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Their faces look exhausted from hunger, thirst and lack of sleep. Blisters have formed on their soles, and they can barely stand. Yet a group of ordinary citizens has walked all the way to Kathmandu for 25 days from Madhes, carrying empty buckets on their heads.

Battling the rains, spending nights on the streets and struggling against, 25 people from Madhes have come to Kathmandu to draw the attention of the authorities toward the drying up of water sources due to exploitation of Chure. At the call of Nepal River and Forest Conservation Campaign these people began their march from Bhardaha in Saptari through Bardibas of Mahottari, Hetauda, and Narayanghat to Kathmandu to draw the government’s attention for ending Chure exploitation.

There have even been instances where those protesting against Chure exploitation were attacked and killed by unscrupulous people exploiting natural resources. Four years ago, river activist Dilip (Omprakash) Mahato was murdered by people unlawfully extracting sand. Due to such incidents, many people are afraid to protest. The victims say people operating crusher plants threaten dissenters that they will also meet the fate of Dilip Kumar.

‘No water to quench our thirst’

Sangita Devi Sada’s home in Matiarwa in Lahan Municipality-2, Siraha, is at the foot of the Chure hills. Her family of six sustains itself on daily wages. A few greedy people are extracting river materials, causing the entire village to suffer the consequences, she shared. “The crusher operators are mining the rivers dry. First, the rivers dried up. Then the water vanished from our ponds,” Sangita said. “Now there isn’t even enough water in the village to quench our thirst. Without water, how can we grow crops?”

Until two decades ago, the rivers and streams in Sangita’s village would flow year round. But for the last two years, as soon as the dry season arrives, they struggle even for drinking water. 

“These unscrupulous people have turned the hills, rivers and streams into barren land through excessive extraction,” she lamented. “First, the ponds dried up. The springs went dry next, and water levels in wells depleted. Now, the river itself has dried up.”

Should people go in search of water to quench their thirst or seek employment to satisfy their hunger? This dilemma has entrapped the disadvantaged and marginalized families of Sangita and others like them. Not just her, but 6.12m people in the Madhes province are suffering from problems arising due to the exploitation of Chure. “As the local government, police, administration and leaders all seem to be siding with the Chure exploiters, people like Sangita from Madhes have come to Kathmandu to plead with the central government,” said Sunil Yadav, chairperson of the campaign.

This is the first time that Sangita has undertaken such an arduous journey in her life. On reaching the Maitighar Mandala last week, she shared her near-death experience. “Our ancestors never had to undertake such a huge march of suffering just for water. I cannot imagine what lies in store for the coming generations,” she said. “My feet are covered in blisters. I can barely walk. Whom do I share this suffering with? Who will listen to us?”

Even the Kamala River is drying up

The government has launched a national pride program for the conservation of Chure. But the program has failed to achieve targeted goals. The President Tarai Madhes River Conservation Development Project has been running for over a decade, with billions spent. However, the water reservoirs formed by rivers are depleting due to rampant illegal mining and encroachment.

Caught in this quagmire is Sonabatti Mukhiya (70) of Kanchanrup Municipality-7 in Dhanusa. At an age when she should be resting, she has walked hundreds of kilometers from rural Madhes to Kathmandu in search of water. This is her first time seeing Kathmandu.

Sonabatti is worried that the Kamala River, which flowed year-round in the past, is now drying up. “The perennially flowing Kamala River has started drying up. It is becoming unrecognizable,” she said. “They are bringing huge tippers and excavators to extract sand and boulders at night. The police just watch. They are all hand-in-glove. If this is not stopped, the Kamala River will soon vanish without a trace.”

Where has the water disappeared?

Wells, ponds, and lakes are drying up. Since last year, even rivers and streams have started drying up. Tankers are supplying water to the villages, say the victims.

“How do we survive now?” lamented Maina Devi Sada (45) of Matiarwa in Lahan Municipality-2, Siraha. “We only hear the swishing sound in the handpump in our courtyards. Where has the water disappeared?”

