In every stone, sculpture and structure of our cultural heritage, there lies a narrative of resilience, creativity, and the enduring spirit of humanity. The cultural heritage of the Kathmandu Valley is more than a glimpse into our history; it’s the vibrant pulse of our identity, weaving together generations through the enduring stories etched in every temple, street and monument. The traditional values embedded within its iconic temples, grand palaces and bustling marketplaces have been meticulously preserved over centuries, reflecting a way of life that remains central to the identity of its people. These cultural elements are not merely relics of the past but continue to play an integral role in the daily lives of Kathmandu’s residents, influencing everything from religious ceremonies to social interactions. However, as Kathmandu confronts the rapid changes brought about by the 21st century, this cradle of tradition finds itself at a critical juncture. The pressures of urbanization and modernization are reshaping the city’s landscape, presenting both opportunities and challenges. According to recent data, Kathmandu has seen a population surge of over 60 percent in the last two decades, with urban sprawl encroaching upon historically significant areas. Amidst this transformation, the integration of cutting-edge technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) offers a promising yet delicate path forward. IoT, with its capacity to connect devices and gather real-time data, is being explored as a tool to safeguard and enhance Kathmandu’s cultural heritage. For instance, sensors can monitor the structural health of ancient monuments, alerting authorities to potential risks before they become critical. As Kathmandu evolves into a smart city, the challenge lies in ensuring that this technological advancement does not come at the expense of its rich cultural heritage. The intersection of tradition and technology is more than just a balancing act; it is a necessary evolution. The goal is to create a smart city that not only embraces modernity but also preserves the essence of Kathmandu’s historical and cultural identity, ensuring that the treasures of the past are protected for future generations while the city moves confidently into the future. IoT in urban development IoT, which connects devices and systems to collect and exchange data, is at the forefront of Kathmandu's smart city initiatives. From traffic management to waste disposal, IoT is being utilized to make city services more efficient and responsive. Smart sensors monitor air quality, smart grids optimize energy use and smart transportation systems aim to reduce congestion. The vision is clear—an interconnected city where technology enhances the quality of life for all its residents. However, the application of IoT extends beyond just improving urban infrastructure. For a city like Kathmandu, which is steeped in history, IoT holds the potential to play a pivotal role in preserving its cultural heritage. By embedding sensors in heritage sites, monitoring environmental conditions, and using data analytics, authorities can better protect these invaluable assets from both natural and human-induced threats. Cultural heritage at risk While Kathmandu’s smart city evolution is exciting, it also brings challenges, particularly concerning its ancient heritage. The city’s temples, palaces and monuments, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, are under constant threat from pollution, uncontrolled urbanization and the effects of climate change. The 2015 earthquake, which caused severe damage to many heritage sites, was a stark reminder of their vulnerability. As Kathmandu modernizes, the risk is that these cultural landmarks could be sidelined or even compromised. The bustling urban environment poses a direct threat to the preservation of these sites, as new developments often encroach upon historical areas. Moreover, without careful planning, the introduction of modern technologies could lead to a homogenization of the city's character, erasing the very elements that make it unique. Real-world applications In response to these challenges, IoT offers promising solutions. Around the world, IoT has been successfully deployed to monitor and protect cultural heritage. For instance, in Italy, smart sensors are used in the Colosseum to monitor vibrations and structural health, helping to prevent damage from both environmental factors and tourism. In Kathmandu, similar technologies could be employed to safeguard heritage sites. Sensors can monitor humidity, temperature and air quality around sensitive monuments, providing real-time data that can trigger preventive measures. For example, if a sensor detects rising humidity levels that could lead to mold growth on ancient frescoes, immediate action can be taken to address the issue. Additionally, IoT can aid in crowd management, ensuring that the influx of tourists does not overwhelm fragile sites. Innovation and preservation Despite its potential, the integration of IoT in heritage preservation is not without challenges. There is a fine line between protecting a site and over-intervening. The deployment of modern technology in ancient sites raises ethical and practical concerns. Will these technologies alter the very essence of the sites they aim to protect? Can the data collected be used responsibly without infringing on the cultural significance of these landmarks? Furthermore, the local community’s perspective is crucial. For centuries, Kathmandu’s cultural heritage has been preserved through traditional practices passed down through generations. The introduction of IoT must respect and incorporate these practices, ensuring that the technology enhances—and not replaces—the community’s role in preservation. Future prospects The future of Kathmandu as a smart city lies in its ability to innovate while honoring its past. IoT can play a significant role in this journey, but it must be implemented thoughtfully. Policymakers, technologists and heritage conservationists must collaborate to create a framework that leverages technology to protect the city’s cultural heritage. This could involve establishing guidelines for the use of IoT in heritage sites, ensuring that the technology does not compromise the integrity of these places. Additionally, investment in training for local communities to manage and interpret IoT data could empower them to take a lead role in preservation efforts. Conclusion Kathmandu’s journey toward becoming a smart city is an opportunity to create a model for urban development that respects and preserves cultural heritage. The integration of IoT into this vision is not just a possibility but a necessity if we are to protect the city’s ancient treasures for future generations. However, this must be done responsibly, with a clear understanding that technology is a tool to enhance, not replace, the cultural and historical essence of Kathmandu. As we move forward, it is imperative that we strike a balance between innovation and preservation, ensuring that Kathmandu’s evolution into a smart city does not come at the cost of its rich cultural heritage. With careful planning and responsible use of IoT, Kathmandu can set an example for cities around the world, demonstrating that progress and preservation can go hand in hand.

