Permanent crisis (2024) [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.

31/12/2024: BP Koirala’s vision for unity and sovereignty celebrated on Reconciliation Day (kh), WFP provides relief support to 1,200 flood-affected households in Roshi (kh), UML: Will Oli address internal dissent and correct errors?, by Gyanu Ghimire (kh) [Autocrats never admit their mistakes, because they don't make any! They merely silence their critics!], Is Oli losing grip within his own party faction? Recent instances suggest some of the party chair’s trusted aides are distancing themselves from him, by Purushottam Poudel (kp) [But it's about time too!], Nepal's peace process : Refrain from ‘political supremacy’ (rep), The humanitarian with a heart for Nepal : President Carter was simple, had a deep understanding about global peace and always believed the humanitarian aspect should be prioritised for global peace, by Bekh Bahadur Thapa (kp), Madhes struggles in Human Development Index (ae), A complicated illusion, by Anupam Bhattarai (ae), Biplav-led Communist Party of Nepal to contest 2027 elections (kh),  Reflections and Lessons on Nepal’s Development Sector in 2024 : Localization of foreign aid has become a key focus in Nepal’s development sector, emphasizing sustainable, context-specific, and need-based support for disadvantaged communities, by Sudarshan Neupane (rep)

30/12/2024: Reminiscing last week: Legal, political, and societal shifts (kh), Three tiers of govt fail to implement NHRC directives for Raute community (rep), President Carter leaves an enduring legacy in Nepal’s journey from conflict to peace, by Kosh Raj Koirala (rep), Qualification for chairs of TJ commissions need to be revised : It is not possible to find a universally accepted character in such a fragmented society, where even conflict victims remain poles apart on several issues, interview with Vidyadhar Mallik (kp), Source a must to save over Rs1 million in a cooperative : New law prohibits depositors or borrowers from becoming members of more than one cooperative organisation, by Purusgottam Poudel (kp), Burn victims forced to foot costly medical bills despite ‘free care’ pledge : As mercury dips, burn cases rise significantly. Doctors advise caution while using fire to keep warm, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Quake victims in Salyan return to damaged houses : More than 500 families have gone back to their houses with cracks in three weeks, says Nim Bahadur KC, chair, Darma Rural Municipality, by Biplab Maharjan (k) [Do Oli, Dahal, Deuba and all the many political tourists in the earthquake region last year even have a conscience? All of their empty promises from back then have turned out to be brazen lies!], Being environmental defenders: A risky job, indeed, by Simone Galimberti (ht), Expedite Post-disaster Reconstruction Campaign, by Ballav Dahal (rn)

29/12/2024: Māsinya: A History of Suppression and Resilience Among Nepal's Tamang Community : The term Māsinya finds its roots in the 1854 Muluki Ain (National Code) promulgated by the state of Nepal during the Rana regime, by Nabraj Lama (rep) [This thinking continues to exist in the minds and actions of Nepal's small partriarchal political elite.], Political faces suited to lead transitional justice bodies: Oli. PM roots for candidates who can deal with both domestic actors and international community to lead commissions, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [Definitely not, Mr Oli! These should be independent people who have nothing to do with the potential perpetrator side. In particular, the victims' side must also be involved!], On a path to embrace Chinese models : Nepal’s plurality of parties and its ingrained kleptocratic system will undermine Oli’s efforts, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (kp), Hearts online, hurt offline: The dark side of teenagers’ virtual relationship : One in four young people in Nepal experience online intimate partner violence, a recent research shows, by Aarati Ray (kp), Efforts underway to bring Madhesh-based parties under one umbrella : Hridayesh Tripathi starts talks with Madheshi leaders, aiming to start with a loose alliance (kp) [Protecting the interests of the Tarai population requires more than a loose alliance of political parties that are at odds with each other and even internally.]

28/12/2024:  Local governments push PM to act on unfulfilled promises : Representatives seek swift action on grants, legislative coordination, and land management rights, by Binod Ghimire (kp) Budget calendar in disarray due to delayed legal amendments (kh), Public transport in the Capital remains a nightmare for people with disabilities : Stakeholders stress arrangements of designated stops for those with disabilities, by Aarati Ray (kp), For Karnali’s poor, survival means leaving home : Thousands of youths from across Karnali Province migrate to India every year leaving behind villages of women, children and elderly, by Krishna Prasad Gautam (kp) [And what has the government done so far in this context? Surely it should be one of its primary duties!], Lawmakers, union leaders face off over banning party-aligned trade unions in civil service : They have urged lawmakers to pay heed to their contributions to various political changes in Nepal (kp), Strike A Delicate Balance In Foreign Policy, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn)

27/12/2024: Nepal’s Journey and Challenges in Protecting Human Rights, by Krishna Raman Adhikari (rep), Media matters : Elected leaders’ attack on the press highlights increasing threats to media freedoms in Nepal, by Shristi Karki (nt), UML’s move against dissenting leaders draws flak, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), Four identity-based groups unite to form a new political alliance in Eastern Nepal, by Pradeep Menyangbo (kh), Help them heal : Officials must give up wait-and-see approach and help Bajura quake victims build permanent homes (kp), Oli’s autocratic actions undermine democracy, interview with Bhim Rawal by Gyanu Ghimire (kh), Bhim Rawal expelled for violating party discipline: General Secretary Pokharel (kh) [Free, democratic expression of opinion and constructive contributions from party members are undesirable under Oli's autocratic rule!], Experts recommend ‘cooling-off period’ for retired bureaucrats seeking constitutional positions : The suggestion was made during deliberations on ‘Federal Civil Service Bill,’ currently under review in House committee, by Jay Singh Mahara (kp), Lawmakers want ban on politically-affiliated trade unions in civil service : Some advocate for an umbrella trade union where all civil servants can be adjusted (kp), Maoists cast an ‘evil eye’ on Shera Durbar during Dahal's tenure as PM, by Tapendra Karki (rep), Probe panels on Pokhara, Gautam Buddha airports delay reports as members smell rat : Six months after formation, the subcommittees led by Yogesh Bhattarai and Rajendra Lingden have yet to finalise reports (kp), How the shady Airbus A330 jets deal was orchestrated : The US-based AAR obtained business by bribing Nepali officials. It has agreed to pay more than $55 million to resolve probes over foreign corruption links, by Sangam Prasain (kp), What do Nepalis think of the media? 2024 survey reveals fascinating interplay between mainstream media and digital platforms, by Madhu Acharya and Bhumiraj Chapagain (nt)

26/12/2024: Talk and tweak : The constitution can be strengthened only through a broadly participatory process (kp), Coalition plan for constitutional reforms, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), Rethinking Nepal’s judicial committees : The 2015 Constitution institutionalized judicial committees as part of Nepal’s federal restructuring, by Krishna Raman Adhikari (ae), ANNFSU raises concern over Lipulekh agreement between India and China (kh), UML expels Bhim Rawal and suspends two other leaders : Binda Pandey and Usha Kiran Timilsina opposed UML’s decision to accept land grant from Min Bahadur Gurung (kp), AI technology fuels rising cases of character assassination : Nepal's Cyber Bureau calls for urgent action, by Sita Neupane (kh), 50 families displaced by Saturday’s earthquake in Bajura languishing in tents : Over 100 houses were destroyed, and hundreds partially damaged in Jagannath Rural Municipality, by Arjun Shah (kp) [Government not aware?], Transitional Justice For Sustainable Peace, by Tara Dahal (rn), Launch Fresh Investigation into NAC Wide-Body Aircraft Corruption Scam : As the CIAA appears to have failed to investigate the case thoroughly, this case must be further investigated based on those details, and the top politicians found involved in the corruption must also be held accountable (rep)

25/12/2024: Recommendation committee can’t award merit in picking transitional justice office bearers, NHRC says : Commission member Manoj Duwadi, who was a member of a former recommendation committee that failed in its duty, argues the panel dominated by the representatives of political parties cannot make a right selection (kp), Debating the ‘Dalit’ word : Eliminating a word doesn't necessarily free the community from oppression, by Mitra Pariyar (kp), Constitutional Provisions and the Status of Dalits, by Sushil Darnal (rep), SC questions govt’s plans to refund cooperative fraud victims’ money (kh), Cooperative ordinance to be sent to President for approval tomorrow (rep), Speaker criticizes government for avoiding Parliament (kh) [A government led by KP Oli does not necessarily need parliament! The latter was already a hindrance during his coup attempt in 2021!], Why KP Sharma Oli is not heading to India anytime soon (kh), Bhim Rawal expelled from CPN-UML, ending four-decade association (kh) [Whoever is guilty of criticising KP Oli from within the party, which is justified in every respect, is politically dead, Oli decides!], UML suspends Binda Pandey and Ushakiran Timalsina for six months (kh) [see previous comment!], Ushakiran responds to UML’s action: An imitation of the Panchayat system (kp) [Within the party, Oli sees himself as a monarch!], RSP faces leadership crisis post-Lamichhane (kh), Ruling Congress, UML finally take up constitution revision : Parties mull either political or non-political mechanisms. Opposition yet to come up with stance on amendment, by Anil Giri (kp), National Assembly leaders and lawmakers stress strengthening of federal system : Top officials from federal parliament and experts brainstormed about ways to strengthen the federal system, particularly provinces (kp), Curtailed queer rights : These rights go beyond sexuality and identity and include all aspects of human rights (kp), A juvenile’s take on juvenile injustice : We cannot sideline the welfare of young people while implementing our legal mechanisms, by Karuna Paneru (kp), Striking a balance between two neighbors : Nepal should maintain strong ties with neighbors to secure financial support for infrastructure and development projects, by Pragya Ghimire (ae)

24/12/2024: Girls Get Equal: A push to prevent early, child, and forced marriages (ae), Cold reception for Nepal’s Foreign Minister in Delhi signals diplomatic strain (kh), Foreign minister back from Delhi, no progress on PM Oli’s visit : She tried but failed to meet Indian leaders, sources say, by Anil Giri (kp), Himalayan Yak: No more treasure for mountain people as Tibet restricts trade : Due to the restrictions that started since Covid, yak population has risen significantly, causing a burden for herders along the Nepal-China border, by Ananda Gautam (kp), What next for RSP as Rabi Lamichhane deals with serious charges?, by Gyanu Ghimire (kh), Where does education budget go? Centralised education programmes and rigid budgets undermine local autonomy and flexibility, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp), Long-pending civil aviation bills get cabinet’s nod : The tourism ministry plans to register the bills in the upcoming winter session of Parliament to split Nepal’s civil aviation body into two entities—service provider and regulator (kp), Public debt reaches Rs. 2.5 trillion, interest payment exceeds development budget (rn)

23/12/2024: Reminiscing last week: Politics, culture and complexities (kh), Court begins recording statements of Rabi Lamichhane in fraud and money laundering case (kh), Coalition’s constitution amendment agenda appears to be in limbo : Political analyst says Congress-UML combine used amendment agenda to gain power without commitment for reform, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), What’s in a name? Maoist Centre has bigger worries than delegitimisation of the term ‘janayuddha’ (kp), A case for Gagan Thapa : There are compelling reasons for why he should lead the Nepali Congress into the next general elections, by Biswas Baral (kp)

22/12/2024: Charge sheet against Rabi Lamichhane filed in Kaski Court : 31 persons, including Lamichhane, charged in cooperative fraud case (kh), Suspension notice for Rabi reaches Parliament (kh), Rabi Lamichhane refutes fraud and money laundering allegations (kh), Govt withdraws bill proposing dropping political party leaders' pending court cases (rep), Bajura earthquake completely destroys over 15 houses, 150 partially damaged : Some of the family members of the completely damaged houses are living in the open land, at their relatives, or in their own other houses or sheds (rep), 88 cases of human rights violation reported in a year in Siraha (rn), Govt to submit bills to split CAAN in parliament (kh) [This should have been done years ago!]

21/12/2024: Ubiquity Of Power Brokers Imperils Democracy, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), An Opportunity to Rebuild Public Trust : After suspending the investigation for a long time, Nepal Police has taken a fresh initiative to find the culprits behind the murder of teenage girl Nirmala Panta , by Krishna Raman Adhikari (rep), Second Supreme Court setback for CPN (Maoist Centre) in a year : Constitutional bench bans use of ‘janayuddha’ (People’s War) in government documents (kp), LGBTQIA+ people face challenges in accessing SRHR : Social stigma remains a major barrier to accessing healthcare, including their sexual and reproductive health rights, by Aarati Ray (kp),  Geopolitical Impact of Communism's Rise and Fall in Nepal, by Rajeeb Shrestha (rep)

20/12/2024: Calls grow for prompt transitional justice appointments : Global watchdogs have warned that another failure would call into question Nepal’s commitment to human rights, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [Another failure is the determination of politicians. Those potentially responsible will never voluntarily put themselves at risk of prosecution!], Over 14,000 Nepali migrant workers have died in 15 years (kh), Preparations underway to convene Winter Session of Parliament in January first week, by Keshab Sawad (kh), Consti-tuition, a lesson parties need : Pressing priority should be constitutional conscience, not the pursuit of power, by Sanjeev Satgainya (kp) [But the latter is the only thing that matters to these politicians, who have already failed several times!], Why Nepal is stuck : Alternative politics should fight against the culture of acceptance, silence and dependency, Sumana Shrestha ()nt)

19/12/2024: ‘Ensure transparent process in TJ appointments’ (ae), NHRC legitimacy: 62 percent of complaints go unheard, by Dinesh Tripathi (kh) [The lack of interest shown by the state and politicians in respecting human rights is staggering!], Bill aims to bring Cabinet decisions under CIAA’s watch : New legislation seeks to plug a legal loophole that has allowed politicians to escape corruption investigations, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Women victims struggle with cases of domestic violence stuck in courts : Corruption, inaction, and procedural hurdles delay verdicts’ implementation, by Ellie Davis (kp), Kathmandu’s Water Crisis: A Social Problem Demanding Urgent Action, by Namita Poudel (rep), Rabi Lamichhane's Case: What Next?, by Akhilesh Tripathi (rep)

18/12/2024: Political discord delays formation of TRC despite bill’s certification (kh), International rights groups express concerns over transitional justice commissions appointment process : Call for transparency, impartiality, and competence in selection process (kp), Joint Letter to the Prime Minister and Government of Nepal: Appeal for Credible Appointments to the Transitional Justice Commissions (AI, HRW and ICJ) [letter in Nepali and English], NHRC calls for protection and promotion of migrant workers’ rights (kh), Legislative authority of local government not absolute: Court. The order restores school management committees dismantled by the Kathmandu Metropolitan City, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Ruling UML already eyes elections 3 years away : Some experts say it’s unnatural for a ruling party to be focussing on the next elections rather than on governance, by Purushottam Poudel (kp) [Nepal's high-caste male oligarchs only think about their undeserved hold on power. They are not at all interested in fulfilling their duties to the state and the population!], The shelter of a kleptocratic ‘Oli-garchy’ : Deuba has to rely on either a fallen Maoist or a ‘Jinpingist’ to keep the kleptocratic order stable and functional, by CK Lal (kp), Divide and ruin : Whatever the top politicians might say, the system of ‘bhagbanda’ in our universities continues to flourish (kp), Development at a snail's speed in Nepal: Due to dominance of politics over meritocracy, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht), Oli’s China visit: A step toward Chinese debt and impending issues, by Randhir Chaudhary (kh)

17/12/2024: Transitional justice delayed as selection panel misses deadline : The panel tasked with picking office bearers of the two transitional justice bodies could not agree on TRC chair, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [The commissions must be independent and not under the control of the parties involved in the conflict!], Women breaking barriers: New era of leadership in Nepal, by Sita Neupane (kh), A dysfunctional state : The lack of coordination among key government ministries deters domestic and foreign investors, by Achyut Wagle (kp), Government approves guideline aimed at materialising ‘Make in Nepal’ campaign : The guideline mandates the use of Nepali products in all government offices as far as practicable. It also states uniform for public staff should be made of domestic products (kp), Act Relating to Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Legislation needs amendment, by Simone Galimberti (ht), Nepal Should Improve Its Credit Rating, by Uttam Maharjan (rn)

16/12/2024: Online violence against women in Nepali politics rising: Study : Social media of 12 prominent female politicians were monitored over three months (kp), Emotional abuse is overlooked as cases of gender-based violence rise in Nepal : Nearly 50 percent of women who experience domestic violence show symptoms of anxiety and depression, according to a recent research. Experts call for proper integrated framework for registering emotional abus, by Aarati Ray (kp), Recommendation Committee urges govt to restart TJ body official selection process (rep), Wrong intent : The new bill on regulating online content seems to be aimed at controlling anti-government narratives (kp), Constitution should be amended only to remove difficulties in implementation : A special parliamentary committee can be entrusted with the responsibility of reviewing statute implementation and working out the issues to be addressed, interview with Krishna Khanal (kp), Reminiscing last week: Diplomacy, domestic challenges (kh), Poush 1: When King Mahendra staged coup against democracy (kh), Capital expenditure hits just 11%, revenue collection at 28% (kh), Black day being observed nationwide in protest of 'coup' against democracy (rn), Central bank declines NEA’s call to freeze defaulters’ accounts : Request to disable industrial firms’ accounts should come from government or law enforcement, says an NRB official, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Kaski Police recommend legal action against Rabi Lamichhane and 50 others in cooperative fraud case (kh)

15/12/2024: Constitutional amendment timeline uncertain amid govt delays, by Gyanu Ghimire (kh), Presidential System Under Growing Scrutiny, by Parmeshwar Devkota (rn), Government approves bill to regulate social media platforms : Free speech advocates say the bill gives administrative agencies unnecessary power to monitor online content, by Anil Giri (kp), Issue of province name resurfaces in Koshi after a months-long hiatus : Provincial government forms three-member talks team as dissidents plan protests, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Government under pressure from opposition to call winter session of Parliament : Rumours of main opposition planning to petition President to order special session commencement (kp) [Undemocratic governments love to pass laws by ordinances without the hassle of parliament.]

