KATHMANDU, June 1 - Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) on Saturday deplored remarks by Maoist Chairman Puspa Kamal Dahal against Kantipur Publications and said these had cast serious doubts over his party’s commitment to press freedom.
Issuing a press statement, the umbrella organization of Nepali journalists said such remarks made by the Maoist chairman against the independent press cannot be taken as normal at a time when the Maoists are preparing to head the new government as the largest party in the Constituent Assembly.
Addressing a victory rally organized at the Open Air Theater on Friday to mark the declaration of republic, Dahal had warned of serious consequences if Kantipur Publications continued publishing news critical of his party. He had also asked journalists from other media houses as well to keep this in mind while writing news reports.
“This kind of pointed remarks against a particular publication from the chairman of the CPN (Maoist), the largest party in the CA, has raised serious doubts over Maoist commitment to a free press,” said the statement.
Referring to Dahal’s earlier remarks that the Nepali media had played a crucial role in making the democracy movement and Maoist people’s war a success, the journalists’ body said the recent statement from the top Maoist leadership has made it clear that the Maoists do have double standards in terms of press freedom.
It has also demanded that the Maoists make public their policy towards the independent press.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
news
Going against the spirit of the amendment to the Interim Constitution enacted Wednesday, Maoist leaders on Saturday insisted on an executive president to replace the king and staked their claim to the post of president as well as prime minister.At a meeting of the high-level taskforce of the ruling Seven-Party Alliance, senior Maoist leaders said their party would stay out of the government if
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Monday, May 26, 2008
P.M koirelia
WALKING TALL: Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala walks through a throng of press and media men as various MPs look on from a marquee at the farewell programme for the old interim legislature parliament held on the grounds of the Parliamentary Secretariat, Singha Durbar on Monday. The first sitting of the new Constituent Assembly is scheduled for Wednesday.
news
Difference persists on statute amendment, head of state
KATHMANDU , May 27
The three largest parties in the Constituent Assembly on Monday agreed to implement the republic through Wednesday’s CA meeting despite their differences over the issue of head of state and amendment of the constitution. Nepali Congress, CPN (Maoist) and CPN-UML leaders agreed to implement the republic Wednesday and keep up negotiations to settle the remaining differences.The lead
KATHMANDU , May 27
The three largest parties in the Constituent Assembly on Monday agreed to implement the republic through Wednesday’s CA meeting despite their differences over the issue of head of state and amendment of the constitution. Nepali Congress, CPN (Maoist) and CPN-UML leaders agreed to implement the republic Wednesday and keep up negotiations to settle the remaining differences.The lead
Saturday, May 24, 2008
news
No mandate to supervise armed personnel: UNMIN
Kantipur Report
KATHMANDU, May 24 - Special Representative of the Secretary General Ian Martin has tried to disown weakness on the part of his office in Nepal in monitoring Maoists combatants in Shaktikhor cantonment in regard to the death of businessman Ram Hari Shrestha.
"There have been some suggestions that in some way it points to a weakness in UNMIN's monitoring role at the cantonments, but that really is without foundation," said Martin, who is head of the United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN), at a press meet in New York on Thursday.
Replying to journalists, Martin further said on the killing of Shrestha by the combatants monitored by UNMIN, "We have a 24-hour surveillance of the weapons storage areas in the cantonments, but we are neither mandated nor resourced to supervise the personnel of the cantonments - around 20,000 of them in 28 sites - in addition to the Nepal Army installations."
Martin's remarks have come at a time when questions are being raised over the role of UNMIN in monitoring the combatants in Shaktikhor cantonment where Shrestha was beaten up severely resulting into his death in a hospital in Chitwan.
Despite Martin's remarks, the UNMIN mandate clearly states that UNMIN is responsible for management of arms and armed personnel in cantonments
Kantipur Report
KATHMANDU, May 24 - Special Representative of the Secretary General Ian Martin has tried to disown weakness on the part of his office in Nepal in monitoring Maoists combatants in Shaktikhor cantonment in regard to the death of businessman Ram Hari Shrestha.
"There have been some suggestions that in some way it points to a weakness in UNMIN's monitoring role at the cantonments, but that really is without foundation," said Martin, who is head of the United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN), at a press meet in New York on Thursday.
Replying to journalists, Martin further said on the killing of Shrestha by the combatants monitored by UNMIN, "We have a 24-hour surveillance of the weapons storage areas in the cantonments, but we are neither mandated nor resourced to supervise the personnel of the cantonments - around 20,000 of them in 28 sites - in addition to the Nepal Army installations."
Martin's remarks have come at a time when questions are being raised over the role of UNMIN in monitoring the combatants in Shaktikhor cantonment where Shrestha was beaten up severely resulting into his death in a hospital in Chitwan.
Despite Martin's remarks, the UNMIN mandate clearly states that UNMIN is responsible for management of arms and armed personnel in cantonments
Friday, May 23, 2008
stress on amendment
KATHMANDU, May 23 - The three major Madhes-based Parties—Madhesi People’s Rights Forum (MPRF), Terai Madhes Democratic Party (TMDP) and Nepal Sadbhavana Party—Friday stressed on the need to make amendment to the interim constitution as per the agreement reached in the past to declare regions including Madhes autonomous.
A meeting of the three parties held at TMDP’s central office in Nayabazaar this morning reached an understanding to hold a common stance to include the points of agreement singed with the government in February while making the statute amendment in a package.
An agreement signed between the government and the United Democratic Madhesi Front, a joint front of the three parties, On Feb 28 stated that Nepal will be a federal democratic republican state complying with the demands of regional autonomy and a federal system of governance including an autonomous Madhes Pradesh.
The first ever meeting of the three Madhesi parties after launching an indefinite strike for over two weeks in Terai (southern plains) also reached an agreement to present the Madhes issues in the Constituent Assembly (CA) in an integrated manner, TMDP leader Hirdayesh Tripathi said.
The Madhesi parties also decided to make the constitutional provision so as to form or dismiss the government with a simple majority and to end the concept of the Seven Party alliance (SPA) mentioned in the interim constitution.
Similarly, the three parties reached a consensus to create a position of an interim head of state after the implementation of republic.
Meanwhile, the central committee meeting of the Madhesi People’s Rights Forum (MPRF) which kicked off yesterday, to make preparations for the CA meeting and to formulate its future strategies is continuing today.
The meeting underway at MPRF central office at Sankhamul in the Capital is scheduled to discuss the statute of parliamentary party.
A meeting of the three parties held at TMDP’s central office in Nayabazaar this morning reached an understanding to hold a common stance to include the points of agreement singed with the government in February while making the statute amendment in a package.
