Fourteen people have died in a road accident near Rayavaram in Markapuram district of Andhra Pradesh, India.
The accident involved a private bus and a truck colliding and catching fire, injuring many passengers.
Prime Minister Modi announced compensation of 200,000 rupees for the families of the deceased and 50,000 rupees for the injured.
Kathmandu – A tragic road accident near Rayavaram in Markapuram district, Andhra Pradesh, India, has claimed the lives of 14 people.
The collision occurred on Thursday morning near a local tile factory, where a private bus and a truck collided, leading to both vehicles catching fire.
According to Harshavardhan Raju, DSP of Markapuram, all 14 fatalities were passengers aboard the bus.
Reports indicate that numerous other passengers sustained injuries in the accident. Both the bus and truck were severely damaged and burnt in the crash.
Expressing his condolences, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced financial assistance of ₹200,000 to each bereaved family and ₹50,000 to those injured in the incident.
Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) MP Gyanbahadur Shahi stated that a reduced opposition will not hinder playing a constructive role.
He affirmed his readiness to support the rule of law under the country’s new leadership.
Shahi emphasized, “We welcome good governance and remain vigilant against corruption.”
March 26, Kathmandu – Newly elected Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Member of Parliament Gyanbahadur Shahi expressed confidence that despite a reduced number of opposition members, it will not be a problem to play a constructive role.
He made these remarks while speaking to journalists at the Parliament building in Singha Durbar, following his oath-taking as an MP.
Shahi highlighted that the country has acquired new leadership and stated his willingness to support the rule of law accordingly.
“The country has been given new leadership. We will work in accordance with the role we must play to uphold the rule of law,” he said. “We welcome good governance and remain alert to combat corruption.”
Over time, the demand for artificial jewelry, costume jewelry, or imitation jewelry has increased significantly. Its affordability and wide variety of attractive designs make it popular among many. People wear jewelry that matches their outfits to enhance their look. However, a major issue is that these pieces tend to tarnish and turn black over time, losing their shine and appearing old.
If your favorite jewelry has also dulled, there’s no need to worry because you can restore its shine and make it look new again using simple household materials. These methods are easy, inexpensive, and effective. Since artificial jewelry may contain plastic, paint, or glue, it should be cleaned carefully. Testing on a small area first is advisable.
1. Baking Soda and Water
Baking soda is commonly available in every household and is very effective at removing tarnish. Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with half a cup of water to make a thick paste. Apply this paste to the blackened areas of the jewelry.
Use a soft toothbrush or brush to gently scrub in circular motions; avoid scrubbing too hard to prevent damaging any paint or plating. After 2–3 minutes, rinse thoroughly with clean water. Dry completely with a cotton or microfiber cloth. This method effectively removes light tarnish and restores the jewelry’s shine.
2. Vinegar and Salt
Vinegar’s acidic properties help remove dirt and tarnish. Mix 1 tablespoon of white vinegar and half a tablespoon of salt in one cup of warm water. Soak the jewelry for 5–10 minutes, but do not soak longer. After soaking, gently scrub with a soft brush, rinse well with clean water, and dry with a cotton cloth. If your jewelry has colored paint or stones, use vinegar sparingly, as it can fade colors.
3. Lemon Juice
The natural acid in lemon juice revitalizes the shine of artificial jewelry. Extract fresh lemon juice and apply it directly onto the jewelry, or dilute equal parts lemon juice and water and soak the jewelry for 5–10 minutes. Then gently scrub with a soft brush, rinse with clean water, and dry thoroughly. This method instantly brightens the jewelry but should not be used for extended soaking due to its acidity.
4. Toothpaste
Apply a small amount of non-gel white toothpaste on the jewelry. Gently rub with a soft toothbrush, especially in crevices. After 1–2 minutes, rinse thoroughly and dry with a cotton cloth. This technique is suitable for regular cleaning.
Additional Effective Tips and Precautions
Safe Initial Step: Soak all jewelry for 5–10 minutes in warm water with a mild dishwashing liquid, then brush gently. This approach won’t harm any type of jewelry.
Aluminum Foil Trick: If tarnish is heavy, mix baking soda, salt, and warm water, place the jewelry on aluminum foil, and soak for 5 minutes. This speeds up tarnish removal.
Daily Care: Always apply perfume, lotion, or cream and let them dry before wearing jewelry. Wipe jewelry with a microfiber cloth after use. Avoid exposure to water or sweat.
