Kathmandu: Scientists say they have detected what appears to be lightning on Mars after analyzing audio captured by NASA’s Perseverance rover, according to the Associated Press (AP).



A French-led research team reported that the rover’s microphone picked up crackling electrical discharges, described as “mini lightning”, during dust storms and dust devils. The team documented 55 such events over two Martian years. The discharges, just centimeters in size, occurred within two meters of the rover’s mast and were audible amid wind gusts and dust hitting the microphone.



Lead author Baptiste Chide of the Institute for Research in Astrophysics and Planetology said the findings “open a completely new field of investigation for Mars science,” offering insight into chemical reactions triggered by electrical activity in the Martian atmosphere.



Scientists have searched for evidence of lightning on Mars for decades. While AP reports the evidence is strong, some researchers remain cautious because the signals were only heard, not seen, and confirmed using a single instrument originally designed to record laser blasts, not lightning.



Electrical discharges lasted seconds during dust devils and up to 30 minutes during dust storms, the study noted. Mars’ thin, carbon dioxide–rich atmosphere makes the zaps faint but increases the likelihood of static-like electrical activity compared with Earth.



Experts told AP the discharges are unlikely to pose danger to future astronauts but could affect sensitive equipment.



Perseverance has been exploring Mars’ Jezero Crater since 2021, collecting rock samples in search of ancient microbial life. NASA’s plan to return these samples to Earth remains on hold as the agency evaluates cheaper mission alternatives.

Scientists record possible lightning on Mars

Kathmandu: The Council of Ministers has been recommended to mobilize the Nepali Army in the election to the upcoming House of Representatives. 



A meeting of the National Security Council held on Thursday under chairmanship of Prime Minister Sushila Karki, decided to recommend before the Council of Ministers to mobilize Nepali Army in accordance with Article 266 (1) of the constitution in order to conduct the election in a free, impartial and fear-free environment, reads a press statement issued by NSC member-secretary, Suman Raj Aryal. 



Various issues including possible challenges of national security in the wake of recent development in the national and international levels and future strategies to be adopted were focused during the meeting. NSC's eighth annual report, 2081/82 and its endorsement with after necessary amendment also featured in the meeting.

Recommendation made to mobilize Nepali Army in election

Kathmandu: Nepali scientists have been included in the list of the best scientists of the world. Secretary of Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) Rabindra Dhakal shared that 31 Nepali scientists have been included in the annual global ranking prepared by the Stanford University in collaboration with Elsevier. 



"The Stanford University prepares such list every year. It is developed based on the citations and the books published. The Nepali scientists are included in the list of the scientists with higher level of influence in the world in the year 2025", he said. 



According to the secretary, the Nepali researchers enlisted have inflicted worldwide effects through their research, innovation and sustainability. In the list made public by the Stanford University, seven scientists are from the Tribhuvan University, and two each from Nepal Health Research Council, BP Koirala institute of Health Sciences and International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD). 



The list includes Ajaya Bhattarai, Ramesh Prasad Adhikari, Bhishma Karki, Niranjan Parajuli, Ram Prasad Sharma and Govinda Prasad Dhungana from the TU, and Ranjit Kumar Shah from the TU Teaching Hospital. 



Likewise, Sanjiv Kumar Sharma and Suman Rijal from BPKIHS, and Arun Bhakta Shrestha and Philip Wester from ICIMOD have been included in the list. Also included in the list are NAST scientist Dr Niranjan Koirala and Shiva Prasad Pudasaini from the Institute of Complex Flows, Meghnath Dhimal of NHRC, and Chhabilal Ranabhat of Global Centre for Research and Development. 



The list incorporates Mark Jordans from the Transcultural Psychosocial Organization Nepal, Santosh Nepal from the International Water Management Institute, Rajkumar Thapa from the TU and Hari (surname not mentioned) from Gandaki University. The list also includes CIMMYT's Peter R. Hobbes, Surendra KC from the Global Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies, and Sudankumar Jha from Kathmandu University are also enlisted as the best scientists. 