14/12/2024: Oli’s China deal copy-paste of the pact I had finalised: Dahal. Maoist chief seeks to present bypoll results as a sign of his party gaining ground and the ruling parties losing support, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [Worried about retaining his power, PK Dahal is considering further anti-democratic measures!], Nanhai Buddhist conference kicks off in Kathmandu : Panchen Lama was not among the monks who landed in Lumbini on Friday, officials say (kp), Fraudsters are exploiting Nepali job seekers : Data from Cyber Bureau reveals a surge in cybercrimes, particularly electronic transaction frauds, over the past few years, by Aarati Ray (kp), Social Practices Reform Act: Outdated, ignored, and unenforced, by Bhasa Sharma (rep), Making The Welfare State Functional, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn)

13/12/2024: Let there be laws (ae), For Sustainable Integrated Water Resources Management (rep), PM Oli’s China Visit: A Balancing Act in Geopolitical Play, by Hari Prasad Shrestha (rep), Nationalism in today's world: It should be about diversity, dignity and equity, not division, by Nirmal Aryal (ht), Social Media Influencing Nepali Politics, by Sugam Gautam (rn), Near-debt experience : Government must carry out major structural reforms in laws and tax system to ensure financial stability and push growth, by Ramesh Kumar (nt)

12/12/2024: Victims demand transparency in transitional justice official nomination process : Conflict victims and civil society call for public hearings and clarity in selection criteria for commission officials (kp), New TRC Panel Must Meet Challenges, by Mukti Rijal (rn) [A commission whose members are selected and controlled by people who may have to bear responsibility for past crimes can never be independent!], The district court family bench helping women, but procedural delays persist : There is broad agreement that Nepal needs a full family court with a specialised legal procedure for cases of domestic violence, property partition, alimony and family relations, by Ellie Davis (kp), Nepal shoots down the prospect of Panchen Lama’s visit : Foreign ministry told Chinese Embassy the Lama would not be allowed due to Nepal’s neutrality on religious matters, by Anil Giri (kp), An assessment of youth participation in federal structures, by Jagdish Ayer (ae), RSP activists stage demonstration against Foreign Minister Deuba in Belgium (rep)

11/12/2024: Incidents of domestic violence unchecked in Achham : As many as 129 cases of domestic violence were registered at the police over the past 28 months. Many go unreported, by Menuka Dhungana (kp), Beyond symbolic activism : For genuine change, the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence should engage rural people, by Bhawana Upadhyay (kp), Significant Gains Made In HR Sphere, by Namrata Sharma (rn), “Home Minister must be held accountable for police misconduct in Rabi Lamichhane case”, interview with Sushil Pyakurel (kh), RSP activists stage demonstration as Lamichhane reaches Pokhara (rep), Government yet to ready 39 bills needed for constitution’s full implementation, according to upper house subpanel : Dozens of Acts from the Panchayat era are still in effect today, reflecting government indifference in aligning laws to present-day needs (kp) [Further proof of the complete lack of interest in the constitution, democracy and the republic!], Another pact on BRI, THMDCN also inked during Oli’s China trip : Details of the plan, which are still secret, echo BRI framework, by Anil Giri (kp) [Oli has the duty to inform the Nepalis immediately and in detail, unlike the Chinese government!], UML, Congress remain split over BRI funding terms : But leaders insist it won’t strain their partnership in government as the deal was struck in presence of leaders from both the parties, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Budget reforms for subnational autonomy : Conditional grants given to subnational governments in Nepal are restricted, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp), Prime Minister's visit to China: Yet another trip of missed opportunities, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht)

10/12/2024: Breaking Barriers : Nepal’s Journey Toward Equality and Justice, by Krishna Raman Adhikari (rep), Human Rights Day: Time to translate the mandates into action, by Jivesh Jha and Bishnu Chandra Nepali (ae), A yawning gender gap in foreign policy, by Binita Adhikari (ae), Commissioned to fail : The wrong picks for office-bearers of the two TJ bodies will result in flawed justice (kp) [This has been the intention of the anti-democratic politicians right from the beginning, but Western countries did not understand this!], Build trust with conflict victims for effective TJ bodies (rep), Donald Lu urges transparency in BRI deal : The US assistant secretary of state expects more high-level engagements with Nepal citing Asia as Trump’s priority, by Anil Giri kp) [In fact, there must be greater transparency in all agreements with China, India, the USA and other countries. The Nepalese people have a right to information, not the American government!], MoFA publishes full text of BRI Cooperation Framework (kh)

09/12/2024: Child marriage and teenage pregnancy rampant in Baglung despite legal protections : In many cases, legal provisions intended to protect children from child marriage are instead being used to penalise the victims, by Prakash Baral (kp), Evidence-based measures necessary to end VAW (kh), RSP seeks rights body’s intervention in protecting Lamichhane’s human rights : The party accuses Oli government of misusing state apparatus to harass and defame party chief Rabi Lamichhane, who is being probed on cooperative funds misuse allegations (kp), Toothless committees : The dysfunctionality of the parliamentary committees of provincial assemblies is concerning (kp), Reminiscing last week: Diplomatic strides, politics (kh), Dahal’s push for Pun’s return to politics reignites ethical debate : Leaders warn Maoist Centre’s decision could set a bad precedent and allow other parties to justify similar moves, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), What do we know about the new BRI deal?, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), The Secrets behind Nepal’s Rising Life Expectancy: Staying active and embracing resilience, by Safalta Bhandari (rep)

08/12/2024: The Struggle for Democracy in Nepal, by Ganga Thapa (kh), Nepal’s transitional justice shortlist sparks controversy : 28 groups representing conflict victims allege political manipulation in nominations, by Binod Ghimire (kp), TJ commissions at risk of falling victim to political power-sharing, by Bhasa Sharma (rep), A year on, Karnali students still study in quake-damaged classrooms : Official says reconstruction has just started after provincial government approved reconstruction guidelines last month, by Tripti Shahi (kp) [Another case of denial of assistance by the government and administration!], Child Marriage in Nepal: An Urgent Call for Change, by Aparajita Gautam (rep), Rabi Lamichhane presented in court for custody extension (kh), RSP appeals to NHRC over alleged ‘inhumane’ treatment of Rabi Lamichhane (kh), Chitwan Police denies allegations of mistreatment against RSP Chair Rabi Lamichhane (kh) [The entire handling of Lamichhane can only be described as mistreatment!], Are BRI Projects Headed For Execution?, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn)

07/12/2024: Challenges In Taming Perplexing Politics, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), 40 individuals shortlisted for 10 posts in transitional justice bodies : The recommendation committee will ask the public for feedback on the names with a five-day deadline starting today, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [The circles involved in the conflict, i.e. the representatives of the perpetrators, still do not want justice for the victims and punishment for the perpetrators.], Chair Dahal for conclusion of peace process based on consensus (kh) [A consensus among those responsible at that time can never bring justice for the victims and lasting peace!], Ending Gender-Based Violence : Accusations of witchcraft and torture, social humiliation and stigmatization and discriminatory behavior on the grounds of gender are also forms of violence (rep), The notorious wide-body case is still wide open : Special Court has sentenced seven foreigners to prison and ordered them to forfeit Rs122.59 million each. But can foreign convicts be extradited to Nepal?, by Sangam Prasain (kp)

06/12/2024: Dr. Bhattarai alleges political vendetta behind Rabi’s arrest (kh) [Probably not his arrest, but the way in which he is dealt with.], Govt’s treatment of Rabi Lamichhane a violation of human rights: RSP (kh), “Pitting neighbors against one another no longer a viable strategy”, interview with Ram Karki, CPN (MC), by Krishna Timalsina (kh), PM’s China trip: BRI progresses and Oli secures political advantage, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), China syndrome : The last minute deal-making on the BRI Framework Agreement is an example of how not to conduct bilateral negotiations, by Shristi Karki (nt), Election, BRI and Oli’s China visit, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), Differences in ruling Congress over new BRI framework deal : Some in the ruling party criticise the agreement as departure from party stance while others defend it, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Solidarity For Ending GBV, by Krishna Raman Adhikari (rn), Fighting Violence Against Women, by Manjima Dhakal (rn)

05/12/2024: The Woes of Single Women and Senior Citizens (rep), Rights activists warn against partisan interest in transitional justice picks : Victims and rights defenders draw Sher Bahadur Deuba’s attention to Sudip Pathak’s possible nomination (kp) [The political parties were responsible either on the part of the insurgents or on the part of the state when the crimes were committed. Neither side should have a say in the investigation if it is to lead to justice for the victims!], INSEC urges for competitive and quality selection of TRC office-bearers (rep), Bypoll takeaways : People have sent a clear message to old and new parties: Don’t take us for granted (kp), Nepal and China sign framework for BRI cooperation in Beijing : Aid financing modalities will be adopted to fund projects under the China-led initiative, by Anil Giri (kp), Cost of electricity exports : Power exports may not benefit Nepalis despite earning billions in revenue, by Bishal Thapa (kp), Homework On Electoral System Reform, by Mukti Rijal (rn) [The electoral system is in need of reform, but the main reason for political instability is the abuse of it by the patriarchal party-political elite!], Nepal’s green economy: Pioneering sustainable growth, by Sangram Bahadur Shah (ae)

04/12/2024: Nepal and China to sign MoU on Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network (kh), Nepal, China delay signing of revised BRI deal : No decision yet on Pokhara airport loan waiver. Agree to ink BRI, cross-border connectivity deals ‘as soon as possible’, by Anil Giri (kp), China keen to advance strategic partnership with Nepal: Xi. by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), The spectre of a ‘covfefe’ world! Geopolitical strategists in Nepal’s neighbouring capitals fear Washington’s intentions more than each other’s, by CK Lal (kp), Officials were paid $2.5 million in bribes to seal A330 deals : Deepak Sharma, then-AAR executive, pleaded guilty to bribing Nepali officials to win a bid to sell 2 Airbus planes, by Sangam Prasain (kp), TRC Search Committee Mustn’t Fail, by Charan Prasai (rep), Police, RSP supporters clash in Chitwan, 60 injured (rep), NHRC expresses concern over lack of disabled-friendly infrastructures (rn), Minister Khadka sets up office at NEA amid tensions with Kulman Ghising (kh) [Continued efforts by Oli and Khadka to discredit the proven competent head of the NEA?], Prachanda eyes direct election system in push for governance reforms (kh) [In 2008, when you were still in favour of a socially inclusive state, you argued in support of a purely PR system. What a change in thinking! The direct electoral system in its current form is only misused by the parties to maintain the patriarchy of the Khas Arya castes. And you obviously think the same now. What was the Maoist insurgency with its numerous victims actually good for?], Nexus between climate change and environment, by Bishwambher Pyakuryal (kh)

03/12/2024: Nepal and China sign nine agreements and MoUs (kh), Nepal and China agree to build Tokha-Chhahare tunnel (kh), President Xi Jinping announces 9 billion rupees grant to Nepal (kh), US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu concluding South Asia trip with visit to Nepal (kh), Women work to build their quake-affected community back stronger : A women’s group in Rukum West is helping empower women through livestock farming after the devastating 2023 earthquake, by Ellie Davis (kp), Social service drew me into politics: Rojina Shrestha, by Gyanu Ghimire (kh), Congress loses the most from 2022. UML, Maoist Centre make gains : Kirtipur’s mayoral seat, the biggest prize in Kathmandu Valley in Sunday’s by-election, goes to Nepali Congress, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Economic management deficit : Overdependence on import-based revenue is antithetical to making the economy self-sustainable, by Achyut Wagle (kp) [The constant change in government responsibility between three incompetent and power-hungry patriarchal high-caste politicians prevents political stability, which in turn is a basic prerequisite for successful economic management!], Ride-hailing services stuck in legal limbo as government delays guidelines : Lack of regulations has left service seekers vulnerable to high fares and safety risks (kp) [One of the many urgently needed but completely neglected tasks of the government!], Secretary positions in provincial govts remain vacant, by Bhuwan Sharma (rep)

02/12/2024: Nepal’s peace process: Transitional justice as the final step, by Krishna Raman Adhikari (ae), Reminiscing last week: Politics and appointments (kh), Bonded by BRI : Nepali Congress and CPN-UML coming to a common platform on the initiative bodes well for the country (kp), Nepal’s first sovereign credit rating : Fitch rating should encourage the government to create a favourable investment climate, by Nischal Dhungel (kp), Nepal's constitution: Is it just a tool to rule?, by Brikesh Chandra Lal (ht), Home Ministry reduces number of officials to receive and see off VVIPs, VIPs at airport (rn) [Nevertheless, it is a ridiculous theatre at the expense of the general public!], Maoist Center claims gains in by-elections as NC and UML struggle (rep), Balendra Shah: Youth’s icon or a leader too confrontational for Nepal?, by Rijan Pokharel (ae)

01/12/2024: Transitional justice office bearer candidates’ shortlist to be published by tomorrow : Panel received 156 applications from retired judges, officials, legal experts, and rights defenders but only 128 names are on the list (kp), Local by-elections taking place today : To elect local leaders in 41 vacant positions (kh), Polling today for local by-elections : The voting began at 7am and will continue till 5pm (kp), Nepal’s first women-owned rice mill—a business model developed by women for women : The mill purchases paddy mostly from female-headed holdings, and makes, markets, and distributes non-steam rice, by Sangam Prasain (kp), Prisoners of our own device : A paradigm shift in economy, politics and diplomacy is essential to escape the low-growth, high-migration trap, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (kp), Animal rights campaigners urge VP Yadav to boycott mass animal slaughter during Gadhimai festival (rep)

30/11/2024: Judicial Council loses shape as judge vacancies pile up : Five-member council has been reduced to four after senior advocate Ram Prasad Shrestha retired on Friday (kp), Self-Fulfilment Calls For Broader Accountability, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Sudurpashchim govt spends just 9% budget (rn), Badly-needed economic reforms: Some suggestions, by Rewat Bahadur Karki (ht)

29/11/2024: 16 days not enough : Nepal will fail its women so long as the structures that perpetuate violence against them stay (kp) [Patriarchal thinking in society and laws turns Nepal's women into inferior creatures with far-reaching consequences!], Protecting Women’s Rights And Dignity, by Srijana Karki (rn), End Violence Against Women, by Bini Dahal (rn), Of rallies and realities : Without delivery, platforms like the ‘jagaran’ rally will only let the people down, by Mohan Guragain (kp), Karnali government set to begin rebuilding earthquake-damaged schools, hospitals : Official records show 34,501 houses in Jajarkot, 16,909 in Rukum West and over 4,600 in Salyan were damaged or destroyed by the November 2023 earthquake, by Tripti Shahi (kp), Oli aims for 70 percent SEE success rate. Experts wonder how : Secondary Education Examinations results must improve by around 50 percent to meet Oli’s claim, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [Oli has thus made his contribution. He never says how this is really supposed to work!], Access denied: Unsafe abortion continues despite legalisation 22 years ago. Ten percent of women are denied abortion services, and 42 percent with pregnancies beyond 10 weeks are turned away, new report says, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Due diligence law: A must for Nepal : The National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights should have focused on key items, by Simone Galimberti (ae)

28/11/2024: Road fumes and construction dust driving Nepal’s air quality decline : Studies show polluted air is shortening Nepali lives by almost five years, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Old story : Formation of a new panel to study necessary laws to implement federalism inspires no hope (kp), Nepal’s China dilemma : Nepal must strive to shape a bipartisan policy when dealing with its immediate neighbours, by Siddhartha Thapa (kp), Two-party blueprint for BRI plan stresses project-based grants : As foreign minister leaves today to lay ground for PM’s China visit, Congress and UML finalise Nepal’s proposal, by Anil Giri (kp), Kirtipur by-election: Political heavyweights rally support (kh), 20 parties contesting 41 posts in local by-polls : Three of the 44 vacant posts have seen representatives elected unopposed (kp), Global experts descend on Kathmandu to discuss demographic shifts in Asia : The conference will feature 400 working papers across 17 thematic sessions and two panel discussions (kp), Kathmandu ranked as 11th most polluted city (kh), Focus On Effective Service Delivery, by Mukti Rijal (rn), Check Exodus Of Meritorious Youths, by Bhupa P Dhamala (rn)

