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In numerous instances, former President of Nepal Bidya Devi Bhandari has underscored the interconnectedness of the country's education policy with its overall security. The security issues of Nepal are mentioned within the realm of national interest in the Constitution of Nepal, 2015.

Article 5 of the constitution states, “Independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, nationality, autonomy, self-respect, protection of rights and interest of Nepali people, protection of boundaries and economic progress and prosperity shall be fundamental subjects of Nepal’s national interest.”

President Bhandari's assertion that undermining a country involves compromising its education system prompts an exploration of its security implications for Nepal. 

While territorial integrity relies mainly on military defense, the broader facets of independence and sovereignty include the citizens' psyche, national perception and global image—elements constituting non-traditional security concerns globally. Against this backdrop, there exists a compelling rationale to consider the education curriculum, system and policy as integral components of the state's security policy. 

On Oct 7 this year, when Hamas attacked Israel, numerous foreign citizens, including 10 Nepali citizens, lost their lives. Many were initially stranded in the crossfire but have since been rescued and safely brought home. Unfortunately, one Nepali citizen is still missing and believed to be in Hamas’ captivity. The emotional toll on their families is unimaginable. In the aftermath of this tragic event, it became evident that citizens tend to hold only their country of citizenship accountable for their situations.

There is palpable resentment against the government and the state, not just for their perceived lack of strength in responding swiftly, but also for the fact that Nepali citizens are compelled to outmigrate for job opportunities. Recently, six Nepali citizens died fighting for the Russian army in the Russia-Ukraine war, and some have been reported as taken captive by Ukrainian forces. Many Nepali citizens are drawn to join various private army groups globally for employment opportunities.

While these instances represent literal war scenarios, the broader narrative involves a multitude of Nepali workers facing perilous conditions abroad, especially in West Asian countries. Their plight is no less than that in a battleground. The Nepali diaspora of about 2.2m bears witness to a growing trend of migration, primarily for jobs.

Since a majority of this workforce is unskilled, they have no option but to work in a precarious environment. The inherent link between job migration and national interest, as outlined in the charter, reveals a critical situation. Nepali citizens forced to seek opportunities abroad often face perilous conditions, prompting reflection on the state's responsibility in providing adequate employment domestically. The assertion that education is a non-traditional security concept gains traction as it becomes apparent that the state-provided formal education system does not cater to the needs of the society or the present job market. 

Examining the case of Nepali citizens migrating to Israel for work in agriculture underscores three dimensions of non-traditional security issues: Food security, acute dependency on other countries and a widening gap between societal needs and the workforce produced by the state. Despite having a significant agriculture-based economy, Nepal's import of food items worth over a billion dollars annually raises concerns about food security. According to the National Agricultural Census of 2021, the cultivated land has decreased by 300,000 hectares in the past decade, making it clear that a substantial portion of cultivable land has been lying fallow. Consequently, our citizens are seeking opportunities abroad as agricultural workers and students.

While bona fide defense systems address traditional security threats, there is a notable gap in tackling non-traditional security issues in Nepal. Citizens' distrust in the state, eroding self-respect and the well-being of those working abroad constitute security threats for Nepal. To address these challenges, Nepal must employ non-military strategies to bolster the population's capacity and build a resilient economy, with education curricula and the education system emerging as a plausible defense system.

Although no explicit references of countries designating education policy as part of their security policy has been found, resource-rich nations with vibrant economies prioritize research and feedback to shape education systems to align with the society and the economy. In the light of this, Nepali policymakers, educationists and security strategists should revisit the curricula. Considering education as a tool to defend Nepal's national interest and as an integral part of the national security policy could provide a forward-thinking solution to address the evolving challenges facing the nation.

In recent months, there has been a notable surge in foreign travels by ministers, parliamentarians, heads of constitutional bodies, security agencies and senior government officials for bilateral visits, and for participation in multilateral forums. These activities, which were restricted for three years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, have resumed, both from Nepal to other nations and vice-versa. While bilateral visits and international engagements are inherent to diplomatic practices, the level of transparency surrounding these visits has become a growing concern.

One key aspect to address is the lack of transparency in communicating the details of these visits. When ministers, heads of security agencies and constitutional bodies embark on foreign visits, there should be transparency regarding their agendas, meetings and discussions with foreign counterparts. 

