Author: space4knews

Iranian officials have warned the United States and Gulf countries about the potential for a new conflict. Mohammad Mokhber, advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader, referenced Iranian attacks on US military bases in the Gulf region, stating, “Our recent retaliatory strike on US Central Command’s base was highly restrained, but such restraint will not always be maintained.” He added, “Iran has regarded these nations as friends and brothers for years, but they have sold their independence and handed over their countries and homes to the enemies of Palestine and Iran.”

Noor News, a media outlet affiliated with the Secretariat of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, cited a senior military official who wished to remain anonymous, stating that if Iran faces another attack, “locations that were not targeted during the 40-day war will now be prioritized.” Earlier, The New York Times quoted two anonymous Middle East officials indicating that the US and Israel are likely preparing for renewed attacks on Iran.

These preparations by the US and Israel have been described as the most extensive military readiness associated with a possible ceasefire. US Defense Secretary informed members of Congress this week that the Pentagon has plans for various scenarios, including restarting conflict if necessary and subsequent troop withdrawal. According to The New York Times, US officials said one option considered during former President Donald Trump’s tenure was a massive bombing of Iran’s military bases and infrastructure.

Another potential course of action involves a ground operation to remove Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles. These supplies were damaged by bombings of nuclear facilities during the war twelve years ago, which is a key consideration. As Trump’s visit to China and discussions with President Xi Jinping yielded no decisive outcome on the Iran conflict or reopening the Strait of Hormuz, speculation about possible US-Israeli military actions has increased.

Before departing for China last Tuesday, Trump warned that without an agreement, the US would be “devastated” by Iran. On the preceding Monday, he described the ceasefire with Iran as fragile. Following these remarks, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf declared that the Iranian armed forces are “ready to respond to any attack from the other side.” “Poor strategies and decisions always lead to negative consequences. We are prepared for every option and will surprise them,” he tweeted on social media platform X.

Iran’s official news agency IRNA reported that Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi arrived in Tehran “without prior notice.” According to BBC Persian, citing sources from IRNA, Naqvi arrived only a few hours ago and is scheduled to meet with several Iranian officials. Pakistan has played a mediatory role in ongoing ceasefire talks between Iran and the United States. Recently, senior Iranian and US officials held peace negotiations in Islamabad; however, these talks have yet to yield definitive results.

Due to escalating differences, second-phase negotiations between Iran and the US have not taken place. A month ago, the Pakistani Interior Minister visited Iran alongside Iranian Army Chief Asim Munir. Regarding talks with European countries, Iranian state television reported that European nations are negotiating with Iran to obtain permission for their vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz. According to BBC Persian, Iranian TV networks have broadcast analysis on this topic, noting, “Given that ships are arriving from East Asian countries—especially China, Japan, and Pakistan—European countries have also initiated discussions with the IRGC to secure passage permissions.” The identities of these European countries have not been disclosed.

Since the outbreak of war with the US and Israel on February 28, Iran has effectively closed off this vital waterway. Controlled by Iran, the Strait of Hormuz has had a significant impact on global oil and gas markets. Approximately one-fifth of the world’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas exports pass through this route. In addition, essential goods are also transported via this strategic maritime passage.

In the eastern Ituri province of Congo, the Ebola virus has led to the deaths of 80 individuals, with 246 suspected cases identified. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared Ebola a global health emergency, although it has not formally been classified as a pandemic. A case of Ebola has also been reported in Uganda, prompting Kenya to enforce strict monitoring at all entry points. Dated May 17, Kathmandu.

According to Congo’s Health Minister Samuel-Roger Kambaka, the initial infection is suspected to have been in a nurse who passed away on April 24. Laboratory tests have so far confirmed eight cases of the ‘Bundibugyo’ strain of Ebola. The disease is currently spreading in the Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongwalu areas of Ituri province. Ebola was first identified in Congo in 1976, and this marks the country’s 17th outbreak.