27/11/2024: Foreign spouses struggle to navigate Nepali immigration laws : A group of Nepalis seeks to change the immigration laws in favour of their spouses, by Xenia Klaus (kp), Panel to track progress in lawmaking, identify pending laws for constitution’s full implementation : A previous study found that 40 laws need major amendments or replacement to align with constitution (kp), CMs’ concerns at Kantipur Conclave : Their insights at the conclave serve as a roadmap for strengthening federalism in Nepal, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp), Political rallies in the capital: For and against the government, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht), Nepal should not fall into China’s strategic vortex, by Randhir Chaudhary (kh), Coalition finding common ground on BRI, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), What next for Nepal if BRI fails to materialize?, by Narendra Saud (ae), FDI pledges drop amid unstable polity, economic slowdown : Though Nepal’s BB- rating is being celebrated, says an expert, foreign investors will struggle under this category, by Krishana Prasain (kp), Injured in 2006 people’s movement, man ekes out a living selling goods from his wheelchair ; Tej Bahadur Rawal, 52, earns Rs400-500 daily selling goods. Though he receives Rs18,000 monthly from government, it’s insufficient to support his family, by Bhawani Bhatta (kp) [Thrashed by security forces in order of then king Gyanendra!!], Stop plotting to preserve arable land, by Kamal Raj Dhungel (ae), Climate crisis in Nepal: Farmers as the first refugees, by Rewati Dahal (ae), NEA moves to freeze shares of 34 industries over unpaid electricity dues (kh)

26/11/2024: Experts call for action, legal reforms to address gender-based violence : An event marking the 16 Days of Activism against GBV brings together stakeholders to discuss ways forward for curbing violence against women (kp), Dahal’s casteist slurs : He must publicly recognise his mistake and seek an apology from Dalits, by Mitra Pariyar (kp), Nepal readies new BRI deal ahead of PM’s China visit : Chinese Ambassador Chen irked by Prime Minister Oli’s public remarks on loans, media’s debt trap accusation, by Anil Giri (kp), Focus On Implementing Past Accords, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn), Prime Minister Oli’s China visit: Views from social media, by Kamal Derv Bhattarai (ae), Conflict between UML and Kathmandu mayor Balendra Shah escalates : KMC has fined UML Rs100,000 for littering during Friday’s rally at Durbarmarg. The ruling party protests the move, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), District attorney decides not to prosecute Koshi lawmaker Lilaballabh Adhikari : The prosecutor’s decision to drop the charges has raised questions about the evidence presented against Adhikari, with some calling for further transparency in the investigation (kp), SC orders evidence submission in Contempt case against RSP MPs (kh), Foreign employment: Women workers face challenges at home and abroad, by Arya Kharel (ae)

25/11/2024: ActionAid International Nepal: Advocating for gender equality and economic justice (rep),Reminiscing last week: Politics and diplomacy (kh), Flop show : UML’s mass gathering last Friday betrayed a sense of insecurity against the critics of the Oli government (kp), 15-day NEA deadline ending, no defaulter firm pays power bills : Team formed to determine energy consumption starts work, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Leaders raise 10 key issues regarding PM Oli’s upcoming visit to China (kh), Climate-induced disasters threaten hydropower projects, by Krishna Prasad Bhandari (ae)

24/11/2024: Thousands of Karnali youths compelled to migrate to India for livelihood : Finding a young man in the village who has not migrated to India is almost impossible, by Krishna Prasad Gautam (kp), Architecture and democracy : Despite the use of foreign forms, Nepali architecture is democratic and egalitarian, by Abhi Subedi (kp), Federal secretariat employees provide hoods to high-ranking officials and their families without legal framework : Employees have been providing furniture, televisions, sofas, drawers, drinking water, and other daily necessities to the families of high-ranking officials and ministers. This costs the state over Rs 100 million annually, by Bhuwan Sharma (rep), BRI On Political Radar Again, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), CPN-UML refuses to accept letter from KMC : KMC police team returns empty-handed (kh)

23/11/2024: CIAA appeals to SC over Special Court's acquittals in multiple cases (rep), The Future Course Of Dalit Movement, by Sushil Darnal (rn), Connectivity, infra projects top agenda of Oli’s China visit : Nepali delegation to pursue BRI implementation plan and trans-Himalayan connectivity projects in Beijing, by Anil Giri (kp), Forge Consensus on BRI : It is high time political leaders in Nepal forged a clear consensus on the BRI so that Nepal will have the same position no matter which party is in power (rep), Shattered by disaster, ignored by authorities : Families hit by floods and landslides in Kavrepalanchok face dangerous conditions with no safe shelter as government aid and relocation plans lag, by Jyoti Shrestha (kp), Oli’s criticism muted at ruling party’s road show : The prime minister tries to explain why the current Congress-UML coalition was formed and how it would last until the next elections (kp), Valley traffic flung into chaos due to protests on Friday : According to the police, 123 checkpoints were set up in Kathmandu, while around 200 additional traffic police personnel deployed in the valley to manage the expected traffic congestion (rep), Export of Nepal’s high value goods drops in Q1 on India’s restrictions : India has set a new requirement for Nepali products to be eligible to enter its territory, which Nepali traders say has hit the export of high value goods, by Krishana Prasain (kp), Leadership Needs Learning From Bottom-up, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), 'Capital spending warrants policy and structural reforms', by Hemant Joshi (rn)

22/11/2024: TJ process must conclude without further delay : The Comprehensive Peace Accord (CPA) that formally brought an end to the decade-long violent Maoist conflict was signed on November 21, 2006—exactly 18 years ago—between the government and the then Maoist rebels (rep), Fear of nearby deity bars menstruating girls from using bridge, studies hit : Indictment accuses billionaire of paying over $250 million in bribes to bag lucrative deals. To avoid temple, Dailekh girls either use a broken bridge or miss classes, and the school fines them for absence, by Menuka Dhungana (kp) [Superstition and patriarchal Hindu thinking discriminate against women and girls and should be punished by the state with legal consequences.], Over-the-counter abortion pills endanger women’s lives in rural Madhesh : Patients often reach hospital in critical condition with haemoglobin levels dangerously low, by Aarati Ray (kp) [So where does that leave the state? Oh sorry, it's more important to call for demonstrations against the justified criticism against the PM!], Deuba’s dance with Oli : Congress risks stumbling over its party chief’s personal ambitions, by Sanjeev Satgainya (kp), Six reasons why RSP called off its street protests, by Gyanu Ghimire (kh), RSP faces setbacks following chair Lamichhane’s arrest : The party has decided to change its form of protest as it announces a second-phase stir, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Ruling CPN-UML demonstrating in Kathmandu today (kh) [???], Kathmandu’s traffic becomes chaotic due to street demonstration of ruling party UML (In pictures) (rep) [There cannot be enough pollution and obstruction of citizens if legitimate criticism on the PM is to be suppressed!], Valley traffic gradually returning to normalcy as protests wane down : The traffic congestion in major road sections of Kathmandu valley has gradually returned to normalcy as various protests that took place on Friday have reached a conclusion (rep), KMC imposes Rs 100,000 fine on ruling CPN-UM (kh), Taskforce begins review of Chinese draft of BRI plan : The Congress-UML panel aims to address concerns related to projects funding and some sensitive issues, by Anil Giri (kp), NC against acquiring new loans associated with BRI (kh), Supporters of Durga Prasai hold protest rally in Koteshwor (kh),  The Defamation Crisis in Nepal : An accused is just a suspect who has been charged with a criminal offense while a convicted is the person who has officially been proven guilty by the court, by Susmita Chaulagai (rep)

21/11/2024: Congress and UML scramble to resolve differences over BRI : Congress leaders seek to exclude strategic provisions from the plan to implement Beijing’s flagship initiative, by Anil Giri (kp), A great wall divides NC and UML, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), Parties, civil organisations urge Nepal to oppose Israel’s actions in Palestine, Lebanon : Call for Nepal to denounce the actions on international forums (kp), Korala lesson : As Nepal seeks other countries’ support, it must be ready to shoulder its share of responsibility (kp), Sleeping through the Anthropocene : South Asia will be the biggest victim of the world’s destroyed natural systems, by Kanak Mani Dixit (kp), “Greater Nepal” campaigner Phanindra Nepal arrested (kh) [Claiming a territory that only existed for a few years during the Shah monarchy's military campaigns of conquest is nonsense. But preventive detention is also not a democratic tool!]

20/11/2024: A voice of reason goes silent : Daman Nath Dhungana was a national figure who stood for Nepal’s marginalised and externalised sections, by CK Lal (kp), CPA and post-conflict Nepal : Those who keep people in the dark have triumphed over those pursuing the light of truth, by Mohna Ansari (kp), 18 years after CPA: Survivors still seek justice (kh), CPA is foundation for CA, Federal Democratic Republic: Prachanda (kh) [And why is there still no justice for the victims?], 156 vie for positions in two transitional justice commissions : Conflict victims, human rights activists have demanded mandatory public hearings of shortlisted candidates, by Binod Ghimire (kp), World Children’s Day: NHRC calls for improved child rights (kh), Safe motherhood programme faces funding crisis : Rs400 million is immediately required to sustain the programme, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Region to worry : The growing problem of air pollution calls for close cooperation between actors at home and near abroad (kp), Public debt increases by Rs 84 billion in three months (rn)

19/11/2024: AWC stresses zero tolerance against political corruption (rep) [Politicians' corruption in dealing with political corruption! Have they lost all sense of decency?], Nepal-India Relations: Five Key Priorities, by Shankar Sharma, former Ambassador to India (kh), NC-UML rift deepens over BRI ahead of Oli’s China visit : Nepali Congress opposes BRI loans as Oli pushes for implementation (nn), BRI debate drags on as Chinese envoy lobbies Congress : Differences persist over law enforcement cooperation and developing common positions in international forums, by Anil Giri (kp), Legal hurdles keep Sajha Yatayat’s converted electric bus off the roads for eight months : The transport cooperative converted a diesel bus to electric eight months ago, but it is still waiting for a route permit (kp) [The ineffectiveness and irresponsibility of government and administration need no further explanation!], Economic costs of leaders’ rants : Directives without well-defined vision cannot stop the economy’s downward spiral, by Achyut Wagle (kp), Medical entrepreneur Prasai arrested (rep), Durga Prasai to face cybercrime charges (kh), Dahal’s game plan to regain power, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), Nepal struggling to translate FDI pledges into reality (ae), Time for bureaucratic reforms, by Ram Bahadur Tamang (ae)

18/11/2024: Smoldering Discontent: CPN-UML faces internal turmoil, by Gyanu Ghimire (kh), Reminiscing last week: Key developments in Nepal (kh), Former Speaker Daman Nath Dhungana passes away : Politicians and observers described his demise as the end of an era for a leader who consistently championed civil rights, democracy, and justice (kp), India should not have a veto on third-party investment in Nepal : We have absolutely no idea what the Chinese preferences are in the countries in the region, interview with Indian Political Scientist Pratap Bhanu Mehta (kp), Why go to China? There is no point in PM Oli jetting off to Beijing if he can’t take Nepali Congress into confidence (kp), Legal Eyes on Women’s Issues and Rights : For some, progress made in women’s legal rights in Nepal has been a Cinderella-like fairy tale; for many, women are frustratingly made to look like turtles in a race against rabbits of patriarchy, by Sabitri Rasaily (rep), Only 9.8 percent of development budget spent in four months (ae)

17/11/2024: Foreign policy embarrassment : As PM Oli goes to China, he takes with him some embarrassing baggage, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (kp), Nepal, India discuss movement of third country nationals : Boundary, human trafficking, curbing cross-border crimes and coordination between two border agencies on agenda (kp), Military diplomacy with India : High-level military visits can help address security concerns and strengthen mutual trust, by Suresh Sharma (kp), CPN (Maoist) leader Gaurav arrested in Parsa (rep), Former Speaker Dhungana passes away (rn) [Nepal has lost one of its last true democrats!], Prithvinarayan unified Nepal; leaders ruined it, interview with Mahato by Krishna Timalsina (kh), RSP Vice Chair Swarnim Wagle calls for clarity on BRI (kh), NC and CPN-UML forge alliance in Rukum East by-election (kh) [The authoritarian and rather incompetent national leaders of the two ruling parties decide on party behaviour in local elections: This no longer has anything to do with democracy and federalism!]

16/11/2024: Provinces press prime minister over unmet demands for key powers : Chief ministers say delays in police adjustment, civil service law have stymied provinces, by Binod Ghimire (kp), The untold story of a Kumari’s mental well-being : Chanira Bajracharya, a former Kumari, challenges stereotypes of isolation and mental strain associated with Nepal’s Living Goddess tradition, interview by Sanskriti Pokharel (kp), Mob tactics of Rastriya Swatantra Party: Genuinely slipping off-track, by Pushpa Raj Joshi (ht), Ideological Politics Loses Appeal To People, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Tax The Rich People, by Raman Kannan (rn)

15/11/2024: Deadline to apply for transitional justice commissions extended : Along with retired judges, bureaucrats, lawyers and rights activists, conflict victims have also applied for the positions, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Mayor Balen accuses federal govt of politicizing Kathmandu’s waste management (kh), Concerns mount as govt considers lifting ban on dairy imports, by Yukala Paudel (kh), Requests ignored as India’s BIS red tape continues to stall Nepali exports : India has tightened Bureau of Indian Standards clearance, aiming to block Chinese goods via neighbouring nations, by Krishana Prasain (kp), Experts and leaders call for electoral reforms to strengthen democracy : Former chief election commissioner S Y Quraishi of India describes Nepal’s constitution as more progressive than India’s, particularly regarding women’s representation (kp), Dahal’s ‘China card’ statement draws flak, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), ‘West will closely watch Oli’s China trip’, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), Oli’s oscillations : Prime Minister prepares to visit Beijing amid strained ties with New Delhi, by Shristi Karki (nt)

14/11/2024: From Politics of Meaning to a Cult of Power, by Ganga Thapa (kh), Internal democracy in parties takes centre stage as noted politicians discuss system : Speakers and leaders rue the grip of familiar faces on Nepali politics, pledge change (kp), Why intra-party democracy is essential : True democracy cannot thrive when political parties are profoundly undemocratic, by Pawan Adhikari (kp) [None of the authoritarian and power-hungry so-called top politicians embodies democratic ideals!], Democracy is under threat, leaders concur : Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut stresses judicial reforms to address public disillusionment (kp), Rebuilding Trust in Nepali Politics, by Krishna Raman Adhikari (rep), The emperor’s new clothes and Nepal’s fate, by Vidhu Prakash Kayastha (ae), Money Laundering And Kleptocrats, by Mukti Rijal (rn) [A general look at the problem of kleptocracy that lacks specific Nepalese references, even though there are so many of them.], An existential crisis : Many youths are grappling with a bigger question about the meaning and purpose of their lives, by Devinder Thapa (ae), New Delhi’s flawed Kathmandu approach, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae)

13/11/2024: Where is the unbundling exercise? Delay in its process continues to hinder effective federalism in Nepal, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp), Supreme Court allows contempt of court petition against RSP leaders : Petition claiming new party is trying to obstruct justice to be filed today (kp), NEA board finally decides to restore power to defaulting industrial firms : Writ petition challenges Cabinet decision. Ghising fails to meet 2nd clarification deadline, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), SC summons govt over reconnection of electricity without clearing outstanding dues (kh), NEA to disconnect power to defaulting industries if dues not settled in 15 days (kh), Cabinet decision halts NEA’s dues repayment installment scheme for industries (kh), Rabi Lamichhane brought to Rupandehi for questioning : Protesting in Bhairahawa, cooperatives victims demand their money back as Rastriya Swatantra Party supporters call for Lamichhane’s release, by Ghanashyam Gautam and Dipendra Baduwal (kp), Ravi interrogated for 9 hours in cooperative fund misuse case (kh), CIAA  seeks clarification from MoFE for jumbo team’s visit to Baku (rep), Deepak Manange’s journey comes full circle: From gangster to minister, now back to jail, by Sara Pahari (rep) [Did he really ever change? This is not an isolated case in the circle of political parties!], CIB arrests Navaraj Aryal, who claims to be an eyewitness to Nirmala murder case; Rishi Dhamala interrogated (kh), The Bigness of Smallness : Nepal, one of the world's small powers, has greater significance in regional politics, by GP Acharya (rep), China’s BRI rattles Nepal’s ruling coalition : The China factor risks widening the rift between the Congress and the UML, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), NC-UML political mechanism contradicts Oli’s principles, by Keshab Sawad (kh), FNJ condemns killing of journalist Bhul (kh)

12/11/2024: The Coalition Government: Bridging Challenges and Opportunities, by Shirish A Adhikari (kh), Tourism Minister accused by Congress MP of taking 20 million bribe from Casino (kh), Deepak Manange arrested in Kathmandu (kh), Politics should not be criminalized, interview with Biraj Bhakta Shrestha (RSP) by Gyanu Ghimire (kh) [Rather, the behaviour of politicians and parties and their adherence to criminals bring the political parties into disrepute!], Cabinet pushes for power to defaulting firms, NEA resists, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Minister Khadka intensifies efforts to sack Kulman Ghising, demanding multiple clarifications (rep) [This is not the first time that a KP Oli-led government has tried to sack one of the most competent professionals! Is this possibly revenge for the fact that Ghising exposed the machinations of his predecessors nominated by an Oli government at the beginning of his tenure?], NEA to reconnect power for industries while collecting outstanding dues (kh), Petition filed against govt order to restore power to industries in Supreme Court (kh), Schools ravaged by landslides, floods open in Kavre but there’s no space for teaching-learning : School administrations have been forced to run classes out in the open, by Jyoti Shrestha (kp), Two Indian security chiefs to visit Nepal this month : Indian Army chief Upendra Dwivedi is coming on November 20, and before that SSB chief Amrit Mohan Prasad is visiting on November 15 (kp) [US and Indian controls and influence in Nepal before Oli's visit to China!], Addressing conflicts of interest in Nepal : CoI occurs when personal interests of public officials interfere with their responsibilities, by Krishna Raman Adhikari (ae)

11/11/2024: Conflict victims suggesting representatives for transitional justice commissions : Shortlist of candidates to be published after studying their resumes and backgrounds (kp), Even skies are under the control of govt-protected mafia, by Vijay Devkota (kh), Reminiscing last week: Political, social, economic landscape (kh), Oli government may back US-proposed SPP, Dahal warns : Maoist leaders say they have no solid evidence to back their suspicion. Other experts see political motives, by Purushottam Poudel (kp) [So far unproven statement!], New India, old thinking : Landlocked Nepal has no option but to import at least some raw materials and expertise from China (kp), China’s evolving engagement with Nepal, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), Ownership of land ‘donated’ to UML transferred to BhatBhateni’s name just ahead of SC hearing (rep) [??]

