Permanent crisis (current year) [partially commented link collection]

Since the Delhi Agreement between seven parliamentary parties and the insurgent CPN (Maoist) of 22 November 2005, the people of Nepal have been waiting in vain for the promised realisation of an inclusive democratic system. Although the then putsching monarchy was abolished and a constitution was passed in 2015 after long power struggles between the political parties, even this was the sole work of the exclusively male leaders of the three major parties, predominantly male Bahuns. The appropriate participation of all social groups, as provided for in the interim constitution of January 2007, did not take place. In this respect, the constitution of 2015 even represented in part a step backwards compared to the interim constitution.
Thus, apart from the abolition of the monarchy, not much has changed since the 1990 system. Numerous fundamental human rights continue to be disregarded. There is no inclusion of all social groups. All power and the majority of all state functions are still in the hands of male Khas Arya, especially male Bahuns.  The latter make up hardly 6 percent of the population, but the identification of the state and its society and culture, in short the nationalist image of the state of Nepal, is still based on the culture and partly narrow-minded, anarchic, patriarchal and socially discriminating view and thinking of this small minority. As long as this state of affairs continues and the failed generation of political leaders of all parties is not replaced by a younger generation that is inclusive, open-minded, receptive and not exclusively oriented towards personal power interests, there will be no end to the crisis situation.

Since today's political parties and their leaders are proven to be disinterested in solving the crisis and, to make matters worse, supporters of the long-failed systems of monarchy and Hindu state are trying to use the failure of politics to revitalise their own interests, the title of this sub-page has been changed from Crisis solution to Permanent crisis.

16/05/2025: Victims first, always : If the new TJ appointees too fail, the country’s image and stability could both take a hit (kp), CIAA chargesheets ex-minister, officials in Teramocs scam :Anti-graft body seeks Rs3.21 billion in damages and long jail terms for Mohan Basnet and top NTA officials, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Bill lands in House but no different from controversial land ordinance : Claiming that the bill serves the interests of land mafia and brokers, leaders from opposition parties call it a case of policy-level corruption, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Curb Soaring Arrears Now (rep), Nepal’s FDI commitments surge 33 percent amid policy reforms : Streamlined approval process and legal amendments drive foreign investment pledges, but actual inflows remain modest due to governance challenges (kp), Nepal receives Rs 57 billion in FDI commitments in 10 months (rep)

15/05/2025: Transitional justice panels get leadership. Victims cry foul : Mahesh Thapa to head truth commission, Lila Devi Gadtaula disappearance commission, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Plight of Nepal’s Dalits (rep), Nagarik Unmukti Party’s internal power struggle puts Sudurpaschim governance in disarray (kh), Kulman’s exit sparks load-shedding, discontent: Sudan Kirati (kh), TERAMOCS case: CIAA files corruption case against 16 including former Minister Basnet (rep), Case filed against NC leader Mohan Basnet in Teramox scandal (kh), MP Mohan Basnet set to be suspended after corruption case (kh), NC’s Khatiwada questions appointment of advisors (kh), Smuggled Chinese motorbikes power life in upper Dolpa : Villagers rely on affordable motorcycles from across the border to get around, by Ramchandra Neupane (kp), NRNA rift deepens as PM and FM pick sides : A ‘unity convention’ meant to heal divisions has instead widened them, with boycotts and parallel claims to leadership of the diaspora body, by Anil Giri (kp), Bad omen : Timely preparation is a must to prevent a repeat of the yearly water-induced disasters (kp), Of democracy and economic development : Democracy can’t ensure economic prosperity if the rulers compromise its very foundations, by Roshee Lamichhane (kp), Democracy Must Deliver On Promises, by Mukti Rijal (rn), Business leaders voice frustration over state inertia (kp), Govt's capital expenditure at 34%, revenue collection at 65% in 10 months (rep), Royalist forces uncertain of former king’s intent, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae)

14/05/2025: Hindu state has some appeal in Congress, less in UML, Maoist Centre : UML leader Pradeep Gyawali says the public is upset not with secularism per se but with conversions happening under its cover, by Purushottam Poudel (kp) [This is largely due to the fact that the political parties are controlled by the minority of male Khas Arya, for whom the Hindu state is part of their identity. The majority of the marginalised masses have a completely different view! Even the Maoist insurgency and the new constitution have not brought about the urgently needed social change!], Madhes ignored, public frustrated; yet Janamat stays in alliance, interview with CK Raut (kh), Woman swept away in pre-monsoon flood. Experts call it a wake-up call for preparedness : But the disaster authority is still waiting for the monsoon forecast to begin its response and preparedness plan, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Rethinking school education reform : Without addressing teachers’ concerns, any attempt to reform school education will likely fail, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp), SC orders authorities to present Rabindra Mishra in court (kh), Transitional justice process: Political interference in selections is jeopardizing the process (ae), Non-resident Nepali association: A vision undermined by flawed execution, by Pushpa Raj Joshi (ht), Address Landlessness with Justice and Urgency (rep), PM Oli calls for keeping NRNA intact, dignified and goal-oriented (rn) [The extreme politicisation of the NRNA by the political parties is largely to blame for this development, Mr Oli!], Govt to freeze local body accounts over administrative officers’ attendance, by Ishwari Subedi (rep) [From the point of view of the ruling elite, federalism continues to mean complete control of the provinces and local units by the national elite!]

13/05/2025: Echoes of injustice in Soti incident : The violent death of six innocent men on the Bheri River was caused by caste hate, by Mitra Pariyar (kp), Corruption and inequality in Nepal: A growing crisis, by Kamal Raj Dhungel (ae), Nepal awaits final word on MCC as shutdown looms : Nepali officials are still hopeful they can convince the Americans to resume MCC and other support, by Anil Giri (kp), Private sector urges govt to conduct quarterly assessment of development expenditure (rep), Nepal overhauling outdated intellectual property law : A stronger law is in the works to tackle rampant imitation of popular brands and protect original creations, by Krishana Prasain (kp), Cash crunch forces Nepal to halt on-site drug testing : Drug regulator says the proposed budget for new fiscal year will be just enough for salaries, by Arjun Poudel (kp) [A very competent government, isn't it?], Local politicians, residents rally against Kaligandaki diversion plan : More than 300,000 people across four districts rely on the Kaligandaki for agriculture, drinking water, and spiritual practices, by Madhav Aryal (kp), Basics first : The digital push in Karnali province shows a disconnect between policy-making and people (kp), Harnessing Remittances for Long-Term Growth (rep), Nepal records Rs 7.42 billion in remittance outflow in the first nine months (rep), Remittance up, outflow higher (ae), Lawmakers urge govt action on market prices (kh), Kamal Thapa: Rabindra Mishra has committed no crime (kh) [The majority of Nepalis have suffered for centuries under the Hindu monarchy. Around 17,000 people had to die to end this misery. If a small minority wants to undo this achievement, then this endeavour alone is a crime against the great majority of the people. Unfortunately, the ruling elite of high-caste men continues to refuse the inclusion of all social groups. However, the alternative is never a return to the failed monarchy, but finally the realisation of democracy, republic, secularism, federalism and comprehensive social inclusion.]

12/05/2025: Panel forwards transitional justice picks. Victims decry : Former joint attorney general Thapa and ex-chief secretary Gadtaula nominated as chiefs of TRC, CIEDP, respectively, by Ghanashyam Khadka (kp) [Justice is impossible to achieve without adequate participation of the victims' side and simultaneous exclusion of the perpetrators' side!], Will a 'Civil Commission' Shape  Nepal’s Stalled Transitional Justice System?, by Rajendra Senchurey (rep), Recommendation committee proposes leadership for TRC and CIEDP despite victims’ objections, by Bhash Sharma (rep) [What else? This is the interest of the ruling male high caste oligarchy!], Nepali judiciary is not sensitised on caste-based discrimination : Just as in rape cases where the victims are the most crucial evidence, in caste-based discrimination too, the victims should be considered the most vital evidence, interview with Kunjani Pariyar Pyasi (kp), Nepal’s Dalits: Poor, illiterate, and married too young, by Ruby Rauniyar (rep), Limits of foreign policy : Nepal’s momentary power politics with its neighbours can become counterproductive for bilateral relations, by Lok Raj Baral (kp), Reminiscing last week: Mistrust and maneuvering (kh), Biswo Poudel likely to become NRB governor amid political tug-of-war (kh), Lesbian couple went to register marriage. Law enforcement separated them : Case shows court’s ruling to allow same-sex marriage has yet to get social acceptance, by Aarati Ray (kp), Set Realistic Budget Targets (rep), SC issues mandamus to form recommendation committee in 7 days to establish NCRA (rep)

11/05/2025: Civil Servants submit signature campaign demanding inclusion in Federal Act (kh), SC resumes hearing on writ against 52 constitutional bodies appointments (kh), Shiv Sena President Anil Basnet arrested in connection with Tinkune violence (kh), HoR endorses govt’s policies and programs by majority (kh), Govt urged to rescue 469 Nepalis held hostage in Saudi Arabia (kh), Factional rivalry grows in UML, evident in clashes during provincial, district conventions : KP Sharma Oli’s leadership once seemed unchallenged but the situation is changing from bottom up, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Inside the Collapse of Nepal’s Monarchy Revival, by Hari Roka (rep), Nepal govt indifferent to death of its own citizen, by Mithilesh Yadav and Tapendra Karki (rep), Use of Nepali language rises sharply over two decades, by Ruby Rauniyar (rep)

10/05/2025: Pokhara airport: China’s soft power, Nepal’s hard landing : From long-delayed dream to a lightning rod of controversy, Pokhara International Airport is caught in a tangled web, by Sangam Prasain (kp), Kaligandaki corridor road gives new hope to isolated mountain communities : The 445-kilometre road from Mustang to Nawalpur connects remote mountain villages to markets, healthcare, and tourism and is transforming lives, by Madhav Aryal (kp), Link Politics With The Real Economy, by Dev Raj Thapa (rn)

09/05/2025: Govt’s policy document, India-Pak conflict, and more, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), Govt's policies and programs to be approved on May 11, UML issues whip to lawmakers (rep), UML issues whip to its lawmakers to vote in favour of govt.'s policies and programmes (rn) [This is what KP Oli understands by democracy: MPs are supposed to represent the interests of the supreme party leader and not those of the voters who elected them!], Delayed development dreams (ae), Lawmakers urge govt to rescue Nepali students in Pakistan amid rising Indo-Pak tensions (rep), How Politics Killed Science in Gandaki Province, by Prayan Pokharel (rep), Nepalis in Pakistan are safe: Nepal govt (rep) [???], CIAA challenges Special Court's acquittal in corruption case involving ex-secretary Marasini (rep), Don’t Lower Girls' Age Of Marriage, by Aishwarya Koirala (rn), Reframe Policy For Health Equity, by Jhabindra Bhandari (rn), Are we prepared for monsoon, by Shreya Shrestha (ae)

08/05/2025: Teachers’ federation warns of fresh protests : It has taken exception to some provisions in the government’s policies and programmes and fears past agreements might not be carried through (kp), Janamat and Nagarik Unmukti unification thrown into limbo : Leaders from both regional parties say the process will go ahead after they study the incident (kp), Nirvik Nari spotlights women’s leadership : The fifth edition of the event featured voices from politics, diplomacy, business, and youth under the theme ‘Women’s Power and Leadership’, by Sanskriti Pokharel (kp), 40 days of rage as microfinance victims demand justice (Pics) (kh), Ensure Laws Are Implemented, by Mukti Rijal (rn), Survivors' needs will be focused in transitional justice process: Home Minister Lekhak (rn) [Without involving them in any way in this attempt at a solution? This is not only ridiculous, but also shows that the representatives of the perpetrators are not seeking justice for the victims at all!], Nepali youths struggle in stagnant systems, by Prakriti Thapa (ae), A look into policies and programs for 2025-26, by Shanker Man Singh (ae)

07/05/2025: Transitional justice selection to proceed ignoring victims’ calls : Despite assurances, no victim is on the shortlist. Panel cites missing documents, says ‘pocket picks’ rejected, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [This will not change as long as this so-called peace process is controlled by representatives of the same forces that were responsible for the crimes committed during the Maoist insurgency!], Conflict victims' groups withdraw recommendations, Condemn politicized TJ process (rep), TRC: Verdict on Search Committee dissolution to be issued on May 8 (rep), HoR session: Lawmakers urge govt action on pressing issues (kh), Lawmakers urge budget reform, push for agricultural focus (kh), Govt reluctant to recover assets stashed abroad by corrupt individuals: CIAA Chief (kh) [This proves the dishonesty of PM Oli, who constantly claims to want to take the toughest possible action against corruption!], Back to Pork Barrel Politics (rep), Why is NEA facing financial crisis under Hitendra Shakya? (kh) [The negative consequences of KP Oli's personal vendetta against the competent manager Kulman Singh Ghising are already becoming clear!], Unfit for eating : The indiscriminate use of pesticides in vegetables could lead to a public health crisis (kp), Interpreters of the world, write! : The externalised and marginalised of the world, be your own interpreters and tell your own stories, by CK Lal (kp), Parroting of socialism: Merely in words, not in action, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht), A roadmap to ending landlessness, by Jagat Deuja (rep), Petition filed in Constitutional Bench against Judicial Council Regulations amendment (rep)

06/05/2025: What are you hiding? The government’s refusal to make property details of ministers public is problematic (kp), Govt to allocate Rs 210m for projects in each lawmaker’s constituency, by Dilip Paudel (rep) [This non-planned investment is a form of open corruption that allows the socially non-inclusive group of directly elected MPs to secure their future re-election.], Unmet expectations and regime instability: Stop recruiting political cronies, by Ram Prasad Mainali (ht), Maoists listen, apologize, and promise reforms in Madhes (kh), Dahal lambasts government as deliberations on policies and programmes start : The main opposition leader claims the government’s inability to appoint the governor highlights its failure (kp), SC orders govt to implement new mental health policy, by Bhasha Sharma (rep), Debate on policies and programs merely a formality: Lawmaker Joshi (rep) [???], Focus On Early Childhood Development, by Uttam Maharjan (rn), Nepali society is aging (ae)

05/05/2025: Democracy in Nepal: A ritual without substance?, by Ganga Thapa (kh), Federalism in Nepal: Flexibility, pragmatism should drive the discussion, by Simone Galimberti (ht), Status of press freedom in Nepal : Last year revealed cracks as laws intended for freedom turned into tools of control, by Umesh Pokharel (kp), Nepal: Political wrangling stalls TJ process, by Bhasha Sharma (rep), Reminiscing last week: Promises, protests, power plays (kh), House probe into Bhairahawa airport irregularities hits snag : On alleged corruption in airport upgrade, coordinator Yogesh Bhattarai recused himself after fellow lawmaker questioned his ex-civil aviation minister status, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Investors, hoteliers left waiting as flights vanish from Bhairahawa airport : Local businesses fear financial collapse as billions in investments tied to the airport bring no return, by Dipendra Baduwal (kp), Continuing tragedy : How can justice be done in the Prisha Sah case when the previous one remains unresolved? (kp), Restoring trust in government, by Krishna Raman Adhikari (ae)

04/05/2025: War victims ask rights body to recall member from selection panel : Unhappy with the shortlist of candidates for transitional justice commissions, they want to forestall nominations, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [There are representatives of the perpetrators, but not of the victims. And the ultimate decision is still exclusively in the hands of people who potentially have to bear responsibility!], Conflict survivor organisations call for appointing officials in the TJ bodies acceptable to the victims (rn), PM Oli asserts no forgiveness for conflict-era rape cases (kh), Government makes yet another promise to cooperatives victims : Depositors don’t trust the new pledge as past commitments have turned out to be hollow (kp), Of Power and Wealth: Political Economy of Corruption, by Narayan Manandhar (rep), Safeguarding Press Freedom with Urgency and Conviction (rep), A system breaking down : The ones responsible for violating the principles of the rule of law are those obliged to uphold it, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (kp), Nepal’s billion-dollar smog : Despite the escalating costs, Nepal’s approach to air pollution remains underpowered, by Yanki Ukyab (kp), The high cost of studying abroad: How many more must die before we listen?, by Chandra K Panjiyar (rep), Residential doctors return to work following agreement (rep), NRNA splits as Shrestha elected president unopposed (rep) [Thanks are due to the aggressive infiltration by the political parties, which prevents all public and social institutions from working rationally and effectively!], Nurture Fruitful Coalition Culture, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn)

03/05/2025: NHRC urges protection of journalists and press freedom (kh), FNJ records 76 instances of press freedom violation in a year (rep) [see report in Nepali], “Nagarik Unmukti has no intention of staying in govt”, interview with Lalbir Chaudhry (kh), Government’s policy document reaffirms pledge to constitution amendment : Vows to pass school, civil service laws during the ongoing House session. Opposition criticises the document as aimless, outdated, blind to geopolitics (kp) [As always, a fairytale lesson whose content will largely never be implemented!],
NC MPs voice frustration over govt’s policies and programs : "Should we abandon our slogan? Should we carry UML’s?" (kh), Nepal set for intense monsoon. Boost for crops, peril for people : Monsoon rains are vital for Nepal’s Rs6.17 trillion economy, but timely fertiliser supply is key to boosting yields, by Sangam Prasain (kp)

02/05/2025: Victims reject transitional justice shortlist, demand new selection panel : 36 victims’ groups slam list for lack of transparency, clear criteria, and right candidates, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Budget cap threatens years of Nepal’s healthcare gains, officials warn : Cuts may jeopardise major programmes on maternal and child health, immunisation, nutrition, HIV, TB, mental health, and epidemic control, among others (kh), Rising Threats, Deepening Impunity: Media Action Nepal’s report warns of crisis in Nepali media (rep) [see report], Regular jobs decline sharply in Nepal as labour law compliance worsens : New report reveals surge in outsourced workers, growing gig economy, and widespread violations of wage and labour regulations amid weak enforcement, by Krishana Prasain (kp), All Eyes on Teachers Now (rep), School employees announce protest programs from May 4 (rep), Teachers’ protest ends but govt still has challenges, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), Nepal’s Restive Streets: Youth, Protests, and the Shadow of Gerontocracy, by Vidhu Prakash Kayastha (rep), Student Politics And Ambitions, by Sugam Gautam (rn), 29% of firms in Nepal violate minimum wage rule of Rs 17,300 a month: GEFONT (rep), 97 Percent of Women in Bajhang and Bajura Break Free from Chhaupadi Practice (rep), Community campaign helps reduce menstrual discrimination, by Pabitra Sunar (rep), SC staff faces extended custody for faking Resham Chaudhary arrest order (rep)

01/05/2025: Achham shamans join push to stop forcing women into huts during periods : Officials have engaged shamans to help end Chhaupadi tradition and related gender-based superstitions, by Menuka Dhungana (kp), Amnesty International flags Nepal’s declining human rights amid global trends of repression, impunity : Report calls out government for using excessive force to suppress peaceful protests, citing arbitrary arrests, detentions, and violence (kp), Conflict victims skeptical, call for a new public selection process (rep), Make TRC Effective In Its New Setup, by Mukti Rijal (rn), Gerontocracy in political parties: Time to embrace genuine internal democracy, by Vidhu Prakash Kayastha (ht), Central concern : Why do victims of all kinds from around the country have to descend to Kathmandu to be heard? (kp) [Nepal is still an extremely centralised country. Federalism, which was supposed to remedy this situation, is not wanted by the national politicians and only serves to secure posts for their clientele and to extend their power struggles to the provinces!], Teachers’ month-long street protest called off (kh), Teachers end protest after Cabinet agrees to key demands : Government promises to pass new school education law by June 29. Teachers warn of a new stir if pledge broken, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Rift deepens as school staff reject 9-point agreement with govt (kh), School employees reject nine-point agreement between govt and teachers’ federation (rep), School staff protest against exclusion of their demands in agreement with govt (rep), School Staff Council holds emergency meeting amidst discontent over agreement with govt (rep), Machination or mistake? Resham Chaudhary’s brief arrest raises eyebrows : Police detained Resham Chaudhary from a Janamat-NUP merger event Wednesday only to release him later after the Supreme Court voided the arrest warrant citing a court official’s error, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Workers unaffected by public holiday (Photos) (kh), Government advised to present a budget that boosts hope : The meeting reportedly stressed making development efforts more effective and timely, and preventing the misuse of resources (kp) [A budget that is not implemented remains a pointless utopia!], Abandoned Abroad: Who Fights for Nepali Workers in Foreign Jails?, by Khastila Shreem Rizal (rep)