An agreement signed between the government and the United Democratic Madhesi Front, a joint front of the three parties, On Feb 28 stated that Nepal will be a federal democratic republican state complying with the demands of regional autonomy and a federal system of governance including an autonomous Madhes Pradesh.
The first ever meeting of the three Madhesi parties after launching an indefinite strike for over two weeks in Terai (southern plains) also reached an agreement to present the Madhes issues in the Constituent Assembly (CA) in an integrated manner, TMDP leader Hirdayesh Tripathi said.
The Madhesi parties also decided to make the constitutional provision so as to form or dismiss the government with a simple majority and to end the concept of the Seven Party alliance (SPA) mentioned in the interim constitution.
Similarly, the three parties reached a consensus to create a position of an interim head of state after the implementation of republic.
Meanwhile, the central committee meeting of the Madhesi People’s Rights Forum (MPRF) which kicked off yesterday, to make preparations for the CA meeting and to formulate its future strategies is continuing today.
The meeting underway at MPRF central office at Sankhamul in the Capital is scheduled to discuss the statute of parliamentary party.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
About tourism
Celebrating 1st International Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) Day
Government of Nepal has announced May 29 as International Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) Day to commemorate the heroic achievement of late Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary for their historic ascent of Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) on May 29, 1953. Government of Nepal and Tourism Board in association with various tourism associations and stakeholders of tourism are jointly organizing different programs to celebrate this day on 28 and 29 May, 2008. (See the attachment for detail program)
Objectives of this event are: to pay tribute and remember the first climbers for their heroic achievement in human history, promote Nepal as a world-class adventure tourism destination, create awareness about the importance of our mountains for our livelihood, maximize the involvement of all stakeholders for their respective roles in preserving the mountain environment and help to preserve Sagarmatha (Everest) region as an icon of Nepal.
There will be a grand procession in the morning of 29 May followed by Inaugural program in Kathmandu. Similarly, a symposium on adventure and responsible tourism, a workshop on water painting of mountain theme, a wall climbing and quiz contest programs among school/college students, mountain film festival and various programs are being organized in association and leadership of the Ministry, Nepal Tourism Board, Tourism Associations and Non-governmental organizations based in Kathmandu and Sagarmatha area. Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon in Sagarmatha region is going to coincide the event. Likewise, many foreign dignitaries related with our mountains are also joining us in celebrating this day. UAAA council meeting is being organized in Kathmandu by NMA on 29 May. TAAN is taking the lead in organizing the morning procession on 29 May at 6.30AM from Bhadrakali, Sahid Gate. We invite all to join us and express your solidarity to make this celebration a success.
Being the first program to celebrate 29 May as International Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) Day, we look forward to receiving active support of the media and all our stakeholders/partners specially the Ministry, NMA and TAAN for the success of this event. We also request all concerned to provide their suggestion and comments to Nepal Tourism Board after completion of the event so that we can work to make our future celebrations more visible and effective.
Government of Nepal has announced May 29 as International Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) Day to commemorate the heroic achievement of late Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary for their historic ascent of Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) on May 29, 1953. Government of Nepal and Tourism Board in association with various tourism associations and stakeholders of tourism are jointly organizing different programs to celebrate this day on 28 and 29 May, 2008. (See the attachment for detail program)
Objectives of this event are: to pay tribute and remember the first climbers for their heroic achievement in human history, promote Nepal as a world-class adventure tourism destination, create awareness about the importance of our mountains for our livelihood, maximize the involvement of all stakeholders for their respective roles in preserving the mountain environment and help to preserve Sagarmatha (Everest) region as an icon of Nepal.
There will be a grand procession in the morning of 29 May followed by Inaugural program in Kathmandu. Similarly, a symposium on adventure and responsible tourism, a workshop on water painting of mountain theme, a wall climbing and quiz contest programs among school/college students, mountain film festival and various programs are being organized in association and leadership of the Ministry, Nepal Tourism Board, Tourism Associations and Non-governmental organizations based in Kathmandu and Sagarmatha area. Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon in Sagarmatha region is going to coincide the event. Likewise, many foreign dignitaries related with our mountains are also joining us in celebrating this day. UAAA council meeting is being organized in Kathmandu by NMA on 29 May. TAAN is taking the lead in organizing the morning procession on 29 May at 6.30AM from Bhadrakali, Sahid Gate. We invite all to join us and express your solidarity to make this celebration a success.
Being the first program to celebrate 29 May as International Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) Day, we look forward to receiving active support of the media and all our stakeholders/partners specially the Ministry, NMA and TAAN for the success of this event. We also request all concerned to provide their suggestion and comments to Nepal Tourism Board after completion of the event so that we can work to make our future celebrations more visible and effective.
Gorkha recruitment may stop if Nepal wants’
NEW DELHI , May 21
Special envoy of the Indian prime minister and former Indian ambassador to Nepal Shyam Saran on Monday said India is ready to stop Gorkha recruitment if Nepal so desires. Saran also made it clear that India would suffer no "practical impact" by discontinuing recruitment of Nepali nationals in the Gorkha Regiments. Saran, however, added that the recruitment has been continued as a symbol of th
Special envoy of the Indian prime minister and former Indian ambassador to Nepal Shyam Saran on Monday said India is ready to stop Gorkha recruitment if Nepal so desires. Saran also made it clear that India would suffer no "practical impact" by discontinuing recruitment of Nepali nationals in the Gorkha Regiments. Saran, however, added that the recruitment has been continued as a symbol of th
Saturday, May 17, 2008
About nepali currency
KATHMANDU, May 17 - There is a reason to smile for over a million remittance earning families, as the persistent fall of the Nepali rupee against the dollar has raised the volume of money that they get from their dear ones working overseas.
On Friday, the rupee's loss hit a 13-month low with the greenback's strength against the Indian unit gaining momentum.
The loss in rupees also makes Nepali goods cheaper in the international market and supports export.
However, it causes the price of imported goods to go up, puts further strains on cash-strapped Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) to raise prices of petroleum products and expands the extent of public debt.
Monetary analysts said India's rupee is bracing a downturn on concerns that the near-record oil prices will boost India's import bill, widening the trade and current-account deficits. This has had a direct impact on the Nepali currency.
Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has set the trading value of rupee at Rs 68.80 a dollar for Saturday. It was Rs 68.33 at today's trading. The rupee has lost almost 8 percent since January 2008.
“The rupee's persistent weakness is solely due to the Indian factor,” said Krishna Bahadur Manandhar, acting governor of the NRB. He told the Post that the rise is on a correction course, as the rupee had earlier gained substantially.
He said it would not have any substantial impact on the present state of the economy.
