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Earlier this Monday, some fringe communist parties announced the formation of Socialist Front Nepal, a loose network of “like-minded” political forces.  It comprises the CPN (Maoist Center), the Upendra Yadav-led Janata Samajbadi Party, CPN (Unified Socialist) and the Netra Bikram Chand-led CPN Maoist. Together they announced plans to form and expand the front at the provincial and local levels as well.  Political observers see the latest communist front as a tactic to boost the number of votes in the next election, as their individual presence across the country and their organizational strength are in tatters.   Leading the front is the Maoist Center of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, which won just 32 seats in the federal parliament in the 2022 general elections. Next up are the Madhav Kumar Nepal-led Unified Socialist, which failed to even secure a national party status winning only 10 seats under first-past-the-post voting category and zero under the proportional representation system; Yadav’s JSP, which has 12 seats in the federal parliament; and Chand’s Maoist party, which did not contest the elections.  The key purpose of the front is to make collective bargaining for power with either the Nepali Congress or the CPN-UML, two largest parties in parliament.   According to some leaders, the front is even planning to fight the next elections under a common symbol by forging an alliance with the NC or the UML. If the alliance plan did not work, the front is even willing to contest the polls as a single political force.  It is also noteworthy that the ‘Socialist Front’ has been announced at a time when mistrust is rising between the ruling Maoist party and its coalition partners, particularly the NC. Ruling party insiders say the announcement of the communist alliance has further fueled the mistrust between the two ruling parties.  As  Finance Minister Prakash Sharan Mahat of the NC designed this year’s budget largely in his party’s favor, parties including the JSP and Unified Socialist are said to be unhappy. Unified Socialist’s senior leader Nepal has already warned that his party will not help the government endorse the budget if some of his party’s demands are not addressed. JSP’s Yadav too has been talking about amending the budget, saying that there was no serious discussion among the coalition partners regarding the budget. It is not just the Unified Socialist and the JSP that have objected to the budget.  The CK Raut-led Janamat Party, which is not part of the ‘Socialist Front’, has also said that if the budget is not amended, the party will withdraw its support to the government.  These developments clearly show the growing dissatisfaction inside the ruling coalition. By forming the front of communist parties, Prime Minister Dahal meanwhile is trying to show that he has grown powerful, against the narrative that the current coalition is weak. By leading the front, he wants to show that  even with just 32 seats in parliament, he has a strong support of fringe communist parties to go head to head with both the NC and the UML. The NC views the formation of the ‘Socialist Front’ as Dahal’s ploy to put pressure on the party into compromising with a collective of fringe forces displaying a common front.  The formation of the front also coincides with the growing communication between the NC and the UML. The second-rung leaders of both parties are exploring ways to work together, including the formation of a new government. However, most NC leaders insist that there is no possibility of the current coalition breaking down. One NC leader told Apex on condition of anonymity that if the current coalition breaks down, the party risks losing power both at the center and provinces, just like it did right after the 2022 general elections when the Maoist Center and the UML decided to form a government.  He added that there is a good chemistry between NC President Deuba and Prime Minister Dahal of the Maoist Center, a scenario which he cannot imagine with KP Oli of the UML.  But there are also those in the NC who do not rule out the possibility of the NC-UML coalition—that is if it ensures government stability for at least five years.  Meanwhile, it is in the paramount interest of the UML to come to power in order to stop its cadres and supporters deserting to other political forces like the Rastriya Swatantra Party and the Rastriya Prajatantra Party.   If the UML were to return to power at the center and provinces, leaders say it could re-energize the party organization.  There is also a growing dissatisfaction within the NC over the performance of the Maoist-led government. Some Congress leaders are concerned that the party’s image will tarnish if the government fails to deliver.  Arrests of senior NC and UML leaders over the fake Bhutanese refugee scam have also  helped bring the two parties closer. According to a Congress leader, the party's senior member and former minister, Bal Krishna Khand, would not have been arrested had the home minister been from the NC.   There are internal and external reasons that could undermine the current ruling coalition. Observers say the formation of ‘Socialist Front’ has further shaken the structural integrity of the NC-Maoist partnership, while the UML looks on, from the sidelines with bated breath.     

