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31/12/2023: 21
percent of pregnant women in Karnali are
children, by Govinda KC (rep), FNJ
archives 58 cases of violations of press freedom
in 2023 (kh), Unveiling
the Tapestry of 2023 and Dawn of Hope in 2024
(kh), NC’s
evaluation of government paints a
picture of dissatisfaction (kh), Korea
hints it may help resolve the EPS
controversy in Nepal : Police officers,
bureaucrat suspended for Friday’s deaths,
by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Congress
members express worry over mounting
public frustration, poor governance : On
the last day of the three-day central
committee meeting, a member seeks home
minister’s resignation over killings of
two youths in Balkumari on Friday
(kp), Congress
student wing demands home minister’s
resignation: A group of people holding a
banner of Nepal Student Union and
carrying placards protest in front of
the ministers’ quarters Harihar Bhawan
(kp), Tensions
escalate between PM Dahal and Deuba over
Balkumari incident (kh), Prime
Minister Dahal reassures chief ministers
on police adjustment, civil service law
: Madhesh Province Chief Minister Saroj
Kumar Yadav says he hopes the prime
minister walks the talk this time around
(kp), 19,717
quake affected in Rukum West receive
first installment of assistance (kh)
[Don't be in a
hurry! It's only been two months since
the earthquake!]
30/12/2023: Land
and the Road to Dignity, by Jagat Deuja
(rep) Two
Korea job hopefuls barred from exam killed
during protest : The same day, court rules in
favour of protesters. Friday’s clashes erupted
after police used force to prevent scores of
protesting youths from storming the EPS Centre
building, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Government decides
to provide Rs 1 Million compensation for
families of Balkumari incident victims (kh)
[This does not make the
offences undone. When will the security forces
finally be obliged to use firearms for
self-defence only in extreme emergencies? The
brutal beating of demonstrators with wooden
batons is also a crime!], 73
arrested in Balkumari incident; seven persons
including security personnel injured (rep),
Youths
stage protest in Maitighar Mandala over killing
of two youths in Balkumari (With Photos)
(rep), Lalitpur
CDO, SSP and Director of EPS branch relieved
from duty amid failure to properly handle
Balkumari protest (rep), Economic
revolution only after political revolution
steers country to prosperity: Dr. Baburam
Bhattarai (kh), Nurturing
Vital Links Of Political Stability, by Dev
Raj Dahal (rn)
29/12/2023: Youth
set ablaze vehicle of Minister
Prakash Jwala (nlt), Protester
injured in Balkumari dies
(nlt), Fatal
clashes unfold at Balkumari :
Protester succumbs to Police
gunshot, many arrested (kh),
Another
injured protestor dies, death
toll in Balkumari incident
reaches two (rep), Patan
High Court orders inclusion of
all interested individuals in
EPS Korean language examinations
(kh), 22
human rights activists including
Krishna Pahadi arrested during
sit-in protest at Maitighar
(rep), Congress
central members slam party’s
ministers : Health Minister
Mohan Bahadur Basnet says his
plan to hire 30,000 health staff
has stalled (kp), Leave
it alone : By imposing a
co-payment system, the
government is all set to
sabotage its health insurance
scheme (kp), House
committee directs prime minister
to table civil aviation bills in
Parliament at earliest : On
August 2, 2021, the upper house
unanimously passed two aviation
bills, which had been
languishing for a year and a
half, by Sangam Prasain
(kp), Kathmandu
District Court convicts
cricketer Lamichhane of rape
case involving a minor
(rep), SC
halts govt decision to celebrate
Phalgun 1 as People's War Day,
grant public holiday (rep) [Why should
an event be celebrated that
resulted in thousands of dead,
injured, tortured and
disappeared people? To this day,
the former perpetrators and
people responsible for politics
refuse to do justice for the
victims! And the outcome of the
insurgency is extremely poor
almost 18 years after it ended.]
28/12/2023: Adding
insult to injury: Nepali women, children grapple
with statelessness : Many Nepali women and their
children are enduring the plight of
statelessness due to discriminatory politics and
government officials. Misogynistic laws,
procedural gaps, and the apathy of relevant
authorities contribute to the suppression of
their civil right to live a dignified life,
by Ajabi Poudel (ae), Nepali
women sexually abused abroad face hurdles
returning home, by Sita Neupane (kh),
Children in quake-hit areas in need of
physiological counselling : Many of those
orphaned in the disaster are under mental duress
as they struggle to recover from the trauma,
by Mashesh KC (kp), Chief
Ministers of seven provinces convene in Hetauda
to advocate for provincial rights (kh), Biting cold
afflicts Musahar people (kh), Insured
will have to bear some of the treatment cost
from January 15 : Only 16 percent of Nepal’s
population is covered by government’s health
insurance scheme (kp), Rein
in the co-ops : Tardy regulation of cooperatives
is giving rise to grave social and economic
problems (kp), For
a victim-centric justice system : The criminal
justice system exists not only to serve state
interests but also to help the victims, by
Nishant Pokharel (kp), Rajendra
Mahato to form new political party, by
Bhuwan Sharma (rep) [There
can't be enough completely superfluous parties
led by failed old politicians!], Issues
and prospects in developing resilient
infrastructure in Nepal : Nepal has the
potential to generate a significant amount of
clean energy by mobilizing investments and
developing access roads, transmission lines, and
hydromechanical infrastructure, by Govinda
Raj Pokharel (nlt)
27/12/2023: Revisiting
Nepal’s inclusion policy, by Ashansha Mulmi
(nlt), After
a year in office, PM Dahal vows change in
working style : Calls his critics pessimists.
Claims the country is on the verge of a huge
economic feat (kp), Prime
Minister Dahal presents rosy picture of economy
while the economy struggles to overcome a number
of challenges (rep), Reviewing
Dahal’s Annual Report Card, by Atindra Dahal
(rep), Irregularities
in Sudarshan and Sahara cooperatives sign of a
wider problem : Continued influence of
politicians with stakes in the institutions
prevents stringent action against unruly
cooperative promoters, say experts, by
Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp) [Corruption promoted by politicians and
parties wherever you look!], The
origins of law in Nepal : A run through the
law-making process from conceptualisation to
implementation, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp), Nepal’s economic
problems are structural, by Sourav Dhungana
(ae)
26/12/2023: Year
of missed opportunities : Despite a promising
start, PM Dahal has had a rather mediocre one
year in office (kp), Dahal’s
one year of leadership: More misses than hits,
by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), A
security umbrella for Dalits : To ensure justice
for the victims, we must create a neutral force
of Dalits that cannot be swayed by politics,
by Mitra Pariyar (kp), More
than 11 thousand temporary
shelters built for Jajarkot
earthquake victims (kh), Big
three aim to pass transitional
justice bill in winter session :
Leaders of Congress, UML and
Maoist Centre discussed the
issue on Sunday and Monday and
have agreed to sit again,
by Anil Giri (kp), Maintain
Religious Tolerance, by Narayan Upadhyay
(rn), 100
Nepalis enlisted in Russian Army reportedly
missing or injured: Foreign Minister Saud
(kh), At
least 100 Nepalis serving in Russian Army are
missing, says Foreign Minister NP Saud :
Minister Saud also said an estimated 200 Nepalis
are serving in the Russian Army (nlt)
25/12/2023: Delay
in grant distribution leaves most survivors of
November 3 earthquake without secure shelters :
Out of the total 35,140 households listed as
eligible for a government grant in Jajarkot,
only 5,203 families have built temporary
shelters, by Krishna Prasad Gautam and
Hariharsingh Rathaur (kp), Airport
fails to give sought footage to gold probe panel
: Last year, Janardan Sharma got off the hook
after recording of unauthorised entry into the
finance ministry was erased, by Prithvi Man
Shrestha (kp) [Politicians
and authorities do everything they can to
protect prominent criminal clientele!], Private
school ownership major contention in school
education bill : As most MPs want them to
become trusts, officials remind lawmakers of
constitutional space for private
institutions (kp), Federal
coalitions have weakened provinces :
International forces have more influence
than what we generally assume. They
micromanage events here, interview with
CK Raut (kp), A
disillusioned country : Pessimism has become
defining characteristic of Nepali society,
by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp)
24/12/2023: Nepal
Bar Council defies SC order to include Open
University LLB graduates in exam (kh) [Lawyers normally describe
this as contempt of court! But politicians are
leading by example in this respect!], Russia
ignores calls to stop hiring Nepalis to fight
against Ukraine : Foreign ministry officials say
Nepal failed to take up the matter of Nepalis’
recruitment with Russia on time, by Anil
Giri (kp) [But the
dishonourable Putin declared just a few days ago
that no Nepalis were being recruited!], Motive
Of ‘Mission 84’ Under Scanner, by Ritu Raj
Subedi (rn), Politics
has only given pain to the country: Former Chief
Justice Shrestha (kh)
23/12/2023: Bill
stalls as time runs out for transitional justice
commissions : Terms of Truth and Reconciliation,
and Enforced Disappeared Persons inquiry
commissions end on Jan 14, by Binod Ghimire
(kp) [The law will not
be passed as long as people who were responsible
for the crimes on the part of the insurgents or
the state at the time have to decide on this!],
Government
has not acted responsibly, interview with
Upendra Yadav (kh), Kathmandu
claims 13th spot on Global Air Pollution Index:
Unveiling causes, impacts, and ongoing trends
(kh), NC
Gen Secy warns of protests if federal government
denies rights to provinces (kh), Nation
in a critical hour; NC should take lead role:
Sher Bdr Deuba (kh) [But definitely not under your leadership!!]
22/12/2023: Don’t
be cruel : With the mindset of seeing daughters
as a burden, child marriage is hard to do away
with (kp), Scrutinizing
Prachanda’s ‘Push Doctrine’ and Unraveling
Disaster, by Arun Baral (kp), Unrest
in Dhanusha as individual dies in police custody
(kh), Exploitative
lending practices continue to plague the poor :
Around 135 loan shark victims gathered in
Bardibas to protest against microfinance firms
and loan sharks, by Sunita Baral (kp), RPP’s
double standard plays out in Koshi Province :
After announcing protests against federalism and
secularism, the pro-monarchy force claims
Speaker position in the province (kp), TikTok
Ban: Communist Delusion and Misguided Priorities
: Many argue that this move reflects a
governance approach steeped in an outdated
communist ideology, by Bimal Prartap Shah
(rep), NC
President blames electoral system for
electoral alliance (rep) [Although the
electoral system is supposed to
guarantee inclusion and proportional
representation, this is deliberately
abused and circumvented by the parties
and especially their leaders. Without a
commitment by the parties to
proportional representation in the
direct election system, as already
prescribed by the Interim Constitution
but was never respected, adequate social
inclusion cannot be achieved. Apart from
this, one-party governments are becoming
increasingly rare in democratic states.
In Nepal today, they would be extremely
unlikely even with a purely direct
election system.], Contempt
case registered in SC against government
for its failure to enact climate change
legislations (rep), Rs
50 million spent on PM Dahal's two-week
tour to US and China; PM criticized for
‘unnecessary spending during economic
crisis’ (rep), Quake
Victims Need Instant Relief (rn), Minister Kirati’s
resignation call triggers RPP protest in
Kathmandu (kh) [Sudan Kirati's unsentimental
statement may be criticised, but the RPP
must realise that its demand for a Hindu
state hurts the feelings of the
non-Hindu population in the multi-ethnic
and multi-religious state of Nepal in
the same way!]
21/12/2023: Lawmakers
propose to further revise Citizenship Act to end
discrimination (kh) [Citizenship law is still extremely
discriminatory against women!], Poor
report card prompts Dahal to pledge urgent
action : The Prime Minister’s Office reports lag
in performance, with 21 ministries failing to
achieve annual targets, by Anil Giri (kp), CIAA
calls out ‘corruption in guise of policy
decision’ : The anti-graft body calls for ending
influence of interest groups in lawmaking
process. It said it has provided its suggestions
to the government (kp), Holier
than thou : Top political leaders can’t deflect
queries about their conduct with base emotional
appeals (kp), Minister
Kirati’s controversial statement sparks outcry
in Parliamentary Committee meeting (kh), Minister Kirati
clarifies controversial statement: “I respect
everyone’s existence” (kh), RPP
asks PM Dahal to dismiss Culture Minister Kirati
over controversial statements on religion
(kh), Demonstration
staged demanding Culture Minister Kirati’s
resignation over controversial remarks (kh)
[Although the definition
of the state of Nepal as "secular" is somewhat
vague in its postscript, it cements the
religious and cultural freedom of all religions
in the country, all of which therefore are part
of the Nepalese identity. The call for a Hindu
state is just as unconstitutional as emphasising
one of the country's smaller religions.],
Parliamentary
Hearing Committee endorses six nominees for
Supreme Court justices : The House panel
endorsed Saranga Subedi, Abdul Aziz Musalman,
Mahesh Sharma Paudyal, Tek Prasad Dhungana,
Sunil Pokharel and Bal Krishna Dhakal (kp) [In support of the previous
comment: 14 of the 20 judges of the SC are now
Bahun, 13 of whom are male. Only three of the
judges are women.], What
went wrong with our economy? Nepal’s overall
development cannot be fully imagined until the
large-scale youth migration stops, by
Chandra Mani Adhikari (kp)
20/12/2023: Towards
genuine gender equality in Nepal’s politics :
Despite the widely acknowledged principle that
societal development hinges upon the active
involvement of all its members, women
continually find themselves marginalized in the
decision-making process, by Dipti Ghimire
(nlt) [The participation
of women is even greater if they come from the
Dalit, Muslim, Janajati or Madheshi groups! For
example, the number of Dalit women is greater
than that of Bahun men! The disparity in
participation is astronomical!], Unveiling
Game Theory Behind Nepal’s Foreign Aid Strategy,
by Nisha Jha (kh), Nationalise
Ncell by 2029: House panel tells government :
Prime Minister Dahal admits he, as well as other
top leaders, knows Satish Lal Acharya, raising
questions about political connections
influencing Acharya’s share purchase deal,
by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Rastriya
Prajatantra Party announces nationwide protest :
The right-wing party aims to consolidate forces
rallying against the current dispensation
(kp) [An openly
attempted coup against the majority interests of
the population! What would change? As in the
panchayat system, more Chhetri than Bahun in the
power functions of the state and an
authoritarian autocrat as head of state? In any
case, the total dominance of male Khas Arya
would remain and the rudimentary recognisable
social inclusion would be reduced.] [Instead of nationwide
campaigns and marches, the political parties
should take care of the important issues and
finally implement the only form of government
suitable for a multi-ethnic state: the secular
and federal republic!], We
want Nepal to be a Hindu kingdom; we should not
settle for just a Hindu nation: Mishra (rep) [Aiming to dismantle
democratic values and social inclusion!],
Ensuring
Rights Of Gender Minorities, by Namrata
Sharma (rn), Why
the ‘US-funded’ MCC projects in Nepal must break
away from the cycles of delays and cost overruns,
by Mahabir Paudyal (nlt)
19/12/2023: Clash
of Titans: Balen’s Discontent Fuels PM Dahal’s
Outrage, by Ishwar Dev Khanal (kh), Resilient
Nepali youth breaks free from Russian Army to
embrace new life, by Arun Baral (kh), No
court for consumers : A functioning liberal
economy requires a robust regulatory system to
keep tabs on private investors (kp), Achilles’
heel of circular economy : The problem is that
anything we recycle using black energy will
still negatively affect the environment, by
Achyut Wagle (kp), Violent
Expression Of Frustration, by Narayan
Upadhyay (rn)
18/12/2023: Urgently-needed
consumer courts elude Nepal, two years since
verdict : The Supreme Court ordered the
government to set up consumer courts in all
seven provinces in February last year. Officials
claim they are starting the process afresh,
by Krishana Prasain (kp) [This joins the numerous cases of contempt
of court on the part of various Nepalese
governments! What duties does the government
actually fulfil?], Govt
restrictions leave women migrant workers in
danger as they are forced to resort to illegal
routes, by Aesha Bajracharya (rep), Nepali
Congress leaders contemplate leadership change
(kh), What
lies ahead for Bal Krishna Khand?, by Gyanu
Ghimire (kh) [He was not
declared innocent, but was only released from
prison on bail. It is unacceptable for people
against whom legal proceedings are pending to
hold responsible state and party offices! This
bad habit is widespread among all parties!],
Rise
of new parties good for democracy but a
challenge for Congress : If the government
improves its performance and undertakes
result-oriented initiatives, we can’t break our
understanding and ditch coalition partners,
interview with Pradip Paudel (kp), Ban
on strikes in 25 essential services including
insurance and banks (rep)
17/12/2023: Kyiv
for conditional release of four Nepalis in
captivity : Amid reports of hundreds of Nepalis
in Russian forces, Kathmandu ramps up effort to
ensure their safety, by Anil Giri (kp), Kailali man in
Russian Army dies in conflict (kh), Nepal:
Diplomatic Behavior in the Russia-Ukraine War,
by Binoj Basnyat (kh), What
is current air quality in Kathmandu? The PM2.5
concentration in Kathmandu presently stands at
14.6 times the annual air quality guideline
value set by WHO (kh) Building
temporary shelters for quake-displaced slows
down : The earthquake-affected people have
enough wood to construct temporary huts but no
manpower, by Mahesh KC (kp), RPP
Chairman Lingden advocates street
demonstrations for the restoration of
monarchy and Hindu state (kh) [Can a representative
of a small minority who is out of touch
with reality really exacerbate the
political situation with such
unconstitutional demands?], Nepal’s
climate-gender nexus : Women
disproportionately suffer from climate
change due to their primary roles in
securing food, water and fuel,
by Nischal Dhungel (kp), Expenses
exceed revenue targets in first five months of
fiscal year, budget deficit 69 billion rupees
(kh), Remittance
outflows from Nepal surge by 46 percent to Rs
3.16 billion (rep) [!!], What
Ails Nepali Political Parties?, by Ritu Raj
Subedi (rn), Foreign
investors repatriate Rs 11 billion in dividends
and royalties from Nepal (rep)
16/12/2023: Society
discourages Dalits from seeking legal recourse
against caste-based discrimination : Most cases
of caste discrimination and untouchability
rarely go to the police. Such cases are usually
settled in the village at the behest of local
leaders, by Parbat Portel (kp), Forgotten
and Freezing: Earthquake survivors stranded in
tarpaulin tents as local govts await financial
aid (kh) [It shows
once again that politicians never fulfil their
grandiose promises. Anyone who does not
prioritise the welfare of citizens and the
country, especially in emergencies, is not
qualified for public office!], UML’s
Mid-Hill East-West Campaign reaches
Phidim today, identity-centric groups
call for shutdown (kh), UML
Chair Oli accuses ‘setting’ in release
of Khand, raises concerns over
Rayamaji’s detention (kh) [Yes, Mr Oli, that
tastes rotten, when politicians are
basically above the law, as your
unpunished coup attempt of 2021 proves!],
Unexpected
dip puts official inflation figures in
doubt : Central bank says mid-October to
mid-November inflation rate dropped
sharply to 5.38 percent, a 22-month low,
by Krishana Prasain (kp), Chief
ministers meeting this month to devise
strategies : Provinces have been pressing
federal government to devolve their
constitutional rights (kp), Civic
Maturity For Participatory Democracy, by Dev
Raj Dahal (rn)
15/12/2023: Dr.
Govinda KC commencing ‘satyagraha’ from today
(kh), Dr
Govinda KC declares fast-unto-death : Despite
multiple agreements, the government has not
fulfilled commitments crucial to the improvement
of the healthcare system and justice processes,
he said (nlt), NA
elections spark tug-of-war as parties vie for
dominance, by Gyanu Ghimire (kh), Patan
High Court orders Khand’s release on bail :
Khand’s case was sent to a single bench after a
division bench on December 1 couldn't give a
unanimous decision on whether to continue his
judicial custody or release him on bail, by
Binod Ghimire (kp), Ex-Home
Minister Khand set for release, faces Money
Laundering Department (kh), A
father’s unyielding struggle to have son
declared martyr : Surya Bahadur Sarki, 74, has
been running from pillar to post seeking justice
for his son, who died 33 years ago during the
1990 people’s movement, by Shiva Puri (kp),
Sewa
Lamsal becomes Nepal’s first female foreign
secretary : She is taking charge of the foreign
ministry at a time when the country is grappling
with complex geopolitics and diplomacy, by
Anil Giri (kp), MP
Koiri acquitted in 2015 murder of police
official : The Mahottari District Court,
however, has slapped life imprisonment on
several accused including Loktantrik Samajbadi
Party’s provincial assembly member Abhiram
Sharma, by Santosh Singh (kp), Nepal’s
forex reserves rise to a record $12.75 billion :
Economists, however, warn the piling up of
foreign exchange reserves is a warning sign of a
potential recession (kp), Selling
Ncell, by Narayan Manandhar (rep), 33.5
kg gold smuggling case report vanishes from
Prime Minister's Office! (rep), NC
to claim 10 seats in National Assembly elections
(kh) [This party
received just 25 per cent of the vote in the
last parliamentary elections and is claiming
more than 50 per cent of the vacant seats in the
National Assembly? That doesn't sound very
democratic!], Children
victimized most by climate change effects:
Police (kh), The
Year of Scandals, by Shristi Karki (nt) [Hopefully this is just the
beginning of the unmasking of the politicians
who consider themselves untouchable!]
14/12/2023: Jajarkot
earthquake victims left in limbo, by Laxman
Sharma (kh), Ghuyalneta's
quake survivors suffer from diarrhea (rep) [Immediately after the quake,
there was intensive politician tourism with
grand promises. In the meantime, only silence
and inactivity prevail!], Three
cheers for Nepal : Three separate cases in the
past few weeks have given reason for a sceptic
of patriotism to be proud of Nepal, by
Deepak Thapa (kp), Robust
civic space is crucial for good governance and
accountability, say experts : Academicians,
political leaders, youth activists, and
civil society representatives express concerns
over the erosion of democratic principles and
values and shrinking civic space (nlt), NC row: What’s
brewing between Gagan and Shekhar Koirala?,
by Gyanu Ghimire (kh), Koirala
and Thapa patch up to up the ante against Deuba
: Amid suspected fissures in faction, Gagan
Thapa proposes Shekhar Koirala as the next
parliamentary party leader, by Anil Giri
(kp), Man
dies after police fire at people protesting over
unpaid salaries : Municipal staff and government
school teachers were protesting outside the
municipal office in Simraungadh, by Laxmi
Sah (kp), Survey
shows bleak picture of nutrition in Tarai :
Reports high prevalence of an acute form of
malnutrition, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Flip-flops
Of A Leader That Cost His Politics, by Mukti
Rijal (rn), Former
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli assaulted
in Dhankuta (nlt)
13/12/2023: Nepal’s
Constitutional Bodies Under Scrutiny : Alleged
bid by ex-administrators to please leaders while
in office, by Laxman Sharma (kh), Academics
stress need for accountable, people-centred
policy-making process : The remarks were made
during the launch of the Policy Leadership
Program on Monday (kp), Kathmandu
Metropolitan City bans tobacco products starting
today (kh), Nepali
Congress rank-and-file disillusioned by
leadership, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), Ferrari brains and
media darlings : A new generation of Nepali
leaders is becoming known as the ‘Ferrari
brains’ in a fast-changing political landscape,
by Anupam Bhattarai (ae), Recent
hauls affirm Nepal’s image as a gold smuggling
hub : Experts call for an end to impunity for
protectors of smugglers and better preventive
measures, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Notes
on a city’s success story : Bharatpur’s high
citizen participation in development should be
recognised as a commendable initiative, by
Khim Lal Devkota (kp), Is
there growing opposition to republicanism and
federalism in Madhesh?, by Mithilesh Yadav
(rep), Women's
Industrial Village in Panchkhal courts serious
controversy as govt neglects FWEAN (rep), Social
Safety Key To Poverty Alleviation, by Lok
Nath Bhusal (rn), One
dies in police firing in Bara (kh), Over
5,000 victims of loan sharks see resolutions
(kh), Save
the Children and WWF forge collaboration to
address critical link between climate change and
child rights (rep)
12/12/2023: Dalit
lives after Soti judgement : Unless the casteist
elements of Hinduism are reformed, no amount of
prison sentence will ensure human dignity,
by Mitra Pariyar (kp), 62
cases of violence occurred during 16 Days of
Activism against VAW: INSEC (kh), Kin
of missing and disappeared in west Nepal seek
closure : Thousands of civilians suffered at the
hands of security forces and Maoists during the
1996-2006 insurgency, by Durgalal KC (kp), NHRC
urges Karnali govt to protect quake survivors
from cold (rep), Social
campaigner Iih to stage 108-minute
protest outside LMC office (rep), Activist
E alleges breach of peaceful protest
rights in Lalitpur (kh),
Over
200 Nepalis may be serving in the Russian army,
Prime Minister Dahal says : Dahal says the
government has mobilised all mechanisms to free
Bipin Joshi from Hamas captivity (kp), Nepalis
trapped in Russian Army make desperate pleas for
rescue (kh), UML’s
Mid-Hill Highway Odyssey: Kicking up dust,
missing people’s pulse (kh), Choose
wise : The next set of members who enter the
National Assembly will be a sign of the mindset
of big parties (kp) [They will never change under the current
failed leadership!], Five
parties register names for National Assembly
elections (rep), Stop
Corporates From Bending Laws, by Narayan
Upadhyay (rn), Former
Minister Kirati and nine others arrested in
Khotang (kh), Attack
on Koshi Province Chief Minister as group
targets vehicle (kh), Tension
flares at Birgunj Metropolis as Mayor and Deputy
Mayor supporters clash (kh), Visit
visa trafficking cases on rise, by Ajabi
Poudel (ae)
11/12/2023: Frozen
in limbo: Bureaucratic delays leave quake
victims shelterless, by Rajendra Karki (ae),
The
interconnection of human rights and disability
rights, by Jalasa Sapkota (ae), Organ
donation limits to ‘Only Relatives’ challenged
at Supreme Court (kh) [If I remember correctly, KP Oli received a
kidney from a non-related person. But the laws
don't apply to top politicians anyway!],
Government
initiates process to amend Medical Education
Act: Minister Basnet (kh), RPP
for new arrangement on monarchy, not for revival
of old system : Parliament could be given the
power to decide the heir to the monarch, whether
it will be eldest son or eldest daughter,
interview with Rajendra Lingden (kp) [The monarchy has staged two
coups against democracy in recent history:
Mahendra in 1960 and Gyanendra in 2002/2005.
17,000 people lost their lives for the
introduction of the republic. Gyanendra should
be happy that he was not prosecuted and is still
allowed to live in Nepal. As part of his coup,
he drastically restricted civil liberties and
had countless people arrested and brutally
maltreated. This was definitely even worse than
the current inadequate system of the failed old
party leaders! In view of the demand for justice
for the victims from the time of the insurgency,
Gyanendra has also to take responsibility!],
By
the women, for the environment : Deego
Nepal champions sustainability through
eco-friendly products while empowering
women, by Rukusha Giri (kp), Dismal
Financial Inclusion in Madhesh, by
Anurag Gupta (rep), Conspiracies
being hatched against govt: PM Dahal (rep) [Good policies on the part of
the government and the parties would silence all
"conspiracies"! All politicians should be
forbidden to use this word again!], Government
sits for meeting with donors in view of Third
Investment Summit (rn)
10/12/2023: Investing
to prevent gender violence : Effective
implementation of laws remains an urgent need to
counter discrimination and violence, by
Veronique Lorenzo and Hanaa Singer-Hamdy
(kp), Combating
Gender-Based Violence in Nepal : The
Significance of Engaging Men and Boys against
GVB, by Neelam Dhanushe (rep), Citizens
forced to struggle for rights for long: Chitra
Bdr KC (kh), Asia
Internet Coalition asks government to rethink
Nepal’s social media policy : AIC calls for
collaboration for practical, clear rules that
protect the benefits of internet and keep people
safe from harm (kp), Govt
cannot provide money to pay contractors through
non-budgetary measures: MoF. Pay our Rs 40
billion dues or we will launch nationwide
protests: Contractors (rep), Private
sector hails revised monetary policy for FY
2023/24, express doubt over proper
implementation. Revised monetary policy can help
banks reduce interest rates, most likely from
next month: Bankers (rep), Hearing
on case against Sandeep Lamichhane postponed
(rep) [Justice denied!],
Gagan
Thapa urges swift resolution amidst rising
governance concerns (kh)
09/12/2023: Rights
watchdog’s recommendations snubbed, persistently
: Amid government inaction on the
recommendations, individuals flagged for action
promoted and rewarded, by Binod Ghimire (kp)
[Oli, Deuba or Dahal,
they are all the same when it comes to
disregarding basic human rights!], Aspiring
To A Robust National Identity, by Dev Raj
Dahal (rn)
08/12/2023: Bait
of battlefields : At the heart of the Nepali
youth’s exodus is a deep suspicion about their
country’s future (kp), Ncell’s
tale unraveled: Axiata’s sale or sham?
(kh), Kamal
Thapa proposes royalist front, suggests
Durga Prasai’s inclusion (kh) [No matter how many
of you are involved, you remain a small
minority in the interests of an equally
small minority. Nepal's politics is
already terrible, don't make it worse!
After being voted out as chairman of the
RPP, Kamal Thapa declared himself an
opponent of the monarchy. Now he
suddenly wants it back?], Urban
Nepali women face an invisible struggle
against menstrual taboos, by Aesha
Bajracharya (rep), Nabaraj
BK and discrimination against Dalits :
Nepal’s anti-Dalit discrimination laws
are strong and progressive. However,
caste discrimination is a prominent
feature of social interactions. The
government regularly fails to prosecute
individuals who engage in it, by
Cilla Khatry (ae), Mobile
rule makes Nepal immobile : Confusion about new
Mobile Device Management System angers visitors,
by Aïsha MacDougall (nt)
07/12/2023: Rights
watchdog grapples with internal feud yet again :
Amid dispute over appointing secretary,
commissioners trade allegations of misconduct
and defamation. Spokesperson says the row will
be settled soon, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Court
kindles hope : The verdict on the Soti caste
killings is a definitive moment for social
justice (kp), Landmark
verdict and societal reform, by Mim Bahadur
Pariyar (ae), A
look into social security of the government of
Nepal : While social protection allocation has
increased steadily over the years i.e. 26.71% in
the fiscal year 2020/21, 19.52% in the fiscal
year 2021/22, and 34.1% in the fiscal year
2022/23, the economic growth rate has remained
stagnant, by Aarashi Ghimire (nlt), Senior
US National Security official meets PM Dahal
(kh) [??], House
panel orders halt to Axiata’s Ncell sale process
: Government told to conclude investigation
within 30 days, by Prithvi Man Shrestha
(kp), Police
bust racket sending Nepali youths to serve in
Russian Army; 12 arrested, by Kosh Raj
Koirala (rep), Government
struggles to meet revenue targets, by Mamata
Thapa (ae), Why
Rastriya Swatantra Party should shed its
ambivalence on federalism : We should not turn
back the clock and bring Nepal to a form of semi
centralized system even though many
stakeholders, including the RSP, are correct in
pointing out the shortcomings of provinces,
by Simone Galimberti (nlt)
06/12/2023: Life
sentences for 24 in 2020 murder of six Dalit
youths : West Rukum District Court says Nabaraj
BK and his five friends’ deaths stemmed from
caste-based discrimination, by Mahesh KC
(kp), Sons
died, justice prevailed: victims' families laud
court decision on murder case, by Raju
Lamichhane (rn), Jajarkot
Needs You, Not Tinkune: A Plea Amidst Political
Rallies : The focus must shift to preventing
avoidable deaths, especially with the winter
months looming, by Kiran Karkai (rep), Distribution
of insurance amount to kin of earthquake dead
starts in Jajarkot (rep), Hearing
on writ petition against Oli govt deferred today
as well (rep) [One
legal decision after another concerning
political processes is delayed, some of them for
years. This smacks of political protectionism!],
India
for hiking budget for each small project in
Nepal to Rs240 million : Proposal comes amid
growing financial aid to Nepal from China and
the US, by Anil Giri (kp), Female
community health volunteers are unsung heroes :
Improved health indicators in Nepal are largely
credited to the over 54,000 of volunteers who
have worked tirelessly for decades, by Arjun
Poudel (kp), From
crimson to saffron, a perilous path : The
clamour for readopting ‘Hindu Rashtra’ reflects
the Hindutva sweeping through India’s Hindi
heartland, by CK Lal (kp), Discipline
Key To Democratic Culture, by Tulasi Acharya
(rn)
05/12/2023: Rukum
District Court sentences 24 in Soti incident,
imposes life terms held guilty for murder of six
(kh) [Sentencing the
Hindu mania that the fundamentalists want to
reconstitute as normal!], Rukum
West District Court slaps life imprisonment to
24 accused in 2020 Soti incident (rep), Earthquake
victims ill-equipped to survive the cold : On
Monday, the mountainous areas of Karnali
province saw the first snow of the season,
resulting in extremely cold conditions in the
region, by Mahesh KC (kp), Court
issues arrest warrants against Chand, other
leaders : Prime minister says the court move
adds complications in mainstreaming Chand-led
group (kp) NCP
announces three-day protest against arrest
warrant of Gen Secy Chand (rep), Hearing
of writ petition against TikTok ban put off
citing lack of time (kh), Hearing
on Ncell tax dispute case postponed until
February 27 (kh) [???],
NCELL
Controversy: Government in disarray, Opposition
maintains silence, by Gyanu Ghimire (kh), Exercise
in futility : Touring the country won’t be
enough to drum up support for big parties
(kp), Different
shades of migration : The exodus of skilled
workers who could have made a healthy living in
Nepal is also noteworthy, by Jagadish Prasad
Bist (kp), Senior
advocate seeks transparency in property
confiscation issue (rep), Parties’
Mission 84 Gimmick Or Genuine Campaign?, by
Narayan Upadhyay (rn), Nepal all set to get first
female foreign secretary (ae) [And they were all high-caste persons,
including the lady who is now intended!],
65
percent of sexual abuse victims are minor girls,
by Ajabi Poudel (ae), A
challenge of Himalayan magnitude : Nepal faces
the intricate task of navigating an intricate
geopolitical landscape, strategically balancing
the interests of India, China and the US while
advancing its goals, by Upamanyu Basu and
Yukta Acharya (ae)
04/12/2023: Why
Hindu state now? Top political leaders should
realise that Hindutva could destabilise Nepal’s
delicate religious balance (kp), Defending
federal democracy : From ensuring federalism to
rule of law, to good governance and inclusivity,
the latest constitution has everything
progressive for the people. The only thing we
need is to implement the constitution in a true
and material sense, by Jivesh Jha (ae), Nepal remains
committed to secularism: PM Dahal : Why don’t
you (India) adopt Hindu nation? (kh), UML
too hits the campaign trail with an eye
on 2027 vote : As ruling parties are
relatively quiet, opposition forces are
trying to make themselves seen and boost
their prospects, by Binod Ghimire
(kp) [Between
elections, parties should shape policy
in the interests of the people and the
country. What shall happen in the next
four years? The parties seem to see
election campaigns as their primary
task.], Global
aid visions and local realities : We
must understand that INGOs treat the
symptoms but not the disease, by
Subash Pandey (kp), PM
Dahal indicates potential lift of TikTok
ban (kh)
03/12/2023: Rabi
Lamichhane acknowledges lack of inclusivity in
RSP (kh) [And
please also make a clear commitment to
secularism and federalism if the party is to be
an alternative! Both are increasingly being
forgotten by the other major parties!], Durga Prasai to
announce “Citizen’s Government” and “Sanatan
Hindu Rastra” (kh) [As long as coup plotters are allowed to
continue to operate with impunity, as they have
repeatedly done in the recent past, there will
always be new ones. The Hindu state would be a
crime against Nepal's multi-ethnic society!],
On
February 17, King will light a lamp at
Basantapur to mark the proclamation of Nepal as
a Hindu nation: Durga Prasai (rep) [If the political parties
still have a last will for democracy and social
inclusion, then they will have to stop this once
and for all in the interests of the people of
the country!], Tiktok
ban: What does it mean for the future of
democracy in Nepal? Banning TikTok can be seen
as another form of infringing on the right to
freedom of speech, by Pragya Neupane (rep),
Sixth
conference of National Land Rights Forum
commences (rep), Jailed
in connection with Bhutanese Refugee Scam,
former home minister Khand is honored by party!
(rep) [How deep do Deuba
and his NC want to sink? This has nothing to do
with democracy, the rule of law and morality!],
Gender
and sexual minorities suffer abuse in foreign
employment (rep)
02/12/2023: Illogical
logics and raja-badies, by Narayan Manandhar
(rep), NC
General Secy Gagan Thapa calls for investigation
of high officials’ assets post-1990 (kh), Two
judges split on ex-minister Khand’s judicial
custody : High Court upholds former deputy PM
Rayamajhi’s custody. A third judge will decide
on Khand, a former home minister, by Prithvi
Man Shrestha (kp) [???],
Saving
pregnant women, new mothers, newborns, and
elderly a challenge, Jajarkot health officials
say : The home ministry has deployed experts to
the earthquake-hit Jajarkot and Rukum West
districts for clinical mentoring of survivors,
by Arjun Poudel (kp) [Wow,
only one month after the quake!], Many
quake-hit children yet to rejoin school : Out of
423 schools in Jajarkot, 289 have become
uninhabitable or unsafe, by Tripti Shahi
(kp), Nepal's
public debt surpasses Rs 57 billion in the first
four months of FY 2023/24 (rep)
01/12/2023: Earthquake
survivors face severe cold as govt
reconstruction lags, by Laxman Sharma (kh),
Strengthen
Federalism For Effective Service Delivery, by
Ranju Kafle (rn), In
defense of the 2015 constitution : It’s time to
stand up in favor of the 2015 constitution.
Reversing the current course is not a solution
to our current ills (ae), Rastriya
Swatantra Party favours doing away with
provinces : Provinces should be scrapped
altogether or just one representative should
represent a province, the party says, by
Binod Ghimire (kp) [The
RSP is proving to be another male highcast party
which, like the other parties, wants to control
Nepal in a centralised manner. Federalism, which
is more or less unwanted by all parties, could
be a first important step towards better social
inclusion and participation! It has therefore
been one of the main demands of the non-male
high-caste majority for more than 30 years. The
only thing missing now is the endorsement of the
Hindu state!], Nepal
participates in Global Forum against Racism and
Discrimination (rep), The reintroduction of the Hindu state
would be tantamount to racism and
discrimination!], European
Commission extends its decade-long ban on Nepali
airlines : Experts say Prime Minister Dahal
should be held responsible this time as he has
prevented two crucial civil aviation bills from
becoming law, by Sangam Prasain (kp), Take
concrete measures to remove Nepali airlines from
EU's blacklist (rep), Senior
US officials are visiting Nepal : National
Security Council official Rear Admiral Eileen
Laubacher is arriving on Dec 6 while USAID’s
Michael Schiffer is already in Kathmandu, by
Anil Giri (kp) [As part
of the US-Chinese power struggle, the USA
continues to dredge up political influence in
Nepal.], Societal
stigma fuelling HIV drug discontinuation: Docs :
Health ministry doesn’t know the whereabouts of
hundreds of infected people, who discontinued
antiretroviral drugs for months, by Arjun
Poudel (kp), Fake
Bhutanese Refugee Scam: High Court orders remand
for eight people, including Top Bahadur
Rayamajhi : Order to release Sandeep Rayamajhi
and Rijal on bail (rep), Digital
platforms responsible for increasing VAWG cases,
by Pritam Bhattarai (rn), Long
leave the King, by Alisha Sijapati (nt), Looming
Crisis : Despite issuing a statement defending
the present political system and asserting that
there is no threat to it, Durga Prasai, a
businessman and activist, is shaking up the
system (sp)
30/11/2023: Analyzing
monarchists’ resurgence in Nepal : A closer look
at public opinion and political landscape
(kh), Debate
over ‘Hindu Rastra’ surfaces within Nepali
Congress (kh) [No
national party that wants to represent all
Nepalis can even think about the Hindu state for
a moment! Deuba diqualifies himself once again!],
Political
grandstanding takes center stage in
quake-ravaged Jajarkot and Rukum West, by
Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), Winter
Tragedy in Jajarkot: Three-year-old succumbs to
pneumonia, sheltering under tarpaulin after
earthquake (kh), Grant
delay leaves earthquake victims out in the cold
: Distribution of housing grants remains stalled
after data on losses submitted by local
authorities in Jajarkot and West Rukum is found
to be inaccurate, by Krishna Prasad Gautam
(kp), Rastriya
Swatantra Party adopts ‘pluralistic democracy’
as its guiding principle : Analysts say the
party’s political philosophy is vague and it
fails to provide clear answers on its position
on federalism, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [Like the other major
parties, the RSP is overwhelmingly dominated by
male Bahuns. What is alternative about that?