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the period between 2022 and 2032 as the International Decade of Indigenous Languages to draw global attention toward the critical situation of many indigenous languages and to mobilize stakeholders and resources for their preservation, revitalization and promotion.  In an era of rapid media evolution, radio still has the power to bring people together and provide communities with vital news and information and local language radio programs. Currently, 365 community radios are operating in 77 districts of Nepal. These radios are operated by rural communities, including women, Dalit and Janjati communities.  These community radios have been shifting the power paradigm from elites to poor. Community radios in Nepal have been addressing the diversities of the country in a proper manner as they are spreading awareness by airing radio programs and news in more than 40 local languages. Maximum number of local radios are presenting diversity in Nepal. Nepali society is very diverse as it features people from 125 ethnic groups speaking 129 languages. One can see an entirely different culture, geography and languages in every 3 hours walk from the north to the south or the east to the west. Only mainstream media and national radio cannot unleash the potential of diversity of this magnitude. While localizing the issue, the challenges and hindrance that were faced previously should be internalized and necessary amendments should be made to ensure that these issues are not faced again. Media can work effectively on this issue. For social transformation reformation in present law and policy should be undertaken. Decentralization of authority and power is one way to empower local level and necessary laws should be formulated to ensure people enjoy the perks of decentralization. Community radios has been playing the role of media in disseminating information and raising awareness through its programs at the grassroots level connecting it to the central level.  Diverse radios producing programs in various languages have made it possible to share information to a wide range of people throughout the country, thereby playing a role in social transformation. Though the problem is not solved by the radio, it helps in challenging traditional thought processes and helps bring change from the grassroots. The reach of the media has also ensured that many incidents are not hidden or sidelined but are featured nationwide and leave the authority with no other option but to take action and help bring positive change. Caste, gender, class and creed-based discrimination still exists in our country. The feudalistic social and cultural practices have ensured that the marginalized and poor communities are left far behind from the development benefits. After the emergence of the local and community radios, people are more concerned about their daily needs and their supply chain. Community radios are organized, operated and managed by the people in the community and it is generated to protect, promote the social, economic, cultural and political condition locally and nationally. Community radio serves as a basic medium of communication for the right to information and freedom of speech. Community FM radios are trying to change the daily lifestyle of their audiences through radio programs. Community radios are picking up grassroot-level issues, which are making direct impacts on people’s lives. They are producing and broadcasting radio programs on various social, political and economic issues in various languages. In Nepal, community radio is a reliable source of information for the elite to the people who are marginalized. Community radios have been helping to bring about positive changes in local communities through radio programs. Various awareness programs and public service announcements are broadcasted every day. Participation of women and people from marginalized communities has increased in development, political and economic activities because of these radios. In rural areas, women have started local enterprises either from their homes or rented spaces. Service providers are providing quality services to the right holders. Community radios have been empowering local people and making policy-makers accountable. In the 2015 April earthquake and 2017 October floods, community radios were only means of communication at the local level.  The history of community radio started in 1947 when the Bolivian Labor Association operated the radio for the benefit of their community. In Nepal, the history of community radio began in 1996. The country remained poor as the people were not aware in the past. In Nepal, 65 percent of the total population and only 42 percent women are literate.  Community radios have the capacity to reach the entire population of the country. However, other media have very limited reach and basically serve the elites. In this situation, community radios are considered as the absolute means of communication for rural communities. Community radios have been connecting the community with the state. Community radios are the sources of information for the people from rural to urban and poor to rich. It is more than mechanical equipment, studios and frequencies. It is the means of hope, aspiration, security and future of their audiences. They broadcast pro-poor contents mostly overlooked by the commercial or mass-medias. Community radio is the approach rather than physical assets. The community radios are operated by the community to supply their informational needs for transforming their life and society. Community radios are not-for-profit institutions. They are operated by community-based organizations for their social benefits. Community radio is advocating elimination of all harmful traditional practices through radio programs and their social movement. The subject of social inclusion and social transformation should be the issue of concern to everyone and not just the government and some organizations. Traditional discrimination still prevails in the society. Human trafficking, domestic violence and discrimination against women are still rampant. Many organizations have been working on these issues but real change is yet to be seen.  