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In the face of global trade uncertainties, Nepal must proactively adapt to geopolitical shifts while diversifying its economic partnerships. Strengthening regional ties, investing in domestic industries, leveraging supply chain shifts, and prioritizing digital transformation will be key to sustaining economic growth and reducing external dependencies. A well-calibrated trade strategy, backed by strong governance and infrastructure development, can enable Nepal to navigate the evolving global trade landscape with confidence.

Adapting to geopolitical realities

Nepal should reduce dependence on major powers like the US and China by expanding trade partnerships within South Asia and beyond. Strengthening economic ties with regional and interregional platforms such as BBIN, SAARC, BIMSTEC, ASEAN, IORA, and the African Union can provide alternative markets and enhance economic resilience. Additionally, closer engagement with EU agencies and Middle Eastern economies can help diversify Nepal’s trade and investment sources.

However, deepening foreign trade relations demands strong governance and accountability. Nepal must implement stricter scrutiny on foreign aid to ensure effective fund utilization, while also building trust with international donors.

Overcoming institutional challenges

A major roadblock to regional trade integration is bureaucratic inertia and political unwillingness to implement complex initiatives. Keay challenges include:

• Limited political commitment to advancing regional economic cooperation.
• Under-resourced institutions that lack the capacity to negotiate and implement effective trade policies.
• A shortage of skilled professionals with expertise in international trade and economics.

To overcome these obstacles, Nepal must prioritize institutional reforms and invest in building a capable workforce equipped to navigate the intricacies of global trade.

Solution: Invest in human capital

Nepal must empower its workforce with skills in IT, AI, and fintech to make the economy more adaptable to global shifts. Skilled labor will be a critical factor in leveraging the ongoing supply chain shifts from China to South Asia, where Nepal can benefit through IT outsourcing and low-cost manufacturing.

Diversification and self-sufficiency

To strengthen its economic base, Nepal must focus on domestic revenue generation. Key strategies include:

• Taxation reforms to enhance revenue collection and reduce reliance on foreign aid.
• Industrial growth and public-private partnerships (PPPs) to boost productivity and innovation.
• Regulatory simplification to eliminate bureaucratic red tape and foster a business-friendly environment.
• Digitization of trade and business processes to minimize corruption and improve efficiency.

Strengthening domestic industries

Nepal must reduce reliance on imports by fostering growth in agriculture, manufacturing, and services. Instead of exporting raw materials, Nepal should develop processing and manufacturing capabilities to create value-added products. Agro-based, herbal, natural fiber, and bamboo industries hold significant potential to generate employment and exports.

FDI and trade policy reforms

To attract FDI, Nepal should offer incentives in manufacturing, energy, and technology sectors. Simultaneously, tracking global trade policies—especially tariffs imposed by the US on China, the EU, and India—can help Nepal identify trade opportunities and capitalize on shifting market dynamics. Key considerations include:

• Analyzing how global firms and markets are adjusting to US tariffs and leveraging these shifts to Nepal’s advantage.
• Assessing the impact of rising consumer costs in the US and negotiating preferential market access for Nepali products.
• Capitalizing on the supply chain shift from China, which is expected to redirect five percent of global production to South Asia. Nepal can position itself as a hub for IT services and cost-effective manufacturing, provided it reforms labor laws to ensure fair wages and job security.
• Rather than pursuing retaliatory trade measures, Nepal should adopt a strategic diplomatic approach, negotiating preferential market access while quietly building trade capabilities.

Infrastructure and trade facilitation

The government must focus on policy reforms, trade facilitation, and accreditation to ensure that Nepali products meet international standards. Key infrastructure investments include:

• Developing transshipment ports to enhance access to international markets.
• Strengthening logistics and port-road connectivity to reduce trade bottlenecks.
• Enhancing trade-related services to streamline export and import processes.

Nepal must also maximize economic diplomacy by leveraging the Hub and Spoke Mission approach. Appointing trade specialists and improving foreign policy foresight and scenario planning within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can strengthen Nepal’s position in international trade negotiations.