What about social inclusion, which can be better
realised in a federal state?], Behind
the euphoria of higher remittance : Had it not
been for migrant workers, life would have been
tough like in countries with low foreign
currency reserves, by Deepak Thapa (kp), AWC
objects to govt’s crackdown on Durga Prasai-led
protest (rep), PM
Dahal’s Dubai visit sparks chaos: 31 passengers
miss flight after abrupt time shift (rep) [Royal behaviour on the part
of elected representatives?], Durga
Prasai set to unveil ‘civilian govt’ under his
leadership (kh) [Prasai
is approaching a coup! It is time for the state
to put him in his place in a measured manner
and, above all, to rationally dismantle his
fantasies!], Ban
on Nepali airlines continues (kh)
29/11/2023: Secularism
and social inclusion or Hindu state and
monarchy?, by Karl-Heinz Krämer (kh), With
Prasain's Campaign, Nepal's Political Landscape
Heats Up, by Loknath Sangroula (rep) [The criticism of the
government, the parties and all the developments
since Jana Andolan II is well-founded. However,
the monarchy and Hindu state were no better, if
anything even worse (see previous and following
linked articles). And what better alternatives
do these forces have to offer apart from a
return to the Middle Ages and a renewed
intensification of social marginalisation?],
Give
Priority To Stability, by Namrata Sharma
(rn), Takeaways
from German federalism : With less than 10 years
of experience in federalism, Nepal has much to
learn from Germany, by Khim Lal Devkota
(kp), Deliberations
in Australia regarding potential new political
party in Nepal, Dangol and Ghale to attend the
event (kh), Govt
decides to hold NA election on January 25 next
year (kh), Government
considering banning Snapchat, Tinder, and
Telegram (kh) [Regular,
well-founded information about the dangers of
these media and monitoring their misuse would
make more sense than restricting people's
freedoms!], Seven
provinces submit their demands to Prime Minister
Dahal : Dahal promises a decision upon his
return from the UN climate summit in the first
week next month (kp), Government
raises 40 percent of annual loans in first
quarter : Lower-than-expected revenue collection
forces Nepal to raise more debt early in the
fiscal year (kp), Doctor
beaten again: Medical Superintendent of
Siddhartha Children and Women Hospital assaulted
after death of postpartum mother : Medical
superintendent Basyal being treated in ICU,
hospital services stopped (rep)
28/11/2023: Takes
three to tango : A two-tier federal structure
will be no different to the erstwhile unitary
system (kp), Cooperative
federalism in Nepal and Australia : Constituent
governments must cooperate to ensure the
constitution’s effectiveness in dealing with
national issues, by Robert French AC (kp), Pro-monarchy
Bid Untimely Tune : The idea of changing this
system for the sake of old one because some
individuals have made mistakes lacks reasoning
and backing, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn), Political
landscape gripped by tug-of-war between
republicans and monarchists (kh), Congress
open to debating secularism within the party :
Deuba, chief of the largest party, says
secularism could be discussed, but restoration
of monarchy is out of question, by Anil Giri
(kp) [And a return to
the Hindu state is out of the question for all
those who have suffered under it in the past!
The discussion only arises because of the
failure of the leading politicians and parties!],
Nepal
: National Destiny in Disjunction, by Binoj
Basnyat (kh), Arrest
and investigate former King Gyanendra, if you
can: RPP leader challenges NC General Secretary
Thapa (rep) [Misguided
and anti-national demands, arguments and
behaviour must be refuted and exposed with
words!], 15
people arrested including Durga Prasai's
personal secretary (rep), Earthquakes
and Dalit victims : Natural disasters tend to
hurt minorities and poorer sections of society
more, by Mitra Pariyar (kp), Jajarkot
Earthquake: Over 1,000 new mothers struggle in
harsh conditions under Tarpaulins (kh), Nepal grapples with
acute shortage of nurses : Quota for UK
employment falls short (kh), Government
pays Rs 3 billion to contractors, by Bishnu
Pandeya (rn) [Why
doesn't the government settle its dues promptly?]
27/11/2023: Provinces
team up to assert power : Two weeks after their
month-long ultimatum to address six-point
demand, the seven internal affairs ministers
prepare to renew call for police, civil service
laws, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [The politicians, who
continue to think in centralised terms, are
still deliberately preventing the establishment
and development of the federal system!],
Govt
faces challenge as tax arrears soar to Rs 113
billion (kh), Jajarkot
earthquake survivor succumbs to cold (kh), Kamal Thapa pushes
for unified front to reinstate monarchy (kh)
[Back to the Middle Ages
against the will of 95 per cent of democratic
voters?], RPP
Nepal proposes forming broader national front
uniting forces favoring monarchy and Hindu
nation (rep) [No
matter how many may unite, it will always remain
a small minority without a rational perspective!],
Protesters
clash with police in Kathmandu’s Gaushala area
during Durga Prasain’s demonstration (kh), Spectre
of monarchy : It is no coincidence that most of
those clamouring for monarchy are figures like
Durga Prasai (kp), Pro-royalists
are having their moment. Should major parties
worry? Prasai’s rally in Kathmandu has bolstered
and galvanized the groups that wish to bring
back monarchy and Hindu statehood, by Kamal
Dev Bhattarai (ae), Democratic
or regressive? The rulers must respect people's
concerns, create decent jobs and bring tangible
changes in order for the people to keep their
hopes alive in the country and its democratic
system, by Prerana Marasini (ae), Ignore
Prasai but not elements behind the curtain :
Federal lawmaker and CPN-UML standing committee
member Raghuji Pant on the latest trends in
Nepali politics and his party’s approach on
important national issues, interview with
Raghuji Pant, CPN-UML standing committee member
(kp), Durga
Prasai : Navigating controversial path (kh),
Gaushala
clash: Police use tear gas during Prasai-led
protest (kh), Dahal’s
Delhi ‘darshan’ : Holding the decisive votes,
Dahal was the kingmaker. Delhi thought ‘they
could do business’ with him, by Biswas Baral
(kp), Ensure
Public Ownership Of Lawmaking, by Krishna
Man Pradhan (rn)
26/11/2023: 80
percent of GBV includes domestic violence in
Nepal: Police (kh), Identity-based
faction to counter UML’s Mid-Hill Highway
Campaign (kh) [As
with other parties, the national identity
characteristics of the UML are male, high-caste,
Hindu, historically based on the Nepal of the
Shah monarchy and socially and culturally not
inclusive!], Identity
supporters display black flags at Yogesh
Bhattarai’s residence in Taplejung (rep), Prasai’s
campaign uncertain as he fails to unite
monarchists : Silent on his support for Durga
Prasai, former king Gyanendra Shah appears with
RPP chief Lingden in Jhapa, by Anil Giri
(kp) [Unconstitutional
campaigns and demands like those of Durga
Prasai, the RPP and Gyanendra Shah should have
legal consequences!], Handling
Anti-systemic Forces, by Ritu Raj Subedi
(rn), Don't
Turn Clock Back, by Parmeshwar Devkota (rn),
Prasai-led
campaign scheduled in Bhaktapur put off until
further notice, cultural programs in Kathmandu
today (kh), Durga
Prasai withdraws habeas corpus writ petition
(kh), Finance
Minister pledges budget for women empowerment
(rn) [As a member of the
ruling patriarchal elite, you obviously don't
understand that this problem cannot be solved
with money. Make women fully equal and on a par
with men in the constitution and laws! Involve
them appropriately at all levels of public life,
in politics as well as in business, in the
judiciary as well as in education, in the
political parties as well as in administration,
etc.!], 167
cases of domestic violence registered in four
months in Chitwan (rep), Agrarian
country Nepal imports vegetable of Rs 11.87
billion during mid-July and mid-November
(rep) [????], Dedicated
ministry needed to tackle climate change:
Experts, by Shree Ram Subedi (rep), Rendered
homeless by Jajarkot earthquake, elderly people
and children fall victim to extreme cold
(rep) [Is there any
responsible government and administration in
Nepal?]
25/11/2023: Are
major parties wary of Durga Prasai’s campaign?
(kh), Prasai-led
campaign to continue at Sifal following denial
of permission at Tinkune (kh), Prasai
confined to his Thimi house, supporters detained
: He had no prior permission for demonstration,
police say, by Binod Ghimire (kp), We
are not being supported by people living in
Kathmandu Valley: Durga Prasai (kh) [This is a coup with an
announcement. The openly expressed threat
against the obviously rational, democratic
inhabitants of the Kathmandu Valley should
finally be taken seriously and have legal
consequences for the agitator!], Prasai
announces next phases of campaign:
Demonstrations scheduled for Sallaghari and
Basantapur (kh) [Prasai's
demands and goals are for the most part
completely unconstitutional and an affront to
the vast majority of Nepal's population - Dalit,
Janajati, Madheshi, Muslim and women in general
- who continue to suffer the consequences of
Hindu state and monarchy since the ruling elite
continues to be recruited primarily from the
same patriarchal social group.], Former
King Gyanendra unveils statue of King
Prithivi Narayan Shah in Birtamod
(with photos) (kh) [The nexus of top politicians,
political parties, corrupt elements,
ex-monarch and Hindu statesmen seems to
be unfathomable!], Gagan
Thapa affirms people’s republic as the
optimal system (kh),
Quake-hit
families of migrant workers struggle for
survival : Migrant workers from quake-affected
areas in Jajarkot have not been able to return
to India to earn money pushing them into dire
financial straits, by Krishna Prasad Gautam
(kp), Nepal's
Inconstant Neighborhood Policy : There is
widespread perception that Nepal is on track to
losing credibility with both the neighbors,
by Hari Prasad Shrestha (rep)
24/11/2023: Towards
inclusive democracy : Institutions should help
in navigating the transformative potential of
the constitution, by Ananda Mohan Bhattarai
(kp), Street
politics : Anti-establishmentarians take to the
streets hoping to tap on discontent among
Nepalis, by Shristi Karki (nt), Prasai’s
protest, UML demo see no major incidents :
Authorities estimate pro-monarchy demonstration
was smaller than expected. UML wings gather at
Tinkune, by Anil Giri (kp), DAO
denies permission for Prasai’s Tinkune
demonstration (kh), Durga
Prasai accuses DAO of last-minute reversal on
demonstration permission (kh), Govt
deploys police around Durga Prasai’s Bhaktapur
residence (kh), Shahi
Yuva Shakti Chairman and four others arrested
from Tinkune (kh), Administration
on high alert as Prasai group’s demonstration in
Tinkune is expected to be tense (rep), Durga
Prasai provokes crowd for violence (ae), Former
King Shah to visit Jhapa today; 8,000 motorbikes
to escort him (rep) [This completely irresponsible and
anti-national behaviour, especially in the
current situation, must be described as "pouring
oil on the fire"! Politicians like Oli, Dahal
and Deuba, who consider themselves
indispensable, are certainly mainly to blame for
this development. But resist the beginnings!].
Pro-
and anti-republican demonstrations unfold in
Kathmandu as dissatisfaction mounts against govt
(rep), SC
receives writ seeking relief for Durga Prasai’s
detention (kh), Message
of Durga Prasai's Rally (rep), RPP
Chairman issues stark warning as govt detains
Durga Prasai’s supporters (kh), Police
arrest scores of Prasai’s protesters from
Tinkune : Riot police deployed outside the
businessman’s private residence in Thimi,
Bhaktapur (kp), Police
arrest people in national attire taking them for
Durga Prasai’s supporter (kh) [This sounds perverse, but by
the way, in a multiethnic and multicultural
state like Nepal, the traditional dress of a
single group must never be declared the national
dress! This is discriminatory towards all other
social groups!], Top
court issues show cause notice in presidential
pardons : A single bench of Justice Prakash
Dhungana seeks the reasons for commuting
remaining terms of three convicted of murder of
eight policemen and a toddler in Tikapur
incident (kp), Parliamentary
committee calls for complaints against six SC
justice nominees (kh) [Five of them are already disqualified
because of their ethnicity, as nine of the 14
sitting judges are Bahun; there are also only
two women! What kind of social inclusion
practice is this?], Trade
deficit exceeds 460 billion in first quarter of
current fiscal year (kh), International
conference on federalism: Takeaways for Nepal :
Federalism should be a tool for creating
inclusive policies around the nation and not
just an end to itself, by Simone Galimberti
(nlt)
23/11/2023: Experts
blame centralized mindsets and bureaucracy for
poor implementation of federalism : They
attributed the failure of the federal system to
deliver as per the people’s expectations to the
centralist mindset of the politicians as well as
the bureaucrats (nlt) [None of the so-called leading politicians
really stands for federalism and social
inclusion. They are all centralist high-caste
men who continue to identify Nepal exclusively
with their own culture and mindset and disregard
the multi-ethnicity and diversity of Nepal's
cultures!], Is
it a peace process? Though peace is an end in
itself, it was also treated as a means in the
war-torn Nepal, by Birendra P Mishra (kp), Earthquake-hit
Salyan schools running classes out in the cold :
Schools still not priority for local authorities
as they are busy caring for displaced people,
by Biplab Maharjan (kp), Health
ministry seeks food aid from WFP and UNICEF for
distribution in quake-hit districts : Officials
warn of high risk of malnutrition among children
under five, new mothers and pregnant women in
the affected areas (kp), Half-empty
economic cup : If the prime minister wants to
pep up the economy, he should start by
correcting his own inconsistencies (kp), Police employ
jammer vehicle amidst demonstrations in
Kathmandu disrupting mobile networksb (kh) [The government is becoming
more and more authoritarian! Restrictions on
fundamental rights should only be made with the
utmost caution!], Leaders
‘not to spare’ foes of republican order : “Any
attempt to overthrow the federal democratic
republican polity will have serious
consequences” (ae) [This is gratifying, but you should first
implement democracy, federalism and republic
properly before you can preserve them. So far,
we have to speak of an oligarchy of of
centralized, high-caste men!], How
did Durga Prasai get this far? (ae), Durga
Prasain’s activities, statements against law
(ae), Supporters
of Yuwa Sangh and Durga Prasai-led group pelt
stones at each other in Balkhu, situation under
control now (kp), Balkhu
area tense as Prasai-led group attempts to move
towards prohibited areas (kp), Police
fire half a dozen tear gas shells and water
cannons in Balkhu to disperse the crowd, by
Ishwari Subedi (rep), Police
fire 159 tear gas shells, 5 rubber bullets in
Balkhu protest (kh), Durga
Prasai’s supporters to demonstrate in Tinkune
from Friday (kh), Durga
Prasai refutes reports of Kathmandu strike on
Friday : Plans peaceful demonstration in Tinkune
(kh)
22/11/2023: 17
years—and counting : Beyond the paraphernalia of
the peace lie deep wounds of the war that are
yet to be healed (kp), Council
ignores hierarchy as it picks six Supreme Court
justices : Officials report 'pressure' to make
appointments such that lawyers cannot be chief
justice, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [Especially in disregard of
the urgent need for social inclusion!], SC urges action
against political corruption in broker license
distribution (kh), Nepal Police
warns against VPN use for banned TikTok (kh)
[This proves the
delusion and incompetence of the Nepalese
government. VPN is extremely important for the
cyber security of internet users. Should it be
banned now, too?], A
traffic jam in Jaleshwar : At least in Madhesh,
federalism has little to do with better
governance and faster development, by CK Lal
(kp), Teasing
us could result in dire circumstances: Durga
Prasai (kh) [This
radical leader of a minority threatens to return
the multi-ethnic and multicultural country to
the Middle Ages!], Government
shows caution ahead of Prasai’s planned
demonstration : Kathmandu and Lalitpur declare
no-go areas. CPN-UML and Durga Prasai shown
different venues to stage protests (kp), Resolving citizens’
dissatisfaction a must for strengthening system:
Gagan Thapa (kh), Durga
Prasai vows to liberate debtors as PM Dahal
warns of taking action against loan defaulters
(rep), Cold-related
ailments have claimed several lives in Jajarkot
after the November 3 earthquake : Thousands of
people including many new mothers have been
forced to take shelter under makeshift plastic
tents amid the growing winter cold, by Arjun
Poudel (kp), Prime
Minister Dahal, Finance Minister Mahat ‘sitting
on their hands’ as the economy falters : It was
only on Tuesday the prime minister invited the
private sector and experts to discuss the
economy, by Sangam Prasain (kp), Three
local units in Mustang call for removal of their
areas from list of prohibited zones (rep) [Why not declare Baluwatar
and Singha Darbar as prohibited zones for
politicians instead?], CPN
(Maoist Center) and Nepal Samajwadi Party set to
unify forming CPN (Socialist) (rep)
21/11/2023: Peace
deal into 17th year, yet no justice for victims
: Thousands of victims of Nepal’s Maoist
insurgency that ended in 2006 are still awaiting
closure, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Where
does Nepal stand 17 years after a landmark peace
deal?, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), 17
years after the CPA, justice eludes victims in
Nepal (kh), Conflict-affected
communities demand passage of bill to amend
transitional justice act (kh), NHRC
urges govt. to conclude transitional justice
process soon (kh), Urgent
measures considered as govt seeks solutions amid
lingering economic crisis (kh), Out
in the cold : Authorities must act fast to avoid
more deaths and hardship in the quake-affected
areas (kp), Quake
survivor’s family loses infant to pneumonia
(kh), Free
speech advocates decry social media directive
saying it oversteps Electronic Transactions Act
: Government on Monday released the full text of
the directive issued on November 10 (kp), Ministry
sees no legal difficulty in redirecting pork
barrel fund for quake victims : In August, the
Supreme Court had halted the implementation of
the controversial programme (kp) [Perhaps the government
should enquire in Germany: There, a similar
procedure has just been ruled undemocratic and
unconstitutional by the supreme court.],
Maitighar-Baneshwor
area declared off-limits for protests : The move
comes days before Durga Prasain and Mahesh
Basnet’s planned protests, by Pratik Ghimire
(ae), Debt
centralism vs federalism : Local levels having
to raise loans is obvious as they are directly
responsible for public services, by Achyut
Wagle (kp), Keep
Vigil On Unconstitutional Moves, by Narayan
Upadhyay (rn), No
review on fuel prices as auto pricing fails : On
October 1, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal
ordered the cancellation of the increased price
of cooking gas, rendering the auto pricing
mechanism defunct, by Krishana Prasain (kp),
Nepal
needs a truly national foreign policy, by
Durga Lamichhane (ae), Judicial
Council recommends six names for appointment as
Supreme Court judges (kh) [The names suggest that 85
per cent of the Nepalis are Bahun. Or how is
this to be understood in terms of the prescribed
social inclusion? The high-caste Hindu state
fanatics will be delighted!], SC
judges’ recommendations reflect political power
sharing : Chief Justice opposes PM Dahal's and
Deuba's choices, by Ishwar Dev Khanal (kh) [So much for independent
jurisdiction!], SC
issues show cause order against government on
TikTok ban (rep)
20/11/2023: 17
years after Comprehensive Peace Accord, conflict
survivors still yearning for justice (rep),
Rule
of law, transparency and participation in Nepal,
by Krishna Man Pradhan (ae), Two
weeks on, earthquake-displaced people are
shivering under flimsy tents : Various health
complications triggered by cold are stalking the
camps of the displaced, by Tripti Shahi
(kp), Authorities
not to allow concurrent programs by Yuwa Sangh
and Durga Prasai at same venue (kh), SC
delays initial hearing on TikTok ban writ due to
time constraints, by Raghab Sharma (kh), Stooping
too low? We have bridged the digital divide, but
the knowledge divide on digital media use is
widening, by Dharma Adhikari (kp), Preparation
on for resuming school operations in
quake-affected areas after constructing
temporary structures (rep), What
are legal measures in place to ensure child
protection in Nepal? (rep)
19/11/2023: Upcoming
UML-Durga Prasai showdown puts government on
security alert : In a love-hate with the main
opposition, Prasai is rallying people behind his
cause of restoring monarchy, by Binod
Ghimire (kp), Lapsephedi
clashes snapshot of hassles in building power
lines : At least three police personnel were
injured as locals hurled stones and over a dozen
people allegedly behind the attack were held,
Kathmandu district administration says, by
Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Patchy
relief: Lessons from Jajarkot : The question is
how quickly and effectively emergency support
reaches those in need, by Madhukar Upadhya
(kp), The
cost of banning TikTok : Policymakers should
focus on regulating content rather than imposing
blanket bans, by Roshee Lamichhane (kp), Dr
KC warns of launching a fresh
fast-unto-death protest from December 15
(rep)
18/11/2023: Antimicrobial
resistance in Nepal reaching alarming levels,
say experts : Widespread use of antibiotics,
especially in livestock and poultry farming, has
also been named a potential driver, by Arjun
Poudel (kp), Cold
taking its toll on quake-displaced in Karnali :
Children, new mothers, elderly people and
patients of chronic illnesses are the hardest
hit. Five displaced persons died in Jajarkot
over past eight days, by Krishna Prasad
Gautam,. Mahesh KC and Biplab Maharjan (kp), Bringing
Informal Polity Into Constitutional Domain,
by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Govt
collects Rs 152.80 million to help Jajarkot
earthquake victims while those sufferring
struggle to get relief (rep)
17/11/2023: TikTok
expresses concern as debate over its ban rages
on : Government seems determined to impose the
ban. Critics say the platform should be better
regulated, not banned, by Anil Giri (kp), TikTok ban faces
legal firestorm at SC, Preliminary hearing on
November 20 (kh), Playing
with fire : As local units are short of
firefighting equipment, we are at a perennial
risk of loss of life and property (kp), Financing
large hydro : The government must act as an
enabler instead of borrowing to build hydro
power plants, by Bishal Thapa (kp), How
a provincial government squandered tax money :
More than Rs330 million in taxpayer money
allocated for the construction of cold storage
facilities in Lumbini Province has gone to waste,
by Ghanshyam Gautam (kp), Growing
a Green Economy, by Hari Prasad Shrestha
(rep), What
is Nepal’s agenda for COP 28? (rep)
16/11/2023: Dalit
community comes forward for culture conservation
(rep), Commercial
banks decrease interest rates (kh), Unraveling
the culture and politics of Tiktok : The
ban on TikTok poses a challenge and
jeopardizes the individual freedoms that
the democratic system aims to protect.
It might just open a Pandora’s box that
we may not want to travel down the path
it opens, by Alok K Bohara (nlt)
15/11/2023: Y-o-Y
Consumer Price Inflation surges in Ktm Valley
and Mountain region: NRB (rep)
14/11/2023: Did
political consensus drive the govt’s ban on
TikTok in Nepal? (kh), Ban
on TikTok is violation of constitutional
freedom: Stakeholders (kh), PM
Dahal justifies TikTok ban as measure to tackle
social chaos (kh), Nepal
Sambat, Mha Puja being observed today (kh),
President
dubs Nepal Sambat as ‘original calendar’ of
Nepal (kh) [And
why do you continue to use an Indian one?],
Sakhwa’s
role in social justice history memorable: PM
Dahal (kh) [Nepal
Sambat is a historical fact, but Sakhwa is a
myth, Mr. Dahal!], KMC
urges adoption of Nepal Sambat as national
calendar (rep)
13/11/2023: Korala
border in Mustang to open today after four years
of closure (kh), Medical
Education Act will be amended: Health Minister
Basnet (kh), Govt
decides to shut down TikTok in Nepal (kh), UML’s
continued backing keeps Koshi coalition
government afloat : We prioritise stability over
other considerations, says UML chief whip
(kp), Relief
for the resourceful : At least the most
egregious misuse of relief material must be
probed and the guilty punished (kp), Climate
change and false hope : Narrowing climate change
to hope leads to the denial of the sickening and
sinking emotions that the landscapes are already
experiencing, by Saumya Pandey (kp), No
new entity needed for reconstruction : One year
is not enough. We need at least two years to
rebuild damaged structures, interview with
Thira Lal Bhusal (kp), Senior
citizens in wait for effective implementation of
Senior Citizens Act (rep)
12/11/2023: Chinese
‘regional approach’ apparent in Tibet
delegation’s Gandaki outreach : As the region
bordering Nepal, Beijing assigns Tibet to work
with Kathmandu on BRI projects, observers say,
by Anil Giri (kp), Why
Jajarkot earthquake is just a warning sign : As
tectonic pressure builds, quakes are
unavoidable. More dangerous are poor structures
and unpreparedness, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Nepal’s
debt grows by Rs41 billion in the first quarter
: International Monetary Fund suggests Nepal
continue borrowing foreign loans at concessional
terms (kp), The
façade of Shital Niwas : Will President Paudel
violate constitutional provisions if they are
contrary to Cabinet recommendations?, by
Semanta Dahal (kp), Melting
glaciers: Nepal in climate hot spot, by
Indira Aryal (rn)
11/11/2023: PM
vows to lead new movement for good governance,
prosperity (kh) [The
beginning of such a movement should be the
immediate withdrawal of Dahal, Oli, Deuba and
similarly failed politicians from politics in
order to give Nepal a chance for renewal!],
Inner-party
Democracy Ends Mass Alienation, by Dev Raj
Dahal (rn), Triple
whammy: Earthquake, death and now the biting
cold : Two earthquake survivors in western Nepal
died of cold-related ailments. Biting cold is
causing more hardship, especially for the
elderly and children (nlt)
10/11/2023: Survivors
of last month’s Bajhang earthquake are still
living in tents : Around 35 homes in Kuchgaun of
Thalara in the district were destroyed in a
magnitude 6.3 earthquake on October 3. The
displaced say the government has provided no
help, by Basanta Pratap Singh (kp) [Statements by
politicians are smoke and mirrors! They
never stick to what they say afterwards!],
Expert
panel urges government to launch immunisation
drive in earthquake-hit districts : Health
ministry officials say children in the districts
will be given an additional dose each of
measles-rubella and polio vaccines, by Arjun
Poudel (kp), All-party
team from Madhesh memos prime minister on
provincial powers : Leaders from other provinces
throw their weight behind Madhes as it wrestles
Singha Durbar for authority (kp), Provinces
against centre : Kathmandu should refrain from
encroaching on the jurisdiction of subnational
governments (kp), Need
for Judicial Reforms for Accountability and
Efficiency, by Kalyan Shrestha (kh), This
System Will Not Improve Even If ‘Top Leaders’
Retire, by Rabindra Mishra (rep) [In addition to some rational
criticism of Nepal's political situation, this
originally "alternative" again calls for a
return to monarchy, Hindu state and a reformed
1990s system. Monarchy and Hindu state are
responsible for the basic evils of modern Nepal
and the 1990 system was similarly abused by the
party politicians as the present one. And why
should Nepal return to an institution that has
repeatedly committed coups? It would make more
sense to exclude those responsible for the
failure of the 2015 system, to fundamentally
reform and implement the latter system in a
socially inclusive manner and, above all, to
democratise the political parties and the
electoral system!], Loktantra’s
Moral Turpitude, by Dipak Gyawali (sp) [Dipak's criticism of the
current political system as abused by so-called
top politicians is fundamentally correct.
However, the Hindu state is not a solution, as
Nepal is a multicultural state. And the monarchy
was no better than today's politicians: several
coups, suppression of civil liberties, excessive
enrichment at the expense of the people, lack of
political stability with constantly changing
governments, marginalisation of large sections
of the population, extremely centralist
orientation of the state, etc. What's the
difference? ], Reasons
Behind Low Capital Spending, by Chandra Mani
Adhikari (rn), Nepali
Women In Changed Media Landscape, by Tulasi
Acharya (rn), Belt
And Road: No Belt, No Road – The Stalled Journey
In Nepal, by Bipin Adhikari (sp)
09/11/2023: Provinces
rise up against Kathmandu over denied powers :
Besides moving court, Madhesh issues 30-day
ultimatum demanding speedy adjustment of police
personnel, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [Oli, Dahal and Deuba are in
favour of the republic but still prefer
everything under the control of the national
level and are therefore responsible for the
post-2015 dilemma. The small but diehard RPP
wants to abolish federalism and secularism and
go back to the Hindu state under the leadership
of the failed monarchy. This is all
unconstitutional!], Pro-republic
leaders stress vigilance in safeguarding
republicanism (kh), SC
to begin hearing writ against release of Resham
Chaudhary today (kh), Earthquake-displaced
are falling sick due to poor living conditions
and cold : Drinking water is a big concern. They
complain that the relief materials provided by
the government are not enough, by Krishna
Prasad Gautam (kp), No
quake relief for outsiders, by Hemanta Joshi
(ae), Justices
and justice : Delayed justice is becoming the
norm as the case-load of the Supreme Court
continues to increase (kp), Assessing
clemency laws, by Jivesh Jha (ae), Youth
Exodus Darkens Country’s Future, by Bishnu P
Gautam (rn), Vested
Interests Penetrate Policies, by Mukti Rijal
(rn)
08/11/2023: Experts
warn of mental health problems in quake-hit
areas : Study showed 34 percent rise in anxiety,
20 percent jump in alcohol use and 11 percent
increase in suicidal thoughts, by Arjun
Poudel (kp), CARE
Nepal draws attention to GBV, disease outbreak
post earthquake in Jajarkot, pledges
psychological counseling (rep), Disaster
and disease : Preventing the quake-affected from
falling ill is a top priority and a challenge
for local authorities (kp), Jajarkot:
Lessons learnt and not : The government must
discourage disaster tourism for domestic and
international do-gooders, by CK Lal (kp), The
perils of fragile institutions : How can Nepal
cultivate institutional frameworks that stand
the test of time?, by Rajib Neupane (kp), Misjudging
Politics as Service, by Atindra Dahal (rep)
07/11/2023: State
of unpreparedness : The Jajarkot quake proved
the rationale of federalism with generously
devolved power to local governments, by
Achyut Wagle (kp), Jajarkot
and Rukum West earthquake kills more than 80
children with another 5,000 left homeless in
freezing conditions (nlt), Jajarkot
earthquake: 35,000 families left homeless
(kh), 1.3m
exposed to earthquake: UN (ae), State
failing thousands of quake survivors (ae), Aid
dispersal begins in quake-hit areas : But
victims in several far-flung villages away from
roads are yet to receive any assistance, by
Harihar Singh Rathore (kp), Quake
victims tell president they are yet to get
relief, by Nagendra Upadhyaya (rep), Government
mulls two approaches for quake reconstruction :
The options include amending existing laws,
policies related to reconstruction, or setting
up a new body, by Anil Giri (kp), Nepal
among the lowest in South Asia in HDI : With the
HDI value of 0.602, the republic stands second
lowest in per capita income in the region, with
only Afghanistan ranking lower, by Prithvi
Man Shrestha (kp), Air
quality reaches ‘unhealthy’ levels in Kathmandu
Valley, sparking public health concerns :
Kathmandu ranked seventh most-polluted city in
the world with PM2.5 levels soaring to 154
micrograms per cubic metre on Monday morning,
by Arjun Poudel (kp), Saving
the Nation in Peril, by Niranjan Mani Dixit
(rep) [Despite all the
well-founded criticism of the politics of recent
decades, especially of the so-called top
politicians of the political parties who have
completely failed and harmed the state, the
author is wrong in his condemnation of
federalism and his call for a return to the
non-inclusive Hindu state of the former Shah
monarchy! The Hindu monarchy is anachronistic,
is largely to blame for the problems of modern
Nepal and does not fit in with modern times.
Moreover, Hinduism and the culture of the Khas
Arya are only partial aspects of a much more
diversified Nepalese identity!], Nepal
government, donors agree to scale up GRID
(ae)
06/11/2023: Nepal
loses its say in international forums if NHRC is
downgraded : Former Chief Justice Anup Raj
Sharma, who also led the National Human Rights
Commission, on a legion of issues related to
presidential pardon and the constitutional
rights watchdog, interview with Anup Raj
Sharma (kp), Quake
survivors await aid amid essential shortages :
‘It’s unbearably cold outside and none of us had
any sleep since Friday night,’ says a resident
of Chiuritol in Jajarkot, by Krishna Prasad
Gautam, Mahesh KC and Biplab Maharjan (kp), After
the quake : The problem is not a paucity of
relief material but quickly getting them to all
the places they are needed (kp), Experts
blame government neglect for higher losses in
‘moderate’ Jajarkot earthquake : Had we worked
towards improving the buildings by learning from
past earthquakes, the extent of loss could have
been reduced, says seismologist, by Binod
Ghimire (kp), Prioritise
Quake Safety Measures, by Ballav Dahal (rn),
Preventing
disease outbreaks a challenge in the quake’s
wake : At least 157 people died, hundreds were
injured and thousands displaced in the M6.4
earthquake that rocked Jajarkot and West Rukum
of Karnali Province on Friday night, by
Arjun Poudel (kp), Awaiting
relief from a quaking state (ae), President
Paudel postpones Europe trip (kh), Climate
change and Nepal’s cryosphere, by Mohan B
Chand and Lakshman Lama (ae)
05/11/2023: Earthquake
wreaks havoc in Jajarkot, Rukum West : As of
Saturday night, 157 were confirmed killed and
375 injured in the quake with the epicentre at
Barekot Rural Municipality of Jajarkot, by
Krishna Prasad Gautam and Mahesh KC (kp), UN
chief puts a spotlight on Nepal’s climate crisis
: The points raised by Antonio Guterres amplify
the climate concerns of the country that has
little contribution to global warming, by
Arjun Poudel (kp), Brain
Drain : A Concerning Trend in Nepal, by
Krishna Verma (rep), Controversy
surrounds President Paudel's visit to France
during earthquake crisis (rep), Litmus
Test Of Nepal’s Diplomacy, by Ritu Raj
Subedi (rn)
04/11/2023: Scores
dead as 6.4M earthquake jolts west Nepal : Over
250 casualties have been confirmed in the quake
that occurred late on Friday. Prime Minister
Dahal directs for immediate rescue and relief
(kp), Koshi
Province Cabinet Expansion: UML quits Koshi govt
(kh), Nepal's
elusive peace process and Guterres’ initiative,
by Pushpa Raj Joshi (rep), Governance
Efficacy Vital For Functional State, by Dev
Raj Dahal (rn)
03/11/2023: Cabinet,
President face setback as top court overturns
disputed pardon : Supreme Court says decision to
forgive murder convict Yograj Dhakal was
constitutionally and legally flawed, by Anil
Giri (kp) [This is
justice, quite the opposite of what Dahal, Deuba
and Oli are constantly blathering about!],
SC
nixes prez pardon granted to convict Regal,
by Sabitri Dhakal (ae), CIAA
issues directive to govt for effective project
management (kh), CIAA
directs all governments not to allocate funds
for half-baked projects : Warns public officials
of action if they disburse budget by abusing
their authority (kp), Making
Nepali media child friendly : Newsrooms must
uphold strong editorial practices that promote
children’s issues, by Ayush Joshi and Arun Rai
(kp)
02/11/2023: Rights
watchdog retains ‘A’ status—for now : Global
alliance of rights organisations says it made
the decision in view of pending court hearings
on disputed appointments, by Binod Ghimire
(kp) [So again only
temporarily, because the attitude of the
politicians is still unchanged!], NHRC
retains ‘A’ status with riders attached
(ae), Prime
Minister Dahal says parties close to deal on
transitional justice : ‘We are on the same page
on the issue,’ says Oli, after meeting Dahal and
Deuba (kp) [So,
three failed politicians sit down together and
believe that they can bring justice to the
victims after such a long time, without
involving the latter in the solution! And the
three of them bear at least partly the
responsibility for the crimes of that time! They
will be endeavored with priority to come finely
from the matter!], Mounting
internal debt puts Nepal’s economy in a tight
spot (kh), Prisoner
pardoned by President arrested for extortion :
The accused, with a lengthy criminal history,
had served four and a half years in prison
before being pardoned by President Paudel on
Republic Day, by Ramesh Kumar Paudel (kp) [What is the background for
pardoning convicted criminals? Always a
political one?], SC
overturns President’s decision to provide
amnesty to Regal : Orders Regal's immediate
arrest (kh), Yograj
Dhakal “Regal” arrested (kh), Ensure
justice to journalists : Nepal has failed to
acknowledge and commit to implementing the UN
Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists,
by Taranath Dahal and Nanu Maiya Khadka (kp), Parliament
session ending today
(kh), Parliament
spent about 6 crores in
6 months to formulate
only one law: Lamichhane
(kh), UML
lambasts government’s
‘ineffectiveness’ in
Parliament (kp) [Yet
it was the UML that
drove the
ineffectiveness of
parliamentary work with
its weeks-long blockade!]