The current practice of issuing brief and vague press releases just before the visits, without providing adequate information on the purpose and agenda, is insufficient. Since major powers seek to influence the state for their own interests, it becomes imperative to ensure transparency in these interactions. Sometimes, even the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nepali embassies abroad remain uninformed about high-level visits.

There is a considerable influx of visits from major countries to Nepal, but many of these visits are not disclosed to the public, and even when they are, the agendas remain undisclosed. The foreign ministry is often bypassed in such meetings. While the government had previously introduced a policy requiring high-level officials to submit reports to the Prime Minister's Office after foreign visits, this policy is often disregarded. It is now essential to revisit and reinforce such provisions to guarantee adherence.

There have been instances where high-level officials have entered agreements with foreign countries without informing relevant agencies, raising concerns about the potential compromise of Nepal's national interests. To safeguard against such risks, it is imperative to establish a comprehensive policy ensuring transparency in all high-level official visits.

The government on Thursday formed a high-level probe panel under former auditor-general Tanka Mani Sharma to investigate the suspicious Ncell share purchase deal. 

Phanindra Gautam, Baburam Bhandari, Hrydesh Shakya and Sujan Kumar Kafle are members of the panel. According to government spokesperson and Minister for Communication and Information Technology Rekha Sharma, the panel has been instructed to submit its report within a month after a thorough study of the matter. 

Amid reports about the controversial transaction came to the fore, the finance committee of the parliament on Wednesday urged the government to take measures to intervene in the ongoing share purchase deal. The government’s decision follows a series of meetings among the top leaders of the ruling coalition.  

Meanwhile, Ncell has said that the pricing and structure of the transaction was determined through a willing buyer and seller basis. As per the agreed deal structure, Axiata is set to receive a base payment, along with additional benefits in the form of profit-sharing for the next five years, extending until 2029, Ncell said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Appellate Court Patan has issued an interim order to halt the purchase of Ncell shares. A single bench of justice Purushttom Dhakal has also instructed the government to submit all details, including the shared details.

Earthquake activity increased in 2023 due to the activation of the Almora fault in western Nepal, India’s Ministry of Earth Sciences has said.

The ministry told the Lok Sabha that there have been 97 earthquakes of magnitudes 3.0 to 3.9 in 2023 compared to 41 in 2022 . The activation in the Almora fault triggered significant earthquake incidents on Jan 24, Oct 3 and Nov 3. All these three earthquakes were over magnitude 5.8.  "These main shocks, accompanied by subsequent aftershocks, have led to an increased frequency of earthquakes in the year 2023. However, the background seismicity remained unchanged during this period," the ministry informed the parliament.

It is common for northern India and Nepal to occasionally experience moderate earthquakes, and fluctuations in seismic activity. Nepal and the neighboring northern parts of India, situated near the active faults of the Himalayan region, are highly seismically active areas prone to frequent earthquakes due to collision tectonics, where the Indian plate subducts beneath the Eurasian Plate," the statement reads.

On Nov 3, a powerful earthquake of magnitude 6.4 hit Jagarkot and Rukum West districts, killing 154 people and injuring hundreds. After that more than 382 aftershocks have been reported. Experts say western Nepal remains vulnerable to bigger earthquakes as there has not been a big earthquake in the region for at least 520 years.  

Climate change discriminates. It doesn’t impact the white-collar individuals sitting in air-conditioned rooms strategizing to maximize profits while maintaining an environmentally friendly brand. It doesn’t affect those with access to modern kitchen appliances like microwaves, ovens, and a variety of stoves. Instead, it affects the local fishermen who depend on fish for sustenance and income, as well as the women burdened with gathering biomass for cooking and heating food in rural, remote areas. Rampant deforestation in the name of ‘development’ has intensified the challenge of biomass collection, increasing the workload of women who are already burdened with unpaid responsibilities.

Have you observed the classist nature of climate change? Have you noticed how it disproportionately affects marginalized sections of society—those often deemed ‘unimportant’ or belonging to nations labeled as ‘developing’?

Considering how the impacts of climate change exacerbate the struggles faced by the lower echelons of society and developing nations, we urge action for climate justice.