30/04/2025: Karnali: A land of challenges and immense potential, by Bishan Dev Joshi (kh), Talks between teachers and govt remain inconclusive (kh), Teachers to continue protest in Kathmandu today (kh), Put Students First (rep), Justices Shrestha and Dhakal concludes writ on ending teachers’ protests  (rep), Council of Ministers endorses nine-point agreement reached between govt and agitating teachers (kh), Teachers’ Federation postpones all protest programs (kh), Resham Chaudhary arrested (kh), Janamat-NUP merger disrupted following Resham’s arrest (kh), SC’s detention letter for Resham Chaudhary not found in office records (kh), SC orders Resham Chaudhary’s immediate release (kh), Resham Chaudhary released after SC declares arrest letter invalid (kh), Deported by US, denied by Bhutan : Four Bhutanese refugee youths who were flown to Thimphu have arrived in Nepal and returned to their old refugee camps in Jhapa, by Parbat Portel (kp), Outcry after RPP leader taken to court in handcuffs : Experts divided on whether handcuffing was lawful or police overreach. Police dispute claims Rabindra Mishra is a prisoner of political conscience, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Ensure Physical Safety Of Journalists, by Namrata Sharma (rn), Fighting Human Trafficking, by Krishna Raman Adhikari (rn), High budget surrender reflects low spending capacity (ae)

29/04/2025: Global HR situation ‘alarming’: World Human Rights Report (kh) [see report chapter on Nepal 2024], Global HR situation ‘alarming’: World Human Rights ReportOf teachers, students and school education : This is an opportune time to rethink our entire schooling system, by Mitra Pariyar (kp), Teachers’ protest in Kathmandu to continue today (kh), Minister Pant, teachers in marathon meetings to hammer out a deal : Government spokesman Gurung claims teachers’ demands will be addressed latest by Wednesday, by Anil Giri (kp), Additional Rs 65 billion needed to fulfil teachers' demands, by Dilip Paudel (rep), NC cadres shun renewals even in wards of party’s top brass, by Keshab Sawad (kh), National flag caught in politics. Experts call for clearer rules : Nepal flag has been widely and randomly used in various protests, campaigns and other events in recent years, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Commission directs private colleges to raise allowances for resident doctors : Also tasks a new panel to review MBBS and BDS seat quotas and fee structures (kp), Women’s service organization urges inclusive reforms in Political Parties Act (kh) [Discrimination against women can already be found in serious ways in the constitution, for example with regard to citizenship regulations. The provisions of the constitution and subordinate laws on the appropriate inclusion of all social groups are generally disregarded by politicians! The Political Parties Act further strengthens the authoritarian exercise of power by top politicians.], From social media fame to political flame-outs : The rise and fall of 'digital leaders', by Sita Neupane (kh), The loneliness epidemic in Nepal and South Asia: Some SE Asian countries offer models to consider, by Sunoor Verma (ht), Breaking Vicious Cycle Of Street Life, by Uttam Maharjan (rn), US aid cut: Challenges and opportunities for Nepal, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), Disconnect between media narrative and public opinion on US aid cut, by Umesh Pokharel (ae), Lawmaker Kathayat urges govt to prioritize Karnali in upcoming budget (kh)

28/04/2025: Calls grow for proper vetting of transitional justice candidates : As panel shortlists 34 individuals for 10 positions, conflict victims and rights groups warn of partisan influence, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Civil society organizations, advocacy groups call for transparent selection process for TJ Commissions (rep), Shaky-shaky : Dissatisfaction with the Oli government—and his generation of leaders—runs wide and deep (kp), Nepali Congress and instability, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), Reminiscing Last Week: Heightened political tension (kh), We are in the final battle: Agitating teachers’ President (kh), MPs urge govt to create environment for teachers’ return to schools (kh), Teachers’ movement will not falter: Subedi (kh), Years of broken promises pushed teachers over the edge : Many local units are doing a very good job in terms of improving the quality of school education under their jurisdictions, interview with Dhanjaya Sharma (kp), Injured Journalist Karki's vision improves, uncertainty over complete recovery (rep) [A crime against a journalist, committed by the police on the orders of the Oli government?], With court permit, police probe Congress lawmaker Rai for cooperative fraud : MP raises suspicion if special House panel had deliberately overlooked her involvement, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Bickering Democracy, by Deepak Kumar Nayak (SAIR), Tariff escalations and Nepali economy : Foreign investment and technology transfer are vital for Nepali industries’ trade opportunities, by Jagadish Prasad Bist (kp), 33 children die every day in Nepal before age 5: Let's invest in a system that works for all children, by Shoyana KC (ht), Cooperative victims stage protest at Maitighar (Photo Feature) (rep), Parliamentary panel recommends recovery of Rs 2.22 billion from PRIA construction (rep), Nepal's long road to quake resilience, by Paavan Mathema (ae)

27/04/2025: Education Movement Towards the Threshold of Transformation, by Gita Subedi (kh), Teachers’ agitation and metamorphosis : Neither the government nor the teachers can treat education as a matter of convenience, by Abhi Subedi (kp), Teachers’ protest reveals deeper failures in state leadership, by Chandra K Panjiyar (rep), Nepal Teachers Federation urges local levels to stop threatening protesters (kh), Protesting teachers sit for talks but refuse to budge : The ministry has until Tuesday to report to the court on progress in ensuring children’s right to education (kp), Police deploy water cannons on agitating teachers attempting to break through restricted area (kh), 62 teachers injured in clash with police: Federation (kh), 27 people injured in teacher-police clash (with list of injured) (rep), Journalist Sabina Karki injured in clash during teachers’ protest (kh) [also inhured by police!], Teacher-Police clashes in Baneshwor: Water cannons, stone-throwing erupt, by Dipesh Darsandhari (Photo Feature) (rep), Former Education Minister Sumana urges agitating teachers to reject govt’s dictatorial tendencies (kh) [And PM Oli claimed that she had resigned for health reasons. But all she did was oppose Oli's irresponsible policies!], Police notify Parliament Secretariat of MP Maya Rai’s arrest (kh), Parliamentary Committee directs govt to devise reliable guiding principles and policies (kh), Over five billion unspent budget returned to state treasury (kh), Leaderless, new cooperatives agency fails to begin work : Three months after its establishment, the government has yet to appoint the regulatory authority’s chairperson, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Protests Must Not Come at the Expense of the Public (rep), US decision to shut down MCC riles PM Oli  (rep), Digital rights, freedom activists caution govt  (rep), UML lawmaker demands action against ex-King, press secretary (rep)

26/04/2025: Govt, agitating teachers begin talks at Singha Durbar (kh), First round of talks between govt and agitating teachers concludes on a positive note (kh), Journalist summoned after report on NC leader’s son’s involvement in Bhatbhateni looting (kh), Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol calls for CIAA to probe corruption in KMC (kh), KMC municipal meeting not held for four months amid internal rift (kh), Many earthquake-displaced families in Gorkha and Sindhupalchok are still languishing in huts : Ten years on, Dalits in Gorkha’s Barpak continue to suffer due to local divisions over reconstruction, while thousands in Sindhupalchok are unable to rebuild, by Hariram Upreti and Anish Tiwari (kp), Oli and Deuba stand by coalition amid unease in ranks : Despite Maoist chair Dahal’s offer to back a new alliance, Deuba has trust issues with Dahal, says a Congress leader (kp) [Of course, they only have their power deal in mind, other politicians may also be concerned with content!], Political Parties Must Act with Urgency (rep), Political Communication Vital For Governance, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn)

25/04/2025: The sociology of social unrest : The Birganj violence this week is a warning not to mix religion and politics, by Chandra Kishore (nt), A decade after Gorkha earthquake: Reconstruction still incomplete, Barpak awaits revival (kh), A decade after the devastating 2015 earthquake, is Nepal any safer?, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Teachers’ protest enters 24th day: Vow to continue until Education Act is passed (kh), Create environment for teachers to return to duty within three days: Supreme Court : Local units have also started asking protesting school teachers to conduct classes pronto, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Existential threat : Our academic institutions could fall apart without urgent actions to rebuild youth trust in them (kp), Agitating teachers sit for talks following call from Education Minister Pant (rep), Protesting teachers return without holding talk with govt (rep), Nepal Medical Association announces suspension of services sans emergency from today (kh), Doctors across Nepal shunning non-emergency services today : Thousands of patients will be affected as the Nepal Medical Association backs resident doctors’ protests over stipend gap between private and government medical colleges (kp), Resident doctors to halt services nationwide, except emergencies (kh), RPP Nepal to hold mass demonstration on April 28 (kh), Risks from monarchy : Nepal’s civil society must guard against the broader risks from the growing pro-monarchy movement, by Bishal Thapa (kp), Manufactured Nostalgia and Nepal’s senile Romanticism towards Monarchy, by Sudeep Marasini (rep), As Elon Musk’s axe falls on MCC, Nepal fears the worst : No clarity, but the worry is projects could be slashed. PM’s adviser says Nepal will ask the US to reconsider decision, by Anil Giri (kp), Pokhara Airport: A runway for corruption, not for flights, by Pushpa Raj Joshi (ht

24/04/2025: Education bill drags on, teachers dig in : The School Education Bill’s passage is unlikely before May 10 even if the entire process goes smoothly, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Stem Deterioration Of School Education, by Mukti Rijal (rn), Supreme Court orders govt. to ensure teachers return to classrooms within three days, Eight student leaders arrested near PM’s residence during solidarity protest for teachers (kh), ‘Disheartening’: Cooperatives victims say Nepali Congress has let them down : The party had obstructed Parliament last year demanding justice for cooperative victims (kp), Now, the central bank : Failure to appoint a competent governor on time is an indictment of Oli’s government leadership (kp), Bungled Diplomacy and Politicized Institution, by Madhab P Khanal (rep), Nepal’s Search for Stability Remains a Work in Progress, by Kosh Raj Koirala (rep), A decade of Nepal’s federal journey: Gains, gaps and the road ahead, by Narayan Upadhyay (rep), Reflecting on a decade since the devastating 2015 earthquake, by Prakash Rimal (rep), Post-2015 earthquake reshapes Nepal's construction industry, by Bhuwan Sharma (rep), Digital classrooms, outdated teaching: Quake schools face new challenge, by Ruby Rauniyar (rep), Rebuilding Nepal: A decade of lessons, loss and resilience, by Dilip Paudel (rep), Ten years since the Gorkha Earthquake: Nepal is still not fully prepared, by Tara Chettry (ht), Children demand child-centered climate change policies (rep), Protesting doctors and police personnel engage in scuffle at Maitighar (With Photos) (rep), Enact Law On The Right To Be Forgotten, by Prabin Kumar Yadav (rn), SC orders four Bhutanese refugees deported from US not to be held in prison (kh)

23/04/2025: The end of an ‘Oliological’ decade : The progenitor of proto-fascist movement of 2015 will soon fade away into political oblivion, by CK Lal (kp), No relief yet for Bajhang Dalits devastated by 2021 floods : Many have migrated to India after being excluded from reconstruction aid lists, by Basanta Pratap Singh (kp) [This is part of the discriminatory and inhuman policy of the male Khas Arya oligarchy of the political parties, which the monarchists want to increase with a return to Hindu state and monarchy!], End the Protracted Stalemate (rep), NP Saud calls for constitutional amendment to reduce govt size and financial burden (kh), Nepal’s communist leaders harp on unity—but often trade barbs : At Nepal Communist Party’s 76th anniversary event, Oli and Dahal make scathing criticisms of each other (kp), Teachers intensifying protest: Call educators from rural areas to join protest in Kathmandu (kh), CZOP urges teachers to rethink protest approach, prioritize students’ rights (kh), Pokhara Int’l Airport: Political agenda or corruption scandal?, by Narayan Aryal (kh), Minister Gupta urges global cooperation to uphold rights of indigenous nationalities (kh) [Just as the Janajati are participated in Nepal?], Minister Sudi acknowledges gaps in rights for sexual and gender minorities (kh)

22/04/2025: Education minister resigns after rift with PM, finance minister : Resignation follows refusal by PM Oli and Finance Minister Paudel to address teachers’ demands on perks and benefits, by Anil Giri and Binod Ghimire (kp), ‘Education Minister resigned due to health reasons, not political differences’ (rep) [claims PM Oli and continues to do nothing to settle the teachers' strikes!], Teachers' protest disrupts traffic (rep), Above 20,000 students deprived of study due to teachers' protest in Humla, by Nanda Singha (rn), Nepal Teachers’ Federation alleges threats to teachers over grade 12 exams (ok), Teachers to boycott grade 12 exam amid ongoing protest (kh), Grade 12 exams postponed to May 4 under pressure from protesting teachers (kh), Health Minister Pradip Paudel’s free burn treatment pledge falls flat : Only Kirtipur Hospital received the fund and has already spent it. Poor patients at other hospitals are still footing the bill, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Never complete : The under-construction highways compromise people’s right to safe and affordable travel (kp), Police continue to arrest individuals linked to Tinkune violence : Police have intensified probe into the riots that left two dead, scores injured and private and public properties vandalised, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Local Courts Enhance Social Justice, by Ritesh Panthee (rn), Lingden’s struggle to rally fractured royalist movement, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae),  It’s time to abolish child marriage, by Chanda Chaudhary (ae)

21/04/2025: 110 seek positions in transitional justice commissions : Judges, rights activists and victims are among applicants, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Provincial police office finally takes up Anandi Devi Sadaya death case : Siraha police had allegedly sided with accused, put pressure on victim’s family to settle, by Binay Aazad (kp), Reminiscing Last Week: Navigating tensions and transition (kh), Agitating teachers to continue protest even today (kh), Dr. Bhattarai criticizes govt and teachers for jeopardizing students’ future (kh), Teachers' protest hits commuters hard (rep), Address School Teachers' Genuine Demands, by Ballav Dahal (rn), Teachers’ protest enters 20th day, commuters face worsening traffic disruptions (kh), Education Minister Bhattarai resigns amid ongoing teachers’ protest (kh), RPP leaders protesting in restricted area briefly held : Turnout in Sunday’s demonstration was much lower than what the organisers anticipated (kp) [The small minority of monarchists remains a small minority, no matter how vociferous and aggressive they are!], RPP’s protest fizzles despite bold threats (ae), Protests intensify as political forces clash over governance, constitutional changes, by Tapendra Karki (rep), Nepal’s worsening water crisis : We must recalibrate our efforts to restore depleting water sources, by Madhukar Upadhya (kp), Revisiting secularism is not off the table in Congress, interview with Finance Minister Prakash Sharan Mahat (kp) [What the 2015 constitution calls secularism is merely the freedom of people to practise their ancestral religion, but not a strict separation of state and religion. The problem lies in the lack of social inclusion. A small minority of male Khas Arya dominates politics and all areas of public life and identifies the nation with its own culture and religion. This is an affront to the ethnic and cultural diversity of Nepalese society.], Discontinue non-performing projects: NPC to Finance Ministry (kh)

20/04/2025: Cries of help : While old parties are incorrigible, newbies are also buckling under their own baggage, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (kp), Nepali Congress steps in as teachers’ protest intensifies, by Keshab Sawad (kh), Nepal Teachers Federation calls for nationwide school shutdown (kh), Teachers to start protest early due to royalist rally (kh), Teachers’ protest on despite ‘positive’ talks with PM and Speaker : Speaker Ghimire, who met them on Friday evening, said he was ready to put the bill to a vote in a fast-track process, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Top 3 leaders agree to jointly counter threats to republic : Home ministry warns Rastriya Prajatantra Party against breaching restricted zones as the pro-monarchy outfit stages a demonstration today (kp), RPP to stage protest in Kathmandu today (kh), Rajendra Lingden slams ‘autocratic’ govt ahead of RPP’s peaceful protest (kh), Security beefed up in Kathmandu to prevent RPP protest from turning violent (rep), RPP protest in restricted area (kh), RPP calls government authoritarian and repressive after arrest of chair and leaders from Singha Durbar (kh), Govt begins damage assessment in Kavre seven months after deadly floods (kh) [Why so early?], Achham fire victims feel ignored, await promised relief : Dozens left homeless; local officials say Rs80 million in properties destroyed in April 8 inferno, by Menuka Dhungana (kp), Bhandari’s Activism Ruffles Feathers, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), Dalit community leaders stage sit-in remanding revival of upliftment committees (kh)

19/04/2025: Siblings denied citizenship file contempt case, demand justice in mother’s name (kh) [Nepal's citizenship law is extremely discriminatory against women. Only men have an unrestricted right, women are only tolerated under certain circumstances. Children of a male Nepali have an automatic right to Nepalese citizenship. Children of Nepali women only have this right if the father is/was also a proven Nepali citizen. Foreign husbands of Nepali women are categorised like all foreigners, while wives of Nepali men have little problems. Long live the patriarchy!], Illegal female infanticide on rise in Kalikot, by Lalit Bista (rep) [This is also a consequence of the arch-patriarchal mindset, especially of the ruling minority elite, which categorises women as inferior.], Police lock Yogesh Bhattarai in toilet amid protest in Taplejung (kh), Govt raises Rs 366 billion in debt in nine months (kh), Teachers’ Association calls meeting following talks with govt (rep), Teacher's protest causes disruption, affecting 12,000 workers (rep), Amid teachers’ protest, civil servants threaten to hit the streets seeking law : They have given the government a week’s time to table the Federal Civil Service Bill in Parliament (kp), Dhangadhi airport expansion: Former minister Ale under CIAA scrutiny (rep), Silwal arrested over inciting Tinkune violence (rep), Think Before You Follow, by Lunibha Bajracharya (rn), Most arrested in Tinkune royalist protest say they acted in rage (kh), Breathing Peril: Kathmandu's Polluted Air, by Munish Sharma (rn), Ownership Of Social Contract Builds Trust, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Top Three Party Leaders Unite to Protect Republic, Condemn Pro-Monarchy Movement (kh) [But this is only part of the story. The politicians referred to here as top leaders are mainly responsible for the political instability and the weak image of the republican system and have thus played into the hands of the minority of monarchists in the first place. The fact that they still do not say a word about this makes it clear that they still do not recognise their guilt and consequently do not draw any consequences from it!], Home Ministry warns RPP of action if their planned protest on Sunday turns unruly (rep)

18/04/2025: Nepal's democracy fatigue : Nepalis are growing discontent as the possibility of any substantial change seems unlikely, by Harsh Pandey (kp), Higher corruption in high places : Is it too much to hope that continued pressure from the public and scrutiny by the media will demobilise Nepal’s kleptocrats?, by David Seddon (nt), Make High-Profile Appointments Free of Interference (rep), Misplaced Anti-Corruption Agenda, by Narayan Manandhar (rep), Prohibitory order in Birgunj to be lifted from today (kh), Teachers’ protest to continue Friday at Maitighar (kh), Listen to protesting teachers (ae), Billions embezzled in Pokhara airport works, probe finds: Citing CAAN’s oversight of international airport project, lawmakers seek action against its chief, Pradeep Adhikari (kp), Deuba rules out possibility of Nepali Congress quitting Oli government : After two-party talks, Congress president consults party leaders on coalition’s challenges (kp), Sumana Shrestha’s resignation hints not all is well inside Rastriya Swatantra Party :  Shrestha bemoans lack of intra-party democracy in RSP. Says the party’s image of an alternative political force is at risk, by Purushottam Poudel (kp) [All Nepalese parties lack internal democracy. This is fuelled by the Political Party Act, which is based on the authoritarian position of party leaders and prevents democratic freedom of expression! In this sense too, the RSP is anything but alternative!], UN experts call for release of long-held political prisoners in Bhutan : They express deep concern at reports of detainees being severely tortured, both to extract confessions and to punish them (kp) [This is called Gross National Happiness!], Monumental mistake : The neglect of our historical monuments and artefacts will ultimately lead to an identity crisis (kp), Civil servants stage sit-in at Singha Durbar demanding enactment of Civil Service Bill (rep), Ruling parties rush to approve Civil Service Bill in parliamentary committee within 3 days (rep), Govt  prepares to release RPP lawmaker Dhawal Shamsher (rep) [Why do politicians, unlike normal citizens, always have to go abroad for medical treatment?], Anti-constitutional activities will not be accepted: Home Minister Lekhak (rn) [Apart from inaccurate comments on the constitution, the question remains as to whether KP Oli's anti-constitutional actions in 2020/21, some of which still have an impact today, are not tolerated.], Rs 45 million in insurance claims filed for damages from pro-monarchy protest, Rs 3.33 million paid so far (rep)

17/04/2025: Call For Comprehensive Reforms In Politics, by Meena Bhatta (rn), Running out of patience : First, fraudulent cooperatives cheated them, now the state is indifferent to their plight (kp), Ruling parties try to give a message of unity : Disgruntled Congress General Secretary Thapa skips high-level mechanism’s meeting, by Anil Giri (kp), Public losing faith in regulatory bodies over political appointments: Report (rep), Sumana Shrestha steps down from RSP post, urges party to reflect on its priorities (kh), Sumana Shrestha resigns as RSP deputy general secretary : Questions raised over her activities and faction-building attempts, say party insiders (kp), Protests continue in Birgunj defying prohibitory order : Demonstrators demand release of two arrested over vandalism, by Shankar Acharya (kp), Birgunj crawls back to normalcy (rep), APF ‘brutality’ leaves deep scars on Pathibhara trail traders (rep), Teachers' protest disrupts education: Students face uncertainty, by Ruby Rauniyar (rep), RPP decides to stage demonstration in prohibited areas on April 20 (rep) [???]