After the handpumps dried up, new taps were installed in homes. But these taps trickle only in the mornings and evenings, shared Mainadevi. “How do we quench our thirst? It seems both food and water will become scarce. What is the government doing?” she questioned. “How do we cook? How do we feed our children? How do we bathe ourselves and the cattle?”

Chure expert Dr Bijaya Kumar Singh said groundwater in Madhes isn't getting recharged due to Chure exploitation.

With rivers and streams drying up, people have not been able to irrigate their farmland. The green paddy fields swaying in the breeze now lie barren. “The streams have dried up so much that when someone in the village dies, there is not even a drop of water for cremation rituals,” Mainadevi added.

Police have arrested six persons on the charge of murdering police Constable Yuva Raj Ghimire.

The District Police Range, Kathmandu made them public by organizing a press conference today.

SP Nawaraj Adhikari, who is also the spokesperson at the District Police Range, Kathmandu, informed that police Constable Ghimire of Majuwagadhi Rural Municipality-1, Khotang was found dead under mysterious circumstances at an under construction house in Manamaiju, Tarkeshwor-9, Kathmandu.

He was deployed at the Metropolitan Traffic Police Circle, Durbarmarg.

I’ve always loved eating out. I mean, who doesn’t, right? You have a variety of choices, and it’s quick and hassle-free, unlike cooking which can be a painstaking affair. Also, the mushrooming of restaurants in Kathmandu and Lalitpur means you don’t have to go far from home or your workplace to find a nice place. Chinese, Japanese, Indian, and Thai, the options are endless. Restaurants have also gotten good at promotions on social media. You see a lot of food content that it’s impossible not to want to check them out for yourself. That is how I recently found myself at the rooftop of a newly opened beer bar in town and for lunch at another café nearby in the same week.

When I first started working, I used to spend a good chunk of my salary eating out, even if I regretted it later and vouched to do better—meaning eat the meals my mom made at home more than I dined at restaurants. But the lure of pizza, momos, and burgers were often too great to ignore. Looking back, I think I ate out almost every other day. There was always one excuse or another—a friend to meet, a new place to try out, or a craving that just had to be satiated right then and there.

My mother, a medical doctor, often asked me to refrain from eating fried foods at restaurants as she didn’t like the fact that most eateries reused oil while cooking. I recall she used to tell her patients that many of their health issues were because of the bad food they were consuming. She still says that. As most teenagers or young adults, I agreed to stick to momos or non-fried items just to get her off my case. Eating out always meant indulging in fried food and various sugary concoctions. The need to eat out was made worse by the fact that, in Kathmandu, going out with friends generally meant chilling at restaurants. Things are slowly changing but I feel there still isn’t all that much to do. But then, restaurants are everywhere.

Fast forward almost two decades later, I still get attracted by discount offers and promises of a refreshing new cocktail. There was a time when my husband and I had sort of made a pact to eat at a new restaurant every week. We had decided not to go to the ones we usually went to but to try out new places. However, my husband and I have now drastically cut down on eating out. We’ve done so for multiple reasons but primarily because of quality inconsistencies at restaurants.

Many times, we have gone to restaurants to have a particular dish and found that the taste changed every time. It’s so disappointing. We attribute this to changing cooks as people migrate abroad for better opportunities or the restaurant’s lack of quality checks. This one time I ordered pancakes at a café I loved near my home in Lalitpur, and it was quite literally just flour and water. It tasted like rubber. When I complained, they said it was how it has always been. But the pancakes there used to be fluffy, thick, and sweet. I have since then stopped going there and started making pancakes at home. It’s cheaper. I have control over the ingredients and I love that. And it tastes way better, if I may say so myself.