A pivotal solution in addressing climate change is raising awareness. Educating individuals about climate change and its grassroots-level effects is crucial to empower informed actions. Mobilizing children and youth to champion the cause of climate justice and ignite a movement is imperative.

Children and youth, irrespective of socio-economic backgrounds, must advocate for climate justice. Providing them with resources and guidance to comprehend the reality of environmental issues is essential. Fostering sustainable mindsets through comprehensive education from a young age is key. These future generations must fully grasp concepts like climate change, carbon emissions, carbon footprint, carbon financing, green skills, and the multifaceted challenges stemming from climate change.

As young individuals, it’s vital for us to comprehend issues related to social justice, climate justice, and the evolving skill demands in the global market.

Green skills encompass the knowledge, abilities, and competencies individuals possess to contribute effectively to a sustainable, environmentally friendly economy. These skills are pivotal in addressing environmental challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, pollution, and habitat destruction.

Skills related to renewable energy—encompassing the generation, distribution, and management of sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power—are crucial in transitioning from fossil fuels. Nepal holds immense potential in hydroelectricity, which, if harnessed effectively, could lead to electricity export to neighboring countries like India and China.

Competencies in Waste Management and Recycling involve managing and reducing waste, promoting recycling, and implementing sustainable waste disposal methods. Equally important is knowledge about water conservation, efficient utilization of water resources, and wastewater treatment.

Developing eco-friendly products requires skills to create and promote products and services with reduced carbon footprints, ensuring environmental responsibility—a necessity in today’s context.

The youth in Nepal require employment opportunities, necessitating collaboration between the government and citizens to create an environment conducive to Nepali and foreign investment. Securing capital for green projects precedes the need for specific job opportunities.

Certain advancements in business have championed green business models. For instance, there are ventures that utilize green technology to manage municipal solid waste sustainably. By partnering with local governments, they produce biogas CNG for public vehicles and biofertilizers as a byproduct.

Understanding our local context is crucial; blindly replicating Western methods may not align with our waste composition. A 2020 survey by Nepal’s Central Bureau of Statistics revealed the country generates 2,233 metric tons of waste annually, with 54 percent being organic. In Kathmandu, organic waste accounts for approximately 70 percent of municipal solid waste. The issue of waste management urgently needs attention in Nepal.

In 2022, Kathmandu attempted to dispose of its waste in Dhunbeshi Municipality in Dhading and Kakani Rural Municipality in Nuwakot, facing resistance from locals.

In this context, ActionAid, for COP28, has laid out five crucial climate justice benchmarks aimed at addressing Loss and Damage and advocating for real action. Teresa Anderson, ActionAid International’s Global Lead on Climate Justice, highlighted the global anticipation for COP28 to urgently address the long-overdue Loss and Damage Fund. Anderson emphasized the moral responsibility of affluent nations to fill the fund, providing critical support to communities deeply affected by climate change-induced disasters.

Moreover, Anderson stressed COP28 as an opportunity to redirect the substantial public and private financing currently channeled into fossil fuels and industrial agriculture, emphasizing the need to rectify these detrimental financial flows perpetuating the climate crisis.

Amid the alarming weather patterns of 2023 that claimed lives worldwide, Anderson expressed heightened expectations for concrete solutions at this year’s climate conference in Dubai. She emphasized the pivotal role of COP28 in combating the climate crisis while highlighting key issues that demand immediate attention for a successful outcome amid the numerous negotiation tracks.

The ActionAid global federation has also recently initiated the global climate justice campaign, with ActionAid Nepal playing an integral role in contextualizing and contributing to this worldwide initiative. As a global federation dedicated to enhancing people's lives, ActionAid focuses on gender equality, education, resilient livelihoods, climate change, and emergency response. The primary objectives revolve around advocating for climate justice and equality, recognizing the accountability of private investors engaged in climate-harming enterprises, and aiding climate-affected communities in adapting to and mitigating climate change through local eco-friendly solutions such as ‘agroecology’ farming.

The climate justice campaign spearheaded by ActionAid revolves around empowering those most affected by climate change, including women, youth, and vulnerable communities. Its mission is to mobilize these groups through strategic organization, mobilization, and effective communication to push for tangible political and social change aimed at achieving climate justice.