16/04/2025: The White Elephants (rep), Deliver first, rally later, observers tell ruling CPN-UML : They question the prime minister’s party’s focus on street shows over governance amid growing public frustration, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Gagan Thapa blasts government over rising discontent : The Nepali Congress general secretary breaks silence as protests by teachers, civil servants and monarchists add pressure on ruling parties (kp), Prime Minister Oli faces his most severe test, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), Teachers vow to continue protest despite govt’s request (kh), Parliament to address teachers’ demands : According to Education Minister Bhattarai, federal parliament will convene on April 25 (kp), NHRC urges swift resolution of teachers’ protest : Following an on-site observation of the protests, the NHRC issued a press release on Tuesday urging the government to respond to the teachers’ demands without delay (kp), How is Nepal’s federalism faring? The country must prioritise practical reforms to strengthen its federal experiment, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp), Nepal’s migrating doctors : For every 3,000 people, there is just one doctor. The situation is worse in rural areas, by Munish Sharma (kp), Democracy over dynasty: Nepal’s fight for a better future, by Shusil Thapa (ae)

15/04/2025: Oli-Deuba hold talks amid rising dissent within NC (kh) [The current PM is the most incompetent of the three politicians who have been preventing the development of the democratic, federal republic for ten years and yet claim to be irreplaceable, but the other two are no better!], Deuba calls Nepali Congress Central Committee meeting (kh), High-level political mechanism meeting scheduled for Wednesday (kh), Government’s pace sluggish: Gagan Thapa : "Country needs momentum, but government is moving at a turtle's pace" (kh), Middlemen have gained access to PM’s bedroom: Gagan Thapa (kh), Nepal’s governance crisis: A nation in paralysis, by Laxman Neupane (ae), PM Oli’s Missed Opportunity for SAARC Leadership, by Simone Galimberti (rep), Cooperative victims call out government inaction, broken vows : The National Cooperative Regulatory Authority, which was expected to address the concerns, has not done much, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Teachers’ protest to disrupt new academic session and exams (kh), NTA urges members to boycott Grade 12 examinations (rep), Thirsty country : Water scarcity has long afflicted Nepal, but the crisis has been intensifying over the years (kp), Ambedkarism with a Nepali flavour : Hindu religious reformation is a must, as conversion doesn’t necessarily liberate Dalits, by Mitra Pariyar (kp), Fishing in Murky Waters (rep), Former king should take responsibility of Tinkune violence: UML UML leader Gyawali says the violence was premeditated and taking it as expression of mass frustration is wrong (kp), Prohibitory order remains in force in parts of Birgunj : Curfew in the areas was lifted after Sunday midnight following a five-point agreement reached at the all-party meeting, by Shankar Acharya (kp), Three generations without citizenship in Saptari : Statelessness continues to marginalise an entire Dalit family, leaving them without access to education, healthcare, or state recognition, by Bidyanand Ram (kp), NNRFC recommends borrowing limit of 5% of GDP for Federal Govt (kh), Clear skies, clouded future: Recycle or ruin (ae)

14/04/2025: Emerging conflicts in Nepal : If our leaders ignore vital reforms, the values of the republican constitution come under threat, by Vidyadhar Mallik (kp) [Please, none of them deserves to be called neta!], Disillusionment in Nepal: People’s anger at political failure, by Binoj Basnyat (ae), What a waste : Whatever gloss Prime Minister Oli tries to put on his term, his nine months in office have been a failure (kp) [All of Oli's terms as PM were a failure! Why was he even allowed to become PM again after his attempted coup in 2021? The problem is that his rivals Dahal and Deuba are not a jot more competent.], Ex-king extols multiparty democracy, constitutional monarchy : Gyanendra Shah issues his second message within two months, after his February address (kp) [The monarchy has historically failed, also in its constitutional form, and the multi-party democracy is in need of enormous improvement!], Homes, businesses hit by Tinkune riots yet to get any help : Several buildings and offices suffered big losses but the authorities say they have no plan to compensate them, by Purushottam Poudel (kp) [In the past, the monarchy has amassed incredible wealth at the expense of the Nepali people. Why are these not now being used to pay for the damage caused by the anti-democratic ambitions of Gyanendra and his supporters?], UML tells former king to take responsibility for March 28 violence, labels Tikune incident as anarchy (kh), Just one trickling tap for 58 households and 500 students : Fed up with water shortage and unfulfilled promises by politicians, residents of Dallekh village in Doti plan to boycott upcoming elections, by Mohan Paneru (kp) , Reminiscing Last Week: High Drama, arrests and alliances (kh), Birgunj stakeholders reach five-point deal to restore calm : Parsa administration lifted curfew, imposed to contain clashes, from midnight Sunday, by Shankar Acharya, Curfew lifted in Birgunj (kh), Economic panel recommends scrapping out five state-owned enterprises, by Dilip Paudel (rep), Can Nepal's Ailing Economy Be Cured ?, by Ballav Dahal (rn), ‘Raise elderly allowance eligibility age to 70’, by Dilip Paudel (rep), Civil servants threaten protests, demand enactment of Federal Civil Service Act (rep), Capital expenditure drops to 29% (kh)

13/04/2025: Air pollution in Kathmandu Valley rises as rains subside (kh), Disasters claim 745 lives in past one year (kh), Calls get louder for a judicial probe into March 28 violence during royalist rally : The government remains unwilling to form such a commission, insisting that the existing state mechanism is sufficient to investigate the incident, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Curfew imposed in Birgunj : The move follows tensions during a religious procession, with police using tear gas to disperse the crowd, by Laxmi Sah (kp), Curfew extended in Birgunj until midnight (rep), Impacts Of Neoliberalism On Nepal, by Govind Prasad Kusum (rn), Former King Gyanendra delivers political message, predicts public-backed system in 2082 BS (kh)[????? Many contradictions and historical untruths from a person who actually continues to call himself king, even though this institution was abolished 17 years ago!]

12/04/2025: Nepal’s Future in Question: Proposals for Political Reform, by Ganga Thapa (kh), Senior advocate opposes parliamentary summons for former King Gyanendra (kh), Prasai faces sedition, other charges. Police given 12-day custody: Tracked down in Assam, India, Thursday, he was brought to Jhapa and produced in Kathmandu district court Friday (kp), Political interference plagues Nepali varsities. VC resignation is latest case : Education experts say political meddling in higher education won’t end until prime minister and education minister stop acting as chancellor and pro-chancellor, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [The problem of politicisation by political parties affects all areas of public life. And why is a PM who has no idea about academic life the Chancellor of all universities?], Salvaging economy from impending crisis (rep)

11/04/2025: Nepal faces setbacks in implementing administrative and fiscal federalism : Provincial, local governments are reeling from staff shortages, high turnover of officials (kp), Nepal: Pathways Towards Strategic Stability, by Binoj Basnyat (kh), We advocate democracy with a King, not autocracy, interview with Kamal Thapa by Gyanu Ghimire (kh) [If you want democracy, you should not reanimate an abolished and once extremely autocratic institution that has repeatedly suppressed democracy with most brutal methods!], New year revolutions : Supporters gathered in Kathmandu for a more subdued demonstration to demand the monarchy’s return, by Shristi Karki (nt), Calls grow to investigate former King Gyanendra for role in Tinkune protest (kh), Durga Prasai not to be brought to Nepal via Kakarbhitta (kh), Durga Prasai handed over to Nepal Police, to be brought to Kathmandu today (kh), Durga Prasai flown to Kathmandu after arrest (kh), More arrests likely following Prasai’s detention: Home Minister (kh), As Bhutan disowns, Nepal in a fix over 4 US-deported refugees : Nepal’s home ministry asks foreign ministry to take up the issue with Thimphu through diplomatic channels, by Anil Giri (kp), East-West Railway delay leaves landowners without pay : People in several districts in eastern Nepal have been barred from cultivating, selling or developing their land since 2020, by Parbat Portel (kp), Tribhuvan University, undone : VC’s resignation raises concerns over the political leadership’s commitment to academic excellence (kp), Being Kulman Ghising : Ghising’s case is a window into the deep political influence that has rotted Nepal’s power sector, by Bishal Thapa (kp), Strategic neutrality in an uncertain world : Its adoption empowers small states like Nepal to navigate disorder with agency rather than passivity, by Pawan Adhikari (kp), Teachers continue protests for tenth consecutive day (Photos) (kh), Commission suggests increasing retirement age and changing social security rules (kh), What is invisible is more dangerous : Kathmandu Valley’s air is not polluted, it is poisonous, by Sonia Awale (nt), The Last Opportunity: The Imperative for Peace and Transitional Justice in Nepal : More than 63,000 complaints remain unopened and unprocessed, with substantial evidence still requiring verification and application, by Surya Dhungel (sp)

10/04/2025: ‘Secularism’ was a compromise in Constitution drafting: Gagan Thapa (kh) [Nepal's constitution only describes secularism as freedom of religion. True secularism means the strict separation of state and religion and this is not the case in Nepal. Gagan Thapa's statement is extremely disappointing for the multi-ethnic and multi-religious state of Nepal!], Durga Prasai arrested in India, being brought back to Nepal (kh), Kathmandu’s air quality improves, drops from world’s most polluted to 10th place (kh), Gagan Thapa frustrated with PM Oli’s inaction (kh), March 28 protest victims still footing their medical bills : Health ministry says reimbursement process is underway, but victims doubt government is committed to free care, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Nepal has reduced maternal deaths by 70 percent since 2000, but the progress is at risk, WHO warns : Amid unprecedented aid cuts by the US, the UN health body stresses the need for sustained investment to protect the progress (kp), Recommendation committee gives aspirants 10 days to apply in two transitional justice commissions (kp), Wasted words : The PM would be advised not to speak if he doesn’t have anything of substance to say (kp) [Then he probably wouldn't have much to say!]

09/04/2025: Rain brings relief from pollution in Kathmandu after prolonged dry spell (kh), Nepal suffocates in unprecedented haze : Meteorologists have forecast light to moderate rainfall for today, which could lessen the air pollution, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Address it early : With teachers announcing strikes, government inaction would jeopardise the future of countless students (kp), The sublimation of rage in Madhesh : Madhesh needs forums for fearless and creative expressions to cope with the anxieties of externalisation, by CK Lal (kp)

08/04/2025: Kathmandu ranked most polluted city in the world (kh), DRRMNC directs bodies concerned to swing into action to control forest fires (kh) [Unbelievable inactivity on the part of a government that claims to be so extremely competent!], Sloppy Governance (rep), People’s Movement Day being marked today (kh), Shopkeepers in Balkhu close shutters in fear of violence amid royalist demonstration (kh), Police vow Tinkune-like incident won’t repeat in RPP’s Balkhu demonstration today : Participation of protesters from the same groups adds risks. Police say they will monitor the demonstration through CCTV and drone cameras, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Teachers protest continues in Kathmandu (kp), Nepal faces health crisis as budget cuts threaten vital services : Officials say they are being asked to prepare programmes based on uncertain budgets with unclear funding source, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Make the merger work : Two new parties in Tarai-Madhesh uniting to raise common issues signals a maturing of Tarai politics (kp), Nepal’s invisible poverty : Are we measuring poverty with parameters that create an illusion of economic progress?, by Ameesha Rayamajhi (kp)

07/04/2025: Blessing in Disguise, by Narayan Manandhar (rep), Reminiscing Last Week: Diplomacy abroad, discord at home (kh), Dozens still recovering after violence erupts at royalist rally (kh), Eyes on Nepal Police : The force must transparently review the Tinkune incident instead of hiding its mistakes (kp), Kathmandu Valley’s air quality “alarming” : Second most polluted city in the world this week (kh), ‘Air quality may worsen as rainfall remains unlikely’ (rep), Nationwide school strike begins as teachers demand new education act (kh), Agitating teachers announce nationwide education strike starting today : Federation asks teachers to shut their schools and join the ongoing protests in Kathmandu (kp), Wildfires fuel burn, respiratory cases. Valley hospitals full. Met office predicts rain on Tuesday and Wednesday, which could bring respite from hazardous level of air pollution, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Cooperative and Microfinance victims rally in Kathmandu, demand presidential intervention (kh) [The Oli government does not care about the urgent concerns of the people in any way, it just makes stupid statements and dismisses capable administrators!], Shortcomings of political parties does not justify monarchy’s return, interview with Ishwar Pokhrel, senior vice-chairman of the ruling CPN-UML (kp) [This is absolutely right, but it also means that the political parties cannot continue as before. They must finally admit their mistakes and change fundamentally, which is impossible with the same old top politicians!]

06/04/2025: Failures galore, with hints of hidden malice : Recent events have exposed the failures of the government, the police and the media, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (kp), Legislature's Role Under Scrutiny, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), Land commission's operational costs exceed annual budget (rep) [??], Air pollution in Kathmandu remains high, ranks second (kh), Govt urged to declare environmental emergency as Kathmandu air pollution worsens (rep), Nepal Teachers’ Federation announces indefinite academic strike (kh), Teachers blow whistles in protest as govt stays silent (Pics) (kh), School teachers turn down call for talks : They remain defiant in their demand for a new School Education Act incorporating past deals with the government, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Address the Demands of Agitating School Teachers (rep), Protesters demand Kulman Ghising’s reinstatement (kh), Three reasons why seven Terai-centric parties formed a Front, by Keshab Sawad (kh), Lowering Nepal's Marriage Age to 18 is a Step Backwards : Lowering the marriage age would have devastating consequences, especially in a country where child marriage is still a persistent problem, by Usha Pokharel (rep)

05/04/2025: Government asked to respond to the plight of victims of Nepal conflict-era sexual violence : Twelve organisations working on human rights have pointed out flaws in the transitional justice process and called for making it gender-friendly (kp), As air pollution clogs up Kathmandu Valley, alarm rises over human health, by Pragati Dhakal (rn), Kathmandu’s air quality ‘unhealthy’ as it ranks most polluted city : Public advised to stay indoors (kh), RSP condemns police for entering Lamichhane’s bedroom without warrant (kh), Oli, Modi break ice in Bangkok : Duo discusses royalist movement, border dispute, and strain in ties, Nepali official says, by Anil Giri (kp), Rural Nepalis fight cable car project on sacred himalayan mountain, by Sunita Neupane (rep)

04/03/2025: Living hell : Time has come to declare a health emergency and take every possible step to control air pollution (kp), Can the govt’s budget address Nepal’s growing economic crisis? With external aid dwindling and internal revenue goals unmet, the government faces the challenge of crafting a budget that can stimulate growth and align with constitutional priorities, by Narayan Aryal (kh), High Court orders detention of RSP Chair Rabi Lamichhane (kh), Rabi Lamichhane announces voluntary arrest, calls it a ‘great injustice’ (kh), RSP Chair Rabi Lamichhane arrested from his residence (kh), 89 released, 66 including Mishra and Rana to face charges in Tinkune incident (kh), NHRC’s plan to form a judge-headed panel to probe Tinkune riots hits a snag : All the high court judges the rights watchdog approached to lead the panel turn down the proposal (kp), Tinkune protest: Unanswered questions and political tensions, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), Floods, airport upgrade cut GDP growth by 1 percent : The World Bank has warned that Nepal’s placement on the FATF Grey List could harm its international transactions and financial reputation, by Sangam Prasain (kp), Nepal’s economy to grow by 4.5 percent (ae)

03/04/2025: Kathmandu’s air pollution reaches hazardous levels (kh), Egregious failure : Poor performance of Parliament’s winter session does not bode well for Nepali democracy (kp) [It's the same picture every session. The focus is always on the battles of the power-hungry and otherwise completely incompetent and authoritarian top politicians, now further fuelled by the power-grabbing behaviour of the deposed ex-monarch and his anti-democratic supporters.], Federal Democratic Madhesi Front to be announced today (kh), Janmat Party and Nagarik Unmukti Party near final stage of unification (kh), RSP’s dilemma: Monarchy or republic?, by Gyanu Ghimire (kh), Monarchist movement and disinformation : Highlighting socio-political and economic issues to advocate for regime change is unreasonable, by Jagadish Prasad Bist (kp), March 28 protest injured speak out on police overreach : At a press conference on Wednesday, Nepal Police failed to give convincing answers to most of journalists’ queries, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Local level representatives’ umbrella bodies stand against pro-monarchy campaign : Condemning the acts of pro-monarchy forces, they ask the government to promulgate laws necessary to fully implement the constitution (kp), Court extends remand of 41, including RPP leaders Mishra and Rana, for six days (kp), Sexual violence survivors seek redress with confidentiality (rep)

02/04/2025: What did the winter parliamentary session accomplish amid controversy? (kh), Parliament’s winter session ends without passing crucial bills : The legislatura failed to endorse federal civil service and school education bills, which are necessary for a full-fledged implementation of the constitution (kp), Journalist Rajak’s postmortem report: No bullet found, death caused by burns (kh), Innocent siblings shot during pro-monarchy protest in Koteshwor : Rebika in critical condition (kh), Police claim 20 individuals shot, 746 tear gas shells launched, 250 rounds fired in protest (rep), Pro-monarchy protesters cause Rs 280 million loss to Jadibuti Processing and Production Center (rep), 18 more arrested for arson, vandalism in Tinkune pro-monarchy protest (rep), A Dark Day For Nepal’s Democracy, by Namrata Sharma (rn)

01/04/2025: ‘Second-class’ victims : The long indifference to the plight of victims of conflict-related sexual violence is unjustifiable (kp) [In any case, women are considered second class citizens at best, again with an internal differentiation according to caste, ethnicity, religion and region!], Why Dalits hate kingship : The only alternative to the republic is a more responsible one free from Brahmanism, by Mitra Pariyar (kp) [The current male Bahunbad does not mean democracy!], The royal uprising: Repeating the same mistake, by Pushpa Raj Joshi (ht), Pro-monarchy Agenda Loses Relevance, by Govinda Bhattarai (rn), Taxpayers foot the bill as ministers send wives on foreign trips (kh), Bhatbhateni security guard’s statement: They vandalized and looted while calling it KP-Prachanda’s building, by Ramesh Paudel (kh), Workers fear for their future (kh) [All this should be paid for by Gyanendra and his anarchist hordes!], Tinkune protest: 20 more arrested (kh), Coordinator of Durga Prasai’s mobilization committee arrested (rep), FNJ issues 7-day ultimatum to government over Tinkune incident and journalist safety : Prime Minister Oli assures Suresh Rajak’s wife of employment and other support (kp), PM Oli condemns violent pro-monarchy protest, vows stringent action : Accuses deposed king Gyanendra Shah of inciting the crowd (kp), Pro-monarchy protests alarm tourism sector, tourists in 'wait & watch’ mode, by Santosh Pokharel (rep), Beyond Weapons and Morale: Police lapses in Tinkune incident, by Biken K Dawadi (rep), From Peaceful Rallies to Violent Protests: Pro-Monarchy Sentiments Reshaping Nepal’s Identity, by Shreeti KC (rep), Postmortem report of late Maharjan confirms gunshot (rep), Parliament winter session to end tonight (kh) [Yes, the parliamentarians have had such a tough session with all the strikes, boycotts and endless discussions about the legalisation of extra-parliamentary and therefore completely unnecessary ordonances. They really need a break. The many necessary laws can still wait!], Raging wildfires drive pollution surge in Kathmandu : Kathmandu Valley ranked the world’s most polluted city on Monday afternoon, with PM2.5 levels reaching 365 micrograms per cubic metre (μg/m3), by Arjun Poudel (kp)

31/03/2025: Big-mouth Oli : Rather than badmouth critics, he would be better served by a focus on governance and service delivery (kp), Economic stagnation over decades : The policy failures to tap into emerging markets will be a missed opportunity for Nepal, by Durga Gautam (kp), New panel to begin fresh selection for transitional justice officials : Congress, UML and Maoist party chiefs pledge to ensure justice to conflict victims (kp), Former King's Royal Misadventure (rep), Reminiscing last week: Pro-monarchy protest turns violent (kh), 41 individuals arrested on charges of setting fire to a house in Tinkune (With Names) (rep), Pro-monarchy group causes Rs 8.33 million worth damage at Koteshwor Bhat-Bhateni (rep), Parties accuse ex-king of plotting against the republic : Maoist Centre calls for leaders defending the new constitution to correct past mistakes and unite, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), RPP protests PM Oli’s claim on former King Gyanendra Shah’s alleged role in violence (kh), Violence Must Not Be Condoned, by Ballav Dahal (rn),  A grave attack on press freedom, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), Attack on Annapurna Media Network evokes widespread condemnation (ae), Charges looms over pro-monarchy protesters (ae), Violent pro-monarchy protest exposed critical security lapses, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), The Kulman Ghising Legacy and an Uncertain Future, by Bibek Kumar Thakur (rep), Kathmandu chokes under thick haze as air quality plummets to ' Very Unhealthy' level, disrupting flights, by By Mausam Shah "Nepali" (ht), Tackling poverty and inequality in Nepal, by Kamal Raj Dhungel (ae)

