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Korea Herald
2 days ago
- Korea Herald
Everest in five days: British team's speed climb triggers Nepal proble
KATHMANDU, Nepal (Kathmandu Post/ANN) — Four former British special forces soldiers have set a startling new precedent on Mount Everest, reaching the summit in under five days without the traditional acclimatisation process. Their rapid ascent of the planet's tallest peak has drawn sharp scrutiny from Nepali authorities, not for the climb itself, but for the controversial use of xenon gas prior to arrival in Nepal. The team, comprising Maj. Garth Miller, Col. Alistair Scott Carns, Anthony James Stazicker and Kevin Francis Godlington, summited the world's highest peak at approximately 7:15 a.m. on Wednesday. Their journey began in London on the afternoon of May 16, with the climbers arriving at Everest Base Camp the following day. By 10:30 p.m. on May 20, they had begun their final summit push. Back home, the team had trained in hypoxic tents and followed a rigorous high-altitude conditioning regime. But what has provoked the current controversy is their reported inhalation of xenon gas, administered two weeks before departure in Europe, intended to reduce the risk of altitude sickness. Himal Gautam, director of the Department of Tourism, who oversees mountaineering expeditions, said the department was not informed of the gas use. "We have launched an investigation into the matter," he said, noting that all climbers and operators must declare the equipment, medications, and substances used during expeditions. Traditionally, climbers take more than a month to summit Everest. They begin their trek in early April and complete multiple rotations between Everest Base Camp and higher camps to acclimatize. These rotations are vital for adapting to the thinning air at high altitudes and skipping them is considered risky. By contrast, the British team completed the entire climb in just five days — a feat that would have been unimaginable in previous decades. While their speed has captivated parts of the global mountaineering community, it has triggered a heated debate in Nepal about safety, ethics and the future of high-altitude climbing. The expedition was organized by the Austria-based Furtenbach Adventures, whose founder, Lukas Furtenbach, insists the team followed all rules. He confirmed that the xenon treatment was administered in Germany and emphasized that only standard supplemental oxygen was used on the mountain. "What happens outside Nepal should not be under the purview of the Nepal government," he said. He defended xenon's use as a modern, medically supervised intervention to prevent altitude sickness and suggested it could make Himalayan expeditions safer. "Our company has a long-standing reputation for safety," Furtenbach said, expressing confidence that the investigation would find no wrongdoing. He also pointed to potential environmental benefits. "Shorter expeditions mean less garbage, lower carbon emissions, and reduced human waste in the fragile alpine ecosystem," he argued. Despite the abbreviated climb, Furtenbach claimed his team employed about 120 local workers and paid them competitively, demonstrating, in his view, that sustainability and economic benefit could go hand in hand. Yet not all stakeholders are convinced. Dambar Parajuli, president of the Expedition Operators Association of Nepal, warned that widespread adoption of such short-duration climbs could upend the economic model on which the Everest industry depends. "Traditional expeditions employ sherpas, porters, guides, and kitchen staff for weeks, sometimes months," he said. "If climbers finish their journey in days, the ripple effect on local employment will be devastating." He urged the government to consider the broader implications of this shift and to ensure that new policies uphold the livelihoods of communities that depend on the Everest economy. Xenon's use further complicates matters. In 2014, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) banned the gas for athletes, citing its potential to enhance performance by stimulating the production of erythropoietin (EPO). This hormone boosts red blood cell production. However, mountaineering does not fall under WADA's purview, and there is no ban on its use for non-competitive climbers. In January, the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA) released a statement on xenon, concluding that it offers no proven performance benefit for altitude climbing. "Although a single dose may cause a short-term spike in EPO levels, there is no evidence that this translates into increased red blood cell count or improved performance," the UIAA said. It emphasized that acclimatisation is a complex physiological process that a single intervention cannot hack. Moreover, the UIAA warned that xenon is a potent anaesthetic, not widely approved for medical use, and carries health risks. "In an unmonitored environment like Everest, side effects such as impaired brain