Himalayan Rescue Association

Abstract. Mountain glaciers provide an important service in sustaining river flows for large populations downstream of High Mountain Asia (HMA) but these glaciers are retreating and the future of this water resource is highly uncertain. Glacier thickness measurements are vital for accurate mapping of the remaining ice reserve and for predicting where and how fast it will decline under climate change, but such measurements are severely lacking in this region due to the difficulties of surveying in remote, high-altitude settings. We report on a uniquely extensive new thickness dataset for eleven glaciers in the Khumbu Himal around Mount Everest that we collected in late 2019 using a novel, low-frequency helicopter-borne radar. To aid in interpreting the survey radargrams we developed a terrain clutter model, and we succeeded in mapping ice thickness with a precision of around ±7 % and horizontal spacing of around 40 m, for thicknesses of up to 445 m and spanning a total of 119 line-km, approximately doubling the length of previous thickness surveys in HMA. To demonstrate the utility of our new measurements, we compare them to existing modelled thickness products and find that the models struggle to reproduce the distribution of ice in these complex, steep, rapidly slowing, thinning and stagnating glaciers, with widespread systematic thin and thick biases equivalent to around half of the measured ice thickness or more. This new dataset (https://doi.org/10.5285/e39647f5-fb72-4d16-acbd-9784ed2167b8 (Pritchard al., 2025) permits for the first time a detailed analysis of model performance on Himalayan glaciers, a key step in improving model skill and hence the accuracy of modelled thickness distributions and future ice loss on the mountain-range scale.

Life insurance is an agreement where the insurer provides a lump-sum payment to beneficiaries in return for regular premiums. Its scope covers not only risk protection but also savings, investments, financial security, and tax benefits. The main objective of the study was to explore the barriers and perceptions behind life insurance avoidance in Nepal. This study focuses on exploring and analyzing the determinants influencing life insurance purchasing decisions in Nepal. It particularly examines customers’ perceptions toward life insurance policies and identifies the major barriers that discourage individuals from purchasing such policies. A descriptive design is employed for this research, utilizing appropriate tables to analyze and present the data. The analysis focuses on current and prospective customers as a population. To achieve objectives of the study, only primary data were gathered using judgmental sampling, in which chosen respondents filled out questionnaires. The data analysis showed that most customers of life insurance companies in Nepal are dissatisfied with several factors including marketing strategies, policy, service, returns after maturity, and their overall trust in insurance. Many respondents (69.68 % policyholder) compared life insurance with cooperatives and finance companies, often viewing it as a fraudulent and few (28.36% having no insurance policies) responded as the benefits would only be paid after death. Additionally, the findings indicated that majority of customers bought life insurance policies not because they were personally interested, but mainly due to the constant pressure from agents and staff working in the sector. These findings suggest that lack of trust and awareness are the main barriers to adopting life insurance in Nepal, rather than financial status.

Influenza is one of the widespread public health problems. Influenza vaccination rates have fluctuated extensively between 2075 and 2081, influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic and seasonal patterns. Annual rates fell sharply between 2076-77 and 2077-78, most likely due to the redirection of healthcare resources and public reluctance to visit facilities, while recovering by 2080-81 with 208 doses. Monthly data showed peaks in winter and monsoon months like Magh and Asar, while in summer months like Baisakh, the doses are low due to low influenza transmission. The females received more vaccinations due to targeted pregnancy campaigns initially, while the males outgrew them by 2080-81, reflecting post-pandemic behavioral changes. Such trends highlight the effect of the pandemic on vaccination rates, besides underlining adaptive strategies in response to any health crisis and seasonal outbreaks.

The aim of this research is to explore how mobile banking affects customer satisfaction in Nepalese commercial. The study employed a descriptive and causal comparative research design. Key independent variables identified include convenience, security, and fees and charges, while customer satisfaction serves as the dependent variable. The analysis encompasses customers from all 20 commercial banks operating in five different major cities of Nepal as population. To achieve the study's objectives, judgmental sampling from a non-probability sampling method was applied, and purposive sampling was used to select participants for the questionnaires. A total of 125 customers were chosen as samples from 6 different commercial banks. Multiple linear model was applied to analyze the data. The study found that customers are highly satisfied with the mobile banking services provided by commercial banks in Nepal. Majority of customers responded positively to each independent variable.

Urbanisation has led to numerous challenges in terms of stormwater management and environmental impact. Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) have emerged as a promising approach to mitigate these challenges by mimicking natural processes and providing environmentally sound water disposal systems. This review paper provides a comprehensive overview of the status of SUDS on a global scale, focusing on their development, challenges, and environmental benefits. This review paper discusses various SUDS techniques, including permeable paving, green infrastructure, and detention ponds, and highlights their effectiveness in reducing stormwater runoff, improving water quality, and enhancing ecological services. The paper also identifies the challenges faced in implementing SUDS, including technical complexity, lack of common platforms for SUDS models, limited operational experience, and institutional barriers. Additionally, the paper presents potential solutions to overcome these challenges, such as promoting research and development, providing training and capacity-building programs, and establishing guidelines and standards for SUDS design. The findings and recommendations presented in this paper contribute to the development of sustainable urban environments and the enhancement of overall environmental conditions.