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Horse gram, locally known as ‘gahat’ in Nepal, is a powerful, protein-rich lentil that has been part of Nepali kitchens for generations. Especially popular in winter, it’s believed to generate warmth in the body. In rural areas of Nepal, this dark brown pulse is a seasonal staple, often turned into a hearty soup or side dish. Mothers and grandmothers traditionally mixed it with tuber vegetables like yam and taro, making the dish both filling and flavorful.

But horse gram is not only loved in Nepal. Many cultures across South Asia and Africa also value it for both its health benefits and culinary uses. While it’s often eaten as soup in Nepal, we will explore other creative ways to include horse gram in your diet—bringing traditional wisdom and modern taste together.

In Nepal, we mostly use horse gram as lentil soup (dal), or inside dishes like tarkari (vegetable curry). But there’s so much more we can do with it. Try boiling it until just soft and mixing it with chopped bell peppers, red onions, cumin, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and olive oil for a refreshing salad. You can also sprinkle boiled horse gram on your daily meals for added crunch and nutrition.

Vegetarians and vegans can enjoy it in wraps, pancakes, or even as falafel. Once, I made a salad with baby spinach, beetroot, and boiled horse gram, topped with goat cheese. It was a big hit. This ancient legume is believed to have originated in the Indian subcontinent. While still underused compared to other pulses, its reputation as a ‘superfood’ is spreading fast.

Horse gram is full of nutrients. It is high in protein with around 22–25 percent of the nutrient, one of the best among plant-based foods. It is rich in Fiber and supports digestion. It’s low in fat and thus great for weight control. It’s iron rich as well and helps prevent anemia. The calcium and phosphorus in it strengthens bones. It also has antioxidants that help detoxify the body. It has complex carbohydrates that give steady energy without spiking blood sugar.

Horse gram has been valued for its healing properties in both Ayurveda and Nepali traditional medicine. It keeps you warm. Considered a ‘hot’ food, it’s perfect for winter. It helps maintain body temperature and protect against cold. The fiber in horse gram promotes healthy digestion and reduces hunger, helping with weight management. Its low glycemic index makes it useful for diabetics. The energy is released slowly, avoiding sudden sugar spikes.

Rich in antioxidants, it helps lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and raise good cholesterol (HDL). Traditional use includes treating kidney stones and promoting urinary health. Its iron and antioxidant content strengthen the body’s natural defenses.

In Nepal, gahat is commonly used in a spicy soup made with garlic, ginger, turmeric, and spices, a traditional pancake using ground horse gram and rice flour, a thick curry with yam or taro, a strong, earthy version of regular lentil soup. In India, it appears in regional dishes such as a tangy soup made from horse gram and spices, a thick broth eaten with rice, and a gram flour curry served with rice or bread.

Though mostly eaten in South Asia, horse gram is now making its way into kitchens around the globe. In Africa, it’s used in stews and porridges, sometimes mixed with other beans for protein. In the Western world, as plant-based diets grow, horse gram is gaining popularity. It’s added to baking mixes and used in vegan protein powders, for health and fitness. It’s also incorporated in sprouted salads for maximum nutrition. In South America, some countries have started using horse gram in traditional bean dishes.

Horse gram needs soaking overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestion. Horse gram is not just a food, it’s a tradition, a medicine, and a source of nourishment. In an age where fast food is taking over, this humble lentil offers something real: warmth, strength, and lasting energy.

With growing global interest in superfoods and plant-based living, horse gram is finally receiving the attention it deserves. Whether eaten as dal in a Nepali village or added to a salad in a Western kitchen, this powerful pulse is a smart and sustainable choice.

The author is a London-based R&D chef

Nepal imported 7,967 units of electric cars, jeeps and vans worth Rs 18.62bn over the first nine months of fiscal year 2024/25. This surge, generating Rs 11.47bn in government revenue, underscores EVs’ rising popularity in the country, driven by favorable policies, environmental goals and economic incentives.