01/11/2023: NHRC's
'A' category ranking to remain unchanged
(rep), PM
Dahal discusses Transitional Justice Bill with
Deuba and Oli (kh) [Without the participation of
representatives of the victims, discussions of
those responsible in the conflict at that time
are completely pointless! Not only Dahal, but
especially Deuba bear a great responsibility for
the escalation of the conflict at that time!],
UN
ready to support Nepal’s TJ process, by
Antonio Guterres (ae), In
Parliament, UN chief stresses victim-centric
transitional justice : Antonio Guterres says
Nepal needs more support to tackle impacts of
climate change, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [And why did he not talk to
representatives of the victims?], Do
something, anything : Leaders of the movement
for federalism are in power, but its
implementation is lacking, by Khim Lal
Devkota (kp), As
harvesting season starts, so does open burning :
The growing use of combine harvesters in the
Tarai region also fuels the open burning of
agriculture residue, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Towards
an inclusive health system : We need to create
people-centred health systems by fostering
dialogue and effective community engagement,
by Jhabindra Bhandari (kp), Refugees
Bring Opportunities, Too, by Namrata Sharma
(rn), Judicial
committees need more teeth, by Krishna Man
Pradhan (ae)
31/10/2023: Who
will save NHRC?, by Ram Dayal Rakesh (ae), Members
of conflict victims police family urge the UN
chief to heed their plights : ‘When individuals
involved in acts of murder, looting, and
terrorism hold positions within the government,
the prospect of justice for the victims and
their families appears to be an unattainable
dream’ (nlt), Citizens
caution UN Secretary-General to ‘spoilers’ of
peace process : ‘While you did meet the two
erstwhile warring sides, you were not able to
meet the victims of conflict even though
representatives of five organizations had
submitted a letter on the morning of 30 October
seeking an appointment (nlt) [see official
statement], Federalism-related
disputes pile up at Supreme Court : Six cases
are sub judice and now Bagmati seeks repeal of
Urban Area Public Transport (Management)
Authority Act, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Guterres
issues urgent plea on climate: Stop this madness
: Pledges to present the concerns of affected
Nepali communities at next month’s UN climate
conference, by Anil Giri (kp), Locals
look to UN chief Guterres to initiate
conversation on saving Annapurna Base Camp :
Soil erosion triggered by the South Annapurna
glacier melt has put lives and businesses at
risk of landslides and avalanches, by Deepak
Pariyar (kp), Heed
the chief : The UN head made a vital call to
consider global practices, Nepali justice system
and victims’ voices (kp), Civil
society network hails Guterres's visit to Nepal
: Urge to prioritize mountain agenda in global
climate negotiations (rep), Govt
grants fail to benefit targeted groups
(rep), Peace
founded on inclusion, empowerment, and justice
will last longer: PM Dahal (kh) [What an unrealistic
statement! The claim of social inclusion alone
has no basis. Nepal remains a patriarchal Khas
Arya state. Other social groups are almost not
involved, Mr. Dahal! And this contradicts all
your statements from the time of the insurgency,
whose crimes remain unpunished even more than 17
years after its end!], Judicial
System Awaits Reforms, by Uttam Maharjan
(rn), Over
25 per cent Nepali households in debt: NSO
(ht)
30/10/2023: Conflict
victims draw UN chief’s attention to their
plight : Seek to meet visiting secretary general
in person. Successive governments have remained
reluctant to make good on the promises made in
the 2006 peace accord, they say, by Binod
Ghimire (kp), ‘TJ
process should meet international standards’
(ae), A
‘Nepali’ peace process : The success of the
transitional justice process lies in the action
of the House committee, by Charan Prasai
(kp), United
Nations chief calls for justice for insurgency
victims : Vows support for peace process while
stressing adherence to international standards,
by Anil Giri (kp), Concluding
peace process in focus as leaders meet Guterres
: UML chief Oli accuses Prime Minister Dahal of
delaying the peace process with his decision to
‘glorify violence’ (kp), Speaker
Ghimire discusses peace process with Guterres,
by Bal Krishna Sah (ht), Natural
disasters prompt mass exodus from villages :
Many settlements in Baglung district in western
Nepal have been grappling with outmigration
after recurring landslides and floods in recent
years, by Prakash Baral (kp), The
vote against Israel : Having faced multiple
blockades, Nepal cannot be indifferent to the
plight of the people of Gaza (kp), Churning
Ideals Into Reality: The UN Underpins Hope,
by Deepak Dhital (rn), Building
Political Culture (rn), Lawmaker
Ansari slams nepotism, favouritism in
nominations of election candidates (ht) [This was already the
intention of the so-called top politicians when
they drafted the constitution! The elitism of
male Khas Arya politicians was to continue!],
Bagmati
govt files writ against federal govt (kh)
29/10/2023: Human
Rights Commission requests global alliance to
save its ‘A’ status : The umbrella body of human
rights institutions from 127 countries is
expected to make the decision within a week
(kp), TJ
process must meet int'l standards, SC's rulings
and needs of victims: UN Secretary-General
Gutterres (rep), UN
Secretary-General to engage in high-level
meetings today (kh), UN
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in Kathmandu
: The visit of the UN chief is watched with
interest in Kathmandu because the transitional
justice process, vital part of peace process of
which the UN was also a stakeholder, remains in
limbo for years (nlt), UN
Secretary General Guterres arrives on four-day
visit : His itinerary includes visiting Lumbini,
Annapurna Base Camp and Everest region besides
engagements in Kathmandu, by Anil Giri (kp),
Churning
ideals into reality the United Nations underpins
hope, by Deepak Dhital (rn), Big
festivals in post-political times : Festivals
directly touch the lives of the people and lay
bare their living conditions, by Abhi Subedi
(kp), Ethics
in utilising public purse : Nepal’s legal and
institutional frameworks can yield expected
results only with ethical approaches, by
Hari Sharma (kp), Israel-Hamas
War and Nepal, by Narayan Manandhar (rep), Nepali
peacekeeping army injured in Lebanon (rn), Maoist Chairman
Prachanda ‘disrupting’ Nepal’s peace process,
UML Chair Oli tells Guterres (kh) [Yes and Oli repeatedly
supported him in this, grossly damaged democracy
and the constitution and is the main responsible
for the bad reputation of the NHRC!]
28/10/2023: UML
mulls Koshi exit over Karki’s Cabinet expansion
plans : The chief minister reportedly also wants
to appoint ministers from Maoist Centre and CPN
(Unified Socialist), by Binod Ghimire (kp),
UN
Secretary General Antonio Guterres is arriving
on Sunday : He will address a joint session of
parliament and meet communities affected by
climate change in the Himalayas (kp), UN
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres arriving in
Nepal on a four-day official visit (rep), Accountable
Governance For Shared Prosperity, by Dev Raj
Dahal (rn), Nepal
supports UN resolution calling for immediate
‘humanitarian truce’ in Israel-Hamas war
(kp), Israel
expresses displeasure as Nepal votes for a UN
resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian
truce (rep)
27/10/2023: Future
of NHRC : It is useless to have a rights body
when the govt does not implement its
recommendations (ht) ‘The
UN Secretary-General should encourage expedited
reforms and a diligent search for solutions to
Nepal’s peace process’, interview with Tika
Prasad Dhakal (nlt), Koshi
Province CM Karki’s effort to form coalition
govt in Koshi draws UML’s warning to exit
(kh) [As long as the
provinces remain under the direct influence and
control of the national level, federalism has no
chance!], Koshi
chaos: Demurring the effectiveness of
federalism. The political turbulence in
Koshi Province serves as a cautionary
statement for Nepal's federalism, by
Pushpa Raj Joshi (ht), A
Cautious Welcome to the UN
Secretary-General, and a Reference Brief,
by Kanak Mani Dixit (rep)
26/10/2023: Disgust
with old parties laid ground for new alternative
forces: Former PM Dr. Bhattarai (kh)
25/10/2023: DPM
Shrestha returns home after recovery (rep)
24/10/2023: Govt
explores int'l markets for dairy products amidst
sales challenges (rep), Mounting
delays in driver's license printing pose
frustration for applicants (rep)
23/10/2023: DPM
Shrestha discharged from hospital (rep) Kathmandu
Valley wears a deserted
look as population thins
out in Dashain
(rep), NRNA
leadership dispute:
Disgruntled RK Sharma
calls for re-vote,
challenges elected
President Badri KC
(kh), Lawmakers
must fulfill promises
and commitments made
during election: Khatun
(kh)
22/10/2023: Earthquake
jolts Kathmandu (kh), 6.1
magnitude earthquake jolts Kathmandu Valley :
National Earthquake Monitoring and Research
Centre records tremor at 7:39 am, Four
earthquakes hit Dhading (kp), Dhading
CDO reports landslides and fallen trees
following earthquake (rep), Earthquake
completely destroys 20 houses and damages 75
other houses in Dhading (rep), Multiple
earthquakes shake Kathmandu and surrounding
areas on Sunday (kh), An
aftershock of the Gorkha earthquake, not a new
event: Seismologist Bhattarai (rep), Koshi
political row : Rough Road Ahead For New CM,
by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), Shahi
calls for electoral reforms, intervention in
education system, by Narayan Neupane (rn)
21/10/2023: President
Paudel to embark on European tour starting Nov 8
(kh), Now
Chief Justice, Nepal Army head visiting China :
Chief Justice will go to Xinjiang, army chief
will attend Beijing-Xiangshan Forum, a security
dialogue platform, by Anil Giri (kp) [???], Govt
urges to address concerns surrounding NHRC
(rep) [But this is an
extremely late response, isn't it, just two days
before the GANHRI decision!], NHRC
in danger of being downgraded (ht), The
Centrality Of The Just Order : Ethical conduct
of leaders and the educated public can give hope
for people to live peacefully under the shared
sovereignty, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), UN
Secy General Guterres to address joint house
session, by Bal Krishna Sah (ht), Economic
Renewal: The Time Is Now for Privatizing Public
Enterprises, by Sindhuj Thapa (rep)
20/10/2023: Losing
faith in the system :
The state of politics
and bureaucracy in Nepal
demands urgent attention
and reform, by
Tulasi Acharya (kp), FNJ
Kantipur chapter
denounces participation
of a political leader in
protest : The chapter
says that it always
stands for working
journalists and is
determined in its
mission to promote their
cause (kp), Save
or celebrate? People
don’t have much money to
spend this Dashain. But
can they at least be
optimistic of a better
tomorrow? (kp), We
are keen to ensure that
transitional justice is
served for the conflict
victims, interview
with EU Envoy to Nepal,
Veronique Lorenzo (rep), Poll
candidates : The issue
is one of integrity of
those contesting the
three tiers of elections
(ht), We
demand answers, by
Sanat Neupane (ae), Complaints
on violation of
journalist code of
conduct on the rise
(ae), Nepal
for the Nepalis
(ae), Remittonomics
and conflict : The
fragility of Nepal’s
economy is once more
highlighted by the
conflict in West Asia,
by Sonia Awale (nt), Kosi
now, Kathmandu next?
Will Pushpa Kamal Dahal
keep his promise to hand
over prime ministership
to Sher Bahadur Deuba,
or will he do an Oli?
(nt)
19/10/2023: The
Unequal Balance of Power : Kathmandu's Dual
Standard on Rule Enforcement, by Nabraj Lama
(rep), Govt
decides to draft a bill to regulate NHRC
(rep), CIAA
recommends barring indicted people from election,
by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Messy
politics and a way out, by Jagadish Dahal
(ae), Dahal’s
China visit and Nepal’s foreign policy,
by Prakriti Adhikari (ae), Lawmaker
Bhattarai stresses need of awareness
about legislative roles of parliament
(kh)
18/10/2023: So
many entities, so little work : There are many
intergovernmental bodies, but their impact
appears to be negligible, by Khim Lal
Devkota (kp), Data
vulnerability in Nepal : Legal safeguards are
essential to ensuring ethical data handling by
domestic and foreign entities, by Newal
Chaudhary (kp), Semiotics
Of The Term 'Cheli' By relegating women to
subservient roles through language, the society
inadvertently fosters a culture of inequality,
by Tulasi Acharya (rn), Falsehood
follows floods and landslides in Nepal (kh),
Status
quo remains in parliament: Lawmaker Rai
(kh), Inflation
is driving cost of living, by Kamal
Dev Bhattarai (ae), Chief
Minister of Koshi Province Karki secures
vote of confidence (kh), Koshi
CM Karki secures vote of confidence; all
parties but RPP vote for him (rep),
Karnali
has annual 19,116 metric tons food grain
deficit (kh)
17/10/2023: Citizenship
for NRNs: Nepal PM makes it official : NRN
citizenships allow Nepali diaspora the economic,
social and cultural rights. NRNs can apply for
such certificates from all of 77 districts of
the country (nlt), Citizenship
for NRNs: PM Dahal claims credit for making it
possible : The PM also said that many issues
related to the NRNs have been addressed through
the government's policies and programs and the
budget (nlt), Global
index shows ‘moderate level of hunger’ in Nepal.
Ranks 69th : Experts say people have started
spending less on food as their incomes have
stagnated, by Krishana Prasain (kp), Dashain
and the Dalits : All their services
notwithstanding, Dalits are still forbidden from
entering Durga temples, by Mitra Pariyar
(kp), NC-UML
govt. in Koshi : Challenge To Ruling Coalition,
by Narayan Upadhyay (rn), SC
orders distribution of constitution, by Ram
Kumar Kamat (ht) [Hopefully,
at least the politicians will then realise their
often unconstitutional behaviour!], NC’s
Koirala ramps up pressure on Deuba-Dahal
partnership, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), Chhaupadi still
persists in remote Achham, by Gita Kunwar
(ae), EC
removes Mayor Rinakumari Sah from office for
leaving UML (kh) [Once
again, this shows the short-sightedness of the
PPA. The mentioned paragraphs have their
justification with regard to politicians who
were elected to the House of Representatives or
the Provincial Assemblies via the party lists.
All directly elected persons, and this applies
to all politicians at the local level, were
elected in person directly by the people. Party
affiliation plays only a subordinate role. But
the patriarchy can rejoice that one of the very
few directly elected women mayors has been
ousted.]
16/10/2023: What
next in Koshi? The onus is on new CM and top
leaders of main parties to ensure the government
stays the course (kp), Maoist
Center to give vote of confidence to
Chief Minister Karki (kh), Humor
and satire in Koshi province (ae), PM
accuses UML of attempting to create rift
in ruling coalition partners (ht), Dialogue
on Divorce in Nepal, by Abin Ojha
(rep), Way
too young: All girls must enjoy their
full childhood, by Bashir Najeeb
(ht), Democracy
: A multifaceted reality in Nepal,
by Saadesh Mani Pokharel (ae), Will
there be emergence of effective
leadership in Nepal?, by Pradyuman
Pokharel (ae)
15/10/2023: CRN-2023:
71.7 percent perceive political leaders' roles
in corruption (rep) [see report
by Alternative Foundation], Empower
Rural Women For Prosperity, by Govinda
Prasad Sharma and Patricia Fernandez Pacheco (rn),
Idea
behind family bench in courts : Two dedicated
benches at Kathmandu district court hear civil
cases related to women, fast-track justice
delivery, by Binod Ghimire (kp), NC
leader Koirala expresses dismay over NA
Brigadier General Adhikari’s tenure extension
(kh), MPs
should be given assignment: Lawmaker Jha
(kh), Auditor
of judges : Never forget that judiciary without
accountability can be a threat to an independent
judiciary, by Semanta Dahal (kp), Ending
violence against doctors : Violent acts
undermine the healthcare system and jeopardise
the well-being of the individuals involved,
by Divya Rana (kp), New
govt formed in Koshi to avoid mid-term election:
CM Karki (kp)
14/10/2023: Congress
quarrel in Koshi causes cracks in coalition :
Maoist chief whip counters as Congress lawmaker
in federal parliament demanded formation of a
Congress-led government (kp), NC
leader Karki appointed Koshi Province Chief
Minister (kh), Prime
Minister Dahal, NC President Deuba, and Leader
Shekhar Koirala sign crucial agreement (kh),
Dr.
Koirala firmly commits to ruling alliance
(kh), Kedar
Karki’s govt in Koshi Province is a coalition
govt: PM Dahal (kh), Koshi
Province NC dispute: Province PP leader Thapa
resigns (kh), Uproar
in Nepal over Modi’s Kalapani visit : Indian PM
breached diplomatic norm visiting Nepali
territory without notice: Lawmakers (kp), Conflict
victims’ appeal says what’s wrong with
govt approach to transitional justice
(ht), Royalist
groups organize motorcycle rally calling for
restoration of monarchy (kh) [Already in the past, the
autocratic monarchy could not effectively
address the state of affairs in the country.
Rather, it was responsible for many of the
undesirable developments. What is this medieval
institution supposed to achieve in today's
world, even without a family perspective for the
future? It is not democracy that is failing
today, but the so-called political leaders and
their parties!]
13/10/2023: Police
arrest 16 HURPES protesters demanding justice
(kh), Procedure
ready to register names of Nepalis abroad in
voter list (kh), Rift
in Congress over fielding Koshi chief minister
candidate : Congress’ Kedar Karki, with backing
of UML and 8 party members, challenges bid of
coalition candidate Angbo, by Deo Narayan
Sah (kp), Koshi
Province Chief in legal bind as deadline to
appoint Chief Minister looms (kh), People
not well-informed on role of lawmakers: Lawmaker
Majhi (kh), New
twist in Koshi chief ministerial fray (ht),
PM
Dahal gestures to retreat from Koshi CM
race provided NC finds consensus
candidate (kh) [Once again, this is a provincial
issue and not the responsibility of
national party elites who only care
about their power constellations and
have no concept of federalism!],
House
session being prorogued today : The session
stretched for 5 months and did nothing more than
passing budget bills and making anti-usuary law
(kp), MCC
transmission line tender set for cancellation as
negotiations fail (kh), Dahal
vows sweeping economic reforms : Experts blame
low demand, falling public confidence and high
interest rates for the slump, by Subin
Adhikari (kp), DPM
Shrestha to participate in BRI event in Beijing
: Nepali delegation will leave for China on
Monday, by Anil Giri (kp), Nonalignment
or Multi-alignments : Non-alignment does not
imply indifference to the day's pressing issues
or to remain neutral or voiceless, by
Rajaram Bartaula (rep),
Jeopardising judiciary : Minister for Law,
Justice and Parliamentary Affairs under scrutiny,
by Pushpa Raj Joshi (ht), Education
Bill attempts to shrink local levels power:
NARMIN (kh), Terrible
Times To Continue, by Tilak Rawal (sp)
12/10/2023: Bureaucratic
Resistance on Nepal’s Path to Federalism, by
Niyati Shrestha (rep), Civic
Participation Cures Democratic Deficit, by
Mukti Rijal (rn), House
scrambles to revise anti-money
laundering laws as grey-listing looms :
Urgent need to address concerns pointed
out by Asia Pacific Group on Money
Laundering, by Prithvi Man Shrestha
(kp) [see Mutual
Evaluation Report by APG], Complaints
related to federal affairs top the CIAA
list (ht), Remittance
is keeping the Nepali economy afloat,
by Kamal Raj Dhungel (ae), Indian
Prime Minister Modi visits Kalapani
region, Nepal uninformed (rep) [How about PK Dahal
also visiting Kalapani?], Chiefs
of all three security agencies on
foreign tour as the country sees renewed
security challenges, by Tapendra
Karki (rep)
11/10/2023: No
consensus on proposed revisions to transitional
justice law : After five months of talks,
parliamentary subcommittee tosses unresolved
issues back to top leaders. The Supreme Court
had ordered revision of the disputed law eight
years ago, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [Of all things, back to those
incompetent politicians who have completely
opposite interests, since they were in charge on
both sides of the conflict at the time!],
Countering
the political theology of Hindutva : The
accommodative Hindu way of life has become the
Hindutva strain of European fascism, by CK
Lal (kp), Muddled
message : Few of our state officials seem to
have internalised the need for good crisis-time
communication (kp), UML
Chair Oli dubs PM Dahal-led govt a complete
failure (kh) [Without
any doubt, all post-2015 governments led by Oli,
Deuba and Dahal were complete failures because
these three politicians are not fit to lead
Nepal in such difficult times!], Tibet
border reopening provides relief to Nepal
villagers : The Nepal-China border point at
Lapchi in Dolakha has reopened for the residents
of Lapchi to trade in Tibetan markets, by
Kedar Shiwakoti (kp), Why
we need value-based education : A robust moral
foundation in early education helps combat
corruption in Nepal, by Pushpa Raj Joshi
(kp), Private
schools and colleges: They also have a societal
mission, by Simone Galimberti (ht), Trade
Deficit's Present and Future Situation in Nepal,
by Prajwal Chand (rep), Women's
rights activists hold protest at Maitighar,
demanding re-imprisonment of Regal (rep), Presidential
pardons and their impact on victims and society:
A call for justice, by Aesha Bajracharya
(rep), Local
level employees' protest intensifies (ht)
10/10/2023: Rupee
slide raises debt repayment costs : If Nepal
settles all of its foreign loans now, it will
incur a loss of nearly Rs60 billion, by
Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Emboldened
anti-private sector narrative : This is mainly
the work of influential political parties,
particularly the Marxist variety, by Achyut
Wagle (kp), The
Education Bill ignores the Constitution, by
Durga Prasad Khanal (rep), Check
Alarming Exodus Of Nepalis, by Narayan
Upadhyay (rn), Demo
against prez pardon for criminals (ae), What
is the current state of Nepali economy?, by
Sabika Shrestha (ae), New
hope for victims: Proposed amendment allows
complaints for sexual violence during conflict
(kh), UN
Secretary General Guterres postpones his visit
to Nepal (rep), Technology
can revolutionize Nepal’s justice system. Here
is how : As Information and Communication
Technology (ICT) tools offer many opportunities
to reconfigure judicial activities, it is high
time for Nepal to harness the potential of the
tools, by Neera Giri (nlt), NHRC
demands accessible treatment of mental issue
(kh)
09/10/2023: The
Iih movement and beyond : Extra-party protests
are likely to be popular if conventional
parties’ roles become less credible, by Lok
Raj Baral (kp), HURPES
Nepal protests in front of the President’s
office (kh), I
am impressed by how Nepal’s federal system is
evolving, interview with Milton Dick,
Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives
(kp) [What impressive
evolution is he talking about?], Are
Left parties contemplating reunification amid
political shifts? (kh) [Two authoritarian autocrats are never able
to deliver the policies people need!], Widow
struggles to raise three sons after losing
husband, by Prem Raj Simkhada (rn), Five
Nepali students trapped in missile-stricken
Israeli bunker beg call for rescue (with
video) (kh), Govt.
to provide Rs one million compensation to
families of Nepali students who lost their lives
in Israel attack (kh), SC
establishes dedicated bench for family dispute
cases : Chief Justice Shrestha inaugurates
initiative (kh)
08/10/2023: Fourth
Koshi government falls apart within a year :
Hikmat Karki was running a minority government
but stepped down, seeing no way of getting a
vote of confidence, by Binod Ghimire (kp), The
Young, the Old, and the Dependent : We have a
demographic time bomb and a dependency sword
hanging over our heads, by Mukesh Khanal
(rep), Ensure
Justice To Chetan's Widow, by Ritu Raj
Subedi (rn), 10
Nepalis killed, one still missing as Hamas
terrorist group attacks Israel (nlt), 10
Nepali nationals feared killed in Hamas’ attack
in Israel (rep), 10
Nepalis confirmed dead in Hamas attack on Israel
(kh)
07/10/2023: Conflict
victims ask UN chief to push for transitional
justice : Say they are sceptical of PM’s
commitment to justice, by Binod Ghimire
(kp), End
practice of protesting by disrupting parliament:
lawmaker Neupane (kh), Labour,
Poverty Alleviation And Democracy, by Dev
Raj Dahal (rn), NHRC
faces alarming decline in standards, by
Govinda Luitel (rep), Koshi
Chief Minister Karki resigns due to lack of
majority support in Provincial Assembly
(rep), NC
and Maoist Center vie for leadership in new
Koshi govt (kh) [Finally,
put an end to these senseless power games. The
citizens of this province have a right to a
stable government and such a government can only
be achieved through new elections! The pathetic
behaviour of the parties is nothing but
criminal!]
06/10/2023: Battling
the court backlogs : The judiciary’s failure to
deliver justice promptly is tantamount to
denying justice altogether, by Udayan Regmi
(kp), Un-Regal
justice : The pardon of a murder convict hints
at how little our political class cares about
people’s concerns (kp), Amnesty
for adults! Why are children in correctional
facilities not given an exemption?, by
Safalta Bhandari (rep), Supreme
Court demands original documents related to
decision of paroling ‘Rigal’ : Bharati
Manandhar, the spouse of Chetan Manandhar, whom
Rigal had murdered in Banke, is in hunger strike
demanding justice (nlt), Supreme
Court seeks explanation for pardon granted to
murder convict : President on the Constitution
Day had commuted the jail terms of 670 convicts,
by Binod Ghimire (kp), Curfew
reimposed in Nepalgunj amid Hindu-Muslim dispute
(kh), Police
take to five rounds of aerial fire amidst
violent clash in Kalyanpur, Siraha (kh), RPP Chairman
Lingden sparks controversy referring to
Gyanendra Shah as a King (kh) [This is proof of the true
attitude of Lingden and his small
anti-democratic and unconstitutionally oriented
party!], Nepal-China
border reopening brings joy to northern Gorkha :
The Gorkha district administration started
providing China entry permits to the residents
of Chumnubri Rural Municipality from Wednesday
onwards, by Hariram Upreti (kp), Street
smart business : A well thought-out
regulatory mechanism for street vendors
is the need of the hour, by Roshee
Lamichhane (kp),
End
Entrenched Social Inequality : Merely
demanding the rights be granted and
forgetting the responsibilities cannot
achieve the goals of social equality,
by Bhupa P Dhamala (rn), Patan
High Court refuses to register same sex
marriage, by Bal Krishna Sah (ht), State malfunction,
by Kunda Dixit (nt)
05/10/2023: HoR
members urge all to be serious about maintaining
social, religious harmony (kh), Nip
it now : The frequency of communal violence
points to a systematic attempt at inciting
social discord (kp), Nepalgunj
curfew extended for 2nd day : District
administration requests one and all to help
maintain religious and social harmony, by
Rupa Gahatraj (kp), UN
chief coming to Nepal on 4-day visit : The main
agenda of his trip starting October 14 is
climate change and ways to mitigate its effects
on livelihoods, by Anil Giri (kp), Between
the Giants: Nepal’s Geopolitical
Significance for US Interests in
South Asia, by Nabraj Lama
(rep), Delivery
Matters Most For People, by
Mukti Rijal (rn), Full
proportional system of elections
: The best solution to people's
dissatisfaction, by Bhrikesh
Chandra Lal (ht) [This is
exactly the system that the
Maoists had demanded before the
2008 elections. Unfortunately,
like so many other goals, they
have long since lost sight of
this themselves!], Maintaining
peace and harmony, by Kamal
Dev Bhattarai (ae)
04/10/2023: Curfew
continues in Nepalgunj (kh), As
NHRC downgrade date approaches, pressure builds
on office bearers to quit : A meeting of GANHRI
later this month is set to downgrade the
commission to ‘B’ category, by Binod Ghimire
(kp), Sensible
education policy needed : Eight years
post-constitution, our education system
still lacks federalism-friendly
practices, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp),
Doctor
bashing trend on the rise : A concerning issue
to be addressed, by Pushpa Raj Joshi (ht)
03/10/2023: Earthquake
tremors felt twice in Sudurpaschim (rep), Unconscious
bias : Politicians fail to recognise the
capabilities of people from traditionally
oppressed groups, by Mitra Pariyar (kp), Gagan
Thapa’s proposal to recall Congress ministers
sparks fresh intra-party debate : The party has
nine ministers in the government. The proposal
is yet to be officially discussed in the
Congress, by Anil Giri (kp), Commissioned
to fail? People doubt the new panel formed to
investigate gold smuggling can do its job well
(kp), Two-way
trade through Tatopani remains a mirage : Nepali
traders say they are not allowed to sell their
goods in Chinese cities even though the border
has been reopened, by Anish Tiwari (kp) [Dahal's one-week visit to
China has really been very successful!],
China
wants Nepal to implement agreements: Prof Dr Jha
(rep), Incumbent
government irresponsible and arbitrary:
UML Chair Oli (kh [While this is true,
people are wondering where the
difference is from the former Oli
government, especially in 2020 and 2021!],
Govt
crafting laws by bypassing parliament
raises concern (rep), Indefinite
curfew imposed in Nepalgunj (kh), Doctor-Civilian Conflict
On Rise, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn), Environmental
defenders at risk, journalists targeted
and concerns around new cyber security
policy: CIVICUS report (kh) [see CIVICUS
reports on Nepal]
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English:
morning, evening) (Nepali: morning,
evening); AP1 (morning) (evening); Sagarmatha TV
(evening)
02/10/2023: RSP
leaders seek President’s attention to reconsider
immunity granted to murder convict (kh), Breaking
with conventions : This spontaneous in-party
challenge to Oli’s one-man show is something to
be celebrated (kp) [All domineering autocrats fall sooner or
later and this is also true for Oli! This is the
superiority of democracy!], Constitution
became more of a political than constitutional
document, interview with Nilamber Acharya,
Nepal’s former envoy to India, who was involved in
drafting two of Nepal’s most recent constitutions,
on eight years of constitution implementation and
the prime minister’s recent foreign visits (kp), Tertiary
Education at a Crossroads in Nepal : The
youth with a clear purpose in life find
it hard to fulfill their dreams in Nepal,
by Augustine Thomas (rep), Emergence
of Global South and Nepal, by Kamal
Dev Bhattarai (ae)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English: morning,
evening)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha TV (evening)
01/10/2023: Role
of the MPs not clear to the public: MP Parajuli
(kh) [For the public it
looks like this: The incompetent so-called top
politicians only use the MPs as a tool to
enforce their power-oriented policies!],
PM
Dahal convenes seven-party meeting
(kh), RSP
‘boycotts’ PM Dahal’s all-party meeting
over market price hike (kh), Ruling
coalition and main opposition UML inch
closer on high level committee to probe
gold smuggling (kh) [Political parties,
whose high-ranking politicians seem to
be involved, are not suited to solve
this crime. This is the responsibility
of the CIB and the courts!], Govt establishes
high-level inquiry commission led by
Judge Dilliram Acharya to probe gold
smuggling (kh), Rising
doctor-patient tensions threaten Nepal’s
healthcare : Agitating resident doctors
agree to resume services following a
six-point agreement with the government,
by Arjun Poudel (kp), KMC
doctors assaulted within 24 hours of
govt-medical professionals agreement
(rep), Doctors
beaten up in KMC hospital, two arrested
(kh), Has
Nepal lost interest in the cross-border
railway network with China? (rep), Climate
change finds no mention in 16th Periodic
Plan despite urgent concerns, by
Shree Ram Subedi (rep), Nepal's
industries depend on foreign
workers: Experts (rep
01/10/2023) [How about the targeted
education of young Nepalis
instead of sending them into
labour migration?]
see also TV
news: Kantipur TV (English: morning,
evening)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha TV (evening)
30/09/2023: PM
Dahal tours on as Nepalis tackle crises :
Ruling, opposition leaders consider prime
minister’s long absence inappropriate, as
country is under economic pressure, by Anil
Giri (kp), Poor
development spending means low foreign loan
uptake : Nepal met 50 percent of its foreign
loan target in the fiscal year 2022-23, by
Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Political
Science Nurtures Democratic Praxis, by Dev
Raj Dahal (rn), Nepal’s
health system transformation is a moral
imperative : Our leaders must prioritize
healthcare as a fundamental component of our
nation's development and commit to the necessary
reforms, by Saugat Pratap KC (nlt), Talks
between govt and agitating doctors positive,
doctors withdraw protest programs (kh)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English: morning,
evening)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha TV (evening)
29/09/2023: Crimson,
saffron and green : An ideological vacuum is
turning the Madhes into fertile ground for the
religious right, by Chandra Kishore (nt), New
bill aims to make lawmaking more consultative :
Government move comes amid strong protests that
forced revisions to some contested pieces of
legislation, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Govt
and agitating teachers reach agreement; teachers
withdraw protest programs (kh), National
Human Rights Commission concerned over attack on
doctors : Urges government and other
stakeholders to create an environment for
uninterrupted delivery of health services
(kp), Strained
ties : The breakdown of the doctor-patient bond
of trust could have devastating consequences
(kp), 'It's
always doctors that are targeted', by Ram
Kumar Kamat (ht), Protect
Rights Of Old Persons, by Jhabindra Bhandari
(rn), Water
sources are disappearing at an alarming rate,
by Nitu Ghale (ae), Dahal’s
attempt at keeping three major powers happy,
by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), Nepal’s
SDG progress at risk: Stakeholders warn of 60%
target shortfall by 2030 (kh)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English: morning,
evening)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening);
Sagarmatha TV (evening)
28/09/2023: Government
inaction fuelling economic crisis and social
discord, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), Stringent
law fails to stop assaults on doctors :
Thousands of patients suffered, as resident
doctors shunned services on Wednesday, by
Arjun Poudel (kp), Nepal’s
debt servicing cost rose by over 80 percent last
fiscal year : Allocated amount for debt
servicing in current fiscal is more than the
capital spending allocation, by Prithvi Man
Shrestha (kp), Dahal
in China : The PM did not compromise on Nepal’s
core interests. But he didn’t secure major
concessions either (kp), Evidence-based
policymaking in Nepal : Many developing
countries have yet to enhance their policy
formulation and implementation capacity, by
Hari Sharma (kp), Flawed
Legislative Process Irks Teachers, by Mukti
Rijal (rn) [No right to
information, no democratic procedures, only
authoritarian decisions by supposedly democratic
politicians based on internal agreements! This
is how the rule of law works in Nepal,
presumably as a legacy of the former absolutist
monarchy!], Speakers
call for increasing people's access to RTI
(rn), SC
orders demolition of all structures within 65
metres from Phewa Lake (ht) [Including the former royal
palace, right on the shore?], SC's
concern : The SC must pursue with the
interrogation of Nepal and Bhattarai to learn
the truth (ht), RSP
Chair Lamichhane criticizes President Paudel for
releasing party-fostered criminals (kh)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English: morning,
evening)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening);
Sagarmatha TV (evening)
27/09/2023: PM’s
visit: No breakthrough, no notable gains, say
observers : Nepal shifts from ‘one-China policy’
to ‘one-China principle’, by Anil Giri (kp),
Villagers
unhappy after park takes priority over road :
Sisne rural municipality built Rs40 million
martyr memorial park in the village, which
villagers say does not serve any practical
purpose, by Mashesh KC (kp), National
Assembly meeting deferred for lack of business :
The federal parliament remains unproductive even
as the country needs dozens of new Acts or
amendments to the existing Acts as per the
constitution (kp), Court
issues show cause for not prosecuting ex-PMs in
land scam : Supreme Court Justice Binod Sharma
issued the notice to the government on Tuesday
(kp), Ensure
reproductive right : The government’s apathy to
providing quality health services puts the
achievements thus far at risk (kp), Relief
teachers block streets in Baneshwor after Police
intervention in protest (kh), NHRC
calls for urgent action to address Activist E’s
health crisis during ‘standing’ protest
(kh), Partisan
politics and the Non-Resident Nepali Association,
by Pushpa Raj Joshi (rep)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English: morning,
evening)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha TV (evening)
26/09/2023: SC
issues show cause order for not filing case
against former PM duo Nepal and Bhattarai
(kh), Assessing
the outcomes of PM Dahal’s official visit to
Beijing, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), Nepal
and China sign 12-point agreement : Joint
Statement between Nepal and the People's
Republic of China (Full text) (kh), Nepal,
China sign 12 agreements, but none under BRI :
Nepali embassy says Dahal and his Chinese
counterpart ‘comprehensively’ reviewed the state
of bilateral relations, by Anil Giri (kp), Nepal
and China issue joint statement strengthening
bilateral ties and multifaceted cooperation
(rep), Taking
care of Nepal’s elderly : Despite improving
financial well-being, health complexities among
the elderly remain, by Pushpa Raj Joshi
(kp), Elderly
beneficiaries of social security allowance rose
by 300,000 last fiscal : Mounting cost raises
concern about scheme’s sustainability, by
Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Calls
grow for regulating street vending amid ban and
protests : It is not wrong to take action
against irregularity, but it should be done with
proper planning and study, says urban planner
Suman Meher Shrestha (kp), Anti-federal
moves in education : The outdated Education Act
1971 is still in force, albeit with dozens of
amendments, by Achyut Wagle (kp), Key
Provisions In School Education Bill,
by Uttam Maharjan (rn)
see also TV
news: Kantipur TV (English: morning,
evening)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha TV (evening)
25//09/2023: Blaming
politicians: The hypocrisy of democracy, by
Prabin Kumar Yadav (ae), Government
increases women’s reservation to 50 percent in
civil service seats (kh), Nepal
seeks to sidestep China’s GSI request : Talking
to Kantipur in New York, Dahal had categorically
denied chances of Nepal joining a
security-related alliance, by Anil Giri
(kp), In
remote Mugu, children walk four hours to school
: Parents say children return home tired. Their
Kalika Secondary School in Libru is ill-equipped
and understaffed with just 11 teachers for 300
students, by Raj Bahadur Shahi (kp), Sympathy
or lack of proof?, by
Prerana Marasini (ae)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English: morning,
evening)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha TV (evening)
24/09/2023: Refusing
to grant citizenship in name of mother is
unconstitutional: SC (rep), Teachers
and doctors voice discontents through protests,
by Nayak Paudel (rn), Dissolution
of federalism, reinstatement of Hindu state
raised in NC CWC meeting (kh) [It is frightening to observe
how the once democratic Nepali Congress is
obviously turning into a right-wing populist and
Hindu fundamentalist party, which no longer
wants to represent the interests of all people
in the multi-ethnic, multi-religious and
multi-cultural state of Nepal!! The alternative
to the federal state would be at best a
centralist state, which Nepal continues to be
thanks to the anti-federal sentiments of the
high-caste male state elite, but not a Hindu
state!], Govt
‘serious’ about incidents related to communal
and religious disturbances, says Home Minister
(rep)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English:
morning,
evening) (Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha TV (evening)
23/09/2023: Teachers
end protest after six-point deal : Those under
relief quota, however, reject the agreement and
plan to continue the Kathmandu-centric agitation,
by Binod Ghimire (kp), Violent
incidents at juvenile centres expose managerial
lapses : Rights advocates call for effective
measures not to let deadly clashes occur again,
by Binod Ghimire (kp), Improve
Women's Role In Decision-making, by Jeewan
Rimal (rn), Build
Peace Edifice For Social Justice, by Dev Raj
Dahal (rn)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English: morning,
evening)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha TV (evening)
22/09/2023: Completing
remaining task of transitional justice is
Nepal’s top agenda: PM Dahal (kh) [For 17 years? This sounds
more like disinterest than top agenda! Many of
Dahal's other statements to the UN are not true
either!], One
dead, 10 injured as clash erupts in in Banke
juvenile correction home (kh), 7
million students deprived of right to education,
by Bal Krishna Sah (ht), Mind
children's right as you fight for yours,
teachers told (ht), Competing
demands make it hard to end teachers’ strike :
As local governments claim oversight of schools,
teachers fear it will harm their prospects,
by Binod Ghimire (kp), Agitating
teachers call off protests, reach 7-point
agreement with govt (kh), Balancing
the dragon and the elephant : Nepal needs
support from all donor countries and partners
for sustained growth, by Pragya Ghimire
(kp), Govt
grants general amnesty to 7,000 prisoners over
five years, by Smriti Dungana (rep)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English: morning,
evening)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha TV (evening)
21/09/2023: Shooting
their mouths off : Those with a public presence
have a greater responsibility in their choice of
words, by Deepak Thapa (kp), With
PM away, transitional justice bill loses
momentum : Efforts to finalise the amendment
bill have stalled as it could not be passed
before Dahal’s trip to New York, by Binod
Ghimire (kp) [The draft
is inadequate and unsatisfactory anyway!],
ADB
slashes growth forecast on low demand, high
interest rates : The Nepali economy is projected
to grow by 4.3 percent in the current fiscal,
down from the earlier forecast of 5 percent,
by Sangam Prasain (kp), MPs
are legislators devoted to country and people,
Ghartimagar (rn) [The
party leaders see it quite differently. They
expect absolute allegiance with regard to their
policies. This was already the case when the
constitution was adopted!], 'Constitution
should be amended to address people's
grievances', by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), 'Constitution,
a document of compromise' (ht), Nepotism
within state-sponsored corruption: Contradicting
Wilson's Theory of Altruism, by Pushpa Raj
Joshi (ht), Delay
in passing Federal Civil Service Bill poses
challenge in implementing federalism (rep),
Deuba
under pressure to pull out of coalition, by
Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), Population
and sustainable development : In a space of 30
years, there has been remarkable progress in the
health and population sector, by Jhabindra
Bhandari (ae)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English: morning,
evening)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha TV (evening)
20/09/2023: Constitution
Day being observed today (kh), Non-implementation
of fundamental rights shows parties’ weakness:
Former Speaker Dhungana (kh), Calls
for constitutional reform intensify : In 8
years, parties have shown little commitment to
safeguarding charter, say observers, by
Nishan Khatiwada (kp), Our
constitution, our guide : Only through
collective efforts can we realise the full
potential of the hard-won federal system, by
Khim Lal Devkota (kp), Constitution
Bolsters Democratic Fabrics, by Jivesh Jha
(rn) [Does this
constitution really represent the will and
ambitions of the people or is it not rather a
work of the traditional high-caste male party
elites who prevented any criticism and
discussion by the elected representatives when
it was adopted?], Who
failed: Constitution or political parties?,
by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), Need
for Transformative Constitutionalism, by
Kalyan Shrestha (kh), Teachers
to strike nationwide, 7 million students to be
hit : They are unhappy with a federal bill’s
provisions allowing local units to recruit,
transfer and promote teachers, by Binod
Ghimire (kp), Man
arrested on charge of murdering wife over dowry
: The couple was married 21 months ago and have
an 11-month-old son, by Binod Bhandari (kp),
Awakening
Nepal: A Stark Warning, by Prem Lamichhane
(rep)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English: morning,
evening)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha TV (evening)
19/09/2023: PM
Dahal seeks UN assistance for completing Nepal’s
Transitional Justice process (kh), Students
from remote Baitadi village brave river to reach
school every day : Around 40 students from ward
6 of Sagada village wade through the Nwaghari
river to reach Ganesh Secondary School, by
Basanta Pratap Singh (kp), Caste
in the diaspora : In this age of international
migration, caste has become a worldwide
phenomenon, by Mitra Pariyar (kp), Erosion
of Professional Ethics : In the grand chessboard
of politics, are the people still paramount, or
have they become mere pawns in a larger power
play?, by Nabraj Lama (rep), Proposed
amendments to unregistered Acts spark
controversy amid lawmakers’ negligence
(rep), Curb
Scourge Of Human Trafficking, by Uttam
Maharjan (rn), Is
KMC Mayor Shah turning out a polarising figure,
by Bal Krishna Sah (ht)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English: morning,
evening)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha TV (evening)
18/09/2023: Parliamentarians’
role has been ‘paralyzed’: MP Santosh Pariyar
(kh) [Thanks to the
authoritarian and anti-democratic party leaders!