Also included in the list are Randip Rakuwal from the Great Academy Pvt. Ltd., Sunil Kumar Shrestha from the Kathmandu Cancer Center, and Ganesh Kumar Agrawal from the Great Academy Pvt. Ltd. Bikas Baral from Biotechnology Society of Nepal, Alok Atreya from the Lumbini Medical College, Uttam Paudel from the NNRS, Pukar Khanal from the Silicon Script Science Pvt. Ltd., Suraj Bhattarai from the Global Health Research and Medical Intervention for Development, and Bipin Chaurasia from the College of Medical Sciences Nepal. 



Dhakal said that the inclusion of Nepali scientists in this list reflects outstanding international-level recognition of the capabilities of Nepali scientists.

31 Nepali scientists included in the global ranking of best scientists

Kathmandu: Various speakers have underlined the need to lay emphasis on 'Science Diplomacy' to strengthen the relations between the scientists of Nepal and Russia. 



At a discussion 'Nepal-Russia Scientific and Technical Relations: Building Trust and Collaboration through Science Diplomacy' here today, the speakers expressed the confidence that the collaboration between the scientists of both the countries would contribute to the diplomatic sector. 



During the programme jointly hosted by Russian House and Nepal-Russia Science Society, they laid special emphasis on strengthening bilateral diplomacy through science and education. 



Chairperson of the Society, Ganesh Saha said that the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1956 has grounded the ties based on the shared aspiration of mutual trust, respect and scientific progress through the exchange of knowledge in education sector, technology transfer and research collaboration. 



He highlighted the need of further expanding the collaboration with Russia in the areas of science, technology and space research. Former Ambassador Shambhuram Simkhada said the Nepal-Russia relations should be taken as a crucial opportunity from the perspectives of 'science-technology' of the new era, suggesting to increase engagement of young generation in research and innovation. 



Councilor of the Russian Embassy and Director of Russian House Anastasia Khokhlova shared that Russia has been providing full scholarships with special incentives to Nepali students for study and Nepal's collaboration with Russia has become further spectacular in science and technology. 



Also speaking on the occasion, the speakers have underlined the need of taking Nepal-Russia relations to a new height through expanding diplomatic relations, exchange of knowledge and research.

'Science Diplomacy' between Nepal-Russia empathized

Kathmandu: UNICEF’s Climate Cinema: Children on the Frontlines of Climate Action campaign providing children and young people a platform to share their experiences of climate change through storytelling and film, concluded today with a powerful call to action: children must be at the center of climate solutions.



Over the last two weeks, the Climate Cinema initiative has travelled across Nepal — from Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City in Sudurpaschim Province, Panchapuri Municipality in Karnali Province, Siddharthanagar Municipality in Lumbini Province and Parsa Rural Municipality in Madhesh Province — culminating in the capital with a celebration of the courage, creativity and leadership of young climate champions. Through film screenings, interactive discussions, and local child-led climate actions, the campaign amplified the lived experiences of children growing up amid floods, droughts and landslides, while showcasing their determination to protect their communities and inspire change.



“My school was closed for nearly a week last year because it was flooded due to heavy rainfall, an incident which had never happened before,” said Jayanti Bam, 15, one of the children featured in the Climate Cinema campaign. “I left my village in Kalikot to come to the capital city in hopes of better education, but climate change continued to impact my right to learn.”



Jayanti, who is also the president of the eco club at Shree Gamvir Samudra Setu Secondary School where the closing event was hosted, added, “Children are not just victims of climate change — we have ideas and solutions. Children must be at the center of climate solutions. We are ready to be part of the change, and we want decision-makers to listen to us and work with us to protect our future.”



The Honorable Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development Dr. Madan Prasad Pariyar, who will lead Nepal’s delegation to COP30, joined the closing event and received one special report capturing Jayanti and other children and youth’s voices and recommendations from across the country. Likewise, the Honorable Minister also received the National Youth Statement, developed by more than 500 children and youth through the provincial and national-level Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) Nepal 2025, recently held under the leadership of Powershift Nepal, Nepalese Youth for Climate Action (NYCA) and other youth-led organizations, in collaboration with UNICEF, UNDP and other partners.