10/11/2024: Committees’ slow work may give Parliament little business : There are more than a dozen bills for the mini houses to pass but except one, they are still hodaying (kp), Exports hit as India wants ‘no Chinese component’ in Nepali goods : Cement exports by multiple Nepali manufacturers have completely stopped for nearly two months now, by Krishana Prasain (kp) [An extreme form of Indian interference aimed at further damaging Nepal's economy! Isn't India itself working closely with China within the BRICS framework or is this India's co-operation with the USA?], Former Minister Adhikari arrested on human trafficking charges (kh), Rabi Lamichhane presented in Kaski Court for fourth time (kh), Govt proposes special task force to address sugarcane farmers and sugar industry concerns (kh) [It's the same procedure every year: empty promises from the government and the sugar industry!]

09/11/2024: UML plan to trace voters’ political tilt raises eyebrows : The fear is that the survey may intimidate voters and infringe on individual privacy, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Selection committee seeks applications for transitional justice office bearers : Five-member panel is working to nominate the candidates within a month (kp), An Important Step Forward in the TJ Process (rep), US Indo-Pacific Deputy Commander Rudd in Nepal on four-day visit : Visit ‘lacks specific agenda’, besides meeting army chief and touring training institutes (kp) [Part of the constant US intervention and control?], Managing The Cycle Of Agitation, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Preservation of languages should begin at home: Minister Gurung (kh) [But of what use is the ethnic mother tongue in everyday life and in the professional perspective if one's own mother tongue counts for nothing and the ruling Nepali elite is not forced to deal with other ethnic languages of the country?]

08/11/2024: Constitution Amendment: Just a Two-Party Deal?, by Hari Prasad Shrestha (rep), Post-disaster mess : Those displaced by natural disasters are struggling as the authorities seem incapable of coming to their help (kp) [A clear case of denial of assistance despite full-bodied commitments!], No progress in returning coop depositors’ money : The House panel formed to probe the coop crisis has presented implementation of its report as the perfect remedy (ae), Exclusion undermine Nepal’s COP29 participation : This year’s COP preparation exposes a troubling disconnect between official representation and grassroots needs (ae), TIA’s reduced flight hours could stall economic growth : Nepal’s economy lost momentum after September floods. Shutting down airport for long could be a further setback, by Sangam Prasain (kp) [Why aren't the airports in Bhairahawa and Pokhara used during the downtimes?], What Trump 2.0 might mean for Nepal : Policy towards Kathmandu won’t change much whoever occupies the Oval Office: Experts, by Anil Giri (kp), Eyes north, ears south : Oli sets sights on Beijing after hearing silence from Delhi—fine, unless it’s reactionary, by Sanjeev Satgainya (kp), India-China border deal marks a new beginning : Nepal should mobilize its diplomacy to benefit from the ascendance of neighbors, by Jeetendra Dev (ae), Deputy Commander of US Army Indo-Pacific Command arrives in Kathmandu (kh) [Why??], Post-festival surge in human trafficking concerns, by Sita Neupane (kh), Home is where the heart is : Overseas Nepalis want to contribute to the country’s socio-economic future, but Nepal makes them jump through hoops (nt), Politicians and cronies blamed for Kavre floods : Uncovering the hidden owners of mining companies that made September’s floods more deadly, by Archana Darji and Shamshad Ahmad (nt)

07/11/2024: Congress-UML form body to support governments : Central body of two coalition partners announces Prime Minister Oli’s December 2-6 China visit (kp) [Further proof that Nepal is at best a pseudo-federal state, but in reality still a centralised state in which everything has to be under the control of the national political level!], Parties expedite candidate selection for local by-polls : The by-elections will be held on December 1 for various positions that have gone vacant (kp) [The national level of the parties should have no say in the selection of local candidates!], RSP opts for primary elections to finalize local level by-election candidates (kh), Chhath observers feel overlooked by Kathmandu : The closure of Ranipokhari pond for Chhath puja, and the single-day holiday leave many Chhath devotees feeling unhappy (kp) [Nepal is a Khas Arya state. Madheshis are tolerated at best!], Nepal at a Crossroads, by Ayush Raj Gyawali (rep), Nepali Congress and CPN-UML to compete independently in upcoming by-elections (kh) [In a democratic system, this is a matter of course and not a favour from manipulating politicians!]

06/11/2024: Dozens of Koshi cooperatives misuse over one billion rupees from depositors (kh), Investigate Lamichhane without imposing detention: RSP (kh), Court extends Lamichhane’s remand by 10 more days : The former home minister has already spent five days in custody for investigation into his involvement in cooperative scam, so he will remain in detention for another five days, by Deepak Pariyar (kp), President Paudel to leave for Azerbaijan to participate in COP29 (kh), Beijing officially invites PM Oli to visit in December : Prime minister plans to ask for a waiver of Pokhara airport loan and push for the execution of BRI projects in Nepal, by Anil Giri (kp), More promises : The health minister should focus on ongoing programmes rather than on unrealistic new plans (kp)

05/11/2024: ‘Assertive Oli’ on the back foot as some plans falter : Within months in Singha Durbar, the UML chair has been compelled to reassess and adjust his plans, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Parable of a Blue Jackal, by Narayan Manandhar (rep), Four rounds of tear gas fired at RSP cadres, six arrested (rn), Smaller Parties At Receiving End?, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn), Supreme Court convicts Deepak Manange for attempted murder : Patan High Court had previously sentenced Manange to five years in prison (kp) [Why do the so-called big parties constantly cover up and court people whose criminal behaviour has long been known?], Tihar joy fades for families hit by floods and landslides : In Panchthar district, September floods and landslides killed 11, left four missing, and destroyed hundreds of homes, by Laxmi Gautam (kp), COP29: Climate finance, mountain issues top Nepal’s agenda (kh), Over 940,000 foreign tourists visit Nepal in 2024 : October marks surge 124,000 arrivals (kh), Govt health insurance program expands to cover 30% of Nepal’s population (kh)

04/11/2024: Reminiscing last week: Diplomacy, politics and festival (kh), Salyan earthquake victims left in the lurch : One year on, thousands are still awaiting promised relief funds for temporary shelters, struggling to cope with inadequate support and reconstruction delays, by Biplab Maharjan (kp) [Disaster tourism and empty promises. That's how Nepali politicians and governments are!], Rukum Paschim quake survivors still living in tin sheds a year since disaster (kh), International demand for Nepali tea and coffee on the rise (kh)

03/11/2024: Amid arrests, some criminals cry political victimization to escape justice: Ramhari Khatiwada, by Gyanu Ghimire (kh)

02/11/2024: Govt to initiate inclusion of Nepal Bhasa in school curriculum: PM Oli (kh 02/11/2024) [In addition to Nepali, at least one other indigenous language of the country should be a compulsory subject in all schools also for the Nepali native speakers! Having only one ethnic language as an optional subject discriminates against the 54 per cent of non-native Nepali speakers.]

01/11/2024: Call for transitional justice nominees to face public hearings : Commission office bearers nomination committee set to endorse the working procedure after Tihar holidays, by Binod Ghimire (kp), विकृत ‘राजनीतिक-संस्कृति’ र रूपान्तरण [Distorted politico-culture and transformation], by JB Vishwakarma (ka), RSP leaders’ meeting with Prime Minister amid Rabi’s custody: What’s at stake? (kh), Nepal at risk: Malaria and dengue could spread due to climate change : The number of malaria and dengue cases in Nepal may increase by up to 27 percent and 44 percent, respectively, over 2011-2040, says the Asian Development Bank (kp), Women in rural Madhesh face uphill battle to access sexual, reproductive care : When rural women lack basic health literacy, common gynaecological issues go unchecked, leading to complications. The barriers also include outdated beliefs and superstitions, by Aarati Ray (kp)

31/10/2024: फेरि त्यस्तो नहोस्! [Don't let that happen again!], by Suman Adhikari (nag), 100 days of the NC-UML Coalition: Claim of success amidst failure, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht), क्षरणकालमा सुखरात्रि  [Sukhratri during erosion], by Chandra Kishore (ka), Special Court acquits suspended chief secretary Baikuntha Aryal, nine others in corruption case : The court convicted then executive director Bikal Paudel and director Safal Shrestha in irregularities related to printing of excise duty stickers, by Ghanashyam Khadka (kp), Top court issues show cause order against government as NRNA case gets knottier : Of late, politicisation has gripped NRNA, resulting in disputes mainly on partisan grounds (kp), Government says it has started returning cooperatives savings, victims deny receipt : Representatives of those who have lost their savings say they have no information about the money returned to the depositors (kp), Train wreck : A cross-border railway with India shows how Nepal tends to waste outside help for its development (kp)

30/10/2024: In the wake of disaster, Prime Minister Oli shifts blame to predecessor’s budget (kh) [All the real "achievements" of Mr Oli, Nepal's real disaster!], बसी खानेहरूको गनगन [Murmurs of sedentary eaters], by CK Lal (ka), India’s Konkan may keep running Nepal trains : Contract with Indian firm expires in December-end, but Nepal has yet to hire and train its own staff, by Anil Giri (kp) [Another indictment of Nepal's governments under the leadership of Oli, Dahal or Deuba!], Out of power, Maoist Centre gears up for reboot and reunited front : But leaders say they will wait until December by-elections before making moves (kp) [As in the other parties, it is the "leaders" in the Maoist party who must be replaced first!], Government reaches three-point agreement with government; Ruby Khan’s group suspends protest : As per the agreement, the Ministry of Home Affairs will expedite the investigation into the abduction, unlawful confinement, and murder of Nirmala Kurmi (kp) [It is completely normal that Nepal's governments do not honour agreements they have made with people from civil society!], Federalism insights from local leaders : For many, decentralisation and fiscal empowerment are central to the federalism debate, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp)

29/10/2024: Restoring Integrity in Nepali Politics, by Ganga Thapa (kh), My black Dashain ‘tika’ : It’s a symbolic protest against the anti-Dalit rituals and customs, by Mitra Pariyar (kp), Powerless provinces : A decade into the federal experiment, the utter neglect of the seven provinces continues (kp), Call to improve the rights of children (kh), Anti-graft agency chief seeks more authority and government help to fight corruption : At parliamentary State Affairs Committee, lawmakers demand fair investigations into high-profile scams (kp), Supreme Court says UML-Gurung donation deal illegal prima facie : A single bench of Justice Sunil Kumar Pokharel issues an interlocutory interim order to halt construction on land gifted by businessman Min Bahadur Gurung (kp), Corruption allegations filled against Prachanda and 12 others (kh), Nearly two dozen RSP supporters arrested in Baluwatar (kh), PM Oli set to visit China in December: BRI Framework Agreement on horizon (kh), Panchsheel and modern human rights: Bridging ethics, justice and compassion, by Vidhu Prakash Kayastha (ht), सत्ताबाहिरको माओवादी छटपटी [Maoists out-of-power], by Bishnu Rizal (ka), युवा पलायनले पिल्सिएको लोकतन्त्र [A democracy plagued by youth migration], by Lekhnath Pandey (ka), प्रहरी अनुसन्धानलाई विषयान्तर गर्ने प्रयास [Efforts to divert the police investigation], by Rajendra Singh Bhandati (ka), बिर्ताको व्यथा  [Birta's pain], by Sushma Neupane (nag)

28/10/2024: Oli and Prachanda lack vision to lead Nepal forward, by Baburam Bhattarai (kh), Bhattarai’s pursuit of an alternative political force, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), All-talk Dahal : Fuelled by a sense of betrayal and entitlement, the Maoist chief increasingly cuts a sorry figure (kp), Political landscape is unpredictable; fewer words may be wiser: Madhav Nepal (kh), UML’s Bhim Rawal calls for resistance against leadership’s dictatorial actions (kh), Reminiscing last week: Politics and economic optimism (kh), Stocks crave right policy, not politics : The more efficient the market, the less the need for government policy handouts, by Paban Raj Pandey (kp), Failure of UML-Congress coalition may be projected as a failure of the system : Political financing is not strictly monitored and regulated in Nepal. There should be clear criteria to do so, interview with Bhojraj Pokharel, former chief election commissioner (kp), Congress MP asks Home Minister: What’s happened to Yeti, Omni, Cantonment, and Giribandhu investigations? (kh), Supreme Court issues interim order on land donation for CPN-UML party office (kh)

27/10/2024: Committee set to call applications for transitional justice office bearers : Next, the five-member panel will make public the names of shortlisted candidates for feedback. The commissions have been defunct since July 2022, when merely their terms were extended (kp) [It turns out that the amendment to the TRC Act was once again just a paper tiger, a fact that Western countries in particular did not want to realise], Displaced flood, landslide victims still without proper shelters : They complain that all three levels of government seem reluctant to provide them with immediate relief and ensure their rehabilitation, by Raj Kumar Karki and Jyoti Shrestha (kp) [A clear case of denial of assistance on the part of the government and administration, while the Oli government continues to collect donations!], “Act decisively or confront public backlash”, by Ishwar Dev Khanal (kh), Maoist show of force in Capital as government fumbles : Dahal says his party is focused on introspection, reviewing party’s activities and connecting with the people, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Nepal's New Season of Protests (rep), RSP and cooperative fraud victims stage parallel protests in Kathmandu (kh), Karnali Province gets no land for an admin building despite years of search : Leaders believe Kathmandu’s refusal to give them land for the purpose shows Centre’s reluctance to devolve power, by Jyotee Katuwal (kp) [Further proof that Nepal is not a federal state! The country is still under the complete control of the centralised male high-caste elite in Kathmandu. In a federal system, this would clearly be the province's responsibility!], PM Oli: Protests on judicial matters undemocratic (kh) [Says the person who has repeatedly been guilty of contempt of court in the past.], Rise and Transformation of Nepal’s Communist Movement, by Vidhu Prakash Kayastha (rep)

26/10/2024: Maoist Center holding protest rally in Kathmandu today (kh), CPN Maoist holds warning rally in Kathmandu (kh), Prachanda curses ruling party: ‘You will decay and fall’ (kh) [This only makes sense if the next PM is not called Dahal, Oli or Deuba. Nepal needs a completely new generation of political leaders who prioritise stability over the personal quest for power!], Prachanda questons: Why were ruling party leaders linked to cooperative fraud not investigated? (kh), Ruling coalition dismisses opposition protests as undemocratic, unacceptable : The ruling alliance claims that the government has taken measures to create a conducive environment for investment (kp) [??], Cooperatives victims announce new phase of protest as Oli claims progress : National Campaign for Protection of Cooperative Depositors announces the start of the fourth phase of agitation from November 20, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Strength And Weakness Of Catch-all Parties, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn)

25/10/2024: International lawyers’ delegation calls for appointing experts to lead Nepal’s transitional justice bodies : They said this in a report prepared based on interactions with multiple stakeholders including conflict victims and civil society organisations (kp), Rabi on Social Media: From Deification to Demonization!, by Sita Neupane (kh), Lamichhane, two others to be probed for money laundering : Kaski court remands him and ex-DIG Joshi for 7 more days, by Deepak Pariyar and Ghanashyam Gautam (kp), After Pokhara, RSP’s movement shifts to Maitighar (kh), Lamichhane's arrest sparks protests in Kathmandu (Photos) (rep), The curious case of Rastriya Swatantra Party: Doomed by careerist politics, by Pushpa Raj Joshi (ht), DoMLI resumes investigation against Lamichhane on money laundering charges, by Tapendra Karki (rep), Rift widens between ruling and opposition parties, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), ओलीयुगमा एमाले!  [UML in Oli Yuga! ], by Badrinarsingh KC (nag), Dengue crisis deepens as authorities fail to prioritise mosquito control : Experts: Government bid to hide cases and deaths is worsening the public health crisis, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Tackle it now : The problem of air pollution is too serious and too urgent to put off for another day (kp), Nepal’s mountainous north nears starvation (rep)

24/10/2024: Oli to rivals: Don’t dream of toppling this government : Opposition leaders meet President to caution him against coalition’s potential missteps such as party split ordinance (kp) [The overthrow of governments, or respectively the fear of it, is the only thing on the minds of Nepal's so-called top politicians. They have no interest whatsoever in good governance and the representation of the interests of citizens/voters! Instead, they are constantly telling new fairy tales about their supposedly successful policies!], Oli’s autocratic bent : With the UML chair muzzling criticism in his party, it is hard to believe he is committed to democratic values (kp), Safeguarding Nepal’s democracy, by Sushil Thapa (ae), Supreme Court to implement Karki panel’s report on judicial reform : The panel has suggested measures to curb malpractices right from picking justices, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Rangeli police investigate cooperative fraud but CPN-UML leader’s wife spared : Fraud victims allege Anjala Koirala’s name was removed from list of suspects due to political pressure, by Parbat Portel (kp) [Anyone who prevents investigations should also be in the dock!], Lamichhane remanded in custody for seven more days, by Phanindra Adhikari (rn), Police fire tear gas at RSP supporters in Pokhara (kh), Arrest warrant issued against Rabi from Rupandehi (kh), RSP leaders plan widespread protests as Cooperative fraud victims demand justice (kh), Resolution Of Multistakeholder Rows, by Mukti Rijal (rn), SC puts hearing on petition against UML land donation on hold (kh) [??]