The Nepali currency versus the dollar was rising together with the Indian rupee, which was becoming one of the best performing Asian units in 2007. However, the Indian currency has fallen more than 8 percent in 2008 and is the worst performing currency after the Korean Won and the Pakistani rupee.
Analysts said there is a strong chance of further fall of the Nepali rupee because of the Indian currency.
Morgan Stanley predicted that the Indian rupee may fall by 5-7 percent against the US dollar by the end of 2008, dragged by a slew of factors such as a widening trade deficit, and soaring oil and commodity prices.
On Friday, the rupee's loss hit a 13-month low with the greenback's strength against the Indian unit gaining momentum.
The loss in rupees also makes Nepali goods cheaper in the international market and supports export.
However, it causes the price of imported goods to go up, puts further strains on cash-strapped Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) to raise prices of petroleum products and expands the extent of public debt.
Monetary analysts said India's rupee is bracing a downturn on concerns that the near-record oil prices will boost India's import bill, widening the trade and current-account deficits. This has had a direct impact on the Nepali currency.
Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has set the trading value of rupee at Rs 68.80 a dollar for Saturday. It was Rs 68.33 at today's trading. The rupee has lost almost 8 percent since January 2008.
“The rupee's persistent weakness is solely due to the Indian factor,” said Krishna Bahadur Manandhar, acting governor of the NRB. He told the Post that the rise is on a correction course, as the rupee had earlier gained substantially.
He said it would not have any substantial impact on the present state of the economy.
The Nepali currency versus the dollar was rising together with the Indian rupee, which was becoming one of the best performing Asian units in 2007. However, the Indian currency has fallen more than 8 percent in 2008 and is the worst performing currency after the Korean Won and the Pakistani rupee.
Analysts said there is a strong chance of further fall of the Nepali rupee because of the Indian currency.
Morgan Stanley predicted that the Indian rupee may fall by 5-7 percent against the US dollar by the end of 2008, dragged by a slew of factors such as a widening trade deficit, and soaring oil and commodity prices.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
women seats of parliament
KATHMANDU, May 14 - Women leaders and women’s rights activists Wednesday submitted a memorandum to the government demanding the inclusion of women in the list of 26 Constituent Assembly (CA) members to be nominated by the cabinet.
Inter-party women network Chairman Uma Adhikari informed that she met with senior leaders of all the major parties today to seek their attention on the issue.
Women leaders and women’s rights activists organised a rally from Bhatbhateni to the Prime Minister’s Baluwatar residence in the capital to submit the memorandum.
The network sought the cabinet’s attention on the issue as there is no provision in the interim constitution for inclusion of women nominees among the 26 CA members to be elected by the cabinet
Inter-party women network Chairman Uma Adhikari informed that she met with senior leaders of all the major parties today to seek their attention on the issue.
Women leaders and women’s rights activists organised a rally from Bhatbhateni to the Prime Minister’s Baluwatar residence in the capital to submit the memorandum.
The network sought the cabinet’s attention on the issue as there is no provision in the interim constitution for inclusion of women nominees among the 26 CA members to be elected by the cabinet
P.M. koirala
Prime Minister and Nepali Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala Wednesday called for more restraint to be shown in both words and deeds stating the country is going through a sensitive stage in the transitional process.Hinting at the recent remarks made by the leaders of different political parties, PM Koirala urged everyone to think before speaking considering the situation.
P.M. koirala
Prime Minister and Nepali Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala Wednesday called for more restraint to be shown in both words and deeds stating the country is going through a sensitive stage in the transitional process.Hinting at the recent remarks made by the leaders of different political parties, PM Koirala urged everyone to think before speaking considering the situation.
Monday, May 12, 2008
About nepali congress
Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML have decided not to join the new government and have set preconditions for their support to a government led by Maoists.Central committee meetings of the second and third largest political parties in the newly constituted Constituent Assembly took the decision Monday after days of deliberation on whether to join a Maoist-led coalition or remain outside."N
nepali king
King Gyanendra and Queen Komal worship goddess Durga at the Dakshinkali temple, a famous Hindu shrine located 19 kilometers south-west of the capital, on Monday. The royal couple spent nearly an hour and a half worshipping the goddess, believed by Hindus to be the source of poKing Gyanendra and Queen Komal worship goddess Durga at the Dakshinkali temple, a famous Hindu shrine located 19 kilometers south-west of the capital, on Monday. The royal couple spent nearly an hour and a half worshipping the goddess, believed by Hindus to be the source of powerwer
Sunday, May 11, 2008
About Niruita
Famous Kollywood actress Niruta Singh browsing through books on Indian cinema at the ongoing book fair at Bhrikuti Mandap in the capital on Sunday. The fair, which started from Friday, has seen
..::Watch Photogallery and Modelwatch::..
..::Watch Photogallery and Modelwatch::..
