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Check FAQAbout Rajneesh
Rajneesh Bhandari is an independent multimedia journalist and filmmaker. His multi-media work on different issues have appeared in the New York Times (NYT), National Geographic (Nat Geo), Aljazeera, Aljazeera Plus, NPR, Los Angeles Times and other outlets as well. His recent assignment was about Nepal earthquake where he reported from the epicenter Gurkha and other most affected areas of Nepal for the NYT, Nat Geo, NPR and AJ+.
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The future of healthcare: How technology is shaping patient care
The article by Rajneesh Bhandari discusses the rapid advancements in healthcare technology, predicting significant progress in the next decade. It highlights various digital healthcare technologies such as 3D printing, remote diagnosis, wearables, electroceuticals, digital therapeutics, VR, and AI. The author emphasizes the impact of these technologies on patient care, from monitoring health parameters to managing chronic diseases. Companies like Zebra Medical Vision, PathAI, and Curefit are mentioned as examples of health-tech startups integrating these technologies. NeuroEquilibrium, founded by the author, is noted for its work in VR for neurological conditions and development of wearable electroceuticals. The article suggests a shift from reactive to preventive care and from general to personalized medicine, echoing Yuval Noah Harari's vision of 21st-century medicine.
Understanding Virus Mutations: From Delta to Delta Plus
The article discusses the concept of mutations in viruses, particularly focusing on the COVID-19 virus and its variants, including the Delta and Delta Plus variants. It explains how mutations occur and their impact on virus transmissibility and vaccine efficacy. The article highlights the rapid adaptability of viruses due to high mutation rates and the importance of updating vaccines, like the annual flu shots. It also covers the effectiveness of mRNA vaccines by Pfizer and Moderna, and the upcoming Zydus Cadila DNA vaccine, in responding to new variants. The Delta variant's role in the second wave of infections and its categorization as a variant of concern by the WHO is mentioned, along with vaccine effectiveness data from a PHE study. The piece concludes by emphasizing the importance of universal vaccination to reduce the chances of 'escape mutation'.
Food crisis hits Nepal district
Humla district in northwestern Nepal has been facing a food shortage for over a decade due to access issues and corruption. The region, known for its remoteness, continues to struggle with this crisis.
On Everest, a Trail of Old and Faulty Oxygen Equipment
Adrian Ballinger experienced dangerous equipment failures while climbing Mount Everest, with nine oxygen regulators failing in less than an hour. This incident is part of a pattern of equipment problems on Everest, including leaking oxygen cylinders and malfunctioning regulators, with at least 21 similar dangerous incidents reported in the past two decades.
Nepal Helicopter Crash Kills 7, Including Tourism Minister
Nepal's tourism minister Rabindra Adhikari and six others were killed in a helicopter crash in the mountainous district of Taplejung. The helicopter, operated by Air Dynasty, was on a trip to assess the feasibility of constructing an airport. The crash, likely caused by bad weather, resulted in the deaths of all aboard, including the pilot. Nepal has a poor flight safety record, with the European Union banning Nepal-based airlines from its airspace in 2013. The incident is a significant loss for Nepal's tourism industry.
Everest Fraud Leads Insurers to Threaten a Boycott
International insurance companies have threatened to cease travel coverage to Nepal unless the government addresses helicopter rescue scams targeting foreign trekkers. Investigations revealed that some trek operators, guides, helicopter companies, and medical professionals conspired to defraud insurers by arranging unnecessary emergency evacuations. The Nepali government has yet to take legal action against the implicated companies, prompting criticism from insurance representatives.
Death of Japanese Climber on Everest Raises Toll This Month to 3
Japanese alpinist Nobukazu Kuriki, who previously lost nine fingers to frostbite, died on Mount Everest after a fall, raising the mountain's death toll to three this month. The details of his death were confirmed by Tika Ram Gurung of Bochi-Bochi Trek, the company organizing his climb. Earlier, Macedonian climber Gjeorgi Petkov died from a suspected cardiac arrest, and Lam Babu Sherpa was confirmed dead after going missing. Kuriki's body was to be airlifted to Kathmandu for an autopsy. Despite his injuries, Kuriki continued to climb and inspire many, as evidenced by the outpouring of respect on social media following his death.
Avalanches. Frostbite. Double Amputation. Still, He Scaled Mt. Everest.
Xia Boyu, a double amputee from China, successfully scaled Mount Everest after multiple attempts and overcoming significant challenges, including avalanches, frostbite, and cancer. His achievement was made possible after Nepal's Supreme Court allowed double amputee climbers to attempt the summit. Xia's determination and success are celebrated as an inspiring example of human perseverance. Other notable double amputees who have reached the summit include Mark Inglis and Santiago Quintero Sylva.
