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Khairahani Municipality of Chitwan has kicked off a 'larva search and destroy' campaign to protect the people from mosquito-borne dengue disease.

The municipality has started the door-to-door visit campaign since Sunday to search and destroy mosquito larva in potential areas.

Mayor Shahsi Kumar Khaniya, Deputy Mayor Kabita Uprety, other elected people's representatives, employees, health workers and locals had participated in the campaign.

On the occasion, Mayor Khaniya pledged to continue the campaign and asked the residents to remain cautious of dengue outbreak.

He said that the public awareness creating campaign would be continued to eliminate the Aedes mosquitoes' eggs.

Municipality's health section chief Nirmal Ghimire said that the public sensitization campaign has been intensified by reaching out to the community to eliminate dengue risks.

"There are several areas within the municipality which are favorable for mosquitoes to produce larva, " he said, adding, 'Rapid urbanization is contributing to spreading the mosquito-borne infection'.

Meanwhile, Ratnanagar Municipality has urged the municipal residents to adopt safety measures to protect oneself from mosquito bites.

The municipality has urged all ward residents to participate in the campaign to search and destroy mosquito larva.

Public Health Officer of the municipality Madhav Prasad Poudel said that the 'search and destroy' campaign has been put in place to eliminate the larva of mosquitoes that can transfer dengue.

Number of patients with dengue infection has reached 13 in Chitwan.

According to the Health office Chitwan, 13 people were tested positive to the dengue while carrying out blood tests among 121.

At least 35 people have been killed after a powerful bomb ripped through a political rally in northwestern Pakistan, local officials said, Aljazeera reported.

The blast took place on Sunday at a gathering of the conservative Jamiat Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) party on the outskirts of Khar in Pakistan’s northwestern Bajur district, which borders Afghanistan.

Azam Khan, head of the emergency room at Khar’s main hospital, said 35 bodies were brought to the hospital and more than 100 others were wounded.

Government administrator Mohibullah Khan Yousufzai confirmed the toll, adding that some of the wounded were being airlifted to the provincial capital, Peshawar.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack, but local authorities said the explosion was caused by a suicide bomb.

Senior police officer Nazir Khan said the JUI-F’s workers’ convention was under way when the explosion took place.

Akhtar Hayat Gandapur, the inspector-general of police for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, said senior party leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman was not at the event when the explosion took place.

Political meetings such as the one organised by the JUI-F party on Sunday are being held across the country to mobilise supporters for the coming elections, due to be held by October.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the incident and extended his condolences to the families of the victims, including that of JUI-F leader Ziaullah Jan, who was confirmed killed in the attack, Radio Pakistan reported.

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari “expressed deep sorrow over the loss of precious lives”, his Pakistan People’s Party said in a statement.

It added that the “the terrorists, their facilitators and planners need to be eliminated so that peace is established in the country.”

Interior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said on Twitter, recently rebranded as X, that the the “religion of terrorists is only terrorism.” “Ending terrorism is very important for the survival and integrity of Pakistan,” she added.

Al Jazeera’s Kamal Hyder, reporting from Islamabad, said there were fears that the armed group Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also known as the Pakistani Taliban, may be responsible for the blast.

“The Tehrik-e Taliban have declared against the security forces and against the government and Maulana Fazlur Rehman is an ally of the government,” Hyder said.

JUI-F is part of the Pakistan Democratic Alliance, a political coalition affiliated with the government in which Rehman plays a leading role.

Security analyst Zeeshan Salahuddin told Al Jazeera the TTP has “dramatically escalated” the string of attacks since a ceasefire with the government broke down last year.

“All indications point to the fact that this terror group has regained quite a lot of the momentum it had lost between 2014 and 2018, when Pakistan conducted extensive military operations against the group,” Salahuddin said.

The TTP pledges allegiance to, but is not directly a part of, Afghanistan’s Taliban which surged back to power in 2021.

Salahuddin added that the TTP was receiving support from Afghanistan and increasing its capabilities as well as its internal cohesion.

The group has been waging a rebellion against the state of Pakistan for more than a decade, demanding the imposition of Islamic law, the release of key members arrested by the government and a reversal of the merger of Pakistan’s tribal areas with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, according to Aljazeera.

In January, a suicide bomber blew himself up in a mosque inside a police compound in the northwestern city of Peshawar, killing more than 80 officers.

The attacks have been focused on regions bordering Afghanistan, including Bajur, one of seven remote districts where armed groups have been emboldened by the return of the Afghan Taliban.

Fish and chips have long been hailed as the most iconic British dish, recognized worldwide for its appeal. However, in recent times, a South Asian culinary delight, Tikka Masala, has emerged as a strong contender for the title of ‘a true British national dish.’ Although Tikka Masala’s origins lie in South Asia, its popularity and integration into British culture exemplify the country’s rich history of multicultural influences and culinary diplomacy.

