Cyber Bureau cautions all not to answer calls from unknown numbers
Have you received a call from new number or a message of enticement from any new email id? Do not trust the messages received from such phone numbers and email id. Such messages can also make you homeless.
Spokesperson of the Cyber Bureau of the Nepal Police, Superintendent of Police, Deepak Raj Awasthi, urged all not to answer such calls and not to believe such emails, and respond to them.
He requested to adopt special caution towards such calls and emails as people have been cheated after believing in and responding to such emails sent from unknown persons.
SP Awasthi drew serious attention towards the complaints received at Nepal Police Headquarters, Cyber Bureau, about the warning emails sent to various individuals using the name and post of high-ranking officials of the Nepal Police and Cyber Bureau and other offices related to Nepal Police.
Necessary investigation regarding such fake emails is underway, he added.
Similarly, the Cyber Bureau requested all to inform the Bureau by making call at phone numbers mentioned in the authorized website of the Bureau--cyberbureau.nepalpolice.gov.np and writing emails if any suspicious message is received. Issuing a notice, the Cyber Bureau also urged all to be aware about suspicious activities and inform nearby police station.
352 ghariyals found in Rapti and Narayani rivers in CNP
A recent census conducted by the Chitwan National Park (CNP) found 352 ghariyal crocodiles in Rapti and Narayani rivers.
While the Rapti river had 206 ghariyals, a total of 146 ghariyals were tracked in the Narayani river, according to the Park. Ghariyal is an endangered reptile.
Its existence has been restricted to Nepal and India lately.
Earlier it would be found in Pakisan, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Myanmar Abinash Thapa Magar, Information Officer of the Park, nine surveyors conducted the survey for 14 days starting from December 27, 2024 in these rivers that flow through the Park.
Among the ghariyals found in Rapti river this year, two were male while there were three male ghariyals in Narayani river, Magar said.
The census has shown a slight increase in the number of the reptiles in both rivers compared to the last year. Last year, 152 ghariyals were traced in Rapti river and 113 in Narayani river.
The spike in the number of crocodiles of this species is attributed to the routine release of crocodiles' hatchlings to these rivers, assessed Magar.
CNP had released 20 crocodiles' hatchlings in Rapti river prior to the census, it was shared. So far, 2,018 crocodiles, some juvenile, some sub-adult and some adult ones, have been released in various rivers across the country including Rapti and Narayani, according to the Park.
Crocodiles' eggs are collected from riverbanks and hatched in an artificial condition at the Breeding Centre at Kasara of Chitwan and released in the river later, he explained.
Currently, there are 139 ghariyal crocodiles at the Center.
Repair of Nepal-India border marker pillars started in Kailali
Tikapur (Kailali), Jan 17: The repair and colouring of the border marker pillars along the Nepal-India border has been started in Kailali district.
The repair of the border markers has been initiated on Thursday with the participation of the security bodies of Nepal and India and in the presence of Chief District Officer of Kailali, Gogan Bahadur Hamal.
The repair and colouring of the border pillars has been started by putting a new coat of paint on the Border Pillar 73/2 at Khakraula, Tikapur Municipality-7.
Out of the seven main border pillars within Tikapur municipality area, only three pillars – pillar number 700, 705 and 707 – are intact whereas the remaining main and auxiliary ones have been swept away by the Karnali and Mohana rivers.
The locals have been calling for protecting the Pillar No 704 as it is in vulnerable situation.
There are seven main border pillars and other auxiliary ones within Tikapur municipality area.
Speaking at the start of repair and maintenance works, CDO Hamal said works on repair, maintenance and colouring of the border pillars is being carried out as it is the responsibility of both nations to keep the border marker pillars on the international border intact and well-maintained.
On the occasion, he urged the security bodies of both countries to pay extra attention to prevention and control of cross-border snuggling of goods, drug trafficking and fugitives from one country hiding in the other through the Nepal-India open border.
EV craze sweeps through hilly area
The number of people driving electric vehicles (EVs) has significantly increased over the last three years. These vehicles are now reaching hilly villages from the Tarai, offering smooth and comfortable transportation. Previously, EVs were primarily used by government employees or wealthy individuals, while common people had to rely on old, shabby vehicles in the Tarai. However, with the blacktopping of major roads, lifestyles have transformed.
Bhim Rai, a resident of Bhojpur Municipality-5, regularly travels to Tarai in an EV. He shares that the introduction of these vehicles has improved the lifestyle of ordinary people by providing comfortable, fast, and affordable travel options. “In the past, we endured cramped seats and unpleasant journeys, but EVs have eliminated that hassle,” he said. “Riding in a smooth EV used to feel like a dream, but now it’s a reality. We can travel as comfortably as we wish.”
A decade ago, the roads in the district were in terrible condition, making travel arduous and time-consuming. It would take an entire day to journey from the hills to Tarai. With improved infrastructure, EVs can now reach rural areas quickly and comfortably.
Passengers can now complete round trips within a day. Narayan Bhandari, a local resident, shared, “We used to travel for 9–10 hours in dusty, uncomfortable coaches for official work. It was exhausting, expensive, and inconvenient. Now, EVs have eliminated these difficulties. I can leave home in the morning and return by evening.” According to locals, EVs are also being used to deliver goods directly to households in villages.
Currently, 12 EVs operate within the district, with an additional 22 serving routes outside it. Businessman Dilihang Rai noted that EVs have made travel satisfying and comfortable for passengers. “I operate EVs to provide fast and convenient services for the general public,” he said. “Passenger feedback has been positive, and the earnings are good.” He added that EV operators also generate additional income during downtime, thanks to the vehicles’ efficiency and speed.
The operation of EVs from Bhojpur is well-organized. Gyanu Rai, Chairperson of Temkemaiyung Yatayat Pvt Ltd, highlighted the growing popularity of EVs. “The number of EVs is increasing day by day as more passengers and businesses see their value,” he said. Rai emphasized that upgrading and blacktopping unpaved rural roads would further enhance accessibility and provide more facilities to the public.