Noted Humanitarian Charged With Child Rape in Nepal, Stunning a Village
Peter Dalglish, a Canadian humanitarian worker, was arrested in Nepal on charges of raping two boys, aged 12 and 14, which has left the local village of Kartike shocked and betrayed. Dalglish had built a reputation in the community by helping with earthquake relief and interacting warmly with the villagers, who had trusted him. His arrest has raised concerns about the extent of the abuse. Dalglish had previously been awarded the Order of Canada for his work with street children.
Nepal’s Chief Justice Sacked After He Is Accused of Faking Date of Birth
Nepal's Chief Justice Gopal Parajuli was dismissed after the judicial council secretariat found he had falsified his date of birth to avoid mandatory retirement. Parajuli, who has been a controversial figure, denied the accusation and claimed his birth date was different. The controversy has led to legal actions, including a contempt-of-court case against media personnel who reported on the issue. Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki highlighted the prevalence of corruption and the measures taken to prevent such incidents in the judiciary.
Elizabeth Hawley, Who Chronicled Everest Treks, Dies at 94
Elizabeth Ann Hawley, an American journalist renowned for documenting Mount Everest expeditions for over 50 years, passed away at 94 in Kathmandu, Nepal. Known for her meticulous record-keeping and sharp wit, she founded the Himalayan Database, a comprehensive record of climbing expeditions in Nepal. Despite never climbing herself, she earned the respect of the mountaineering community through her rigorous interviews and dedication to accuracy. Her death was confirmed by Prativa Pandey, the medical director at CIWEC Hospital.
Nepal Bars Solo Climbers From Mount Everest
Nepal has introduced a ban on solo climbers on its mountains, including Mount Everest, to enhance safety and reduce accidents. The new regulations, announced by an official of the Nepal Mountaineering Association, require all climbers to be accompanied by guides and mandate climbers with disabilities to obtain health clearance. The ban, which has been met with criticism from some climbers as discriminatory, will affect the upcoming spring climbing season.
Communist Parties’ Victory in Nepal May Signal Closer China Ties
Communist parties in Nepal, led by former prime ministers Pushpa Kamal Dahal and K. P. Sharma Oli, have won a majority in the country's largest democratic exercise, signaling potential closer ties with China. The defeat of Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba's Nepali Congress party may lead to significant foreign policy shifts, particularly reversing decisions like the cancellation of a Chinese hydropower project. Nepal's recent history of political turmoil, natural disasters, and ethnic protests has shaped the current political landscape. The elections, despite threats from Maoist militants, were largely peaceful, with voters expressing cautious optimism for stability and fulfillment of campaign promises.
Violence Flares as Nepal Heads to Landmark Elections
Days before Nepal's crucial elections, Maoist militants have launched a series of violent attacks, injuring at least 17 people. The elections, held in two stages, aim to fill numerous national and regional positions in what is considered Nepal's largest democratic exercise. The country has faced significant instability over the past two decades, transitioning from monarchy to democracy in 2006 after a decade-long insurgency. Political discord and devastating earthquakes in 2015 have further hampered Nepal's stability and rebuilding efforts.
Shunned During Her Period, Nepali Woman Dies of Snakebite
Tulasi Shahi, an 18-year-old from Dailekh district in western Nepal, died from a snakebite while being sequestered in a hut due to the chhaupadi tradition, which isolates menstruating women. Despite a Supreme Court order to end chhaupadi in 2005, the practice persists in many rural areas. A pending bill in Parliament aims to criminalize it. Ms. Shahi's death highlights the dangers of this cultural practice and the lack of medical resources in isolated villages.
Three Climbers, One American, Die on Mount Everest
Three climbers, including an American, a Slovakian, and an Australian, died on Mount Everest, while an Indian climber went missing. Dr. Roland Yearwood, 50, from Alabama, died near the summit. Vladimir Strba, 48, from Slovakia, died at a camp at 8,000 meters. Francesco Marchetti, 54, from Australia, succumbed to altitude sickness while descending. The Indian climber, Ravi Kumar, disappeared after reaching the summit. The deaths add to the toll of the current Everest summit season, which has already seen the deaths of renowned climber Ueli Steck and Nepalese mountaineer Min Bahadur Sherchan.
Mt. Everest Beckoned, So He Climbed Without a Permit. Now He’s Under Arrest.
A South African filmmaker, Ryan Sean Davy, was arrested in Kathmandu for attempting to climb Mount Everest without the required $11,000 permit. He faces a $22,000 fine, potential bans from Nepal and mountaineering, and possible jail time if the fine is not paid. The incident highlights the extreme measures some climbers take to reach Everest's peak.
Old Everest Climber, Trying to Reclaim Record, Dies
Min Bahadur Sherchan, an 85-year-old Nepalese mountaineer, died at the Everest base camp, potentially from a heart attack. He was attempting to reclaim his title as the oldest climber on Mount Everest. His death occurred shortly after the death of Swiss climber Ueli Steck, known as 'the Swiss Machine', who died in an accident near Everest. Sherchan's mission was to promote world peace and his body was to be autopsied in Kathmandu.