In summary, community radios can play a vital role in bringing about positive transformation in our society.  The author is chief of (CIN)) at ACORAB

In legal parlance, a ‘clean chit’ means the absolution of a person or entity from accusations or charges. It signifies that no proof of misconduct was discovered during the inquiry or trial, and the accused is officially exonerated of all allegations. A ‘clean chit’ refers to a result of any of the judicial process’s phases, such as an inquiry, trial, or appeal. This is a more thorough examination of its importance, process and ramifications. Although it’s a common word in the media, ‘clean chit’ has significant legal implications. In general, it alludes to the subsequent.  Exoneration: A court or investigating body has officially ruled that the accused is innocent of all charges. This may occur at several points during the legal procedure.  Absence of evidence: When authorities cannot gather enough evidence to prosecute someone, they frequently give them a clean sheet.  Finality: If a person receives a clean sheet, it implies that, barring new information, no court cases pertaining to those accusations will be brought against them.  What leads to a clean chit? Stage of investigation: When law enforcement looks into a crime, if they find no solid evidence against the accused, they may give a clean chit. For instance, in police investigations or inquiries conducted by organizations such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in India, the subject or entity is handed a clean sheet if the report finds no evidence of misconduct. A ‘closure report’ or ‘final report’, suggesting that no charges be made, is prepared in such circumstances by the investigating officer. Trial stage: In a court trial, the judge may dismiss the case, thus giving the accused a clean sheet, if the prosecution is unable to provide sufficient evidence against the accused. A court's acquittal also acts as a clean sheet, absolving the defendant of the allegations they were facing. Appeal stage: An individual may occasionally be found not guilty at the appeal level, even if a lower court finds them guilty. An appeal court is said to have given someone a clean slate if it reverses a conviction and absolves them of all charges. Implications Legal status: The accused is regarded as innocent by the law, which is the most important and immediate consequence of a clean chit. Unless new evidence is revealed, they are not subject to penalty or additional prosecution on the same matter.  Public perception and reputation: Even when an accused person is found not guilty by a court of law, they may still be subject to public mistrust. In high-profile situations, the person’s reputation may continue to be damaged by media coverage, which might result in persistent social or professional difficulties.  Options for the accused: If an individual has been unjustly accused, s/he may pursue legal action for defamation or malicious prosecution. A clean record alone, meanwhile, does not always equate to payment or validation until further legal action is taken.  Reopening of cases: In some circumstances, the authorities may decide to reopen an investigation if new information or evidence comes to light, particularly if there is pressure from the public or political arena. Legal inquiry does not always conclude with a clean sheet, especially in intricate or delicate matters. Controversies galore Perceived misuse: Clean chits have occasionally caused controversy, particularly when claims of partiality, corruption or political meddling are made. The public or media may claim that a clean sheet was granted in order to protect powerful people or organizations from legal action. Appeal and review procedures: Although a clean record may end a prosecution path, there are procedures in place that permit case reviews, especially in situations where there is a suspicion of injustice. For instance, in India, a clean chit might be contested through public interest litigations (PILs) or appeals, particularly if there are concerns regarding the impartiality or completeness of the inquiry. Clean chit in specific jurisdictions India: The phrase ‘clean chit’ has been widely linked to prominent political and corruption scandals in India. Investigative agencies, including the CBI, Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the judiciary, at different levels are frequently involved in the process.  High-profile cases: A number of prominent Indians, including politicians and businessmen, have gotten off lightly in criminal prosecutions, igniting discussions about the function and objectivity of investigative organizations. Problems with public trust: Because politically sensitive cases sometimes entail claims of improper influence over the investigation or court process, clean chits can occasionally breed public suspicion. United States: The idea of a ‘clean chit’ in the United States is better understood in terms of an acquittal or charge dismissal. If there is insufficient evidence to support a prosecution, investigations carried out by the FBI or other law enforcement organizations may result in the accused being exonerated.  