suggests that visual techniques—such as impactful photos, videos, and slogans—can be highly effective in raising awareness. Placing such messages in prominent locations can serve as constant reminders to drive safely.
Efforts to curb overspeeding include speed cameras, fines, and awareness campaigns. However, gaps in implementation reduce their effectiveness. Speed cameras are often limited to specific areas, leaving many roads unmonitored. Fines may not deter habitual offenders, especially with inconsistent enforcement. Awareness campaigns, though impactful, often fail to reach at-risk groups like young or overconfident drivers.
With technological advancements, solutions like smart speed limiters, AI-powered cameras, and speed-sensing roads could help. However, implementing these measures requires significant investment and public cooperation, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach.
Young drivers are more likely to overspeed due to inexperience, peer pressure, and a sense of invincibility. Many take unnecessary risks, speeding through city streets and highways without considering the consequences. Peer pressure plays a key role—many young drivers push their limits to gain social approval. The thrill of speed can be intoxicating, but this reckless attitude often leads to accidents, putting not only themselves but also pedestrians and other road users in danger.
Stricter penalties and enhanced driver education programs are essential to reducing overspeeding, especially among young drivers. However, penalties alone are insufficient. Driver education programs must emphasize the dangers of overspeeding, incorporating real-world scenarios, defensive driving techniques, and the emotional and physical consequences of reckless driving.
As you navigate your daily commute, ask yourself: Is the time saved by speeding worth the potential cost—your life or someone else’s? Every time you press the accelerator, you make a choice. It’s not just about reaching your destination faster; it’s about responsibility. The question is, what kind of driver do you want to be? One who risks lives for speed, or one who values safety? The roads are in our hands—let’s choose to drive responsibly.


