Weekly News Updates For Nepal July 1st week

07/10/2025

Monsoon floods caused by a sudden glacial lake outburst in Tibet triggered a devastating flash flood in Rasuwa district, Nepal, this week. The Bhotekoshi River surged with such force that it swept away the key Friendship Bridge at Rasuwagadi, disrupting Nepal-China trade. At least 9 to 20 people have died, and up to 27 are still missing, including Chinese nationals. Rescue efforts have saved more than 50 individuals, and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli personally visited the affected areas, emphasizing the growing threat of climate disasters in the Himalayan region.

Political tensions have escalated in Kathmandu following a sharp accusation by Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak against Rastriya Swatantra Party leader Rabi Lamichhane. In Parliament, Lekhak alleged that Lamichhane had misused a U.S. visit visa by overstaying and acquiring American citizenship under questionable circumstances. The accusation was a direct attack on Lamichhane’s credibility, suggesting he lacks the moral authority to speak on national ethics and integrity.

Lamichhane, already under fire for his alleged involvement in a cooperative fraud scandal, faces a new wave of scrutiny. Earlier this year, he was convicted and remanded in custody in connection to embezzlement and organized crime charges. While he continues to deny wrongdoing, the visa allegations may further erode public confidence in his leadership, especially as he positions himself as an anti-corruption crusader in Nepali politics.

Meanwhile, a broader visa scandal is shaking the government, with evidence of large-scale misuse of visit visas for illegal overseas employment. Investigations have revealed corruption at Tribhuvan International Airport, where fake documents were allegedly used to traffic workers abroad. This scandal, which surfaced in mid-2025, has raised serious questions about oversight by the Home Ministry—placing Home Minister Lekhak himself under intense public and political pressure.

1. Escalating Toll & Rescue Operations

Flash floods in early July wiped out the “Friendship” (Miteri) Bridge over the Bhotekoshi River at Rasuwagadhi, sweeping away vehicles—including electric ones—cargo containers, and border infrastructure. Official reports vary: 9 confirmed dead with 19 missing  ; other sources report 18–20 missing (). So far, over 150 people have been rescued, many airlifted to Kathmandu  .

2. Infrastructure Devastation

The destruction extends beyond the bridge—Rasuwagadhi dry port, customs yard, local roads (including Pasang Lhamu Highway), and hydropower plants (e.g., Rasuwagadhi project) have all been severely damaged. The resulting collapse of electric infrastructure has disrupted power generation and cut essential communication and trade routes  .

3. Origin & Climate Concerns

Preliminary analysis by climate experts like ICIMOD suggests a glacial lake outburst in Tibet triggered the flash flood—not monsoon rainfall within Nepal  . That illustrates how Himalayan climate change leads to more frequent and unpredictable cross-border glacial lake outburst floods.

4. Critical Response & Ongoing Needs

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak visited Rasuwagadhi, coordinating relief efforts with security forces, while army helicopters continue airlifting stranded residents  . Local reports emphasize the urgent need to restore roads, power, communication, and heavy equipment access. They also call for establishing a real-time cross-border flood warning system with China, as Nepal’s Flood Forecasting Division had no prior warning before the flood struck  .

Lantern Fly

The lantern fly, a brightly colored sap-feeding insect belonging to the family Fulgoridae, is well-known for its distinctive appearance. The most prominent species is the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula). Native to parts of Asia, this insect has become an invasive species in several countries, including the United States, where it poses a significant threat to agriculture and forestry.

Despite its name, the lantern fly does not emit light. The term “lantern” derives from the shape of its head, which was once erroneously believed to glow. Lantern flies are renowned for their striking appearance, characterized by their spotted wings and vibrant red underwings. They primarily feed on the sap of trees and plants, weakening them and leaving behind a sugary residue that facilitates the growth of mold.

Efforts to control their spread encompass public awareness, monitoring, and targeted pesticide application.

The term “lantran fly” does not correspond to any known species or common name of insects in entomology. It is possible that it may be:

1. A typographical error, possibly referring to “lanternfly.”

2. A local or non-standard term, potentially referring to a specific type of fly or insect known by a regional name.

If you intended to refer to “lanternfly,” here are some common types:

1. Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula): Native to China, it has become invasive in the United States and other countries. Recognizable by its black-spotted forewings and bright red hindwings, it poses a substantial threat to agriculture, particularly grapevines and fruit trees.

2. Pyrops candelaria: Found in Southeast Asia, this species is known for its elongated, snout-like projection and vibrant body. It feeds on plant sap, primarily from longan and lychee trees.

3. Pyrops whiteheadi: Native to Borneo and other regions of Asia, this species features bold patterns and a prominent snout. It belongs to the genus Pyrops, which encompasses numerous lanternfly species.

4. Fulgora laternaria (also known as the Peanut-head Lanternfly): Native to Central and South America.

Recognizable for its bulbous, peanut-shaped head and prominent, eye-like wing markings.

Despite its extraterrestrial appearance, it poses no threat to humans. 

Potential Benefits of Lanternflies

Scientific Research

Lanternflies, particularly invasive species such as the spotted lanternfly, offer opportunities for research in the following areas:

- Invasive species dynamics

- Plant-insect interactions

- Pest control strategies

- Ecological impact assessments

- Food source for predators (in certain regions)

In areas where the lanternfly has established itself, native predators (e.g., birds, spiders, and specific insects) may begin to adapt and utilize them as a food source.

Researchers are investigating whether chickens, praying mantises, or fungi like Beauveria bassiana (an insecticidal fungus) can be employed to naturally control their populations.