Acquittal: In the United States, an acquittal by a jury or judge essentially acts as a clean slate, meaning that the accused is formally found not guilty of the accusations.  Based on an inquiry, prosecutors are free to decide whether to press charges or not. If they choose not to, it may be interpreted as a kind of clean chit. In the legal system, a clean sheet is an essential safeguard against unfounded allegations and against investigations or trials coming to an end due to a lack of adequate evidence. It does, however, also present issues with regard to public opinion, possible abuse and the requirement for judicial system openness. Even after legal culpability is removed, the effects on reputation and further scrutiny can occasionally persist, particularly when sensitive or public issues are involved.

Different parts of Nepal have experienced devastating floods and landslides triggered by monsoon rains in the past few months. Floods and landslides in the past few days have claimed many lives across the country, including in the Kathmandu Valley and the vicinity, displaced thousands of citizens and destroyed property/infrastructure worth billions of rupees like roads, complicating rescue efforts. The valley, a symbol of culture and natural beauty, now serves as a reminder of Nepal’s vulnerability to extreme weather events and natural disasters. Nepal’s geography, home to the world’s highest peaks, also makes it prone to natural disasters such as floods and landslides. According to the Global Climate Risk Index 2021, Nepal is one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world. Around 80 percent of Nepal’s population is at risk of climate-induced hazards, as factors like melting glaciers and poor land management exacerbate these calamities. While the physical destruction is visible, the emotional and mental toll often goes unnoticed. A mental health crisis The human cost of disasters like the recent floods and landslides goes beyond the immediate loss of life and property. As survivors grapple with the destruction of their homes, the deaths of loved ones and displacement, many experience severe emotional and psychological distress. Grief, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are some of the mental health challenges that emerge in the aftermath of such disasters. Impact on mental health The short-term consequences of the ongoing disaster are evident—loss of life, destruction of homes, and thousands of displaced families. But as the immediate shock subsides, the long-term effects, especially on mental health, begin to surface. Individuals who endure repeated trauma from these disasters are at higher risk of chronic anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. Without adequate support, the trauma can result in lifelong emotional damage. The absence of a comprehensive mental health policy in Nepal exacerbates the problem. Despite a growing mental health crisis, access to professional therapy and support is scarce, particularly in rural areas. Nepal faces a shortage of trained mental health professionals, and stigma around seeking psychological help remains prevalent. Responding to the crisis Amid the ongoing disaster response, mental health support must be given due priority. Mental health workers have been working at displaced sites, offering psychological first aid, group counseling sessions and therapies like trauma-focused therapy to help survivors cope with the crisis. Therapists are using techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and individual therapy, which are useful in addressing their specific needs. However, with limited resources, these efforts fall short of reaching everyone in need. The government, NGOs and international organizations must work together to integrate mental health services into disaster response programs. Public awareness campaigns are essential to challenge the stigma surrounding mental illness and encourage those affected to seek help. Building resilience While Nepal continues to contend with the ongoing floods and landslides, the country must also prepare for future disasters. Strengthening infrastructure, improving early warning systems and promoting sustainable land management are crucial steps toward reducing the impact of natural disasters. But equally important is addressing the mental health toll that these events leave in their wake. To help the Nepali community heal both physically and mentally, it is crucial to encourage open dialogue about mental health and ensure access to necessary resources. Early intervention, community support and trauma-focused care can pave the way toward recovery and resilience. The author is a psychiatrist   

