Raissa Pinto Pereira – Nepal Democracy

MeritKing : Its Importance to the Global News Industry, Particularly in the World of Sports

Raissa Pinto Pereira Nepal, news media August 3, 2024

A new Florida-based online news platform called meritking.news launched this month and established itself as a reliable source of in-depth national and international news. Although the Internet has made it easier for people to connect to news media sites broadcasting from all over the world, MeritKing stands out as the news outlet covering an extensive range of topics related to politics,business, technology, health, wellness and sports.

Actually the MeritKing news platform dedicates an entire webpage for the latest events and developments in global sports; keeping avid sports aficionados abreast of information about their favourite sports. Sports journalists consider media coverage of sporting events and activities paramount, because they tend to mirror the attitudes of a target audience.

Without proper and up to the minute news updates, sports-related decisions are hard to make if they rely only on stale and historical sports data.

Nepal’s Emergence as a Leading Location for Adventure Sports

In a country like Nepal, a Himalayan territory land-locked between the boundaries of China and India, the nation has emerged in the world of sports as a leading location for adventure sports. The country has had a long history of feats and accomplishments associated with the iconic Mt. Everest. The landmark has played a powerful role in building the nation’s image and in promoting international goodwill.

Nepal’s adventure sports has seen a revival after the COVID-19 pandemic through the 2021 sports documentary “14 Peaks: Nothing is Impossible,” which successfully revived the popularity of mountaineering as an adventure sport. Inasmuch as sports can significantly impact a nation’s image and subsequently its, the government of Nepal recognised the need to focus on prioritising sports media coverage in order to optimise its potential as a leading location for adventure sports,. ing its sports economy.

Aside from mountaineering, Nepal’s unique Himalayan topography offers an incomparable playing field for other types of adventure sports. Most adventure enthusiasts were able to read news reports and blogs about mountain biking, paragliding, white water rafting, kayaking,bungee jumping, zip=lining and canyoning activities in Nepal’s extraordinary topography.

Promotion of Nepal’s Sports Sector has Strong Support of the Nepali Government

The nation’s bid to gain recognition as a prominent adventure sports destination has the strong support of the Nepali government, especially in terms of sports media news. After all, the Nepali government counts as one of the largest media owners in a country that has more than 243 TV channels, ,186 radio stations, ,000 news sites. and over 4,800 publications. As media owner, the government of Nepal has direct control over the Nepali-language and English-language broadcast sites and news agencies.

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Towing Companies in Nepal Face Uncertainties in the Midst of Political Instability

Raissa Pinto Pereira business, Government February 12, 2024

In California, a towing company san jose entrepreneurs operate, face projections of revenue increases because of the state’s progressive business environment. It’s unfortunate that in Nepal, a towing company could face uncertain legislations under the leadership of parliament ministers politically backed by three of the country’s communist parties; namely: the Unified Marxist-Leninist Communist Party of Nepal, the Maoist Communist Party of Nepal and the United socialist Communist Party of Nepal.

Apparently, the three left-leaning parties have collectively won 40 percent of the people’s votes in the 2022 general elections. Currently they are called the Big 3 in Nepal’s politics in light of their political influence.

Economic Outlook of Businesses in Nepal

Nepal has a strong tourism industry that relies on the country’s robust transportation system, including the towing services sector. However, communism if it prevails in politics will not support capitalism and democracy. Instead, its economic ideology advocates instituting a classless system. That denotes private ownership of property is not allowed or strictly curtailed, while means of producing goods are community-owned.

Nepal’s Reputation as a Politically Unstable Country

Political instability is actually staple in Nepal, while large-scale swindling and scams are prevalent in the country. Many of which were perpetuated by former prime ministers and government officials. Yet despite the discoveries of their misdemeanors, reports insinuate that the prosecution and punishments of the perpetrators depend if they are under the protection of the Big 3 Communist Parties of Nepal.

A large number of Nepali citizens are looking to migrate in Western countries hoping to have a better future. Yet the popularity of this aspiration in Nepal provided unscrupulous government officials with a modus operandi for swindling Nepali citizens.

Millions in Nepalese Rupee were swindled from locals who believed in false promises that they would enter the United States as Bhutanese refugees. As such, they will subsequently be provided with work and housing settlement.