Experts have noted that this outbreak involves the ‘Bundibugyo’ strain, whereas most previous cases in Congo involved the ‘Zaire’ strain. Since most vaccines and treatments have been developed for the Zaire strain, the emergence of this new strain has raised concerns among officials. Residents of Bunia, the provincial capital of Ituri, have reported an atmosphere of fear amidst the outbreak.

Due to the risk of cross-border spread, neighboring Uganda, which shares a border with Congo, has reported one Ebola case. The infected patient died in a hospital in Kampala on May 14. Uganda has not yet confirmed local transmission of the virus. The Africa CDC has indicated a high risk of the disease spreading further in Uganda and South Sudan.

May 16, Rolpa – A rare red panda has been spotted in Rolpa. The elusive red panda, also known as the “rato habre,” was found in the Jailbang forest within the Jaljala area. The red panda is considered one of the world’s rarest wildlife species. Tourism entrepreneur and wildlife photographer Balkuram Pun captured moments of the red panda playing in the forest with his camera. “I had a unique encounter with the red panda and was able to photograph and video it playing,” he said.

After spotting the red panda in the forest last Friday, Pun was able to observe it closely. “I had been aware that red pandas inhabit this area. I had a stationary encounter of about 38 seconds with the panda,” he shared. The area where the red panda was found is located at an altitude of approximately 3,000 meters above sea level and contains Himalayan bamboo and chuyang, which are the panda’s main food sources.

The Jaljala area and surrounding regions in Rolpa, under Lumbini Province, offer a favorable habitat for red pandas. This species was first recorded in Rolpa in 2015. The Red Panda Network has been conducting surveys in the high hilly zones of the Jaljala region, including villages like Jailbang, Thabang, Uwa, and eastern Rukum, searching for signs of red pandas. Locals have called on the government to prioritize the conservation and promotion of red pandas in the area.

After reviewing recent reports, it is evident that Nepal has experienced unusually frequent rainfall, hailstorms, and snowfall during the pre-monsoon period, from Chaitra to Baisakh, resulting in an abnormally cool climate. The active western disturbance system has caused rainfall to be three times higher than usual during this phase, with cumulative precipitation reaching 230 millimeters by the end of Baisakh. Meteorologists forecast that the upcoming monsoon season may bring less rain and higher temperatures due to El Niño effects, urging people to stay alert. Kathmandu, 3 Jestha. Normally, the months from Chaitra to Baisakh in Nepal mark the peak of hot weather. However, this year’s conditions have been different, characterized by persistent rainfall and a sensation of cold, despite it being the warmer period of the year. The unusual experience of wearing jackets during what should be warm days is attributed to continuous precipitation. To understand why the rain persisted, one must consider atmospheric patterns extending to the ocean. Experts explain that the current increase in rainfall is linked to heightened activity of the pre-monsoon seasonal system, spanning mid-February to mid-May. Generally, this period is warm, but this year has seen repeated episodes of rain, hail, and snow through Baisakh, alongside occasional thunderstorms and strong winds in some areas. Meteorologists predict such weather may continue into Jestha.

Rainfall during this period primarily results from three factors: active western disturbances, local atmospheric conditions, and moisture-laden winds arriving from the Bay of Bengal. Western disturbances are air systems that move eastward from the Mediterranean region through Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan into South Asia, carrying cool, moisture-rich air that causes rain and snowfall in Nepal’s Himalayan areas. Sometimes, these systems also bring hail and storms. Madan Sigdel, Associate Professor at Tribhuvan University’s Central Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, notes that the active western disturbances since the end of winter have led to snowfall and hail during this pre-monsoon phase. Explaining the frequent rainfall and cold sensations experienced during Chaitra to Baisakh, Sigdel says, “The greater post-winter activity of the western disturbances, combined with the recycling of local air and moisture, has increased rainfall.”