Foreign trade data for the first nine months of 2024/25, unveiled recently by the Department of Customs (DoC) shows, over 50 percent of imports, or 4,414 units, fell in the 51-100 kW motor capacity range which is ideal for Nepal’s urban and semi-rural roads. Smaller EVs (up to 50 kW) accounted for 2,783 units, while 742 units were in the 101-200 kW capacity range. Likewise, 17 units were in 201-300 kW motor capacity range and tow had capacity in excess of 300 kW.

China dominated Nepal’s EV market, supplying 74.08 percent of total imports of the country in the review period. EVs worth of Rs 14.49bn were imported form the northern neighbor in the review period, with brands like BYD and Dongfeng leading due to competitive pricing and advanced features. India follows with 2,023 units, or a market share of 25.39 percent, bolstered by Tata’s strong presence, as seen with models like the Punch EV. Imports from Germany (31 units), the US (5 units), South Korea (3 units) and Indonesia (3 units) were minimal, underscoring the China-India duopoly in the Nepali EV market.

In 2023/24, Nepal imported a total of 11,701 electric vehicles (EVs) - a growth of a whopping 188.91 percent compared to 2022/23 when 4,050 units of electric cars, jeeps, and vans entered the country. More than a third of total EV imports in 2023/24 came from China. A total of 8,938 EVs units came from China and remaining 2,763 from other countries. The total import value of these EVs was Rs 29.48bn.

The EV boom in Nepal aligns with Nepal’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) which targets to increase the share of EVs in private passenger vehicles to 25 percent by 2025 and 90 percent by 2030. Lower import duties, which are 15-80 percent for EVs and over 240 percent for those powered by fossil fuel, and the availability of affordable cars loaded with advanced technologies have fueled demand for EV in Nepal. 

The growing EV adoption is gradually reducing reliance on costly oil imports. Data shows Nepal saved Rs 11.07bn in 2023/24 due to a decline in the import of petroleum products.

“Misinformation or distrust of vaccines can be like a contagion that can spread as fast as measles.”
– Theresa Tam, chief public health officer, Canada

In an age of unprecedented medical advancement, the resurgence of measles, a disease once nearing global elimination, is both disheartening and alarming. It stands as a stark reminder that scientific breakthroughs alone cannot defeat disease; public trust and unified action are equally essential. Measles, a highly contagious illness, had been declared eliminated in the United States in 2000 and in several European countries by 2016, following decades of successful immunization campaigns. Yet today, outbreaks are surging across globally.

This resurgence is not due to a failure in medical science, but rather a growing crisis in public perception fueled by misinformation, distrust in health systems and increasing complacency. Despite the proven safety and effectiveness of vaccines like the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), vaccine hesitancy has weakened herd immunity, allowing the virus to spread rapidly, especially in under-vaccinated populations. In essence, fear and falsehoods have become nearly as infectious as the disease itself.

According to the US CDC, measles is an acute viral respiratory illness marked by high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and red rash appearing 7–14 days after exposure. It’s caused by a single-stranded, enveloped RNA Morbillivirus virus, with humans as its only natural hosts. Measles spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Up to 90 percent of susceptible individuals in close contact with an infected person can get infected. The virus can remain airborne or survive on surfaces for up to two hours, making transmission possible even after the infected person has left the area.

While measles can affect varied ages, it poses the highest risk to infants and children under five and immunocompromised (pregnant women, leukemia, HIV-infected) individuals. Complications include ear infections and diarrhea, while severe complications include pneumonia, encephalitis and death. Out of every 1,000 children infected with measles, up to three die due to respiratory or neurological complications.