23/10/2024: Human Rights and Rule of Law, by Kalyan Shrestha (kh), The rot inherent to the republic : In a culture of piety and fealty, a political manipulator can get away with anything, by CK Lal (kp), PM Oli to announce govt’s 100-day achievements today (kh) [Just under a minute should be enough for that!], Nepal, UN mull pulling peacekeepers out of Lebanon : UN peacekeepers are still in danger from Israel’s fight with Hezbollah and are living in bunkers, says Nepal army chief, by Anil Giri (kp), Cooperatives victims protest outside Rupandehi Court : Rastriya Swatantra Party leaders and supporters continue demonstrations in Pokhara against Rabi Lamichhane’s arrest, by Ghanashyam Gautam and Deepak Pariyar (kp), Opposition leaders urge President to safeguard democracy amid ordinance concerns (kh), Disaster-prone Nepal has low insurance base: Experts. Insurance not only absorbs the shock of a loss but also reduces dependence on loan sharks, external aid, or relief from donor agencies, they say (kp), Some suggestions for local govt reforms, by Krishna Man Pradhan (ae)

22/10/2024: Behind rightists’ inflated optimism : It is necessary to extend the state’s arms to the beneficiaries of public services, by Achyut Wagle (kp), अध्यादेशमा सत्ताको जोड, साना दल फुटाएर ठूलो बन्ने होड [The emphasis of power on ordinances, the desire to become bigger by splitting small parties] (ka), PM’s alleged plans to ease party splits roil national politics : Congress leaders rule out possibility of the ordinance amid outcry from opposition parties, by Purushottam Poudel (kp). “NC’s support for Oli depends on delivering promised reforms”, interview wioth Bal Bahadur KC, Nepali Congress (kh), Maoists to hold protest rally in Kathmandu on October 26 (kh), Out of power three months ago, Maoist Center now prepares for a show of strength (rep), Govt protecting corrupts while targeting opposition: Prachanda (kh) [Corrupt people and their protection by the party leadership can be found in all parties!], Maoist-affiliated students burn effigy of PM Oli in protest (In pics) (kh), RSP demonstrating in Pokhara against Rabi’s arrest even today (kh), Govt shelves its plan to introduce ordinance on party split amid concerns of joint oppn protest, by Tapendra Karki (rep), NAC-ional shame : It is a matter of time before the inevitable question crops up: Why do we need this white elephant? (kp), Getting multilateral diplomacy right : Nepal should prepare a national action plan for implementing the Pact for the Future, by Pragya Ghimire (kp), Nepal’s public debt to GDP ratio reaches 44.23 percent with an additional loan burden of Rs 88.93 billion in Q1 (rep), Financial Inclusion Empowers Citizens, by Tara Prasad Bhusal (rn), How policy corruption works, by Basanta Kumar Pokharel (ae), Baburam led-party to be renamed as Naya Shakti (kh)

21/10/2024: No Country for Political Youth : Another Reason for Constitutional and Political Change, by Karl-Heinz Krämer (kh), Stand Up, Speak Out, and Transform!, by Ishwar Dev Khanal (kh), Reminiscing last week: A whirlwind of major events (kh), Fairness concerns at start of transitional justice nominations : Rights group, victims call for genuine consultations and fair appointments as the recommendation process begins, by Binod Ghimire (kp), After Rabi Lamichhane’s arrest, calls grow for probing ruling party leaders in cooperatives scam : Congress leader Dhanraj Gurung and his ex-wife, as well as UML leader Rishikesh Pokharel, are also accused of misusing cooperative funds, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Equal before law : Now that Lamichhane is under arrest, the accused Congress and UML leaders must also be probed (kp) [Leading politicians who have covered up the misdemeanours of their party comrades and thwarted prosecution should also be held accountable!], PM Oli sounds alarm: Govt stability under threat (kh) [Oli should look into a mirror. Then he would see the main reason for his government's failed honeymoon period!], NC President Deuba halts ordinance to avoid provoking opposition (kh), Pro-monarchy activists active in streets, social media (ae)

20/10/2024: Oli govt under fire: 8 scandals marking honeymoon period, by Keshab Sawad (kh) [A PM who has failed so many times is not entitled to a honeymoon period. From the very first minute, he should have delivered the different kind of performance that he cited as the reason for bringing down the government. Now he should finally retire from politics!], Flood-hit local units warily hope vital services will be fixed by Oli’s deadline : Local representatives say the federal government failed to provide help when villages were devastated by floods (kp) [Simply giving directions weeks after the natural disaster does not mean that the PM is doing a good job. A good government needs to have plans in place that kick in immediately when something like this happens!], Rabi Lamichhane to be produced in Kaski Court today (kh), RSP supporters descend on Pokhara : Protesters claim that while the government has attempted to frame Lamichhane, it has protected the leaders of ruling parties who were ‘actually involved’ in the co-op scams, by Deepak Pariyar (kp), Kaski DAO issues prohibitory order in Pokhara (kh), Police fire tear gas at RSP supporters in Pokhara (kh), Lamichanne’s arrest triggers protests, sound and fury : While leaders of ruling Nepali Congress and CPN-UML remain silent on his arrest, there has been mixed reaction from other party leaders (kp), RSP chief’s political career will be set back if he gets convicted : Even with the minimum penalty for cooperatives cash embezzlement, Lamichhane can miss a parliamentary poll, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Kaski District Court remands Rabi to six days in custody (kh), आर्थिक संकट यथावत् : शासकीय क्षमता र सुशासनमा खडेरी कहिलेसम्म ? [Economic crisis remains: How long will the drought in government capacity and good governance last?], by Diwakar Vashishtha (Arthik Abhiyan)

19/10/2024: Lamichhane arrested on fraud, organised crime charges : CIB team from Nepal Police apprehend the ex-deputy prime minister and Rastriya Swatantra Party chief after securing a warrant from Kaski District Court, by Binod Ghimire and Deepak Pariyar (kp), CIB hands over Rabi to Kaski Police amid protests (kh), RSP to protest in Kathmandu and Pokhara today (kh), Janamat Party Chair CK Raut calls RSP Chairman Lamichhane's arrest a political vendetta (rep), Maoist leader Pun questions exemptions for Dhanraj and Rishikesh in cooperative fraud case (kh), RSP cadres collect Re 1 donations to build UML headquarter as they launch protest against Lamichhane's arrest (rep), Detainee found dead in police custody (kh) [A 45-year-old falls in the bathroom shortly after his arrest and is dead??], Dengue surge overwhelms hospitals, sparks blood crisis : Central blood bank says it brought 112 pints of blood from Simara on Thursday, but daily demand exceeds 300 pints, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Opposition parties form 3-member taskforce to chart future course  :  Plan to call for special session of Parliament in a bid to block potential amendment to Political Party Act-2017 (kp), CPC invites 15 leaders each from Nepali parties in House for its briefing in Kathmandu (kp) [Sounds a lot like intervention!?], Borrowed Policies : Recipe For Economic Disaster, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Marwari Sewa Samiti vs. Pashupati Area Development Trust, by Narayan Manandhar (rep)

18/10/2024: Big parties’ inaction prolongs legal void, stalling party splits and recognition : Lack of law has blocked Unified Socialist dissidents from returning to UML, and left Ashok Rai’s party unrecognised, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Provincial struggles and opportunities : Effective budget formulation and execution are vital for provinces to take care of local development priorities, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp), लोकतन्त्र : प्रणाली र संस्था हो कि नेतृत्व ? [Democracy: System and Institution or Leadership?], by Geja Sharma Wagle (ka), Government to form search committee to recommend officials for two TJ commissions : The panel is expected to be finalised at Friday’s Cabinet meeting (kp), आन्दोलन पर्खिरहेको सडक [The road waiting for the movement], by Keshav Dahal (ka), Unfruitful labour : Thousands of apple-producing families in Nepal’s mountains are struggling due to poor roads (kp), Medical education in crisis amid percentile controversy, by Biken K Dawadi (rep), The (Anti) National Identity Card - II, by Akhilesh Tripathi (rep), Arrest warrants issued against 14 individuals, including RSP Chairman Rabi Lamichhane (kh), Police arrest ex-home minister and RSP chair Rabi Lamichhane : The former deputy prime minister and chief of the fourth largest party is accused of cooperative fraud and organised crime charges (kp), I have been unjustly targeted by state: Rabi Lamichhane (kh)

17/10/2024: Controversy erupts as PM Oli accepts land donation from businessman linked to scandal, by Gyanu Ghimire (kh) [In a democracy, politicians would immediately resign from all offices for a much smaller reason!], Shameless : The occupant of the highest executive office in the land has no sense of accountability to the people (kp), Oli’s Harvard and Columbia show : Visibly humbled and honoured to speak at foreign universities, Oli leaves Nepal’s education in the shadows, by Deepak Thapa (kp), PM’s Disaster Relief Fund accumulates over Rs 1.74 billion (kh) [Please do not distribute too much of it to the needy victims!], Disaster-hit local levels to receive 5 to 10 million rupees (kh), Two weeks on, disaster victims still await promised relief : Six days after the floods and landslides, the government declared 41 local units disaster zones and announced help, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Diverting funds to mitigate impact of climate change has hindered Nepal’s development process: Minister Shahi (rep), Leaders agree to form ‘Search Committee’ for finalizing TRC (kh) [Dont hurry! The crimes were only committed 18-28 years ago!], मतदान विधिमार्फत निर्वाचनमा सुधार [ Reform of elections through voting methods], by Indra Adhikari and Uddhav Pyakurel (ka), वर्चस्ववादी दुन्दुभिको कोलाहल [The noise of the hegemonic chaos] by Chandrakishore (ka)

16/10/2024: UML under fire over Bhatbhateni owner’s ‘generous’ donations : Party leader warns taking such donations without broad consultations could prove disastrous for the ruling party, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), After criticism, UML declares: Min Bahadur is a party worker (kh) [???], Devastating floods and landslides shatter Dashain joy for displaced families : Kavrepalanchok residents, left without proper shelter and basic necessities, struggle in the aftermath of monsoon chaos, by Jyoti Shrestha (kp) [The main thing was that the country's leading politicians could enjoy Dashain to the full and have their photos taken for the media!], Post-disaster reconstruction work will proceed soon: Prime Minister (kh) [???], Agriculture main component of economy: PM Oli (rn) [So why is it so poorly reflected in the budget?], US to provide helicopters and sky trucks to Nepali Army, by Tapendra Karki (rep)

15/10/2024: Nepal condemns Israeli attacks against peacekeepers in Lebanon (kh), All NA personnel in peacekeeping mission in Lebanon safe: NA (kh), Dashain holidays conclude; govt offices reopen today (kh), Oli didn't identify Min Bahadur Gurung saying an altruist has donated land for party office, by Binu Subedi (Setopati), Climate Talks: Nepal’s Path to Survival and Resilience, by Bhanu Parajuli (rn), Remittance increases by 15.5%, exports decrease by 5.1% (kh), Inflation comes down to 3.85 per cent (rn)

14/10/2024: Reminiscing last week: Key developments in Nepal (kh), Fly Dubai, Jazeera, and Air Asia set to operate flights at Gautam Buddha Airport (kh), Foreign investment commitment reached nearly Rs400 billion in 10 years, only Rs126 billion realised : The government allows investors to bring in funds in phases, contributing to the gap between commitment and realisation (kp)

13/10/2024: Airport remains unused despite paved runway, grass takes over : No one knows how the airport, initially built to facilitate flights, will resume operations, by Prakash Baral (kp), More Nepali students are heading to Germany (ae)

12/10/2024: PM assures support for disaster relief, reconstruction efforts: Extends best wishes to all Nepalis on the occasion of Dashain (kh) [No hurry, no hurry! It's only been two weeks since the natural disaster, the announcement of which was completely ignored by your government! But thanks for telling people to be careful back then. That was helpful. Now they can really celebrate Dasain.  Help can come later, maybe, eventually....], Flood victims left desperate: Dashain celebrations overshadowed by lack of relief (kh) [!!!!], Nepali migrants endure bomb fears in Lebanon to support their families back home : Currently around 1,200 Nepalis are living in Beirut and its surroundings, according to the Nepali Embassy in Egypt, by Hom Karki (kp) [They must be grateful to the Israeli government and the Western powers, which continue to supply the necessary weapons without interruption, for this terror!], संविधान पुनरावलोकनको मध्यमार्ग [The middle path of constitutional review], by Raju Prasad Chapagain (ka)

11/10/2024: Misinformation Dents Key Institutions, by Chuda Prasad Dhakal (rn), 50,000 goats, 3,000 buffaloes will be offered for Goddess in Kathmandu during Dashain (rn) [The animals will certainly not enjoy this!]

10/10/2024: Leave no one behind : Despite the state’s multiple commitments, our public infrastructures are not disabled-friendly (kp), Culture of Schadenfreude, by Narayan Manandhar (rep), Ensure Effective Disaster Management, by Shiksha Bhattarai (rn), World Bank unveils $150 million aid for Nepal disaster relief : Separately, the United Nations sets up a $17.5 million fund to support the government’s efforts (kp), Dahal accuses UML and Congress of plotting to scrap constitution : Dismisses possibility of restoration of monarchy, saying Nepal has moved forward (kp) [It is not just the constitution that is in danger, but the whole multiethnic country. The main culprits are Oli, Dahal, Deuba and the monarchy!], Disgruntled Unified Socialist leaders memo Madhav Nepal warning of a split : Their demands include annulment of office bearers and politburo elections (kp), Teacher Shortage Needs Urgent Action (rep), Bar-Bench Row Taints Justice System, by Mukti Rijal (rn)

09/10/2024: Karnali mums and children bear the brunt of budget cuts : Experts warn that decades of progress in improving nutrition in Nepal is now at risk (kp), Rebuilding lives : A bottom-up post-disaster approach is needed, with local units equipped with training and funds (kp) [Incompetence and inactivity of government and administration as usual! When will politicians with charisma and competence finally come to power?], Maoist Centre open to alliances for December bypolls : In a volte-face, the party says it may now partner with leftists and progressives barring Congress and UML, by Anil Giri (kp) ["What do I care about my gossip from yesterday?" Quote loosely based on PK Dahal!], The urban flood for the blindfolded and to deaf ears : The whole idea of having three tiers of government was to build a strengthened governance that would be closely connected to all its people, by Avash Karmacharya (rep) [The federal system would be good for Nepal, but its implementation has been deliberately prevented by politicians like Oli, Dahal, Deuba and such central state supporters who prefer to abuse this system for their personal power ambitions!], Politicians’ Intent Matters Quite A Lot, by Yuba Nath Lamsal (rn)

08/10/2024 Heed the landless : Can the political class again bridge their differences for the greater good? (kp) [Not as long as Nepal remains a socially non-inclusive state under the control of male Khas Arya!], Who owns federalism? The biggest challenge to Nepal’s federal polity is failure to implement administrative federalism, by Achyut Wagle (kp), PM calls for action on plan to generate 28,500 MW by 2035 : Urges prompt resolution of compensation disputes, stresses adherence to law over undue influence (kp) [Without including climate change and its consequences in the planning? But nobody can count on that, as you said very nicely.], Stranded drivers abandon vehicles after waiting in vain for 10 days for rescue : Many drivers had initially held out hope after hearing reports of efforts to repair the damaged BP Highway, by Raj Kumar Karki (kp) [This is what the Oli government calls immediate aid!], BP Highway to be operational within a week: Home Minister (kh), Enforce Intellectual Property Laws Strictly, by Uttam Maharjan (rn), Govt forms High-Level Economic Sector Reform Recommendation Commission (kh)

07/10/2024 Outdated unions : Student wings of political parties are perfect reflections of the anomalies of their mother parties (kp), Reminiscing last week: Criticism, key diplomatic advances (kh), Death toll from floods and landslides reaches 246 (kh), Drone takes relief to disaster-hit families : In a first for Nepal, a non-profit uses a drone to fly relief to settlements cut off by floods and landslides in Kavre, by Jyoti Shrestha (kp), Despite roadblocks, around half a million people have already left Kathmandu Valley for Dashain : Traffic police have set up help desks to combat festive ticket scams, while consumer rights activists lament travellers are still falling victims to scams, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), The deluge and state sluggishness : Given the likelihood of heavier rains in the future, we must reconsider our environmental policies, by Madhukar Upadhya (kp), We must revisit our infrastructure designs after recent weather event : There is scientific evidence to show climate change has induced hazards in Nepal, including the Thame glacial outburst, interview with Basanta Raj Adhikari (kp), Land Literacy Key To Secure Land Tenure, by Dharm Raj Joshi (rn)

06/10/2024: Disaster-induced death toll climbs to 244 (kh), Disaster crisis zones declared. Now what? Officials say the declaration means that rehabilitation, recovery and reconstruction works will be expedited based on local priorities, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Cooperatives fraud victims arrested for protest against Rabi Lamichhane : Four of the victims were apprehended from the protest site, by Ramesh Kumar Paudel (kp), Making and unmaking of land commissions continues : The newly revived commission, whose office bearers are yet to be appointed, is the 16th formed since the restoration of democracy in 1990 to distribute land to the landless, by Binod Gjhimire (kp), Govt forms yet another land commission amid squatters’ crisis (rep), Chinese Communist Party’s direct aid to Nepali parties comes under fire : Observers ask—what if diplomatic missions from other countries follow suit? (kp), Dangerous fixations : The media should consider the judiciary to be a partner in reforms, not an adversary, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (kp), The South Asian stalemate : None of the countries in this region can afford to get caught in a geopolitical ping-pong between India and China, by Anurag Acharya (kp), Policy change of national parks: Is this dishonesty or lack of understanding? Amendment Act related to the national parks and reserves has stirred wide criticism on local social media, by Uday R Sharma (rep), Pay Heed To Laws Of Nature Or Perish, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn)

05/10/2024: Farmers left with nothing as near-harvest paddy is washed away (kh), Flood survivors worried about the risk of epidemic (kh), Government declares disaster crisis zones in 14 districts : Temporary closures may be enforced, private and public resources commandeered for disaster response efforts, by Anil Giri (kp), Nepal to receive 1.06 billion rupees from carbon trade (kh), Education Key To Democratic Citizenship, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Grassroots Justice Through Paralegal Mechanism, by Krishna Raman Adhikari (rn), Cooperatives fraud victims protesting against Rabi detained by police (kh) [??]