Meteorologist Ujjwal Upadhyay adds that a large cyclone (hurricane) in the Philippine Sea has generated an atmospheric system that has caused widespread rain from Indonesia and Sri Lanka to Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Nepal. The influence of western disturbances is expected to bring further rains in Nepal through Jestha. Dr. Vinod Pokharel, also an Associate Professor at Tribhuvan University’s department, confirms that some rainfall can still occur during the first few days of Jestha. The presence of clouds and rainfall has blocked sunlight from fully warming the Earth’s surface, contributing to the perception of cold weather. Nepal has observed cloudy weather with intermittent rainfall during the daytime and clear skies at night, allowing temperatures to drop sharply. According to meteorologists, thick clouds and storms during periods when solar radiation is normally at its peak have prevented surface warming, while clear night skies have accelerated temperature decreases, causing notable cold during mornings and nights even in Chaitra-Baisakh.

Rainfall Totals in the Pre-Monsoon Period
The pre-monsoon phase, spanning from the end of winter to before the monsoon onset, typically receives between 200 and 230 millimeters of rain throughout Nepal from mid-February to mid-May, with regional variations. Usually, Kathmandu gets about 100 millimeters of rainfall during this time, but by the end of Baisakh this year, it has received 230 millimeters, roughly three times the average. As rainfall is predicted to continue into Jestha, the total precipitation during this pre-monsoon period is expected to rise further. Presenting Kathmandu’s data, Upadhyay states, “Based on records of the last 45 years, the average rainfall in Baisakh and Jestha months should be around 100 millimeters, but 230 millimeters have already fallen by Baisakh 25, with more days of Baisakh remaining, meaning rainfall could reach triple the norm.” Historical data from 1981 to 2025 shows significant fluctuations in pre-monsoon precipitation. Ashok Bakhrel, a meteorologist, highlights that the highest pre-monsoon rainfall occurred in 1990 at 332.31 millimeters, followed by 322.85 millimeters in 2000, 317.9 millimeters in 2021, and 315.59 millimeters in 2020. In 2025, 274.21 millimeters were recorded. On the other hand, the lowest amounts were 138.01 millimeters in 1992, 141.56 millimeters in 1996, 154.91 millimeters in 2014, and 162.42 millimeters in 1995. Bakhrel notes that these figures indicate considerable variability in pre-monsoon rainfall. He also points out that eastern Nepal typically receives more than twice the pre-monsoon precipitation compared to western Nepal, with averages of 133.7 millimeters in the west, 250.9 in the central region, and 291.3 in the east. The main cause is believed to be moisture-bearing winds from the Bay of Bengal interacting with the Himalayan terrain.

Benefits and Challenges of Pre-Monsoon Rainfall
Normally, western disturbances bring precipitation and snowfall to the Himalayas and surrounding hills from Chaitra to Baisakh. Rain during the pre-monsoon period impacts agriculture, water availability, forest fires, and disaster risk management. This period coincides with the preparation of maize cultivation and rice transplantation, thus rain during this time is critically important for farmers. Experts say that continuous rainfall and temperature drops have immediately provided relief from heat and reduced forest fire occurrences. However, the sustained rainfall has also presented difficulties. Farmers have faced problems harvesting crops like wheat and lentils, while in some eastern Terai districts, farmers have struggled to prepare fields for growing mung beans and jute due to persistent rain, according to Rameshwar Rimal, Technical Officer at Nepal Agricultural Research Council’s National Agricultural Environment Research Centre. Hail and storms have damaged maize, banana, fruits, and vegetable crops. Excessive rainfall during Baisakh-Jestha increases the risk of soil saturation, heightening the possibility of landslides and floods during the coming monsoon season. Although meteorologists cannot definitively link pre-monsoon activity levels to monsoon rainfall intensity, global systems such as Pacific Ocean temperatures, Indian Ocean conditions, and jet streams are known to influence monsoon patterns in Nepal.

