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It went sliding roughly, across that pitched highway 

The floor perfectly painted,

The painting of devotion and connection in red

When my eyes closed, all I felt was the shared sense of adventure, and grips of the throttle.

When they opened, I see the white bedsheets and the cannolis in my hand

When I move, a sharp pain rises in my arm, 

Covered in bandages and gauges.

Too much pain to move, too little energy to speak, yet my eyes did not shed a single tear.

But when I saw, my dearest, my bike

My heart shattered, in a way it never did before

My eyes couldn’t stop it’s tears 

The broken pieces of its handlebars hurt more than my broken bones.

The scratch in its body burns so much more than the scratch in my legs.

With every wound I encounter, my heart gets a deeper pain

With its headlights broken, I feel myself blind.

With the puncture in the tire, I feel the fracture.

With its number plate getting scratched, I feel my name disgraced.

With every parts breaking, my eyes sheds

Sheds harder and louder, screaming in pain 

As if I am the one feeling every broken parts

Screaming the loss of beloved

Of course, of course I will cry.

Of course you won’t know.

You won’t feel the attachment I have with my bike.

You won’t know how many times, my bike collected me, when I was in pieces 

The times, when my helmet wiped my tears 

The times, when my throttle understood my anger

You won’t know who heard me singing happy songs, after my first date.

Who held me when I got into a fight with my family.

When I see him lying on floor, totally injured

Bleeding the petrol all over the concrete,

With all the scratch over his body

I heart weeped in misery.

When I see him like that, all I wished 

May all his wounds transfer to me.

It doesn’t matter how many injuries I get, 

but I just want him safe

Because, I CAN HEAL, IT CAN'T.

Shristika Prajapati

BA Ist Year

Lalitkala Campus, Bhotahity

Women’s engagement in political conversations and ideologies remains a rare occurrence, whether in casual tea shop discussions or professional settings. Their voices are often absent in the corridors of power, and their contributions to decision-making processes remain marginal. At present, only 27 countries are led by women, a modest increase from 18 a decade ago, while 107 nations have never had a woman leader. Globally, women hold only 27 percent of parliamentary seats, with gender parity projected to take another 39 years to achieve.

This disparity persists despite decades of international efforts to guarantee women’s political rights. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) assures equal access to public service, while CEDAW (1979) guarantees women the right to participate in public life, vote, and stand for election on equal terms. It also ensures their right to represent governments internationally without discrimination. Similarly, the ICCPR (1966) upholds civil and political equality, while Article 25 emphasizes every citizen’s right to participate in public affairs. The Beijing Declaration (1995), though non-binding, aims to achieve gender equality in politics. The UNSC Resolution 1325 highlights women’s roles in conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and governance, while the ICESCR (1966) extends equality to economic, social, and cultural rights. Regional frameworks such as the Inter-American and European conventions also affirm women’s political rights.

However, these legal frameworks, though comprehensive, remain largely symbolic. The persistent lack of progress highlights the entrenched nature of societal and structural barriers that continue to hinder women’s political involvement. Patriarchal norms, gender biases, and cultural traditions undermine these commitments, creating a stark gap between theoretical policies and practical realities. Structural issues, including inequitable electoral systems and resource constraints, further marginalize women, limiting their participation in governance and leadership roles.

One major obstacle is the double burden many women face, juggling careers alongside household responsibilities. Societal norms confine women to traditional roles, reducing their capacity to pursue public careers. The psychological toll of harassment—both online and offline—further deters women from entering or remaining in political spaces. Stereotypes portraying women as less capable leaders perpetuate discriminatory practices and undermine their confidence and credibility. These challenges are exacerbated by media narratives that focus disproportionately on women’s appearance or personal lives, diminishing their political image and reducing their appeal to voters.

Access to resources remains a critical barrier. Women often lack the financial means to compete with male counterparts in political campaigns, a disadvantage compounded by electoral systems that favor incumbents. Male-dominated political environments and party structures further discourage women’s entry and progression in politics, sidelining them from key decision-making roles. This systematic exclusion results in women being relegated to token positions or roles with limited influence, which only reinforces their underrepresentation in meaningful leadership.

The absence of women in politics is not due to a lack of capability or ambition but rather a result of these deeply rooted cultural, economic, and institutional barriers. Their exclusion perpetuates a system that prioritizes male dominance, hindering the progress of gender equality and stalling the development of inclusive governance.

Addressing these challenges requires a multipronged approach. Education and awareness campaigns can inspire women to view politics as a viable and rewarding career path. Implementing mandatory gender quotas in political representation can provide a starting point for more equitable participation. Equal access to financial resources is critical to leveling the playing field, enabling women to mount competitive campaigns and pursue leadership roles with confidence.