Special mention should be made of Oli, Dahal and
Deuba!], Thousands
of patients suffer due to doctors’ strike :
Medical professionals to resume duty after an
agreement with the government on Sunday evening,
by Arjun Poudel (kp), Timely
electoral law : It would be prudent for the
ministries to quickly forward election bills to
the legislature (kp), Disjointed
climate planning : Building roads haphazardly in
the hills has led to erosion and landslides
during the monsoon, by Madhukar Upadhya
(kp), Teachers
to shut schools, stage nationwide protest
against School Education Bill, 2023, by Bal
Krishna Sah (ht)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English: morning,
evening)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha TV (evening)
17/09/2023: Dahal
to seek global community’s nod to Nepal peace
process : Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal will
carry a long wish list to China after the
conclusion of his New York visit, by Anil
Giri (kp) [It is hard to
imagine that this will be met with success!],
Map
politics in South Asia : The bilateral agreement
on the trilateral junction of Lipulekh is a case
in point, by Lok Raj Baral (kp), An
open letter to PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal on three
corruption scandals and one ‘mega-scandal’,
Nilamber Acharya, Suryanath Upadhyay, Surya Prasad
Shrestha, Sushil Pyakurel and Kanak Mani Dixit
write to Nepal’s prime minister urging him to take
up corruption scandals with utmost seriousness
(nlt), Nepal’s
Foreign Policy in the Making of the New World
Order, by Binoj Basnyat (kh), President’s
Office seeks grounds from Home Ministry
for pardoning 34 individuals on
Constitution Day (kh), What’s
the controversy surrounding the new
education bill? The bill must be passed
by both chambers of Parliament before it
becomes law and replaces the Education
Act-1971, by Binod Ghimre (kp), Religious
leaders, priests and faith healers
mobilised to end child marriage in
Kalikot : Although Nepal abolished child
marriage in 1963, the practice is still
rampant, especially in rural parts of
the country, by Tularam Pandey (kp),
Police
accused of leaking
sensitive information
amid ongoing criminal
investigations, by
Arun Bam (rep),
Human
trafficking: Over
1,600 persons
rescued in five
years (rep), Police
rescue 1,679 victims
of human trafficking
in last five years
(nlt)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English: morning,
evening)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha TV (evening)
16/09/2023: Old
folks lonely but happy in empty mountain
villages : The old generation is glad to see
their migrant children are getting a better life
than they had, and sending some money back home
from time to time, by Sangam Prasain (kp), Tibet
border closure hits livelihoods of Nepalis in
mountain villages : Besides trade, the seasonal
employment from which Nepalis in outlying
villages of Bajhang earned their living has been
hugely affected, by Basant Pratap Singh
(kp), Will
Nepal and India conclude Pancheshwar project
report this time? Experts from the two countries
are scheduled to meet on September 29-30. The
mega project has been under discussion for over
over three decades now., by Prithvi Man
Shrestha (kp), Poll
body fears delay in new law's passage may block
reform : The draft bill has been at the Home
Ministry for more than two months which shows
that it is reluctant to expedite discussions on
the bill that takes years to get through both
Houses of the Federal Parliament, by Tika R
Pradhan (kp) [Government
and opposition parties obviously see their
non-inclusive, unconstitutional and corrupt
electoral practices in danger with electoral
reform!], Birth
registration pending for 26,000 children in
Karnali (kh) [This
means denial of children's basic rights!],
Ethical
Business Vital For Justice And Peace, by Dev
Raj Dahal (rn)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English: morning,
evening)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha TV (evening)
15/09/2023: Constitution
has ensured children’s right as fundamental
(kh), Mixed
bag : The new Education Bill still leaves space
for a tussle between the federal and local
governments (kp), Juvenile
delinquency: Legal and practical gaps : Some
children are held for crimes they did not even
commit, and they do not know how to get out,
by Shailu Sharma and Sadikshya Nepal (kp), SC
issued mandamus to resolve ‘juvenile cases’
within 120 days, bny Bhasa Sharma (rep), Judicial
Council recommends names of 27 candidates for
appointment as judges in high courts (With
List) (rep) [Not a
single woman and predominantly male Bahuns!
Welcome to socially inclusive Nepal!], Poll
Reform Bill To Enhance Inclusion, by
Liladhar Upadhyaya (rn) [In
absolutely no public sector is social inclusion
even rudimentarily practised!], PM
Dahal set to sign BRI Project raising debt
concerns (kh), Women's
participation in decision-making level pathetic
(rep), Implement
the constitution in true sense : It would have
been better had the CA members given due respect
to the things which could be crucial in bringing
Madhesis and Pahadis together , by Jivesh
Jha (ae)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English: morning,
evening)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha TV (evening)
14/09/2023: Watch
and shoot: How should Nepal navigate complex
India-China-US geopolitics? We must exercise
caution and adopt a neutral but flexible
approach in developing relations across the
entire spectrum by keeping all options open,
by Gaurav Shamsher Rana (nlt), Deaths
of inmates in Sankhuwasabha: 15 remanded to
custody for further investigations (kh), Thapa insists on 33
percent women participation in government
(kh) [Article 38 (4) of
the Constitution already prescribes adequate
proportional participation in all state
structures and bodies as a fundamental
right of women. The ruling male Khas Arya rulers
were instrumental in formulating the
constitution, but since then they have taken
very little interest in it!], Fighting
a straw man : Prime Minister Dahal, as always,
is on the lookout for a non-existent class enemy
(kp), Global
arms control and Nepal : Given our hopeless
situation in arms manufacturing, our best bet is
on their control, by Hitesh Kumar Bhattarai
(kp), Rethinking
Tribute Beyond Public Holidays (rep), Students
unable to learn about Nepal's new political map,
by Bhuwan Sharma (rep), Perils
Of Power-centric Politics, by Mukti Rijal
(rn), Food
crisis looms large in Nepal, by Sabitri
Dhakal (ae), Alarming
stats: 34% of women in Nepal in anemia crisis,
posing challenges to MDGs (rep), SC
orders government to regulate Nepal-India open
border (kh)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English: morning,
evening)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening);
Sagarmatha TV (evening)
13/09/2023: Flying
away from the nest : Governance falls in the
hands of regressive forces when the engines of
change exit the system, by CK Lal (kp), Underprivileged
receive ID cards, but remain deprived of
privileges, by Govinda Luitel (rep), Right
to health: Some suggestions, by Simone
Galimberti (ht), Nembang’s
absence adds to transitional justice worries :
Lawmakers on the House panel say the former
Speaker had been instrumental in finalising the
amendment bill, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Free
education, midday meal keeping students in
schools : Despite the constitution’s pledge,
government schools in Nepal fail to guarantee
free education, forcing students from poor
backgrounds to drop out, by Anish Tiwari
(kp), Socialist
Front wants Koshi name changed : Prime Minister
Pushpa Kamal Dahal draws flak for encouraging
street protests, by Tika R Pradhan (kp) [According to the
constitution, the naming of the provinces was a
matter for the provincial assemblies. Many
problems arise because the male Khas Arya elite
at the national level constantly interfere in
matters that do not concern them at all! This
includes avoiding ethnic or historical
references in the names of the provinces!],
Landfill
victims warn they will obstruct waste disposal
again if their demands aren’t met : Over the
past 18 years, authorities have reached 175
agreements with the locals but they have all
been breached, by Anup Ojha (kp)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English: morning,
evening)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha TV (evening)
12/09/2023: Caste-based
discrimination rife in Doti : Dalit rights
activists say non-Dalits refuse to interact with
them, extend services, rent rooms or even sell
them milk, by Mohan Shahi (kp), Budget
cut hampers treatment of moderately acute
malnourished children : The cuts in the budget
for healthcare programmes have put Nepal’s
ambition to meet the SDGs on the line, by
Arjun Poudel (kp), Federalism
vs centralised planning : Nepal's precarious
socio-economic standing is the result of a
highly centralised planning process, by
Achyut Wagle (kp), Putting
an end to the reckless rhetoric of politicians,
by Pushpa Raj Joshi (rep)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English: morning,
evening)
(Nepali: morning,
evening); AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha TV (evening)
11/09/2023: Power
vs rights of indigenous people : Respecting the
rights of indigenous people in the hydro power
sector in Nepal is not just about compliance but
power relations, by Simone Galimberti (nlt),
Elusive
peace process : The ongoing peace process will
not conclude without giving justice to the
conflict victims (ht), Insurgency
victims from security forces implore UN for
justice : Say they feel discriminated against by
both the Nepali state and the United Nations,
by Binod Ghimire (kp), We
cannot escape great power politics but we can
leverage it for our benefit , interview with
Nishchal N Pandey, director of Centre for South
Asian Studies (kp), Sunk
cost fallacy in politics: Alternative voices
being marginalised, by Pushpa Raj Joshi (ht)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English: morning,
evening)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha TV (evening)
10/09/2023: Adjudicate
cases of children in conflict with law within
120 days: SC, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Former
security personnel of Nepal write to the UN
rapporteurs over TRC bill : The organization of
the families of security personnel who were the
victims of the armed conflict has asked for
provisions to address incidents involving
unarmed and non-uniformed security personnel who
were killed or injured during the conflict
(nlt) [The victims came
from among the security forces, the Maoist
insurgents and, above all, from civil society,
which constantly felt threatened by both parties
to the conflict. They and their families need
justice at last!], Budget
delays at the local level: Reasons and
repercussions : Kanchanrup in Saptari has money
in its treasury but no authorisation to spend
even for dengue control, by Prithvi Man
Shrestha (kp), Prime
minister says thousands of land grab cases will
be probed : Statement comes amid suspicions the
Cabinet is trying to save coalition leaders
alleged in scams from prosecution (kp) [???], Nepal's
Development Aspirations and the Road to Net-Zero
Emissions by 2045, by Subash Pandey (rep), What
ails Nepal’s health? What should be done
to cure it?, by Gagan Thapa (nlt)
see also TV
news: Kantipur TV (English: morning,
evening)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha TV (evening)
09/09/2023: Unknown
group attacks police, loots weapons and
ammunition in Sunsari (kh), Attack
on Congress leader and mayor’s outburst alarm
traditional parties : Public frustration high
due to lack of delivery, experts say, by
Nishan Khatiwada (kp), Call
for Restraint to Deepen
Nepal-China Ties, by Pramod
Jaiswal (rep), In
Pictures: Solidarity march held
in Kathmandu against cow
slaughter, by Rajib Khatri
(rep) [But
respect and tolerance are not a
one-way road! The call for a
return to the Hindu state hurts
the values and feelings of all
those people in the
multi-religious state, some of
whom suffer great disadvantages
by linking the state to the
values and practices of the
Hindu religion!], Prohibitory
order imposed in Malangwa as
tensions surge following clash
during Krishna Janmashtami idol
immersion (rep), Curfew
imposed in Sarlahi amid rising
tensions (kh), Communication
Of Critical Mass For Peace,
by Dev Raj Dahal (rn)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English: morning,
evening)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha TV (evening)
08/09/2023: Patriarchal
Nepal sees steep rise in female-headed
households : Agriculture Census 2021-22 report,
released on Thursday by National Statistics
Office, shows 32.4 percent, or 1.33 million,
households in the country are headed by women,
by Sangam Prasain (kp) [This
is far from being a reason for the ruling machos
to grant women equal rights and participation!],
Supreme
Court orders Hikmat Karki be appointed Koshi
chief minister : Declares Uddhav Thapa-led
governments unconstitutional twice in six weeks,
by Nishan Khatiwada (kp), Oli
government never informed nations about new map,
says Saud : Both Oli and his foreign minister
Gyawali assert that they had notified foreign
countries about the map, by Anil Giri (kp) [It will take more than
factual communication if other nations are to
understand and accept the new map!], Prime
minister wants transitional justice bill
endorsed before his US visit : Sub-panel of Law
and Human Rights Committee will start detailed
discussions on the bill tomorrow. Leaders expect
some consensus among major parties today, by
Binod Ghimire (kp) [Why?
In its planned form, the law still does not meet
international legal standards!], Battle
Against Casteism, by Bini Dahal (rn), NA
meeting adjourned indefinitely : Upper House
adjourned after getting no business (kh) [Nothing to do, although an
enormous number of laws urgently need to be
passed? Once again, the destruction of
parliamentary democracy by the so-called top
politicians is evident!], Push
factors driving Nepalis out : There are fewer
incentives for young Nepalis to stay home,
by Ramesh Kumar (nt), Saraswati
casts net wide for justice : A Dalit activist
from Nepal gets global recognition for her
struggle against systemic discrimination, by
Dhanu Bishwakarma (nt)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English: morning,
evening)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha TV (evening)
07/09/2023: House
lacks business even as constitution needs dozens
of laws : Only 111 laws among the 151 necessary
to implement the statute are in place, upper
chamber study shows, by Binod Ghimire (kp),
Congress
leader injured in khukuri-attack in Kathmandu :
Police have arrested the alleged assailant,
Shyam Sapkota, who styled himself as a
pro-royalist and anti-MCC activist, by Anup
Ojha (kp), Poor
then, poor now : Now is perhaps not the right
time to go to China with a begging bowl in hand,
by Deepak Thapa (kp), SC
revokes Koshi CM Thapa’s post, directs to
appoint UML’s Karki as CM (kh), SC
directs Koshi Chief to appoint UML leader Karki
as CM within 48 hours (kh), Door
opens to NRNs for Nepali citizenship, by Bal
Krishna Sah (ht), Controversies
surface in Kathmandu on the eve of Nepal PM’s
China visit : New Chinese map and Chinese
ambassador's statement on India's policies on
Nepal have become the subject of controversies
in Kathmandu (nlt)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English: morning,
evening)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha TV (evening)
06/09/2023: Govt
inhumanity in Central Jail: Overcrowding and
dilapidated buildings increase risks to inmates,
by Govinda Luitel (rep), BRI
and Nepal’s equidistance foreign policy, by
Devesh Jha (kh), Ruling
parties reignite MCC dispute : Leftist parties
doubt whether the US has endorsed 12-point
interpretation of MCC pact, by Tika R
Pradhan (kp), Nepal’s
long transition to federalism raises question
about its relevance, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai
(ae), Learning
from Swiss federalism : It’s important to
recognise that Nepal’s approach to federalism
should be unique to itself, by Khim Lal
Devkota (kp), Towards
clean air in Nepal : Air pollution reduces
productivity and degrades lifestyle with
tangible economic consequences, by Faris
Hadad-Zervos and Dina Umali-Deininger (kp), Youth
attacks NC Joint General Secretary Mahendra
Yadav with Khukuri at Reporters Club (rep) [A 47-year-old man is definitely no
longer a youth!],
NC
leader Yadav attacked after his criticism of
Chinese Ambassador’s undiplomatic statement
(kh), Parliament
urged to prioritize climate justice (rep), Debunking
Brain-drain Debate, by Atindra Dahal (rep),
Land
mafias usurp Banara locals’ settlement, by
Raj Karan Mahato (ae), Joint
training between Nepali and US forces (kh) [????]
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English: morning,
evening)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha TV (evening)
05/09/2023: Transitional
justice remains elusive despite government’s
repeated pledges : The current bill shields
perpetrators and needs to be amended, allege
experts (kp) [Only
a completely new and socially inclusive
generation of politicians, free of involvement
from that time, can bring the peace process to a
conclusion!], JSP
leaders see Gaur probe talk as tactic to rein in
party : If the government reopens Gaur files,
‘Dahal will be digging his own grave,’ warns a
Janata Samajbadi Party leader, by Tika R
Pradhan (kp) [Innocent
politicians don't have to worry at all! But this
way they make themselves suspicious. Political
threats to prevent the investigation of crimes
do not fit at all into a constitutional state!],
National
Assembly instructs government to make crucial
laws : Only 111 laws out of 151 needed to
implement the federal constitution have been
enacted so far, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Get
your priorities right : Instead of listing his
achievements, the prime minister should set his
administration’s priorities right (kp), Dalit
politics: Identity or rights? There is a lack of
awareness among youths that the term Dalit is
not the same as untouchable, by Mitra
Pariyar (kp), Why
Nepali students can’t wait to go abroad : Lack
of jobs due to political instability and growing
corruption have driven thousands of youths to
seek their future overseas, experts say, by
Subin Adhikari (kp), Residential
homes handed over to 80 poor households
(kh), Dengue
transmission continues unchecked in
Dharan : Around 150 people were
diagnosed with the mosquito-borne
disease on a daily basis until August
third week, according to health
officials ,
by Pradeep Menyangbo (kp)
[Neglect of duty by
national and provincial governments?],
China,
India and Nepal border dispute:
Political in the time of trade supremacy,
by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht)
see also TV
news: Kantipur TV (English: morning,
evening)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha TV (evening)
04/09/2023: Custodial
deaths go on as perpetrators are left unpunished
: Advocacy Forum’s 2022 report documents 39
deaths since 2018 when the new Penal Code came
into force, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [see 2022
report by Advocacy Forum; see INSEC
study (in Nepali)], Drunk
with power : Kathmandu Mayor’s wayward acts have
diluted the hopes of alternative politics from
young leaders (kp), Land
equity for food security : Food insecurity will
continue to rise if the government fails to
protect agricultural land, by Jagat Deuja
(kp), Securing
food for remote districts (ae), PM
Dahal pledges to address concerns of
conflict victims (kh) [And why do you
continue to refuse to align the TRC Act
with standard international human rights
statutes?], Malnutrition
: Prevention of malnutrition is not
possible for most disadvantaged families
and communities (ht)
see also TV
news: Kantipur TV (English: morning,
evening)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha TV (evening)
03/09/2023: Why
proposed revisions to Criminal Code have courted
controversy : Critics say withdrawing cases from
all tiers of court is an encroachment on the
judiciary’s authority, by Binod Ghimire
(kp), Govt
to observe Constitution Day for three days
(kh) [Why such an effort
for a constitution that has not been properly
implemented until today and has been repeatedly
misused by the top politicians and parties to
push their political interests? The social
inclusion promised by all parties in 2006 is
insufficiently anchored in the constitution and
is completely disregarded by the parties!],
Litmus
Test Of Socialist Front : If the Front is
confined itself in displaying only numerical
muscle in the House, it is unlikely to create
impact and justify its relevance in national
politics., by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn)
see also TV news:
Kantipur TV (English: morning,
evening) (Nepali: morning,
evening); AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha TV (evening)
02/09/2023: Fundamental
shift in Nepal’s foreign policy
imperative, by Arun Kumar Subedi
(kh), People
are enraged and restless: Gagan Thapa
(kh), Parties
discuss setting up special panel for
implementing federalism : Measures
suggested by several committees and
studies in the past for streamlining
federal administration have yet to be
adopted fully, by Tika R Pradhan
(kp), ‘Shattered
Silence’ : Analysing Nepal’s Legal
Landscape in light of recent court
ruling, by Aditya Raut (rep), Geopolitical
Rivalry in World Order: Lesson for Nepal,
by Naren Khatiwada (rep), Virtuous
State Must For Public Security, by
Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Nepal
faces dual burden of malnutrition,
by Bal Krishna Sah (ht)
see also TV
news: Kantipur TV (English: morning,
evening)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha TV (evening)
01/09/2023: Women
need de jure, de facto rights to end
discrimination (ht), Biplav-led
CPN announces protest programs against MCC
(kh), China
urged to use Nepal’s official map : Kathmandu
mayor cancels visit in protest. Government to
communicate with China before making its stance
public, by Anil Giri (kp), Dr
Govinda KC announces fast-unto-death from Sept
15 if demands remain unmet (rep), The
outcasts : Nepalis at the grassroots for whom
grassroots democracy has not delivered, by
Chandra Kishore (nt), Faith
in tolerance : Diversity is the basis of our
national unity. Freedom of religion also means
respecting the faith of others, by Shristi
Karki (nt)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English:
morning, evening) (Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha TV (evening)
31/08/2023: NHRC
urges govt to make public whereabouts of missing
ones (kh), All
religions and cultures get equal opportunity in
democracy: Deuba (kh) [This then clearly means that the state of
Nepal, dominated by male Khas Arya, especially
Bahun, is not a democracy!], Elusive
justice : A TRC Act in line with international
standards will surely rope in many high-profile
people (ht) [This
is the reason why the non-inclusive ruling male
high-caste elite wants to prevent such a law by
hook or by crook!], Reimagining
Nepal’s Global Role: Unveiling Unexplored
Potentials, by Sishir Khanal (kh), Neighbours
snub Nepal’s new map : Both India and China have
refused to recognise the map that Nepal’s
Parliament unanimously passed in 2020, by
Anil Giri (kp), Kathmandu
Mayor Balen cancels China visit over map
discrepancy (kh), 40
laws needed to enforce constitution still
lacking : In eight years, provincial and local
governments unable to pass essential laws for
lack of corresponding federal Acts, by Binod
Ghimire (kp), Make
it work : Rather than argue over the MCC’s
‘hidden agenda’, the focus should be on its
timely implementation (kp)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English: morning,
evening)
(Nepali: morning, evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha TV (evening)
30/08/2023: 17
years since peace accord, enforced disappearance
victims still await justice : No progress has
been made to deliver justice even as the Maosts
have led the government four times since the
accord, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [The governing parties and
also the most opposition parties are clearly
against justice for the victims and their
families of that time!], Justice,
disappeared : Solving insurgency-era cases is
not just a national urgency but also a global
human rights responsibility (kp), Rights
body urges govt to ensure truth, justice, and
reparations for families of enforced
disappearance victims (rep), Conflict
victims awaiting justice for decades, by Bal
Krishna Sah (ht), Surviving
a dangerous neighbourhood : Blowing with the ill
winds since 2014, the spectre of ‘neo-Hindutva’
has begun to haunt Nepal, by CK Lal (kp), Assessing
Nepal’s Future Conflict Trends, by Rajendra
Bahadur Singh (rep), Nepal’s
declaration on MCC compact gets US nod : Some
ruling party leaders and fringe parties have
started speaking against the compact again,
by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Toxic
air shaving around five years off Nepalis’
lives, report shows : Nepal is world’s third
most polluted country—behind India and
Bangladesh—based on satellite-derived PM2.5 data,
by Arjun Poudel (kp)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English: morning,
evening)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha TV (evening)
29/08/2023: Lawmakers’
concerns arise over Prime Minister’s daughter’s
participation in High-Level meetings (kh), Election
Commission calls for speedy passage of ‘No Vote’
provision : If 51 percent of voters opt ‘No
Vote’, the election becomes invalid and rejected
candidates can’t run next time, by Nishan
Khatiwada (kp), Election
Commission proposes NOTA, suffrage right for
Nepali citizens employed abroad, by Bal
Krishna Sah (ht), Coalition
for corruption : Power equations may change, but
the unfair practices of the political syndicates
perhaps won't, by Mohan Guragain (kp), BRICS+six
and beyond : Admitting undemocratic countries to
the group will only augment China’s strategic
interests, by Achyut Wagle (kp), Residences
built for province chiefs and CMs in Kathmandu
against federalism: Experts, by Bhuwan
Sharma (rep) [This is
another proof that the thinking of politicians
continues to be centrist and not federalist!],
Lawmaker
Dhakal urges PM Dahal to address Ganga Maya
Adhikari’s demand (rep), Conflict
victims to organise candle vigil (ht), Religious
Harmony Key To Peace, by Narayan Upadhyay
(rn) [Provocative acts
of this kind are reprehensible, but they happen
from both sides. Things that violate the values
of the Khas Arya are always loudly denounced.
But what about the brutal but usually unpunished
crimes against Dalits, mostly perpetrated by
Khas Arya? One of the biggest provocations in
terms of cultural diversity and tolerance, for
example, is the demand for a return to the Hindu
state by radical Khas Arya. Such a demand, as
put forward especially by the extremist RPP,
deeply offends Janajatis, Dalits, Muslims and
also women in general, i.e. probably more than
half of the population! Tolerance and harmony
remain a beautiful dream as long as the state
and the national identity are exclusively
oriented towards the values of the male Khas
Arya!], Head
on collision of judiciary and executive: A
perennial problem in Nepal, by Jiba Raj
Pokharel (ht)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English: morning,
evening) (Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening); Sagarmatha TV (evening)
28/08/2023: Coalition
offers House panel chair to RPP eyeing support
in Koshi Province : Rastriya Prajatantra Party
leaders, however, reckon they deserve to lead a
committee based on their own strength, by
Tika R Pradhan (kp) [In
the supposedly federal state of Nepal, all
strings continue to be pulled by the national
level!], Good
riddance : Supreme Court order on pork barrel
funds is a major step towards curbing corruption
(kp), Missions
impossible : Nepali politics is so volatile that
it is hard to predict what will happen in six
months, much less four years, by Biswas
Baral (kp), Nepal
entangling in complex web of India-China-US
trilateral conflict: Dr. Bhattarai (kh), Post goes viral
with misleading claim it shows rally in Dharan
(kh), President
Poudel appoints ambassadors to France, UAE and
Kuwait (rep) [Thank
God, all male Khas Arya. After all, social
non-inclusion must be preserved!]
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English: morning,
evening)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha TV (evening)
27/08/2023: Lalita
Niwas land grab: Case
filed against
fraudulence, organized
crime charges dismissed
(kh), What
does the MCC Nepal
compact’s imminent entry
into force entail?
Political challenges are
less pronounced but
issues of land
acquisition and right of
way may still create
hurdles, by Prithvi
Man Shrestha (kp), Dharan
peaceful amid fear of
ethnic, religious
violence : Congress
President Sher Bahadur
Deuba and National Human
Rights Commission appeal
for communal harmony,
by Pradeep Menyangbo (kp),
Lawmakers
file candidacy for
leadership of 10
parliamentary committees
(With names) (kh) [These
proposals reflect not
only nepotism, but above
all insufficient social
inclusion among MPs!],
Nominations
of 11 people
registered for
chairmanship
of 10
committees
under HoR
(rep), Federalizing
Education and
Mitigating
Political
Influence in
Nepali
Academia,
by Alok K
Bohara (rep) [!!!],
Melamchi
Project: A
Spectacle of
Nepal's Flawed
Development
Model
(rep)
see
also TV news: Kantipur TV (English:
morning,
evening) (Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha TV (evening)
26/05/2023: Government’s
cybersecurity policy criticised for National
Internet Gateway plan : Experts are concerned
that it may curtail the right to privacy and
freedom of expression in Nepal, by Anup Ojha
(kp), Former
Maoists in UML are a frustrated
lot : Many of them have
gradually faded into the
background, and say they are in
a wait-and-see mode, by Tika
R Pradhan (kp) [Given the
character of the authoritarian
party leader, this was to be
expected.], Public
Power Vital For Democratic Realm,
by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), SC
order on pork barrel fund irks
NC, UML, by Ram Kumar Kamat
(ht) [This
shows where corrupt thinking and
acting is at home!], Democracy,
Capitalism, and the Path to
Social Equilibrium : Who are the
beneficiaries of this
new-founded political system in
the small Himalayan nation?,
by Amrit Poudel (rep)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English: morning,
evening)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening);
Sagarmatha TV (evening)
25/08/2023: Court
rules new Koshi Cabinet also unconstitutional :
In its interim ruling, Supreme Court orders
provincial government not to make important
decisions, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Bundling
of many legal amendments in a single bill raises
question of intent : Governments with hidden
motives do so to evade close scrutiny by
lawmakers, says National Assembly member, by
Binod Ghimire (kp) [!!],
MPs
criticise court order on constituency
development fund : Constitutional experts,
however, disagree with the lawmakers’ criticism,
by Nishan Khatiwada (kp), All
what I did is lawful: Oli defends his past moves
(rep) [The opposite is
true! KP Oli's political actions are paved with
lies and violations of the law, as the SC has
also repeatedly attested. His current statement
is open contempt of court!], A
case against high level gold smuggling probe
panel : Historically, reports presented by such
probe panels have been hidden from the public
eye, and their recommendations conspicuously
unheeded, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), Nepal
Eligible To Be OGP Member, by Mahendra Man
Gurung (rn) [Transparency,
accountability and participation are still not
realised for large parts of Nepali society!],
DPM
Khadka calls for caution against those
disturbing social harmony (kh) [Social harmony is endangered
by all those who deny the multi-ethnicity,
multi-religion and diversity of cultures of the
country, who refuse proper inclusion of all
sections of society and who identify the country
exclusively with Hinduism and the language and
culture of the (male) Khas Arya!], LeT-linked
Nepali Islamic Organization Expanding Madrassas
in Nepal (kh) [??]
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English: morning,
evening)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha TV (evening)
24/08/2023: Girls’
ratio to boys markedly low in big cities and
districts bordering India : Widening gap between
their numbers could create gender imbalance in
long run, by Arjun Poudel (kp), No
Law, No Justice, No government for conflict
victims, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), Conflict
victims urge parliament to revise Transitional
Justice Bill (rep), Seven
NC leaders voice concerns over transfer of
police officers spearheading investigation
(kh), Court
blocks pork barrel fund both in centre and
provinces : Interim order questions if lawmakers
doing the work of the executive would undermine
separation of powers principle, by Prithvi
Man Shrestha (kp), SC
issues interim order to Koshi govt not to take
decisions of long-term importance (kh), US
lawmakers, MCC vice-president coming to Nepal
next week : Congressional delegation’s visit
unrelated to MCC compact’s entry into force,
officials say, by Anil Giri (kp) [Unabated attempts of
political influence?!], Is
Nepal the winner of globalization?, by Hari
Prasad Shrestha (rep), ‘There
is possibility of unification between Bibeksheel
Sajha party and RSP’ (rep), Recall
Exercise Should Involve Voters, by Mukti
Rijal (rn)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English:
morning, evening)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha TV (evening)
23/08/2023: Rights
defenders stress amendment of TJ Bill (ht),
Ex-ministers
among 238 on CIB list for land scam prosecution
: Ex-prime ministers Nepal and Bhattarai spared
in police report on Lalita Niwas probe submitted
to district attorney, by Prithvi Man
Shrestha and Anup Ojha (kp) [It is a big step that politicians of the
second level are prosecuted for their potential
crimes, but those of the top level continue to
enjoy the protection of those currently in
power, who only change within the circle of the
top level anyway. Otherwise, it could be that
the top brass of politicians will soon disappear
from the scene altogether!], Mere
formality? A fair probe demands that everyone
involved in the Lalita Niwas scam be
investigated impartially (ht), CIB
recommends legal action against 238 individuals,
by Tapendra Karki (rep), Rubber
stamp parliament : Major parties continue
culture of obstructing parliamentary proceedings,
by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), House
resumption delayed as UML unhappy with gold
probe conditions : UML leader Nembang says a
deal is expected today after Dahal and Oli
resolve differences, by Tika R Pradhan (kp),
Parties
agree to form probe commission to investigate
gold smuggling cases (rep), Political
parties agree to resolve Parliament impasse
(kh) [The blocking of
legislative processes to enforce political
interests is a serious crime and should have
legal consequences if Nepal is not to degenerate
into a banana republic!], HoR
meeting resumes as UML lifts obstruction after
28 days (rep), Unbundling
federalism : Higher levels of government are
undermining the constitutional roles of the
lower levels, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp), SC issues interim
order halting for Constituency Infrastructure
Development Fund (kh) [Another issue of political corruption
finally stopped!]
see also TV news:
Kantipur TV (English: morning,
evening) (Nepali:
morning, evening); AP1 (morning)
(evening);
Sagarmatha TV (evening)
22/08/2023: Degrees
of Dalitness : It is a fallacy to think that the
Dalits are the only community facing caste
discrimination, by Mitra Pariyar (kp), Rule
for the commoners, relief for the leaders:
Height of discrimination, by Jiba Raj
Pokharel (ht) [In
reality, the constitution was drafted by the top
politicians of the major parties, i.e. by those
people who constantly disregard it to this day!],
Govt
to form High-Level Committee to
investigate gold smuggling (kh), Anti-Corruption Drive
Will It Reach Logical End?, by
Narayan Upadhyay (rn), UML
to refrain from attending President
Paudel’s all-party meeting (kh) [The anti-democrat
Oli obviously prefers to continue his
undemocratic activities!], I
have no intention to engage in political
activism: President Paudel (kh), Strongest
hint yet two ex-PMs will be spared in
land scam : Instead of grilling as
suspects, CIB recorded statements of
Nepal and Bhattarai as government
witnesses, by Prithvi Man Shrestha
(kp), Koshi
Chief Minister Thapa passes
floor test using questionable
means : Whether someone who
chairs the assembly can vote has
surfaced as a point of
contention between political
parties, by Nishan Khatiwada
(kp), Hitting
a new low : The government
formation process in Koshi
province showed the ugliest side
of national politics (kp)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali:
morning, evening); AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
21/08/2023: Caste system
and religious conversion in Nepal, by
Sushant Nepali (rep), Soft
state syndrome: Precursor to state failure,
by Pushpa Raj Joshi (ht), Criminal
intent : The decision to transfer top cops
probing corruption scams is aimed at protecting
corrupt leaders (kp) [Whoever orders such transfers in the
current stuation should also be convicted of
political corruption!], Corruption
blamed for plunge in foreign investments in
Nepal : Capital inflow fell by 67.88 percent to
Rs5.96 billion in the past fiscal year,
according to Nepal Rastra Bank, by Krishana
Prasain (kp), No
progress in ending obstruction of Parliament :
Ruling coalition and the opposition UML have yet
to sit for talks. Main opposition adamant on its
demand for high-level inquiry into gold
smuggling, by Anil Giri (kp), Street
vendors up in arms against KMC’s indifference :
Officials say they have selected three places
for vendors to run their businesses, but would
reveal them only after an agreement with
residents, by Anup Ojha (kp), Our
democracy will function only if communists are
democratised : Daman Nath Dhungana, speaker of
the first Parliament elected after the 1990
political change, on latest parliamentary
obstructions and the failure of the political
parties to act responsibly to make Nepal’s
legislative process functional, interview
with Daman Nath Dhungana (kp) [This is correct, but it is not only the
communist parties that lack democratic
structures and attitudes!], CAAN’s
anti-press freedom move draws criticisms
: There is a constitutional and legal
provision enabling responses to media
reports. If such responses are not
published, individuals can lodge
complaints with the Press Council Nepal,
by Pratik Ghimire (ae), CAAN
should come clean (ae)
see also TV
news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
20/08/2023: Transfer
of top cops probing refugee scam rings alarm
bells : Prime minister presented proposal and
passed it despite DPM Shrestha’s objections,
home ministry official says, by Anil Giri
(kp) [This is what the
so-called top politicians mean by ruthlessly
clearing up corruption!], Strengthening
Nepali think tanks : They have been limited by
governance, incentive and efficiency-related
issues, by Sushav Niraula (kp), The
impending NHRC downgrade : What to make of the
imminent slide and how to bring the National
Human Rights Commission back from the brink
(kp) [Thank you KP Oli,
you really are the greatest!], NC
General Secretary Thapa objects to exclusion of
statements in Lalita Niwas Case (kh), HOR
meeting adjourned till August 22 (kh) [The destruction of
democratic structures and values is a top
priority for KP Oli!], Nembang
justifies House obstruction : 'Not allowed but
it's necessary to get government to meet
demands' (ht) [What
a poor testimony for a supposedly leading jurist
of Nepal and a blindly rabid follower of
Oli!], Chief
whips’ meeting fails to forge consensus,
parliamentary deadlock continues (rep), Parties
appear keen to attract youths to politics but
can they? The emergence of new political forces
and the declining popularity of the traditional
parties among youths have triggered such a move,
by Nishan Khatiwada (kp) [At least the youth is fed up with the
current "top politicians"!], Political
question, Your Honour! Many constitutional
disputes presented before the Supreme Court show
political and legal character, by Semanta
Dahal (kp), The
Elephant in the Room, by Narayan Manandhar
(rep), Lame
Defense Of House Dissolution, by Ritu Raj
Subedi (rn)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening); Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
19/08/2023: Legality
of transitional justice bodies comes under
question : Parliament was not informed about
July 4 decision to extend the bodies’ tenure
within 30 days, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Holes
in government’s anti-corruption drive : Prime
minister and Maoist leaders say pressure coming
from fellow leaders and coalition, by Tika R
Pradhan (kp), Govt
cannot ignore issues raised in
parliament: UML Chief Whip Bartaula
(kh) [This is
correct! But why did KP Oli repeatedly
disregard the opinion of parliament in
2020/21, for example in the vote of no
confidence against him? Twice he tried
to muzzle the parliament in an
unconstitutional way then, just as he is
not letting the parliament do its job at
all now! In any case, he who sits in a
glass house should not throw stones!],
Reformist
Politics Faces Multiple Crises, by
Dev Raj Dahal (rn)
see also TV
news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening); Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
18/08/2023: Two
inmates tortured to death: Probe report,
by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Victims
of Doramba incident still deprived of
justice (ht),
Court
rules pardon in criminal cases under political
cover illegal : The ruling would be considered
while passing verdicts in petitions challenging
presidential pardons, say experts, by Binod
Ghimire (kp), Granting
amnesty to those guilty in criminal cases
unconstitutional: SC, by Bhasa Sharma (rep),
Unlawful
pardon : The full text of the top court on the
Tikapur carnage says Resham's pardon was
unlawful (ht), Ex-PM
warns of fresh conflict if courts handle
conflict-era cases : Baburam Bhattarai said only
transitional bodies should resolve
insurgency-related issues (kp) [Crimes from the time of the
insurgency must be judged by courts and not by
political commissions appointed by politicians
who have proven for 17 years that they have no
interest at all in justice for the victims!],
Anti-corruption
drive rattles political parties, by Kamal
Dev Bhattarai (ae), Not
playing their part : There is a lack of effort
in clearing the now three-week-long House
obstruction (kp), Nepalis
in the Russian Army want to quit
: They call home from the
battlefront to say they were not
trained, and have not got the
salaries promised, by Bhadra
Sharma (nt)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
17/08/2023: TRC
and CIEDP remain without office-bearers for a
year, by Bhasa Sharma (rep) [This reflects the political
will of the rulers in Nepal!], Full
text of SC verdict damns Resham Chaudhary,
by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), SC
questions President’s amnesty for Resham
Chaudhary in Tikapur incident (kh), Violence
against women in politics : By breaking down
barriers and fostering an enabling environment,
women can take their rightful place as catalysts
for change in various fields, including in
politics and decision-making, by Kabita
Pandey (ae), Former
President : Bhandari’s “activism” sparks a wave
of discussions (kh), Maoist
Centre seeks suggestions from experts to help
improve country’s economic situation (kh), Government eyes on
internet monitoring : On path to becoming a
surveillance state, by Santosh Sigdel (ae), Government’s
cybersecurity policy raises privacy and
implementation concerns : National Cyber
Security Policy has some features that will
potentially harm internet ecosystem and digital
rights, by Anup Ojha (kp), No
progress in ending obstruction of Parliament :
Ruling coalition and the opposition UML have yet
to sit for talks. Main opposition adamant on its
demand for high-level inquiry into gold
smuggling, by Anil Giri (kp) [Anyone who prevents the
elected representatives of the people from
fulfilling their duties in order to enforce
political demands is not a democrat! Such an
offense should have legal consequences!],
Opposition’s
absurdity : If the government is hamstrung on
one pretext or another, people’s faith in the
system starts eroding, by Lok Raj Baral (kp)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening); Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
16/08/2023: How
much corruption is too much? Corruption at the
highest echelons of government is nothing new in
Nepal, by Paban Raj Pandey (kp), Chinese
army team arriving in Kathmandu (kh), Deuba
sparks debate as he suggests lifting gold import
limits : Congress chief and ex-prime minister
says smuggling can be controlled by allowing
more gold to come in legally, by Prithvi Man
Shrestha (kp) [???],
Nepal’s
Diplomatic Acumen On Test, by Yuba Nath
Lamsal (rn), Curb
inflation, uphold the Charter : The governments’
failure to guarantee fundamental rights by
curbing inflation and by providing jobs can make
way for anarchy, by Jivesh Jha (ae)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
15/08/2023: Marginalised
communities struggling to obtain citizenship
cards : The ward offices refuse to provide
recommendation resulting in minorities being
deprived of rights, by Bal Krishna Sah (ht),
Parliamentarism
in the swamps : A handful of top leaders of
major parties decide every national issue in
closed-door meetings, by Achyut Wagle (kp) [This is what the so-called
political leaders mean by democracy!], Towards
open governance and civic participation : There
is a long way to go for Nepal to build integrity
in state institutions and eradicate corruption,
by Narayan Adhikari and Blair Glencorse (kp), Illegal
abortions continue killing women : Nepal
legalised abortion in 2002. Every year about
100,000 women undergo the procedure at
government-authorised clinics, by Arjun
Poudel (kp), Golden
defiance: Mahara stays unbowed amid alleged gold
smuggling link, by Ishwar Dev Khanal (kh), Coalition
partners drop Gaur massacre probe plan to avoid
antagonising Upendra Yadav : They refuse the
main opposition’s demand to form a high-level
probe panel to investigate the gold haul and
decide to make the ongoing investigation of CIB
more effective, by Tika R Pradhan (kp) [Crimes that do not suit
political interests are not investigated, no
matter if the SC demands it and the PM has
loudly proclaimed it. What does PK Dahal care
about his yesterday's chatter?], Congress
and UML still far apart on high-level gold probe
: Coalition tasks CIB, but UML insists on
setting up elite panel, by Anil Giri (kp) [The decision on this
investigation must not be in the hands of
politicians and parties who may be involved in
the crime or want to gain their personal
advantages from it!], Madhesh
struggles with rising cases of missing children
: Lack of study and authorities’ inaction hamper
efforts to tackle the problem. Number of missing
female children is higher than males, rescue
group says, by Shiva Puri (kp), Janamat
begins its ‘right to recall’ practice : +Voting
to determine the performance of the elected
representatives starts from 22 different polling
stations. The practice, however, is not
recognised by Nepal’s laws, by Nishan
Khatiwada (kp)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
14/08/2023: Janamat
Party joins government, Anita Devi sworn in
(kh), Congress
dissidents join UML to demand high-level gold
probe : Some experts, however, fear if such a
panel doesn’t have honest professionals, police
investigation could be derailed, by Tika R
Pradhan (kp), Congress
MPs criticise government for Sharma’s
arrest, Lama’s appointment : Nepali
Congress lawmakers convened in the
Capital for their parliamentary party
meeting on Sunday (kp), Forget
2022: Parties hope to do well in 2027 :
Janamat Party is buoyed by its
performance in the last polls while two
other old regional forces are too
enmeshed in power politics to focus on
the next elections, analysts say, by
Nishan Khatiwada (kp) [For this to happen, the entire
failed generation of so-called
"political leaders" would have to take a
united leave from politics. They are
anti-democratic, socially non-inclusive,
constantly abuse the constitution and
laws to protect their personal power
interests, and some of them are
suspiciously close to crime and
corruption!], UML
persists in blocking House Proceedings:
HoR meeting deferred until September 20
(kh) [Whether
the demands are justified or not,
parliamentary democracy is not for the
politicians and parties, but for the
people. Those who refuse to represent
the people in parliament, for which he
or she was elected, do not deserve to be
MPs any longer!], Stop
Making House Hostage Of Indecision,
by Ballav Dahal (rn)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
13/08/2023: National
Human Rights Commission seeks political support
to retain its ‘A’ status : Only the country
whose human rights commission has the coveted
grade can express its views in deliberations at
the United Nations Human Rights Council and take
part in voting on any of its decisions (kp),
Rage
against Pokhara Mayor after King Prithvi’s image
removed : Pokhara Metropolitan City is said to
have removed the image Saturday midnight amid
opposition from other leaders (nlt) [Nepal must finally learn to
accept its history. The monarchy now belongs to
the past, but it is a historical fact, as is the
importance of the ethnic past (see Province 1)
and the continuing oppression and exclusion of
Dalits, Janajatis, Madheshis, Muslims and women
in general. The statue of Prithvi Narayan should
remind us of his importance for the unification
of Nepal, but also of his inglorious
responsibility for the social discriminations in
Nepal today!], 100
kg gold enters Nepal illegally every day: KP Oli
(kh) [Three tonnes of
illegally imported gold every month? Only an
insider can know that! KP Oli should be legally
questioned immediately! If his claim is a lie
once more, he is also liable to prosecution!],
Dahal
preparing to recall a Maoist minister to bring
Janamat Party back to the Cabinet : The prime
minister is discussing with some of his party
ministers to vacate a seat for Anita Devi Sah,
by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Maoist
Center decides to recall Minister Modi to vacate
seat for Janamat party (kh), Why
a hue and cry over Education Bill? Proposed
rules aside, politicians are unlikely to go
against interests of private schools that fund
them, say experts, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Farms
turn into housing as irrigation is delayed : It
may take another 10 years before the schemes in
Banke, Bardiya, Kailali and Kanchanpur are
ready, experts say, by Rupa Gahatraj, Kamal
Panthi, Chitrang Thapa and Bhawani Bhatta (kp)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
12/08/2023: Debunking
Foreign Policy Fallacies, by Dev Raj Dahal
(rn), Reshaping
Nepal's Economic Landscape, by Arun Dahal
Khatri (rep)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
11/08/2023: Nepal
and International Humanitarian Law : The
government should identify legal and operational
gaps and address them on time, by Krishna
Chandra Chalisey (kp), The
Question of Legacy : What Will Nepal's Current
Leaders Leave for the New Generation?, by
Nabraj Lama (rep) [Hopefully
the realisation that they need to do everything
differently/better!], President
Paudel’s concerns shine light on national issues
(kh), As
Maoists discuss leadership change, some espy
chance : Pun, Sharma hope to succeed Dahal.