Currently, the Pacific Ocean temperature is higher than average, indicating El Niño conditions, while the Indian Ocean temperature remains neutral. The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology forecasts below-average rainfall and above-normal heat during the monsoon season this year. According to meteorologist Sudarshan Humagain, although some areas of Nepal may receive average rainfall, most places are expected to have below-normal precipitation. The variability and sensitivity of the weather have increased, with instances of no rain during rainy periods, excessive rainfall in some regions, and drought in others. Last year, drought conditions during the monsoon led to the declaration of drought-affected zones in the Madhesh region, and eastern Nepal suffered significant damage due to heavy rain and landslides well beyond the monsoon period. Meena Kumar Aryal, senior expert at the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, advises caution because similar unpredictable conditions could recur this year: “Even after the monsoon starts, there might be dry spells and localized heavy rainfall, which can cause damage, so vigilance is essential.”

Meteorologist Dr. Vinod Pokharel describes this year’s El Niño as “particularly alarming,” warning of potential droughts in South Asia. In a Facebook post, he wrote, “Seasonal forecasts for the next six months indicate this situation may intensify problems. El Niño can trigger drought in South Asia.” Experts have linked rainfall unpredictability and instability to climate change, recommending climate adaptation planning. Madan Sigdel notes that recent weather events demonstrate that Nepal’s weather system is becoming more uncertain and sensitive. While some attribute these changes to climate change, Sigdel emphasizes the importance of first confirming climate change impacts and then adjusting traditional perceptions and strategies accordingly to develop appropriate programs.

May 17, Dhangadhi – A child has died by drowning in a river in Kailali. According to police, a 9-year-old boy named Shusil Bam, son of local Bhadra Bam, drowned in the Kandra River located in Bhakal-10, Ghodaghodi Municipality. He went missing while bathing in the river on Saturday afternoon. The Nepal Police deployed a team from the Pahlamanpur Police Post to search for him. The police rescued him from the river and took him to Nisarga Hospital in Dhangadhi for treatment. However, doctors pronounced him dead upon examination. Police have stated that they are conducting the necessary investigation into the incident.

The Rastriya Swatantra Party has announced a plan to create 1.2 million new jobs within five years, aiming to reduce forced migration. According to a study by the Anthropology Department of Tribhuvan University, 35 ethnic groups face a lack of daily 24-hour work and irregular employment. The government, through the fiscal year 2078/084 policy and program, intends to promote employment by revising industrial policies and implementing remote work policies. Before the recent general election, the Rastriya Swatantra Party released a one-page Citizens’ Charter divided into three parts: priorities, current status, and goals. The third point under priorities is titled “Work, Work, Work.” The current status highlights “informal, low-wage jobs and high unemployment; daily migration of over 3,300 youths,” while the goal is to reduce forced migration and create 1.2 million formal, respected, safe, and inclusive new jobs. Priority sectors include IT, construction, tourism, agriculture, minerals, industry, and service trade. The charter states, “Should you grant us a clear majority and we fail to deliver the charter’s commitments within five years, we will face consequences in the upcoming elections.”

In 2022, the Anthropology Department of Tribhuvan University, in collaboration with the East-West Center in Hawaii and Purdue University (USA), conducted an extensive study titled “How do 35 ethnic groups of Nepal allocate their 24 hours?” The research, called “State of Social Inclusion: A Study of Time Allocation,” was an advanced version of a 2012 study on social inclusion in Nepal. Selected ethnic groups from various economic and social strata of Bagmati and Madhesh provinces were included, comprising groups such as Brahmins, Newars, Gurungs, Tamangs, and Musahars from the Himalayas to the Terai-Madhesh regions. The project encompassed interviews, thematic discussions, and daily activity data collection among individuals in seven Madhesh villages from diverse ethnic backgrounds, also analyzing monthly, quarterly, and annual conditions.