Laboratory confirmation is key for diagnosing sporadic measles cases and outbreaks. Diagnosis typically involves detecting measles-specific IgM antibodies in serum and RNA via RT-PCR in respiratory specimens. Collecting serum and nasopharyngeal swab at the first patient contact is recommended. Viral molecular genotyping aids in tracing transmission and distinguishing between wild-type infections and vaccine-related rashes, thereby playing a vital role in outbreak control and epidemiological surveillance.

Global reawakening
Despite the availability of a safe and affordable vaccine, measles remains a serious global health threat. In 2023, the WHO reported 10.3m measles cases globally, with an estimated 107,500 deaths, primarily among unvaccinated or under-vaccinated under-fives. In India alone, measles claims around 49,000 young lives each year. The European Region experienced its highest case count in over 25 years, with 1.27 lakh hospitalizations reported in 2024. Romania recorded 30,692 cases amid low vaccine coverage (62 percent), while Kazakhstan reported 28,147 cases with coverage below 80 percent. Notably, Kazakhstan’s measles cases surged from just four in 2010 to over 28,000 in 2024. According to Akhmetzhanova et al., 35 percent of Kazakhstani respondents expressed vaccine hesitancy, with 22 percent wrongly linking vaccines to autism, undermining immunization efforts and endangering vulnerable populations.

In the US, as of April 17, 800 measles cases were confirmed across 25 states, threefold higher than in 2024. Ten outbreaks were reported, with 94 percent of cases outbreak-associated. Alarmingly, 96 percent of infected individuals were unvaccinated or of unknown status. Texas was the hardest hit with 597 cases, largely in undervaccinated communities. Tragically, two unvaccinated children in Texas and one adult in New Mexico died from measles complications.

Historically, measles has caused devastating pandemics. In 1529, an epidemic in Cuba killed two-thirds of the indigenous population that survived smallpox. In 1531, half of Honduras’ population was wiped out by the measles epidemic, underscoring the deadly legacy of measles when vaccination rates faltered.

Resurgence in Nepal
From January to August 2023, Nepal recorded 1,013 measles cases, a tenfold increase compared to 2017. The highest case counts were reported in the Tarai. Although Nepal achieved 90 percent MMR vaccine coverage by 2019, the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted routine immunization, contributing to a resurgence in 2023–2024.

Vaccine hesitancy
Globally, measles vaccination has prevented over 60m deaths between 2000 and 2023. To achieve herd immunity, the CDC recommends 95 percent coverage with two MMR doses, administered at 12–15 months and 4–6 years of age. However, between 2000 and 2017, global two-dose MMR coverage plateaued at just 67 percent, far below the threshold needed to prevent outbreaks.

Despite its 97 percent effectiveness and proven safety, MMR vaccine hesitancy remains a formidable challenge. Defined as the delay or refusal of vaccination despite availability, hesitancy stems from cultural beliefs, misinformation, distrust and socioeconomic barriers. A key driver is the debunked Lancet study (Wakefield et al 1998) falsely linking MMR to autism. Although retracted in 2010 for ethical violations and debunked by multiple large-scale studies, its impact endures, amplified by social media.

As the saying goes, “A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is still putting on its shoes.” Common myths “natural immunity is better” or “vaccines contain harmful chemicals” continue to circulate, despite evidence that measles can be life-threatening and vaccine ingredients are safe and rigorously tested.

Achieving 95 percent MMR coverage is vital, not only for individual protection but also to safeguard those who can’t be vaccinated due to age or medical reasons. Herd immunity limits the spread of measles, preventing large-scale outbreaks.
Nepal has made progress in expanding immunization, yet challenges remain, particularly in remote and underserved areas. To improve coverage, Nepal must disseminate evidence-based authentic information to counter misinformation, engage local communities to build trust and strengthen policy measures, including school-entry vaccination requirements.

As the saying goes, “Vaccines don’t save lives; vaccinations do.” A sustained, multipronged approach is essential to safeguard vulnerable populations and prevent future outbreaks.