function or respiratory distress could be fatal," the statement said. One study cited by the UIAA reported significant sedation even at doses recommended for mountaineering, posing a potentially serious risk in high-altitude zones where alertness can mean the difference between life and death. Still, Furtenbach dismissed these concerns. He said his company followed ethical and medical guidelines and remained open to cooperation with Nepali authorities. "We are transparent and willing to share our expertise with the government. But there needs to be a better understanding of modern medical science," he said. The Everest "death zone," above 8,000 meters, is one of the most hostile environments on Earth. Oxygen is scarce; even seasoned climbers risk pulmonary or cerebral edema, frostbite, and exhaustion. That such terrain could be tackled in mere days through science and training challenges deeply held beliefs about human endurance and the ethics of high-altitude mountaineering. As Nepal's investigation proceeds, officials face a new dilemma: how to regulate innovation without sacrificing safety, fairness, or the economic sustainability of Everest expeditions.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Karnataka Chitrakala Parishat inaugurates first edition of Namma Art Bengaluru
: The first edition of 'Namma Art Bengaluru,' a national level art fair organised by Karnataka Chitrakala Parishat (CKP) in association with the Department of Tourism, was inaugurated here on Wednesday. 'The objective of the fair is to provide an opportunity to artists of Karnataka and other states. CKP not only shapes artists, but also gives them hope and exposure,' said H.K. Patil, Minister of Tourism, Law and Parliamentary Affairs, who inaugurated the fair. He also remarked that Karnataka is one of the states that gives prominence to handcrafted sculptures, and mentioned that art is to be preserved for the coming generations. Following the inauguration ceremony, the audience were treated to a live painting demonstration by renowned speed painter Vilas Nayak who painted an image of a Yakshagana performer and the UNESCO heritage site, Hampi, within 8 minutes. The visitors said that they liked the collection of art at the fair. More than 100 participants from eight states across the country have displayed their art work at the fair. 'I love to collect art and I see a lot of things here which I will mostly be purchasing,' said Keerthi Patil, a patron at the fair. 'I am excited to be a part of the first Namma Art Bengaluru as this seems to be a promising annual event,' said Aayana Dwivedi, a student who had come to the fair. The five-day fair will conclude on June 1 and is being held at the CKP campus.
The Journal
5 days ago
- Business
- The Journal
Minister backs keeping artists' Basic Income after report finds they feel happier and empowered
ARTS MINISTER PATRICK O'Donovan has backed retaining the Basic Income Scheme for artists. The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media has published a report into the scheme, where artists said the weekly stipend of €325 improved their mental health, made them feel more empowered and gave them much more stability in their life and work. With other benefits cited such as helping to gain artists more sustainable housing, to starting families and establishing pension schemes, the scheme has been loudly welcomed by arts groups. O'Donovan said that the research on a pilot of 2,000 artists shows that the impact of the Basic Income Scheme is 'far-ranging', affecting all aspects of recipients' lives. 'Artists are investing more time and more money into their practice, completing more new artistic output, experiencing reduced anxiety, and are protected from the precariousness of incomes in the sector to a greater degree than those who are not receiving the support,' the Fine Gael minister said. Arts Minister Patrick O'Donovan (centre) pictured with the National Campaign for the Arts steering group Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media The commissioned report collected and analysed the experiences of Basic Income for the Arts recipients. It found that providing a basic income for Ireland's artists has helped to achieve the original aums, by assisting in reducing anxiety around making ends meet while increasing time for recipients to pursue their work. Advertisement This increased time for creative pursuits has resulted in greater artist autonomy and better greater ability to plan and navigate their own creative path. Artists also reported that the scheme 'significantly impacts' feelings of financial uncertainty in their lives. As the pilot ends, it's important to hear from the artists themselves. I am struck by the stories collected in this report. This paper complements my Department's research to date which shows that the BIA payment is having a consistent, positive impact for those in receipt of it. In a statement today, O'Donovan said he had met with the National Campaign for the Arts (NCFA) last week to