Another time, a friend and I had pizza at a popular pizza place and we could barely lift the slice without half of it dropping onto our plates as the cheese was heavy and melting. The crust to cheese ratio was totally off and we had ordered a pizza we usually shared. That wasn’t how it was supposed to be. The staff, however, were apologetic and asked us if we would like another. But our appetites and moods were ruined.

Eating out has become an ordeal, and not the exciting adventure it used to be. It has also become a whole lot more expensive than before. Most restaurants have hiked the prices with no reason or explanation whatsoever. In many places, the prices have gone up and the portion size has been reduced. The food also feels stale sometimes. A few friends own restaurants and cafes and we know they batch make and freeze curries and pies to be used for a few days.  

During the Covid-19 lockdowns my husband and I found ourselves replicating the food we had at restaurants at home and discovered that we could make most of the things at less than a quarter of the price. There are plenty of resources like BuzzFeed Tasty and YouTube that can teach you to whip up gourmet dishes in no time at all. By choosing to eat out less often, we have cut down on our food expenses as well as ensured that the food we eat is nourishing and fresh.

Kathmandu's Air Quality Index has reached 177 to be ranked the world's second most polluted city after New Delhi of India.

Last Thursday, Kathmandu's AQI was 168 and it measured 195 on Wednesday and 185 on Saturday.

New Delhi's AQI has reached 245 while Beijing, China has been listed as the third most polluted city in the world with an AQI of 172, it is stated.

The main contributors to air pollution include carbon emissions from vehicles, dust from road repairs and construction, emissions from industries and brick kilns, poor waste management practices, and forest fires. Addressing these issues systematically is needed, according to experts concerned.

Cases of forest fires and fire are prevalent presently and it has led to an increase in air pollution besides the loss of lives and properties. The Department of Environment said the Satellite data shows that as of now there are 1,653 cases of wildfire and fire since the beginning of the year 2024.

AQI from 0-50 is considered good for public health as it is indicated by a green signal while 51-100 is moderate and marked by yellow, but it still warns us to be careful on time.

It is unhealthy specifically for sensitive groups such as those who have respiratory and cardiac issues if measured from 101-150 and is highlighted by orange. 

Similarly, AQI from 151-200 is indicated by red to suggest that it is unhealthy for all, 201-300 is highlighted by purple and it is very unhealthy.  If it is measured 301-400, it is hazardous and 401-500 is highly hazardous to health and it is denoted by maroon.

Kathmandu, the federal capital of Nepal, has been ranked the world's most polluted city again.

According to the data of the Air Quality Index today, Kathmandu's overall AQI has reached 162 while Chiang Mai city of Thailand is in the second position and Medan of Indonesia has been identified as the world's third most polluted city.

According to the people concerned, air pollution is soaring in Kathmandu due to rising incidents of forest fire amidst the increasing temperature.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, today, recorded 165 incidents of forest fire in 39 districts across the country.

According to wildfire expert Sundar Sharma, the increasing number of forest fires has contributed to air pollution in major cities of the country including the federal capital.  If there is no rainfall in the next few days, it will be challenging to contain the forest fire and reduce air pollution, according to him.

Meteorologist Govinda Jha said there are no chances of rainfall immediately despite a brief rain in some parts.

Disaster management expert Dr Dharma Raj Upreti said AQI from 0-50 is considered good for public health as it is indicated by a green signal while 51-100 is moderate and marked by yellow, but it still warns us to be careful on time.

It is unhealthy specifically for sensitive groups such as those who have respiratory and cardiac issues if measured from 101-150 and is highlighted by orange. 

Similarly, AQI from 151-200 is indicated by red to suggest that it is unhealthy for all, 201-300 is highlighted by purple and it is very unhealthy.  If it is measured 301-400, it is hazardous and 401-500 is highly hazardous and they are denoted by maroon.

Air Quality Management Action Plan for the Kathmandu Valley, 2076 BS considers the situation measuring AQI above 300 as a disaster.

Properties worth millions of rupees were destroyed when a fire broke in Sankhamul, Kathmandu on Sunday.

