Kathmandu: NASA astronaut Don Pettit, the oldest American currently serving in space, returned to Earth on Sunday — the day he turned 70 — after completing a 220-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS).



Pettit landed alongside Russian cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin and Ivan Vagner in Kazakhstan's steppe at 06:20 local time (01:20 GMT), aboard the parachute-assisted Soyuz MS-26 capsule, according to NASA.



During the mission, the trio orbited the Earth 3,520 times. It was Pettit’s fourth journey into space, bringing his total time spent off-planet to 590 days.



Although Pettit is now the oldest serving U.S. astronaut to have flown in space, he is not the oldest person to do so — that title remains with John Glenn, who flew aboard a NASA mission in 1998 at age 77.



The crew handed command of the ISS to Japanese astronaut Takuya Onishi before departure. Pettit, originally from Oregon, will now undergo re-adaptation to Earth’s gravity before returning to Houston, Texas. His Russian colleagues will be transferred to Star City, Russia’s main space training base near Moscow.



Last month, another NASA mission made headlines when astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams returned to Earth after an unexpectedly extended stay of more than nine months on the ISS due to technical delays.



Source: BBC

NASA’s oldest active astronaut Don Pettit returns to earth on 70th birthday

Kathmandu: Three genetically engineered wolf pups resembling the extinct dire wolf have been born and are now living in a secure, undisclosed location in the United States, according to Colossal Biosciences, a biotech firm working to revive lost species. The pups, aged three to six months, are already around 80 pounds and are expected to grow to nearly 140 pounds in adulthood.



As reported by the Associated Press (AP), the project is part of Colossal's broader efforts to recreate animals that resemble extinct species by using advanced genetic techniques. While the company claims these wolves bear physical similarities to dire wolves — large prehistoric predators that vanished over 10,000 years ago — independent scientists say this does not signal the true return of the species.



“You can’t actually bring back an extinct species — all you can do now is make something look superficially like something else,” said Vincent Lynch, a biologist at the University at Buffalo, who was not involved in the project.



Colossal researchers studied ancient DNA from dire wolf fossils, including a 13,000-year-old tooth from Ohio and a 72,000-year-old skull fragment from Idaho. Using CRISPR gene editing, they altered gray wolf cells at 20 genetic sites before implanting the engineered DNA into dog egg cells. The embryos were carried to term by domestic dog surrogates.



Despite the physical resemblance, the genetically engineered wolves lack the lived experience of hunting in the wild. “They’ll never learn the finishing move to take down a giant elk,” noted Matt James, Colossal’s chief animal care expert.



In a parallel development, Colossal also announced it had successfully cloned four red wolves using blood drawn from the critically endangered red wolf population in the southeastern U.S. The effort aims to expand genetic diversity within captive breeding programs.



Wildlife ethicists remain cautiously optimistic. University of Montana conservation expert Christopher Preston noted that while the new cloning process may be less invasive than past methods, it still involves sedating wild wolves — a difficult and risky procedure.



Colossal CEO Ben Lamm said the company recently met with U.S. Interior Department officials to discuss the project. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum praised the development on X (formerly Twitter), calling it a “thrilling new era of scientific wonder.” However, skeptics like Lynch warn that whatever ecological role dire wolves once played cannot simply be reinserted into today’s altered ecosystems.



Source: AP

Genetically engineered ‘Dire Wolves’ born in U.S.

Kathmadu: More than 40 percent of the world’s electricity was generated from clean energy sources in 2024, the highest share since the 1940s, according to a new report by the global energy think tank Ember. However, global carbon dioxide emissions rose to an all-time high, driven by increased electricity demand during an unusually hot year.



The BBC, citing Ember’s findings, reported that 40.9% of global electricity came from non-fossil sources last year, including solar, wind, hydro, and nuclear energy. Despite this progress, total emissions climbed to 14.6 billion tonnes in 2024 — the highest level on record.



The rise in emissions was largely attributed to a 4% increase in global electricity demand, fueled in part by soaring temperatures and the resulting surge in air conditioning use. This pushed the use of coal and gas up by 1.4%, with fossil fuels still accounting for more than half of global electricity production — 34% from coal and 22% from gas.



Solar power remains the fastest-growing energy source globally. According to Ember, solar generation has doubled every three years since 2012. China continues to lead the solar expansion, contributing over half of global solar growth, while India’s solar capacity doubled between 2023 and 2024.