A Quick View of the Towing Services Provided by Nepalese Entrepreneurs

Nepali entrepreneurs are still hoping that the remaining 60 of the liberal ministers in Nepal’s parliament will continue to fight for the democratic rights and privileges enjoyed by its citizens. Albeit operating under unstable political conditions, a close look at some of the towing businesses in Nepal are in a way, modelled after US towing companies operating under regulated conditions.

There are Nepal towing companies that also offer 24/7 roadside assistance and recovery services. The round-the-clock emergency roadside service is made possible by way of a network of local assistance partners whom customers can call for help wherever they are in case of emergency.
A Nepali towing company’s roadside assistance includes jump starting or boosting a dead battery to help a customer get back on the road.

Additionally, towing services in Nepal include “Vehicle pick and drop service” in the event that a car cannot be revived but needs to be transported to an auto mechanic’s shop for serious repair works.

Glimpse at Nepal’s Pre – and Post-Pandemic Sustainability Developments

Raissa Pinto Pereira Politics January 15, 2022

The government of Nepal has for years launched sustainable development goals,which in the past four years prior to the pandemic produced encouraging results. In 2021, the sustainable development goals gave focus on the country’s transition to sustainable recovery, growth and the creation of jobs, collectively known as the Green, Resilient, and Inclusive Development ot GRID.

Nepal’s Milestone Achievements in Sustainable Developments

In 2017 to 2018, the country’s poverty rate was reduced to 18.7 %, which likewise resulted in the significant decline in the number of children under 5 years who experienced stunted growth, wasting and malnutrition. The improvement also resulted in the decline of infant, maternal and child mortality rates.

The Sustainable Development Goals achieved in 2019 included the increase of enrolments in basic and secondary education to 93% and 46%, respectively; albeit not meeting the 2019 targets of 98.5% and 72%.

Moreover, women’s representation in Nepal government’s national and provincial lawmaking bodies reached 41%. The figure surpassed the 33% guaranteed by the Constitution.

Currently, more than 90% of the country;s population gained access to clean drinking water, while 99% now enjoy basic sanitation facilities. The 2019 per capita electricity consumption was achieved as more than 88% of residents have been provided with electricity

Employment in the manufacturing sector increased at 15.1%, which surpassed the 2019 target of 8.3%. Still, the share of the manufacturing industry in the country’s Gross Domestic Product showed little improvement as failed to meet the target goal of 17.7%.

About Nepal’s 2021 Sustainability Goal – The GRID

Like many countries, Nepal suffered disruptions in 2020, which prevented the country from launching sustainability development projects.

Nevertheless, the country launched The GRID program sometime in September 2021, which are initiatives that aim to transition to green practices in attaining economic recovery and growth. The GRID already has the support of dev1elopment partners who have convened with the government of Nep/al, offici/als o/f the World Bank and the UK FCDO.

In fact, the development partners have already pledged $3.2 billion in terms of resources, with potential to provide $4.2 billion as future support

The GRID aims to systematically address the effects of the pandemic, including slow domestic job creation. It also acknowledges the country’s high vulnerability to the effects of climate change as results of environmental degradation and the huge infrastructure gaps.Focus will be centered on the use of renewable energy, sustainable construction methods and practices such as the use of ground protection mats in building eco-friendly but disaster-resilient structures for urban development and transportation infrastructures. The development programs will also prioritize disaster risk management and setting up of social protection system in light of the increased possibilities of flooding and landslides.

The main guiding principle of the GRID sustainability initiatives is to embark on economic recovery projects that will not leave nobody behind, particularly the poor, reduce inequalities of oIpportunities for the poor, thIe informal workers, the women and Nepal’s youth.-11 / 1

A Quick Look at the Affiliate Programs Offered by Nepali Business Organizations

Raissa Pinto Pereira Nepal December 4, 2021

Now that majority of Nepal’s population have access to Internet connection many business organizations in the country are running affiliate marketing programs. While boosting selling activities is the main goal, can the country’s bloggers and influencers become major channels of Nepal’s nascent affiliate marketing industry?

A few years ago, Nepali bloggers and influencers tried to expand their revenue stream by joining affiliate marketing programs run mostly by US-based affiliate networks. However, terms of payment for non-Americans in most programs required earnings of at least $100 before commissions can be processed for payment transfers.