Conclusion

Given the shifting geopolitical landscape and evolving US trade policies, Nepal must tread carefully to safeguard its trade interests. The US’s increasing reliance on tariffs and sanctions as economic tools, along with rising tensions between major global economies, calls for a strategic and diversified approach in Nepal’s trade policies. To strengthen resilience, Nepal must focus on regional cooperation, trade diversification, and digital transformation while ensuring robust governance and policy reforms.

The majestic Himalayas of Nepal are not only celebrated for its breathtakingly beautiful landscapes and rich cultural heritage. It has also led to the creation of one of the world’s rarest and most expensive honeys, known as “Mad Honey.” This unique honey, its medicinal properties, holds a special place in history. Today, it is gradually attracting global markets with its charm and value.

Mad Honey: A Hidden Treasure of Nepal

Cliff Honey, Mad Honey, Bhir Maha, Red Honey, Himalayan Honey—this unique honey is known by many names. It is collected from the steep Himalayan cliffs by the Gurung honey-hunting communities.

Everything about this honey is impeccable: it is produced by the Himalayan giant honeybee (Apis laboriosa), the largest honey bee species in the world. The honey-hunting process itself is a unique and daring tradition that demands exceptional skill, precision, and abundance of courage.

At first glance, the ridiculously high price of mad honey might seem indignant and unreasonable for a small jar. However, as the honey-hunting process unveils, it becomes clear why it demands such a high value.

Honey hunting is not a walk in the garden, it is far from an easy task. Men dangle in the air, between the cliffs, costing their lives, all just to harvest a precious honey. Their efforts serve two purposes: sustaining their livelihood and honouring an ancestral art. In many ways, the art of honey hunting retains their identity, each time they set out on a hunt.

Another factor that sets mad honey apart is the unique compound found within it. While it contains all the nutrients present in regular honey, often with amplified benefits. But what steals the spotlight is the presence of grayanotoxin.

Grayanotoxin is often unfairly misunderstood as a dangerous compound that can jeopardise one's mental and physical state. However, what many don't know is that when consumed in the right amounts, people around the world are fully enjoying the psychoactive and medicinal properties of mad honey.

Though it's still only a small fraction of the global population aware of its benefits, word is slowly spreading about its extraordinary properties.

The tales you hear about the Gurung's and their courage are fascinating. They grew up by  consuming mad honey for generations to treat ailments such as hypertension, arthritis, and anxiety. Its grayanotoxin content also contributes to making it one of the rarest honeys in the world.

Bringing Mad Honey to the World

Among the brands bringing this rare treasure to the world, Medicinal Mad Honey has emerged as a leader. With a strong commitment to authenticity, sustainability, and ethical sourcing, the brand has not only elevated the status of Mad Honey but also supported the livelihoods of over 80 honey-hunting communities in regions like Lamjung, Jajarkot, and Rukum.

“Our mission is to introduce the world to the wonders of Mad Honey while preserving the traditional practices and environment of Nepal,” says Rashmi Kandel, the founder of Medicinal Mad Honey.  At just 18 years old, Rashmi founded Medicinal Mad Honey, a brand that honours the cultural roots of this rare product while bringing it to global markets.

She came across the mad honey in her hometown, Lamjung only to find it in an unutilized form. Just as honey hunters pay respect to their ancestors by following their path, she hoped to pave a way for her people to the world by showcasing the potential of a Nepalese product like mad honey.

After further looking into it, she found a great market potential for this product. Finally, she came with an idea to bridge the gap between the production and the demand to create economic values.

Ethical and Sustainable Practices

Medicinal Mad Honey stands apart for its commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing. Harvesting is conducted responsibly, without compromising the prosperity of the Himalayan giantbees and the fragile ecosystem they reside in.

The brand also invests in community development, offering resources and training for honey hunters. These efforts not only preserve their traditional way of life but also provide them with economic stability.

Global Appeal

Presently, mad honey is a sought-after product in luxury markets across the US, Europe, and the Middle East. Its rarity, combined with the wellness benefits it promises from sustainable origins, resonates with the growing demand for premium, ethically sourced products.