discuss the income scheme and was aware that there is broad sectoral support for it. Minister O'Donovan added 'I am heartened by the responses of the Basic Income recipients in this paper. This research will add to the evaluation being conducted by my Department, which to date clearly shows that the Basic Income Pilot has been an effective support for the artists in receipt of it. Per the Programme for Government I will evaluate the data from the pilot and then bring proposals to Government about next steps'. The National Campaign for the Arts committee said that it 'emphatically supports' the retention, extension and expansion of Basic Income for the Arts. Calling it a 'transformative policy', the group said it has helped to support artists to 'secure more sustainable housing, address health issues, start families and even establish pension schemes'. The National Campaign for the Arts said that the findings 'affirm what the arts sector has long known', namely, that the 'deep precarity of the arts requires sustained, courageous support—support that not only transforms the lives of artists, but also strengthens the society they help to shape'. The paper published today found that artists felt an importance of 'giving back' to their community and that the scheme had helped them to work on more projects within their locality. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Namma ART BENGALURU to be held in CKP from May 28
The Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath (CKP) in collaboration with the Department of Tourism will host the first edition of Namma ART BENGALURU, a national art fair from May 28 to June 1 on the CKP campus in the city. B. L. Shankar, the president of CKP, said that 100 early-career and mid-career artists from eight States will be participating in the fair. The fair will also have a special exhibition featuring works by senior artists, including S.G. Vasudev, Rekha Rodwittiya, and K.S. Kulkarni, among others. There will also be several ancillary programmes including demonstrations by professional artists, lectures, forum discussions, performance art and live demonstration of rapid art. The registration fee for setting up a stall is ₹25,000. The organisers said that Namma ART BENGALURU will curate a unique ecosystem tailored to promote artistic exchange visibility and growth for professionals in visual arts. 'We are stressing on value more than price,' Harish Padmanabha, an avid art collector, part of the festival stated. The art fair will be open from 10.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m. from May 29 to June 1. Registration The on-site registration for participants will commence from May 27 evening onwards. Parking facilities will be available in Sevadal grounds, Kumara Krupa and Crescent Road.
New Indian Express
6 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Vidhana Soudha opens doors to public for guided tours from June 1
BENGALURU: For the first time, the public will get a guided tour of Karnataka's iconic seat of power — the Vidhana Soudha. Starting June 1, visitors can explore the grandeur of the State's legislative building by paying an entry fee of Rs 50. However, students up to Class 10 or under the age of 15 will get free entry, but registration is mandatory. Visitors can tour the building on all Sundays, as well as on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month, as part of the initiative by the Department of Tourism, Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) in coordination with Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speakers Office (KLASO) and others. Approximately 300 visitors will be allowed per day, divided into slots of 30 participants each. The guided tour, in Kannada and English, will begin at 8am and go on till 5pm. However, carrying and using single-use plastic items is strictly banned within the complex premises. Tickets for the guided tour that covers a distance of 1.5km are available at The organisers informed that the tour will not operate on days when the Legislative Assembly or Legislative Council is in session, or when security advisories are in place. Inaugurating the guided tour on Sunday, Speaker UT Khader called the initiative unique, where the citizens can immerse themselves in the rich legacy of the state's democratic heritage. Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK Patil said, 'Vidhana Soudha is the very heart of our democracy. By opening its halls and corridors for guided walks, we are giving the public a chance to witness history, architecture and governance.' The visitors will also need to carry a physical copy of their original Aadhaar card, while students will need a valid school ID along with Aadhaar. Foreigners should produce their original passports for verification. 'Kengal Hanumanthaiah, the architect of the majestic Vidhana Soudha, wanted to build something that reflected Indian identity — a building with Indian composition which did not carry the colonial imprint,' said tourist guide Septhar.
