Latest news with #Kathmandu
New York Times
2 days ago
- Automotive
- New York Times
The Country Where 76% of Cars Sold Are Electric
The narrow streets of Kathmandu — sized for pedestrians and rickshaws — are choked with engines. Buses, motorbikes, small trucks and taxis fill the sprawling valley with horns and exhaust. For its more than three million residents, just getting around is a dangerous, eye-stinging ordeal. But recently, a new kind of motor has started to ease the crush. Sleek electric vehicles glide by with a quiet hum. Gleaming showrooms do a brisk business in the latest models, and charging stations on the highways have turned into rest stops with cafes for drivers to pass the time. The transition is moving quickly. Over the past year, electric vehicles accounted for 76 percent of all passenger vehicles and half of the light commercial vehicles sold in Nepal. Five years ago, that number was essentially zero. The E.V. market share in Nepal is now behind only those of a few countries, including Norway, Singapore and Ethiopia. The average for all countries was 20 percent in 2024. The swift turnover is the result of government policies aimed at leveraging Nepal's wealth of hydropower, easing dependence on imported fossil fuels and clearing the smog. It has been fed by an intense push from Nepal's biggest neighbor, China, the world's dominant manufacturer of battery-powered vehicles. 'For us, using electric vehicles is a comparative advantage,' said Mahesh Bhattarai, the director general of Nepal's Department of Customs. 'It's good for us. In the global market, the Chinese E.V.s are expanding. The same is happening in Nepal.' China's Neighbors Are Quickly Adopting Electric Vehicles Cheap, imported battery-powered cars are taking over some markets in East Asia, while others lag behind. Nepal data represents imports, and is delineated by years starting and ending in July. Source: Segment Y By The New York Times Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Bikaji Foods forms joint venture with Chaudhary Group for Nepal expansion
India's Bikaji Foods International (BFIL) has entered a snacks joint venture in Nepal with local conglomerate Chaudhary Group (CG). "The joint venture marks Bikaji's commitment to strengthening its brand presence in the Nepalese food market and a significant milestone in its international growth strategy," the company said in a stock exchange filing today (24 July). BFIL added the partnership will focus on the manufacturing, trading and marketing of its snacks and sweets products in Nepal, including bhujia, namkeen and papads. The joint venture will be equally owned by BFIL and CG Foods in a partnership that 'unites Bikaji's legacy in ethnic snacks' with Chaudhary Group's 'extensive market expertise to elevate Nepal's overall FMCG landscape". Both parties will build a manufacturing facility in Nepal to ensure consumers get to 'experience premium and authentic ethnic snacks and sweets with minimal turnaround time'. Nepal's FMCG sector is now worth over a billion dollars and is seeing double-digit growth of around 20% annually, BFIL said, citing the Investment Board Nepal. Deepak Agarwal, the managing director of BFIL, said: 'This joint venture marks a pivotal milestone in Bikaji's global growth journey and promotes our strong conviction in Nepal's potential as a key strategic market. 'With CG Group's strong market leadership and deep local insights, we are confident in our ability to deliver high quality, affordable products that resonate with the consumers in Nepal.' Agarwal added: 'Beyond commerce, this partnership seeks to create enduring value - empowering communities, fortifying supply chains and enhancing Nepal's food ecosystem.' Varun Chaudhary, a director of CG Foods, said: 'This collaboration reaffirms our commitment to bringing world-class food innovation to Nepal, while expanding and strengthening our local capabilities. 'Our joint venture with Bikaji is not just about product excellence - it's about creating long-term value for Nepal, from generating employment to strengthening supply chains, this partnership has the potential to accelerate Nepal's food sector and set new benchmarks in quality and accessibility." BFIL has also been active in deal-making closer to home. The company took a majority stake last year in Hazelnut Factory Food Products, a local café and artisanal sweets business. It also took a 55% share of Indian peer Ariba Foods, which produces mixed vegetables, vegetarian and non-vegetarian burgers, paratha and roti breads. And in 2023, BFIL purchased a 49% stake in Indian snacks maker and start-up Bhujialalji. "Bikaji Foods forms joint venture with Chaudhary Group for Nepal expansion" was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Experts issue warning over worsening crisis threatening food security around the globe: 'A threat to humanity'