Saturday, May 10, 2008
News Headlines
First CA meet to form new govt: Prachanda
KATHMANDU, May 11 - Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda) said Saturday that the new government would be formed at the first meetin ... (more)
UML CC meeting finalises discussions on Bohara’s political report
KATHMANDU, May 10 - The CPN-UML central committee (CC) meeting Saturday finalised discussions on the political report submitted by Acting UM ... (more)
New constitution should honour martyr’s sacrifices: PM Koirala
KATHMANDU, May 10 - Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala Saturday said that the new constitution to be drafted should honour the martyrs⠮.. (more)
Maoists burn down Pranchanda’s effigy
RAUTAHAT, Jan 10 - CPN-Maoist activists of Rautahat district Saturday burnt down the effigy of party Chairman Prachanda and demanded for hi ... (more)
Taskforce for first CA meeting starting its work from today
KATHMANDU, May 10 - The taskforce formed to work out the procedure, working list and agenda for the first Constituent Assembly (CA) meeting ... (more)
2 killed in bike accident
KAPILVASTU, Jan 10 - At least two people were killed Saturday when a motorcycle collided with a passenger bus at Harpur VDC section of the Ea ... (more)
Tarai violence surges post election
KATHMANDU, May 10 - Incidents of murder, kidnapping, looting and other criminal activity have seen a resurgence in the eastern and central t ... (more)
2 youths murdered in capital; nine armed people arrested
KATHMANDU, Jan 10 - An unidentified gang killed two people at a guesthouse at Gongabu in the capital Friday night.20 year-old Purna Baha ... (more)
PM directs Home Minister to search ‘missing’ NSP-A chair Singh
KATHMANDU, Jan 10 - Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala Saturday directed Home Minister Krishna Prasad Sitaula to seek information about ch ... (more)
Maoists indirectly call for PM's resignation
KATHMANDU, May 10 - Maoist chairman Prachanda indirectly called for the prime minister's resignation to pave the way for the Maoists to star ... (more)
NC demands action against Maoists
KATHMANDU, May 10 - Nepali Congress has demanded strong action against the Maoists who are involved in violent attacks against NC work ... (more)
Constitution should not be amended: Experts
KATHMANDU, May 10 - Constitutional experts have advised political parties not to amend the interim constitution as it will lead to delay in ... (more)
Changunarayan vulnerable to natural disasters
KATHMANDU, May 10 - Changunarayan Temple, a World Heritage Site (WHS), is highly vulnerable to natural disasters due to increased unplanned ... (more)
Reform customs administration: Entrepreneurs
KATHMANDU, May 10 - Entrepreneurs Friday asked the government to deepen reforms in customs administration in order to address infrastructure ... (more)
SPA forms taskforce to prepare CA meet
KATHMANDU, May 9 - A meeting the ruling Seven-Party Alliance (SPA) Friday reached an understanding to call the first Cons ... (more)
KATHMANDU, May 11 - Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda) said Saturday that the new government would be formed at the first meetin ... (more)
UML CC meeting finalises discussions on Bohara’s political report
KATHMANDU, May 10 - The CPN-UML central committee (CC) meeting Saturday finalised discussions on the political report submitted by Acting UM ... (more)
New constitution should honour martyr’s sacrifices: PM Koirala
KATHMANDU, May 10 - Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala Saturday said that the new constitution to be drafted should honour the martyrs⠮.. (more)
Maoists burn down Pranchanda’s effigy
RAUTAHAT, Jan 10 - CPN-Maoist activists of Rautahat district Saturday burnt down the effigy of party Chairman Prachanda and demanded for hi ... (more)
Taskforce for first CA meeting starting its work from today
KATHMANDU, May 10 - The taskforce formed to work out the procedure, working list and agenda for the first Constituent Assembly (CA) meeting ... (more)
2 killed in bike accident
KAPILVASTU, Jan 10 - At least two people were killed Saturday when a motorcycle collided with a passenger bus at Harpur VDC section of the Ea ... (more)
Tarai violence surges post election
KATHMANDU, May 10 - Incidents of murder, kidnapping, looting and other criminal activity have seen a resurgence in the eastern and central t ... (more)
2 youths murdered in capital; nine armed people arrested
KATHMANDU, Jan 10 - An unidentified gang killed two people at a guesthouse at Gongabu in the capital Friday night.20 year-old Purna Baha ... (more)
PM directs Home Minister to search ‘missing’ NSP-A chair Singh
KATHMANDU, Jan 10 - Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala Saturday directed Home Minister Krishna Prasad Sitaula to seek information about ch ... (more)
Maoists indirectly call for PM's resignation
KATHMANDU, May 10 - Maoist chairman Prachanda indirectly called for the prime minister's resignation to pave the way for the Maoists to star ... (more)
NC demands action against Maoists
KATHMANDU, May 10 - Nepali Congress has demanded strong action against the Maoists who are involved in violent attacks against NC work ... (more)
Constitution should not be amended: Experts
KATHMANDU, May 10 - Constitutional experts have advised political parties not to amend the interim constitution as it will lead to delay in ... (more)
Changunarayan vulnerable to natural disasters
KATHMANDU, May 10 - Changunarayan Temple, a World Heritage Site (WHS), is highly vulnerable to natural disasters due to increased unplanned ... (more)
Reform customs administration: Entrepreneurs
KATHMANDU, May 10 - Entrepreneurs Friday asked the government to deepen reforms in customs administration in order to address infrastructure ... (more)
SPA forms taskforce to prepare CA meet
KATHMANDU, May 9 - A meeting the ruling Seven-Party Alliance (SPA) Friday reached an understanding to call the first Cons ... (more)
Read it
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Friday, May 9, 2008
Nepali people victory
The Day of People’s Victory
April 10 was clearly a day of the Nepalese people’s victory. On this epoch-making day, the great people of Nepal proved false all the misgivings and apprehensions regarding the speculated violence during the polls through their courage, unity and long-cherished dream to be fully free and sovereign
April 10 was clearly a day of the Nepalese people’s victory. On this epoch-making day, the great people of Nepal proved false all the misgivings and apprehensions regarding the speculated violence during the polls through their courage, unity and long-cherished dream to be fully free and sovereign
Thursday, May 8, 2008
The news
KOL DISCUSSION
Title of Discussion: Is the seven-party alliance right in rejecting all elections under the current government headed by King Gyanendra?
Posted On : 2005-06-20
Parties are right at least in deciding to reject the municipal election. The royal government want to give a democratic cover to the autocratic rule. Going for any election without addressing the Maoist problem is nothing but a mere attempt to ameliorate the image of the autocracy. Parties should now try to accrue their political strength by bringing the Maoists to the political mailstream. Maoists too have to shun violence spread in the name of sedition. I wish the parties could be able to emancipate the country from the present political impasse.
Posted on: 2005-06-20 Posted by: Bishnu
It is wrong for the parties not to participate in elections. They are defying the very core principle of democracy is based on and they call themselves democratic?
Posted on: 2005-06-20 Posted by: Arun
Indeed the current government is "a continuation of absolutism," because there is no provision in Nepal's Constitution of 1990 that the King could form an artificial government with two chairmen. Also it was not envisaged that the political parties with 90% of the people's verdict would be neglected and declare the elections without their approval.
We are living in the 21st century. Who the hell is the king to go beyond the constitution and take decisions on his personal discretion.
Posted on: 2005-06-20 Posted by: PratapRana
Yes. Local elections under the present circumstances can never be free and fair. To think that municipal elections would serve as a step towards the restoration of full-fledged democracy in the country would be tantamount to refusing to learn our lessons from history. There is no half-way or shortcut to people's sovereign rights. But one troubling question that haunts many a mind even now remains: Will the seven parties would continue to remain united on their present agenda till the bitter end and not end up as always on a compromise remains to be seen?
Posted on: 2005-06-20 Posted by: P.P.Shah
If they believe in democracy they should not reject it.They should face the elections to normalise the pain of Nepal.
Posted on: 2005-06-20 Posted by: udhdab
Pages: 1
OTHER TOPICS
Do you support the two-week ultimatum given by the Home Minister to the agitating Terai groups to sit for talks or face action?
Which system of governance do you support?
What do you think of the king?s refusal to answer the Rayamajhi Commission?s questions?
How do you see the deferral of the govt-Maoist Summit Talks?
Do you think the summit talks between the government and Maoists to be held before the Dashain festival will sort out the overhanging political issues?
Do you agree with the Maoists' idea of another Jana Andolan?
Do you agree with the Maoists' idea of another Jana Andolan?