04/10/2024: Nepal’s Democracy: A Call for Meaningful Change, by Ganga Thapa (kh), Death toll from floods and landslides reaches 239 (kh), Life a struggle for Nakkhu flood victims as mud clogs streets : It was a mistake to develop the Nakkhudol area under the Nakkhudol Development Project, says the mayor, by Prushottam Poudel (kp), Floods and landslides inflict approximately Rs 25 billion in damage to road infrastructure (kh), World leaders pledge help after Nepal flood tragedy : Indian PM Modi, British King Charles, Russian President Putin and Chinese foreign minister Wang send condolences and offer support (kp), Road disruptions raise risk of more home deliveries in districts : Experts call for urgent measures to protect mothers and newborns. Officials say they have started risk mapping (kp), LGBTQIA inclusion in Nepal’s economy : Bringing queer travellers in the country can give the tourism industry a notable boost, by Anurag Gupta (kp), Nepal signs business deal with India on 4 fuel projects : Nepal promises transition to clean energy, which it will have in abundance, but it is building a slew of petroleum projects, a mockery of its green policy (kp) [??], Nepal’s Media Landscape Faces a ‘Watershed Moment’, by Sunita Neupane (rep), Three including rights activist Ruby Khan detained (rep) [?????], Lamichhane shown black flag in his own constituency (rep)

03/10/2024: Stability and the need for constitutional change : Did the federal system fail or was it rather the politicians and parties?, by Karl-Heinz Krämer (kh), Nepali Politicians and the Politics of Morality, by Akhilesh Tripathi (rep), Death toll from recent floods and landslides reaches 233 (kh), Update: Floods and landslides claim 236 lives, 19 missing (kh), Setting a low bar : The tussle between the bar and the bench is eroding people’s trust in the judiciary (kp), Dashain goods stranded on borders of China and India : As the key highways remain obstructed following floods and landslides, there is little hope that the consignments will arrive in Kathmandu for festival, by Krishana Prasain and Anish Tiwari (kp)

02/10/2024: Death toll from floods and landslides reaches 228 (kh), 35 children died nationwide in floods and landslides : Damage to 54 schools has deprived over 10,000 children of safe spaces to learn and heal, UNICEF says (kp), Floods and landslides cause over Rs 17 billion in damage (kh), Heavy rains inflict an estimated Rs17 billion loss on Nepal : Economists say the actual losses could be over three-fold the initial estimate, shaving 1 percent off the GDP, by Sangam Prasain (kp), 1100 MW of electricity lost due to recent floods and landslides (kh), We were not prepared for a catastrophe of such magnitude: Prime Minister Oli : The prime minister admits delays and lapses in the search and rescue of disaster-hit people (kp) [Nepal's government and administration are never prepared for natural disasters, be it earthquakes or monsoon floods. Not even clear warnings are taken seriously!], Unplanned Development Takes Its Toll, by Umesh Puri (rn), Need For Building Resilient Structures, by Namrata Sharma (rn), Empowering provinces : Though evolving, federalism in Nepal can potentially transform governance and development, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp), Supreme Court bench-bar tussle deepens with contempt case : Experts warn the conflict could erode public trust in judiciary, urge dialogue, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Plight of Nepalis in Russian army : Poverty and desperation force young Nepalis to take risk their lives in foreign conflicts, by Hari Bansh Jha (kp)[And this has always been mercilessly exploited by world powers or those who think they are!], Nepal’s economy expected to maintain growth momentum: World Bank (rn) [After the recent natural disaster and its consequences, this sounds completely implausible!], Struggles of persons with disabilities, by Shreya Shrestha (ae)

01/10/2024: Update: 217 dead, 28 missing in landslides and floods (kh), Natural disasters: Does Nepal ever learn? It’s time all parties, big and small, took the issue of natural disasters more seriously, by Mitra Pariyar (kp) [Definitely not, as the reaction of the incompetent and inactive Oli government shows!], Of protests and politics : In Nepal, hardly anyone trusts politicians; public anger against the leaders simmers, by Naresh Koirala (kp) [Political ‘leaders’ should at least have a minimum of leadership qualities. Unfortunately, this does not apply to any of Nepal's ‘top politicians’!], Officials on foreign junkets, missing in action as Nepal suffers in crisis (rep), Accurate Forecasts, No Timely Response, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn) [This is the truth and not what PM Oli claims!], Nepal braces for health epidemics after monsoon chaos : Experts warn of high risk of water-borne, vector-borne, and air-borne disease outbreaks amid widespread destruction, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Nepal and United States sign Bilateral Consultation Mechanism agreement (kh) [This sounds like further intensification of American interference in Nepalese affairs! Or will Nepal now advise the USA on American foreign policy? There really would be a lot to recommend!], SC sentences all involved in ‘Dark File’ contempt case to jail (ae), Timely verdict : The ruling on 'sidhakura' can be a wonderful place to start a conversation on free speech in the digital age (kp), Lalita Niwas land grab scam: Politicians granted immunity as always (rep)

30/09/2024: Disaster update: 192 dead, 30 still missing (kh), Update: Death toll from floods and landslides in Nepal rises to 209 (kh), Monsoon patterns have shifted. Authorities’ mindset has not : Had Met office’s warnings been heeded, more lives could have been saved, say experts, by Arjun Poudel (kp) [Is this the kind of responsibility that KP Oli meant when he urgently had to take over the government and wanted to make everything better?], Murphy’s law : The botched handling of Saturday’s disaster badly exposes our uncaring top government officials (kp), Floods, landslides once again expose Nepal’s poor disaster response mechanism : Security personnel still use primitive equipment like rubber boats, ropes, tubes, and shovels for rescue operations instead of modern scientific technology, experts say (kp), Floods and landslides damage 11 hydropower projects generating 625.96 MW of electricity : Government reported that approximately Rs1.35 billion worth of damage has been sustained in river control and irrigation systems (kp), Nepal: An agricultural country? We are still an agriculture-based society. Yet the sector is also clearly not a government priority, by Biswas Baral (kp), Even 5 percent economic growth looks ambitious : The ratio of capital formation to GDP has been consistently decreasing since 2018. This makes growth difficult to achieve, interview with Thira lal Bhusal (kp), Flights suspended for 30 minutes as PM Oli lands in Kathmandu (rep) [The arrival of His Majesty seems like another natural disaster. Nepal's politicians must urgently get off their high horse! The arrival of His Majesty seems like another natural disaster. Nepal's politicians must urgently get off their high horse! What arrogance!], PM Oli returns after UN General Assembly amid criticism for delayed response to floods and landslides (kh), PM Oli defends govt’s response to floods and landslides, vows faster relief efforts (kh) [????]

29/09/2024: Update: Floods and landslides claim 170 lives, 42 missing (kh), At least 149 dead, 60 injured in rain-induced disasters across Nepal (rep), Rains bring deaths, destruction in the east, central Nepal : Kathmandu Valley on Saturday witnessed the highest rainfall since at least 1970, when records began. At least 112 reported dead across the country (kp), Government faces criticism over slow rescue as disasters claim lives, property : Floods and landslides after incessant rains have caused widespread destruction across the country, exposing the government’s ineptitude in the face of disasters (kp) [A responsible PM would have cancelled his stay in the USA immediately in order to personally take care of the necessary measures. Oli merely called for caution!], Acting PM Singh focuses on ceremonial honors as citizens plead for rescue (kh), Dreamers and drifters in Nepali politics : Although ideological in speeches, politicians are torn between dreams and realities, by Abhi Subedi (kp), Toxic Gerontocracy in the Age of Goddess Kali, by Bimal Pratap Shah (rep)

28/09/2024: Managing Politics Of Hope And Speculation, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), PM Oli: No amnesty for serious crimes during armed conflict (kh) [The most recent change in the law, which you also celebrated in the highest terms, says something different!], Nepal, China commit to advancing key connectivity projects : THMDCN, the trans-Himalayan network, includes railways, roads, aviation, digital links and community connections, by Anil Giri (kp) [And what does that mean in concrete terms? Will Nepal be heavily indebted to China, as many other countries have now realised?], Foreign Aid: A Double-Edged Sword for Nepal's Development, by Aastha Pokharel (rep), Women in Jumla villages resort to home deliveries due to lack of access to birthing centres, transportation : Women from the highlands of Guthichaur, Patarasi, Tila, and Kanakasundari are worried about their limited access to maternity care services, by DB Budha (kp)

27/09/2024: The Forbidden Love Stories of Nepal’s Caste System, by Sunita Neupane (rep), Nepal at the Crossroads: Navigating Great Power Politics amid Internal Challenges, by Nabraj Lama (rep), Out of power, Maoists seek to redefine agenda : The former revolutionary outfit lacks a clear political ideology compared to other parties: Maoist leader, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Continued refusal to issue verdict on Agni Sapkota case raises eyebrows : The Supreme Court has put off hearing in the case more than 60 times, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [Impunity and the conviction that they are above the law are part of the basic attitude of Nepalese politicians. Anyone accused of a crime should only be allowed to hold political office once his or her innocence has been legally proven!], At nature’s mercy : Quick action is needed to rehabilitate those displaced by Shuklaphanta reserve’s expansion (kp), Troubling trend of discrediting democratically elected leaders (rep) [A more respectful approach would be appropriate, but the elected or nominated politicians are certainly not innocent in view of their behaviour!], Inflow of remittance rises 18 percent to Rs 136 billion in first month of current FY (rep), Strengthening Environmental Legislation, by Kamal Subedi (kp), RSP’s RSVP : Good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly, while bad people will find a way around them: Plato (nt), Rights activists continue their sit-in demanding justice for Nirmala Kurmi (In Pictures), by Dipesh Darsandhari (rep)

26/09/2024: Reassessing the Constitution for Effective Governance, by NP Saud (kh), Confusion surrounds constitutional amendments (kh), ADB dials up Nepal’s economic growth forecast : Multilateral funding agency projects 4.9 percent growth for 2024-25, citing gains in agriculture, tourism, energy (kp), Bar objection adds new hurdle to judges’ appointment : Lawyers resume protest after chief justice called a Judicial Council meeting for 1 pm on Wednesday to pick the judges (kp), Mediators Assist Senior Citizens, by Mukti Rijal (rn), Youth participation for climate action, by Simone Galimberti (ae), Nepal’s trade declines, remittances surge (kh), SC orders to submit complete investigation file in Agni Sapkota case (kh)

25/09/2024: Beyond transitional justice ritualism : Nepal’s truth commissions will need to move past it to deliver justice to war victims, by Tracy Fehr (kp), Dalit Civil Society organizations demand economic justice for social protection (kh), 22 years and 33 panels later, Shuklaphanta displaced families still in limbo : Failure to rehabilitate hundreds of families is hurting both their well-being and wildlife, say conservationists, by Bhawani Bhatta (kp), Silent crisis of Bhutanese refugees in their twilight years, by Dhruba Bhattarai (kh), Prachanda’s Secretariat denies Rabindra Mishra’s claims as fabricated (kh), No matter how much you cover a cat with a shawl, it eventually meows: Baburam Bhattarai satirizes Dahal (rep), Sue Lamichhane, say all national parties bar RSP : Other forces dispute Rabi Lamichhane and his party’s claim of a ‘clean chit’ from parliamentary probe, by Purushottam Poudel (kp) [What politicians and parties say is completely irrelevant. In any case, the numerous cases of corruption and crimes involving leading politicians of all parties, civil servants and other personalities must be clarified by the courts and judgements passed immediately. It is intolerable for proceedings against these individuals to be delayed for years or simply swept under the carpet.], Always good to talk : Sunday’s meeting between Prime Minister KP Oli and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi is loaded with symbolism (kp), Equality conundrum between unequals : It’s extremely difficult, even if not outright impossible, to resolve competing claims over contested territories, by CK Lal (kp), How Are Independent Candidates Posing a Threat to Political Parties in Nepal?, by Hari Prasad Shrestha (rep), Govt spending more on debt repayment than development works (ae), ‘Some Nepalis’ misbehavior’ towards PM Oli in US criticized, by Tapendra Karki (rep)

24/09/2024: Caste discrimination still rife in Nepal, by Sushil Darnal (ae), Maobadi in Crisis After joining mainstream politics, Prachanda committed three big mistakes, by Narayan Manandhar (rep), Implementing parliamentary committee report on cooperatives remains fraught with challenges, by Gyanu Ghimire (kh), Cooperatice Savings Scandal : wift, Decisive Action A Must, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn), Perils of shrinking revenue : Without improving the revenue base, Nepal might soon be unable to finance regular expenditures, by Achyut Wagle (kp), IMF sees signs of recovery in Nepal's economy (rn), Parsa bans unregulated sale of acid and hazardous chemicals, tightens safety protocols (kh)

23/09/2024: Constitution amendment is not an issue of winning or losing: Former CJ Shrestha (kh),  Discussion program on Constitution implementation held in Kathmandu (In pics) (kh), Prachanda criticizes two-party push as step to dictatorship (kh), Prachanda to NC-UML: No excuse to call the Constitution a failure without sincere implementation (kh), Prachanda’s accusation: Seven-point agreement is fake (kh), Reminiscing last week: Constitution Day, politics and festivities (kh), Nepal Police ex-DIG Joshi arrested in cooperatives fraud : RSP chair Lamichhane, Congress vice-president Gurung will also soon be apprehended, says home ministry source, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Police, court express conflicting report on issuance of arrest warrant against Lamichhane, by Sandesh Shrestha (rep), Justice appointment delay curbs Supreme Court’s strength : With chief justice and a retiring judge out of bench, top court’s load is shouldered by 15 justices (kp)

22/09/2024: The troubling saga of “alternative party leaders”, by Keshab Sawad (kh), Rabi Lamichhane’s Political Fate At Stake?, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), Home ministry directs police to act on report against Rabi Lamichhane (rep), RSP Leaders gather at party office amidst Lamichhane’s possible arrest (kh), PM Oli’s petty streak : Nepal’s relations with India have become mired in more paradoxes, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (kp), PM Oli's US visit: Key agendas and high-level meetings with global leaders (rep), National Shame Projects! (rep), Rastriya Janamorcha to initiate Kathmandu-centric movement against federalism (kh)

21/09/2024: Federal secular republic has failed: Kamal Thapa (kh) [No Mr Thapa, Hindu state and monarchy have failed completely. They are the root evil because they are the cause of non-inclusion and many obstacles to development in modern multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-religious Nepal, where only a secular republic is appropriate. The federal state has not failed either, but only the party politicians who have deliberately prevented or misused it so far!], Provinces turn up heat on federal government for police adjustment : Koshi provincial government has forwarded a 10-point demand to the National Development Action Committee (kp), Internet shutdown looms as Indian firms’ dues unpaid for years : Nepali ISPs and government await full text of Supreme Court’s ruling to resolve tax and royalty disputes, by Krishana Prasain and Anil Giri (kp), House inquiry report says RSP chair Lamichhane lied to committee : Parliamentary committee recommends the government set up a regulatory authority within three months (kp), Perspectives on Migration: The ‘Pennywise, Pound-foolish’ Syndrome, by Niranjan Mani Dixit (rep), Need For Trust-based Transformational Leadership, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Conspiracy being hatched to weaken opp’n in Parliament: Prachanda (kh) [Whenever Nepal's top politicians feel under pressure, they speak of ‘conspiracies’, especially PK Dahal. And a ‘people's war’ with at least 17,000 dead is really not a violent act, is it?], Dahal threatens to continue parliamentary obstruction, launch fresh protests against attempt to discredit Maoist movement (rep)