30/03/2025: Conflict-era victims of sexual violence still ignored : They have not been listed as recipients of interim relief available to victims of other insurgency-era crimes, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Water crisis makes life difficult for Musahars in Saptari : As many as 90 impoverished Dalit families rely on a single tube well in the settlement  by Bidyanand Ram (kp) [Such discrimination against Dalits may be typical of a Hindu monarchy wished back by a small minority, but it does not fit a democratic republic at all! The perpetuation of casteism and social non-inclusion are among the major failures of political parties and their leaders! They would definitely not be eradicated with a return to Hindu monarchy!], KMC police turned away at Nirmal Niwas while delivering fine to ex-King (kh) [Monarchs who fall from power like Gyanendra in 2005/2006, are normally sent into exile. Then today's problems could have been avoided.], From Royalty to Responsibility: Kathmandu’s Fine on Former King Gyanendra, by Vidhu Prakash Kayastha (rep), Nirmal Niwas turns away Metropolis’ penalty letter (rep), All eyes on Gyanendra: Former King lands in deep water after violent pro-monarchy protest, by Biken K Dawadi (rep), More arrests for pro-monarchy rioting as Kathmandu metropolis fines former king : Kathmandu metropolis slaps a fine on deposed king Gyanendra Shah as calls grow he be brought to book (kp), Parties want ex-king punished, RPP dares coalition to nab him : Ruling Nepali Congress and opposition Maoist Centre hold Gyanendra Shah responsible for Friday’s incidents (kp), Durga Prasai issues video apology, claims he was targeted for assassination (kh) [??], Jagman Gurung appointed as Monarchist protest coordinator after Nabaraj Subedi placed under house arrest (kh), Nine arrested for looting cosmetics, liquor from Bhatbhateni (kh), Book those responsible for Tinkune violence (rep), The fate of regional political parties : Federal structure prioritising demographic majorities over ethnic and cultural identities limits their growth, by Ankalal Chalaune and Chiran Manandhar (kp), Drama in Nepali politics : Current political parties are attempting to stage new dramas on the political stage, by Abhi Subedi (kp), Madhav Sapkota accuses ruling party lawmakers of physical intimidation in Parliament (kh), Royalist Protests Morph Into Mayhem, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), Organisations decry violent demos, vandalism by ex-king's supporters in federal capital (rn)

29/03/2025: Royalist mob unleashes terror in Kathmandu : Protest leaders incite violence, which turns deadly, by Binod Ghimire (kp), 51 including top monarchist leaders arrested, pro-king activities to be curbed : Government to provide free treatment to the injured, vows action against perpetrators, vby Anil Giri (kp), Tinkune violence: Two dead, 15 vehicles torched, 10 places looted (kh), Journalists protest at Maitighar over cameraman’s death in Tinkune violence (kh), Rabindra Mishra and Dhawal Shumsher Rana arrested (kh), Nepal Police arrest religious leader Pushkar Khatiwada (kh), Govt moves to revoke Gyanendra Shah’s passport (kh), KMC imposes Rs 100,000 fine on former King Gyanendra Shah (kh), Former King Gyanendra fined Rs 793,000 (kh), Congress holds former King Gyanendra responsible for Tinkune violence (kh), RPP blames govt. for Tinkune incident, holds it responsible for violence and vandalism (kh), Dhawal Shamsher’s arrest notice reaches Parliament Secretariat (kh), Rabindra Mishra and others to face charges on Sunday (kh), Tinkune Incident: Arrest toll reaches 111 (kh), Seven arrested in Bhatbhateni looting, Police continue search (kh)

28/03/2025: No relief : The politicisation of reparations and their selective nature does grave injustice to victims (kp), Heightened security in Kathmandu ahead of monarchist and republican rallies (kh), Traffic chaos expected in Kathmandu as demonstrators take over streets (kh), Police place barricades on main roads as protests unfold in Kathmandu (kh), Police restricting royalist supporters to Tinkune, fire tear gas (kh), Durga Prasai’s vehicle vandalized after attempting to break restricted area (kh), Royalist protest turns violent in Tinkune (kh), House set on fire in Tinkune following royalist protest (kh), Violence escalates in Tinkune as royalist protesters set fire to locals belongings (kh), Police fire warning shots as royalist protest erupts in violence (kh), Royalist protest turns chaotic in Tinkune (In pictures) (kh) [During his coup on 1 February 2005, Gyanendra Shah sent the military onto the streets to nip democracy in the bud. Today, he is utilising the help of incited and misguided minorities who, if you look at the photos, for the most part did not even experience the decadence of the absolutist monarchy before 1990!], Royalist protesters snatch tear gas gun from police, one person shot (kh), Several injured as security personnel, protesters clash at Tinkune : Police fire teargas to disperse the crowd (kp), Pro-monarchy protestors vandalize three private houses in Tinkune (rep), Pro-monarchy supporters set fire to police vehicle (kh), Royalist vandalise Unified Socialist Party office (kh), Curfew imposed in three areas as pro-monarchy demonstrators engage in arson and vandalism (kh), Royalist leaders fail to control crowd and flee as Tinkune protest turns violent (kh), Police disperse pro-monarchy protest in Tinkune as Commandar Prasai flees (rep), Four pro-monarchy protestors arrested in Tinkune (rep), Durga Prasai urges protesters to continue amid escalating violence (kh), Rabindra Mishra blames govt for violence in Tinkune (kh) [The innocent people and the government committed to maintaining law and order are responsible for innocent people being murdered and injured and private and public property being destroyed by the anti-democratic rioters whipped up by the ex-king, Durga Prasai and other of his small band of followers? This man who before called himself alternative must be completely sick in the brain!], Vandalism breaks out at Bhatbhateni Store in Koteshwor (kh), Govt deploys army after royalist’s violent protest (kh), Pro-monarchy demonstrators set fire to Jadibuti factory in Koteshwor (kh), Royalist group sets fire near Tribhuvan International Airport (kh), Journalist burns alive in a house set on fire by royalist (kh), Home Ministry holds Durga Prasai and organizers responsible for damage in violent royalist protest (kh), Durga Prasai’s attempt to run over security personnel escalated violence: Home Ministry (kh), Two killed in pro-monarchy demonstration (kh), Police searching for Durga Prasai for causing unrest in protest (kh), Curfew in Tinkune extended until Saturday morning (kh), SC refuses to issue interim order in favor of Kulman Ghising (kh), Ghising’s grit, Khadka’s fall : Ghising’s dismissal may reinforce Oli and Khadka’s image as shady politicians, by Naresh Koirala (kp), Ghising’s dismissal, royalists’ showdown, and more, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), India to supply 600MW power to Nepal also at night. Officials: New import will help reduce industrial power cuts, by Anil Giri (kp), Why are Nepal’s climate plans stalling? Lack of funds and manpower, say stakeholders : At the Climate Dialogue organised by the Post, speakers call for public awareness, by Ghanashyam Gautam (kp), Towards A Gender Equal World, by Devendra Gautam (rn), Ensure Constitutional Rights Of Dalits, by Prabin Kumar Yadav (rn)

27/03/2025: Nepal human rights body set to retain its ‘A’ global ranking : Global alliance urges rights watchdog to align with global standards, ensure one-third commissioners are women, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Kulman Ghising moves court against sack; opposition disrupts Parliament : Lawmaker Basnet accuses Oli-led government of aiding the ‘mafia’ by ousting NEA chief (kp), Pushing it : Oli is inviting a political backlash over Ghising that the prime minister may not be able to handle (kp), No dispute among parties on concluding the peace process: Prachanda (kh) [Yes, you are all in favour of non-participation of the victims' side!], Pro-monarchy forces issue one-week ultimatum to republican forces (kh) [The basis of the constitution is that Nepal is a federal and secular democratic republic. Any compromise on this would be a coup and against the declared will of the overwhelming majority of Nepali citizens. The fact that the politicians and parties are preventing the implementation of the ideals of the constitution with their misguided policies is another problem, but this would only be exacerbated by a return to an outdated institution that is not at all suitable for the multi-ethnic state of Nepal!], Needed: An Urgent Economic Recovery Plan (rep) [Oli government obviously not aware!], EC Moves To Consolidate Parties, by Mukti Rijal (rn)

26/03/2025: The shackles of Sanatan secularism : The political discourse of Nepal has always downplayed the Dalit question, by CK Lal (kp), Conflict victims seek reparations based on need, consultations : Allegations of political favouritism rise as arbitrary handouts disappoint Nepal conflict victims, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Nepali Congress and Erosion of Trust in the System, by Sobhakar Parajuli (kh), Ghising’s dismissal as power utility chief sparks political outcry, street protests : New NEA Managing Director Shakya says he will focus on reliable supply of electricity, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Kulman Ghising challenges ousting, moves to Supreme Court (rep), Opposition parties stall parliament over Kulman Ghising’s dismissal; PM Oli holds ruling party meeting (kh), House of Representatives adjourned for tomorrow amid continued protests (kh), National Assembly also disrupted over Kulman Ghising’s dismissal (kh), Speaker holds discussions as House deadlock over Ghising’s dismissal continues (kh), Police clash with demonstrators outside NEA office (kh), Govt backs down from controversial land ordinance (kh), Ruling party leaders agree to withdraw land ordinance and introduce a bill (rep), RPP announces its own protest against secular federal republican set-up : There is discord among pro-monarchy campaigners over the leader and banners of protest (kp) [At most, an alienated minority of 15 per cent of the population (male Khas Arya) might have a supposed advantage from this. The vast majority of people in the multiethnic and multicultural state of Nepal have fought for decades for what monarchists and misguided party politicians are trying to destroy after just a few years!], Reviving Nepal’s Monarchy: A Nostalgic Fantasy in a Democratic Era, by Bibek Kumar Thakur (rep), The baseless enthusiasm of the royalists [राजावादीको आधारहीन उत्साह], by Lok Raj Baral (ka), Why the rush? The issue of lowering legal marriage age needs to be more broadly debated and discussed (kp), Nepal’s Corruption Crisis: A Nation in Moral and Political Decay, by Madhab P Khanal (rep), Civil servants threaten protest over Federal Civil Service Act (kh)

25/03/2025: Impure justice : Removal of a Dalit family for a religious rite in Siraha is one of innumerable cases of discrimination (kp), After long standoff, government sacks Kulman Ghising : The NEA chief, who was in a bitter conflict with government over unpaid dues collection, has vowed to go to court, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Government dismisses Ghising, reappoints Shakya as NEA MD (ht), Tensions rise after Kulman’s removal: NC divided, opp’n gears up for protests (kh), Kulman Ghising’s sudden dismissal raises serious questions about govt’s motives (kh), Govt dismissed Kulman Ghising while he was lighting up a Chepang village (kh), Kulman Ghising explores options following dismissal from NEA (kh), Kulman Ghising holds legal consultation, skips office after dismissal (kh), ANNFSU protests govt’s dismissal of Kulman Ghising (kh), NEA digital display hacked, office chief attacked over slogan against PM Oli (kh), Protests erupt over Kulman Ghising’s dismissal (kh), Rastriya Swatantra Party joins protest against Kulman Ghising’s dismissal (kh), Protest erupts against Kulman Ghising's removal as NEA MD (In Pictures) (rep), NEA offices under tight security as protests escalate over Kulman Ghising’s removal (rep), Deuba reaffirms full support to PM Oli  amid Kulman’s dismissal (kh), Protesters demanding Energy Minister’s resignation detained at Singha Durbar (kh), PM Oli: Load-shedding ended due to long-term government efforts, not Kulman’s ‘miracle’ (kh) [Another brazen lie on the part of KP Oli! If I remember correctly, Ghising had revealed at the time that his predecessors in office had supplied industrial companies with electricity at the expense of the general public.], Govt weighs options: Withdraw or let Land Ordinance lapse, by Gyanu Ghimire (kh), Balen Shah challenges govt over corruption allegations (kh), Nepal’s long-term growth may stall below 4 percent, World Bank warns : At an average annual 4 percent growth, impact will only be on paper even if Nepal graduates from LDCs: Expert, by Sangam Prasain (kp), Nepal will fall far behind in development if notable reforms are not made on time: World Bank (rep), Nepal’s feat in poverty reduction remarkable (ae)

24/03/2025: Reminiscing last week: Political tensions and diplomacy (kh), Pathibhara dispute intensifies over human-made structure removal ultimatum (kh), Congress reaffirms commitment to secular republic : The ruling party’s intellectual wing had suggested that the leadership should reconsider its stand on secularism, by Purushottam Poudel (kp) [Extremely worrying anti-democratic, anti-federal and anti-secular considerations in the NC!], Gandaki CM criticizes PSC chief for anti-federalism remarks (kh), Banned but bountiful: Here’s how hemp cultivation could benefit Nepal : New research estimates crop cultivation would cost $3,177 but earn $10,450 per hectare, for a net profit of $7,273, by Sangam Prasain (kp), Begetting grey list, boosting monarchists : Corruption and poor governance have elevated former King Gyanendra’s popularity, by Paban Raj Pandey (kp), Fettered federalism : With the status quo not working, it is natural to seek out new political forces or monarchy (kp) [Monarchy is neither an alternative to democracy nor to federalism and it is still only demanded by a small minority with no awareness of history! But the parties and their so-called top politicians are responsible for this development and they should finally draw their conclusions from it!], Nepal's Political Dilemma, by Saroj Bhattarai (rep), Pro-monarchy protests and India, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), Janamat-Nagarik Unmukti Party reach merger deal to form ‘Nagarik Janamat Party’, by Bhuwan Sharma (rep), Govt moves forward with formation of committee for Truth and Reconciliation Commission (kh) [After six months and still without the participation of the victims' side: What's the point? The committee should be independent of possible perpetrators!], Govt dismisses Kulman Ghising as NEA Managing Director (kh) [If Ghising's performance is really labelled poor, then KP Oli and his entire government must be dismissed once and for all! Nobody's performance is anywhere near as bad as Oli's, accompanied by breaches of the law and the constitution and authoritarian vendettas!]

23/03/2025: Forever wars of a different kind : Restoring monarchy will detract us from our priorities and undermine political philosophy, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (kp), Jajarkot earthquake reconstruction delayed due to budget, manpower shortages : Victims have spent a second winter in temporary shelters and now face another monsoon under leaking roofs, by Krishna Prasad Gautam (kp), Dalit family files complaint against eviction in Siraha : Family accused Mahayagya organisers of displacing them stating that Dalits’ presence near the site would make it impure, by Binay Aazad (kp), A third of civil servant positions vacant at local level, services hit : Study led by ex-lawmaker shows public works in provinces too marred by issues of police, civil forces’ mobilisation (kp), Mobile camps ease burdens of migrant workers, by Modnath Dhakal (rn), Govt set to revive hasty budget approvals, ignores MP’s demands (kh)

22/03/2025: Fringe parties decry tougher rules for national party status : Draft bill says parties must field candidates in 70 percent of seats, and maintain inclusive structures at all levels, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Say No to Racial, Caste Discrimination (rep), Two, including rural municipality chair, in police custody (kh), Royalists and leftists mobilize; RSP and NC stay on sidelines, by Keshab Sawad (kh), World Water Day highlights Kathmandu’s drinking water crisis (kh), Leadership dispute over monarchy restoration movement divides RPP (rep) [Wonderful!], Crown or Republic: Where will RSP's bell rest?, by Dhanbal Rai (rep) [Another party that initially sold itself as an alternative to the degenerate old parties and now wants to return to pre-democratic, authoritarian times?]

21/03/2025: Long wait for the truth : Victims of human rights violations, fed up with empty promises, are demanding tangible results, by Suman Adhikari (kp), Is Nepal’s Democracy Threatened by Rising Polarization?, by Ishwar Dev Khanal (kh), Dalit activists stage demonstration in Capital, by Dipesh Darsandhari (rep), Mahayagya controversy: Siraha’s CDO transferred to Home Ministry (kh) [Caste discrimination by the minority of the so-called high Hindu castes is still firmly anchored in thought and action!], Rights body, MPs take up case of Dalit home demolition : Three people involved abscond. Lawmakers demand House probe as human rights commission launches investigation, by Binay Aazad (kp), Lawmakers draw govt’s attention over demolition of Dalit's house for Mahayagya (rep), Nepal’s Police and APF Acts: The Debate Nepal Can’t Ignore, by Amod Gurung (rep), Retain Youth For Development Of Nation, by Ravi Chapagain (rn), Detainees in dire straits in Bhutan’s prisons : UN experts find political prisoners held illegally in Bhutan, call for immediate release (nt), Beyond Policy: The Unfinished Fight For Women's Empowerment In Nepal, by Suva BC (sp)

20/03/2025: Dalit family displaced for Mahayagya in Siraha, rights activists demand justice (kh), 18 years since Gaur Massacre: Hope amid the specter of uncertainty, by Madan Thakur (rep), Prime minister’s transitional justice advisor intensifies meetings to break deadlock : Oli and Deuba eye Om Prakash Mishra or Hari Krishna Karki to lead nomination panel on transitional justice appointments, Dahal still undecided (kp) [There will never be justice for the victims as long as those potentially responsible have a decisive say!], PAC on pause : Dysfunctionality of bodies to hold state officials accountable is a threat to the republic (kp), Nepal’s public debt reaches Rs 2.676 trillion, approaching half of GDP (kh), PM Oli warns against risky migration routes, calls for job creation in Nepal (kh) [Job creation in the country should have been one of the most important elements of the government's economic policy for many years, but the PMs have completely failed in this regard.], Govt to provide startup loan assistance to 500 youths: PM Oli (kh) [This is just a drop in the ocean!], Govt just beginning detailed damage assessment of September 2024 floods and landslides (kh) [A competent government led by KP Oli, isn't it?], Health ministry urges UN bodies for budgetary support amid funding uncertainty : No agency has yet pledged amounts they will contribute, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Air quality in Kathmandu reaches unhealthy level with 197 AQI (rep), Incorporate Indigenous Knowledge In Curricula, by Pushpa Priya (rn), Nepal As Seat Of Commercial Arbitration, by Mukti Rijal (rn), The mood of a nation, by Devinder Thapa (ae)

19/03/2025: Neta vs Janata, by Narayan Manandhar (rep), Ghosts of Panchayat and angry young Nepal : Young Nepalis can be restless and angry but shouldn’t invite political regression, by Anurag Acharya (kp), Are provinces sustainable? Heavy reliance on grants and revenue sharing limits their fiscal self-reliance and sustainability, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp), UNESCO slams social media bill for overreach, ambiguity : The UN body has raised red flags over arbitrary content restrictions, lack of independent regulation, and called for revision (kp), Ignored infernos : Although wildfires have been growing at a troubling rate, they remain a low priority (kp), Laying Down a Heavy Burden : 794 women seek justice for conflict-era sexual violence, by Guna Raj Luitel (rep), Turbulent dynamics of Nepal’s political transformation, by Binoj Basnyat (ae) [If 10,000 or 15,000 out of 30 million citizens demand a return to the monarchy, this is neither a reason to think seriously about it, nor is it a justification for the king, who was deposed 17 years ago, to actively organise his return to power. The only thing that is certain is that the political parties must change fundamentally and that the main politicians who have failed so often should finally step down!]