Police said that five shops were reduced to ashes and a house suffered partial damages in the fire that broke out near Dobhan Bridge in Sankhamul, Kathmandu today.

The fire was taken under control with the help of fire engines from Lalitpur Metropolitan City, Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force and locals.

Full details of the damage caused by the fire are yet to come, police said.

The federal capital, Kathmandu, is preparing to warmly welcome Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, who is scheduled to arrive late this afternoon on a state visit.

The Qatari Emir is arriving on a two-day state visit at the cordial invitation of President Ram Chandra Paudel.

The city has been adorned with welcome gates and banners along major roads and intersections in honor of the high-profile dignitary from Qatar. 

The Kathmandu Metropolitan City Office has undertaken the cleaning and decoration of roads stretching from Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) to various key areas including Tinkune, New Baneshwor, Babarmahal, Tripureshwor, Kalimati, Jamal and Lainchaur.

According to Nabin Manandhar, the spokesperson for the Kathmandu Metropolis, the adorned roads proudly display the national flags of both Nepal and Qatar.

The banners featuring the names of President Ram Chandra Paudel and the Emir of Qatar, along with a portrait of Kumari, the Living Goddess, adorned with the Namaste gesture, indicate the cultural richness and diversity of the Kathmandu Valley. Such banners read "Hearty welcome to the Emir from Qatar".

Security arrangements along the designated route for the VVIP from Qatar have been intensified, with each welcome gate being guarded by security personnel.

Furthermore, key areas such as Sheetal Niwas (the Office of the President), Soaltee Hotel where the Emir will be staying, and Dwarika Hotel where various visit-related events are scheduled to take place have been beautifully decorated for the occasion. The Non-Resident Nepali Association and the Qatar Embassy in Nepal have also prepared welcome gates to extend greetings to the Emir.

In light of the Emir's visit, the government has declared a public holiday for today, suggesting the diplomatic significance of the visit.

Security beefed up

Meanwhile, the Nepali Army has said it has mobilized a security mechanism in the venues where various visit-related events ranging from welcome and other ceremonies to farewell are scheduled to take place. The security arrangements are in place on a need basis.

In coordination with the NA Chief of General Staff, a Lieutenant General, various security squads comprising security personnel from the Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and the National Investigation Department have been mobilized.

According to TIA General Manager, Jagannath Nirauala, all flights at TIA will remain halted for 15 minutes each during the arrival and departure of the Qatari Emir, bearing in mind the security sensitivity of the visit.

The visit is expected to help elevate the bilateral relations between Nepal and Qatar to a new height. The Qatari Emir's visit marks the first highest-level visit from the entire Middle East to Nepal.  Qatar serves as one of the major labor destinations for Nepal.

Air pollution of Kathmandu Valley has increased following the forest fires that occurred across the country for the past few days.

Based on the Air Quality Index (AQI), Kathmandu has been ranked as the topmost polluted city globally this afternoon, recording an AQI of 200.

Deputy Director General of the Department of Environment, Tara Dutta Bhatta, said there is an effect of forest fires in the air of different cities including Kathmandu.

"The air pollution of Kathmandu had also increased a few weeks ago. It becomes more polluted today," he mentioned, adding the air pollution would increase until forest fire comes under control.

Similarly, Disaster Management expert Dr Dharma Raj Upreti, said an AQI value of up to 50 is considered good while 51-100 moderate, 100-150 unhealthy and it is highly hazardous if measured 150-200.

Likewise, AQI value from 201 to 300 is considered very unhealthy while 300-400 dangerous and 401-450 very dangerous.  

Air Quality Management Action Plan for Kathmandu Valley, 2076, reads that an AQI of more than 300 is considered as a disaster. It has been mentioned in the action plan not to burn garbage, to increase the use of brooms and vacuums to clean the roads to stop such type of disaster as well as to issue public notices to children, senior citizens and patients to take special precautions.