If you’ve ever heard an elderly speak of his heydays, you must have heard him say, “In our youth, diseases and illnesses weren’t so common. We ate what we grew in our farms, and walked and worked day and night. It isn’t like today when all you get is packaged food, and people do not have to move an inch. And you wonder why your generation is so unhealthy!” Well, this begs us to consider the question, why are we thought of as an unhealthy generation? Does that have to do with eating or lack of eating food in season? Eating fruits and vegetables that are in season has several benefits. Some of the main advantages of eating food in season is that seasonal produce is fresher, tastes better, and contains more nutrients. This is because seasonal produce is usually harvested at its peak and doesn’t need to be transported long distances. Long distance transportation can cause food to lose its flavor and nutrients. Seasonal fruits, grains, and vegetables were sole sources of sustenance of our forefathers when transportation was difficult and agriculture wasn’t as advanced as it is today. Today, with globalization, produce can come from far-flung places. Technology has advanced so much that foods are grown in labs, greenhouses and through chemical manipulation. We get fruits such as apples, grapes and oranges all year round when they are mostly winter fruits and were traditionally found in the winter season. Cucumbers and tomatoes which used to grow in summers are found year-round too. In various cuisines around the world, seasonal fruits and vegetables are consumed in season. There are various dishes that adapt to the ingredients available in the pantry at any given time. For example, the seasonal food in Korea was based on the ingredients available in the natural environment. In summer, vegetables and grains such as green beans, cucumbers, carrots, radish, lettuces, eggplant, rice etc. were eaten along with fruits such as lemon, watermelon, plum, grapes, apricots, mulberries, nectarines. In autumn, produce used included cabbages, turnips, cauliflower, celery, millet, wheat, barley, parsnip, onions, pulses, etc. Drinks included distillation of aromatic herbs. Similarly, in Nepal, in winters, hearty soups such as kwati (nine bean soup), bodi tama (black eyed peas and bamboo shoot curry), as well as yams, sweet potatoes, turnips, radishes, spinach are eaten. In summers, fruits such as mangoes, litchis, guava and pineapple are available. Nepal is still an agrarian society with vast swathes of land being used for agriculture. Farmers have recently started adding chemicals and genetically modified seeds to enhance crop production. While this has increased efficiency in farming and this is a step to agro-development, it also takes away from the fact that food isn’t just local and seasonal anymore. The classic question of efficient production versus niche product comes to the picture. The other side of it is that produce produced in Nepal has to compete with cheaper vegetables and fruits that are brought from neighboring countries. In such a competitive climate, can we blame our farmers for effective albeit chemically enhanced farming? When fruits and vegetables are picked before they are ripe, they don’t have the chance to develop their full range of nutrients, flavor and taste. Seasonal produce, on the other hand, is allowed to ripen naturally in the sun which means that it has had more time to develop its full range of nutrients, antioxidants, and phyto-nutrients. These nutrients are essential for maintaining good health and preventing diseases. Some plants need high temperatures to bear fruits and flowers such as watermelon and cucumber whereas carrots grow in cold temperatures due to which it’s mostly available in winter. This is why most of the fruits and flowers are seasonal. They require different temperatures, soil quality and water availability to grow. Locally produced fruits and vegetables are more nutrient dense. Along with that, instead of buying the same boring vegetables you always pick out at the grocers, buying local seasonal fruits and vegetables can be exciting for its variety. Apart from that, buying locally grown fresh produce can also be cheaper. This is because additional cost of transportation isn’t included. The food made is also more flavorful, fragrant, and delicious. Seasonal foods are more flavorful. You must have noticed that when we eat mustard greens (raayo ko saag) in winter, the flavor is different. This is because spinach is fresh and grown locally. In addition to being more nutritious, seasonal produce is also more environmentally friendly. I find that to be important for me personally. When produce is transported long distances, it requires more energy and resources to keep it fresh which can have a negative impact on the environment.  There was a debate on social media that veganism, although great for the environment, isn’t environment friendly as transporting avocados, nuts and other vegan friendly produce requires air travel which greatly increases the carbon footprint of these produce. So, the answer is eating seasonal produce that is grown locally. This can help reduce the carbon footprint of our food and also support local farmers. All in all, eating seasonal fruits and vegetables is a great way to ensure that you are getting the freshest, most nutritious produce while also supporting local farmers and reducing your carbon footprint at a cheaper price. So, think globally, eat locally.