He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to integrating child-centered climate action across all sectors and pledged to take these voices to COP30 to ensure they inform global climate dialogue.



“The Government of Nepal is committed to integrating climate action into every sector — from education and health to water, sanitation, and social protection. Our&nbsp;Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) 3.0&nbsp;is among the world’s most child- and youth-friendly climate plans. We are determined to translate that plan into action, in partnership with our development partners and with our children and youth at the center,” said Honorable Minister Dr. Pariyar.



“As we prepare for&nbsp;COP30, Nepal stands ready to&nbsp;demonstrate&nbsp;global leadership — showing how&nbsp;we can collaborate with our young people, using their creativity,&nbsp;energy&nbsp;and passion – to drive&nbsp;transformative climate action.&nbsp;To the young&nbsp;climate champions: you are the true heroes of today’s event. The Government of Nepal stands with you — to build a future that is safe, green and full of promise for every child,” he added.



Also speaking at the event, Ms Alice Akunga, UNICEF Representative in Nepal, highlighted that the Climate Cinema campaign brought to life the stories and resilience of children across Nepal’s provinces — from classrooms disrupted by floods to families rebuilding after landslides.



“Climate change is not only an environmental issue; it is a child rights crisis. It threatens children’s rights to survive, grow, and thrive — impacting their health, education, wellbeing, and future opportunities” said Ms Akunga. “But while children are among the most affected, they are also among the most powerful agents of change.”



She also reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to continue working with the Government of Nepal to promote climate education and strengthen climate-resilient social services, ensuring that schools, health centers, and water systems can withstand the growing impacts of climate change.



The Climate Cinema campaign, organized with the support of federal, provincial and local governments, schools, and youth networks, reflects a growing movement to ensure that children’s stories and solutions inform national and global climate policies — starting from classrooms and communities, all the way to COP30. By visiting communities across Nepal’s provinces, the initiative highlights both the challenges children face and their innovative solutions for adaptation and resilience.

UNICEF concludes climate cinema campaign, amplifying children and young people’s voices on climate action

Kathmandu: After extensive efforts, Nepal has secured its status as a member country of the International Astronomical Union (IAU), the premier organization in the field of astronomy. 



The Nepal Astronomical Society (NASO) will serve as Nepal's representative within the IAU. NASO President Suresh Bhattarai informed RSS that this recognition validates the initiatives undertaken in Nepal since 2007. 



During the 32nd General Assembly of the IAU, which took place in Cape Town, South Africa, in 2024, Nepal was officially granted observer status. At the assembly, NASO's project coordinator Manisha Dwa participated and delivered presentations on behalf of NASO. 



President Bhattarai noted that the news of NASO's recognition as the national member of the IAU was communicated via email by the newly elected IAU President and 2011 Nobel Prize laureate in Physics, Prof. Brian P. Schmidt. 



In his email, he stated, "Following discussions and correspondence with the IAU, the Executive Committee has chosen NASO as the national member for Nepal, which is anticipated to represent the entire astronomical community of Nepal," as reported by NASO. 



President Bhattarai expressed optimism that this decision will enable Nepal to engage more robustly in the international astronomy community, foster global scientific collaboration, and create new opportunities in astronomy and space research. 



This achievement is a source of pride for the Nepali scientific community. He emphasized that NASO is dedicated to effectively voicing Nepal's interests in astronomy to the global astronomical community. Since 2007, NASO has been at the forefront of education, research, and public outreach in astronomy within Nepal. 



The observer status granted by the IAU has opened doors for Nepal in terms of international collaboration, scientific knowledge exchange, and enhancing capabilities in space science. It also presents an opportunity for Nepal to become a national member of the IAU.

NASO gets national membership in IAU

Kathmandu: Least Developed Countries (LDC) Group has called for accelerated global climate action and a substantial scale-up in climate finance during a two-day pre-sessional strategy meeting held in Belém on November 4–5, ahead of the UN Climate Conference (COP30).