In the National Environment Policy, 2076 BS, it is mentioned that national standards related to prevention of water, air, soil, sound, electricity, magnetic waves, radioactive radiation, and hazardous chemical pollution will be prepared and implemented in order to reduce pollution.

According to the strategy, air, water and sound quality will be mapped by establishing and operating quality measurement centers in areas at risk of pollution including major cities and industrial areas.

Incidences of forest fires reported across Nepal have led to a surge in air pollution in major cities such as Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Air quality has deteriorated significantly, with Kathmandu ranking as the third most polluted city globally this afternoon, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 165.

It was measured 158 in Khumaltar, 175 around the Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital, and 120 in the Ratnapark area and these measurements are highly concerning given public health. 

According to environmental activist Rajan Thapa, an AQI above 100 poses a severe risk to human health.

An AQI value of 50 is considered good for public health, from 51-100 moderate, 100-150 unhealthy and it is highly hazardous if measured 150-200.

Typically, Nepal experiences approximately 2,500 incidents of wildfires annually, with a majority (80 percent) occurring between the last week of February and the last week of May. The period from mid-March to mid-May is particularly vulnerable, accounting for 60 percent of reported forest fires.

The main contributors to air pollution include carbon emissions from vehicles, dust from road repairs and construction, emissions from industries and brick kilns, poor waste management practices, and forest fires. Addressing these issues systematically is needed, he asserted.

Promoting the use of environmentally friendly vehicles can significantly mitigate air pollution, according to Thapa.

 However, meteorologist Barun Paudel warns that the upcoming week is unlikely to see rainfall, posing challenges in containing forest fires. A potential heat wave could exacerbate dry conditions, further increasing the risk of wildfires.

Wildfire expert Sundar Sharma said that the surge in forest fires has worsened air quality in major towns like Kathmandu. Wildfire smoke poses serious health risks, including eye problems. According to the United States-based National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Nepal reported forest fires at 130 locations across the country on Monday.

Sharma shared about a concerning trend of increasing environmental dryness in Nepal, with a notable rise in forest fires over the past three days. "Control measures for forest fires are required to tackle air pollution," he asserted.

Similarly, Spokesperson of the Forests and Environment Ministry, Badri Raj Dhungana, said lack of state's adequate investment, awareness and inter-bodies coordination for the improvement of air quality are reasons behind such problems.

He underlined, "Air pollution is increasing in lack of provision of environmental impact assessment in the course of constructing different projects, lack of effective implementation of rules related to garbage management and environmental standard."

Dhungana pointed out the need of forwarding publicity activities to control forest fire was necessary as pollution is increasing due to forest fire, he stressed.

Chest specialist, Dr Niraj Bam, said air pollution has been posing short-term and long-term health problems on human health.

Respiratory diseases, common cold and cough, asthma, lung cancer, high blood pressure, paralysis and heart attack are also caused by air pollution.

People suffering from such health problems should be alert during the air pollution, he mentioned.

Chest Specialist Bam urged one and all to limit themselves inside the house if possible during pollution hour, to use mask compulsorily if it is urgent to go out and avoid early morning walk as the air is more polluted in the morning.

Management Action Plan for Kathmandu Valley, 2076 BS, an AQI of more than 300 is considered a disaster. In order to prevent this disaster, it has been mentioned in the action plan not to burn garbage, to increase the use of brooms and vacuums to clean the roads, and to issue public notices to children, senior citizens and patients to take special precautions.

Similarly, in the National Environment Policy, 2076 BS, it is mentioned that national standards related to prevention of water, air, soil, sound, electricity, magnetic waves, radioactive radiation, and hazardous chemical pollution will be prepared and implemented in order to reduce pollution.

According to the strategy, air, water and sound quality will be mapped by establishing and operating quality measurement centers in areas at risk of pollution including major cities and industrial establishments.

It is mentioned in the policy that environment-friendly technology will be implemented to manage polluted smoke, dust, and water emitted from industries and other businesses sectors. RSS

Police have arrested a person in possession of a pistol from Kapan, Kathmandu on Friday.