The roots of Tikka Masala can be traced back to the diverse culinary landscape of South Asia, but its journey in becoming an integral part of British cuisine is nothing short of fascinating. Various claims surround the invention of Tikka Masala, but one widely accepted narrative suggests that it originated in Glasgow, Scotland, during the 1970s. Legend has it that a customer at an Indian restaurant complained about the chicken tikka being too dry. In response, the inventive chef introduced a spiced tomato-based sauce to the dish, thus giving birth to the now-famous Tikka Masala.

British Tikka Masala boasts a captivating and often debated history, intricately linked to diplomacy and multiculturalism in the context of British culinary heritage. While it may not be a traditional British dish, its widespread popularity in the UK serves as a testament to the country’s openness to embracing diverse cultural influences.

The multiculturalism in British cuisine can be attributed to centuries of colonization, trade, and immigration, which have welcomed people from all corners of the world, bringing along their unique culinary traditions. As a result, British cuisine has evolved into a vibrant fusion of flavors and ingredients from diverse cultures. Tikka Masala perfectly embodies this culinary amalgamation, harmoniously combining South Asian spices and cooking techniques with British preferences.

The allure of Tikka Masala goes beyond the UK, with various airlines seeking their variations of this delectable dish. For instance, Arabic Chicken Tikka Masala and ‘British Airways’ Best of British’ Chicken Tikka Masala, inspired by the ‘Friday Takeaway,’ demonstrate its universal appeal. With approximately 47 different recipes in the system, ranging from variations with nuts, no nuts, sugar, honey, vegan options, low-calorie versions, saffron-infused versions, and even a Christmas Turkey Tikka Masala, Tikka Masala’s adaptability underscores its versatility and broad appeal.

Culinary diplomacy plays a significant role in the rise of Chicken Tikka Masala as a beloved dish in the UK and beyond. By embracing and adopting this South Asian delicacy, the British people have showcased their appreciation for Indian cuisine and culture, fostering a stronger bond between the two nations and exemplifying the positive aspects of multiculturalism.

The popularity of Chicken Tikka Masala in the UK has sparked lively debates about whether it deserves the title of the country’s national dish. While some argue that it represents the nation’s rich diversity, others raise concerns that it may overshadow traditional British dishes. Nonetheless, its widespread acceptance and seamless integration into British cuisine demonstrate the profound impact of multicultural influences on modern British identity.

The journey of Chicken Tikka Masala from South Asia to become a cherished British national dish highlights the significance of multiculturalism in British cuisine. It symbolizes the power of culinary diplomacy, fostering cultural exchange and understanding between nations. As the UK continues to celebrate its diverse heritage, dishes like Chicken Tikka Masala stand as testaments to the richness and inclusivity of British food culture.

The concept of ‘Tikka Masala diplomacy’ as a means of promoting cultural exchange and understanding between nations has proven effective, extending its popularity to countries like the UK, America, and various parts of Europe. Utilizing Chicken Tikka Masala as a representation of Britishness during airline catering, events research, development, workshops, presentations, and production endeavors can be a powerful way to celebrate the multicultural influences that have shaped modern British cuisine. By serving this dish and sharing its history, British culture’s openness and inclusivity are showcased, highlighting how it has embraced and integrated culinary traditions from around the world.

Through Tikka Masala diplomacy, a positive image of the UK emerges as a country that values diversity, fosters cultural appreciation, and seeks to connect with people from different backgrounds. By sharing the story of Chicken Tikka Masala and its journey from South Asia to the UK and beyond, meaningful conversations about multiculturalism can be encouraged, motivating others to explore and celebrate their cultural heritage.

Food possesses a unique ability to unite people, and Chicken Tikka Masala’s popularity serves as compelling evidence that culinary diplomacy can effectively build bridges and foster international connections. As this dish continues to spread Britishness around the world, it is essential to approach it with respect for its origins and the cultural contributions of the Indian subcontinent. Emphasizing the fusion of flavors and cross-cultural collaboration behind Tikka Masala’s global appeal adds depth to its appreciation.

Ultimately, Tikka Masala diplomacy offers a positive and impactful approach to promoting cultural understanding and appreciation. By showcasing the multicultural influences within British cuisine and celebrating the journey of Chicken Tikka Masala, we contribute to a more interconnected and inclusive global community.

This is my version of the Chicken Tikka Masala recipe and it’s the easiest one ever.

Ingredients:

• 800 g boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 120 ml vegetable oil

• 800 gm | 2 cans creamy tomato soup (store-bought or homemade)

• 6 gm | 3 teaspoons garam masala

• 2.5 gm |1 teaspoon chili powder

• Salt, to taste

• Fresh cilantro (coriander leaves) for garnish

Methodology:

Marinate the chicken pieces with one teaspoon of garam masala, oil, and 10.5 gm of salt.

Preheat your grill or BBQ to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken pieces until they are cooked through and have a slightly charred exterior.