The meeting brought together 44 LDC nations to consolidate their negotiating positions on key climate issues. “The coordination focused on shared priorities for the upcoming formal talks,” said Dr. Maheshwor Dhakal, Chief of Nepal’s Climate Change Management Division, who participated in the discussions.



The LDC Group is demanding a clear roadmap to mobilize $1.3 trillion in annual climate finance by 2035, emphasizing that support should be primarily in the form of grants and highly concessional loans to avoid worsening debt burdens. The group is also pushing to triple adaptation finance, seeking at least $3 billion under the next Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF)–Global Environment Facility cycle.



Key priorities outlined for COP30 include advancing the 1.5°C ambition, increasing funding for adaptation and loss and damage, technology transfer, capacity building, gender-responsive measures, and Just Transition support.



Representing Nepal, Dr. Dhakal reaffirmed Nepal’s commitment to aligning its development with the 1.5°C pathway, stating: “We call on the global community to establish special support windows for LDCs, recognizing our disproportionate vulnerability and limited resources.”



The group also highlighted the urgency of implementing the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on climate finance, defining climate finance clearly, and accelerating progress on the Mitigation Work Programme and Global Stocktake outcomes to keep the 1.5°C target within reach.



With climate-induced disasters increasingly affecting vulnerable nations, the LDCs have urged stronger international assistance to close the gap between global commitments and on-the-ground implementation.

LDC group calls for scaled-up climate finance ahead of COP30

Kathmandu: The government is set to launch a joint census of tigers and one-horned rhinoceroses in major national parks across the country starting from mid-December, according to the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC).



The tiger census, which is conducted every four years, will be carried out in Parsa, Chitwan, Banke, and Bardiya National Parks as the department’s main focus. The same methodology will also be used to count rhinos, said Haribhadra Acharya, senior ecologist at the DNPWC.



The census is expected to run for three months, beginning in December–January. Although the department had earlier planned to conduct the rhino census in March–April 2026, officials are reconsidering the schedule as it coincides with the national elections on March 5, 2026.



The rhino census will cover Chitwan, Parsa, Shuklaphanta, and Koshi Tappu National Parks. Last fiscal year’s rhino census was postponed after donors withdrew financial support at the last moment.



The DNPWC has allocated Rs 1.8 million each for the tiger and rhino censuses, though the total costs are expected to exceed Rs 15 million and Rs 10 million respectively. Officials said additional funding will be sought from donor agencies.



According to the previous tiger census conducted in 2022, Nepal recorded a total of 335 tigers, including 128 in Chitwan, 125 in Bardiya, 25 in Banke, 41 in Parsa, and 36 in Shuklaphanta.

Nepal to begin tiger and rhino census in December

Kathmandu: A new study challenges the long-held debate that dinosaurs were already in decline before a massive asteroid wiped them out 66 million years ago. Researchers say dinosaur populations were still thriving in North America shortly before the extinction event.



The findings, published Thursday in Science, come from fossils unearthed in the Kirtland Formation of northern New Mexico. Scientists determined that these fossils—belonging to species such as Tyrannosaurus rex and a Triceratops-like herbivore—date back to about 400,000 years before the asteroid impact. The team used volcanic glass particles and magnetic minerals in the surrounding rocks to determine the fossils’ age.



“Dinosaurs were quite diverse and now we know there were distinct communities roaming before being abruptly wiped out,” said co-author Daniel Peppe of Baylor University.



The study’s results contrast with earlier claims that dinosaurs were dwindling before the asteroid strike. Differences between the New Mexico fossils and those from the same period in Montana further suggest varied and thriving dinosaur ecosystems across regions.



However, experts caution that the data from one site cannot represent global conditions. “This is very exciting, but it’s just one location,” said University of Bristol paleontologist Mike Benton.



Researchers hope further studies will shed more light on how diverse dinosaur populations were worldwide in their final millennia.