"Solar power has become the engine of the global energy transition," said Phil Macdonald, Ember’s managing director. "Hotter weather drove the fossil generation increase in 2024, but we're very unlikely to see a similar jump in 2025."



Wind and solar combined now produce roughly 15% of global electricity, while hydropower and nuclear contribute 14% and 9%, respectively. However, both hydro and nuclear are growing at a much slower pace.



Despite the milestone in clean energy generation, Ember’s report underscores that the expansion of renewables has not yet been fast enough to reduce overall global emissions. The continued rapid growth in energy demand, especially in fast-developing economies like India and China, is outpacing the clean energy transition.



In a separate development, the European Copernicus climate service reported that March 2025 was the second hottest on record, extending a string of record-breaking temperature months globally.



Source: BBC

Global clean energy surpasses 40%, but CO2 emissions hit record high: Ember Report

Kathmandu: The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has raised concerns over rising air pollution in the Kathmandu Valley and across the country, urging public cooperation in mitigating its risks.



On Friday, the KMC issued a nine-point appeal to the general public, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to curb pollution. It urged residents to regularly maintain their vehicles, avoid open burning of waste, refrain from burning plastic materials, and use pollution-control equipment in industries.



Additionally, the KMC advised the public to wear masks for personal protection.



The metropolis also called for strict adherence to air quality and smoke emission standards outlined in the Pollution Control Standards 2081, aiming to improve environmental conditions and public health.

KMC warns of rising air pollution, issues public appeal

Kathmandu: Kathmandu Valley’s air quality has deteriorated to a very unhealthy level, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) hovering around 260 throughout the day on Thursday.



According to IQAir, a global air quality monitoring agency, Kathmandu ranked as the most polluted city in the world today. An AQI reading above 200 is considered hazardous for all population groups.



While weather conditions remain clear in most parts of the country, Kathmandu’s atmosphere is filled with smoke, dust, and pollutants, preventing sunlight from penetrating effectively. Meteorologists warn that the toxic air is causing eye irritation, throat discomfort, and respiratory issues among residents.



Air quality expert Dr. Bhupendra Das attributes the worsening pollution to an increase in wildfires, agricultural residue burning in rural areas, and heavy vehicular emissions. Additionally, Kathmandu’s bowl-shaped geography traps polluted air, preventing pollutants from dispersing.



Experts suggest that rain or strong winds are necessary to clear the pollution. However, the Meteorological Department has stated that there is no immediate likelihood of rainfall or stormy weather.

Kathmandu’s air quality reaches ‘Very Unhealthy’ levels, ranks as world’s most polluted city

Kathmandu: The 7th Annual Water and Peace Seminar 2025, on "Diplomacy, Dialogue, Discourses: Exploring Potentials and Challenges for Inclusive Water Cooperation," is taking place in Kathmandu from March 26-27 at Hotel Himalaya, Nepal.



It is a part of a week-long event which started on 24 March and concludes on 1 April and it brings together experts, members of civil society, policymakers, and academics from around the world to discuss the future of water diplomacy, with a particular focus on South Asia.



The seminar's discussions revolve around the importance of transboundary water cooperation, inclusivity, and fostering sustainable and effective cooperation over shared water resources. Prof.



Sanjay Chaturvedi, Vice President (Outreach), South Asian University, in his welcome remarks, said that this event being held in Nepal is very significant as Nepal is home to the Himalayas, which is the largest source of freshwater in the world; hence Nepal can be a bridge for these types of dialogue and discussions.



Medha Bisht, Associate Professor of South Asia University and convener of the seminar,r feels that Water Diplomacy in the Himalayan rivers needs a paradigmatic shift in South Asia. Deliberation on the same would make participants learn about best practices from other regions and understand limitations and challenges on themes around inclusivity and participation.



Susanne Schemeir, Head of Department, Water Governance at IHE Delft, said, "It's great to have the 7th Water and Peace seminar here in Nepal, a country where a lot of water management and water cooperation is happening. This year we are focusing on inclusivity, a critical topic regarding water sharing and cooperation. Because different actors, such as government actors, civil society representatives, women, youth, and indigenous communities, are involved in the decision-making processes. So we want to bring all of them together and bring out new ideas."



For Nepal, water diplomacy is of particular importance.



“It allows the country to engage in constructive dialogues, ensuring equitable access to water resources, reducing tensions, and promoting sustainable development across borders. As Nepal continues to address complex transboundary water issues, creating inclusive and cooperative frameworks is crucial to safeguarding its water future and fostering regional harmony.”