Prashanta Prangdewa Limbu (28) of Phungling, Taplejung was held today in the course of the 'hooliganism and illegal arms control' campaign run by District Police Range Kathmandu.

SP Nawaraj Adhikari of the District Police Range, Kathmandu said that Limbu has been apprehended on the charge of involving in hooliganism and creating fear and terror in the community in the Kapan area of late.

Police confiscated a crude pistol, two sharp knives, a hammer, two mobile phones and one iPhone from Limbu.

Adhikari said police are interrogating Limbu.

Rainfall is likely to occur in different parts of the country, including Kathmandu Valley today due to the influence of the western low-pressure system and the low-pressure system around Bihar state.

Meteorologist at the Weather Forecasting Division of the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, Chiranjibi Bhetwal said the weather is partly cloudy throughout the country, including the Kathmandu Valley.

Rain is likely to occur in Koshi, Madhes, Bagmati and Gandaki Provinces this afternoon. There is a possibility of rain in Kathmandu after noon.

Some places in Koshi Province are currently receiving sporadic rainfall. According to the Division, the influence of the western low-pressure system will remain active till Friday and it will have an impact in most parts of the country.

Light to moderate rain is likely to occur at a few places of Koshi, Madhes and Bagmati Provinces. Light snowfall is likely to occur at one or two places of the high hilly and mountainous regions of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces.

The Forecasting Division said there is a possibility of scattered rain accompanied by thunder and lightning at some places of the hilly regions of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki Provinces tonight.

Have you ever stopped to wonder why our city seems perpetually shrouded in pollution and mired in chaos? Kathmandu now ranks as the seventh most polluted city in the world. The air we breathe has become increasingly unhealthy, but what alternatives do we have? Unfortunately, there are very few. We’re forced to inhale harmful pollutants with every breath, trapped in a cycle of environmental degradation.

Dust permeates every corner, with masks now a ubiquitous sight reminiscent of the Covid-19 pandemic. The beautiful city of Kathmandu has turned into a dusty, polluted landscape where even breathing is a struggle. Is this the fate we’ve resigned ourselves to? What’s behind this alarming deterioration?

Our carbon emissions are going up. It seems that a bike is necessary for a simple trip to the store, and a car for city exploration. Few are willing to rely on their own two feet for transportation, exacerbating the problem. The emissions from vehicles, including carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) significantly degrade Kathmandu's air quality, posing serious health risks.

Furthermore, the widespread use of air conditioners only adds to the environmental strain. The haphazard construction of buildings, often at the expense of trees and hills, coupled with the indiscriminate burning of plastics and waste further compounds the issue. The once-clear view of the mountains is now obscured by polluted air.

Kathmandu, nestled like a bowl amidst verdant hills, traps pollutants within its confines, exacerbating the problem. Dust and dirt pervade every aspect of life, turning even a white T-shirt black by day’s end. It’s disheartening to witness the accumulation of grime on items left outside.

Blame cannot solely be placed on the government; individuals must also take responsibility for their actions. Those who fought for democracy and brought about change in our country must be able to effect change once again. By uniting, we can make a difference. What if we opted for communal transportation like buses instead of individual vehicles? What if we chose to walk short distances rather than rely on motorbikes?

We’re all too familiar with the health consequences of living in such a polluted city: Asthma, heart diseases, lung cancer, and more. It’s imperative that we assess our carbon footprint and remain conscious of our actions. The environment cannot wait for us to act; it’s time to transform our dusty bowl into a harmonious sanctuary. Our environment profoundly impacts our health, and it’s up to us to improve it. Though it may not have been our top priority, the environment cannot be neglected any longer.

Biryani dominates online orders in Kathmandu, followed by momo, burgers, pizza, fried chicken, rolls, samosas, naan, chowmein, and noodles.