18/03/2025: What’s Ailing Nepal’s Democracy?, by Karl-Heinz Krämer (kh), Monarchy won’t return : A vast majority of the people have little interest in restoring the Hindu monarch, by Mitra Pariyar (kp), Movement to revive kingdom divided even before it gets a shape : RPP chief Rajendra Lingden refuses to join the committee headed by Panchayat-era leader Nabaraj Subedi, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), NHRC, hobbled : Due to political meddling and lack of resources, the constitutional rights watchdog is losing its purpose (kp) [This is part of the destruction of the state by the so-called top politicians, especially by the incumbent PM. The downgrading by GANHRI may not be long in coming.], Act with Urgency on Administrative Reforms (rep), Time to Rethink Student Leadership, by Jagadish Paudel (rep), Enhanced social security system in Nepal: Public participation is the key, by Sumit Bikram Rana (ht), Nepal Walks Diplomatic Tightrope, by Govinda Bhattarai (rn)

17/03/2025: Implementation of rights body’s recommendations hits historic low : Commission issued 444 directives in four years. Not one has been fully implemented, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [Do we need any further proof that KP Oli and his government have no interest whatsoever in upholding human rights and the rule of law?], GESI-Responsive Budgeting in Education: A Path to Sustainable Development, by Gita Subedi (kh), Reminiscing last week: Politics and social movements (kh), Pro-monarchists and communists plan street protests on same day: How will govt respond? (kh), Why so desperate? It is sad to see the likes of Dahal trying to counter royalist narrative with personal attacks (kp), Wildfires put 500m tonnes of carbon— and tourism—at risk, by Sangam Prasain (kp), Frequent transfers of chief administrative officers cripple Madhesh local units : In some municipalities, CAOs have been transferred up to five times this fiscal year. Political, economic interests often dictate administrative changes. Politicians are accused of pressuring civil servants into illegal actions for personal gains, by Santosh Singh and Shiva Puri (kp), Over 4,000 Kathmandu metropolis staffers deprived of salaries for months : With chief administrative officer accused of irregularities and under investigation, crucial municipal tasks remain halted, as financial authority remains unresolved (kp), GPAST's closure: Threatens Nepal's future in science and innovation, by Prayan Pokharel (ht), IMF to Nepal: act on FATF gray listing (ae), Nava Raj Subedi leaves RPP,  forms new committee with royalist support (kh) [Ex-king Gyanendra has allegedly given instructions to prepare his new coup d'état??!!!]

16/03/2025: Civil society movement to resist ‘leaders’ supremacy’, not the republican system : Following the pro-monarchy show of force in Kathmandu last week, civil society leaders are engaged in closed-door discussions to chart a future forward (kp) [This is what the country needs now, not pure criticism of the monarchists by the party politicians who continue not to admit their mistakes and not to say how they want to change!], Dragon Crawling on the Nepal-India Border, by Randhir Chaudhary (kh), MPs oppose proposal for ex-dignitaries’ lifelong privileges (kh), A Misguided Move (rep), RPP leader arrested for burning Prachanda’s photo (kh) [The RPP's political stance is completely misguided, but is it really a crime that justifies arrest if someone burns the photo of the otherwise dysfunctional leader of another political party?], Nepal’s two-tier airfares: Are they fair? The provision has helped keep domestic flight operators afloat. The system’s removal could lead to a loss of $75 million a year in foreign exchange, by Sangam Prasain (kp), NHRC faces challenge in staff retention : Most employees are dissatisfied with the perks they receive, by Binod Ghimire (kp), PM Oli calls for bringing positive change through equal participation (rn) [In view of the extreme non-inclusion in the Council of Ministers, one must seriously wonder how this man can utter such words without blushing!], SC halts Energy Minister’s committee on NEA Billing (kh), Prachanda opposes arrest over photo burning, says protests are part of democracy (kh)

15/03/2025: Public outrage as govt tries to institutionalize lifelong benefits to former VVIPs, by Bhuwan Sharma (rep), Durga Prasai challenges RPP to resign from Parliament and join movement (kh) [Anti-democratic minorities who attack the constitution of the multiethnic and multicultural Republic of Nepal are coup plotters and should be treated as such!], Speaker Ghimire preparing for foreign visit (rep) [He should resign from office before travelling abroad if he considers his function as Speaker of Parliament to be of such secondary importance. On the other hand, the question may be asked why the Deputy Speaker cannot automatically take over all duties in such a situation without any further conditions. This is completely normal in democratic parliaments.], MP Amresh Kumar Singh accuses leaders of burdening people with debt for personal gain (rep), Wither Architecture Of Global Governance?, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), 51% Nepali households still rely on firewood for cooking  (kh), Socialist Front gears up for protest rally to counter royalist activities (kh) [What is needed now is not words, but action. Become democratic and fulfil people's expectations. Then small anti-democratic minorities like the monarchists will no longer have a following!]

14/03/2025: Bhusal demands strong commission to investigate corruption among public officials (kh), House panel tasked with watching over government sits idle : Opposition lawmakers suspect foul play to cover up irregularities in land acquisition for airport construction, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Lifelong benefits for dignitaries unnecessary, says MP Khatiwada (kh), Govt spent only 23% of capital expenditure in first eight months of current FY (rep), Govt spending exceeds income by Rs 153.47 billion in second quarter (kh), Nepal’s constitution best in the world on women’s issues: NA Vice-Chair (kh) [You obviously don't even know the constitution! Take a look at Article 11, for example, which continues to label women as second-class citizens who in no way enjoy the same rights as male Nepalis!], Why Nepal’s Monarchists Are Living in the Past, by Sugam Gautam (rep), Prachanda calls former King a ‘dynasty killer’ and ‘idol thief,’ warns against political interference (kh)  [Just like Gyanendra, PK Dahal also aspires to return to power and fails to mention that he too - like KP Oli and SB Deuba - has done great damage to Nepal's democracy! None of them is suitable for the highest political offices!], Monarchy rally, Ghising’s fight, US aid cuts and more, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae)

13/03/2025: Nepal committed to women’s empowerment: Minister Sudi (kh) [The reality looks completely different!], Lawmakers ask Prime Minister Oli, ministers to disclose property details : Good governance advocates say public position holders must assure people by making their wealth public (kp), FSU polls: For what? : Elections for student unions, in their current avatar, are fast losing relevance (kp), Why monarchy is unlikely to return : Nepal’s future lies in addressing present challenges, not reviving the past, by Bhim Bhurtel (kp) [Multi-ethnic and multi-cultural Nepal does not need a monarchy or a Hindu state, nor does it need anti-democratic high-caste male party politicians who have failed so often and will never change. The future lies in a socially inclusive, democratic, federal and secular republic without patriarchy and caste thinking!], The Rise of Rajabadis, by Narayan Manandhar (rep), Democracy or monarchy? The growing ‘What if?’ in Nepal, by Ayush Adhikari (ae), Air quality in Kathmandu and six other cities unhealthy (rep), China steps up engagement with NC, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), Consumer courts necessary across the country, by Jivesh Jha (ae), Pathibhara Cable Car dispute: Two released, arrest warrants canceled for six (kh)

12/03/2025: Delusion of diversity in an ethnocracy : The ruling community sets the standards of eligibility, quality and suitability in such a system, by CK Lal (kp), Nepal ranked second most polluted country in the world (kh), Sobita Gautam criticizes Oli-led govt for being ‘control-oriented’ (kh) [!!], Chure Committee spends Rs 15 billion in 10 years with little to show for (kh), Inter-Legislature Forum submits Pokhara Declaration to PM Oli (kh), In Nepal, US pulls the plug on aid projects worth Rs46.12 billion : Punchbowl and Highergov list out projects terminated by the Trump administration over the past six weeks, by Anil Giri (kp), Justice delayed, dues unpaid: 125,000 years of sentences, Rs 32 billion in fines still in limbo, by Bhasha Sharma (rep)

11/03/2025: Corroding nation-state and republic : What did Gyanendra or his predecessors do other than suppress the people for their interests?, by Lok Raj Baral (kp), Political storm brews as Gyanendra Shah’s message challenges major parties ideals (kp), Restore Hindu kings in India, not Nepal, says Shankar Pokharel to Indian religious figures (kh), Kamal Thapa: People are calling for democracy with a king (kh), Durga Prasai accuses Rajendra Lingden and Kamal Thapa of double standards in monarchy movement (kh) [The Hindu monarchy has amply demonstrated in the past that it is not suited to the multiethnic and multicultural state of Nepal. Gyanendra himself, like his father before him, staged a coup against democracy purely for the sake of power and is now clearly trying to do so again. Today's party political leaders have failed and urgently need to be replaced, but there is no alternative to democracy, especially not by a monarchy!], Parties rush to react after pro-monarchy demonstration : Leaders rule out return of monarchy but stress the need for progressive forces to stay vigilant, by Purushottam Poudel (kp) [This alone is not enough! The failed top politicians and all those who supported them in their misguided policies must be weeded out. The parties must not only preach appropriate social inclusion in terms of gender and ethnicity, federalism and secularism, but also actually practise it. Continuing as before is not democracy and leads to the abyss, as the demonstrations and anti-democratic statements of a still small minority of monarchists (5 per cent in the last elections) show!], Sushila Badi: From marginalised Dalit community to Provincial Lawmaker (ok), Financial Stability Key To Federalism, by Nahakul KC (rn), Foreign aid shift from grants to loans: The path ahead?, by Pushpa Chaulagain (ae), Migration misunderstood: Nepal’s self-inflicted crisis, by Nirmal Aryal (ae)

10/03/2025: Monarchists rally behind former King Gyanendra, sparking political tension : Merely dismissing the royalist wave as nostalgia risks alienating a segment of the population that genuinely feels left behind by the republic, by Gyanu Ghimire (kp) [However, one must not forget that a much larger section of the population once felt forgotten by the monarchy and the Hindu state, just as they do today by the ruling male Khas Arya oligarchy! We are talking here about Dalits, Janajatis, Madhesis, Muslims and women in general, i.e. the vast majority of Nepali society! In contrast, the RPP, which continues to demand monarchy and a Hindu state, was elected by just five per cent of the population in the last elections! The reasons for the increasingly apparent failure of democracy, republic and federalism lie with the political parties and their incompetent and exclusively power-hungry leaders! The claim that Gyanendra wants to ‘sacrifice himself once again for the nation’ is a farce. He too is only interested in returning to power.], Ex-king returns to capital to rousing support : Political parties, seemingly alarmed by the monarchists’ surge, stress delivery as an answer (kp), Gone are the days : The only credible way to establish the support for monarchy is through the ballot box (kp), Royalist resurgence and the fragile republic : The former king appears to be seeking backing from India’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for his campaign, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), National Assembly member calls for reserved proportional electoral seats for women (kh), Amid reform delays, rights body braces for status review : NHRC member Surya Dhungel claims they are in a stronger position to defend the commission’s ‘A’ status, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Meltdown at the top of the world, by Masatsugu Asakawa, president of ADB (kh), Presumption of Guilt Until Proven Innocent: The Erosion of a Fundamental Right in Nepal, by Ankit Raj Pandey (rep), An analysis of social media bill, by Krishna Raman Adhikari (ae), Social media bill needs to be revised to uphold global human rights principles : Freedom of expression protects all forms of information, regardless of the truth or falsehood of the content, interview with  Ana Cristina Ruelas, Senior Programme Specialist on Freedom of Expression at UNESCO (kp), Nepal is losing its cultural identity: From temples to tongues, by Aaryan Kunwar (ht), Unleashing inclusive power for Nepal’s sustainable future, by Gita Subedi (ok), Bhagyashree Chaudhary’s political rise in Madhesh, by Shailendra Mahato (ok), Work Towards Empowering Women, by Ballav Dahal (rn), KDAO imposes two-month ban on protests and gatherings in various areas of  Kathmandu (rep)

09/03/2025: The Systemic Use and Misuse of Democracy in Nepal, by Vidhu Prakash Kayastha (rep), Gyanendra Shah’s political overtures put major parties on edge (kh) [Why is an abolished institution, which was one of the main responsible forces for the escalation of casualties during the Maoist insurgency, still allowed to be politically active? This is unconstitutional, despite some justified criticism of the politicians and parties. After all, this man has already once staged a coup against the democratic system! When will the Nepalis learn from history?], Kathmandu on high alert as royalist groups plans mass rally for Gyanendra Shah’s return (kh), Mainstream parties struggle to respond as pro-monarchy forces hit the streets : As royalist forces rally around deposed king Gyanendra Shah, Nepali Congress chief Deuba and Prime Minister Oli again dare him to form a party and fight election, by Anil Giri (kp) [Instead of asking an anti-democratic force to actively participate in the democratic system, the so-called top politicians should implement a people-orientated democracy themselves!], Security tightened at TIA ahead of Gyanendra Shah’s arrival (kh), Real communists are those who fight for the people, not for power, interview with Narayan Man Bijukchhe by Gyanu Ghimire (kh), Bridge the digital gender gap : Lack of access to tech impacts women and LGBTQIA+ individuals’ economic participation, by Anuvishub Sanjay Tamang (kp), Kulman Ghising calls Minister’s clarification notice prejudiced and unfair (kh), Lawmakers demand guaranteed women representation at policy-making level (rep)

08/03/2025: Health ministry braces for Rs3 billion budget cut next year : Finance ministry has capped next year’s health budget at Rs83 billion even as the US halts its aid, by Arjun Poudel (kp) [??], Women As Leaders, Not Just Participants, by Patricia Fernandez-Parcheco (rn), Prachanda suggest Gyanendra Shah to form party and contest elections (kh) [Just as confused as KP Oli the day before?], Monarchy cannot be alternative to republic: Minister Lekhak (rn) [The place of Nepali monarchy is in the dustbin of history!], Minister’s construction company fails to complete bridge project in Saptari even after six years : The project in Chatti Tol in Tilathi Koiladi Rural Municipality was contracted to Purna Bahadur Tamang’s company Kanchharam Construction in 2018, by Abdhesh Kumar Jha (kp), Special Court convicts Nepali officials, foreign firms in Mobile Device Management System procurement case : The court sentenced former NTA chairmen Digambar Jha and Purushottam Khanal to one year and imposed penalties of Rs58 million each (kp), Government's Misplaced Priority (rep)

07/03/2025: Warrants issued against 10 activists supporting the Mukkumlung movement in Taplejung (kh), Machhapuchhre Bank freezes account of activist Saru Limbu over Pathibhara cable car protest (kh) [An incredibly authoritarian approach against a person who is exercising her right to freedom of expression!], Minister Gurung: Gyanendra Shah has forgotten his place (kh), Recognise Women’s Role In Nutrition, by Monica Pradhan (rn), In the driving seat (ae), Women’s rights in Nepal: Constitutional pledges v ground reality, by Shraddha Acharya (ae), Ensuring safe public space for women, by Shreya Shrestha (ae), The slaughter of our daughters : Nepal ranks highest for sex ratio at birth in the region due to gender-biased sex selection, by Shristi Karki (nt), Women first in 2027 : Empowering women to enter politics and preparing candidates for elections two years away, by Sangya Lamsal (nt), Culture of cover-up : Society-backed exoneration of those committing violence on women hints at a deep social malaise (kp), After a month of wrangling, upper house approves 5 ordinances : But the land-related ordinance is still pending due to protests by several parties (kp), PM Oli's move to remove MD Ghising : Sparking Political Clash, by Keshab Poudel (sp)

06/03/2025: Nepal’s geopolitical dilemma: Navigating foreign policy among China, India, and USA, by Binoj Basnet (kh), Five ordinances approved by National Assembly (kh), PM Oli challenges former King Gyanendra to contest elections (kh) [Former putschists and dictators are not compatible with democracy. This also applies to former putschist PMs! Do the Nepalis really have such a short-term memory?], Creating a regime of fear : The government is criminalising dissent in the name of regulating social networks, by Dinesh Kafle (kp), Let the investigation begin : Large-scale corruption is not possible without the collusion of the political leadership, by Naresh Koirala (kp)

05/03/2025: A check on executive power : The National Assembly’s role in safeguarding democracy is indispensable, especially during crises, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp)

04/03/2025: Bridging the Gender Equality Gap: A Call for Action in Nepal, by Gita Subedi (kh), Women face intimidation and violence amid Pathibhara protests (kh), Constitutional Amendment: Path to Stability or Political Unrest?, by Randhir Chaudhary (rep) [The so-called top politicians of the main parties are responsible for the political instability. The proposed constitutional amendments would only make the situation worse!], Govt’s move to revive Political Parties Bill sparks fears of political manipulation (kh), Govt to present five ordinances in parliament on Wednesday (kh), Govt halts land-related ordinance (rep 04/03/2025), UML and Nepali Congress issue whip for lawmakers to compulsorily attend House meeting tomorrow (kh), JSPN maintains support for government despite opposing land-related ordinance (kh), Five months after Kavrepalanchok floods, survivors cling to their crumbling homes in fear and without aid : As authorities dillydally in delivering aid for rebuilding, survivors fear the approaching monsoon will leave them stranded, by Jyoti Shrestha (kp), How Dalits practise untouchability : Criticising upper castes for excluding lower castes while the latter also practise exclusion is ironic, by Mitra Pariyar (kp), Experts stress menstruation as a public health and gender discrimination issue, by Pabitra Sunar (rep)

03/03/2025: A Closed Chapter of History (rep) [Nepal's politicians and political parties are putting on an unbelievable spectacle, but a small minority must not once again replace the hard-won democracy, which has been abused by the leading politicians, with the unjust regime of the Hindu monarchy!], Govt indifferent to Transitional Justice implementation (rep), FATF grey list: Repercussion of the power paradox, by Pushpa Raj Joshi (ht), Nepal’s Role in UN Peacekeeping Operations, by Januka Regmi (kh), Reminiscing last week: Mix of significant developments (kh), Constitutional Council meet delay leaves six key positions vacant : Oli reportedly waiting for Parliament to pass amendments to council law to give him upper hand in decision-making, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [Over and over again unconstitutional and anti-national machinations of KP Oli for the purpose of personal power interests!], Bill to amend Political Parties Act mulled to ‘browbeat fringe forces into backing ordinances’ : Smaller parties accuse Congress and UML of planning law revision to effect splits in them, by Purushottam Poudel (kp) [With such reprehensible policy, the decline of once dominant national parties will continue unabated, as Western nations are also experiencing at this time!], Unholy business : Playing with the Political Parties Act will further undermine ruling parties’ democratic credentials (kp), Constitution has good provisions on election system, only laws need change : It’s high time we adopted an early voting system for those staying outside their constituencies, interview with Chief Election Commissioner Dinesh Kumar Thapaliya (kp) [There are many points to agree within this interview, but the constitution already contains electoral regulations that urgently need to be revised, for example to finally achieve better social inclusion. This is particularly due to the incredible abuse of the direct election system by the political parties!], Excessive holidays trouble service seekers (rep), Budget deficit widens to Rs 110bn (ae), Balen targets KP Oli again, calls UML cadres corrupt (kh)

02/03/2025:  The Civic Space Severely Under Threat : The use of internet services and social media accounts is inevitable for individuals in a democratic world, by Charan Prasai (rep), Need for the Right to Anonymity, by Bivek Chaudhary (kh), Youth dedicated to nation is the need of the day: PM Oli (kh) [A competent PM and an equally competent government dedicated to social inclusion, democracy, federalism, secularism, respect of fundamental human right and radical anti-corruption is also the need of the hour!], Ruling parties explore ‘strategies’ to pass ordinances : Preparations to amend the Political Parties Act could be a strategy to push fringe parties to vote for the ordinances, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Ensure Transparency in Land Ordinance (rep), JSP-N not to support other ordinances unless land ordinance is withdrawn (rep), RSP suspects government’s foul intention in not producing Lamichhane to Parsa court : Almost a month after Lamichhane was presented to Chitwan court, the case against him has not proceeded in Parsa (kp), Strategic Approach To Foreign Aid, by Krishna Raman Adhikari (rn)

01/03/2025: Experts call for revisions in Social Media Bill (kh), Ruling parties to table ordinances on March 5 : Congress and UML leaders plan to convince two Madhesh-based parties on the disputed land ordinance, by Anil Giri (kp), JSP-Nepal not to support land related ordinance, says will devastate Madhesh (rep), Govt plans to submit Ordinances for Parliamentary approval by March 6 (kh), Harka challenges PM Oli in defense of Balen (rep), Budget estimates of around Rs 1.9 trillion in the offing (kh) [The budget is always a farce because, thanks to the incompetent government, only a fraction of it is actually invested!]