Another claimant is Shrestha. Chand could make
an entry as Dahal’s favourite, by Tika R
Pradhan (kp), Beyond
Balen and Rabi : Can the political messiahs lead
their disillusioned flock to the promised land?,
by Bishal Thapa (kp), NC
lawmakers criticize govt for displaying a biased
attitude (kh)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening); AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
10/08/2023: Dalit
students at a disadvantage in under-resourced
community schools : Most villages in Kaski are
emptying out due to outmigration with only
impoverished Dalits left behind. With no other
option, their children go to schools riddled
with problems, by Deepak Pariyar (kp), A
rethink on women’s representation : The
fundamental goal of representation of women in
politics is that “women bring to politics a
different set of values, experiences and
expertise”, by Pradikshya KC (ae), Nepal
non-committal to UN on revising transitional
justice amendment bill : Four United Nations
special rapporteurs had sought clarification
from the government on five issues, by Binod
Ghimire (kp), Deal
with kin of Gaur victims puts coalition at risk
: 27 Maoists died in a clash with cadres of
Upendra Yadav’s Madheshi Janadhikar Forum in
March 2007 in Rautahat, by Anil Giri (kp), UML’s
disruptive ways : The party seems to consider
House disturbance the only effective way to
communicate its message (kp) [This action is based on KP
Oli's anti-democratic philosophy of power,
similar to the parliamentary dissolutions of
2020/21 and the refusal to accept his ouster
then!!], NC
lawmaker MP Sunil Sharma arrested from Golfutar
(kh), Concerns
grow at home as Nepali nationals join foreign
armed forces without govt permission (rep),
Vital
Clues For Rastriya Swatantra Party, by Mukti
Rijal (rn), Major
parties head to grassroots, by Kamal Dev
Bhattarai (ae)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening); Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
09/08/2023: Joint
movement of indigenous nationalities essential
to safeguard achievements, say activists :
Recent struggle indicates that indigenous
nationalities are dissatisfied and angry but
they also have no collective way to channel
their frustration. Activists say the movement
against the ‘Koshi’ name could inspire more
groups, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Janamat
Party expresses solidarity with the demands of
indigenous groups (rep), Ruckus
in a riven House, by Devendra Gautam (ae), UML
continues to obstruct House over gold smuggling
: Main opposition says it suspects involvement
of prime minister and home minister, and CIB
won’t grill them, by Binod Ghimire (kp), UML
continues obstruction of Lower House (ht), CPN-UML likely to
disrupt today’s HoR meeting as well (kh), HoR meeting
adjourned due to UML’s obstruction (kh), House
obstruction : Frequent obstruction of the House
defeats the very purpose of the legislature
(ht), Upper
House meeting: Lawmakers against making
parliament hostage of indecision (rep) [KP Oli's misuse of
parliament is a fundamental crime, which I hope
voters will remember at the next general
election! Why vote for a party that prevents the
work of parliament?], Lalita
Niwas land grab scam : Master plan for PM's
residence expansion was made during PM Dahal’s
tenure, by Tapendra Karki (rep), Vulnerable
youths, vulnerable nation : The youth's desire
to join foreign forces emanates from the Nepali
state's failure to provide ample jobs to its
growing young population (Part I),
by Binoj Basnyat (ae)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali:
morning, evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
08/08/2023: Lessons
from Manipur : The Nepal government too is
notorious for ignoring ethnic, caste and
communal grievances, by Mitra Pariyar (kp),
Many
benefits, some risks in latest verdict of
Supreme Court : There is a tradition of taking
controversial proposals to the Cabinet so that
the CIAA would not investigate them, by
Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Political
parties struggle to curb cadres’ social media
activity : Attempts to discourage open
discussions won’t help democracy, in view of
experts, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp), Too
early or too late? Political parties have
embarked on election campaigns. People won’t be
easily fooled (kp), A
tale of two CC meetings: Striking similarities
and dissimilarities, by Jiba Raj Pokharel
(ht), Home
ministry signs five-point pact with Gaur
Massacre Victims' Struggle Committee (rep),
EPG
Report Shelved Indefinitely, by Narayan
Upadhyay (rn)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali:
morning, evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
07/08/2023: Incompetent
lawmakers: Wasting valuable time of the nation,
by Pushpa Raj Joshi (ht), The
Gaur injustice : Pushpa Kamal Dahal and co
exemplify real or imaginary revolutionaries
becoming co-opted by the state (kp), Top
leaders fail to reach an agreement on ending
Parliament obstruction (kh) [For these so-called top
politicians, parliament is an unwelcome
institution that they are only too happy to
abuse for their power struggles!], 7
months since first House meeting, mini
parliaments still headless : Of the 16
committees, 12 are without chairpersons
(kp), Court
clears way for probing ex-PMs in Lalita
Niwas scam : Landmark verdict allows
police to investigate former prime
ministers Madhav Kumar Nepal and Baburam
Bhattarai, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Probe
top layer of pyramid, SC tells
investigators, by Ram Kumar Kamat
(ht), Lalita
Niwas land grab: District court issues
arrest warrant against four former
ministers : The court order paves the
way for Central Investigation Bureau
(CIB) to arrest these former ministers
and speed up the investigation process
(nlt), Arrest
warrant issued against four former
ministers including NC leader
Gachchhadar, by Tapendra Karki
(rep), Anticipating
a close contest, political parties
already preparing for 2027 polls :
Traditional parties saw a drop in their
vote share in recent polls, raising
concerns and warranting course
correction, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp)
[?? Elections
without fundamental reforms aimed at
real social inclusion and the exclusion
of failed over-aged male Khas Arya
politicians make no sense!], Controversial
former lawmaker Lharkyal Lama appointed
vice-chairman of Lumbini Development
Fund : The Maoist Centre leader had
earlier been charged with several
crimes, including possession of illegal
firearms, accumulating disproportionate
property, and possession of dual
citizenship and passport (kp) [The proximity of
political parties to crime continues
unabated!], Govt
provided around Rs 27.5 million in
financial aid in two months : Misuse of
government’ funds in the name of
financial aid, by Tapendra Karki
(rep)
see also TV
news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
06/08/2023: Miffed
by New Delhi’s constant demurral, stakeholders
in Kathmandu press for making EPG report public,
by Mahabir Paudyal (nlt), Dahal
shows double standards in Gaur massacre probe :
On March 21, 2007, as many as 27 Maoist party
workers were brutally killed, with 115 more
injured in the incident, by Binod Ghimire
(kp), Let
them eat rice : Nepal does not grow
enough rice to feed its population, and
without imports from India, the
shortfall will be acute. Nepal used to
sell rice. Now it can’t do without
buying it, by Sangam Prasain (kp), SC directs
investigation of former Prime Ministers
in Lalita Niwas Land Grab Case (kh)
see also TV
news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
05/08/2023: Conflict
victims and rights activists are sceptical about
government’s intentions : Stakeholders stage
sit-in as parliamentary panel works to finalise
a disputed bill on transitional justice, by
Binod Ghimire (kp), PM
Dahal initiates negotiations with Gaur Massacre
Victims’ families (kh) [They need justice
and not the unjust pardon of convicted
offenders for purely political reasons!],
Calls
grow louder for making EPG report public, one
way or the other : Nepal members of the panel
and former foreign ministers even advise taking
the suggestions to Parliament (kp), Holding
Multinational Companies Accountable, by Dev
Raj Dahal (rn)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
04/08/2023: Internal
democracy: Anti-dote to tyranny (ae), Bishowambhar
Prasad Shrestha nominated for chief justice :
Shrestha will have 14 months to lead the
judiciary before he retires, by Binod
Ghimire (kp), Calls
grow at Maoist central committee meeting to book
its corrupt leaders : Party’s downfall was
inevitable due to the disconnect between its
ideology and actions, says Lekhnath Neupane,
by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Parliamentary
Hearing Committee endorses names of six
ambassadorial nominees : The President will now
appoint the diplomats to their positions in the
designated countries (kp) [Nothing against the nominees
personally, but what about the lack of social
inclusion?], Growing
aversion towards federalism in Nepal, by
Ganesh Mandal (rep) [Federalism
could be good in view of the social and cultural
diversity as well as the regionally very
different levels of development and social
participation. But most top politicians and
their parties have so far prevented or abused
the federal approaches.], Politicians
and land mafia join hands to encroach
Pokhara lakes : Despite court orders to
conserve the natural water bodies in the
lake city, the government remains
indifferent, turning a blind eye as
political elites and individuals
persistently seize public land to erect
concrete structures, by Smita
Adhikari (ae), Conflict
victims urge govt’s attention on
Transitional Justice Laws (kh)
see also TV
news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
03/08/2023: Democracy
as arithmetic : From the centre to the
provinces, political parties have turned
democracy into a mindless race for power
(kp) [There is nothing
to add to this shocking analysis.], Gaur
massacre victims threaten to stage protest in
Kathmandu (rep), Congress
top leaders against prosecution in ‘non-cruel’
murder : Party takes a stance against demands of
conflict victims that there must be no amnesty
for serious rights violations, by Binod
Ghimire (kp) [Sher
Bahadur Deuba and his NC are strictly against
justice for victims! Every murder is cruel, both
for those directly involved as well as for their
families and friends! Human rights defenders are
stunned!], Maoists
seek probe into leaders’ assets : Prime Minster
Dahal smug about government’s achievements, vows
to continue anti-corruption drive. Leaders
accused of nepotism in hiring personal
secretaries. Maoist Centre abruptly cancels
livestream plan for its Central Committee
meeting, by Anil Giri (kp), Constitutional
Council meeting recommends Shrestha as new Chief
Justice (rep), Politicians
and land mafia join hands to encroach Pokhara
lakes : Despite court orders to conserve the
natural water bodies in the lake city, the
government remains indifferent, turning a blind
eye as political elites and individuals
persistently seize public land to erect concrete
structures, by Smita Adhikari (ae), It’s
time to talk about electoral reforms, by
Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening); Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
02/08/2023: BRI
shatters Nepal’s hope to graduate from LDC
status, by Shriman Narayan (kh), Maoist
Center set to expand Central Committee,
embracing inclusivity (kh) [Social inclusion
must take place to the same extent at
all levels of the party. Otherwise, one
cannot speak of such inclusion.
Especially at the upper levels of the
party, as with all parties, the
proportion of male khas aryas is
overwhelming. For example, at the top
party level, there should be at most one
male Bahun. The CPN (MC) is still worlds
away from this!], Panel
to question minister on lack of
inclusiveness in envoy nominations :
Parliamentary hearing committee is set
to meet today, by Anil Giri (kp), Inclusive
approach embraced in all appointments,
including ambassadorial posts: Foreign
Minister (rep) [Brazen lies against all facts! If
the Minister's count is correct, 8
ambassadors alone are from among the
Khas Arya he did not name. Now 6 more
male Khas Arya are to be added. How
stupid does this man think the people of
Nepal are?], Constitutional
Council strays off the agenda, fails to
nominate chief justice : Members
discussed package deal on constitutional
body vacancies, deputy Speaker says,
by Binod Ghimire (kp), CC
must act fast : The entire Judiciary is
being weakened to serve the vested
interest of the executive (ht), Contractors
hit streets seeking payments :
Federation of Contractors’ Association
of Nepal says government owes them Rs50
billion in dues from last fiscal year,
by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Mayor's
Ultimatum Belief: Defiant or
Questionable Approach to Governance?,
by Khusbu Oli (rep), Govt
attempts to curtail citizens' right to
privacy under the guise of crime control
(kh)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
01/08/2023: Parties
agree to ensure smooth operation of parliament
(kh), HoR
Meeting postponed until August 7 (kh) [But KP Oli continues his
antidemocratic procedure!], Maoists,
UML engage in tug of war on forming panel to
probe gold haul : While the UML demands a
high-level panel to investigate the gold
smuggling case, the government says that could
affect the ongoing probe, by Tika R
Pradhan (kp), Constitutional
Council meeting adjourns without Chief Justice
recommendation (kh), Appoint
CJ pronto: NHRC (ht), Fear
of food crisis as multiple problems hit paddy
production : Lumpy skin, low monsoon rainfall
and slow transplantation have raised possibility
of a reduced harvest, experts say, by Sangam
Prasain (kp), Most
of Tarai is reeling under unusual mid-monsoon
drought : Experts say the reactive approach of
the authorities does not help in mitigating the
risks of loss and damage, by Arjun Poudel
(kp), Rice
for thought : Coming months will be challenging
for farmers, consumers and national economy as a
whole (kp), Nepali
youth joining Russian Army raises concerns;
Foreign Ministry clarifies stand (kp), Message
of the CC meeting of NC: Heading for a disaster
in the next election, by Jiba Raj Pokharel
(ht), Will
this ruling coalition last?, by Kamal Dev
Bhattarai (ae) [It would
be the first time in democratic Nepal. Oli,
Dahal and Deuba are a sure guarantee that this
will not happen!]
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
31/07/2023: Constitutional
Council meeting taking place tomorrow : Meeting
expected to recommend next Chief Justice
(kh), Prime
minister calls Constitutional Council meeting
after talks with Oli : There was no deal yet on
ending the House disruption, by Binod
Ghimire (kp) [The
legislature in Nepal is primarily abused by the
top politicians for their power games!],
Koshi
govt formation: PM Dahal considers Speaker’s
resignation as last resort (kh) [Political decisions in the
provinces remain firmly in the hands of the
central party leaders. This is called federalism
in Nepal!], Have
wings, won’t fly : Sister wings of political
parties became recruitment centres for cadres
than bodies for collective bargaining (kp),
State
of impunity wrecking our university system :
There is a criminal gang that benefits by
extorting the university. They work for the
mafia in education, interview with Prem
Chalaune, assistant professor at the Department of
Sociology of Tribhuvan University (kp) [Once again political parties
have their fingers in the pie and cover up
crime!],
Supreme
Court issues short-term interim order
not to levy VAT on air tickets : The
apex court has summoned both parties for
discussion and has also asked the
government to furnish a written
clarification (kp), High
Court orders EC not to implement
decision to fine candidate Rs 15,000
(kh), Irregularities
in 'free visa, free ticket' provisions :
NHRC report suggests that human
trafficking in the guise of foreign
employment is rampant (ht), US
annual reports tell a lot about
America’s view of Nepal, by Kamal
Dev Bhattarai (ae), A
new US report questions
investment climate in
Nepal (ae),
US
points to corruption and political uncertainty
as major obstacles to foreign investment in
Nepal : Acknowledging that Nepal has ample
investment opportunities, the 2023 Investment
Climate Statements on Nepal released by the US
Department of State mention several flaws
plaguing investment climate (nlt) [see US
report]
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning, evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
30/07/2023: Ruling
coalition exploring possibilities to
form govt in Koshi Province (kh) [In a federal state,
the coalition form of the central level
does not necessarily have to be
transferred to the provincial level. In
any case, the decision lies primarily
with the provincial politicians!
Otherwise, the federal state makes no
sense!], Top
leaders agree to convene Constitutional
Council meeting (kh) [The convening of the
Constitutional Council should be
automated and not left to authoritarian
decisions by top politicians!], Nepali
Congress leaders’ call for review of
proportional election system creates
buzz : Provision misused since its
introduction as leaders handpick
candidates close to them, by Binod
Ghimire (kp) [The
problem is the undemocratic and
unconstitutional behaviour of the top
politicians of all parties in nominating
candidates for both the FPTP and PR
systems. Here, a change in the law on
political parties is urgently needed.
Only the representative electoral system
reflects the strength of a party. The
direct election system in its present
form is misused solely to ensure the
dominance of the Khas Arya minority
males. The promised socially
inclusive state would be finally
discarded.]
see also TV
news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
29/07/2023: NC
abides by SC verdict on Koshi Province: Prakash
Man Singh (kh) [Rulings
of the Supreme Court are binding law for
everyone! This statement is therefore completely
superfluous!], Anyone
involved in corruption regardless of their
family or party affiliation won't be spared: DPM
Shrestha (rep) [Unfortunately,
real politics continues to look completely
different!], Activists
stage peaceful protest against KMC’s way of
managing street vendors (Photo Feature)
(rep), Nepal’s
nurse flight : If nurse salaries and work
conditions do not improve, we will have to ask
why nurses stay, rather than why they leave
(nt), Why
are the property details of the prime minister
and ministers kept secret? (rep)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
28/07/2023: Caste-based
discrimination persists despite being outlawed
in Nepali society : Dalit activists say lax
legal provisions pose a significant challenge to
swift justice delivery for cases of
discrimination, by Rupa Gahatraj (kp), Supreme
Court unseats Koshi Chief Minister Thapa : A
three-judge bench, however, refuses to reinstate
UML parliamentary party leader Karki as the
chief minister, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [The SC feels compelled to
take such decisions because the executive anf
the political parties constantly flout law and
order. The decisions on KP Oli and U. Thapa are
just outstanding examples among many!], Courts
thwart Cabinet bid to protect assailants : TU
teacher Prem Chalaune was brutally attacked by
Congress-affiliated students three years ago and
the case is still sub judice, by Tika R
Pradhan (kp), Victims
of neglect : The government must first recognise
the declining mental health of its citizens as a
healthcare crisis (kp), Climate
change adds to children’s woes : Climate-induced
disasters hinder their access to health,
education, nutrition and protection, by
Richa Gurung (kp), Delays
of Nepal-bound freight trains worry traders :
Indian Railways now takes 25 days to transport
containers from Visakhapatnam to Birgunj,
compared to four to five days previously, by
Shankar Acharya (kp), The
Golden Triangle, by Narayan Manandhar (rep),
Melamchi Flood Victims : Waiting For Help Even
After 2 Years, by Indira Aryal (rn), Stop
Relying On Donors For Development, by Umesh
Puri (rn)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
27/07/2023: SC
orders start of another govt formation process
in Koshi Province (rep), Supreme
Court orders formation of new government in
Koshi within seven days : A full bench of the
court deemed the government led by Uddhav Thapa
unconstitutional as the Speaker had supported
the government formation (nlt), Experts
raise concerns over rapid spread of BJP-led
Hindutva politics in Nepal (rep), Rising
Intolerance against Dalits in Nepal, by Hari
Prasad Shrestha (rep), Musahar
children deprived of education for lack of birth
certificates, by Shambhu Yadav (ae), Marrying
an underage girl is child marriage, not
kidnapping and hostage-taking: Supreme Court,
by Bhasa Sharma (rep), Financing
corruption : Costly electoral campaigns
contribute to corruption, as winners make every
effort to recover expenses (kp) [All this covered and
tolerated by the oh so anti-corruption minded
party leaders!], Lower
house heats up over gold scam : House of
Representatives meeting has been postponed till
July 31 following the CPN-UML’s obstructions,
by Nishan Khatiwada (kp), Upper
Dolpa residents struggle to make ends meet as
Tibet border remains shut : Locals of
Dolpobuddha, Sheyphoksundo, and Chharkatangsong
pay a hefty price for goods transported on mules,
by Tripti Shahi (kp) [China
is really proving to be a good and benevolent
friend to the Nepali people!], Monitoring
monetary policy : Taming inflation will require
a coordinated approach between monetary and
fiscal policies, by Nischal Dhungel (kp), Delay in
investigation of Maoist cantonment scam raises
concerns (ae)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
26/07/2023: Political
indecision results in severe shortage of judges
: Supreme Court set to be without nearly a third
of justices. Fifty judges’ positions are vacant
in seven high courts, by Binod Ghimire (kp)
[With such a competent
and stable government, the judiciary is
completely superfluous!], Much
talk, little action : Most points in the
Inter-Provincial Council decisions have not been
implemented, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp) [Nepal's top politicians
neither understand nor even want federalism!],
Amending
the TRC Act : The Truth & Reconciliation Act
and the Amendment Bill fare better compared to
other jurisdictions, by Bipin Adhikari (kp), Why
are parties failing Nepal? Nepal is
dealing with a number of social and
economic issues that may affect its
growth and people’s well-being, by
DB Sunar (ae), Advocacy
Forum urges justice for Nirmala Pant
(kh), Nirmala
murder case remains a
mystery even after five
years, by Dil
Bahadur Chhatyal and
Puspalal Joshi (rep)
see also TV news:
Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
25/07/2023: Is
Nepal a failed state? The country has not been
able to create minimum economic opportunities
for its bulging youth population, by Chandra
Dev Bhatta (kp), Caste
killing progress : Nepali Sarkis could have
created luxury leather goods and become another
Louis Vuitton, by Mitra Pariyar (kp), Missing
heads : The thematic committees can take up
specific issues, conduct studies and offer
solutions (kp), Import
ban nearly suffocated Nepali economy, experts
say : Revenue plunged sharply and government was
forced to downsize the budget in mid-term review
for lack of cash, by Sangam Prasain and
Krishana Prasain (kp), Prime
Minister Dahal denies using children during
Maoist insurgency : He was responding to a
Supreme Court order seeking clarification in
connection with a writ petition, by Tika R
Pradhan (kp), Thapa
and Sharma face backlash at CWC meeting, by
Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
24/07/2023: Agreement
on smooth lawmaking falls through before it
takes effect : National Assembly vice-chair
disowns the deal citing that the agreement had
been tweaked without notice, by Binod
Ghimire (kp), Revising
electoral system : A change in the country’s
electoral system cannot be decided in
closed-door meetings of political parties
(kp), Leaving
No One Behind: The Path to Disability Inclusive
Development, by Jalasa Sapkota (rep), Controversial
businessman Deepak Malhotra’s company has access
to CCTV cameras at TIA!, by Tapendra Karki
(rep), Objectionable
questions and options in book results in public
outrage (photo feature) (rep), Of
garbage and gold: Government has hard time
managing both, by Bal Krishna Sah (ht)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening); Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
23/07/2023: A
university professor was brutally attacked by
student union members. Political parties made
all-out efforts to deny him justice, by
Abhyudaya Upreti (nlt) [Nepal's
politicians stand for the perpetuation of the
unjust state!], Behind
the prolonged absence of heads of House
committees : The committees are tasked with
holding particular government agencies to
account but for a lack of leadership, they have
been ineffective, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Belt,
road and roundabout : China’s statement that
Pokhara airport is under the BRI has legitimate
justifications, by Semanta Dahal (kp), Needed:
A prudent monetary policy. But it will not be
able to singlehandedly address the deep-rooted
structural problem of the economy, by
Nishant Khanal (kp), High
level CPC delegation visiting Nepal (rep), Supreme
Court rules commuting Koirala's sentence was
wrong, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Speakers,
deputy-speakers stand united against undue
interference of the central government in
parliamentary affairs (rep)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
22/07/2023: Shifting
Roles Of Civil Society, by Dev Raj Dahal
(rn) Gold
smuggling via international airport hints at big
collusion : The Department of Revenue
Investigation has started its own probe but
police have yet to join the effort, by
Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Tribhuvan
int’l gold port : The latest bust shows
Nepal remains a transit state for trans-national
gold smuggling (kp)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
21/07/2023: NHRC
opposes govt bill offering amnesty to culprits
of criminal offenses (kh), Combating
money laundering in Nepal, by Anil Karki
(rep), Empower
Marginalised Communities, by Bhupa P Dhamala
(rn), Inconvenient
truths : Instead of making things easy for its
citizens, the Nepali state excels at putting up
obstacles every step of the way (nt)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
20/07/2023: Nepal
is still unfriendly to its queer citizens :
Queerphobia is not visible because queerness is
not a topic of consideration, let alone
conversation, by Birat Bijay Ojha (kp), Civic
Competence Fortifies Democracy, by Mukti
Rijal (rn)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
19/07/2023: Queer
Rights in Nepal, by Durga Prasad Khanal
(rep), Ensuring
Justice To Usury Victims, by Namrata Sharma
(rn), Nepal’s
Relative Geopolitical Strength, by Yuba Nath
Lamsal (rn), Restructuring
the security sector : Wagle must be thanked for
touching the tail of the tiger despite the
attendant risks, by CK Lal (kp)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
18/07/2023: Under
JSP pressure, usury bill tweaked to heed
lenders’ issues : Bill is still strong despite
changes, says inquiry panel chair, by
Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Locals
in Nuwakot and Dhading stop garbage trucks over
‘broken promises’ : KMC says it has done its
bit, accuses federal government of indifference.
Supreme Court orders swift disposal, by Anup
Ojha (kp), Narrow
Indian lens : India wants to ensure there is no
Chinese involvement, however tangential, in
hydropower projects (kp) [Is Nepal allowed to make its
own decisions at all? India and the USA do not
want Nepal to cooperate with China, the latter
not with India and the USA. Nepal is
increasingly and ruthlessly becoming the
plaything of the great powers!], Revving
up diplomacy: China unleashes fleet of
vehicles as gift to Federal Parliament
(kh), Experts
advise Nepal to stick to its non-alignment
policy : We should not deviate from our foreign
policy in the name of supporting the big powers,
says former foreign minister Pradeep Gyawali,
by Anil Giri (kp), Failing
on money laundering : For the last 15 years,
Nepal has faced the constant risk of slipping
into the FTAF’s grey or black list, by
Achyut Wagle (kp), Ex-Speaker
Mahara father-son duo ‘embroiled’ in gold
smuggling network!, by Tapendra Karki (rep),
RPP
playing Hindu card to fulfil its agenda, by
Bal Krishna Sah (ht)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
17/07/2023: Old
ways of old parties : A large section of society
is fed up with the same-old faces in leadership
for decades (kp) [!!!],
Political
influence on judiciary: Legislature on brink of
collapse, by Pushpa Raj Joshi (ht), Why
is Nepal a fragile state?, by Hari Prasad
Shrestha (rep), Impunity
by law: Government bent on amending law to
withdraw criminal cases against political
parties and groups : This is not the first time
the government has tried to ram a faulty legal
provision to withdraw criminal cases against
political parties, groups, leaders and cadres
(nlt), Government
brings controversial bill to withdraw cases sub
judice in court : Experts say bill gives
unrestrained discretionary power to the
government to drop charges without court’s
consent, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [Intending to prevent justice
for victims as well as prosecuting politicians?],
Bill
criminalising usurious lending passes lower
house : It replaces a similar ordinance that
expired on July 5, by Binod Ghimire (kp), India
puts up new hurdle to importing electricity from
Nepal : New Delhi has asked for financial
closure details of projects whose approval
process has remained pending for months, by
Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), An
answer to food insecurity : Reclaiming land has
traditionally been a way of adapting to the fury
of nature, by Madhukar Upadhya (kp), ‘Parties
in Socialist Front know parliamentary system
doesn’t work’, interview with Netra Bikram
Chand ‘Biplav’, general secretary of the Communist
Party of Nepal (kp) [It
is the political parties and their leaders,
including those of the Socialist Front, who are
responsible for the failure of parliamentary
democracy in Nepal!]
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
16/07/2023: Nepali
media and the message : Seeking to give a cogent
picture of the chaos has become the media’s
responsibility, by Abhi Subedi (kp), Local
approaches to ending landlessness : Many
commissions were formed in the past to resolve
the issue, but none could offer a reasonable
solution, by Jagat Deuja (kp), Cabinet
picks envoys for six missions (kp) [Of course, six male Khas
Arya, who else?], “Nepal
government should consider providing residency
cards to the Bhutanese who are yet to be
resettled”, interview with DB Rai,
President, Global Bhutanese Organization-GBO (nlt)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
15/07/2023: A
troubling nexus between crime and politics,
by Devendra J. Subedi (rep), Emboldened
loan sharks ignoring calls for compromise : An
ordinance that was introduced to criminalise
usurious lending expired last week after House
failed to replace it, by Prithvi Man
Shrestha (kp) [Responsible
are especially KP Oli and other politicians who
are only interested in their own power, whatever
they may now declare on this!], Changing
Nature Of Civic Space, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
14/07/2023: Creating
Secure Future For Nepali Youths : Importantly,
intolerance, hollow promises, the sale of
dreams, double standards, nepotism, and
favouritism have plagued Nepal's politics,
by Narayan Prasad Ghimire (rn), Addressing
Population Issues : A Call For Gender Equality,
by Ramesh Kumar KC (rn), Get
Tough With The Corrupt : In fact,
corruption at high places is destroying
the nation and making the people of this
impoverished nation poorer, by Lok
Deep Thapa (rn),
UML
volte-face on PM’s resignation sparks
speculations : Trust deficit between parties,
ongoing corruption probe and even foreign hand
suspected as possible reason, by Tika R
Pradhan (kp), Bulldozing
not the solution : The government must bring
policies to address the needs of the citizens
without homes, by Nirajan Thapaliya (kp), The
crisis that was coming : Lumpy skin was sure to
be a transboundary epidemic, and yet all the
government did was watch (kp) [Citizens misunderstand the
tasks of politicians. These are limited
exclusively to power struggles, constant
reshuffling of governments, stupid talk and, if
possible, corruption!], Obstruction
of UML leads to removal of Loan Shark Bill from
HoR agenda, by Ishwari Subedi (rep) [Intentionally or simply
disinterested?], RSP
warns of obstructing parliament if bill to curb
loan sharking is not introduced in the next
meeting (rep), KDC
refuses to register same sex marriage despite
apex court order, by Bal Krishna Sah (ht) [Contempt of Supreme Court by
a subordinate court?], Justice
remains elusive for persons with disabilities
(ht), Refugee
and disability stereotyping : Double bind,
double discrimination, by Dev Datta Joshi
(ht), Bid
to ensure adequate housing for all people
(ht), Koshi
quandary : Fresh elections might be the only
option, which is time-consuming and a drain on
the resources (ht), Nepali
judiciary: Fighting inefficiency and graft,
by Anupam Bhattarai (ae), East
is East : Mixing politics with identity is
turning the dispute over naming Kosi Province
volatile, by Anita Bhetwal (nt)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali:
morning, evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
13/07/2023 Transitional
justice commissions remain ineffective for a
year without office bearers : Although
government bade farewell to office bearers, it
hasn’t filled the posts following delay in
revising the Act, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [Where there is no will,
there is no way!], Have
we achieved democratic freedom we fought for?,
by Prabidhik KC (rep), 771,998
people left out from the 2021 census report,
by Bal Krishna Sah (ht) [???
It would be interesting to know the ethnicity of
those excluded!]
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
12/07/2023: The
Need for a Paradigm Shift in Nepalese Politics:
From Power Games to National Progress, by
Nabraj Lama (rep) [This
can only be done with a completely new and
socially inclusive political leadership! The
current leadership is so caught up in power
games that it can't help itself!], CPC
politburo member visiting Nepal : Yuan Jiajun
will be senior-most Communist Party of China
official coming after formation of Dahal
government, by Anil Giri (kp), Mayor
under fire for City police’s mistreatment of
street vendor : Urban planners say instead of
chasing and thrashing people in the informal
sector, KMC can bring them under the tax net and
allow them to operate at a designated place,
by Anup Ojha (kp), In
Pictures: Youths stage demonstration against
brutality of municipal police personnel, by
Prasan Gurung (rep), So
the chiefs can powwow : Establishing a chief
ministers’ forum will be a big step towards
strengthening federalism, by Khim Lal
Devkota (kp), Janamat
Party to join PM Dahal-led government (kh),
Cabinet
reshuffle on the cards to rope in Janmat Party
(ht), SC
issues interim order on writ against Koshi
government formation (kh), Supreme Court
issues interim order on ‘unconstitutional’
appointment of Chief Minister in Koshi : The
court order comes in the wake of widespread
condemnation against the Speaker of Koshi
provincial assembly Baburam Gautam who cast his
vote to elect Nepali Congress’ Uddab Thapa chief
minister last week (nlt)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
11/07/2023: PM’s
apology ends House impasse : Says he realised it
was inappropriate for a prime minister to make a
statement hinting at another country’s
intervention in Nepali parliamentary process to
elect the executive head, by Tika R Pradhan
(kp), Agitation
against Koshi name unabated as irate groups
prepare for more aggressive protests :
Protesters claim their struggle ousted Hikmat
Karki from power and the new chief minister
Thapa too will have to go if he doesn’t help
them, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Communists
in saffron robes : People can’t tell which one
of Prachanda's avatars is genuine and which is
fake, by Mitra Pariyar (kp), Two
more ex-employees arrested in Lalita Niwas Land
Grab case (kh), Ajit's
corpse awaiting justice at Teaching Hospital
morgue for seven years, by Bal Krishna Sah
(ht)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
10/07/2023: Is
The Future of Nepali Political Parties
Doomed?, by Krishna Verma (rep),
‘Political
parties have agreed to all proposed revisions in
electoral laws’, interview with Ram Prasad
Bhandari, election commissioner, on provisions in
election management draft bill and their execution
(kp), UML
continues House obstruction despite ‘deal’ between
3 top leaders : The main opposition now wants PM’s
adviser and DPM to take back claims that accused
UML of aiding loan sharking, by Binod Ghimire
(kp) [Such accusations
must either be proven or legally invalidated!],
Play
by the rules : The parliament is not a place where
you try to beat your opponents with brute force
(kp), PM
Dahal, Deuba, and Oli discussing parliament
obstruction removal (kh) [Taking political responsibility away from
these three could perhaps be a way forward!],
“Maoist
Center appears to prolong its tenure in power”,
by Arun Kumar Subedi (kh), Experts
call for probing Arzu Rana in refugee scam :
Police identify a voice in the leaked audio as of
defendant Sandesh Sharma. Rana had dismissed the
audio as fake, by Prithvi Man Shrestha
(kp), Govt
accounts frozen nationwide (rep)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha TV
(evening)
09/07/2023: Constitutional
agencies to implement federalism smoothly remain
underused : After almost three years of having
the requisite law, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal
Dahal held the first meeting of the National
Coordination Council in Pokhara on June 30,
by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Socialist
Front meets but has little to offer : Leaders
said the meeting focused on procedural issues,
including rotational leadership of the front
every six months, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp) [The Socialist Front only
serves to protect the power interests of
politicians who are increasingly disappearing
into insignificance! A look at the exclusively
male leadership of the front shows that here,
too, the legally prescribed social inclusion is
grossly disregarded!], Nepal’s
Compelled Choice: Joining Indo-Pacific Lobbying
Front or Chinese Lobbying Front, by Saurav
Raj Pant (kh), Controversial
Pork Barrel Fund, by Durga Prasad Khanal
(rep) [Unvarnished
corruption!], Top
leaders engage in discussions to remove
obstruction in parliament (kh) [Those who are responsible
for all the mess of the last few years, among
themselves!], UML
agrees to end parliament obstruction (kh)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
08/07/2023: Need
To Build A Coherent National Identity, by
Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Frequent
obstructions sign of parliamentary practice gone
wrong : UML wants the prime minister’s scalp
over remarks that Sardar Pritam Singh had
visited Delhi to make Dahal PM, by Nishan
Khatiwada (kp) [KP Oli
has repeatedly shown in 2020/21 that he is
against parliamentary democracy and does not
believe in the rule of law!], UML
moves Supreme Court against Koshi Province
government formation : The party has filed a
petition at the top court demanding an order to
quash the newly formed government and form a new
government under Article 168 (3) (kp), Economic
Complexity: Challenges and way forward, by
Bishwambher Pyakuryal (kh), Nepal's
economic diplomacy needs more focus on
development, by Hari Prasad Shrestha (rep),
Air
quality in Nepal deteriorating way beyond WHO
standard (ht), Govt
made massive budget transfers in the last month
of current FY, breaching basic norm of financial
discipline (rep)
see also TV news:
Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening); AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
07/07/2023: Speaker
backs new Koshi chief minister, kicks up
controversy : Legal experts deem coalition
parties’ inclusion of Speaker as a signatory
backing Uddhav Thapa as ‘unconstitutional’,
by Nishan Khatiwada (kp), Koshi
Province government unconstitutional:
Dr. Bhattarai (kh),
Lalita
Niwas land grab: Arrest warrants issued against
five former govt Secretaries (kh), Usury
ordinance expires, replacement bill ‘may
proceed’ : Owing to obstruction by opposition
parties including UML and delay in presenting a
replacement bill in the House, the ordinance
expired on Wednesday, by Tika R Pradhan
(kp), Crime
and/or Punishment in Nepal : Big heads roll for
the first time in corruption crackdown, but
bigger heads are being deliberately spared,
by Sonia Awale (nt), Free
and unfair : The Election Commission’s bill can
ensure electoral reform. Parliament must pass it
(nt), Nepal,
which doesn’t have even a single ship, spends
over Rs 90 million annually on ship management!,
by Bhuwan Sharma (rep) [Corruption
in its purest form!], Supreme
Court gives green light to CIB for probing Fraud
and Organized Crime (kh), Child
labor goes unchecked despite laws (kh), Navigating
Nepal’s federalism, its transition and public
perception : Why has the federal government
failed to transfer powers even after completion
of the first tenure of provincial governments?
