Japan announces emergency economic package amid US tariff impact
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba proposed an emergency economic package on Friday to mitigate the impact of increased US import tariffs on Japanese households and businesses.
As claimed by Reuters, the measures include increased gasoline and electricity subsidies, as well as low-interest loans for small and medium-sized businesses. Ishiba urged ministers to support sectors such as automobiles and steel, which face significant risks.
Finance Minister Ryosei Akazawa stated that the package would be provided from reserve money, with additional actions feasible if necessary. He will visit Washington next week for further trade talks, Reuters reported.
China grants US access to moon rocks amid trade tensions
China has allowed scientists from six countries, including the United States, to study lunar samples collected during its Chang’e-5 mission in 2020, BBC claimed.
Two NASA-funded US institutions were granted access, according to the China National Space Administration (CNSA), which described the samples as a “shared treasure for all humanity.”
NASA is prohibited from collaborating with China without Congressional consent, as per a 2011 US law, preventing Chinese scientists from accessing US Moon materials.
John Logsdon, former director of the Space Policy Institute at George Washington University, stated that researching lunar rocks has no military relevance and is consistent with international scientific collaboration rules, according to BBC.
Experts say the move is driven by scientific interest rather than politics.
4. 1 magnitude quake strikes Sindhupalchowk
An earthquake measuring 4.1 on the Richter scale struck Sindhupalchowk with its epicenter at Phulpingkot of the district.
According to the Earthquake Measurement and Monitoring Centre, Lainchaur, the quake was recorded at 11:57 am today.
Earlier, an earthquake measuring 4.2 on the Richter scale jolted Rukum East at 7: 34 pm on Thursday. The epicenter of the quake was Ranmamaikot.
Dhankuta springs mapped for revival
Two local governments in Dhankuta district have initiated a project to map and study the condition of natural springs, aiming to protect and rejuvenate them by first identifying and assessing their current state. In response to the impacts of climate change, Dhankuta Municipality and Chhathar Jorpati Rural Municipality have deployed community resource persons in each ward to conduct this study and mapping process.
The initiative is technically supported by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), with local facilitation provided by HUSADEC Nepal. A total of 32 community resource persons—10 in Dhankuta Municipality and six in Chhathar Jorpati Rural Municipality, two per ward—have been mobilized across 16 wards. Using a dedicated app, they are documenting the current status of springs, ponds, and other water sources. The collected data is then verified by municipal technicians.
This study will provide comprehensive information on the condition of the water sources across the two municipalities. It will include data on usage patterns, current water availability, disuse, the communities relying on the sources, and trends in water flow. Additionally, information on the surrounding environment, whether the source is seasonal or perennial, and water flow measurements will be recorded.
According to the Development Officer of Dhankuta Municipality, the goal is to gather detailed data, which will inform future restoration and protection efforts. Chhatra Subba, Chairperson of Chhathar Jorpati Rural Municipality, stated that the study was initiated with an allocated budget to determine how to recharge dried-up sources and safeguard existing ones. Community resource persons will be stationed on-site for approximately 10 days. Their field deployment began on May 12, during which they are visiting each water source to carry out measurements and observations.
Prior to field deployment, the resource persons received technical training from Anju Pandit and Shreejan Thapa of ICIMOD. The final draft of the study is expected to be completed by the end of May. Once prepared, the draft will be presented in an interactive session with stakeholders, including elected representatives, and finalized with input and suggestions. Saroj Bhujel, President of HUSADEC Nepal, emphasized the urgency of river conservation, stating, “Water is the only alternative to water.” Both municipalities have allocated budgets for the mapping and study of springs and rivers, and have recently begun constructing recharge ponds as part of their water source restoration efforts.