When I was a middle school student, I was very crazy about kite-flying. This was the only medium of recreation during Dashain holidays. Some of my classmates were even crazier than me. One of my classmates, Sukhdev Upadhay, became one-eyed as he used to gaze all the time at the midday sun while flying his kite instead of sparing some time to savor those rolling green paddy fields! However, with the passage of time and adoption of modern lifestyles, students of this day and age do not do much kite-flying. They are busy with their gadgets—mobile phones, computers and laptops—which do more harm than kite-flying does.  Back in those good old days, the limitless sky was an open canvas and popular playground for kids like us and it didn’t matter whether you were a novice or a seasoned kite-flier.  My experience of kite-flying tells me that human imagination soars high like a kite as one lets loose the thread from the reel, letting the kite soar high in the crystal-clear sky. Kite-flying offers you breathtaking vistas of the Earth, pleasant sounds of Nature and sacred sweetness and fragrance of marigolds and a myriad other flowers in full bloom.  Neither too hot nor too cold, the autumn season is very serene and sacred also because of the worship of several goddesses, especially Durga Bhavani.  Those sweet young days of kite-flying are gone for many of us, but this game can help even grown-ups overcome anxieties and leave the worldly cares behind for a while, though kite-flying from the rooftop of a house generally comes with perils attached like slips, trips and falls.    This year, View Brew Cafe and Bar is hosting a weeklong kite-flying event with delicious food, various drinks and a breathtaking view of the Kathmandu Valley from their rooftop area, which is  specially designed for a safe kite-flying experience. Kites and accessories are also available at the restaurant for participants. This is a good attempt to remind young generations of the traditional kite-flying competition.  A break from farm labor At this time of the year, generally, there is no rain and crops are ripening in their fertile fields, allowing farmers to wind down a bit. They use this brief period to fly kites in the vastness of clear white skies adorned occasionally with the rainbow, while praying to Indra, the god of rain, to not ruin their kite-flying season with rainfall!  I borrow a line from a beautiful poem of one of the most prominent romantic bards, William Wordsworth, to  support my statement while reminiscing fond memories associated with kite-flying high in the autumn skies shorn of rain clouds:  “My heart leaps up when I behold a rainbow in the sky.” A harbinger of goodness Myriad kites of different shapes and sizes, made of multi-coloured papers, soar in the azure autumn sky of the Kathmandu Valley and other parts of the country. There’s a popular belief in Nepal that kite-flying brings forth happiness, sound health, peace and prosperity both in the households and in the country.  This folk festival has health benefits attached as kite-fliers get to soak in the autumn sun, a pure medicine for the human body, which contracts all sorts of infections during the summer. During this season, kite-flying is done in a big way in India also, including in the state of Gujarat that organizes an international kite festival, which draws global kite-fliers, coinciding with the festive season. Kite-flying is also a ritual dedicated to the Sun, thanking him for the benefaction of crops.  Kite-flying is an international festival. A global kite-flying festival is held in Paris every year with enthusiastic participation of flies from different parts of the world.  Making kites Kites are made of lightweight paper and dried skewers of bamboo. Cotton strings used in kite-flying—with the help of Lattai (kite reel)—are laced with Manjha (a special mix of glass powder and rice paste) to make it strong and sharp so that it can cut other kite strings. Nowadays, multi-coloured kites of different shapes and sizes are available and they create very enchanting scenes in the skies.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi met for 30 minutes on the sidelines of the 79th General Assembly of the United Nations in New York. This meeting from the Nepali side marks the first face-to-face interaction between the two leaders since they resumed their roles as prime ministers in their respective countries.  For both Prime Ministers, this meeting comes at a pivotal moment. Having taken office for the fourth time, Oli has become one of Nepal's most experienced political figures, though his cumulative time as Prime Minister has only amounted to four-and-a-half years. This current tenure could extend for two more years, depending on the power-sharing agreement between Oli and Nepali Congress leader Sher Bahadur Deuba. If the agreement holds, Deuba will assume leadership in the second half of the government’s term.  Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been India’s Prime Minister for a decade, serving his third consecutive term. This time, however, he leads a coalition government, which comes with certain constraints, although he remains a strong leader. Modi's leadership has significantly shaped India's foreign policy, and in recent years, his administration has adopted a more cautious, pragmatic approach to regional diplomacy. India's response to developments in neighboring countries like the Maldives, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka reflects this careful balancing act.  