20/09/2024: Political parties and post-truth politics : What we are experiencing is a period marked by general anxiety about what to believe as truth, by Sucheta Pyakuryal (kp), Nepal’s TJ process: Paradox or a reality, by Charan Prasai (rep), 16 of 17 envoy picks clear House hearing amid some questions : Nominations approved by majority, overriding objections, by Anil Giri (kp) [The non-inclusive owner elite of Nepal will never change! Disregard for the constitution is one of their characteristics!], Nirmala Kurmi supporters nudge rights watchdog for action against Banke Nepali Congress leader : They have been staging protests for 42 days, demanding legal action againstBadshah Kurmi, the prime suspect in the disappearance of Nirmala (kp), Over to home minister : Lekhak has a chance to implement the probe committee report he so earnestly championed (kp), Modern slavery : For thousands from Nepal and other countries, shadowy recruiters turn dreams into nightmares, by Nilanjana Ray (kp), Nepal’s public debt to GDP ratio reaches alarming level at 44.34 percent. The ideal ratio of public debt to GDP for Nepal is 35.43 percent: NRB, by Rajesh Khanal (rep), Inherited features of effective public policies, by Janaki Kumari Sharma (ae), Nepal-China military exercise ‘Sagarmatha Friendship’ from Saturday (kh), Leader Nepal worries over anomalies plaguing communist parties (kh) [Which communist parties? The ones from Nepal only call themselves that!], Common minimum performance : Oblivious to rising public discontent, Nepal’s ruling coalition offers band aid response, by Shristi Karki (nt)

19/09/2024: Law revised, but political row stalls transitional justice : Rights watchdog ‘awaits new request’ to send its representative to panel that picks commissioners, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Constitution Day being observed today (kh), Constitution guarantees rights for all citizens: PM Oli (kh) [But definitely not equal rights. Nepal is still a patriarchal state, based on Hindu hierarchical thinking. This is also reflected in the constitution of 2015. If the latter is to be changed, then this grievance must be addressed!], Gone astray : Madheshis are not impressed by the dual nature of the local political parties (kp), Constitution amendment debate : We must consider all sides instead of ramming through amendments based on parliamentary strength, by Deepak Thapa (kp), Really, What’s There to Celebrate!, by Akhilesh Tripathi (rep), Government decides to implement House report on cooperatives fraud : Now role of police, investigating agencies crucial, says PM (kp) [??], Congress-UML coalition reaffirms pledge to review and amend statute : Ruling parties have pledged to set up a high-powered cooperative regulatory body as per the recommendation of the parliamentary inquiry committee (kp) [A common minimum programme is normally agreed before a coalition government is formed. In Nepal, this happens a good two months after taking office.], Global tension mounts. Does it spell disaster for Nepal? Conflicts’ repercussions could cause Nepal to lose foreign aid. Climate crisis could cost Nepalis food security, experts warn (kp), Mea Culpa and Cooperative Scams, by Narayan Manandhar (rep), PHC approves 16 ambassadors (rep) [What do those in power care about the constitution and the rule of law? The PHC's initial objections due to a blatant lack of social inclusion were obviously once again pure waste!], Kathmandu Mayor supporters assaulted in National Day Concert in Durbar Marg (kh), Senior citizens now eligible for 50% healthcare discount at 64 hospitals across Nepal (kh)

18/09/2024: House’s job done, state must now probe and sue, say experts : Senior Advocate Dinesh Tripathi urges impartial CIB probe now that Lamichhane is no longer home minister, by Binod Ghimire (kp), CMs’ insights on federalism : They highlight the urgent need for reforms in Nepal’s federal system, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp), Licences of hundreds of health facilities in Bagmati Province not renewed for two years : Investors complain they are deprived of importing equipment, taking loans from banks and accessing other services due to the apathy of authorities concerned to renew licences (kp), Upholding Balanced Foreign Policy, by Balmukunda Regmi (rn), Eradicate Residues Of Slavery, by Namrata Sharma (rn)

17/09/2024: Call for radical reform to combat corruption and inequality, by Ganga Thapa (kh), Police remove attendees wearing Balen Shah T-shirts at Indra Jatra (kh) [Is Nepal on the way to becoming an authoritarian police state? Obviously, Oli is once again proving to be authoritarian and anti-democratic. He should finally stop claiming the opposite!], Police detain 13 Mayor Balen Shah supporters during Indra Jatra (rep) [On which legal basis? Suspected lèse majesté? Support for critics of the Prime Minister should be punished in the most severe way?], Rajendra Mahato announces new political party (kh) [There can never be enough political parties. The bottom line is that this only helps the so-called big parties that have long since failed. More Tarai parties weaken the representation of the interests of the local population there anyway!], Rajendra Mahato announces formation of Rastriya Mukti Kranti Party (rep), Lamichhane guilty of cooperatives funds misuse, forgery: Probe. He can be booked for cooperative fraud under Cooperative Act, fraud and duping under National Penal Code, organised crime under Organised Crime Prevention Act and money laundering under Prevention of Money Laundering Act, lawyer says, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Parliamentary panel urges govt action against Rabi Lamichhane over cooperative fund misuse, by Tapendra Karki (rep), What action will be taken against those guilty in the cooperative scam, and when?, by Kamal Bista (rep), Constitution is not the problem : Critical constitutional reforms are required to protect and promote the rights of the disgruntled groups, by Mitra Pariyar (kp), Parties Clash Over Rana Magar’s Ouster, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn), Intergenerational Synergy Key To Progress, by Nain Singh Mahar (rn), Local governments: Hotspots for corruption, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), Government’s spending 7.5 per cent in two months of current fiscal year (kh) [We can see that the Oli government is completely different from the previous governments!!]

16/09/2024: Playing with fire : How can people take seriously a government that is seen to be protecting the corrupt? (kp), Cooperative fraud case: Rabi Lamichhane found ‘guilty’ : Committee to initiate further investigation into Dhanraj Gurung's case (kh), Misappropriation of cooperative funds: Action recommended against Lamichhane, Joshi, Ramtel, and GB Rai (kh), House session ending amid Maoist-UML war over a word : Government asks President to prorogue Parliament session with effect from Monday midnight, by Binod Gimire (kp) [Governments may change all the time, but political instability and decadence are constantly advancing thanks to power-hungry, incompetent and often corrupt politicians.], Poison Information Centre on the brink due to funds crunch : Health workers in remote areas rely on the centre’s hotline for crucial advice from national and international experts, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Civil society members call upon prime minister to take urgent steps to improve road safety : Urge for enhanced legislation, increased traffic personnel, and advanced monitoring systems (kp), Madhesh parties split on how to observe Constitution Day : LSP to mark Black Day, Janamat to light lamps (kp), Resurgence of the judiciary: A new dawn in Nepal. Strong, independent courts are essential to upholding the rule of law, by Anupam Bhattarai (rep), UML roadmap for 2027 elections, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae) [Oli desperately wanted to be PM again, supposedly because this was urgently needed and would guarantee political stability. But instead of dealing with the urgent concerns of government work, his party is worrying about elections that are more than three years in the future!]

15/09/2024: Political leaders caught in massive cooperative fraud scandal (kh), Oli vows to clean up co-ops as politicians are linked to scam: Police are investigating the cooperative connected to Nepali Congress Vice-president Dhan Raj Gurung (kp) [Having a completely pointless high-rise tower built with public money in your own electoral district in order to make a name for yourself is also a form of corruption, Mr Oli!], Speaker Ghimire calls meeting to resolve parliament obstruction (kh), Meeting called by Speaker ends without conclusion (rep), Oli opens fronts against Maoist Centre, new parties, royalists and Kathmandu mayor—all at once : Asks party members to counter the narrative being set against his party UML (kp) [There is only one political future for Nepal in which Oli, Dahal, Deuba, the monarchists/Hindu State fanatics and corrupt elements are not involved and the future must be based on a reasonable social inclusion! Oli, Dahal and Deuba will never change!], Parliamentary Hearing Committee meeting adjourned (rep), Meeting of both federal parliament houses underway; set to pass Banking Offenses Bill (rep), Justice Raut-led panel fails to resolve dispute over law amendment : As the panelists remained divided, two separate reports were presented to Chief Justice Shrestha making the appointment of judges uncertain (kp)

14/09/2024: UML holds off decision on ousting Deputy Speaker : Party discussed issue on Friday, but no consensus reached on how to proceed, says General Secretary Pokharel, by Anil Giri (kp), Deputy Speaker Rana denies allegations against her (rep), Maoist Centre decides to continue House obstruction : The main opposition reiterates its position to defend Deputy Speaker Rana if ruling coalition tries to remove her from position (kp), Does taking action against Deputy Speaker Rana ensure the rule of law?, by Bal Krishna Adhikari (rep), Parliament to be blocked until disrespectful remarks against Maoist movement are corrected: Dahal (rep), As dengue spreads nationwide, Nepali public resigns to fate : Authorities have abandoned preventive measures such as mosquito search-and-destroy, leading to rise in infections, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Damak View Tower unused six months after completion : Despite significant investment, the 18-storey landmark in Jhapa remains idle due to unsolved ownership issues, by Parbat Portel (kp) [Waste of money and other machinations on the initiative of KP Oli in his constituency!], Nepali Army and US Army to begin joint exercises from September 15 (rep) [But military skills are not part of humanitarian practices!], The Spectacle Of Democratic Life, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Dalit activists conduct shirtless rally from Maitighar to New Baneshwar (In Pictures) (rep), Citizenship directives will be reviewed: Home Minister Lekhak (kh)

13/09/2024: Do Or Die, by Keshab Poudel (sp), Maoists to obstruct Parliament over ‘violence’ records dispute (kh) [All major parties in Nepal love to block the work of elected representatives. It could hardly be more anti-democratic! Besides, the Maoist insurgency has only resulted in 17,000 deaths and countless injured and displaced people. You can't call that ‘violent’, can you?], Panel set up to settle dispute over widening CIAA’s jurisdiction : Congress and UML lawmakers are at odds over a bill expanding anti-graft body’s oversight to private sector, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Congress-UML coalition not working to weaken other parties: Deuba. General Secretary Thapa says flaws in the constitution will be corrected through amendments (kp) [The flaws lie not so much in the constitution as in its non-implementation and its abuse by failed politicians!], Constitutional Council fails to recommend Chief Justice (kh) [What do Nepal's so-called top politicians care about the provisions of the constitution?], Safer migration for women : Nepal is a remittance economy, but it is mostly male migrants who get credit. What about the women?, by Sonia Awale (nt)

12/09/2024: Why amend Constitution without fully implementing it?, by Sobita Gautam (kh), Govt’s annual target progress falls short of expectations (kh), Congress joins ally UML in push to oust Deputy Speaker: But there is some disagreement in the coalition over timing and motives behind the plan to remove Rana, by Anil Giri (kp), PM Oli, Prachanda and Deuba hold talks at Baluwatar (kh) [Three of Nepal's biggest problem creators sitting together!], The politics of friendship : Nepali political friendships are less about collective visions and more about calculated self-interest, by Raj Baral (kp), Instability Hits Provincial Administration, by Mukti Rijal (rn) [Here, too, special thanks go to the anti-democrats Oli, Dahal and Deuba, who abuse federalism as a tool of their centralist thinking for the purpose of their personal power interests!], Karnali schools struggle with chronic teacher shortages : From remote areas to urban centres in the province, the shortage of qualified subject-specific teachers continues to affect schools and students, by Tripti Shahi (kp), Swargadwari Trust tenant farmers resume protests : Demand implementation of past agreements with the government (kp), Don’t waste another day : Tuesday’s protest against Rabi Lamichhane suggests victims of cooperatives are running out of patience (kp), Dalit-friendly workplace: A call for change, by Giri Bahadur Sunar (ae)

11/09/2024: Quo Vadis? Given the country’s political-economic situation, it is time to ask: Where are we heading towards?, by Narayan Manandhar (rep), The grammar of political protests: None of the four forces of the political mainstream seems credible or capable of leading a political protest, by CK Lal (kp), Public trust in the state is waning, by Raj Kishore Yadav (kh), Ruling coalition plans to oust Deputy Speaker Rana : She courted controversy after revelation that she requested US embassy for visa interview dates for 6 persons last year, by Rurushottam Poudel (kp),  PM Oli calls meeting of Constitutional Council (kh) [In a questionable manner, at extremely short notice and knowing that the opposition leader is out of town!], Constitutional Council meeting postponed until Friday (kh), No place for women online : With the rise of AI content, women are being subjected to more forms of online abuse (kp), Panchthar blast: Govt to provide 5 lakhs for families of deceased (kh) [What are children who are murdered by delayed munitions of war worth? The equivalent of 3,300 euros! The calculation is presumably based on the significantly reduced sentence for offenders on the basis of the amended TRC Act.], Are NC and UML serious about amending the Constitution?, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), One-door policy for relief distribution, by Balmukunda Regmi (ae)

10/09/2024: Deliver Transitional Justice Fairly, by Uttam Maharjan (rn), Following backlash, government promises to pick envoys on the basis of inclusiveness : The parliamentary hearing special committee on Monday inquired Foreign Minister Arzu Rana why the government failed to make the appointments inclusive as per the spirit of the constitution (kp), Ruling parties discuss constitutional amendment : The discussion also focused on improving delivery as government faces criticism (kp), Socialism: A national ‘bluff' : Nepali political parties are competing to prove themselves purer socialists than others, by Achyut Wagle (kp), SC issues a show cause order against government for delay in settlement of the COVID-19 insurance claims (rep), Lumbini Province lawmaker KC released after serving a day in prison despite a one-year sentence (rep) [Of course, not all people are equal before the law! And what about the application of Article 178 of the Constitution, according to which KC should not have been a member of a State Assembly in the first place? What was the Nepali Congress actually thinking?], NC, UML Say No To Poll Alliances, by Narayan Upadhya (rn) [This means nothing, as you know. Statements, promises, agreements and the like are never meant honestly among Nepal's politicians! The constitution, laws and court decisions are not always respected either!], NC and UML push to remove Deputy Speaker; RSP terms it ‘vicious political tactic’ (kh) [The ruling parties should finally give up their power politics and take care of their infinitely many urgent tasks. This is unbearable!], Maoist Center warns of protests if Deputy Speaker Rana is removed (rep), Subordinate laws must be formulated within six months: HoR’s law committee (rep) [First all posts have to be exchanged, laws can wait!?]

09/09/2024: Reminiscing last week: Political shifts, other developments (kh), UML, Congress form team to draft minimum programme : The coalition was criticised from within the ruling parties for its failure to prepare its common minimum programme even months after government formation (kp) [In a democracy, the common minimum programme lays the foundation on which a coalition government is built in the first place. This proves that Oli and Deuba were only interested in power, whatever the cost. They are obviously not interested in content.], Weak laws protect corruption : The bill to amend the Prevention of Corruption Act, 2002, shows the deteriorating political mentality in Nepal, by Paban Raj Pandey (kp), Lumbini Province lawmaker sent to jail over forgery : Elected from Rukum East-1 (b), KC, a Nepali Congress lawmaker, was convicted in a divorce-related case, by Durga Lal KC (kp), Mismatched incentives : Just giving out gongs won’t serve the purpose either of motivating civil servants or attracting qualified ones (kp), Valley Road Expansion Victims’ Struggle Committee demands impeachment of SC judges (kh), Govt to reassess SC’s 20-meter riverbank construction ban (kh), There is disconnect between Nepal’s LGBTQIA+ rights image and reality : Our ultimate goal is to amend the Civil Code so that marriage is defined as a union between two individuals, rather than being restricted to one between male and female, interview with Manisha Dhakal (kp), Earth Democracy: Enshrining the Rights of Nature in the Constitution, Bimal Pratap Shah (rep), Nepal-India relations under Oli government, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae)

08/09/2024: Stability, of the unwanted kind : New kinds of political competition are playing out, but changes to the status quo look difficult, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (kp), Congress shelved its exit policy but debate on term limits rages : In Maoist Centre, Sharma has challenged Dahal’s leadership lasting over three decades. Issue is relevant for UML too, by Purushottam Poudel (kp) [Deuba, Oli, Dahal and a few others should retire from politics, better sooner than later. They are the cause of the endless continuation of so many of the country's problems. However, a new beginning can only promise success if it is based on general and appropriate social inclusion and the end of patriarchy, Bahunbad and hierarchical thinking. The three politicians mentioned stand for the opposite!], UML-Maoist war of words continues to escalate : Leaders from both parties are using incendiary rhetoric against each other, divided on issues including narrative of Maoist insurgency and constitutional amendment (kp) [See previous comment!], Judge appointment process hits hierarchy hurdle : Judicial officers object to negotiations between bar and bench to resolve the controversy over changes in regulations (kp), Lumbini province lawmaker KC  sent to prison on a 33-year-old case (rep), Over 46,000 citizens disappear in three years, by Yukala Paudel (kh)

07/09/2024: Coalition government and constitutional practice, by Kalyan Shrestha (kh), Police round up Ruby Khan-led protesters near Singha Durbar : Frustrated campaigners from Banke breached no-go line over unfulfilled agreements on disappearance investigation (kp) [This is what the government calls the practice of human rights: people who demand justice are arrested, while people accused of a crime are appointed ministers!], PM Oli says no immediate prospects for salary increment for civil servants (rep) [There is not enough money to pay the civil servants adequately, but new and completely superfluous ministries can be created in the provinces to keep the clientele happy! This corruption should be fought as hard as possible, Mr Oli!], The Verve Of Political Change, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Urgency Of Transformative Justice In Nepal, by Anil Karki (rn)