28/02/2025: Data shows low participation of Dalit women in decision-making levels (kh), Human rights body to recommend revisions to Social Media Bill : Social media needs regulation, not control, NHRC chair Magar says, at an interaction held to discuss proposed legal provisions (kp), Govt’s inaction contributing to public discontent: Gagan Thapa (kh), US aid suspension under Trump disrupts key health surveys in Nepal : Experts say lack of reliable data will hinder health planning and effective interventions, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Delays in foreign exchange approval renew internet shutdown threat : Nepal owes around Rs8 billion to Indian upstream providers, who are running out of patience, Nepali ISPs say (kp), Former Ambassador Karna criticizes land ordinance, warns of ‘looting regime’ (kh), Progress and/or Preservation : Nepal needs development, but development needs to be redefined, by Shristi Karki (nt), Enslaved Nepali migrant worker rebuilds her life : “No one knows what I had been through in Lebanon. The troubles are mine to keep.”, by Sajita Lama (nt)

27/02/2025: Nepal seeks support for UN Human Rights Council membership (kh) [A country with so many human rights shortcomings of its own like Nepal is not really qualified for membership in the UN Human Rights Council!], Nepal, China sign deal to boost ethnic ties : Two neighbours aim to promote ethnic cultures, tourism, governance, and academics through cultural exchanges (kp), Speak less, listen more : Grassroots campaigns of political parties should be used to connect with people, not shift blames (kp), Familiar faces, unfamiliar fear: Rape survivors speak out, by Saskanda Khadka (rep), Nepal's elections: The challenge of proxy voting, by Vidhu Prakash Kayastha (ht), Civil Society As A Vital Peacemaker, by Tara Dahal (rn), Rajendra Mahato vows to struggle for pluralistic national identity (kh)

26/02/2025: E-governance board introduces blueprint for digital transformation : Plan proposes the establishment of several institutions to strengthen Nepal’s digital infrastructure, by Aarati Ray (kp), Listen to reason : The Pathibhara protestors’ demand for a ministerial-level government talks team is justified (kp), The virality of sensational lies : With media chasing it, questioning has turned into maligning people and sabotaging institutions, by CK Lal (kp), Balen's response to Trump: Federalism on the receiving end, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht)

25/02/2025: Protect Essence of Free Speech (rep), Four people arrested for posting statuses to protest PM’s program (rep) [The basic democratic right to freedom of expression obviously does not apply when his majesty, Mr Oli, is criticised!], Nepal reaffirms commitment to human rights at UN Human Rights Council : Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba highlights Nepal’s democratic progress, transitional justice, and climate concerns (kp) [But the reality looks different!], Nepali Army cites TRC in Maina Sunuwar case (ae), Call for Reform in Divorce Law in Nepal, by Sharmila Chandi Shrestha (Tandukar) (rep), Chure activists decry land ordinance : They claim it paves the way for encroachment of millions of hectares of Tarai forest land, by Aarati Ray (kp), Of princes, power and politics : Nepali parties are building popular belief systems which are eroding the ethos of democracy, by Sucheta Pyakuryal (kp), Debate sparks over ‘First Lady’ title for PM’s wife (kh) [??], MP Rekha Sharma criticizes PM Oli and former King Gyanendra (kh), Youths call for changes in education policy and curriculum to stop mass exodus , by Arjun Oli and Ganesh Bishu (rep), Monsoon-related disaster survivors to be provided relief (rn) [Don't be in a hurry, there are still more than three months until the next monsoon!]

24/02/2025: Nepal’s ‘Grey List’ dilemma: Leaders defend black money; businessmen hesitant to disclose investment sources, by Narayan Aryal (kh), In the grey, again : Political party leaders are yet to internalise the importance of a clean and efficient fiscal sector (kp), Land ordinance aims to resolve practical problems : Nearly 300,000 landless Dalits and squatters should get priority during land distribution, interview with Jagat Deuja (kp), Social Media Bill: A direct attack on the right to anonymity?, by Pratikshya Aganja (ae), Reminiscing last week: Politics, economy and blame-game (kh), NP Saud urges immediate compensation for freed Kamaiyas affected by Mahakali Irrigation Project (kh), Seven more US-funded programs in Nepal suspended (kh)

23/02/2025: Prohibitory order imposed in Taplejung amid Cable Car dispute (kh), RSP calls for immediate halt to Pathibhara cable car construction (kh), Lawmakers call for disclosure of expenditures under USAID programs (kh), Home Ministry sends letter to establish ‘Dalit Desk’ at Police Headquarters (kh), Bamdev suggests former King Gyanendra to form a party and become PM (kp) [Has his alleged communist lost his marbles?], Yogesh Bhattarai on Pathibhara Cable Car: Mixing religion with politics fueled controversy (kh) [The worst mixing of politics and religion was the Hindu state with its discriminatory social hierarchy. The negative excesses are still visible everywhere. The tensions in the originally non-Hindu Taplejung region are an example.], Return of the repressed : The voices repressed by the dominant parties are now coming back with a vengeance, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (kp), Ride-hailing guidelines delayed despite top court order : Without clear regulations, ride-hailing services operate in a legal grey area, raising concerns over worker protection, competition, and tax compliance (kp) [Such non-compliance with court orders is normal for Nepal's Netas!], Balancing Development and Conservation: A Call for a Prudent Approach, by Dikshya Pokhrel (rep), USAID, Deep State And Trump Tremors, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn)

22/02/2025: FNJ decries manhandling and unnecessary pressure on journalists (rep), Government Report Card: Just Awful (rep) It’s official: Nepal falls back into FATF grey list : Paris meeting has approved Nepal’s plan to come out of the list, says Finance Minister Paudel, vowing to act, by Anil Giri (kp), Nepal placed on FATF grey list for not doing enough against money laundering (kh), Nepal to exit FATF Grey List ahead of schedule: Finance Minister (kh) [???], Nepal lands on FATF grey list: Can it bounce back? (rep)

21/02/2025: Nepal is not a failed state, but it is a fragile one : Two books on the socio-political history of Nepal have lessons for the country's future, by Sonia Awale (nt), Nepal’s Governance Mired In Endemic Corruption, by Dipak Gyawali (sp), Transitional justice in limbo with process paused for two months : There seems to be no urgency in appointing commissioners even as conflict victims’ quest for justice drags on for years. Victims plan to hit the streets demanding a new committee (kp) [As often mentioned on this website: Those who were once responsible are in leading positions and have no interest in justice for the victims!], The Great Game, 2nd Half : The MCC grant suspension will hurt US credibility and impede Nepal’s infrastructure plans, by Sonia Awale (nt), ‘Dear Trump, thank you for making us feel our country is better’: Balen Shah (kh), Is Modi unhappy with Nepali Congress-UML alliance? Sher Bahadur Deuba’s last-minute India visit cancellation sparks speculation, by Keshab Sawad (kh) [see it as part of US, Indian and Chines intervention in Nepal!], Reigniting the era of gunpowder : China can counter its 'global security threat' image by collaborating on tech and AI with peripheral nations, by Hindu Sanskriti Karki (kp), KMC Mayer Balen Shah asks PM Oli for ‘basis to live as a Nepali’ (kh), Govt. undermining multi-party democracy: Madhav Nepal (kh), Pathibhara cable car protest resurges. Several injured : Clash ensued on Thursday as ‘No Cable Car’ campaigners tried to reach the construction site in Taplejung, by Ananda Gautam (kp), Nepal's electoral threshold: A challenge to fair representation, by Vidhu Prakash Kayastha (ht), Unlocking Nepal’s Soft Power Potentials, by Ritesh Panthee (rn), Dr. Bhattarai’s comments on former King spark backlash from pro-monarchy leaders (kh), Saving what is left of Himalayan rivers : Not all mountain rivers need to be monetised, saving them will save us from climate breakdown, by Kunda Dixit (nt)

20/02/2025: 1,081 human rights violations recorded in Sudurpaschim Province in 2024 (kh), MCC funds freeze sparks fears of project delays : Nepal’s 2028 deadline for US-funded Millennium Challenge Corporation projects could be missed, by Anil Giri (kp), Is external funding really noxious?, by Pushpa Raj Joshi (rep), Fair regulation of social media : Having a ministry as a regulator of such platforms and their users is unacceptable, by Suraj Ray (kp), Nepal's Tryst with Democracy and Destiny (rep), Nepal at risk of FATF gray listing (ae)

19/02/2025: Devi Sunar asks UN to halt support to Army until daughter gets justice : Maina Sunar was tortured to death by Army soldiers 21 years ago over alleged Maoist ties, by Binod Ghimire (kp),  Government can enforce law to regulate free speech, top court rules : Constitutional Bench says that freedom of opinion and expression, despite being fundamental, is not absolute, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Stunted future : For an agriculture-based economy, it is a shame that our children are hungry and undernourished (kp), Govt fails to meet key milestones (kh), Govt cites 11 reasons for failing to achieve fiscal year goals (kh), US President Trump criticizes U.S. aid to Nepal and India, calls funding ‘fraud’ (kp) [What an arrogant puke! It's hard to imagine that the American people elected him to office without 'fraud'!], Nepal to focus on crucial health programmes, seeks donor support : Officials call for a bigger healthcare budget to continue maternal and child health, nutrition, and immunisation next year, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Who will lead the Nepali Congress next? Race for Nepali Congress Presidency heats up amid internal power struggles, by Keshab Sawad (kh), Shandar Mo:Mo tragedy sheds light on Nepal’s poor work culture, by Pawan Mudbhari (kh), Monarchy’s ‘ghost’ reviving to threaten political stability, warns Pokharel (kh) [Instead of realising a socially inclusive federal republic, the patriarchal high-caste elite has focused on pointless and anti-democratic power struggles! Neither Hindu monarchy nor patriarchal Khas Arya oligarchy offer a solution for the multiethnic and multicultural state of Nepal!], Nepal’s public debt crosses Rs 2.611 trillion Ratio of public debt to GDP reaches 45.77 percent (rep)

18/02/2025: Noise, dust and fear. Bethanchok battles crusher plants : Unregulated stone quarries in Bethanchok and Panauti in Kavrepalanchok have put schools, homes, and lives at risk. Residents call for urgent action, by Jyoti Shrestha (kp), Don’t exonerate them : The home minister and the IGP must resign if they have abused power in the Sarlahi case, by Mitra Pariyar (kp), Locally elected politicians: They should be more responsive and accessible, by Simone Galimberti (ht), 'Effective enforcement of law must to end child marriage', by Uma Sharma (rn), Where do our lawmakers disappear during sessions? (In photos) (kh), MCC projects also halted in Nepal after USAID (kh) [!!!!!], MCC project in Nepal suspended (rep), Police working to mediate after mockery of Newari accent sparks outrage (rep)

17/02/2025: Reminiscing last week: Political and social developments (kh), PM Oli declines to answer lawmaker’s ‘offensive’ questions : In another unusual event, upper house passes a motion regretting a lower house member’s criticism of its affairs, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [Typically criticism-hating Oli!], USAID funding freeze: Ministry terminates jobs of 36 staff nurses in federal, provincial hospitals : Health experts warn that achievements made in Nepal’s health sector with years of investment could unravel as a key donor agency pulls the plug (kp), Time for some self-help : The rollback of American aid can be the push Nepali actors needed to be more self-reliant (kp), Deuba can’t save coalition if PM Oli undermines Congress : Pushpa Kamal Dahal treated Congress as a junior partner while portraying himself as the leader who had become prime minister because of his acumen, interview with Minandre Rijal, NC (kp), Former President Yadav calls for environmental protection, by Mithilesh Yadan and Surendra Yadav (rep), Habeas corpus: Protection against unlawful detention, by Prabin Kumar Yadav (ae), Stakeholders oppose decision to lower legal marriage age (kh)

16/02/2025: Nepal’s Maoists: A party divided by leadership struggles, by Gyanu Ghimire (kh), Divorce in debate: News item or invasion of privacy?, by Sita Neupane (kh), Limited slots at government daycare centres leave working mothers without support : The daycare at Singha Durbar prioritises permanent staff, leaving contractual civil servant mums at a disadvantage, by Aarati Ray (kp), USAID fiasco and the NGO ecosystem : Breaking free from the cycle of dependence requires rethinking Nepal’s development framework, by Vibhav Pradhan and Ashish Ghimire (kp), Mukkumlung Struggle Committee in second phase of protest against cable car project : Groups opposing cable car in Pathibhara, Taplejung say the government is not ready to form a high-level dialogue team (kp), The Cable Car Controversy, by Narayan Manandhar (rep), Social media from the eyes of Nepali women: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, by Smriti Dhungana (rep)

15/02/2025: Nepali Congress ministers ignore Deuba’s instructions on party engagement, by Keshab Sawad (kh), Congress battle heats up as Deuba seeks convention delay : Deuba loyalists plan to counter Koirala-Thapa faction, but party president noncommittal on successor, by Anil Giri (kp), More questions arise over Pathibhara cable car deal (kh), Government finally decides to constitute juvenile court : The court to be established in Bhaktapur will start service from April 15 per the decision published in Nepal Gazette (kp), Development partners weigh options to fill the gap as USAID support to Nepal hangs in balance, by Kosh Raj Koirala (rep) [The world has enough problems and does not need a country that tramples on democracy and human rights and prioritises the self-interests of a few super-rich over humanitarian aid for the needy!], Civic Competence For Democratic Polity, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Kathmandu becomes the most polluted city in the world (kh)

14/02/2025: “Govt violated talks; no cable car in Mukkumlung now!”, by Saraswata Singak (kh), Govt negligence leaves Babarmahal residents reeling after pipe burst floods homes and businesses, by Sita Neupane (kh), Comedy of errors : There is misalignment in the efforts of public agencies that should be working together (kp), Pipe burst calls for improved coordination (rep), Detailed damage survey begins 15 months after Jajarkot earthquake : Assessment has started in Nalgad and Bheri municipalities of Jajarkot as a pilot project. 44 victims of Jajarkot earthquake died in shelters, 12 in floods and landslidest, by Krishna Prasad Gautam (kp) [This exaggerated haste leaves you speechless. What a competent government this is!], Could the ordinances backfire on coalition if Assembly rejects one? Constitutional experts argue that losing a majority in the upper house is no threat to the government, by Binod Ghimire (kp), First batch of 1,000 Nepali auxiliary workers set to depart for Israel (kh) [Nepalese workers should not be sent to war zones where all warring parties are violating basic human rights!], Wildfires and brick firing season degrade Valley air quality : Experts warn that a prolonged dry spell may exacerbate forest fires and further worsen pollution levels. Vulnerable and sensitive people at risk (kp), Media Action Nepal slams NA's decision to pass restrictive Media Council Bill (rep), Government's income, expenditure remain weak in seven months (rn), Ban on female migrant workers to be lifted : Nepal must recognise and protect its undocumented female domestics in West Asia while legalising migration, by Ayushman Bhagat and Sunita Mainali (nt)

13/02/2025: Rotting from the head : Frustration with corruption, mismanagement and bad governance is reaching a boiling point (kp), Govt scrambles for support as ordinances face uncertain fate, by Gyanu Ghimire (kh), Ruling Loktantrik Samajbadi Party opposes disputed land ordinance : Mahantha Thakur’s party joins the opposition to the government’s land ordinance, stressing concerns over its impact on marginalised communities (kp), Air pollution in Kathmandu ranks second globally (kh) [The situation is always the same at this time of year. What has the government done to change this? Absolutely nothing!], Top court finally starts hearing petitions against four-year-old constitutional body appointments : The 52 appointments made by KP Sharma Oli in his earlier prime ministerial term were controversial for the recommendation process was modified through an ordinance (kp) [Take your time! PM Oli, who at the time staged a coup and was later deposed, was back in office faster than the SC would even want to react in this important matter!], Judicial reforms cannot wait, by Deependra Bista (ae), Broken minds, hidden cries: Nepal’s neglected youth, by Shraddha Acharya (ae)

12/02/2025: Falling short : Even as women continue to suffer from violence, justice remains elusive (kp), Predicaments of a subordinate society : No matter how high a person from a minority group rises, ethnonational leadership is always above, by CK Lal (kp), Govt faces roadblock as JSP withholds support for ordinances (kh), JSP Nepal refuses to support land ordinance, urges govt to withdraw it (kh), JSP-Nepal refuses to back disputed land ordinance : The Madhesh-based party says the ordinance favours corrupt elites, threatens public land, national interest, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Average national IQ pseudoscience : Generalised and unverified claims popping up as scientific research on the internet can be harmful, by Kiran Raj Pandey (kp), How economic inequality is driving youths abroad, by Pratik Ghimire (ae)

11/02/2025: Role of Corruption and Media Suppression in Nepal, by Ganga Thapa (kh), Corruption concerns grow as Nepal falls in global index (kh), TI Report: Corruption rises in Nepal, CPI ranking drops to 107th with a score of 34 (rep), Opposition protests removal of Anti-Corruption Bill from parliamentary agenda (kh), Tensions rise in parliament as deputy speaker faces opposition backlash (kh), Social Media Bill to be revised before endorsement, say members of various parties : ‘Just because opposition did not protest while the government presented it in Assembly does not mean they support it’ (kp), Have some heart : There can be no bigger health priority than saving the lives of children with timely cardiac care (kp), Monarchy’s popularity amid instability : The leading contemporary parties can be blamed for elevating Gyanendra’s popularity, by Paban Raj Pandey (kp) [Unfortunately, people never learn from history or they forget too quickly. The political parties are to blame for the political chaos, weak democracy and non-implementation of federalism, especially associated with the names of Oli, Dahal and Deuba. But the original blame for non-inclusive society, Khas Arya elitism, patriarchy and Hindu state lies with the Shah monarchy. Only a minority of the population has benefited from it and the political parties have done nothing to change it! How can the masses have forgotten Gyanendra's coup and the excesses of 2005 after only 20 years?], JSP Nepal withholds support for land ordinance (kh), Ministry of Finance to reprioritize the budget spending (ae), From exclusion to inclusion: Building equity for disadvantaged groups in forestry, by Aayushma Bhatta (ae)

10/02/2025: Political analysis or guesswork? We continue to trust political ‘experts’ who offer neat solutions to complex long-term problems, by Biswas Baral (kp), A crisis exploited : The new land-related ordinance is problematic. To solve one problem, it will create many others (kp), Nepal’s Debt Crisis and Corruption : The cases of bribery, nepotism, and embezzlement that continue to plague Nepal are classic hallmarks of a kleptocracy, by Vidhu Prakash Kayastha (rep), The Social Media Bill: A comparison with the theory of information overflow, by Vidhu Prakash Kayastha (ht), Protest against Pathibhara cable car resumes after failed talks with Government (kh), Lawmakers criticise Pathibhara Cable Car Project for ignoring local sentiments (ok), Reminiscing last week: A mix of political developments (kh), TI Nepal raises concern over ordinances (kh), No objection from opposition parties as government introduces Social Media Bill in Parliament : While the bill is widely criticised, including by leaders from ruling parties, opposition lawmakers didn’t register any rejection proposal (kp) [?????], Priotise To Approve Pending Bills, by Ballav Dahal (rn), Three major parties exploiting the country: Bhattarai (ae), Fluid politics makes it hard to build long-term ties, interview with German ambassador Tomas Prinz (ae), Contempt of Court case against Prime Minister over Giribandhu case (kh), Dalit activist Sunar arrested while trying to enter Parliament building (kh), Activist Sunar arrested for demanding Home Minister’s resignation (rep) [Demanding the resignation of the Home Minister is not a crime!]

09/02/2025: The coalition cannot deliver : Nepal’s biggest parties are losing their core values and aren’t focusing on the actual problems, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (kp) [Transform Nepal into a socially inclusive state with gender and ethnic parity. Reject Hindu thinking and patriarchy. Eradicate nepotism and corruption and, oh yes, Oli, Deuba and Dahal should retire from politics immediately! They are mainly responsible for the country's permanent democratic crisis!], Eighteen years of Madhesh uprising : It improved political representation, but marginalisation within the marginalised is emerging, by Tula Narayan Shah (kp), Prime Minister Oli rejects “People’s War” day label, stresses importance of Democracy Day (kh) [This day marks the beginning of a dark phase in Nepal's history. It began after the then PM Deuba, your current coalition partner, was unwilling to talk about the Maoists' demands, most of which were very reasonable. The Shah dynasty promised democracy in 1951 but imposed a restoration of the absolutist monarchy. Now multi-ethnic Nepal remains an oligarchy, only partially a democracy! So both occasions are rather commemorations of unfulfilled expectations and hopes!], Government, Pathibhara protesters at odds over talks team formation : The agitating side has been demanding the issue be resolved at the political level, not at the bureaucratic one, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Taplejung cable car: Talks end inconclusively (kh), Do not evict landless squatters, commission tells governments : Land problem resolution panel says removing them without proper arrangements breaches their constitutional rights (kp), Malnutrition continues to afflict children in Nepal’s food basket : In Madhesh Province, babies suffer mainly due to poverty and lack of awareness, by Shankar Acharya (kp), JSP-Nepal undecided over ordinances but ruling parties count on its support : Leader of the Madhes-based party says it may surprise both the ruling and opposition sides with a last-minute decision (kp)

08/02/2025: Women Commission’s helpline struggles to meet demand amid rising cases : Survivors of gender-based violence in Nepal often face an uphill battle navigating the country’s complex support system, by Aarati Ray (kp), Int’l Human Rights Organizations urge Nepal to suspend Pathibhara Cable Car project (kh), Chandra Dhakal: Pathibhara cable car will create jobs for Taplejung residents (kh) [Obviously no respect on the part of the small Bahun minority towards the numerous non-Hindu cultures of Nepal!], ‘Republic offers opportunity to protect identity of all’ (kh) [You should remind Chandra Prasad Dhakal of this!], Climate crisis driving families from Nepal’s mountain, hill villages : Call for action to mitigate climate migration as droughts, floods, lost livelihoods force vulnerable families to leave, by Arjun Poudel (kp) [An urgent task for the Oli government. Is this disinterest, incompetence or both?], 17 US nationals, one Indian under investigation for proselytisation : They are accused of using voluntary work as a cover for coercing religious conversions, by Matrika Dahal (kp), National Shame Projects! (rep), Sudden removal of legislation bill from House agenda raises concerns, by Ishwari Subedi (rep), Attitude Change Key To Consolidate Democracy, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Budget spending of provinces stands at 16 per cent in six months (kh) [Why should the provincial governments do a better job than the central government, which always decides on the formation and composition of the provincial governments despite the federal state?]

