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The coalition government of the Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN-UML has unveiled its annual policies and programs without any major disagreements between the two parties. Parliamentarians are currently deliberating on the policy document, with some NC leaders expressing reservations, noting that certain core agendas of the UML appear to have been prioritized. Historically, the annual program and budget have often sown discord among coalition partners. Lawmakers are now offering their suggestions on the policy document. Meanwhile, the main opposition, CPN (Maoist Center), has expressed dissatisfaction, particularly over the omission of several projects previously announced by Pushpa Kamal Dahal.To preempt potential tensions over the budget, Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel has begun consultations with NC leaders, while also continuing dialogue with the Maoist Center.

A recent friendly exchange between Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Maoist Chair Dahal has sparked speculation, with some political analysts predicting a possible collaboration between the two communist parties. However, the UML leadership has concluded that recent efforts to destabilize the government have lost momentum. Some believe that while the NC is negotiating with the government over key positions, Oli is attempting to increase his leverage by adopting a conciliatory approach toward Dahal.

Meanwhile, Dahal’s repeated overtures to the NC have failed to yield meaningful results. NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba reiterated this week that there are no significant problems within the coalition. On the delay in appointing the Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank, Deuba attributed it to internal issues within the NRB, denying any inter-party disagreement. His remarks come amid reports suggesting that disputes over the appointment could strain the coalition—an argument supported by past experiences where minor issues, rather than ideological differences, led to the collapse of alliances.

The ongoing pro-monarchy protests have weakened significantly, though royalist parties and allied groups continue to mobilize. Buoyed by an increase in supporters, former King Gyanendra Shah has been meeting royalist forces to encourage continued protests. Learning from the violent March 28 protest in Tinkune, the former king now appears to be backing political outfits such as the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP). The pro-monarchy movement under Navaraj Subedi has announced an indefinite protest beginning May 29. Subedi has managed to bring RPP Chairman Rajendra Lingden, RPP-Nepal Chairman Kamal Thapa and Keshar Bahadur Bista into his fold—an unexpected development, given Lingden’s earlier reluctance to accept Subedi's leadership. This comes against the backdrop of a meeting between Shah and RPP leaders.

Relations between the NC and China, strained since 2015, are slowly improving. After a prolonged hiatus, senior NC leaders are visiting China at the invitation of the Communist Party of China (CPC), which appears to be stepping up its outreach. This week, NC President Deuba, senior leaders Shekhar Koirala, Shashank Koirala and others attended a photo exhibition on Nepal-China ties. At the event, Deuba reaffirmed NC’s commitment to the one-China policy and pledged that Nepali soil would not be used for anti-China activities—messages well received by the Chinese side.

Prime Minister Oli has also continued efforts to make appointments to transitional justice bodies. This week, he met with Dahal to discuss the matter, but no significant progress was made. Sources close to the discussions admit that the appointments are complex, with divisions not only among political parties but also among conflict victims and various domestic and international stakeholders. Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has said the government is committed to addressing victims’ concerns. However, Nepal’s human rights community—seen as having a significant stake in the process—is often accused of obstructing progress due to personal or institutional interests.

Nepal has stepped up security across border areas, airports and other sensitive zones in response to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. The situation intensified after India launched “Operation Sindoor,” conducting airstrikes on nine terrorist sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 people, including one Nepali citizen.

In other developments, the United States has announced an 85 percent cut in USAID programs, citing a shift to align foreign aid with American strategic interests. The US has started transferring the remaining programs that match its revised priorities. In Nepal, the future of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) remains uncertain, and the US has not clarified the status of remaining USAID-funded projects.

When the skies opened last year, Nepal wasn’t ready. Heavy rain washed away roads and homes, and triggered landslides in many parts of the country. Main highways were rendered impassable, leaving passengers stranded for hours. The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) has warned that this year’s monsoon is expected to bring heavier-than-normal rainfall across Nepal. 

According to meteorologist Ujjwal Upadhaya, pre-monsoon rainfall from May to mid-June this year is expected to be average but if the heat intensifies, there will be rainfall across the country, especially in the hilly regions. 

Generally, in the first week of May, a low-pressure system activates throughout the country, bringing light rainfall, helping keep the temperatures from rising significantly. During the second and third weeks (May 7–20), the rainfall system weakens, resulting in a rise in temperature, and in the fourth week, rainfall will return, helping control the heat. 