Readers can clearly see from this data that the lack of daily work is pervasive. At the local level, farmers engage in work such as wage labor or sharecropping for limited hours, yet these jobs tend to be irregular and seasonal. The condition in Musahar settlements was particularly striking, with many individuals experiencing a lack of regular employment and spending extended periods unemployed. The demand for the government to provide adequate employment was commonly heard. These circumstances highlight the need to increase working opportunities both in rural and urban areas. The Rastriya Swatantra Party’s plan to create 1.2 million new jobs over five years equates to approximately 240,000 jobs annually. Every year, approximately 500,000 workers enter the labor market nationwide, but not all secure employment. Daily, 3,300 youths migrate abroad, totaling roughly 1.1 million annually. These figures reveal a significant gap between labor market demand and supply in Nepal.

The government will face the challenge of expanding the labor market and assessing whether the jobs created will effectively control inflation. Relying solely on public employment cannot meet full demand, making broad private sector cooperation essential. The government must improve management to retain educated youths within the country. Providing degree-appropriate jobs for educated youth remains a challenge. Urban-centered job opportunities have led to resource concentration in cities and depopulation of villages. Due to unbalanced development, villages have slowed down. To redistribute and balance the population, it is necessary to design policies and programs that generate village-centered employment. This approach could reduce urban congestion while revitalizing rural areas. If basic services and opportunities expand in villages, people may prefer to remain there, reducing unnecessary migration to cities.

The government recently formulated a strategy to address the issues of legal landlords and squatters, which may positively impact social harmony. Communities including Musahars, Kayasths, and Muskans anticipate concrete government initiatives to secure homes and employment. Domestic job creation should be pursued as an alternative to foreign employment to encourage youth to stay in their villages. Inspired by China’s population redistribution policy—transferring residents from the eastern coastal region to western areas with significant investment in roads, transportation, electricity, education, health, and agriculture, thereby motivating youth participation—Nepal requires similar programs to promote rural entrepreneurship through dedicated policy, planning, and investment.

Although start-up business development is still in its early stages nationally, significant variations exist in policies and programs. The government’s role is crucial in ensuring necessary support to both qualified and aspiring entrepreneurs. The policies and programs presented for fiscal year 2078/084 prioritize employment-related issues, including industrial policy revision, establishing a national enterprise promotion facility, preparing new employment policies, skills development, social security, and integrating employment service systems. The government will legally regulate remote work and certify the skills of returning youth at an international level. Declaring this decade as the Employment Promotion Decade, plans have been made to transform cities along the Mid-Hill Highway into new economic hubs.

In conclusion, the Rastriya Swatantra Party’s announcement to create 1.2 million jobs over five years, while ambitious at first glance, appears modest compared to Nepal’s extensive employment demands. Today’s youth are leaving the country daily in search of jobs. In such a context, employment expansion across all dimensions is essential. Since employment stimulates further job creation, the government faces pressure to transform its promises into reality. Leadership by a unique government, a young prime minister, and a reputed economist minister is expected to positively influence the upcoming budget and implementation. Following budget presentation, specialized structures will be established, and clear implementation roadmaps defined as per policy programs. The remote work policy has garnered special interest, and success will be evaluated based on government progress in developing skilled human resources. The government has significant work ahead aligned with actual employment needs and must fulfill promises while respecting public opinion.

May 16, Kathmandu – Nepal Rastra Bank has determined the foreign currency exchange rates for today (Sunday). According to the rates set by the central bank, the US Dollar and Euro remain stable. The buying rate for the US Dollar is set at NPR 153.25, while the selling rate is NPR 153.85. The European Euro’s buying rate is NPR 178.38, and the selling rate is NPR 179.08.