Creating gender-friendly policies in workplaces and political environments is another vital step. By addressing harassment and fostering inclusive spaces, women can feel safer and more supported in their political pursuits. Media reform is essential to shift focus from superficial narratives to the policies and achievements of women leaders, helping to build their credibility and public image. Additionally, networking platforms for women can foster mentorship, collaboration, and mutual support, empowering aspiring leaders to overcome systemic barriers.

It is also necessary to reform electoral systems to ensure they are inclusive and equitable. Many systems currently favor incumbents, which disproportionately benefits men who dominate political spaces. By redesigning these systems to encourage broader participation, women can gain more opportunities to enter and succeed in politics. Political parties, too, must adopt more inclusive practices, actively encouraging women’s participation and ensuring they have equal access to leadership opportunities.

The underrepresentation of women in politics is not simply an issue of individual choice but a reflection of societal and institutional failures. Breaking these barriers requires a collective effort involving progressive policies, structural reforms, and societal re-education. Only by dismantling these obstacles can we unlock the untapped potential of women as political leaders and decision-makers.

The time to act is now. By transforming symbolic commitments into substantive actions, we can move toward a democracy that is genuinely inclusive and representative. Women’s voices and leadership are essential to building societies that are equitable, just, and reflective of the diversity within them. Only by addressing the root causes of their exclusion can we ensure that democracy is not merely a promise but a lived reality for all.

Aslesha Luitel 

BA LLB IInd Year

Kathmandu School of Law

Bitcoin has recently hit an all-time high as the entire crypto universe surges. The first cryptocurrency skyrocketed to a historic market cap of nearly 2trn, and US president-elect Donald Trump is receiving credit for this bounce-back.

The former president has now adopted a more crypto-friendly stance, unlike during his previous tenure from 2016 to 2020. Trump’s victory has positively impacted the market, pushing it into a bullish trend as predicted.

The world’s largest cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, was traded at a record high of $89,864.13 on Tuesday, according to Goingecko. Meanwhile, on election day, Bitcoin was trading in the $67k-$70k zone.

While the pro-crypto president has already been elected in the US, what’s next for the industry?

Crypto-friendly regulation anticipated

“If you favor crypto, you better vote for Trump.” This is what the elected 47th president said during a notable gathering at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, almost six months ago. Now, the US has voted for him, and the pro-crypto voters are anticipating more favorable regulation, unlike under Joe Biden’s administration.

The president-elect Trump has openly said that he wants to turn the United States into the “crypto capital of the planet.” He has reportedly started the homework for the preparation of a crypto-friendly stance.

The former president has already promised to “fire” the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s chairman, Gary Gensler. Under Gensler’s leadership, the SEC has taken a tough stance on crypto companies, filing fraud charges against FTX’s leader and leveling allegations against Binance for questionable business practices. The agency has also engaged in legal battles with Coinbase, Kraken, and Ripple, accusing them of not complying with federal registration laws, though all deny the charges.

US budget in blockchain?

Crypto and blockchain were not just Trump’s issues during the election campaign. 

Robert F Kennedy Jr, the former independent presidential candidate, was proposing the idea of putting the “US budget on blockchain.”

“We’re gonna have 300m eyeballs on our budget, and if somebody is spending $16,000 for a toilet seat, everybody’s gonna know about it,” Kennedy said.

He has not won the election; however, he is reportedly promised “control of the public health agencies” by Trump. It looks like Trump may have to battle with his advisers to take Kennedy Jr. under his wing; his idea may flourish. Kennedy Jr. is also strongly supportive of crypto.

Musk to lead DOGE!

Trump has appointed the richest man in the world, Elon Musk, to run a new Trump’s agency, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), together with Vivek Ramaswamy. 

“I am pleased to announce that the Great Elon Musk, working in conjunction with American Patriot Vivek Ramaswamy, will lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Together, these two wonderful Americans will pave the way for my Administration to dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies—Essential to the ‘Save America’ Movement,” reads the announcement. 

The Tesla CEO, Musk, is always crypto-supportive and allowed to buy his electric car with Bitcoin for the short term. Furthermore, the tech billionaire has turned into a Dogecoin fan, causing many hikes of the popular memecoin.

DOGE, representing Dogecoin, is also the acronym for Trump’s new agency. It may not be a mere coincidence that it matches Musk’s favorite coin and the agency he is set to lead.

The new agency will focus on reducing government bureaucracy, cutting excessive regulations, and eliminating wasteful spending. This agency aims to implement structural reforms and an entrepreneurial approach to government, making it more efficient and accountable to the American people.

With a matching name, some Dogecoin involvement is expected under Musk’s involvement.

The Emperor’s New Clothes, one of the most enduring and insightful fairy tales by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, continues to resonate deeply with readers across generations. Originally published in 1837, the story is a sharp critique of vanity, deception, and the susceptibility of those in power to flattery and self-delusion. Despite its fairy-tale origins, its themes remain startlingly relevant in the context of contemporary political systems, especially in developing countries like Nepal.