Nepal Rastra Bank has demanded action against 53 business houses yet to pay back loans worth over Rs. 25 billion to different government-owned banks. Do you think the government will be able to take a
How do you see the deferral of the Raymajhi Commission's summon by the army top brass?
Does this year's budget sound a positive and confident note and will it be popular?
Should the Maoists lay down arms before joining the interim government?
Do you agree with PM Koirala's recent statement that the monarchy should be given a ceremonial role?
Will the SC order banning smoking in public places be effectively implemented?
Will the PM's India visit bring in the expected assistance?
Do you think this round of government-Maoist talks will be a success?
What do you think of the House Proclamation-2063 B.S.?
What do you think of the arrest of five ministers of the erstwhile royal cabinet and suspension of the top security officials by the SPA government?
With the Maoists announcing a unilateral ceasefire as demanded by the seven-party alliance and the latter repeatedly expressing commitment for constituent assembly elections, are you convinced of the
Do you agree with the Royal Proclamation of April 21?
Do you think the ongoing peoples' movement will bring in complete democracy in the country?
What do you think of the second parties-Maoist understanding?
Do the allegations made by two Maoist central members against party leaders Prachanda and Dr Baburam Bhattarai and their subsequent expulsion indicate serious ideological differences in the Maoist par
Do you think the political consultations being held by the King in Pokhara will have any significant effect on the country?s politics?
Are you hopeful that the recent gestures by NC President Girija Prasad Koirala and NC-D President Sher Bahadur Deuba will lead to the unification of the two parties?
Is the Supreme Court verdict on the RCCC case a triumph for the rule of law?
What do you think of the King's address to the nation on Feb. 1, 2006?
Should the municipal elections be called off?
Is the government ban on public assembly in the Kathmandu valley justified?
What do you think of the Maoists and seven-party alliance blaming the government for the ceasefire breakdown?
The Supreme Court has set the final verdict on the constitutionality of the Royal Commission for Corruption Control for Jan.5. Should the Commission be given continuity?
Is an election to a constituent assembly, as agreed by the seven-party alliance and Maoists in their 12-point understanding, the solution to the country's current crisis?
Do you agree with the Supreme Court verdict on writs against the media ordinance?
Should Afghanistan be included in the SAARC?
The government has set the deadlines for municipal and parliamentary polls. Are free and fair elections possible given the current political situation in the country?
Do you think Nepalese spend more than they can afford during the Dashain festival?
Do you think Cabinet Vice-Chairman Dr. Tulsi Giri's recent remarks are preplanned and premeditative?
Will the latest cease-fire announcement by the Maoists pave way for permanent peace in the country?
Is the government’s decision to hike the prices of petroleum products justified?
Is the recent Supreme Court order against government attempt to ban Nepal FM an indication that the ban on news broadcasts from FM radios will soon be lifted?
Has the Royal Commission given the right verdict by convicting ex-Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and others on Melamchi case?
The talk offered by Maoist Chairman Prachanda to the seven-party alliance is a step forward to resolve the political stalemate in the country?
Will the government lift its ban on FM news following street protests by journalists?
Tulsi Giri, vice-chairman of the Council of Ministers, should resign after being blacklisted by Nepal Bank Limited for a loan default?
Does the worst Maoist attack on a civilian target yet signal that Prachanda has lost his grip over the Maoist command and control?
Should political parties open dialogue with Maoists?
Do you think the Indian authorities were aware of Maoist leader Baburam Bhattarai’s reported Delhi visit?
Is the seven-party alliance’s demand and protests for the restoration of Parliament justified?
Do you think the government is right to claim that it has been successful in its first 100 days?
Title of Discussion: Is the seven-party alliance right in rejecting all elections under the current government headed by King Gyanendra?
Posted On : 2005-06-20
Parties are right at least in deciding to reject the municipal election. The royal government want to give a democratic cover to the autocratic rule. Going for any election without addressing the Maoist problem is nothing but a mere attempt to ameliorate the image of the autocracy. Parties should now try to accrue their political strength by bringing the Maoists to the political mailstream. Maoists too have to shun violence spread in the name of sedition. I wish the parties could be able to emancipate the country from the present political impasse.
Posted on: 2005-06-20 Posted by: Bishnu
It is wrong for the parties not to participate in elections. They are defying the very core principle of democracy is based on and they call themselves democratic?
Posted on: 2005-06-20 Posted by: Arun
Indeed the current government is "a continuation of absolutism," because there is no provision in Nepal's Constitution of 1990 that the King could form an artificial government with two chairmen. Also it was not envisaged that the political parties with 90% of the people's verdict would be neglected and declare the elections without their approval.
We are living in the 21st century. Who the hell is the king to go beyond the constitution and take decisions on his personal discretion.
Posted on: 2005-06-20 Posted by: PratapRana
Yes. Local elections under the present circumstances can never be free and fair. To think that municipal elections would serve as a step towards the restoration of full-fledged democracy in the country would be tantamount to refusing to learn our lessons from history. There is no half-way or shortcut to people's sovereign rights. But one troubling question that haunts many a mind even now remains: Will the seven parties would continue to remain united on their present agenda till the bitter end and not end up as always on a compromise remains to be seen?
Posted on: 2005-06-20 Posted by: P.P.Shah
If they believe in democracy they should not reject it.They should face the elections to normalise the pain of Nepal.
Posted on: 2005-06-20 Posted by: udhdab
Pages: 1
OTHER TOPICS
Do you support the two-week ultimatum given by the Home Minister to the agitating Terai groups to sit for talks or face action?
Which system of governance do you support?
What do you think of the king?s refusal to answer the Rayamajhi Commission?s questions?
How do you see the deferral of the govt-Maoist Summit Talks?
Do you think the summit talks between the government and Maoists to be held before the Dashain festival will sort out the overhanging political issues?
Do you agree with the Maoists' idea of another Jana Andolan?
Do you agree with the Maoists' idea of another Jana Andolan?
Nepal Rastra Bank has demanded action against 53 business houses yet to pay back loans worth over Rs. 25 billion to different government-owned banks. Do you think the government will be able to take a
How do you see the deferral of the Raymajhi Commission's summon by the army top brass?
Does this year's budget sound a positive and confident note and will it be popular?
Should the Maoists lay down arms before joining the interim government?
Do you agree with PM Koirala's recent statement that the monarchy should be given a ceremonial role?
Will the SC order banning smoking in public places be effectively implemented?
Will the PM's India visit bring in the expected assistance?
Do you think this round of government-Maoist talks will be a success?
What do you think of the House Proclamation-2063 B.S.?
What do you think of the arrest of five ministers of the erstwhile royal cabinet and suspension of the top security officials by the SPA government?