The British Pound Sterling is priced with a buying rate of NPR 204.95 and a selling rate of NPR 205.75. The Swiss Franc’s buying rate is NPR 195.12, with a selling rate of NPR 195.89. The Australian Dollar’s buying rate is NPR 109.73 and the selling rate NPR 110.16; the Canadian Dollar’s buying rate is NPR 111.47 and selling rate NPR 111.91; and the Singapore Dollar’s buying rate stands at NPR 119.81 with a selling rate of NPR 120.28.

The Japanese Yen (per 10 units) buying rate is NPR 9.67, with a selling rate of NPR 9.71. The Chinese Yuan is valued at NPR 22.50 for buying and NPR 22.59 for selling. Saudi Arabian Riyal’s buying rate is NPR 40.84 and selling rate NPR 41.00, while the Qatari Riyal’s buying rate is NPR 42.04 and selling rate NPR 42.21.

According to Nepal Rastra Bank, the Thai Baht’s buying rate is NPR 4.70 with a selling rate of NPR 4.72; UAE Dirham’s buying rate is NPR 41.73 and selling rate NPR 41.89; Malaysian Ringgit buys at NPR 38.79 and sells at NPR 38.94. The South Korean Won (per 100 units) has a buying rate of NPR 10.23 and selling rate of NPR 10.27. The Swedish Krona’s buying rate stands at NPR 16.26 and selling at NPR 16.32; Danish Kroner with a buying rate of NPR 23.87 and selling rate NPR 23.96.

Additional rates include: The Hong Kong Dollar buying rate at NPR 19.57 and selling at NPR 19.65; Kuwaiti Dinar priced at NPR 500.24 for buying and NPR 502.20 for selling; Bahraini Dinar buying rate NPR 406.34, selling NPR 407.93; and Omani Riyal at NPR 398.05 for buying and NPR 399.61 for selling. The Indian Rupee for 100 units is set at a buying rate of NPR 160.00 and a selling rate of NPR 160.15.

Nepal Rastra Bank has advised that these exchange rates are subject to revision at any time based on necessity. Commercial banks might offer different rates, and updated exchange rates will be available on the central bank’s official website.

May 16, Humla – With the onset of the rainy season, the number of Indian religious tourists arriving in Simkot for the Mansarovar Kailash pilgrimage has significantly increased. Since the season began, pilgrims have been traveling from Nepalgunj by air to the district headquarters, Simkot, and then onward through Hilsa to visit Mansarovar Kailash in China. In just four days, 169 pilgrims have arrived in Simkot.

Mahendra Singh, the head of Simkot Airport, reported that since April 13, a total of 147 Indian pilgrims and 22 from other countries have reached Simkot. Despite challenging weather conditions, Summit Air operated three flights on Saturday alone, bringing 47 pilgrims to Simkot. Of these, 23 individuals lacked the permit required for the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage and therefore had to stay in Simkot. As per the cabinet decision on March 4 and the public holidays on Saturday and Sunday, these 23 Indian pilgrims are residing in Simkot due to the absence of necessary permits.

Since the resumption of pilgrim arrivals for the Mansarovar Kailash pilgrimage, the four-day statistics indicate an upward trend. After the 2015 earthquake (Bikram Sambat 2072), Indian tourists began arriving through the Hilsa border. However, the COVID-19 pandemic led to the closure of the Hilsa border, halting tourist movement. From last year onward, China permitted Indian pilgrims to travel to Mansarovar Kailash via the Hilsa border, resulting in approximately 6,500 Indian pilgrims completing the religious journey in four months of last year. This year, the first pilgrims arrived in Simkot on April 13.

2 Jestha, Kathmandu – Former acting president of the Nepali Congress, Purn Bahadur Khadka, has stated that Gagan Thapa has not been able to become the full president of the Nepali Congress. He made these remarks during a public forum on Saturday in Surkhet, Karnali Province, held under the theme “Nepali Congress Greater Unity and Future Direction.”