Following the meeting, both leaders took to social media to express their positive impressions. Prime Minister Modi wrote on X (formerly Twitter): "India-Nepal friendship is very strong, and there is a desire to make it stronger in the future. Our discussion was on issues like energy, technology and trade." In response, Prime Minister Oli also posted on X, stating that the meeting was "fruitful" and that various aspects of bilateral relations were discussed. While the meeting was brief and took place on the sidelines of the UNGA, it nonetheless signaled an important shift in tone, where both leaders seemed keen on fostering a spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding. Though sideline meetings like this one often do not involve detailed agenda-driven discussions, they are critical in building rapport between leaders. Exchanging warm greetings and briefly touching on key issues is often a good first step in clearing any lingering misunderstandings or tensions. The recent Oli-Modi meeting appears to have achieved this, creating a more favorable environment for addressing both long-standing and emerging issues between the two countries. Reports suggest that the two prime ministers agreed to activate various bilateral mechanisms to resolve pending issues between Nepal and India. Currently, there are more than a dozen such mechanisms in place, many of which have been underutilized in recent years. Reinvigorating these mechanisms could provide a platform for addressing long-standing challenges such as border disputes, trade issues and developmental cooperation. Over the past few years, Nepal’s perception of India has evolved, with India being seen more as an indispensable partner for development. The once-prevalent anti-India sentiment within Nepal has been visibly diminishing, and there is a growing recognition that cooperation with India is crucial for Nepal's economic growth and stability. This shift in public and political sentiment provides a timely opportunity for both countries to move forward on mutual concerns. One significant aspect of the meeting, highlighted by Nepal's Foreign Minister Rana, was Oli's formal invitation for Prime Minister Modi to visit Nepal. In a departure from the traditional diplomatic practice of Nepali prime ministers visiting India first, this time Modi will visit Nepal before Oli makes a reciprocal visit to India. This move underscores the importance both countries place on revitalizing their relationship. According to Foreign Minister Rana, preparations for Modi's state visit are already underway, signaling that both sides are ready to engage in more substantive talks in the near future. The spokesperson for Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amrit Rai, further emphasized a positive atmosphere created through the meeting, stating that it has helped strengthen the atmosphere of trust between the two countries. According to a statement from India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Modi took the opportunity to congratulate Nepal for becoming the 101st country to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA). Modi also emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in addressing the shared challenge of climate change. While the New York meeting was brief, it lays the groundwork for a new normal in Nepal-India relations. Moving forward, the relationship between these two neighbors will largely depend on addressing three key areas: development cooperation, resolving historical disputes, and building trust between their leadership. Focus on development cooperation: Nepal and India need to orient their bilateral relationship on areas where both countries share common interests, particularly in development cooperation. Nepal, given its economic size and financial limitations, cannot offer direct development assistance to India. However, India's grants, loans and joint ventures are critical to Nepal's infrastructure and energy development. Hydropower projects, in particular, represent a major area of potential collaboration. The goal of generating 10,000 MW of hydropower over the next decade, along with projects like the Janakpur-Ayodhya railway, dry ports and initiatives under the High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDP) framework are all areas where India can play a transformative role. Nepal must ensure that these development partnerships are implemented efficiently, with proper mechanisms in place to honor commitments. However, India must also refrain from using development aid as political leverage for achieving her strategic goals. Both sides must commit to a spirit of cooperation where development serves the broader goal of mutual benefit rather than political maneuvering. Dispute resolution: There are long-standing issues between Nepal and India, many of which are legacies from the past. Issues such as border disputes and political map disagreements have been sources of tension, but these matters can be resolved only through diplomatic dialogue. Both sides must be willing to let these issues take the necessary time rather than allowing them to escalate into more serious conflicts. Nepal should also work to address India’s legitimate security concerns, while ensuring the protection of its own sovereignty and interests. Both countries should sit together with the evidence to resolve these contentious issues.   Building trust: Perhaps the most crucial element in Nepal-India relations is the need to build a strong foundation of trust between the political leadership of both countries. Mistrust has often arisen due to the rhetoric from leaders for domestic political purposes. While political leaders may sometimes make statements to satisfy their domestic constituencies, diplomacy requires a more measured and consistent approach. Both countries need each other’s support to flourish, and this can only happen if their leaders trust and respect one another. In their new terms, Prime Ministers Oli and Modi have taken the first step toward rebuilding this trust. If they can continue along this path, the future of Nepal-India relations will be mutually beneficial. Views are personal