Precautions:
Do not soak in acidic substances (like vinegar or lemon) for more than 10 minutes. Use fewer chemicals on jewelry with glued stones or plastic components. Always dry fully after cleaning to prevent re-tarnishing.
For expensive or special pieces, it’s best to consult a jeweler.
By regularly applying these household methods, such jewelry can remain bright and attractive for a long time. You can maintain your favorite pieces economically and if one method doesn’t work well, try another.
12 Chaitra, Kathmandu – The report by the Gauribahadur Karki Commission, established to investigate the protest on 23rd and 24th Bhadra, reveals a contradictory recommendation of both disciplinary action and an award for the same individual.
During the protest, AIG Siddhivikram Shah, who was working in the Operations Department of the Police Headquarters (now the Police Academy), has been recommended for both punishment and recognition.
On page 689 of the commission’s report, it is stated that AIG Shah should be awarded.
The report states, “On 24th Bhadra, during the attack on the Police Headquarters near Bhattabhetni in Tongal and the Hilton Hotel in Nakla, AIG Shah, as the head of the Operations Department, played a leading role by preventing the attackers from entering the main gate, successfully securing the Police Headquarters. Therefore, the Police Headquarters should award him.”
However, the commission also recommended disciplinary action against AIG Shah. On page 725, under the disciplinary recommendations section, AIG Shah’s name appears as recommended for departmental disciplinary measures.
The report cites Article 9, clause (4) of the Police Act 2012 and Rule 109 of the Police Regulations, stating that disciplinary action is required due to shortcomings in duty performance.
March 25, Kathmandu – Senior leader of the Nepali Congress, Dr. Prakashsharan Mahat, has stated that active participation from members at all levels is crucial to maintaining unity within the party. He made these remarks the day after the party’s central working committee approved the schedule for the 15th general convention. “Members holding responsibilities within the party must create an environment conducive to unity, especially during particularly challenging times,” he emphasized.
March 26, Kathmandu – The Central Committee of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is scheduled to convene today.
The meeting will be held at 4 PM this afternoon at the party’s central office in Bansthali.
The agenda includes discussions on selecting the parliamentary party leader, according to the RSP. Following the Central Committee’s decision, the party’s parliamentary group is set to choose Balen as their leader.
The newly elected members of parliament will take their oath of office today. The Central Committee meeting has been convened subsequent to the oath-taking ceremony.
Once the parliamentary party leader is selected in today’s meeting, Balen is expected to be appointed Prime Minister on Friday. The date for his oath-taking as Prime Minister has already been finalized.
Prior to the election, the RSP had already declared senior leader Balen as their prime ministerial candidate. The agreement between the party and Balen also stipulated appointing him as the future Prime Minister.
March 26, Panchthar – In this eastern hilly district, Chaite rice has been transplanted earlier this year compared to previous years. Most of the fields around Hokmakhola, Fidim-2, have been planted with Chaite rice.
According to local farmer Upendra Aryal, rice transplanting typically started after March 29 in the east, but this year it has been completed in many places much earlier. “We transplant after the seeds sown in January sprout. We have been farming here for many years. This time, the heat has been more intense. Unlike before, the seeds sprouted quickly, probably due to the increased warmth,” he explained.
Chandrakumari Shrestha, encountered in the fields, also noted that rice was transplanted sooner this year. “We face significant water scarcity here. When the soil is warmer, seeds sprout sooner, which might be a reason,” she said.
Recent rainfall has facilitated easier cultivation of Chaite rice. The rice is mainly grown in the Aul area, where there is a tradition of producing rice twice a year. Rice cultivation occurs only where sufficient irrigation is available.
Keshar Bahadur Magarati, Crop Protection Officer at the Agricultural Knowledge Center in Panchthar, confirmed that rice transplanting began a few weeks earlier this year. “Transplanting started as early as the first week of Chaitra,” he said. According to him, Chaite rice farming is practiced in Fidim Municipality, Phalgunanda, Kummayak, Hilihang, and Miklajung regions. “Last year, Chaite rice farming decreased in Panchthar due to damage and erosion to irrigation canals and fields, but with the canal restored this time, rice cultivation is expected to increase,” he added.
Last year, Chaite rice was cultivated over an area of 2,136 hectares.
March 25, Siraha – Hiradevi Mahara had lived in darkness for five years due to untreated cataracts. Financial constraints had prevented her from seeking medical care.
Her world was shrouded in darkness because of the cataract condition. However, during the first week of Chaitra, she was able to attend an extensive free eye camp organized by the municipality. Expert doctors conducted a thorough eye examination.