The new world today looks past the product itself, valuing the principles and values it represents. If a product aligns with their values, it gains appeal. There is a growing fascination with organic, cruelty-free products that offer not only unparalleled quality but also ethical integrity.

We are living in a world where a growing number of people are more mindful and selective about what they embrace into their lives.

Beyond honey, Nepal’s hidden treasures like Yarsagumba (caterpillar fungus), Shilajit, rare herbs, and essential oils also carry the essence of the Himalayas and have immense potential in global markets.

A Tribute to Nepal’s Products

This effort to promote mad honey is also a homage to the honey hunters of the past, present, and future. Just as these communities honour their ancestors, the initiative aims to honour them by bringing their craft to the global stage.

Rashmi’s dedication goes beyond mad honey, embracing Nepal’s other natural wonders. This includes its sister brand, Everest Shilajit, a product that speaks volumes of its purity and power of the Himalayas. Her journey is not limited to honey; it is committed to exploring and promoting exceptional products from Nepal, each with its own story and a promise to deliver the best of nature.

A Future of Sustainable Luxury

With innovative entrepreneurs leading the way, Nepal is emerging as a hub for sustainable luxury. Products like Mad Honey redefine luxury as not merely an indulgence but a conscious connection to health, nature and moral and ethical values.

In every golden drop of Mad Honey a reminder that the rarest treasures are those deeply rooted in authenticity and sustainability.

(Rashmi is Founder and Author at Medicinal Mad Honey & Global Export Specialist)

Email- [email protected]

Visit: https://medicinalmadhoney.com/

Nepal’s political evolution, from its unification in 1768 to the establishment of a federal democratic republic in May 2008, has been a tumultuous journey marked by significant milestones and setbacks. This transformation has been shaped by a complex interplay of historical, socio-political, economic, and geopolitical factors. As Nepal stands at the edge of change, it faces a dynamic landscape—some forces pushing it toward progress, while others present formidable obstacles. The country’s political environment remains volatile, uncertain, and ambiguous, with the resurgence of pro-monarchy sentiments adding a new layer of complexity to its democratic experiment.

Resurgence of monarchy

Former King Gyanendra Shah, who abdicated his throne in 2008 to facilitate Nepal’s transition to a secular federal republic, has re-emerged as a focal point in the nation’s political discourse. His recent activities—returning to Kathmandu after spending two months in Nepalganj and Pokhara, and consulting with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow—have sparked widespread speculation about the possible restoration of the monarchy. Adityanath, a vocal advocate for a Hindu Kingdom in Nepal, has further fueled these discussions. Meanwhile, regional powers like China and India, as well as global democratic forces, are closely monitoring the situation.

The former king’s appeal to the people to rise for the nation has resonated with some segments of society, creating fertile ground for a renewed debate about Nepal’s political future. His message emphasizes national unity, credible democracy, and a renewed sense of identity—elements that are crucial for Nepal’s strategic stability. However, the dysfunctional democracy, characterized by poor governance, corruption, and self-interest, remains a significant obstacle to achieving these goals.

Polarization and elusive stability

Nepal’s democracy is currently caught between two opposing forces: pro-monarchist electorates advocating for the return of the kingdom and republican forces, which have been marred by allegations of inefficiency and corruption. This polarization has left Nepali society deeply divided. While the people yearn for strategic stability, questions linger: Is Nepal ready for change, or is it still awaiting cues from external powers like Beijing, Delhi, or Washington? The current political system, plagued by poor governance and a lack of meritocracy, has eroded national trustworthiness. The intertwined issues of political, economic, and security affairs demand collective solutions, yet time is running out.

The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), which holds 14 seats in the 275-member House of Representatives, has been vocal in its support for the monarchy. Alongside the Rastriya Prajatantra Party Nepal (RPPN) and businessman turned activist Durga Prasai, the RPP has actively participated in rallies demanding the restoration of the monarchy and the abolition of the federal republican system. Slogans like “We want our King back” and “The King and the country are dearer than our life” have become rallying cries for pro-monarchy supporters.