Sujeeta Mathema, Executive Director of ActionAid International Nepal, emphasizes that ActionAid focuses on climate justice through financing and mitigation efforts. This involves providing climate financing to women, young people, smallholder farmers, and marginalized communities in climate-vulnerable countries. The approach recognizes the responsibility of prosperous nations, resulting from unchecked carbon emissions, to address global warming. ActionAid advocates for supporting both developing and least developed countries in adapting to climate change impacts. Additionally, it promotes economic development by shifting from extractive practices to regenerative methods.

Central to the Climate Justice Campaign are efforts to combat the adverse impacts of toxic agribusiness and fossil fuel dependency. This campaign seeks to exert global pressure on major investors funding these industries, compelling them to advocate for increased national and international funding to transition from environmentally detrimental economies to regenerative ones. Both private and public funding will be redirected toward greener and sustainable solutions.

ActionAid’s climate justice framework primarily revolves around financing and mitigation options. It emphasizes providing climate financing to women, youth, smallholder farmers, and marginalized communities in climate-vulnerable countries. This financial support enables them to implement adaptation and mitigation measures to combat the effects of climate change. The initiative also highlights the responsibility of nations that have flourished due to unchecked carbon emissions to curb global warming and support both developing and least developed countries in adapting to climate impacts. Furthermore, it advocates for economic development by transitioning from extractive practices to regenerative methods.

The widespread effects of climate change disproportionately impact underprivileged populations despite their minimal contribution to global warming. This deepens existing disparities and underscores the need to amplify their voices on national and international platforms. The campaign aims to hold governments accountable for promoting climate-friendly public and private investments.

ActionAid’s five climate justice benchmarks for a successful COP28

• Leaders must agree on and put money in the new Loss and Damage Fund so that communities  on the frontlines of the climate crisis can rebuild and recover in the aftermath of climate  disasters. It is sad that women, girls, marginalized communities, and people living in poverty are  particularly and disproportionately affected by climate-induced loss and damage. Without  appropriate international financial support, countries devastated by climate change impacts run  the risk of falling deeper into debt from economic losses and massive recovery costs. That is why  the Loss and Damage Fund must deliver support to such countries. 
• Fossil fuels are the major cause of the climate crisis the world is now grappling with. Yet a UN  report shows the world’s petrostates are on course to increase production. COP28 must agree  to phase out fossil fuels in a way that is fair, fully financed, and enables just transitions. To  avert a catastrophe, we need to limit temperatures to the agreed 1.5 degree-Celsius mark, by  ending fossil fuel dependence and agreeing on a phasing out.  
• The world’s finances are flowing in the wrong direction and a shift is necessary to stop doing  harm and build a more sustainable future. ActionAid’s report “How the Finance Flows” (Sept  2023) found that in the seven years since the Paris Agreement was signed, banks in the Global North  have been financing the fossil fuel industry in the Global South to the tune of $3.2trn. Negotiations on Article 2.1c must make real progress in reshaping the financial flows  that continue to fuel the climate crisis. 
• The Global Stocktake (GST) must result in a frank analysis and a real ramping up of climate  action where it is needed most, putting the biggest polluters in the hot seat. Disappointingly, the world is off-track when it comes to efforts to maintain the 1.5 degrees Celsius global  warming limit or provide the climate finance needed to cope with climate impacts and transition  to greener pathways. 
• The new work programme on Agriculture and Food Security to be agreed upon at COP28 must  talk about real solutions such as agroecology to make farmers and food systems fit for purpose  in an era of climate change. It is imperative that countries divest from industrial agriculture and  invest in agroecology. Sadly, in the seven years since the Paris Agreement was signed, Global North banks have been financing harmful industrial agriculture in the Global South to the tune of $370bn, according to ActionAid’s research. 

This article is a joint effort of Mahesh Badal-Livelihood & Natural Resources Specialist and Girwani Rana-Trainee of ActionAid International Nepal

Kathmandu: The Finance Committee of parliament on Wednesday directed the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) to submit the details with factual information within 15 days on the issues relating to sale of Ncell shares.

The committee had invited NTA chair Purushottam Khanal to enquire about the issue.  After the discussion, the committee chair, Santosh Chalise, informed  that they asked the NTA to submit the details about the sale and purchase of Ncell shares in writing within two weeks.