07/02/2025: No comment : The Nepal government is once more trying to suppress freedom of expression in instalments, and activists are crying foul, by Shristi Karki (nt), Budget trimmed by 9 percent, citing low spending capacity : The revised estimate is Rs1.69 trillion. Only 35.89 percent, or Rs667.6 billion, spent in the first six months, by Sangam Prasain (kp), Negotiations with Yadav’s party delay ordinances’ passage from Parliament : Talks on with the Janata Samajbadi Party-Nepal, whose support is vital for the ruling parties to muster a majority in the upper house, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Caught between the winds : Congress struggles to reclaim its democratic identity amid political unpredictability and opportunism, by Sanjeev Satgainya (kp), Divorce cases spike in Surkhet and other Karnali Province districts : Most divorce cases filed by women cite domestic violence as the main reason, by Jyotee Katuwal (kp), Save the trees : Continued destruction of our precious natural resources could invite an environmental ruin (kp), Nepal's climate crisis: Role of youth in advocating for action, by Aaryan Kunwar (ht), Dalit rights activists write to NC demanding action against home minister (rep), The new equaliser : Remittance money sent home by migrant workers annually is at least 30 times the aid Nepal receives (nt), Revisiting Transitional Justice (Reflections In The Shadow Of History), by Surya Dhungel (sp), Lingering Peace Accord And Peacebuilding In Nepal, by Govind Prasad Thapa (sp), Transitioning To Stalled Transitional Justice Process, by Shobhakar Budhathoki (sp), The Hidden Plight: Children In Agriculture And The Looming Shadow Of Hazardous Labor, by Suva BC (sp)

06/02/2025: Winter drought and low rainfall heighten fire risk, by Narayan Aryal (kh), Unprepared : As country could see many more forest fires in near future, those tackling it must be properly equipped (kp), Govt withholds ordinance in parliament due to lack of majority (rep), Restructuring CAAN: Legislature's dilemma or ignorance?, by Prakash Sharma (ht), Examining Nepal’s Aviation Struggles, by Pramod Basnet (rn)

05/02/2025: Jajarkot earthquake: Detailed damage assessment and reconstruction plans set to begin (kh) [An inconceivable lack of action by the government and administration!], JSP-Nepal could tip the scales on ordinances : The ruling Congress-UML coalition is strong in the lower house, but upper house remains a battleground, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Speak up for provinces : Political leaders must step forward to ensure that provinces function as autonomous entities, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp), AG under investigative scrutiny for not filing Rabi’s organized crime case (rep), OAG forms probe committee (kh), Chitwan District Court sends Rabi Lamichhane to judicial custody (kh), Snowless winters threaten farming and tourism in Dolakha (ae)

04/02/2025: Distracted by communist utopia : Communist leaders are adept at falsely wooing Dalits with great promises about our freedom, by Mitra Pariyar (kp), Taplejung cable car project: What’s fueling the protests? (kh), 12 hours of talks, no breakthrough: Government stands firm as Pathibhara cable car protests continue (kh), Nationwide internet outage raises concerns over outstanding dues : Apparent fibre cable issues in Airtel’s network in the Tarai spark suspicion of a pressure tactic over unpaid dues, by Krishana Prasain (kp), Collective failure : A troubling lack of consent awareness among Nepali boys points to a deeply flawed education system (kp) [The reasons lie deeper. They are closely related to the patriarchal society and the extremely inferior position of women in the Hindu social hierarchy, which are also reflected in the current constitution and subordinate laws!], Avoiding Nepal’s FATF Grey-listing, by Anil Karki (rep), Renewed push for Madhesi-Tharu unity, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae)

03/02/2025: 10 challenges that need urgent attention : Without urgent action, the country risks further decline, with long-term consequences for its economy, society, and democracy, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), Reminiscing last week: Political and economic developments (kh), Cable car protest shuts transport in nine eastern districts : Protesters claim the project threatens the environment, Limbu culture, and residents’ livelihoods, by Ananda Gautam (kp), Two long-delayed civil aviation bills return to federal parliament : Bills vital for safety of Nepali skies and opening up Nepal’s airports to private investment, by Sangam Prasain (kp), Bill registered to split CAAN (ae), Trump’s aid cut jeopardises neonatal health: Experts. Over 2,000 neonates die in Nepal each year. Child health experts warn the halt in crucial programmes threatens years of progress in child health, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Chasing a hero who isn’t : Democracy thrives through the collective act of institution building rather than the heroics of populist activists, by Dinesh Kafle (kp), Disparity in law and order enforcement: The Ashika Tamang case, by Pushpa Raj Joshi (ht), Rising Women's Movement, by Babita Basnet (rep), Stricter rules, hefty fines and potential jail time, by Aishwarya Koirala (ae)

02/02/2025: SC tells govt: Protect citizens’ information (rep), Is Nepali politics in trouble? Before declaring the end of this system, we must consider the positive aspects of its origin and continuity, by Abhi Subedi (kp), Impasse over administrative federalism : Confusion regarding provincial autonomy over public services is constitutionally unwarranted, by Binay Mishra (kp), Oli pointed to tardy lawmaking. Why is the process so slow? If Parliament and committees don’t clear bills on time, the prime minister says, it’s natural to resort to ordinances, by Binod Ghimire (kp), [If Oli, Dahal and Deuba finally stopped their selfish power struggles and stopped misusing parliament for their miserable politics, the legislature could finally fulfil its task!], Supreme Court clears way for National ID card implementation, but people continue to face hassles : NID has been incorporated into the Nagarik App to provide additional services to the public, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Nepal receives Rs 763 billion in remittances in six months; foreign exchange reserves reach Rs 2.3 trillion (kh)

01/02/2025: Resolution motion on dignified menstruation registered in NA (kh), Khanikhola families reeling in the cold under tents for four months (kh), Monetisation Of Politics Injurious To Democracy, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Winter session of Parliament opens to heated exchanges : Opposition parties decry rampant corruption, accuse ruling Congress and UML of protecting the corrupt, by Binod Ghimire (kp), PM reminded to revise some provisions of Cooperative Ordinance (rn)

31/01/2025: 18 years on, Nepal insurgency victims are in continued hardships, new study says : Education, healthcare, and social support remain out of reach for those affected by the Maoist conflict, ICJ survey finds (kp), Silencing the critics : The social media bill must be revised through the broadest possible consultations (kp), Corruption amid ideological drift : A sharp decline in political ideology calls for strong anti-corruption agencies, by Durga Gautam (kp), Winter session of Federal Parliament begins today (kh), Health Insurance program faces challenges amid leadership vacancies and unpaid claims, by Pawan Mudbhari (kh), PM Oli justifies issuance of Ordinances, highlights reforms (kh) [A fictitious claim! Parliament could have been convened weeks ago, but Oli refused in order to pass the ordinances without the annoying representatives of the people!], Opposition firm against ordinances with House set to sit : Maoist Centre clarifies its objection is to the process rather than the content of the six ordinances (kp), Ordinance, ex-prez’s political ambition, and social media bill, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), Madhesh-based parties form eight-member task force to develop working guidelines for ‘loose alliance’ : The leaders, however, fail to pick a coordinator of the task force (kp), ‘Hope-mongering’ : Is the glass half-full or half-empty? Both, by Sonia Awale (nt), Pulse of the people : Once again, a survey shows that Nepalis are short-term pessimists and long-term optimists, by Sonia Awale (nt), Politics as usual : Public opinion poll confirms public disillusionment with serial prime ministers, their cadre and cronies, by Shristi Karki (nt)

30/01/2025: Make it work : Weakening of Parliament is, by extension, weakening of the political system (kp), Resistance against social media bill continues to build : Free speech advocates say social media content may need regulation but bill seeks to criminalise minor offences too (kp), Regulate, Not Crush Social Media (rep), Oppn parties to reject recently introduced ordinances (rep), Flood victims trapped in tarp shelters since September : Several families in Chanaute village of Kavrepalanchok are left without help as local government passes the buck on resettlement to federal government, by Jyoti Shrestha (kp) [A case of failure to provide assistance! But this is also a consequence of the Oli government's and the national party leaders' refusal to implement the federal state with clearly delineated responsibilities and means!], Political instability has adversely affected country’s economy: PM (kh) [And together with Dahal and Deuba, you personally are the main cause of political instability!]

29/01/2025: Opposition slams coalition’s plan to fast-track ordinances : Ruling parties face hurdles in National Assembly despite having a near 2/3 majority in House of Representatives, by Anil Giri and Binod Ghimire (kh), Unauthorised pharmacies, quacks thriving in Bajhang district : Patients dying after failing to reach health institutions on time is a near-daily occurrence in Sudurpaschim district, by Basanta Pratap Singh (kp), Social media bill proposes up to five years in prison and Rs1.5 million as fine for spreading fake news : The bill mandates additional penalties for those who engage in these activities using children or minors (kp), What kind of development? Generations of indigenous knowledge and culture are being dismantled to build a cable car line in Taplejung (kp), A regime of the amoral narcissist : Trump has little time and even less interest in what he once labelled as ‘shithole countries’, by CK Lal (kp), Avoid FATF grey-listing (rep), Children raised by single mothers to get citizenship (rep) [Children of Nepali women, whether married or not, must have the unrestricted right to Nepali citizenship! According to Article 18 of the Constitution, women and men enjoy equal rights, which in turn contradicts Article 11, which therefore needs to be amended urgently!], Pollution on the rise in the country: Need of suitable interventions urgently, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht), Normalise Menstruation, Empower Women, by Sharmila Chandi Shrestha (rn)

28/01/2025: Trump’s aid freeze hits four USAID projects in Nepal : MCA Nepal unaffected, but healthcare programmes including micronutrient survey, demographic health survey and disease surveillance could be derailed, by Anil Giri and Arjun Poudel (kp), Government forms National Cooperative Regulatory Authority : The newly formed body will mainly focus on monitoring and regulating the cooperative sector, an official says (kp), The great game in the Himalaya : Kathmandu must tread strategically in devising its foreign policy to maximise its interests, by Siddhartha Thapa (kp), Severe unemployment crisis: Pressing need for reform, by Vidhu Prakash Kayastha (ht),  NC’s priority: Power, not principles : Critics argue the NC is becoming a party that cannot represent any generation, whether old or young, by Balkrishna Adhikari (rep)

27/01/2025: Caste-based Prejudices Threaten Social Fabric (rep), Winter session four days away but bills stuck in committees : Just four of 16 bills have cleared parliamentary committees after months of deliberations. Parliamentary committees led by ruling parties hold up half of pending bills, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [There is an obvious lack of interest in parliamentary democracy in Nepal, while oligarchic party leaders combine executive and legislative powers in one hand and at the same time interfere in the judiciary!], The country’s pulse : The latest Sharecast nationwide survey gives a nuanced picture of Nepal (kp), Are political parties relevant today? They are losing their political space to non-political individuals and business tycoons, by Lok Raj Baral (kp), Proportional representation: And the issue of threshold, by Birendra P Mishra (ht), Cost Of Instability, by Khem Raj Niraula (rn), Reminiscing last week: Politics and diplomacy (kh), Tiger attack injures woman in chhaugoth in Kailali (kh) [Caused because of the performance of the Chhaupadi crime!], Bajura flood victims worried as housing tranche stalls, by Sher Bahadur Sarki (rn), Trump effect is already visible in Nepal  :USAID and its implementing partners have temporarily halted numerous ongoing projects, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae)

26/01/2025: Politics of discontent : Many believe big parties have failed and Nepal is on the wrong path, but will their discontent have any impact?, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (kp) [See corresponding opinion poll by Sharecast], Deuba asks Congress lawmakers to stand united behind ordinances in Parliament session : The instruction comes at a time when a faction within the party led by Shekhar Koirala has accused the government of introducing laws bypassing Parliament (kp) [In other words, the members of parliament elected by the people are not supposed to discuss and pass laws to the best of their knowledge and belief, but are to uncritically approve what the government has already presented to them in the form of ordinances. A strange kind of democracy! It was similar when the constitution was adopted in 2015.], Congress consults legal experts on ordinance (kh) [???], Operators of problem cooperatives find new way to dupe depositors : Cooperative managers make desperate depositors buy pricey lands, take hefty cuts but don’t pay back depositors, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Disruption dividends : Trump’s second term offers renewed opportunities for smaller nations to strengthen relations with the US, by John Narayan Parajuli (kp), Philandering with Philanthropy, by Narayan Manandhar (rep), SC decision to halt 20,000 MW of hydropower projects: IPPAN (rep)

25/01/2025: Child Marriage Free Nepal campaign picks up in provinces : The country aims to end child marriage by 2030 (kp), Helicopters slash the trek to Earth’s highest peak, but leave Sherpas grounded, by Shashwat Pant (kh), Learning From History, by Bishalya Gautam (rn), Embrace Indigenous Model Of Development, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Rise in crime, banking fraud accounts for a quarter of cases (kh), Koshi Province CM defends ordinance, criticizes media opposition (kh) [This is not correct, Mr Karki. Legislation is the responsibility of parliament, not of the government. Parliament exists, but the convening of the session was intentionally delayed by the government.

24/01/2025: Madhesh govt to withdraw controversial Language Bill (kh), Transforming Nepal from Land-locked to Land-linked, by Keshav Bhattarai (rep), The week that was: Coalition drama, Trump’s presidency and more, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), Wildfire season starts early in Nepal: A prolonged winter drought has sparked an early start of the annual spring fires (nt), राष्ट्रिय मत सर्वेक्षणको नतिजा : ‘देश ठिकठाक छ, जीवन सुध्रिएको छ, तर राजनीति बर्बाद भयो’ [National opinion poll results : ‘The country is fine, life has improved, but politics is ruined’], by Rameshwar Bohara (Ukalo), के सोच्दै छन् नेपाली? [What are the Nepalese thinking?] (Himalkhabar)

23/01/2025: A case for proportional representation : The reason UML appears to be antagonistic to PR is because of its inclusive provisions, by Deepak Thapa (kp), Rise of neo-fascism in Nepal : Nepal, with its fragile democracy and history of political instability provides fertile ground for the rise of neo-fascist tendencies, by Vidhu Prakash Kayastha (ae), Nepal’s upcoming budget to face significant reduction amid financial constraints : The upcoming budget will likely reflect the severe financial challenges facing the country (kh), Supreme Court questions government for listing murder as amnestiable : Government and constitutional bodies asked to clarify 75 percent sentence reduction in revised law (kp), UML stands firmly behind ordinances, Congress is divided : Opposition to chide government in House for ordinances, by Anil Giri (kp), Opposition up in arms against government, by Narayan Upadhyay (ae), New land ordinance sparks debate over real estate exemptions and policy implications, by Narayan Aryal (kh), Madhesh Provincial government proposes bill to recognize five official languages (kh), Families of Saurya Airlines crash victims demand justice (kh), Trump signals aggressive Indo-Pacific Strategy: Any significant change in US strategy toward China and India will have a ripple effect on Kathmandu's diplomatoic calculus, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae)

22/01/2025: Dalit youth stage protest in front of EC office (In Photos), by Dipesh Darsandhari (rep), Rabi Lamichhane’s legal troubles deepen with Supreme Cooperative scandal (kh), Gendered justice : Law in much of South Asia, including in Nepal, favours men, even in horrifying rape cases (kp), Where does the agriculture budget go? Sub-federal levels should better manage agriculture as they are closer to the farmers, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp), Youth’s severe beating in Chitwan brings to fore police use of excessive force : Nepal Police says individual cases of heavy-handed behaviour of personnel are punished, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Bhim Rawal’s expulsion sparks debate: Is UML embracing autocratic leadership?, by Kosh Raj Koirala (rep), What ails Nepal's opposition parties?, by Narayan Upadhyay (rep), Opposition warns of parliamentary standoff over government policies (kh), Opposition plans to corner govt on governance and ordinances in Parliament, by Gyanu Ghimire (kh), Navigating Nepal’s topographical challenges, by Rajan Sharma (ae), Indiscriminate writ petitions: A call for responsible legal practice, by Saroj Bhattarai (ae)

21/01/2025: Can untouchability be eradicated in Nepal? The declaration of an untouchability-free nation was a blatant lie on the part of the new ruling elites, by Mitra Pariyar (kp), Ending caste discrimination: A conversation is necessary, by Simone Galimberti (ht), Child marriage, teenage pregnancy persist in Dang : Despite laws and awareness campaigns, deep-rooted traditions and lack of education are perpetuating the practice, by Durgalal KC (kp), Accessible Healthcare (rn), Setback for UML in Achham as 1,081 cadres join Bhim Rawal’s campaign (kh), Dirty and dangerous : Nepal perhaps needs a policy-level overhaul to cut air pollution from vehicles (kp), High court seeks reasons for releasing Lamichhane on bail (rep)

20/01/2025: Gurung and Magar languages to become official in Gandaki Province (kh), Threshold for stability: A new political excuse, by Binay Mishra (rep), Coalition gears up for winter House session as pressure mounts : CPN-UML chief whip Mahesh Bartaula claims Parliament will convene no later than February 2, by Purushottam Poudel (kp) [Parliament really is an annoying institution for an autocratic PM!], Losing their grip : The erosion of people’s trust in Madheshi parties is dangerous for all (kp), Repolarisation of alternative forces is the right way forward : Balendra Shah should be more open and transparent, interact with people and get involved in debates, interview with Baburam Bhattarai (kp), Mandamus order to immediately shut illegal excavation of river-based materials (kh), Government appeals to keep Rabi Lamichhane and associates in custody (kh)

19/01/2025: ‘Improve electoral system assuring proportional and inclusive representation’ (kh), ‘Justice is dying in Nepal. Let’s save it!’, by Akhilesh Tripati (rep), Weak opposition gives Oli government free rein, by Gyanu Ghimire (kh), Govt’s outstanding debt exceeds Rs 2.53 trillion (kh), Balidan Diwas events lay bare divisions amid Madheshi parties’ unity talks : Forces accused of forgetting federalism’s spirit in quest for power, failing the marginalised, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Problematic anti-human smuggling law : Introducing such a law could fail to address the root cause of migration and create new problems, by Ayushman Bhagat and Sunita Mainali (kp), Public debt reaches over Rs 2536 billion (rn), FDI commitments rise 5.88 percent in first half : Nepal received investment pledges worth Rs23.39 billion for 200 projects in the period (kp), It’s not just inflation anymore, Cheapflation has entered the chat!, by Swastik Mohan Bhattarai (rep), 1.1 million families to get land ownership, thanks to new ordinance, by Bhuwan Sharma (rep) [Nevertheless, this should have been done on the basis of a law passed by parliament and not by an anti-democratic government ordinance!], Lawyers protest against assault on Senior Advocate Tripathi  by wearing black bands (with photos), by Dipesh Darsandhari (rep), Consensus Must For Statute Revision, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), Government fails to meet expected foreign aid targets (kh), Supreme Court clears path for implementation of National ID cards (kh)

18/01/2025: Lawmakers voice concern about deferrals in hearing petition against 2020-21 appointments in constitutional bodies : National Human Rights Commission officials urge lawmakers to pressure the government into introducing the bill to amend NHRC Act in Parliament (kp) [This was an important part of KP Oli's coup d'état at the time and should finally be judged as such! Oli is currently proving that he has not changed.], Madhesh-centric parties unite to counter proposed electoral threshold, by Gyanu Ghimire (kh), Opposition parties intensify call for PM’s resignation : Allege moral failures, rising impunity for corruption, rule through ordinance, and growing public frustration (kp), Charting Nepal’s energy and tech renaissance : Nepal stands at a pivotal moment in history. By harnessing its hydropower resources, it can play a dual role: a key supplier of sustainable energy and a regional hub for computational capacities, by Sixit Bhatta (kp), A Ticking Time Bomb (rep), Can Politics Be Shaped As Virtuous Sphere?, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Earthquake victims moves into a cracked house to escape cold, by Sher Bahadur Sarki (rn), Over 200 children of Musahar community missing classes for two months (rn)