Republican forces on the defensive

The resurgence of royalist sentiment has alarmed republican forces, who view it as a threat to the federal democratic system. Leaders from the three major parties—former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba of the Nepali Congress (NC), Prime Minister KP Oli of the CPN (UML), and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal of the CPN (Maoist Center)—have dismissed the pro-monarchy movement as insignificant. However, their own unpopularity, stemming from allegations of institutional corruption, has weakened their stance.

Deuba downplayed the recent pro-monarchy rally in Kathmandu as a “regular event,” while Oli emphasized the need to focus on democratic and constitutional activities. Dahal, on the other hand, criticized both the pro-monarchy forces and the ruling alliance, blaming the government for failing to address public frustration. The Samajbadi Morcha (Socialist Front), a coalition of leftist parties formed on June 19, 2023, is preparing to hold a protest rally on March 28 to defend republican values. Meanwhile, Madhav Kumar Nepal, chairperson of the Unified Socialist Party, has blamed Prime Minister Oli for the resurgence of “reactionary elements” and called for a two-month-long protest to address the country’s political and social issues.

Historical context

To fully understand Nepal’s current political landscape, it is essential to consider its historical context. The Treaty of Sugauli, signed in 1815, reshaped Nepal’s borders and relations with the British Empire, marking the beginning of a long period of external influence and internal struggle. The Rana regime (1846–1951), characterized by hereditary authoritarian rule, further entrenched feudalism and autocracy. The dawn of democracy in 1951, marked by the Treaty of Peace and Friendship with India, laid the foundation for bilateral relations but also sowed the seeds of dependency.

The 1990 People’s Movement (Jana-Andolan) reignited democratic aspirations, but the triangular conflict between monarchist forces, democrats, and Maoists complicated the transition. The 12-point agreement in Delhi in 2005, which brought Maoists into the democratic framework, was a turning point. However, the transition to a federal democratic republic introduced new complexities, including unaccountable leadership and governance challenges.

Fragmentation and governance challenges

Nepal’s political landscape remains fragmented, with multiple parties representing regional, ethnic, and ideological interests. This fragmentation has led to unstable coalition governments and frequent changes in leadership—13 prime ministers in 16 years. The lack of policy continuity and institutional development has further undermined governance. The pro-monarchy movement, while gaining traction, faces internal divisions. RPP Chair Rajendra Lingden has distanced his party from Navaraj Subedi’s People’s Movement Committee, despite senior RPP members joining the mobilization effort. The former king’s attempt to unify pro-monarchy forces under Subedi’s leadership reflects a last-ditch effort to gauge public support for a royal comeback. However, the movement’s success remains uncertain.

The role of civil society and grassroots movements

Civil society, activists, and grassroots movements play a crucial role in driving political transformation. By advocating for transparency, accountability, and civic engagement, they can help bridge the gap between the people and the political establishment. Initiatives aimed at promoting democratic governance, human rights, and social justice are vital for holding the political elite accountable and fostering a culture of active citizenship.

The way forward

Nepal stands at a critical crossroads. The current political system, characterized by corruption, inefficiency, and fragmentation, has failed to deliver good governance. The people’s frustration with the status quo has created an opening for alternative political discourses, including the restoration of the monarchy. However, the success of any political transformation depends on addressing the root causes of instability: poor governance, institutional corruption, and socio-economic disparities.

Reforming the constitution to create a more functional democracy is essential. This includes ensuring greater accountability, transparency, and representation for all citizens. Geopolitical integration can also play a role in supporting Nepal’s democratic aspirations, but it must be approached with caution to avoid external interference.

Nepal’s political transformation is a delicate balancing act. The country must navigate its historical legacies, socio-economic challenges, and diverse aspirations while fostering dialogue and cooperation among stakeholders. The success of this transformation hinges on the ability of political leaders to prioritize democracy, justice, and development over self-interest and geopolitical maneuvering.

As Nepal moves forward, it must strive to unite its diverse voices and create an inclusive political framework. The current system, with its flaws and failures, cannot sustain the nation’s aspirations. Whether through constitutional reform, a national unity government, or a renewed commitment to democratic values, Nepal must seize this moment to redefine its future. The ball is in the court of its political leaders, and the choices they make will determine whether Nepal emerges as a resilient, inclusive nation or remains trapped in a cycle of instability.