06/09/2024: Reaffirming affirmative action : Reservation has uplifted some of Nepal’s left out, but others are still underrepresented in the civil service, by Dhanu Bishwakarma (nt), Leadership transition : Old parties are under immense pressure to stay relevant even though they might not admit it, by John Narayan Parajuli (kp), Constitutional amendment sparks new political debate (kh), Probe member hints Lamichhane misused co-op cash : Lekhnath Dahal, a Maoist Centre lawmaker, says there is evidence of Rabi Lamichhane’s guilt in fund misappropriation, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), PM Oli loses 77,000 Facebook followers amid “unfollow” campaign; only 3,000 recovered (kh), Facebook apologizes and restores Balen's status (rep), Ignorance no excuse : The prime minister cannot be in the dark on a vital issue like queer rights (kp), Public Land Encroachment: A Challenge To Authorities, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn), True Spirit Of Parliamentary Hearings, by Narad Bharadwaj (rn), Amend the Charter for clarity, brevity : People deserve to live in a democratic polity that respects constitutionalism and ensures stability and rule of law, by Jivesh Jha and Rajendra Paudel (ae), Quality of equality for women : The Nepal government should stop moral policing of Tij, and focus on ensuring true socio-political representation by women (nt)

05/09/2024: Nepali women and girls under siege in digital space : Nepal Police bureau reports 90 percent surge in a year in cyber violence against women, by Aarati Ray (kp), Gender discrimination in rural Nepal, by Lilesh Kumar Yadav (ae), Nepal Civil Society Conference calls for actionable plans for accountability, social justice and digital transformation : The conference featured discussions on peace, inclusion, and digital transformation, and will influence Nepal’s position at the upcoming Summit of the Future, the UN Information Centre said (kp), Conflict Victims' Association submits memo to PM Oli (rep), PM Oli will see people’s power now: Prachanda (kh) [??], Prachanda’s extremist approach destabilizing country: UML leader Pokharel (kh) [Not only Dahal, but also Deuba and especially Oli must be seen as the biggest destabilisers of recent years!], Experts doubt implementation of government’s populist decisions : The new government has pledged to end long waiting lists in hospitals, raising health insurance coverage to Rs500,000 and running outpatient care on public holidays. But they are not feasible with existing resources, experts say, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Act on your words : Big parties have committed to fighting elections on their own strength. There is room for doubt (kp), Election without alliance: Is it possible?, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae) [Since in Nepal the alliances formed before the elections are nothing but smoke and mirrors for the politicians afterwards, they are nothing more than fraud against the voters!], NC and UML to contest election without forging pre-electoral alliances (rep) [The two governing parties should finally devote themselves to the infinite number of tasks of their current government, which was supposedly so necessary to take over. To prioritise the elections now, which are only due to take place in more than three years' time, is completely absurd.], Import ban impacts in Nepal : The negative consequences and long-term harms of import restrictions should not be overlooked, by Nischal Dhungel (kp), Who Will Care for ‘Kinless’ Seniors?, by Hari Prasad Shrestha (rep), Making Bureaucracy Functional, by Mukti Rijal (rn), Need To Overcome Gender Inequality, by Pradeep Kumar Jha (rn), Lessons from Bangladesh : If leaders fail to addresspeople's grievances swiftly, public outrage may erupt like a volcano in Nepal as well, by Birendra Prasad Mishra (ae)

04/09/2024: Travails of the orphaned, landless and stateless : Ramrati Tharu, elderly and frail, is denied her elderly allowance because she lacks citizenship. Several others in Madi share her plight, by Ramesh Kumar Paudel (kp), Constitutional Amendment and the Question of Stability : It is also wrong to place all the blame on proportional representation, by Saroj Bhattarai (rep), Structural reforms in the constitution, by Durga Prasad Khanal (ae), Ground laid to begin transitional justice work following appointment of office bearers : With new regulations in the works, government aims to ensure swift reactivation of the two dormant commissions, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [??], Media Should Ease The TJ Process, by Namrata Sharma (rn), Can Maoist Centre hold large-scale street protests it’s warning about? The Maoist Centre simply does not have enough public support for a major agitation that has transpired in Nepal’s South Asian neighbours, analysts say, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Are Balen’s supporters ‘unfollowing’ PM Oli’s Facebook page? (kh), Foreign Minister Rana promises to make envoy selection inclusive ‘next time’ : Lawmakers question her about the efforts she made during her India visit last month to make two new airports operational (kp) [No, Ms Deuba! The selection of ambassadors is already unconstitutional at this very moment, as is, incidentally, the composition of the Council of Ministers and endless state institutions. You can't explain that: Now I do what I want and then in a few years' time I will perhaps abide by the constitution!], As in Nepal, so in the US : Nepali women suffer from intimate partner violence in their own country as well as abroad (kp), Addressing GEDSI in Tarai amidst disasters, by Ujjawal Upadhyay (ae)

03/09/2024: Mitigating caste violence : Dalits must stop believing their political masters and focus more on religious and spiritual causes, by Mitra Pariyar (kp), House panel urges govt to adhere to proportional inclusive principle in ambassadorial appointments (rep), Prime Minister Oli’s remarks on LGBTQIA+ issue rattles members of the community : Confusing rhetoric about the community perpetuates ignorance and prejudice among the broader population, and trickles down to the daily lives of queer individuals, activists say, by Aarati Ray (kp), Cruel reminders : The stray explosions show that a country can never fully recover from a bloody civil war (kp), Former IGPs call for action against Communication Minister Gurung (kh), Kathmandu’s rapper mayor Balendra Shah battles PM Oli over inaction : Experts link Shah’s outsider status and unconventional approach to rising tensions with political elites, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), At least 40 Nepalis fighting for Russia confirmed dead : DNA tests are underway for more than 50 Nepali nationals, so the death toll could spike, say officials, by Anil Giri (kp), Action taken against 35 industries for child labor (rep), Statute amendment : Easier Said Than Done, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn), Resolving Urbanisation Anomalies, by Uttam Maharjan (rn)

02/09/2024: Reminiscing last week: Leadership shifts, legal and cultural highlights (kh), Deepak Manange resigns after ministry transfer (kh) [One minister with a criminal past less!], Kathmandu Mayor Balen advises PM Oli to enhance workers’ political knowledge (kh)

01/09/2024: Blast of conflict-era explosive reopens old wounds : Two children were killed and two others were injured when an explosive suspected to be from war-era went off in Panchthar on Thursday, by Laxmi Gautam (kp), Experts call for timely initiatives to address public anger : Politicians term the widespread disenchantment with political parties a ‘manufactured narrative’, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Thame GLOF Rings Alarm Bells, by Regab Sapkota (rep), Protest march held from Maitighar to Baluwatar against the appointment of Badshah Kurmi as Minister (In Pictures), by Dipesh Darsandhari (rep), Police charged batons on cooperative victims in Bhadrakali, by Dipesh Darsandhari (rep), Photos: Traffic gridlock in Kathmandu (kh)

31/08/2024: Women’s Equal Status and Challenges, by Milan Adhikary (rep), Constitutional Arrangements And Dalit Representation, by Sushil Darnal (rn), Reform in social behaviour reduces unjust treatment to women, girls: Minister Jaiswal (rn), Two senior Secretaries resign over appointment of new Chief Secretary (kh) [They may be personally affected, but from the outside it doesn't matter. They are all male Bahuns anyway! At less than 6 per cent, these only make up a very small minority of the population, but they are in almost all positions!], Ramechhap landslide survivors struggle with freezing cold and dire conditions : New mothers and elderly face harsh, overcrowded conditions in temporary shelters, by Kedar Shiwakoti (kp), Panchthar grenade blast toll hits two after another child dies : Home Minister Lekhak says the explosive that went off there was a remnant of the Maoist insurgency, by Laxmi Gautam (kp) [Those responsible need not worry. Even if they are convicted, they will be subject to an extremely lenient application of criminal law on the basis of the highly praised amendment to the TRC law!], People As Source Of Welfare Politics, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Youths stage anti-corruption protest in Kathmandu (kh)

30/08/2024: Over 800 cases mired in delay at human rights commission : Officials blame misplaced priorities while commissioners cite focus on transitional justice, upcoming conference, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Battle cry from Kolkata : The RG Kar Medical College rape-and-murder should ring alarm bells all over South Asia (kp), Leaders agree to remove proposed five-year statute of limitations in corruption cases (rep), Congress divided on exit policy for top leaders, poll alliances : Party chief Deuba wants to amend proposals, but the two general secretaries are firmly opposed to any changes, by Anil Giri (kp) [Of course, the all-powerful party chairman Deuba will do everything in his power to prevent the imminent end of his political career! The guidelines proposed by the two General Secretaries should urgently be adopted by other parties in a similar way.], Road ahead no smooth sailing, Oli briefs senior party leaders : There is a need for the government and the party members to work harder-Oli (kp), International community welcomes transitional justice bill authentication : President Ramchandra Paudel authenticated the bill earlier in the afternoon (kp) [It is doubtful whether they really understand this! Do the victims see it the same way?], Ensuring Justice To Conflict Victims, by Krishna Chandra Chalisey (rn), Youths arrested for protesting against PM Oli and Deuba released on bail (kh), Nepal ranks as the third most-polluted country in the world, by Shree Ram Subedi (rep), Take action against culprits of Panchthar explosion incident: NHRC (rep), Bad air and polluted politics : Political resolve to improve air quality will add 3-5 years to the lives of Nepalis, by Sonia Awale (nt)

29/08/2024: On the same boat : Small parties like to blame the big ones for being undemocratic. Yet they are often worse (kp) [This anti-democratic behaviour is encouraged by the Political Party Act, which gives party leaders virtual omnipotence and prevents freedom of expression and a commitment to social inclusion.], The subtext of the text : As India expands regional outreach, Nepal must pursue foreign policy in its own larger interest, by Sanjeev Satgainya (kp), President Paudel authenticates Transitional Justice Bill (kh), 10 countries welcome TRC Bill, pledge support for implementation (kh), 2,200 Nepalis selected through lottery to work as caregivers in Israel (rep) [It would be completely irresponsible to send Nepalis to Israel in the current situation, as the Israeli government is in the process of turning the entire region into a war zone!], Ek Narayan Aryal appointed Chief Secretary (rep) [Thank God, another male Bahun. This once again guarantees the continuation of social non-inclusion!]

28/08/2024: Ritual burial of Maoist insurgency : The TJ Bill is the mechanism through which the dominant trio in Nepali politics wants to bury the past and move on, by CK Lal (kp), Proposal worth pondering : Is it really the case that there are no good replacements for the current set of Nepali political leaders? (kp) [It's hard to believe, because it could not be any worse!], Dahal’s not-so-subtle power ambition, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae) [May Nepal be saved from further power struggles, intrigues or even governments of the so often already failed politicians Dahal, Oli and Deuba!], The elusive dream : If we are to realise the dream of 1951, mediocracy must be replaced by meritocracy, by Naresh Koirala (kp), Government under fire for ignoring inclusiveness in envoy picks : Lawmakers across the political spectrum allege exclusion and constitutional breaches, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [The government and the political parties are socially non-inclusive entities. They identify the state as an entity of male Khas Arya!], Menstruation taboo is keeping many Achham girls and female teachers from school : Students and women’s rights activists claim schools and officials are unwilling to create a conducive environment for girls in periods to attend classes, by Menuka Dhungana (kp) [This is also part of the male Khas Arya craze! Western Nepal has been predominantly inhabited by Hindu castes at least since the time of the Khas kingdom.], RSP condemns arrest of youths protesting against PM Oli and NC President Deuba at Tudikhel (kh) [Typical authoritarian Oli, who is not interested in people's cries of despair!], Avoiding Unforced Errors, by Yogesh Oli (rep), 1,346 Nepali migrant workers died last year (ae), HoR Session: Dispute erupts over term ‘violence’ (kh), SC postpones verdict on Agni Sapkota case for fourth time in 12 years (kh) [What else?]

27/08/2024: Two months after convention, Unified Socialist to elect office bearers through a vote : The leaders spent two months in consensus bid but eventually headed for panel-wise competition for the posts (kp), Pandey elected Senior Vice Chair of Unified Socialist unopposed (kh) [All those named here as elected are male Bahuns. Like the CPN (UML), CPN (MC) and NC as well as numerous other parties, the necessity of and constitutionally prescribed social inclusion is simply denied. Who do these parties actually represent? Male Bahuns are a small minority of not even 6 per cent of the population! Why do they hold most of the important positions in the state and in the political parties?], Nepal doesn’t play one neighbour against the other: Oli. Says not everything should be seen through geopolitical lens (kp) [Nepal must not play the two neighbours off against each other, but must strike a clever balance to achieve the best for its own interests. This is made more difficult by the overriding geopolitical interests of the interfering USA in its power and economic competition with China!], Rising unemployment sparks surge in online job scams, by Sita Neupane (kh), Prachanda says he will not engage in pursuit of power (kh) [Such brazen lies are typical of Nepal's politicians. KP Oli also declared shortly before becoming PM for the fourth time that he could not imagine himself holding the post this year.], PHC receives nine complaints against 17 proposed ambassadors (rn) [Once again, the focus is on the deliberate disregard for social inclusion!], Govt files review petition against SC’s order to adjust employee salaries (rep), Rabi Lamichhane on Tundikhel Incident: People’s intervention has begun, political parties must reform (kh) [Presumably top politicians like KP Oli will judge the civil protests as ‘lèse majesté’!]

26/08/2024: National rights bodies to confer on gender inclusion : Human Rights Commission, together with the Asia Pacific Forum, is holding an International Conference on Gender Inclusiveness in NHRIs to discuss gender mainstreaming (kp), Reminiscing last week: Tragedy, policy shifts, and diplomacy (kh), Justice delayed for consumer court : Two and a half years after top court order, the government renews its push to finally set up a consumer court, by Krishana Prasain (kp), Improving SRHR Access for Adolescent Girls, Women with Visual Impairments in Nepal, by Jalasa Sapkota (rep)

25/08/2024: Rights commission on board on transitional justice appointments : Work stalled by National Human Rights Commission’s reluctance to send a representative to the recommendation committee goes ahead after Parliament passes amendment bill, by Binod Ghimire (kp) National ID not mandatory for Social Security allowance: SC (kh), After 130 aircraft deaths, ministry deems insurance bill’s adoption necessary : Since 2019, there have been six fatal crashes. Families of victims are denied proposed relief of $100,000 each, by Sangam Prasain (kp), House panel’s ability to draw definite conclusion about cooperatives scam comes under question : The committee, formed on May 28 with a three-month deadline, recently concluded its interrogation phase without quizzing the prime suspect, GB Rai, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Geopolitical squeeze and vulnerability : Nepal’s political parties agree on national interests, but internal weaknesses derail their policy positions, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (kp), Choreographed migrations : Migrants’ ability to make migration an informed choice remains attenuated, as it is a compulsion for livelihood, by Sanjit Shrestha (kp), Dalit and indigenous communities more vulnerable to monsoon-induced disasters, by Pabitra Sunar (rep), National census report shows over 74,000 children get married before 17 in Nepal (rep)

24/08/2024: What's Next for ‘Prachanda’?, by Pawan Adhikari (rep), Chair Dahal: Talks underway to unite all leftist and maoist forces (kh) [Is Dahal grasping at one last straw to continue his long-failed political career? His plan seems utopian, quite apart from the fact that Oli and his UML make up the largest group of left-wing forces and are not interested in joining forces with others, at best under Oli's leadership and his authoritarian conditions!], National Responsibilities Of Citizens, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), How Private Security Services Can Address Government Needs, by Ganesh Amgain (rn)

23/08/2024: Democratic flux : The crisis of legitimacy in all its manifestations works against the longevity of governments, by Lok Raj Baral (kp), Nepali Army seeks 280 officers for recruitment (kh) [A good half of the posts are intended for the general public, which usually means predominantly for male Khas Arya, although at just under 15 per cent they really only make up a small minority of the total population. All shares of the other social groups are far from the constitutionally required appropriate participation. Until a clear upper limit is set for the participation of male Khas Arya, social inclusion of all population groups cannot be achieved in all job advertisements!], Youth end fast-unto-death after four-point agreement signed for Kamala river bridge construction (kh), Why Nepal’s poverty rate is stuck : After a dramatic drop in the past decade, poverty is now static despite remittances and state intervention, by Ramesh Kumar (nt)

22/08/2024: Maoist insurgency victims protest against TRC Bill (photos) (kh), Trust: The cornerstone of the TJ process. Political consensus is not enough for a durable solution. More important is building trust, by Charan Prasai (kp), Nepal government lifts ban on TikTok (kh), Ministry unveils blueprint to ensure free education : An extra Rs222.91 billion is needed to give every child free, compulsory education, and to hire 50,000 more teachers, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Anti-Corruption Antics, by Narayan Manandhar (rep), Govt Has No Option But To Deliver, by Mukti Rijal (rn), A plot to mute marginalized voices online : Certain provisions in the Social Media Bill may be used to silence the voices of disadvantaged communities, by Saurav Raj Pant (ae), Nepal’s education crisis: A call for reform and equity, by Samriddha Upreti (ae)

21/08/2024: Three global rights groups slam flaws in transitional justice law revision : Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, International Commission of Jurists call for aligning law with global norms, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Transitional justice bill faces scrutiny : Three human rights organizations, issuing a joint statement on Aug 20, raised concerns about possible shortcomings and challenges in implementing the transitional justice bill, by Pratik Ghimire (ae), Fall of Moral Leadership and Rise of Corruption, by Ganga Thapa (kh), I took office to drive change and foster innovation: PM Oli (kh) [Only you believe in this rubbish! Nobody drove you to become PM again! Why didn't you introduce the innovations in your earlier terms of office and instead instigated a coup d'état?], Coordination for effective federalism : A centralised mindset has hindered the effective implementation of the IGR law, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp), No Flaws In Electoral System, by Yuba Nath Lamsal (rn)