Following the examination, surgery was deemed necessary and successfully performed. Hiradevi expressed with joy, “Now I can see clearly,” adding that she found it hard to believe such services were available within her own municipality.
Similarly, Shivakumari Sah, approximately 60 years old from Mirchaiya-6, was unable to undergo treatment earlier due to financial difficulties. Smiling, she said, “The poor often lack the means and are worn down by ill health, but receiving free services here has brought a new light into my life.”
Ramshankar Yadav from Mirchaiya-1 and local Sumitradevi Yadav also regained their vision after receiving eye treatments at the same camp.
Mayor Shravan Kumar Yadav of Mirchaiya Municipality informed that, in collaboration with Tilganga Eye Hospital in Kathmandu, 312 patients underwent cataract surgery at the camp. He emphasized that all services—from vision testing and cataract screening to eyewear examinations—were provided completely free of charge.
According to Dr. Basudev Adhikari, cataract surgery typically costs between NPR 28,000 to 30,000 at hospitals, but each operation here was offered at just NPR 14,000, inclusive of medication, examinations, and transportation.
Mayor Yadav explained that upon learning about elderly members of Dalit and disadvantaged families with vision problems unable to afford treatment, the municipality partnered with Tilganga Eye Hospital to organize this camp.
Health Branch Chief Rajan Kumar Sah reported that from March 16 to 22, screening camps were held across all wards and at Mirchaiya Hospital, treating a total of 4,550 individuals’ eyes, with 312 cataract surgeries successfully completed.
March 26, Kathmandu — A jury in California, USA, has found social media platforms Meta and YouTube guilty of intentionally fostering addiction in a young woman, causing damage to her mental health.
Meta and YouTube were ruled to have failed in warning users about the risks of their platforms, resulting in serious harm to the user.
According to CNN, the case was filed by a 20-year-old woman from California, referred to by the pseudonym ‘Kelly,’ and her mother. They had sued Meta, YouTube, TikTok, and Snap Inc. The lawsuit alleged that these companies attracted Kelly from childhood, fostering an addiction that led to anxiety, body dissatisfaction, and suicidal thoughts. Prior to the trial, reports indicate that TikTok and Snap reached settlements in the case.
The jury ordered Meta and YouTube to pay a combined total of $3 million in damages — $2.1 million from Meta and $900,000 from YouTube. The jury assigned 70 percent of the responsibility to Meta and 30 percent to YouTube, according to CNN.
After a seven-week trial and more than eight days of deliberation, the jury reached its verdict. In court, Kelly testified that her social media addiction still affects her daily life; she feels compelled to secretly use her phone even during work hours and spends hours editing her appearance using filters.
Preparation for Appeal
Both Meta and YouTube have expressed disagreement with the ruling and announced their intention to appeal. Meta argued that adolescent mental health is a complex issue that cannot be attributed to a single app. YouTube stated that it is a responsibly designed platform.
CNN notes that this is the first time among approximately 1,500 similar lawsuits filed against social media companies that a case has gone to a full trial. The verdict is expected to guide the outcomes of future cases. Continued losses in such litigation could force these companies to pay billions in damages and implement significant platform reforms.
Previously, a jury in New Mexico also found Meta liable for failing to protect children from sexual predators.
Experts suggest this decision may represent a ‘turning point’ in the history of social media. Parents and advocacy groups have long called for stricter regulations to ensure children’s safety. Following this ruling, pressure is expected to increase on the U.S. Congress to enact stronger child protection laws.
March 26, Kathmandu – The dates for US President Donald Trump’s visit to China have been finalized. Trump is scheduled to visit China on May 14 and 15, corresponding to the Nepali calendar dates of Baishakh 31 and Jestha 1, 2083.
During this visit, US President Trump is set to hold talks with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping. This long-awaited meeting will take place in Beijing on May 14 and 15, according to information released by the White House on Wednesday, as reported by Reuters.
The China visit, initially expected at the end of March or early April, has been postponed by nearly six weeks. Trump had indicated that due to ongoing conflict with Iran, the talks would be delayed by about a month.
Trump Describes Meeting with Xi as ‘Important and Historic’
Following a press conference on Wednesday, Trump conveyed via the social media platform Truth Social that the US delegation is making final preparations for the ‘historic’ trip. He expressed confidence that his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping would be both ‘important and historic.’
According to the Trump administration, the military conflict initiated by the US and Israel against Iran on February 28 may continue for several more weeks.