Over the past few months, Nepal and India have intensified bilateral engagement, yielding tangible progress in economic and development partnerships. Although Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s visit to New Delhi remains uncertain, a series of ministerial meetings and bilateral mechanism discussions have taken place. Within two weeks, two senior ministers from Narendra Modi’s cabinet visited Nepal and met with Prime Minister Oli.

The past month witnessed a flurry of diplomatic activity, with three Nepali ministers traveling to India for meetings with their Indian counterparts. Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba engaged in comprehensive bilateral talks with India’s External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, focusing on enhancing political and economic collaboration. Meanwhile, Forest Minister Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri met with India’s Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, to discuss transboundary environmental conservation and sustainable forestry initiatives.

Another significant development occurred during Water Supply Minister Pradeep Yadav’s visit to New Delhi, where he met India’s Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil. The two leaders signed a landmark agreement to expand cooperation in water resource management, sanitation and hygiene—an area of critical importance for both nations. This agreement is expected to facilitate knowledge-sharing, infrastructure development and joint projects to address water scarcity and improve public health outcomes.

Indian Minister for Power and Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar is currently in Nepal for a two-day official visit. According to Indian officials, the trip aimed to advance discussions on key power projects of mutual interest, including cross-border electricity trade and hydropower development. 

Over the past few years, energy cooperation between Nepal and India has seen remarkable progress, with Nepal exporting surplus hydropower to India and Indian firms investing in Nepal’s hydroelectric projects. This growing synergy in the power sector is expected to bolster Nepal’s energy independence while supporting India’s renewable energy goals.

Early this month, Nepal and India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in agricultural science and technology. The agreement, which replaces a 1991 pact, covers a wide range of areas, including agricultural production, crop management, trade and marketing. Nepal’s Agriculture Minister Ramnath Adhikari and India’s Agriculture Minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, formalized the deal, which is expected to enhance food security, boost farmer incomes and promote sustainable farming practices through joint research and technology transfer.

In late March, the Nepal-India Joint Working Group convened to address critical border management issues. The discussions centered on curbing cross-border crime, improving border infrastructure—such as Integrated Check Posts (ICPs), roads and railway networks—and enhancing the operational capacity of security agencies. Both sides also explored collaborative measures for disaster risk reduction and management, recognizing the shared vulnerabilities to natural calamities like floods and earthquakes.

Further reinforcing security and trade ties, the two countries held the 21st Director General-level talks this month, focusing on measures to streamline cross-border commerce and combat smuggling. These discussions are crucial for ensuring smooth trade flows, particularly given Nepal’s reliance on Indian ports for third-country trade.

Despite the positive trajectory in bilateral relations, certain contentious issues remain unresolved. Nepal has persistently raised concerns over the delayed implementation of the Eminent Persons’ Group (EPG) report and lingering border disputes, particularly in regions like Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura. India, however, maintains that these matters should be resolved through established bilateral mechanisms rather than public posturing.

Recently, India’s Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated this stance during a weekly press briefing, stating, “We have a bilateral mechanism with Nepal to discuss these issues. Unilateral actions do not alter ground realities.”

While Prime Minister Oli’s visit to New Delhi remains uncertain, he has met with his Indian counterpart Modi on two occasions—first on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in September 2024 and again during the BIMSTEC summit early this month. These interactions suggest a willingness to maintain dialogue despite political sensitivities.

However, a new point of friction emerged last month when reports surfaced alleging India’s tacit support for Nepal’s pro-monarchy movement. India swiftly denied these claims, but the episode highlights the delicate nature of Nepal’s domestic politics and its implications for bilateral relations. Additionally, some analysts speculate that India may view Nepal’s growing engagement with China—particularly its participation in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)—with caution.

Foreign policy experts say that despite occasional political tensions, India has adopted a pragmatic approach by prioritizing economic and developmental partnerships with Nepal. This strategy aims to insulate mutually beneficial projects from geopolitical fluctuations while gradually addressing contentious issues through diplomatic channels.