The Rescuer Expected to Find Two Bodies. Then One of Them Spoke.
After 47 days of searching, a rescue team in Nepal found Taiwanese trekker Liang Sheng-Yueh alive on a ledge, while his girlfriend Liu Chen-chun had died three days earlier. Liang survived by consuming salt and melted snow, despite severe physical deterioration. The rescue, led by Madhab Basnet, involved extensive efforts including aerial surveys and forest searches.
Ueli Steck, Renowned Mountain Climber, Dies Near Everest at 40
Ueli Steck, a renowned mountain climber known as 'the Swiss Machine,' died in an accident near Mount Everest at the age of 40. He was preparing for an ambitious ascent of Everest by climbing the Himalayan peak of Nuptse. The exact circumstances of his death remain unknown. His death marks the first recorded fatality of the Everest climbing season. Steck had planned to follow a challenging route up Everest and traverse to Lhotse, a feat completed only once before. His death is considered a significant loss to the mountaineering community.
Nepal Removes Leader of Post-Earthquake Rebuilding Effort
Nepal, still struggling nearly two years after devastating earthquakes, has removed its top reconstruction official, Sushil Gyewali, due to unsatisfactory performance and slow progress in rebuilding efforts. The government reinstated his predecessor, Govind Raj Pokharel, in hopes of accelerating the process. The country has faced significant political instability, with three prime ministers since the earthquakes and ongoing challenges in unifying political parties and managing reconstruction funds. Despite pledges of $4.1 billion from international donors, many displaced residents remain in temporary shelters.
Bus of Nepal Earthquake Survivors Plunges Off a Road, Killing 27
A bus carrying over 70 Nepal earthquake survivors plunged off a mountain road, killing 27 and injuring 38. The passengers were en route to sign agreements for government grants to rebuild their homes destroyed in the 2015 earthquake. Survivors criticized the National Reconstruction Authority for providing confusing information about deadlines. The accident highlights the ongoing struggles of earthquake victims and the challenges in the aid distribution process.
Survivors Share Personal Stories From Nepal Earthquake
Nearly one week following the devastating earthquake in Nepal on April 25, survivor Ram Bahadur Danuwar from the village of Bhimtar in the Sindhu Palchok district recounts the tragic loss of life and destruction of homes. Villagers awaited relief amidst the ruins, which arrived with the first truck delivering food to the community.
Devastation in Katmandu
A deadly earthquake struck Nepal near its capital, Katmandu, on Saturday, causing destruction and triggering avalanches around Mount Everest.
Mourning After Nepal Storm Resonates Across Borders
A catastrophic storm in Nepal's central Himalayan region resulted in the deaths of 40 people, including trekkers from Canada, India, Israel, Japan, Poland, and Slovakia. The storm trapped scores of hikers, and rescue efforts have now shifted to recovering bodies. The article highlights the personal stories of victims and the international impact of the tragedy.
Death Choices in a Himalayan Blizzard
On October 14th, a severe blizzard struck the Thorong La pass in the Himalayas, trapping hundreds of hikers. Some sought refuge in a wooden tea shack, while others continued to a nearby town. Survivors recount their harrowing experiences, including battling hypothermia and navigating through deep snow. The storm resulted in the loss of as many as fifty hikers, marking it as one of the deadliest in recent history.
Sherpas Move to Shut Everest in Labor Fight
Mount Everest's Sherpas, frustrated by the recent avalanche that killed 13 of their colleagues, are taking steps to shut down the mountain for the season, demanding a share of the multimillion-dollar business proceeds. Tensions are high at the base camp, with two-thirds of the Sherpas opting to cancel planned ascents. Expedition leaders are negotiating with Nepalese officials to prevent a shutdown. The article highlights the economic impact of Everest expeditions, including the significant fees paid to the Nepalese government and the local economy.
Nepalese Government to Set Up Relief Fund for Sherpas
The Nepalese government has agreed to establish a relief fund for Sherpa climbers injured or killed in accidents, following demands from Sherpa representatives after a deadly avalanche on Mount Everest. The fund will be sourced from expedition revenues, and additional concessions include pensions for older Sherpas and educational assistance for Sherpa children. The decision comes after Sherpa guides threatened to halt expeditions in protest of inadequate compensation for the families of the deceased. The avalanche resulted in the worst single-day loss of life on Everest, highlighting the risks faced by Sherpas compared to their foreign clients. A funeral procession for the deceased Sherpas was held in Katmandu, attended by hundreds, including monks offering prayers.
After Everest Disaster, Sherpas Contemplate Strike
The article recounts the harrowing experience of Kaji Sherpa during a deadly avalanche on Mount Everest, which resulted in the deaths of several Sherpas. Following the disaster, Kaji Sherpa decided to retire from scaling Mount Everest, highlighting the dangerous conditions and the emotional toll on the Sherpa community. The incident has led to discussions among Sherpas about potentially striking to demand better safety measures and compensation.
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