With the Maoists announcing a unilateral ceasefire as demanded by the seven-party alliance and the latter repeatedly expressing commitment for constituent assembly elections, are you convinced of the
Do you agree with the Royal Proclamation of April 21?
Do you think the ongoing peoples' movement will bring in complete democracy in the country?
What do you think of the second parties-Maoist understanding?
Do the allegations made by two Maoist central members against party leaders Prachanda and Dr Baburam Bhattarai and their subsequent expulsion indicate serious ideological differences in the Maoist par
Do you think the political consultations being held by the King in Pokhara will have any significant effect on the country?s politics?
Are you hopeful that the recent gestures by NC President Girija Prasad Koirala and NC-D President Sher Bahadur Deuba will lead to the unification of the two parties?
Is the Supreme Court verdict on the RCCC case a triumph for the rule of law?
What do you think of the King's address to the nation on Feb. 1, 2006?
Should the municipal elections be called off?
Is the government ban on public assembly in the Kathmandu valley justified?
What do you think of the Maoists and seven-party alliance blaming the government for the ceasefire breakdown?
The Supreme Court has set the final verdict on the constitutionality of the Royal Commission for Corruption Control for Jan.5. Should the Commission be given continuity?
Is an election to a constituent assembly, as agreed by the seven-party alliance and Maoists in their 12-point understanding, the solution to the country's current crisis?
Do you agree with the Supreme Court verdict on writs against the media ordinance?
Should Afghanistan be included in the SAARC?
The government has set the deadlines for municipal and parliamentary polls. Are free and fair elections possible given the current political situation in the country?
Do you think Nepalese spend more than they can afford during the Dashain festival?
Do you think Cabinet Vice-Chairman Dr. Tulsi Giri's recent remarks are preplanned and premeditative?
Will the latest cease-fire announcement by the Maoists pave way for permanent peace in the country?
Is the government’s decision to hike the prices of petroleum products justified?
Is the recent Supreme Court order against government attempt to ban Nepal FM an indication that the ban on news broadcasts from FM radios will soon be lifted?
Has the Royal Commission given the right verdict by convicting ex-Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and others on Melamchi case?
The talk offered by Maoist Chairman Prachanda to the seven-party alliance is a step forward to resolve the political stalemate in the country?
Will the government lift its ban on FM news following street protests by journalists?
Tulsi Giri, vice-chairman of the Council of Ministers, should resign after being blacklisted by Nepal Bank Limited for a loan default?
Does the worst Maoist attack on a civilian target yet signal that Prachanda has lost his grip over the Maoist command and control?
Should political parties open dialogue with Maoists?
Do you think the Indian authorities were aware of Maoist leader Baburam Bhattarai’s reported Delhi visit?
Is the seven-party alliance’s demand and protests for the restoration of Parliament justified?
Do you think the government is right to claim that it has been successful in its first 100 days?
Monday, May 5, 2008
Nature
Nature, in the broadest sense, is equivalent to the natural world, physical universe, material world or material universe. "Nature" refers to the phenomena of the physical world, and also to life in general. Manufactured objects and human interaction are not considered part of nature unless qualified in ways such as "human nature" or "the whole of nature". Nature is generally distinguished from the supernatural. It ranges in scale from the subatomic to the galactic.The word nature is derived from the Latin word natura, or "the course of things, natural character."[1] Natura was a Latin translation of the Greek word physis (φύσις), which originally related to the intrinsic characteristics that plants, animals, and other features of the world develop of their own accord.[2] This is shown in the first written use of the word φύσις, in connection with a plant.[3] The concept of nature as a whole, the physical universe, is one of several expansions of the original notion; it began with certain core applications of the word φύσις by pre-Socratic philosophers, and has steadily gained currency ever since. This usage was confirmed during the advent of modern scientific method in the last several centuries.[4][5]Within the various uses of the word today, "nature" may refer to the general realm of various types of living plants and animals, and in some cases to the processes associated with inanimate objects – the way that particular types of things exist and change of their own accord, such as the weather and geology of the Earth, and the matter and energy of which all these things are composed. It is often taken to mean the "natural environment" or wilderness – wild animals, rocks, forest, beaches, and in general those things that have not been substantially altered by human intervention, or which persist despite human intervention. This more traditional concept of natural things which can still be found today implies a distinction between the natural and the artificial, with the latter being understood as that which has been brought into being by a human or human-like consciousness or mind.EtymologyThe word nature means the universe, with all its phenomena.[6] Natura was a Latin translation of the Greek word physis (φύσις), which originally related to the intrinsic characteristics that plants, animals, and other features of the world develop of their own accord.[7] The word φύσις occurs very early in Greek philosophy, generally in similar senses to those of the modern English word nature.[8] This is shown in the first written use of the word φύσις, in connection with a plant by Homer.[9] The concept of nature as a whole, the physical universe, is one of several expansions of the original notion. This usage was confirmed during the advent of modern scientific method. Isaac Newton's Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica (1687), for example, is translated "Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy". The etymology of the word "physical" shows its use as a synonym for "natural" in about the mid-15th century.[10]EarthEarth (or, "the earth") is the only planet known to support life, and as such, its natural features are the subject of many fields of scientific research. Within the solar system, it is third nearest to the sun; it is the largest terrestrial planet and the fifth largest overall. Its most prominent climatic features are its two large polar regions, two relatively narrow temperate zones, and a wide equatorial tropical to subtropical region.[11] Precipitation varies widely with location, from several metres of water per year to less than a millimetre. About 70 percent of the surface is covered by salt-water oceans. The remainder consists of continents and islands, with most of the inhabited land in the Northern Hemisphere.Earth has evolved through geological and biological processes that have left traces of the original conditions. The outer surface is divided into several gradually migrating tectonic plates, which have changed relatively quickly several times. The interior remains active, with a thick layer of molten mantle and an iron-filled core that generates a magnetic field.The atmospheric conditions have been significantly altered from the original conditions by the presence of lifeforms,[12] which create an ecological balance that stabilizes the surface conditions. Despite the wide regional variations in climate by latitude and other geographic factors, the long-term average global climate is quite stable during interglacial periods,[13] and variations of a degree or two of average global temperature have historically had major effects on the ecological balance, and on the actual geography of the Earth.[14][15]Historical perspectiveEarth is estimated to have formed 4.55 billion years ago from the solar nebula, along with the Sun and other planets.[17] The moon formed roughly 20 million years later. Initially molten, the outer layer of the planet cooled, resulting in the solid crust. Outgassing and volcanic activity produced the primordial atmosphere. Condensing water vapor, augmented by ice delivered by comets, produced the oceans.[18] The highly energetic chemistry is believed to have produced a self-replicating molecule around 4 billion years ago.