A national daily published a report on 21 March 2023, shedding light on the endeavors of women entrepreneurs from Mustang, who were venturing into digital marketing for the promotion and expansion of their businesses. It offered valuable insights into the current state of internet access in Nepal and women entrepreneurs’ growing interest in digital marketing for the expansion of their businesses through digital platforms. Talking with the author, many women entrepreneurs from various regions of the country shared that digital knowledge, skills in digital marketing, and the use of social media like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook are essential to run and sustain businesses in this day and age. The global impact of Covid-19 has created a new paradigm for digital entrepreneurship, and women entrepreneurs in Nepal have also found themselves riding this wave, utilizing digital platforms to market and promote their businesses. Various initiatives and organizations are working to support women digital entrepreneurs in Nepal. These include business incubators, accelerators, and entrepreneurship programs specifically designed for women. These programs provide mentorship, training, access to networks, and financial support to help women succeed in the digital realm. Tourism Entrepreneurs Women Association Nepal (TEWAN) and the Federation of Women Entrepreneurs' Associations of Nepal (FWEAN), with support from development partners, have been providing support to women entrepreneurs through ‘Digitalization of Women Entrepreneurs’ Businesses’. These organizations have been providing support, albeit on a piecemeal basis. Digital entrepreneurship has brought numerous benefits for women in Nepal by empowering them to overcome traditional barriers and participate actively in economic activities. Social media platforms have provided these entrepreneurs an opportunity to expand their market from their hometown to district, province, and to the Center. Using online marketplaces, they can reach customers beyond their local communities and expand their customer base. Digital entrepreneurship has brought flexibility in timing as well as the possibility to work from home, enabling women to balance their entrepreneurial pursuits with family responsibilities, creating a better work-life balance. Furthermore, it has encouraged women with small capital to start their own businesses, which has also brought innovation. In this way, women entrepreneurs can leverage affordable technology, such as smartphones and internet connectivity, to establish and run their ventures at a lower cost, reducing financial as well as entry barriers. In Nepal, digital entrepreneurship has provided an opportunity for women to develop skills, set up business networks and empower themselves. With women able to run their own businesses from home and make some money, their independence has gotten a boost. Considering these facts, the strategic use of digital entrepreneurship by women has a big potential in Nepal. Women digital entrepreneurship is not only a matter of concern for urban areas but also for villages. Increased access to the internet in Nepal has already provided a solid foundation for women entrepreneurship. Skill and support on the use of technology is important for promoting women digital entrepreneurs, as the entrepreneurs from Mustang have shown. Relevant government initiatives can be instrumental in promoting local products, utilizing local skills and giving the local economy a shot in the arm. Moreover, civil society and media advocacy for women digital entrepreneurs is crucial for creating an enabling environment for women's digital ventures and addressing the digital gender divide.