Targeting Nepali citizens as audience was not a viable marketing strategy. Mainly because only a few of Nepal’s public are enthusiastic about buying from online stores like Amazon due to the shipping costs involved. As a matter of fact, even Amazon’s affiliate marketing program is not available in Nepal,

The outlook in Internet marketing in Nepal has changed a great deal in light of the greatly improved Internet penetration and availability of smartphones. Since there are now affiliate marketing programs being run by local business organizations. many young Nepali bloggers and vloggers are in pursuit of a successful career as an affiliate marketer in Nepal’s digital marketing realm.

A Quick Look at Nepal’s Affiliate Marketing Industry

Even if there are many companies offering affiliate marketing programs in Nepal, not all could be deemed as worth spending one’s time and effort. Some companies even require payment of fees as requirement in joining their affiliate marketing program.

At the very least. the three companies mentioned below have checked out as the most successful ones.

Clothing in Nepal Pvt Ltd. offers a straightforward affiliate marketing program to those looking to promote its Nepalese hippie-style garments, accessories and other handmade clothing items. Joining the company’s affiliate program is easy and free of charge, as applicants need only to open an affiliate account at the Clothing in Nepal website.

Sasto Deals is one of the popular online shopping outlets in Nepal, offering a wide variety of consumer products. Sasto, which enjoys a partnership with India’s leading online store Flipkart, also offers am easy-to-join affiliate marketing program for Nepali content creators and social media account users.

Daraz has established itself as the largest and most popular online store in Nepal; having captured about 60% of Nepal’s population of online consumers. Actually, Daraz is Alibaba’s Nepal-facing online shop, which was created in line with the Chinese company’s expansion of its online selling reach.

However, applying to become a Daraz affiliate marketer is not easy. To qualify for Daraz’ affiliate marketing program, publishers must have at least 10,000 followers in leading social media accounts. Nepali bloggers on the other hand, qualify if they have strong Internet presence based on search page ranking and traffic generation,

What we recommend to those still struggling to improve your website’s search page ranking or increase your social media following is to pay heed to the advice given by Internet marketing experts. While there are numerous articles written about affiliate marketing, only a handful include topics about the best practices on how to create content that will increase your chances of earning from affiliate marketing programs.

It might interest you to read an article published by a Southern California news website, the Santa Clarita Valley Signal, about Jeff Lerner Reviews. It delves on how a once struggling Internet marketer named Jeff Lerner, was able to hurdle the challenges posed by the affiliate marketing industry during his early days as ab affiliate marketer.

Comparing Living Conditions of Squirrels in Nepal and in the U.S.

Raissa Pinto Pereira Nepal January 23, 2021

Squirrels in Nepal are said to be the least studied species of mammal because squirrel sightings are rare, as only a few wander far from their natural habitats. Perhaps, if squirrels in the United States are afforded with similar living conditions as those in Nepal, the small mammals will not seek shelter and protection in human homes, particularly in attics.

Known Facts About Squirrels in Nepal

Nepal is home to 11 species of squirrels, out of the 248 species found across the globe. The most common of which is the hoary-bellied squirrels, to which only 39 were sighted during a study launched in October to September in 2018. Squirrel sightings occurred mostly on roads and other low altitude areas and in fewer occasions in agricultural lands located near bodies of water.

Squirrels in Nepal are distributed in different geographical locations, across plains, mid hills, and even in the alpine areas of the country’s Trans-Himalayan region. Their natural habitats are typically in mountainous areas, with elevation levels ranging between 70- 4000 meters above sea level; many of which are outside of Nepal’s protected wildlife areas. These species of wildlife mammals are known to use oak trees and tall bamboos as their nesting sites. The preference for these trees are likely due to the protection provided against predators.

Still, like squirrels in other parts of the globe, the existence of squirrels in Nepal are threatened by mankind’s high-use of natural landscapes, which often lead to habitat loss. High use include not only road and infrastructure constructions but also for agricultural purposes, small scale logging activities and in some parts, establishment of human settlements.

As the different species of squirrels are forced to look for other places in which to seek shelter, they are chanced upon by local hunters looking to make money by way of fur or pet trades. In some areas inhabited by indigenous folks, squirrel skin is believed to be an effective protection against evil spirits.