Public Awareness and Engagement

The widespread dissemination of the spotted lanternfly has heightened public awareness regarding the following aspects:

- The significance of monitoring invasive species

- Quarantine and inspection measures

- The role of ordinary citizens in early detection

Cultural and Artistic Inspiration

Their striking appearance, particularly the vibrant red underwings, has inspired art, design, and educational materials.

Peafowl/Beautiful Bird

 The peacockPeafowl, known for its stunning and colorful plumage, is the male of the species Pavo cristatus, commonly referred to as the Indian or blue peafowl. Native to South Asia, particularly India and Sri Lanka, peacocks are best known for their iridescent tail feathers, which they fan out in a spectacular display to attract mates. These birds belong to the pheasant family and are omnivores, feeding on seeds, insects, small reptiles, and plants. While males are vividly colored, females, called peahens, have more subdued brown and gray tones for camouflage. Peacocks are also significant in various cultures and religions, symbolizing beauty, pride, and immortality.

How long Does Peacock live?

Peacocks typically live 15 to 20 years in the wild.

In captivity, where they are protected from predators and have regular food and medical care, they can live up to 25 years or more.

How many eggs does peahens lay in one nesting period?

Peahen lay 3 to 6 eggs in one clutch.

That takes 27 to 30 days to hatch those eggs. If they get good environments and good food , they can produce up to 10 eggs.

Llama some important fact

 A llama is a domesticated animal native to South America, especially the Andes mountains (in countries like Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Chile). It is a member of the camelid family, which includes camels, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos.

Key Facts about the Llama:

• Scientific Name: Lama glama
• Family: Camelidae (same as camels, but llamas don’t have humps)
• Size: Can grow up to 5.5–6 feet tall and weigh 130–200 kg (290–440 lbs)
• Lifespan: Around 15–25 years
• Diet: Herbivore – eats grass, hay, and grain

Why is lllama beneficial?

• Pack animals: Traditionally used to carry loads across mountains
• Wool production: Llama wool is soft and used to make clothing and textiles
• Guard animals: Sometimes used to guard sheep from predators
• Companionship: Gentle nature makes them popular in farms and petting zoos
• 
  
• Why most American Don’t Eat llama meat

1. Cultural Perception:

• In the U.S., llamas are viewed more like companion or farm animals, similar to horses or alpacas.
• People often use llamas for their wool, as pack animals, or even as therapy animals — not as food.
• Eating llama meat might feel as unusual to Americans as eating horse or dog meat, which is socially unacceptable.

2. Legal and Regulatory Issues:

• Llama meat is not commonly processed or inspected under USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) regulations.
• Without widespread regulation, there’s limited availability and no standardized supply chain for commercial llama meat.
• Selling or distributing exotic meats without proper certification is difficult.

3. Psychological & Emotional Attachment:

• Llamas are often seen in petting zoos, farms, or as friendly animals in media — not as livestock.
• Because of their gentle image, many people feel uncomfortable with the idea of eating them.

4. Lack of Culinary Tradition:

• Unlike countries like Peru or Bolivia, where llama meat has been part of the traditional diet for centuries, the U.S. has no culinary tradition that includes llamas.
• People simply don’t grow up eating or cooking it, so there’s no 
• Economics Points 

• Llamas are more valuable alive than dead in the U.S.
• Their wool, tourism value, and use in agriculture or recreation generate more profit than meat would.

Fun fact about llama

• Llamas look a bit like deer (long legs, long neck, herbivorous), but superficial appearance can be misleading. It’s the genetic and evolutionary story that puts them firmly in the Camelidae family.

Why llama isn’t from Dear family?

• They are completely different evolutionary group.
• Deer have hooves and antlers (on males), and a ruminant stomach designed for digesting plant matter in a specific way.
• Llamas and camels do not have antlers or hooves in the same way — their feet are padded and adapted for terrain, and they have a unique three-chambered stomach, unlike deer.
• There are some similarities between nepali Sherpa people living in high Himalayan and Peru people who live in high Altitude and eat llama meat

More update can be found in page Animal Kingdom

Kade Vyakur

 Endemic Bird in Peril: Nepal’s Kade Vyakur Faces 

Nepal’s only endemic bird, the Kade Vyakur (Spiny Babbler), is facing growing threats to its survival due to rapid urban expansion and habitat destruction in the mid-hill regions of the country.

Once thought to be extinct, the Spiny Babbler was rediscovered in the Kathmandu Valley in the 1940s. Today, it is found in select pockets of dense shrubland and forest edges, including Godavari, Phulchoki, and parts of Pokhara and the Annapurna region. However, conservationists warn that its future is uncertain.

“The bird is shy, elusive, and deeply dependent on specific shrub habitats,” said ornithologist Dr. Ramesh Thapa. “As these areas are cleared for agriculture and housing, the Kade Vyakur is losing its home.”

Known for its unique call and characteristic spiky feathers, the Kade Vyakur has become a symbol of Nepal’s rich biodiversity. Birdwatchers travel from across the world in hopes of catching a glimpse of it during the breeding season, when the males sing openly from bushes and low trees.

Despite its ecological and tourism value, there has been little formal protection for its shrinking habitats. Local birding communities and environmental NGOs are calling for increased awareness and targeted conservation efforts.

“We need to recognize this bird as a national natural treasure,” said Maya Gurung, a conservation campaigner. “Protecting the Kade Vyakur is not just about one species—it’s about preserving an entire ecosystem.”

With increasing pressures on land in the hills and valleys of Nepal, time may be running out for the Kade Vyakur unless immediate steps are taken to protect its natural environment.