Experts issue warning over worsening crisis threatening food security around the globe: 'A threat to humanity' One of the biggest consequences of rising global temperatures is the impact they have on food security. Across the globe, rising temperatures are threatening agricultural production, causing experts to sound the alarm, as was the case at a recent gathering held in Kathmandu, Nepal. What's happening? Key stakeholders at the Sagarmatha Sambaad forum in May discussed the challenges of Earth's overheating, underscoring the reality of food and water insecurity. According to reporting by Republica, one of the topics discussed was the current water crisis, which Dr. Mark Smith, executive director of the International Water Management Institute, said poses a "serious threat to the long-term sustainability for future generations but also to equality." "Scientists have considered this a threat to humanity," Smith added. With extreme weather — such as intense droughts and increasingly powerful storms — destroying crops and driving food prices up, vulnerable areas are grappling with climate-driven poverty and starvation. Leaders from around the world emphasized the need to take action and develop solutions to address all aspects of the current crisis. Why is global food insecurity important? Rising global temperatures are taking a serious toll on farmers trying to make a living and yield successful harvests. With intense droughts and more powerful storms ruining crops, farmers have increased their prices, which in turn makes everyday necessities less affordable and accessible. Global food insecurity not only threatens public health but also human rights. As vulnerable communities suffer from the consequences of extreme weather, they lose access to safe and nutritious food and water supplies. What's being done about climate-driven food insecurity? World leaders and organizations are advocating for climate-driven solutions to combat food insecurity and water shortages. However, these conversations are just the beginning. Experts have indicated that more steps need to be taken to practically tackle these global challenges on a larger scale. As Republica reported, Dr. Usha Jha, a former member of Nepal's National Planning Commission, warned at the forum that hunger and poverty could rise if precautions aren't taken. Do you worry about how much food you throw away? Definitely Sometimes Not really Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Ken Shimizu, the Food and Agriculture Organization Country Representative for Nepal and Bhutan, raised another important point of discussion, noting how the climate crisis has brought on numerous socioeconomic challenges. "It is a further challenge to ease access to necessary financing, technology, and support," Shimizu said, per Republica. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Solve the daily Crossword
Times of Oman
18-07-2025
- General
- Times of Oman
Kathmandu plane crash: Probe blames Saurya Airlines tragedy on cargo shift, speed errors and oversight lapses
Kathmandu: An investigation into the July 24, 2024, Saurya Airlines crash in Nepal's Kathmandu has revealed multiple technical and manual lapses as the primary causes of the tragic incident that claimed 18 lives, leaving only the pilot alive. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Commission (AAIC) released its final report on Friday, citing several critical lapses in weight and balance management, incorrect takeoff speeds, and regulatory oversight failures as key contributing factors to the crash of the Bombardier CRJ-200 aircraft (registration 9N-AME). One of the major findings was that the aircraft's cargo was likely not secured according to guidelines, which may have shifted during takeoff. The AAIC also pointed out that the takeoff speeds (V-speeds) entered and used by the crew did not match official reference speeds from the aircraft's Quick Reference Handbook (QRH), raising the risk of aerodynamic instability as one of the reasons for the fatal crash. The Commission also attributed the pitch rate during takeoff, which reached an abnormal 8.6° per second, nearly triple the aircraft's safe limit of 3°/s, as the third reason contributing to the accident. In addition, the commission also flagged the lack of regulatory oversight in approving the ferry flight without verifying compliance with safety protocols. The Pokhara-bound aircraft, which had been grounded for 34 days prior to the crash and was scheduled for base maintenance in Pokhara, had undergone short-term storage procedures multiple times and had its return-to-service check completed on the morning of the accident. "While the aircraft had a valid airworthiness certificate, its maintenance records showed time extensions and short-term preparations rather than a long-term, thorough maintenance regime," the report states. The pilot-in-command had over 6,000 hours of total flight time and nearly 5,000 on the CRJ-200, with valid licenses and recent rest. The first officer was less experienced, with around 1,800 total flight hours. There was also a supernumerary (S/N) engineer on board. Despite the apparent fitness of the crew and aircraft, crucial oversights in weight documentation, speed settings, and preflight planning may have compromised the safety of the flight. The ill-fated aircraft, bound for Pokhara, was carrying 19 individuals and 600 kg of baggage. The total takeoff weight was 18,132 kg, and the centre of gravity (CG) was at 20 per cent of the MAC (Mean Aerodynamic Chord) with a stabiliser trim set to 6. The report also has highlighted that the cargo loading protocols are insufficient. Investigators found that cargo and baggage may not have been properly secured with straps or nets, as required by the airline's own Ground Handling Manual. Shifting loads during takeoff can significantly impact balance and control, especially in a rear-heavy configuration. "The incorrect stabiliser setting or unbalanced CG may have contributed to the rapid pitch-up, causing a stall or loss of control," the report states. The AAIC also identified non-compliance with standard loading procedures as a key safety violation, emphasising that such oversights are unacceptable even in ferry or non-revenue flights. Along with the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), the oversight body of the aviation regulatory body of the Himalayan nation lacks oversight. Saurya Airlines obtained ferry flight approval for this non-revenue flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. However, investigators found that the flight permission process was inadequately followed. "The required documentation, including full compliance with CAAN's 2015 Flight Permission Manual, was incomplete or missing. This regulatory lapse enabled a flight to proceed without proper checks on critical safety elements like load distribution and updated speed charts," it states. In its report, the AAIC has recommended that CAAN (Civil Aviation Authority) urgently review and revise procedures for ferry and non-scheduled flights to ensure such incidents do not recur. The Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) were successfully recovered and analysed in Singapore, with oversight from Nepal's AAIC and international observers from Canada, the USA, and the FAA. "The data showed that the aircraft's engines functioned normally during the event. However, a dangerously high pitch rate, peaking at 8.6° per second, was recorded during rotation, far exceeding safe limits," the AAIC report states. "The CVR recorded multiple stick shaker activations, indicating stall warnings. The aircraft also exhibited erratic roll movements: right, then left, and again right. Despite the pilot-in-command's attempts to correct the aircraft's attitude using control wheel inputs, the instability continued until impact," it adds further. Three interim safety recommendations have been issued further by the AAIC, where it has mentioned, "all airline operators in Nepal must immediately review their speed cards and Reduced Takeoff Weight (RTOW) charts to ensure accuracy and conformity with the aircraft manuals." Also, the strict compliance with cargo and baggage handling procedures is mandated for all the operating airlines, where "every piece of baggage or cargo must be weighed, correctly distributed, and securely fastened using nets or straps." Along with the regulatory body, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal must revise and improve its procedures for granting flight permissions, especially for non-scheduled and ferry flights. On July 24, 2024, the Saurya Airlines Bombardier CRJ 200 aircraft (registration 9N-AME) crashed shortly after takeoff at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu. The aircraft was on a ferry flight to Pokhara for scheduled maintenance, carrying 19 airline personnel, including pilots and engineers. Within seconds of liftoff from runway 02 at around 11:11 AM local time, the plane veered sharply right and crashed near runway 20, erupting in flames. Rescue teams, including firefighters, police, and army personnel, responded swiftly, extinguishing the fire and recovering the bodies, later sent for autopsy. The crash prompted a temporary shutdown of TIA, disrupting domestic and international flights. The government-formed investigation committee submitted its report following the Saurya Airlines Bombardier CRJ-200 crash that occurred on July 24, 2024. The five-member commission was established immediately after the accident during an emergency Cabinet meeting to determine the causes of the crash. It was led by Ratish Chandra Lal Suman, the former Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN). The other members were Captain Dipu Jwarchan, Professors Kuldip Bhattarai and Sanjay Adhikari from Pulchowk Engineering Campus, and Mukesh Dangol, an Air Traffic Control Officer at CAAN. The committee completed its investigation and submitted the report, providing detailed findings on the circumstances and factors that led to the tragic accident, which claimed 18 lives.
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Incorrect speed record card caused 2024 Nepal plane crash, panel says
By Gopal Sharma KATHMANDU (Reuters) -A passenger plane crash in Nepal last year that killed 18 people was caused by faulty information about the aircraft's takeoff speed in the flight documentation, a report issued on Friday by a government-appointed investigation panel said. A CRJ-200LR aircraft, owned by Nepal's Saurya Airlines, crashed shortly after taking off from the capital Kathmandu in July last year, killing all 17 passengers and the co-pilot. Only the captain survived. The crash was caused by a "deep stall during take-off because of abnormally rapid pitch rate commanded at a lower-than-optimal rotation speed", the report submitted to the government said. Aviation expert Nagendra Prasad Ghimire told Reuters the aircraft made a premature takeoff before gaining the necessary speed. The report said errors in a speed card - a document that provides important airspeed information for a specific aircraft, particularly during takeoff, climb and landing - had gone unnoticed and the airline had failed to address previous cases of a high pitch rate - the rate at which an aircraft's nose rotates up or down - during take-off. It said there had been gross negligence and non-compliance by the operator during the entire process of cargo and baggage handling. It recommended all operators review their speed cards and comply with the requirements of cargo and baggage handling. The panel also asked the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) to review the procedure for permitting non-scheduled flights. CAAN spokesman Babu Ram Paudel declined comment, saying he had not seen the report. Saurya Airlines will do "everything necessary" to implement the recommendations, operation manager Bivechan Khanal crash focused attention on the poor air safety record of landlocked Nepal, which is heavily dependent on air connectivity. In 2013 the European Union, citing safety concerns, banned air carriers certified in Nepal from flying the European sky. Solve the daily Crossword