Nonetheless, animal conservationists conduct studies about squirrel as a way to collect data to have a better understanding of the small mammals and the ecology in which they thrive. Doing so will help wildlife agencies introduce future conservation and management programs.

The overall impression we get from brief overviews about squirrels in Nepal is that these small animals are not considered as wildlife nuisance. Except in cases where they stumble into villages in which the people mistake them for wild civet cats. The latter are the leading wildlife pests in mountainous regions. As a result, some squirrels become victims of retaliatory killings like those that transpire in villages near the Makalu Barun National Park in the district Sankhuwasabha.

Squirrels in the U.S. are Protected by Animals Laws

Apparently, habitat loss is a common major problem encountered by squirrel species distributed in different parts of the world.

One major difference though is that in some countries like the U.S., squirrels and other wildlife regarded as nuisance animals are protected by animal laws. Handling of wildlife creatures found invading human homes including those that use attics as nesting places must employ ethical and humane methods in the removal of animals.

As an example, the AAAC Wildlife Removal of San Antonio in Texas will entrust captured nuisance animals to the local Animal Control Officer. The ACO in turn will be responsible for bringing the creatures back to their natural environments that can provide them with safe shelter, food sources and freshwater.

A Comparison of Traditional Marriages Practiced in Nepal and in the Netherlands

Raissa Pinto Pereira Traditions November 30, 2019

Marriage is regarded as an institution and its origin dates as far back as 4,350 years ago. The first evidence of a ceremony that formally arranged a union between a man and a woman, was found by anthropologists in Mesopotamia; estimated to have taken place in 2350 BC.

Earlier discoveries showed that back then, marriage had nothing to do with religion or love. It was more of a system developed to divide into smaller units, loosely organized groups of 30 or so members that included women and children. It is quite interesting, therefore that in different parts of the world, such unions had evolved into an institution called marriage. The rites and celebration of which, can be largely influenced by love or religion or both.

In Nepal, in which most members of the population practice either Hinduism or Buddhism as religion, marriage rituals largely depend on the beliefs of the couple being formally united. Regardless of faith, Nepali marriages are founded on the conviction that a union made under traditional rites will lead to success and happiness that will last a lifetime. Both religions emphasize the importance of mutual respect, whilst discouraging married couples from entertaining thoughts of breaking up their marriage.

In comparison to countries where the people are not so religious, like in the Netherlands, love is the main reason why Dutch men and women marry. The customary practices in traditional Dutch weddings in Netherland are more focused on strengthening the romance that binds the wedding couple. Dutch weddings are a celebration of a successful courtship leading to a happy marriage and a fruitful future.

Differences between Nepali and Dutch Traditional Marriages

First off, Nepal marital laws allow child marriages. Many young girls in Nepal become brides before they reach the age of 15. According to popular opinions, the reasons why child brides are common in Nepal include poverty, gender inequality, arranged marriages as a family practice, or even adolescent love.

On the other hand, the Dutch government does not encourage forced marriages. Eligible Dutch citizens who are at least 18 years of age can marry anyone they choose, including a member of the same gender or a foreign national. The most important requirement is that at least one of the marrying couples is a Dutch citizen.

Traditional Hindu marriage rites in Nepal begins with a “puja,” which is a daily prayer ritual performed by both bride and groom days before and up to the actual day of the wedding ceremony. Traditional pre-wedding practices in the Netherlands, are mostly parties for different sets of guests; including a visit to the bride’s house to eat traditional sweetmeat and drink spiced wine with the bride’s family.

Another interesting difference between Nepal and Netherlands traditional marriages is the customary wedding walk. In Nepal, the groom and bride in a Hindu marriage will have to walk around a fire while performing other activities suggested by the officiating priest. Whereas in the Netherlands, the bride and her groom walk on a bed of flowers on their way to the altar.

Still, traditional marriages in Nepal and Netherlands share similar elements with other countries. Flowers especially marigolds, and blinking lights, are the main adornments of a Nepali wedding venue.

Since the Netherlands is a country famed for its abundance of colourful flowers, it is but natural for traditional Dutch wedding organizers to bedeck venues with flowers, particularly tulips. Although not counted as a customary wedding decor, most Dutch couples nowadays, rent light letters (lichtletters huren) to symbolize and highlight their love for each other.

Nepal Democracy

Author: Raissa Pinto Pereira