Leader Khadka also revealed that he had advised President Thapa, who came to meet him, to become the overall party president. However, he commented that Thapa still remains only the president of the Sanepa faction. Reflecting on a recent meeting with Thapa and Vice President Bishwprakash Sharma, Khadka said, “The party is on the verge of division, and I told them that I do not want to be part of that path. But it is your responsibility to either unite or split the party.”

He further mentioned that after winning the court case, they recognized Thapa as president. Khadka also commented on the party’s defeat in elections, which limited the Nepali Congress to only 38 seats, attributing the poor result to the special general convention. “The special general convention restricted Congress to 38 seats, allowing Rastriya Swatantra Party to approach a two-thirds majority. Had it not been for that, the country’s situation would have been entirely different,” he said.

Scientists have discovered that microscopic particles found in the human gut play a significant role in triggering inflammation and various chronic diseases associated with aging. A study conducted at the Marsel University John C. Edwards School of Medicine has further clarified the relationship between digestive health, metabolism, immune resilience, and aging.

The research focused on tiny particles called ‘luminal exosomes’ present within the gut. These exosomes are microscopic vesicles that cells use to transport proteins and genetic material, facilitating communication with other parts of the body.

According to a report published in the journal Ageing Cell, exosomes extracted from the gut of aged or elderly organisms contained markers linked to insulin resistance, inflammation, and damage to the gut’s protective barrier (the gut barrier). In experimental trials, when exosomes from aged organisms were introduced into younger ones, the young exhibited metabolic and inflammation-related problems typically seen in the elderly.

However, the study’s most remarkable finding emerged from the reverse experiment: administering exosomes collected from young organisms to aged individuals led to a marked reduction in many age-related metabolic issues.

This suggests a strong potential for maintaining gut internal health to prevent or lessen the impacts of age-related diseases. The study highlighted that when the gut’s protective barrier weakens, harmful substances can easily enter the bloodstream, causing chronic inflammation. This inflammation significantly increases risks of metabolic conditions such as heart disease, liver disorders, and diabetes.

Professor Abdellnabi Khalifa, lead author of the research, stated that the study confirms how increasing physiological stress linked to biological aging accelerates the disease process. Understanding this mechanism could pave the way for developing novel, effective therapies to combat age-associated diseases in the future.

This breakthrough holds the promise of slowing biological aging, protecting against chronic diseases, and ultimately promoting healthier and longer lives.

A monk from Kathmandu, Dhamisaro, who went missing during the Mardi mountain trek, was found dead in a ravine near the upper viewpoint of Mardi. Due to difficult geographical conditions, a helicopter was requested for body recovery, but when the helicopter did not arrive, the team returned to the high camp. The monk had gone to the viewpoint to observe the scenery for some time and went missing, prompting a search by security personnel and locals.

May 16, Kaski — A tourist who had been missing since April 13 from the ‘viewpoint’ of Mardi mountain was found dead today. The missing individual has been confirmed as Dhamisaro, a monk from Sangharam Buddha Vihar in Kathmandu. Rajkumar Tamang, chairman of the Mardi Trek Management Committee, informed that during a search by security forces and local tourism entrepreneurs, the body was found in a large mountain ravine near the upper viewpoint of Mardi mountain.

According to him, after seeing some clothes on the snow, the rescue team used these as a reference point and discovered the garments far down the cliff, taking about three hours to reach the location. Chairman Tamang stated that due to difficult terrain, it is not possible to recover the body on foot. “Given the challenging geography, it is impossible for personnel to carry the body up. We have informed the administration, police, and rural municipality for helicopter rescue assistance. After waiting four hours without the helicopter’s arrival, we returned to the high camp,” he added.

The monk had stayed overnight at the local camp in Mardi and reached the viewpoint at 4,200 meters above sea level the following day. He had placed his bag at ‘Tisp’ and left saying he would go for some time to observe the surrounding scenery. He did not return by evening, and locals began searching for him the next day. After two days of unsuccessful search efforts, security personnel arrived on Saturday, initiating a renewed search along with local residents.