Pramod Jaiswal, Research Director of NIICE, shared, "This event is the first of its kind here in Nepal and it has managed to bring together people from around the world. It is an important platform to generate new ideas for fostering sustainable and safe cooperation over water resources as we cover different important issues such as climate change, transboundary water, role of civil societies in water diplomacy, UN Global Water conventions, Water Law and many others”.



Dr. Jaiswal further shared that Water diplomacy is crucial for Himalayan Nepal to address climate-induced glacier melt, transboundary water challenges, and hydropower potential. The UN’s 2025 glacier initiative offers Nepal an opportunity to advocate for climate resilience, strengthen regional cooperation, and secure international support for sustainable water management, disaster mitigation, and equitable resource-sharing.



The week-long program is jointly organized by the IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, Netherland; South Asian University (SAU), New Delhi and Nepal Institute for International Cooperation and Engagement (NIICE), Kathmandu where there are around 70 participants from 30 countries in Kathmandu and more than 100 are participating online.

7th Annual Water and Peace Seminar 2025 begins in Kathmandu

Kathmandu: NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, alongside their fellow crew members, have safely returned to Earth after a nine-month mission in space. Their journey back concluded with a dramatic re-entry through Earth's atmosphere in a SpaceX capsule, followed by a gentle splashdown off the coast of Florida.



The astronauts’ capsule was greeted by a pod of dolphins, and after being lifted from the water, they were greeted with cheers and smiles. At a press conference following their return, NASA's Commercial Crew Program Manager Steve Stich shared, "The crew’s doing great," adding that their safe return marked the end of a mission initially planned for just eight days.



The mission, which began in June 2024, faced unexpected delays. Wilmore and Williams were originally aboard the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, which encountered technical issues during its journey to the International Space Station (ISS). Due to these problems, NASA opted to extend the astronauts' stay, providing them with a SpaceX capsule for their eventual return. The astronauts' planned six-month mission was extended to nine months, with the duo carrying out experiments and spacewalks during their extended stay.



"Its awesome to have Crew 9 home, just a beautiful landing," said Joel Montalbano, NASA’s deputy associate administrator for Space Operations. The astronauts' long tenure in space led to some challenges, including the toll long-duration missions take on the body. Upon landing, they were assisted onto stretchers—a standard practice for astronauts who have spent extended periods in zero gravity.



As they reunite with their families, the astronauts will undergo medical evaluations and follow an exercise regimen to help them readjust to gravity. Their return was met with a sense of relief and joy, with astronaut Helen Sharman remarking on the emotional reunion awaiting them.



Despite their unplanned extension in space, Wilmore and Williams remained in high spirits. Williams had even looked forward to her return to Earth, telling CBS she was excited to "see my family, my dogs, and jump in the ocean."



The astronauts’ return marks the successful conclusion of a mission that highlighted the resilience of the crew and the ongoing collaboration between NASA and SpaceX.



Source: BBC

NASA astronauts return to earth after extended mission in Space

Kathmandu: Kathmandu’s air quality has worsened significantly, ranking it as the fifth most polluted city in the world with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 180, according to the latest data.



Beijing, Kampala, Delhi, and Kuwait occupy the top four spots, with AQI levels ranging from 184 to 240. The deteriorating air quality in Kathmandu is attributed to local wind patterns and a western low-pressure system, which has prevented rainfall. The valley's skies remain cloudy, further exacerbating pollution levels.



According to the Department of Environment, an AQI of 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 is moderate, and 101-150 is unhealthy for sensitive groups. When the index reaches 151-200, it is unhealthy, 201-300 is very unhealthy, and anything above 301 is categorized as hazardous.



The AQI measures the concentration of invisible pollutants, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon monoxide, sulfur, and nitrogen oxides. Particles smaller than 2.5 microns pose severe health risks, particularly for children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions.



With no immediate rainfall expected, authorities have urged residents to take precautionary measures, such as wearing masks and limiting outdoor activities, to minimize exposure to the harmful air.

Kathmandu ranks 5th most polluted city in the World

Kathmandu: President Ramchandra Paudel has emphasized the need for climate justice for countries like Nepal, which have minimal contributions to climate change but face its severe consequences.



Speaking at the inauguration of the 11th Nepal Geological Congress organized by the Nepal Geological Society on Monday, Paudel stressed that Nepal must raise the issue of climate justice in every international forum. He pointed out that developing and least developed nations, despite not contributing to global carbon emissions, suffer from the industrialization and fossil fuel consumption of developed countries.



