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Four persons including three Nepalis died when a bus met with an accident in Lucknow, India. According to an eye witness, three among the deceased have been identified as Chandra Bahadur Saud, Lalit Saud and Nirmala Bohara of Kailali, Nepal. The identity of the bus driver is yet to be established. It has been learnt that 14 persons were injured in the incident. Among them, three are in critical condition. They are undergoing treatment at a local health post. They were returning home from various cities of India. The ill-fated bus was heading towards Tikapur of Kailai from Gujarat of India when the incident occurred.  

The Narayangadh-Muglin road section that is closed every day for four hours for construction-related work will remain open throughout for two days, targeting the Maghe Sankranti fair at Devghatdham. The road section will open for traffic in the afternoon of January 14 and 15. The Maghe Sankranti, one of the festivals of the Hindus, falls on January 15 this year. Chief District Officer Asman Tamang said the work being done by blocking the road for four hours in the afternoon on those two days will be postponed. The road is going to be kept open considering the high number of pilgrims travelling to Devghatdham. At present, traffic is being stopped from 11 am to 3 pm on that section of the road and work is being done to clear the side-hill for the construction of bridges on the road section. Devotees from all over the country, including from neighbouring countries, come to take a holy bath in Devghat. According to Chairperson of Devghat Area Development Committee, Badri Adhikari, more than five hundred thousand devotees are expected to arrive in Devghat this year. There is a popular belief among the Hindus that bathing in Devghat during the Makar Mela or fair will bring good future and well-being.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has expressed grief over the Palpa bus accident. PM Dahal paid tribute to the passengers who lost their lives in the accident. In a tweet today, PM Dahal extended his condolences to the relatives of those killed in the accident. At least six persons lost their lives in the bus accident that occurred in Rainadevichhahara Rural Municipality-8, Tandi last night. As many as 18 passengers were injured in the mishap. PM Dahal wished for the speedy recovery of those injured in the accident. He appealed to all sides concerned to play a role to make public transport safe and dignified.

The air quality has degraded across the country including the Kathmandu Valley lately. According to the Meteorological Forecasting Division, Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, the lack of winter rainfall has led to the high level of air pollution in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Tulsipur in Dang, in Dhankuta and in the southern plains. The issue of fog and haze has become more intense in the Tarai due to the lack of precipitation. The Air Quality Index (AQI) at 7:45 am today shows the increasing level of air pollution in Bhaktapur, Kathmandu, Tulsipur and Dang. Kathmandu’s AQI has reached 153 followed by 154 in Bhaktapur. It was measured at 108 in Tulsipur and 106 in Dhankuta. AQI above 100 is considered harmful for public health. Children, aged people and people with breathing complications are more vulnerable to air pollution as they may face adversity and further complications if it is in the 100-150 scale. It is harmful for all if it exceeds 150. Generally, AQI 0-50 is considered okay for human health. The Higher the AQI goes, the more it is hazardous for public health. Experts have urged one and all to take precautions against increasing air pollution in the country.