When questioned about this, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the war with Iran is expected to last between four to six weeks, and President Trump’s China visit schedule was adjusted accordingly.
Meanwhile, during his visit to China, Trump is also expected to invite President Xi to visit the United States.
According to White House Press Secretary Leavitt, President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will invite Chinese President Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan to visit Washington, D.C. later this year. The exact dates for this visit will be determined in the future.
United States President Donald Trump has stated that Iran is willing to engage in peaceful negotiations and desires to end the war that began last month between Israel and the US. However, Iran has categorically denied this claim. On Wednesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated that although the US has sent messages with various proposals, no talks have taken place. Araqchi described Washington’s mention of negotiations as an admission of defeat and warned that they should no longer demand unconditional surrender. He added that Tehran wants the war to end on its own terms, which include assurances that the US and Israel will not launch further attacks and full compensation for the damages suffered by Iranians.
Emphasizing that Iran is engaging in talks, Trump said, “They are afraid to admit it because they fear they could be killed by their own people.” He further remarked, “They fear they could also be killed by us.” On Wednesday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reported that President Trump has been involved in “productive talks” with Iran over the past three days. She described US actions as “ahead of schedule” and said the Iranian government is searching for a “way back.” However, these statements sharply contrast with those of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, who said, “There are currently no plans for negotiations” and that the country remains focused on its “security.”
Discrepancies are also evident regarding proposals to end the war. On Wednesday, reports indicated that Iran had received a 15-point plan from the US aiming at establishing a ceasefire. Citing a senior political-security official in Tehran, state-run Press TV outlined five conditions to end the war, including payment for war damages and compensation and a comprehensive ceasefire on all fronts. Despite these efforts, clashes between the two sides continue. Following Iranian missile strikes, smoke was seen rising from an Israeli energy facility, and air defense system alarms were heard in Tehran.
The United States is deploying thousands of troops to the Gulf region, with nearly 2,000 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division ordered to move there.
Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that if a neighboring country assists enemies in seizing any Iranian island, Iran will launch an attack on that country.
Iran has claimed it is prepared to allow Yemen’s Houthi rebels to play a role in controlling the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait if necessary.
March 25, Kathmandu – As reports continue about efforts to end the ongoing tensions with Iran, the United States has sent thousands of troops to the Gulf region. Iran suspects that the deployment of American troops toward the Gulf states may be aimed at seizing one of its islands.
On Wednesday, Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf issued a warning that if any neighboring country assists “enemies” in seizing an Iranian island, Iran will retaliate with an attack on that country.
“The Iranian military is closely monitoring hostile activities. If they take any action, we will continuously and strongly attack the critical infrastructure of that regional country,” Ghalibaf stated on social media in separate posts.
However, he did not specify the country’s name. Some analysts believe Ghalibaf’s warning could be aimed at the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Al Jazeera noted, “Some interpret that he may be signaling the UAE, which could assist the U.S. in seizing Kharg Island.”
US Focus on Kharg Island
According to Al Jazeera, the U.S. has its sights set on Kharg Island. Kharg is a small, open island close to Iran’s mainland, considered strategically and commercially important.
Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency quoted an anonymous military source saying that if military action occurs on Iranian islands or other areas, Iran could open a new front of battle at the gateway to the Red Sea.
U.S. media reported that the Pentagon is deploying “thousands of air and sea troops” to the Gulf region.
Reports indicate that approximately 2,000 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division have been ordered to move to the Gulf.
The 82nd Airborne Division is one of the fastest deployable U.S. military units, specially trained to parachute into designated locations. It is commonly known as the “Paratrooper Force.”
Two U.S. Marine units have already been deployed. The first platoon of the marine units embarked on large ships is expected to reach its destination within days.
If the U.S. military presence does indeed establish itself on Kharg Island as suspected, it could pose a threat to the Bab-el-Mandeb maritime route.
Where is Bab-el-Mandeb and Why Is It Sensitive?
The Bab-el-Mandeb Strait is a critical maritime passage between Africa and Asia. It connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. To one side lies Yemen (Asia), and to the other side Djibouti and Eritrea (Africa). It links the route toward the Mediterranean Sea through the Suez Canal. A significant volume of goods transits between Asia and Europe via this passage.
This route is particularly crucial for transporting oil and gas.
A large portion of the world’s oil and gas passes through this route. Analysts warn that any disruption here could impact global oil and gas supplies and cause price hikes worldwide.
For the U.S., Europe, and Middle Eastern countries, this is also a militarily sensitive area. Increased tensions could disrupt maritime traffic. If this route is blocked, ships would have to navigate around the southern tip of Africa, substantially increasing travel time and costs.
