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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.

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.

Three students have died while 40 others were injured in a bus accident that took place along the Sankhu-Nagarkot road section in Kattike, Shankharapur Municipality-5, Kathmandu, on Wednesday.

The incident occurred this afternoon when the Sundarimai Yatayat bus (Ba 2 Kha 7958), hired by the SS Academy School based in in Chabahil, lost control reportedly due to a brake failure, said spokesperson of the District Police Range, Kathmandu, Superintendent of Police Apil Raj Bohara.

The bus was returning from Nagarkot to Sankhu after collecting the students who had gone on a school picnic.

Further investigation into the incident is underway, according to the police.

The Babarmahal area of Kathmandu got waterlogged after a major water supply pipe on the main road burst open.

The incident took place as the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) was conducting horizontal drilling to install underground power supply wires.

Head of Kathmandu Valley Water Supply Project Implementation Directorate, Tika Bahadur Chaudhary, said that a pipe in the major water supply system burst while 'horizontal drilling' was being conducted for underground electricity supply wire installation.

Though the water distribution valve was closed following the incident, the water has not stopped flowing, he said.

After the pipe burst leading to water logging, the Special Court in Babarmahal as well as surrounding government buildings were submerged along with some vehicles parked in the office premises.

The traffic along the section was also affected, leading to long traffic jam.