[19]Continents formed, then broke up and reformed as the surface of Earth reshaped over hundreds of millions of years, occasionally combining to make a supercontinent. Roughly 750 million years ago, the earliest known supercontinent Rodinia, began to break apart. The continents later recombined to form Pannotia which broke apart about 540 million years ago, then finally Pangaea, which broke apart about 180 million years ago.[20]There is significant evidence, still being discussed among scientists, that a severe glacial action during the Neoproterozoic era covered much of the planet in a sheet of ice. This hypothesis has been termed the "Snowball Earth", and it is of particular interest as it precedes the Cambrian explosion in which multicellular life forms began to proliferate about 530-540 million years ago.[23]Since the Cambrian explosion there have been five distinctly identifiable mass extinctions.[24] The last mass extinction occurred some 65 million years ago, when a meteorite collision probably triggered the extinction of the non-avian dinosaurs and other large reptiles, but spared small animals such as mammals, which then resembled shrews. Over the past 65 million years, mammalian life diversified.[25]Several million years ago, a species of small African ape gained the ability to stand upright.[26] The subsequent advent of human life, and the development of agriculture and further civilization allowed humans to affect the Earth more rapidly than any previous life form, affecting both the nature and quantity of other organisms as well as global climate. By comparison, the Oxygen Catastrophe, produced by the proliferation of algae during the Siderian period, required about 300 million years to culminate.)The present era is classified as part of a mass extinction event, the Holocene extinction event, the fastest ever to have occurred.[27][28] Some, such as E. O. Wilson of Harvard University, predict that human destruction of the biosphere could cause the extinction of one-half of all species in the next 100 years.[29] The extent of the current extinction event is still being researched, debated and calculated by biologists.[30] Atmosphere, climate and weatherThe atmosphere of the Earth serves as a key factor in sustaining the planetary ecosystem. The thin layer of gases that envelops the Earth is held in place by the planet's gravity. Dry air consists of 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, 1% argon and other inert gases, carbon dioxide, etc.; but air also contains a variable amount of water vapor. The atmospheric pressure declines steadily with altitude, and has a scale height of about 8 kilometres at the Earth's surface: the height at which the atmospheric pressure has declined by a factor of e (a mathematical constant equal to 2.71...).[31][32] The ozone layer of the Earth's atmosphere plays an important role in depleting the amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that reaches the surface. As DNA is readily damaged by UV light, this serves to protect life at the surface. The atmosphere also retains heat during the night, thereby reducing the daily temperature extremes.Terrestrial weather occurs almost exclusively in the lower part of the atmosphere, and serves as a convective system for redistributing heat. Ocean currents are another important factor in determining climate, particularly the major underwater thermohaline circulation which distributes heat energy from the equatorial oceans to the polar regions. These currents help to moderate the differences in temperature between winter and summer in the temperate zones. Also, without the redistributions of heat energy by the ocean currents and atmosphere, the tropics would be much hotter, and the polar regions much colder.Weather can have both beneficial and harmful effects. Extremes in weather, such as tornadoes or hurricanes and cyclones, can expend large amounts of energy along their paths, and produce devastation. Surface vegetation has evolved a dependence on the seasonal variation of the weather, and sudden changes lasting only a few years can have a dramatic effect, both on the vegetation and on the animals dependent on its growth for their food.The planetary climate is a measure of the long-term trends in the weather. Various factors are known to influence the climate, including ocean currents, surface albedo, greenhouse gases, variations in the solar luminosity, and changes to the planet's orbit. Based on historical records, the Earth is known to have undergone drastic climate changes in the past, including ice ages.The climate of a region depends on a number of factors, especially latitude. A latitudinal band of the surface with similar climatic attributes forms a climate region. There are a number of such regions, ranging from the tropical climate at the equator to the polar climate in the northern and southern extremes. Weather is also influenced by the seasons, which result from the Earth's axis being tilted relative to its orbital plane. Thus, at any given time during the summer or winter, one part of the planet is more directly exposed to the rays of the sun. This exposure alternates as the Earth revolves in its orbit. At any given time, regardless of season, the northern and southern hemispheres experience opposite seasons.Weather is a chaotic system that is readily modified by small changes to the environment, so accurate weather forecasting is currently limited to only a few days. Overall, two things are currently happening worldwide: (1) temperature is increasing on the average; and (2) regional climates have been undergoing noticeable changes.[33]Although there is no universal agreement on the definition of life, scientists generally accept that the biological manifestation of life is characterized by organization, metabolism, growth, adaptation, response to stimuli and reproduction.[34] Life may also be said to be simply the characteristic state of organisms.Properties common to terrestrial organisms (plants, animals, fungi, protists, archaea and bacteria) are that they are cellular, carbon-and-water-based with complex organization, having a metabolism, a capacity to grow, respond to stimuli, and reproduce. An entity with these properties is generally considered life. However, not every definition of life considers all of these properties to be essential. Human-made analogs of life may also be considered to be life.The biosphere is the part of Earth's outer shell — including air, land, surface rocks and water — within which life occurs, and which biotic processes in turn alter or transform. From the broadest geophysiological point of view, the biosphere is the global ecological system integrating all living beings and their relationships, including their interaction with the elements of the lithosphere (rocks), hydrosphere (water), and atmosphere (air). Currently the entire Earth contains over 75 billion tons (150 trillion pounds or about 6.8 x 1013 kilograms) of biomass (life), which lives within various environments within the biosphere.[35]Over nine-tenths of the total biomass on Earth is plant life, on which animal life depends very heavily for its existence.[36] More than 2 million species of plant and animal life have been identified to date,[37] and estimates of the actual number of existing species range from several million to well over 50 million.[38][39][40] The number of individual species of life is constantly in some degree of flux, with new species appearing and others ceasing to exist on a continual basis.[41][42] The total number of species is presently in rapid decline.[43][44][45]Life, as we understand it, is currently only known to exist on the planet Earth. The origin of life is still a poorly understood process, but it is thought to have occurred about 3.9 to 3.5 billion years ago during the hadean or archean eons on a primordial earth that had a substantially different environment than is found at present.[46] These life forms possessed the basic traits of self-replication and inheritable traits. Once life had appeared, the process of evolution by natural selection resulted in the formation of ever-more diverse life forms.Species that were unable to adapt to the changing environment and competition from other life forms became extinct. However, the fossil record retains evidence of many of these older species. Current fossil and DNA evidence shows that all existing species can trace a continual ancestry back to the first primitive life forms.[46]The advent of photosynthesis in very basic forms of plant life worldwide allowed the sun's energy to be harvested to create conditions allowing for more complex life. The resultant oxygen accumulated in the atmosphere and gave rise to the ozone layer. The incorporation of smaller cells within larger ones resulted in the development of yet more complex cells called eukaryotes.