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.

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'.

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.

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'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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.