A few months ago, I was surprised to read news about the popularity of biryani in Kathmandu. Initially, I thought its influence might be shaping Nepali cuisine, but then I realized that food transcends geographical boundaries. I became confident that a unique variation of the biryani—Nepali biryani—would gradually emerge.

In my role as the research and development chef for a prominent airline and event company, I delved into the intricate world of biryani, uncovering its fascinating history and evolution. Biryani, a culinary gem and global sensation, has its origins shrouded in mystery, with theories pointing to its introduction by the Mughals from Persia or its creation in South India as the ‘Oon Soru’ or ‘one-pot meal.’

The Mughals, renowned for their culinary expertise, left an indelible mark on biryani by introducing Persian ingredients, cooking techniques, and the iconic ‘dum’ cooking method, similar to how we cooked ‘pakku’. In this technique, rice and meat are sealed in a pot over a low flame. Saffron and yogurt played a pivotal role in shaping the biryani we savor today.

Biryani’s historical journey through ancient India is evident in references to similar rice dishes like ‘yavasa’ mentioned in the Arthashastra, an ancient Indian book by Chanakya. The Mughals’ influence, particularly their love for saffron, yogurt, and the dum technique, significantly contributed to the rich and aromatic flavors of biryani.

Regional variations of biryani across India add to its charm, from the fragrant and sweet South Indian biryani to the globally renowned Hyderabadi biryani. In my exploration, I found that biryani has become not only a beloved dish but also a top choice for home delivery, ranking as the number one most-ordered dish on various online platforms in India. And the same thing is happening here in Nepal.

When I’m stuck or short of a dish during my food presentations for the airline, and if I have to prepare a staff meal, biryani is my problem solver. It’s a last-minute fix that is so versatile, accommodating lamb, chicken, fish, seafood, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, Jain Hindu, or Muslim preferences. It serves as a main dish fulfilling everyone’s desires.

Has anyone cooked biryani? There is a precise technique and process to follow, creating layers of mostly meat and rice with fried onion, mint, coriander, rose water, kewra water, yogurt, clarified butter (ghee), saffron, and a carefully selected blend of whole garam masala, finished with garam masala powder – the key to biryani, along with long-grain aged basmati rice.

In essence, biryani is a rice dish that originated in India but has spread worldwide. It’s a fragrant rice dish enjoyed with various meats, vegetables, and spices. Here, we will explore some famous biryani dishes from different countries.

In Saudi Arabia, it’s called Mandi; in Bahrain, Machboos or Machbosh; in Qatar, Mashkool. An epic Ruz Sayadeya, or Egyptian seafood rice, starts with a base of onions caramelized to perfection. In a hot pan, add a drizzle of oil and then add grated onions, spices, salt, and pepper, stirring over low heat until the onions are caramelized and have a deep amber color.

Is paella, the national dish of Spain, related to Spain? Although both are very popular rice dishes, paella is a dish from Spain that originated after the Arabians invaded and ruled the Iberian Peninsula. Paella is usually made with bomba rice, which is highly water-absorbent, giving the dish a mushy texture. Apart from meat, lots of seafood like oysters, crab, prawns, etc., are used in this dish. It’s conventionally cooked in a paella pan, a flat-bottomed, broad dish with handles on both sides. Traditionally, it was cooked on weekends by men who used to rest on weekends.

Did pulao become paella? With Arabs bringing rice to Spain, it’s likely they also brought numerous rice dishes. Imported dishes get ‘translated’ by local ingredients and culture. I’m confident that Arab predecessors didn’t include pork sausage in their rice dishes. Given some Muslims’ aversion to shellfish and other non-fish sea creatures, black paella may be indigenous to Spain.

But dishes like Arroz con Pollo? They’re likely just minor variations on the theme of pulao, pilow, pilaf, and biryani.