-AP

Dinosaurs were thriving before asteroid strike, new study finds

Kathmandu: Nearly 80 percent of the world’s poorest people, about 900 million individuals—are directly exposed to climate hazards intensified by global warming, the United Nations warned on Friday, calling it a “double and deeply unequal burden.”



“No one is immune to increasingly frequent and severe impacts of climate change such as droughts, floods, heat waves, and air pollution, but the poorest are hit hardest,” said Haoliang Xu, acting administrator of the UN Development Programme (UNDP).



The warning comes ahead of the COP30 climate summit in Brazil this November, which Xu said must be viewed as “an opportunity to link climate action with poverty reduction.”



According to a joint UNDP and Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative report, 1.1 billion people—18 percent of the population across 109 countries live in “acute multidimensional poverty,” lacking access to education, healthcare, electricity, and safe housing. Half of them are children.



The report highlights the overlap between poverty and exposure to environmental risks such as extreme heat, drought, floods, and pollution. It found that 887 million poor people are directly affected by at least one of these threats, while 11 million face all four within a single year.



Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia remain the most vulnerable regions, with 99 percent of the poor in South Asia exposed to at least one climate hazard.



The report warns that rising global temperatures threaten to erase hard-won development gains unless urgent, integrated action is taken. “Responding to overlapping risks requires prioritizing both people and the planet—and moving from recognition to rapid action,” it said.



- AFP

UN warns 900 million of world’s poorest face severe climate risks

Kathmandu: Daily life in the Kathmandu Valley is returning to normal after days of continuous rainfall came to a halt. The city experienced mild sunshine on Saturday morning, bringing relief to residents affected by flooding and waterlogging.



People displaced by Friday’s floods have begun returning home, while cleanup efforts are underway in flooded houses and shops. Rising waters in the Bagmati River had forced families living in squatter settlements along the riverbanks to evacuate.



Flooding had also affected vegetable markets in Balkhu and Kuleshwar, prompting traders to move their goods to safer areas. Security personnel and rescue teams operated boats overnight in Kuleshwar to evacuate residents trapped by floodwaters and continue to assist with cleaning and recovery operations.



Meteorologists said there is little chance of further heavy rainfall in the Valley, as the rain-bearing system has shifted toward Koshi Province. Domestic flights disrupted by bad weather are set to resume today, while international flights at Tribhuvan International Airport continued operating since Friday evening.

Kathmandu life returns to normal as rainfall eases

Kathmandu: The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has forecast increased monsoon activity across Nepal beginning Friday, October 3, and has urged the public to remain alert and take necessary precautions. 



In a special monsoon bulletin issued Tuesday night, the Department said the heightened activity is due to the influence of a low-pressure trough developing from the Bay of Bengal, which is expected to bring rainfall to various parts of the country. 



Speaking to RSS, meteorologist Binu Maharjan said that while the current monsoon influence over Nepal remains relatively weak, the monsoon trough originating from the Bay of Bengal is gradually shifting towards Nepal from Odisha, India. 



It is likely to arrive in Nepal by Friday, triggering widespread rainfall. Monsoon conditions are expected to become more active in Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini provinces starting October 3. “Hence, there will be monsoon influence during this year’s Dashain festival,” Maharjan said. 



On October 3, light to moderate rain is forecast in some hilly and Terai areas of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini provinces. A few areas in other provinces may also experience light rainfall. Additionally, one or two places in Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini provinces may see heavy rain. 



On October 4, many areas in Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini provinces are expected to receive light to moderate rain, with a few areas in other provinces also likely to see precipitation. Some areas in Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini may experience heavy to very heavy rainfall. 



The pattern is expected to continue into October 5, with light to moderate rainfall likely in several places across Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini provinces, and isolated rain in other parts of the country. 



The Department has also forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in some areas of Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, and Gandaki, with the possibility of extremely heavy rainfall at one or two places. With the monsoon expected to remain active until the end of the Dashain festival, the Department has warned of possible landslides, floods, and soil erosions, which may disrupt road and flight services. 



The public is strongly advised to stay informed through updated weather bulletins and exercise caution, especially while traveling or residing in high-risk areas.



-RSS

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