“The first and second weeks of June are expected to bring a mix of heat and rain, especially in the hilly areas. However, in the Tarai region, rainfall will be low, and the heat will be intense,” said Upadhaya. This year the monsoon is expected to arrive in the third week of June, and the rainfall is estimated to be 5 percent above average. Eastern Nepal (Mechi, Koshi, Sagarmatha) is expected to receive 5–10 percent more rainfall, central Nepal (Janakpur, Bagmati, Narayani, Gandaki, and Lumbini) 4–6 percent more, and western and far-western regions are expected to receive average rainfall. 

As the areas that were damaged by floods and landslides last year are yet to be reconstructed, they remain at risk of further damage. It is crucial that the concerned authorities pay due attention.

Communities at risk

For many there is no escaping the devastation that monsoon brings year after year. Ask Priyanka Devi, a resident of Jagati, Bhaktapur. Every monsoon her family-run scrap warehouse gets flooded by the nearby Hanumante river. “Over time the water level in the river has risen to the point that it is now almost level with the road,” said Devi.

The family has installed a makeshift barrier to protect their warehouse from flooding, but they are not sure if the structure will hold. “We hope the rains don’t get worse this year,” added Devi.

For Salina Tamang, a resident of Suryabinayak, last year’s monsoon was a painful experience when floodwaters entered her store. Locals have expanded the river’s width to stop it from breaching the banks, but Tamang remains cautious.  “I just hope it won’t be bad this time,” she said.  

But Durga Gurung doubts the flood prevention measures launched by the locals will work. “Water levels here can rise as high as six feet. The only way to stay safe is to clear the ground floor and move upstairs until the floodwaters recede,” she said.

The country’s highways are equally vulnerable to monsoon-related disasters. BP Highway and Prithvi Highway—two vital roads linking Kathmandu to the rest of the country—suffered severe damage during last year’s monsoon. While the Department of Roads (DoR) claims that restoration efforts are ongoing, significant challenges remain.

Unsafe highways 

The BP Highway (Banepa-Sindhuli-Bardibas), in particular, has seen little progress. Nearly five months after devastating floods and landslides from the Roshi Khola and Sunkoshi rivers hit the Khurkot-Dhulikhel section, reconstruction work has yet to gather pace. Temporary tracks and diversions have been built to allow passage of vehicles, but they could be destroyed in an event of heavy rainfall. This highway is a vital corridor, handling more than 10,000 vehicles daily and serving as the fastest connection between eastern Nepal, the central Tarai, and Kathmandu. 

Rajan Dahal, a lawmaker from Sindhuli, has urged the government to build a durable alternative route before the monsoon arrives.  

Arjun Prasad Aryal, deputy director general at the Department of Roads, said that temporary restoration work on the BP Highway is progressing and is expected to be completed by June. As for restoring the damaged highway sections, he said the department is still in the process of finalizing the contractor.  Regarding the Prithvi Highway, Aryal said that the repair works are progressing alongside the highway widening project from Mugling to Pokhara. “Construction is ongoing without interruption, and we plan to continue the work even during the rainy season,” he said.

For the safety of passengers, the government is also planning to issue travel restrictions along the flood- and landslide-prone areas. 

Relief and preparedness 

Ram Bahadur KC, spokesperson and Information Officer at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), said that families affected by the monsoon-related disasters have already received government aid. He also noted that reconstruction and relief efforts are still underway in several areas.
As for preparedness, he said the government will soon come up with the National Disaster Risk Reduction Framework.  “We are also identifying vulnerable communities, where we plan to run safety and awareness campaigns tailored to their needs and concerns,” said KC. He also added that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) has also been coordinating with the Armed Police Force and local governments to conduct disaster response drills and strengthen safety and preparedness.

Highlighting the growing role of technology in disaster preparedness, KC said that early warning systems have been installed in 49 locations across the country. “These systems can make a real difference. We saw fewer casualties last monsoon because of the warning systems,” he said.

According to the Nepal Disaster Risk Reduction Portal (DRR), floods have already affected 62 families between April and 7 May this year. As the country braces for impact, experts say individuals must also prepare. They recommend preparing an emergency kit with essentials such as flashlights, batteries, medicine, dry food, drinking water, and first-aid supplies. Avoiding risk-prone areas, like riverbanks, hillsides, and active construction sites, and checking the road road condition before traveling can also save lives. This year’s monsoon will be a test of our infrastructure, our preparedness, and our collective resolve to learn from past failures.

Nepal has reaffirmed its solidarity in the fight against terrorism, as it condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India, which killed several innocent tourists, including a Nepali national. In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, the Government of Nepal expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of the April 22 attack. 