Tasnim news agency cited sources claiming that if necessary, Iran-backed Yemeni Houthi rebels are ready to play a role in controlling the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait.
The Karnali Provincial Government has appointed Ravindra Chand as Member Secretary of the Karnali Province Sports Development Council.
The Provincial Cabinet decided on Thursday to appoint him to the Member Secretary position.
A selection committee conducted interviews on January 17 and recommended three candidates.
Surkhet – The Karnali Provincial Government has appointed Ravindra Chand as the Member Secretary of the Karnali Provincial Sports Development Council.
The Provincial Cabinet meeting held Thursday morning decided to appoint him to the Member Secretary post.
Earlier, the Member Secretary Selection Committee conducted interviews on January 17 and recommended three candidates. The recommended candidates were Ravindra Chand, Deepak Hamal, and Pramod Hamal.
In the committee’s evaluation, Ravindra Chand scored the highest with 67.17 points, followed by Deepak Hamal with 60.63 points and Pramod Hamal with 52.37 points.
Initially, 21 applicants applied for the Member Secretary position, out of which 10 were shortlisted for the interview. Based on the interview and evaluation, the top three candidates’ names were recommended to the Cabinet. Among them, Chand was appointed as Member Secretary, according to Vinod Kumar Shah, spokesperson for the Karnali Provincial Government and Minister for Land Management, Agriculture, and Cooperatives.
Pramod Hamal Appointed as Vice Chairperson
Similarly, Pramod Hamal from Birendranagar Municipality-5, Surkhet, has been appointed as Vice Chairperson.
Members appointed by the Karnali Provincial Government include Pangkha Bahadur Malla from Khandachakra-7 of Kalikot, Bhim Kumari Bhusal from Birendranagar Municipality-3, Surkhet, Gorkha Bahadur Shahi from Chankheli Rural Municipality-4, Humla, Pawan Kumar Thapa from Dullu Municipality-8, Dailekh, and Kiran Kishor Sapkota from Birendranagar Municipality-4, Surkhet.
March 25, Syangja — A total of 4,275 students from Syangja are set to participate in this year’s Secondary Education Examination (SEE).
According to the Education Development and Coordination Unit of Syangja, 3,221 students will appear in the regular category, while 1,054 students will take the exam under the grade improvement category.
The examinations will commence on Chaitra 19 (April 1). Notably, this year, the number of male students surpasses that of female students. Of the total, 2,174 are male students, while 2,101 are female, indicating 73 more males than females.
In the technical stream, 116 students from six schools across the district will take the SEE exam. Additionally, 16 students from the Sanskrit and Vedic education streams are preparing to sit for the examination.
Across the district’s 11 local levels, 21 examination centers have been designated. Each center will be overseen by the principal or vice-principal of the respective school designated as the chief examiner.
Chief of the Education Development and Coordination Unit Syangja, Bishwaraj Acharya, stated that preparations for the exam have been accelerated. Meetings with center chiefs, monitoring visits, and orientation programs are currently underway. Answer booklets have already been delivered to remote centers, with distribution to remaining centers progressing steadily.
Syangja’s Walung Municipality hosts the highest number of centers, with five, followed by Putalibazar Municipality, which has three centers. Both Bhirkot, Galyang, and Chapakot Municipalities have two centers each, as does Kaligandaki Rural Municipality. All other rural municipalities have been assigned one center each.
Compared to last year, both the number of students and examination centers have decreased. Last year, 4,992 students participated, marking a reduction of 717 students this year. Consequently, the number of examination centers has been reduced from 25 to 21.
According to the office, centers with fewer than the minimum required number of students were closed. This year, Tribhuvan Adarsha Secondary School in Putalibazar has the highest number of students among community schools, while Pioneer Secondary School in Walung has the highest attendance among institutional schools.
As conflict continues with Iran, concerns over the safety of Nepali workers in Israel are rising at home, while those on the ground share mixed experiences with the BBC.
Most Nepali caregivers report little concern about security, whereas workers in the agricultural sector express some unease.
They describe their daily routines during attacks, including entering bunkers or shelters when alerted, leaving them, and continuing work as usual.
Since the end of February, following a joint attack by the United States and Israel on Iran, Tehran has been launching strikes on Israeli cities.
Nonetheless, Nepali workers continue to lead relatively normal daily lives without shortages or increase in prices of essential goods.
