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From a civil engineer to rapper to the mayor of Kathmandu, Balendra Shah popularly known as Balen, has now become the beacon of hope for Nepal’s youth. His blend of creativity and activism with practical expertise propelled him from the music scene to the mayor’s office to inspire a new generation in believing in change and innovation. 

When Balen won the mayoral election, many Nepalis people started believing that he could be one of their potential future prime ministers. His widespread popularity encouraged independent candidates to contest for political office. Most importantly the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) led by Rabi Lamichhane was able to secure 21 seats in the Lower House of Federal Parliament. Although this is exciting, it remains to be seen whether this kind of independent approach would work on larger and more complex challenges in national governance. 

Whether Balen deserves the attention he is getting is a matter of debate. For many, especially the youths, he signifies a shift from traditional politics. People also applaud him for focusing on vital issues such as cleanliness, taking stern action against the land grabbers, and making government meetings transparent. His effort to reshape education in government schools and effectiveness of government hospitals for the poor moved many. But, more than for any other reason, with his blend of being a civil engineer and a rapper, Balen is especially in touch with ordinary people; with his candid ideas, he has become some kind of flag of hope for the frustrated citizens. 

Not everyone, however, is convinced. Some say that his confrontational style and difficulties in working with the central government delay certain projects. Although his ideas sound fresh, many feel that they have not been put into practice as smoothly as anticipated.

So far, Mayor Balen has been bold in his action, but his tenure has been tumultuous. Some of the orders that he issued after entering office, such as infrastructure ambulance service and improving conditions in public toilets, have hit major setbacks. His efforts to internationalize festivals like Tihar and Indra Jatra during his election campaign also showed great vision, but no visible steps have been taken in this direction. Similarly, the much-publicized plan to make Kathmandu a 24-hour city and develop efficient public transport is running behind schedule, which has led many to question its viability. The way Balen handled the recent floods also left much to be desired. His leadership during the rescue operation in his city was criticized as ineffective and disorganized. 

However, probably the most urgent issue which has not seen much daylight under Balen’s stewardship is the issue of waste management. His confrontational style of tackling the entrenched system has won him allies and critics in equal measure, with public dissatisfaction palpable at times when such decisions were reached without research or public consultation. Despite these barriers, Balen’s tenure so far means a fresh approach to the leadership of Kathmandu. 

Balen’s real test as a leader will be proven if he overcomes bureaucratic and political obstacles to make his vision for Kathmandu a reality. 

During his tenure as mayor, Balen has had a number of commendable aspects that have brought in much-needed optimism for change in the capital city. He has been working diligently, as promised in his election manifesto, to bring a change in the lives of the Kathmandu residents, especially the underserved population. His most outstanding efforts toward making government schools and hospitals more effective for poor citizens have been highlighted through a focus on giving better services to those who need them most. Balen has never been hesitant to make bold decisions. He has also initiated live public meetings so that transparency can be ensured, and people get more easy access to the office of the mayor. His dedication to preserving and revitalizing Newari culture and elevating traditional festivals to new heights is truly commendable. His initiative to rename chowks and alleys with their original Newari names is especially appreciated. His commitment to transforming education in government schools is also a significant and impactful step forward. The ambulance service he established through the 102 hotline has become a lifesaver for many.

Balen took a bold step in rescuing child laborers from a Member of Parliament’s home associated with the Prime Minister’s party, an action that drew widespread praise. This move highlighted his commitment to justice, even in the face of criticism, as he openly challenged Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli for defending those involved. This act resonated deeply with the public, amplifying the admiration and growing craze around Balen.

One drawback during Balen’s tenure is that he could not coordinate with the central government. Whether this situation is due to his own attitude or the inherent corruption in the central government is unknown. But be that as it may, Balen’s stewardship has brought in a host of changes, including a new impetus on cleanliness and reclaiming government land from the clutches of powerful mafias. In so doing, he instilled a ray of hope among many Nepalis that real change is possible. Balen’s stint in office has redefined the strength of an independent candidate and the role of the mayor himself, and this sets a certain precedent for future leadership. His work has found international recognition, and constant questioning of effectiveness by the central government raised him as a voice for change and progress. Aggressive reforms seemed to have struck the right chord in the hearts of people tired of ineffective governance. 

While the wave of Balen’s gutsy position in actions has drawn a massive following, his political perspective needs to be taken up for critical scrutiny. Overwhelming, unquestioning support sometimes paves the way for authoritarianism, as was seen in Nepal’s past with King Mahendra. Once adored by the grassroots level, Mahendra eventually took on authoritarian rule. This is similar to setting a precedent where blind adoration may allow a leader, through vigorous public support, to make decisions unchecked and edge toward a more dictatorial style. It is balanced support, rooted in constructive criticism, that Nepal needs from its people in order for leaders like Balen to take the country toward accountability and a democratic way forward. 

In the good fight, while over-supporting Balen may not be healthy without considering his challenges, there is no doubt that he has truly inspired many youths. His rise is a clear symbolic statement that old monopolies and traditional ways of working can be challenged and may even be annihilated to nothing. Balen proves that educated young people and active citizens can make a difference in society.

Globally, HIV is considered a complex global pandemic. The devastating effects of HIV/AIDS are profoundly alarming as it continues to be one of the leading causes of deaths in the world. In recent years, it is increasingly realized that HIV is more than just a public health issue. Rather it is a social issue that causes severe development challenges in human history. 

The spread of HIV embraces social inequalities that specifically impact the poor, socially marginalized and vulnerable communities. The socio-political, cultural, economic, historical and psychological factors contributing to HIV/AIDS are equally important to consider while addressing the HIV epidemic in a larger context. Anthropologists are interested in understanding prevailing cultural beliefs, social norms, value systems and local practices that place people at risk of HIV. 

In addition to biomedical and public health sciences, anthropology as a discipline has significant contributions to generate evidence that has greatly enhanced epidemiological and biomedical understanding of HIV epidemic. Apart from this, there is an emerging need to explore the political economy of HIV that shapes people’s behaviors in different socio-political and cultural contexts. The intersecting yet diverse social inequalities and structural barriers have both direct and indirect impacts on people’s nuanced understanding of the HIV epidemic and their access to the services they need. 

The issues of sexuality, gender, risk groups, stigma and discrimination, social and behavior change within and across cultures can be meticulously accessed with an anthropological perspective. In most societies, local knowledge, biosocial processes and cultural influences on patterns of infectious diseases are often neglected. Linking these wider social determinants of HIV is crucial for sustained local responses. 

Moving away from traditional approaches for HIV response, we need a paradigm shift that demands human rights-based, people-centered policies, community-led interventions and resilient health systems. Gender and social inclusion in HIV response is critical as there are differential effects of the epidemic on people who are poor, socially excluded and vulnerable. 

The evidence shows that social vulnerability to HIV is more prominent in specific population groups such as migrants, sex workers, people who use drugs, men having sex with men and transgender communities.  Their social, cultural, legal and economic disadvantages have largely contributed to the high risks of HIV and vulnerabilities. 

From the HIV response perspectives, there are increasing needs of community-led interventions, which are more culturally appropriate. Such interventions are likely to be more effective as community engagement is ensured to create an enabling environment for social and behavior change among the vulnerable groups. In essence, overcoming socio-political, cultural, religious and economic barriers is a key challenge to end the epidemic. 

The cultural understandings of HIV are essentially diverse in different contexts. Anthropological inquiry to growing needs of public awareness of HIV for prevention has made clear emphasis on social and cultural environments where vulnerable groups are realistically experiencing their own livelihoods in their everyday life. Social resilience and adaptive wisdom are critical to cope with the devastating effects of HIV on population groups who are socially excluded and vulnerable in the communities. 

While integrated bio-behavioral surveys and assessments are largely focusing on quantitative research methods and approaches, implementation of ethnographic field research is relatively low. The anthropological approaches will help explore wider inequalities of class, gender and ethnicity in terms of risks and vulnerability to HIV. Therefore, engaging anthropologists in HIV responses is crucial in addressing social concerns from people’s perspectives, designing community-led interventions, undertaking ethnographic field research for evidence-informed policy and strategic actions.   

Given our biological knowledge and the availability of effective medical and behavioral solutions, anthropological perspectives are useful to have greater details of why HIV continues to spread. More importantly, these perspectives aim to explore what impacts does HIV have on human populations. Ethnographic field research collects the stories of local realities and social sufferings experienced by people living with HIV in their everyday life and their choices for healthcare and social services.  

In this context, the basic health belief model developed in the 1950s has been instrumental in obtaining the information related to an individual’s perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits and barriers regarding any threat related to HIV or health conditions or behaviors. The community-led responses require effective representation and meaningful engagement of people living with HIV and other key populations at high risk of HIV infection. 

In all social hierarchies, it is necessary to examine how HIV policies and strategic priorities are shaped by socio-political, economic and cultural contexts in terms of inclusivity, equity and diversity. The disparity between rural and urban, rich and poor has evoked a serious concern in terms of people’s access to prevention, treatment and care services. Unfortunately, the policy responses to ensure the right to healthcare are not sufficiently addressed yet within and across cultures.

At the core, anthropological perspectives offer a broad overview of the social, cultural, political, economic and psychological factors shaping the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The wider determinants of HIV are significantly influencing HIV vulnerability cross-culturally, and the ways in which governments, civil society and development partners are working together for sustained responses in different contexts. Therefore, the new approaches for HIV responses must focus on humanity, dignity and right to health to scale up person-centered HIV care across the communities.

The author is a health policy analyst and has an interest in anthropology

The Nepali Congress (NC) and the CPN-UML seem to have agreed on a common position on how to approach China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). While the initiative has garnered support domestically, it remains uncertain whether China will accept Nepal's proposed terms, according to multiple sources.

A task force from the two parties has revised the draft of the BRI implementation plan initially proposed by the Chinese side in 2020. The document, now titled Framework for Cooperation instead of BRI Implementation Plan, has been sent to the Chinese side for initial negotiations, though it is yet to be finalized. The NC and UML are of the view that projects under the BRI should be funded through grants rather than loans. This condition may come up in high-level discussions, as BRI traditionally does not include provisions for grants.

During a meeting with her Chinese counterpart, Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba reiterated this same position agreed by the two coalition parties. However, Beijing has yet to formally respond. A senior Nepali official remarked, “The document prepared by the Nepali side is vague, but it is progress. It signals that Nepal is moving forward with the  BRI, which might encourage the Chinese side to sign the document.” According to the official, the Chinese side is desperate to change the narrative that since the signing of the BRI framework in 2017, not a single project has been executed in Nepal.

A UML leader privy to the development said: “The document does not mention about the investment modality which will be settled during the project implementation phase.”

Given the great power rivalry which has also affected the BRI project, the Chinese officials may accept the document. China is reportedly eager to alter the perception of inaction regarding the BRI in Nepal. Beijing has highlighted the Pokhara International Airport as a BRI project, despite its unclear status within the initiative. During a recent meeting in Chengdu, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the progress in the joint construction of the BRI, including the Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network, which he claimed benefits the Nepali people.

Under the BRI framework, Nepal and China will discuss areas such as connectivity, investment, trade, tourism, agriculture and infrastructure development. If China agrees to Nepal’s proposed document, specific projects may be announced during Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s visit. CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel suggested that the new agreement could pave the way for mobilizing Chinese resources for Nepal's development.

According to officials, Chinese officials have also emphasized implementing agreements reached over the past decade, including those signed during President Xi Jinping’s 2019 visit to Nepal, rather than pursuing entirely new ones. The two countries are also discussing potential cooperation in the energy sector, including the construction of  cross-border transmission lines, a likely agenda item during Oli’s visit.

Additionally, Beijing is expected to seek renewed commitments from Nepal on the One-China policy. During her meeting with Wang, Foreign Minister Deuba reaffirmed Nepal’s adherence to the policy, asserting that Tibet (Xizang) and Taiwan are integral parts of China. She also assured that Nepal would not allow its territory to be used for activities harming China’s interests, nor support foreign interference in China’s internal affairs.

Raunab Singh Khatri, co-founder of the Aranika Project, a research firm that studies Nepal-China relations, recently published an article commenting on the evolving nature of the BRI. He noted: “The area of China’s international engagement has diversified; from hard infrastructure under the BRI, the trend slowly and gradually shifted toward digital and health connectivity, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.”

“Will the BRI projects even take off in Nepal? The consensus among Nepali politicians is that Nepal can only accept grants and not loans—but the dilemma is that BRI is, by and large, a commercial project that is backed by “The Big Four” Chinese policy banks, Silk Road Fund, EXIM Bank, CDB, etc.”

Voting for the local level by-elections started this morning.

The voting began at 7 am, and it will continue till 5 pm today.

A total of 2,26,799 people are exercising their voting rights in the by-elections being held for various 41 posts. The by-elections are conducted for the posts of a mayor and a deputy mayor at the municipality; two chairs and four vice chairs of rural municipalities, and 33 ward chairs totaling 41 posts.

Any one of the official documents from among voter's ID card, citizenship certificate, National ID card, passport, PAN or driving license can be produced to cast the vote.

A total of 376 candidates from various 20 political parties and independent ones are in the fray.

The EC has urged all concerned voting officers and employees to ensure a free and fair atmosphere for voting. Similarly, cooperation from political parties, voters, media and observers has been sought for the successful conduct of the election.