This article draws a parallel between the allegorical tale of the emperor, who is deceived into believing he is wearing invisible clothes, and the current political climate in Nepal. The emperor’s blindness to reality, his vanity, and the fear of appearing foolish that paralyzes those around him mirror the behavior of many political leaders today. Much like the emperor’s advisers, who fail to speak the truth out of fear, Nepali citizens and officials often find themselves complicit in a system where hollow promises, corruption, and the illusion of progress prevail over tangible change. Through this comparison, this article explores how the lessons from Andersen’s story illuminate the challenges facing Nepal’s political landscape, offering a critique of both leadership and governance in the country.

Once upon a time, there was a foolish emperor who was very fond of fashion. He spent a lot of money on the finest clothes and always wanted to look more beautiful than others. The people of the city were often amazed by his elaborate attire.

One day, two clever swindlers arrived in the empire. They presented themselves as weavers of extraordinary fabrics and convinced the emperor that the clothes they made were not only beautiful but also had a unique quality. They told him that only wise and competent people could see these fabrics, while fools would see nothing at all.

Surprised by this idea, the emperor invited the swindlers to his palace. They presented themselves with grand gestures, and the emperor, eager to see these magical clothes, immediately hired them, giving them as much gold and silk as they requested to weave the garments.

However, the weavers were doing nothing but pretending to weave. Every day, the emperor sent his trusted advisers to check on the progress. Even though none of them saw any clothes being made, each of them, afraid of appearing foolish, reported to the emperor that the clothes were magnificent.

One day, the emperor himself went to see the weavers at work. He too saw them working on empty looms, but fearful of being thought of as a fool or incompetent, he praised the clothes, even though there was nothing to see.

Finally, the day of the grand parade arrived. The entire city gathered to see the emperor in his new clothes. The emperor, completely naked, proudly walked through the streets, confident that he looked magnificent. The people, too, afraid of being thought fools, began praising the invisible clothes.

But then a small child shouted, “The emperor is not wearing anything! The emperor is naked!” A hush fell over the crowd, and the emperor suddenly felt exposed. By then, the swindlers had long since disappeared with their sacks of gold.

In Nepal today, the emperor is no longer an individual; the country itself walks naked. The leaders, like the weavers, are weaving empty promises and walking away with sacks of gold, just like the Rajapaksas in Sri Lanka.

The story of The Emperor’s New Clothes resonates deeply in Nepal’s current political context, reflecting the widespread disillusionment and frustration many citizens feel toward their leaders. It serves as a powerful metaphor for the current situation, where many leaders, much like the swindlers in the tale, are focused only on their own personal gain and power.

In recent years, Nepal has faced significant political turmoil. Leaders often make grand promises about development, infrastructure, and social welfare. But these promises frequently remain unfulfilled, leaving citizens with unmet expectations. Many leaders are preoccupied with staying in power and engaging in corruption, while failing to address the problems of poverty, education, and healthcare. Like the emperor in the story, many of these leaders are disconnected from the reality of ordinary citizens. Political campaigns are often presented through catchy slogans and flashy rallies. These spectacles create an illusion of progress. However, beneath the surface, the daily struggles of the people continue: rising inflation, inadequate public services, and a lack of opportunities. Citizens, like the emperor’s advisers, hesitate to tell the truth, unsure of how to challenge the narrative being presented. Awareness is beginning to rise. Recent protests and waves of civic engagement reflect an increasing demand for reality and accountability. Citizens are no longer willing to accept the status quo. They are beginning to challenge the hypocrisy of their leaders. The innocent child in the story symbolizes this awareness, encouraging the public to see through the illusion and to challenge the ongoing deception.

Building a new society

This is a crucial moment for the citizens of Nepal to become actively involved in the political process. They must demand transparency from their leaders and advocate for policies that prioritize social welfare and real development, rather than hollow promises. Grassroots movements and civil society organizations are key to this struggle, as they can force leaders to be accountable. This will help cultivate a culture of civic engagement and participation. The final lesson is clear: true leadership is about service, integrity, and accountability. It calls for leaders who are ready to face the challenges of governance and put aside their personal ambitions for the well-being of the people. By adhering to core values, civil society can build an honest political environment that addresses the needs of the public. The story of The Emperor’s New Clothes serves as a cautionary tale of foolishness, but it also carries an important message for the citizens of Nepal. It underscores the importance of vigilance, participation, and the constant pursuit of truth. Citizens are waking up to the illusions spun by their leaders. They are raising their voices for a cleaner political character and demanding standards based on higher values. By rejecting deception and embracing reality, we can build a political system that is accountable to the people. A collective effort can ultimately lead Nepal toward a stronger, more responsive system that listens to the voice of the people.