17/01/2025: Transitional justice: Donor help sought to foot Rs40 billion bill : A planned peace fund will be used to pay for reparation and other expenses needed to conclude peace process, by Binod Ghimire (kp), ‘Airports left underutilized, Rs 1.8 trillion investment at risk’ (kh), Opposition parties, including the Maoists, accuse Congress-UML alliance of five major issues (kh), Prachanda demands PM Oli’s resignation in presence of seven opposition parties (kh) [But PM Oli should not be replaced by PK Dahal or SB Deuba. All three have failed often enough and caused damage to the country. Nepal needs a socially inclusive government of a much younger generation that is capable of freeing Nepal from the old shackles of Shah monarchy, Hindu state and autocratic party patriarchy!], Ordinance will be presented in parliament in two weeks, says PM Oli (kh) [Ordinances must be confirmed or rejected by Parliament. In a democracy, a bill is debated and then passed as law. This is a crucial difference. The Oli government obviously wanted to bypass the crucial involvement of the elected representatives of the people.], Let the parliament convene : As the things stand, there's no reason why the government should resort to ordinances to run the affairs of the state (ae), Bhim Rawal advocates for nationalist unity amidst political turmoil (kh), First meet of Madhesh forces for unity to counter ruling parties’ plans falters : Absence of some parties in inaugural sitting suggests an alliance won’t be easy to build, by Purushottam Poudel (kp) [The Tarai leaders are just as autocratic, selfish and patriarchal as the leaders of the national parties!], Increasing vulnerability of survivors: The struggle of recounting trauma, by Nisha Shrestha (ht), Justice To Cooperative Victims, by Bini Dahal (rn)

16/01/2025: The Merchants of Poverty in Nepal, by Vidhu Prakash Kayastha (rep), Not just the home, women hold the key to running the country, by Bhasa Sharma (rep), 12 Acts amended at once (kh) [Legislation by means of ordinances is an inconceivable presumption on the part of the Oli government and puts the separation of powers ad absurdum!], Oli backs ordinances as opposition alleges executive power abuse : Six opposition parties led by the Maoist Centre blast ‘arbitrary’ rule, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), PM Oli claims unanimous support for ordinances : Oli concluded the press conference without facing questions from the press, by Pratik Ghimire (ae) [However, the unanimous support of the ordinances within the government does not make them lawful. There is an elected and immediately convenable parliament that is responsible for laws, not the executive!], Stumbling on ordinances : Why did PM Oli take the route instead of convening Parliament and getting the bills endorsed there? (kp), Deuba calls joint meeting of Congress ministers with party’s parliamentary panel : Meeting today to discuss government’s performance, status of pending bills in the House and current affairs. Deuba reportedly has some strong instructions for the ministers (kp), Court finds five grounds for Rabi Lamichhane’s guilt amid bail decision (kh), Home Minister Lekhak condemns assault on Senior Advocate Dinesh Tripathi (rep), Police arrest suspect in assault on advocate Dinesh Tripathi (kh), Development spending stalls at 16 percent (ae)

15/01/2025: President cites ‘sensitive issues’ to halt ordinance related to land, forests and national parks : The ordinance envisions free ownership for landless Dalits and squatters who have built houses and lived on public land for a long time (kp), Opposition parties condemn govt’s decision to rule through ordinances (kh), Private sector happy with ordinances aimed at economic revival: FNCCI (kh) [The primary problem is not so much the content as the anti-democratic approach of an executive that arrogates legislative power. There is an elected parliament and it has to pass laws, not the government!], SC likely to hear writ petition challenging Oli’s ordinance appointments in 2020 (kh) [It is incomprehensible that the SC has not dealt with such an important issue for four years, the effects of which have also caused international damage to Nepal! Now the former PM is back in office and shows that he regards the SC's behaviour as a carte blanche!], The UML leadership: Virtually losing moral relevance, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht), President issues ordinance to amend land-related acts (kh), Trouble brews in coalition, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), Mayor Balen slams land ordinance, criticizes leaders for favoritism (kh), Deuba unmoved despite growing pressure to ditch Oli : Many leaders in both the Congress and the UML believe the Oli-Deuba bond right now is too strong to break, by Anil Giri (kp) [Deuba, Oli and Dahal should finally retire from active politics for the good of Nepal!], Deuba summons Nepali Congress leaders to review govt’s performance (kh), Upholding Good Governance And Combating Corruption 'Key' To Breaking Nepal’s Poverty Cycle. Beyond the Bottom Billion: Applying Paul Collier's lessons to Nepal’s development crisis, by Sara Pahari (rep), Advocate Tripathi assaulted by Rabi Lamichhane’s supporters at court premises (kh), Rabi Lamichhane released on Rs 6 million bail in Swarnalaxmi Cooperative case (kh), Rabi Lamichhane secures release after providing bail guarantee (kh)

14/01/2025: Women's economic empowerment: Policy innovations needed, by Bikas Adhikari (ht), Right reforms : Reform-oriented policy changes must make Nepal’s agriculture the gravity of potential investment, by Achyut Wagle (kp), Nepal Rastra Bank proposes new standards to regulate cooperatives (kh), 66,000 Nepalis seek permanent residence abroad in 2024; 850,000 seek employment (rep), Govt fails to meet capital expenditure target, spending only 16.16% in first half of FY 2024/25 (rep)

13/01/2025: No silver lining : The first six months of the Oli government has been woeful any way you evaluate it (kp) [This was to be expected right from the start!], Ordinance fails to reassure cooperatives victims : Those who lost savings question compensation plans, and possible use of their funds to finance regulatory body, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Majority government amends 29 laws via ordinance, favours Giribandhu and Min Bahadur (kh), Dev Gurung: Running the government through ordinances behind closed doors is undemocratic (kh), Four ordinances issued, land-related amendment held at Sheetal Niwas (kh) [He should have held them all back and called on the government to pass the laws democratically through parliament!], Three days after Kaski bail, Rastriya Swatantra Party chief Lamichhane lands in Kathmandu police custody : He will be in police custody until the Kathmandu District Court decides whether to free him on bail or send him to judicial custody (kp), Reminiscing last week: Blend of political events (kh), Technological intervention at the bottom : A digitally empowered Nepal will lead to a more equitable, prosperous and inclusive society, by Roshee Lamichhane and Biplab Bhattacharjee (kp), A Paradigm Shift in Learning and Teaching : Education in the Age of Generation Z and Beyond: Challenges and Opportunities for Millennial Educators, by Ritu Raj Lamsal (rep), Govt indifferent to hardships of quake victims in western Nepal: Shakti Basnet (rep), Tarai-Madhes-centric parties step up preparations for forming a front (kh)

12/01/2025: Opposition cries foul as Cabinet passes 5 ordinances : Many lawmakers have termed the government’s decision to bypass Parliament to amend laws ‘regressive’ (kp) [Such undemocratic behaviour is unfortunately a tradition among Nepal's party politicians who arrogate power! It should be the President's job to show the erring politicians the right way!], Government sends three ordinances to the President for authentication (kh) [What kind of strange understanding of democracy is this? In a parliamentary democracy, the executive does not pass laws by ordinances! The president should refuse to sign them! It is his task to safegzard democracy!], Fake release in Deuba’s name goes viral, Congress objects strongly (kh), Freezing temperatures add to the woes of Tarai’s poorest communities : Without proper shelter and clothing, families struggle to survive as a cold spell grips, by Shankar Acharya, Shiva Puri and Abadhesh Kumar Jha (kp), Sharma challenged Dahal’s role as Maoist leader. Then he was tranquilised by an old potion, by Purushottam Poudel (kp) [All parties in Nepal are dominated by power-hungry autocrats. Freedom of expression and equal opportunities within the parties should be the basis of democracy!], Geopolitics of economic growth : It is vital to consider the current coalition’s foreign policy and its impact on Nepal’s economic development, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (kp), Fading fourth estate : While Nepal’s press freedom ranking indicates progress, the dwindling credibility of the FNJ suggests otherwise, by Bhanu Bhakta Acharya (kp), Shera Durbar, Dibya Upadesh And Independence, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), Mayor Balen questions role of provincial govt in local issues (kh) [This is a consequence of the centrist attitude of national politicians. They don't want federalism at all, but want to keep everything under their direct control!], Rabi Lamichhane sent to custody after court statement (kh)

11/01/2025: Govt brings ordinance to streamline public services (kh) [Nepal is a parliamentary democracy and does not require ordinances. Laws must be passed by parliament!], What’s inside the govt’s legal reforms ordinance? (kh), PM Oli: Ordinance aims to remove barriers for Nepali IT firms’ global operations (kh), As electoral law revision looms, Madhesh parties mull an alliance for resistance : Yet there’s no unanimity. Prabhu Sah has no idea of bid to bring together Madheshi forces, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Central Labour Advisory Council recommends for ratification of ILO instruments (kh), Gender Equality: Shaping Nepal’s Diplomatic Future, by Aastha Pokhrel (rep), Bumpy road ahead for constitutional amendment, by Narayan Upadhyay (rep), Shun The Politics Of Muddling Through, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Rajendra Lingden: Current government leaning toward authoritarianism (kh)

10/01/2025: Looming Instability : Despite the claim of leaders in the ruling alliance that this government will last for the full term, the factors of instability are looming large (sp), NP Saud criticizes NC-UML coalition for neglecting development issues (kh), 14 landless families in limbo over railway compensation : Bardibas municipal officials say they have done all they can to secure compensation for these families and are now awaiting railway officials’ decision, by Sunita Baral (kp), Government prepares to delegate authority to handle SEE to provinces : Ignoring repeated requests from provincial governments, the federal government had so far been refusing to delegate the authority (kp), The Tibet warning : Given the millions of lives on the line, earthquake risk should be taken as a perpetual emergency (kp), Unwanted Pregnancies: The unimaginable pain of Nepali Gulf returnees, by Guna Raj Luitel, Upendra Lamichhane and Sabita Khadka (rep) [see part II], Kulman Ghising claims 98.99% work performance (kh), PM Oli briefs President on formation of constitution amendment task force (kh) [Yesterday he expressed exactly the opposite!], Complaint filed against Judge Rai for granting Rabi Lamichhane bail (rep), Moving beyond the 16 Days of Activism: Continuing the Battle Against Gender-Based Violence : The challenge now is how to ensure that the momentum generated during these 16 days is sustained throughout the rest of the year and beyond, Shuva BC (sp)

09/01/2025: Constitution and the status of Dalits : Dalits continue to suffer violent and inhumane treatment, including murder and social ostracisation, by Sushil Darnal (kp), UML welcomes India-China border dialogue as positive step for regional stability and Nepal’s interests : Despite the optimism, the agreement has not been without controversy in Nepal (kh), Dahal blames UML, interest groups for stalled peace process : Urges conflict victims to hit the streets to mount pressure, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [Alongside the state leadership of the time, the monarchy and the army leadership, you yourself were one of the main perpetrators of the crimes. Without involving the victims' side, your previous stance centred on reconciliation in the interests of the perpetrators at the time!], Show, don’t tell : If Dahal is committed to accountability and transparency, he must first embody those traits (kp), Congress voices reservations over Oli’s remarks against constitution revision plan : Leaders of the coalition partner say the prime minister cannot speak against the two-party agreement without consulting the largest party. Oli had said the plan to amend the constitution had been deferred until 2087 BS (2030-31) (kp), Constitutional changes still a far-fetched wish, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), Arjun Narsingh KC criticizes PM Oli for disrespecting agreement with Nepali Congress (kh), Kaski District Court grants bail to Rabi Lamichhane and others in cooperative fraud case : Rabi Lamichhane released on Rs 6.5 million bail (kh), Court demands Rs 6.5 million bail from Rabi Lamichhane in cooperative fraud case (kh), Former DIG Chhabi Lal Joshi ordered to post Rs 8.8 million bail in cooperative fraud case (kh), Ravi and all seven detainees to be released on bail; what are the bail amounts? (kh) [What politician or civil servant can post such bail sums without income from corruption? On the other hand, the amounts are ridiculous compared to the level of the corruption allegations!]

08/01/2025: Subnational autonomy at risk : The Federal Civil Service Bill under consideration in Parliament threatens subnational autonomy, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp), How earthquakes resurface fears and trigger mental trauma : Tuesday’s earthquake served as a stark reminder of Nepal’s seismic vulnerability and the importance of disaster preparedness (kh), “Current tremors suggest imminent earthquake risk”, interview with seismologist Khadga Sen Oli (kh), Dahal returns to radical agendas, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae) [If he ever comes back to power, all this will be water under the bridge for him again!], UML must learn to respect dissenting voices, by Narayan Upadhyay (ae) [Autocrats like Oli should not be able to think and act in such a democratic way!], Oli warns against airing party grievances publicly: Speak at meetings, not on the streets (kh) [!!!], UML to train members in social media usage to counter criticism (kh), Energy Minister Khadka hounds power utility chief with new clarification letter : Explanation sought over ‘poor performance’, transformer purchases, ‘lack of cooperation’, by Purushottam Poudel (kp) [All in all, Kulman Ghising's performance is outstanding, which cannot be said of the government by any stretch of the imagination, Mr Minister!], Fight for Climate Justice Continues after Betrayal at UN Climate Conference : The Global South has been historically suffering the impacts of the climate crisis and Nepal in the last few years has seen the worst climate disasters through extreme weather events, by Abhishek Shrestha and Prayash Adhikari (rep)

07/01/2025: Intellectual deprivation of Dalits : The question of whether Dalit issues pertain to class or caste has confounded many Dalits, by Mitra Pariyar (kp), Where’s the inclusion? Equitable treatment of Dalit and marginalised children cannot be expected under the proposed Education Bill, by Sunil Pokhrel and Rup Sunar (kp), Gen Z’s Materialistic Obsessions, by Jigyasha Sonam (kh), Sexual assault survivor stages hunger strike in Kathmandu over lack of legal action (kh), Frustrated by delays, Rukum West quake survivors ignore building codes : Facing harsh winter and with no aid, many survivors are rebuilding on their own with minimal resources (kp), Factionalism has beset UML, party leaders warn : They say internal divisions are eroding the party’s strength and undermining public support (kp), Oli’s political document and future of NC-UML coalition, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), Why is Nepal not developing? All the revolutions in Nepal have brought some changes in political and democratic systems, with more changes in lifestyles of political leaders and their affiliates, but people's lives have been deteriorating after each revolution, by Hari Prasad Shrestha (rep), The proposal for constitution amendment: Is this for the people?, by Lok Bhattarai (ht) [No, it is primarily about the interests of the oligarchs at the top of the political parties!], Price of freedom: How bail decisions impact human rights, by Ajay Tamang and Raju Bamjan (ae)

06/01/2025: Reminiscing last week: Political shifts and celebrations (kh), Internal rift looming in RPP as Lingden’s leadership faces scrutiny (kh) [The monarchy has been abolished, but there is a party that wants it back, even though this request is clearly unconstitutional. At the same time, ex-king Gyanendra is also showing that he is endeavouring to overthrow the political regime. Democracy is dying and the political parties are eagerly assisting, or how should we call it?], Kathmandu ranks fifth among world’s most polluted cities today (kp), Greater Nepal activist Phanindra Nepal arrested from Singha Durbar (kh), 46 UML members in Godawari Municipality quit expressing discontent with party leadership (kh), By hitting out at factionalism, Oli lays bare his fear of being challenged : No obvious threat seen to Oli’s leadership, but some hint at Bidya Bhandari’s comeback, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Take the lead, PM Oli : Rather than blame bureaucrats for government’s sub-par performance, he can show the way (kp) [But this would require government competence, wouldn't it?], Supreme Court says the executive cannot decide order of precedence arbitrarily : In a 7-year-old petition, the Constitutional Bench has asked the government to place chief justice right below the prime minister (kp), Child marriage is impending child rape and has no place in Nepal : A national framework may define the policy but the policy must reach every single child. So the provinces, the municipalities, the village councils—they all need to come together, interview with Bhuwan Ribhu (kp), Prospect of unified Madhesi political force, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), Only 11.58 percent of capital budget utilized in five months (ae), Intercaste teenage couple found dead after a week of disappearance : Two seventeen-year-old lovebirds, a boy from the Dalit community and a girl from the Chhetri community, who had gone missing for a week, were found dead in a forest nearby their home on Sunday, by Biken K Dawadi (rep)

05/01/2025: Bhandari and Pun: What fuels the ambition of Nepal’s former President and Vice President? (kh), Youth Exodus A Threat To Economy, by Samriddha Upreti (rn) [And the government is encouraging the exodus instead of creating jobs and decent working conditions in the country!], Locals voice for drawing attention of int'l community on damage by climate change (rn), Bishwa Prakash Sharma calls for constitutional amendment to ensure five-year prime ministerial term (kh) [This would not change anything. The Prime Minister always needs a parliamentary majority and there is currently no such majority in sight for any of the parties; a coalition government is therefore required. As the three party leaders, who have failed so often and therefore have proved to be incompetent, are only interested in their personal power, they conclude agreements from the outset that rule out a five-year term of office. In other words, they are destroying Nepal's democratic system!]

04/01/2025: Govt’s deficit budget continues to push citizens into debt trap : Nearly 30 percent of the budget—Rs 547.67 billion—remains unfunded (kh), Petroleum discovered in Dailekh as govt prepares extraction plan (kh) [The whole world is increasingly turning away from petroleum, but Nepal now wants to exploit it!], Royalist slogans welcome Bhim Rawal in Biratnagar amid campaign launch (kh) [?? If Bhim Rawal really wants to join the slogans of the monarchists and supporters of a Hindu state, his movement is already stillborn! sn't Oli too a secret supporter of Hindu state ideals and symbols?], Is the government amending Act to ease party splits through ordinance? Ruling Nepali Congress, CPN-UML leaders deny it. Opposition Maoists suspect foul play (kp), Public Service Commission bats for stronger CDOs : Commission Chairperson Madhav Prasad Regmi’s proposal goes against provincial governments’ demands (kp) [Further strengthening the centrist state?], Bending The Rise Of Strong Men Politics, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn)

03/01/2025: Decade-long struggle : There needs to be a clear-eyed scrutiny of the functioning of the seven inclusion commissions (kp) [This land is the property of male Khas Arya, especially male Bahun, isn't it?], Parties race to finalise pending bills ahead of new House session : A key bill is on giving CIAA access to phone and electronic communication, another on splitting civil aviation body, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Top court asks government to fast-track legislation to govern ride-hailing services : According to the full text released by the Supreme Court, ride-hailing services are rapidly becoming a popular potential alternative to public transit as consumers value availability, hassle-free, time efficiency and accessibility (kp)

02/01/2025: Trouble brewing in ruling coalition at provincial level, by Keshab Sawad (kh) [This is a consequence of the completely misunderstood principle of federalism. Provinces must form their governments completely independently of the national level of their parties. The perverse power games at national level are destroying Nepal's democracy!], Government-NEA dispute deepens over new committee : Power utility chief Ghising, officials question the legal basis of a tariff study panel formed by energy ministry, by purushottam Poudel (kp), Question of intent : Pick of officials in the new authority will show if the ruling parties want to solve the cooperative crisis (kp), Promoting climate-responsive buildings : Many building designs in Nepal fail to meet the thermal safety needs of women, children and elderly, by Usha Maskey Manandhar (kp), Bhim Rawal attacks Oli, UML leadership : The ousted UML leader did not announce a new party on Wednesday but said he would institute one after taking suggestions and feedback from the public. There is the need for an alternative politics with nationalist plank, he said (kp), UML responds to Bhim Rawal’s allegations, likens them to past criticisms from Prachanda, Baburam, and Rabi (kh) [But that really sounds too simple: Oli doesn't make mistakes, only everyone else does!], Expectations, inflation and livelihood crisis: Visionary leadership and commitment needed, by Laxman Neupane (ht), Invest In Youth To Achieve Prosperity, by Devendra Gautam (rn), Maoist Center concludes Nepal is becoming a geopolitical battleground (kh)

01/01/2025: Calls for critical review of inclusion commissions : Assessment must be consultative, transparent, based on their impact on marginalised communities, say experts, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [The patriarchal high-caste establishment doesn't want social inclusion at all! The above-mentioned commissions may therefore jeopardise the supremacy of this small minority that controls everything in Nepal!], Hearing set for writ challenging Oli’s ordinance appointments in 2020 (kh) [Why was there no immediate court ruling on this important incident in 2020?], Hearing on petition against constitutional appointments deferred again (kh) [This is typical!], Pledge to end child marriage in Nepal : As part of a national campaign and in order to meet the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, stakeholders reaffirm their commitment to ending underage marriages by 2030, by Aarati Ray (kp), Nepal in 2024: A Year of Change, Challenges, and Milestones (kh), Looking back at 2024: Pessimism reigned, hope scattered, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), Geoeconomics: The new geopolitics in Nepal, by Anil Giri (kp), KP Oli treated me like enemy, he didn't even want to talk to me: Bhim Rawal (rep) [Oli only accepts subordinate servants. He takes down critics and intra-party rivals. That's what he calls democracy!], Bhim Rawal to launch ‘motherland awakening campaign’ (rep), Understanding transitional justice: Challenges, solutions and Lessons for Nepal, by Krishna Raman Adhikari (ht), Seek Consensus To Amend Constitution, by Yuba Nath Lamsal (rn), 598 people at risk of trafficking rescued from Nepalgunj transit point in 2024 (kh)

Chronology of the failed creation of a socially inclusive multi-ethnic and multicultural Nepal: