Submit your Article

The last time most of us read poems was probably in school. We never picked up a book of poems, never having developed a taste for the elaborate language that the form of literature seems to deploy. Fair to say, we are a little intimidated by poetry, relegating it to the preferences of philosophers, students of literature, and poets themselves. 

But a few years ago, a friend forced me to read some poems she loved. I have to admit that they didn’t make much sense to me despite her coaxing me not to think too much and just let the words wash over me. It wasn’t likely that I would pick up a book of poems in the future but my friend kept insisting I was missing out and that poems could offer wisdom and insight in a way that stays with you. Seeing she felt so passionately about it, I thought I’d give it one last try and bought a book of poems called ‘Greatest Poetry Ever Written’.

Some of the poems in the book were ones I had read in school and college. They reminded me of a simpler, happier time and I read all the poems in the book, charmed by their nostalgic quality. I especially loved the poem ‘If’ by Rudyard Kipling. I could even recite it from memory after a while, having read it over and over again. After this though I didn’t have much luck with poetry again and struggled to find meaning in them. 

But the good thing was I kept trying, reading them online or buying books that caught my fancy. I liked the fact that a book of poems with me meant I could dip in and out whenever I wanted without having to commit too much time, especially when I felt ambushed by work and deadlines. This was when I discovered contemporary poets like Nikita Gill and Rupi Kaur whose words resonated with me and I didn’t have to struggle to decipher the hidden meaning behind them. That being said, I’ve also come to realize that not every poem is meant for you and like my friend once told me you just have to let the words wash over you and take your time with them. 

But it would be a grave injustice if you were to sideline this important form of literature as it can be extremely comforting and make you able to look at things from a wide range of emotional perspectives. Here are some books of poems that are great starter kits if you are just getting into the genre.

Burning Roses in My Garden by Taslima Nasrin

Taslima Nasrin is a Bangladeshi writer who is famous for the book ‘Lajja’ (Shame) that describes how a Hindu family in Bangladesh is hounded by their Muslim neighbors. A fatwa was passed against her after its publication and she went into exile as well. ‘Burning Roses in My Garden’ might be her lesser known work but it is no less important. It’s an intimate collection of personal longings and political commentary and gets into the heart of what it is like being an outsider when you are in exile. The themes are mostly longing, loneliness, and sorrow.

She Must Be Mad by Charly Cox

Charly Cox is a British poet and writer whose book ‘She Must Be Mad’ is a collection of short prose and poetry that explores what it is like for a young woman to grow up in today’s society. The format of the book is unlike any other you might have read and that keeps things refreshing. Divided into four sections and exploring a variety of themes like relationships, depression, and self-image among others, She Must Be Mad will take you on a rollercoaster journey of emotions. The tone is simple and lighthearted but the themes give it the gravitas it needs to be a thought provoking read. 

Yesterday I was the Moon by Noor Unnahar

A fun thing about this book is its unique size and layout, complete with illustrations that go with the words on the page. I was enamored by the writing which is simple but hard hitting. ‘Yesterday I was the Moon’ explores courage, self-love, and cultural acceptance. There are also themes of love and loss and the cathartic nature of art. The Pakistani poet’s voice is unique and her poems get better in the second half of the book as she gains confidence with her words. Though meant for a young-audience, I think people of all ages will be able to relate to the poems as the themes are universal. 

The Girl and the Goddess by Nikita Gill

‘Fierce Fairytales’ by Nikita Gill is one of my all time favorite books. It’s a modern take on traditional fairy tales. Gill has many books to her credit but I’d recommend you start with ‘The Girl and the Goddess’ to get a taste and feel of her style of work first. Like Charly Cox’s book, this too has a mix of poetry and prose and is thus really easy to get into. Exploring Hindu mythology and legend, The Girl and the Goddess tells the story of Paro, a girl born into a family that is still dealing with the pain of the partition in India. It’s a very evocative and stirring work that is likely to stay with you long after you’ve finished the book.

A Thousand Mornings by Mary Oliver

This slim book of poetry is a must read, though slightly more complicated than the rest of the books on this list. In ‘A Thousand Mornings’ Oliver takes us to the marshland and coastline of her home in Provincetown, Massachusetts. Here, while looking at the leaves of trees or mourning the passing of her treasured dog, she imparts valuable life lessons with unmatched clarity and humor. The mundane daily occurrences come alive in her poems and the book reminds us of how glorious life can be if we just started paying a little more attention to the small things around us.

A federal judge has blocked President Donald Trump from using a 227-year-old law meant to protect the US during wartime to carry out mass deportations of Venezuelans, BBC reported.

Trump on Saturday proclaimed immigrants belonging to the Venezuelan crime gang Tren de Aragua were "conducting irregular warfare" against the US and that he would deport them under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798.

But US District Judge James Boasberg on Saturday evening ordered a halt to deportations covered by the proclamation that will last for 14 days, according to media reports.

Judge Boasberg told a hearing he had heard planes with deportees were taking off and ordered them turned back, the Washington Post reported.

The law allows the US during wartime to detain and remove people threatening the country's safety without having to follow due process. It was last invoked to intern people of Japanese descent during World War Two.

There was little surprise to the proclamation on Saturday, where Trump declared Tren de Aragua was "perpetrating, attempting, and threatening an invasion or predatory incursion against the territory of the United States".

He had promised to use the controversial law for mass deportations during last year's campaign.

The American Civil Liberties Union and other rights group had already sued to block him from using it on Saturday before he issued the proclamation, as well, according to BBC.

At a hearing, the judge said the terms "invasion" and "predatory incursion" in the law "really relate to hostile acts perpetrated by enemy nations," and the law probably did not offer a good basis for Trump's proclamation, according to the New York Times.

An ACLU lawyer had told the New York Times he believed there were two planes of Venezuelan immigrants in the air on Sunday. The BBC has not verified that report.

The case will now move through the legal system and could go all the way to the Supreme Court.

The proclamation, and the fight around it, should rally Trump's supporters, who largely returned him to the White House on his pledges to crack down on illegal immigration and bring down prices of everyday goods. Since he was inaugurated in January, he has swiftly worked to overhaul the US immigration system.

Rights groups, along with some legal experts, are calling the invocation unprecedented, noting the Alien Enemies Act has been used in the past after the US officially declared war against other countries. Under the constitution, only Congress can declare war.

All Venezuelan citizens in the US who are at least 14 years old, members of Tren de Aragua and "are not actually naturalized or lawful permanent residents" were to be "apprehended, restrained, secured, and removed as Alien Enemies", under Trump's order.

Trump did not lay out in the proclamation how US officials would determine that a person is a member of the violent, transnational gang.

By using this law, instead of immigration laws that already give him "ample authority" to deport the gang's members, Trump would not have to prove that detainees are part of Tren de Aragua, said Katherine Yon Ebright, counsel at the Brennan Center for Justice in a statement.

"He wants to bypass any need to provide evidence or to convince a judge that someone is actually a gang member before deporting them," she said, BBC reported.

"The only reason to invoke such a power is to try to enable sweeping detentions and deportations of Venezuelans based on their ancestry, not on any gang activity that could be proved in immigration proceedings."

Nepal has ample renewable energy resources, which creates a feasible opportunity for hydrogen production. There is still a worldwide debate on the best medium for producing hydrogen, where solar and hydropower are the key competitors. For Nepal, achieving a balanced energy mix is essential, and solar energy has the potential to play a larger role in the 10 percent share of alternative energy in the overall energy mix. Nepal has significant solar energy potential, comparable to its hydropower resources, making it an attractive option for diversification. This article evaluates the pros and cons of hydrogen production using solar and hydroelectric energy, with a comprehensive techno-economic comparison to determine the most suitable approach for Nepal.

Solar potential

Various studies demonstrate that Nepal has a strong solar energy potential. The Investment Board Nepal (IBN) issued its ‘Energy’ report in April 2024 which states that Nepal receives sufficient solar radiation to produce between 3.6 and 6.2 units of electricity per square meter area. The daily solar energy intensity across Nepal's surface reaches an average of 4.7 kWh per square meter. Statistical data demonstrates that solar energy possesses great potential for implementation. According to a study by the Alternative Energy Promotion Center (AEPC) and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), the estimated total technical potential for solar energy production in Nepal is 432 GW (432,000 MW), which is tenfold higher than the economic and technical potential of hydropower (42,000 MW).

Current status

The renewable energy sector of Nepal exhibits rapid growth through solar energy development with eight new solar plants with a combined capacity of 90 MW starting operations in FY 2023-24. The nation remains committed to developing its power mix by establishing strategic Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) to add more solar power capacity. The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) uses competitive bidding to acquire solar energy, setting a price ceiling of Rs 5.94 per unit. In a recent initiative, the NEA invited bids for 800 MW of solar projects and the evaluation and PPA signing for these projects will occur in FY 2024-25. The move seeks to strengthen Nepal's energy supply system by adding solar power to the current hydroelectricity dominance while ensuring power stability during winters when hydroelectricity generation decreases. 

The NEA intends to acquire 800 MW of solar energy in two years following the bidding period as smaller projects (under 10 MW) will start generating electricity within 18 months and larger projects will reach commercial operation in two years. According to the White Paper of the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation published on 8 May 2018, by capping solar contributions to 10 percent of the total installed capacity through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), Nepal is accelerating for a more balanced energy future, ensuring consistent electricity supply while embracing renewable sources to meet a rising demand.

Current status of hydropower

Nepal’s power sector depends fundamentally on hydropower operations. As of February 2025, the installed hydropower capacity in Nepal has reached 3,255 MW while economic potential exceeds 42,000 MW. The country aims to generate 28,500 MW of hydroelectricity by 2035, of which 17,000 MW will be exported to neighboring countries India and Bangladesh through eight international transmission lines as per an announcement from Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Dipak Khadka. 

Nepal’s commitment to electricity exports will not prevent it from maintaining surplus electricity that can be efficiently used for hydrogen production. Hydropower provides a dependable source of electricity for hydrogen electrolysis at scale because its energy output remains stable, unlike solar power which faces daily and seasonal changes. This consistent nature of hydroelectric power provides a solid base for Nepal’s hydrogen economy development.

Comparison of solar vs hydroelectric hydrogen production

The global competition for green hydrogen production is accelerating, so renewable energy sources serve as the core solution and solar and hydropower are dominant leaders in this transition. Each offers distinct advantages and faces unique challenges in this evolving landscape. Multiple important factors can be used to conduct an extensive analysis.

• Energy generation stability

Hydropower delivers uninterrupted power, which makes it a better hydrogen production source than solar energy because solar power depends on sunlight availability and shows intermittent fluctuations. The continuous operation of hydropower systems runs 24/7 to deliver steady energy streams. Solar energy generation operates within daylight hours with a seven hours daily average in Nepal, forcing the implementation of storage units or backup power for stable hydrogen production.

• Land use efficiency

The competition between these power systems depends heavily on how efficiently land resources are utilized. Each megawatt of solar PV farm needs 0.02 square kilometers of land space for installation, thus presenting challenges in Nepal's geographically restricted areas. Hydropower requires approximately 0.1 km² per MW and helps to capitalize the existing water resources and infrastructure. A strategic solution involving NEA land at hydro project locations for solar power installations would create a hybrid energy system that maximizes both technologies for green hydrogen production.

• Project timeline and operational lifespan

Solar PV and hydropower projects differ significantly in terms of construction duration, capacity range and operational lifespan. The installation period for Solar PV projects having a capacity below 10 MW in Nepal spans from six months to one year but projects between 10 MW and 50 MW require one to two years to complete. The duration of operation for these projects extends to 25 years from the Power Purchase Agreement date according to existing legal provisions but lacks any provisions for further extensions. In contrast, the duration for constructing hydropower projects depends on project size along with design complexity. 

Construction practices in Nepal indicate that projects without tunneling under 20 MW require a two-year duration while projects with tunneling need 2.5 years for completion. Projects with capacities between 50 MW and 100 MW need between 3 and 4 years to build, yet larger installations that surpass 100 MW require five years to complete because they present additional construction challenges. Hydropower plants exist for 50 to 100 years when maintenance is carried out correctly. Private sector projects receive their first 35-year operating license from government authorities, which can extend the authorization for another 15 years. The comparison of solar and hydropower shows that solar delivers swift implementation while hydropower maintains enduring operational capabilities, thus both systems represent fundamental elements for Nepal’s developing energy sector.

• Production efficiency

The capacity factor of a power plant represents the ratio of actual energy output to its maximum potential. A higher capacity factor ensures stable and predictable electricity supply that supports uninterrupted operation of hydrogen electrolyzers. For comparison, a 1 MW solar PV system operating at 20 percent capacity factor would generate 1,752 MWh annually to produce 35,040 kg of hydrogen when electrolyzed at 70 percent efficiency. In contrast, a 1 MW hydroelectric plant with 50 percent capacity factor produces 4,380 MWh of annual energy output, which results in hydrogen production of 87,600 kilograms. This means that hydropower can produce approximately 2.5 times more hydrogen per MW than solar power. The large-scale production of hydrogen through hydro-based methods proves more efficient in Nepal because hydropower constitutes a major portion of its energy mix. Hydropower benefits from solar energy integration since it provides additional flexibility and strengthens the electricity supply system.

• CAPEX

Capital investment is a key factor in selecting a renewable energy pathway for hydrogen production. Solar power plant installations in Nepal cost between Rs 60m-Rs 70m per MW but hydropower construction requires approximately NPR 80m per MW before adding the cost of electrolyzer units. The price gap between hydroelectric and solar-based hydrogen production indicates that hydropower stands as a more economically efficient option for big projects across Nepal because it delivers extended operational time and dependable output. However, solar energy remains an attractive option for diversification and hybrid energy solutions.

• OPEX

For hydroelectric power plants, the annual operation and maintenance expenses amount ranges from one percent to 2.5 percent of initial capital investment to cover turbine maintenance alongside dam maintenance and sediment removal. In contrast, solar power plants incur an initial O&M cost of two percent of the capital cost in the first year and then increase annually by five percent of the initial two percent. The maintenance expenses include operations on the panels and inverters in addition to the monitoring system maintenance. The initial maintenance costs of solar power are lower, but future expenses will rise because regular servicing becomes essential to preserve operational efficiency.

Cost comparison of hydrogen production

The cost of hydrogen production varies significantly depending on the energy source and country-specific strategies. The government of Chile intends to achieve annual green hydrogen production of 160m tons by 2050 through its extensive hydropower resources. The National Green Hydrogen Strategy of Chile envisions that the country will achieve 5 GW electrolyzer capacity by 2025 and 25 GW by 2030 with the goal to lower production costs to $0.8–$1.1 per kilogram by the end of the decade. 

Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) uses its extensive solar resources to become a dominant global player in solar-powered hydrogen manufacturing. Through its renewable energy flagship Masdar, the UAE plans to grow hydrogen market share globally to 25 percent by 2030 and increase its annual production to 1m tons. The UAE has established a strategy to decrease production expenses for hydrogen to $1-$2 per kilogram by 2030. The evaluation demonstrates that hydro-based hydrogen production in Chile generates lower production expenses yet solar-powered hydrogen from the UAE establishes itself as a competitive and scalable option for international hydrogen markets.

Pathway to green hydrogen leadership

Nepal can establish itself as a regional leader in green hydrogen production through its extensive hydropower resources combined with solar power integration, which creates a strong and resilient energy combination. Hydropower provides an efficient and cost-effective production method for large-scale hydrogen generation because it delivers stable renewable energy, which supports long-term sustainability and energy security. The combination of solar energy with hydropower enables better power flexibility and decentralizes hydrogen producing operations. Strategic investments, policy support and international collaborations will be crucial in unlocking Nepal’s hydrogen potential thus positioning the country as a key player in the global green hydrogen economy.

Laxman Datt Pant is a dedicated advocate for independent media, widely recognized for his commitment to media development and press freedom on a global scale. He is the founder of Media Action Nepal, established in 2015, which has now completed nine years of impactful work. Under his leadership, the organization has produced 23 concrete studies and publications on various dimensions of media freedom, directly benefiting over 7,000 journalists—primarily through capacity building, mentoring, legal support, and the documentation of day-to-day press freedom violations across all 77 districts of Nepal.

Pant has strengthened Media Action Nepal’s engagement with global media development and press freedom initiatives, leading the organization to become an active member of key international networks, including the Consultative Network (CN) of the Media Freedom Coalition (MFC), the Global Forum for Media Development (GFMD), and the ACOS Alliance. Furthermore, he served as the elected Co-Chair of the CN for 30 months, effectively presenting civil society organizations' concerns to the MFC and advocating for stronger protections for journalists worldwide.

Media Action Nepal has worked closely with diverse stakeholders to advance media freedom and journalist safety. However, challenges regarding the effectiveness of the constitutional and regulatory bodies such as the National Human RIghts Commission (NHRC) and  Press Council Nepal remain a concern. International collaborations continue to play a crucial role in strengthening Nepal’s journalism, ensuring the sustainability of independent and accountable media in the country.

Media investment

In established democracies worldwide, media investment follows clear guidelines that ensure ethical standards, diversity, and responsible ownership. In contrast, Nepal lacks such regulations, allowing anyone with financial resources to invest in media—without accountability for ethical considerations such as gender sensitivity, conflict sensitivity, or journalistic integrity. The focus is often on revenue generation rather than responsible reporting. If the current trends persist, journalism in Nepal may face severe credibility challenges in the next five to ten years. Without urgent reforms in investment policies, ethical standards, and training, Nepal’s media landscape risks becoming an instrument of political and financial interests rather than a pillar of democracy. If this trend continues unchecked, the media landscape will suffer irreparable damage in the next decade.

Political influences

The integrity of journalism is under increasing threat as more journalists openly align themselves with political parties and business interests, raising concerns about the credibility of media in Nepal. The integrity of journalism will be severely compromised if journalists continue to align themselves with political parties, proudly joining their ranks. While there are exceptions, the current trend sees many journalists closely tied to political factions, and even business groups, which jeopardizes the credibility of the media sector. This growing political and corporate influence creates a crisis for unbiased reporting. If journalists can distance themselves from their interest groups, it would greatly benefit the field. However, if they find it difficult to completely separate, they should at least strive to minimize their involvement and maintain a sense of objectivity. This would help preserve the integrity of journalism and ensure that reporting remains unbiased and credible. However, there are still individuals dedicated to independent journalism, and if their numbers continue to rise, there is hope for positive change in the field. Unfortunately, I don’t see that shift happening in Nepal at the moment.

Policy reforms 

For journalism to regain its integrity, Nepal must implement stronger policies that regulate media investments and promote journalistic independence. A well-structured policy should encourage media organizations that uphold their watchdog role, accept criticism, and prioritize public interest over political or business affiliations. The newsroom should be a space for diverse perspectives, fostering inclusivity and pluralism rather than merely chasing profits. One of the most pressing concerns is the growing entanglement of journalists with political parties and business groups. To counter this, policy reforms must ensure that media professionals maintain their independence by minimizing their ties with vested interests. Some policy changes are already taking place at the federal, parliamentary, and provincial levels.  These reforms must align with Nepal’s constitutional provisions on fundamental rights, as well as the country’s commitments under international human rights treaties such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

Local to global concept

Our local insights and observations are now being discussed at the global level, focusing on media freedom, journalism integrity, and credibility, all of which are essential for enabling journalists to maintain their role as watchdogs. In the context of global media discussions, we believe Nepal’s media environment will not deteriorate like that of other countries. The state of journalism in neighboring countries does not match the integrity we uphold in Nepal, and this is something we should truly value and praise. However, a key fault line in Nepal’s journalism is the tendency of some journalists to align too closely with state interests, which is fundamentally problematic. While it’s important to acknowledge the positive aspects, we must also remain critical and hold power to account. If reforms are not implemented in this context, the state of journalism in Nepal will remain stagnant, likely unchanged over the next decade.