The author, a retired Major General of the Nepali Army, is a strategic analyst

Once, literature was a space where human existence was laid bare. Writers like Albert Camus, Fyodor Dostoevsky, Franz Kafka, and Virginia Woolf used literature as a means of confrontation against society, against fate, against the self. They were not concerned with comfort, nor did they seek to fit their words into a marketable structure. Their works were messy, filled with contradictions, unresolved conflicts, and questions that had no answers. And that is exactly what made them real.

But somewhere along the way, literature changed. Today, the books that flood the shelves—especially those deemed “bestsellers”—often seem to lack that rawness. They are structured, polished, refined to the point where the discomfort of real human experience is dulled. The rise of genre-based literature has played a huge role in this shift, pushing storytelling towards entertainment rather than introspection. Thriller, romance, fantasy, sci-fi—all of these genres, while capable of producing great literature, have been streamlined into formulas that prioritize readability over depth, satisfaction over struggle, and marketability over meaning.

The literary greats were not obsessed with readability or how many copies they could sell. Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment does not spoon-feed the reader a neat resolution—it drags you through the guilt, paranoia, and internal torment of Raskolnikov. Camus’ The Stranger presents a protagonist who feels nothing the way society expects him to, and for that, he is condemned. Virginia Woolf’s To the Lighthouse meanders through thoughts and consciousness, often without a clear direction, because that’s how human minds work. These books are challenging not just in their language but in their themes. They force the reader to wrestle with morality, alienation, the absurdity of life, and the inevitable decay of all things.

Now, compare that to the kind of books that dominate today’s literary market. Most follow clear story arcs—beginning, middle, and end—structured in a way that keeps the reader comfortable. It’s not that complexity has disappeared entirely, but it has been tamed. Even books that explore dark themes often do so in a way that is digestible for a wide audience. They hold the reader’s hand instead of letting them wander into the abyss alone. 

Rise of genre fiction and the death of rawness

A major turning point in the decline of raw literature was the rise of genre-based storytelling. This isn’t to say that all genre fiction is shallow—there have been deeply introspective sci-fi books, psychological thrillers, and poetic fantasy works. But the majority of what gets published under these categories follows rigid formulas.

In romance novels, characters have clear motivations, conflicts, and resolutions. In thrillers, there is an inevitable twist or revelation, and in most cases, the hero triumphs. In fantasy, world-building often takes precedence over existential depth. These genres have been shaped by reader expectations, and because publishers know what sells, they continue to push books that fit into these patterns.

There is an obsession with writing styles that are “clean” and “accessible.” But reality is not clean. Human emotions are not linear. Thoughts are not always beautifully structured. A truly great book should leave you unsettled, questioning, perhaps even changed. It should not just be something you consume; it should be something you wrestle with.

Why do we need unpolished literature?

The world itself is not neatly structured. Life does not follow a traditional narrative.  Life is not a story with a clear beginning, middle, and end. People do not always grow, relationships do not always resolve, and meaning is not always found. The greatest literature has always embraced this reality. People act irrationally, events happen without reason, and most of our questions remain unanswered. The greatest literature has always reflected that disorder. It does not try to comfort us; it forces us to confront things we’d rather ignore. 

Books like Notes from Underground (Dostoevsky) or The Plague (Camus) show us the depths of human suffering, self-destruction, and isolation. Mrs. Dalloway (Woolf) immerses us in the fragmented thoughts of a mind burdened by time and memory. These works do not try to make sense of life for us; they simply present it as it is. That is what makes them timeless.

It’s not just that modern books are too polished—it’s that they’ve turned into brain rot. Instead of challenging readers, literature has become a tool for distraction, feeding people easily digestible, surface-level stories that keep them comfortable rather than forcing them to think. Romance tropes are the biggest offender. They are everywhere, infecting even genres that were never meant to be about love. Every story now seems to revolve around predictable relationships, characters written solely to be adored, and emotional payoffs designed to give readers a quick dopamine rush.

Shraddha Acharya

BSc IInd year

Padma Kanya Campus