Highlighting Nepal’s vulnerability to climate change, the President expressed concern over the increasing frequency of natural disasters, including excessive rainfall, landslides, and soil erosion, which have caused significant loss of life and property over the past three decades. He also noted the rapid melting of snow caps, leaving many mountains bare.



Paudel acknowledged the challenge of earthquake prediction, stating that while some natural disasters can be forecasted, Nepal still lacks a reliable mechanism to predict earthquakes. He called for greater cooperation and collaboration to address climate change and disaster risks, which directly impact people's lives.



The President also underscored the importance of Nepal’s natural resources, stating that discussions at the Congress on mineral exploration, climate change impacts, and geology’s role in infrastructure development could help attract investors.



Marking nearly a decade since the 2015 Gorkha earthquake, Paudel emphasized the Congress’s significance in promoting scientific dialogue on Nepal’s geological challenges. He extended his best wishes for the success of the event.

President Paudel calls for climate justice at Nepal Geological Congress

Kathmandu: Preparations for the Sagarmatha Sambaad, a global dialogue on climate change, are in full swing ahead of its scheduled dates from May 16-18 in Kathmandu. The event, themed “Climate Change, Mountains, and the Future of Human Life,” aims to bring global attention to the challenges faced by mountainous and coastal nations due to climate change.



The management committee’s first meeting has decided to invite heads of state and government from affected regions, climate researchers, representatives from the private sector, and influential figures to participate in the discussions.



Coordinated by Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, the committee has finalized infrastructure arrangements and the event program, according to Maheshwor Dhakal, the contact person for the dialogue. A 16-member expert group has been formed, along with a publicity and coordination committee led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Joint Secretary.



The event will also showcase best practices in mitigating climate change effects.



In addition to the main event in Kathmandu, provincial-level discussions and preparatory dialogues focusing on children and youth will be held. Staff from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Forests, as well as the Office of the Council of Ministers, will be deployed to support the event.



The committee is co-coordinated by Minister for Forests and Environment Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri and includes key officials from the Office of the Prime Minister, National Planning Commission, and various ministries related to foreign affairs, finance, home affairs, tourism, energy, and environmental conservation.



A preparatory meeting chaired by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on February 9 discussed inviting leaders from neighboring countries, including India and China, as special guests. PM Oli had earlier announced the dialogue as part of the International Year of the Glaciers 2025.



The Sagarmatha Sambaad was initially planned in 2020 but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This edition marks its long-awaited revival, bringing crucial climate discussions back to the forefront.

Preparations underway for ‘Sagarmatha Sambaad’ on climate change

Kathmandu: Telescopes worldwide have detected a massive radio jet from a quasar that dates back to the first 1 billion years of the universe, making it the largest of its kind ever observed from this early cosmic era, according to a study published in Astrophysical Journal Letters.



At more than 200,000 light-years across—twice the width of the Milky Way—this radio jet is an exceptionally rare find. Scientists note that while such jets are common in the nearby universe, they have remained elusive in the distant past due to interference from the cosmic microwave background.



“It’s only because this object is so extreme that we can observe it from Earth, even though it’s really far away,” said lead author Anniek Gloudemans of the National Science Foundation’s NoirLab.



The quasar behind this jet was discovered only a few years ago and formed within the first 1.2 billion years of the universe’s existence. Quasars are among the brightest cosmic objects, powered by gas and dust spiraling into supermassive black holes. This particular quasar has a mass 450 million times that of the sun, though its black hole is not considered particularly massive.



Observatories across Europe, Hawaii, and Texas contributed to the discovery.



Source: AP

Astronomers detect enormous radio jet from early universe Quasar

Kathmandu: Kathmandu Valley and various regions across Nepal are experiencing cloudy weather today. Rain and snowfall have already started in some areas of the Sudurpaschim Province since early morning.



Meteorologist Sanjiv Adhikari has indicated the likelihood of rainfall in areas west of the Gandaki Province and snowfall across all Himalayan regions. According to him, the Karnali and Sudurpaschim Provinces will experience the most significant impact of rain and snowfall. While light snowfall is possible in a few places in the central and eastern regions, there is no forecast for rainfall in these areas.



The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology predicts light to moderate rain in some areas of Karnali and Sudurpaschim Provinces until tonight. Additionally, isolated light rain is expected in parts of Gandaki and Lumbini Provinces. Cloudy conditions are likely to persist throughout the day, with improvements in weather anticipated from tonight.

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