Journalism education

Nepal’s education system has long been driven by student enrollment rather than industry needs, with universities offering subjects like law, mass communication, social work, and psychology primarily to attract students. However, journalism schools and departments have failed to evolve in response to the media industry’s demands in terms of faculties, teachers, labs etc. While institutions have introduced journalism degrees across various universities, there remains no structured policy requiring journalists to possess formal academic training in the field. While it may not be essential for all reporters to hold a journalism degree—since expertise in specific beats, research, and training can compensate—editors, who oversee content integrity, must have a strong foundation in journalism. Editorial responsibilities extend beyond news selection; they encompass ethical decision-making, upholding media integrity, and ensuring editorial independence. 

Journalism training

Without proper training, editors risk becoming overly reliant on business interests, ultimately compromising journalistic standards. Strengthening journalism education and enforcing industry-relevant qualifications, particularly for editorial roles, would enhance the credibility of the media sector. A well-trained editorial team can safeguard journalistic ethics, maintain integrity, and resist external influences, ensuring that Nepal’s media continues to serve the public interest rather than corporate or political agendas.

Career pathways

One of the major shortcomings of journalism education in Nepal is the lack of follow-up on graduates’ career paths. Universities and colleges rarely track where their students end up, missing a crucial opportunity to assess the effectiveness of their programs. To address this, Nepal must introduce policies that balance theoretical education with hands-on training. Newsrooms operate under intense deadlines, ethical dilemmas, and editorial pressures—things that cannot be fully grasped in a classroom setting. Universities and colleges must establish production labs where students can experience real journalistic work. These labs should provide on-the-job training, where aspiring journalists learn news writing, reporting, editing, and multimedia production in an environment that simulates actual newsroom conditions. 

Hands-on experience

Colleges don’t necessarily need access to a traditional newsroom; they can introduce alternative methods such as publishing press releases, releasing podcasts, and starting blogs to provide students with content creation experience. If a student manages to secure at least 10 bylines during their four-year bachelor’s program, they would graduate with a strong portfolio, making them more prepared for the job market. Without structured, hands-on training, new graduates will continue to enter the field unprepared, leaving them vulnerable to external influences and compromising the integrity of Nepal’s media landscape. 

AI in journalism

AI can assist journalists in various ways—generating content, analyzing large data sets, transcribing interviews, and even detecting misinformation. When given well-structured commands, Artificial Intelligence (AI) can produce high-quality write-ups that save time and improve efficiency. Despite its advantages, complete reliance on AI without critical thinking can be detrimental to journalistic quality. AI-generated content that is left unedited and unverified can lead to misinformation. A journalist using AI is still responsible for the final output. AI should be seen as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for journalistic integrity. To navigate AI-driven journalism effectively, digital literacy is essential. Journalists must understand AI’s limitations, biases, and the importance of human oversight. AI is a powerful assistant, but it cannot replace the investigative instincts, ethical judgment, and storytelling skills of a human journalist.

Press freedom

Freedom of the press is the cornerstone of democracy, serving as a safeguard against any form of external pressure or manipulation. In the context of Nepal, the digital landscape has created opportunities for greater independence in media, allowing the press to function more freely. However, the situation remains complex. Many journalists in Nepal have left their positions, particularly in mainstream media outlets, due to insufficient wages and a lack of job security. In addition, the pervasive culture of impunity further complicates the issue. Nepal is often ranked as a high-risk country in the impunity index, which highlights the dangers journalists face in the line of duty. Despite the existence of legal provisions for punishing crimes against journalists, these measures often fail to provide real protection or accountability. We have encountered numerous cases where journalists face subtle attacks, including being followed, having their national services cut off, and being prevented from pursuing a future in the journalism sector. Constitutionally and legally, press freedom is protected in Nepal; however, investigative reporting is not safeguarded, and the watchdog role is not strengthened.