, by Niyati Shrestha (nlt)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
06/07/2023: Off-the-cuff
remarks of top leaders court trouble. Dahal’s is
latest case : Opposition disrupts House meeting
over his insinuation of Delhi’s influence in
selecting Nepal’s prime ministers, by Nishan
Khatiwada (kp) [Blathering
stupidly, constant power struggles and, if
possible, forming new government coalitions
every few months, that's all Nepali politicians
are interested in. Otherwise they are completely
useless!], Country
sure to be without chief justice for a while :
nother acting chief justice to head court after
August 5, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [This is also a system so
wanted and abused by the ruling political class
that prevents legal stability!], Ordinance
to address loan sharking issues repealed due to
constitutional time limit (rep) [Blocking parliamentary
processes as part of their endless power
struggles is much more important to politicians
than passing urgently needed laws in the
interest of needy sections of the population!
Poor Nepal!], Anti-usury
ordinance becomes invalid (ht), Addressing
Civil Service Issues, by Mukti Rijal (rn), The
woman power, by Narayan Manandhar (rep) [Positions that allow access
to large-scale corruption are overwhelmingly in
the hands of male Khas Arya. This does not mean,
however, that other groups in society would be
any less vulnerable if they had a fair share in
the allocation of such posts!], Local
governments demand to release 50 percent of
equalization funds (rep), Bridging
the digital divide in Nepal : Digital divide in
Nepal is not only limited to rural and urban
disparities. It extends to marginalized
communities, such as disadvantaged groups as
well, by Abinash Gajurel (nlt)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening);
Sagarmatha TV (evening)
05/07/2023: How
Prithvi Shah scams US $4 million from US
citizens with false FDI promises : Sher Bahadur
Deuba-led government suspended governor instead
of investigating Shah’s scam, by Pramodh Raj
Sedhain (kh) [All prime
ministers in recent years have distinguished
themselves by protecting corrupt individuals.
The nomination of people accused of crimes to
high state offices instead of speedy judicial
investigations is also a form of corruption!],
Transitional
justice bodies get yet another term
extension : Terms of truth and
reconciliation, and disappearance
commissions extended until January 14
next year (kp) [Without immediate legal changes in
the sense of justice for the victims,
this makes no sense at all!], Hot
and dangerous : At COP28, Nepal should
negotiate with Gulf countries to
prioritise the well-being of its
citizens (kp),
US
Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu arriving
next week for one-day visit : In November 2021,
Lu had threatened leaders that the US would
rethink Nepal ties if MCC compact was not passed
(kp) [Continued US
interference in the affairs of Nepal
and other South Asian states?],
Three-way
competition and
Nepal : The
three-way
geopolitical
competition in
Nepal involving
India, China,
and the United
States is not
necessarily
against Nepal’s
interests, as it
can generate
benefits and
opportunities in
aid, trade, and
investment,
by Madhu Raman
Acharya (ae),
Coalition
politics in Nepal: Navigating the
Challenges of Making and Breaking
Alliances, by Rajaram Bartaula
(rep), Sweeping
poll reforms : Political parties
must be ready to pass the bill as it
is to make the electoral system more
effective (ht) [But this is
against the interests of the
political leaders!], PM
Prachanda puts his foot in
his mouth : His remark that
‘Pritam Singh lobbied with
New Delhi to make me Prime
Minister’ has drawn
widespread condemnation in
Kathmandu (nlt)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali:
morning, evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
04/07/2023: Dalit’s
house torched for eloping with ‘upper-caste’
girl in Jumla : Police have arrested the girl’s
brother on charges of criminal arson and
caste-based discrimination, by DB Budha
(kp), French
riots and Nepal’s ‘respectable’ casteism :
Everyone pretends that Dalits have been afforded
unprecedented amounts of rights and privileges,
by Mitra Pariyar (kp), White
man’s burden, brahminism and racial
superiority : Focus should be on
prohibiting racist and discriminatory
thoughts as part of global efforts to
end discrimination of all sorts, by
Min Bahadur Pariyar (ae),
Election
Commission proposes two-term limit for PR
candidates : In the draft bill, the poll body
has proposed the provision for ‘NOTA’ and
mandatory allocation of 33 percent seats for
women candidates under the FPTP system, among
others (kp) [Article
63 of the Interim Constitution had already
stipulated that the inclusion rules of the PR
system should also be applied to the nomination
of FPTP candidates. This did not interest the
male Khas Arya at the top of the parties at that
time at all. That is why they did not even
include this passage in today's Constitution!],
EC
proposes sweeping reforms, by Ram Kumar
Kamat (ht), EC
suggests NOTA ballot paper (ae), Local
units flooded with funds for schemes directed by
centre : Federal government’s motives questioned
as budget for projects where local units have a
say has been slashed. Experts say the federal
government wants to dictate projects at the
local leveld, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp) [Not only projects, the
national level wants to dictate and decide
everything at provincial and local level.
Federalism is a foreign word to them!], Lalita
Niwas land grab scam: PMO facilitated issuance
of stay order by SC, by Tapendra Karki
(rep), PM
wants Janamat Party in Cabinet despite rival
parties’ reservation : Prime Minister Pushpa
Kamal Dahal is ready to allocate one ministry to
the Janamat Party, said its general secretary
Chandan Singh, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp), Dahal’s
insecurity : How will bringing together parties
with limited public mandate revive Maoist
Centre’s electoral fortunes? (kp), Who
are the Courts for?, by Jagadish Prasad Bist
(rep), Is
‘left unity’ on the card?, by Kamal Dev
Bhattarai (ae) [Hard to
imagine! There are far too many "leaders" there
who do not tolerate other gods next to them!],
Govt
consents extension of TRC deadline
(kh) [And what
is the point of that, when the leading
politicians do not want any justice for
the victims?]
see also TV
news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
03/07/2023: MPs
from mountain region and oppressed castes
treated as third-grade representatives: MP
Sherpa (rep), EC
directs parties to elect 33% women candidates in
FPTP (rep), EC
proposes barring defeated candidate from
contesting election in another tier for 5 years
(rep), Dahal
woos Maoist forces. Is that too little too late?
Maoist Centre is in an existential crisis as its
strength in 2022 elections fell sharply compared
to the 2017 polls, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Ruling coalition
leaders to meet in Baluwatar to decide on Koshi
govt (kh) [What
kind of understanding of federalism is this?
Only the provincial politicians have to decide
on the government of Koshi Province. Under no
circumstances should this decision be taken by
the politicians at the central level! What kind
of presumption is that? If the provinces only
serve to create more posts, you can forget the
federal system!], Ruling
coalition proposes NC leader Uddhav Thapa as
Chief Minister of Koshi Province (kh) [???], Council
of hope : The federal system needs
mechanisms like national and provincial
coordination councils to be effective
(kp), NCC
meeting : Federal parliament must enact laws to
remove ambiguities seen in the three tiers of
government (ht), Provinces
Have A Long Way To Go, by Ballav Dahal (rn),
KMC
bans construction on Lalita Niwas land, to halt
ongoing works : The Central Investigation Bureau
of Nepal Police makes three new arrests in
connection with the land scam, by Anup Ojha
(kp), Governance
in Social transformations in Nepal, by
Medani P. Bhandari (rep), SC
rules KDAO order banning protest at Maitighar
Mandala illegal, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Subsidised
education, health care: Only partnerships can
bring results, by Simone Galimberti (ht)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
02/07/2023: 'Time-bound
programme needed to abolish dowry', by Ram
Kumar Kamat (ht), Woman
and daughter found dead in Rautahat
(ht), Do
laws and institutions to preserve Nepal’s
ancient monuments work? Department of
Archaeology, responsible for preventing breach
of the law, is toothless. Observers say
monuments can be saved only by making it strong
and independent, by Anup Ojha (kp), Dahal
tries to woo dissatisfied Janamat Party : Budget
shows his support base is shrinking. PM risks
having to go for floor test again if CK Raut’s
party pulls the plug (kp), PM
Dahal emphasizes on reviving Nepal Communist
Party (kh) [????
New parties with the same old failed politicians
are no solution. Comprehensive personnel changes
are needed in all political parties!], Generational
change in Nepali politics : The Maoist story is
the most eloquent in terms of political
discussions, reports and reviews, by Abhi
Subedi (kp), Anti-corruption
Drive Intensifies, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn),
Perils
of debt-financed fiscal deficit : For developing
countries with growing financing needs,
well-managed debt can enable growth, by
Bigyan Babu Regmi (kp), KMC
Mayor Shah elected to World Association of Major
Metropolises Board of Directors (rep)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
01/07/2023: Instead
of succumbing to India’s undue influence, engage
in paddy plantation: Balen tells leaders
(kh), Chief
ministers ask prime minister to facilitate
implementation of federalism : Six chiefs of
provincial governments meet in Pokhara,
asserting their rights as Kathmandu delays
crucial laws, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Regulating
The Monopoly Of New Class, by Dev Raj Dahal
(rn)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali:
morning, evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
30/06/2023: Anti-Corruption
in Crisis, by Narayan Manandhar (rep), Observers,
even opponents praise Dahal government's
anti-corruption campaign : Probe into Bhutanese
refugee scam and reopening of the Lalita Niwas
land-grab case seen as bold steps of the
government, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Rainbow
weddings : Supreme Court’s landmark
decision on same-sex marriage sets the
tone for a more inclusive Nepal
(kp), Ensuring
The Rights Of Gender Minorities, by
Samip Ghimire and Yauaraj Gautam (rn), For
some groups experience can be lowered:
SC, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht)
see also
TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
29/06/2023: Top
court orders registration of same sex marriages
: Government ordered to form a temporary
mechanism to register such marriages pending
final verdict, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Parallel
military diplomacy : Nepal should seek to retain
the status quo with India and promote technical
cooperation with China, by Hindu Sanskriti
Karki (kp), Decentralized
Autonomous Nepal, by Bimal Pratap Shah
(rep), Fighting
Inequality For Social Justice, by Lok Nath
Bhusal (rn), SC
rebukes KDC for delay : Orders the district
court to adjudicate cases within three months,
by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), 'Amend
laws in accordance with Palermo protocol'
(ht), Straw-legged
bureaucracy: Mere shadow of the politics, by
Pushpa Raj Joshi (ht)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
28/06/2023: Top
court orders relief for conflict-era victims of
torture and sexual violence : 17 years since
Peace Accord, torture victims lack adequate
means to seek justice and hold perpetrators to
account, by Binod Ghimire (kh) [The next step should be to
punish all those who have been deliberately
preventing justice for the victims by hook or by
crook for 17 years!], PM
Dahal proposes to formulate budget under
directly elected lawmakers’ leadership
(kh 28/06/2023) [What
is this bullshit? Because then it is
predominantly male Khas Arya who decide
and the annoying socially inclusively
nominated MPs are excluded?], Judicial Council
appealed not to make court recruiting
center for relatives and cadres
(kh), Shun
Feudal Form Of Language, by Bhupa P
Dhamala (rn), Free
legal aid provision needs to be
revisited, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht),
Capital
flight unabated: Nepalis’ deposits in
Swiss banks soar by 62 percent : The
deposits of Nepali individuals and firms
in Swiss banks have reached Rs 70.764bn
(482.542m Swiss francs) (ae), Police
issue arrest warrant against 406
individuals in connection to
Lalita Niwas land scam : The
Central Investigation Bureau of
Nepal Police, following the
green signal from the Kathmandu
District Court, issued warrant
against these individuals
(nlt)
see
also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
27/06/2023: Changes
in the current government coalition: Rumor or
reality? Some influential leaders from the
ruling Nepali Congress and opposition CPN-UML
have hinted at a shift in the current coalition
government. How likely is it? (nlt) [Can Nepal's politicians do
anything other than constantly fight for power,
form and reject coalitions led by the same
failed leaders, disregard the constitution and
laws, cover up crimes and corruption, and of
course talk stupid?], Troubles
Brewing In Ruling Coalition?, by Narayan
Upadhyay (rn), Youths
deprived of citizenship finally find happiness :
People unable to acquire citizenship due to a
legal vacuum are now flocking to district
administration offices following the court’s
clearance, by Ajit Tiwari and Shankar
Acharya (kp), All
talk and no change : The budget speech is not a
dictum carved in a stone; it must reflect deep
engagements in a palimpsest (kp), JSP
vows to lobby for directly elected president and
fully proportional parliament : Party chair
Yadav presented the draft of the statute on
Sunday for deliberations among the party
representatives attending the convention. The
draft has proposed a two-term limit in the same
executive post (kp), Child
labor situation in Nepal: challenges and ways
forward, by Sudarshan Neupane (rep), Torture
laws need to be amended, by Ram Kumar Kamat
(ht)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
26/06/2023: Stable
instability : The Dahal government is far from
ideal. But it is also hard to see how its
replacement will be any better (kp) [Without a complete
replacement of the failed generation of
politicians around Oli, Dahal and Deuba, and
finally an appropriate inclusion of the people,
nothing will ever change!], Leave
no one behind : The Harawa-Charawa system is
possibly the last visible evidence of slavery in
Nepal, by Jagat Deuja (kp), 'New
citizenship law needs to be improved' (ht),
Yadav
for age, term bar on party posts (ht), 'Federalism
is flawed, constitution must be amended' (ht),
First
conference on women shelters begins (ht), CIAA files
corruption case against PADT’s former Member
Secretary Pradeep Dhakal (kh), The
rules of Mayor Shah, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai
(ae)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
25/06/2023: Desperate
youths from Maoist heartland hit US wall :
Residents of Maoist strongholds that opposed
‘American imperialism’ paid traffickers huge
sums to go to the States, by Janakraj
Sapkota (kp) [An
indictment of the once declared ambitions of the
alleged Maoist revolutionaries!], Contempt
of court case filed at SC against KMC Mayor
Balen (rep), Do
mayors have free rein? Experts say
constitutional spirit is for local unit chiefs
to behave themselves, rather than others
disciplining them, by Anup Ojha (kp), Nepal
worries about spillages as India delays power
export approvals : Nepal is waiting for
approvals for 18 projects that were proposed to
India over the last two years, by Prithvi
Man Shrestha (kp), 'An
alliance of forces formed with an eye on
retaining power' (ht)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
24/06/2023: Nepali’s
overall health index improves: Report (kh)
[see summary
report and key
indicators], Is
Dahal’s coalition government under threat? UML
and Congress in talks amid visible unease among
ruling party over budget and launch of Socialist
Front, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp), Ruling
coalition might change provided govt does not
perform well: Gagan Thapa (kh), Faulty
Economic Policies Subvert Democracy, by Dev
Raj Dahal (rn)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
23/06/2023: Women
raped during armed conflict ask: Where is the
state?, by Guna Raj Luitel (rep) [The interest of the state
aims at reconciliation between perpetrators and
victims, not at justice for the latter. This is
especially true for the former Maoists.],
Female
participation in higher education : How Good Is
Good Enough?, by Bhim Prasad Subedi (rn), Country sees trade
deficit of Rs 1337 billion in past 11 months
(kh), Balendra
Shah raps court over order on Hindi film
screening : Experts say Kathmandu mayor’s
posture could be held in contempt of court and
even cost him his public position, by
Ghanashyam Khadka (kp), Balen
Shah’s faulty glasses : In his heart,
Kathmandu’s mayor is still a rapper out there to
diss and destroy his imaginary opponents
(kp), Mister
mayor, your stunts are dangerous to Nepali
society! Is it not your responsibility to set an
example by respecting and following
constitutional decisions? Is it not your
responsibility to safeguard the rule of law?,
by Ashim Neupane (nlt), Court
stays Cabinet move to drop case against
Chalaune’s assaulters : A single bench of
Justice Manoj Kumar Sharma ordered the
defendants to clarify why the decision was taken
(kp), Top
court clears way for implementation of
Citizenship Act amendments : The court’s latest
order has cleared the way for thousands of
children of parents who got citizenship by birth
to acquire citizenship by descent (kp), Budget
cut set to hit crucial nutrition programmes :
Nutritionists warn the country cannot achieve
nutrition targets by cutting investments on
Outpatient Therapeutic Care and nutrition rehab
centres, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Turbulence
in the ruling coalition : Formation of
‘Socialist Front’ has shaken the structural
integrity of the NC-Maoist coalition, while the
UML looks on, from the sidelines with bated
breath, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
22/06/2023: Continuing
injustice : The citizenship question remains a
combustible issue and it would be wise to
address it on time (kp), PM
Dahal and Biplav hold talks over party
unification (kh), Promoting
Nepal’s reading culture : The government should
establish well-equipped libraries and reading
corners in schools, colleges and public spaces,
by Pushpa Raj Joshi (kp), Foreign
direct investment pledges down 25 percent :
Experts have attributed the steep drop to policy
instability and bureaucratic hassles, by
Krishana Prasain (kp), Why
is Nepal India EPG Report Gathering Dust?,
by Hari Prasad Shrestha (rep), Pork
Barrel Projects Hurt Public Interest, by
Mukti Rijal (rn) [Open
corruption in its purest form, backed by the top
politicians of all political parties!], Melamchi
Mess: Example Of Climate Crisis, by
Maheshwor Rijal (rn)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening); Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
21/06/2023: Protesters
turn up heat over citizenship : They call for
immediate implementation of the recently
endorsed bill to amend the law, by Nishan
Khatiwada (kp), Kin
demand justice as woman’s death raises suspicion
: Father of 22-year-old Aarati Sah accuses her
husband’s family of killing her over dowry
issues. Her husband and father-in-law are in
police custody, by Aarati Sah (kp), Discontent
with budget rife, lawmakers seek a revision :
Ruling parties are also unhappy with
disproportionate allocations to some districts
at the expense of others, by Prithvi Man
Shrestha (kp), Cabinet
under fire for dropping case against teacher’s
attackers : Chalaune on hunger strike protesting
decision to withdraw attempted murder case
against pro-Congress students, by Anup Ojha
(kp), The
fantasy of border settlement : The
Indo-Bangladesh model that Nepali border pundits
are calling for is unrealistic and impractical,
by Lok Raj Baral (kp), Pathos
of vulnerable narcissism : Borders between
political entities with a shared civilisational
heritage are transitional, by CK Lal (kp), Exploring
Pathways to Economic Recovery : It is unwise to
assume that the Nepali economy is improving,
by Suraj Ghimire (rep)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
20/06/2023: Cabinet
under fire for dropping case against teacher’s
attackers : Chalaune on hunger strike protesting
decision to withdraw attempted murder case
against pro-Congress students, by Anup Ojha
(kp) [Incessant
corruption and covering up of crimes by the
so-called top politicians and their
non-inclusive political parties!], Rights
activists, varsity professors demonstrate in
support of assistant professor Chalaune :
Chalaune is on a hunger strike against the
government’s decision to withdraw case against
his assaulters (kp), Protecting
vulnerable refugees : A failure to prosecute the
culprits in the fake Bhutanese refugee case may
tarnish Nepal’s image, by Neetu Pokharel and
Som Niraula (kp), Clash
between Citizenship-less Struggle Committee and
Police at Maitighar (Photo Feature), by
Prasan Gurung (rep), Expectations
low as the socialist front comes into being :
Baburam Bhattarai opts out. Socialist Front
Nepal has 54 lawmakers in the House of
Representatives, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp) [All the failed and ageing
political leaders in lookout for a way to secure
their power! And Netra Bikram Chand does a 180
degree turnaround.], Socialism
cannot be acquired through political
maneuvering, deception: Dr. Bhattarai (kh),
Socialist
Front Likely To Wield Considerable Clout, by
Narayan Upadhyay (rn) [These
old failed politicians, including Oli and Deuba,
will not make a difference. The country needs
young and socially inclusive democratic leaders!],
Leaders
justify formation of Socialist Front (ht), Russian recruitment
targets vulnerable Nepalis in intensified
Ukraine war efforts, by Pramod Raj Sedhain
(kh), Nepal
staring at impending ‘stagflation’, economists
say : Political instability, violence, and
climate disasters have been threatening food
security in South Asia: Experts, by Sangam
Prasain and Krishana Prasain (kp), Geoeconomics
over geopolitics : Nepal faces challenges in
managing diplomacy on three levels—global,
regional and bilateral, by Achyut Wagle
(kp), Livability
of Kathmandu Valley: From Heaven in the past to
a virtual hell now, by Jiba Raj Pokharel
(ht), PM
Dahal 3.0: A change of heart during India visit?,
by Birendra Prasad Mishra (ae)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
19/06/2023: Discussion
on Changing the Electoral System : Is social
inclusion falling out of reach?, by
Karl-Heinz Krämer (kh), Think
long and hard : RSP leaders preparing the
party’s political document should resist being
swayed by populist rhetoric (kp) [In particular, the party
should strive to become socially inclusive at
all levels, including the concerns of
traditionally excluded groups. Then this young
party would definitely have chances for the
future compared to the non-inclusive big
parties!], Democracy
in Disarray, by Rajaram Bartaula (rep), Dunning-Kruger
effect in Nepali politics : Intellectual
shortfall at its peak, by Pushpa Raj Joshi
(ht), Left
leaders announce Samajwadi Front Nepal (kh),
Socialist
Front Nepal: Parties to work separately,
Secretariat to handle the Front (kh) [Unity looks different. The
leaders of all parties involved can continue
their individual power games unhindered.
Differences between them and a break-up of the
front are foreseeable. Thus, for the moment, the
front serves the interests of the so-called top
politicians, but not those of the people.],
CIAA
files chargesheet against DoWRI Director General
on Rs 30 million misappropriation allegation
(kh)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
18/06/2023: Gobbledegook
in parliamentary debates : Use of indecent
language can do much damage to our hard-earned
democratic system, by Abhi Subedi (kp), Swatantra
Party leaders seek rewrite of political paper :
A year after party formation, they call for
clarity on political and ideological stands on
major national issues, by Nishan Khatiwada
(kp), Strategy
To Boost Bargaining Power?, by Ritu Raj
Subedi (rn)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening); Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
17/06/2023: Leftist
forces’ socialist front is being formed. What
for? At least five parties will regroup,
committing to federalism, democracy,
republicanism, inclusion and secularism, by
Anil Giri (kp), A
Fish Rots from its head, by Narayan
Manandhar (rep), Big
shots charged in fake refugee scam sent to jail
: Kathmandu District Court remands 16 including
former ministers while releasing two on bail,
by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), National
Investigation Department announces
vacancies for 71 positions (rep) [Are the rules on
social inclusion being applied or are
these again predominantly jobs for male
Khas Arya?]
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
16/06/2023: Youths
ask: ‘Our parents are Nepalis. Who are we?’ They
hit the streets after the Supreme Court on June
4 prevented the enforcement of amended
citizenship law, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp), Health Ministry
orders hospitals to avoid sex-selective
ultrasound (kh), Why
Democracy Lacks Trust And Respect, by
Rameshwar Baral (rn), Statistics
on indigenous nationalities will not be
corrected: PM Dahal (kh), Red
tp Saffron : Even by the standards set by
Nepal’s flip-flopping politicians, Pushpa Kamal
Dahal’s sudden U-turn is remarkable, by
Shristi Karki (nt), Samajwadi
Morcha, a loose forum of Left parties, likely to
be announced today (kh) [At best, such a forum makes sense if it is
combined with an all-round renewed generation of
politicians!], Declaration
of Socialist Front not to be made today
(rep), Chief
Justice nominee Karki presents his vision to
Hearing Committee : He may not get to implement
his vision as he retires on August 5 (kp) [Chief Justice for only one
and a half months? That is a farce. This
important state office needs more continuity!],
Hari
Krishna Karki unanimously endorsed as Chief
Justice (kh), Stagnation
amid uncertainty : The budget is expected to
hinder business growth and contract demand,
by Pradeep Yadav (kp), Budget
‘mocks’ federalism, by Dilip Paudel (rep), Fake Bhutanese
refugee scam: 16 accused, including Rayamajhi
and Khand, sent to pre-trial detention (kh),
Budget
allocated to Madhes is less than revenue from
there: Dr. CK Raut (kh)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
15/06/2023: Dhankuta
community schools charge students despite free
education : Schools say the budget allocated by
the government is insufficient to pay teachers,
by Ramesh Chandra Adhikari (kp), ‘Socialist
front’ will be announced soon: Prime Minister
Dahal : Maoist leaders rule out the UML joining
such a front at least in the immediate future
(kp) [Hopefully with a
completely new and young generation of leaders!],
Luxury
medicine : Nepali leaders flying abroad for
treatment shows how little they trust the
country’s healthcare system (kp), Maps
and more : When our government adopted a new map
of Nepal, not half an eyebrow was raised in New
Delhi, by Deepak Thapa (kp), Lawmakers
stress on immediately providing citizenship
cards to Nepalis bereft of one (kh), Chair
KC slams govt for allocating extra budget for
home districts of limited leaders (kh), World Bank suggests
legal, institutional reforms to boost fiscal
federalism in Nepal (kh)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
14/06/2023: Beyond
the fake refugee scam: The rot ran deep in
refugee camps even during the 90s : A Bhutanese
refugee activist exposes how the government
officials and police abused their authorities
instead of addressing genuine concern of the
Bhutanese refugees in the camps, by Ram
Karki (nlt), US-based
Bhutanese Diaspora community writes a
collective letter to Nepal’s Home
Minister : The Bhutanese Diaspora
community has appealed to the
government, the court and people of
Nepal for justice to Tek Nath Rizal
(nlt), Court
issues show cause notice against Dahal,
Bhattarai over use of child combatants : It also
directed the court administration to give
priority to the case in the hearing process
(kp), Member
of Citizenship-less Struggle Committee attempts
self-immolation in Maitighar (rep), Clean
the water : The state is responsible for
ensuring its citizens’ fundamental right to safe
drinking water (kp), Holding
the purse strings : It is ludicrous that
projects worth Rs1,000 have been sent to the
sub-national levels, by Khim Lal Devkota
(kp), Samajwadi
Morcha, a loose forum of left parties, nears
final stages (kh), Proposed
Socialist Front unite all communist forces: PM
Dahal : NCP will be revived (kh) [??], What
impedes Nepal’s infrastructure governance? In
Nepal, there is a tendency of awarding projects
to individuals who have personal connections
with those in power without adequately
considering their standards or capabilities,
by Anmol Purbey (nlt), Why
politicians in Nepal go abroad for medical
treatment, by Pabitra Sunar (rep) [The question also arises as
to how they pay for this if, apart from their
party and parliament offices, they only hold a
public office very rarely and for a short time,
which is supposedly also only modestly
remunerated.], Nepali
Congress President Deuba leaves for Singapore
for treatment (kp)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
13/06/2023: NC
will not compromise on ideology: Gagan Thapa
(kh) [Not even in
relation to the electoral system? Nepal urgently
needs better social inclusion. This is prevented
by the existing electoral system and the
attitude of the party leaders! But Deuba has
called for the abolition of even the minimal
opportunity that exists!], VAT
makes the poor food insecure, say experts :
Nepal relies heavily on imported onions and is
gradually becoming a net importer of potatoes,
by Pawan Pandey (kp), Misplaced
priorities : It took Dahal five months to give a
full shape to his Cabinet. He is already
thinking of tinkering with it (kp), SC
orders show cause on writ filed against PM Dahal
and Baburam Bhattarai (kh), Proliferating
impunity : Local ward leaders are lectured on
how federalism has destroyed Nepal, by
Sujeev Shakya (kp), Misinformed
lawmakers, misleading debates : They must engage
in policy discussions with arguments supported
by facts and evidence, by Ishwari Bhattarai
and Kiran Dahal (kp), Opposition
Needs To Play Constructive Role, by Uttam
Maharjan (rn), ‘Akhanda
Bharat’ is an attempt of reaping political
mileage for BJP in India : South Asia, according
to the World Bank, is known as one of the least
integrated regions in the world in terms of
trade and people-to-people contact. South Asian
leaders, however, are less bothered to overcome
the situation, by Milan Jung Katuwal (nlt)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
12/06/2023: Is
secularism under threat? Dahal’s journey from
Mahakaleshwar to Pashupatinath, by Kamal Dev
Bhattarai (ae), New
poll system : The parliament apart, the whole
political system needs to undergo an overhaul
(ht), Court
to hear petition against PM tomorrow :
Opposition lawmakers have started seeking
Dahal’s resignation on moral grounds, by
Binod Ghimire (kp), SC
admits writ of 9 former Maoist child soldiers
(ht), Oli
okayed Lower Arun for Indian firm, now blames
Dahal : Initial deal to award the new project on
Arun River to SJVN was signed in 2021 during
Oli’s stint as prime minister, by Anil Giri
(kp) [Oli, Dahal and
Deuba should immediately retire from politics.
These endless mudslingings are an embarrassment
to the country and its people!], Eroding
decorum of the HoR : Lawmakers to be blamed,
by Pushpa Raj Joshi (ht), Traders
stop potato, onion imports after VAT decision :
Consumer rights activists say revenue-hungry
government is taxing everything, at the cost of
inflation-hit Nepalis, by Krishana Prasain
(kp), Cooperatives
close, leaving depositors in hardships :
Although cooperatives and microfinance firms
started closing from early March, district
administration was unaware until depositors
filed complaints, by Tripti Shahi (kp), Change
is the game : It may not be a bad idea to set
legal age and term limits on all public office
holders (kp) [Yes,
please! And also add binding regulations on
social inclusion for all these offices!],
‘Only
a political settlement can solve the Koshi
crisis’, interview with CPN (Maoist Centre)
central committee member Ajambar Rai Kangmang
(kp), Janamat
Party in talks to join the government in
Kathmandu : General Secretary Chandan Singh
claims the prime minister has offered one
ministry and one state minister position to the
party, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp) [Obviously, ministerial posts
are also the priority for this party! Since the
Council of Ministers has exhausted the personnel
limit, other ministers would have to be
dismissed. A council of ministers with 25 people
is already far too big for Nepal!]
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
11/06/2023: Deuba
moots election system change : Speaks of having
in place FPTP system for HoR and PR system for
National Assembly, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht) [Deuba pleads for the final
end of social inclusion in the HoR instead of
ensuring that this inclusion is also prescribed
in the selection of candidates for the FPTP
system! 15 percent male Khas Arya should be the
absolute limit for all political levels and also
for the leadership levels of political parties
if Nepal's social harmony is to be maintained!],
Understaffed
Dadeldhura Hospital paralysed by political
interference : The hospital has been the
battleground for political parties lately,
affecting its service delivery, officers say,
by DR Pant (kp) [Party
politics is poison in Nepal in many ways!],
Visit
to religious sites by cabinet members in a group
will raise questions: Baburam Bhattarai
(kh), 29
complaints filed against acting chief justice
Karki : The complainants have claimed that as
Karki has failed to maintain the dignity of the
position as the acting chief justice, he
shouldn’t be appointed the chief of the
judiciary (kp), Gerontocracy
Ruling The Roost?, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn),
Two
women allegedly killed for dowry in Sarlahi
(rn)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
10/06/2023: International
Human Trafficking: Nepal's Burgeoning
Humanitarian Crises, by Shishir Bhatta
(rep), PM
Prachanda’s visit to India & Nepal’s
economic necessity, by Saurav Raj Pant (kh),
PM
Dahal granted amnesty to Resham Chaudhary to
cling to power: Shekhar Koirala (kh) [Nepal's leading politicians
believe they are always above the constitution
and laws to secure their power, as also did KP
Oli in 2020/21 and SB Deuba in 2021.], Age,
term limits in political parties contingent on
top leaders’ whims : If bureaucrats, professors
and justices retire, why not politicians, asks
ex-election chief, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp),
No
private hospital bed for poor patients :
Hospitals run by the private sector are
blatantly ignoring the mandatory 10 percent free
bed allocation for the needy, by Deepak
Pariyar, Ramesh Kumar Paudel, Ghanashyam Gautam
& Binod Bhandari (kp), Top
court to accept ex-child soldiers’ petition
against PM : A single bench rules that the
judiciary needs to resolve the petition filed by
former child Maoist combatants, by Binod
Ghimire (kp), Everyone
seems to be leaving the country : The relentless
outflow of Nepali youths has raised the
possibility of a labour shortage and consequent
economic slowdown, by Sangam Prasain (kp) [The failed ageing male high
caste politicians are only good for spreading
chaos, but not for political, economic and
social solutions!], Chure
exploitation goes unabated in the name of
revenue generation, by Devendra Basnet
(rep), Heightened
Insecurity Incubates Systemic Crises, by Dev
Raj Dahal (rn), Govt.
will take stern action against wrongdoings and
corruption: PM (kh) [Continued nepotism among the ruling male
Khas Arya and strict denial of the promised
social inclusion are a very special form of
corruption. Will the government change this even
today, Mr. Dahal? The people do not need foolish
talk, but active action!], Constitution
amendment must to make PR system effective: NC
President Deuba (kh) [Another foolish talk. Of course, the
constitution needs many amendments, but the
attitude of the all-dominant male Khas Arya
elite could be changed today even without
amending the constitution! Waiting for a
constitutional amendment only aims at further
stalling the people!]
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
09/06/2023: Census
or consensus? Nepal's social demographic data
reflects its diversity, but it's socio-political
make-up is anything but (nt), SC
directs to register ‘war crimes’ related writ
against PM Dahal and former PM Bhattarai
(kh), Presidential
Pardons, explained : The controversial practice
of Presidential Pardons in Nepal: Examining the
constitutional provisions and political
implications, by Anjila Shrestha (nlt) [Nepal is not under the rule
of law, but under the rule of so-called top
politicians, all incompetent and repeatedly
failed! And they seriously claim to always have
the law on their side!], Nepal’s
Citizenship Amendment Bill explained : Why it
was blocked by the Supreme Court after the
government sent it to the president for approval,
by Shristi Karki (nt), Government
ignoring Human Rights Commission’s
recommendations to investigate the Gaur massacre
: The victims from the incident have lodged a
petition at the Supreme Court demanding its
intervention in the investigation, by Binod Ghimire (kp)
[The protection of top
politicians from legal prosecution has absolute
priority over rule of law!], NC
lawmaker Khatiwada objects to removal of Jalhari
scam-related remarks from parliament record
(kh), Govt
will not tolerate anarchic activities in Koshi:
Home Minister (kh) [Physically attacking politicians is a form
of anarchy, but when these politicians
ignorantly violate the interests and identities
of citizens, that is also anarchy! Politicians
are not the rulers of the people, but the
elected representatives who are supposed to
represent the interests of the people!],
‘Greater
Nepal’ map in Mayor Shah’s office stirs debate :
Law experts term the decision ‘childish’ and
against the country’s constitution and national
interest, by Anil Giri (kp), Human
rights watchdogs of Nepal, Qatar sign pact to
protect migrant workers’ rights : More than
102,000 Nepalis have received labour approval
for Qatar in the first nine months of the
current fiscal year (kp)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
08/06/2023: Crucial
disputes linger as Constitutional Bench fails to
act : Chief justice-nominee Hari Krishna Karki
is skipping the bench to avoid upsetting
political parties ahead of his confirmation
hearing in Parliament, experts allege, by
Binod Ghimire (kp) [This
does not speak for the independence of the
judiciary and the separation of powers that
should exist in a democratic state.], The
Koshi crisis : Provincial representatives of
parties must get the centre’s full support to
come to a settlement (kp), Lawyers
of defendants in fake Bhutanese refugee scam
claim selective prosecution : They claim some
high-profile suspects were not prosecuted
despite being named by defendants as
beneficiaries of the scam (kp), Janamat
Party likely to join government: Chairman CK
Raut (kh) [???],
Country
should issue political map of ‘Greater Nepal’:
NC leader Thapa (kh) [???], US
and democracy in South Asia : As recent history
has shown, it is people who bring change, not
any external power, by Smruti S Pattanaik
(kp) [The USA is not
even capable of practising democracy, human
rights and anti-racism in its own country. What
do they want to teach in South Asia and
especially Nepal?], NRB’s
role in fueling inequality : The ever-increasing
loanable fund crisis may drastically affect the
livelihoods of the poor, by Pradip Kafle
(kp), Dharan
sub-metropolis hit by severe water shortage amid
continued heat wave : The BP Koirala Institute
of Health Sciences postpones its classes for a
week due to the crisis, by Arjun Poudel and
Arjun Subedi (kp), Deepen
Democracy To Curate It, by Mukti Rijal (rn)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
07/06/2023: Unresolved
Issues: Scrutinizing Nepal’s New Transitional
Justice Bill, by Narsh Mahaseth and Dikshya
Adhikari (rep), Supreme
Court issues show cause order over amnesty
granted to Chaudhary (nlt), Experts
call for a special mechanism for judicial reform
: Chief justice himself should take initiative
as the charter doesn’t allow the government to
do so, they say, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), As
KMC jumps into action, schools rush to provide
scholarship details : The provision, if
implemented strictly, would benefit nearly
15,000 students from 515 schools, by Anup
Ojha (kp), Got
the guts? RSP lawmakers have a chance to set a
sterling precedent by rejecting CDF funds for
its lawmakers (kp), A
circuitous route to Beijing : Many strategists
in New Delhi often choose to ignore that China
is an integral part of South Asia, by CK Lal
(kp), All
is not well : Genuine grievances continue to
haunt Nepal-India ties, but our institutional
lapses must be fixed first, by Anurag
Acharya (kp), Lawmakers
call for controlling 'anarchy' in the country
(rep), Lawmaker
demands downsizing HoR (rep), Time
to tap the youth power, by Babu Lama
(ae)
see also TV
news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
06/06/2023: Usury
probe panel receives more than 21,000 complaints
: Most were registered in nine Tarai districts,
with only a few complaints lodged in hill
districts, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Can
RSP walk the talk on scrapping pork barrel fund?