Biryani’s history reflects dynamic evolution, adapting to changing tastes and preferences. Modern variations include different meats, the incorporation of vegetables, and the creation of fusion biryanis. Chefs and home cooks have showcased their creativity with innovations such as biryani bowls, wraps, and healthier alternatives like quinoa biryani.

The journey of biryani from ancient India to its current global popularity is a testament to its enduring charm and the adaptability of this timeless culinary delight. As a chef, I’m excited by the continued innovation and creativity surrounding biryani.

Due to its growing popularity, biryani can even be found in unique variations in countries like Sri Lanka, Burma, Brunei, and even Thailand. Biryani spread like wildfire through India and eventually found its way up to Nepal.

The author is a UK-based R&D chef 

The selling and consumption of tobacco products have been banned in Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) from today.

KMC, Health Department Chief Ram Prasad Poudel, said a complete ban has been imposed on the sale of tobacco products in all the 32 wards of the metropolis.

According to him, the selling, storage and consumption of tobacco products packed in plastics have been completely prohibited within KMC from today.

The banned tobacco products include raw tobacco, chewing tobacco, bidi, tambakhu, sulpha, gutkha, panparag, packaged in plastic pouches.

The KMC had on November 28 issued a public notice about this ban.

The KMC Police will seize such products if found selling them. "We are on a campaign of making Kathmandu a healthy city. We have decided to ban the storage, selling and consumption of tobacco products harmful to people's health and the environment, coinciding with the 29th KMC Day," said the KMC Health Department Chief Poudel.

He said this provision is included in Clause 42 of the Public Health Act the KMC issued in 2080 BS. The provision in the Act is being strictly implemented in a bid to reduce the adverse effects the use of tobacco products is having on individual health.

Tobacco control is the first condition for improving the public health and environment in the city. 

It has been learnt that the KMC is preparing to implement a program to control hukka in the second phase.

North Korea has decided to shut down its embassy in Kathmandu in the wake of heightened geopolitical tensions, realignment of its priorities and a crunch of resources.

North Korean Ambassador to Nepal Jo Yong Man has informed Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal about his government’s decision to close the embassy. After the establishment of diplomatic relations on 15 May 1974, North Korea opened its residential embassy in Kathmandu but Nepal did not reciprocate. Before establishing formal diplomatic ties, the two countries had signed a Bilateral Trade Agreement in 1970. 

Rupak Sapkota, Prime Minister’s Foreign Policy Advisor, confirmed that the North Korean ambassador has informed Dahal about the decision. On Monday, the diplomat held a farewell meeting with PM Dahal. The embassy has started its exit process after informing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. According to Sapkota, PM Dahal expressed sadness over the decision and expressed hope that North Korea will reopen its embassy in Nepal soon. According to sources, geopolitical factors and economic recession have caused North Korea to decrease the numbers of embassies abroad.

Before 2019, North Korea had been operating its businesses, including some restaurants in Kathmandu, to generate income for the operation of embassies. The country started shutting down its businesses in Nepal after the UN imposed economic sanctions against it in 2018. 

Last week, the North Korean Foreign Ministry informed Nepal that it was closing down several embassies. “We are carrying out operations to withdraw and establish diplomatic missions in accordance with a changing global environment and national foreign policy,” a North Korean foreign ministry spokesperson said in a statement on Friday, adding that while some embassies would close, others would open. The changes are “part of the regular affairs to promote national interest through external relations,” the spokesperson added.

CPN (Maoist Center) has postponed the Kathmandu-centric demonstration scheduled for November 8.

The Maoist Center said that it had to postpone the demonstration due to the earthquake in Jajarkot and Rukum.

Earlier on November 5, a meeting of the Maoist Center had decided to stage a demonstration in Kathmandu to protect and strengthen the federal democratic republic, national sovereignty and against regression.

At a time when the government's ruling party, the Maoist Center, is being widely criticized for announcing to stage a demonstration in Kathmandu, the party has postponed the program for now citing the earthquake among other reasons.

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) had said that the party leading the government cannot stage the demonstration.