Nepal recalled standing in solidarity with India during the tragic period, united in grief and suffering. Reiterating its firm stance, Nepal described the assault as a “barbaric terrorist attack” and underlined its unwavering commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms. “Nepal stands together with all in the fight against terrorism,” the statement said.

The Ministry emphasized that Nepal, in line with its principled foreign policy, would not allow any inimical forces to exploit its territory to harm neighboring countries. Urging restraint from all sides, Nepal called for the de-escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan and stressed its dedication to promoting lasting peace and regional stability in South Asia.

Aahara sat on the edge of her bed, staring at her hands. They were trembling again. She felt like her chest was caving in, and her thoughts were racing so fast that she couldn’t grasp a single one. A knot twisted in her stomach, making her feel nauseated. The air in the room felt heavier than usual, as though it were conspiring against her to make breathing just that little bit harder.

Her phone buzzed on the nightstand, the name ‘Nikita’ lighting up the screen. It was her best friend, calling to confirm their lunch plans. Aahara had already texted Nikita twice that morning, first saying she’d be a little late, then coming up with a vague excuse about a “last-minute work deadline.” Now Nikita wanted to call and make sure everything was okay.

But Aahara couldn’t answer the phone. Even the thought of talking to Nikita felt overwhelming. She had no idea how to explain all the different thoughts and worries that were going through her head. Her mind spun through its daily cycle of worries. “Did I forget to send that email? What if my boss thinks I’m incompetent?” “I should check on my parents. What if something happens to them, and I didn’t call in time?” “I don’t feel right. What if I have some undiagnosed illness and the doctors just missed it?” No amount of reassurance ever silenced these thoughts. 

Aahara tried to reason with herself to no avail. She had been living like this ever since her mother took ill a few months ago. Aahara’s worries continued even after her mother came back to health. 

She wasn’t just nervous; she wasn’t just overthinking. She had Generalized Anxiety Disorder, a type of anxiety disorder which made even the most ordinary parts of life feel overwhelming.

Aahara and her story is fictional, but this could happen to anyone. Based on a study conducted by Risal et al. (2016) among 2100 people all across Nepal, the prevalence of anxiety is 22.7 percent. That’s 70,14,300 people affected with anxiety.

Anxiety is more than just feeling nervous before a presentation or jittery before an important event. It’s a complex mental health condition that can make ordinary tasks feel insurmountable.

At its core, anxiety is a natural response to stress. It’s your brain’s way of keeping you alert to potential danger. Imagine you’re walking through the woods and hear a rustle in the bushes. Your body floods with adrenaline, preparing you to fight, flee, or freeze. This is your body’s fight-or-flight response, and it’s a helpful survival mechanism when there’s an actual threat.

The key difference between fear and anxiety lies in their triggers. Fear is a response to an immediate, real danger—like encountering a wild animal in the woods. It’s a short-lived reaction that helps you take action in the face of a specific threat. Anxiety, on the other hand, is often future-focused, triggered by perceived threats that may never materialize. It lingers, creating a sense of unease and worry, even when no immediate danger is present. While fear fades once the threat is gone, anxiety can persist, making everyday situations feel just as alarming as life-threatening ones.

The problem arises when this response gets stuck in overdrive. For someone with an anxiety disorder, their brain sounds the alarm even when there’s no immediate danger. A casual conversation, a grocery trip, or even sitting in silence can trigger the same physiological reactions as facing a life-threatening situation.

Such physiological reactions can be:

• Fastened heart rate
• Shortness of breath
• Tightness in the chest
• Nausea or stomach pain
• Muscle tension  
• Sweating or trembling  

These sensations can be terrifying, leading to thoughts like, “Am I having a heart attack? Am I dying?” Many people with anxiety also experience insomnia, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating, making even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming. It is also important to emphasize that anxiety is an umbrella term for many different types. Some types of anxiety are: 

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Panic Disorder 
• Social Anxiety Disorder 
• Specific Phobia 
• Agoraphobia 
• Separation Anxiety Disorder 
• Selective Mutism 

Aahara’s story sheds light on the often hidden yet pervasive struggles that anxiety brings. It serves as a reminder that anxiety isn’t just a fleeting feeling of nervousness, it’s a mental and physical burden that can take over someone’s entire existence. But it’s important to remember that while anxiety may feel like an inescapable maze, there are ways to navigate through it. 

Seeking support is the first step. Whether through therapy, conversations with loved ones, mindfulness practices, or medical treatment, there are tools to help individuals regain control over their lives. Aahara’s journey is far from over, but by acknowledging her anxiety and taking small steps toward healing, she’s moving toward a life defined by courage rather than fear.