It has brought a motion against the fund, but
has yet to decide whether it will accept the
fund if efforts fail (kp), Oli
lambasts Dahal for ‘underwhelming achievements’
during India visit : UML sought an answer from
the prime minister as to who gave him the
authority to discuss land-swapping with India to
resolve the boundary dispute (kp) [The question is justified,
but rulers see themselves as the absolutist
owners of the land and its people. May their
name be Mahendra, Gyanendra, Oli, Deuba or
Dahal!], Saffronisation
of Dahal’s diplomacy : The India visit has
opened up prospects for the integration of
Nepali and Indian economies, by Achyut Wagle
(kp), A
budget amid economic slowdown : Achieving
revenue target to meet expenditure needs will
continue to be challenging, by Chandan
Sapkota (kp), Petitioner’s
lawyers demand investigation on high-level
leaders allegedly involved in scam (kh), Controversy,
thy name is president : SC to settle bill row,
by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), SC
demands govt’s written response on the writ
against Resham Chaudhary’s amnesty (kh)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening); Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
05/06/2023: Conflict
victims ask lawmakers to get transitional
justice bill right this time : They fear the
government will use the bill to give amnesty for
murders, by Binod Ghimire (kp), HoR
witnesses frequent interruptions in rostrum
during Prime Minister’s answer session (kh),
Bhutanese
refugee scam: District court may decide in 10
days whether to remand defendants in custody :
After recording statements from the accused,
arguments from the lawyers on both sides start
on Sunday (kp), Dahal’s
India visit: A postscript : Mismatch of more
reliance on India and people’s desire to break
free of its embrace could turn ugly, by
Biswas Baral (kp), Budget
2023: Will It Lift Nepal’s Descending Economy?,
by Hari Prasad Shrestha (rep), Speaker
Ghimire issues a ruling to remove portion of RSP
lawmaker's statements from the record (rep)
[Once again for the
record: This is a protocol in which all
statements made by the elected representatives
of the people have to be recorded. If MPs make
false or insulting statements, they must be held
accountable. However, it violates all principles
of the rule of law and democracy if unpopular
passages are deliberately deleted in a
manipulative form.]
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening); Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
04/06/2023: SC
issues interlocutory order not to implement Act
on Citizenship (rn), Supreme
Court Issues Interim Order to Halt Immediate
Implementation of Amended Citizenship Act
(ht),, Stakeholders
stress on multipronged approach to eliminate
child labor : Speaking at the Child Labor
Dialogue series with Nepal Live, they said that
the causes that push the children in labor are
interlinked and therefore those causes have to
be addressed holistically (nlt), Infusing
imagination in Nepal’s foreign policy : It is
true that Nepal should not discount the
strategic importance of working with China and
India. But the government seems to think Beijing
and Delhi are the only capitals in the world it
should reach out to, by Simone Galimberti
(nlt), Koshi
Province crisis: Politics static, protests
relentless : The recently named province is
currently embroiled in two problems with no
solution in sight, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp)
[The view of the ruling
male Khas Arya oligarchy on the naming of the
provinces is the same in all parties. The
cooperation of the allegedly communist CPN (UML)
with the Hindu fundamentalist and monarchist RPP
is telling!], Why
development projects in Nepal are seldom
completed on time : Poor budget implementation
raises questions over the projects announced for
the upcoming fiscal year as well, by Prithvi
Man Shrestha (kp), Number
of castes, ethnicities in Nepal increases to 142
: The number of mother tongues now stands at 124
and the number of religions followed in the
country is 10 (kp)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
03/06/2023: Why
do Nepal’s presidents often find themselves in
controversy? This week, Paudel certified the
citizenship bill that was endorsed during
Parliament’s last term and pardoned Tikapur
massacre mastermind Resham Chaudhary, by
Nishan Khatiwada (kp) [One of the reasons will be that
they do not really distance themselves
from their party allegiance, which also
plays into their choice of advisers!],
Dahal
says land swap an option to resolve border issue
: Prime minister hints at swapping disputed area
to gain land link to Bangladesh via India,
by Anil Giri (kp) [???],
PM
Modi has offered to settle boundary dispute
through talks: PM Dahal : “For the first time,
an Indian prime minister has announced in a
press conference that the border issue will be
resolved through dialogue”, said Dahal (kp)
[interview], One-to-one
meetings with Modi helped in reaching deals with
India: Dahal. Says didn’t raise EPG report issue
not to spoil talks environment (kp), Criticizing
leadership alone does not make party
strong: NC President Deuba (kh) [But retiring the
failed generation of party leaders and
transferring responsibility to a younger
generation could be important first
steps. This applies to all major
parties, by the way.], Many
see Dahal’s temple worship as deviation
from his Marxist ideology : Nepali
communists follow Marxism, which talks
about dialectical materialism and says
religion is an opiate to the people,
by Binod Ghimire (kp) [Their slogans are mostly
phrasemongering. For example, no one
advocates the inclusion and rights of
women, Dalits, ethnic groups and
Madheshi and reduces the proportion of
male Khas Arya to a reasonable level in
the allocation of posts! The handling of
citizenship is also an outstanding
example!], Sharing
a photo of PM Dahal worshiping in the
temple in India, Dr Baburam Bhattarai
asks: “Where are we going?” (rep), Police arrest 11
people protesting against PM Dahal
(kh) [Freedom of
expression is still a taboo in Nepal!]
see also TV
news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening); Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
02/06/2023: Dalit
lives must matter, by Shristi Karki (nt), Comparing
Maina Sunwar and Resham Chaudhary cases : Both
are cases of criminal political violence, but
the security forces are perpetrators in one and
victims in the other, by Aastha Dahal (nt) [Politically motivated murder
must not be excused, whether it is committed by
security forces or by revolutionaries, even if
their cause is justified.], Dahal’s
Delhi trip: Some hits, many misses : Energy,
connectivity deals forged under pressure. Indian
side maintains its old position on the
Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project, more positive
on power cooperation, by Umesh Chauhan and
Rajesh Mishra (kp), Public
school staffers warn of protest over ‘broken
salary hike promise’ : Government on February 2
had signed an agreement with them to increase
their pay (kp), Revealed:
The intermediaries and companies behind Nepal
Airlines USD 216 million Airbus purchase : A new
investigation by CIJ Nepal and Finance Uncovered
reveal the key individuals and opaque offshore
structures behind one of the biggest and,
arguably, most controversial business deals ever
conducted in Nepal, by Deepak Adhikari and
Rudra Pangeni (nlt)
see also TV news:
Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali:
morning, evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
01/06/2023: A
home for all : If our identities are fluid,
citizenship cannot remain dictated by archaic
divisions and anxiety of otherness (kp), Presidential
seal on citizenship bill courts controversy :
Ramchandra Paudel passes legislation, snubbed by
his predecessor Bhandari, on Cabinet’s
recommendation, by Binod Ghimire (kp), NRNs
elated over authentication of bill on amendment
of Citizenship Act (rep), Here
are some specific provisions made by
controversial Citizenship Amendment Bill
approved by President Paudel (rep) [Still insufficient,
patriarchal and discriminatory against women!],
Writs
filed at SC against Citizenship Bill (ae), Pardon
to Resham Chaudhary comes under question : On
Monday, the President pardoned 19 prisoners,
including Resham Chaudhary, the convicted
mastermind of 2015 Tikapur incident, by
Nishan Khatiwada (kp), Some
thoughts on Sagarmatha-bound ties : The Nepalis
have begun questioning if a visit to the
southern neighbor is mandatory after every
change of guard, as if to pay tribute to some
emperor, by Devendra Gautam (ae)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali:
morning, evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
31/05/2023: Safeguarding
republicanism : We must initiate several reforms
to ensure citizens’ continued trust in the
current system, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp), President Paudel
authenticates Citizenship Bill (kh), Wrong
timing, flawed process: Authentication of the
citizenship bill might remain a controversial
move for long : The timing and process of a
particular decision carries important value in
politics. The move of Nepal’s president to
authenticate the citizenship bill coinciding
with the Prime Minister’s India visit will
generate controversies in Nepal’s political
sphere, by Kishor Dahal (nlt), RPP
Nepal Chair Kamal Thapa, RSP Chair Rabi
Lamichhane oppose citizenship bill
authentication : President Paudel granted stamp
of approval to the controversial citizenship
bill few hours before Prime Minister Pushpa
Kamal Dahal embarked on four-day official visit
to India (nlt), Budget
for transmission lines cut despite high capacity
power line being a top priority : The
government’s budget says both domestic and
cross-border power lines are priorities, by
Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Lofty
dreams in hard times : The finance minister has
promised so much without spelling out how he
intends to keep those promises (kp) [This is typical of this extremely
competent generation of politicians!],
CPC
leader in Kathmandu on eve of
Dahal’s Delhi trip : Chinese
side could still be exploring
the possibility of unity among
leftist parties in Nepal, Maoist
Centre leader says (kp), Chinese leaders
reach Parisdanda after PM’s
residence in Baluwatar (kh)
[The
constant interference of China,
India and the USA in internal
Nepali affairs is disgusting!
Nepal must be very careful!],
Ward
Chairman, who is on the
absconding list of police, holds
meeting with UML Chairman Oli,
by Upendra Yadav (rep) [What does KP
Oli want to express with this?],
HURPES
concerns policy on extraction of
sand and pebbles (kh), Bhutanese
communities express concern over
arrest of Tek Nath Rizal, call
for his release : The statement
issued by Bhutanese communities
says that accusing Rizal, a
dedicated advocate for human
rights and a staunch proponent
of democratic change in Bhutan,
is a deliberate design to
tarnish his image (nlt)
see
also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
30/05/2023: Not-so-sweet
16 : The political class must recall the zeal in
2008 when a seed of hope was planted in the
hearts of Nepalis (kp 30/05/2023), President
Paudel for full implementation of reservation
system (kh) [But
he, his presidential office and also his mother
party continue to be outstanding examples of the
male Khas Arya state!], Govt
report reveals unauthorized Chinese
construction, encroachment upon Nepal’s
territory (kh), Why
PM Dahal should reconsider his
India visit, by Akhilesh
Tripathi (rep), The
new world, and Nepal-India ties,
by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), PM
Dahal’s India visit: What
purpose will it serve?, by
Gopal Khanal (ae),
Controversial
pork barrel fund revived after two years
: Former member of planning body terms
the budget anti-federalis, by Tika R
Pradhan (kp), MPs
can only recommend projects in CDF –
Finance Minister Mahat (kh) [Nevertheless, this
opens up opportunities for only directly
elected MPs to profile themselves with a
view to future elections, which is a
form of corruption. This system
must be abolished once and for all!],
SC
receives writ against Resham
Chaudhary (kh), Budget
ignored demands of education sector:
NNTA (kh)
see also TV
news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening); Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
29/05/2023: Mountain
communities, climbers and scientists sound alarm
from Everest and call for world leaders to
decarbonize now : In the next 70 years, under
the current emissions scenario, scientists
project that two-thirds of glaciers in the
Everest region will disappear (nlt), Birgunj
locals march to Kathmandu to highlight Sirsiya
River pollution : Factories along Parsa-Bara
corridor release untreated wastewater into the
river, by Bhusan Yadav (kp), Resham
Chaudhary, the convict of Tikapur carnage, walks
free : Chaudhary, who was convicted by district
court, high court and supreme court and given
life sentence, was given pardon on Sunday by
President Ram Chandra Paudel (nlt) [The families of the victims
will be delighted in view of this principle of
justice! Is this now a pattern for not punishing
the crimes of the time of the insurgency?],
Republican
Nepal fails to achieve its stated objectives :
As the country celebrates 16th Republic Day, its
politics has blatantly failed to live up to the
people’s expectations, say observers, by
Nishan Khatiwada (kp), 16th
Republic Day: Government celebrates, people cry
foul : As the government marked the day with
various events, people have taken strong
exception to the presidential pardon to the
convict of 2015 Tikapur carnage (nlt), Good
Governance Key To Improving Republic, by
Ballav Dahal (rn), Nepal
sends diplomatic note to US regarding religious
freedom report : The latest US report said
right-wing religious groups associated with
India’s ruling BJP have been providing funds to
influential politicians in Nepal (kp), ‘As
the case is open, top leaders may still be
prosecuted’, interview with former Deputy
Inspector General Hemanta Malla Thakuri on
different dimensions of the fake Bhutanese refugee
scam and its investigation (kp)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening); Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
28/05/2023: Embrace
women’s diversity : The experiences of women of
historically marginalised groups aren’t
discussed, by Sangmo Yonjan-Tamang (kp), Agitation
against Koshi nomenclature escalates, government
issues prohibitory order : Congress demands
dialogue with groups agitating against the
renaming of Province 1 as Koshi, by Tika R
Pradhan (kp), Koshi
Province name won’t change despite
govt’s intentions, UML asserts (kh
28/05/2023) [This
was decided by the male Khas Arya elite,
the exclusive owners of Nepal, basta!],
NC
leader Koirala criticizes removal of MP’s speech
from Parliament records (kh), Ill
intention evident right from task force
formation on Bhutanese refugees, watchers say :
Government authorities had gone ahead with their
plan despite the UNHCR’s clarification that
third-country resettlement of the refugees left
behind would not happen, by Prithvi Man
Shrestha (kp), 17
rights activists protesting against corruption
taken into custody (kh) [This is the state of the rule of law in
Nepal: civil society protesters are arrested,
convicted and sentenced murderers are released,
potential rapists are courted and celebrated,
women are not categorised as full and equal
citizens, the historical and cultural identity
of the majority of the population is disregarded
in an authoritarian manner, disagreeable
statements by parliamentarians are expunged from
the record after the House of Representatives is
blocked, etc.], President
Paudel grants amnesty to 482 prisoners,
including Resham Chaudhary (kh), Fringe
parties, independent lawmakers complain of
negligence in parliament (kh) [This is the state of a
ruling oligarchy and not a democracy!], Irreversible
System, by Parmeshwar Devkota (rn), Nepal
to welcome Chinese delegates prior to PM Dahal’s
India visit (kh)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
27/05/2023: Prohibitory
orders imposed in Biratnagar (kh) [The Khas Arya politicians
simply do not want to understand how much they
are hurting the majority population of this
province by disregarding their historical roots
and identity!], UML
obstructs House over Maoist MP’s allegation of
corruption in Pashupati jalahari installation :
UML lawmakers ask the prime minister to present
truth and seek an apology from Lekh Nath Dahal,
by Binod Ghimire (kp), Top
leaders agree to remove controversial
remarks on Jalahari from parliament
record (kh) [Statements made in parliament may
be refuted or contradicted, and in the
case of false statements the courts may
also be involved, but statements that
are disliked must not be deleted from
the records by decision of the executive
or the party leaders! This would be a
manipulation of the statements of
elected representatives and a subversion
of the separation of powers!], Prime Minister to
clarify Parliament about ‘jalahari’
(kh), My
voice against corruption is suppressed:
Maoist Center lawmaker Dahal (kh), Nepal
Army plans to buy APCs. Chinese supplier
is on US blacklist : It wants to procure
26 armoured personnel carriers from
Chinese firm Norinco for use in UN
peacekeeping missions, by Anil Giri
(kp), Experts
oppose lawmakers’ demand for pork barrel
fund : There are allegations of misuse
of the money provided under the
controversial fund known Local
Infrastructure Development Partnership
Programme, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp)
[This fund
serves the exclusive profiling of the
non-inclusively selected and directly
elected members of parliament and must
be described as a special kind of
corruption.], Ungreasing
the wheels of corruption: Three Lessons
for Nepal, by Alok K Bohara (rep), Essential To Overcome
Political Malaises, by Dev Raj Dahal
(rn), Pipeline
plan slammed for violating eco
commitments : Experts say there is an
immediate need to decarbonise the
transport sector, not import more
gasoline, by Krishana Prasain (kp)
see also TV
news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
26/05/2023: Institutionalised
inequality : The rich-poor gap in Nepal is
state-sponsored violence, and is detrimental to
stability and prosperity (nt), Nepal’s
tax system widens rich-poor gap : The new budget
needs to overhaul the tax structure that favours
the privileged, by Ramesh Kumar (nt), The
reign of private interests : A system that does
nothing about conflict of interest is likely to
foster corruption, inefficiency, and moral
decline, by Basanta K Pokharel (kp), Court
clears way for RSP’s Kansakar to become lawmaker
in place of Shrestha : Dhaka Kumar Shrestha had
moved the court against his party’s decision to
sack him (kp), Travesty
of eminence : The prime ministers of Nepal and
India should have the courtesy to jointly
receive the EPG report (kp), President’s
Office sends back proposal to pardon Resham
Chaudhary to Home Ministry (kh), Government
urges President to authenticate Citizenship Bill
(kh) [Why isn't a law
passed that excludes politicians from any
punishment for all time to come? Then the
current corruption scandal would not have to be
pursued any further as well. Politicians could
go about their dirty business in complete
openness and the cumbersome annulment of court
rulings by the executive would be superfluous!],
Wife
of police officer killed in Tikapur incident
files petition asking President not to grant
amnesty to Resham Chaudhary (rep), NA
hell-bent on procuring weapons from China; CoAS
Sharma still goes falsehoods (kh), Writ
petition filed at SC seeks to declare
contradictory constitutional and legal provision
for political parties null and void (rep) [The Political Parties Act is
in any case undemocratic in many respects and
primarily oriented towards securing the power of
top politicians!], Declaration
of Federal Republic: Momentous Day Of Nepal’s
History, by Yuba Nath Lamsal (rn), Republicanism:
Despite Progress, Challenges Remain, by
Narayan Upadhyay (rn), Struggle
Of Madhes For Federal Republic, by Amarendra
Yadav (rn), Making
Democratic Republic Work For People, by
Mukti Rijal (rn), Changes
In Electoral System: A Milestone To
Institutionalise Republican Setup, by
Liladhar Upadhyaya (rn), Republic
And Renaissance, by Nanda Lal Tiwari (rn), Improved
Status Of Women In Republic Nepal, by Anjita
Rijal (rn), Sincere
Efforts Needed To Build Nepal, by Lok Deep
Thapa (rn), Act
now to strengthen green democracy : Those green
laws are not mere cosmetic arrangements but like
lampposts showing vivid paths, by Jivesh Jha
(ae), Nijgadh
International Airport : Another Scandal,
by Keshab Poudel (sp)
see also TV
news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
25/05/2023: Justice
running late : The justice process in the Rukum
West killings should blaze a trail for other
caste-killing cases (kp), Rayamajhi
kingpin, Khand tried to return bribe: Charge
sheet : The Kathmandu attorney’s office has
charged 30 persons with four types of crimes in
fake Bhutanese refugee scam, by Prithvi Man
Shrestha (kp), Investigation
into Fake Refugee Scam is Incomplete (rep),
Nepal
Police denies involvement of Inspector General
as high-profile arrest and lawsuits pile up
(rep), Civil
society demands independent probe in fake
refugee scam : Former judges, bureaucrats,
academicians and rights activists signed a joint
letter to draw the government’s attention
(kp), Youth
leaders mobilise to ‘save’ Congress :
Second-rung leaders to travel the country to
‘unite cadres and reconnect with voters’, by
Nishan Khatiwada (kp), Is
the EPG report dead and buried? India has
refused to accept the report prepared by a joint
team of eight experts five years ago. Some
Indian diplomats find faults with its
recommendations, by Anil Giri (kp), Nepalese
Army to buy military equipment from China at
high cost, by Tapendra Kharki (rep), Govt
starts preparations to grant clemency to Resham
Chaudhary (kh) [Article
276 of the Constitution opens the door to the
arbitrariness of the political elite. Will we
soon see something similar with regard to the
accused in the current corruption scandal?
Article 276 sets convicts free, but does not
change their guilt. If Chaudhary is indeed
innocent, this must be determined by a court.
Then he would be entitled to adequate
compensation for the injustice he has suffered!
Now the procedure once again smacks of the
manipulation of political power.]
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
24/05/2023: The
poverty of republican imagination : The divisive
2015 constitution has almost foreclosed any
chance of further reforming society and polity,
by CK Lal (kp), The
crux of the matter, by Narayan Manandhar
(rep), 3
years after Rukum West killings, kin still await
justice : Dalit activists accuse major parties
of weakening the case to protect the accused,
who are non-Dalits, by Tika R Pradhan (kp),
Provinces
accuse Centre of ignoring their concerns :
Inter-governmental mechanisms envisioned by law
remain largely ineffective as authorities fail
to bridge the gap, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [The disinterest in
implementing the federal system started with KP
Oli and continued unchanged by his successors.],
Newly-appointed
ministers sworn in (kh) [Wow, PK Dahal took
only five months to complete his
"stable" non-inclusive government!],
Refugee
scam-accused may face charges besides
fraud, organised crime and treason :
District Court, Kathmandu on Tuesday
extended the judicial custody of those
arrested by two days, by Prithvi Man
Shrestha (kp), Teachers
in politics : Most public school
teachers in Nepal work with poor
pay and perks, which makes them
veer towards politics (kp) [In no
democratic country should
citizens be excluded from
political activity because of
their profession. This is one of
the fundamental rights of human
beings! And why does the
exclusion in Nepal, for example,
not apply to rich businessmen,
while an uprising is being
rehearsed against poor teachers?],
Why
is Russia keen to engage with
Nepal?, by Kamal Dev
Bhattarai (ae) [Putin is
urgently looking for supporters
of his murderous war of terror!],
A
correct political leadership can
correct all flaws, interview
with Jagdish
Dahal (ae)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
23/05/2023: Lal
Commission report: Truth and lies : Shelving a
report that could speak of security personnel’s
wrongdoing will give rise to impunity, by
Dipendra Jha (kp) [Anything
that contradicts the interests of the ruling
elite must not be published. People's
fundamental right to information is being
disregarded. This has been similar with regard
to the social and cultural data of the latest
population census.], Police
for indicting 33 in Bhutanese refugee scam :
They have fixed the total amount involved in the
scam at around Rs270 million based on complaints
by 113 people, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp)
Nepal’s
public debt exceeds Rs 2,150 billion (kh), Nepal’s
per capita public debt increases four-folds in
the past one decade (rep), Pashupati
Shumsher Rana: Fragility of parties does not
forecast a stable future, interview with
Pashupati Shamsher JB Rana (ae), A
plethora of pipedreams : Some items in the
latest programme have been reappearing
unfailingly for the past 30 years, by Achyut
Wagle (kp) [This is due
to the fact that the same old failed and totally
incompetent politicians are clinging to power.
They can't think of anything better, let alone
solutions!], Debates
On Federalism, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
22/05/2023: Government’s
policies and programmes disappoint the Dalit
community : Prime Minister Dahal had made lofty
promises but the document barely mentions Dalits,
by Tika R Pradhan (kp), How
language reflects social and racial prejudices
against Madhesh, by Sushant Nepali (rep), Enough
is enough : The general public’s level of
frustration over corruption is very high, by
Paban Raj Pandey (kp), Police,
attorney in a rush to file charges in refugee
scam : As per the law, all 32 accused must be
tried in court by Wednesday, but investigators
have yet to conclude probe, by Anup Ojha and
Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), 32
people involved in fake Bhutanese refugee scam:
Police : Police submitting report to District
Attorney Office today (kh), Police
submit investigation report on Fake Bhutanese
Refugee case (kh), The
high-profiles who appeared on the investigation
radar but were not prosecuted, by Arun Bam
(rep), Cop
terror in Tarai border points rampant, by
Bal Krishna Sah (ht), A
common man’s view of corruption, by Cilla
Khatry (ae)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
21/05/2023: Justice
delayed: Vacancies hamper three tiers of courts
: Top court not only lacks chief justice but has
five of the 21 justice posts vacant. Lower
courts are understaffed too, by Binod
Ghimire (kp), Could
the primary system work in Nepal? : After RSP,
RPP is considering primaries to pick candidates,
by Nishan Khatiwada (kp) [Perhaps such a procedure could finally
help to make the selection of candidates
socially inclusive and end the total dominance
of male Khas Arya, if the latter allow it at
all. So far, they consider this country as
theirs!], Vigilance
after refugee scam : The responsible people of
the political parties and the bureaucracy have
established an uncanny alliance, by Abhi
Subedi (kp), Bhutanese
Refugee Scam : Parties Must Not Interfere In
Prosecution, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), Fake
Bhutanese refugee scam: Police fail to submit
investigation report (kh), EC
seeks clarification from political parties,
university teachers (kh) [It should be the basic right
of every Nepali citizen to be politically
active, regardless of their everyday occupation.
The Political Parties Act is discriminatory in
this respect, while on the other hand it grants
authoritarian powers to party leaders!],
Why
are Nepalis Leaving the Country?, by Hari
Prasad Shrestha (rep)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
20/05/2023: Policy
paints rosy picture of economy amid fiscal
trouble : Government claims of improvements in
revenues, foreign aid and investment contradict
official statistics, by Prithvi Man Shrestha
(kp), 11-member
panel to forge consensus on transitional justice
law amendment : Parties must understand any
process rejected by victims will have no
legitimacy, says conflict victim leader
(kp), When
will the government make Lal Commission report
public? Experts say parties fear releasing the
report could antagonise security officials,
by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Rastriya
Prajatantra Party objects to State
Department’s religious freedom report :
In a letter addressed to US ambassador
to Nepal Dean R Thompson, RPP chairman
Rajendra Lingden has asked the State
Department to revise the ‘one-sided’ and
‘biased’ report (nlt) [The RPP's efforts to
once again link the state with one of
the diverse religions practised in Nepal
contradict its claimed respect and
freedom for all religions. Followers of
these religions must be deeply hurt by
these aspirations of the RPP, whose
policies were supported by just five
percent of the electorate in the
elections! Whether such aspirations are
actually supported by India, as the US
report claims, is of secondary
importance. What matters is the damage
that the RPP wants to inflict on Nepal's
multi-ethnic and multi-religious
society!]
NHRC
calls to protect MP Gautam’s life (kh), Nurturing
Leadership Ideals, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
19/05/2023: No
one is above the law but some crime accused seem
to be, in Nepal (nlt) [The way they still present themselves as
waving superstars even in this situation is
repulsive!], Losing
our moral compass : The fake refugee scam is a
reflection of everything that is wrong with
Nepal and the people who run it (nt), Fake
Bhutanese refugee scam: There is more to it,
by Pushpa Raj Joshi (ht), Accused
of fake Bhutanese refugee scam to face five
different offenses, by Arun Bam (rep)), Dahal
says court barred release of Lal panel report :
The prime minister claims his Maoist party
didn’t misuse cantonment funds and offers to go
to jail if found guilty, by Tika R Pradhan
(kp) [Obviously, Nepalis
continue to be denied the right to information!],
Season
of instability : It should be no surprise if
voices against federalism get more traction in
the coming days (kp) [Federalism is of enormous importance for
Nepal, given the centuries of social and
regional exclusion policies. The problem is the
centralist-minded top politicians and the Hindu
fundamentalists!], Cultural
revolution needed : People don’t give up caste
hatred even when they move from villages to more
urban parts of Nepal, by Mitra Pariyar (kp),
11-member
sub-committee formed to discuss and prepare
report on transitional justice bill (ae), NUP
withdraws its general strike (rep)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali:
morning, evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
18/05/2023: Law
amendment aims to drop conflict-era cases, human
rights commission claims : High possibility of
the draft aiming at withdrawing cases by giving
them a political colour, says Top Bahadur Magar,
commission chair, by Binod Ghimire (kp), US
report: BJP pays politicians to lobby for Hindu
Nepal : Pro-monarchy and pro-Hindu groups in the
country dismiss the Department of State claims
as baseless, by Anil Giri (kp) [see report]
[Those who turn the
multi-ethnic, multi-religious, multi-cultural
and multi-lingual state of Nepal into a
unilaterally defined state, as the monarchy once
did and as the RPP and similarly oriented groups
want to restore in an intolerant manner, are
violating basic human rights and destroying the
harmony and internal peace of the country.],
Peace
Initiative Bhutan demands swift action to punish
the perpetrators of fake refugee scam : The
organized crime orchestrated by high-ranking
Nepali politicians and bureaucrats has caused
immense harm to legitimate Bhutanese refugees
and undermined the integrity of the refugee
resettlement process, the US based organization
said, by Arjun Pradhan (nlt), Bhutanese
refugee leader Teknath Rijal arrested (kh),
Fake
Bhutanese refugees scam: Haj Committee
Chair Miya arrested (kh),
Of
scammers and experts : The role of experts in
the highest levels of government has been
revealed completely, by Deepak Thapa (kp), Six
months after elections, provincial governments
are still incomplete : Experts warn prolonged
delays will gravely undercut the spirit of
federalism, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp) [The responsibility lies
predominantly with the completely irresponsible,
power-greedy and incompetent top politicians and
parties at the national level!], Was
she inappropriate or a victim of misogyny? While
some saw Sumana Shrestha’s dress as unseemly for
MP, others thought she was unfairly targeted as
a woman, by Anup Ojha (kp)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali:
morning, evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
17/05/2023: Will
top brass sink three big parties?, by Kamal
Dev Bhattarai (ae) [Absolutely
guaranteed! These totally self-overestimating
politicians never change! The prerequisite for
saving the parties would be that they resign
without exception and give way to a younger
generation!], Collusive
alliance: Nepali Congress, CPN-UML and Maoist
collude to extract partisan rent : The Bhutanese
refugee scam has brought Nepal’s main opposition
CPN-UML closer to ruling parties Nepali Congress
and Maoist-Center. This is an indication that
major parties are institutionalizing collusive
alliances instead of practicing competitive
politics (nlt), Political
parties urged to not disrupt investigation into
fake Bhutanese refugee scam (ae), Police
not to submit report on Wednesday : Preparing
deadline extension for 14 in custody (kh), From
Bribery to Nepotism: Fighting Back Corruption in
Nepal, by Nisha Jha (rep), Lessons
to learn from fake Bhutanese refugee scam :
Current discourse on the fake Bhutanese refugee
scam misses two important points: We need
limited government, and Nepali people want to
leave the country, by Prakash Maharjan
(nlt), Time
To Demonstrate True Leadership, by Namrata
Sharma (rn), Rayamajhi,
Khand, others to remain in custody for another 3
days (kh), Top
court upholds Resham Chaudhary’s life sentence :
He was handed life term by lower courts for
links to the Tikapur lynchings in which 8 people
were killed in 2015, by Binod Ghimire (kp),
NUP announces Nepal Banda from May 20
to exert pressure on govt to release Resham
Chaudhary (rep), Nagarik
Unmukti Party warns of quitting government
(ae), Short
of sight : Most people’s representatives work
for themselves rather than on behalf of their
electorate (kp), Bring
federalism-centric budget : Allocating a bigger
budget or more programmes to specific
constituencies does not guarantee electoral
success, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp), Six
years after BRI agreement, Nepal has little to
show for it : Nepali officials seem unaware the
deal, involving cross-border rail, is renewed
every 3 years, by Anil Giri (kp)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening); Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
16/05/2023: SC
issues short-term interim order not to implement
the decision to give 2 lakhs rupees to Maoist
ex-militants (kh), District
Public Prosecutors’ Office records statement of
11 accused (kh), Calls
to probe Maoist cantonment scam growing : Prime
Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s Maoist party has
been accused of misusing funds meant for
combatants, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), No
blanket amnesty for serious rights violation, PM
vows to foreign diplomats : Promises to uphold
zero-tolerance policy against corruption and
ensure transparency and accountability (kp)
[???], Nepal:
Economy Confronts a Challenge to National
Stability, by Binoj Basnyat (kh), Communities
struggle as climate impacts threaten public
wellbeing and livelihoods : Hundreds of
vulnerable groups—the poor, women, and
children—have been affected, by Arjun Poudel
(kp), Supreme
Court sentences Resham Chaudhary to life
imprisonment (kh), Dismal
Capital Expenditure: Govt yet to spend 60
percent of capital budget (ae)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening); Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
15/05/2023: Journalists
and civil activists commit to give priority to
issues of marginalized, by Lalit Bista
(rep), Why
does government flip-flop on decisions? Mature
decision-making involves processing and
analysing information but the government is
taking shortcuts, experts say, by Nishan
Khatiwada (kp), In
Nepal, rage against grand larceny : Lawmakers,
intellectuals and commoners are uniting against
attempts of top leadership to dismiss the fake
Bhutanese refugee scam (nlt), No
refuge, no shelter : Nepal will be confronted on
the international arena for inviting the present
imbroglio, by Semanta Dahal (kp), Absconding
UML leader Rayamajhi arrested : The former
deputy PM was on the run since May 4, by
Anup Ojha (kp), Top
Bahadur Rayamajhi arrested from hideout, by
Ujjwal Satyal (ht), Top
Bahadur Rayamajhi being produced in court today
(kh), Fake
Bhutanese Refugee Scam: Former lawmaker Angtawa
Sherpa surrenders to Police (kh), Lawmakers
air views against fake Bhutanese refugee scam
(rep), Foul
play suspected after District Government
Attorney’s Office instructs police to complete
investigation by Tuesday, by Arun Bam
(rep), Controversial
Amendment Bill that sets five-year statute of
limitation on corruption cases being reverted to
parliamentary thematic committee (rep), Let
Refugee Scam Probe Take Its Course, by
Ballav Dahal (rn), Parties
revive deal to give momentum to Parliament : A
subcommittee will iron out the differences among
the major parties on the disputed transitional
justice bill, by Binod Ghimire (kp)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening); Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
14/05/2023: ‘Corrupt,
beware!’: Protests against refugee scam continue
: The scam, in which 875 Nepalis were swindled
of millions of rupees on the promise of being
sent to the US, forces people to hit the streets
decrying the network of corruption, by
Nishan Khatiwada (kp), Multiple
protests demanding action against refugee
scammers (ht), PM
Dahal, Deuba and Oli hold meeting in Baluwatar
(kh) [The frequent
meetings of these three politicians, who are
mainly responsible for Nepal's political decline
in recent years, are significant after the
corruption scandal came to light!], Police
issue arrest warrant against former Home
Minister Thapa’s son Pratik (kh), Top
Bahadur Rayamajhi arrested (kh), Police
arrest Top Bahadur Rayamajhi (nlt), Former
Home Minister Khand and 11 others remanded in
custody for four days : The Kathmandu District
Attorney Office has also directed the Nepal
Police to complete the investigation within four
days (nlt), Fake
Bhutanese refugee scam tarnished Nepal’s image:
NC leader Koirala (kh), Nepali
traders fed up with China’s random border policy
: The Tatopani border point re-opened on May 1
after remaining closed for eight years then
closed again the next day, by Krishana
Pradhan and Anish Tiwari (kp), Nepal's
Economy Faces External Dependency Nightmare,
by Hari Prasad Shrestha (rep)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
13/05/2023: Grassroots
Citizens Voice Against Status Quo, by Dev
Raj Dahal (rn), In
the jungle of corruption, by Narayan
Manandhar (rep), PM
Prachanda, Deuba, Oli should not be spared if
found guilty: Dr. Govinda KC (kh), Bhutanese
languishing in camps decry Nepali leaders’
deceitful substitution of genuine refugees :
Refugees living in Jhapa and Morang districts of
eastern Nepal lament those in power are trying
to profit from their miseries, by Parbat
Portel (kp), Impeachment
move alone ‘no ground for suspension’ : The
Supreme Court ruling may dissuade lawmakers from
bringing such motions on a whim in the future,
by Binod Ghimire (kp), Setting
the record straight: Parties submit their audit
reports to EC, by Pratik Ghimire (ae)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
12/05/2023: Civil
society rises again : It can articulate larger
public demands while moderating the more
extremist voices in the crowd (kp), Nepal
is failing on multiple fronts. What can be the
way out? We should first be able to discern
neighbors’ core interests and maneuver our
binding compulsions while managing our internal
problems, by Suresh Sharma (nlt), Fake
Bhutanese refugee scam tarnishing Nepal’s image
internationally, by Ishwar Dev Khanal (kh),
Government
registers bill to ease path to amnesty in crimes
: Human rights activists say withdrawing cases
related to heinous crimes will promote impunity
(kp) [This is a
consequence of the proximity of politics and
crime in Nepal. Leading politicians often do not
even consider it necessary to respect the
constitution and laws or they manipulate them!],
Top
court vacancies persist despite chief justice
nomination : Positions of as many as five
justices at Supreme Court, 42 judges at high
courts and 40 judges at the district courts are
currently lying vacant, by Binod Ghimire
(kp), Fault
lines in foreign policy : Nepal’s western border
issue is on the backburner and there has only
been a coy response from political elite, by
Lok Raj Baral (kp), RPP
Chairman Lingden suggests PM Dahal to initiate
investigation of assets of leaders and govt
employees after 2046 BS (rep) [Why only from 2046 BS?
Corruption was no less in the panchayat system
and at that time those politicians who formed
the RPP in 2046 ruled under the special
protection of the monarchy!], GBV
Hinders Economic Development, by Madhavi
Singh Shah (rn), Rot
at the top : Everything you need to know about
Nepal’s fake refugee scandal (but were too
indifferent to ask), by Shristi Karki (nt),
The
last of the Kusunda : Social exclusion by
mainstream society is driving this endangered
ethnic group and its unique language to
extinction, by Sewa Bhattarai (nt)
see also TV
news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
11/05/2023: No
trust, no credibility : The singular mission of
all major political parties in Nepal has been to
grab power by any means, by Kamal Dev
Bhattarai (ae), Experts
laud arrests, say will be watching progress :
They caution against the possibility of party
honchos coming together to protect their accused
colleagues, by Binod Ghimire (kp), People
protest against Bhutanese refugee scam : Civil
society members accuse leaders of misusing state
funds, authority, by Anup Ojha (kp), Skeletons
tumbling out : Probe into the Bhutanese refugee
scam needs constant vigilance from media and
civil society (kp), Pressure
mounts on the government to get to the bottom of
fake refugee scam : Calls are growing on the
government from all sides to take action against
everyone involved in the case, by Anil Giri
(kp), Economic
outlook and fiscal budget : A single budget
cannot resolve all structural issues but it can
take corrective steps, by Chandan Sapkota
(kp), FNCCI
calls for tax cuts and increased spending : Ad
hoc decision making by the government and the
central bank is hurting the economy, private
sector representatives say, by Subin
Adhikari (kp), Civic
Initiatives For Charitable Services, by
Mukti Rijal (rn), Govt
preparing to amend law to withdraw Resham
Chaudhary’s case (kh) [Desperate search for government partners?
Nepal's so-called top politicians cannot make
friends with legal processes!], Government
registers bill in Parliament to free Resham
Chaudhary (ae), EC
directs 82 political parties to make public
their audit report (ae) [Why is the Political Parties Act not
amended to exempt political parties from such
reports? That would fit, wouldn't it?]