After months of frosty relations, the US and China this week held talks at the high level. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken described his talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Chinese counterpart Qin Gang as “candid and substantive”. It was said that the two sides emphasized the need of direct and regular communication to prevent the further conflict. “I would expect additional visits by senior US officials to China over the coming weeks. Washington welcomes further visits by Chinese officials to the United States,” Blinken said after his China visit, indicating that the US-China relations will improve in the coming days. One of the key agreements between two countries was resuming the military-to-military relationship. In the meeting with Blinken, Xi assured that China respects American interests and does not seek to challenge or displace the US. In the same vein, Xi told Blinken that the US must not hurt China’s legitimate rights and interests. According to Chinese media, Blinken assured that the US does not support Taiwan independence, one of the major points of friction between the two countries. In August 2022, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan, infuriating Beijing no end. In February this year, the US-China relationship reached yet another low after a spy balloon released by China was found over US territory. The balloon incident led to the cancellation of Blinken’s planned visit to China. The two countries seem to have cleared the air between them during Blinken’s trip to Beijing. The US and China also discussed the Russia-Ukraine war during Blinken’s visit. America wants to make sure that China does not provide weapons to Russia. Another major development of this week was Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to the US. As the US relations with China and Russia stand on shaky ground, it has stepped up engagement with India. US President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have already been meeting fairly frequently on international platforms. Regarding Modi’s visit, India’s Minister for External Affairs S Jaishankar said that it is a visit on which there is a genuine and widespread deep interest in the United States. Among other several issues, the key highlight of Modi’s visit is building defense industrial cooperation roadmap. Over the past few years, India’s relationship with China has been intense due to the border clash. Put simply, India needs the US support to keep China at bay. And though the US and India do not have the same policy on South Asian countries, they are on the same page when it comes to containing China’s influence in the region. China’s growing influence in South Asian countries has become a cause for concern for both New Delhi and Washington. Observers say the Biden administration introduced the Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) in 2022 with the express intent of curbing China’s growing influence in the South Asian region. IPS states about supporting India’s continued rise. The US recognizes India as a like-minded partner and leader in South Asia and the Indian Ocean, active in and connected to Southeast Asia. Implications for Nepal Though Nepal is not an influential player in international politics, the relationship between India-US and US-China obviously matters to the country. The ripple effects of the US-China confrontation has already been felt in Kathmandu over the past few years. Unlike in the past, China is more concerned over the US-assisted development projects in Nepal like the Millennium Challenge Corporation. Meanwhile, the US is also keenly observing China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) taking shape in Nepal. Both the US and China have also expressed concern about Nepal’s position on the Russia-Ukraine war and other international issues. As a buffer state between China and India, Nepal’s strategic positioning is of great importance for Beijing, New Delhi and Washington. During Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s India visit this month, the Indian side had raised the issue of growing Chinese influence in Nepal and its security implications for India. Dahal and Modi also discussed the entire regional environment, Chinese engagement in South Asia and how it is affecting the Nepal-India relationship. Dr Khadga KC, professor of international relations, says the recent visits by high-level American officials to China shows that the US is keen to enhance cooperation with China amid the competition on several issues. If the Washington-Beijing relationship improves, he says it would be easy for Nepal to conduct its own foreign policy. Nepal does not wish to see any confrontation or proxy war between an emerging superpower and established superpower, he adds. Binoj Basnyat, former Nepal Army official and strategic affairs expert, says Blinkent’s China trip and Modi’s US visit offer two different geopolitical dimensions. While Blinkent’s Beijing trip is more of a diplomatic engagement for both the domestic and international security environment with no compromise on the strategic goals, Modi’s US visit is important for the strategic balance of the South Asian region and the world in addressing China as a potential threat, he says. Basnyat adds that India and the US have similar interests when it comes to China, and such a geostrategic environment is a challenge to a small nation like Nepal, which cannot afford to be a playground nor pick a side. Pranab Kharel, political analyst, says the dynamics of US-India relations has direct implications for South Asia as both the countries have their respective weight in the region. He says the ongoing US visit of Modi should be read as the continuing effort of both the countries to keep each other in confidence. Kharel says that the US visit of the Indian prime minister is also taking place at a time when the Indians have positioned themselves separately from the Americans in the Ukraine crisis. India continues to import Russian crude oil in order to meet its energy demands. Therefore, when one wishes to contextualize the implications of the visit on Nepal, these key facts should not be missed, says Kharel. Furthermore, adds Kharel, the energy infrastructure being built in Nepal under MCC has India onboard, which indicates that the US-India dynamics are multifaceted and the implication on a country like Nepal is just one of those manifestations. Nepal’s Prime Minister Dahal visited India earlier this month. He is preparing to visit China, possibly in August, and will also likely visit the US. This shows Nepal is already in the radar of big powers.