NTA chief Khanal told the House committee that a letter was received from the Ncell Axiata Limited, stating that it would provide the details of sale and purchase of Ncell share soon as it was collecting documents in this regard.  On Dec 1, the NTA had written to Ncell, seeking details of the sale and purchase of its shares. The letter was sent in response to reports about Axiata exiting Ncell by selling its majority stakes. 

“The process of collecting related documents is underway and it would be submitted to the respective body within the existing laws of Nepal", Khanal informed the committee. NTA has said it will launch further investigations if the sale and purchase of Ncell stakes is suspicious. The House panel has also sought response from NTA about the arrears of over Rs 2.2bn, which has to be recovered within three months from nine telecommunication service providers. 

Lawmaker from the Rastriya Swatantra Party Swarnim Wagle demanded that Ncell management be brought before the finance committee for a further inquiry.  "The finance committee should write to the chief executive officer of Ncell Axiata Limited and its partner in Nepal inquiring about the matter,” he said. “A foreign company is exiting Nepal at a time when we are talking about organizing an investment conference in the country.” Wagle expressed concern that the case could send a negative message to foreign investors aspiring to invest in Nepal.

CPN (Maoist Centre) spokesperson and former Speaker Agni Sapkota on Wednesday said the government had no weakness in the sale of Ncell stakes. Speaking at an interaction organised here by the Rafat Sanchar Club, the leader said the powerful probe committee should not shy away from taking action in the case if proved guilty. 

Stating that the government is not guilty in the case of Ncell share sales, he said if anyone is found culpable, the guilty party should be booked. 

"Problems have surfaced without the help of stakeholders in the initiatives taken by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal. 

The whole Council of Ministers could not be mobilised to realise the aspirations of the people for development. Prime Minister tried to do many works. But there was no support from the Council of Ministers. On the other hand, government employees are also not cooperating, resulting in the difficulties the government is facing to deliver," he said. 

Stating that Prime Minister single-handedly undertook the initiative for rescue efforts and relief distribution to the earthquake victims, the leader said there was however reports of death of some victims for want of relief due to non-cooperation of the respective sectors. 

Welcoming the government decision to involve the Nepali Army in the relief distribution efforts, he advised the government to address citizen's concerns and criticism regarding its performance. 

"There is no issue in the ruling coalition and it will last for five years," he claimed, adding that it is essential to maintain public trust and uphold hope in the alliance. 

Stating that the government secured achievements in Lalita Niwas land scam, gold smuggling and the fake Bhutanese refugee, he said the Prime Minister's foreign visits have contributed to strengthening the country's diplomatic ties on the global stage. 

He advised the political parties to consolidate intra-party democracy to promote the overall national democracy. 

As he commented, the parliament the venue of amplifying the voice of the citizens has seemed confused. "The Parliament failed to prove it lively and pro-people. None is above the parliament.  The passages of the bills have been hampered.  The parliament should reflect parliamentary practices."

Kathmandu: US National Security Council’s Senior Director for South Asia Eileen Laubacher arrived in Kathmandu on Wednesday for a two-day visit.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the US Embassy in Kathmandu have not shared anything about her visit. Soon after landing Kathmandu, Launcher met Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Prakash Saud. They exchanged views to further strengthen Nepal-US relations and promote bilateral cooperation, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Later in the day, the US official also held talks with Nepal Army chief Prabhu Ram Sharma. 

Kathmandu: Finance Minister Prakash Sharan Mahat on Monday presented a somewhat rosy picture of the national economy, while washing the government’s hands of a highly controversial transaction involving NCell, a telecom service provider company. 

Mahat said the economy was recovering gradually and expressed hope that an increasing inflow of tourists as well as remittances will give the economy a boost. 

Many policy-level decisions have been taken for improving the economy, Mahat said: It will take some time for the economy to fully revive. 

Responding to journalists' queries regarding the sale of NCell’s shares, Minister Mahat claimed that the government had no knowledge of the transaction.  "We have been gathering information on this transaction. Telecom (Nepal Telecommunications Authority) is the regulatory body whose permission has to be sought while carrying out such a huge transaction." Minister Mahat said the government is inquiring with Telecom officials regarding the impact of the transaction.