Caregivers Display Calm Amid Conflict
Image source, Ramesh Duwadi
Matrika Timalsina from Lalitpur, who has worked as a caregiver in Israel for nearly 19 years, recently returned from a visit to Nepal.
After completing two months of leave, she rejoined her office and expresses little concern about the ongoing war in the Middle East.
“Work continues. As soon as air raid sirens sound, people head to bunkers. Afterwards, they return to work. Everything is proceeding as usual,” she told the BBC by phone.
According to her, work has not stopped even during the conflict. “Daily life is running normally. There has been no major physical damage in my area,” she added.
During Iran-Israel conflict periods, the time to reach a bunker in Gaza used to be three to four minutes, now extended to five to ten, she stated.
“There is sufficient time to reach the shelter,” Timalsina explains. However, because Iran is firing missiles from farther distances, more time is required to reach Israel, resulting in longer defensive warning periods.
She has received alerts on her phone four times in the last 48 hours. The frequency of warnings varies by geographic location.
Areas with more Iranian attacks, including both military and urban zones, receive more warnings.
Adequate Shelter Access Ensured
Ali Mohammad from Gorkha has been working as a caregiver in Israel for eight years.
If the current fighting ceases, he plans to visit Nepal for Eid al-Adha festivities.
There was a previous conflict lasting about one and a half weeks between Iran and Israel, but this time, he feels more apprehensive.
“It’s a bit frightening when outdoors, and there’s some fear. But my family in Nepal is more worried,” Ali told the BBC.
He reassured about Israel’s security arrangements, saying: “Security measures remain active; we go to bunkers and return to work when the danger passes. So far, everyone is safe.”
Private Israeli residences and public places also have bunkers or shelters, accessible to anyone when necessary, Ali explained.
Image source, Matrika Timalsina
Neetu Prefers Not to Return Quickly
Neetu Khatri from Kathmandu has been working as a caregiver in Israel for 16 years.
She started working there even before the ‘G-to-G’ agreement between Nepal and Israel.
During the current conflict, her family has expressed worry, which she shared on the phone.
“My sisters ask me to return to Nepal. My son messages, worried if I am offline for seven hours, asking ‘What happened?’ even when I have just woken up,” Khatri said.
“There is no need to worry about security; just staying in the shelter is enough. I don’t want to leave immediately; I wish to stay longer as the situation improves,” she added.
She said that in the shelters or bunkers, people from Israel and other countries stay together with no discrimination felt.
Concerns Among Agricultural Workers
Although caregivers appear reassuring regarding safety, Nepali workers in agriculture feel comparatively more anxious.
Rajan Duwadi, 38, from Dhading, has been working at a chicken farm in Tiberias, Israel for two years.
He said the current conflict with Iran feels different and has caused mental stress.
“It’s very different from before. The mental stress is constant. The fear of sirens never leaves,” he told the BBC.
Since farms are far from urban centers, it is difficult for them to enter bunkers immediately when attacks occur.
“We think we are safe working in agriculture, but if targeted, we would be very vulnerable,” he said.
He mentioned that they follow a routine of working in the fields and rushing to bunkers when sirens sound.
“The siren sounds loudly, and notifications arrive on mobile phones as well.”
According to Duwadi, around 200 Nepali workers are employed under the ‘Learn and Earn’ program, and another 500 work in agriculture in Israel.
Image source, Harisharan Bajgain
Reassuring Family Through Video Calls
Harisharan Bajgain from Kavrepalanchok is currently in Israel working in fruit picking. He told the BBC, “It’s raining so I haven’t gone to the farm today. I will go once the rain stops.”
He stated that daily routines are relatively normal despite the ongoing conflict.
“People working and locals also think this is the normal situation here,” he said.
Bajgain reported feeling less personal concern than his relatives in Nepal.
“When going out to market, I video call my family to show them everything and reassure them,” he added.
However, working on farms has its difficulties, especially during attacks above cities, though farmers remain somewhat protected, he explained.
Strong Supply Chain Maintained
Despite the ongoing war, Nepali workers report no shortage or price hike of consumer goods in Israel.
“All goods are available as usual,” said Timalsina.
Khatri shared that sometimes she even finds discounts on some items. “Many goods haven’t increased in price, and in some cases, there are discounts,” she mentioned.
Duwadi also expressed confidence in the stable supply system: “It’s reassuring that the supply chain is strong, with no shortages and stable prices.”
With good job opportunities and services, many Nepalis are reluctant to return home. Minimum salaries exceed NPR 300,000, along with other benefits.
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