For the sauce, pour in the creamy tomato soup and stir to combine with the rest of the two spoons of garam masala. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, add the grilled chicken pieces to the sauce and gently stir to coat the chicken with the creamy tikka masala sauce.

Taste the sauce and add salt as needed. If you prefer a richer flavor, stir in the heavy cream or coconut cream, if you have it in your kitchen cabinet, and let it simmer for an additional minute.

Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve the Chicken Tikka Masala over cooked basmati rice.

Enjoy your delicious and easy-to-make Chicken Tikka Masala!

The author is a UK-based R&D chef

Bishow Bimohan Shrestha, 67, is a poet from Tehrathum in Eastern Nepal. He has authored many poetry collections as well as written lyrics for more than a dozen songs. For his significant contribution to Nepali literature, he has been awarded the ‘Pragya Pratisthan Award’ and ‘Ratna Shree Swarna Padak’. He is currently the executive chairman at Apec Nepal, a literary and cultural institution. In a conversation with ApEx, Shrestha spoke about his love for poems and all things literary. 

What made you want to write poems?

I started when I was in school. In 1967, I participated in a poetry writing competition on children’s day and got an award for it. Since then, I’ve been writing poems. In 1987, my first poetry book ‘Bishow Bimohan Ka Kehi Kabitaharu’ got published. ‘Euta Gantabya ko Khojima’ was published by Sanjha Publication in the following year. After that, ‘Angar Ka Dhamila Dharsha haru’, ‘Ma Bhat Joru Ki Kavita Lekhu’, and an English poetry collection eventually got published. Now, I am working on another collection which will be published as soon as I finalize the manuscript.

How has your literary journey been so far?

Literary celebrations like ‘Kavi Gosthi’ were exceptionally important to every writer around 40 years back, since holding a literary conference was a big deal unlike now. In 1980, I joined the Association of Literary Journalists as a member and later held the position of chairman. Let’s say that we were the pioneers of such literary initiatives. 

We used to gather talented writers from all over Nepal in Kathmandu and give them a platform to interact with journalists, established authors, and other literary organizations. During this time, I served there for 20 years and organized various literary forums, international literary events, and many other programs. I treasure these experiences. I believe that what I have accomplished as a poet so far is a result of my ongoing commitment to supporting talented Nepali writers and promoting Nepali literature. 

What does your writing schedule/style look like? 

I write poems, though not exclusively. But when I do, I pour all my feelings into it. After a few days, I review it with a fresh mind before editing and rewriting my work. My mood is what drives me to write. I still have a ton of unfinished manuscripts in my drawer that need to be updated. In my writing, I generally use imagery and metaphors to express emotions. In my earlier works, imagery was particularly used to capture the beauty of the natural world. But now imagery mostly captures the theme of disorder, hypocrisy, and corruption of the world. I even use references from myths to make my idea clear. 

I want my work to have meaning. I want it to reflect people’s aspirations. A writer’s success depends on how well he can connect with his readers. That’s why I do my best to avoid redundancy and try to tap into people’s emotions.

My writings mainly focus on the natural world, affection, aging, nationalism, current affairs, political disparities, and humankind. The majority of my writings are about societal challenges. 

How difficult is it to be a writer?

Writers today are far luckier than writers of our time. Ratna Pustak Bhandar, Sanjha Prakashan, and Pragya Pratisthan were a few publication houses back then. But today, there are many new platforms like the internet, television, and newspapers. If someone wants to write, there are a lot of opportunities to get their work out there. 

What do you think of the current situation of Nepali literature?

Poetry, in particular, has improved. Lekhnath Paudyal, Hari Bhakta Katuwal, Laxmi Prasad Devkota, and Gopal Prasad Rimal are a few prominent Nepali authors who deserve a special mention for their contributions to advancing the field of Nepali literature from a thematic and contextual standpoint. I don’t think the government is concerned with promoting Nepali literature. But there is a lot of scope in it and Nepali literature can become popular globally if we can promote it well. 

Shrestha’s Picks

Sarwakaleen Pinda Ra Jagritika Shankhaghosh by Usha Sherchan

In this book, Usha Sherchan reflects on the discrimination faced by women in epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana. She relates them to the current situation of women in political and societal contexts, giving it a feminist perspective. 

Kavita Ko Rang by Rajendra Shalabh

‘Kavita Ko Rang’ by Rajendra Shalabh is a kind of poem that selflessly symbolizes different aspects of our family, society, culture, and especially our mothers in a way that gives you goosebumps. The language is simple and the story is very relatable. 

Ghumne Mech Mathi Andho Manche by Bhupi Sherchan

‘Ghumne Mech Mathi Andho Manche’ is a Nepali poetry collection that was awarded Sajha Puraskar in 1969. It’s very inspiring and uplifting. It gives readers a different perspective on what a society must be like and inspires them to look forward to a change.