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
10/05/2023: Former
Home Minister Bal Krishna Khand arrested :
Khand's personal secretary Narendra KC also
arrested (kh), CPN-UML
refuses to take action against Top Bahadur
Rayamajhi : Police on Tuesday raided the home of
Rayamajhi, who is dodging the authorities,
by Tika R Pradhan (kp), UML
suspends Secretary Top Bahadur Rayamajhi
(kh), UML
suspends Top Bahadur Rayamajhi as party
secretary : Rayamajhi, who was supposed to
return to the Capital via Bhairahawa on May 4,
cancelled his flight ticket and has been
contactless since (kp), Top
Bahadur writes to Parliament Secretariat seeking
sick leave (kh), UNHCR
expresses serious concern over the fake
Bhutanese refugees scam : The UN agency has made
it clear that the Bhutanese refugee resettlement
process from Nepal was formally closed on
December 31, 2016 and that there was no
possibility to start the process again
(nlt), ‘There
should be no 5-year statute of limitation on
corruption cases’ (rep), TI-Nepal
draws attention on bills to amend two
commissions (kh), General
secretaries plan Congress revolt. Will they
succeed? Gagan Thapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma
are reportedly considering radical options for
the party’s transformation, by Anil Giri
(kp), Retailers
pulling down shutters as recession bites : ‘To
Let’ notices have become a common sight as
business confidence has sunk to record lows,
market observers say, by Subin Adhikari
(kp), The
Hindutva template of hegemony : The controversy
over Bhanubhakta’s statue shows the emancipation
of the subaltern is a long process, by CK
Lal (kp), Escaping
the remittance trap : Nepal is facing a vicious
cycle of rising costs, migration and falling
farm output, by Gopi K Khanal (kp), A
Disappointing Picture of Capital Expenditure,
by Suraj Ghimire (rep), By-poll
Message To Parties, by Yuba Nath Lamsal (rn)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
09/05/2023: Unholy
nexus: A billion-rupee scam exposes ugly
connivance of politicians to dupe public : The
Home Ministry is supposed to control forgeries.
But the fake Bhutanese refugee scam has exposed
the alleged involvement of political leaders at
the helm of the ministry in power misuse
(nlt), PM
Dahal, Deuba and Oli hold talks at Baluwatar
(kh), Police
raid UML Secretary Rayamajhi’s house (kh), Concerns
grow over Nepal’s global image after Bhutanese
refugee scam : How can its neighbours be assured
Nepal’s corrupt system can address their
legitimate security interests, experts ask,
by Anil Giri (kp), Don’t
let them down : The loan sharking problem will
not go away without addressing the financial
vulnerabilities of the poor (kp), President
Paudel initiates consultation with legal experts
on Citizenship Bill (kh), Confusion
persists over President’s role in Citizenship
Bill : Experts say ex-President Bhandari flouted
constitution by sitting on the bill passed twice
by Parliament, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp), Focus
on fiscal fundamentals : Nepal’s current
economic crisis can be solved only with bold
fiscal policy measures, by Achyut Wagle
(kp), Refugee
Crisis Is Far From Over, by Uttam Maharjan
(rn), Inclusive
participation of women in all levels, structures
of State demanded (rn), Women
Forum demands inclusive participation of women
in state structures : The Forum concluded with
14-point declaration which calls for
proportional inclusive representation, taking
the transitional justice to conclusion, and
increasing access of women and all marginalized
communities to justice (nlt), Starving
Saipal residents crying for food (kh)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
08/05/2023: Rape
offense is not just rape offense, do not
normalize it : Our society tends to demotivate
and defame the victims and further victimize the
victims if the perpetrators are powerful people,
by Shreena Nepal (nlt), The
nexus of crime and politics : Political leaders
are protecting corrupt individuals, goons, real
estate developers, and tax evaders, among
others, a former police officer claims, by
Ajabi Paudyal (ae), MPs
trade barbs in House over top-level corruption :
UML challenges government to investigate
tampering of tax rates last year and corruption
in Maoist cantonments, by Binod Ghimire
(kp), Victims
doubt loan shark ordinance’s
implementation : High-level panel
reports harassment of victims of
unscrupulous lending in some districts,
by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp),
Amid
gloom, Prime Minister and Finance Minister
reassure people on economic recovery : The Prime
Minister and the Finance Minister have said that
work is underway to bring the economy back on
track and therefore people do not need to panic
(nlt), Govt’s
efforts for economic improvements inadequate: Dr
Swarnim Wagle (kh), The
news-knowledge divide : Press freedom should be
about more than just defending the media from
political interference, by Dharma Adhikari
(kp), New
Finance Minister Needs to Promote Budget
Credibility, by Anirudra Neupane (rep), SC
issues interim order not to implement RSP’s
decision to sack its MP Dhaka Kumar Shrestha
(rep), RSP’s
Bindabasini Kansakar appointed HoR member
(ae), Justice
Karki recommended for Chief Justice (kh)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
07/05/2023: Eruption
of Dalit rage : Political parties have little
interest in resolving the pressing problems of
the Dalit communities, by Mitra Pariyar
(kp), Nepali,
Indian stakeholders stress joint effort to curb
human trafficking : Human trafficking that was
rife after the 2015 earthquakes further
increased during the pandemic, by Rajesh
Mishra (kp), Of
political parties and leaders : The binary of
democrats and communists is the most commonly
used expression in Nepali political parlance,
by Abhi Subedi (kp), Reforming
Anti-Corruption Legislations, by Narayan
Manandhar (rep), New
President can authenticate citizenship bill,
legal experts say : Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal
Dahal seeks suggestions from representatives of
Nepal Bar Association on the bill’s status
(kp) [And what are the
consequences of his predecessor's
unconstitutional behaviour? After all, this had
far-reaching consequences, not only for the
persons concerned. It is high time to enforce
the duty of leading politicians to comply with
the constitution and laws!], Constitutional
Council meeting to take place Monday (kh), PM Dahal appoints
NC’s Surendra Acharya as Minister (kh), NA set to open LC
to procure weapons worth Rs 6 billion from China
(kh), Dahal
commits to getting to the root of fake refugee
scam : The prime minister hints of undue
pressure to spare politicians named in fake
refugee documentation (kp)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
06/05/2023: How
Nepali Diasporas are influencing politics back
home : Due to Rabi Lamichhane's citizenship and
passport dispute, there will likely be demands
from Nepali diasporas for dual citizenship,
representation in parliament, and the right to
vote from outside Nepal, by Saugat Gautam
(nlt), Reasoned
Debate Key To Civic Renewal, by Dev Raj
Dahal (rn)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
05/05/2023: Should
Rastriya Swatantra Party join the government?
They could take a leaf out of the book of
Canadian politics
The creation of a confidence and supply
agreement with the ruling coalition could give
RSP a lot of influence without losing its
opposition status, by Simone Galimberti
(nlt), Will
Dahal be able to accommodate Swatantra Party in
government? RSP will take a call on whether to
join the federal Cabinet at its central
committee meeting today, by Tika R Pradhan
(kp), RSP
to withdraw its support to Dahal-led government
(kh), UML’s
Oli objects to the arrest warrant against
Rayamajhi : Police say the arrest of the party
secretary and former minister was delayed due to
political pressure, by Anil Giri (kp) [This is typical once again.
Politics and crime are often very close!],
Fake
Bhutanese Refugee Scam: Police preparing to
arrest about a dozen more people including
‘VIPs’ while lobbying starts to protect the
accused (rep), Manufacturing
refugees : The fake documentation case
highlights the criminalisation of politics and
bureaucracy in Nepal (kp), By-election
2023: Swing voting or polarisation? The use of
informal networks, rather than open policy
debate, is still a key to winning elections,
by Sanjeev Humagain (kp)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
04/05/2023: Newly-appointed
ministers to be sworn in today (kh), Ex-minister,
sitting officials implicated in refugee scam :
Investigators suspect more government officials
and relatives of political leaders could also be
involved, by Anil Giri (kp), Differences
between ruling coalition and main opposition
likely to grow : The Business Advisory Committee
on Friday failed to agree on the endorsement of
the bill to amend the Constitutional Council Act
after the UML sought revision, by Binod
Ghimire (kp) [Both sides
do everything to prevent political stability!],
Budget
session of Parliament to start next week :
Besides pre-budget and fiscal policy
discussions, session may also handle a few other
crucial bills (kp) [Take your time with these things, the main
thing is that the politicians enjoy their
pointless power struggles!], Dalit
Network objects demolition of Badi people’s huts
(kh), CIAA
Chief Rai likely to be dragged into fake
Bhutanese refugee issue (kh) [!!??], Fake
Bhutanese refugee scam: 106 people file
complaints against fraud for over Rs 230 million
(kh)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
03/05/2023: Can
more inclusive media support peace in Nepal?
Media stakeholders in Nepal recognize that
inclusion needs to be addressed. By capitalizing
on this opportunity, Nepali media can thrive,
facilitate a healthy democracy and contribute to
a truly sustainable peace, by Rabina
Shrestha (nlt), World
Press Freedom Day: Challenges galore for Nepal’s
free media, by Umesh Pokharel (ae), Arrest
warrants issued for Top Bahadur Rayamajhi, his
son, and Ram Bahadur Thapa’s son in relation to
fake refugees scam : The court has issued an
arrest warrant against them in connection with
an investigation into a scam that defrauded
Nepalis by falsely promising to send them to the
United States as Bhutanese refugees (nlt), Police
arrest Secretary Tek Narayan Pandey of
Vice President’s Office (rep),
NC
leader Koirala in S’pore amid intra-party
conflict : PM Dahal's India visit uncertain as
the process of procuring arms from China begins
(kh), Govt
recommends President to call parliament session
on May 7 (kh), President
Paudel calls session of Federal Parliament
(kh), President
appoints three new ministers from NC (kh), Dahal’s
graft probe should begin with his own actions,
say experts : Anti-graft commission formed
through a political decision can only prepare
reports, but not punish anyone, by Tika R
Pradhan (kp), Nepal
keeps downgrading economic growth projection :
The latest estimate is 1.86 percent, down from 4
percent during the first half and 8 percent at
the start of the fiscal year, by Sangam
Prasain (kp), Oli
offers prime ministership to Rabi Lamichhane
(rep) [The chaos
fomentor Oli is in action again, of course all
in the interest of political stability and for
the good of the country!]
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
02/05/2023: Debating
the discourse of discrimination against
Dalits with JB Biswokarma : ‘The state
must be inclusive, society needs to
respect every member of the society
equally regardless of gender, caste and
ethnicity, and create an environment
where everyone can have a dignified
life’, interview by Simone
Galimberti (nlt), Dahal
keen to rope in RSP as coalition
partners dither : The prime minister is
ready to re-allocate the three
ministries the RSP led earlier, says
spokesperson, by Nishan Khatiwada
(kp) [Is the RSP
willing to give up its independence for
power and posts? Where is the
difference?], Lamichhane
submits reply to SC : Says court's
interference could end AG's
institutional, functional autonomy,
by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Rabi
Lamichhane says court cannot examine
Attorney General’s decision : The writ
petitioner Yubaraj Poudel, however,
claims the attorney general’s powers as
stipulated by Article 158(2) does not
apply in Lamichhane’s case, by Tika
R Pradhan (kp), Budget
cuts in maternal health carry serious
risks, experts warn : Antenatal and
postnatal care, institutional delivery,
verbal autopsy of maternal deaths, and
training will be impacted, by Arjun
Pudel (kp) [But
monetary payments to disqualified former
Maoist soldiers, obviously recruited in
violation of international law, are
obviously more important than maternal
health!], In
a recession : There is no political
consensus on boosting economy, creating
jobs and unlocking public spending
(kp), Appoint
Chief Justice right away : A delay in
the appointment of the head of the top
court casts doubt on the judiciary's
independence, by Dipendra Jha (kp),
Nepali
trucks being stopped at Tatopani border
point : The cargo has to be transferred
to Chinese trucks for onward transport
under a new rule issued by China,
officials said, by Krishana Prasain
(kp) [Free
trade as China
understands it! Nepal
should slowly think
about whether China is
really a cooperation
partner for the future!],
We
Look at Nepal for
Nepal's Sake’,
interview with US
Ambassador to Nepal Dean
R. Thomson (rep) [So
you know better than
Nepal what the country
needs? Others call this
intervention!], FATF
blacklist: Act
before it is
too late
(rep), Govt
to bring
ordinance to
address issues
of loan
sharking
victims
(kh) [Why is
this not
regulated in a
parliamentary
democracy
through the
popularly
elected HoR?]
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
01/05/2023: Nepal
plunges into its first recession in six decades
: As per the Statistics Office, seasonally
adjusted growth rate for the second quarter may
drop by 0.73 percent, by Sangam Prasain
(kp), PM
Dahal asks RSP to join govt : Expresses
willingness to investigate corruption cases
(kh), RSP
to take decision on joining government only on
Friday (ae), Division
in ruling coalition over possible Cabinet entry
of Swatantra Party : While the prime minister
wants to accommodate the party, RSP leaders say
they are yet to seriously discuss matter, by
Nishan Khatiwada (kp), ‘New
forces will take a decade to take full shape’ :
What we need right now is a strong
left-of-centre force to counter the forces
coalescing around right-of-centre RSP,
interview with Baburam Bhattarai (kp), Will
Dahal have to go for floor test a third time if
any party pulls support? Opinion is divided.
Some argue floor tests are not needed until the
government falls into minority, by Binod
Ghimire (kp), Ruling
parties fault the UML for delay in chief justice
recommendation : Lawyers launch protest
demanding speedy filling of vacant judicial
positions, by Tika R Pradhan (kp) [Let us continue to
exacerbate the instability and crisis! You
selfish "top politicians" are really
indispensable!], What
a waste : Nepal’s lawmakers are more interested
in development work than lawmaking (kp), Agreement reached
between govt. and Chair Pun (kh)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
30/04/2023: Death
of ideological politics in Nepal : Misfortune
looms large over the fate and longevity of
existing ideology-based political parties in
Nepal, by Matrika Poudyal (ae), New
forces came and went. Will emerging parties be
different? Swatantra, Janamat became national
parties at one go. Here’s a peek into their
prospects, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp), Opportunism
and sacrifice in politics : The contest between
the older parties and the newbies is one between
stagnation and kinetics, by Avasna Pandey
(kp), RSP
Poll Victory : Can It Prompt Reform In Big
Parties?, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), First
session of House ended without passing a bill :
Previous legislature got embroiled in a dispute
over twin dissolutions. This hung parliament
bears no bright prospects either, by Binod
Ghimire (kp), Saving
National Human Rights Commission : The decision
to downgrade the NHRC’s status raises questions
over our commitment to human rights, by
Bijay Raj Gautam (kp), FATF
skeptical on Nepal’s efforts on money laundering
preventions; carried out three onsite
inspections last year (rep)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
29/04/2023: Absence
of law is denying conflict victims of sexual
violence access to justice: Report. While no
official figures are available, there are an
estimated 1,500 victims of sexual violence from
the insurgency era (kp), Children
from Karnali families are falling prey to
fraudulent foster homes : Nearly a hundred
children from Karnali are rescued from
children’s homes in various cities every year,
says activist, by Tularam Pandey (kp), Prevent
Partisanisation Of State Apparatuses, by Dev
Raj Dahal (rn), Swatantra
Party carefully calculating government support :
Prime Minister Dahal is trying to woo Rabi
Lamichhane as Maoist Centre leaders apparently
fear a Congress betrayal, by Tika R Pradhan
(kp), Congress
and UML protest as government prepares to pay
disqualified ex-Maoists : Earlier budgets also
mentioned the plan. Prime Minister Dahal made
the decision in March (kp), Independent
lawmaker Singh calls for ending policy-level and
institutionalized corruption (kh), Mahabir
Pun begins protest demanding government priority
for innovation : Pun submitted a list of demands
to the prime minister before launching his
agitation, by Anup Ojha (kp), House
of Representatives forms thematic committees :
The lower House constitutes 10 thematic
committees on the last day of the current
session, five months after the first sitting
(kp), Nepal
doing better in financial inclusion,
narrows gender gap, report says : The
economic participation and opportunity
for women in Nepal have improved—from
116th in 2013 to 107th in 2021 and 98th
in 2022 (kp), Nepal
achieves increase in financial inclusion
(rn) [see report
by IFC], 89%
women and 90% men in Nepal have access
to financial services: Report (rn)
see also TV
news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
28/04/2023: Gandaki
and Lumbini get new chief ministers : Koshi,
another UML-led province, is yet to start the
process for the formation of a new government,
by Tika R Pradhan (kp) [Since
Nepal is a federal state only on paper,
authority in the provinces still lies with the
central political level! This prevents a
rational provincial policy, causes completely
unnecessary costs, prevents decentralisation and
further contributes to the destruction of the
nation!], Court
denies interim order against KMC’s eviction
notice to squatters : Lawyers on both sides have
interpreted the order as a decision in their
favour, by Anup Ojha (kp), Development,
protection of environment should go hand in
hand, justices say : Judicial activism in Nepal
has resulted in several court rulings related to
environmental protection, according to the
Supreme Court judges (kp), Dahal’s
arbitrary rule and docile Congress (ae), Govt
decision to provide Rs 200,000 to disqualified
former Maoist combatants slammed (rep), Rising
poll expenses : Apart from laws, public
awareness is a must to ensure free, fair and
impartial elections (ht), The
Reign God : The Maoists may have thought they
were kingmakers, but now it is the RSP that has
the role, by Santa Gaha Magar (nt), Old
wine in old bottles m: Nepal’s ageing career
politicians, it is time for you to bow out
gracefully. You have failed. Give someone newer
a chance (nt), Royal
treatment in a republic (ae), Civil
Society calls for scaling up Child Grant
(kh)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
27/04/2023: The
Byawastha-Awastha Hypothesis, by Narayan
Manandhar (rep), Food
shortage in Sankhuwasabha villages as China
border closure continues since 2020 : Bhotkhola
Rural Municipality distributed rice in the
affected villages of Thudam, Ridak and Chhumusur
on Wednesday, by Dipendra Shakya (kp), Dalit
freedom hinges on religious reform : The
incompatibility between caste rituals and
anti-caste laws has caused inevitable friction
in Nepali society, by Mitra Pariyar (kp), When
will Nepal become a child labor free country?
Abolition of the worst forms of child labor is a
national as well as international priority. But
Nepal still has a long way to go to achieve the
goal, by Helina Rai (nlt), Depoliticizing
schools: Kathmandu Metropolis decides to ban
political activities at the premises of public
schools : Nepal’s political parties have long
been using students of public schools to expand
the cadre base of their student wings. The
latest decision of Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah
can be a crucial move toward making schools a
zone of peace (nlt), Key
items ‘vanish’ from House agenda as parties
differ : Parliament Secretariat had published
tentative agenda for the House meeting including
formation of committees, by Binod Ghimire
(kp), 5
months after his Saptari defeat, Bara sends
Upendra Yadav to Parliament : Yadav emerges
victorious in bypolls beating the Janamat
hopeful who was riding on the popularity wave of
CK Raut, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp) [Like many of the old failed
politicians, Upendra Yadav may have been elected
only thanks to the electoral alliance.],
NA
allegedly procuring weapons worth Rs 6 billion
from China without competitive bidding process,
by Ishwar Dev Khanal (kh), Business
leaders predict difficult year ahead for Nepali
economy : Economists say that the failure of the
government to spend would further hurt economic
activities (kp)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
26/04/2023: Stunned
by the RSP, can Nepal’s old parties reinvent
themselves? The trouncing of the candidates of
established parties in the by-elections is being
seen as a ‘do or die’ moment for the forces that
have promised much but delivered little, by
Tika R Pradhan (kp), Tipping
poin : If the political biggies do not mend
their errant ways, they will face even more
reverses in coming days (kp), The
politics of emotional control : The polls have
diverted the national attention away from some
of the more pressing issues of political economy,
by CK Lal (kp), National
mood-swing : The by-elections have reaffirmed
the young voters’ disillusionment with
traditional political parties, by Anurag
Acharya (kp), Communist
Parties In Existential Crisis, by Yuba Nath
Lamsal (rn), Advised
for downsizing numbers of HoR, PA members
(rn)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
25/04/2023: A
failed state or a middle-income country?, by
Kedar Neupane (ae), Swarnim
Wagle elected from Tanahun-1 : The renowned
economist and former vice-chair of National
Planning Commission had rebelled against Nepali
Congress and joined Rashtriya Swatantra Party to
contest the by-election from Tanahu-1. He won by
a huge margin (nlt), Dr.
Wagle voices for political corrections (kh),
Rabi
Lamichhane secures landslide victory from
Chitwan-2 : The Rastriya Swatantra Party
chairman got reelected from the same
constituency twice in five months with a much
larger number of votes than in the November 2022
polls (nlt), RSP
Chair Lamichhane hints at withdrawing support to
government (kh), RSP
on journey to prosperity by embracing good
governance: Chairman Lamichhane (rep) [For good governance, it
would be important to stop supporting the power
of the old failed leaders!], For
whom the bell tolls, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai
(ae), Bypolls
a warning shot to old parties : Congress
President Sher Bahadur Deuba said on Monday that
people had stopped trusting big parties, by
Anil Giri (kp), Parties
agree on House panels’ leadership, key bills :
Congress, Maoist Centre and UML to discuss the
disputed transitional justice bill in a special
committee, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), TRC
Bill to get a special panel push (ae), Big
3 reach understanding on TRC Bill : They have
also worked out issue of sharing parliamentary
panels' leadership (ht), Costly
country : One of the poorest states in the world
has also become arguably among the most
expensive to live in (kp)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
24/04/2023: Transitional
justice in limbo : Callous injustice to the
victims, by Pushpa Raj Joshi (ht), Democracy
suffers when democratic actors fail to deliver :
Political parties’ failure to uphold democratic
values and their inability to ensure dividends
of democracy to the people had emboldened King
Gyanendra to take absolute power in hands in
2005 (nlt) [Without
any doubt, the political parties and especially
their top politicians stand out as completely
anti-democratic failures, but the authoritarian
monarchy was even worse, something the younger
generation, however, has not experienced itself!],
Disorderly
House : The highest policy-making body in the
land must mend its shoddy image soon (kp), Bypolls
close with average 60 percent voter turnout :
Elections were held in Bara-2, Tanahun-1 and
Chitwan-2 with results expected to be declared
by April 25, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp), By-election
results indicate people’s declining interest in
major parties: Deuba (kh) [In a democratic state, the
responsible leaders of these parties would
resign immediately!], Top
leaders meet at Singha Durbar to discuss
contemporary issues (kh) [Not to initiate political
and economic measures that the country so
urgently needs, but once again primarily
quarrelling over positions and offices!],
Could
Nepal’s communists reunite to fend off emerging
political forces? Prime Minister Dahal says they
are working to re-establish a unified communist
party, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Industrialists
in eastern Nepal protest against power cuts :
The current power supply is short by 70 MW, the
Nepal Electricity Authority says, by Binod
Bhandari (kp), Code
of conduct: Only for women? It is important for
the state to realise that restrictive borders
and policing the so-called ‘dignity of Nepali
women’ is not the solution to existing problems,
by Swasti Gautam (kp)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
23/04/2023: Nepal
votes: By-election taking place today : Voters
to exercise franchise right in Bara-2, Chitwan-1
and Tanahu-1 (kh), Voting
stalled following scuffle between cadres of RSP
and other parties in Chitwan’s Naya Kiran School
polling center (kh), JSP
cadres capture polling station in Bara (kh),
Designated
voting time for April 23 by-election is over :
EC estimates less votes than in November 20
elections (kh), By-election
sees around 60 percent turnout (kh), Pre-budget
deliberations could be cut short as House
session lingers : Experts on parliamentary
affairs say such problems arise when the House
maintains no calendar, by Binod Ghimire (kp)
[A direct consequence of
the undemocratic policies of the "top
politicians" of all parties who are exclusively
interested in power!], Why
has Nepal failed to establish consumer courts as
mandated by law? As buyers don’t want to get
into complex court cases, unscrupulous traders
are emboldened, observers say, by Krishana
Prasain (kp), Provincial
governments in a flux as coalitions change :
Karnali government splits ministry to
accommodate aspirants from alliance partners,
by Nishan Khatiwada (kp) [Lack of understanding or deliberate abuse
of the federal system by parties and
politicians?], NCE
Nepal demands 10 percent increment in education
budget (kh), Relocating
the Capital City: Easy as a Balen’s Tweet?,
by Hari Prasad Shrestha (rep), Ensure
Justice To Conflict Victims, by Ritu Raj
Subedi (rn)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
22/04/2023: Land,
Livelihood and Climate Change, by Jagat
Deuja (rep), Deliberative
Public Key To Democracy, by Dev Raj Dahal
(rn), 7
years since transit deal with China, no shipment
has moved : Nepal’s bid to break away from its
sole dependence on India for third-country trade
has not succeeded so far, by Anil Giri (kp),
Teachers
miss out on Chaitra pension as pay for
ex-combatants gets priority : Around 18,000
retired teachers failed to receive monthly pay
owing to budget shortfall, by Prithvi Man
Shrestha (kp), Dahal
and Oli meet, but no agreement yet on chief
justice : The main opposition CPN-UML is also
looking for the leadership of several
parliamentary thematic committees (kp), Campaigners
against Koshi hope province will get new name :
Province 1 renamed Koshi on March 1. There are
no signs of movement for name reflecting ethnic
identity ebbing, by Tika R Pradhan (kp) [Janajati groups may be in
the majority, especially in Province 1, but this
land belongs to the male Khas Arya and they
decide!], Govt
committed to ensure social justice, good
governance: PM (kh) [And why does the entire policy of the
country act in the opposite way? Empty words, as
always!], Clash
in Biratnagar, police fire tear gas (kp) [Anti-inclusive policies in
practice!]
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
21/04/2023: Ensure
Voting Right For All Nepalis, by Lokdeep
Thapa (rn), Birth
registration laws need amendment (ht), Shah-Singha
Durbar spat sign of bigger waste problem :
Dhunibesi and Kakani vow to obstruct garbage
disposal at Banchare Danda if their demands are
not honoured, by Anup Ojha (kp), Supreme
Court orders Kathmandu Metropolitan City resume
garbage from Singha Durbar (nlt), SC orders Kathmandu
Metro to collect Singha Durbar’s garbage within
3 days (kh), Police
fire gunshots, lob teargas to disperse
demolition protesters in Mirchaiya bazaar :
People whose houses were damaged in the
demolition drive have been protesting since
April 10 seeking compensation, by Bharat
Jarghamagar (kp), Swatantra
Party cadres under public scrutiny : They are
growing anarchic, intolerant of criticism and
are no different than traditional party cadres,
say observers, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp), Rich
school, poor school : The steady decline of
public school education portends a bleak future
for the ‘socialism-oriented’ country (kp), Electricity
for us first : Will Nepal’s hydro that is
translating into billions in export earnings
benefit the Nepali people?, by Bishal Thapa
(kp), Nepal
in a multipolar world : We should recognise that
inviting the influence of major powers can be
risky and costly, by Amrit Poudel (kp), National miasma
: Independent party all set to overturn Nepal’s
national politics in crucial by-elections,
by Shristi Karki (nt), A
Looming Crisis : Recent political events and
action indicate that there is a serious
political crisis that endangers the constitution
(sp)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
20/04/2023: “Nepal
has strayed significantly from its intended
path”, interview with Jayaraj Acharya (kh),
Government
employees threaten to halt daily operations at
Singha Durbar : As part of their demonstration,
the employees plan to send text messages to
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on May 2 and
3, drawing attention to their cause (kh), Rabi
Lamichhane’s awarding of ID deal under dual
probe : The then home minister had pressed ahead
with the process despite officials expressing
serious doubts, by Anil Giri (kp), Timely
breakup : There was the risk of our personal
data circulating across the globe, ready to be
snapped up by the highest bidders (kp), Civil
society activists stage ‘human rights march’ :
The march was staged against the police
brutality on loan shark victims at Shantibatika
on Monday (kp), Civic
movement making a comeback? (ae), Undoing
status quo in Nepal’s India policy : Nepal
should avoid getting caught in the crossfire of
conflicts between big powers, by Pragya
Ghimire (kp), (Un)Fair
Treatment (rep) [Don't
worry, in future, without exception, all Nepalis
will be brought for medical treatment by charter
flights at state expense.], Save
Public Institutions From Decline, by Mukti
Rijal (rn), Govt
doesn't register Nepal-made vehicles, by
Sangay Sherpa (ht) [???],
Citizenship
bill : The govt must reach consensus on the
citizenship bill rejected by then prez (ht),
Forest
fire reported at 379 places on Wednesday alone
(kh), Dozens
injured as police, locals clash in Siraha
(ae), Does
government even listen to the Parliament?,
by Sabitri Dhakal (ae)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning)
(evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
19/04/2023: Legal
doubts over Constitutional Council meeting : The
law appears to be unclear on whether the council
has the mandate to make decisions, by Tika R
Pradhan (kp) Constitutional
Council meeting to recommend CJ inconclusive
(kh), Thinning
provincial purses : Provinces have failed to
bolster their development portfolios for lack of
internal revenues, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp),
Nepal’s
queer community watching India
with interest : Supreme Court of
Nepal in 2007 ordered the
government to recognise same-sex
marriages, but there’s no law
yet, by Anup Ojha (kp), Govt
scraps the procedure of awarding
personal details to private
companies, by Tapendra Karki
(rep), 'No
eligible Nepali will be without
citizenship' : DPM Shrestha also
assured the problems of usury
victims would be addressed
(ht) [The
question is, who is considered
eligible? So far, children are
only considered eligible if the
father has Nepali nationality.
Only when women are seen as
fully equal citizens can the
problem with citizenship be
solved!]
see
also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
18/04/2023: Top
leaders agree to take ahead chief justice
appointment process : The chief justice position
has been lying vacant since the retirement of
Cholendra Shumsher Rana on December 13 last year
(kp), PM
Dahal calls meeting of Constitutional Council
(kh), Constant
tussle for power has crippled provincial
governance : The power-centric mindset of
Kathmandu-based politicians blamed for putting
federalism in jeopardy, by Nishan Khatiwada
(kp), Public
Financing of Elections Could be a Game-changer
for Nepal, by Alok K Bohara (rep), Difficulty
in passing Transitional Justice bill (rep),
NHRC
concerned over use of force against victims of
shylocking (kh)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
17/04/2023: Democracy
in retreat : Top leaders of old parties lack
public trust despite their successes in
electoral arithmetic, by Lok Raj Baral (kp),
Top
leaders agree to convene Constitutional Council
meeting for CJ appointment (kh), Forest
fires in surrounding districts make Kathmandu
world’s most polluted city : There are incidents
of fire in a half of the country’s forests,
officials say, putting human health, wildlife at
great risk, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Over
Rs25 billion foreign aid spent in unproductive
sectors: Auditor general : Development
Cooperation Policy-2019 aims to utilise foreign
aid in infrastructure and areas that contribute
to sustainable development (kp), Difficult
but doable : The political parties should do
more than pay lip service to give voting rights
to Nepalis living abroad (kp), Police
use batons and water cannons on loan sharking
victims (rep), Rabi
Lamichhane’s supporters becoming increasingly
anarchic, by Arun Bam (rep)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening); Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
16/04/2023: PM
Dahal set to expand cabinet for eighth time
today : Nepali Congress leader NP Saud to become
Foreign Minister (kh) [Nepal's politicians call this political
stability!], Foreign
Minister Saud assumes office (kh), Prime
Minister Dahal’s India visit deferred until May
: Railway, two-way trade, hydropower and Indian
investment in Nepal are on the agenda of
bilateral discussions, by Anil Giri (kp), Bad
air, Covid make for noxious cocktail :
Deteriorating air quality in Kathmandu Valley
could exacerbate severity, deaths from
coronavirus infection, doctors warn, by
Arjun Poudel (kp), Prime
minister renews voting pledge to Nepali citizens
residing abroad : Experts say enabling Nepali
citizens working or studying abroad to exercise
their franchise is easier said than done, by
Tika R Pradhan (kp) [So
far, these have only been hollow promises by
politicians, although the Supreme Court has long
obliged the government to apply this right of
Nepali citizens!], Keep
them in Nepal : If people are given a chance to
work in their trained fields, they will not want
to go abroad, by Sushila Karki (kp)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
15/04/2023: Budget
transfers equal capital expenditure last year; a
serious issue of credibility (kh), RSP’s
sacking of lawmaker may hit legal hurdle : A
court can scrap the party’s decision made
without following due process, say multiple law
practitioners, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp), As
differences persist on key bills, top leaders of
major parties fail to meet : Deferred citing
Oli’s illness, the meeting may be held today,
according to the prime minister’s personal
secretary, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Giri
elected Teacher Association’s Chair (kh) [Almost exclusively male Khas
Arya were elected in this context. Long live the
socially non-inclusive state!], Creating
Autonomous Economic Space, by Dev
Raj Dahal (rn)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening); Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
14/04/2023: Dahal
backtracks on responsibility for 5,000 conflict
deaths : In a statement to court, the prime
minister says his remark was political, and
cannot be an issue of judicial concern, by
Binod Ghimire (kp) [Deciding
this is the exclusive task of a court of law and
not that of a possibly responsible perpetrator!],
Cabinet
expansion unlikely before bypolls : Congress
factions reach power-sharing deal, but Dahal is
waiting for Bara by-election results (kp), PM
Dahal urged to appoint CJ, by Ram Kumar
Kamat (ht), Combatting
misinformation: Effective fact-checking is the
way, by Pralhad Gairapipli (ht), NC
leader Koirala sees need of engaging youths in
nation building (kh), Year
2079 BS remained additionally challenging for
Press: FNJ (kh), 2.9
percent increment in expenditures (kh), New Nepali
decade, by Sonia Awale (nt). Political
trash : The garbage piling up inside Singha
Darbar is an indication of the rot that has set
in, by Shristi Karki (nt)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
13/04/2023: Should
we review the constitution? Experts have no
definite answer, but they do agree on one thing:
the political parties must change their attitude
and implement the constitution to the letter,
by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), Sex-selective
abortions rampant, resulting in decreasing
number of baby girls (kh), Positive
beginning: RSP’s pledge to support state
agencies in investigating the alleged bribery by
its MP set a new standard in Nepali politics
(nlt), Cash-strapped
government renews push to dole out money to
disqualified fighters : Ministry goes ahead with
plan to pay Rs200,000 to each of the over 4,000
unverified conflict-era Maoist recruits, by
Anil Giri (kp) [????],
Matter
of Shame (rep), Poor
internet services in Karnali adding to people’s
hardships : Unreliable connection has affected
government services, small businesses and
students’ performance. It has also kept
residents outside the digital ecosystem, by
Krishna Prasad Gautam and Raj Bahadur Shahi (kp),
Shah
v Singha Durbar : The perception of a
malfunctioning federal setup does not help any
of the three tiers of government (kp), Heap
of garbage in front of PMO (rep), Either
work in the interest of Kathmandu or move Singha
Durbar elsewhere: Mayor Balen (kh), Living
Sustainably to Ensure a Future of Sustainability,
by Basu Gautam (rep)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
12/04/2023: Inclusion
of Dalits, disadvantaged groups still negligible
: Experts demand amendment to election laws to
ensure inclusiveness as envisioned by the
constitution, by Tika R Pradhan (kp) [And please democratise
the Political Parties Act at the same time,
which in its present form only serves the
authoritarian power of the incompetent party
leaders!], Foreign
ministry vacant amid great geopolitical churn :
Coalition partner Congress considering NP Saud
for the foreign minister job, but there’s no
official decision yet, by Anil Giri (kp), Two
steps back : With Covid cases steadily rising,
this is just about the worst time to cut the
country’s health budget (kp), Experts
paint gloomy picture of economy as FNCCI readies
for election : The private sector apex body said
that political instability had put the country's
economy in total disarray and eroded market
confidence (kp), Why
do leaders fear to declare their wealth?
Anti-corruption activists say the anti-graft
bodies should show some teeth and investigate
the properties of government ministers and
high-level officials if they refuse to disclose
their assets. by Sumit Dhungel (ae), A
stinking Singha Durbar is no solution, Mr Mayor,
by Madhav Karki (ae) [Singha
Darbar "stinks" anyway!]
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
11/04/2023: What
will become of Nepal’s multiparty democracy and
federalism? Experts warn that the entire
multiparty polity and federalism may suffer
collateral damage if political actors do not
heed to the warning signs on the wall (nlt),
PM
Dahal, Deuba and Oli agree to make TJ and TRC
bills ‘widely acceptable’ (kh) [Almost 6,000 days after the
November 2006 peace agreement, still none of
these failed political "leaders" wants to give
absolute priority to justice for the victims!],
Will
UML help the coalition on transitional justice
bill? As the ruling parties want to fast-track
the bill, the role of the second-largest party
is being keenly watched, by Tika R Pradhan
(kp), Home
Minister pledges to revive the Citizenship Bill
(kh), RSP
stuck in the muck it promised to clean up : The
proponents of alternative politics have been
mired in controversies, one after another,
by Nishan Khatiwada (kp), New
faces, old flaws : RSP is already proving to be
no different to the older parties it supposedly
wanted to replace (kp), Massive
health budget cuts loom, all programmes to be
affected : This could jeopardise progress
achieved from years of investment, warn experts,
by Arjun Poudel (kp), Hydropower
(un)economics : Nepal’s hydropower development
is challenged by a series of policy confusions,
by Achyut Wagle (kp), Inflation
exceeds cap of 7.44 percent (kh)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
10/04/2023: Department
of Civil Registration revises provision about
non-marital child (kh), On
autopilot : A sense of drift characterises the
current coalition government. The country cannot
afford it (kp), Speaker’s
ruling to government to respond to questions
raised in parliament (kh), Garbage
piled up in Singha Durbar reflects govt’s
indifferent attitude: KMC Mayor Balen (kh),
Prime
Minister should communicate with Mayor of
Kathmandu immediately: Gagan Thapa (kh), Provincial
pride projects in Gandaki in limbo : Political
instability, lack of coordination between
federal and provincial governments, budget
crunch, and the pandemic are cited as the
reasons, by Pratiksha Kafle (kp), Expensive
Parliament, by Pratik Ghimire (ae), Indian
security force’s entry in Nepali territory
creates distrust in security mechanism: Raghuji
Panta (kh)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
09/04/2023: How
proposed Telecommunication Bill violates
people’s right to privacy : If the government
has unchecked access to citizens' private phone
calls, it can use the information gathered to
suppress dissenting voices and punish
individuals who speak out against the government,
by Anjila Shrestha (kp), Speaker
discusses TRC Bill with top brass of three
parties (ht), Oli
objects to PM on fast-track passage of
transitional justice bill : Ruling
allies Dahal and Deuba meet opposition
leader at Speaker’s initiative, first
time since the change in alliance,
by Tika R Pradhan (kp),
Government
seeks $200 million from ADB to tide over revenue
shortfall : Reforms in public entities,
transparency in contracts and timely financial
reports are among the bank’s conditions, by
Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), The
epidemic of misgovernance : At the core of our
national suffering is political mismanagement,
by Mohan Guragain (kp), Four
youths arrested for protesting against PA member
Rai (rep) [Freedom
of expression and protests are obviously not
wanted in Nepal!], Lamichhane
and the Long Arm of the Law, by Akhilesh
Tripati (rep), National
Civil Society Conference concludes issuing
19-point Kathmandu declaration (kh)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
08/04/2023: Voice
for the voiceless: How the loan sharks fleece
the poor in Tarai and what may be done to stop
it, by Jivesh Jha (nlt), Govt
has to take a loan to pay salary to employees:
DPM Khadka (kh) [No,
Nepal does not have any financial problems,
other politicians claim!], Ruling
partners drifting apart on multiple issues :
Some allies have refused to take ownership of
the common programme and fielded their own
candidates in bypolls, by Tika R Pradhan
(kp) [At the top of all
these parties is a collection of exclusively
power-hungry male Khas Arya who don't give a
shit about the country and its people! Sorry for
the way I put it!], Power
in the wrong hands, by Niranjan Mani Dixit
(rep), Overcoming
Hurdles To Good Governance, by Dev Raj Dahal
(rn 08/04/2023)
see also TV news: Kantipur TV (English)
(Nepali: morning,
evening);
AP1 (morning) (evening);
Sagarmatha
TV (evening)
07/04/2023: Break
the fall : The continued slowdown of the economy
hints at much tougher fiscal days ahead
(kp), Common
programme repeats government’s past promises :
13-page paper contains populist pledges and a
plan to conclude peace process in 2 years,
by Tika R Pradhan (kp), CMP
is dull and prosaic: NC General Secretary Thapa
(kh), Differences
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