[47] Cells within colonies became increasingly specialized, resulting in true multicellular organisms. With the ozone layer absorbing harmful ultraviolet radiation, life colonized the surface of Earth.The first form of life to develop on the Earth were microbes, and they remained the only form of life on the planet until about a billion years ago when multi-cellular organisms began to appear.[48] Microorganisms are single-celled organisms that are generally smaller than the human eye can see. They include Bacteria, Fungi, Archaea and Protista.These life forms are found in almost every location on the Earth where there is liquid water, including the interior of rocks within the planet.[49] Their reproduction is both rapid and profuse. The combination of a high mutation rate and a horizontal gene transfer[50] ability makes them highly adaptable, and able to survive in new environments, including outer space.[51] They form an essential part of the planetary ecosystem. However some microorganisms are pathogenic and can post health risk to other organisms.The distinction between plant and animal life is not sharply drawn, with some categories of life that stand between or across the two. Originally Aristotle divided all living things between plants, which generally do not move, and animals. In Linnaeus' system, these became the Kingdoms Vegetabilia (later Plantae) and Animalia. Since then, it has become clear that the Plantae as originally defined included several unrelated groups, and the fungi and several groups of algae were removed to new kingdoms. However, these are still often considered plants in many contexts. Bacterial life is sometimes included in flora,[52][53] and some classifications use the term bacterial flora separately from plant flora.Among the many ways of classifying plants are by regional floras, which, depending on the purpose of study, can also include fossil flora, remnants of plant life from a previous era. People in many regions and countries take great pride in their individual arrays of characteristic flora, which can vary widely across the globe due to differences in climate and terrain.Regional floras commonly are divided into categories such as native flora and agricultural and garden flora, the latter of which are intentionally grown and cultivated. Some types of "native flora" actually have been introduced centuries ago by people migrating from one region or continent to another, and become an integral part of the native, or natural flora of the place to which they were introduced. This is an example of how human interaction with nature can blur the boundary of what is considered nature.Another category of plant has historically been carved out for weeds. Though the term has fallen into disfavor among botanists as a formal way to categorize "useless" plants, the informal use of the word "weeds" to describe those plants that are deemed worthy of elimination is illustrative of the general tendency of people and societies to seek to alter or shape the course of nature. Similarly, animals are often categorized in ways such as domestic, farm animals, wild animals, pests, etc. according to their relationship to human life.Animals as a category have several characteristics that generally set them apart from other living things, though not traced by scientists to having legs or wings instead of roots and leaves. Animals are eukaryotic and usually multicellular (although see Myxozoa), which separates them from bacteria, archaea and most protists. They are heterotrophic, generally digesting food in an internal chamber, which separates them from plants and algae. They are also distinguished from plants, algae, and fungi by lacking cell walls.With a few exceptions, most notably the sponges (Phylum Porifera), animals have bodies differentiated into separate tissues. These include muscles, which are able to contract and control locomotion, and a nervous system, which sends and processes signals. There is also typically an internal digestive chamber. The eukaryotic cells possessed by all animals are surrounded by a characteristic extracellular matrix composed of collagen and elastic glycoproteins. This may be calcified to form structures like shells, bones, and spicules, a framework upon which cells can move about and be reorganized during development and maturation, and which supports the complex anatomy required for mobility.All forms of life interact with the environment in which they exist, and also with other life forms. In the 20th century this premise gave rise to the concept of ecosystems, which can be defined as any situation where there is interaction between organisms and their environment.Ecosystems are composed of a variety of abiotic and biotic components that function in an interrelated way.[55] The structure and composition is determined by various environmental factors that are interrelated. Variations of these factors will initiate dynamic modifications to the ecosystem. Some of the more important components are: soil, atmosphere, radiation from the sun, water, and living organisms.Each living organism has a continual relationship with every other element that makes up its environment. Within the ecosystem, species are connected and dependent upon one another in the food chain, and exchange energy and matter between themselves as well as with their environment.[56]Every species has limits of tolerance to factors that affect its survival, reproductive success and ability to continue to thrive and interact sustainably with the rest of its environment, which in turn may have effects on these factors for many other species or even on the whole of life.[57] The concept of an ecosystem is thus an important subject of study, as such study provides information needed to make decisions about how human life may interact in a way that allows the various ecosystems to be sustained for future use rather than used up or otherwise rendered ineffective. For the purpose of such study, a unit of smaller size is called a microecosystem. For example, an ecosystem can be a stone and all the life under it. A macroecosystem might involve a whole ecoregion, with its drainage basin.[58]The following ecosystems are examples of the kinds currently under intensive study:"continental ecosystems", such as "forest ecosystems", "meadow ecosystems" such as steppes or savannas), or agro-ecosystems, systems in inland waters, such as lentic ecosystem"s such as lakes or ponds; or lotic ecosystems such as rivers, oceanic ecosystems. Another classification can be made by reference to its communities, such as in the case of a human ecosystem. Regional groupings of distinctive plant and animals best adapted to the region's physical natural environment, latitude, altitude, and terrain are known as biomes. The broadest classification, today under wide study and analysis, and also subject to widespread arguments about its nature and validity, is that of the entire sum of life seen as analogous to a self-sustaining organism; a theory studied as earth system science (less formally known as Gaia theory).[59][60]Although humans currently comprise only about one-half of one percent of the total living biomass on Earth,[61] the human effect on nature is disproportionately large (thus generating the appearance of such terms as man-nature continuum, humanized nature or human environment). Because of the extent of human influence, the boundaries between what we regard as nature and "made environments" is not clear cut except at the extremes. Even at the extremes, the amount of natural environment that is free of discernible human influence is presently diminishing at an increasingly rapid pace, or, according to some, has already disappeared.The development of technology by the human race has allowed the greater exploitation of natural resources and has helped to alleviate some of the risk from natural hazards. In spite of this progress, however, the fate of human civilization remains closely linked to changes in the environment. There exists a highly complex feedback-loop between the use of advanced technology and changes to the environment that are only slowly becoming understood.[62] Manmade threats to the Earth's natural environment include pollution, deforestation, and disasters such as oil spills. Humans have contributed to the extinction of many plants and animals.Humans employ nature for both leisure and economic activities. The acquisition of natural resources for industrial use remains a primary component of the world's economic system. Some activities, such as hunting and fishing, are used for both sustenance and leisure, often by different people. Agriculture was first adopted around the 9th millennium BCE. Ranging from food production to energy, nature influences economic wealth.
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